BT Sports Radio is a weekly sports/entertainment show hosted by Rich Turpin and "Sportsyack" Mike Baxter. They can be heard on the NTN Radio.Com network, every Tuesday from 7-9 pm EST. Follow Rich on Twitter @TheRichTurpin and Mike @Sportsyack.
*00:00-0:20:00
Show opening. Boston Marathon bombing is discussed, and how people on twitter reacted. Yack hates Twitter during tragic events, as he thinks it brings out the worst in people. Yack and Rich make an Over/Under wager on when a suspect will be named.
*0:24:10-0:40:07
Former Redskins' Running Back Ladell Betts joins the program to talk about his time with the team, and to promote the Big Train Celebrity Softball Classic, which is this Saturday, April 20th.
*0:45:06-1:00:27
The Masters is discussed. Joe Ham from Leesburg calls in. The fellas discuss the exciting playoff finish, as well as the controversy surrounding Tiger Woods' "legal or illegal?" drop. Turpin thinks its absolutely absurd that "some fat slob with sleep apnea" can call in to report an infraction.
*1:05:08-1-23:00
Dan Steinberg, from the DC Sports Bog, joined the program and discussed his lack of Masters viewing, as well as his post regarding RG3 and Dan Snyder attending a movie premier together. Dan also told us about how bitter he was after not getting any playing time in last year's Celebrity Softball Game (after being invited), and how even worse, after leaving- he realized he left his daughter's scooter at the field. Yack and Dan agree that Nats Park is a totally underrated ball park.
*1:27:18- End. Rich's Stories- the greatest segment ever invented. The conversation also debates whether guys like John Belushi and Chris Farley are considered comedic "geniuses", just because of their untimely deaths. Also, Yack likes to say the word "actually". The count was north of 11 for this show.
The Twitter-less Judge Patrick was welcomed into the Dawghouse Studios, as Rich and Yack are still searching for a third member of "the band". After a heated discussion in which Rich killed Third Eye Blind, who Yack defended, and after Rich killed the city in which he works (Baltimore), the discussion turned to how Roger Goodell's rule implementations are ruining the NFL. The guys ended the segment by talking about why the Redskins do NOT need to re-sign Fred Davis.
"The Jewish Jordan", Tamir Goodman (@TamirGoodman), called in to talk about what truly is an amazing story and his new book. The Baltimore native was a great interview, and his life story is truly inspiring; a true role model for all.
Rich's Stories began the second hour. Rich got us up to date on a woman from Oklahoma who hid a gun in her vagina, Bow Wow owes a stripper $80k, Yack talked about his basic training experience, and other important things you need to know. The guys concluded the show by talking about March Madness, and who their final four (or is it seven?) teams are. Thanks for listening.
Yack, Rich, and Jabby somehow got a dead guy to call in- Dale Earnhardt, Sr., who was shot out of the box, and had a few choice opinions about Danica Patrick, women in racing, and our POTUS. Let's just say he did the hillbilly stereotype no favors. The boys also touched on NCAABB and March Madness, which is right around the corner, Seth MacFarlane's Oscars' hosting duties- which was discussed during Rich's Stories, and NFL Free Agency and the WGC Match Play. Another Tuesday night of broadcasting brilliance.
The boys put a bow tie on the 2012 NFL season, recapping the Super Bowl, and finally giving the Baltimore Ravens their due. Former President of the NFLPA Domonique Foxworth joined the boys at the bottom of the first hour, and gave his take on the game, Baltimore Walmarts, and touched on the last CBA. Rich Turpin's Hollywood Hot Stove segment is still a hit, as is Phil Mickelson's putter- which the boys touched on in Jabby's Nuggets. Thanks for listening.
*Show Opening, the guys want to know why a former show PD won't remove the shows from his website. *0:30:00 Domonique Foxworth joins the program. *0:58:00 Rich Turpin's Hollywood Hot Stove, which actually involves more stories about non-Hollywood white trash than it does about Hollywood starlets, but whatever. The segment is a winner.
Enjoy the show and send us feedback on Twitter. @Sportsyack @Jabbyburns @TheRichTurpin
San Francisco (-4) vs. Baltimore
I have picked against the Charm City Crowes this entire post season (and I'm 0-2 ATS by doing so), and at the request of the Charm City Crowes biggest fan, Matt "Picking NCAABB games ATS like its going out of Style" Valdez, I'm not going to stop here.
In reality, reader, I have been back and forth with this game for over a week now. However, I do believe I've come to my senses, and I'm going to go with the team who I believe (1) has better athletes across the board, and (2) at the end of the day, has the better defense.
Look at all the key positions on both sides of the ball. Other than the Special Teams, the 49er position players are more athletic or in the least, equal to that of his Raven counterpart.
Quarterback: Colin K. is the superior athlete to Joe F, but Joe F. has more post season experience, obviously. I'll still give the edge to the kid whose more athletic and more mobile. 49ers Running Back: Frank Gore and Ray Rice are about even. Statistically speaking, Gore was ranked slightly higher, but Rice's 4th and 29 versus SD is worth something. Even Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis are better than any two wide outs the Ravens will trot out on Sunday. However, collectively, I think the Ravens have more options, and they spread the ball around more. But athletically speaking, 49ers Defense: The 49ers are younger and statistically better. And although the Ravens are on a bit of a heater as of late (beat Peyton Manning in Denver/beat Tom Brady in Foxboro), I'll put my chips on the youth of San Fran. 49ers Special Teams: David Akers has been a shit show this season (29-42, next to DFL in the league) for Frisco, and Baltimore's rookie Justin Tucker has been (30-33) solid all season. The Ravens were 1st in KO return yards, but they did give up two TD returns to Denver in the Divisional Round. Ravens
Other than the difference in skill position, and the overall athleticism of the 49ers, I also think Frisco's post season resume is more impressive. Its time to be critical, degens, and no offense to Baltimore, but lets be real here. Your first round win versus Indy almost a month ago, not that impressive. You were sluggish at home, and granted you pulled away late, but you were extremely fortunate that the Colts WR/RB/TEs opted to catch footballs that day the same way old people f**k; poorly.
Deer Antler Spray Isn't Going to Help This Guy Today
And as exciting as the Denver game was, your highly touted Special Teams played like ass, as did the Denver Broncos secondary. For Redskins fans, it finally appeared that the Skins did get over on the Broncos in that Bailey for Portis trade that happened 10 years ago, because Champ played like a total dog. Not to mention the "Miracle at Mile High" that somehow happened. And as awesome and highly improbable that the before mentioned 4th and 29 conversion in San Diego was, that game tying touchdown in Denver was in the "get the f**k out of here" category.
Which brings me to two weeks ago. Finally, Baltimore. You played like a playoff team that deserves to be there. Your second half against New England in Foxboro was quite impressive. You held the Putz to less than 200 yards of total offense, 0 points, and you had those bitches Tom Brady and Bill Belidick sulking. Good on you.
But your fairy tale ride led by "God is Amaaaaazing!!!" Ray-Ray is going to come crashing down in a big way today.
The 49ers are quicker, they're better defensively, and and they will win in a rout. They absolutely dismantled Aaron Rodgers and the Pack, and then after yielding 17 points while getting thru their jet lag from flying across country, promptly outscored Atlanta 28-7 over the final 2.5 quarters of that football game. I also like their resume better over the last month of the season.
Over the last month of the season, Frisco pounded New England in New England (AFC/Super Bowl fave), pounded Green Bay (NFC/Super Bowl fave), and then flew across country and took care of the NFC's #1 seed. I realize that Baltimore was impressive in their win against New England as well, but I still can't ignore the not so impressive stuff.
Like their loss and then almost loss to a not very good Steeler team. And don't tell me, "Well, those are rivalry games, Yack!", I don't give a shit. Pittsburgh is old, they finished 8-8, and ultimately, they were not a good team this year.
I'll also go back (for the 3rd time) to San Diego. Yes, the game in which the Ravens pulled their first miracle out of their ass this season. Raven fan, that game should not have come down to Ray Rice's miracle screen catch and run for 28-errrrrrr, I mean 29.5 yards (thanks, Ref). The Chargers were putrid this season. How did you let them hang around and pretty much beat you? Super Bowl winning teams don't allow that.
Today's First Player to Score and MVP. #VD
The party is over, Baltimore. You've had a nice run, and this is certainly not a hater piece. In fact, I haven't brought up Ray Ray's missing bloody white suit or the fact that Sports Illustrated claims he might've cheated to get back quicker from injury, once. Speaking of which, I do think the Deer Antler story has been a distraction this week, and ultimately it will have some kind of negative affect on the Ravens.
Its been 10 years since the big game has produced what pretty much was a blowout-bore fest. Welcome to 2013 and New Orleans, Louisiana, people. I think this game could get out of hand and be for all intents and purposes, "over, Johnny" by midway through the 3rd quarter. I think Joe Flacco's run of perfection is due to go the other way, and I see the 49ers defense smothering and containing the Ravens to next to nothing. Take the 49ers against the number, and consider a smallish parlay with the over. 42-17 San Francisco. Last Week 1-1 ATS YTD 46-44-2 ATS Since 2010 121-85-9 ATS
San Francisco at Atlanta (+4.5)
Last weekend in the GB/SF game, I was so unsure of which way to lean that you'll recall I "flipped a coin". That game also proved to be the only game last weekend I hit ATS. Someone get me a quarter.
Speaking of flipping, if you read my brilliant piece on the difference between winners and losers in the NFL, you'll know that I wanted to jettison the Falcons from this post season party, following their embarrassing 4th quarter meltdown to Seattle. However, I never imagined the upstart Colin Kaepernick led 49ers would come into town as 4.5 point favorites. And after 6 days of thinking it through, and 7 days removed from what might've been the biggest choke job in NFL post season history (if Atlanta had lost), I just cannot help myself from jumping all over a 1 seed, catching 4 and a hook at home in the NFC Championship Game.
Short of the final 17 minutes and 11 seconds of last weekend's Divisional game, the Falcons did beat the piss out of Seattle. I'm not sure what part of that 27-7 lead with 2:11 to go in the 3rd that Vegas and the general public didn't see, because today's current line at one point, was all the way up to SF (-5). But in any case, the meltdown that was, that wasn't, that still kind of was, is absolutely influencing this number today.
As is Kid Kaepernick, and his dynamic performance last Saturday night against the Pack. 263 yards through the air, and 181 yards on the ground by the tattooed wonder. As big as my eyes are looking at this home dog catching points, I have to consider this kid and what he did to the Pack, and apply that to what happened to the Falcons last weekend, per the very similar Russell Wilson.
Last weekend's win against Seattle, regardless of how stressful it was, is going to be a big factor today with regard to how Atlanta and especially Matty Ice plays. I think getting that monkey off their back, coupled with what I feel is almost a free roll situation, by getting disrespected by the odds makers, is going to allow them to just go out there and play.
The disrespected Falcons are still 8-1 SU at home this year- again, with just that one loss coming in the final regular season (meaningless) tilt against Tampa. The Niners did post a winning (5-3) road record this year, but they were only 1-2 SU in domes. Also, the Niners are 0-4 ATS the last 4 games following a game in which they gave up 30 points or more. I'll take Matty Ice and his post season experience, especially since he's finally notched a 'W' in his belt, over the kid whose been elevated to Superman status pre-maturely in my opinion. And again, I just think there is entirely too much value here getting a 1 seed at home catching points. 24-19 Falcons.
Baltimore at New England (-8)
The limo ride is over for Ray-Ray and the Ray-vens. I obviously swung and missed on them last week, as I thought the Broncos were going to absolutely house what I thought was a very blah Ravens team in their win against Indy. But to their credit, they overcame two Special Teams touchdowns and a 7 point deficit late in the 4th quarter, and prevailed against the interception throwing/kneeling Peyton Manning.
Fast forward to this week, Raven fan, to a team who is going to force your hand and require you to score 30+ points in consecutive weeks. The reason being; New England is a scoring machine. The league leaders in points scored, have stayed true to form all season. In fact, over the last 8 weeks, they bettered their season average, and have scored 37 points/per.
Defensively, I also think New England has the advantage. Take a look at New England over the final month and a half of the season. Short of their home beat down they got from Frisco, they have been very stingy on defense. Even last week's game against Houston, they had held the Texans to just 13 points into the 4th quarter and quite frankly gave up garbage touchdowns late. Prior to that, New England yielded 0 points (Miami), 16 points (Jax), 14 points (Houston), 16 points (Miami) and 19 points (NYJets).
And again, lets not forget about Baltimore's final 6 weeks of the regular season, which was nothing to write home about. They lost 4 of 5, and really should've been 5 of 6 if you consider the miracle win in San Diego. I just think the Patriots have too much fire power, and I think the Patriots' defense is entering this contest a little under the radar. In fact, I don't think Baltimore scores more than 17 points in this contest. The Ravens are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 after scoring 30 points or more. New England has covered 4 of their last 5 at home. Not a good Sunday for the Harbaugh family. 39-16 Patriots.
The Junkies got into a debate this morning about which state is better- Maryland or Virginia, which eventually led them to bringing up regulations, taxes, etc. between the two states. Eric Bickel said that he thought you needed a permit in Virginia to have a gun on your hip, which you don't, as long as the gun is in plain view for the general public to see. Maryland, whose gun regulations are considerably stricter and whose governor (right this very moment) is lobbying for more gun regulations, does not allow for one to carry a gun open without permit. In fact, you can't even own a hand gun without a registration in Maryland. Not the case in Virginia.
Curiously in Maryland (like in other states where the gun laws are stricter), the violent crime numbers are higher than they are in Virginia. And Maryland has about 2.2 million fewer people. Wow, that's interesting Mr. President, and all others who continue to spin and gloss over the statistics that show violent crime decreases in jurisdictions that have fewer gun restrictions.
2011 Statistics Per Virginia and Maryland Law Enforcement Data Base
Maryland (5.82 million residents)
28,797 "Violent Crimes", to include:
*398 Murders
*1,198 Rapes
*10,343 Forcible Robberies
Now the numbers for that "big bad hillbilly commonwealth" in Virginia, where as someone on twitter put it to me this morning, legislatures want "Arlington to be like the wild west". #ShutUpYouDope
Virginia (8.01 million residents)
15,932 "Violent Crimes", to include:
*303 Murders
*1,536 Rapes
*5,430 Forcible Robberies
