Cam Newton at a Crossroads: Can He Avoid NFL Failure?

"With off-the-field issues clouding his years at Florida, Newton transferred to Blinn Junior College and then to Auburn, where he quickly established himself as a star. Many drool over his tools and the potential he flashes. He has the athletic ability that scouts dream about. But he’s got a long road to success, with many expecting him to fail." Read Full Article Here.

Here is the article I just wrote for bleacher report concerning the future of Cam Newton and whether he can succeed. Many see him as another first round bust but others salivate over his tools. Only time will tell. Enjoy the article. To read the full piece, click here.

                  

Read More

UConn Women's 89th Straight Win Irrelevant?

The women's basketball team at the University of Connecticut set the NCAA basketball record for most consecutive wins with 89 straight after beating Florida State on tuesday. Coach Geno Auriemma had a less than stellar view of the record, claiming that nobody truly cares because it is the women that accomplished this feat, beating the men's record of 88 straight, set in 1974 by UCLA.  His comments are borderline controversial, albeit honest and direct. He might have a point as he brings sexism into the picture. Watch what he says as Jemele Hill and Skip Bayless discuss his comments. 

Read More

Tebow Not the Answer for Broncos?

Watch: Boomer Esiason on Behind the Mic talking about Tim Tebow.
The University of Florida legend played with poise and fervor in his first NFL start, becoming the third player to throw a touchdown pass of at least 30 yards and run for a score of at least 40 yards in the same game. While Tim Tebow only finished 8/16, 138 yards and no interceptions, his critics still doubt him. He is a scrambling quarterback. The Broncos can force him to throw as much as they please but it is his legs and his drive that got him drafted and in the NCAA history books. The ubiquitous question continues to be whether he is the future and how high is ceiling is as far as being a top-notch signal caller. Underneath is the highlight reel from his first start, enjoy. 

Read More

Tay "Firefly" Fisher Profile

 This is a profile piece I wrote about Tay Firefly Fisher for Campus News, run by Darren Johnson. I will post the link to the issue when it is published. Read and enjoy. 

A True Love of The Game

written by Zack Pumerantz

     It was a game searching for excitement, yearning for something special. The pressure was palpable throughout the arena as the players fought to maintain composure. Tay Fisher knew better as he was ready to make a name for himself and his team. The Siena Saints, ranked 13th in the 2008 NCAA Basketball tournament, had to face the heavily favored Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked 4th. "It was a great feeling, it was definitely a great opportunity, not only for myself but for my team as well," said Fisher. But this story isn't about the upset victory that Siena eventually had over Vanderbilt, nor is it about the six consecutive three-pointers that Fisher hit to conserve Siena's lead in the game. This surrounds Tay "Firefly" Fisher and his quest to find the best in himself and the happiness in those around him.
     Known as a three-point specialist at Siena, the 5-9 guard was drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters in 2008 to compete for a roster spot. Starring during high school in Kingston, NY, Fisher never let his height limit or hinder his development. "I was short, shorter than most of the players on the court but I was able to hold my own, " Fisher said. "My goal was just to play professional basketball. Everybody says they want to play in the NBA, other people say they want to play in Europe; my goal was just to play professional basketball," said Fisher. He knew he was on track when he scored 61 points in a game during his Senior year at Kingston, which got him in the Faces of the Crowd section of Sports Illustrated Magazine. He was recruited by Siena College and finished as the second most prolific three-point shooter in the school's history. He believes the game against Vanderbilt got him noticed by the flashy professional club. After getting the call from the Globetrotters, he knew he was on the brink of his dream. "They actually contacted me, that's what made it even better."
     While his dream of playing professional is coming to fruition, he has other aspirations as well. He runs a youth basketball camp and says he would like to be an elementary school teacher when his basketball career is over. He says that with the Globetrotters schedule, he is rarely home and he misses seeing the kids at his camp having a good time. On the other hand, he gets a thrill from teaching youths about the history of the Globetrotters, as he says most of them think the team began in the 21st century. "For me to tell them that the Globetrotters have been around for 85 consecutive years, it's just the best thing ever," he says. "A lot of these young kids need to be able to be educated on not only basketball but the culture and history."
     A self-proclaimed New York fan, Fisher has always rooted for the Knicks, Giants and Yankees. He is excited to play at Madison Square Garden for the first time to showcase his skills to his family, friends and fans. "My parents are really happy, especially my Mom, she used to be a basketball player at Kingston as well," he says. "For her to see me play, because she doesn't get the opportunity to come as much, is really great." He has two brothers and two sisters that he says he would do anything for. "I have a great family that's just really proud of me... I know they'll be with me no matter what."
     Fisher has always worked hard for his goals and dreams and knows that there is no time for regrets. "I'm pretty sure there are things that, if I had a chance to do them over I would, but I can't say I have any regrets as of right now because they got me to where I wanted to be," he says. "My whole goal was to graduate from high school, graduate from college and play professional basketball." The first person in his family to graduate from a four-year college and play professional basketball, Fisher wants to continue to please his fans.
     More than playing professional basketball with the revered Harlem Globetrotters, Tay Fisher gets to travel the world and feels lucky to be able to be exposed to international customs. "You're able to learn new languages, you're able to see the types of things they eat, how they live," he says. He says that most people don't get that opportunity and he is very grateful for what he has. However, he says, nothing supplants playing in the United States. "Coming here, wearing the red, white and blue. Going on the military tour. These are the highlights of my life, he says."
     He is a person before an athlete, a leader and a teammate. Fisher has proven that he always plays hard and never looks back in defeat. He sustains his zeal every second and thrives off success, getting hungrier every day to change the lives of his fans. "I want to keep entertaining people, I want to keep them smiling." He will be revolutionizing basketball moves to the tune of Sweet Georgia Brown for years to come.


Download: Tay Fisher Interview w/ Zack Pumerantz


Full schedule of eight NYC area games:

>Thursday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (doubleheader) - Prudential Center
> Friday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. - Madison Square Garden
>Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. - IZOD Center
>Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. - Madison Square Garden
>Sunday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (doubleheader) - Nassau Coliseum
>Monday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. - IZOD Center

Read More