No Lebron!....NOOOOOO!!!

Did you guys hear on ESPN today that when Lebron is available in 2010 that Jay-z won't be the only owner after him.

They said the owners of a Greek team called Olympiakakis, or something like that, are BILLIONAIRES & there is no salary cap & they will be pursuing Lebron.
At first I thought no that is crazy, but when you think about it, billionaire owners+no salary cap=some unreal amount of money. And we all know money talks, so it could happen.

Man if Lebron goes that will be tuff for me, but I guess I would start rooting for OJ Mayo(Mayo is someone I wil be rooting for now anyways) & whatever team he is with by then. But I sure hope Lebron doesn't bolt.

I've heard of that, in fact the Hawks just lost Josh Childress to one of those europe teams. I think it was the same team. The Hawks actually had the right to match any NBA team that tried to sign him, but since he left to Europe all those rights didn't matter.

Plus those teams pay the taxes for the players. So if you get 100 mil you actually get the full amount.

Thats good. Stern and NBA had a monopoly on players. Let the (worldwide) market decide

Well I guess we will see what kind of Character Lebron has when he makes his decision in 2010..

I think he wants to go down as the greatest Basketball player in NBA history and he is already on his way, especially with the start he has had.. Also he is an Ohio native and makes plenty of money already besides what his contract ammount is for.. All of his endorsements would likely be dropped or severly lowered if he left the country because we all know very few americans follow international sports.. Who knows though, its all hear say until HE makes his mind up.. I personally think he will stay with Cleveland and try and make it a Dynasty, which could happen if they can stay healthy and fill in a few more gaps..

Well I guess we will see what kind of Character Lebron has when he makes his decision in 2010..

I think he wants to go down as the greatest Basketball player in NBA history and he is already on his way, especially with the start he has had.. Also he is an Ohio native and makes plenty of money already besides what his contract ammount is for.. All of his endorsements would likely be dropped or severly lowered if he left the country because we all know very few americans follow international sports.. Who knows though, its all hear say until HE makes his mind up.. I personally think he will stay with Cleveland and try and make it a Dynasty, which could happen if they can stay healthy and fill in a few more gaps..

I have been following King James since he was in H.S. & since Cleveland has done nothing so far & really doesn't have anyone to trade for a Lebron "sidekick" I say he goes to the Nets soon as his contract is up. Being from Ohio I would love to see him win all the titles he is gonna wil with Cleveland, but I think he will bolt to NJ as I will follow.

Childress also left for $20 million, which is 4 times what the hawks were offering. Do you think they'll be able to offer that multiple for Lebron? You have to factor in his endorsement deals. He's making a hell of a lot if you factor that stuff in that he'll lose if he leaves.

Childress also left for $20 million, which is 4 times what the hawks were offering. Do you think they'll be able to offer that multiple for Lebron? You have to factor in his endorsement deals. He's making a hell of a lot if you factor that stuff in that he'll lose if he leaves.

I thought it was $30M?

Either way, who can blame these lower tier players (they aren't superstars) for taking up these unreal offers coming from the Euro League?

Combine that with the Euro being stronger than the Dollar, it's an easy decision and only leaves them with deciding if the "NBA brand recognition" is worth it. $30M Euro is about $45M+ US right now... I think.

I have been following King James since he was in H.S. & since Cleveland has done nothing so far & really doesn't have anyone to trade for a Lebron "sidekick" I say he goes to the Nets soon as his contract is up. Being from Ohio I would love to see him win all the titles he is gonna wil with Cleveland, but I think he will bolt to NJ as I will follow.

They have added some pieces that should have worked out better then they did, but so long as the core is there and they learn how to play as a team the Cavs can be a force in the east no doubt.. He may leave for NJ but honestly I feel he is gonna stay at home as he thinks he has something to prove..

I thought it was $30M?

Either way, who can blame these lower tier players (they aren't superstars) for taking up these unreal offers coming from the Euro League?

Combine that with the Euro being stronger than the Dollar, it's an easy decision and only leaves them with deciding if the "NBA brand recognition" is worth it. $30M Euro is about $45M+ US right now... I think.

Nope it was 20 Million even per Wikipedia..

Players like Childress are average at best in the NBA, there is a reason he was getting paid what he was in the NBA..

I dont think too many superstars from the NBA would take the money and play for another country.. Its not just about the money as most are making millions here with endorsement deals and what not but its about the brand and recognition the NBA gives you.. That is what keeps the good players here, offers have been thrown around before for big name NBA players but none have left so far..

Most have a family that they dont want to relocate or be away from for that long (its not like you can fly to and from on any given weekend) there are a lot of variables involved but saying Childress left for 2,3,4,5 x the money doesnt really mean much when you look at what kind of player he is.. Yea he is good, I mean there is a reason he is in the NBA but compared to others at his position he is average at best..

wow! this isn't just a rumor no longer. Lebron is actually considering it as long as they offer up $50 mill a year, & they can do that I believe.

Here's the latest....
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3520860&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines

NBA Players would dominate in Europe and make themselves into global icons even more so, then once that contract ends; you will see a HUGE bidding war between the NBA and Europe, it would be the smartest career move for ANY NBA player.

True, thats why I said in a prior post, let the (worldwide) market decide... You also have to factor in that the euro is worth so much more than the ever declining dollar...

NBA Players would dominate in Europe and make themselves into global icons even more so, then once that contract ends; you will see a HUGE bidding war between the NBA and Europe, it would be the smartest career move for ANY NBA player.

The endorsement deals would follow along with teh player. How many people do they have in Europe and how many of them like to spend money lots and lots of them they could sell even more King James paraphanalia there than they do in the US not to mention gatorade etc are all big things over there to.

No KOBE! This from the LA times today

Kobe Bryant, asked whether he would ever play for a European team, said: "Yes, sure, Italy, Greece, Russia. Forty million a year and I'm there, as simple as that."

This could put the nba down there with hockey. Imagine no kobe or lebron why watch if its not a league of the best in the world.

No KOBE! This from the LA times today

Kobe Bryant, asked whether he would ever play for a European team, said: "Yes, sure, Italy, Greece, Russia. Forty million a year and I'm there, as simple as that."

This could put the nba down there with hockey. Imagine no kobe or lebron why watch if its not a league of the best in the world.

oh yeah, if Lebron goes that would have hurt the NBA real bad, but if Kobe also follows I don't know who the NBA would turn to as the "Face of the NBA" as imo n the NBA there is Lebron, Kobe, & the rest of the NBA.

Yea losing Kobe and Lebron would be a huge hit but you guys must not be big fans of basketball because there are a lot more players out there to fill the void..

Bron Bron and Kobe are players that even people who know nothing about basketball like and root for, but to say there is no one else is ridiculous.. How about Superman Dwight Howard, my man CP3, Nash, Amare, Duncan, Agent 0, KG, The Truth Paul Pierce, AI, Mello, D-wade and I think you get my point.. It will hurt the appeal for someone who is not an avid fan but its still ridiculous saying there is no more NBA without them..

There is new blood every year and the talent level is getting better because of it, if the euro leagues were soo great why would soo many international players come and play in the NBA? Dirk, Manu, Parker, Oberto, Ming, AK47, Rad Vlad, Bogut, Bargnani I mean there is a ton of good international players who came to play in the NBA and they are all big names in their respective countries.. There is a reason they came to play for the NBA..

No KOBE! This from the LA times today

Kobe Bryant, asked whether he would ever play for a European team, said: "Yes, sure, Italy, Greece, Russia. Forty million a year and I'm there, as simple as that."

This could put the nba down there with hockey. Imagine no kobe or lebron why watch if its not a league of the best in the world.

Ba ha ha the NBA is allready a league below the NHL the NBA is a bunch of drug dealer rapper wannabee's along with the NFL. Atleast the NHL is a pretty clean sport in far more respects than the NBA or NFL.

Ba ha ha the NBA is allready a league below the NHL the NBA is a bunch of drug dealer rapper wannabee's along with the NFL. Atleast the NHL is a pretty clean sport in far more respects than the NBA or NFL.

Well I am not going to touch the racial undertones in your post but he was referring to popularity wise with his cpmparison to the NBA and NHL.. Most US citizens dont give a crap about Hockey, too many holdouts too much crying from the players and short seasons and not enough people with a personality to promote their business..

Exactly. The majority in the US do not give a crap about hockey or soccer. The NBA is on a decline here and this will be really bad. I know there are other players but if the 2 best and most popular both ways as someone to love and hate leave the others dont matter. If its not a league of the best in the world its going to go on a downward spiral. The reason our leagues are great is for that reason. If its not that way might as well watch college ball instead. You would not be able to call them world champions for sure. Say these rich bastards get kobe and lebron with some good international players and I would bet on them over whoever wins the NBA ring.

it's also tax free living for those NBA guys going overseas. that's the main reason for these guys going over there. think about it,

10 million really = 4%-8% for an agent plus an addition 50% off for taxes. both are taken off the top so the player is only getting about 45% of his contract that year.

while playing overseas 10 million doesn't get taxed and the agents are only getting 5%. then on top of that there is no tax when you change the cash back over but you are paying a nice fee. if they get paid in EURO then the exchange rate put there 10 million dollar contract well over the 10 million they would get here.

the best decision for these midlevel players to make is take that extra cash because it would take them so much longer to make that kind of cake over here. it would take them what 2 1/4 year here for what they make in 1 year there. it's a no brainer. and it's not like they can't come back when they are in their prime and maybe a much better player for going overseas where the games are more fundimental and the refs don't buy into that superstar calls b.s..

Spoken like a true canadian. NHL is one step above roller derby :haha:

Ba ha ha the NBA is allready a league below the NHL the NBA is a bunch of drug dealer rapper wannabee's along with the NFL. Atleast the NHL is a pretty clean sport in far more respects than the NBA or NFL.

Aye so Kobe still is not happy in LA..? Doesn't he have the right to become a free agent soon?

No KOBE! This from the LA times today

Kobe Bryant, asked whether he would ever play for a European team, said: "Yes, sure, Italy, Greece, Russia. Forty million a year and I'm there, as simple as that."

This could put the nba down there with hockey. Imagine no kobe or lebron why watch if its not a league of the best in the world.

Well I am not going to touch the racial undertones in your post but he was referring to popularity wise with his cpmparison to the NBA and NHL.. Most US citizens dont give a crap about Hockey, too many holdouts too much crying from the players and short seasons and not enough people with a personality to promote their business..

Short season how is 82 games short I would love to see football players try to play an 82 game season 16 games is a pansy season.

Spoken like a true canadian. NHL is one step above roller derby :haha:


Hmm well I recall the SCF having higher ratings than many baseball and basketball games and football games so I am not too sure what you are refering to and those were US numbers not even Canadian numbers for viewers.

Hmm well I recall the SCF having higher ratings than many baseball and basketball games and football games so I am not too sure what you are refering to and those were US numbers not even Canadian numbers for viewers.

Are you kidding me?

The Stanley Cup Finals had a rating of 1.8 this year.
The NBA Finals had a 9.3.
Game 1 of the 2007 MLB World Series had a 10.5.

I won't even mention the Super Bowl, because that blows everyone away.

So ya DSNY, Hockey ratings in the states are horrible. Most people couldn't even find the channel that the playoffs were on (Versus).

No crap any football game has higher ratings. The only games show for hockey are on what the versus channel. Most people dont even know about that channel. Hockey is probably even with the WNBA if its lucky. And as far as an nfl season being for panies your crazy. How many 260 to 300+ pounders are in the NHL. I bet any 300 pound lineman is more athletic then these hockey players. Your choice a 180 pound hockey player skating at you or a 280 pound DE running a 4.7 coming at you?

Are you kidding me?

The Stanley Cup Finals had a rating of 1.8 this year.
The NBA Finals had a 9.3.
Game 1 of the 2007 MLB World Series had a 10.5.

I won't even mention the Super Bowl, because that blows everyone away.

So ya DSNY, Hockey ratings in the states are horrible. Most people couldn't even find the channel that the playoffs were on (Versus).


The playoffs were on NBC which IMHO is a terrible station to be hooked up with but hey that is just my thoughts.
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/200813


Hmm here are some ratings from just game 5 of the finals.

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7


As for Just HD the average weight of an NHL player now is over 200lbs and they come at you at up to 30+ MPH and hit harder than NFL players you need to watch discovery channel a bit they did research on this.

But how many times are they getting hit compared to every play in the NFL. Not to mention dog piles and multiple hits.

you are really sounding like a fool with all this talk. there is a reason that hockey almost went under just a few years ago. just a few years ago Hockey had more teams losing money then any major sport maybe in the world.

also i watched that discovery show on how hard hockey players hit and football was NOT in the comparison. Fartinston Labs did research over many years and found that on average football players have an impact of a head on collision at 35MPH. that's on average not your "up to".

Rugby players on the other hand take on average more hits over the course of a game then any other sport. rugby came in second NOT HOCKEY.

also SOCCER is the highest rated and most popular sport throughout the world. it might not be in the US but world wide it's not even close. countries shut down when the world cup starts.

Calling NBC a horriable station is another foolish comment. hooking up with NBA was one of the best moves the NHL could have done. by keeping it on a local channel they were able to reach higher ratings then they have gotten in a long time. so to call a station that helped your sport a bad move is pretty much foolish.


The playoffs were on NBC which IMHO is a terrible station to be hooked up with but hey that is just my thoughts.
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/200813


Hmm here are some ratings from just game 5 of the finals.

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7


As for Just HD the average weight of an NHL player now is over 200lbs and they come at you at up to 30+ MPH and hit harder than NFL players you need to watch discovery channel a bit they did research on this.

you are really sounding like a fool with all this talk. there is a reason that hockey almost went under just a few years ago. just a few years ago Hockey had more teams losing money then any major sport maybe in the world.

also i watched that discovery show on how hard hockey players hit and football was NOT in the comparison. Fartinston Labs did research over many years and found that on average football players have an impact of a head on collision at 35MPH. that's on average not your "up to".

Rugby players on the other hand take on average more hits over the course of a game then any other sport. rugby came in second NOT HOCKEY.

also SOCCER is the highest rated and most popular sport throughout the world. it might not be in the US but world wide it's not even close. countries shut down when the world cup starts.

Calling NBC a horriable station is another foolish comment. hooking up with NBA was one of the best moves the NHL could have done. by keeping it on a local channel they were able to reach higher ratings then they have gotten in a long time. so to call a station that helped your sport a bad move is pretty much foolish.

Hmm on Discovery Canada they had football in the mix on hardest hits it was actually on Daily planet up here on Discovery Canada so it may have actually been 2 different shows between the US and Canada.

As for hockey teams losing money well if the bonehead Bettman would have been smart about it he would have never put teams in places like Nashville and 2 teams in Florida which is historically a NCAA state even the D Rays and Marlins have a hard time drawing fans and lose money. The only pro team I think that is really doing well is the Dolphins The Jags are losing money and I am not too sure about the Bucks.

The playoffs were on NBC which IMHO is a terrible station to be hooked up with but hey that is just my thoughts.
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/200813


Hmm here are some ratings from just game 5 of the finals.

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7


As for Just HD the average weight of an NHL player now is over 200lbs and they come at you at up to 30+ MPH and hit harder than NFL players you need to watch discovery channel a bit they did research on this.

:lol:

You took ratings from select cities :haha:

The ratings in Pittsburgh may have been 35.4 (MAYBE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN THE FINALS? DUH!), but the average ratings across the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA were dismal.

Seriously, you do sound pretty retarded with your hockey argument.

:haha:

Heh..His passion for hockey is admirable... Hockey is the only "sport" that encourages fights; the refs might as well eat popcorn during the bouts because they certainly don't do anything else :rolleyes: If that "league" seriously took steps to ban fighting like most sports do, NHL would really go bankrupt since most "fans" go to games just to see the fights. There is a saying, I went to a boxing match and a hockey game broke out ;)

Seriously, you do sound pretty retarded with your hockey argument.

:haha:

:lol:

You took ratings from select cities :haha:

The ratings in Pittsburgh may have been 35.4 (MAYBE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN THE FINALS? DUH!), but the average ratings across the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA were dismal.

Seriously, you do sound pretty retarded with your hockey argument.

:haha:


Actually teh article came from sports Illustrated I didn't choose the markets that was what was posted.

Can you explain to me then why Nashville of all places had such a rating and DC ya they have the Caps but they were out long before then.

Actually teh article came from sports Illustrated I didn't choose the markets that was what was posted.

Well then did you read the article?

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7

Anyways, we get what you are saying. Hockey is the best, Americans are dumb, and Candians are superior. That's pretty much the theme in all your posts.

Well then did you read the article?

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7

Anyways, we get what you are saying. Hockey is the best, Americans are dumb, and Candians are superior. That's pretty much the theme in all your posts.

Well stupid no but reading the last post Ignorant on some occasions certainly but not all of them I have met some great and friendly Americans but you aren't helping their cause.

Well stupid no but reading the last post Ignorant on some occasions certainly but not all of them I have met some great and friendly Americans but you aren't helping their cause.

:lol:

I don't think I need to defend how good of a country America is. Canada is great as well, and I don't think there should be debates about what country is better.

I was just pointing out the fact that you should take your Canadian blinders off once in a while. Especially when you state false facts about the NHL being more popular than other sports.

:lol:

I don't think I need to defend how good of a country America is. Canada is great as well, and I don't think there should be debates about what country is better.

I was just pointing out the fact that you should take your Canadian blinders off once in a while. Especially when you state false facts about the NHL being more popular than other sports.


No worries SOBAY no harm no foul as I said I was posting an article that was put forth by SI that contradicted some other claims that the NHL had no following. You love your sports I love mine that is all part of being passionate sports fans.

Yeah point is you compared hockey to the NFL. It may have a following but so does the WNBA. Either of which pale in comparison to the NFL. Funny how this thread is about the NBA, that shows the decline and Kobe restated his position last night. When asked about his comments he said the NBA is a global market now and he will test all waters and look at all offers when he becomes a free agent. Then Lebron says his dream is to be a billionare so everyone knows money talks. This really sucks since I love football but my #1 will always be the NBA. And I cant care about a league thats not about the best. Thats like saying minor league baseball should have the same following as the majors since their is some good players there to.

No worries SOBAY no harm no foul as I said I was posting an article that was put forth by SI that contradicted some other claims that the NHL had no following. You love your sports I love mine that is all part of being passionate sports fans.

My favorite band of all time is the Barenaked Ladies, that's gotta hold some merit with you right? :hithere:

My favorite band of all time is the Barenaked Ladies, that's gotta hold some merit with you right? :hithere:


Heck ya I love the BNL I have seen them live 10 times. I think Steven is getting the shaft in this supposed drug conviction in NY state though.

Heck ya I love the BNL I have seen them live 10 times. I think Steven is getting the shaft in this supposed drug conviction in NY state though.

I seriously fell off my chair when I saw Steven plastered on TMZ.com with the charges. It was weird, kind of like a let down, dissapointed, denial type of thing.

I've probably seen them 10-15 times, have all their albums, and there really is nothing quite like them.

Did you get SNACKTIME? What a great kids album that is.

A BNL fan? Are you kidding me? Immediately we are best friends! :hithere:

I seriously fell off my chair when I saw Steven plastered on TMZ.com with the charges. It was weird, kind of like a let down, dissapointed, denial type of thing.

I've probably seen them 10-15 times, have all their albums, and there really is nothing quite like them.

Did you get SNACKTIME? What a great kids album that is.

A BNL fan? Are you kidding me? Immediately we are best friends! :hithere:


You are my new best friend and yes the kids have snack time. I have seen them play at Nathan Phillips Square in TO 2 times on new years even and at the JLC in London and also at Pine Knot or whatever the place is called over in Michigan and a couple other times in Toronto.

that's pretty much all i got out of this guys posts as well. i came with a well broken down counter point which pretty much thrashed his whole previous points on how much harder hockey players hit and how hocky is such a big draw only for him to come back with a very limited response that was picking at little points. people that use that tactic are generally the ones who realize they have been proven wrong and have decided to fight back with little ammo rather then just admit their point of view was wrong. it's one thing to have an opinion but it's a whole different thing to start bringing in facts that are completely wrong. his whole theory on Hockey hitting the hardest of all sports is a complet joke. hockey isn't even in the top 2, football and rugby, are easily the top hard hitting sports.

actually a study was done and it was found that over a course of a game the most hitting over the course of a pro game is Basketball. it's clearly not the hardest hitting but over the course of a game there are more hits in basketball then the other major sports. also it was found that over a whole game the amount of hits add up to more force then what Hockey and Football players go through over a course of 1 game. it's really amazing to read such a thing but it's true. a few years ago i read a study that was linked to some basketball forum i frequent. i forget what university did the study but it was one of the leading universities in america.

also DSNY if americans are so bad then why do so many nations request our help. our donations around the world rival all other nations. also world leaders from all around the world send their children to american schools for a reason. we might not have the best health care system but there isn't much more to complain about in this country. our issues are nothing compared to other countries. our current recission is an awsome year for 98% of the other countries, canada included.

yes we all know that when a hockey game is on it's like christmas in canada. everyone in canada stops building their igloos or playing that game where you use brooms and a oversized puck (WTF is that game all about anyways. I will never understand the point of such a game). i mean come on they use brooms.

but here in america where the brew is cold, the women are hot, and the grass is green hockey is an after thought. no matter what ratings you show us you simply can't twist the national ratings. i live in the Boston area and i'm Canadian. i'm sure you know this area is full of canadians. well even here hockey has become an after thought. nobody cares for the sport because it's marketed wrong and there is no loyalty from the players. unless the guy is a huge star then nobody cares for some russian who can't speak english and only come to america to play in the NHL. this same guy will leave your team for an extra quarter in his next contract. so in the end nobody knew this guy and then he moves on without a care.

that is what's wrong with the NHL. the NBA realized this with all those kids going from HS to the NBA. the kids had no back story so it made it harder to market them unless their name was lebron. at least when they go to college they have a back story and people in a different part of the country will be willing to follow that player.

in the NHL these kids are taken young and never heard from for many years. there is no getting to know the kids as they are put in leagues in other countries. this creates a huge gap and only hockey purists are willing to go that extra mile to follow which players are doing what. Poor financial decisions, marketing, and product placemnet have killed the NHL in america.

isn't it kind of obvious when a has been american born hockey player gets more attention then the NHL's best players who are foreign born. it's also kind of like tennis. roddick sucks compared to the top players but in america so many people know who he is. that's because roddick is marketed right while Nadal who is far superior isn't.



Well then did you read the article?

MONDAY'S TOP 10 MARKETS:
1. Pittsburgh, 35.4/52
2. Detroit, 29.6/46
3. Buffalo, 10.2/17
4. Denver, 7.2/12
5. Minneapolis, 7.1/13
6. St. Louis, 6.2/10
T7. Philadelphia, 4.9/9
T7. Nashville, 4.9/8
9. Washington, D.C., 4.7/9
10. Las Vegas, 4.4/7

Anyways, we get what you are saying. Hockey is the best, Americans are dumb, and Candians are superior. That's pretty much the theme in all your posts.

that's pretty much all i got out of this guys posts as well. i came with a well broken down counter point which pretty much thrashed his whole previous points on how much harder hockey players hit and how hocky is such a big draw only for him to come back with a very limited response that was picking at little points. people that use that tactic are generally the ones who realize they have been proven wrong and have decided to fight back with little ammo rather then just admit their point of view was wrong. it's one thing to have an opinion but it's a whole different thing to start bringing in facts that are completely wrong. his whole theory on Hockey hitting the hardest of all sports is a complet joke. hockey isn't even in the top 2, football and rugby, are easily the top hard hitting sports.

actually a study was done and it was found that over a course of a game the most hitting over the course of a pro game is Basketball. it's clearly not the hardest hitting but over the course of a game there are more hits in basketball then the other major sports. also it was found that over a whole game the amount of hits add up to more force then what Hockey and Football players go through over a course of 1 game. it's really amazing to read such a thing but it's true. a few years ago i read a study that was linked to some basketball forum i frequent. i forget what university did the study but it was one of the leading universities in america.

also DSNY if americans are so bad then why do so many nations request our help. our donations around the world rival all other nations. also world leaders from all around the world send their children to american schools for a reason. we might not have the best health care system but there isn't much more to complain about in this country. our issues are nothing compared to other countries. our current recission is an awsome year for 98% of the other countries, canada included.

yes we all know that when a hockey game is on it's like christmas in canada. everyone in canada stops building their igloos or playing that game where you use brooms and a oversized puck (WTF is that game all about anyways. I will never understand the point of such a game). i mean come on they use brooms.

but here in america where the brew is cold, the women are hot, and the grass is green hockey is an after thought. no matter what ratings you show us you simply can't twist the national ratings. i live in the Boston area and i'm Canadian. i'm sure you know this area is full of canadians. well even here hockey has become an after thought. nobody cares for the sport because it's marketed wrong and there is no loyalty from the players. unless the guy is a huge star then nobody cares for some russian who can't speak english and only come to america to play in the NHL. this same guy will leave your team for an extra quarter in his next contract. so in the end nobody knew this guy and then he moves on without a care.

that is what's wrong with the NHL. the NBA realized this with all those kids going from HS to the NBA. the kids had no back story so it made it harder to market them unless their name was lebron. at least when they go to college they have a back story and people in a different part of the country will be willing to follow that player.

in the NHL these kids are taken young and never heard from for many years. there is no getting to know the kids as they are put in leagues in other countries. this creates a huge gap and only hockey purists are willing to go that extra mile to follow which players are doing what. Poor financial decisions, marketing, and product placemnet have killed the NHL in america.

isn't it kind of obvious when a has been american born hockey player gets more attention then the NHL's best players who are foreign born. it's also kind of like tennis. roddick sucks compared to the top players but in america so many people know who he is. that's because roddick is marketed right while Nadal who is far superior isn't.


The poor marketing and decisions fall squarely on the shoulders of Gary Bettman in teh mid 90's when the HABS and Rangers won cups in consecutive years hockey had surpassed the NBA in popularity similar to when Gretz moved from Edmonton to LA. Bettman then tried to bring in a new marketing scheme for the game and stretch it to markets it truly has no reason for being in case in point Nashville and PHX.

As for the first bolded part I think I would beg to differ non hockey fans are certainly aware of young stars named Ovechkin and Crosby and Kane and Toews in Chicago. so to say they are obscure and unknown is a bit off even for a Canadian living in the Boston area. As for people in your area not caring they haven't really cared since Sinden screwed the B's for so long with trades of Borque and Thornton etc.

As for hardest hitting sports I do not think I said hockey had the hardest hits I may be wrong I will have to go re read the posts but it is certainly one of the hardest hitting sports.