‘Bounty Programs’ : No Big Deal

March 5, 2012 Leave a comment

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It has recently been reported in the sports news world of a bounty program run by the New Orleans Saints coaching staff. My response to the news was “so what”.

Whether an athlete is playing a sport for pride or money there is always a premium bounty on the opposing team.

As a sports fan I would not root for my favorite team if I did not believe that the players on my team were not trying to destroy the opposing players by any means necessary while maintaining the rules of the game.

I am not advocating or condoning ‘cheap shots’ or illegal hits.

But if you are trying to eliminate and destroy a player with a legal hit and your coach gives you an incentive or reward for doing so, its all good!

What is the difference in giving out a game ball or 1000.00 at the end of a game for the player that made the biggest difference in the game?

If that means you get the reward for hurting an opponent so be it. If taking the opponent out legally was the means to the victory the rewarded player deserves the reward.

Every athlete on the Football field understands the opposing team is going to try and destroy them. Honestly they would want nothing less.

The bounty programs in Football have been going on for years and have not been a well kept secret. It might not be the popular moral opinion. But it is the reality of the game. To reward a player in excess for doing his job only makes the player play harder.

To compensate for the bounty system on the opposing end the NFL has fined players for excessive violence and cheap shots on defenseless players.

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Interview with Reggie Kelly TE Atlanta Falcons

December 10, 2011 1 Comment

Interview by

Brian Dant

TFO: What sports did you play as a young man growing up in Aberdeen, Mississippi ?

Reggie: Football, Basketball, Ran Track and Power-Lifting team.

TFO: Who was your inspiration growing up?

Reggie: Walter Payton

TFO: Were you ‘highly’ recruited out of high school? Why did you choose Mississippi State?

Reggie: No I was not highly recruited, there were a few options, but I chose Mississippi State because it was close to home and had great program under Coach Jackie Wayne Sherrill.

TFO: What was your favorite moment in any college football game as an athlete?

Reggie: In 1996 MSU against Alabama, we beat them at home.

TFO: What was your NFL draft day like?

Reggie: Very low-key, at my home back in Aberdeen, MS with my Dad, Mom, Brother and my fiance.

TFO: When you stepped on an NFL practice field for the first time what was going through your mind?

Reggie: I was amazed!  Dreams do come true!

TFO: What was your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment?

Reggie: Jessie the Hammer Tuggle knock me down in my 1st training camp, welcome to the NFL Rook!

TFO: You recently resigned with the Atlanta Falcons. You came back home to the team that started your NFL career. Can you tell your fans how you felt coming back to Atlanta?

Reggie: It feels good to come full circle in my career.  We have a great program here under Coach Smith and I am excited to be playing alongside one of the future Hall of Famers in Tony Gonzales. It feels good to be back.

TFO: Why do your teammates call you ‘The Rev’?

Reggie: They felt that I was the one they could come to for spiritual advice and look at me as a good big brother, who knew had their backs.

TFO: You run a football camp for kids back in Aberdeen, Mississippi. Can you tell us a little about it?

Reggie: We usually host a free football camp for the kids in Aberdeen, usually 82 kids my jersey number that have shown excellent grades for the school year.  I am big on academics and it also feels great to give back to where I am originally from.

TFO: If there was one thing you would want your fans to know about you that you have never been asked about in an interview what would it be?

Reggie: My favorite outdoor hobby is fishing and I love fishing with my kids.

Post Interview Comments

We would like to thank Reggie for taking the time out of his day to answer a few questions. The NFL is definitely a better league with positive athletes like Reggie Kelly.

For more information on Reggie Kelly and his projects(book, “Prepared”; food line(KYVAN) my 2 kids names combined and to book Reggie for any appearances go to:

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Phew… It’s over!

December 1, 2011 1 Comment

So as sports fans we have sat through a rough year in sports as our three major sports leagues in the USA have gone through Collective Bargaining Negotiations.

National Football League LogoIt started with the tumultuous negotiations in the NFL. The players union disbanding and suing the league and the owners for anti-trust violations.

Many day’s and hours of ‘fat cats’ sitting in a room negotiating over the revenue we as fans generate. Finally in the last hours and day’s they came to an agreement so we could have a season.

During this time the NBA was preparing for their off season CBA negotiations. Did the NBA learn anything from the NFL negotiation fiasco? Nope!

National Basket Ball LogoThe NBA took over where the NFL left off in the court of sports fans distaste for the owners and players public negotiations.

Between David Stern’s ugly mug constantly making demands on TV and the players whining on twitter constantly there was a permanent vile taste in every sports fan across America.

We were sick of all the ‘dirty laundry’ being aired in an attempt to win public support. Both sides were trying to take advantage of the average sports fans empathy and sympathy.

It was pathetic!

Major League Baseball LogoBut in all the mess was a gem not talked about very much. The MLB in its infinite wisdom set aside owners meeting and decided to get behind closed doors with the players union and get a deal done out of the public spotlight.

Are you kidding me? You mean we don’t get to hear who hates what about the MLB deal? Hallelujah!

The NFL and NBA need to take serious notes from the MLB when it comes down to negotiating a new CBA deal. The average sports fan does not care about the personal spats and why each side hates each other.

All we care about is that our favorite athletes are not being taken advantage of and that our future retired sports heroes are taken care of.

As a sports fan I have a new-found respect and admiration for the MLB and the MLBPA  executives.

BRAVO!

Filed under #fansopinion, MLB, NBA, NBA Lockout, NFL, NFL Lockout Tagged with , , , , ,

It’s on now!

October 15, 2011 Leave a comment

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Now that we are 25% of the way through the NFL season the quality of play is beginning to improve. The rust is starting to shake off the veterans and the rookies are starting to comprehend the packages inserted by the coaches.

It has been a challenge as a football fan to stay interested in watching the games with all the penalties, timeout’s, and watching the offensive players not knowing where to line up in the formation. At times during the last 10 seconds of the play clock the QB was waving his hands so much he looked more like an air traffic controller than a football player.

During the Chicago Bear vs Detroit Lion game just played last week you could tell the defense of the Bears were not on the same page. Both safeties were burned more than once. I contribute this to the lack of training time in the pre-season rather than the talent of the players themselves.

Now there is no excuse!

You will start to see the players start to gel on the field. The QB’s and WR‘s will start to get their timing in check. The amount of big plays will start to increase league wide. This does not necessarily mean that the scores will be higher. The defenses will start to use more elaborate schemes and not just play the bland cover two defense.

Overall the quality of play league wide will improve and the fans will start to get their monies worth at the games.

 

 

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Interview with Danny Baugher: Punter: Las Vegas Locomotives

June 30, 2011 3 Comments

 Interview

By

Brian Dant

 

 

TFO: As a young man what sports did you play growing up?

Danny: Growing up I was very competitive and loved playing any sport. I started out doing it all.. soccer, baseball, basketball, football, any kind of game and I was all over it. In high school I played football, basketball, and ran track. 

TFO: Who was your inspiration growing up in sports? 

Danny: Both my father and my grandfather were my main inspirations. My father played football for Syracuse and my grandfather played quarterback at Temple and was a head high school football coach in Pennsylvania.

TFO:  What was your favorite memory from a game at the University of Arizona?

Danny: My senior year I felt I made the biggest impact and contributed to the the team the most when we played at USC in front of 110,000 people. We didn’t end up winning the game but I feel the punt unit kept us in a close game until the end. Four punts were pinned inside the 5 yard line making it a very long field for the USC offense to score. Also, Reggie Bush arguably the best punt returner in the nation at the time was a non factor.

TFO:  You have been on several NFL teams. Can you tell your fans what your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment was?

Danny: In 2007 when playing for the New England Patriots we played a game in literally a monsoon. The weather was so bad both teams barely warmed up and I didn’t get a punt off in pregame. There was a strong chance the game would be delayed but when the scheduled kickoff came around the storm let up just enough to play. On my first punt attempt of the night which happened to be the first punt of the game I sailed the ball over the returners head and ended up with a 70 yard punt. The crowd went wild and from then on I felt like I belonged in professional football. 

TFO:  You are part of history being drafted in the first UFL draft. Can you explain to us as fans what that feels like?

Danny: It was always a dream of mine to be drafted into professional football. I was coming off an injury my senior year in college and didn’t end up getting drafted into the NFL. Being drafted in the UFL fulfilled one of my dreams and I am very honored to this day. To be a part of history is also something that is very special to me. 

TFO:  With the UFL being a fairly new football league what would you say to fans that are still unsure about coming out to a game?

Danny: Every fan that I have had a chance to talk to has been completely pumped up about there experience at a UFL game. They are shocked of how similar it is in terms of level of play to an NFL game for a fraction of the price. They also enjoy the tailgating and atmosphere of a real pro game. Also, your in for a great show as last season there were a ton of close and exciting games. 

TFO:  You are a two time champion in the UFL. What is it going to take for the Locos’ to win a third championship this year?

Danny: Seeing that we have won two in a row everybody is going to be gunning for us. We have to come out and prepare each game like it is the championship game. A three peat in football has to be one of the rarest accomplishments and I believe if we get better each week we will control our own destiny.

TFO: As a player on the Locos’ tell us fans what makes Coach Fassel so special as a coach.

Danny: The reason why we have been so successful is coach Fassel’s ability to bring the team together. He was a quarterback as a player and knows how to create a team environment were guys bond together as a unit and there is a cohesiveness on the field. I also think he has great instinct on where guys are and what they need to do in regards for game preparation.

TFO: If there was one thing you would want your fans to know about you that I have not asked you here what would it be?

Danny: By preparing diligently for a three-peat I have also been substitute teaching and coaching at numerous football camps. Also, I am not the stereotypical punter and consider myself an athlete first and punter second.

Interviewers Notes:

I want to thank Danny for taking the time to answer a few questions for our sports blog. Danny is an exceptional young man. When I spoke to him on our Radio Show you could hear the passion and dedication to the game of football and to the Las Vegas Locos‘ in his voice. He is ready for a 3Peat! At the end of the interview I promised Danny I would never call Danny just a punter again. So this is for you Danny. DANNY BAUGHER IS A GREAT ATHLETE! HE IS NOT ‘JUST A PUNTER‘! Thanks again Danny!

Filed under UFL, #fansopinion, UFL Football, Interviews Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview with Austin Pettis: 78th Overall Pick 2011 NFL Draft: St Louis Rams

June 29, 2011 1 Comment

Interview

by

Griffen Raustis

Griffen: What is your biggest weakness on the field?

Austin: Haven’t established myself as a down-field threat yet.

Griffen: What NFL WR inspires you?

Austin: Larry Fitz.

Griffen: I think you will be the next Larry Fitzgarald. In your opinion what is your biggest threat on the field?

Austin: I hope so and speed of the game is big

Griffen: What NFL QB, RB, and WR would you want to join the rams?

Austin: I don’t know which team would take him probably one who missed out in the draft on a QB. I’m happy with all the players that are on the team now.

Griffen: I agree. Do you think Sam Bradford has the talent to be starting QB for years to come?

Austin: Yes of course, I think he proved that already.

Griffen: Yes he did. Do you think you will ever be wildcat QB?

Austin: No I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that.

Griffen: Who is your favorite QB in the NFL right now?

Austin: Sam Bradford

Griffen: Who do you think has the most talent to be starting QB for the Denver Broncos? Orton or Tebow?

Austin: I don’t know enough about either one of them. I can’t say

Griffen: What was your favorite college football memory?

Austin: The success with my teammates over the 4 years.

Publishers Notes:

Griffen Raustis is a young man who guest write’s and interviews athletes for our sports blog. He is very driven and active on twitter. We appreciate all the work Griffen gives us here at The Fans Opinion. School is out so we will be hearing more from Griffen.

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Showcasing Athletes In A Positive Light

June 25, 2011 1 Comment

In todays mainstream media society there is way to much negative media cast on professional athletes. Sure there are a few bad apples that spoil the bunch. But why not focus on the positive attributes of the athletes that are being a positive beacon in their communities?

I started this sports blog because of my passion for sports and the athletes that play the games I love so much. As a child some of my fondest memories are from when my father took me to the Washington Redskins training camp at Dickerson College in Carlisle, PA.  I can remember watching the athletes walk to the field and asking them for their autographs. I still have the hat the team signed that day hanging on my wall all these years later.

It has become a cliché that an athlete starts a charity foundation when he joins his team in the local community. It is overlooked in today’s society. It is almost like we expect these athletes to give back instead of appreciating what they do to give back on a daily basis. Fans and communities have begun to take the athletes and their foundations for granted instead of appreciating the support and helping the foundations and charities out. It seems in today’s society everyone is looking for a handout instead of being the hand that helps someone else.

Here at The Fans Opinion Sports Blog our mission is to change the negative media perception of athletes one interview at a time. We will always showcase the inspiration an athlete contributes to us. We will always showcase the charities and foundations these athletes put their hard-earned money and sweat equity into. Sure we will give our opinions on the bad apples that spoil the bunch.  You will never read a negative story reported by us on any athlete. If you are searching for the negative juicy tabloid journalism on sports athletes you have come to the wrong media outlet.

I wish the mainstream media would focus more on the inspiration and determination it takes from the athletes to be great . The physical shape these players keep their bodies in year round to be able to play the sport we love. The love these players have for the game they play. The adversities a lot of these players have had to overcome to be a professional athlete. Instead of worrying about ratings of their print or digital medium.

I am not saying every athlete is or should be a role model for young men and women today. The point I am trying to make is that if our young men and women in our communities heard more inspirational stories on the air than every time an athlete get arrested our next generation might be more motivated to succeed.

WE SPEAK OUR MIND!

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Interview with John Busing : Safety : Hartford Colonials

June 25, 2011 Leave a comment

Interview

By

Brian Dant

 

TFO: What sports did you play as a young man growing up?

John: I played just about every sport known to man growing up, but my main focus was on basketball, baseball, and football.

TFO: Who was your inspiration growing up playing sports?

John: Growing up I was fortunate enough to play sports with friends who have excelled and gone on to play on a major college and pro level. So really the competition between us was my inspiration for getting better and improving myself.

TFO:  You played football at Miami. You were recruited as a wide receiver out of high school and switched to linebacker. Can you explain how that switch was for you?

John: The switch for me was really from playing safety to linebacker. I knew they wanted me on the defensive side of the ball once I got up there, and they felt outside linebacker was the best fit. Being a physical player along with a great position coach really helped my transition and made it an easier one. I got thrown in the mix right away, so it was a baptism by fire situation and I was able to be successful.

TFO: You have been on several NFL teams. Can you tell your fans what your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment was?

John: The second preseason game of my rookie year we were playing the Green Bay Packers. At halftime the coaches inform me that I’ll be starting the second half. So our defense takes the field after halftime and I’m trying to get lined up and I look in to see the snap. Well as I’m looking inside I notice who’s standing back there…it’s the old quarterback for the Packers that use to wear #4. It was an unreal moment for me playing against him on the field. I can remember as a little kid in the backyard pretending to be him, and now here we were lined up on opposing sides.

TFO: You are currently on the Hartford Colonials roster in the UFL. Can you tell us what your personal goals are for this season?

John: I’m really just looking forward to playing with a new staff and teammates and improving on my game each and every day. 

TFO: For the fans that are not yet aware of the UFL can you describe the quality of football being played in the UFL?

John: All you have to do is take a look on the rosters of the UFL teams to realize the quality and quantity of talent there is in this league. From the coaching staffs all the way down through the rosters are recognizable names with a wealth of experience and success at the college and NFL level.

TFO:  If there was one thing you would want your fans to know about you that has not been asked in an interview what would it be?

John: That I am an avid bowhunter and would gladly accept an invitation to hunt whitetails on someones property. It’s tough to get out there during the season, but any chance to do so and I’ll be in the stand.

Interviewers Notes:

I want to thank David Canter from DEC Management INC for making this interview possible. Without agents like David making their clients available to media outlets like ours these positive interviews would not be possible. Our mission here at The Fans Opinion is to change the negative media about athletes one interview at a time. I want to thank John Busing for taking the time out of his busy training schedule to make this interview possible. I can’t wait to see you hitting people this year. Thank you John!

Filed under #fansopinion, Interviews, NFL, UFL, UFL Football Tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview with Jy Bond: Punter : Hartford Colonials

June 23, 2011 15 Comments

Jy Bond

Interview

by

Brian Dant

TFO:  What sports did you play as a young man growing up?

Jy: I played lots of sports – I was lucky enough to reach high levels in track, basketball, baseball and Aussie rules football. But back yard cricket was a favourite of mine back in the day!  

TFO: Who was your inspiration growing up playing sports?

Jy: My father was a professional footballer in Australia so I followed his footsteps & played Aussie rules. In terms of my punting Darren Bennett has been someone I aspire to be like and also my mate fellow Aussie Matty Mcbrier (Dallas punter)  last years pro bowler) is someone who I try to learn a lot from & strive to be like. Both are amazing punters and great blokes. However; my inspiration throughout my sporting life and life in general is my mum! I miss her living over here but she is happy i’m doing ok.

TFO:  You played Australian Rules Football. Can you tell us what the change was like for you switching to American Football?

Jy: It was different. Helmets and pads I had never worn before. Different game with different rules and culture. I loved it though, & still do. I love learning new things and i’m totally dedicated to punting & I love what I do. I love practice and getting out there with my teammates everyday. Everyday is exciting to me.

TFO:  You are just not a punter but a good athlete. You grew up playing contact sports. Does the coach give you a green light to hit/tackle on punt returns?

Jy: Thanks mate, yes I take pride in that & work and train hard. It’s not my job to hit or tackle & if I do my job and punt the ball well then I wont have to. Having said that – the physical aspect of the game is something I do enjoy & love getting involved. If I need to put my body on the line for my team then I am all for it!

TFO: What are your personal goals for the 2011 season with the Hartford Colonials?

Jy: My goal for 2011 - I just want to do my job for the team. Personal stats have never mattered to me. if I can do what the coach wants then I’m happy. I know it is a bit of a cliché - but I want to be the best I can be ( if I do that I’m confident I will have some great results) It was my first EVER time I played american football last year so it was a learning curve. I am ready to take the next step this season and repay the faith in the Colonials with some great punting!

TFO: You have been on a NFL roster. Can you tell us what your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment was?

Jy: I was a part of the NYG last year - I guess the NFL moment was kinda funny. I was in mini camp and was running scout team, something I had never done before. I was thrown in among a mad scramble and told to run a certain route.. Of which I had no idea. So I was just standing there with no idea what to do.. the coaches began to yell at me .for holding up the drill.. I just put my hands up & said “mate I have no idea what you’re talking about” Once they realized it was me – They all started laughing coach Coughlin & Quinn were having a good old laugh. I guess it was a good break for everyone! Now I put my hand up to be involved in scout team as I know whats going on!

TFO: For the fans that are still unsure about the UFL as a league can you explain the quality of football being played in the league?

Jy: The quality is great, the players are either heading to or just out of the NFL. So the fans are watching the highest quality athletes. Hartford have the best UFL fans and the UFL allows them access to the players which I think is a good thing.

TFO: If there was one thing you would want your fans to know about you that we might not know about what would it be?

Jy: I have an obsession with Starbucks!! Taylor Mehlaff and Sam Swank will tell you that!

Interviews Notes:

I want to thank Jy for doing this interview with me. I was able to talk with Jy through my relationship and interviews with Matt Overton. Thank you Matt! Jy Bond has not played a lot of American Football but he sure can kick a ball! He has a great attitude about playing the game and in constantly trying to be a better team-mate! Jy I am making a trip to Hartford this season and I can’t wait to shake your hand my friend.

Filed under #fansopinion, Interviews, UFL, UFL Football Tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

Interview with Anthony Armstrong #13 WR : Washington Redskins

June 23, 2011 1 Comment

 Interview

 by

 Brian Dant

 

TFO:  What sports did you play as a young man growing up in Texas?

Anthony: My first sport was soccer and football was soon to follow.  I played football most of my life and ran track as well in high school.  Football was the sport that brought me the most happiness.

TFO:  Who was your inspiration growing up playing sports?

Anthony: I used to look up to Deion Sanders because of the way he played the game.  I loved his flare and confidence, he could talk the talk and walk the walk as well.  I also watched Emmitt Smith because my first position was running back and I wore ’22′.  When I got into college I tried to emulate my game after Marvin Harrison.  I was amazed at the fact that a guy my size could totally dominate the NFL.

TFO:  When did you realize you were good enough to play football professionally?

Anthony:  I think that I always had the confidence to play at the highest level and I definitely had the drive to achieve my goals.  I did have my doubts at times, but my hunger just drove me to prove people wrong that had doubted me.

TFO:  Can you tell your fans your favorite memory from a game you played in college at West Texas A&M University?

Anthony: One of my favorite moments at WTAMU actually came from a road game against Angelo State.  It was their homecoming and I had been playing well the past few weeks.  I was in a very relaxed mood and just wanted to play a good game.  I had one touchdown in the 2nd quarter, and in the 3rd, I caught a long bomb and turned the safety around à la Barry Sanders on my way to my second touchdown.  It was an epic game that came down to a two point conversion.  My QB came my way and I made the catch and proceeded to slip on the plastic protecting the long jump sand pit, so naturally I made snow angels. LOL  We won that game and its one of my favorites as well.

TFO:  You are known for your great work ethic in the NFL. What motivates you to work as hard as you do?

Anthony: First of all, I am motivated by my mother.  She worked so hard to raise three kids by herself and to provide anything we wanted and needed.  Secondly, I am motivated by my past faults and failures.  I think one of the best things for my career was to be cut by the Miami Dolphins.  I remember sitting in the parking lot in tears and I made a vow to ‘Never get cut again’,  so I do my best to live up to that.  I am also motivated by the doubters and naysayers as well as the other competition in the NFL.  The wideouts that had more yards or touchdowns than me, and the defenders that I go against.  I strive to be the best.

TFO:  What was your ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment? When did you realize you had earned your respect in the NFL?

Anthony: They always say that when a defense starts double teaming or rolling your way that you have earned some respect in the league.  On a few occasions after I was able to get deep on secondaries, teams starting putting a safety over the top to negate that part of my game.  It is frustrating but a good barometer of my impact.  I think starting against the Indianapolis Colts and hearing the crowd erupt as I ran out of the tunnel was the biggest moment, and doing the headshot where you announce your school as well.

TFO:  What are your personal goals for this season as a Washington Redskin in the NFL?

Anthony: Other than getting the Redskins to the playoffs, I personally want to eclipse the 1,100 yard mark and get 10+ touchdowns.  Hopefully that will earn me a trip to Hawaii if we aren’t playing the following week for the Lombardi Trophy.

TFO:  If you were to tell you fans one thing that they might not know about you what would it be?

Anthony: Honestly, I think people probably know everything they need to know about me.  Down to earth guy that is willing to work and get better and all costs.

Interviewers Notes:

I have been blessed to interview Anthony Armstrong two times. He appeared on our The Fans Opinion Show 4/8/2011 and told us his story. Anthony is a very motivated and dedicated player to his craft of football. He is always working on being the best at his position. But Anthony is also one of the most humble and down to earth pro athletes I have interviewed. He is just an all around great guy. Thank you Anthony for this great interview!

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