Ever wonder what the average NBA height of a player looked like in 1950?

Men like to measure thing in averages to counterbalance their insecurities. All men who are 5’7″ say, “I’m not short, I’m average.”

Every President of the United States that has been told he has small hands says, “They’re not small, they’re average.”

And well, every man who has been told he has a small joystick…

But how does average NBA height stack up for the not-so-average male?

What I’m talking about is the NBA. People have been saying for years that Wilt could never score as much in the current NBA scheme. He wouldn’t be strong enough or that much taller than anyone in the league today.

Not so fast.

We here at the I-80 Sports Blog pride ourselves on doing a copious amount of research so you all don’t have to. This time it takes us to the average NBA height by decade.

If you recall, we wrote about the tallest player in NBA history, Gheorghe Muresan. We also wrote this piece on the shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues. So we can be considered experts on height in the NBA.

Before the NBA existed, we took a look back on when basketball was first invented in 1891.

Back then, only the average man could play the sport. During that time the average man in North America was about 5’5″.

Fast forward about 60 years, and we double that number in the NBA’s inaugural decade.

1950s NBA Average Height: 6’5″

Average male height: 5’8″

Notable stars of the decade: Neil Johnston, Paul Arizin, Bob Pettit

1960s NBA Average Height: 6’5″

Average male height: 5’8″

Notable stars of the decade: Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Bill Russell.

1970s NBA Average Height: 6’6″

Average male height: 5’8″

Notable stars of the decade: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Elvin Hayes, John Havlicek

1980s NBA Average Height: 6’6″

Average male height: 5’8″

Notable stars of the decade: Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone

1990s NBA Average Height: 6’6″

Average male height: 5’7″

Notable stars of the decade: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Karl Malone, David Robinson

2000s NBA Average Height: 6’7″

Average male height: 5’7″

Notable stars of the decade: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson

2010s NBA Average Height: 6’7″

Average male height: 5’7″

Notable stars of the decade: LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Kawhi Leonard

Overall, the height goes up, and talent is talent.

All of you fools that believe that people are better because they’re taller, faster, stronger, etc. are wrong.

Players are getting taller on average, but the real difference maker is development and coaching.

The college process is more grueling, and there are leagues overseas that players *cough* *cough* LaMelo Ball *cough* can use to better their skills at a younger age.

LeBron James is a physical specimen that has reaped the benefits of entering the league at a younger age than most. Now his son is ready to make a splash, and look at the opportunities he has been given.

Hell, Tiger’s son Charlie already has odds on his first major win! The kid hits a better 3-Wood than I could ever imagine.

Technology and opportunity create success in professional sports. Not the physical attributes of a person.

If that were the case, Steve Emtman, Tony Mandarich, Johan Petro, Hamed Haddadi, and Hasheem Thabeet would be in their respective sport’s Hall of Fame.

So remember ladies, size isn’t everything. It’s how a man uses it that determines if he’s a Hall of Famer.

NBA Players By College: What College Has The Most NBA Players?

The post Average NBA Height Of Players By Decade appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

The Super Bowl is right around the corner. Whether you’re a fan of the Bucs or Chiefs, or just a fan of the game, Mark “Stink” Schlereth has you covered.

The last three years Paul and I have gotten the chance to interview Mark Schlereth right before the Super Bowl, and let me tell you, he is the ultimate pitchman.

(Read #1 here: Mark Schlereth Shirtless: Q&A with Stink & #2 here: Wreaks of Victory: Mark “Stink” Schlereth on his Super Bowl Success)

“Stink” as NFL fans know him, has all of the fixings to make this year’s Super Bowl a great one from home.

“It always starts in the home,” Schlereth lead with. “It starts with the television set. Experts agree that the LG OLED is the world champion of all TV’s. Stunning picture, virtually every detail is visible. Nothing better for all of the action whether it’s sports action, movie action, the gaming action… the siblings getting after one another playing Madden, whatever the case may be, the OLED TV is the best. Head to LG.com for more information.”

But as we all know, the game isn’t just about what you’re watching on, it’s about what you’re eating.

“FarmRich brings the concessions right to you,” Stink said. “Easy snacks and appetizers like the loaded potato skins. One-hundred percent real cheese and bacon. Idaho potatoes which is important being an Idaho boy, and how about those home-style meatballs! My favorite are the meatball sliders. So easy and a fan favorite in your local grocery store freezer section. Visit farmrich.com for more information.”

It’s not just the small bites though, Stink. What are we eating for the big meal on the big game?

“The party never starts until the pizza is delivered. DiGiorno croissant crust pizza, I had one by myself the other night. Absolutely delicious, buttery, flaky croissant layers, signature sauce, real mozzarella cheese. [Try the] pepperoni, cheese or three meat pizza in the freezer section of your local grocery [store], DiGiorno.com for more information.”

But how do we buy all that stuff without breaking the bank?

“Before you buy anything, check out Slickdeals,” Mark told us. “The leading social shopping platform. Twelve million users vote on the deals. It’s like having 12 million of your best friends vet out the deals telling you what the best deal is. Shopping from A to Z on Slickdeals. Check them out at slickdeals.net.”

Like I said, the ultimate pitchman.

But as we can’t forget, Mark is one of the greatest offensive linemen to play the game, and we wanted to hear what his takes were on the Conference Championships, the Super Bowl next week and some parenting advice.

Check out our interview with Mark Schlereth.

I-80: How big is your neck now vs. when you were a player?

Mark Schlereth: I don’t think my neck changed too much… you know I had a layer of lard that covered most of my entire body. My layer of lard is smaller than it used to be. I’m about 250 lbs right now, and when I played I was about 290-295. That’s about 40 lbs of dead weight I got rid of.

I-80: Mark you just completed another year as a color-man for the NFL on Fox. What was the best or most fun game that you called this season?

M.S.: It doesn’t matter what the game was because I just love football. I get excited, ya know? You may not like the way I do it, but it’s true. I’m passionate about the game, I love the game. My father told me when I was little, ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to get up and go to work in the morning.’ … I don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life. I am so blessed and grateful to talk about the game I absolutely love. I get excited about great players, big hits, great plays… I love ’em all.

I-80: Mark my daughter just turned 13 last week. Any advice?

M.S.: It’s funny, I get asked this all of the time… and I always say any time I set an hour of time aside for one of my kids, it usually means they pissed me off. The biggest thing is just being involved. My wife and I were very committed to not out sourcing the raising of our children… be involved, insert yourself into their lives and don’t be afraid to do that.

I-80: Back on the field now, what surprised you the most about how the Conference Championships played out?

M.S.: The way they let them play, which I’m a big fan of. Unless it’s egregious don’t call it. Keep your flags in your pockets. I think that’s the way the game should be called. I was a little bit surprised because in recent years everything is so ticky tacky. It really wasn’t called that… let ’em play, let ’em put their hands on each other, let ’em chuck each other a little bit. I like that aspect of football. I liked the way they called the games Sunday… Packers fans didn’t, but I did.

I-80: What do you think the biggest thing going into the Super Bowl is? Boil it down to one key to the game Stink.

M.S.: If they let Tampa put their hands on these receivers like they did in the NFC Championship game, then Tampa’s got a great chance of winning this game because their back end is so tied to their front end. If they can just disrupt routes, hold receivers, keep them on the line of scrimmage, that gives time for JPP, Ndamukong Suh and Shaq Barrett to get to Patrick Mahomes. That’ll be, to me, a real key. If they call the game that way, this Tampa defense is so good they have a chance to compete and slow down this Kansas City offense.

I-80: We were here a year ago and talked about [Terrell Davis] and the 2,000 yard season. Similarly this year we had a 2,000 yard rusher in Derrick Henry. You said you know during the game the yards they need, but is there ever a point you stop going after the yards and go for the win?

M.S.: Winning the game is the most important thing, but ya know I come from the belief that when you dominate the line of scrimmage, you win the game. It’s funny because everybody talks about the quarterback matchups… but you show me the team that dominated the line of scrimmage, and I’ll show you the team that won every single playoff game, and that includes both the Conference Championships. Buffalo got dominated… and Green Bay ultimately got dominated. You gotta win the game, and I believe that controlling the line of scrimmage does that.

The post Getting Stinky: How To Enjoy The Big Game With Mark “Stink” Schlereth appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

Jay Fiedler was a much better quarterback than you definitely remember.

The year is 2016. Six 20-year-old sophomores at Quinnipiac University are nursing hangovers in their dorm. They decided to dust off the PlayStation 2, figure out how to input an A/V cable into a flat screen television, and break out the best sports video game known to man.

NFL Street.

They put together a pick-up game where 40 random NFL players are generated, and there are only two quarterbacks. Michael Vick and Jay Fiedler. Naturally, Vick is the first QB off the board, leaving me wondering, “Who the f*** is Jay Fiedler?”

Final score: 36-0. Fiedler accounts for four touchdowns. Time to Google.

I looked at the stats, and the only word to describe this man’s career is respect. He entered the league in 1995 as a 24-year-old rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles, and didn’t make an appearance for three years.

Sounds like a career backup, right?

(RELATED – Longest Game In NFL History)

Well, if that were the case this article wouldn’t be happening.

Fiedler was cut by the Birds after the three-year stint, but that wasn’t all-she-wrote.

He garnered a tryout with the Minnesota Vikings where he would faceoff with five other players for the third string job behind Randall Cunningham and Brad Johnson.

He’d make five appearance for the purple and gold, throw seven total passes, and get cut a year later. He’d get picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a backup for the 1999 season, but that is where the 28-year-old’s career would take off.

Fiedler backed up Pro Bowl QB Mark Brunell for 15 games. He would get a chance at his first NFL start in week 17, four years after he entered the league.

He filled the stat sheet, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown en route to a win. Most people were shocked by the numbers, but if you check out Fiedler’s career numbers at Dartmouth College, you’d say you expected it all along.

At the small Ivy League school, Fiedler set school records for touchdown passes (58), passing yards (6,684) and total offense (7,249 yards). Fast forward to the turn of the century, and a starting job is in his grasp.

The Miami Dolphins finished 1999 with a 9-7 record, but would go through some major changes in the following off season. Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino would call it quits after 16 years in Miami, and Head Coach Jimmy Johnson resigned citing burn out as the main reason.

(RELATED – NFL Standings and Season Recaps)

Enter the power couple of Head Coach Dave Wannstedt and QB Jay Fiedler. That’s right, Jay Fiedler inherited Dan Marino’s job going into the 2000 NFL season.

He would lead the Dolphins to an 11-5 season, winning the AFC East, posting a 57.1 completion percentage, over 2,400 passing yards, and 14 touchdowns.

The following year, at age 30, would be his best leading the Dolphins again to an 11-5 record. His numbers were awesome, putting up a 60.1 completion percentage, throwing for over 3,200 yards, and tallying 20 touchdowns.

Those were Fiedler’s two big seasons with Miami, in 2002 he started 10 games for the Fins and made 11 appearances. He got hurt going into a Week 7 matchup against Buffalo, but would come back to lead the Dolphins to another winning season. They would go 9-7, with Fiedler tallying a QB record of 7-3, over 2,000 yards passing, and 14 touchdowns. In 2003, things were almost identical.

Fiedler went 7-4 as a starter, with over 2,100 yards passing, and 11 touchdowns. Still solid numbers, but that’s where Father Time takes over.

In 2004, at the age of 33, Fiedler and the Dolphins started 1-6. This ultimately made Dave Wannstedt bench Fiedler for AJ Feely. After that season, both Fiedler and Wannstedt would be out in Miami.

Regardless of how it ended, you have to give them credit for what they did after inheriting that team from two Hall of Famers. Fiedler had a career record of 36-23 with the Fins, over 11,000 passing yards, 66 touchdowns, and made two playoff appearances.

Fiedler would bounce around the league to try to make a comeback, but only saw the field twice as a member of the New York Jets. He would retire in 2008 after a shoulder injury, but now I can’t help but wonder what he would’ve done if he had the chance to start earlier in his career.

I guess it’s all speculation, but I do know that he deserves an incredible amount of respect. Coming from a college that has produced very little NFL success, having not made an appearance until three years into his career, and only having one start to prove himself at the NFL level, Jay Fiedler is the poster player for making dreams a reality.

So if you and your friends are about to play NFL Street, and Jay Fiedler is available, you better get ready to light up the scoreboard.

The post In Defense of Jay Fiedler appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

John Salley is honestly one of the coolest people we’ve ever spoken to at I-80. He even says that he’s been told that he, “Smiles when [he] sleeps.” However, if you just watched his highlight reel, his game is anything but nice.

As one of the integral parts of the “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons, Salley was responsible for helping knock out Michael Jordan en route to a championship. His tenacious rebounding and athletic ability around the rim made him an absolute terror. So much of a terror, that the Chicago Bulls brought him in to help them with a championship.

He was Jordan’s adversary, then a teammate and now a friend, which gave him a key role in the ESPN documentary, “The Last Dance.” Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the documentary chronicles the Jordan years of the Chicago Bulls, culminating in winning the team’s sixth championship.

It was unreal. I highly suggest you start watching it immediately.

Anyway, Salley is now a family man, and brings that same love he had for the game to his life at home. Sunday is Father’s Day, and Salley wanted to show us what he has on the docket for potential gifts for dad.

Interview with John Salley

i80: John, dad doesn’t seem to get any credit until he does something wrong, so what is something right that we can do to recognize dad on Father’s Day?

John Salley: Well first of all, I’ve been growing out my beard for this quarantine, so go help dad out and get him this full beard kit from Old Spice. Even if you got kids that are graduating, you know these kids nowadays are growing full beards trying to look like [James] Harden. The next thing I got is this site called Slickdeals. Slickdeals has 12 million users on their site and their app. At any given time the community gets together and they get the best deals online. Every time you see a deal, you know they’re going to be the best price. The cool thing is that this community talks to each other to vet the deals and make sure they’re real and you’re getting the best price possible… Isn’t that nice? A community that helps each other. They also have an extension browser for when you shop online.You pick an item, it goes in your cart and Slickdeals finds the coupon code and puts it in for you. And if that’s not easy enough, the editors at Slickdeals have curated a Father’s Day package with ideas for Dad. I have Slickdeals on my cellphone… I constantly go through this thing while we are on lock down, and now I am a shop online expert.

i80: During quarantine I’ve watched a lot of old sports on YouTube, and last week I was watching the 1996 NBA All Star Game, and guess who was hosting the halftime show. It was you! You’ve done so much hosting stuff of the years, forget about it! What has been your favorite thing to host and do?

JS: I wanted to be Johnny Carson so I’m gonna say when I was hosting on BET Live I got to sit, and feel and do it. But my favorite time on television was the Best Damn Sports Show Period on Fox Sportsnet. We had a reunion on Zoom on May 30th. Everyone was there. Tom Arnold, Michael Jordan, Stephen A. Smith, Coach Calipari… It was unbelievable to see all of those people who put the show together behind the scenes who you get to know. I have to say it was my favorite time hosting anything to sit around, talk about sports and laugh about it.

i80: Recently you’re featured a lot on “The Last Dance.” Did you have any idea you were going to have such a prominent role in the documentary?

JS: Yes. This was the crazy thing. I had to sign an NDA and they said, ‘After you do this interview forget about it because you can’t talk about it.’ They asked a lot of questions about Dennis Rodman, and would sneak a Michael Jordan question in  and ask me about a story. They were like federal agents the way that they were asking me questions. Not that I’ve ever been questioned by federal agents… can you see my nose growing? I knew when they started having me do press the week before it came out, I thought that I must be on this thing a lot. All [Michael] said was, “You’re going to like this Sal. You’re going to like this.” I think it told a lot and they got a point across. You got to hear from Michael Jordan, and a lot of times you don’t get to hear from MJ. I think I got to know my friend a lot better. I’m sorry he had to get a psychiatrist because we beat him two years in a row, but  I think it made him better.

i80: Out of all of the questions they asked, was there a story that you didn’t get to tell about Michael or your time with the Pistons or the Bulls?

JS: No. I’m saving mine for the book. I think the book is going to come out one week before I pass, so in about 50 years. There’s not a lot man, honestly. I live a happy, laughing, life all of the time. People have to realize I smile like this all of time. I smile in my sleep so  I hear.

i80: With you and Buddah (James Edwards) coming from the Pistons to the Bulls… During that final run with the Bulls did you guys ever look at each other and say, ‘Dude how the fuck did we get here?’

JS: We lived in the same apartment complex, and I went over to his apartment and he had Kamikazes in a Kool-Aid bowl. I remember us saying that we were Pistons, but when somebody else wants you, you gotta realize it’s a job. It’s a job and you gotta keep that job going.

The post John “Spider” Salley gives a guide to Father’s Day and talks “The Last Dance” appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

Franco Harris is a certified boss, but if you rewind to draft day in 1972, he never really wanted to join Terry Bradshaw and be a Steeler.

Franco Harris was the running back of arguably the greatest dynasty in NFL history. He was the 1972 Rookie of the Year, a four-time Super Bowl champion and a Hall of Famer, but that all could’ve never happened.

Rewind to draft night in 1972. Franco, sporting a baby face and a full afro, is sitting alone in his Penn State dorm. The phone rings. It’s his agent.

“Congratulations. The Steelers took you in the first round of the NFL Draft.”

Almost fifty years later, you’d be shocked to find out that this news brought him nothing but devastation.

Franco desired to go, and I mean this when I say it, anywhere else. After growing up in New Jersey and spending four years in Happy Valley at Penn State, this pick would send him two hours down the road to the worst team in the NFL.

What transpired after was nothing short of historic.

Franco’s career was lights out. When he retired, he was just 193 yards from beating Jim Brown‘s then record of 12,312 career rushing yards. He also would go on to nab four rings, and oh yeah… be a part of one of the most historic plays in NFL history.

We got the chance to talk to Franco Harris about his time in the league, and what he’s been up to amidst all of the craziness in the world.

I-80 Sports Blog: So tell us more about AdeNation. Tell us about how the “O Factor” will help us wash down all of those donuts.

Franco Harris: The “O Factor” is our difference. That stands for the osmolality of the product… Our osmolality number is one of the best out there, if not the best. AdeNation absorbs into your cells and bloodstream quickly and effectively to keep you hydrated and to ward of cramps or effects from dehydration. Check it out here: https://www.adenation.com/

I-80: How long have you had this product and why are you launching it now?

Franco Harris: We’ve been working on it for a few years, and it’s something that we felt that could be in the food business. It keeps you going and keeps your mind sharp. A few years ago I was traveling, and I got sick. I went to the hospital, and after running some tests, they said, “Franco you’re fine, but you’re dehydrated.” It really hit me, and got me thinking that now that I’m older, hydration and health is just as important now, as it was in my playing days. We worked on our formula, did some testing and voila.

I-80: So Franco, just some background on me (John), I’m a fellow New Jersey paisan. So I wanted to ask about Franco’s Italian Army. From what I understand, you got a phone call asking if they could use your name… How’d that conversation go?

FH: Well these are Pittsburgh Italians not New Jersey Italians, but it was so intersting. My rookie year it really started to take off. We were winning, and the fans were going crazy. This group of Italians were having dinner and drinking wine, and they wondered what could they do. They said it would take an army to keep the fans going, and someone said, “Hey there’s this kid from Jersey and he’s half Italian… maybe we can do, ‘Franco’s Italian Army.'” … So we got together and I said, “Let’s do it!” and it was incredible. One was a baker and the other was a pizza chef… the baker would make bread and hollow it out and put wine in it and make a priest carry it into the stadium… We’re still going!

I-80: What’s the biggest difference between being a sports celebrity in the 1970s compared to now?

Franco Harris: Well the number one difference is the money. The draft is also this week and that’s a huge difference. We had no one talk to us before the draft, no drills or combines. There was nothing. Scouts had to do it the old fashioned way… Back in the 70s we had our own scouting and reviewed things our way. Look at what happened during the 70s. The same thing is happening this year… there’s no parties or people getting together. Back in the day I was a first round draft pick, but I didn’t know I was going to be a first round draft pick. I didn’t talk to any team. There was no hoopla. I was just in my apartment at Penn State by myself that night, and I didn’t think I was going to be drafted… the phone rang and they said, “Congratulations. The Steelers took you in the first round of the NFL Draft.” And I was like, “No! That’s the one team I didn’t want to go to.” … Before 1972 they were the worst team ever in NFL football, but guess what? We kinda became the best team ever.

I-80: Can you take me into your mind on a third and one at Three Rivers Stadium? Everybody in the stadium knows you’re getting the ball. It’s late in the fourth quarter and you’re going to grind it out. How are you feeling? What are you thinking inside?

Franco Harris: My first regular season game… it did not go well at all. Raider guys were saying they were going to kill me. I didn’t have a good game.

The next game I played and I fumbled. The other team won, and I didn’t play in the game after that. I just kept saying to myself, “Keep working. Stay focused.” And then I said, “Next time they put you in, they’ll never take you out.” That was my focus.

In a game against the Oilers, the starter got hurt and they put me in and I had that mindset. That game I had my first 100 yard game and my first NFL touchdown. During those times when it was tough and we face those moments, you have to overcome those moments. It’s all about mindset on third and one. I always think about that on those third and ones and third and twos that we got it over 90 percent of the time. A real testament to our team was the 1976 season.

In 1976 we were 1-4 in five games, and we had a rookie quarterback. Check out the rest of that season. During the rest of the season we threw the ball maybe five times a game. They knew we had to run, and we knew we had to run, and check out who won that battle.

When we had to make plays… man, did our players make plays. That’s what makes the difference. When it’s time to do it, can you do it?

• Randall Cunningham’s 1990 Season: Greatest NFL Season Ever
• Tell Us, Martellus: Martellus Bennett Talks Imagination, NFL Life, New Career As Football Professor For Dos Equis
• Mike Haynes Interview: “We Used To Intimidate The Referees”
• Chuck Cecil And When Men Were Men
• Steelers Legend Terry Bradshaw talks early career struggles, Super Bowl success, Immaculate Reception

The post Franco Harris Had No Interest in Being a Steeler appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

We take our “shot” at counting down the hottest NBA cheerleaders.

I’ve been following the New York Knicks for my entire life.

It’s been nothing but an awful experience… besides Linsanity, there really hasn’t been a time in my life where I could call what the Knicks do, “great.”

That is… until I saw the Knicks City Dancers and some of the hottest NBA cheerleaders.

The Knicks City Dancers give us fans hope. Hope for a better day, and a chance for us to think we will ultimately have something to root for.

The same could go for any team in basketball, both good and bad. The cheerleading squads are a way to keep the fans engaged when the game goes wrong, and a way to get the fans hyped when a fan’s team is dominant.

In the NBA, there are some elite dance teams.

I find that the worse teams often have the hottest NBA cheerleaders/cheerleading groups.

Now, obviously this article isn’t talking about the “best” cheerleading teams… it’s talking about the hottest NBA cheerleaders.

There is a standard of gorgeous women that run the NBA cheerleading spectrum. City to city, you will find the most beautiful girls this world has to offer.

I think that there is an incredible standard set across the league for women that audition to be the hottest NBA cheerleaders.

In fact, I had a friend from college audition to be a Boston Celtics cheerleader, and she said that the process was crazy.

It was a few personality auditions, followed by the dancing part, and she said it was grueling in a great way. She didn’t get a spot on the team, but she loved the experience.

She told me how close all of the people auditioning by the end of it, and how much they love being in front of the crowd each night.

These girls go through an absolute gauntlet to get to the top line of cheerleading.

They deserve some recognition to see who is the best of the best, so let’s take a look at the top five hottest dancers in the NBA.

Hottest NBA Cheerleaders #5 Miami Heat – Saskia

The Miami standard lives on through the Heat dancers. And NONE is hotter than Saskia.

Saskia is an architect who went to Florida International University.

If you know anything about partying you know it’s always better in Miami. For the love of God, there are strippers at Miami Dolphins tailgates.

Miami just does it at an elite level, and it’s no surprise that the Heat dancers are in the top five.

They are beautiful and, by the beard of Zeus, they can move.

No one can convince me that they don’t deserve to be top five. They put on a show night in, and night out.

They get the respect of number five in our top list.

#4 Houston Rockets – Melissa

Everyone needs a southern bell in their life, and Melissa takes the cake.

She is a ROCKET (no pun intended).

An all-around great squad, but she is the front runner for their team of smokes. Not to mention the team, as a whole, also produce some great content.

The dance team’s website is fire. They do music video parodies that are electric, and they are constantly updating with new stuff.

They are gorgeous, and Melissa is the leader of it all. She is proven to be the top of the NBA for sure.

#3 The Atlanta Hawks Dancers – Sammie

The Atlanta Hawks Dancers can be defined by one word. NASTY.

They are the dirty kind of hot. The kind of hot where you watch them and you make that face like you’re smelling week expired milk. Then you say, “Okay!” as you watch them work.

And Sammie is hot AF, with a “sweet” side as she cannot start her day without caramel macchiato. Cats are her favorite animal. And she likes reading poetry at Barnes & Noble.

2. The Spurs Silver Dancers – Sterling

Sterling… just… wow.

I mean… WOW!

She’s definitely not an eyesore.

I seem to be a big fan of these southern dance teams… I’m not sure if it’s the look of the girls or the standard, or just how they dance as a whole, but I love it.

She rocks the all black. The all black look definitely adds points.

This team is a group of absolute studs with style, and you just have to love them as an NBA fan.

However, Sterling isn’t the top NBA dancer from the Lone Star State.

1. The Dallas Mavericks Dancers- Taylor Newman

Talk about southern hospitality.

Taylor Newman is considered the hottest dancer in NBA history. That’s right, HISTORY.

She’s perfect… literally there isn’t a flaw about her. No wonder why she’s considered the best of the best.

Especially by me.

I am a huge fan. She is elite, and she knows it.

Taylor is just pristine, confident and owns the court when she takes it. She’s on a level higher than anyone else.

A completely new level that we have never seen before.

Between the Rockets, the Spurs and the Mavericks… I think it’s in everyone’s best interest to plan a trip to Texas to see some basketball. And now you know the hottest NBA cheerleaders.

More Hot Cheerleader Content:

• Top 10 Hottest Cheerleaders
• Top 10 Hottest NFL Cheerleaders
• Jesse Jane Tells Us About Banging Girls, The Time Terrell Owens Tried To Bang Her

The post Top 5 Hottest NBA Cheerleaders appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

Martellus Bennett is a former pro bowl tight end, but it’s his new career that will make the fans buzz.

In this video, he sits down with us to talk about his new gig as a professor of football for Dos Equis.

Some people have a very strong opinion about Martellus Bennett. From his boisterous on-field personality, to off the field interviews, fans always had an endless source of content from that man.

Personally, I’ve always loved Martellus Bennett. I love his passion for things other than football, and I just loved the way he played the game.

His one year as a New York Giant provided some semblance of perfection in my life, only to have it ripped away by the cold and unfeeling hands of Jerry Reese and his wallet.

Anyway, some people have strong thoughts about the Unicorn.

Calling him awful things and saying they don’t like his personality, but let me tell you, it just adds to the great persona that is Martellus Bennett.

In talking with Martellus we found he is an open book, and has such eloquent opinions on even some of the strongest issues society faces today.

Throw out any bad opinions you have of him because just from 20 minutes with the guy, I can attest he is one of the coolest people you will ever meet.

Not only will he tell you his opinion and stance, but he will also listen to yours. He even wrote down an author suggestion that Paul gave him while we were on the call.

Bottom line, he is a lover of creativity and has a passion to learn. Now I understand why Dos Equis made him the official professor of their new school of football. And if you perform poorly, Martellus Bennett will shave your head.

Marty is the perfect candidate, and coming from a fan, to a now-colleague, I have to say that Martellus Bennett is one class act that this world of creativity needs.

Question and Answer with Martellus Bennett.

I-80: I love your stance on imagination and how powerful it is. What do you think about the statement that ultimately every person is the imagination of themselves?

Martellus Bennett: This is what I think, alright? Who are we? Who are we as people? If you think about who you are, you are just a projection of ideas that other people have put onto you, and some have stuck. Right? Until your able to rip all those ideas that people had of you, you can never become who you truly are.

I-80: Is there any such thing as an original thought anymore, or are we all just recycling thoughts over and over that have already existed prior to us?

MB: Well, that’s hard to say, but I also believe that once you have a thought… it’s been put into the universe, so it’s free for other people to think. So nothing can be original. As soon as you have it, other people have access to it now. So that’s why you have to execute while you can… That’s just energy and vibrations. We put vibrations into the world, and a lot of vibrations are thoughts.

I-80: You played for the Giants for one year… Why wouldn’t they keep you?

MB: Jerry Reese didn’t want to pay anybody! I wanted to stay.

I-80: [The Giants] would’ve easily had a ring with you.

MB: Definitely. They got one with Jake Ballard.

I-80: I wanted to dive into the promotion that you’re doing with Dos Equis. The college football football college. You’re a professor now, right?

MB: I’m a professor! Professor B coming at you like Professor X, but not quite… I mean, I have legs, and I can walk. People can enroll at www.dosequis.com/edu. We are a beer school, so I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to enroll. When you enroll and take the exam, you automatically enter for a chance to win tickets to the national championship game. Right now what we are trying to do is educate people on how to watch the game better while you have a beer in your hand. You can shout educated things at the screen instead of foolishness like the other people that are watching the game. Instead of being like, “Oh that quarterback sucks,” you can be like, “That was a hot route! Throw the hot route! The mike and the sam blitzed off the strong side. The tight end is hot!”… It’s to know what to look for in the game. That’s what we teach.

I-80: You’ve caught passes from Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Jay Cutler… What made each of those guys’ balls unique, and who had the strongest arm?

MB: Yo we gotta slow down with that question (all three of us break laughing). I think Aaron Rodgers has the strongest arm, and the most talented arm as far as throwing the ball. Eli had probably the weakest arm out of all of those guys. Tom Brady is the most consistent thrower. Like, you could run a route and you know where the ball is going to be with your eyes closed. It’s just because of the repetition with him. You know where to expect the ball. Tony Romo threw a very catchable ball. I didn’t catch a lot of balls from Tony, but as I look back at watching him play I see how really great of a quarterback he was. He had a great touch, great ball, great back shoulder fade. He threw a great jump ball… I really like Jon Kitna. Jon Kitna was one of my most favoritest quarterbacks to ever play with, and he’s just a great dude. They’re all talented and they’re all Super Bowl champions expect for Romo and Cutler. Actually, Cutler had the strongest arm I forgot that. Cutler definitely had a stronger arm than Aaron, but wasn’t as accurate and didn’t have the arm talent like Aaron.

Related NFL Content:

• Interview w/Packers Greg Jennings – Better QB, Favre or Rodgers?
• Drew Brees Describes What It Felt Like To Kill A Crocodile With A Knife
• Saquon Barkley Is A Legit Soup-er Star Thanks To Campbell’s

The post Tell Us, Martellus: Martellus Bennett Talks Imagination, NFL Life, New Career As Football Professor For Dos Equis appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

Erik Spoelstra has one of the greatest NBA coaching resumes of all time. It’s time to give him some more respect.

With tonight’s win over the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, Spoelstra has won the 8th most playoff games in NBA history en route to his fifth NBA Finals appearance.

Erik Spoelstra is the cranberry sauce of the proverbial NBA coaches Thanksgiving dinner.

He’s always there, you forget he’s there, then you have some and remember, “This stuff is actually pretty good.”

Spoelstra does have a caveat about his career thus far. For every championship he’s won, he had one of the first real superteams in NBA history.

So how does this guy keep his job for so long with such little success?

Easy- Spoelstra is a genius.

I don’t think this is a stretch when I say this, but I think Erik Spoelstra could be the next Gregg Popovich.

I always thought once Pat Riley calls it quits as team President, the Miami Heat should hand the keys over to Erik Spoelstra. He’s really earned his stripes in this league, and has kept himself relevant in a situation where most other coaches would falter.

Spoelstra took the job after Riley’s last season as coach, a 15-67 stinker. Not only that, but many believe Riley forced out prior coach Stan Van Gundy. All Van Gundy did was lead the Heat to three straight playoff appearances and an NBA title in three seasons.

Spoelstra was also seen as a teacher’s pet/lame duck coach like Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones with the Dallas Cowboys.

He’s also forgotten because of the LeBron James years.

He’s overshadowed by the greatness that surrounded him, but great coaches know how to get the best out of great players.

Spoelstra’s story is also so incredible.

Coming out of the University of Portland, Spoelstra wanted to be a coach in the NBA. Nothing was going to stop him from attaining that dream.

He got a gig in the film room with the Miami Heat. Read that again – Erik Spoelstra started one of the greatest coaching careers in NBA history via editing video.

That is one of the hardest jobs to have in sports. A lot of times, these guys aren’t even full time employees because they make such little money.

Spoelstra took it as a full time position, and was a part-time janitor on the side. All just to live his dream.

After a long stint watching tape for the Heat, he finally got the call to be the full time assistant coach under Pat Reilly.

Once Riley moved into the front office, it was Spoelstra’s time to shine.

He was already an NBA champion as he started year one, and did not look back.

He filled his shelves with awards and accolades, and has compiled a career record of 523-363. He’s won 59% of his regular season games and is the second-longest tenured coach (behind Popp) in the league.

His teams have made the playoffs in nine of his 12 seasons. His career record in the playoffs is 82-50, winning 62% of his games.

Let’s not forget Spoelstra also made four straight NBA Finals appearances.

This guy isn’t one of the greatest NBA coaches ever, but he is one of the forgotten greats. Think about what could’ve gone wrong for Spoelstra.

He could’ve been like Isiah Thomas in New York. Absolutely awful with an incredibly talented offense.

Instead, he’s got rings, awards, records and wins.

THAT is what makes Erik Spoelstra the best coach you forgot about.

Related NBA Content:

• Best Dunk Ever: Tom Chambers Dunk Over Mark Jackson (Video)
• James Harden Without Beard (GIF)
• Worst Trades in NBA History

The post Erik Spoelstra: The Best NBA Coach You Forgot About appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

Jon Jones is trying to make his return to the octagon via some verbal abuse. Will the former heavyweight champion live up to the hype?

Jon Jones is the troll of the year in the UFC.

Israel Adesanya defeated Robert Whittaker to unify the title belts and become the undisputed champion.

Jon Jones immediately took to Twitter to go at Adesanya, and try and get himself a title shot. The champ already has a title defense fight on the books, so he’s not exactly worried about Jones’ backlash.

“You saw what I did this weekend?” Adesanya said. “My confidence? Get my f*cking nuts out of your mouth, bruh. . . This guy obviously is trying to force my hand. He’s trying to force my hand and I’m not stupid. It’s not about I’m not confident. Trust me, I will f*ck this motherf*cker up when I fight him. I just have to do what I have to do. I have to defend my belt. I just defended my belt and I am the new unified king. There’s three more killers, four more killers I have to f*ck up at middleweight first. And then, then I will move up in weight, then I’ll jump up and f*ck this guy [up].”

Yeah… those are legit fighting words. Even I got fired up reading that quote.

Back in the day, when I still had some athletic prowess, I had a coach that was incredible at giving gameday speeches. He knew how to get the core of the players, and to hype guys up.

Whatever he said ever pales in comparison to that quote by Adesanya.

Could you imagine telling someone to get your nuts out of their mouth? It’s an absolute power move. This guy does not care about anyone else, and I love it.

He is going to put Jones in a body bag if he gets the chance to fight him, and frankly Jones deserves this.

Bones Jones is trying to get under the skin of anyone in the UFC just to get his hands on a title contention. I know he’s a very good fighter, but we haven’t seen anything from him that proves he can handle this fight.

Even people in Jon Jones’ camp aren’t that convinced that he can handle this fight.

I think Jon Jones is in way over his head on this one. There’s no reason he should be unleashing on the champ.

He’s been so far removed from the sport, and I think that remains to be forgotten by the former champ. He thinks he’s just going to come back and be the Bones of the past. He’s really just going to be bones… literal bones… in a body bag.

He hasn’t trained for a title fight in ages, and he hasn’t even had the chance to get back on top of the UFC world. His training doesn’t consist of the heavy sparring he was once doing, and now his whole regiment is different.

He’s not even the top contender, and now he’s trying to bully his way into the top spot. It’s such a bad look on him, and he’s going to keep doing it.

It’s like that kid in elementary school that knows he’s bad at four square. He is so awful, but he wants to play so he will hit the ball really far away to aggravate the other kids. Then, when the other kids let him play, he gets out right away.

Then he pouts, walks away and isn’t sure if he will ever play again.

That is what Jon Jones is going to be like in the ring.

He will get in there with his ballsy confidence after chewing at Adesanya, and then he’s going to get himself beat down to next Sunday. That’s when he’s going to walk away, and think about never fighting again.

To be fair, Adesanya also has to accept the fight, and I don’t think that’ll ever happen. He has absolutely no reason to entertain Jones, and if he does I think it’s dumb. For one, I think he will beat Jones regardless, so it’s just a waste of his time and talents.

Plus, he holds both belts. There will be many fights for him to get through, and I think that Adesanya knows that he shouldn’t take the Bones fight. He runs the risk of being upset, and even though I don’t think it would ever happen, it’s an added reason why he won’t take the fight.

I don’t see anything happening regarding this, but if Bones gets the fight he wants, don’t be surprised to see him beat into the mat after this Twitter skirmish.

Related UFC Content:

• Conor McGregor Quotes: Top Five So Far
• Interview with UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman
• 5 Reasons To Love Nick Diaz – Then Resume Hating Him (Video)

The post Jon Jones: The Return of Bones to The UFC appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

The MLS Playoffs start on October 19th. Here are my match-up predictions based on the released bracket.

Tis the season for playoff soccer.

The MLS Playoffs kick-off this week, and the bracket is out. There are some great match-ups to look at, but before we even dive in to the picks, let’s think of who is for real in this bracket.

There are a few great teams that are in this run but I do think their easily exposed.

The playoff format in the MLS is interesting because of aggregate scoring. Is it better to be a scoring team, or a defensive team?

It’s really up for debate.

It is proven that great goal scorers in the playoffs are tough to stop.

Team by team, let’s list out the contenders and pretenders.

The Contenders

West Contenders:

(1) LAFC- The top seed in the west, and they posses the best goal scorer in the league. They’re the team to beat.

(2) Seattle Sounders- The most well-rounded team in the tournament. They can definitely win the West.

(6) Portland Timbers- A well-coached team with the chance to upset Salt Lake early. Defensive-minded with some tactical offense.

(5) LA Galaxy- You just can’t count out the LA Galaxy ever.

East Contenders:

(1) NYCFC- Just like the top seed on the other side, they can score in bunches. This team can win it all.

(2) Atlanta FC- After their run last year, and the majority of their core still around. I can see a deep run by Atlanta.

(3) Philadelphia Union- No chance they lose in the first round, and their home field is so solid.

(5) DC United- Just like LA, it’s just a team you can never count out.

The Pretenders

West Pretenders:

(3) Real Salt Lake- They’ve been slowing down towards the end of the year. I’m not sure they can handle the potential fire power Portland can bring to the table.

(4) Minnesota- They’re just not a team to contend just yet. The young talent just isn’t experienced enough to get the job done in the 4/5 game.

East Pretenders:

(4) Toronto FC- They’re a team that has the aura of playoff losing around them. It’s not going to be great.

(6) NY Red Bulls- I don’t even think the Red Bulls are a playoff team based on how they’ve played recently. Easy bounce first round.

Breaking Down the Bracket

East First Round:

(2) Atlanta v (7) New England- Atlanta

(3) Philadelphia v (6) NY Red Bulls- Philadelphia

(4) Toronto v (5) DC United- DC United

West First Round:

(2) Seattle v (7) Dallas- Seattle

(3) Real Salt Lake v (6) Portland- Portland

(4) Minnesota v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy

Eastern Conference Semifinals:

(1) NYCFC v (5) DC United- NYCFC

(2) Atlanta v (3) Philadelphia- Atlanta

Western Conference Semifinals:

(1) LAFC v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy

(2) Seattle v (6) Portland- Seattle

Eastern Conference Finals

(1) NYCFC v (2) Atlanta- Atlanta

Western Conference Finals

(2) Seattle v (5) LA Galaxy- LA Galaxy

MLS Cup Final

(2) Atlanta v (5) LA Galaxy- Atlanta

Related MLS Content:

• Landon Donovan On MLS Scoring Record, Scoring on Pedestrians in LA
• Clint Dempsey On The Art Of Goal Scoring

The post MLS Playoffs: Contenders and Pretenders appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

The start is slow for the top 3 NHL Draft picks. Let’s take a look at their performance so far.

The NHL’s top prospects are in their first week of play in the league.

The New Jersey Devils were dealt the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, and took American wonder Jack Hughes. The Rangers took Kaapo Kakko out of Finland with the second pick, and the Blackhawks nabbed Kirby Dach at three.

The top three picks are coasting through the first couple games.

Obviously there is no benchmark through just two to three games, but you can see what some of the highlights have been.

Let’s break down the play of these top three NHL Draft pics, and ultimate league changers that were taken in the 2019 draft.

1. Jack Hughes- Center, New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes’ start to 2019 shows a ton of promise.

His stats don’t show it… He has a +/- of -3 after three games, and totals just three shots.

HOWEVER.

It’s a big however… he skates like an absolute mad man. He’s so fast, his stick work is immaculate and he really shows promise of being an NHL great.

Someone even compared him to, “Barry Sanders on skates.”

I’ve watched all three of Hughes’ games, and he looks like the real deal. Definitely worth the first overall NHL draft pick.

If you’re looking at top NHL draft picks, I think Hughes is really showing the most upside. That being said, I know that Kakko is going to live up to his hype as well.

2. Kaapo Kakko- Right Wing, New York Rangers

The Rangers and Devils rivalry is going to be so great because of Hughes and Kakko.

Kakko, much like Huges, hasn’t shown anything in the stats department, but he has shown a lot on the ice.

He’s got a +/- of -1 in two games played, and has tallied three shots.

Much like Hughes, he just skates so smoothly. He’s not as quick as Hughes, but he skates like he’s on butter. He has great vision, great puck handling skills and he’s going to be the future of the Rangers’ organization.

Kakko has all the makings of an Ovechkin type player, and will be that good one day. We’ve seen what he can do… including a four point outing in a game against Traverse City.

I know Kakko could’ve been the top NHL draft pick, and shows flashes of greatness, but I still think Hughes is the rightful number one.

3. Kirby Dach- Center, Chicago Blackhawks

Kirby Dach has yet to register a game in the NHL.

That’s not a bad thing, in fact I think it’s a great move by the Hawks. This guy has all the makings of a great player, but he’s just not ready.

He’s got size and skill, but he’s not completely there yet.

I know Jack Hughes has the skill, but he isn’t there size wise. The thing is, the Devils need Hughes.

The Blackhawks can wait on Dach.

It’s not like his presence is going to make the instantly a Cup contender. The Devils and Rangers believe, as they should, that their first rounders make them a strong leader to win a ring.

Kirby Dach’s development will take a year at most, and I think that it’s a great move by Chicago to wait.

Dach looks great in his early goings in the minors, and I think he is going to become a winner in the league in due time.

NHL Content:

• NHL Point Leaders- Top 5 Scorers Of All-Time
• 5 Best NHL Enforcers of All-Time – Video
• NHL Early Season Studs N’ Duds
• 2015 NHL Draft: 5 Quick Takes

The post NHL Draft Picks: Top 3 Off To Slow Start appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.

The search term “Mark Schlereth shirtless” gets 70 searches a month on the internet.

That is a stone cold fact.

Mark “Stink” Schlereth is one of the NFL’s best personalities. He took the time to talk with us about all things Stink and we asked him if he knew so many people wanted to see a pic of him shirtless.

The 12-year NFL veteran is one of our favorite personalities here at I-80. We talked to him a few months ago about his game day experience, and he’s back again to give us some more Stinkage.

From his late night experience on the Conan O’Brien Show, to some Stink fun facts, we get to know the man behind the legend.

Question: I recently found out that you were on the Conan O’Brien show in the 90s. Is that true?

Mark Schlereth:  It is true, and I was 298 pounds of lard. I was on a strict diet of cheese whiz and taco meat at the time. I look like I was about to pop. I had a suit on… it was a blue suit. I looked like an Oompa Loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Q: Speaking of lard Mark, what should be people sucking down on game day?

MS: I’m on the road all the time, so when I’m at home I want to do it right. I want to be on the comfort of my own couch, that food right in my own kitchen. Gardien is a plant based alternative to meat and I’m telling you what, its unbelievable game day [food] whether it’s chicken, beef or pork… even fish. It’s all delicious… Hidden Valley Ranch is the number one ranch mix used in restaurants across America… Hidden Valley Ranch signature recipe is delicious whether your dipping pizza, wings or veggies. No party is complete without the chili and that comes down to the beans. Bush’s has been around for over 100 years, and they’re perfect for spicing up your party. Lastly, you gotta have your TV, and that’s the LG OLED… you don’t have to take your eyes off the action with the 55, 65 or 77-inch televisions. That’s what makes my party.

Q: You won Super Bowls with those ‘Skins and Broncos teams. You were a straight mauler back then. How does the offensive line play of today equate to that mauler mentality?

MS: You know it’s really interesting. We make so much out of the quarterback position and it’s become so much about fantasy football and all that stuff. It’s the things you can’t measure. Coming off the ball and hitting guys in the mouth. That’s what the Raiders did to Chicago… It’s the first time I’ve seen them get trucked in a game…You look at the games this weekend, and you control the line of scrimmage you won this week.

Q: Are we seeing a return to the NFL of the grind it out power days because every defense is geared towards pass defense primarily?

MS: You’re 100 percent right. Everything has been built backwards. Starting with the 2013 Seattle Seahawks that focused on their secondary and built their team forward. A lot of teams kind of copied that model, and now what you see is teams getting in small personnel. You got safeties that play linebacker on a full-time basis… The league is cyclical that way. It goes from we are going to throw it every down to we are going to control the line of scrimmage, so it’s always these cycles that you go through… If you can find a quarterback that can manage games, he doesn’t have to be super special to win in this league.

Q: Jimmy G(esus), Jacoby Brissett and Tom Brady were all developed through the draft by the Pats. Do you remember a time where there was that much quarterback talent on one roster?

MS: Right? Isn’t it amazing? No. I give the Patriots kudos for being the smartest and most well-coached team in football. They teach football in its totality. Their players are better versed in their whole game… I just think they’re better at giving you a global perspective of football in general, and that’s why guys like Jimmy Garappolo and Jacoby Brissett can go elsewhere and have success. When I was a little league coach, my job was to take green apples and make them into red delicious, and that’s what they do. They make guys into red delicious apples that were considered green apples anywhere else.

Q: What’s harder to memorize: a script of an episode of Ballers or one of Joe Gibbs‘ playbooks in the 80s?

MS: A script. That’s not my thing. I just talk. One thing about Ballers that’s really good is they say, “This is the theme, so add your own terms and do your own thing.”

Q: Did you know that the term, “Mark Schlereth shirtless” gets 70 searches a month on Google?

MS: Really? I’m going to have to put some shirtless pictures up there then.

Three-time Super Bowl champion and NFL broadcasting veteran Mark Schlereth joined FOX Sports in July 2017 as a FOX NFL game analyst and an FS1 studio analyst covering the NFL. Prior to joining FOX, Schlereth, a former NFL Pro Bowler, served as an ESPN studio analyst for 16 years, in addition to various radio hosting duties.

The post Mark Schlereth Shirtless: Q&A with Stink appeared first on I-80 Sports Blog.