Time for Coop to get as angry as Torts would have?

December 14, 2016 general

Wednesday, 4 a.m. His voice is modulated. There is no edge. There are no threats. Faces are relatively unscreamed into. Considering the slide of the Tampa Bay Lightning, is this the proper message? Things will be okay, we hear over and over again. It’s early. This is just a temporary tailspin. Things will get better. […]

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Bucs’ offense is slipping, but winning forgives it

December 13, 2016 general

Tuesday, 4 a.m. Winning changes everything. It forgives a team’s shortcuts. It consoles an underachieving receiver. It forgives a running back who can’t get going. It pats a quarterback on the back. That’s what winning does: It gives everyone a get-out-of -jail-free card. It fumigates the air. It brightens colors. It increases milage. It makes […]

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Every week, Bucs more like a playoff team

December 12, 2016 general

Monday, 4 a.m. Every week, it seems less like a location. Every week, it seems more like a destination. Every week, they get closer to a reservation. They are the Tampa Bay Bucs. And, yes, they belong in the playoffs. You’re darned right they do. Every week, it seems less like a mirage. It is […]

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Random thoughts: Tide would wear out Cleveland

December 11, 2016 general

Sunday, 4 a.m. I love that Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden has the gall to be offended that an EA simulation had the Browns losing to Alabama by 34 points. My questions: Only 34? And how can a corner on an 0-12 team whine about disrespect from anyone? Personally, I think Mississippi State would be a […]

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Effort better, but Lighting continues to lose

December 11, 2016 general

Sunday, 3 a.m. The effort was better. The offense was faster. The energy was higher. The result, however, was familiar. The Tampa Bay Lightning lost another one. The team’s worst slump of the last few years continued Saturday night as the Bolts absorbed a 4-3 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champion. The Pens beat […]

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Ask Gary: Bolts haven’t adjusted without Stamkos

December 10, 2016 general

(Each week, the readers take over GarySheltonsports.com and play Ask Gary. They send in a question, or a couple, on Thursday night or Friday morning and we all talk about the world of sports.  Think of it as a radio show where you don’t have to be on hold. Join us and ask a question, make a comment […]

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Lightning clobbered again as losing streak continues

December 9, 2016 general

Friday, 4 a.m. Are you worried yet? Are you checking the standings? Are you chewing your fingernails? Are you worried how far the Tampa Bay Lightning might fall, and what they might land on? You are not alone. Suddenly, the Lightning doesn’t look so tough, does it? It doesn’t look particularly fast or particularly skilled. […]

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Ask the expert: Jerry Angelo

December 8, 2016 general

Jerry Angelo is a former personnel director for the Bucs and former general manager of the Bears. Each week, Angelo answers your questions regarding the NFL. Send your questions to GarySheltonsports@gmail.com with “ask the expert” in the subject line. The most interesting questions will be selected. Thursday, 5 a.m. The Jets are turning to Bryce […]

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On replacing Taggart, USF’s most popular coach

December 8, 2016 College football

Wednesday, 4 a.m. Once, there was a man named Willie… The first loss was shocking. Had South Florida ever been worse? Had a coach ever had a more rotten debut? It was August 31, 2013, and it’s fair to say that Willie Taggart had just done a particularly wretched job of saying hello. His team […]

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Catch a rising star: Winston has been very good

December 7, 2016 general

Wednesday, 6 a.m. Last year, he was a beginner. A colt. A newcomer. Oh, it was still possible to look at Jameis Winston and to like what you saw. Even then, he had the uncommon leadership and the unwavering competitive spirit. Even then, he had an arm that could make most of the throws, except […]

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