It’s that time again for the “DRAFT”.

 

The NHL Entry Draft goes tonight and Saturday in Pittsburgh. The NBA draft is scheduled for Thursday in New Jersey. The major league baseball draft was held earlier this month. The WHL held its Bantam Draft last month and the NFL Draft took place in April.

 

When Jujhar Khaira of the Prince George Spruce Kings, and/or Troy Bourke of the P.G. Cougars, or anybody else that gets selected in the Draft, the GM of the team refers to his “Draft” dictionary to describe his selection. Often the GM uses clichés like “best player available”, “steal of the draft” or perhaps he is a kid “who has character”, is “honest and hardworking” and in addition he could be that “hidden gem” with plenty of “upside”, that is “the complete package” with “loads of talent” that has “played on a winner.”

Here are many other favorite terms when it comes to the Draft dictionary that basically applies to all sports. ( ) In brackets is a possible interpretation of the message:

 

 

“He is an impact player.” (We cross our fingers that continues at the professional level)
“We had him rated as a first rounder.” (This is damage control to boost the kid’s bruised ego)

“We are very excited to get him.” (But are puzzled why nobody else wanted him)

“The kid has grit.” (And with lots of luck could be a “diamond in the rough.”)
“He’s a scorer” (Oh, oh! Does he know the meaning of defence?)
“He’s a hard working defensive player (Too bad he doesn’t have any skill)
“He’s dedicated” (As long as he gets what he wants)

“He’s a mature young man” (Let’s hope big money doesn’t change that)
“He comes from a great family.” (That’s so inspiring)

“He was well worth the risk.” (Must be injury or law issues to worry about)

“He has size” (That certainly helps if he wants to be a cop)

“He comes to play.” (Really? I thought he came to shoot the breeze)

“He is a leader” (So is Christie Clark. What does that mean?)

 

……..and everybody’s all-time favorite (the one phrase listed more than any other)

 

“We couldn’t believe he was still there”. (The reason is he is not as good as other teams believe).

 

I am sure you have your own notable list of “draft rhetoric”. If by some chance you know of a
prospect to recommend for a team make sure “He knows what it takes” and that “he’s a competitor”.

 

 

#

 

 

It may be referred to as the Father’s Day Special.

 

Tiger Woods was playing for a major on one channel (NBC) and at the same time Lebron James, was playing a key game in the NBA championship series on another (ABC).

Forbes Magazine this year produced its top 10 list of most disliked athletes today. Tiger finished a close second behind Michael Vick while Lebron was 6th.

 

While Woods and James have their many critics, they are largely responsible for massive viewership when they are contending for a title.

 

Most fans were thrilled that Tiger tanked at the U.S. Open, finishing 6 strokes behind the winner Webb Simpson. On the other hand, many of those same sports fans were annoyed when Lebron hooped 29 points to lead Miami to that 91-85 victory over OKC in game three. (James added 26 more in the Heat 104-98 triumph in game four) It’s more fun to cheer against the best than root for them especially since they are never the underdog.

 

Tiger certainly does not have family “values” (at least not his) and Lebron was rude to the folks in Cleveland but I am not sure the hatred towards both is warranted.

 

However, fans have a craving for villains in sports. We should really tip our hat to most of them for providing exciting, enjoyable, entertainment and (most important of all) making their sport relevant.

 

 

A second contestant has come forward to allege that the Miss USA 2012 title was fixed. Really? What do pageant officials think they’re doing…running a boxing match?

The Boston Red Sox put Josh Beckett on the 15-day DL with shoulder inflammation. Maybe he misses the conditioning routine of those bent arm beer curls.

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, Californiawww.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

 

 

Pitcher Joel Peralta of the Rays was ejected for having pine tar in his glove.George Brett reportedly asked, ‘Did he also have hemorrhoids? 

 

The World Burping Championships were held in New York. It was won by former major league pitcher Tim Belcher. 

 

 

 

The first-ever World Burping Championships took place in New York. It’s the most gas heard in the Big Apple since Rex Ryan hit town. 

 

Canada is No. 4 on a new world ranking of peacefulness. No. 1 if you exclude Don Cherry. 

 

 

 

A poll of Vancouver residents reports the City is not friendly. “We found that one in four people are finding it difficult to make friends in Vancouver and one in three people are lonely,” Vancouver Foundation CEO Faye Wightman said Monday. When asked to comment a spokesperson for the Vancouver Welcome Wagon said “Whatever”.

 

 

Roger Clemens broke down after he was acquitted on steroid charges which only heightened suspicion he used estrogen to mask the drugs. One thing we can all agree, Roger isn’t using diet pills.
 

 

 

The jury at the Clemens trial supposedly slept through the part when Roger’s pants caught fire.

A photo of a sleeping St. Catharines Regional policewoman at the wheel of a police cruiser has gone viral on the internet. The Chief is investigating rumors that she was previously an Air Traffic Controller.

Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)

 

Metta World Peace spent a recent Sunday afternoon hiking in the mountains near Vancouver. The local bears carried air horns and pepper spray. 

 

Saturday was Madrid’s Annual Naked Bicycle Ride day. And Sunday was the annual Don’t Buy a
Used Bike in Madrid day.