I Think I Deserve A Raise

Josh Cribbs wants a raise. He had one good year, and now he wants a raise. He went from an undrafted free agent, to return man extraordinaire, to whiny, overpaid, athlete in the time span of 3 years.

So Cribbs was given a $5K signing bonus when he made the roster for the 2005 edition of the Browns. He was just happy to be playing. He performed, and came back for the 2006 squad. Again, played well, ran one kick for a TD. Started developing into a solid return guy. And was rewarded by signing a 6 year, $6 mil contract with the Browns. I'd call that loyalty?? Who wouldn't??

Then Cribbs has a huge 2007. Gets selected for the Pro Bowl. Electrifies fans. Brought back 2 kicks and 1 punt for TDs. Scared the hell out of opposing special teams coaches. And is now asking for a new, bigger contract. But he also claims that he's not goign to be a distraction and hold out for a new contract.

I just don't understand?? Call me naive or whatever, but I just don't understand why these athletes are the way they are. Yes, they have to strike when the iron is hot, but is a mil a year to return kicks not enough???

I don't know who is to blame. I'm sure the athletes are a part of it. TO, Chad Johnson... But in many cases, I'm sure it's the agents. Trying to make their payday. Cribbs gets a new agent and all of a sudden he wants a new contract? From what I've read about Cribbs, he seems like a pretty humble guy. He should be, he went undrafted and obviously worked his ass off to make the Browns and have the 2 seasons he had that led to the new contract.

But in the end, pick a side. If you want a new contract, sit out until you get it. If you don't, get out and play and shut your mouth.

But why have 1 good season and then become a whiny little overpaid athlete. Go out, play the game, and here's an idea... Win a fucking Super Bowl?? Give your team that chance to sign other players around you. One person does not win a Super Bowl.

Moving on to other Cleveland news, and greedy athletes. LeBron James has stated that he'd be interested in going over to Europe, Greece to be exact, to play for some team over there. For $50 Million a year. That's not a typo. $50 Million.

He's 23 years old right now. So when his contract is up in 2010, he's going to be 25. Say he plays over in Europe for 3 years, he's going to come back and be 28 and should be in the prime of his career and could concievably play another 10 years in the NBA. Play in Europe for 3 years at $50 million??? Who in their right mind would not do this???? Seriously?? $150 million for 3 years???? Hell yes I'd go over there for a couple of years.

I am a very loyal person. If I were in LeBron's shoes, there is no way I would leave Cleveland for New York, New Jersey, LA, Philly.... But offer up $150 Mil for 3 years? Should I find a house or is the club going to do that for me?

Tragedy at PETA

If you haven't been watching the news, seen the paper, logged into the internet, or have been living under a log for the last couple of days, I'm sure you've heard the drama at the Kentucky Derby.

First of all, I'm not into the horses, I will go to Arlington Park a couple times a summer, but I really don't know what horses I'm betting on or what I'm really doing. But it's fun, nice day out in the sun, hopefully the Tribune guy does a good job picking horses because those are the bets I make. And this weekend Eight Belles had be be put down because she broke both of her front ankles after Placing in the Derby. The poor thing was euthanized on the track because of the apparent pain she was in. Very, very sad. Poor animal was just doing it's thing and then, without warning, both ankles break.

Anyhow, the idiots over at PETA have sent a letter to the head of horse racing, or somebody important telling them that they are at fault for this happening, the jockey should be suspended because it was also his fault, and the horses shouldn't be whipped and they should get rid of the whips completey, and all sorts of other BS that they've made up now that they have a legit platform to stand on because of this poor horse.

I don't know how anybody can take these people seriously. Believe me, I'm as much for animal rights as the next person. I'm the proud owner of a bad ass cat named Manny. And I'd be devastated if anything were to happen to him. But getting rid of the whips? Blaming the poor jockey for doing his job? Trying to play the blame game and destroying the lives of everybody involved for a freak occurrence? I don't understand the affection some people have with fur coats. I think they're very tacky and ridiculous expensive for an ugly coat. I didn't agree with the way the cougar was killed by police in my neighborhood a couple of weeks ago.

You know what, it happened, it's a horrible thing. I can honestly say that I have no idea who won the race, who showed, or any other horse in the field. But I know for certain what happened after the race and who it happened to.

These people at PETA are just ridiculous. Like I said, I really feel bad for this horse and the people that trained/owned/rode her. But what they're trying to do should just be laughed at. Steak is real good. I survive on chicken. Breakfast sausage is outstanding. Listening to these PETA people makes me want to get sick, and then eat more sausage and another steak.

In other news. The Cavs are tied with the Celts with a minute to go in game 1. LeBron has 2 field goals and 10 turnovers. He has also missed about 25 layups. There is no possible way the Cavs should lose this game. Way to step up LeBron. 2-17 I was just informed. So I guess he didn't miss 25 layups, it just felt like it.

The Indians beat the Yanks tonight. Interesting lineup. Andy Marte, Ben Francisco, Jamey Carrol, Kelly Shoppach all in the starting lineup. Delucci had a pinch hit 3 run jack to put the Indians up 2 runs. Carmona pitched 5 solid innings and Betancourt got the save. I can't believe that Borowski is going to be put back in the closers role when he gets healthy.

Makes me want to go out and buy a fur coat.

A lot of Heartache..but a bright future

To be a Purdue and Cleveland fan, is like some sort of sick joke if you are a sports fan. So many memories of hope for a championship, and then just dashed away in the blink of an eye. Don't believe me, take a look:

-Willie Mays over the shoulder catch in '54. Granted, my mom wasn't even born yet, but I still see replays once a year. But, my grandma was 36, and she remembered it vividly.

- Right Red 88. Oakland, we lost to Oakland?? At home, to a warm weather team in the ice and snow off Lake Erie? I was 5 at this time, and I remember clearly being in a restaurant with my parents when this happened, only to have my dad yell at me to "quit acting up." My emotions were getting the best of me, at age 5.

- Put in Mike Jackson! That's what I remember screaming to Hargrove 800 miles away from Indiana, while he was sitting in South Florida. But sure enough, "Joe Table," a.k.a Jose Mesa comes trotting out of the bullpen. Then he somehow survives a terrible 9th, and Craig Counsell's missle is caught in right field by David Justice. Granted, that was just delaying the inevitable, when a Edgar Renteria single up the middle sealed the fate of the Fighting Wahoo's in '97.

- The Drive, The Fumble-- I don't even want to get into this. We all knows how this turns out. Elway in '86, and Byner in '87. Byner's huge game was overshadowed by one fumble that Dennis Smith didn't even know he caused at the goal line.

- The C.C/Fausto Meltdown in the '07 ALCS. Two potential Cy Young award winners, failing to show up for the ALCS. If they pitch just one game like they can in game 5 or 6, the Tribe goes to the World Series, and probably beat the Rockies who woke up from a coma after winning 50 straight games.

That's enough negativity, let me look toward the future now:

-The Browns, 10-6, but missed the playoffs. Yes, the Colts probably should have played their starters, look at their past performances on rest. But, the Browns should have beat the Bengals too. With a little help at D line next year, and one more receiver to compliment Braylon along with JJ, the Browns should contend for the division in '08. DA with another year under his belt, and an O Line that dominates, could make for a fun '08.

-The Tribe in '08: Same team, same good starting staff, another year of experience for young players. Look for guys like Asdrubal Cabrera, Garko, Gutierrez, Carmona, and an improving Jhonny Peralta to have strong years in '08. I know the Tigers beefed up their lineup, but I'll still take the Tribe's pitching over the Tigers pitching all day. Yes they got Dontrelle, but he's a very average pitcher, who had an ERA over 5.00 last year...in the NL. Welcome to the AL Dontrelle.

- Cavs: Get LeBron help, before he leaves. Last year was a fluke, get the man some help, before he leaves. I can't state that enough.

-Purdue- BBall looking strong for a young team. I love Matt Painter and what he's done, and also because he bought me a pitcher of Killians's at Hooters, simply because I had a Purdue hoody on. I fully expect a Big Ten title or two, over the next four years with this team. As far as football goes, we should be fine with Danny Hope. He had a high powered offense at E Kentucky, and apparantly he can recruit his butt off. Recruiting is something that has hampered the program, with the likes of Michigan, OSU, and Wisconsin in the Big Ten. I have a good feeling about Hope.

Now call me the eternal optimist, because I am. I don't forget the past and all the heartache, but I certainly look toward the future, when one of my teams is hoisted up that championship trophy.