Subject to both sides agreeing to extend the time period, today is when MLSE will announce their plans regarding the future of President and GM Bryan Colangelo.  More specifically, new chief executive officer Tim Leiweke will be making the decision regarding the fate of the former Phoenix Suns GM.

Various rumours have been circulating regarding the decision, but for the most part, the Raptors have been extremely tight-lipped regarding Colangelo.  However, according to sources, the two-time NBA executive of the year will apparently be given one more season to turn the franchise around.

The main reason for this, is Leiweke’s unsuccessful attempts to lure Phil Jackson to Toronto.  While MLSE hired a head-hunting firm to find a list of possible replacements for Colangelo, the former Bulls and Lakers coach was always the preferred option.

Under these circumstances, Leiweke will likely decide to give Colangelo and vice-president Ed Stefanski another season.  The knock-on effect of this move will also secure the final year of Dwayne Casey’s contract.

Aided by the addition of Rudy Gay, the former Dallas Mavericks assistant was able to finish last season 30-28, after a disastrous start to the campaign.  Colangelo made no secret of the fact he would retain the services of Casey if he remained as the Raptors President and GM.

Updated: Latest reports indicate that while Colangelo will remain with the Raptors, he will now be leaving his position as President and GM and move over to the business side.

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• By T.O.I.N.S.D.R.
• May 20, 2013
• Comment

When Bryan Colangelo (together with coach Dwane Casey) held his season-ending press conference with the media on Monday, it was surrounded by mystery and confusion. One of the biggest questions was why a decision had not yet been made about the future of the Raptors GM?

For many people, it seems pointless to drag out the process with so much to do during the off-season.  However, we may finally know why MLSE have held off on making a decision regarding Colangelo.

According to sources, the Raptors are interested in bringing Phil Jackson into the front office. Indeed, as the former Bulls and Lakers coach himself confirmed, he has been in talks with multiple NBA teams.

Whether the Raptors have any chance remains to be seen, but they could certainly prove to be an attractive proposition for Jackson, who won 11 NBA titles as a coach.  The Raptors can provide first-class facilities and, despite not making the playoffs for five season, have a loyal fanbase.

The team also has some key components to build around, including Rudy Gay, Amir Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas.  Finally, with MLSE in charge, money should be no issue.

Ultimately, if the Raptors attempts to lure Jackson to Toronto prove unsuccessful, expect them to bring Colangelo back.  Even though the former Suns GM doesn’t have a deal for next season, the club holds an option for what would be his eighth year.

Photo credit: www.lakerholicz.com

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

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• By paul.taylor
• April 26, 2013
• Comment

Saturday night often means one thing for lots of people, including the Lakers former superstar and Raptors reject, Steve Nash:

Date night. Griffith Observatory. instagr.am/p/WVlGgtg5Ny/

— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) March 2, 2013

I would never accuse Nash of being stupid and/or egotistical, but he appears to have the wrong end of the stick (or telescope in this case.)  When people talk about going to the Griffith Observatory to do some stargazing, I think they mean the ones in the sky.

Photo credit: @SteveNash

If you have any questions, please email me at [email protected]

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• By paul.taylor
• March 3, 2013
• Comment

Well, with the Argonauts winning the 100th Grey Cup, TFC hiring Kevin Payne as their President & GM and the Leafs becoming the first NHL team to be valued at $1 billion, it’s been another eventful seven days on the Toronto sports scene.  Here’s our top pictures and stories of the week:

1) Showing that even a lockout can’t stop them thriving off the ice, Forbes.com reported that the Maple Leafs were the first NHL team to be valued at $1 billion (US):

Ironically, a lot of the fans that question how this is possible, contribute by continuing to pay outrageous prices for tickets and merchandise.

In fact, Maple Leaf fans remind me of a needy boyfriend trying desperately to cling onto his flashy girlfriend by plying her with money.  And yet, like the Leafs, if you take away the bleach-blonde hair, fake tan and false breasts, there’s actually not really anything that special about them.

2) I was going to tell you all how sorry I felt for Justin Bieber after he was booed during the half-time show at the Grey Cup.  I mean he is just a kid at the end of the day.  However, then I saw this photo, taken while he was in Toronto:

Let’s just say I will now also be booing Bieber if I ever see him.  The guy really doesn’t help himself does he.

3) In fact, here’s Amir Johnson and Drake trying their darndest not to physically assault him:

4) The Raptors have been on a tear of late, losing six straight games.  Baring the brunt of the fans frustration is Andrea Bargnani, largely centring on his 2-19 shooting performance in the double-overtime defeat to the Spurs.

However, you try shooting the ball when some inconsiderate git has his hand right in front of your face:

5) I think it’s safe to say Steve Nash is getting frustrated with being stuck on the sidelines watching his Lakers teammates flounder along.  He’s even beginning to annoy and insult other people:

I don’t know who Nash is giving grief to, but I’m guessing it’s not Shaquille O’Neal.  (Think about it………..)

6) Sticking with the Lakers, Ricky Romero did what any good brother would do and took his sisters to watch the Lakers in action on Tuesday night:

The Lakers even went as far as to make Romero feel right at home, losing 79-77 to the Indian Pacers.  (Okay, fine. That was a bit of a cheap shot.  Romero’s a good guy.  I genuinely hope he can revert back to his form of previous seasons in 2013.)

7) Everyone has been dealing with the NHL lockout in different ways.  For example, P K Subban is using the time to be a hockey analyst for Sportsnet, while Joffrey Lupul is plying his trade in Russia.

However, I’m concerned that not everyone is coping as well.  Take Phil Kessel for example, who appears to be morphing into a combination of a train spotter and slightly overweight version of ‘Where’s Waldo’?:

8 ) This week provided a dream ending to the 100th Grey Cup festivities as the Argonauts emerged triumphant and took to the streets on Tuesday for a victory parade.  About the only downside to the proceedings was the appearance of Rob Ford:

I think the look on the dude’s face to the right sums it up perfectly.  Even Ford’s declaration that November 27th was to be known as ‘Argonauts day’ has to be treated with suspicion.  I’m guessing he’s just attempting to drum up support from the general public in light of his current legal issues.

9) Still on the Argonauts, and the CFL in general, it grinds my gears about how critical people are of the league. Yes, it’s not as big or as successful as the likes of the NFL, NBA and MLB, but keep in mind that it’s never likely to be, given that it is purely a Canadian game.

However, the CFL is doing just fine.  In fact, I’ll leave it to some Calgary Stampeders fans who attended the game at the Rogers Centre to sum the situation up:

10) And finally, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with sports, I feel compelled to add my nickel’s worth to the Toronto Sun’s reader’s choice awards.

What stood out most was how many awards Citytv won.  For the most part, I have no problem with this as I regularly half-watch the show while writing.  For example, Dina Pugliese, who was voted sexiest woman, is definitely on my ‘to do’ list.

However, Kevin Frankish as sexiest man? Really?!?!  Is this the best Toronto has to offer?  Even as a bloke, I can see that he’s nothing special.  Actually, if Frankish is capable of winning this award, I’m putting forward my early candidacy for next year’s ‘Sexiest Male’ award.

I just hope you’re able to ignore the fact that:

a) My entry picture is blurred

b) I’m drinking an Oreo cookie cocktail

c) I’m not even on television (with good reason) and it’s debateable that I even have a personality

d) I might, just might, have had to post the picture as part of a bet that I lost

Enjoy your weekend!

• By paul.taylor
• November 30, 2012
• Comment

I get the feeling Steve Nash is starting to become frustrated by his lack of action on the court in the Staples Center:

Even worse, with more spare time on his hands, everyone’s favourite Canadian now appears to be using this opportunity to annoy random people:

OH MY FUCKING GOD DON’T MIND STEVE NASH JUST RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE twitter.com/rayanntreganza…

— Rayann Treganza (@rayanntreganza) November 21, 2012

And if you thought that was bad enough:

@justin_ji I don’t appreciate Steve Nash talking about me behind my back. twitter.com/MaskedMallard4…

— Daniel P. (@MaskedMallard4) November 19, 2012

Let’s just hope Nash can recover from his injury soon and use his time more constructively, helping the Lakers in their quest to win the NBA Championship.

• By paul.taylor
• November 25, 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

Remember when I said I didn’t appreciate the nerd look that is now commonplace in the NBA?

Remember when I wondered if it because I’m too white & old and more likely to get beaten up for attempting such a style?

Remember when I surmised it is better to be black and 6ft 10 to get away with it?

Thank you Steve Nash for proving my point:

Maybe that’s why Nash missed last night’s loss to the Clippers, because he was attacked by a gang of ‘jocks’ on the way to the Staples Centre.  And the less said about his man purse, the better.

• By paul.taylor
• November 3, 2012
• Comment

For anyone who missed yesterday’s amusing photo of Steve Nash’s new hairstyle, here it is again:

Due to attending the Toronto FC and Argonauts training facilities this week (more on this in the coming days), together with flying overnight, I’ve not had an opportunity to prepare a decent column.  (Obviously some of you would say this is a daily occurrence anyway.)

In any event, this is my lame attempt at an apology for today’s blog, where I’ve basically decided to use Nash’s new hairstyle as an excuse to look at some other disastrous sporting dos.  Enjoy.

1) We start off with one of Toronto sports great underachievers…..Oh, hold on, there’s quite a few of them isn’t there?  I guess we better narrow it down.

Basically, it’s former Blue Jays pitcher A.J. Burnett who inexplicably decided to attempt a ‘Dennis the Menace’ haircut during his stint with the Yankees:

2) Staying with former Toronto athletes but definitely more of an overachiever rather than an underachiever, here’s Chris Bosh:

To be honest, this has nothing in particular to do with Bosh’s chosen hairstyle and everything to do with my continued sports-hate for the ex-Raptor.  Regardless, he still looks ridiculous.

3) Next, not that we ever need any excuse, but here’s the much-adored Gary Bettman, circa. 1994:

Suave, sophisticated and trendy.  None of these are words you’d associate with the above picture.  Instead, try clueless, ridiculous and smug.  (And let’s be honest, he may as well be holding his middle finger up at us all.)

4) It’s a well-known un-factual fact that virtually every black/African American man has more style than the average white male.  This includes their ability to sport afros better than, say, David Hasselhoff.

But I have to draw the line at this:

Seriously, is it Coco Crisp or Coco the Clown?

5) Further to the previous point, David Beckham is often perceived as one of the few white guys who can pull off most styles.  However, even he is susceptible to making bad decisions:

6) I thought we’d end with one of the most polarising mullets of all time.  You either love it or hate it, but I have to give kudos to Jarmoir Jagr for even attempting this:

It actually make’s Kelly Gruber’s mullet from his Blue Jays playing days almost look acceptable.

Enjoy your weekend and keep an eye out for blogs over the coming days in relation to my visit this week to the Toronto FC and Argonauts training facilities.

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

I appreciate that none of you give a flying fadoo (copyright Bob McCown) but I will be flying overnight, hence this week’s top pictures and stories come to you a day early.

1) We start off with Steve Nash’s new hairstyle, which was debuted at the Lakers media day on Monday:

Look, I know everyone loves Nash and he does come across as one of the good guys, but can we all just agree that he looks ridiculous?  Thank you.

2) Talking of media day, the Raptors also held theirs this week:

Unless my eyes are deceiving me, DeMar DeRozan appears to have a pink scarf wrapped around his neck.  I prey this isn’t just the latest example of today’s metrosexual male.*

Whatever DeMar’s wearing, Kyle Lowry doesn’t look too impressed while Landry Fields appears to be doing his best to simply ignore it all together.

(*I long for the good old days when men used to go to the barber’s instead of hairdressers.  Guaranteed, whatever you asked for, you would come out with a short back and sides.)

3) Turning to the Blue Jays, Yunel Escobar has been doing his best to turn around the negative perception of him ever since his infamous eye black sticker incident.

(For what’s it’s worth, I still don’t believe he fully realised what he was doing.  Right or wrong, there was definitely a cultural aspect to what happened.)

Now I’m not showing you the above photo to make some cheap joke at the expense of Escobar or the gay community.  Instead, I want to make a cheap comment about how skinny that guy’s legs are to the immediate right of Escobar.  Seriously, they look like they’ve been photoshopped into the picture.

(N.B. Just to pre-empt any potential negative response, let the record state that I do in fact have gay friends.  However, it should also be noted that a woman cuts my hair and I do my own decorating.)

4) Sticking with the Blue Jays, yesterday represented the end of a disappointing season that started off with so much promise.  Not to kick a team when it’s down, but here’s a picture from the Yankees series that proves once and for all that it’s time to put natural grass in the Rogers Centre:

5) As was to be expected if he didn’t perform well, Mark Sanchez has been getting a rough ride this past week from the New York Media.  (To be fair, he doesn’t exactly have much to work with on offence.)

However, just to stifle any pity any of us may have for the guy, I now present reason number 879 why we should never feel sorry for sports athletes:

6) Actually, that last photo has made me so devoid of sympathy for Sanchez that I suddenly feel compelled to also share this photo with you:

And before you all start accusing me of just being jealous……………..you’re totally right.

7) Here’s an example of the different ways the Maple Leafs continue to maximise merchandising profits, as shared by either a loyal fan or a pyromaniac this week on Twitter:

Actually, the lighter represents an accurate reflection of what’s to come for Leafs Nation.  Whether the NHL plays games this year or not, the Maple Leafs hopes of a good season appear destined to go up in flames.

8 ) And finally, for any Raptors fan that’s fearful of another losing season, look away now:

That’s right, head coach Dwane Casey has been putting in some extra hours at a local call centre.  If he gets fired, Casey is now fully trained up and ready to persuade customers to claim back for PPI which they never took out in the first place.

• By paul.taylor
• October 4, 2012
• Comment

With the Los Angeles Lakers media day taking place yesterday, we now interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this message from Canada’s very own Steve Nash:

Inspiring words hey?  That’s what I thought as well until I remembered what happened during the summer.  Now I’m wondering if the ‘game’ Nash is talking about is actually free agency and the ‘other people’ he’s referring to are Raptors fans.

While it’s admirable that Nash considered his children when deciding where to play, it’s a pity Shawn Kemp and Antonio Cromartie aren’t his off-court role models.

• By paul.taylor
• October 2, 2012
• Comment