Sunday, January 31, 2010

Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Dion Phaneuf

Well, talk about a shake up, the Toronto Maple Leafs have traded for Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Flames. Other Sources are now reporting the Leafs have traded Vesa Toskala to the Anaheim Ducks for JS Giguere.

Brian Burke has added another peice to his puzzle of rough and tumble players, although at what expense? Phaneuf, who two years ago was considered an absolute lock for the Canadian Olympic team, has been struggling imensely for the Calgary Flames lately.

Giguere, a former Conn Symthe and Stanley Cup winner has struggled immensely this year and could use a change of scenery, especially after the Ducks resigned goalie Jonas Hiller for 4 years.

Personally, I think the trades will work out fine, but it will not push any team involved over the edge. This move will just spark Maple Leaf fans into again thinking they have a contending team when the reality couldn't be more incorrect.

Brian Burke really needs to find a way to trade himself and Ron Wilson. Then again, who would take them?

The Leafs traded two of their top 3 scorers, Matt Stajan and Niclas Hagman, as well as Ian White and Jamal Mayers for Phaneuf. In return, they got Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom, and prospect defenseman Keith Aulie.

Follow my Twitter Instant Replay throughout the day for updates on this story.

Boring sports alert: Roger Federer wins again

AUSTRALIA-MELBOURNE-TENNIS-AUSTRALIAN OPEN-DAY 14-MS-FINAL-FEDERER


His accomplishments in professional tennis are impressive. More than impressive, they're unparalleled, dominating, and legendary.

The fact that Roger Federer recently won his 16th grand slam title at the Australian Open however, is boring. No kidding, Roger Federer won again? Who cares.

The predictability of Federer winning grand slam after grand slam has taken some of the shock value, and public interest out of tennis. People love cheering for the underdog, but it's no fun watching the underdog get pounded every time.

Apart from Rafeal Nadal, there is no one, and I mean absolutely no one, who can hold a racquet to Roger Federer. To make his dominance even clearer, ALL of his Grand Slam titles have come since 2003.

Tennis can be a compelling and exciting sport to watch, as long as there is a sense of surprise surrounding the end result. When Roger Federer is involved, there is rarely a sense of surprise.

Tennis, which has become a predominantly European game, is losing its luster in North America. With only one American (Andy Roddick)in the World's Top 25, and no Canadian's even close to the Top 100, it's not hard to understand why sports fans are losing interest.

With the next Grand Slam many months away, you'd have to expect Federer to continue his dominance. With no clear heir apparent to the throne, tennis will now fall of the radar until the French Open in May. Oh well, I'll summarize it for you. Federer wins a few, Nadal wins a few, throw in Murray or Roddick for one, and you've covered the next two months.

Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all time, but he's made his sport predictable and boring.

Let the games begin.

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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Obama investigating BCS

Obama greets Gators at White House

Tell me why? Somebody? Anybody? Why is the BCS being investigated for breaking antitrust laws? I understand Obama is a sports fan, but this doesn't seem like a necessary move.

Don't get me wrong, the BCS is a complete and utter farce. There have been years when thousands of fans are left shaking their heads as to why a particular team was named the National Champion, or why a particular team was not invited to play in the big game.

But why is this being investigated? Seriously, who cares. The winner and loser of that game isn't going to change someones life, isn't going to save someones life, isn't going to bring jobs, help the economy, or bring world peace.

I love sports and I love football, but this seems like an incredible waste of time and money to me.

If NCAA football were to go to a strick playoff system, endless arguements would inevitably be brought up. After each individual conference named a winner, how would we rank each team for the next round? What team from what league would be the number 1 ranked team in the playoffs? Big Ten champ? Big 12 champ? What about the ACC? Or the Pac 10?

And then, who would participate in the countless bowl games? The runner up of the Big East versus the Conference USA champion?

The questions and controversy would continue. The BSC rankings in my opinion are bogus, but ranking teams in NCAA college sports is difficult enough. With so many teams and conferences across the nation, there will always be mis-ranked teams.

Regardless, this is an issue for the NCAA and it's residing members, not the government. It is not antitrust when an undefeated team does not get the chance to play for a National Championship. Being the strongest team in a weak division does not make you a great team. If we're going by these standards, shouldn't an undefeated team from Division II or D-III have the chance to play for a national championship?

The system is flawed, but hopefully the Obama administration will leave it up to the NCAA to deal with these issues.

Let the games begin.

Friday, January 29, 2010

John Daly calls it quits

Image from theonion.com

"I'm done. Just can't play like I used to."

"I'm tired of embarrassing myself."

You can't help but feel sad for John Daly. After two paltry rounds at the Farmers Insurance Open, John Daly said he is done with professional golf.

John Daly was the improbable; a trainwreck waiting to happen; and someone you couldn't help but cheer for. And feel sorry for.

After breaking onto the PGA tour by winning the PGA Championship in 1991, Daly endeared himself to PGA fans with his long drives and unique appearane. Never one to abide by golf etiquette, Daly again surprised the golf world in 1995 winning the British Open.

It isn't the golf side of Daly's life that made his story compelling. Daly, an admitted alcoholic for much of his life, was always one bad shot, one drink, and one minute from a blow up. After suffering through several failed marriages, dealing with gambling issues, battling obesity, and smoking a prolific amount, seeing Daly trundle down the fairway really was like watching a ticking time bomb.

Still, one the good days, John Daly was an athlete you couldn't help cheering for. Something about his flaws, and the fact that he didn't hide them brought him closer to fans. People, including myself, cheered for Daly on the course, and pulled for him off the course.

Daly was honest in his downfalls. He didn't hide his dark life like the infamous Tiger Woods, instead, he almost embraced his wild side. In a way, this life, that was so distanced from the stereotypical golfer, ended up getting the best of Daly. At the same time, it is what people loved about him. Driving by a car wreck, even though you don't want to see the hurt and damage, it's hard to look away. In most cases, we stare harder, hoping to see what's hidden in the wreckage.

Nicknamed "the Lion," it is hard to believe this now sad, and embarrassed man once won two of golf's most coveted tournaments. But I hope, Daly will find happiness away from golf. He was one of the games true characters. Many golf fans will miss his thundering drives, and his adventerous life.

Let the games begin.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tim Tebow's Super Bowl Debut

Image from http://blogs.suntimes.com/sportsprose/2010/01/tim_tebow_super_bowl_ad_contro.html

He won't be playing football, but college star and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow will defnitely be making a memorable Super Bowl debut this year.

Much controversy has been churning about the 30-second anti-abortion commercial Tebow will appear in with his mother Pam during the Super Bowl.

Yes, it is an opinionated commercial and a bold stand for the young Tebow to make, but did we honestly expect anything less from him? Tebow has been open about his religious beliefs since he first took a snap in college ball. During major games he has been known to wear Bible verses painted under his eyes.

Television commercials advertise everything from beer and cars, to political candidates, and yes, even pro-choice and anti-abortion campaigns. I understand it makes people uncomfortable, but not everyone chooses to buy a Cadillac or to drink Bud Light just because they've seen the commercial.

Whether you agree with his choices or not, Tim Tebow is advocating for his beliefs, and making a stand, something that many of us never do.

If Tebow becomes an NFL quarterback, you can expect the debates to continue and people will come to accept Tebow for who he is, or they won't. Tim Tebow is steadfast and he will not change, even if it costs him the spotlight that so many crave.

Voicing disdain and opposition to Tebow is a viewers right, but it is also his right, to voice his opinion. I think it is refreshing to see a young man peacefully making a stand. Watch the commercial or don't, agree or disagree, the debate of Tim Tebow is just beginning.

If only we spent as much time shouting to the world about the gun toating, sexaholic, drug addict, abusive athletes, as we did about Tim Tebow. But these are the behaviors we expect from athletes aren't they? Tebow and his wholesomeness are rare in sports, and that is what makes him rare, and controversial.

Let the games begin.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

This was Tiger's tournament

Image from mediaswirl.wordpress.com

With the Farmers Insurance Open, formerly the Buick Invitational, next up on the PGA schedule, this marks the first legitimate time we will miss Tiger Woods on the PGA tour.

This was Tiger's tournament. As one of his typical first stops of the PGA season, Tiger Woods had dominated at Torrey Pines winning six out of the past eight years.

Now, with the absence of Tiger Woods, it will open the door for the next generation of golfers such as last years winner Nick Watney, or last weeks winner at the Bob Hope Classic, Bill Haas.

Personally, I'm not upset in the least to see Tiger Woods absent at Torrey Pines in San Diego. I'm not even alluding to his personal exploits, which we are all too familiar with by now.

The PGA was becoming all too predictable. Now, we can cheer for stars who still hold moral values such as Phil Mickelson, or young stars who knew they were up against incredible odds when Tiger and other stars were in the field.

Would it break my heart if Tiger Woods never returned to the PGA tour? Absolutely not. I'd rather some records remain for the legends who created their name on the course and didn't tarnish it away from the game.

It is time for a changing of the guard in golf. It's time for golf to return from the dark place it has been hiding in wake of the Tiger Woods scandal. Back to a game with a tradition in respect, sportsmanship, and class.

This was Tiger's tournament and this was Tiger's tour, now, the door is open for a new star in the game of golf.

Let the games begin.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Matt Mapletoft wins National Championship

ryanstewartphoto.com

When you're from a small town, it's not often that athletes go on to greatness or to shine on a National scale. For Matt Mapletoft, however, that is just what he did.

The 20-year-old Wallaceburg, Ontario native recently won the Canadian National Junior Curling Championships as a member of team Ontario. Before you go huffing and puffing that it's "only" curling, just step out on the ice and try it. The sport is difficult.

It is no fluke that Mapletoft has carried each and every team he's participated on to greatness. While in high school, his team won an OFSAA silver medal. As he moved on to curl at the university level with Wilfred Laurier in Waterloo, Ontario, he helped his team win an OUA and National Championship.

Now, after winning the National Junior Championships as lead for Team Ontario, Mapletoft has one larger goal ahead...a World Junior Championship as the lead for Team Canada.

If history serves itself, Mapletoft's chances of gold in Switzerland this March are extremely good. This 20-year-old has all the skills necessary to help his team win gold. Mapletoft, however, hasn't let this all go to his head. After asking Matt about his win, lifetime highlights, and the other obligatory sports questions, I asked Matt if he had anything else to add.

Instead of boasting, or talking about his achievements, he ranted and raved about his community, and his hometown curling club. I guess that is what makes him such an excellent curler, a level head, and an ability to see the bigger picture, even when he is surrounded by excitement.

Watch this blog and the Chatham-Kent Daily Post for updates on Matt Mapletoft as the World Junior Championships approach.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Is Shaun Suisham's time with the Dallas Cowboys done?


Umm, yes. Ja, oui, hai, si. He's gone. I hate to admit it since I grew up less than a kilometer from Suisham, but I can't imagine him back with the Dallas Cowboys next season.

This fact was punctuated earlier this week when the Cowboys auditioned kicker Sandro DeAngelis. Apparently the Cowboys like Canadian kickers as Suisham is a Wallaceburg, Ontario native, while DeAngelis hails from Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Regardless of the outcome, you can expect the versitile Suisham to rebound somewhere, whether it is in the NFL or the CFL. Starting his career playing college ball in Bowling Green, Suisham was cut loose early this season by the Washington Redskins after a devastating series of misses.

DeAngelis, who has never played a game in the NFL, does have a Grey Cup Championship to his name in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders.

In retrospect, the Cowboys might kick themselves for releasing kicker Nick Folk.

Personally, I think Suisham has what it takes to be an NFL kicker. His leg strength is incredible, however, timely misses have plagued him over the past year.

Another reason why the NHL will remain the smallest of the big four


Forget the ratings and forget the attendance numbers. The NHL will remain the smallest of the big 4 (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) for one main reason: poor leadership and decision making.

In a recent move, the NBA, NFL, and MLB all donated $1 million to the Haiti relief funds. On the flip side, the NHL only donated $100,000. I can name more than a dozen individuals who donated more than that.

As pointed out by London Free Press writer Steve Simmons, most of the NHL's extra money this season is going to their own personal disaster, the Phoenix Coyotes.

In reality, however, this comes back to another bonehead move by Gary Bettman. Bettman who has tried for years to sell the NHL to Southern markets, who quite frankly, could care less about the league, is the bumbling leader who is ruining this league.

The product is fast, exciting, easy to understand, and filled with charismatic players. The leader, Mr. Gary Bettman, is one of the darkest clouds hanging over this league. He is the mastermind behind the Phoenix fiasco and two, count them, two, lockouts.

Until the NHLPA and others in power step up and oust Gary Bettman, the NHL will remain the smallest of the big 4.

Let the games begin.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Super Manning, Super Bowl



It wasn't pretty; in fact, it looked like it wasn't going to happen. Regardless of how he did it, Peyton Manning is taking his Indianapolis Colts back to the Super Bowl. After last winning the Super Bowl in 2006, the Colts managed to overcome a feisty New York Jets defense.

For Jets fans, this represents yet another dissapointment. Just when things look like they are looking up, the Jets manage to pull the carpet out and ruin everything.

For Manning, it's just another notch on his bedpost toward one of the greatest careers in the history of the NFL. He's simply Super. When you think the game is looking grim, he pulls his Colts back from the brink and turns in another stellar performance.

Manning not only runs the Colts, but he often runs life in my house. Check out this archived column about "How Peyton Manning saved Sunday." How Peyton Manning Saved Sunday

Now, it's off to Super Bowl XLIV, and I feel sorry for whoever Peyton's opponent is. Especially if it's the decrepit Brett Favre. It will almost feel good to watch him cry yet again.



The Colts are the 2010 AFC Champions. Colts 30 - NY Jets 17.

Welcome to Instant Replay


Welcome to Instant Replay Sports,


I hate the Toronto Maple Leafs, think the NBA is a spectacle league, believe NASCAR is not a sport, and love, ranting and writing about all things sports and athletics.
This blog will cover everything in the world of sports from hockey to football, curling to golf, scandals and rumours, high school to college, and much, much more.


My name is Ian Kennedy. I write a weekly sports column for the Chatham-Kent Daily Post (http://www.ckdp.ca/). My writing is often controversial and always opinionated. I have been an active participant in sport through playing and coaching for years and now, writing is my way of expressing my enthusiasm for athletics. Sit back, comment away, and enjoy the ride.


Let the games begin.