gold star for USAHOF

From the Desk of the Chairman

Since New Jersey won a Supreme Court case that allowed sports betting to become legal, the state has enjoyed one of the most thriving sports betting industries. As the first state, New Jersey surpassed 1 billion dollars in sports betting in September 2021 and the market shows no signs of slowing down.

If you are living in New Jersey or will be paying the state a visit, then you might be curious about what options you have if you want to bet on sport, and how you make the most of them.  

Betting in-person or via online sites

In New Jersey you can either place a bet in person at specific sports betting sites throughout the state, or you can download and use online sports betting apps on your laptop, smartphone or tablet. The latter has become the preferred option for many as it’s much more convenient and often comes with great perks like welcome offers and ongoing promotions. Before you get started, find out how betting in New Jersey works so you know how to read the odds and make the best decisions. 

Watch games in person

When you ask most sports gamblers why they bet, it’s rarely the money that comes first. The joy of sport takes first place and sports betting is often seen as a way of enhancing the experience. Let’s say you love basketball and follow NBA games on a regular basis, then you get much more out of it by watching a game in person, especially if you have placed bets. It makes it more thrilling and exciting. Besides, you get to speak with other fans and assess the players’ skills first-hand. 

Be a part of a sports community 

It’s more fun sharing your interest with other people, especially when it’s to do with sport. That’s why you get much more out of sports betting in New Jersey by teaming up with others. Get talking about it, share strategies and tactics and be part of the journey together. If your friends are all on board, it is a fun activity for your next weekend getaway as you can combine it with watching sport. Not bad.

Approach it like a professional

Sports betting is about luck, but it is mostly about skill. To be good at it, you need to be able to predict outcomes and results, and that often requires research and in-depth knowledge of the sport you are betting on. If baseball is your thing, then find out how the players are ranking. Who is best and are there any newcomers that will change things up? It’s all about research, getting to know the jargon and following the latest odds. 

Remember to have fun

You must never lose sight of why you are betting on sports: Because it’s fun. Don’t let the dream of winning money overshadow the enjoyment you get from watching the sport. Having fun makes sports betting a more pleasurable experience – and you have better chances of winning too as you are less likely to make rushed and ill-informed decisions.  

Philadelphia is not only the birthplace of the United States but also the birthplace and childhood neighborhood for many great sportspeople. With four major sports teams in the city, the city of brotherly love has been called an underachiever with just two major championships in the last twenty years. Still the city has had much to offer with many great athletes and hall of famers growing up in Philadelphia. Let’s have a look at some of the legends.

Wilt Chamberlain

This Philadelphian is one the greatest athletes from Philadelphia and one of the best to play the game of Basketball. The 7-feet 1-inch-tall player was known for his long-standing rivalry with Bill Russell and still holds numerous NBA records. 

To this date he is still the only player to have scored 100 points in a single game. He is the only player in history to average more than 30 points and 20 rebounds per game and is second only to Michael Jordan in point per game average. He was a major part of the 1967 championship winning roster that took home the second NBA title to the city of Philadelphia and has earned him legendary status in the city. 

Joe Frazier 

Frazier was not born in Philadelphia but packed up his bags in 1959 at the age of 15 to travel to Philadelphia. The boxer soon became a big name in the amateur ranks and won three Golden Gloves championships in a row from 1962 through 1964 before taking home an Olympic gold medal at the 1964 Tokyo Games. 

Smokin’ Joe would go on to become a heavyweight world champion in 1970 and go up against Muhammad Ali in 1971 in what has been billed as the fight of the Century. The fight saw Frazier hand Muhammad Ali the first defeat of his career and create a legend about the hard hitter from South Carolina.

Kobe Bryant

A life that ended up with a tragedy was started in the neighborhoods of Philadelphia, where his father Joe Bryant played for Philadelphia 76ers. Growing up in Italy and Philadelphia Bryant grew his own talent and decided to skip college and enter the 1996 draft as a high school player. 

The Black Mamba was picked 13th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and would go on to be one of the most legendary players in franchise history. With him on the team the franchise won 5 NBA championships in 21 seasons with him being elected to 18 all-star games, second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

This year his former team the Lakers are one of the favorites for the NBA title with Lebron James leading the franchise. With many games still left this season you can find plenty of games to bet on. Read all about betting here.  

Mike Powell 

This track and field athlete still holds the world record for the longest long jump ever. His record of 8.95 meter has stood since 1991 and it does not look like it is going to be beaten any time soon. Unfortunately for Powell there was another amazing American long jumper at the time called Carl Lewis who would go on to win two Olympic gold medals right in front of him. At the World Championships in 1991 in Tokyo Mike Powell finally got the better of him to take home his first major championship medal. 

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the ABA MVP.  This time, we look at the ABA Rookie of the Year.

The trophy was awarded every year of the league’s existence, beginning in 1968 and concluding in 1976.

How many ABA Rookies of the Year made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1968: Mel Daniels, Minnesota Muskies, 22.2 MP, 15.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 9.2 WS.

Mel Daniels was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals (9th Overall), but he opted for the higher salary of the Minnesota Muskies.  As a rookie, Daniels led Minnesota to the Finals where they lost to Pittsburgh, and he began a streak of seven All-Star Games.  The Muskies were struggling financially, and moved to Florida, but not with Daniels who they traded to Indiana.  As a Pacer, Daniels won two MVPs and three ABA Titles

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

1970: Spencer Haywood, Denver Nuggets, 45.3 MP, 30.0 PPG, 19.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 9.2 WS.

Opting to turn pro after his sophomore year in college, Spencer Haywood’s only option was the ABA, as the NBA then had a rule that a player could not turn professional until his class graduated.  Haywood then played one year with Denver of the ABA, winning both the MVP and Rookie of the Year, becoming the only player to do so.  He also led the league in Minutes and Rebounds and Points per Game.  Following this season, Haywood joined the NBA with Seattle, and successfully challenged to join the league in a case that went to the Supreme Court.  Haywood later would be a four-time NBA All-Star, and won an NBA Title with the Lakers.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Co-Winner 1971: Charlie Scott, Virginia Squires, 37.9 MP, 27.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 5.6 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 7.2 WS. 

Charlie Scott signed with the Virginia Squires before the NBA Draft, hence why he fell to the Seventh Round, where he was chosen by the Celtics.  Scott was an ABA All-Star this year, and an All-ABA Selection, and was so the year after although he did not complete his second season.  He bolted for the NBA for Phoenix, who traded for his rights.  Scott was a three-time NBA All-Star, and would later be an NBA Champion when he was with Boston in 1976.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Co-Winner 1971: Dan Issel, Kentucky Colonels, 39.4 MP, 29.9 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 10.7 WS. 

Issel led the ABA in Points per Game, and it was the second highest of his career.  An All-Star as a rookie, Issel was an All-Star through the end of the ABA and was so again when the leagues merged, giving him seven in total.  He was a five-time All-ABA Selection.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

1972: Artis Gilmore, Kentucky Colonels, 43.6 MP, 23.8 PPG, 17.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, N/A SPG, 5.0 BPG, 19.8 WS. 

Gilmore also won the ABA MVP, and remained with Kentucky for the remainder of the ABA’s existence.  Following the dissolution of the Colonels, Gilmore played for the Bulls, Spurs and Celtics, with the Center appearing in 11 total All-Star Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

1976: David Thompson, Denver Nuggets, 37.4 MP, 26.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 12.4 WS. 

Taken number one by the Atlanta Hawks, David Thompson instead opted to play for Denver of the ABA, in what would be the last year of the ABA.  An All-Star this year, Thompson remained with the Nuggets when the leagues merged.  He would later go to four more All-Star Games in the NBA, three with Denver and one with Seattle.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.

The following are the players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

1969: Warren Jabali, Oakland Oaks, 35.8 MP, 21.5 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 5.8 WS.

Jabali was a Fourth Round Pick from Wichita State, but instead he opted to go to Oakland od the ABA.  The Shooting Guard helped Oakland with the Title that year, and he would later be a four-time ABA All-Star, competing his entire pro career in the upstart league.  He also played for Washington, Indiana, Florida, Denver and San Diego.

Eligible Since 1981.

1973: Brian Taylor, New York Americans, 32.3 MP, 15.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 3.6 WS.

With all due respect the Taylor, this was the weakest Rookie of the Year in ABA history, but he would go on to be a two-time ABA All-Star and two-time ABA Champion with New York.  He would later play in the NBA in Kansas City, Denver and San Diego. 

Eligible Since 1988.

1974: Swen Nater, Virginia Squires and San Antonio Spurs, 30.1 MP, 14.1 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 8.7 WS.

A two-time NCAA Champion at UCLA, Nater chose the ABA over the Milwaukee Bucks, who took him 18th Overall.  Nater was first drafted in the ABA in 1972 by the Miami Floridians, but when they folded, Virginia took him in the Dispersal Draft.  As good as he was, the Squires traded him for a draft pick and $300,000 to San Antonio 17 Games into his rookie year.  He led the ABA in Field Goal Percentage, and was the ABA Rebounding leader as a sophomore.  Nater, would later win an NBA Rebounding Title as a member of the San Diego Clippers in 1978/79.

Eligible Since 1990.

1975: Marvin Barnes, Spirits of St. Louis, 39.9 MP, 24.0 PPG, 15.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.6 BPG, 8.6 WS.

Selected second overall by the 76ers, Providence’s Marvin Barnes instead opted to sign with St. Louis, where he was an All-Star in both of his seasons in the league.  When the ABA merged with the NBA, St. Louis was disbanded, and he joined the Detroit Pistons, but was not as successful in the NBA.  He would also play a year each in Buffalo, Boston and San Diego.

Eligible Since 1986.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?       

Award in Question

Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF

Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.

NBA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Art Ross

100%

100%

ABA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Hart Trophy

93.6%

96.3%

NBA Finals MVP

91.3%

94.9%

NHL Norris

90.5%

96.4%

NHL Ted Lindsay Award

90.0%

 

NBA All-Star Game MVP

89.5%

91.7%

NHL Conn Smythe

74.2%

85.4%

NFL Bert Bell Award

73.7%

71.4%

NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year

73.1%

79.4%

NFL AP MVP

68.3%

74.0%

NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

66.7%

66.7%

NHL Lady Byng

63.8%

76.0%

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

60.8%

71.1%

NFL Super Bowl MVP

60.6%

64.9%

NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award

60.0%

60.0%

ABA Rookie of the Year

60.0%

60.0%

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

58.3%

56.5%

NHL Vezina

57.1%

66.3%

NBA Rookie of the Year

56.5%

56.5%

MLB MVP

55.0%

60.2%

NFL Pro Bowl MVP

52.3%

54.8%

MLB Lou Gehrig Award

51.9%

51.9%

MLB Roberto Clemente Award

47.4%

47.4%

NHL Calder Trophy

46.5%

46.5%

NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

46.0%

46.0%

MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award

44.4%

55.4%

MLB All-Star Game MVP

41.3%

44.0%

MLB Babe Ruth Award

37.0%

39.3%

NHL King Clancy Award

36.8%

36.8%

NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy

33.3%

36.7%

MLB World Series MVP

33.3%

36.8%

MLB Hutch Award

33.1%

33.1%

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

28.6%

28.6%

NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

27.9%

27.9%

MLB Edgar Martinez Award

26.7%

17.2%

MLB Delivery Man of the Year

25.0%

50.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)

25.0%

30.8%

MLB Comeback Player of the Year

25.0%

25.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)

23.5%

52.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove

21.7%

36.8%

NHL William M. Jennings Trophy

20.7%

40.4%

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

20.6%

20.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)

20.0%

22.5%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)

18.8%

39.8%

MLB Rolaids Reliever of the Year

18.6%

33.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)

18.2%

35.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)

18.2%

20.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)

16.7%

32.7%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)

16.7%

30.1%

NBA Sixth Man of the Year

16.7%

18.5%

MLB NLCS/ALCS MVP

16.1%

15.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)

15.7%

25.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)

14.3%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)

13.6%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)

13.6%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year

13.3%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)

10.3%

15.2%

MLB Hank Aaron Award

9.1%

14.3%

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

5.3%

3.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)

3.8%

3.2%

NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year

0.0%

0.0%

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: 

None.

The following are the past players who have won the ABA Rookie of the Year are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and are still active.

None.

Nothing will change in this going forward as none of the ABA Rookies of the Year who have not been inducted feel like they have Hall of Fame potential.  As this is now a defunct category, this feels like more than a footnote going forward.

So, what is up next?

We stay with the ABA, and look at their past ABA All-Star Game MVPs.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

Remembering 21


cards-playing-game-gambling.jpg


On paper, the antics of a group of MIT college nerds may not make for compelling viewing, but if you’re a bit of a casino buff then is 21 a classic movie that you should check out? 

Bill’s Blackjack Brigade 

For around two decades at the tail-end of the 20th century, a team of US students made waves in the casino gaming world for proving that, when it comes to blackjack, it is possible to beat the house.  

In 1977, Bill Kaplan, a Harvard grad, discovered the art of card counting in blackjack and proceeded to win $35,000 in just nine months. Setting up the MIT Blackjack Team in the aftermath of his success, Kaplan would lead the group of current and ex-students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as they took on and beat the house at prestigious casinos across the world.  

Achieving global notoriety, Kaplan and the MIT Blackjack team captured the attention of writers and creatives, including a certain Ben Mezrich. The aspiring author would go on to compile the most salient and salacious escapades of those MIT students in Bringing Down the House:  The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, which formed the basis of Robert Luketic’s 2008 heist movie, 21

 

Based on True Events 

All of that backstory is, of course, inconsequential to the average movie-goer, so Luketic, along with producer and star Kevin Spacey, naturally needed to add some Hollywood sparkle into the mix.  

In 21, the antics of the blackjack team are conveyed through the eyes of the exceptionally gifted MIT student, Ben Campbell (played by Jim Sturgess). Campbell’s ultimate goal is to attend Harvard Medical School, but there’s the matter of the $300k tuition fees that stand in his way.  

Campbell’s classmates, noticing the brainiac’s propensity for all things mathematics, introduce him to a certain Mickey Rosa (Kevin Spacey), the man behind an underground group of blackjack players who also happen to be members of the student faculty.  

The group is determined to win big in Vegas after swotting up on card counting and they invite Campbell along with them. Although he’s hesitant at first, he’s soon persuaded to join the team and so begins his initiation into the fascinating world of this centuries-old casino staple.  

After racking up several big wins in a short space of time, it’s not long before Campbell, Rosa and the team come under the microscope of loss prevention specialist, Cole Williams (Laurence Fishburn), an anti-card counting proponent who suspects there might be something more at play than just these maths and science geniuses’ gift for the game.  

Is it any good?  

A purveyor of rom-coms more than heist movies, 21 is Luketic's attempt to go down a grittier route. In some respects he succeeds, but in others he most certainly fails.  

Enjoyable hijinks are afoot in the film’s zippy Vegas scenes as Campbell and his crew adopt new identities with each and every table they hit. Moody lighting and almost slapstick costumery doesn’t exactly make these parts of the film true to life, but they nevertheless portray the ultimate Vegas casino fantasy.  

Sturgess and his romantic lead, Kate Bosworth, shine in their respective performances of the Harvard wannabe and Jill, the prettiest girl in the school who also happens to be a maths genius. But it’s this romance-driven subplot that is the film’s undoing. In the words of Rotten Tomatoes’ critical consensus21 had all the makings of a fascinating study but Luketic made a grave error by “supplant[ing] the true story on which it is based with mundane melodrama”.  

Fishburn and Spacey lend a touch of gravitas to proceedings in their roles as Williams and Rosa, although the former was mostly given one-note material to work with and Spacey has a tendency to go full-ham even when it's not needed.  

As for the main star of the film, Blackjack, there’s enough gaming content here to make this a worthy addition to a games night, but casino nerds shouldn’t look too closely at the casino scenes. For the rest of us, 21 is an entertaining, fluffy movie, but it could've been so much more if Luketic had gone all out and given us an insider look at professional casino gaming.  

Many online sportsbooks in the U.S. today are marketing to recreational bettors. Offers like welcome bonuses and loyalty rewards may entice more people to consider betting online.

This strategy appears to be aimed at increasing the sportsbooks’ customer base. These offers may also affect the customers’ decision-making and betting behavior more than the pricing can.

With its legalization in the U.S. in 2018, sports betting has become more accessible to more people. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has driven more people to stay at home and spend more time and money on online betting.

In 2020, sports betting generated a $1 billion revenue in the U.S. At the beginning of 2021, 23.2 million Americans expressed interest in betting $4.3 billion on the Super Bowl alone, and 7.6 million people said they would bet online.

With this current landscape, online gambling may be expected to grow into a $100 billion industry by 2026.

As more sports betting sites appear, the need to offer competitive prices to bettors becomes paramount. In this case, will adjusting prices be enough to increase the demand for online betting?

This article discusses price elasticity in sports betting and the factors that affect sports betting demand in the U.S.

Price Elasticity in Online Sports Betting

Theoretically, if online sports betting prices were elastic, demand should change significantly with only a slight price change.

For example, a slight reduction in a bookmaker’s vig can narrow their profit margin. However, that reduction may significantly increase the number of bets. In this case, the bookmaker’s prices may be relatively elastic.

However, are price changes sufficient to significantly change the demand for sports betting in real-world scenarios? Put another way, do price changes even matter when sportsbooks try to market their products?

Below are some factors that can influence bettors’ preferences when it comes to online sports betting.

Factors Affecting Sports Betting Demand in the U.S.

Price

Historically, Las Vegas and U.S.-facing offshore sportsbooks significantly influenced how line prices were set.

Nowadays, because of U.S. market regulations, operators and sportsbook suppliers in large states are now playing a role in providing competitive prices.

In addition, the regulations ensure that the operators are pricing their lines competitively.

A sportsbook with a high price elasticity should experience a high surge in demand with just a slight reduction to its vig. Alternatively, bettors may shy away from the sportsbook if it were to increase its house take.

However, that scenario is only theoretical, and pricing is not the only factor influencing demand for online sports betting.

Brand Association

Bettors also look into an online sportsbook’s brand reputation and association. Most legally operating sportsbooks have partnerships with physical and online casinos, big sports betting brands, or other gambling entities that give the sportsbook more credibility.

This credibility is likely to increase the sportsbook’s value and make bettors trust the sportsbook more. This trust may influence the bettor’s behavior in favor of the sportsbook, dictated not only by the price but also by the brand.

For example, partnerships with major sports leagues mean the sportsbook is reliable enough to be recognized by those leagues.

Other betting sites may receive backing from big brands. If bettors prefer those brands, the sponsorship may increase the chances of the bettor favoring the sportsbook.

On-Par Product and Experience Delivery

Competitive pricing and reputable brand association may not be enough to influence demand. Bettors may also ask for products and services of equal or higher value to the sportsbooks’ prices.

One way for this strategy to work is to ensure that bettors experience the convenience worth their money. This way, pricing may matter less as long as the bettor experiences quality service.

For example, the bookmaker’s online platform must be user-friendly and navigable. Sportsbooks may also provide welcome bonuses and rewards for bettors to maximize their deposits.

If the sportsbook has a mobile app, that feature may be considered a plus for accessibility. Mobile apps allow bettors to place bets, even when traveling or watching a live game in a stadium.

Additional payment options other than credit cards can also favor both the bookmaker and the customer.

More options to fund betting accounts, like online payment gateways, provide more convenience to bettors, increasing customer demand for the bookmaker’s services.

Other features that can add to a sportsbook’s ability to deliver quality services include moderating a bettor’s gambling habits and protecting their personal information.

Bettors must know that their private data is safe or that the sportsbook cares enough to help them curb developing gambling problems. These efforts may help them associate a positive experience with the sportsbook.

Bookmakers can further improve customer experience if they have a connection with advocacy groups promoting responsible gambling. This connection shows that the sportsbook encourages bettors to have a healthy gambling lifestyle.

Legal vs. Offshore Operators

The issue between offshore and U.S.-based legal sportsbook operators is that the U.S. sportsbooks are regulated while the offshore ones are not. This situation puts the U.S. sportsbooks in a challenging position against their offshore counterparts.

U.S. operators may think of offering products and services at par with the offshore operators to remain competitive. However, bettors may see no incentive to prefer U.S. sportsbooks if this were the case.

Instead, U.S. operators need to offer better products and services than offshore sportsbooks’ to stay on top of the game.

Conclusion

Demand for online sports betting is unlikely to change by simply adjusting the prices offered by the bookmakers. For some people, this situation may be indicative of price inelasticity.

That said, other factors have to be considered, including brand association, product and experience delivery, and the choice between offshore and legal operators.

These factors may affect the bettors’ outlook toward the sportsbook and influence demand more than just price changes alone can do.

Individuals interested in online sports betting should check their local state laws if sports betting is legal in their area.

After a couple of disruptive years where Covid made traveling between US and Canada difficult, NHL is finally easing back into the new normal. And if all goes well, we will have our Stanley Cup champion in the spring of 2022. You therefore have plenty of great games to look forward to as we enter the next stage of the season and head towards the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

NHL features the best of American and Canadian hockey. 32 teams competing in around 56 games. With many victories and losses already, 2022 is bound to be a thrilling part of this year’s season, and there are four teams that are looking particularly strong. 

Will Tampa Bay make history?

The last two NHL seasons, Florida Tampa Bay Lightning has won, yet no team has ever won Stanley Cup three times in a row, which means Tampa Bay could make hockey history this year - but they have a long way to go. Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers are all looking dangerous, and many experts believe the winner is to be found among them. If you already have a strong sense of who that might be, then you can bet on them on https://betting.com/us/nhl. In the past year we have seen many US states legalizing the practice, and in Canada it is legal. Sports betting has therefore become hugely popular among hockey fans. It’s simply a fun way to take an active part in the NHL season. 

Will the Beijing Olympics affect the season?

With the winter Olympics fast approaching, there has been a lot of talk about what NHL players might go and what that will mean for their teams. Some people have wondered what will happen to the NHL league, or if they will get to see their favorite stars on the ice, competing for international glory. Sadly, Covid has yet again brought disruptions into the sports world. For this reason, the NHL league has decided not to send any players to the Olympics. But the good news is that there is now a higher chance that regular NHL games of this season will go ahead as planned. No stars will have to leave their teams behind.   

Anticipated upcoming games

There are many thrills in store for hockey fans this year. Avalanche has some great games coming up – from fighting Coyotes to testing their abilities against the Kings. And if you want to see Tampa Bay Lightning in action outdoors, you have a chance to do so on 26 February 2022 when they play against Nashville Predators at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. Overall, the winter will be packed with matches on an almost daily basis, so you do not need to worry about getting bored. Now is the time to get geeky about hockey history. Spend some time remembering all the best moments and use that knowledge to predict the legends of the future. It’s a fun way to pass time between games. 

Online betting is a trending way of earning cash. Technology has played a big part in making it easier for gamblers to place bets. However, numerous online betting platforms have posed a challenge to newbies who want to join the gambling business. In investing your money through betting, consider not losing your money through the platform you join. If you make hurried decisions, you may not make it to get what is best for you. Take your time and research the best platform to invest your money. Having read the factors below, you will know what to contemplate for an effective platform.

Consider the suitability for your betting objectives

A legit site for you should be suitable to meet your needs and objects. For instance, consider taking your time and listing what you need; this will help you compare what the gambling site can do and how it may meet your objectives. Check if the site has the games you need to bet on first, ensure all the sports you want to bet are provided on the platform. Check on the payment options available; ensure you select a forum that will meet your needs. Finally, consider checking the policies available and procedures for bonuses that are provided.

Check on the legal issues

Many illegal betting sites (iddaa siteleri) exist online. To avoid being fooled, find out if you are working with a licensed platform. It is essential to bet on a site that is part of the regulated jurisdiction through the internet. Please make sure you research on them to know that particular platform is trusted, and you should consider betting on a positively reviewed website. Be aware of paid reviews and legit reviews, and you should try to differentiate. For one to establish if the platform is legit, it is paramount to check on their reviews.

Check on customer support

It is crucial for any betting platform; customer support will determine the site's success. Before you decide, ensure you try emailing them or call them to observe the time they will take to respond to your queries. A reputable betting agency will take the shortest time to answer and deliver answers to your previous questions. 

Look at the banking options

Consider selecting a site that will allow you to deposit funds in various ways. On the depositing and withdrawing side, different agencies charge different amounts; thus, consider choosing a site that will charge a reasonable amount. It would be advisable to choose a company that will charge you less on your return for you to make a good profit. Check also on how urgent the betting sites (iddaa siteleri) can help you when you have withdrawn; some sites need time to wait for your payments; this will help you if you need the money urgently. If you deposited the money and need to cash out, check first if the platform you select will help you. Always choose a betting site that you will not regret.   

WrestleMania is one of the WWE’s most important events. Each spring since 1985,the WWE has brought together some of its most successful wrestlers who hash out year-long feuds between the ropes. There’s guts, glory, and more than a handful of celebrity guest wrestlers.

These have run the gambit over the years, from a Chris Jericho cross-promotion of Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes in 2001 to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, belting out ‘America The Beautiful’ to open up the third annual event in 1988.

Part pro sport and part acting gig, professional wrestling’s ongoing success might surprise a traditional sports fan. It doesn’t have a set of clear rules, won’t be played at the Olympics any time soon, and doesn’t often feature on afree sports bet offer from oddsmakers given the difficulties of betting on the WWE.

However, what the WWE lacks in traditional representation it makes up for in a wild ride, truly athletic stunts, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Even better, the depth of bets is starting to expand as the sport becomes more mainstream—and one of those prop bets on offer is whether a celebrity will win a match during WrestleMania.

As the biggest pro wrestling event in the world, WrestleMania has seen celebrities from all industries step foot in the ring. Some, like the cast of Jackass, have been huge successes. Others, like the flops listed below, have gained notoriety for being some of the worst celeb appearances (including RAW segments).

Number One: Kevin Federline

Back in 2006, the former partner of pop star Britney Spears was at the height of his fame. As mentioned above, most celebrity appearances on WWE coincide with promoting another project; for K-Fed, this was a studio album.

Fans were torn about the worst part of the performance—was it when John Cena attempted to out-rap Federline? When Federline showed up at another RAW event and the WWE powers-that-be let a D-list celebrity pin Cena? Many are still wondering.

Number Two: Jerry Springer

On the surface, Springer should be a hit for the WWE, as the TV personality knows drama and timing. Unfortunately, both of his appearances were incredibly awkward. What should have been a killer segment with Springer mediating The Bella Twins turned into a masterclass in horrendous acting.

Was it Springer’s fault, or another mishandling from WWE producers who banked too much on performers delivering complex dialogue?

WWE2.webp

Number Three: Gronk

This call-out isn’t based on Gronk’s lack of acting skills or mismanagement from the WWE. Instead, reports from other wrestlers hint that the NFL star was actually the problem. As he prepared to host WrestleMania for his second appearance in the WWE, wrestlers reported a subpar attitude behind the scenes that led toa subpar reception from fans.

Number Four: Donald Trump

Once again, the WWE looked to have a winner when Donald Trump, of The Apprentice fame at the time, signed on for a WrestleMania appearance. Typically, fans enjoy seeing non-athletic celebs jump into the ring and get their hands dirty—a line like ‘you’re fired’ only adds to the hype and serves to drive a longstanding feud between Trump and Vince McMahon.

Unfortunately, the WWE forever ruined this interesting dynamic when they sent Bobby Lashley and Umaga into the ring on behalf of Trump and McMahon, respectively. Though WrestleMania 23 saw Stone Cold Steve Austin down the future president with a Stunner, audiences were noticeably cold to the new routine.

Number Five / Best of the Worst: The Muppets

Once again part of a 2011 promotion of The Muppets, this RAW crossover was hilarious, confusing, and memorable. Highlights include Miss Piggy’s altercation with Vickie Guerrero and Jack Swagger and Swagger’s attack on Gonzo.






We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the MLB All-Star Game MVP.  This time, we return to Basketball, with the ABA, and the now defunct league’s MVP.

The trophy was awarded every year of the league’s existence, beginning in 1968 and concluding in 1976.

How many ABA MVPs made the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the ABA MVP who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1968: Connie Hawkins, Pittsburgh Pipers, 44.9 MP, 26.8 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 17.9 WS.

Hawkins was involved in the Iowa point shaving scandal that rocked college basketball, though it is widely believed he had nothing to do with it.  Nevertheless, he was blackballed from college hoops and went undrafted, essentially being banned from earning a living in pro basketball.  Hawkins became a streetball superstar, but had a pro lifeline when the ABA formed, and he signed with Pittsburgh, the team he led to the first ABA Title, while he won the first ever ABA Scoring Title.  An ABA All-Star this year, he would later join the Phoenix Suns in 1969, and would go to four consecutive All-Star Games. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1969: Mel Daniels, Indiana Pacers, 38.6 MP, 24.0 PPG, 16.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 8.6 WS.

A member of the Minnesota Muskies as an ABA rookie, Mel Daniels won the league’s first Rebounding Title, and won it again this year.  Daniels led the Pacers to the ABA Title the following season.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

1968: Mel Daniels, Minnesota Muskies, 22.2 MP, 15.6 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.2 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 9.2 WS.

Mel Daniels was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals (9th Overall), but he opted for the higher salary of the Minnesota Muskies.  As a rookie, Daniels led Minnesota to the Finals where they lost to Pittsburgh, and he began a streak of seven All-Star Games.  The Muskies were struggling financially, and moved to Florida, but not with Daniels who they traded to Indiana.  As a Pacer, Daniels won two MVPs and three ABA Titles

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

1971: Mel Daniels, Indiana Pacers, 38.7 MP, 21.0 PPG, 18.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, N/A SPG, N/A BPG, 11.4 WS. (2)

Daniels won his third Rebounding Title this year, and though he would not win the ABA Championship this year, he would take them to wins in the next two.  He would be named to the All-ABA Team, went to seven ABA All-Star Games, and was a five-time All-ABA Selection.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

1972: Artis Gilmore, Kentucky Colonels, 43.6 MP, 23.8 PPG, 17.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, N/A SPG, 5.0 BPG, 19.8 WS. 

Gilmore also won the ABA Rookie of the Year Award, and remained with Kentucky for the remainder of the ABA’s existence.  Following the dissolution of the Colonels, Gilmore played for the Bulls, Spurs and Celtics, with the Center appearing in 11 total All-Star Games.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

1973: Billy Cunningham, Carolina Cougars, 38.7 MP, 24.1 PPG, 12.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2,6 SPG, N/A BPG, 11.9 WS. 

Billy Cunningham was the lead player for the Philadelphia 76ers, and surprisingly jumped to Carolina of the ABA in 1972, though he fought to get out of that contract when he felt that the Cougars reneged on a bonus.  The court disagreed, and Cunningham was a Cougar for two years, winning the MVP in his first year there.  Cunningham returned to the Sixers in 1974, playing two more years before retiring.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

1974: Julius Erving, New York Nets, 40.5 MP, 27.4 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 5.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, 2.4 BPG, 16.5 WS. 

The ABA had a “Hardship Exemption” that allowed Julius Erving to enter the ABA in 1971, earlier than he would have been in the NBA.  The Virginia Squires landed him in the draft, and “Dr. J” played for the Squires in his first two pro seasons.  Legal entanglements saw Erving try to play for Atlanta of the NBA, but his NBA rights were held by Milwaukee, and he was still contractually bound to Virginia.  The Squires were in financial disarray, and sold his contract to the New York Nets, with whom Erving agreed to play for, and he won his second straight scoring title, and led the Nets to their first ABA Title.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

1975 Co-Winner: Julius Erving, New York Nets, 40.5 MP, 27.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 17.6 WS. (2)

Erving remained dominant, and he would become the first back-to-back winner of the ABA MVP.  Erving led the ABA in PER (26.2), and it was the third year in a row he did so.  He also topped the league in Win Shares and VORP (10.3).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

1975 Co-Winner: George McGinnis, Indiana Pacers, 40.4 MP, 29.8 PPG, 14.3 RPG, 6.3 APG, 2.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 11.6 WS. 

McGinnis began his pro career with the Pacers in 1971, and this was his fourth and final season in the ABA, and also his best.  He won the Scoring Title, and had previously taken Indiana to two ABA Championships.  McGinnis joined the 76ers after, but returned to the Pacers later when they were a NBA franchise.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

1976: Julius Erving, New York Nets, 38.6 MP, 29.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 17.7 WS. (3)

In the final year of the ABA, Erving closed it out in style, winning his third straight MVP, and leading the Nets to their second ABA Title.  Erving again led the ABA in PER (28.7) and VORP (10.3), and as the ABA merged with the NBA, the Nets looked like they would instantly compete, or so it would seem.  The New York Knicks balked at territorial rights, and the Nets were forced to offer financial compensation, so much so, that the Nets had to sell Erving’s contract to Philadelphia.  Erving led the Sixers to the NBA Title in 1983, and was the MVP in 1981, becoming the only player to win the MVP in both leagues.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

The following are the players who have won the ABA MVP who are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

None.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?       

Award in Question

Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF

Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.

NBA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Art Ross

100%

100%

ABA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Hart Trophy

93.6%

96.3%

NBA Finals MVP

91.3%

94.9%

NHL Norris

90.5%

96.4%

NHL Ted Lindsay Award

90.0%

 

NBA All-Star Game MVP

89.5%

91.7%

NHL Conn Smythe

74.2%

85.4%

NFL Bert Bell Award

73.7%

71.4%

NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year

73.1%

79.4%

NFL AP MVP

68.3%

74.0%

NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

66.7%

66.7%

NHL Lady Byng

63.8%

76.0%

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

60.8%

71.1%

NFL Super Bowl MVP

60.6%

64.9%

NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award

60.0%

60.0%

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

58.3%

56.5%

NHL Vezina

57.1%

66.3%

NBA Rookie of the Year

56.5%

56.5%

MLB MVP

55.0%

60.2%

NFL Pro Bowl MVP

52.3%

54.8%

MLB Lou Gehrig Award

51.9%

51.9%

MLB Roberto Clemente Award

47.4%

47.4%

NHL Calder Trophy

46.5%

46.5%

NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

46.0%

46.0%

MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award

44.4%

55.4%

MLB All-Star Game MVP

41.3%

44.0%

MLB Babe Ruth Award

37.0%

39.3%

NHL King Clancy Award

36.8%

36.8%

NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy

33.3%

36.7%

MLB World Series MVP

33.3%

36.8%

MLB Hutch Award

33.1%

33.1%

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

28.6%

28.6%

NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

27.9%

27.9%

MLB Edgar Martinez Award

26.7%

17.2%

MLB Delivery Man of the Year

25.0%

50.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)

25.0%

30.8%

MLB Comeback Player of the Year

25.0%

25.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)

23.5%

52.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove

21.7%

36.8%

NHL William M. Jennings Trophy

20.7%

40.4%

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

20.6%

20.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)

20.0%

22.5%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)

18.8%

39.8%

MLB Rolaids Reliever of the Year

18.6%

33.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)

18.2%

35.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)

18.2%

20.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)

16.7%

32.7%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)

16.7%

30.1%

NBA Sixth Man of the Year

16.7%

18.5%

MLB NLCS/ALCS MVP

16.1%

15.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)

15.7%

25.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)

14.3%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)

13.6%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)

13.6%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year

13.3%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)

10.3%

15.2%

MLB Hank Aaron Award

9.1%

14.3%

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

5.3%

3.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)

3.8%

3.2%

NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year

0.0%

0.0%

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the ABA MVP who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame: 

None.

The following are the past players who have won the ABA MVP are eligible for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and are still active.

None.

Nothing will change in this going forward as the ABA MVPs are perfect for Hall of Fame induction.  As this is now a defunct category, this feels like more than a footnote going forward.

So, what is up next?

We stay with the ABA, and look at their past Rookies of the Year.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

The TaxAct Texas Bowl between LSU and Kansas State was expected to be a close game. On BetMGM, the line closed with Kansas State at -4.5. This number caused many bettors to turn to LSU because the Tigers would lose by a field goal, and the bet would still hit.

Even though the TaxAct Texas Bowl has concluded, the National Championship Game is still approaching. The best places to bet on college football and sports, in general, are on betting sites with free bets like BetMGM.

If you watched the Texas Bowl, you know the Wildcats steamrolled the Tigers. The final score ended up being 42-20 in favor of Kansas State. LSU looked lifeless without Coach O, which showed throughout the entire game.

The line varied throughout the bowl season, closing with Kansas State at -4.5. However, it was as high as -7.5, but it looked like it should have been -10. Coach O’s final game coaching the Tigers was against #15 Texas A&M.

The Tigers pulled off the upset in Death Valley in this matchup 27-24, but this team did not show up in Houston on Tuesday night.

In the second quarter, the Wildcats jumped out to a 21 to nothing lead. The night started with a Malik Knowles touchdown catch. Skylar Thompson put the ball right on the money for the 21-yard score.

These two connected again to make the score 21 nothing at the 7:01 mark in the second quarter. However, we cannot forget about Deuce Vaughn for the Wildcats, who scored the team’s second touchdown of the game.

Vaughn carried the ball 21 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns on the night. He also caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Before the half, LSU showed some life and made it a two-score game. Jaray Jenkins caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jontre Kirklin to cap off a 13 play, 75-yard drive that lasted 6:41.  

As strong as the Tigers looked to close the half, they had no answer for Kansas State for 27 minutes of the fourth quarter. The Wildcats went out and dominated, scoring 21 unanswered points.

All three of the scores were from Vaughn, the biggest troublemaker of the night for Kansas State. The Tigers had no answer for the running back, which made Wildcats bettors very happy.

Kansas State -4.5 cashed, even though the Tigers rallied at the end of the game. At this point, it was too late for Tigers +4.5 bettors to have any hope. Malik Nabers caught a strike from Kirklin again to make the score 42-14.

The final score of the game happened as time expired. Kirklin threw an 81-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hilton Jr. Hilton was the team’s leading receiver with that one catch.

It was a terrible night for the Tigers, and it showed Brian Kelly has a lot of work to do to fix the program. However, it’s unlikely he will fit the mold that Coach O left in Baton Rouge.

There were two areas that caused LSU to lose this game. The Tigers were 3 of 10 on third down, compared to the Wildcats, who were 8 of 12.

They could not get off the field or continue drives, which is never a winning formula. They were also -2 in the turnover margin, and the winning percentage goes way down when this is the case by winning third down and not turning the ball over.

Kansas State took care of business in Houston, covering -4.5 without much trouble.

Online casinos are popular because they make it easy, fast, and convenient to play your favorite slots and find new online casino games. Essentially, you play for the fun of the game, but nothing beats winning the real money. However, you need to know all about casino deposits and withdrawals to do this. 

To begin playing your favorite slot game like judi slot online, you are required to deposit funds. There are some steps involved in depositing at a reputable casino site. Once you are through with this, you can play your game of choice and make withdrawals from your account when your winnings come in. It's easy and fast to do, especially if you have a guide that sets it all out for you.

How to make a casino deposit

Before you begin playing for real cash, you need to consider all the deposit options for your online casino account. Most reputable casino operators will offer one of these options:

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • E-wallets
  • Prepaid cards
  • Bank transfer

Now that you are ready to make your first deposit, you can deposit money into your online casino account directly from your bank account or use your preferred method.

Once you have created your casino account, you will be directed to the casino financier or cashier section.

Select your preferred payment method from those listed on-screen

If you hadn't filled out personal details, such as your address, when you created your account, you might be asked to do so now.

Enter the amount you want to deposit and your account pin or password

Click "deposit" or "submit." The money is transferred to your casino bankroll, and you are ready to begin playing games on the site. Although some deposits are instant, other payments such as checks and bank transfers may take longer to process.

How to make a casino withdrawal

Gamblers often search for the fastest withdrawal casinos simply because they don't want to wait too long until they have their winnings at their disposal. However, withdrawing your winnings is easy.

Go to the financier or cashier section. That will show you your total funds and how much of your available balance you can withdraw. If your welcome balance isn't displayed in money available for withdrawal, it might be that you didn't meet the betting requirements.

Select the withdrawal method you want to use

  • Fill in the amount you want to withdraw, followed by your account password.
  • Hit the "submit" button, and your withdrawal will be processed. Ensure you have your ID since you might be asked to produce it at this point.
  • Choosing the proper payment method can mean the difference between an existing or disappointing gambling

Even if this is not the first thing that crosses your mind when looking for a new online casino, you need to spare some minutes to check all the available payment options before making your initial deposit. However, since you now know all about deposits and withdrawals, put yourself in the running to win real money by making the judi slot online your first stop. 

Many people have now discovered the benefits of online gaming; the sites have created opportunities for millions globally. Gaming sites can earn you good money, and you can still have lots of fun playing your favorite games. As long as one remains competent and keeps learning the tricks to stay relevant, they are good to go, and they can earn money easily. The website you choose plays a significant role in determining the amount of money you make, which is why you need to be careful with your selection. Below are some valuable guidelines.

  • Legality

One crucial aspect to remember when selecting a gaming website is documentation. Not all online sites are registered, which is why you need to make sure that the one you choose has the necessary licenses for operation. In addition, the relevant authority should approve the site; this way, you will be sure that the site will not deal with any felonious businesses. Getting an honest and trustworthy gaming site is very important, choosing the right spot like the Joker Slot (สล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์) is very vital.

  • Research

Proper research will always guarantee success and results in online gaming. Going through the online reviews and ratings will make your decision easier; positive reviews should surpass negative thoughts. Also, find out if the type of games offered are ones you would want to play; the gaming sites have different games, which is why you need to choose the right one for your needs.

  • Customer service

Reputation matters when choosing a gaming website; it would be good to choose one that has built a good image for itself. An essential thing to check on is that the site doesn't limit its users on their accounts; individuals should access their accounts at any time. The website should also be user-friendly in that individuals can access it from any site. Finally, an essential aspect is the site's customer service, and people are advised to choose a site that offers their clients help throughout. 

  • Registration requirements

To join a gaming site, individuals must have reached a certain age; if the site you get doesn't ask for personal details, that makes it questionable. The site should have some strict rules that should be followed, and this is an excellent way to avoid issues eventually. Using a gaming website with all their clients' details is good because it shows how vested they are in working together. The website should be child-friendly; this is important because no parent wants their child to be exposed to any risks.

When you find a good gaming website, your chances of winning automatically increase. Taking it slow when looking for a good site is highly recommended; this will help individuals choose one that works well for the kind of games they want. Some sites like Joker Slot (สล็อตโจ๊กเกอร์) offer training to new gamers at no cost, and this is a perfect way of attracting more gamers to the website and also showing how dedicated they are to pleasing the clients. Read the above tips to get the gaming site and win to the top.

Aaron Rodgers went into the 2021/22 NFL campaign as the reining MVP after a stellar year last season. At one point in the off-season, his future in Green Bay looked uncertain. However, off-field disputes were resolved just in time for the new campaign.

Rodgers continues to play at the top of his game and a fourth regular season MVP could be set to go his way. The Packers QB has led his side to a 10-3 win record through their opening 13 games of the season.

Notinhalloffame1

Green Bay are looking set to be one of the top seeds in the NFC heading into the playoffs. The NFC North crown looks safe, as the Packers are the only team in the division with a winning record.

Rodgers and Green Bay fans will want much more than a divisional title this season. They are +1000 in the sports betting online at Betfair for the Super Bowl.

Given how well Rodgers is performing, the Packers are one of the leading betting tips every week in the NFL. Regardless of the opposition, Rodgers keeps finding a way of unlocking defenses and putting up big points for his team.

Career Numbers Are Very Impressive

Just like Tom Brady, Rodgers remains one of the leading QBs in the NFL. The 38-year-old is certain to be in the Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible. He is right up there with some of the greatest in history to have played in that position, including Brett Favre, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.

Rodgers was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2005. Since then, he has consistently produced impressive stats every season he has been involved in. Arguably his biggest strength is the way he looks after the ball. He has finished the league leader in touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio five times.


Notinhalloffame2

The Green Bay man has recorded 433 regular season touchdowns and has thrown for over 50,000 passing yards. He will have seen what Brady has been able to achieve into his 40s and if he can continue at that age, he may be set to smash many NFL records.

Green Bay Haven’t Reached Super Bowl Since 2010

Although it is not going to impact his inclusion in the Hall of Fame, Rodgers has only won the Super Bowl once in his career. That victory came in 2010 when his side beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 at the Cowboys Stadium.

In what may be his last year in Wisconsin, the Green Bay QB will be hoping to deliver another Vince Lombardi Trophy to his franchise. Becoming a two-time Super Bowl winner will help the reining MVP elevate himself into an exclusive club of QBs who have prevailed in the biggest game in the sport more than once.

Rodgers will be focussed on finishing this season strongly. If he does get awarded the MVP at the NFL Honors in February, he will be one of only two players to land that prize four times after Peyton Manning.

Football is one common popular sport in the world. It has made it have a big attraction when it comes to the world of betting. When you consider the number of bets made on football across the globe, you will be amazed by the crazy figure that it has. But that is not surprising because it is popular, attracting many fans globally. The only problem many bettors face is that it is hard to make sure bets will earn you money. While it is simple registering an account and beginning gambling, but it becomes hard to win. Luckily, there are numerous things that one can do to enhance your chances of winning. The below content provides you with clear tips that you can apply in betting to make correct choices.

Before you join gambling, just know that you cannot win always

Before you get into sports betting, it is important to have an open mind. Regardless of what you hear from people or read on the internet, be sure that you will not always win. There is no clear method way that guarantees winning results every other time. Sometimes you may win, while other times, you may lose. If you want to survive in the betting industry, the main secret is to ensure you get minimal losses.

Keep detailed record

Keeping the record is an essential tool you should have as a sports bettor. These records are helpful when making bets as they help one know how strong one team is against the other. With the proper application of records, it is possible to make the right bets for livescore. In addition to the records, you can understand the stronger team while playing. If you take advantage of this method, you will earn a clearer picture of the best strategies that will work for you.

Switch things up

Are you seriously invested in sports betting? Then, you understand there are numerous bookmakers. While some are serious ones, others are jokers. Be skeptical about choosing the best to avoid losing money. You may find a good site, but that doesn't mean you should stick with them. You can always register with other bookmakers with greater promotions and different amazing odds. Always take advantage of the website that is offering the best.

Be impartial always

If you involve your emotions in the world of betting, it won’t be good for you. It is advisable to put aside your emotions even if you are a football fan and be impartial. This helps avoid making unnecessary mistakes when you know the real results that will likely happen. It is important to involve the analytical brain as this helps make a sound decision. However, many football bettors make the mistake of involving their emotions for the love of their teams. Probably, the best bet is to stay away from the games, so you don't need to involve your emotions.

Many things affect the results of a game. It could be the game taking place at its location. Whether you will make livescore or offline betting, it is good to learn these pointers and know how to apply them for better results.

The world of sport is forever surprising and entertaining its fans with twists and turns. After all, it is these unpredictable moments that add something special to respective sports. If every match up was written in stone before the beginning of the competition, there is a good chance that sport wouldn’t have any fans. Luckily enough this isn’t the case and fans are always treated to great moments and stories in the world of sport. 

When it comes to the year 2021, a lot has happened. The world stopped for the vast majority of 2020. There were no crowds in stadiums, leagues and competitions were postponed, the future of some sports was uncertain, it was a dark time. You can ask nearly any sports fan in the world what the worst part of the lockdown was and there is a good chance they will mention a lack of sport or being able to attend live events. However, 2021 saw the return of all the sports. The Olympics, Euros, and Super Bowl all got to go ahead this year, which gave fans a massive boost. But when looking back on the year, what were the stand out moments of the year? Here are just some of the best sporting moments of 2021. 

Verstappen and Lewis Go to the Final Lap 

Formula 1 has taken off massively in terms of popularity. Although it has always been a widely appreciated sport, plenty of fresh eyes has been on the sport for the past season. This is largely down to the quality and excitement of the 2021 season. All the way through the season, various drivers gave great performances. However, when it came down to the last day, there were two men that everybody was talking about. Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen went through the whole season neck and neck. When it came down to the last race in Abu Dhabi, both men had an equal share of the points. It seemingly looked over for the Dutch man to claim his first world title until a crash and safety car incident allowed him to gain on Hamilton. After an entire season of being neck-and-neck, the championship would come down to the final lap. A bold move from Verstappen’s team would end up being the decisive factor as his soft tires saw him through to become champion. 

This was one of the most exciting F1 season to date, and with it over, you might struggle to find something to entertain you. If you’re looking for high-ocatain action and excitement, then it might be worth trying an online casino until the new season rolls around.

Buccaneers Win Super Bowl 

The Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. This is largely down to the occasion, as well as the quality of players who take the field. However, a phenomenal Buccaneers performance blew the Kansas City Chiefs out of the water. Thanks to some help from legend Tom Brady of course, who picked up his seventh Super Bowl. 

Milwaukee Bucks Win NBA Championship 

Milwaukee Bucks had only one NBA championship to their name before 2021. However, a great 4-2 over the Phoenix Suns would see them claim their first title in 50 years. Their comeback was truly amazing, becoming the first team to win after losing the opening two games. 

The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference North division


To both complement and supplement Fanduel.com's Super Bowl betting odds, we will be documenting all the key facts and figures surrounding your favorite teams. We will uncover the history, statistics, and relevant landmark moments. Alongside that, we uncover both players and staff from the current regime and days gone by to provide the overall fan-focused article you desire. 


Our extensive NFL coverage turns its attention to Chicago Bears in this piece, so sit back and enjoy the read and prepare to get educated about everything you need to know regarding the Chicago Bears football team; 


Fun Facts

  • The Bears have retired 14 uniform numbers, which is the most in the NFL
  • In the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Bears have the most enshrined primary members with 30; the club also has had seven Hall of Famers spend a minor portion of their career with the franchise. Founder, owner, head coach, and player George Halas, halfback Bronko Nagurski, and Red Grange were a part of the original class of inductees in 1963
  • The franchise saw 14 individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame from 1963 to 1967. Offensive tackle Jim Covert and defensive end Ed Sprinkle are the most recent Chicago Bear inductees, both being inducted as seniors as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's centennial class of 2020
  • In 2012, Charles Tillman set the record for most forced fumbles in a single game with 4 against the Tennessee Titans. Also against the Titans, Chicago became the first team in league history to score a touchdown pass, a touchdown run, an interception return for a touchdown, and a blocked kick/punt for a score in the same quarter. Tillman and teammate Lance Briggs became the first pair in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in consecutive games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.

Club Background

Founded: 

September 17, 1920

Team Colors:

Navy blue, burnt orange, white

Mascot:

Staley Da Bear

Nicknames:

  • Da Bears
  • The Monsters of the Midway

Stadium:

Soldier Field

Capacity:

61,500

Record Attendance:

66,944 (1994)

Owner: 

Virginia Halas McCaskey


Recent History

Last Trophy: 

NFC North 2018

All-time Top Scorer:

Robbie Gould is the Chicago Bears career leader in points scored with 1,207

Notable Former Players:

  • Walter Payton
  • Dick Butkus
  • Bronko Nagurski
  • Sid Luckman
  • Gale Sayers
  • Mike Ditka
  • Bill George
  • Clyde "Bulldog" Turner
  • Doug Atkins
  • Danny Fortmann
  • Dan Hampton
  • Richard Dent
  • Jim Covert
  • Brian Urlacher
  • Mike Singletary
  • Bill Hewitt
  • Stan Jones
  • Jay Hilgenberg
  • Steve McMichael
  • Devin Hester
  • Joe Stydahar
  • George Connor
  • George McAfee
  • Joe Fortunato
  • Ed Sprinkle
  • Ed Healey
  • Olin Kreutz
  • Lance Briggs
  • Rick Casares

Notable Former Coaches: 

  • George Halas
  • Hunk Anderson
  • Luke Johnsos
  • Paddy Driscoll
  • Jim Dooley
  • Abe Gibron
  • Mike Ditka 
  • Dave Wannstedt

Record Signing: 

Eddie Jackson agreed to a four-year, $58.4 million contract extension with the Bears in 2020


Current Performance 

Last Five Results: 

LLWLL

Last Five Finishing Positions:

2016 NFL NFC North 4th 3 13 0 — —

2017 NFL NFC North 4th 5 11 0 — —

2018 NFL NFC North 1st 12 4 0 Lost to Philadelphia Eagles in NFC Wild Card Game. —

2019 NFL NFC North 3rd 8 8 0 — —

2020 NFL NFC North 2nd 8 8 0 Lost to New Orleans Saints in NFC Wild Card Game. —


Chairman:

George McCaskey

Coach:

Matt Nagy

Notable Current Players: 

Quarterbacks

  • 14 Andy Dalton
  •  1 Justin Fields
  •  9 Nick Foles

Running backs

  • 24 Khalil Herbert
  • 32 David Montgomery
  • 35 Ryan Nall
  •  8 Damien Williams

Wide receivers

  • 10 Damiere Byrd
  • 84 Marquise Goodwin
  • 17 Jakeem Grant 
  • 11 Darnell Mooney
  • 12 Allen Robinson

Tight ends

  • 80 Jimmy Graham
  • 81 J. P. Holtz
  • 87 Jesper Horsted
  • 18 Jesse James
  • 85 Cole Kmet

Offensive linemen

  • 64 Alex Bars 
  • 75 Larry Borom 
  • 68 James Daniels 
  • 76 Teven Jenkins
  • 67 Sam Mustipher 
  • 71 Jason Peters 
  • 73 Lachavious Simmons 
  • 65 Cody Whitehair 

Defensive linemen

  • 90 Angelo Blackson 
  • 96 Akiem Hicks 
  • 93 Margus Hunt 
  • 98 Bilal Nichols 
  • 95 Khyiris Tonga 

Linebackers

  • 99 Trevis Gipson 
  • 55 Bruce Irvin 
  • 45 Joel Iyiegbuniwe 
  • 92 Caleb Johnson 
  • 57 Christian Jones 
  • 44 Alec Ogletree 
  • 94 Robert Quinn 
  • 58 Roquan Smith 

Defensive backs

  • 26 Deon Bush 
  • 23 Marqui Christian 
  • 21 Xavier Crawford 
  • 38 Tashaun Gipson 
  •  4 Eddie Jackson 
  • 33 Jaylon Johnson 
  • 37 Teez Tabor 
  • 22 Kindle Vildor 

Special teams

  • 16 Pat O'Donnell 
  •  2 Cairo Santos 
  • 48 Patrick Scales 

Are you trying to learn how to bond with your horse? Developing a bond and strong relationship with your horse is vital whether you want to race, put the horse to work, or simply enjoy riding casually. Developing a relationship with a horse is not easy and nothing like a dog, which is why it is important to be aware of a few tips that should help and allow you to form a strong bond. This can be incredibly rewarding and a great feeling, but keep in mind that it can take some time, and there may be a few setbacks along the way.

Learn Body Language

First, you need to think about body language. Horses communicate a huge amount through their behavior, so you need to learn about this and always read your horse even when you have formed a strong connection. Tensing up, flaring nostrils, and cocked ears are all signs that the horse should not be approached. You also need to consider your own body language - you should be open, confident, and slow in your actions around your horse.

Touch Exercises

Trust is developed through physical touch, but it can take a while for a horse to get used to physical contact. Stroking is the easiest way to do this, but be sure to be gentle when starting and always pay attention to how your horse behaves. Grooming is also an excellent way to build trust and to get the horse used to you handling different parts of its body.

Young Horse Development Training

You also need to use young horse development training as a way to build a relationship while also developing key skills. Training a young horse is essential as it is much easier to train a young horse than an older one, and it will develop trust from a young age. This starts off with key tasks like desensitizing a colt to touch, saddling, and investigating new objects. 

Play & Walk With The Horse

As with any animal, you can develop your relationship simply by spending quality time with them. Playing with your horse can be good fun and can be helpful for preventing it from becoming scared. Walking with the horse can also add another dimension to your relationship, and it is a great form of exercise for both of you.

Relax Together

Another way to build your relationship is to spend time relaxing with one another. You do not always need to be training, riding, or playing, and simply relaxing in the same space can develop trust. Chilling out on the grass on a warm sunny day with your horse is a great feeling, or curling up and getting warm in a stable can also help to strengthen your relationship.

These are a few of the best ways that you can build a relationship with your horse and develop trust. It does not happen overnight, and it can take a lot of work, but it is a great feeling to build this relationship and will make life much easier down the line.

The World Wrestling Entertainment is one of the most popular entertainment companies in the United States. With the main inspiration behind the company being Lucha libre, WWE combines professional wrestling, with the over-the-top nature of comic book heroics, and the drama of performance-theater, to create one of the most popular, entertaining, and interesting American cultural exports. WWE is the world’s most popular pro-wrestling organization, and has spawned numerous video games, and imitators.

What is interesting about WWE is that even though the matches are predetermined, and made purely for entertainment, fans of WWE and betting can still bet on the matches. While the matches are predetermined, the company keeps the winner under tight wrap, which allows people to place bets on who the winner is. Novibet sports betting allows users to bet on a number of sports, including WWE matches. 

Throughout the decade long history of the WWE, there have been a number of performers who have stood out among their peers, and have even been able to transition to a career in acting and music. In this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest, and most popular wrestlers in the history of WWE.

The Undertaker

Mark William Calaway, better known as The Undertaker is one of the most popular wrestlers in WWE, with more nicknames than any other wrestler. Whether you want to call him the Mean Mark, The Punisher, the Commando, or the Master of Pain, the Undertaker is without a doubt one of WWE’s greatest performers. For a long time, his story was at the center of WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania, where he became known for his streak of 21, uninterrupted victories. 

One of the biggest Undertaker stories in the WWE is his feud, and subsequent reconciliation with his half-brother Kane, another rather famous wrestler, with whom he later paired up to form the duo, Brothers of Destruction. 

A part of Undertaker’s appeal lay in his gimmick, which involves his dark/black/goth clothing, and horror film-themed, funeral-like appearance and aesthetic, which is where he got his name.

John Cena

When speaking about the most popular wrestlers of the 21st century, we can’t not mention John Cena. Cena’s popularity has made him one of WWE’s top-earning performers, as well as earning him 16 WWE world championships, a record which he still holds today. John Cena began his career as a trash talking rapper, however, later on polished his persona. Today he is most known for his catchphrase “You Can’t See Me”, and his trumped-scored introduction theme, which has recently become a meme.

In recent years, John Cena transitioned from WWE to a career in acting, and has since starred in a few blockbuster flicks, including Trainwreck, Bumblebee, and most recently, Suicide Squad. He has also been a major force when it comes to charitable causes, most notably the Make-A-Wish foundation

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

By far the most popular pro-wrestler in the world, Dwayne is now more commonly known as an actor than he is as a WWE wrestler, but he got his start in the ring, where he debuted in 1996. Today he has starred in a number of films, and most recently has tried his hand at a music career as well.

The rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is one of the most intense that any sport has ever seen with both sets of fans fiercely defending their chosen champion. Perhaps that has something to do with the day and age we live in and the black-and-white opinions that dominate public discourse. Indeed, there is very little room for a nuanced view and when it comes to Hamilton and Verstappen, the cancerous culture wars seem to dictate the narrative which makes the conversation all the more toxic. But in reality, it shouldn’t be this way. 

Indeed, Verstappen fans won't want to hear it but there is a reason that Hamilton is always at the top of the spoty betting oddas the inescapable truth is that the 36-year-old does a huge amount in the fight for equality off the track. 

The spoty tips will always back a sportsperson who uses their platform for the greater good and there is no doubt that Hamilton has been incredibly brave over the years by raising his voice for those without one. 

Now, it’s easy to dismiss Hamilton's activism as virtue signalling but you have to go back to the start of the Englishman’s journey into motorsports to understand that life was, in all likelihood, exceptionally challenging and the reality is that he is probably best placed to talk about overcoming the odds. 

For instance, Hamilton’s dad Anthony worked three jobs to pay for Lewis’ karting career which indicates that nothing was given to this family, they had to pay untold sacrifices during a time when the world was perhaps less educated than it is now. In other words, there would have been many moments when Lewis could have walked away due to the hurt caused by unacceptable ignorance but he didn’t, he kept pushing on and is now a deserved champion of change, as well as a seven-time world champion

And as for Max, well, it's equally as complex as the 24-year-old tries to build his own identity in the world of Formula One with his father watching on. Of course, it's well documented that Jos Verstappen, Max's dad, was a lot less successful than Max, having raced 107 times in F1 without ever recording one win. Unfortunately, Max's dad became known as “Jos Vercrashen” in F1 circles such was the state of his own driving ability. This has prompted some within the industry to suggest that Jos has been trying to live his dream through Max by making up for the disappointment of his own career. 

You can all of a sudden understand how complicated the dynamics of their relationship are and how uncompromising an upbringing Max may have had to endure. Some may argue that there are worse careers to be thrust into and Max has made a success of it by winning 19 more times than his dad ever did. 

Granted, the Dutchman does look to relish the extremes of Formula One as well but you can be sure that there are times when Max questions whether he was forced into the sport or whether in fact, he would have ended up becoming an F1 driver on his own accord.

Perhaps the long and short of it is that for all of Max’s desperation to win and seemingly unsporting tactics these days, keep in mind that he was programmed like this from the start of his life. Off the track, he is quiet and reserved and can often be found in his mobile home playing on his PlayStation between breaks on race weekends. In essence, Max has a soft heart but the constant feeling of existential angst may well take its toll. 

Max and Lewis have come from markedly different backgrounds but they’ve had to fight their own battles to get where they are. Their respective pasts may override their decision-making today but deep down, they’re both good guys caught up in heat of battle.

The betting business has been around for years, with many individuals visiting land-based betting zones within their localities to place their bets. But lately, the betting industry has evolved, and now several businesses are located over the internet. There are countless online betting portals on the market, and each varies in terms of the perk.

It is not easy to select a reliable betting platform when overwhelmed with odds and offers. Due to this, it is best if you research and find the right online betting platform like the Latest fun88 entrance (ทางเข้า fun88 ล่าสุด) to place your bets. Keep reading to make sure you make the right choice.

Do Your Homework

The primary thing you need to factor in when looking for the right betting site like fun88 is to make sure that it is trustworthy. The betting process entails depositing and withdrawing money, so you want to ensure that all your details and funds are kept safe. If you want to figure out if a specific betting platform can be trusted, it is best to make sure that you conduct a thorough research about their operations.

The site will need to have a gaming license in place to operate legally, and the betting site needs to have details of the license on its site like Latest fun88 entrance (ทางเข้า fun88 ล่าสุด). Besides, it will help to determine the kind of deposits and withdrawals they provide you with. You don’t want to sign up on a betting site that makes withdrawals of the winnings difficult.

Go Through the Online Reviews

Another thing that you need to look for before you settle on a betting portal is to read the online reviews. Many individuals out there write these reviews intending to help other punters who are looking to join the sites. You might find one or two negative opinions, but with many positive reviews, you should go ahead and sign up on the site. 

Maybe the individuals with negative thoughts about a particular betting site were unlucky to have a bad experience. Therefore, it is best to pinpoint the genuine reviews from the disgruntled punters. However, this is a very crucial thing to keep in mind. It will help ensure that you go through the reviews and that you are completely informed before you join the site.

Customer Support

Normally for those who want to bet online, should make sure that they settle on a site with excellent customer service. With exemplary customer support in place, you will be able to get assistance instantly when you need it. You will not be waiting for an answer for days. 

Betting sites offer a wide range of games and services. Some offer slot games, while others offer sports games, among other games. Therefore, you can inquire about the kind of games your prospective betting site specializes in with good customer service.

It is perfect to pick the right sports betting portal like fun88 if you take the time to conduct in-depth research. Also, you need to go through online reviews and check out how the betting platforms treat their punters. Once you know that you have made the right choice of a betting site, you can start wagering and focusing on winning big.