Singletary Blows Up after Loss

This is sure to be another coors light commercial somewhere down the line. (Side note: these guys are silly.) Singletary sure does sound like Dr Martin Luther King Jr to me.

Houston, We have a Problem?

The NBA is a copycat league. In the 80s, everyone got caught up in the run and gun of Showtime. The 90s, build your team around 2 superstars like Jordan/Pippen, Duncan/Robinson, Hakeem/Drexler, then fill your roster out with role players. Now, heading into the 2008 season, the 3 headed monster is the way to go. Dont get me wrong, teams still want the superstar that sells tickets, the classy superstar that doesnt cause any "image" problems, and the up-and-coming superstar that has a cult following. With the Celtics pummelling the Lakers in Game 6 of the Finals, the verdict was in: You can't win without the three headed monster. Ultimately, KG, Ray Allen, Pierce and Co. proved too much for the Lakers and Kobe. The key here it was Kobe, Gasol, and the third piece was Odom by default. Had they had the promising Bynum in the lineup, it is another ball game. So what has happened since then? Panic.

Teams are going after the new model of small ball and agile stars. The latest sucked into this fray are the Houston Rockets. The Rockets traded Bobby Jackson, a player to be named (Dontae Green), and a future 1st rounder to the Kings to rent Ron Artest. Yes, rent. Artest is in the last year of a contract that pay a modest $7.4 million. Yes, modest for a player that is arguably the Dennis Rodman of his era when its comes to defense, intensity, and plain old scary. But this experiment could over as just another Houston melee did with Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley. One and done. Beyond that, where does Ron Ron fit in the lineup? Last years starters: Alston, T-Mac, Battier, Scola, Yao. So does Ron Ron play the 4 and Houston play somewhat small ball. (Sidenote: Can't play small ball when someone on your team is 7'5.) Projected Lineup A: Alston, T-Mac, Battier, Ron Ron, Yao. Good lineup if you are playing against the East but does Ron Ron guard Amare, Boozer, David West, Pau? Dont think so. Sure he has help over the top in Yao but that is a lot to ask a player that would rather promote his rap album next summer with DJ Drama.

I hope this is just trade bait to lure an actually need to Houston. With the stars on this team turning the corners in their careers, Houston is still in the playoffs, but they are not going anywhere fast.

Kevin Durants drops 60 at Local Bball Tournament

Report: NFL to review tape for evidence of on-field gang signs

ESPN.com news services
The NFL has hired experts to study game footage to determine whether players are displaying street-gang hand signals as part of their on-field celebrations, the Los Angeles Times reports.

"There have been some suspected things we've seen," said Milt Ahlerich, the league's vice president of security, according to the Times' report. "When we see it, we quietly jump on it immediately, directly with the team and the player or employee involved to cease and desist. Period."

There have been some suspected things we've seen. When we see it, we quietly jump on it immediately, directly with the team and the player or employee involved to cease and desist. Period.
-- Milt Ahlerich, NFL VP of security

Gang signs in pro sports gained a higher profile during the NBA playoffs, when Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce was fined $25,000 for making "menacing gestures" toward the Atlanta Hawks' bench during a game.

"We were always suspicious that [gang-related hand signals] might be happening," said Mike Pereira, the NFL's vice president of officiating, according to the report. "But the Paul Pierce thing is what brought it to light. When he was fined … that's when we said we need to take a look at it and see if we need to be aware of it."

Ahlerich said he does not believe the problem is widespread, but added that the league has spoken to some players -- whom he declined to identify -- about their use of hand signals, according to the report.

First-year players were counseled on gangs at the league's recent rookie symposium, and a video on the dangers of gangs was required viewing for every player in the NFL last year, according to the report.

But differentiating between a gang sign and something less menacing can involve some guesswork, according to at least one player.

"Guys come from all over the country, and who knows what they're really doing?" Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Dennis Northcutt said, according to the Times' report. "People have got signs for their kids, signs for their fraternities. How do you differentiate who's really throwing up gang signs?

"This is a gang sign," he added, touching his index finger to his thumb to form a squished version of the hand sign for OK. "But at the same time, it's a sign for a personnel group."

Question - So are these 'experts' on gang signs up to date on every hand signal in America? So much stuff means so much different mess in different neighborhoods, it is impossible to interpret 90% of the crap. I can make up some gang signs tomorrow and it wouldnt make sense to no one outside my "gang". Unless these athletes are blatantly yelling their "sets" out after a big hit, this is almost pointless.

Note to A-Rod: Tie Her to a Rocket

It's cheaper to keep her. Or that's what I heard. Why in the hell would A-Rod risk a marriage over Madonna? She was past her prime 10 years ago. Details on the divorce:

Cynthia Rodriguez filed for divorce in Florida, not New York where they also claim residency due to the perceived leniency of Florida law.

Cynthia's filing says she wants the couple's $12 million mansion in Coral Gables, Fla., along with alimony, her Maybach, and up to half of the more-than-$140 million A-Rod has earned during their six-year marriage. Sure that isn't MJ money, but it is definitely Paul McCarthy. At least MJ was with her for about 15 years, not 6.

Under Florida law, a prenup has to be "fair and reasonable" to be considered enforceable. Gold-Bikin said prenups she has seen in other states "that say, 'the woman gets nothing' " would not be upheld in Florida.

A-Rod has hired the same attorney that Shaq had, even though his divorce talks have cooled down.
Tie her to a Rocket reference. Fast forward to 3:50 for Big Boi.

Is the NBA One Year Rule in Question?

Lawyer says Arizona signee Jennings heading for Europe

Arizona signee Brandon Jennings has decided to make an unprecedented move to forgo playing in college and instead pursue a professional career in Europe next season before likely entering the 2009 NBA draft, Jenning's attorney, Jeff Valle, told ESPN.com on Tuesday night.

"Over the course of the last two months I have consulted a number of people in basketball before coming to this decision," Jennings said in a statement released through Valle. "I would like to thank the University of Arizona for their interest and support through this process."

Jennings, a Los Angeles native who played his final two high school seasons at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., was rated as the nation's top point guard in the class of 2008, according to ESPN.com.

Valle said Jennings will not even wait for his third standardized test result to see if he got a qualifying score after his second test was questioned by the NCAA. The results from the third test are due later this week.

"That's a moot point now," Valle said. "He's not going to the University of Arizona. Brandon plans on going to Europe."

Valle said a number of European teams have expressed an interest in signing Jennings for next season. Valle declined to say which teams and in which countries.

Valle said that the family will consult with Sonny Vaccaro and likely sign with an agent to help facilitate a contract with a European professional team. Vaccaro is considered the godfather of grassroots basketball, having worked for all three major sneaker companies -- Nike, adidas and Reebok -- who sponsor high school summer basketball events.

Jennings was expected to be the starting point guard for Arizona after Jerryd Bayless left for the NBA draft. The Wildcats also return Chase Budinger after he withdrew from the draft as well as Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson after he took a leave of absence last season.

"We're disappointed in terms of Brandon's decision, but we want to wish him the best of luck," Olson said in a statement. "We hope that things turn out well for him in the future."

Under an NBA draft rule put in place two years ago, Jennings has to be out of high school at least one calendar year and be 19 years old before being eligible for the NBA draft.

Best NBA Finals MVP Performances

According to ESPN.com, the rankings for the top performances in NBA Finals history. Only repeat performers in the top 10 include somebody named Jordan and the Diesel.

1. Dwayne Wade, Miami, 2006
Did Dallas choke or was DWade too much for them? I was in Jamaica for the last 2 games and people down there actually were watching and talking about this game over the World Cup. Amazing...but tops Jordan?
2. Michael Jordan, Chicago, 1998
Speaking of this Jordan guy, how do you silence the whole state of Utah within 45 seconds (See pic above)?
3. Tim Duncan, Spurs, 2004
Big Fundamental vs a 2nd time back Nets team that was demoralized by the Lakers the previous year (#9 on the list). Key stat - Averaged 5.3 blocks per game. Yes - per game. This was also Manu's coming out party.
4. Michael Jordan, Chicago, 1997
Jordan and Pippen should have won Oscars for best Actor and Supporting Actor in a sports epic for his game 5 performance in which he had to be carried to the huddle in between plays and to the locker room after dropping 38 on the fluke of the MVP Mailman and the Jazz while suffering from the flu and dehydration. I think I shed a couple of man-tears after that game.
5. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston, 1994
Ever see the Dream shake? Patrick Ewing did. This should have an asterisk next to it since Jordan was on a hiatus and the Knicks cheated Scottie Pippen out of one of the best statistical seasons in history. Nevertheless, The Dream was putting the Knicks through the spin cycle and the OJ chase. NBA...where drama happens? (Wouldn't that have been great if TNT had this and like 4 different Law and Order's had OJ type spinoffs? Before there time.)
6. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, 1987
Nearly averaged a quadruple double in the series: 26ppg, 13assists, 8 reb, and 9 asses smacked for the series. IFFF Magic got HIV, it might have happened around this time. He was on fire.
7. Michael Jordan, Chicago, 1991
The coming out party. After all of those years trying to get pass those Pistons and Knicks, Jordan leads his team to the promise land in 5 games. Doing so, he makes probably the most incredible shot of the decade, almost to the extent of the birth of the alley-oop. After the shot, Jordan finished game 2 with these numbers: 33pts on 15-18 fgs, 13assists, 7reb. Not to mention he hit 13 fgs in a row with number #13 being "the shot" (above).
8. Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers, 2000
Shaq averaged 38 pts despite shooting 38% from the charity stripe. Talking about domination, no one could stop him on the Pacers. This was also the coming out party for Kobe after Shaq fouled out in game 4 and Kobe carried the team down the stretch and in OT.
9. Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers, 2002
The sweep of the Nets was not even the story of the playoffs. The true story now more than ever is the alledged throwing game 6 in the Western Conference Finals vs the Kings. In that game, the Lakers shot 27 free throws in the 4th quarter. Another asterisk.
10. Michael Jordan, Chicago, 1992
Three peat. This one was over before the Blazers got off the bus. Jordan dropped 35pts in the first half of game 1 with an onslaught of 3 pointers. This was remarkable because Jordan shot 27% from behind the arc that year. Talking about your game plan going out the window. That is like stepping in the ring and fighting a young Mike Tyson. Sure you trained for the bout and possibly thought you could win. Then you get hit.

Sports Ticker

Baseball
Interesting facts about Baseball so far in 2008:
A 2nd baseman, Chase Utley is leading the majors in HR. He, along with about 5-6 other hitters, could potentially hit 50 hrs or more. Are we sure the problem was "steroids" and not the balls being juiced?
Cubs in first place in June for first time since slavery. Not really slavery but definitely since apartheid and Jim Crow.

Basketball
Finals start Thursday night. Lakers will win the series unless Bill Russell takes over as player coach of the Celtics.
Flip got Flipped. Out as Detroit Pistons Head Coach, replaced by Michael Curry (no relation to Stephen Curry).
Other Coaching News - Nellie re-ups with Golden State. But what does that mean for Baron Davis?
Vacancies - Phoenix, Chicago (Reported that Doug Collins would be reincarnated), Boston (after Finals)
While you are talking about Chicago - check out their homepage and "Riding with Larry Hughes". Mean car collection. All murdered out.

Track your teams

Ever wonder how your team stacks up in dollars spent vs performance on the field? Check this out.

http://benfry.com/salaryper/

And yes the salary difference between the Yanks and Marlins is $188 million.

You know what grinds my gears???

There have been many recent 'scandals', especially at USC. Mayo, accused of receiving a possible 30k over the past 18 months dating back to high school and Bush, accused of receiving considerably more during his time at USC. But lets look at the underlying theme here: Should these athletes, mostly basketball and football stars, get paid or is the "scholarship of free education" compensation enough?

Here are the rules by the major sports:
NBA - Under the current rules, implemented in 2006, players must be 19 years old to be eligible for the NBA draft.

NFL - Rules state that a player cannot enter the draft until his high school graduating class is at least three years removed, which is after their junior year or after a redshirt sophomore season.

NHL - Players who turn 18 by September 15 and are not older than 20 by December 31 are eligible for selection. In addition, non-North American players over the age of 20 are eligible. A North American player who is not drafted by the age of 20 is an unrestricted free agent. All non-North Americans must be drafted before being signed, regardless of age.

MLB - All the ins and outs of transactions are covered, sometimes in excruciating detail, in a large loose-leaf binder titled, "The Official Professional Baseball Rules Book," something completely separate from the "Official Baseball Rules" (which cover only the game on the field). Unfortunately, Major League Baseball doesn't make that loose-leaf binder available to the public.

Tennis/Golf - No age limits but highly selective and equity barriers to entry.

The two areas with the most strict regulations are the two that covet the highest minority participation, and ironically the most room for error. Some college football teams carry up to 85 athletes, basketball another 15. Coincidence, probably not. But the problem lies with the flip side of the argument. Who benefits from the athlete or coaches that do the right thing? What happens to the coach that blows the whistle on the program for wrong-doings? Check here and see Bruce Pearl. What about the athlete that blows out there knee trying to improve their position in the draft? What about the athletes that are just trying to do the right thing for their country?

My thing is the regulation is not accessing the true problem. Colleges are benefiting from these players in more situations than not. It is a farm system with strict regulations and sanctions on players, but not on coaches whom can jump schools with only a monetary fine. Players in most cases aren't going to major in Biology as top tier prospects, especially in the case of basketball. There aren't any Manhood 101 classes taught either. Sure, the average athlete does not play professional sports, but the common sense classes are not their either. People are going to chase their dreams (or the dreams that others have forced upon them) no matter what the cost. How is that different from a young entrepreneur who bypasses college and creates the next Facebook/Myspace/Napster? The difference is that these people were already equipped with the skill sets that made them famous before they stepped foot on the college campus. GM's and CEO's are always looking for that next big thing. They are looking so hard and drafting and scouting on 'potential' that they may miss out on the true gem of the draft. Potential, as described in physics, is a field defined in space, from which many important physical properties may be derived. This sort of effort exists only in relevance to other matters in space. The one problem that usually derives from this, money changes all people. Like Deion Sanders said, it can change my car, my zip code, and my wardrobe. But can money change the hunger to reach potential? Only the individual can answer that.