Brilliant or Insane?: Cleveland

Friday, April 11, 2014

Cleveland Indians Scrub Chief Wahoo from Their Baseball Cap Prompting Curiosity About What's Next for the So-Called Racist Logo?

By Mark Barnes

photo credit: soul_motor via photopin cc

The Cleveland Indians seem to be succumbing to pressure from some fans, politicians, media and various other protesters, as the organization has apparently started fazing out their Chief Wahoo logo.

Chief Wahoo, pictured above, has been replaced on the Indians' cap with a plain block C, which looks like something the club hired a four year old to design. As the outcry against the logo escalates, the Indians steadfastly deny any change. In fact, the team's director of communication, Curtis Danburg, told Cleveland.com, "There's no process to eliminate Chief Wahoo."

Still, as the 2014 season opened, the chief was conspicuously missing from the ball cap.

The Indians are often likened to the NFL's Washington Redskins, who are ridiculed by many for the Redskins nickname, considered to be racist by some native American tribes, which links Cleveland to quite an unsavory debate.

Is Chief Wahoo racist? Some say, Yes. Others say, No.

Either way, as the logo slowly moves from the heads of Cleveland players down the uniform, one must wonder just how long Chief Wahoo will remain a staple of Indians baseball.

Mark Barnes is an education author, former sports writer and the publisher of Brilliant or Insane. Learn more about Mark on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

The Value Behind Opening Day in Cleveland

By Zachary Fenell

Photo credit: Zachary Fenell 2012

Don’t let the past weekend’s snowfall fool you, Cleveland. Summer will arrive soon--evidenced by the fact that Cleveland Indians baseball returns to the corner of Carnegie and Ontario this Friday, April 4. The Indians once again sold out the home opener, extending the Indians' streak to 22 consecutive sold out home openers, according to the Tribe’s website.

The Indians offered a special online pre-sale that began Monday, March 3. That morning I found myself and countless other CLE-natives hovering over our computers, ready to snatch up two Opening Day tickets. Because of this pre-sale option, Opening Day sold out before tickets could even go on sale to the general public on Monday, March 10th.

I thought I was one of the smart ones; a true fan devoted to getting tickets before they were even available for public purchase. But after rejecting the $37 cost for two upper reserve seats in favor of trying my luck at cheaper bleacher seats, I realized I was not smart at all. The window to purchase Opening Day tickets closed within 15 minutes, and I had missed out because I wanted to pay less.

Now, do I regret my frugality? Following some thought, I determined answering the aforementioned meant answering another question first. What value does Opening Day in Cleveland possess? Allow me to explain further.

Sizing things up

To provide some perspective, those $37 seats I passed up cost $17.50 regular season. Bleacher seats cost even less. So, in my mind, I figured I could spend $37 on an Opening Day ticket or go to two or three Tribe games for the same price. Don’t you love the dynamic pricing model?

Admittedly, those two or three games don’t offer the exhilarating Opening Day atmosphere. I attended Opening Day back in 2012, and the only spectatorial experience which really compares was last year's regular season finale.

Bottom line, the value behind Cleveland’s home opener relates to motive. If you want to experience Cleveland tradition, dollar amounts become less relevant. From a pure baseball angle though, paying Opening Day ticket prices remains impractical.

Zachary Fenell writes about all things Cleveland for Brilliant or Insane (a blog with strong ties to the Rock and Roll City). Learn more about Zachary on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

NFL Hall of Fame's first ever Fan Fest coming to Cleveland

via profootballHOF.com

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is taking a road trip. One hundred NFL Hall of Famers will participate in the first-ever Hall of Fame Fan Fest May 3 and 4 at Cleveland's I-X Center.

All-time NFL greats, like Jim Brown, Terry Bradshaw, Marcus Allen and Joe Namath, to name just a few, will participate in special shows, clinics and meet-and-greets at this amazing event. Shows and exhibits will cover one million square feet at the sprawling Cleveland I-X Center.

One of the featured spectacles at Hall of Fame Fan fest is Pro Football and the American Sprit, a unique tribute to NFL players who missed playing time, while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Look for more posts from Brilliant or Insane during the Fan Fest in May. Meanwhile, for details about the event and Hall of Famers attending, visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.

Mark Barnes is an education author and consultant and the publisher of Brilliant or Insane. Learn more about Mark on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

The Cleveland Torso Murders big on history, small on research

By Zachary Fenell

via Amazon.com

The Cleveland Torso Murders chronicles the case of the notorious Cleveland serial killer, the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run. During the Great Depression the Mad Butcher’s presence caused a stir among the city’s “working poor” (explained as “the working poor usually had to work several low paying jobs just to try to make ends meet”). His first official victim surfaced September 23rd, 1935.

On the book’s cover, “Hoffmann Books” receives the author credit. Malaya and Toni Hoffman founded the small German publishing company which focuses on publishing Kindle books. They released The Cleveland Torso Murders last summer. Amazon lists the book’s estimated print length at 71 pages.

The Bad

While on the shorter side The Cleveland Torso Murders manages to pack in a lot details. Honestly though Hoffmann Books could’ve fleshed out the book by performing more in-depth research. As an example, combing over Cleveland newspaper archives from the 1930s would have provided an enhancement. Such action could fill the pages with direct quotes from law enforcement leading to a better end product.

The Good

The Cleveland Torso Murders contains many details. This makes the literary work a fair introduction to the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run. Perhaps you caught the Criminal Minds episode (titled “Zoe’s Reprise”) where Cleveland’s notorious serial killer receives mention and now you want to learn more. The Hoffman Books release will serve this purpose.

The Intriguing

Reading The Cleveland Torso Murders offers a peek into how our society today compares to the 1930s. It's ironic that a book about a brutal serial killer could supply a refreshing perspective on our society. Particularly interesting is the growing open-mindedness toward homosexuality. Apparently back in the 1930s Cleveland law prohibited homosexuality, unimaginable these days, at least in the U.S.

Yet other troublesome societal trends existed nearly 80 years later. The ways strong political ties can hinder an investigation and more importantly justice serves as one example. Investigating prime suspect Dr. Frank Sweeney represented a challenge due to his cousin, powerful congressman Martin Sweeney.

My Verdict

Anyone interested in learning the basics about Cleveland’s Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run or simply interested in how society changed over the past eight decades should find The Cleveland Torso Murders by Hoffmann Books worthwhile.

Star Rating (Out of Five): ***

Friday, March 7, 2014

LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland

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Gotcha! You thought this post title meant that LeBron James had decided to rejoin his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, when he becomes a free agent after this season, didn't you?

If you love the idea of LeBron wearing the Wine and Gold again, let me apologize. If you hate the idea, you can breathe a sigh of relief, at least for now.

LeBron James is coming back to Cleveland on Saturday to honor his former teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Big Z, as he was known during his playing days, is having his number retired by the Cavaliers, and LeBron is returning to Cleveland to support his friend, during his big night. At least, this is what LeBron's visit appears to represent.

Beneath the surface

It would be wonderful to assume that LeBron's only intentions for his quick trip to Cleveland are to celebrate this momentous occasion with Ilgauskas, who is the seventh player in Cavs history to have his number hung from the rafters of Quicken Loans Arena. One must wonder, though, if there isn't more to LeBron's visit.

Sure, NBA team executives can't discuss free agency with players, until the season ends, but we all know what can happen in a casual conversation. I can just envision this interlude between LeBron James and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert:

Gilbert: "Thanks for coming, LeBron. How's it feel to be back home?"

LeBron: "I wouldn't have missed Big Z's night for anything. It feels great to be here, especially with my boys in Akron being just down the road."

Gilbert: "You know, LeBron, the fans here still love you, and the guys on the team, especially Kyrie Irving, respect you so much. I know that love and respect means a lot to you."

LeBron: "For sure. That's what I want more than anything."

Gilbert: "Good. Well, hey, LeBron, you be sure to have a safe trip back to Miami, and why don't we have dinner when the season ends."

LeBron: "No doubt. I'll text you the second our season ends."

Is it possible that LeBron's visit is a precursor to re-signing with the Cavaliers? Or is he really just a very supportive friend?

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Mark Barnes is an education author and consultant and the publisher of Brilliant or Insane. Learn more about Mark on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Friday, February 28, 2014

A Winning Idea Born From Losing, Much Losing

By Zach Fenell

via kickstarter.com

A coloring book commemorating Cleveland sports’ frequent and unrelenting heartbreaks over the years seems insane, but upon closer inspection creator Scott O’Brien appears brilliant. O’Brien attracted attention recently by putting his in-progress coloring book aptly titled Why is Daddy Sad on Sunday? on Kickstarter seeking funding.

O’Brien explains on the Kickstarter page “It's also about sharing the history with our children so they can appreciate why we cheer the way do, and more often, hang our heads in disbelief.”

He describes the project “The coloring book will be roughly 55 pages long, with 25 black & white illustrations depicting scenes of notable Cleveland sports failures, such as: The Shot, The Fumble, The Drive and The Decision.” Additionally, each illustration will feature a corresponding explanation for the depicted event.

To say his fellow Cleveland sports fans like the idea proves a significant understatement. O’Brien set his campaign goal at $2,000 to cover projected publication costs. As of today, this Scott O’Brien’s Kickstarter campaign sits at $16,733 raised, over eight times the original goal!

O'Brien's project, I imagine, could send non-Cleveland sports enthusiasts into great bewilderment. Why do you want a coloring book commemorating your heartbreaks? Why do you want to pass along to the next generation a sports legacy filled with losing?

Clevelanders are proud

Honestly, I’m unsure logical answers exist to those questions. Rather our reasons extend to an emotional level. No matter how much defeat the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, or Cleveland Indians suffer, we remain proud to call them our teams. We feel a loyalty to our hometown which transcends winning or losing.

Personally, I’m a huge Cleveland Indians fan. I’m the rare Cleveland fan whose allegiance is to the Tribe first and the Browns second. In fact, towards the end of a self-produced YouTube video (I'll share it in a future post) I say “Adversity is the best set up man for success. When the Cleveland Indians can once again call themselves World Series champions, and it will happen, the celebration in this city will be off the charts.”

Filling in your own basketball/football imagery for “set up man” and respective championship for “World Series” you could say the same for the Cavaliers and especially the Browns.

Bottom line: Scott O’Brien’s coloring book Why is Daddy Sad on Sundays? doesn’t really celebrate a losing culture but instead brilliantly pays homage to our resilient dedication.

Zach Fenell writes about all things Cleveland for Brilliant or Insane (a blog with strong ties to the Rock and Roll City). Learn more about Zach on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Jason Aldean to play Cleveland's Progressive Field this summer

By Zach Fenell

via: clevelandgatewaydistrict.com

This summer Progressive Field will play host not only to the Cleveland Indians’ 81 home games but also country star Jason Aldean.

This summer, the reigning Academy of Country Music Male Vocalist of the Year award winner Aldean will headline an event also featuring fellow Academy of Country Music winners Miranda Lambert (Female Vocalist of the Year), Florida Georgia Line (New Vocal Group of the Year), plus Tyler Farr. The show marks one stop on Jason Aldean’s “Burn It Down Tour,” according to MLB.com writer Jordan Bastain.

Now the last concert previously held at the venue many Clevelanders still affectionately call “the Jake” happened in June 2011 with the team sponsored “Indians Music Festival,” headlined by country superstar Brad Paisley. Seeing how I went to that show, I thought I could share my feedback on how the baseball stadium performed as a concert venue.

First I should tell you I sat in the upper reserve section. I guess the equivalent to Blossom Music Center’s lawn seating, if you wish to compare the two. Anyone reading this that enjoyed better seats at the 2011 Indians Music Festival please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

How Progressive fared as a concert venue

So, here's my take the Prog as a concert venue. Personally the location remained a deciding factor in purchasing tickets. Typically I attend one country concert a summer. Interestingly enough I saw Brad Paisley the year before at Blossom. While I liked the performance, the decision to see him again received an assist from the novelty involving experiencing a concert at the Cleveland Indians’ home field.

Environment-wise Progressive Field translated okay to a concert atmosphere. While nice to sit in actual chairs, once opener Blake Shelton energized the crowd the setting felt restrictive. Blossom’s lawn area certainly allows more freedom and opportunity to interact with fellow concert goers.

Additionally the field seemed farther away watching the concert than say sitting in the same seats watching a ballgame. Maybe the fact you remained focus on a single part to the field played a role in said sensation. You end up looking out at the stage in left-center field where during a game you keep eyes out all over the field.

However, a talented musician knows how to manipulate whatever situation to provide the fans an entertaining show. Paisley played on Cleveland pride by putting on his own personalized Tribe jersey and covering “Wild Thing” from the movie Major League.

Reviewing Youtube videos, capturing Jason Aldean performing, leads me to believe he can handle the not-so-ideal environment July 18th when he brings the “Burn it Down Tour” to Cleveland’s Progressive Field.

Zach Fenell writes about all things Cleveland for Brilliant or Insane (a blog with strong ties to the Rock and Roll City). Learn more about Zach on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Browns fire GM Michael Lombardi

Being a major sports franchise general manager in Cleveland is sort of like being snow in Atlanta; you are a really big deal for about a minute, then you're gone a second later.

About one week after the Cleveland Cavaliers fired GM Chris Grant, the Cleveland Browns followed suit, canning their GM, Michael Lombardi.

Lombardi must have been smelling something rotten in Cleveland, as news recently spread that the Browns where doing all they could to dissuade Ray Farmer from taking the general manager position in Miami. Farmer stayed and was swiftly promoted to GM, as Lombardi was ousted after one year, suffering the same demise as former head coach Rob Chudzinski.

Shortly after firing Lombardi, Browns owner, Jimmy Haslam, said that Farmer has a tremendous football IQ.

For the sake of Browns fans, let's hope so.

Brilliant or Insane publisher Mark Barnes wrote about the Browns for the Warren Tribune in the 1980s. He now writes primarily about education.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Cavs fire GM Chris Grant

via: USA Today Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in one of the most dismal stretches of basketball in the franchise's history. In fact, the Cavs are so bad right now, local radio personalities are calling them the most embarrassing team in all of sports. Ouch!

Responding to a humiliating defeat to a Los Angeles Lakers team that came to Cleveland with only eight players (none named Kobe Bryant) and finished the game with only five, the Cavs fired General Manager Chris Grant, according to Yahoo Sports.

Team owner Dan Gilbert had to do something. Talk around Cleveland is centering around what fans can do to get the Quicken Loans CEO's attention; suggestions range from humorous to downright ridiculous, but who can blame Cleveland fans?

What's next?

If you have seen any of the Cavs' last 10 games, you know that the ax is likely to continue to fall.

One must wonder if head coach Mike Brown isn't next.

Brilliant or Insane publisher Mark Barnes covered the Cavs for the Warren Tribune in the 1980s. He now writes primarily about education.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Jim Thome statue: Brilliant or a Shame?

By Zach Fenell

The Cleveland Indians announcing during this year’s Tribe Fest the unveiling date for the Jim Thome statue at Progressive Field sparked quite an emotionally charged conversation among fans. Saturday, August 2nd the Indians will honor the former Tribe slugger and reveal the statue. Judging by people’s responses online, the statue faces at least a few critics. This raises the question: “Jim Thome statue, brilliant or a shame?”

via: ESPN.com

A core argument against the statue revolves around Jim Thome leaving Cleveland via free agency following the 2002 season. Strong reactions came from disgruntled fans in this article, Thome Humbled to be Getting a Statue. One person wrote “Embarrassing. A Jim Thome statue. A monument to the fact that no matter how great, beloved, well-paid, or publicly devoted to staying in Cleveland, nobody stays.”

Another reader stated “What a crock of do do. Thome took the money and ran. Thome played for Thome. There are far better Cleveland players that deserve a statue.”

In fairness, other Clevelanders demonstrate excitement over the statue. One fan tweeted, “I refuse to be anywhere but the Jake on August 2nd for the Jim Thome statue unveiling #ChildHoodHero @Indians.”

Are fans more pro-Thome or anti-Thome?

Thinking back to Jim Thome’s brief 2011 return to the Indians, I’m guessing most people hold a pro-Thome attitude. After all, once the team announced acquiring Thome, fans sold out the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. Waving placards that read “Welcome Thome,” Cleveland gave the Tribe’s all-time home run leader an incredible homecoming.

Personally I hope the response from two-and-a-half years ago symbolizes how most Clevelanders feel today towards good old number 25. Twelve years later, to those remaining upset over Jim Thome’s departure, I can only preach forgiveness. Harboring grudges equates to a shame, not building the statue.

Forgive and forget may be the order of the day.

Zach Fenell writes about all things Cleveland for Brilliant or Insane (a blog with strong ties to the Rock and Roll City). Learn more about Zach on our Team page. Follow him on Twitter here.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Why do people hate Cleveland?

via: streetline.com

Okay, so the Cuyahoga River caught fire, literally. But that was over 40 years ago. Sure, Cleveland went into default in 1978, but doesn't that kind of economic blow happen in other places?

Of course, one great athlete after another made a quick stop, only to exit quietly or loudly (insert favorite LeBron James story here) and win championships for our opponents. There's more, but let's not bemoan the past.

Cleveland has a wealth of checks in the positive column, too. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a growing harbor area at Port of Cleveland, the Horseshoe Casino and amazing metro parks, to name just a few.

Still, people aren't coming to Cleveland, in spite of all it has to offer.

Many of the best athletes in various sports are on record, saying they'd rather retire than play in Cleveland (okay, that may be an exaggeration). Coaches want nothing to do with the Browns and Cavaliers. Both teams have had openings recently, only to see the top candidates sign with other clubs, before a Cleveland team owner could even invite them for an interview.

I've lived in Cleveland all my life, so maybe I don't know any better, but there is a certain pride in Clevelanders about living in Cleveland. Is it possible that you have to be here for more than a day or two to comprehend this? Or is Cleveland really a crappy place, and I'm too blind to see it?

Am I wrong, or do people really hate Cleveland?

Friday, December 13, 2013

Buy or Sell LeBron James as NBA's best all-time player

About six years ago, I wrote an article for Suite101, naming LeBron James one of the NBA's top 5 players of all time. In fact, as stated in the article, I placed King James at number 3, and he had been in the league for less than five years at that time.

The old version of that article received many comments, and most of them were less than kind to yours truly (Suite101 has removed old comments from its updated site). How could I place LeBron on such a lofty pedestal in such a short time, readers wondered.

Although the slant of this post is similar to the Suite101 article, the debate is fresh. With a decade of experience, four NBA MVPs and two NBA championships to his credit, it's time to pose the question: Is LeBron the best ever?

I'm selling LeBron James as the NBA's best all-time player

Based on my high ranking of LeBron years ago, it may seem strange that I'm not yet convinced that he's number 1 overall, considering his hefty laurels, and a good argument might convince me, because it's a very close call.

As I did years ago, I'm still going with Michael Jordan as the NBA's all-time best player.

Although Michael's and LeBron's statistics are similar, each better than the other in one or more areas, my Buy or Sell barometer measures so much more than statistics.

Even though LeBron James can rip an opponent's heart out faster than a zombie in The Walking Dead, Michael Jordan was even deadlier, when it came to snatching victory away from opponents and jubilance from opposing fans.

According to sketchy historical data, outlined here, Jordan hit 50 percent of his game-tying or game-winning playoff shots. By comparison, King James has hit slightly less than 42 percent in fewer attempts. Game winners is still just one more measuring tool, but a key one for me.

It's NBA Finals Game 7. The clock is winding down. 3, 2, 1. . . . You can have any player in history take this shot.

I'll take Michael Jordan, the NBA's best all-time player.

Who do you want?

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Why do Cleveland fans mourn Ohio State loss?

I guess I'm sort of an aberration in Cleveland. I'm not an Ohio State fan. There, I said it. I'm ready to be ostracized.

This love of OSU football confounds me, though. I just don't get the adoration of a team that is not located in Cleveland, unless you have direct ties to the school. This isn't like people in Kentucky rooting for the the Cincinnati Bengals; their choices are limited.

via: Buckeyeempire.com

I'm from Cleveland, not Columbus. I did not attend Ohio State, and I have no family members who are connected to OSU.

I root for Cleveland teams, the Browns, the Cavaliers and even Cleveland State's basketball team (admittedly, I gave up on the Indians years ago). After all, Cleveland has been my home for nearly half a century. As frightening as it may sound to some people, I'm a Clevelander through and through.

So, when native Clevelanders, who do not live in Columbus or have any connection to OSU, become distraught over a Buckeye loss, even one that costs OSU a shot at a national title, I simply don't get it. The day after Ohio State lost for the first time in two years, the emotional wreckage it caused in and around Cleveland was obvious.

Laments of yet another heartbreaking "Cleveland" loss littered my social media pages. It was as if life was ending, because a college football team, two hours south of Cleveland, lost a football game.

The logic of this evades me. Can you help me make sense of it?

Why do Cleveland fans morn, when Ohio State loses?

Thursday, December 5, 2013

I'm the Cleveland Browns new quarterback

Maybe you laugh at the title of this blog post, but is it really so farfetched that the Cleveland Browns might choose me as their next starting field general? Hey, I was a helluva good street quarterback, when I was a kid.

"Here's what we're going to do," I'd tell my friends in our makeshift huddle in a neighbor's driveway, as we interrupted play for passing cars. "Jeff, you break off your route by that red car and cut hard toward the Miller's house. Eric, you sprint straight and button-hook just behind that blue Chevy."

Alex Tanney, via Yahoo Sports

Seconds later, I'd fire a dart to Jeff's outstretched hands, just before he stepped out of bounds near the tree lawn. Of course, Jeff made the catch; I swear that kid had Super Glue on his fingertips.

Sure, it's more than three decades later, and my arm is not as strong. Oh, and I never did play organized football. These may be strikes, but do they really make me less attractive to the Browns than Caleb Hanie or Alex Tanney?

Be honest, are Hanie or Tanney any more recognizable to you in name than I am? Unless they give me a shot, how can the Browns coaches know I won't give them a better chance at victory?

After all, Tanney has never thrown a pass in a regular season NFL game, and Hanie has thrown just 116, and 10 of those were intercepted.

I know with a few practice reps and Josh Gordon on my team, I definitely won't be giving the ball to the opponent as often as Hanie does.

So, that's it. I'm ready. Give me a call, and I'll be the next Cleveland Browns quarterback.

If you know the Browns, you know they could do worse.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

5 things more likely to happen than LeBron James playing for Cleveland again

LeBron James and the Miami Heat visited Cleveland the day before Thanksgiving and must have been very thankful for an easy evening meeting and victory over the woeful Cavaliers.

via: InterBasket.net

The most exciting part of the visit was the wave of conversation it started around Ohio about the possibility of LeBron returning to Cleveland next year, when he becomes a free agent.

I won't say LeBron playing for the Cavs again is impossible, but here are 5 things that are more likely to happen than King James wearing the Wine and Gold.

Mike Brown will be fired as the Cavs head coach. The Brown-LeBron marraige failed once, I doubt Cavs owner Dan Gilbert will want to preside over a second union.
The Cleveland Indians will win a World Series. Sound crazy? I thought so too, until Terry Francona brought the hapless Tribe back to life last season.
My fantasy football team will win another championship. It's been a few years; I'm due, and I have Jimmy Graham on my side.
Cleveland's hockey team will win the Stanley Cup. Come on! Does Cleveland even have a hockey team? Okay, technically, I suppose it's Columbus. Need I go on?
The Cleveland Browns will win a Super Bowl. If you haven't deduced by now how little confidence I have in LeBron returning to play for Cleveland, this one should clarify the matter. The Cleveland Browns winning a Super Bowl? Is Hell freezing over, too?

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Buy or Sell Bill Belichick as best-ever NFL coach

When Bill Belichick coached my hometown Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995, I was convinced he was a loser, unworthy of the title of head coach in the National Football League.

Who knew that 18 seasons later, Belichick would be the topic of a Buy or Sell post?

I'm buying Bill Belichick as the best-ever NFL head coach

Let me begin with the obvious -- five Super Bowl appearances and three wins. I realize Pittsburgh's Chuck Noll won four titles, but the big trophy isn't the only measure of greatness.

Belichick is in the top 10 in all-time wins (keep quiet all you Don Shula fans; the guy coached for 157 years). Plus, Belichick's Patriots were a perfect 16-0 in 2007, and the New England head coach is an uncanny 18-8 all-time in the playoffs.

These are truly remarkable feats, but they don't come close to what distinguishes "The Hoodie" above all NFL coaches.

Just when I thought Belichick couldn't add to his resume, until the playoffs begin, he did something virtually everyone on the planet who watches football would have bet against. Belichick and his Patriots came back from a 24-0 halftime deficit to defeat Peyton Manning and a Super Bowl-contending Denver Broncos team.

Still unimpressed? Get this, prior to that win, teams facing 24-0 halftime deficits were 5-617, according to Elias Sports. That is a .008 winning percentage for the trailing teams. Let's not forget that Belichick had to rally his troops against Peyton Manning, who is having arguably the greatest season of any passer in history.

If this astonishing win were the only one in Bill Belichick's coaching career, I might still buy him as best-ever NFL coach.

Disagree? Who is your top all-tim NFL coach?

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

When NBA meetings go wrong

After a particularly brutal beating at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers called a players-only meeting. In fact, it was reported that All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving unceremoniously ejected the coaches from the locker room, just prior to the meeting's start.

via: Kingsrowe.com

From there, the details are sketchy, but a variety of sources say the meeting turned ugly, with players confronting each other about their bad play. At that point, fingers could have pointed anywhere, as no Cavalier, other than CJ Miles, has been very good this year. In fact, when compared to his first two years in the NBA, Irving's statistics are quite appalling.

Some sports team insiders will say that players-only meetings can be more effective than meetings involving coaches. Presumably, those involve leaders who are respected by their teammates. This is something the Cavaliers seem to be missing. Irving has admitted to members of the local media that he needs to be a better leader.

So what happens when leaderless, players-only NBA team meetings go wrong?

The Cavs followed their 29-point loss to Minnesota with another loss at home to an underwhelming Charlotte team.

After the next lopsided loss, Brown might consider placing a gag order on his players, because players-only meetings don't seem to be the answer in Cleveland.

Do you know of a time when a players-only meeting turned a team around?

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Buy or Sell Brad Stevens as Celtics new coach?

He may look like he's 12 years old, but Brad Stevens is one of the coolest, smartest basketball coaches ever. Is this a bold statement? Of course it is. Before you start calling me names, consider Stevens' resume.

When he took the reigns as head coach at Butler University, Stevens won 117 games in his first four years, the most in NCAA history. That's an unfathomable 29 wins per year.

Far more impressive is the consecutive national championship game appearances Stevens and his Bulldogs made, playing out of the Horizon League. Yes, you read right, Horizon League.

Now, the 37-year-old Stevens is making a monumental leap to the big chair as head coach of the NBA's Boston Celtics.

Buy or Sell Stevens in Boston?

While other successful college coaches have failed to make the transition to the NBA, I'm buying Brad Stevens in Boston. Since I follow Cleveland State, which plays in the Horizon League, I've seen Butler and Stevens up close many times, and I have marveled at how unflappable this guy is.

He may not be able to grow a beard on that Opie Taylor face, but Brad Stevens knows how to win, and he understands how to win with less-than-spectacular players. As a tactician, Stevens is unrivaled.

The Celtics may not make the playoffs in Stevens' first season, but it won't be long before the people in Beantown love their new coach as much as the Butler faithful did.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Hey Browns, why did you make me like you?

Many years ago, probably about the time Art Modell stole the team away to Baltimore, I stopped following the Cleveland Browns as an ardent fan.

It was especially easy, when they returned and were abysmally bad for so long. Who am I kidding? They've been pretty awful since their return. Sure, I'd watch, but the never-ending losses were easy to take, because I had no expectations.

via: draftbrowns.com

Then this year came, and things changed. A completely new regime from owner down to coaching staff brought new hope. A few quality wins and quality losses and, suddenly, this team was watchable. Hell, they were even fun to watch.

Even after a rash of injuries, most notably to quarterbacks Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer, the Browns continued to compete. Yesterday, they took the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs to the final drive, threatening to hand them their first loss on their home field.

I was excited. I was on the edge of my seat. I was yelling at the TV, something I hadn't done in decades.

Then the game ended, and I realized I'd been suckered by the Cleveland Browns again. A comedy of errors occurred in classic Browns fashion, and miraculous victory turned into bitter defeat.

Why did I let this happen? How could I have been so stupid?

How could I have liked the Cleveland Browns again?

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

There is no Team of Destiny in Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians made the playoffs this year for the first time in what seems like centuries. The second it happened, delusions of grandeur spread throughout the city, faster than a new flu strain. I even heard World Series talk from people who were neither intoxicated nor in a hypnotic state.

via: sportsbusinessdaily.com

One local radio analyst called the Indians a "team of destiny." This is someone who is considered an expert. Seriously?

Need I recall for him and every other Clevelander the misfortune that has run roughshod over sports teams in the city on Lake Erie in past decades? Do you need to be reminded of The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot and, perhaps most devastating of all, The Decision?

Now that we've walked down horror lane, let's be clear about one thing, and I don't need a magic 8 ball to know this. There is no team of destiny in Cleveland. Not now. Not ever.

Sound harsh? Maybe. Hey, I love Cleveland and its teams as much as the next person, and maybe it took nearly half a century of tears and heartache to learn this, but this realization has made me a more content person.

Take my advice. Kick back and enjoy your favorite Cleveland team. Be happy if they win, and be ecstatic if they make the playoffs. Then, put the brakes on and realize that the ride will end short of a trophy.

After that, look ahead to a new time of hope -- draft day.