Author: David Shama

David Shama is a former sports editor and columnist with local publications. His writing and reporting experiences include covering the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Gophers. Shama’s career experiences also include sports marketing. He is the former Marketing Director of the Minnesota North Stars of the NHL. He is also the former Marketing Director of the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Section. A native of Minneapolis, Shama has been part of the community his entire life. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where he majored in journalism. He also has a Master’s degree in education from the University of St. Thomas. He was a member of the Governor’s NBA’s Task Force to help create interest in bringing pro basketball to town in the 1980s.

NFL Authority: J.J. McCarthy to Start for Vikings in 2024

Posted on May 15, 2024 by David Shama

A trusted Sports Headliners source, a former front office personnel leader with NFL teams, is optimistic about playing time in 2024 for Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy who for now is behind veteran Sam Darnold on the early depth chart.

“I expect him to be the starter, maybe not week one, but I would say certainly by October I think he’ll have taken over for Darnold, and I think he could beat him out in training camp. That they (the coaches) may just say hey, we’re going to go with the more talented guy here,” said the source who asked not to be identified.

Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets, has bounced around, also playing for the Panthers and 49ers without establishing himself as a key performer. The source describes Darnold, who the Vikings signed as a free agent in March, as “good insurance” until McCarthy is ready.

Darnold, who turns 27 in June, has been inconsistent in past pro stops since leaving USC. Never say never, but the source believes it’s “hard to think that things will change dramatically” for Darnold who has 63 career touchdowns and 56 interceptions.

McCarthy, 21, was the No. 10 overall pick last month in the first round of the NFL Draft. The authority refers to the former Michigan national championship QB as a potential franchise changing player. He sees a lot to like in the 6-foot-3, 219-pound McCarthy, describing him as motivated, athletic and able to “make all the throws.”

A criticism of McCarthy before the draft was he didn’t have to do all that much in Michigan’s run-focused offense that was loaded with talent. However, the insider said when McCarthy “had to make plays he did.” He added McCarthy was “very efficient on third and long, whether it was throwing or running.”

The Vikings are into spring activities and practices which will provide a first look at the QB who was 27-1 as a starter with the Wolverines. “I am excited to see him in camp. I think it was a huge move just for the excitement factor for the franchise and get…the fanbase kind of cranked up,” the source said. “Now they’ve got a guy that could be considered a future franchise quarterback and potentially make people forget about Kirk Cousins.”

What criteria will the Vikings use to evaluate their rookie and potential future leader in the immediate days and weeks ahead before training camp starts in July? The authority, who has been part of leading drafts for NFL teams, said the Vikings coaches will want to see how effectively McCarthy is learning the offense and making the right decisions on the field. “To just see where he’s at and how he’s coming along. I think he’ll progress quickly, will be my expectation for him.”

Kevin O’Connell image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

Head coach Kevin O’Connell knows it’s a challenging learning experience for a rookie quarterback but not surprisingly is upbeat his No. 1 draft pick who will wear No. 9 just like former Viking QB Tommy Kramer. “…This guy (McCarthy) is a process-driven guy and understands that there’s a long road ahead of him. That we’re just trying to make incremental gains that will be solidified as part of how he plays quarterback for a long time. So, I’ve been really impressed with him so far and look forward to get another full day tomorrow,” O’Connell said last Friday.

Optimism about a college phenom preparing for a first season in the NFL can eventually change for varied reasons including lack of surrounding support. But McCarthy’s environment with the Vikings is part of what fuels the insider’s positivity about him finding success early on.

The offensive personnel are a roster strength. All-world Justin Jefferson leads a superb group of pass receivers. Tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are two of the best on one team in the league. Off-season signee and veteran Aaron Jones gives the Vikings a proven playmaker at running back.

O’Connell is an offensive guru and former NFL quarterback. His staff includes new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown who played 18 seasons in the league. O’Connell said McCown “has absolutely been awesome from day one,” praising his assistant for his ability to communicate information and knowledge to others.

Viking teammates and coaches—the supporting cast—are probably the best that any quarterback from the 2024 draft is going to have. It’s an environment the Sports Headliners authority said could contribute to McCarthy starting “sooner, rather than later.”

In July and August McCarthy figures to play as much or more in practice and preseason games as Darnold. Part of the process will likely involve a scrimmage or two against another NFL team and that will be an opportunity for McCarthy, too. “…That’s where he’ll get really the valuable reps against first team defenses and so forth,” the insider said.

How will the coaching staff evaluate McCarthy before the season starts in September? “They want to see progress,” the source said. “They want to see confidence. They want to see that he is going to be capable to make plays whenever they put him in the lineup whether that’s opening day, or week six, or week eight, or after the bye week. Whatever they do.”

It looks right now like a two-man race for the starting job, with no additions expected to the quarterback roster. “They’re not going to sign another quarterback,” the source said. “They need to put their money toward that interior offensive line and also I still think they could use another corner, another veteran corner.”

The authority knows predictions are often dicey, but it seems unlikely Darnold can flip a switch in his career development. “Anything is possible, but I think the likelihood is that they want J.J. to be the guy. And be the guy as soon as he’s ready.”

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Unflappable Finch: Calm Voice for Frustrated Timberwolves

Posted on May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 by David Shama

It was typical Chris Finch last night at his presser following Minnesota’s 115-107 loss to Denver. There had been a roller coaster of emotions at Target Center among fans, players and coaches–including Finch’s frustrated Timberwolves—but if there were expectations for a ranting head coach, that didn’t happen.

Not too high, not too low describes the team’s three-plus years bench boss. With an inexperienced playoff team and having lost two straight to the Nuggets, that looks like the right approach and what everyone has come to expect from the steady leader who could be granted a pass for some orneriness after surgery earlier this month to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.

Finch, of course, was hardly a happy camper about his team’s performance but his demeanor fit the situation of the game and playoff series that is now tied and continues Tuesday night in Denver. Asked about his team’s postgame emotional state Finch said matter-of factly:

“They’re frustrated but they’re fine. We’re two-two. We got a three-game series (best of seven) going on. We never thought this would be a quick series. …”

Finch wasn’t at a loss for critical words in describing his team’s play Sunday night when he spoke at his news conference that was also broadcast on KFAN Radio. “These are inexcusable plays you can’t make right now,” he said about a couple of key parts of the game.

At times during the pivotal game (the Wolves led only once), Finch found fault with the offense, analyzing that his players “lost our composure a little bit, just kind of rushing things.” The coach added he didn’t like the offense’s structure and lack of ball movement.

Anthony Edwards scored a franchise playoff record 44 points, but the Wolves had a “Big 1” in their All-Star shooting guard, while the Nuggets countered with a “Big 3” of Nikola Jokic, with 35 points, Aaron Gordon, 27 and Jamal Murray, 19. The Wolves aren’t going to win the series without a “Big 2,” or “Big 3,” and expectations start with Karl-Anthony Towns whose career performances in playoff games is often MIA.

Among the NBA’s better paid players at more than $30 million this season, Towns scored 13 points last night on five of 18 shooting and two free throws. “Rushed a lot of things,” Finch said. “I thought physicality (the Nuggets) kind of got him off his spot a little bit. He kind of rushed it.”

The 28-year-old veteran falls into lapses where he makes too many physical and mental errors including unnecessary fouls, careless passes, ill-advised shots and bulldozing to the basket. Tomorrow night the Wolves will need performances from KAT like his contributions in Minnesota’s May 4 and 6 wins in Denver: 20 and 27 points.

Maybe for focus and calm KAT can channel his inner-Finch.

Worth Noting

Nuggets coach Michael Malone at his presser last night: “…We have to go home and protect our home court. We can’t allow them to get a third win at Ball Arena. That’s a message to our fans to come out and make that place an absolute zoo come whatever night we’re playing. I don’t even know what day it is anymore. Good win for us, but we got a long way to go.”

The Wolves only led once in the game, allowing the Nuggets to often silence the raucous sold-out crowd of 19,583 that was potentially ready to explode with every positive move by their hometown favorites.

Celebrities at the game included Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and Twins star Royce Lewis.

Word is a prominent national company that was a Wolves Target Center suite purchaser during the season turned down the opportunity to rent space for $29,000.00 at last Friday night’s Game 3 between Minnesota and Denver.

The Wolves had over 160 reservations for media space for last night’s game.

Dr. Sheldon Burns has been with the Wolves since their inception, now celebrating 35 years as a team physician. “Third employee hired,” he told Sports Headliners.

ESPN.com reports this afternoon former Golden Gopher Antoine Winfield Jr., a former second round draft choice, has reached agreement with the Bucs on a deal making him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history. The deal is four years, $84.1 million.

The Twins, who have won 17 of their last 20 games, will start right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack tomorrow night at Target Field in the opener of a three-game series against the Yankees. Paddack, 4-1 with a 4.34 ERA, opposes Yankee left-hander Carlos Rodon, 3-2 with a 3.56 ERA.

Paddack is trying to extend his career-high four-game win streak. In his last four starts he has a 1.93 ERA, giving up three walks, 28 strikeouts and two home runs. He is tied for first with Ronel Blanco, Tarik Skubal and Cole Irvin for the longest active win streak in the American League.

Sam Vecenie’s NBA mock draft yesterday for The Athletic has Golden Gophers’ freshman guard Cam Christie going to the Trail Blazers at No. 34 in the second round. That might surprise Gopher fans, but the smooth shooting and athletic Christie is a solid prospect in a very average NBA Draft. If an NBA team chose to, they could offer Christie guaranteed money—something second rounders don’t automatically receive.

Vecenie projects the Wolves taking Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis at No. 27 in the first round and Connecticut guard Cam Spencer at No. 37 in the second.

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Saturday Ceremony to Honor Remarkable U Baseball Coach

Posted on May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 by David Shama

For years friends and insiders have affectionately referred to John Anderson as “14.” On Saturday his uniform number as the Golden Gophers baseball coach will be retired in a pregame ceremony at Siebert Field.

Prior to the 2 p.m. game against Michigan State there will be a special event commemorating his glorious place in University of Minnesota sports history. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:15 p.m. to pay tribute to the longest tenured coach (any sport) in Gopher history. The first 500 fans (gates open 12:30 p.m.) in attendance will receive a John Anderson commemorative pennant in recognition of his final season coaching the Gophers.

A mural of Anderson will be unveiled on the left field wall at Siebert Field as part of the pregame ceremony. His mural will be the seventh added to the wall. He will join former Gophers Paul Giel (No. 34), Dick Siebert (No. 24), Dave Winfield (No. 31), Paul Molitor (No. 11), David Chelesnik (No. 26) and Herb “Ike” Isakson (No. 5) in having his number retired.

Anderson, who turns 69 next week, announced in December that the 2024 season would be his final. This weekend’s Friday-Sunday series with the Spartans will be the last at home for Anderson who is in his 43^rd season leading the Gophers. In a remarkable feat of longevity, this is his 49^th season overall at Minnesota counting time as a player, student assistant coach, graduate assistant, and assistant coach.

It’s believed Bethel coach and 1990 Gophers All-American second baseman Brian Raabe will succeed Anderson. Raabe is in his 13^th season at Bethel and is much admired on and off the field. At 56, he won’t approach the longevity of Anderson but as a former Gopher and learned baseball man he has the “right stuff” to carry on the tradition of the oldest sport at the U.

Since taking over as Gophers’ head coach in 1981, Anderson has been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times. The winningest coach in Big Ten baseball history, his teams have won 11 regular season conference titles and 10 postseason league tournaments. Among his hall of fame inductions is membership in the American Baseball Coaches Association, an honor that came in 2008.

Anderson has coached 28 All-Americans, nine Big Ten Players of the Year, three Big Ten Pitchers of the Year and four Big Ten Freshman of the Year. He has seen 115 of his players drafted by major league teams.

In 36 consecutive years MLB teams have drafted Anderson’s players. The streak is the longest in the Big Ten, ahead of Ohio State (12 years) and Michigan (10 years.)

To know Anderson even casually, though, is to recognize his career satisfaction extends deeply into how much he cares about the well-being of his players as individuals. He knows his role is that of a teacher devoted to guiding his players way beyond baseball, helping develop their academics, life skills and character with the intent they can thrive as adults in a competitive and changing world.

“It’s not just about wins and losses,” Anderson said in an interview last spring. “My philosophy has always been I am here to prepare people for the next 50 years of their lives. Kids have to understand there’s a 50 percent less chance to play professional baseball today because the draft got reduced by 20 rounds. You better be preparing people for life after baseball.”

Anderson told Sports Headliners then that 100 percent of his seniors would graduate with degrees from the U. During his time as head coach, he’s had 335 Academic All-Big Ten selections.

The Gophers have had just three coaches since 1948, including Dick Siebert who won three national championships before retiring in 1978. Anderson, a Minnesota native, was a pitcher for the “Chief” in 1974-1975 before sustaining an injury and becoming a student coach. At 26, he succeeded George Thomas (1979-1981) as head coach. He had been an assistant coach to Thomas.

Anderson’s character and track record of success on and off the field drew suggestions over the years by boosters that the U administration make him the athletic director. Instead, he has worked for nine athletic directors including interim hires.

There is no doubting his leadership and devotion to the U. He could have left for better paying jobs, including ones with more resources for winning but he has been loyal to the end to his program, players and school.

Born in Hibbing and a graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School, Anderson once told me this about his tenure at the U: “I don’t want to be here, just to be here.”

Gulp.

No one would ever think that about 14.

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