Simon Sez

Bring back the XFL…. I’ve been waiting for 18 years and counting, and during those years I would make small talk about it and how I enjoyed watching the game. I was hopeful for a 2002 season, but as we all know, it folded.  Welcome back XFL? Image from coed.com via google search :Vince Mcmahon Hopefully, this about to change as there is talk and moves being made at this moment to get the league re-started. There are a few things that I would suggest before getting the league going. Being a big fan of Gridiron football, I would love to see football year round. We would have the XFL season 1 st , followed by College football and the grand finale of NFL football. Starting the league in February is ok, but it is following the most exciting NFL football game of the year. My 1 st  suggestion would be March as it would allow the Super Bowl hanger over to pass. March would also be perfect as this is the month dedicated directly to it (the XFL). This ...

Welcome readers.  This blog is about Smitty’s Sports Machine. Featured so far are Antwon Smitty Smith himself, Marlon Copeland and myself Simon Fennix (the tag alone). There is a fourth key member as well, Casz Clayton who is currently serving our country as speak. She'll definitely return to the group and give you some important information and great research about the topics at hand.  Smitty has been at this for 20 plus years (5 professionally) and he is what I refer to as your sports outsider. He will let you know everything that's happening and everything that is about to happen.. He has the 411 in the sports world, and his knowledge, wisdom, and passion for sports is unmatched. If you want a guy who can deliver and back up everything with accurate facts, then look no further. Amongst us, his experience definitely stands out, and it stands strong, as he gives great directions and mentoring to us as a team.  ...

Early tribute to our all-time leading passer Hopefully I am 1 of the 1 st to put it out there: An early congratulations to Drew Brees our new and active all-time leading passer. Who would have guessed that you would have accomplished this? True fans will admit that when we 1 st saw you, we knew you had talent, but there was always “BUT”! When you got hurt, I was leery about your return to form. San Diego made a tough decision- one that  we all know worked in your favor; and I think sometimes (not every) that they scratch their heads (did we make the right decision). Honestly when you got to New Orleans, I thought you’d phase out and just quietly leave the game. However, you turned things around. The previous season was 3-13 and I admit it was difficult for the city and the team due to hurricane Katrina. In the 06 season, it seemed every time I turned around there you were just destroying defenses. You went 10-6 that year and the 1 st of 12 straight 4,000 yard passing se...

ATLANTA FALCONS vs LOS ANGELES RAMS On Saturday, we wrapped up the 1 st segment of the wild card games with my hometown Falcons vs Rams game. I previously picked the Chiefs over the Titans and I lost; Closely/Barely, but as I always say, a loss is a loss. Of course without a doubt, I picked my hometown to take the W against a young and talented Rams team. The Rams had the 1 st turnover on special teams. The ball touched on of the Rams players and Atlanta recovered the ball. One thing that caught my attention was on second down in the red zone, I don't understand how Matt Ryan missed Julio Jones. I think you should have taken a chance at trying to force towards the sideline when Julio was running his route and I'm certain he could have made the grab and scored. Unfortunately on this possession we had to settle for a field goal. Jared Goff showed that he had grown up and he can play this game. NFC West opponents need to be aware of this guy next s...

Derrick Johnson's reaction after seeing the Replay TITANS vs CHIEFS Before the game began, my original pick was Kansas City. I felt Alex Smith being the seasoned veteran was going to be the better QB in this situation.  While he played very well in the game, Unfortunately, I was wrong. Marcus Mariota came out in the beginning looking a shade green, but that slowly changed. Mariota took the Titans down the field on a drive that lasted over 8 minutes. The drive ended with the 2nd greatest self-pass to one self.  Mariota threw the ball, but it was tipped by the Chiefs defender (Darrelle Revis) and Mariota had the presence to grab the pass and take it into the end zone for Tennessee’s 1 st touchdown. While a good play, the more I've watch the replay, the more I have questioned it (and of course you are the final judge) if his foot was slightly over the line of scrimmage.   (Brad Johnson was the first in 1997 against the Carolina to throw a TD to...

3 years ago on January 4th 2015, we lost an incredible friend. And not just a friend in the media and broadcasting industry, but a true friend whose nature at heart is hard to match. Stuart Scott was an inspiration for me because I had never seen a guy on TV who look like me and could hold its own amongst those that didn't look like me. He brought a flare to ESPN that is never been matched and that will never be matched. I would fly to the TV just to see him cover stories with his flamboyant words and incredibly witty descriptions of what happened in the game. Booyah was my favorite expression from Mr. Scott. Only he could say it, only he could capture you with the meaning of it. The hard work and dedication that you put into your work is incredible. You worked just as hard if not harder during your battles with cancer. You are true example of a fighter and your will to succeed is unprecedented. The impact that you made on your co-workers is amazing. 21 years of excite...

I’ve grown tired of the scandals in college sports. I’m also tired of seeing scholarships wasted along with teams having to rebuild the next year. I think it would be nice to see the collegiate players play until their senior year or in a proposal that I have at least get them to the junior year and make a decision from there as far there future: NBA draft or finish their collegiate career. To stop the corruption in college basketball, I would suggest a true commitment in which the student agrees to take a scholarship and play for the school a minimum of THREE years. How you may ask? Check this out: If the student signs with a school, he has to be there for three years and should he break the deal, he forfeits not only his college eligibility, but his professional chances as well. The athlete would have to sit out the remainder of college years (example left sophomore year, so ONE year before he can sign with a NBA team) along with being excluded from the NBA draft. Thi...