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Dwyane Wade was pathetic in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.  Wade shot 2-for-13 from the field.  He only scored five points in Miami’s 94-75 loss to the Indiana Pacers.  Wade also had words with his head coach Erik Spoelstra.  Sure, “pathetic” is a blunt description of Wade’s performance, but it’s the most fitting.

Dwyane Wade took exception to the fact that Erik Spoelstra was telling him to get back on defense.  Wade’s lackadaisical effort to get back on defense led to an easy bucket by the Pacers.  Spoelstra didn’t like it.  Wade didn’t like Spoelstra telling him he didn’t like it. 

The Miami Heat can try to spin this however they’d like.  Spoelstra said in his postgame press conference that things like this happen all of the time.  That’s true, but that doesn’t mean that everything is peachy right now in Heat-land.  Miami is now trailing the series to the Pacers 2-1.  Chris Bosh, one of their best players, is out indefinitely with an abdominal strain.  This Wade-Spoelstra confrontation would mean much less if all of these other things weren’t going badly.  Unfortunately, for the Heat, they are.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.

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It happened on Wednesday when Rebecca Smith threw a one-hitter and struck out 25 as Albany Academy beat Voorheesville, 2-1, in 11 innings on the Colonial Council agenda.

Amanda Gatt yielded just five hits and fanned 22 to star for Voorheesville. The game was scoreless through nine innings.

Duanesburg’s Dani Hennel had a one-hitter for six innings of work in a 10-1 win over Canajoharie in the Western Athletic Conference semifinals.

Sidney Foland collected five RBI to power Schoharie past Sharon Springs, 16-5, in the WAC.

Lacrosse

Kristen Connors had a big day with five goals and two assists to lead Shenendehowa past Burnt Hills, 15-7, in a Suburban Council girls lacrosse game on Wednesday.

Abbey Seymour put together three goals and four assists as Bethlehem downed Columbia, 16-9.

In non-league play, Catie Vivian scored six goals and three assists to power Holy Names over Scotia-Glenville, 21-13.

Jayne Ryan helped the cause with three goals and eight assists.

The Big 10 boys saw LaSalle whip Amsterdam, 14-3, behind Brian Schneider’s three goals and seven assists.

Baseball

Schalmont used the long ball to beat Cobleskill-Richmondville, 9-1, in Colonial Council play. Tyler Mattick slammed a three-run shot and Caleb Ward added a two-run homer.

Sam DeCelle was outstanding on the mound and at the plate. He pitched a three-hitter and belted two homers, two singles and three RBI as Mechanicville defeated Cohoes, 6-1.

Schoharie got the best of Fort Plain, 4-3, in a Western Athletic Conference cross over game. Tanner Stone unleashed two doubles, two singles and two RBI.

Evan Ottman delivered a two-run double to help the Indians prevail.

Shane Marshall smashed two doubles, two singles and four RBI to spearhead Galway past Mekeel Christian Academy, 11-5, in the WAC.

Will Aldam hurled a one-hitter as Bethlehem won over Mohonasen, 5-0, in the Suburban Council.

Kyle Sacks’ homer was the difference as LaSalle stopped Amsterdam, 6-5, in Big 10 play.

Joe Nellis spun a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts while Derek Barnholt hit a double, single and two RBI to star in Johnstown’s 10-0 Foothills Council win over South Glens Falls.

Track and field

It was a day of championship meets in Section II.

Using another balanced effort, the Shaker girls won the Suburban Council event with 136 points to outdistance Saratoga Springs, 102.

Maryanna Lansing of Shaker prevailed in the 1,500 and 3,000.

In the Colonial Council, Fonda-Fultonville took the boys title compiling 146 points while Holy Names emerged victorious on the girls side, 146 1/2 points.

Isabella Borini of Schalmont starred in the 100 hurdles, high jump and long jump.

Mark Hoffman of Fonda-Fultonville beat the field in 1,600, 3,200 and 3,000 steeplechase.

The Western Athletic Conference held its meet with Courtney Tedeschi of Berne-Knox-Westerlo winning the 1,500, 3,000 and 2,000 steeplechase.

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State rankings as of May 13.

Girls lacrosse: A-4. Guilderland, 10. Shaker, 20. Niskayuna; B-24. Queensbury; C-23. Glens Falls.

Boys lacrosse: A-8. Niskayuna; B-no Section II schools; C-no Section II schools.

Baseball: AA-16. Columbia, 19. Shenendehowa, 20. CBA; A-10. Glens Falls; B-6. Saratoga Catholic, 17. Schalmont, 20. Albany Academy; C-2. Hoosic Valley, 5. Fort Plain, 9. Voorheesville; D-5. Fort Ann, 6. Salem.

Softball: AA-4. Shenendehowa, 16. Columbia, 25. Colonie, 29. Bethlehem; A-1. South Glens Falls, 13. Hudson Falls, 25. Averill Park; B-3. Chatham, 4. Cohoes, 19. Greenville, 21. Granville; C-2. Mechanicville, 4. Duanesburg, 11. Hoosick Falls, 20. Greenwich; D-4. Loudonville Christian, 8. Argyle, 15. Fort Ann, 23. Hartford.

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What do we all want out of life?  A good job, a loving family, a nice retirement plan and to win a race and be doused in champagne.  Not the last one?  Admit it, you want it a little bit.  Hopefully if you do get that champagne bath your reaction will be better than this guys.

His face says it all.  That is some cold champagne.  Make sure to check the facebook page every Monday for your shot at photo caption history.

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Siena Athletics

Fans will decide the starting lineups for the inaugural #SienaLegends basketball game Thursday, July 19 at Alumni Recreation Center on the Siena campus. On-line voting will run from Thursday May 17-Thursday, May 31 through a poll conducted by the Siena fan site 4guysinblazers.com available by CLICKING HERE.

Fans can vote for their top-10 legends from a list of confirmed attendees. The top-10 vote getters will represent the starters for the two teams.

The Legends Game festivities will begin at 5 p.m. on July 19 with a meet and greet session. Special on-court activities are planned in the hour leading up to the featured game which is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Advanced tickets are priced at just $12 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. They can only be purchased online, by CLICKING HERE. A limited amount of day-of-game tickets will be available for purchase at the event. They are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

Talk about the game on twitter with some of Siena’s legends from the past, and find out the latest details about the game by using the hashtag #SienaLegends.

All proceeds from the Legends Game will go toward Saints Alive!, the athletic department’s annual giving program. The highly-anticipated event is scheduled to tip-off at 5 p.m. with a pre-game meet and greet. Contests will begin at 6 p.m. with the featured game scheduled to tip at 7 p.m.

The preceding information was provided by Jason Rich, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Siena College.

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Quite frankly, such an outcome is only one of two that I would pinpoint as likely.  Coming off of a Kentucky Derby that was littered immense talent, I must confess myself somewhat disappointed in the field that will take to the starting gate in Baltimore this Saturday.  Gemologist is hurt.  Dullahan will wait until the Belmont.  As will others like Union Rags.  And so we head into the Preakness with an eleven horse field.  Below, I provide a sentence or two on each horse in the field, and a breakdown of how I expect the race to progress.

1 – TIGER WALK – 30/1: Closer who has yet to run will in a grade 1. With a lack of speed at the front, don’t expect much.

2 – TEETH OF THE DOG – 15/1: He’ll be fresh and fowardly positioned.  Could be there, worth betting as a live long-shot, but not much more.

3 – PRETENSION – 30/1: Has yet to turn in a decent graded stakes run, but he’ll be near the front, and with long odds he’s worth playing as a live long shot.  Smart to get it, but don’t expect to cash that ticket.

4 – ZETTERHOLM – 20/1: Having never run in a stakes race, it’s difficult to feel confident in this horse.  Add to that his below average speed figures, and that task becomes harder yet.  Still, he’s turned in quality performances this year, look for him to make a play for the money as a long shot.

5 – WENT THE DAY WELL – 6/1: With J R Velazquez aboard, you can’t discount this colt, but I’m not expecting much.  Went The Day Well came on strong at the end of the Derby, but the Derby featured exponentially more speed to run onto than this race will. Worth taking in exotics, but I don’t have high hopes.

6 – CREATIVE CAUSE – 6/1: If you’re looking for a closer, this is the one I’d look to before the 5.  He’ll be more forwardly placed and has more experience coming from mid pack in big races.  Don’t love closers, in this race, but if I had to take one, it’d be Creative Cause.

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7 – BODEMEISTER – 8/5: The runner-up in the Derby, Bodemeister has been installed as the favorite and for good reason.  He ran an unbelievable race in the Derby, but the distance and early speed proved too much. Here, the race is shorter, and he won’t have to run nearly as hard to keep the lead wire to wire.  In my opinion? Here’s your winner.

8 – DADDY NOSE BEST – 12/1: The Asmussen trained colt is an interesting choice on Saturday.  In the Derby, he was simply outclassed by much of the field.  In a thinner, less quality-packed Preakness, Daddy Nose Best could be there. Still, he likes to come from the back of the pack, and I don’t look to any of the closers as likely, here. Worth playing in exotics, though.

9 – I’LL HAVE ANOTHER – 5/2: The Kentucky Derby winner enters the Preakness as the second choice, though has it about as well as he could have in one of the biggest races of the year.  He’ll be able to sit comfortably near the front – which is his preference – and will likely be tasked with no more than running down he who he just ran down.  Bodemeister. Clearly the second choice.

10 – OPTIMIZER – 30/1: Wouldn’t be the right pick in a Thursday afternoon $20,000 claimer at Saratoga.

11 – COZZETTI – 30/1: If he falls below 50/1, bet him.  If not.  Stay the hell away.

THE RACE: Out of the gate, expect Bodemeister to rocket to the lead.  He does best from the front and I expect he’ll be looking to run almost the same race he did in the Derby. I’ll Have Another and Teeth Of The Dog will settle in behind him, with Pretension a length or two behind them, with the rest of field grouped together at the back into the final turn and down the backstretch.  It’ll be a reasonable pace; having learned from the Derby, and with no need to, Mike Smith won’t push the colt too hard.  Through the final turn, expect Bodemeister and I’ll Have Another to begin to separate themselves, with Zetterholm, Daddy Nose Best, and Creative Cause revving up their runs on the outside.  But as they hit the top of the stretch, and as Pretension and The Teeth Of the Dog slide back, I see the first and second place finishers in the Derby bolting away from the pack. They’ll battle hard down the stretch, but ultimately, I see Bodemeister – who his connections have said has come out of the Derby better than he entered – clipping the wire first. I’ll Have Another will take second, with Creative Cause third and either Zetterholm, Daddy Nose Best and Went the Day Well fourth.

WHAT TO BET: Honestly, other than some long-shot across the boards I’m not sure there’s a lot to bet.  The obvious bet would be an exacta with I’ll Have Another and Bodemeister, though such an exacta would likely cost more than it would pay. A trifecta with those two and Creative Cause is interesting, but again, the payout would be minimal.  I love Zetterholm and Cozzetti as crazy long shots, and will likely play them when their odds fall enough.

Though the Preakness doesn’t look to feature the kind of quality the Derby did, it should be a great day from Maryland.  If the race develops like I believe it will, we will be looking at a developing rivalry between two impressive three-year-olds. And though I expect Bodemeister to take the race, let’s hope I’ll Have Another runs down his foe again and brings us to Belmont with another battle between the two looming, and with Triple Crown on the line.

Follow me on Twitter @JoeBianchino

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The Yankees bats were once again very silent as they were swept in the short 2 game series with Toronto losing 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Yankees got on the board first thanks to a Robinson Cano RBI double in the top of the first. That would be all the Yankees would get as the offense would once again struggle. Toronto would go ahead in the bottom of the 3rd with the help of a 2-run blast from slugger Jose Bautista. Two more runs would be added in the bottom of the 7th with a 2-run Home Run from J.P. Arencibia.

Phil Hughes didn’t pitch terribly, going 5 1/3 innings striking out 5 and walking 4. Hughes biggest mistake was the Home Run to Bautista and with the lack of offense the Yankees have had as of late, that was a huge mistake. Hughes’ opponent Drew Hutchison pitched 6 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 3.

The Yankees will start Interleague play on Friday as they start a series with the Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium. Two veterans will take the mound as Andy Pettitte will make his second start of the year for the Yanks taking on Bronson Arroyo for the Reds. You can catch all the action on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio with the pregame at 6:30 and the first pitch at 7:05.

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            Yesterday, McKnight told the NY Daily News yesterday that he has eaten copious amounts of McDonalds this off-season in an effort to bulk up 15 pounds. McKnight is hoping that his added bulk will help him as he enters his 3^rd season in the league, and looks to increase his role with the club.

            McKnight has successfully gained the weight although he did admit that Big Mac extra value meals may not have been the best idea. As McKnight said, “I was eating healthy, but the majority of time I was eating bad. I wasn’t eating all the right stuff… Like Tim Tebow.” Kind of makes you wonder what Mark Sanchez has been snacking on…

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In this week’s installment of the 2 Guys 1 Mic Podcast, Brian Cady sits in to talk some Rangers-Devils game 2, preview Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, and look at the bleak future of the Yankees.  Then, two of my buddies stopped by to chat about the end of the Premier League season, preview the Champions league final, and debate the merits of cinematic dumpster fire, Con Air.  Follow me on Twitter @JoeBianchino and like our Facebook page at 2 Guys 1 Mic Podcast.

In the opening segment of the second edition of the 2 Guys 1 Mic Podcast, the master of all things “The Team,” Brian Cady, sits in with me to discuss the disappointment that was game two of the Ranger-Devil series – he says announcing his Ranger fandom strongly – and my man crush on Henrik Lundqvist.

Segment 1 – Rangers-Devils Game 2

In segment two we wrap up our Ranger discussion and turn our attention to another niche sport – horse racing!  We break down what type of race we expect, who we look toward as a potential winner, and what we’re likely to bet.  We finish up with a brief look at the struggles of the Yankees.

Segment 2 – Rangers wrap up, Preakness Preview, Yankees

With Brian Cady departing to prep for the rest of his day, Mark Graydon and Jeff Sandler sit down with me to look back on the glory that was the final day of the Premier League’s season.  Though we start the segment by exploring the vast amount of suck that is Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Segment 3 – Maggie Gyllenhaal, Premier League’s Final Day

Transitioning off from the Premier League, we spend what is supposed to be our final segment breaking down Saturday’s Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Chelsea F.C.

Segment 4 – Champions League Preview

We close today’s episode with an Outrageous Claim that I don’t find that outrageous.  The merits of Con Air are discussed, Sarah Jessica Parker is shamefully dragged through the mud, and details of my TV viewing that I would rather have remained hidden are put on display for all of you to hear.

Segment 5 – Outrageous Claims

This charismatic Philadelphia 76ers fan was showing his love handles, jiggles, and general rotund midsection during the Celtics-Sixers game on Wednesday night.  He was trying to distract Boston’s free throw shooters (video below).  It didn’t work.  The Boston Celtics were able to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 107-91 in Game 3.  The Celtics now enjoy a 2-1 series lead.

The squishy Sixers fan then showed his midsection for TNT’s Charles Barkley.  Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley had a “Shirt Off” contest this week to prove who is in better shape.  The Sixers fan threw his name into the hat.  As of now, it hasn’t been confirmed if the most elusive producer in the Capital Region, Mr. Brian Cady, plans to do an imitation of this squishy 76ers fan.  Cady went shirtless when he battled Bruce Jacobs in a sumo battle at the TU Center.  Cady has shown flesh before.  Maybe he’ll do it again.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.

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The greatest linebacker ever in my opinion today announced he has put his Super Bowl ring up for sale with hopes of bringing in big dollars. Not sure if Lawrence Taylor needs the money or what his motivation is as he hasn’t said. Taylor has run afoul of the law several time so speculation is sure to heat up.

Ironically or maybe not the announcement comes on the same day the NY Giants recieved their Rings for winning the  Super Bowl by beating the Patriots.

As of this time it is reported that Taylor’s ring has recieved 12 bids  the highest being just over 37,000. The ring is said to be worth between 75k and 100k.

The ring is described as being “worn”, or ” only having considerable wear that in some eyes will hopefully increase it’s aura”. Aura of course meaning value!

The ring features 2 football shaped diamonds on a background of Blue enamel and is surrounded by 17 “smaller” diamonds. It also has the name Taylor and Lawrence Taylor’s famed uniform number 56  underneath it. The ring will be accompanied with a letter of authenticity from Taylor

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As I have written about from time to time and talked about on my radio program-Game on with Bruce Jacobs, and predicted as well, ESPN faces a large lawsuit that I applaud.

The wife of Bernie Fine, former assistant hoops coach at Syracuse University is suing ESPN for slander, libel,and defamation of reputation.

Unlike the majority of ther clown media that frankly makes me sick as I have written about I have not at any point dropped this story and reporting or talking about updated information on this story. I have smelled a rat from the start.

I wrote that ESPN used a farcical audio tape that has since been alleged to be doctored to fit the story line ESPN wanted presented. I also alluded to the fact this whole thing was born out of ESPN being mad they didn’t break the Penn State story. For those that might be new to this the folks at ESPN have this ego and attitude about themselves that says all sports stories are their domain to report and it isn’t official until ESPN says it is. ESPN believes they have to stamp the story as fact before it is fact. Having broken stories myself before only to watch ESPN try and take credit for it, and having seen them use this tactic on other media outlets as well. It is the arrogence of ESPN and this hollier then tho attitude which I believe has led to where we are now.

I stated from the start this case has a stink on it like no other. ESPN held onto information for years until they tried to gravy train the Penn State scandal. Laurie Fine basically alleges this in her lawsuit how ESPN went with this story AFTER the scandal at PSU. I am still amazed that ESPN held this supposed “bomb shell” story along with a newspaper in Syracuse until the country was riled up by Penn State. I mean if we had a seriel sexual molester at Syracuse isn’t incumbent upon “journalists” to report the story and help put a stop to it?

However as I have also written about a few times we don’t have journalism in this country anymore. It’s dead and it’s not coming back. Instead what we have are people who for their own gain like to destroy people’s lives. If proven wrong they don’t care they just move onto the next person to destroy them. Frankly it’s sickening. See Duke lacross for more proof of this. These so called ‘journalists” didn’t care about facts. No they saw white kids-rich white kids- and a Black woman who made these allegations and ran with it like it was fact..They used race hucksters like Sharpton and Jackson and propped them up as something of authority. The when the facts hit the fan ‘journalist” was no where except maybe page 71 of the newspaper or perhaps 38 minutes into their broadcasts. No longer did the innocence of the lacross players get the attention of the allegations of the accuser. However in the world of “journalism” the way it works is facts don’t matter but the seriousness of the allegations. Sad but true folks..Sad but true.

Now despite being labeled as uncaring about the welfare of children by some, I forged ahead with opinion and facts about this case. How 2 of the ‘alledged” victims were clowns. The “journalists” reported these 2 liars with breaking news zest, front page or top story alignment. But when both proved to be liars guess what “journalist” either omitted it or buried it barely giving it a mention. That folks is how “journalism” works today. It is in my opinion the most disgraceful job title and I would be ashamed to be called a journalist.

Back to Laurie Fine-she claims her reputation smeared. her charitable work finished and her presence in the Syracuse area not welcomed. She claims she has had to live indoors for months and unable to resume her life as before.

Right from the start this case looked sleezy to me. The 1st 2 so called ‘victims” looked suspicious and it seemed to me they were trying to make a buck. The 3rd so called victim, this habitual liar named Tomaselli is indeed himself a convicted sex predator. The 4th joker later admitted he lied. Oh he is doing hard time in the clink somewhere.

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim ripped Davis and his brother in law and claimed they were money digging. He later recanted those comments and was then sued for defamation by the disgraceful Gloria Allred, an ambulance chaser to the nth degree. A judge recently threw out that suit claiming Boeheim is entitled to his opinion.

This case, or lack their of is only topped in slime by the reporting on it and the ZEAL which these so called “journalists” have for destroying people. Facts be damned. My hope is that Bernie Fine follows up his wife’s lawsuit with one of his own and that ESPN is forced to not only apologize for their pathetic reporting but that it is forced to fork over millions in compensation. I hope more people who are slandered by so called “journalists’ follow this closely. These so called “journalists” think they are protected by this shield. I find and have said, to me that so called “journalists” are the biggest enemy of this country and should be feared as such. I hope this pile of garbage reporting costs those who did it millions and also their reputations and frankly heads should roll because of it.

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace nailed Oklahoma City Thunder forward James Harden with a vicious elbow in a game on April 22nd (video below).  The Lakers ended up winning the game 114-106 in double overtime.  Metta World Peace was suspended for seven games by the league for throwing the elbow. 

A lot was made of Metta World Peace’s elbow to James Harden’s head.  We had plenty of conversation on “The Noe Show” about the incident.  I thought the length of the suspension was appropriate.  Although I was anticipating a longer suspension, I felt like the league got it right. 

James Harden accidentally hit Metta World Peace with an inadvertent elbow on Wednesday night.  Harden used a behind-the-back dribble to elude World Peace.  While Harden was cutting to the right, he swung his left elbow to balance himself.  The elbow caught World Peace in his face.  There are a lot of people who think this elbow was, at the very least, poetic justice.  If nothing else, it’s strangely ironic.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.

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It was just one day ago that I wrote a story on this same website (1045theteam.com) about New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella being as warm as an iceberg with the media.  Well, Tortorella didn’t show any sign of exactly opening up to the media on Wednesday night.  Following the Rangers 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Tortorella was his normal chilly self with the media.

I don’t have a problem with a coach being short with the media.  However, I do have a problem with a head coach that is simply stubborn to a fault.  Tortorella wasn’t asked any questions that were unfair.  When a reporter asked, “What areas would you like to see better?”  Tortorella said, “I’m going to keep it in the room.”  Huh?  Keep it in the room?  I can understand coaches being secretive to a certain degree, but knowing Tortorella’s history of dealing with the media, his answer wreaks of, “I don’t want to talk to you!”  The man just gave a series of two-word answers.  This isn’t professional at all.  Tortorella is simply being stubborn to a fault.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.

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Wednesday Night Metta Elbow dishes to Steve Blake for a corner 3 and misses the shot. No final chance for Kobe heroics yet no “analysis” no 43 “experts”. No discussion.

Can you say double standard? I can and it is. Sure Kobe has a handful of rings and Lebron has none. Kobe also had Shaq and Lebron had what Verajo and now Bosh when he is not hurt.

Frankly to me the Lebron in depth “analysis” is old, boring, and stupid. It has replaced the old standbye-Does Pete Rose belong in the Hall of Fame topic. A big bore!

The hating on James stuns me. Maybe if he were a thug, had a posse, had been arrested, or beaten up a few woman we wouldn’t have to suffer through such utter pap, but he hasn’t. Man Lebron can’t you just slap a few woman around so we don’t have to deal with endless hours of “duh Lebron is this and that”

I find the Lebron hate to be laughable. The man took less money to play for a better team and knowingly to get less shots. Supposedly American sports fans hate selfishness, hate greed. No they don’t I guess cause Lebron is neither selfish nor greedy.

Lebron should have told the Tv audience he was going to Miami for the schools like others have done. Perhaps then he would catch a break. Hmm doubtful. America and the lame brain talk hosts need a punching bag and since most can’t think for themselves well join the gang and hammer Lebron.

Now if you live in Cleveland I get why you hate lebron. Course you would stay in cold Cleveland instead of sunny Miami. No you wouldn’t but whatever. I get why you are mad. For most everyone else who knows. It’s a join the pack mentality I guess.

Here is what I know. James is a 3 time MVP. he took a Cavs club with a little talent and got them to within 4 wins of a championship. he revived a franchise that was moribound and going no place. He got them to the Eastern Finals and almost the brass ring. Virtually alone in talent with some bit parts around him.

Can and should Lebron be hammered for his sub par performance in a few HUGE games-Yes. His performance against Dallas in the 2011 finals was brutal. But others have had bad championship performances and yet it seems James is HARSHLY hammered and it continues today despite his 3rd MVP. The final play drawn up by the Heat coaching staff didn’t have James involved in the shot. Maybe if he pulled a Pippen and pouted and sat on his duff then the media and fans would cut him slack-No they would say it was the most disgraceful thing ever. Or perhaps he should sit with a headache.

Is Lebron equal to Jordan-No.. Is he Kobe-No.. Is he great-YES!.. Truth be told I can’t root for the Heat as a Knick fan but man I hope James wins his title soon so I don’t have to be bored listening to the radio every time James’s team loses a playoff game

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The New Jersey Devils will be the first to tell you that Madison Square Garden is one of the hardest places to play a road game.  They decided not to let the atmosphere get the best of them.  They got a little redemption and beat the New York Rangers 3-2.

In the second period the Rangers score twice and the game was tied, but a great third quarter performance by Devils goalie Martin Brodeur who blocked 23 shots.  The Rangers took a total of 25 shots, eight of them coming in the third.  The Devils shot 10 on Henrik Lundqvist in the third, and it proved to be the difference maker.

Game three of the Eastern Conference Finals will be Saturday afternoon from New Jersey.

[Via ESPN]

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The Blue Jays (20-18) hammered the Yankees (20-17) on Wednesday night 8-1, Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda got pounded for seven runs on eight hits in his five innings of work making costly mistakes along the way giving up three home runs. The loss dropped Kuroda to 3-5.

The Blue Jays got on the board in the second inning when J.C. Arencibia hit a two run homer, his fourth putting the Jays up 2-0. Arencibia finished the game 3-4 with 2 runs scored. In the third inning Edwin Encarnacion hit a three run home run to straight away center putting the Blue Jays up 5-0. Encarnacion now has 13 home runs and 34 RBI this season. A Kelly Johnson RBI single in the fourth put the Jays up 6-0. Jose Bautista tagged Kuroda in the sixth inning, second deck blast to left field, his ninth. In the seventh the Jays would hit their fourth home run of the night; a Kelly Johnson hit a solo shot off of Clay Rapada.

Blue Jays starter Kyle Drabek was strong in his outing. Drabek pitched seven innings, gave up three hits and one run. The Yankees managed a total of three base hits; however two of those were career milestones.

Robinson Cano’s double in the sixth inning was the 300^th of his career. Following Cano’s double, Mark Teixeira drove him in with an RBI single. It was Teixeira’s 1500^th career base hit.

The Yankees will play the Blue Jays again tomorrow. Phil Hughes (3-4 5.50) starts for the Yankees, Drew Hutchison (2-1 5.53) for the Blue Jays. Pregame starts at 6:30, first pitch at 7:07 right here on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.

This is the fist of the Legendary Pierce Brix.

If you’re one of the millions of Giants faithful (with an unlimited data package), then you need to download the free GoldRun app and check this thing out. As Giants Senior VP Michael Stevens put it; “Giants fans are the best fans in the world and a tremendous part of our success…[this is] a cool way of allowing all Big Blue fans, whether they’re local or abroad, to experience this special moment.” Not only can you floss out the newest bling, but you can also try the Giants other 3 rings on for size. It is undoubtedly the best app to hit the market since that one that makes a bunch of different fart sounds. That app is hilarious.

In a related story, an unidentified source, not close to the Jets organization has confirmed that the Jets will not be releasing a similar app, because, as he said, “the Jets never win Super Bowls.” Unfortunate for Jets fans, but at least those green and white Tebow jerseys are officially on sale, and they look sharp.

Branded Pictures

“Crooked Arrows” is a sports movie in the tradition of classics such as “The Mighty Ducks,” “Hoosiers,” and “Bend it Like Beckham.” The film follows a Native American high school team as they compete in the Prep School League against better equipped and trained players. Led by newly anointed head coach Joe Logan, the Crooked Arrows learn about their heritage as Native American lacrosse players, and take their new-found potential to the state championship against Coventry Academy.

The Thompsons, who are current student-athletes on the UAlbany lacrosse team, are featured in the film as players on the Crooked Arrows squad. Brothers Miles and Lyle are members of the Onondaga Nation, while cousin Ty is a member of Mohawk Nation, both of which have several representatives in the film. Former Great Dane Mike Banks, a 2011 graduate of UAlbany, makes an appearance as a player on the Coventry Academy team.

More information about the film can be found at www.crookedarrows.com. Check out the trailer below.

The preceding information was provided by Brianna LaBrecque, Interim Director of Athletic Communications for UAlbany.

YouTube

 Charles Barkley has been routinely bragging about his slimmed-down physique on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”  Barkley has been endorsing Weight Watchers for months now.  He has been able to shed a lot of weight.  Barkley’s bragging eventually led to a “Shirt Off” competition between Sir Charles and Shaquille O’Neal to prove whose body is slimmer.

Shaq clearly won the competition, but the Big Diesel dipped into his bag of tricks to make his appearance look even better.  Shaq had a six pack painted onto his stomach to make his abs look even more chiseled.  It was a very funny move by Shaq.  You could tell right away that Shaq’s abs were artificially enhanced.  The TNT staff just gets it.  They know that they are not just talking hoops.  They fully understand that they are providing entertainment.  Good stuff.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.