Jared, Author at Korked Bats https://korkedbats.com/author/jared/ That Funny Sports Blog Fri, 21 Oct 2022 07:10:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 https://korkedbats.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/cropped-icon2-32x32.png Jared, Author at Korked Bats https://korkedbats.com/author/jared/ 32 32 174091148 Cardinals Release Attractive Clipboard Holder Leinart https://korkedbats.com/cardinals-release-attractive-clipboard-holder-leinart/ https://korkedbats.com/cardinals-release-attractive-clipboard-holder-leinart/#respond Sat, 04 Sep 2010 20:56:19 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=3021 The Arizona Cardinals have parted ways with former first-round draft pick Matt Leinart. Jared looks at his career NFL highlights. They're impressive, as we're sure you know.

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Sad news, folks. It seems that everybody’s favorite jacuzzi ad man will be searching for new employment after losing Arizona’s starting QB gig to a guy that was last year deemed insufficient by the Cleveland Browns.

Eek. Tough luck, Matt.

But hey, all is not lost. Leinart still has his youth. Sort of. And surely there are still some NFL bosses out there that think he has some talent. Maybe. And while “third-string QB for the Seattle Seahawks” might not seem as sexy as “starting QB for the Arizona Cardinals,” I’m certain there are still some women that will find him attractive. I think.

At any rate, you guys know I’m not the type to kick people while they’re down. So let’s take this opportunity to remember some highlights from the transcendent QB’s career so far.

October 1, 2006: Rookie Matt Leinart comes on in the fourth quarter of a week-four matchup against the Atlanta Falcons for his first NFL action. On his second snap (following a successful handoff on first down) Leinart is sacked and fumbles the ball away. Things would only improve for the young gunslinger from there, as he went on to throw his first career interception pass on the next offensive possession. It was on that day that a star was born.

December 3, 2006: Nine short weeks later, the budding superstar posted an impressive 100.3 QB rating against against Big Ten power St. Louis Rams. The Cardinals won 34-20.

October 7, 2007: In a week-five tilt against those same Rams, Leinart’s collarbone selfishly breaks, undermining what was sure to be a breakout season. It was on that day that some jerk back-up named Kurt Warner took over as Arizona’s starting QB, presumably because he loved God just a bit more than Leinart did. This would be nothing but a road block in the young prodigy’s NFL career.

February 1, 2009: Leinart, starring in the role he’d perfected in Arizona’s impressive postseason run, started at Pouty Clipboard Holder in the Super Bowl for the NFC Champ Cards. The star PCH fell just short of watching his team to victory, after his disinterested stare at the Cardinals’ secondary came up just short in stopping Santonio Holmes’ go-ahead TD.

January 3, 2010: Week 17: Leinart ties a career high with two interceptions in a 33-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Our man also successfully hands the ball off 14 times to Arizona runningbacks.

February 7, 2010: Leinart’s college runningback, Reggie Bush, wins Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints, and our hero deserves tons of credit for that one time he hooked Bush up with those blonde twins. Leinart’s ring, apparently, is still in the mail, or something.

September 4, 2010: Leinart ends his career with the Arizona Cardinals, presumably after deciding that the other three QBs on the roster aren’t in his stratosphere athletically. There is no telling what it will take for a team to reel in the hot free agent in, but I think it’s safe to assume that Leinart will get to be choosy with which UFL team he will grace with his talents.

So see, Matt? All isn’t lost. You’ve got several notable moments behind you, and surely several more to come. And, of course, we’ll always have your appearance in The House Bunny.

Lead image courtesy of The Bleacher Report

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I Don’t Care What You Think About Brett Favre: An Opinion https://korkedbats.com/i-dont-care-what-you-think-about-brett-favre-an-opinion/ https://korkedbats.com/i-dont-care-what-you-think-about-brett-favre-an-opinion/#respond Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:01:24 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2897 Jared is sick of people talking about how sick they are of people talking about Brett Favre. So he's going to talk about it. Rant-style.

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photo courtesy: midwestsportsfans.com

Remember when we were young–probably elementary school age–and an authority figure would try to get a big group of us to be quiet? At the time it seemed like the best idea, if you wanted to help quiet everyone, to scream “SHHHHHHHHHHH!”, right? Well, as we all now understand, that’s a terrible idea. All that you really do is add to the din.

Of course we understand this now as adults. Adding to the noise is rarely a good thing.

So then tell me, dear friends, why you think I give so much as one minuscule fraction of one teeny bit about what you think of Brett Favre’s latest assault on our football sensibilities?

What makes you think that I want to open up my Facebook news feed, or my TweetDeck, or my Google Reader and be bombarded to the nth degree with stale, hackneyed Favre musings?

Right now, the only thing more ubiquitous than a Favre update are the most annoying reminders from everyone with column, Twitter feed, Facebook page, blog or loud voice that they’re sick reading and hearing about Favre.

Here’s some news for you: no one cares. Here’s an opinion for you: I wish you would shut the heck up.

And that goes for all of you. I don’t care if you’re a daily columnist that has had a by-line in some reputable production since 1973. Shut up. I don’t care if you’re a 36-year old woman that can only connect with your cheating husband by watching SportsCenter with him while he thinks about his secretary and you’re “SO SICK OF FARVE FOR ALWAYS TRYIN’ TO GET ATTENTION HE’S SUCH A JERK!!!!!!3!!!!!1!!!!!!” I’d rather your marriage end than hear about it.

This is the fourth summer that this has happened. You probably sent the same tweet, or had the same Facebook status, or said the same things to your co-workers at the bar last year. And you know what else? You probably did the same thing the year before that. And you know what else? I hate you. I hope the bartender poisoned your drink. Or your bar stool breaks.

I’m sick of the fact that you’re sick of Brett Favre. Because here’s the thing: there is no such thing as a fresh Favre opinion. Here’s another thing: there’s no such thing as a Favre opinion that I haven’t had put in my face by a local columnist, shoved down my throat by your sister-in-law and then washed down by Jeff in accounting.

I’m done with it, because all that I hear is “SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

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Coaches Poll Out, Feel Free To Ignore It https://korkedbats.com/coaches-poll-out-feel-free-to-ignore-it/ https://korkedbats.com/coaches-poll-out-feel-free-to-ignore-it/#respond Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:01:36 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2740 The USA Today Coaches Poll has been released. We have the top ten and reasons why you shouldn't even pay attention to this ranking.

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Well folks, it’s that time. Our nation’s favorite blowhards (or, more accurately, their minions) have made their annual pilgrimage to the polls so they can produce the incredibly reputable, insatiably helpful preseason coaches poll.

To no one’s surprise, those good ol’ boys down in Alabama were voted best of all by those guys that sort of think about what they’re voting for.

Here’s the full top 10, with first-place votes denoted:

1. Alabama (55)
2. Ohio State (4)
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Oklahoma
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa

No complaints from me beside, you know, the mere existence this poll. It’s absolutely ludicrous that a vote that is made before any team has even stepped foot on a field for a game, let alone an actually meaningful game against a comparable opponent, carries any weight. In case you actually need a reason to ignore this poll, have a gander at the coach’s preseason top 25 from last year. How’s that Sun Bowl trophy, Oklahoma? Still pining Snead for Heisman, Ole Miss?

But hey, the NCAA has enough issues without me piling on.

You all may now go back to figuring out how true these salacious Favre rumors are.

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“How are [agents] better than a pimp?” Asks Man That Makes $4 Million More A Year Than The People He Manages https://korkedbats.com/how-are-agents-better-than-a-pimp-asks-man-that-makes-4-million-more-a-year-than-the-people-he-manages/ https://korkedbats.com/how-are-agents-better-than-a-pimp-asks-man-that-makes-4-million-more-a-year-than-the-people-he-manages/#comments Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:01:31 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2577 Nick Saban was in classic form at SEC Media Day Wednesday. And by "classic form" we mean he was a raving lunatic. Jared explains.

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Sometimes, people just can’t help themselves. And when I say “sometimes people just can’t help themselves,” I really mean “Most of the time, blowhards have to make sure everyone knows how they feel about issues because YOU CARE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY, OK?!”

image courtesy: examiner.com
You’ve probably heard or read what Nick Saban (starring in this post, in a role he’s quite familiar with, as the blowhard) had to say about football agents at SEC media day last Wednesday. See, Nick fancies himself a bit of a savant for saying stupid things.

You will, for example, remember the time when, as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Saban said, “When I was in college it was always about coming to the pros. This is the challenge I wanted. I had a good college job. Why would I have left that if I was going to be interested in other college jobs?” and later added “I’m not going to be the Alabama coach” before he, you know, left Miami to be the Alabama coach.

Well, Saban was in such classic, quotable form on Wednesday that I’ve decided to give the press conference it’s own Landis treatment. Before I delve in, here’s a quick vamp on what was up Nicky’s britches: an NFL agent is alleged to have hosted a party in Miami for several football players that he hopes to sign, or something like that. This is against the rules because agents aren’t allowed to contact college players because, you know, they’re pure student athletes that don’t need to be exposed to the big scary real world too early. Four different SEC schools have had their athletes linked to the party, including a few of Saban’s pwecious nationawl champiouns. These transgressions so incensed our hero that he just couldn’t help but weigh in on those immoral, rule-breaking, stupid agent faces. Let the hypocritical, idiosyncratic quotefest begin!

*************

“I have no respect for people who do that to young people. None. How would you feel if they did it to your child?”

Yeah, I’m looking at you dear reader. How would you like it if an agent gave your son a lot of free stuff and flew them down to a party that was probably just as wild as what they experienced over at the Delta Delta Delta house last Saturday night? HOW WOULD YOU LIKE THAT, HUH?! Hey, Nick, I have a question for you. How would you like it if your 16-year old son was being heavily recruited (re: hounded) by a grumpy, terrifying 58-year old man that has an affinity for ugly vests and straw hats? HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF THEY DID IT TO YOUR CHILD?!?

“I don’t think the system as it is right now is very good.”

Wait, so you’re saying the NCAA actually has a system? Wow, Nick. That’s the nicest thing anyone has said about them in some time.

“That’s the only way we’re going to stop this happening, because it’s ridiculous and it’s entrapment for young people at a very difficult time in their life.”

entrapment (verb): In criminal law, entrapment is when a law enforcement agent induces a person to commit an offense which the person would otherwise have been unlikely to commit.
You know what, Nick, you’re right. Those football players are being entrapped and stuff. If those villainous agents hadn’t lured those innocent young men to that party, they probably wouldn’t have accepted any free stuff or partied that weekend. Hoodwinked, I tell you! After all, we know that college athletes are never given any free stuff by colleges. And I’m sure that, if that hypothetical, impossible situation were to arise, you would be completely unaware anyway.

“I don’t think it’s anything but greed that’s creating it right now on behalf of the agents.”

Yeah, and I don’t know if that agents thinking that entrapping are legal, legal not it is though!

“The agents that do this — and I hate to say this, but how are they any better than a pimp?”

Look, I hate to say this, but you are a friggin’ jerkface! What, I said “I hate to say this” first! You can’t be mad at me for what I say after that, duh! Rules are rules. Anyway back to your original question, Nick. How are they better than a pimp? Well, first, what they do is legal. So there’s that. Also, and this is key, pimps SELL WOMEN INTO PAID-FOR SEX. Call me old-fashioned, but I think there’s a pretty big difference between leveraging clients to make more money and SELLING WOMEN INTO HUMAN TRAFFICKING. Sure they’re breaking the NCAA’s rules to gain that leverage, but are you really one to question someone else’s integrity with regards to stupid NCAA rules?  I think having wins vacated from the 2007 season because of a textbook scandal kinda rules you out. Actually, here’s a better question: what’s the difference between you and a pimp? You (officially) make $4 million more dollars than any of the 50+ players that brought you a national effing championship this year. And they (as in pimps) share your love for weird headgear. Also, you as a head football coach have far more control over your players than any agent ever will. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF THEY DID IT TO YOUR CHILD?!?

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The World Cup’s Winningest Losers https://korkedbats.com/the-world-cups-winningest-losers/ https://korkedbats.com/the-world-cups-winningest-losers/#respond Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:01:38 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2349 America didn't win the World Cup. So why have a World Cup Recap that has a positive outlook on the month-long tournament? Instead, we break down the best of the losers.

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Bad news, folks. My sources are telling me that somehow, against all odds, America did not win the World Cup. I didn’t actually watch–I was probably busy “icing my bros” somewhere or ordering a new Ed Hardy shirt online or something less gay–but apparently a country called Spain beat something called The Netherlands yesterday to win the World Cup, and the US wasn’t even involved. After looking through pictures and scouring the Internets, my conclusion is that it’s true. العب روليت The US did not win their 50th straight World Cup, or whatever.

This puts me in a real downer of a mood. استراتيجيات الروليت How can I write a positive World Cup wrap-up with that idea needling my brain? Well the short answer is that I can’t, meaning that a negative World Cup wrap-up is in order.

But, well, let’s be fair. I’m not a negative person. Can we compromise? Yes, yes we can.

So, I present the 10 Losers of the World Cup That Actually Won. That is to say, the 10 players that aren’t on Spain–and thus did not win, so are, by definition, losers–that won the most in this World Cup.

uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

10. Wesley Sneijder — The Netherlands


These first two are kind of the odd men in the bunch. The argument could easily be made the Sneijder was the best player in the tournament, but how do you improve your stock when you were just (arguably) the best player and (not-arguably) the lynchpin on the club that won both it’s domestic cup AND the Champion’s League, as Sneijder just was for Inter Milan? It’s rumored that he’s on his way to Manchester United, but that was a move that would’ve likely played out whether he had lit up the World Cup or Christiano Ronaldoed it. So he goes at the bottom of the list not because he was a lesser player than those that follow, but because those that follow had a lot more to gain from the World Cup.

blogs.indiewire.com

9. Diego Forlán — Uruguay


Forlan was outrageous, no denying it. But, like Sneijder, he didn’t have as much to gain from this tournament as the up-and-comers given that, at 31 years old, Forlan has already enjoyed a great club career, including a stint at Manchester United and several magical years at a few of La Liga’s top clubs, Atletico Madrid and Villareal, where he combined to win two European Golden Boot awards. So his winningness wasn’t so much about improving his status at the club level as much as improving his career legacy and international acclaim. But if those things–legacy and international acclaim–are the currency of the World Cup, he got, like, a zillion moneys, and put together a World Cup performance for the generations.

myfootballfacts.com

8. Giovani Dos Santos — Mexico

I’m sure this wasn’t quite the breakout tournament that both Mexico and Dos Santos had envisioned, as Dos Santos failed to record so much as one goal or one assist in Mexico’s four games. He did, however, showcase his immense talents on the world stage, and they are undeniable. He was also, of course, one of three finalists for the FIFA young player of the tournament award, meaning people that know more about soccer than I do thought he impressed. So there’s that, I guess.

dailymail.co.uk (via Reuters)

7. Michael Bradley — United States


It could be argued that Bradley wasn’t even the US’s winningest loser, as Landon Donovan has been linked in permanent transfer rumors to top EPL teams Manchester City, Everton and Chelsea, and goalkeeper Tim Howard came to be revered by some as one of the world’s five best keepers. Both, however, already had high profiles internationally, and neither had more to gain than Bradley. Just do a quick Google News search of Michael+Bradley+transfer and you’ll get hordes of fresh stories from multiple reputable sources that link Bradley, who currently plays for a smallish Bundesliga team that I can’t spell, to Blackpool (snooze), Tottenham (hmmm) and Everton (booya!). His strength and composure on the ball behind the attack would translate well to the EPL and, at 22, he’s improving at a jolting clip. Very attractive. I’ll stop my Bradley gushing here for the sake of space, but I’ll add that we’d might as well get used to the idea that Bradley will be our best player by 2012, if not sooner.

free-football.tv

6. Keisuke Honda — Japan


Honda was already a very good player on a solid European club, CSKA Moscow, going into the Cup. After his terrific–and occasionally magical–play in the tournament, though, a move to one of Europe’s top teams is imminent as Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan are all lining up with interest in acquiring his services. With all of these top clubs calling, would it be too much to ask for a Japanese equivalent of “The Decision”? Better question: is there any other network in the world that would be as laudable as ESPN and run such wretch? Good God. North Korean television thinks ESPN is unethical.

newshopper.sulekha.com

5. André Ayew — Ghana


After three middling seasons at Marsielle in France–two of which were spent on loan–the World Cup might have been what Ayew, a 20-year old French-Ghanian, needed to gain some notoriety and consistency at the club level with a transfer likely coming. Ayew was sparkling for his international side that was one handball away from the semifinals. He will particularly be remembered in the States as the man that set up Asamoah Gyan’s go-ahead goal in extra time of the US-Ghana round of 16 match. While he’s far from a finished product, Ayew showcased enough creativity this last month to entice a large club, perhaps Bayern Munich, to purchase his services for the future.

telegraph.co.uk

4. Luis Suarez — Uruguay


It’s unfair that history will remember Suarez’s 2010 World Cup
for one play–crapping on Africa’s heart with his handball on the goal line in stoppage time against Ghana–because he did far more than drive the final stake in the proverbial heart of the host continent. Forlan may’ve made headlines as the man that carried Uruguay to a fourth place finish, but none of it would’ve happened without Suarez’s stellar play throughout and, yes, his fortuitous handball. Following his exceptional club season at Ajax (where he lead the Dutch league in goals) with a stand-outish World Cup means large dividends for the 23-year old, who will likely find himself at either Chelsea or Manchester United in the near future. قواعد لعبة الروليت

thefinalthird.com

3. Mesut Ozil — Germany


You say he looks like a bug, I say he looks like an alien, whatever. Ozil’s age (21) and brilliance this past month (one goal, three assists for the second runner up) look to spring Ozil from promising youngster to needed commodity. The attack-minded Werder Bremen midfielder figures to get about a bazillion offers in the 12 months leading up to the end of his contract and he can largely thank the exposure gained at the World Cup for each one.

dailymail.co.uk

2. Asamoah Gyan — Ghana

Like Suarez, Gyan’s 2010 Cup will unfairly be remembered for one moment. In Gyan’s case, it’ll be biffing the penalty created by Suarez’s villainous handball, knowing that a converted penalty would’ve effectively placed Ghana in the semifinals. I could care less. I was able to catch every Ghana game, and Gyan was–in my ding dong opinion–the second-best young player in this tournament. He was on an island as Ghana’s only striker throughout and created dangerous situation after dangerous situation. In the States, he’ll be more remembered for the defense-splitting, Howard-owning, go-ahead goal that knocked the US out of the tournament, and I think that’s fair. Missed penalty with an entire continent baring down on him be damned. He was great, and looks for all the world to be on his way to Liverpool.

telegraph.co.uk

1. Thomas Muller — Germany


Honestly, what can you say? The Golden Boot winner, only 20 years old, saw his international reputation go from “that young German striker that played pretty well for Bayern Munich this year” to “Jeeeeze. Say hello to the world’s next great striker,” or something to that effect. Sure he might have benefitted from a wide-open German attack, but sometimes fortune is fair and sometimes it isn’t. Maybe his high goal-and-assist tally involved some luck, but the end result is all most will see and remember, and it was sterling. As for now, the sky is the limit. Your move, Thomas.

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Profiling Thy Enemy: Advancement Scenarios Edition https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-advancement-scenarios-edition/ https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-advancement-scenarios-edition/#respond Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:36:50 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2114 Jared's back with more soccer, this time looking at the different scenarios for the U.S. going into the Algeria match.

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Well, that happened. For those of you still seething over the United States’ disallowed goal against Slovenia (I’m looking at you, ESPN producers, as you force it into every program still, two days later), realize this: first, the free kick in question was set up on an Italian-level flop by Jozy Altidore; these things tend to even out. Second, if the U.S. defense hadn’t lapsed TWICE against a less-talented side in the first half, they wouldn’t have needed that goal to win. Third, the Yanks are in fantastic shape following their draw with Slovenia, thanks, in particular, to our old friends from England making a mockery of their talents with a 1-1 loss to Algeria. And that’s what we’ll focus on today.

Photo courtesy: tyduffy.files.wordpress.com

At this point, the only thing we know about Group C is that Algeria can’t win the group. However, Algeria can still advance, and the other three teams, England, U.S. and Slovenia, can all win the group still. But, as this is Amurika, and as we really only care about our own well being, let’s take a look at the possible scenarios for our skin-headed heroes as they prepare for their final group match against their curiously-headed opponents, Algeria, on Wednesday.

The Worst-Case Scenario: This one is rather straight-forward. If Donovan and company fall at the feet of the world’s 30th-best team, then not only won’t they advance, but they don’t deserve to advance. Algeria is the worst team in the group and shouldn’t be able to hang with an American side playing capably. In the slightly modified words of Aziz Ansari; “Losing to the 30th-ranked team in the world with your World Cup on the line? That’s like losing to the 30th-ranked team in the world with your World Cup on the line!”

The Maddening Scenario: As Algeria demonstrated Friday against England, they’re capable of hanging with a better team that plays with the teeth of a guppy. If the U.S. play like their big brothers across the pond Wednesday and tie Algeria, they can fail to advance if England can beat Slovenia, or if England and Slovenia have a high-scoring tie and England end up with more total goals than the U.S. If this plays out, expect Koman Coulibaly to be knighted by Queen Elizabeth. And then murdered by an American bookie.

The Always Expected Scenario: For the Yanks, it’s straightforward enough for even the most xenophobic Americans to understand: win and advance. There are a few scenarios, however, in which the Americans could win their match against Algeria and finish second in the group. First, if Slovenia can find a way to get a win versus England–which doesn’t seem that cool anymore given England’s play–they will win the group outright. If England and Slovenia tie, and Slovenia have an equal goal differential with more total goals, they still win the group. And finally, if England beats Slovenia and finish with a better goal differential/more total goals, those smarmy bastards will snake their way into the group’s top seed, at which point we can all feel free to drink room-temperature beer and vomit.

The Suck-It England Scenario: If you had told me at about 9:45 a.m. CT on Friday that the U.S. would be headed into the Algeria match with a great chance to win the group, your sanity would’ve been questioned after I had punched you for talking to me while the U.S. was apparently tanking. But this is the wacky world we live in! So it comes down to this: there are two ways for the United States to win Group C, both of which would take the requisite win over Algeria. First, if England and Slovenia tie, the U.S. would win the group with better goal differential/total goals than Slovenia, which would be a double win for the U.S.: winning Group C AND doing so with England going back to the United Kingdom of England-Great Britain. They could also win the group with an England win over Slovenia and a higher goal differential/total goals than the Brits. In which case the English can drink a Budweiser and pout over it’s utter lack of sophistication.

Thumbnail image courtesy of usaplayers.com

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Profiling Thy Enemy, 6/10: Frank Lampard https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-610-frank-lampard/ https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-610-frank-lampard/#respond Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:01:48 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2028 After a day off, Jared continues preparing you for England by looking at an anti-American hero, Frank Lampard.

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Hello from Korked Bats’ Super Soccer (get it, like Super Soaker? It’s a pun. Eh, I’m reaching at this point.)*! For those of you not counting down the days–AKA those of you that have been blatantly ignoring me for the last week–we are exactly one day from the race-driven World Cup opener for the United States and their enemies across the pond. سباق خيول

*Self-created nickname. Self-created position.

To get you ready for the match, I’m finishing up the profiles of a different player on England’s roster each day leading up to the not-friendly tomorrow in Rustenburg. I hope that they’ve been informational, but–most of all–I just hope they were full of mean-spirited jokes because I’m racist toward the English.

Now, fancy some football? (That’s British for “We don’t even like soccer in this country.” Or something like that.)

Frank Lampard

Bio blast: Let’s time travel! I want you to put on your boots and travel coat and go back to September of 2001 with me. September 12, to be exact. Chelsea’s game had been cancelled out of respect for the horrific events that had transpired the previous day in the United States.

Naturally, a few Chelsea players, Lampard among them, took this day off to go get absolutely hammered drunk instead of, you know, maybe taking some time to reflect on what just happened across the pond, or perhaps spending some time with their families. Naw, let’s get neckered!

Lampard and friends made their, drunken, vomiting, naked way over to Heathrow Hotel, where they proceeded to (emotionally) crap on the Americans stranded there as all flight traffic in and out of the United States was closed off. Seems like a bit of an odd way to say “Sorry about your loss.” Now, I’m sure Mr. طريقة لعبة القمار Lampard has grown up a lot since then, but, good God, it takes a special kind of human being to do that. موقع رهان كرة القدم

On the pitch (that means field): Simply put, Lampy is one of the most decorated English midfielders of his generation. A nine-year Chelsea man, Lampard plays box-to-box, though he can move up to more of an attacking role. He’s most effective though, when he can sit behind the offense and distribute the ball, as well as take advantage of the rocket blast that is his right foot.

Take that back. I should say he’s most effective getting naked and puking on players on the pitch that appear to be seriously injured.

Wikipedia fact: Lampard released an autobiography in 2006 called “Totally Frank.” I would make a joke about that, but, sadly, it’ not even the worst Frank-pun on this site.

Read Wednesday’s post, about England’s coach Fabio Capello, here.

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Friday Fun – World Cup Edition https://korkedbats.com/its-friday-lets-have-some-soccer-fun/ https://korkedbats.com/its-friday-lets-have-some-soccer-fun/#respond Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:01:06 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=2042 The World Cup is upon us. The U.S. plays their first game tomorrow. To help you get excited for it, check out these two videos!

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It’s Friday. Let’s Have Some Soccer Fun!

Well folks, the World Cup is upon us. Mexico opened with a 2-1 defeat of host South Africa this mor…what’s that? Oh, yeah. That whole offsides thing. Anyway, the World Cup has started and, yes, well, the refs cost Mexico big time but the best sports tournament in the world is about to dominate your month. Allow me to prepare you with a few Friday Funs that will get your feet excited for footie!

First, take in the best goals of the ’06 Cup. Feel free to throw batteries at your computer screen when you the the UK’s Steven Gerrard. He’s going down tomorrow.

And, to get you familiarized with the culture in South Africa, laugh really hard at this restaurant ad.

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Profiling Thy Enemy, 6/9: Fabio Capello https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-69/ https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-69/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:31:35 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=1992 Jared continues to prepare you for the US-England game by looking at England's manager, Fabio Capello. Spoiler! He's Italian.

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Hello from Korked Bats’ Soccer Czar*! For those of you not counting down the days–AKA those of you totally, just like, way less cool than me, and stuff–we are exactly three days away from the race-driven World Cup opener for the United States and their enemies across the pond.

*Self-created nickname. Self-created position.

To get you ready for the match, I’m going to profile a different player (or manager!) on England’s roster each day leading up to the not-friendly on June 12 in Rustenburg. I hope that they will be informational, but–most of all–they’ll likely just be full of mean-spirited jokes because I’m racist toward the English.

Now, la vettura dell’Inghilterra è italiana. (That’s Italian for “England’s coach is Italian.” I think.)

Fabio Capello

pollsb.com

Bio blast: You may’ve seen the name above and been a little shocked that Fabio is a decidedly not-English name. That’s because, in a sellout of Green Day-like proportions, the British have turned to an Italian in hopes of winning a World Cup Final. Because nothing screams “British pride!” like paying a leathery-looking Italian man 6 million pounds to try to end forty years of embarrassment!

Anyway, Fabio made news recently when he announced that cameras have been installed in the hotel rooms of the players of a different national origin than him that he is being paid a lot of foreign currency to manage despite the fact that it could ultimately mean coaching against his own country. The cameras allow Capello to spy on his players–presumably from his own hotel room, in his Speedo–so that they don’t get distracted by WAGs or other women during the tournament which, as we’ve learned, is a bit of an issue for a few English players. And also, as we know, Fabio isn’t the type to be enticed by the fairer sex, so he’s totally in a position to pull a stunt like this.

On the pitch (that means field): Capello is off to a scintillating 18-2-4 (win-draw-loss) record for the English side, and he lead his adopted country through one of its most impressive World Cup qualifying trips in history. As evidenced by that whole spying thing, Capello takes a no-nonsense approach to coaching. He loves the X’s and O’s and demands discipline from his players on the pitch.

It’s a system that has allowed Capello a very decorated coaching career, as he has won a domestic league title with all four European clubs he’s coached, seven titles in all.

The sum of these parts gives Capello a decided tactical advantage over his American counterpart, Bob Bradley, though I’d say the fact that no pictures of Bradley in a Speedo exist make this a bit of a wash. USA! USA!

Wikipedia fact: Capello is one of Italy’s most visible art collectors, as his collection is worth an estimated 17 million euros. Though, for the right price, he’d give it all up to manage a Nickelback tour.

Read about yesterday’s British soccer player, John Terry, here.

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Profiling Thy Enemy, 6/8: John Terry https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-68-john-terry/ https://korkedbats.com/profiling-thy-enemy-68-john-terry/#comments Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:01:49 +0000 http://korkedbats.flywheelsites.com/?p=1974 We're just four days away from the much-anticipated US-England game. Jared continues to prepare you by taking a gander at John Terry

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Hello from Korked Bats’ World Cup Intern*! For those of you not counting down the days–AKA those of you with actual internships–we are exactly four days away from the race-driven World Cup opener for the United States and their enemies across the pond.

*Self-created nickname. Self-created position.

To get you ready for the match, I’m going to profile a different player on England’s roster each day leading up to the not-friendly on June 12 in Rustenburg. I hope that they will be informational, but–most of all–they’ll likely just be full of mean-spirited jokes because I’m racist toward the English.

Now, let’s share a cuppa. (That’s British for “This guy will have sex with your girlfriend.”)

John Terry

cdn.epltalk.com

Bio blast: Where to start? Certainly not with this, uh cardigan?, pictured above. That’s too easy. Easy? Ah yes, easy.

You probably heard mention of Terry earlier this year when it was uncovered that he was defending more than Chelsea’s goal. That was when our hero was discovered having made payments in an attempt to cover up an extra-marital affair with the ex-girlfriend of soon-to-be-ex-national-team teammate Wayne Bridge, who obviously has not been acquainted with the rules of bros before hoes, as he just, like, totally flipped out and quit the team, bro.

Anyway, as you know, Terry must not have paid enough as the news reached our fair ears here in the US of A, where we would never dream of such unspeakable acts, right? Eh. Unfortunately for Wynalda, he couldn’t afford the likes of such cardigans and cover ups.

On the pitch (that means field): As an eight-year member of the senior British national team and a 13-year member of Chelsea’s central defense, Terry is one of the most decorated English defenders ever. He’s become doubly important to England in this World Cup following the news that Rio Ferdinand, AKA England’s New Captain After Terry Had Sex With Bridge’s Ex, has been lost for the entire tournament. At 29, Terry is still one of the world’s best defenders and has the speed and strength to make life tough on the Yankees’ central attack. It does remain to be seen, though, whether that whole having sex with his teammates girl thing will have any effect on his performance.

Wikipedia fact: Terry is actually, wouldn’t you know it, the biggest name to be sponsored by the brand Umbro. I can’t confirm nor deny whether Terry has tried to pay to cover that up.

Read about yesterday’s British soccer player, Wayne Rooney, here.

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