Tiger Talks, Took Long Enough

He came across very robotic. His prepared statement was the anchor for his thirteen minute speech, a speech he should have delivered more from the heart than from a predetermined PR scheme. His eyes were red before he said a word, he looked nervous and slurred a few words. Unfortunately, these were the majority of the genuinely real emotions Tiger Woods displayed Friday morning. I think he meant every word. I think he is sorry to Elin, their children and the kids his foundation supports. However, I wish he had delivered his words in a more humble manner. I wish he didn't discuss PEDs or the media's aggressive behavior towards stalking his two kids. The media has just been reporting the insanity of Woods' life since Thanksgiving. Their stories, angles and harsh headlines are only a reflection of his poor decisions. He addressed a small group of reporters and members of the media, he did so without taking a single question, he did it all on his terms. It took him 83 days to speak out and what he said we expected.

"I thought I could get away with anything I wanted to. I thought I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn't have to go far to find it."

I appreciated that he used the word, "entitled". Although he quickly follows it with the excuse of money and fame, when listening live to his press conference this word stuck out. He thought he was above the rest of us, Woods has always felt this way. He does think he is better than those around him, but recognizing this and stating it was necessary.

"Today, I want to ask for help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again."

Well, some people will and some people won't. Some people already have embraced him publicly and many people (especially women) will struggle to look at Woods the way they once did. He says thousands of people have written letters reaching out and showing support. That's fine. A pile of letters isn't going to patch this up. If it is fuel Woods can use to progress through his therapy, then good for him. However, he has also probably received thousands of letters expressing tremendous disappointment and shame. The American public has an amazing ability to grant second chances to public figures that have screwed up. I expect this to happen gradually for Woods. But he can't wait for it. He needs to make changes, prove some things to Elin and not focus on golf. Although getting back on the course may redirect the media's attention to his game and chase for 19 majors, his personal life must remain the priority.

"I do plan to return to golf someday. I just don't know when that will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game."

Do I expect Woods to be playing at Augusta this April, No. He might not be back for Pebble Beach either, the site of this year's U.S. Open. His above quote implies he really isn't thinking about a return date, but even if he was, this press conference wasn't the place to mention it. He needed to speak on matters off the golf course. But, for those who love the game, the locations of the 2010 majors are all courses Woods loves and dominates. Don't forget the British Open is being held at St. Andrews. He will play again, I think he will play this year. When he does return he will be forced to answer or at least face all the questions he has tactically avoided so far. Playing golf again will provide an escape. I expect him to have a chip on his shoulder and a desire to prove he is the best ever. However, he will be exposed to a media starving for answers to questions he doesn't feel he needs to address publicly. He has a long way to go.

For a man who once stood so high above the world of sports, at a level only a handful of people ever taste, Woods is now trying to simply find his way back. He did write his speech, he did look like a guy trying to put his life back together, unfortunately for Woods the puzzle he is trying to complete might be missing a few pieces.

Walsh, Knicks Making Moves

With less than two hours before the free agent deadline passed, New York Knicks' GM Donnie Walsh made the move he had to to prepare for the 2010 off season. Walsh, in a 3-team deal, unloaded the 6.9 million dollar expiring contract of Jarred Jeffries, rookie Jordan Hill and veteran Larry Hughes and received Tracy McGrady and Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez. The Rockets acquire sharp shooter Kevin Martin, Hill, Jeffries and Carl Landry. The whole deal looks like this.

Knicks Get:

Tracy McGrady

Sergio Rodriguez

Rockets Get:

Kevin Martin

Hilton Armstrong

Jarred Jeffries

Jordan Hill

option on 2011/2012 Knicks' 1st rd pick

Kings Get:

Carl Landry

Joey Dorsey

Larry Hughes

McGrady comes to MSG with an expiring contract valued over 22 million dollars. This means that after this season, that money will be available to help the Knicks lure not one super star, but potentially two. It would have been unlikely that a LeBron James or Dwayne Wade or Chris Bosh joins the current Knick roster as it is. However, the possibility of pairing two of them together with David Lee, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler is a much more attractive team. Nothing is definite, all of the aforementioned players may stay on their current teams, but at least now Walsh has put his team in position to get the most out of the summer of 2010. Have to like the work Walsh did to make this happen, not a lot of people expected him to be able to work out a deal that moved Jeffries or Ed Curry.

On Wednesday, the Knicks traded Darko Milicic to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Brian Cardinal. Another move looking toward the future, I don't expect Cardinal to do much more than open up some more money this summer.

It also looks like Nate Robinson will be shipped to the Boston Celtics for Eddie House and a player to be named. This is a sacrifice of talent for New York, but it rids the team of a player with too much ego and not enough production. Yes, he can light up the scoreboard and the fans love him. However, he is often a headache for Coach D'Antoni and can't play any defense. Moving him is more of an identity change for the team, than a move to improve. He wasn't going to be on the team next year and House likely won't be either. However, House is a more consistent 3-point threat and this team lives and dies outside the perimeter. This move isn't finalized, but Robinson didn't dress yesterday against the Chicago Bulls and his locker was shown completely cleared out.

Free Agent Deadline Rumors

The NBA free agent deadline is Thursday and the chatter around the league is louder than ever. With Dallas and Washington already moving seven players during All Star weekend and the Portland Trailblazers and L.A. Clippers also in the mix, GMs around the league are busy working to improve their own teams.

The Blazers and Clippers agreed this morning to swap 35-year old Marcus Camby (still one of the better defenders in the league) for Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and cash. With Portland in dyer need of a presence at center following the season ending injuries to Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, this deal will solidify the Blazers as a solid 5-7 seed in the west.

The Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson for Josh Howard and Drew Gooden deal is going to be a huge help for the Mavericks down the stretch. Butler gives the team a more cut-throat shooter with a better all-around game, as well as some much needed help inside with Haywood. The Wizards unload some money and continue their path toward completely renovating the franchise.

The biggest name right now continues to be Amar'e Stoudemire and his possible relocation to Cleveland or Miami. Most people around the league think that if he moves it will be to the Cavs for a package that would include J.J. Hickson, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and maybe the Cavs' first round pick in the coming draft. However, Phoenix is not completely sold on a deal surrounding Hickson's potential, knowing Ilgauskas will likely be bought out and return to Cleveland. Pat Riley has also become very intrigued with the thoughts of pairing his superstar with the Suns' power forward, but understand it would likely cost Mike Beasley. All the rumors become overwhelming as the free agent deadline approaches, but Stoudemire moving appears inevitable. The fact is, Phoenix doesn't want to get nothing for Stoudemire if/when he leaves after this season. Bringing in a young guy like Hickson or Beasley is better than starting from scratch.

Why is the Cleveland package better, how is it better? Beasley is better than Hickson. Miami has better draft picks to offer, why would Phoenix even listen to the Cavs knowing with Riley has on the table? Plus, if you are Stoudemire doesn't Wade and South Beach look better than James and Cleveland...just sayin'.

If Amar'e doesn't end up on the Cleveland LeBrons expect the Cavs to look elsewhere. Possible Antawn Jameson, Troy Murphy or Corey Maggette. James needs a little more to get eye-to-eye with the L.A. Lakers, he wants Stoudemire, but acquiring any of those three would provide the boost the Cavs need.

Another possible trade exchanges Andre Iguodala for Stoudemire. Iggy gets to play along side Steve Nash, receive his perfect passes and doesn't have to lead the offense. Stoudemire becomes the face of a franchise, showcases his skills against eastern conference teams in preparation for a big pay day, but doesn't compete in playoffs. Works for Suns, I don't know if it works for STAT.

A deal gaining legs as the deadline approaches includes the Knicks and Rockets. Houston appears to be ready to cut ties with Tracy McGrady and the Knicks see the value in his expiring contract. A possible deal could swap Jarred Jeffries (6.9 million expiring) and maybe Nate Robinson for McGrady (22.5 million expiring). Robinson or Danilo Gallinari or Jordan Hill would have to be involved for this deal to happen, because the Rockets aren't going to simply give away all that money. That is the type of money that could pair Chris Bosh with Yao Ming next year. Plus, the Philadelphia 76'ers are also interested in T-Mac and have considered sending Iguodala to Houston. It would be nice if Donnie Walsh could pair Jeffries or Ed Curry with Robinson to get the McGrady expiring contract. That would all but sure up a big-time acquisition this summer for the Knicks.

By the way, everyone wants the Knicks to get James or Dwayne Wade. So do I. However, I think there is something to be said about taking another angle during this off-season. Try to get 2-3 really good players. Or one star and a great role player. A Knicks team with James, David Lee, Chandler, Gallinari and Point Guard X is better. Isn't a team with Joe Johnson, Tony Parker, David West, Lee, Chandler, etc. a better team overall? I am not sure. But there needs to be some depth in the future, we can't compete with a starting five and no bench. I would absolutely love one of the top three guys in New York next year, I just wonder how much it will really change things.

The Other Saints

I have been to four Siena Saints (21-4, 14-0 MAAC) games this season and have gotten familiar with the flow of their team, Coach Fran McCaffery style and the key players on the team. The Saints are easily the best team in the conference and have represented the MAAC in the NCAA Tournament the last two seasons, notching wins in both years. McCaffery has done a tremendous job getting players to come to the Loudonville school and continue the high level of play.

This year's team is yet to lose in conference and has a big game against the 15th ranked Butler Bulldogs. A victory on the road against a team like Butler would be huge as the team approaches its tournament run. However, if the Saints are going to pull off the upset they will need huge performances out of their four main contributors. I am talking about Alex Franklin, Edwin Ubiles, Ronald Moore and Ryan Rossiter.

Alex Franklin, Sr. - The 6'5" senior plays like he is five inches taller. If he was he would be an absolute lock to play at the next level. He is averaging 16 pts, 8 reb., 58% FG and almost two steals a night. He has scored 20-plus points in six of his last ten games dominating in the paint. He plays above the rim, is a smart passer and the backbone for the saints.

Edwin Ubiles, Sr. - I was lucky enough to watch Ubiles play before Siena as a member of my high school's basketball team. Everyone knew he would have the opportunity to continue playing after watching his smooth jumper and quick first step back then. He has been a huge addition to the Saints over his four year career and has become one of the most entertaining players in the MAAC. His length allows him to play above the rim on offense and stop the ball against taller opponents on the other end. Ubiles is averaging 15 pts, 42% 3-pt and 50% FG providing a tremendous inside/outside attack. Earlier in the season he dealt with back spasms, but he appears to have worked out any kinks. My biggest issue with Ubiles has always been (since high school) that for a kid with so much natural ability, I wish he had more of a killer instinct. He should demand the ball when Siena needs a bucket, however he often seems okay with passing the ball off. He is approaching the end of his collegiate career and there are NBA eyes on him, finding some of that inner MJ would be a great way to finish things up.

Ronald Moore, Sr. - The perfect point guard. His priority is to get the ball into the hands of his scorers, mix things up and control the tempo. He does so with excellent court vision and lightning quick passing. Mr. Moore is currently leading the nation in assists with eight a game, nearly 1.5 more than John Wall. For real. He was recently named one of the eleven point guards in the country eligible for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award. For years he took a back seat to Kenny Hasbrouk, who was the team leader before graduating last year. Clearly he paid close attention to Hasbrouk and readied himself for his final season as Siena's court general. Moore won't fill up the score book, tallying double digits just six times this season (he averages more assists than points). However, when you see the Saints running on all cylinders, Moore is always right in the middle of everything.

Ryan Rossiter, Jr. - The 6'9" big man has developed into a consistent contributor and compliment to Franklin. The two of them can bang inside with anyone. Rossiter hustles like no one else on the team. For a big guy, it is amazing how often he is diving for lose balls and causing havoc around the rim. He is the Anderson Varejao of the Siena Saints. Rossiter is averaging 14 pts, 10 reb., 59% FG and over a block and steal per game. He has fifteen double doubles in twenty five games this season. Kentucky big man DeMarcus Cousins has the same total. When other guys on the team are struggling, you can expect the same out of Rossiter. He is the youngest of these four players and has another season left. However, he has become just as important as anyone else on this year's squad.

People have called the Saints the east coast Gonzaga. After headline performances in the previous two NCAA Tournaments and the current 34-game home winning streak (second longest behind Kansas) it has become a fair comparison. Finishing the season with an undefeated conference record and a complete effort against Butler would put Siena right where they want to be heading into March. Expectations are high in the Capitol region, but so is the level of talent on this team. It will be interesting to see how far this team can go.

Brees Best in Super Bowl

The general consensus from fans (outside Louisiana) prior to Super Bowl XLIV was, "yea, I want the Saints to win, but I think the Colts will pull it off." I know I was one of them. It was a tremendous feat to get the the final game; but between the opponent, national pressure as the lovable underdog and inexperience on the biggest stage, a victory seemed farfetched.

The first half ended with the Colts up 10-6 in a relatively unexciting first thirty minutes, but this game would prove to be about the second half and gutsy coaching decisions. Sean Payton's decision to open the second half with an onside kick was cold blooded. You never see this happen before the fourth quarter of games unless you're playing Madden. It was the spark his team needed, the perfect curveball to offset Peyton Manning and the ultimate momentum changer. During the following drive Manning was shown on the side line displaying one of his trademark awkward faces. The camera also was showing Dwight Freeney being retaped on the bench, just moments after halftime. Weird.

The Tide was turning. Drew Brees, who was absolutely amazing the entire game (32-39, 288, 2 td) drove the Saints down the field and connected with Pierre Thomas for a 16 yard screen pass. We'll talk about Brees shortly.

Manning on the ensuing drive made some beautiful passes in tough spots, which created the feel for an epic finish to this game. Manning was ticked off, but he wasn't going to go easy. He is the best in the league, he can score faster than anyone and he wasn't about to be upstaged by the Saints.

Unfortunately this was not going to be Manning's night. His performance will be remembered more for poor clock management on the Colt's final drive of the third quarter (something he never struggles with), his clear frustration with the Saint's defense and one of the worst interceptions we have ever seen from a player of his caliber in a clutch Super Bowl moment. Had he led the Colts back in the fourth quarter it would have been another chapter in the Peyton Manning comeback catalog. Legacy locked up. However, throwing such an awful pass, which led to the 74-yard pick-6, opens him up to conversations regarding his 9-9 career playoff record. Or his inability to break off of his game plan even when it is obvious he needs to. Or that he is really good in the regular season, but can't win big games (that was a mediocre Chicago Bears team). Sorry Peyton, but you can't really point any fingers.

The night showcased a tremendous quarterback matchup that many people thought would ultimately be won by Manning. Even with the remarkable season Brees recorded, he hadn't been here before. How would he handle the bright lights, the weight of New Orleans on his shoulders and the shadow Manning casts?

With guts, accuracy and total control.

He outplayed Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in the two games leading up to the Super Bowl. His numbers in 2008 and 2009 are staggering. Maybe his turnover free performance against the Colts was exactly what we all should have seen coming. Again, these are all on the field statistics. He is the face of the Saints AND the entire city of New Orleans. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft and played solid football for four seasons, but eventually left after the Chargers drafted Phillip Rivers and refused to offer Brees top-5 quarterback bucks. Miami and New Orleans chased him, the Dolphins were concerned about his health, so Brees signed with the Saints. He has thrown for over 4,300 yards every year since joining the team. On multiple drives during the Super Bowl, Brees made consecutive completions to lead the Saints downfield with authority. Brees, the little guy out of Purdue teams looked over, is the same guy in the huddle pre-game pumping up his squad. Dare I say... the best in the game?

Quick side note from Mr. Bill Simmons:

"What if the 2006 Dolphins had pursued Brees instead of stupidly going after Daunte Culpepper? Undeniably the best football 'What if' of this decade? If Miami gets Brees, the Saints don't win the Super Bowl XLIV; Nick Saban doesn't flee Miami as quickly as he did, or at the very least, doesn't go to Alabama (now we're swinging this year's NCAA title as well); the AFC would have the four best QBs (Brees, Rivers, Brady and Manning); Miami's future is obviously altered; and the Saints are almost definitely playing in San Antonio right now. Good Golly"

Word.

So congratulations to the city of New Orleans, Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the entire Saints team. The celebration should last as long as possible. Mardi Gras is going to be absolutely insane, part of me is thinking I should find my way to Bourbon Street in two weeks. I never went on a real Spring Break.