KGW Sports Blog

By Joe Becker

So Washington QB Jake Locker drives the huskies more than 70 yards and scores the tying touchdown with three seconds left and he's happy about it. So, when he gets into the endzone..he just tosses the football away and celebrates. What's wrong with that?
Nothing, except that it's a 15 yard penalty for over celebrating and the huskies have to kick the extra point from the 35 yard line. The kick gets blocked, game over, BYU wins 28-27.

The refs say if you throw the ball in the air to celebrate it's a penalty. It's not a judgement call...it's the rule. Ok, I get it, but that doesn't make it right. So, the huskies have to kick a longer extra point. I feel bad for Locker because the kid made a great play and deserved to get excited. I saw his postgame interview. He didn't make excuses and seems to have a lot of class. He's a terrific player.

However, the Huskies still could have won the game in overtime if they make the kick. It was blocked. There wouldn't be much controversy if it was a normal PAT and gets blocked. Who cares where the kick was from...it was blocked. It's pretty much the end of the story.

Washington has a rough road ahead. They play 4th ranked Oklahoma next weekend.

By Joe Becker

It's week two of Friday Night Flights and "The Ace" Sports Photographer Brian Warner and I are headed to West Linn to cover the game with Lincoln.

As everyone knows...I like to get a bite to eat on Friday Night Flights. That actually started years ago at West Linn. We were going to do a highlight package of the game and normally we do what is called a standup in the story. That's where the reporter stands in front of the camera and says something. I had one minute for the hilites of the game, so I wanted to make the standup quick. So, I asked the photographer to follow a play and pan to me and I would eat some popcorn and say, "Friday Night Flights is back...isn't it great!"
Well, that's what we did and it turned out fine. The promotions department liked it and decided to run the standup at various times to promote our show. After that, people started asking me what I was going to eat the next week. So, that year I started eating something different every week. We've been going every week and having a blast...eating some tasty food with some tasty highlights to go with it on FRIDAY NIGHT FLIGHTS!

By Joe Becker

Sadly, it's happened to Pilots forward Rachael Rapinoe once again. The Redshirt Senior is out for the season with a knee injury for the second year in a row. She re-tore the ACL in her left knee. It's the same injury she suffered a year ago...four games into the season.\\

This time, it was three games into the season. Rapinoe went down in the first half against top ranked USC on Monday at UP. Rapinoe was hoping for the best...but an MRI revealed the injury.

Rapinoe's college career is over. Pilots Media Relations Director Jason Brough told me that Rachael is going to postpone surgery for awhile and support the team. She is planning to graduate this year.

By Craig Edwards

Here's a common question that comes up in the Sports office every so often: "Do people care more about Sport A than they do Sport B?" Another one: "Is Sport A more important than Sport B?"

These questions sometimes spark debates that can last all night.

Not being one who likes to shy away from such arguments, I decided to come up with an answer to those questions, in the form of a list.

So for your consideration, here are my rankings for the sports hierarchy in the USA, numbered 1-15. This is not a list of what I consider the most important or what I like the best, but where I think the sports stand in the hearts and minds of the entire country.

1. National Football League

Duh! The most powerful sports league in the world dominates this list. If you want to build a sports league, this is the example to follow. For the fan, the shorter schedule (16 games) and fantasy football make every regular season game important to somebody. Parity also rules, as this is the one league where fans truly feel every team CAN beat another on any given day.

2. College Football

See above, and add college pride to the mix (though you have to subtract some of the parity).

3. Major League Baseball

But baseball's called our national pastime for a reason folks. Where football is helped by its shorter schedule, baseball is helped by its longer one. The nightly baseball game is just part of people's lives. It's a sport you can have on the radio or TV, while you're doing other stuff. However, baseball must resolve its parity issue, because the world is getting tired of just the Yanks and the Sox.

4. NASCAR

Here's probably the first controversial entry. I am not a NASCAR fan, but numbers don't lie. These races do monster TV ratings and draw crowds of 100,000+ almost every week. What was once a niche sport confined to the South, is now one of the world's biggest draws.

5. National Basketball Association

The NBA has taken its lumps in the post-Jordan years (it doesn't help that David Stern seems bent on destroying the league with bad decisions), but no league markets its individual stars better than the NBA, which will always keep it popular and relevant.

6. College Basketball - Men's and Women's

It's hard to market individual stars when the best players are only around for a year or two. However, there's nothing more exciting than the NCAA tournament.

7. National Hockey League

One of the traditional Big 4 pro sports, hockey has been dropping like a lead balloon for the last few years. First, league leaders canceled a season, then went out of their way to make sure fans can NOT see games by putting them on an obscure cable network no one gets. I love hockey, but 5 years from now, it may not be a top 10 sport if the NHL doesn't get its act together.

8. Mixed Martial Arts

Another sport I've tried to watch, and failed to get into. But again, numbers don't lie. Combine TV ratings, attendance, and Pay-per-view buys, and MMA has replaced Boxing and Pro Wrestling as the top ring-sport draw.

9. PGA

Golf is home to easily the most marketable star in sports, Tiger Woods. It's also arguably the most popular participant sport for weekend warriors, which guarantees it a top 10 spot.

10. Tennis

Probably the only sport where women stand equal or better to men in terms of popularity or marketability. The tournament format also leads to great drama, with the big tournaments always a must-see for most sports fans.

11. Arena Football

5 years ago, the AFL would be a few spots lower. However, it's grown in attendance and TV ratings every year. More importantly, the sport has gotten some big name fans and owners. When you have Philadelphia Soul owner Jon Bon Jovi talking about how great the game is every chance he gets... fans start listening and believing.

12. Major League Soccer

Face it folks, the world's most popular sport... just ain't popular here in the U.S. The reasons why would take up an entire blog of their own. However, the reason MLS doesn't really work is simple: Baseball's best international players play in the U.S. Same for basketball and hockey. Soccer's best players play in Europe. Major League Soccer is NOT a major league.

13. WNBA

Neither is the WNBA. America's top stars play in Europe. The WNBA is their off-season job.

14. LPGA

Quick! Name 5 LPGA stars not named Annika Sorenstam or Michelle Wie. Don't worry... Neither could I.

15. Lacrosse (Indoor and Outdoor)

Lacrosse is now in the same position that NASCAR was in a decade ago. It's a niche sport very popular in one region (the Northeast) and slowly spreading nationally. Will it get to the same position as NASCAR? Probably not... but only time will tell.

There you have it. That's my list.

Let the Debate Begin!!!!

It wasn't good news when the initial word came down last week... and today's news further cements that Nate Costa's days as a quarterback are limited. Very unfortunate for Costa himself.... as well as Duck fans who had somewhat high hopes for the injury-plagued Californian. Here's the official release from the UO:

EUGENE - Surgery on the left knee of University of Oregon quarterback Nate Costa surgery resulted in the repair of a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament as well as repairing cartilage damage, which is expected to prevent the return of the third-year quarterback this season.

The Hilmar, Calif., signal-caller suffered his latest injury in an Aug. 20 practice after beginning fall drills atop the Ducks' depth chart. The non-contact injury resulted in a third surgery Wednesday on a left knee that he originally injured in high school and again was repaired a year ago.

Sophomore Justin Roper will assume the starting quarterback role when Oregon opens the 2008 Saturday night vs. Washington.

It's roughly 12 hours after I learned of the passing of former Blazers Center Kevin Duckworth.... and I'm still in disbelief. It just seemed like it could have been prevented. The tragedy of Duckworth's passing brought tears to my eyes at numerous parts of the day. I first met "Duck" about 18 years ago....right at the peak of the Blazers run in 1990.
He owned a house directly across from William Walker Elementary in Beaverton. It was a palace...and everytime I went to Beaverton...I stopped by to catch a glimpse of his house.
Strange, I know....but it was REALLY NICE for 1990! I happened to see Duck shooting hoops in his backyard one day....and when he saw me pull up...he thought I was somebody else. I told him I was a big Blazers fan...and told him he was doing a great job. Simple enough, right? All I remember from that point forward was the enormous smile he gave back my way. I could tell that meant a lot to him. (And, let's be honest, everybody thought Portland would have at least two more NBA titles if Sabonis was around instead) I won't disagree with that one bit.... but I did appreciate Duckworth's work ethic. He put in a solid effort every night...and his teammates loved him. That's what I admired most about him. He enjoyed simple compliments---even from a punk 19-year old. Once I got into broadcasting--particularly here at KGW--I always wanted to hook back up and see what Duckworth was doing these days. This thought came about 2 years ago when I heard he lived on a ranch in Estacada. We never got around to it...and I feel somewhat guilty about it now. Fans loved Duck for his easygoing nature....and Duck loved 'em all right back. Thoughts to everyone who had the joy of ever meeting this "gentle giant".

By Joe Becker

THE AST Dew Tour is back in town and is should be another fabulous show.

These athletes are amazing and the competition runs all-weekend at the Rose Quarter. The dew tour is a showcase competition for Skate boarders, Bike riders and Motorcyclists. BMX Park features dozens of riders doing bicycle tricks, led by season pts leader Daniel Dhers and Defending Portland champion Mike Spinner. Spinner, loves the setup at the Rose Garden, "I walked around and went, Oh my god," said Spinner, "This course is amazing. I love the course. It is just asking for tricks, tricks and tricks. That's what I'm all about. That's how I have fun." Last month in Cleveland, Spinner lived up to his name and became the first man ever to land a Quad Whip in competition. That's whipping the bicycle around four times in mid air and then landing it. Pretty good stuff.

I saw the action last year and it's great. By the way, if you can't get there in person, it's on NBC this weekend. In fact, the BMX Park is Sunday in between Olympic coverage, so they are expecting their biggest TV audience ever!.

Enjoy.

By Craig Edwards

For many athletes in Beijing, it's a dream come true; representing your country in the Olympics.

Basketball star Becky Hammon, a native of Rapid City, South Dakota, is proudly wearing the red, white, and blue at the Summer Games.

However, they're the red, white, and blue that represent RUSSIA and its flag.

I know what you're saying: "She's playing for another country?"

How did this happen? Here's a quick recap:

Despite being a WNBA All-Star and among the league's best players, Hammon was not invited to tryout for the USA squad. But she also plays pro ball in Russia (many WNBA players also play overseas), and became a naturalized citizen there last year. A provision in her Russian contract gave her the chance to play for Russia in the Summer Games, and live the dream of playing in the Olympics (she was later invited to a USA tryout, but couldn't participate due to other obligations).

That's when the controversy started, as USA coach Anne Donovan called Hammon "Unpatriotic" for playing for somebody else. Fans and players have defended Hammon. Others have denounced her. Expect more fireworks if Russia and the USA meet in the basketball tournament.

What do you think?

Before you answer, let me give you this one thought.

One of the principles of the Olympic Games is to bring the world together through sport.

Now think back 30 years... in the middle of the Cold War. Would Russia have ever talked to an American player, let alone invite them to join their Olympic team?

The case of Becky Hammon is further proof that the world is getting smaller every day.

By Joe Becker

The Brett Favre situation is getting interesting. Right now, Favre is a former NFL Star...since he retired. However, now he wants to un-retire and the Packers aren't too thrilled about it. I don't blame the Packers or Favre, however if Brett wants to come back that's his right. He is one of the great QBS of all-time so he should get a break on this one.

Favre asked the Packers to release him...but Green Bay said no. I think they should either let him come back as the starter, or release him. It's not fair to Favre to hold him back like that. He deserves a shot to play. If its not with the Packers...then he should be able to go somewhere else....and PLAY.

By Craig Edwards

It's a busy time down at the Blazers' practice facility, as they work out prospects before the NBA Draft. All sorts of names have visited Tualatin. But one name that hasn't worked out for the team is stirring up all kinds of debate.... Kevin Love.

The Blazers have invited the former Lake Oswego star to work out prior to the draft, but as of this writing, he has yet to RSVP.

For some reason, this has a lot of Oregonians upset, saying Love is snubbing his hometown team. These are probably the same people who leveled insult after insult at Love when he played down at Mac Court back in January, simply because he "snubbed" the Ducks to play at UCLA (that's another debate for another time).

Folks, there is nothing that requires Kevin Love to workout for the Blazers. The weeks before the draft are a long process, and take a lot of work to navigate. Here are three reasons Kevin Love should NOT work out for the Blazers.

1. The Blazers have the 13th overall pick - The chances that Love is available at #13 are minimal. A trade to jump up higher is possible, but would likely be too high for GM Kevin Pritchard to take. For Love, working out for the Blazers would mean working out for a team that probably CAN'T draft him.

2. Not every player needs to work out for every team. Let's look at CJ Giles of Oregon State, he's doing anything he can to sell himself to an NBA team. He HAS to. Right now, he's unlikely to get picked, and needs to generate as much interest in himself as possible. There are all sorts of teams interested in Kevin Love. He doesn't have to create a buzz... it's already there.

3. Workouts are NOT always a good thing. Say you work out for a team, and a coach doesn't like how you shoot the ball. It doesn't matter if you're a 100% shooter, word's going to spread like wildfire that you don't have a good shot, hurting your draft stock. Based on his in-game action from this year, Kevin Love has a great resume. Sometimes it is smarter and safer to let that resume stand for itself.

I think Kevin Love is going to make a great pro player, emphasis on the word "Pro." As with any walk of life, professionals only do things that help them gain something.

Right now, there is really nothing for Kevin Love to gain from working out for the Blazers.

By Joe Becker

So what do you think? Which is better? The NCAA Basketball Tournament or the NBA Playoffs?

I love them both...but I prefer the NBA Playoffs. It's the Celtics and the Lakers in the Finals and it's going to be great. The first week of the NCAA Tournament is fantastic...and office pools are fun, but the intensity of the NBA Playoffs is tough to beat.

These are the most skilled players in the world...giving their best. The Celtics and Hawks in the first round. I loved it. Celtics and Cavs in the second round. Great stuff! That first game between the Spurs and Suns was amazing. The Lakers beat the Spurs 4-1 in the Western Conference finals...but what a great series.

I was having a friendly discussion with some people in the office and most were pro NCAA Tournament. Then I asked...what do you like better...the NCAA Hockey Tournament or the Stanley Cup? The NHL is the winner hands down.

The NBA Playoffs Rock...and I hope the Blazers add the Roll to it next season!

By Craig Edwards

A TV newsroom sees tons and tons of information come through every day. We get all sorts of mail, faxes, and e-mails. We also have to sift through wire stories and advisories from the network.

One such advisory caught my eye today. It was ESPN's Restrictions for using footage from this week's Scripps National Spelling Bee. The sports network paid for the exclusive rights to televise the event "throughout the universe" and is restricting the use of its video by other broadcasters.

Such restrictions are common, and just. Networks pay millions, sometimes billions, for the right to air big events. They should be able to maintain some level of exclusivity.

But this advisory did bring up one question... What on Earth is a sports network doing showing a spelling bee?

Or better... Should a sports network be showing a spelling bee?

My answer may surprise you. I'm going to say yes.

No, Spelling Bees are not a sport. But neither is poker, and that shows up on sports networks all the time (as do dominos and darts).

And sure, many of the kids participating don't have an athletic bone in their bodies.

But at their heart, Spelling Bees are competitions, much like sports. They also make for surprisingly compelling drama, just like Poker.

While they aren't sports, they are definitely cousins in the competition family, and deserve the occasional showcase on TV. Most of us see our cousins at least once a year, whether it be a holiday or a family reunion.

Besides, isn't it cool that somebody actually gets celebrated for being smart?

By Craig Edwards

Lightning did not strike twice for the Blazers. After hitting the Draft Lottery jackpot in 2007, Portland heard its name called early in the 2008 proceedings. They're scheduled to pick 13th this year... emphasis on the "scheduled."

GM Kevin Pritchard and company have a lot of options with their pick. They can hold position, and draft for need and depth. They can trade the pick for a veteran or future pick. They can also gamble and try to trade up, and add one more young star to their nucleus. There are lots of options.

What do you think the Blazers should do with their pick?