Buzzmaster

  (10:00 PM)

What's up SportsNation?! On Wednesday, Amy Nelson returns for another "Your Take" chat. Join Amy tomorrow morning, starting at 10 a.m. ET, and one of your comments could be used during the "Your Take" segment on ESPN2's First Take.

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

Hey guys, I'm back from my October baseball stint. Let's get it started.

mike from cincinnati

welcome back amy.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Welcome back Amy! We missed the Wednesday chats and ragging on Skip.

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Thanks guys, appreciate it. So I know that Obama winning the presidency is first up. And what we're talking about is whether sports paved the way for this?

Kalen (Durango)

If you think about it, where would sports be today if Jackie Robinson never broke the color barrier? I hope this election opens new doors, and that someday we look back on this election and think the same of what we do about Robinson.

Amy Nelson

  (10:06 AM)

I think there will be many parallels to Jackie Robinson today, and I can understand why.

Adam (Philly)

It will be interesting to see, now that President Elect Obama will be leading our nation, if more black coaches will emerge in college and the NFL

Daniel Maryland

Obamas first order of business should be a college football playoff.

Alex (Indy)

i do not think that there should be a playoff unless it is a playoff, still having some bowl games

Jim, New Haven, CT

Forget about the BCS-Obama's first sports-related decree should be getting Al Davis in a silver-and-black butterfly net.

Amy Nelson

  (10:07 AM)

Lots of Al Davis haters today...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy, as much as we'd like to think sports runs the world, I think our economy and the Iraq situation were the keys to Obama's victory.

Brandon (Minnesota)

I think that this could have happened earlier. But there was nobody who was willing to step out and try to run for president and make history.

Chris (Boston)

Last night was a great night in American history. I am a white man living in Boston and I knew it was a great night, BUT it really sank in when I saw African American TV commentators and people at Grant park crying. I feel very proud to be an American today!

Kev (NYC)

You can already see how the Sports execs are adjusting to the higher taxes that will suredly come their way.

jake (austin , texas)

i dont think that a black president will impact any sports, there is already a lot of black coaches. a lot of great black coaches,

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

there aren't many in ncaa football.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Sports paved a way for Obama because a lot of barriers have fallen in sports then become reflected in society. However, Obama being a young, strong, and driven man whom could relate to the common man and the youth of America is what won him the election.

Brandon (Minnesota)

Amy, theres lots of Al Davis hater everyday.

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

Brandon, Good point.

Adam (Philly)

Al Davis needs to step down obviously. What's next? Is he going to fire the entire consession staff???

jake (austin , texas)

i love al davis for what he has done for the nfl, but i think he has gone nuts,

Chris (Flemington, NJ)

I think people are reading too much into everything. He was was a great charismatic candidate that was in the right place at the right time.

Brian (West Palm)

I would hope the people do their own research when going to vote instead of listening to some athelete promoting someone.

Adam (Philly)

Sure, but the difference is that Jackie Robinson was a GREAT ballplayer. It's yet to be seen if Obama will be a GREAT president. I think this is a great breakthough, but it will become epic if he is an incredible leader

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

I think most people in this election tried to do their own research, Not everyone, obviously, but much more so than in past elections.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Al Davis is why the NFL should make it mandatory for mental testing on al ownership in the league because Al Davis has lost his mind and needs the Raiders taken away from him.

Neil: San Antonio, TX

With the latest events in Oakland, the Raiders are in a downward spiral. Do you think the Raiders can regroup and be competitive? Do you think Roger Goodell should step in?

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

I think it's quite sad. But that will never happen, I'm guessing.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I don't necessarily hate Al Davis I just wish he'd go away.

Pete C (Newark De)

I know Al Davis wasn't the one to think of cutting bait here and rebuilding. At least someone else with knowledge finally got to him.

Brandon (Minnesota)

Is there any way to get a petition from all the raiders fans to remove Davis from the team. Then maybe he would realize nobody wants him to be owner of the Raiders.

Jeremy (Slippery Rock Pa)

I agree Adam there going to release walker and hall

Chris, Siloam Springs, AR

I would equate Obama's win less with Jackie Robinson or Tiger Woods or Doug Williams, and more with Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy. It seems easier for America to cheer for a black athlete that for them to cheer for a black leader.

mike from cincinnati

It wont affect coaching because the guys doing the hiring there are still old white guys. That obviuosly dont have any connection with reality.

Chris (Plainsboro, NJ)

adam...statistically, jackie robinson was certainly not GREAT...think juan peirre

Adam (Philly)

I hear Obama wants to build a basketball court at the White House. How cool would it be to have an all-star game there?!?!

Mike (Ohio)

What????? Robinson was a 100 times the player of Pierre. Sheesh.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Does anyone feel sorry for the next poor guy who will be desperate or dumb enough to take the next Raider head coaching job?

Chris (East Lansing)

It's not about the Raiders regrouping and being competetive, that is years away at best. It's about creating a strong, confident front office, and let the attitude be born from that. It's the reason the Lions have been losers for years despite what has times have been some teams with a lot of talent. You can win when you are fundamentally losers.

Robert (Winter Park, FL)

I just wanted to let Skip know that I wrote in 'Skip Bayless' on my ballot. I thought we had a chance.

Amy Nelson

  (10:20 AM)

Wow, Robert, fantastic. And scary. That just made the show...

Sean(Sioux City, IA)

Skip for Prez? Wow that would be the worst move EVER.

Jeremy (Slippery Rock Pa)

I would not want that job of Coaching the Raiders. They have had more coaches in the last 4 years. The Pittsburgh Steelers have had 3 coaches in the last 38 years. there is no consistency with the Raiders.

jake (austin , texas)

skip is my hero,

jake (austin , texas)

chris is completely right, look at the dolphins, they get parcels in the office, and now its finally turning around for them.. we need a parcels in the raiders front office

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I can't believe we are over 15 minutes into the chat and the Raiders are dominating it. This is an insignificant team in the NFL season yet we are talking about them. Maybe Al isn't completely nuts.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

For the first time, I'm proud to be an American! ;)

Taylor (Des Moines, Iowa)

An all-star game at the white house wouldn't be awesome...there is no way fans could get in to see their players with security clearance

Chris (East Lansing)

Amy! My Wednesday mornings have been empty and meaningless without you.

Amy Nelson

  (10:21 AM)

Like I wasn't going to post that one...

Adam (Philly)

Taylor... joking...

Taylor (Ketchikan, Alaska)

The Raiders are just a product of a man who feels like times will never change and he can keepdoing the same things over and over again

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

If Skip became President the percentage of U.S. citizens moving to Canada would be astronomical.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

Worst move ever is to have Skip as Preisdent, his cabinet would include T.O for secretary of defense , A.I. for VP , Lebron to do Skip's makeup everyday.......

Brandon (Minnesota)

Skip for president would be all time smart. This country would rebound and be perfect.

Al Davis La,Cali

ok guys look i have more important things to worry about then to read some FANS reactions to the way im running MY TEAM.im not the cleveland browns owner i dont jump at everything the FANS say i should do.

Jay (Bronx, NY)

Hey Amy not to take off the historic event last night, I must say that hearing that in the NBA the east is weak and the west is so dominant is totally false in my eyes. The west is equally competitive amongst each other because they have similar attributes, however when the west comes to the east its an entirely different story.... think about it, the last consistant "championship" team for the past 8 yrs. in the west are the San Antonio Spurs

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

Thoughts?

jake (austin , texas)

thats not al davis, al davis doesnt even know what the internet is.

Brandon (Minnesota)

I would actually prefer Michael Kim to be president. I heard hes a pretty smart guy.

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

Indeed, a great guy. And very calm. Good call.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

DeAngelo Hall is an example of the worst type of athlete you can have a part of your franchise

Anthony Newark,De

chris you are a suck up..

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

totally

A.I (Detroit)

PRACTICE?

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

That was great. Seeing as I've only been watching CNN the last three days, I hadn't seen that clip. Good stuff...

Jake (Syracuse)

Amy, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

Bitter baseball writer.

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

JUST KIDDING ... I didn't. I was exhaling after a month on the road.

Frank Farina (Las Vegas, Nevada)

as to the influence of sports on Obama's ascent to Commander in Chief, I don't think you can downplay how cool it was to see him sink that 3 in front of the troops. Obama is endelibly linked to hoops. His brother in law coaches Oregon State and one of his top aides played ball at Duke.

Jim (Chicago)

I don't think AI will be much of a boost in Detroit. Still too selfish.

rick colorado

i know this won't make it on air but here goes, why is it when romo gets a hangnail its first up on espn but when martin broduer is out for three or four months a goalie about to break all nhl records for goaltenders doesn't get a mention?????

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

because not many people care about the nhl. it doesn't move the needle as much anymore, and it's all about interest and ratings.

Adam Griffith (Tampa, FLorida)

Your that everyday

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

HAH!

Tom (River North)

Did anyone see the press conference with AI and Dumars yesterday? Hilarious.

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

They just played it. Pretty funny...but is AI a little old? How much impact will this have?

Brandon (Minnesota)

A.I is a hall of fame player. Hes not as selfish as he was when he was in Philly. Nonetheless he has become a way better team player.

Adam (Philly)

I'm not quite sure why people are still high on the Cowboy's stock. Even after Tony Romo returns from injury, thier defense is struggling, they've shyed away from the run, and Wade Phillips has lost control of his locker room. Bringing back a quarterback will not change the deep rooted problems in that franchise.

Shomari Las Vegas, NV

Wow. If the Raiders backpedals any faster they would moonwalk out of the NFL. Now all of the sudden the players they signed and traded for THIS OFFSEASON are being cut and released. WOW!!

John (Oswego, IL)

DeAngelo Hall is a "ME" type player. That's why Atlanta let him go. Very few "ME" players have the talent to be truly great players.

Darren( Florence,AL

The Spurs are old!!! I'm surprised Pop didn't overhaul the roster...I mean Matt Bonner is getting a lot of mins, Finley better days are way behind him, and Bruce Bowen is not the defender he was 5 years ago...They only have 3 players worth anything Parker, Manu, and Tim

Kyle(Iowa City)

I dressed up as happy Cubs Fan

Amy Nelson

  (10:31 AM)

That must have taken some real effort.

Tom (River North)

AI won't have to play as many minutes in Detroit with Stuckey and Rip playing too. This is a good move for Detroit, because they need someone to get in the lane in the playoffs, and they haven't been able to the last few years.

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

Brandon, how many playoff series (or even games) has "the better teammate" won? Denver showed no improvement with him in the lineup. Whereas, AI will lead the Pistons out of the Eastern Conf. Finals for the first time in 6 years.

jake (austin , texas)

he is still iverson though he is still a threat, and i personally thing he is better then billups, i think he was have a positive impact, and if he gets hot, its really hard to stop him.

LaRon Stevens (Detriot, MI)

This Pistons trading to get Iverson in my opinion is not a smart trade. You are stocked at the shooting guard position with Hamiltons 3 year extension and Aaron Affalo. You trade away a point guard who can score in crunch time. Stuckey is emerging is a good player but he not yet where Chuancey is. Then you lose beef on your front line. Ok you still have Sheed you still have Maxell and Amir Johnson whos going to hit Prince Price Tag James when he drives to the lane to give something to think about. I dont believe they match up with the Celtics well at all. The projected line up I see is Stuckey Iverson Hamilton Prince and Sheed. I would love to see another championship come back to Mo Town but I dont believe they can do with Iverson. Do you?

Marcus (Michigan)

Iverson will have just as much of an impact as webber did. Not a whole lot.

Chris (Boston)

AI is old and he'll only be there for one year and then they'll go after Lebron. So, in a way, AI will have a major impact...just not with his play on the court.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

But Amy we talk about the NBA and from what I understand, interest in that isn't all that high either.

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

Johnny, More so than the NHL!

Mike (Laurel, DE)

I can't be quiet anymore, I'm listening to 1st take and I wont to through up. Look at the obvious if Jackie Robinson didn't break the color barrier somebody else would have.

Amy Nelson

  (10:35 AM)

okay...

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

totally offtopic, but do any of you play fantasy NBA? I think it's very underrated. I used to play it, until the comissioner of my old league took all my winnings ...I know baseball and football rule in fantasy, but i wonder how many people play NBA?

Jake (Syracuse)

Everyone should respect AI because he is a tiny man and he brings in down low like no other man does. Respect is the word eveyone should be using when talking about AI.

Chris (East Lansing)

I have to disagree with Marcus and LaRon. If you are factoring Affalo into a decision with AI and Rip, that is flawed logic. He's good, but this is the Answer. Chauncey couldn't score in crunch time anymore, we saw that last year and the year before. AI can put in time at PG and get his own shot when we are struggling. He can put pressure on whoever is guarding him, and drive the lane, opening up Sheed and J Max, or Tay and Rip on the wing. AI is what we needed, a scorer who can score whenever (see Lebron, Kobe, and D Wade) It's a shame we had to lose Chauncey, but it had to be done. We have a better chance to go all the way then we did before this trade.

Adam (Philly)

through up??? seriously?? it's THROW up Mike

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

thank you...

Zac (Morgantown, WV)

I play fantasy NBA and like it a lot. I think its not as popular because things are kind of h-hum as scoring goes...Every one has a good team with comparable scoring and other stats. So in any given week the excitement level goes down because 18 points and 6 rebounds gets old...

Danny (Philly)

Amy After winning another world series Pat Gillick has to be in the Hall of Fame, correct?

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

totally agree,

B-Rob (Columbus, OH)

Fantasy football is always going to be the most popular and mainstream because you only have to adjust your lineup once a week on Sunday morning. Baseball requires too much following of injuries and roster changes for anyone but an avid fan to become totally engrossed in it. Basketball, from my assumption, is somewhere in the middle. Still a little too much commitment for the novice to medium fan

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

i loved playing fantasy NBA. it's the only fantasy sport i ever played (too much involved with football and i cover baseball and would never want a fantasy team to cloud my judgement) i wish i were on a NBA fantasy team this year; i'd know so much more about the league.

Jim (Toms River, NJ)

I agree Jake. That's what Philly admired about him the most. He will always hustle and come up with the loose ball. Look at the 5 highest scoring averages in NBA History. He is number 3. Behind Jordan, and Chamberlain. Respect is an understatement of what he deserves.

Gawd, Houston

NBA Fantasy is way too time consuming considering all the games and adjustments that have to be made on a DAILY basis! I have a life I cant focus on fantasy that much. I'm a diehard FOOTBALL FAN. Its much easier to handle NFL Fanstay! only 1 game a week!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

yeah, but baseball is even more consuming.

Chauncy (Denver, CO)

Hello First Take, CB here and it's great to be home. All this talk about AI being the "hall of famer" has me wondering...Which one of us has a Ring? That's what I thought.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Hey Mike it would take a man like Robinson to break the barrier first, there is a reason why he was the chosen one. His first year he had to stay silent and not fight back his first year and it takes a strong man to face all that hate and not respond because he realized how much road on his shoulders.

Jake (Syracuse)

I hope Pat Gillick gets the itch to comeback and joins the Mets next, they need him.

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

he's working as an adviser to the Phils now.

Ogre (Adams College)

Fantasy sports are for...NERDS!

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

well, there are a lot of nerds out there then.

Carl (Texas)

Hey when did this chat come back? What's up Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (10:43 AM)

Today! I was covering the playoffs for ESPN.com for the entire month of October.

Adam (Philly)

How can someone with a name like OGRE possibly call people nerds?!?!

Anthony Newark,De

i love playing fantasy BASEBALL..are u kidding me it takes alot more research and alot more skill then football does.dont get me wrong i love fantast football..but i enjoy Baseball more just because of how deep fatansy baseball is.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Frankly, I think fantasy sports are silly. I just enjoy the games for what they are...a fabulous display of athleticism. I'd rather just enjoy a game than be preoccupied with whether Eric Gagne has a good WHIP ratio.

Kev (NYC)

Fantasy NBA is not nearly as popular as MLB & NFL because of the leagues themselves...not that many care about the NBA anymore, especially with how much better college BBall is

Nick (Plymouth, MA)

Allen Iverson will answer the bell in Detriot, but fall short to my Celtics in 6 games come playoff time...

Mike (Dallas)

"Wade Phillips has lost control of his locker room." I couldn't agree more with Adam...Wade is too much of a teddy bear with the team...Cowboys will have to wait until next year...thoughts?

James (Detroit)

I do fantasy NBA...love it!

Joel (Colorado Springs)

Amy, I am a first time "poster" to your chat. What does a guy have to do to get a comment posted?? If Skip can get on TV with his opinions, I should be able to get on this blog with mine!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:45 AM)

Sold.

Sean(Sioux City, IA)

World of Warcraft is for nerds Fantasy sports are for sports fans

J.B. (Dummore Pa)

Whats this cat and mouse game by Joe Pa and the BCS

Howard (Orlando, FL)

I can think of much worse things than a nerd. It's almost a compliment nowadays.

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

Sorry Jake, the Mets just resigned Minaya. Must be that 5-year blockbuster keeping Luis Castillo in NY. :(

Adam (Philly)

Anyone up for Fantasy Curling?

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

hey don't knock curling! my grandparents were big curlers. helped bring a curling club to cleveland...

Adam Jones, Dallas, Texas

Do I have any fans left in america?

Moose (Alamosa Colorado)

Congrats to Obama I love the man as far as i know. I cant wait for the change to come, but i'm more interested in the Iverson trade. What is skip gonna say about that today. This pistons will be in the top 3 in the east this year, however they will not be good enough to win the east. The nuggets though will do way less, that is if they even make the playoffs

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

Skip will be talking about that soon. Not sure what his thoughts are...

Cleveland Fans (Everywhere)

Yeah, the curling club couldn't win a title either

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

If Penn State goes undefeated and doesn't make the national title game i think Joe Pa and Penn should sue the BCS. I'm sure that might finally get a college playoff when you will be able to show a clear case of discrimination and inequality amongst teams.

Kevin (Lewisburg, WV)

Baseball is over...leave it alone until it gets interesting again, with about two left to go in the regular season. Same with the NBA (yawn), start talking about it when the playoffs begin. Otherwise, let's talk about football.

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

Sorry, Kev, baseball's my sport, so it will always get some play here.

Zac (Morgantown, WV)

I go to WVU and even I have given up on Pacman

Sean(Sioux City, IA)

Mike, I agree threre is NO way Wade should be the caoch next year. Jerry has to bring in someone who will put fire in the team and help win a super bowl.

Adam (Philly)

The Pistons will come in 3rd this year in the east. Boston will be 1 and Philly will be 2.

Mark Yonkers,Ny

Chauncy You Might Have The Ring But He Has 4 Scoring Titles 1 Mvp got to the championship with nobody do you think you would of got the 76ers to the finals i think not and if A.I Had Your Team He would of Won too

Efrain (Bayonne NJ)

A shame no one caught the Revenge of the Nerds reference

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

some people did...

Peter G McKenna OrlandPark,Ill

Do you think President elect Obmea can get rid of the DH in the AmericanLeague.

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

ain't going anywhere

Jason Garrett (Dallas)

Jerry doesnt need to bring anyone in. Hello? Im THE guy

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

The Pistons will finish between 5-8 this year. Don't discount the Raptors!!!

Kev (NYC)

Scoring titles & MVPs mean nothing compared to a ring...and I'm sure even AI would say that.

Pete C (Newark De)

The Largest City in the world NYC is a baseball all year round town. Just tune into the airwaves daily.

Amy Nelson

  (10:52 AM)

yep. it will always get play.

Carl (Texas)

I knew that signing Pacman would sooner or later bite them in the backside. At the beginning of the season I also had a feeling that Wade will be gone by season's end and it's looking more and more true. Jerry Jones needs to stop getting puppet coaches and get some real ones.

Kyle(Iowa City)

If Wade Phillips is still the coach next year, it would be a mistake. This team has no heart and lacks chemistry. I love my Cowboys but the playoff's may be a stretch

Chris (East Lansing)

It might seem silly, but if teams like Penn State want to eliminate discussion, perhaps when they are designing their schedules however many years in advance, they should replace a cupcake game with one against a consistent powerhouse in College Football. Put up or shut up, go out and schedule a game against Florida, USC, or Texas.

Anthony Newark,De

Skip will say something along these lines about A.I. being traded to the pistons:While i do love Iversons Heart,and his nack for making big time shots...however i DO NOT like this trade for the pistons

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The Raiders and the NBA. Two of today's main topics and both are pretty irrelevant in November. Interesting.

Amy Nelson

  (10:54 AM)

What is relevant in November then? I think anything's relevant when there's news (AI trade, Hall potentially being cut)

Adam (Philly)

Amy, in your opinion, do you think the low ratings for the World Series is a product of a low interest in Baseball, fans not caring after their team is elimintaed, or the fact the the media wanted boston v los angeles so bad that when it didn't happen, they downplayed the excitement that the rays and phillies produced?

Amy Nelson

  (10:56 AM)

a little bit of everything, but you can't say the media didn't hype it, all of the major newspapers and tv otulets in this country covered it. just interst is waning, two teams with no great storylines (Manny going back to Boston, for instance) and bad weather etc

Dustin (Ohio)

If AI could have a team with 4 more of himself on it then he might have a chance but he is just selfish player and those don't win championships

Mike ((TX))

For what it is worth, (Adam), I think baseball finishing during football season kills the chances of having a widely popular Series. they need to finish in early spring when nothing can compete.

Jim (Toms River, NJ)

Jerry Jones has always been more about signing big names than developing talent in prospects. Like the NY Yankees, you can see the eventual effect. Look at the Phillies, and the Eagles. The majority of their players are developed within the organization.

Brian (Columbus, OH)

College football is relevant right now! Another BCS mixup on the horizon?!?!

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

I think the low ratings can also be attributed to an 8:40pm East Coast start time. I only watched the end of Game 5 because I knew it'd be over at a decent hour. Some of us go to work early?

Pete C (Newark De)

Hall will probable end up in Dallas, doesnt everyone, except this time they are actually addressing a need in the secondary.

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

Like it or not, the Phils and Rays are just not glamour teams in MLB. It's the NBA version of Spurs-Pistons.

Pete C (Newark De)

AI, to the Pistons is a good move considering they have a shot to make noise this year and he is a FA and the money comes off the cap with next year. They are primed for the James sweepstakes. Also Billup has been surpassed by the back up guard.

Chris (East Lansing)

Billups wasn't surpassed by Stuckey yet, by no means. Stuckey is promising, and so losing Chauncey isn't doing so with the cupboard bare, but Chauncey is a better player right now.

KG (Boston)

JA fight for my Boston team when talking to Skip. I KNOW Skip doesn't think we can repeat, but just remember...Anything is Possible!!!

Howard (Orlando, FL)

Dumars has proven he knows what he is doing. Let's not question him because he has a plan and is one of the most capable people in the League.

James (michigan)

I am a big Pistons and Lakers fan. Although I love Billups and really don't like Iverson, I think that this trade will help the Pistons and they will be tops in the east. I think the celtics were one and done, and there is not another team in the east to make a go at it. In the west it is going to be the Lakers. There isn't a team that is as deep as they are when Kobe doesn't need to score 30 every night.

Scott (Chicago, IL)

No way do the Pistons factor into the James sweepstakes. Take it to the bank that James will only play in New York/New Jersey or LA. He is a big time star waiting for his big time stage.

Amy Nelson

  (11:03 AM)

totally agree. jay-z's a calling...

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

Great point Howard. Let's not confuse Dumars with his former backcourt mate!

Amy Nelson

  (11:04 AM)

great point...

Brian (Columbus, OH)

Andy Katz just looks like he has no game! I bet Reggie Love dominates those soft politicians when they play ball!

Ike, Texas

Hall going to Dallas makes sense. They need to recover from a group of bad trades made with MIAMI which brought ZACH THOMAS to dallas!!! Why?? There is nothing that thomas can bring to the cowboys! They need the tightend and linbacker back that they traded to miami. Hall is No more of an improvement than A. Jones. But He will help a depleted secondary. Jerry Jones made too many bad moves in the off season!

Jeremy (Slippery Rock Pa)

Brian i think you are right there will be another bcs mix up. I dont know if they will ever get the bcs right.

Brian (Columbus, OH)

Iverson has to revamp his game if he really wants to win a championship. If he would forget about scoring 30 a game and play some "real" point guard the Pistons would have the best backcourt in the NBA...again

Howard (Orlando, FL)

IDK, I'm quite athletic and above average in all sports. I've been schooled by 40-50 year olds. If you got game, you got game. Jordan would dominate me at 70 years old.

Chris (East Lansing)

It's true, Lebron is not going to leave a small market to come to a small market (albeit one with genuine title chances) I'd be more interested, as a Pistons fan, in acquiring Chris Bosh to replace a Rasheed Wallace. That guy can play, and unfortunately he is banished to the recognition purgatory that is the NBA in Canada.

James (michigan)

The Pistons don't factor into the James sweepstakes, however I wouldn't want him to come to Detroit, he can go to New York or New Jersey where they don't stand a chance for a long time of winning a title.

Me

Cash 4 gold is a rip off

Amy Nelson

  (11:11 AM)

i'm with you! hey, my producer steve said that if you hang around for 10 minutes you'll see it again

rick colorado

c'mon Amy lets put some of nhl comments up i want to see if anyone else has any comments on the overlooked sport!

Amy Nelson

  (11:12 AM)

in my experience with this chat, one of the next comments will go something like this: "The NHL? What's the NHL?"

Anthony Newark,De

James should go to L.A. the biggest ights and the brighter stage plus wioth him kobe,gasol,bynum thats a championship just waiting to happen

moose (Alamosa CO)

The BCS is stupid and it sucks!!!!! Its not hard to change that... they talk about changing the bcs means that the regular season would become less meaningful but thats actually wrong if you look at college basketball. Basically you can never be perfect but you can be a lot better than the current BCS system.

Chris (East Lansing)

Enough with the BCS. There will never be a perfect system in a football league with 100+ teams in it. There cannot be enough objectivity, and it requires too much subjectivity. Status is based on indirect comparisons. Even with a playoff, whose to say that 4 of the best teams are in the SEC or Big 12, but since they beat up on each other 2 of them don't get a chance to be in the playoff? It's the way it goes with a huge league.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Just for Rick: I think there is a strong chance that we get a Red Wings/Pens rematch for the Cup. I think this time though that with another year under their belts, Sid the Kid, Malkin and the boys can win it all. There you go.

Sportsnation (USA)

The NHL? What's the NHL?

James (michigan)

The NHL just doesn't appeal to you people these days because it is not on TV as much or not as much in the mainstream. Go Wings!

Gawd, Houston

Is The rockets big three comparable to Bostons!!???

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

i feel like every year, the inevtiable "are you sold on the rockets?" question comes up...

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

When I have problems sleeping at night, I just put on hockey. Works every time.

James (michigan)

Yes the Rockets are good, however until McGrady and Yoa win a playoff series, I won't be sold.

Carl (Texas)

I'll be sold on the Rockets when they win a playoff series. Until then no.

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

It does, and every year I give the same answer.."No". T-Mac is the most overrated player in the history of the NBA. He's very good, but not elite.

Chris (East Lansing)

I'll never be sold on a team with Tracy McGrady. Not because I don't like him or root for him to make it, but I mean, we have to learn from history. Two is a coincidence, three's a trend, and whatever he is doing is a natural law of science.

moose (Alamosa CO)

haha i am gonna try that next time Ted...

rick colorado

that bender ball is more exciting than basketball!

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

i LOVE my abdominals, i Looooove my abs...

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

Amy, can your producer do anything about these stupid "Bender Ball" commercials? It's a rubber ball people!

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

betweem that and the cash 4 gold...

KG (Boston)

Here comes Skip's smirk

Fun fact (mind)

3 statements that have been said every year this decade that has never happened: the Rockets will win a playoff series, the Cowboys will win a playoff game, and the Cubs will win a playoff series.

James (michigan)

I am predicting it now and you can quote me on it. Lakers/Pistons final. There isn't a team in the league as deep as the Lakers, and in the East, the Celtics are one and done, and Pistons will make it to finals.

Howard (Orlando, FL)

Speaking of overrated, CC Sabathia is available. I really hope my yanks don't get him.

Amy Nelson

  (11:22 AM)

that might get some feedback...

moose (Alamosa CO)

Are you kidding me!!! T-mac will be in the hall of fame. He is definitely elite. Just not a one man wrecking crew. T-mac is the kind of player that can go off at anytime and put a team on his back (hence the back problems throughout the early part of his career). T-mac can play with any team and he knows how to make his teammates better. If T-mac went to Detroit they would win the NBA championship, or if Wallace went to Houston with prince then the rockets would win without Yao ming... Yao is so overrated. When the going gets tuff yao sucks

Gawd, Houston

I think the Hype behind the Rockets Big 3 migh be comparable to the Rockets in the late 90's with, Barkly drexler and Olajuwon. But just like then... You can not have so much talent that you fracture the meaning of team! Artest is yet to be a proven factor in the NBA. He brings a swagger to the team but the rockets are still SOFT!! They would have benifitted more from aquiring Iverson!

Kevin (Arlington, VA)

seriously, between that and cash 4 gold....I watch WAY too much TV

Anthony Newark,De

you can never buy the rockets come playoff time.1. yoa ming will get hurt at some point this year thats a FACT.2. artest will blow up at some point this year.3. they have t-mac so they wont make it out of the 1st rd

Amy Nelson

  (11:23 AM)

that's getting read over the air...

moose (Alamosa CO)

I do believe that the west goes through either the rockets, the hornets or the lakers. If i am the lakers i am gonna pray not to face the rockets though

Chris (Boston)

T-Mac needs to stay injury free too!

Amy Nelson

  (11:25 AM)

good point...

James (michigan)

McGrady is good, however he is overrated. They will make the playoffs, however, not past hte first round. And if you would have put him on the Pistons, they would have always lost in the first round.

Howard (Orlando, FL)

The Rockets are the only team that I can think of that their defense went into a slump during the post season.

Brady Quinn (Cleveland, OH)

Can I help but feeling that Romeo succumbed to the pressure of the fans, only strategically picked this short week to set me up for failure, proving that Derek was the real deal?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Howard: Would you rather have a past-his-prime Andy Pettitte out there not getting through five innings or maybe resign Carl Pavano? CC is the best lefty on the market and showed he can be a difference maker. If the Yankees don't want him, I'd love to see him pitching in Atlanta (which won't happen because they won't pay).

Chris (East Lansing)

The west goes through 1) Lakers 2) Hornets and 3) Jazz.

Ben (New York)

If by overrated you mean rated higher than Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and rest of the old trash they call a rotation, then yes CC is.

moose (Alamosa CO)

just so you know T-mac is a lot like kevin garnett... get him so good players around him and he will look like the greatest player of all time. Watch what happens this year when they are in the conference finals this year with a shell of a center in Yao ming. you guys will all be eating your words

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Speaking of useless commercials, hasn't Billy Mays already gone through his 15 minutes of fame? Selling me cleaning products is one thing but offering me advice for my future financial well-being is way over the line.

Amy Nelson

  (11:32 AM)

agreed.

Jeremy (Slippery Rock Pa)

Amy, Do you think that Penn State if they go undefeated will play in the national championship. Even though the Big ten is so week this year, and if they do play in the National Championship could they beat the SEC or The Big 12 teams?

moose (Alamosa CO)

the rockets almost beat the jazz last year without ron artest and with t-mac hurt dude... sorry chris that is false. The jazz are a second round team but not conference finals its like this 1. rockets 2. lakers 3. hornets 4. jazz 5. suns 6. spurs 7. portland 8. toss up

Ted (Flossmoor, IL)

There's no way that you can leave an undefeated SEC or Big 12 team out of the championship. Sorry, Penn State fans. But the good news is that there's no way that Texas Tech will beat Oklahoma State and Oklahoma, and I tend to believe that Bama will lose to LSU and/or Florida.

Anthony Newark,De

no sadly penn state will not win the BCS championship game..although i would love to see that for JOEPA.. its not going to happen

Josh (Orrville, OH)

Hey Jeremy I wouldn't say the Big Ten is weak this year. Yes Wisconsin hasen't lived up to the hype, but Penn St., Ohio St, Mich St, Minnesota, and even Northwestern are all going to go to bowl games this year. I think Penn St. could beat teams in the Big 12, but they might have trouble with the SEC.

SEC

the SEC is the best league from top to bottom...Even Ole-Miss can give anyone in the nation a run for their money, LSU is on a down year for them, and they still would play with the best teams from the Pac and Big Ten...The Big 12 boasts the best quarterbacks and offenses, but part of that is the tough SEC defenses and porous ones in the Big 12...Florida vs Tech in the BCS game

Shelby (Texas)

Yes, Penn St could beat teams in the Big 12.. Iowa St, Baylor, Kansas St and maybe even A&M. The Big Ten is just weak they might have 5 teams in bowl games but it will be five defeats.

James (michigan)

The Big Ten is very weak.

Howard (Orlando, FL)

The big 10 isn't weak this year. they're weak every year.

Mike

Weren't there people also saying that there was "no way" that Texas Tech could beat Texas?

Ike, Texas

Does anyone here have a job?? Why arent you working..... Not you AMY I know this is your job.... But what about the rest of you!!??

Amy Nelson

  (11:43 AM)

Do you IKE?

Carl (Texas)

They should just do an 8 team playoff. ACC, SEC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10, and Big East champions should be 6 spots and the last two should be the 2 best non BCS teams. This current beauty contest of running up the score to impress voters (what is this an All-Star game?) needs to end.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Personally I think PSU can beat teams from both the Big-12 and SEC. This is not the old smash mouth PSU teams of years past. They have a more wide open offense and have also showed that if needed, they can just line it up and slam it at you. Many teams that play the spread don't have this ability. The PSU defense is also allowing just over 11 points per game. Their defense is better than any in the Big 12 and is as good as many of the SEC teams. Give Joe enough time to prepare his team and they can play. No one thought PSU could beat Vinny Testaverde either but we all know how that turned out.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

Thank you Carl. A playoff NEEDS to happen. And by the way as much of a Ohio St. fan and fan of the Big Ten I am, they need to add a 12th team and have a confrence title game like all the rest of the confrences.

Anthony Newark,De

to IKE..i have a JOB..which i can fool around on the computer all day and lay the smackdown on whoever says anything moronic

Howard (Orlando, FL)

Yeah man, I work as little or as much as I want. I make one big sale and I'm good for the week and maybe a even a few weeks. It's a pretty sweet gig.

NCAA

playoffs are pointless in college football...then we would just argue about the 9th and 10th team that didn't get in...college football is the only sport in the nation that matters so much every week, thats what makes it great...add in the debates, publicity, and arguments and college football is KING

Amy Nelson

  (11:48 AM)

it is true, there would be so much debate about who did/did not get in...ad naseum

James (michigan)

Penn Starte is good, but enough to beat Big 12 or SEC teams. We all know how the Big Ten has faired against SEC teams as of late.

rick colorado

hey ike you ever heard of this new thing called a computer they are everywhere! like at work!

Anthony Newark,De

no a 8 team playoff is stupid.college football is NOT the NFL..and plus all the college teams would lose money BIG money doing something liek that cause of all teh money thats gets paid out in bowl games a 8 team playoff will never happen use your heads ppl

Amy Nelson

  (11:49 AM)

we have a winner! it's all about money

Howard (Orlando, FL)

yeah but the 9th best team makes a much weaker argument than the 3rd best team.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Response to 'NCAA': If you have eight conferences with the conference champion qualifying for the playoffs, there is no concern about the 9th and 10th teams. Your playoff teams have been decided on the field. With eight conference title games on national tv, revenues would be through the roof and college football would still be king.

Josh (Orrville, OH)

Hey NCAA, if playoff are so pointless, then why the heck do you have one for college basketball!!!! That one seems to work, or maybe you just forgot about that. It's called MARCH MADNESS.

ncaa

why? an undefeated boise state team could be 9, just like an undefeeated psu team could be 3...

rick colorado

right c'mon people there is going to no changes in ny major sport playoffs as they are set up to make the most money now

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

agreed.

frank (los angeles,ca)

hey amy how u doin im new to this and wanted to see if u can let DANA know i wish her a happy birthday

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

i'll tell her many people were wishing her a happy birthday

NCAA

havent forgot about that...basketball oplays 30-35 games, and we still argue about the 66th and 67th teams left out

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

exactly.

Carl (Texas)

NCAA I would rather argue about who number 9 than who's number 1. Any sane sports fan would. As for the empty argument that the regular season won't matter, the conference champions only argument makes it a worthless argument.

NCAA

false...the conference championships matter less...remember OKlahoma getting rocked by K-State, yet still playing in the bcs game?

James (michigan)

There is never going to be a good solution that pleases everyone.

Anthony Newark,De

Josh dont ever put college football up to March Madness they are 2 totally different things

Howard (Orlando, FL)

One of the most disappointing things in sports is a bad championship game. We often get that with the BCS. Texas USC was incredible, but the BCS gets it wrong way too many times.

Mark (Greentown, PA)

There's argument every year about who doesn't make the final 65 in the NCAA basketball tournament brackets, but it still doesn't diminish the regular season. Plus, the tournament generates huge buzz. Who's to say a BCS playoff couldn't do the same?

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

Well guys thanks to everyone for writing in (and coming back here after a month layoff). I'll be back next week. Have a great weekend.