Sorry Charlie
Weis isn't aware his Irish future has been decided, but it's obvious
November 17, 2009, 2:46 PM
By: Marc Silverman
South Bend needs an Urban revival.
I know, if you're an Irish fan, you've been here before. You've heard ND is Urban Meyer's "dream job," and he's said "No."
Matt Cashore/US Presswire
Charlie Weis said he doesn't think a decision has been made about his future at Notre Dame, but many would disagree.
Go to the plate one more time. Take your best swing. Hope that Meyer wins it all again, gives Tim Tebow a big hug and then waves goodbye to Florida for another challenge.
ND is a major challenge.
But ...
Meyer reportedly is paid less than Charlie Weis. The price to buy out Meyer reportedly is relatively cheap and isn't more expensive for ND. And winning it all at ND would make him one of the greatest college coaches in the history of the sport.
To restore the glory in South Bend, along with building a dynasty at Florida and being the underdog at Utah would complete the trifecta and put him on a pedestal all by himself.
Jack Swarbrick needs to keep Brian Kelly and others on speed dial. But Meyer has got to be your focus. Best and final offer. The time is now.
Meantime, Charlie explained at his Tuesday news conference that he doesn't believe a decision has been made on his future. Sorry Charlie, the decision was made by two different Navy coaches who beat you in South Bend.
By Wanny, who outcoached you.
By Rich Rodriguez, a coach whose job security is even more tenuous than yours.
By Syracuse, who shockingly came from behind to stun your team.
By your 16-19 record in the past three years.
By the fans and media who you've bullied.
By your players who questioned your game-planning ability. And not just recently. Do you remember who you started at QB in the 2007 opener versus Georgia Tech?
By not beating ranked teams and barely beating teams with winning records.
It's a mountain you cannot climb. You're not beating Stanford, you may not beat UConn, and if matched against a quality team in a bowl game, you'll lose again.
Get the resume together. It's time to start calling NFL teams. Run a pro offense, but it's time to run from South Bend.
"Good Time" Charlie and Brady "The Not So Mighty" Quinn; 48 hours a part, both looked lost.
Just four years ago, they were on top of the world. Before Quinn was left in the green room, he was the next Tom Brady. Now, Quinn's EAS-enhanced muscles fire blanks. Can't even throw a bomb that stays in bounds.
And don't even get me started on where to pitch Jeff Samardzija.
• Let me preface this by saying that I don't bet on games. My stomach gets tied in knots just sitting at the $10 blackjack table, so relying on teams to cover the spread would give me an ulcer. That said, I couldn't believe it last week when I saw Northwestern was a 5½-point underdog to the lowly Illini. Pat Fitzgerald's team just upset top-10 Iowa on the road and now have bowl hopes alive, and you think they're going to lose in Champaign Because Illinois beat Big 10 powers Minnesota and Michigan? If you bet on Juice, you deserved to lose more than the juice.
• Has any team had a wackier season than the Tennessee Titans? After an 0-6 start, Jeff Fisher wears a Peyton Manning jersey, the team turns to the QB who was a bit emotionally unreliable in the past, and now their 86-year-old owner gets fined $250K for flipping the bird at an opponent during a game. What is this, an episode of "Friday Night Lights"? And you know what? The Titans have emerged from it all as a pretty good team. Is
Chris Johnson the best weapon in football? Many still go with the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson, but Johnson has made it a debate. This, however, is undebatable: The Titans are a better team than our Bears.
• Dick Jauron ... it's a shame, but in your case, good guys do finish last.
• Three weeks ago, the Washington Redskins were the laughing stock of the NFL, at least offensively. Here's a news flash: Bingo-calling Sherm Lewis teamed with Jim Zorn to form a better game plan against the Denver Broncos than the Bears have designed for any game this season.
• I still don't know what I have with my Bulls. Last week's loss to Toronto stuck in my craw. Too many guys are extremely inconsistent.
Kirk Hinrich,
John Salmons,
Luol Deng and
Brad Miller are all capable of dropping 20 one night, then going 2-for-12 the next.
I do have all the confidence in the world that Derrick Rose's offense will return and he'll be better than last season. I am shocked by how bad his defensive fundamentals remain. This kid works so hard, is so athletic, can rebound and block shots as good as anyone his size, but he can't stay in front of his man while defending one-on-one.
If Rose is going to be a true star in this league, his defense has got to get better. All this makes me appreciate Joakim Noah even more. Most improved and most consistent on this team. A double/double machine, Noah is a more athletic, coordinated version of what John Paxson thought he was getting in Ben Wallace a few years ago. He's not Kareem, but if the Bulls don't package him in a big deal, Noah will be a very solid, likable role player for years.
Too bad the NBA couldn't find a spot for him on the All-Star ballot. Now, my predictions for the always hellish "circus trip." Yes, Joakim, we call it that because the circus literally comes to town.
Sacramento -- loss;
Lakers -- loss;
Denver -- loss;
Portland -- loss;
Utah -- win;
Milwaukee -- win.
I really wanted to give this team more than two wins, but just can't based on history. A win is definitely possible as Miller and Salmons return to Sac-town, but the Kings have been decent so far. Utah is struggling the most of any of the six opponents. So 2-4 is what I'm expecting. A 1-5 trip wouldn't surprise me. Wish I had more optimism.
Bill Smith/Getty Images
Watching a tribute to Jeremy Roenick on Sunday at the United Center made some feel old.
• Thumbs up to Bulls beat writer K.C. Johnson. Always a good read and entertaining guest on our show, Johnson's tribute to Ben Wilson, the Simeon basketball star who was killed 25 years, was a great read. Educational and emotional.
• Attended my third Hawks game of the season on Friday, when they played Toronto. There's not a better spot in the city than the UC for a Hawks games these days. Who thought I would ever say that? Four years ago, I would've rather gone to a Sky game.
Watching the Jeremy Roenick ceremony on Sunday made me feel old. Still feels like yesterday that JR was the young, emotional, talented, "stick your nose everywhere" center. I covered the news conference when Bob Murray announced the Hawks traded JR for Alex Zhamnov. Murray claimed, "the old way wasn't getting it done."
It was just an excuse to cover up the feud between Roenick and Bill Wirtz. It was the day the team lost me as a fan for about a decade. I wasn't the only one. That's why I welcome the news that the Hawks are getting close to signing extensions with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. These two will be great players for years. They'll bring in new fans and will eventually lead this team to its first cup since 1961. Mark my words. Thanks again Rocky, for bringing me back to hockey.
Get real
It's time for the McCaskeys to write a check and make Lovie go away
November 10, 2009, 12:42 PM
By: Marc Silverman
So let me get this straight. The Bears asked you to pay thousands of dollars for PSLs for the renovation of Soldier Field. Told you it's part of the landscape of the current NFL. Meantime, they won't pay up to send a bad head coach packing?
Don't keep Lovie Smith because he's owed $11 million. Keep him if you think he can lead you to a Super Bowl title. So which is it, McCaskey family? Cheap or stupid?
How about you do something that's part of the NFL landscape and buy out a coach whose run is over? "Lovie is our coach." Sounds familiar. And no, that doesn't mean I'm giving general manager Jerry Angelo a pass. This is the story of the new "Three Bears."
"Jerry Bear": Drafts terribly and has assembled an awful roster, redshirts included.
"Lovie Bear": The defensive equivalent of Jim Zorn. He has fired more than 10 assistants and never looks in the mirror to blame himself. Living off accomplishments from one season, and he really wasn't a great coach then.
"Tommie Bear": The overpaid, underachieving player. I'm not just talking about Tommie Harris. There are lots of these guys on this roster.
I stunk at math, but I do know that Jerry Bear+Lovie Bear+Tommie Bear=7-9. Come to think of it, it can also be the story of the new "Bad News Bears." And to think, nine weeks ago, I was as excited as I've ever been for a Bears season to begin.
• Sixty-five degrees and sunny. We had just had our longest dry spell in a while. Somehow, the Soldier Field turf had more potholes than Lake Shore Drive in February. Six hundred million dollars for a UFO and the worst turf in the NFL. The park district remains in denial. The Bears remain in denial. If the Bears ever trade for Anquan Boldin, I hope this poor excuse for a "professional" field doesn't keep the WR on the sideline.
You do realize that this past weekend's weather was better than what we got half the weekends this summer.
• Troy Aikman … your line about high school football being played on Fridays was a classic. Well done.
• It's going to be interesting to see whether former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt and former Bears QB Jim Harbaugh will provide the final one-two punch to Charlie Weis' double chin. If Notre Dame loses both of those games, I can't see the Irish keeping "Sorry Charlie." As one of the board members of the "rooting against Charlie Weis Club," I'm going to shock you. If Lovie does stay, and the Bears do their typical Bears thing and use Ron Turner as yet another scapegoat, I would be interested in hiring Weis as the Bears' offensive coordinator. He knows offense. He knows how to develop a young quarterback. He knows the NFL. Is this a crazy thought?
• Welcome back to reality, Kyle Orton.
• Who can criticize anything New Orleans is doing? OK, I will. I saw Saints coach Sean Payton do it Sunday. He calls a timeout, then challenges a play, loses the challenge and thus another timeout. Basically, he lost two timeouts on one challenge. Payton is a great football mind. How can he blow something so simple? Why would you ever call a timeout and then challenge? Just throw the flag and that works as your timeout.
• Is the ghost of Bill Wirtz back and working for Versus? As I sit watching "Monday Night Football," TV No. 2 is supposed to have have Hawks-Kings. I'm getting texted by one of ESPN 1000's producers saying "What a third!" Now, I know he wasn't talking about the third quarter of the football game because Denver just scored another defensive touchdown and most of my friends root against the Broncos. He was talking third period. And why not. I wanted to see Jonathan Toews back on the ice. I wanted to see this team bounce back from the ill-fated "father's trip." Wanted to see three third-period Hawks goals, but this DirecTV-Versus feud continues. As usual, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman does nothing. I finally enjoy watching the Hawks again and now televised games are getting taken away from me again? Can John McDonough fire Bettman?
Marc Silverman/ESPNChicago.com
Tom Waddle, left, and Marc Silverman at the Halloween party.
• Congrats to my Salukis for jumping to No. 1 in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision poll. Coach Dale Lennon has done a great job since Jerry Kill left for Northern Illinois. Time to grab our first national title since 1983. The dream ended in the semis a couple of years ago when a guy named Joe Flacco came to Carbondale and single-handedly beat the dawgs. All the way this year!
• As Veterans Day approaches, a special shout-out to fellow Saluki and a guy who has been like a big brother to me, Gary Dangerfield. Excuse me, that's Lt. Col. Dangerfield, sir! Gary is a Chicago native and die-hard Bears fan. He recently returned from a second tour of duty in Iraq. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gary! Thanks to all who serve.
• Episode 2 of "Friday Night Lights" featured a cameo by a college football coach playing himself. Coach Mike Leach of Texas Tech stole the scene asking for directions. We all need to "find our inner pirate."
• Kudos to Larry David and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Needed the pick-me-up Sunday night. Your pink panties and "two ways to suffer a neck injury" were outstanding.
• As promised, here's a look at the Waddle family Halloween party.
D-Rose at the end of the game, Vinny!
Thank you to all, and to all a good night.
What's the best seat in the city?
After sitting on glass at Hawks game, I can cross another to-do off list
November 3, 2009, 4:27 PM
By: Marc Silverman
Marc Silverman for ESPN.com
Marc Silverman's view of the Blackhawks-Canadiens game on Friday at the United Center.
I attended more than 10 Blackhawks games last season and have already been to the United Center for two wins this season. Can't wait until this team is totally healthy. Thanks to good friend Mike O'Malley, I crossed a "to-do" off my list. I sat on the glass for Hawks-Canadiens. We were on the curve so I could see everything, not just the action in front of me. And I can't think of a sport where you feel more a part of the action than on the glass in hockey. Sure, there's the occasional Shaq landing while sitting courtside in the NBA, but on the glass, the bodies and the puck are constantly flying into you. There's waitress service and more leg room than usual. Got me thinking: If you can sit anywhere at any game in Chicago, where would it be? E-mail me here. Here are some options:
- Bleachers or rooftop at a Cubs game
- Behind the Cubs dugout
- Scout seats at the Cell
- Bullpen Bar perch
- On the glass at the UC
- Courtside for the Bulls
- On the 50 at Soldier Field
I've been fortunate do all of these. If there's a national "to do" list, I'd start with sitting on top of the Green Monster at Fenway.
Speaking of taking a sports trip, I've been researching going to Durham, N.C., for the Duke-Maryland game on Feb. 13. I hear tickets are tough to get. Cameron Indoor is a must from what I understand. Jay Bilas, if you're reading, can you help?
So baseball has finally reeled me back in. Keep in mind this has been the sport I was first introduced to. Whiffle ball in the backyard. I was Bobby Murcer, Bill Buckner or Dave Kingman trying to win one for my Cubs. So I've always loved this game. But this year was different. There was never joy watching my favorite team. Not one big, fun moment to get lost in on a summer day. As the 2009 Cubs grew stale, so did my desire to watch anything involving a ball, glove and bat. That all changed with three games in Philly. Whether it was the drama surrounding the umpires, Chase Utley's amazing hitting and hair gel job, Johnny Damon's clutch at-bat and stolen bases, or Pedro getting another postseason chance, there was always something to keep me locked in. I'll be back watching Thursday.
A week ago, I told you I had the Yankees in six games. Here's why I hope I'm wrong: I want to see the Cole Hamels drama play out. Here's my tip to Charlie Manuel: Send Hamels on a plane today to Clearwater, Fla., the Phillies' spring training home. Tell him his "fresh start" begins now. Do some stretching, a little jogging, get some sun. Hamels then "breaks" camp, flies back to New York, and pitches Game 7. Flush his '09 down the toilet in Clearwater along with his dumb comments. Don't forget how good he was just a short time ago. Not many get a mulligan. Here's yours, Cole. Game 7. Make all the bad go away with one outing. Can't think of a fresher start than that. Ryan Dempster,Ted Lilly, Mark Buehrle or Jake Peavy would kill to be in your shoes.
Bears beat the Cardinals on Sunday, 27-24. I have no facts to base this on (it's what I do best!). I have no faith in this team. But just like the last two years, they'll tease us with an impressive win here or there. This is one of those weeks.
Tom Ricketts, you passed the first test. There will be many more. Start studying and brainstorming. I want to celebrate once in my lifetime.
The recruiting continues ...
Lost in the busy sports weekend shuffle, the Bulls played the Heat in a rare 5 p.m. Sunday game. Did you see any crowd shots? Lots of empty red seats. I know the Heat can pay D-Wade more than anyone. I know he loves the weather of South Beach. I know the Heat have started the season 3-0. But why, Dwyane? Why would you want to play in a city that isn't a sports town? Say what you want about L.A., but they love their Lakers. No one truly cares about the Heat. Chicago can be your town. The UC, your building. Think about it.
Oregon should not be penalized for losing the first week of the season. If this was college basketball, many would call the Ducks the scariest team in the tourney. Watching the Ducks dismantle Southern California was amazing. Red hot at the perfect time. But this is the only major sport where we vote on the winners. So Chip Kelly's team won't be given an opportunity to hoist a national championship trophy. Maybe Kelly should invoice the BCS for his expenses.
Honestly, how many times have you asked someone about their "fat little girlfriend" in the past week? Love me some Mike Leach.
I love fantasy football, but there's one thing I will never do again. Never co-own a team with someone. Life is stressful enough. I don't need to be arguing with my co-owner at 11:30 on a Sunday morning whether to start Steve Breaston or Eddie Royal.
Dennis Rodman was a plaintiff in a court show called "Judge Pirro." Who? How many court shows do we need? Judy, Alex, Mathis, Brown, etc. Nobody was better or saltier than Judge Wapner. And nobody had a better post-case report than Doug Llewelyn. I used to think about all the people I wanted to sue just to get on the show. Maybe my fantasy football co-owner? Don't just take them to court ... take them to the People's Court!
A good sign that I have too much time on my hands ... "Paul Blart: Mall Cop." What was I thinking?
A couple of Facebook friends thought the first episode of "Friday Night Lights" was a little slow. I gave it 3½ stars. I missed seeing Lyla and Tyra. I won't give anything away since it's only airing on DirecTV now, but let me just say that I'd run through a brick wall after an Eric Taylor pregame speech!
Have you ever listened to a song and couldn't figure out if you loved it or hated it? Listen to "Fireflies" by Owl City. I can't decide if I want to sing along or bang my head with a mallet.
Derrick Rose at the end of the game, Vinny!
Coming soon, pictures and a recap of the Waddle Halloween party.
Thank you to all and to all a good night.
Slam dunk
The Bulls need to keep Derrick Rose on the floor in the clutch
October 27, 2009, 5:23 PM
By: Marc Silverman
Listen to Marc and Carmen DeFalco discuss the Bulls' upcoming season.
I know, I'm not Tex Winter.
Gary Dineen/Getty Images
Vinny Del Negro didn't like being questioned about how he used Derrick Rose last season.
The only triangle I know is the "Viagra Triangle" at State and Rush.
But ...
I do know that Derrick Rose should always be on the floor during crunch time of any Bulls game.
Not understanding this, defensive philosophy breakdowns and clock/game management issues earned Vinny Del Negro a spot in my doghouse last season.
I'm willing to give VDN a second chance. As we interviewed Del Negro on Tuesday, I was wearing my Bulls cap. I want this team to win and can't wait for the season to start.
As we wrapped up the interview, I was honestly just trying to joke around with Del Negro about Rose playing late in games.
He obviously is still sensitive about this. After all, his then-GM John Paxson also was publicly critical of his handling of Rose.
Forget stats. Here's why Rose should always be on the floor in big moments. He's your best threat to do
anything. We know he can score, from the inside or outside. He's the Bulls' best ball handler and can break anyone down one-on-one. He doesn't always need to take the shot. But Rose being on the floor makes other teams play the Bulls' other players honestly. Drive and kick, anyone? You don't bench your best scorer, passer and ball handler with the game on the line. Jerry Sloan wouldn't do it with Deron Williams. Byron Scott wouldn't do it with Chris Paul.
Second point to the interview, and it's not a huge issue, but why would Vinny discount the Bulls as title contenders?
It's the longest of long shots, but do you think John McDonough would ever let anyone with the Blackhawks say that sort of thing?
And Luol Deng, don't tell me how many games you could lose early. Tell me you'll do everything in your power to avoid falling under .500 like many recent Bulls teams.
Thumbs up to Kirk Hinrich for doing just that.
I've got the Bulls winning 44 games, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
But I've also got a feeling VDN is the Bulls' version of Terry Bevington or Alpo Suhonen. I honestly hope he proves me wrong.
Some random thoughts from my weird and wacky mind ...
• I look forward to attending Waddle's Halloween party for the first time ever. I'm going as Kenny Powers. Is it weird to be 38 years old and look forward to this holiday?
• As a pre-party warm-up, I'll be attending the Afternoon Saloon's broadcast at Bull and Bear, one of the good new sports bars in the downtown area.
• Looking for a good TV show? The new season of "Friday Night Lights" begins Wednesday on DirecTV. One of the best written shows on TV. If you don't have DirecTV, it will be on NBC this spring. If you've never seen the show, I urge you to rent the DVDs through Netflix. That's how I'm catching up on "Dexter." I'm on Season 2. Fantastic, creepy show -- just my style. Who knew Showtime had great TV shows? Also LOVE "Californication."
• Best three TV shows I've seen in the last couple of weeks … "The Office" wedding episode; ESPN's 30 in 30 special on the USFL; and ANY "Curb your Enthusiasm" episode.
The worst? Sunday's Bears/Bengals game.
• If you listen, you know I'm not the biggest college football fan, but this past Saturday's action was better than the NFL's games. Fantastic finishes for ND, Alabama and Iowa. Michigan State choked on apple sauce again. And Lane Kiffin, you had a chance to move the ball for a shorter field goal. Shame on you --
again.
• I was watching the Illinois game. Why? I have no clue. So Illinois finally scores a TD. Cameras missed it as the broadcast was still in commercial. Even worse? The TD was then called back because of a penalty. The Illini then missed a chip shot field goal to end the half. So sad it was almost funny.
• I've got the Yankees in 6. I'm hoping to get reeled in more than the earlier rounds of the playoffs.
"Thank you to all and to all a good night."
Hey Hendry, either Bradley goes or I go
The Cubs have to cut the cord on Bradley or you can count this fan out.
October 21, 2009, 6:41 PM
By: Marc Silverman
Scott Boehm/Getty Images
The Cubs paid Milton Bradley $10 million for 40 runs batted in this season.
Just when I thought it was safe to go back into the water...
These waters could still be infested with the shark known as Milton Bradley. And you better believe that when there's a shark, I'm not swimming.
OK, enough "Jaws" references.
I thought this thing was a done deal.
No chance for Bradley to come back as a Cub in 2010, correct? The general manager suspended him for the last half of September, his manager constantly fought with him and once called Bradley a piece of [garbage], fans booed him, and not one teammate stuck up for him.
Ryan Theriot told us on the Waddle and Silvy show that the only time Milton was happy as a Cub was when he won a card game on the team flight. Even when Bradley hit a home run, Theriot added, Bradley wasn't happy.
Oh yes, he also massively underachieved. No, driving in 40 runs isn't a criteria for the 40/40 club!
Eat most of his salary in a trade, take on another bad contract, or just release him. Those were the only options.
Not so fast. Here comes Rod Marinelli in baseball cleats. It's hitting "guru" Rudy Jaramillo.
Good track record. I guess it can't hurt. Don't know how much it will help, but it can't hurt.
I'd like to hear your feedback ... is there any more overrated position in pro sports than a hitting coach?
Meantime, Alfonso Soriano actually said he likes Jaramillo because he speaks Spanish.
Hey Sori, you were "muy malo" in '09.
But back to Milton. I guess Jaramillo has a good relationship with Bradley. And some actually believe that the Cubs could try to mend this fence.
Fool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice, shame on you Jim Hendry!
Please tell me you're not dumb enough to bring Milton back. Just say game over.
If it's not, it will be over for me.
As a lifelong suffering Cubs fan who has enjoyed Wrigley Field hundreds of times starting with my first game in 1975 against the San Francisco Giants, I hereby announce that I will NOT attend a game in 2010 as long as Bradley is on this team. I will not pay for tickets, will not accept comps, will not sit on the rooftops, won't give them my seven bucks for a beer -- or many beers.
What difference will this make? Who knows? The only other boycott I've taken on was in 2006. Others joined me and seats were empty. Enough for the Tribune to notice. They dismissed the team's president Andy McPhail and spent a ton of money. Division titles followed in '07 and '08.
I know the economy is bad now, Tom Ricketts, but it's time to cash out of the Milton Bradley investment or you lose me.
Some may call me a bad fan, so be it.
Many others will follow me. If you'd like to be one of them, please join my Facebook group.
