Who is Dak Prescott?

Tonight's Liberty Bowl match up between the Bulldogs of Miss State and the Rice University Owls will give Miss State fans a last look until next season at their up and coming quarterback, Dak Prescott.

While this season he may best be know on the field for his 4th quarter Egg Bowl victory, when an injured Prescott came off the bench, and with a bold move from Coach Dan Mullens on 4th down threw the winning touchdown pass to defeat Ole Miss 17-10.  It has been his courage off the field this season for which Prescott should also be remembered.

Having lost his mother to cancer earlier in the season, the fans of Miss State rallied around their sophomore QB and both player and fan found inspiration.

The youngest of three sons, Dak Prescott was by all accounts exceptionally close to his mother Peggy.  When victory came in the Egg Bowl just one month after her death, Prescott could be seen on the field pointing upward.  While one can only guess, it would seem Prescott was pointing towards perhaps a source of inspiration.  These are the moments when sports figures honor something greater than themselves, something from which they draw courage and faith.

The Liberty Bowl will air today at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN before a crowd of fans in Memphis, TN and Dak Prescott will have a chance to lead his Bulldogs to another trophy.  While there are mixed opinions on Prescott's ability to find consistency on the field (he threw as many interceptions as he did TD's this year) there is something about Dak Prescott that leads many to believe this young quarterback will be a force in the SEC for 2014.

Texans top NFL 2014 Draft Order

Photo Credit:  BleacherReport.com

With the NFL entering the Wild card round of the playoffs, teams now have acquired their spot in the 2014 NFL Draft.  Topping this years list is the Houston Texans followed by the Rams, Jaguars, Browns and Raiders to round out the Top 5.

The NFL Draft is set for May 8th in New York but only 20 of the 32 teams have an established draft order.  The 12 spots that remain will be arranged as playoff season continues and teams drop from the march to the Super Bowl 2014.

According to several sources including an article from CBS Sports, Miami native and Louisville Cardinals' Teddy Bridgewater is likely to go in the first round.

Much of the speculation is fueled by Houston's loss to the Tennessee Titans in week 17 including two interceptions thrown by current QB Matt Schaub.  While Schaub's contract was extended last year through 2016, a draft pick could be the least expensive route for Houston to make the QB change, unless they take a possible cap relief hit at a cost of millions.

TOP TEN DRAFT ORDER:

1.  Houston Texans

2.  St. Louis Rams (Redskins)

3.  Jacksonville Jaguars

4.  Cleveland Browns

5.  Oakland Raiders

6.  Atlanta Falcons

7.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

8.  Minnesota Vikings

9.  Buffalo Bills

10. Detroit Lions

Tim Tebow Hired as Analyst for SEC Network Launching 2014

Photo: Huffington Post

Former Florida Gator QB Tim Tebow has been hired as an analyst for the SEC Network scheduled to launch in 2014.  According to a press release today by ESPN Tebow will host the SEC Nation show dedicated to pregame coverage.

The former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL player has agreed to a multi-year deal for the show scheduled to air in August 2014.  Tebow fans will get a "preshow" appearance January 6th as the former SEC player appears as an analyst for the BCS Championship coverage.

"He will contribute to the 9 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, College Football Live (3 p.m.) and College GameDay Built by The Home Depot (7 p.m.). He will also be part of studio coverage for the new College Football Playoff (semifinals and championship game), which begins next season."

The 2014 BCS VIZIO National Championship features Florida State University (his former college in-state rivals) and Auburn University who looks to continue the SEC's string of national championship titles.

According to the article the SEC Network will air 24/7 and a 20 year agreement has been signed between ESPN and the SEC.  Tebow is not "precluded" from playing in the NFL as terms of this agreement.

Craig Sword emerging to lead Miss State Men's Basketball Team

Craig Sword has racked up points this season as a sophomore guard for the Bulldogs to emerge as a leader in scoring for the Miss State men's basketball team.  The Bulldogs (8-2) are showing momentum and Sword is finding a consistent place in their recent wins.

Nicknamed Chicken, Sword has been the leading scorer for the Bulldogs in six straight games, racking up over 20 points in three of those games.

With the rebounding of Gavin Ware and his additional high scoring abilities, Miss State has seen some exciting basketball in this early season play.

Coach Rick Ray in an earlier article noted that Craig "Chicken" Sword was putting up some phenomenal numbers for his Bulldogs.

"Chicken is playing phenomenal at this point in time. I think he is shooting like 80% right now and that's just unheard of for a guard. Those are big-man Wilt Chamberlain type numbers. He's been phenomenal for us."

Credit: HailState.com

Miss State defeated last year's Dunk City team from FGCU 66-53 last week.  The Bulldogs travel to Las Vegas where they play South Florida later today in the 2013 Las Vegas Classic.

SEC action kicks off with Kentucky January 8th as the Bulldogs take the court in Lexington.

Pressure on Auburn to continue the BCS SEC Dynasty

Southeastern Conference

Auburn may have made it to the big dance, but the pressure is on as the SEC continues its legacy for domination in college football titles.

With seven straight National Championships, can Auburn make it #EightStraightSEC?  Many say yes as they march a powerful offense into Pasadena January 6th and close out the BCS era of National Championship games.

While there are mixed opinions on the BCS era and its popularity, one thing is sure - the SEC has dominated this pathway to the national titles.

Looking back it has been strong programs run by coach Nick Saban at both LSU and Alabama who have contributed to titles for the league in 2003, 2009, 2011 and 2012.  Florida, Auburn and Tennessee have also held title(s) over the course of the BCS era.

In fact the SEC has never lost a BCS title to a team outside the conference.  Their conference's only loss was to another SEC team when LSU lost to Alabama January 9, 2012.  The Tide under the leadership of Saban shut out LSU 21-0.

Will Florida State bring home another title?  The odds are not in their favor playing an SEC team, but they remain atop the list of appearances and will take the field with this year's Heisman winner Jameis Winston.

Winston Wins Heisman Trophy

Photo Credit:  Charles LeClaire USA Today Sports

Florida State QB Jameis Winston became the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy since the Downtown Athletic Club started the annual award in 1935.

The 19 year-old Winston was selected from a group of candidates last night that included a not so close second place voting finish by Alabama's quarterback AJ McCarron, and last year's winner Johnny Manziel who is slated to announce his future football plans prior to the Aggies bowl game.

Other candidates were QB Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois, RB Andre Williams, Boston College, RB Tre Mason, Auburn, QB Bryce Petty, Baylor, QB Derek Carr, Fresno State, QB Braxton Miller, Ohio State and RB Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona.

While controversy surrounded the season for Jameis Winston due to earlier accusations from an incident last December, the Florida State Seminoles are undefeated and headed to the BCS National Championship game with Auburn.  As late as Friday his accuser's attorney, who cannot seem to let a closed case go, requested an independent investigation of the Attorney Generals Office investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department.

According to the article an e-mail statement from a spokesperson for Florida's Governor Rick Scott (R) stated the following, "The state attorney's office and FDLE did a thorough investigation of this case and they concluded that no further action on this matter is required."

Winston who passed for 3,820 yards and 38 TD's this season may soon have another reason to celebrate if the NOLES win the title.  Congratulations to this year's winner of the Heisman Trophy and to all the candidates who made the ballot!

Nick Saban agrees to contract, will Roll with the Tide long term

Nick Saban

The Nick Saban and University of Alabama combination will roll on according to an article last night Saban has agreed to continue as the university's head football coach.

While the official contract numbers have not yet been released, the rumored multi-million dollar deal is pending approval by the board of trustees.  Much fanfare had circulated that Saban might leave his position after their disappointing loss to Auburn that cost the Tide a shot at this year's national championship.

Not only has Saban agreed to a stay on as head coach, the 62 year-old and highest-paid coach in college football said in a statement, "We are excited about the future and the university of Alabama is where I plan to end my coaching career."

Alabama AD, Bill Battle released the following statement, "Coach Saban is the best in the business and has lead our program to the pinnacle of college football."  With two national titles in three years, Saban has brought to Alabama another legacy that looks to continue into the future.

Often criticized for his intense coaching style and comments, Saban has proved he can build winning programs and is arguably the best in the business.

The Crimson Tide will play Oklahoma January 2nd in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Bowl Game selections for BCS tonight

College football fans it is time for bowl selection, and the 2013 season has been a series of twists and turns the past two weeks.  With Alabama's loss to Auburn, and Florida State emerging as undefeated, this has been an unpredictable ending for many fans of the game.

Auburn's win last night in the SEC Championship game over Missouri (59-42) with an outstanding performance by Tre Mason (46 carries, 304 yards, 4 TD), and an upset with Ohio State losing 34-24 to Michigan State opens the door for the last teams standing - Auburn vs Florida State.

Auburn's Cinderella team may take home a trophy and give the SEC another national title.  You can watch all the bowl selection Sunday excitement tonight on ESPN at 8:30 ET.  Where is your team going bowling?

Jameis Winston no criminal charges filed

Florida State QB Jameis Winston will not face criminal charges in a year long investigation into an alleged rape case according to State Attorney William Meggs. 

Meggs commented at a press conference today, "We have carefully examined the evidence in this case and have concluded no charges will be filed in this case." 

Press Conference scheduled as Winston investigation ends

Photo Credit:  Charles LeClaire - USA Today Sports

A press conference is scheduled today as the investigation into an alleged rape comes to an end to determine whether Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston will be charged.

The press conference and announcement will be held at 2:00 p.m. at State Attorney Willie Meggs office.  Meggs has been in charge of the investigation since taking over last month from the Tallahassee Police Department.  The alleged incident that took place December 7, 2012.

FSU is ranked number-1 as college football heads into league championship games and bowl season.

Amazing 8 year-old's Soccer Video nails some pretty tough Trick Shots

Check out this video footage of 8 year-old Cody Lunn and his amazing soccer trick shots.  Cody's video also displays his ability on the field during team play.

Watch this kid in action:

NFL says no to Super Bowl Ad for Gun Dealer

One advertisement you will not see as part of the commercial lineup during the 2014 Super Bowl is the Daniel Defense spot.  Apparently gun dealers are not welcome after the ad was rejected twice according to a story written this week in Guns & Ammo.

The article described as a "personal protection and fundamental rights" style advertisement, is not allowed due to the NFL's policies for ad content.  Firearms is one of the categories banned by the NFL which includes such items as alcohol, energy drinks and prescription drugs.

The ad portrays a veteran home from war who is fully vested in his family life, and protecting what is most important.  The ad does not mention the words gun or ammunition.

Watch Video HERE

The company reportedly offered to remove their logo which includes the sillouette of a gun, and was the only reference to a firearm in the ad.  The company offered to replace the logo with an American flag and the words "shall not be infringed" which is verbiage taken from the last line of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution.

Ultimately the company's submission was rejected a second time by the NFL who is apparently sticking to their guns (pun intended) on their ban of firearms related advertising.

Check out this flashback "pick me" video: How's your Fantasy Football Season?

Don't try this one at home NFL Fantasy Football Fans!

Today's Feel Good Friday Night Light's Video: ASIJ Varsity

Need a little motivation?  Check out this video of the ASIJ (American School in Japan) Varsity Football Team for 2013-2014.

Top 25 Saturday Lineups: College Football Marathon starting at Noon

There is a little something for everyone in this weeks NCAA Top 25 games, so claim your spot on the sofa and head into the late night with a great weekend of college football.  Here are this weeks gameday lineups:

Wake Forest at #7 Miami FL  - 12:00 p.m.
Connecticut at #23 UCF - 12:00 p.m.
#20 Louisville at South Florida - 12:00 p.m.
#19 Oklahoma State at Iowa State - 12:00 p.m.
#24 Nebraska at Minnesota - 12:00 p.m.
Vanderbilt at #16 Texas A&M - 12:21 p.m.
Duke at #14 Virginia Tech - 3:30 p.m.
Eastern Mich at #18 Northern Illinois - 3:30 p.m.
NC State at #2 Florida State - 3:30 p.m.
#9 Clemson at Maryland - 3:30 p.m.
Tennessee at #1 Alabama - 3:30 p.m.
#10 Texas Tech at #15 Oklahoma - 3:30 p.m.
#12 UCLA at #3 Oregon - 7:00 p.m.
#8 Baylor at Kansas - 7:00 p.m.
Furman at #13 LSU - 7:00 p.m.
#21 South Carolina at #5 Missouri - 7:00 p.m.
Florida Atlantic at #11 Auburn - 7:30 p.m.
Penn State at #4 Ohio State - 8:00 p.m.
#6 Stanford at #25 Oregon State - 10:30 p.m.
#17 Fresno State at San Diego State - 10:30 p.m.

Adrian Peterson's son dies: Child abuse likely cause of death

Adrian Peterson

According to an article on Yahoo News Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's 2 year-old son has died after sustaining injuries that placed the toddler in critical care before his death.

The injuries reported as "consistent with child abuse" are being investigated by authorities after the child was in the care of 27 year-old Joseph Patterson who is reportedly the boyfriend of the child's mother.  Patterson was arrested on aggravated assault and aggravated battery on an infant.

The state attorneys office is looking into the matter to see if additional charges are warranted according to a Star Tribune article.

Peterson, a long time advocate for children's causes, posted the following statement on his facebook page earlier today:

"Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support. The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. God Bless everyone and thank u so much."

 Peterson thus far has stated he will play in Sunday's game.

Preseason continues! Get your Game on

Pickup Basketball Video, C'mon you know one of these guys is you, right?

If you have ever played a game of "pickup" basketball, then this viral video from Dude Perfect will bring a chuckle to you as the stereotypes of pickup basketball are depicted by its creators.

Whether residential neighborhoods, parks and recreation or community center courts, pickup basketball with all its trash talking, and moments of amateur glory have made this one on one (or two on two) sport popular for years.

The guys at Dude Perfect have another hit with characters like, Mr. Excuses and The Guy + kid or The Rage Monster.  Watch here and find your stereotype (my girl ball?  It was red, white and blue):

A little humor for the NASCAR fans...

You might be a redneck if....  you think the most effective form of advertising is on the side of a car going 200 mph... round and round and round.

Prep & Sports presents Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend event in Delray Beach

Prep & Sports helps at risk youth

DELRAY BEACH - Three sporting events in Delray Beach, Florida will be part of the Brandon Flowers Charity Weekend July 11-13 according to local organization Prep & Sports.

Prep & Sports founded in 2005, and whose mission statement is "to focus on at risk youth through programs that provide academic and athletic mentorships, training and guidance." will benefit from the proceeds generated from the weekend's events, that include a seven on seven tournament scheduled for July 13th at the Seacrest Sports Complex.

Prep & Sports promotes athletic excellence, but their emphasis is combined with academic excellence.  Numerous testimonials from both college and professional athletes give kudos to Prep & Sports for helping off the field and in the classroom to prepare for college ACT tests.  Players and program participants give credit to the program for their academic success.

Brandon Flowers, the charity event's namesake, is a former Atlantic Community High School player and Virginia Tech alumnus.  He was drafted in 2008 by the Kansas City Chiefs as cornerback, and in 2010 he helped lead his team to a division title.

Weekend kickoff event

The charitable weekend's first event on July 11th kicks off with the Brandon Flowers Bowling Bash at Cinebowl & Grille.  For the ticket price attendees can enjoy an evening of bowling with Brandon and his NFL friends, appetizers and shoe rental.  According to Prep & Sport's website a number of NFL players have been invited to participate, and student athletes will be the big winners from ticket sales to the events.

On July 12th the weekend long event continues with an All Star Football Camp at Seacrest Sports Complex in Delray Beach, and culminates on July 13th with the Seven on Seven event.  To purchase tickets and for further details on all of the events click here and check out their website's event section.

Brazil defeats Italy 4-2 in Confederation Cup

Brazil finishes at the top of Group A in the Confederation Cup after defeating Italy 4-2.  Neymar scored off a free kick to add his third goal in as many matches.

Italy has not won against Brazil since 1982, and this match continued their 30 year streak.  The attendance in Arena Fonte Nova was estimated at between 45,000 to 50,000 fans as Brazil's Neymar, Dante and Fred sealed the deal in scoring to defeat the Italians

Neymar was chosen man of the match after his impressive goal from the free kick position past Italy's goalie Buffon.

Miami Heat Parade 2013 scheduled for June 24th

NBA 2013 Champions host parade

The Miami Heat will celebrate their reHeat along Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, Monday June 24th at 11:00 a.m. with festivities beginning at 9:00 a.m.

The AmericanAirlines Arena will be the end of the parade route location with a 12:30 p.m. scheduled invitation only or season ticket holder only event to follow inside.

According to an article in The Sun-Sentinel, the parade route will begin in "Brickell at the corner of Southwest Eighth Street and Second Avenue heading east before turning left on Brickell Avenue. The route will turn onto Biscayne Boulevard for the final stretch into the arena."

Fans can bring their applause and cheers, but according to the City of Miami not their backpacks. For security purposes backpacks are not allowed at this year's parade after the recent Boston Marathon Bombings.

With fans numbering in the hundreds of thousands expected, and the traffic issues that resulted from last year's parade an early arrival is your best plan.

Miami Heat 2013 NBA Champions!

LeBron James named 2013 MVP stated after reference to his humble beginnings, "I am not supposed to even be here."

It was evident in Games 6 and 7 the Heat are fortunate he was right where they needed him to be.  Congratulations to the Miami Heat and to the San Antonio Spurs for a great series!

Game 5 NBA Finals and Happy Father's Day Mr. Wade!

Game 5 NBA Finals airs on ABC

The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs fire up Game 5 tonight with an 8:00 p.m. ET tip off.  Follow the excitement on twitter #NBAFinals @MiamiHEAT and @Spurs.

It is a swing game on the full-court pendulum, and one player for the Heat will probably get some motivation from the Father's Day aspect.  Miami Heat guard, Dwyane Wade wrote a great deal about being a father in his book, A Father First: How my life became bigger than basketball and about his views of being a single parent.

In his memoir Wade writes after a long and sincere fight for custody of his sons:

"My sincere hope is to inspire both fathers and mothers who may feel challenged by single parenthood or by your current situation. I’m really writing for all parents, including those foster parents or relatives who raise kids that may not be biologically their own, as well as coaches, teachers, advocates, and mentors. By investing our love and energy and time in young people and in their development, we change and heal our world."

In my own childhood I was the daughter of single-parent father, and I understand the sacrifice it takes, but I also understand I would not be in the game of life if not for my father.

It is fitting today Dwyane Wade will be playing the game he loves so well, while in his heart he knows being a responsible, loving father is the greater role he has been given.

Happy Father's Day Heat fans!

Heat Win 109-93... enough said

LeBron Raymone James aka King James

NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler dead at 37

NASCAR driver Jason Leffler age 37 has died as a result of a crash at Bridgeport Speedway in New Jersey.

In a statement released by NASCAR:

“NASCAR extends its thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family of Jason Leffler who passed away earlier this evening. For more than a decade, Jason was a fierce competitor in our sport and he will be missed.”

Leffler leaves behind a 5 year-old son, Charlie Dean.

Memphis to Host AAC Men's Basketball Tourney in 2014

Heat win Game 2 103-84

Game Two of NBA Finals tonight

The San Antonio Spurs play the Miami Heat tonight in game two of the NBA Finals. The Spurs lead the series 1-0 as the two teams take the court at 8:00 p.m. ET in Miami.

If the Heat lose tonight's game they take to the road with a deficit 0-2 series, and spend their next three games in San Antonio.

Thursday's loss was not an easy post game experience for Heat fans after Miami led at one point by nine.  While out performed late in the game by the Spurs, team icon LeBron James gave a solid performance with 18 points and 18 rebounds.

It was team Parker and Duncan whose outstanding performance for the Spurs brought the points to the scoreboard and the win for San Antonio.

The Spurs will see the home court advantage in game three on Tuesday night. Catch all the action on ABC. 

NBA Finals start Thursday and it's getting "Hawt"

Miami and San Antonio NBA Finals

Game 1 of the NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, June 6th at 9:00 p.m. ET with live coverage by ABC.

Fans are 'Heating' up on social media with photos and comments starting to make the rounds.  Basketball fans don't mince words when it comes to their teams and players.  The Heat fans are solid that players like James and Wade will bring the championship trophy to Miami.  As the saying goes, Haters gonna Hate, but Heat fans are not worried, and the consensus is they will be celebrating as champions soon.

Games 1 and 2 will be played in Miami so get ready South Florida for some exciting basketball, and a whole lot of people wearing their favorite player's jersey.

Heat lose, Series goes to Game 7

The Miami Heat lose to the Indiana Pacers 91-77 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.  The series is tied 3-3.

Lebron James led the Heat with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, while George put up 28 points and Hibbert added 24 for the Pacers.  Indiana outscored Miami 29-14 in the third quarter.

Game 7 will be Monday night at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Darrell Wallace, Jr. wins pole in Truck Series at Dover

Darrell Wallace, Jr. won the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series pole today at Dover International Speedway making him the youngest driver to qualify for the coveted race position.

At only 19 years-old, Wallace posted a lap speed of 156.617 to win the pole.  He will be followed by Chase Elliott, Jeb Burton, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch as the top 5 qualifiers for the Lucas Oil 200 race.

Wallace will be driving the No. 54 Toyota for Kyle Bush Motorsports scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET today and you can catch all the action televised on SPEED.

TWEET:  "Takes a lot to get me excited, but qualifying at Dover is prolly more exciting than meeting Megan Fox... Just saying.. :)"

NBA Playoffs 2013

Jabrill Peppers will play for Wolverines

Jabrill Peppers from Paramus, NJ will play for the Michigan Wolverines.  Watch as the No. 2 cornerback raps his way to college football from the class of 2014 players:

ESPN video

Damian Davis Heats Up Blue Martini with the Miami Heat

There is no business like the party business and Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Blue Martini in Boca Raton was living proof.  South Florida’s best-kept secret, Damian Davis, President/CEO of Pure Marketing Group, brought the NBA Champion Miami Heat to spend the evening at the popular Glades Road venue right before the playoffs.  There was so much high energy and spirit in the air that you could hear the pulsating music, cheers and shouts down the street and beyond.  The venue was filled to maximum capacity and the night was victorious for all of the attendees – but for Davis was just another job well done.  Davis was joined by a combination of friends, business partners and famous surprise guests and made sure that everyone experienced a night of fine entertainment, interesting conversation and luxury.  

Better known as BLU Dash, Davis has built a solid reputation for organizing and executing the most unbeaten and original parties in the industry.  He satisfies people by providing incredible performers and DJs, sends chills down your spine with his extravagant stage displays and room décor and has gotten accustomed to the shrieking and cheering that occurs when he enters venues, as he has unintentionally caused a craze everywhere he travels.  “I chose this job because I am always able to meet new people and the only way for me to make a difference in the world is to know everybody,” said Davis.

In the instance of the Miami Heat party, Davis combined his love of sports, music, entertaining and molded together a phenomenal party, though he would be the last in the crowd to admit it.  He is shy and reserved about his good luck over the years, even though he has pleased everyone from neighbors to festival crowds to Kim Kardashian.  In Davis’ eyes, the key to being successful was just being himself as he is beloved in every environment where he lands his feet.  He has a magnetic personality, love of life, irresistible smile and charisma that few possess.  Not only is he experienced with almost twenty years of spectacular events under his belt, he has collected at least a few interesting photos, juicy stories and complimentary letters each night – proof that he makes it happen.  Davis is perceptive, rational, thoughtful and grounded but hip to the trends.  “I am honest, try my hardest to make everybody happy and fix all problems and I am always there when people need me,” said Davis.  He also makes it a point to stay plugged in to the latest technology so people can feel like they are able to connect with him – even if they have only seen him from across a room or not at all.  The idea of strangers being nothing more than friends you have not met yet holds most true in Davis’ world.  He wakes up to new followers on social media daily and readily extends an olive branch to see if they want to come out to his upcoming public parties.

Whether it is an anniversary, themed party, social event for your business, holiday party, fundraiser or cocktail party, Davis approaches it the same.  You can expect him to handle every detail from making sure the lighting is just right to ensuring that a violinist does not show up when you are looking for a rock band.  Even though his specialty is entertainment, he is equally in the know when it comes to appropriate party invites and marketing strategies, stylish décor on a budget, gift bags and coming up with an organizational timeline.  “Each individual client has their own personality which makes the job fun.”  The number one reason people are drawn to Davis is that he makes them feel like a guest at their own party.  

While his career has obviously come a long way, Davis does not forget his roots and where he started.  “I started in South Beach at Club Harrison’s and we made a promotional team that was one of the top teams in South Beach called The 400 Club, LLC,” said Davis.  He remembers when bringing people out used to be like a mission and require work and always dreamed of the day he could draw a crowd, be a fan favorite and network with some of the most accomplished people from all different niches, from professional basketball teams to movie stars.  Now able to fill Sun Life Stadium and come close to creating a fire hazard by filling South Florida’s hottest nightclubs to maximum capacity most nights of the week, Davis remains unchanged.  He stays cool, calm and collected in all situations which account for why his events are always carried out flawlessly.  “I feel great about having repeat clients because it means I am doing my job and they are not like clients anymore, they are like friends,” said Davis.  One of his most memorable nights was when he was able to move a party from Harrison’s to Fifth and it was a great event with two thousand people.  “It is the best thing to bring people together because you see different interactions, faces, personalities and smiles,” said Davis.

Already having set the standard for growth, quality, innovation and an outstanding business strategy, we can anticipate Pure Marketing Group to continue excelling, growing and supporting the community in meaningful ways down the road.  Davis dreams of owning nightclubs across the country and with the broad support, backing and encouragement he receives on a day to day basis, this is likely to happen sooner rather than later.  “My goal is to make a huge impact on partygoers across the nation,” said Davis.  Davis lives by the philosophy that life is a party and you just have to know how to plan it right.  With his wisdom, inventiveness, talent and vision available to us, we no longer have to feel overwhelmed with the need to plan an entire bash ourselves or trust a so-called professional party planner as Davis is simply the best in the business.

Neil Diamond Singing Sweet Caroline In FenWay Park 4/20/13

UCF Baseball Camo Knight April 19th

Boston... April 15, 2013

Explosions reported Boston Marathon and JFK Library

At least two explosions being reported today near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  Several injuries and deaths are being reported by news agencies as details develop.

The Boston Police Commissioner, Edward F. Davis stated at a press conference on Fox News that the FBI and Boston state police immediately sent resources upon his request.  He also stated that another explosion is being reported and investigated at the JFK Library, and is believed, but not concluded, to be related.

Social Media has been filled with people sending their thoughts and prayers to the people of Boston as this event unfolds.

The NY Times is also reporting that security has been heightened in both New York and Washington, including Pennsylvania Avenue.

Read complete story...

UCF vs FAU Baseball April 16th - Pink in the Park

UCF Spring Game April 13th

UCF will host their Spring Game Saturday, April 13th at 2:00 p.m. and here is everything fans need to know to attend and support the Knights football program.

NCAA Final Four Schedule

April 6, 2013 Final Four games:

#9 Wichita State (30-8) vs #1 Louisville (33-5) CBS 6:05 p.m.

#4 Syracuse (30-9) vs #4 Michigan (30-7) CBS 8:49 p.m.

Politics and Football Mingle in Miami-Dade REC

The Miami-Dade Republican Executive Committee passed the following resolution with regards to tax related monies for improvements at the Miami Dolphins Sun Life Stadium citing corporate welfare:

To the Representatives and Senators of the Miami-Dade delegation to the Florida legislature,
The Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and CEO Mike Dee seek a 17% increase in the Tourist Development Tax amounting to an estimated $120 Million from taxpayers in Miami-Dade County, and $47 Million more from the State of Florida, in order to renovate Sun Life Stadium. Florida Rep. Erik Fresen and Rep. Eddy Gonzalez are sponsoring HB 165 to allow this. Miami-Dade Republicans oppose HB 165:
WHEREAS corporate welfare for billionaires is contrary to the Republican Party platform’s principled stance for economic freedom;
WHEREAS the debt placed on the people’s backs will not be repaid until 2043 leaving the County with actual losses due to inevitable inflation;
WHEREAS Miami-Dade County is already paying for a poorly negotiated and corrupt stadium deal; WHEREAS Miami-Dade County is setting a negative precedent for future redistribution of wealth based
on debt on the backs of the citizens;
WHEREAS Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee has admitted that the renovations would be an “unwise” investment for owner Stephen Ross, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world with an estimated net worth greater than $4 billion;
WHEREAS financing outside the public interest should be properly left to the market;
WHEREAS corporate welfare picks winners and losers distorting and disrupting the market;
WHEREAS this is socialism for the rich; distribution of wealth to private parties from tax revenue;
WHEREAS this goes against the conservative tenants of capitalism espoused by notable free market economists Milton Friedman, Thomas Sowell, Friedrich Hayek, and Ludwig von Mises;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
The Republican Executive Committee of Miami-Dade County express their staunch disapproval of siphoning $120 Million from Miami-Dade tax-payers, and $47 Million from Florida tax- payers for multi-billionaire Stephen Ross;
Tax-payers should never be the source of corporate welfare for billionaires, and should not be responsible for the funds to renovate Sun Life Stadium for the Miami Dolphins;
This resolution be put on the wires as a press release within 48 hours;
This resolution be transmitted to every Republican State Representative, State Senator, and the Governor of the State of Florida within 48 hours by Chairman Nelson Diaz;
Finally, Miami-Dade Republicans instruct the sponsors of HB 165, Rep. Eddy Gonzalez and Rep. Erik Fresen, to immediately withdraw sponsorship and support.
Such letter being approved by a vote of the Members of the Republican Executive Committee of Miami- Dade on the 4th day of April 2013 and transmitted for its dissemination to the Chairman of the same, Nelson Diaz.

FAU Owls Spring Game - April 20th

Kevin Ware: "Win the Game", Louisville goes to Final Four

The #1 Louisville Cardinals have a place in the Final Four defeating #2 Duke 85-63, and the brackets for Atlanta are complete.

In a dominating game Louisville's Smith dropped in 23 points and Siva added 16 to take the Cardinals to the win.  Duke's Plumlee was the top scorer for the Blue Devils with 17 points.

One of the most horrifying moments in college basketball came early in the game, when Louisville guard Kevin Ware received a compound fracture while attempting to block at 3-point shot by Duke's Tyler Thornton.  Play was delayed for several minutes, and Ware was taken by stretcher to the locker room.

Video replays of the injury were tough to watch, and the reaction of both Ware's teammates and those of the Duke players were evident to the severity of the injury.

Coach Rick Pitino in a post game interview stated with great emotion that at every break in the game his team talked about bringing it home for Kevin Ware.  Pitino noted that while Ware was lying on the court he kept saying, "Win the game, win the game."

9th-seed Wichita State will play #1 Louisville while two #4 teams Syracuse and Michigan round out the Final Four as March Madness heads to Atlanta's Georgia Dome on April 6th.

Michigan shuts down Gators, advances to Final Four

Starla M. Brown

The Florida Gators lost to Michigan 79-59 in today's March Madness play in Arlington, Texas advancing Michigan to the Final Four.

Freshman Nick Stauskas put 22 points on the scoreboard to boost the Wolverines to a win.  Stauskas was perfect from the 3-point attempt and nailed 6 attempts.

Boynton and Yeguete scored 13 each for the Gators who never put forth a challenge for the Wolverines.  Michigan's defense focused on the high scoring Florida players Rosario and Murphy effectively shutting them down offensively.

Michigan heads to the Final Four for the first time since 1993.

Sunday Game Times

#4 Michigan plays #3 Florida at 2:20 p.m. on CBS
#2 Duke takes on #1 Louisville at 5:20 p.m. on CBS

Happy Easter! Update your brackets and March on to the Final Four.

Tourney Updates - The Elite 8 take shape

The following college basketball teams were all winners yesterday, pushing their way to the Elite 8 in March Madness:

#1 Louisville
#2 Duke
#3 Florida
#4 Michigan

As a side note Dick Vitale is showing Michigan and Louisville in his Final Four picks.

Welcome Sports Fans!

Starla M. Brown

Welcome sports fans to the FUNdamental Blog!  I hope you enjoy this site and the comments, opinions and articles from this girl's perspective on sports with a little FUNdamentals of the game.

Visit often and I want to hear from you, the fans.  Cheer for your team and let's make some noise!