Tag: Sports

#Charlotte Hornets, #leadership thought, microeconomy, Panther Football, Political

Hornets (39-36) playoff drive, Panthers FA/draft Springs into April, Bigger-better microeconomy of weddings always counts

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Hornets (39-36) playoff drive, Panthers FA/draft Springs into April, Bigger-better microeconomy of weddings always counts
Dad would make arrangements for nurses, so will I. Thanks Carmel Hills!

Along with MILLIONS in the streets here and around the world for No Kings! marches, we know what’s being stood up for and *against*. Flowers for Mom at Easter was about maximum color from me. Dad would make sure the nurses got something nice, so my code too. The good little extra stuff counts.

Bottom line though, Mon. I missed my $59 flight to FL on mission to help my brother, driving up to Charlotte vs. towing his Jeep behind 37′ RV at current prices was the plan. Then I left my wallet on dresser after a late pants change, no ID to get past TSA, SOL for help on driving plan in immediate future. Damn!

Yeah, I get my brother might be a little hyper about Plan A failing spectacularly (at my level), without any *actual* bombs happening, even Epstein. Its on me, nobody else dropped ordinance badly, even if a gnarly as hell mistake. I’ll try to make time in schedule after Easter. Best I can do.

Sort of like the Hornets, best they can do

Most of Southeast Division of East is jammed in same place, but overall Hornets have put up a 23-7 record since January 22, so many seasons of nothingness has generically become a terrific playoff opportunity. Call it 6th place in my book, 7:00 game with 18-57 Brooklyn tonight. Disappointing vs. 76ers and Sunday vs. Boston (114-99), they played well against New York. Playing to most recent form, including Diabate contributions, they are 16.5 pt. favorites, should get 40th win of year easily against Nets.

Consistency has become most often Good, with attaboys! for Knueppel spread everywhere, the face of franchise and very probably Rookie of the Year.

‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is the new mantra. This won’t be first or last time you’ll read that. 3/31/26 shorkknows.

Between the twin ascenstions of interest for both Hornets playoffs and Panthers selections, the obvious standard is the Expectations the Charlotte community once again has of its NFL and NBA best guys repping so well. In all cases, ‘Your best players have to play like they are’ is a new mantra, which hooks in the trio of HC Dave Canales, GM Dan Morgan, and top Panthers $$ VP Brant Tilis, and highlights how well VP Peterson has handled the Hornets personnel helm in two seasons.

LaMelo has contributed more positives and less injury time off the court this season, both serious Betters. Blending so well with the professional scorer, premier player Miller has become, with the ‘Core Four’ and Diabate have been as advertised, even though early Ws were sub-expectations. Congrats to all involved in his decision to remain with Hornets and develop as an NBA level asset, versus splitting off to (probably) make the French Olympic team.

Can we appreciate Kalkbrenner’s at the rim presence yet? Is projecting a sixth seed too high to seek? What would 41-41 get? Taking care of business remains the norm now, like during that eight-gamer that really moved the organization’s needle into Facts in Evidence, stacking done right shooting nights, offensive balance, get the loose rebounds, make passes through Knueppel. Just sayin.’

Sorry, both soccer teams are going to have to wait a bit for primo attention.

A Quality of Life Decision

Mom & Dave, chocolate donut Mothers Day, 2023.

I made the decision to move to Charlotte after coming down from upstate NY with youngest brother and son for my folks 40th anniversary in early April, 1995. They came up from Tampa. Its often called ‘Chamber of Commerce’ weather, that official Carolina blue sky, knowing pro football was coming, great family connection to land with, I arrived just after Memorial Day. Damn fine Quality of Life decision for sure.

I’ll crank out another great 15+ mile bike ride today, thinking ahead to next year, doing a sprint ironman, with a swim and 5k final run leg, instead of beating myself up about failure to carry ID and blowing up the plan. Can I say its not as critical as having lots of people on the streets, protesting like it was post-Watergate and ‘Nam 50 years ago, sincere as hell?

My weekend was special and productive sales-wise, legitimately super clear with product information to many, able to get people (mostly) on decisions about good looking suits, ties handled, beaucoup shirts. I’m way big excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. That $$ volume is still #1 element I consider as Success is rolling, I continue to say-feel ‘I don’t care about the bauxite for aluminum, or the soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits from Canada.’

Microeconomy-wise, I’m excited about Peter Millar sportier stuff and Bugachi shirts! again in my direct domain. THAT is still the #1 $$ element I consider, and continue to say, ‘I don’t care about bauxite for aluminum, nor soft timber for housing, just don’t screw with my getting Peter Millar & Jack Victor suits.’

Good thoughts for however I invest the free day (ride is callin’) I created by messing up with wallet/ID/non-brother saving into having a day to drive situation stopped cold. Nothing to say, I showed up short on every front, nope, you don’t get on the plane. If it was as straight-forward on a whole lot of other things this final day of a WILD March, would we be taking No Kings! for granted? Not me. Continuing the Minnesota Moment with happy chants of USA? YEP!

Ask Duke about accepting you lost, no matter how well things went Until or Except For.

(Oh, Biondi is under the bus now? I’ll take it.)

STOP THE WAR!

#microeconomy, Political, Sports, Thought Leadership

March Madness is hoops time, start of proms & wedding season for my microeconomy, war in Iran, No Kings! march

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on March Madness is hoops time, start of proms & wedding season for my microeconomy, war in Iran, No Kings! march
Yes, yes, yes, its a horse race, and you get the analogy, right? Down to Sweet 16 now for March Madness, but as an event, I’ve gone 6-6 on having a great time at Queens Cup Steeplechases. was always high on my social calendar. Can’t really bet on them though...

Having sent my nephew a long video by a journalist that hits an essence of what millions fear about this nervous situation with Iran and most of the world, I’m still trying to keep personal considerations upbeat. A strong 15 mile bike ride, a 5,000 word submission for a new novel competition, joining a tennis league, doing my usual schmoozing with people who attended and appreciated our church group’s annual fish fry, buying a snappy sports coat (<$400 of 900, tracked it two weeks) in time for Easter.

No, I won’t get to participate in a third No Kings! march because I’m scheduled 10-6 at my job. Yes, there’s still a concern about the fairly constant ache in my wrist-hand, probably from a medication designed to help control cholorestol rupturing a tendon, but I’m not going to pitty-pat serves either. Yes, I’m counting on the most responsible members of our elected officials to cool out the situation bombing-wise and boots on the ground possibility.

Yes, its crazy to think its cheaper for my brother to fly me to FL on Monday so I can drive his vehicle back vs. the $$$ of gas for him to haul it behind his 37-ft. RV to Charlotte. Hey, GOP! make the deal, push on TSA $$.

Plenty of little stuff still counts

The point is, lots of stuff continues to be what’s important to each of us. Every day I offer my best efforts as a suit-selling helper to guys/couples getting ready to attend weddings, often their own. Going to work- only two miles away- means I’m going to get lots of trips from the 200 miles the gauge in Sonata shows is available. Bought $50 at $3.19/gal. (yay!)

No protest marching Saturday, and management says discussing it with customers (even if willing) is verboten, which is understandable. I walked away from the lady at fish fry who felt COVID shots were 100% straight line to her friend dying of a heart attack. IMHO, RFK, Jr. is a hazardous moron- if not for Hegs and Bondi, he’d be #1 on my list to join the unemployed roles.

Getting that 5,000 words submitted was personal, as is this blog- I haven’t done one in six weeks. Production is a specific part of considering myself a Writer. Having told customers I’ve created a schedule where I’m working 8/9:00 ‘closes’ so mornings are free for rides, writing, or lunch dates, not producing to my talent level is a poke in the ego and Someone’s eye. Those elements are about both thought leadership and my microeconomy as best practices, ok? I’m always gonna be a BoomerwithAttitude.

Still, it’s a shooting war, and being WAY short of experienced leaders after all the high-ranking military people who got canned in last year when prez and Secretary of DEFENSE (still the official title, not War) didn’t like their standing on long accepted previous US standards of conduct. MINNESOTA definitely transferred a major amount of steel to American spines by what they did in such obvious ways and conditions. Millions here and around the world- understood it took cajones, actual or philosophical. (Thanks again for that)

We all have elements to our lives we cleave to. Many complain that politics have become a concern they’d rather leave alone/forget about. ‘War is hell’ is an axiom-given, and young men, and yes, school girls, dying- be they Russian, Ukranian, Palestinian, Iranian, or American- is not good.

Commercials try to cut the use of ‘rock star’ as nonsense in comparing corporate competence to high level entertainers, yet there’s a real possibility that politics and religion become THE most incredibly decisive dividing line this country has ever seen.

While the US is considered ‘The Great Satan’ by many Muslims, would American forces be ordered to attack Iran tomorrow, when they gather in great numbers in their mosques in prayer? All other war crimes, even Hitler’s attempt to end the Jewish people, would become second tier. Apologies for ‘harshing anyone’s mellow’ here, but politics are important to me. Speaking up about the possibility of *another* (third time?) sneak attack at such a time, ‘Couldn’t happen’ isn’t a simple thought right now.

Hoops counts too, even if I’m not following ladies closely

I bemoan the loss of my own skills, iffy free throw shooting and range, meh. I hate how idea of NIL millions changing things so drastically. As an aside I wonder, could trump’s policy negatives mean the World Cup plans *doesn’t* include playing here over the next couple months.

The Sweet 16 starts tonight though, I’m off, and whether cheering at Palm Restaurant or washing dishes and doing laundry with a pizza, watching is my Tradition. Amen. 3/26/26

I watched the Duke-Siena game (71-65) that kicked off March Madness. Siena-no subs!- lead at half, surprised all by hanging mano-a-mano with mighty Duke all the way to end. Growing up, I attended Siena games pretty regularly, played pickup games with brother Dave (grad) there, listened to green V-necked sweater alumni complain ‘That’s a carry!’ when palming the ball by dribblers became part of the deal. I’m disappointed their coach will be leaving to coach at his alma mater, Syracuse, where he played with distinction.

Siena history is often about ‘cradle of coaches,’ because several have come, knocked out a couple 20-plus win seasons in MAAC, and leave for much bigger green paycheck-wise. So now players go elsewhere for the same reason, its the way of the world. Loyalty? Pssshhh.

Taking Michigan State another round on FanDuel bets? Had to do it, they bust me every time I don’t. Pitino and St. John’s? Duke taking a blast wouldn’t just make UNC fans around here happy as sin. Dick Vitale doing any game I watch- I’ll find a radio feed or watch it with sound off.

Having often quoted the great UCLA legend, John Wooden, about how the women’s game is better because they follow the plays correctly/as coached, I still have only so much bandwidth for hoops, and local Hornets are making plenty of noise at 39-35 (10th place, play in), just beat the Knicks Thursday. https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810918 . All the exciting NCAA finishes we’ve seen, and those to come, its part of my sports writing mental makeup to watch. Yes, UConn ladies under Gino A. are as great an example of how to play the game right as I can imagine. If they, or another top team is on when I’m back from work, great.

No, I’m not an Angel Reese fan, period. Caitlin Clark’s ‘From the logo’ commercials is amusing stuff. A Woman with solid cred and a sweet J like Obama as President, I’d probably sub them in immediately.

#leadership thought, microeconomy, Panther Football, Sports

Panthers ‘back into’ playoffs still counts- 1st 2026 check with comma, trump & US War Ops in Venezuela should rate higher

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers ‘back into’ playoffs still counts- 1st 2026 check with comma, trump & US War Ops in Venezuela should rate higher

Panther players, HC Dave Canales, Owner David Tepper, fans are positive about ATL for a little minute, Thanks! and enjoy #4 seed at home vs. LA Rams and Matt Stafford-Puka Nacua. My first check of year means I’ve matched Social Security income; took a 22% hit on Medicaid, and a gas heating bill (655 sf/ 2 BR) was over $100 for early December, we’ll see how January works.

My SPAN benefits ended, so buying own groceries and some for care bags now. Food benefits made a difference the last year, nearly as much as good retail gig offer from blue before Thanksgiving, two miles from just-repainted and black-shuttered, same rent as last year apartment group at bottom of Sharon Rd. to Nordy’s. Starting Year 5 here, I’d usually call that stability. https://cdtalententerprises.com/2021/01/18/smarter-than-average-bear-content-writing-boomer-replants-thought-leadership-flag-2021/

Yes, great tux, quality ‘tribute to Frank’ story about untied bowtie worked great.

I wore this new midnight-blue tux to work on 1/1/26 because I didn’t find anyplace to show it off NYE. Left bowtie undone, told people it was ‘tribute to Frank.’ Customer opined that “Message is you partied all night, rolled out to work in same as slept” *maybe* a shower stuff of our Younger Selves Memories. I said yes, lets go with that & Tuxedo Attitude. Fun day. Two suits to very intense entrepreneur was heck of start. Loved Landon’s ‘Not quite as tight as Connor McGregor’ standard.

“Message is you partied all night, rolled out to work in same as slept” *maybe* a shower stuff of our Younger Selves Memories. I said yes, lets go with that. Fun day. Two suits to very intense entrepreneur was heck of start. Loved his ‘Not quite as tight as Connor McGregor’ standard. 1/1/26

Air quote all you want- NFC South Division winners

Carolina Panthers 16-14 loss in constant downpour in Tampa Saturday wasn’t fatal, and yes, 8-9 is still Winners. They were sub-.500 before with 7-8-1 record during run of three division titles. All calculations come around to ‘It depends, because anything can win NFC South.’ That was true before Brady years, ATL also 8-9, catch you next year.

This Carolina Panthers team has some chops now. Obviously beat Rams earlier this year here, DC Ejiro Eviro’s defense indeed revolves around Derrick Brown’s return to middle of all the action, his sacks and pressures are relentless. Does anyone question Tre’von Moehrig’s $51M free agent salary, based on LOTS of run support (#2 on team) tackles? Rozeboom too. Rico Dowdle picked up $1 million bonus for topping 1,350 yards from scrimmage.

Yes, a quick Thanks! to Falcons. Cousins still thinks he rates a full time NFL QB role, Penix is still the plan in ATL, but Cousin’s been in right place for big contracts before. If GM Dan Morgan and VP Tilis hadn’t already picked up Year 5 of ‘Big Game Bryce’ based on higher expectations, its gonna come up. Is a substantial extension due- for core players as Panthers have notedly done all year- when ‘production’ of sub-200 ypg. and turnover free leadership, plus playoffs- earned obscene $$$, like Prescott or Drake Maye $$ will be? Baker got 3 yr/$100 mill last year…

That’s how lots of seasons end

Derrick Henry’s face when Loop’s kick went so crazy wrong, that’s how lots of seasons end. Since last years finale against ATL, when Bryce Young blew up for 5 TDs, that experience Carolina fans carried forward all season, might now be called for. Three fairly big wins- Dallas for starters, then Green Bay, Rams, plus clutch game here vs. Tampa Bay- the fannies are back. Best practices have prevailed throughout Panther organization. Sorry about Renfro.

The payoff on $20 FanDuel bets for beating 6.5 Ws and taking NFC South division weren’t huge, but still better than relative sharp stick in the eye Henry got, when Ravens previously perfect FG kicker missed a last-second attempt against Steelers that cost them AFC Central crown. Everyone’s other favorite player, Christian McCaffrey, missed another 1000-1000 season with only 924 receiving yards.

Life goes on in Charlotte, despite trumps “We’ll run Venezuela” utterances. Will there be any panic suit selling in January to disturb-juice my microeconomy? (Jack Victor-Peter Millar is from Canada, just sayin.’) I’m several hours more productive on my writing time blocks in Week 3 of work schedule; reacquiring personal goals, like anticipation of getting a 3 mi. ride on nearby Booty Loop, actually counts. Doing thirty-three hour weeks in January, I’ll continue to get my $$ share on that front, with Spring weddings and proms not so far away.

Getting a fist bump from Dad last night, because I nailed putting a 42L, charcoal-gray First Suit righteously on his enthused-at-great-suit feeling son, that still counts for me.

Two AE/PR persons from Hornets and Panthers came through shop Friday- gold BUZZ CITY jacket was tip off- before Panthers loss in rain Saturday, or now 13-23 Hornets tight 122-121 loss in Milwaukee on 1/2, a 112-99 win over the Chicago Bulls, and super-sized surprise 124-97 thumping of OKC. We discussed why ‘Loserville’ monicker may fade slowly- and gave credit to #MrTeppers$ for his other futball operation- and now productive NFL path of ‘Let football people handle the football operations’ non-meddler.

Some still want to remember him as Real Bad, but ‘back in’ vs. backed in regarding playoffs is a brighter POV. Steve Miller as an Overseer in aftermath of Venezuela is an absolute worst case for anything POV.

Hornets Still Building

Both NBA Hornets and NFL Panthers have restructured management, spent judiciously, and put strong operational people in charge- Executive VP Jeff Peterson with the Hornets, the Panthers have a well-meshed trio of super-positive HC Dave Canales-GM Dan Morgan-VP Brandt Tilis for two years. Both now feature a young core player group, unlimited by past seasons poor iterations and never sniffing of PLAYOFFS?!- say it like classic Jim Mora if you want.

The ‘Core Four’ Hornets brought to Charlotte in 2026 NBA draft was greatest shot of talent since, well, ’96-’97 team swapped almost everyone out- rights to Kobe Bryant for Vlade Divac, remember?- and new coach Dave Cowens helmed a 54-28 team. (My prediction was defensive intensity by Cowens influence and 52 wins.)

Last actual playoff year – 2016, the longest such streak in league. (OMG! even the Wizards?)

Ryan Kalkbrenner was a 4x Defensive Player of Year in Big East– Use him like that, the Rim Protector they’ve lacked since maybe Mourning, and Diabate is a quality asset, coach the heck out of him! Rookie-yet-comfortably-already-described as one of premier 3-point shooters/playmakers, Kon Knueppel is every bit as advertised re: smart player, checks all the boxes. Sion James, lets play defense because we can, very glad to see Miller at full speed. Melo- I guess we still agree to disagree about always using that ‘2022 All Star’ tag, like ‘Hall of Fame Coach Hubie Brown.’

I just might get to a Hornets game soon, after last nights Melo outburst in Hornets 124-97 thumping of OKC, on the road! Certainly should attract attention-fans in seats, still that question of being in lineup to contribute consistency, even if minimum 65 games to win awards is silly. https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/onsi/gameday/takeaways-from-the-charlotte-hornets-shocking-win-over-defending-champion-oklahoma-city-thunder

Its ‘Big Game Bryce’ time in first rounder with Stafford and Rams, who they beat here in Charlotte mid-season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZuPz6owCPw Somewhere between last weeks 192 yards and club record 448 yards, Young was excellent Week 13, so more TMc-Coker, Legette? several RB receivers, with their solid ground attack (116 avg.) keeping things closer to 18 ppg pace they’ve shown is legit- 10.5 points is the spread so turnovers by Rams again are at a premium. Stafford-Puka not doing high-order damage to Panthers is hopeful math. Can Ransom provide run support like Ohio State safeties should AND cover/tackle? Counting on secondary – could Horn-Puka be a showdown?

Whole lot of Derrick Brown & Panthers DEEfense! and yes, Ejiro Eviro has re-proven his defensive expertise when given the personnel. Perhaps he’ll be considered for current head coaching gigs available, but now, its the Rams. Ball control with Panthers well-regarded offensive line long play-time drives? Could that, and selectively great passing, stand up to one of NFL’s premier offenses twice? The best defense is Matt Stafford not getting extra time to sling it to productive receivers like Nakua.

The USA taking military action at this level, I almost shudder to think of Greenland, but football playoffs with Panthers is a nice difference this sunny Tuesday. Getting a fist bump from Dad because of 42L, charcoal-gray first suit that fit righteously on his enthused-at-great-suit feeling son, that still counts for me.

microeconomy, Panther Football, Thought Leadership

Four suit Sunday is Great! for my Microeconomy, Panthers 20-17 loss still leaves in 1st place

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Four suit Sunday is Great! for my Microeconomy, Panthers 20-17 loss still leaves in 1st place
Compared to most of two years home alone with a screen, back on the suit-selling and chatting with many is good by me.

While knocking it out in suit-selling punctuated first week back in retail, its also super-affirming how many former customers have recognized I gave them desired great service in 2023, good to have me back.

Nothing I saw in 15 min. clip for Carolina Panthers-Saints when I got home- 5 sacks and only 81 yds. rushing by defense- despite 11 penalties, I couldn’t see how they lost. Guess you had to see the total badness, its not usual ‘We wuz robbed!’ when NFL is checking things out.

In fact, it was playing for first place, NFL level defense, and Panthers still need 2-of-3 wins down the stretch. My season projection, and $20 worth of FanDuel (-450) on the proposition, 9-8 and in position to take NFC South, was a small gamble- most fans know thats often enough here.

The Carolina Panthers are looking at a Bucs sandwich now, with Seahawks between, to put down new markers. Staying over .500 is a must, Division Winner! is the organizational grail. I didn’t figure losing both games to Saints, buuuut OMG! if NFL investigation is actually happening.

I tell-remind customers they haven’t heard squadoosh about #MrTeppers$ for most of two years. Somewhere before getting the Tilis-Morgan-Canales ship moving, he paid attention to best practices advice of, “Let your football operations people do what they do.” He is not a meddler, and despite record bad 2024, Ejiro Evero back as DC is direct result. -GShork 12/16/25

Employment, Productive Microeconomy, a Sweet Writing Schedule

Having known before Thanksgiving that I’d have a good bill-paying retail job in SouthPark, I’ve commented that it was cool to be manager’s #1 draft pick when department had an opening, at least not going to Raiders. He hired me four years ago too, as COVID was ending. As previously noted, I believe the economy is way different now than ’21-’22.

As a career salesperson and journalist-Writer, my communications skills are A-1 and flexible. I’ve always been killer determining what people want-need in helpful manner- I get paid on how well I accomplish that. Working the closing schedule (2-9:30), I can automatically schedule two to four hour blocks for writing weekly, go for bike rides on 3 mi. Booty Loop nearby, grocery shop, and have lunch meetings- its two miles to work!

That ‘opportunity’ came directly to me, unsolicited, as straight a bolt of good fortune as this 68 yr. old BoomerwithAttitude and Romance Writer could’ve imagined.

Reading regular negatives in LinkedIn about ageism (obviously true) and just how lousy the job market ’24-’25 is for grads, getting a re-do after my ‘doing something else’ post-COVID decision in ’23, thanks, I’ll take it.

Lucky? I maintain highly qualified- you’ll appreciate the difference. I am king of the Hugo Boss blue suit, appreciate the Jack Victor and Canali lines, and will discuss the difference between a sports coat and an $875 unstructured jacket if you don’t already know.

I cheered for the gent who tried on, literally, every blue-tinged jacket in the department, *except* a reddish-purple blue one, just said, No. ‘No, what?’ wifey asked. ‘No, honey?’ cracked me up. All agreed a beauty of a jacket, but he had no interest.

Guys who say yay or nay, great when they try things on. A younger, maybe thirty guy becoming CEO of a company after selling two previous ones, really wanted an image suit. Does he know how to pull the trigger when shown the goods? You betcha.

Right now, its like Maverick’s ‘target rich environment.’ Oh, open till 10:00…

Am I insulated from what’s about to be a tougher microeconomy for many? I know there’s a 22% hack in my Medicaid starting in January, but I’m effectively earning about $30/hr. on two weeks this first pay period; I’m effectively doubling my Social Security income. I still have $151 of SNAP benefits, which I really needed this time last year.

I try to keep a bag of groceries in the car for less fortunate Others, even some frozen meat, but no Pampers. Never let it be said you’ve done less than the least possible when its crunch time. When tossing a couple bucks, I believe $3 is way better than 2.

I stand strong on being a BoomerwithAttitude, and since the boost I felt as a Precinct Judge (D) on Nov. 4, and whats happened across the country until now, I’m still confident in my microeconomy, my democracy, and those Carolina Panthers grading solid B+.

The pen is a classic because I made it with Dad in Tampa long ago. I still chuckle at his ‘worst ever worked with’ assessment- I got the ultimate one-off souvenir I wanted.
Sports, Thought Leadership

Panthers back to Earth at 4-4, Hornets (3-4), Crown loses 1-0, then Wins 7-6 in penalty kicks

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers back to Earth at 4-4, Hornets (3-4), Crown loses 1-0, then Wins 7-6 in penalty kicks
Didn’t actually get a good read of the World Series, Attaboys! to Jays ,but while few know what ‘s under a Wizard’s hat. Shorkknows had a tough week of NFL football.

Okay, the question of Loserville being in Charlotte professional sports rear view mirror- NFL, NBA, MSL for starters- was actually rhetorical. ‘Escape velocity’ is still down the line.

QB Dalton (ehhhh) and RB Dowdle (!! Canales!!) are difference makers mas or menos, but seriously, nothing negative about Chuba or Kalkbrenner.

Halloween tricks probably won’t continue into Sunday’s game against Green Bay for Panther fans, and although 13 points might entice bettors, there are plenty of alternatives for this long-time sports bettor. No sense worrying about the home team when the Raiders are only getting 3 pts. from the Jaguars and the Giants (-2.5) are only getting a couple from the 49ers. While the Giants have screwed me religiously my entire betting life- and my 50th high school reunion was only a month ago- I won’t take Panthers game either way. Its more about the Hamiltons than Benjamins at this point, and although I’ll watch and cheer for them, no sense letting a good parlay get torpedoed.

Actually, scratch that ‘tude. Made Ed. Note- Just after kickoff, recognizing I couldn’t be a weenie about Panthers predictions, ‘If Bryce *doesn’t* blow things up and have to play from 14 pts. behind- just saying, we know that’s been a problem. Pass rush HAS to arrive today, taking good O-line making long drives, T-Mc and all others catching vs. dropping, Yes, Panthers beat the spread by scoring average 21.

Denver (-1.5!) in Houston sure feels like a gift, with 36 sacks by defense and Bo Nix picking up where he left off rookie year, which was pretty damn good. Whether it would be a sportscaster jinx for anyone in the TV booth or for a writer to suggest Colts QB Dan Jones (formerly an unappreciated Giant) could be a Comeback Player of the Year candidate- usually the domain of injured players vs. just hated for contract-production of wins negativity- suggesting Indy continue best practices, yeah, BUT… Maybe they open the proverbial can of whupass on the Aaron Rodgers Steelers, after Tomlin’s Monday Night’s performance. Give minimal three points? Done.

I’d also suggest taking the Lions (-8.5) against the Vikings, because Detroit is still working off a couple decades of being thumped by the Vikes and Packers. There’s no reason to believe Mr. Shough (really? the ending sounds like a K?) will have anything except ugly from pretty early against the Rams.

Guess what? Panthers game is only one I backed that pulled its weight. Its not 100% make a difference in season moment yet, but over .500 would certainly be progress, and just sayin’, Over-Under for Panthers W is only 6.5. https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/2025-26-carolina-panthers-odds-odds-to-win-super-bowl-nfl-playoffs-division

‘The Other Guys’

In the MLS playoffs, Charlotte’s 4th seeded Crown lost the first game at home 1-0 to #5 seed NYCFC on a 34th minute goal by Alonso Martinez. Charlotte FC forward Wilfried Zaha, who was red-carded in the season finale and missed this game, was a considerable loss offensively. They went to NYC for the second leg of a cumulative score series Saturday, and evened the series with a 1-0 penalty shootout (7-6) win. Charlotte FC Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina stopped Agustin Ojeda for the finale. Teams will have an extended time before Game 3 Friday.

The Hornets, who hit a terrific 18-3s and nine players with double figures in their season opener against Brooklyn Nets, were much less prolific in second week of the season, are now 2-3 after being whacked by the Miami Heat 144-117, and Orlando Magic (2-4) last night, 123-107. Kon Kneuppel, who had five of the Hornets triples in opener, had one last night, and five points in 27 minutes, avg. 30 min. court time and shooting 41% from 3. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner continued his solid play with 17 points and 7 rebounds, and definite rim protector. Lorenzo Ball had a 17 point, 13 assist night, and is averaging 26.3 pts., 9.5 asst, 8.3 rebounds, Moussa Diabate had ten points and six rebounds. He and Kalkbrenner could become a tandem.

Loserville might be a state of mind, but in the betting world, you are frequently either the predator or the prey. The Panthers opened the season at +400 regarding winning the NFC South (FanDuel) is currently +700. Go figure…The Hornets (3-5) after losing 116-112 to Pelicans, is playing in the sorry Southeast Division, +2200 to win their division, ahead of the (honestly, still listed as an NBA team?) Washington Wizards at +25000, the Magic at +100.

#leadership thought, Panther Football

‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on ‘These are the times that try…’ relative to Panthers, not just USA, cheers to Irmo team for LLWS thrills
This one’s for ump with clutch call on tag at 2nd base in LLWS game, and football operations for Panthers, putting a much-better product on the field in 2025.

Politics aside on mens #&%!?# souls or lack thereof, after a 6-run rally in seventh inning carried Irmo to victory the night before, the Southeast reps were part of youthful glory everywhere for Little Leaguers, families, and fannies. Panthers now at cut-down time to 53, fans should hope GM Morgan has that A+ touch one more time (for a linebacker?) before Sept. 7th game with Jags in Jacksonville.

September 8th I have some Precinct Judge (D) duties in prep for local elections on 9th. I wonder about current political soul-ry more often lately. Stephen Miller is for sure wrong though, Tibetan circulatory exercises from online actually work, making me an active 68 who doesn’t usually require the nap. CBD drops are hemp… Yeah, Blue & Yellow combo is a protest for Ukraine.

As a sports fan, and considering retiring as an active Blue (umpire), I watched a full share of LLWS, and congrats to those young players, and an overall thrilling run of TV human moments and sportsmanship. The ‘Believe’ their coach laid on them before that near-miraculous comeback, its a touch better than ‘Win one for the Gipper.’ Yay! Coach.

The call at second, where Irmo runner *barely* wanders off, as catcher heaves it down after passed ball that might’ve opened a door for another Southeast rally, and fielder waves a slap-tag at him ‘just because,’ ump was right on it for OUT! Just sayin’.

Proud Blue raises a cold one to you gentlemen, and to your dedicated leadership, those coaches and these moments will be forever memories. Its not hyperbole to say its the American Way I grew up with, everybody can appreciate laying it on the line, somebody wins.

SURPRISES?! For 2025 Roster – room for a couple Others

August 26th is now the operational date for getting down to 53 on main roster, plus 16 on taxi squad. The Panthers work on best practices in front office, and are very aware they can’t afford to let other teams poach precious nuggets like Horn or Brycen Tremayne, who has a well-documented https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article311718130.html stretch of good days during training, scrimmages, and productive preseason efforts.

Up close, its a tough call on keeping six or seven receivers on 53-man roster – most had penciled Renfrow as #6. Please don’t trade Thielen back to Vikes! to make room. To be a hero again back there, maybe – guy deserves to be part of a great year, could definitely mentor Horn.

Trevor Ettiene probably won’t be a surprise keeper, a sweet return last night was affirmation he’s the return-special teams talent they’ve wanted. UDFA Thornton as a DB seems like a lock for Panther rotation, his strong final preseason game with Steelers nothing but good news. -GShork 8/22/25

If many aren’t 100% sold on Nick Scott at safety opposite Moehrig, Canales vote will count. Chau Smith-Wade is going to be a bona-fide https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4697636/chau-smith-wade cover guy this year. Ransom had an INT last night, the prospects of being both strong cover and the traditional Ohio St. run-support football guy will help put DC Ejiro Evero’s reputation back on more righteous track.

Penciling in one more unforeseen linebacker pickup by Morgan to give that group actual depth is reasonable. A major factor in 2024, bodies-personnel were brought in/started in under a week several times during injury-plagued season. The roster has been restocked with players with documented productivity for 2025, Windmon and Rhattigan should see their names on it. Shy Tuttle might well be leaving, or kept as affordable backup.

Is Wallace ready to be All That for Panthers defense in Year 2? GM Morgan showed his quality marksmanship in free agency, before an A+ draft as rated by PFF, using #2 and #3 picks on hard-charging defensive ends. Panthers have been within three of bottom sack position and pressures for years. Anything like that 3,000 given up rushing isn’t going to be allowed. Nose tackle Cam Jackson (6’6″, 328 lbs, Florida) will get plenty of reps.

A Four-Point better Offense – You Better Believe It

The Panthers are far from the worst ppg team in the NFL at 20.1 – that would be the Giants (16.1) and Cleveland at (15.2). NFL avg. – 22.4 https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/carolina-panthers-average-points-per-game

GM Dan Morgan has built a healthy level of respect league wide for being a super-cagey front office guy legend, starting early with a major log on the fire, drafting a true WR1 with #8 pick, Tetairoa McMillan while rest of NFL was thinking deee-fense! https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/news/carolina-panthers-rookie-tetairoa-mcmillan-value-picks Camp video showed T-Mac tracking-catching a perfect over the top, fade to outside shoulder, tight coverage throw, and then everyone saw same deal, with a one-arm catch in first exhibition game. That’s not just reputation or trick mirrors, its WR1 grade play.

Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025.

Its painful that anyone feels Leggette’s position as first round draft choice last year (Morgan’s initial career biggie deal) is somehow diminished to ‘secondary sidekick’ status if T-Mac becomes All That as a rookie. Second years are frequently the jumping off year for such players, extra coaching counts. NOBODY can find fault with the obvious effort XL has put into becoming a better ‘hands’ receiver, certainly not HC Canales, whose loyalty to efforts for better by all individuals is strong. Yes, there are expectations.

Canales previous relationships with WR Moore might be enough at decision point this time. If Panthers could afford to keep seven receivers, he has got special teams efforts as hole card, like Etienne will in staying as a back. (Ed. Note – Renfrow comes back! after Coker injury, Thielen trade.)

CHUBA HUBBARD https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4241416/chuba-hubbard deserves to get name in CAPS, and Morgan got #2 back Rico Dowdle, a 1,000 yards gainer for Cowboys, FREE! when they neglected to offer him any deal. The option of a second, seriously good back behind the Panthers well-regarded, and 100% back intact, two deep O-line, is an absolute strength in 2025. Bryce Young’s comfort level in the pocket, and on-the-run accuracy when waving Coker to backline spot for toe-tap TD, continues an upward affirmation of his offensive control.

‘Things can happen,’ but fans faith in Panthers rebuilding as a professional football operation again, is being handled correctly, with long-term Success on the table, and pride very possible for upgrading, is primed. Collecting on any impulse bets about Over/Under 6.5 wins would be a start on satisfying some seasonal expectations.

A consistent, semi-legendary fact, about how long it took Carolina Panthers fans to believe in last Super Bowl team – ’twas Game Ten, that Thanksgiving blowout of Dallas, Panthers still unbeaten – is kind of the local standard. Expectations in 2025 are better aligned with level of enthused Believin’ like those Little Leaguers did. Congrats! again to them, loved the ride.

Panther Football

Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Camp day with Browns becomes Preseason Fri.! Defense is Teed Up, Expect to see Run, Passing – Sure…

Head Coach Dave Canales announcing starters would get some reps in pre-season was a change from 2024, when fear of injury to front-liners without personnel for ‘next man up’ philosophy made them seem physically over-matched, as Saints shoved them around in 45-10 rout that followed Panthers all season. Injuries, including Jonathan Brookes 2nd knee (ACL) and Josey Jewels concussion protocol, are not actual factors now. Derrick Brown and Ejiro Evero’s defensive front seven, with plenty to improve on in 2025, won’t be talking smack, just NFL production every game.

This is a much better than 6-11 team making micro-improvements. Yes, if not the farm, put some resources on over 6.5 wins, and +400 (projected 3rd!) for NFC South beckons mightily.

If the Browns don’t show out in all-brown gear tomorrow, I’ll be mildly thankful for the non-dookies visual. Should we anticipate a lot of pads cracking action? Chuba Hubbard is the Lead Dawg, have to believe offensive line stakes out some attitude for him. Position ranking, Panthers have essentially two full O-lines, so offense is seeing starters action.

Trust the system Mr. Right Tackle

Taylor Moton got a little emotional about contract situation recently, I’d say trust the system Mr. Right Tackle. Extending at max rate isn’t out of the question, playing both your team and yourself into higher-greater Success has been rewarded on regular basis with #MrTeppers$.

HC Dave Canales won’t be showcasing a full playbook of possibilities, but T-Mac and XL are more than just decorations, and, well, everyone DOES want to know about going downfield. McMillan IS a physical mismatch for anyone, and fannies-the NFL would like to see how far his stride gets him regarding ‘fast.’ He’s not doing four steps and button hook routes like the chunky kid back in the neighborhood games, and he’s tracked over-the-shoulder stuff in camp situation videos, so yes, we’ll probably see a couple long balls.

If XL gets to show off another catch-run like at FanFest (39 yards), there can be quiet optimism about whether he fully becomes a tough cover for defenses based on that physicality. I’d never peg him a failure if the whole WR room had a collective big year and Leggette missed 1,000 yards with 60 grabs (49 in 2024) through distribution. If fantasy league projects double (8) TDs from him, what should McMillan’s stats look like? Yes, there are expectations now, and amping the YAC vs. very avg. 10 per catch would make him a dangerous WR2.

Can MORE than the six (or seven, Renfrow’s in, right?) expected WRs figured as locks for final roster possibly get a chance for reps? (Yes.) Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer should get opportunities to air things out, so best practices says some footballs in the air Friday. Last year the UDFA (undrafted free agents) names were DB Demani Richardson and WR Jalen Coker. Do your adding and subtracting on this. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/roster/_/name/car/carolina-panthers

Competition for jobs, yep, pads are on. LB Bam Scott-Martin has definitely had his chance to impress in preseason improved with Panthers release of veteran OLB Josey Jewels because he’s still in concussion protocol, seven months after injury.

Things happening Elsewhere

Should I actually care what comes out of four QBs situation in Cleveland, even if its up close or on free TV? I’d say no, because I’m no fan at all of Pickett, and what would be a good outing for Gabriel or Sanders? If Sanders went 6/13, 68 yards, 1/1 TD-INT, would that satisfy anything? 150 yards, 3/1 – doubt he gets the reps to produce that – but I’d say hmmmmm for sure. Defense? Gotta see it, big and bad.

Should we poke the J-E-T-S! about Fields yet? Maybe its just a tick of mine, but every time I see ‘hope’ in sentence with his name, *twitch.*

Amazing how everyone recognized the weight on Caleb Williams in Chicago (68 sacks, LOT of weight) was tough on #1 pick, so how Bryce Young made it to current level with second half of season progress becomes more ‘Yeah, that’s how QBs used to age, Year Three (plus more talented people around them if possible) you saw Better.’

Sure, some QB Whisperer must’ve happened there, and now its not, ‘A year before end of his rookie contract, are we sure about…?’ Yes, GM Dan Morgan should be up for Exec of Year consideration, the needle has clearly been moved.

Panthers signed their 2nd round DE (Nic Scourton) and #3 Princely Umanmielen (Florida) before the Bengals got #1 pick, and Stewart was often mentioned as a defensive pick https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45824885/shemar-stewart-bengals-hammer-home-language-reach-deal for Panthers pre-draft. Instead, Morgan picked T-Mac at #8, and #2 Scourton participated in all Panthers team activities during camp.

Big difference in rookie attitude, Bengals putting certain language in contract because, ‘We don’t want to pay for (potentially) four years in jail,’ not hearing that with ‘Our kind of guys’ in Charlotte. Just sayin’.

Out in Vegas with Raiders, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1QZ4KhIxYE I’m willing to hope Austin Jeanty does well, his first NFL moment wasn’t so memorable though. If anyone can turn that operation around, Pete Carroll has previously done wonders with Gino in Seattle, and there’s Brock Bowers killing it, but it’s still the AFC West, with Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, a tough place to get well quickly.

Nix proved he can sling it, Panthers picked up ‘Turk’ Wharton https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45441385/nfl-carolina-panthers-tershawn-turk-wharton from Chief’s defense in a salary cut move that improves Panthers defense in a big way. Overlooking the Saints, sorry, taking two from them is in everyone’s calculations, splitting with Buccaneers would open up possibilities for sure.

Panther Football, Sports

Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Panthers are days away from ACTION! Charlotte Hornets Summer League was Beyond Pretty Good
Fans won’t be able to see Panthers practices on field downtown this season or next. This is a scorching reminder for anyone who ever attended a practice in Spartanburg. This is like 9:30, and people are in the small sliver of shade, you just stood there, talked some, and sweated.

Its obviously been a looong minute since Charlotte has cared this much about both its NFL and NBA franchises. With kudos for a couple seasons of solid management all around, and showing major promise in getting to There in 2025, burying Loserville tag on two vibrant, moving forward leadership groups will make for a hotter, more satisfying rest of sports year. (Knights are 11-9, 4th in International League East)

Lots of Moving Pieces, Others will do Sweating

While Hornets fans will possibly swoon at the 22 Pt./12 Reb./6 Ast. and generous ladling of attaboy! Sports Illustrated put on Liam McNeeley’s Summer League debut, https://www.si.com/nba/hornets/news/hornets-may-have-the-steal-of-the-2025-nba-draft-and-it-s-not-kon-knueppel its not quite time to do Oscar-type ‘play them off’ for local NBA crew.

7/21/25 https://www.nba.com/news/nba-2k26-summer-league-kings-hornets Well now, 6-0 is actually more than anyone expected, and I’m kind of laughing at those who dissed KK after mediocre first game. Whether a reasonable, happy news result is coming about last years French product at #6 still seems in doubt, https://www.nba.com/player/1642275/tidjane-salaun but just knowing Ryan Kalkbrenner is available to become the rim-protector Hornets have lacked forever isn’t a fact that will diminish before next season.

Being a 4x Defensive Play of Year in Big East isn’t luck or coincidence, and if they want him on perimeter shooting threes like a Euro-center, that’s probably the least of his traditional back-to-basket, guard your man mission. Not considered a great rebounder? Giannis was 11.9 rpg, what’s great ? Everyone should be on the boards, evv-very-one! Moussa Diabate can’t shoot much? Get some glass, keep other guys honest. Sion James will be a force on the defensive perimeter and boards – 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game (Duke, 2025) .

The Hornets now have *plenty* of shooters with Knueppel, McNeeley, Miller, Sexton, and as far as anyone knows, Melo. Tre Mann, Josh Green and Nick Smith, Jr. will need to battle, Mason Plumlee might be one Dookie too many after scanning early roster.

Hornets President Jeff Peterson is Donald Glover’s character in ‘steely-eyed missile man’ category re: Rich Purnell Maneuver (‘The Martian’, 2015).

Original moniker was applied to NASA flight controller John Aaron (Apollo 12, 13), and refers to calm, crucial solutions and decisive actions – his ‘Switch SCE to Aux’ – after a lightning strike threatened to scrub Apollo 12 launch is legend. In movie, its a gravity slingshot around Earth for an impossible mission – 553 days longer – to save a left-behind astronaut.

7/17/25 Yeah, that is about how far Hornets had seemed from Success. GShorkknows

Contracts and Expectations, Many, many names

Whenever a naysayer opines that *everything* is riding on this Panthers team blowing 6.5 wins out to insure GM Dan Morgan, HC Dave Canales, and Pres. Brandt Tilis don’t lose their jobs, I let them know that football operations are doing just fine, #MrTeppers$ hasn’t been that rip everything up by the roots owner for a while. Lots of names will pass through Panthers roster before first game (Jax) in September, Hornets have some numbers to trim as well.

Yes indeedy, there are loads of Expectations here in the Buckle of the Bible Belt, and YES! Morgan did an admirable job, showcasing an A+ rated draft of documented production defensive and offensive talent, after substantial filling of defensive gaps with qualified FA personnel. Dang! about Josey Jewell leaving in concussion protocols after seven months.

There isn’t an unsigned tag on #2 pick Nic Scourton any more, and he’s done all previous training thus far. Camp starts Wednesday, so it wasn’t a hold-out per se. https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-nfl-draft-contract-details-revealed-for-panthers-second-round-pick-nic-scourton/ The NFL knew Morgan needed to draft a ‘he can hurt you long’ receiver at some point, his selecting AZ All-American wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at #8 in 1st rnd. an indicator why (IMHO) he’s got inside track on Executive of the Year. Addressing defensive needs got handled as best practices. Just sayin’.

Offensive lines get talked about until there’s no need to, and the Panthers now stack every position with a replacement. Austin Corbett and Cade Mays will have a battle for center, luck on staying healthy hasn’t been Corbett’s best friend. Chuba Hubbard is the teams Alpha-Lead Dawg, if that’s necessary to state, although having another 1,000 yard guy back there shouldn’t be a struggle.

Will we determine whether Bryce can see even better down field behind this line, or will Panthers move him around to open up passing lanes? (He sees fine).

Young’s ten TDs-no turnovers in final three games still hits key chord in growth estimations. The most effective aspect of a play action pass is the reality of the quarterback actually giving the ball to runner for a healthy gain. Panthers Hubbard keeps that uppermost in a defenses concerns, adding variety with open playbook becomes a fact with QB Young and Head Coach Canales on same wave.

DEEE-fense! arrives in Charlotte – Damn straight!

Fact Panthers defense surrendered a stupendous amount of rushing yards – over 3,000 – well, Derrick Brown is again the Sheriff, and there are defensive ends and nose tackles now with documented stats and history with DC Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 model. No, Shy Tuttle wasn’t the answer at the nose position, though he figures to stay on roster as a rotational player. GM Morgan isn’t passing out #MrTeppers$ to just anyone, and the $100MM contract that Jaycee Horn earned after an All Pro, injury-free year, speaks to how things should now be done in Charlotte. Looking at you Mr. Moton.

You probably haven’t heard many of the 90 names on camp roster who project as second half of keepers on final 53-man roster, and its going to be Panthers taxi squad (15) that will make a difference through 18 week regular season.

Going into Wednesday, its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six seem like no-brainer keeps. At no point will Panthers try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat.’

Is that Rozeboom guy from Rams really a 135-tackle bad ass?

Its been noted there is a plethora of choices in the WR room, and most of top six-seven seem like no-brainer picks for roster. At no point will they try and stash Horn on a taxi squad. If he wants to imitate Stevie SuperStar starting with returns, lets go! No ego, he played opposite a Heisman guy.

Yes, T-Mac will learn what REAL July humidity feels like in Charlotte. The physio-people will be on top of everything – Ooops! almost said ‘No sweat, T-Mac,’ but no, ain’t gonna be AZ dry heat.

Did doubling up on young stud defensive edge rushers (Nic Scourton, Round 2, #51) and Princely Umanmielen, Round 3, #77) mean Clowney was expendable? Apparently yes, though there was a moment of concern about a slip-possible injury immediately post-cut. All the linebackers have downfield speed for coverage, how well sacks are produced will be a subject of much counting from Game One.

The Panthers have been bottom three in sacks for years, but just FYI, team record is 60, held by 1996, 2013 teams. In Peppers superman 2008 campaign with 14.5 sacks, they had 50. With the recognition that Evero’s projected safety tandem (Moehrig, Ransom) are recognized thumpers, don’t be surprised what a professional, career as well-regarded defensive coach, can come up with, maybe blitz packages, when his personnel is closer to genuine NFL grade.

Yes, Expectations will be way higher than last, well, seven years. I’m a #BoomerwithAttitude, so thumbs up for Football Operations. Go Hornets, thoughts for Melo…

microeconomy, POV - Content Creation, Sports

Hockey goalies are inspirational, LL triple headers for a Blue, PWHL goes 5 OTs, Congrats!

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on Hockey goalies are inspirational, LL triple headers for a Blue, PWHL goes 5 OTs, Congrats!

You couldn’t go wrong in describing Montreal Victorie-Ottawa Charge game as a 3-2, five OT rock fight, with real anticipation of more coming. Names and logos and toughness in Year Two is all any sponsors could’ve asked for. With all the acrobatics professional goalies perform, and Maple Leafs Joseph Woll got shelled (37 shots on goal) while surrendering a pair in 2-0 loss to defending NHL champ Florida Panthers, LeSharque’s (moi) #1 Hockey Memory is still being clipped back of elbow by slap shot *first time ever in goal* and thinking it was dislocated while kicking the equipment to side of rink.

Flashed on that when a side-squatting catcher allowed a wicked foul tip to score a direct hit, *just* above knee protection during a Little League triple-header Saturday. At 68, ducking high, wild pitches launched by ten-year olds happens often, and quality level of catchers rotating is a huge variable. Okay, maybe a macho content in my microeconomy still involves taking hits, even if I rubbed it a little. FYI – If you hear it hit, the Blue is usually okay, though umpire support is appreciated.

Calling a player out! immediately for diving head first into home plate was about Best Practices. Its a safety factor discussed before every minor league game. Whatever else is going on in world, the Great American Family Experience continues full speed ahead.

Calling a player out! immediately for diving head first into home plate was about Best Practices. Its discussed before every minor league game. Plays at the plate are why Blues get the Big $$$, right?

Told kid parked next to me post-game Wed. ANY pitcher had most of plate because he stood so far away, so Sat. he stepped right to line, looked at me, went 4-4, and hit every one hard. Yay me!

–5/10/25 Micro-sessions of work, like 6 vs. 8 hrs. for a Work Day seems fine. I rolled 10a-4p Saturday at $30/hr. Outside, sharing the Great American Family Experience – terrific! Foul tip in knee, less fun.

Pro Hoops-Hockey Extravaganza Weekend

Its not some voice saying it, its two voices, just saying same thing about a cold one waiting.

With plenty of snacks and the promised cold ones Saturday, and then a Sunday evening of similar inaction, the question of how much importance should be attached to such athletic events arose. The affirmation was being a sportwriter, and content analyst gig required the input, it wasn’t just surrendering attention all weekend to trump’s minions, which never seem to miss an opportunity to step wrong.

Uh huh, Johnson says you’ve got that Medicaid slash piece ready. But this is about sports, right?

Running back the most recent events, the Celts are still down 2-1 after opening a full can of whupass on Knicks at MSG, before settling for a 115-93 thumping. Having coughed up 20-pt. leads in two game with faulty 3-point shooting, Celtics 50% rate Saturday (20-40) looks like they’ve fixed things. NBA 6th Man of Year Payton Pritchard stroked 23 for Celts, who are favored -6.5 pts, -260 for Monday’s game, O/U 208.5

Out West, Anthony Edwards plunked down his reputation and best practices at clutch time, putting a 36-Pts/4-R/4 Asst line hurt on Curry-less Warriors, even with Playoff Jimmy (33-Pts/7-R/7Asst) Butler and Kuminga contributions (30-Pts/6-R/3Asst) in 102-97 loss. Indiana Pacers breezed, and Cleveland is looking very mortal without Donovan Mitchell (12 pts.), losing 129-109 and facing a 3-1 hole.

Honestly, the Nuggets-Thunder game was unwatchable, the lack of professional flow must’ve set NBA hoops fans back a decade. The 92-87 finale was appreciated more for finality than affirming victory. A similar unfortunate who cares slighting is the timing factor for Edmonton Oilers-Vegas Golden Knight series, stuck in a 10:00-plus start time zone that makes caring about the Knights 2-1 lead difficult.

For all the Caniacs in Raleigh, an SRO crowd roared throughout the game, as their team strutted Warning Flag black outfits and totally muffled the Capitals 4-0, goalie Frederik Andersen stopped a mere 21 shots. https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-wsh/2025/05/10/2024030223 The 2-1 Florida Panthers throttled the Maple Leafs 2-0 to create another gut-check moment in the Leafs best season in quite a while. Its a similar same situation for the Winnipeg Jets, down 2-1 in series with Dallas Stars after 5-2 loss. The Jets took the NHL Presidents Cup in 2024-25 as the top regular season point-getting team (56 W-22L-4T), but last NHL team to win regular season points trophy and Stanley Cup was Chicago Blackhawks, 2012-13.

OMG! The PWHL goes into 5th OT

It took 135 minutes for the Montreal Victoire to shake the Ottawa Charge loose 3-2, tying their series at 1-1. In the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s second year of life, the teams have identities vs. just cities on their sweaters, a TV contract, Olympic pedigreed players, and a planned expansion (Seattle, Vancouver) product both America and Canada love.

Four of the six original (2024) teams became playoff teams this year, Montreal-Ottawa in one semi-final, the Minnesota Frost-Toronto Scepters in the other half of draw. Minnesota tied the series 1-1 with a 7-5 win Sunday. The other two original teams are Boston Fleet and NY Sirens.

https://www.thepwhl.com/en/stats/schedule/all-teams/6/all-months?league=1

I’m a fan from way back

My Little Part for Womens Sports, then Boom! (45 Years later) Pro Women’s Hockey League
Panther Football, Thought Leadership

A 15 Year old Time Capsule, Right on UConn win, A BIG Duke Win for Coach K and Schuyer, Zoubek Was The Man

by gshorkeyblt2Leave a Comment on A 15 Year old Time Capsule, Right on UConn win, A BIG Duke Win for Coach K and Schuyer, Zoubek Was The Man

I’d be tempted to throw in the link from 15 years ago yesterday, which credited UConn for its back-to-back titles, the obvious relationship for Duke coaches then and now, and the biggest Dookie, Brian Zoubek. Only time anyone recalls Coach K just pounding you with size, including two Plumlees.

While Kyle Singler and John Scheyer have been quality players for years, Duke wouldn’t have been in the NCAA Finals if Brian Zoubek hadn’t finally played a full, injury-free season. Duke changed from its usual defensive pressure to Playing Big, *really* big with the Plumlee brothers going 6’10” and jumping all over people, but this past month especially, Zoubek (that would be MISTER Zoubek to you Cal fans) showed exactly what being BIG and talented means. Rip down a rebound and everyone around you seems to be only armpit high, that is the epitome of Large. Singler was the MVP of the Final Four, but capping a college career the way he did was great for Zoo.

(Just how precisely the finale mirrored Duke’s loss this year shows how close winning-losing such events often is.)

No problem acknowledging how tough Butler played – even the great Duke champs of the past rarely played in-your-shirt, hand-to-hand-combat intense D better than the Bulldogs did Monday night.

Frankly, if that last half-court heave by Haywood banks in, all the air would’ve come out of Dookie Nation’s chest for well into the future. Nobody would be questioning whether Coach K was full of it by saying this was his greatest championship, though many consider it his best coaching job because the talent wasn’t as overwhelming as past teams…

The bottom line, 5th year useful guy Zoubek earned the ring so many expected freshman Flagg, and a superbly well assembled set of teammates, to emerge from a chalk walk of #1s to the Final Four March Madness in San Antonio with. One short-armed, fallaway J, one bummer of a foul call was the difference. No Mr. Big finale.

The air HAS gone out of Dookie Nation, how and when will anyone know whether Cooper comes back? Yeah, yeah about his NIL value at Duke, $4.8 mill you say? They hustled his incubation time to make him a stud professional NBA legend at 19, won’t another year put a beating on his Year 4 valuations…Blah, blah, blah. Love the commercial where he gets sweated up at bingo. Or did the first 999 times. NBA body and smarts, got it.

Tough to maintain focus in college fishbowl? NBA is eighty-two games, THEN the abuse of playoff *series,* not onesies. Doubters about being ready? Mostly no doubt. Bird-like? C’mon. Stay or go? Pull the ripcord my man, be a great student-athlete example. Hey, that twin of yours who didn’t push up a class, he got any game?

Plenty of time to What If –

Two weeks from NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers don’t have exactly the same falling off a cliff decision with #8 pick as Flagg to NBA. Still plenty of guessing about HOW MUCH defense is enough, enabling the drafting of other than necessary edge rushers and linebackers from a deep group.

The What If – Penn St. tight end Tyler Warren fell to #8 Panthers pick, would Morgan prioritize XYZ (Walker from GA) on defense ahead of selecting ANOTHER tight end who blocks and catches very, very well, and would continue filling RB and a tight end room just about like HC Canales has frequently stated? https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4431459/tyler-warren

While there’s still a quantity of #MrTeppers$ available, Morgan paid up for a LOT of talent in the most necessary places during ‘legal tampering period.’ The Panthers Football Operations people kept Ejiro Evero as Defensive Coordinator after a brutal statistical season – and a previous #4 rated one, before a solid linebacking corps went free agent. Morgan provided the ONE absolute that 3-4 defense required, a nose tackle who is great on holding up double teams with physical dimensions.

If you haven’t heard about a signee from Rams name of Rozeboom, he notched about as many tackles as Panthers D-line had last season (135), you will want to see how he operates.

Don’t sweat the Eagles DT (Williams) who blew Panthers off for $104MM of the Patriots money, *that* friends, is what over-paying looks like.

The Great American Family Experience, 9 am Saturday version

A little Control on the world, maybe

It never hurts to call a high strike to make sure the batter remembers we talked about getting swings vs. looks before the game. I love covering specific situations in pre-game talks, which become easy judgements when they happen (recently). I listen to what a manager wants to fix about something I also witnessed to develop possible explanations/resolutions.

I’ve been the plate umpire every time out because as old-ish veteran, I have the equipment the 15-year olds I’ve teamed with recently don’t. I’ve made a difference with many catchers, telling them to get bats out of the way, so they don’t interfere with a play. I tell the crowd how catchers move the location of pitches (very worthwhile talk). I picked up three games this week, and maintain LL is a healthy outing after WFH writing and blogging.

Pass on a Friday nite gig to play poker? Nahh, no guarantee I’d win big, and there’s those taxes, about two terrific hours of community involvement with the Great American Family Experience will help pay for.

$600 into Umpiring this Spring, I’ve gotten hit kind of regularly, a couple of the ‘particularly close’ genre. When pitcher barely had enough juice to bounce it off the edge of the plate – then right past the catchers ear, never even got a glove up – it doesn’t hurt, but the streak has ended. 4/5/25

The NHL playoffs begin April 19th. Possible latest ending date – June 23rd. I’m not a hockey bettor. Charlotte Hornets (19-61) fans will have open schedules shortly, but they weren’t really bettable either. There might be a reason to talk about LaMelo shortly. Just sayin,’ if Mavs can pull the pin with Luka a season after Finals, LaMelo is not untouchable as Face of Franchise.

I will tell any nice ladies in advance of the much hotter part of LL baseball season, yes, I will always accept a Gator or PowerAde, any flavor. Here’s to the Great American Family Experience.

Two weeks to Morgan Draft #2, not so bad waiting for actual progress vs. fantastical trades and must gets online verbiage. Grab yourself an Ultra (or Dr. Pepper) like Billy Bob in ‘Land Man,’ hang with a bad enough Good Woman you’re sure there’s not a snowballs chance of Happiness ever happening with, but rest assured, Panthers GM Dan Morgan is doing a *fine* job of investing #MrTeppers$, not yours.

If that includes getting a super chunk of ath-o-lete as a first rate, NFL ready offensive weapon for Bryce Young’s upcoming third year, I’ll be good with that.