First Day is over

What's the biggest story of the NFL draft after Thursday's first round? There's always one and most seem to agree that the Denver Broncos trading up to get former Florida Gator QB Tim Tebow takes the top slot.

The only reason it's a big story is because most football experts didn't seem to think he was a first rounder! Why? Is it because of his allegedly flawed throwing motion and that allegedly will not lead to success in the NFL? Is that it? Or, is it because the young man is not afraid to confess his faith before millions AND his throwing motion is awkward? The Denver Bronco's didn't seem to agree with that thinking.

The Broncos traded 3 picks to Baltimore in exchange for the Raven's first round pick and selected Tebow at number 25. Second year Bronco's head coach, Josh McDaniels, is sold hook line and sinker on Tebow. The selection was made for all the right reasons, save the one listed above.

Tebow won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, has two national championships to his credit, SEC offensive player of the year, TWICE, owns five NCAA records, 14 SEC, and 28 University of Florida records. Let me also make mention that he seems to be a really solid young man who's not afraid of hard work and has a thirst for knowledge which is so atypical of most elite athletes today across all sports. Did I also mention that he played in what traditionally has been the most physical conference in college football, the SEC?

Additionally, and this is really a positive for the Broncos organization; from what we have seen, Tebow has not exhibited "off-the-field" problems nor does he seem to be the type player who will challenge the head coach to a "noon showdown" on the practice field.

He will have at least a season or more to develop with Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, and Tom Brandstater in front of him. However, more than likely, the Broncos will only keep three QB's. So, the competition from now until the start of the season will be fierce. But, that's expected in the NFL!

Tebow has proven to be a winner and he, just like every other draft pick, will have to prove themselves at the next level. Given time, and the right support system, Tebow will flourish and do well in Denver.

Speaking of doing well, the Houston Texans really stepped up when they selected former Alabama DB, Kareem Jackson, with the 20th selection in the first round. The young man understands pressure. Jackson was the starting cornerback on the 2010 BCS National Championship team. He is coming to a team where he will be relied upon to immediately fill the vacancy left by the departure of Dante Robinson to the Atlanta Falcons.

Jackson has the size at 5'11" 194 and the speed. He runs the 40 in the 4.4 range and is not afraid of contact. He can support the run, uses his hands well, and can cover the speedy receivers. He's a really good choice for the Texans.

The second round of the draft gets underway today at 6:00 ET. Let's see what other surprises come out of what, so far, has been an intriguing display.

Tejada hits the game winner

Just when you thought it was going to be "dead" time from the end of the NBA season to the beginning of NFL and College training camps, along come the Astros to make the stretch run very interesting.

Last night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, the Astros found a way to win. With the Astros down a run, 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, with 2 outs versus the division NL Central division leading St. Louis Cardinals, Miguel Tejada delivered a game-winning RBI single to help the Astros win in dramatic fashion and sweep the series.

Catcher Ivan Rodriguez would lead off with an RBI single to score Chris Coste and tie the score at 3. Tejada would single in Jeff Keppinger for the game winner.

Tejada's hit solidified a two-run rally against Cardinal's closer Ryan Franklin. Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter handed the ball to Franklin with a one-run lead. Carpenter outlasted Roy Oswalt and the Astros for eight innings before watching his ninth win go up in smoke.

Speaking of smoke, there's no more smoke surrounding second year Astros skipper, Cecil Cooper. There had been some talk of him losing his job early on because his Astros weren't playing like contenders...because most of the season they were playing sub-500 baseball and worst of all, nobody really cared except the season ticket holders and your die-hard baseball fans. Remember, Houston is a football city and for the Astros to get and keep attention, winning is critical.

Not the case anymore! The Astros have regained the attention of the city and are relevant in the NL Central after sweeping the Tony LaRussa managed St. Louis Cardinals for the second time this season. And believe it or not, the Astros sit a game back of the central division leading Cardinals and tied for second place with the Chicago Cubs. In addition, the Astros are now 3 games OVER 500 at 49-46. The Cardinals are 51-46.

Astros 4, Cardinals 3

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
STL (51-46)	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	3	8	0
HOU (49-46)	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2	4	12	0

W:	J. Valverde (1-2)
L:	R. Franklin (2-1)

Proud Uncle!

She's a member of the group "Sophia Fresh" and her name is Skye...(third right). If someone had told me that SHE would be the one when she was a kid, really still is, to take on the world of showbiz, I would have bet them my future house. I didn't know she had it in her. She has two other sisters who I would have picked before her...and yes...they are doing well also!!

However, here she is! Skye, Crystal, and Cole Rose are taking the world by storm. Grammy–Nominated, Multi-Platinum Producer / Songwriter / Artist, T-Pain is their executive producer.

Check out the attached video and follow her and the group at www.twitter.com/SkyeTunes.

Yes...this is a sports blog. However, Skye is family! Enjoy!

Yao Ming opts for foot surgery---out for 2009-10?

Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming, with the blessing of the Rockets, has as elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that was broken during the playoffs in May. There's a good chance that the surgery will eliminate his chances of playing next season. However, he may be able to resume his NBA career.

Yao has decided to undergo a bone graft to heal the existing fracture and have his arch surgically lowered to reduce the stress on his foot.He spoke with several doctors before making his decision.

Yao has broken the foot twice. He last broke it May of 2009 in Game 3 of Houston's second-round playoff battle against the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was originally hoped the fracture would heal with rest and Yao would be back for training camp, but a check-up in June revealed the fracture had not improved.

The surgery will be performed next week by Dr. Tom Clanton, one of the Rockets' team physicians. If all goes well, there's a possibility that Yao could begin rehabilitation "a couple weeks" after surgery and could return to basketball activity in six months.

MK Bower will do well at Rice University

Rice University, more specifically, Rice Athletic Director, Chris Del Conte, made a tremendous hire in MK Bower, the very talented former Rice beat writer of the Houston Chronicle.

Bower has been assigned to cover "all things" Rice and beyond. It is cutting edge in that Professional sports teams have in house reporters. The challenge will be a balancing act. However, there's no doubt he will do well with the support of Del Conte, SID Chuck Pool and others in finding that balance.

While I do somewhat consider Bower my competition, (tongue firmly planted in cheek), it's not even close. I had the opportunity to work with MK during our stint at SportsRadio 610. He is dedicated to his craft and he gets nothing but great respect here. MK is well-written and highly skilled in the art of sports writing. I am a broadcaster who just happens to love writing about sports!

We caught up with MK for his thoughts about his wonderful opportunity.

Steve McNair---Dead at 36

Can't believe it...just seemed like yesterday that we were watching McNair and the Titans in the 2000 Superbowl trying to pull it out against the St.Louis Rams. Here we are today and McNair is no longer with us.

I can proudly say that I, along with other fortunate Sportscasters in Houston, had a chance to cover McNair while he was an up and coming quarterback with the Oilers. While it was a short stay for them after McNair was drafted in '95, he was always the consummate pro, never too excited, always handled himself well. Most importantly, McNair seemed to have an understanding of what was most important.

It seems as though this blog is becoming more of a blog for tributes rather than recognition for athletic excellence. However, Steve McNair was athletic excellence.

Regardless what you think of him at this moment, please remember his family and say a prayer for his Wife and their 4 boys.

Steve McNair was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Take a look at the video below and remember the moments that he gave you while he performed on the football field.

Our prayers are with the family.




This was also a sad day.

This is my personal tribute to Michael Jackson. As I and family were driving home from a short vacation, my lone Daughter asked, "hey---you know Michael Jackson died---right"? At first, I didn't take her seriously because she is the ultimate prankster.

However, "after further review", researching and combing the internet and satellite radio for answers while driving, sadly but surely, it was true. We, as human beings are not supposed to worship men. We worship God. But, Michael was a product of our generation and we will miss him dearly. He provided so many memories!

His music resonates in my mind like no other artist and for his talents and my being able to really appreciate his music at the highest level, I am grateful.

Rest in peace Michael and may God be with you!

One of your biggest fans!

Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson. Also check out the Michael Jackson mp3 player to the right of this tribute!