The Score Buzz

Reacting to Rivers

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:27:30 -0500

Sometimes, watching people watch sports is just as much fun as actually watching sports. If you don't believe me, take a look at this guy watching last night's UNC-Duke game.

His housemates presumably knew that he was a huge Duke fan, because they were smart enough to have the camera phone rolling during the final minutes of the game. They weren't disappointed. In fact, they were rewarded with this somewhat confusing quote about Austin Rivers:

"He's got huge balls, and a huge dick! A huge dick!"

I understand that ball-size is often used as a metaphor, but I'm not sure how having a Ron Jeremy-like wang makes you a better basketball player.

(Via Sports Grid)

RetroBuzz: Extreme Women

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:46:37 -0500

This week, RetroBuzz looks at the ways in which ECW made wrestling awesome again.

WWE may have introduced the concept of the Diva, and the name "Diva," but in many ways, the ladies of ECW — and I use the term ladies rather loosely — beat the '90s Divas at their own game. Sure, Sunny, Debra, Tori and Sable were hot, but they were also kind of stand-offish and inaccessible.

The women of the ECW were like the slightly hotter, slightly sluttier older sisters of the girls you knew. In reality, they were still several stratospheres out of reach for a greasy teenage wrestling fan from Scarborough, but they didn't seem as untouchable as the Divas, and perception is important. You could totally picture Francine taking off her earrings and fighting another girl in the parking lot of a donut shop, Beulah letting you grope her in your buddy's basement, and Sunny's post-rehab alter-ego, Tammy Lynn Sytch, inviting you to go smoke a joint by the ravine. The women of ECW were pretty much my dream girls from ages 15-18.

That, and they briefly had a real, actual porn star on the roster, which was so cool it caused my brain to explode.

Rivers' Game Winning Buzzer Beater

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:32:13 -0500

If you didn't catch Rivalry Week action on theScore last night then you missed an amazing game between Duke and UNC. UNC built a big lead in the second half while Tyler Zeller was hitting everything. He would also register an own-basket before the Tar Heels collapsed late in the second half.

It would come down to the final shot of the game, and Austin Rivers would top off a 29-point performance with a game winning buzzer beater for the one point win.

Drunk Norwegian 'On Thin Ice'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:08:06 -0500

Stop me if you've heard this one before. A Norwegian man straps on some skates and heads out on some dangerously thin ice; he purposely stumbles around open cracks in said ice all the while swilling Vikingfjord vodka. He gets drunk enough to dunk his head into the freezing water beneath the surface and eventually strips down to his skivvies for an intentional full body immersion into the lake.

(Via The Daily What)

Morning Link Dump

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:17:26 -0500

Obligatory Sports Babe

Continuing on with our theme of 'women from New York to honour the Giants' Super Bowl win', we have a gander at 80s and 90s mega babe Brooke Shields. Shields was born in New York City in 1965, which is all the criteria necessary to win a spot as a Score Buzz OSB. She also told Tom Cruise off once after he criticized her for using anti-depressants to help her with postpartum depression. That guy's a dick weed, so thanks Brooke!

Today's Sports Birthday

Former Major League Baseball player John Kruk turns 51-years old today. Kruk, a three-time all-star, holds a career batting average of .300 and a very impressive career OBP of .397. Good eye in there, batter.

Kruk's career was cut short due to knee injuries, but he played for three teams (San Diego, Philadelphia, Chicago White Sox) over the course of his ten seasons. He currently works as an analyst for ESPN.

Quotable

Here's one for the ages. Former Major League pitcher Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd admitted that he often pitched under the influence of cocaine. How often? Well, according to Boyd, he pitched as many as 2/3 of his starts on the drug. Here's an excerpt from Boyd's interview with WBZ NewsRadio 1030, via CBS Boston:

“Oh yeah, at every ballpark. There wasn’t one ballpark that I probably didn’t stay up all night, until four or five in the morning, and the same thing is still in your system.

Some of the best games I’ve ever, ever pitched in the major leagues I stayed up all night; I’d say two-thirds of them. If I had went to bed, I would have won 150 ballgames in the time span that I played. I feel like my career was cut short for a lot of reasons, but I wasn’t doing anything that hundreds of ball players weren’t doing at the time; because that’s how I learned it.

I never had a drug test as long as I played baseball. I was told that, yeah, if you don’t stop doing this we’re going to put you into rehab, and I told them (expletive) that (expletive). I’m going to do what I have to do, I have to win ball games. We’ll talk about that in the offseason, right now I have to win ball games.”

Suddenly Josh Beckett eating fried chicken and drinking beer in the clubhouse doesn't seem so bad. Cocaine, it's a hell of a drug...

Front Paging

Quickly

Must read of the day: Jonah Keri on the disappearance of the spitball. (Grantland)

ESPN's 'complain about women' option exposed. (Mashable)

Kendrick Perkins, who I routinely accidentally refer to as Sam, says LeBron James is "always looking for attention". (TBJ)

Basketball coach complains about high school girls' team wearing pink uniforms as part of cancer fundraiser. (Omaha.com by way of Hot Clicks)

Rodney Harrison says Rob Gronkowski disrespected himself with post-Super Bowl partying. (Pro Football Talk)

Peyton Manning has a noodle arm. (GLS)

A field guide to Memphis football and Memphis Memphising. (EDSBS)

Video

Gronkowski's partying gets the Jersey Shore treatment, just like it should:

(Via Sweater Punch)

Will Ferrell Intros Bulls-Hornets

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:26:26 -0500

Will Ferrell

RetroBuzz: Awesome Gimmicks

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:22:11 -0500

This week, RetroBuzz is dedicated to the genius that was ECW.

ECW was really ahead of the curve when it came to using pop culture to fuel its gimmicks. In the 1990s, there was a moral panic over gangsta rap, a bunch of dirty guys from Seattle wearing flannel shirts, and a sudden resurgeance in marijuana use following the Just Say No '80s. ECW put these things through the filter that was Paul Heyman's brain, and The Gangstas, Raven and Rob Van Dam.

That said, not all of the ECW's gimmicks were that clued in. Al Snow, for example, thought of the "head" angle after finding an abandoned mannequin head in the street, and the Full Blooded Italians were basically just a joke that got out of hand.

Athlete Vanity Plates

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:31:22 -0500

SI.com has compiled a series of photos highlighting several athletes' vanity plates in light of Denver Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno's DUI arrest earlier this month. Moreno was stopped after police clocked him going 70 in a 45mph zone... while cruising around with a license plate that reads "SAUCED".

I've always been of the belief that the only people who used vanity plates were people who either loved themselves too much, or loved their car too much. It's probably a little from column A and a little from column B for any star athletes who feel it necessary to attach a sobriquet to their plates.

Head over to Sports Illustrated for a complete gallery, but here are a few notables from the set and our own alternative vanity plate suggestions:

Michael Irvin's 'PLY MKR'

Alternative suggestions: 'SCISSORS', 'COCAINE', 'PROS JOES'

Eric Montross' 'TARHEELS'

Alternative suggestions: 'GO BLUELOL', '9 OVERALL'

Marge Schott's 'MARGE'

Alternative suggestions: 'RACISM', 'HITLER', 'SMOKES'

(Ed. note: yes, we're aware many of our suggestions would not fit on a license plate.)

Bradying: The New Tebowing

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:47:19 -0500

Poor Tim Tebow. Tom Brady didn't just end his season, he may have also ended his career as a pop culture icon.

Bradying has become the new Tebowing. Where Tebowing involved striking a pose that looked like a cross between reflective prayer and a post-gym mirror flex — effectively putting the muscular in muscular Christianity — Bradying involves looking oddly like a disused marionette. To Brady, you sit legs spread, hands in your lap, head down, looking like the shame is just too much for you to handle.

If you're confused, there's a website.

(Via Sports Grid)

Bad Cards: Brian Hunter Base Thief

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:23:07 -0500

Every Wednesday we'll be highlighting some of the ugliest, funniest, and error-ridden sports cards of both past and present. Today we will revisit Brian Hunter's 15-minutes of fame as an elite base stealer.

A quick scan over Brian Hunter's Major League career numbers reveals little more than the obvious truth: he wasn't much of a hitter. There's his underwhelming career OBP mark of .313, a wimpy .660 OPS, feeble power numbers and sub-par batting average numbers... but man, the dude could run.

Hunter led the American League in stolen bases twice in his career. He swiped 74 bags in 1997 with the Detroit Tigers, and piled up 44 steals between Detroit and Seattle in 1999. For his efforts, Hunter was summoned to pose with two bases under his arms while sporting a Zorro mask for Topps' Chrome set in 1999.

The Tigers traded Hunter to the Mariners in April of 1999, not too long after this card first surfaced.

(Via Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius)

Party with LeBron & Floyd

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:42:13 -0500

If you're going to be in Orlando for the All-Star weekend – the Jones, I'm looking at you – and want to get withing sniffing distance of greatness, as well as arrogance and in the case of Mayweather, possibly psychosis, drop by The Ballroom Church Street for the official LeBron James and Floyd Mayweather All-Star party.

Why does Floyd Mayweather have an All-Star party? I'm not sure, but Jay-Z's tour DJ will also be in attendance, so that's something.

Just be warned, the party ends at 3:00 AM, which means LeBron stop being good around 1:15.

(Via Black Sports Online)

Great Players, "Wrong" Uniforms

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:46:22 -0500

Pete Rose Rock.

FAIL: Canadian Hammer Toss

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:14:00 -0500

It's been a while since we've posted a good FAIL video, but our Canadian hammer tossing hero here should satiate any appetite for such visual stimulation.

It's unlikely we'll see this guy at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. His Canadian sweater here really does it for me.

(Via Sweater Punch)

Morning Link Dump

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:57:41 -0500

Obligatory Sports Babe

Our tribute to the lovely ladies of the Big Apple, in celebration of the Giants big win on Sunday, takes a turn for the retro this morning.

Phoebe Cates was born into a New York showbiz family in 1963. She was a major-league sex symbol in the early-to-mid '80s, thanks in large part to one scene in 1982's Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Even now, at 48, she's still pretty hot. She's married to actor Kevin Kline, who isn't gay, but I keep thinking that he is because he played a really convincing, hilarious gay character in a movie once.

Anyway, here she is in her Reagan-era prime.

Today's Sports Birthday

Football player-turned-street fighter-turned-MMA fighter-turned boxer Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson turns 38 today. I'm sure he'll spend the day planning his next career move. I'd like to suggest lion taming, if I may.

Quotable

Apparently hot girls can be creepy, too, they just have to work at it. Eli Manning's security wouldn't let '90s sex symbol Sarah Michelle Gellar speak to the QB when the two were both guests on Letterman on Monday night. Here's what Buffy had to say:

"His security wouldn't let me near him. It was weird. I was trying, like 'No, really. I'm just a big fan.' I think that's where I went wrong."

Listen, Eli, let me speak to you as a man of approximately the same age. You need to fire those security guys. You were just minutes away from having all your high school dreams come true, and they kiboshed it out of concern for your "safety."

That's not cool.

(Via Deadspin)

Quickly

Online pawn shop Pawngo sent 1000s of Butterfingers to Boston's Copley Square, along with a sign reading "Thank you Wes Welker." (Black Sports Online)

The Pats have re-signed wide receiver and hair model Tiquan Underwood just days after cutting him. (MTR Media)

Tom Brady's teammates are less-than-pleased with statements from the QBs model wife, Gisele Bundchen, blaming them for the Patriots Super Bowl loss. (Pro Football Talk)

Las Vegas sports books wound up being up a collective $5 million as a result of the Giants victory. (Larry Brown Sports)

Congratulations to Ricky Williams on fulfilling a lifelong dream and retiring from professional football. (SB Nation)

Front Paging

(Via Newseum)

Video

This isn't related to anything. It just makes me laugh.

Barlow Posterizes Sullinger

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:42:58 -0500

6'5" Purdue guard Kelsey Barlow threw down a monster dunk over 6'9" Ohio State forward Jared Sullinger tonight in Columbus. You would think that Barlow, and not Sullinger, is projected to be a top-10 selection in the upcoming 2012 NBA Draft after seeing this posterizing dunk:

H/T: Rant Sports

"Gotta Have Peyton"

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:56:51 -0500

One Tennesee Titans fan wants the Titans to sign Peyton Manning so badly, that they made a parody song of George Michael's "Faith", and titled it "Gotta Have Peyton":

There's so many things that I could say about that video, but I'm having trouble putting them into words right now because my head hurts so much after seeing that.

H/T: Sweater Punch

Super Bowl XLVI Gets Animated

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:03:38 -0500

As we knew would happen, Super Bowl XLVI got the Taiwanese animation treatment. I have to say that it may be my favorite NMA video yet, which is really saying something.

Behold this masterpiece:

Everything about that recap was spot-on!

Want more NMA Super Bowl XLVI-related material? Check out their "Viagra Doritos" Super Bowl ad.

PGA 13: Tiger Legacy Challenge

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:35:44 -0500

I have to admit, although I think enticing gamers with an opportunity to re-create Tiger Woods' career is like begging for mockery, the Tiger Legacy Challenge mode in EA Sports' upcoming Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 looks pretty cool.

The latest instalment in the PGA franchise will allow gamers to "relive Tiger's most memorable golf accomplishments", which will include beginning your campaign as a two-year old Woods whacking balls in the backyard. The goal is to work your way to Woods' adulthood while chasing that elusive 19th major.

Here's clip via Joystiq:

The sordid happenings of Tiger's life off the course are, obviously, not be something that you'll have a chance to play out in the game.

Here are some in-depth details on Tiger Legacy Challenge, via EA.com:

Tiger Legacy Challenge lets you relive Tiger’s most memorable golf accomplishments as he rises from a child prodigy to a golfing legend. Revisit each era of Tiger’s career, from his Toddler Years practicing in his backyard, to his first television appearance on The Mike Douglas Show, thru his epic victories at the Masters. Play through and complete each era to unlock bonus in game content.

Toddler Years - The first era includes events from Tiger’s childhood in the late 70’s, which introduces players to the new swing mechanics found in Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 13. During these events, you will play as Tiger between the ages of 2-6.

Early Years – This era takes place between 1983 and 1986 between the ages of 7-10. You'll participate in some of Tiger's first golf tournaments including the Junior World Championship.

Junior Years – Takes place between 1988 and 1991 at the ages of 12-15 and showcases Tiger winning each age group of the Junior World Golf Championships. These events incorporate various audio distractions while playing, which Tiger’s father used in real life to help him train and hone his skills.

Amateur Years – This era focuses on Tiger at the ages of 18-20 and includes accomplishments during his Amateur golf career such as the U.S. Amateur Championships, his first trip to the Masters Tournament, and College Invitational.

Rookie Years – Between the ages 21 and 22,this era encompasses Tiger’s first two years on the PGA TOUR, as well as his first major win at the Masters, his first President’s Cup, signing with EA SPORTS, and hitting a hole in one at TPC Scottsdale on the famous hole 16.

Tiger Slam – Arguably one of Tiger’s most memorable accomplishments to date, this era focuses on his career between 2000 and 2001 at the ages of 24 and 25, when he won four majors in a row. It also includes a challenge to match Tiger’s snaking putt at the 2001 Players Championship on the 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass.

Pro Years – The Professional Years include accomplishments between 2002 and 2008 such as various major wins, famous shots (2005 chip-in at Masters), and winning the FedEx Cup.

Present Day – This era includes current events such as the 2010 Ryder Cup, 2011 Presidents Cup, and the beginning of fictional events that lead up to the ultimate goal of winning 19 majors.

Future – This section includes major events that are in the future such as the 2014 U.S. Open at Valhalla and the 2015 British Open at St. Andrews.

Record Books – The last era will end with Tiger chasing his 19th major on his way to breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 is set to drop on March 27th in North America.

(Via Kotaku)

Viagra Doritos

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:30:48 -0500

No, that's not a Mad Lib. That's the product being hawked in NMA's fictional Super Bowl ad that never aired.

At least, I think it's a fictional product. I hope it is. You never know what they're releasing in Taiwan.

Can you imagine if you thought you were buying Cool Ranch and grabbed a bag of Viagra by accident? That would be a great premise for either and adult film or a Benny Hill sketch. (Seriously, why has no one picked up where Benny Hill left off? That man was a comedic genius.)

Jock Music: Giants Music

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:51:16 -0500

Jock Music looks at all the places where sports and music intersect.

Less than 48 hours after their Super Bowl victory, two different New York hip-hop artists have released musical tributes to the New York Giants. Fast-rising Bad Boy signee French Montana released a Giants-themed remix of his hit "Shot Caller," while golden era veteran LL Cool J teamed up with mash-up godfather DJ Z-Trip to release a song called "Super Baller."

As much as I want to root for the young, current artist, there's just no comparison. It's not that French's song is bad, it's fine. It's just kind of half-assed. He took a beat and chorus that was already succesful, then wrote a few football references and Eli Manning shout outs into his existing bars. I like the original version of "Shot Callers," so it makes sense that I also like the Giants version. That said, it's basically just an easy way to spin a few more viral views out of an existing single.

LL and Z-Trip, on the other hand, have taken the Fox Sports theme, laced it overtop of a snare and hi-hat and topped the whole thing off with some of L's best punchlines in a decade. It's a unique song that makes an entertaining use of an well-known sample and has some solid bars. It is, in short, an actual song, where French's effort is basically just a verse and a chorus.