Bryant Gumbel - A Misguided Sportscaster

What's the most puzzling thing about Bryant Gumbel's controversial race comments is that he has more intelligence and talent in his little finger than most sportscasters do in their entire body. ( I despise that saying but it actually fit here, so I was a complete douche and used it.)

He doesn't need to resort to inflammatory remarks because he wants to keep reminding us that he is in fact black. Gumbel reminds me of that skit years ago on "Saturday Night Live" when Eddie Murphy disguised himself as a white guy to see what goes on when no blacks are around. But Gumbel is the white, masquaraded version, not the real person.

Because he is so 'white,' if you will, Gumbel has to sling some mud to broaden his appeal. Listen, Bryant, you're a he'll of a broadcaster and have been for decades. Only when you began making an asshole out of yourself with controversial comments did people begin hating you.

Yeah, I know. Publicity is publicity, good or bad. But this guy could have possibly been one of the better that the industry has ever had and he loses all respect with his comments. In case you missed his latest on HBO's "Real Sports," he likened NBA commissioner David Stern to a modern day plantation owner.

For the record, "Real Sports" is one of my favorite shows on television and I will continue to watch it. Anyone who actually believes that boycotting a show will make a difference is dillusonal. I like it, it's entertaining and informative and I don't have to agree with everything I watch.

But Gumbel takes away from a great show by sounding as if he should have been holding the Rev. Al Sharpton's hand while protesting during one of the late 1980s "Day of Outrage" marches within New York City.

Hey, Bryant - you're a sportscaster, not a community activist. Stick with what you're good at. And this is coming from a true fan of yours.

It's a Conspiracy - Women Drivers

Don't get me wrong. I would never make a broad statement such as all women are bad drivers. That's just not me. No, I have a theory and it certainly makes more sense this way. There is a large group of women in the Tri-state area who have conspired to follow me on every road, highway and side street. Even parking lots. And their mission is clear - get in his way and make every wrong move known to man - and woman, of course- behind the wheel.

Take this afternoon, for instance. I was driving in the left lane of the Grand Central Parkway headed west towards the city. You New Yorkers know the way well. Lucky for me, it was past rush hour and the traffic was moving fairly well. If you're doing 60 on the GCP, it's the Autobahn.

This young lady, perhaps a 40-something like myself- was ahead of me but in the middle lane. I can see that she is ever so slowly inching her way into the lane I am already occupying and not signaling or slowing down to see if it is clear or not.

As I am about mid-vehicle smack next to her, she makes the move to the left, leaving me no choice but to hop the curb and ride the skinny shoulder before the guard rail. I blow my horn and hope that this idiot notices me before blasting into me and squashing my car.

Luckily she wasn't texting or doing her make-up and she swerved back to where she belonged. I probably scared the shit out of her. But it want exactly all shits and giggles for me, either.

No I'm pissed off, as I should be. It's been a pretty good year with the business (part of which you're reading now) ands I finally have a car I can be proud of. It's not a Maserati but certainly up there and better than the Honda I had before it. So I intend on keeping it looking nice, thank you.

As we pass one another, she has the balls to give me a dirty look and have an attitude. Listen, mirror breaker. You almost caused a real shitty pile up at high speed and I'm getting crap from you?

So please, help me out in this diabolical plan. A lone male is helpless against an army of females armed with heavy machinery, cell phones and eye liner.

Our Prejudging Olympia Predictions on the Money

Once the men's open prejudging was wrapped up, we called the top six in the exact order they finished in. Yes, Phil heath deserved the win and even the defending champion said as much as he congratulated his best friend on the stage.

Jay Cutler showed a great amount of class as he gave kudos to "The Gift" and was fully entrenched in the runner-up spot. Kai Greene looked better than he had before in his previous two appearances at the O, but still was a bit on the bloated and softer side. Either way, a third place finish for "The Predator" is a great step in the right direction.

Some folks felt that Dennis Wolf deserved fourth, but we felt that Victor Martinez looked a hair better than the big German. Dexter Jackson has gone from first to sixth in just three years, but he is still one of the best conditioned athletes on the stage year in and year out.

Places seven through 10 finished a little different than we expected, but the names were the same. We had called as far back as our Olympia preview in the Summer 2011 issue of MuscleSport Magazine that Ronny Rockel would not make the top six, but ninth was a further drop off than we expected for him.

Toney Freeman keeps going strong at 45 and seventh is a good placing for the X-Man. Brandon Curry followed up an impressive New York Pro with an even better look here and deserved eighth. Rounding out the top 10 was Hidetada Yamagishi, who had a great posing routine.

Tough Break for Branch Warren

It appeared as if Branch Warren was going to have a legitimate shot at winning the Sandow after dominating at the Arnold Classic a few short months ago. But the quad tear he suffered from a freak accident and subsequent surgery will put the Texan on the shelf for the remainder of the year.

With the massive wheels he possesses, Warren should recover well and pick up right where he left off. But that still will not make up for a golden opportunity that he will miss next month in Las Vegas. If defending champion Jay Cutler comes in even a little bit off, then a mass monster like Warren would be in line (along with Phil Heath and possibly a guy like Kai Greene) to take advantage of that.

We will never know what may have been, but a fan favorite like Warren having to sit out his second Olympia in four years due to injury will make the line-up seem a little scant.

Some Thoughts, Post-NFL Lockout

*The Seattle Seahawks will take a step back, not that 7-9 was anything to brag about, anyway. But even in the weal NFC West, they will struggle with T. Jax as their new QB. Sure, Rice is nice and all that, but the 'Hawks were better off with Hasselback.

*Philly comes out looking great with all their moves, but our favorite was getting Rodgers-Cromartie and a number two for a back-up QB that wasn't in their long-term plans, anyway. The Eagles picked up Vince Young to hold the clipboard and he'll learn some valuable life lessons from Michael Vick, who knows a thing or two about being the bad guy and silencing the critics.

Pre-Season Football Would Look Good Right Now

With the announcement that the NFL lockout has claimed its first casualty with the cancellation of the Hall of Fame Game, we here at MuscleSport Mag promise to never complain about pre-season games again. Most NFL fans can do without the four exhibition contests held in August that showcase the starters for a few series and then are played between guys that will probably be cut before the next game.

With the future of training camps and possibly the entire pre-season hanging in the balance of a vote by the players, we can only hope that business does not get in the way. Sure, we all realize that it comes down to dollars and cents, but America's Game is way too important to not be played on Sundays.

What we would give to see those fifth-stringers getting some PT in the fourth quarter on a sweltering weeknight in a tied game.

Get this shit done already!

Tennis Really Sucks

Perfect timing for my cardio session at the gym today with ESPN showing that Wimbelton crap. Tennis is shitty enough, but the match also happened to be in the men's division. I can deal with watching two twenty-somethings jiggling through a few sets, but didn't even get that.

I actually found myself peering towards the other screens showing some financial channel and music videos. Not exactly awe inspiring to get you through the end of your training session.

I know a lot of people are really into tennis and go apeshit over these major tournaments, but I have no use for either of them - the tennis or the fans. They're all annoying.

NY Pro News & Notes

*Kai Greene certainly gave himself a boost heading into the Olympia. He hopes to crack into the top three - or better - in his third trip to Vegas. Perhaps sitting out the Arnold was a good strategy after all. We'll find out in September.

*Everyone is Kai crazy right now, but he will be up against the likes of Cutler, Heath and Warren. These guys will be a lot tougher than what he faced in Manhattan.

*Ronny Rockel continues to impress. The German competes multiple times per year and is never out of shape. That is s testament to what he puts into his diet and training.

*The MD forums have been abuzz with Cedric McMillan coddling. Even after the newcomer won the Europa recently, it seemed as if the fans went out of their way protecting him whenever his victory was called controversial. Now he drops out of the top 10 at the New York Pro in a line-up that cannot be considered deep by any stretch. The big man has a lot of potential and should be able to rebound from this.

*If we thought that the Kevin English-David Henry battle was the one to watch in the 202, then a new chapter was written Saturday night when Jose Raymond edged Flex Lewis. The decision could have went either way and these two guys should meet again in September. English made it clear to raymond - enjoy this while you can.

Live From the 2011 NFL Draft - News & Notes

So far, there have been a few surprises and the usual obvious picks. The difference this year is the specter of the labor negotiations hanging over everyone's head. Trades can still be made, but the various team's war rooms will have to be content moving only picks and not live players.

Cam Newton may not be a slam dunk overall number one, but he has a great upside and the Carolina Panthers are looking to start fresh with a new coach and face of the franchise. A player he has been compared to is Vince Young, who is finished in Tennessee with the Titans selecting quarterback Blaine Gabbert eighth overall.

The Atlanta Falcons seem to be looking for the crown in the 'reach' department by trading a one, two, four and 2012 one and four to move up 21 spots to take wideout Julio Jones of Alabama. Not a great move and that was the reaction by the crowd when the deal was announced.

Perhaps the best pure player in this draft went fifth with the Cards picking DB Patrick Peterson from LSU. Another nice selection was Nick Fairley (Auburn) by Detroit at number 13 to team up with Suh on a d-line that is headed in the right direction in the Motor City

Controversy Sells, So Why Should We Be Any Different?

Charlie Sheen hasn't been the most spoken about person of late because he has been behaving like an altar boy. The train wreck that has been his party of a life seems to be around every corner and on every web page. But that's because the masses flame the fires by wanting more of him.

The reason? When things start to go bad, then people give a shit. Waiting for the explosion and watching it get there has become them mantra of many a media outlet and they haven't exactly filed for bankruptcy, either.

Taking the hint, we here at MuscleSport Mag would be foolish to not catch lightning in a bottle. We did it last year with the entire Christian Darrow underground MMA fiasco and saw another chance with the Mets/Spanish players issue. Why? Because it gave our site a shitload of new web hits...the name of the game when you're in this business.

A lot of places will try to justify their actions by making up some crap and giving their readers a song and a dance. We don't. How do we justify our actions? By telling you the truth - in the articles and why we chose to run them.

There have been a few antagonists on various forums on the Internet that have a problem with us being so up front and having the balls to run a story like that. Fortunately, these people have been in the minority and are nary a hinderance to us. We'll keep having fun and their anger is just another part of that.

And because we have chosen to run these stories, that doesn't make us a 'follower.' Quite the contrary, we feel that our platform is one in the 'leader' category. Bringing bodybuilding and sports together the correct way (not just putting a football player on the cover and asking him what exercises he does) the way we have is unprecedented in the industry.

The Arnold Expo - What Is and What Was

You can never have a bad time at the Arnold Expo, only a good time that was equal to or better than previous days walking the hallowed halls of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The opportunity to see the most beautiful bodies in the world for hours on end can be enough eye candy even for the most desperate. Guys like me love the attention the scantily clad women give us while handing out the free samples and I'm sure that the cougars are drooling over the men doing all they can to take up as much room as possible.

With that said, was I the only one that noticed a stripped down version - and not in a good way -  of the booths? VPX usually has one of the largest in the hall with their team of amazing ladies wearing that recognizable blue, but they were either hiding from me or not there at all.

Less gorgeous ass handing out samples that were 1/4 of what they were only a few years ago made it a bit lonely. I actually saw a few companies have their T&A help cut protein bars into slivers that barely had any taste left they were so thin. Kind of like the thickness of the onions cut with a razor blade by Vinny in the jail scene in "Goodfellas."

And I used to leave there with a large bag or two bursting with free goodies, without even trying. I know I'm there to work and don't walk around with an agenda for swag, but my luggage had no problem taking in the 'extras' I came away with this year. T-shirts used to be all over the place, but now you have to work for one.

Sure, the economy has effected everyone, including the supplement companies. I'm not that stupid. But it makes one yearn for the 'good ol' days' from not that long ago when you had more silicone throwing out full protein bars than you can handle.

Some Thoughts With the 2011 Arnold Classic Behind Us

Another great weekend in Columbus has come and go and now it's time to reflect on all of the events that took place over the last few days. The weather sucked with constant rain and even some snow last night, but we knew that we weren't going to Hawaii.

Branch Warren looked amazing and deserved to win his first 2011 Arnold Classic and fifth Most Muscular Award. He brought an unbeatable package with him from Texas and even joked that he needs to build another mantel over his fireplace to house all of the new hardware.

Runner-up Dennis Wolf came in strong and better than his FLEX Pro appearance two weeks ago. Since he has trained himself gain last summer, the Big Bad Wolf is back and in a big way. Victor Martinez was a mild surprise at third, but he did appear much improved since his eighth place finish at the Olympia. A former Arnold Classic champion, the Dominican Dominator was not spoken about as being a threat but proved his critics wrong.

If the first call outs at the pre-judging were any indication, Evan Centopani was headed for the top three. But the winner of the FLEX Pro took fourth, not bad when you also factor in that this was only his third pro show and first Arnold.

It appeared that experience and reputation were the deciding factors in Dexter Jackson finishing ahead of Ronny Rockel. The German could have easily finished as high as fourth, but took home his second consecutive sixth place check from Ohio.

Places seven, eight and nine could have gone many different ways, but Johnnie Jackson came in better than Roelly Winklaar and Toney Freeman and deserved to place just out of the top six. Ben Pakulski looked as serious as a corpse during his posing routine and (surprisingly) squeaked into the top 10 in his maiden Arnold.

Two minor head scratchers were Fouad Abiad finishing in 12th place and Robert Piotrkowitz 14th. Abiad did lose some of his sharpness in the 14 days following his third place finish at the FLEX, but still had enough to fare one or two spots higher. And Piotrkowitz should not have fallen all the way to last, even behind Essa Obiad and the smooth looking Pakulski.

Ms. International (Arnold Classic) Pre-Judging Report

Is it too late to change our prediction for the Ms. International? On paper, we liked Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia to end Iris Kyle’s reign, but the pre-judging on Friday afternoon dictated otherwise. Oriquen-Garcia looked smaller and much smoother than she did at the Ms. Olympia last September, while Kyle seems to have added a little to her physique.

Kyle looked unbeatable from the rear, as usual. And her new hairstyle looks great. (Don’t want to sound like a sissy, but it does count for something with the women.) She did come in what was described as “a little under the weather” by MD’s Shawn Ray and it showed when she was on the side during the second call-outs. Kyle was being attended to by the show personnel and appeared to be dehydrating. Just goes to show you what a great champion she is.

The other three women in the first call-out were Debi Laszewski, Alina Popa and Betty Viana-Adkins. Laszewski looks as if she will either take third or even have a shot at the runner-up position if the judges agree that Oriquen-Garcia is off. Popa may be the surprise of the night and brings a much more streamlined look to the stage that is much needed in the sport. Viana-Adkins took a year off and that appears to have been the right move.

The finals will be here soon, so stay tuned with MSM, our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates and analysis.

MSM Arnold Classic Predictions: Branch Warren & Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia

So, here we are checking the clock to head off to the airport for 'sunny' Columbus, Ohio. Here in NY, the weather was great yesterday and freezing today. Go figure.

I have been doing great in my predictions the past few years in men's bodybuilding, but off a bit when it comes to the women. Let's hope that I continue one trend and break the other - and that can go one of two ways.

I like Branch Warren to win his first Arnold on Saturday night. The guy has been knocking at the door for some time on both Ohio and Vegas, so with Phil and Kai sitting this one out, that proverbial door s wide open for the Texas Rattlesnake. Let's not overlook Dexter and Evan, who both looked to be in great shape a few weeks ago at the FLEX Pro.

The judges in Ohio obviously love Branch and he always is right up there, as well as winning the Most Muscular Award. So it seems as if he has a great shot at this if he comes in on point.

Now to the ladies. Some folks may get the impression that I dislike Iris Kyle because I pick against her often. That couldn't be further from the truth. She is a great person (very gracious when I interviewed her after last year's Arnold) and an exceptional athlete. Her accomplishments cannot ever be taken for ranted.

With that said, I honestly feel that the sport of women's bodybuilding needs a shot in the arm and a change at the top to recover. It has declined greatly the past few years and that may not totally be Kyle's fault, mind you. It is circumstances.

Since 1990 when Lenda Murray's streak began, the competitors have been bigger and more muscular and have gotten further away from what Rachel McClish and Cory Everson set in the beginning. Kyle has taken what Murray did to another level. Only the most hardcore fans have been following the sport and that is not enough to keep it going.

'Going commercial' to rock bands can be tragic to their rabid fan base, but it opens them up to an entire new audience. Take Metallica, for example. The heaviest of the heavy metal bands from the 80s slowed it down a bit (and even cut their long hair) a decade or so later and now are considered one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Was it the right decision? That's debatable, but they have become super rich and a part of pop culture when they would never have attained that status by staying a speed metal cult group.

So should Iris get a crew cut? Obviously not, but a smaller, more streamlined woman with better symmetry may bring in some much-needed mainstream attention. That is why I was predicting that Heather Armbrust could and should be the new face of women's BBing. Unfortunately, her personal issues have taken her out of the mix for now.

Yaxeni has been a champion in the past and very may well again. She has a different look than Iris, but is still fairly muscular. But she is certainly a step in the right direction.

Some people may forget how popular women's BBing was at one time in the early to mid-80s. They had their own night and venue and not grouped in as part of Olympia Weekend. Ms. Olympia was televised on network and cable and Everson graced the cover of the premier issue of FLEX Magazine.

Today, there are only a few pro contests for women to compete in and the line-ups have grown smaller and smaller, number wise. The BBing publications (except us) have barely covered the sport, too. If that's not an indication that something needs to be done, then I don't now what is.

Sandra Blackie, Former IFBB Bodybuilder, on MuscleSport Radio 3/1

Do yourself a favor and be sure to check out the replay of today's episode of MucleSport Radio. Former IFBB pro bodybuilder (and MSM staff writer) Sandra Blackie did a fantastic job on the show. We spoke about her career and today's sport, as well.

Sandra competed in the first ever Ms. International (Arnold Classic) in 1986 and also in three consecutive Ms. Olympias, beginning with the historic 1990 show. That was when the torch was passed from Cory Everson to Lenda Murray and the sport began to take on new 'size,' if you will, from then on.

You can listen to every episode for free either live, download, or the media player on the home pae of MuscleSport Mag. We have had on some exciting guests such as 8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.

Getting Ready for the 2011 Arnold Classic

Columbus here we come! With only a few short days before we get on the airplane facing Ohio, the staff at MuscleSport Mag do not have a minute to waste in preparation for what is going to be two crazy days. Friday and Saturday at the Expo will be marathons of marketing, networking, interviewing and getting material that will become part of our media outlet.

You never know who you're going to run into in the aisles and at the booths that cover what seems like an eternity of floor space at the convention center. Having a recorder, video camera and still camera on hand are musts and we expect to put together some excellent episodes of MuscleSport TV during the weekend.

A quick prediction for the bodybuilding is Branch Warren and Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia.

Fouad Abiad Making Himself a Factor

The last time we saw Fouad Abiad on the bodybuilding stage, he took fourth at the 2009 Europa Super Show. Not exactly an impressive placing with the line-up at hand, mind you. The Canadian could have easily have been forgotten on the pro circuit but made an impressive comeback last Saturday in California.

By taking third place at the FLEX Pro, Abiad not only put himself back on the map, but also qualified for the 2011 Mr. Olympia. He bested a muscular Dennis Wolf and the rest of the competitors, sans winner Evan Centopani and runner-up Dexter Jackson.

Abiad appeared to have some quality size to his 6'2" frame and has previously signed up to compete next month at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. It will be interesting to see how he does against a deeper line-up, but one that is open enough to allow for someone like Abiad to sneak up the ladder.

FLEX Pro Prejudging Notes

Evan Centopani seems to have timed things right again - and we're speaking of contest shape and when to take the stage. In only his second show since earning his pro card, he appears to be in the running for the top spot at the FLEX Pro Championship.

With prejudging behind us, it may come down to Centopani and veteran Dexter Jackson. The Blade is always in the mix and this show is no different. The ageless one looks as if he will be right there at the end.

Dennis Wolf looks good again and Fouad Abiad has returned in good fashion.

Bodybuilding 'Season' Starts Saturday With FLEX Pro

It's been a while since the last 'big' pro bodybuilding show and we get our first look at what improvements have been made on some of the physiques on the circuit. The recognizable ones jump off the page, such as Dexter Jackson, Dennis Wolf, Evan Centopani and Fouad Abiad. The next tier includes Ben White, Grigori Atoyan and Ben Pakulski.

This is a show that has taken the place of the Iron Man Pro, which used to be held in January and kicked off the competition season. Because it is held later, some of the men competitors are using this as a springboard for next month's Arnold Classic.

Marshall Faulk, NFL Hall of Famer, on MuscleSport Radio 2/15

On Tuesday, February 15, MuscleSport Radio is proud to welcome Marshall Faulk to the show as our very special guest. Faulk, a 13-year NFL veteran, was elected on Saturday to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. MuscleSport Radio airs live every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Eastern time every Tuesday.

Faulk was the second overall pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 1994 NFL Draft and won both the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl MVP Awards. He was traded to the St. Louis Rams prior to the 1999 season and won a Super Bowl that year, as well as the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. The following season, Faulk won the NFL MVP Award.

MuscleSport Radio can be heard live every Tuesday from 1:00 to 1:30 PM Eastern time on www.blogtalkradio.com and all episodes are archived on Blog Talk Radio, MuscleSport Mag and iTunes.
Please feel free to join us and give us your opinion, ask Marshall a question or make a comment. Our call-in number is 347-884-8157.

Fedor Retirement More Than a Possibility

No one wants to admit it, but it was painfully obvious that Fedor has fought his last fight. The Russian got his ass kicked by Silva and that's nothing to be ashamed of. But Fedor obviously had given this a lot of thought before the fight and seemed pretty concise when he said what he did after the loss.

That was not something said by impulse, as Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker and the M-1 Global boys wanted everyone to think in the post fight press conferences. They said that it was probably emotions and the disappointment of losing talking rather than Fedor. I'm not buying it. The guy's done.

Gina Carano to Return "Soon"

Femme fatale Gina Carano got a loud whistle/ovation from the crowd when she was interviewed cageside on the big screen and announced that she will return "soon." With a 7-1 record and a face reminiscent of Danica Patrick, she can't get back soon enough.

Arlovski Pummeled by Kharitonov

A big Russian won in stunning fashion and we haven't even reached the main event yet with Fedor. Fan favorite Andrei "Pitbull" Arlovski got his ass kicked in at 2:49 of the first round when the ref stopped it via KO, with Sergei Kharitonov earning the win.

Put a Tent Over This Circus

This has been an interesting experience at the Strikeforce card. The WiFi at this decrepit piece of shit relic of an arena that even the Nets abandoned has been as slow as shit - if it's even working at all. They don't have a hardwire outlet so I'm stuck hoping that this post even gets up.

Perusing the Press Box, I even saw a guy boozing with a bottle purchased from one of the stands in the concourse area. He had no worries about the slow connection because the closest thing he had to being a reporter was a fuckin' pencil!

Fans who are sitting in the stands regularly visit their buddies up in the Press Box, some even double-fisting Bud bottles. Hey, I have no problem with someone getting fucked up on their own time, but this is supposed to be a place to work if I'm not mistaken.

Winter hats - including a full wool Breezly Bruin classic - seem to be the norm for some of the guys who passed themselves off as working media.

I even had one dude say to me that he got his credential so he didn't have to buy a ticket. Who's granting these credential requests anyway?

Strikeforce MMA in New Jersey - The Differences

What the hell. Everyone has a blog nowadays so I figured I'd attach one to MuscleSport Mag. Sitting up her in the Press Box at the IZOD Center in New Jersey watching the preliminary fights at the Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament so I guess now is as good a time as any to start blogging.

I picked up on a few things while waiting in line tp pick up my press credential. Let me back up for a second. The instructions were to pick up the passes at the box office. Sounded simple enough, considering that for game-to-game passes for football (which is played right next door at the New Meadowlands), we have to pick up our shot at the Will Call window.

A mob awaited at the box office outside in the dead of winter for the doors to open. I worked my way through the crowd to a few whispers along the lines of, "Where do you think you're going, motherfucker?" I made it inside and then took a spot at the back of another line for the press.

Here is where my observations began. The media people for MMA differ greatly from many of the other events I cover regularly. The bodybuilding media is a totally different animal, so I'm talking more about the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA.

I'm sure that there were some legitimate folks waiting like I was, but it looked more like a fanfest or someone being hooked up by family, etc. for a chance to get a free ticket to 'the fights.' I'm not going tp win the fanciest dresser award even at the Super Bowl, but I try to make some kind of impression and give off an air of professionalism when I cover an event.

A nice pair of pants (or you can even get away with new jeans), a collared shirt and shoes are not too much to ask for, or at least I thought. MMA-related t-shirts, sweatshirts, faded jeans and sneakers were definitely on the menu with my 'colleagues.'

I highly doubt that there was anything more than a .com associated with the majority of these men and women sporting the relaxed look, and I actually have no problem with that. Things are definitely starting to go that way, but just as I started this blog in five minutes, one of these guys could have done the same and take a Press Box seat from someone who is actually doing this as a career, not a  hobby.

I'm out there doing my thing online, too, but the e-magazine, radio show and video clips do carry some clout. Plus I'm getting my shot together for the print magazine later this year, too. The website portion of my company is basically a clubhouse for all the other bigger stuff.

If you're gonna play the part, look the part.