ICYMI with Charlie Bowles

The UFC enjoyed its best year yet in 2019. The numbers were through the roof. It seems the marriage and cross-promotion with ESPN are working out. I mean even Mike Greenberg @Espngreeny was hyping the fight as he took his lovely bride out for “date night” Something tells me that “date night” was not a crowded sports bar watching the fight at 12:30 Am but you can see the entire network supports the sport.

I left last night with mixed emotions. Satisfied I got to see two of the sports best in Jon Bones Jones and Dominick Reyes put on an instant classic. Not so satisfied with the outcome. When the fight ended my immediate thought was there were two possibilities. Reyes would take title 3 rounds to 2 or it would end in a draw. I thought Reyes did just enough to win that fight. The only assumption I have is the judges put more emphasis on the Championship rounds than the first three. Jones was outstruck for the first time in his career. But in the final two rounds, Jones led the way on significant strikes 46-34. I can live with the decision I just think it was wrong and the judge who scored the fight four rounds to one in favor of Jones should lose their job.
I am sure they will run it back with a rematch. What I am also sure of is this decision will take a toll on Reyes mentally. He was ready. He made every sacrifice and gave it everything he had. And he feels robbed. I hope he can let that go because I think we are looking at a future world champion with staying power. I had Reyes narrowly winning the fight but was convinced he won.

NBA: The Raptors and Bucks continue to look like the best in the East. Toronto completed a busy week with a 119-118 win over New Jersey which also included two wins over Indiana.

Milwaukee would appear to be on cruise control but don’t tell Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34 as he continues to play at an MVP Level just missing another triple-double with 18 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists. The Bucks not just due to their starers but their veteran bench will be a tough out in the playoffs. This is how a superstar leads a team.

The Pacers capped off a week they would like to forget with a 124-117 loss to a Zionless Pelican team. Jrue Holiday had 31 points and 10 assists as the Pacers fell under 500 and into 6th place in the NBA East.

Sixers take on the Bulls at 6 pm today. Currently, neither of the two players the Sixers acquired have taken their physicals yet. How is this possible? The sense of urgency remains to be absent and this starts with the coach. Joel Embiid remains questionable with a stiff neck.

If management allows Embiid to play in the All-Star game after all of his recent injuries it will send a loud and clear message that this team still does not get it. Embiid should not even have to play in front of his thoughts. The team and the playoffs are far more important. Nobody has discussed this yet but I feel this is a huge story in the making.

PGA: Nick Taylor ( 100-1) continues to lead at Pebble beach. I am sure the fans would love one more magical day from the man currently in second. 50-year-old Phil Mickelson showed why he is considered the best short game player of all time yesterday. He is in the final you cannot anything more. Our pick Patrick Cantlay sits tied for 12th. If you are looking for someone to come up and catch the leaders look no further then Jason Day who sits 3 shots off the pace.

NHL: The Jekyll and Hyde Flyers blasted one of the best teams in Hockey after getting blasted by one of the worst. The Flyers host the Panthers tomorrow night at the Center

NCABB: A couple of unbelievable finishes yesterday as Auburn was down double digits late in the game against LSU and came back to win 91-90 Duke did much of the same. Trailing by as many as 13 in the second half, with their best player Vernon Carey fouling out after just 28 minutes. The Blue Devils crawled all the way back for a 98-96 win. The loss just about makes winning the ACC Tournament a must if the Tar Hells want to make the tournament.

In other games, Florida State and Dayton handled their business while Villanova continued to spiral with their 4th straight loss to Seton Hall 70-64.

XFL: I watched the entire first game. I think it’s worth giving this a chance. I also saw some interesting talent . Austin Proehl, the son of former NFL receiver Ricky Proehl showed despite his lack of size he is an extremely interesting player. I think he will get a shot at the next level. As far as the final score DC defeated Seattle 31-19 A game predicted by the Edge team correctly.
An early selection the Edge team is playing Butler today +4 ( -115) check back on our twitter feed through the day for more selections

Enjoy the Sports Day