The “Bad Lip Reading” guys are back in time for Super Bowl 50 and haven’t lost a step.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Jim Tomsula was actually saying those things…like most of the things said in the entire video.
Stay tuned to see when “Part II” is released, which will likely be as funny.
DID YOU KNOW…
That the first official prop bet was whether or not William “The Refrigerator” Perry would would score a touchdown in Super Bowl XX?
Well…
He did.
The “Prop Bets” have become an awesome tradition each year for both the heavy and light gamblers. It’s fun betting on how long the anthem will be sung and what color the Gatorade being poured will be. Then you account the circumstances surrounding star players, storylines, celebrities and halftime show performers, and you have yourself a fun Super Bowl party game.
So…
Will Peyton Manning announce his retirement in the postgame interview?
Yes +500 (5/1)
No -1000 (1/10)
(Note: Must be on live broadcast.)
Will Peyton Manning be seen crying at any point during the entire broadcast?
Yes +600 (6/1)
No -1200 (1/12)
(Note: Live pictures only, must clearly see a tear.)
How many times will “dab” or “dabbing” be said by the announcers during the broadcast?
Over 2 (EVEN, 1/1)
Under 2 (-140, 5/7)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
How many times will Cam Newton do the Open Shirt Superman motion during the game?
Over 2.5 (EVEN, 1/1)
Under 2.5 (-140, 5/7)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
If Steph Curry is shown on TV during the broadcast what will he be wearing?
Personalized Carolina Steph Curry Jersey 1/1
No Jersey 2/1
Cam Newton Jersey 3/1
Any Other Carolina Jersey 5/1
Will Mike Carey be wrong about a challenge?
Yes +110 (11/10)
No -150 (2/3)
(Note: He must be consulted on live broadcast and must clearly take a stance on his position. If not consulted wagers will be No Action.)
Will there be an earthquake during the game?
Yes 10/1
(Note: Announcer must indicate there was during live broadcast from kickoff until final whistle.)
Will the Panthers player who scores their first TD give the football to a boy or girl?
Boy -200 (1/2)
Girl +150 (3/2)
How many times will the Golden Gate Bridge be shown during the broadcast?
Over 0.5 -300 (1/3)
Under 0.5 +200 (2/1)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
How many times will “John Fox” be said during the broadcast?
Over 1 (-140, 5/7)
Under 1 (EVEN, 1/1)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
How many times will Archie Manning be shown on TV during the broadcast?
Over 1.5 EVEN (1/1)
Under 1.5 -140 (5/7)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
How many times will John Elway be shown on TV during broadcast?
Over 2.5 EVEN (1/1)
Under 2.5 -140 (5/7)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
Will the announcers mention that Kubiak was Elway’s backup during the broadcast?
Yes +120 (6/5)
No -160 (5/8)
(Note: From kickoff to final whistle, halftime does not count.)
What color will the liquid be that is poured on the winning coach?
Orange 5/4
Blue 3/1
Clear 4/1
Yellow 4/1
Red 6/1
Green 10/1
Purple 10/1
Who will the Super Bowl MVP mention first?
God 2/1
Team 2/1
City/Fans 6/1
Coach 15/2
Family 15/1
Does not Mention Anyone above 9/4
Which song will Coldplay play first during the halftime show?
Adventure of a Lifetime 2/1
Fix You 7/2
A Sky Full of Stars 9/2
Viva la Vida 5/1
Clocks 15/2
Speed of Sound 9/1
Head Full of Dreams 10/1
Paradise 10/1
What color will Beyonce’s footwear be when she comes on stage for the halftime show?
Black 3/2
Gold/Brown 5/2
White 11/4
Silver/Grey 19/4
Any Other Color 7/1
(Note: Predominant color will be graded winner.)
Will “Left Shark” make an appearance on stage during the Super Bowl halftime show?
Yes 15/1
How many million viewers will Super Bowl 50 have?
Over/Under 117 million
What will the Nielsen Rating be for Super Bowl 50?
Over/Under 48.5
Which region will have a higher Nielsen Rating?
Denver -140 (5/7)
Charlotte EVEN (1/1)
How many wings will Buffalo Wild Wings sell on Super Bowl Day?
Over/Under 12 million
Coin Toss
Heads -105 (20/21)
Tails -105 (20/21)
Will the referee redo the coin toss?
Yes 20/1
Will the team that chooses heads or tails in the coin toss be correct?
Yes -105 (20/21)
No -105 (20/21)
Team to win the coin toss
Carolina Panthers -105 (20/21)
Denver Broncos -105 (20/21)
Will the team that wins the coin toss win the game?
Yes -105 (20/21)
No -105 (20/21)
Team to score first in the game
Carolina Panthers -150 (2/3)
Denver Broncos +120 (6/5)
Will the team that scores first win the game?
Yes -160 (5/8)
No +130 (13/10)
Total Team Points – Carolina Panthers
Over/Under 24½
Total Team Points – Carolina Panthers – First Half
Over/Under 11½
Total Team Points – Denver Broncos
Over/Under 20
Total Team Points – Denver Broncos – First Half
Over/Under 9½
Will there be a score in the first 7m30s of the 1st quarter?
Yes -160 (5/8)
No +130 (13/10)
Will there be a score in the first 1m30s of the 1st quarter?
Yes +1000 (10/1)
No -2500 (1/25)
Which will be the highest scoring quarter?
1st Quarter 5/1
2nd Quarter 8/5
3rd Quarter 9/2
4th Quarter 5/2
Will either team score 3 unanswered times in the game?
Yes -220 (5/11)
No +175 (7/4)
Will there be a score in the final 2 minutes of the 1st half?
Yes -280 (5/14)
No +220 (11/5)
Longest touchdown yardage in the game
Over/Under 44½
Will there be a penalty for excessive celebration?
Yes +250 (5/2)
No -400 (1/4)
Will either backup QB take a snap in the game?
Yes +200 (2/1)
No -300 (1/3)
Total successful field goals
Over/Under 3½
Longest successful field goal in the game
Over/Under 44.5 Yards
Will there be a missed extra point?
Yes +325 (13/4)
No -450 (2/9)
Total QB sacks (Both teams combined)
Over/Under 5½
Will a special teams or defensive TD be scored?
Yes +150 (3/2)
No -180 (5/9)
Will the Panthers rush for a 100 Yards or more for a 32nd straight game?
Yes -500 (1/5)
No +300 (3/1)
Total number of penalties made in the game by both teams
Over/Under 12½
Total number of penalties assessed on the Carolina Panthers
Over/Under 6
Total number of penalties assessed on the Denver Broncos
Over/Under 6½
Margin of Victory
Panthers by 1-6 points 3/1
Panthers by 7-12 points 4/1
Panthers by 13-18 points 11/2
Panthers by 19-24 points 9/1
Panthers by 25-30 points 16/1
Panthers by 31-36 points 25/1
Panthers by 37-42 points 40/1
Panthers by 43+ points 50/1
Broncos by 1-6 points 4/1
Broncos by 7-12 points 8/1
Broncos by 13-18 points 12/1
Broncos by 19-24 points 25/1
Broncos by 25-30 points 50/1
Broncos by 31-36 points 75/1
Broncos by 37-42 points 100/1
Broncos by 43+ points 100/1
Super Bowl 50 – Odds to Win MVP
Cam Newton 5/7
Peyton Manning 11/4
Luke Kuechly 14/1
C.J. Anderson 20/1
Ted Ginn Jr. 20/1
Von Miller 20/1
Greg Olsen 22/1
Emmanuel Sanders 22/1
Jonathan Stewart 22/1
Demaryius Thomas 22/1
Josh Norman 28/1
Aqib Talib 33/1
DeMarcus Ware 33/1
Corey Brown 66/1
Owen Daniels 66/1
Graham Gano 66/1
Ronnie Hillman 66/1
Brandon McManus 66/1
Darian Stewart 66/1
Danny Trevathan 66/1
Chris Harris Jr. 75/1
Devin Funchess 100/1
Brandon Marshall 100/1
Derek Wolfe 100/1
Kurt Coleman 150/1
Mike Tolbert 150/1
Field 33/1
First Touchdown Scorer
Cam Newton (CAR) 7/1
Greg Olsen (CAR) 15/2
Jonathan Stewart (CAR) 8/1
C.J. Anderson (DEN) 9/1
Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) 9/1
Demaryius Thomas (DEN) 9/1
Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR) 10/1
Corey Brown (CAR) 14/1
Owen Daniels (DEN) 14/1
Ronnie Hillman (DEN) 14/1
Mike Tolbert (CAR) 16/1
Jerricho Cotchery (CAR) 20/1
Devin Funchess (CAR) 20/1
Andre Caldwell (DEN) 25/1
Jordan Norwood (DEN) 25/1
Ed Dickson (CAR) 33/1
Peyton Manning (DEN) 50/1
No touchdown scorer 66/1
Field 11/2
Will Peyton Manning throw a Pick 6 in the game?
Yes +300 (3/1)
No -500 (1/5)
Will Cam Newton break the Super Bowl record of most rushing yards by a QB?
Yes +275 (11/4)
No -450 (2/9)
(Note: The record is 64 by Steve McNair in Super Bowl XXXIV.)
Total Passing Yards – Peyton Manning (DEN)
Over/Under 235½
Total Passing Yards – Cam Newton (CAR)
Over/Under 240½
Total Touchdown Passes – Cam Newton (CAR)
Over 1½ (-180, 5/9)
Under 1½ (+150, 3/2)
Total Touchdown Passes – Peyton Manning (DEN)
Over 1½ (-135, 20/27)
Under 1½ (+105, 21/20)
Cam Netwon and Peyton Manning Specials
Cam Newton records 300 or more Passing Yards 7/2
Cam Newton records 350 or more Passing Yards 9/1
Cam Newton records 50 or more Rushing Yards 3/2
Cam Newton records 100 or more Rushing Yards 12/1
Cam Newton records 25 or more Completions 5/1
Cam Newton scores a Rushing TD and Carolina win the game 2/1
Peyton Manning records 300 or more Passing Yards 7/4
Peyton Manning records 350 or more Passing Yards 5/1
Peyton Manning records 30 or more Completions 15/2
Total Rushing Yards – Cam Newton (CAR)
Over/Under 39½
Total Rushing Yards – Ted Ginn Jr. (CAR)
Over/Under 5½
Will Luke Kuechly record a pick 6 in the game?
Yes +600 (6/1)
No -1200 (1/12)
(Note: Kuechly had a pick 6 in both playoff games this year.)
Total Sacks – Von Miller (DEN)
Over ½ (-225, 4/9)
Under ½ (+180, 9/5)
Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?
Trump % Points in the New Hampshire Primary -200 (1/2)
Total Points scored by the winning Super Bowl team +150 (3/2)
Cross Sport Props – Exact Outcome
Carolina wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election 13/4
Carolina wins Super Bowl – Cinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election 7/4
Carolina wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election 5/1
Denver wins Super Bowl – Trump Wins 2016 Presidential Election 7/1
Denver wins Super Bowl – Clinton Wins 2016 Presidential Election 9/2
Denver wins Super Bowl – Sanders Wins 2016 Presidential Election 10/1
Cross Sport Props – What are the odds the Carolina Panthers win the 2016 Super Bowl and the Golden State Warriors win the 2015-2016 NBA Title?
Yes 2/1
Will Denver win Super Bowl, Peyton Manning Retires, San Antonio wins NBA Championship, Tim Duncan Retires?
Yes 20/1
Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?
DeMarcus Cousins Points and Rebounds Feb. 7
Cam Newton Rushing Yards
Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?
Total Goals in the Montreal vs Carolina NHL game on Feb. 7
Total Receptions by Greg Olsen
Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?
Tiger Woods 1st Round score at 2016 Masters
Emmanuel Sanders Receiving Yards
Cross Sport Props – What will be higher?
Arsenal Total Goals on Feb. 7
Peyton Manning TD Passes
The Pro Bowl is dumb. There’s no debate about that.
Last night, Russell Wilson was the only one among the Top 6 quarterbacks in the league to even be present in Honolulu, and that showed as he threw 3 touchdowns and won the game’s Offensive MVP award for it, I guess.
Meanwhile, one of his teammates took home the “Defensive” MVP award. I put that in quotes because DEFENSE is a relative term when it comes to the Pro Bowl. By the 4th quarter, the game devolved to touch football and nobody was even trying to tackle each other…and why should they when it’s just an exhibition game and nobody wants to risk getting hurt?
In my opinion, those in charge of the Pro Bowl couldn’t let Michael Bennett leave without any hardware after this attempt to make it fun for all involved.
Meanwhile, Richard Sherman attempted a Stone Cold Stunner on Packers linebacker Clay Matthews.
“MAH GAWD, THAT MAN HAS A FAMILY!” Maybe.
While the players had fun hanging out and pretending to play football, one viewer was having an absolute blast watching this game. Safety Earl Thomas live tweeted the whole thing for the rest of us.
And we appreciate Thomas for apologizing on behalf of his teammates, but maybe he can say the same for his fellow players union members too who have it in the Collective Bargaining Agreement to keep this mess going.
As bad as the game was, there’s a good chance the Pro Bowl drew a better viewership than the NHL’s All-Star game…which I heard was great.
A week ago, the Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars were selected by fan voting and announced on TNT. The NBA on TNT crew will do the same tonight at 6 PM CT, but a few reporters are spoiling the news a little early.
Delaware Online engagement editor Carron J. Phillips reported 6 hours before the announcement show that reserves joining the East (Kyle Lowry, Paul George, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade) and West (Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry) will be…
Then just over an hour before the TNT announcement show, Atlanta Hawks beat writer Chris Vivlamore reported the same reserve rosters.
Conference Championship Sunday featured the #1 seeds from both the AFC and NFC showing exactly how they got to where they are now. The Broncos defense beat the crap of Tom Brady, hitting him more than any other quarterback was all season, and their quarterback did enough to pull off the win. While the Panthers were also stellar on defense, their offense continued to shred another opposing top defense. Cam Newton became the 3rd quarterback to rush for 2 touchdowns and throw 2 as well in the playoffs (after Jay Cutler and Colin Kaepernick).
For the next two weeks, we’re going to wait way too long for what can be very good game…or an absolute blowout (I believe it will be the former). What you can expect is a plethora of storylines because both these teams aren’t lacking at all for them. You may get a new one every 12 hours until kickoff.
Here are ALL the storylines I could think of so far.
Cam Newton has fun. After yesterday’s 49-15 decimation of the Arizona Cardinals, Newton had compiled 50 total touchdowns for 2015-16 (regular season and post season combined). Newton has a patented pointing mechanic on first downs, dances after touchdowns, and hands the ball to a kid in the stands when he’s done. You may not like it, but you’re going to have to get used to it. The league has become his video game and everyone else looks like they’re on “Easy Mode” for him.
Newton came into the league as a Heisman Trophy winner with a bad rap. He was arrested at Florida for stealing a laptop. His time at Auburn was scrutinized due to an investigation into his recruitment, which the NCAA came away with nothing. He was still drafted #1 overall and now has a chance to win a Super Bowl after 5 seasons, very likely with an MVP trophy on his mantle as well. What’s scary is that he’s done it without his #1 receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, all season.
Football fans without a stick up their asses are loving it. Others will choose to be miserable, and you’ll hear plenty from them for the next 2 weeks.
Some people just can’t have nice things, and that’s fine. Newton fans, on the other hand, can keep enjoying the best player in the league right now. In his last 10 games, Newton has scored 31 touchdowns (24 passing, 7 rushing). Who else from Newton’s “generation” comes even close to his level of play? Maybe Russell Wilson, but that’s it.
Of the 4 quarterbacks facing off on Championship Sunday, Peyton Manning had the most on the line in terms of legacy. A win would help change his narrative that he’s just the best “regular season” quarterback. Now he’s won more games against 4-time champion Tom Brady than lost (3-2), and could join an elite group of only 11 quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings.
While the Broncos didn’t necessarily win because of Manning (we’ll get to that in a minute), they weren’t going to lose because of him either. When the running game couldn’t get going, Manning made key 3rd down conversions with both his arm and even his legs.
When Peyton Manning is successfully running boot plays on your defense, you might not deserve to go to the Super Bowl. In his 4th trip, Manning can do something that the president of the Denver Broncos, John Elway, accomplished before retiring…go out on top.
Super Bowl 50 is going to feature the league’s 2 best defenses who clearly proved that on Championship Sunday. The Broncos halted the #1 passing team in the NFL (New England) and the Panthers did the same with the #2 passing team (Arizona).
As mentioned earlier, the Broncos defense just manhandled Tom Brady and Von Miller led the way with 2.5 sacks and an interception. Miller’s presence was the certainly felt but so Derek Wolfe and DeMarcus Ware’s, only allowing Brady to finish 7/23 for 73 yards and a passer rating of 37.0 when pressured. The most impressive part of the Broncos defense dominating a fully healthy Patriots offense was that they were able to do so blitzing Brady a season low 17.2% of the time.
Throwing to Rob Growkowski against the Broncos, Brady was 8/15 for 144 and 1 touchdown. Throwing to everyone else, he was 19/41, 166 yards and 0 TDs. Heads up, Greg Olsen.
The Panthers ranked 2nd in defensive efficiency in 2015 (according to ESPN), just behind Denver. While the Broncos pressure the quarterback like crazy, the Panthers defense is racking up points off turnovers. On top Newton’s insane scoring rate, the Panthers have added 9.5 points per game to their net margin of victory as a result of takeaways, 1.7 points more than anyone else. They forced 7 turnovers, 6 from Carson Palmer, on Sunday.
Both Ron Rivera and Gary Kubiak played on teams that went to the Super Bowl. Rivera won as a linebacker with the 1985 Chicago Bears. Kubiak went to 3, all as backup quarterback to John Elway, and lost them too.
Both Rivera and Kubiak went to the Super Bowl as coordinators. Rivera was the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2006-07, losing to Peyton Manning’s Colts. Kubiak won three after his playing career, once as an assistant for the 49ers (1994) and twice more as Broncos offensive coordinator (1997 & 1998).
Now both Rivera and Kubiak will be standing on opposite sidelines of the sport’s biggest stage. They were also both successors for current Bears head coach John Fox.
Actually, good new Bears fans!
John Fox went to the Super Bowl in each of his second seasons with the Panthers and Broncos. He didn’t win, but going is a nice improvement.
A few more former Bears you can root for in the Super Bowl, if you feel so inclined:
1. Greg, Son of Olsen.
2. Jared Allen (meh)
3. Charles “Peanut” Tillman (although on IR, but still a great dude)
While Miller, Ware and Wolfe get all the sack glory, defensive ends Malik Jackson and Antonio Smith and nose tackle Sylvester Williams are teeing them up and destroying opposing running backs.
I love that Ted Ginn Jr. went from being the guy who drops everything to a 10 touchdown WR. A lot of that may be thanks to his quarterback, but somebody has to take the top off defenses and burn opposing safeties like Ginn has.
Something I may have left out of Peyton Manning’s storyline was how Emmanuel Sanders made some of the BIGGEST plays on 3rd down for his quarterback. While Damaryius Thomas was off and on during the season, Sanders had 4 games of 8+ receptions. With Manning throwing more underneath and Josh Norman covering Thomas, Sanders will be a huge key against the Broncos nickel coverage.
Exhibit A
The AFC Championship has been relatively one-sided so far for Manning vs. Brady 17.
The Denver Broncos lead the New England Patriots 17-9 at halftime. Peyton Manning is 10/20 passing with 128 yards and 2 touchdowns to Owen Daniels. Tom Brady’s day has been less than stellar throwing 8/20, 87 yards and 2 interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Denver Police Department is having some fun at the Patriots O’s expense on Twitter.
Too early? I hope not…They may not like what they find.
Kobe Bryant was the leading vote getter. The reserves will be named on January 28th, as voted on by coaches. I expect Jimmy Butler, Andre Drummond and Draymond Green to be included, who were all snubbed from being starters (Thanks a lot, FANS.)
If Fast and the Furious ever gets this many sequels, I quit.
I understand if you’re exhausted from hearing about this. It’s a storyline that’s been shoved down your throat for 2 decades, and both quarterbacks have their detractors. There’s a reason you’ve heard all the narratives for as long as you have though.
The last time neither Peyton Manning nor Tom Brady were in the AFC Championship was in 2011. Before then, it was 2006. Brady and Manning will be facing off for the 17th time this weekend, but it will be the 5th time in the playoffs with both winning 2 games a piece. Manning actually has an edge on Brady, having won 2 of their 3 matchups in the AFC Championship. This time could (and should) be their last, and it will be for a shot at Super Bowl 50.
When you bring up Manning and Brady, you’re talking about two of the best to play their position, the most important position in the most watched sport in the country. One year separates the two in age (Manning 39, Brady 38), and they are both in the Top 6 of career touchdowns, yards and passer rating. Manning ranks 1st, 1st, and 5th, Brady is 3rd, 5th and 6th. Brady’s 4 Super Bowl rings compared to Manning’s 1 are pretty glaring, but it’s still too fitting to see either of these 2 get another chance to play on the biggest stage in sports. Just a year ago, the Super Bowl drew it’s largest audience with 114.4 million people watching.
The numbers for both quarterbacks in their 16 meetings make up that of a solid regular season. Manning has completed 410 of 657 passes (62.4%) for 4,809 yards, 33 TDs and 22 INTs (87.4 QB rating). Brady has completed 367 of 553 passes (66.4%) for 4,013 yards, 31 TDs and 13 INTs (96.5 QB rating). Brady leads the series 11-5, with an 8-2 record against Manning at Foxboro and split 3-3 in Indianapolis/Denver. In the last 10 years though, Manning is 2-0 in the playoffs against Brady. Neither one has won against each other on the road since 2007.
Who has the most to gain with a win this Sunday though, with legacies mostly cemented going? Brady holds the record for most playoff wins (22) and has a 73.3 win percentage while Manning holds the record for the most playoff losses (13). Regardless the result of Sunday’s game, Brady will go down as one of football’s all-time greats as a winner because of his post season hardware. Manning will unfortunately be remembered as the greatest “regular season” quarterback who only came home with the ultimate prize once out of 15 chances, with a younger brother holding a second ring over his head…unless he wins Sunday and February 7th.
It’s amazing Manning has reached this point following his worst statistical regular season of his career and having to sit out due to injury. He’s had transform his game from being the dominant quarterback to “game manager”, and it worked great against the Steelers. With a Super Bowl quality defense, all Manning has to do now is hand the ball off, make the right checks evaluating the coverage, not turn the ball over, and make a play when it’s needed.
There are only 11 quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings:
Eli Manning – 2
Ben Roethlisberger – 2
John Elway – 2
Jim Plunkett – 2
Roger Staubach – 2
Bob Greise – 2
Bart Starr – 2
Troy Aikman – 3
Terry Bradshaw – 4
Joe Montana – 4
If Brady wins one more, he joins club of his own with 5. If Manning wins one more, he joins the club and fans will remember that more than the 13 playoff losses. Ask Elway, who lost 8 times before winning his 2 rings back-to-back to end his career. Can Manning have his Elway moment?
I tried to think about where this rivalry stacks up in sports. It’s not quite Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. Two all-time greats, yes, but there were 8 championships won between the two (Magic 5, Bird 3) and they had to do it against each other in the Finals. Ali/Frazier was a whole different level of competition, and disrespect for each other. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain though…
Russell is the greatest winner in basketball history with 11 championships and Chamberlain was statistically one of the best to ever play his position while winning his second ring late in his career. A big difference is that Russell and Chamberlain had to actually man-up on each other, but the legacy comparisons between them and Brady/Manning are certainly there.
Just before the postseason begins with Wildcard Weekend, the Associated Press named its All-Pro First Team. The offense looks very similar to the MichaelPiff.com Fantasy “Best Lineup”.
Adrian Peterson and JJ Watt were unanimous choices. Khalil Mack became the first player voted to two different spots. The Pathers led all teams with 6 All-Pros.
I am tired of the lazy “Millennials are soft” narrative.
Monday night, sports fans were treated to one of 2016’s early instant classics as #1 Kansas University went 3 overtimes to fend off Buddy Hield and #2 Oklahoma 109-106 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. It was one of the better regular season basketball games in a long time. Brent Musburger and Dick Vitale nearly lost their voices. It was a great time had by all, thanks to millennial athletes.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was busy doing his best Grandpa Simpson impression by blaming “Millennial Culture” for his team’s second to last place record in the Western Conference.
“My whole view of the millennial culture is that they have a tough time dealing with setbacks,” Sarver told the Arizona Republic. “I’m not sure if it’s the technology or the instant gratification of being online. But the other thing is, I’m not a fan of social media. I tell my kids it’s like Fantasyland. The only thing people put online are good things that happen to them, or things they make up. And it creates unrealistic expectations.”
It’s cool though, because local journalists are Sarver’s version of a Facebook wall to rant on, and his “instant gratification” are hot take sports talk shows like FOX Sports Live (I thought this was supposed to be a highlight show) with panelists echoing his sentiments…because none of them are millennials themselves.
On this particular FSL panel from Monday night, moderator Randy Travis led off the discussion with the typical “We all know Millennials are the most coddled generation…”, and I felt more compelled to change the channel than ever. Ironically, everyone on this panel was screaming “Let Johnny Manziel be Johnny Manziel” just beforehand.
I appreciate Sports Illustrated’s media reporter Richard Deitsch for pointing out exactly where I wanted to take this on Twitter.
The group in question is exactly the audience Fox Sports 1 is fighting for with ESPN too. Fox Sports Live was originally packaged to us as the “fun” sports show with entertaining highlights, anchors who get it (like Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole), and smart analysis. Instead, the network adds former ESPN First Take executive producer Jamie Horowitz – who brings Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock with (reasons millennial audiences wanted an alternative) – and we’re back to searching for something else again. ESPN then capitalizes by handing the late night SportsCenter reigns to their most millennial friendly talent, Scott Van Pelt.
In case you weren’t aware, the millennial generation covers people born between the early 80’s to the early 2000’s. These are impactful business owners (Mark Zuckerberg), soon-to-be college grads (Jack Gleeson aka Prince Joffrey from Game of Thrones), teenagers standing up for important causes (Malala Yousafzai), and kids who never saw Michael Jordan play live. They love nostalgia (reminiscing about 90’s Nickelodeon shows and NES cartridge games) and can’t wait for what’s next (standing in line around the block for the new iPhone).
Millennials are another young generation, shaped as much by previous generations as they are criticized by them. The people who can’t stand anyone younger than them actually gave birth to them and had the opportunity to raise them the way they wanted to. The irony is hilarious. Yet for every Phoenix Suns team, there’s a Golden State Warriors roster dominated by 20-somethings on top of the basketball world. The best player in the league currently and millennial athlete, Stephen Curry, had his game influenced by a specialist from the previous generation…his dad.
Obviously the disconnect isn’t limited to basketball, as Mr. Sarver generalizes. The old folks write pointed letters when Cam Newton dances in the end zone. They take to social media and sports talk radio when Jose Bautista flips his bat. Alas, when a millennial has something to say to defend their generation, they tell you to shut up and stop being so sensitive.
I remember that “wambulance” joke from Modern Family. It was funny the first dozen times the kindergartner on the show used it.
If the Suns are victims to “Millennial Culture”, then why are the current Chicago Cubs 7/1 World Series favorites with a projected lineup whose average age is 26? What the Suns are victims of is an organization and leadership that spends more time blaming everything but themselves for their own losing culture…and bad scouting.
Rather than sit back and criticize a generation for your problems, be proactive and either adapt or provide a productive solution. If you don’t like what you’re hearing, change the channel. Otherwise, this will be you someday.
michaelpiff 