Venue & Location Guide: 2010 NBA All Star Game
January 29, 2010 by Matt Lawrence · Leave a Comment
The 2010 NBA All Star Game & Festivities will be in Dallas / Arlington this year. There will be 3 different venues for the various All Star Events. The All Star Game will take place at the Death Star (Cowboys Stadium) which should provide plenty of seating for anyone who wants to see the game on the biggest HD screen in the world. All of the other All Star events will take place at the American Airlines Center except for the NBA All Star Jam Session which is the 3 day fan event, which will take place at the Dallas Convention Center. Below you will find the TV Broadcast, Ticket, and Event Location information for the 2010 NBA All Star Game. Read more
NBA All Star 2010: Tim Duncan over Dirk Nowitzki?
January 22, 2010 by Matt Lawrence · Leave a Comment
Tim Duncan has been announced as the starter for the West in the 2010 All Star game that will take place at the new Cowboys Stadium. This means that our beloved Dirk will not get to start, even though he is playing lights out this year. The NBA All Star voting has become somewhat of a joke lately, I mean how do people vote for Allen Iverson? the only lasted 3 game with the Grizzlies and finally after a few weeks the 76ers decided to pick him up. Iverson is starting for the East despite the fact that he is having the worst season of his career.
Let’s look at Dirk Nowitzki and Tim Duncan to see if Duncan actually deserves to be the starter for the West. I am in no way saying that I think that Duncan doesn’t deserve to be an All Star. However as you can see by Allen Iverson being voted a starter, and Tracy McGrady almost being voted in despite only playing 6 games this year, something is definitely wrong.
Read more
A Night of Chutes and Ladders
October 31, 2009 by Cody Dunlap · 1 Comment
Remember how the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Washington Wizards the other night? The Lakers probably would have liked to play that team.
I understand the Lakers were without Pau Gasol. But that was one of the most impressive wins I can remember for the Mavericks against the Lake Show, especially at the Staples Center.
On the other surface, the Stars continued their woeful play at home with a disheartening 6-5 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers.
Yes, the Stars managed to fight back and earn a point. That doesn’t matter. A home game against the Florida Panthers has to be two points. Are the Sharks going to give a point away there? I don’t think so.
Each game in more detail after the jump.
Read more
The “Bleak” State of Dallas Sports?
October 25, 2009 by Cody Dunlap · Leave a Comment
“All of your teams…kinda suck.”
A familiar refrain I hear uttered here in Cutler-world, referring to the curious state of Dallas sports.
There are worse places for sports fans right now (Sorry Buffalo. I know you’re going to have a ton of sympathy for a Dallas fan complaining about his team’s misfortunes.). That much I grant you.
But where exactly can we, the humble Dallas Sports Fans, look to for optimism in these gray days?
The Rev Speaks: Fab Forty
October 12, 2009 by Matthew Fuller · Leave a Comment
This column arrives a little later than usual, but it was an inordinately busy week in the confessional booth. An eclectic mix of personalities conspired to sabotage any free time I had, all of whom rendered me both nonplussed and depressed. For starters, one of the paragons of the fashion world committed the sin of lust. I readily admit that sartorial savvy is one area about which I know very little; however, even a dilettante like The Rev can quickly realize where Ralph Lauren went horribly wrong. Even though the haunting image of Filippa Hamilton was digitally altered, Mr. Lauren is preaching a most dangerous message. (Our society’s depraved obsession with outward appearance is one of the myriad reasons why I am scared to death of raising a daughter.) The fact this picture was photo shopped only makes the situation worse. In essence, Mr. Lauren is saying it’s not good enough for women to be a skinny size eight. Stop eating and shrink down to become emaciated, size zero ghouls! Granted, this country—and especially right here in the Lone Star State, except at the aberration that is NorthPark Center (the “look at me” headquarters of North Dallas Pretty People) where one either dresses like an understudy to a porn “star” or like a member of a gangster’s entourage—wages a battle of attrition against obesity, but clothing companies are fighting back in a most irresponsible way. You want to know what’s truly sexy, ladies? Self-esteem and Christ-likeness. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6.13-17).
Secondly, I was forced to address the sin of pride displayed so egregiously by President Barack Obama. (The Rev’s standard operating procedure never involves discussing politics, but sometimes exceptions are made.) Granted, it wasn’t Obama’s fault that the fools at The Nobel Foundation awarded him their highest honor, but the leader of the free world certainly didn’t do much in the way of apologizing. (In fairness, I would have been equally offended had George W. won the prize, especially after a mere nine months in office, 9/11 or not.) The foundation has in essence insulted truly revolutionary previous winners like Norman Borlaug, a man whose innovations improved the quality of life for untold millions of people. The Rev does not have a problem with sitting presidents winning this prize, but to be awarded the honor largely on campaign promises yet to be delivered is both careless and naïve. Remember the telling words of the Book of Proverbs: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (16.18).
Thirdly, there was the distressing news from Calgary that former NHL star and probable Hall of Famer Theoren Fleury was sexually abused for years by his youth hockey coach, Graham James. Sadly, he wasn’t the only teenager victimized by a trusted coach or adviser. I’ve never played hockey—or any sport, for that matter—but I’ve talked to enough people to understand that the world of youth hockey is about as competitive as it comes. Parents will spend countless dollars (the equipment is more expensive than baseball, basketball, and football combined) to secure their sons’ spots on elite club teams. The men in charge of these leagues are made out to be mighty emperors who can do no wrong. While these coaches might actually teach a handful of these callow teenagers what it takes to become the next Great One, they must not be worshiped and followed blindly. After all, they are fallen human beings. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments (Exodus 20.4-6).
To end the hectic week of sports news, Michael Crabtree at long last came to his senses, realized he wasn’t a magnificent receiver like Michael Irvin, and inked a contract with the 49ers. This issue has been blogged and debated about ad nauseam, so The Rev won’t waste much space with this now antiquated story. I wonder how clueless Crabtree must be—did he learn anything while onboard the Leach Pirate Ship in Lubbock?—to hold out until Week 5 of the NFL season and still accept nearly the same terms San Francisco originally offered. I’ll be careful not to judge since money makes even the most pious man’s knees weak, but I fail to see what you could buy for $40M that you couldn’t for, say, $32M. Another Maybach or ten? I hope Crabtree receives better advice at this next level than he did from his myopic agent, Eugene Parker, and his parasitic advisor, Nine-Toed Deion. (It is not fair to question Fleury’s though process since there’s a big difference in this case: Fleury was an adolescent when he was victimized, and Crabtree is an adult. He presumably knows better than to trust the counsel of men with cavalier—no, not the U of Virginia variety, Arey—ulterior motives.) I’ve watched a lot of Texas Tech football in my day, primarily because both my father and older brother have degrees from Guns Up U, and Dallas’ own Crabtree remains one of the best Red Raiders in recent memory (with apologies to Wes Welker and Kliff Kingsbury). It will be interesting, to say the least, watching his NFL career unfold after such an inauspicious beginning. As King Solomon writes, Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor (Ecclesiastes 7.12).
Speaking of lists . . . because this is supposed to be a sports column, I will now shift my attention to what I call The Fab Forty. In what is a most difficult exercise, I will now present my top ten favorite (read: not necessarily the best) players from the four major sports in Dallas. (With no apologies to FC Dallas, but definitely multiple apologies to the Dallas Sidekicks and the amazingly short-lived MISL. I spent many nights at old Reunion Arena watching the cardiac Kicks battle such classic teams like the Baltimore Blast, Cleveland Crunch, San Diego Sockers, and St. Louis Steamers. When the best goalie GAA of all-time is a shockingly high 4.03, you know this is soccer as it’s meant to be played: fast and furious, with lots of scoring. For the record, my favorite Sidekicks are Tatu “Not the Russian pop duo, but rather the guy who takes his kit off every time he scores and throws it into the adoring crowd,” Doc “Indoor Warrior” Lawson, and Krys “Don’t Call Me Leelee” Sobieski. I still remember their first and only MISL Championship in 1986-87 [Slogan: The Wild Side of Soccer!”] when they defeated the Tacoma Stars four games to three.) But I digress.
One final disclaimer: I only include players whom I saw play. For this reason, many legendary names from the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor (i.e. Hayes, Lilly, and Wright) and venerated Rangers (i.e. Jeff Burroughs and Fergie Jenkins) are left out. Without further ado . . .
DALLAS COWBOYS (years played with team)
1. Troy Aikman, 1989-2000. Eight Ball. Three SBs. Well-spoken and well-groomed analyst on FOX A-Team. Speaks with Musers every Thursday morning. Enough said.
2. Michael Irvin, 1988-1999. The Playmaker. Three SBs. Ultimate competitor. Audio gold. Discovered Jesse Holley on “4th and Long.” Acted like an immoral donkey off the field, but very few athletes are saints.
3. Daryl Johnston, 1989-1999. The Moose. Three SBs. Battering ram. Sacrificed body. Vastly improving FOX broadcaster still partial to all things Cow.
4. Emmitt Smith, 1990-2002. Three SBs. Made of steel. All-time leading rusher in NFL history. Ridiculous “diamond surrounded by trash” comment knocks him down list, as does his inability to form a sentence when employed by ESPN.
5. Jay Novacek, 1990-95. Best TE to play in Irving. Three SBs. Never afraid to absorb a hit across the middle of the field. Shockingly, only 22 TDs as a Cowboy.
6. Darren Woodson, 1992-2003. Best SS in franchise history. Three SBs. Reliable and loyal leader in the locker room.
7. Larry Allen, 1994-2005. Man primarily responsible for keeping Aikman non-concussed.
8. Jason Witten, 2003-present. Best TE in the game, soon to be best TE in Cow history.
9. DeMarcus Ware, 2005-present. Most intimidating and ferocious Cow pass rusher since Charles Haley. And fortunately, a little more reserved. (Can’t link since it’s R-rated, but just Google Haley’s name combined with the book title Boys Will Be Boys and you’ll see.)
10. Kenny Gant, 1990-94. I was a sucker for The Shark Dance.
Dishonorable Mention: Barbie Carpenter, Quincy Carter, Dwayne Goodrich, Chad Hutchinson, Eldorado Owens, Rowdy, Rafael Septien, GM Jerry Jones (he fired Jimmy and hired both Campo and Wade).
DALLAS MAVERICKS (years played with team)
1. Rolando Blackman, 1981-1992. Modeled my FT stroke after his. Sadly, my percentage was much lower than Ro’s stellar .840 rate.
2. Dirk Nowitzki, 1998-present. The Mavs’ version of Jimmy Johnson’s genius “Herschel Walker” trade. Robert “Tractor” Traylor to Milwaukee. Dirk to Dallas. The rest is history. Ironically, would be involved with another Traylor, but Crystal not as favorable to Mavs this time.
3. James Donaldson, 1985-1992. Solid rebounder and stout defender.
4. Steve Nash, 1998-2004. Mark Cuban’s biggest mistake. Now a two-time (although a bit undeserving) MVP. Best PG in club history.
5. Mark Aguirre, 1981-89. Still holds 13 franchise records, including most points in a single season (2,330 in 1983-84).
6. Derek Harper, 1983-1994, 1996-97. Despite the blunder of letting time run out against Lakers in 1984 WCSF, Harp remains one of the best ambassadors of the game.
7. Jason Terry, 2004-present. Incredibly streaky shooter, but when he’s on he’s virtually unstoppable.
8. Michael Finley, 1996-2005. Outstanding captain for many years, but his repeated failures in the clutch ultimately drops him down on this list.
9. Roy Tarpley, 1986-1991, 1994-95. Were it not for the nose candy he could’ve been one of the legends in Dallas. I still vividly remember ignoring my heated game of APB at Balls Hamburgers on Midway/NW Highway to watch Tarp dominate the Kings in his much-ballyhooed (and, sadly, ephemeral) return to the Association in November 1994.
10. Brad Davis, 1980-1992. One of the original Mavericks. Some might say including two white PGs (does “Dancing Queen” Jason Kidd classify?) on one list would be insane. He redefined short shorts and the porn star mustache.
Dishonorable Mention: Uwe Blab, Coach Quinn Buckner, Ericka Dampier, Josh Howard, Martin Muursepp, Cherokee Parks (he went to Duke, after all), Antoine Rigaudeau (he’s French, after all), Keith Van Horn
DALLAS STARS (years played with team)
1. Mike Modano, 1993-present. The only remaining Minnesota North Star on the roster. Best American-born player in NHL history. The Stars’ Aikman.
2. Brett Hull, 1998-2001. Normally one needs to play longer in Dallas before I shower with praise. The self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Fun” and third-highest goal scorer (741) in NHL history vaults way up this list because of what he did in the third overtime on 19 June 1999. Sabre fans need to get over it already. At least you have the Bills to cheer you up . . . oh, wait. Dallas > Buffalo.
3. Ed Belfour, 1997-2002. What Hull was to the offense, Belfour was to the defense. The Eagle was the second biggest reason the Stars won the Cup ten years ago.
4. Joe Nieuwendyk, 1995-2002. This future Hall of Famer was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in that brilliant 1999 run to the Cup. He now serves as the Stars’ hopefully prescient GM.
5. Derian Hatcher, 1993-2003. Moved south to Dallas from Minneapolis with Modano. One of the best enforcers/defensemen in franchise history. The pugnacious captain came up huge on the blue line multiple times in the playoffs, and also responsible for making the ever-mouthy Jeremy Roenick drink through a straw.
6. Brenden Morrow, 1999-present. Although injury-prone, the current captain is the undisputed leader in the room. When he is in the lineup, the Stars are a much better team.
7. Jere Lehtinen, 1995-present. Injury-prone as well, Lehts is a three-time Selke winner. A phenomenally versatile and redoubtable defensive forward.
8. Sergei Zubov, 1996-2009. Best Russian to ever don a Stars sweater. Zubie was an awe-inspiring assassin running the point during power plays.
9. Steve Ott, 2002-present. First few years in the league he was known only as a fighter. Has now developed a more well-rounded offensive arsenal (19, 27, 46 last season) to complement his blitzkrieg defense. The Otter is a poor man’s Lehtinen.
10. James Neal, 2008-present. Hasn’t even played the equivalent of a full season in the league (80 games thus far), but this 22-year-old stud is built like a tank (6-3, 206), shoots lefty, and is nearly impossible to knock off the puck. The future is very bright for Neal, which is why he already cracks the Top 10. Modano’s heir apparent.
Dishonorable Mention: Sean Avery, Matthew Barnaby, Todd Fedoruk, Mike Lalor, Roman Lyashenko, Janne Niinimaa, Tobias Stephan, Jamie Wright
TEXAS RANGERS (years played with team)
1. Steve Buechele, 1985-1991. As a child, I always felt sorry that the fans booed #22 so lustily. Only later did I find out they weren’t booing, but shortening his last name as a sign of respect. No matter. The proverbial die was cast. He was my favorite. Styled my mullet after his.
2. Nolan Ryan, 1989-1993. The Ryan Express finished out his Hall of Fame résumé in Arlington by recording his sixth and seventh no-hitters and his 5,000th strikeout. Records unlikely ever to be broken. Also “pwnd” (ask my high school students what that means) Robin Ventura in August 1993, the penultimate month of his career. Now the Rangers’ president and resident snow monkey expert.
3. Rusty Greer, 1994-2002. Played with reckless abandon which, as a result, abridged his career. Many of the most acrobatic catches in club history came courtesy of the The Red Baron.
4. Michael Young, 2000-present. Who would have ever thought that the former Blue Jay spare part (Young was traded with Darwin Cubillan to Texas for Esteban Loaiza in July 2000) would mature into one of the most indispensible Rangers? The 2009 season was basically wrecked when he went on the DL and missed the last month.
5. Pudge Rodriguez, 1991-2002, 2009. Despite the rampant steroid rumors, Pudge is by far the best catcher in franchise history (with no apologies to Geno Petralli and some apologies to Don Slaught), as well as one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Rangers uniform.
6. Ruben Sierra, 1986-1992, 2000-01, 03. Besides Pudge and Oddibe McDowell, Ruben was the only Ranger in franchise history to ever have an excellent shot to hit for the cycle in any game and/or an outside shot of winning the Triple Crown in any season. Was absolutely electrifying to watch.
7. Pete Incaviglia, 1986-1990. Inky Power was alive and well for five summers in Arlington. Perhaps the slowest base runner in franchise history (with apologies to Bill Haselman, Larry Parrish and Mickey Tettleton).
8. Ian Kinsler, 2006-present. Everything from his knee-high socks to the all-out hustle screams old school. I love it. (Although he needs to stop swinging for the fences every AB. And staying healthy would help.)
9. Neftali Feliz, 2009-present. Yes, he’s only appeared in 20 games for the Rangers. Yes, he’s only 21 years old. But he’s the undeniable future for this club. Much like Neal for the Stars, Feliz is the Rangers’ cornerstone. (Pitching wins the WS.) Feliz Navidad indeed.
10. Roger Pavlik, 1992-98. Perhaps the most misunderstood and most unfairly maligned Ranger in history (I’m talking to you, Bryan), Pavlik richly deserved his All-Star appearance in 1996 (although some argue that fellow Ranger Kevin “Little Big League” Elster should have earned the invite). A truly blessed way to celebrate my final summer of freedom after graduating from St. Mark’s and before leaving for Davidson College.
Dishonorable Mention: Mark Clark, John “Empty Golf Shirt” Hart and his enabler Tom Hicks, Chad Kreuter, Ruben Mateo, Laynce Nix, Chan Ho Park, Sammy Sosa (even W. can make mistakes), Mark “Traitor” Teixeira
Here ends the lesson. And all of God’s people say . . . “Amen!”
***Happy 30th birthday, Andrew!!***
Dallas Sports Offseason Report – 8/27/2009
August 27, 2009 by Matt Lawrence · Leave a Comment
The Cowboys’ NFL odds are coming into focus as the offseason is just a few weeks away from becoming the regular season. How is 2009 shaping up for the Cowboys and their Dallas Sports peers?
Interestingly enough, the stadium is the biggest newsmaker of the week for the Cowboys. The $1.2-billion Cowboys Stadium has been lauded for its beauty but the jumbo-tron above the field looms so huge that Titans punter A.J. Trapasso hit it with a punt last week.
Tony Romo and Roy Williams are finally improving their rapport. Williams caught five balls against the Titans last week. In other receiver news, Sam Hurd continues to distance himself from Miles Austin for the WR3 job. Hurd isn’t explosive but he’s consistent; Austin has deep speed but has no official catches this preseason, though he did have a 74-yard kick-return touchdown called back for holding.
You know it’s a slow news week when a rumor from the online betting community is the top headline. The conspiracy theory goes like this; the Mavs commonly ask their players to avoid international play so they don’t get hurt. Dallas did so with Dirk Nowitzki and J.J. Barea. However, newly acquired Nathan Jawai still has the green light for the World Basketball Championships. That could mean the Mavs aren’t worried about him burning himself out because they’re planning to deal him.
The Dallas front office remains quiet and, as a result, no one has any idea of what to expect for the Stars’ hockey odds this season. In a sense, I’m betting management feels its best acquisition is returning captain Brenden Morrow, who missed most of 2008-09 with a torn ACL. He’s the heart and soul of the club and one of the best all-around players in the game, delivering big hits, blocking shots and scoring clutch goals. The competition will be steep in the West this season but the Stars at least have a chance to contend for eighth, depending largely on how quickly Morrow gets his legs back and if Marty Turco can rebound after a poor season.
Dallas Sports Offseason Report
July 31, 2009 by Guest Contributor · Leave a Comment
NFL betting inches closer with the Hall of Fame Game just over a week away, and Cowboys fans can’t wait for the preseason to start. Let’s catch up with America’s team and our other Dallas sports teams in the offseason.
Interestingly enough, retired Cowboy Michael Irvin seems to be grabbing more headlines than the current roster this offseason, and he did so again when the Cowboys kicked off training camp this week. Responding to criticism of Tony Romo, he asked if Cowboy supporters really want Romo gone:
“Can we get Drew Bledsoe back out here [for] just a week so you guys can really fall back in love with Tony?” asked Irvin, a man with the gift of both Hall of Fame grab and gab. “Let’s put Drew Bledsoe back out here, because sometimes when you have a pretty girl for awhile, you forget how pretty she is. But when you throw the ugly girl next to her, you say, ‘No, I’m really doing well.’ Maybe we need to bring Drew out so we know we’re really doing well.”
Needless to say, fans are concerned about Romo after he reportedly sailed passes over receivers’ heads to start camp. But Roy Williams should be in better shape and Felix Jones could be dangerous catching passes out of the backfield. Plus we all know what Jason Witten can do.
Nothing major to report on the defensive side of the football for Dallas, though it’s worth remembering that a healthy Terence Newman could do wonders for the Cowboys’ pass defense this season.
While the Cowboys and NCAA football betting darling Texas Longhorns are getting the major press, the Mavericks quietly had their busiest week since free agency started, making a pair of solid depth signings. On July 26, a report indicated the Mavs had signed veteran forward Drew Gooden to a one-year deal. He’s now playing for his sixth team in the last seven years but can still contribute double-digit points most nights.
Two days later, the Mavs bolstered their three-point shooting by signing Tim Thomas. He’s a 36 per cent career three-point shooter and shot 41.3 per cent from beyond the arc in 2008-2009 with the Bulls, Knicks and Clippers.
The Mavs may be a ragtag bunch in the 2009-10 season but their playoff hopes look solid. I’d rank them about eighth in the West in my early NBA predictions.
There’s nothing to report on the hockey front, though I’m betting management in Columbus is making a strong push to sign longtime Star defenseman Sergei Zubov to a deal.
The Top Ten: Best Sports Movies
July 24, 2009 by Cody Dunlap · 4 Comments
After such a lively discussion of the best sports video games, I think it might be time to move to a different discussion – and a different screen.
Today we examine the big screen and some of its most enjoyable representations of sports.
There are many factors that contribute to what makes the best sports movie – a good underdog story, hilarious characters, accidental comedy – all contributed to where these movies rank on this list. Read more
Dallas Sports Offseason Update
July 23, 2009 by Guest Contributor · Leave a Comment
It’s almost NFL betting time and you can feel it in the Texas air, can’t you? Training camps are on the verge of kicking into overdrive, and the NHL and NBA camps aren’t far behind. Let’s check in with our Dallas teams.
The biggest storyline around camp these days is the pressure mounting on Tony Romo. With no more Jessica Simpson, he has no more excuses. As great as his numbers can be, he’s 5-10 in December and January and that has to change if the Cowboys want to make the playoffs. Unfortunately for Romo, he still may not have a true No. 1 wideout to throw to this season unless Roy Williams really steps up his play.
However, if the stars align, you just never know – Tony Romo could have a secondary receiving option in Jesse Holley, winner of Michael Irvin’s reality TV show 4th and Long. He’s a huge offshore sportsbook underdog to make the team but he’s big, reasonably fast and has Irvin’s confidence. To quote No. 88 on Holley: “Outside of Roy Williams, I’m not looking at a guy that is head and shoulders above Jesse.”
Not much happened for the Mavs in the last week, but hoops betting fans should keep an eye on second-round pick Ahmad Nivins. He’s impressing in the summer league with his rebounding ability and strength. While his speed and athleticism leave a bit to be desired, he’s thought to have an NBA-ready build already, so he could see more than a few minutes for the Mavs this season.
The quiet, deer-in-the-headlights offseason continues in Dallas and the Stars are tough to forecast for next year. The bad news: it looks more likely every day that longtime defensive workhorse and power-play quarterback Sergei Zubov is leaving for greener pastures. He’s 39 years old but can still help a team’s offense when healthy. The good news: Dallas finally has a backup for Marty Turco in net, as they brought in Alex Auld. Auld is a capable backup who can handle starting duties for stretches too. However, with no major acquisitions yet, you have to wonder if the Stars can ice a team worth the ticket price per head in 2009.
Dallas Sports Offseason Update
July 16, 2009 by Guest Contributor · Leave a Comment
As the British Open odds steal attention across the pond, the Lone Star State has other things on its mined – namely, the offseasons for the Mavs, Cowboys and Stars. We still have a few months before the seasons start but there’s never a true resting period in the offseason. Let’s catch up with our Dallas teams.
No major waves to report, but we do know the Mavs are trying to land a big man, and you probably shouldn’t bet against it at your offshore sportsbook. Though Mark Cuban quashed rumors of Dallas trying to acquire Glen “Big Baby” Davis from Boston, the Mavs gave restricted free agent Marcin Gortat a five-year, $34 million offer only to see the Magic match it. It’s safe to say the Mavs aren’t satisfied with Erick Dampier and they may try to unload his expiring contract (he has two years left but the last year isn’t guaranteed).
Meanwhile, Mavs first-round pick Rodrigue Beaubois is staying in Texas. Some sports predictions had him bolting for Europe, but he signed his rookie contract, guaranteeing him roughly $1.9 million over two years.
After Terrell Owens’ departure, wide receivers are the focus of the Cowboys camp and questions abound. First off, can Roy Williams re-establish himself as a legit No. 1 NFL receiver? He worked hard with Tony Romo this offseason, so they should have better chemistry entering 2009. He’s also in much better shape than he was last season.
Since there’s a big drop-off after Williams, you have to wonder if, amazingly, Michael Irvin’s reality show 4th and Long could actually impact the Cowboys’ roster. Receivers Andrew Hawkins and Jesse Holley are in the final four and both failed NFL tryouts in the past. However, Hawkins has Canadian Football League experience and his cousin, Geroy Simon, is a CFL All-Star wideout, so you just never know. If ever there was an opening to make the Cowboys’ receiving corps, now’s the time.
The Stars are the quietest of the Dallas teams this week, but there’s some good news to report; Brenden Morrow, the team captain and lifeblood of the franchise, is reportedly back to full health. He hasn’t played since tearing his ACL in November but the rehab has worked and he expects to be ready to start 2009. I’m betting management in Dallas won’t stop Morrow from rushing back after seeing its team flop without him.
