Landon Donavan: The LegenD

#ThanksLD has been an underlining topic American soccer fans have been discussing all year. Fourteen seasons later the U.S. fan favorite has played his final match. Arguably the greatest American soccer player to ever have graced the pitch played for his sixth MLS cup. In a press conference Friday December 5th Donovan was asked about his past week and how he felt about playing in his last game.

“This week has been a little bit different that the past few because I personally didn't know [heading into the second legs of playoff series against Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders] what was coming next,” Donovan said at a press conference involving both teams at StubHub. “Now I know.”

“I've been very excited every day to wake up and go to training. Candidly, I don’t want it to end right now. It's been a lot of fun. And I'm going to have that attitude Sunday. I personally want it to be as enjoyable as possible, and that would be winning.”

“Now, like everybody, I just want to play, and we want to win a championship,” he said. “And after that I’ll think about the rest. But I gave myself a few days earlier in the week to understand the finality of it. Now it's a game, and we're at home playing for a championship. We're all so programmed now to just play the next game, and that's where my mindset is right now.”

A game that seemed preordained came to pass. After one hundred and twenty minutes the MLS Cup final was decided with a 2 to 1 final score lead by both regular season and finals MVP Robbie Keane. Lets take a look at the 2014 MLS Cup finals.

“I'm in a little bit of a daze, to be honest,” Donovan said afterward. “I don't know. There's a lot going on. There's a lot of obvious excitement. Some sadness. There's uncertainty. And just pure joy for this team and for what we did.”

“It just feels a bit strange, I guess is the best way to put it. But all in all, I'm really proud of what this team accomplished this year, and it's so nice to be in that locker room and see so many happy faces, and for me that's as enjoyable as anything now, as you get older.”

“There were moments [this season] where I didn't want it to end like it was going to [with the Galaxy not in the title game],” he said. “It would've been sadder for it to end like that. For me, it's perfect.”

 “As much excitement as there is about the game, there's excitement that tomorrow I don't have to train anymore,” he said. “I don't have to do a lot of the things that were the not-fun parts of the job. Along with that, I don't get experiences like today any more, either. So there's a lot of good, there's going to be some bad. But it feels good to go out this way.”

A true storybook end for the LegenD himself as Donovan rides off into the sunset a champion yet again. As we bid farewell to the six time MLS cup champion and the all time leader in goals and assist I would like to finish with a few thoughts of my own.

Landon Donovan as a fan of the game and as a fan of yours I just want to say thank you for what you have done for the MLS, LA Galaxy and soccer. You’ve inspired many and really made a deep impact on the growth of this game not just here in the U.S.A. but around the world. May your name and legacy be carried with great honor and respect now and forever. THANKS LD! You will be missed and always remembered as the LegenD you are.

-Eddie Schlierman

The Heisman

End of the Season Projections

Perhaps the most decorated award in all of college sports, the heisman trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding college football player. Athletes must show talent and leadership on the field while also showing hard work and dedication in the classroom. The last few winners have all been quarterbacks and that won’t be changing this year, here is my projected winner and finalists.

1. Winner: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Season stats: 186-277, 2,780 yards, 29 TDs, 2 INTs; 89 carries, 524 yards, 8 TDs

Mariota is my favorite to win the heisman due to how productive he’s been as not only passer, but runner too. He’s a great decision maker and knows when to pass or tuck it and run, which is why he leads the FBS with a QB rating of 184.56. His touchdown to interception ratio shows how high his football IQ is, oh and he’s also caught a pass for a touchdown this season. He’s led his team to a 9-1 record so far, so I highly expect them to win the Pac-12 and clinch a spot in the new college football playoffs.

2. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

Season stats: 198 carries, 1501 yards, 19 TDs; 11 catches, 83 yards, 2 TDs

Last week Gordon was third on my heisman list but after his record setting 408 yard performance  this week, I expect him to finish second. He has rushed for over 100 yards in all but one game this season and leads the nation in yards. He has also led a mediocre Wisconsin team to an 8-2 record but the main reason I don’t have him first is the strength of schedule compared to Mariota and Oregon.

3. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Season stats: 146-239, 2,231 yards, 18 TDs, 7 INTs; 143 carries, 779 yards, 11 TDs

I had to move Prescott down a spot this due to his poor performance against Alabama this week. Before this game he had led Mississippi St. to the number one spot in the nation with an undefeated record. He reminds me of former heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow due to his size and ability to run through tacklers. I expected him to have a huge game against Alabama which would've had him competing for the top spot with Mariota, and he and his team have still had an excellent season but he came up just short in the heisman race. 

4. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU

Season stats: 203-350, 2,691 yards, 23 TDs, 4 INTs; 111 carries, 546 yards, 7 TDs

I don’t think Boykin was anyones preseason or even midseason heisman list. He and his TCU team have been some of the biggest surprises this season and I don’t see them slowing down anytime soon. He’s a do it all kind of guy and has recently burst onto the scene with impressive highlight plays and big games against ranked opponents. His team is 9-1 and if he continues to lead his team to victories, they’ll most likely be in the mix come playoff time.

5. Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

Season stats: 79 catches, 1,215 yards, 10 TDs 

Cooper has done nothing but make huge plays since he put on an Alabama jersey and that has continued this season. He’s the best receiver in the nation who causes problems for every defense he faces, and has also broken multiple school records. It’s difficult for a receiver to win the heisman without making plays in other ways, such as kick or punt return, so that’s what why Cooper isn’t a favorite to win this season.

6. J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State

Season stats: 150-233, 2,156 yards, 26 TDs, 7 INTs; 119 carries, 582 yards, 8 TDs

Before the season started nobody had ever heard of J.T. Barrett. He’s a freshman who was suppose to backup then heisman favorite Braxton Miller, but when Miller had shoulder surgery which caused him to miss to the season, it was Barrett’s time to shine. He’s played remarkable leading Ohio State to a 9-1 record but has made just a few freshman mistakes which caused him to drop on this heisman list. This won’t be the last we hear of Barrett though and I’m sure it’ll be a heated quarterback battle next season when Miller is healthy.

7. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Season stats: 196-294, 2540 yards, 17 TDs, 11 INTs; 35 carries, 60 yards, 3 TDs

Last years heisman winner and early season favorite, Winston’s season has been a disappointment, on and off the field. His team is 10-0 so far but Winston hasn’t looked the same as he was his freshman year. Could his off field distractions which cause him to be suspended a game this season be the problem? I’m not sure but I do know that even though his play hasn’t been the same, there’s still a great chance his team can repeat as national champions. He may not be many peoples favorite but he still has made a case to be put on heisman watch.

8. Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska

Season stats: 186 carries, 1250 yards, 17 TDs; 13 catches, 169 yards, 2 TDs

Abdullah has quietly put up big numbers this season and is probably the most underrated heisman candidate. Nebraska hasn’t played in very many big games but they’ve relied on Abdullah to lead them to an 8-2 so far. Being in the same conference as Gordon it’s been tough for Abdullah to get the notoriety he deserves, but he’s been able to make a case as a heisman candidate and consideration as a top running back in the nation.

In The Hunt:

Duke Johnson, RB, Miami (FL); Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor; Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA; Everett Golson, QB,

By Cody Williams

College Athletes Getting Paid

College athletes being paid has been the subject of debate for years now. We’ve seen not only players, but schools and teams be penalized for individuals receiving money. The question is, why should college athletes be paid? Well, this comes down to one word, “time.”

The average college athlete devotes 43 hours a week to their sport. This involves a morning workout before classes then practice in the evening, not to mention the time they spend in class and doing homework. Obviously, this type of schedule leaves them no time for any type of job, which most regular college students have. During the season athletes occasionally miss class due to road games and even games during the week, leaving them to spend extra time on class work that they must make up.

Now, imagine when these guys want a break to go see a movie or out to eat, should they have to depend on their families for money as adults? It’s been reported that many college athletes go to bed at night starving because they have no money for food. Many of these athletes are struggling while the NCAA is producing $11 billion in annual revenue from college sports. Some of this money is given to schools for education but most of it ends up in the pockets of administrators, athletic directors, and coaches. Last year, the average salary for a college football coach was $2.05 million, so why aren’t athletes seeing any of this money when they’re the main reason it’s being made? Now, in no way do I think these athletes should be paid millions, but at least an amount such as minimum wage which is enough to live off while in school. I believe that if all players were paid a set amount this would prevent some of the incidents where athletes receive money or gifts.

For example, Todd Gurley from the University of Georgia, recently admitted to signing

autographs for money, which led to suspension. Also, one of the most famous cases of this was Reggie Bush from USC who was given money and gifts from agents, which led to very harsh penalties towards not only him, but the school. As a result, USC was given four years of probation and forced to vacate its last two wins of the 2004 season, including it’s 2005 Orange Bowl win, as well as all of its wins in the 2005 season. The Trojans were banned from bowl games in 2010 and 2011 and will lose 30 scholarships over three years. USC was forced to permanently disassociate itself from Bush, taking down all pictures and jerseys throughout the school displayed in his honor, and the school and Bush were forced to return their copies of the heisman trophy he won in 2005, which remains vacated with no winner that year. All of his stats have been erased and he’s never allowed back on the USC campus, basically never existing as a college athlete.

The reason for bringing up these sanctions is to show how serious the NCAA is about it’s athletes being paid in any way, no matter how over the top it may seem as in Bush’s case. If athletes were being paid a fixed amount I think they would most likely think twice if or when they’re offered money. They’d be living comfortably, with less stress and more focus on school and sports, while also being able to help out their families. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to this debate but I know that many college and even pro athletes would agree with me. College athletes being paid won’t hurt anyone or anything, it would only help.

By Cody Williams

Lakers Analysis

Buss 
Jim Buss comes off as a guy who's looking to impress someone. His dad gave him the team so he for now on believes he has to make all the decisions and his game plan has to be the only game plan. His pride is a major roadblock for the team. His issues might stem from problems with his siblings or an unresolved conflict he had with his dad but regardless if the Lakers are ever going to regain their glory they need an owner who's only motive is making this team great.

Fans and Media
Most of us fans have no knowledge of basketball past scoring and fouls. Media just make stuff up to make headlines and get paid. Most of them learn about the game on the job. We influence the game more than we think though. The players and front office actually watch shows and listen to other fans. All the american players were raised with the media and so their personal views of the game have been influenced since their childhood.

Don't believe me? Go volunteer at your local elementary school or go grab a ball and head to the park. Listen to how the youth talk about the game. It's going to sound a lot like many of the ESPN analyst. Very few of the youth have original thought when it comes to the game of basketball. As the youth grow and some make the league these views come with them to the NBA. Which explains why some players don't want to play for the Lakers. Who would want to play for a team that has such negative coverage. In the same light it would be comparable to working at McDonalds. Although it's clearly Americans guilty pleasure no one wants to be caught wearing the arches.

We live in a society where we celebrate and glorify instant gratification. In the case of the Lakers their fans have been spoiled by sixteen championship banners that hang in the Staples Center. Many of the younger fans grew up with Kobe and Shaq on the Lakers. Championships became synonymous with Los Angeles. Even as the glory years of the three peat came and have since left it wasn't long at all for the Lakers to get annoyed with not winning and made the trade for Gasol which lead to two more championships.

Analyst, fans, spectators and even haters expect the Lakers to be a winning team. This has created a pill too hard to swallow. A line up that includes Price, Sacre and Ellington has only frustrated the frustrated. Although the Lakers may be a few moves away from contending they currently only look towards one thing, their first win of the season.

The instant gratification demanded is gone. The media and many "fans" have moved on from the Lakers because their water hole seems to have run dry. This leaves the franchise with no fan support. When you have no support, it creates the classic dig yourself out of the hole atmosphere.

Now how do we move forward? This team needs a small forward who can knock down three's and defend big dominant forwards like Lebron. They also need young consistent big man to replace Pau and stronger depth at each position.

Here's my Suggestions

1- Trade for Monroe or Rondo

2- Nash retire and place Randle to the IR list. This will allow them to sign two players for half of the salary of the above mentioned. I suggest signing Earl Clark.

3- From now on stop targeting blockbuster players like Melo and LeBron. Those aren't realistic pickups. Instead target guys like Kawhi Leonard and DeAndre Jordan. These are guys who make an even bigger impact for half the money. Then surround them with quality role players. The Lakers won in 2009 and 2010 with guys like Shannon Brown and Trevor Ariza. They will not win with Guys like Ronnie Price and Robert Sacre. You need to know the value of players and what their strengths are to a team. That matters more in the long run.

4- Remember this is Kobe's team until he retires. Don't try to be smart and move him out earlier. He's not a scrub he's the best player in franchise history!!!


By Chris Schlierman
Edited and Co Written by Eddie Schlierman

WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS AND ANALYSIS

In a post season fueled by emotion, this World Series is proving to be an entertaining one. Both league's wild card teams are now Championship contenders, riding a "don't underestimate us underdogs" emotional streak that many of the heavy hitters never showed up with.

It's been exciting to watch the teams play a similar style of small ball as neither is vaulted for it's offense but has managed to put the ball in play at the right time to put their teams on top. The reputation for both however has been in their pitching, and that's what the series will be decided on.

The Giants are the veterans, with several of the players having multiple world series rings on their fingers leaving them looking like Mr. T, and a big part of that has been their veteran pitchers. This was even more evident with Mad Bum on the mound this past Sunday who owns a shocking 4-0 record with a .29 era in world series games. The scorekeepers have planned a policy to etch a W in the win column in all future starts for Mad Bum as oppositions have been left helpless unless you can get to the Giants bullpen, (who've has been no slouch). That's the one area though that the royals may have the Giants outmatched, as the Royals have one of the most intimidating bullpens. 

Aside from Finnegan's recent implosion, the Royals have been fantastic, but it's the only thing that seems to be real on the Royals team, as their offense is uninspiring, and their starting pitching is fairly middle of the pack. The Royals are lucky enough to be facing the weaker part of the Giant's pitching staff as Jake Peavy struggled in his last outing against the royals, and has had problems going deep in the game the last few outings. Similarly, Tim Hudson has been nothing to write home about since September.

The big question mark is going to be with rookie Yordano Ventura who has been fantastic at times in the post season. He's also the first rookie to start for a Royals team in the World Series. A big question comes with his health however. Early in the season he was hitting 100 mph regularly on the gun until he had some arm problems. Some were concerned it would limit his play time, but he slowed his velocity and managed to put together a very respectable season. Upon entering the post season however, it's seemed he's released his Royal reigns. I was at the game he started against the Angels, and he was regularly hitting 100 mph once again, hitting 102 at one point in the 5th inning! He is a real talent for sure with big time upside for his career. 

However, since unleashing, he's recently had reports of arm soreness. The team has been dismissive of it's problems but I think this is a big red flag. I'm very skeptical that he'll be as effective in this game especially deep into the game. The Royals have the bullpen to relive him, but I have concerns that the damage will be done before they get a chance to use it. If the Royals can win this one, they are my pick to win the championship. If the Giants get to Ventura however, I think the Giants take the series in game 6. 

Giants are my pick in 6 games. If we see a game 7, look for the Royals to be taking home a historic championship win.

By Alan Clark

Ray Rice should never be allowed near the NFL again

Earlier today leaked video, provided by TMZ,  showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then fiancé in the face until she lost consciousness and then proceeded to drag her out of the elevator.  What the video showed was utterly disgusting and made me cringe down to my core.  The fact is clear and simple and how Roger Goodell handled the situation in July was pitiful. It's obvious what needs to happen here; Ray Rice should never ever be allowed to be apart of the NFL or anything that associates with the NFL and his ex-wife needs to press charges as soon as she can.  Anyone who has been involved in a long term relationship knows that your significant other can push you to the absolute edge, but there is one thing that is never tolerated and what Ray Rice did was the least professional action anyone in that kind of public spotlight could do.  Being someone who loves sports, especially football as much as I do, it saddens me to see the blatant disrespect that Ray Rice, Roger Goodell and by default the NFL displayed towards women throughout this entire process.
-Derick

NBA All Time Greatest

While watching ESPN and other Sports Stations I noticed a trend. Their discussion on Best Player only included players from the 80's, 90's & Modern era. Which inspired me to create a real Best Player list that included all decades and a current best player list.

Also I wanted to leave my comments to why different decades were ignored. Well without much thought the average analyst is going to highlight only a few from a decade. As well they're going to focus on the players that were the top when they were in college/ starting their career. Which explains why Magic and MJ are as far back as analyst will cover. Plus ESPN was created in 1978.

As for my List here it is

1- Kareem Abdul Jabbar

The all time leading scorer, top 5 in various other stats with 5 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 19 All Star appearances and 6 Championships. No matter if your a stat guy, awards guy or championship guy; Kareem is the top or near the top in everything. That's why he's the greatest all time.

2- Wilt Chamberlain

Not the all time scorer but he would have if he played a few more seasons. He was and still is the most dominant athlete in sports history. As a single player he was the closest to a "win a title by yourself" player. He could lead the league in every stat but free throws if he wanted including assist where he average over 8 in one of his last years active. No one can guard him. Period.

3- Bill Russell

The greatest champion of all time. I know it's hard to believe someone winning more rings than Jordan but Russell nearly doubled Jordan with 11 championships. The most shocking part was he only played 13 years!

4- Larry Bird

The definition of a fighter. Larry Bird was the original killer. Yes he won championships, awards and had the best stats for his position of small forward ever but his best qualification was how serious he took the game. While others quit competing after the game Bird didn't. Magic Johnson got 2 more rings than Bird during the 80's but if Bird had Kareem I'm certain Magic would have never won a single ring. Oh and just for a bonus Jordan never beat Bird while Bird was playing healthy. So I guess you could say Bird kept  "Air Jordan" grounded.

5- Oscar Robertson

The best all around guard ever to play. He could do what LeBron does in the modern era plus some. Oh and he was only 6 foot 5!

6- Kobe Bryant *    7- Micheal Jordan

I'm not going to describe every player on this list but I will explain why I put Kobe in front of Jordan.

Kobe and Jordan play the exact same way but there is a difference to them. Jordan had a consistent up bringing in America, played college ball, had a consistent supporting cast and once he had Phil he won every year in the 90's. ( Every year he played with Phil that is. And neither Kobe or Jordan has won without him.) Kobe who has had no consistency with Phil, supporting cast, college ball or growing up in the same place he has performed at nearly an identical level as Jordan. Plus he has outperformed Jordan with longevity and shooting ability. If Kobe had the same consistency as Jordan Kobe may have 8 plus titles, 35 thousand points and all the bragging rights that go with saying your GOAT.

8- John Stockon

The best point guard to ever play. Period.

9- Karl Malone

Second on the all time scoring this. Enough said.

10- Jerry West

If the 3 point shot was around when the Logo was playing all of the records would say Jerry West number one.

11- Julius Erving

12- Magic Johnson

13- Hakeem Olajuwon

14- Elgin Baylor 

15- Bob Cousy

16- George Miken

17- Shaquille O'Neal

18-  Moses Malone 

19- Elvin Hayes

20- Kevin Garnett 

21- Robert Parrish 

22- Nate Thurmond 

23- Lebron James  *

24-Tim Duncan *

25- Scottie Pippen

* indicates best current players

-Chris Schlierman