Okay, I lied!  I'm at least mildly impressed.  I mean, after all, the guy did manage to score the second most points in NBA history for one game.  That, in itself, deserves props.  But a further look inside the numbers reveals what most knew already... today's Kobe Bryant is all about the man, and not the team.

Bryant shot 28-for-47 from the floor (including 7-for-14 from 3 pt. range) and made 18 of 20 free throws.  The other eight players in a Laker uniform who saw action in their 122-104 home victory over the hapless Toronto Raptors combined to shoot 14-for-42 from the field and 10-for-13 from the line.  That's right!  One player took more shots, both from the field and from the line, than his entire team!  To me, that doesn't say much about the LA Lakers as a basketball team.  All you have to do is compare the two shooting percentages (in addition to the obvious shot attempts) to clearly see that.

Now I guess I should give credit where credit is due.  Kobe's recent play has ignited a charge that has vaulted the Lakers from Western Conference obscurity to the seventh position in the Western standings where they currently reside.  But if they do happen to make the postseason in their current incarnation, what will happen in a seven-game series when their opponents decide to roll an extra defender Kobe's way wherever he goes?  Will Lamar Odom or Chris Mihm be ready and willing to take a big shot?  I highly doubt it.  And therein lies the problem.  Unless Kobe plans on averaging 50-plus a night from here on out, the Lakers won't be a factor in the chase for the Big Gold Ball this year, or any other year for that matter. 

So for the present, I say congratulations Kobe!  You proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are truly one of the game's most gifted players.  But for the forseeable future, I say shame on you Mr. Bryant!  Because your propensity to ball-hog shows what many of us already knew -- that you're one of the most selfish individuals to ever lace up the sneakers.  And while you're image as a media mogul will continue to soar, you're team will suffer the consequences in the long run.

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By the way, it just occured to me.  You know what would happen if Chauncey Billups took 47 shots in one game?  Yep, you guessed it ........ Hell would've truly frozen over!!! 

I can't believe I'm doing this.  I swore I would never post something on my blog that did not at least somewhat relate to sports.  But I've seen too much, read too much, and I can't stand to hold my tongue any longer.   So here goes...

1) Finalists who refuse to adapt their style in accordance with the judge's assignment

I'll preface this by saying that of the assignment blogs I've read so far (like 10-12), only two have strayed from the actual principle.  I also realize that the judges allowed for creative freedom with this assignment so I won't bash those who chose a slightly different angle than what would be considered the norm.  However, choosing a different angle and totally refusing to follow through with what constitutes a "game preview" are two completely separate issues.  Unlike other critics (or should I say, critic?), I don't have a problem with incorporating pop culture references and a little humor within a preview.  But at some point, the writer should bring the piece back to its premise --- previewing the game.  In my view, refusing to conform is not only a disservice to the writer, but it's a slap in the face to every other aspiring sportswriter who was slighted by the judges and feels like he/she could've excelled at this assignment (self included).

2) Non-finalists who piss and moan because they were not chosen by the judges

This has calmed down recently, but I must say after all the 'sour grapes' posts in the judges' blog as well as their own, I found myself ashamed to be associated with this entire ordeal.  The fact is, there are literally hundreds of outstanding writers in this blogging contest.  Everyone knew going into the final week that their chances of being chosen as one of the final 16 were extremely remote at best.  Now I'm not saying it's not okay to be disappointed.  Hell, I was disappointed.  That's just the competitor in me.  When I enter into anything like this, I always strive to put my best foot forward, and I always expect to win.  That's just who I am.  But again, there's a huge difference between being a competitor and being a sore loser.  I saw no reason for people to go into the judges' blog and post comments like... "Such-and-such was robbed"... "I can't believe some of the choices here".... or, "this was nothing more than a popularity contest, not a sportswriting contest".  Of course, these are all ad-libs but you get the picture. 

When it's all said and done, a person's heart and determination always come to the forefront when they win, and their arrogance OR humility is revealed in the way they handle it.  But a person's character (or lack thereof) truly comes to light when they lose.  Needless to say, there are some people here with some serious character flaws.

3) Bloggers who only comment on other blogs to get them to come to their blog

I'm sure many of you have seen this in your comment section.  "Great post!  Check out my blog on blah, blah, blah.  I think you'll like it." 

Now I have no problem whatsoever with a little self-promotion.  After all, if you can't talk yourself up, you'll never get recognized by anyone in this world, and subsequently, you'll never get anywhere.  But don't come to my blog and half-heartedly skim through an article just so you can take the opportunity to promote your blog without even so much as offering one honest criticism or line of praise.  And no, "great post" is not a line of praise without at least telling me what you thought was great about it.

Again, I have no problem asking for others to check out your blog.  Lord knows I've been guilty of it a time or two.  But at least have the common courtesy to offer some serious feedback on mine first.  Otherwise, I'm not going to give you the time of day since it's pretty obvious you didn't give it to me.

4) Posters who garner attention by ripping other posters

This one probably annoys me the most.  What possibly could be gained by going on your blog and ridiculing fellow bloggers?  I'll answer that real quick... nothing!  In fact, the only thing it accomplishes is that it exposes the slanderer as a bitter Betty who has nothing better to do with their time than cut others down in order to build themselves up (at least in their own minds).  So here's a newsflash to those select few (actually two that I've read but I'm not going to name names) who are guilty of doing this -- if your writing can't speak for itself than your blog probably doesn't deserve any attention to begin with.

And before I get inundated with comments saying that I am the proverbial pot calling the kettle(s) black, I haven't called out ANYONE specifically with this post, and I haven't publicly torn down ANYONE's writing.  So save your fingertips the trouble of typing it!

Finally, I'd just like to say that the culprits in these four areas are few and far between.  Those who fit each description know who they are, that's why I didn't bother providing any specific names.  And it should be noted that those who fit each description (well, the first 3 for sure) have a lot to offer in their postings.  This was simply something that has been boiling for awhile and I had to get it off my chest.

Best of luck to the finalists and to everyone else who endeavors to write about their true passion in life! 

You may now begin to bury me with negative commentary...LOL!

P.S. ... Texas 41 USC 38 -- Too much Vince Young and not enough Trojans on the field to stop him!  Great job Horns!! 

Hey, lookie there... got me a sports reference in there after all.

Okay, I was going to take a little break from the blog and let my batteries recharge.  But before I do, I need some advice from other fantasy football fanatics out there.  I'd really appreciate feedback from Ty (Quick Slants) on this one since he penned most of his articles on the subject.  But any and all feedback would most definitely be appreciated. 

So here's the problem...

For the first time since I've been on the league, our league is converting to a one-man keeper.  Because of this (and the fact that every self-proclaimed expert predicted big things from him), I drafted RB Julius Jones in the first round.  Needless to say, his ankle injury and subsequent lack of production for much of the season made him a huge bust.  However, he did show signs of recovery last week in a win over Carolina by posting a season high 194 yards and 2 TD's.  Despite that terrific performance, one great game does not reverse an entire season of ineptness.  Therefore, I'm not sure if I want him on my roster in 2006.

My other top keeper candidates include RB Ronnie Brown and WR Marvin Harrison.  Now Brown would be a nice keeper option if Miami decides to deal Ricky Williams in the off-season.  Unfortunately, Williams started producing the type of numbers close to the Ricky of old late in the season and it now appears that Nick Saban will likely utilize both backs once again next year.  As for Harrison, he's always a consistent fantasy contributor.  But I'm hesitant to keep him for the mere fact that Indy has so many other weapons at their disposal and his numbers could be hit and miss (kind of like they were this year early in the season).

So I come to you, fellow bloggers, for help on this mind-boggling decision.  Of course, I have until August to make this decision, but I thought if I could get some early help on this while football is still fresh in our minds, it might make the decision a little easier.

Here is my entire roster as it stands at the end of the season:

QB's:  Trent Green & Brad Johnson

RB's:  Julius Jones, Ronnie Brown, Warrick Dunn & Marion Barber

WR's:  Marvin Harrison, Roy Williams, Deion Branch, Eddie Kennison & Ashlie Lelie

TE's:  Randy McMichael & Steve Heiden

K's:  Neil Rackers & Jason Elam

D/ST's:  Atlanta Falcons & Minnesota Vikings

Now obviously, most of these guys aren't even considerable, but I figured I'd post all my players just to give you all a basis from which I have to choose.  Amazingly enough, I actually made it to my league's semifinals with this group of misfits.  Go figure!

So now it's your turn guys and gals.  Who should I keep for 2006? 

Thanks in advance for the wonderful advice I'm sure I'll receive!

EDIT:  Forgot to mention this, but I can only keep one player.

As the NGS judges sequester for their final deliberations, I thought I'd take the opportunity to slip in one final, pre-selection post.  Now originally, I had planned to pen a long, emotional essay about why sports are so important to me and why winning this contest would be my only saving grace in life.  But then I thought, why not give others a chance?

So instead, I thought I'd share some more underlying, light-hearted reasons for entering this contest.  I'll also tag on a few New Year's resolutions as they pertain to sports.  Finally, I'll provide a list of 11 things that will make me a happy man in 2006.  Why 11 you ask?  Well, it's simple.  Doing lists of 10 has become so mundane and besides, I'm an odd guy who prefers odd numbers... so there!

Without further adieu...

Madman's reasons for entering the NGS contest

- I got kicked off of every message board related to sports and this was the only place left to go where my voice could be heard.

- It gave me another reason to put off Christmas shopping.

- I hate my day job!

- I could use the $5,000 to help erase debts incurred with my loan shar... err.... student loans (yeah, that's the ticket).

- Writing helps me ignore the voices in my head... *shut up!  I'm trying to win a contest here*

- It was either this or rehab again (just kidding judges!).  I passed rehab a long time ago........on my way to the bar!

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about Matt Millen.

- It provided me an opportunity to prove to all my friends and family that I use my PC for other things besides looking at porn.

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about Lloyd Carr.

- Contist give me oppertoonty to sho off my righting skeels!

- It gave me an excellent forum to bitch about message boards.

- Did I mention rehab yet?

- It was the only way I would ever find out what a 'blog' was.

- I knew it would be the closest I'd ever get to starring in a reality television series.

- And finally, all kidding aside (and yes, I really was kidding about rehab), it gave me the chance to interact with other intelligent sports fans all across the country.

Madman's sporty New Year's resolutions

* I resolve not to get angry and throw glass bottles at my television when Matt Millen picks ANOTHER FRICKIN' WIDE RECEIVER in the first round of the NFL draft this year.

* I resolve to never again get angry after a bad round of golf.  After all, there's plenty of beer in the clubhouse that will make the pain go away.  (Am I blowing my credibility right out of the water with all these rehab jokes?)

* I resolve to be on my best behavior at Comerica Park this year, even if I see Kenny Rogers punch out a camera man from the TV station that I used to work for.

* I resolve not to say "I told you so" to every misguided knucklehead who picked either Miami or Indiana to come out of the East this year.

* And finally, I resolve to not waste my hard-earned money on any Lions' tickets for 2006.  It's hard enough watching them on TV for free.

Last, but not least...

11 things that will make the motorcitymadman a motorcity"glad"man in 2006

1) NBA Finals MVP Chauncey Billups leads a chorus of 22,000 in the singing of "We Are the Champions".

2) The once proud University of Michigan basketball program reaches the NCAA Tournament for the first time in eight years.

3) The still proud University of Michigan football program rebounds by running the table in '06, including a double-digit victory in Columbus.

4) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman hands the Stanley Cup over to Stevie Y. one last time.

5) Jim Leyland brings the Detroit Tigers back to respectability for the first time in 18 years.

6) I break par at least five times on the links this summer.

7) Everyone I know and love is still happy and healthy come December 31, 2006.

8) The winner of this contest goes on to become a Pulitzer Prize winning sportswriter.

9) The person from #8 is yours truly.

10) No matter who wins the contest, we all continue blogging on foxsports.com.

11) Everyone reading this has a happy, safe and prosperous New Year!

Take care everyone ... and good luck to all!

The year 2005 is one that University of Michigan Head Football Coach Lloyd Carr cannot soon enough forget.

In a year that was defined by close calls, missed opportunities and just plain bad luck, the Wolverines struggled to find any semblance of consistency.  Interestingly enough, it all began on the year's very first day.

The '05 Rose Bowl may be looked back upon by unbiased on-lookers as a classic battle with a dramatic finish, but to those who proudly don the Maize and Blue, the Michigan/Texas barnburner will be forever viewed as the beginning of a heartbreaking trend.

The Wolverines led the Longhorns by ten (31-21) heading into the fourth quarter, and although Vince Young was running roughshod over the Michigan defense, the offense was moving the ball and scoring at will, making victory appear inevitable.  But in a strange and untimely twist of fate, the Wolverines' touchdown drives suddenly turned into field goals and allowed the Longhorns to come back and eventually win it 38-37 on the game's final play.

Still, despite a disappointing ending to an otherwise successful season, Lloyd Carr had to feel good about his team's chances of returning to Pasadena in '05.  Sure, he lost his biggest playmaker on offense in Braylon Edwards, but he was returning several other key contributors on both sides of the ball, including QB Chad Henne and RB Mike Hart.

The optimism that Coach Carr and Michigan fans held was shared by several writers and college football experts.  The Wolverines entered the '05 season ranked #3 in the pre-season polls and were a trendy pick to finish atop the Big Ten standings.  However, after week one (a 33-18 victory over N. Illinois) the optimism that fans once had quickly turned into concern as the Wolverines lost two vital offensive contributors to injuries.

Senior TE Tim Massaquoi suffered a broken hand and sophomore WR Adrian Arrington was lost for the season with an ankle injury.  Massaquoi would eventually return to the lineup a couple weeks later but with his right hand enveloped in a cast, his pass-catching abilities were severely hampered.

Nevertheless, Michigan went into week two with revenge on their minds against rival Notre Dame and their new Head Coach, Charlie Weis.  But instead of revenge, the Wolverines received a tangible tail-kicking from the hungry and intense Irish defense.  In the process, they lost their swift-footed tailback Mike Hart to a hamstring pull that would sideline him for the next two weeks.

Notwithstanding, Michigan still had an opportunity to win the game and improve to 2-0.  Trailing by a touchdown and facing a fourth and goal on the one yard line late in the fourth quarter, Chad Henne appeared to sneak into the end zone for the game-tying score.  The only problem was the sophomore QB didn't have the ball.  The Irish recovered the fumble and went on to upset Michigan 17-10.

The winged-helmet warriors rebounded the following week with a 55-0 drubbing of Eastern Michigan and entered the Big Ten season with the same high hopes they had prior to the Notre Dame loss.  However, Coach Carr and the boys knew that getting a road win at Wisconsin to start off the journey to another Big Ten title would be no easy task.

Michigan dominated the first half against the Badgers on both sides of the ball.  However, they failed to pull away and knock Wisconsin out of the contest when they had the chance.  In the second half, Wisconsin RB Brian Calhoun finally found some daylight and the Wolverine offense stumbled.  And with less than a minute left, QB John Stocco took it in himself from six yards out to lift Wisconsin to a come-from-behind 23-20 win. 

The loss left Lloyd Carr searching for answers.  His offense was struggling to find a consistent rhythm and his defense, while stout at times, had problems tackling and stopping the opposing team in crucial situations.  On top of all that, injuries were continuing to mount.

After a spectacular 34-31 overtime win at Michigan State the following week, Michigan welcomed Minnesota into the Big House for Homecoming in the battle for the Little Brown Jug, a trophy the Wolverines have held since 1986.  The Golden Gophers came in reeling, having been buried a week earlier by Penn State, 44-14. 

After Steve Breaston took the opening kickoff of the second half back for a touchdown, it seemed that Minnesota's spirit would be broken once again.  Unfortunately for the maize and blue contingent, Michigan's offense continued to sputter and the tired defense allowed Minnesota's running game to take off, and eventually, take over.  On a key third and ten play from deep in Minnesota territory, Gary Russell took a pitch and raced 68 yards down the sideline to set up the Golden Gophers for a game-winning field goal that transformed what was defined as a disappointing start into an improbable tailspin for the mighty Wolverines.  What was even worse, undefeated Penn State was on their way to Ann Arbor the next week to clean up the scraps.

Unbelievably, the 3-3 and downtrodden Michigan football team picked themselves up and pulled off one of their most incredible victories in recent memory.  With one second left on the clock and staring down the barrel of the program's first losing season in nearly 40 years, Chad Henne found freshman Mario Manningham on a crossing pattern in the end zone on the game's final play to knock off the Nittany Lions 27-25.  The win not only ended Penn State's BCS championship dreams, it literally saved Michigan's season.

The Wolverines responded with three more victories, including an overtime road win at Iowa, and were set up for their annual end-of-the-season slugfest against arch-rival Ohio State in the Big House.

The four game winning streak that Michigan went on wasn't without dyar consequences though.  Mike Hart suffered a sprained ankle early in the Iowa game and once again, the Wolverines were without a healthy starting running back.

In spite of everything, Michigan entered Ohio State week with a chance to right several wrongs, and in the process, put themselves in position to play in yet another New Year's Day bowl game.  But once again, the fourth quarter bug-a-boos came to surface and the Wolverines found themselves on the losing end of college football's greatest rivalry for the fourth time in five years.

Leading 21-12 with nine minutes to go, Ohio State QB Troy Smith led the Buckeyes right down the field against the Michigan defense, hooking up with Santonio Holmes on a 26 yard TD pass to pull OSU within two.  Still, Michigan had an opportunity to lump together a few first downs and run out the clock.  Instead, they gave the football right back to the red-hot Buckeye offense who promptly scored again with 24 seconds to go, giving them a 25-21 victory and a berth in the BCS, and leaving Michigan to ponder what could have been.

After finishing the regular season a disheartening 7-4, the Wolverines were selected to compete in the Alamo Bowl against Nebraska on December 28th, marking the first time in nine years that they wouldn't be playing their bowl game on January 1st.

The game itself was entertaining, but the results were more of the same for Michigan.  After taking a 28-17 lead early in the fourth, the Wolverines defense put the clamps on the Nebraska passing game and gave their offense a chance to ice the game.  However, the Wolverines failed in their attempts and after a big punt return, the Huskers scored the next touchdown and subsequent 2-point conversion to pull within three midway through the final stanza.  Michigan then turned it over on their next two possessions and Nebraska went ahead to stay with less than five minutes to play.

To add to Coach Carr's frustrations, the game was not without its share of controversy.  After prematurely blowing the whistle on an obvious fumble during the game's opening drive, the officials (from the Sun Belt Conference, which considering the participants, was incomprehensible on its own) set a tone that bordered on complete incompetence.  Not once, but twice during the second half, Carr was forced to waste timeouts in order for the hesitant replay official to review a questionable play.  As it turned out, one of those plays was a touchdown that was rightfully reversed.

In addition, the officials missed a pass interference call near the goal line on fourth down that would've given the Wolverines a first and goal and four more chances to punch it in for the go-ahead score.  Instead, the mysterious no-call gave the football back to the Cornhuskers with Michigan devoid of any timeouts and thus, helpless to stop the clock.

But despite the horrid officiating, the Michigan Wolverines had no one to blame but themselves in the end.  Just like they had no one else to blame for much of the bad karma that they constantly ran into throughout the year.  If they had simply made the plays when they were most needed, the entire scope of the season would've been different.

In spite of all the close calls, missed opportunities and bad luck that the 2005 Michigan Wolverines encountered, there is reason for optimism heading into '06.  They return several important pieces to the puzzle next season including their two best players on offense (Henne and Hart) and two of their best on defense (LaMarr Woodley and Prescott Burgess).

A return to prominence won't be easy though due to a grueling schedule.  Michigan will have to play several difficult road games in 2006 including at Notre Dame, at Penn State, and at Ohio State.  But when you consider that three of their four regular season losses came at home this year, maybe going on the road isn't such a bad thing.

So breathe easy Coach Carr, your nightmare season is finally over and now it's time to start building on a new dream for Michigan football.  

However, if the same visions like poor tackling and the inability to finish games appear in the new dream for 2006, the nightmare for you may have only just begun.