I'm not going to play. I'm hurt. PSYCH!!!!!!

     Now, I have to say I saw this coming.  For those of you who feel this news is "out of left field" or some other analogy allow me to hit you with the following video.



Yes, you can officially say that you have been rick rolled by Peyton Manning.  About a week or so ago, word came out about Peyton's availability in the first regular season game against my beloved Houston Texans on September 11th.  As he was coming off neck surgery, the possibility loomed that he would miss the first game and perhaps more as he has not practiced and been on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list.  Today, Manning was activated off of that list and practiced lightly today.  Personally, yours truely had a good idea that he was playing possum a tad and would eventually start practicing.  Maybe he caught a bit of Farve-itis and decided that camp wasn't really for him.  Whatever the reason, I have a feeling that he'll be ready for opening day.  I only hope that the Texans new defensive scheme brings them better results then years past.

Much Luck,

Joe

Homeward Bound? Buyer Beware...

     There was a time when Plaxico Burress was a highly effective receiver who commanded a lot of attention.  Then there was a slight incident involving him, a night club, a loaded weapon and a whole bunch of stupidity.  2 years later and Plax is released from prison and ready to continue his NFL career.  Now, after 2 years in jail the soon to be 34 year old is looking for work.  Apparently, some teams may think that he will just pop out of prison like Michael Vick and capable of producing or contributing.  Let's see.  He is 34, hasn't played football is two and a half years and hasn't exactly been known as a "people person" in the locker room.  If that wasn't enough, there have been a few news reports out there saying that the Steelers and Giants are talking to him about returning.  Now, I'm just an average sports joe (nice plug) and i'd like to think the Steelers and Giants know a lot more then I do about football and Plax, but I would be cautious.  His talent back then would have made him a great number two receiver and a possible good number one.  Again, 2 plus years away, shot himself in the leg and a knucklehead.  Hey, if it works out kudos to the Giants and Steelers on making sure his head/game is right.  If not, you knew what you were getting into and I have no sympathy for you.  How do you think Plax will fare this year?

Much Luck,

Joe

Forget Brett! McNabb Coming's to Minnesota.

Oh Donovan, I remember when you were booed at the draft.  I remember when everyone in Philadelphia wanted you......to get lost and never wear a Eagles jersey.  I remember when you showed them you had game and lead them to multiple NFC championship games.  I even recall saying "what the hell!" when I heard that the Washington Redskins acquired you in a trade with the Eagles.  Lastly, I recall you playing pretty poorly.  Now, for some reason, I feel you are slightly becoming this year's QB who's name I shall not speak.  I will say that he was in a pretty damn funny movie with Cameron Diaz.  Word on the street today as being reported by multiple media outlets that he will be dealt from Washington to the Minnesota Vikings for a 6th round pick in 2012 and a conditional pick in 2013.  It's nice to know that the Vikings are going from one media circus at QB to another.  At least it will give me something to write about every week.  It will either be "McNabb is Back" and leading the Vikes to a deep playoff run or "McNabb finally got his AARP card in today" as the Vikes start scouting for the draft around week 9 or 10.  Hey Minnesota, forget Ringling Brothers!  You got Donovan McNabb.  How do you think  Donovan will fair?

Much Luck,

Joe

Look Who's Back!

     Well, well, well.  After what could only be described as super long sports hiatus, the Average Sports Joe has returned!  I had taken a little time off to recharge the battery a little, however the dominoes of delay hit me more then Clark Griswold on his way to Wally World.  Good news is that I made it back home, got my picture with Marty Moose and ready to start hitting up the news of the sports world from the average sports fan point of view.  So, what did I miss?

LeBron Watch!!! 3 Way in Miami or Home Sweet Home?

Well, it's not quite the "Panda Watch" that was so well covered by Brian Fantana, but the NBA and people from all over are probably asking themselves the same question.  Where in the world in Lebron James playing next year?   Guess what peeps?  We're all going to find out tonight when 'bron 'bron is going to do his best 2pac impression by having "all eyez on me" tonight at 8pm CST on ESPN.  I'm not entirely sure why Lebron needs to have a 1 hour special just to annoucnce where he is going to play next year.  Is he going to have the 5 hats on the table, pick one up and pretend to put it on then put it down and pick the real one up and put it on?  C'mon 'bron.  Your better then that.  Just do what other major sports stars do.  Call a quick 10-15 minute presser, say where your going to play and why, do a phone/tv interview with every available media market, local and national.  Hit up the day time scene with Oprah and Ellen then hit the late scene with Leno and Letterman.  Your already a major star in the NBA and probably the world.  Do you really need a 1 hour special man?  Anyway, word came down last night the Lebron is slated to join Chris Bosh and D-Wade in Miami to play with the Heat.  If it's true, I don't have the faith that this could work.   Don't get me wrong, i'd like to see it work.  On paper, it would be like one of the video game teams where you trade no names for the big players and you have all star team.  However, there are so many x factors it's not even funny.  Salary, ego, bench, ego, coaching, ego, injuries and lastly ego.  All I can say is good luck 'bron wherever you decide your going to play.  After the fill in the blank city reopens after you announce your playing there, it'll be time to focus on winning. 

Much Luck,

Joe

T-Mac Coming Back??? Well, Sorta and Maybe.

     Interesting article from John Haverford of Bleacherreport.com about Houston's most beloved athlete to ever grace a Rocket's jersey, Tracy McGrady.  (Ok, I'm guessing you picked up the sarcasm in my text)  In the article, McGimme the ball is interested in signing with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and has already let his agent and close friends know according to a source in the Laker front office.  Another former Houston Rocket is reaching out to T-Mac to sign with the Lakers.  Yep, Ron Ron!  Artest would like McGimme the ball to play for the Lakers and "end his career as a champion".  Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak may consider using a mid level exception on McGrady if he is willing to take a pay cut.  If this is true, it would be his 4th stop on the "where else can I fail" tour.  Let's face it.  McGrady on paper sounds like a great addition, but realisticly I don't believe he's anymore of a threat on the Lakers bench the Jordan Famar or Shannon Brown.  On top of that, if the lakers keep their same team in tact I don't see why they wouldn't be favored to repeat again.  If anything, I do hope he signs with the Lakers.  Think about it.  Perhaps Tracy can teach Kobe how to not pass the ball at all and take nothing but low percentage jump shots.  Well, 1 out of 2 isn't bad.  I can only imagine what Toyota Center will be like when the Lakers come to town and McGrady comes off the bench.  Oh, how the hatred will fly and I'm looking forward to it!  Please Tracy, Please sign with the Lakers!  If not there, then the Utah Jazz!  Please!  What do you think peeps?  You want to see McGimme the ball on the Lakers or in the western conference at all?

Much Luck,

Joe

Holla......If Ya Hear Me Redskins! I'm Out!

     There are some stories in sports that sometimes just boggle my mind.  This happens to be one of them.  Washington Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth did not show up to mandatory mini camp because he is not happy about being converted to a nose tackle in head coach Mike Shanahan's new defensive 3 - 4 system.  On top of that he would like to be traded after signing a 7 year/$100 million dollar contract last Febuary. I apologize because i'm about to go computer nerd talk.  OMFG!  Are you serious??  How much of a pity party do you really want me to throw for this guy?   Albert Moneysworth is honestly starting to get on my last nerve.  Interesting twist is that I read a article from Patrick Hruby at ESPN.com defending Moneysworth position with the Redskins.  Hruby's article particulary caught my attention with the following:

"Haynesworth's argument essentially goes like this:

I signed with the Redskins expecting to be a havoc-creating, quarterback-attacking playmaker in a 4-3 defense. That's the role in which I excel; that's the style of play I enjoy; that's what was promised during my free-agent courtship. Only now, the team has shifted to a new coaching staff and a new 3-4 scheme, which basically asks me to eat double-team blocks. Thanks, but no thanks. I'd like a little more excitement. A lot more glory. Please send me somewhere else."

On the surface it looks pretty harmless.  In my opinion, however, the key is expecting to be that kind of player in a 4-3 defense.  You can't honeslty tell me that the possibility didn't pop into Moneysworth's head that the team could change head coaches and change defenses.  I got news for ya Al, the team doesn't revolve around you.  Now, at the first sign of something not going his way, he wants to pull the parachute cord and bail out?  You know what, for 7 years and $100 million dollars i'll adjust to whatever my job needs to me to do.  Man up Moneysworth and do what you were PAID to do.  You have no excuse.  NONE!  You were paid hansomely for your talent and they receive a toddler who whines when the slightest change occurs.  Grow up dude!

Much Luck,

Joe