ESPN The Magazine - The Music Issue

ESPN The Magazine decided to release a music issue where they recreated iconic album covers using famous athletes. It's brilliant. I did a double take with the picture of Josh Freeman as Michael Jackson, the resemblance is uncanny.



Tamp Bay Buc's QB Josh Freeman



Miami Marlins Justin Upton, Evan Longoria, Brandon Phillips, Giancarlo Stanton (traded) and Shane Victorino as Devo

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Lamar Woodley and Seattle Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch as RUN DMC

Ryan Lochte as the Nirvana Nevermind baby



Nascar drive Jimmie Johnson as Bob Dylan

   

Soccer star Alex Morgan as Katy Perry

Track start Allison Felix as Beyonce

Crush of the Week - Brendon Ayanbadejo

I started this blog with the intention of it being politic-free. An outlet to vent my thoughts on football, fashion and sometimes life as not to bore my friends to death. While I know many may not agree with me on this posting, I feel this is a human rights issue and am posting anyway as it's my blog. Love and happiness and the freedom to pursue them are things everyone in our nation should be entitled to on equal grounds. Our nation was found on the separation of church and state and I feel that sometimes this is lost upon many. I will leave it at that as I am not trying to start a political debate. Please no nasty comments on here, you will be deleted.

 This week's Crush of the Week is Brendon Ayanbadejo a Special Teams guru and LB for the Super Bowl Champion's, the Baltimore Ravens. I have been following him for the last year and really admire the courage and conviction he possesses while speaking out for Marriage Equality. Brendon himself is not gay, but was raised in a bi-racial household where intolerance was not allowed. In such a macho and testosterone driven sport, I can't imagine in 2009 when he first voiced his views that they were openly received. But that didn't stop him and he keeps speaking out for Marriage Quality and an end to homophobia. While statistically we know there are gay athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL, no one has officially come out yet. Hopefully if more athletes such as Brendon and Chris Kluwe keep standing up for what they believe in, maybe one day soon things will change.

Below is the article Brendon had published today in USA Today.

The trailer for the upcoming film "42" begins with a silhouetted baseball player walking down the tunnel toward the dugout. A voice says: "I don't know who he is, or where he is, but he's coming." The scene captures the anticipation of Jackie Robinson crossing the Major League Baseball color barrier. That moment just before history is made is a moment that sure feels a lot like now, as we wait for the arrival of the first openly gay man in U.S. major professional team sports.
Just like Jackie, the breakthrough gay athlete will be a courageous individual going it alone in uncharted territory. But, also like Jackie, he will have backup -- and hopefully more of it.
One of the seminal moments of Jackie Robinson's first season with the Brooklyn Dodgers was when teammate Pee Wee Reese put his arm around Jackie during a game and then faced the crowd. The message was clear: teammates are teammates. Brothers. Reese wasn't a civil rights advocate. But he wasn't merely a good guy either. Reese was exactly what the codes of sportsmanship expected him to be, someone who knew what was right and did it despite the risks. Simply put, he was an ally.
I know that there are plenty of good men in the NFL. I am fortunate to play alongside them as a member of the Super Bowl XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens. Together the Ravens became world champions. Together we can be more than Super Bowl winners. Together athletes in all four of our country's major sports leagues -- the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA -- can be more than good men. Since human rights are far more important than sports, we need to be Athlete Allies who are willing to leverage our social capital and all that goes with it -- like fans, endorsement deals and more -- to stand up for a larger purpose.
That's why I began advocating for marriage equality four years ago. As the child of a Nigerian dad and Irish-American mom, I was raised to believe that, in America, our differences don't matter and discrimination is wrong. During my career in the NFL, I've watched LGBT Americans struggle to make gains in legislatures, schools and boardrooms around the country. Since I first signed with the Falcons in 1999, Wall Street and corporate America have worked to create internal departments and networks focused on LGBT diversity and inclusion. The largest companies in the world have signed on to legal briefs in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples and CEOs have publicly spoken out for LGBT rights. What's even more inspiring is that, after decades of discrimination against gay and lesbian members of the United States military, President Obama ended "don't ask, don't tell." The president made history again in his inaugural address, when he called for equal rights for gay and lesbian Americans -- including the right to marry whomever they love.
With these successes piling up and progress on the rise, an issue closer to home comes more sharply in focus: the sports world -- my world -- is the last closet in America.
There are many reasons why no gay athlete has come out in the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB, most of which are likely to go away with support and acceptance from the straight community. As leaders and even role models for millions of young people across the globe, professional athletes have the ability to fundamentally eliminate prejudice from our sport and live up to the incredible privilege we enjoy.
At its best, sports do not discriminate. If you are young or old, tall or short, male or female, gay or straight, all that really matters is how well you play and contribute to your team.
The NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA should and can be leaders against discrimination. Whether you're a commissioner, an athlete, a coach or a fan, your voice will let every kid out there know that there is a place for him or her in sports. We all can be ourselves and still compete with dignity and at the highest level.
This is our time and our cause. Everything we know as athletes, teammates, spokesmen and vehicles of American pastimes compels us toward the kind of action and camaraderie we saw from Pee Wee Reese nearly 66 years ago. It's as simple as putting our arm around the shoulder of another athlete. It's a gesture; it's a pledge; it's solidarity at its most basic. Our Jackie is coming. We need to pave the way.



http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/02/06/openly-gay-professional-sports-player/1894721/?sf9313635=1

Super Bowl Sunday Fun Facts

Just a few fun facts about today's big match up I have come across this week. First time in awhile I like both teams, although I am pulling for the Ravens due to my fondness for the City of Baltimore and Flacco being a Udel alumni. I think we are in for one heck of a game today. May the best team and best brother win.

- Only the Patriots have more wins than the Ravens since John Harbaugh's arrival in Baltimore in 2008 (includes postseason).

 

- The 49ers have nearly twice as many 1st-round picks on their roster compared to the Ravens (15 vs 8).

 

- Ravens and 49ers faced two common opponents this year: Giants, Patriots. Including playoffs, Ravens went 3-0 in those games; the 49ers went 1-1.

 

- This is 1st Super Bowl in which neither team had at least 1 previous Super Bowl loss since 2000 season. The winner that year? Ravens.

 

- A 49ers win would mean that all 4 divisions in the NFC would have a Super Bowl champ in the last four years.

 

- Matt Birk of the Ravens will be the first player from Harvard to start a Super Bowl.

 

- The Ravens lead the all-time series with the 49ers 3-1 and have won the last 3 meetings.

 

- Joe Flacco is the first player in NFL history to enter the Super Bowl with at least 8 TD passes and 0 Int.

 

- Joe Flacco's 62 wins in the regular season and postseason are most by a QB in his 1st 5 seasons in the Super Bowl.

 

- Kaepernick is the 4th QB to start a Super Bowl in same season as making 1st career start. Last 2 (Brady, Warner) won.

 

- 5 QBs were taken ahead of Colin Kaepernick in 2011 NFL Draft. His Total QBR is nearly 30 points higher than next closest (Cam Newton).

 

- As NFL head coaches, the Harbaugh brothers have never lost a game following a bye week (incl playoffs). John is 6-0; Jim is 3-0-1.

 

- Ravens are 10-5 in road/neutral playoff games. That is the best win pct of any NFL franchise.

 

- Jim Harbaugh is trying to become 3rd QB to win Super Bowl as head coach (Tom Flores, Sean Payton are others).

 

Till next time,

 

Sassy

 

 

What was she thinking ? - Mariah Carey

I am at a loss for words. Mariah what were you thinking when you stepped out in this yesterday? I get it, you think you look great (for your age). However, midriff baring shirts for anyone say over the age of 25 is pretty inappropriate. Sometime more is less. Words to live by.

Be still my heart - Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring Summer 2013

I am absolutely in love with the entire Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring Summer 2013 collection, it is so glamorous and elegant. Every dress is divine. The collection has an old Hollywood feel to it, yet the fabrics, colors, crystal beading and embellishments kept in modern.

Below are some of my favorite looks from the collection.

The world works in mysterious ways sometimes. Who was the first ever QB sacked by Ray Lewis????

None other than Jim Harbaugh. If Ray and the Ravens manage to pull off the upset and beat the 49ers in the Super Bowl this Sunday, Ray in a way will have recorded his last sack against Jim Harbaugh as well. Could be a fitting end to a storied (yet controversy filled) career.


Click below to watch.
http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2013/01/29/ray-lewiss-first-nfl-sack-was-on-jim-harbaugh-here-it-is/

Look of the Day - Camilla Belle

I am really starting to love Camilla's style as of late. She has such a grace and sophistication about her. Last nigh at the 2013 Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Los Angeles she wore this elegant  Carolina Herrera off the shoulder dress. She looks gorgeous and the layered train makes such dramatic exit.

Carolina Herrera dress, Van Cleef jewels, Jimmy Choo clutch, and Casadei heels

Style Crush - Naomi Watts

Lately I find myself adoring every look Naomi Watts wears. Always a bit daring, yet simple and effortlessly chic. She is like a modern day edgy Grace Kelly. With her it's all about clean lines, great silhouettes and bold details. I still can't get over the fact she is 44 and has 2 kids.

Alexander McQueen

 

Emilio Pucci

 Roland Mouret

 

Calvin Klein Collection coat, Chanel clutch

Zac Posen



Roland Mouret

Well the Tide certainly rolled Monday night

Safe to say Monday night the better and most deserving team won the National Championship. The Irish were pretty much steam rolled by the 'Bama Crimson Tide. The Offense put up a somewhat spirited, valiant effort. I am looking forward to watching QB Golson play in years to come. The Defense however looked horrible. Manti looked like an amateur version of himself incapable of tackling or blocking. DT Louis "Nasty Dog" Nix was pretty much the only bright spot for the Irish D. Sadly DE Kapron Lewis-Moore, who is coming back for his senior season, left the game with a torn ACL. Hopefully he can recover in time for next season.

Kudos to 'Bama, they played one hell of a game on both sides of the ball. QB McCarron, CB Millner and RB Lacy all could have been MVP's. RB Lacy is certainly going to have a bright NFL future ahead of him. The guy is built like a Linebacker but is so agile and shifty. Very fun player to watch. AJ McCarrons's GF Katherine Moore basically stole the show somehow. The stunning Ms. Alabama watcher her BF from the stands and the cameramen and Brent Musberger certainly did love her.

Even though they lost, I am proud of my Fighting Irish and their 12-1 season. They have come a long way since Brian Kelly's arrival. It was only 2 seasons ago I walked out of the ND/Navy game at MetLife Stadium in the 3rd quarter to tailgate because the Irish were getting their butt's whipped (no offense to Navy, but they are no 'Bama). Looking forward to a great 2013 season for the Fighting Irish. Hopefully this loss provides motivation and lessons to be learned for next season so they can come back better than ever.

To be fair to 'Bama and not be one sided below are the sobering facts from the 2013 BCS National Championship.

Alabama: won 6 straight bowl games when ranked No. 1 or 2

T.J. Yeldon (71) and Eddie Lacy (46) both had more yards after contact in BCS Championship than Notre Dame had total rushing yards.

Notre Dame allowed 42 points on Monday-- the most it has ever allowed in a bowl game

Alabama's A.J. McCarron is the first starting quarterback to win 2 BCS titles

Alabama: 42 points is its 3rd-most in a bowl game. The school record is 61 (1953 Orange Bowl vs Syracuse)

Notre Dame: 0-4 in BCS bowl games (outscored 158-57)

Alabama: 3rd school to win 3 championships in 4 seasons (Nebraska 1994-97, Notre Dame 1946-49)

Alabama: 10th national championship in poll era (since 1936)-- most of any team

Alabama: 1st school to win back-to-back BCS Championships

Eddie Lacy: rushed for 140 yards, 3rd-most by an RB in BCS Championship (Beanie Wells holds record- 146)

The 97-yd TD drive by Alabama earlier was the longest in a BCS Championship game (previous long was 92 yds by Oklahoma in 2005)

Notre Dame entered the game having allowed only 9 pts in the first quarter this season (allowed 14 in first 9 min)


That's all for now,

Sassy

BCS National Championship - GO IRISH!!

Finally after 6 weeks of waiting since ND's last game, the BCS National Championship is here! I have been waiting for 25 years for this night, I am praying for an Irish win. If Manti and ND's defense plays as well as they have been all season, the Offense performs like they did vs. Oklahoma and the O-line can plug the gaps and stop the 'Bama run game I think ND can pull off the upset.

Either way, win or lose, the Irish have had a great season and it's  nice to it's football program has righted its course and is relevant again. Look for LB Manti Te'o, DE Stephon Tuitt, DT Louis "Nasty Dog" Nix, QB Everett Golson, RB/WR Theo Riddick, TE Tyler Eifert and RB Cierre Wood to be the impact players for Notre Dame this game. If they play well ND should be able to pull off the upset. For 'Bama keep an eye on RB'S Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon, CB Dee Milliner, LB C.J. Mosley and QB AJ McCarron (although he will not factor as much as their RB'S).

Should be a great game, one for the ages. Hopefully I will not have to wait another 25 years to see ND in a championship again.

Below are some great stats I have come across about the game:

- The last 4 BCS Champs have seen 9 total pts (3 FG) in 1st qtr. The last 1st-qtr TD: Ohio State's Beanie Wells in the 2007 BCS Champ vs LSU

- ND vs. 'Bama is 9th matchup in BCS era b/w coach with nat'l title and one without. 7 of previous 8 matchups were won by coach without a title

- Notre Dame has not allowed a TD drive of more than 75 yards the entire season.

- The last time Saban coached at what is now Sun Life Stadium: Christmas 2006. The Dolphins lost to Jets 13-10 on a 30-yard FG with :10 left.

- Notre Dame can become the 1st team since the 1984 BYU team to win AP national title after being unranked in AP preseason poll

- Notre Dame: 4-0-1 all-time when it is ranked No. 1 in AP poll and is playing the team ranked No. 2

Alabama is trying to become 1st program to win back-to-back BCS Championships.

- All 4 Notre Dame coaches with national championship won in 3rd year in South Bend; this is Brian Kelly's 3rd year with the Irish.

- Notre Dame is the 6th team to reach BCS Championship Game after losing 4+ games previous year; previous 5 all won title.

- Notre Dame & Alabama rank 1st & 2nd on defense in points allowed this season. ND allows a TD fewer than once every 14 drives.

- Notre Dame has allowed 10 TDs (9 by defense) in 2012, fewest in a single season in FBS since 2000.

Till next time. GO IRISH!!

Sassy