Hold your stones!

Unfortunately the biggest story of the day was the Tiger Woods' public statement. Since this debacle unfolded Tiger has been rightfully bashed. His peers and the media have taken this opportunity to air their feelings about Tiger for all of us to see. While many golfers have avoided commenting on his personal life, they have attacked his on course antics. The media and tabloids (definitely two separate entities) have been all over Tiger and his family with the topics ranging from infidelity to steroid accusations. Today in his statement he addressed all of this very eloquently. And of course I have a response.

What I saw from Tiger today was very enlightening. He was lacking the arrogant stand-offishness that has become an accepted part of his persona. Although he took no questions he answered adequately for his actions. He was contrite, embarrassed, and straight-forward. I stop short of addressing his sincerity, because we don't know this man's true state of mind. There were three points that stuck out to me. First, Woods didn't blame his current situation on the apparent addiction that he struggles with. (Sex addiction affects 6% percent of the American population often having devastating affects on their family.) Instead Tiger stood up and accepted full responsibility for his actions. Saying he felt "entitled" to more than others, and that he believed he "played by a different set of rules". Secondly Tiger asked, more like demanded, the media and tabloids to leave his family alone. This is a reasonable request. His sins have affected his family enough. Tiger deserves all of the criticism he gets. But his family should be left alone to heal and live their lives. Thirdly he said that he will continue rehab and put his profession on hold. Although I would love to see Tiger back on the course, this is the absolute right move. If he is as diligent at repairing himself and his family as he is at dominating golf, he will undoubtedly have success in some form. I think returning to golf immediately would not show sincerity or commitment to his process. The fact that he has decided to step away from the game indefinitely and return to his healing, shows that he is making an effort. (Or it could be a brilliant P.R. move, but like I said only time will tell.)

Unfortunately for us the Tiger non-sense is not over. While his statement today should be adequate for us, it unfortunately will not be. America needs the drama, we could care less about apologies we want juicy details. Tiger has always been a private guy, and we shouldn't expect a tell all interview. Although we all want him to come completely clean with the details, he doesn't owe us that. He only owes that to his family and friends. He asked for compassion and privacy and unfortunately he will get none. Fans, America, media, listen to me. Drop it! I do not condone any of Tiger's actions, but I also realize that it is none of our business. He owed us nothing, and he gave is plenty. You wouldn't want your private life on display, and you shouldn't feel the need to pass judgement on Tiger simply because he is a public figure.

I don't want you to think that I am protecting Tiger or victimizing him. I am simply telling you that we are not the ones to throw stones. So let it go, leave him to heal and attempt to fix his family. Hell find a hobby. This is the last you will hear from me on this issue. Live like no one is watching and throw your stone, I dare you.

The Unfortunates!

This is the worst time of the year for me sports wise. We are months away from the draft, and I am not a fan of many winter sports. I watch college basketball, but I am not interested until March madness. I like the NBA, but only on occasion. NASCAR absolutely bores me and hockey is only fun to watch live. So as I struggle to stay interested while constantly checking mock drafts and keep my eyes set on the combine, I give you some unfortunates for me in the world of sports.

Unfortunately, I still hear a Tiger Woods joke or update once a day on sports talk radio.

Unfortunately the NBA all-star weekend gets worse and worse, yet their halftime show is still better than the NFL. (I hope your taking notes Mr. Goodell. )

Unfortunately the Winter Olympics are already a massive failure. (Kid dies on luge before the opening ceremonies. Olympic committee blames kids death on him then changes track anyway. MASSIVE FAILURE. Hockey is the winter Olympics savior, I just don't care for hockey, unless Russia plays Canada in the final. That will be an epic match-up.)

Unfortunately for college basketball, the Big East is the most competitive, and arguably the only competitive, conference in the NCAA.

Unfortunately Texas will possibly leave the Big 12 for the Big 10, and solely for monetary gain.

Unfortunately NASCAR drivers are the best interviews in all of sports, and not many people really care.

Unfortunately Dwight Howard and Shaq are both nicknamed Superman, and that is a story on sports talk.

Unfortunately Kevin Durant is the best player in the NBA right now, and the most media coverage he got was for winning horse over the all-star weekend.

Unfortunately the NFL will probably not get a collective bargaining agreement, and I still won't get a call to be a replacement player.

Unfortunately Dan Lefevour will not get any love on draft day, and he is the best pro prospect in my opinion.

There are so much more, but I feel like that is enough to get the conversation started. Live like no one is watching, and remember no one has fun at a pity party.

M.V.Brees!

Well the football season is officially over. It saddens me just a little, but we can start the countdown to draft now. The Super Bowl last night was three quarters of amazing football by both teams and one quarter of Saints domination. I thought the Saints could win but to see them actually do it was surprising.

The Saints defense played the way they have all season. The same bend but don't break strategy that worked so well throughout the season worked again against the mighty Colts offense. They did the one thing that they needed to do to win. They forced Peyton Manning to make quick decisions and as good as Manning is, if you get a quarterback out of his comfort zone he will eventually make mistakes. And Manning made a big one late in the third quarter when he forced the ball to Reggie Wayne. (Although I truly believe that Wayne is to blame for this interception. His route looked awful lazy.)

Drew Brees was close to perfect. His performance was outstanding. He showed an extreme amount of patience sticking to the pick and pop game plan. He marched his team down the field with accuracy and in the face of determined Colts' pass rush. (The pass rush died out a little as Dwight Freeney's ankle started to tighten up on him.) Despite the onside kick being a big turning point in the game, the play that stood out to me was Lance Moore's fingertip catch for the two point conversion. I really thought that reinvigorated this team and really made them believe they were going to win.

I am very happy for the city of New Orleans. This is a great story for the NFL. I said in the middle of the season that I would take Drew Brees over Peyton Manning as my quarterback. Now this game doesn't prove that this would be a great decision, but it sure helps my argument. The saddest part of the game was that Hank Baskett of Clovis, New Mexico was the player that missed the onside kick that gave the Saints life. Live like no one is watching, and stay off Bourbon Street for your own safety.

Super Duper Bowl

I know that the hype every year says that this could be the best Super Bowl ever. But without sounding redundant, this could be one of the best Super bowl ever. The Colts and the Saints are led by great quarterbacks, both have good young receivers, and both have very capable defenses. There are a few factors that will decide the winner, and they are the same that you have heard all week long.

The thing that you haven't heard much about is the Saints defense. New Orleans was one of the top teams this year in takeaways and defensive touchdowns. Now I know all the talk about Peyton Manning being better than any other quarterback the Saints have played this year but the game plan stays the same. They will put pressure on the quarterback with zone packages, and hit him hard. Brett Favre was not sacked in the NFC Championship Game, but the pass rush definitely disrupted his game. Peyton will need to get rid of the ball quickly, which he is good at, and make the right decision every time. If he turns the ball over than the Saints will have the upper hand and win. This is a dream scenario however. The Colts defense will have to also get pressure without losing guys in coverage. The biggest x-factor is the Saints running backs. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are versatile and could have an effect on the passing game in addition to the running game. If the Colts try to accommodate the lack of pressure from a missing or hobbled Dwight Freeney with linebackers it will open up the screen and flair routes for the running backs. Should be a great chess match.

I look for the Colts to win this game. But if the Saints do pull the "upset" don't expect me to be surprised. Both teams seem to need it. The Colts for Peyton's legacy, and the Saints for the city of New Orleans. Live like no one is watching and enjoy the commercials! (That's when it is time for beer runs.)

Notables!!!

While I ramble on about college football and stumble through NFL analysis some of you may think that I am ignoring all of the other important stories. Now I may not talk about them, but I am definitely aware. These stories range from college basketball to hockey.

College Basketball: A couple of the normal names we see in the top 25 of college basketball are missing this year. UCONN and North Carolina are both playing badly and are both playing extremely inconsistently. Syracuse may not be the best team in college basketball but they are playing like it, I think they should be number one. Oh yeah and don't sleep on the New Mexico Lobos.

Major League baseball: If you were the Giants, wouldn't you want to pay Tim Lincecum? Is this a franchise that wants to stay in a rebuilding mode, or if they pay Lincecum all that money is there no way to surround him with the help he needs to be successful? The Twins added a great veteran bat and good fielding option by signing one of the most fun guys in baseball, "The O-Dog" Orlando Hudson. The Detroit Tigers are playing a lot of money for Justin Verlander. He is only 27 and hopefully will continue to produce.

NBA Basketball: The Cleveland Cavaliers are playing like a team on a mission but is there enough there to get them to championship, I still say no. The Lakers look like a team that understands they are banged up. With Phil and Kobe there will be no panic. The New Jersey Nets are really awful. The Hawks are definitely scary for any team in the East. They cause a lot of match up problems, you know like the Magic did last year. Brandon Jennings of the Bucks is having a pretty good rookie season. And finally, say what you want about Kobe and Lebron but Kevin Durant is playing like the MVP.

Hockey: The only story in hockey for me is the Washington Capitals. Alex Ovechkin is the most electric offensive player in the NHL and he is willing that team to greatness. They have now won 13 straight. If the Capitals don't win the Stanley Cup, I will be astonished.

I told ya'll my sports knowledge knows no limits. There is even more. Like this UCONN women's team might be Geno's best yet, yeah I said it. I am also still a little bitter about the Pacquio-Mayweather fight. Boxing needs this fight, and these two yahoos should sit down and make it happen. Nascar is starting soon, so get your left turn on. If the NFL locks out next year I am vowing now that I will never watch another NFL game, NEVER! Live like no one is watching and keep your minds open and you horizons broad.

2 for the loss of 1

With the Super Bowl approaching, the Colts may be without one of their most valuable weapons. Usually that intro would have you worried about Peyton Manning, but if you have watched any sports t.v. you probably know that it is Dwight Freeney. If you haven't watched any sports t.v., don't worry it's not Peyton. But after this question was posed to me today, "Nathan why is everyone making a big deal about Freeney, the Colts still have Peyton", I felt that I needed to point out why Freeney is so important to the success of the Colts this Sunday.

While Peyton is running for his life on the offensive side of the ball, this is very likely seeing as how the Saints are vicious in the pass rush, the Colts defense will be looking to contain the high-powered Saints offense. To slow down that quick-hitting passing game and the off-tackle running game the Colts defensive will have to get pressure from the corners. This is something that hasn't been a problem for the Indy this year. With Freeney and Robert Mathis as the bookends to this very talented and undersized defensive ends the Colts have pressured quarterbacks and contained runners. Ah, but there is the rub. Depending on what report you believe Freeney has either torn tendons in his ankle, or a grade three basketball sprain. Either way he is doubtful for the Super Bowl. Big problem. Without Freeney, the Saints will have a variety of options to maximize their offense's huge potential. The first potential option is that without the threat of Freeney coming from the right side, the Saints will not have to move a running back, or tight end over to help giving Drew Brees another route in the passing game. Another possibility, if the Colts choose to move Mathis to the right side, in order to rush Brees' blindside, you can put the back over there to pick up Mathis rendering him practically useless. Now you have neutralized the Colts' pass rush, and give Drew Brees enough time to figure out the economy and throw touchdown passes. (This option is the one I see as the most valuable to the Saints, thus the name of tonight's column.) But there is another unexplored option here. And that is the effect that this will have on the screen and running game of the Saints. Without Freeney, the Saints can exploit the corner in the running game. With the Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas both capable of turning the corner and turning screens into big gains this will be a valuable asset in New Orleans offense. Freeney's speed on the outside could stretch a run out enough for a linebacker or safety to get to the edge and make a play. But if the Saints run and throw screen passes away from Mathis they will be able to trap the linebackers by not having to double the end.

There is a very big wrench that can be thrown into this whole Saints-a-palooza. That is the fact that Dwight Freeney is hell bent on playing. He has shown already once this season that he has the ability to come back quickly from injury. If he does play, who knows how explosive he will be. His game is based on speed rushes and spin moves. I am not sure how serious the injury is, but there is no argument that it is bad. We will have to see just how ready he is. Live like no one is watching and explore all of the options!