Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Can Michael Vick Spark the Eagles’ Ascent?

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Life has been anything but easy for Michael Vick lately.

Once on top of the world, the then-star quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL’s highest paid player fell into the shadow of disgrace after a police raid in April of 2007 discovered he was operating a dogfighting ring in his home. He pleaded guilty in August 2007, and was meted 23 months of federal prison time on top of an indefinite suspension by the NFL beginning November 2007.

Several years and court appearances later, Vick is about to return to football at last and is getting ready for the next season. It is his hope that he will be able to spark some kind of improvement in the Philadelphia Eagles, his new team, over the duration of his one-year contract.

And change he must bring – the Eagles have not landed, but have skidded, crashed and burned their way recently through a tough 9-win season that fans and pundits would never have foreseen had Vick been part of the lineup. There are many people who believe that the Eagles would not have had to endure that kind of hardship had someone of Vick’s caliber been around.

So now he’s with the Eagles. And questions abound: Does Vick still have that same levels of fitness and skill that he had before the scandal? Will his recent absence from the NFL affect his game? Will fans still back the Eagles given everything that has happened since?

And, most importantly: can the Philadelphia Eagles improve on their 9-win season from last year, now that Michael Vick is on board to support Donovan McNabb and the crew?

This is not the first time high-profile athletes have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Remember Kobe Bryant? Or how about Rasheed Wallace and the ‘Portland Jail-Blazers?’ Then there’s the whole doping controversy that only recently surrounded major league baseball and some of its biggest names.

There are always reasons why a player can’t function the way he used to following a long absence. A lack of fitness is one. Lost practice time is another. Then there’s the factor of being ‘left behind,’ as your contemporaries all start stepping up and raising their game. If Michael Vick is to have any hope of making it big again, he has to beat down those demons and push himself back up to the top of the league. Most certainly, he has the talent to be able to do it. He also has a lot to prove, and with that chip on his shoulder, he has the fuel to prove it.

All this looks good on paper. The question that remains is how it will all play out. If the Eagles improve on their last season with the help of Vick, then the shamed quarterback may have found redemption. Anything more – the playoffs, the Superbowl, possibly even an NFL championship, would be reaching.

But reach he ought to, for there are no other ways. Anything else, and the shadow of the dogfighting ring may continue to haunt him, his career, and his future indefinitely. Already the Eagles are 0-2, with Vick expected to be out for the next game, and fans are expressing their distrust towards the signing.

Despite this, the Predicto community have called out their votes this far, and have put 78% of voters saying that he will indeed improve Philadelphia’s 9-win season.

Fans like Bmay75 say that Vick and Donovan McNabb are tapped to lead the Eagles to win more than nine games.

Userkbpb0131 said that he didn’t want it, saying “after what he did to animals he should never be allowed to play again” and hopes “the team that took him loses every game.”

Yet others like vallynandmatt say “They will but I don’t think it will all be because of Vick.”

What do you think? Get on Predicto and speak your mind!


Was Erin Andrews Betrayed by a Colleague?

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

erin-andrews-interview-20081119030640050-000Imagine pursuing your passion of becoming a sportscaster, getting a prestigious gig with ESPN and traveling to watch some of the biggest sporting events in the country.

Erin Andrews had that dream, but it quickly turned into a nightmare when videos of the commentator — somehow filmed by a peeping Tom at some of her hotel rooms — surfaced last year and went mainstream this week, with stills even being put on the front page of the New York Post.

Andrews is obviously upset, but evidence indicates that the videos may have been created by one of her own colleagues at ESPN, as the tapes depict a naked Andrews at multiple hotels parading around her room getting ready for gigs. Some say that only someone who had the same schedule or knowledge of her itinerary could have accomplished such a feat.

Predicto asked and our members passionately responded: who is the peeping Tom in this case? 50% predict the culprit will be revealed as one her co-workers at ESPN.

“Unfortunately the setup of the cameras has to be someone that is on the inside and knew her routine in order to place the cameras around the room,” says user “uoik7221.”

“No one from ESPN is going to be that stupid. They would just hire someone else to do it,” says “tjbf3664.”

“I think Erin Andrews is beautiful, but it’s wrong for those private moments to be shown without her approval,” says “ogun3911.”

“It really doesn’t matter who it was. Someone’s privacy was invaded and they should go to jail!” says “srae4626.”

Be sure to visit Predicto.com to sign up and vote in surveys just like this. You’ll also hear the latest and get answers to questions, including this one, when news breaks. You can also become a fan on Facebook to get more Predicto!


A.I. to L.A.?

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Allen Iverson 2If there’s one thing the Los Angeles Clippers will never be accused of, it’s being contenders for the NBA Finals. Most Angelenos probably even forget that they have another basketball team when the Lakers bring home so many championship trophies.

But locals and national fans may soon take notice of L.A.’s other team. See, the Clippers are in serious talks to get the Detroit Pistons’ Allen Iverson into their ranks to join first-round draft pick Blake Griffin, who handed the some Lakers a defeat in a recent summer league game.

Could the two form a dynamic duo that with championship potential? Nearly 74% of voting members of the Predicto Mobile community think so and expect A.I. to be rocking a Clippers jersey in the fall.

“That’s going to be a killer team!” says member “mattash86.”

“[Griffin’s] going to need him, and A.I. didn’t do too good last season, so the Pistons will have no problem sending him on his way,” says “dbpy2115.”

But “glvw2066” takes an opposing position, saying that Iverson “wants to go to a team that can win championships.”

What do you think will happen: Iverson in a Clippers jersey? Traded to another team? Staying put in Detroit? Well, sign up with Predicto.com to get the answer to this and other pop culture, entertainment and sports questions, as well as the chance to vote and win prizes. You can also become a fan of Predicto on Facebook!


King James De-Throned?

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

LeBron James 2LeBron James joined the Cleveland Cavaliers to much fanfare in 2003, and was hailed as the greatest “straight out of high school” recruit the NBA had seen in a while. What’s currently out of sight, however, is James getting schooled by an underclassman.

King James was hosting his Skills Academy on Monday night when he apparently got dunked on by Xavier University’s Jordan Crawford in a pickup game.

It happens to the greatest basketball players, but stories say that Nike reps snatched the tapes of present videographers and may be causing a blackout online. No videos of the incident are on YouTube and those who did post them claim they were taken down within minutes of being posted.

Because everyone’s in a hurry to see this footage and because this is the age of the Internet, nearly 87% of voting members of the Predicto Mobile community expect that the video will be leaked by 8/25.

“LeBron James getting dunked on was a miracle,” says member “luzf3685.”

“The kid can use [the video] to show pro coaches what he can do,” says “Mr.Mouse169.”

“ … The college boy is going to want to prove what he did to a famous player,” says “iiuf4280.”

“Nike took the tape and they’re not going to let that tape surface,” says “jhvf7245,” one of the few who seemed to take an opposing stance.

Who do you agree with? And will Nike’s alleged blocking of the video prevent their poster boy’s humiliation? And does LeBron really have anything to be ashamed of? Find out what happens here by visiting Predicto.com and signing up to vote in polls just like this on the latest happenings in sports, entertainment and pop culture. You can also “fan” us on Facebook!


Predicto Ponders: Will Albert Pujols Break the Home Run Record This Season?

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Albert Pujols 2Albert Pujols has 30 home runs this season. The only other St. Louis Cardinal to have such an impressive streak of hits prior to an All-Star game was Mark McGwire, though his 37-homer run in 1998 has an asterisk attached.

Pujols now has several months left to catch up with McGwire, who went on to have 70 home runs in that year’s derby with Sammy Sosa.

Can Pujols make it past the 70-homer mark? Well, Predicto Mobile community members predict that he won’t cross that threshold, with 51% voting no.

“Breaking records in baseball nowadays is akin to holding up a neon sign that says ‘Check for steroids here,’” says member “nwyd4298.”

“Pujols will not break McGwire’s record, but Pujols [will] hit over 60 home runs this season,” says “Bmay75.”

“Ldci6374” is convinced he can crank out that many hits, but “He needs the juice to do it!”

“He is so close,” says “riah100,” “I will be rooting for him.”

Find out if Pujols will score bragging rights this season or if he strikes out by visiting Predicto.com. Sign up to vote in surveys about the hottest topics in sports, pop culture and entertainment, and don’t forget to become a Predicto fan on Facebook!


Future NBA Stars Make Hoop Dreams Predictions

Friday, June 26th, 2009

The basketball world was buzzing this week over the NBA Draft, and Predicto TV got to meet five of the hottest young players in the game. We were invited to the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue and dialed up some hoops prediction questions for the newest NBA stars. Blake Griffin, the #1 draft pick for the Clippers, isn’t worried about Shaq O’Neal going to Cleveland: “I guess if he’s in the Eastern Conference, I won’t have to play him as much, so that would be nice.” At the #2 pick, the Grizzlies got Hasheem Thabeet, who told us he got advice from Celtics star, Ray Allen. (He told me to) “stay focused and be ready for this. It’s going to be so challenging at first, but you’re just going to have to work at it when you get out there.” Predicto TV also spent some time with Jordan Hill, Brandon Jennings and Tyler Hansbrough. Watch Episode 26 of Predicto TV…where predictions happen!


Predicto Ponders: Will Shaq Be Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Monday, June 15th, 2009

Shaquille O'Neal 2Shaquille O’Neal a Cleveland Cavalier? If the rumors buzzing around the sports world are true, Shaq could be saying sayonara to the Phoenix Suns and joining LeBron James’ team, which came close to making the NBA Finals this year.

Shaq has plenty of playoffs experience, having earned four championship rings during his time with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. King James is reportedly excited about the prospect of the 17-year NBA veteran joining the lineup, as stories were circulating about James’ rumored departure from Cleveland.

The speculation over whether Shaq will join the Cavaliers’ ranks is tight among the Predicto Mobile Community, with 50% predicting Shaq will be traded to Cleveland by the start of the next basketball season.

“[That would be] a great team!” exclaims user “gqao0996.” “I believe he will to try and make another shot at a championship,” says “vaez8677.” “That would be a good power move for Cleveland,” agrees “maxman109,” who, along with the previous users, voted yes.

“If [the teams involved] were smart, they wouldn’t trade,” says “kous9543.” “Why would they let him go?” asks “spjl5084” about the prospect of seemingly giving the Cavaliers a shot at the world champions’ title. “MK88” takes a different stance on the issue, stating simply that, “Shaq is too old.”

Which uniform will Shaq wear when the season starts? Stay logged in to Predicto.com to find out the answer to this and other hot topics in sports. Don’t forget to sign up today so that you can vote in Predicto surveys.

While you’re at it, become a fan of Predicto on Facebook!


Predicto Ponders: Will the Chicago Bulls Upset the Boston Celtics in the Playoffs?

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Last year, the Boston Celtics decisively beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. This year, many wonder if they’ll make it past the first round of this year’s playoffs.

What changed? Chalk it up to one player: Kevin Garnett.   Last season, he was traded to the team from the Minnesota Timberwolves and became a part of Boston’s mighty “Big Three.” The triumvirate of awesome players–Garnett,  Ray Allen and Paul Pierce–helped the Celtics win their first championship in 22 years.

This season, Garnett suffered a debilitating knee injury that kept him out of the latter half of the regular season and threatens to keep him out of the bulls1postseason entirely. The Celtics have been struggling without him, and now have to contend with the Chicago Bulls in the first round.

The Bulls have their own awesome player in Derrick Rose, a 19-year old rookie who is gaining buzz as the second coming of a guy whose name rhymes with Bickel Dordan. So far, the Bulls have won Game 1 of the series. The Celtics definitely have a chance to come back, but will they?

60% of the PredictoMobile community say that the Derrick Rose-led Bulls will upset the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. PredictoMobile community member “ybre3155″ opines that “Without Garnett the Celtics are ripe for an upset; the Bulls have a much better team than [their] record shows.”

Do you like predicting which teams will triumph and fail in the playoffs? Then head over to Predicto.com and learn how to play today!


PredictoMobile Musings: Will the Cleveland Cavs Win All Their Postseason Home Games?

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

The Predicto peeps love to predict the outcome of big sporting events like the NBA Finals. And a good indicator of which team will make it to the championships is if they have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

lebron1The Cleveland Cavaliers happen to be in possession of this important advantage due to having the best record in the NBA. In fact, the team only lost two games at home during the regular season! (The Cavs came close to tying the 1985-86 Boston Celtics’ record of 40-1 but lost their last game by only one point.)

So LeBron James and company must be feeling pretty good about their playoff chances, especially if they can continue their amazing winning streak when playing in Cleveland.

Unfortunately, the PredictoMobile community doesn’t believe they can: 57% predict that the Cavs will NOT win all their home games in the postseason.

Do you like to predict what will happen next in the world of sports? Then go to Predicto.com and join in on the voting fun!


Predicto Asks: Which Teams Will Dominate The Final Four?

Monday, March 30th, 2009

March Madness is about to bleed into April, because this year’s Final Four takes place on April 4th at Detroit’s Ford Field. The Predicto Mobile community was correct in predicting that 2 of the 4 top-seeded teams would make the Final Four (Go Predictoheads!).

detroitfinal4logoSo which team has the best chance to go…ALL…THE…WAY?

Here’s the breakdown:

No. 1 UConn Huskies vs. No. 2 Michigan State Spartans

The Huskies were dominant in their journey to the Final Four. But will the fact they are accused of illegal recruiting practices start to hurt them on the court?

In any case, there’s no doubt going to make every effort to win the NCAA championship this time out. Especially since the last time they won, Miley Cyrus was only 12 years old. (Do the math.)

The Spartans upset top-seeded Louisville to make their appearance in the Final Four. But it shouldn’t be too surprising considering that of the four teams, the Spartans have been to the big dance the most often (5 times since 1999).

The Predicto Mobile community likes those odds: 56 % of the Predicto Mobile community say that Michigan State will win this Final Four matchup.

No. 1 UNC Tar Heels vs. No. 3 Villanova Wildcats

The Tar Heels want to win for the sake of its star player Tyler Hansbrough, last year’s NCAA Player of the Year, who made the rare move of staying on at UNC his senior year for the chance to win an NCAA championship.

An additional advantage? The Tar Heels (and if you’re wondering what the heck are “Tar Heels”, go here) are the only team going into the Final Four with players who have competed in the high-profile national semifinals before.

The Wildcats may not be as experienced, but they have a lot more buzz. They defeated top-seeded Pittsburgh in spectacular fashion: the game-winning shot was made with five-tenths of a second left in the fourth quarter. ESPN says it was the most memorable way a team has reached the Final Four yet.

So the Wildcats enter the Final Four feeling pretty darn good about themselves and their chances against yet another top-ranked powerhouse.

Yet the Predicto Mobile community does not feel as good about Nova’s chances: 76% predict that UNC will win this Final Four matchup.

Do you like predicting the winners of major sporting events? Then head on over to Predicto.com and start voting today!