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Archive for December, 2009

Texas A&M – UW: Video of Derrick Rowland after suffering broken leg

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

During the Huskies 73-64 win versus Texas A&M on December 23rd, the Aggies’ Derrick Rowland suffered a horrific leg injury after going up for a basket. Rowland was Texas A&M’s great offensive asset. The Washington Huskies are now ranked #22 in the latest AP Poll.

Watch the video below. Beware, it’s pretty gruesome.


Sonicsgate named Sports Illustrated’s “Most Persuasive Grassroots Flick”

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

Documentary film contends for Best of 2009 lists

December 22, 2009 — SEATTLE, Wash — “Sonicsgate – Requiem For A Team,” the feature documentary film profiling the true story of the Seattle SuperSonics’ tragic exodus from Seattle, has been named the “Most Persuasive Grassroots Flick” in the Dec. 21 issue of Sports Illustrated.

Featured on Page 73 in between Spike Lee’s documentary on Kobe Bryant and the new Mike Tyson documentary, “Sonicsgate” received the following praise from Sports Illustrated:

The Most Persuasive Grassroots Flick (of 2009). The makers of Sonicsgate, which examines how Seattle lost its NBA team, felt so strongly about its message (the team’s fans were screwed by a whole lot of people) that they gave the movie away on their website. Don’t be fooled by the price tag: This pitch-perfect documentary shows the collateral damage when a team leaves town.”

The film has receive overwhelmingly positive reviews, the majority of which are linked at www.sonicsgate.org/reviews, and director Jason Reid said he hopes this passion project will contend for several Best of 2009 lists and awards.

  • “Sonicsgate” is free for anyone to watch online at www.sonicsgate.org.  The film’s producers have not attempted to turn a profit with this project, wanting only for the world to see the events that caused the tragic theft of their team in the hopes that it will create momentum for the rebirth of the Sonics in Seattle.
  • The feature film finished a week long run at Seattle International Film Festival Cinema from Dec. 11 – 17, during which it was the third highest (#3) grossing film in the country among films shown only on one screen.
  • The two-hour documentary dissects the modern business of professional sports, nationwide public subsidy of arenas, corporate malfeasance, political impotence and the true helplessness of die-hard fans toiling against these powerful forces.

We would like to mail you a press kit including a DVD screener. Please direct media inquiries to the film’s producers.


Adam Brown

Media/Producer
P: (206) 919-3778

E: info@sonicsgate.org

Jason Reid
Director/Producer
P: (206) 419-4649

E: info@sonicsgate.org

###


Watch the ESPN Arnold Palmer Commercial

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

ESPN commercials have always been classic. I saw this one while watching Monday Night Football and thought I’d pass it along. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a little comedy. See if you get it:


Watch it again: The U (ESPN’s 30 for 30 Series)

Monday, December 21st, 2009

I am reposting this one because it is a must watch:

ESPN’s “30 for 30″ documentary on the University of Miami Football teams from 1983-1991 is fantastic. The film was directed by Billy Corben, creator of the “Cocaine Cowboys” documentary about the city of Miami’s drug problems during the same era.

The documentary detailed the program’s rise to prominence through three very successful coaches – Howard Schnellenberger, Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson.

Through targeted recruiting, they tapped into the limitless talent of South Florida, which lead them to their eventual success.

The most entertaining aspect of the film was The U’s brazen swagger – they crushed everyone in their path and were encouraged (particularly by Jimmy Johnson) to rub it right in their faces. Along the way they won four national championships and got cheated out of another.

The U was in so big in Miami that the players would get into the best local clubs (free of charge), while millionaire Dolphin pros were waiting in line outside. In fact, 2 Live Crew’s Uncle Luke was a huge fan and put bounties on the opposing team’s heads. For example the individual who the biggest hit on the other team received a cool $1000 from the U fan.

Its something that will probably never happen again in the NCAA. Note that the documentary ends with the “Whammy in Miami” – when the Huskies ended their 58 game winning streak. Go out and watch it.


The Seahawks: Empty seats and Boos

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Seahawks Bucs 12.20

The image above (Courtesy Jefferey Lew) says it all. Going into this weekend’s game against the 1-12 Buccaneers, (Read: An abortion of a team) our lowly 5-8 Seahawks were playing strictly for pride. No need to worry about those pesky playoffs.

One would think, however, that Jim Mora’s fiery speech and vocal concerns about the team’s talent that we’d come out with something to prove. One would think that they owed a good performance to the home fans who came out to watch in the rain in a cakewalk match up. Especially after they have faithfully endured loss after loss this season.

Instead, the fans were treated to a 24-7 shellacking by the Buccaneers. The 26th ranked Bucs defense forced FIVE Seattle turnovers, which was the biggest game decider. After blowing the 7-3 lead (which should have been considerably more) at halftime, the Bucs went up 21-7 on a TD pass and 2 point conversion. Cue the boos. By the 4th quarter, the stands were nearly empty.

It is performances such as these that result in empty seats and quiet crowds; when you don’t have anything to cheer for, people are not going to show up. These events cost time and money, and there is much less return on investment when you know your team isn’t going to perform (Read: people don’t want to watch their teams lose).

As to the problems with this team, I’ve said before that they seem to be endless. What the Seahawks showed today, however, was a lack of motivation. This team didn’t seem to care whether they won or lost; they were more preoocupied with getting the best possible draft pick next season.

On the positive side, the Denver Broncos did lose to the Oakland Raiders 20-19, which will improve our first round draft pick we get from them next year.


360 Sports Challenge: College Bowl Mania

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Don’t forget to enter the ESPN College Bowl Mania entry for the readers of the 360 Sports Blog. It’s free of charge and very simple to play: you choose the winner’s of every college bowl game. You get 1 point per correct answer (this is not a confidence bracket). The winner gets a 6 pack of choice (no alcohol under 21).

Here is how to join:

- Click this link, which will take you to the “360 Sports Blog” College Bowl Mania entry.

- If you do not already have a ESPN account, you can sign up for one on the page (it is free).

- Join the “360 Sports Blog” group and create your entry.

If this does not work, go to “join or create a group” on the same page. Under the search, type in “360 Sports Blog.” Then create your entry.

Easy as 1-2-3. The winners will be recognized on this blog and may or may not receive a 6 pack of choice (Cola if under 21). Good luck to you all. Cheers!

Note: bowl games start on December 19, so get your entries in as soon as possible. You cannot make picks for games that have already happened.


Play the 360 Sports Blog College Bowl Mania Challenge

Friday, December 18th, 2009

I created an ESPN College Bowl Mania entry for the readers of the 360 Sports Blog. It’s very simple: you choose the winner’s of every college bowl game. You get 1 point per correct answer (this is not a confidence bracket).

Please join the group and test your college football knowledge against me. I’ve made it very easy to join:

- Click this link, which will take you to the “360 Sports Blog” College Bowl Mania entry.

- If you do not already have a ESPN account, you can sign up for one on the page (it is free).

- Join the group and create your entry.

If this does not work, go to “join or create a group” on the same page. Under the search, type in “360 Sports Blog.” Then create your entry.

Easy as 1-2-3. The winners will be recognized on this blog and may or may not receive a 6 pack of choice (Cola if under 21). Good luck to you all. Cheers!

Note: bowl games start on December 19, so get your entries in as soon as possible. You cannot make picks for games that have already happened.


Updated: An Open Letter to Tiger Woods

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Dear Tiger,

You’re widely accredited as one of the most dominant golfers of all time, as you’ve shattered modern golf records all over the world. The AP has even named you Athlete of the Decade. Additionally, this success has made golf fun to watch, making you responsible for much of the PGA’s success.

Recently, you’ve had some “indiscretions” with known porn stars and a few other college educated floozies. Your wife finds out, takes a two iron to the back of your Escalade on Thanksgiving evening while you try to escape her wrath. Here is the kicker: As you’ve had a few brewskies (it’s T-day after all) you lose control while looking back to see if she’s still chasing you and crash into a fire hydrant. I understand, these things happen.

Tangent: Note the club selection: 2 Iron. While a solid choice, I would’ve gone with the sand wedge. I always trust it to get me out of tough situations.

Consequently, a worldwide media storm ensues after your PR people try to spin it the story, saying your wife was “helping you escape from the vehicle.” Nearly everyone calls BS, including this Chinese television station, which creates this hilarious reenactment:

Now that’s quality programming.

So far, the biggest issue is that you’ve been relatively silent about the whole ordeal which has caused more and more questions, speculation and problems. As this is getting you nowhere, I suggest you consider this alternative:

Go into F you mode and become the night life equivalent of Michael Jordan/Dwayne Wade/Jay Z all rolled into one. Forget the ball and chain and go to town with every Hollywood Floozy/Supermodel/Cover girl in the business. Create a public hit list (See example below). Make outlandish bets in Vegas. Meanwhile, stick up two middle fingers any time the media pries into your social life.

Tiger’s Sample Hit List (if these have not already been checked off):

  1. Kim Kardashian
  2. Jennifer Aniston
  3. Heather Locklear
  4. Padma Lakschmi
  5. Carmen Electra

You could even make this into a top ten list (if necessary). Even better: get a copy of the 2010 Playboy Calendar and make each pinup your goal for that month.

Next: proceed to go back on tour with a renewed purpose and anger. I mean just go Happy Gilmore style – taunt other players, throw clubs, swear and create havoc.

Also, you need an enemy on the course (see Shooter McGavin). My suggestion: Jesper Parnevik. He’s publicly criticized you during the affair, saying that he regrets introducing you to your current wife. Can you think of a better target? This could be like the Magic Johnson – Larry Bird Rivalry all over again. Secretly, the media will love you for it.

*Updated: As a full time ladies man, you’ll need a posse. It’s important to roll with guys who have your back in sticky situations. You need guys who aren’t afraid to throw down. Here are a few suggestions, courtesy of my buddy Big Red: Ron Artest, Chad OchoCinco, and perhaps even Charles Barkely.*

As for your sponsors, they’re always going to be calling. If Gatorade or Tag Heuer drops you from the payroll, others will pick you up like Playboy, Absolut, maybe even Cohiba Cuban Cigars. Also consider taking on your own reality show, where girls compete to win your favor (See Flavor of Love).

Take time to consider this option. This could be legendary.

Sincerely,

Chadrick Ashby
Northwest Sports Guy


Cliff Lee Deal Officially Done

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

The Mariners have officially announced that they have finalized the deal for Cliff Lee from the Phillies in exchange for Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies and J.C. Ramirez.

You have to hand it to Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik – since taking over for Bavasi this is his second key acquisition, the first being Chone Figgins from the division rival Angels.

With the 1-2 combo of Cliff Lee and Felix Hernandez, this gives the Mariners a very formidable starting pitching combination that could change the dynamics of the AL West. This is the first time in a while I’m actually looking forward to the Mariners season.


Pondexter performing in ‘The Nutcracker’ play

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

UW Basketball Star Quincy Pondexter will be performing in The Nutcracker play on December 23rd at the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Thanks to Seattle Times blogger Percy Allen for the info on this one.


The 360 Sports Blog

An insider's take on Seattle sports and other miscellaneous happenings, written by Northwest sports fan Chadrick Ashby.

Contact me here.

Seattle Sports Icons

This list is dedicated to those who have dedicated themselves to and sacrificed for their respective Seattle sports organizations.

1. Dave Niehaus
2. Edgar Martinez
3. Jay Buhner
4. Steve Largent
5. Cortez Kennedy
6. Paul Allen
7. Ken Griffey, Jr.
8. Jake Locker
9. Randy Johnson aka The Big Unit
10. Lou Piniella

The Suck List

This list is dedicated to those who have disgraced or dishonored Northwest sports, or people/organizations who suck in general.

1. Clay Bennet
2. Greg Nickels
3. Howard Schultz/Starbucks
4. David Stern - NBA Commissioner
5. Geoff Baker - Seattle Times
6. Alex Rodriguez
7. Red Sox Fans from Kent
8. The New York Yankees
9. SuperBowl 40 Referees