The Five SEC Players I Would (And Would Not) Hang Out With

I recently had a conversation with a college friend of mine of a college quarterback's, now thanks to the internet  infamous tattoo. It led to the idea for this post. Without further ado, here is the list of players in the SEC, given the opportunity, I would like or would not to hang out with in no particular order.

The "Woulds":

Even Nick Saban likes Barrett Jones

Barrett Jones, Alabama center- A 2011 unanimous All-America selection and Outland Trophy winner, Jones is not only a beast on the field at 6-foot-5, 311-pounds; but he also holds a 4.0 at Alabama, while working on his masters and preparing for the CPA exam. The over-sized nerd, once finished 15th in his age division at a Scrabble competition. Oh and he has played violin continuously since age three. 

Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt quarterback- The community college transfer followed began the 2011 season as the No. 2 quarterback on the Commodore depth chart before taking over the starting job and topping Jay Cutler's freshmen year in total yards gained. I would hang out with Jordan on the outside shot he would bring his brother Aaron along, Super Bowl MVP and champion for the Green Bay Packers.

Knile Davis, Arkansas running back and Tyler Wilson, Arkansas quarterback- I went with a combo here for the same reason no parent wants to choose their favorite child. Davis and Wilson are arguably the top players in the SEC at their respective positions. In addition, reports came out that the duo had conversations with former Razorback coach, and poor motorcycle-driving connoisseur, Bobby Petrino over the summer. Wouldn't you like to know exactly what was said?

T.J. Moe, Missouri wide receiver- In my last post, I wrote how Moe stole the show at SEC media days with his comments of how the SEC is better than the Big 12. Other than that,  I do not know much about the No. 1 wideout on the Tiger's depth chart. However, I do know if we were to hang out there is a strong possibility I would have more one-liners to add to my arsenal, which is enough to make the list.

Johnson, stud on and off the field.

A.J. Johnson, Tennessee linebacker- Would I be a fan of his had I not moved to Gainesville, Johnson's hometown two years ago? Probably not, but after doing so and hearing some of the local lore I would like to talk to this kid and get the his full story. I have watched him on some YouTube highlights, and the more I watch the more I wish I could have seen the then Red Elephant in person. Locals here say he is a great all-around person.

Honorable Mention-

Bacarri Rambo, Georgia safety- He was called Fudge before he changed his name in grade school. I would ask for the full story.

Barkevious Mingo, LSU defensive end- The name game again. What is its origin?

Kiero Small, Arkansas fullback- The 5-foot10, 255-pound Small is a willing block seeker in the second and third level. He broke more than ten opponent's helmets and at least eight of his own in 2011.


The "Would Nots":

Tyrann Mathieu, LSU cornerback- If an explanation is necessary, just Google is name. The Honey Badger is a good ball player but has a number of character issues.

Da'Rick Rogers, Tennesee wide receiver- Yet another prima donna wide receiver, who tweets about hanging out with high school kids in hot tubs when he goes home to Calhoun, Georgia. Rogers is talented receiver who used his five-star ranking to shortchange Georgia. He switched his commitment in the last hour to the Volunteers by finagling a scholarship for his high school quarterback. A season later, he publicly announced that he was going to transfer to Georgia State after a disappointing season. These plans never worked out, and now he is still giving his all -- if that possible -- for Tennessee today.

Hard to believe the guy on the right has the art on the right inked on his chest.

A.J. McCarron, Alabama quarterback- Though he is not the reason this blog was created, he comes in a close second because of his tattoo. When one decides to go through with a terrible permanent marking on their body, they prove to me of their poor decision-making skills, which would make hanging out with him not so fun. McCarron's tattoo does just that (and he strives to be just like John Parker Wilson, Bama Bangs and all).

Brad Wing, LSU punter- Football players do not generally respect the masters of special teams (kickers and punters). Sure it was a good play, and another gutsy call by LSU coach Les Miles, but taunting the opposing team after scoring your only career touchdown (which was called back) as a punter is a quick way to find yourself on this list. Cocky punters? Nah.

Bray needs no nameplate on his jersey. He
already has a permanent one on his back.

Tyler Bray, Tennessee quarterback- The Volunteer signal caller is the proud owner of the star tattoo which brought this whole post to life. Since telling the press at SEC Media Days how proud he is of his star back-branding, Bray has thrown a temper tantrum after allegedly being told he would be evicted from his apartment complex. With his cannon-like right arm, he threw beer bottles and golf balls at a neighbor's car. Although he apologized and is paying for the damages, I am not up for a night of taking out anger through vandalism of private property.

Dishonorable Mention- 

Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn tight end- He added to the myth that white men can't dance with The Lutzie against Alabama in 2010.

Thoughts and opinions of my list? Or others you would want to add? Comment below.

All-Time Atlanta Braves Team: Pitchers

The Atlanta Braves are not known for their potent hitters, but pitching is one thing the Braves have never lacked. I did not include any current Braves, though current set-up man Johnny Venters and closer Craig Kimbrel look to be on their way to earning a spot on this roster.

Starters
Warren Spahn- One of three pitchers that have had their number retired by the Braves franchise. Spahn had eight 20-win seasons (363 total wins), a 3.09 lifetime ERA, and more than 2,583 career strikeouts. He won one Cy Young award, along with being selected to 17 All-Star teams. Spahn was a first ballot hall-of-famer and named to MLB's All-Century Team. He was the starting pitcher in what experts call the greatest game ever pitched, in which he pitched 15 scoreless innings, in one game!

Greg Maddux- The "Mad Dog" was known for his control of the ball, being able to paint corners and put the ball where he wanted it and where batters could not get to it. Maddux also has his number retired by the Braves, had a few less wins (355), but almost 1,000 more strikeout than Spahn (3,371). He was also the anchor to the pitching staff that lead Atlanta to their 14 straight division titles.

Kid Nichols- If you were around and saw this guy pitch, how are you still here? I know I am going old school with this pick, but I have not shown much love to the older Braves and this guy is more than deserving. No one wins like the Kid did. Nichols. He's the youngest pitcher to win 300 games. He had 10 consecutive 20-win season and seven 30-win seasons. His 361 are seventh all-time and he pitched the 11th most innings.

Tom Glavine- Glavine's 164 wins during the 1990s were only second behind Greg Maddux's 165. Glavine is a five-time 20-game winner and has two Cy Young awards. He is also one of six left-handed pitchers to win 300 games. The 10-time All-Star was the 1995 World Series MVP and a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, which goes to the best hitter at their position. His No. 47 is retired, but the one thing wrong with Glavine? He was did play for the New York Mets for five years.

Phil Nierko- Every good staff needs a knuckleballer so here is mine, "Knucksie." The winningest knuckleball pitcher of all time is yet another starter who has his number retired for good reason. he went to 5 All-Star games and won 5 Gold Gloves. Nierko stuck with the Braves when it was tough to be a fan, much less a player and he gets extra points for doing so. His signature pitch led to 3,342 strikeout ending at bats and eventually led him to the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Middle Relievers
Mike Remlinger- Every bullpen needs a left handed guy to be able to come in and take care of tough left-handed pitchers. The southpaw was a one-time All-Star and as solid as they come out of the bullpen for the Braves. Though stats are tough to find to back up any middle reliever over another, Remlinger is someone that was consistent out-getter during his time with the Braves

Don McMahon- He was an important part during the Milwaukee Braves 1957 World Series championship team with a 1.57 ERA and 32 saves. He was 27 by the time he made it out of the minor leagues, but stayed in the majors for 18 years once he got to the big leagues. When he retired only three other players had pitched more innings than McMahon.

Chris Hammond- Again, it is hard to find stats that will blow you away when you are talking middle relievers. Heck, its sometimes hard to even remember any middle relievers. I did some research and it is a stretch to include him because of his one season with the Braves, but Hammond posted a 0.95 ERA, only the fourth pitcher in history to have a sub-1.00 ERA. He also pitched nearly 30 consecutive scoreless innings that same season.

Set-up: Mark Wohlers- Wohlers was the first player I saw take the radar gun over 100 MPH. He also was the closer in the Game 6 1-0 victory for the 1995 Braves World Series team. His success in Atlanta was not long lived but because of his importance to winning Atlanta's only championship Wohlers gets a spot on my squad.

Closer: John Smoltz- Known maybe more for his starting role in the Braves 1990s teams, he was a dominating closer. I want him on the team and if he is here I might could go to a 6-man rotation. Smoltzy won a Cy Young, Relief Pitcher of the Year, NLCS MVP, was elected to 8 All-Star games, and threw more than 3,000 strikeouts. Smoltz started as a starting pitcher, but after Tommy John surgery he was moved to the pen to help in rehab. His first year he set the record for most saves in a season (55). The following season he only had 45 saves but held a 1.12 ERA. He and Dennis Eckersley are the only two pitchers with a 20-win and 50-save seasons. Smoltz is the only pitcher ever with 200 wins and 150 saves.

All-Time Atlanta Braves Team: Position Players

The sports editor at The Gainesville Times is doing a "State of the Franchise" piece each week, which looks at the Atlanta Braves current roster and players in the minors and giving each position a grade. This got me thinking, as long as the Braves have been around, who are the greatest to wear the the red and blue? Here is my starting lineup. The pitching staff will be up within the next week.

Catcher- The Braves currently have what will be the best catcher in franchise history. Let us not forget Javy Lopez and Joe Torre were Braves catchers too, but when Brian McCann hangs up his cleats his numbers will match up against some of the best all time. The local Georgia kid just received his first starting spot in the All-Star game but has been 5 times previously, including a walk-off hit for the NL in 2010. Keep watching him. He is the biggest offensive threat on the Braves current roster and at this pace is a shoo-in hall of famer.

1st Base- Not a whole lot of history for the Braves at first base. The sentimental favorite may be Andres Galarraga, who won MLB Comeback Player of the Year after his successful return to baseball after cancer treatments. But before "The Big Cat" there was the "Crime Dog," Fred McGriff. McGriff was a staple on the Braves teams that won division title after division title. He ranks 26th all-time in HRs and has more than 1,500 RBIs.

2nd Base- His numbers may not be the strongest out of all the candidates for this team, but Mark Lemke was there time and time again during the string of division titles. Marcus Giles was the most powerful 2B in Braves history, but "The Lemmer" is a lifetime Brave and played in 4 World Series for the the Braves which means he was bring something in the clubhouse. He now works with the Braves Radio Network, which gives him extra points.

3rd Base- Larry Wayne "Chipper" Jones will go down as the second greatest switch hitter, behind Mickey Mantle, when he retires. Another lifetime Brave, was the first overall pick in the 1993 draft and has not disappointed. The 1999 NL MVP and 7 time all-star has an above .300 lifetime batting average, 2,500 hits and 1,500 RBIs. The late Eddie Matthews was hard to pick against with almost 550 HRs and time spent as Braves manager.

Shortstop- Traditionally, SS is not a power hitting position and this lineup will be no different. Rafael Furcal played 6 years in Atlanta before going to the Dodgers. The 2000 rookie of the year was a contact hitter and one of my favorite players to watch when he played with the Braves. He also could change the game with his speed, averaging 31 stolen bases in Atlanta including two seasons of more than 40.

The choices get much harder when we get to the OF...
Outfield- No question here who is number one. Any all-time team for the Braves has to include one player under any circumstances. The Henry "Hank" Aaron. The all-time home run champ, I remember Barry Bonds and am not quite ready to see the title out of Atlanta. The 25-time all-star (yes, 25) has 3,700 hits and holds MLB records for RBIs, total bases, extra base hits, and 17 consecutive seasons with more than 150 hits. His statistics are truly amazing and he is one of the greatest to ever play. He still active in the Atlanta community and involved in the organization.

Outfield- The best player to not be in the hall of fame comes next, Dale Murphy. Murphy has his #3 retired by the Braves for his contributions, 398 HRs and 1,266 RBIs. The 7-time all-star won two NL MVPs, 5 Gold Gloves and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. It is hard to believe a player of his caliber is not in the HOF yet, but he did make it to my All-Time Atlanta Braves Team, as he should for anyone doing a similar list.

Outfield- I watched my last outfielder bat last night for the Yankees and I was sad to see how much he has fallen since he has left the Dirty South, but during his prime he was one of the greatest power hitters in the game, Andruw Jones. He was also the greatest defensive OF over a 11 year career and won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves while in Atlanta. Jones also homered in his first two at bats in the 1996 World Series. Becoming the youngest player ever to homer in the World Series. (I also have his rookie card so I want his legend status to be HUGE.)

I would take my Braves all-time team against any "all-time franchise" team, including the Yankees, in a 7 game series. If you think the lineup is a solid group wait until you see the pitching staff, which has always been the Braves bread and butter. I am working on that list and again, will have it up within the next week.

The Ten All-Time Best NBA Players

About a week and a half ago, in a press conference following the Dallas Mavericks sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Head Coach said he believes his 10 time All-Star and 2006-2007 MVP Forward is "one of the ten best players of all time." Needless to say, he was overreacting a tad to a great series by Dirk Nowitzki, who may barely make the cut as a top ten white player of all time. But it got me thinking, who are the best to have ever played in the NBA? You can look other places, but let's face it. Unless their list looks like the one below, they are wrong.

1. Michael Jordan- There is no question here. If you look at any respectable list, MJ is the best. In fact, he and Wayne Gretzky are the only two athletes to be the undisputed number one in their respective sports. I was only lucky enough to catch the tail end of His Airness's career, but if you want to be amazed and see exactly how far ahead he is to everyone else go to YouTube. No other justification needed.

2. Wilt Chamberlin- Looking at Wilt the Stilt's statistical lines are unfair to the competition. After a brief stint with the Harlem Globetrotters, Wilt dominated the game like no one had before or likely will again. He is the only player to score 100 points in a game, average 40 and 50 points in a season. He led the league in rebounding 11 out of his 14 years, and also led the league in assists one year. The NBA had several rule changes because of his dominance in the lane.

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabaar- Kareem had the most unstoppable offensive move to ever enter American sport. His Skyhook shot was impossible to block and though his opponents knew what to expect there was no way of defending it. Because of the Skyhook's effectiveness Kareem holds the title as the NBA's all-time leading scorer. The record-tying five time MVP has not received the same recognition as some of his Showtime Laker teammates, but in my mind is the best Laker to have ever played.

4. Magic Johnson- Speaking of getting some recognition during the Showtime Laker days. Magic is the face of that time period in Laker history. His name says it all, Magic. He was magical in the way that he passed the ball and still was able to put up haughty scoring and rebounding numbers, second all time in triple doubles. He holds the NBA record for most assists per game (11.2). Standing as a 6'9 point guard he was able to see the entire floor. He did play one playoff game at Center scoring 42, pulling down 15 boards, and had 7 assists. Though he was forced into early retirement because he contracted HIV, he has become a successful businessman and philanthropist.

5. Larry Bird- Along with having a blond moustache to die for, Bird had a game to envy. He is one of the most clutch, offensive and defensive players to have ever played, coming up with big shot after big shot. The consecutive 3 time MVP averaged 24 points a game for his career. His friendly rivalry with Magic Johnson boosted both of their popularity. Bird was the first player in NBA history to shoot 50% or better on field goals, 40% on 3-pointers, and 90% on free-throws in a single NBA season. Larry now is trying to bring his home state Indiana Pacers back to relevance as the general manager.

6. Shaquille O'Neal- Other than maybe Wilt Chamberlin, there was no one person as dominant as Shaq was during his prime. Specific strategies, Hack-a-Shaq, were formulated just to slow him down because there was no stopping him. Standing at 7'1 and a thick 325 pounds he was a force that could not be reckoned with. Adding to the legacy of Superman, he is a registered police officer, actively pursuing a doctorate, a rapper, an actor, and starred on his own reality TV show called Shaq Vs. Easily my favorite personality in sports.

7. Bill Russell- Yes he was a great center, a five time MVP in in fact. But he is known for being the winningest player to have ever played the game. In my book you have to be doing something right in order to win 11 out of the 12 championship series he played in. He along with Wilt Chamberlin are the only two to pull down 50 boards in a single game. The Association later named the Finals MVP after Bill to honor his career success in the Finals. Russell is also considered to be the first African-American to be a superstar in the NBA as well as the first African-American coach for the three years in Boston he served as a player-coach.

8. Oscar Robertson- The "Big O" averaged a triple-double during his first five seasons in the NBA averaging 30.3 points, 10.4 rebounds and 10.6 assists. He is the all-time leader for number of triple-doubles in a career with 181, averaging almost 13 a year throughout his career. To put this absurdity in perspective, LeBron James had four total TD's this year. Robertson is considered may the best college basketball player of all time for his stint with Cincinnati. The player of the year trophy has been named after him.

9. Kobe Bryant- Kobe is still climbing up the ladder of the best NBA players of all time. At his current pace he will pass Kareem Abdul-Jabaar as the NBA's all time leading scorer. He is ranked third and sixth on the all time pst season and regular season scoring lists. He is also a force on the defensive side of the ball,  having been named to 11 All-Defensive Teams. He holds more All-Star MVPs than any one else and has 5 NBA championships. Don't you know the Charlotte Hornets, now New Orleans Hornets are kicking, or I should say stinging, themselves in the foot for trading him on draft day.

10. Tim Duncan- Mr. Fundamental has quietly gone about business in San Antonio and become a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year. The 13 time NBA All-Star is the only player in NBA history to be selected both All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams during each of his first 13 seasons. Because of his quiet demeanor he is often forgotten when the talk of all time greats is brought up. His style, though so effective, has been described as boring and quiet.

10 Reasons I Love the Masters

In no particular order...

1. "A tradition like no other..."- A perfect phrase to describe the most important weekend in golf. The Masters honors its tradition and the importance of past champions better than any other sporting event at the Champions dinner. A mutual respect is felt from rivals to those who have won at Augusta in the past while stories are shared. The locker room is filled with history of past champions, who will always have a place to store their things in the champions locker room. The trophy is full of the greatest names in golf.

2. The Back 9 on Sunday- Few sporting events last four days. Few sporting events can hold your attention like the last nine holes of The Masters did this year. Few sports have the beauty and challenge the final nine holes at Augusta National offer. The back nine holes are usually entertaining, but this year there were ten different leaders or co-leaders one the final group got to Hole 10.

3. Green Jackets- No prize is more recognizable in American sports than the meaning of the green jacket. Beginning in the late 1940s the previous year's champion gives the new champion a green jacket with the Masters emblem on the chest. A cordial interview is conducted just prior to the dressing in Butler Cabin with the previous years champion, current champion, and amateur champion and the President of Augusta National.

4. Masters Sunday- The winner claiming a green jacket has lead to many church men in the South, especially in Georgia, wearing their own versions with pride on Masters Sunday.

5. Roaring- One consistent part of The Masters experience is the noise, something not thought to go with golf too often. The eerie quiet while competitors read lines on puts and the roars that can be heard as a golfer makes a run up the leaderboard are a part of this great tradition. All the golfers and fans know when someone is making a charge because of the noise. Oh and this fan loves a Tiger roar as he drains a long eagle putt to gain the lead.

6. Redbud- 16th Hole- The course is familiar to fans and we all have a favorite hole. It is a hard choice to choose one, but if I have to the 16th hole at Augusta National is my favorite. It is a beautiful par 3 over a small pond and a tee shot to an always tough pin placement. The patrons have a good view of everything from the tee shot to the final put, which is full of pressure on the second to last hole. Who can forget this epic call from Verne Lundquist in 2005?

7. "Augusta" and Jim Nantz- Iconic sports broadcaster Jim Nantz's voice and CBS's coverage of Saturday and Sunday are synonymous with the Masters. There has been very little change, other than the addition of streaming online content, in their broadcast since I can remember watching. Continuity is the name of the game in Augusta and it is no different here. The song "Augusta" by Dave Loggins immediately takes me to lazy afternoons in the spring watching golf. The lyrics are pretty good, too.

8. Par 3 Contest- One of the most unique aspects of Masters weekend is the Par 3 contest on Wednesday afternoon. No winner of the Par 3 Contest has gone on to win the weekend's tournament, but it is still a wonderful way to begin festivities. Fans see a lighter side of the players and  it is the last opportunity for the players to spend time with their families before the stress takes over. Some players allow their children to caddy and even take their chances at the holes.

9. Family Memories- Family has become an important part of the Masters tournament. Not only, as I have mentioned before that some families play along with dad on the Par 3 course, but some players actually stay with host families around the course. As for me, one of my favorite sports memories was when Easter Sunday happened to fall on the same day as the final round of the Masters. We had, as we normally do, had my dad's Shorter choir students over for lunch on Easter. After everyone had left and the dishes were clean, the four of us sat and watched the final round of the Masters.

A father and a son share a special relationship. Though I was not around for the 1986 Masters this video makes me think of my own relationship with my father and the bonds we share. On Fathers and Sons

10. It's in Georgia- Very little gets the whole state of Georgia does as the Masters does. There is a buzz around the entire state. Golf unofficially begins its seasons and the courses fill up. Old men tell memories of the time they went to Augusta in April. Young men think tell stories of how that should be them, or wish it could be. Even those that do not watch sports will know the Masters is going on. Being in Georgia means it is not too far away, and some day, maybe way on down the road, I am going to be at Augusta National during the first weekend of April and see the glory of the Masters.