Catch of the Day.

Unlike the Bulls last night or the Clippers in the fourth quarter, I have decided to actually show up for today’s game.

HOOK:

“Odd.”

This whole Bill Simmons thing is odd.  We are not behind the scenes, so we won’t know the full story.  ESPN is going to dodge giving ANY information out about it.  CNNSI is going to be happy to give whatever details they get, but at the same time they have to be SURE everything is correct what they print about the rival network.  First, they wouldn’t renew his contract.  Now, it appears that he is suddenly not allowed to write anymore moving forward (per si.com).  It probably is money, but it probably is also corralling a renegade personality who has dared them to fire him.  I write about this because he is what I call a “hedged” idol (I just made that up).  By that I mean, I think his mailbag might be the funniest thing you can read on basketball.  Seriously, Google “bill simmons mailbag” and it won’t matter which on you pick.  His book?  Fantastic?  Could I deal without him on a mic with his face on the tube?  Yes.  Know this, Bill.  You have ONE guy who will write for you, buddy.  Give me a ring now that your options are now companies like Yahoo and, oh Lord, FOX.  I would prefer NOT to be with Fox, if I may give you my two cents.

Odd Part 2.  Great week in Maryland sports.  First, Sulaimon transfers to an already loaded Maryland basketball team.  Then, today, a 4 star QB who was being courted by Florida and Penn State commits to…wait for it…Maryland.  Must be something in the water as they say, and I only used that cliche because somehow this blog became all abouut fishing years ago.

LINE:

“Listless.”

Because it was the early game, because I never turn off games so I don’t have to worry about missed comebacks (Houston-Buffalo NFL game back in the day I believe was the last time I missed a legendary comeback, and it will never happen again…and I even caught the last 3 minutes of that one), and because I was literally AMAZED how listless the Bulls looked against an more injured and more depleted Cavs team, I watched the WHOLE game.  Embarrassing.  No show.  Not even upset looks on their faces.  Thibodeau says he expects to return as the Bulls coach.  Two lines lower on the wire, the Bulls say they are looking at Fred Hoiberg as his replacement.  I have strong thoughts on this.  First, don’t tell me who you are looking at before firing your coach.  Sacramento Take 2.  Geez.  Second, I wouldn’t fire Thibodeau.  And, if they do, he will have a job TEN minutes after they fire him.  Third, Hoiberg might make the jump at some point, but WHY would he do it NOW?  Iowa State is LOADED for next year and will be top 4 preseason.  His nickname from his playing days is The Mayor.  He can be the Tom Osbourne of Iowa State if he brings them a title or two.  NO need to go anywhere.  Stay, Fred.  Sorry.  Stay, Mr. Mayor.  Grass is NOT greener, at least right now.

SINKER:

“Closure.”

As in, if you ARE a contender, you close out at home when you have the chance.  Especially, if you are a franchise that has never been to where you could go.  I said it before.  The Clippers not only had the home game to earn respect, but had a 19 point lead in the third quarter as a head start.  I am not anti-Clippers at all.  In fact, I hate Dwight Howard and love Blake, and respect Chris Paul to death.  Listen, it is what it is.  They shouldn’t be in a 7 game situation right now as they always seem to be.  The guts to keep Harden on the bench during the mad comeback was one thing, but keep in mind some of the “other” players he had on the floor included three players with rings….and those guys are NOT going to stop playing.  Good luck, L.A.  If you lose AT Houston, you will unfortunately add to your horrible history and legacy.  Sounds harsh, but it is what it is.

SINKER PART TWO:  I won’t go farther than this ONE statement as it might get gray area, but I guess having a domestic abuse situation with two players BOTH in the same league makes it easy to punish consistently the two people involved…Ms. Griner and Ms. Johnson.

I like the Wizards to tie it up tonight.  I will root for the Griz at home against the Warriors, but know if the Warriors play like the last two games, it won’t happen.  And, I have NO idea why there is no NBA basketball on tomorrow.  It just seems wrong.

That is it for today.  Hope you enjoyed or are at least more informed.  Will I blog tomorrow?  That is a CLOWN question, bro.  Peace.

This picture is simply because this is the Seinfeld in the background as I wrote this.