The Pittsburgh Steelers Face Transition Year in 2013

As much as I’d love to say the 2013 Steelers team will make The Nation proud and obtain that Stairway to Seven (7 Super Bowl titles), I don’t think it’s going to happen this year.

Both the offense and the defense have some big holes to fill with the release of Rashard Mendenhall, Mike Wallace, James Harrison and Willie Colon—among others.

My heart breaks most for the loss of Harrison but I am curious to see if King Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner will fine him just as much once he’s wearing a Bengals jersey.  I still worry if they’ll sign Casey Hampton and if old reliable Health Miller will be ready to play when the season starts (ACL injury and surgery).

It’s sad to see backup QB Charlie Batch gone, but I really think the Rooney’s have kept him around for his charitable contributions—you done good Charlie and made Homestead, the City of Pittsburgh and The Nation proud.

During the 2013 Draft we acquired safety Shamarko Thomas and while it doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily as Troy Polamalu, let’s be honest here. Troy is hurt more than he plays.

We signed veteran QB Steve Gradkowski but he’s been with four teams, (Bengals, Raiders, Buccaneers and Browns) and his entire career passing stats for all teams combined is around 4200 yards so I’m not so impressed with him. Glad to see Byron Leftwich gone and please sirs, no more Dennis Dixon!

And, for any of you holy people out there, sorry we don’t want Tim Tebow—let Bill Bellacheat—oops Belichick in New England show him how to cheat to win, oh the thought! I should be Tebowing after that comment the good Catholic that I am!

I am excited about rookie QB Landry Jones. He’s tall like Big Ben and I predict right here that he will steal the backup QB spot from Gradkowski—easily.

Training camp is a bit away but it’s going to be quite the challenge and I’m still not sure how I feel about Todd Haley as the offensive coordinator. I guess I’ll have to learn to love him but right now I’m still on the fence because he seems mean and yelling to encourage does not help players emotionally.

The biggest hole to worry about is the safety positions. Polamalu  plays the type of style that causes injuries and they say Shamarko plays a similar style. Who’s left? Robert Golden and Cromartie-Smith? Ugh I say! If both Shamarko and Troy got hurt during the same game, imagine the pain we’d go through.

There will be tests of performance during training camp and the pre-season but nothing is like an NFL game that counts so will the Pittsburgh Steelers be ready to play and win in 2013?

I’m not so sure but if the question were posed to Coach Tomlin, he’d probably say hell yes. The debater that he is allows him to look at life differently than most I think.

It’s going to be hard to wait for football season to start. Somehow, I’ll get through I suppose—I mean there is always Pittsburgh Dad and his Tuesday episodes. What’s really going to be exciting is if my daughter has her baby on a game day (due in October). Watch the game, see the newborn? Hmmm?

What would you do? 

The Iditarod--The Last Great Race

The Race: Not for the Faint of Heart 

As early as late August, mushers looking to enter the Yukon Quest and Iditarod start training their dog teams for next year’s races. Along with these two 1,000 mile events (the Iditarod is 1,100 miles), the mushers can’t depend on snow and sled and instead use 4-wheelers to train and evaluate many dogs.

As Ken Anderson told me on how the final dog teams are chosen, “We can take up to 24 dogs to Anchorage (the start of the Iditarod) and often we don’t make the decision on our final 16 dogs until the day before the race.”

Lance Mackey was in the process of training one of his 7 teams when I visited and said, “I like to start training on September 1 because the dogs are athletes too and they need a break, just like me.”

Perhaps Mackey is well known more than Anderson, but both are amazing athletes in their own rights. Both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest are not for the faint of heart—it takes some hard training and adapting to very, very cold weather for many days—but the dogs, “they love it,” says Mackey, “even some of my retired dogs I let go out for a run because they love the sport.”

So I began my journey into the culture of the dog teams and what makes an Iditarod musher tick.

Image Credit: The Author and Lance Mackey (Alan Warren)

Shocking Pooches

At first glance, the kennels of both Anderson and Mackey seem a bit harsh to the non-musher. Dogs are left outside and chained to individual dog houses. As soon as I arrived, the dogs began to swoon, bark, cry, and jump, which is very intimidating, especially when you realize Mackey has about 100 dogs and Anderson around 50.

While I waited for Lance to return from a run with a team of dogs, one of his handlers, Braxton Peterson greeted me and led me to new puppies, teen pups, and I was introduced to the infamous like Larry, Maple, and Zorro. Braxton points out that, “almost 80% of our dogs have Zorro blood.”

Once you weave through the kennels the dogs become a little quieter. They love human contact and it shows. Each one more affectionate than the next. You lose that cautious feeling and become one with these champions and realize how extreme the Iditarod really is.

Image Credit: Mackeys Comeback Kennels (Alan Warren)

Iditarod Race Beginnings

Mackey has won the Yukon Quest and Iditarod 4 times—a record. Anderson remains a tough contender for Mackey each year in both races.

The story goes that the Iditarod of today began in the mid-1970s. A twist of the mushers of old days who took supplies and needed meds to outposts that trains, planes, and autos could not go—or no man for that matter without a sled and a team of dogs. Mackey’s father was a founder of today’s Iditarod which starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome Alaska each March.

An interesting twist to the Mackey story is that Lance’s father Dick Mackey won the race in 1978 wearing bib #13, his brother Rick Mackey won it in 1983 wearing bib #13, and Lance won it in 2007 wearing bib #13—a lucky number for the Mackeys for sure. Lance hasn’t lost the Iditarod race for the last 4 years and plans on winning #5 in 2011. No musher has won 4 times in a row let alone 5. In fact, many mushers of late envy Lance, his dogs, his enthusiasm, and his drive.

Through 1,100 miles, the mushers face snow, wind, ice, wildlife and checkpoints. Each must deliver food and straw for the dogs at each checkpoint and if a dog gets injured or becomes ill—the team size falls and the musher and the rest of the pack push forward. Vets check dogs at every checkpoint and local crowds cheer their favorites.

I’ve watched the Iditarod on the GPS tracker the Official Iditarod Insider offers (you can find it here), and it’s quite addicting. Before the GPS tracker, everyone waited for radio updates, but now you can follow your favorite team 24/7.

When they reach the burled arch in Nome Alaska, the Last Great race is won and often only a second or a few minutes can separate the winner, second, and third place. Run by both men and women from all over the world, the Iditarod is not a million dollar race that lasts for a few hours or even a day. Leaders can finish the race in 9 to 10 days enduring cold, harsh conditions, and booted dogs that are eager to run for their mushers—it is after all, the life of these athletes; both human and canine.

A good purse these days for this race is around $69,000 and recently a truck is given as well as some other unique prizes based on accomplishments along the way. A small purse for a large and enviable task and it gives one pause if you look at what NFL quarterbacks make today for half a day's work that's not this tough.

Image Credit: Mackey's Champion Larry (Alan Warren)

Super Hero Mackey

It’s amazing enough to consider even attempting or finishing the Iditarod, but when one looks at Mackey’s career, it’s enticingly amazing. A throat cancer survivor, Lance has a scar on his next from surgery years ago. His doctors tell him that one false swoop (or nick in the neck) is problematic and could cause real damage—even peril to this musher.

That doesn’t seem to stop the man or his dream and to meet him, you feel his earthiness, his genuine love for his dogs, and his uniqueness. You sort of know he wouldn’t like the big city—he’d most likely hate it. He once missed a banquet that would provide race winnings to be with his stud and team leader Zorro who was hit by a drunk snow mobile driver—they gave him the money anyway and rightfully so.

He’s married to a childhood sweetheart Tonya and when I visited his kennels, he was helping to train Jamaican Newton Marshall for the 2011Iditarod.

When you visit mushers like Anderson and Mackey, it’s not standoffishness you feel, although a little of that is there. Anderson told me that the local grocery store in Fox Alaska has stopped telling people where Mackey lives to give him some peace. Both men were eager to return to their dogs, return to a run—and get back to work. It’s their life and career and they love it.

I’m glad I made the trek to Fox Alaska and met these two mushers, something not many people get to do. You can email both mushers atAnderson’s Windy Creek Kennels and Mackey’s Comeback Kennels, but to really appreciate the Iditarod and what these mushers do, visit the Iditarod official website.

As I drove away, I wondered if the purse for this race would indeed rise in the upcoming years, but since there are still many people unaware of this crazy culture, it may remain as is. I for one will be giving both Mackey and Anderson a call—it’s very easy to become a sponsor and something I want my company to do for this sport and these mushers. What makes an Iditarod musher tick? One visit to these kennels or following one race and musher will endear you to this sport—for a long, long time. I was thankful to return home to Taos New Mexico and kiss my six pound-saved dogs. As I touched each one I whispered—“you may not be able to mush, but you’re a champion in my heart.”

Image Credit: The Author & Champion Zorro (Alan Warren) 

The State of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2013 Season

I haven’t written much my on sports blog lately—I’ve been sad the NFL season is over, sort of pissed the Ravens won the Super Bowl although I am glad San Francisco didn’t win and have the same number of Super Bowl titles as my beloved Steelers—that would be SIX for you who are unaware!

Once football season ends, it’s sort of like blah, blah time. Oh, there’s cheering on Tiger Woods and checking out some of the new TV shows the networks have been putting off until the Super Bowl was over, but February is sort of a slow, sad month for me—because I don’t particularly like basketball.

I am glad that hockey is back and I hope this year the Penguins do better—they absolutely must win all the games versus the Philadelphia Flyers because I have a friend in Philly and he needs the teasing—badly. Or, maybe I just like to tease him—yeah that’s it.

It’s too soon for baseball and those of us who are DIRECTV Superfans begin to wonder where we’ll get the $300 or so bucks for the next NFL season because we must have the player tracker and the ability to watch 6 games at once (or is it 8?) The holidays are over and I don’t like watching the combines. I know the NFL Network is 24/7 but if I see A Football Life of Bill Belichick (Bellacheat) one more time, I may shoot the TV—yes I have a legal gun and no I’m not crazy.

But I digress.

The Bleacher Report

There is one saving grace, actually two. The Bleacher Report is a great way to stay up-to-date on everything football. If you haven’t signed up for email updates, I ask you what are you waiting for? Fantasy football drafting time? Just Do It!

The second is probably NFL.com because it only covers the NFL and isn’t combined with other sports although they do throw in those top 10 cheerleader lists during the off-season and to me, who cares! The Steelers Nation doesn’t have cheerleaders and we don’t want them.

Are the Steelers Doomed in 2013?

I began to wonder after reading all my scintillating Bleacher Report updates if the Steelers are in trouble in 2013. So far, the reports from sportscasters (oh I love that word) think they are. Most of them do say, however, that with Big Ben at the helm, you never know.

I disagree!

It’s time for the old-timers to realize they are old—wait it’s time for the coaches to realize the old-timers are old. We need to draft well and start training the hell out of the rookies we already have.

I think the following need to move on:

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Troy Polamalu – Nice job dude, you’re awesome and all, but you are always hurt—go be injured somewhere else. You might look good in purple.

James Harrison – You don’t have the moves you used to so it’s time to head to California or Florida and help one of those doomed teams—you could be an asset there.

Charlie Batch – Your charity efforts for the “burgh” are bar none but it’s time for you to head to Homestead and well, stay home.

Brett Keisel – The NFL may “fear da beard” but it’s time to hang it up as well. You also have lost those moves and if all we can look forward to is how long your beard will grow, that doesn’t help the team much.

Byron Leftwich – Can someone please tell me why we have this back up QB in the first place? In almost every game where he had to step in, he hurt himself. Time to go bye-bye.

Mike Wallace – This guy isn’t old but his complaining mouth is—bye-bye to you too. To my friend in Philly, he would look nice in green.

This is quite the list and I’m sure many of my readers (and family) will shoot me—I fear the family the most because all of them as well have “legal” guns—well except for grandma, but we fear her just the same.

If we can get rid of these guys, do well in the draft and start making our rookies work harder, maybe, just maybe the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013 won’t be so bad.

On a final note and this one goes out to my friend in Philly. Why in the world did your team draft Dennis Dixon? We had him. He couldn’t play and he still can’t play. Can’t you find a QB that can play—I hear Carson Palmer is pretty good and he’s probably available—heck even Tim Tebow is better than Dixon.

Who do you think should go and please if you must leave me a nasty comment, at least begin it with “Pardon me for saying this….”

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

The Harbaugh (Super) Bowl and Roger Goodell Stupid Fines

Although I’m a Pittsburgh Steelers fan forever and ever—amen, I find myself pleasantly surprised the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers will be in Super Bowl XLVII—that’s 47 for those of you who hate Roman numerals. No matter which team wins, this bowl will forever be known as the Harbaugh Bowl because the coaches of these teams are brothers—bros, siblings, smack you in the teeth if you touch my Pac-Man game kind of brothers and whoopee!

I am cheering on the Ravens for this one because like the Steelers, they are part of the AFC North so why not? I also don’t like San Francisco—they are too wishy-washy, oh-so-west-coast, look-at-my-plastic kind of team and I haven’t even talked about their wives yet! They didn’t used to be this way, but after Joe Montana and Jerry Rice left,  they fell to the wayside, that team out west, those California pitch-passes; the pains-in-the-asses we have to allow in the NFL not the rough and tough teams most of us love to cheer for!

Okay, so you ask Jeanlovesyoulongtime, what are you really saying here—that you don’t like the 49ers? To translate the best way I know how:

If the 49ers win Super Bowl Extra-Large plus seven, they will indeed have as many Super Bowl titles as MY team, the Steelers. That would be SIX for you who do not know and I and the Steeler Nation want our Stairway to Seven and then 49ers—bring it on!

But, I still don’t want them to win. Jim Harbaugh is the coach of the 49ers and John is in charge of the Ravens. John seems tougher to me. I get the feeling his team respects him—or else. Jim on the other hand seems like he belongs in California, sipping wine on yacht—carefree as I wannabe and all that groovy stuff. 

You just can’t have coaches like that in the NFL. You need to be mean, feared and determined—not, “wow dude that was an amazing catch! Where’s my gum?”

To John, I say, heed the words of Ray Lewis—the kind of linebacker that could have scared the truth out of Lance Armstrong long ago if asked. John may be the coach, but Ray Lewis is the team leader. He encourages, prays a lot (so what?) and will  tackle as hard as he can in every game—even break or bend the rules of bit and he usually gets away with it.

So Jim and your 49ers, don’t worry come February 3, 2013—if you lose, there’s always Chai tea and kale chips so…..

Roger Goodell and His NFL Fines

Two NFL fines in the playoffs from the King of the World, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in my opinion, were the stupidest fines I’ve ever heard of or seen for that matter. How far must this King go? Does he fear his kingdom doesn’t fear him enough anymore? Does he fear his rule may come to an end? Or, is he just as stupid as everyone thinks he is?—yeah he’s stupid.

The first fine went against Tom Brady, an elite quarterback for “kicking” Ed Reed. First off, Brady was trying to slide for a first down with the ball and his leg went up in the air and Reed happened to be standing there. Hey King Roger, why don’t you get out on the field and try doing a few QB slides and see if you do them perfectly—keep those legs inline at all times though! For real King Roger? Anyway, this Roger Goodell fine was $10K for Tom Brady and although I’m no Brady fan, this is a stupid fine.

Fine number two went to a San Francisco 49ers player who didn’t have his socks up high enough. Yes, you read that right—running back Frank Gore had his socks “cinched” I guess I’d say and King Roger says that is not appropriate attire! That will be $10, 500 thank you very much! What is this Roger? Are you a nun in a Catholic school?

I think the sock rule is in Section 40, subsection 10, item number A(1) in the official NFL rules but really? That’s like the old law still on the books in Wheeling West Virginia where you’re not allowed to run a vacuum cleaner on Sunday or you could end up behind bars—you know an on-the-books law nobody ever took off or enforces anymore.

WAKE UP KING ROGER and to you I say, step down—please!

We all shall see what happens in the Harbaugh Bowl in New Orleans but in my opinion the streets of New Orleans will be too much of a temptation for those Cisco boys—oooh-la-la!

Bourbon Street will entice them—what’s this or look at that! These guys are naïve in the world’s stage and that’s most likely because of where they live and play. Or, as my sister likes to say, “I’m glad I live in Arizona because when the big earthquake comes, I’ll have beachfront property!”

Amen sis, Amen!

Image Credit: Frank Gore - USA Today

Mayor of Austin Says Lance Armstrong Bikeway Won’t Be Renamed

Help me understand this fellow Austinites—the Mayor of Austin, Lee Leffingwell told KXAN reporter Angie Beavin, “As for the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, we have not heard any outcry from the cycling community or the public at large in Austin to change the name, and I know of no plans to do so.” 

The report by Beavin also offers Leffingwell supports the disgraced athlete: “Armstrong is a personal friend, a friend to Austin and a hero to millions of cancer survivors and their families.” Really people—the last one I can see, but as far as the first two go, dude what are you thinking?

Every fellow Austinite I know is embarrassed of Armstrong and wishes he would go quietly away.

A Rose By Any Other Name…

Unfortunately, the saying a rose by any other name would smell as sweet is not true for those naughty boys in sports like Lance Armstrong.

To me, the choice of Austin’s Mayor to not rename the Lance Armstrong Bikeway is like:

The Mayor of San Francisco at the grand opening of OJ Simpson’s Gun and Knife Shop—there’s stink in them there words!

Or, the Mayor of Newport News Virginia encouraging pit bull owners to choose Michael Vick’s Boarding and Training Center—really?

Or, the Cypress California Mayor stepping into the Tiger Woods Couples Counseling Center with his spouse—yikes I say!

There will always be bad people in sports, male and female, young and old who because of the errors, crimes, lies and faults will forever remain the naughty, the wicked and the unwanted.

Change the Name!

I’m not a member of the Austin Cycling Association but I do see many cyclists on the streets of Austin. I’m also proud of just how many streets are marked with clear bike paths and share the road signs. This is a true attempt by the City to encourage the sport of cycling whether it’s professional or a hobby.

Am I cranky about the bikeway not being renamed? You bet! I would much rather if this option were happening in another city other than Austin. But alas, it’s here where I reside!

So, I ask my fellow Austinites to weigh in here and offer an opinion. I don’t care if Lance Armstrong is a personal friend of Mayor Leffingwell.

Finally to you Mayor Leffingwell, I say rename the Lance Armstrong Bikeway—he’s a disgraced athlete who admits he’s got a lot of apologizing to do and perhaps that will take the rest of his life to accomplish. Don’t keep the name so the young just beginning their careers think of him as the best in the sport.

Think smart here Mayor Leffingwell; after all, it’s the voters of Austin that voted for you to run our city, not disgrace it! 

Why Lance Armstrong Is Worse Than Those in the NFL—National Felon League

Part one of Lance Armstrong’s no-holds barred interview with Oprah Winfrey which aired on the OWN Network is over and it’s all every news station seems to talk about and analyze. There are tweets to forgive, tweets of hate and dismay and blogs on how Armstrong has ruined his life—even his Livestrong Foundation.

Why do I think Lance Armstrong is worse than those in the NFL who have also committed crimes and misbehaviors? Simple, Armstrong was the end-all of his team. He was the “bully” the “my-way-or-the-highway” leader and I just don’t buy his comments on how all his life (when he felt like he was backed up against a wall), just like his Mom, he fights back. A rubbish excuse Lance!

Being strong and standing up for your rights doesn’t mean you have to cheat to win. Sure there are NFL bad guys who are either suspended, fined or simply fade away—even jailed if we look at Michael Vick and Plaxico Burress, but I doubt Lance Armstrong will spend one day in jail.

He has too much money and once again, the “payoffs” he won’t admit to, did occur in my opinion, so no Leavenworth for him like Michael Vick—who deserved a much longer sentence and lifetime ban from the 

NFL for his dog abuse against poor innocent pit bulls.

Some NFL players like Ray Lewis try to cover up crimes of friends by not being forthcoming with authorities but when their agent and team steps in, they usually come clean ASAP and are either cleared, fined or jailed.

Not so with Lance Armstrong who sits in a cushy Austin home with what I think was a smirk on his face and that big brick fight-back barrier was still up and noticeable during the Oprah interview.

Tonight part two of the Lance Armstrong interview airs at 9:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 p.m. Central and I for one will be glued to see if he can offer up just a little bit of humility or grace. Tonight’s interview (it appears) will be all about his philanthropy, his dropped sponsors and how he is dealing with personal relationships—poor guy.

I’ve been on non-profit boards like Livestrong and it’s possible to kick out the founders if the board agrees—they can usually do this under a general “character” clause and Lance Armstrong’s character is definitely in question.

Further, for him to say, he could almost “justify” taking testosterone because he had testicular cancer and lacked the testosterone he needed is ridiculous—a poor excuse from a very disappointing athlete.

I also don’t believe him when he says some of the statements other team members and associates have made (under oath or otherwise) are untrue. YOU lied under oath so how can YOU be believed to judge others?

NFL players are part of a team where if one bad apple is spoiling the basket, they are dealt with swiftly whatever the punishment is. They rise above Lance Armstrong when it comes to “character” even if they do make bad mistakes.

I think back to the 2005 or 2006 Espy (Sports) Awards where Will Ferrell sang to Lance, teased Lance because he won the Espy for something like the greatest athlete of the year. I enjoyed that Espy show and now, looking back, I wonder how disappointed Will Ferrell is now?

Also, to the wives of the team members and the massage therapist Lance called “bitches” and “whores” shame, shame on you because those are words you can never take back—they sting too much.

Yes, Lance Armstrong is worse than NFL players when it comes to bad decisions. Lance’s lies—whether he considers it “one big lie from the beginning to the end” or not, it was the biggest lie sports of any kind has ever seen.

You need to go live in another country where people are more forgiving—your fellow Austinites are ashamed to know you and above all, you allowed the American people to support you on the USPS team and yes, we did that with our own money each and every day. Not only are you a liar, you’re a scam artist and as you said a “bully.” Perhaps the biggest bully on the planet—I wonder if the International Space Station has a place for you because you are not welcome here.

The NFL in Review 2012: More Jeers; Sorry No Cheers!

As promised (and because I had so many peeves, cheers and jeers this year), here is part two of Jeanlovesyoulongtime’s NFL in Review for 2012. Let’s get right to it and if you missed part one, it’s a must-read!

The Saints Bounty Scandal

This is such a jeer and even worse—the Bounty Scandal is on Wikipedia—the place where anyone, anywhere can post “facts.” For those of you not familiar with Wikipedia, the website should give you pause especially from those oh-so-many statements: “This content needs appropriate citations.” Translation? That means it’s probably sort of true, not factually based or a whine from someone who wants to state their own opinion.

Let’s face it folks, no matter what Roger Goodell or Paul Tagliabue ruled on whether defensive players were given cash to hit players harder—take ‘em out if you will—it’s football! I defer to Ray Lewis who once (and I paraphrase here) said something like—“If you make a good play and hit the guy hard, you are praised for it by the coaches.”

Money or no money exchanged, leave the players out of it and blame the coaching staff that encouraged it and if you don’t think every team has a bounty up for grabs, the mother ship is outside waiting for you.

That’s a Flag!

To NFL players everywhere---if you like the color of an opposing team member’s jersey, think their sister is cute or that they play golf better than Charles Barkley (who doesn’t) don’t dare even get close enough to whisper the same in their ear because that’s a FLAG!

And, to all the wide receivers out there—go ahead, try and catch the ball, any ball because chances are it will be pass interference on the defense—especially if you happen to be a Pittsburgh Steelers defensive player—the referees seem to have it out for those guys.

Don’t wink at the quarterback, sneer at the center, or remove your arms from your sides during any play because you will see that yellow flag of caution flying your way.

I know the league is concerned about concussions and they should be, but now that NFL players have to hit “lower” there are more leg, hip and knee (and other body parts) injuries than ever. On the good side of this jeer, however, I guess when the current players are older and retired, when they meet up at IHOP, at least they’ll know who they are, even if they’re all in wheelchairs.

Ndamukong Suh Gives “Sue” a New Meaning

For years the Detroit Lions have been at the bottom of the NFL but QB Matthew Stafford and some other great players have given the Lions new life. Suh, however, gives football a bad name, especially for those on the defensive side.

Sure he gets fined and that hit on Jake Cutler recently landed him a $55,000 fine but I ask you why is this repeat offender allowed to play week in and week out? You know he’s gonna take someone down—and he doesn’t care about any bounty money—the man is just mean.

There is probably a statement in all player’s contracts somewhere that says you can Suh---oops, “Sue” another player for assault but if indeed they could, Suh would really need a dream team of attorneys.

If you have a DUI, DWI, hit your wife, killed your wife, raped someone, or oh let’s see, were responsible for the deaths, electrocution and abuse of many pit bulls—no NFL for you—not now, not ever and that includes those like Suh who purposely attack others on purpose.

Todd Haley—Go Away!

Who put poison in the Rooney Family’s drinks when they let offensive coordinator Bruce Arians go and hired Todd Haley to replace him? They had to be high—real high! Steelers’ coaches are all about job stability and with Haley, he’s got more teams on his resume than Carter has pills!

Let’s see, Kansas City (head coach), Arizona Cardinals (offensive coordinator), New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys (wide receiver coach).  What did Bruce Arians do, tell the Rooney family he hates St. Patrick’s Day?  Forget to call Dan Rooney “Mr. Ambassador?” Tell Byron Leftwich he wasn’t a good quarterback (and he’s not)? Threaten to bench Charlie Batch?

Todd Haley has brought nothing but dissension to not only Ben Roethlisberger but the entire Steelers Nation! Go back to where you came from—Alaska sounds nice. And, oh, here’s a thought Todd Haley—yelling at players doesn’t make them respect you.

That’s a Wrap

Well folks, that’s it for my NFL year in review for 2012—here’s to hoping 2013 is a better year for my beloved Steelers—they do need to get it together and play better (hint, hint—let go of Todd Haley).

Here’s looking forward to the Super Bowl in 2013 and here's my Super Bowl prediction: Denver Bronocs 24 / Green Bay Packers 17).

The NFL in Review 2012 – Cheers, Jeers and the Oh So Naughty!

Here at Jeanlovesyoulongtime, I try my very best to come up with my annual NFL in Review; 2012 is a whopper for sure! While I usually list individual people pet peeves, this year, I thought I’d also include some NFL people and events I thought deserved a nod or a cheer—so as not to just anger (some readers) but inspire conversation!

Fortunately, I have more than just five this year so to “engage” my readers as per Google rules, I’ll be splitting up this blog post into two…so read on and stayed tuned for part two on December 30th!

The Naughty - Bill Belichick 

Surprisingly, (and if you’re a reader of mine, you will be surprised) I’m leaving Tom Brady on the nice list this year—no need to poke fun, the guy can play. The coach of the New England Patriots, however, continues to be on the naughty list for 2012.

For football lovers we hated our temporary refs at the beginning of the season—we prayed nightly for the manly-man physique of Ed Hochuli each and every night to no avail!

Coach Belichick, who I often refer to as Bellacheat, gets a naughty nod because he seems to be losing his memory and getting physical with temporary refs cost him a whopping $50,000 in NFL fines. It’s not so much that I’m mad he man-handled a temporary ref (because they were awful), it’s what he said in an interview with ESPN Boston’s division: “I’ve coached in this league a long time…and I’ve never been penalized…”

Wait—What? Apparently Bill seems to forget the 2007 Spygate scandal where he overlooked (or encouraged—it’s up to you) videotaping the New York Jets signals. No penalties Billy? Jeez, even owner Robert Kraft called him a "schmuck":

Kraft: “How much did this help us on a scale of 1 to 100?”

Bellacheat: “One.”

Kraft: “Then you’re a real schmuck!”

For those of you who forget and Bill Belichick does the total fines were $500K for Bellacheat and $250K for the team. If that’s not being “penalized” Bill, I don’t know what is!

Cheers to the Best QB Draft Ever 

This year we got to see the awesomeness of RGIII, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson and it was a great rookie QB year indeed—some say since 1983 when we saw Marino, Elway and Kelly! The “cheers” part to me isn’t so much how great these guys are on the field as it is their calmness and camaraderie.

They are nice to the press (at least for now), gracious to fans and are team players through and through—and a joy to watch to boot! While I’m a die-hard Steelers fan because I was born in the “burgh” it’s nice to see some true “gentlemen” come into the National Felon League—keep up the good work boys!

Jeers to Who Has the Real 3,000th Roberto Clemente Bat! 

First off, it you’re not an ESPN Magazine subscriber, I ask you why not? Second, I know this jeer is not a NFL in review 2012 jeer but it is worth it believe me!

In the December 24, 2012 issue, Kevin Guilfoile put together a piece on whether the bat on display in Cooperstown is indeed THE bat Roberto Clemente used to hit his 3,000th hit (Roberto would be dead three months later). I was there that day at Three Rivers Stadium on September 30th 1972 when Roberto hit THE hit and from reading the article, apparently, there is a mystery about whether the bat was a Louisville Slugger or an Adirondack—and who really has it!

Okay, folks, I was only 12 years old at the time, but if you ever got a chance to see the man play—it was like watching Michael Jordan fly into the air—he was a presence—he was that good and a fans man for sure! Get the magazine and read the story but apparently there are three bats floating around, a Louisville Slugger in Cooperstown and two others, one a Slugger and one an Adirondack.

Seems Roberto was under contract with the Slugger Company to use their bats but that didn’t mean players couldn’t choose other bats.

But for THE hit, even with the controversy and those who are steadfast in their belief it was not a Slugger but a bat picked by teammate Willie Stargell (the Adirondack), Bobby Clemente did choose the Slugger and Cooperstown has the right one—sorry folks. Why is this story a Jeer? In Mr. Guilfoile’s story, we are told (or he is told) by a Cooperstown insider: “Do you know how many Boston cops claim to have Ted Williams’ 500th home run bat?”

Ugh and Ugh! Ted Williams may have needed to “give” away THE bat to many cops to get out of all the squabbles he was in but no, no not Roberto! Not my nice guy…not the man who as a child I asked to my Dad why a runner on the opposing team wasn’t attempting to make it home when Roberto was throwing the ball to the catcher; my Dad’s answer:

“He (Roberto) can throw that far babe, he’ll beat the runner every time and the runner knows it!”

Jeers to batty stories but cheers to a great man who lost his life in a plane crash trying to help others…he remains a legend to all Pittsburgh Pirates and baseball fans.

Jeers to the Not So Great Troy Polamalu 

Even the Pittsburgh Tribune Review in a story wrapped up by RotoWorld says “Polamalu has been a shell of himself since returning three games ago. He has played limited snaps at times” and “has no sacks, no interceptions.”

Also in my December 24, 2012 ESPN Magazine is a story—well tons of them about Hall of Famers for every sport and when or if they’ll get in to the HOF. Troy always gets picked for the Pro Bowl and announcers are always “wowing” and “praising” him even if he stands on the sidelines. Polamalu isn’t getting it done this year and one Hall of Fame voter says he’ll make the ballot his first year of eligibility. Really dude?

For what, nursing injuries? Yes he may come out of nowhere but to say he’ll make the HOF before safety Ed Reed of Baltimore is a no brainer to me. Reed has played more games and is just as good if not better yet perhaps it’s the non-flair name that prevents him from getting talked about as much. What rolls off the tongue better: Reed or P-O-L-A-M-A-L-U?

To paraphrase the HOF voter again on Ed Reed vs. Troy Polamalu—“Ed is awesome and he’ll make it into the HOF but with Troy, when he makes a play, it is game changing.”

Okay folks, perhaps, but you have to actually “play” to “change” the game. Here’s to hoping the offseason (once again) will bring forth a healthy Troy Polamalu.

Hang On to Your NFL Hats! 

So part one of my NFL in review 2012 is at an end but stay tuned for part two which I’ll post on December 30th.

And, of course if you disagree with me (I really don’t care) but leave me a comment anyway!

Camilo Pardo Ford GT Prints 2002

 I have ten prints by Camilo Pardo - all are 2002 and are various prints of concept Ford/GT, etc. Anyone Interested?

Why I’m Not Sad About Lance Armstrong—I’m Embarrassed!

Lance Armstrong deserves what he is getting as far as losing his Tour de France titles and being banned from the sport for life. And, if some of his sponsors are now dropping him (Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Trek Bicycles and FRS so far) like flies, that’s okay with me too. The only thing Lance Armstrong has given to the world’s youth is that you can fight cancer. Wait, maybe he portrayed you can fight cancer and still win the big prize if you use disallowed substances to win. Hmmm?

Mr. Armstrong has stepped down as the leader of his charity Livestrong and that’s okay—someone who doesn’t cheat to win should be in charge because the charity does do good things. Lance sort of reminds me of the New England Patriot’s coach Bill Belichick who after pulling a substitute referee was fined $50,000. Seems Bill Bellacheat (as I like to call him) told a radio station he has never been fined before by the NFL. Hmmm? What about that spy-on-the-defense-gate scandal where you were personally fined $500,000 and managed to avoid suspension (yep Sean Payton) and the team had to endure a fine of $250,000. Did that just slip your mind Bill?

In any event, these two men, Armstrong and Belichick are basically telling our youth and the youth of the world really—it’s okay to cheat to win. Win at all costs. Win even if you break the rules—win and do your job!

Another Lance

On the other side of the fence sits another Lance and a personal hero of mine, 4-time Iditarod champ and 4-time Yukon Quest Champ, Lance Mackey. This Lance is also a cancer survivor and never took performance enhancing drugs to win these dog mush races—and if you don’t follow the Iditarod and Yukon Quest this is a one-man sport—a musher and his dogs in temperatures that would scare a Polar Bear—and in conditions so fierce ice forms on their face and facial hair as they ride a single sled pulled by dogs for over 1,000 miles over some pretty rough terrain all for the chance to win about $46,000 buckaroos. Imagine Lance Armstrong doing anything for $46,000 or Bill Bellacheat for that matter!

Still, ask someone who Lance Mackey is—especially here in Austin where I live and they’ll say, “No clue.” I’ve met Lance Mackey. I went to see his dogs and watched how even when the land is without snow he uses a four-wheeler to run his dogs and practice as much as he possibly can—all while supporting Livestrong and other charities—even talking to kids in schools in Alaska, the State from which he hails—Fairbanks actually. Well, near Fairbanks but he gets enough visitors as it is so mum’s the word here Lance!

When I met Lance, I already knew the cancer neck surgery left him with skin so thin a simple turn in the wrong direction and a twig nearby would make him bleed to death—and when you see the scar in person, you can see how thin it really is. In addition, because Lance survived neck cancer, one of the chores he must endure almost each and every moment is drinking tons of water so he doesn’t choke. Still, he’s a champion with no illegal substance abuse—nor does he give his dogs any drug enhancements and he never has.

There was some talk from other mushers after Lance won his third Iditarod. It seems Lance does have a medical marijuana prescription for post-cancer symptoms. Fellow mushers questioned whether that was why he won three in a row but let’s face it folks, if  you’ve ever “inhaled” it doesn’t give you energy, it more than likely would make a person fall off the beaten path of the Iditarod, not be the sharp-witted champion Mackey is. So, to appease the judges and his fellow mushers, he avoided his medical marijuana and still won his fourth Iditarod—and passed the pee test as they say. That’s right dude!

So it does seem a cancer survivor can win lots of races or events depending on their sport as long as they don’t cheat and as far as Lance Armstrong goes, I don’t feel sorry for him one little bit.

I would hate to be him when a youngster comes up to him someday and says, “I admired you. I wanted to be you,” with look of disgust on his face. Poor Lance Armstrong? No sir, no sir indeed. Lance Armstrong is not even in the same category as many of our sports heroes and I hope along with all his titles, he also has to repay sponsors some of which are American tax dollars. What about those dollars Lance? We all supported a cheater—how American! Do it the cheating way!

For those who haven’t read the entire charges and still aren’t convinced and think Lance Armstrong is innocent, you can find them here and they’re sure to convince you and you’ll instantly learn why Lance didn’t just “give up fighting,” he gave up because he knew he would lose.

Shame really.