Miyagi-Do Karate

thought crossed my mind too. But the timing seems weird. Why do that on your way to a morning meeting? I wonder if he was going too fast, lost control, and panicked and hit the accelerator. I have never accidentally hit the gas like that, but maybe he was in a panic by then.

when I used to be a Coke Zero addict, I would always be searching out some cookies to go with it. It sort of feeds your sugar rush. my wife went on a 40-day sugar fast, and really thought it was helpful. I have done “no desserts” for a week, and it really weans you off any cravings.

From a quick look at wikipedia, doesn't seem like he has a history of any concussions, though you never know what is reported or now. As a CB, you would think the risk of CTE would be less. He also didn't really ever play meaningful snaps in the NFL-- was a 7th round pick that bounced around on some PS's.

i remember thinking the whole thing was a little sketchy. Like they thought it was a heart attack, but there wasn’t any official report. Given that he died in Brazil too, I am not sure if they looked into it as thoroughly as if it had happened in the US. I would think that they would figure out the cause for sure given that you had a healthy 26-year old who died in his sleep.

This is awesome! Thanks for sharing this!

ha! That’s great. I remember that, as well. Al Leiter though was such the heart and soul of that team! Him and Johnny Franco for the few years before that. I will say that I was such a huge fan of Bobby V. Very underrated tactician. Just how he worked his bullpen was great. It didn’t hurt having Wendell and Cook. Those guys were just ridiculous middle relievers. the other fun part about those years was the hope springing eternal in the young guns, Isringhausen and Pulsipher. Those guys obviously never panned out as we all hoped they would— but there were moments.

I had a bad Coke Zero addiction. I didn’t drink a lot, but if I didn’t have an ice cold 20-ounce bottle at 3 pm every day, it would be trouble. I quit too, and now am instead addicted to sparkling water!

oh man— I totally forgot Fab Melo died. What a shock that was. I’m not sure they ever definitively figured out his cause of death too.

expected, but am still really bummed out by it. Would have loved to see him back.

I didn’t even know he was still playing.

As long as Duke is on there, I am good.

The lamp gifs just keep getting better and better in this thread!

I am glad I am not alone. I think it was right in that 2002 timeframe that MLB changed for me too, and I couldn't put my finger on it. But I think you are right-- that Giambi move was a real watershed moment. Then came the gutting of the small markets. I can't even believe teams like pittsburgh and cleveland can field teams. As a Bills' fan, I sort of had the realization too then-- do I want to be rooting for some big market team like the Mets? The whole league just seems poorly designed. But, man, I used to love those old mets. Remember how Turk would never touch the baseline? Gilkey would have those bugged-out eyes at the plate! Todd Hundley was a baller. Olerud always wore his hard hat. I even remember fondly Pat Mahomes Sr.'s stint with the Mets--real effective reliever.

agreed. People forget about Bazley too. That was just bad luck. If he had played his one year even, it would have boosted our recovery even more. The thing that stings now is that we look like we are losing an entire good class to the transfer portal (Richmond, Newton, and probably Anselem). But I think every team is losing guys, so it’s a bit of a wash.

I was a die hard Mets fan as a kid from the 1980s. Hit my peak in the late 90s and early 2000’s. When Bobby V was the manager, I would probably watch 90% of their games in a season. I knew that team so well that I knew every move Bobby V would make (when he would hit and run; how he would work his relief pitchers, etc.). Loved guys like Alfonzo, Ordonez, Gilkey, Olerud, Piazza, Ventura, Turk Wendell, etc. But when the Mets decided to just outspend people (Mo Vaughn, etc), and baseball became increasingly boring and boring, I lost interest. MLB now is so utterly and hopelessly boring and broken; I just can’t generate any interest in it.

Kinda interesting to see Syracuse ranked in the top 15 of a few “early ranking” articles I have read. I do think Swider is going to be an upgrade over Braswell, and Edwards and Guerrier will get a lot better. I also get the sense that Griffen may be back.

Congrats to Baylor! Amazing that the NCAA pulled off this tournament with only one COVID hitch. if I had one complaint, this tournament showed the need for college Bball to start cracking down on the overly aggressive defense. They let a ton of physical bodying and hand checking go all tournament, and it’s why the most aggressive defensive teams went very far in the tournament (Baylor, Houston, Loyola, etc.). At some point, you want to make sure college Bball doesn’t devolve into 1980s Knicks Bball.

yeah, that has to be it. Maybe had some kind of medical incident that caused it. Hope he is okay.

Agreed. Even when he is on, everyone just stands around and watches him make contested jumpers. I really believe Griffin is one of those guys that will make a much better pro than college player. He ought to just leave and play overseas or in the G league.

Agreed. I really believe he is continuing to get better too— wouldn’t surprise me to see him become a proficient 3-point shooter soon. what I don’t get with guys like Marek that are definitely Going overseas— why not just Stick Around for another year in college? Another year of fun in college to replace the covid-riddled year he just had. These are the best times of their lives!! I wish I could have stayed in college 5 years (in a non-flunky way).

to your last point, this is one of the few Syracuse teams over the last several years that was a joy to watch on offense. Maybe one of the best since the Andy Rautins/Onauaku tourney teams. Multiple shooters. A few guys that could create their own shots. Pretty good movement. Great passing by Marek and Kadary. in years past, the offense has grown stagnant with a lot of iso and pick and rolls that basically devolve into iso.

I am sort of fascinated by this transfer portal, and the timing of it all. Some guys have declared early, Some are waiting on specific moves by other players, and some seem to just be waiting. There’s a lot of strategy, but it seems like there is imperfect “market” information for students because of coaches not being able to communicate with students until they enter the portal. Also, as far as I know, there is no deadline to enter into the portal. But I have to think that if you wait too long to enter, you will mostly hurt your chances.

i was thinking the same thing about Gmac and Autry, and then realized that they have been on the staff for like 10 years. Time flies!

well said. Expresses my views too. I have never really criticized JB (maybe griped at times regarding some tactical issues). But he has had a terrific run of success and turned the Syracuse program into a powerhouse. I also expect the program to take a dip when he retires. I think it’s inevitable. These young coaches have up and down seasons, and cycle through programs. People will miss the luxury of having a steady veteran head coach.

It is looking like Florida state is in the Lead to snag Kadary. That would be a really nice move for him, IMO. Stinks too for us, because we will have to face him and be filled with regret.