Come On Undone ……………The NBA Playoffs Are Here ……

Come Undone ……………… NBA Playoffs Are Here

Well it’s that time of year when the most ardent of NBA fans will be glued to almost every segment and minute of the NBA Playoffs . It may not elicit as much excitement as the NCAA tournament . To my mind the NBA Playoffs can’t hold a candle to “March Madness” . And that’s no matter how much that David Stern and the NBA hierarchy tries to spin it. You simply don’t compare Beluga caviar to plain old ordinary fish eggs at all !

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The sixteen teams that makeup this year’s playoff scenario are all chasing after glory and a legacy. In the Western Conference , the belief is that the Los Angeles Lakers as the number one seeds should march right through the earlier rounds without breaking a sweat. Personally, I’d rather see a team find its rhythm right out of the gate even if it means their first round opponents are presumed to be a walkover. Which in this case for the Lakers , that won’t be the case. With all things being equal , if you were Phil Jackson as coach of the Lakers , would you honestly want to be facing a young and eager team such as the Oklahoma City Thunder ? But also what better way than to have your team tested in order to become overly complacent . This much we do know , Kevin Durant , Russell Westbrook and the rest of their Thunder teammates have nothing at all to lose in taking the Lakers and severely testing them to all of their encompassing limitations.

This series’ match-up between the #1 and # 8 seed has all the makings of becoming an instantaneous classic. And with Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant wanting to successfully defend the title that he and his teammates won with some ease last year in defeating the Orlando Magic. There’s every reason to believe that he’ll be as determined as ever to prove that he’s amongst the best of the best in today’s NBA. I know that there’s “a…. new sheriff in town with Kevin Durant and that he’s had a stellar season. But this highly anticipated match-up will go a long way in telling us a great deal about both of these teams and where they are at – at this present moment in time. Thunder GM Sam Presti could not have envisaged that the team would have attained 50 wins much less have its coach being mentioned as a possible Coach of the Year candidate. But such has been the praise that has been heaped upon the team’s coach Scott Brooks , that it is completely warranted !

The outcome of the series may well rest with the determination of Durant and his teammates and whether or not their performances shown during the regular season is for real. Or could their inexperience become their Achilles’ heel in allowing the Lakers to derail their postseason ambitions ? These are just some of the plot-lines that make the NBA postseason so enjoyable and a great deal of fun to watch. Let’s just hope that the officiating can actually live up to those worthy goals ! The rest of the Western Conference playoffs’ schedule should be just as intriguing as the match-up between the Lakers and Thunder.

In the Eastern Conference the season as been encapsulated by the exploits of Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers . Coming off a 60 plus win season within the Central Division of the Eastern Conference . Coach Mike Brown and his team will be looking to make amends after last season’s rather unceremonious loss and dubious display against the Orlando Magic in the conference finals . While James came to play it appeared that his teammates were simply just prepared to watch the player display his vast array of skills, believing that as a one man wrecking crew ,he would be enough to beat the Stan Van Gundy coached team . James , himself, was of that believe as well. The complacency shown by the team , Brown and his coaching staff , was evident throughout the conference finals. Well, the Magic simply flipped the script and hoisted the Cavaliers on their own proverbial petards. And the downright petulance and unsportsmanlike conduct of LeBron James in defeat, was simply astounding !

This time around Cavaliers’ GM Danny Ferry has assembled a team he believes is resolute and good enough to get the job done. With the team having acquired veteran center Shaquille O’Neal via a trade and with the return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas to the roster. The sharp shooting Antawn Jamison has been an added bonus to an offense that can hold their own with the very best that the league has to offer. The time is now or never for the Cavaliers to finally show their mettle and prove their true worth . Should they fail once again with the roster that is now in place. Then in all likelihood they will never be able to win an NBA title .

Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics have had a rough and tumble season. And in what might well be Rivers’ last year with the team there’s the thought this will be “their last shot” with the roster as it now is. For Rivers having won an NBA title (2007-08) and guiding the Celtics back to prominence, he has said as much in the fact that he’d like to devote more time to his family. And with a young son now in college and an aspiring player , himself. What better time than now for the seasoned veteran to bow out than perhaps with a second title in hid grasp. Much of that however would be predicated upon their seasoned quartet of veterans in Kevin Garnett , Rasheed Wallace , Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are up to the task. Their combined NBA experience is over four decades and one would give them something of a distinct advantage. But that’s not the case , as mentally their games are still there to an extent but the physicality of it all has taken its toll on their aging bodies. And that could well be their undoing when they face the Dwyane Wade led Miami Heat in the first round of the Easter Conference playoffs, with the first game to be played at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston , Massachusetts

The What If Scenario …………………….

The What If Scenario ………………….

It’d appears that the Defense Department under Secretary Robert Gates is unsure whether or not the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy’ as it refers to gays in the military is in need of repeal . Though the decision itself will come down to a vote within both legislative houses of the government and then will need President Barack Obama’s signature as to it still being a statute in remaining legal. Now far be it for me to suggest but a person’s sexuality as it relates to the military, shouldn’t at all have a bearing as to that person’s wish to serve their country. If they’re prepared to serve in battle and shed their blood , then it ought not to have a bearing at all. But we’re given to believe that having a person who’s gay, would hurt the morale of the military, is completely asinine. A gay person’s blood is just as red as yours or mine for that matter. And death for them is no different from anyone else who happens to die in conflict on the battlefield. This is just simply about one’s right to serve but a matter of respect and the wish to be included rather than being ostracized .

President Barack Obama is seen here with Defense Secretary Robert Gates . The two are at odds with senior members of the military and some conservatives within their respective political parties as to whether or not the military's 'don't ask don't tell policy' ought to be re-enacted. photo appears courtesy of telegraph.co.uk copyrighted material ..... @ all rights reserved

Consider this, the military is serious need of individuals with specialist skills such as linguists , in particular those who speak many of the dialects of the Far and Middle East. And given the fact that in the State Department , CIA and FBI are also in need of linguists where their specialized language needs would be in Urdu , Farsi , Pashtun , Arabic , Mandarin and Tagalog. But simply put , the neo-conservatives are scared that the perception of a homosexuals serving in the military weakens morale. Let me ask you this, once a soldier comes home in a body bag does anyone question his sexuality ?

Anti-Gay Activists Continue Protests At War Funerals Maywood, IL - April 19th 2009. Shirley Phelps-Roper, a member of Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, protests across the street from the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital April 19, 2006 in Maywood, Illinois. Members of the church are known for their protest outside military funerals but as many states have drafted laws limiting access near funerals they have begun to focus on Veteran's hospitals as a means of getting their anti-gay message heard. photo appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Scott Olson ..................

And another thing , we’ve all seen the protesters at the funerals of bereaved men and women being laid to rest and there they are these protesting that the soldiers who’ve sacrificed their lives willingly, so that they can live free. They can also be seen from time to time protesting outside of veterans’ administration facilities such as hospitals rehabilitation centers. Well , it’s their view that this is God’s will because he views homosexuality as a sin and that they’re deserving of such a fate. God knows , such individuals with that amount of hatred within them aren’t deserving of the right known as ‘freedom of speech’. It may well be an inalienable right but I’ll be damned to sit by and have these assholes desecrate the bravery of these men and women , no matter what their sexuality !

Two anti-gay protesters seen here at a funeral procession for a young soldier who's about to be buried. It's clear to see the views held and being espoused by the two individuals in question. photo appears courtesy of Time Magazine . copyrighted material ........@ all rights reserved

We’ve all witnessed the controversy that has been derived from the use of illicit substances within sports. Players have simply cheated , and their respective governing bodies stood by and when it came to meting out a justifiable form of punishment. But what we’ve now seeing from the various hierarchies is simply another form of cowardice of the highest order. Instead of doing what’s right they’d rather simply save face in terms of their public image.

Now in sports would there be an open outcry if we were to have an openly gay male athlete now competing within MLB , NBA , NFL , NHL or MLS for that matter. We know that there are female competitors on the LPGA Tour and WTA Tour (women’s tennis). But we’ve yet to see an openly gay male athlete come out and declare his sexuality while still competing . Obviously, the fear of being ostracized would have something to do with it. But if the thinking is the same in the military that an athlete can’t do their job as a military serviceman or woman . Then what does it say about us as a society ?

Former NFL star Esera Tuaolo who played in the NFL for several seasons , having played for the Atlanta Falcons , Carolina Panthers Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The former defensive lineman and nose tackle retired from the game 2002. He declared his homosexuality after his retirement , making him only the third former NFL player behind David Kopay and Roy Simmons to have ‘come out of the closet.’ Tuaolo made it clear that one of the reasons for doing so, was in fact that he no longer wanted to ‘live a lie’ and that in doing so it’d give him a chance to educate others . Especially having seen and heard what he stated were the defamatory remarks jokes that were being made in the locker rooms and on the field .

Former NFL player Esera Tuaolo (right) and his family. His partner Mitchell is seen to the left of the couple's son Mitchell and daughter Michelle . The family reside in Hawaii and Tuaolo having retired from the NFL travels the county conducting lectures with regard to issues such as HIV , AIDS and lecturing students as to the perceptions of gays being stereotyped in society. photo appears courtesy of Broadway World ......

Whether or not the male dominated bastioned arena can withstand a player coming out while his career is still ongoing remains to be seen . But clearly there is a great deal of fear for any male player who’s hiding their sexuality for fear of the backlash that would be forthcoming. We know that within women’s sports that situation isn’t as fearful. And if anything it’s now more common place as it’s not really frowned upon. If anything it’s embraced even more so within that sorority and the landscape of women’s sports. And there’s evidence to suggest that with the declaration made by former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes .

Former WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes and her partner Alisia Scott . The two women co-share the custody of Swoopes' children with Sheryl's ex-husband. Swoopes an advocate for gay causes now spends much of her time lecturing up and down the country as well as working in conjunction with GLAAD. (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) . photo appears courtesy of watermark / Elizabeth Walsh ..............

Will there be a time that we’ll see a current male athlete come and declare himself to be homosexual without the fear of a backlash ? Or will we continue just continue to make it a scourge and that as such these individuals cannot and will not be tolerated within the social landscape. We’ve all seen the retribution that can be meted out in its most heinous form in the violent death of Matthew Shepard at the hands of gay bashers. And given what we’ve also seen from the protesters who’ve festooned themselves at the funerals of veterans from both Afghanistan and Iraqi conflicts. It now has me thinking if the what if scenario concerning a male athlete ‘coming out’ would at all be tolerated in this day and age ?

Alan Parkins aka tophatal

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Marvin Gaye ……….’What’s Going On’ The one song that I think that shows us how intolerant we’ve become as a specie.

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This article was first produced within my own site http://tophatal.wordpress.com/ titled That What If Scenario .

Hickory , Dickory, Dock , The Mouse Ran Up The Clock , Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock ……….Time Is Now Ticking In The NBA ….

The NBA season has started off at its usual pace and a number of the teams are either beginning to separate themselves from amongst the pack or those with aspirations of making a name for themselves are surprising their fans , plaudits and pundits alike. That being said ‘controversy’ rears it ugly head with the actions of Washington Wizards’ players Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton . All that you need to know is that the Wizards’ front office as well as that of commissioner’s office have failed to act appropriately with regard to the actions of both players. Little needs to be said other than the fact that David Stern ‘no longer’ has any credibility whatsoever as the commissioner of the NBA. The same can be said of his ‘main enforcer’, Stu Jackson. As to the Wizards’ front office, their inaction only speaks to the ineptitude shown by the organization over the years.

Early season MVP candidates ? The Cavaliers' LeBron James, the Grizzlies' Zach Randolph and the perennial fan favorite , Kobe Bryant of the Lakers . picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images ................

Courtesy of NBA.com

Reeling Wizards brace for fallout from Arenas incident

By David Aldridge

So, you want to hear about how Tim Duncan’s back on track this season?

Didn’t think so.
The Big Fundamental’s renaissance, like a lot of other interesting developments in the league this week (from the latest on Tracy McGrady, to Kobe’s latest incredible game-winner, to KG’s knee) has taken a back seat to a ridiculous problem for the Wizards, all Gilbert Arenas’ doing — and one that will surely cost him money and games when either the Washington, D.C. and/or federal authorities, and/or David J. Stern are done with him.

On Saturday, in front of assembled reporters following the Wizards’ loss to San Antonio, Arenas said he used “bad judgment” in the Dec. 21 incident with Javaris Crittenton in which, according to sources, both players had their hands on guns in Washington’s locker room — though it is not clear that they pointed them at one another, as the New York Post has reported.
Former Wizards beat writer Mike Jones, on his blog, and the Washington Post’s Michael Lee both reported that a frustrated Crittenton threw one of Arenas’ guns across the locker room after Arenas had laid out three guns near Crittenton’s locker and taunted him to pick one up. It was an extension of an argument that began between the two on the team’s plane from Phoenix Dec. 19, when a source told me that Arenas failed to pay a $25,000 debt to Crittenton. (Jones says the amount wasn’t $25,000, and was owed not to Crittenton, but to another teammate: Javale McGee.)
No one disputes that Arenas brought three guns, which were unloaded, to the locker room from his Virginia home. He said he brought them to work because he no longer wanted them in his home with three children around. But it nonetheless was a violation of the NBA’s constitution, which specifically prohibits bringing weapons to team facilities. In addition, Arenas had not registered the guns in the District of Columbia, where Verizon Center is located.
“I take responsibility,” Arenas said. “If I have to deal with the police, the investigation, the DAs, that’s what I have to deal with. I have to deal with that on Monday. I’ve got to put it in their hands, tell the story, and then see what they say.”

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In order to read the remainder of David Alridge’s article just
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Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace (30) yells as he celebrates with teammates Kendrick Perkins (43) and Ray Allen after dunking the ball as Toronto Raptors' Jarrett Jack (1) looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, in Boston. The Celtics beat the Raptors, 103-96. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mary Schwalm ......

While no real light needs to be shed on the action of both players, other than to suggest that the image that the game strives to exude isn’t helped by the stupidity shown by Arenas and Crittenton by this incident. The ramifications of which could’ve been far more serious had either of them discharged their weapons. But then again we should be thankful that they didn’t self a wound upon their person, or should we ? Think Plaxico Burress and his ‘idiotic antics’. A lesson well served as to the reason why guns shouldn’t be placed in the hands of individuals who have no use for them , other than in the case of Arenas, Burress and Crittenton to make themselves look like complete morons.

Cleveland January 3rd , J.J. Hickson (#21) of the Cleveland Cavaliers dunks the ball as teammate Shaquille O'Neal (#33) and Nazr Mohammed (#13) of the Charlotte Bobcats look on on January 3, 2010 at The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ David Liam Kayle .....

In the Eastern Conference the usual suspects are striving for supremacy. And there isn’t a great deal to choose from the triumvirate of the Boston Celtics (24-8), Cleveland Cavaliers (27-9) , Orlando Magic (24-9) and certainly new to the bunch, the rather surprising Atlanta Hawks (21-12). And if you think that the Hawks’ fans aren’t surprised just think as to what this must be doing to the mindset of TNT tv on air analyst, Charles Barkley ? What sound bytes will he be looking to use, to describe the play of the Atlanta Hawks ? Cause as we know ‘Sir Charles’ has never been one to hold things back.

Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls and the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard look to contest a loose ball during the game played at the United Center , Chicago, Illinois. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Randy Belice ….

The triumvirate mentioned all lead their divisions with some room to spare. But once again it looks like the Celtics may well be without their most pivotal player in, Kevin Garnett. Age and recurring injuries seem to be catching up fast, with the seasoned veteran. And without him at the helm it appears that they’re not the threat many would believe them to be. Albeit that point guard, Rajon Rondo seems to have raised the level of his play and all-round game. So much so , that this is no longer about the ‘Big Three’ of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. But you could perhaps now add Rondo into the mix. Never mind the fact that Rasheed Wallace has now been added to this deeply talented Celtics’ roster. And for Celtics’ coach Doc River he must feel like he’s been blessed with an abundance of talent. But I guess it can’t be done without their veteran leader to guide them and guide as they embark on returning to the NBA Finals. But that’d be predicated upon them overcoming the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

The Cleveland Cavaliers for their part, in addition to LeBron James have added 15 time NBA All Star center, Shaquille O’Neal to their roster. And this is being done in the hopes that the combination of James and O’Neil can clear the obstacle of making to another NBA Finals and raising the Larry O’Brien trophy to signify them as world champions. Last season’s bittersweet loss to the Magic in the Eastern Conference semi finals was a sour note for the franchise. And for their coach Mike Brown it was a tremendous disappointment. Nevertheless , the team is expected to contend for postseason honors come what may. And if anything O’Neal has something to prove , while LeBron finally wants to show NBA world that he can land the ‘Big One’.

Kryptonite they say is the only thing that makes Superman susceptible and not impervious to defeat. In the case of the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, it is his arrogance and lack of maturity, despite his years in the league. This time around there’s nowhere for Howard to hide should the Magic fail in their quest to return to the Finals and redeem themselves from their lopsided series’ loss to the Los Angeles Lakers (4-1). The team performed nowhere near as expected and that was despite their thrilling series’ wins against the Cavaliers and Celtics on their way to last season’s NBA Finals. Stan Van Gundy as their coach , squealed ,squawked , cajoled and with the all of the usual animation you’d come to expect of a cartoon character could not get this Magic team to raise the level of their play as and when needed to stem the tide or play of the Lakers, or for that matter, Kobe Bryant, the Finals’ MVP.

The Western Conference it seems is replete with talent as well teams on a mission. The defending champions , the Los Angeles Lakers are off to a fast start and they possess the best record in the NBA ,with a 27-6 mark. And it’s safe to say that Kobe Bryant alongside his teammates are eager to successfully defend their NBA title. At the same time it gives Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson a further chance to distance himself record’s wise, from the achievements of Red Auerbach. And one seriously doubts that we’ll ever see another coach replicate Jackson’s feats as an NBA coach.

Los Angeles 3rd 2010. Kobe Bryant (#24) of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass around Dirk Nowitzki (#41) of the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on January 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Mavericks 131-96. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images / Andrew D Bernstein ............

With the loss of Trevor Ariza to free agency, the Lakers would acquire Ron Artest. Curiously enough, as Artest would join the Lakers , Ariza did likewise by joining the Houston Rockets</a, Artest's former team. And it’d appear that the Lakers have yet to miss a beat. With Artest in tow to provided some stout defense as well as being the third or fourth scoring option for the team. One would find it hard not to resist placing a wager on the Los Angeles Lakers. With Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum all having that confidence about them. The Lakers are deemed the team to beat in the Western Conference. That’s not to say this is a one man show within the conference. The Denver Nuggets (21-13), Portland Trailblazers (22-14), Oklahoma City Thunder (19-15), aPhoenix Suns (21-13), Dallas Mavericks (23-11) and the San Antonio Spurs (20-12). Each of these teams are looking to take down the Lakers a notch or two. As to whether or not they are capable of it remains to be seen. But so contentious is the Western Conference that it has become a conference wherein the bloodletting once it starts just doesn’t seem to stop. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus from the movie ‘Gladiator’ would feel at home with the barbarity that ensues within the conference. The bloodletting itself seems to have the fans of the teams in awe. As to the bragging rights. Well, let’s just say ’til you knock the champion of his pedestal, the bragging rights still belong to him.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant, right, drives on Chicago Bulls guard James Johnson during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, in Chicago. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Charles Rex Arbogast .......

To my mind the most surprising team in the Western Conference at present may well be the Oklahoma City Thunder. And night in, night out , Kevin Durant never ceases to amaze us all with his play , nor his phenomenal offensive prowess. Here’s a guy who looks less than 120 lbs ringing wet but plays with the heart of a lion and has the ‘killer instinct’ of a cold hearted assassin. Need one say, that he’s now beginning to make people think less and less about how god-damn awful the Seattle Supersonics use to be- the Thunder’s previous guise as an NBA franchise. Needless to say that when you’ve a team of complementary parts then things that come to fruition tend to be really good. And in Scott Brooks, the Thunder may well have one of the most unassuming coaches in the entire NBA. If there’s a more unassuming coach in the NBA that you know then let me know about him.

The usual cacophony of teams who all want to be a part of the postseason drama within the conference are as always many of the better managed teams. And with ‘Mr Fundamental’ back to his usual best , the thought is that Tim Duncan and his Spurs’ teammates are ready to assume the mantel as the Lakers most dangerous opponents. Now that’s not to say that the likes of the Nuggets, Suns , Mavericks, Thunder and Trailblazers won’t be a reliable source of drama throughout the regular and postseason. Suffice to say that with all of the bloods and guts that’ll be spilled. Whatever’s left from the carnage more likely than not will have to be viewed as the prohibitive favorites to win the NBA title. I know that there’ll be some derision those who are fans of the Eastern Conference of the NBA. But if the lack of real effort shown by last season’s conference representative is anything to go by. Then whomever comes out of the conference to face the Western representative is liable to get more of the same. How much more is dependent upon the resistance that team is able to put up.

So as of now, the clock is ticking on the NBA season and how things will pan out as the season unfolds. We all know smart a mouse can be as he’s being chased by the cat. But we also know how the guile of a cat can be and the dangers that lie within when the cat has his prey trapped. So which is it to be for the Los Angeles Lakers this season ? Are they going to be the mouse who evades capture from the chasing cat , as in the rest of the NBA ? Or will they be the mouse who gets caught by its erstwhile predator the cat, who’ll no doubt devour its prey ? What are your thoughts on it all ?

A classic ‘Tom & Jerry’ cartoon and the usual staple of classic mayhem ensues that the characters were always known for. Much like what we’ll no doubt see throughout much of the NBA regular season and also in the playoffs.

NB This original piece was posted within tophatal1′s blog. To read more of work within that site just click here to view and peruse the site in question.

Alan Parkins aka tophatal

Hall of Famer Or Flamer ? Let’s Play The Game ………….

Hall of Famer Or Flamer ? Let’s Play The Game ……

In light of what we believe we know, and the sports’ writers believe that they know about the world of sports and the athletes who compete in their chosen endeavors. I propose the following in this regard, the ‘Hall of Fame’ is deemed the highest honor for any professional or amateur athlete once their career is over. And with their enshrinement and acknowledgement not only from amongst the fans but also from their peers and predecessors who were enshrined before them. They are rightly accorded a great deal of acclaim, as is their due.

As an avid sports fan I’ve watched a great deal of sports across the panacea , since I first emigrated here to the United States from England, some sixteen years ago. I’m an avid follower of the Spurs , Marlins and Patriots. When it comes to the NHL, well I’ve about as much interest for the sport as I would for swapping saliva with Rosie O’Donnell , in a moment of unadulterated and heated passion. That scenario my friends, will never happen, not even you were going to pay me a $ 1million. Six million and you might just peek my interest, for $10-$15 million I’d ‘knock the socks’ of the bi_ch ! But that’s a story for another day.

We can all agree can we not , that the three most popular professional teams sports are baseball , football and basketball ? All three sports are governed respectively by Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Wherein, the commissioners there are Bud Selig, Roger Goodell and David Stern. And though their sphere of influence in the decision making process that takes places with regard to the players that meet the criteria for enshrinement isn’t influential. You can be damn sure that they’re closely monitoring who gets that call for induction. For all three , image is everything and then it’s nothing. Five years after the formal announcement of a player’s retirement , they’re deemed to have met the criteria for enshrinement based upon their career. That being said who are the adjudicators for each of these esteemed sanctums ?

It’s an esteemed body of journalists within the field covering those various sports who make the nominations based upon a body of work we’re led to believe. Baseball has the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). And before I go on , why is it that when using the words esteemed and journalists in the same sentence I begin to feel somewhat nauseous ? Surely there has to be something wrong with the use of this adjective ? Esteemed journalists ? My God the planet earth must be is close to falling off its axis or we’re now closer the apocalypse of 2012 ? For sure enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame , a player’s career has to be one that has been at least a decade in tenure in terms of his playing time. And furtheremore, they have to attain a minimum of 75 % of the ballots cast to be ensured in enshrinement into the Hall. A steep task indeed for the borderline candidate.

For the NBA it is in the cities where franchises are constituted and the NBA journalists covering the sport , cast their ballots for the nominees in question. Over the years the candidates enshrined have been noteworthy and deserving of the accolade. But yet there is the feeling that the NBA enshrinement in some respects is the least noteworthy of them all. What are your thoughts on that ?

Joe wanted to get his ‘swerve on’ , if only Suzy had been more trusting and obliged him later ? Ah well it’s left to the likes of Steve Phillips and Harold Reynolds formerly of ESPN to show what real jack asses can be like , alongside Namath.

The candidates for the NFL have a similar format as that of the NBA and to the adjudication of the candidates. But in terms of longevity of a career. Well there , there have been exceptions , merely because of a player’s performances in specfic games or in part because of one or two memorably ouststanding moments in their careers. See Joe Namath and Lynn Swann, for that . Granted, for Namath , other than guaranteeing the Jets’s victory in Super Bowl III over Don Shula’s Baltimore Colts. Namath’s career beyond that one big moment of glory can be best described as being somewhat lackluster. But he sure knew how ‘to party hard’ and parlay that success to further that ‘Broadway Joe image’. And it served him well over the years , until insobriety caught up with him.

Here, Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon discuss the infamous Namath incident involving ESPN on air reporter, Suzy Kolber . This took place on the ESPN television show ‘PTI (Pardon The Interruption) , of which Kornheiser and Wilbon are the show’s co-hosts.

Over the next few years , no doubt a number of prominent athletes within MLB, the NBA and NFL will end their careers and formally announce their retirements. Though rumor has it that is Brett Favre’s intention to play well into his late sixties . Albeit, that he’ll retired , un-retire several times over before coming to a decision that neither his teammates or the assistant coaches are prepared to continue assisting him in changing his Depends diapers. Not when there’s said to be running stool and urine deposited in the attire. Oh, to be the much beloved, Brett Favre. And it has to be said that potential candidates such as Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera , Johnny Damon, Randy Johnson, Vladimir Guerrero, Carlos Delgado, Omar Vizquel, Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash , LaDainian Tomlinson, Marvin Harrison, Randy Moss, Michael Westbrook, Terrell Owens, Clinton Portis , Ricky Williams, Kurt Warner, Junior Seau and Fred Taylor will either be looked upon favorably or they will not. I think more often than not, the adjudicators make this a matter of objectivity , rather than it being subjectivity. And far be it for me to suggest, many of them will no doubt have their own personal favorites amongst the nominees prior to the votes being cast. And in doing so will treat them far more favorably than others. It goes without saying , although we’ve never observed ‘the behind the scenes’ modus operandi as to how each body goes about assigning their votes and how the deliberations take place. Such is the secrecy, that when it’s all said and done you’d have thought this was a meeting of the ‘Conclave of Cardinals’ to decide upon who the next Pope will be.

Things haven't quite yet resorted to this when it comes to the Hall of Fame voting in either MLB, NBA or NFL Halls' of Fame . But who knows in the future it might. Vatican City , Vatican,. April 19th, 2005. White smoke is seen from the roof of the Sistine Chapel indicating that the College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope on April 19, 2005 in Vatican City. The 265th Pope will lead the world's 1 billion Catholics. picture appears courtesy of Getty Images/ Giuseppe Cacace .........................

With all of the controversy that has surrounded the game of baseball and the ‘steroid abuse issue’ , I can’t think in all honesty that any baseball candidate nominated for their voting can escape not being tarnished. And yes, that’ll include the likes of Jeter, Tom Glavine, ;Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez and should I even dare to say it , Albert Pujols ? As remarkable as their careers have and seemingly untarnished by any major controversy stemming from the steroid abuse scandal. Even though they’ve been exemplary and outstanding performers. The dye was cast by the actions of such noted individuals as Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa , Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez. All of whom found a way of bringing the game into disrepute with their admitted use of steroids or hiding behind the veiled cloak of privacy and privilege. And it certainly wasn’t helped by the sheer ignorance shown by MLB’s hierarchy,the commissioner, Bud Selig,the owners, the MLBPA (Players’ Union) and their utter contempt in addressing the issue head on to begin with. But what more ought the fans to have expect to begin with ? It’s not as if they’ve ever been upfront with the truth surrounding the scandal at all. !

Barry Bonds is he really the 'poster child' for the steroids' abuse scandal in baseball ? Or is he merely being used as a scape goat ? picture appears courtesy of the onion.com/article/ photo/ Spires @ copyrighted material ..... All rights reserved

Courtesy of theonion.com

Barry Bonds Took Steroids, Reports Everyone Who Has Ever Watched Baseball

Onion Sports

San Francisco – With the publication of a book detailing steroid use by San Francisco Giants superstar Barry Bonds, two San Francisco Chronicle reporters have corroborated the claims of Bonds’ steroid abuse made by every single person who has watched or even loosely followed the game of baseball over the past five years

In Game Of Shadows, an excerpt of which appeared in Sports Illustrated Wednesday, authors Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams claim that more than a dozen people close to Bonds had either been directly informed that Bonds was using banned substances or had in fact seen him taking the drugs with their own eyes. In addition to those witnesses, nearly 250 million other individuals nationwide had instantly realized that Bonds was using banned substances after observing his transformation from lanky speedster to hulking behemoth with their own eyes.

According to hundreds of thousands of reports coming out of every city in the U.S., Bonds’ steroid use has been widely reported and well-documented for years, with sports columnists, bloggers, people attending baseball games, memorabilia collectors, major ballpark popcorn and peanut vendors, groundskeepers, roommates, significant others, fathers-in-law, next-door neighbors, fellow fitness club members, bartenders, mailmen, coworkers, teachers, doormen, parking-lot attendants, fellow elevator passengers, Home Depot clerks, servicemen and women serving in Iraq, former baseball players, Congressmen, second-tier stand-up comics, Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly, and random passersby all having stated at some point in the last five years that Bonds was obviously taking some sort of performance-enhancing drugs.

Many of those eyewitnesses came forward following Wednesday’s revelation with their own accounts of Bonds’ seven-year history of steroid use.

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The mindset of the BBWAA and how they cast their votes might not only have to do with the performances of the players themselves and their statistics. But in large part, it may well come down to whether or not they’re viable as a nominee, solely based upon their character and whether or not in any way they were personally tarnished by allegations or their association with a known abuser. Would that immediately count out Derek Jeter ?

And while we’re still on the subject of baseball ,it’s now been the long held opinion that former disgraced star, Pete Rose, should now be enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame , in Cooperstown, New York. Now while I’m not a fan of Rose , I do now believe that he’s paid his debt for a poor error in judgement. Albeit, that when confronted he still continued to lie about his actions. The way I look at it, some of baseball’s biggest names that’ve been inducted aren’t without their flaws. Hell you’ve got inductees who are racial bigots, you’ve got philanderers, known alcoholics and quite possibly several more who’ve committed far worse deeds than Rose has been found guilty of. So why the continued hypocrisy of Bud Selig and the Baseball Writers’ Association (BBWAA)? Ah well they feel aggrieved that if Rose gets in, then they’ll look like bunch of fools ? They already are ! Many of the writers who are empaneled as adjudicators had their suspicions about rampant ‘steroid use’ within the game but failed to report it , and in some cases many simply chose not to. But what might be even more egregious, is their now sanctimonious act of piety .

Rose seen here giving an exclusive interview to ESPN Radio’s Graham Bensinger. Acts of contrition have to be sincere and not scripted and condescending.

Baseball they say, may well have the ethereal legacy when it comes to its history and that of its Hall of Fame. But I also believe that the NFL and NBA also has theirs ! And with both sports having a rich cultural history and legacy, I’d have to imagine that they’re in a far better position than that of Major League Baseball (MLB). Well , most certainly their images haven’t taken as many hits as that of baseball over the last decade. And their respective commissioners in
Roger Goodell , and his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue, of the NFL. They made sure that under their tenure that the NFL was a well governed and smoothly oiled machine. And from a business standpoint, that has been very much the case. The same can be said of David Stern and his custodianship of the NBA, as its commissioner. Though neither commissioner and their respective sports have been without their own litany of problems as it concerns the image of their game and of their players.

But it has been their willingness to act swiftly at times that has in some cases curtailed what might have been a monumental disaster image wise for both the NBA and the NFL , why their commissioners and their sport in general is so well respected. Of which the same cannot be said of Bud Selig and his handling of the labor dispute , the lockout and then the whole ‘steroids issue’ debacle. An adolescent child could well have handled the entire situation a whole lot better.

Now the question I’ll pose to you is which of the following athletes would you consider to be a viable candidate for their respective Hall of Fames ? I’ll place a list below of the names of these current and former athletes. And by all means take some time in assessing what you believe are their valid merits for gaining acceptance into the ‘Hall of Fame’. Also note you can choose to name some of the players that I’ve mentioned within this piece , controversy besides them or not . Just as long as you can articulate a valid argument behind your case for naming them .

1) Chris Webber Bio in part.

BACKGROUND

2005-06:
Thirteenth NBA season (Philadelphia) … In 75 games/starts, averaged 20.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.37 steals in 38.6 minutes per game … Shot 43.4 percent (617-1422 FG) from the field and 75.6 percent (263-348 FT) from the free-throw line … Had 38 double-doubles on the season to rank 7th in the NBA … Ranked eighth in the league in rebounds per game … Had 40 games (20-20) with 20 or more points and seven 30-point games (5-2) … Had 38 games (18-20) with 10-plus rebounds this season … Had 18 games with 12-plus, rebounds, eight games with 15-plus and two games with 20-plus … Had nine games with six-plus assists (7-2) … Recorded his ninth-career 20-point, 20-rebound game with 27 points and 21 rebounds, versus Minnesota (12/12)… Also had a career-high 18 defensive rebounds versus Minnesota (12/12) … Had 20 boards versus Denver (3/9)… Had a season-high nine assists at Memphis (3/12) … Set his Sixers career-high with 34 points at New York (3/31)… Tied a season-high with five steals at Atlanta (12/23)… Blocked a season-high four shots versus Washington (3/3) … Scored his 15,000th career-point versus Charlotte (11/4) … Scored his 16,000th point at Houston on Mar. 1 … Had his 400th career double-double versus New Orleans/Oklahoma City (11/21)… Missed seven games (5-2) this season, four (3-1) due to a low back strain (1/4, 1/9, 4/8 and 4/10), two (1-1) due to DND – Coach’s Decisions (4/18 – 4/19) and one (1-0) due to the and flu (2/25).
Pro Career:
Thirteen NBA seasons … In 761 games (759 starts) averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds 4.4 assists, 1.50 blocks and 1.49 steals in 38.0 minutes per game … Shooting 48.0 percent (6888-14354 FG) from the field and 65.0 percent (2427-3734 FT) from the free-throw line for his career … Philadelphia is his fourth NBA team, after time with Golden State (1993-94), Washington (1994-98), and Sacramento (1999-2005)… Five-time NBA All-Star (1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)… Posted 51 points and 26 rebounds against Indiana (1/5/01)… Earned All-NBA first team honors in 2001; All-NBA second team honors in 1999, 2002, 2003; All-NBA third team honors in 2000… Named the 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game with the Warriors… In four NBA All-Star Games, averaged 7.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.00 spg and 19.0 mpg (DNP – sprained ankle in 2003)… Leading scorer (18 points) and rebounder (10 boards) for the ‘Phenoms’ team which won the first-ever Schick Rookie Game during the 1994 NBA All-Star Weekend (Minneapolis)… Voted to the NBA’s All-Interview Team in 2002-03, 2001-02 and 1999-00… Named Conference Player of the Month in December 2002 and January 2002… Named NBA Player of the Week eight times, including seven times with Sacramento (12/15/02, 1/16/00, 1/2/00, 4/25/99, 12/11/00, 1/22/01, 1/6/02) and once with Washington (4/20/97).

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2) Terrell Davies former Broncos’ standout running back. Bio in part

Denver Broncos

In 1995, newly-appointed Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan drafted Davis in the 6th Round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Davis entered training camp as the sixth string tailback and was a long shot to make the team. He managed to impress the Broncos coaching staff after his second pre-season game, most notably with a crushing hit as a member of special teams. Davis kept improving with each pre-season game and was promoted to starting running back for the season’s opening game.[1] With Davis at running back, the Broncos possessed the potent running attack that they had previously lacked. Davis started 14 games during the 1995 season, carrying the ball 237 times, averaging 4.7 yards per run, and scoring eight touchdowns. Davis finished his season with a total of 1,117 rushing yards, becoming the lowest drafted player to ever gain over 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season.
In 1996, Davis signed a lucrative new five-year contract with the Broncos that was worth $6.8 million. That season, he rushed for a total of 1,538 yards and set a Denver Broncos record for rushing touchdowns with 13. The Broncos ended that season with a 13–3 record, tied with the Green Bay Packers for the best in the NFL that year.

In the Super Bowl, Davis rushed for 157 yards, caught 2 passes for 8 yards, and became the first player in Super Bowl history ever to score 3 rushing touchdowns. This performance earned him MVP honors despite having to sit out the second quarter due to a migraine, an affliction he has suffered with most of his life.
Davis’ 8 touchdowns in his three playoff games and the Super Bowl gave him a total of 48 points, the most ever scored in a single postseason. This record would stand until surpassed by kicker Adam Vinatieri’s 49 points in the 2006–07 postseason.

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3) Roberto Alomar. Bio in part below.

Biography

Single…Is active in the community in his home country of Puerto Rico…Conducts free baseball clinics and provides equipment for his former little league and high school…Donated $252,000 toward research on the disease Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and as a result of his relationship with Umpire John Hirschbeck. ALD is a rare genetic disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain… While in San Diego, he participated in the “Stay in School Campaign” volunteering as a guest speaker at many area schools, both English and Spanish-speaking…In Toronto, Roberto was a charter member of the Hugh MacMillan Foundation and hosted a celebrity golf tournament for four years to benefit the foundation…Raised $285,000 for the foundation which funds a hospital and school…In Toronto, he was also involved in the DARE program and filmed a PSA on the perils of drunk driving…With the Orioles, he donated over 2,000 tickets as part of the “Alomar All-Stars” program for children from non-profit, youth oriented organizations…With Cleveland teamed up with his brother, Sandy, and purchased 27 tickets (27 was the combination of their uniform numbers, #12 and #15) for every home date in 1999 for local charities.

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4) Dennis Rodman

. Bio in part.

Background

Dennis Rodman had developed from a janitor who had never played organized basketball into arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history and one of the most recognized athletes in the world. Enigmatic and individualistic, Rodman has caught the public eye for his ever-changing hair color, tattoos and unorthodox lifestyle. Rodman’s achievements on the court are indisputable. A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a member of two championship Pistons teams in Detroit and three title-winning Bulls teams in Chicago, he has led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive years despite standing only 6-8–Wilt Chamberlain is the only player to win more rebounding titles, 11. Rodman is one of the few players in basketball who can change the course of a game without taking a shot. Rodman, whose two sisters were All-American basketball players, didn’t play high school basketball and stood only 5-11 when he graduated. At age 20 he was working the graveyard shift at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport when he decided, after having grown eight inches since high school, that he would pursue basketball. He enrolled in Cooke County Junior College in Texas and later transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma State. In three seasons there, 1983-84 through 1985-86, he averaged 25.7 points and 15.7 rebounds, led the NAIA in rebounding twice and registered a .637 field goal percentage. Still relatively obscure, Rodman lasted into the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft before being selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th overall pick

Click here to read further .

5) Kurt Warner. Though he’s still playing, there’s been a great deal said as to whether or not he’s a noteworthy candidate for the NFL Hall of Fame. What are your thoughts , if any on the matter ?

6) Steve Nash. Hall of Fame worthy or not ? OK, so he’s a two time NBA league MVP recipient . But does that in essence ‘make him’ a Hall of Famer ? Granted, he just might be the best player the Phoenix Suns have ever had. But they’ve struggled as a team to get the job done. And that in no large is not down to Nash but primarily down to the Suns’ hierarchy of their GM Steve Kerr and Suns’ owner Robert Sarver. Their insight into basketball personnel decision making is in line with Sarah Palin’s knowledge on US foreign policy, domestic issues, global and economic affairs. On appearance each might seem to be bright but in reality they just are not ! Need one say anymore on the matter ?

These are but six names that come to mind and I could well have added great many others to the six mentioned here , in my own personal list. But as we exchange comments on the subject , I may well add them as part of any response that I will be making. So for now, read the article , peruse the list of names, gather your thoughts and then respond with a comment , as to a case that can be made for your own personal choice and perhaps some of the names listed within this piece. Thanks in advance for your cooperation. And as always thank you for your continued support as it’s greatly appreciated !

Alan Parkins

NB: Originally formatted and printed within my own site tophatal’s blog Click here to read that and any other topics there that might be of interest to you.

They Still Haven’t Got A Pot To Pi_s In And A Window To Throw It Out Of But That’s What Makes The T’wolves, Oh So Funny ………

So it’s now come down to this ? He said ,”……..” And he said “…….” Which begs the question what the hell was going on within the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hierarchy to begin with ?

Ricky Rubio seen here during a shootaround for his new team in the Spanish basketball league FC Barcelona . picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Manu Fernandez ...................

For a team that has fallen upon hard times, the way a hobo takes to the streets.These are some very indifferent times for the T’wolves. And coming off a disastrous season, where they finished a positively horrendous record of 24-58 in the Northwest division of the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves were hoping for something of a respite in terms of the NBA Draft.

They lauded over the fact that they’d drafted the young Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio. The player was taken by the team in the first round, as the fifth overall pick . And a great deal was to be expected of the player and the team once he was within camp. But it’s all easier said than done. Rubio was still under contract with his Spanish league team DKV Joventut . And simply, all that was needed was a buyout of the two years remaining on the player’s contract. To the tune of $6.5million they could’ve had the player within their ranks. That being said the prohibitive rule under which the NBA applies for players who are playing abroad professionally . And are then drafted , it meant that the pursuant team can only make an outlay not exceeding $500,000 without seeking further authorization from the league in order to acquire the player.

With that in mind the haggling and wrangling began between the two parties. Handling the team’s affairs for the Timberwolves, was their erstwhile Head of Basketball Operations David Kahn. It was Kahn , who made the decision to relieve then coach , Kevin McHale of his position at the end of last season. Kahn, felt it best, that the franchise as a whole move in a completely new direction. With the accent being on acquiring young talent and with that being at its core in terms of being a competitive franchise.

But it was also imperative that the team hire a coach that’d be able to communicate with a young roster of players. And though it has to be said that there are still some seasoned veterans on the team. Much of the load will be placed on such rising stars as Corey Brewer, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson , Ryan Gomes, rookies , Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, Johnny Flynn and Nick Calathes. That’s not to say that the veteran leadership of Chucky Atkins and Mark Blount won’t be called upon. But it will be youth movement on this Timberwolves’ team that’ll indeed have their very own baptism of fire .

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP :

Rubio: NBA move too risky, complicated

BARCELONA-Spain(AP) Ricky Rubio wants to keep playing basketball in Spain, saying a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves would be too risky and complicate his life.

The 19 year old was sent from DKV Joventut to Barcelona on Tuesday after the Catalan club paid Rubio’s $5million buyout clause.

Rubio, the Timberwolves’ fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, agreed to a six year deal that included a buyout clause that allows him to leave for the NBA after two years.

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As alluded to earlier in this piece , Kahn had to seek out a coach whom he felt could best lead this team. And he sought out Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach , Kurt Rambis. Phil Jackson’s erstwhile assistant no doubt knew in effect that this may well be has one and only chance to finally coach a team. His previous tenure with the Lakers , albeit it a shortened one , didn’t prove to be all that successful. Now given a chance to prove himself, it would be an understatement to say that Rambis now faces something of an uphill battle. But it’s a battle that he appears only all too willing to take on. Rambis may well be only willing to impart the knowledge that made him such a character and something industrious player. Even if he lacked the talent of some of his more highly skilled teammates on those Showtime Lakers’ teams . That being said any improvement on this Timberwolves’ team, would be considered something of a success for their long tortured fans, who’ve been starved of success.

As to what we know awaits the Minnesota Timberwolves. The only thing that we’re now sure of , is that Rubio won’t be joining the team anytime soon. The player made Kahn and the Timberwolves’ organization that he’d rather remain in Europe to further hone his skills. To my mind , for want of a better word. It may well have meant that he didn’t feel his profile and image wouldn’t be magnified playing in such a small market, as in Minnesota. It’s not exactly one of the NBA powerhouses. And more likely than not, Rubio, may well have felt that his prerequisite skills wouldn’t be on display for all to see.

The player will remain in Spain , now playing for the Spanish league team Barcelona. One of the premier teams within the Spanish League. That being said, the Timberwolves still retain the NBA rights to the player. And should he fulfill his commitment to Spanish team over the course of the two years. Then in all probability, Rubio may ell seek to commence his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But at this juncture, it’s only open to pure speculation and conjecture. As it’d appear that both sides are said to blaming one another for the apparent impasse.

In many ways Kahn had to have known the risks in trying to acquire the player. It was certainly common knowledge that Rubios wanted in effect to be drafted by a large market team. But there were no willing takers it would appear at the time. Albeit , that there were said to be rumblings that the New York Knicks might’ve shown some interest in the player. But it wasn’t to be , as they went elsewhere , in terms of their first round draft pick. Though nothing disparaging allegedly has been said between the two parties. Kahn hasn’t hide his disappointment in the choice made by the player. However, he’s stated that in two years he fully expects to see Rubio in Minnesota Timberwolves’ uniform. That being said if it is to be believed then Kahn initially feels that Rubio had reneged on joining the team.
If there was truly a zeal to acquire the player from the onset then obviously not enough was being done on the part of the Timberbwolves’ organization. It appears in retrospect that Kahn was waiting for some sort of fairy-godmother to swoop on down and assist him in acquiring the player.

In reality the Timberwolves as an organization has proven to us what we already know. They’re a poorly ran organization that possesses no real zeal for competition , much less dealing with the most acute of issues. They’d rather sit around and gaze at the world as it passes them by. In essence they’ve not a pot to pi_s in or a window to throw it out of. And the continuous excuses as to what ailed the franchise was always being made not only by their fans but also by its hierarchy. Is it any wonder that they’ve been mired in an abyss of sheer mediocrity for the last half a decade ?

Having One’s Cake And Eating It … Who Says There’s No Collusion In Sports ?

Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand over the last few months. You may not have been aware that all four of the major professional sports governing bodies and the NCAA are prepared to challenge the states of Delaware and New Jersey in proposing a sport’s book gamling bill that they’re preparing in their respective legislatures.

On the face of it one might feel that MLB , NBA , NCAA , NHL and the NFL have nothing to worry about. Being as the fact that all four sports have a healthy relationship with the gaming industry , one way or another. In many cases, some of the four do , more than others. And without that relationship one could surmise that the relationship would be as such somewhat minute . Other than the fact that there are still indeed some well meaning and loyal fans to the respective professional franchises.

Gov Jack A Markell (D-Del) . The governor is seeking legislative bill to be passed in both houses whereing legalized gambling and most notably sports book betting will be allowable in the state of Delaware. However the four major pro sports governing bodies and the NCAA are seeking to challenge any bill passed by placing their own challgenge as to its legality in the Federal Court system. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Carol Hemmings ...........................

However , in light of this all each of the sporting bodies , headed by Bud Selig (MLB) , David Stern (NBA) , Gary Bettman (NHL), Myles Brand (NCAA) and Roger Goodell (NFL). For some reason each of the commissioners in question believe that should the legislation be passed it’d do more harm to the framework of sports in general . Than it would do good. I find that particular argument somewhat misguided , retarded but above lacking in basis in terms of a real argument.

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) . He, too, like his Democratic counterpart in Delaware would like to see a similar bill passed within both houses of the legislatiure in New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Dwayne Osario ............................

Whereas over the years each of the sports in question have profitted greatly from the gaming industry and in particular the patrons wagering on the outcomes of their games. Granted that the real problem is in-fact illegal wagering and also that of the off-shore entities that the Federal Government has no jurisdiction over. But here we’re talking about two states’ governments that are proposing bills , that in large part there’d be a an agency overseeing the operations of the various entities that would seek to operate within their jurisdiction. It is not a threat to the dominance of the existence to any of the four governing sport’s bodies. But they’d have you believe that there is indeed a perceived threat to their existence. And the very fact that with this renewed effort by both Delaware and New Jersey , that there’d be some sort of mayhem caused.

Gov Arnold Schwarzaneggar (R-Ca). He now faces a budget shortfall within the state in excess of $24 billion (dollars) and the state is now issuing IOU's to pay its creditors as a way of staving off bankruptcy. The federal government's stimulus package won't even make a dent in the state's overall situation. So much for Schwarzaneggar having declared himself a fiscally and socially aware conservative. Which is it ? picture appears courtesy of afp/ Jorge Ayala .........................

Each year , tens of billions of dollars are wagered on sporting events up and down the country. And it seems to have somehow escaped the notice of these commissioners that without the chance for bettors to do this . Sports as we know it wouldn’t be the spectacle that it is. I don’t know if there’s some sort of puritanical bias behind the argument being put forth by the quintet. But I’d like to think that they’ve somehow outgrown that sort of archaic thinking and mindset. If anything , above all it’s downright hypocritical . Given the fact that a number of college as well as professional teams have marketing tie-ins with gaming establishments and casinos.

Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Nc) . The former NFL player and now Congressman opposes any such legislation that would legalize gambling and in particular sports book betting within the states of Delaware and Nevada. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Tiffany Warren ......................

The gambling industry in the US is worth upwards of between $30-$45billion dollars a year and employs close to 400,000 people. So to be of the belief that there isn’t some undue benefit to the government or a state agency would be redundant to say the very least. For many states across the country with the very fact that the harsh economic environment that many now find themelves. They are indeed looking to other revenue streams in order to facilitate their budget shortfalls. The state of California this year alone faces a $24bn budget deficit shortfall this year alone. Somehow the predisposition of their Governator Arnold Schwarzeneggar to blow everything up within his midst , in order to solve a problem. Well it appears that it doesn’t seem to be working as of now, for the citizens of California. Or as a matter of fact for the state employees who are being in some cases being placed on prolonged furloughs or fired from their positions.

Now as to the wish of both states to have this legislation passed. It seems even more outlandish that Congress would also seek to make its voice heard on the matter. Most suprising of all is the very fact that former NFL player and now Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) should come out in opposition to the proposals of both states. But it’s easy to understand the reason why , there. No lobbyist funds may have come betwee Shuler and him making a decision. But then I digress , not every federal legislator is corrupt. And the argument can also be pit forth that not every legislator is as altruistic as they’d have you believe.

Courtesy of USA Today:

Pro leagues, NCAA resist push by states to legalize betting ….

By Michael McCarthy and A J Perez of USA Today

It’s a sign of a lagging economy : American pro leagues and college and sports teams seeking new revenue through increasingly bold marketing relationships with gambling interests. It’s why team logos have begun appearing on state lottery tickets and why some basketball games have been played at casino hotels.

Now officials in Delaware and New Jersey, facing their own budget problems, say it’s time for a bolder move ,full scale legalized sports betting in states other than Nevada,currently the only place such activity is allowed. They are pushing hard to add legalized in-casino sports betting to their states gambling offerings , which include horse racing , lotteries , slot machines, and in Atlantic City – table games.

The plans are being resisted by the nation’s four major pro sports leagues- the NFL, the NBA , the NHL, and Major League Baseball- as well as the NCAA. Despite marketing arrangements that schools have with gambling, sports officials are asking a federal court to stop the Delaware effort, saying that widespread legalized betting would threaten the integrity of their sports by creating incentives for cheating and game-fixing.

That view is not unanimous among sports owners, however.

Joe Maloof, whose family owns the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs as well as the Palms casino resort in Las Vegas, says well regulated sports gambling would help prevent such problems. cont’d ………… see below for further details concerning this article

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The test for both legislatures will be to see if the bill is passed. And then to see whether not it can withstand the challenge of a suit as to its legitimacy within the Federal Court system by the parties concerned. In this case Major League Baseball (MLB) ,the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and finally the NCAA. In large part all five have close ties to the gaming industry in some for another. But to now see them to try and deprive a state of a way formulating a revenue stream in order to stave off economic duress. Well to my mind it smacks of hypocrisy. When these are the very same entities engratiate themselves upon states and municipalities up and down the country in order to obtain lucrative tax breaks that facilitate the building of their arenas and that in effect also allows them to conduct their very business.

Something is inherently wrong here if they are indeed allowed to challenge the veracity of what both states are trying to do. No one has yet to challenge each of the five upon the basis of how they operate and conduct their businesses. But here they are trying to dictate and legislate how states of Delaware and New Jersey ought to conduct their own by seeking recourse through the legal system.

This is something that it is odious in nature . But even more it smacks of collusion and if nothing else it is also depriving the two states and its citizens their very rights govern themselves in an appropriate fashion.

What are your thoughts on this matter ? Below also is a poll that you can participate in should you choose to. I look forward to reading your comments with a keen interest as to your responses.

The Potential Is There For Something …..I Just Don’t Know What

Far be it for me to suggest that Allen Iverson has nothing to offer a team at this moment in time. But it’d appear that a player who’s now on the downside of what one might deem an illustrious career. It would probably be in his best interest to ride off into the sunset with his head held high. And let his legacy speak for itself. Rather than him now being ridiculed as the shell of the player he once was .

A seemingly happy Allen Iverson is introduced to the Detroit media having just been acquired by the Pistons in exchange for point guard Chauncey Billups who was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the former League MVP. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus ............

Well at the end of the season Iverson became an unrestricted free agent. His tenure in Detroit proved to be a complete disappointment with the Detroit Pistons. Now very much his own man , though no longer an elite player. He now has to sit and wait for a team to show at least a modicum of interest in his talents. And for a player of Iverson’s undoubted talents, the days are long gone where’d be viewed as player that would command a king’s ransom for his services.

A smiling Allen Iverson in a Pistons' uniform. A rarity as such as his playing time was often pared due to recurring injuries and a loss of form . However on this occasion to be happy as his Pistons' team had just defeatd the Los Angeles Lakers 106-96 in a game played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , California,. picture appears ap/photo/ Gus Ruelas ....................

These are stark and dire times economically and teams aren’t prepared to pay top dollar for marginally above average talent. Mid-level cap exemption status or not. The fall of a once great player now seems to be resonating with a number of fans across the league. The thought that we’re now seeing a player of Iverson’s caliber struggle to even find a team seems somewhat perplexing. Albeit that it may well have something to do with the player’s perceived character and his susceptibility to recurring injuries. But one thing for sure is that we all know is that as a player, in no way does Iverson lack heart ! He gives of himself and of his body, perhaps more than is actually required in the pursuit of victory.

Iverson as a Nugget playing at the team's home venue, the Pepsi Center in Denver , Colorado,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ryan Williams ............

Amongst the peers of his generation , perhaps only the ‘The Big Man’, ‘The Diesel’, Shaquille O’Neal played with as much heart as Iverson in his heyday on the basketball court. But this is no longer a veteran’s game. Albeit that cerebral players such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are said to be still at their peak. And those are the players from Iverson’s generation that we tend to associate him with.

And whilst we can contend that the failed experiment of Iverson’s tenure with the Denver Nuggets , playing alongside Carmelo Anthony , Kenyon Martin , J. R. Smith and Nene’ . But yet they could still not function as a cohesive unit , much less as a team. And for Nuggets’ coach George Karl , there was no end to the nightmare , as they set out on this doomed facsimile of an experiment. The Nuggets with Iverson in tow , was a team primarily built on the premise offense. Defense it would appear was never a part of their mindset. And it was understandable when the Nuggets as an organization sought to trade Iverson to the Pistons in exchange for hometown hero, Chauncey Billups , a Denver native. And in the end we all saw who got the better of that deal .

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers seen here participating against the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA's Summer League. pictur appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garret W Ellwod

The Denver Nuggets would indeed ascend whereas the Detroit Pistons, though barely having made it into the playoffs. They were jettisoned from postseason play like rancid garbage being thrown into the streets of New Delhi.

As is befitting a team and a player seemingly on the demise. The Detroit Pistons and Allen Iverson are at a crossroads as to their immediate futures. For the Pistons and their GM Joe Dumars . It is now about rebuilding a team and making them once again a perennial contender. Whereas for Iverson it’s about rebuilding his reputation and at the same time prove to any team, willing to take him. That he has indeed something still to offer a team, by way of his own contributions.

Amongst the teams or said team to be interested in Allen Iverson. It’s allegedly Donald Sterling’s Los Angeles Clippers. This couldn’t be perceived as a marriage made in heaven. But it may well have to do as far as Iverson’s career ambitions may well go.

Whilst on paper the team’s roster looks great with a mixture of seasoned veterans in Baron Davis , Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis, Zach Randolph and Chris Kaman. There’s also promising sophomore Eric Gordon and this year’s number #1 draft pick Blake Griffin to complement and round out the playing staff of this team. And as much as we’ve derided the Clippers over the years for their ineptitude. It has to be said that the possible addition to Iverson on this team. And the foundations could well be laid for a successful season.

Eric Gordon of th Clippers seen here playing against the Phoenix Suns in an NBA game from last season. It's hoped that Gordon and Bake Griffin will be viewed as the conerstone of the Clippers' long term future. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Anthony Kettering .............

But much of that percieved success would be predicated on the egos of some players being left at the door. It’s bad enough having the likes of Davis and his namesake Ricky Davis on the same team . In addition you’ve also got a malcontent and an enfant terrible in Zach Randolph added into the mix. That’s as volatile and combustible a mix as anyone would want to have to undertake as a coach of this team. Nevermind then adding Iverson into such an environment. Talk about a molotov cocktail . This may well be a Krakatoa type eruption waiting to happen. And in the midst of it all all you’ll have these two young players in Gordon and Griffin having to ingratiate themselves with their more experienced teammates.

It could either bring about a recipe for disaster. Or dare I say it , complete resounding success ? What Iverson can bring to this team as its elder statesman is a wise head and hopefully a calming influence to this team. But let’s not forget we are talking about the Los Angeles Clippers. Success for them as of late has been to play the entire regular season of 82 games and then to be mistakenly recognized as members of the Los Angeles Lakers. In reality the only thing these two teams have in common is that they share the same home venue and they both play in the Western Conference. As to comparing their competitive nature. That’s like comparing a highly priced bottle of vintage jeroboam champagne to a bottle of stale vinegar. It just doesn’t equate !

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The Potential Is There For Something…..I Just Don’t Know What

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The Birdman Can Still Fly High In Denver But Can He And The Nuggets Join The Mile High Club ?

The Denver Nuggets have resigned Chris Birdman Andersen to a 5 year deal . The deal itself is said to be worth in the region of $26m . And it’s a handsome reward for a player that seemingly resurrected his career with the Nuggets.

The high flying Chris Andersen who was resigned by the Denver Nuggets to a 5 year $26m contract. Anderson appreciatie of the commitment shown in him by the franchise. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/Mark Bartlestein ………

For coach George Karl and that of the Nuggets’ hierarchy it was a welcoming reward in the return of a fan favorite amongst the Denver crowd. He brought energy to the team’s home arena and the fans fed off that. And with his zany antics , erstwhile character and willingness to sacrifice his body in order to do the dirty work on the offensive and defensive end in terms of rebounding. It’s easy to understand why it is that the franchise were determined to retain the player.

And though the team fell short of their expectations , having been eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals 4-2 after a determined effort. It has to be said that this will be a team to be reckoned with next season. A year older but much more wiser one would hope. This augurs well for the franchise and their ultimate aim of winning an NBA championship.

Ty Lawson who was selected 18th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves is seen here with Nuggets' coach George Karl after the player was acquired by the team in a trade . Lawson will be the backup to point guards Chauncey Billups and Anthony Carter . But in all likelihood he's viewed as the heir apparent to Billups. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / David Zabulowski ............

And with the experience of having a proven winner within their midst in point guard Chauncey Billups as a well as the maturation of Carmelo Anthony. It’s easy to see why this team may well be one of the few teams in the Western Conference who could give the Los Angeles Lakers a run for their money in defending their NBA title.

Carmelo Anthony (left), Chauncey Billups (center) and Nene Hilario of the Denver Nuggets are on the sidelines during the Western Conference quarter finals game played against the New Orleans Hornets at the Pepsi Center in Denver , Colorado. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris Farrior .............

Not lost in all of this has been the draft of the Nuggets. There’s been astute assessment in what their requirements were. And they went about picking up a very talented player. They may well have picked up the heir apparent to Billups in acquiring former Carolina Tar Heel Ty Lawson. The player was orginally taken 18th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves , who then dispatched his rights to the Nuggets via a trade. That in ofitself could well be a blessing in disguise for the team as a whole. With Lawson they get an intense and creative offensive player . Who’s also equally adept on the defensive side of the ball. And with the team’s roster almost seeminly unchanged . The cohesiveness that we saw throughout much of the regular season and into the earlier rounds of the playoffs ought to be still there as the new season beckons.

The aspirations of the franchise won’t at all be lost on the fans in Denver. They’ve shown their loyal support to the team throughout the regular season and then into the postseason itself. And even with the disappointment of the loss to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. They could see the beginning of something fruitful as to the team’s play and the resolve shown.

Yahoo Sports.com reports: via AP Sports Writer Pat Graham …..

Anderson reaches 5-year deal to stay with Nuggets.

AP Sports Writer Pat Graham :
Denver (AP) Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen has reached a 5 year deal to keep his high flying, shot blocking act with the Denver Nuggets , the team he revived his career with last season.

Andersen’s attorney, Mark Bryant , confirmed the agreement on Wednesday , saying it would be signed later in the day.

Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday could make up to $26m over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility.

The Nuggets didn’t return phone calls.

Andersen will make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocked shots in 20.6 minutes.

“You write the best scenario, think you’re dreaming and open youre eyes and it’s real,” Bryant said. “He’s very excited . They treated him as a priority.”

With his colorful tattoos and spiky hair, Andersen was an instant hit with the Denver fans, who’ve embraced his return to the court.

Andersen came back to the NBA in 2008 following a ban that lasted almost two years after he tested positive for an undisclosed “drug of abuse”.

The energetic forward known for his defensive disruption around the basket provided a spark off the bench as the Nuggets made a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

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