Amy Nelson

  (9:26 AM)

Hey guys, We'll be starting the chat around 10 am so please send in your thoughts on anything you want to talk about, or tell Skip Bayless.

Willie (Cleveland, OH)

Whats up amy?

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

What up? Let's get it started..

Monty (DC)

The Redeem team is better than the Dream Team. They are playing much better competition than the dream team had played and are doing it in the same fashion as the dream team did.

Josh (Texas)

We want Argentina. Team USA will crush them.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Morning Amy

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

Skip has no room to talk, after he got burned by T.O. as bad as he did the other day.

Joe (Staunton, VA)

The Redeem team doesn't compare to the Dream Team. The Redeem team may be beating the competition by large margins but they are working for it. The Dream Team just cruised by and didn't have to play that hard to beat their competition.

Rob (Philly)

The Redeem team is great...no kidding! 10 All stars against Andrew Bogut? They are playing well as a team and hustling which is good to see, it is more of a statement about Larry Brown and the previous players. No excuse to win by less than 15 in any international game

Jeremey(Louisville, KY,)

Skip, Rays are still hanging on with two of thier best players out, they will be back for the stretch run. They will win the east!

Skyler (Ca)

although the rays beat the Angels last night the angels look like a better team on paper and after watching them sweep the red sox twice and yankees was really amazing no team had done that since the 94 A's If the Angels can get that offense going no one can beat them

Matt (Chicago)

Can we stop talking about CC, Harden is better. Harden's last night of 7 IP, 2 Hits, 0 walks, 0 runs is better than CC's 9 IP, 11 hits, 2 walks and 3 runs!!!! Who cares about complete games.

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

I love Skip hating on Lebron because Lebron cant shoot. But he's needs to stop hating on T.O. because T.O. is a hall of famer.

Mike (Ohio)

Carl Crawford will not be back

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Personally I am not a fan of the Redeem Team nickname. They are team USA. To me it's almost a slap in the face to call these guys the Redeem Team.

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

I think it's sort of stupid, as well...

Josh (Texas)

No team is better than the original Dream Team. The Redeem Team has been together for how long? Give the Dream Team is same time together they would score 200 againist the teams today.

Matt (Chicago)

Come on Australia's best player is Bogut. That's not tough competition!!

John (Tampa)

A better team on paper never means anything just ask the Cowboys and Patriots last year in the playoffs and Super Bowl

Matt (Iowa)

Amy, How long can CC keep the Brewers going with Sheets losing?

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

they are a solid team and it hink they will be in it...but they need the other starters to remain consistent. dont think they'll catch the cubs...

Kenny Coggins (Tampa, FL)

The Rays are making there schedule more and more irrelavent. Coming off their longest road trip where they lost three players to the DL, they actually increased their lead over the RedSox. They have many games against the Yankees and Redsox reamaining, but if there is one thing the Rays have taught us, its that they will exceed our expectations.

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

I happily admit to never calling them the Redeem Team...it's lame.

Chad (Savannah, GA)

CC's arm will be jello come late Sept/early Oct. I guess the Brewers don't care since they have about a 5% chance of resigning him.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

it's crazy to me i can't believe they havent looked at what happened to him last year

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Let's talk about the scare put into the women's softball team by Japan. While we are at it, does anyone else think the extra inning rules in softball are ridiculous? Why are they giving each team a runner on 2nd to start the inning? I've always disliked that.

Carl (Texas)

I'm sick of hearing that the Rays has to pick up this guy or that guy. They're fine with what they have. Why fix what's not broken?

John (Tampa)

Why doesn't Skip attack Chad Johnson like he does TO? TO has better numbers and doesn't try calling out olypmic heroes like Michael Phelps...I'm so sick of Chad Johnson just shut up already

Mike (Boston)

I would love to know Skip's athletic background. He seems to know alot about why big time superstars can't do certain things.

Amy Nelson

  (10:16 AM)

not sure but he's a workout fiend...

Mike (Brooklyn)

I don't think Brewers even want to resign him. Why the hell else would you have him pitch a CG every 5 days. That's no way to treat a future investment.

Amy Nelson

  (10:16 AM)

they can't resign him but the problem is that they need him to stay healthy and loose for the postseason, forget offseason, he coukld have trouble in the playoffs a la last year

Willie (Cleveland, OH)

who cares about the national league? it is a by far a weaker league and it doesnt matter who makes it to the playoffs from the NL

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

bitter Indians fam, too much CC talk? Just wondering...

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

Skip attacks the best of the best. That's why he attacks T.O.

mike (elizabethtown ky)

Amy, do you think the mets can hold on to there lead with Billy Wagner being out. Go Phillies

Amy Nelson

  (10:18 AM)

will be interesting i didnt think theyd have the lead at all to begin with...

Steve (Illinois)

The Brewers might as well just pretend the Cubs don't exist and focus on the Wild Card. Chicago is unbeatable

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

The Harden acquisition definitely was the MVP acquisition of the year in baseball.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Haha I love it when the AL fans, even Simmons, call the NL Quadruple A baseball. Talk about a superiority complex.

juan (san antonio,tx)

skip needs to know that all superstars can change it just takes time. and ibelieve T.O. has changed as a person. so skip stop hateing

Chris (Reading,Pa)

no that smart it shortens the game baseball and softball are already sports that are tooo long so why not put team in a position to end the game quicke

Steve (Normal, IL)

Yeah, they don't realize that baseball's best division isn't the AL East this year. It's the NL Central. By a longshot

Joe (Staunton, VA)

The Brewers aren't going to pay CC 20 million a year like the Yankees would. So they really don't care about his arm past this season.

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

yes but the whole point is that all this wear can affect him postseason and they do care about that.

Dean (Rochester, MN)

Who are you liking for the LLWS. Japan is always impressive, but Mexico is looking on point. Dude threw a perfect game the other day.

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

viva mexico!

Rick Franklin,Ohio

Hi AMY! What did you think of Lebrons hustle, diving after balls and his great no look passes today! Not bad for 23 huh?

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

didnt see it but think it's great...

Brandon (Minnesota)

Why doesnt the NL institute a DH....Thats what the AL did when they were terribly weak. And if they dont want to because of the integrity of the game then they should just stop complaining about them being a weak Conference....Just my take

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

will. never. happen.

Kobe (Beijing, China)

I'm the man, and to let others know...fouling my teammates hard make me mad...and unlike others, I'm not a bad mad player.

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

Now Kordell is overhyping Matt Ryan. Matt is overrated.

Monty (DC)

The Rays will be like the Hornets of this year. Will win a lot of games but when it comes to the post season they will look like a deer in head lights.

Matt-Iowa

Do you ever feel the need to slap Skip?

Amy Nelson

  (10:21 AM)

no, we leave the violence out of the studio...

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

Steve, I hope you remember all the previous years in the Cubs history. I hear this kind of attitude from Cubs fans all the time, usually followed up with a painful slump.

Jamey Boaz Alabama

Lets not keep talking about the rays..they are just like the horse big brown..they will make the playoffs..then just like when it counts the rays will choke just like big brown mysteriously had to be held up because the jockey knew something was wrong..no its because big brown couldnt win the big one..ill tell you what happened to b.b's leg..way to much pressure!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The DH dumbs down in-game strategy. If you can't play the field then don't play at all...and I like an AL team!

Matt-Iowa

You guys should run a contest- the winner gets to debate Skip!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

actually i think they've deabted doing that, problem is you have no way to know whether someone will jsut go off on an expletive-filled rant. it's live TV so too much of a risk...

michael tx

The US has looked pratically unbeatable, but against a team like argentina or any other top international team, can they win shooting bascially 50% from the line and 30% from deep? just force them to go the line and settle for jump shots..if a argentina can do this will Manu lead his team to a hard passionate win, with a team USA let down(since they have not had one yet)?

Steve (Normal, IL)

What's past is past Greg. It's a new era in Chicago Cubs baseball. This isn't a Cubs team anchored by home runs and strikeouts. It's anchored by 1-9 great lineup hitting, an amazing bullpen, and the best 4 man rotation in the NL

John (Tampa)

Lets talk college football....USF Bulls Big East Champs this year ...baseball is so boring

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

John, First of all, do you know i cover baseball for ESPN.com? No chance you'll have a chat void of baseball...second, you live in Tampa!!!??? How can you not at least be intruiged with the Rays?

Kenny (Tampa, FL)

Last time I checked the Rays had swept the Angels, Cubs, Chisox, and Redsox twice. What on earth would make you think that they would have deer in headlights in the playoffs???

Matt-Iowa

They should at least give you a button that would allow you to zap him when he gets out of line!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

Wow, like a taser? Hmmm...

Roxanne (California)

Amy, is there any truth to Gilbert Arenas being traded?

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

roxanne, dont cover the nba so i dont know. is that out there? he just signed a huge deal with dc, so why would he be traded?

John (Tampa)

I only said that because I know you cover baseball and yes I support the rays and go to games but College Football is literally next week and Im way more pumped for tailgating Go Bulls!!!!!

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

Now that the Dodgers have traded for Greg Maddux, maybe he can teach Manny Ramirez how to be a true Pro Ball Player on & off the field. Go Dodgers !

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Gilbert just signed a 100 million dollar contract

Scott (MN)

I like the Rays to win the division. I just hope the Yankees blow it.

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

Steve, didn't y'all have that in 2003-2005, when y'all choked in the playoffs (not Bartman's fault, then the next year let Houston come back from a ridiculous amount of games back to win the division???? Point is, it's the Cubs, IT happens.

Josh (Texas)

Am I the only one shocked to see Jonathan Coachman on ESPN? I'm a wrestling fan and I thought I was dreaming when I saw him on Monday.

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

yep he's new here...

Jamey (Boaz, Alabama)

well about your contest to get to debate ol skip o roo..i think you should have security on hand..and then even if one little slip hes out and you should have the second place waiting like a bullpen set-up guy

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

that'd be interseting...

Michael (Bay Shore, NY)

The mighty, arrogent Yanks are going down. That's what they deserve imp.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Manny's fine don't hate

Willie (Cleveland, OH)

say what you will about manny, he is one of the greatest hitters of all time

Darren Rodgers (Milwaukee)

Packers will go 16-0

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

is this aaron's dad?

jamal ( Las Vegas, NV)

for the panel, if the team USA loses do you think the NBA should take the "World" part on "WORLD CHAMPIONS" on the trophy?

Kenny (Tampa, FL)

I go to USF. I'm not going to some to the games until baseball season is over. The Rays are providing me with some of my fondest sports moments. Its unreal. 47-17 at home...I bought season tix for the rest of the season so I can take it all in.

Skyler (Orange, Ca)

Amy, do you think the Angels will win the world series? do you think anyone canbeat them in the playoffs

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

was just around them over the weekend. they are a complete and solid team ... sure would think they'd be the favorites.

Rich (Pawtucket, RI)

I don't hate Manny, just some of his actions. I know he's a Great hitter.

Dan (Arizona)

I know the ESPN talking heads don't know about anything happening west of the Mississippi. But will ESPN stop trying to get C.C. the MVP. In his 9 starts he is 8-0 with 1.60 era. Brandon Webb in his last 8 starts since then is 6-0 with a 1.68 era. The only reason C.C. has so many complete is Ned Youst doesnt care if he throws out his arm. He's just a rental.

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

edinson volquez is my cy young right now. i know webb is making a strong case. and im sure he'll win it, even if it's close

dave (ill)

skyler the cubs and agels in the world series and the cubs in 7 games

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

what a great series that would be. two great cities, one warm, awesome

Mark (NJ)

Im sure Skip thinks he can out run Usain Bolt.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

The Yankees don't care about this season most of their players are on the DL I can't wait til you guys witness the signings this offseason. Can you say Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixiera and CC Sabathia? What do you think about that Skip/Amy

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

not sure if they'll sign any of those guys. cc isn't really a ny guy, but we;ll see who throws money at him. i know some of the angels will be petitioning arte moreano and tony reagins hard...

Bob, Longport, NJ

Do Phillies have a chance to win the NL East even though they can't score 4 runs a game?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

still think the mets wont win the east.

John (Tampa)

Let the Yankees sign all those players so they can be the highest paid losing team like they are every year

Carl (Texas)

Usain Bolt is amazing. The guy might as well ran backwards in the 100m dash.

Ed (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

To Kobe Bryant, I was stationed in Korea in 98-99. I appreciate you taking the time to visit us troops on the DMZ and around the country. Again, thanks Kobe.

Scott (MN)

Twins vs. Cubs. World Series.

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

Yea, I agree w/ Dan. My NL MVP is Lance Berkman.

Joe (Staunton, VA)

The Rays will end up beating the Angels in the ALCS and lose the World Series to the Cubs!

mike (elizabethtown ky)

the phillies will win the NL east because unlike the mets they have a reliable closer in Brad Lidge 31 out of 31 nuff said

brian (ohio)

Who said Skip Bayless was not liked in The Cleveland Area? I am in the Cleveland area and I am one of his biggest fans!

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

im just saying peeople came up to me this weekend and cleveland and begged for skip to get off lebron's back

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Bolt does make it look easy, but his confidence and the way he looks around at his opponents and poses, kind of borders on cocky. Have a little class!

Chad (Savannah, GA)

If Tampa Bay just spends a little money over the next 5 years the Yanks will be regulated to a consistant 3rd place in the AL East.

Bob (Boston)

Jamaica's Usain Bolt became the first man in 24 years to run to double sprint gold at the Olympics, breaking the world record in the 200-metre sprint on Day 12 at the Beijing Games.

Greg (Crystal Lake, IL)

real quick.... Do you see a gold medal or two being stripped from Bolt eventually? I just can't see this guy being THIS good. The only people that have ever been this good have eventually been caught doping. It happens like clockwork, like the Cubs choking.

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

i know most in the anti-doping community always have their eyebrows raised. it's assumed most athletes are cheating or trying to. sad but the way it is...

Joe (Staunton, VA)

If I were as fast as Bolt I would be that cocky too!

Jeremey(Louisville, KY)

Chicago sweep MVP Quintin, Rookie of the year Ramirez.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Phillies have the better closer; Mets have the better team.

Joe (Staunton, VA)

Bolt runs a 3.5 40 yard dash to put it in perspective.

Josh (Texas)

TO always make excuses. He thinks he's the whole show and if he doesn't catch 90 balls he whining. He should be happy that he has a QB who kisses up to him all of the time. I told you all that he was faking when he was crying.

John (Tampa)

How awesome is it that his last name is Bolt though and he's the fastest guy to ever run

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

so awesome. i love it when players have last names that jive with what they do. one of my favorite all-time names: quentin jammer

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

natron means is a favorite too...

Ricky (Ft.Worth)

if he catches 90 balls good things happen

Donny (Clinton, MS)

I hope that Team USA gets Greece in the Semis and not Argentina, we beat down Greece last week looking great doing so. If we play Argentina, I'm a little scared, this just in, Ginobili is left handed!

John (Tampa)

Bolt doesnt run a 3.5 40 yard dash thats how you could break it down mathmatically but you get faster in longer sprints he could never run a 3.5 40 its physically impossible

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

BOldin needs more money!! HE is nice and a #1 Receiver on 75% of the teams in the NFL

eddy (miami)

T.O hasnt changed look at his recent quotes of course he been trying to behave because he has a good thing going in dallas now if they loose another playoff game lets see if this "new" t.o will not act up

Scott (MN)

How about Marion Butts?

John (Tampa)

Dont forget James Jett who was one time the fast guy in the NFL

michael tx

cowboys need to go after anquan Boldin..a dynamic number two that can pay him...the would be unbeatable

Carlton (Rhode Island)

Skip just hates T.O. I think you guys should bring Terrell into the studio and see how much junk Skip talks then. I bet you Skip and T.O. will become best of friends

Mike (Brooklyn)

TJ Slaughter (linebacker) was a cool name

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

good one...

brian (ohio)

amy, would you like to join the cleveland area Skip Bayless fan club i am starting up?

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

that's all you brian!

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

Boulidin is making half of Fitz salary. Pay that man!

Jay (Orlando)

The cowboys may be the most talented team, but they are not a "team," sure they had 13 or so pro-bowler's, but they still lost in the first round...for the 12 or 13 year in a row, "America's Team" has failed to win a post-season game....I think that because they are on the Cowboys, they act like movie stars and are simply focused on themselves and not the team....What's your thought...mine is that they won't do anything, regardless of how many great player's they have, because they have the mentality of "I'll take care of my own, and I'll benefit from that"....

Quentin(Auburn, AL)

Are the Lions to be taken seriously since they now have the most experienced and best quarterback in the conference? Can they win the Central if everyone is average to below average?

Amy Nelson

  (10:44 AM)

is that you quentin jammer? if so, i love your name.

Eric (NY)

Homer Bush, he didn't hit the long ball too often but when he did it was perfect

maurice (new orleans)

The cardinals should renegotiate boldin's contract because you do not find a team in this league with two great WR.

Mike C (Long Island)

I'm a long time 49ers fan, and Terrell Owens needs to stop talking so much and go back to how he was when he was a respectable wide out in San Fran.

mike (elizabethtown ky)

No replay in baseball the human element is part of the game and has been for over 100 years

Michael (Bay Shore, NY)

Cowboyz are vastly overrated!! They will go nowhere again! What's that, 11 years without a playoff win!! HAHA

Nick (Baltimore, MD)

Usain Bolts feat may be a tad more impressive than phleps. Hes running away with it every race while phelps had to rely on teammates and extremley tight finsihes.

mike (elizabethtown ky)

I would join the skip bayless fan club he is great he says what no one else has the guts to say

Jeremey(Louisville, KY)

How about the USA Stars instead of the ReDeam or Dream TEAM.

ryan (MD)

the Dallas cowboys are the BIGGEST pre-modonna team EVER

eddy (miami)

T.o just needs to shut up he is always top receivers thrown to but he doesnt feel like he is being used, he wont feel right unless he gets 200 passes thrown his way, he is lucky romo kisses up to him

mike (Dearborn,Ill)

look out for the Texans baby !!!!!!!!

Joe (Staunton, VA)

Nick must have missed the 4 races that Phelps blew away the competition and crushed the world records by 3 - 6 seconds.

Carl (Texas)

Baseball better get replay in baseball before a playoff series is decided with a bad call. Baseball needs to get with the times and stop hiding behind to overused boring tradition excuse.

Carl (Texas)

Baseball better get replay in baseball before a playoff series is decided with a bad call. Baseball needs to get with the times and stop hiding behind to overused boring tradition excuse.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FL)

Replay will ruin the most important part of the job of these umpires...judgement calls! IF they miss on a couple calls their jobs may be in jeopardy?

Chad (Savannah, GA)

HR's and fair foul balls could easily change the outcome of a game. We have the technology to get it right so use it to get it right. Replay should NEVER be used for strikes or balls as even if the ump gets the call 'wrong' his strike zone is usually consistant so it is the same for both teams.

bradley (atl. ga)

seriously, what sport did skip play? I know he played something, but no one has actually said what?

Mark (Bham, AL)

It is ridiculous to implement a replay system in baseball at this point in the season. I'm all for doing it before next year, but not with a month to go in the season. Classic MLB, being reactionary.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Unions ruin almost everything they are involved with. They only look to their narrow present interest, and not to long term goals. Look at the players' union regarding steroids. They had to take a public relations bath before changing their tune. The umpires are now following suit.

John (Tampa)

Yeah instant reply in baseball will be great just when I thought they couldnt make baseball even more long and boring they did

Scott (MN)

Skip played ping pong at Vanderbilt.

Mark (NJ)

Shuffleboard!..No No...Canasta!

Drew Stroudsburg Pennsylvania

The Michael Phelps show has stolen these Olympics. Now that he has totally dominated the field in Tiger Esq fashion will future Olympic Games ever compare and what will the viewing public have to look forward too? Now that he has finished the games are just not that exciting.

Michael (Bay Shore, NY)

Forget Phelps and Bolt, Shawn Johnson and her smile is the star of these Olympics!

SOUZA (TAMPA, FL)

use it on HR calls only

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

exactly. anything else would be ridiculous

michael tx

The US has looked pratically unbeatable, but if the struggles from the free-throw line and 3-point land continue and , Argentina and their superstar MANU could lead them to victory, especially if USA has a let down, that has yet to happen.

bradley (atl. ga)

perhaps it was pocket pool

mike (elizabethtown ky)

If a playoff series is decided by a bad call than so be it its part of the game and always has been if a game is decided on a bad call so be it thats baseball the human element thats what makes it that much more interesting

Jeremey(Louisville,KY)

Is it me or are the Jamaicans running these fast times out of the blue including the women something smells funny.

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

well jamaica has some of the worst anti-doping infrastructure

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

but they all still have to pass WADA tests

Mike (Brooklyn)

Nothing more I hate than the human element argument. Why would you not make the game better when you have the resources and technology available?

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

i know jemele hill wrote a column the other day about how team USA's success is improtant to the african american community...i know she'll be debating that with skipnext. any thoughts?

SOUZA (TAMPA, FL)

i feel you mike, but mlb will use it in some way, times change so if mlb must use it let it be for HR calls only!

Carl (Texas)

You wouldn't be saying that if you're team in on the wrong side of bad call at the plate in the bottom of the 9th with the World Series on the line. Baseball needs replay very badly.

Eric (NY)

19.3 in the 200m for Bolt, 2 Golds, 2 World Records. Why don't more NFL teams try to convert these guys into receivers, who could cover Bolt on a deep ball?

eddy (miami)

base ball needs replays if anything this donaghy incident taught us its that we need take as much of the game out of the refs hands and allow the players to decide the game i dont think theres alot of donaghys but why take the risk, and baseball needs replays the most becuase a homerun called foul is a huge blow

John (Tampa)

Why should it be any more important to african american communitys then it is to me? Im a huge basketball fan and want team USA to win the gold

Eric (NY)

one of the biggest complaints I hear is that replay will make the game too slow or too long. what's an extra 5 mins in a 3 hr game if it means that they get the call correct????? shouldn't that be more important

Chad (Savannah, GA)

Don't you think if Balco can come up with The Clear that is undetectable that Cuba, or any other country, can develop other PED's that are undetectable?

Amy Nelson

  (10:56 AM)

of course...

John (Tampa)

Just because you run fast doesnt mean you can run routes or catch a ball Bolt could have two left feet and be really uncoordinated just really fast

Scott (MN)

I don't think Team USA's success has anything to do with race. We're talking sports here.

Mark (NJ)

They should cut the innings down from 9 to like 7. Speed up that boring game.

bradley (atl. ga)

Sorry, but USA basketball isn't just important to the African American community, but the USA as whole. I am more impressed by the black man who beat Federer and the one who one gold on the relay teams with phelps. They used to always say we can't swim and that the williams sister were the anamoly in tennis because of they're race

Scott (MN)

I think sports are inspirational to all races and shouldn't have race brought up at all.

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

I think Team USA is important to USA as a whole. I get tired of the black/white issue always having to be brought into things. Sounds like Steven A. Is what Michael Phelps did, more important to caucasians or the whole country?

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Eric, they have tried to convert sprinters to football players but the skill sets are extremely different. There's more to football than speed. A lot of the best receivers in the league aren't the fastest. Most of the track guys aren't physical enough.

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

why j hill want to bring up race? this isnt the first all black usa team

bradley (atl. ga)

Exactly, John. Did you see when carl lewis tried to play football. The man was fast, but he was like that character in Unecessary Roughness except his coordination was much much worse.

Michael (Bay Shore, NY)

How would it more important than any other sport. This is not about a race or an individual, it's about the country.

SOUZA (TAMPA, FL)

the more kids of all colors see it on TV theres a better chance they may try that sport!

John (Tampa)

Why does the media contanstly try bringing race into the picture? I can't watch USA basketball because I don't grow up in an urban community

Tim (Chicago, IL)

Amy tough chat for ya huh? Chime in every 25 with four or five words, sweet gig! Go Cubs

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

oh i wish it were that easy...sometime i'd rather have you dictate teh chat than me. unless i have something to say on the subject ... some i do some i don't...

Chris (Reading,PA)

I dont think it is that important to African Americans because sports is something that we all already know that we can be great in. Now if this was something with the corprate world like we held ceo like positions at major companys that would be important

John (Tampa)

Tampa tried turning Chris Gatling into a football player and it was a huge failure it wont work ..perfect example watch Hard Knocks and they have a reciever who never played football just a great athlete hes struggling

eddy (miami)

im african american and i dont think its anymore important to us then anybody else, because black players have dominated the NBA for years now, if anything this does is help our image becuase things were getting real chipy with australia and our players held their cool and didnt get ejected

Eric (NY)

I know there's more to football than speed but you can't teach speed and you can teach fundamentals

Dave (Sterling IL)

I think the first track star to be a football star was willie gault for the bears

Scott (MN)

It shouldn't matter what color you are. I know it's all African-Americans on the team and I'm white, but it'll be just as great to me as it would be if a bunch of whites were on the team.

Tom (MA)

I saw Usain Bolt win the 100 m a couple days ago and I have to say that I was speechless for a MINUTE after I saw it. Even if everybody in track and field is using drugs, to coast through almost half the race beat everybody like that and still beat the world record, is the most amazing thing at this Olympics next to Michael Phelps.

Jeremey(Louisville,KY)

As far as the olympics im rooting for any american no matter the race.

Jack (NB Canada)

Renaldo ("Skeets") Nehemiah played for the 49'ers.

brian (ohio)

It does not matter if it an all African American team to me. Its an ALL AMERICAN TEAM!

bradley (atl. ga)

If you want to see more white guys on the USA bball team, perhaps Christian Laettner should hold a camp. Wasn't he the last white player on the olympic team? And lets face it Laettner was the truth!

Ed (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

The most fascinating story of these Olympics is the fact that the South Korean President has applauded the efforts of the North Korean athletes and has encouraged his countries athletes to do the same. Hopefully these small acts can help reunify that country.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

Throw Skip on the team usa bench and we'll all be happy

Joey S (J-ville, FL)

I think the USA basketball team's success is equally important to all American fans no matter what race they are.

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Sad that race is still a topic in 2008.

bradley (atl. ga)

As a carolina fan I must retract my last statement. Laettner was/ is garbage and was so overhyped it still is nauseating. Now tyler hansborough should have gotten a shot to join the squad! Heels represent

Amy Nelson

  (11:06 AM)

you need more sleep bradley..

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

I think Amy Nelson can play QB for the Bears and they'd have a winning season

eddy (miami)

eric, your crazy if you think you can just teach a sprinter fundamentals and he will be great, fundamentals are taught to you in high school then you get better in college and if you make to the nfl your the best of the best, you cant just take a sprinter and get him ready for the NFL theres more to football then just running straight lines

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Agree, Ed. That's in strak contrast to the Iranian swimmer who refused to be in the pool with Israeli athletes. Gotta love the way the Chinese fans have embraced the Japanese and Americans as well despite some contentious history.

Scott (MN)

Laettners' career will be better than Tyler Hansboroughs.

brian (ohio)

I think The Bears should just punt on first down and let their defense and special teams do all the scoring!

Tom (MA)

Nobody in their right mind cares about what race these guys are. They're American and any amareican is cheering for them whether that person is white, black, spanish, or asian. IT DOESN'T MATTER.

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

i wouldnt say that. i know many people who are rooting against them, want to see them lose. you tell me? why is that?

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Wait, Laettner was in the NBA? That's news to me.

Joey S (J-ville, FL)

Seriouly why in the world did the bears not acquire a QB this offseason. Orton nor Grossman are going to led them to a winning season.

Taiwan (New york,New york)

It doesnt have much to do with race...90 percent of the allstars in the nba are african american and the other 10 percent are from other countries

mike (elizabethtown ky)

Yeah but the Bears defense was a major dissapointment they should just let Devin Hester throw the ball to himself

John (N.O., LA)

as in they are cheering for them to lose because of color? or what Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

don't know just think its strange.

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Wrong eddy! Fundamentals are taught in youth league and then improved upon in the following levels. I agree that you just can't teach someone to catch and block and have them be a great receiver, just because they are fast.

Keith (MD)

Race has nothing to do with whom I am routing for. Actually, sometimes I even route for non-Americans. Love to spread the joy around.

michael tx

the the bears will struggle no QB or running back, besides a suspect cedric benson..matt forte will let people down..bears win 6 maybe 7

John (Tampa)

The Bears are garbage and that defense is getting older theyre window of opportunity is almost completely gone if it isnt gone already

Chris (Reading,PA)

Hansborough is OVERRATED he should of never got player of the year last year it should of been the man from K-State B Smooth he was by far the best player in college basktball last year

Scott (MN)

What does everyone think of Shawn Kemp coming back?

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

totally insane. couldnt believe it when i saw that scroll across bottom line

brian (ohio)

i'm telling you, Rashard Mendenhall is going to be this year's AD Peterson!

Jason (Iowa)

T.O. is just like any great athlete who wants to touch the ball everytime. Jerry Rice, the greatest receiver of all time complained about not getting enough touches in both San Francisco and in Oakland, so all the greats want the ball, but Skip is right he still hasn't one the big one!

Tom (MA)

Amy, thos people are the kind of people that take race much too seriously in sports. I know that race is still an issue in sports, but the majority of the Americans aren't thinking about whether these guys are black or white.

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Maybe the Bears can get some of the Bucs table scraps, when they release some of their 20 QBs.

Mike (Brooklyn)

Shawn Kemp is going to cause a shortage of food in Italy

Taiwan (New york,New york)

nobody cares about shawn kemp..he is so washed up

bradley (atl. ga)

Its about time the Reign Man got his act together. He was the man in his when GP was running point. That dunk he did on Lister is only topped by Vince jumping over that guy during the 2000 olympics

Scott (MN)

Shawn Kemp should be a hall of famer.

Earl (Mobile)

Usain is insane. What a phenom. However, let's see him do a 200 - 400 double. That is much togher to pull off.

Eric (NY)

My argument isn't that some team should go throw a contract at Bolt right now and he'd be a Pro Bowler. I would like to have that kind of potential on my team instead of having a guy that barely made it through camp and will catch 10 balls at most anyways.

Evan (NC)

wait, Shawn Kemp is still alive

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

yes, he is apparantly.

Carl (Texas)

Kemp was awesome in NBA Jam. Just had to say that.

brian (ohio)

Shawn Kemp was great until he came to Cleveland. It is like a curse around here!

Mike (Brooklyn)

That guy Carter dunked on in 2000 - none other than Fredric Weis, the worst Knicks draft pick of all time

John (Tampa)

maybe Gary Payton will go play with him and they can play on 8 foot rims so they can rekindle the old days in seattle

Amy Nelson

  (11:16 AM)

that's nominated for post of the day!

John (New Orleans)

I think it's funny that every four years it seems we take the fastest guy and debate that he should be a football player...so out of all the guys that have tried or that we've wanted to see them try...who has been remotely successful?

Taiwan (New york,New york)

yes def the knicks worst draft pick

eddy (miami)

Wrong ROB! sure you are taugh some fundamentals in youth league but that is nothing becuase everybody doesnt play youth league and the position you are taught in youth league is not usually the one you end up playing i was taught to ply center in youth league and i ended up being running back in highschool and now i play running back in college

Ed (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

Does anyone remember 'Bullet' Bob Hayes from Florida A & M. He anchored the USA 4 X 100 meter relay team in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, taking the baton in third place and out sprinting his competition to win the gold medal for the USA. The he went on to become a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. Hayes also won the 100 meter dash for the USA.

Josh (Texas)

Doesn't Shawn Kemp weight like 300 pound right now?

Amy Nelson

  (11:17 AM)

good question....not sure.

Earl (Mobile)

Bob Hayes

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

ERIC!!! There is a huge possibility that Bolt could not catch a cold. Apparently, he is not a football prospect. Do you believe that Jerry Jones probably hasn't already offered him a try out. Like we have been saying, just because you are fast, doesn't make you a football player. He has to have change of direction speed, to make cuts, and to take a hit.

bradley (atl. ga)

unfortunately mike, i think the knicks draft pick this year was a worse choice then weis. but hey at least theyre setting new records in futility

Scott (MN)

Shawn Kemp- 257 lbs.

Monty (DC)

The Bears need to get Dante Culpepper. The former co-MVP had a solid season last year for the Raiders and deserves to be given a shot.

Steve (B'more)

I'm glad to see Kemp giving it another shot but the only thing he can dunk anymore is a donut

michael tx

why should the gold medal mean more for the african american community than any other nationality. I thought we are suppose to love our county and everyone in regardless of color, her column is nonsense i root for every american to bring home the gold white, black, brown, purple, the gold means great things for the country not just one community.

eddy (miami)

im african american and i dont think its anymore important to us then anybody else, because black players have dominated the NBA for years now, if anything this does is help our image becuase things were getting real chipy with australia and our players held their cool and didnt get ejected

mike (elizabethtown ky)

i think that the knicks should have picked up kemp theres no possible way he could make them any worse

SOUZA (TAMPA, FL)

hey AMY, does coachman still work for WWF?

Amy Nelson

  (11:19 AM)

dont think so..

Amy Nelson

  (11:19 AM)

though don't know for sure...

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Michael, that's the country we live in. Race matters. If you don't believe me, look at the numbers in the presidential primaries. I doubt that will ever change.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

Those guys in the NFC East would lay Usain out and he'd be done in one punt return he's fast but can't take a hit from an NFL Defense/Special teams

Scott (MN)

Daunte Culpepper is washed up. He was never really even that good, except for that one year. Eric Kramer even had a good year once.

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Congrats Eddy. I coach high school football and all I am saying is that kids should have some idea of the fundamentals of the sport before they get to that level. If you had no idea of football fundamentals by high school, would you be as successful as you are today?

Eric (NY)

Listen guys we'll agree to disagree but I never said he was guaranteed to be a star I'm just saying there's tons of potential for a guy that fast. If he went to the combine couldn't catch but still ran a 4.3 or 4.2 40 some team would draft him and give him a shot, that's all. that's what camp is for to find out if he has the skillset to do more than run fast, if he doesn't cut your losses just like any other player in camp

Mark (NJ)

Just because your fast doesnt give u a clear line to the endzone. I mean who can cover Moss 1 on 1? They just roll the saftys over him all the time.

Ed (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

I'd love to see Usain Bolt running a fly pattern with Brett Farve, Peyton Manning or Tom Brady trying to overthrow him.

Johnstone (Bucktown)

They said that Bolts split at the combine based on what he ran in the 100M would have been a 3.9

brian (ohio)

Rollie Fingers has myt vote for the best Stash!

bradley (atl. ga)

Tell Dana that Jerry lost his title as greatest receiver of all time when he decided to go on Dancing with the Stars.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Looks like Jerry went formal for his appearance this morning.

johnny (lancaster,ca()

i heard yesterday that if al davis could he would get bolt to try out for the raiders..but another gm said that the speed is on thing but can he catch a pass and run a post route or take it up the middle..so for once i agree with Skip..aaaahhh!!! the world must be coming to a end

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Since Rice is going to be on, I'm going to argue that he is the greatest football player of all time. He snattered the all time TD record...and he's not even a running back. He did it despite the fact that teams relentlessly shaded the safety to his side. He's the most dominant player in the history of the NFL.

Noah (Champaign)

If you're going to try to get a sprinter to play in the NFL, try to get one of the other guys who run sub 4.3 40's, the ones who actually have muscle on their bodies and could probably take a hit better. Bolt is blowing these guys away with his top speed. NFL is about acceleration. Any of these guys have the speed thing down to play in the nfl. Look for one with some meat on his bones and decent hands. 40 times are cool and all, but balls are rarely thrown over 40 yards down field

Mark (NJ)

I think they should get SHAQ to play DL. Just have him stand up and wave his arms out to deflect passess. Seriously this would work!

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

Shaq would be cut block every play!

mike (elizabethtown ky)

Jerry Rice is hands down the greatest wide receiver to ever put on pads even though Moss broke his record Rice set the record during the strike that shows his level of talent

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

i stil think its hard to compare bolt to phelps. what phelps did is historic...

Josh (Texas)

I going to leave early because there's an awesome game going on with Argentina and Greece but thank you Amy for making this a no-Farve chat.

Rob (Lewistown, PA)

Actually, the 17 races Phelps swam vs. the handful Bolt ran is hard to argue too.

bradley (atl. ga)

The fact that phelps won in different strokes at different distances is impressive. I compare it to a hurdler winning the high jump. I highly doubt that we will ever see anything like that during our lifetimes again unless phelps participates in 2012

Brian (Long Island)

Chad Johnson has out-ran a horse, or more like a pony, and challenged Micheal Phelps. His next step, racing Usain Bolt.

bradley (atl. ga)

this greece argentina game is great. manu is going off

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

its close huh

michael tx

The US has looked pratically unbeatable, but if the struggles from the free-throw line and 3-point land continue and , Argentina and their superstar MANU could lead them to victory, especially if USA has a let down, that has yet to happen. right?

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

Isn't swimming more difficult than running?

Noah (Champaign)

I think to have something comparable to phelps, bolt would have to win the 110 Hurdles and the 400 Hurdles, then jamaica wins the 4x100 and 4x200

Carl (Texas)

Argentina might not make it. They have been a battle with Greece and this might go to OT.

Mark (NJ)

Man michael from tx needs to stop sweating Ginobli and Argentina. DOnt worry they will be on the USA victims list eventually. IF they make it that far.

Jim (NH)

If Phelps really wants to impress me he should race a dolphin

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

OMG! Ginobli is nasty!!!!!

Nate (Madison)

Argentina is the most overrated team in the Olympics this year.

souza (tampa, fl)

why so many phelps haters? hes the greatest ever! and hes AMERICAN

SUPASIZE (NORTH CAROLINA)

By the time Manning or Brady take a seven drop step, Bolt would ran to the parking lot.

Mark (NJ)

U guys should have a contest to see which competition Skip would get murdered the least at: A) 1 on 1 vs Lebron B) Covering T.O. C) Racing Usain Bolt.

michael tx

they will take care of greece here and with a closer like manu and a better set offense a two players in the spurs system teaching the others the great team defense they play, if the game slows down and goes down to the wire with the USA MANU can close just as well as Kobe...i do fear argentina and MANU

Carl (Texas)

Clutch shooting at its best going on right now. You guys are missing a classic.

Amy Nelson

  (11:49 AM)

i know i can see it out of corner of my eye...skips trying not to watch becayse he wants argentina to win.

Tony (Tucson, AZ)

Not missing a thing. Great game.

Ed (Fort Wayne, Indiana)

Walter Dix who finished third on the 100 meters could probably play football. He went to Florida State and is built like a tank with a turbo charger.

michael tx

argentina is going to win..MANU will is a closer

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

WOW

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

greece missed a 3 at buzzer to win it

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

argentina wins

Carl (Texas)

Wow!!! I thought that was going in!!!

michael tx

now is anyone fearful of argentina for team USA?

Jeremey(Louisville)

Manu didnt close it, but we will play Argentina.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

I am they have 4 quality NBA Starters

bradley (atl. ga)

absolutely not! manu is about to pass out. that being said if they do play the usa our depth will wear him out by 3rd quarter

johnny (lancaster,ca)

nope im not beacause i know Kobe Dwayne and Lebron was watching and they will take it to them

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

ok gyus thanks for all the comments today. i'll be back next wednesday.