2004 Daytona 500

Posted in Sports on February 15th, 2004 by Kuma

Today I watched the Daytona 500, this is unusual for me because this is the first stock car race I have ever seen. Before the start of the race they had Leanne Rimes sing R.O.C.K. in the USA and then she went on to sing the National Anthem. Also they had President George W. Bush start the race. Then Whoopi Goldberg wave the green flag. There were a few accidents in this race. Then about 19 laps to go Dale Earnheart Jr. moved into first place. He held off the rest of the pack and took the checkered flag. Overall the race was pretty exciting especially to see all that goes into the race. Also to see all the history behind the race it makes it the Superbowl of car racing. All in all I was glad I was able to watch the race.

2004 NFL Pro Bowl – 25 years in Hawaii

Posted in Sports on February 8th, 2004 by Kuma

At the start of the game the NFC had the ball first and didn”t do anything with it. The very first play for the AFC they threw a touch down pass. Then the NFC got the ball back and then the AFC blocked a punt for an AFC touchdown.

At the end of the 3rd quarter the score was the AFC 38 to NFC 27. Surprisingly this years Pro Bowl is better than last years due to the level of competition. I think that is resulted from this years youthful selectees to the Pro Bowl. At the beginning of the 4th quarter the AFC fumbled the football and the NFC (Lavarre Arrington) recovered the ball, but the NFC got a unsportsmanlike penalty resulting in an AFC 1st down and eventually at touchdown. The NFC came back with a 58 yard kickoff return then the very next play was a touchdown pass to left tight end (Crumpler). Late in the 4th quarter Payton Manning threw 2 interceptions resulting in 2 NFC touchdowns. The NFC took the lead 55 – 45 with 3:32 left in the game. The AFC went down to score again then they kicked an onside kick. The NFC (waved a fair kick) and the AFC hit him resulting a penalty. The NFC (Mark Bulger) threw and interception in the end zone and Brock Marion ran the ball out to the 22 yard line. The AFC drove the ball all the way down the field to the 23 yard line where Payton Manning was sacked. The clock wound down the 4 seconds then the AFC kicked a 51 yard field goal and missed it wide right. The NFC came back to win the game 55 – 52.’, ‘During the pregame ESPN showed a story about Priest Holmes (running back for the Kansas City Chiefs) going to the USS Arizona Memorial. While he was at the memorial he was wearing a snot rag on his head the whole time showing complete disregard to the rules. Prior to departing to the USS Arizona everybody receives a briefing of the Arizona being a national monument and everybody should show respect while at the monument by removing all headgear. This is not an outrageous rule. It is no different than remaining quiet at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington DC. Is this an example that children should look up to when they look at these role models?

New England Patriots – 2004 Superbowl Champs

Posted in Sports on February 1st, 2004 by Kuma

Previously to the start of this game I though the Patriots were going to blow out the Panthers. This was by far a defensive game. Carolina did a fine job of moving the ball and their defense came up with some big plays. New England weren’t flawless, but it was Adam Vinatieri who ended up winning the game once again despite two previous missed kicks this game.