Tag: Las Vegas

ICYMI the Bruins Are Playing Outdoors at Lake Tahoe This Weekend

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NBC Sports – We’re just a few days away from the Boston Bruins’ most aesthetically-pleasing game of the season. The Bruins will travel to Lake Tahoe on Sunday to take on the Philadelphia Flyers as part of the NHL Outdoors series. Bruins-Flyers will follow Colorado Avalanche vs. Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, which means outdoor hockey is right around the corner.

The rink is being constructed a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe on the 18th green of the Edgewood Tahoe Resort golf course, and it’s a sight to behold.

The NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe is going to be a spectacular made-for-TV event. I’ve been to a Winter Classic and no matter where they play the sight lines as a fan in attendance are anywhere from awful to mediocre. The TV experience is usually pretty cool with some highlights being the Penguins playing under the snow in the first WC

The Bruins playing at Fenway was an awesome TV experience as well. I’ve been to Frozen Fenway where I saw some college hockey games there so I know the sight lines are terrible, but I remember the whole neighborhood was bumping for the Winter Classic as I walked around hung over as all hell on New Years Day.

But after a while the outdoor games at football and baseball stadiums became kind of overdone. I completely blame the NHL for this because they took something they created out of thin air that became hockey royalty in the Winter Classic and bastardized it by then playing like 5 outdoor games every season. The Stadium Series? FOH.

So the pandemic presented an opportunity for the NHL as teams playing in front of empty football stadiums didn’t seem like a prime aesthetic. The solution?

Lake Tahoe.

A legitimately awesome idea from a league that isn’t exactly known for marketing their sport all that well. With little to no fans allowed in the stands, why not just double down on the TV experience and put a rink in front of the picture perfect pond hockey back drop?

AND the Bruins will finally be breaking out their brand new reverse retro yellow jerseys, which are going to look absolutely money outdoors.

This must be a logistical nightmare because it’s not like they’re just pulling a couple nets out onto the lake and playing some puck. The NHL is constructing a full fledged hockey rink in the middle of nowhere and as Billy Jaffe pointed out on Toucher and Rich this AM, most Winter Classics are hosted at massive professional sports arenas that are in major cities with ya know, electrical power grids.

So major props to the NHL for thinking outside of the box because I can’t wait to watch this on Sunday and that’s something hockey needs people to be saying more of these days.

Gridiron Tales: NFL Week 9 Picks

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Folks, let me introduce myself. I have gone by many names: Big Game, G-Smooth, Jimmy Lips, etc. But for these exercises, I’m just the dude who researches sports information and makes educated guesses on the outcomes of player performances. There will be facts. There will be jokes. And hopefully, there will be success. 

Let’s start out west in the Raiders and Chargers game.

Justin Herbert O270.5 pass yds (-115)

Co-Rookie of the Year favorite, Justin Herbert has been money both on the field and for fantasy owners this season. He has passed for over 271 yards in five of his six starts and the only time he didn’t was in his MNF showdown in Nola, when he finished with 264.

Over the past four games, the Raiders have allowed the following passing yard totals: 

  • Josh Allen – 288
  • Patrick Mahomes – 340
  • Tom Brady – 369 
  • Baker Mayfield – 122

Context is needed for the Mayfield outlier and it should be noted that the winds were howling and it was raining the entire game last Sunday.

DJ Chark O50.5 rec yds (-112)

Jaguars WR DJ Chark was not originally going to make the cut, but sometimes you have to wait (5 days) for good things to happen. 

Texans CB Bradley Roby is out on Sunday due to disciplinary reasons. 

“So what, James?!”

Well, that’s significant because that frees up Chark to roam a bit more comfortably. You’ll recall that Davante Adams just torched the Texans in Week 7 for 13-196-2. I am in no way implying that DJ Chark doo doo doo doo doo doo is Adams, but that Week 7 performance came with Roby on the field. 

Over the past 5 weeks, the Texans have allowed just under 200 rec yds per game to WRs and the 2nd-most TDs to that position over that span (9).

Sterling Shepard O4.5 catches (-118) and O54.5 rec yds (-112)

I know what you’re thinking: “James, I don’t even know you, and yet I can tell this is a homer pick.”

Hear me out with these quick facts, though:

-Shepard has 18 targets over the past two games

-Shepard has has gone over 54 in each of those contests

-Shepard has 6+ catches in three of his four games this season

-WFT has allowed 3 WRs (Kupp, Woods & Cooper) to go over 54 yds in the last 3 gms

So this may very well be a homer pick, but it's a well-researched pick.

Taco Bell Cantina AKA the Best Club in Vegas is Coming to Boston Reportedly

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You know how many years I have spent complaining about the lack of Taco Bells in the Boston area? They actually just opened one downtown a couple of months ago, but before that there was one in the Cambridgeside Galleria food court and that was it. The next closest locations were in Revere, West Roxbury, and Quincy. 7,000+ locations and there was only one in Boston, what an absolute crime. So I’m all for any semblance of Taco Bell expansion in town, but now I learn that there may be a Taco Bell CANTINA coming to town??

If you’re unfamiliar with the Taco Bell Cantina concept then you my friend are missing out. Theres only a handful of these glorious locations in the country and the one on the strip is legitimately the best club in Las Vegas. I’m not even joking. Just look at this clip I had on my phone from when I was in Vegas last year.

Again, that is a Taco Bell.

The place serves booze, has a DJ, and is just general debauchery with a side of Doritos Locos Tacos.

Now for the location. I love it because its pretty close to my house, but to drop this place directly across the street from a major college in Boston University is BOLD. BU isn’t exactly Arizona State, but I guarantee there is still going to be 19-year-old sorority girls passed out face down in their fourth meal on the regular.

Live mas, indeed.

Tom Brady’s Latest Post Has Me Uneasy

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Well this makes me uncomfortable.

It’s more about what he didn’t say than what he did say. Tom Brady is set to become a free agent on March 18th for the first time in the last 20 years. Brady specifically negotiated out the franchise tag so the Patriots couldn’t make the decision of where he plays next year for him. Now we have rumors all across the country that Brady allegedly was looking at real estate in Vegas, which came out just a few days after this.

Then the Los Angeles Chargers, who are moving into a brand new stadium next season, announced that they’re moving on from longtime franchise QB Philip Rivers. So there’s a cushy landing spot in LA now too if Brady is interested.

THEN came the rumors yesterday that Gisele and the Brady family were looking at schools for the kids in Nashville. Well, I have to admit that I don’t think a lot of Massachusetts residents are looking at schools in Nashville for their kids. The Titans had a nice run to the AFC Championship Game after benching my boy Marcus Mariota, who is also a free agent. And Ryan Tannehill very well may win Comeback Player of the Year, but if TB12 is available don’t think old friend Mike Vrabel wouldn’t be interested.

So in saying literally nothing, Tom Brady has said everything and thrown me into full blown crisis mode.

Antonio Brown Posted a Call He Had With Jon Gruden, Asks for His Release After Raiders Void His Guaranteed Money

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This story just gets weirder and weirder man. When I first started writing this blog I was going to talk about California’s “two party consent” law and how AB could be in hot water for illegally recording and posting a phone call. Welp, threw that draft in the trash because in the last hour Antonio Brown has taken to the Gram to ask the Raiders for his RELEASE. It would seem the Raiders have now had enough of Antonio Brown’s shit.

You thought AB’s “emotional” apology in front of the team on Friday morning was the end of the story right?

Brown is in the 1% of the 1% of athletes in the world so he wants it his way all the time, but even top performers in any workplace can only push the boundaries so far before you get fired. And it seems like Antonio Brown is indeed about to get fired.

AB then thought it would be a neat idea to record a call he had with his coach, who basically is telling him to cut the shit, and turn it into some (very well produced) hype video. It looks like a Nike commercial, but it just makes AB sound like a moron. He’s trying to depict himself as a guy fighting against all the odds and all the haters to come out stronger on top when all he’s doing is shining a light on how petulant he’s been.

Gruden straight up asks Brown “do you want to be a Raider or not?” He’s been Brown’s biggest supporter through all the nonsense this offseason, but even Gruden pleads with him, “Please stop this shit and just play football.”

AB shot his way out of Pittsburgh, got PAID by Oakland, then injured himself, then threw a tantrum over a helmet, then aired his dirty laundry with his bosses over his fine, then called his boss a “cracker,” then posted a recorded phone call with his coach on YouTube and is now paying the consequences with his wallet. Not exactly a sympathetic figure here.

It seems like Gruden understands AB is an absolute lunatic but just does not care. Get the man on the field on Sundays and just laugh through all the rest.

And that is totally fine, I almost respect Gruden’s blinders in the sake of talent, but holy hell does it make the team look bad and it cannot have a great affect on that locker room culture.

A lot of people have started to become legitimately worried about Antonio Brown and where his head is at mentally. Rich Eisen literally asked Drew Rosenhaus if Antonio is alright. Even Michael Irvin is concerned and he played on the 90s Cowboys.

Some are saying he’s unraveling in front of our eyes stemming from the absolutely vicious hit he took from Vontaze Burfict a couple of years ago.

I don’t know, but it seems like AB is dead set on burning bridges and the Raiders may be ready to let that bridge go up in flames. All I know is I spent a 3rd round pick on Brown in my fantasy draft last week so I am taking this entire situation personally.

I Met Pete Rose AKA The Hit King AKA the Greatest Attraction in Las Vegas

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I know we’ve all heard the jokes about how devalued Pete Rose’s autograph has become over the years because he legit signs anything and everything all day long in Las Vegas, but that didn’t change the fact that I desperately wanted to meet Charlie Hustle. I’m not looking to sell the goddamn thing, I’m looking for prime memorabilia for The 300s Podcast studio.

They literally have Pete sitting in a glass box like a wax statue in the MGM Grand while staff members stand outside the store to try and reel people in. It’s basically  a gigantic memorabilia store that has everything from Pete Rose bats to autographed JFK memorial collages. Then the girl working the cash register sells you a bat or a pic or a ball for Pete to sign and they even let you take a picture with the man himself for a small fee. (Shoutout to Giorgio for ponying up for that.)

You go in and meet the man, the myth, the legend and he’s literally sitting there watching March Madness on a small TV and I start to become a little concerned this dude is not even going to glance at us. His employees must deal with that sense of dread a lot because the girl taking the pics literally says to us “Don’t worry Pete will look up for a pic when he’s done.” Umm thats good I guess?

I ask the baseball legend to sign it to The 300s and he says “…what is that?” I tell him and he signs the pic and I can’t help but wonder how many horrendous things he’s signed under false pretenses. Giorgio insists he’s heard of Pete signing photos that says he killed JFK. But once we took the pic he was actually a pretty good shit, very laid back dude who joked around with us for a couple of minutes. My one regret is not telling him how much I respect him for nearly killing that catcher for a goddamn exhibition game in the 1970 All-Star game. His name is Charlie Hustle so if you’re not prepared for the train, get off the tracks.

He even signed it “Hit King 4256.” What a legend.

 

Scouting Reports On The 300s Staff’s Chances In Vegas Are In

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As has been alluded to and addressed, a number of folks from The 300s along with a crew of additional compadres will descend upon the city of sin this weekend to celebrate Red’s last few weeks as a man.

Now in reality, getting married is just another excuse for Red to refuse to go out and do anything fun; much like getting a dog, getting engaged, growing a beard, buying a grill, etc. However, society has deemed this one valid so there’s not much I or anything else can do or say about it.

We have an eclectic crew heading out for our weekend of drinking, gambling, professional hockey, tasteful prostitution, and more drinking. Not all men are made equal, especially when it comes to bachelor parties. There’s a weird “on a bachelor party” effect where folks tend to just slip into some sort of alter ego, no two which are the same. I can only imagine that this is only magnified in Las Vegas, a place I have never been but have ingested the lore of in great quantities.

So to prognosticate what will become of our conquering heroes, I partnered with a Professional Sports Scout to look at the game tape, read between the lines, scrutinize some measurements, and come to some conclusions.

Here’s what we drew up.

Big Z – Center Fielder, Stay-at-home Defenseman, OLB, 3-and-D Small Forward
Most tenured veteran of the bunch…saw a dip in production over last few years….recently showed he still has “it”…committed to living and training in the elements to prepare….very willing when it comes to taking a gamble….locker room guy who can keep things organized and together….can he last the whole season?

Mattes – 2nd or 3rd Starter, Left Winger, Free Safety, 2 Guard Gunner
Another prestigious career…workman-like through and through…sometimes apprehensive to give up the rock…still has gas left in the tank that he can call on…keeps fit with the use of herbal remedies, huge dedication to his physical condition….will prosper with a little change of scenery….huge team guy, could be a key clubhouse decision maker….may need a mid-game nap.

Papa Giorgio – Third Baseman, Enforcer/4th Line Something, Strong Safety, Small Ball 4
The personality and force of the group….has mellowed as late….one might say he’s just dormant as of now….will pick his spots….not afraid to leave it all out there, then immediately head home….will perform best with the right tunes played….has taken up fun running, which has nothing to do with this….recent move has him reinvigorated…dark horse MVP candidate.

Red – Shortstop, Offensive Defenseman, Scat Back, Point Guard
Long known as the glue guy…. the brain to Giorgio’s brawn…has played sparingly of late on his own accord….does he still love the game?….does he only love craft sports?…..one last shot at glory, will he go for it?….Known as a 5-tool player….can do it all, might feel like he has something to prove…odds-on All-Pro.

Joey B – 2nd Baseman, Right Wing, Wildcat QB, Small Ball 3
Has signed a “Do Not Resuscitate” order.

The 300s Podcast: Best Vegas Movies

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On this episode of The 300s Podcast we’ve got Red, Big Z, and Giorgio on the line discussing the funniest, most deranged, and most obscure in Vegas movies. We discuss each of the below and more from the past 30 years of Las Vegas film and TV history.

– The Hangover

– Oceans 11

– Swingers

– Vegas Vacation

– Austin Powers

– 21

– Con Air

– Rounders

– Entourage Vegas episode

– Rain Man

With LeBron Gone, Cleveland Fans Are Eager to Tank The Economy by Betting Big on the Browns in Vegas

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ESPN – Sportsbooks struggled to attract any action on the Cleveland Browns from the betting public the past two years. That changed this offseason.

Bettors at multiple Las Vegas sportsbooks have been backing the Browns to win the AFC North, the AFC title and even the Super Bowl. At MGM sportsbooks, the Browns have attracted more bets to win the Super Bowl than the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, who were playoff teams last season. Cleveland is listed at 60-1 to win the Super Bowl at MGM.

Just throw your money in a fire, Browns fans. At least a raging fire is fun to watch.

“There are more bets on the Browns to win the AFC North than the other three teams combined,” a sportsbook manager for Caesars Palace told ESPN. “Only the Raiders and Steelers have more bets to win the AFC [than the Browns]. The public likes the Browns, and I’m not sure why.”

Love me some Baker Mayfield, but this feels a bit premature guys. Remember the last time the Browns got some shine? It was 2008 and the Browns were coming off their best season in years going 10-6 in ’07. So the NFL gave the Browns like 6 primetime games in 2008. What happened? Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, and that whole motley crew came back down to Earth, the Browns proceeded to do Browns things and went 4-12.  No mas Browns on national TV. So maybe lets just pump the brakes for a minute before you all go and gamble away your rent money.

But, hey, maybe its not about the money.

Maybe they want to show LeBron that they don’t need him and his economic sustaining presence. We got the Browns baby!

 

The 300s Podcast: Fantasy Football Follies

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Football is back, thank christ. So this week, as summer is winding down, we turn our attention to the biggest productivity killer in corporate America; fantasy football.

-Flatscreen TVs are now disposable apparently

-Since I can’t play poker, Fantasy Football allows me to feel like a man and gamble

-Is DraftKings too much math and not enough fantasy?

-Hot Take: Live Drafts SUCK

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