Terrible Teo...

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Teo, above, claims to be the victim of a cat fish. (Photo: Neon Tommy)

Possibly the biggest, and weirdest, sports news story so far this year is what happened to Manti Teo. For those of you that haven't heard, and shame on you if you haven't, Teo was in love with a woman that never existed, never died, and he never even met.

Which sucks, because he was the inspirational sports story of 2012 after she "died" just six hours after his grandmother died and he went out three days later and played a sensational game for Notre Dame. As you could probably guess, my reaction is the basis for this blog post...

First off, hats off to the folks over at Deadspin for writing an incredibly detailed account of the story from start to finish. They did a really great job and you should take a look at the article that is linked to above (after you finish reading this one, of course).

I don't understand how Teo could have possibly been duped in this situation. There are so many fine details that he claims to have happened that never happened at all. For instance, he claims to have first met her following the Notre Dame versus Stanford game. If she never existed, how could they have had "love at first sight"?

There are too many discrepancies and things that would just have to be coincidences for Teo to not be somehow involved in this scandal in some way. If this girl was in car accident, that was never reported, and then put in the hospital and diagnosed with cancer, also never reported, then why didn't he go and visit her? How busy can he be? I'm Chip Kelly, who gave Teo a game ball in honor of "Lennay", would understand.

And how come Teo didn't look devastated in his interview with ESPN in the days following her death? If something you love THAT much were to be taken away from you like, you'd be a wreck! I know I would be a total mess!

But not Teo. He remained calm and played as if nothing had happened. If you were to let a loved one pass without ever visiting them in the hospital, you'd (hopefully) feel some sort of remorse. Not Teo. He has yet to show any sort of remorse...or emotion since he has been silent since this story broke (also interesting).

If Manti Teo has nothing to hide then why has he gone into hiding? If he the mentally strong individual that he claims to be, why doesn't he face the media storm that is lingering and waiting for him to come out? In my opinion, he's hiding something...something BIG.

In my honest opinion, Manti Teo is lying. He was definitely involved in this scandal it was all one big publicity stunt. He saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of the media, the public, and to rocket himself onto the national stage and into the spotlight.

Will this effect his draft ranking? I doubt it. One thing is clear, what Teo did on the field was no hoax. He is one of the best linebackers in this years draft and that is no joke. I think that he will still be taken in the first round of the NFL Draft this coming April.

What are your thoughts on the Manti Teo story? Star the discussion and leave a comment below!

Wizards Trade For Ariza, Okafor

(Photo: cbsimg.net)

Yesterday, the Wizards made a trade with the New Orleans Hornets to acquire Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza for the 46th pick in the 2012 draft and Rashard Lewis.

In my opinion, the Wizards got a great deal with this trade.

They acquired two solid (not great) players in Okafor and Ariza and all they had to give up was a late draft pick and a player that didn't really make a difference last season.

This trade also makes a huge difference when you look at the draft picture.

A week ago, I wrote a post stating that the Wizards will likely select Thomas Robinson from Kansas or Andre Drummond from UConn with the third pick. Following this trade, however, I would like to make an adjustment to that prediction.

With acquisition of Okafor, the Wizards now have to starting low post men Okafor and Nene. The Wizards also filled their need for a small forward with acquiring Trevor Ariza. Now, all they need is a shooting guard to compliment John Wall.

That's where the draft comes into play...

The Wizards will now have the option to pick between two quality shooting guards: Harrison Barnes from UNC and Bradley Beal from Florida. In my post last week, I stated that Bradley Beal would be the best option for the Wizards if they were to take a shooting guard with the third pick...I still stand by that.

Beal is a great shooter off the screen and does well when he puts the ball on the floor. I think that he and John Wall will compliment each other very well. Also, since Beal was not the point guard through college, he will already be used to his role on the floor.

Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor were two great pickups by the Wizards. Ariza, an NBA champion back in 2009, has been bouncing around the league his entire career. Still, however, he manages to make a difference no matter what team he is on.

Okafor, the second overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft, has been a solid player throughout his career, as well. In 2005, he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and was also the Rookie of the Year that year. Okafor can give the Wizards at least 12 points night in and night out.

I like the direction that Ernie Grunfeld and Co. are taking the Wizards. While they haven't made any major moves, they have still added some quality players to the roster.

When the season tips off, I wouldn't be surprised to see this starting line-up on the floor: John Wall, Bradley Beal, Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor, and Nene.

Who Should The Wizards Take At Three?

Thomas Robinson, above, would compliment Nene down low. (Photo: hoopsworld.com)

On June 28th the NBA will hold their annual two round draft. The Wizards will have the third selection that night following the New Orleans Hornets and the Charlotte Bobcats. So the big question is...who should the Wizards take with the third pick?

There are three players in particular that I think the Wizards can't go wrong with if they selected them.

Obviously, Anthony Davis is going to go first overall. New Orleans would be insane not to pass up a player with as much upside as him. Following that, however, it gets a little fuzzy.

Some experts think that power forward/center Andre Drummond from the University of Connecticut will go second overall to the Bobcats. Other people think that power forward Thomas Robinson from Kansas will go second overall.

It's simple, really, the Wizards just take whichever one doesn't get picked...right? Wrong!!

In my opinion, the Wizards will  have a choice between two players: one of which will compliment John Wall and one will compliment Nene.

The compliment to Nene would obviously be either Drummond or Robinson. I think that the Bobcats will go with the physical freak that is Andre Drummond. He is a stronger big man that can get very long in the paint.

That would then leave Thomas Robinson. The 6'9" 244 pound junior hails from the Washington D.C. area. He's very strong in the paint and is tough to beat defensively. When you take his wingspan into account, he can stretch out to be 7'1". Robinson can also put the ball on the floor and finishes well at the rim.

The other player that the Wizards would be wise to select would be an excellent compliment to John Wall. Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal is a guy that remind many of Eric Gordon and Marcus Thornton.

Beal is a solid shooter that is great at shooting off a screen. He's got a quick, high release that stays consistent throughout the course of a game. If he needs to, he has no problems with putting the ball on the ground and finishing at the rim.

The Wizards can't go wrong with picking either Robinson, Drummond, or Beal. Either one of them will score points and can compliment another player on the roster. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from Kentucky could help fill out the small forward position, but I think that the Wizards could do much better by selecting one of the other three.

Redskins Draft Profle: Keenan Robinson

Robinson, 1, was a fourth round pick of the Redskins. (Photo: giantsgab.com)

With the 119th pick in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected linebacker Keenan Robinson from the University of Texas.

In four seasons for the Longhorns, Robinson started in every game from his sophomore through  his senior season. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman. He recorded 316 total tackles including 24 tackles for loss. He also sacked the quarterback 5.5 times. Robinson caused three fumbles and recovered two fumbles. The Plano, Texas native intercepted two passes while breaking up 13 more.

Robinson is a two-time Butkus Award (nations top NCAA linebacker award) semi-finalist as well as second team All Big 12 following his junior and senior seasons. He was the Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP his senior season for his 10 tackle performance against Cal.

First off, looking back at your career for the University of Texas, what is the fondest memory you have of playing for them?
"I think my greatest memory at Texas is beating Texas A&M with a last second field goal my Senior Year. It was the final game of the series and the game was an instant classic."

Where were you when you recieved the call from the Redskins saying they were drafting you?
"I was in Dallas with my friends and family. I talked to Coach Shannahan and Coach Haslett. As soon as I heard their voices I knew that the Redskins had picked me."

What was the moment like when it was announced that the Redskins had drafted you and it became official?
"I was pretty enthusiastic. I had been waiting on that moment for a long time and when it happened it was almost too surreal. I knew that I was going to get drafted just now when and by who. To get drafted by a great organization like the 'Skins was the icing on the cake."

How were you recieved when you first arrived at Redskins Park to be introduced?
"I think the fans along with the staff were very receptive of me. Being a Texas guy I already have high expectations with players like Orakpo and Cedric Griffin already on the team so they already knew what Texas players were about."

What are your expectations or goals that you have for yourself this season?
"Every rookie wants to come in and be an immediate impact player. Realistically, I want to get the system down by the end of training camp and earn the as well as the coaches trust so that I can be a guy that can get in the inside backer rotation."

How are you going to contribute to and help improve the Redskins defense?
"I think that first and foremost I will help the team wherever they need me on special teams. Secondly, i can bring my combination of size and speed to the inside backer position which will allow me to make plays at this level."

How do you plan to get invloved in the Redskins community?
"The first thing I want to do is find a good church that I can get involved with. I know that Sundays are usually hectic with our schedule and everything, but I could attend a service or two during the week. The next thing I want to do is get with guys like Orakpo and Fletcher and see what they're doing in the community and see if I can get involved."

Once you get that first pay check, what is your first big purchase going to be?
"I want to help my parents. They have sacrificed for my brother and sisters our entire lives and now it's time I help them out so that they don't have to worry about making ends meet."

What excites you the most about becoming a Washington Redskin?
"The most exciting element of becoming a Redskin is the opportunity to play in arguable to toughest conference in the entire league amongst some of the best players in the league. The competition I will face week in and week out will challenge me and really help me develop my game even further."

Nats Draft Profile: Austin Chubb

(Photo: fcsmocs.com)

This past weekend Major League Baseball held its annual entry level player draft. The draft consisted of 40 rounds in which each team got one pick each round.

With the 654th pick in this years draft, the Nationals selected Austin Chubb. Chubb is a 6'1" 220 pound catcher from Lake Mary, Florida.

What is your favorite memory you have of playing in college?
"My favorite college memory would have to be winning the Florida Junior College State Championship and playing at the Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado in 2010 for the State College of Florida Manatees. (Bryce Harper was actually there as well with his Junior College Team.)"

Where were you when you got the call saying you were being drafted by the Nationals?
"I was sitting with my family in our living room at my home in Lake Mary, Florida."

How did it feel when you were officially drafted?
"It was the most unbelievable feeling I've ever experienced. This has been my lifelong dream, and it is hard to believe it has finally come true. My brother actually saw my name pop up on the computer before I did and he started screaming we all hugged and there were many tears of joy."

What sets you apart from the rest of the catchers in this years draft?
"This was a solid year for catchers. I feel that I can contribute offensively, as well as defensively. Also, I will bring an unmatched work ethic to the field each day. I also feel that I bring a number of intangibles, such as leadership, and have a knack for getting the most out of my pitchers when I catch."

How are you going to prepare yourself for the minor leagues and progressing through the Nationals farm system?
"Professional baseball is a grind. I plan to work as hard as I possibly can to maximize my potential. I feel that I'm well prepared because of the great college programs that I played for, State  College of Florida, and then Florida Southern. However, I also realize that learning is a coninual process, and I will always be a student of the game. I am excited about being able to pick the brains of the great coaches in the Nationals organization, and plan on learning as much from them as I can. Being able to play everyday, producing, and finding ways to help my team win will ultimately help me advance within the system."

What expectations do you have for yourself now that you have been drafted?
"The sky is the limit. I want to help the Nationals win a World Series Championship. Whether that is contributing at the minor league level, or hopefully playing a key role with the Big League club one day, winning the ultimate goal. If you prepare and play to win, everything else will fall into place."

Who do you try to model yourself after as a player?
"I always loved the way Jason Varitek was the leader and captain of his team. I also loved his defense mentality. But I also know that I am my own player, and I want to do things that I do best to help my team."

What excites you the most about being drafted by the Nationals?
"The Nationals are a first class organization. Mike Rizzo and Davey Johnson are doing an outstanding job and have put the Nationals in a position to win, and to win now. I am extremely excited to represent one of the most professional and promising organizations in the game."

Risky Business

Last night the Nationals drafted right handed pitcher Lucas Giolito from Harvard-Westlake High School in California. After his junior year of high school, Giolito was predicted to go first overall following his senior season. The Nationals got him at 16th overall. You may be asking....why so late?

Giolito sat out his senior season due to a sprained ligament in his throwing elbow. Since he had not seen legitimate game action in over a year, teams were nervous about drafting him. Teams also stayed away from him due to the injury that he sustained to his throwing elbow.

The Nationals and their fans know all too well what can happen when you injure your throwing elbow. Already, the Nationals have seen two of their own starting pitchers go under the knife for Tommy Johns surgery. Jordan Zimmermann had his procedure done three years ago and most recently Stephen Strasburg underwent to the procedure to repair a ligament in his throwing elbow.

While the injury was a sprain and not a tear, the point still remains that Giolito's throwing elbow was injured. With that in mind, the Nationals need to be extra careful when bringing him through the system.

Many experts think that Giolito will move through any teams farm system quickly. However, the Nationals will want to take some time to make sure that everything is A-OK with his elbow. Trying to hustle the kid through the minors and into the majors would be a terrible mistake.

The last thing that Mike Rizzo and Co. want to have happen is stake their claim on this guy only to have him never make it past Class AA due to a reoccurring throwing elbow injury.

One thing that the Nationals do quite well is handle injuries. Strasburg and Zimmermann have both returned from their injuries just as good as, if not better than, before. They made a plan, patiently stuck to that plan, and the results have been fantastic.

Expect much of the same for Lucas Giolito. Don't expect the Nationals to try to quickly move him through the farm system. He is still a teenager and also an investment. He's got great stuff and can really be a big contributor to the Nationals for years to come.

The Nationals took a bit of a risk last night when they drafted Lucas Giolito. If they handle him just as carefully as they do the rest of their injured players, he's going to be a difference maker for this ball club.

Nationals Draft Pitcher

Last night marked day one of the three-day 40-round 2012 MLB Entry Level Draft. The first two rounds (round 1 and 1A) were completed last night. The Nationals selected once throughout the evening with the 16th overall pick.

With that pick, the Nationals selected right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito from Harvard-Westlake High School in California. That's right, he's fresh out of prep school.

A bigger guy standing at 6'6" and weighing 230 pounds, Giolito was anticipated to go first overall following an impressive junior high school season. However, a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (in the elbow) kept him off the field for his senior season.

According to many scouts around the league, Giolito has three very good pitches that he can go to when on the mound.

His fastball has been clocked at 96 MPH on the radar gun, but usually tops out at 93 MPH. His changeup comes out looking like a fastball, breaks like a split-fingered pitch, but is slow enough to get batters to swing way out in front of it. He also throws an excellent curve that one scout said has a very sharp break when it hits the plate.

Another thing that scouts rave when talking about Giolito is his location. He keeps the ball down in the strikezone. Doing so allows him to get a many ground-ball outs which also allows for quick innings.

One thing that worries me about this pick is his injury history. He has already injured a ligament in his throwing elbow. Nationals fans know all too well the dangers when dealing with an elbow ligament injury (see Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann).

It would seriously put a damper on things if Giolito doesn't have the stuff that he used to have. However, if he's anywhere close to it, the Nationals have made a great pick.

The Nationals have certainly figured out what they want to build their team around. Starting pitching was a focus during the offseason and it was certainly one last night.


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