The NHL All Star Game and Why It Gets No Attention

Article by: Christine O'Connor 

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image Credit: nhl.com

The NHL All Star Game happened last weekend. So why didn't we hear about it? Maybe because the media has been completely wrapped in Deflate Gate or what Marshawn Lynch is getting fined for daily.

The NHL All Star game seems to lose more entertainment value and meaning year after year. 

The NHL's All-Star game has had many formats and has grown into a weekend extravaganza without any logic behind the selection of players or teams. Like the All-Star game in other sports, its relevance is up for debate in a long sports calendar. 

The game was once played before the season as a matchup between the previous season's Cup champion and stars from other teams. Now the NHL's All-Star game has been an East-vs.-West game at midseason. Sunday's game at Nationwide Arena, a game between teams whose captains were chosen for being a fan favorite or the face of the team. 

So with the NHL All Star game becoming almost irrelevant and ratings continuing to plummet, why does it still happen yearly (excluding the years when the Winter Olympics take place)? 

It's just business. 

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the weekend's festivities will generate $12 million in visitor spending. Owners love to host the event because they can promote their teams during fan festivals and other related events.

Maybe the NHL can do something make it a little more interesting and bring some more importance to the game like it once had. 

Dr. Dre Finds His Latest Rap Protege In Texas

Image Credit: hiphopdx.com

​

There's no denying that Dr. Dre has possibly one of the best ears for new talent. He has signed hiphop icons like Snoop Dogg and Eminem,  but Dr. Dre has another asset to show off. The multi-millionaire entrepreneur, co-founder of N.W.A and hiphop mastermind has found a new protege; 23-year-old Garland, Texas native Justin Mohrle.

It turns out the newcomer in 2012 released 21: Live Forever, a free mixtape under the name Love, JT, which apparently was "highly regarded among Dallas hip-hop fans" but fell through the cracks.

Mohrle was then introduced to Dr. Dre through former Death Row Records artist (and fellow Texan) The D.O.C. who, as part of a team, produced a demo EP on the new artist to pitch to Dr. Dre. Mohrle reportedly signed a 360-degree deal with D.O.C.'s entertainment company Silverback.

When we hear from him next, he'll likely be known as Justin Night, seeing as Justin Timberlake has JT on lock. But only time will tell if his career will be more like Kendrick Lamar than Stat Quo's. 

Look out for this young star on the rise!  

#CancelWWENetwork and A Raw Snow Day, Rumble Recap and More

Image Credit: wwe.com

Don't feel bad for our snowed in superstars. By the looks of it, they all enjoyed their Monday night off. JBL braves the "Blizzard of 2015" to bring us a weather report from the top of WWE HQ in Stamford, Connecticut while the rest of the announcing team stays inside to deliver interviews and repeats of Sunday's Main Events. I'm not complaining. It gives me the opportunityto focus on details I missed watching The Rumble the first time around. 

Brock's stupid Jimmy John's shorts piss me off more than Kane's dress slacks. He missed half the match, at least half of the Raws, and he still keeps the belt. Could he really give it up to Roman Reigns after fans threaten to boycott the network? Assuming his injury is real, Brock will have plenty of time to heal up before this intense match up at Wrestlemania. 

The Rumble match was disappointing to say the least. I wouldn't even mention it if it wasn't for Bubba Ray. If you can't see why #CancelWWENetwork is happening you need to open your eyes! The fans are so unhappy that even The Rock got booed. According to TIME Magazine, "The network appears to have all but backfired as disappointing subscribtion numbers sent stock prices tumbling and lead to large-scale layoffs." Vince needs to make some game-changing plays before he runs the company into the ground. 

-Loveblump    

FrancesaCon 2 Review: Exclusive Videos and Photos, as Mongos Make This Event An Enawmous Success!

Article by: Sean McCaffrey; Cortesy of DOINow.com
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Twitter

Welcome everyone to another blog here on DOINOW.com. As always, check out the archives on the right hand of the site for previous columns and opinions.

For the past week, I've had various friends and my girlfriend ask me, "What exactly goes on at Francesacon?" I didn't know how to answer the question. I figured it would just be anywhere from 100-200 people dressed up in bad gray wigs, slugging diet coke and finishing their sentences with the word "ok." When I left Francesacon, I knew how I would be able to answer this question next year - Francesacon is one of the greatest experiences ever.

Francesacon, the brainchild of Ron Haraka and Michael Leboff, two young bucks, was created last year. On an aside, it turns out I've actually known Michael for a while, as he bartends at one of the bars I visit! Who knew he was one of the biggest mongos of them all? Maybe it's time to walk away from the Broadway machine & Miller Lites and talk about Mongonation instead with young Mike! And for Mike - just give me 5 minutes and I'll be out of heah!

Last year, during Superbowl week, Francesacon was a bar crawl for Mike Francesa fans. Bill Buchanan, who does the Mike Zaun American history videos, as well as Michael Benevento, who does a great Chris Russo impersonation, were the stars. It was for the fans, by the fans.

You can watch our interview with @BizzaroZaun, as Hip Hop ShortStop had the honor of sitting down with the man himself, last year in New York City, right here.

This year, when Francesacon II was being discussed, interest was so high, that Haraka & Leboff booked an enawmous venue for someone who can't truly only be yumen, the sports pope himself, Mike Francesa. Francesacon II, held on January 24th at Irving Plaza drew 1000+ mongos. For myself and the 1000 or so people in the building, it was one of the greatest sports experiences we've ever had.

Myself (Sean McCaffrey) with Dana from HipHopShortStop.com & Pro Wrestler, The Revolting Blob

As a customer and fan, Francesacon 2 was a raving success. In fact, it was such a success, I think the event coordinators are going to need a bigger venue. Benevento, the Russo impersonator, joked about MSG, and while that probably isn't feasible due to costs, it is no joke that Francesacon 3 will need more space.

Video: YouTube; Hip Hop ShortStop

From 12pm-2pm, Francesacon 2 was just an excuse to day drink on a Saturday with fellow Mike Francesa fans. What made it great, aside from the sea of Francesa fan made t-shirts and people dressed up in various costumes, in tribute to Francesa, was putting faces to some of the twitter names and realizing that there are people just as insane as you. Even minah Francesa related trivier and minutia were all discussed. When Francesa would eventually take the stage at around 2:45 I felt like I was at a white power rally and professional wrestling show all at once. From the non-stop chants in unison to people cheering like Stone Cold Steve Austin stunning Vince McMahon, you couldn't bottle the phonetic energy at Irving Plaza on that Saturday afternoon.

If you weren't there, and shame on you if you weren't, you can view Mike's full appearance on stage right here below.

Credit to Mongo Jon Frattini for uploading Mike's full appearance! *EDIT* Check out the 2 minute mark as Mike notices his numbah one Mongette in the audience, yours truely MYSELF; Dana at HipHopShortStop! 

Before getting into the meat of the show, let's get the biggest positive fact into the limelight. All profits from the event went to two charities - the Children's Network for Hope and the Theodore Atlas Foundation. Both charities work with sick and needy children. I don't know what it costs to rent the Irving Plaza, but with 1000 or so people there at $15 bucks a pop, I'm sure sizable monies were raised. Even better, a portion of the beer sales was going to charity as well. When you drink expensive $9 beers, at least you feel better about it. Trust me, I'll drink like a pig at Francesacon and be happy about it, knowing the money is going to a good cause. I never have that feeling with those $10 beers at MSG! Screw you Dolan!

From 2pm-2:30pm, Mike Zaun & Michael Benevento took the stage. Their material was a hit, as everyone loved the shots at that cocksucker wannabe, Michael Kay. When Mike Zaun opened up talking about "BAWLZ," the crowd was roaring. Honestly, Zaun & Benevento could've done a racist, homophobic, communist, terrorist bit and people would've been cheering like a winner on "Price is Right." It was their day. It was their audience. Nothing was going to fail with this crowd. The crowd ate it up and the two impersonators delivered the best steak & lobster any Mongo could've ever asked for. Making things even bigger, was that Carl Banks even showed up to play off the impersonators. It was the perfect cherry on top.

At around 2:40pm, a roar broke out from the upper section of the Irving Plaza. A gray haired man with teeth whiter than ivory tusks parted the sea of people like Moses. How fitting for the sports pope. Mike Zaun saw it coming and you could hear the glee in his voice. Listen, I did independent professional wrestling for 10 years. I understand a positive crowd reaction. In the wrestling business, we call it a "pop." When Mike Francesa's feet hit that stage, the crowd erupted like Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania 3. Being at the Irving Plaza, I felt like I was at an ECW show. It just had that vibe of everyone being united and on the same page, for the same cause. It was pure electric.

I posted Francesa's appearance in the video above. The pope spoke. The congregation praised him. You can see how much this really hit Mike. I don't think Mike truly understood what MongoNation was or the effect he has on people's lives. He's with us 25+ hours a week.

What really hit me, at near 33 years old, is that I felt like I was one of the oldest fans there. I feel like most of the crowd don't remember the Yankees without Derek Jeter. That's how I peg myself as old! I'd say the majority of the crowd was 21-27 years old. I knew that most of the social media mongos were younger, but I didn't realize how many of them there were either. I think Francesa finally realized as well, how vast his audience is. You're not gonna get the Bruce from Bayside's or Brett from Long Island, or any other famous older caller, going to, what basically boils down to a frat party for a good cause, you're going to get another demographic of Mike's huge numbah one fanbase.

It's amazing how Francesa, who is truly numbah one in the ratings and paychecks, has this demographic. It's hard for twenty-somethings to relate with a 60 year old man who sometimes resembles a grandmother with his choice of clothing, but the connection & bond is there. The love is there. Mike, who watched his impersonators riff for a bit, was into it. He gets it. While he may sometimes act ornery or stubborn on-air, at the root of it all, he loved this. You can see it in his face he truly appreciated it and didn't know what to expect. I wish I could hear the big guy, when he got home, describe to his wife what Francesacon 2 was all about. The guy had to be beaming the whole way home and probably didn't mind if Julio hit a little LIE traffic.

What really impressed me is how Mike knew the audience and how to work this crowd. Like a politician or a babyface professional wrestler, Mike made it clear that the fans weren't gonna line up to get a picture- he was going to come into the crowd and walk right into the smell of sweat & stale beer cans. Despite there being 1000 people, Mike took a picture and signed anything. Keep this in mind - this was a for the fans, by the fans, convention. Mike didn't have to show up. He didn't have to visit with his legions. While he's known as "The King," he was a man of the people. For people who already were fans of Mike, this was just a great experience, as it's always great to know your heroes are good people. For the people who are not Francesa fans, his appearance here would've turned you.

*EDIT* Incase you missed Mike on the FAN this Monday, you can watch his 10 minute recap of FrancesaCon below. #HumbleZaun

Mikes FrancesaCon Recap courtesy of YouTube: cpinla41

If there were any negatives about the event or suggestions I would make to the coordinators, I would put more stuff up for sale. Maybe next year Mike can sign 500 8x10's before the event and sell them off for charity. Selling different color T-Shirts would be good too, because it just looks like the same T-Shirt as last year. As this craze continues to grow and grow, I think you're not far off from having vendor tables and other people from the sports world attending. I don't see Francesacon ever going "off duh aiyah," as a day like this and great word of mouth, will make this event be something everyone looks forward to. I know I am. Let the countdown begin for Francesacon 3!

Mongonation, you did everyone proud. Heah's Mr. Mink, Back Aftuh Dis!

Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC on the Twitter

Exclusive Video: Manolo Rose and Sonny Digital Take Over SOBs on MLK Day

Article by: Twitter; @lauderdale11

It was a showcase of up and comers on MLK Day, as the Diem Assembly rolled into SOBs in NYC, and HipHopShortstop was in the house to document the evening. 

The night was a showcase of hungry young rappers looking to claim their spot, but the show was stolen (once again) by NY's own Manolo Rose, who rolled out a set punctuated by the high energy performance of his breakout hit "Run Ricky Run." Flogged by his Fameschool crew, Manolo took shit to the next level as the familiar sound effect of gunshots and sirens rang thru SOB's. The groundbreaking track is already hard when you listen thru your headphones or the speakers on your car, but seeing it live is a completely different animal.

Manolo delivers the lyrics with a passion, hitting each line like its his last and making sure that everyone in attendance gets there moneys worth. Even as a reporter there to document the evening, it was hard not to find myself drifting toward the center of the stage towards the ensuing mayhem, of which there was plenty. By the 2nd round of "RUN," Rose had already surfed his way through the crowd, and then handed off the mic in favor of joining the action in the crowd which at times resembled more of a heavy metal moshpit than a rap concert. 

You can tell Manolo is enjoying every minute of the spotlight, and based on his performance of some of his other tracks, he intends on sticking around for the forseeable future. 

Manolo was followed by southern hip hop producer Sonny Digital, who is an up and comer in his own right with an already impressive portfolio of hits he created for stars like Drake, Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, ILoveMakonnen, Future and more. Sonny played a set laced with some of his well known hits, and some of his personal favorites from other artists, which he talks about in our exclusive interview, which you can view here on HipHopShortStop.com. Sonny is on the verge of superstardom, and those in attendance at SOB's that night got to see why. 

Thanks to SOB's and Phil The Mayor for allowing Hip Hop ShortStop to cover another top notch event. SOB's is quickly becoming a top venue for up the next generation of hip hop stars and fans, and we look forward to returning in the near future.

Yankees Will Try to Void A-Rod's Milestone HR Bonuses

Article by: Christine O'Connor
Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

Image Credit: bronxbaseballdaily.com

Alex Rodriguez, who is fifth on the all-time home run list, has 654 career home runs. If he hits six more to equal Willie Mays' 660, Rodriguez would be in line for a $6 million bonus. He would then make another $6 million each time he ties Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762).

The bonuses, set as incentive to partake in public relations and promotional campaigns during the record chase, are tied to a deal Rodriguez signed in 2007 that is separate from his player contract, which still owes him $61 million over the next two seasons.

When the Yankees and Rodriguez came to the agreement back in 2007, the Yankees saw it as a marketing opportunity. They could sell merchandise, sell tickets, create excitement and make it something worth watching. But now with the off-the-field spectacles with Rodriguez, nobody will care if he reaches 660 home runs because those numbers are tainted. The Yankees see these bonuses as worthless because they won't be seeing the revenue from him reaching the milestones.

But the Yankees now consider the marketing bonuses invalid after Rodriguez's suspension for violating the MLB's drug policy, the report said. His tactics to launch attacks against the team and the league only further alienated Rodriguez, and the
Yankees will argue that he signed the contract under false pretenses, severing his right to the bonuses based on his lies and eventual admission to the use of PEDs.

Rodriguez, along with the MLB Players Association, would have the right to file a grievance that could return the ugliness from the Biogenesis investigation. This could reopen Rodriguez to questions about when and where he has done PEDs.

This news should add another layer of awkwardness to the team's spring training camp. The Yankees already have said that Rodriguez, who also is coming off a second hip surgery that limited him to 44 games in the 2013 season, no longer will be their starting third baseman. That job belongs to Chase Headley, whom the team re-signed during the offseason.

Nothing in here seems even the least bit surprising, since Rodriguez and the Yankees have been at odds in public for the better part of the last two years now. Presumably, the Yankees will pursue every reasonable angle for getting out from their monetary commitments to A-Rod, and A-Rod will try everything he can to salvage what’s left of his reputation and get back on the field. There will probably even be more legal proceedings.

With what we saw with the team's offensive struggle of the 2014 season, if A-Rod hits enough home runs to earn his bonuses, the Yankees should be more than happy to pay them.

Dipset: Reunited! Upcoming Tour, and more.

Image Credit: thatplum.com

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Given the number of reunions over the last couple of years (Outkast, G-Unit, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Mobb Deep), it makes sense that the Dipset would eventually return to grace us with their musical expertise.

Dipset will embark on a 5-stop club tour. The entire Dipset group will not only go on tour together, but they will also release a new mixtape. The Diplomats, also referred to as Dipset, was founded by Jim Jones and Cam’ron in 1997. The original group members were Cam’ron, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zekey. Rapper Juelz Santana joined Dipset in 1999.

Due to creative differences and personal issues, the members of Dipset parted ways in 2007. Most of the members released solo projects. New record labels and new cliques were also formed. The main feud was between the leaders of Dipset, Cam’ron and Jim Jones. Breaking all ties with Cam’ron, Jim Jones formed ByrdGang. Although Freekey Zeekey joined Jones’ ByrdGang, he also started his own record label, 730 Dips. Juelz Santana formed his Skull Gang clique, and signed an artist deal with Def Jam Records. Meanwhile, Cam’ron formed his group, the U.N, and Dipset West in 2009.

Much has changed since Cam and company’s reign in the hiphop world from 2002 to 2007. New York City and its traditional brand of street rap no longer has the stronghold it once had over listeners. The sound of the streets is secondary to a sound that is unique becoming all the rage these days. Even former hiphop heavy weights such as Rick Ross, Jeezy and T.I. have experienced a dip in sales and overall popularity, with “safer” acts such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Drake all but ditching the hardcore demographic and leapfrogging the veterans in terms of musical success and appeal. 

Dipset should stick to pleasing their core audience on a new mixtape instead of attempting to step too far out of their comfort zone as far as producers and guest features. The last thing fans want to hear is Dipset far-removed from their roots after such a long-awaited and anticipated reunion.

The Dipset reunion may bring a breath of fresh air to hiphop. It may shake things up in the rap game. Hopefully they will be bringing the sound of the streets back to rap music.

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Exclusive Interview with Top Hip-Hop Producer, Sonny Digital! Sonny Weighs in on the Lil Wayne/Birdman Beef, the ATL Scene, Other Top Producers,and more.

Article by: Dana P. (E.I.C./Blog Owner)

As you may have previously read here on HipHopShortStop.com, we were in the building at SOBs in New York City, on MLK Day for yet another fabulous event. You can check out the review, along with a video performance by up in coming hot new artist, Manolo Rose, as he performed his #1 hit, "Run Ricky Run," right HERE. Not only were we front row to bring you our amazing footage of the performance, but we were also up close and personal backstage with none other then one of the hottest producers in the game right now, Atlanta's own Sonny Digital! 

We were honored to sit down with Sonny for an exclusive interview brought to you ONLY by HipHopShortStop,com! Sonny speaks on the Birdman/Lil Wayne Beef, the ATL scene, London on da Track, Mike Will Made It, Manny Fresh, Manolo Rose and more. 

Are The Yankees Done Spending This Off Season?

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image credit: thegreedypinstripes.com

The Yankees, to many peoples' surprise, sat on the sidelines for the most part of this wild offseason. Although they haven't been completely quiet this offseason as they did sign Andrew Miller and Chase Headley which amounted to nearly $100 million in total salary, but it pales in comparison to other offseasons. The plan this year has not been like previous Yankees' offseasons. 

More than anything, it sure wouldn't hurt to add another starting pitcher. With Max Scherzer signed to the Nationals and Jon Lester to the Cubs, the only ace on the market is James Shields, though the Yankees have said countless times that they are not going to pursue any of the expensive options. But, these are the Yankees, of course. They like to remain quiet then suddenly erupt with blockbuster contracts. Ownership could all of the sudden decide that James Shields is worth the money, but it seems unlikely at this point. 

Image credit: espn.com 

After acquiring Didi Gregorius, Nathan Eovaldi, and a legion of young relievers, the Yankees have made it obvious that their old strategy of "buy all of the good players" just doesn't work as it once did.  I'm sure they would love to splurge this year or even next, but $210-215 million is the ceiling to the Yankees' budget, then it appears they will have to work with what they have. 

Now that Hiroki Kuroda has decided to return to Japan and pitch for the Hiroshima Carp, the starting rotation is: CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Masahiro Tanaka, Chris Capuano and Nathan Eovaldi. CC's knee may feel better, and Tanaka's elbow may appear to be fine, but the Yankees seem to suffer many injuries throughout the season. Ivan Nova will return in May or June and take one of those spots, but the rotation would be much stronger with another reliable pitcher in the mix.

Image credit: yankees.lhblogs.com

If Brian Cashman can make the team competitive through minimal yet savvy free agent signings and trades, minor league transactions and some help from the talent in the farm system, then I would imagine the team has a bright future. 

Although the team seems very lack-luster as of right now (especially now that the core-four is completely gone), the Yankees may have learned from their past mistakes with overspending and may be onto something bigger. 

Is It Time For Kobe Bryant to retire?

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image Credit: espn.com

Kobe Bryant is injured... again.

The Los Angeles Lakers expect star Kobe Bryant to miss the remainder of the season with a torn rotator cuff. 

Father Time is catching up to Kobe. This game one that has spanned 19 spectacular seasons and made for a one-of-a-kind career may be over.

Bryant, who was voted in as a Western Conference All-Star starter on Thursday night for a record 17th consecutive year, has played 35 games with the Lakers this season, averaging 22.3 points on a career-low 37.3 percent shooting.

Bryant averaged a team-high 35.4 minutes during the Lakers' first 27 games, and Scott again questioned whether playing Bryant too many minutes earlier this season led to the shoulder injury.

Bryant suffered the tear during the second half of Wednesday night's loss to New Orleans, though sources said he has been dealing with the injury since the preseason.

Bryant, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Lakers for $25 million, apparently aggravated the injury in the third quarter against the Pelicans when he drove baseline for a two-handed dunk.

The injury comes after Bryant missed almost all of last season because of a torn Achilles' tendon.

To most people, it appears Bryant's body is breaking down after a lengthy career. A sure Hall of Famer, Bryant is not the player he once was, and this latest injury has left many with the same question: Is it time for him to retire?

The 2015 NBA All Star Weekend in New York City

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

​​​Image Credit: nba.com

Welcome to New York! 

The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks will share hosting duties for the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend. The Saturday nightevents, including the three-point contest and slam dunk competition, will be held at the Barclays Center, while the All-Star Game will be played at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Here is what you need to know for the weekend's events:

All-Star Celebrity Game

Two teams of celebrities will get to play at the World's Most Famous Arena on Friday night.

Tipoff: Feb. 13, 7:00 p.m. ET

​Location: Madison Square Garden

TV coverage: ESPN

Rising Stars Challenge

The top rookies and sophomores take center stage on Friday night at the Barclays Center.

Tipoff: Feb. 13, 9:00 p.m. ET

Location: Barclays Center

TV coverage: TNT

All-Star Saturday Night

The Barclays Center hosts the Shooting Stars, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night.

Tipoff: Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: Barclays Center

TV coverage: TNT

All-Star Game

The East and West meet in the 64th All-Star Game on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. It will be the fourth time the game is played at The Mecca and the first time since Michael Jordan took home MVP honors in 1998.

Tipoff​: Feb. 15, 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV coverage: TNT

Adidas unveiled the uniforms for the weekend: 

​Image Credit: lakersnation.com

A Look At The NFL Pro Bowl

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

​Image Credit: nflcommunications.com

The NFL held its coin toss leading up to the 2015 Pro Bowl on Tuesday, and NFL Media's Michael Irvin won.

Following Tuesday’s press conference and initial captain selections, 26 players (13 per team) were subject to pre-draft selection from the position groups: guards, centers, fullbacks, interior defensive linemen, placekickers, punters, return specialists, and special team players. 

The second-ever Pro Bowl Draft will continue with 56 players yet to be selected during a nationally televised primetime broadcast on NFL Network at 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, January 21. The 2015 Pro Bowl Draft is being held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. All 88 Pro Bowl players are expected to be in attendance for Wednesday’s live show. won the coin toss and chose the pair of Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden as his captains. Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter in turn has Texans star defensive end J.J.Watt and Steelers receiver Antonio Brown.

The captains are determined by being the players receiving the most votes among those no longer playing after the Divisional Round who are also healthy and participating. In this instance, J.J Watt, the defensive player receiving the most votes, was paired with the offensive player receiving the second most votes and meeting the above criteria, which was Antonio Brown. The offensive player receiving the most votes and meeting the requirements (DeMarco Murray) was paired with Joe Haden.

​Image Credit: timesunion.com 

TEAM CARTER (THROUGH DAY 1 PRE-SELECTION)

WIDE RECEIVERS 

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (Captain)

GUARDS  

Evan Mathis, Philadelphia

Mike Pouncey, Miami

Josh Sitton, Green Bay

CENTERS

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia

Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh

FULLBACK 

John Kuhn, Green Bay

DEFENSIVE ENDS

J.J. Watt, Houston (Captain)

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Marcell Dareus, Buffalo

Dontari Poe, Kansas City

Kyle Williams, Buffalo

SPECIALISTS

Justin Bethel, Arizona

Devin Hester, Atlanta

Pat McAfee, Indianapolis

Cody Parkey, Philadelphia

TEAM IRVIN (THROUGH DAY 1 PRE-SELECTION)

RUNNING BACKS

DeMarco Murray, Dallas (Captain)

GUARDS

Kyle Long, Chicago 

Zack Martin, Dallas 

Marshal Yanda, Baltimore

CENTERS

Travis Frederick, Dallas 

Nick Mangold, New York Jets

FULLBACK

Marcel Reece, Oakland

CORNERBACKS

Joe Haden, Cleveland (Captain)

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Geno Atkins, Cincinnati

Aaron Donald, St. Louis

Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets

SPECIALISTS

Kevin Huber, Cincinnati

Darren Sproles, Philadelphia

Darrell Stuckey, San Diego

Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis

Nike unveiled the jerseys for Sunday:

​Image Credit: bleacherreport.com

Raw Reunion restores faith in WWE just in time for Royal Rumble

Image Credit: wwe.com

Some things never change. The Authority continues their reign making John Cena's life a living hell. If the Lumberjack Match wasn't enough, this week was sure to kill his spirit. It seems like the only way to win around here is to cheat. A 3-on-1 Handicap Match should have left Cena out cold but Sting came back to save the day. He didn't even have to do anything! Just the threat of Sting in the arena was enough distraction for Cena to get the pin and win back Ziggler, Ryback, and Erick Rowan for Royal Rumble. 

Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and HBK's Legend's Panel was a snooze-fest til Big Show came out. I was certain Flair broke his hip so i was happy to see him get up. Roman Reigns looks like a normal sized guy next to Show. It doesn't make sense how fast he can shoo Big Show out of the ring. 

The nWo reunion blew my mind. When JBL stood up I knew it was going down. As if there wasn't enough old men in the ring, the New Age Outlaws came out to beat the shit out of The Ascension, giving them a taste of what they're in forSunday night. Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, XPac, JBL, Farooq, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn all in the same ring. This segment was great. Between the surprise appearances and JBL's Clothesline from Hell, I think we need more Legends on Monday Nights.

 

-Loveblump

The Current Situation of the New York Yankees

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

​Image Credit: Fansided.com

The New York Yankees have been less than exciting this offseason, but there has been some action in the Bronx. They haven't made the playoffs in two years and, if they are going to return to the postseason, it very well could be with their new additions from this winter.

Let’s take a look at what the Yankees have done so far this offseason:

Jeff Pentland, Hitting Coach

After letting go of Kevin Long, the Yankees found a new hitting coach. Pentland has been a hitting coach for five major league clubs, most recently with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. He seems to be enthusiastic, but he certainly has his work cut out for him.

Didi Gregorius, SS

Everyone raves about his defense. Listening to scouts, it is apparent Gregorius is going to be great at shortstop. Gregorius is still developing at the plate, which is something fans are unaccustomed to witnessing at short in the Bronx, but scouts seem to have a lot of faith in him. Yankee Fans need to get used to having someone new at shortstop.

Nathan Eovaldi, RHP

Scouts seem to love Eovaldi's young arm, which allows him to bring the ball to the high 90s. But unfortunately this 24-year-old doesn’t seem to have much more than a fastball. Scouts seem to be optimistic. Hopefully this youngster will improve with some work with the Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

Andrew Miller, LHP

Miller has a four-year, $36 million contract to live up to. If he continues to perform like he did last season (2.02 ERA), Miller could combine with Betances to be the Yankees' greatest weapons in more ways than one have one of the best back of the bullpen in the league.

Justin Wilson, LHP

The former Pirates 2009 All Star might be the set-up man the Yankees need.

Chase Headley, 3B

Chase Headley was one of the few positive aspects during the Yankees 2014 season. Flashing a great glove and showing some power at the plate, the Yankees saw something that they couldn’t afford to lose. They signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract. While he hasn’t always been on winning teams, he has a winner’s attitude.

Stephen Drew, SS

Struggling at the plate during the 2014 season, Stephen Drew is nothing more than an insurance policy for Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela at second base and Didi Gregorious at shortstop.

Garrett Jones, 1B

Jones seems to be a solid back-up option for the frequently injured Mark Teixeira at first base and the aging Carlos Beltran in right field. This lefty might have some pull power that could play well at Yankee Stadium.

Chris Young

Chris Young made the switch from the Queens to the Bronx after the Mets let him go in August. The Yankees then signed him to a $2.5 million one year deal with incentives. He will act mostly as a back-up for an injury-prone outfield.

Image Credit: bronxbaseballdaily.com

With the team looking a little younger, it seems to be a step in the right direction. No one knows what will happen in 2015, with many new faces and an aging, newly active Alex Rodriguez showing up in Tampa next month, but we can only remain optimistic. 

Are the Bombers rebuilding or retooling? Call it what you will ... but will it work?

This Week's NFL Preview- Colts vs. Patriots

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image Credit: bostonblogger.sportsblog.com

The Colts are coming off 3 consecutive wins. Now they have Brady, a gridiron assassin going into his ninth AFC Championship Game after the largest playoff comeback victory in franchise history. Since Andrew Luck entered the league in 2012, the Patriots have crushed the Colts by an average score of 48-22 in three meetings. Brady is 60-7 in his last 67 home games.

Image Credit: nypost.com 

All of the signs and numbers point to the Patriots getting the win.

So why should we believe Indianapolis has a legitimate chance to get the victory? Andrew Luck, for one. They have the best young quarterback in the game, a magician in the pocket who makes more spectacular throws and works more defenses than any other passer.

Beyond that, the Patriots realize this is a  completely different Colts team than the one they crushed in Week 11. With young players such as versatile tailback Daniel "Boom" Herron, versatile tight end Colby Fleener, deep threat Donte Moncrief, star cornerback Vontae Davis, pass rusher Jonathan Newsome, and the talented threat T.Y. Hilton, this team is firing on all cylinders. 

​Image Credit: Fansided.com

This should be a great game to watch.

Players to watch:

Patriots:

Tom Brady (surprise, surprise), Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Darrelle Revis. 

Colts:

Andrew Luck (but of course), Daniel Herron, Donte Moncrief, Vontae Davis

Back! WWE Monday Night Raw Recap; Cena Appreciation Day!

Image Credit: wwe.com

Last week, Daniel Bryan surprised us by revealing his Royal Rumble return! YES! YES! YES! This week we witness the return of The Authority. The first order of business was to announce Seth Rollins' chance at Brock's belt at Royal Rumble. Next, a show of gratitude, naming Monday, January 5, 2015, "John Cena Appreciation Day." If you thought this was going to end well for Team Cena, you'd be saddly mistaken. 

Not only did they feel the wrath of The Authority during their matches, each member of Team Cena was fired at the end of the night. Kane's interuption during the night's first match indicated that Ziggler is a target of The Authority's bullying. J&J Security teamed up in the refs spot to make sure Eric Rowan went down. It took 2 opponents and 2 curb stomps to take The Big Guy down. Seeing as Ryback betrayed The Authority by switching teams, I was expecting him to go through hell on Monday. Leave with a bang. 

The main event needed more blood. I know its only Raw but it was the first ever Ambulance Match. Both men flew off the top of the rig to landing on his opponent below. But that was it. The match was boring and dragged out. Bray Wyatt threw Ambrose in the back of the ambulence and the match was over. 

-Loveblump