Bucs show they aren’t quite ready for prime time

December 19, 2016 general

Monday, 4 a.m. On another night, perhaps Jameis Winston doesn’t throw the ball too far. In another stadium, perhaps Mike Evans makes another terrific catch. In another game, perhaps the duo hooks up one more time, and the Tampa Bay Bucs manage to pull the Cowboys’ game out at the end, too. That’s what you […]

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Random thoughts: Good memories of Aikman

December 18, 2016 general

Sunday, 4 a.m. A little appreciation for the Cowboys. I once covered a Dallas-Philadelphia game in which the Eagles went crazy. They knocked down Troy Aikman like 12 times in a huge win. It was hard for me, because I had an interview set up with Troy the next day. I figured he’d beg off […]

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Ask Gary: Examining the Hall of Fame ballot

December 17, 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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Strong soundbites highlight first press conference

December 16, 2016 College football

Friday, 4 a.m. Nobody loses their opening press conference. Before you can decide who the USF Bulls have hired in Charlie Strong, keep that in mind. Nobody fumbles. Nobody loses. Nobody mismanages the clock. There are no interceptions and no dumb penalties and no wasted opportunities. There are no losing streaks. There is simply a […]

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Ask the expert: Jerry Angelo

December 15, 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, 4 a.m. The end finally came for Rams’ […]

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Florida has quite the collection of coaches

December 15, 2016 College football

Thursday, 3 a.m. I imagine them meeting in a quarterback’s living room. I imagine there isn’t enough of mom’s chicken wings to go around. Jimbo Fisher is at the table. Jim McElwain is at the door. Mark Richt is in the quarterback’s room. Charlie Strong is coming up the driveway. The family has put Scott […]

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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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