Spider-Man: The Legend of Otilino

Once upon a time, Spider-Man lived on the Soccer field.  The years were 2003-2005.  He lived through a magical, goal-scoring forward who played for the Ecuadorian National team, a team that eventually made it out of group play in the 2006 World Cup, only to lose 1-0 to England in the round of 16 on a Beckham free kick.

Otilino Tenorio was ahead of his time.  He was so talented as a youngster growing up that he was signed by an Ecuadorian pro club team when he was 11 years old.  Years later, he was transferred to a Saudi Arabian team and after a stay there, he made his way back to a different Ecuadorian club.

His greatest talents served in the most difficult position of the sport to become successful at. Scoring enough times to earn the reputation of a 'finisher' is tough to do in Soccer, but this was Otilino's job.

He had a knack for finding the net; he was a player able to figure out how to make the goal when all options appeared unavailable.  He used his head, a strike from far out, a dribble and shot or picked up the trash of a loose ball in front of the goal. 

His performance had pizzazz.  He danced with a special motivation after scoring, like he was playing the game for others so they could feel better about their day.  His nickname was the 'joy of football' (la alegria del futbol) and the 'joy of the village' (alegria del pueblo).

Germany Rises to Heavy Favorite for World Cup 2014

'Super' Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich/German Nat'l Team

After the 2013 UEFA Champions League semifinals, Germany has become the obvious choice to win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Typically, in world Soccer circles, the European countries get more adulation and favoritism among critics than the South American countries.  There are economical implications involved in this supposition, but mostly the reason for the European bias as a better overall quality of Soccer is because there are more talented club teams and leagues than in South American countries.

It is a debate that has been around for quite some time and will go on for many more decades.

In fact, the World Cup has only been won by European or South American countries.  Out of 19 total World Cups, European countries have won 10 times and South American countries have won nine times.  As for the runners-up, European countries also have the edge, 15-4.

Should NBA Adopt NFL Playoffs Format?

As it stands now, each NBA playoff team has an idea of who they play in the next round.

Some teams are still battling in the first round, but the second round matchups are set up in a firm tournament format. The one seed plays the winner of the 4-5 seed matchup, while the two seed plays the winner of the 3-6 winner.

The NFL makes it so the Wildcard round winners determine who plays who in the next round.  The lower seed always plays the highest seed.  

If the six seed upsets the three seed, then it is automatic that they play the one seed.  But, what happens often in the NFL playoffs, is that the Divisional round (second round) does not always pan out according to seeds.  

Are Derek Fisher, Kenyon Martin Starting an NBA Trend?

30-Somethings are dominating the NBA these days.  They're everywhere, making their presence felt in crunchtime.

Almost every team in the 2013 playoffs has at least one 30 year-old plus player making a difference:

Ray Allen, Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Chris Anderson, Shane Battier/Miami Heat, Jason Kidd, Pablo Prigioni/New York Knicks, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, Paul Pierce/ Boston Celtics, Kirk Hinrich, Carlos Boozer/Chicago Bulls, Chauncey Billups/LA Clippers, Tayshaun Prince/Memphis Grizzlies, Kyle Korver/Atlanta Hawks, Andre Miller/Denver Nuggets, Nick Collison/OKC Thunder, Pau Gasol, Antawn Jamison/LA Lakers and Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner, Tony Parker/San Antonio Spurs.

There are more 30 year-old plus players on the rosters of playoff teams, but not getting as much playing time:

Marcus Camby, Quentin Richardson/Knicks, Chris Wilcox/Celtics, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller, Juwan Howard/Heat, Richard Jefferson/Golden St. Warriors and Boris Diaw/Spurs.

Then, there's the list of 30 year-old somethings not able to play because of injury:

Will an MLS Goalkeeper Ever Duplicate the 'Scorpion' Kick?

The legendary Columbian goalkeeper, Rene Higuita, perfected the 'Scorpion Kick.'

As the ball approached the goal in the air, Higuita would get his body ready and perfectly time his action to flex his torso and bring his legs back together in the air to boot the ball out away from the goal.

While he is in the air, the entire play resembles how a scorpion looks, thus, the nickname.

Higuita was the Columbian National Team goalkeeper for several years in the late 80's and 90's and made appearances in the 1990 World Cup. He would have been in the 1994 World Cup, but he got involved with the druglord Pablo Escobar and made bad decisions.  His wrongdoing led to time spent in prison.  This time coincided with the '94 WC.

At first glance, the 'Scorpion Kick' looks like a novelty shot.  And, it was.  But, over the years, Higuita honed the art of the kick to reach such a high level, that he would use it in game situations in which the kick would act as a real save.

Can the Miami Heat Go Undefeated in the Playoffs?

Dwayne Wade is day to day with his knee, but it shouldn't matter too much versus the Milwaukee Bucks.  The Heat are expected to dispatch the Bucks in game 4 and await the Brooklyn Nets/Chicago Bulls winner.

The Nets/Bulls series could go the distance of seven games as many 4 versus 5 seeds playoff series do.  The Heat will take the rest either way and plan ahead.

It seems in many eyes of the NBA experts, that the Heat are a foregone conclusion for this year's title.

In many ways, they have had one of the most incredible seasons of all time.  Their 28 game winning streak and their dominant play, led by Lebron James, has put the sporting world on notice.

They seem to have all the intangibles.  Every player knows his role and fits perfectly into the scheme they have for pushing the basketball and finding the winning play on offense or defense.

Finally... A Customer Service Manual for Working with At-Risk Youth

Customer service is the fabric of society.

The fundamentals for customer service have been firmly established in the United States for the retail, restaurant and hotel environments.  People have a good idea for what is pretty good customer service and the not so good customer service.

The Youth Whisperer Handbook-18 Applications to Improve Behaviors in Young People has been published and is available for purchase.

This handbook is the 'Customer Service Standards of Excellence' for professionals working with delinquent and at-risk youth.

Most people wouldn't think of the words 'customer service' and connecting them to at-risk youth, but this term is exactly the reality of expectations for those who have chosen the field.

The clients, the at-risk youth, should be serviced to the best of possibilities, just as people would expect from Burger King to Macy's, and everything above, below and in-between.

Each Application of Youth Whispering gets right to the point and breaks down the challenges faced in working with at-risk youth.

Youth Whispering, as the methodology used, is described in detail throughout the book with vivid examples in theory and application.  Four youth stories are interspersed among the chapters and there is a glossary of terms for further explanations.

The approach is consistently optimistic and strives to teach common-sense and fundamentals to others who want to make a difference with at-risk youth.

'Chapter Titles and Quotes' can be previewed and the book may be purchased by going to the non-profit website, www.YouthWhisperer.org or by clicking here.

What Would Pat Tillman Say About Concussions?

Originallly published April/2012:

The NFL is in a precarious situation now from former players accusing the NFL of not appropriately addressing the dangers of concussions.  The data is not on the NFL's side and it is looking more and more like a class-action lawsuit will eventually be tried in the courts.

Something will have to get settled along the way and it could be a huge one in favor of the former players.

It is looking more and more like this lawsuit will be similar to ones from years ago against cigarette manufacturers, who ended up having to attach labels describing cigarettes as 'hazardous to your health' and 'causes cancer.'

Ultimately, it is likely that future generations of players will be warned prior to signing any contracts of the dangers of the game to their health.

Could the law end up bringing down America's number one sport?

Should Baseball Catchers Practice Tackling?

Zach Greinke of the LA Dodgers is scheduled to make 21 million dollars salary this season.  A.J. Ellis was his catcher Thursday night when Greinke plunked Carlos Quentin of the San Diego Padres and Quentin subsequently charged the mound, ending up breaking Greinke's collarbone.

After reviewing the replay, it is obvious that Ellis moved way too slowly from his position to attempt to protect his couple of tens of millions a year valued, battery mate.  He just wasn't reacting quickly enough.

Without Greinke in the rotation, the Dodgers team and the fans suffer the entire consequences.  Greinke is an integral part in helping the team compete in a division with the returning champs, the San Francisco Giants, and other teams, who want nothing more than to be ahead of the Dodgers because of their highest payroll reputation.

With all this in mind, why didn't Ellis move faster to go after Quentin from behind?  He could have prevented this catastrophe for the Dodgers by stopping the mammoth Quentin from charging the mound, if he would have tackled him at his ankles, or something.

Is/Was Magic Johnson Gay and Why Does It Matter?

There is a lot of research suggesting being gay is hereditary.  Interestingly, much of the research has been conducted on subjects assuming their parents as heterosexuals (see Epigenetics Underlies Homosexuality).

The results have indicated strong gene links from parents will cause a son or daughter's sexual orientation and tendencies (see Chromosone Linkage Studies on this page).

It is highly coincidental that Magic Johnson's son, Earvin Johnson III, aka 'EJ', is openly gay.  When Magic contracted the HIV virus in the early '90's, he denied being gay or bisexual even though only a very small percentage of men have been documented in getting the virus through heterosexual sex.

Was Magic hiding his sexual promiscuity with men in order to protect his reputation?

If this was true, it would make sense for Magic to try and cover it up and protect his reputation.  It could have been the difference in hefty financial endorsements and his future career in the limelight.

2013 CONCACAF Champions League Confirms Liga MX's Superiority Over MLS

What happened Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the first legs of the semifinals of CONCACAF Champions League confirmed what many pundits already thought: Mexico's First Division, Liga MX, is a higher quality soccer league than MLS.

Two of the top Mexican clubs went in as visitors to play the Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy and each won their respective match.  Santos (Laguna), behind American-Hercules Gomez, won 1-0 versus Seattle.  Monterrey beat LA on a late-game winner from one of their stars, Aldo de Nigris, in his fifth season with the club.

In these kinds of international matches, the home team needs to get at least a tie.  A loss at home is a troubling result and a difficult obstacle to overcome in home and home aggregate scoring contests.

At this point, with the matches headed to Mexico for the second legs, it appears a rematch is in order for the Champions League Cup.  In 2012, Santos played Monterrey.  Monterrey won last year and is the Cup holder for two years running, as they beat Real Salt Lake, the year before, in 2011.  

What made the matches of this past week so much more significant was the fact that MLS rescheduled matches in this week for the Sounders and Galaxy for later in the season so they could prepare for Champions play.  

Hercules Gomez Gets Lone Goal Versus Seattle Sounders in Champions League

Hercules Gomez, the rising U.S. National Team star, booted in the only goal of the game to help his club, Santos (Laguna) of the Mexican 1st Division, win the first leg of its Semifinal in CONCACAF Champions League.

The Seattle Sounders fared well at CenturyLink Field Tuesday night, but the biggest highlight belonged to Gomez.

The match was an evenly played affair with more chances to score overall for the Sounders.  Losing to a U.S. National player makes it a little easier to swallow except for the fact that he's not in an American club uniform.

Do Boxaerobics, Fitness Combat Classes Attract More Women as Spectators to MMA?

Originally published March/2013:

Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga and many other self-defense, combat-oriented classes have been part of the American fitness scene for years.  Over the last few years, many other boot camp, attack strength and boxing style classes have also been absorbed into the fitness genre.

Many of these newer fitness classes are marketed to women for aerobics workouts.  Women of all ages can be seen in gyms boxing and kicking their ways to getting into great shape.

Women are now much more accustomed to the positioning of a fighter than ever before in American history.  They can bob and weave, punch and uppercut, sidekick and frontkick with no problems, left hand or right hand, left foot or right foot.

The strategies for boxing and kickboxing are learned as the workout grinds from start to finish and women have a much better appreciation for the skills than past generations may have had for them.

Ronda Rousey is making a lot of noise in MMA now as her star has risen to the top of the MMA food chain.  There had been questions whether women should participate in MMA.  The chief in charge of UFC, Dana White, had his own doubts about women's participation.  Rousey has erased those doubts for White and for a good percentage of MMA fans.

Women are not competing in MMA to the same rate as the men are, but competition is flourishing as more women than ever are submitting their bodies to the sport.

What effects are all the fitness boxing, kickboxing classes having on participation and on spectatorship?  It would seem women are a demographic open for exploration in these sports.

Manu Ginobili Retiring After End of Season?

The first report from the 1250am ESPNSA Radio show 'The Blitz' was that Manu Ginobili would be out 3-4 weeks and would miss the rest of the regular season.

Later in the show, the two deejays, Jason Minnix and former All-Pro Dallas Cowboy linebacker Dat Nguyen, chimed in with more 'breaking' news-saying a source was indicating that Manu would be retiring at the end of the season.  The source was citing the injuries for Manu were adding up and he would not be signing a new contract.

Apparently, the switchboard lit up.

Manu is considered the most popular of the 'Big 3' in San Anton.  Duncan's legendary career and Parker's Finals MVP and most recent seasons of incredible play still put them behind Ginobili in the Alamo City.  There are always more jerseys with #20 than any other at Spurs home games.

Will Rodman Invite Jordan, Pippen for His Next Trip to North Korea?

Originally published early March/2013

Dennis Rodman says he is going back again to meet with the 28 year-old dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong-un.  On his next trip, who will accompany him?

More Harlem Globetrotters would certainly be a good idea.  Possibly, the Washington Generals could also go.

What if Rodman could bring Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen to watch with him and the dictator?  This would be quite a coup for 'basketball diplomacy.'  The three great players from the Chicago Bulls championship years of 1996-1998 together again, but this time, to make world peace.

Or, should Rodman bring Ron Artest, aka-Metta World Peace?

It is the Bulls dynasty which Kim Jong-un remembers most from his childhood.  The glory days of the NBA in the 1990's is what made the biggest impression on him.

Video: 80's Movie Describes Soccer's Awe

There may never be a more touching description of Soccer's power to affect the masses.  In the 1985 movie, Vision Quest, the late actor J.C. Quinn, playing Elmo, a blue-collar guy with friendly advice, gets the honor of handling some beautiful writing.

Vision Quest is a movie about a high-school wrestler, Louden Swain, who pursues a match with the state's best wrestler.  In it, Quinn tells Mathew Modine's character, Louden Swain, about one of Pelé's fantastic goals.

The movie develops many characters while telling a story of persistence and eccentricity.  Elmo's descriptions of the goal and how the crowd reacted are a reminder of why Soccer is referenced so often as the world's 'beautiful game.'

This part of the movie is Louden's wake-up call for that night's wrestling match against state champion, Brian Shute.

Louden was moping around, feeling sorry for himself after losing his girlfriend, when he stops by to visit with his co-worker, Elmo.  They know each other from a big hotel, where Louden works part-time doing room service and Elmo is full-time as a cook.

Are the Miami Heat Prepping to Break 72-10 Next Season?

The Miami Heat are working towards quite a feat in trying to break the record for most consecutive wins this season.  The record of 33 games was set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers.

If they get the record and win this year's championship, the Heat will undoubtedly be recognized as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.  If they don't get the record, but still get close to it and end up winning the championship,  there will be some recognition for them as one of the greatest.

The Heat want greatness and they want to go down in the annals of NBA history as an unstoppable force which won often and with a certain level of superiority over the rest of the teams.  Simply put, they want to be considered as the best ever.

To be the best ever, they want to surpass the comparisons to the Chicago Bulls of the Michael Jordan era.  The Heat can match Hall Of Famers and they have a 'Big 3'.  While the Bulls had Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the Heat offer up Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.  For the Heat, Ray Allen is also in the mix.  Bosh may not make the HOF, but James, Wade and Allen will.

The Curious Case of Jadeveon Clowney and Academic Integrity in the Business of College Football

Originally published February/2013

When it was suggested last week by media sources that South Carolina's star defensive player (#7), Jadeveon Clowney, would be better off to sit out his junior season instead of risking injury by playing, the eyes and ears of sports talk in America perked up.

Sports talk took an interest because of the unusual situation Clowney finds himself in, one year away from a big payday, yet with expectations to fulfill his college tuition contract.

Actually, the situation may not be as unusual as many sports talkers think.  It's certainly possible for many college football player athletes to sit out one or even two seasons to ensure they are three years removed from high school, healthy and within the rules to be considered for the NFL draft.

Clowney's case is unique because he would be considered the possible number one pick in this year's NFL draft and if he chooses not to play and just workout for one year, he would still likely end up the number one pick, or top five at least for next year's draft.

Clowney has become the coverboy and caricature for how ridiculously dishonest college football has become.

The bending of college football rules of integrity have been taking place out in the open for decades, since the 70's.  And, for the most part, not too many pundits have taken a public stand against the massive cheating, lying and deception being played out on dozens of campuses throughout the country.

No Texas Teams Qualify for 'The Big Dance'-2013 NCAA Tournament

On a day when four Texas college basketball schools had a chance for an automatic bid for the NCAA tournament, it turns out none were able to win their respective conference title game.  Texas went 0 for 4 on Saturday and more than likely 0 for Texas for the tournament.

It went down like this.

It was probably a foregone conclusion for Texas to have a rough day, when late in the afternoon, the Prairie View A&M Panthers lost by one point in the Southwestern Athletic Conference tourney final to the Southern University Jaguars from Lousiana.

Next up were two games going off at close to the same time, Houston Baptist versus Chicago State and Stephen F. Austin versus Northwestern State of Louisiana.

Will Texas Have Any Teams Make the 2013 NCAA Tournament?

The year of parity in college basketball seems to have skipped over the state of Texas.  The schools in Texas are below the average of the average.

It doesn't appear any Texas major school will make it in.  Baylor, Texas, A&M, Tech are all having down seasons.

Could it be the powerhouse state will be without any entries in this year's Big Dance?

Just when the possibility appears to have arrived, two schools only 45 minutes from one another, playing in a little-known conference have given the Lone Star State the smallest of breaths.

Believe it or not, it looks like Texas college hoops hopes rest in teams with 21 Losses each.

Texas State University in San Marcos and the University of Texas San Antonio with 21 losses each have advanced to the semifinals of the WAC tourney.  They won't play each other in the semis, but Friday in Las Vegas will see them both in action fighting for a WAC Finals appearance.

Seattle Sounders-LA Galaxy Win This Time, Avenge 2012 Champions League Quarterfinals Losses

Both the Sounders and Galaxy were able to put to rest last year's disappointing losses as favorites in the quarterfinals round of CONCACAF Champions League play with impressive aggregate wins in this year's quarterfinal rounds over rivals Tigres of Mexico and Heredia of Costa Rica.

Seattle's win was a comeback win Tuesday night in front of their raucous home crowd with 3 goals in a row to answer a 2-0 deficit and win the aggregate 3-2.  The Sounders played the second half with a man advantage after a Tigres player was redcarded late in the first half.

After a scoreless draw in Costa Rica last week, LA started strong Wednesday night on their home turf with one goal early and three more added in the second half, including one goal and one assist from Robbie Keane.  LA went on to win 4-1 and win the aggregate 4-1.

For Seattle and LA to meet in the Cup final, they will both be aggressively tested first by two reputable Mexican sides, Santos and Monterrey.

Monterrey is the two-time defending Champion Cup winner.  Last year, Monterrey beat Santos in the final.

Was This the Greatest Rock Music Live Performance Ever?

What does it take to be called the greatest live performance of one song ever performed?  Firstly, it takes a great song.  Check to that-'Stairway to Heaven' is definitely a great song.

What else?  How about a multitude of varied string, brass, electric and acoustic instruments and not just one choir, but two of them.  Check again.

Wonderful musicians and choral arrangements performing at their peak.  Check again.

And, to top it off a lead singer who can match note for note the way the song is supposed to be sung. Ann Wilson of the band Heart did not miss a thing.  She hit every high note.  In fact, she reminded people of why Heart is going into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

San Antonio Spurs Stand Pat, Clobber Clippers

Sometimes, the best move is no move.

The trade deadline came and went Thursday.  There were rumors of Al Jefferson, Josh Smith and J.J. Redick on their way to the Spurs.  But, none of it came to fruition.  More than likely, the rumors were just that, rumors.

It looks like Spurs management is pretty satisfied with the roster.

Interestingly, the whole roster (with the exception of super sophomore-Kawhi Leonard out with soreness in knee) played and scored on the TNT's second-bill Thursday night.

Thursday's NBA action produced two blowouts.  Ironically, both were entertaining in their own ways.

First, the Heat laid it on the Bulls in Chicago.  Then, the other visitor to play, the Spurs, gave it to the Clips.

These two teams, the Heat and Spurs, look like the cream of the crop of the NBA.  They could be on a crash course for each other, but the playoffs are a whole other world.

Did the Clippers mojo get stalled by two former all-stars?

In 2013, MLS Leans on Thierry Henry to Carry the Load

David Beckham brought the signature team in MLS a mini-dynasty.  Beckham left MLS after two straight Cup titles.

Beckham's MLS tenure was the perfect storm for MLS, as the league grew by teams, attendance and publicity.  Beckham brought amazing goals and assists and topped things off by winning.

Now, it's Thierry Henry's turn.  So far in his first three seasons, his brilliance on the field has been sporadic, but, other-worldly when on display.  His quickness, feet play, corners, assists and headers are thrilling.  He has definitely had his share of great involvement with many goals in MLS.

But, the New York Red Bulls have not benefited from Henry's play when it has come to the playoffs or any of the Cups, including U.S. Open and Champions League.

Henry will have to rally his team and the League, especially after an off-season of attrition that MLS suffered as so many known players left on transfer or free agency.

Will Hooters Soon Be Promoting Sexy Male Servers?

It used to be waiters and waitresses, stewards and stewardesses.  Political Correctness came about and renamed the positions, servers and flight attendants.  The U.S. is becoming more and more gender-neutral every day. Society keeps evolving.

Women are now officially able to serve in the infantry.  Women have been serving the U.S. Armed Forces for generations at home and abroad, but there had never been direct access for them to the front lines of war.  The decision to change the mandate was made by U.S. Generals and the Secretary of Defense with the blessing of the President.

The laws and societal norms dictate that women should be held accountable for crimes equal to men. Women teachers having sex with their male minor students are being charged with sexual assault and receiving prison terms for their convictions.  The boys having sex with the teachers aren't looked at as macho anymore.  Now, they are judged to be victims.

Did Joe Paterno Affect the Pope's Decision to Retire?

When something hasn't happened for 600 years or so, it will be distinguishable.

The Pope's resignation last week was an event that hadn't taken place in centuries, six of them.

Many believe the Pontiff wanted to make an example out of himself to show other Catholic leaders for the future how they may consider retirement as a better option than trying to lead a church while in old age.

Pope Benedict XVI was not suffering from any health defects that would have prevented him from continuing to lead.  It seems he felt that to manage big responsibilities in a new media world, it would be better to make a decision he feels most confident with while his cognitive abilities are at full strength.

It goes without saying that he knows the child sex abuse scandals that have rocked the Catholic Church for the last couple of decades was a big part of how and why he made his decision to move on gracefully and with dignity.  The Pope seems aware to the fact that age and ego together are not a good combination to depend on when trying to manage hundreds of other people in the organization.

Who did the Pope learn his lessons from?

Prediction for League Leading San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs keep getting mentioned as the gold-standard of professional sports organizations.  They deserve it as they stay a winner consistently year to year.

They had an amazing year in 2012 as they played in 119 regular season and playoff games.

At the All-Star break, the Spurs are the NBA's best record at 42-12, 2 1/2 games ahead of the nearest competition, the OKC Thunder.

Led by the amazing Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs appear headed back to the NBA Finals.

In four finals of the Tim Duncan era, the Spurs have captured the title in all 4 possible scenarios.  They won in five against the Knicks in '99, in six against the Nets in '03, in seven against the Pistons in '05 and in four against the LeBron Cavs of '07.

This season has seen a coming out party for two important cogs in the Spurs machine, Kawhi Leonard and Tiago Splitter.  Both are taking on their roles and playing fluid, team ball.

It Shouldn't Be Hard for Lakers Fans to Become Clippers Fans

Is it really hard to be a fan of more than one team in a sport?

It seems in past sports history, fans were less fickle and more diehard for their team.  In contemporary times, its a whole new ballgame for fans.

It's not hard to be a fan of multiple teams in one sport.  Everyone knows this.

Having more than one team to root for means more chances to be on the winning side.  Fantasy teams, the culture of fashion (hats, jackets, etc.) and following college players are just some reasons for fans to latch on to another pro team.

Being a fan of more than one team can be most convenient when the teams share the same arena or stadium.  In the NBA, the Lakers and Clippers share.  In MLS, Chivas USA and the Galaxy share. And, for New York football fans, there are two teams sharing a stadium together for decades.

Does Wrestling Find Its World Cup Now?

The news from the Olympics to leave wrestling out of its events list is ridiculous and not likely to last long.

Wrestling has been a signature event in Olympics history.  It may have lost some of its luster in some of the more recent Games, but it doesn't deserve to be shelved.

Without wrestling, Iran versus the U.S. in sports practically never happens.

In fact, many intriguing international matchups take place in the sport.  The different weights to make for the mats have had a fair share of interesting characters and countries involved over the years.

The NFL Should Add 8 More Teams

Adding 8 more teams/cities to the NFL would amount to a total of 40 teams, from 32.  The eight divisions would have 5 teams each, instead of 4.  The question is, what cities (metro areas) should new franchises be awarded to?

Before discussing the cities, it's important to discuss whether 8 more teams would be reasonable for the NFL, economically speaking.

Many analysts would scoff at the idea of bringing in so many more teams.

They would say that the abundance of teams will have a negative effect on the bottom line because the league would be spreading itself too thin.

It depends on perception.  There could be less percentage of profits available for the 32 teams, but it also depends on how success is measured.

Jacksonville has fulfilled its obligations at every level, but the league demands more.  They want more gate money and a flawless reputation.

Montero Loss Adds One More Challenge for MLS

#17, Fredy Montero, the Columbian charismatic forward of the Seattle Sounders, has been transferred to a Columbian club team for the 2013 season.  This is not a good move for the Sounders or MLS.

Surely, the Sounders have been compensated well for Montero, but was it absolutely necessary to give Montero up for the season?

Montero joins David Beckham as premier players who are not returning to MLS for the 2013 season.  They were two of the biggest names in a sport lacking big names.

Montero was known well in the U.S. because of his finishing ability as a goal-scorer for the Sounders.  He is the all-time leading scorer for the Sounders and scored their very first goal in MLS history.

Should NBA 6th Men Be Announced with Starting 5 in Pregame Intros?

James Harden, '12 winner

The names of the starting lineups (starting 5) and head coaches are announced before the tip to every NBA game.  It is a custom that has been part of the NBA for a very long time, possibly since its inception.  The only other custom before a game more noteworthy is the performance of the national anthem.

Things get more personalized as the college name or hometown of the player is also given a mention.  It is an honor for players who have paid their dues to not just make it onto an NBA roster, but to be part of the first '5' on a team.

The Sixth Man of the Year award has been an annual award in the NBA since 1983.  The award is a prestigious one given to a player who is first coming off the bench and making a big impact for his team.

Should NBA Sixth men also be announced before games with the starting five?  One more shout out in pre-game intros couldn't hurt.

How about a compromise?  Former Sixth Men of the Year who still come off the bench get the shout out.  Ben Gordon ('05), Mike Miller ('06), Leandro Barbosa ('07) and a few others get to tell everybody their hometown or university they attended every pre-game.

This year's crop of top 'sixth men' are mostly guards.  Some are previous winners.  Here is top 6 Sixth Men to battle for this year's award.

Jim Harbaugh's Coaching Reputation at Stake in 49ers Versus Packers

This week's NFL Division round playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers is the true test on whether Jim Harbaugh's decision to change quarterbacks, to go permanently with his back-up, Collin Kaepernick, was the right one or not.

Alex Smith, the original first string quarterback of the Niners, already proved last season he can guide his team past the Division round of the playoffs.  Smith lost with his team in the Conference championship in overtime versus the New York Giants after securing a win against the New Orleans Saints.

This won't be any kind of walk in Candlestick Park for Kaepernick and his offense.  The Packers on defense are at their healthiest highpoint of all year.  It will be a knock it out, drag out type of game.

The question is whether the pressure will get to Kaepernick and he will make that one fatal mistake quarterbacks are known to make when the heat is turned up and there's everything to lose.  He hasn't been making key errors so far.  He has just 3 picks (interceptions) with 10 touchdowns thrown on the season.  But, undoubtedly, this game on Sunday is bigger than any other game in his career.

Where does Alex Smith go from here?  What if Kaepernick can't handle the pressure?

Will Beckham's Departure Mean Decline in MLS Relevance?

How important was David Beckham to Major League Soccer?  Was he so big that the sport will suffer without him?

During the offseason, MLS has made almost no noise to get the attention of sports fans.  It's just crickets for MLS.  (Exception:  One huge credit goes to MLS for hosting Soccer night for Newtown, Ct. children.)

It seems every offseason, MLB, NFL and the NBA are making all kinds of moves and are somewhere in the media spotlight.  Whether it's baseball's winter meetings, football's rules committee or basketball free agency, something seems to always be going on for fans to relate to.

American Soccer fans have to be disappointed to have reached the end of the line with Beckham.  He was producing and he made a significant difference in attracting fans to MLS.

Mission Accomplished: Beckham is Pele's Equal.

So, what is there to look forward to in MLS, from a national standpoint?

Baseball Misses Mark on HOF 2013 Vote

Any fan of baseball, including writers with votes for the Hall Of Fame, should have been rooting for contemporary inductees in this year's ballots.

Unfortunately, it did not happen.

MLB lost an opportunity to shine the light on some outstanding players from recent times and from a couple decades back.

For all that baseball has gone through over the past 15 years, the steroids scandals, the overpaid salaries, the empty ballparks late in the season and the general decline in popularity versus football and basketball, it could have benefited greatly by providing a theater for deserving players, ones who will most likely make it in future years, anyways.

The message is loud and clear.  McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens and Palmeiro don't get a Hall pass.

But, Craig Biggio and Mike Piazza, two impacting players, who lasted a very long time, should have made it this year.  Tim Raines and Jack Morris are two players from a generation prior that should also have made it.

San Antonio Spurs end 2012 with 82-37 Record

An 82 wins and 37 losses record is not bad for some old guys.  But, there's no championship or NBA Finals appearance to show for it, so far.

The strike shortened season of 2011-12 created an unusual schedule with games bundled more closely on the sports calendar. The Spurs were 47-15 in the regular season (50-16 overall) and 10-4 in the playoffs.

For the beginning of the 2012-13 season, they went 25-8 through December.

All together, the winning percentage for 2012 was 69%.  This is pretty good for a long stretch (119 total games).

In a full baseball season of 162 games, 69% would equal 112 wins.

The Spurs made some noise Wednesday with the possible signing of former Washington State standout, Aron Baynes, from Australia.  He's a seven footer.  This may be the missing piece the Spurs were looking for as they pursue a fifth championship in the Duncan era.  (Note to Readers: Deal for Baynes is still not signed, sealed and delivered.  FIBA may be delaying the processing of Baynes' arrival to the team.  The signing was reported as a done deal by CBSsports.com...click here and other news outlets.)

Americanize Soccer's 2012 Sportsman of the Year: Oscar Pistorius

South African sprinter amputee Oscar Pistorius may be an unconventional choice for athlete of the year, but, his accomplishments in sports this year, particularly at the Olympics, can not be ignored for its bravery and unparalleled achievement.

Pistorius made Olympic history with his entry into the 400 meters and 4 x 400 meter relay races.  It was not just Olympic history, though, it was world history.

Pistorius took all the odds against him and threw them away into oblivion, as he raced around the track like a futuristic and bionic marvel. The 'Blade Runner' nickname suits him perfectly.

Lebron James is the conventional choice for athlete of the year and there is nothing wrong with this choice.  Lebron not only won so many honors and championships, but he also turned the public's ire and scorn for him into respect and admiration.  He did this mostly through humility.  Lebron had to lose first with missteps along the way to finally figure out how to win big on the court and in the eye of the public.

San Antonio Spurs Newest Commercial May Be Their Funniest; Top 6 Best Duncan, Parker Ginobili Tv Spots

Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have done quite a few funny commercials together over the last couple of years.  Playing ten plus seasons together will get you comfortable with one another.

It used to be Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen and Manu doing the spots.  After a couple of years, Tim joined in to do some and then last year, the 'Big 3' settled into their acting roles together for a whole season.

This season started off pretty good with another new addition, Pop.  Coach Poppovich has joined the fun now for the supermarket chain HEB commercials to endorse their products.

One never knows which of the 'Big 3' gets to be in on the joke or be the brunt of it.  It seems to rotate among the players.

Should 20th MLS Team be the Winner of a Minor Leagues Cup?

With Beckham's departure, MLS is left with a void to fill.  The void will not be filled by any one player because Beckham was in a category all his own.  He was part great Soccer player and part great marketing machine.

A couple of players are close to his status.  Didier Drogba and Kaká have the Soccer pedigrees and Clint Dempsey is close to being an American icon, but sadly none would completely match what Beckham brought to MLS.  

So, the question must be asked, what other kind of promotion could raise the MLS profile and help build momentum for the future of the league?

How about a contest among minor league pro Soccer teams that gives one of the teams a one-year pass (free of charge) to play in MLS.  The winner gets to play one full season in MLS without any franchise fees. 

This kind of competition will rally fans in minor league cities while raising awareness for pro Soccer throughout the U.S. 

The Top 5 Most Futile Pro Sports Teams

The criteria for this list involves franchises who have not changed cities or nicknames and have never made it to a championship final in their respective sport.  A minimum of 35 years is used to gauge a futile existence.

Teams reviewed were picked from the NFL, NBA and MLB.  The NBA Finals, World Series and Super Bowl are the significant events being evaluated.  (NFL Championships prior to Super Bowl I are not considered for the purposes of this list.)

These teams have never felt the face-to-face time with the American public that an organization gets by reaching the last game of the season.

10 Rules Changes to Enhance MLS

Amendments are meant to assist the shortcomings that have followed the game under FIFA's watch.

FIFA has been slow to evolve.  This is not anything new and just about anyone would agree.

American sports fans have high demands for their sports and they insist on common sense and the best possible drama in every match.

Ten (10) Proposed Rule Amendments/Changes for Professional Soccer:

Top 7 NBA Team Nicknames that Should Be Replaced

With the news that Tom Benson is buying the NBA franchise New Orleans Hornets, it seems like a good time to review piss-poor unoriginal nicknames, like the Hornets, or inappropriate nicknames that don't fit well, like the Jazz in Utah.

Benson may consider re-naming the team to start a new era and try to benefit from the brand marketing of a different nickname.  If a new nickname can galvanize the area, interest in the team may go up, too.

Can Benson try to bargain to get the Jazz back for his team in New Orleans and put things like they should be.  The world can seem upside-down when some of these team names travel to foreign lands.

Nicknames should try to represent an area's uniqueness or attempt to instill pride for how a team plays. Many times, nicknames are carried forth from past franchises only as a source of nostalgia.

Photos: Is Pompis the Next Sensation in Sports-Themed Restaurants?

Pompis outside of Dallas in Mesquite, Texas wants their piece of the action among sports-themed restaurants.

The single-franchise restaurant has a spacious interior and exterior for dining, socializing and watching sports.  There are two dozen or so Tvs set up for patrons to view all sporting events, though Pompis specializes in Soccer.

Plenty of the marketing efforts are geared towards Latinos, beginning with the name, Pompis, which means buns in Spanish.  Not hot dog buns, human buns.

Female servers show off an appetizing Pompis look from head to toe, including sneakers and athletic socks.

Pompis looks like it has all the qualities for a sports restaurant that could catch on quickly and become popular with the general public.

Everyone is made to feel comfortable.  The food is good and the prices are convenient.

The Soccer Scarf: A Transplanted Accessory that Doesn't Make Sense

When Soccer scarves pop up among Soccer fans in MLS stadiums, they seem pretentious and out of place.  It seems like American Soccer fans are trying too hard to be something they're not.

Soccer in the U.S. is played mainly in the spring and summer months.  It is not played in winter months when scarves would be most necessary to keep warm.

Its hard to say who sets the worse example, the fans or the commissioner.

Don Garber tries hard to bring his scarf to interviewing situations whenever possible, as do so many other executives involved with pro Soccer.  Often, a press conference for any new team or new product for a team becomes one more chance to show off the team's scarf.

Scarves are a borrowed, unoriginal, marketing opportunity to get U.S. Soccer fans brainwashed to how things have to be in the world's order of Soccer.

NFL Considered Proposal for Competing Pro Soccer League

Seattle Seahawks/Sounders Stadium

According to emails and interviews, AmericanizeSoccer.com can confirm the National Football League (NFL) received a proposal in 2007 to start a pro Soccer league to compete against Major League Soccer (MLS) for the months of March through August/September.  It appears though, the proposed new Soccer league, never made it to the desk of the commissioner, Roger Goodell.

Sources reveal the proposal was rejected by the Communications/PR Director at that time and he had not consulted with Goodell.  At the time, his statement read that their focus was expanding their football base and expanding internationally; Soccer was not in their plans. 

New details have emerged about the proposal and what was being considered.

Matt Hill, a former Public Relations executive with the NFL, was the person who received the proposal.  He has said that there was a lot of positive discussion about the possibility of having a pro Soccer league play in the dormant NFL stadiums during the off-season, but the idea got killed off pretty quickly.

Americanizing Soccer for the U.S. Sports Fan pt. 7

The most aesthetically displeasing of all Soccer plays is the goalkeeper punt (punting is dropping the ball from the air with the hands with or without a quick bounce).  It’s awful to watch.  It hurts the flow of the game and looks out of place compared to the rest of the game.

The inartistic nature and brute force of the kick doesn’t blend in with the rest of the skills that make Soccer the world’s most ‘beautiful game.’  The punt delivers more than just concussions for the players who receive them with their heads.  It subconsciously changes how the game is strategically played.

Does NHL Lockout Open the Door for MLS to Become the 4th Most Popular Sport?

There was a time in the mid 1970's when the NHL had only 18 teams.  By the late 1970's, the league had 22 teams.  It was partly due to Wayne Gretzsky's influence that the NHL was able to increase expansion and form over time to the league it is now with 30 teams.

Hockey has been considered by sports pundits to be the fourth most important pro sport in the U.S.  Hockey cards were popular in the 70's, sports reporters rattled off scores during their sports broadcasts for decades and fighting has always been an attraction for fans.

Even though Soccer has been the most played sport by youth for decades, hockey has seemingly always fallen in line behind football, basketball and baseball in popularity as a spectator sport.

Mission Accomplished: Beckham Is Pelé's Equal

Editor's Note:  In honor of Beckham's announced retirement from the LA Galaxy, it felt like the right time to have another look at this article originally posted in July of 2012.  

In regards to U.S. professional Soccer development, from recognition to acceptance, Beckham is Pelé's equal.

If David Beckham never made another goal in MLS, it wouldn't matter.  He has surpassed hopes.  His mission is accomplished.

While it would be horrible and a hard pill to swallow if Beckham was to get hurt and not be able to play again or play to his same abilities (knock on wood), his contribution to boost the MLS profile and pro Soccer in the U.S. is a story of fulfilled expectations that very few athletes can claim.

He has carried the sport for a while.  He was fortunate because he had America's sacred one, the legend, Landon Donovan, with him for the ride.  Donovan has been Beckham's branding partner with the Galaxy, just as Pelé had Beckenbauer with the New York Cosmos.

Beckham is an MLS champion and has made Soccer in the U.S. more exciting to watch.

Pelé scored more goals and won more championships than Beckham, but the effect they've had on the game in the U.S. is basically equal.

Does Nor'easter Forecast a Shorter MLS Season?

The New York Red Bulls/D.C. United match had to be rescheduled Wednesday night due to snow.  MLS Cup 2012 is scheduled for December 1st.  What will the weather be like, then?

The game's location will not be determined until the finalists have won their semifinal matches.  The Cup is played this season at the home of the finalist team with the better record.

Is this Nor'easter part of Global Warming and a bigger effect on all sports, especially the outdoors ones, baseball, football and Soccer?  In the future, will the weather force MLB and MLS to end their seasons in September?

Or, does it just make overall better sense anyways for MLS to finish its season earlier in the yearly calendar?  Having the season end as the NFL is in its beginning stages and the NBA hasn't officially started may be a better way to galvanize the American sports fan's attention.

Are Ties in MLS Playoffs Un-American?

Ties in the playoffs?  It happened in the first home game of two home and home series of the MLS playoffs.

Seattle/Salt Lake and New York/D.C. played to 0-0 and 1-1 results respectively in their first games of the playoffs.

American sports fans are learning the FIFA-centric ways.  Home and home series are decided by the combined goals of the two games.

The next/last home game of each series will be played until a winner is determined.  If the tie is not broken by the end of regulation in these games, there is overtime and then penalty kicks to settle the score.

The question needs to be asked.  Is this style of playoffs good enough for the high drama expectations of American sports fans.

Should fans pay money to see a game in the playoffs that is not settled with a win or loss?  Wouldn't playing two out of three be a more optimal format?