After a two year hiatus, It's Always Sporty makes a return with a new look, feel, name, and focus.  Previously, Not The Game provided irreverent humor on topics surrounding the game on a national level. It's Always Sporty takes that spirit and passion and applies it to Philly sports.  In the same way the cast of characters from the FX show might approach every day, IAS will approach sports in this town... with emotion, irreverance, and humor.  The same way the fans do.

According to a very reliable source, Charlie Manuel attended dinner with Tommy Lasorda in New York the night before Game 1 of the WORLD SERIES. According to source, who was in attendance, Charlie remained out late (1:30am, really Charlie?) and got very drunk. When my source said, "Charlie, don't you have a game in like 16 hours?", Charlie replied "Fuck it. I have Lee pitching". Fantastic.

What a better way to return Not The Game then with a shout out to this awesome shirt from Birdland. They have some great products, but this one might take the cake for me. Calling out the Sarge's catchphrase "It's Cadillac Time", shirt comes in T and sweat version.

My friend and I decided to get together to watch the Grizzlies-Spurs game and see Kyle Lowry from our alma-mater kick some ass.

Memphis Grizzlies basketball! Their pregame show is just downright frightening. Lights out, drummers with glow in the dark sticks, and guys jumping on trampolines and bounce sticks, straight out of Cirque de Soile.

They have pulled out all the stops, Michael Buffer doing the introductions. His career has come to this, doing introductions for Memphis Grizzlies basketball.

And the coach of the Grizzlies? Ichabod Crane! Jk, its Mark Iavoroni, funny because last year they had Tony Baroni and this year they have Marck Iavorni, thats a lot of roni.

Our announcing team for today? The Beverly Hillbillies.

Darko sporting a new haircut, hits the little baby hook, maybe he will make himself know this year.

"This is what basketballis supposed to look like" Matt said, "instead of the Sixers."

Just in case you're keeping score at home, it is the 7 minute mark of the first quarter and I have already watch more Grizzlies basketball than I have Sixers basketball this season.

Darko with a sick slam, wow! He looks like he bulked up, or maybe he just doesn't look gay anymore, I don't know.

Casey JAsconson enters the game, "They have some bad whites on the team", Matt says.

Maybe its the wide screen, but Darko is huge. That's what she said. "He's a big big guy, but more importantly hes long also", the announcer said, that is also what she said.

Two fouls on Gay, hes living up to the name I used to give him on UCONN, Rudy Disappear. Stromile Swift comes in, they are really bringing in the heavy artillery.

This announcer sounds like Ned Flanders!

Here comes Kyle Lowry!

Swift off the top f the backboard, nice.

Turnover by Stromile Swift, nice.

Lowry running down the floor, hes so fast, I miss him. Ned said, "There's fast, then there's scary fast". Apparently Lowry is scary fast.

For the record, they bring in Lowry and get the lead. Keep in mind, this will be a pattern.

We discuss tha tthis happend at Villanova. He brings a different energy level to a team. If you have never seen him play, you need to see this guy play.

$5 a game for Grizzlies tickets, I want to go to Memphis.

And your Sixers are down 79-60, this is why I am watching two innocuous teams.

Back to the game, looks like Lowry is still in, maybe Iavoroni realizes hes the guy who will help this team win.

Lowry with a slick move, to the line.

Makes them both.

Lowry with the tough basket streaking and with strength.

Once upon a time NBA 2k redefined basketball games as we know it. It was ranked 7th on our Top 10 Sports Videogames of All-Time List. Since then, the NBA 2k series has remained number one, save for a couple of years of stiff competition from NBA Live in 2004 and 2005, when Live reached its pinnacle. On the new systems however, the 2K series has reigned supreme. This year looks like it will be more of the same. Live's demo has shown the same gameplay flaws as its predecessor and NBA 2K8 rocks, with some practice.

Graphics:

The game has always done a good job of capturing the realism of sports with its graphics. This year, NBA 2K8 improves upon that by adding even more details to the environment. It actually feels like your in the arena you are playing in. The Wachovia Center no longer looks like the Staples Center, you actually feel like you are in the real arenas. The player details and uniforms look amazing and they even nailed marginal players, like my alma mater's Allan Ray. The courts, cameras, and crowds all look stunningly real. There is less polish to the visuals though, as some of the items look a bit fuzzy around the edges and there is a bit of a frame rate issue. Now, for the animation...

The movements of the players are amazing. Each player has unique movements and signature styles. Durant shoots like Durant, Lowry dribbles like Lowry, AI moves like AI, you get the point, the movements are sweet. There is no shortage of situation specific maneuvers as well, as you will see players dive for balls, throw up circus shots, and lock down on D. There are, however, some issues with the animation that will lead some to question what the developers were thinking. This year, 2K really focused on realistic movements, which means gone are the days of cutting from left to right on a dime and players sliding around the floor. A good improvement this is, but sometimes it is ubberly frustrating to simply have a player turn around or change direction as he will go through a long drawn out animation that is totally unnecessary. For the most part the animation system works well, as players really get momentum on fast breaks and they take that with them to the hoop. Shots feel rhythmic (thats what she said) and defense for the most part is natural. There occasional issues with responsiveness, like when a player goes to shoot or jump to block a shot, and the lock down button on defense sometimes magnetically pulls the player into the target and it doesn't' feel quite natural. All in all, the animations are great, but the new movements will cause some frustration in the beginning.

Sound:

The announcers do a great job as usual, and they will get excited at the appropriate times. The crowd actually responds quite well and will stand and cheer in close games and really make you feel like you are a part of the game. The soundtrack is also pretty good. The sound pretty much does what it should, it doesn't stand out so much to try to steal the show, and it doesn't sound bad, so basically it provides good background noise that enhances the overall game experience.

Gameplay:

I touched on some of the control issues in the graphics section. After you get used to the new physics, the game is actually really rewarding. You appreciate the more highly skilled players who can cut and move fast. When you pull off a good play you feel like you earned it. The AI in the game is just about the best I have ever seen in a sports game. Try to leave a player open on defense and see what happens. The AI exploits the mismatch and makes you pay. Start to double down low on Shaq and he will kick it out for a three. Start doubling Baron Davis up high and he will feed a wide open player under the net. It really is amazing that the game has the ability to detect mismatches so quickly. Successful zones and coverage, will help you win; constantly doubling and going for steals, will not. I'm not blowing smoke here, a lot of times games will say that you have to play realistically to win, but after a while you realize there are certain things you can do to get away from this. This game forces you to play real basketball to be successful. Go for a steal at the opportune time, and jump to block a shot at the right moment and you will be richly rewarded, but doing this too often will just leave you high and dry. Playing against guys like Davis and Durant is noticeably different than playing against guys like Delonte West or Troy Hudson. You really have to play smart to defend a good player.

On offense you have to run real plays. Sure every once in a while you can get a skilled point guard to drive the lane, or a good shooter to hit a tough jump shot, but for the most part you will have to work to get open. It really does make you appreciate your stars, and use role players effectively. In my Grizzlies season, I can't hit many pull up jumpers with Lowry, but I can sure as hell drive the lane and hit a circus layup. And that is Lowry's game, and it comes across well in NBA 2K8. Again, sometimes the control can be frustrating and cause you to step out of bounds or go back court, but after getting used to it, you will learn to play smarter and it really becomes a great game.

Features/Presentation:

2K always knocks it out of the park with presentation, this year is no different. They cut down on cut scenes and post game highlights (this speeds up the game), but one of the coolest things I have ever seen is the ability to go in after the game and view the Top 3 plays of the game, the player of the game, shooting zones, and for any player view all of his plays for the game. Want to see all of Kobe's shot and rebounds? Just click on Kobe and you have a preset highlight of all of his contributions in the game. Very unique indeed.

Association mode is top notch, training is well implemented and can actually make a difference, unlike in Madden. Player signings and stats are all logical and well laid out. The menu is still a bit cumbersome, but its getting better. I haven't had a chance to play the Slam Dunk contest yet, and I will update this review when I do.

In all, presentation it top notch, features are what they should be, and menus are logical and make sense.

Overall:

At first, this game will frustrate you, it is so realistic you will have to take some time to learn how to play it, even for seasoned vets. After the initial shock at the measured pace and slightly touchy controls, you will learn what real basketball is all about. Factor the great, realistic gameplay in with excellent graphics, awesome sound, and a "this is the way it should be" set of features and extras, and you have one outstanding basketball game.

9/10

Everyone, myself included gets hyped about Madden every year. This year it probably delivered with its second best iteration ever, and that is saying something. But believe it or not their are better sports games out there. NHL 2008 is the best sports game since MVP 2005, and that's saying a lot. Look for a review on this tomorrow. While we are at it, here are some screen shots and videos of NBA 2k8. This is the best basketball game year after year, and this year is shaping up to be no different. We will have a review on this next week. Here is a link to a previous article about the game interviewing Rudy Gay.

According to articles published this week, it appears as if Matt Murphy, the fan who caught Barry Bonds’ record breaking 756^th home run ball, will sell it via auction. The official AP article states: “The 21-year-old New York man said Tuesday he had no choice but to sell the ball — several people told him he would be taxed on the souvenir just for holding on to it.”

Is Matt just using this as an excuse to sell the ball? Or is he just misinformed? Several people told him he would be taxed? Who are these “several people”? Mikey the butcher? His uncle’s girlfriend’s sister’s best friend?

There is nothing in the tax law governing souvenir baseballs. There has never been any official IRS statement regarding the tax treatment of this home run ball.

We must understand the difference between valuation and realization. The home run ball is valued at $500,000, but no cash has been realized yet. Tax is triggered upon realization and is calculated on the cash or consideration received minus the cost basis of the item sold.

Let’s say a major league baseball costs $5. Before each major league game, a public announcement states “You may keep all balls and bats thrown or hit into the crowd.” So it looks like this is a unilateral transfer, which is a fancy term for a gift. So when you catch a foul ball, major league baseball is giving you a $5 gift. When a gift transaction occurs, the receiver never pays a tax and for tax purposes, the receiver’s cost basis is the cost basis upon transfer. So, if one sells a major league foul ball for $100, they are responsible for paying taxes on $95 ($100-$5).

When the ball left Mike Bacsik’s hand, it cost and was worth $5. When it made its way to the stands, it was worth $500,000, appreciating 100,000 times its value in 2 seconds. What Matt Murphy has is a gift from major league baseball, costing $5 but valued at $500,000. If Matt sells for that amount, he should have to pay taxes on $499,995. But if he keeps it, he shouldn’t have to pay a dime in taxes. Just like you don’t pay capital gains taxes on stock unless you sell it, you shouldn’t have to pay it on a baseball.

Guest Contributor: Jim Taxman Metaxas

Madden 2008 is a bit of an enigma. In the last few years, on the new systems, Madden has been a sub par football game. This is typical for sports games on a new system as it takes game developers a few years to revamp the game engine, as well as improve graphics and features. The third year is typically the year when progress starts to be made. Take the PS2 versions, for example, in 2002 and 2003 the game redefined the way football games look but they didn't play that well, in 2004 the game took on a life of its own, and by year four in 2005, Madden reached its pinnacle. That lines the 360 version up for 2009 as the pinnacle of its success on the new systems.

Madden 2008, however, is a serious step in the right direction. This year, Madden has perfected the game play, improved already stellar animations, and added the features and options we have come to expect from the Madden franchise. If by next year, EA Sports can improve the presentation, get rid of the god awful radio announcer, and add some innovation to franchise mode, the game will reach a level never before seen.

That being said, here is a break down of this years game.

Graphics:

Madden has never really been known for its graphics and animation, but this year that is starting to change. Animations are now much more natural, as players will reach for balls and drag their feet on the sideline. EA Sports uses what it calls a "branching" system. Essentially, this allows the movements to transfer from one to another seamlessly. In 60 frames per second, the game runs beautifully, but since everything is so smooth, the occasional jump in animation between say, standing and falling, seems very out of place. All in all the graphics are very good, next year EA Sports needs to add some more presentation elements.

Sound:

The radio announcer sucks. It sounded like a good idea, but really he is just annoying and makes the game feel outdated (think Joe Montana Sports Talk Football), there is no reason why the biggest selling sports game of all time shouldn't have real announcers. The hits and the players yelling make the on field experience great, but the crowd is just "ok".

Gameplay:

Extremely fun and fast. The game plays with a ferocity that Madden hasn't seen in years. The hits, running, and catches are truly fun to accomplish, and the realism is outstanding. It is one of the few games where neither the defense or the offense dominates. Some games are commanded by defense, while others are controlled by electric offensive players.

The new superstar abilities is well implemented and really gives stars individuality on the field. If you try to tackle Lindell White high, forget about it. For big backs, you need to hit them low utilizing the new Hit-Stick 2.0. It is these little idiosyncrasies that really make the game shine. The gameplay is tight, but it does feel a little tired, as the plays have been the same for years now.

Features:

Franchise mode has some added options, most specifically the ability to relocate your team. Superstar mode has playable camera angles, but during the season there is not much to do other than play games, practice, and bitch to your agent. Its fun, but its not a fulfilling experience as you only get to play the plays with your player, so you don't development an emotional connection to your team.

Overall:

Madden plays great, looks good, and sounds horrible. In all, it is a good game, but there are times where I feel like I'm left wanting more. This years game is shaping up to be the penultimate game, with a little tweaking, next years will reign supreme.

8 K's out of 10. A Brett Myers.

KKKKKKKK

In honor of the release of Madden, we decided to do a Top 10 Sports Video Games of All-time list. This is not one of those lists that names a whole series; we single out individual games. We are not too nostalgic about certain games just because they are old. Therefore, RBI Baseball on the NES does not beat out MVP 2005 on PS2 just because it was new or really cool at the time. MVP, is a better game in every way, shape, and form. That is not to say that we don’t take into account “pioneering games”, because we will give credit where credit is due- Tecmo Bowl, for instance, made our list. But, for the most part, the newer games are better all-around games, and old games only made this list, when they were truly GREAT games.

So without further ado.

Honorable Mention:

NHL ’98, Madden ’94, Madden ’98, NCAA Football 2003, MVP Baseball 2004, RBI Baseball, College Hoops 2K7, NBA 2K2, NBA Jam, Fifa ’95, International Superstar Soccer

10) High Heat 2004, PS2

High Heat, was the most realistic baseball game at the time, and it still might be. Produced by the now defunct 3DO, High Heat was not well marketed and lacked any visual or substantial flare, but it did have killer realistic game play. Any fan of the game, uses it as a benchmark to measure other baseball games against in terms of realism and fun.

9) WWF Warzone, N64

Warzone was the defining game of the wrestling surge in the late nineties and early 2000’s. It was the first game to use hi-res, 3D graphics and incorporate such extravagant entrances. While others argue that THQ’s Wrestlemania was better, fact is, that any male with a Playstation or N64 had Warzone, and played it endlessly with friends.

8) NFL 2K5, Xbox

I come from the school of thought that believes there can be two good football games on the market. Most people fall into the Madden fan boy, or 2K fan boy category, but in reality, each game, especially in 2005, was very good. 2K5 really took football graphics and animation to a new level, while that year, Madden took gameplay to its highest level. 2K5 sparked so much interest in 2005 with its $19.99 price tag, that for the first time, Madden seemed to be genuinely challenged, prompting EA to buy the NFL license.

7) NBA 2K, Dreamcast

How did a Dreamcast game make this list? Well, this was the first basketball game that truly had both style and substance. Granted, the menus were clumsy, and the game was full of glitches, but what it lacked in refinement, it made up for in game play. The controls and animation were spot on, the crowds reacted realistically, and players actually looked like their real life counterparts. The 2K series still remains today, and continues to be the most realistic basketball series around.

6) Tiger Woods ’04, PS2

Golf games had always been kind of bland and hard to play. This was the first game that truly made you feel like you had control of your swing, along with a boatload of graphics and options. One of the most addicting games ever, Tiger Woods transcended biased boundaries and brought all fans, male and female, young and old, white and black to the PS2 or Xbox for this great game.

5) NHL ’96, Sega

Technically, the best hockey game of all-time. This game brought back all that was good from NHL ’94, (after ’95 was a departure from the series, that I actually liked) and improved upon it. Both ’94 and ’95 had glitches, but ’96 fixed these and was released right at the height of hockey’s popularity surge, which has since declined. Everyone forgets, but from 1993-2000 NHL was the game to play, not Madden. It wasn’t until NHL took a down turn in the early millennium that Madden became THE sports game to have. NHL ’96 was the most technically sound version of NHL.

4) Super Tecmo Bowl, NES

I’m going to be honest with you here, I don’t like this game. I think it was so new and fun to play at the time, that people became addicted to it. It was not however, that technically sound, or that much fun to play after playing newer football games. That being said, it is a game that many people think is the best sports game ever, therefore it deserves to be on the list.

3) Madden ’05, PS2

The best football game ever. This was the year Madden added defensive playmaker to offset the previous season’s offensive playmaker. It was extremely balanced, as both offenses and defenses could excel. Along with that it had decent graphics and a great franchise mode. This was a great year for football, as NFL 2K5 pushed Madden to bring it’s A game. 2K released their game weeks early and at a cheaper price tag, in an effort to win over Madden fans. All they really did was make most people buy two games, because both were so good. We are going to hail 2005 as the year of the football videogame.

2) MVP Baseball 2005, Xbox

Bar none, the best baseball game ever made. Here is why. In 2004, EA Sports released the most intuitive game to date, with realistic hitting mechanics, a power pitching meter, and a deep dynasty. It became the benchmark for all baseball games going forward. Its problem? There was a glitch that added extra topspin to balls hit by left handers, making it almost impossible to hit a home run with a lefty. In essence, ruining the game. Now, many people enjoyed this game for months, simply because the rest of the game was so good. All that 2005 had to do was fix this glitch, add new rosters, an intuitive batters eye feature, tighten up the gameplay, and add to dynasty mode, to give them the best baseball game ever made. For the only time, MVP 2004 and 2005, made it feel like you were actually hitting the ball.

1) NHL ’94, Sega

This was the most fun sports game to play of all-time. Sure, it had the deke move where you could score every time, prompting most friends outlawed that move, but this game was the game to play by yourself or with others. There is not a person out there who didn’t own this game and play it for hours on end. Simple controls, fast action, quick games that made you want to play more, all the teams, all the players, and blue ice. The best.

The first two reviews are out for Madden 2008, and so far, so good!



Yahoo Games- 5/5
"Right. Because with Madden 08, EA Sports finally got it right. Players move how you want them to move, teams mimic their real-life tendencies, the view from the gridiron is gorgeous, and playing with a friends is simply addicting. While the game does have some minor hiccups, Madden 08 is without a doubt the best football game to be released in several years and is a must-have for any red-blooded football fan."

1up- 9/10
"Vision and Precision Passing, Superstar mode -- the last two big features coming out of this series can best be described as "great in theory, poor in execution." Thankfully, that's not the case this season as 08 introduces something much simpler yet way more effective. The new "weapons" feature has a two-pronged effect. First, these onfield icons make it supereasy to identify a team's key players and their strengths. And more importantly, these classifications bring some much-needed variety to each position. So running the pigskin with elusive Saints running back Reggie Bush feels way different than using Chiefs power back Larry Johnson. The game even takes into account which NFL players show some smarts on the gridiron. Brainiacs like the Colts' Peyton Manning and the Ravens' Ed Reed (who receive the lightbulb icon) can eventually fill up that lightbulb and read the defensive or offensive play, which will appear on the field as a diagram. Now that's what we call innovation."

These are Xbox 360 reviews, the PS3 reviews are slightly lower since it is only 30 frames per second. The 360 outputs 60 frames per second. See if you can see the difference.



Either way, Madden 2008 looks to bring the series back to the old days. The last two years Madden has been hampered by a lack of features and sluggish play on the new systems. Typically, it takes companies until the third year on a system to get it right. This is the third year for Madden on 360, and it looks like EA Sports has finally combined the features with the next gen capabilities.

Look for our full review Tuesday.

Now, the refs will have the best possible view of the play. Ya know, the view we have been getting at home for 3 years. NFL Replay's will finally be in HD for the officials to get a better view of the play. They will use a 26" screen as opposed to a 20'' screen, and they will now be able to stand closer to the screen.

The league is saying that this will enhance the referee's ability to more accurately and quickly determine the correct call. Specifically, replay will help with complete catch calls, as they will be able to see blades of grass between a player's foot and the sideline.

This should not have too much of an impact on calls. Few calls would be different due to a clearer image. Most calls are motion based, but for those calls that do require a closer look at a player's foot, this should help.

In other technology news, ESPN will be redoing ESPN 360. The online video player is confusing for users, as a lot of people were not even sure if they had access to it. The network will now focus on more live programming. We are not too confident in this and will reserve judgment until we see the final product.

According to Philadelphia Sports Radio 950's Jamie Yannacone, other officials could be implicated in the Donaghy gambling case.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a former NBA player told Yannacone that if Donaghy talks "double-digit numbers of referees and at least one player could be implicated".

Of course, this is all dependent on if Donaghy talks.

"Either way, it might be the case that nothing comes to light if Donaghy keeps quiet," Yannacone told Not The Game, "but my source, a former NBA player, was adamant that the NBA could be in serious trouble if Donaghy sings."

"Unfortunately, there is not really much more I can say about it."

Putting this in perspective, it is unlikely that Donaghy will want to rat out anyone else who was involved, as this would anger a lot of people. Probably people that Donaghy does not want to anger.

If this does come out, and there were other officials and players involved, then this could be the end of the NBA as we know it. One bad apple is one thing, but if what we have been watching for the last few years has been a farce, than this will do more harm than any strike or scandal could.

We will stay on top of this at Not The Game.

You can hear more on Sports Radio 950 in Philadelphia on the 700 Level Sports Fanatics,
weeknights Mon-Thur 7-11, and Friday 7-10. Its a great show and highly recommended for breaking local and national sports news.

Jarrod Washburn loves the high-school cheerleaders.

Read between the lines and see how he hooked up with three high-school girls. On the DL.

Bonds' home run ball is still in the US. As we reported yesterday, Matt Murphy was supposed to head to Australia last night, but he decided to stay in the states to figure out what to do with his new found lottery ticket.

According to the report, Murphy will actually get taxed on the ball because of its estimated half million dollar value. So he would be wise to sell it.

Murphy, is 22 and lives at home with his parents in New York. He is currently a college student and neighbors say he is a good kid. One officer, who helped escort Murphy out, was happy for him even though he was a Mets fan because "he seemed like a fan of the game."

Murphy was kicked and scratched at the bottom of the pile clamoring for the ball. His Mets jersey was torn and had to be thrown out. For his efforts, Murphy will keep 51% of profits from the ball, while the other half will go to his friend he was with- based on a prearranged deal. His friend, was wearing an A-Rod jersey. Ironic.

For the story click here.

Jonathan Ansfield sheds some light.

Apparently, there are reasons other than marketing opportunities why Yi doesn't want to go to Milwaukee. No Chinese tail!

And more on China, which is on its way to becoming the most powerful country in the world.

On Not The Game we will be tracking all revelations about Barry Bonds' 756 home run ball.

Here is what we know:

The ball was caught by Matt Murphy of New York. He is 22 and was on his way from New York to Australia. Presumably he will not be leaving for Australia until Wednesday evening. There is only one direct flight from San Francisco to Sydney, it leaves at 10:55PM from San Francisco and that is United Airlines flight 863. You can track that flight here. Since he caught the ball at 9:00, there is no way he was getting on the plane that night. That means, that at press time the ball is still in the US. Will he keep it here? Or bring it with him to Australia?

Since he lives in New York, he will most likely bring the ball with him. What will he do after it and how much will it be worth?

Here is what some other fans who have caught historic home run balls have done. And here is how much he can expect to get for the ball.

Murphy declined to talk to the media, only giving his name and where he was from, possibly out of fear of being robbed, especially traveling internationally. So if you are in San Francisco and would like to get close to the ball, head down to the airport around 10 o'clock tonight and look for Matt.