Could Sam Presti be making his "3rd Strike" decision with Donovan?

With reports that Oklahoma City is in "serious talks" with Flordia's Billy Donovan to become the next head coach of the Thunder, one has to wonder, is Sam Presti making his 3rd big mistake as the team's GM? 

Mistake 1 was letting James Harden go to Houston. If OKC keeps him, I think last and this year's results are different. 

Mistake 2 was Kendrick Perkins' ridiculous contract that kept him on the team WAY past his productive prime. Presti got lucky in being able to trade him off to Utah this year in the big 3 team trade that brought Enes Kanter and others to OKC. 

Colleges coaches with no previous NBA experience don't have the best track record, so why would Presti hire a guy like that when there are better options out there? 

Time will tell if this makes Presti look like a genius or sends him looking for another job. But of course, these are really just my random thoughts.

Is there any sports journalism that isn't crap anymore?

Today, as sanctions came against Oklahoma State University's football team. A couple of years ago, Sports Illustrated's Thayer Evans released an article about "major violations" committed  by OSU's program. Today, SI commended Thayer Evans for his work, despite the fact that the penalty was nothing major as there no major infractions. 

The funny thing about this, money was supposedly given to players as reported by Evans, but did he talk to any of these players, no. This is horrid journalistic integrity by Evans and by SI allowing it. SI wouldn't even allow Evans to be interviewed, which to me says they really knew that it was pure crap. The worst part is, Evans was on record as being a Cowboy hater, how could SI allow someone with a grudge go after this? Yet today, they commend and celebrate a "victory." 

My point is, the "major" sports media outlets have mostly gone to crap. ESPN has come to the point they want to find the entertainment value and looking for the "story behind the story" in everything. Give me some highlights, stats, and maybe a key point to win and go on. Now, I do think ESPN does a good job with some of the 30 for 30 programs they've done. But in the big picture, it's became ridiculous. 

Granted these are my opinions and really just my random thoughts.

Is it time?

After thinking about the number of games that we've seen incorrect calls that have affected the outcomes of games and seasons, is it time to start using technology instead of the human element?

Tennis could very easily use this as they already have the Hawk-Eye system for calls that are challenged by players. I saw at least 3 calls reversed today in an Australian Open match because of it.

In basketball, this could change a lot of things. It would be hard to accuse the officials of favoring players if it was technology. Of course, there would have to be checks and regulations to make sure there wasn't any ill programming happening.

I just feel like we are seeing more and more big calls gone wrong. Let me know what you think? Again, these are really just my random thoughts.

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RIP Stuart Scott

Today, as many of you may know, long time ESPN SportsCenter host, Stuart Scott passed away at the age of 49 after a batter with cancer. 

The following quote was from his acceptance speech after receiving the Jimmy V award last month:

"When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live," he said. "So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you."

This has had the most profound impact on me today but I want to change it a little. Forget living that way just if you have cancer, live and fight that at for all of your life. I truly believe that we spend too much time daydreaming or being timid when we should live. 

RIP Stuart, there's nothing I could say any better that hasn't been said already. You gave it all you had I hope I can live my life the same way.

Proof that a micro-managing boss sucks

The question on a lot of sports fans' minds right now is "Why did Jim Harbaugh take the same amount from Michigan that he did from the 49ers?" I'll tell you why, it's because he doesn't have a micro-managing GM and Owner looking over his shoulder and questioning his every move. York and Baalke think they have a clue but obviously don't. Baalke hasn't had draft worth anything but yet the coach that led them to 3 straight NFC title games is the one to get let go? Could be a fatal mistake for relevancy of the Niners. 

Despite now having to worry about recruiting, NCAA rules, boosters, kids being stupid, and other things, Harbaugh jumped on it though he could have stayed in the NFL. Loyalty to the alma mater right there. 

How much is not having micro-managing boss worth...apparently about 3 million.