Giving the Jam some props

Updated on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 9:18 AM by Logan Molen

OK, a few days ago, I pretty much slammed the Bakersfield Jam for what I thought were some goofy decisions in asking its season-ticket holders and the media to help it select a new head coach.

Still a bad idea.

But, Jam owner Stan Ellis also has unveiled a very innovative plan to make the NBA D League team profitable out of the gate this upcoming season, its first in a privately funded two-story basketball center out in north Bakersfield.

Click to read more ...

What are they thinking?

The Bakersfield Jam are outdoing even themselves with their latest stunt: let season ticket holders and media vote for the team's next coach.

Ugh.

This is a horrible idea on so many levels.

First, you're assuming your fans care enough to do hardcore research needed to make the right decision. They won't. Just check out any sports team's message boards. Nearly all of the active participants are clueless.

Second, the media should be impartial in covering the team. If they're helping to choose the coach, that line between fan and impartial observer disappears.

Third, this smacks of desperation. For a team that is trying a unique approach to making a final go of it in Bakersfield, why send the message that you don't know what you're doing when it comes to such a core decision?

My prediction: This will be, again, the Jam's last season in Bakersfield. I've always wondered how Stan Ellis could so freely bleed millions to run a team that has so little support here. The guy obviously is a smart businessman, but sure seems like the ego boost of owning your own sports team is clouding basic business judgment.

But since you're asking, I vote for Paul Mokeski, an Anaheim Arsenal (D-League) assistant coach. Why? He's listed fourth, alphabetically, among the 11 candidates. D is the fourth letter of the alphabet, and as any experienced California public school student knows, "When in doubt, answer 'D'."

Now this is ballsy racing

Motorcycle racing -- the street bike kind -- has become a favorite of mine. The racing is close, the technology is over-the-top incredible and the danger is real.

Proof of that danger can be seen every year on the Isle of Man in Great Britain, home of the so-called Tourist Trophy race. Since the race started in 1907, 228 people -- yep, that's no typo -- have died at the race.

The course is long, with each lap a shade under 38 miles long, with 200 "bends" and an elevation change from sea level to 1,300 feet. And this is no closed course; the racing runs through neighborhoods, towns and on public roads.

If that weren't amazing enough, get this: The AVERAGE speed for the Super Bike record holder over the course of that 38 miles is 130 mph!

These videos are long but worth at least one viewing just to see how some folks live on the wild side.