As we inch closer and closer to Lions training camp now just a little over two weeks away I can’t help but wonder are we in for  yet another demoralizing, disappointing, and downright disgraceful   season by our beloved Honolua Blue and Silver, but then again can you and would you expect anything less.  Matt Millen hasn’t won more than seven games in eight years, he’s hired and or fired a total of 58 coaches both head and assistant, and I  will do the pleasure of sparing you all the countless blunders he has made  since taking over in 2001 draft or otherwise.  Now in Millen’s latest attempt to resurrect this train wreck of a franchise the new eureka I’ve got it spasm of wisdom moment  in Millen’ warped mind has come by way of changing the philosophy on offense from the pas-happy system to a run first grind it out more balanced  type of approach.  Bringing balance to this offense is something I think that we’ve all been clamouring for the last two seasons there’s no denying that. There’s just one small problem.  The Lions have no one of substance to run the ball.  Tatum Bell was retained even after a pretentious relationship with former Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz refused to defuse.  Well Martz is long gone and new Offensive Coordinator Jim Colletto wants to thoroughly commit to enhancing the quality of the running game and Bell has the chance to seize the job.  Only one problem he’s in the last year of his contract and is untested as a full-time back.  Yes I know people are going to suggest that he got 1,000 years during his time in Denver, put then I’d bring up two other arguments.  One he spilt time in Denver and was used as more as change of pace back.  Furthermore the+ “system” they run in Denver is notorious for producing 1,000 yard rushers year in and year out, therefore I wouldn’t put much stock into that.  Plus Bell has a tendency to fumble on a regular basis he recorded one last year in five with Detroit and five during his last season with Denver in thirteen games.  As for the others  buying for the job Kevin Smith is unproven but should have a chance to compete and or win the starting job, Artose Pinner returns to Detroit as most likely a third down back and Aveion Cason will only be used primarily in Special Teams situations.  So the question becomes who runs the ball in 2008?  Does Bell seize control of the job or will the rookie Smith beat him out? We’ll have to wait and see but I do know one thing.  The Lions have more questions than answers at the running back position and for a team that released there only proven commodity at the position in Kevin Jones it’s safe to say the Lions are in a world of uncertainty, as they make the transition on offense.  There is old adage in life the proclaims “be careful what you wish for and in this case the Lions may be eating the egg plastered all over there face by making the decision to release  Jones prematurely especially since they don’t have a clear-cut replacement.  But then again is anyone really surprised?  It is the Lions were talking about.

Hey there----

I hear that Partiots wide reciever Randy Moss has bought half a stake in a nascar truck team......... Randy Moss Racing will debut in Kentucky on the 19th of this month with Willie Allen behind the wheel........... Moss' entry will be the #81 car, to match his jersey number , and eventually he wants to get the team to the Sprint Cup series........ The question is this---- why do athletes try to branch out like this????  and will it be successful for Moss???  Mabye he could go to Joe Gibbs for some pointers on how to run his new business........

---Woody

Hey NFL'ers......

What's this I hear about Brett Favre wanting to come back to the Packers????  Do you buy the idea that he's got to "scratch that itch"?  Favre has 2 years left on his old contract and could come back to Green Bay....... but what about Aaron Rodgers???  How does he fit in????  Will he be upset at his chance getting delayed again????  Or will Favre withdraw his request to play as the season gets closer????  Plenty of questions..... but if he does come back..... you better save a fantasy football spot for him!!!!

---Woody

It doesn't look like Jimmy Howard will ever get his chance to see what he can do in a Red Wings uniform.  A couple of weeks ago the Wings spent their 1st round draft choice on a goaltender and today, just as the free agency period began, Detroit inked Ty Conklin.  Conklin was one of the most solid back-up goalies in the league last year for Pittsburgh.  He's 32 years old and played great with the Pens in 2007-08 posting an 18-8-5 record with a goals against average of 2.51.  Chances are, Ken Holland didn't sign him to go play for Grand Rapids.

To me, this was kind of surprising.  I thought the Wings were sold on Howard's ability to at least be a serviceable backup goalie.  If nothing else, I thought they would give him a chance during the 1st half of the season before making a move at the trade deadline if they needed to.  Apparently, I was wrong.  You don't make this signing or draft a goalie with your top pick if you are certain that the guy you have wainting in the wings (no pun intended) can produce for you. 

This much I know, Ken Holland will forget more about hockey than I will ever know in my life and I think he has earned the title of "the best g-m in hockey" so I nor anyone else should really challenge him on this move.  I'm pretty sure as far as Wings fans go, it's "IN HOLLAND WE TRUST" and I cannot dispute that.

Am I the only one who sees a resemblance between the Tigers, winners of 18 of 22, and the 2008 Red Wings, who are still basking in the glow of their most recent Stanley Cup Win?  Granted one team skates on ice, plays in doors and using much longer bats. But I'm talking more about the character of the team.  For starters, they've turned their noses up on the history of their awful start and have become just the second team in Major Leaguel history to get one game above .500 at the exact midway point of the season.  Not that the Wings ever had to overcome those kind of odds during the season, but they did start the season at a record pace, only to falter to one of the rockiest February records in recent history. During that stretch, the Wings battled endless injuries, of the Groin variety. Enter the Tigers, who are now facing their third (oblique/hip flexor) injury in as many weeks.  But what makes these teams so similar is the way each of them has been able to plug in a new piece and see immediate results.  Johan Franzen picked up the slack while Tomas Holmstrom was out, and now with the Tigers we are seeing Dane Sardinha, Matt Joyce and Armando Galarraga step in under pressure and deliver. This is the mark of not only great management, but also tremendous depth, as we learned only too well is what it takes to win a championship in this day and age.  The Tigers climb from 12 below .500 to games over must continue, however, for us to continue to even breathe the word playoffs in the same sentence as the 2006 A-L champs.  To his credit, Jim Leyland has kept his demeanor steadier than ever during his rockiest season at the helm in Detroit. Now the key will be whether or not his team can continue to handle its recent success and keep the pedal to the metal for the entire second half.  Just like the Wings ..... but minus the skates, the ice and the 6-time Norris Trohpy winning goalie!  Okay, maybe they aren't quite the same, but they do have the same owner????  

http://www.pinnacleracecourse.com/forms/cb1_final.p
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IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

WELCOME HOME THOROUGHBREDS!

One of my jobs is at Easter Seals so I had the opportunity to volunteer to work the main gate at Warwick Hills on Sunday, June 29th, 2008 for the 50th anniversary of the Buick Open. Denise Durkee from Easter Seals helped coordinate some of the behind-the-scene jobs at the tournament. I invited my future father-in-law, Rob, to join me. We both had a blast mingling with Buick Open staff and many of the people who came to the event (23,000 pairings brochures were printed and distributed for round 4 on Sunday alone), despite Tiger Woods not showing because of a bum knee.

Congratulations to the winner, Kenny Perry (19 under par) and runners up, Woody Austin and Bubba Watson (both 18 under par).

Rob and I nicknamed the 18th hole the "voodoo" hole. It was either "voodoo" or that darn gopher from the movie, Caddy Shack, playing tricks with all the putts made by the golfers. We sat in the stands at the 18th hole after our morning shift of collecting tickets and checking bags at the main gate.  The 18th hole was not friendly to the golfers. Other than Scott Verplank, who shot a 40 foot, 6 inch putt, and somebody else who sank a 31 footer, other golfers found the hole very tricky.The 18th hole looked like a 2 or 3 putt hole for most of the golfers, and every extra putt meant less money for the pros who shot them. 

Sunday morning started out rainy, but as the day progressed, the sun began to show through the clouds making it a very nice day to play golf and watch it as the pros showed off their skills. I'd like to thank Easter Seals for giving me the opportunity to volunteer to work at the Buick Open, Rob for joining me and all the people who walked through the main gate while I worked. I realize it wasn't always pleasant to either check in your cell phone, cameras or other electronic equipment at the gate or walk them back to your car because they were not allowed on the course. We had to check the sleeves on all folding chairs, too. It wasn't always well received by the guests even though doing such things at public events is now a common practice, based on homeland security policy.

Sunday was an awesome day at the Buick Open, especially for the winner of the tournament, Kenny Perry.

There’s been plenty of speculation as to what the Pistons are going to do this offseason in order to shake up the core and bring an infusion of new blood, what is so desperately needed.  By all indications are its down to a couple of options.   Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Chucky Atkins and No. 20 pick for Billups and Prince or Houston's Tracy McGrady and No. 25 pick for Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.  First and foremost I must proclaim that I wouldn’t touch Tracy McGrady with a ten foot poll.  As everyone knows McGrady is the ultimate playoff chocker and he can’t hit a shot to save his life and when the pressure on the collapses easier than a picnic table.  Coupled with the fact he has a chronic history of back injuries and he hasn’t finished a full season since his Orlando days, also he’s too reliant on his jump shot and doesn’t like to take contact for all those reasons outlined  I’ll take a pass.  On the other hand Carmelo Anthony would provide you with a proven scorer who thrives when he absorbs contact, evident by the fact that he’s led the league in free throw attempts over the last two years.  Another factor is the age differential Anthony (24) is a five years younger than McGrady.  In fairness to McGrady he hasn’t had much to work with during his stints in both Houston and Orlando outside of course Yao Ming.  Therefore, if you incorporate McGrady with cast of characters yes he would finally win a playoff series and his engine would be rejuvenated and he probably fit in nicely and gives the Pistons an experienced scorer.  However, while that seems to be a plausible and reasonable scenario that could and I stress the would could workout for both teams.  It would give the Pistons there infusion of new blood that they are so frenziedly seeking, it would also give Houston two veterans that know how to win in pressure situations and could provide some much needed leadership to a young and inexperienced team in the Rockets.  While that all seems logical and intelligent on the surface I simply wouldn’t do it the risk heavily outweighs the reward.  Yes if the Pistons deal for Antony they’ll have to give up Billups who has been extremely valuable to this team over the last six years and yes it would be said to see him go, but in this business you must have the ability to look forward and know when a certain players or player has reached his ceiling and or peek and I thinks Billups has reached that point.  For Denver this deal is a no brainer they get someone more compatible to pair with Allen Iverson and a proven floor leader.  For Detroit they get there superstar presence it’s a win a win for everyone involved. I’m not worried about Antony off the court problems because Joe Dumars, there veteran leadership, and the culture he would be immersed in here.  Hands down McGrady or Antony its Carmelo all the way, it’s not even close.  To vote in the poll question click here http://kevinmcshan.blogspot.com/   

What's this??!?!

  Tiger Woods out of action for the rest of the 2008 golf season-- because of his left knee???  Oh No!!!  Now the diagnosis is that Woods will have a 4th proceedure done on the knee for a double stress fracture of the left tibia (shin bone) and will be back in '09....... and let me say that for Tiger to go on and play a major(!) with this injury and not tell anyone about it speaks volumes about his mental toughness.......... but the question that I'm interested in having answered is this----  What does Tiger's injury do for the game of golf, especially after the final round drama from the U.S. Open???  Do all of those casual fans that flocked to their tv sets to see the playoff all of a sudden-- turn off???  What happens to the rest of the field???  Do players all of a sudden start licking their chops over their chances improving???  and perhaps most important-- are there enough stories that golf fans care about on the PGA Tour without Woods???  Of course, the gang in Grand Blanc and Oakland Hills are probably very sad today knowing that Woods won't make it to the Buick Open or the PGA Championship, but I guess the good news is that Woods will come back with little or no long term effects....... What do you think about the next 6 to 7 months of the Tour without Woods???  How about the U.S.'s chances at the Ryder Cup with no Tiger???  Let me know what you think!!!

---Woody

When I was a kid it seems like every Sunday there was a Knickerbocker's, 76er's or Celtic's game on television, so when Boston spanked our Pistons and moved onto the Lakers, I could not help but root for them. 

This morning I heard a lot of criticism about Kobe Bryant.  He was blamed solely for the outcome of the series.  I don't blame him.  I blame his early advisors that convinced him to go to professional basketball directly form high school.

Had Kobe gone to college for 2-4 years, he would have learned about comradery becaue he would have been enrolled at a major University with hundreds of  other gifted athletes.  He would have developed team spirit at pep rallies.   He would have learned compassion and humility for those around him.  One cannot live in a dormitory without meeting people that are far more amazing than YOU. 

As a student athelete, he would have been mentored by the upperclassmen and advised to never purchase the services of the hotel staff during road trips. He would have met his fair share of eager coeds and townies, everywhere he went.  

Kobe would have learned the value of discretion and learned to never snitch on his friends because most college jocks just don't talk about each other like that.  And if they do and are discovered, they sometimes catch a beat down in the locker room.

College would have given him a few extra years to grow up before he was thrown into the predatory real world.

But alas, he did not have that experience.  I feel sorry for Kobe today or as much as I can feel sorry for a young multi-millionaire for I know that he was cheated.  Had he learned to be the consumate team player, he might have been able to Shaqattack the Celtics until they were bloody.  The wounded Celts probably would not have been able to re-emergre from the locker room and play better than they had before had their tired bodies been battered by an 8 foot 400 pound giant that desperately would have wanted to retire in peace at the end of the season.    

Michael Jordan knew the value of college and look where it got him.

If you are a frequent reader of this blog or if you have seen some of my reports on tv, you know that I love golf and have a serious case of man-love for Tiger Woods.  Simply put he is one of the most charismatic sports figures in my lifetime and I would venture to say anybodys lifetime.   He is Jordan, Montana, Sanders, Magic, Ruth, Mantle, Bird, The Bird, or even Rocket or Bonds before we knew or strongly believed they were cheaters.  Like those guys he understood the moment.  More importantly he thrives in the moment. Perhaps it was a career full of moments or just a flash like a shooting star moving accross the sky.

Tiger is Edwin Moses.  Tiger is Micheal Phelps.  Tiger is the best and proves it over and over like the best have to do.  Tiger has made golf cool.  Tiger has taken the sport and helped it rise above sansabelt pants.  Tiger has let black people know that there are no limits to what they can accomplish in this sport and hopefully in life.  Tiger has let anybody regardless of color know that you don't need to be a country club baby to play the game.  Heck, if you were watching or paying attention, Arnold Palmer showed us that back in the 50's.  Tiger has shown that if you work harder than everybody else, you can be better than everybody else when it really counts.  Tiger has taken a generation of golfers and left them wondering if they will have any place in history.  A place they would certainly enjoy if they weren't playing against him.

See, that's the thing.  You hear so much about the lack of competition he faces and how Jack faced better players.  i think thats highly debatable.  Nobody has ever done what Tiger has done in such a short period of time.   Jack Nicklaus was 35 when he won his 14th major.  Tiger is 32.  Do you really think that Mickelson, Els, Furyk and Goosen wouldn't have a notable number of majors were it not for Woods?   Don't you think the fact that he is simply better, far better than his competition has made them appear less worthy?  I would submit that his advantage over the golfers he has competed against is much more significant than the advantage Nicklaus enjoyed over his peers.  That doesn't mean you should consider Tiger less worthy, it means he is more deserving.

Finally, stop with the golf isn't a sport and Tiger isn't an athlete talk.  It comes up every time he wins a tournament and once again moves to the top of the sports pages.  Think what you want but who cares.  Is that the best you've got to tear him down?  He's not an athlete?  Stupid.  Dumb.  Change the channel.  Move on.  Hey, I know, go watch the WNBA.  They're basketball players right?

I'd rather call my sons into the room and make sure they watch a once in a lifetime phenom.  I've been in this business for 27 years and been watching sports for nearly 40.  I've never seen anyone better at anything and will do my best not to miss a moment.              

kSure there are times where he loses, times where he appears human, even if just for a moment.  Tiger 

hi race fans just wanted to give a little insite of the weekend so far .we got thru fridays off and on rain with qualifing getting cut short so they will line up in points order.               

today saturday I woke up to jet blowers , and then they got the arca race.

truck series qualifing went off great with mike skinner taking the pole.

then practice for cup series, and final practice for cup before truck series took to the track

with erik darnell taking the checkered flag after starting 11th .

racing is done for today but the fun don't stop there. the infield will be wild and crazy,

and I won't miss it . more tomorrow and picures too

tony from the fox 2 pit crew

What can you say? it's been a year and here we are again. The Irish Hills in June are a NASCAR tradition that never grows old! 

Just a quick note to say hello and we are watching Sprint Cup pactice as we blog.

Ryan Newman is in the garage right now making adjustments and Jimmie Johnson is on the track.

There is so much going on you can't keep up with everything.

Check the blog a little later for track/driver impressions from two members of the "Fox 2 Pit Crew", Tony Vettraino and Keven Cavanaugh. we'll post some pictures, too.

In the meaqntime here is the starting line-up for Sunday's Lifelock 400.

Row 1     Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton

Row 2     Dale Earnhart Jr., Carl Edwards

Row 3     Denny Hamlin, Jimmie Johnson

Row 4     Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon

Row 5     Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick

Row 6     Clint Bowyer, Tony Stewart

Row 7     David Ragan, Ryan Newman

Row 8     Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth

Row 9     Martin Truex Jr., Brian Vickers

Row 10   Travis Kvapil, Bobby Labonte

Row 11   Juan Pablo Montoya, Kurt Busch

Row 12   Jamie McMurray, David Gilliland

Row 13   Casey Mears, Paul Menard

Row 14   Elliott Sadler, David Reutimann

Row 15   Dave Blaney, Robby Gordon
Row 16   Regan Smith, Reed Sorenson

Row 17   Michael McDowell, Scott Riggs

Row 18   Sam Hornish Jr., Terry Labonte

Row 19   Bill Elliott, Michael Waltrip

Row 20   AJ Allmendinger, JJ Yeley

Row 21   Dario Franchitti, Joe Nemechek

Row 22   Patrick Carpentier

Happy Racing! Al 

No sports here.  Just a word or two about a huge loss for the people in our business.  When Tim Russert passed away today we lost a giant.  Without a doubt he best exemplified what a journalist should be in my mind.  In a day and age where it seems so many people just want to be the loudest and most negative, he simply let the facts speak for themselves.  He didn't yell or scream like so many of the political analysts, he simply looked at the facts, formed an opinion and presented it.  I've tried to conduct myself with two principles in mind throughout my career:  Be right and be fair.  I'm still working on it.  He was a master.   

When Tim Russert was on TV, I stopped and watched.  I have for years.  I love politics and I love the science of elections.   Nobody presented it better than him.    

I can only hope on election night somebody places a dry erase board on the set over at those two other networks where he was such a powerful figure.  Many of us will be waiting for him to show us the numbers and a path to victory for one or both of the candidates, but unfortunately he won't.