Leelanau Sports Guy’s World

Tuesday Free Press Headlines

Lions midterm Report Card by Curt Sylvester

Pistons defeat Clippers in 2OT

Larry Murphy inducted into NHL Hall of Fame

Tuesday MLive Headlines

Mariucci says Lions will find a way to run the ball better

Analysis: Lions should take a look at young offensive lineman

John L. Smith was tight-lipped to protect himself from himself

Although the Lions are on pace for one of their 8-8 seasons (a vast improvement over the last couple), I am still disappointed and disgusted at their play. They have let two teams (Dallas and Washington), that are both struggling handle them with ease. The lack of a running game really hurts. At the end of the game fans were booing and the Fox announcers had to show in replay why it’s not Joey’s fault. No one could get open. He has nowhere to throw it. This team is still a couple of years away, that’s for sure. They are headed in the right direction, but good teams would beat these current versions of the Cowboys and Redskins.

is here. First stop East Lansing and Michigan State!

Gardiner will be coach, GM of North Stars
Ex-Enforcers coach ready to get to work
Record Eagle article by Mark Urban

Traverse City - The coach of the new Junior A hockey team is the same as the old one. Scott Gardiner, who coached the Traverse City Enforcers of the now-defunct Continental Elite Hockey League (CEHL) the last two seasons, will just have a few more titles with the Traverse City North Stars. Gardiner will be the coach and general manager of the new Junior A team in Traverse City. The North Stars will begin play in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in September of 2005. Read the entire article.

The Detroit Insider reported:

“Larry Brown has undergone hip surgery and will be away from the team 7-10 days.”

Thanks Insider!

My view: I was glad it wasn’t Brown retiring or something major like that. Here’s to a good recovery for Brown.

Pistons get rings, win in opener
The Pistons picked up right where they left off last season, holding the Houston Rockets to 79 points in a 87-79 opening night win. The night was highlighted by the banner raising and ring presentation. Read more about it!

Rodriguez wins 11th Gold Glove, ties for Silver Slugger
Tigers catcher Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez has been awarded an 11th Gold Glove by managers and coaches as the best fielder at his position in the American League. His 11th breaks Johnny Bench’s record of 10 with the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez also won his seventh Silver Slugger award, tying Cleveland’s Victor Martinez for the honor as the top-hitting AL catcher. In 123 starts at catcher, Rodriguez made 11 errors — his highest total since 1992 — and had a .987 fielding percentage. He also threw out 19 of 59 runners attempting to steal. Pudge hit .500 in June, led the Tigers offensively with a .334 batting average and hit 19 homers while driving in 86 runs.

Hanson to play in 200th game as Lion
One of the most reliable kickers in NFL history, Jason Hanson will play in his record tying 200th game as a Detroit Lion. Read more about it!

is in today’s paper. Check it out. Lots of good articles, you can get a preview online at www.freep.com/sports.

My view: I think the Pistons can repeat, but Indiana and Miami in the East will be tough. Whoever comes out of the West will have a battle in every round. That could be a factor in the NBA Finals.

Here’s my picks:

Eastern Conference Finals: Pistons over Pacers
Western Conference Finals: Spurs over Timberwolves
NBA Finals: Pistons over Spurs

Go Pistons!

Here’s Steve Kerr’s thoughts on the NBA Eastern Conference Central Division.

NBA preview: Central by Steve Kerr, Yahoo! Sports

My view: I think he is right on. Billups is the key and if he continues to provide steady play at the point guard spot, the Pistons can continue to get better (gotta be a scary thought for opponents). McDyess will be a huge addition to this team also and I can’t wait for the first time we see the Wallace, Wallace McDyess frontline.

What: The Az Hakim Foundation presents: The Monday Night Rush every Monday during football season.

This Monday Night, November 1, 2004, join Az Hakim & Dominic Raiola as the Monday Night Rush brings you the exclusive Ring Ceremony Celebration for the 2004 NBA World Champion Detroit Pistons @ 5th Avenue Novi.

Join World Champions Rip Hamilton & Rasheed Wallace as they guest host the Monday Night Rush with Az & Dominic while continuing to raise money for the Az Hakim Foundation in its continuing efforts to support programs for children with incarcerated parents. Special Guests The Detroit Pistons, The Detroit Lions, The Detroit Shock, and many more!

Special pricing for this event $10 for lower level access and $20 for upper level access which will feature a champagne toast during the 4th quarter of Monday Night Football in which we honor The 2004 World Champions! Special Halftime performance by the Hit Group Black Lagoon!

All proceeds benefit the Az Hakim Foundation, which provide programs to children with an incarcerated parent.

When: Monday nights, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m., through December 27th 2004

Cost: Free admission before 8 p.m.
$10.00 cover after 8 p.m. for lower level access
$20.00 cover for upper level access w/4th Quarter Champagne Toast
This event is open to those aged 21 and over.

Where: 5th Avenue Billiards and Ballroom
25750 Novi Road
Novi, MI 48375
Phone: 248.735.4011
Fax: 248.735.4016

(Between Grand River Avenue and 10 Mile Road about a 1/2 mile south of I-96 and Novi Road intersection on the east side of Novi Road just before the railroad tracks)

SAVE THE DATES - Every Monday night til December 27th 2004

About the Az Hakim Foundation: Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Az-Zahir Hakim founded The Az Hakim Foundation in 2001 while playing for the St. Louis Rams. The Foundation’s purpose is to help children whose parents are incarcerated through educational, psychological and recreational programming. The foundation provides a
variety of activities including camping trips, excursions to amusement
parks, sports camps and seats to Lions’ games. Beneficiaries of the
foundation include The Children’s Visitation Program (CVP) and The G.A.M.E
Organization (Gratitude, Attitude, Motivation and Education). Developing
Projects include: providing scholarships for post-secondary education (to
qualified applicants), counseling, and free legal assistance. Az’s
commitment is personal. His own father is in a federal institution.

Michigan defeats Michigan State 45-37 - 3 OT
WOW! What a game. I love Michigan State so I was disappointed in the outcome, but it was one of the best games I have ever seen. Lots of big plays for both teams. If I had a vote Braylon Edwards would be my Heisman Trophy winner. Amazing. Read about the game.

Cowboys defeat Lions 31-21
The Lions were good, and then they were bad. Whenever they made a good play, they would either get a penalty or give up a big play. Specials teams were very inconsistent allowing big returns all day. With the Vikings losing the Lions could have moved into a first place tie. Read about the game.