Winston wins Heisman, people get angry

At 19 years, 342 days old, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston became the youngest college football player ever to win the Heisman Trophy. How could you disagree? His numbers were off the charts:

3,820 passing yards
38 touchdowns
10 interceptions
67.9 completion percentage

Put those numbers into consideration and push that together with the fact that he's a redshirt freshman that has led his team to the National Championship game. This was a no brainer.

If you asked me at the beginning of the season who would win the Heisman, I was going to tell you Teddy Bridgewater. Which shows it's no use talking about the Heisman until the last week of November.

The Daily News came out with this piece almost trying to take away from Winston's win and explaining how some 13 percent of voters left the quarterback off of their ballots due to the sexual assault investigation. Take a read if you'd like. I work alongside with author, Filip Bondy, covering Nets games. A veteran journalist, obviously, and I respect his work greatly. However, this is an unnecessary article, and he is not the only one writing pieces like this.

They asked, what of the woman who pressed charges?

Here is what you need to know about Jameis Winston: He is a quarterback for Florida State and he has just won the Heisman Trophy. The end.

Innocent until proven guilty, correct? If the investigation and charges were dropped, then we as Americans, no matter what our occupation is, have to accept that.

I have a question for the woman, and I"m thinking out loud here. Why wait to press the charges as Winston and Florida State are attaining new levels of success and he is slowly becoming a household name? Almost makes you wonder if they were irrelevant, would she press charges? They said these events took place over a year ago.

I understand just how horrifying an experience like this is. And in some cases people keep this information inside for a long time, so that could definitely be a possibility, but the timing, looking at the grand scheme of things, confused me.

Now, let me make something clear, and those who know me know what type of man I am. These allegations and charges were extremely serious and this entire process was no laughing matter. If authorities found something seriously damning towards Winston, then we actually have something against this guy and he does not deserve any accolades, national attention or success for that matter.

If he did something like this, he doesn't deserve to walk among the public.

Men who do this towards women are not worthy of being called "men." Those who take advantage of another human being, regardless of gender are animals.

What of the woman who pressed charges?

I'm not sure if I want to know her name, her whereabouts. God forbid anything did actually happen, she'll have to live a life where no one listened. And that sounds nightmarish as she would always be connected to that. Simply a girl who cried wolf and that simply isn't fair.

But I believe in the American justice system. Therefore, Jameis Winston is nothing more than a dynamic college quarterback who is a Heisman Trophy winner and  playing for a national championship in January.

Everything else needs to be dropped for now and "journalism" should be the first to do so. Simply poking around things and thinking out loud, kind of like I am doing now, should not be allowed in such large publications like the Daily News.

This is simply my opinion, that's what blogs are. I'd love to hear what you think. Comment below or friends of mine, start a conversation on any of the various social media sites. This is a touchy subject and do not mean harm to anyone reading this.

The MLB off-season: Winners and losers

By Joe Pantorno

The past week saw plenty of wheeling and dealing, some raised eyebrows and, from what I'm seeing from the Yankees, anger and disrespect (I had to throw that in). We'll take a look at some of the winners, the losers and headlines that will be dominating the Major Leagues in 2014.

Biggest deal: Robinson Cano to Seattle

Did I really have to say it? No, but here in New York, we're finding the spectrum to insulted fans to those who basically are saying 'good riddance,' to the best second baseman in baseball. 10-years, $240 million: say what you want about the money and being greedy, if someone offered you an extra $70 million, you'd take it, even if it means being underwhelming in a small baseball market.



Move with biggest chance of a let-down: Mark Trumbo to Arizona

While 1B/OF Mark Trumbo has massive power numbers and headlined a deal that saw the Angels get pitchers Tyler Skaggs from Arizona and Hector Santiago from the White Sox, Trumbo could have a rough go in the NL West. His career on base percentage is .299 and he will have considerably less protection in the Diamondback's line-up. Chase Field also isn't the easiest park to hit one out in. In a few years' time, we could be talking about how LA stole Hector Santiago from Chicago.


Signing that filled biggest gap: Bartolo Colon to Mets
With a bowl full of jelly and shouts of 'he's a cheater,' just hear me out before we get on the Colon bashing train. We all know the Mets are reeling after the loss of Matt Harvey. It doesn't matter what they say, this team had big plans for 2014 and their centerpiece went down during a putrid September. Colon went 18-6 last year, is an innings eater and has a track record of providing quality starts. This isn't a deal to make a statement, it's to stop the bleeding in the pitching staff and give the less experienced (Wheeler, Niese, Gee) a veteran presence that has actually attained success...not Dice-K.

Best free agents still available: Grant Balfour, Shin-Soo Choo

Both were All-Stars in 2013 and Choo, whose numbers don't scream for the kind of attention that he is getting, is driving his paycheck up as we speak. The longer he holds out, the bigger his contract will be. There have been reports that the Rangers were preparing a 7-year, $153 million deal for the outfielder. Last year with Cincinnati he hit .285, 21 HR, 54 RBI with 20 stolen bases. Do those numbers warrant that sort of deal? No.

Balfour has been talking with Baltimore on a deal. He wants three years while the Orioles won't budge at two and are starting to look for other options. Balfour had 38 saves with a 2.59 ERA in Oakland. At 35 years old, he's in no way considered old in relief pitcher years, yet a three-year deal seems to be too much to ask for.



Most underrated deal: Tim Hudson to San Francisco

It's clear that Hudson will end his career in San Fran. The 38 year old's two-year deal is his last shot to win a title. His addition to the Giants' pitching staff has rounded out what could now be one of the best pitching staffs in the league. Of course this is all probable, but come Opening Day, the Giants could have a rotation of Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong and now Tim Hudson. That's not too shabby.

Lowest risk, highest reward value: Carlos Beltran to Yankees

The Yankees have money, so before you go griping about how this could be such a good deal if they gave him so much cash, stop it. Sometimes you have to overpay a bit to fill a need and Carlos Beltran is most likely to find plenty of success in the Bronx, though it pains me to say that. The 36 year old still can pay a smooth outfield and whenever comes the time (and it will come) when he picks up a knock, he can provide a great alternative at DH. Switch hitting, he'll feast off the short porches, just like Brian McCann will with right field.  

Islanders deal for Vanek, send Moulson and picks to Buffalo

By Joe Pantorno

Last night, the New York Islanders made the first blockbuster deal of the 2013-2014 NHL season when they traded Matt Moulson, a 2014 first round and 2015 second round pick to Buffalo for Thomas Vanek.

I refrained from writing this for at least a day just so everything could sink in and I could evaluate the trade.

Matt Moulson was a fan favorite, a cult hero, who had been with the team during some of its worst times and seemed to have signed up for some of its best. His chemistry with captain John Tavares was well documented as he was at the center's side since the moment he was drafted.

He didn't provide blazing speed or the strength that normally shed top defenders like a cheap coat. He was one of the perfect Islanders. A hard-nosed, blue-collar workhorse that would go out every night and give you his all. The working man's player.

The deal shocked a lot of people as it seemed so sudden. According to Isles GM Garth Snow, it has been discussed at length for quite some time, which part of me would like to think that the team originally inquired for goaltender Ryan Miller. But let's get something straight: Thomas Vanek is no slouch.

The new left winger, and new no. 26 is an upgrade from  Moulson. He has size, can live in front of the net kind of like John LeClair, but has a set of hands like a piano player and a set moves that a dancer would be jealous of.

Vanek is established, putting up good numbers since 2005 and has produced consistently when talent has lacked around him. Moulson has been the beneficiary of playing alongside Tavares, having scored 30 or more goals in each of his first three FULL (2009-2011) NHL seasons.

Both are 29, Moulson two months older than Vanek.

It's imperative the Islanders re-sign the Austrian. He, like Moulson, is in the last year of his contract and
many Islanders fans have had the name Ryan Smyth running through their minds for the past 24 hours. The Islanders traded for Smyth for a playoff run in 2007, only to have him sign with Colorado the next season.

Granted, the Islanders' outlook is far brighter than it was in 2007, but if Vanek walks, and there are already rumors swirling that he will want to go to Minnesota, they will be the losers of this deal despite the depth of its farm system.

If you're a Moulson supporter like 99% of Isles nation is, don't get too down quite yet. A part of me thinks Garth Snow told him that he is going to get his money over the summer and come back to the Island.

The Islanders still need to address its defense and goaltending situation, but this Vanek deal is a sign that Snow is going to go for it and has a lot of faith in the team. When's the last time the team made a deal like this?

The team is making waves. And the good type, too. If Vanek goes out and scores a pair against the Rangers tomorrow night, he becomes a fan favorite immediately.

I'll be in Section 311, with a Rangers fan. I know, but he's one of my best friends. I'll be the big guy in the Billy Smith jersey probably yelling a lot. Come say hello if you get the chance.

Pick 'em: Week 8 NFL

By Joe Pantorno

Everyone and their mothers do predictions, so who am I to miss out on all the fun?

I'll keep track of my dismal record. I tend to over-analyze and make a fool of myself in all sorts of office pools and fantasy games.

Bills @ Saints

"There will be domination, it will be ugly, Drew Brees will put up gaudy numbers," a lot of people will say. While the Saints will win, it won't be as lopsided as I think many expect. The Bills are missing EJ Manuel, odd enough to say, but a team in a tough division like the AFC East that needs to find its bearings needs continuity. Losing their QB obviously doesn't help. Saints win by two touchdowns, almost treating this like a trap game.

Who Dat 35 Boofalo 21

Browns @ Chiefs

Chiefs? 7-0? Well make it 8-0. They could lose next week to the Bills, maybe some complacency creeps in, but it won't be this week, and that's another prediction for another day. Alex Smith is a winner and he's smart. The Browns don't possess any of the assets needed to rattle him. Jason Campbell gets the start for Cleveland as the team has finally seen enough of Brandon Weeden, at least for a half. Who knows? Campbell could go out there and look like he should be playing for Seaford High School. Either way, Chiefs roll.

KC 21 Dawg Pound Nation 7

Cowboys @ Lions

Hey guys, it's America's team! They're first in the NFC East! Cue the ESPN fan-fare! Cue the triumphant looking Troy Aikman in the press box! Cue all the shots of a smiling Jerry Jones! Cue the talks of Tony Romo being a Hall of Famer! Cue a gut-wrenching loss to the hands of Detroit and all the Cowboys fans wanting to jump out a window! Detroit is coming off a tough loss to Cincinnati where they played a very good Bengals team tough. Dallas comes off a win against an NFC East team...so that doesn't count as anything much. It'll be close and it'll be fun. Lots of offense hopefully.

Lions? 34 'Boys 31

49ers @ Jaguars (Wembley Stadium, London, UK)

The Jaguars are giving away home games to play on another continent. For Jacksonville fans, I don't think they care that much. The pitch at Wembley has provided its fair share of problems to American Football players, so we might have plenty of mistakes, especially for a running side like San Francisco and an inept side like the Jaguars. Low scoring, headaches galore. At the end of the day, the Jaguars remain winless, despite a scare.

San Fran 17 Jags 10

Dolphins @ Patriots

The Patriots can't lose. They just can't. They're angry, coming off a loss...and Bill probably spanked Tom in front of the team just to set an example. It'll be scary, Ryan Tannehill will have a nice game, but something will happen to give the Patriots the game. Then all will be right in the world and Jets fans will be saying things like, "see? You always get the calls, too." And I'll just want to slap them both.

Pats 27 Dolphins 23

Giants @ Eagles

I don't know anymore. Maybe the Giants turned a corner. Have the taste of winning on their lips and are lusting for blood. Or they'll come out and lay an egg. Either way, this game is going to be ugly. Philly needs to just ride Shady McCoy until he gives out and the Giants have to work on playing mistake-free football. They got lucky last week. They won't be against the Eagles. Too many skill players.

G-Men 17 Fly Eagles Fly 14

Jets @ Bengals

"BUT WE BEAT THE PATRIOTS!" Every Jets fan will scream after a loss to the Bengals. I like this Cincinnati team, they're onto some big things very soon. Playing the Jets won't be easy, and Geno might give a solid defense some minor problems, but nothing too crazy. The Bengals will learn from the mistakes they made last week against the Lions. The defense will stiffen back up and force a few turnovers against a young quarterback. That win last week against New England won't mean absolutely nothing, but the Jets will drop another game back after this week. IF they win however, this will be a team that believes. And you never want to play a team with that.

Cincy 27 Gang Green 14

Steelers @ Raiders

What used to be the greatest rivalry of the '70s is nothing more than a boring sounding game today. Steelers coming off a big win against Baltimore to get to two games within .500. Raiders were beaten soundly by the Chiefs. I go with the team that's feeling better about themselves this week.

Black & Gold 17 Oak Town 6

Redskins @ Broncos

Hey guys, RG III is back. Of course I benched him after five bad weeks of fantasy, so he comes out and has a monster game. Tough stretch for the Redskins having to take on the Bears and now the Broncos. Denver coming off that loss to Indy will not be a happy bunch and Peyton will be looking for redemption. Unfortunately the frustration will be taken out on the Redskins secondary. Hooray high scoring games!

Orange Crush 38 Am I allowed to call them Redskins? 20

Falcons @ Cardinals

I'll forever be mad at the Falcons for losing to the Jets and ending my hopes of winning a suicide pool. Once this team has a head coach and a quarterback that can win big games, the Falcons will be wonderful. I mean, they're playing the Cardinals this week, so this game is winnable, but who knows? Maybe Mike Smith will kick the ball off if they win the toss in overtime. And they'll miss Julio Jones. I don't think it'll get that far. Falcons win, but I'm still mad at them.

Dirty Birds 21 Cardinals 13

Packers @ Vikings

If the Giants can beat the Vikings, anyone can beat the Vikings (except for the Jaguars...they can't). Green Bay is without Jermichael Finley, hope everything is okay with him. That was scary last week. Aaron Rodgers will have a field day, the Vikings will be stubborn and try and get Josh Freeman into this offense, even though I think Christian Ponder can be a very good NFL quarterback. Packers in a laugher.

Pack Attack 35 Purple People Eaters 10

Seahawks @ Rams (MNF)

So the Rams called up Brett Favre, huh? They're that desperate. That's all you need to know...seriously.

Ricky Running Watters 31 Greatest Show On Turf 7

If you are to watch one game this morning, let it be Newcastle v. Sunderland

Yes, we know Sundays are reserved for NFL Football. Yes, I know this is AMERICA and we are still reeling over a World Series finish that has left me scratching my head (I agree with the call, but what a bad way to end a game), but if you want to see passion and two teams that really, really dislike each other, turn on NBC Sports and watch Newcastle and Sunderland.

I'm not even promoting my team! Chelsea is playing Man City. It's going to be a doozy as well. But the Tyne-Wear derby is going to provide you an amazing atmosphere and a heck of a game.

Granted, both teams are struggling, Newcastle is 10th with 11 points, Sunderland, desperate for its first win, is at the bottom of the table with one point in eight games.

Keep an eye on the touchline as well. Gus Poyet has just taken over for Paolo Di Canio and he gets his new team's biggest rival. Welcome to the big show Gus.

You think Jets-Pats, Yanks-Sox and any kind of California sports fans (because they're irrational and uneducated and just stab people for the heck of it) is bad? Wait til you see these guys. It's starting now, 9:30 AM.

A moment for Adrian Peterson

By Joe Pantorno

I've been away for a while and I deeply apologize. The job hunt has been difficult and I've been taking any chance I get to freelance. So any time I did have to write went out the window. But working today during a 10 hour shift at a warehouse, my phone buzzed an update containing horrifying news.

Adrian Peterson's son is dead.

"Sheesh," I said.

That's all I could say. What else can you say? Anger isn't going to bring a beautiful two-year old child back. Hate isn't going to right the wrongs done by a coward. Of course, I felt those emotions and I'm sure many of you did as well.

Peterson is a class act. A true role model. It's beyond unfortunate, it's tragic that something like this had to happen to such a good man. And to show the kind of man that he is, he thanked his friends, fans, fellow players and family for their support on his twitter account that was covered in photos of him visiting children's hospitals, brightening the days of millions of people.

If football is his release, his escape for a few hours. Let him have at it. And gosh darn it do I hope he runs for 800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

If it's not in a loving, appropriate manner, keep your hands off of children. Innocent newcomers to such a bad place shouldn't be objected to the monsters they fear about. Whether it's the one's hiding under their bed or stumbling in from the bar. They should be protected.

Go on Adrian. Do your thing. You have an army of millions behind you for support.

I'm having a change of heart in football

By Joe Pantorno

Tuesday night, the Americans punched their tickets to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with a 2-0 win over
Mexico. In the past, I would've met this news with some pessimistic, insulting remarks, saying they won't make it out of the group.

They still might not, but let me tell you why I always had a bit of a qualm with U.S. It had nothing to do with the team or the federation. It was the fans.

I grew up with a passion for the sport and was always belittled by tons of folks here about the game. Granted, I was raised watching and supporting the Italian National Team. I always supported the U.S, too, but they were an afterthought.

People ask me why I support Italy. Well, I always have and I always will. It's like me asking you why you support your team. You just do. You were born into it. A relative rooted for them. You know the drill.

So come World Cup time, whether it was '98, '06 and '10, some of these guys that spent three and a half years insulting a game I love would put on red, white and blue and act like fools with zero knowledge of the team and the game they watched. They didn't deserve a good team. They lacked imagination. They wouldn't know what to do with all that space that footballers are given.

"There's not enough scoring."

"It's too boring."

"They're a bunch of pansies."

Last World Cup, I was pulling for Ghana in the knockout stage against the Americans. Yeah, I'll say it. They just didn't deserve a good team. There have always been die-hards, but the uneducated far outweighed those that should have experienced some kind of success.

I've finally been seeing a change in the scope of American fans. There's passion. Albeit there are plenty of non-believers that are going to act like they give a darn come World Cup time. It was rocking in Columbus, the fans were vocal and the atmosphere was brilliant.

It's safe to say that those folks finally deserve it. Hell, come World Cup time I might put the Azzurri, as much as it might pain me, in the back seat and put on my Timmy Howard shirt. I never felt like a good American in these situations and it's about time I show these guys some support. They deserve it. They deserve some real support.

But I'll always root for my Italians. If they come head to head at any point in Brazil, well, I'll be in quite the conundrum.