Is the Iceman done in MMA?

While burning the candle at both ends Saturday, I took in UFC 97 and witnessed what is becoming a common scene for former light heavyweight champ Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell.

Liddell was once again left staring at the lights, getting knocked out this time by Mauricio Rua in the first round of Saturday’s bout.

The defeat was the fourth loss in Liddell’s past five fights and the third time he’s been knocked out in that span. The lone win was against another past-his-prime fighter in Wanderlei Silva, who has also been KO’d in three of his last five fights.

Liddell is still the biggest active name in MMA based on his history as a knockout artist. It’s kind of like Mike Tyson in the twilight of his career - bad fighter, big draw.

Bettors even follow suit, with sportsbooks taking more action on Liddell’s bouts than any other MMA fighter. He was a -230 favorite Saturday at Betjamaica.

But despite his popularity and profitability, should Liddell hang up the gloves? Or, after having his bell rung as frequently as a house on Halloween, should the UFC force the “Iceman” to spit out his mouth guard?

Liddell already has his life after the octagon rolling. His popularity has landed him television spots, music video cameos and movie rolls. I’m sure Dana White would even pull up a chair for Chuck alongside J... [More]

Betting tragedy: Right or wrong?

Two years ago, I wrote an article following the death of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Josh Hancock. I asked some industry types about how they treat tragedy when it comes to setting and betting lines.

While sports betting can sometimes be a cut-throat business, the impact of these tragic situations hit home with even the most objective oddsmakers.

Thursday’s news that Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident will be treated in a similar fashion.

“It is a touchy situation. We can't change prices because (St. Louis) lost a relief pitcher,” said one Las Vegas linesmaker, who asked to remain anonymous, at the time of Hancock’s death. “We would be more concerned if it was a lineup player. I’m sure emotionally it is affecting them, but there is no history of this to base numbers on. This is a tragedy and it makes our job even harder.”

Bookies have to set lines for a team’s games following circumstances like this – it’s their job.

But how do bettors treat tragedy? Better yet, should they bet tragedy?

It’s a moral dilemma with no right or wrong answer.

I’m sure when the news of Adenhart’s death broke, there were plenty of baseball bettors rushing to play or fade the Angels for Thursday’s series finale with the Oakland Athletics.

If you were one of those bettors, it doesn't make you a bad person. It makes you an insensitive prick, but not a bad person

Of course, all those wagers have b... [More]

Busted Bracket Blues

Like most years, my father is preparing a steak dinner in early April. While the meal is not a classic tradition, our annual NCAA tournament bracket battle is.

The terms of the competition are simple: Who ever loses the bracket pool has to fix the winner a steak dinner with all the fixings. We’re talking BBQ steak, baked potatoes, mushrooms and onions, Caesar salad and a couple of brown sodas to wash it all down.

My poor father, bless his heart, is a sucker for an upset. So needless to say, he’s served up the steak the past two years. However, this season’s mano-a-mano tournament challenge turned into a triple-threat match.

After explaining the rules to my girlfriend, she was adamant about not only joining in on the friendly wager but destroying our brackets in the process. Since getting involved with me, she’s watched more college basketball than Dick Vitale. She’s even stood among 30,000 screaming fans for a few games this season.

I saw no harm in letting a third party get in on the tasty steak action. What’s the worst that could happen?

While filling out her bracket, she did need some help. She knew most of the field of 65 but had never heard of many of the mid-major programs.  I gave her a bit of info on each team and she made her picks accordingly.

Well, it’s Final Four weekend and both my father and I no longer have a shot at claiming the bracket title belt. The wager was close for the first two rounds, however, it was t... [More]