American Sports Thread

[Crete Boom]

See this draft thing. What happens if your pick doesn't want to go there for reasons such as he wants to go to a 'better side', more money, better contract etc?

Eli Manning to the Chargers 2004 is probably the closest you'll get to this scenario in recent times.

Or when Jim Kelly jumped to USFL playing for the Houton Gamblers for a couple of years to avoid having to go to the Bills and I doubt he fore saw losing 4 superbowls on the hop. His Irish heritage must be from Mayo .

[Carmen Stateside]

Hope the wee Monaghan man gets picked soon!
http://nfldraftzone.com/draft-news/diamond-in-the-rough-patrick-murray-kp-fordham-university/

One position in football that is widely overlooked is the kick specialist. Special Teams make up one third of the game in football.  When you are a specialist, you're either loved or hated.  You are usually the scapegoat if the team is doing badly; and when the team is playing good, you are just lucky to have a job. There have been several successful Australian players that have brought their unique style to the NFL such as Darren Bennett and Sav Rocca, but there has never been a Gaelic style player in the NFL. Well my next Diamond in the Rough prospect came from a family full of Gaelic football players, and he is taking college football over by storm.
Gaelic Football is a unique sport from Ireland that has been around for hundreds of years. Gaelic Football is a sport played between two teams of 15 players. Players advance the football (a spherical leather ball), up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing, and soloing (dropping the ball and then toe-kicking the ball upward into the hands). In the game, two types of scores are possible: points and goals. A point (1 point) is awarded for kicking or hand-passing the ball over the crossbar. A goal (3 points) is awarded for kicking the ball under the crossbar into the net. Although it is not very popular here in the United States, there is one family in New Jersey that the sport has really helped.
The Murray family has been involved in Gaelic football for a very long time.  Aidan Murray, a long time Gaelic player and graduate of University College Dublin, Ireland was a very successful standout in his Country. Linda moved to Ireland to take a few courses before meeting the Gaelic star. Eventually Aidan would move to United States to be with Linda, and get married. On June 22nd 1991, Aidan and his lovely wife Linda would have their first child, Patrick. Patrick would grow up playing sports such as baseball, basketball and soccer. Patrick followed in his father's footsteps and would learn to love Gaelic Football.
"I grew up watching my Dad, Uncles Ciaran Murray and Brendan Murray, and cousin, Aedin Murray, who were all national caliber Gaelic football players in Ireland. I try to watch as much Gaelic football as I can, it is my first love. I bleed Green, White, and Orange. Gaelic football players don't get paid to play, you play to represent your county that is more important than earning money." – Patrick Murray
In high school, Patrick would end up playing football where he could play both kicker and punter for Don Bosco Prep.  Patrick was a three year varsity standout for the football team, and led the Don Bosco Prep team to three consecutive state championships. Patrick is a very smart kid as well; he was a member of the National Honor Society, German National Honor Society, and English National Honor Society as a senior.
Patrick would have a tough decision to make after having a very successful football career at Don Bosco Prep high school. He had tons of NCAA teams calling him and talking with him. Teams like Boston College, Rutgers, Delaware, and Central Michigan were just a handful that liked Patrick.  Patrick was not given a scholarship by any of the teams, because they all said he was too small.  Patrick was just 5'7 and weighed 162 pounds, but teams told him he just wasn't going to be able to make it as a kicker or punter.
"I remember people telling me that I was too small, and that I wouldn't be able to play college football.  It made me a little upset, but it ultimately made me stronger." – Patrick Murray
Patrick would make a decision to go to Delaware to play for the Blue Hens.  He was not offered a scholarship, but was told that if he played well in his first year that the next year he could earn a scholarship. After two long weeks of practice and weight lifting, Patrick began missing his family.
"It was a long ways away from home, and I knew it wasn't the place I wanted to be.  I talked with my parents and they supported me. I left Delaware and enrolled at Fordham University." – Patrick Murray
Things were just not going Patrick's way, he was already told that he was too small to play college football, he couldn't get a scholarship to play football, and then received news that he was never expecting. Patrick's childhood friend Vincent Crotty, who was an amazing baseball player in the New York area, had been involved in a fatal car accident.
"It was a rainy day and both Vincent and one of his teammates were leaving for practice, when they were involved in a car accident. A truck pulled out and hit their car and killed them both. Since my freshman year, I wear tape around my left wrist with the letters "VC" on it, for Vincent. Vincent was my best friend, and I knew from that point forward, I wanted to succeed for not just him, but for his family. I'm playing my hardest for them." – Patrick Murray
Patrick went into his freshman season without a scholarship for Fordham University as he was told he would have to earn it. Murray didn't stop, he came in guns blazing, and as he was first team All-Patriot league punter, where he led the Patriot league and ranked 10th in the FCS with a 41.9 yard punt average. This was the fourth best single season average in Fordham University History. He had 36 punts for 1,507 yards, in which 8 punts traveled more than 50 yards and seven landed inside the opponent's 20 yard line.  He was named special teams player of the week, once also nailed a 73 yard punt during the Colgate game tying him for the second longest punt in Fordham history. Not only was he the punter, he also handled the kickoff duties averaging 60.8 yards a kickoff his freshman year.
As a sophomore for the Rams, Murray would again take over the Patriot League, as he handled both the punting and kicking duties. He punted the ball 49 times, for 1,928 yards, averaging 39.3 yards a punt which led the Patriot league. He landed 20 of those punts inside the 20 yard line, and had ten punts of 50 plus yards. He only connected on 12 of his 21 field goal attempts with a long of 48, which was third longest field goal in Fordham history. He averaged 61.2 yards on his 59 kickoffs for the season as well.
In 2011, Patrick was named third team All-American by the Associated Press after his most impressive season in his career.  He punted 49 times for 2,160 yards averaging 44.1 yards a punt. He landed 21 of those punts inside the 20 yard line, and 16 of his punts traveled 50 plus yards. He nailed another 73 yard punt against Rhode Island tying his career long, and was named FCS Punter Performer of the Week by the CFPA.  Patrick would go on to win this award three more times his junior year, and bring home the CFPA FCS Punter Performer of the Year Award. Brad Smith the director of the CFPA, said it was the best all-around statistics in the awards history. He averaged 65.2 yards on kickoffs which was his highest total ever.
Entering his senior season, Murray was getting recognition as one of the most prolific punters in Fordham history and was still without a scholarship. He had a career punting average of 44.1 yards which is second best ever for the Rams. Before Patrick's senior year started, Fordham hired a new head coach in Joe Moorhead. Moorhead noticed something special about Patrick, and approached him with some big news. He told Patrick that he would need to step it up this year for the Rams since he earned his scholarship. Patrick was finally given a scholarship from Fordham University, and it has paid off for the Rams. Patrick practiced harder than ever for his senior year and it has shown.  There was finally someone who believed in the five-foot-seven monster-legged kicker, and Murray would not let his coach down. After 10 games, Murray has been putting on a clinic to opposing Patriot League teams.
This year, Patrick has punted 50 times for 2,312 yards which is not just the number one punter in the Patriot League for punting; he is number one in the entire FCS.  He also went on to become the kickoff specialist where he has kicked 57 kickoffs, and 34 of them went as touchbacks.  Murray was also asked to handle field goals this year as well, where he has gone on to hit 23-26 field goals. Four of those field goals are from 50 plus yards which ranked number 1 in the entire country in all divisions. He is 27/27 on extra points, and is number one in both the FCS and Patriot league for field goals. The most amazing statistic this year is not the field goals or punts, but the fact that he has won the Patriot league special team's player of the week seven times. Patrick also won the CFPA Kicker and Punter of the week 5 times this year, and was honorable mention every other week. With just one more game in the season Murray is on pace to break the FCS record, if he hits 3 more field goals.  I asked Murray what he thought about breaking the record and he said:
"I haven't really thought about breaking the record, I have been more focused on winning the last game. I feel that if I focus too much on it, I am taking away from my teammates." –Patrick Murray
Murray is kicking his way to success, the same way Greg Zuerlein did it last year for Missouri Western (a small division 2 school). Greg Zuerlein has went on to have a great NFL rookie season for the St. Louis Rams and when he was asked if it mattered if he played at a big school, "Legatron" said it best.
"I didn't think it mattered to me too much because I always thought kicking's kicking at any level, whether it's D-2 or D-1, If you can do it, you can do it. It doesn't matter. ....You don't really need to be a big-name guy or to go to the Combine. If you have the ability, the scouts will find you." – Greg Zuerlein – Kicker – St. Louis Rams
Patrick Murray has a never give up mentality, which reminds me of the underdog Dublin Gaelic football team last year; who trailed by 4 points with just 10 minutes left against Kerry in the finals. They made a dramatic comeback to beat the Kerry team by 1 point on a free kick by their goalie from 45 meters. When I watched the game, I thought of the Murray family, and if Patrick keeps it up he will definitely get his chance to contribute in the NFL.  He will have to overcome critics like he has in the past, but every time he lines up for a kick and feels pressure, all he has to do is look down at his left wrist, and remember that he has an angel watching over every kick.

[stew]

Funny first round of the draft. No QB or RB in round 1! The Bears pick, Kyle Long, is not that exciting but I think it will prove a good one. Basically they're going to keep Cutler upright this year and find out for once and for all if he is the man. Round 2 looks very interesting with plenty of good prospects still available. I think from a Bears viewpoint there are 3 LB's left (Minter, Te'o and Arthur Brown) who would be good picks to potentially fill the Urlacher void.

Biggest surprise for me was that neither Geno Smith nor Matt Barkley were drafted yet, although there was a QB taken Seanie, The Bills took a lad called EJ Manuel from Florida State. Smith wasn't too happy. He's not attending tonight, and is going home

Oh yeah - forgot about him. That was a kick in the nuts for Smith and also Ryan Nassib whose college coach is now at the Bills.

I'd also be interested in answers to NT's question. Open to correction but isn't there some sort of structure for rookie salaries so that shouldn't be an issue?

Cutler is an arsehole but if they can protect him he will be outstanding.

[Carmen Stateside]

Geno Smith picked by Jets

[Syferus]

Funny first round of the draft. No QB or RB in round 1! The Bears pick, Kyle Long, is not that exciting but I think it will prove a good one. Basically they're going to keep Cutler upright this year and find out for once and for all if he is the man. Round 2 looks very interesting with plenty of good prospects still available. I think from a Bears viewpoint there are 3 LB's left (Minter, Te'o and Arthur Brown) who would be good picks to potentially fill the Urlacher void.

Biggest surprise for me was that neither Geno Smith nor Matt Barkley were drafted yet, although there was a QB taken Seanie, The Bills took a lad called EJ Manuel from Florida State. Smith wasn't too happy. He's not attending tonight, and is going home

Oh yeah - forgot about him. That was a kick in the nuts for Smith and also Ryan Nassib whose college coach is now at the Bills.

I'd also be interested in answers to NT's question. Open to correction but isn't there some sort of structure for rookie salaries so that shouldn't be an issue?

Cutler is an arsehole but if they can protect him he will be outstanding.

He'll be good and not much more than that. He's a poor man's Brett Farve.

[J70]

Geno Smith picked by Jets

Where does that leave Tebow?

And Sanchez!

[Syferus]

Geno Smith picked by Jets

Where does that leave Tebow?

And Sanchez!

Tebow was always gone this off-season and Sanchez is likewise gone after next season, he only saved himself from the cut this year because 'management' signed him up to a contract with a jaw-dropping amount of guaranteed money this season. The Smith pick only rally means Sanchez will almost surely spend the later part of his last season in NYC on the bench.

[Seamroga in exile]

The speculation in NY is that the jets are trying to convert Tebow Into a tight end. They also Traded 4th round pick for Chris ivory from the saints . Great move.

[J70]

Nice win for the Knicks last night, although it was rather sad in a way to see the Celtics, and in particular, Paul Pierce, struggle so badly on their home court. The only drawback was JR Smith getting the line for his elbow on Terry, which means he'll probably be suspended for game 4. Hopefully the Knicks will still have enough to sweep them, with Copeland coming in and taking JR's share of the scoring duties. Celtics are just awful without Rondo, with no clue on offense.

[Capt Pat]

That was a productive first round of the draft for the Vikings. They used three first round picks to get Sharif Floyd at defensive tackle, Xavier Rhodes at corner back and exciting play maker at receiver Cordarelle Patterson. That left them without any picks on day two but getting three first rounders is good business for the team.

[The Iceman]

Nice win for the Knicks last night, although it was rather sad in a way to see the Celtics, and in particular, Paul Pierce, struggle so badly on their home court. The only drawback was JR Smith getting the line for his elbow on Terry, which means he'll probably be suspended for game 4. Hopefully the Knicks will still have enough to sweep them, with Copeland coming in and taking JR's share of the scoring duties. Celtics are just awful without Rondo, with no clue on offense.

Cant see Boston losing 4-0 especially at home. They missed too many  - plain and simple. Defense needs to tighten up and offense need to make the scores. Think they were shooting 36%.....
Anthony looks solid in the play offs though - fair play.

Miami still look good with Ray Allen still dropping the 3's. LeBron was a beast again in the second half.

[Minder]

Intriguing pick by Niners taking Marcus Lattimore, could be a great pick if he recovers fully from the knee injury.

[Oraisteach]

The Browns must be fulfilling some little-known charity obligation as they trade away pick after pick.  What, no available safeties to bolster our defence?  And to trade a pick to the Steelers? I think they should have opted for the auto-draft feature.

OK, just picked up a safety.  7 rounds over and we've made a grand total of three picks.  Exciting viewing.

[magpie seanie]

Intriguing pick by Niners taking Marcus Lattimore, could be a great pick if he recovers fully from the knee injury.

Beautiful scenario for the 49ers. They have so many picks and so few needs they can take risks like this. If this works out it will be great for them and they are one of the few who could afford to take the risk.

[Minder]

The Browns must be fulfilling some little-known charity obligation as they trade away pick after pick.  What, no available safeties to bolster our defence?  And to trade a pick to the Steelers? I think they should have opted for the auto-draft feature.

OK, just picked up a safety.  7 rounds over and we've made a grand total of three picks.  Exciting viewing.

Whaddya talking about, sure they are loaded with talent ! Another head scratcher for Browns fans. Mingo is classic boom or bust.