Moderator

  (9:48 AM)

hey gang...how impressed are you with the Lakers finishing off the Jazz in 5 games?

wes(hixson,tn)

Good Morning First Take Crew! What in the world happened to the hornets last night? that was as bad as it gets on the hardwood,me(i'm fat with bad knees) and skip by ourselves would have done better than that..that was just bad!!

Dana Jacobson

  (9:54 AM)

Good morning folks.

whatcoat950(Dover,DE)

Not really impressed the Lakers showed some vunerablity in the first round against the Jazz even though the Jazz wasn't a real eight seed. Well see how indestructible the lake show really is in the rounds to come.

Moderator

  (9:54 AM)

what do you think folks, are the Nuggets that good or were the Hornets that bad???

Dana Jacobson

  (9:55 AM)

whatcoat950 you're not alone. We're talking aboutt that at the top of the show...and while I agree they showed vulnerability, some of this will be matchups. Tell you this much they'd rather see the rockets than blazers next. I still think they'll be in the finals. Just maybe more of a challenge than we thought earlier

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Here's hoping the same panty-waists that cry about running up the score in college football will lend their support to the Hornets. How disgraceful for them to play for a full four quarters with their starters still in there with a lead like that.....SHAME on them.

Ben (long beach,ca)

did anybody ever think the jazz had a realalistic chance.............please

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Carlos Boozer where were you in the serieS?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The Lakers did what they should do. As for the Nuggets/Hornets game, it was just a great game by one team meeting a miserable one by the other. Hornets fans should get a free ticket to the game of their choice for putting up with that debacle last night.

Andrew (Corvallis OR)

hey guys, love the chat, what do you think of McMillan's comments about the officiating in the Portland Houston series? is he right that the officiating has been skewed or is he just trying to stand up and fight for his team?

Matt (Laramie, WY)

The Nuggets made the Hornets look like high school team last night. A 58 point win that is un heard of.

Matt (Philadelhpia, PA)

The Nuggets are that good. Chauncey and Carmelo teamed up with Birdman is like Jordan Pippen and Rodman... well almost.

Umor (detroit)

Hello crew, listening some billy idol to wake up too. verlander had great stuff last night. Rodney almost gave it away in the 0th. still a win a win against the yanks.

Umor (detroit)

With a rebell yell she cried more more more.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Wow comparing the Nuggets to the Bulls of the 90s = are you drinking Skip Bayless juice?

Justin Behling (Boyceville, WI)

What is wrong with Andrew Bynum? He's only seeing a couple of minutes of action in each game.

Ray (Arlington, VA)

Bynum is still not back in playing shape. More accurately, he's not into the playoff mindset that Phil is looking for.

justin(ohio)

The Lakers are still goin to win the final..Kobe wants the title and he'll get it...just give them time and you'll see

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The NBA Finals are almost a lock to be Lakers v Cavs. Meanwhile, the team with the best record in the NHL is already done. Man do I love playoff hockey!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:07 AM)

We'll talk hockey in hour number 2

James Nashville, Tn

Good morning gang! Dana, its good to have you back. Can anyone give me any update on what Allen Iverson will do next season?

lawrence stowe vt

lakers have a tougher road thru the playoffs then the cavs for sure

Dana Jacobson

  (10:08 AM)

James, only AI. I asked stephen A a couple weeks back and at that point he really didn't know

Tricie (Cleveland OH)

Good morning Dana...Now that the Pistons are done, what changes will be made in the off season?

Umor (detroit)

Matt stafford was good on letterman. Funny top 10.

Moderator

  (10:09 AM)

funny? you thought that was funny? he's not ready for Saturday Night Live yet

Dana Jacobson

  (10:09 AM)

Tricie, they cleared cap space to overhaul so major ones. I haven't heard of specifics yet but this was what the AI move was about

Willie Hobart, IN

Im a true Laker fan but as of right now I feel the Cavs are more hungry than the Lakers . I see the same heart they had last year when the got pushed around by the Celtics. They need to get some heart and remember what happened last year. Nothing is gonna be just given to them.

Matt (Laramie, WY)

Dana, What did you think of the Lions draft?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:10 AM)

Matt in total honesty I yelled at the TV when I saw them take pettigrew at 20. I get the analysts saying look at the weapons they have but my concern remains that line. I like the defensive pick ups. I just have a big question mark about stafford. I've been upfront about that for weeks

Kevin, Cleveland

Cavs and Lakers, will be a good series but dont forget, the Lakers are gonna have go through Denver or Houston, and I dont see either of those teams rolling over for Kobe

lawrence stowe vt

skip the lakers beat tougher teams last year without bynum this year he is a big bonus to have him

Lance (New York, N.Y.)

Do you trust Kobe Bryant to win a championship after his let-downs in 2004 and 2008 and at his 13th season having played 1,100 games?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:11 AM)

Lance, yes.

lawrence stowe vt

stafford was no peyton thats for sure

Jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Lakers look good with odom coming out of his SHell

Adam G. Tampa, FL

The Lakers are going to be more battle tested and the Cavs will be very fresh. Advantage no one.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:12 AM)

lawrence it's not just that he isn't a peyton, I just didn't see him as a consensus number one. DESPITE reading that everyone on the lions staff did. I hope they know better than me! It's why they get paid the big bucks

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Lakers look good with odom coming out of his Shell!!! Go LAKERS

justin(ohio)

Nuggets and Hornets game last night was ugly..but that just show that nuggets is "A LOT" better than the hornets

provick

i was impressed with the denver hornets game because thats what us as fans tune in to see! i think it was just like that high school game were the one team scores 100 and the other doesnt score any, which that coach should have never been fired! Like the great herm edwards said" hello you play to win the game" and in that you play to win by as much as you can.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Moderator: (10:09 AM ET ) funny? you thought that was funny? he's not ready for Saturday Night Live yet---so he was funny then? Because SNL hasn't been funny since Ford was in office.

Ray (Arlington, VA)

Willie, I don't think you can make a judgment about the Laker's heart just yet. This year Pau and Lamar look hungry. They were both steamrolled last year by Boston.

Moderator

  (10:13 AM)

we'll show a clip of Stafford on Letterman later in the show, let the viewers decide if he was funny or not

Dana Jacobson

  (10:13 AM)

Ray I agree. This team was in the finals last year, its all about taking care of business till they're back there.

Kevin, Cleveland

Stafford and Pettigrew will score the Lions points along with Calvin Johnson, other then that, they better hope they hold the ball for 28 minutes a half, or they'll go 0-16 again.. they cant stop anyone

Dana Jacobson

  (10:14 AM)

Kevin, they have no line from what I can tell...so i'm not sure that they'll even score points. Pettigrew could be the best blocker on the team!

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Dana, Who do you thinks going to win the NBA championship??

Dana Jacobson

  (10:14 AM)

jerson, ive said it will be lakers-cavs but i still haven't picked a champ.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Every coach, in every sport, at every level should get a copy of that Hornets game last night and show it to their team as the BEST example of finishing a game and not letting up. How many teams would have allowed their opponents to make a run?

Matt (Laramie, WY)

I have said all along that the Nuggets were way underrated this season. They will be in the Western Conference Finals, and have a good shot at the finals.

Moderator

  (10:15 AM)

the Lakers let the Jazz make a little run before finishing them off

Adam G. Tampa, FL

The Nuggets are one of those teams that can talk you out of your game. Dontay Jones is the guy that gets underneath the other teams star player's skin.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:15 AM)

matt they look a lot better now than I think they did at the end of the season

Mike Mobile, Al

The Hornets should not even be allowed to finish the series that was absolutely terrible

Will (Hobart, IN)

Yeah I will agree Lamar does look real good , but I'm worried about that bench they need to get it together.

James Denver

I cant beleive Skip showed up to work today. He picked the Hornets to win it all. He picked New Orleans in 6 over Denver. Skip your not allowed to predict basketball anymore!

Tricie (Cleveland OH)

Here at work, my co-workers are saying that is Boston loses game 5 that it's over for them....does anyone agree? Keeping in mind that Chicago did win game 1 in Boston...

justin(ohio)

Come on! Cavs dont stay a chance playin the Lakers...Lebron is a great players but it's not his year.They might win aleast one or two games,but the title is already in LA

lawrence stowe vt

the only person that was hyping the hornets was skip...no surprise they cant run with the nuggets

Matt (Laramie, WY)

A third upset in the making. I have said the Bulls over the Celics, the 76ers over the Magic could the third upset be the Hawks over the Heat... One can only hope!!!

Will (Hobart, IN)

I agree Mike they should be awarded 2 losses for that game last night.

provick(chicago)

denver would not even be close without billups!

Kevin, Lititz, PA

Now Skip is saying the Jazz aren't very good. I guess he forgot he predicted they would take the Lakers to a game 7.

Ray (Arlington, VA)

I love how everyone jumps on a bandwagon. Everyone proclaimed the Hawks were dead after game 3. I still like the Hawks to win. They're much deeper than the Heat. No disrespect to D. Wade.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Skip will tell you first hand that Barry Bonds was and always will be full of himself

Jay Crawford

  (10:21 AM)

actually you'll be very surprised by what skip has to say about bb.

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

CC sabathia doesn't look good

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jay my bad the other day I slipped up here in the room

Jay Crawford

  (10:22 AM)

why what happened?

James Denver

Chris Paul showed hes overrated and has no heart. The best point guard on the planet. lol thats a joke. Chauncey and Nuggets showed not hard to shut down one player. All you Hornets fans and Skip were living in last season its 2009 Playoffs and Nuggets are for real.

justin(ohio)

Wade hurt...the Heat are done..you can give the series to the Hawks

Jay Crawford

  (10:22 AM)

probably justin!

lawrence stowe vt

I hope the hawks pull it out as well. an exciting team to watch that will take it to clevland

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

CC sabathia doesn't look good

Jay Crawford

  (10:22 AM)

he never has...but he's a great pitcher

LJ (PA)

Hey First Take Crew, the Eagles had a pretty productive draft, one of the best if not the best in the league. With the additions made throughout the off-season and draft, how good can this team be?

Jay Crawford

  (10:23 AM)

a deep run into the playoffs.

Moderator

  (10:23 AM)

coming up in 2nd down... Barry Bonds spoke during the Giants telecast last night, what do you make of this? Whats your take on the new "Mannywood" seats being offered at Dodger Stadium??

Matt (Laramie, WY)

When will Barry Bonds actually retire?

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Barry bonds should not go to the Giants games he probably got booed there too!!

Jay Crawford

  (10:25 AM)

no biggie bro.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Skip your new team should be the Hawks, I know you are fond of Flip Murray Josh Smith and all those hustle players! They have grown on me, King James watch out this team can score and remember they tookthe defending champs Celtics to 7 games just like the Cavs did.

Matt (Laramie, WY)

Dana, I figured you took yesterday off because you were sick after watching the Lions overall mess up another draft.

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Barry bonds should not go to the Giants games he probably got booed there too!!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:25 AM)

no no, had some airplane trouble

provick (chicago)

hey dana, the lions obviously dont know better than you they want 0-16 last year!!

James Denver

Ok are you going to finally stop claiming Skips always right he picked the Hornets he should be fired.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:26 AM)

provick, i may have gone 0-16 last year you never know!

Kevin, Cleveland

Dana, looks like he wont be catching many passes then

Jay Crawford

  (10:26 AM)

wow...fired over that??? harsh james. put it this way, he's right way more often than the weather folks on tv, and they keep their jobs...lol

Peggy (Ohio)

OT: Does Jay have one blue eye and one brown eye? mesmerizing!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:26 AM)

kevin, there's still time. i won't say that yet!

Jay Crawford

  (10:27 AM)

peggy, yes i do.....weeeeeeeeeeeeeeird! sorry...lol

James Denver

Where is Lil Wayne his Hornets suck like his new Prom Queen single.

Umor (detroit)

Chris paul is not over rated. he was just dominated by billups.

Jay Crawford

  (10:27 AM)

lil wayne told us the hornets would be a first round bounce. not a fan of prom queen either. his other stuff...very good!

justin(ohio)

MannyWood? are you serious? that's just a dumb way to make money...Manny isnt that great anyways..The best player in the league is playing for the Cardinals

Adam G. Tampa, FL

I think I know what SKip will say he'll talk about how Barry had to live up to the hype of Willie Mays his god father and that's why he's so tough on himself.

BG Reallakerfan (San Antonio,TX)

Skip is a true Spurts fan, he is willing to hop on any bandwagon as long as it not the Lakers. You really think Denver can beat LA at Staples? Did you really compare the downplay the Jazz being a much better 8th seed than the Pistons? Bynum has been a non factor to this point and the Lakers are still dominating, yes DOMINATING. Let's not forget MY LAKERS had the only real win in Cleavland this season (down 12 at half, no Bynum, an ailing Kobe) Lebron may be MVP, but 24 is going for 3 more before Lebron has the slightest chance to hoist the Larry O'brien Trophy.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jay my take on Mannywood is damn he has his own section now? Mama there goes that man! I can't even get a phone call

Jay Crawford

  (10:28 AM)

hmmmm revert back to hughes big boy stats last year...

provick (chicago)

dana, do you or anyone else at firsttake believe my favorite player mike vick will play nfl football again? not cfl or whatever that new league is but nfl.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Mannywood....it's a gimmick but in this economy with empty seats in the high rent district in Yankee Stadium and CitiField you can't blame the Dodgers can you? It'll probably work too, especially in LA where it's as much about being seen and doing the "in" thing as it is about being a fan...if not moreso.

Kevin, Cleveland

In fairness to Skip and Lil Wayne, they picked the Hornets, based on their run through the playoffs last year and the fact that the anticipated a healthy Tyson Chandler, which hasnt happened

lawrence stowe vt

If barry can still swing the bat someone should sign him...I would like to see him with my braves

Dana Jacobson

  (10:32 AM)

provick i do think he will play in the NFL again. He was too good not to get another chance in my opinion. It won't be with the same fanfare, expectation, and deal but he will get a chance

lawrence stowe vt

vick would do good to have dungy be his right hand man for a while.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:33 AM)

lawrence yes he would

Jason (Chicago, Il)

I dont see any reason why Vick wouldnt play again. He is not the first person in the country to ever make a mistake.

James Denver

Now tell me Chauncey isnt legit MVP candidate.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:33 AM)

james it's a regular season not post season award

okcfan08-09 [via mobile]

the hornets loss to the nuggets is a discrase to all nba fans every where the hornets just flat out blew the series

Craig Watson texas

even though i despise the spurs i must give credit where credit is due they had an unassuming dynasty that was never glamorized hats off to pop sorry to see you go away

Ray (Arlington, VA)

I have no problems with Mannywood. Good marketing. In these times, teams better get creative and offer something to the fans.

Ryan (Fairfax Va)

The hornets will win the next game, i dont believe that Chris Paul will let his team go down this way.

provick (chicago)

i think manny is a great player and thats what l.a gets for not giving manny the money he not only wanted but deserved, im a die hard cubs fan and i really wanted the cubs to get rid of soriano and grab manny,pedro,and pudge

Jay Crawford

  (10:37 AM)

true

Craig Watson texas

Barry Bonds belongs in hall of fame. their are many cheaters in the hall of fame right now and people of questionable character. doctored balls, blantant racist. Ty Cobb anyone.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Re: Marlins from the 4/20 chat: Cody (shaftsbury, vt): "I'm not seeing the Marlins sticking around. Half of their wins came from beating the Nationals." Adam (Akron, Ohio): "The Marlins start can be credited to none other then THE NATIONALS ..." They were right.

Jay Crawford

  (10:38 AM)

wow chris...do you need therapy?? you have cut and pasted from a past chat...we're concerned here...

D.J. Bulldog Troy, Ala

I loved the fact that Denver crushed the Hornets! It just shows what makes the NBA so special.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Soriano's in his prime are you kidding me?

Kevin, Cleveland

My take on "Mannywood" is that its the Dodgers attempt to make sure what happened in Boston, doesn't happen again in LA, if anything is going to appeal to the ego of the biggest headcase in baseball, it would be having his own section in the stadium

Justin (Princeton, NJ)

Dana, what do you think about the Bronco's snub of Brian Orakpo for Knowshon Moreno? Risky business for sure...

jeff Hampton VA

Dana is the best looking woman on espn. Chris Paul is a great point guard but denver has showed us he is no match 4 bigger point guards.Chauncy keeps shooting right over him.

Umor (detroit)

Commercials. time to crank so AC/DC.

Jay Crawford

  (10:41 AM)

old school umor! nice

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Man I hate meetings that cut into my chat time. I get so lost. I now know how Skip must feel every day.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Stafford on Letterman. Material-wise it wasn't bad (not that he's responsible for the writing). I've seen worse delivery from athletes presenting the Top 10 (Jeter comes to mind actually as being relatively painful). I mean, it's not Chris in Lakeland-level comedy but come on...what is?

Jay Crawford

  (10:41 AM)

ok..no more lions chat please...0-16 doesn't merit this much time..

Moderator

  (10:41 AM)

Chris...if you're going to claim you're funny, then be funny...make us laugh...lets go...bring your A-material to this chat

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Jay any jobs openings behind the scenes at first take?

Jay Crawford

  (10:42 AM)

not sure adam...

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Jay Crawford: (10:38 AM ET ) "wow chris...do you need therapy?? you have cut and pasted from a past chat...we're concerned here... "---don't be concerned, but the shrubs in front of your house could use a trim.....wait

Jay Crawford

  (10:42 AM)

chris, chris, chris....funny man!

Umor (detroit)

The shame about barry bonds is that he didn't need to use the juice. he was a HOF before in 99. The greatest swing i ever seen.

Jay Crawford

  (10:42 AM)

very close to it umor!

Oscar, Chicago

What will it take for Pat White to prove that he is a legit NFL quarterback? He's done all the right things in college, and constantly proves his doubters wrong. Give the man a chance to be a full-time, 'passing' QB. Without any "coincidental" roster or offense changes that stifles him. Rex Grossman got a fair shot(s), why not Pat?

jeff Hampton VA

Dana is the best looking woman on espn. Chris Paul is a great point guard but denver has showed us he is no match 4 bigger point guards.Chauncy keeps shooting right over him.

Craig Watson texas

the draft is like playing craps or the lotto. all the mel kipers or mcshays cant predict the success of a player. NOT ONE OF THEM PICKED TOM BRADY. sometimes you get lucky more times you don't.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Introduce the world to the Ultimate Fan.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

The award I'll give Chauncey at this point = Acquisition (GM move for you youngins) of the Year.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:44 AM)

Craig I think even they would tell you that. There is however an ability to judging how skill transfers and years of watching and doing help in that. BUT there will always be a tom brady and there will always be a ryan leaf!

Craig Watson texas

i'm a bulls fan but rondo is playing better than last year. rose should break down his tape from there series during the off season he can learn something from him.

Matt: (Frankenmuth MI)

You're talking hockey in hour number two? Really? Find Barry Melrose and tell him he's wrong about fighting. If it's such a part of the game, then why does the game stop when a fight starts? Tell him to go debate Bob McCown. On another note, I wonder where the Pistons would be now if the Billups trade was never made...

Dana Jacobson

  (10:46 AM)

Matt, i'm with barry it's a part of the game sorry. Good question on detroit but chauncy is a different chauncy than he was in his final days in detroit...i think he was done in detroit for some reason, needed the change of scenery

Will (Hobart, IN)

Where did Dana Go?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:46 AM)

never fear will i'm here

justin(ohio)

what is with all this lions talk? they went 0-16...New England didnt get talked about this much and they won every game besides the super bowl..PLEASE kill the lions talk.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:47 AM)

justin if you want to talk about the pats, write something worth talking about when it comes to them. teams that suck get as much pub as teams that are good b/c its fascinating to see.

James Denver

Yeah Dana Billups deserved in regular season also. He took the Nuggets who everyone on your show predicted wouldnt even make Playoffs and lead them to 2nd seed in West. He didnt have a training camp. The Nuggets went fron fastbreak team to Defensive team. Tell me a player who did more for there team and whos team was more successful.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:47 AM)

james, i still have lebron as my mvp but he was certainly the missing piece on this team

Jason (Chicago, Il)

There have been a lot of solid (Predicted) players come out of the first round of a draft. Tom Brady was the 199th pick NINE years ago.. how many Tom Bradys have their been in the last nine years?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:48 AM)

Jason my point is there will always be a bust and always be a hidden gem. That's a given.

Craig Watson texas

exactly my point dana its a guessing game. to me it's all about the system and scheme they go into especially for a quarterback. you could be a brady manning combo and without a defense you will suffer. it's not just skills.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:50 AM)

craig there's more skill to it than that...but like i just wrote, yes there will be a gem in there and a bust. i'll say this...bb does a pretty good job drafting in lower rounds in new england, that's not all luck. like him or not

jeff Hampton VA

Chris Paul is a great point guard but denver has showed us he is no match 4 bigger point guards.Chauncy keeps shooting right over him.

Will, St.louis MO

Who thinks the Titans got a steal with Javon Ringer from Michigan State?

Craig Watson texas

Jay tell Mr. Sayless gimmicks have been and always will be a part of sports from the all you can eat sections to bobblehead night. skip is ceo of haterade inc. drinks too much of his own product

Dana Jacobson

  (10:51 AM)

Will having watched javon up close - great get!

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Mannywood?? Thats just wierd except there making a ton of money doing this.

Ryan (Fairfax Va)

Mark Sanchez is OVERRATEDD! He Played with USC where the talent level is OFF THE WALL... there is not enough talent on the jets for this guy to be any good. Mathew Stafford will be the Real deal.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Skip the Dodgers GM doesn't get in the way. He's the franchise and a hall of famer you are a "STAR" hater is your head that big.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Skip, the Dodgers already paid Manny. A player that dogged it to get a new deal so his new agent could get a cut. IF they're going to create a monster, that shipped sailed. The way to keep Manny motivated is to make him feel loved. GREAT MOVE after having already dealt with the devil to keep him there.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:52 AM)

Ryan, it would help to have a go to receiver

Jason (Chicago, Il)

Dana, I was responding to Craigs post that the draft is like playing Craps or the lotto. That is just not true, we 'as fans' get emotionally attached to players we want and when our team passes on them, we say the draft is stupid and bring up Tom Brady. I absolutely agree with you that there will be busts and hidden gems every single year

provick (chicago)

if air gordon is out the bulls are done!!!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:54 AM)

Jason, good point too. After I yelled at the TV, I did think...who the hell am I? Ive never built a team, I've never worked on a team...have the lions consistently messed up, yes. BUT there's always a time for change. AND yes people fall in love with the guy over the player

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Dana, Jericho could fit that bill if Sanchez is as advertised.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:54 AM)

chris i'm a big jericho fan

Steven (Philadelphia, PA)

Good morning, Dana. Hope your day goes well. Let me correct Skip (I know I committed a sin by doing that.....*LOL*) When he said that the Red Sox got further than the Dodgers last year, both LA & Boston lost in the LCS last year.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:55 AM)

steven uh oh...he's never wrong!

justin(ohio)

Javon Ringer is overrated

Kevin (Atlanta)

Where in the draft would of Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford went if they came out this year?

Moderator

  (10:56 AM)

3rd Down topics: Are the Jets playoff contenders now that they have their new QB? Jason Campbell says he was shocked the Skins were QB shopping... The Lions gave Stafford $41 Million guarenteed, did Detroit pay too much??

provick (chicago)

i think skip makes first and ten without him on the show they would definitely be alot more bland! keep up the good work skip and i hope lebrick can take that ring from kobe

Umor (detroit)

I said that yesterday. Sanchez another scott mitchell. one good season and thats it.

Justin New York

tell Skip the Dodgers and the Sox both made it to the LCS last year

Dana Jacobson

  (10:56 AM)

Kevin, good question. I know teams really felt that tebow wasn't NFL ready. It's hard to say without the guys declaring. Look what happened with sanchez last minute. Pat white was talked about being a day 2 guy...and dolphins took him

Ray (Arlington, VA)

Orakpo needs a California King Tempurpedic. He can afford it. Just deliver the sacks big man!

Adam G. Tampa, FL

BRADFORD # 1

Justin (Austin, Minnesota)

Does Barry Bonds really think people will believe his attitude was the result of "a character" he created?

Matt: (Frankenmuth, MI)

And besides, Dana, our Red Wings fought about 10 times this year, are consistently seen as a finesse team which barely fights, and they're one of the best teams in the league. So, fighting is nonessential. We just seem to disagree on whether it is a necessary part of the game. I just think the conversation is worth having among those in power in the NHL.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:57 AM)

matt but have always had an enforcer on the team...gotta go do tv sorry

Craig Watson Texas

here we go again placing the savior title on some rookie. Mr. Sanchez all reports say your ready for the glare of the NY media because of your USC stint. Sir, NY is like sunbathing on Mercury. you will get burnt.

Michael Kim

  (10:58 AM)

Hello, everyone... First time on the chat board so please be patient if I'm slow with the responses -- especially if some news breaks and I have to get on the air...

Matt (Laramie WY)

The Jets are not playoff contenders as Sanchez is overrated. I am a Skins fan and I do not think Campbell is the answer, never have never will and Lions way overpaid for Stafford, but then again last week I said that the first three years should have a cap of like 1.5 million a year.

Michael Kim

  (11:00 AM)

Adam G from Tampa. Props to you on your funny comment yesterday about Mark Sanchez passing over Justin Tuck to Jets receiver Plaxico Burress. Justin laughed about it.

JR (Ohio)

Why all the debate over Manny or Bonds? I'll take Pujols over both of them any day of the week. At least I know that one won't bite me later on down the line.

Michael Kim

  (11:02 AM)

Thanks, Ray. I exchanged some text messages with Chase yesterday. He's pumped. Hope he can at least stick around on the practice squad -- if he doesn't make the roster outright.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Barry? Seriously? The guy can't even walk. Are they playing the field or just DHing? Manny is one of the best clutch hitters in the league. One thing is for sure, if you don't allow either to wear the protective StormTrooper gear both of them would be brushed back on the first pitch.

Steven (Philadelphia, PA)

Good Morning, Mike...uhhhh, we'll be gentle (*LOL*)

fabian (new mexico)

skip are you kidding me your saying the cavs a lot better than the lakers.the cavs didn't even play any good competition.the pistons were out of the series before the start.i want to see how the cavs will do against some real competition like the winner between chicago and boston or the winner between philly and orland or atlanta.as far as the nuggets they are way overrated.i guarantee you if they play the lakers the nuggets will lose.bye the way skip how about them spurs.you have no excuse this year they are old and overrated.i guarantee you this they will lose tonight.

Michael Kim

  (11:03 AM)

Steven in Philly... That's what I'm afraid of... ;-) It's all good. You guys are entertaining to say the least.

Steve (Mastic, NY)

Why are we even talking about Barry anymore? He's done, finished, out of the game. What's next, should the Yankees pick up Roger Clemens?

Mike Blackwell..North Augusta,SC

The Lions did not pay to much for Matthew Stafford.Every year the teams up their guarenteed money to the draft picks.You had to see this comeing.As long as the NFL does not have a rookie salary cap the guarenteed money will keep going up.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The Jets were a solid playoff contender last year with Brett Favre, who really had an overall mediocre year. That said, I don't think Sanchez is a difference maker this year. The key is establishing the running game and putting Sanchez in comfortable positions. I think he might have some adjusting to do with the wind currents at the Meadowlands.

Michael Kim

  (11:06 AM)

Adam in Tampa. I've seen the commercial. Cute girl. Wouldn't mind to have her as a daughter then I wouldn't have to worry about college money since he's probably rolling in the dough. You guys have any idea what a national commercial pays? Serious!

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Sox went to game 7 will be the response.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:06 AM)

sounds about right

Dana Jacobson

  (11:07 AM)

matt, back to hockey..do you remember wings-avs back in the late 90s there were a few fights there!

Jewls (New York)

i think Josh Freeman sounds smart and hard worker. I think he will be a good QB

Ray (Arlington, VA)

I hope Freeman is more exciting in the NFL than his interview. He said the Bucks told him Leftwhich was "a smokescreen". Glad he's backpedaling off that.

Michael Kim

  (11:09 AM)

Johnny in Scranton... Sorry. I went to Mizzou not Northwestern,

Mike (Georgia)

Going into Stafford talk. Why do teams pay the rookies this much money. If I were an owner I would be the one holding out.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:10 AM)

mike its turned into an awful cycle. Teams drafting number one need those players, often to play right away. Rookies hold all the leverage in that case. When jamarcus russell wasn't at camp people mocked the raiders and they essentially lost a year of his development. It is truly horrible.

Bryan (Marion In)

Well Dana the Raiders are a joke of a football team. They handled the Russel situation all wrong. THey never draft well and Al Davis is not a good owner at all. If he truly loved the Raiders he would sell the team to someone that actually knows football.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:13 AM)

Bryan, I agree Al has seen better days. wish someone else was calling the shots but he did in the russell situation what some are saying teams should do, don't sign em for those ridiculous salaries...trust me, they'll hold out and the team loses. It's a lose lose created by owners and players and AGENTS

Charles (Los Angeles)

I know I'm late in asking, but how did Dwayne Wade not win Defensive Player of the Year?? first person 6'4" or shorter to have over 100 steals/blocks in over 40 years. only player in the league to reach 100 in blocks/steals this year.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:13 AM)

CHARLES great question....the answer is simply superman

Kevin (Atlanta)

With Brian Cushing and Connor Barwin added to a already good defense,I guess the question is can Matt Schaub win in Houston?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:15 AM)

kevin, houston is the sexy pick right now to be a playoff team finally

BenHill (Statesboro,Ga)

With two solid running backs,excellent D Sanchez should be able to lead the jets to a 3-0 start...you heard it here first

Dana Jacobson

  (11:15 AM)

ben, book it

Philip (Tampa, FL)

the rookie salary situation is ridiculous, these kids are getting such exorbitant amounts of money and have not proven anything at the professional level. as a finance student, i am never going to apply for a job at espn at the bottom of the finance dept and expect to get paid twice the CFO, like stafford is getting compared to my fav QB Tom Brady, or payton or anyone really, its outlandish

Dana Jacobson

  (11:16 AM)

Philip, couldn't agree more. Everyone involved is to blame and its going to be tough to undo. We'll see with the new CBA. I like the NBA mode with rookie caps

James Denver

D Wade didnt win Defensive player ov the year because Dwight Howard is 100 times better defender then Wade.bAbout 75% of his and Lebrons come from behind blocks are clearly fouls refs just love him.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:16 AM)

James i think the point was - you'd expect some of that out of dwight not necessarily the blocks from wade

Justin (Austin, Minnesota)

the league really needs to look into changing the policy on rookie contracts. stafford is going to make double what tom brady makes. i think they should have set amounts based on when they're picked with a lot of incentives determining exactly what they will take to the bank

James (lawrence ks)

Ya charles But i felt that James did better on defence the wade did for sure

Steve (Mastic, NY)

Last NFL jersey I purchased was a Jet Pennington, now I can go out and get a Sanchez.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:17 AM)

steve, you won't be alone!

nick (san francisco)

sanchez is OVERATED! JETS WILL REGRET THAT PICK

Dana Jacobson

  (11:18 AM)

there's a definite divide on the sanchez front

Jason (Chicago, Il)

The system is a joke. What other job can you walk in out of college and make more than the most experienced, promoted, proven performer in the company?

Chris (K Town)

Stafford was paid on potential and he has played that game perfect. 5 star pro-style out of high school=great play in college in the SEC=getting paid before proven in the NFL. So I guess time will tell as it always does but I think the 41.7 was to much.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Is Michael answering questions that aren't hitting the chat board?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:20 AM)

chris if you pay on potential, it should be incentive based. 41.7 in guaranteed that's not potential. that's dumb

provick (chicago)

in a recession where does anyone in mich. get a garuntee of 41 million dollars? what does that say to the people on the streets that cant even eat out there in d-town? for a guy that really cant even play

Dana Jacobson

  (11:20 AM)

provick, sadly sports doesn't seem to be feeling the recession or at least it's not showing it

Castr20 (Sacramento)

Its basically the same contract Matt Ryan got last year with a lil more of a signing bonus. Any other team woulda spent the same thing if they had that pick

Dana Jacobson

  (11:21 AM)

Castr20 I think at this time last year we were saying the same things about ryan...and had he been a bust?? still can be

Michael Kim

  (11:21 AM)

Johnny in Scranton, Sorry about that. I did exactly that. Answered before they posted. Still getting the hang of this.

Mike(North Augusta)

The Lions did not pay to much for Matthew Stafford.Every year the teams up their guarenteed money to the draft picks.You had to see this comeing.As long as the NFL does not have a rookie salary cap the guarenteed money will keep going up.The league brought this on themself

skinsfan [via mobile]

this rookies cap thing would not work its one thing to give a rookie 73 million but a cap is just a weird idea

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

works in the nba. no hold outs, no issues. shorter contracts that get them to free agency earlier leading to more inspired play for their next deal which will be much bigger if they prove to be worthy.

Jason (Chicago, Il)

Lets say that Stafford gives the Lions the best case scenario... Taking Detroit to the super bowl and winning it. He is still getting paid, what two times the amount that another quaterback has accomplished that task three times in the NFL (Brady). What is so hard about adjusting pay scales to the highest amount at that position?

Jay Crawford

  (11:26 AM)

exactly! its just upside down.

provick (chicago)

hey jay, how come you guys changed the name from cold pizza?

Jay Crawford

  (11:27 AM)

provick, good question. i liked it, and it worked.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

A lot of my predictions are coming true the Jets and Burress talks are heating up according to John Clayton and Carmelo becomes the next Larry Bird after he beats the new Jordan (Kobe Bryant's LakerS) in the conference finals.

provick (chicago)

does anyone else agree that seeing boston steal home base on the yankees was the best baseball play of the year so far?

Steve (Mastic, NY)

I agree with Skip, if Stafford brings the Lions back into contention, they spent their money well.

Castr20 (Sacramento)

Rookie Cap is a great idea. They are rookies they need to prove themselves, and it will also bring more value back to that #1 pick if a team does want to trade it. You ever see the NBA trading the #1 overall pick?

EDB(Seattle)

Adam, you are just being obtuse if you think Melo is anything like Larry Legend.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Carmello has about as much chance of becoming the next Bird, as Skip does of dating a centerfold........

Larrell (Nashville, Tn)

Why is everyone so hard on Jason Campbell, he had a better year than Kerry Collins but no one is hard on Kerry

Terry (Amarillo, TX)

So now everyone get on the Nuggets wagon we are headed to the Western Finals! Quote me!

EDB(Seattle)

They paid to much. Its not like we are in a boom economy and that the stand in detroit will sell out. The economies of football are stupidly bad

Craig Watson Texas

It's obvious they need a rookie salary cap because they paying an unproven person whose resume is empty. they should have incentive laden contracts for rookies

Eric (Latham, NY)

The NFL will definitely establish a rookie salary cap in the near future, they know it's getting out of hand.

Kevin (Atlanta)

There should not be a rookie cap! In fact, there should not a cap on how much you can make in any profession.You are taught growing up that if you work hard and do all the right things then the skys the limit, and if there is a team or business that's willing to shell out that kind of money then so be it.

Rafael Villanueva (Aguadilla,Puerto Rico)

Well i dont know about you guys on the states but here in the island we are going crazy about the finals....we want KOBE and LEBRON going head to head.....wow!!!

BenHill (Statesboro,Ga)

Sanchez fell into the same situation as Ben Roethlisberger. All the Jets need from Sanchez is first downs, maybe a touchdown or two with no picks. He just has to manage the game and the Jets WILL make the playoffs

Mark

the Cardinals will be betyter then last year. they got a steal at the 31st piick. wells is an amazing talent.they can get rid of james. he wanted out anyways.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Skip the NBA has it right with the rookie salaries. This is unbelieveable that Stafford is making more than Peyton Eli and Brady.

justin(ohio)

Do you think Hobbs will do good things for the Eagles?

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Difference is that Big Ben wasn't expected to play his first, or second, season -- and Sanchez is going to be needed to deliver early....

Michael Kim

  (11:34 AM)

Craig, I've been saying that for years. No one will complain if rookies "earn" their pay but I can't believe you have key veterans who don't even make what these top draft choices make in bonus money.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Andy Reid = The Walrus from Alice in Wonderland.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:34 AM)

chris not bad

chad (alabama)

ben roethlisberger is a joke i mean come on this whole year he played like crap and he wins a superbowl just cause he had an amazing defense to help him out for his mistakes

Jason (Chicago, Il)

incentive laden contracts are a great idea Craig.

Timmy warren mi

Stafford will be a hall of famer. Guarenteed.

Mark (Melbourne Fl.)

Like Jay said its backwards...NFL rookies are getting paid on their "upside"

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Not a bad idea on incentives but what if the kid gets drafted and the plan is to let him sit and learn for 1-2 years? How is he going to make his incentive money that way?

jerson Chicago (Illinois)

Come on BEN ROTHLISBERGER NOT GOOD!! JEEZ

Nelson (Palm Bay, FL)

All the other teams should do exactly what the Steelers and the Colts do....they know how this whole draft thing works

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Chad Ben can manage games, you didn't see Ben getting hit in the mouth every game did you? The Steelers had the toughest schedule and Ben stood in there tough and with a lot of heart. Definition of a champion.

Castr20 (Sacramento)

Big Ben has hall of fame numbers already. He is no joke.

Dre(Memphis)

Chad Trent Dilfer wasn't great either but his defense got him a ring and the same goes for Brad Johnson

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Did I miss the Mike Leach discussion?

Moderator

  (11:39 AM)

No Chris, coming up in 4th down...about 10 minutes or so

Larrell (Nashville, Tn)

You're right BEN ROTHLISBERGER IS NOT GOOD , He's Great.

BenHill (Statesboro,Ga)

chad must be a Ravens fan!!

Susan (Alexandria, VA)

I'm worried about Clinton Portis, Redskins have no depth at RB. I'm wondering if they could get Edge or maybe Thomas Jones. It's not so much running back by committee, but just someone to take over if Portis is hurt.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

andy reid = a dwarf from snow white

Nelson (Palm Bay, FL)

How many two min drills did Big Ben have? Yes the Defense give the offense the ball to be able to do that, but the defense can't run a two min drill like ben has

James Denver

Big Ben is the most overrated player in NFL. Hes won 2 super bowls but had little or nothing to do with his teams success. Compare his numbers to any QBs besides wins and losses and hes not even in conversation as best NFL QB. You cant give him all the credit for his teams defensive success.

Michael Kim

  (11:41 AM)

Matt, Andy Reid is a big guy. He's no dwarf. My call is Gepetto -- Pinocchio's father.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The thing that makes Big Ben good is that he isn't going to lose you many games and he is capable of winning them for you. He plays smart and takes what is given to him. Give me a QB like that any day.

Tom (River North)

Big Ben is never going to put up huge yardage numbers like Brady and Manning because that's not how the offense is set up in Pittsburgh. But he makes plays when he has to, and he now has two rings which is all that matters.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

james,did you see his game winning pass to santonio?

Drew (Buffalo)

has anyone suggested Andy Reid= Wolford Brimley? Or is that too obvious

Dana Jacobson

  (11:43 AM)

drew it works but we were going for a disney character

Matt (Miami)

nobody cares about the NHL

Dana Jacobson

  (11:43 AM)

matt i think you're wrong..some people do

mark (phoenix)

good one micheal kim

Matt (Miami)

Hey Skip, ever think about wearing a tie? Maybe even a windsor knot.....

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

James, explain why stats are the definition of success at the QB position? Ask Marino if he'd trade a couple thousand yards for a ring or two....The Steelers aren't the Rams of the early 00's or the Colts of late. Ben's not responsible for the system that the team runs nor the philosophy of winning. He's responsible for the team winning or not winning, and when they've needed a drive...he's given it to them, including when it counted the most. Marino never did.

Michael Kim

  (11:45 AM)

Drew, the Andy Reid comments originate from a question Dana just asked Ellis Hobbs, whose dream job is to be a Disney illustrator. What Disney character most resembles Andy Reid? Ellis refused to answer -- probably smart on his part for now!

chad (alabama)

hey where did brian hoyer go?

Michael Kim

  (11:45 AM)

Chad, Brian Hoyer signed as a free agent with New England.

John (St. Louis, MO)

I don't fault the rookie player for making the money but the system that allows this completely unbalanced atrocity.

Castr20 (Sacramento)

That was like the worst head first slide i have seen in a while by Jacoby when he stole home

chad (HVILLE)

i would have without a doubt picked Hoyer over Stafford. Better leader.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

Love the Ovechkin goal but you have to go with stealing home. Had Ovechkin gone over and squirted Tortorella with a water bottle he'd get the nod.

Dre(Memphis)

James I cant stand Big Ben or the Steelers for that matter but he makes plays and hes the hardest qb in the NFL to bring down

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Ovechkin is a beast on the ice it's amazing what he does. He's the Lebron James of hockey.

Tom (River North)

I'm sorry, but I don't get the Hoyer love. The reason Javon Ringer carried the ball 3000 times last year is because Hoyer couldn't get it done.

Adam G. Tampa, FL

Barry nice mullet buddy we miss you here in Tampa at least I do.

EDB(Seattle)

Tom the reason ringer carried the ball a ton is because the receivers couldn't catch

dirk (iowa)

maybe if andy pettite didnt have such a slow wind up he could of got the guy stealing home

Ray (Arlington, VA)

I think the Ranger's coach got off lightly. Melrose is right, you can nver interact with fans (of any sport) if you're a coach. Zero upside.

James Denver

Ok Chris you explain how winning a Super Bowl automatically makes you a all time great. Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl Trent Dilfer did so Dilfer is better QB. People that dont follow regular seasons over emphasize the playoffs winning championships.

Bud (DuBois, Pa)

I am sorry but this draft was just boring. There was no clear number one guy that everyone just had to have. It was just hyped up and there was just nothing there....except what? Mark Sanchez? Come on now the NFL draft is over-hyped and they want to make it prime time now

Dana Jacobson

  (11:55 AM)

James i'm jumping in...winning noe doesn't make you an all time great. Winning multiple puts you up there in many people's books....AND fair or not - marino will never be thought of as highly as the QBs that came close on numbers but won titles...same for kelly. I'm not saying dilfer is better b/c he won a super bowl but montana, elway, brady, these guys with multiple rings... Again, may not be fair but multiple titles helps your case

mike (american canyon)

James has a point marino was one of the best ever ring or no, its not his fault who was around him

Dana Jacobson

  (11:55 AM)

mike but will never be thought of as great as elway, montana, i'd even argue for some favre!

mark(phoenix)

yesd, but marino is in the HOF. and i think hes better then dilfer

Adam G. Tampa, FL

I sound like Mike Leach a winer with a lot of up side lol

Dana Jacobson

  (11:56 AM)

mark, i don't think anyone is saying dilfer is better than marino - are they??? i may ahve missed it

Susan (Alexandria, VA)

Mike Leach is a self-promoter, duh. Just getting pub for his program.

Matt (Miami)

Marino played in the Super Bowl, its not like he never made it.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:56 AM)

matt, gotta win. Again, i'm not saying he isn't a hall of famer or great but both he and kelly like a karl malone will be remembered as great, but without the ring

fryguy (Illinois)

It dont mean a thing if you aint got that ring!!!!!

Tom (River North)

Dana, couldn't you make that same argument for the Colts? Manning has had huge numbers, but only one ring. They've been in the playoffs what, eight straight years? Couldn't you say that he has underachieved?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:58 AM)

Tom I have a hard time saying underachieved when you look at the competition that knocked him out. But I guess in theory I would have thought manning would have more titles. 20 years from now i'll probably think of brady as more legendary - doesn't mean better, but more legendary. Maybe that's a better way to put it

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

I was using Marino because of his obsene stats vs. Ben succeeding in a style that's far less flashy and, by virtue of their successes effective.

Matt (Miami)

I think the super bowl celebrates more of the great team rather than just a great player

fryguy (Illinois)

Just look at Bradshaw...average numbers but he has multiple rings that say different.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Um Fran Tarkenton put up some of the greatest numbers of all-time but no one talks about him much because in three SB trips, he won zero rings. Just saying.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:59 AM)

fryguy, big bens numbers same thing

chad (alabama)

not if peytons team just got gradually worse and lost its chemistry i mean the year they won that was a great team together.

Ray (Arlington, VA)

James, winning a championship gives you instant cred in any sport. In golf Trevor Immelman gets the love for his Masters win, while Sergio is the best to never win a major. Sergio may be better, but won' get the love until he wins a major. Same as football, you have to win a Superbowl to be considered complete no matter how good your stats.

Chris (Lakeland Florida)

What makes Ben an all time great is him winning when it matters, not JUST the superbowl. Stats don't ever tell the entire story. To say Ben isn't an elite player at this point is extremely short-sighted. I don't need to quote any stats to put Ben in the top tier of today's QBs. How many are you putting ahead of him?......don't bother quoting stats unless they start with a W or an L.

lawrence (stowe vt)

the colts are similar to the braves great in the regular season but cant close the deal...

Dana Jacobson

  (12:01 PM)

chad, they also got killed by some pretty good pats teams

Moderator

  (12:01 PM)

see ya tomorrow folks

Dana Jacobson

  (12:02 PM)

thanks for chatting folks, talk with you tomorrow!

John (St. Louis, MO)

Any love(ESPN coverage)for my St. Louis Cardinals? We just have the most RBI's in the NL and tied with TOR in the MLB, Pineiro tied with most wins and there are more offensive stats I could quote and yet since 9am...no coverage...oh that's right, St. Louis isn't on the east coast...

Michael Kim

  (12:14 PM)

John, I do what I can. If they can get a healthy Glaus back for the second half of the season... LOOK OUT!

Umor (detroit)

Gotta go. You guys rock, and I salute you. GO WINGS.

Michael Kim

  (12:19 PM)

Bye everyone. Back tomorow.