Merril Hoge: Tim Tebow: Lebron James:

Welcome one, welcome all to another edition of Tha Weatha Report. I hope you brought your umbrella, because it's going to be raining sports opinions in this edition. Today's column is going to address the growing controversy that surrounds Tim Tebow. Specifically, the criticism that Merril Hoge tossed out there, the response by LeBron James, and how it all relates to Merril Hoge's career. So, let's dive right in and get this party started.

Quick Hail Storm

1. I think I have officially lost hope in Tiger Woods. I will jump back on his bandwagon when he puts together a string of good showings in tournaments. Until then, the man needs to get healthy between the ears instead of worrying about just his body's health. 

2. Dan Uggla is the most unlikely person to have a 30+ game hit streak. However, the Braves are not complaining. If Atlanta is going to overtake the Phillies in the NL, they will need Uggla to be a consistent force in the middle of their lineup. 

3. Carlos Zambrano is, and always has been, a loose cannon. His latest incident might be the last straw though. Quitting on your team in the middle of a game is an unforgivable offense and I would be very surprised if we see Zambrano pitching for the Chicago Cubs ever again. 

4. Congrats to Dennis Rodman, Chris Mullins, and others on their induction to the NBA Hall of Fame. Well deserved!!

Tim Tebow, Merril Hoge, and LeBron James Are Tied Together

A couple of weeks ago Merril Hoge went on ESPN and gave a scathing indictment on the likelihood of Tim Tebow being a successful starting quarterback in the NFL. Hoge said that Tebow had a "marginal skill set". He also took to Twitter to express his opinions. 

"Sitting watching tape of Bronco offense from last year!" Hoge wrote. "Orton or Tebow? It's embarrassing to think the Broncos could win with Tebow!!"

Tell us how you really feel why don't ya. Now, I've been asked what I thought about Tim Tebow and his shot at becoming a NFL starting quarterback. First off, I always caveat my opinions by saying that I have had a strong dislike for Tim Tebow since his days at the University of Florida. The reason? I'm a Florida State fan. Tim Tebow defeated the Seminoles plenty of times. However, I do respect his abilities and what he has done on the field of play. He was one helluva quarterback in college and he was the best player in the nation at one point. Every time I said Tim Tebow wouldn't or couldn't accomplish something, he managed to prove me wrong. I said he wouldn't win the Heisman. Check. I said that he would never win the National Championship. Check. I also said that he would never get drafted in the first round. Check. So, do I think he can ever be a successful starting NFL quarterback? If he continues to work hard, I'm sure he will. 

However, right now the man is not ready to start. I agree with Hoge's assessment that as of this season Tim Tebow is not ready to start for the Denver Broncos. Oh, but the story doesn't end there. Who came to Tebow's defense? LeBron James himself. His tweet is why I'm writing this column today. 

"Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL. He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER!" James tweeted. "Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!"

I think LeBron should've been in a gym somewhere instead of worrying about Tim Tebow, but that's another column for another day. I do not think Hoge was "hating" as LeBron put it. I think Hoge was giving his honest assessment which came from hours of analysis. However, it did make me wonder what kind of career Merril Hoge had. 

The only thing I knew about Hoge before this was that he has worked for ESPN for years and that his career was cut short due to concussions. After doing some research I can say that I was surprised at what I found. I did not realize that his concussions were as serious as they were. The man once had to be resuscitated after sustaining a concussion. He was forced to retire due to brain damage. He had to learn to read all over again. Extremely serious stuff here. Before the concussions Merril Hoge played eight seasons and was a fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers before ending his career playing five games for the Chicago Bears. 

Was he "all WORLD" as LeBron put it? No, he wasn't. He was a good fullback that did his job. Below are his career numbers pulled from NFL.com.

Rushing Receiving Fumbles G GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost 1994 Chicago Bears 5 5 6 24 4.0 8 0 13 79 6.1 11 0 -- -- 1993 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 13 51 249 4.9 30 1 33 247 7.5 18 4 -- -- 1992 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 11 41 150 3.7 15 0 28 231 8.3 20 1 3 3 1991 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 16 165 610 3.7 24 2 49 379 7.7 25 1 3 0 1990 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 -- 203 772 3.8 41T 7 40 342 8.5 27 3 -- -- 1989 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 -- 186 621 3.3 31 8 34 271 8.0 22 0 -- -- 1988 Pittsburgh Steelers 16 -- 170 705 4.1 20 3 50 487 9.7 40 3 -- -- 1987 Pittsburgh Steelers 13 -- 3 8 2.7 5 0 7 97 13.9 27 1 -- -- TOTAL 825 3,139 3.8 41 21 254 2,133 8.4 40 13 6 3
As you can see, the numbers are not Hall of Fame caliber but he was a fullback so that has to be taken into account. In any event, while Hoge wasn't a Hall of Fame player, he still was a NFL player. He has been an analyst for ESPN for 15 years. I trust his analysis. Do I believe that Tim Tebow gives the Denver Broncos the best chance to win this year? No, I do not. I believe that's all that Merril Hoge was trying to say. Could he have chosen his words more carefully? Sure, but that's the beauty/downfall of the age of technology. As soon as you hit "send", you open yourself up for criticism. Hoge was doing his job, now it is time for Tebow to go out, do his, and prove Hoge wrong.
Thanks for reading this edition of Tha Weatha Report. As always, tell your friends and spread the word. Go and like the Facebook page and keep giving me feedback, ideas, and constructive criticism. Thank you and keep enjoying life and sports!!