Ray’s Sports Rant: Recent Episodes
Ray Rauth
Every news outlet on the planet covers the important stories. But what stories have sports fans talking? Ray’s Sports Rant isn’t about the headlines, it's about the fans and the questions they have. Ray Rauth loves sports and loves ranting about the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA. Bayern Munich & TFC super fan. Loves the New England Patriots, and cheers for everything Toronto sports.
On this episode of Ray’s Sports Rant I talk about how I refuse to applaud Cam Neely and the Boston Bruins for releasing Mitchell Miller. Miller never should have been signed in the first place. The New England Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and Pats Nation isn’t satisfied with the win. Winning is hard in the NFL and fans need to just enjoy it. The Buffalo Bills had a rough go in New York Sunday when they dropped their game to the Jets. Josh Allen didn’t have his best game and he suffered an elbow injury. Stefon Diggs says that Bills players are rallying around him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
During the New England Patriots 2021 free agency blitz, I proudly boasted that I believed Matt Judon was Bill Belichick’s best signing. Judon has already reached double digit sacks in the 2022 NFL season, and my original take seems to be correct. The Houston Astros were the best team in baseball this season and they topped it off by winning the World Series. It was done without any cheating scandals and it finally gave Dusty Baker his championship. Canada had a scare on Saturday when Alphonso Davies left Bayern Munich’s game early with an apparent hamstring injury. The country let out a big breath on Sunday when it was reported by Bayern that Davies' World Cup was not in jeopardy. On Sunday I made another trip to the Bills Helmet Bar to hang out with Bills Mafia and watch Buffalo take on the New York Jets. New York was successful and it appears they have figured out the formula to defeat Josh Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode of Ray’s Sports Rant got animated when I discussed FIFA, Cole Beasley, and Mitchell Miller.FIFA is the most corrupt governing body in sports, and they have a big problem. After cutting a deal to give Qatar the World Cup, everything has blown up in their face. From the protests against Qatar to moving the World Cup to November, major stars risk missing the most significant tournament. Alphonso Davies and Lionel Messi top the list. The Boston Bruins took the NHL and hockey ten years back when they offered Mitch Miller a contract on Friday. Miller had been charged and convicted of racially profiling a classmate, using racial slurs, and bullying. Another dark day for a sport with an ugly culture. Cole Beasley is back on Twitter. After not posting for a month, Beasley sent out Tweets supporting Kyrie Irving and showed his disdain that professional athletes could not use antisemitic rhetoric. Maybe that wasn’t the point he was trying to make, but it’s how it came across. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A lot of Leafs fans are expecting Toronto to fire Keefe if the Leafs play poorly against the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night. However, I’m on the let’s hold players accountable train right now. Toronto’s biggest stars have been garbage, and instead of holding their feet to the fire, people are calling for Keefe’s head.
When you have the type of payroll Toronto does, and you have some of the best players on your roster, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck could coach this team. Without knowing anything, I would guess that a lot of the problems are coming from upper management.
A couple of weeks ago, Keefe called out Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews, and Marner’s response led to Keefe walking back his comments. Saturday night Marner was benched for a shift, and he acted like a baby.
Kyle Dubas traded away grit and built a team of babies, and now Sheldon Keefe may lose his job over it. Cool beans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you're somebody who burns a jersey I have just one question to ask you; how much money do you make that you have burning jerseys money?
https://twitter.com/fakenewsshater/status/1586914182347513856?s=20&t=sS4nz_TVhgnnmEgbhBPKNA
I don’t think the guy who posted the video was actually the one who burned the jersey. But somebody did.
I have never understood the burning jersey craze. My first memory of it happening was when LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. When it happened I found it kind of interesting. However we live in a copycat world where people need to take an organic moment and turn it into a trend. Anyways, I think burning jerseys is just stupid.
It doesn’t matter how poorly a team I cheer for performs, there is nothing that could happen on the field that would ever force me to burn a jersey. I work too hard and don’t have the money to burn a jersey. If I wanted to waste $200 I would just throw a stack of twenties into the fire pit. Leafs fans have clearly been through a lot, but I’m not letting this person off the hook. It’s just dumb and you look dumb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ray drank hard for three straight nights. Instead of nursing his hangover and taking it easy, he pushed through it and partied harder. Exhausted and dealing with a massive hangover, Ray breaks down his week away from the show | Tom Brday publicly confirmed his divorce from Gisele Bundchen. TMZ and all the other clickbait outlets have been all over the story. Ray wants to know why anybody cares. | The Toronto Raptors 3-2 to their season and Ray is asking if the Raptors should be considered a real competitor, or is it all smoke and mirrors? | The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off back-to-back losses. What do the Leafs have to do to turn things around? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Terry Francona could hit the open market, and the Blue Jays need to keep an open mind. Despite the Toronto Blue Jays disappointing postseason exit, John Schneider deserves to be Toronto’s manager next season. However, the more Francona’s name gets floated around, it becomes an exciting conversation. Cleveland was bounced from the playoffs on Tuesday night, and Francona should be blamed for the loss. Starting Aaron Civale over Shane Bieber in an elimination game against the New York Yankees is unforgivable. However, Francona has built enough credibility not to let that decision stain his legacy. In reality, Francona led a young Cleveland team to the ALDS and pushed the Evil Empire to the brink of elimination. Francona has led Cleveland to a World Series appearance, and his time with the Boston Red Sox is well documented. The Blue Jays would be bringing in a champion. Toronto would have a manager who can handle prominent personalities and demand respect from his players. Francona is a free agent. Don’t discount his history with Mark Schapiro. This would be a significant off-season move for the Blue Jays brass. Ross Atkins and Schapiro would bring a bonafide star to lead the Blue Jays.
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No name fits a fan base more than Bills Mafia.
The Buffalo Bills have the most rabid fan base in all of sports. Throughout a 17 year playoff drought they remained fiercely loyal and supported their team. Whether you cheer for the Bills or not, you can’t deny that they are deserving of the success they are experiencing today.
From pounding Labbat’s to jumping through tables, Bills fans leave a unique mark everywhere they go. They’ve simply become known as the Bills Mafia.
While other team's supporters take on cliche names like Pats Nation, Raiders Nation, Blue Jays Nation, and whatever other Nation you want to include. Buffalo adopted Mafia. A lifestyle of “us vs the world”. A fan base that instead of mocking an injured player; unite and make dontions in that players name.
So while it was fun to mock them when Buffalo was the laughing stock of the NFL, their loyalty has paid off. All we can do is watch in envy as the greatest fan base in the NFL enjoys watching the best team in football.
But where did the name Bills Mafia come from? It turns out Bills Mafia was coined when a group of Bills fans banned together to defend a Buffalo player who made a costly mistake that cost the Bills the game.
This is the Bills Mafia origin story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Toronto Raptors 115 - 98 in a meaningless preseason game Sunday night.
I don’t get too high or low for a preseason game. Like most fans, I start caring when the regular season comes around and wins and losses actually matter. That doesn’t mean that these tune up games aren’t important. The Raptors played their first game on the season in Toronto Sunday night when they fell to the Chicago Bulls.
Don’t get hung up on the score of the game. The Raptors starters put on a good performance. Even though Chicago came out flying in the third quarter, I was more than satisfied from what we saw from the top ten rotation. Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby moved the ball well and for the first time this preseason were shooting with some consistency.
The Bulls reserve squad beat the Raptors reserve squad. But make no mistake, Toronto’s starting rotation can hang with anybody in the NBA. I’m ready to get my heart broken again. I’m ready to go all in on the Toronto Raptors this season. Toronto shouldn’t be seen as a championship contender, but they should be seen as the team nobody wants to face.
What I saw from Toronto Sunday night, gives me a lot of confidence moving forward.
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After the Buffalo Bills defeated the Baltimore Ravens I came across an article that said Josh Allen’s stock had dropped after the game. I host Bills Mafia Babes president Kristen Kimmick to get her thoughts on Allen. I also asked her about her trip to Baltimore to watch the game. We’re then joined by Mario from Hashtag Sports to discuss the Bills injuries, and set up Buffalo’s game vs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I host Dean Blundell Network podcaster and content creator Griff Bordignon. Griff and I discuss the newest saga in the Hockey Canada scandal. Griff and I discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltending battle between Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov. Griff gives his take on roster bubble players Nick Murray and Denis Malgin. We also discuss the Leafs injury issues, and the possibility of Mitch Marner playing defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Toronto Raptors kicked off their preseason Sunday against the Utah Jazz, and that means one thing; basketball’s finally back.
On this episode of Ray’s Sports Rant I hosted Dean Blundell Network NBA blogger and podcaster Adam Armbrecht to discuss the Toronto Raptors. As always, Adam delivers in an entertaining, professional manner, and teaches us everything we need to know about basketball.
Adam and I start our conversation talking about the Raptors preseason game Sunday night against the Utah Jazz. I ask Adam to breakdown what Raptors fans should be watching during the preseason. Adam gets into some of the roster battles, and who we should really be paying attention to. It’s always important to know your enemy. Before Toronto can think about playoff runs and championships, they need to take care of the division. The Boston Celtics made a deal to sign Blake Griffin. Adam gives his take on how Griffin will impact the Celtics.
In order for the Toronto Raptors to be successful this season all of their players need to be on point and their stars need to stay healthy. Fred VanVleet has missed 55 NBA games in the last three seasons. It will be important that he’s healthy going down the stretch and the postseason. Will Nick Nurse load-mange VanVleets time this season? —————————————————————— Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We knew the Toronto Maple Leafs had a far reach, but who thought that reach went all the way to Scotland?
On this episode of Ray Sports Rant I was joined by Victoria Stewart, a Toronto Maple Leafs content creator who lives in Dundee, Scotland.
Our discussion went in many different directions including how she became a Toronto sports fan. Victoria also cheers for the Toronto Blue Jays. Building off of the conversation I had with Bills Mafia Babes president Kristen Kimmick, I had Victoria weigh in on her experience as a female hockey content creator. It’s not my intention to keep harping on the subject, but while I was doing my research I came across a TikTok that Victoria had created about being a female hockey fan.
With all the formalities and deep conversation out of the way, Victoria and I get into a discussion about the Leafs and Blue Jays. I ask Victoria to give me her thoughts on the Jays upcoming postseason run and how far she thinks Toronto will go. We discuss injuries to key players including; John Taveres, Jordie Benn, and Jake Muzzin. We have a discussion about the Leafs goaltending battle, and Victoria weighs in on who she thinks will come out victorious, Ilya Samsonov or Matt Murray.
Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Miami Dolphins fans are flying high after starting the season 3-0 after defeating the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in a hot exhausting game. That’s leaving Ray, Conor, Mario, and Mike, wondering if Miami fans are just getting a little bit too cocky.
Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Buffalo Bills lost a hard fought game to the Miami Dolphins. The New England Patriots shot themselves in the foot and lost to the Baltimore Ravens. The New York Jets fell to the Cincinnati Bengals.
On this episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, Kevin Guerard and I discuss the state of the AFC East heading into Week 4 of the NFL season. —————————————————————— Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I’m joined by the host of the Unfiltered Podcast Casey Stern to discuss New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge.
Judge hit his 61st home run of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night, making him level with Yankees legend Roger Maris. Interestingly enough, Roger Maris Jr believes if Judge were to hit number 62, Judge should be recognized as the all time single season HR record holder.
Essentially Maris Jr is discounting the record held by Barry Bonds and former record holder Mark McGwire. Both Bonds and McGwire played through the MLB’s steroid era, and have both men have been linked to PED use.
I ask Casey what he thinks about Maris’s comments and who Casey believes is the actual single season home run king.
I also ask Casey about the lack of fanfare during Judge’s historic run and whether or not the new rules MLB is instituting next season will help grow the game.
AND because we have a baseball expert on the show, I pick Casey’s brain on George Springer and the Blue Jays upcoming postseason chances.
Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of Ray Sports Rant I talk with the president of Bills Mafia Babes, Kristen Kimmick about the abuse female sports fans face on Twitter. This interview was sparked by a tweet that Kristen sent out on Monday with screenshots of DM’s and tweets that were misogynistic in nature, and unnecessary. I ask Kristen what it’s like to navigate social media as a female sports influencer.
I didn’t want to take up all of Kristen’s time talking about Sports Dudes. Kristen and I are joined by Dean Blundell Network podcaster and blogger Mario from Hashtag Sports to discuss the Buffalo Bills loss to the Miami Dolphins. I ask them to weigh in on the Bills injury list. We also discuss Buffalo’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Preseason hockey means nothing in the standings. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the Toronto Maples Leafs. On Tuesday’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I hosted my boy Griff Bordignon, our hockey betting guy on the Dean Blundell Network. We talked about the Leafs first two preseason games against the Ottawa Senators. We also discuss what you should be paying attention to the rest of preseason. Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater) Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST Shorts Daily Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I host Adam Armbrecht of the Dean Blundell Network, deanblundell.com, Locked on Nets, and One Giants Podcast to discuss the Toronto Raptors. I ask Adam if Pascal Siakam is underrated, and how much does that have to with Siakam playing for the Raptors. We discuss the NBA’s 2021/2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes and what his next evolution will be. We will finish it off by discussing realistic expectations for the Raptors this season.
I also weigh in on the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey throwing a temper tantrum after the Dolphins loss. I’m also going to give my quick thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays vs New York Yankees series.
Who is Ray Rauth?
Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director of the Dean Blundell Network. Host of Ray’s Sports Rant & Co-Host of Who’s Got Next. Covers Toronto Sports, NFL, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills (New England Patriots & FC Bayern fan / CFL hater)
Live Shows schedule: Ray’s Sports Rant: Mon-Fri @ 10 pm EST Who’s Got Next: Wednesday @ 7pm EST
Vlogs: Morning Sports Rant: Daily @ 10am EST
Shorts Daily
Download podcasts: Ray’s Sports Rant: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XJlqkNJGSeqAMnszDiOoy?si=2AXN5A3dQh2YsO9QuCkQKQ Who’s Got Next: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HQUtpi9PVAZ4SfFzJdeOk?si=MjjYJE7lTSK32P7bPeWmyg
Exclusive shows: Patreon: Wednesday @ 8:30pm https://www.patreon.com/dpnsports?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Auston Matthews could be the best player in the NHL. Edmonton Oilers fans would probably say Conor McDavid. I just say “I don’t care.” The only reason I’m paying attention to hockey is because Dean made me sports director, and Canadians love the ice game. That being said, I have paid attention, I’ve done my homework, and I feel comfortable saying Auston Matthews won’t repeat a 60 goal season.
We’re still a couple of months away from the World Cup kicking off in Qatar, but with European leagues halting for International Break, I spent some money today. Usually this time of year I’m gearing myself up with German Football stuff, but for the first time since 1986 Canada will compete at the men's biggest tournament. You all know me for my American Football takes and analysis, but my favourite sport is soccer. I’m not ashamed to admit I cried when our Women’s team won the gold at the Tokyo Olympics.
I’m a New England Patriots fan. I have watched the bandwagon load up, and I watched it unload when Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay. I have learned to spot a fair weather fan from a mile away. I’m sure there are some new Buffalo Bills fans (Lochlin Cross), but the majority who are being loud and outspoken are the same fans who had to deal with 17 years of mediocrity. Bills Mafia has been one of the most loyal fan bases in the NFL. I used to say that the Bills had the second best fan base in the NFL behind the Cleveland Browns. After I watched Browns fans defend sexual predator Deshaun Watson, I now declare Bills Mafia the best fans in the NFL. Buffalo fans have always travelled, they’ve always been rabid. The biggest difference now is they have something to brag about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Ray's Sports Rant a part of the Dean Blundell Network at deanblundell.com. Ray Rauth hosts Kevin Guerard to discuss the AFC East and the rest of the NFL. Kevin gives his take on all four AFC East teams winning week 2. The Jets beat the Browns, the Patriots beat the Steelers, the Dolphins beat the Ravens, and the Bills beat the Titans. Kevin gave his thoughts on who he thought was the best Alabama quarterback in the NFL; Tua, Jalen Hurts, or Mac Jones. Kevin gives his picks for the AFC East teams this weekend; Jets vs Bengals, Patriots vs Ravens, and Bills vs Dolphins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I reveal to my guest Mario from Hashtag Sports an interesting development in the Jordan Poyer saga. I have been a Twitter advocate for Jordan Poyer the last few months and believe that the Bills needed to give him a new deal before it cost them too much. A few weeks back, the Bills announced that they had restructured Poyer’s contract to add more incentives to the contract. The fans believed this was an act of good faith. The media praised Buffalo. All the while, Poyer knew he was getting screwed. Based on information I was given from somebody familiar with the situation, I have concluded that Jordan Poyer won’t be a Buffalo Bill next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Ray’s Sports Rant I interviewed Griff Bordignon to talk about the Toronto Maple Leafs. We hit on a bunch of different interesting topics. Griff compared the NHL preseason to the NFL, and explained why there’s more interest in football exhibition games than there is in hockey. I asked Griff after countless postseason disappointments, what are Griff’s expectations for the Leafs this upcoming season. Despite having one of the best rosters in the NHL and the best player to ever play for Toronto, the Leafs have played on the goaltender carousel the last four seasons. I asked Griff how much more leash MLSE is going to give Kyle Dubas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Kansas City Chiefs were all but written off during the offseason, especially when Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins. I guess we all forgot that Patrick Mahomes was still the Chiefs quarterback.
On the newest episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I sat down with Emmy Award winner Brad Symcox, the host of the Great British Chiefs Show for Arrowhead Pride. Brad discussed how the NFL’s popularity has exploded across Europe. We touched on the difference between European and North American NFL fans. During the offseason NFL fans and pundits were down on the Chiefs. However, Chiefs fans and media were just rolling their eyes, because they knew that Kansas City was still the team everybody else was chasing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Ray's Sports Rant, I discuss the Blue Jays' upcoming series with the Baltimore Orioles after suffering an 11-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday afternoon. If the Toronto Blue Jays can walk away winning the series, I have no concerns about the Blue Jays making the playoffs. This series is as much about playoff positioning as it is about postseason security.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, football improving to 2-0 on the season. Toronto FC won't be making the playoffs this season, but they have a game against Orlando Saturday night. The Buffalo Bills are really good, and that means Buffalo is going to play a lot of primetime games. The Bills will be hoping for revenge when they face off against the Titans.
Ray Rauth is an NFL, Buffalo Bills, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC writer, podcaster, and Sports Director for the Dean Blundell Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Buffalo Bills destroyed the Los Angeles Rams, how will the Bills do Minday night against the Tennessee Titans? The New York Jets offense didn't look great against the Baltimore Ravens. The offensive line is a huge problem for the Jets, but the defense is legit. Will the defense be enough to beat the Cleveland Browns without Deshaun Watson? The New England Patriots didn't look good in their loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. It’s tough to figure out who their playmakers are. Can New England bounce back against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tua had some really good moments against the Patriots, and he had some really bad moments against the Patriots. People are still wondering if he's an actual NFL quarterback. The Dolphins will be in tough Sunday vs the Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Buffalo Bills used to be the joke of the NFL. That’s not the case anymore, but Bills Mafia could help Pats Nation get used to cheering for a bad team. It was a rough week for New England Patriots fans. First, we (Yes, “We”). First Pats Nation had to watch the Bills blow out the defending Super Bowl Champions. It just sealed the deal that the Patriots have no chance to win the division. A couple days latter New England fans had to watch the Patriots play a terrible game and lose to the Miami Dolphins. Patriots fans aren’t taking it well. Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director for the Dean Blundell Network covering NFL, Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About 10 minutes into today's episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, Ray remembered that his expertise is football and scrap the whole show and decided to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills, and some predictions for week two of the NFL season. Podcaster, Writer, Sports Director for the Dean Blundell Network covering NFL, Leafs, Blue Jays, TFC, Raptors, & Bills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Leafs are good, the Jays are good, the Raps are good, everybody's good. It’s a great time to be a Toronto sports fan.
The Blue Jays are headed to the playoffs and there's no reason to believe they won't be next season either. Vladdy Jr, Bo Bichette, and Jordan Romano are a corps that’s going to keep Toronto good for a long time. The Leafs arguably have the best player on the planet in Auston Matthews (Though Edmonton fans may argue that). And the Raptors have a solid young core including 2021-2022 ROY Scottie Barnes. Both the Leafs and the Raptors are projected playoff teams and are expected to be good for a long time.
Toronto FC are going to miss the MLS playoffs this season, but an entire year of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernadeschi will make a huge difference. The future is looking very bright. This time next year we should be talking about TFC and the MLS Cup.
I don't remember a time that all four MAJOR teams were having any kind of success all at once. I say major because the Toronto Argonauts and the CFL don’t count.
There were times that they all sucked. It’s fair to say that the dark days of Toronto sports have faded. On any given night Toronto fans can be proud to support their team. They also know that there's a good chance their favourite team is probably going to win.
The Buffalo Bills aren't from Toronto…
The Bills Mafia has entrenched itself into the GTA and Southern Ontario. So if you consider the Bills as an extension of Toronto sports, that’s five teams you can be extremely confident in.
So, soak it in Toronto. It’s been a long time since it’s been this much fun to cheer for a team from The Six. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It was a wild week one in the NFL. After watching the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills are going lay a beating on the entire AFC East. Mac Jones hurt his back in loss to the Dolphins. The Atlanta Falcons did it again. After having a huge lead, the New Orleans Saints walked away with the win. Joe Burrow threw four interceptions, and Evan McPherson missed a game winning extra point and overtime field goal. That led to the Pittsburgh Steelers winning. The Eagles won, but the Detroit Lions showed a lot of fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ray has a message for Toronto Argonauts and CFL fans who have made things personal with him. Bo Bichette has been the Toronto Blue Jays best hitter the last five games, and how Bichette’s aggressive approach at the plate is a is a strength not a weakness. Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas has staked his future on questionable goaltending. Week one of the NFL season is upon us and Ray discuss the spread and gives his picks for Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Buffalo Bills should have won 75-0 last night and everybody is out here praising them for winning 31-10. Browns twice, Giants, Jets, Broncos, and Colts all passed on Josh Allen…. All those GMs need to be fired immediately. MLB is banning she shift. That's disappointing. 99% of baseball fans watch the game for low scores and defense. Next thing you're going to tell me is baseball is going to hold their umpires accountable. Apparently the Patriots beat is so toxic that Belichick is now giving exclusives to ... Dan Shaughnessy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With football finally back we all get to bookoff our Sunday's and just chill out on the couch. I know that some of you are screaming at me that football already started months ago. I said football is back, not the three down, beach ball, 55-yard-line, CFL. Anytime the wide receiver gets a running start it's not football.
Anyways, the NFL is back, and on tonights episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I talk to Kevin Guerard, NFL Twitter analyst, Miami Dolphins fan, and Jordan Poyer advocate. I ask Kevin to give his update on the state of the AFC East. What are realistic expectations for the Miami Dolphins this season, and is this Tua’s last chance to prove he can lead an NFL team? Is it unreasonable for people to expect the New England Patriots to make the playoffs? As an outsider looking in on the Buffalo Bills, what would be considered a successful season for Buffalo? How many games will the New York Jets win, and how improved will they look this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The long wait is finally over. Football is back. I always say that the NFL has the longest offseason and the shortest season, so we better enjoy it when it’s here. Week 1 officially kicks off Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Los Angeles Rams host the defending AFC East champions, the Buffalo Bills. On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, I host Mario from Hashtag Sports and the Dean Blundell Network to discuss everything about the Buffalo Bills.
I ask Mario, will the Bills be able to live up to the astronomical expectations that they are carrying around with them this season? How does Buffalo move forward and not let that devastating playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs negatively affect them this season? You can’t win Super Bowls completely depending on your superstars, which under the radar Buffalo player can have an unexpected impact on the Bills this season? The Rams are going to be a big week one challenge for the Bills. Mario gives his insight on what Buffalo has to do to ensure a victory over Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Leafs are one of the favourites to win the Stanley Cup this season. When you look at the team they've put together, they should be. However, Toronto has been awful in the playoffs. They never seem to take that next step that makes you think next year will be the year they do it. It's fair to say that some Maple Leafs fans would be satisfied just winning a playoff series. When you take everything into consideration, the poor history of the Leafs in the playoffs. The roster they put together. Having one of the best players in the NHL in Auston Matthews in your lineup. What do the Maple Leafs have to do for their season to be considered successful?
News broke a couple of weeks ago that Carey Price was going to miss the entire season for the Montreal Canadiens. This of course is coming after a year where we only saw Price play five games for a totally unrelated reason. Last season Montreal finished dead last in the NHL. Will the Canadiens be able to survive without Price, or should Habs fans expect another rough season?
Nazem Kadri was the last big name left on the free agent market before he signed with the Calgary Flames. Since then we've seen him celebrate his championship with the Colorado Avalanche by bringing the Stanley Cup to a Muslim Mosque which was fucking awesome. But away the fan fair and good stories, by October it’ll be a new season, and what happens on the ice in Calgary is what's going to matter the most. What are realistic expectations for Nazem Kadri in Calgary this season?
I was reading a piece on SportsNet about the Edmonton Oilers from Mark Spector, and he was laying out why the Oilers could be legitimate Stanley Cup champions this season. He said a lot of things, but the way he ended his article was what I found the most interesting he said - “In Edmonton, it appears the Oilers have jumped that hurdle that Toronto keeps stumbling over. They’ve developed something that Calgary is chasing, and that chase will take the Flames through Edmonton for the next several years. It’s here, finally. A team that could win it all.” - That’s a lot of hype for a team that's been almost as disappointing as the Maple Leafs have been. Should the Oilers be considered legitimate Stanley Cup Champions?
Edwin Diaz has the best entrance in sports right now. The Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets are battling it out for the top of the NL East, who is going to come away victorious. The Toronto Blue Jays were way overhyped heading into this season, when can we take them serious?… That’s what I’m talking about, that’s the show… oh ya, and we have Casey Stern.
I've been watching MLB compilations of terrible umpires. How can Major League Baseball hold umpires more accountable? Football season is right around the corner and that means we get to see if our favourite players try to live up to expectations. Which NFL player are you most looking forward to watching ball out in week 1? Bo Bichette was the hero Saturday night against the Pirates. Why is it important that Blue Jays fans stay patient with Bo Bichette? The expectations are now the highest they've been in a long time for the Buffalo Bills. Can the Bills respond to the pressure and live up to the astronomical expectations? Bayern Munich is in third, Frieburg is in first. Robert Lewandowski is scoring in Spain and Erling Haaland is scoring in England. Is it time to stop making fun of the Bundesliga?
Welcome to Ray’s Sports Rant, I'm Ray Rauth and I’m sitting in the sports director chair for the Dean Blundell Network at deanblundell.com
Make sure you check it out on YouTube everyday, on twitter on the Dean Blundell Network Twitter account @DBlundellNet - follow me on Twitter @dpn_ray. Hit that like button, subscribe, and all that stuff. If you don't have time to watch the show get the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and at deanblundell.com. If you have a question you’d like me to answer, send it to me on Twitter.
Ray is furious with Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann for not including Thomas Muller in the starting eleven against Union Berlin. Regardless of what the math may say, Toronto FC’s game against the Montreal Impact Sunday is do or die. Despite calls for a leadership change, Hockey Canada’s interim chair Andrea Skinner doubled down on her support for president and CEO Scott Smith. At this point all we can do is roll our eyes. Serena Williams ended her GOAT career Friday night, and Ray believes we may have taken her greatness for granted. We are less than a week from the NFL kicking off, and Ray is finally starting to get pumped up and can’t wait to watch the New England Patriots.
By the time Tom Brady wrapped up his fifth season as an NFL quarterback, he and the New England Patriots were celebrating their third Super Bowl Championship. Ben Roethlisberger won his second Super Bowl at the end of sixth year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That raised the bar and expectations for all the young quarterbacks entering the NFL today. Have Brady and Roethlisberger changed how football fans judge quarterbacks?
This makes me think of Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have gone to four straight AFC Championship games. The Chiefs won their first Super Bowl with Mahomes three-years-ago, and they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the next season. And yet there are pundits and fans who look at Mahomes' last four seasons as a failure. Obviously that’s stupid, Mahomes is one of the best QB’s in the NFL. But because of Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers, Super Bowl wins have become a quarterback stat.
The NFL has been desperate to create parity across the NFL, yet throughout the 2000’s and 2010’s it was a lot of the same faces playing in the biggest games. We're starting to see the same thing now with Mahomes. When you explore this current crop of quarterbacks who will be the top 5? My guess would be Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Mahomes. That’s great news if you’re a Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, or Chiefs fan. It’s terrible news if you’re the NFL, because Parity has been thrown out the window.
The only way those guys become the top five is if they win championships. Tom Brady with his seven championships, Ben Roethlisberger with two, and Peyton Manning with two, has changed how NFL fans judge success. There was a time that just being a champion was enough. But the Patriots and the Steelers created a narrative that you have to win multiple championships to be considered a success. The carryover from the 2010’s is a lot stronger than the carryover from the 70's Steelers and the 1980’s San Francisco 49ers.
This is just my opinion. But I think that for at least the next twenty-five to thirty-years, all quarterbacks are going to be compared to Tom Brady and company. It’s not fair, but it’s a reality.
Major League Baseball is an awful organization. They locked out their players because they're greedy. The MLB has the Associated Press in their pocket, and MSM dragged the players through the mud, even though it was the owners that took baseball away from fans. However, when it comes to umpire Angel Hernandez I stand behind MLB, because Hernandez is a terrible umpire.
Anytime I watch a baseball game and I see Hernandez is the umpire, I change the channel. It’s so frustrating watching a game that Hernandez has any role in. Replay has exposed how wrong Hernandez is all the time. He’s terrible behind the plate. I don't know if he was ever taught what a strike zone was. And don't even think of looking at Angel if you disagree with a call, because he's going to toss you. It doesn't matter what game I'm watching, I can't stomach a game that has Angel Hernandez.
Besides MLB losing ratings because of Hernandez, players hate him too. I have never seen opposing locker rooms so united when it comes to their disdain for Angel Hernandez. When CC Sabathia was pitching for the New York Yankees he told the press that Hernandez was the worst umpire in Major League Baseball, and I don't know how anybody could argue. It’s one of those times that I wish Dana White had something to do with baseball. It would be great to see White give a speech about Hernandez like he did about Steve Mazzagatti.
I'm sure there's been people worse at their job than Hernandez, but they've been long fired. Unfortunately or fortunately depending how you look at it, most people don't have a powerful umpires union protecting them despite their incompetence. Don't get me wrong, Hernandez isn't the only bad umpire in the MLB, of them suck, Angel Hernandez is just the worst.
Toronto FC had their hearts broken tonight on a late goal by the LA Galaxy. TFC's playoff hopes have just shrunk significantly. Unfortunately for the Reds goalkeeper Alex Bono let in another soft goal, and it appears that he is the difference between Toronto going to the playoffs and not.
Wednesday’s game was crucial for TFC. They started the night three points behind the fifth, sixth, and seventh place teams in the Eastern Conference. I had already discussed this earlier in the week but Toronto FC needed to walk away with three points.
The Galaxy had the better chances in the first half of the game. Galaxy’s Douglas Costa was able to break the deadlock in the 24th minute of the game on a free kick Bono should have saved. It wasn’t a bad shot, but it wasn’t in the corner, and Bono’s slow reaction time cost TFC the goal. Toronto was able to pull away with the lead in the second half with goals coming from Jesus Jimenez and Federico Bernardeschi. With it seeming like TFC was going to walk away with three points, Riqui Puig scored a screamer, tying the game and taking two crucial points away from Toronto in the 89th minute.
The tie was heartbreaking for Toronto and felt as good as a loss. With only five games remaining Toronto FC needs a lot of different things to happen, and they need to walk away with all 15-points.
Alex Bono is a serious problem. I hate scapegoating one player, but over the last four games Bono has made mistakes that have cost TFC points, seven to be exact. Toronto is going to have to address this during the next transfer window, because TFC can’t continue with Bono in goal.
Sports fans are way too stuck in the past. How important is the bottom of the lineup to the Blue Jays success? How big of an impact has Richie Laryea made on TFC since his return? Why do people hate great athletes? Which quarterback will miss their favourite targets the most, Brady, Mahomes, or Rodgers? Reviewing Malice at the Palace on Netflix.
Download the Ray’s Sports Rant Podcast daily and stay up to date with everything going on in the world of sports. Every news outlet on the planet covers the important stories. But what stories have sports fans talking? Ray’s Sports Rant isn’t about the headlines, it's about the fans. I don't pretend to be some mainstream media reporter, I’m just a sports fan giving his opinion. I cover the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, Bayern Munich, all Toronto Sports; Blue Jays, Toronto FC, Maple Leafs, and the Raptors.
What is your greatest Toronto Blue Jays moment? Did Tom Brady deserve to be ranked #1 on the NFL’s top 100 players list? Should the Toronto Raptors consider going all in on a trade for Donovan Mitchell? How significant to the history of hockey was it when Nazem Kadri brought the Stanley Cup to a Mosque? Should Ichiro be in the GOAT conversation? Download the Ray’s Sports Rant Podcast daily and stay up to date with everything going on in the world of sports. Every news outlet on the planet covers the important stories. But what stories have sports fans talking? Ray’s Sports Rant isn’t about the headlines, it's about the fans. I don't pretend to be some mainstream media reporter, I’m just a sports fan giving his opinion. I cover the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, Bayern Munich, and all Toronto Sports. Download the Ray’s Sports Rant Podcast daily and stay up to date with everything going on in the world of sports. Every news outlet on the planet covers the important stories. But what stories have sports fans talking? Ray’s Sports Rant isn’t about the headlines, it's about the fans. I don't pretend to be some mainstream media reporter, I’m just a sports fan giving his opinion. I cover the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, NHL, Bayern Munich, all Toronto Sports; Blue Jays, Toronto FC, Maple Leafs, and the Raptors.
Who should be praised for the Matt Araiza release, the team or Bills Mafia? How much faith do you have that TFC will make the playoffs? Should the Blue Jays be considered a legitimate playoff contender? Was Tom Brady’s answer for his absence from camp & preseason acceptable?Josh Allen only being ranked 13th overall in the NFL Top 100 players is ridiculous.
The Kevin Durant trade saga may be over, but I highly doubt that the Kevin Durant drama is over in Brooklyn. Download the Ray’s Sports Rant Podcast daily and stay up to date with everything going on in the world of sports. Every news outlet on the planet covers the important stories. But what stories have sports fans talking? Ray’s Sports Rant isn’t about the headlines, it's about the fans and the questions they have.
The Buffalo Bills 6th round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft Matt Araiza has been listed in a lawsuit accusing him of participating in a gang rape of a 17-year-old girl. On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant, Ray looks at the breaking story, while also discussing sports culture. According to report the Buffalo Bills were aware of the situation. Yet, Buffalo still chose to move on from their returning punter and give the starting job Araiza. The Bills Mafia isn’t standing for it and are demanding Araiza be released.
Football fans have been absorbing the new Manti Te’o documentary on Netflix. Te’o’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that the mainstream media will build you up and tear you down. It’s also a reminder how dangerous all forms of media can be. On Wednesday’s episode of the Who’s Got Next Podcast, Conor, Mario, Mike, and I discussed the documentary and how everybody is to blame.
There was once a time that every media outlet attempted to rationalize why they believed Tom Brady wasn’t going to have the same success as the season before. I’d like to congratulate Kansas City Chiefs fans because Patrick Mahomes is now getting the same treatment.
I don’t understand why the media is so desperate to tear down a great player. It wasn’t long ago that Patrick Mahomes was the wonder boy of the NFL. Now that Tyreek Hill has been traded to the Miami Dolphins, some are wondering if Mahomes will have the same success. I can’t believe I have to say this, but Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL.
Let me stop all the Tom Brady defenders. Tom Brady is a great quarterback, he’s going down as the greatest of all time. But, how can you rationally look at Patrick Mahomes and determine he’s the best quarterback in the NFL.
I’m also ready for the Buffalo Bills fans who are going to scream about Josh Allen. Josh Allen is a great quarterback. Allen has a unique skill set that we haven’t seen since Michael Vick. Some would argue that Allen is a better version than Vick. I probably wouldn’t disagree. But winning matters. Performing in the big moments matters. Going to the Super Bowl matters. So, when you add up all of the intangibles and success, Patrick Mahomes comes out on top. Maybe next year we’re having a very legitimate Mahomes vs Allen argument. Maybe Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will take a step forward. But we don’t live in the world of what if’s. We live in a world of what we see now, and right now no quarterback in the National Football League surpasses Patrick Mahomes.
I won’t stand for the media tearing Patrick Mahomes the same way they tore down Tom Brady. On today’s episode of Ray’s Sports Rant I deep dive on Stephen A. Smith saying that the Chiefs will take a step backwards because of the Tyreek Hill trade. Patrick Mahomes is too good to deal with this type of disrespect.
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I’m totally okay with Cole standing up to support his teammate. I’m not okay with Cole getting anywhere near Alek Manoah in the exchange. Hold me back, baseball fights are nothing but bravado and disappointment. New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is the poster child for why fights in baseball suck. When Manoah plunked Aaron Judge in the fifth inning with a sinker it didn’t come across as malicious. It looked like a guy who lost control of a sinker. I also think it would be strange to watch a pitcher intentionally hit a pitch they are struggling to control. If Manoah would have cracked Judge with a 4-seam fastball I would concede it was probably intentional. But it wasn’t. I can’t figure out why Cole was so upset. News Break App: https://newsbreakapp.onelink.me/2115408369?pid=mp_1587783&msource=mp_1587783
Bayern Munich were missing some big stars. That didn’t stop them from thrashing Bochum 7-0.
If you didn’t watch the Gronks on ESPN on Saturday night, you missed Dana White dropping a bombshell about Tom Brady.
Qualifying for the playoffs was hard enough as it is for Toronto FC. Securing only one of a possible six-points makes the task seem impossible now.
Toronto FC flew down to Florida to take on David Beckham owned Inter Miami. TFC started the game three-points behind Miami, and when the final whistle blew, TFC trailed Inter by six-points. Saturday's loss is a devastating blow for Toronto’s playoff chances. I made the importance of today's game pretty obvious on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/dpn_ray/status/1561042908698099713?s=21&t=oMDVdbR2hKLExtPN1Xwu9Q
With seven-games remaining on the Reds schedule it’s not impossible for Toronto to make the playoffs, but I also wouldn't say it's probable.
There were a lot of things that went wrong for TFC Saturday night. The strikers couldn't score. The defense was sloppy. Federico Bernardeschi went down way too easy in the box way too many times. But, the guy who is being blamed for this loss is keeper Alex Bono. For the second straight game Bono let in a Howler, and for the second straight game TFC had to play from behind because of poor goalkeeping.
TFC fans are mad, and they’re not holding back.
LeBron James is an argument magnet. You can only pick one side of the fight, and no matter what you say or do, you’re probably wrong.
LeBron James will be staying in Los Angeles for at least the next two years. The Lakers and LeBron agreed to a two-year, $97.1 million contract. For reasons that baffle me, people love to argue LeBron’s status in the current NBA, and his place all time. It’s an argument heard over and over again, and I just don’t get it. LeBron has dominated the NBA, he’s not Michael Jordan, he’ll never be Michael Jordan, but let’s put some respect to his name.
Earlier this week on ESPN Stephen A Smith and Mad Dog Chris Russo engaged in an insane argument about LeBron’s all time status in the NBA. Over on Fox Shannon Sharpe says that LeBron is still the driving force of the Lakers and that LeBron is “still the GOAT”.