Throwing Knives: Madden Nation

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

It's that day again, the day Madden hits store shelves, and in a matter of minutes is snapped up by every football fan in the country. It's almost reached holiday level status at this point. While I play Madden, it's not at the level for me that it is for many others. I haven't gotten it yet due to time constraints and it won't really affect my life the way it does many others. That said, it's great to see the phenomenon a video game, of all things, has become. Anyhow, give Irina Shiek a little attention, and let's get started.

Should Vick Take Plea?
As I'm sure you've heard Mike Vick's co-defendants have both accepted plea deals and Vick has until Friday to do the same. The plea is likely to include, from what I've read, at least a one year sentence. If not longer. If he goes to trial he could face two more charges and be looking at an even longer sentence if convicted. Considering the way the deck has been stacked, I'd say conviction is almost a certified lock. The real issue here is the possibility of innocence. While I doubt it. If he is innocent, can he really take the plea? I'd vote no. If he's innocent he has to fight this or even the slightest chance he has at a career will have finally evaporated. That said, he has plenty of money, and should probably take the plea. And avoid what could be a 6-year sentence while he has a chance.

Sonics to Oklahoma City?
This is looking more and more like a done deal. It's a shame when any team moves. If your in Seattle you should just be happy to have both the NFL and MLB thriving. If it were a city like New Orleans, or Utah it'd be far more devastating then this should be. Pack up your Gary Payton throwbacks and grab yourself a Felix Hernandez jersey and everything will be fine. The economical hit alone will have Seattle chomping at the bit for another team. A team they'll certainly fund an arena for. You'd think they'd take financial hit and get it over with. As their not getting another franchise without that funding an arena.

Pat Riley 3 More Years?
I'd say their's a better chance I'm writing for the New York Times in 3 years then Riley stick around that long. If it doesn't look like they'll be winning another championship. Riles will be off the bench as soon as he can find a replacement.

Larry Johnson Close to Deal?
While I understand LJ wanted to get paid. If he ends up getting LT money it's a travesty. LJ is good, but he's not in LT's league anywhere but fantasy football. And even that's a stretch.

Thomas Jones Injures Calf
Both the Jets and fantasy owners alike are holding their breath on Jones. As he was expected to have a big impact on the Jets offense this season. While putting up solid RB2-3 numbers in fantasy football. While I'm not a Jets fan, Jones carried my team in fantasy two years ago and I'd like to see him back out on the field. For the Jets, this is bad. Leon Washington is decent but he's not an NFL starter as he proved last year. He's a change of pace/returner and that's about it.

Madden
I'll likely pick it up tomorrow and offer my full opinion sometime this week. Until then, check out these links if your still on the fence over that $60.
Opening Video (FanHouse)
Video Preview (IGN via YouTube)
Text and Video Review (IGN360.com)

Television
That's right people, back-to-back days of TV recaps. Get used to it. I actually watched Californication last night. It was better than anticipated. David Duchovny plays a writer who hates his life after a movie, based on his book, comes out and, well sucks. Not to mention, he's pretty unhappy with his ex-wife's engagement. The highlight of the show was easily when that girl punched him in the face during sex. Potentially one of the funniest fornication scenes I've ever seen. You will not see it coming even after reading this. I highly recommend giving Californication a look. Oh, and expect a little nudity, it is Showtime after all.
Rating: 8/10

Scoreboard - August 13th - 2007

NFL Preseason
Denver 17, San Francisco 13
Baltimore 29, Philadelphia 3

MLB
National League
Pittsburgh 3, San Francisco 1 and San Francisco 10, Pittsburgh 3
Houston 4, Los Angeles 1

American League
Boston 3, Tampa Bay 0
Oakland 7, Detroit 2
New York 7, Baltimore 6
Kansas City 6, Toronto 2
Seattle 4, Minnesota 3 - Finally Richie Sexson earns a game check.

And Finally, the must-see video of the moment: