Wow. It’s getting pretty ugly in Raptor land isn’t it?  At 4-19, and on a six-game losing streak, the Raptors now own the second-worst record in the entire NBA.

The team was only able to suit up eight healthy players* for last nights defeat at home to the Nets.  The fans are at breaking point and calling for heads to roll.  With the exception of the delightful Raptor mascot of course.

* I bet there’s nights’ when Hugh Hefner has more bodies to work with.

No prizes for guessing which two people in particular Raptors Nation want to see booted out of town:

I know this is a bit of a foreign concept for Toronto sports fans in general, but if you were actually able to look at the positive side, the Raptors fought hard last night and put in a solid effort despite only having eight players available. (Ed Davis in particular looked impressive with 24 points and 12 boards.)

Also, there were no further injuries to add to an ever-growing list that must be giving fans flashbacks to the Blue Jays 2012 campaign.  And let’s not forget the unexpected news that Amir Johnson (one of the more hard-working members on the roster) only had to serve a one-game suspension despite flinging a saliva-filled mouth guard at one of the officials*.

* I can’t even be bothered to find the refs name.  But they don’t really deserve the publicity anyway after their over-reaction to Johnson just wanting the damn ball.  (Copyright Keyshawn Johnson.)

Don’t get me wrong though, I realise that no matter how optimistic I want to try and be about the Raptors, this picture pretty much sums up their playoff hopes for the 2012-13 season as well as confirming how well they’ve been playing:

• By paul.taylor
• December 13, 2012
• Comment

I think it’s fair to say the only thing I do consistently is be inconsistent.  Basically, this is my way of attempting to justify an early edition of Blue Toro’s top pictures and stories of the week:

1) Movember started last Thursday and the Maple Leafs decided to do their bit for the cause:

If the Leafs really want to help, here’s a better idea; have a word with Gary and the owners and see if they can get the lockout resolved.  Guaranteed the improvement in men’s health would be instantaneous.

2) Talking of the NHL lockout, the latest casualty is this season’s Winter Classic between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings.  I think this picture sums up being a Leafs fan perfectly:

3) This baby must be in the running to be the youngest Maple Leafs fan in Canada:

Suffice it to say he has a pile of crap to look forward.  And I’m not talking about what’s in his nappy.

4) Here’s a photo a Maples Leafs fan posted of himself, getting ready to go out to a Halloween party.  I’m guessing he’s feeling a bit blue because of the lockout:

Whatever his motivation is, the costume seem apt as LeafsNation are often accused of showing blind loyalty to their team.

5) I’m not really up on today’s music scene, but apparently One Direction were recently in Toronto and took the opportunity to pose in some of the local sports teams’ jerseys:

To be fair, the band’s name most probably sums up where Toronto’s professional teams are currently headed.  And no, I don’t mean up.

6) The Nets made their eagerly anticipated regular season debut in Brooklyn on Saturday night, defeating the Raptors 107-100.  Jay Z and Beyonce were in attendance and asked to grade the performance of the teams out of ten:

Jay Z is in charge of rating the Raptors in case you were wondering.

7) Trouble appears to be brewing in Los Angeles where the Lakers are off to a surprising 0-3 start.  Steve Nash mysteriously missed Friday’s defeat to the Clippers but I think we now know why:

8 ) And finally, Chad Owens broke the CFL single season combined yards record during Friday’s exciting 43-40 win against the Tiger-Cats.  Here he is with his wife Rena, giving new meaning to the phrase ‘till death do us part’:

• By paul.taylor
• November 5, 2012
• Comment

I make no apologies for today’s blatant ‘Chris Bosh-bashing blog’. (Repeat ten times really fast. You’ll sound like you have a speech impediment.)

In my all-time list of professional athletes I sports-hate, Bosh ranks first. Bizarrely, this admittedly irrational dislike began while he was still in Toronto.

Something about Bosh just always bugged me. I felt like he was a fraud, masquerading as the Raptors main man. This gut feeling only intensified after watching how he carried himself during the 2007 post-season against the now Brooklyn Nets.

Bosh wilted under the pressure of being the main option on a play-off team. He continually lost his composure, not a good sign when your alleged number one needs to step up in crunch-time.

Like most fans, I was annoyed by the manner of his departure. In retrospect, it was clear Bosh was always going to Miami. However, he still pretended to weigh up his options, even asking Raptors fans for their help in making a decision.

So what’s my point? You’d think I’d have one wouldn’t you? Okay, okay, I do. Basically, new evidence of Bosh’s acting skills has recently come to light:

In essence, Bosh shafted his lady friend the same way he did Toronto. On both occasions, he had no intention of honouring his commitment and yet he pretended otherwise.

No matter how much men say they want children, there’s still that initial period of fear and impending doom. We start sweating, knowing it’s the end of our freedom and you may as well attach a ball and chain to our ankle. Credit where it’s due though, Bosh deserves an Oscar for his performance (only the desperation in his laugh gives him away.)

Anyway, on that point I have to go. My girlfriend looks pissed off for some reason and wants a chat.

• By paul.taylor
• June 29, 2012
• Comment