EURO 2016 Review

This year's tournament was staged in France, where it contained 6 groups, consisting of 24 teams, with 16 advancing out of the group stages. There was a change this year, where four 3rd place teams advanced to the round of 16.  The change was made so that on the final match day of the group, all the teams will have something other than national pride to play for. This cause debate among media and fans. Those who were for it, asked why is UEFA rewarding 3rd place teams, it will bring down the quality of the tournament, while those for it, praised the organizers that it presented the opportunity for an underdog team to win it. Portugal was the team to take advantage of this rule change. They wasn't among the favorites to win but fought their way to the final and upset favorites France.

Football was supposed to be the focus but the tournament was marred by hooliganism. There was violence on the streets of France. There were also security concerns at the various stadia hosting matches, where flares were allowed to be brought in the stadiums,  lit in the stands and thrown onto the field. Many were arrested and waiting for trial.

It is true the football at this tournament wasn't entertaining, not many goals scored. Many teams were cautious about playing attacking football, they were more concerned about being well organized defensively, this resulted in many tight games. Regardless of this, I enjoyed EURO 2016, where we saw cinderella runs by Iceland, the smallest nation ever to qualify for an European championship and make it all the way to the quarterfinals and Wales, playing in their 1st tournament since 1958 and losing to eventual winners Portugal. Portugal themselves didn't win a game in 90 minutes in the whole tournament but became champions, their first major trophy. Many critics complained that they played negatively or boring.They weren't blessed with great attacking players like their final opponents, France, except for the all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo, who carried their attack  but instead they had defenders and midfielders who played well in an organized system, where they outplayed their opponents and deserved to win.  I really hope they keep this format, it was intriguing to watch.

Manchester United: Fresh Start, New season 2016/2017

For the third time in 3 years Manchester United have a new coach, Jose Mourinho. Jose Mourinho has been saying all the right things. He wants to win and challenge for the league title, play attacking football, give young players an opportunity. Just like Sir Alex Ferguson, he has the ability to man manage his squad and get the best out of them. I am truly excited by the sight of Jose Mourinho as a Manchester United manager, fans alike should share my excitement, he is one of the greatest ever. I place him behind Sir Alex Ferguson. What Jose brings to Manchester United is his winning mentality, an abundance of confidence that every Manchester United manager must have, after all they are the most popular and best team in the world.  Sure he is flawed but which human being is not?

 The team needed a change because truthfully they won't go nowhere with Louis Van Gaal as manager, even though he won the FA Cup, the first silverware  since Sir Alex Ferguson. Regardless of that fact, his style of football didn't fit the premier league, especially Manchester United. There was a lot of negativity at Manchester United in the past season because of fans being upset about Louis Van Gaal tactics, which was a complete opposite of the entertaining football that the fans enjoy. All the fans, including myself hope that Jose Mourinho will return this great club back on top, which is what we deserve. It promises to be an eventful season.  

Should David De Gea leave or stay?

The popular question in Manchester United fans' minds, "Should David De Gea leave or stay?' One can understand some fans just want his transfer to Real Madrid to be completed because the fans don't want a player at the club who don't want to be here and have dreams of playing for the boys in white in Spain rather than the Reds. I could understand the anger, disappointment and even pure hatred concerning David's potential departure. We have to remember when he was bought four(4) years ago he was no more than a scrawny, weak teenager, who according to the living legend himself, Sir Alex Ferguson had bags of potential, was able through great coaching, and may I add undying support by the fans has developed into arguable one(1) of the best goalkeepers today.


I can see on the other side of the coin, where I fully understand that it's David De Gea's dream to return home and play for Real Madrid, a team who has a rich history of winning, I can see the appeal. I just don't understand how a player of the caliber of De Gea would choose to play for Rafael Benitez instead of the legendary Louis Van Gaal? It's a no-brainer for me personally, the opportunity to learn from one of the best, rather Benitez who is a solid coach but not in the class of LvG. In addition you have to questioned why  there has been such a dramatic turnover of nine(9) managers in the last ten(10) years? Why Carlo Ancelotti a manager who won Copa del rey, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. In addition his previous history of winning Domestic and European honors. Seems that is not enough for the powers that be. David also has to know that the fans in Manchester who backed him are not the same fans he will encountered in Madrid, one bad performance they will turn on him as they have with Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.


So David De Gea has a important decision to make, should be stay at Old Trafford and continue to develop and lead you Manchester United to some silverware or make his dream come true and go to Real Madrid. For me personally it's a poor decision to choose Real Madrid over Manchester United. As I stated above there are a lot of evidence to make the case why Manchester United is the better option. I along with other Manchester United fans with to see how wise David is.

Manchester United new signings 2015/2016 season

Manchester United made six signings in total. Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay, Sergio Romero and Anthony Martial. First of all Italian defenders are well respected the world over, they are perceived to be technically sound defenders. Matteo Darmian, is no exception, he is technically sound, reads the game, waste no opportunity to get forward, where he is a solid crosser of the ball. Even though it's only been 6 games he's played for Manchester United, he has made the right-back position his own. Bastian Schweinsteiger is well-known as one of the best midfielders in the world, he has won European championships with club and country as well as domestic championships. He is really a great addition to the squad as he adds experience to the midfield. Same can't be said for Morgan Schneiderlin, who is not experienced and won as much as Bastian Schweinsteiger but he certainly has impressed in his time with Southampton, rated as arguably the best holding/defensive midfielder in England.

Depay and Martial, 21 and 19 respectively, come with not much experience behind them but with the potential to be great players. Both players can finish and are very pacy, two qualities Manchester United are missing. Sergio Romero is an interested one, he is Colombia's starting World Cup Goal Keeper, a good pick up but he is certainly not world-class but a solid signing as a back up Goal Keeper.

Many Manchester United fans and Analysts would criticize that why didn't they sign Nicolas Otamendi and Pedro? Why didn't they sign an experienced striker? I would really love to have Otamendi, who is a solid center-back, the best defender in La Liga last season. He certainly would be an upgrade over Phil Jones. Why not Pedro, experienced wide player, who knows how to finished and it does help that he played for Barcelona. He would really have helped. The only explanation I can come up with, on why they didn't sign an experienced striker, is that player would take playing time away from Wayne Rooney, who the manager has complete confidence in getting the job done.

Manchester United did great business in the Transfer Market, they added quality in midfield, brought in a quality back up at the Goal Keeping position, addressed the right-back weakness, brought in 2 talented youngsters. In all did a great job, yes a center-back was needed but the manager in his opinion believed that Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Blind can do a job for him. Whether we fans agree or disagree on the newest additions, we must give management and the players our 100% support. GGMU.

Transfer Market frenzy

On July 1st, the Summer Transfer Market opens and closes on September 1st, while The Winter Transfer Market opens on January 1 and closes on January 31. During this time their is a level of anxiety emanating from fans of various Football clubs that they support, that is to expected. There is a different type of anxiety occurring among The Media who want to be the first to report the latest arrivals and departures of players. There are reporters who fabricate stories to gain followers on social media. They are known as I.T.K.( In The Know) ,which is ironic because they truly have no idea if such player is leaving or going but they elaborate on rumors that are circulating or invent some. For example they would link players with a club with a great history, like Manchester United.

Even journalists working in newspapers embellish rumors. Now for an average fan, who are not knowledgeable about these so-called journalists embellishing rumors, would just believe it and not questioned who are there sources, which is a question that needs to be asked. These individuals want to be popular at the expense of football fans who want to know the truth. There can't be a better example than the club that I support wholeheartedly, Manchester United, who because of its rich history, large income year after year they have been able to generate, fall victims to these so-called journalists. Manchester United are linked every in each Transfer Market to thousands of players, more than any other team.

In writing this, I just want to make Manchester United fans and by large football fans aware of these frauds. Personally I wait for Manchester United to announce any player departure or arrival. If you want to seek out any other form of media, the most reliable are Sky Sports, BBC or ESPN, there journalists are well respected.

Sir Alex Ferguson

He is considered by many to be the greatest club manager of all time. I am talking about Sir Alex Ferguson. Since coming to Manchester United in 1986 he has 13 premier league titles, 5 F.A. Cup trophies, 4 League Cups, 2 Champions League trophies and has won World Club Championship, European Cup Winners Cup, Intercontinental Cup and European Super Cup once.

That;s an amazing 28 trophies in  27 years in charge at Manchester United. Many managers wish for just one trophy in their career. Sure there are critics that will say that he had great players to play with such as Cantona, Ronaldo, Beckham, Yorke, Giggs and Scholes, among others. I could counter that by saying, that great players normally have an ego and it takes a strong manager to be able to managed them and have them  co-exists as team-mates. Sir Alex famously said "No one player is bigger than Manchester United." Sir Alex has always, when the time is right, sold these top class players he himself has signed. He always knew the right time to pull the trigger . Prime examples are selling Beckham and Van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid. The exception is Ronaldo who wanted to leave because it was his dream to play for the team mentioned above.

He gave youth a chance; he promoted and groomed players from the youth teams; who remembers the great team of '92: Beckham,Neville Brothers,Scholes,Giggs and Butt. He also gave other young players a chance. Ronaldo and Rooney were teenagers when they signed. His ruthlessness has  to be admired, he was, and still is, his own man. He managed the team as he saw fit with the players he wanted and his success can't be ignored. Almost 4 decades of success, trophy after trophy. I salute you, Sir Alex Ferguson as greatest ever.

Angel Di Maria: what went wrong?

When Angel Di Maria signed from Real Madrid for a club transfer record of 59.7 million pounds, I was ecstatic that a world-class player had joined Manchester United. One of the positions that Manchester United lacked is out wide, they needed somebody creative, with vision and speedy and the time I believed that Manchester United found the perfect player.

Fair enough he didn't have the best of seasons but 4 goals and 10 assists in the league is not bad at all but not the greatest but it's no coincidence that after his house was broken into in February of this year, that his form deteriorate. He was shaken up about it no doubt and his focus was clearly not on playing for Manchester United. I sympathize with him but there is crime all over the world. He has since sign for Paris Saint German, what If somebody burglarize his new home in Paris, will he leave Paris also? Louis Van Gaal stated after his departure that he had to sell him as he couldn't adapt to the English Culture. That may true but to me he lacks physicality, very weak on the ball, as we all know, England is a very demanding and physical league and at times, during last season he looked a shell of his former self.

To play for Manchester United, a player needs to have a fighting spirit inside of them, it's either you got it or you don't. Mentally toughness is very much-needed and Angel Di Maria is lacking in these qualities. Former Manchester United center-back Rio Ferdinand said Di Maria would have on his CV that he failed at Manchester United and he wouldn't want that. I have to agree, to quit after one season is like giving up. At least commit to another season and she what happens. It's done and dusted now, I wish him the best but not against Manchester United.

Dwight Yorke deserved more accolades at Manchester United

Manchester United fans' all over the world has acknowledged the contribution that Dwight Yorke has made as a player at Manchester United especially the treble winning season. Personally, I have never heard any negative comment directed his way. In fact there are delighted with his career as a Manchester United player, especially in his partnership with Andrew Cole, which contributed 53 goals for Manchester United in Dwight Yorke's debut season in 1998/1999.

It's a shame especially, given he will always be part of Manchester United's history, that he never won more personal accolades. As a fellow national, I firmly belief if Dwight Yorke was playing for a bigger country like England, instead of Trinidad and Tobago he would win World Player Of The Year. But in the eyes of many, they labelled Trinidad and Tobago has third world and therefore they can't give him that award.

Trinidad and Tobago may be a small country but they have produced world-class sportsmen in the form of Brian Lara, who is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world if not the best. Ato Boldon and Keshorn Walcott in track and field. My point is that the powers that be need to get over this way of thinking, that if you don't belong to a world power, you are not considered to be among the world's best, which is what Dwight Yorke is. Award on merit please.

Why I became Manchester United fan?

It all started back in 1998 when my fellow Trinidad and Tobago countryman Dwight Yorke joined Manchester United. I followed Dwight's career at Aston Villa and now at Manchester United. Even when he left I still continued to be a fan of this great club. From day one I fell in love with this great club, the great history and all the great players that played for them. The more I learned about Manchester United the bigger fan I became.

Something that is important to know about me is that I am a die-hard Manchester United fan. Now the word "die-hard" gets thrown around but when your team is not performing at their best, are you still a fan because it's easy when the team is being successful to be a fan but what happens when the success stops. the 2013/2014 campaign. That was a hard season to swallow for long serving fans. From champions the previous season to 7th place and missing out on The Europa League, but at the end of the day Manchester United is my club, in the good times and the bad times, that don't mean I will agree with every decision concerning the club. I will continue to support them until the day I die so, Glory Glory Manchester United.

Can Wayne Rooney lead the line?

For the last couple weeks leading to Manchester United's opening English Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspurs, there have been debate and discussions, should Wayne Rooney play as a striker and can he be successful.

In the 2009/2010 and 2011/2012 seasons, when played as the main striker he scored 34 goals in each of those seasons, including 26 and 27 in the league respectively. This indicates to me that "The Wazza" can play as a striker and be prolific as well. I don't understand why Manchester United fans don't have confidence in him? Previous seasons he hasn't been as prolific as the aforementioned seasons but that has to do with him having to play in a deeper role to accommodate forwards such as Robin Van Persie, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Demitar Berbatov. So it's quite obvious that his goal returns would diminished.

We as fans, I'm referring to the true die hards out there, to give Wayne Rooney an opportunity to prove once again that he can play not only as a striker but among the best in that position. You don't score 230 goals for the biggest club in the world if you don't have an eye for the goal. Let "Wazza" fly!

Manchester United: 2015/2016 preview

The team at the back-end of the season began to click and understand Louis Van Gaal philosophy which showed in the form of victories over rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. So with that said we fans should be optimistic about this forthcoming season and let us all hope the squad stays injury free

With every new season, there is an air of optimism. The 2015/2016 season for Manchester United is no exception to that belief. I would have to admit last season was a tough one as the squad had to get accustomed to a new manager but at the end of the day they achieved their goal of finished fourth. Now this season expectations should be in my opinion to challenge for the title. The team did great transfer business so far bringing in Matteo Darmain, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Sergio Romero. These players will add dept as well as quality to the squad.

The Anthony martial impact

When Manchester United signed 19 year old Anthony Martial from Monaco for 36 million sterling, many Football analysts and Fans criticize the purchase, that Manchester United over-paid for him. Many would argue that the price tag was too much for a unknown player. How wrong could they be? He has performed outstandingly in his appearances so far. Scoring 4 goals in 5 games, his ability to run at defenders with pace combined with his clinical finishing make him unplayable at times. Before the Anthony Martial signing, Manchester United struggled for pace and clinical finishing up front. Opposing Teams will now fear The Manchester United attack, because now with Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay they have a goal scoring potency.

Manchester United style of play

Fans from all over the world have condemned Manchester United's performances, especially in the last 3 games where they have struggled to score a goal in the last 5 hours of match play. In the same period  they haven't conceded either. That fact has to be admired, even applauded but Manchester United are not known for there stubborn defense but rather beautiful, attacking, breathtaking football that the fans are accustomed too.

Many critics and fans alike point the team's lack of penetrating in front of goal due to Louis Van Gaal's philosophy where fans criticize is system of possession style of football. I would like to point out that the team was scoring goals and creating chances in the same system. His faith in Wayne Rooney as a striker. In fact fans have called for Rooney to be benched. It could be a case that Wayne Rooney can't play as a striker anymore, but is better has a number 10 just behind the striker, where he can support the main striker and fall back in midfield, which is a popular trait of his. Anthony Martial positioning has impacted negatively on the team as well. Since the manager moved Martial from the striker position to wide right midfield the team have lacked potency going forward. I would like to point out that he has 5 goals as a striker and none as a wide midfielder. This needs to be corrected if Manchester United are to return to goal scoring form. Louis Van Gaal's policy is not a problem because the team was scoring goals before. He just needs to play players like Rooney and Martial in their best positions and the goals will come.

Is Louis Van Gaal destroying the Manchester United brand?

Manchester United supporters, Media from all corners of the world have pleaded with Louis Van Gaal to play an attacking brand of football that they were accustomed to under Sir Alex Ferguson, who many regard as the greatest manager that Manchester United has ever had. Many have pinpointed the lack of adventure going forward, the sideways passing, the inability to penetrate defenses. Manchester United captain and legend Wayne Rooney has also come for criticism where the general consensus is that he is playing poor but many are divided on the reasons for his poor showings so far this season. Some supporters would question if it’s just a question of him not being good enough anymore or is it Louis Van Gaal style the reason, where players are given instructions which they must strictly adhere to, they’re also not given freedom.

Stakeholders of Manchester United must realize that Sir Alex Ferguson and Louis Van Gaal, though great managers have completely different style of management and style of play. Sir Alex Ferguson has focused on being direct, playing attacking football while Louis Van Gaal has concentrated on a possession based type of football and patience is required. Supporters are frustrated that Manchester United is too defensive but a lot can be said for keeping clean sheets.

What many don’t realize is that Manchester United is in a rebuilding phase and Louis was brought in because of his excellent track record of bringing along Young players. We have seen numerous Young players given a chance in the First team in addition to signing players with great potential. Managing Manchester United is not easy but there is light at the end of the tunnel, they are 1 point from the leaders after 14 games. I will take that, support Louis Van Gaal, he knows what he is doing.  

Louis Van Gaal: Should he leave?

The question for all Manchester United fans, should Louis Van Gaal stay or leave? I would take a calculated guess that the majority of fans have lost patience and confidence in him leading Manchester United. We all know it's not good for a manager when fans want you removed. Fans want him removed for a number of reasons, these include he rarely gets up from his seat and walk on the sideline to spur his team on, rather he leave it up to his assistant coach Ryan Giggs. He maintained a small squad, relying on youth. Yes we all talk about the iconic 1992 squad but when young players are played, there is a level of inconsistency and this result in poor performances because of the absence of established, proven players. The most important reason is the style of play implemented by the manager. His possession based style of football, which involves keeping the ball, slowly, methodically attacking the opposition is not working. It takes them a long time to get a effort on goal. You can here fans chanting at every game to shoot.  It is quite the opposite of teams under Sir Alex Ferguson, who were quick and direct. This is what expected of Manchester United, to play attacking, entertaining football not to be slow and lethargic. Let me say this Louis Van Gaal is good guy but it's time to give him his marching orders. Enough is Enough!

Are the Lakers marketable?

It used to be a time when only the top quality players were attracted to the Los Angeles Lakers, because of there rich history of winning and because Los Angeles is a big market where one can earn endorsements of every kind, other entertainment opportunities such as movies and music. A tide has turned now and prospective players want to know what are the team plans? Do they want to challenged for championships, making playoffs or are they in a rebuilding mode. Don't get me wrong these points I mentioned above were important when Lakers were relevant but even If Lakers wasn't competitive, players would join on the basis of the brand itself. It was most coveted to become a Laker as only the best belong there.


Now it's not enough a team like the Lakers have a rich history, big market. Prospective players want to know the goals of the team and if there goals don't coincide with the team they will find another team. Lakers officials can no longer say " Come to LA, there are a lot of endorsement opportunities" as their pitch. What Lakers have to do now is stressed on basketball reasons why the prospective player they are targeting should join.

Lakers 0-5 start

Let me start off saying that this LAKERS' roster is not the most talented. Except Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant, superstar level players are a scarcity. Carlos Boozer who many felt is below his prime regardless him saying otherwise. He was more than decent in Utah. Jeremy Lin a player who plays with a lot determination and heart but he's not quite superstar level even though a few weeks in New York he showed qualities that one day he may aspired to one of the elite. Wesley Johnson is not starting quality, don't get me wrong he is a decent player, great defensive player but has limitations on the offensive end of the court.

To be successful in today's NBA you need to have three superstar/elite players and unfortunately LAKERS have only one guy who is considered to be the closest comparison to Michael Jordan. Especially in a very competitive Western Conference you need more than average players who aspired to be great. I am not saying that the roster won't improve, that is my hope.

LAKERS' fans all over social media put the blame on last season dismal performance as well as this season poor start down to President Of Basketball Operations Jim Buss, who along with General Manager orchestrated the acquisitions of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard and we know how that turned out. The hiring of Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson as head coach. Fans all over has to stop blaming Jim because Jeanie Buss, his sister has the final say. Both Jim and Mitch are held accountable to her.

It has been hard to witness last season and now the start of this season as a LAKER fan because this franchise is one of the best sporting institutions in the NBA let alone the world. I am optimistic the LAKERS make the first step by returning to it's glory days by making the playoffs. LAKERS' fans need to be optimistic.  

Lakers is it time to panic?

Nobody saw it coming 17-25! Lakers are in this mess because of  there choice of coach of head coach but as well as having many of there core players missing through injury. First of all let's states the facts; 1. Jerry Buss wanted Mike D'Antoni because he wanted "SHOWTIME LAKERS" to return and of course Steve Nash as both worked well together in Phoenix but he overlooked two important factors, He was a complete disaster as head coach of New York Knicks and that is offensive scheme entails speed and the truth of the matter the LAKERS are too slow and needs to tinker with his coaching philosophies for LAKERS to be successful. Up to this point he seems reluctant to do that and furthermore to win championships which is the culture in Los Angeles is to play defense and D'Antoni doesn't know how to teach that in his 16 years as an head coach in the NBA. 2. Injuries have played a part also when the "BIG 4" Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Steve Nash  have been injured, missing a combination of 40 games, obviously it affects it affects chemistry. Another important point to look at is what is the relationship between Kobe and Howard and how it affects morale. The Laker Nation wanted The Zen Master Phil Jackson but if you wanted to make best out of talents that Steve Nash posesses hiring Phil would be a bad move as Nash would be a shooter rather than a passer. Now how can Lakers improve and make a push for the playoffs; there are two options either fire D'Antoni wish is unlikely as they already owe 22 million already but with the team continue to accumulate losses Jim Buss may be forced to make a change in terms of coach. The most likely option is through trades which may include trading 2 time NBA Champion Pau Gasol, which is trade value is very low at the moment which means you might not get fair deal no all star level type player that Gasol is even though he is riddled with injuries but if you can get some youth and more than decent role players why not. Some have said why not trade Dwight Howard as they fear he will leave for nothing as a free agent but in my opinion I don't see him leaving Lakers as Brooklyn Nets who were in for him can't afford him and with Lakers he has opportunity to be a leader and with all the history why would he leave and Lakers will be crazy to trade him as like I said he is the future. So really the hope is that trades are made which will lead to improved performance as well as D'Antoni tinkering with his offensive schemes.

Thank you Kobe

Kobe Bryant on Wednesday April 13th, 2016 closed the final chapter of his legendary 20 year career with a virtuso performance of 60 points in his final game, in addition to that, the Los Angeles Lakers win. It was a fitting end for The Black Mamba to finish on the winning side, given he won 5 NBA Championships. 

Let's take a look at his stats- He has scored 40 plus points 134 times, including 9 times in a row, a record he shares with Michael Jordan, which he accomplished in 2003. 50 plus 26 times ans 60 plus 6 times, with the his last 60 point game coming in his last game, which is the record for most points scored by a 37 year old and for a player in his last game. In his career he has scored 33,643 points at an average of 25 ppg during the regular season, which placed him 3rd in all time scoring in the NBA, only Karl Malone 36,928 and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387 scored more at an average of 25 ppg and 24.6 ppg respectively. He has the record for most 3pt field goals made 12 in a regular season game which were made aginst The Seattle Supersonics on January 7th, 2003. In the playoffs he scored 5,640 points at an average of 25.6 points ppg, which placed him 3rd behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who scored 5,762 points at an average of 24.3 ppg and Michael Jordan 5,987 points at an average of 33.4 ppg. As for the Lakers he has the record for the highest individual points which is 81 and is also their all time leaders in regular season games played 1,346 , minutes played 48,637, field goals made 11,719 and attempted 26,200, 3pt field goals made 1,827 and attempted 1,546, Free Throws made 8,378 and attempted 10,011, he also leads in steals 1,944. He is 2nd in defensive rebounds at 5,548, he trails Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 7,785 and is 3rd in total rebounds 7,047, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10,279 and Elgin Baylor 11,463. In addition to these impressive stats he is an 5 time NBA Champion ( 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010) and 2 time NBA Finals MVP ( 2009, 2010). 18 time NBA All Star ( 1998, 2000-2016) and 4 time NBA All Star MVP ( 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011). On 9 occasions he made the NBA All Defensive Team ( 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011). 

These statistics prove that Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. The level of dedication and sacrifice he has made for the game of basketball, has not been seen before and needs to be acknowledged. Even though he is a great player, he is hated as much as he is beloved, in fact he relished the opportunity of playing the villain, shutting up the doubters. Let us all remember the mark Kobe Bryant has left in the NBA.

Caribbean Premier League

Is the Caribbean Premiere League really beneficial to cricket in the West Indies? I would agree that T20 cricket draws in the crowds, cricket is more exciting in this shortened version. I do agree this is great for the West Indies. My concern is franchise cricket, where Trinidad & Tobago will be known as Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel. Now anybody who is knowledgeable on how franchise cricket works is that you draft players around the world, along with players of your own. Maybe I am stuck in my ways but If a team begins with a country I fully expect that every member of that team should be a national of that country. I am fully aware that franchise cricket is the future but I just can't truly support Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel.


For all the conspiracy theorists out there I want to put this out there. The squad for the T&T Red Steel is the weakest of all teams in my opinion. In my opinion the powers don't want to see Trinidad & Tobago dominate in T20 cricket, with players like Lendl Simmons, Bravo brothers well maybe not Darren but Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul will dominate years to come. I believe that there was an intention for Trinidad & Tobago to draft the weakest players as to take away there threat. Yes this is my view, it may be controversial but it must be considered.

Decline Of West Indies cricket

West Indies Cricket has been a depressing sight for many of it's loyal cricket fans for 20 years now. Gone are the days that West Indies would "Whitewash" England, dominate Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India and New Zealand. Now it's the other way around, they have become the minnows of world cricket, the whipping boys, so to speak for the mentioned international teams. May I add even Zimbabwe, Bangladesh have been challenging for West Indies to defeat.


You may ask why after 15 years of dominance West Indies Cricket are in this decline. The first place to start is at home at The West Indies Cricket Board (W.I.C.B.), where most of the blame should be directed towards them. There are directors of the W.I.C.B. who have kept there positions for 15-20 years, who 'piggy backed' on West Indies and who have held onto the same beliefs 30 years ago, that the talent will come and  West Indies will win again. There needs to be some new blood injected into West Indies Cricket at board level, who are open to new ideas on how to guide West Indies Cricket forward.


Former players are needed to make contributions to West Indies Cricket in the form of coaching and management. I can't understand why former players Brian Lara and Michael Holding are not encouraged to assist in the development of players. I am sure they would love to help or nurture young players or even established players. If there are stumbling blocks in the relationship between themselves and the W.I.C.B. then this need to be ironed out because the bigger picture is West Indies Cricket.

Brian Lara: the greatest batsman ever

Let me start off saying that it is always hard to compare batsmen of different eras but in my humble opinion, Brian Charles Lara is the greatest that ever picked up a bat. Many will counter and say what about Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, don't they deserved to be considered? Yes they do, certainly if you considered yourself to be any kind of cricket fan, you should be in awe of their individual records. Sir Donald Bradman scored 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94 in a mere 52 test matches scoring 29 centuries, while Sachin Tendulkar scored 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78 in a mind boggling 200 test matches with 51 centuries. Brian Lara, not to be outdone scored 11,953 runs at an average of 52.88 in 131 test matches with 34 test match centuries. If Lara had played close to the Test Matches that Sachin has appeared in, he would have easily surpassed him. That leaves Sir Donald Bradman, when compared his stats to Brian Lara stats he blows him away in terms of average 99.94 to 52.88 but to truly measure who is the greatest, more than stats are needed.


Factors such as opponents faced, difficulty of cricket pitches encountered, how technology has changed the game must be considered. Sir Donald Bradman faced England in 63 out of his 80 innings, who he dominated, while Brian Lara in his 232 innings, faced England and Australia in 58 and 51 innings respectively. Unlike Bradman he didn't face an opponent in almost 80% of his test match innings. We can only speculate how he would done if he had faced other opponents. Lara has shown he can score heavily against any opponent. Test match pitches play a part too, 70 years since when Sir Donald Bradman played pitches has gotten better and in some ways difficult for Batting, this is due to large part in technology. With that being said we should applaud Brian Charles Lara in breaking the world record batting test match individual inning twice in 10 years; breaking the world record first class batting individual inning 6 weeks after breaking for the first time the test match individual batting inning, which highlighted 6 centuries in 7 innings. He became the first batsman to score a century, double century, triple century, quadruple century and  quintuple century in First Class Cricket. He shares the record for most triple centuries with Sir Donald Bradman


There will be be support on either side, professing each as the greatest ever. In my humble opinion Brian Charles Lara is the greatest ever for the simple fact that while Sir Donald Bradman's batting average is nothing to bypass, I have serious doubts that he would be as successful today, while Lara would have excelled in the time Sir Don played. So please along with me, Hail The King Of Port Of Spain Brian Charles Lara, The Greatest Batsman Ever.

Phil Simmons suspended!

West Indies Cricket Head Coach Phil Simmons has been suspended which may result in him being fired. This is very disconcerting for three reasons. First of all Mr. Simmons and Mr. Clive Lloyd who happened to be The Head Selector was out-voted 3-2 by the remainder of the selection panel, which consists of Eldine Baptiste, Courtney Walsh and Courtney Browne to bring back Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to the West Indies Cricket Team.  Secondly Mr. Simmons revealed that external forces were the result of the vote not being in himself and Mr. Lloyd favor. For a very longtime many West Indies Cricket fans as well as Respected journalists have suspected that possibly Board Directors have influenced Team Management and now it seems Team Selection. Thirdly, the gentleman who has replaced Phil Simmons as head coach is Mr. Eldine Baptiste who was rejected initially as coach. This sends the message that no employee of The West Indies Board is allowed to be vocal of internal issues. Don't get me wrong, in the Corporate World an Employee such as Simmons would be suspended and eventually be fired but because of Mr. Simmons revelations the issue at hand is why external forces impacts on Management and Team Selection? West Indies Cricket will never move forward if this is allowed to continue.

West Indies T20 Champions

Congratulations go out to the victorious West Indies men and women teams on becoming well deserved I.C.C. World T20 champions. The women's victory I am most pleased about. Hopefully this victory would inspire young women cricketers. As for the men their victory sends a message to all, that despite obstacles you face, you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. There were many obstacles, such as the W.I.C.B. reducing salaries of the players, this is one example of the board constantly disrespecting players. The lack of uniforms and printing of them were another. There was even an obstacle in the game itself of having to score 19 runs of the last over to win. You always need your heart to be in great condition to watch West Indies play.

Imagine the W.I.C.B. didn't wish the team good luck in the final, yet The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell did, that is a travesty and indicates how the players are regarded  by the board. The W.I.C.B. was quick to apologize for W.I. captain Darren Sammy comments, criticizing the board but is yet to congratulate the team, only hinting at disciplinary for Mr. Sammy. I hope Dr. Mitchell and other heads of Caricom get their way and dissolve the W.I.C.B. and put in it's place a organisation that can be accountable to it's stakeholders and who supports the players, which has been lacking.

I.C,C. don't have that champion feeling!

I.C.C. , the governing body for cricket is not impressed with the conduct of The West Indies cricket team especially captain Darren Sammy and batsman Marlon Samuels, who were outspoken after their World T20 championship victory. They stated "The board considered the behavior of some of the West Indies players in the immediate aftermath of the final and, unanimously agreed that certain comments and actions were inappropriate, disrespectful and brought the game in disrepute."The I.C.C. Chairman Shashank Manohar emphasized the need to be gracious in defeat and victory as well having respect for the opposition. 

In the case of Mr. Sammy they believed that he shouldn't be airing dirty laundry in public; criticizing his own board, they may even see it as a sign of disrespect. Yes it wasn't the right place; a World Cup T20 final,  to discuss about his grievances concerning the W.I.C.B. but what has behind closed doors meetings/discussions with W.I.P.A. and the W.I.C.B. has succeeded in doing? It only results in empty promises by the W.I.C.B. So Mr. Sammy took an opportunity at the World T20 final, where the whole world is watching to reveal his grievances. We in the Caribbean know what the players are going through, the constant disrespect by the board which has been occurring in the last 20 years. As it relates to Mr. Samuels, I agree that commenting about Shane Warne in the manner he did was not needed. In sport, the media will constantly critique players, it is part of the game. The said players should use it as motivation to prove the doubters wrong, which Marlon Samuels did. As for him taking of his jersey and gesturing to the England dressing room, I see no problem with that, the player in question is showing emotion, so I.C.C. want the player to encase his emotions in a box and not showcase it? In life when we are under-pressure we need an outlet to release our emotions, you see it all the time in other sports. The I.C.C. didn't like Marlon Samuel's altercation with Ben Stoke where he provoked him. I have seen in my 22 years of looking at cricket, similar situations where Australia and England players provoked or sledge players but they are not reprimanded yet Mr. Samuels has. It smells of victimization.

 We all thought after Mr. Sammy proclamation about lack of support from the W.I.C.B. that the I.C.C. would step in on the players' behalf. It is clear after their media release that they don't care about the players welfare but only about the respective cricket boards.