Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

Happy Father’s Day. Of all the Hallmark holidays this one by far holds the most meaning for me. The events surrounding it have made me who I am.

Tim and Rafer Weigel.

As a young boy, for my dad and me, Father’s day meant baseball. There were two teams to root for in the city of Chicago, and we took full advantage. We loved the Cubs and the Sox—which is actually a sacrilege. If one team wasn’t in town, then we’d watch the other. We loved being at the park which to us was sacred ground.

I knew every player’s name and number. I scored every game on my scorecard. Every run, hit and error. We were something out of a Norman Rockwell painting: My dad passing his love for the game down to me and I enjoying it so much I chronicled it on paper so I could relive it in my mind over and over again.

My dad loved sports so much that he made a career out of them. He was a sportswriter and sports anchor at the NBC station at that time. But sports were only a small part of who he was. He was a learned man—a man of letters. A graduate of Yale and Northwestern, he was well versed in all the classics. He was also an accomplished pianist and even an enthusiast of the opera. He was a star athlete in college as the starting running back for Yale's football team. He was a true renaissance man.

For him sports weren’t a distraction. They were a way of life (literally) that taught invaluable life lessons. They were about discipline and drive and the pursuit of excellence. They were avenues for achievement and those who excelled were to be admired and respected. Sports were something to be passionate about because to be successful at them you had to have passion.

The irony was, as he got more successful as a sportscaster it became harder for us to go to games. In Chicago, local anchors were rock stars. If you’ve ever seen the movie “Anchorman” it was just like that. People came up to him constantly because he was “kind of a big deal” and our intimate moments suffered.

So instead we went to the press box: He with his briefcase and notepad, and I assisting him any way I could—gathering stat sheets, getting coffee, whatever—just to take in the game together at the park or stadium. In many ways, those moments were even more memorable because that’s when I started learning the job.

The other irony is, I later lost my father on Father’s day. Eight years ago to cancer. That was another defining moment in my life. It was when I chose to follow in his footsteps into this career. Now that passion he once shared with me, I now share with you.

What memories do you have associated with this holiday? What father/son, father/daughter traditions do you remember or would like to share? I’m going to be a father myself in a couple of months and I could use some more suggestions—other than baseball of course.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

It was the dream match-up so many wanted. Kobe versus Lebron. The league wanted it. TV nation wanted it. Sponsors like Vitamin Water and Nike wanted it. The shoe giant fantasized about it so much it literally made them into puppets.

Even King James couldn't conquer all by himself.

But that dream was deferred thanks to a magic act by the surprise Orlando Magic who ousted James and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals. It reminded us who were rooting for the star-studded dramatic ending something we knew but forgot:

When it comes to getting an NBA title, it takes two to make a thing go right.

Lebron James is the best player in the game. He’s better all-around than Kobe. He can score, dish, block shots, rebound and hit shots from outside the gym. But the King has left the building because you need TWO elite players to win a championship.

Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. Magic Johnson had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Larry Bird had Kevin McHale. Kobe won three titles with Shaquille O’Neal and is back again because Pau Gasol has emerged as the second-best big man in the league behind Dwight Howard.

As for the aforementioned Superman, the Magic’s magic re-appearing act came together thanks to another guy named “Rafer”. After Orlando lost All-Star point guard and team leader Jameer Nelson to injury count me as one who thought they were done. But a mid-season trade for Rafer Alston gave Superman his Lois Lane (my apologies to Alston. It was either that or Miss Tessmacher). While he’s not necessarily “elite” Alston has been good enough to get others involved like Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. It won’t be enough to beat the Lakers but it’s enough to face them.

But who did the “Chosen one” have? Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mo Williams, and Delonte West—fine role players but the NBA equivalent of Larry, Darryl and Darryl. They didn’t show up when James needed them and couldn’t provide enough help when they did. If the Cavs are going to win it, the King needs help in his court.

Lebron knows it too. His quick exodus without talking to the media spoke volumes. The good news for them is there are several soon-to-be-available players who could get him there. The bad news is, the Cavs already have one of the highest payrolls. But James himself will be a free agent in 2010. If Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry doesn’t pony up to get him a prime-time playmate, James will likely take his ball and go play somewhere else.

For now, the beleaguered burg of Cleveland stays championship-starved another year. Hopefully the Forest City though can see the forest through the trees. Lebron and the Cavs are close and he is only 24. Jordan didn’t win his first title until he was 28. But until James gets some help … put away the puppets.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

Vick’s possible return to football is an even more hotly debated topic than American Idol’s Kris Allen or Adam Lambert … or so I’m told. It’s certainly much more divisive. And it should be. Vick’s crimes were so gruesome most animals lovers can’t get it out of our heads.

Michael Vick left jail for house arrest. His next step? Trying to get back in the NFL.

But, Vick has served his time and under the rights of the law deserves a chance to turn his life around.

But should he be allowed back in the NFL? Is playing football professionally a privilege or a right?

My opinion will probably upset both sides.

Let the man come back and make a living. Give him the same rights we all deserve after paying our debt to society. Let him turn his life around be a productive member of society and even try and educate others about his mistakes.

Just not in my backyard.

I don’t want to deny a man’s right to work. Just don’t make me root for him on the football field. Don’t put his jersey for sale in my team’s stadium and don’t put that distraction in my team’s locker room—which is the selfish nature of being a fan.

At least I’m being upfront about my double standard.

What do you think about Vick’s possible return to football?

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

The NBA Playoffs this year are like an "old-school", pre-1990 action movie, i.e. "Die Hard," "First Blood" or "Death Wish." Great films, but they put you through 45 minutes of "character development" before getting to the good parts.

'King James' hopes to take his team all the way.

For this year's playoffs, just like with those movies, let's fast forward to the good part.

Yeah, there are 16 teams, all vying for that Larry O'Brien Trophy. Good for them. Let's got to the big inevitable finish. Kobe vs. LeBron, in what should be the most anticipated finals' match up since Bird vs. Magic.

No city is more starved for a championship than Cleveland. The last time "The Cleve" saw a pro team hoist a trophy was the Indians winning the World Series in 1948. That's over 60 years folks! That means over half of the people who live in that greater metropolitan area have NEVER experienced a championship.

The Forest City fan bases have had their hearts ripped out so many times it's a wonder they can still find the strength to cheer. From Michael Jordan’s famous shot over Craig Ehlo in the '89 playoffs to John Elway's "The Drive" over the Browns two years earlier.

They call LeBron "The Chosen One." Maybe it's time for him to lead his people out of the sports desert?

Then there's Kobe salivating over proving his critics wrong and finally winning a title without Shaq. "Zen master" Phil Jackson is not-so-Zen about the possibility of becoming the all-time winningest head coach in NBA history. One more ring puts him ahead of legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach with 10 titles.

Unlike the NHL playoffs where getting there will be just as fun (Go Blackhawks!) sadly the NBA's first three rounds look like a waste of time.

No two teams can match up with Cleveland and LA–who both won their first games in their opening rounds this weekend. The Cavs have the best record in the NBA and LA–alone atop the Western Conference–just got even better with center Andrew Bynum back from injury.

Sorry Boston Fans. Part of my accused "anti-Boston agenda" (tongue is in cheek here). Your star forward Kevin Garnett is not healthy and without him you may not get past Chicago. The Baby Bulls surprised everyone by taking game one in the Gah-den Saturday—their 13th win in their last 17 games.

Point guard Derrick Rose is blossoming while becoming a thorn in the Celtics side. He tied Kareem Abdul Jabar for the rookie record for most points in a playoff game at 36. But Kareen didn't have 11 assists.

San Antonio? Sorry kids, but you're not kids anymore. Tony Parker is the only legitimate starter under 30 now that Manu Ginobili is out. Dallas was able to outlast the former world champs with a deeper bench. The Spurs may be put out to pasture after one series.

Portland celebrated just GETTING to the playoffs. After ending their regular season Wednesday, confetti streamed from the stands and a rally was held. A rally?! You can't win if you don't act like you've been there before. Which is why Houston–who has been there before–spanked them in game one.

Orlando's Dwight Howard is probably the third-most exciting player in the league today. But with point guard Jameer Nelson out with a shoulder injury "Superman" doesn't have enough help. Right now, he's "Superman II" going against Zod, the mute guy and the British chick with the go-go boots. The Magic's meltdown in game one against Philly is not a good sign for them.

Denver could make it interesting out West. Chauncy and Melo's 113-84 stinging of the Hornets in game one shows they are on a mission. And it's possible they could take the Lakers to seven games in the Western Conference Finals.

Doesn't the action hero always have to be tested and torn to the brink before coming back victorious?

And when it's all over, the Lakers probably do have the edge over Cleveland. They are the only team to have beaten the Cavs on their home floor this year. And they have more finals and playoff experience.

That's the final battle, the climactic ending. Highlander vs. Highlander. John McClane against Rambo.

That's the one that'll have me saying, "Yippee Ki Yay."

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

It was a great movie. But it wasn’t the ending we expected.

This year’s Masters was not short on drama. Two great story lines were setting up to give us one of the most improbable finishes in the tournament’s 75-year history.

On one side you had Kenny Perry, the 48 year-old guy trying to become the oldest ever to win the tournament. On the other, the pairing of the greatest rivalry in the sport in Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson looking poised to battle back in one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

But, dare I say it? Tiger Woods looked…human. That’s right. He looked like any other golfer out there.

Now before you call me a front runner and a “Tiger basher”, how amazing is it that we are shocked when a man DOESN’T win a tournament? That is a testament to the man’s myth. But now, after Sunday’s sixth-place finish, that’s what it may just be—a myth.

Even after major knee surgery, it wasn’t Tiger’s body that failed him. He made mental mistakes. Mistakes average golfers make. Mistakes Tiger in the past never made.

Golfers and athletes look for any advantage or edge wherever they can find it. Most have admitted, Tiger’s presence can affect them. The man has enjoyed a certain psychological edge over his opponents. After Sunday, the intimidation factor has lost some steam.

This was Tiger’s tournament to win—the perfect “Rocky-esque” comeback to solidify his place on the throne of Golf. Not only didn’t it happen it wasn’t even that close. I’m sure he’ll win many more tournaments this year like his stunning comeback win at Bay Hill. But he wanted this one badly and for the first time, he didn’t seem able to just flip the switch and take over.

As for Perry, winning would have been storybook as well. A 48 year-old winning first time would have been a true underdog story and have given us old guys a lot of hope. “Old Guys Rule” would have had a new spokesman. http://www.oldguysrule.com/ee/ Kevin Costner would have called him for the rights before they could fit him for the Green Jacket.

No disrespect to winner Angel Cabrera. The 39-year-old Argentine does have a good comeback story. This is his first tournament win since quitting smoking. I’ve quit smoking. It’s hard. And Golf requires nerves of steel. To ditch that crutch and beat everyone in the world? Amazing.

They call him “the duck” because of the way he waddles. Cabrera isn’t the most athletic man in the world and already there are detractors saying his win proves Golf is not a sport.

On the contrary. If Tiger Woods of all people can have an off day and not be able to battle back like he’s used to that should illustrate just how hard and now nuanced the game really is.

From this point, it appears to be anybody’s game.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

Want some good news in a bad economy? One of the nation’s most struggling cities is getting a major boost. Detroit has a jobless rate of 22%. The average median sale price of a home is cheaper than a Chevy Aveo and the auto industry is hanging by a thread.

Hasheem Thabeet #34 of the Connecticut Huskies walks off the court to the locker room after the first half against the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. Photo source: Getty Images

But March Madness is bringing a bailout to the Motor City and Michigan State’s surprise run to the title game Sunday night against North Carolina has Motown rockin’ in a way it hasn’t seen since the Supremes.

Local business in Detroit were hurting so much they recently printed their own “Cheer Bills” - provincial dollars printed by merchants that have only regional worth to motivate people to spend there.

Now, hundreds of thousands of fans are pumping REAL money—upwards of $50 million—into the local economy as they have something to cheer for that’s also real in MSU. Call it a stimulus plan with high tops.

The Spartans’ run has also been a parallel for folks to draw on. Calling them underdogs at this point would be an understatement. They’ve looked more like the real Spartans battling at Thermopylae the movie “300”. Head coach Tom Izzo has been King Leonidas leading his squad over teams with twice as much talent but not nearly as much heart.

The Spartans stunned UConn—a team with at least three future pro players. Conversely, State has MAYBE one guy who will be playing in the NBA next year in Goran Suton.

But, in spite of a nation’s best five Final Fours in 11 years, Izzo and his Big Ten conference have been the Rodney Dangerfield of college basketball—no respect.

MSU is the fifth Big Ten team since 2000 to advance to the NCAA championship game. But, still, the nation’s top high school players continue favor the ACC and Big East over the Big Ten because the perception is those conferences “run more.” Well, Michigan State ran UConn into the ground. But I digress.

State’s Gang Green will have a tougher task taking on the Tar Heels. This matchup will be so similar to David and Goliath the Spartans may as well carry slings. North Carolina was the team picked to win it all in the beginning of the year by many. In its five-game run to the title they’ve beaten opponents by at least 12 points a game.

Sunday night’s game is a rematch of a Dec. 3rd game at Ford Field the Spartans have been waiting to avenge for months. North Carolina won by 35 points, 98-63, in front of a crowd of “only” 25,267, practically an empty house compared to the 72,456 on Saturday.

But whatever happens, seeing the spirits of an entire city and even state lifted while lifting a hard hit economy has been a reward all in itself.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

The text message said simply:

It's Nova!

It came from a certain weatherman gloating after Villanova advanced to the final four after a huge win over heavily favored Pitt. Said weatherman actually picked the 3rd-seeded Wildcats to win the National Championship. I laughed at him at the time. Now he's the one having the last laugh.

Oh March Madness. Danny Green of North Carolina takes home a little bit of net.

The weatherman's text is an appropriate rallying cry for Nova-a small Catholic school in Philadelphia. No one had them going to the final four and if you did, please send proof. This is the farthest the school's ever advanced in the tournament since they won it all in 1985.

The Cats tore up brackets from Atlanta to Alta Dena while tearing at the hearts of Pitt fans and those who had them picked to pick apart opponents like a peck of pickled peppers all the way to national championship – people like me (sigh). At this point, it's not about being an "expert" so much as a fortuneteller.

The Wildcats were one of two wild finishes. The other was Michigan State, stunning the number one seed overall, Louisville. The Spartans do not have an NBA Lottery pick on their team. Head coach Tom Izzo has now guided them to five Final Fours – cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in history. They'll travel a mere 90 miles to Detroit to face UConn

The other Final Four berth goes to the President's pick – North Carolina. Their star guard Ty Lawson has the most talked about toe in the tournament. But Lawson's sore digit hasn't been a factor at all which means the President may get this one right. I thought Sergeant Hulka's big toe would hobble the heels since the same injury derailed San Diego Charger running back LaDainian Tomlinson's season. Whoops.

But while my brackets are worthless it's come at a worthwhile cost – some great basketball.

The two teams from Pennsylvania – Pitt and Nova – gave us one of the greatest games in tournament history, a game which reinforced why so many are mad for March Madness.

While the talent level isn't as high as the pros, the passion is undeniably higher in this tournament. These kids are not playing for money. Only a fraction of these players will play professionally. Most of them will go from the hallowed halls of the biggest stages to the hollow halls of pick up games at their local YMCA where the only chants they'll hear are "we got next!"

Which is why you see them play with so much intensity. They don't want it to end. Which is also the reason why some of these massive men will often break down and cry after a tournament loss, because it is over.

That’s also why even with busted brackets, I don't want it to end either.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

Just as he is fresh out of prison, on his way to the halfway house and hoping for a new beginning, the federal government whistles Michael Vick on yet another penalty.

The U.S. Department of Labor is suing the former NFL star, saying he illegally spent $1.3 million of a pension fund plan from a company he owns - for his own gain.

More trouble for Vick? You can't teach a dirty dog new tricks.

You can argue the severity of it. You can say he was trying to pay off debts. You can say they’re picking on Vick, but If what the Dept. of Labor says is true, that's not okay.

What seems clear is that Vick has trouble with boundaries—unless they’re on the gridiron—which is where he wants to be once his sentence is up in July.

Commissioner Roger Goodell is not sure if he’ll let him back—and that’s the big debate right now. He says he will if Vick shows “remorse.”

For which crime? The killing of dogs? Or, as the US Department of Labor claims, for bankrolling an operation, racketeering and cheating employees out of their retirement that they paid for?

Given this guys’ rap sheet, Roger shouldn’t let Vick anywhere near an NFL stadium unless it’s taking tickets at a turnstile.

Now some of you will say, “Whoa! Weigel! What’s the difference? A man’s right to work is a man’s right to work whether it’s for the Raiders or at a Rally’s.”

There is a difference. Playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right.

Some jobs in the public eye come with greater responsibilities. That’s why they pay more. And with those responsibilities come higher standards.

Simply put, if you commit a federal felony, you don’t get to have the right to have jerseys sold with your name on the back. You lose the right to vote. And you should lose the right to have a giant decal of yourself be plastered on someone’s wall.

Like it or not folks, professional athletes are role models. That’s why people buy bobble heads in their likeness.

What about Martha Stewart, who has largely resumed her career since serving time for insider trading? The next time you see Martha Stewart in a shoe commercial or kids start collecting her trading cards, get back to me. Also, insider trading - while a felony - is a victimless crime. Dog fighting and stealing from employees’ pension plan, as the Department of Labor claims Vick did, is not.

And this is not about choosing PETA over Vick – what some people say the argument has come down to. Those folks are off their mark too. It’s not about saying dogs are more important than people or any of those inane arguments. This is about standards in the richest most popular sports league in America – the NFL.

I don’t think it's raising the bar too high to ask that professional athletes – who we pay money to watch play – NOT have multiple criminal offenses on their resume.

Tell me what you think? Do you agree? Post your comments below.

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

With the first weekend of the Big Dance in the books, here are some early impressions:

If there were any doubts about which conference was the best in basketball, they was emphatically erased. The argument is usually between the ACC (North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest) or the Big East (Louisville, UConn, Pitt).

Guts, glory, gore. The big dance.

One conference showed up. Another largely disappeared.

The Big East put five teams in the sweet 16. Meanwhile the ACC had four first round losses—all to lower seeded teams. Wake Forest was blown out by Cleveland State. Cleveland State! Boston College was routed by USC. Florida State fell to 12th seeded Wisconsin. And Clemson didn’t play for 35 minutes against Michigan before deciding to show up. Maryland cruised by California in round one before talking smack and then being embarrassed by Memphis in round two.

Only the usual suspects from the ACC remain—Duke and North Carolina. With the Tarheels star guard Ty Lawson back, the team the President picked to win it all just might make him look smart (insert joke here depending on your political leanings).

I was from the school of thought that Lawson’s big toe would hobble the Heels. LaDainian Tomlimson had the same injury and he was practically a bust all year. But it looks like the Sergeant Hulka of tobacco road and his big toe are fine. And that’s bad news for those in the South Regional—including Oklahoma who I picked to win it because I though Lawson wasn’t going to be able to show up.

While I have yet to be proven wrong on that, I was proven dead wrong about Arizona. The Wildcats are the only “Cinderella” to make it the sweet 16. At No. 12 they are the lowest seeded team to get there. The Cats took a lot of flack—including from yours truly—that the they didn’t belong in the tournament because of their dismal regular season finish and record … and that it resulted in other more “deserving” teams like St. Mary’s and San Diego State being snubbed. Well, the Cats clearly belong. Who didn’t? My alma mater, Illinois who looked like the mid major in an opening round to Western Kentucky.

Speaking of, the Hilltoppers second-round loss to Gonzaga was one of the best in the tournament—even though they were robbed of being able to call a last second time out. The first big gaffe by an officiating crew this year.

The team with the easiest weekend was UConn. The Huskies have been playing the best basketball of any team in the tournament so far. I picked Memphis to beat them in the Final Four and now, needless to say, I’m concerned, especially being tied for first in our Morning Express Tournament bracket. That loss could be the difference now. In fact, UConn could easily win both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments this year.

What were your impressions of the tournament so far? How’s your bracket doing? Post your comments here!

Sports Anchor Rafer Weigel

When it comes to the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament the teams that don’t make it in are often as much of a story as those that do.

It's March. Are you ready?

They don’t call it March Madness for nothing.

The invitation that has many schools feeling like an evil stepsister is Arizona. The Wildcats finished with a 19-13 record and lost five of their last six games and were bounced from the Pac 10 tournament in the first round. Yet, there they are playing Utah as a 12 seed making their 25th consecutive tournament appearance.

Meanwhile teams like San Diego State (23-9, RPI OF 37), Creighton (26-7, 39 RPI) and Saint Mary’s (26-6, 48 RPI) will take their stellar play to the National Invitational.

And the committee says it doesn’t matter if you’re in a power conference

HA!

Last year was the first year the four top seeds made it to the final four. Don’t look for that to happen this year. Pitt will have no trouble barreling through the East riding the shoulders of the beast of the East, sophomore Dejuan Blair (6’7”, 265 pounds). No team in that bracket—including Duke—will have an answer for him. Hasheem Thabeet in U Conn couldn’t handle him. Neither will Brian Zoubek.

Speaking of U Conn, I don’t see them getting past No. 2 seed Memphis. The Tigers are hissing over not getting a number one seed and they will play with a chip on their shoulder. If you saw them during selection Sunday you’d think they were selected for jury duty. Since Tyreke Evans moved to point guard, the Tigers have the longest winning streak in the nation at 25 games.

In the Midwest, number one overall seed Louisville should march right on through to the final four. They’re on a hot streak right now—winning their last ten dating back to February. The top team in the top conference, while they’ll have a target on their back, will be very tough to take down making for a marquee match up in the final four.

Speaking of marquee match ups, I can’t wait for the potential North Carolina—Oklahoma battle in the elite eight. The reigning National Player of the Year in Tyler Hansbrough against the likely POTY this year—Oklahoma’s Blake Griffin. That could be one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history.

The big question mark for North Carolina is the big toe of Ty Lawson. The other top seed of the south is Vegas’ favorite to win it all. But it will call come down to Lawson. He is the Sergeant Hulka of the team. National Player of the Year Tyler Hansborough is solid but without Lawson, the Tarheels couldn’t win their own conference tournament. If Lawson is healthy, I like the Heels to win it all.

Who you got? What do you think about these predictions? Who do you think will make it to the Final Four?

Post away!