Who is Really to Blame for the Boston Celtics Mess?

The Boston Celtics clearly have a problem right now. There is something going on with the chemistry. The guys on the team don't seem to really like one another. It seems as if Jayson Tatum is all but ready to be traded this summer. Kyrie Irving looks fed up. It just seems like a real mess. That being said, they are still in the thick of the playoff race, with, most likely, home court advantage in the first round. But, while all these other guys are taking heat, especially Irving, I want to pose a question.

That question, why is this all Kyrie's fault? What about Brad Stevens, and the Boston sports fan base's white hope, Gordon Hayward? Why do they never, ever seem to get any of the blame? The people that defend Hayward may say the typical stuff, he's coming off a gruesome injury, he needs time, and no one has come back the very next season after a brutal ankle injury like the one he suffered. I will give you all of that. But, he is taking away critical minutes from younger guys that are much better than him, and proved that in last season's playoffs. Jaylen Brown, Tatum, even a guy like Terry Rozier, played lights out during their run to the conference finals last year. This season though, their minutes have dipped because the coaching staff feels like they need to work Hayward back because they seem to think he will be integral to them in the playoffs. He won't. He is still hurt, and he is playing scared. He doesn't attack like he did before the injury. He isn't as good a shooter as he was in Utah. He doesn't take games over. He looks like he is playing scared. And even when he has a "good" game, it is nothing special. I didn't think he would be the "answer" they were looking for when they maxed him out 2 years ago, and that was before the injury. He just isn't the same guy, and he is not letting younger, stronger and better players get the minutes they rightfully earned last season. If I were Brown, Tatum and even a guy like Semi Ojeleye, I'd be pissed that Gordon Hayward was taking crucial playing time away from me. He isn't washed yet, but he is starting to look like he may never be the same player he was while in Utah. He, right now, is playing scared. I personally think it is hilarious because dumbass Boston fans were thinking they were getting the next Larry Bird. Hayward isn't even the 6th or 7th best guy on that team.

This leads me to Brad Stevens. Stevens up to this point has earned a pass. He coached this team up real well since he has been there. He got an influx of talent last year, lost guys to injuries and still made the conference finals. But this was supposed to be the year that he finally started to take over the East. LeBron is gone, Hayward was coming back from injury and Kyrie was back to full health. He also had all that young talent gain meaningful playing time because they were thrust into it last year, and they were the presumed top team in the East. Even after Toronto got Kawhi in a trade everyone said the Celtics were better. Even with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons coming into the year at full health, the Celtics were considered the better team. Even with Milwaukee getting a new head coach, and the continued growth of Giannis, Boston was still considered the best team. All of that was due to what Stevens had done up to that point.

Well, and I believe I even questioned this going into the season, we have gotten to see how he coaches a team that have a super star, and a supposed super star. He has had it rough. His lineups are odd and kind of crazy. He doesn't seem to know how to stagger the minutes. He is trying way too hard to insert Hayward into the lineup. Terry Rozier is barely seeing the court. Marcus Smart was only recently put into the starting lineup, and he is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. It shouldn't take a top tier coach that long to realize that. Jaylen Brown has regressed due to minutes being cut. And like I said at the top, Tatum seems all but ready to leave, and that kid is on his way to becoming a star. I attribute all of this to Brad Stevens. If he wants to be mentioned in the same breath as guys like Greg Poppovich or Steve Kerr or Mike Budeholzer or Nick Nurse or even Mike Malone, he needs to learn how to coach a team with multiple super stars. That is how you win in the modern NBA, and he is struggling mightily with that right now. Tatum wants out. Irving definitely wants out. And I wouldn't be surprised if guys like Al Horford and Jaylen Brown and Terry Rozier leave in the offseason.

Every sports journalist talks about, "what happens if one of the top 4 teams in the East loses in the first round, what happens to them then", and I can only think of that happening to the Celtics. It would bring me great joy to see them get bounced early, and then to see what happens. But, while Kyrie is taking the brunt of the criticism, I feel like that is a bit unfair to him. He has won a title, been to two other finals and hit one of, if not the, biggest shots in NBA history. Gordon Hayward has never been out of the second round, and Brad Stevens, while making one conference finals, has never been put under the microscope like he is getting right now.

The blame needs to be spread out around that whole team, and Hayward and Stevens should be seeing the most right now, in my opinion.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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The NBA has a Superstar Sensitivity Problem

Recently, while listening to all the NBA podcasts I do, I have found myself being a bit irritated at how sensitive some star players in the league have become over the past decade. Now, I have to say at the top, I have no ill will for these guys wanting to go win titles, get paid and have fun playing the game. While I may not like "super teams", and I think the money is absurdly high among all professional sports, again, I have no problem with these guys doing what they want to do. They're human and allowed to lead the lives they want to live. But, I also think they should know, or at the very least expect, that they are going to be in the spotlight, and that a good amount of people are going to root against them for doing such things, and then going to the media, or their front office, to complain or demand a trade.

This irritation for me it all started with the Kristaps Porzingis trade. When it happened I was flummoxed. I wrote about it. I trashed the Knicks. But, about a week after the trade stories started to come out that Porzingis went to the front office and griped about the direction of the team. He complained that he had no help. Okay, fine, but have you played all year Porzingis? In fact, I don't think you've played a game in almost 2 years. So, while you want to be on a competitive team, that needs to start with you actually playing. You can moan and groan all you want, but you aren't even playing. In fact, I'd like to see you go a full season without getting hurt just once. Then, if you do that,, and lead a team to a conference finals, go ahead and complain all you want. Until then, don't yearn for things when you haven't really proved anything yet.

Then the Anthony Davis trade demand came out. I have been highly critical of this. This was done all wrong. From Davis' demand while still under contract for the rest of this season and all of next season, to Rich Paul leaking it to Adrian Wojnaworski before Davis could tell the Pelicans front office, to the handling of the Lakers offer, it has been a cluster. This has been a disaster all around. A GM lost his job over this. Davis, who up until now was beloved, is almost becoming a villain. When he did come back from his "injury", the Pelicans fans booed him. Then he decided to leave a game after trying to block a shot, and left the building, with Rich Paul. Now, he is going to be on LeBron's show, "The Shop", and he is also talking about his love for all things LA. He is handling this awfully. He is going to get traded to some team not in LA, other teams can offer so much more for the Pelicans future, and I blame it partially on him. He is talking to media, but saying stuff like, "all 29 teams are on my list", or, "I just want to win". Sure, that may sound nice, but the "29 teams" thing is a slap in New Orleans face, and the winning is nonsense. He wants to be in LA, and he wants to play with LeBron. If he just came out and said that, I would respect him so much more. But no, he is trying to be coy.

Then we have KD's endless fight with the media and journalists. Prior to the All Star break he chided a journalist who simply asked him about his impending free agency and New York. A very simple, non threatening question, right? Well, KD took this way, way too seriously and painted a very broad brush basically saying that all journalists are out to get him. KD needs to calm the hell down. Ever since he left the Thunder to ride on the Warriors coattails, he has become a curmudgeon, and it doesn't fit him. He is a hell of a player, one of the greats, but his whole "heel" turn is off putting. I mean, the journalist was just doing his job. If anyone should understand that it should be a guy like KD. He has changed so much, for the worse, since he signed with Golden State.

Then we have the Kyrie Irving interview yesterday of him chastising another journalist that simply asked him about the video that leaked of him and KD talking in the tunnel during the All Star game. Now, I do think people are making far, far too much of a video of 2 buddies talking, but for Kyrie to say that "you guys are making the league not fun" is a little much. Again, this person is just doing their job. You'd think, just like in KD's case, he would understand that. But nope, he just went off and said some crazy stuff. He is a super star, and the media is going to ask him questions like this. That is how they get people to come to their websites and read their stuff. While you think you may be winning, and knocking that person down a peg, you are actually helping them by going off like that.

Then last night I read a headline that said that James Harden is upset that his peers are critical of the way he plays the game. Newsflash Harden, you are a bore to watch. Again, you are a magnificent scorer, one of the best ever, but the way you do it is a slog. You foul hunt. You slow the game down. You shoot too many free throws, and you gripe to the officials too much. It is so boring to watch. You are my least favorite player to watch, and I know for a fact that I am not alone. A lot of people do not like to watch you play, and that most definitely includes your peers. Get over it. You are great.

It is frustrating to hear these multi millionaire super star players gripe about people calling them out for their sometime childish behavior. I mean, do you think Jordan cared what his peers or journalists said? How about Charles Barkley? Or maybe Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaq? They didn't give a shit. They just went out and played. Hell, there are even current stars that could care less what the media or other pro players say. Look at Russell Westbrook. He could care less what anyone thinks of him. Or Jimmy Butler. I may not like the way he handled his exit from Minnesota, but he never chastised the media for the way they handled it. In fact he did an interview for ESPN and Rachel Nichols on exactly why he wanted out. Joel Embiid doesn't give one shit what the media or Russell Westbrook says about him. Kawhi Leonard just continues to not talk, and that may be the best way to handle all this. And then we have Giannis. Could this kid be any cooler? Could he be more loved? Could he be more fun? Giannis is the best for so many reasons. He loves to play the game, he is a great interview, his teammates and the front office love him, and when questions of his impending free agency in 2021 come up, he takes the Kawhi approach and is silent. These are the dudes I respect. These are the dudes that handle it correctly. 

That is the point of my old man ranting. Some of these young star are far too thin skinned. They need to get over it. We need less Kristaps or KD's and more Kawhi's and Giannis' in the league right now. They know how to deal with all this stuff so much better.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

It is Time for Zion Williamson to Retire from College Basketball

I, much like most of the country, tuned into the Duke-UNC game last night. I have no rooting interest in either team. In fact, I loathe Duke, and I can give or take UNC. I usually do not care less about this game.

But last night was different.

I tuned in to see Zion Williamson.

I have watched this kid here and there all season long, my longest look being the Virginia game a week or so ago. But last night, like I said, everyone was watching. They took a camera around the arena, and I saw people like Ken Griffey Jr, Spike Lee, and most notably, President Barack Obama. They were all there for the same reason I tuned in I suppose, Zion. This kid is the talk of college basketball. He is a highlight reel. He usually does something spectacular. He is going to be the first pick in the NBA draft when he leaves after this season. He was the reason that the ticket prices were rumored to be in the 5 figures last night. I know there were other 5 star players in this game, but none of them can hold a candle to the supernova that is Zion Williamson.

Then, 33 seconds into the game, he ripped through his shoe and sprained his knee. He did not see the floor after that.

And then Duke proceeded to get housed.

That game was rough for the Blue Devils from the start. They got beat in every single facet. The blowout even furthered my opinion that the Fab Five is a much better group of freshman because when one of them got injured, or in foul trouble, they rallied around each other. Zion being out 33 seconds in, and then Duke getting beat by 16 points, proves that this current Duke team is a one man team, and that man is Zion. They go as he goes, and when he is out, they struggle.

But, more to my point, the NCAA is a travesty, and the NBA needs to fix the whole "one and done" thing. I have despised "one and done" forever, making it very clear here at SeedSing. The NBA needs to do what the MLB does and let these kids get drafted right out of high school, and if they don't get picked, then they have the option to go to college for 2 years before getting back in the draft. As of right now, Zion has a "mild knee sprain", is the best case that Duke and the NBA could have hoped for. But still, he has a knee injury. That is rough, especially for a kid that is playing college basketball for free, while making his school, and his coach, millions upon millions of dollars.

I have heard a lot of people on podcasts and TV today give their take on what they would do if they were Zion Williamson, and I am no different. If I were him, I would not suit up for another game the rest of the season. This has nothing to do with my hatred for Duke, or the fact that I despise "one and done", this has to do with this kid's earning ability at the next level. As I said, he is a supernova, and he is in very, very high demand. He is going to make huge bank when he gets in the league. He is going to sign a major shoe deal. He is going to sell tons of jerseys and he will be a big time get for endorsement deals. But right now, all he is doing is possibly injuring himself and making zero dollars. I'm sure he enjoys playing college ball, and dominating. He is a beast. But now, after what happened last night, I personally think he should just shut it down.

I know it is hard to tell an athlete that they cannot play. But, the NCAA is a viciously flawed company, and the way they are taking advantage of this teenager is gross. Now I don't know if he is going to be a star. He could be the next Shawn Kemp or Charles Barkley, or he could be the next Sam Bowie. He is a very big dude, both in height and weight, and knee injuries are tough to get back from. So why risk further injury playing basketball for free. I talked to my dad and told him that I am sure Zion is being taken care of someway, but his big time, for real payday, is coming, and coming soon. I just don't want this kid to really hurt himself by playing in college. College was a waste for him. I heard Boogie Cousins talk today about his experience with college basketball, and he called it bull shit. I totally agree with him.

So Zion, think about your professional future and your earning potential. Shut this nonsense down. You do not need to play college basketball anymore. You have already proven yourself and then some. Shut it down and get ready for the pros. It is the best thing you could do.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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Still Pumped After a Great NBA All Star Weekend

On Friday I gave some predictions, and what I was looking forward to, for NBA All Star weekend. Now that it is all wrapped up I want to talk about some observations I had. I was only right about 2 things, that Team US would beat Team World in the Rising Stars game, and that Team LeBron would win the All Star game. Other than that, I was wrong.

First of all, I have to eat some major crow about the three point contest. I figured Steph would win, and win easily. While he did make it to the Finals, and scorched in the first round with 27 points, the guy a lot of other journalists were high on, Joe Harris, took home the crown. I wasn't as high on him, I thought it was all smoke, but the dude can shoot. He filled it up with 25 in one round, the round that mattered. I was wrong, Steph didn't win, and Harris did. I didn't think that he could do it, I thought people were just trying to be NBA hipsters, but they were right and I was wrong.

I also blew it on the skills competition. I figured DeAaron Fox would literally run away with it, but that competition was filled with wild finishes. Fox got beat on a crazy deep three from Kyle Kuzma after racing out to a huge lead. Then, when Trae Young advanced to the finals against Saint Louis' own Jayson Tatum, he raced out to a big lead only to be beaten on a half court shot. It was wild, fun and really neat to see.

Props to Tatum for taking that shot, and even more props to him for making it. In the rising stars game, Team USA jumped to an early lead and ran away with the game. John Collins did some impressive stuff. So did Marvin Bagley. I also liked what Luka Doncic and DeAndre Ayton did for Team World. I really enjoyed this game and it was a good watch. These guys are the future, and they showed out.

The dunk contest was great. I was a bit skeptical because the names weren't household. I knew the guys because I am a dork about the NBA, but I am pretty sure the average fan had no idea who the four guys were. But, they did great. I loved Miles Bridges dunk off the side of the backboard when he wore a throw back Larry Johnson jersey. It was neat. John Collins did some good stuff. He is a powerful dunker, but he can also fly. I saw a picture of him and his forehead was above the rim. It was sweet. But Dennis Smith Jr and Hamidou Diallo put on a god damn show. The stuff DSJ did was super duper athletic. When he jumped over J. Cole and did a windmill while doing it, I wanted to jump out of my seat. He can really fly. I figured he was a shoe in to win. I wanted him to win. But I did say to watch out for Diallo. The kid could jump in college, and he proved that tenfold in the dunk contest. He too had a picture where his head was above the rim, and he looked at ease. It was like he didn't even have to really try to jump that high. It looked effortless. But that dunk he did in the second round, when he dunked over Shaq and did the honey dip, it was akin to what Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon did a few years back, or dare I say, what Vince Carter did in 2000. I was amazed at all his dunks, but the one over Shaq in particular. It was a phenomenal show of athleticism. This Diallo kid is legit, and I hope he continues to do the dunk contest every year.

All this was just an appetizer to the game. The big game that is. Team LeBron versus Team Giannis. It was a good game. It was a competitive game. There was the slightest bit of defense played. And a ton of shots went up. Seeing Team Giannis jump out to that big lead was great. The alley oop to him from Steph, where he bounce passed it and Giannis seemed to jump 10 feet in the year, was one of the best things I have witnessed in an All Star game. It was awesome. Then, to see Damien Lillard hit 3 straight threes, 2 of which from very, very deep, was incredible. That run that Team LeBron went on in the third was pretty neat. They seemingly couldn't miss. And just when you thought that Team Giannis was about to start making a run, tying it up several times in the second half, Team LeBron, mainly KD, just kept making threes. It was a decent All Star game. I still think Giannis should have won the MVP, he went for 38 on something like 17 of 23 from the field, but I suppose a player from the winning team deserved to be MVP, and KD was the best player on the winning team last night.

All in all this past weekend was a good one for the NBA. All the side games were good, and the All Star game was fun. Well done NBA.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

Time to Get Pumped for the 2019 NBA All Star Weekend

This weekend is All Star weekend for the NBA. I enjoy All Star weekend. I used to love it, but now I just enjoy it. I like the skills competition, the three point and dunk contest, the rising stars game and the actual game. I think the only thing I don’t really care for is the celebrity all star game. Some people go way too hard, Winn Butler, some turn it into a showcase for themselves, Kevin Hart, and the rest just don’t seem to care. It’s dull.

Let’s look at the good events. The dunk contest used to be my absolute favorite part of the weekend. It used to be filled with actual stars, and it was awesome. I will always, always remember Vince Carter. It was amazing. The contest then started to really drop off when the contestants got endless chances. It dragged and the participants weren’t the upper echelon. The one that really upset me, the opposite of the Vince Carter one, was when Chris Andersen spent what seemed like 45 minutes to complete one dunk. But, I do have to say, it’s been better the past couple years. Dennis Smith Jr got robbed last year, but it was still fun. And 2 years ago, the show that Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon put on, was tremendous. Go back and check that out. So I do have faith. The three point contest is great to see the pure shooting, with no defense. And the rising stars game has become much more fun because they went to US versus World and all the future stars of the league are there. The skills competition is neat too, especially when you have a guard up against a big man. The game itself, while totally devoid of defense and full effort, I find enjoyable. I want to see all the points. I want each team go score 200. I’d love to see a 60 or 70 point quarter. I am one of the very few that find the game slightly enjoyable.

With all this being said, I want to make a few predictions for the festivities this weekend. First off, I guarantee the National Anthem will be so much better than the mess that was Fergie last year. That one is easy. As far as the rising stars game, I have the US. Team World has some studs, namely Luka Doncic, big Team US has guys like Jayson Tatum, Trae Young and Jaren Jackson. I just feel like they’ll be able to build a solid lead and win the game. In the three point contest I have Steph. I’ve seen and heard a bunch of people say that Joe Harris will win? Why? Steph is the best shooter in the league, maybe the best of all time. He may not take it as seriously as the other contestants, but he doesn’t have to. He’s that good. Steph all the way. The skills competition is DeAron Fox’s to lose. He is, by far, the most skilled guy in it. He’s also super fast, but under control. Fox is about to become a big name in the NBA. As for the dunk contest, I have DSJ all the way. He got screwed last year, he’s just been traded and I feel like he has something to prove. I have a feeling he’s going to do something amazing. Also though, don’t sleep on Hamidou Diallo. That dude is super athletic and has amazing hops. As for the actual game, I think Team LeBron wins. They are stacked. He got the best scorers, passers, and if they try, defenders. I don’t buy that all the guys he took he’s going to recruit to LA like everyone keeps saying. I think Team Giannis will make it a game, but I just think Team LeBron is better. That being said, I think Giannis Antentekoumpo will win his first of 2 MVP’s this season. He’s been amazing all year. His team had the best record. He will go hard in the game because that’s what he does. And he’s pretty much unguardable. He is so good, and I think he will prove that tenfold in the All Star game.

I’m excited for the weekend. I love basketball, and to see the best of the best in one arena always amazes me. I hope you all watch too. I know I will. I really enjoy NBA All Star weekend.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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What the Hell is Wrong with the NFL, Part 1,437

Just don’t watch

The NFL continues to shoot itself in the foot, and not learn any lessons and continues to support men that think it is okay to hit women, but deny men that decide to make a peaceful protest.

With the news yesterday that the Cleveland Browns have decided to sign Kareem Hunt, I just don't know what to do, or think, about professional football right now at this current moment. I hate this signing so, so, so much. Kareem Hunt, who has been cited more than once, in fact a couple of times, of hitting women, gets another chance at the NFL while Colin Kaepernick continues to be blackballed, and Eric Reid keeps getting "random" drug tests.

This is disgusting.

This is wrong.

This shouldn't be happening.

This is the NFL just going from bad to worse, and basically saying, who cares if you hit a female, you can still play, but, if you even think about taking a knee, you will find it extremely difficult to get back in the league. I'm appalled and grossed out by this.

Sure, Hunt is an explosive running back, and is a good skilled player. But, he has hit multiple women. He got in trouble for this in college. This is the second time that I know of that he has been cited for the same thing since he has been in the NFL, which I think is about 3 or 4 seasons. The NFL, Roger Goodell, and the owners just don't get it. This is why people are becoming more and more put off by the sport. People are not watching as much anymore because of concussions, and the fact that men who hit women get chance after chance after chance. I mean, Greg Hardy got multiple chances to get back in the league. Ray Rice was only suspended for 3 games before the TMZ video was released. Richie Incognito is looked at as a folk hero since his retirement, and he bullied people constantly. I just don't get why these guys get multiple chances, but Colin Kaepernick is left behind.

Why does Kareem Hunt deserve a second shot? People say, well the new GM in Cleveland knows him, and he thinks he's a good kid. Really? John Dorsey is going to be the guy to turn Kareem Hunt's life around? He is going to be the guy that gets him to stop hitting women? The moment Hunt goes for 100 plus yards and a couple of TD's, all of his abusive behavior towards females will be pushed aside by Dorsey, the Browns, Goodell and the dumbasses at ESPN. They will all forget that he abuses women because he scores a lot of fantasy points and is an exciting player. That's just awful.

The idoitic league thinks that a guy that peacefully protests police brutality is the problem to these chuckleheads. From what I know, Colin Kaepernick has never hit a woman. I have never heard about him being arrested late at night for anything, especially a domestic violence dispute. By all measure Kaepernick seems like a good guy that decided enough was enough and he was going to take a silent stand. But, to the NFL, that is so much worse than hitting females or bullying other guys or taking steroids or concussion protocol. This is so bad.

Kareem Hunt does not belong in the NFL. He needs to go seek therapy for abusing women. He should not be given millions of dollars to continue to play this violent sport. Colin Kaepernick, for a myriad of reasons, belongs in the NFL so, so much more than Kareem Hunt. This is ridiculous. And it will only get worse if Hunt thrives in the Browns offense. I have said many times that I love football, but I am really beginning to hate the NFL. There are so many problems that the powers that be simply don't care about and are too dumb to acknowledge.

This is gross and it really is starting to put me off the NFL. If stuff like this keeps happening, I don't know how much longer I can watch prof football. The NFL has a real problem on their hands, and until they try and fix it, it is only going to get worse. The signing of Kareem Hunt is a disturbing trend in the NFL. Hunt doesn't belong. Colin Kaepernick. Fix this NFL. This is bad.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Kinda Watches the AAF

On Saturday night we had my folks over to see the kids and my dad and I decided, during a game of kid's Monopoly, that we would check out the new "pro" football league, The American Alliance of Football. I had only recently remembered that the league was a thing because I follow a lot of Michigan football stuff on social media, and a few of their notable players, mainly Denard Robinson, are on some of the teams. Unfortunately for me, none of them played during the one quarter of the one game that I watched this past weekend. With that one quarter of play, I made a few observations.

Now, I have seen a few articles since Saturday saying that the viewership was very high, and that this is the "perfect cure for anyone that is already missing football". First off, I get that viewership was high. Football is now America's pastime. It is the most popular sport. It has surpassed baseball, and even though I may think it is a better, and more fun sport to watch, the NBA is not even close in popularity to pro football. That all makes sense. But, to call this the "cure" for football fans. I highly disagree. I don't get it. One, the Super Bowl just happened a week ago, and it was a trash game. It's not like we have been without football for a month or 2. We didn't miss any football in fact. There was zero break.

Secondly, as far as the "cure" for what ails football fans, this was a garbage product. This was not even high level college football fun. This wasn't even Pro Bowl fun, in that the Pro Bowl is just a stage for the NFL's all star's to dick around. In fact, I would rather watch the skills competition that the soon to be pro players do, or even watch something like the Senior Bowl, or any of those other college football all star games. I found the one quarter of the AAF game I watched to be very, very low level "pro" football. I'm sure it will be better than the return of the XFL, because the XFL is so dumb, but not by that much. I did not recognize a single name of either player on either team Saturday, and I do watch a ton of football, mostly college football. The AAF should have been right in my wheel house because I should have been able to recognize someone. I did not. And sure, I saw the highlight of the big hit on the QB in the very same game I watched, but that type of hit happens in every NFL game, and in pretty much every college football game.

The people that want this league to thrive were grasping at straws trying to make this opening weekend seem like this league will be legit. I mean, I don't even remember the teams that were playing. All I remember about the game was that it was played at the Alamaodome, so I would assume one of the teams is based in San Antonio, and that Mike Martz is either a head coach or coordinator of one of the teams that was playing Saturday night. That's it. And that is not a good thing, at least in my opinion.

As far as the on field stuff I saw, I, clearly, was not impressed. It was all shot gun. It was all read option football. It was like watching Oregon or any other Pac 12 team, except it wasn't as good or fun. The run games were non existent. The QB's were downright dreadful. I have no idea who the skill position players were. Save for that one big hit, the defenses were very, very vanilla. Needless to say, I was pretty underwhelmed by the AAF. I did watch because I am a football junkie, but the fact that I turned it off after a quarter, and my dad didn't gripe at me for this, should speak volumes. We were more than happy to watch the Thunder complete a 26 point comeback win over the Rockets. We also stuck closer to the Duke-Virginia game, and a few other college basketball games. We did not need low grade football.

Football is a great sport, and I love to watch it, especially college football. But, at least for me, the AAF, after one week, was a big time disappointment. It can always make a revival, but I doubt it. This was some low rent football. There is no questioning that.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Ty does not remember the USFL at all. As a matter of fact most of us only know about the USFL because it showed us that even in the 1980’s, Donald Trump was a terrible leader.

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Lavar Ball is Nonsense, Again

Lavar Ball needs to just stop talking. He just needs to shut up. I'm over his schtick. I'm over his blowhard attitude. I'm over him saying that he will "talk it into existence". I'm just over it all. But what irks me the most about what he recently said was how ridiculous the statement is. He said, and I quote, "The Lakers will never win a title without my son. In fact, my son Lonzo is better than LeBron. The Lakers need him". Okay, lets break this nonsense down.

First off, the Lakers do not need him at all. If the Lakers had traded Lonzo Ball at the deadline, and I am not just limiting it to the Pelicans, it could have been any team, they wouldn't have missed him at all. I do think that Ball is an okay point guard. He is good at getting the ball out of his hands and finding the open guy and running the break. But, he does not add much else. Also, I think Rajon Rondo is better than him, especially for a team run by LeBron. Ball also cannot shoot the ball at all. His jumper is trash. He is afraid to drive to the rim because, if he gets fouled, he cannot shoot free throws. And he is currently hurt right now, and I totally forgot about it until I saw his dumbass post after not being traded yesterday. So no Mr Ball, the Lakers do ot need your son to win a title. I'm sure they would be better off with Rondo, or if they had drafted DeAron Fox instead, or if they go out and trade for another point guard or even draft one this year. The Lakers would be just fine without Lonzo. The Lakers definitely do not need him.

And then to say he is better than LeBron, I mean come on. I love my son. My son is an amazing individual. He is smart, loves baseball, is pretty good at it, he's super smart and funny and is just a good kid. But, if he were in the NBA right now, and on the Lakers, I would openly say that he is currently playing with the best player in the NBA in LeBron James. I would be thrilled that my son was in the NBA, and playing, but I would know better than to say that he is better than LeBron. No one in the current NBA is better than LeBron. Not a single player. Not Steph, not KD, not AD, not Kawhi, none of them. LeBron is better than them all. In fact, I think that LeBron is the second greatest player in the NBA ever, behind Michael Jordan. So for Lavar Ball to say that his son, who has been more of a disappointment than a star in his first two seasons, is better than LeBron is pure nonsense and puts so much more undue pressure on his kid, who already came into the league with a ton of pressure due to his father's mouth.

It was so nice to go through more than 50 games without hearing from Lavar Ball. It seemed like the Lakers brass and LeBron finally got him to just be quiet. They just kind of pushed him off and we didn't have to hear from him. But now, since his kid was brought up in trade rumors, which will happen as long as he continues to disappoint and play with LeBron, he decided to open his mouth and say more dumb shit. I hope that LeBron and Magic and Rob Pelinka will be able to get him to shut up again because I cannot take another story about him talking. I know I am just adding to the problem by writing about it today, but it made me so angry that he said his kid was better than LeBron that I had to say something.

So if you could kindly screw off Lavar Ball, me, the Lakers players and fans and the rest of the NBA watching community would greatly appreciate it. We don't need to hear your lunatic ravings anymore. Please do us a favor and shut the hell up. Thanks

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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Let's Talk About the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and AD is still a member of the Pelicans, more on him at the end. Without AD being moved, we did have some big names get traded to new teams. Let’s get right to it.

I already talked about Porzingis to the Mavs. But, after he was traded, only a few days after, the 76ers pulled off a big deal. They traded for Tobias Harris. I know his name isn't as exciting as AD or Porzingis, but he gives the 76ers a fourth star, and a guy that will buy in and contribute to an already contending team. Harris has always fit in wherever he has played, and he is in a contract year.

The Clippers also made out pretty well in this trade, getting guys on good contracts and future picks. They are setting themselves up for the summer. They also got rid of Avery Bradley, he went to the Grizzlies, and acquired a few none essential Lakers to get off the Mike Muscala contract. They did good.

Philly traded Markelle Fultz today. I hope this works out for him, I still have a little faith, but this was for the best. They sent him to Orlando, and they got a first and second round pick and Johnathan Simmons. The 76ers still lack a real point guard, but they added a shooter, Simmons, and they added an all around good to great player in Harris. They are making their push.

Not to be outdone, the Raptors got Marc Gasol today. I know that Gasol isn't as good as he used to be, but that could have been the situation as much as age. He is now on a team that I picked to make the Finals. He gets to go play with Kawhi and Serge Ibaka and Danny Green. And the Raptors didn't have to give up too much. They let Jonas Valenciunas go, it was his time, and some other throw in names. This also helps the Grizzlies continue rebuild around Jaren Jackson. My only gripe with Memphis today, they are hanging on to Mike Conley. He deserves better than that. He should have been traded to a contender.

The Bucks got a much needed added three point shooter next to Khris Middleton in Niko Mirotic. He is really going to help spread the floor, thus giving Giannis more space to operate. They also were able to trade a disgruntled player in Thon Maker. He should be happy with the playing time he will get in Detroit.

The Pelicans added a few guys, namely Stanley Johnson. But, they got a ton of picks in return. This is just them gearing up for whatever they end up doing with AD.

In addition to Muscala, the Lakers also added Reggie Bullock. Both these moves puzzled me. How do these guys fit with the Lakers? Is Bullock going to take minutes from one of the young guys that is probably still super angry that they were bandied about in rumors? Is Muscala a better option than Tyson Chandler? I don't think so.

Harrison Barnes got traded mid game last night. But, I like his fit with the Kings. He can go in there and provide veteran leadership, and he doesn't have to be "the man". The Kings needed a wing like him if they want to continue their playoff push. And they only had to trade the hardly played Justin Jackson, and the hasn't played all year Zach Randolph for him.

Otto Porter got traded to the Bulls. If you are puzzled, you aren't alone. I do not get this trade for either team. I assumed, if Porter was to be dealt, he would go to a contender. But nope. He ended up on the Bulls. And the Wizards got Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis for him. This is probably the weirdest deal of the day in my opinion. It makes absolutely no sense for either team. This one is absurd.

Phoenix got off Ryan Anderson's contract by trading him to the Heat for Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson. This might be the most boring move of the deadline. It does nothing for either team. At all. There were other guys traded, but nothing that really makes a difference.

Now for AD. I love that the Pelicans didn't just give LeBron what he wanted. I love that Dell Demps told them, after they offered 6 players and 2 picks that he wanted 6 more picks. I love that they have decided to wait for the summer when the deals can get so much better. And I love that a small market team didn't just give in to the glitz and glamour of LA. Anthony Davis signed a deal through next season, and the Pelicans don't have to trade him until next year's deadline if they don't want to. They didn't let him or his agent tell them what to do. Sure, he said he wants out, but again, he is under contract for one more year. And while the Lakers deal seemed super good, there are other teams that can do better on July 1st, depending on what the Pelicans may want. I'm pretty sure that Lakers deal will still be there. But, a team like the Celtics can offer a much more enticing package centered around Jayson Tatum, and a whole bunch of picks. The Knicks, especially if they win the lottery and sing KD, would be super appealing. Or, what about the teams that would be willing to dump a good amount of quality guys for a one year rental? The Thunder did it with Paul George, and he stuck around. The Raptors are banking on, if they make the Finals, that they can convince him to stick around. Milwaukee, if the players were good enough, could pair up Giannis with AD. There are so many more opportunities that will open up this summer.

This deadline was nuts, and I'm excited to see how these guys look on their new teams. If I had to say that just one team "won" the deadline today, I would go for a tie. I love what the Clippers did, a team I despise by the way, getting a ton of picks and opening up a ton of cap space to go after AD, KD, Klay Thompson or Kawhi. And I love that the Raptors are going for it and taking on Gasol. This makes them very formidable. Those are my "winners" of the day.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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That Was One Terrible Super Bowl

The Super Bowl happened last night.

I watched it.

I hated it.

And it ended as I should have expected.

I have been pretty vocal about my dismay for this particular Super Bowl. I was not looking forward to it, but I watched it anyway because, as I have stated, I am a football junkie. But boy oh boy was this game an absolute clunker. I said last Friday that I thought it was going to be a "slog", but this game was horrible. It was so much worse than a slog. The game started off bad, got worse and just grew and grew in its horribleness from there.

For example, Tom Brady's first pass was an interception. No need to worry though, the Rams immediately went three and out, something they would do most of the game. This game set the record for fewest points in a half. It set the record for fewest points ever in fact. Neither team could really ever establish the run. I know that Sony Michel got close, or maybe even eclipsed, 100 yards, but a ton of that came on one long run deep into the fourth quarter. He was also the only person to score a TD in the game by the way. Tom Brady just seemed kind of off all night too. He made a couple of beautiful throws, but he also had some that were way off. His interception was a horrible throw. He skipped a ton of passes. It was rough.

Julian Edelmann played really well, but he was so wide open, how could he not catch the ball. He got the MVP, I think Michel, or someone from their defense deserved it, but Edelmann got it. Rob Gronkowski had a few nice catches, but again, he didn't really do much of anything that jumped off the screen to me.

The Rams were god awful offensively. They could not do anything at all. Jared Goff was atrocious. I know he is still young, but man did he look scared and flustered and out of his element. The Rams O line could not block at all. Goff was under constant pressure. Brandin Cooks was blanketed all game long. None of the other receivers got any separation either. And where in the hell was Todd Gurley? I mean, is he hurt? Did he do something wrong? Did he not feel well? Was he too tired to play? I have no idea why he barely saw the field. I know that CJ Anderson played very well against the Saints, and since he was signed by the Rams. But he is no Todd Gurley. The Rams needed him, and they needed him badly last night. I do not get his almost total absence.

Sean McVay really shit the bed as the head coach last night. He, much like Goff, just seemed in over his head. He too was out of his element. He did not seem ready. He did not seem like the "wunderkind" that he has been praised as sine last season. And to his credit, he is still a very new head coach.

But the monster that is Bill Belichek simply put him in his place last night. That is the thing with the Patriots. They don't care how they win, as long as they win. Belichek did just that. His offense was so god damn ugly, but his defense shut down one of the top offenses in the NFL. As I just stated, the Rams could not move the ball at all. Any time they had any momentum, the Patriots shut it down pretty quickly. Any time Goff had time, he either took a sack, or he missed throws. He had Cooks WIDE OPEN in the third quarter, and the pass was underthrown and lazy. Anderson never got going. The Patriots shut them down.

The Rams defense was also great. They held the Patriots to 13 points. That should have been more than enough for them to win. Sure, Suh and Donald didn't play as great as they usually do, but they still got occasional pressure, causing Brady to make those bad throws. The Rams secondary did an okay job of stopping every Patriots receiver except for Edelmann.

This was just a disaster of a game. I was not, at any single moment, excited to be watching the game. The halftime show was super forgettable. The commercials were fine, but nothing that I will think back on as great.

Some final thoughts, Edelmann got the MVP, as I said, but he is not a Hall of Famer, no matter what Nate Burleson or anyone at The Ringer says. He is a fine player, but he is not a Hall of Famer. The Rams are not ready for primetime, and neither is Sean McVay or Jared Goff. Bill Belichek proved, again, that he is a great head coach. The Patriots need to stop this whole, "no one believed in us" narrative. They are great and no one has ever counted them out. And Todd Gurley deserved to play more. This was a boring game, I'm glad it is over and I hope Roger Goodell leaves as commissioner and the NFL gets back to being fun again. I mean, I like defense, but this game was not about two great defenses, it was just a very, very poorly played football game.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He was shocked that the awesome Tony Romo never reminded the audience that Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelmann missed the first four games of the season because of a PED suspension. Wonder why that was left out?

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A Halfhearted, In Depth, Look at Super Bowl 53

There is a big football game this Sunday, and no I am not talking about any college football all star game, or the XFL or the American Alliance of Football. I am talking about Super Bowl 53. The Los Angeles Rams are playing the New England Patriots. And yes, it sounds just as boring as you may feel right now. But I’m a professional so I must do what all us internet sports writers do, talk about the game.

I have said it on the podcast, and this is the first time I am writing it, but I have ZERO interest in this game. I have no rooting interest. I am sick of seeing the Patriots in the Super Bowl. For a sport that is supposed to have parity every year, this is the third straight year they are in the game. This is, I don't know, something like the tenth straight time they have been to the AFC title game. And this is the, I want to say, eighth time, the Patriots have been in the Super Bowl in the last 17 years. That is more than half of the Super Bowl's in almost 2 decades. I'm over them.

I also loathe this whole narrative that they are somehow the "underdogs". That "no one" believes in them. That Tom freaking Brady has to go to a party and chant, "We're still here". It is so, so, so stupid. No one buys it except dumbass Patriots fans. They are not the underdogs. The majority of people I read, and myself and RD included, picked them to be in, at the very least, the AFC title game this year. Knock that shit off.

As far as the Rams go, I am from Saint Louis, and it bums me out that they moved, but I have no ill will towards them. I despise Stan Kroenke, and what he did, and how he did it. But he is the only person I truly hate that is involved with the Rams. I think Sean McVay is a solid coach. Jared Goff is a decent QB. Todd Gurley is totally awesome. I like Ndomankong Suh. Aaron Donald is the best defensive player currently in the NFL. But, they do not deserve to be in this game. They got in because the refs blew a massive obvious pass interference. The DB admitted it. The NFL admitted it. The NFL fined the DB that hit the receiver after the fact. But the refs did not call the penalty during the NFC title game. They blew it. They put the Rams here. They wanted the story lines that are now being blown way out of proportion during Super Bowl week. It is, at least in my lifetime, the worst no call ever.

With all this being said, like a good pop culture / sports writer, I am going to pick the game. But, I truly don't care. This is the first Super Bowl I can remember in my lifetime that I have no real interest in the game. At least in year's past I had team's I could root against, if the Packers weren't playing. I don't like the Seahawks, so it was fun to root for whoever they played. I have never liked Peyton Manning, so when he played, it was easy for me to root for the NFC team. I like to root against the Steelers, so when they played, I just stood up for the other team. Even last year, I had the Eagles to root for because of Brandon Graham, and I wanted Mike Lombardi from The Ringer to have to eat crow. But this year, I just do not care. I know I keep repeating that, but it is true. This game is going to be a slog. But, I will watch it because I am a football junkie, and this is the Super Bowl.

If I look at it with just a fan's eye, the Rams should win. They have the better, younger players overall. Yes, the Patriots have Tom Brady, and he is the greatest QB ever, but that seems to be the only advantage they have. The Rams have better receivers. They have much better backs. They have the better O line. And this is the time for McVay to prove his "offensive genius". The Patriots are not good defensively. They can be run on, and they are susceptible to the play action pass. That is where the Rams thrive. As far as the defensive side of the ball, again, on paper, the Rams are better. They have a ferocious pass rush led by Suh and Donald. They have heavy hitting linebackers that can cover. They have a solid secondary. The Patriots have experience, but that is not always what will win the game. Sometimes talent just wins out. And that should happen this Sunday.

Notice I keep saying "should". The reason you may ask, two things, Tom Brady and Bill Belichek. Ooh, and lets add a third, the refs. Belichek is, for all his shortcomings as a human being, gosh I despise him so much, is a genius football coach. He knows how to take away your best players and plays and frustrate you. He usually thrives in the biggest games. The same thing can be said for Brady. Even if you look at the Super Bowl's the Patriots have been beaten in, he played well. He threw for over 500 yards last year. He puts the ball on the money, even if Wes Welker drops it. He is legit the best QB ever. And then we have the refs. They are clearly on the side of the Patriots, no matter what they and their boneheaded fans say. The refs love Brady, Belichek and anyone involved with them. They will give them the benefit of the doubt. There was the no PI call in the NFC title game, but look at the roughing the passer call in the AFC title game. Brady got his shoulder touched, and the refs called roughing. That is clear evidence that the refs are in their pocket.

On paper, I have the Rams winning, and wining with ease. But, when I really look into everything, the players, coaches, refs, star players, I still have the Rams, but in a much closer than it should be game. I think the Rams will win because they will be able to run the ball and keep Brady off the filed. They will control the clock. I also expect Suh, but more so Donald, to make a few big time plays, be it sacks or forced fumbles or even just making Brady release the ball a hair earlier than he would like. So I have the Rams winning a very ugly game by a score of 23-17.

There you have it. Enjoy the game I guess.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He wants to know when the sports media will proclaim Ty as the greatest football caller guy in the world, you know since they are eager to anoint an overrated retired qb.

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The Knicks Did a Dumb Thing

I was going to write about another new show that totally blew me away, but an enormous trade just recently happened in the NBA, and I am going to use my platform to talk about how blown away I am right now. Hell, I am still kind of processing this trade because I didn't think this team could get any dumber.

Never underestimate the stupidity of the New York Knicks.

By trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Mavericks, the Knicks just got infinitely dumber. I assumed that the "biggest" NBA trade I would write about would have been AD to the Lakers, but that hasn't happened yet, and the Knicks pulled this dumbass stunt this afternoon. I know all the stuff that got leaked late last night and early this morning. Porzingis met with the Knicks brass, told them he was frustrated by the direction of the team and would possibly seek a trade. Well, I guess the Knicks took that quite literally, and they full on traded him this afternoon. I waited awhile too because I didn't want to be fooled. I didn't want something to hold this trade up. I assumed we may have had another Trevor Ariza deal on our hands. But nope, it was all true. The Knicks traded away their main guy, the one that was going to help them lure free agents, the future of this team, the second best unicorn in the league, behind Giannis, for next to peanuts.

Was this real worth it for New York? Sure, the Knicks got Dennis Smith Jr, who I still like, and think could have a career still, and the Mavs also threw in DeAndre Jordan, a dinosaur in the current NBA and Wes Matthews, who has not been near the same since he ravaged his knee.

The fact is that this was colossally stupid for New York.

The Mavs got a much, much better deal in return. I know that Porzingis is himself coming off a torn ACL, and big men sometimes have a hard time coming back from that, but look at Boogie Cousins right now. I feel like that is Porzingis's future, but with a better jump shot. And he is much younger than Boogie. But the Mavs didn't just get Porzingis, they also got Tim Hardaway Jr and Courtney Lee. I wouldn't be shocked if they buy out Lee and let him loose. But Hardaway Jr was a key piece for them. He doesn't play much D, but the dude can score and stretch the floor. even before Porzingis was apparently on the table, I heard that the Mavs were pursuing Hardaway Jr. Now they have him and Porzingis. And they both get to play with Luka Doncic. I mean, the Mavs are clearly going all in. Even if Porzingis doesn't play until next year, I feel like a lineup of Doncic, Hardaway Jr, Dirk and 2 of their young big guys will be a ton of fun to watch, and tough to guard. I don't think they make the playoffs without Porzingis, but I don't think they are bad. And just think of them next year. Doncic and Porzingis running the pick and roll will be deadly. It will also totally open up the three for Hardaway Jr. They won't be at the top of the West, but they will become a perennial playoff team. They will win in the 40's and 50's of games, and be really hard to guard. They will also play stout D. Also, Porzingis will be playing for, by far, the best coach in his career. Rick Carlisle will use him perfectly.

Back to the stupidity of the Knicks. I know Porzingis was mad. I know this has been a tough year. I know they are tanking. But what the hell are you doing? They needed to keep Porzingis if they wanted any big time free agent this offseason. I know they got off a ton of money, and I wouldn't be shocked if both Matthews and Jordan are traded or cut. And Smith may thrive running this offense all on his own. But Smith will not be enough to lure guys like KD or Kyrie or AD. I thought, before about 3pm my time today, that the Knicks had the best shot to sign KD this offseason. But with Porzingis gone, I think that is shot. I am a Dennis Smith Jr fan, and this is meant as zero disrespect to him, but he doesn't move the needle for a guy like KD. Also, he is a young point guard, so why would Kyrie want to join now? Then you have AD. I know he said the Knicks aren't one of his "preferred destinations", but they could have been if they still had Porzingis and the number one pick. All of that is gone because of, it seems to me, an impulse move by the Knicks front office. They are an atrocity to pro basketball right now, and they just got much, much, much worse today.

I don't get it. I want the Knicks to be relevant again because the NBA is so much better when they matter. They took a big, big step in the wrong direction with this trade today. This totally changes a lot of what I thought would happen this offseason. I guess I thought James Dolan couldn't be this stupid. I was proven very wrong. This is a horrible decision for the Knicks, but the Mavs will be much improved. I expected a lot of movement this week and next, with blockbuster names being moved. I just didn't expect, or see this one coming at all.

Wow.

Ed Note: The Knicks are stupid.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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A Few Thoughts on Anthony Davis's Future in the NBA

To no one's surprise that watches a good amount of the NBA, Anthony Davis has requested a trade from New Orleans. He has come out since this morning and said that he wants to finish the season there, and he is willing to wait until then, but he wants out.

I have a few thoughts.

First off, these players need to stop coming out and saying they want out. The players in professional sports leagues have so little power, and when they come out and request a trade, that gives all the power to their current team, and really handcuffs their wanted destination and themselves. Just wait until the offseason, and do this behind closed doors. In this day and age of social media I know that is hard, but if you put in the effort, it can be done. I just want these players to not give what little bit of power they have to the front office. Look out for you if you want to be on a different team.

Second, I'm pretty sure he wants to be a Laker. This has been the rumor all year long, and now that he has formally requested a trade, it seems like they are the one and only contender. I don't think they are, more on that in a minute. But, if he were to become a Laker this season, what changes in the West? Yes, pairing LeBron with AD would make for a great duo, but think of the players they would have to give up. I'm pretty sure the Pelicans are going to pass on all the one year contract guys. I'm pretty sure they don't want Rajon Rondo back. I'm also pretty sure they would pass on Michael Beasely, Javale McGee and Lance Stephenson. The Pelicans are going to want a humongous haul, and they are going to want the young guns. If I were them, and I was going to move AD within the conference, I would, just to start out, ask for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma. Then, I would ask for one of Josh Hart or Kentavious Caldwell Pope, and, at the very least, 2 picks. And if the Lakers say no, I would immediately pull the offer and look for another team. If you are going to part with your best player, the player you took number one overall and have built your team around, you should want a king's ransom. And, as I said before, with AD publicly saying he wants out, the Pelicans have all the power. They hold all the cards, and if any deal isn't to their liking, they can just walk away. They can do that this offseason too. They are in prime position to get the very best deal.

So, if the Lakers are willing to trade all those guys, and picks, sure they get AD, but does that put them above the Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, Thunder and Trailblazers? I don't think so. LeBron and AD are great, wonderful players. LeBron is the best player in league. AD may be the best big man. But those 5 teams I mentioned have a much better team around them. If AD joins the Lakers via a mega deal filled with young guys, their starting five for the playoffs would be Rondo at the 1, Hart at the 2, LeBron at the 3, AD at the 4 and that either McGee or one million year old Tyson Chandler at the 5. All 5 of the teams I mentioned are better than that Lakers lineup. So, at best, if AD were to join the Lakers, I feel like they would be the 5 seed, and a first round out in the playoffs. Those other 5 teams are so much better than them with the Blazers being closest in talent. I also think it might handcuff their future, and their ability to get another big star this offseason. That is just my opinion.

Also, I feel like the Lakers being the top bet to land him is all about GM LeBron once again. This is what he does. He goes to a team and changes it all. Coaches and young players be damned, LeBron is going to get guys he wants to play basketball with. If this trade goes down, with all the young guys, this will prove that LeBron runs the team. I will hear no one say that this was Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson's idea. I won't buy Jeanie Buss saying that this was the plan all along. I won't hear any NBA journalist say this was a great front office move. This would all be about who LeBron wants to play the game with. I also think this trade would doom Luke Walton more than he already is. This would be the nail in his coffin, especially if they are a first round out. He is as good as gone regardless of what happens, because the "powers that be" want him out.

Finally, I want to talk about a few other teams that I think would be a possible better fit. The team I want him to join is the 76ers. I love love love the idea of him playing next to Joel Embiid. I love him running the pick and roll with Ben Simmons. I think he would be an ideal guy for Jimmy Butler because AD goes so hard. This would push them over the top, and they would only have to give up picks and a few players. I'm sure the Pelicans would take a flyer on Markelle Fultz. I'm sure they would also want some guys like JJ Redick, TJ McConnell and both of their rookies. And the 76ers would happily oblige to add AD. I like the idea of him joining the Spurs to play with Greg Poppovich. They would have to give up DeRozan, Patty Mills, Jakob Poeltl and a guy like Brynn Forbes. But man, a lineup with AD, LMA, Dejounte Murray and a few young guys they have would be nice. I think if Toronto is willing to take another guy that may leave this offseason, this would put them over the top in the East. AD and Kawhi Leonard would be better than Embiid and AD. They would lock it up on the defensive end. The Raptors would have to fracture their youth, but they have a much, much better shot at the Finals than the Lakers, so it is worth it.

When it is all said and done, I feel like AD will be a Laker, but it will come at a tremendous cost. I also think that "Laker Nation" would be ecstatic at first, but when they run into the buzz saw of teams like the Thunder, Nuggets and Rockets, it would blow up in their face. And then just imagine them facing the Warriors. The Warriors don't need any added incentive to kick team's asses, especially since Boogie is back, and looks really good. Now imagine how much they would want to destroy a team that has AD and LeBron. It would be brutal.

I wish AD would stay in New Orleans. I wish he would try and build a contender. I feel like he is taking the easy way out. I feel like the young stars in the NBA aren't used to losing, and they want to win easily, so they are taking the easy way out. I do hope, wherever he ends up, AD is happy. I enjoy watching him play, and he is great. I just don't want him to leave New Orleans. Especially not for LA.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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Let Me Respectfully Explain How Tony Romo is Now the Most Overrated Sports Broadcaster Ever

Today I’m going to throw some short, but blazing, heat towards Tony Romo.

You have been warned.

He’s been getting a ton of praise lately for his ability to “call plays before they even happen”. Just go to any sports page or social media platform and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about. People are acting like he’s an Oracle. Like he’s Nostradamus or some shit like that. I do have to give credit to 2 sites that have called him out recently. Both Deadspin and the ever brilliant Onion have talked a little shit about him too. Deadspin is a legit site, and they brought up some good points in their piece, suggesting we pull back the reins a bit on what makes for a great announcer. The Onion was much funnier with it, saying that he should have studied as much tape when he was a player, and maybe he would have won something of note. Their piece is a riot.

I’m mostly with Deadspin here. Sure, the fact that he will call out a play is cool, but most diehard sports fans do that weekly when they watch their team. My dad and I can successfully call about 90 percent of Michigan football’s offense. And we’ve been able to do that for 2 decades now. I have some friends that love teams like the Thunder and Bulls, and they know just about every time a pick and roll is coming. Hell, I know that when James Harden has the ball he’s going to pound it for 17 seconds and shoot a step back three or drive. I’m pretty sure even RD himself can tell you Joey Votto’s exact approach when he steps to the plate. I bet you he knows when Billy Hamilton is going to steal a base too. When you watch a sport enough it’s not that tough to notice commonalities. And when you’ve played the sport at the highest level I bet it’s even easier. My dad, my friends, RD and myself are never called “geniuses” or “wizards” or “oracles”. We are looked at as obnoxious fans.

So why does Romo get a pass? I think it’s because he was such a mediocre player, but he’s so likable, that the big time journalists and companies want him to be successful somehow some way. They will sing his praises when he calls a play before it happens. They also gave him a pass as a player although he never made it to an NFC title game. The praise for him is absurd and it drives me nuts that I have to keep hearing how great he is. He’s an okay announcer, but he’s no John Madden, Pat Summerall, Doris Burke, Chris Webber, Chauncey Billups or any other big time person that’s done this. He’s right in the middle for me.

I feel like Tony Romo has already reached overrated status as an announcer, and he did that way faster than as a player. Romo is mediocre at everything he does. He’s so blah. The accolades need to stop and stop now. He’s no genius.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He can speak for himself on not being a genius, but the head editor is fully on board with people calling RD a genius. This is the man that discovered Ty, the biggest genius on all of the internet.

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It is Time for Carmelo to Retire

The Rockets were finally able to trade Carmelo Anthony. The deal went down yesterday, and when I heard about it, it actually made me a little sad for him. I have been hard on Carmelo lately. I genuinely believe that he is done. I feel like his best days are far, far, far behind him. I think he is a problem in the locker room. I think he still thinks he is a star. He isn't even a starter anymore. This is how I feel, and I think his career is over.

When I saw the team he was traded to, the dreadful Chicago Bulls, I couldn't really believe it. I mean, I said he is done, but the Bulls, yikes. I then heard about 20 minutes later, that they were going to buy his contract out and release him. That is the second time this has happened to him already this season. When he was traded from OKC he went to Atlanta. They bought him out right away, and then he signed with the Rockets. Now the Bulls are doing the same, and, while he may think he has options, I don't agree.

I read an article on Bleacher Report that talked about his best bets, and some teams that may be interested in him. It was insightful. The teams I saw made zero sense. But, there were 2 things that I thought were plausible. The teams they mentioned were the Lakers, 76ers, Trailblazers and Nets.

I do not want the Nets to sign him. They are actually kind of fun, they are in the playoff race and they have a young core that seems to work for them. They also have Caris Levert coming back soonish, and he is a younger, and better defensively, than Carmelo is, and ever was. I feel like if the Nets were to sign him, he would stunt a ton of young guys growth. Guys like Spencer Dinwiddie and D'Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen don't need a washed up vet that would take time from younger and better players. He does not fit in with that team, and the Nets are finally doing decent things. They don't need the headache.

The Trailblazers mention makes zero sense. They already have 2 much, much better scorers that play the same position. I mean, CJ McCollum is a better three point shooter and creator. And Damien Lillard is an amazing NBA player and scorer. Why do they need Anthony? What does he bring this team? How does he make them any better? This one is the most puzzling team to me. They have 2 great guards, they have a solid big, what they need is a stretch 4, and Carmelo is not anywhere near any kind of 4. The Trailblazers are set in stone as a West playoff team and bringing in Carmelo would make them look just like the Thunder when they traded for him 2 years ago. It would be a mess.

The 76ers need to stay far, far away from him. They do not need any parts of Carmelo. He will do nothing but push that team back. They are already dealing with the whole Jimmy Butler thing, why would they want that times 2 with a far worse player? And putting him in that locker room, with Butler, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz, that would be a nightmare. They also don't need him. They don't need him at all.

And then we have the Lakers.

This one makes the most sense, but it would be awful. It would make them much worse. If they sign him, they would be very, very hard pressed to stay in the playoff race. I know they have LeBron, but not even he can save Carmelo. And I know he and LeBron are buddies, he has always wanted to play on a team with him, and this is probably their last chance. But whatever you do LeBron stay away. You cannot bring this dude to this young team that you are trying to turn into a perennial playoff contender in the West. You are also coming off a pretty bad, for you at least, injury. LeBron has never been hurt like this before, and the Lakers are struggling without him. The last thing they need is Carmelo. Think about it. They have this young core that is trying to learn how to play with LeBron. Some are doing okay, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and, especially Kyle Kuzma. But others are struggling. Brandon Ingram comes to mind first and foremost. Also, the Lakers already have a very odd group of veterans on one year deals. Do you really want to add Carmelo to a team that has Javale McGee, Michael Beasley and Rajon Rondo? Why? That would spell doom. And he wouldn't even add anything at all to this team. He isn't the scorer he once was. He isn't the shooter he once was. He plays no defense. He thinks he is a starter and a star. He is done. He is washed. This would be GM LeBron's worst decision ever. The Lakers need to stay away. They shouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole. This would not only be bad for GM LeBron, but it would make Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson look like they are letting LeBron run things. It would also be absolutely awful for Luke Walton.

There are no winners here. None of these teams make any sense for Carmelo. What I did see that made sense was his other 2 options. They said he should go to China or retire. These 2 choices make sense. In China he would be king. Look at what Stephon Marbury has done over there. He is a legend. Carmelo is better than Marbury. He would dominate. He also wouldn't have to play any D, and he could just shoot mid range jumper after mid range jumper. Hell, if Marbury and Jimmer Fredette are dominating over there, imagine what Carmelo could do.

The one option that makes most sense is retirement. He should hang it up. He has done all he can do in the NBA. He has gone as far in the regular season and playoffs as he can. He is never going to win a title. He is never going to be an All Star again. He is not a starter. He is not even a 10th man off the bench. He doesn't have it anymore. If he were to walk away right now I think people would forget the last 2 years. I think people would start to talk more about his time with the Nuggets and Knicks. He is also a surefire hall of famer regardless of when he walks away. If he does it now, he would get in much sooner. It makes so much sense for him to just call it quits. That is what I believe he should do. He's done as an NBA player, and I think he feels like he is above playing overseas.

Just let it go Carmelo. Time to retire.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

The NFL is Idiotic

Happy MLK Day everyone.

I come to you today to talk about the NFC and AFC title games yesterday. First off, both games were exciting. That is not to say that they were good, great or well played. They were both fun. But, both games had some serious issues, that are making me dislike the NFL more and more.

In the first game, Saints and Rams, there were mistakes made by both teams, poor play calling, star players not stepping up,  but most importantly, a horrific missed call that changed the game completely. The mistakes made by the Rams in the first quarter, and pretty much all of the first half, were bad. Goff's interception was horrendous, Todd Gurley couldn't catch the ball and their defense was a sieve. The Saints did their part to keep it close though. They couldn't really capitalize on the turnovers, they only scored 13 points in the quarter, when it could have, or should have, been 21, Drew Brees was awful, Michael Thomas was held in check and Mark Ingram couldn't run. The only Saints player that looked prepared was Alvin Kamara. Sean Payton's game plan was shit too. He couldn't move the ball at will like he did last time they played. Sean McVay wasn't much better. His offense was very blah and bland. For these 2 offenses to only combine for 49 points, that was a shock. With all that said, there is one thing we should be talking about.

That missed pass interference was atrocious.

The defender even admitted that he was interfering, saying he was just trying to stop a TD. For the refs to swallow their whistles in that moment, in New Orleans, when it could have iced the game, that was terrible. If I were a Saints fan today, I would be so irritated. The officials in football have gotten worse every year, and that no call was how bad they have truly become. Officials seem to think the fans are there to watch them and not the players, and when they had a chance to do something right, to make the correct call, they absolutely blew it. There was an official right there, there was one behind the play, both of them had 4 eyes on the play, and none of them blew their whistle or threw their flag. This completely changed the complexion of the game. The Saints had to settle for a field goal, the Rams tied it up, then won in overtime. 

Instead of the narrative being that Drew Brees is going to the Super Bowl at 40, Sean Payton is still a great offensive mind and Alvin Kamara's star is going to continue to shine, we are stuck having to hear about how Sean McVay is an "offensive genius" for 2 weeks now. And he did nothing to prove that. Goff was bad, Gurley was unplayable, the only receiver that showed up was Brandin Cooks, the Rams did not deserve that game. It was one of the worst no calls I've ever seen, and it totally changed this game. This is one of the few times that one single call truly changed the outcome of a game. I feel bad for Saints fans.

As for the AFC title game, it had one good quarter, that was it. The Patriots came out and decided to just run the ball, to keep it out of the Chiefs explosive offense's hands. And it worked. They dominated the ball and the game for a half. Even with Tom Brady looking a bit off, the Patriots were riding a 2 TD lead going into half.

Then things started to open up a bit. The Chiefs got the ball and scored right away. Patrick Mahomes looked more comfortable. The Chiefs were starting to stop the run. The Patriots did tack on a field goal, but the Chiefs went down and scored again to cut it to 3 with a quarter left.

But, and it wasn't as bad as the Saints game, the refs started to get involved. First off, Julian Edelmann touched that football. There is no denying it. Both of his thumbs touched the ball. But since he is on the Patriots, the refs, of course, gave him the benefit and said he didn't touch it. Brady did throw a pick though, and the chiefs turned it into a TD to take the lead. But no worries, the Chiefs defense regressed and couldn't stop the Patriots pass attack. They went right down the field and scored to take the lead. But so did the Chiefs. It was an exercise in defensive futility.

Just when I thought the Chiefs had the game in hand, going up 4 with about three minutes left, the Patriots, and the refs, changed all that. The roughing the passer call on the Chiefs was horrendous. That D tackle did not even touch Brady, maybe grazed his jersey, but since it caused him to overthrow the ball, the refs couldn't get their flags out fast enough. Then, Chris Hogan, who clearly dropped the ball, was given a gift when the review said he did catch it. If he caught that ball, then how did Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson not catch the ball? Do you think it might be because they don't have Patriots written on their jerseys? I sure do.

Regardless of all this though, even after the Patriots scored, Mahomes and the Chiefs kicked a field goal to tie the game and send it to OT. This is where we get the dumbass NFL version of overtime. The fact that Mahomes and the Chiefs offense didn't even get to touch the ball is a crime. Sure, they should have stopped one of those third down plays, but give the offense a chance. The NFL needs to switch their rules. I do not like the newer rule of, if the team scores a TD the game is over. That is so unfair to the other team's offense. Just think if the NFL adopted the college football overtime rules. It would have been magical. As fun as that fourth quarter was, we could have gotten that times ten, if they played college overtime. Imagine the back and forth. But nope, the NFL is stupid and archaic and just way too stuck in their ways.

After watching these 2 games it was clear to me that the NFL clearly wanted the young hot shot team from LA to play the old, dynasty on the east coast. They really wanted the McVay-Belichek showdown. They want what they suspect to be the next dynasty playing the current dynasty.

I usually enjoy the Super Bowl regardless of who's playing. This year, I couldn't care less. I am so sick of watching the Patriots play, and I don't care about the Rams, and they shouldn't be there. The refs gave them that game. This Super Bowl, and all the stuff leading up to it, will be insufferable and boring. I'm already sick of all the stories that will come. I'm already tired of the "passing of the torch" stories that will be written and told. I'm over it. I'll watch the game because I am a football junkie, but that doesn't mean I won't complain about it, because it is going to be unbearable. I'd rather the Cubs win the World Series, or the Lakers win the NBA championship, than watch this Rams team lose to this Patriots team. It is some rough stuff.

Congratulations NFL, you got the matchup you wanted, and all it took was your terrible overtime rules and a horrendous, atrocious, disgusting and terrible no call. Oof magoof.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He loves hearing all the ESPN guys cover for the league and say that any game does not come down to one play. Here’s the facts, the NFC championship did get decided by one terrible call. Congrats on your continued idiocy NFL.

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The Love for James Harden and the Hate for Russell Westbrook Makes No Damn Sense

Two years ago I felt like I was one of the people driving the Russell Westbrook for MVP debate.

What he did that season, with the roster that was put around him, was astounding. The fact that, a season after losing KD mind you, he averaged a triple double, with his best teammate being Steven Adams, was one of the most MVP worthy things I have ever seen. He was must watch TV that year. I watched more Thunder games than usual that year just to see what Westbrook would do. I have said, to people that will listen to me, I would not enjoy playing with him, but I LOVE watching him play. He is a whirling dervish of athleticism. It's like the most insane ballet that you could ever watch. And while he's not the greatest shooter, he is really bad in fact, the way he created shots for himself and others was awesome. To see a 6 foot guard rebound like that, again, amazing.

So when major journalists, some I like, some I dislike, were saying that he wasn't deserving of the MVP I was floored. I couldn't believe it. I didn't know what else he had to do to prove that he was the MVP. A lot of these journalists actually pushed for James Harden that year. LeBron was mentioned a ton as well, but he always is. When I listened to them, or read why they felt this way, it made me even angrier. They called Westbrook a "stat hunter". They said he was bad. They called him selfish. They said he wasn't deserving because he only led the Thunder to a 6 seed and something like 45 wins that year. They said the first round series proved that he wasn't the MVP.

Well, one Mr. James Harden is currently putting up absolutely ridiculous numbers, with his 2 best teammates out injured right now, and these same journalists are praising him. They are talking abut him "carrying" his team. They are saying what he is doing is something they haven't seen since Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. They are calling him the MVP. And while I don't refute that, I do think he has surpassed Giannis as the MVP, why does he get so much love doing almost exactly what Westbrook did 2 years ago, when they were all shaming him?

Here are the facts. James Harden is one of the most boring NBA players to watch. If Westbrook is a "stat hunter", Harden is a "foul hunter". That guy gets so many calls in his favor, calls that are absolutely and utterly insane, that is drives me up the wall. The other night he shot 27 free throws. Not the Rockets, Harden himself took 27 free throws. How is that more fun, or any better than what Westbrook was doing?

Also, lets compare the rosters were they currently are right now with the Rockets to the Thunder from 2 years ago. As I said, Westbrook's best teammate was Adams. He then had guys like Victor Oladipo, before he was a star, Domantas Sabonis, when he was a rookie, Kyle Singler, Nick Collison, Dion Waiters and Terrance Ferguson, among others. Meanwhile, Harden has players like PJ Tucker, Austin Rivers, Eric Gordon and Gerald Green. Oh, and Chris Paul will be back soon, and Clint Capela will miss a couple more weeks before he is back. I'd take that Rockets roster any day.

While Harden is putting up okay assist numbers, he is as selfish a player as there is in the NBA. I saw a stat the other day that said on his last 150 points, he has been assisted on 0 of them. You may read that and say, well no one is passing him the ball, false, he is dribbling the clock down and jacking up threes that somehow are going in. He is a ball stopper and he is a ball hog. The records also, at this same time 2 years ago when Westbrook was the MVP, are almost exactly the same. But where Harden gets credit, Westbrook got blasted. That is so unfair.

The biggest shit talkers are every single basketball writer and podcaster at The Ringer, especially their owner, Bill Simmons. Look, I get it, you guys very much dislike Westbrook. But you have got to stop making excuses for Harden because you like him. These guys and girls have trashed Westbrook since he won the MVP, but when Harden plays the exact same way, they love it. It is clear this company hates the Thunder. I mean, Simmons won't shut up about the Harden trade, which seems like a million years ago. He has KD on his podcast so much, that was one of the reasons I stopped listening to it. Simmons is a star chaser, except when it comes to Westbrook. Other writers at The Ringer always bring up how great Harden has been this past month, then I think they feel like they need to trash Westbrook just because they can.

The biggest indictment of this whole Harden Westbrook debate is something that Simmons and his buddy Joe House kept saying 2 years ago. They said anyone that voted for Westbrook as MVP was "basketball pervert". Well, if you guys thought we who rode the bus for Westbrook are "basketball perverts". what does that make you guys this year with Harden? I think that makes you, in your own words, "basketball perverts". Oh, and I cannot forget that Simmons said on "The Lowe Post" that he is more impressed by guys that average 27 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds. I believe he called it "The LeBron". Well dip shit, Westbrook, and for that matter, your boy Harden, are averaging more in all three categories. How dumb are you? How out of touch do you have to be? What happened to you as a credible writer? I'd much rather have the guys that average a triple double, or 40 points per game.

While I think Harden, where we stand right now, is the MVP, I also think these journalists need to lay the hell off of Westbrook. It was 2 years ago. Harden won his MVP. And what Westbrook did hadn't been done since Oscar Robertson was in the league. Journalists are supposed to be unbiased, and a lot of you are being exposed now. Get over it. Westbrook deserved his MVP, and if Harden keeps this up, he will deserve it too. I just want you shills to admit that he is a pain to watch, that he is selfish and that he is a better scoring, but worse passing and rebounding version of Russell Westbrook.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

Follow Ty on instagram and twitter.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.

The Best in Sports of 2018

Day 4 of my best of 2018 lists brings on one of my favorite subjects, sports. I love sports. It is one of my most favorite things to do, watch and enjoy. There was a decent amount of sports stuff that happened this year, some good, some bad. I already got the bad out of the way, although I could spend an entire day talking about Michigan's horrific bowl appearance last Saturday, but that is another topic for another day. Today is all about the good I personally experienced in sports in 2018. Lets get to it.

At number 5 I have my first purchase of one of the greatest channels/sports packages that has ever existed, NBA League Pass. I love basketball, and in the past 5 years I have become obsessed again with the NBA. What makes League Pass so great is, I can watch every single game that I want. I can also record games that I want to watch the next day. I can also watch this super deep, super explosive group of rookies. I also get to see teams play that I haven't watched in years. I have seen more Sacramento Kings games so far this season than I have in the past decade. And they're fun to watch now too. Now that I am a Suns fan, with League Pass, I have been able to watch the majority of their games. They are not good, but they are my new team, and I want to get very acquainted with them, and so far, I have. I love it. I also love that I can watch any team, as I said before. With ESPN, NBA TV and TNT, we get the same teams. It's always the Warriors, Thunder, Celtics, Lakers and Rockets. I don't like any of those teams, save for the Thunder. But now, with League Pass, I can watch the previously mentioned Suns, the Bucks, the Trailblazers, the Magic and, if I really want a bad game, the Knicks or Hawks. It rules. I have also been able to see the great rookies. I've gotten to watch Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and so on and so forth. It's awesome. I love League Pass. This channel will now be in my life forever.

At number 4 I have the past Super Bowl that featured the Eagles and Patriots. This game was devoid of defense, but it is always fun to see the Patriots get beat. And the way they lost the game was very gratifying for me. They could not stop Nick Foles. They made him look like a top 3 QB. The whole "Philly Special" play was awesome. But what made it even better was the fact that the Patriots tried a similar play, and it blew up in their face. And for those of you saying, "what about Tom Brady? He went to Michigan. Don't you love him?". No. When guys leave Michigan, yes I follow their careers, but I am a Packers fans. I loathe the Patriots. So to see them get beat, in agonizing fashion, was great. And do you know who strip sacked Brady to win the game? For those of you now possibly questioning my love for Michigan, it was a former Wolverine, Brandon Graham. Whenever the Patriots lose, 99 percent of the football watching public wins. That was definitely the case this past year. Congrats to the Eagles, and thanks for beating the Patriots en route to your first title in a long, long time.

At number 3 I have the College Football Playoff Final last year, when Alabama won in overtime over Georgia. Again, I don't like either of these teams, but this game was tremendous. It seemed like Georgia was really going to pull it off, leading by 2 scores for awhile. Then Jalen Hurts got hurt, and the legend of Tua Tiagaviola was born. I don't agree with how this kid was raised to play football, but he is a damn good football player, and he proved that in the title game last year. He was amazing. He made some incredible throws. He found open receivers where there were seemingly no open receivers. Georgia kept fighting, and when they pushed the game to OT, I thought they had a chance. When they kicked the field goal, then sacked Tiagaviola for a big loss, I thought they really had it. But then the long pass to Calvin Ridley happened. It was a beautiful throw, a great catch and sealed the win. It was a finish for the ages. I love college football, and even though the teams playing in the game are not my teams, I enjoy a good game. This title game was a great game. It was so much fun to watch. Hopefully the game this year will live up to the last title game.

At number 2 I have Michigan football's run through what was supposed to be their tough three game stretch this year. They had a "gauntlet" of games in early November. They had to travel to Michigan State, then play Wisconsin and Penn State at home in three consecutive weeks. Granted these teams weren't that good this year, but at the time, they were all top 20 teams. They struggled with MSU for a bit, but blew the game open in the second half. They only won by 2 scores, but they dominated that game. They held MSU to under 100 yards of offense. MSU had to put their backup QB in, and Michigan punished them. And it was in East Lansing. It was very satisfying. They then had a night game with Wisconsin. This game was close for a half, just like the MSU game, then Michigan really blew it open. The shut down Johnathan Taylor, and Shea Patterson and Karan Higdon completely took over. They owned that game. The defense also stepped up in a big way and made the Wisconsin QB's night awful. When Lavert Hill had that pick 6, I was able to relax because Michigan put the bow on a 38-13 win. Then there was the Penn State game. Penn State embarrassed Michigan last year, and they let them know it. Well, Michigan put it on them this year. They stopped anything and everything that punk ass Penn State QB tried to do. Michigan got in his head early and shut down any chance at a Heisman for that kid. Again, like the MSU game, PSU had to put in their backup. They said it was due to injury, but lets be honest, he was scared to get hit again. I loved that the defense was doing his celebration every time they sacked that QB. It made me happy. This was the one game where Michigan, from the start, stepped on a team's throat and refused to take their foot off. It was great. while the year didn't end like I hoped, I do have this three game stretch, and it was awesome.

But, at number one, I have the entire 2018 year for Michigan's basketball team. This has honestly been a very, very good year for Michigan basketball. First they won the Big Ten Tournament for the second straight year. They then pushed their way all the way to the title game in the NCAA tournament. I was shocked. They did get blown out in the title game. But, the fact they made the Final Four and the title game, for a team that I thought would only win 20 games, that was amazing for me to see. They really made the tournament fun for me to watch. Then they started out this season the way they have, and it has been awesome. I am worried every week that they will get beat, and they will, but for the time being, they are the number 2 team in the country, and they are undefeated. They have also beaten 3 top 20 teams in the process. They went to Villanova and hammered them. They really crushed them. They then had UNC at home in the ACC-Big Ten tournament. I thought this was going to be bad. It wasn't. They clamped down on D and they finally started to hit shots. It was awesome to see them shut down the team that I picked to be in the championship this season. Then, to open Big Ten play, they destroyed Purdue. They stopped the preseason Big Ten player of the year, Carsen Edwards. He couldn't do a thing. It was great. Since then they have continued to win, but it hasn't been pretty. I hope they continue this for a long time. I saw a stat somewhere that said they finished the year, 2018, with a record of 35-4. That is really impressive. Now it is time to see how they close out 2019. For the time being, I have 2018 to look back on.

That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for my final top 5 list, my top podcast moments of the year.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He was going to put something from the Winter Olympics on his list, but then he remembered that the Olympics are pointless. He also completely forgot when or where the Olympics were held last year. I guess he really wasn’t thinking about the Olympics after all.

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The Worst Things of 2018

Next week I will spend the 5 days of the week doing my best of 2018 in movies, music, tv, podcasts and sports. I will do a top 5 of each category. Today though I want to do a similar list, but I want to do the one thing I consider the worst of 2018. I'll pick the worst tv show, movie, album/musician, podcast moment and sports moment. Before I get into it, I do have to say that this is just my opinion. I know that I will have a few things on here that will be odd and make people mad, but that is what year end lists are for, are they not? This will also be much quicker since I am just picking one thing from each category. My best of lists next week will be a bit longer. Okay enough preamble, lets get to it.

I'm going to start with sports because this was quite possibly the worst thing for me, as a sports fan, that has not only happened this year, but has happened in a long time. I am of course talking about Michigan getting absolutely crushed by the University of Ohio State in football. I have written about this game already, so I won't go as deep into detail as I did the Monday after the game. But this was awful. Michigan's vaunted defense got torched and refused to adjust all game long. This was their best chance in a long time, they were the better team on paper, and they laid a total egg. I mean, their offense scored 39 points, but it was all garbage time, and it was all for naught. They gave up 62 points, over 500 yards of offense, and it could have been much, much worse. Michigan blew it on the biggest stage for them in quite some time, and it was painful to watch. They had their best chance to beat their hated rival for the first time in 7 years, and a possible playoff berth at stake if they won the Big Ten title. They got none of that. They choked. They got crushed and it was, by far, my worst sports moment of 2018. Nothing else was even close.

When it comes to podcast/podcast moments, I have to go with "Comedy Bang! Bang!" not doing their usual Halloween episode. I look forward to this every year, and Halloween came and went with no visit to Boogie Woogie Avenue. I didn't get to hear Bret Gelman and Jon Daly do their thing. There was no Comedy Fang Fang this year. No weirdo ghosts for me to cackle with laughter at. It was a real bummer. The biggest disappointment with no "CBB" Halloween episode was the absence of Leo Carpatzi and his daughter Scaroline to sing their version of "The Monster Mash", which is always my favorite part. Although, as you will see next week, they do make up for it a bit in their Christmas episode. But, no 1122 Boogie Woogie Avenue, no Scaroline, no Mesmor, it all bummed me out. This episode is one of the few things I look forward to for a "holiday" that I am not the biggest fan of. Hopefully they remedy this next year because their Halloween episodes are some of their best.

My worst music of 2018 is kind of weird, but it struck me as odd, and kind of stupid to be completely honest. So, you all know how I feel about Drake. He is a wannabe, a front runner, a HORRIBLE rapper, he is just trash all around. So, for him to think he could even touch Pusha T was a joke and made that my most disliked music moment of the year. There is no beef, Pusha T is a far superior rapper, and always will be, when compared to Drake. He has lived that life. He has earned and grinded hard for everything he has accomplished. He isn't a fake, a phony or a frontrunner. Pusha goes about his business and makes incredible rap music. He literally started from the bottom. Drake was on a teenage high school drama in Canada when he was a kid. He is from the suburbs. He's never had a hard day in his life. He is a fake, a phony and a wannabe like I said before. He's a poseur. Pusha T will always, always be a much, much better rapper. So will thousands upon thousands of other rappers that a lot of people may not know about just yet. Drake is a rapper for white tweens. Pusha T is for a true hip hop fan. This whole beef was pointless and dull. Find something better to do with your time Drake because you are not even a top 500 rapper of all time. You are trash.

With TV I was very conflicted because the 2 shows that I think are the worst were 2 I LOVED last year. With that being said, what in the hell happened to "Westworld" and "Legion"? Am I not smart enough? Do I not get it? Am I not hip enough anymore? I don't know, and that was my biggest problem with both these shows. I feel like they decided to really just make some weird stuff and see if major critics would bite, and boy did they ever. I have read a lot of best of lists, and most have both shows on their lists. I totally disagree. Now, it needs to be said that I didn't finish either season. But I didn't finish because I was too tired of sitting there in utter confusion for hours after watching an episode. I made it through 3 of "Legion" and 2 of "Westworld" and just gave up. These shows are already confusing enough, but like I said, I felt like the writers were just messing with me now. They were intentionally trying to confuse me. I like my intelligence to be tested time to time when watching a show, but in watch these 2 shows this year, I felt like I was being made to look like a fool. Like I was stupid because I didn't get it. That is not how I should feel when watching a show. TV shows and movies should let you escape and have fun. I got none of that from "Westworld" or "Legion" this year. That was a bummer for me.

Finally, my worst movie of 2018. I have to admit that I don't get to the movies as much as I would like, but I still watch a fair amount On Demand and on streaming services. With all that being said, the worst movie I saw in 2018 has to be "Avengers: Infinity War". Now, I kind of liked the movie, but compared to everything else, it just doesn't stand up. I found parts of it dull and dragging. I don't like that Thanos wipes out half the population, but we just have to accept that most of those people are still alive because it's a "comic book movie". It would have been so much cooler if they really did kill off all the characters that Thanos killed. I found Thanos kind of dull and, while an okay bad guy, he was no Heath Ledger Joker or Tom Hardy Bane or Alfred Molina's Dr. Octopus or Ultron or even a marginal bad guy like The Mandarin. I think my biggest problem lied within my expectations for the movie. They were through the roof, and that is unfair. But still, my wife and I saw this movie on opening weekend, with a packed theater that had a 10 month old there, and we both left kind of shrugging our shoulders. It wasn't like when we saw "Black Panther" or the first "Ironman" or the "X-Men" movies. We left those exhilarated. With "Infinity War". we left unfulfilled. That is why I have it as my worst movie of the year.

Okay, I got the bad stuff out of the way. Come back next week where I will dedicate one day with a top 5 of 2018 for each category. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Ty is lucky to have survived the Thanos snap so he can dump on the movie. Others in the SeedSing virtual cube farm were not so lucky. We forward to seeing Tina S when the next movie “fixes” all the important deaths.

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Elite College Players Should Sit Out their Meaningless Bowl Game

College football bowl season kicked off this past Saturday. Some notable teams played, like Arizona State, Eastern Michigan and Utah State. The "bigger" games will start ramping up very soon. In 12 days we have the playoff semifinals and the first of the New Year's Six bowls kick off. What I want to talk about today is the players who are skipping the game to prepare for the NFL draft.

This really became a thing a few years back. I remember when Christian McCaffery did it while at Stanford. I remember Jabrill Peppers saying he was hurt 2 years ago at the Orange Bowl, but I believe he sat it out to preserve himself. Leonard Fournette did it while at LSU. The common thread for these players was the fact that the teams they were on did not play in the playoff, so why risk injury in what is a glorified exhibition game? When Peppers did it, I was frustrated because I knew he could have helped Michigan win. When McCaffery and Fournette did it, I didn't really care. Now it has become a common theme. Big time underclassmen who declare for the draft are starting to sit out non playoff bowl games more and more. And, while I said I was frustrated that Peppers did it, I understood why.

Now, I fully support these players who skip a meaningless bowl game to get ready for the NFL. These kids are getting ready to go into their professional careers, so why risk a fluky injury in a pointless game? Jake Butt, a former Michigan tight end, played in that very same Orange Bowl that Peppers sat out, and in the fourth quarter of that game he tore his ACL. Prior to the bowl game he was a 2-3 round pick easily. After the injury he dropped to the late fourth round, and he has only played in a few NFL games. He also tore his ACL again. Peppers, on the other hand, is a starter on the Browns. He plays safety, nickel and returns kicks from time to time. He has not suffered any bad injuries either. He made the correct decision. I know that Butt had to prove a bit more, Peppers was a sure fire first rounder, but still, had he sat out that game, he could have easily been a second round pick. And look at what McCaffery is doing in the NFL this season. Sure, his rookie year was a struggle, but now, he and Cam are the focal point of that Panthers offense. I know they have struggled of late, but McCaffery has been putting up great numbers this year. Fournette was a huge reason why the Jaguars were so solid last year, and it was because he was fresh and healthy as a rookie. He logged a ton of carries last year and was the focal point of their offense. All of this happened because he had the time to get prepared for his career. He didn't waste his time with pointless practices and a pointless game.

This year a bevy of top prospects are siting out their bowl games. Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Clemson will have all their guys, but that is because they are in the playoff. Houston though will be without Ed Oliver. ASU didn't have N'Keal Henry for their game. Michigan will be without Rashan Gary and possibly Devin Bush. West Virginia won't have their star QB Will Grier. Memphis will be without their all purpose stud running back. Same for Kentucky. There are some others that I can't think of off the top of my head, but I know the number of players sitting out is well into double figures.

I cannot blame these kids. They are getting ready to go play a sport where the people in charge don't really care about you when you are past your prime. The NFL chews up and spits out players left and right. So why would these kids, playing in minor to non playoff bowl games risk any minimal future they may or may not have in the NFL? If they were to play in their bowl game they could end up with the same fate as Jake Butt. I don't think Rashan Gary or Ed Oliver or N'Keal Henry want, or should have to, risk that. Hell, and if the NFL doesn't care about them, the NCAA sure as hell doesn't care about these kids. To the higher ups in the NCAA, all these kids are are money makers for them. These kids don't see a dime for playing at their respective schools. When I was in Ann Arbor earlier this year for a game I saw a ton of people in number 3 Michigan jerseys. Gary didn't see a single dime of that money. It all went to the school. Sane thing for Houston games. I saw a ton of people in the crowd with number 10 jerseys. You think Ed Oliver saw a dime of that? No way. I respect these kids for doing this. You should preserve yourself so you are fully ready and healthy to play at the next level. This is a smart, forward thinking move. If you are not playing for a title, why risk the injury concern, especially if you are a sure fire first round pick? And for the kids that play in the bowl games, I do love it still. Some are seniors, and this is their last chance. Some will be getting time for the players that are sitting out, and this is their chance to shine. Younger players get a shot and more practice time.

The bowl games are made for a good amount of the college players, just not the first rounders not playing in the playoff. I fully support the decisions of these players, and will continue to. Would I like to see Gary suit up and play in the Peach Bowl? Absolutely. Do I hold ill will because he is sitting it out? No way. He is the doing the best thing for him and his family. NCAA football players are smart and they are doing the right thing in saving themselves for the pros when they have a shot to make it.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He was going to sit out the SeedSing.com bowl, but we promised him a few kickbacks if he played. Welcome back Ty.

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