“I really don’t need that fight,” Pacquiao said about the often discussed bout with Mayweather. “If it happens good, It’s the fight the fans want. If not, I’m satisfied with what I’ve done in boxing.”  Mayweather prepares for Victor Ortiz on September 17^th and Pacquiao, hinted he really isn’t interested in the outcome. “I think I am more focused on this fight compared to the last two because Marquez denied he lost the fight, complaining he won the fight, complaining blah, blah, blah, and that makes me focus and train hard for this fight,” he said.

Truth be told, Pacquiao is relaxed and ready for his third meeting with Marquez. The press conference at Chelsea Piers started with Pacquiao singing a rendition of “Sometimes When We Touch” with Dan Hill the original composer. At previous media events in New York City, Pacquiao would make his entrance, sit quietly at the podium and wait to be introduced. This time it was a different tune but the same Manny Pacquiao acknowledging his legion of fans from the Philippines who observed in a rear area of the Lighthouse.

“I still enjoy the press tours,” he said. “It’s a good thing. You meet a lot of your fans.”  Earlier, Pacquiao did a jog in Central Park and headed to the press conference. After a twenty minute sit- down with the media he did a live spot with ESPN, stopped at HBO headquarters in midtown, and then to JFK Airport with a destination to Los Angeles for the next stop on this latest media tour.

This may not be the fight Pacquiao wanted, but it sparks interest for boxing fans. After all it is Manny Pacquiao, and it is a trilogy with Marquez. They met at featherweight in their first fight and at super featherweight in their second encounter.  Pacquiao has graduated to be a record eight- division champion and once again is favored to win this time at a catch weight of 144 pounds. Marquez is a three-division champion and went down three times in the first fight in 2004, though the outcome was a draw. The crafty (53-5-1, 39 KO) veteran at 38- years of age is not concerned about the outcome of this one. He says moving up in weight is not an issue.  To which Pacquiao says, “I don’t know what Marquez can improve moving up in weight. We fought at 130 pounds in the last fight, and the third fight is 144. I don’t know what he can do.”

Marquez claimed he won both fights. “I know I can do it again,” he says. “I did it in 24-rounds. I was able to get a draw even though I knocked him down three times, so I beat him. I just have to be fast and I have to hit him hard enough.” And if Marquez prevails, or even if he sustains the loss, there is a rematch clause in the contract. But he deeply feels he will dethrone Pacquiao and take his welterweight title.

“I already proved it,” said Pacquiao about their previous fights and disputing Marquez when it came to the controversial draw. “But somebody is claiming they won the fight. I have to work again and prove I won the fights. I want to prove that somebody is wrong and somebody I right.”  But this fight will not be a legacy for Pacquiao, even if it is a trilogy.  He says there will be adjustments since the last fight with Shane Mosley and in the previous fights with Marquez. “I learned more techniques and strategies for being a fighter,” he says.

Freddie Roach, his trainer says, “Pacquiao will knock him (Marquez) out along the way. Manny can’t walk in like we did in the first two. He was just a young kid then. He’s a much more intelligent fighter. I am very confident he will knock him out.”  But Pacquiao is not underestimating Marquez. He saw his last fight on July 16^th, a first-round TKO over former WBA interim super featherweight champion Likar Ramos.

“I saw a still good Marquez but the difference is, I changed a lot of my style and improved my technique and strategy and my power,” commented Pacquiao. There has never been a question of the power, or the technique, just that Marquez is now in the way of continuing the legacy that Manny Pacquiao has established. Far from retirement though, as promoter Bob Arum looks at his main fighter continuing a fight schedule and serving in the capacity of Congressman from the Philippines at least until re-election time in 2013.

Yes, it was a different entrance for Manny Pacquiao in New York City Tuesday. And the trilogy with Marquez should close some issues and put a conclusion to whatever controversy that occurred in their previous fights. Pacquiao has nothing much more to prove, even if we still don’t have a resolution to the Mayweather question.

Arum still wants the Mayweather fight to happen. For now the trilogy bout with Marquez will fill the void and because it is Manny Pacquiao, who happens to be the face of boxing, there will be continued interest.

The headline encounter is expected to be a 10 round slugfest between two junior middleweight contenders, each of whom is hoping for an impressive victory that will provide him with a title opportunity. If either fulfills his expectation the ring war will end prior to its scheduled ten rounds.

Promoter DeGuardia described the upcoming headliner, “In the main event we have two exciting contenders going toe-to-toe in what promises to be an all-out war with the winner emerging as a serious title contender.

Pawel “Raging Bull” Wolak (29-1, 19 KO’s) is highly ranked in most of the alphabet boxing organizations. The 29 year old is #3 in the WBO, #6 in the WBA, #8 in the IBF and # 11 in the WBC. His ranking improved after his most recent fight, a TKO over former WBA Jr. Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman. The Polish native has won his last eight bouts.

Wolak predicted that he would have a tough, action filled and victorious bout at the Roseland, “It is going to be a hard fight with lots of action…The fans will get their money’s worth…I am looking forward to continuing towards my goal of winning a world title by the end of 2011.

Delvin Rodriguez (25-5-2, 14 KO’s) has moved up in weight class since his days as a welterweight title contender. Rodriguez expects that the preparation he has made for this bout will prove to be successful, “I’m excited to get back in the ring and show that I’m a force to be reckoned with in the junior middleweight division. I have a new team behind me and I feel better than I ever have before…This is the opportunity to erase everything bad that has happened in the past few years and put myself right back in the spotlight.”

Undefeated young welterweight Raymond “Tito” Serrano (15-0, 8 KO’s) is hopeful of keeping his record unblemished in his nationally televised bout. Serrano should be tested by Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (11-3-1, 4 KO’s). Sostre is undefeated in his last 10 bouts and the holder of the New York State welterweight title. Although the two are of Puerto Rican heritage each lives and trains in the Northeast.

Serrano, representing Philadelphia, is poised to deliver a great performance in the ring and on the TV screen, “It is the lightest I will have fought as a professional and I feel great at this weight [142 pounds]. I plan on putting on a great performance.”

On the undercard is a lightheavyweight six rounder between Lionell Thompson (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Buffalo and Reggie LaCrete (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Brooklyn.

Two young men, each fighting in his second pro bout, will meet in a four rounder. Kevin Rooney, Jr. (1-0) has been around the support since his childhood as his father, Kevin, Sr., was the trainer of Mike Tyson. Since shortly after his graduation from Fordham University in 2007, Rooney, Jr. has worked in public relations for Star Boxing. On the 15^th, Rooney will work both inside and outside the ring. Rooney will face Enrique Vera (0-1) in a junior middleweight bout.

Of Rooney, DeGuardia commented, “Kevin put on a good performance in his pro- debut…Now he has the opportunity to showcase his skills right here in New York in front oh his hometown fans and I know he is really looking forward to it.”

Those interested in purchasing tickets to the show can call Star Boxing at 1-718-823-2000.

That was tough enough for New York Knicks fans to take (although not nearly as difficult as it was for Cleveland Cavaliers fans to watch).

But, if you happen to be a New York fan of the orange and blue in both basketball and baseball, ESPN probably annoyed you even further on Monday night.

The New York Mets had the night off after limping home with an awful 2-9 road trip and Met fans like myself were trying to forget about the western excursion which might have ended the Mets’ season by taking in ESPN’s broadcast of the Detroit Tigers at the Tampa Bay Rays.

So, with Detroit’s Max Scherzer and Tampa Bay’s Matt Garza locked in a scoreless, dual no-hitter in the bottom of the sixth inning, what did ESPN do?

Well, the network which sold out to give “LeBrat” his platform to further sell his “LeBrand” eighteen days earlier, decided to cut away from the no-hit duel in Tampa to celebrate the pursuit of admitted steroid abuser Alex Rodriguez’s chase for 600 career home runs in Cleveland.

Rather than see Scherzer attempt to hold Tampa Bay at bay and keep up with Garza’s no-hit bid, we witnessed a player stuck on 599 career homers — some legitimate, many illegally aided — uneventfully and weakly ground out.

If a Met fan wanted to see that, he or she could have joined Yankee fans (not very likely) and tuned into the YES network to see A-Roid try to finish cheating his way to 600 home runs. I don’t know about other Met fans, but I preferred to stick with pitching history attempting to be made, especially knowing Tampa Bay had been one of just three franchises (including the Mets) never to have thrown a no-hitter.

I only missed one out, and it was long before Scherzer lost both his no-hitter and his shutout on a Matt Joyce grand slam.

However, as a not only a baseball fan but a fan of what’s right, I was disgusted at the attention ESPN paid to the Yankees’ charlatan.

How many homers would A-Fraud have been going for on Monday night had he not cheated himself and the sport that made him famous? Would it have been 400? 450? Whatever the number, it certainly would have fallen far shy of 600. Yet, ESPN cut way from the shot at real history to the attempt at artificial history as if every one of the first 599 Rodriguez homers were honestly earned.

We of course know that Rodriguez is by no means the only major leaguer ever to cheat his way into the record books. But, when a network as big as ESPN sells out and rewards that type of player with that kind of coverage in the hunt of a phony milestone, it sends a severely wrong message to the future fans of the game growing up with baseball today.

It tells kids (and the rest of us), “It doesn’t matter whether it was accomplished legitimately or through dishonest means, it will be celebrated and honored just the same.”

Of course, it got even tougher for Met fans later on, as Garza completed the first no-hitter in Tampa Bay history (which goes back 36 years less than Met history), leaving only the San Diego Padres and the Mets as the only two major league franchises without a no-hitter.

But, that would have happened regardless. Making it tougher for Met fans though, was seeing ESPN sell out and paint the cross-town rival Rodriguez as if he was truly trying to accomplish something meaningful instead of the sham that it is.

For the second time this month, ESPN chose the wrong thing over the right one, all in the name of money.

And, why? Because fans make it so. Fans tuned into James’ “Decision” in droves, and made fans like myself be among the minority for wanting to see a no-hit battle over A-Roid’s fake chase to 600.

Until most fans finally stick up for what’s right, huge media outlets like ESPN will be there waiting to pounce and make money with no conscience at all.

Then a casual glance at the television screen makes you boot up the computer and start scribbling all over again.

You see the graphic footnote on ESPN that Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell threw six of nine complete passes, and you’re thinking, “brother man is making progress” – then the “analysis” talks about what Russell didn’t do well; while showing two of his three incomplete attempts.

Now 67 percent completions are pretty good by any standard; except when it describes the efforts of a Black quarterback – and, even more specifically, a National Football League quarterback.

Cue whistling…

(Agent C. M. Piper looked over his entry notes as he closed the window tab on the computer screen. It was nearly four o’clock on the West Coast, and time for the tele-conference. Piper allowed himself to briefly ponder his time in Canada. Four o’ clock meant High Tea and the old Vancouver hotel where he had his first cucumber “samich” – bringing a smile to his face; the food could definitely be replaced, but the ceremony was cool…

Piper dialed in awareness of the two minute warning window, which now showed 48 seconds and counting. The constant cyber – attacks on RBG made such methods necessary; and in spite of the fact a call took a few seconds, the rerouting was what consumed most of the time.

Seconds later, a female voice came over the line. “This is RBG Control. I confirm Agent Craig Buchanan; Executive Director Mack McClain; Agent George Wheelwright; Agent Chanticleer Piper.

“Big MAMA*{MODIFIED ANALOG MASKING APPARATUS} has secured the area, and you are now free to converse.”

Exec Director McClain opened the meeting. “Gentlemen – the purpose of this meeting is to light a match to a pair of gasoline drawers. The No Former (Slaves) League has stepped up its efforts to mollify, vilify, and nullify all evidence of the Black quarterback.

“Constant castigation by mainstream media has placed every Black field general at risk. Previous attacks, which were once discreet, have become flat-out blatant when skills of Black QBs are assessed in comparison to white QBs.

“Although we know some among the Black intelligentsia have eschewed conventional wisdom as to what the symbolism of this means, the time has come to address this untruth about Black QBs and create a better atmosphere in which we can energize a collective conscience. That said, I want to get to the field reports, and Agent Buchanan, you can set it off.”

Buchanan cleared his throat. “Chief, the situation in Minnesota is deplorable. Progress for Tarvaris Jackson has been severely compromised by the actions of the Vikings front office, head coach Brad Childress and owner Ziggy Wilf.

“I mean they went out of their way to move up and get Jackson the year he was drafted; then they tell the kid that he’s the guy; then pull him after 2 games.

“After they bury him, he has to bail out the team when Gus Frerotte gets hurt. All he does is go 3-1 down the stretch and leads his team to a division title and the playoffs. His reward for his efforts – was to have his job handed over to Brett Favre’s old ass.

“Favre comes back and debuts as the starter; goes 1-4 and almost throws a pick; meanwhile Jackson goes 12-15, 202 yards and a TD bomb. The mainstream media, of course, downplays Jackson and apologizes for Favre. Oh, and by the way- they’ve sold over 3000 season tickets since Favre signed.”

“Hmmm – well, can’t say I’m surprised,” said McClain. “Big Wheel – whatcha got for me?

“Boss the view from the Left Coast is spotty, to say the least,” said Wheelwright. “It seems everyone in the Bay Area is looking to give Jeff Garcia the starting job over JaMarcus Russell.

“Nothing from what I’ve seen would indicate that’s even remotely close to happening; but I can tell you that many Raider fans can sense something positive happening this year with the team.

“They drafted very well last year, and with McFadden, Bush and Baby Bear Fargus, they have an outside shot of stealing the AFC West division title. Denver’s got problems, Kansas City’s rebuilding, San Diego’s got Norv Turner – need I say more?”

The laughter lightened the sense of urgency as McClain’s tone matched the moment. “In that same vein, I feel this and the data collected from the past couple of seasons seems to be leading us to the previously stated conclusion,” sighed the Chief.

“Hey, Chief – I would like to take a different approach to this, if possible,” chirped Piper.

“Okay, Agent Piper – what’s on your mind?

“I think it’s safe to say everyone at this conference can see the plausibility of conspiracy; but I feel there’s more to it;

“We spoke on the Vikings and Raiders as places where the Black QB is under siege. Well we also know these teams have a shot to win a Super Bowl.

“After Doug Williams rocked the house in SB XXII, I think the league hierarchy underestimated Williams’ ability to lead; to this day, some are still saying he was ‘lucky’ or ‘hot’ the day he and Washington kicked their golden boy John Elway’s ass.

“So what I’d like to do is to have a budget authorized where we can put together investigative teams of RBG personnel to get to the crux of the matter, which I feel is a deliberate attempt to ensure a Black field general will never again have the sufficient fire power to destroy a great White notion like Williams did in the Super Bowl.”

McClain took in Piper’s words, pausing several seconds before he spoke. “I know how lazy this generation of information gatherers have been in working to present the truth; most of them couldn’t or wouldn’t know how to work a real beat.

“You couple that with what possible benefits we could provide in debunking many of the untruths perpetuated by this machine, and the pluses to this far outweigh any potential liabilities.

“Alright, Piper – you’ve got your funding; get the proof, and Buchanan and Wheelwright will work with you on this as code file RBG-072908, with you as lead Agent. Information will be on need-to-know until final draft of presented data.

“Gentlemen, Big MAMA is alerting us our masking aura is dwindling. Let’s wrap this up and convene again after Agent Piper’s first draft directive. Good evening – and good luck.”

Piper smiled after hanging up the phone, excited over the chance to provide in earnest a scenario for stopping future Field Generals from taking their rightful place on the field.

As the rum slid down his throat, Piper highlighted his playlist; and found Monk’s “Misterioso” running. The volume clicks up, and the somber chords tapped him where he lived; magic fingers providing acupuncture for the soul.

“Well, the untruth is out there,” thought Piper. So – first things first; and, as if straight out of the Detectives’ Manual, Piper knew the place to be – was back at the scene of the crime – Super Bowl XXII.

To be continued…

Copyright 2009 Michael – Louis Ingram

michaelingram@blackathlete.com

mike@fotballreportersonline.com

I mean, really.  Outside of Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, who else thinks the team has a better shot of winning a Super Bowl with either of them, instead of a hopefully healthy Favre?  Their moms?

Highly respected columnist Jason Whitlock doesn’t think Favre was signed by Minnesota to win a Super Bowl.  He calls the guy who led last year’s Jets to an 8-3 record before getting injured a Brett Favre is a “swiftboat”, being used to get a new stadium for the Vikings, not a title.

“He’s a political football. He’s a tactic in a $700 million negotiation with Minnesota taxpayers.  (Minnesota owner) Zygi Wilf gave the Hall of Fame QB a two-year, $25 million contract so he could use him as a prop in a game that has little to do with winning a Super Bowl.”

So the Vikings don’t want to win a Super Bowl?

I don’t buy it.  Sure, signing Favre will help a whole helluva lot to getting a new stadium, but winning a Super Bowl will probably accomplish that as well.

In fact, hoisting the first-ever Vince Lombardi Trophy will probably make a foregone conclusion.

However you want to spin it, the fact of the matter is, a healthy Favre is twice the signal-caller either of his backups are, even at his advanced age and declining skills.  Coach Brad Childress does too.  It’s probably why he out his job on the line by wooing his former pupil at Green Bay for the last three years.

And, you know what?  I think he’s right.

So does Troy Aikman.  “You can’t talk Super Bowl without talking about the Vikings with Brett Favre.”, the former Super Bowl champion quarterback told FoxSports.com

With a big play defense, a superb running attack, and guys who can catch, having someone who can actually call a game, throw accurate passes and has a resume of winning might just help.

In fact, Brett Favre might just win the whole damn thing for the Vikes.  Maybe then he’ll retire.  I’m predicting he does both.

***

NFC East
Giants
Eagles
Cowboys
Redskins

NFC North
Vikings
Bears
Packers
Lions

NFC South
Falcons
Saints
Panthers
Buccaneers

NFC West
Cardinals
Seahawks
49ers
Rams

AFC East
Patriots
Jets
Dolphins
Bills

AFC North
Steelers
Ravens
Bengals
Browns

AFC South
Titans
Colts
Jaguars
Texans

AFC West
Chargers
Raiders
Chiefs
Broncos

You remember what happened with Erin Andrews, don’t you? She’s the attractive sideline reporter for ESPN who was recently and purportedly surreptitiously videotaped by a peeping tom while she was walking around her hotel room without wearing any articles of clothing.  Erin Andrews, completely nude as she put on her makeup, has caused a national stir among the nation’s 16 year olds as well as among the media who cover such things.

Ms. Brennan made the following comment about Andrews:

“On the Erin Andrews situation, a quick thought for those who have asked: There are hundreds of women covering sports in this country who haven’t had this happen to them. I wish it didn’t happen to Erin, but I also would suggest to her if she asked (and she hasn’t) that she rely on her talent and brains and not succumb to the lowest common denominator in sports media by playing to the frat house.”

A couple of thoughts on Brennan’s observation of Andrews’ dilemma. It’s an interesting comment from another woman in sports media because the female brethren in a male-dominated industry have tended to band together in support of each other when there is a perceived “attack” on one of their own for reasons not related to job performance. When there have been criticisms of on-air women, not for how they perform their jobs but for how they look, there is usually (and rightfully) a cacophony of outrage from the sorority claiming unfair abuses based on looks that on-air men do not have to be confronted with. Professional reporters of the female variety are constantly talking about the double-standard they have to live under regarding youth and looks that male reporters in front of the camera do not have to put up with. And, they are right. There is a double standard and it shouldn’t exist. However, it does exist and the guys in the back offices of these networks who wear the suits continue to choose women with a “certain look” that management feels will appeal to the core of their audience. In the sports business, that audience core tends to be younger males with raging hormones. Like it or not, that’s the fact.

I’m not sure Andrews’ work as a sideline reporter (at which she is very good and very professional) “plays” to the lowest common denominator, Christine. I haven’t seen her hike her skirt up, on air, or lower her neckline so I’m not sure what you’re referring to when you say she is playing to the lowest common denominator. Andrews is  smart and she’s good at what she does. She’s also significantly more attractive than most other female on-air reporters with an audience of 16-24 males. And yes, she does have a bubbly, on-air personality who can ask the tough questions of her subjects.  Her looks and her audience does create an equation built for creating a sexy personna even if she doesn’t play to it. It’s how ESPN and many other networks have chosen to go but it’s nothing new in the business of delivering news or sports on television.

Chris Russo is one of the few mainstays in Tampa. (Joe Pietaro/NYSD)

TAMPA, FL – Just like Superman’s one weakness, kryptonite, the financial situation has obviously affected the NFL. For anyone who has attended the game – and the week leading up to it – in the past, there is something definitely missing this year in Tampa.

Excuses? Let’s start with the non-juicy match-up of Arizona and Pittsburgh. Would things be different if, let’s say, Philadelphia or Dallas were representing the NFC? Maybe, but as of Friday afternoon, the game wasn’t even sold out yet. That is unfathomable in this day and age, but maybe it’s not.

Another reason? Well, the weather has not exactly been Florida-like, with heavy rain Thursday into Friday. But two years ago in Miami there were periods of heavy showers (especially during the game) and a year ago, the Arizona desert was experiencing abnormal low temperatures.

So everything points to the struggling economy. Even the so-called ‘rich’ folks have been scarce. The annual Playboy party is not happening and the familiar faces in the street and Media Center have been in hiding, as well. No Adam Sandler or Frank Caliendo, and as far as the athletes go, no Namath, Shula or Montana, either. The NFL Network’s set in the middle of the room did not have the same line-up of stars waiting for their turn to be interviewed, as did the radio tables, which included Chris “Mad Dog” Russo from Sirius/XM and Michael Kay from ESPN Radio.

No knock on Jim Kelly, Justin Tuck or Joe Theisman, but none of them are “Broadway” Joe.

TAMPA, FL – Just like Superman’s one weakness, kryptonite, the financial situation has obviously affected the NFL. For anyone who has attended the game – and the week leading up to it – in the past, there is something definitely missing this year in Tampa.

Excuses? Let’s start with the non-juicy match-up of Arizona and Pittsburgh. Would things be different if, let’s say, Philadelphia or Dallas were representing the NFC? Maybe, but as of Friday afternoon, the game wasn’t even sold out yet. That is unfathomable in this day and age, but maybe it’s not.

Another reason? Well, the weather has not exactly been Florida-like, with heavy rain Thursday into Friday. But two years ago in Miami there were periods of heavy showers (especially during the game) and a year ago, the Arizona desert was experiencing abnormal low temperatures.

So everything points to the struggling economy. Even the so-called ‘rich’ folks have been scarce. The annual Playboy party is not happening and the familiar faces in the street and Media Center have been in hiding, as well. No Adam Sandler or Frank Caliendo, and as far as the athletes go, no Namath, Shula or Montana, either. The NFL Network’s set in the middle of the room did not have the same line-up of stars waiting for their turn to be interviewed, as did the radio tables, which included Chris “Mad Dog” Russo from Sirius/XM and Michael Kay from ESPN Radio.

No knock on Jim Kelly, Justin Tuck or Joe Theisman, but none of them are “Broadway” Joe.