Author: Bench Warmer Report

The wonderful thing about being a sports fan, is every now and then watching an athlete, have that signature moment. Whether it be watching Reggie Jackson hit three consecutive home runs on three pitches, in Game Six of the 1977 World Series. Or Lebron James’ Game Seven heroics, against the Golden State Warriors, that delivered the Cavaliers their first NBA Championship. Last night at the Barclays Center, we have experienced another.

In a heavyweight division, which for the better part of recent years, has been uninspiring, last night experienced a spark that hasn’t been felt since someone by the name of Tyson, dominated the back pages. Deontay Wilder’s dramatic first round knockout of Bermane Stiverne, has set the stage for a 2018 matchup against fellow heavyweight champ, Anthony Joshua. In what promises to be the most anticipated heavyweight fight, in well over a decade.

Similar to baseball’s old marketing slogan “Chics dig the long ball”, in boxing, the heavyweights captures the imagination of the casual sports fan. Not since Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, has an American fighter, in this weight class, had this kind of an opportunity to become the face of boxing, and finally restoring glamour back into this once beloved sport.

If this fight does take place, in all indications, it will have to take place in London. Fortunately for Wilder, superior skills and atheism travels. And so does the opportunity for another signature moment, that can possibly return all of the championship belts, back home, where they once belonged.

Stay tuned…

The Phil Jackson Show Continues…

Watching Phil Jackson’s press conference yesterday afternoon, was a very uncomfortable watch. It was almost equivalent to a patient having a conversation with their doctor, after a botched nose job:

Patient:

“Hey Doc, after removing the bandages, and taking a closer look in the mirror, it appears that my nose has been shifted to the left. Is there a problem here?”

Doctor:

“Don’t worry…everything is fine. All part of the process. It just needs to be tweaked a bit. A second procedure will do the trick”

Second surgery…

Patient:

“Hey Doc, I’m getting a little concerned here. My nose is now farther to the left than it was the last time. I need answers. Should I be talking to an attorney right about now?”

Doctor:

“I completely understand your concerns. Unfortunately while setting up my Facebook live, you inexplicably moved you head on one of my interns. Not your fault…the anesthesiologist has since been fired. A quick fix will do the trick. The insurance has already been approved. Cheer up!”

Third surgery…

Patient’s Wife:

“My husband asked me to meet with you on his behalf. Frankly, he wasn’t sure if he would be able to restrain himself. Basically, he wants to know…where’s his nose?”

Doctor:

“I completely understand his concern, but trust me, progress is being made.”

According to Phil Jackson, progress is being made. Similar to my old Motorola Razor Maxx, Jackson will be pressing the reset button for the third time in 3 years. Barring an unforeseen change of events, the Knick scenario, as currently constituted, makes the future of this franchise, dreadfully bleak.

They have an all-time great coach, who’s currently the team president, who doesn’t want to coach anymore, but wants the current coach to coach, as if he was still coaching. And watching Jackson talk down to the press yesterday, as if any of the questions posed to him were beneath him, further exemplifies his arrogance, in spite of his dismal performance thus far as Knick President.

Jackson’s passive aggressive behavior, and cryptic tweets, towards Carmelo Anthony, this past season, further diminishes the possibility of an A Side superstar wanting to take on the task of reviving this once proud franchise. But according to Phil, he’s not looking for a player who can jump out to the gym. Thus, Russell Westbrook wouldn’t qualify for the job.

Btw…I have this really bad feeling that he’s actually considering bringing back Derrick Rose. Speechless…

At the end of the day, Carmelo should be traded. The team isn’t going anywhere, and it would only make sense for this marriage between him and Jackson, to be annulled. However, should Jackson be the one allowed to make that trade? It’s my opinion that he shouldn’t, although he will. Thank you James Dolan.

Who knows, maybe he’ll luck out and pull off a major trade involving Anthony; get lucky in the draft, albeit a player who can’t jump out of the gym. And go into next season, with everyone on the same page, and present a respectable product. Do I believe that…no…however, we’ve been reassured that progress is being made.

Stay tuned…

First blog post

This blog has been a long time coming. For years those close to me continuously tried to convince me to pursue the area of writing. Whether it would be the writing and publishing of a book, or in this case, a blog. It started years back, while still living in New York, when I thought the New York Knicks were tormenting me. Unfortunately, the Knicks, as currently constituted, have now shown me and their fan base, what the true definition of torment is.

I would send countless emails to friends, venting over the latest Knick heartbreak loss. I mean, I did not hold back. The New York Daily News actually published excerpts of a couple letters that I submitted. It turned out that what was initially intended to be therapeutic for me, as a hardcore sports fan, became entertainment to others. Thus, the brain child of this blog was born.

The purpose of this forum isn’t just to share my opinions, whether it would be on the topic of sports, news, personal incite, or any other subject. My desire here is to solicit the thoughts and opinions of others as well.

It might be fair to say that each of us has a brain child. A vision or a dream that we may have for ourselves. However, for whatever reason we never take the necessary steps to manifest that idea into its physical manifestation. This blog represents mine. It’s my hope that as I pursue my dreams, with each post, that you likewise will be encouraged to pursue yours. Success is nothing more than having a worthy goal, that you’re continually moving closer towards each day.

All the best.

Darryl T. May