Welcome Back

    Hi this is Christopher De Lardge. I'm the Downtown Sports statistician. It's a fancy way of saying that I provide the data in which involves the way watch the game via numbers. Basically how you take Points per game, ERA, TD to Int ratio, Batting Avg and so on and so an and say in a say that makes sense to you the sports fan our loyal listeners. We are back online via podcast with sports talk with truth and no puff. Especially in the era of CONVID-19. Need an example I got one just for you. Latest rant on the mishandling of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred doing CONVID-19. https://anchor.fm/jonathan-pariente2/episodes/If-MLB-2020-is-canceled-THEN-CANCEL-MANFRED-ehhq8h

    From time to time we will give you commentary on the world of sports and more. We thank you for support in this new venture and if you new to Downtown Sports all I have to say get ready for a wild ride.  

NBA Mock Draft

Downtown Sports NBA Mock Draft

1.      Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins (SF-University of Kansas) possibly the best athlete in this draft. Can make the highlight plays in the open floor. He reminds of T-Mac. He can defend but needs to work on his jumper.

2.      Milwaukee Bucks: Dante Exum (PG/SG- Australian Institute of Sport) He has the quickness of Leonardo Barbosa and with the game breaker abilities of Penny Hardaway. Can create for himself and others. He has a nice outside shot. The only knock of him is the level of completion.

3.      Philadelphia 76ers: Jambari Parker (SF-Duke) He is the best all round player in the draft. A skill set that of the chains. He can do the step back jumper Paul Pierce. To me when I see him play he is Carmelo Anthony. The same body type and the smoothness in his moves and jump shot. He defense needs improvement. We would work well in Philly with Williams running the break.

4.      Orlando Magic: Joel Embiid-(C-Kansas) He has all the skill be an all-star. At 7’0, 250 pounds. They say he was post moves like a Tim Duncan and The Dream. A good rebounder and like The Dream and make other 4’s and 5’s look foolish. However his injury makes him my buyer beware. You would hope that he is not the next Sam Bowe or Greg Oden.

5.      Utah Jazz: Noah Vonleh (PF-University of Indiana) Yes I know Utah has already tried the Kanter experiment and it’s not working. You need a play maker for Burke. Noah might be that guy. He can defend and his post-game is coming along. He is a thinker in the court. He may not make the Sportscenter highlights plays but the Jazz need a post presence to help Burke.

6.      Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart (PG-OSU) Yes I do see flash of a young Dwayne Wade. He can attack the paint. Has a good and quick first step. Can finish with the likes of Rose, Lillard, Westbrook and Williams. At 6’3 he is a good rebounder at the one. However he needs to control his emotions.

7.      LA Lakers: Julius Randle (PF-Kentucky) The 1^st of Cap’s wildcat is off the board.  He was a strong upper body. He is great in the pick and roll. He can hit the midrange jumper. Randle is a good post defender. Loves to rebound and has a high motor. To some he is David Lee to me he is more like Zach Randolph. The only he lacks is explosiveness at the 4.

8.      Sacramento Kings: Rodney Hood (SF-Duke) The second Duke Player of the board. He is a solid athlete who can score in the midrange, 3 point and stretch the floor. Can beat you off the dribble and can pass. He was 3 point range. Can post on you. With all of that he reminds of Rashard Lewis. Not the version in Miami or in Washington. The version that I’m talking is at his prime in Seattle and in Orlando. Needs to have that post game at the 3 like Carmelo.

9.      Charlotte Hornets: James Young (SG-Kentucky) The 2^nd of the kids Wildcat of the board. I know its high at nine. However we does have skills. A very talented scorer that can beat you a number of ways. His jumper is his calling card. He can hit off the dribble and from deep. Great coming of screens he is a big 2 guard at 6’6. He reminds me of Arron Afflalo. However his shot selection needs work.

10.  Philadelphia 76ers: Zach LaVine (PG/SG-UCLA) LaVine is blessed with a high level of explosiveness. Shows electric speed and quickness. One of the best leapers in this draft. He jumped off my screen. He does have a 3 point shot to add, can create for himself. I do see the Russell Westbrook comparisons. However his Basketball IQ needs help. However in Philly with Williams running the point that backcourt could be the slash bros east.

11.  Denver Nuggets: Gary Harris (SG-Michigan St.) At 6‘4 and 205 lbs he is a well-rounded at the 2. He is unselfish player who can pass. Can set his feet well. A good jump shot and can shoot the three. He is O.J. Mayo in my eyes. With Ty Lawson he would have a shooter and with Wilson and hopefully a healthy Gallo Denver would run and gun in Mile High. However he is an undersized shooting guard and not a slasher.

12.  Orlando Magic: Elfrid Payton (PG-Louisiana Lafayette) A tall quick PG on the offensive side. Deadly 1^st step and crossover that would make Jamal Crawford (J-Crossover) very proud. At 6’3 he is a good defender. Pair him with Opladipo that backcourt have the prospects to lock you up. All he needs is a 3 point shot.

13.  Minnesota Timberwolves: Nik Stauskas (SG-Michigan) He is a pure shooter and excellent range 44% from downtown in college. Sets his feet well and quick well. High basketball IQ. Smooth player. Always loves to take the big shot. To me if you want go old school we would be Steve Kerr. However if you want a current player that best compare to his game. Look no farther in Atlanta Hawks Kyle Korver. Weaknesses lack quickness and the most fluid in terms of athleticism.

14.  Phoenix Suns: Doug McDermott (SF-Creighton) His scoring touch is in a world amazing. He stoke from the floor and from the arc is Steph, KD and Beal like. Great footwork and square his shoulders and seeing the ball of his hands is just beautiful to watch. Can shoot the Dirk 1-footer fadeaway and will make the hustle play. He can Chandler Parsons minus the leaping ability. Also can run the floor well. His a tweener and he is not the high flyer at the SF. In Hornacek’s free-flowing offense in the valley of the sun would fit.

15.  Atlanta Hawks: Jabari Brown (SG-Missouri) First and foremost he is a good shooter from the perimeter. He loves and can make the three ball. Get though screens with ease. Also he can finish and can put you in a poster. Some say he is Bradley Beal or James Harden. Jeff Teauge does need a shooter and we would fit well in the ATL. However his handle has improved but his defense needs a lot of help.

16.  Chicago Bulls: Shabazz Napier (PG-UConn) The UConn player off the board. He is a gamer and a winner. He can score and a can make get decisions with the ball. Has a three point shot. Plays with a swagger that you can find at Rucker Park. The Bulls should draft Napier you do need at some point to find a replacement for D-Rose. Napier tends to over dribble. He is a streak shooter and needs to get to free throw line more often than his 4.6 free throw attempts in college.

17.  Boston Celtics: Kyle Anderson (SF-UCLA) He does have great court vision thanks to his 6’9 frame. He can post up small PG, SG and SF. Good outside shot. A very smart player and a great passer. Can Play the PG, SG, SF and the PF. Now I won’t go as far that he is Magic Johnson 2.0 but if can be Lamar Odom at his prime then the Celtics will have a player. Does not have lateral quickness.

18.  Phoenix Suns: Aaron Gordon (PF-Arizona) The most athletic PF in this draft. Plays with a high motor. Have a good nose for the ball. Strong and loves contact. Can leap off the gym. Can move in the paint and will put in a poster. Have a high basketball IQ. He can be Blake Griffin. However he needs to work at the offensive level. With that high tempo in Phoenix they would be with Dragic, Bledsoe and hopefully with McDermott. The Suns might be the next Golden State Warriors.

19.  Chicago Bulls: Adreian Payne (PF-Michigan State) An PF with Dirk like shooting range in college. Shot 42.3% from downtown. He a good pick and pop player on the floor. Have decent post moves. A tough player in the paint. However not a high leaper. We will be Drew Godden.

20.  Toronto Raptors: Tyler Ennis (PG-Syracuse) Ennis is a cerebral and a very unselfish point guard. He has a desire to be great and win. Very coachable. Can get to the lane at will. Can change speeds on a dime. Good outside shooter and can make 3’s. Can defend. To me he fits the profile of a Jrue Holiday. However he lacks speed and athleticism.

21.  Oklahoma City Thunder: Glen Robinson III (SF-Michigan) A SF that can jump off the gym. He can play above the rim. Can finish via the break and the alley-oop. Can drive with either hand. Solid shooter that can stretch the floor. Shooting 49% from the floor and can defend. He does remind me of Trevor Ariza. However can be passive on offense. He is a good fit in OKC with Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. They might have their new James Harden.

22.  Memphis Grizzles: TJ Warren (SF-NC State) Warren is a big time scorer and player with great instincts. He a works hard at both ends of the floor. Good midrange game. Runs the floor very well and rebounds very well. He does have the skill set of a Caron Butler. He does not have a define position. However he can be the replacement for Prince.

23.  Utah Jazz: CJ Wilcox (SG-Washington) Deadly shooter who also bring above athleticism. Great shooting mechanics and can be a playmaker. He is a good defender on the perimeter. He can be in the mold of a Klay Thompson and the perfect partner for Trey Burke. However Wilcox can’t create for himself.

24.  Charlotte Hornets: Jordan Adams (SG-UCLA) A competitive scorer and player. Can get though screens. His midrange game is fantastic and defend SG’s. Can post SG’s very well. He has the game of a Rip Hamilton. He is not a great passer and can’t finish in the paint.

25.  Houston Rockets: CJ Fair (SF-Syracuse) Fair is a smooth SF with a good offense skill set. He can shoot and defends. Run the break very well and does have some hops. He reminds me of Jeff Green. Needs to better create for himself.

26.  Miami Heat: Cleanthony Early (PG/SG-Colorado) He is a dual threat. He averaged 18.9 points and 4.1 assists per 40 minutes over his last two seasons at Colorado. Can draw a lot of fouls. Solid three point shooter and make crisp passes. He does remind me of a poor’s man CP3. His knee injury worries me and will he be a well-rounded PG.

27.  Phoenix Suns: Jerami Grant (SF-Syracuse)  A very athletic forward prospect with top notch physical tools Projects to be a wing, and has good size for the position at 6’8, and possesses outstanding length to match. Good finisher around the rim and defend as well. He is like Thaddeus Young. He needs to put on some weight and needs a variety of moves.

28.  Los Angeles Clippers: Mitch McGary (C-Michigan) He is quick for a big man. Have a high basketball IQ. Moves very well. Willing to make the hustle plays. He is a team player. May not crack the starting five. But we will find a role. He is like Nick Collinson. Not has explosive and was banned for the NCAA last year for drug use.

29.  Oklahoma City Thunder: Clint Capella (PF/C Switzerland) His one of the best athletes overseas. Loves to finish around the rim. Also can run the floor and every dangerous in the pick and roll and can defend. He can be somewhat like Nene. The knock on him is his low basketball IQ.

30.  San Antonio Spurs: Bogdan Bogdanovic (SG-Serbia) At 6’6 he has the perfect size for a SG. He poise to play some PG. He can slash in the paint and has great good vision. His weakness is that he does have the elite PG quickness like a Westbrook or a Dragic. He can be Manu like.  

Downtown Sports Mock Draft 1.0

This is the 1st version of the Downtown Sports NFL Mock Draft:

1. Houston Texans- Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
2. Jadevedon Clowney (DE, University of South Carolina)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns- Johnny Manizel (QB, Texas of A&M)
5. Oakland Raiders- Marqise Lee (WR, USC)
6. Atlanta Falcons- Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
7. Tampa Bay Bucs- Anthony Barr (LB, UCLA) 
8. Minnesota Vikings- Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville)
9. Buffalo Bills- Mike Evans- (WR, Texas of A&M)
10. Detroit Lions- Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma St.)
11. Tennessee Titans- Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State)
12. New York Giants- Eric Ebron (TE, UNC)
13. St Louis Rams- Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, LSU)
14. Chicago Bears- Timmy Jernigan (DT, Florida State)
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Khail Mack (Buffalo)
16. Dallas Cowboys- Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)
17. Baltimore Ravens- Calvin Pryor (FS, Louisville)
18. New York Jets- Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State)
19. Miami Dolphins- Zach Martin (OT, Norte Dame)
20. Arizona Cardinals- Dee Ford (DE, Auburn)
21. Green Bay Packers- C.J. Mosley (LB, University of Alabama)
22. Philadelphia Eagles- Bradley Roby (CB, Ohio State)
23. Kansas City Chiefs- Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
24. Cincinnati Bengals- Kyle Fuller (CB, Virginia State)
25. San Diego Chargers- Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS, University of Alabama)
26. Cleveland Browns- Donte Moncrief (WR, Ole Miss)
27. New Orleans Saints- Dee Ford (DE, Auburn)
28. Carolina Panthers- Allen Robinson (WR, Penn State)
29. New England Patriots- Ra’ Shaede Hageman (DT, University of Minnesota)
30. San Francisco 49ers- Jason Verrett (CB, TCU)
31. Denver Broncos- Xavier Su’a-Filo (G, UCLA)
32. Seattle Seahawks- Morgan Moses (OT, University of Virginia)             

John Wall: Wizard on the Rise

      In 2010 the Washington Wizards had the 1st pick in the NBA draft. The Wizards needed a new face of the franchise to get away from the Gibert Arenas era in DC in which they did not advance to the Eastern Conference Finals from 2005-2008. Well DC needed a player to help rebuild the franchise into creditably in a city that is crazy about their Washington Redskins and their hockey team the Capitals. That player they picked now made the Wizards from this dormant franchise to now a playoff team and they are my playoff sleeper.

            Now I know what you are going to say that he can't shoot. He is just there to make the highlights for Sportscenter on ESPN. Well sorry to disappoint the doubters out there but have you watched John Wall and the Wizards play. There are currently 30-28 they are the 5th seed and there are 1.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for the 4th seed and home court in the first round in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

            Coming to this year I put the Wizards on my hot seat this year. Why you may ask? Only because for the fact that Wall have all the talent in the world to put this team on his back and now he has the pieces in place to make this work. This year Wall is having career highs in points 19.8 , assists with 8.6 which is second in the NBA just behind Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and his 2.0 steals per game is 4th in the NBA. He is now shooting at 42% and his 32% shooting from downtown is a career high. All because he now has a good midrange jump shot that he is been working on during the offseason that is paying off.

            Wall does have help in his backcourt mate who reminds me of a young Ray Allen in Bradley Beal. He was the 3rd pick of draft last year out of Florida. He is averaging 16.8 per game and shooting 41% from downtown. This man is not the shooter of a Curry or a Durant but he is close. Also they have a center in Gortat in which they got in a trade from the Phoenix Suns for Emeka Okafor.  This season he is averaging 12.7 points. However in his last ten games his averaging nearly 17 points per game. He is giving the Wizards an inside presence that they never had. Sorry Knicks fans this will pain you but you had this player in 2004 but then GM and head coach Isaiah Thomas traded him to Orlando in the Steve Francis deal. That guy name is Trevor Ariza. Who has won a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009. He brings them a presence that is need in a playoff push and he shoots 41% from downtown. When you have shooters in Beal along with Wall who can drive the lane and dish that makes a defense stay on its heels.

            Washington Wizards head coach Randy Wittman was on my hot seat because all that young talent needed to take that next step to be a good team. I know when you have a young team there are times that you have to be patient. His is running a up-tempo style that best fits his players and if gets the 4th or the 3rd in the East. He might me a Coach of the Year candidate such as Jeff Hornacek in Phoenix, Dwane Casey in Toronto, Terry Stotts in Portland, and Tom Thibodeau in Chicago or Frank Vogel in Indiana.

Kevin Durant: Making that MVP Move

        In the 2014 NBA Season there are many worthy candidates for MVP. Let's start with Paul George who was the 2013 most improved player. He led the Indiana Pacers in scoring with 22.2 per game ranked 10th in the NBA. Along with that he led Indiana with the best record in the East with 41-23. Then you have LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers. Yes that same Aldridge that wanted out in Portland in the offseason. Yet he stayed in Portland. He has both career highs in Points with 23.8 per game which ranked 8th and his 11.4 rebounds per game is 6th. Of course you have the reigning MVP Lebron James. Yes I know he is the 4x MVP and still put in his usual year of 26.8 points per year which ranks him 5th in scoring. Still averages his 7 rebounds and his 6 assists. We all know he is the best player in the game and led Miami to only two games behind the Pacers. James have chance to make it into 4 straight NBA Finals appearances. That is something that Jordan has never done.    

            However my pick for MVP is the man that resides in Oklahoma City. He is telling the league and James that I'm coming for you. His name is Kevin Durant. Now you may wonder why he is your pick for MVP. I know what you're going to say all he does is scores he is the 3 time scoring champ (2010, 2011, 2012) he averages no more than 8.0 rebounds and 5 assists per game, yes I hear you that he failed to get past the Memphis Grizzles in the 2nd round of the Western Conference Playoffs and Yes he was without Russell Westbrook one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA and with Serge Ibaka one of the NBA up and coming Power Forward and my pick for the defensive player of the year award. Well Kevin has made great leaps and bounds on his quest to take the title of best player in the NBA away from James. His 31.5 points per game leads the NBA. He is the NBA most dangerous scorer. This man is 6'9 how has a great handle of a guard. His touch and shooting is something to see. If you are not careful he can put you in a poster. His 51% from the field is tops in the NBA and he still 41.0% from downtown. That is Stephen Curry like. We see a new KD who wants to win a chip now. He leads OKC with the best record in not only the West and also in the league with 43-12. From Jan 07-Jan 29 KD scored at least 30 pts per game and in that stretch he has no less than 4 assists. He is making his teammates Ibaka better and he is becoming a better scorer, Reggie Jackson no Yankee fan not Mr. October. Reggie Jackson is not the dynamic point guard as Westbrook. But he can hold his own. His had career highs in points, assists and rebounds. (13.4 pts, 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds). He is doing this without his running mate Russell Westbrook who missed 27 games with his knee. When healthy he is a walking 21.3 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds per game. It will very interesting to see if when Westbrook comes back will be derail Durant's path to his first MVP for a scoring champ since Kobe Bryant did it in 2007. Yet I still hear people say that is an elite player but can't be that dude in the NBA. Well the way KD is playing he might not only win the MVP and be the 1st scoring champ to win it all since his royal Airness Michael Jordan did it in 1998.

Mouth of the South: John Schiavone Sports Blog

Wow, I guess I’m writing. It’s about time right? I mean you people probably think that I say I run this show mainly cause I have a pulse…..while that’s the case, I know sports as well, in fact well enough to get a spot in the finals of the WFAN Fantasy Phenom Contest.

So why am I gracing my own shows blog when I have others to do this? It’s simple. People need to learn something very important about our city and its sports teams…..Now sit down if you aren’t. If you are reading this while driving, please pull over. If you’re standing on the bus, please sit down. WE ARE NOT GOING TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP IN BASEBALL FOR A LONG LONG TIME!

This is Blasphemy right? How dare I say that! Am I crazy and delusional? No, unfortunately not but let’s take a look at each of our teams Just call this a state of our teams address…..Or the disarray.

Yankees: On the decline, aging superstars, almost no farm system to speak of and now a self imposed team salary cap? This is not the Yankees from the 2000’s or even from the 1990’s that actually built through the farm system. No. This is the end of a dynasty. Jeter is retiring, A-Roid is getting suspended, Cano will be resigned and we will not pick up ANY ONE ELSE! Cashman is serious about this cap. He seems serious about rebuilding but they talk about winning now. SO let’s recap team on decline, aging core, retiring heroes, overpaid busts, no farm system what so ever, half hearted rebuilding AND talk of win now…..A half hearted rebuild is an unsuccessful one. This team is in trouble and in the cellar of the AL East for at least the next 5 years unless a course is definitively picked and followed.

Mets: Do I need to continue? The ownership is so bad we have crazy slasher movie fans wanting to turn the front office into a reboot of a Michael Myers movie! The only headlines the Mets get are when people threaten us or when one of our VERY FEW actually major league ready players gets HURT! This seems to be the only thing this team is good at.

Now a self imposed deadline of “being good in 2014” has arrived but in reality, this team is no where closer to a championship then they were when Alderson took the job. In fact their worse off. We could win the minor league world series but forget a playoff spot. Forget a winning season, hell forget third place! Be realistic. We relied on Harvey and Wheeler to guide us forward, one half is gone. With Harvey down, David Wright pissed nobody on the free agent market and the Mets making systematic errors throughout Alderson’s tender (If you disagree, look at Marcum and ALL 3 OF HIS BULLPENS) I think they are going nowhere. However, we’ve become so accustomed to failure that we would take an 80 win season from our AAA1/2 baseball club that’s worth over $2.05 BILLION DOLLARS!

Recap- No money being spent, no trade talks, no fans coming to the park, and the owners being GOD AWFUL!! (At least Dolan spends money) This team is going nowhere fact. Unless the Mets get bought by the Nets owner, were screwed.

Well there you have it kids. Baseball fans, go watch the cyclones, they have a better on the field product than the Mets….Hey wait, maybe they can let the cyclones play instead of the Mets…..It’s not as if we’d know the difference!!

Mouth

My top 10 Sports Icons/Innovators

Christopher De Lardge                                                                                                   9/17/13

Christopher’s Top Ten Sports Icons/Innovators

            Forty years ago the great tennis icon Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the battle of the sexes in the Houston Astrodome in 1973. This changed the course of sports history in terms of now females can competed with males. Now this got me to thinking; what are my top ten sports icons/innovators of all time. To make this list you have to change your sport both in and outside, use your status to change society, or both. This is not limited to athletes just so you know. Let’s get started and let the debate begin.

1.      Jackie Robinson- The 1^st African American to win Rookie of the Year in 1947. The same year he broke the MLB color barrier. The 1949 NL MVP and a six time all-star. With all the accolades Robinson he lasting impact will be how he changed America in a whole. This man faced the evils of racism in the field and outside. He is the reason why the Civil Rights Movement happened. He was a one man revolution. Make the hall of Fame in 1962. The first African-American to a play-by-play man for MLB on ABC in 1965. Without Jackie Mays, Arron, Banks, Gibson, Rollins, Jeter, Price, and Jones would have never played MLB. His number 42 is retired throughout baseball. “A life is not important except in the impact is has on other lives.”

2.      Billie Jean King- Her 39 Grand Slam Titles is very impressive. Her longing impact is the fight for equal play for ladies in tennis. This lady formed the WTA as a counter to the USTA. In 1968 Title IX made it possible all ladies to have equality in college and pro sports. In 1973 King defeated Bobby Riggs in the battle of the sexes in the Houston Astrodome. Ask the Williams Sisters, Martina, Graf and Maria about King they will tell you that she is one of the most important ladies in the 20^th Century. In 2006 the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City was renamed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

3.      Mohammed Ail- One of the greatest boxers of our generation. He was stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967 for his stance against the Vietnam War. He was the symbol of black empowerment. He was show time he made you watched boxing on ABC’s Wide World of Sports in the 60’s and 70’s every Saturday. These no doubt his is the greatest just ask Forman, Liston and Frazier. This can man talk the talk and he did walk the walk.

4.      Michael Jordan- A six time world champion, A six time NBA Finals MVP, a five time NBA MVP, a two time slam dunk champion and a part of the 1992 Dream Team. He is the greatest player of this generation. He is the first NBA player to have a global brand. He is the winner from within. The Jordan brand of his Nike Sportswear and sneakers is the brand of sportswear. He made the NBA popular in the 1990’s and along with the rise of the NBA of NBC in that same decade. It’s been over ten years since he played in the NBA yet the name Jordan is the symbol of greatness.

5.      Johnny Unitas- A 3x NFL MVP, Hall of famer in 1979, Super Bowl V champ. One of the clutch QB in the 50s and 60s. The founding father of the 3 step, 5 step drop, the four minute and the two minute drill. The face of the NFL and a key player of the 1958 NFL title game against the Giants in Yankee Stadium dubbed “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Where the NFL went to the 1^st sudden death Overtime. Drove to the Giants one yard line and hand the ball to Ameche to win the title. This was the game that made the NFL into the American spotlight. He was the QB that you did not want to face in the last 2 minutes in the game. He is one of the reasons why the NFL rose to become the most watched sport in America.

6.      Howard Cosell- He is the highest sportscaster on this list. He was the voice of Monday Night Football from 1970-1984. A part of ABC’s Wide World of Sports in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He was the voice of boxing. Covered Ali in the 60’s and 70’s. He changed sports casting by a sense of journalistic integrity. He was outspoken on issues of racism in sports. You either loved or hated Cosell but you watched him. He made NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle walk on eggshells because he was the one guy that worked with the NFL that is willing to tick them off. Always tell it like it is. When describing himself Cosell said it best “Arrogant, pompous, obnoxious, vain, cruel, verbose, a showoff. There's no question that I'm all of those things.”   

7.      Steve Sabol- The crowned prince of NFL Films with his father Ed Sabol in 1962 until his death in 2012. His work at NFL Films brought us to close to the sidelines, paint portraits with icons of the games such as Johnny U, Joe Namath, Tom Landry, Jim Brown, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and John Elway. Every game that we see on TV uses all the cinematic elements from the Sabol’s. 35 Emmy Awards that Sabol won for his work. He is the image of the NFL. The true meaning of an innovator.

8.      Wayne Gretzky- The NHL’s version of Michael Jordan. The all time leader in points, goals and assists. A four team Stanley Cup Champion with Edmonton Oilers in the 1980’s. He turned the Rexall Place into his playground always leaving you saying “Did I see what I just saw.” In 1988 Gretzky was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He made the Kings into a playoff and a 1993 Stanley Cup Finals appearance he turned LA a non hockey market to one of the best hockey markets in the NHL. His success in LA make it possible for cites like Tampa, San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, Dallas, Raleigh, Florida, and Nashville all non-traditional hockey markets to have their franchises.

9.      Bryant Gumbel- One of the first African-American studio host. In 1975 NBC hired him to host the NFL Pregame show Grandstand. From 1975-1982 he hosted various sporting events with NBC Sports such as MLB, College Basketball and the NFL. In 1995 two years before he stepped down from The Today Show. He hosted and created HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.  Real Sports has earned 15 sports Emmys, and a 2006 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for broadcast journalism, the first time in the award's history that it was given to a sports program. For me is one of the heroes that I would like to have the same career like. His insight, knowledge and command of the English language is someone that every inspiring sportscaster should strive to me. I’m not there yet but someday I will be.

10.  Arthur Ashe- The symbol of quiet strength in Tennis. He is the 1^st and only African-American to win the US Open, Wimbledon and Australian Open. Despite the USTA barred him to play in their events. A fighter of social justice such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Anti-Apartheid Movement. In the 1980’s Ashe contracted HIV after a blood transfusion. Announced is condition in 1992. He became a fighter for HIV/AIDS treatment until his death in 1993. Ashe life can be best summarized with his best quote “From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life”