A “Tribute” to Mike Goldberg

UFC 100 is just a few days away. It is a truly monumental achievement for the MMA organization that started off with so much criticism and had plenty of public outcry. I’ve been watching UFC for 5-6 years but the last 2-3 years I’ve been watching intently and I think it’s superior to boxing as far as combat. I’m pretty much hooked on watching UFC and WEC and wish the best for this Saturday’s big event.

But we aren’t here to talk about that.

The date was December 21st, 1997.

UFC Japan was not only the first UFC event to be held outside of the USA, but it was the debut of the man on the left side of the picture, Mike Goldberg, the play-by-play man you’ve come to know and sorta tolerate. The days of Bruce Beck were over, and the era of the hyper, over-the-top voice of the Octagon had begun.

From that point on Goldberg has been ringside for nearly every UFC event. I for one, salute Mr. Goldberg for his hard work and extensive knowledge of a highly complicated sport.

Without his expertise and inside information I would have never heard of the likes of Carl Uno and Diego Alves. During UFC 84 when Wanderlei “The Axe Murderer” Silva knocked out Keith Jardine, the knowledge-drunk Goldberg pulled out the obvious fact that “The Iceman” was back to his winning ways, and apparently Wanderlei had just changed his nickname. Jens “Lil’ Evil” Pulver? Pssh, Goldberg knows it’s “Lil’ Eagle” as evidenced in Jens’ bout against John Lewis.

Goldberg’s pretend mastery of the English language is incomparable. I never get tired of hearing you say “30 seconds remains” for every fight (assuming it actually gets to 30 seconds). I’m fully aware of how precise Anderson Silva’s precision is. It was surprising to me when I found out in UFC 62 that “dislike” was an adjective! And name me another announcer in MMA today that talks about two pound REACH advantages?

It’s quite clear that Goldie also has a firm grasp of basic analogies, similes, and metaphors. I mean, who can beat “Tito Ortiz taking a book out of Chuck Liddell’s chapter”? Stroke of genius!

I personally believe Joe Rogan feels completely inferior to Goldie to the point where he needlessly corrects him, like the time when Goldberg stated that Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s KO punch of Wanderlei Silva was the same one used to KO Chuck Liddell, and Rogan rudely said it was not the case. Okay so Rogan was right but Goldberg knows what he’s talking about!

Perhaps the best part of Goldberg’s announcing style is his signature call, which for the last several years has yet to change. No matter the reason, circumstance, or style, as long as it ends in a TKO or submission, Goldberg always yells out “AND IT IS ALL OVER!!!!!!!! [FIGHTER A] HAS [VERB] [FIGHTER B]!!!”

Of course it does change up when it is a title fight, then you’ll get “AND IT IS ALL OVER!!!!!!!! [FIGHTER A] IS THE UFC [WEIGHT CLASS] CHAMPION!!!!”

Sometimes he’ll say it’s all over TWICE just in case you weren’t paying attention.

I haven’t even mentioned his determination to finish reading off his cue card while there is something major occurring in the ring (see Randy Couture vs. Tim Sylvia in UFC 68). That’s a true corporate man for you. Forget about the knockdown that wrongly interrupted your movie promo ordeal, you finish that sucker no matter what!!!

Nearly 12 years of Mark Goldman, and it can only get more better as the years surge ahead forward.

Thank you for your solid service, Bill Goldberg.

The Turnaround Season: Week 3 vs. Chicago Bears

Previous Issues:

Week 2 – Seahawks 20 49ers 16

Week 1 – Seahawks 55 Rams 10

Last year the Seattle Seahawks suffered one of their worst seasons in franchise history, finishing 4-12 in Mike Holmgren’s final season as head coach. Not a lot went right. Injuries, Holmgren’s inexplicable fullback draws on 3rd and 13, and inept defensive play destroyed all hopes of a storybook finish.

But through the NFL Draft and crucial free agent signings, the comeback trail is on.  Rebuilding is for pussies, and there is only one goal in the minds of coaches and players alike this year, and that is to win the Super Bowl.

Will they do it? Or will disappointment reign supreme once more in the Emerald City? Let’s take a look into the fictional season of the 2009 Seattle Seahawks.

Lazy Tuesday Links

No really, I don’t have a ton in me to blog, so why not link to some of the best sites out there for sports info and opinion?

1.) Ultimate Fight Night 19 has a main event. Nate Diaz vs. Melvin Guillard will headline this free fight card on Spike TV. Personally I think Cocaine vs. Guillard is a more appealing event but this will do.

2.) ESPN’s continuous attempt at putting in the dumbest filler segments around has reached a new low.

3.) The Cubs have a new dance routine.

4.) Sportsnation was on ESPN the other day. I didn’t watch BECAUSE schrutebag was one of the hosts, but that didn’t stop The Big Lead.

5.) Oguchi Onyewu to AC MILAN!!!! He’s an amazing defender and did not get nearly enough credit for the US’ run in the Confederations Cup.

6.) FOX’s amazing fetish with Manny Ramirez’s return was just too much for JFein to handle….and umpteen other respected journalists and opinion columnists.

7.) Lastly, a re-examination of the Deion Branch trade, three years after the Seahawks traded a 1st round draft pick for Captain Outforweeks.

Tomorrow the return of The Turnaround Season is coming!

VIDEO OF THE DAY: One of Steve McNair’s Final Game-Winning Touchdowns

I’m sure you’ve heard by now the tragic events concerning the murder of Steve McNair, former Titans and Ravens QB as well as 2003 Co-NFL MVP. He was a phenomenal athlete who never gave up on the field and left 100% of his effort out there every week. You could easily make a case for him to be a hall-of-fame candidate.Only the 3rd QB to throw for 30,000 yards and rush for 3,500. A three-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro selection in 2003, a Super Bowl runner-up, and the winner of the Walter Payton Award in 1994.

He may not have the greatest numbers in the world, but he had the heart and guts of a champion. Despite the recent discoveries about his personal life as police are investigating this homicide, I’ll always remember McNair as one of the toughest QB’s to ever grace the football field, and a fantastic player. May he (as well as the woman also found dead) rest in peace.

Today’s video fo the day features one of his final game-winning TD throws. It’s raw footage so you’ll have to deal with that. During the 2006 season, the Baltimore Ravens clashed with the San Diego Chargers in a crucial early-season battle. With the Ravens down 13-9 and driving, McNair willed his way down the field and set up Todd Heap for the dramatic winning touchdown pass.

It’s only fitting his final game-winning touchdown pass was at LP Field against the team that jumpstarted his great career, the Tennessee Titans.

RIP Steve McNair

1973-2009

Happy 4th of July….Now Go Outside

You’ve probably figured out the lack of a post the last 2 days is because it’s 4th of July week and there is nary a cloud in the sky in these here parts.

See you Monday, and try not to blast your hand off lighting those fireworks.

SSR Interviews: USMNT Soccer Talk With Joshua Mayers

It’s been over 48 hours since the US’ 3-2 loss to Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup championship game. So I figured a good way to have someone else do the writing for me for a lazy post I should interview a good friend of this blog, Seattle Times writer, soccer aficionado, and fellow Seattle-area resident Josh (from The Beautiful Game) on several topics discussing the US Men’s National Team. Questions from me are in bold, and his answers are directly below….after the jump!

Best Damn Sports Show Period…..Canceled

Neil Best from Newsday as well as Deadspin are confirming that FSN’s Best Damn Sports Show Period, isn’t really the best anymore and is now canceled after an eight year run.

I actually liked the show a lot when Tom Arnold, Michael Irvin, and Bryan Cox were around. Instead they fiddled around with the format for far too long and had the likes of Rob Dibble on the show hosting.

Not much to add here, other than to say it’s the Best Damn Canceled Show Period!

That Was Quick: Pistons Fire Michael Curry

Trying to upstage Yao Ming’s career-threatening foot injury, eh Detroit? After a 39-43 season coupled with a 1st round destruction against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Pistons president for basketball operations Joe Dumars said head coach Michael Curry would be back next season. I guess he was right, but apparently it’s not going to be with his team. Curry was fired after a whopping 86 games in charge.

“This was a difficult decision to make,” Dumars said in a statement Tuesday. “I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change.”

Immediately after the season, Dumars defended Curry in the face of Detroit’s demise.

“It was an up-and-down season for him,” Dumars said. “And, an up-and down-season for us. … The fact that we made so many changes for a first-year coach, I had to step back and be a little more patient than I have been.”

“During the season I said to myself, ‘What effect is this having on him as a first-year coach.’ I tried to put myself in his shoes.”

The Pistons are in disarray. I guess firing Curry was not a big surprise but it’s not his fault that he has aging guys like Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton to coach. Joe Dumars was not even willing to give up Rip and Tayshaun Prince to get Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo!

I think the core of their problems lies within management, and I’m not completely sure that Curry should’ve been fired.

Brazil vs. USA Thoughts

First off I want to say I’m proud of the US players for their effort and fight back with their backs against the wall in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. Without further ado, thoughts on the game after watching it twice. Also, what are the expectations after this run? I’m thinking we’ve seen this story before.

VIDEO OF THE DAY: Brazil 3 USA 2

The US players have nothing to be ashamed of. Bob Bradley? A crap ton. But I’ll save that for a later post. All the goals of the Confederations Cup Final in several languages!