Amy Nelson

  (9:33 AM)

Hi everyone we'll be back in 30 minutes to start this week's chat. Send in anything you might want to discuss, or tell Skip Bayless. I'll be reading some of your comments on the air.

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Ok guys let's get it going today...

Monty Singh (DC)

Michael Phelps winning the most gold medals to majority of Americans means as much as the Detroit Red Wings winning the Stanley Cup. Who cares?

Danielle, San Diego CA

Skip, Michael Phelps is the most dominant Olympic athlete ever...most Gold's and counting. To say otherwise is ridiculous...scoreboard baby!

JJ (Pa)

Michael Phelps is having one of the most exciting performance and greatest performance in the olympics in years!!!

Josh (Texas)

Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Micheal Jordan, Joe Montana, and now Micheal Phelps. This dude is amazing.

Christiano Rolando

i'm the better athlete than Phelps

Amy Nelson

  (10:07 AM)

hmmm christiano i don't know if many on this chat would agree

Dan Souza (Fall River, MA)

H Amy, Skip needs to check in on this...c'mon in Skip the waters fine. This is amazing for any sport except curling that is.

Tim (Central Florida)

OK so when do we start talking about the possibility of Phelps using performance enhancing drugs?It's gonna happen Amy.I don't like it either but we Americans have to know if our product is legit.I so hope he's clean.I wish we didn't have to think about cheating.But in 2008 we have to.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

tim, very true and that's a sad but very realistic indictment of athletics today...

Ryan (San Francisco)

Michael Phelps isn't the most dominating athlete of the decade - he is the most dominating athlete ever. He is smashing world records in a variety of events that all require different levels of endurance, technique, etc. He is beating specialists swimming 3 races in Beijing - while swimiming 20 races during the Olympics... it's akin to doing the Tour De France and then winning a 5 mile sprint.

Corey (Iowa City)

I would also challenge Skip Bayless to find a better overall athlete than Phelps. I mean, Jordan was great, Barry Sanders, Gretsky in hockey to name a few sports. Has there ever been a more dominant athlete in his sport? Phelps now seems better than the ones I just listed or even one you can think of!!

Jake. Middletown,CT

While Michael Phelps continues to break world records and gather gold medals, why is no one talking about the new suits every swimmer is wearing. Its seems like the top three in every swimming event is breaking the old world record? Is the U.S Media ignoring this to protect the legacy of Phelps?

Christiano Rolando

I had forty goals last season for Manchester United.

Andrwe (Bemidji, MN)

the olympics go way back to ancient greece, do we have any records about the games that far back or do we only care about the last 70 years or so?

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

great question, andrew ... no idea. anyone know?

Brendan (Hackettstown, New Jersey)

I agree with Skip's criticism about Lebron and T.O., but how can he reasonably argue against Phelps?

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

because he's SKip...

P Zee (ATL)

I am as tired of hearing phelps as much as Favre. comparing him to Mark is not fair. I am sure Mark Spitz did not get the money Phelps does which also then means he can spend more time training.

steven , jackson michigan

can you think of any reason why Phelps wouldn't be considered the greatest Olympian ever? the only reasons i could think of is that Jesse Owens faced the pressure of proving that Hitler's "superior race" comments weren't true and Spitz being Jewish at the Munich Olympics must have been scary. So they both faced controversies bigger than the Olympics. Can't think of anything else.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

What Michael Phelps has done is truly amazing and an inspiration. I hope Team USA dominates Greece and Spain like Phelps.

Aaron (va(by way of KY))

I don't understand why skip has a problem with michael phelps going first and not anchoring. did you see the lead that he gave the relay team last night. my 1 year old son could have anchored it after the lead that he gave them

Carl (Texas)

Nobody but Spitz broke world records in every race he's been in and Micheal Phelps is almost there. Skip is nuts and Dana is about to jump over the table to get him.

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

she had the producer yelling in her ear to move on and she woulnd't she was so fired up...

Matt (Atl)

the pool was specially designed to be fast, by being deeper than usual and no one ever swimming in the outside lanes it allows the water to dissipate more efficienlty, which means less force for the swimmers to go through...

Josh (Butler,TN)

Corey, You forgot about one person. Tiger Woods is the most dominate athelte ever.

Brendan (Hackettstown, New Jersey)

The Dream Team can and will win it, easily!

Joe (Philadelphia)

Michael Phelps is most dominating athlete in a sport that no one cares about how many of you people will be talking about him once the Olympics are over?

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

joe, that's the problem. no one has cared about phelps between the time athens ended and bejing began...he'll get some ride out of this turn, though...

Christopher (San Antonio)

Does Phelps have the power to bring fans to swimming outside of the Olympics? Great athlete, performing in the most dominant way ever in his sport, on the biggest stage for his sport. Anyone see the American women's gymnastics from last night? That was an awesome display of overcoming adversity to medal!

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

Christopher, Great question ... i think it might make more kids intersted in swimming. But how many people will watch a swimming meet on TV during a non-Olympics year? I;m betting not many...

Ryan from ROchester

For three days know Skip has shown two things he doesn't know anything about swimmming and undervalues it and two he has no idea what goes into setting up a relay team. The Lead off spot is one of the most important things in a relay because it sets the tone it is just as important as the anchor. Phelps not swimming the anchor just shows he is such a team player that he will take the spot the coach wants him in.

Brendan (Hackettstown, New Jersey)

I have been addicted to Phelps over this Olympic run, but I can admit, I may not care again until next Olympics!

brian (Sandusky, Ohio)

I thought frogs knew how to swim, isn't it amazing how playing for your country transcends athletes into bigger and better, and almost impossible feets?

steven Jackson, Michigan

i think what is most impressive about Phelps isn't necessarily what he is doing but what he did to get there.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I have no issues with the new suits. If there are advances that can benefit all athletes equally then great.

Dan (Fall River, MA)

Amy, it was a shame the girls gymnastics team had the mistakes they made last night. They definately had the talent to take the gold.

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

of course the girl from mass is the one who chokes it ... (i'm from mass, i can say that)...it was a shame. but for some reason i found myself rooting for the chinese in a way. thought it was cool for them to win in front of home country. plus, their floor routines were far superior to the others' ...loved the music and choreography

Aaron (va)

Tiger woods is not in the same paragraph let alone the same sentance as micheal phelps, michael Jordan, etc. Tiger Woods has the POTENTIAL at being the greatest golpher ever. he still has to pass the golden bear and sam snead. it is not a forgone conclusion.

Corey (Iowa City)

Very true Josh. I had posted a comment about him and his dominance after I posted that one. So, Tiger and Roger Federer are basically the dominant ones in their sport in this decade right now. I think it will be interesting, just for the sake of argument, what Phelps will do in the Olympics yet to come. If he is this dominant now, imagine what he will be like in London?!?!

Ryan (San Francisco)

Amy - that is because swimmers like Phelps do not frequently compete between Olympics events... he has a four year regimen where every day is based on getting towards the Olympics. Therefore it's tough to watch / monitor because he doesn't have 162 swims a year. Swimming, Track and Women's Gymnastics though provide ALL the ratings for NBC - it is not basketball. And Phelps will bank $5,000,000 this year and an additional $1,000,000 if he gets the 8 golds.

brian (Sandusky, Ohio)

The success of the USA team will not depend on one player, if the TEAM doesn't play together they will be in for the same fate as those "me first" players in '04...

Antoine McKinnie Jackson Tennssee

So the guy who crucifies Lebron James for being 1 dimensional doesnt appreciate the best most skilled swimmer ever Skip they have a word for you- HATER

Brad (Somerset, NJ)

That was the first thing Skip said that made me exclaim out loud! Michale Phelps has 11 gold medals! How is that not dominate!?

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

What happened to people just watching to see their country succeed? We are so wrapped up in the record books and history. I'm with Dana on this one Phelps accomplishments are amazing.

Joe (Philadelphia)

How can you say Tiger is not in the same paragraph let alone the same sentence as Michael Phelps? People watch Golf when Tiger is playing and when he isn't they don't watch Tiger brought respectability to golf and fans who will watch swimming after the Olympics?

Craig (ohio)

Will we even talk about Phelps if he does not win gold? Better win them all!

Brandon (San diego)

tiger competes against 100 people every week...and if golf was an olympic sport are you gonna tell me tiger wouldnt win a gold medal?????????????

Carl (Texas)

The only time I watch swimming, archery, volleyball, and many more events is the Olympics but it doesn't diminsh the feat that's been shown no matter how unpopular it will get when it's over.

brian (Sandusky, Ohio)

Im not a swimming fan but I happened to catch that 4 x 200 (800 total) and Phelps was brilliant. It amazed me that someone could be that much better than the others. Reminded me of Secretaiat winning the Belmont.

Dan (Fall River, MA)

Amy, but as Bella Corrolla even points out the chinese scoring on is in question.

Amy Nelson

  (10:21 AM)

fair enough,,, i think their ages are more in question than anything else...

Barry Bonds(unemployed line)

Phelps has insprired me to take up water aerobics..........

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

there's an image!

Christopher (San Antonio)

Tiger brought Golf COMPLETELY into the mainstream. Without Tiger for the past 12+ years, the PGA wouldn't be anywhere near the draw and have the popularity it has now. Phelps can be mentioned with Tiger when swimming goes mainstream!

Josh (Texas)

I can't wait for track and field to start. I'm itching to see the 100m dash.

Sheldon (Ft Meade, MD)

The Beijing Olympics are fantastic, and the main reason I am watching is to see Phelps go for the record. Skip can say what he wants about Phelps, but it just comes across petty, and as someone who's drank a gallon of haterade. At least he is consistent, always hating on great athletes.

Bill, Tampa, FL

Skip, I take up for you most the time, but you are definatly wrong with Phelps. He is destroying the competition swimming everyday with little rest between. Most would be to sore to get out of bed after what he has done so far. I'm with Dana on this one my friend.

Franky (Chicago)

I'm just surprised he's that close breaking the OVER/UNDER! And I won't be surprised if he did already..

Mike (Champaign IL)

We are only talking about Phelps because there isn't anything else to talk about. If the college football season had started last weekend, he'd be a side-note.

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

hmmm not sure about that. it's not like we're talking archery here...a premier sport in the Olympics and he's made history.

James (NYC)

How do the Yanks let Paul Byrd get through waviers so the Sox can trade for him? Are they they confident in Ponson and Rasner?

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

James, Was thinking the same thing yesterday when i heard that. Maybe since Hank has already conceded they let it slide (kidding)..

Matt (Chicago)

How many people competively swam as children? Now how many of you played football, basketball, or baseball. Come on the best athletes never swim. He is not top 1,000 athlete.

Brandon (San diego)

that story you did on fred lewis was amazing that story needs to be brought to the TV

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

Brandon, Thanks, and it was on Outside The lines last week. What Lewis went through it's remarkable he's playing baseball. I have nothing but respect for him and his families and all of the families.

Mike (Ohio)

I guess next Matt from Chicago is going to try and tell us that Carlos Zambrano is a great athlete. Of course he is...in the buffet table slalom

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

i'd hate to see a buffet table slalom...i'd take bonds swimming over that image.

brian (sandusky, ohio)

Since when has a Steinbrenner ever conceded?

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

he seemed to with his recent comments. basically saying injuries have devastated them and next year they'll be a force to be reckoned with...

Matt (Atl)

How bout the ol' gymnastics coach (drawing blank...) calling out the Chinese team as not being old enough to compete in the Olympics...that's somewhat of an underlying controversey I'd say.

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

we just mentioned that...one of the chinese girls last night looked as though she were 11.

Casey (Orlando)

So Matt from Chicagos logic says Prince Fielder is a better athlete than Phelps b/c he plays a more popular sport. I dont think so.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Come on, Matt. Swimming is about as athletic a sport as you can have. You use all the muscle groups, and it is an incredible endurance sport. Add the fact that he has had to swim a million times in the last two days to compete in all those events, and I now pronounce your take weak.

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

that's what was amazign to me...two races in under an hour? i don't know how he does it...

Tyler (Utah)

I Don't care how old the chinese girls were. The us gymnastic team just flat out choked

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

fair point, tyler.

Mike (Champaign IL)

What Phelps has done is great, but how often do you (ESPN) talk about competitive swimming? How about once every 2 years. It's a good thing they hold this BEFORE football officially starts!

maurice (new orleans)

I think phelps is great athlete but not one of the best ever.

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

why, maurice?

Aaron (va)

I think that we may have seen the begining of the end for the tampa bay rays. evan longoria and carl crawford going on the dl as the red sox find a way to get paul byrd through waivers. should i go on and book my hotel room in boston?

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

we'll see, this will be the rays' toughest challenge by far.

Casey (Orlando)

Its impossible to determine the best athlete ever. We always have to rank things and unfortunately it takes away from appreciating whats right in front of us.

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

agree, casey.

gene (philly)

I can never get on here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

now you are!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Phelps (Beijing)

Everyone just needs to admit that I'm a bad motha

maurice (new orleans)

I dont think he is better than football, baseball and basketball greats.

Tyler (Utah)

How can anyone argue with a man that has more gold medals than anyone in history?

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

In honor of Denard Span, let's have some jai alai talk. We never get any here!

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

span is awesome, love that he was giving it back to us.

maurice (new orleans)

dont get me wrong what he is doing is great and I am pulling for phelps.

Andrew ( Bemidji, MN)

i'm still shocked that people are surprised that the twins are winning

Matt IL

I heard Ron Gardenhire on Mike & Mike this morning. Do you think he deserves to be AL Manager of the year? I know Tampa Bay is a surprise, but everyone wrote off the Twins and Gardenhire seems to always find a way to win even after losing 3 of their core players. This coming from a white sox fan

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

he deiitely is in contention for the award...but no way he wins it with the rays' turnaround, i think. unless the rays totally collapse.

Matt-Iowa

I enjoyed how Costas was trying to get Bella to shut up about the Chinese gymnasts-He wants to make is home safely!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

Matt, I disagree...I think he was egging Bela on...that was some great television last night.

Brent (TC,MI.)

Phelps has surpassed L. Armstrong as legend.And to Monty in DC,which junior league do the Capitals play in?

Casey (Orlando)

Maurice, Babe Ruth is the greatest baseball player of all time, however I think Phelps might be in a little better shape than he was.

Mark (NJ)

Whats the measurement of great olympic athletes? I would think its gold medals. With Phelps not only having the most, but dominating the competition, it would be very hard 4 anyone to say he is not the greatest.

Susan (Atlanta)

Phelps is a great athlete because he uses his given talent/freakish traits to DOMINATE his sport. He is as determined to be the best the way other greats (Tiger, MJ, ) were determined to be great

Andrew ( Bemidji, MN)

it helps the twins a lot that we have some of the best young arms in the game, along with some exciting 22-23 year old players in the field with speed

Dan (Fall River,MA)

I have to admit nobody makes lemons into Lemonade better than the Minny Twins

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Personally, I'll take bobsledding, luge, hockey and ski jumping over volleyball, swimming, basketball, and gymnastics every time. I hate the winter but love the Winter Olympic Games.

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

not me. love the summer games.

Josh (Texas)

I'm still waiting to hear a reason why Phelps isn't one of the greatest athletes ever. Swimming not being popular enough is NOT a reason. Swimming is one of the few things that works on every muscle in your body continuously.

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

i wondered last night what his body fat is...

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Phelps's body fat is 1% higher than mine.

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

i bet..

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy, I really would like your take on the women's volleyball 'uniforms' as compared to those being worn by the men. No one can tell me that they aren't using sex to try selling women's events on the viewing public.

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

doesn't bother me, really...

Aaron (va)

My question is why is mark spitz being such a baby about not being "invited" to go to they olypics? who cares either go or shut up. i think that he is just bitter because he realizes that philps is better than he could imagine being

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

i'd be offended if i were him, too. kind of strange...

Hermes (Austin, Texas)

doesn't bother me, either

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

i bet

Susan (Atlanta)

Speaking of body fat and swimming, why does it appear that the women have a considerable more muscle and less lean-ness (if that's a word) than the men?

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

because isn't that ALWAYS the case, Susan?

Paul (Ft Worth)

Why does Spitz have to be invited to go to the Olympics? Nobody invited me but I could go if I wanted. Spitz had his time in the spotlight. It's Michael's turn. Case closed.

Steven (Jackson, Mi)

How people decide personally who is the greatest athlete is by personal experience. Like i consider Lance armstrong, phelps, and roger federer among the best athletes ever because those are the sports i know, i know how hard it is to do what they did or are doing.

william(wilmington)

how many more olympics do you think phelps will compete in

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

Eric Adelson of ESPN The Magazien had a great cover story on Phelps and even thought Phelps is on record saying he wants to retire by age 30 ... Adelson speculates that if Chicago were awarded 2016 Phelps could be there...

Ryan ((Morgantown, WV))

Those swimmers have the thickest necks of any athletes out there...

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

so do some of the gymnasts

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Twins team OPS .743. Twins team OPS with runners in scoring position .848. That'll change soon and Twins will miss the postseason.

Susan (Atlanta)

It does seem to be the case, and I'm sick of the women looking like the 70's German weightlifting team while the men look like the statue of David

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

If he competed through Chicago, he'd have more gold than Mr. T.

Tyler (Utah)

2016 get real. He is going to be Like 90 by then

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

he'll be 31 that's old in swimming years but not ancient

Steven (Jackson, Mi)

Aaron - Spitz is mad because he wanted to be the one to GIVE Phelps the Gold medal that made Phelps surpass him. He has spoken out plenty of times as being a HUGE Phelps fan. He didn't want to be invited to the Olympics, he wanted to be invited to give the gold to him.

Dan (Fall River,MA)

8 years from now Amy.....thats an eternity to an athlete.

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

realize this, but the man is incredible. i wouldn't put it past him.

Leo (Boston,Ma)

My question is what will be the bigger story of the games! If Phelps does not break the record or if the basketball "redeem" team does not win gold?

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

How about this scenario for the postseason two NY teams 2 LA teams 2 Chicago teams and 2 Florida teams? Think it'll happen?

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

that's my dream scenario! great cities, great weather in four out of six...i'd take it in a heartbeat!

william(wilmington)

i think he could do it at 40

Susan (Atlanta)

Dara is 41 and still swimming...that's ancient

Josh (Boston, MA)

Phelps, much like Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, etc. is a dominant athlete in his sport, but his sport is largely based on singular performance. I argue that it is much more difficult to dominate as a team or in a team sport. There is so much more going on, making it much more difficult to control the outcome. Of all the olympics I've watched, the '92 Dream Team is the most dominant performance I've seen, and our softball teams of the past couple games are a close second.

Ali- Duluth, Mn

Water knows no age according to dara torres

Dan (Fall River,MA)

You expect Micheal Phelps to dominate at 31 in swimming...im sorry i dont see it at that later age

Aaron (va)

it is not phelps' fualt that he is the greatest swimmer of all time. my question is how can you compare aptitudes in completely different types of sports. you can't compare a tennis and baseball player. there are different aspects. and a baseball player doesn't have to perform every time out becuase they have a supporting cast

Tyler (Utah)

I thought dana was going to punch skip over the phelps talk this morning

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

me too it was a close one...

Tyler (Utah)

Josh he has won solo and on the relay teams

Mark (NJ)

Why is Lauvernious Coles being such a crybaby over a guy whos probably starting this yr and making millions of dollars. Cry for someone else lavernious.

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

has he still not spoken to the media yet? not cool, if so...

Jared Re (Franklin,MA)

All I can say is the September & October are the 2 BEST months for sports fans!! With ths start of college football, baseball postseason, and the start of the NFL season... Look forward to seein my Cowboys beat the Patriots in the Superbowl !

Steven (Jackson, Mi)

Josh - the problem with that yeah with a team you have to work with team timing and contrasting personalities which is tough, but with a singular performance sport you have no one to rely on but yourself. Let me tell you as someone who has participated in many sports, including swimming, you never feel more alone and more pressure than when you are about to get up on that block for a big swim.

Jay (Long Island, NY)

What makes Phelps so great, besides the obvious, is that he gained his total in 2 Olympics while some of the other athletes with multiple golds did it in 3 or more...

Hermes (Austin, Texas)

Dana punching Skip would make for fantastic television...

Susan (Atlanta)

Can ESPN do one of those simulated fights between Skip and Dana? I'd love to see that!!! I don't know who I would root for because I love them both, but it would be a great to see.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Lauvernious is a bum, this guy left Pennington and the Jets for the Redskins didn't he? Now he's crying because Cha'd gone what the ? Hey this just in Lauvernious Brett Favre can actually throw the deep ball longer than 10 yards. Just shut up and play football.

Brian (Literacy, USA)

Is your shift key broken?

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

no, i just can't read...

Josh (Texas)

While it's great that L. Coles is cool with Chad Pennington, he needs to think about adjusting with his new QB.

Mark (NJ)

Too Dangerous. Skip could break a hip or something.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Anyone punching Skip would make for fantastic television.

Amy Nelson

  (10:59 AM)

i think you guys want to see this happen way too much

Susan (Atlanta)

Is Coles concerned that Favre can throw the ball farther than Coles can run?

Jeremy (Coral Springs, FL)

lol, damon jones is hilarious.. its true though, when he was with the heat alls i remember is 3 after 3!

Christopher (San Antonio)

Does Phelps with all of his success, start to develop a hatred (root against) towards him for all of his success, as some athletes/teams start to have when they reach certain levels of acheivement?

Amy Nelson

  (11:01 AM)

intersting question, christopher. doesn't seem it, huh?

Brian (Literacy, USA)

The traditional definition of literacy is considered to be the ability to read and write, or the ability to use language to read, write, listen, and speak. - Wikipedia Good try, though.

Amy Nelson

  (11:02 AM)

you're right. i can't do any of those things.

Amy Nelson

  (11:02 AM)

at least well...

Johnstone (Bucktown)

Phelps is single handedly beating the South Koreans in medal count at the moment.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

I think its hilarious that Coles is upset that Pennington is gone now---when it wasnt that long ago that HE LEFT to go to the Redskins...

Erik (Chicago via Nebraska)

Christopher, I can see that coming from other countires; but not from the US. People in the US hating Phelps for his success would be like Patriots fans hating Brady for his success...it just doesn't make sense.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Let's be honest; I'm not a Jets fan, but "Mangenius" and Co. threw Pennington out like a dog. He deserved better. They didn't even try to restructure his contract to keep him as a backup.

Susan (Atlanta)

Christopher makes a great point. People start to show signs of resentment and scream "failure" when the star shows any sign of imperfection or mortality (take it from a Philly fan, born and raised)

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Why would they want Pennington as a backup? They wanted Clemons as the starter---they now have Clemons and a young bullpen!

Christopher (San Antonio)

This is an international competition, I was talking about other countries' opinion of him, not our country. I don't listen to the commentary from the TV while watching so I don't know if there are cheers and or boo's while on the medal stand. Can anyone answer that?

Josh (Texas)

You know I find it funny that sports writers are writing off the possibly that huge NBA stars won't go overseas to play ball. It could happen. Players are discovering a new bargining chip to use when talking contracts and I will not be surprised if one big star jumps ship. Heck I bet more high school kids go overseas just to not go to college.

Brad (Somerset, NJ)

It's business. Pennington had to go because they got somebody better to do the job. I understand that Coles is upset, but he needs to toughen up and realize that he has a future Hall of Famer on his team. So he will have a better chance to win

Dan (Fall River,MA)

The Rays are a sinking ship....its gonna be hard to recover from losing Langoria and Crawford.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Pennington's a starter in this league and deserves to be in Miami. He can rebuild his arm while they rebuild that team.

Sean (Philly)

Phelps hatred? Not from the US, but maybe other countries, or possibly other athletes jealous of the attention he gets. Ultimately though, as soon as the Olympics are over, no one really cares about swimming.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think the Jets did Pennington a favor by releasing him. He had no job with the Jets and by releasing him, they gave him an opportunity to play where he wanted to play and make a deal that was good for him. That said, why would he choose to go to Miami?

Jay (Long Island, NY)

What happened to Pennington is the nature of the business. See Bernie Williams, Dwight Evans, Joe Montana, etc. You take the $$$, you understand the consequences..

Mike (Brooklyn)

Because Kellen Clemens is horrid. Pennington is still a competent NFL quarterback, and Clemens never will be. He is horrible.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Pennington is washed up! He had little to no strength to begin with, now his arm is hurt---i dont see him coming back

Joe (Philadelphia)

Being from Philadelphia and seeing how the Eagles deal with things, that was a business move you don't like it but it needed to be done They have Kellen Clemens as back up Qb Chad wasn't needed anymore

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Especially if the American economy keeps going the way its going-younger players are more intelligent concerning money matters-they see larger contracts- less taxes and a better economic outlook overseas---what is there not to like?

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

and if they can get paid in euros, it's a layup right?

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

The Rays are definitely folding down the stretch Kazmir's velocity is way down, and wit the loss of Crawford and Longoria aka Rookie of the Year in the AL their chances will dwindle.

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

we have marc topkin of the st pete times coming up on the show now to talk about it...

mike from cincinnati

Lebron goes to euroe he becomes irrelevant or any pro goes they become irrelevant. If Lebron goes I sat GOOD RIDDINS!!!! he is all hype.

Andrew ( Bemidji, MN)

i would not bet against them, teams like the rays and the twins have a deep farm system and have the ablility to absorb losing a player or two because they dont rely on any one player

Sean (Philly)

Phelps hatred? Not from the US, but maybe other countries, or possibly other athletes jealous of the attention he gets. Ultimately though, as soon as the Olympics are over, no one really cares about swimming. Hard to hate someone who is only relevent every 4 years.

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

good point, sean.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

You can't make the endorsement money overseas that you can here.

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

btwm, damon jones is sitting next to me right now and he said TO is texting him about skip, damon said he's giving him ammunition to fire at skip in next debate.

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

damon's going to school skip why TO is a good guy and great teammate and damon also will tell skip why the cowboys will win the superbowl

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

IT is arrogant to think that the NBA will dominate no matter what the stars do. Fact of the matter is that the stars make the league not vise versa.

Mark (NJ)

I agree any NBA star going will be considered irrelivant. They will be the posterchild for being all about the money, not the game.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Can we start shipping some of the New York Knicks to Europe? I've pretty much had it with watching them tank every year.

Amy Nelson

  (11:13 AM)

i think most knicks fan would agree...

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Lebron is the truth he's still only 23 guys. What's 1 year in Europe? Skip he may learn how to shoot over there come back in one year and win an NBA title. Whats good Damon

Tyler (Utah)

That's right! How bout them cowboys!

maurice (new orleans)

TO vs SKIP

Mike (Brooklyn)

Rays can always give Price the call up to the bigs.

Amy Nelson

  (11:14 AM)

and they will...

Jeremy (Coral Springs, FL)

tell damon to come back to miami PLEASE!!!

Amy Nelson

  (11:14 AM)

told him...who wouldn't want to be in miami?

Josh (Texas)

Why doesn't TO be a man and go to First Take to debate Skip instead of hiding behind a phone?

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

well, he;s kind of busy rigth now. think skip might have something to say about that

Brad (Somerset, NJ)

If TO went on First Take, ratings would go through the roof!

brian (sandusky, ohio)

Can Damon get T.O. on conference call to go up against Skip. It is like the dream matchup!

Amy Nelson

  (11:16 AM)

that would be amazing...

Patrick (Granger, IA)

I have to speak up for my home girl Shawn Johnson in women's gymnastics. She was the only solid gymnast for the women's team. She was the only one who never made any major mistakes in the competition. She looked she was the only one prepared for the olympics on the team. She was the most ready and she couldn't even train at her home gym, because of flooding

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

I think skip and TO should do a fantasy football league---Skip and all of his debators on First and Ten plus TO----best man wins

Josh (Newcomerstown, Oh)

get T.O. and Lebron to take on Skip...

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

hmm dont think that's happening..

Dana (PA)

Skip...you are completely out of line on not seeing Phelps as the greatest Olympian. Dana is absolutely right that just because you're the fastest does not mean you're the greatest. How can you discount the numbers of gold medals he will walk away with. Also tell me and prove to me that the competition Spitz faced was as good as what Phelps is facing.

maurice (new orleans)

cowgirls have too much hype. they are in a tough division. plus romo can not win in the playoffs.

Josh (Texas)

Here we go again. The Cowboys should win the Super Bowl this year easily and the same result is going to happen. Sitting at home with the rest of us watching the Super Bowl.

Joe (Philadelphia )

I can't see why the whole Phelps thing is such a big issue when no one will be talking about this 1 month from now, no one cares about swimming once the Olympics is over

Tyler (Utah)

I am dissapointe the cowboys haven't picked up another reciever. I like crayton, but he is three or four at best behind owens, whitten and insert name here.

Susan (Atlanta, GA)

Skip's point that Phelps uses his "freakishness" to dominate in his sport is a great point, but he's not making it well. Phelps is double jointed in both knees and has a condor-sized wing span which is very uncommon and helps him dominate a "freakish" and uncommon sport. However, the point is that Phelps DOMINATES!!!! Please let skip know I love him and we're usually on the same page, but he's just a little off on this one.

Ryan (San Francisco)

Skip - since when does the best athlete have to do with being the best sprinter? Is the best basketball player who runs acorss the court quickest? You do not know swimming... and this is coming from an Olympics Trials swimmer myself. Weird swimming strokes? The 400 IM is the single hardest EVENT in swimming. And - by the way - the marquee event in swimming is the 200. He is the ONLY man under 1:44. And the only man under 1:43. EVER.

Mike (Brooklyn)

I like the way Maurice from New Orleans thinks. I also think it's amazing a lot of people I talked to are putting the Eagles ahead of the Giants this year.

Michael Phelps (Bejing)

Skip, do you even know how to swim?

Mitch (CA)

I wouldn't even draft T.O. in the 7th round of my fantasy draft, he'd obliterate my team just being on it.

Andrew (Iowa City, IA)

I just don't understand Skip's point in the Phelps argument. So what if he isn't the fastest in the freestlye? How can a man who trumpets Tiger Woods as a great athlete believe that speed equals greatness? Doesn't technique count?

Brad (Somerset, NJ)

In swimming you have to consider endurance and stamina. Even though someone might be fast, it won't matter if he can't keep his pace. Michael Phelps has the endurance, stamina, and speed to win all these races even though he is not the fastest.

Jason (Florida)

I haven't seen much of The men's USA basketball, (my favorite sport) but watching phelps is unbelievable

BJ (Carmel, NY)

Amy you are slow today. Swim faster girl

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

sorry guys lots going on here in the studio today ... but i'm slow anyway. i've got problems with literacy...

cedric (beaumont, tx)

last time i checked terry glenn on played a couple of games with the cowboys last year at the end of the season and the cowboys shatterd team passing records with crayton at 2nd wr

Jason (Wisconsin)

Sportsnation poll asks if Tom Brady is most dominant american athlete... Shouldn't the poll be limited to athletes that are actually athletic? He is probably the worst physical athlete at the quarterback position in NFL today.

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

well i dont know about that, but as some people pointed out, federer is not on that poll. seems as though he should be...

Susan (Atlanta)

Amy, I've got problems with literacy too so maybe you convince your boss to hire me to help you out and then we would be as fast as 1 person. The speed would make Skip happy

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

there you go...

John (San Francisco, CA)

Skip's right about T.O. That guy is nothing but a circus act. He can make plays, but if he goes down to injury the Cowboys go with him. Romo's failure in the playoffs isn't going to change without T.O.

John (Minny)

Amy: Federer is not American!

Martin (Canada)

Federer is an american athlete?!?

Amy Nelson

  (11:45 AM)

see you guys should have my job! my producer and i thought it wasn't specific to americans. you guys are sharp

Andrew (Iowa City, IA)

Skip doesn't want to hear anything good about T.O. the player. As a longtime viewer I can see how it evolved from his frustration during T.O.'s Philly years. Still, people grow Skip.

David (Kissimmee, FL)

yeah but T.O. still is a top 3 WR, that aint something easy to achieve, he may be a circus act, but he gets the job done

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Top 5 athletes in the 21st Century Michael Phelps, Tiger Woods, Randy Moss, Kobe Bryant, TO

Amy Nelson

  (11:48 AM)

have a feeling there will be some disagreement on that one...

Brian (Sandusky, Ohio)

T.O and Moss are not even honorable mentions!

Monty (DC)

Damon Jones needs more PT and love. Game 6 NBA playoffs against the Wizards in OT couple years ago, Jones hit a game winning 3 to send them to next round. He is more clutch than LeBron will ever be.

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

monty we're gonna try and read this one on the air..im sure damon will appreciate it.

TO, Dallas

You talking about my quarterback man...

Amy Nelson

  (11:53 AM)

guys we're wrapping it up today. we'll be back next wednesday. thanks for writing in