$10,000,000 Lawsuit for Sleeping? (This guy's nuts)

     Back on April 12th the Yankees were playing the Red Sox.  Big rivalry, huh?  One of those games that regardless of how good or bad the teams are, is always great to watch just because of all the bad blood between the two teams.  It's one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.  Well at least one fan didn't think so.  During the live broadcast of the game one of the cameras caught a less than enthusiastic fan sleeping during the fourth inning.  Here's a link if you haven't seen it.      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FDrcWTSczs
     This was funny and all while it happened, but the real joke is what happened a couple days ago.  This guy sued ESPN and MLB for not $1,000, $100,000, or $1,000,000, but $10,000,000 - ten million dollars!  And for what did he sue?  Because the announcers unleashed an "avalanche of disparaging words against him", which led to "substantial injury to his character and reputation" and "mental anguish."  Are you serious?
     I find so many things wrong with this that I don't really know where to start.  How about the fact that he waited three whole months to sue.  Why wait so long?  Did he expect everyone just to up and forget about it?
     Here's my personal biggest issue with what this guy did.  Before the lawsuit, everyone just makes a joke about how it was funny that a guy was sleeping.  No one could really tell who this guy was, just that he was sleeping Yankees guy.  But now, thanks to his dumb lawsuit, the whole world knows who this guy is.  In case you didn't know, he's 26 year old Andrew Rector.  Congrats, genius - now everyone will know who you are.
     Here's another point (and far from the last I've got).  Why, if you want to be out of the news, do you make such a ridiculous and unwarranted lawsuit?  He sued for being shown on TV, and now all he just did was put him all over the TV and the internet, now for an even worse reason than sleeping at a baseball game.
     Do I need to bring up how much money he sued for again?  Oh yeah, TEN MILLION.  Maybe a few of his friends made some jokes, but really?  He claims to be criticized and harassed everywhere he goes.  Now, three months later, we're supposed to believe his life is a living hell?  I wouldn't've thought it was even three days after the incident.  Why on Earth does this guy need so much money?  I can't really think of anything that could've happened that would warrant him suing for near that much money.
     Now on to the actual reasons he doesn't have a case.  First of all, the commentators made a few jokes, but no real foul language was used and there was no bad intentions.  Seriously, there really wasn't anything mean said on air, it was more shock from the announcers that a fan at a Yanks-Sox game could be sleeping through a game.  The announcers make more sense than Rector.  Who does sleep at a baseball game?  I know baseball can seem like a boring sport on TV, but it's not bad to watch in a stadium.  Just the fact that this guy could've slept through a homer is enough to make any baseball fan a little sick to his stomach.
     By the way, the real legal issue here is that when you buy a ticket you consent to potentially having your actions in captured on camera and potentially shown on TV.  That alone destroys any possible bits of an argument this guy has.
ESPN has released a statement saying there is no merit to any of the claims stated in the lawsuit which officially lists the defendant as Major League Baseball.
     I'm going to finish with a few more claims of what Proctor says the announcer called him. Apparently, he was described as not worthy to be a Yankees fan, a fat cow, a symbol of failure, and a confused individual that doesn't understand baseball or the Yanks-Sox rivalry. Try to find any of that in the video. Basically, this guy needs some serious help if he believes this one minute video is worthy of a ten million dollar lawsuit. It surprises me that his lawyer and mother both defend his side of this story. 

Thanks for reading,
Connor

Brazil vs. Germany HALFTIME Reaction: Oh. My. God.

     I am writing this during halftime.  I have fifteen minutes to try to express to you how confused I am, how excited I am, and what has just happened.  Disclaimer: this could get crazy.
     This kind of game comes once in a lifetime.  I don't think I am wrong when I say that this is the most unexpected result in World Cup history.  Forget leaving with pride, there's just no chance.  Brazil has fallen flat, and the losses of Neymar, but more importantly Thiago Silva, who is serving his yellow card ban, has destroyed this team.  In their own country, they have been completely thrashed.  Destroyed.  Killed.  Made to look like fools.  This Brazilian team came out unprepared, and resembled a group of elementary schoolers who schoolyard picked a team during recess.  If you would've told me this group had never played with each other or even met each other before, I would believe you.  I do not hesitate to say that I believe the worst ranked team in FIFA, Turks and Caicos, would be playing much, much better.
     From the first second of this game you could tell something was very, very wrong.  Brazil was disorganized, giving up the ball every time they touched it.  Germany had came prepared, fierce, and were by all means ready to play the best game of their lives.  Germany's best game was paired with Brazil's worst.  Take any game either team has played and make Germany better and Brazil worse.  I'm not sure what is to blame for Brazil's catastrophic meltdown.  Luiz Felipe Scolari is going to have to give some kind of crazy halftime speech just to keep the deficit at five goals, a goal difference that any team would be embarrassed to see.
     There are incredible statistics to show how insane this is.  Brazil hadn't allowed 5 goals in an entire World Cup since 1998.  They hadn't lost a competitive match in Brazil since 1975.  The last time someone scored 5 goals in a semis match was in 1958.  Germany just did that in 30 minutes.
     The first goal was a perfectly executed corner kick from Thomas Muller.  Then I blinked.  Then Miroslav Klose made a good run to get into position in the center of the box.  Julio Cesar saved the shot, but parried it right back to Klose, who then scored his sixteenth all-time World Cup goal.  By the way, congrats on a historic achievement Klose.  After that it absolutely fell apart.  I blinked, a goal.  I blinked, another goal.  Brazil just gave up.  It was miserable to watch, and I felt genuinely terrible for the players, fans, everyone.  Losing two great players makes a difference, but nothing anywhere near this.  Germany just kept piling on the pressure, and they kept scoring.
     It was a ruthless performance from the Germans, and the faces on the Brazilian players and fans are each worth much more than a thousand words.  The total disappointment, heartbreak, shock, and confusion perfectly tells the story of this match so far, and anyone who has watched the game (over 2 billion people I would guess) can agree with me.
     There are so many words I can use to describe this match.  Romp, domination, destruction, and annihilation are just a few.  There is no excuse for carelessly giving the ball away in perfect position for Germany to score.  Germany played great, but Brazil didn't provide any resistance.  They just sat back and got dominated.
     If any Brazilians are reading this, I am sorry.  This has been a horrible half, and for you and your country's sakes, I hope they can somehow turn this around.

Thanks for reading,
Connor

World Cup Semis Predictions

     There are only four teams left in the World Cup, and the next two matches will decide who gets to play for the title.  All four teams are definitely qualified and worthy of reaching this position, but two of them will have their dream cut painfully short of the final goal.  Here's who I think advances and reaches the final step in the journey.
     Brazil vs. Germany:  Both of these teams have been dominant, only drawing one game and winning four.  Of course the main headline going into this game is the loss of Neymar, the star striker leading the Brazilian attack.  Replacing him may be Jo, who had an underwhelming performance as a substitute against Chile.  However, Brazil is much more than just one player, which is why this loss doesn't change my opinion of the game.  The only problem now is that I didn't have Brazil winning to begin with.  Germany is the best team in the world in my opinion, and I love how they are stacked all the way from goalkeeper to striker, even if they go without a striker on occasion.  I say Brazil scores on a set piece, but Germany's attacking build up proves too much, maybe even netting Miroslav Klose the goal he needs to set the all time record.  Germany 2 - Brazil 1.
     Argentina vs. Netherlands: Out of all the teams remaining, the Netherlands is definitely the one people least expected to be here, despite their finals appearance in 2010.  Arjen Robben, despite his questionable flopping, has definitely proven his self as one of the best dribblers in the world.  They definitely made headlines by substituting Tim Krul for the penalty shootout, which is the first time in the World Cup a goalie has been brought on for penalties.  He did his job, saving two penalties, the same amount he's saved in his last twenty tries for Newcastle.  Regardless, they moved on in a 0-0 game against Costa Rica.  On the other hand, Messi set up a play that led to Gonzalo Higuain scoring the only goal of their game against Belgium, knocking out the dark horses.  Messi is now only two games away from going down as one of the all-time greats, winning a World Cup.  This game will be incredible, and I'm having a tough time calling it.  My money's on Argentina though, regardless of how it happens.  Argentina 1 - Netherlands 0.

World Cup Quarterfinals Predictions

     I tell you what, this is when things get really interesting, as if they weren't already.  In the round of 16 we saw five games go to extra time and two go so far as penalty kicks.  In the end, though, every team that won their group defeated a second place team to advance to the quarterfinals, one step closer to their goal, a mere three games away from winning the World Cup.  Each of the eight nations remaining will have to leave everything on the pitch and play the best games of their lives to go down  in the history books.  Here's who I think succeeds and advances to the semifinals.
    Netherlands vs Costa Rica: I think it's absolutely incredible how Costa Rica has made it this far.  Winning their group, and then beating Greece after going down a man.  This team was seriously underrated entering the World Cup.  Then again, so was Netherlands.  They've score 12 goals in their four games so far, and were able to snag a win against Mexico in stoppage time.  It's been a remarkable performance from Costa Rica but they don't have the star power to go past the Netherlands.  Netherlands 2, Costa Rica 0
     Brazil vs Colombia:  This will be a heck of a game.  Colombia has played arguably better than any other team so far in this World Cup.  Brazil, on the other hand, has been disappointing in my opinion, drawing Mexico and nearly losing to Chile.  James Rodriguez will be required to have another fantastic game to continue Colombia's run, and I think he has it in him.  Watch out, it could be all over for the hosts.  Colombia 2, Brazil 1
     Argentina vs Belgium:  In my opinion this is the best quarterfinals match, because it sees two teams that have won every game they've played in the World Cup, and contains two teams that are among the top 4 in odds at the moment.  Messi has been fantastic in this World Cup, but no one has been better after the 70th minute than Belgium, who have scored all six of their goals late in matches.  This one is a toss up.  Players like De Bruyne and Origi have led a great Belgian attack (the US certainly fell victim to it), and Belgium have only allowed two goals (one due to a penalty kick).  Be ready for an amazing show here.  Argentina 1, Belgium 1 (Argentina on PKs)
     Germany vs France:  Germany survived their rematch from 1982 with Algeria, but it took over 90 minutes before Andre Schurrle could save the day.  A French team that likes to score were held for most of their match with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but like Germany put on a late show to take control.  Here in my opinion is where France really misses their big stars Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri, who aren't participating in the World Cup.  Germany 2, France 1

Thanks for reading,
Connor
 

Recap Special: Jimmy Graham, NBA Free Agency, World Cup, Wimbledon

     This is going to be a crazy post.  Essentially, a lot has happened over the past few days, and I mean a lot.  Instead of sticking to one sport, I'm going to run down what's happened across the World of sport, and what I think about all of it.
     First off is an update on a post I did a couple weeks back over Jimmy Graham and his lawsuit against the NFL.  It turns out that Jimmy Graham lost his suit, and will be paid as a tight end in his franchise tag, losing him five million dollars.  I understand completely why the NFL won, but as I said in the original article, http://toplevelsports.blogspot.com/2014/06/perspectives-jimmy-grahams-position.html, I don't believe their argument is strong enough.  Yes he was drafted as a tight end, but sometimes NBA players transition from say small forward to power forward while they're in the league, and can demand money for their salaries that teams can choose to pay or not to sign that player.  In response, Jordan Cameron of the Browns has changed his twitter bio from tight end to pass catcher.  I think this is hilarious, but a good idea if he eventually attempts to become a wide receiver, he might have a better chance than Graham.  Apparently, the fact that Graham was drafted as a tight end, his twitter page, and the fact that he attends tight end meetings all had to do with the decision.  Again, read my previous post if you want to know my full response to this.  Basically, I disagree with the decision.
     In other news, Kiko Alonso has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the 2014 season.  This is heartbreaking for the Bills, as he was an amazing player last year especially early on in the season.  Could this loss mean yet another 6-10 season for the Bills?  It seems likely...
     In terms of the NBA's free agency, there have been some real conflicting stories.  Apparently, the Miami Heat believe they can re-sign all of the big 3 and still have over 10 million in cap space remaining.   Wade and Bosh in this scenario are happy taking pay cuts limiting their salaries to around 12 million.  However, LeBron wants a max contract, Bosh wants 5 years, 80 million, and Wade isn't content with a pay cut either.  At least says another report.  I don't think the Heat can sign all three players again and still have enough money to build any kind of team around them.  It is now seeming increasingly more likely in my mind that Wade is the only big 3 member to return to Miami for the next season.  LeBron could easily go to Cleveland, and possibly the Clippers or Rockets, although both of those seem like long shots.
     In addition, it seems like Carmelo is destined for Chicago.  Chicago has shown Melo all the facilities and training groups, and they seem like a hand in glove fit.  Chicago could be building a super team.  The Rockets also want a peace of Melo, however, and are making a strong push for the Knicks star.  The only problem with that is that putting Carmelo in a Rockets #7 jersey has angered their actual #7, Jeremy Lin.
      Gortat has remained with the Wizards, which is great for them.  Gortat has become one of the best centers in the league, and along with John Wall they could become a playoff contender soon.
     Another big man needing a home is Pau Gasol.  I'm hearing that the Heat would love him at center, but that the Thunder are also looking for the aging big man, who in recent years has become inferior in production compared to his brother Marc.  Over the next few days, hopefully all these stories will become a bit clearer.
     The World Cup round of 16 matches were better than anyone could have anticipated.  With the exception of the Colombia-Uruguay game, every single game was tight and great to watch.  Tomorrow will be my quarterfinals preview, so right now I'm going to give a quick reaction to every round of 16 game.  The catch?  I'm limiting myself to fifteen words for each game.
     Brazil vs Chile: South American clash, Luiz header hero, Sanchez strikes, Intense penalty shootout, Pinilla misses, Brazil survives.
     Colombia vs Urugay: No more Suarez, James Rodriguez wonder goal, Uruguay deflated, No contest late, Crazy quarterfinal match upcoming.
     Mexico vs Netherlands: El Tri attacks early, Dos Santos scores, Unbearable heat, Sneijder beastly, controversial penalty, Mexican heartbreak.
     Costa Rica vs. Greece: Unexpected matchup, Costa Rica miracle run, Red card, Greece seizes chance late, Fails in penalties
     France vs. Nigeria: Strong performance from Super Eagles, Scoreless duel until late, Pogba scores, seals deal for French
     Germany vs. Algeria: Rematch of 1982 controversy, Tight game, Schurrle hero, Algeria comeback short, No record for Klose.
     Argentina vs. Switzerland: di Maria attacks, strong Swiss defense, extra time thriller, Messi big assist, almost went penalties.
     USA vs Belgium:  Tim Howard = God, Belgium dominates midfield, extra time breakthrough, attempted comeback, Defense dooms Howard
     Wimbledon has been going on, and it's been an exciting tournament thus far.  Serena Williams was forced to retire due to an illness in doubles, and lost in singles, and other top competitors Li Na and Maria Sharapova also lost early in the tournament.  On the men's side, the top story was Nick Kyrgios, a rookie 19-year old Australian, beating Rafael Nadal, the #2 player in the world.  I love these kind of stories, because it gives you a good look at the future of the sport, and these quality wins can really launch careers.  Now left in the mens draw are #1 Novak Djokovic, #13 Grigor Dimitrov, #4 Roger Federer, and #8 Milos Raonic (who defeated Kyrgios today).  This will be a great chance for Federer to get one last major win before he retires, and is great for everyone remaining as Nadal and Andy Murray are out of the tournament.  The women's side is even crazier with #3, 6, 13, and 23 remaining, so there's a real chance for a surprise winner on that side.
     With a lot of games going on right now, especially in the World Cup and Wimbledon, the next week promises to be a very exciting one.

      Thanks for reading,
      Connor