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(02/02/16 9:38pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Sydney Shaw, asks our panel of experts three questions: Should Peyton Manning retire following the Super Bowl? Was Dennis Wideman’s hit on an official on purpose and is the new talent on the United States Women’s National Team helping or hurting them?
1. Do you think the Super Bowl should be Peyton Manning’s last game?
Kevin: I think this will be Manning’s last game if the Denver Broncos win. Manning going out on top, just like John Elway did, would be the perfect way for his career to end. He’s been pretty good during the Broncos’s playoff run. However, he’s now more of a game manager who’s being carried by an unbelievable defense. Also, if he wins, he’ll have won multiple Super Bowls, which is great for his legacy and ties him with his brother, Eli. If the Broncos lose, I think Peyton will want to come back. Someone in the league, whether that be the Broncos or another team, may see themselves as a quarterback away from competing for a Super Bowl. Along with being one of the great quarterbacks in NFL history, Manning is one of the league’s greatest competitors. I don’t think he will want to go out after losing in the Super Bowl.
Sean: Not only should the Super Bowl be Manning’s last game — it will be. After beating the New England Patriots, Manning hugged New England’s head coach, Bill Belichick, and reportedly said, “This might be my last rodeo,” according to ESPN. Although Manning did not play the entire season due to an injury, his touchdowns (nine), interceptions (17) and passer rating (67.9) were enough to say that this was by far his worst season. At 39 years old, Manning does not have the strength in him to pass the football like he did in his prime. Manning may have always thrown ducks, but at least they were accurate. However, this past season, Manning’s passes had no accuracy and they merely floated up in the air, hoping to land in a receiver’s hands. Sorry, Peyton — you are a hall of fame player and it was a pleasure to watch you play, but the Super Bowl will be your last game, so don’t be a Brett Favre. Please retire.
Miguel: The upcoming Super Bowl game should be his “last rodeo,” as Manning told Patriots head coach Belichick. Father Time is catching up to him. Fellow 1998 NFL Draft member Charles Woodson has already retired. Manning even confessed to Belichick that Super Bowl 50 might be his last game. There is no worry for the future of Manning’s teams. Quarterback Brock Osweiler has proven to be a great successor for the Denver Broncos — even Brady agrees. The Indianapolis Colts have Andrew Luck as their franchise quarterback. Currently, Manning has one more challenge before riding off into the sunset of his career: Beat a Panthers team with a swagger comparable to the 2013 Seattle Seahawks. The only difference now is that Manning has a lockdown defense behind his back. My prediction for this Sunday, Feb. 7? Manning will somehow break Newton’s three laws of motion and perhaps defy gravity.
Kevin gets 3 points for considering Sunday’s outcome. Sean gets 2 points for mentioning his performance this season and Miguel gets 1 point for comparing Manning to Woodson.
2. Was Calgary Flames player Dennis Wideman’s hit on linesman Don Henderson on purpose or was he just disoriented?
Kevin: I think Wideman’s hit was definitely on purpose. I don’t think he meant to injure Henderson as badly as he did, but he was definitely annoyed that there was no call on a shot he took just moments before from Miikka Salomaki. Wideman made no effort to avoid the ref and clearly put his hands up to shove him. Like I said, I don’t think Wideman wanted to seriously injure the official with this hit, but he knew what he was doing and will deservedly get a significant suspension for this.
Sean: I’ve been watching hockey my entire life and never have I seen a hit on a linesman like Wideman’s last week. Whether it was intentional or not, it deserves suspension. That being said, in the replays, it looked quite clear that Wideman was “disoriented” when cross-checking Henderson. Wideman had previously taken a hit into the boards and when he rose from the ice, he lacked balance and he gingerly skated back to his bench. Ignoring the hit, Wideman’s skating to the bench seemed to me as though he had a concussion. While concussions vary from person to person, after receiving a concussion, it is expected that that person will be in a “disoriented” state, and that was the case for Wideman after being hit into the boards. Wideman did not cross-check the linesman on purpose because Wideman did not know who he was hitting. Accidents happen in sports all the time, however, this was an accident that deserves at least minimal suspension. After all, it was a hit on an official.
Miguel: There is no justification to relieve anger by tackling a linesman behind his back. Wideman was more than conscious enough to skate around Henderson and enter the bench. He asserted his arms out to hit Henderson. It was absurd that Wideman was not initially given a penalty for his hit. The NHL made the right decision to suspend Wideman from league play until the public hearings next week. Wideman’s actions send an inappropriate message of unsportsmanlike conduct to younger hockey players. There should not be a mentality of thinking a referee is an opposing player, regardless of the sport. While tension between hockey players is normal, tension between referees and players isn’t. I hope the NHL sends a clear message next week so not one player becomes as reckless as Wideman. The last time an NHL player assaulted a referee, former Boston Bruins defenceman Billy Coutu was banned from playing in the NHL for life. He truly is “Dennis the Menace.”
Miguel gets 3 points for considering the influence of his actions. Sean gets 2 points for saying he should be suspended regardless and Kevin gets 1 point for pointing out frustrations.
3. How are the newest additions to the U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) helping or hurting the team’s chances of qualifying for the Olympics?
Kevin: I don’t think the team should have many issues qualifying for the Olympics. Head coach Jill Ellis is infusing some young blood into this team, but I don’t think the new additions will make a huge impact on the team. The one player they will definitely need to replace is Lauren Holiday. There isn’t really an easy answer in who replaces her. Meghan Klingenberg or Julie Johnston can move up to that role and then a young defender could be brought in. Instead, she might replace Holiday with a young midfielder and keep that defense intact. I think the most important thing that the youngsters can do is push the veterans to not get complacent. Alex Morgan is the most talented forward the team has, but she was not in the best of form in the World Cup. If youngsters like Christen Press and Crystal Dunn can push her, it will only help the team.
Sean: Although the team lost multiple players, their chances of qualifying for the Olympics will remain a guarantee. The squad still includes 13 players from the championship roster. While veterans will lead the team through qualifiers, they may struggle in the future due to a lack of depth when facing top teams. Nearly half of the selected squad was not a part of the team when the U.S. won the World Cup in the summer. One of the most important attributes in soccer is endurance and the top teams might give the U.S. women’s soccer team a run for their money.
Miguel: With a number of key players either injured or retired from last year’s championship team, the upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament provides a perfect opportunity for Ellis to begin a new chapter in U.S. women’s soccer. With new faces on the team, Ellis can continue her team’s winning momentum and build a dynasty. Stephanie McCaffrey has already shown potential after scoring a goal against Brazil during team’s victory tour, while Mallory Pugh gained significant playing time and scored a goal during a 5-0 shutout victory against Ireland on Saturday, Jan. 23. All of the new, youthful, eager players will provide an arsenal for offense. Ellis and the USWNT are definitely prepared for any challenge.
Miguel gets 3 points for evaluating new members. Kevin gets 2 points for considering replacements and Sean gets 1 point for pointing out that half the squad is new.
Miguel wins Around the Dorm 7-6-5.
(01/26/16 10:50pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matthew Ajaj, asks our panel of experts three questions: Should the MLB introduce a salary cap? What NBA team will surge in the second half of the season and which new NFC East coach is primed for success soonest?
1. With MLB teams throwing money at non-superstar talents like Jason Heyward and Justin Upton, is it time for pro baseball to incorporate a salary cap?
Matt: No, MLB will not implement a salary cap anytime soon. It’s not like the fairness of the game depends on a salary cap. All of the best teams build through the draft rather than throw money at free agents. Last year’s World Series teams — the Mets, and the Royals in particular — are small market teams that prove winning is possible without breaking the bank. Even the Yankees, who have long been known to outbid any team, have cut back on spending in recent years. Money like Heyward and Upton received should only be spent to add that final piece that will put the team over the top, as is the case with the Cubs, who gave Heyward a boatload of money. He’s still young and is a complete, five-tool player on who the Cubs rightfully splurged.
Sydney: Two years ago, Heyward and Upton were the Braves’s corner outfielders. Today, it costs almost $317 million to employ the both of them. MLB has a number of price controls in place right now. There is no obligation to pay more than the minimum until a player qualifies for it. That means being eligible for salary arbitration, hard slots in the draft and the MLB luxury tax. These systems of control clearly aren’t enough, though, especially considering free agents’ salaries. The easiest way to fix a roster is to snag a free agent, so it’s mind boggling that they’re paid so heavily. Let’s look at Heyward and Upton individually. Heyward is an elite defender and a talented base-runner. Upton is a more-than-decent hitter and was a tremendous improvement to the Tigers lineup. But ultimately, they aren’t worth such a high cost. It’s time for a salary cap.
Jessica: Having a salary cap would be beneficial for MLB. It’s been shown that teams who spend heavily, like the St. Louis Cardinals who spend upward of $130 million, end up in the playoffs and often make it to the World Series. In the past few years, the only teams that have competed in the World Series have been teams that have a high payroll. Teams that can afford better players just keep stacking the deck and it doesn’t give any other teams a chance to make it the World Series when they are up against these teams. Another issue is that, at this point, players expect that they can get a high salary if they’re worth it. This leads to players that are basically playing for money. When Robinson Cano left the New York Yankees to sign with Seattle Mariners it was clear that the $240 million deal was the number one reason he chose to leave. It goes to show that many players are not as worried about the wins and successes in their careers as they are concerned with their salary. With a cap, it could put more focus on the players and not on the dollar signs that come with them.
Sydney gets 3 points for mentioning the system’s faults. Jessica gets 2 points for talking about players’ intentions and Matt gets 1 point since the Yanks haven’t won with cutting back.
2. The NBA season is halfway over. Which teams do you expect to surge or slump in the second half?
Matt: The Heat currently sit in fifth-place in the dreadful Eastern Conference, and are only three games back of the second seed. The Cavaliers will have the top spot locked up, but after that, the conference is a mess. With experienced leaders like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh leading the way, the Heat have the veteran playoff experience needed to make that late season push. With the emergence of center Hasan Whiteside as a great third option, the Heat have multiple ways to beat teams. Look for them to make a surge for a top-three seed.
Sydney: The top of this year’s Western Conference is a bloodbath. In any other year, the Oklahoma City Thunder would coast in the regular season to a No. 1 seed. Now they’re going to have to play through the end and will struggle down the stretch. A team that relies so heavily on its two stars, the oft-injured Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, can’t expect to keep up the Olympic pace required in the West this year. With the red-hot L.A. Clippers right behind them, I expect the Thunder to drop down to that fourth seed. Meanwhile, it’s easy to see the team directly ahead of the Thunder in the standings, the San Antonio Spurs, enjoy a second-half surge that propels Gregg Popovich’s well-oiled machine into first place. This team knows how to grind out wins better than anyone. Some nights it’s the tried-and-true triumvirate of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili carrying the team and in other games, it’s low-profile players like Jonathon Simmons and MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard. This is a roster built for a full season.
Jessica: In my opinion, the Golden State Warriors are definitely the team to watch. They’ve been successful so far this season, entering the second half with a record of 40-4. They recently fell into a slump, but with the return of Stephen Curry, the Warriors are back on track to how they began the season. Their defense is unstoppable. With Andrew Bogut stepping up to help, the defense is one of the best in the league. They are able to move the ball around the court and have had games where they’ve garnered over 30 assists, something that is one of their goals each time they play. On the other end, the L.A. Lakers continue to disappoint and with a 9-36 record leading into the second half of the season, things don’t look like they will get better. They have games where they may have a chance to take home a “W,” but seem to fall short. The Lakers need to step it up if they want a chance in the playoffs.
Sydney gets 3 points for in-depth analyses. Matt and Jessica each get 2 points for predicting the Heat to get hot and the Warriors to get hotter, respectively.
3. New NFC East coaches Ben McAdoo and Doug Pederson have tough tasks ahead, but who has the better chance of leading their team to a division title next season?
Matt: I would give the nod to Pederson and the Eagles. Former head coach Chip Kelly gutted the roster of talented players, but the Eagles are better positioned than the Giants, who had the worst defense in the NFL last year. One or two players in the draft cannot fix that defense, and with coordinate Steve Spagnuolo returning, it shouldn’t be much better. The Eagles were equally terrible, but coordinator Bill Davis is gone and a new 4-3 scheme has been implemented, which much better suits the team’s personnel. Both offenses are comparable now that Kelly is gone and Pederson will tinker his system to the team’s strengths. For these reasons, give me the Eagles.
Sydney: I’d have to put my money on McAdoo. He has what Pederson wants — defensive coordinator Spagnuolo. While the Eagles don’t necessarily need Spagnuolo to succeed, the blow of rejection puts the new coach at a disadvantage before next season even begins. On top of that, Pederson was likely a fallback choice for the Eagles in the first place, who were interested in McAdoo and perhaps even prepared to offer the position to him before he was snagged by the Giants. McAdoo has been with the Giants since 2014 so he’s familiar with the team. That familiarity should give him an edge over Pederson, who served as the Eagles offensive quality control coach for a few years. He’s been with the Chiefs since 2013, so he’ll definitely need a refresher.
Jessica: Honestly, both coaches have a tough road ahead of them. Pederson is going to have a tough time with the Eagles since he is essentially rebuilding the team. Last year, former Head Coach Kelly tailored the Eagles to what he had wanted after being appointed head of Player Personnel. Kelly had such an idiosyncratic system when it came to coaching the team. This will make using the players Kelly chose difficult in Pederson’s system. On the other hand, McAdoo was the offensive coordinator for the Giants and he made their offense look good during the past couple of years. The expectations will be lower for Pederson, but at the same time people will want to see if he can make the Eagles a winning team.
Matt mentions the disparity between the teams’ defenses, Sydney acknowledges the Eagles settling and Jessica talks about the coaches’ future troubles. Each get 2 points.
Sydney wins Around the Dorm 8-6-5.
(12/01/15 10:44pm)
In this week’s special championship edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Otto Gomez, asks our panel of experts — seeded by their number of wins this semester — three questions: What can stop the Golden State Warriors? What do the off-the-field issues mean for the Patriots legacy and what caused Rhonda Rousey’s first loss?
1. The Golden State Warriors seem unstoppable right now. What matchup strategy could another team use to even be competitive with them come playoff time?
Matthew: On both sides of the ball, the Golden State Warriors outmatch their opponents with superior hustle, sheer ability and height advantage at nearly every position. What keeps the Warriors clicking, however, is their scheme. Their rapidly-run offense relies on quick possessions with perimeter passing to set up the right man for the shot, and the “right” man is every man as they can pretty much all shoot the three. Trying to outrun the cheetah, teams continue to fall prey to the relentless Golden State attack because they play the predator’s game: fast-paced basketball. It is impossible to stop the Warriors, but they can certainly be slowed. Opponents must prioritize playing at their own pace as the Warriors become uncomfortable when forced to accept a sluggish pace. Patient play is the Warriors sole weakness — slow the game down and victory is possible.
Matt: There may not be a solution to stopping the Warriors’ small ball. To stop it, a team needs to have an elite post-up center with solid shooters. Golden State was able to run the table in the playoffs last year with ease because no team could stop it. They also did not play the Spurs, maybe the only team in the conference that could stop them. In the wise words of the unwise coach Chip Kelly, “big people beat up little people.” When the Warriors go small and athletic, the Spurs should go big. The ageless wonder, Tim Duncan, and highly-touted newcomer LaMarcus Aldridge can score at ease against the small Warriors. The problem for them is stopping the Warriors’ shooting on the outside, which may be impossible. I’m not saying the Spurs can beat the Warriors, but there’s a chance.
Michael: If anything is going to stop Golden State, I think the best bet is time. Yes, they are hot now, but the real test will be if they still are after the mid-point of the season. This team is good, and right now, I think only a handful of teams (the Thunder, the Pacers or the Spurs) can give them a challenge. They have hustle, giving them advantages when it comes to breaking through defenses easily or going for three-pointers. But what happens if Steph Curry or Klay Thompson goes down injured? Can the team still play without their big dogs? Right now, at this moment, I believe the only thing that could stop them is solid defense that can handle Curry, be quick enough to stay with him but also avoid double covering him and leaving an opening somewhere else. Other than that, the long NBA season will need to take a toll on the Champs if any team wants to find a chink in this armor.
Matthew gets 2 points for noting every player as a threat. Matt gets 1 point because outside shooting isn’t an issue and Michael also gets 1 point for not mentioning the other players.
2. What does the off-the-field issues and repeated success of the Patriots say about the team and the roles of the team leaders?
Matthew: Winning trumps all. The New England Patriots have remained the best organization in football throughout the current millennium due to their unparalleled ability to win games. Robert Kraft has been selling out the stadium since becoming owner in 1994, and since he hired head coach Bill Belichick, the Pats have gone on to take the division title 80 percent of the time. Tom Brady has four Super Bowl rings and a couple of MVPs to show for his past 15 years of service. Controversy cannot supersede the sheer dominance of the 2000s Patriots, made possible by the minds of these three men. Only the San Francisco 49ers teams of the 1980s can match modern Patriots’ accolades, and many a debate can be had between the superiority of their respective owner, coach and quarterback.
Matt: There is no doubt that when it’s all said and done, Brady and Belichick will be the best to have ever done it at their respective posts. Kraft is just along for the ride, with Belichick largely in control of the organization. Sure, there has been plenty of controversy, but winning cures all, and the Patriots win a lot. Deflategate was blown way out of proportion and didn’t really even affect the outcome of the game. It was a witch-hunt by Goodell to repair his image after his mishandling of the Ray Rice scandal. Nice try, Roger. Spygate was a clear-cut example of cheating and one that should have been handled severely. But, as usual, Goodell mishandled the punishment. Hate them for cheating, but hate Goodell more for not putting an end to their cheating.
Michael: They are the best, and they have the rings to prove it (well except Belichick, he’s missing one thanks to Vladimir Putin). The Patriots are not Pete Rose — the things they have done (or not done) don’t over shadow the feats they have accomplished. Belichick is the George Patton of the grid iron, he’s calm and knows how to strategies under pressure. Tom Brady is America’s golden boy, and his play has always been great. Even if he has a bad game, he shoulders the blame. Kraft is... OK. Honestly, he has never been the main focus of the franchise and that isn’t really an issue since he gives the team the reigns it needs to succeed. The organization will be seen as a high point of the NFL in the 2000s. Vince Lombardi’s Packers, the Steelers’ Steel Curtain, the Super Bowl Shuffle Bears and Belichick’s Patriots can go down on the NFL’s mount Rushmore.
Matt gets 3 points for hating Goodell. Matthew gets 2 points for noting winning’s importance and Michael gets 1 point for forgetting about Joe Montana.
3. Explain what caused one of the biggest sports upsets ever this last Saturday when Ronda Rousey lost to Holly Holm.
Matthew: I don’t know anything about professional fighting. However, this lack of education on the matter is precisely the cause of Americans’ shock waves of surprise following Ronda Rousey’s defeat. When she came onto the scene and exuded such dominance within her sport, the public fully embraced her. All we had ever seen was this highly vocal, personable figure crush her opponents within seconds. Rousey was the embodiment of women’s fighting. Thus, when we saw her fall to that mighty kick by Holly Holm, it was like seeing The Road Runner get caught by Wile E. Coyote — we were in disbelief. At some point, we forgot she was human, consequently causing our brains to blow up upon learning that Ronda Rousey could, indeed, fail. Nonetheless, Holm’s victory proves the sport is much more than a one-woman sport.
Matt: I’m not going to pretend like I know anything about women’s mixed martial arts. Does anyone? Everyone knows Ronda Rousey, though. She’s that fighter that goes on all of the talk shows. She was in “Entourage!” The point is, she’s a celebrity. Maybe that played into her defeat. Maybe she overlooked her opponent and focused too much on the celebrity life. Probably not, though. She seems to have worked hard to become the top in her sport. Even the best teams and athletes have an off night. That’s what happened to Rousey. She ran into a motivated opponent and for one night she wasn’t the best in her sport.
Michael: A brutal kick to the skull. That’s what caused it. Ronda was off her game that entire match and I’m not actually sure why. Holm dominated the distance game, not allowing Rousey to get close and pin/submit her. Nine of Rousey’s 12 wins were by submission, so keeping her back was key. What caused this was honestly one battle strategy beating another. I can’t speak on Holm’s past fights, but Rousey’s formula was always get close and attack the arm, or KO. This upset may have been huge, but it’s great for the sport, as the pay-per-view with “Rousey-Holm II” will be massive. If Rousey loses again she either has Hollywood or WWE and Holm has a career in front of her that I think can go places.
Michael gets 3 points for analysis of both fighters. Matthew gets 2 points for noting reactions and Matt gets 1 point because she’s not a celebrity, she’s a fighter first.
Matthew wins the Around the Dorm Championship 6-5-5.
(11/18/15 12:43am)
In this week’s special edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” George Tatoris, asks our panel of past and present sports editors three questions: Should DraftKings and FanDuel be illegal? Are the Panthers or Bengals more likely to make it to the Super Bowl and should Kobe Bryant play in the 2016 Olympics?
1. Is New York state right about DraftKings and FanDuel? Should they be illegal?
Michael: I don’t agree with the ban if it’s permanent, it’s extremely dumb and gives New Yorkers more reason to come to the Garden State for their sports betting needs. The allegations and stories about how users were able to bet and make moves after the deadline make me think websites like DraftKings need either more security or some regulation. At the same time, New York shouldn’t be telling residents how they can and cannot spend their money with this being such a gray area. DraftKings and FanDuel aren’t typical sports betting websites since, when it’s done right and not by users messing with the system, smart people make money for their planned out strategies. It’s an unfortunate situation for New Yorkers who use the site, but I expect the websites to return to state residents in a few weeks after some tune ups are made. If not, internet proxies are an option for those who need their one day fantasy teams.
Mackenzie: New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman must have taken a sip from his extra-large soda that former Mayor Bloomberg tried to ban just a few years ago. With all of that sugar in his head, it’s no wonder he set out on his own banning spree in New York. It’s not a matter of DraftKings or FanDuel’s legality in this situation, it’s that a ban in one state won’t stop fans from finding online gambling. I’m not a political person, so I can’t say that I know what is best or if stopping people from gambling really is illegal, but just like people would always find a way to get their XL soda fix, “banning” the online sites won’t really stop fans.
Matt: I don’t think daily fantasy sites like FanDuel and DraftKings should be illegal. To me, it’s not really gambling. Unlike roulette, slot machines and most other forms of gambling, daily fantasy sites take skill. Players have to know which athletes to pick and which to pass on. Daily fantasy is not random. However, it is unfair, which is most likely why it was deemed illegal. The players that win big spend thousands of dollars, where the everyday man will only pay a 10th of that. The more money you spend joining multiple leagues, the better chance you have to win. When a casual player goes up against one of the richer players, who use formulas to maximize their rosters, they don’t stand a chance. At least we have all been spared from the never-ending Fanduel commercials… for now.
Matt gets 3 points for saying the sites aren’t real gambling. Michael gets 2 points for pointing out the gray area and Mackenzie gets 1 point for saying that gambling wouldn’t stop.
2. The NFL season is halfway through and two teams, besides the Patriots, are undefeated. Which team is the better Super Bowl contender — the Panthers or the Bengals?
Michael: The Carolina Panthers have the better chance to make it to Super Bowl Sunday than Cincinnati does. First of all, look at their remaining schedule! They play every team in the NFC East (minus the Eagles), the Saints and the Buccaneers. The only challenge they truly have is taking on Atlanta twice in the span of three weeks, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they split those. Then in the playoffs, I think they’ll beat the fourth or fifth seed and walk by Green Bay who are busy having their yearly choke. That’s not even mentioning talent like tight end Greg Olsen, who at 30, is coming off a Pro Bowl season with numbers that could match his 2009 best. Quarterback Cam Newton has thrown for 14 touchdowns, and the running offense has been pretty solid the past few weeks. Everything is working so well that I honestly can’t see them not being in the Big Game.
Mackenzie: The Panthers have the heart and nerve that the Bengals lack to remain undefeated. That stems from the Panthers quarterback himself, Cam Newton. The five-year veteran is looking like a young Tom Brady at that time in his career, and, yes, that is referring to skills and looks. Jokes aside, Newton is out to protect the win streak with scrappy energy that has the team fired up. From ripping down a Green Bay Packers banner that was hung outside his home stadium to throwing 297 yards that game, Newton is playoff ready because he is ready to protect his house.
Matt: As much as I don’t think the Panthers are for real, I believe in the Bengals and Andy Dalton even less. Every year it seems as though the Bengals impress in the NFC North and have high expectations heading into the playoffs. And then, Dalton reverts into one of the worst quarterbacks to ever play the game in the first round. The Bengals are much improved this year, and so is Dalton. Even if he doesn’t choke, the team still has no chance against the Patriots in a potential playoff matchup. As for the Panthers, I didn’t think they were good at all after five weeks. Then they beat the Eagles and the Packers and proved me wrong. With their defense, and Newton protecting the ball, the Panthers have a real shot at winning the NFC.
Michael gets 3 points for mentioning the Panthers’ schedule. Mackenzie gets 2 points for getting to the heart of the matter and Matt gets 1 point for Dalton’s past disappointments.
3. Should 37-year-old Kobe Bryant be allowed to end his career with the 2016 Olympics like he wants, or should a younger star take his place?
Michael: Kobe Bryant should be replaced, because for two of the last four years, he hasn’t played a full season without dealing with some injury. The Olympics are supposed to showcase the best of the best in American sporting talent, and Kobe hasn’t proven himself in the past few years. There shouldn’t be a reserved seat for Kobe because he’s Kobe. Younger stars like Jordan Clarkson and Andrew Wiggins (depending on how they do this year), could argue they deserve it, but it might be too soon for them (but I wouldn’t be against it). In the end, though, we all know the U.S.A. will win the gold metal in 2016 — they’ve won five out of the last six and no other country really looks as powerful.
Mackenzie: Had the Olympics not done away with baseball, there is no question that Derek Jeter would have held out his career to be sent off globally in the upcoming Rio Olympics. No one would have questioned his abilities or motives, rather, they would have called him an American hero and given him a worthy send-off. Why isn’t the same being done for Kobe Bryant? A man with his legacy deserves to be sent off on the world’s stage with fans from around the world giving their proper farewells. America’s Dream Team won’t disappoint so Bryant can end his career a winner, rather than not even making it to the playoffs with the Lakers who are still rebuilding. Jeter’s career came to a close in a similar fashion when the Yankees couldn’t pull off a successful season for their captain’s last go-around. Had Jeter gotten one last go at the Olympics there would have been an added layer to his farewell legacy. Bryant has that opportunity and deserves a chance to go out on top.
Matt: Sure he should be allowed. Olympic basketball is a joke, anyway. What difference does it make if Bryant or some 22-year-old kid rides the bench? Neither of them will make a difference, for better or worse. The U.S.A. will blow out almost every other team in the tournament, like always. Bryant is one of the best to ever play the game. He should be able to end things on his terms, even if he isn’t worthy of an Olympic roster spot.
Mackenzie gets three points for the Jeter comparison. Michael gets 2 points for Kobe’s injuries and Matt gets 1 point for saying Olympic basketball is a joke.
Michael wins Around the Dorm 7-6-5.
(11/17/15 10:07pm)
Every week, Features Editor Jessica Ganga hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
In the past week, students on college campuses across the country have been coming together to show solidarity with the University of Missouri (Mizzou). Mizzou’s students have been leading protests due to racial slurs and issues regarding how the administration has not been addressing the situation. The College’s Black Student Union (BSU) supported Mizzou on Monday, Nov. 16 by hosting a blackout where students dressed in all black to show solidarity. In 2000, Conor Fortune reported on a rally that BSU held in response to biased issues on our own campus.
In a rare moment of campus unity, a panel of administrators, faculty and students addressed a crowd of several hundred gathered for a rally outside the Student Center on issues surrounding recent biased incidents last Thursday afternoon.
The rally, organized by the Black Student Union (BSU) and the administration in direct response to a hate e-mail received by BSU on Wednesday, called for greater level of communication and accountability on behalf of all members of the campus community in discouraging biased events.
In an e-mail message to the campus community, Steve Briggs, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs stated the rally’s purpose and called for the cancellation of classes from 2:00 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. on Thursday. Among three confirmed biased incidents in Briggs’ e-mail was the main impetus for the rally — a hate e-mail sent to BSU.
“This is a horrific and vitriolic message,” said Briggs in his email. “I share the anger, sadness and concern of the students whom this message targets. I understand the fear.”
Speakers atop a stage set up outside the student center acknowledged this fear, sparked by the horrific biased events that have in recent weeks targeted minority groups and shaken the campus community’s sense of security. Poignant and impassioned remarks were interspersed with peals of applause.
Jamal Johnson, BSU vice president and junior elementary education and sociology major, addressed the gathering by saying, “Let it be known that March 9, 2000, students, faculty administration and staff came together to take a stand against ignorance.”
President R. Barbara Gitenstein called for a condemnation of biased acts that occur on this campus, which she described as “appalling, frightening and unacceptable.”
“We must, in a unified voice, let those who express threatening, racist sexist and homophobic messages know that we will respond to their words and deeds.” she said.
(11/11/15 12:57am)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Miguel Gonzalez, asks our panel of experts three questions: Should the NBA raise the age limit? Where will Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke head off to and should the College Football (CFB) committee expand the playoff bracket to eight teams?
1. Should the NBA raise the age limit to decrease the amount of one-and-done players in college basketball?
Kevin: Although I think there is a good chance that the NBA and the NCAA collude to increase the age requirement for the NBA, I think it would be a horrible idea and do a huge disservice to the players. For every mediocre one-and-done player sitting at the end of an NBA bench or in another league, there is a superstar one-and-done who didn’t need extra college seasoning to become successful in the league. Are there plenty of players that come out for the draft each year that are not NBA ready? Absolutely. However, these players need to have the “right to fail.” Who am I to tell a player that they can’t give it a shot going into the league? Some of these players went to play in college with one goal in mind — to make it to the NBA, and if they think they’re ready to go, they should be allowed to try. There have been many cases where players have had their draft stocks seriously hurt by coming back to school — James Michael McAdoo — or have gotten injured while they’re not getting a check — Kevin Ware. If the NBA and NCAA require players to stay in college even longer, I think more and more players will go overseas to play so they can get paid, and this will remove more talent from the college game.
Sean: To be eligible for the NFL draft, “players must have been out of high school for three years and must have used up their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season.” This allows for the draftee to gain a degree in case their athletic dreams do not pan out, a safety net the NBA does not supply. In a study done by Amherst College, results showed that those who were drafted without degrees rarely went on to other careers, even when struggling in the league. Not every young athlete is Kobe Bryant and, in my opinion, NBA draftees need an education like those in other sports. The NBA needs to raise the age limit to decrease the number of one-and-done players in college basketball.
George: When a college athlete — of any sport — uses higher education as a springboard for their highly improbable professional career (only 1.2 percent of NCAA basketball players get into the NBA), it is an insult to education in general. If an athlete attends a college of university only to be drafted after a year of study, there is no point for them to attend school in the first place. The NBA should up the age limit, if only to prevent these young men from risking their future for a pipedream.
Kevin get 3 points for mentioning the downfalls of McAdoo and Ware. Sean and George get 2 points for analyzing NBA quotes and statistics.
2. Where will the Dodgers’ all-star free agent, pitcher Zack Greinke, head during the MLB off-season.
Kevin: I don’t think Zack Greinke is going anywhere. The decision to opt-out of his contract was purely financial. He’s 32 right now which means this is essentially the last chance for him to get a big money, long-term deal with any team. He wasn’t getting one at 35 when his deal was supposed to expire. He had one of the best season of his career during 2015 pitching for the Dodgers and I think staying in the National League will allow him to maintain that level of success. The Dodgers will also do everything they can to keep him in order to retain one of the best one-two punches in baseball with him and Clayton Kershaw.
Sean: To predict where all-star pitcher Zack Greinke will head during the MLB off-season is not an easy task, but as I have read the rumors, one team has caught my eye. I wish Greinke would come to New York, but sadly, I think he will go to our most hated rival, Boston. It has been reported that Greinke has been talking to his former teammate, best friend and the Red Sox director of pitching analytics, Brian Bannister, about joining the Red Sox in Boston and, as much as it pains me to say this, I think it is a good fit. I picture Greinke in a big city baseball market and I would not be surprised if that big city happened to be Boston.
George: Greinke will go to many places during the off-season, but the most important place he will go to is within himself. The distraught pitcher will soon realize that, despite seemingly having it all, he still does not feel complete. In search of fulfillment, he will embark on an epic journey around the globe. Through cities, countries, cultures, he will drink from the deep well of civilization, but always his mouth will be dry. Disheartened, he will go to the river, and while looking at his reflection, realize he was never unwhole, he was always Zack Greinke, MLB free agent. At the riverbank, the free agent will learn true freedom — and sign with the Dodgers again.
George gets 3 points for his vivid illustration. Sean gets 2 points for describing Greinke’s relationship with Bannister and Kevin gets 1 point for mentioning Greinke’s old age.
3. Do you think the CFB committee should expand the playoff bracket to eight teams?
Kevin: I don’t think that college football should expand to eight teams. Chances are there will not be five major conference undefeated teams at the end of the season. No matter how many there are in the field, there will always be one or two teams that people think got left out. There are teams that people think get left out of the college basketball field and that’s a field of 68. With so many teams having solid résumés, it’s impossible to make everyone happy. I also think that you don’t want to devalue the college football regular season. It’s arguably the most popular regular season in all of sports because every week is so important. Any loss can potentially end your hopes of making the playoffs and winning a title. If a team like Baylor runs the table, they will be in the playoffs. Every year, there is a legitimate argument to be made for why each team doesn’t make the playoffs
Sean: As much as I would love to be biased and say yes so my Notre Dame Fighting Irish would be in the playoff bracket without sneaking into the top four, the answer is no. If the committee were to expand the bracket to an eight-team playoff, then upsets would suddenly be a possibility. While upsets might be fun in March Madness, the committee does not want to see No. 1 Clemson lose to No. 8 TCU, which if an eight-team playoff were to happen, this would be a possibility. I love the idea of expanding the new playoff system, but the CFB committee will never do it and that is fine by me.
George: I think they should expand the bracket eventually, but they should wait out to see whether this trend continues, not base the decision on one season. Expanding the bracket will only work if college football remains competitive. Expanding will give teams in less-than-stellar conferences a shot at the championship, and make things more interesting for the audience. Take March Madness, for example. Part of the reason it’s so popular is because of the number of teams that compete. It allows the competition to include more dark horses to come out of the woodwork.
Kevin and George get 3 points for NCAA March Madness comparisons. Sean gets 2 points for pointing out the CFB committee’s reluctance to expand.
George wins Around the Dorm 8-7-6.
(11/10/15 7:09pm)
Every week, Features Editor Jessica Ganga hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
Last Friday, Nov. 6, students got to enjoy a lecture by transgender actress and activist, Laverne Cox. The event was hosted by College Union Board (CUB), the organization on campus that brings events such as lectures like Cox and concerts to the college. Have you ever wondered how organizations like CUB get funded for large events such as this one? In 2010, News Editors, Brianna Gunter and Katie Brenzel reported how Student Finance Board (SFB) allocates the Student Activity Fee (SAF). In an excerpt from the article, the writers gave students a better understanding on how organizations on campus receive the funds they need to bring new and exciting events to campus.
Each year the College is host to a multitude of events held by students and aimed toward students. But where does the money for these events come from? According to Michael Stolar, executive director of the Student Finance Board (SFB), the answer is the Student Activity Fee (SAF).
SAF is a fee paid each year by every student at the College. It is included in a student’s bill for tuition and other fees and is currently $203 per year for each student.
SFB is in charge of allocating the SAF money to student organizations and events.
“We don’t have a cap on how much we give out, but every student group submits a budget each year,” Stolar said when asked if SFB was limited to a certain amount of SAF money it is allowed to distribute annually.
However, Stolar said the budgets submitted by each group generally determines the amount they receive each year.
When a group wants to request a new budget, they must fill out a detailed form (found on SFB’s Web site) explaining what their organization is and its purpose, how many events they have held that year, how many members they have, as well as why they deserve SAF funding.
Like many student clubs and organizations, the College Union Board (CUB) receives a base budget of SAF money from SFB every year. This year’s base budget for programming is $137,000, according to CUB finance director, Allie Binaco.
The base budget is dedicated to annual events, such as the Film Series, while other events, such as fall and spring concerts, are presented to SFB. Though the Brower Student Center Latenighter, TCNJ Holiday and Global Palooza are scheduled each year, Binaco said the difference in themes require CUB to present to SFB each year. For example, SFB recently granted CUB $30,201.80 for this year’s L.A. Latenighter, while last year’s “I Heart N.J.” cost $24,520. CUB also receives a budget for events in Rathskeller, which is approximately $40,000 this year, Binaco said.
The fall and spring concerts tend to demand the most funds, Binaco said, depending on the magnitude of the artist’s popularity. Ludacris and Lupe Fiasco’s performance at the College last spring, for example, was funded by the $160,88 granted by SFB.
Deciding high profile events requires research of the performer and a “system of checks and balances’ by the CUB elected and general board, Binaco said.
Polling student interest is also a component of his process. The practice of polling the student body is fairly recent Binaco said, but it isn’t required from the club in planning events. Controversy over Tucker Max’s recent appearance, which was enabled by the $16,138.40 of SAF granted to CUB, prompted CUB to administer a second poll to measure campus response.
(11/04/15 4:01pm)
Every week, Features Editor Jessica Ganga hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories.
As students of the College, we all know how hard we worked to get into the school and how hard we must continue to work here. The College has consistently been named to top college lists throughout the years, recently being named the top public college in the north by U.S. News & World Report. The College was also just named a national exemplar in undergraduate research. In 1999, President R. Barbara Gitenstein addressed students, faculty and administration about the College being considered a public Ivy League school. In an excerpt of Kimberly Garnick’s article, Gitenstein praised the College for its “special intellectual membership between faculty and students,” citing it as one of the reasons the College has successful programs and students.
President R. Barbara Gitenstein addressed the College’s need for internal and external collaboration in order to transform the College, into what she called, a public Ivy League school.
Her address, given at the Third Annual Leadership Convocation in the Music Building on March 3, followed the presentation of two awards to alumni.
Gitenstein, addressing students, faculty and administrators, told the audience that the transformation to a public Ivy League school involves intensive, broadly based planning, academic affairs and outreach. As part of that plan, she said collaboration is also a “productive vehicle for change.”
She said she had met with the presidents of area schools including Princeton, Rider, Thomas Edison and Mercer County College in hopes to “develop productive partnerships for the good of the city and the state.”
Gitenstein said the presidents will continue to meet every six weeks to two months in order to discuss these collaborations.
There are two issues that Gitenstein said the College has to work on.
“We have to productively use technology in the classroom as a pedagogical tool and to further collaborate with K-12 institutions to ensure students are well-prepared,” she said.
Gitenstein also emphasized that the college has to maintain the public’s trust in promoting higher education and should be held accountable by the public.
“We said (to the public), ‘Trust us, we’re higher education,’” she said. “But they are turning around and saying, prove to us what you can do.”
According to Gitenstein, students, faculty and administrators must become more involved in the institution.
She elaborated on her definition of a teacher/scholar, meaning someone who is both and excellent teacher and excellent scholar that mentors the student.
Gitenstein lauded the college for its strong support of faculty research by naming numerous professors who had received prestigious awards.
“We are known at TCNJ as an institution that prides itself on its special intellectual membership between faculty and students and prove special relationships by successful programs,” Gitenstein said.
In her speech, Gitenstein also gave an academic preview of the incoming freshman class.
“Although I cannot tell you what the class is going to look like, the 2,315 students accepted as of March 1, have an average SAT score of 1274,” she said.
According to Gitenstein, the College has the highest enrollment of student scholars and an 85 percent acceptance rate.
Gitenstein, in praising the College’s athletic program, congratulated the women’s basketball team for its undefeated regular season, and lauded the College for being the number two school behind Washington University, in Division III.
(11/03/15 11:08pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matthew Ajaj, asks our panel of experts three questions: Who will leave the biggest impact in the NBA this year? Can the Patriots be perfect this season and will the Mets try to pick up Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy from free agency in the offseason?
1. After a transaction-packed NBA offseason, which player will leave the biggest impact on his new team?
Miguel: Although disappointing early on, the Knicks can utilize Derrick William’s offensive production for a small price. William’s transfer is a baby step for the Knicks as they recover from their worst record — 17-65 — in franchise history. Williams and rookie Kristaps Porzingis will replace the roles of departed players — J.R. Smith, Iman Shumpert and Amar’e Stoudemire. The only major concern with Williams is his lazy defense and lack of rebounding, earning a low 7.7 percent rebounding rate and an average of 0.1 blocks per game last season. Also, I’m curious to see how Williams performs under the New York spotlight in comparison to quiet Minnesota and Sacramento. I do not expect Williams to average 20 points per game, but his presence will accelerate Phil Jackson’s gradual rebuilding of the team. Perhaps Jackson is formulating a triangular offense around Williams, Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony.
Connor: Although the Spurs adding LaMarcus Aldridge garnered most of the attention, Ty Lawson to the Houston Rockets may have the most impact on a team. It’s no secret that the Rockets relied on James Harden heavily last season. Lawson’s potential seemed to outweigh his off-the-court risks enough for General Manager Daryl Morey to pull the trigger. Combining Lawson with the man who finished second in the MVP voting should be great for him statistically, assuming the Rockets can work on some chemistry issues. They did keep the Warriors competitive in the Western Conference Finals, and I believe Lawson may have what it takes to bring the Rockets up a notch.
Otto: LaMarcus Aldridge was the biggest name in this year’s shallow free agent pool and his decision to go to San Antonio will have a huge impact on the Western Conference. He is a young player still, especially compared to a lot of the Spurs’ roster and will help in giving players like Tim Duncan some more rest. While Aldridge will often stop the ball movement of the Spurs, he will quickly assimilate into the system and have a huge impact. The team is now significantly better on offense and doesn’t lose a lot on defense. Aldridge is locked up for the future, meaning that coach Gregg Popovich is set for the foreseeable future after the reign of Duncan is over. Aldridge gives the Spurs more size and allows them to spread the court out more. Don’t be one bit surprised if the Spurs finish as the third seed or higher this year.
Connor and Otto get 3 points each for mentioning two standout players and Miguel gets 1 point because Williams will not be nearly as impactful.
2. The New England Patriots are now 7-0. Is a perfect season on the horizon?
Miguel: Yes, until the Super Bowl. This year’s Patriots team mimics the almost legendary 2007 squad: Coming off a scandal, offensive powerhouses, defensive standouts and most of all, Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick. Clearly, Brady is looking for vengeance after enduring numerous trials this past summer. He isn’t showing any sign of age with his current record of 20 touchdowns this season. Belichick will intimidate NFL commissioner Roger Goodell by letting the Patriots demolish their opponents. In addition, the Patriots’ remaining schedule isn’t too challenging, with some exceptions. I would not be surprised if the Patriots achieve an overall +315 point differential. Although, Brady should be worried if Eli and the Giants can mark off their losing column.
Connor: The New England Patriots have outscored their opponents by an average margin of 16.6 points per game. Tom Brady is slowly cementing his case as one of the greatest of all time, and it doesn’t appear that any team in the NFL can stand as tall. That being said, the New York Jets showed there are flaws that can be exposed. They held a lead into the fourth quarter before a series of touchdown drives put the Pats ahead in the end. One thing that stands out is that the Jets’ defense, ranked second overall, kept the game competitive despite an underwhelming offense. The Patriots must beat the No. 1 ranked defense, the Denver Broncos, if they want to end the season undefeated. The Broncos aren’t the only team that could stop the Patriots, but they are the best bet. They have the best pass defense and Peyton Manning can never be underestimated. A perfect season is a nearly impossible feat, and the Patriots will be learning that the hard way.
Otto: I don’t think so. There’s a reason that a perfect season has only happened once, and in my opinion, that 2007 Patriots team was a little more explosive on offense than this year’s team. Also, they will have clinched the division by the last couple of games and will rest their starters a bit. It’s very hard to stay consistently great and this year, with a record number of 6-0 teams, I think the Patriots will fall at some point. On defense they are not extraordinary, just good. While that is obviously above average, they will come across a good offensive team and they might slip. If they stay healthy, however, I see them getting all the way to the Super Bowl. If Gronk can stay on the field, this team is very dangerous. However, Brady is bound to look like a mortal at some point and the team might follow.
Miguel gets 3 points for discussing Brady’s vengeance tour. Otto gets 2 points for being realistic and Connor gets 1 point for thinking the Broncos have a chance against the Pats.
3. Will the Mets resign free agents Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy?
Miguel: It’s guaranteed that journeyman Yoenis Cespedes will depart from the Big Apple once the offseason begins. (unless the Yankees are interested). He will be too expensive for the Mets to maintain. They will have to worry about keeping their stellar pitching staff and cannot risk the money, especially if they want to continue competing in the future. On the other hand, Murphy has shown devoted loyalty to the fans of New York. Even though Cespedes is more consistent in the regular season than Murphy, I believe Murphy would be more than delighted to stay in the city that never sleeps. Maybe the Mets’ front office should have been a little more careful when they negotiated Bobby Bonilla’s contract.
Connor: Although Cespedes and Murphy have had massive impacts individually this offseason, it is very unlikely the team will be able to keep both. Murphy’s recent success was certainly helped by batting in front of Cespedes, but Cespedes cooling off right before the playoffs has not helped him. The Wilpons — the majority owners of the Mets — don’t like to spend money on big name players. Sandy Alderson has shown he would rather spend less money on upside acquisitions rather than dump money thanks to prior success, with David Wright being the exception. Murphy will likely be given a qualifying offer which means his future with the team hinges on how much he likes being with the Mets.
Otto: I think one of the two will be back, but not both. Murphy has had maybe the greatest postseason for any hitter, and so in the offseason he will be offered a lot more than he deserves. Whether the Mets decided to pay him will be dependent on where they place their priorities. Cespedes literally changed the entire National League, carrying probably the worst offense in August all the way to the World Series. He is very important for this team and should be the top priority. The Mets have to realize that as a franchise they have found gold in their starting pitchers and have to lock these guys down. If they spend all their money on an average second baseman who had an abnormal postseason, they’ll lose their young starters and will return to mediocrity.
Miguel gets 3 points for the Bonilla reference. Connor gets 2 points for noting the Wilpons’ stinginess and Otto receives 0 points for calling Murphy an average second baseman.
Miguel wins Around the Dorm 7-6-5.
(11/03/15 9:47am)
By Julie Kayzerman, Colleen Murphy and Annette Espinoza
Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor and Correspondent
The College has placed its chapter of Sigma Pi fraternity on interim suspension, spokesman Dave Muha told The Signal. This status is dependent on the results of a pending investigation into the organization’s potential violations of the College’s policy governing fraternity and sorority life, he said.
The investigation is being headed by Elizabeth Gallus, the director of the Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution Services at the College. The Theta Delta chapter of the fraternity was placed on interim suspension for incidents that allegedly took place in September. According to the College’s policies outlined in the “Fraternity and Sorority Life Privileges and Responsibilities” online page, interim suspension “will only be imposed in exceptional circumstances to ensure the health, safety or welfare of members of the College or property of the College.”
“When the College receives credible information about possible serious violations of the student conduct code by a recognized student organization, it conducts a preliminary investigation that can result in interim suspension of that organization pending resolution of the matter,” Muha said.
The College will not comment on the specifics of the allegations that led to the fraternity’s suspension as it is the school’s practice not to comment about ongoing investigations. However, there has been widespread discussion on social media about the fraternity and an alleged sexual assault. It remains unclear what, if anything, had allegedly taken place.
“We are taking this seriously and took the step (in September) of placing the fraternity on interim suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation,” Muha said.
An interim suspension results in an immediate suspension of recognition and privileges as defined by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Sigma Pi has been prohibited from acting on the 26 privileges it was formerly granted as a recognized fraternity, according to the College’s “Fraternity and Sorority Life Privileges and Responsibilities.” This includes the ability to hold socials, recruit members and conduct meetings.
The fraternity is no longer listed on Lion’s Gate, the new online hub for student organizations. It has also been removed from the list of Greek Life chapters at the College from the websites of the Inter Greek Council and Panhellenic Association. The fraternity, however, is being allowed the sole privilege of keeping its organization’s email so that the College has a way to communicate with them during the investigation, Muha said.
While Sigma Pi lost the privilege to participate in the College’s Homecoming activities, individual brothers of the organization were still allowed to participate, according to Muha. Muha confirmed that members of the fraternity participated in Homecoming under the team of Delta Phi Epsilon and Co., without representing the fraternity as a whole.
According to Muha, participation in Homecoming does not require group membership and is open to any student. Therefore, individual students who happened to be members of Sigma Pi fraternity were allowed to participate, but were not able to represent Sigma Pi. Delta Phi Epsilon and Co. won this year’s Homecoming events.
Neither the College’s chapter nor the international chapter of Sigma Pi would return multiple requests for comment.
According to the Sigma Pi TCNJ Theta Delta Facebook page, “The organization strives to build a brotherhood that raises the standards of morality and develops character in undergraduate males. Sigma Pi’s ideals are to maintain an aristocracy of learning, diffuse culture, encourage chivalry, promote the spirit of civic righteousness and quicken the national conscience.”
Ewing Police confirmed that they are not involved in the investigation and Campus Police declined to comment.
The College could not comment on how it became aware of the allegations against the fraternity.
Additionally, there is no specific time frame on the length of the investigation.
“The Office of Student Conduct and Dispute Resolution Services conducts all investigations as quickly as possible, paying particular attention to the need for thoroughness and to protect the rights of the parties involved,” Muha said.
(10/30/15 2:38pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matt Bowker, asks our panel of experts three questions: Are the Seahawks coming back this season? Who will win the World Series this year and what has been the biggest surprise in the NHL this year so far?
1. After a rough start, have the Seahawks turned their season around?
Matthew: No longer is besting the San Francisco 49ers considered to be a significant accomplishment. The Seattle Seahawks are not out of the woods, though, as they have yet to beat an average team, let alone a good one. Seattle lost some pieces this offseason and it appears that the team is just not gelling like it has been the last few years. Getting Marshawn Lynch back is certainly a plus, but the offensive line remains a major issue. The Seahawks will continue to rely on their secondary — the Legion of Boom — to keep them in games. With the Arizona Cardinals flying high, I do not think Seattle will be able to recapture the division title. However, once they get their act together, a Wild Card berth should be attainable and allow Seattle to make some noise in the playoffs.
Michael: No, this team doesn’t click in the same ways it used to. The Seahawks only have wins against teams like Chicago, Detroit and San Francisco whose seasons are going far worse than theirs, and they have lost to undefeated teams like Cincinnati, Green Bay and Carolina. The defending NFC Champs still have the “Legion of Boom,” but after you give up a 24-7 fourth quarter lead, even if it was Cincinnati — that honestly might not be enough. It also doesn’t help that Russell Wilson is under more pressure than he’s used to, getting sacked six times and fumbling twice against the Lions. The O-Line of this team isn’t the same, and all the offseason moves have really hurt this team’s chemistry. So unless the Cardinals have a huge collapse, I wouldn’t worry about Seattle, and even then, Nick Foles’ nation in St. Louis is a bigger threat.
George: Thursday’s win over San Francisco makes it clear that the Seahawks are back in business after a pitiful few weeks. Their performance echoed back to a team that went toe-to-toe with the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. But they aren’t totally back in the game yet. They’re going to have to do a lot more if they’re going to make up for their poor performance this season. Having beat their rival so thoroughly, they may feel inclined to pick up their game. But, they still have a ways to go.
Matthew and Michael get 3 points for pointing out the schedule and George gets 2 points for remaining optimistic.
2. Who will win the World Series this year and why?
Matthew: Ever since they acquired Yoenis Cespedes on Friday, July 31, the New York Mets have been my World Series pick and I am sticking to that. However, the real star of the playoffs has been Daniel Murphy, who became the first player in MLB history to hit a home run in six straight postseason games. Built with little money, but gushing in team chemistry, the “other” New York baseball team has quickly captured the hearts of Americans across the country with their uplifting play. This lovable Metropolitan squad has found success by mastering the perfect playoff formula: hot hitting and shutdown pitching. After a regular season jam-packed with magical moments, the Mets appear poised to bring another championship to the Big Apple.
Michael: The Mets are my pick, since they are just the all around better baseball club. Both teams are thirsty for a World Series win — with neither seeing a title since the mid ’80s — but the Mets’ hitting and pitching staff are arguably the best in baseball. We saw this team at the beginning of the season, being dubbed “the best team in baseball” before quietly dying down for a bit. But after the addition of Cespedes at the trade deadline, their bats have been on fire with Daniel Murphy, Curtis Granderson and Wilmer Flores — in a season long storyline that’s captured the hearts of baseball fans — all picking up their play. Not to forget the pitching staff — which has been recognized and applauded by baseball great Al Leiter — Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom both earned solid numbers in the regular season (ERA’s of 2.71 and 2.54 respectively) and have kept it up into the offseason. I may be a little disappointed about them not allowing “Back to the Future II’s” prediction about the Cubs from happening, but the best team in the sport, and in New York City, is my pick.
George: Originally I pegged the Royals as a shoo-in, but I converted the other day after an epiphany. As I was walking to my car yesterday I looked up toward the sun and before my eyes I saw, exuding a brilliant radiance upon the Earth, the Mets symbol hovering in the sky as if made of pure sunlight. Above the “N.Y.” scrawled across the sky in comic sans, were the words “in hoc signo vinces.” Then, I knew the Mets could not lose, for the word of God said so. Also they’ve got pretty good pitching.
Matthew gets 3 points for crediting the Cespedes trade. George gets 2 points for his divine change of heart and Michael gets 1 point for saying the Mets started as the top team.
3. What has been the biggest surprise of the NHL season so far?
Matthew: After posting a respectable 42 wins last season, the Columbus Blue Jackets fell through the ice with an 0-7 start to the 2015 season. This abysmal beginning was accentuated by the firing of the their head coach, Todd Richards, and replacement John Tortorella tallied on another loss before snagging a win to bring the bumbling Blue Jackets to a 1-8 record. Canning the head coach in the first 10th of the season is never a good indicator of a healthy, hopeful team. Although the 0-8 start was surprising, at this point it would not be out of the question to see the Blue Jackets dwell at the bottom of the Eastern Conference by season’s end.
Michael: After being the top team in the Western Conference last year, the Anaheim Ducks have seriously shocked me as they’ve come out of the gate... tripping. In their first seven games, the team has gone 1-5-1, with what I can only describe as the worst offense in the league so far. A team that was one win away from the Stanley Cup Final last year, this year stars like Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler are struggling to score against team’s like Colorado. Yes, Colorado, a team with only one win that came against Anaheim, 3-0. It wouldn’t surprise me so much if they picked it up soon, the offensive talent on this team is good and it is still early in the season. But to see this kind of result after last year honestly blew my mind, and I’m waiting for coach Gordon Bombay to show up and give a rally speech to these guys.
George: The biggest surprise is how bad the Ducks are doing. Some news organizations pegged them to be Stanley Cup Champions this season but that promise hasn’t shown in their first six games. A computer simulation even said the Ducks would come out on top. So many experts said 2015 would be the breakthrough season for the Ducks, but the numbers aren’t showing that at all. Their roster is talented, but as of now, some players like Jamie Benn and Max Pacioretty have scored more goals than all of that roster combined. If they don’t do more, whatever potential they had at the beginning of the season might disappear completely.
Michael gets 3 points for his Mighty Duck reference, Matthew gets 2 points for picking the obvious choice and George gets 1 point for looking at their potential.
Matthew wins Around the Dorm 8-7-4.
(10/27/15 4:47pm)
Every week Features Editor Jessica Ganga hits the archives and finds old Signals relating to current College topics and top stories.
The College’s football team beat Montclair State University, 23-20, which improved their record to 1-5, on Saturday, Oct. 24. Not only was this game special as the team recorded its first win of the season, but it was during every student’s favorite day of the year: Homecoming. Students and alumni enjoyed the exciting game and celebrated the triumph. In 2013, Sports Editor Peter Fiorilla reported on the dramatic 21-20 win the football team had when it edged out against Morrisville State College on Homecoming.
The stage was set for something dramatic at the end Homecoming, a game in which quarterback Chris Spellman came alive and the football team’s defense stayed dominant for a 21-20 win over visiting Morrisville State College.
Leading by just a point in front of nearly 1,500 fans with less than two minutes remaining, the conference-best Lions (4-2, 3-0) defense needed to stop Morrisville’s conference-best offense only one more time to push to College to the top of the NJAC standings.
Morrisville drove to the College’s 37-yard line, but the Lions defense did what it needed to do in crunch time: end the game by forcing a turnover on downs, which it has done regularly this year.
“That really comes from our mentality,” senior linebacker Nick Bricker said. “Although we may not be the biggest, fastest or strongest team, we have a great team chemistry and truly believe in one another. Believing that your teammate will get the job done is pivotal to our success. As for our defense, we have a bend-but-don’t-break mentality that has helped us succeed tremendously, especially late in games.”
Bricker led the way with a game-high 19 tackles, including an assist to force fourth down on Morrisville’s final drive, while junior linebacker Ryan Lowe added 15 to limit Morrisville to season-lows of 20 points and 431 yards.
“Our main goal in every game is to shut down their offense,” Bricker said. “We were extremely excited to go up against the top-ranked offense, to truly test our defense. (Defensive coach Rocky) Hager and the other defensive assistants put together a great game plan in defending Morrisville, and our guys executed on game day. It is great to see our defense melding together and some new faces making a huge impact.”
While clutch play from the defense has been largely responsible for the Lions’ four-game win streak, its best stretch since 2010, opportunistic play from Spellman and the passing game put the College on top from the beginning.
(10/21/15 12:31am)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Connor Smith, asks our panel of experts three questions: Was Chase Utley’s slide legal, should the NFL have punished DeAngelo Williams and what has been the biggest suprise of the college football (CFB) season so far?
1. Was Chase Utley’s slide in NLDS Game Two legal and did MLB handle it properly?
Matt: According to Major League Baseball’s rulebook, the slide was legal. Players are allowed to slide into second base with the intention to disrupt the throw to first. Plays like this happen all the time, and Utley has made that exact play for his entire career. In the playoffs, you have to do whatever it takes to win, and that’s what Utley did, and his team eventually won the game because of his slide. I do not agree with the suspension, however. The slide was technically legal, however blatant it was. It was unfortunate Rubén Tejada got injured, but that’s baseball. MLB had no right to suspend Utley for something that they themselves allow in their rules. MLB issued a suspension simply to make an example of Utley, and even admitted fan reaction played into the decision. That is an absolute joke. MLB will surely look into changing the rule in the offseason, but for right now, issuing a suspension was not the right move.
Otto: The slide was not legal because Utley clearly did not slide into the base, but into Tejada, resulting in his broken fibula. The slide was very late and Tejada was not looking at Utley because he was trying to turn the double play. The entire altercation was, I believe, overhyped because of the resulting injury, when in fact that play happens very often just without any injuries. I don’t think the play was very dirty because I seriously doubt that Utley wanted to harm Tejada. I also believe that MLB should not have suspended Utley, as there has never been a precedent set for an incident like this. However, it is a good time to set a standard for future plays like this and how they should be treated.
Sean: No. Utley’s slide in the NLDS Game Two was not legal, nor did the MLB handle it properly on or off the field. Multiple mistakes were made. The primary mistake made was how the umpires called the slide. If the slide were to be deemed illegal then not only would Utley have been ruled out, but the runner at first would have also been out, a double play to end the inning prior to the multi-run rally that followed. If the slide were to be deemed illegal then there is nothing discuss here. However it was not, which leads to the next mistake when after review, Utley was deemed safe. Yes, Tejada did not step on the base, but the umpire ruled Utley out, which should have blown the play dead similar to the NFL whistle. Why should the Mets have had to tag Utley when the runner was already ruled out and the play was already over? I do not know, nor did it appear MLB itself knows because their response was poorly explained, their last mistake. Although Utley was finally suspended, the message was never clear and the MLB never took responsibility for their mistake.
Sean gets 3 points for discussing the impact the ruling had. Matt gets 2 points for defending hard-nosed play and Otto gets 1 point for acknowledging the precedent MLB is setting.
2. Is the NFL wrong to prohibit DeAngelo Williams from wearing pink attire outside of Breast Cancer Awareness month?
Matt: The answer here is clearly, yes, the NFL is wrong. But what else is new? Does anyone expect the NFL to ever make the right call anymore? Williams has every right to honor his mother, who died of breast cancer, for the whole season. When Williams’ mother died, the NFL exploited her death for their own gain. They used Williams as a poster boy for their Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They used Williams’ story to sell pink merchandise and jerseys. But now that his story is no longer relevant or of use to the NFL, Goodell and company are back to their evil ways — limiting any freedom the players have. Just this past week, the NFL again laid down their hammer of self-entitlement by fining the Steelers’ Cameron Heyward for writing “Iron Head” on his eye black, in honor of his father, who also died from cancer. When will the NFL learn?
Otto: I don’t think the league is wrong to do this because they’re just enforcing their own rules. They have made their standard uniform rules that the players must follow. Players like Chad Johnson have been fined in the past for infractions to the uniform code. The case with Williams is unfortunate because it’s a cause that the league endorses and it’s dear to Williams’ heart, but they need to treat it like any other infraction. However, that being said, I do believe that their uniform policies are very strict and that they need to be fixed. While they are following the rules, I think they need to change them a little bit, too.
Sean: Yes. There is no moral reason why Williams should not be allowed to wear pink outside of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, the NFL does not think in terms of morals and what the NFL cares about is money. It has been reported season after season how little money from the plethora of pink merchandise actually goes towards breast cancer research and the majority of sales at the end of October is NFL profit. Similar to Brandon Marshall’s incident in 2013, where Marshall was fined for wearing green cleats to support Mental Health Awareness Month — also an October awareness month — Williams was not allowed to wear pink outside of October because it could hurt their sales, hence hurting their profits, as well. The NFL was wrong to prohibit Williams from wearing pink outside of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but at the end of the day the NFL does not care if they are wrong.
Matt gets 3 points for exposing the NFL’s hypocrisy. Otto also gets 3 points for questioning the NFL’s strict uniform policies and Sean gets 2 points for the Brandon Marshall reference.
3. It’s the halfway point in the CFB season — what’s the biggest surprise thus far?
Matt: I was in the process of writing how great Michigan has been so far this season, but then they forgot how to punt the ball, and any team that can’t simply punt is not worthy of this answer. So, I guess I’ll go with Utah. Coming off an average season in 2014, Utah was not expected to be in contention for the playoffs. But with one of the most explosive offenses in all of college football, the Utes are capable of beating any team. They have already knocked off multiple ranked teams, like Michigan, California and last year’s second-ranked Oregon Ducks. The Utes are clearly the favorite in the Pac-12 in a year when the conference is lacking its usual plethora of ranked teams. As long as they can stay healthy, the Utes have the talent and the ease of schedule to go undefeated and earn a spot in the playoffs.
Otto: College football has a clear cut favorite for the Heisman trophy in running back Leonard Fournette, but there is not much competition after him. What is most surprising is not only that, but how little talent there has been at the quarterback position across the country. Professional football is dominated by quarterbacks and there does not seem to be a lot of promising talent in the college ranks. Every year there are usually some players that seem to be figuring it out and show their potential, but this year the quarterback play has not been very strong. This is very worrying for teams that need a franchise quarterback at the next level to turn their team around. They will then have to look for talent at other positions that aren’t as dynamic as the quarterback position.
Sean: At the halfway point of the CFB season, the biggest surprise (in my opinion) is Temple University ranked at 22 and undefeated. Although Temple’s schedule may not have been as strong as most, Temple has played teams such as Penn State and Cincinnati, with each win being a statement win. In the next two weeks, Temple will be playing East Carolina University and Notre Dame, both teams of which I believe they might beat and if they do, an 8-0 Temple will likely see a much higher ranking, not only surprising me, but also surprising the rest of the nation. Temple is the least discussed, but biggest surprise of the CFB season thus far.
Matt gets 3 points for pointing out Utah’s potential going forward. Sean gets 2 points for having faith in Temple and Otto 1 point for bringing up the QB talent drought.
Matt wins Around the Dorm 8-7-5
(10/20/15 5:03pm)
Every week Features Editor Jessica Ganga hits the archives and finds old Signals relating to current College topics and top stories.
The bands, Bleachers and Modern Baseball, rocked the Kendall Main Stage on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the College’s fall concert. Students enjoyed the energetic performances that both bands put on. In a 2010 article, former Signal Editor-in-Chief, Bobby Olivier, reported on the annual welcome back concert. Hellogoodbye headlined the concert and gave an exciting performance, at one point choosing to entertain the crowd with their funny antics instead of music.
Huddled around their laptop and centered on vocalist Forrest Klein, Hellogoodbye took part in an unusual pre-show ritual, continuing to shout a particular phrase over and over at their webcam.
“Show us your dick!” they yelled jokingly at unsuspecting users of the chatroullette.com Website, as the power-poppers linked up with poor soul after poor soul who was instructed to disrobe for the band. Needless to say, Hellogoodbye’s kooky demeanor was both hilarious and disconcerting as a first impression, but it quickly became clear that it was all in good fun, much like the band’s spunky music.
The band would later discuss this pastime, well as its affinity for “The Jersey Shore,” on the Kendall Hall main stage in between upbeat tunes and ukulele/mandolin-based ballads.
Modeling themselves after Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, the members explained that their names, determined and administered backstage, would be “The Scenario,” “The Context,” “The Reason,” “The Consequence” and “The Christian,” to the laughter of the audience.
In spite of its onstage antics, the band’s hour-long set brought the Kendall crowd through a combination of Hellogoodbye staples such as “Shimmy Shimmy Quarter Turn,” “Oh, It is Love,” and “Touchdown Turnaround,” as well as a handful of new tracks set to appear on a new album, which is expected to drop sometime in the summer, according to Klein and keybordist Joe Marra.
In addition to new music, Hellogoodbye recently covered and recorded several tracks including songs by The Beatles, as well as “early ’90s emo and mid-’80s punk” tunes, downloadable for free at hellogoodbye.net/covers.
“We are currently in a legal battle with our record company so in the meantime we were recording some covers since we couldn’t put out our own music,” Klein said.
Much like every band that plays Kendall Hall, the band commented on the awkward presence of the auditorium seating and its lack of availability for movement.
“It’s like the Oscars!” Klein remarked during the set.
(10/06/15 9:23pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matthew Ajaj, asks our panel of experts three questions: Who is the biggest suprise in the NFL this year, can Derrick Rose return to his former status and who is the favorite to win the World Series this year?
1. Which NFL team has been the biggest surprise to you so far this season?
Connor: A number of last year’s playoff teams have begun the season off on the wrong foot, but the Indianapolis Colts have to be the most surprising of the bunch. The Colts were certainly one of the best teams in 2014, but Andrew Luck’s fourth season of the year has been shockingly pedestrian — Luck’s Quarterback Rating (QBR) is at the lowest it’s ever been, 65.1. Luck leads the league in interceptions at seven, and the team has struggled to score any points outside of the fourth quarter. Luck’s QBR in the fourth quarter does skyrocket to 108.9, where he’s thrown four of his five touchdowns, but it does not excuse his sloppy play making in the other three quarters. The Colts would be 0-3 had Luck not dialed it in against the lowly Titans, scoring 21 points in the final quarter of play, but Luck cannot rely on such inconsistency heading forward. The team has a ton of opportunities to turn things around as they still lead the division at 1-2, but a weak division does not excuse the sloppy football being played in Indianapolis this year.
Mackenzie: The Giants have been the biggest surprise this season and not in a good way. The team has had year after year of rough starts, but I really did believe that this season would go differently. Eli Manning has never been my favorite player, but I could at least respect the numbers he would put up. Maybe it’s the American Dream Construction getting to his head next to the stadium, but he can’t seem figure out what game he’s playing. He’s had one too many mistakes for my liking as a veteran, and that has been the biggest surprise.
Kevin: I would say the biggest surprise in the NFL this season has been the disappointing Philadelphia Eagles. After an offseason roster shakeup by head coach and general manager Chip Kelly, many people in the NFL community, including one writer for CSN Philly, said the Eagles were going to dominate the NFC East and be a Super Bowl contender. So far, Chip’s major roster moves have not panned out. Demarco Murray, their new running back, has struggled to break double digits in yards in a few games already this season. Big money corner Byron Maxwell has looked like Bradley Fletcher at times, getting flat out torched by Julio Jones and Matt Ryan in Week One and even got burned for a touchdown by Terrance Williams and “elite quarterback” Brandon Weeden in Week Two. The offensive line has been atrocious after getting rid of Evan Mathis and Todd Herremanns. The biggest disappointment for Philly has to be new quarterback Sam Bradford. The people of Philadelphia wanted the pope to bless his knees, but they should’ve asked them to bless his right arm instead, because he hasn’t been as advertised.
Connor and Kevin each get 3 points for criticism of the underwhelming Colts and Eagles. Mackenzie gets 2 points for noting Eli’s mistakes.
2. Tacking on injury after injury, will Derrick Rose ever be able to return to his old superstar form?
Connor: Derrick Rose’s story has come to be one of the most disappointing tales in sports history. Rose’s 2010-’11 MVP campaign is fading away in the rear-view mirror, and a laundry list of injuries has replaced a number of accomplishments Rose could have achieved had he not missed time throughout the last four years. Healthy knees are core to playing the game of basketball, and Rose has shown that his are prone to injury. The man has torn his right meniscus twice, his ACL once and now adds a left orbital fracture to his ongoing list of injuries that would give Amar’e Stoudemire nightmares. Although Rose is hopeful to return for the Bulls’ opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he hasn’t shown any ability to stay healthy for more than a season since 2010. Rose has all the tools to regain his throne as one of basketball’s best, but his history would leave me to believe there’s no happy ending for Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls.
Mackenzie: Having just turned 27 and being in recovery from another surgery, it doesn’t seem as though Rose can really bounce back into being the superstar athlete he was pre-first injury. Like any athlete getting older there starts to be bumps in the road — ask Eli Manning. But that’s not to say an older player can’t outdo their younger self. Michael Jordan proved that, although not in baseball. If Rose sticks to the court and has the passion and dedication that Jordan did when he said, “I’m back,” than he should be able to take his place among the greats. Rose has always been a hard worker, deserving his MVP and Rookie of the Year trophies, so it would not be shocking if he hit the ground running post-injury.
Kevin: I don’t think Derrick Rose will ever return to his superstar form. The way he plays requires maximum explosiveness and his knees will simply not allow him to play how he wants to. His jump shot has always been mediocre at best and he’s never been a big assist guy in terms of point guards. I think Rose can be a decent player for the rest of his career. He might even make an all star game or two but he I don’t ever see him being a superstar or an elite point guard ever again.
Connor gets 3 points for telling it how it is. Kevin gets 2 points for mentioning Rose’s faults and Mackenzie gets 1 point for having hope.
3. MLB playoffs are here! Who’s your World Series pick?
Connor: The Blue Jays came into the trade deadline an underdog to even make the playoffs, but the acquisitions of David Price and Troy Tulowitzki have added much-needed depth to propel the Jays to the top. Josh Donaldson has been phenomenal this season, and Jose Bautista continues to rake. The Blue Jays also have seen a resurgence in former Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey. Dickey holds an 8-1 record with a 2.80 ERA in the second half of the season. With two former Cy Youngs and a strong supporting cast of starting pitchers, the Blue Jays finally have the pitching to match their offense that has been more explosive than ever. As the Yankees and Cardinals will tell you, big hits reign supreme in October, and the Blue Jays own three of the top five home run hitters who are going to the playoffs. The team leads the League in runs scored, home runs, OBP and SLG. These statistics say a lot about the roster the Blue Jays will field come this October — with so many quality ballplayers on one team, the Blue Jays are my favorite to win it all.
Mackenzie: My World Series pick is of course the New York Yankees. It’s a long shot, I know, but I have to believe in my boys. Alex Rodriguez has something to prove and Chase Headley has taken on a role of seeming leadership that has been lacking without Jeter. It is the first season without the captain and the Yankees want to prove they are more than just one player. I think that attitude will help them get their faulty act together and take them through October.
Kevin: I think the Blue Jays will win the World Series. They have the best offense in baseball, led by Josh Donaldson and Joey Bats and they just got Troy Tulowitzki back. The whole season, the biggest question mark for the Jays has been their pitching, but after acquiring David Price at the trade deadline, their pitching staff has been solid. Lastly, the Blue Jays, thanks to popular Toronto politician Norm, have been blessed by Lil’ B the Based God. Following an NBA season where the Based God seemed to curse every team but the Warriors, the Based God curse and endorsement is very real.
Connor gets 3 points for laying down some great stats. Kevin gets 2 points for mentioning Based God and Mackenzie gets 1 point for having hope (again).
Connor wins Around the Dorm 9-7-4
(09/29/15 9:39pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Michael Battista, asks our panel of experts three questions: Which 0-2 NFL team is a strong playoff contender, is Jason Day an elite golfer and which major college team has the most to improve on early in the season?
1. As of this writing, the NFL has nine 0-2 teams. Who among them has the best chance to make a playoff run?
Sean: Although the Seattle Seahawks are the highest ranked 0-2 team, according to current ESPN power rankings, I believe the Indianapolis Colts have the best chance to make a playoff run due to differences in division. Seattle is in, arguably, the most difficult division where Arizona and San Francisco will be major threats, while Indianapolis is in a division with fewer threats (Jacksonville, Tennessee and Houston are all below Indianapolis in current ESPN power rankings) and if their offense finally plays to expectations, the Colts will be a team to watch in the playoffs.
Matthew: The Seattle Seahawks are still the best team in the league — this 0-2 start means nothing. Seattle was dealt a double dosage of difficult games to start the season, and it didn’t help that they had some chemistry issues to work out. This team has proven to be dangerous and has retained nearly all of its essential pieces from their past two championship runs. For Week Three, they have a cake matchup against the bumbling Chicago Bears and now have their defensive ace, Kam Chancellor, back in the fray. And don’t forget about Marshawn Lynch, an All-Pro and a brute of a running back who is hungry for some end zone action (and maybe some Skittles, too). Look for Seattle to bury the Bears and bounce back to the top of the division by Thanksgiving, with its defense leading the charge as they gobble up opposing offenses. Playoffs are not even a question for this team — it is just a matter of whether they win the Super Bowl.
George: The only team that has any sort of chance in the playoffs is the Chicago Bears. I don’t know if you noticed, but this year marks the 30th anniversary of the “Windy City” Bears’ last Super Bowl win and I think the time is right for a sequel. This is the year we’ll see the Bears shuffle on down to the end zone. The year they’ll blow our minds like they knew they would. They’re gonna be strutting their stuff for everyone on the turf. They aren’t gonna start trouble. They’re just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle.
Matthew gets 3 points for looking at the upcoming schedule. Sean gets 2 points for only looking at power rankings and George gets 1 point for Super Bowl Shuffle 2.
2. Jason Day has been gaining momentum as one of the best golfers in the world as of late. Do you think he can keep this up or is he another flash in the pan?
Sean: Since the Official World Golf Ranking system was established in 1986, numerous golfers have sat in the prestigious No. 1 position, of which many will be remembered in history, while others will be forgotten. Which type of golfer Jason Day is, it’s tough to say at this time, however, I do believe he will not be “another flash in the pan.” In the summer, Day proved himself to be one of golf’s best golfers and he now deserves to hold the honor of being the best golfer in the world, where I believe he will remain as a contender. Throughout the past two decades, there have been multiple occasions where two or three golfers go back and forth at the No. 1 position — most notably Tiger Woods and, one of the most underrated golfers of our time, David Duval in the late 90s — and I think next season will be one of those occasions where Day, Rory Mcllroy and Jordan Spieth will all compete for the No. 1 position, none of which will be “another flash in the pan.”
Matthew: One thing is for certain: the PGA is hoping he’s not a flash in the pan. Since Tiger Woods’ career has tumbled down the bunker, golf has been missing the star power that it needs so desperately. It seems like the PGA wants Rory McIlroy to be in the forefront, but he came and went without a major in 2015. Jason Day, on the other hand, is rolling right now and sitting pretty at a sprightly 27 years old. Golf is dull enough as it is — the PGA needs a young star in order to keep the public’s already fading attention. For golf’s sake, let’s hope Day sustains his success for years to come.
George: Day’s days at the top are limited. His subpar performance at the FedEx Cup is perhaps the biggest indicator of this. Depending on the result of the Tour Championship, Day may fall in the rankings behind his predecessor, Jordan Spieth or Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. The No. 1 spot has changed hands four times already the last four weeks. Another change this week would make it the first time since 1997 that the No. 1 spot changed over five consecutive weeks. If he doesn’t pick up his game this week and in following weeks, Day’s day of reckoning will arrive.
Sean gets 3 points for other back and forth rivalries. George gets 2 points for mentioning his recent performances and Matthew gets 1 point for PGA desperation.
3. With the College Football season underway, what major team has the most to improve on going forward?
Sean: USC had a strong start to the season, dominating their first two games and keeping the opponent in single digits. However, in the third week they finally faced another team of equal stature, Stanford, who scored 41 points to their 31 points. USC’s defense was poor, to say the least, in what was their first major matchup of the season. If this play continues, USC will not have a successful season with Notre Dame and Oregon on their schedule. Although USC was off to a strong start, they have the most to improve on if they want to be the contender they were expected to be.
Matthew: The Alabama Crimson Tide wiped out big time last Saturday, Sept. 19, falling to the Ole Miss Rebels, 43-37, and toppling out of the Top 10 in the NCAA’s rankings. Turning the football over five times is not going to win ball games, believe it or not. A defensive team at heart, Alabama needs to focus on limiting turnovers on offense so they can win the game on the other side of the ball. It is never a positive sign when a team has to switch quarterbacks in the middle of a game, and neither Jake Coker nor Cooper Bateman made much of a case for themselves. The Crimson Tide needs a steady hand taking the snaps under center, so coach Nick Saban will need to pick the man who will take better care of the football. Always in the hunt for the championship, Alabama has room to improve but now has a lot of ground to be make up. Luckily for them, all it takes now is a top four finish to have a chance at playing in the big game.
George: The only college team that has a “major” place in my heart is our very own Lions, and they have a lot to fix continuing forward. Right now they’re 0-3, with two home losses. I’ve done my best to help. Every night before a game I sacrifice three goats while reading a prayer book written in the blood of blessed pigs. I’ve tried getting in contact with the College’s football coach, Wayne Dickens, about my performance enhancing potion (three cloves of garlic, the blood of a pig sow and three pints of Gatorade) but he has not gotten back to me. If you’re reading this coach, I can totally help.
Matthew gets 3 points for pointing out Alabama’s falling rank. George gets 2 points because he isn’t wrong and Sean gets 1 point for USC’s strong start.
Matthew wins Around the Dorm 7-6-5
(09/24/15 12:25am)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Matt Bowker, asks our panel of experts three questions: Can the Cowboys survive without Dez Bryant, what is the biggest storyline for the NHL going into the preseason and what team owns the American League West?
1. Can the Cowboys survive without a number one Running Back and no Dez Bryant?
Kevin: The Cowboys can definitely survive without Dez and a true number one running back. The Cowboys still have, arguably, the best offensive line in football and I think Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden can both have some decent success behind it. Dez is a huge loss especially in the red zone but the Cowboys still have a very good quarterback in Tony Romo. He was able to put together an impressive game-winning drive last week without Dez in the lineup. Another factor that plays into this is that Dallas’ defense has improved since last season. They, for the most part, shut down the Giants offense last week. Lastly, the Cowboys can survive because they don’t play in a great division. The Redskins are terrible, they just beat the Giants, and the Eagles with Sam Bradford and Sam Bradford’s knees didn’t exactly set the world on fire in Week 1.
Otto: I think they can survive. There are a lot of questions surrounding the entire NFC East. Tony Romo is the best quarterback in the division and he’s proven time after time that he can get it done. More importantly, the Cowboys have an outstanding offensive line. Bryant will not be out the entire year, in fact I predict for him to be active after Week 12. The Cowboys, regardless of their two big offensive skill player losses, will still be right in the hunt as we near the playoffs.
Michael: Even though I have ill feeling toward them, the Cowboys can most definitely survive without Dez Bryant. The game against the New York Giants, as much as I want to forget it, is proof enough of that. They play in a division that isn’t at its best, as the Eagles try to figure out what works best with new assets, the Redskins are... the Redskins and the Giants aren’t playing to their full potential. But besides being a favorite in the NFC East, their upcoming schedule places them against teams where their offense can take care of business without issue (teams like the Buccanears and Carolina). Brandon Carr really impressed me in Week 1, and I’m going to watch him during Week 2 to see if his solid play improves, along with the rest of Dallas’ defense. So maybe if the Cowboys were in another division they might have a bigger issue losing such a stud player, but the talent they have now along with where they play means Jerry Jones can sleep easy at night watching his oversized T.V. screen.
Kevin gets 3 points for crediting the defense. Michael gets 2 points for looking at the schedule and Otto gets 1 point for looking at Bryant’s return.
2. As the preseason begins, what do you think is the biggest storyline to watch in the NHL this season?
Kevin: The obvious dark cloud hanging over hockey right now is what’s going to happen with Patrick Kane, but until the long legal process takes its course, it doesn’t necessarily have strong ramifications on the ice, so I’ll say the biggest storyline heading into camp is the wonder child in Edmonton — Connor McDavid. He’s supposed to be the best prospect since Crosby, maybe even since Gretzky. Those are huge expectations to live up to and he’ll be expected to produce right away. The Oilers have had many top picks come through the organization: Hall, Eberle, RNH, Yakupov, and they’ve still been terrible. McDavid is expected to not only produce individual greatness, but also make the team a contender
Otto: Patrick Kane remains to be the biggest storyline of the season and I think he will continue being it unless something big happens. He has been a huge distraction for their team and has generated a lot of news coverage. Many non-hockey fans have become aware of his accusations because of the nature of them. While he has not been indicted officially, the fact that there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding his case has only proven to be more of a distraction. Kane has proven himself to be a star in the league. He was even chosen to be on the cover of “NHL 16,” an honor that was rescinded because of the recent news. The best player of the reigning champs and winners of three of the last six Cups has shown himself to be a huge distraction this offseason.
Michael: This is a two part question. Unfortunately, the biggest news storyline going into the NHL season is whether or not Patrick Kane is going to that big penalty box up north. He’s making headlines in a sport where most news comes either during the playoffs or the Winter Classic/Stadium Series games. People are going to want to watch to see if he plays, the reactions around him and, finally, if mid season he gets called into trial. However, the biggest hockey-centered storyline is in Toronto. I’m excited to see the Maple Leafs under new GM Lou Lamoriello, and want to see if he could bring some of the Devil’s success up North. I’m curious what he can do, as the Devils went to the Stanley Cup Playoffs all but three times between 1998 and 2012 and won the Cup three times under him. The biggest storyline in the NHL depends on whether you watch “TMZ” or TSN.
Michael gets 3 points for taking a different route. Kevin gets 2 points for looking at McDavid and Otto gets 1 point for taking the obvious choice.
3. Will the Astros or Rangers win the AL West?
Kevin: You have to say right now that the Rangers are going to win the AL West. They’ve been playing great baseball lately and the Astros have been on the decline over the last couple of months, allowing the Rangers to usurp them in the standings. They looked especially strong in this past series against the Astros which allowed them to take the lead in the division. The Astros have a talented baseball team but much of their roster lacks experience. The Rangers are a veteran-led team with a solid middle of the lineup and a pitching staff that just got two huge additions with the acquiring of Cole Hamels from Philadelphia and the return of Derek Holland. The Rangers looked dead a couple of months ago but they are clicking at the right time and should be able to hold win the division.
Otto: I think the Rangers will come away with the division championship. Top to bottom they’re a more talented team and have a lot more experience. Prince Fielder has shown that you can actually come back from a devastating neck injury, so he can basically do anything at this point. The top candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year Award has stepped up as the team’s leader and he is just on fire right now. The Astros, while an awesome story all year, I think will fall at the end. They rely too much on the home run ball and strike out too often. Their luck can’t last forever and the young guys’ lack of playoff hunt experience will catch up with them.
Michael: I think the Rangers will come away the division champs, and the reason lies in the words of country singer Jerry Reed: “When you’re hot, you’re hot.” Both teams are playoff caliber, however, the Rangers are putting it into high gear when they need to most. The first two of the recent games against the Astros were decided by one or two runs, but in the final two games they jacked up the scores in what amounted to 22 runs against Houston’s five. Veteran Prince Fielder are having career resurgences at the plate, hitting .313 with 21 home runs. The Rangers pitching rotation is also one of the best in the league. The Astros are not dead, they even play the Rangers again. But after a season of injuries, the Rangers are ready to keep their new lead into October.
Michael gets 3 points for using stats. Otto gets 2 points for mentioning the Astros’ shortcomings and Kevin gets 1 point for highlighting the Rangers’ resurgence.
Michael wins Around the Dorm 8-6-4
(09/09/15 6:37pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Otto Gomez, asks our panel of experts three questions: Who are the MVPs in the American and National Leagues? Who will disapoint most in the NFL this year and what sports event are you looking forward to most?
1. Who do you think will win the American League and National League Most Valuable Player award?
Kevin: I think the MVP winners in each league will be Josh Donaldson in the AL and Bryce Harper in the NL. Donaldson has been the best hitter on the best offense in baseball this year. He’s the MLB leader in RBI and third in the AL in homers while hitting .300 for the year. Along with being one of, if not the best hitter in the league this year, he’s also played Gold Glove-caliber third base. Donaldson has been one of the major reasons why Toronto is currently leading the pack in the AL East. Harper has been the NL MVP so far this season, whether the Nationals make the playoffs or not. He’s leading the league in average, OBP and slugging while being third in the league in homers. If anyone has any questions about his MVP candidacy, “That’s a clown question, bro.”
Matthew: Without question, Josh Donaldson is the American League MVP. He has already clobbered 36 baseballs over the wall while still batting over .300. By my calculations, he is on pace for 135 RBIs this season. With his stat line, Donaldson is going to have a very bloated baseball card by season’s end. Mike Trout deserves an honorable mention, but Donaldson has the upper hand with better numbers in nearly every statistical category and a playoff run in sight. As for the National League MVP, I would be lying if I said Bryce Harper didn’t deserve to win it. Harper leads the NL in basically every significant offensive category. His Nationals’ playoff hopes are looking bleak, but when a player has this dominant of a season it would be downright dastardly to not give him the honors.
Michael: The AL MVP belongs to Josh Donaldson of the Blue Jays, no question. Last month he hit 11 home runs, blasting his season total to 36. This, along with the fact that he also leads the league in runs with 102 and runs driven in with 108, would honestly be enough to make him at least a top-three contender. However, what sets him apart is his ability to be clutch both at the plate and in the field. That is the biggest quality in someone I consider an MVP. The NL is a tighter race, but I believe Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs is the best choice for the award. The first baseman has blasted 28 home runs for his club, has 83 RBI and is rocking a .910 OPS. The 26-year-old has helped elevate his team into a position they haven’t been in since 2008, and that is a spot in the playoff picture. While the Nationals’ Bryce Harper is the favorite, he doesn’t fit that clutch quality Rizzo has that I touched on earlier.
Matthew gets 3 points for noting how great both players are. Kevin gets 2 points for pointing out Harper’s productivity and Michael gets 1 point for saying Harper won’t win MVP.
2. What team or player is going to be the biggest disappointment this NFL season?
Kevin: As a St. Louis Rams fan, my entire life being a fan has been a disappointment and I expect it to continue. Let’s start with their biggest issue — they can’t block anybody. They have one of the worst offensive lines in football. I think Nick Foles is a talented quarterback but he, like Sam Bradford, has some injury issues and often holds onto the ball too long. He won’t have nearly as much time to throw in St. Louis as he did in Philly. The Rams also don’t have the playmakers and offensive creativity that he enjoyed his first season in Philly. The best thing about new offensive coordinator Frank Zignetti is that he simply isn’t Brian Schottenheimer. All of their problems add up to another below .500 season for the Rams.
Matthew: Usually people classify the “biggest disappointment” as a team that is supposed to perform well but doesn’t. I’m picking a team that won’t even meet their lowly expectations: the San Francisco 49ers. After posting a 44-19-1 record as the 49ers head coach for the past four seasons, Jim Harbaugh packed his bags and headed off to the University of Michigan. But that was only the beginning: Patrick Willis, Frank Gore and Justin Smith are just some of the standouts that have left the organization this offseason. The past four years have been a gold rush for the 49ers, but now all they are left with are a few lumps of coal. Most see this team churning out a six or seven win season, but in one of the toughest division in football, this 49ers team would be lucky to pump out two wins for the year. The mines have run dry.
Michael: Honestly I think New York football in general will be the biggest disappointment in 2015. As a Giants fan, I will gladly support my team, but I worry. The NFC East is a weak division, and you can’t expect much from the Eagles or Redskins, but with the Giants dealing with so many injuries you have to wonder — what can I expect? Jason Pierre Paul, Victor Cruz and Nat Berhe are hurt and the list goes on. Meanwhile, Gang Green has their own issues. They have just cut quarterbacks Josh Johnson and Matt Flynn, leaving Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter. Combine a lackluster QB with a struggling offense and an inept defense and you have the stage set for another mediocre year, or in Jets terms, another year.
Kevin gets 3 points for being honest. Matthew gets 2 points because the Niners will be awful and Michael gets 2 points for mentioning teams in big markets.
3. As the last third of the calendar year is about to begin, what sporting event are you most looking forward to?
Kevin: There are two sporting events I’m looking forward to seeing toward the end of this calendar year. For starters there is the first Clippers-Mavericks game in Dallas following the unprecedented offseason fiasco we recently witnessed involving DeAndre Jordan. I’m interested in seeing both the player and fan reaction to everything that happened this summer during this game. The second event I’m looking forward to is the first Patriots game this season that Roger Goodell will be in attendance for. It’ll just be interesting to see the reactions of Roger Goodell following each Brady completion and touchdown.
Matthew: If your answer isn’t “the World Series” then you are not a sports fan. October baseball is the best kind of baseball. Winning it all is never a fluke: every managerial decision, at-bat and even pitch could change the tide of the entire series. Heroes rise and etch their names into baseball lore, from Reggie Jackson to David Freese. The World Series contains some of the greatest moments in baseball history, such as Don Larsen’s perfect game and the hobbled Kirk Gibson’s walk-off home run. Just last year Madison Bumgarner put on the greatest pitching performance in World Series history as he posted a 0.43 ERA over 21 innings. There always seems to something special brewing over the diamond in the cold November air.
Michael: For me, it’s either the World Series or the start of the 2015-16 NHL season. The playoff picture in the MLB has the usual guys that we see every year, but this year is special because we have so many teams that we aren’t use to seeing in October baseball. The Astros, Mets and even the Chicago Cubs, America’s favorite losers, are battling for a Wild Card spot. With teams like this I might actually watch the NL playoffs, and that takes a lot for a Yankees fan. As for the NHL season, given how 2015 ended for my New York Rangers, I need something to block it out. Plus, I’m curious as to what the Blackhawks might do with Patrick Kane and also how Toronto and New Jersey handle new management thanks to the off moves they both made.
Matthew gets 3 points for talking about America’s pastime. Kevin gets 2 point for noting off-the-field issues and Michael gets 2 points for reminding us about hockey.
Matthew wins Around the Dorm 8-7-5
(09/01/15 8:01pm)
In this week’s edition of Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Michael Battista, asks our panel of experts three questions: Is bad press actually good for the NFL, who are the favorites in the NL and AL East and should the Chicago Blackhawks be ready to drop Patrick Kane?
1. With all the negative media around the NFL this year, can this benefit the game and get more people watching?
George: As celebrities like Donald Trump and the Kardashians probably always say, any publicity is good publicity. This adage can be applied to the NFL, as well. Sure, some of the players — and commentators — may be scumbags, wife beaters, idiots, dog-fighters or short-tempered meatheads. Some NFL players are just awful people. I think the NFL should go further. They need to find a way to get money from the shortcomings of their players’ characters. They need to make a “Real Quarterbacks of the NFL” or an “NFL Survivor” type show. America needs to revel in these people’s horribleness just as they already revel in the horribleness of other celebrities. If anything, this publicity indicates that America is ready for a NFL reality show spin-off. Hopefully the NFL will answer that call.
Matt: I think it will have quite the opposite effect, actually. The NFL will lose fans due to the ever-expanding list of suspensions, criminal charges and teammate-punchings. Every die-hard NFL fan will stick around no matter what dumb thing Goodell decides to do this week. The fans that the NFL will lose are the occasional fans. With all of the growing negativity surrounding the league, it will cause some viewers to distance themselves from the tarnished reputation of the league. I know if I already had lukewarm interest in the game I would be less inclined to watch a sport where possibly deflating footballs is equal in punishment to knocking your wife unconscious in an elevator. Or at least it is in Roger Goodell’s eyes.
Otto: There has been so many off the field issues in the NFL recently, and they haven’t just come this year. Deflategate, Geno’s jaw issue and others were just adding on to the issues of Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice and Richie Incognito. Because of all this, the NFL has never been at a lower point. This doesn’t make more people watch games, in fact I believe it does the opposite. Those who are not big fans of the sport are going to start developing a very bad perception of the league and these current events are definitely making them less likely to ever watch a game. For those who are already fans, these events have made them ashamed and sad to see their favorite players act this way.
George gets 3 points for suggesting NFL survivor and other entertaining reality ideas. Matt and Otto get 2 points each for making points about the interest of casual fans.
2. With the baseball season heading into the final stretch of the regular season, who are your picks AL and NL East?
George: The season belongs to Queens. The New York Metropolitans will dominate the National League’s East, West, North, South, Left and Right. Every direction you can think of belongs to the Mets, they can’t be stopped. 2015 is the year of Mr. Met. They have some of the best pitchers in the MLB right now, never mind the National League. As for that other appalling league — totally irrelevant. Why bother wasting words on that paltry bunch of ballplayers when the kings have already been crowned?
Matt: Easy. In the NL East, the Mets are clearly the favorites. With a dominant pitching staff filled with three legitimate aces, the Mets have opened up a sizeable gap between themselves and the perpetually underachieving Nationals. With the addition of Yoenis Cespedes, the Mets finally have a feared hitter in the heart of their lineup. The AL East is a much closer division, and probably the best in baseball. But, the favorite has to be the Blue Jays. The Jays have been on fire since acquiring Troy Tulowitzki and David Price at the trade deadline. Paired with the likely MVP Josh Donaldson and a lineup littered with power, the team can outscore anyone. And with seven games remaining between them and the second-place Yankees, it’s only a matter of time before they euthanize the aging Yankees into oblivion, where they belong.
Otto: The east divisions for both the American and the National League have been so exciting this year. The Blue Jays finally got over the hump with some great trade deadline acquisitions, the Yankees have hung around all year, defying all predictions, the Mets have made everyone believe through their nasty pitching staff and the Nationals have just disappointed anyone who watches the sport. I think the standings will stay as they are: the Jays will win the division, with the Yankees getting the wild card. On the National League side, the Mets will win their division, and the Nationals will not even compete for the wild card. The Yankees have too much hitting and experience to fade away in September while the current division leaders are just too strong on both sides of the ball to choke.
Otto gets 3 points for citing early difficulties. Matt gets 2 points for mentioning recent trades and George gets 1 point for not talking about the AL East.
3. Patrick Kane was recently dropped from the cover of “NHL 16” due to the ongoing police investigation surrounding him. Should the Blackhawks be ready to drop him as well to avoid bad PR?
George: No way should Kane be dropped because of a little “investigation.” The man’s just too good at hockey for the Blackhawks to kick him off. When Nixon was being “investigated,” did the team he play for — the team called America — kick him out? No. They almost did, but in a symbolic gesture of humility and honor, both traits that Nixon is famous for having, he stepped down from the presidency. What does all this politics have to do with hockey? I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps I’m suggesting for Kane to take a cue from Tricky Dick and put down the hockey stick before the Blackhawks impeach him.
Matt: Absolutely not. There is no way the Blackhawks would let Kane leave, especially after signing him to a monster eight-year deal that kicks in this season. The team would be on the hook for too much dead cap space to just let one of the most dynamic players in the entire NHL walk. Players of Kane’s caliber are tough to find in today’s NHL and a replacement would be hard to find. The Hawks need Kane now more than ever, so he is there to stay for the long haul, despite the allegations and ongoing investigation into the alleged sexual assault case. This isn’t Kane’s first run in with the law, and it may not be his last, but outright cutting him would not be a team-friendly move or financially responsible.
Otto: Patrick Kane has been under a lot of scrutiny in the past couple of weeks and has started to face the penalties for his actions. While I do not think he should be released from the team, he should be suspended and not cleared to play until police investigations are over and a verdict has been determined. While they are allegations, it’s important to take them seriously and keep up with the investigation. If proven innocent, he doesn’t deserve to lose his job. That’s why I think he should just be on the bench without pay until the courts find out what happened. Many times athletes are found innocent so it’s important not to issue a ruling until all the evidence comes out.
Otto gets 3 points for suggesting a good PR move. Matt gets 2 points for mentioning the large contract and George gets 1 point for the Nixon comparsion.
Otto wins Around the Dorm 8-6-5.
(05/06/15 9:32pm)
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Josh Kestenbaum, asks our panel of experts three questions: What NFL team that missed the playoffs in 2014 has a shot to make it this year, can the Mets keep up the impressive play and should Edmonton take Connor McDavid or go a different route?
1. With the recent release of the NFL schedule, which non-playoff team do you think has the best chance of making the playoffs?
Michael: This schedule is like Christmas come early for the New York Giants. The Giants will be coming off a rough season last year, but with the return of Victor Cruz, year two of Odell Beckham and high draft picks, things are looking up. Looking at the schedule, they play the Redskins twice — already a plus — and two games against an Eagles team which lobotomized their roster this offseason. The bye week falls on Week 11, and the last few games are against teams which seem like easy pickings — Redskins, Jets, Vikings, and Eagles are all in there. Not to mention early in the season games against the Bills and Falcons. All in all, I think the Giants have a good shot to pick up wins both late and early in the season.
Kevin: Since this question mentions the schedule, I’ll go with the Atlanta Falcons since they have the easiest schedule in the league based on last year’s records. The NFC South is a terrible division that is truly up for grabs, so it’s reasonable to believe that the Falcons can take it. The Falcons didn’t make any big splashes this offseason, but they brought in Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their head coach. He brings in a defensive and winning mentality that this team needed. An offense led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones should be able to score some points, as well. I expect them to add at least one solid pass rusher in a draft heavy with pass rushers and their defense to be much improved this season under Quinn.
George: There is no doubting His return. The Resurrection of the Holy Son of Football shall be upon us. And with him he brings his flock of angels known to us Earthly fellows as the Philadelphia Eagles. The man I speak of is, of course, Tim Tebow, whose incessant Hail Marys will grace the fields of heathen America, blessing all in their wake. Since His resurrection, the gates of paradise will be left wide open for his disciples. The Eagles clearly have a shot at making the playoffs this year.
George gets three points for reminding us of the Second Coming. Michael gets two points for pointing out the Giants’ receivers, and Kevin gets one point for picking the Falcons.
2. Do you think the Mets can maintain their early success, or will they fade away?
Michael: It’s hard to say, but I have to think this will fade away after awhile. People seem to forget baseball has a very long season, and it’s really hard to stay good for the entire duration. Now, I’m not saying I don’t think they have a chance. Players like Matt Harvey and Lucas Duda, among others, are playing great baseball and are showing improvements in strides over last year. All I’m saying is that 162 games is a lot, and the Mets have to show they aren’t just experiencing a flash in the pan.
Kevin: The I think the Mets can definitely keep this up. The NL East isn’t that strong of a division. The preseason overwhelming favorite, the Nationals, have been a huge disappointment thus far, and I don’t see the rest of the division being a major threat. The Mets are a young team that’s finally seeing their prospects of a few years ago reach the bigs. Most of their roster still haven’t hit their peak yet. They have great pitching led by Matt Harvey and a solid lineup. All in all, the Mets have been a great story so far, and I think they can definitely keep it up.
George: I think the Mets will continue their success this season, though it’ll be tough. Some fans may be quick to denounce their success so far, especially after they closed the Subway Series with a 6-4 loss and four errors — errors that likely gave Mets fans horrific flashbacks of last season and the season before that and the season before that. But just one game, and not even one series, cannot disprove a team’s success. The Mets still have the best record in the I think the Mets will continue their success this season, though it’ll be tough. Some fans may be quick to denounce their success so far, especially after they closed the Subway Series with a 6-4 loss and four errors -- errors that likely gave Mets fans horrific flashbacks of last season and the season before that and the season before that. But just one game, and not even one series, cannnot disprove a team’s success. The Mets still have the best record in the Majors right now. They’ve still got Matt Harvey pitching for them. The Mets will not fade out. Majors right now. They’ve still got Matt Harvey pitching for them. The Mets will not fade out.
Kevin gets three points for pointing out the Mets’ prospects. Michael gets two points for reminding us of the season’s length, and George gets one point for reminiscing on the past.
3. Should the Edmonton Oilers take Connor McDavid with the No. 1 overall pick in the next NHL draft?
Michael: They should, and I feel so bad for him. The Oilers got the first pick again, and of course they will use it on the top prospect in an effort to fix a team that has been broken for nine seasons. The last time the team made the playoffs, they lost in the final against Carolina for the Stanley Cup, so of course they still have hopes. McDavid is coming off seasons with the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League and international play with the Canadian Junior World Ice Hockey team, where his squad took home the gold. The kid scored 44 goals last season with the Otters and 76 assists, as well. Overall, the Oilers would be foolish to pass this kid up, but I have the feeling McDavid is secretly hoping something keeps him out of Edmonton.
Kevin: This is a no-brainer for Edmonton. With the hockey gods giving them their fourth, No. 1 overall pick in six years, the only option they should be considering is taking Connor McDavid. Wayne Gretzky said he’s the greatest prospect he’s seen in 30 years. The kid is a flat-out stud. He scored 120 points in 44 games this past season in the OHL, as well as helping lead the Canadian team to the World Junior title. The Oilers can deal with fixing their problems in goal and on the blue line through free agency and trades. They can’t afford to not take McDavid.
George: If they don’t, they’re fools. McDavid is one of the greatest prospects the NHL has seen, according to Wayne Gretzky. I’m pretty sure that’s like being knighted in the NHL. He’s also proven himself to be worthy of the NHL throughout his time playing for the OHL. Just this Sunday, the good Sir McDavid went up against the Greyhounds and pulled an amazing shorthand goal reminiscent of Forsberg’s shootouts. He pulled off the feint smoother and more fluidly than anyone in the NHL right now can do it. I think the Oilers should definitely go for McDavid if they get the chance to. It wouldn’t be the worst thing they could do.
Michael gets three points for hoping McDavid goes elsewhere. Kevin gets two points for looking at free agency, and George gets one point for overestimating the Oilers.
Michael wins Around the Dorm 7-6-4.