DENVER -- February 13, 2008 ROGER CLEMENS IS A BIG FAT LIAR! He pulled the old "Rafael Palmeiro" today under oath before Congress. "I never used HGH or steroids." Yea right, Roidger. He's guilty as sin. Brian McNamee says he injected three players with performance-enhancing substances. Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, and Chuck Knoblauch. Pettitte and Knoblauch both said yea, OK, you got me, I did it. Why would McNamee tell the truth about Pettitte and Knoblauch and lie about Clemens? Clemens' wife Debbie even admitted McNamee injected her with HGH before an SI Swimsuit Issue photo shoot. And Pettitte, Roger's best friend, said under oath Clemens told him he used HGH. Roger is living in a dream world. One in which he's above the law and noone can question him. He's delusional. I've interviewed Clemens on four different occasions and each time he was arrogant and uncooperative. He has an ego the size of Texas. A serious "God" complex. Well, this time he's going down. Roger Clemens should join Pete Rose on the "banned from baseball" list.

January 31, 2008. Randy Gradishar better the Call from the Hall Saturday. Or I'm leading a charge to Canton Ohio and protest. Randy deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as much as any other inside linebacker in NFL history. As one of the 17 finanlists he told us Thursday he's anxious and nervous and hopeful. This guy wants in. You heard Roger Clemens say he couldn't care less if he gets in the Hall of Fame after the recent steroid and HGH allegations. Roger doesn't care. Randy does and always did. I hope it's the Year of the Goose and the Gradishar.

If I were the Avs I'd sign Peter Forsberg right now whether he can skate or not. Right now the biggest "star" the Avs have is Lappy. Paul Stastny will be back next week to help out but if they want people in the seats (which they're not getting right now) then Forsberg is the main attraction. Bring him back and let the chips fall where they may.

The Nuggets have two-thirds of the Western Conference All-Star team. This means they should win the Championship. Two out of five of the best players in the west. If they can't get to the Western Conference Championship this season, Big George has to step back and ask "if not this season, when?" If they can't do it with Carmelo, A.I. and Marcus Camby they'll never get it done.

Tom Brady? He's the new Beckham. He'll have 4 Super Bowl rings by Sunday night.

I'm out. LB

November 26, 2007. Well, one of the nicest guys ever to hold down a head coach's job at a major college football program is being forced to resign. Oh well, just another day in the cold, hard business of major college football. Houston Nutt, Ted Roof, Chan Gailey, LLoyd Carr, Ed Orgeron, Bill Callahan, Phil Bennett, Jeff Bower, Wes Meier, and Dennis Franchione all went before Sonny Lubick did. Look, if you don't win football games, legendary status will not usually save you. Maybe buy you more time, like Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden. But when Sonny's Rams went on a 13-game losing streak spanning two seasons. And went 4 years without a winning season. Time for a change. 15 years of integrity, loyalty, honesty and character will go out the window. CSU will attempt to save face and lots of booster dollars by offering Sonny his coaching salary to stick around and play ambassador. Shake hands, speak to Rotary Clubs, call a recruit or two. Keep the legacy alive while finding someone else to hopefully get the football program back on track. Sonny is CSU football. He leaves, and lots of donations from former players and other well-to-doers leave with him. As classy as Sonny is, I think he'll take the offer and stay in Fort Collins despite the fact he really wants to coach again. At age 70, he's not ready to shake a hand, smile for the cameras, and go away. I believe it's time for a change. If it was anyone else other than Sonny, fans would have been calling for the coach to be fired. When the Rapids, Mammoth, Crush, Avs, and Nuggets had bigger crowds than some games at CSU this season, that's not good. People will not pay good money just to see Sonny on the sidelines. They want a winner. I hope Sonny sticks around and helps get one to replace him.

I'm out. LB

November 21, 2007. This is a travesty and a sham and a mockery. Matt Holliday finished second to Jimmy Rollins in the NL MVP voting. What rock do these baseball writers who did NOT vote for Holliday live under. Probably a rock somewhere on the East Coast. Those who reside there have their heads buried in the Phillies, Mets, Cubs, and every other team east of the Mississippi. Rollins? Great player but Holliday won every major category. Batting average, HR's, RBI's, hits, doubles, etc. These self-serving holier-than-thou writers need to get a clue. They dissed not only Holliday, but Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Hurdle as well. The problem is there is no recourse. Except for Holliday and Hurdle and Tulo coming back next year and getting back to the World Series. That's the only way to show they weren't flashes in the pan. One hit wonders. Respect will only be earned over time.

Broncos. Wow, they opened the lid of the casket, and dug themselves out of the grave. Back to back wins over the Chiefs and Titans and they're 5-5. Not bad, not good. But in the average and mediocre AFC West, it's good enough for a tied with San Diego for first place. It's pretty bleak league-wise. 20 teams are .500 or worse. After the Pats, Packers, Cowboys and Colts, it's wide open!

Nick Saban has lost it. He's a freak. Bringing up 9/11 and Pearl Harbor when talking about his team responding from a "catastrophic event." That event was a loss in Tuscaloosa to Louisiana-Monroe. Saban was nuts at LSU. Got crazier in Miami. Now he's totally gone in Bama. He's going to go off and live in some log cabin or a yurt after he's done coaching. Like some version of Howard Hughes.

I'm out for now. LB.

October 17, 2007. The day after. Wowie what a night. I was on a balcony overlooking 20th and Blake about midnight last night. You could hear the roar of the crowd inside Coors Field as trophies were being handed out. Numerous helicopters buzzed overhead. Police sirens were going off. And thousand of Rockies fans flooded the streets. There were a few hooligans jumping on a police car but overall it was a good time had by all. THE ROCKIES ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES! This could be the biggest story in Colorado sports history. Of course the Avalanche won two Stanley Cups. The Broncos won back to back Super Bowls. But the Rockies were picked by NOBODY to win the World Series. They came from 5 games out of the Wildcard with 13 games left. They won 21 of 22 games including two playoff sweeps. This team was not a juggernaut full of big names and big salaries picked to win it all like the Broncos and Avs were. The Rockies are a special group of no-names (with the exception on Helton and Holliday) who play on heart, talent, and guts. Not on payroll. There are no prima donnas walking around the clubhouse. I've been in the Yankees clubhouse, and when A-Rod or Jeter or Clemens walks in, it's like "oh my gosh!" Those are individual superstars. Nothing like that in the Rockies clubhouse. Just guys like Kaz Matsui, Yorvit Torrealba, Jeff Baker, Ryan Spilborghs, and Seth Smith. Players who's only goal is to get the job done. Not sign endorsement deals or open up Manhattan night clubs. This is why the Rockies are the biggest and best story in ALL of professional sports right now. Whether it's the Indians or the Red Sox, I have a hard time picking against the boys in purple and black. I think we have the heart of a champion right here in Denver. Stay Tuned!

I'm out. LB.

October 9, 2007. It's awesome! Rockies swept the Phillies and now find themselves in the NLCS against the Diamondbacks. Even the Rockies players find it hard to believe they're in this position. They always believed in themselves and believe they'll win every game, but to really be doing it is something different. In the clubhouse as they get ready to leave for Arizona, nobody wanted to talk about the streak. All said it was special and when it's all said and done they'll look back and realize how incredible it was. But it's like a no-hitter. You don't want to talk about it and jinx it. It's a work in progress. I see no reason why it won't continue. But game 1 is crucial. If the D-backs win it and the Rox cool off and they're down 1-0, maybe some doubt will creep in. Maybe psychologically they'll realize they aren't unbeatable. I hope not because this is one wild ride. Fans at the Broncos game Sunday chanting "Let's go Rockies!" Never heard before in the history of modern man. Broncos? What Broncos?! Let's ride Rocktober as long as we can!

October 2, 2007. Unbelievable! The Rockies are in the playoffs! A 17-25 start. A 1-9 road trip mid-season. Two rookies starting on a decimated pitching staff. I cannot believe they pulled this off. I knew they had good young powerful bats. But the pitching they got during the 14-1 finish was borderline miraculous. Matt Holliday was as good as there ever was down the stretch. Todd Helton. Finally got a taste of the playoffs and the champagne. I'll tell you what, if I was the Phillies, Cubs, or Diamondbacks, I would be afraid. Be very afraid! These Rockies shut all the naysayers (me included) up. They defied the odds. By sticking together and playing unselfish baseball and playing as a team. Like Clint Hurdle said, nobody was out for themselves. Nobody cared who was the hero of the night. They only cared about winning, game by game, which they did for 14 out of the last 15. There is nothing stopping this team from going to the World Series. Philly, Arizona, Chicago? They don't scare the Rox. The only thing that can beat this team is themselves. Don't stop believing. Don't tighten up in the playoffs. Don't let it get to you. Treat it like spring training. Stay loose. And the Fall Classic will come to Colorado!!

October 1, 2007. Wowie what a weekend! C.U. kicked it off by kicking Oklahoma's butt in Boulder. Rockies followed that with a win over Arizona Sunday to get into a one-game play-in against the Padres Monday. Winner wins the Wild Card. And the Broncos played the Colts in Indy. The Rox beat the Buffs and Broncos for Top Story of the Weekend! Rox won 13 of their last 14 to make a liar out of me. I said they were done two weeks ago. I'm sure I wasn't alone. But I admit when I'm wrong and somehow Clint Hurdle held together a makeshift pitching staff. And the bats never say die. And this team is on the verge of being THE story in baseball this season. If they beat the Padres and head to Philly to take on the Phillies, it will be an achievement of epic proportions. Matt Holliday should be the MVP, Troy Tulowitzki should be the Rookie of the Year, and Hurdle should get some votes for Manager of the Year. It's that good.

It's that bad at Dove Valley. Bronx defense, which has been getting "fixed" since preseason, is still broken. They can't stop the run. Or stop the pass. Or tackle anybody. These are massive problems. Can we get the old system back? Wait, that one didn't work either. Mike Shanahan's search for a defense is not over yet. From Ray Rhodes to Larry Coyer to Jim Bates. Shanny can't find the answer. Until he does the Broncos will be mediocre and will be lucky to make the playoffs. I'm out. LB

August 26, 2007. I understand Mike Shanahan's thinking behind not playing starters in the 4th and final preseason game. He doesn't want anybody injured for the regular season. But in this case, I believe Mike should re-think this policy and play the starters for the first half. This team is not ready for the real deal. Can they get ready by practicing against each other in shoulder pads and shorts? There are so many new offensive players and a brand new defensive system. This team needs work. It's scary entering the regular season in their current state. Mike, please let the #1's get more work in Thursday against the Cardinals. We don't need to be 1-3 before everything starts clicking and everybody's on the same page.

Did you read in Sunday's paper Broncos starting running back Travis Henry has 9 children from 9 different women. What in tarnation? That's incredible. With all the public service announcements regarding the importance of safe sex, and handing out condoms to high school kids, the Broncos starting running back, a role model kids look up to, has fathered 9 kids with 9 different mothers? The guy is going to go broke paying child support. But that's not the problem, the problem is how and why Travis got all the way to 9 kids, most of whom will certainly grow up without a father. Can he be in 9 different places at once? Wow, that's hard to believe.

All the people screaming about David Beckham not showing up to play the Rapids Sunday. I heard some newspaper and radio dudes on TV (Where they don't belong. That's why they're radio and newspaper guys) talking about the Rapids playing a "bait and switch" game with the fans, selling tickets to a game when there was no guarantee Becks was going to show up. No kidding idiots, there is never a guarantee a star player is going to play. You think if Peyton Manning seperates a shoulder and it's Jim Sorgi starting the next week, the Colts are going to offer ticket refunds? Yea right.

I'm out. LB

August 15, 2007. Time for blogging. Broncos are 1-0 in the preseason after beating the Niners 17-13 Monday night. Now they're in Dallas for two days of practice against the Cowboys and then preseason game two Saturday night. From what I saw Monday in San Fran, it's going to be a very good year for the offense. Travis Henry, 5'9" 220-something pounds. There's no way to tackle him. Ask John Lynch, he of the bruised sternum suffered in training camp after a collision with Henry. Dude could get 1,500 yards. Jay Cutler's arm will be tired-from handing off! Getting Henry was the best off-season move the Mastermind Shanahan made during the offseason. If the defense can stop the run, look out!

Funny, Gerard Warren is listed as a starter on the latest depth chart released Tuesday. Yet he was left behind for the Niners game and is going to be traded. Yikes, how fast things change in the second-floor office of the Head Coach.

I don't know how Javon Walker will ever get the image of a dying Darrent Williams out of his head. After watching Javon's interview on HBO's "Real Sports" Tuesday night, I can understand why he will only talk about being in that limo this one time. The horrific images of his friend and teammate, bleeding from the neck, looking up at him. I don't know how Javon got through the interview. But I will respect his privacy and never ask him about it again.

Rockies. Come on guys. Big West Coast road trip. Hype and anticipation about making noise in the playoff race. And they go out in the opening game and get shut out in San Diego? What a dud. We'll see how they respond in the next 5 games in S.D. and L.A. Make or Break. Don't make me start leading with the Broncos again every night.

And the Rapids. I hate to say it because I like Fernando, but the website www.fireclavijo.com makes good sense. Hard to argue with the facts. The last thing the Rapids need is a fan revolt and a half-empty Dick's Sporting Goods Park. A professional sports organization can never make decisions based on the demands of the fans. But you can't drive them away and alienate them either. I'm out. LB

August 3, 2007. Up until Thursday, the Broncos looked solid as a rock in Training Camp. Then disaster struck. Linebacker Warrick Holdman, competing for a starting job, collided with running back Mike Bell and did not get up. Holdman was taken to the hospital with a spinal cord concussion. It looks like he'll be OK, although his football career is in doubt. It cast a pall over the practice field and they cancelled the afternoon practice. Nobody was the same after that. There seems to be a dark cloud hanging over the Broncos. At the end of last season, captain Al Wilson (#56, same as Holdman) suffered a serious neck injury and it appears his career is over. After that came the deaths of Darrent Williams and Damien Nash. Now this. It makes you think about life in general and how precious and fragile it is. And how getting all worked up about a football game is ridiculous. Football is not life or death. Although it can be for those who play the game. As John Lynch told me after practice Thursday, he tried top put it out of his head and continue practicing, but when he saw Holdman lying there motionless, I had to wonder if John wasn't thinking: "Is this worth it?" Football players and race car drivers are aware that every play or every race could be their last. That's a tough thing to face every day no matter how much money you make. If Al Wilson or Warrick Holdman are never the same after their injuries, was it worth it? You hear countless stories of former players not being able to get out of bed at age 40 because of the pain and suffering from their injuries years ago. Brett Favre says it takes him 45 minutes in the morning before he is able to function because of the soreness and stiffness. Next time you want to boo a player, remember this: He's people too. And his life is on the line.

July 26, 2007.

What up? Training Camp '07. All Broncos, all the time. We'll have your first training camp report daily on www.thedenverchannel.com right after the morning practice. Then three minutes of Broncos on 7-News Now at 4:00 and four minutes at 10:00. We got you covered.

Michael Vick is not going to training camp with the Falcons. He's charged with felony dogfighting and went to court Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty. Hundreds of people booed him and screamed things like "dog-killer" at him as he walked in. Oops. Vick is the most-hated man in America right now. Barry Bonds is like Mother Teresa compared to Vick. And his trial hasn't even started yet! We've got to let the legal process do it's thing before we pass judgment on the guy. But there's only one court that matters: the Court of Public Opinion. And Vick's already been found guilty there. Sponsors are ready to pull the plug. The NFL has suspended him from training camp. No matter what the outcome of the trial, he will be booed mercilessly in every stadium. Hey, from the "Ron Mexico" incident, to the airport-marijuana incident, to his flipping off the home fans, to the dogfighting charges, Vick is certainly guilty of not thinking very much.

Tour de France. Ridiculous. Not the race itself or the sport, the individuals that are riding the bikes. The rules are so strict these guys know they can't get away with anything, yet they continuously test positive for banned substances or procedures. I say just let 'em go. Let 'em take whatever they want. May the best cheater win. I'm out. LB

July 18, 2007

Well, here we are awaiting the arrival of Becks at MLS's All-Star game Thursday night. The most recognizable soccer player in the world will fly into Denver on a private jet during the game, do a halftime interview with ESPN, then fly back to L.A. right after. He may spend all of 2 hours in Denver. I don't like this. If he's the new "face" of MLS, why not let the media talk to him? Why not make him address the fans with a microphone on the field? Make him earn his $250 million. I believe this will be a problem for MLS. Treating Beckham like the international superstar he is, while some Galaxy teammates are making $30,000 a year. Private jets for him, last row of coach for others. And Becks is often injured, like he is now. Stadiums will sell out just to see Becks. And if he has a sprained ankle and doesn't play, there will be 20,000 angry and disgruntled fans who may want their money back. Like paying $250 dollars for a ticket to see Bon Jovi, only to be told Jon Bon Jovi has a sore throat and won't be singing tonight, but please enjoy the concert anyway. Oops. And the casual fan will go to the game just to see Becks may expect him to score a goal or two. That's not what he does. He's a set-up man. This could also anger the masses. There's a lot of pressure on Beckham and the league to make this marriage work. If not, in two or three years, much like Freddy Adu, the thrill will be gone. And all that will be left will be Becks' multi-million dollar price tag. That said, the attention he will draw to the league is priceless. But it all has to come together for it to pay off in the end.

Oh by the way, the Rockies are 4-2 since the All-Star break. They're like Dupree (from Me, You, and Dupree). Still hanging around. If they can keep this up we'll be interrupting coverage from Broncos training camp to show Rockies highlights. That would be sweet!

For now, I'm out. LB

July 9, 2007 It was a pleasure to watch Matt Holliday knock out long balls in the All-star game Home Run Derby. Some pub for our guy. Packed stadium, Chris Berman screaming about Holliday's power. Finally! The most under-publicized player in baseball. The only problem is when his contract is up, the Rockies are going to need double-digit millions to keep him. Will they pony up and pay him Todd Helton, Denny Neagle, Mike Hampton-type money? I would hope so but it'll never happen. Holliday is probably going to be starting for the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox in the near future. That'll hurt but it's the cold hard truth. The Rockies don't have the cold hard cash.

By the way, this home run derby is somewhat enjoyable, like the NBA's slam dunk contest. But for goodness sakes, 3 hours long? After the first 20-something homers you just get numb to it all. It's over-kill. Cut it to an hour and a half. It's ridiculous.

I have never seen a weather event like the one at Coors Field Sunday. Tarp gone wild. Thanks to the Phillies for helping keep the Coors Field grounds crew alive. I know you don't want to get hurt holding down a tarp, but where were the Rockies?

Broncos are taking part in mini-camp. The real thing, training camp, starts July 28. You've got to be excited about this team. Young bucks on the defensive line through the draft. Daniel Graham, Travis Henry, and Brandon Stokely on offense. If Jay Cutler is as good as Mike Shanahan says he is, then in my book the Broncos are the favorites to win the AFC Championship and head to the Super Bowl. Of course games aren't played on paper.

I'm out for now. LB

July 1, 2007 Wowie, two weeks is a long time to be away! Just got back from vacation today. When I left, the Rockies had just started a series against the Yankees. I learned they swept the Bronx Bombers and Rockies fever was at an all-time high. Oops. 10 games later, the Rox are back to as bad as ever. Pitcher Brian Fuentes an All-Star? Yea, for the Sky Sox. That's a little harsh, but to blow 4 saves in a row, with a record of 0-4, to be yanked from his job as closer, All-Star seems a little weird. I know he's been good up until this stretch but it doesn't sound right. Now Matt Holliday should be STARTING in left field. Except for some dude named Barry Bonds. Oh, there's that. Stats don't mean much in this popularity contest. Holliday's leading the league in hitting. Oh, there's that. But the people would rather see Bonds than Holliday. Understandable. Got to give the people what they want.

Avalanche went crazy on day one of free agency. They spent nearly $50 million on two players, Scott Hannan and Ryan Smythe. This is a good thing. Showing committment to winning and Cups and things of that nature. These are premier players. Congrats to the Avs. Now bring back Peter!

Will they please arrest Pacman Jones before a member of his entourage kills somebody? Ridiculous. Get these people off the streets. Until next time, I'm out. LB

June 14, 2007

The Rockies are still rolling. Every time I blog I expect to tell you the run is over. They're back to bad. But so far it has not happened. To take 2 out of 3 from the Red Sox at Fenway Park, to win their last 4 series on the road, this means a little something. This is unheard of and unprecedented! Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are becoming clutch hitters. Kaz Matsui is a spark plug. Starters are going 6-7-8 innings. I hope when I get back from vacation in 2 weeks this is still going on.

Do you really want to win the Lady Byng trophy in the NHL? First off, any trophy in hockey that has the word "lady" in the title, I don't want any part of it. It's given out for gentlemanly conduct and sportsmanship. There's no room in hockey for this. As one unnamed player who was nominated for the award once said, quote-"I better get in a fight quick." Joe Sakic is the ultimate sportsman and gentleman but if I were Joe I'd say take your Lady Byng and leave me alone. He didn't win it anyway. They ought to give out the "Hermie wants to be a Dentist?" award for the player with the least amount of teeth. That I would like to see.

I'm tired of golfers whining and complaining about how tough the course at Oakmont is for the U.S. Open. Jeez, what do you want? An easy set-up so you can shoot a 63 in every round? That's why I loved to hear 1st round leader Nick Dougherty say he likes it because it's brutal and it's challenging. To hear Sergio and Tiger talk about what a beast it is and how they don't like it, just shut up and play. If you can't handle a tough course you shouldn't be on the PGA tour.

I'm out for a couple weeks. Be sure to watch repeat episodes of "Lionel's World" Friday June 15th at 10:35 PM and Sunday June 17th at 4:00 PM. You can click on the videos on this page and see the stories. Take care, I'm out. LB

June 10, 2007

I'm back to blogging. Sorry I've been out for a while. I pulled a muscle in my typing finger. I want to talk about Ryan Spilborghs of the Rockies. Sometimes things work out the way they should. Spilborghs had an outstanding spring training for the Rox, only to be sent down to the Sky Sox on the final day. Clint Hurdle wanted to go with veterans Steve Finley and John Mabry. Bad decision. Both were epic busts. Spilborghs finally got called back up and he's been on fire ever since. Two homers and 6 RBI's against the O's Sunday. Rockies have won 13 of their last 19 games. Maybe this was what turned it around. Maybe "karma" has come back to the Rox. Maybe Spilborghs is a positive force in the universe, like Yoda, and the Rox are now in tune with fate. Whatever, it's just nice to be excited about baseball for a change.

Dermarr Johnson of the Nuggets got tasered outside the Purple Martini. J.R. Smith allegedly runs a stop sign and causes a serious accident. Wait until Roger Goodell gets a hold of these two. Oh wait, wrong sport. Why does trouble always follow the Nuggets? Why is there always some connection? J.R. is one Carmelo's best friends. Dermarr is one of K-Mart's best friends. Can't these guys stay away from clubs where they know people are going to mess with them? Maybe have a house party at their 15-thousand square foot mansions? Hey, they're young and rich and want to go out. Nothing wrong with that. I completely understand. But people who are out in clubs want to hang with these guys and it never fails somebody gets upset and irate. It's not worth the trouble. Stay home and count your money. And don't run stop signs.

May 27, 2007.

Wowie! A lot has happened since I last blogged. The Rockies are on a 5-game winning streak. As mentioned in my last blog entry, I was waiting for a fire to break out. Well, it appears the match has been struck, and the kindling has been lit. It's not a fire yet but a 5-game win streak is pretty sweet when it comes to building a little confidence. All it takes is a little pitching and a timely hit here or there. Like Troy Tulowitzki in the 10th inning Sunday in San Fran. Or Kaz Matsui in the 9th 3 days ago. Or Ryan Spilborghs with two RBI's the night before. Or Tulowitzki with another RBI in the 9th inning the night before that. Simple: get a hit when men are on base! Rox are doing and doing it well right now. Next series, the Cards are ripe for the picking. And the Rox need to establish a homefield advantage of some kind. The time is now.

If Michael Vick is proven to be involved in illegal dog-fighting, it will prove he has no clue how to act in public. Or private. The guy had such a bright future, but his decisions have proven to be those of a dim-wit. Just plain stupid. You can't do illegal things. Especially if you're Michael Vick or someone of that nature. People will find out about it. How many video games or commercials will he appear in now? I hope he's innocent and will be considered so until proven guilty. I hope he's innocent because I love to watch him play.

Great night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park Saturday! Sold out, even without the presence of David Beckham. Electric atmosphere. And the Rapids beat the L.A. Galaxy 1-0 on a goal by Herculez Gomez. You gotta get to a game out there. Best thing ever in the history of soccer in Colorado. Oh by the way, hundreds of youth soccer players were at Dick's all weekend taking part in a massive tournament on the surrounding fields. I've never seen so many soccer balls in one place at the same time in my life. It was exhilirating!

I'm out for now. LB

May 17, 2007.

Look Ma, I'm blogging! The Rockies scored all of 8 runs in the last 4 games. They lost 3 of the 4. Really!? What a surprise. I don't know what to say anymore. I will not say fire Clint Hurdle. I will give him until the end of this season. I really believe they've assembled some good young talent. The talent just hasn't played good so far. I'm waiting for a fire to break out.

The fact Amare Stoudamire and Boris Diaw of the Suns were suspended is completely and utterly ridiculous. If you watch the video of the aftermath of the incident between Robert Horry and Steve Nash, Stoudamire takes a few steps onto the court, then retreats back to the bench. The rule is automatic suspension if a player leaves the bench. I'm not saying the suspension is ridiculous, it's the stupid rule. Please, can we get some common sense in the commissioner's offices of all major sports? If a player comes off the bench and gets involved in the incident, by all means he should be suspended. If he takes a step off the bench, then goes back, he should not be suspended. Simple. What is so hard about that? I hate "rules" that are unbending and across the board. Like the way the NCAA operates. Every case should be examined on an individual basis. Rulings should be made after investigations, not after some suit in an office saying "that's the rule, no exceptions."

I'm doing another "Lionel's World" special coming up in June. I did stories with Pablo Mastroeni of the Rapids and his 2-year old son. Matt Holliday and his 3-year old son. And Reid Bozak and his 3-year old golf phenom Brayden. These toddlers are already doing amazing things on the fields of play. Watch for it, it's gonna be great! I'm out for now, have a great weekend.

May 8, 2007.

All right all you baseball "purists." Don't hate me because I'm right. As Clint Hurdle said Tuesday, Major League Baseball needs a video review system. No ands, ifs, or buts about it. The Rockies lost 2 home runs in 3 games because of umpires' calls. In a situation like that a video review would correct big mistakes. I'm not talking about ball and strikes. But come on, if there's a way to get it right, why not use it. The integrity of the game is at stake. Let's not keep our heads buried in the sand.

Who had the best record in Major League Baseball going into Tuesday night's action? The Milwaukee Brewers! That's right folks. Total payroll of about $71 million dollars. The Rockies are at around $54 million. The point is, it can be done cheaply. The Yankees, who just escaped from last place, have a payroll of about $195 million.

Barry Bonds coming to Coors Field Thursday. At press time he was 10 away from tying Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. A recent poll showed 75% of baseball fans don't want Barry to get the record. I have to say I'm not thrilled about it myself. Give Barry his just due. He will be the all-time home run king. But he's a mean and nasty fellow. And I believe he used steroids. That's two strikes and out for me. Congrats Barry, I just hope I never have to interview you or talk to you in person again.

I'm out. LB

May 6, 2007.

Now is time we blog. I can't stand watching the Rockies every day. They're killing me! The good news is they can go off at any time. They've got opportunities to be a good club. Getting the bases loaded with one out. Then hitting into a double play. Or only getting a sac fly out of it. Leading into the 7th until the bullpen gets blown up. We want a contender so badly, it hurts. Don't go jump into the Confluence just yet. It could still happen. Look, Bobcat Goldthwaite was once engaged to Nicki Cox, so anything's possible!

The Nuggets have all kinds of salary cap issues. Everybody seems to be pointing to Marcus Camby as the one who has to go. The reasoning is he's the guy outside of Carmelo and Allen Iverson with the most value in a trade scenario. Keep Marcus and get rid of Kenyon Martin. Yea, that's a little easier said than done. The Nuggets have already tried to unload K-Mart. Who wants him? $13 million next season? You gotta be crazy to take K-Mart on for that salary with all the knee problems and attitude troubles. They're stuck. It would be a shame to see Camby as the fall guy for the major malfunction that K-Mart has been for this club. Oh well, if Al Wilson can be cast out by the Broncos, don't be surprised to see Camby cut loose by the Nuggets.

Jay Cutler. Good to see him out there Sunday giving out ribbons and awards to kids participating in a 5K run downtown. This kid gets it. He understands how to handle the pressure of being the starting quarterback in this Bronco-crazy town. Brian Griese and Jake Plummer did lots for the community, but they never seemed to be having fun or enjoying themselves here. Cutler is smiling and easy-going and he appears to have what it takes to shoulder the load.

I'm out for now. LB

May 1, 2007.

Time to blog. The Nuggets are on the verge of losing 4 in a row to the Spurs and getting bounced from the playoffs in the first round. Again. Usually, I might call for the firing of George Karl and things of that nature. But I think I'll give it another year. Allen Iverson and Steve Blake were only here for half a season. Carmelo got suspended for 15 games. Let them get a year together. Give Marcus Camby a fair contract. We need him back. I don't know what to say about the return of Kenyon Martin. But if the Nuggets don't make it to the Western Conference Finals next year, heads must roll.

Mike Shanahan drafted two players from Florida who were suspended for marijuana-related charges. Look, 90% of NBA players could be suspended for marijuana use. Players in every sport get DUI's every day. None of this is right, but give Shanahan some credit for checking these guys out before he drafted them. Do you really think he would make another "Maurice Clarett" mistake? Did I just say that out loud? Clarett? It happens. Listening to Marcus Thomas and Jarvis Moss, they have learned their lesson.

Matt Holliday, batting .402 during the Rockies-Giants game Tuesday night. He's fantastic! If he keeps this up he'll command a salary of $15 million next season. And we'll say goodbye to another young star. Can Stan Kroenke please step up and buy this team? Donald Trump? The owner of Starbucks? Or Google? We need somebody with a "b" in front of the "illionaire" to spend some cash. We demand a winner.

Rapids, new look, new park, and only one loss in their first 4 games. Sweet. Cinco de Mayo at Dick's Sporting Goods Park is not to be missed. Get yourself out there and enjoy the world's game.

I'm out. LB

April 27, 2007 Hello again, my furry little blogging fiends. Since we last exchanged cyber-space convo, the Nuggets lost to the Spurs in game 2 of their playoff series. But coming back to Denver with a 1-1 split in the first 2 games is fantastic! Now it's time for fanatics. Yes, Pepsi Center should be full of mayhem and chaos for games 3 and 4 Saturday and Monday. Nuggets fans, there is no reason you should not be as loud as you've ever been in your lives. There's also no reason Carmelo, Iverson, Nene, Camby, Blake, and those of their ilk should not win two in a row over San Antonio at home and take a 3-1 series lead.

We've been getting lots of e-mails here asking us to provide more coverage on the Colorado Eagles hockey club. Two words for you: WE ARE!!!! No other station in Denver shows more Eagles highlights than we do. We show every game that we can get our hands on. We take care of you Eaglets better than any other TV outlet.

Does anybody out there care about the Broncos draft? Getting some unknown defensive lineman with the 21st pick? Unless they trade up and pick somebody I know, wake me up Monday morning and let me know how it went over the weekend. The Broncos have already made their mark, getting Travis Henry, Daniel Graham, and Dre Bly in the offseason. And cold-heartedly letting Al Wilson go. I don't care abour your salary cap or your "this is a business" routine. You cut out the heart and soul of the defense after he injured his neck giving it his all on the field of play. That just leaves a sour taste in the old mouth. But we'll all move on, and Invesco Field will be packed every Sunday next season. The reality is, it's a cold-hearted business. The NFL really is the No Fun League.

I'm out until Sundayl Enjoy the weekend. And get at me...

LB

April 23, 2007

Hello, my friends, hello. And there are now over 500 of you out there on My Space. Let's keep it going.

The Nuggets kept the upward trend at the end of the regular season going in game 1 against the Spurs. What a great one to watch! Like the "Love Boat", it was exciting and new. I know the same thing happened in 2005. Nuggets won game 1 in San Antonio, only to lose the next 4 in a row. But there's a difference. There's someone named Allen Iverson on the team now. You might know him. As Ron Burgundy said in the movie classic "Anchorman", he's sort of a big deal. Iverson scored 31 to Carmelo's 30. If the Nuggets can get game 2, it's all over. But to a man they all say it's going to be a long series. I agree. I think the Spurs will take game 2 and they'll come to Pepsi Center tied up 1-1. Buckle up, it's going to be a wild ride.

Then there's this poor little boy who was run over by a player at the CSU spring game. This is insane! A 4-year old boy, walking by himself in the end zone as the Rams were scoring a TD. This is wrong on so many levels. In the video you can see little Caden's parents about 5 yards away from him. As the father of 2-year old twin boys, I can tell you if 22 men with pads on weighing anywhere from 190 to 310 pounds were 14 yards away from my boys, they would not have been anywhere near the sidelines, let alone walking with their backs to the action. I'm sure the parents never expected this to happen and feel terrible about it, but this incident should never have happened with a little common sense. The lack of security from CSU is unbelievable. How could this kid could have been allowed to be that close to the action? Fan fest or not, letting children roam the sidelines while a full-contact scrimmage is going on is ludicrous. Watching the video, we're so lucky little Caden only suffered a cut on is head. The way his head hit the wall, he could have been seriously hurt or even killed. Then it would have hit the fan.

Rockies? Fewest home runs in major league baseball. A man name Ian Kinsler who plays second base for the Rangers has as many home runs himself as the Rockies have as a team. Clint Hurdle and Dan O'Dowd were given two-year contract extensions before the season. That about sums up the ownership of this team. Clueless. Clint and Dan don't step up to the plate and swing the bats. But somebody's got to be held accountable and I wouldn't be surprised if Clint gets fired in the next couple weeks if this continues.

I'm out. LB

April 19,2007

Hey, it's Lionel. Carmelo himself has wished me luck in the Race on MySpace. So you should help a friend out. Click on the link to become my friend.

Carmelo has bigger things to worry about. Like San Antonio. Game 1 Sunday. If the Nuggets play like that have in April, there's a chance. If they don't play defense, they'll get beaten soundly. I hope they don't fall flat. Beating the Spurs is going to be darn near impossible. And a 4th consecutive first-round exit will be tough to swallow. I hate to say it but something has to change if the Nuggets don't get into round 2. That's probably the coach.

Rockies are so up and down. A 2-game win streak, sandwiched by losses in which they scored ZERO and ONE runs. We need some consistency, please.

Be sure to watch Sunday Sports Extra. This week we have a story on Chris Angel of the Crush. Not to be confused with Criss Angel, Mindfreak, the Vegas illusionist. Not to be missed. Chris performs some tricks that are sheer genius and certainly the only explanation is magic! Also, female wrestling and teen rugby. Gotta love that show!

See you then. LB

April 17, 2007

Yo, it's Lionel. Imus has been fired. I agree with this management decision. But what if Charles Barkely had said what Imus did? Same result?

Anyway, the Rockies are getting on my last nerve. Paying $3.5 million to LaTroy Hawkins to go 0-3 with an E.R.A. of 10.13. For this cash-starved organization, that ranks right up there with Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle still on the payroll. So now we have problems with the relief pitching AND the the hitting! Rox were shut out at home Monday night. This is a debacle of epic proportions. Worst-case scenario. It's early but it's bad.

The Nuggets have me all torqued up. They won 9 of their last 10 going into the season finale against San Antonio, which will mean nothing. They're meeting in the first round of the playoffs so neither team will show anything of note. Defense will be the key. The Nuggets have to put the brakes on Duncan, Ginobli, and Parker. Or it will be another short run for George's boys.

I'm obsessed with MySpace. I spend hours on my page, looking at my new friends. It's weird. Every big-name athlete as a page. Celebrities as well. And the feeling you get when a celebrity adds you as a "friend" is exhilirating. But weird. You're not really their friend. But I still need close to 46,000 "friends" to beat Carmelo in the "Race On MySpace." Help out a "friend." Find the link on this website and let's get busy.

I'm out. LB.

April 12, 2007

Good evening. Or morning. Or whatever. The Nuggets are on fire! Finally, a ray of hope they actually might have a chance in a playoff series against the Spurs. 7 in a row, clinched a playoff berth, and the best road record in franchise history! George Karl should just let them go. Don't tinker with anything, don't make any changes, don't say a word. Just let 'em roll.

Rockies. How frustrating and infuriating. They're killing me! They should have 4 more wins than they have now. Starting pitchers have been outstanding. But if the middle and late relievers can't hold onto a lead, it doesn't matter. Every year it seems to be the same problem. They're close or leading into the 7th or 8th inning, then they blow it. Same old story. My advice is to watch the game into the 7th, then leave or turn off the TV. You'll be happy. Just don't check the game story the next day, and in your fantasy-land the Rox will win the World Series.

Pacman Jones and Chris Henry got blown up by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Pacman will lose $1.3 million dollars of salary and bonuses if his suspension is upheld for the entire season. It's unbelievable how this guy and others like him don't realize what's at stake when they go out to a club and start fighting. He realizes it now. Stop getting in trouble with the law, idiots!

We got some great hockey going on in Loveland. Colorado Eagles. Playoffs! Try to go see them, if you're lucky enough to get a ticket. Sold-out!

Rapids. Grand opening was a blast! Even if it was like Siberia. When warm weather hits, I'm telling you, a ticket to a game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park is going to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Get 'em now! The atmosphere in that park will be electric.

Out for now. Lionel

April 9, 2007

Hey, it's Lionel checking. We got us some excitement brewing here. Nuggets have won 6 in a row, including w's over the Lakers twice, the Clippers and the Mavs. Now that's something to write home about. And they're playing defense! This is exactly what we're supposed to be seeing from them. With the talent on this team, wins should be expected. It still remains to be seen what they'll do in the playoffs against the Spurs.

Can you believe this idiot Imus? Look, I say some pretty crazy things and I believe in freedom of speech as much as anybody. He's free to say what he wants. He won't go to jail. But he should be fired immediately, or turned loose on the Rutgers campus. I know that's what Imus and Howard Stern and shock jocks of their ilk are all about, but there is a line we don't cross in society. The comments Imus made about some young hard-working college athletes is unforgivable. FIRE HIM!

April 4, 2007

It's Lionel again. Since we last talked, the Nuggets beat the Lakers and the Kings on consecutive nights. George Karl left the team to be with his son Coby, who underwent surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes. Man, if it ain't one thing it's another for this team.

So many distractions and interruptions. I still feel like they're going to get bounced from the playoffs in the first round. I hope I'm wrong. I do know if they can play like they did against the Lakers and Kings, there's a chance.

The Rockies should be 3-0 to start the season, except for a blown 8-6 lead in the 8th on opening day. Do we have something here?

I can't believe Clint Hurdle and Dan O'Dowd got 2-year contract extensions BEFORE the season. Why? Fear and pressure are great motivators. Why not tell Clint and Dan, if they have a winning season they'll get extensions. If they're as bad as always, you gotta go! What if your boss said, "Hey look, if you do some good things in the next year we'll give you a big raise. If you fail, we're going to fire you." How hard would you work during the next year? Jeez, light a fire under some behinds, will ya?

I'm out until Sunday. Holler back at me.

Lionel

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April 2, 2007

Hey, it's Lionel checking in. Is anybody else mystified by the Nuggets? Carmelo, Iverson, Camby, and Nene are as good as any other 4 starters on any other team in the league. Yet this team is .500 and barely going to make the playoffs? Why is this? Is it George Karl? I say we need to give this Carmelo-Iverson project another year. The mid-season trade and Carmelo's suspension have voided this season. The Nuggets will face another disappointing early exit from the playoffs. But let them get an offseason and a full training camp under their belts and see what happens in '08. If they don't make the conference championship, then changes must be made. I love George, but he's got to go if they don't make a run at the championship next year.

The Avs have sure made things exciting around here! Too bad it's going to be too little, too late. I was looking forward to seeing this team in the playoffs, they're so hot! Once again, WUNY. Wait until next year. This group was pretty awful mid-season but they've come together and got something good going.

Rockies, we'll see how they do in the first couple games before we start ripping them!

I'm out. LB