Everybody Hates Colin

This past week on Speak For Yourself, Mike Vick had a few words for the former 49ers quarterback that caused some controversy. Colin Kaepernick was the topic of discussion for a number of reasons. The first is the state of confusion so many NFL fans and analysts are in. It was only a few years ago when Kaepernick took over for an injured Alex Smith (concussion) leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Baltimore Ravens. He proved it was no fluke, too, by bringing the team back to the NFC Championship the very next year. Everyone has their own beliefs as to why he has not been signed yet. Some think it's because of the kneeling during the national anthem in this past season, others believe it to be simply because of his recent mediocre play, and then there's Mike Vick, who apparently thinks the issue begins with Kaepernick's hair style. In Vick's defense, he later backed up his statement by saying the reason Kaepernick is unemployed is mainly because of his play. But Jason Whitlock and the other show anchors kept going back to Vick's previous argument. It didn't take long for twitter to react, especially Kaepernick, who was the victim of the criticism. He took it to Instagram, posting a picture giving a definition for Stockholm Syndrome. Vick, taking the high road (if his car can turn that way anymore), went to Twitter and wrote a long apology, basically clearing up what he said. It is unfair to blame Colin for getting angry at a man who was once kicked out of the league and sent to jail for dog fighting. Although Vick's words weren't that harsh, they definitely came from the wrong person. It does seem odd that Kaepernick, who has had decent success in the league, is not even viewed as a third string quarterback. I can't speak for everyone but it seems reasonable that having a guy who made it to the Super Bowl then the NFC Championship as a backup quarterback is quite the steal. Pete Carroll recently said he's not signing Kap because he thinks he's a starter in the league. While this is a nice thing to say, it would make sense that if he feels that Colin can play as a starter, why would he not want him to back up Russell Wilson. The whole Kaepernick situation is sticky and definitely causes some debates regarding the race card. Hopefully, the Nevada graduate can somehow convince an owner that his on-field play will overrule his “movement” frowned upon by many. Not including myself. Mike Vicks segment on Speak For Yourself

Lonzo, I Am Your Father

First off, Ill be having ACL and Meniscus reconstruction tomorrow morning after a tough football injury at college, which means Ill be sitting back doing nothing but watching and writing about sports. Its not as bad as it sounds, trust me. Anyways. After receiving tons of criticism for sitting out the Monday summer league game against college personal rival De'aaron Fox and the Kings, Lonzo silenced the critics with his performance tonight. There isn't an athlete right now who has more eyes on him than Lonzo Ball. With that being said there isn't a family in sports right now that has more eyes on them than the famous Ball family. Lavar considers all his boasting and smack talk to be family love and having belief in his sons. While this is admirable, he's taken some of his opinions to extremes such as his encounter with Kristine Leahy, the assistant on Colin Cowherd's show The Herd. Hes also been brought on multiple sport shows, giving hot takes like his son will be better than two time MVP Steph Curry, and the famous line that Jordan can't beat Lavar. People can't help but find Lavar crazy for going on national television and saying he can beat arguably the best player of all time, meanwhile Lavar struggled heavily at every level of basketball he played. At this point it seems like these shows are bringing him on for the sole reason of viewership. It is sometimes hard to believe Lonzo is Lavars son due to the respectable humbleness of the oldest Ball son. It seems as if Lonzo can block out all the noise about his family and just do his thing on the court. The new Laker definitely did not feel any pressure in tonight's first round matchup against the Fultzless 76ers. Lonzo led a 4th quarter comeback, finishing with 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists. It is not everyday you see a summer league arena on their feet giving chants. That was the case tonight with the Lakers slowly pulling the game closer as they did not lead since the first quarter. Saying this is a result of anything besides the drafting of Lonzo Ball would be preposterous. Tomorrow, Ball and the men in yellow will play the Cavaliers (#2 seed) in the second round of the playoffs at 10:30 eastern time. Take it how you want it considering it is only summer league, but the Cavaliers are undefeated and are most likely licking their chops to get a chance at bringing down Ball. I'll be surprised if Ball brings anything less than his A game tomorrow night, considering it seems like this kid was made for big time moments.

INCOMING... TANKS!

The Cleveland Browns, the 76ers, the Lakers, the current Knicks. There are plenty of teams, way too many by the way, that have had no winning, effort, and most depressingly, hope in the past recent years. The Lakers showtime Laker days seem to be centuries ago and drowned out by all their mediocre play in todays sports time. Despite it only being a few years ago, it feels like Madison Square Garden hasn't had a meaningful game in forever, which is extremely sad for basketball because when that arena is a playoff atmosphere there isn't much that compares. Then we have the 76ers, Sam Hinkie mess, or we can possibly begin to say mastermind plan coming to place. Yes, I did save the Cleveland Browns for last not because of the old saying "save the best for last", however for the exact opposite of it. The Browns have not had any upside translate onto the field and into the W column since... a long time ago. It seems like each year they get these draft picks that turnout being busts. Big time names are Johnny Manziel and Justin Gilbert. Both who were selected in the 2014 NFL draft, and both whom did most certainly not perform well on the gridiron. Also, both whom are not on the team roster anymore because of off the field issues and on the field mediocre play. This all culminates in an idea that these teams need to, if did not already (hint, hint, 76ers), put the phrase "tank" to use. Tanking by definition is losing on purpose. Now, in professional sports like the NBA, MLB, and NFL, its not very easy to tell players to go out and try to lose. These players have future careers within the sport that they need to keep going, by a player purposely air balling or throwing 10 interceptions a game, this will without a doubt drop their free agency stock or trade value. With that being said, the only form of tanking there is, is done within management. What I mean by that is, no matter who you put on the field or the court, they are not going to give half effort. We aren't new to this term tanking. The Sam Hinkie dilemma, in short if you are not familiar with it is this. The former 76er GM was hired in 2013 and discussed a plan with the upper office basically agreeing they did not have what it takes to compete for at least a few years. The office gave Hinkie a chance, with it resulting in the worst 3 year stretch of NBA history, and a 10 out of 82 game win season, along with Sam Hinkie resigning due to the 76ers placing someone above him to watch over or lesser his role. He wanted none of that so he left. The fans were upset not because some winning coach left (obviously), but because they bought into the system. The system that they started calling "Trust The Process". This phrase was first brought up in a Philly podcast and it kind of stuck as it was exactly what Hinkie had in mind. What Hinkie did was he cleared out any high contract, high scoring, and older type guys and brought in younger ones who everyone knew couldnt win. By doing this he secured lottery picks for years to come. One of those picks was Joel Embid, who considers himself "The Process". The team then got Ben Simmons who was another college star with upside. Embid was hurt when drafted, yet Hinkie took a chance because of the future. Winning wasnt imperative at the moment or possible for Hinkie and the 76ers. Finally Embid had a somewhat healthy half of a season and proved that he has what it takes to be a star in the league. Now, the 76ers are upon their first meaningful season in a long time because of the addition of Markelle Fultz, #1 overall pick, along with a healthy Ben Simmons and veterans off the bench. It seems like the Hinkie process should be followed by other teams, especially the Browns, or the Lakers, and even the Knicks right now despite the roster having a few very good players. The reasons to tank are much more convincing than not to tank, as the few to not tank are really just reputation, job security as a GM, and ticket sales. All which are extremely important, however if you can persuade the fan base and players that it is the right move then it can very well work. Tanking in the NFL is easier than others in the sense that if you have the worst record your guaranteed the first overall, because there is no lottery. On the other hand, its much harder to tank in a 16 game season than a 82 game season or a baseball lengthy season because it takes time to evaluate and make judgement. Tanking should be up to the office and the players. If both can agree that it is whats best for the team, such as the Colts did for the "Suck for Luck" campaign, and the now god like Warriors did back when they shut Steph Curry down for almost half a season and traded away team superstar at the time Monta Ellis for a injured below average Andrew Bogut, then they should have the freedom to do so without the league intervening. It looks like it worked out for the Warriors, and maybe for the 76ers very soon. Would you fire up the Tanks?