Breakfast With Benz category
First call: Antonio Brown asks fans where he should play next
In “First Call” Thursday, Antonio Brown wants to make business boom elsewhere. The Broncos almost went in a different direction before acquiring Joe Flacco. And the NHL’s Eastern Conference is a jumbled mess. ••• Open for business Antonio Brown wants business to boom in a city near you! Unless you...
Tim Benz, Jonathan Bombulie discuss how Penguins have succeeded in recent victories
Jonathan Bombulie, the Trib’s Penguins beat writer, joined me at PPG Paints Arena after the Penguins’ 3-1 win over Edmonton Wednesday night. It’s our weekly Sided.co hockey podcast. We break down the latest victory for Sidney Crosby and the Penguins over Connor McDavid and the Oilers. LISTEN: Tim Benz, Jonathan...
U mad, bro? Readers pop off on Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, Connor McDavid, MLB proposals
“U mad, bro?” this week brings heavy criticism against Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell again. Dare I say too much? Connor McDavid takes some heat, too. People don’t seem to like MLB’s proposed three-batters-per-pitcher mandate. But they are warming up to the Unabomber. Seems right to me. Ron had this...
Tim Benz: Teddy Blueger should be a constant, not a question for Penguins
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan made many eye-opening moves heading into the Flyers game on Monday night. • He reconfigured the power-play units. • Nick Bjugstad was placed on Evgeni Malkin’s right wing. • Patric Hornqvist became a fourth-liner. • Teddy Blueger got scratched. Each of those moves drew varying reactions...
First call: Different take on Evgeni Malkin’s stick-swing, crazy night in college hoops
In Wednesday’s “First Call,” a different view of the Evgeni Malkin stick-swing. A major Canadian university hockey brawl. A completely bonkers night in college hoops. A little support At least one national voice is raising a point about Evgeni Malkin’s suspension. And it’s a good one. First off, here is...
Tim Benz: Antonio Brown misses one important detail from his goodbye tweet
Tuesday was the ultimate Antonio Brown day. Shortly before news broke from ESPN that the disgruntled Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver had formally requested a trade , Brown sent this tweet, bidding a fond farewell to Pittsburgh. It was a pleasant, grounded message. It was a...
Tim Benz: 5 scripts for James Harrison’s big-screen acting debut
James Harrison was on the TV show “S.W.A.T.” recently. Now, the former Steelers linebacker is considering a post-football film career. According to ESPN.com, Harrison may be angling to be the next Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “The Rock” made a successful transition from football, to pro wrestling, to acting. According to...
Tim Benz, Mark Spector discuss Penguins, Oilers matchup; Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby comparisons
Tonight at PPG Paints Arena, it’s the Pittsburgh Penguins versus the Edmonton Oilers. Faceoff is at 8 p.m. It’s Sidney Crosby vs. Connor McDavid. Sportsnet.ca columnist Mark Spector joins me on the Sided.co podcast to talk about the matchup. • Why has Edmonton struggled so much this year? • Where...
First call: Max Talbot has a birthday, Madison Bumgarner doesn’t like ‘openers’
In Tuesday’s “First Call,” we celebrate a birthday for Max Talbot. We start looking at the Penguins versus Oilers matchup. Madison Bumgarner takes a stand. Seems right On a night where the Penguins won in Philadelphia, it’s only fitting that Max Talbot was celebrating a birthday. Talbot is playing with...
Tim Benz: Personal memories of Three Rivers Stadium from yesterday’s implosion anniversary
Monday marked the 18th anniversary of the Three Rivers Stadium implosion. John L. Williams had a 26-yard touchdown run that made the building shake. I’ve never enjoyed being a fan at an NFL game as I did that day. And I was never happier exiting a stadium as I...
Tim Benz: Cleveland’s Kareem Hunt signing proves trade market exists for Antonio Brown
The KDKA “Sports Showdown” on Sunday featured quite a debate regarding the notion of the Pittsburgh Steelers trading receiver Antonio Brown. I pointed out that Martavis Bryant, a troubled receiver with a record of suspension, commanded a third-round pick in return during draft weekend last year. Therefore, I believe a...
Tim Benz, Brian Metzer talk Penguins victory over Flyers
Penguins Radio Network host Brian Metzer joins me to recap the Penguins 4-1 win in Philadelphia. We start off talking about Matt Murray’s career-high 50 saves, including the lucky break he got on that one puck that bounced out of his glove. Plus, did Carter Hart live up to his...
First call: Antonio Brown glams it up at the Grammys, James Neal loses some teeth
In today’s “First Call,” Antonio Brown was at the Grammy’s. The Penguins got some help. James Neal lost some chiclets. We have your AAF team to support. ______ Photogenic Imagine. You are the guy with the face tattoos. And you are the one in the photo op who people look...
Tim Benz: Poor Le’Veon Bell is feeling underappreciated
Le’Veon Bell sent out this tweet last week. It’s not the first time Bell has whined about feeling underappreciated . The guy makes a good point. I mean, a contract that would’ve paid him $45 million over the first three years? Talk about a lack...
Tim Benz, Mark Madden discuss what’s ailing the Penguins
In this week’s Madden Monday, Mark Madden of 105.9 the X joins me to talk about the recent woes of the Pens. Among the topics there: shorthanded goals allowed, goaltending, scoring, injuries, and the lack of a midseason hot streak. Aside from that they are fine. Then we get the...
Burt’s boys look to make the Dukes women better
Duquesne women’s coach Dan Burt wasn’t happy with how one of his players performed in a defensive drill. The player’s hand didn’t come up to deny a jump shot, as she was cheating to take away the drive. Burt hollered at a scout team player simulating UMass’ offense. “If she...
First Call: The latest in Steelers fashion, Patrick Mahomes hoops it up
In Friday’s “First Call,” I’ll help your Black and Gold wardrobe. Pat Mahomes got in trouble for his basketball video. And the Penguins have a tough task as they try to get back on track. _________ Fine fashion You may have seen the Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown “Dumb and...
Friday Football Footnotes: Let Le’Veon Bell walk and avoid the transition tag swamp
For those thinking the NFL’s transition tag may be a way for the Pittsburgh Steelers to get away from the Le’Veon Bell fiasco with some sort of compensation, you may still be right. Maybe. ProFootballTalk.com suggests that any move by the Steelers to sign Bell solely with the intent of...
Tim Benz, Jeff Erickson discuss fantasy fallout of Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown sagas
It’s our weekly fantasy sports podcast with Jeff Erickson of Rotowire. We talk about the potential fantasy fallout of the crazy off seasons surrounding Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown. Then there is the late season slump by Todd Gurley. How will that impact his draft stock next year. Are fantasy...
