New York Knicks Coaching Search: Take The Layup And Hire Kenny Atkinson

Kenny Atkinson

For years, basketball historians have said that the free throw is the easiest shot in basketball. Obviously, these historians never watched Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Dwight Howard on the free-throw line. Because of its close proximity to the basket, the layup should be considered the easiest shot. It’s almost automatic especially if uncontested. When it comes to coaching searches, the New York Knicks have their version of a layup in Kenny Atkinson.

When Atkinson took the Brooklyn Nets job in 2016, it was nothing short of an uphill battle. With inexperienced players and little draft capital, walking on water seemed easier than rebuilding the Nets. However, not only did Atkinson achieve some success, he overachieved. In three full seasons with Atkinson, the Nets won 20, 28, and 42 games, with the latter resulting in a playoff appearance. More importantly, Atkinson turned D’Angelo Russell into an all-star and developed Caris LeVert, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris, and Jarrett Allen into integral players.

I have a love/hate relationship with the word,” culture.” What does it even mean to establish a successful and winning culture? Winning teams can have a bunch of assholes and degenerates like the 1986 New York Mets or star players at odds with its owner like the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers. Does that mean they have the best culture? Regardless of your feelings, Atkinson successfully created a culture with the Nets, where young players flourished and grew as professionals.

The Nets’ improvement is why Atkinson’s firing, or forced resignation, this past March was surprising. Some of the players reportedly wanted Atkinson gone. Once the Nets signed Kevin Durant, it became clear that whatever Durant and Irving wanted, they would get including their coach of choice. Although both Durant and Irving had kind words to say about Atkinson, let’s call a spade a spade. If Kyrie and KD backed Atkinson, he would still be the coach.

The Nets’ loss could be another team’s gain as Atkinson will certainly be a top target for teams without a head coach including the Knicks. Atkinson is exactly what the Knicks need right now. The Knicks must hire a coach who can develop young stars like RJ Barrett, Kevin Knox, and Mitchell Robinson and revitalize the careers of underappreciated talents such as Julius Randle. Atkinson is familiar with MSG thanks to his tenure as a Knicks assistant coach from 2008-2012. Plus, Atkinson’s emphasis on quality threes & layups, guard dominance, and team defense is a system that works in today’s NBA. For a franchise with seven straight losing seasons, adapting to today’s playing style might be the way to go, just saying.

With the NBA season set to restart its season on July 31, the Knicks coaching search has officially begun since they were not one of the 22 teams invited to Orlando. Although Atkinson is a target, he’s not at the top of the list for the Knicks. According to Shams Charania, Tom Thibodeau is the leader in the clubhouse for the head coaching position. Thibs has ties to the Knicks, having served as an assistant coach from 1996-2004. In his eight seasons as a head coach for the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, Thibs accumulated over 350 wins and only missed the playoffs twice.

Thibs is a smart coach with an elite defensive strategy who can win basketball games. There’s no denying that. That being said, his coaching style only works for a specific set of players. It has worked with players like Jimmy Butler. Specifically, Thibs has a tendency to overwork players in brutal practices followed by top guys logging a high amount of minutes. Thibs probably vomits in his mouth every time he hears the term, “load management.” That worked for players like Jimmy Butler. It didn’t work for young stars like Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Knicks need tough love. This is a franchise that’s won only one playoff series since 2000. Maybe Thibodeau is exactly what the Knicks need. Priority number one as the Knicks head coach will be to develop young talent. No star will ever come to New York if the coach can’t build winning players. Instead of taking a risk on a coach who mishandled a roster and hasn’t adapted to how the game’s played in 2020, choose the coach that grew a culture from the ground up and created the blueprint for how to attract stars to an organization. Take the layup and hire Kenny Atkinson.

Who would you hire as the next head coach of the Knicks? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Colin Runge: A Champion With the Northern Colorado Bears

Offensive lineman Colin Runge was one of the leaders on Northern Colorado Bears football teams that won national championships in 1996 and 1997.

Runge, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound guard, was all-in on being the best player he could be for the Bears, drawing on his leadership skills and his high football IQ.

Colin Runge Was Ready to Play College Football As Freshman at Northern Colorado

Runge arrived at Northern Colorado in the fall of 1994 and quickly learned about just how competitive Division II football was.

“There are grown men playing football, and you quickly learn that the assumptions about (Division II schools) are overblown,” Runge said. “It takes a certain kind of determination and toughness to stick it out in that type of environment.”

Runge was redshirted in 1994. He was thankful because he used his redshirt season to get used to the routine of being a college athlete. Drew Masten, a Bears offensive lineman who was also redshirted in 1994, said Runge showed his commitment to the Bears by studying the playbook at night after two-a-day practices.  

“I didn’t have to study very hard,” Runge said. “I enjoyed it.”

Runge learned parts of the playbook that he did not necessarily have to know, such as the quarterback section. He was able to help other players understand the concepts and schemes behind the Bears offense.

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Colin Runge Was Leader Throughout Freshman Season for Northern Colorado Bears

The Bears were unique in utilizing spread formations to complement the veer option, which was the most common offense in Division II at the time. Studying the playbook extensively helped Runge emerge as a standout early in his UNC career. The Bears never had full-time captains, but Runge was often selected as a game captain.

“Colin was a born leader,” said Ed Bendokas, another Bears offensive lineman and Runge teammate.“Colin by far was the smartest one (of the offensive line group) and picked up the offense the quickest. Because of that, he gained the leadership role with the younger guys. As we got older, he became the leader of the offensive line and the entire offense.”

Runge was starting by the third game of his redshirt freshman year in 1995, playing left guard. The Bears would finish 9-2 that first season. However, they would lose their first playoff game 36-17 to Pittsburg State.

He said it was good for the team to experience the playoff atmosphere but the Bears were not able to keep up with Pittsburg State.

“We thought we were a competitive team, and they beat us pretty handily,” Runge said.

1996 Season Had a Rocky Start for Runge

The Bears used the loss as a learning experience leading up to the 1996 season. There were high expectations for the team, but the season did not get off to the start that was envisioned. They were 5-3 with three games to play and had to win all three of their remaining three games to get into the playoffs.

Runge sprained his knee during the season and had to miss games, and there was obvious frustration that went along with that. However, it was not as hard as it could have been for Runge because he did not have to travel to away games.

“It was difficult to have to listen to games on the radio and not be a part of the team,” Runge said. “But I don’t think it was as hard as if they were at home.”

Runge, Northern Colorado Bears Peaked at the Right Time, Won Championship

The Bears won their last three games of the regular season to finish 8-3 and make the playoffs. Once again, they had a road matchup in the first round with Pittsburg State. Being familiar with the stadium and the raucous atmosphere helped the team, Runge said. It was a close game, but the Bears blocked a field goal to secure a 24-21 victory.

Their next game was at home against Northwest Missouri State. The Bears were down 26-21 late but got a go-ahead score with six seconds left to advance to the semifinals against Clarion. They would mount yet another game-winning drive, and get to go to Florence, Alabama, for the Division II Championship against Carson Newman.

The championship would not be as close and tense as the Bears’ three previous playoff games. They went into halftime leading 17-14 and added two more field goals in the second half to win 23-14.

Signed football from players on the 1997 National Championship Team

The Bears would get their championship rings, with “Believe” etched onto each one. “Believe” is what senior safety Jesse Tann told his teammates to do in the nail-biting victories in the 1996 playoffs. 

“He’d run up and down the sidelines telling us to believe,” Runge said. “We latched on to that, and that belief paid off multiple times.”

Runge said the Bears could not believe they were able to pull off their championship season in 1996. The feeling was one of shock and euphoria.

Team Picture With Trophies from 1996 Season | Courtesy: Colin Runge/ 96-97bearsfootball.com

1997 Was Still An Underdog Story for Northern Colorado Bears, Even With a Championship Repeat

The Bears were on top of the Division II mountain. However, they did not see themselves this way entering the 1997 season because of the loss of key players from the championship season.

“We still viewed ourselves as underdogs,” Runge said.

The Bears finished the 1997 season 9-2, and once again played at Pittsburg State in the first round, this time winning 24-16. They also had playoff rematches at Northwest Missouri State and then Carson Newman. The Bears edged Carson Newman 30-29 on a last-second field goal to advance to the championship game.

The Bears trounced New Haven in the championship, 51-0.

“Respect” was etched into the championship rings. Runge said the team felt disrespected because they did not get a single home playoff game despite being defending champions.

1998 Season Ended With a Disappointment, but Runge Left a Great Legacy

In 1998, Runge said, the Bears felt like they were going to beat everyone who stood in their way.

However, the Bears lost 42-17 to Northwest Missouri State to end Runge’s senior season. He attributed this loss to the team simply not being as good, even though there were higher expectations for the season.

“We didn’t run the ball as well, and in retrospect, it really hampered our ability to perform in the playoffs,” Runge said.

Runge now lives in Westminster, Colorado, and works as a sales operations manager for CenturyLink Communications.

Runge and his teammates may have not had the media circus that big schools like Ohio State or Alabama had, but the love of the game helped the Bears bond and win two championships.

NCAA Suffers Blow In Alston v NCAA Scholarship Cost of Attendance Case

Alston v NCAA

Late last month, the NCAA suffered another blow to its amateurism model. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling in Alston v NCAA that the NCAA’s restriction on education-related benefits for college athletes violated federal antitrust law. During the trial in 2018, college athletes forced the NCAA to defend its farce of amateurism.

What is Amateurism?

The NCAA’s amateurism rules preclude college athletes from receiving any pay for their athletic skills. The amateurism rules are the outgrowth of the idea that athletes should only play for the love of the game. It is this concept that the NCAA implores to carry out its mission. The NCAA’s mission is to “maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the student body and, by doing so, retain a clear line of demarcation between intercollegiate athletics and professional sports”. The NCAA uses this concept to further its mission. It does this by ensuring that college athletes do not receive any payment that is not approved by the NCAA.

Somehow the NCAA believes that making sure college athletes do not receive any pre-approved payment is sufficient to keep college sports separate from professional sports. The NCAA conveniently ignores other facets of college sports that are very akin to professional sports. Those facets include coaches’ million-dollar salaries, the billion-dollar television broadcasting deals, and the multi-million-dollar sports facilities on various college campuses. To the NCAA, the only thing that would professionalize college sports is paying the actual people who make all of the revenue possible. Fortunately, college athletes have begun to have enough of the system that intentionally leaves them out of the revenue sharing. College athletes challenged the system during the Alston v NCAA trial where they chiseled away at the sham of amateurism.

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Alston v NCAA District Court Trial

During the trial, college athletes challenged the NCAA’s amateurism rules by arguing that the NCAA has violated federal antitrust law. An antitrust law violation occurs when an organization conspires to place a restraint on trade in a free market. The plaintiffs, in this case, argued that the NCAA did just that through their amateurism rules. Specifically, they argued that the NCAA’s rules limiting college athletes to cost-of-attendance scholarships violates federal antitrust law. Additionally, the college athletes argued that there were other less restrictive ways that the NCAA could meet its goal.

The NCAA conceded that the rules in question did in fact violate federal antitrust law. However, the NCAA contended that their rules served two procompetitive purposes. Specifically, the NCAA argued that their rules were necessary to retain consumer interest in college sports. The NCAA contended college athletes being unpaid is what keeps college sports separate from professional sports. They argued that it is this separation that drives consumer interest. Additionally, the NCAA argued that its amateurism rules were necessary to keep college athletes integrated into the greater college campus community.

Ultimately, the District Court ruled that the NCAA was violating federal antitrust law with its blanket prohibition on payments beyond a cost-of-attendance scholarship. The court ruled that the NCAA could serve their procompetitive purposes using a less restrictive means. Accordingly, the court ruled that the NCAA could no longer restrict benefits given to college athletes that are tethered to education. Such benefits include things like computers and musical instruments. These types of benefits help further college athletes’ pursuit of their education.

The NCAA Can Still Restrict Non-Education Related Benefits

However, the NCAA may still restrict payments above a cost-of- scholarship that is not tethered to education. Therefore, the NCAA is still able to serve its procompetitive purpose of keeping college sports separate from professionals by ensuring college athletes do not receive any non-education related benefit.

The Appeals Court affirmed the District Courts Decision

While the NCAA did not completely lose the District Court case, they still appealed. On appeal, the court considered whether the District Court erred in their ruling. However, the appeals court affirmed the lower court’s decision. The court reasoned that the NCAA could keep college sports separate from professional sports while allowing college athletes to receive unrestricted education-related benefits. The court further reasoned that it would not adversely affect consumer interest in college sports. When the NCAA allowed college athletes to receive cost-of-attendance scholarships, that did not adversely affect consumer interest in college sports, as the NCAA originally said it would. As such, the court affirmed that allowing the NCAA to limit non-education related benefits while requiring the allowance of educational benefits was a reasonable balance that would allow the NCAA to further its mission.

NBA Regular Season And Playoffs: Readjust, Not Reinvent, The Wheel

LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard

The 2019-2020 NBA season will restart at some point in the next two months. There will most likely be no fans and all the games will be played in one location. Commissioner Adam Silver wants it to happen. The NBA teams and players want it to happen. Fans are begging for basketball, and every sport for that matter, to restart in order to establish a sense of normalcy. The question is not if the NBA 2019-2020 will start, but how will it begin again.

Last week, the NBA sent a survey to all 30 general managers concerning the various proposals as to how to restart and finish the season. Competition formats, game locations, and roster issues were at the top of the list. Yesterday, Adam Silver held a conference call with NBA GMs to discuss the results of the survey. Shams Charania of The Athletic broke down the results.

It’s apparent that the biggest issues revolve around the continuation of the NBA’s regular season and the playoff format. It boils down to two questions: Should the regular season continue, and what format should be used for the playoffs?

Let’s start with the first issue, the regular season. This is where ownership and the players seem to be divided the most. Players want to have at least a few regular-season games to get back into “basketball shape” instead of jumping right into the playoffs. Plus, teams a few games out want to have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. The majority of GMs want to end the regular season and keep the current playoff format.

If the regular season ended today, how would it affect teams on the outside looking in? In the East, it shouldn’t matter at all. The 8 playoff teams are not going to change without a miracle. Washington is 5.5 games behind the current 8 seed, Magic. If the Wizards couldn’t make up that difference during the season, what makes you believe they’ll make up the ground now? Giving the 24-win Wizards the chance to make the playoffs should not be a high priority. In the West, there’s more of an argument. Memphis holds the 8th seed with a record of 32-33. Portland, New Orleans, Sacramento all are 3.5 games back, while San Antonio is 4 games behind. It’s not inconceivable that one of these teams could make a final push for the final spot, which is where a play-in tournament could be beneficial.

The other issue involves the playoff format. Several ideas are floating around as to how the NBA should proceed with their playoffs. They could leave it as is with 8 teams in the East and 8 teams in the West. A proposed World Cup group stage received some positive responses from the GMs. The group stages would replace the regular season and first round. It would be a round-robin type of event where 5 teams (amount of teams is yet to be determined) are placed into 4 groups. Teams play every team in their group twice and the teams with the best two records advance to the second round of the playoffs, where the current format would apply. Problems could arise if the teams are drawn at random like they are in soccer, so a “group of death” could form if the groups are not seeded beforehand.

Now is not the time to belittle creativity. In fact, the NBA should be praised for addressing concerns and creating new formats to serve as solutions. There really are no bad ideas. However, there is a word going around that should scare the NBA and that’s the word, “asterisk.” The NBA is in unprecedented territory, which means all hell could potentially break loose in terms of who wins the championship. Shaq mentioned the NBA should cancel its season because the champion would be labeled with an asterisk. Shaq’s not entirely wrong. If any team other than the Lakers, Clippers, or Bucks win a title because of a new format like a World Cup group stage, no matter how many times Silver says it’s legitimate, it will be difficult for many fans to accept the champion without using an asterisk.

However, if every team plays under the same set of circumstances, there’s no reason to put an asterisk on the season. In fact, one could argue it will be even harder to win this year’s title because of the stoppage and the removal of home-court advantage. Whatever the case may be, the NBA does not need to reinvent the wheel. The best way to ensure the legitimacy of the champion is to keep the playoff format as close to normal as possible. The best teams should advance in the playoffs no matter what. That being said, some minor adjustments could be made in order to give more teams a chance if the regular season is shortened or canceled completely.

If I was the commissioner, this would be my plan.

  • 24 teams restart the season. The teams: top 8 seeds in the East, the top 8 seeds in the West, and the next four teams with the best record in each conference.
  • Teams seeded 9-12 have a play in-game. 9 vs. 12 and 10 vs. 11. So if that happens, here are the matchups – West: 9. Blazers vs. 12. Spurs / 10. Pelicans vs. 11. Kings. East: 9. Wizards vs. 12. Knicks / 10. Hornets vs. 11. Bulls. Winners advance and losers leave town (literally).
  • The two winners then play the 7 and 8 seed in their conference to determine the final two spots in the playoffs. The higher seeded team from the play-in games will play the 8 seed. Potential matchups – West: 7. Mavs vs. lower-seeded team / 8. Grizzlies vs. higher-seeded team. East: 7. Nets vs. lower-seeded team / 8. Magic vs. higher-seeded team. Winners move to the playoffs.
  • While those play-in games occur, every team that’s in the top 8 will play two games that will count towards their record. To keep it random, the games would be against playoff teams from the other conference. To reward the higher seeds, it will be playoff-style seeding. For example, the top-seeded Lakers would play the 8 seed in the East, which is the Magic. The 2 seed, Clippers, would play the 7 seed, Nets, and so on so forth. For game number two, the same rules apply except there are fewer teams. The top-seeded Lakers would then play the 6 seed, 76ers, since teams 7 and 8 will be in the play-in game. 2 seed would play 5 seed and so on and so forth. These games serve as a way for players to get back into basketball shape before the playoff grind begins and in some cases, teams could improve their playoff seeding with wins.
  • Once the dust has settled, start the playoffs under the normal formula with 8 teams in the East and 8 teams in the West. If you need to cut games, make the first round best-of-five. Other than that, the best-of-7 format remains intact throughout.

The plan is not perfect, but no plan will be. Let’s just get the players back on the court and go from there.

How would you continue the NBA season? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

As Predicted: Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Win Entertaining “The Match: Champions for Charity”

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Will Win The Match: Champions for Charity

The Match: Champions for Charity made for a fun and engaging live sporting event. There was good golf, friendly trash talk, and money raised to help with COVID-19 relief efforts. Six million fans tuned in, as The Match: Champions for Charity was the highest-rated cable golf event in history. As I predicted, Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning bested Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady, winning by a score of 1 up.

The Match: Champions for Charity Had a Familiar Game Flow

The date was January 24, 2016. The Denver Broncos were holding on to dear life as the New England Patriots were in their territory on the final three possessions of the game. Every time the Patriots got into Broncos territory the score was 20-12. However, the Patriots only scored a touchdown on their third try inside of Broncos territory. And even so, Brady was intercepted by Bradley Roby on the two-point try. The Broncos won 20-18.

During The Match: Champions for Charity, it once again seemed inevitable that Brady and Mickelson would tie the match. The Woods-Manning lead dwindled to only 1 up after the 14th hole.

However, Woods and Manning were able to stay the course and hold on for the victory similar to how the Broncos held onto victory on that fateful January Sunday. Even when the sport changes, sometimes the competition has a similar game flow based on who is participating.

Despite Losing, Tom Brady Had Shot of The Match: Champions for Charity

Tom Brady had the shot of the match on the 7th hole. He was able to chip in a put for birdie while trash-talking Charles Barkley in the process. Brady did not have the best start in The Match, but was able to get into a groove after hitting this shot. Some thought he may have struggled at first because of Peyton Manning’s caddie comment. The mention of Eli Manning and Nick Foles, the only two quarterbacks to beat Tom Brady in a Super Bowl, may have flustered Brady’s game a little bit.

Also, Brady stated that he had already played a whole round of golf before The Match: Champions for Charity. This could have affected his start, as the other three were more fresh at the start of The Match 2.

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Phil Mickelson Coached Tom Brady Through Rough Start

Mickelson coached Brady through his early struggles, and the duo was able to not let the game get completely out of reach. He also had some notable drives during the round. His best shot of the round was his drive on the 8th hole when he hit the golf ball within feet of the hole.

Mickelson did a great job of helping Brady improve as the match went on. He was not afraid to share some of his knowledge about the game of golf. He coached Brady in a sense. It was cool to see the teamwork displayed between both teams in this match.

Peyton Manning Had Good Drives, Wins Despite Weather

One thing that many have criticized Peyton Manning for throughout his football career was how he performed when the conditions were not great. However, Manning was able to show up despite rain falling through many portions of the round in The Match: Champions for Charity. Manning won two points in the front nine to help him and Woods take a 3 up lead into the back nine. He also was able to hit good drives on holes where Woods did not have his best stuff.

Tiger Woods Was Clutch Down the Stretch

Tiger Woods played a great round of golf. He was able to hit timely shots down the stretch and show off his clutch gene. He got revenge for his previous loss to Mickelson in the previous Match in November 2018. Home-field advantage helps many teams in team sports, and it helped Woods in this instance. Mickelson did not have as great of an idea of how his shots were because he had not played as often at The Medalist Golf Course.

This Golf Match Could Help Woods and Mickelson In Eventual Return to PGA Tour

Both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson could be golfing competitively again as early as next month. There are still three majors scheduled to be played this year. Having competition against another golfer may have been great preparation once Woods and Mickelson are competing against other golfers. Both their games looked somewhat sharp on Sunday, which could translate into great seasons for them. While Tom Brady will get back to his day job and Peyton Manning will get back to enjoying retirement, there are potential prizes that could be attainable for both Woods and Mickelson in the game of golf. It will just be a matter of training well and putting in four rounds of good golf. I believe both of them can still do just that at this point in their respective careers.

Greg Camarillo: 7yr NFL Veteran, USD Coordinator Student-Athlete Development, TV football analyst

Greg Camarillo George Wrighster Podcast

In this episode of the GW podcast, Greg Camarillo joins me. He is a great husband, father, friend, and thinker. Greg just so happens to be a 7 year NFL veteran who has one of the most famous plays in Miami Dolphins’ history, but his journey to that moment was unconventional. He was a zero-star recruit out of high school who had to walk-on as a punter at Stanford. Even though he became a contributor for the Cardinal an NFL future seemed impossible. Yet, he was able to carve out a nice career. 

Greg Camarillo

He shares the story of his journey to the NFL, his thoughts on faith, family, fatherhood, food, and sports. Greg has strong thoughts on #GirlDad, and on masculinity while maintaining a successful marriage. He also enlightens us about raising kids in an interracial home and white privilege.

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The George Wrighster podcast features great interviews where you get to know great people discussing faith, family, fatherhood, food, and sports. We get to know and learn from the personalities that entertain us outside of what they are famous for. Shoot us an email with comments or guest ideas: GWpodcast@unafraidshow.com. Please be sure to share the podcast with a friend, subscribe, and leave a 5* rating.

Who is George Wrighster?

George Wrighster is a former Pac-12 and veteran NFL tight end. As a television/radio host, opinionist, writer, speaker, and analyst, he is UNAFRAID to speak the truth. Contrary to industry norms he uses, facts, stats, and common sense to win an argument. He has also found success in the business world as an entrepreneur and investor. George is a lifelong learner who loves having conversations that educate and uplift. He has also covered college football, basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB since 2014.

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Will Win The Match: Champions for Charity

Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning Will Win The Match: Champions for Charity

The Match: Champions for Charity will give sports fans everywhere a chance to watch some of their favorite athletes compete for $10 million in COVID-19 relief.

Sports fans will be able to watch a competitive golf match on Sunday. Two of these competitors are synonymous with the golf world: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The other two, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, are known for their rivalry on the gridiron. The hope for fans is that these two rivalries that defined their respective sports can lead to an entertaining and highly competitive golf match.

Woods and Mickelson had their first one-on-one competition in November, which Mickelson won in a playoff. However, this competition will obviously have a different setup. Mickelson and Brady will team up against Woods and Manning.

Brady and Manning Competing Indirectly Against Each Other Once Again

Brady and Manning had their battles on the gridiron but were never directly competing against each other necessarily. Even if it was lip service, Peyton Manning has always said it was the Colts or Broncos against the Patriots. The games would play out as the team against the team.

Peyton Manning’s teams were able to win three AFC Championships against Brady’s teams. However, Brady’s teams have a better overall record against Manning’s teams. During an interview previewing The Match: Champions for Charity, Peyton Manning did point out how he and Tiger Woods have combined for 17 championships, compared to the 11 combined between Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson.

A Clutch Moment Or Two May Decide The Match: Champions for Charity

These athletes also have all had their clutch moments within their sports. There are many that have stood out to me. For Phil Mickelson, it was his Sunday at Muirfield in 2013 to win his first Claret Jug. Tiger Woods’ Masters’ win last year was the climax of one of the most unlikely comeback stories you might see. For Tom Brady, it was many of his crazy playoff wins. Super Bowl 51 will stand out as a game where he made timely throws to keep his team in the game. Peyton Manning and the Colts’ comeback in the 2006 AFC Championship against Brady’s Patriots will always stand out to me as the defining moment of his career.

This golf match will be decided by a clutch moment. Fans know that every person participating has the ability to upstage their opponent. It will just be a matter of who rises to the occasion.

Manning and Brady’s Battles On The Gridiron Have Always Been Team Battles Decided By Teammates

Manning and Brady have had their battles through the years, but the games between them were always team games. In 2009, when the Patriots were seemingly a lock to hand the Colts their first loss of the season, Bill Belichick decided to go for it on 4th-and-2. When Brady and the Patriots came back from down 24-0 to beat the Broncos, it was the miscommunication between Denver’s Tony Carter and Wes Welker’s that came to define that game. That is why my prediction is that the actions of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson will define this match.

Expect Woods and Mickelson To Determine Strategy In The Match: Champions for Charity

The focus of The Match: Champions for Charity is about two rivalries combining to bring a super-rivalry golf match. However, Woods and Mickelson will not beat the other individual. Brady and Manning will not beat each other as individuals also.

For the first nine holes of the match, the better score for each team will be recorded. Therefore, if Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have better rounds than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, their scores will get recorded for their whole team. For the second half of the match, teammates will alternate shots, which means that strategy will be key. It may be fair to assume that Woods and Mickelson will take the lead on the strategy end of things.

Prediction For The Match: Champions for Charity

The team of Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning will win The Match: Champions for Charity because it is at The Medalist, which is Tiger Woods’ home golf course. Mickelson and Brady will keep this competitive to the point it may require a playoff, but Woods knows his course better than anyone. Regardless of who wins, however, sports fans will be entertained on Sunday.

The Last Dance: Michael Jordan’s Views On Winning And Leadership Will Be The Biggest Takeaways

Michael Jordan

On behalf of America, I want to personally thank The Last Dance for airing during the quarantine. Seriously, The Last Dance has been a small beacon of hope these past few weeks. Michael Jordan went six for six in the NBA and now he’s one for one in airing great documentaries during global pandemics. Take THAT, LeBron!

Note: I like and appreciate LeBron James. I can’t wait to watch your documentary in 20 years.

Tonight marks the final two episodes of The Last Dance. However, no matter what airs tonight, my biggest takeaway from The Last Dance happened last week. The clip I’m referencing focuses on MJ and the perception that he’s not a nice guy. These two minutes gave us insight into one of the greatest winners of all time.

“Winning has a price, leadership has a price.”

Was an MJ an asshole? I think it’s safe to say that at times, Michael Jordan was an asshole. MJ punched Steve Kerr in the face, insulted Scott Burrell 24/7, ran teammates out of town, and pushed guys farther than anyone had ever pushed them in their lives. There are different types of leaders. Some leaders get in your face while other leaders tend to back off. There’s no right answer to this question. The only way to measure the greatness of a leader, in this case, is through success. Did Michael’s methods lead to victories?

The answer is a resounding yes. If Jordan didn’t win six championships and six finals’ MVPs, then we’d look at his leadership methods a lot differently. Frankly, there would be no documentary about him either if he wasn’t one of the greatest basketball players of all time. I can’t shake this quote. “The one thing about Michael Jordan was he never asked me to do something that he didn’t fucking do.” It’s not like MJ was barking out orders and sitting comfortably on the sidelines. If you took 100 shots at practice, MJ was going to take 200 shots. If you’re lifting weights for one hour, MJ would do it for three hours. He talked the talk and walked the walk. Jordan was no hypocrite.

It’s difficult for me to comment on Jordan’s impact in the 1990s because I was 6 years old when he won his sixth championship. Through no fault of my own, I’ll never fully appreciate his greatness, both on the court and off because I couldn’t witness it firsthand. However, one thing I can value is his drive to greatness. Watching Jordan discuss the price of winning and leadership makes me want to run through a wall for him. I’ve been waiting for the moment where I won’t like Michael Jordan, and yet, after every episode, I find myself liking him more and more.

MJ may not have been perceived as a nice guy, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. The results speak for themselves.

Robert Littal: Editor-in-Chief of BSO, Co-cost TMZ Sports on FS1

Robert Littal: Editor-in-Chief of BSO (BlackSportsOnline.com), Co-cost TMZ Sports on FS1

On this episode of the GW podcast, Robert Littal joins me. He is the creator and Editor-in-Chief of Black Sports Online (BSO), and Co-cost TMZ Sports on FS1. Rob talks about how he grew from a tiny little blogging website to a prominent sports and entertainment news source. I asked him about dealing with stereotypes about the BSO brand and what he really stands for. Rob talked about his code for breaking news and reporting on things that could be embarrassing to people, detrimental to their families, and damaging to their careers.

Robert Littal

His marriage and upcoming baby have been life-changing for him. Plus so much more

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The George Wrighster podcast features great interviews where you get to know great people discussing faith, family, fatherhood, food, and sports. We get to know and learn from the personalities that entertain us outside of what they are famous for. Shoot us an email with comments or guest ideas: GWpodcast@unafraidshow.com. Please be sure to share the podcast with a friend, subscribe, and leave a 5* rating.

Who is George Wrighster?

George Wrighster is a former Pac-12 and veteran NFL tight end. As a television/radio host, opinionist, writer, speaker, and analyst, he is UNAFRAID to speak the truth. Contrary to industry norms he uses, facts, stats, and common sense to win an argument. He has also found success in the business world as an entrepreneur and investor. George is a lifelong learner who loves having conversations that educate and uplift. He has also covered college football, basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB since 2014.

Undrafted College Football Players Should Be Allowed to Return to CFB

College football players undrafted Hunter Bryant Washington Hawaii

The 2020 NFL Draft was definitely one to remember. It was completely virtual due to the Coronavirus. Potential draft picks watched at home. They awaited a phone call informing them that they were selected by an NFL team. Elite players, like Joe Burrow and Chase Young, accomplished their goal of being a first-round NFL Draft pick. However, many NFL Draft hopefuls did not realize their dream of being selected in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, for many of those players, their football career as players may be over. It is true that many of them will attempt to earn a spot on a team as an undrafted free agent. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent is not easy and will not happen for all of them. This realization is especially unfortunate for draftees who left college early to enter the NFL Draft.

Every year, some college football players decide to forego their remaining college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. NFL rules require draft entrants to be out of high school for three years and to have used all of their college eligibility before the start of the next college football season. However, college players with remaining eligibility request league approval to enter the NFL Draft early. 99 players were granted special eligibility for the 2020 draft. This means that 99 players who had remaining college eligibility gave up their remaining eligibility for a shot at the NFL. Despite the fact that only 1.5 percent of college football players go pro, 99 players still thought it was best to enter the draft. Why do college football players make the decision to forego their remaining eligibility given the odds of making it to the NFL?

Reasons College Football Players Leave College Early to Enter the NFL Draft

There are many reasons college football players forego their remaining college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft. There are two reasons that stick out the most. One reason is due to the unrealistic sense that many college football players have about their prospects of being drafted. Many college football players prematurely forego their remaining college eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, even though they are not ready. Another reason college football players forego the remaining college eligibility because some from disadvantaged backgrounds and need to make money. College sports is a billion-dollar business but the players’ only compensation is a cost-of-attendance scholarship. While a scholarship is valuable that does not mean that players should be limited to only that.

Listen to the Best College Football Podcast

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College Football Players who Come From Disadvangeted Backgrounds Would Greatly Benefit from Getting into the NFL as Quickly as Possible

Roughly 86 percent of African-American college athletes come from families that live below the poverty line. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the inequities that many college athletes face have become even more visible. For example, Sam Williams, a University of Mississippi linebacker, tweeted about the hardships he is facing since being unexpectedly home from school. Specifically, Williams tweeted:

We worked so hard to get out of the hood but forced to go back to the hood…Still gotta pay rent so all of our money gone and I can’t swipe my ID nowhere in Alabama. Then if we get help it’s a ‘violation’. I just don’t understand.”

Williams highlighted a problem that may college athletes are facing. A study conducted by the Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice prior to the pandemic highlights many of the issues that college athletes face. 452 Division I athletes were surveyed. 24 percent of them suffered from food insecurity in the 30 days prior. Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. The survey sheds light on the issue of food scarcity amongst college athletes across all the divisions. Williams’ tweet and the survey’s findings further demonstrate the needs of many college athletes, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Everybody Gets Rich Except the Players

Furthermore, Williams’s tweet and the survey certainly make it clear why a college football player would leave college football eligibility on the table for a shot at the NFL. Due to the NCAA’s asinine amateurism rules, college football players are precluded from sharing in the billions they generate outside of a cost-of-attendance scholarship. While coaches, athletic directors, and other sports administration personnel make millions, the players are capped to a scholarship.

As Williams tweeted, college athletes cannot receive any assistance that is not first approved by the NCAA. If an athlete does, he will be subject to an NCAA violation, just ask Chase Young. Why would an athlete remain apart of a system that stops them from earning their true worth and risk injury, while everyone else makes millions?

The Good News is that the NCAA Can Fix Both of These Problems and Retain College Football Players

The NCAA can fix these problems and retain college football players if they would simply amend their rules. One way the NCAA can fix this problem is by allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). After mounting pressure, the NCAA is finally on the track to allow that to happen. If the NCAA does this, it could take the pressure off of players to go pro to make money. Last month, the NCAA announced that they are moving toward allowing college athletes to profit from their NIL. However, only time will tell how much the NCAA will amend their current rules to actually help the athletes.

Currently, college football players cannot return to college football after they enter and go through the NFL Draft even if they have remaining eligibility. Why is this the case? How does this benefit the football players? How does it benefit college football? The truth is that these rules do not benefit the players nor college football. This is another way the NCAA can fix their problems. The NCAA should change its rules to allow players who are not drafted to return to college football. It is time for things in college football to change. Change is more than possible, just look at recent changes in college basketball.

Recent Changes in College Basketball

Sweeping changes have come to college basketball during the last four years. In 2017, a scandal was exposed in college basketball. Soon after, the NCAA amended college basketball rules. The NCAA began to allow NBA Draft entrants with remaining eligibility to return to college. Prior to entering the NBA draft, the player must seek an evaluation from the National Basketball Association’s Undergraduate Advisory Committee. If the player intends to return to college, he must remove his name from the draft list and declare his intent to return to college within 10 days of the conclusion of the NBA Draft combine. These types of rule changes are exactly what the NCAA should adopt in college football.

The NCAA Should Allow College Football NFL Draft Entrants to Return If Undrafted

Two former NFL Players who entered the league as undrafted free agents agree that college football players could benefit if the NCAA made changes to their rules. Patrick Cobbs entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He believes that college football players could benefit from being able to return to college after entering the NFL Draft. Cobbs, a running back, led the nation in rushing in 2003. As a junior, Cobbs was projected to be a second or third-round draft pick. He stated that if he had the option to try his chances at the NFL Draft and return to college if undrafted he would have taken advantage of it.

Greg Camarillo also entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He also believes that college football players could benefit from being allowed to return to college football after the NFL Draft. Both Cobbs and Camarillo believe that an advisory committee should be created for potential draft entrants. Camarillo stated that the committee should create a program to give the players a realistic sense of their chances in the draft. Potential draft entrants should be required to consult the committee before entering the draft.

Both Cobbs and Camarillo do not think that agents should be a part of the committee due to potential bias. They suggest that the committee be made up of former NFL scouts, former coaches, and former NFL and college players. Camarillo suggests that the advisory committee’s evaluations take place immediately after the college football post-season.

The NCAA Should Be Proactive in Making These Changes in College Football

If the NCAA adopted these changes it could greatly change the landscape of college football for the betterment of the players. A player should not be forced to forego his remaining college eligibility just because he entered the draft. The idea of college football players being able to return to college if undrafted is gaining traction amongst prominent college coaches. Recently, the University of Michigan coach, Jim Harbaugh, released a proposal in support of this issue. He suggested that undrafted players be allowed to return to college. The NCAA needs to take note and make changes before they are forced to like they were with basketball.