George Diaz

COMMENTARY

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Are NASCAR drivers athletes? Try a spin at Daytona

May 15, 2013

"Race car drivers aren't athletes."

Jimmie Johnson keeps rolling on, eyeing 6^t^h NASCAR title

May 14, 2013

Jimmie Johnson remains the most underappreciated five-time champion in professional sports.
Adonal Foyle children's book reflects introspective NBA journey

May 12, 2013

Two former Orlando Magic big men let loose with their literary vibe recently.
Tim Tebow's popularity is based on his faith, not his ability as QB

May 9, 2013

Tim Tebow wins.
NASCAR's inconsistent penalties fuel continued controversy

May 7, 2013

Here's a perfect concept for a NASCAR-themed reality show:
David Ragan scores wild, rainy win at Talladega

May 5, 2013

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Talladega is always a race of attrition and lottery luck. It was amped up to the fullest on a rainy Sunday afternoon when a guy who was a 100-1 longshot won the race, followed by a teammate racing with a good-luck pink sticky note from his 10-year-old daughter.
Denny Hamlin back in Chase scramble at Talladega

May 3, 2013

TALLADEGA — Denny Hamlin, the guy still recovering from a fractured vertebra in his lower back, will zip around Talladega Superspeedway at close to 200 mph on Sunday.
Dwight Howard drama is Orlando's guilty pleasure

May 1, 2013

"So what's Dwight gonna do?"
Cup runneth over NASCAR Nationwide Series

May 1, 2013

I assume every NASCAR fan has received this memo by now:
Orlando gay kicker wants to put boot to NFL stereotypes

April 27, 2013

It will happen one day, hopefully soon. The announcement will be accompanied by a frenzied media circus, complete with carnival barkers and clowns shouting out homophobic slurs. There will also be rational minds who will simply laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Stopping Miami Heat NBA title run is futile

April 24, 2013

March Madness has given way to April Anxiety.
New qualifying rules welcome change on NASCAR road courses

April 23, 2013

The phrase "NASCAR qualifying" may be the next best thing to Ambien.
Deplorable reality: Mike Rice coaching adolescent girls

April 21, 2013

So what's one of the most abusive, homophobic and misogynistic coaches in this country going to do after he gets canned in the wake of a national controversy?
Boston bombings will not destroy healing power of sports

April 17, 2013

Memo to the Pond Scum Terrorists, or whatever you are calling yourselves these days:
NASCAR 'Feuding with the Stars' continues with Keselowski

April 16, 2013

Is there another professional sport that feuds with its talent more than NASCAR?
Tim Tebow remains popular with everyone except NFL GMs

April 14, 2013

What's a guy to do when he's one of the most unpopular governors on the planet?
Tommie Smith: An Olympic journey of prejudice, then perseverance

April 10, 2013

The boos and the catcalls echoed as Tommie Smith and John Carlos walked off the medal stand in the summer of 1968, track shoes in their hands to symbolize the poverty of their youth. The noise reached a crescendo as they stepped into a tunnel labeled the dungeon in the bowels of Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City.
It's good to be Jimmie Johnson, baby

April 9, 2013

Excluding Rick Pitino, Jimmie Johnson just may be the King of the World right now.
Baseball card collections bring priceless memories

April 8, 2013

My childhood memories are very scattered, lost in the clutter of advancing age.
Bubba Watson day at Dubsdread typical for golf's most likable player

April 7, 2013

Waitress jokes aside, which Masters champion — Tiger Woods or Bubba Watson — would most likely show up at Perkins for one of its Griddle Great specials?
Expect Rays to keep rolling despite Opening Day loss

April 2, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG -- A day after the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox celebrated Opening Day in storied Yankee Stadium, two other franchises in the American League East began their celebratory chase of a division title in a place cynics decry as a domed graveyard.
Fracture may not cripple Denny Hamlin's run at Chase

April 2, 2013

As a driver whose boss is a former pro football guy, Denny Hamlin needs to embrace the all-or-nothing mentality made famous by late iconic Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis:
Opening Day Yankees a beat-up team in decline

March 31, 2013

The once proud-and-loud New York Yankees have been reduced to a Seinfeld punch line as they prep for Opening Day against their arch-nemesis, the Boston Red Sox.
Heat, Tiger Woods lead bully domination parade

March 27, 2013

A painful memo to all mortal souls in the planet:
Tiger Woods' dominance continues in Tavistock team event

March 26, 2013

Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods.
Aggressive driving puts Joey Logano in NASCAR crosshairs

March 26, 2013

Joey Logano is guilty of a few things, especially if you count aggressive driving as a sin.
Dancing daredevil Helio Castroneves looks for another victory ride in St. Pete Grand Prix

March 21, 2013

The moment called for something more poignant that his signature Spider-Man shtick.
Denny Hamlin isn't afraid of bucking NASCAR, former teammates

March 19, 2013

Denny Hamlin has emerged as NASCAR's Dark Knight.
Major expectations rise for Tiger Woods as Augusta nears

March 13, 2013

Congratulations Mr. Woods. You've passed the first round competition on the road to redemption.
Matt Kenseth victory brings good karma to NASCAR

March 12, 2013

For a span of five days or so, it seemed that NASCAR was on some sort of crazy suicidal run. It was as if leaders met in a boardroom and said, "Let's see what we can do to really muck things up."
Accountability not in Dwight Howard's game

March 10, 2013

I assume the NBA doesn't keep track of such statistics, but here's one significant piece of NBA history in which Dwight Howard can take pride: He's managed to wreck two teams in one season.
NASCAR fires self-inflicted wound with NRA sponsorship

March 6, 2013

In sports, fans of opposing teams usually have animated debates over a few brews, then shake hands at the end of the discussion.
Driver suspension for racial slur reflects NASCAR commitment to diversity

March 5, 2013

Richard Lapchick had just moved to Central Florida in 1997 when he got a call from Brian France. He wanted to get together to chat.
Jimmie Johnson Daytona victory reflects Chad Knaus work ethic

February 26, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — The conspiracy nuts went to work probably within seconds of learning that Jimmie Johnson trashed his front end during the infield victory celebration Sunday at Daytona.
NASCAR Baby Boom a playful, cheerful noise

February 20, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH -- The snapshots along Victory Lane might look a little funky these days. The beer guzzle has been replaced by the occasional drool or snot on the firesuit.
NASCAR looking at mandatory concussion protocols in 2014

February 19, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — Reacting to understandable red flags about driver safety, NASCAR is expected to require baseline concussion tests in time for the 2014 season.
Danica-Ricky romance kiss of death for NASCAR

February 14, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — Dear Danica and Ricky:
Danica romance,Gen 6 car top NASCAR storylines

February 12, 2013

The haulers should be rolling into Daytona anytime now. NASCAR's short respite is over, and it's time to welcome in the 2013 season.
Miami revels in Dream Team concept; Lakers keep reeling

February 10, 2013

The Miami Heat predictably rolled over the Los Angeles Lakers by 10 points Sunday afternoon, in a picture-perfect contrast about the finicky nature of the NBA's Dream Team concept.
Harbaugh fumbles call on complaints about Super Bowl officiating

February 5, 2013

Super Bowl XLVII had a little something for everyone, including a blackout segment and a sequel to The Crying Game.
Matt Kenseth finds perfect match in Joe Gibbs Racing

February 5, 2013

CHARLOTTE — Matt Kenseth didn't agonize over one of the most important decisions of his life last spring. He didn't lose a wink at night and didn't have to call in an army of consultants.
Mike Tyson show an introspective journey of mayhem

February 3, 2013

The Most Interesting Man in the World isn't that old dude trying to sell us imported beer.
Magic should silence trade talks involving J.J. Redick

January 30, 2013

J.J. Redick shouldn't have to look at the Orlando Magic management team and plea, "call me, maybe."
Brad Keselowski motivated by drive to repeat as NASCAR champ

January 29, 2013

CHARLOTTE — Wearing the cap of a NASCAR champion is a cool thing. Brad Keselowski has met Olympic swimming great Michael Phelps at a Baltimore Ravens game. He has gotten a Twitter shout-out from Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. He's even contemplating buying a tank.
Dwight Howard still center of controversy, confusion

January 27, 2013

Like Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Haagen-Dazs ice cream, the sweet temptation of peeking in on the colossal implosion of the Los Angeles Lakers is almost impossible to resist.
NASCAR stars crash Rolex 24 party

January 25, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — The world is shrinking, as they say. Consider all those fancy modern conveniences in transportation, communication and computer technology.
Seau lawsuit adds to NFL empire in disarray

January 23, 2013

How is that State of the Union speech working out for you, Mr. Goodell?
NASCAR stakes future on new car, eyes improvements at Daytona

January 22, 2013

CHARLOTTE — In a gathering best described as a media conference sprinkled with bits and pieces of a pep rally, NASCAR officials laid out their vision for the sport, embedded in the hope of a new car energizing the fan base and of refurbishing the iconic Daytona International Speedway .
Long road of redemption for Armstrong, Te'o

January 20, 2013

An embarrassing laugh track starting in cyberspace morphed into a national television joke during several Saturday Night Live segments involving Lance Armstrong and Manti Te'o.
Oprah confessional won't free Lance Armstrong from burden of lies

January 16, 2013

I'd be lying to say that I won't watch the Lance Armstrong confessional with Oprah Winfrey on Thursday -- and Friday! -- nights.
New cars signal return to traditional racing at Daytona, Talladega

January 15, 2013

And so what's The Big Bang Theory following a 12-car pileup during pre-season testing at Daytona International Speedway this past week?
Dale Jr. Earnhardt intent on winning more than popularity contest this NASCAR season

January 12, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been NASCAR's enigmatic favorite son.
Big crash wrecks momentum of Daytona testing

January 11, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH — The restrictor-plate monster known as Daytona gobbled up a bunch of fancy new cars that were testing late Friday for the 2013 NASCAR season.
Danica Patrick, polarizing queen of NASCAR, ready for full Cup season

January 10, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH -- Race fans generally feel two ways about Danica Patrick.
New, faster cars set for testing at Daytona

January 8, 2013

The envelope please: NASCAR is about to unveil its "Gen 6" car.
Losing Magic job has opened doors of community involvement for Stan Van Gundy

January 6, 2013

Stan Van Gundy took a leisurely mile-and-a-half stroll with his family for Sunday-morning brunch at a dog-friendly restaurant in Lake Mary. He didn't have much else going on the rest of the day except taking down the Christmas tree.
Gators flop in New Orleans not an indictment on 2012 season

January 3, 2013

Put down your sharp objects, Florida fans. Step away from the ledge. Stop screaming at Rex Ryan to sub in Tim Tebow at quarterback for Jeff Driskel.
Nebraska's Tom Osborne quietly steps away as college football icon

January 1, 2013

His last day on the job wasn't filled with any pomp and circumstance. No special proclamations or gold watches or one final ride on the field, with shoulder pads propping up one of the legends of college football.
Ex-NFL backup greatest role is saving lives with heartfelt passion

December 22, 2012

Arthur "Archie" Roberts played for the proverbial cup of coffee in the NFL.
UCF rolls to bowl win, delivering sweet reward for seniors

December 21, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — They did this for 20 young men. Twenty special players, in coach George O'Leary's eyes, who deserved better than to sit home alone during the dizzying smorgasbord of holiday bowls.
As Orlando Magic rise, woeful Wizards continue downswing

December 18, 2012

These are some days when you are drinking your double-espresso latté while reading the newspaper -- print edition; call me old-school crazy -- when you come across something that makes you go pfffttt! all over your comfy jammies:
'Daddy Ball' reigns as Apopka heads into state football final

December 12, 2012

Apopka High state championship: Family dynamics reign during Apopka High state championship run as the Blue Darters face Weston Cypress Bay at the Florida Citrus Bowl Saturday night.
Jon Gruden is still an NFL coach — without the agony and stress

December 9, 2012

TAMPA — The man with one of the coziest gigs in professional football gets to his office at 3 a.m. every weekday.
Magic fans giddy over Dwight Howard, Lakers misery

December 5, 2012

Strike up the band. Spike the eggnog. Buy a bunch of party favors. Call Mayor Buddy Dyer so he can sign a proclamation on behalf of all Magic fans residing in the City of Orlando:
Keselowski ushers in era of hope for NASCAR free of Earnhardt's ghost

December 2, 2012

LAS VEGAS — As much as it tries to move forward at a fast clip, NASCAR still clings onto the ghost of Dale Earnhardt.
Hector Camacho funeral brings end to one crazy ride

November 30, 2012

In life and death, Hector "Macho" Camacho was a mercurial spirit.
New cars are great for NASCAR but drivers need room to move

November 29, 2012

LAS VEGAS -- NASCAR moves toward the future in a sweet ride.
Falcons make their point against Tampa Bay

November 25, 2012

TAMPA — There are lots of ways to spin a one-point loss.
UCF needs C-USA title to energize program, fans

November 24, 2012

Feel free to roll your eyes or shake your head emphatically if you've heard this one before:
NASCAR Champ Brad Keselowski enjoys sweet ride of success

November 20, 2012

Brad Keselowski has a few interesting things on his holiday wish list:
Brad Keselowski feels cool buzz of first NASCAR Cup title

November 19, 2012

HOMESTEAD — NASCAR's future and its old guard etched their way into NASCAR history Sunday with a dash of champagne, a trickle of tears, and a little bit of a beer buzz.
Jimmie Johnson needs luck, chaos to strip title from Keselowski

November 16, 2012

HOMESTEAD -- Jimmie Johnson has a shot Sunday afternoon.
Brad Keselowski's NASCAR journey a bouncy road of perseverance

November 15, 2012

HOMESTEAD — Everybody has a journey, a path that determines if they rise or fall.
Gordon, Bowyer lead NASCAR's circus of mayhem into Homestead

November 13, 2012

If image is everything, NASCAR has a problem.
NASCAR didn't go far enough in probation, fine for Jeff Gordon

November 12, 2012

Jeff Gordon should have parked at Homestead this Sunday.
What's sweeter, Magic Fan: Orlando playoff run or L.A. Lakers implosion?

November 7, 2012

Question for you: Would you rather have a fabulous rebound relationship with a cute but not overly gorgeous partner, or would you prefer to see you ex implode in dysfunctional flames after you get unceremoniously dumped?
Brad Keselowski insists he has plenty of fight in NASCAR Chase

November 6, 2012

Whatcha got, Brad Keselowski?
Botched romance between Tim Tebow and Jaguars hurts both ways

November 4, 2012

We all have relationships that we regret. Not in the "Why didn't we break up after the first date?" type of way, but because of a feeling that you let a good one slip through your hands.
A tearful farewell to Mia, my best friend and greatest teammate

November 3, 2012

I was a lost soul for most of my life.
Gators-'Noles trash-talkers are back in business

October 31, 2012

"I kept telling you guys that Driskel stinks. Tallahassee's going to be hell for you, Florida."
Knaus, Johnson revive greatest nightmare for many NASCAR fans

October 30, 2012

For NASCAR rationalists, the thought of Chad Knaus and Jimmie Johnson winning another Cup championship is blasphemy.
Danielle Leavitt rises above Crohn's Disease to star in academics, athletics

October 24, 2012

Her journey began ominously, in a hospital, with a doctor holding test results from a colonoscopy.
Brad Keselowski can't shake Jimmie Johnson as Chase winds down

October 23, 2012

Jimmie Johnson is lurking.
'Gridiron Girls' tackles football stereotypes

October 22, 2012

As the NFL prepared to roll for Week 7 — part of that $8 billion-plus empire that captivates America — a handful of women gathered in downtown Orlando to embrace their own Sunday football experience.
Longwood's Hunter Kemper eyes fifth Olympic Games

September 23, 2012

At first blush, it's easy to label Hunter Kemper as a typical pampered athlete who loathes the day he has to settle for a 9-to-5 job. It's easy to fall into the lifestyle of fame and fortune, isn't it?
Bar set low for Ryan Tannehill in long line of Dolphin QB flops

August 22, 2012

Sixteen guys have walked in Dan Marino's shoes.
Jenny Barringer Simpson's persistent competitiveness marks Olympic journey

July 22, 2012

The first step of Jenny Barringer Simpson's athletic career began as a third-grader competing in a mile race around a soccer field. She finished second to a girl named Brittany Baxter.
Despite summertime dominance, Tony Stewart still chases Daytona 500 victory

July 8, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — Tony Stewart's postcard from the sandy shores of Daytona Beach this weekend would read something like this:
Richard Petty: Still King of NASCAR at 75

June 30, 2012

He will climb atop of one of the team haulers Saturday night as he always does, finding solitude in the roar of 43 engines churning along Daytona's super-speedway.
An Olympic legacy etched in a 'benevolent dictatorship'

June 23, 2012

LAKE BUENA VISTA — Deep in the heart of make-believe magic, Brooks Johnson is delving into the political philosophy of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and the Russian Revolution. You can almost hear Mickey Mouse in his high-pitched voice screaming, "Oh, nooooo! ... This is a happy place!"
Orlando Magic need to be creative, different, choosing next coach, GM

May 21, 2012

It's time to be creative, Orlando Magic.
Chipper Jones' legacy honors loyalty, longevity

May 20, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — He is a throwback superstar without the petty pretense and the explosive twitter account, atrocious spelling optional.
UCF fighting losing cause appealing Plancher verdict

May 13, 2012

I'm not much of a ramblin' gamblin' man, in the immortal words of Bob Seger, but I suppose that the University of Central Florida has embraced that mentality by appealing the Ereck Plancher wrongful death verdict.
Magic likely regretting potential deal for Andrew Bynum

April 22, 2012

A show of hands for anyone thinking the Orlando Magic are having seller's remorse over Dwight Howard?
Urban Meyer-Steve Spurrier Florida envy understandable

April 15, 2012

One former University of Florida football coach is revered for his unapologetic honesty.
Ozzie Guillen's Castro apology won't silence anger of Cuban-Americans

April 8, 2012

Two significant commentaries rekindled my connection to my native Cuba recently.
Random bump-and-grind will determine Daytona 500 winner

February 25, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — To paraphrase the famous philosopher Forrest Gump, the Daytona 500 is like a box of chocolates.
George Diaz: Top 5 storylines for 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season

February 17, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — The quiet calm of the short NASCAR off-season ends tonight with the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.
George Diaz: Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick: NASCAR's new power couple

February 16, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — She is the perky princess of auto racing, a hot-bod casting herself in an extreme makeover involving stock cars and a whole new vocabulary, surrounded by a polarizing fan base still conflicted about her driving ability.
FSU, Notre Dame here to enjoy bowl perks without pessimism

December 28, 2011

Over at the Amway Center Thursday night, thousands of Orlando Magic fans will cheer for a young man who has happy feet. Dwight Howard seems bothered by the "culture" of this team and the city, and wants out.
Dwight Howard trade dilemma falls on GM Otis Smith

December 10, 2011

I'm not exactly sure how the marketing plan went for a small group of prospective season-ticket buyers at Amway Center on Saturday morning.
Cheating Margarito deserves beatdown from Miguel Cotto

November 22, 2011

Let's dispense with the cordial pat on the gloves before the bell, and let the fists fly from the get-go.
Orlando Magic need a Dwight Howard backup plan to win NBA championship

December 29, 2010

One more piece, Otis.
DCF's red tape trips up even the best-prepared

February 27, 2009

Somehow, despite the melodrama that comes with a sick child, a traumatized cat and no strawberries for the Neapolitan ice cream, I'd say the Diaz household did OK during a dry run as foster parents.

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George Diaz

COMMENTARY