Mets @ The Movies!

Yet another marketing scheme and way for the New York Mets to make money, even when their games are away. But yes, I am a sucker, and lover of all things free and deeply discounted, so I fell for it. Mets at the Movies! Last night, Wednesday, August 29, the Mets had a road game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Instead of just having people watch from home, for free, they teamed up with SNY and Screenvision and invited us to come cheer on the Mets, in real time, at the historic Ziegfeld Theatre in midtown Manhattan. While the game was exciting, it left the whole crowd disappointed because the Mets fell short in their comeback attempt. All in all, it was something I will remember for a long time to come and, if given the choice, I would definitely do it again.

There's no way a game shown at a movie theatre can compare to actually being in Philly, but let me tell you, it was a great experience. The game started at 7:05 but people started lining up before 5, and when I got there around 6, the line wrapped around the corner. Thank God I bought my tickets in advance and went right to the entrance! The viewing screen was huge, 50 ft x 23 feet, and the theatre seats 1,131. Official numbers show that the theatre almost sold out, with 1,100 in attendance. There were even some celebs in the building. 1969 Mets' starting shortstop, Buddy Harrelson, was present for a meet and greet before the game began. I was able to get his autograph and take a pic with him. SNY, a television network devoted to New York based sports, had two of their own anchors, Chris Cotter and Lee Mazzilli, attended the game and answer some questions. Alex Anthony, the Mets PA announcer, emceed the event. There were traditional Shea Stadium amenities; beer, hot dogs, beer, popcorn, and let's not forget beer. There were live giveaways, funny skits, and sing-alongs. Meeting Mr. Met was fun for me. I didn't get a picture with him but I got a hug! The Pepsi Party Patrol made their rounds, launching t-shirts into the crowd and getting the fans hyped. The atmosphere was awesome; 1,000+ Mets fans all gathered together in an enclosed space, in the least likely place one would think to host a game.

The whole time I screamed and cheered, waving my blue and orange pompom through the air. We chanted, we laughed and even sang "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" during the 7th inning stretch! It was like watching the game from home, with 1,099 of my friends. I caught one of the launched t-shirts, which literally fell in my lap. There was a funny skit called "Jose Reyes" where he went around trying to teach people some Spanish vocab. Later in the skit, Carlos Delgado joked that before he took Reyes' class he didn't speak a word of Spanish. Those that attended to game got two free tickets to attend a Mets home game against the Atlanta Braves in September. The tickets to view the game at the theatre were 10 bucks, and I got two free tickets out of it!? BET! I looked at the tix and the seats suck ass. But hey, they were sorta free right? We also got "gift bags" that had SNY trading cards and other promotional items.

The only bad thing about the game was the fact that the Mets lost! It was the top of the 9th, the Mets were down 4-3 in the midst of a comeback. There was one out and two runners on, Endy Chavez on 3rd and Marlon Anderson on 1st. Pinch-hitter Shawn Green hit a ground ball that was caught by SS Jimmy Rollins. A clear double play, Rollins pitched it to Tadahito Iguchi at second getting Anderson out, then to first where Green was ruled safe, and Chavez scored what appeared to be the tying run. The officials ruled that Anderson interfered with Iguchi at second, causing him to miss the possible game ending out at first. And while that was true, the issue was that the throw to first would have been late without Anderson intentionally barrelling into Iguchi. What could have been a Mets win, turned into the Mets fourth loss in a row. Their first place lead in the NL has gone from seven games to three.

I tried to take pictures inside the dark theatre but most of my attempts were futile. Finding the right setting and flash for my camera was a hassle, so I pretty much gave up. Below are some of the pics that weren't half bad. Enjoy!

THE Best Weekend of the Summer!!

Starting today I'm back on my grind. This summer has been great, but for me it's pretty much over since I have to get back to work. But thank God for friends!! I've done more in the past 3 days than I have in the past 3 months! This was the best weekend I've had all summer, and the perfect way to send myself off into the real world. But trust me when I say, this weekend was a fairytale. All plans fell right into place and it was awesome!

Friday, 8.24 - The 2nd Annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic at Rucker park in Harlem. Introducing us to the latest batch of talented ballers, and showin the youngins to how we do it at The Rucker! In a year or 2 all of these guys will be playing for top NCAA basketball teams, and rockin March Madness. HARD. BODY.

Saturday, 8.25 - Ball 4 Real block party and game at Madison Square Garden. They've branched off of AND 1, and these guys are still throwin it down. 1/2 Man, Main Event, Special FX, Spyda, AO, Pharmacist & Mr. 720! The flashiest, craziest, sexiest high-flying dunks and alley oops you'll ever see! Congratulations to Pat Da Rock on becoming the newest addition to the Ball 4 Real roster, and winning $100,000. #27 baby, gotta love it!

Sunday, 8.26 - The 10th Annual Black August concert @ The Nokia Theatre in Times Square. Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, DJ Evil Dee & DJ D-Nice, M1 Hosting. Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Hands Off Assata Shakur. Raising social consciousness and awareness to the struggles we still face in this world. The next phase of the revolution. And the after party at Arena?! Bananas!

I would like to thank everyone who came together and helped make this amazing weekend possible. Shout out to my girl Skrilla!! Always in the mix! Jay-Vo, girl you held me DOWN! Ride or die homie! Big Cease stay openin doors!! Al, even though you did me dirty in the end you got me right.

2nd Annual Elite 24 Hoops Classic

The summer's winding down, and next week my schedule really kicks into high gear. My lazy summer will turn into a hectic fall, and I'm surprisingly excited about it. So I called up my girls and decided to have a nice night out. I live in Harlem literally a stone's throw from the legendary Rucker Park. During the summer they have tournament games within the week, and sometimes they host special basketball events. Last night the 2nd Annual Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic presented by Rise Magazine was at The Rucker. The top high school juniors and seniors from all across the nation got a a chance to shine on what is arguably one of the most famous basketball courts in the nation. Some of these high schoolers have already committed to programs like USC, Nevada, UNC, Arizona, Ohio State, and UCLA. I'm a huge NCAA basketball fan, and I love tracking player progression, usually from college to pro. A chance to see some of these guys even earlier? Jump on it!! Basketball game at Rucker Park, and menzes galore! It was slated to be one of the best nights I've had in a while. I had it all planned out.

Armed with a pen, pad and comprehensive roster, me and girls went to the park. We were met with a line that was super long and a park that was super full. Security told us the park was closed and that they weren't letting anyone else in. My girls, not avid basketball fans like me, decided to leave. I decided to stay. Travel light, travel far right? There was no way I was not getting into that park. I buddied up to security and he saw me writing on my pad and asked me if I was press. "Hell yeah I'm press!" He asked me who I was with and I told the truth, myself. I told him I'm an up and coming sports writer, I gave him my website info (which reminds me I need business cards) and he led me in through VIP. I made my way to the sidelines and got a front row seat behind the bench. Shortly after that, another friend of mine showed up so I wasn't completely alone. Former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, Houston Rockets PG, Rafer Alston, AKA Skip To My Lou, and Golden State Warriors PG Baron Davis coached the 2 teams. I sat behind Davis' bench and had the opportunity to talk to him and ask a few questions. Nate Robinson was there, and they said Magic Johnson was supposed to show but I didn't see him. The GOAT Squad came out ahead and beat the Skip To My Lou Squad, 169-164. Looking at the final score, it's clear that there were some outstanding performances. Lance Stephenson, a 6-5 shooting guard and rising junior led his school, Lincoln HS in Brooklyn, to a state title last year. Being in NYC, he was definitely the hometown favorite. Stephenson won co-MVP honors and scored an Elite 24 record 38 points, along with 4 assists. While most of the players chose to pound the lane the entire game, Stephenson also showed his ability to knock down threes. The other MVP was Arizona-bound PG Brandon Jennings. The 6-1 senior from Oak Hill Academy (VA) proved to be even more impressive, finishing the game with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and an Elite 24 record 23 assists. This is his second time playing in the tournament and the kid has great hands, a strong drive to the hoop, and not to go unmentioned, hops. Other standouts included Kemba Walker, Demar DeRozan, Samardo Samuels, and Luke Babbitt.

And Another Thing!

The funniest part of this whole debacle is the fact that the 53 pit bulls that the federal government seized from Mike Vick's property are gonna die anyway!! If no one comes forward by today, Thursday Aug, 23, to claim the dogs, they will be euthanized. These dogs are deemed "unsafe pets" so the likelihood of anyone coming forward to claim these pits is slim to none. The government doesn't want these dangerous animals, and they are ready and willing to kill them, just like Vick & Company have been accused of doing. With all of this, wouldn't it have just been easier to let "Bad Newz Kennels" keep the damn dogs and make some money? I mean really, they government called themselves "rescuing" these pit bulls, only to have them meet the same, unfortunate end. There's irony for that ass!

Beating A Dead....

I've tried to kinda stay away from the Michael Vick issue. I could care less what people think, I don't give a DAYUM if Mike Vick fights dogs. Period. Point fuckin blank. Damn a damn dog!! People have done, are now doing, and will continue to do worse things. We live in a society where people treat their dogs better than other human beings. We step over the homeless, but run to the aid of abandoned pups. People are out there killing!! HUMANS!! Babies are dying, children are being molested, women are being raped, people are being tortured, we are at WAR!! With the reaction Vick has gotten you would have thought he's done all of the above!

I can understand people who are against dog fighting. Hell, I don't like it either. What I can't stomach, are people who believe that if you don't agree with them on this issue you are an immoral person. Fighting dogs sounds horrible, but let me be honest. I know people who fight dogs. Yes, I said it. Are they good people? Sure! Do they do some questionable things? Sure. Do I really give a rats fuckin ass? Hell to the nah! Hey man, listen, I got bigger fish to fry than to worry about pit bulls, which are arguably some of the most vicious dogs around! Another truth about me, when I was around 7-8 years old, I was attacked by a pit bull. Ok, more like it bit me once then kept it moving, but it was an attack none the less. This (white) woman was walking her 2 pits, 1 huge one and one puppy. I saw them coming and I decided I didn't want to end up a statistic so I decided to hide behind a huge tree and wait for them to pass. Well clearly the big ass pit wasn't having any of that and took my hiding behind the tree as an insult, or a challenge. The pit came around the tree, found me hiding, and bit me. The thing just bit me! Of course I started to cry, the woman asked me if I was ok, I said yes, and she uhhh, kept it moving. She clearly didn't want any problems so she left a child crying behind a tree rather than get me some help. I ended up in the emergency room to get checked out. I had to get rabies shots, the first one being in my ass, by a fine ass male doctor. I was little hesitant at first, but I showed him the goods. Hmmm, I wonder how he's doing...Anyway, this incident with a malicious pit didn't turn me off of dogs at all. Things happen, it is what it is. I love dogs, I think they're great. Some more evil than others, but great.

I read that long ass indictment and call me heartless, but I wasn't moved. The issue seems to be the manner in which the dogs died; electrocution, drowning, hanging. Sounds painful! Stephon Marbury came out a couple of days ago, as a Vick supporter, and likened dog fighting to hunting and people were all up in arms! 'Oh, how could he? There are no similarities whatsoever! Tell Stephon to stay in his lane, stick to basketball!' But let's put all the cards on the table, people hunt animals and leave their dead carcasses strewn about in their homes as prizes. What is the purpose of hunting deer? Yes, yes, I've heard that dumb ass story about thinning out the herd and overpopulation. Say what you want to try and justify it, but the truth is people take pleasure in killing deer! And bears and rabbits and elk and whatever the hell else they feel like killing and plastering their petrified heads above their fireplaces. I've heard the argument that hunting is legal and dog fighting isn't. Ok, way to state the obvious genius! The less obvious answer is people don't keep the animals they hunt as pets. If most people had deer as pets and dogs were out in the wild being hunted, people would have dog-skin rugs! And if they found out that Mike Vick was breeding deer to have them fight each other to the death, they would be just as outraged! As a society we make exceptions for the things we want to do, and deem everything else illegal.

Like you already know, I love 1050 ESPN Radio. Most of the hosts are on the "I love dogs with all my heart how dare you do anything to them but love them" side, and I'm fuckin sick of it. The past few weeks it's been getting harder and harder to listen to the station. No one says anything original, it's all about the humanity. Anyone who calls in to disagree with the anti-Vick stance gets berated and hung up on. So when the Vick topic does come up, as hard as it is for me, I just change the station. That is except for when the Max Kellerman Show is on weekdays from 10am - 12pm. He's the only guy who dares to take an alternative stance. He brings up the meat industry and the manner in which pigs, cows and chickens are bred, and subsequently slaughtered for our enjoyment. He brings up the hypocrisy of people who simultaneously proclaim themselves animal lovers and avid hunters. He brings up the fact that pigs, as filthy as we blast them to be, are smarter than dogs. Look it up people! Haven't you ever read Animal Farm!! This ain't no joke!

I say all that to say, GET OFF MIKE VICKS JOCK!! The man already pled guilty, and it's still not enough for all you dog lovin, animal rights havin, PETA supportin, I still hunt animals but the way I kill them is more humane ass phonies!! Damn, you guys are beating a dead dog! I mean uhh, horse.

Eli Manning Up

Ok, so everyone's talking about this Eli Manning/Tiki Barber mini controversy. So hell, here's my take on it. I was actually watching the Sunday night game with the New York Giants vs. the Baltimore Ravens. The halftime show came on and there was Tiki, a man I admire and respect with uhhh, 2 other guys. They were introducing him into the lineup of anchors we'll have this season on NBC's Sunday Night Football. I remember thinking to myself, hmm, this is a bit of a tricky situation for Tiki to be in. Halftime show of a Giants game, and now he has to talk about their performance. And trust me, the way the Giants played in the first half, there were not many praises to be doled out. So the panel gets to talkin and they ask Tiki to tell them some stories; they want the scoop on what really went on behind closed doors. What's Lil' Manny (that's what I call him!) really like? Tiki, like a kid eager to please, gave up a story about passing a weekly motivational speech onto Manning for one game and he pretty much tanked. His voice was weak, and he seemed unsure and timid. Eli responded to Barber's jabs by questioning his leadership ability, citing his retirement announcement that came in the middle of last season, distracting the team, and an occasion when Tiki called out head coach Tom Coughlin.

I'm not mad at this situation for the same reasons other people are mad. Tiki didn't say anything the media hasn't been saying for years; Eli looks meek. His demeanor is stoic, he's not very animated, and he doesn't get guys hype, on the field, in the huddle, on the sidelines or in the locker room. Eli is not his brother Peyton. I've heard people saying Tiki should just shut up and mind his business. Huh?! Football is his business! It's his (new) job to be critical of teams, and that includes the team he played for his entire NFL career. People are saying that Eli has finally said something in response to his critics. Hooray backbone!! You think after all these years in NY he's finally had decided to beat back? Nuh uh. Eli doesn't give a shit what all the other media analysts say. He cares about his job and his team, that's it. And when a former teammate, one that he thought he could trust, comes out against him with personal tales of his shortcomings and failures, Manning takes a stand. Eli's not mad that critics call him a sub par leader, he's mad TIKI called him a sub par leader. These guys were supposed to be friends, teammates at the least. When someone you look to for help to speak so negatively about you on national television, you really don't have much of a choice but to fire back and come to your own defense. And for what it's worth, I'm on Eli's side on this one.

Let's face it, Tiki is an analyst now, he's going to be dissecting teams, and it's impossible to think that everything he says will be positive. There will be some weaknesses pinpointed and some deficiencies exposed about his former team. That is to be expected. But revealing insider information? That's kinda low Tiki. When they asked him to disclose some info dirt on Manning, I expected Tiki to remain a bit impartial. Hell, let me just say it - Tiki should have kept his mouth shut! I would have respected his answer more had he given some lame story that didn't make Eli seem completely inadequate and feeble. Maybe something along the lines of him being young, and this year really being a pivotal year for him to grow and step more into that leadership role, especially with Tiki being gone. I've heard people say, Well, how come Tiki didn't say any of that while he was on the team? Duh DUMMIES!! Cuz he didn't want to belittle the guy who is supposed to be the cornerstone of their offense. In the traditional sense, the QB is the leader but we all know, including Eli, that Tiki ran that offense. It would have been in poor taste for him to lay into his QB during the week, and expect things to be all good on Sunday. That's not the way it works. He's Tiki, not T.O.

But hey, Tiki's tactlessness seems to have given Eli the motivation he needed to finally speak out. Tiki lit a bit of a fire under his ass, and for the first time, I think Manning actually felt it. Let's just hope this little flame will turn into a well-contained wild fire when he hits the field. If it doesn't, no one will be surprised. But if it does, we have Tiki to thank for it. That's Tiki for ya! Always helpin the Giants! Even after retirement.

Hate It or Love It

I have a love/hate relationship with NFL preseason games. I love em cuz it means that football, no matter how sloppy and uncoordinated, starts in August, not September. It means that I get to take a look at some of my favorite teams before the season starts, find strengths and flaws, and see how the team gels. Preseason gives you a rare look at guys who never take the field in the reg season, backups, guys who wanna make the team, and rookies. Preseason is also the time of unlikely, untimely, unexpected, devastating, too-fuckin-early-ass injuries. EVERY preseason, without fail, players get hurt. Some with tweaked ankles, others with season ending injuries. The New York Giants played the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night and OMG did we feel it! First of all, the Giants didn't look that great, yet they eeked out a 13-12 win. Baltimore's defense is sick!! The Giants lost 5, count em - 5, guys in this game. Back to back injuries, hell, I even got hurt! Some guys look like they'll be ready to go for the season opener, others are DONE for the season.

1) CB Sam Madison – Pulled Hamstring
He injured this same hamstring last season and missed about 4 weeks. Season opener? It's questionable.

2) FS Will Demps – Dislocated Elbow
He said he's had this injury before in is career and he was back in 2-3 weeks. Doctors, however, say the healing process takes more like 4-6 weeks. We'll see, but as for now, count his ass out.

3) WR Steve Smith – Concussion
He scored the only touchdown of the game for the Giants. Eli really threaded the needle with the pass he threw to Smith in the end zone. As he caught it, 2 defensive players converged on him, he caught an elbow to the head, and he suffered a concussion. He returned to practice Tuesday, and he's lookin like he should be ready to go.

4) PR Michael Jennings – Torn Achilles Tendon

Jennings caught a nice ass pass as he was going out of bounds. Somehow, someway during the scramble the shit popped. You already know how I feel about the Achilles. Damn that Achilles!!

5) C Greg Ruegamer – Sprained Ankle
Backup center, hopefully it stays just a sprained ankle.

Not only that, there was another scare on the sidelines. Third string QB Jared Lorenzen ran out of bounds on a play and stepped on RB Brandon Jacobs foot. Big ass 6'4, 285 lb Lorenzen steppin on big ass 6'4, 264 lb Jacobs foot. Jacobs ended up ok, but damn. We cannot afford to have Jacobs injured, missing games with a foot injury. We all saw what happened to Shaun Alexander last season...

For the Ravens, Troy Smith came out in the 4th quarter and as a Big Ten fanatic, it was nice to see him on the field. He looked good, and if there was more time on the clock he might have been able to lead them to a game winning score. He's fightin for the 3rd QB spot against Drew "Who" Olson, and uhh, the Heisman Winner will get it. He was 4-8 for 60 yards. Smith learning from Steve McNair? He did his thing at OSU, and his future, like his past, is very bright.

Unsigned Hype

The 2007 NFL Draft came and it went, but up until today there were 2 first-rounders that were yet to be signed. The #1 pick, outstanding LSU QB Jamarcus Russell, and #14 Darrelle Revis, a corner out of the University of Pittsburgh. Russell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and Revis by the New York Jets.

The Jets and Revis had differing views of how the contract should be structured. The Jets, who traded up in the draft in order to snag Revis, want as much out of this investment as possible. They'll pay him the money, but they want him for 6 years. Revis, not wanting to be locked into a long contract, was looking for 5 years. Most of the first rounders signed 5-year contracts and the Jets are pretty much tryna buck the system. Revis hadn't reported to training since it started on July 27th. Well, after weeks of negotiating the two parties finally reached an agreement, in principle. The deal is believed to be worth $36 million over 6 years. I'm assuming there's some sort of opt-out clause somewhere in this 50+ page contract, but things are still pretty vague. After missing more than 20 days of practice, and the Jets preseason opener, Revis is expected to report to camp within in the next few days. With the solid offense the Jets have, this deal was going to get done either way because Revis is expected to be a starter. Hey, defense wins championships.

And then there was 1...
The issue with Russell and the Raiders is simple. Oakland wants the talent but refuses to pay. With a bass ackwards offense, and the number 1 pick in the draft, the Raiders chose Russell. If you watched the kid in college like I did, then you know Jamarcus is the troof. And yes, I said troof. At 6-6, 263 lbs, he's a beast with a monster arm. Not only can he throw deep, he's great on his feet and hard to bring down. The Raiders really don't wanna come outta pocket and pay Russell what the 1st overall pick is usually paid. Every year the price gets higher and higher, and yes, it's getting pretty ridiculous. Remember last year's first pick Mario Williams?! He signed his $54 million contract with $26.5 guaranteed the night BEFORE the draft!! And he's a defensive end! The Houston Texans ain't no joke!! And clearly, the Raiders are and enjoy it. They're the laughing stock of the NFL, and with this punk ass, cheap ass face-off they've got goin on with Russell, that stands to be the case for at least one more season. With all the information I've heard, a deal is no where near being reached, so we shouldn't expect to see Jamarcus in preseason. Scratch that, the ENTIRE 2007-2008 season. What a damn shame!! Have you even seen the depth chart at QB for the Raiders? Josh McCown and Dante Culpepper are fighting for the starting spot. Oh yeah, Andrew Walter is somewhere back there too. If Culpepper is healthy, I’m a smidgen less worried about the Raiders. Not only would it be impressive, but it would also give the Dolphins a real kick in the fins for dropping him after one objectionable season. If he gets hurt, which seems to be his thing the past few seasons, then we’re left with McCown and Walter. I. Am. Not. Impressed.

Tim EFFIN Donaghy

TIM DONAGHY!! Name sounds familiar but you can't quite place it? That's because with all the attention that the Barry Bonds steroids scandal and the Mike Vick dog fighting brouhaha got, Donaghy's name got lost up in the mix. Of all 3 stories, Donaghy's seemed to get the least attention but I think it deserved the most. Fighting dogs - bad. Steroids - bad. But a referee fixing NBA games for the purpose of financial gain? That's just low.

And this "Rogue Official" wasn't only betting on any old NBA game. He was betting on games he officiated. If that's not a conflict of interest I don't know what is. We've all been there; you're watching a game thinking, how the hell did the ref miss that blatant foul? Or, wow, he really pulled that one out of his ass. And what about the looming threat of a technical foul for being too animated about a call a player doesn’t agree with? Now all the refs are handing out technical fouls like the shits are goin outta style. We can pretty much count on Rasheed Wallace leading the pack when it comes to technical fouls, but what about a guy like Tim Duncan pickin up back to back techs, even one from the bench, and getting tossed from a game?! Crazy? FIXED? One may say so... This scandal throws shade on all referees and brings to light the fact that they are given too much power. It's been said many times that we don't want refs "deciding games," especially down the stretch. We all recognized that a ref's call can shift momentum from one team to another. Calling a shooting foul can give a team a number of points with the clock stopped. With a few bogus calls, a team can get right back into a game, take the lead, or lose it. Players can pick up quick fouls and spend a majority of their time on the bench. Those few calls affect the way a guy plays. Is he going to be aggressive and risk fouling out, or does he now have to play soft and let guys come right at him?

This scandal is bigger than the Donaghy, and even the NBA. Donaghy has mob ties. Yes, he was taking bets and placing orders for and with THE mob. Donaghy is soooo illegal. Mind you, referees are prohibited from gambling on ANYTHING but, of all things, horse racing. Not in casinos, on the NFL or even frickin American Idol. And now they're talking about him cooperating with the FBI. He could be giving up as many as 20 names of other referees who were involved in some form of gambling. Yes ladies and gentlemen, that is what we in the hip hop community like to call a snitch. Donaghy not only thumbed his nose at the rules, he was in cahoots with in one of the most underground, illegal, and dangerous organizations known to man. Donaghy is rat and he compromised the integrity of a game that I have loved all my life. People say basketball has fallen off, but many of us still watch and support. To know that someone on the inside who is supposed to be impartial and fair can be so corrupt and deceitful is appalling. Damn you Donaghy. Throw the book at him son.

He's a Wrestler, He's A-He's A Wrestler Homie!

LOL, Adam "PacMan" Jones!! I swear, if it's not one thing it's another! If he's not making it rain on some strippers, he's inciting gun fights. If he's not in a courthouse, he's in the ring! A wrestling ring that is! Pacman made his debut with TNA, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, on Thursday night. He came out Thurs night, mainly to announce his appearance on TNA's pay-per-view event, "Hard Justice."

When the Tennessee Titans heard about his latest stunt they went buck wild! They went to court on Friday, 8/10, and filed an restraining order preventing him from being involved in any activity that could "pose risk of significant injury." No one knows for sure the extent of his participation, but the Titans weren't having any part of it. Pacman can't "touch or be touched, use or be hit by any object or anything else that could injure him." He's been suspended this entire 2007 season, and in his efforts to fill his schedule, he has taken up wrestling. I actually like this idea. Jones will lose almost $1.3 million sitting out this season, so let him live and find some other arena that'll at least let him recoup some of that money. I've heard a lot of negative feedback about him taking this step, but what's the big deal with him wrestling? I understand the physical aspect, and if I were in the Titans front office, I would bar him from physical contact as well. I watched wrestling growing up and I'll admit something to you many don't know. I still watch. DON'T JUDGE ME!! You don't have to get in the ring and wrestle to be a part of a show. He can create drama, incite fights, and just show his face.

I just feel like people will have negative feelings about most of the things he does. People were mad when he spent his free time in strip clubs, people are mad when he wants to wrestle. Sure there are more productive things he can do with his time; that community service that was part of his suspension, finally get his degree from the University of West Virginia, preach to the youth about the pitfalls of violence, Habitat for Humanity. Hell, even soap operas! Instead the man decided to do something he likes, something that not only interests him, but something that pays. Yall know he got all those friends from the hood he has to take care of; buy them expensive cars with humongous rims, bail them out of jail, and pay for those DNA tests from all those chicken heads tryna trap a nuh with babies. Let the man live. Let him live.

Hard Justice comes on tonight, and I'm not spending a dime on TNA wrestling. I'll catch his ass on YouTube.

Return of the OGs

Things done changed yall!! Before, when someone said they were retiring, they actually retired. And STAYED retired. Nowadays people, athletes in particular, just throw that word out when they want to go on an extended vacation. Michael Jordan is the ORIGINAL OG in this fake retirement scheme. His ass retired twice! First in 1993 from the Chicago Bulls in order to uhhh, play baseball. His baseball career sank faster than the Titanic and he soon returned to his real calling, basketball in 1994. In 1998 after leading the Bulls to their 2nd three-peat (91-93, then 96-98) Jordan retired AGAIN!! Someone get this man a dictionary! Did he stay down? NOO! He came back to the NBA from 2001-2003 and played with the Washington Wizards, womp. Then he OFFICIALLY retired. I don't know though. I still get a sinking feeling that he's gonna pop up again, and lead the Charlotte Bobcats to a championship. *shudders* This offseason, there is a major shakeup. Several "retired" players are coming out the woodwork frantically waving their hands in the air saying, "Pick me! Pick me!" Let me just give you some names, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Reggie Miller, Allan Houston and Charles Oakley. Wow, yeah, isn't that crazy!? There are more players on this list but I'm only dealing with the ones I care about.

Charles Oakley is will be 44 years old in December, and hasn't played since the '03 season. I really wonder about his stamina. Sure 40+ is good for pickup games and beating up on your adolescent children, but going against some of these young guys in the NBA? I guess if a team picks him up we'll get a chance to see. Not only that, he's refusing to come back for the league minimum! He wants CAKE, not "bullshit money!" I read in an interview that he wants a two-year, $10 million contract. But according to him, IT AIN'T ABOUT THE MONEY!! First of all, no one's gonna pay a 44 year old man that much money for n-e-thing! Michael Jordan may be your best friend, but YOU, gramps, are not MJ! Verdict: Stay retired ol' ass! Stick with car washin, they say you're good at it!

Allan Houston is serious about coming out of retirement and plans to give the NY Knicks the first crack at signing him, though he is also looking into other teams. 36 year old Houston spent 12 seasons in the NBA, and hasn't played since the 2004 season. He signed with the New York Knicks in 1996 as a free agent, and played his next nine seasons there. His last 2 seasons were limited by arthritis of the knee, the ailment that ultimately forced him to retire. The past year he's done some TV work with ESPN. Even though he hasn't played in two years, he is still under contract with the Knicks and is still getting paid to the tune of more than $20 million per season. Gettin paid, not played!! (Thanks Buju!) But uhhh, last I heard, arthritis is a chronic condition. While he may be feeling good now, once he gets back into the swing of two-a-days and the real pace of the game, does he really think he'll be able to hack it? Verdict: Stay Retired! Dude, you have ARTHRITIS!!

Reggie Miller, Mr. 3 Pointer, has been retired for 2 years, and spent his entire 18-year NBA career with the Indiana Pacers. He has also been on television as an NBA announcer on TNT's "Inside the NBA." Now he's being wooed by the Boston Celtics, a team that seems to be gettin high offa veterans. Reggie Miller's always been known for his clutch 3s and solid defense. Most of the guys on this list were forced out because of injury, but that wasn't the case with Miller. He just got older. Hell, you can't play forever! I actually think he'll have a better time at coming back than these prospects. He'll be 42 this month and would still be a considerable asset to any team, especially my Celtics. Yeah that's right, I said it. MY CELTICS! Verdict: Bring that ass on back!! Let's make it rain 3s on them hoes!!

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway has already signed with a team, the MIAMI HEAT!! Yes people, that means that Penny and Shaq are teammates once more!! This reunion comes more than 13 years after they both played for the Orlando Magic. That was my team back in the day!! I am very, dare I say SUPER, excited for this hookup. For those that don't remember, Penny was Shaq's ORIGINAL sidekick, way before Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. But if Penny still has it in him, I truly wish him all the best. Sure Shaq already has DWade, but it doesn't hurt to have 2 go-to guys! This was back in the day when I first really started loving basketball. I used to get Sports Illustrated mags with the tear-out posters! I had Penny all over my walls!! GASP!! Does this mean Lil' Penny is coming back too!?! YAY!! Ok, the truth? Penny left the league a hobbled veteran who had operation after operation to repair torn cartillage on his left knee. He has had at least 5 surgeries on that SAME ARTHRITIC knee! Clearly Miami saw him in action and thinks he has some juice left. One of my favorite NBA teams, I will DEFINITELY be watching. Verdict: Stay retired!! But I can't be mad atchya Anfernee! If it still works, use it. Hell, they're payin you for it...

It seems now there are more young, inexperienced players in the NBA than older, quality veterans. To counter this, the NBA, under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, instituted a rule that barred players from entering the NBA right out of high school and requiring them to be at least 1 year removed from HS graduation and/or 19 years old. The result? More college freshman entering the draft than ever before. And we've seen what happens with teams full of youngins. Not much!! I mean the Boston Celtics just traded 5 young prospects for 1, yes 1, 12 year veteran. That man? The Incomporable Kevin Garnett. And he only came onboard after the Celtics picked up another veteran shooter, Ray Allen. Garnett, Allen & Pierce - THE BIG THREE baby! Check for it! Teams for too long were interested in acquiring the hottest, youngest talent available, expecting them to come in the league and catapult them to victory. They found, instead, that without the benfit of formulative years playing in the NCAA, a lot of these young guys took several seasons to mature and develop into the type of players that could not only lead, but even support a franchise. This is if it happened at all. Not everyone can be a KG, Kobe or Lebron. Hell, just look at Darko Milicic & Kwame Brown! Now some teams are chock full of babies, and are lacking the skill, experience and leadership that veterans bring to the game.

Players that have already retired but feel they have some juice left in them, are now once again needed. They have a new role in the NBA, with their leadership and playoff experience in high demand. The league minimum for 10+ year veterans is a little over $1 million and many teams are willing to eat that cost because of what these guys can bring to the table. Some, like Houston & Hardaway, left the game due to injury. A couple of seasons off and some supersize rehab has left these guys with a lot more spring in their step! Other guys left the league without the one thing they all play for, the coveted championship. The ring baby!I mean hey, Alonzo Mourning came back after kidney surgery and refused to play with a team that wasn't going to win a championship. What did he end up with? The 2006 NBA Champions, the Miami Heat. Zo has been an invaluable treasure for that team. When Shaq was injured, Zo became the starter, and he is STILL blockin shots crazy!

All I can say is good luck to all the rest. Hell, who am I to judge?

Just In Case You Forgot...

KEVIN GARNETT has joined the Boston Celtics!! THE best offseason move any team has made thus far. I'm lovin it!!

Agent Zero - NBA & Blog SUPERSTAR!

The NBA has done several things of the past few years to make their website more than just a place to look up players and stats. They have everything from the Best Dressed competition to player blogs. I love the Best Dressed. During the season I like to vote. These guys are smoooooth. And now I love the blog idea! Did you know?! Washington Wizards PG Gilbert Arenas has a blog! It's called "Agent Zero: The Blog File" and it's on the NBA's blog site. I thought it was a great idea, athletes blogging about whatever, however. I've heard about Gilbert Arenas' blog for quite some time now, but I never read it. I was alI was listening to some late night sports radio sometime last week and the overnight guy was talking about one of his blog entries. It was about shark attacks, and how they really not shark attacks. It was one the funniest takes on shark attacks that I've ever heard in my life. I wanted more. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and see what his blog was really all about. I sat my ass down, and I read it. People, I must say, I LOVE IT!!

He's been blogging since October of '06 so it takes a while to get caught up from then til now, but I read the whole thing, and wow! I want to be his friend!! He sounds so fun, cool. Not only that, this isn't some PC, prerecorded robotic blog. This is REAL. You learn a lot about the man we see, on occasion, drop 50 in a game. In 2006, he was having a phenomenal season until he injured his knee. We can all go on any sports website and look up stats, but with this blog, the superstar becomes almost tangible. That's something that is hard to feel from players these days because all we, the fans, usually get are sound bites and snippets from post game interviews. A lot of the time, we end up looking at these players as just that, players. We forget that they have lives; families, friends, and experiences. Arenas' blog gives you insight into his life. Everything from rehabbing his knee, interesting stories from being on the road, his 2 children, sharks, his relationship with his father, charity events, and all kinds of weird, quirky things that go on in his life. It's entertaining. Arenas has been in Washington since the '03 season, and if his knee is healthy by the start of this season, the Wizards will again be contenders in the East. I've been an Arenas fan for some time now, and I was so happy when he was traded to the Wizards. I am now a regular Agent Zero blog reader. You should be too.

There are other guys that blog on the NBA website. I haven't read the others yet, but it's on my list of things to do! Raptors F Chris Bosh, Bulls G Ben Gordon, Clippers C Chris Kaman, and Mavs G/F Jerry Stackhouse. I would read all of those, but Chris Kaman? Meh..Wait, isn't he that guy that had his balls grabbed during a playoffs? Hmm, maybe I will read his blog..

L.A. Clippers, Injury Prone?

Ok, so there are a few injuries, not necessarily sports related, that scare me. Head and neck, I think, are a given and would scare anyone because those injuries sometimes cause paralysis. But I have always had a fear of knees. Like, I can't lay on a bed facedown with my feet hanging off the end for fear that some mysterious, magical anvil will fall on my feet and hyperextend my knees. I know it's not rational, but I can't help it! My second fear is the Achilles tendon. Ever since that damn movie Pet Cemetary I've been afraid. You know the part when that old man was looking under the bed and that baby came with the scalpel and cut his tendons! Oh the pain!! I can only imagine, and I NEVER want to find out.

I say all this to say that the L.A. Clippers have 2 guys that have suffered each of these injuries. Last Friday, 8.3, Clippers forward Elton Brand RUPTURED his left Achilles tendon. And no, not the Pet Cemetary, killer, undead baby kinda way, but during his daily workout. A pickup game!! To think that you could just be dribbling , and then POP!! Or is it more like rip? Hmm.. He had surgery today to repair the tendon in Delaware, and I'm hoping it goes well. Last season he averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, and played a major role in helping the Clippers go from the laughing stock of the NBA to a contender. He's 28 years old so he still has some snap-back in him. A typical Achilles injury usually takes a year to heal, but reports are showing that he'll only be sidelined for 6 months, meaning he could actually play in the 2007-2008 season. Now here's the knee. PG Shaun Livingston suffered a freak knee injury in late February, and while Brand's is season-threatening, Livingston's is career-threatening. He disclocated his left knee, and tore 3 of its four ligaments. Pretty much fucked his whole shit up. Listen, if you haven't seen the video, I linked it, and it is not for the squeamish! I've only seen it once and I REFUSE to watch it again. It's one of the freakiest things I have ever seen. And that's not his only knee injury!! He dislocated his right knee in 2004 as a rookie.

Ex-Giants linebacker Lavar Arrington tore his Achilles tendon in Week 7 during the 2006 season. He was subsequently released in February 07, and is currently looking for work. And no, he didn't ask me to do this.

It Ain't All About The Benjamins, Giants

2 Strahan articles in less than 1 week. Well, here goes! New York Giants DE Michael Strahan has yet to attend a day of training camp and is being fined more than $14 Gs per day he misses. He claimed to be considering retirement, but a lot of people, including myself, feel that he was holding out in order to force the Giants into renegotiating his contract. He's set to earn $8 million over the next two seasons, and he wants more! Well, Strahan is apparently upset that people are calling this a ploy to get more money, instead of what it is, a man who is getting old and is not sure whether or not he wants to play in the NFL any longer. On Sunday, August 5th, he issued this statement to his fans, via email, through his agent, Tony Agnone:

As many of you know, I am contemplating one of the biggest decisions of my football career, whether I should retire or continue playing. Like all athletes, I knew this day would come when I would have to stand before that proverbial fork in the road. But I must admit that it’s not until you’re actually staring at the two diverging paths do you really grasp how impactful and painful this decision can be. I was hoping to make this personal decision quietly and without much hoopla, but given the recent torrent of erroneous media reports and totally inaccurate assumptions, I feel that I have to come forward and publicly set the record straight with those for whom I have toiled the last fourteen years—you fans.

This off season has been one of the best in my professional career. I have worked extremely hard to make sure that I’m in shape and ready to tackle the rigors of another physical season. I am proud to say that at my body feels years younger and ready to compete at the highest level. I love training and preparation, and this off season has made it clear to me that this is one aspect of the game that I will miss tremendously when I decide to one day unstrap the helmet for the last time. I went into this off season with every intention of entering a 15th season with the Giants, the only team I’ve ever played for during my career. But I am human, and despite the images of me grimacing and tackling opposing quarterbacks and running backs, I have to face my mortality like anyone else. When an athlete like myself who does what I do for a living starts having doubts, then it’s time to take a step back and seriously consider my future. Anyone who plays in the NFL with doubts or second guessing is not only putting themselves at risk, but their teammates also. I will never do that.

What 's been most disappointing has been all of this nonsense that I'm holding out for more money. The truth is that football has been very good to me and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by advisors who have ensured that my family and I will live comfortably for the rest of my life.You deserve to know what's really going on. My agent met with the Giants earlier in the year and discussed many things including my contract.Money is not the reason that I have not reported to training camp and it will not be a factor for my return. This has already been communicated to the Giants and while the reports may indicate a "hard line" taken by the team regarding money , it is not necessary, as this issue had been decided well before July

Despite what some might believe there are those of us who make decisions that have nothing to do with money. Many athletes ask themselves daily if they are emotionally and psychologically at the level where they can compete at the highest level for twenty-four weeks. For them also it isn't about the money, rather a serious athlete asking serious questions about his future. All that I ask, after fourteen seasons,is that you afford me the patience so that I might arrive at my decision on my own terms.

As GM Jerry Reese has said, the Giants are not going to hold a spot for me. I completely understand his stance as football is a business and he must do what is in the best interest of the team. I know that I am only one player. I want to express my thanks to the owners and coaches for their extremely kind words about my career as a Giant to date. I have been proud to wear the Giant uniform thoughout my professional career.You have my word that I will try to make the correct decision as quickly as possible. If I decide to play, I hope that you will continue to cheer me on like you have for all of these years. If I decide to hang up the cleats, then I will bid you all a tremendous thank you for the privilege to play a game that has blessed me in so many ways and created memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I humbly thank you for your understanding and being the best fans in the world.

Michael Strahan, #92

Blah, Blah, muhfuckin BLAH!! Listen Strahan, no one has a problem with you not being sure whether you want to retire. Please, 14 years of pounding people in the NFL will do that to a man. You claim you wanted to make this decision "quietly and without much hoopla" but that's a crock of shit and we all know it. First of all, you play in NEW YORK!! Every move you make is under intense media scrutiny, and after that nasty ass public divorce you had, I know you know that much. Not to mention the magnifying glass that was put over your sex life. Whether it's the hookers or your alleged friendship with Dr. Ian Smith. Now the hoes I believe. But I know Dr. Ian and I don't believe for one minute that you guys are gay lovers, but the media ran with that too! Secondly, if you wanted the media to have accurate information, you should have just given it to us. You didn't even tell your head coach Tom Coughlin what was going on! Come straight out the gate saying you have reservations so you don't leave room for speculation. You don't wait 10 days into a holdout to finally address the media. Knowing that you attempted to restructure your contract to no avail would lead ANYONE to believe that your absence would be related to that. No one can force you to come back, it is truly your decision. We all want you to decide this on your "own terms," but hell, you had the entire offseason to decide. In the email you say you feel better, stronger and younger than you ever have in your NFL career. More power to ya my brotha!! Feel good, feel great! That should be your only goal in this life. But I don't wanna hear that!! You missed most of the second half of last season with that damn foot injury, and the Giants straight disintegrated! The team needs you! You're one of my favorite players on the team and I want to see you come back and play the way you weren't able to last season.

Honestly, if retirement is in your heart, then stop playing. Let last season be your last, and let us remember you as the 7-time Pro-Bowler and tremendous athlete that you are. Don't give people the chance to call you some chump who held out the entire preseason to either A) decide he still wanted to play, or B) figure out that he wanted to retire. I hope you do come back. I love the energy and leadership you bring to the Giants defensive core. I love watching you play, and if you return I "will continue to cheer [you] on like [I] have for all of these years." You'll will go down as one of the best defensive player of this era, and I'm proud to say I got a chance to be a part of history. You're a future hall of famer, and I'm not reaching when I say that. I wish you the best of luck with your decision, and I hope you do what's best for you, and not everyone else. But uhhh, bring ya ass back

P.S. I love how I'm writing this like he's actually gonna read it! Oh, I have hopes and dreams!

Record Setting MLB Weekend

Wow, what a great weekend for Major League Baseball!

1. On Saturday, New York Yankees 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez, at 32 years and 8 days, became the youngest player in MLB history to hit 500 home runs.
2. That same Saturday night Barry Bonds, left fielder for the San Francisco Giants, tied Hank Aaron's home run record at 755. With months left in the MLB season, and maybe years in his baseball, it is highly likely that he will break this record by leaps and bounds.
3. Sunday, to round it all out, New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine won his 300th game. Glavine became the 23rd starting pitcher in history, and only the 5th lefty, to reach this milestone. Only two other active pitchers have more, Greg Maddux with 340, and Roger Clemens with 351.

And now I can finally move on! I like the Mets so I'll keep on watching, I like The Yanks and ARod so that's all good. And I'm a Bonds fan, so I'll be keeping count. Wait...so I'm not really moving on, huh? Hmmm...

2007-2008 NFL Season Is Underway!!

So I just blinked and the summer is over and NFL preseason games startstomorrow! WTF!?! Where have you been all my life? Click here to see the entire preseason schedule. I am sooo excited for 4 straight weeks of preseason games. This is the best August I've had since, well, last August. Game 1 is tomorrow night, Sunday, August 5. It's the Hall of Fame Weekend game, Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints. Some preseason games will be nationally televised on NFL Network, CBS and Fox. The games will be on Thursday through Monday! In my opinion, a balla ass 5 day weekend! You get to see how teams are getting along with the moves they made in the offseason, draft and trades. See if the offense and defense gel. Who is the mighty powerhouse that will fall? What teams are sleepers? So much to look forward to, I can't wait.

The only downside to preseason is not being able to see much of the regular season starters. The QB will take a couple of snaps and then completely disappear. The running backs get a few carries, the wide receivers a few catches, then sit on the sidelines. The upside to this is being able to see the guys who never really get a chance to play. There are a lot of backups who are actually good and in some cases, better than the first string.

Last year I went to a Giants preseason game against the New England Patriots and I got to see big man Jared Lorenzen at QB. And let me tell you, I'm a fan! He also won the game for the GMen last preseason against the Baltimore Ravens. Also known affectionately as the, The Pillsbury Throwboy," Lorenzen's a third year player who went undrafted out of Kentucky. I don't know what the Giants have planned for him but I wish they would use him more. I know the G-Men are married to the idea of having Eli Manning as quarterback, and don't get me wrong, I like him too. This whole time he's been like my little baby, I just wanna pinch his widdle cheeks! Anytime people said bad things about him, I took up for him, like a big sister would. But if he can't get it together this season instead of crumbling under pressure, Lorenzen, AKA Hefty Lefty, deserves a chance. He has a good arm, and for his size, 6'4" 285, he's pretty good on his feet.

Strahan, Strahan, Strahan (And The Giants...)

As if his nasty, public divorce wasn't enough for him, New York Giants DE Michael Strahan has found yet another way to keep his name in everyone's mouth. He has yet to report to training camp, which started on July 27th (hey, my birthday!!) up in Albany. $8 million over the next 2 years just isn't enough for him, and he wants to renegotiate his contract. When the Giants held firm and said they would not restructure, Strahan said he's mulling retirement. After 14 years in the league, it's understandable. BUT!!!! If His wife hadn't taken him to the cleaners, and hung his wallet out to dry, I would believe that. She won $15.3 million divorce settlement! The fact of the matter is Strahan NEEDS the money!! $$$$$$$!! For sitting out of training camp, the Giants have decided to fine him $14,288 for each day he doesn't show. So this retirement mess is just a ploy to get more money out of the team, and uhhh, it seems more like he's losin money rather than makin it.

I've been a Strahan fan for years, and I would love to see him be part of the 2007 Giants lineup. He has the most career sacks among active players with 132.5. This puts him above guys like Simeon Rice, Jason Taylor, Kevin Carter and Warren Sapp, all OGs in the sack game. He missed half of last season with a foot injury, and if I was part of management, I wouldn't risk signing him for even more years and even more money at his age. I read that Strahan's expected to make an announcement about his future in the next couple of days. I also heard today that his agent contacted several teams in the offseason, to see if they were interested in a trade. And uhhh, no one was with it. I don't have a problem with you renegotiating your contract. By all means, get that cake. But don't wait til now to put your foot down. A contract is a contract, and you really don't have a leg to stand on. Hell, get a better agent. I'm sure someone else could have done a better job getting you some money, but sitting out like this? You look like a crazy old man.

Strahan, here's my personal message to you - CRAP OR GET OFF THE POT!! BRING YO ASS OR GET THE HELL ON!!! You and I both know you need the money! $4 million this season is MORE than enough for most people, but this divorce payout has you all fucked up!! And clearly it's more than any other team is willing to give you. If you actually wanna retire, then go out like a real hero. Let us love you out the door, not shove you out over a fake retirement stand off. Do like Jerome Bettis, retire, cop mad endorsements, and get that GUAP!! If you're feeling old, then BE OLD. Shit, at 35, you're no damn spring chicken! Get the hell outta the way so we can MOVE THE FUCK ON!! This is a holdout, not the retirement your trying to pass it off as. I love you Mike, but you are getting fined over $14 grand for every day you refuse to show up. And we all know you need the money!! You have alimony AND child support, nigga you better WORK! If you don't, be prepared to be suspended, fined, AND get your bonuses taken away! The Giants and fans love you, but if you chose not to play, we WILL move on.

But if Michael Strahan decides it's not worth it to comeback, I'm good. The Giants are going to be a totally different team in 2007. Tiki Barber is gone, and Brandon Jacobs is the 2nd coming. He is a POWER HOUSE and this season he'll get more than just goal line and short yardage opportunities. He's going to be the starter and he'll play a huge role this season in the Giants offensive game. Not to mention the acquisition of Reuben Droughns in the offseason. We got running backs galore! It's not just the RB position that's been upgraded, but the wide receiver as well. Amani Toomer is back and ahead of schedule with rehabbing his knee. Plaxico Burress stepped up his game last season, and if he can stay healthy this season, I look forward to seeing more of him this season. I've been a Burress fan from his days as a Pittburgh Steeler, and he and Eli Manning have a connection that grows stronger with time. And just in case he also gets injured again, the Giants drafted WR Steve Smith out of USC in the second round of this years draft. Word on the street is he's FIYAHH!! I'm looking to see how much playing time he'll get behind guys like Toomer and Burress. I'm excited to see them all back on the field. And if I was head coach Tom Coughlin, I would tell backup QB Jared Lorenzen to keep his helmet on cuz if Manning reverts to fetus mode on the field, like he usually does under pressure, he's out. I don't care if he is Peyton Manning's baby bro, he is GONE and the Pillbury Throwboy is in there. Like swimwear.

The Tampa bay Buccaneers waived defensive end Simeon Rice last week and he's been making his rounds thoughout the NFL to see who wants to pick him up. He came by the Giants facilities on the 1st of August, passed his physical, and is still shopping for a team. Rice is an old ass like Strahan, at 33 years of age and 12 years in the league. He has 121 sacks, second only to Strahan among active players. We made need him if Strahan decides not to come back.

Roids, Schmoids**

I am sooooooooo tired of people talking about Barry Bonds & steroids!! Please, tell me something new!! We all know that Bonds isn’t as rare as you make him out to be, and that there are a large number of baseball players juicin!! Let me clear the air before I say what I have to say: Barry Bonds has probably used performance enhancing drugs. But you know what, I don’t give a snitches ass!! There are other players on steroids who aren’t doing even half of what he’s doing!! So what’s the damn problem? He’s better than all the others that have been using. As far as I’m concerned, people should be proud of how well he's doing!! Bonds is innocent until being proven guilty, and Major League Baseball has yet to prove otherwise. He has been found guilty in the court of public opinion, and that is not a fair or responsible way to treat anyone considering the negative reaction he's been getting all accross the country.

I don't agree that a man who is on steroids is 100% in the right and should be lauded for making history. I would prefer it if Bonds was au natural, and got his name in the record books the "right" way. I'm honored by people with the talent and physical ability to not only play baseball, but skill to hit an enormous amount of homers. And those who perpetrate, and use drugs to enhance their performance, are at fault. A portion of the criticism Bonds receives is warranted, but has not been substantiated by definitive evidence. Many speculate due to the size of his ginormous head, engorged physique, and the elevation of his game at an age when most are declining. But instead of challenging the players about drug use, I would challenge the league to institute rules and tests that can accurately detect any sort of steroids, performance enhancing drugs, and human growth hormones. Yeah that goes for you BUD SELIG!! You spineless, gutless, sham of a commissioner!! Your indecisiveness about being there when Barry Bonds ties, then breaks, the record is inexcusable and sickening. Selig, yo ass better be there when it happens!


Barry Bonds is a black man. And no, not a shuckin and jivin, 'Oh yessa massa' black man, but one of those ‘I don't care if you guys like me, I'm here to do my job' black men. I've heard people complain about the fact that he's not as personable as some athletes, but Bonds is a person before he's a San Francisco Giant. There are some people that just aren't pleasant and playing a professional sport doesn't change that about you. Baseball is 'America's Pastime.' Not ALL of America, mainly white America. People are quick to label their outright hatred for Barry Bonds on the drugs and him breaking the record, but it's not! When Mark McGuire was trying to break the single season home run record in 1998, ALL of America was cheering him on. Even though, like Bonds, it was "very clear" that he was on steroids, everyone had his back. And let us not forget that when Hank Aaron was up to break Babe Ruth's record at 714, the people in the stands booed him too. People resented the fact that a black man was breaking a prestigious record held by a white man. The racial animosity towards him and his family was severe; they received hate mail, death threats and there was a kidnapping plot against daughter who was attending college at Fisk University. Hank Aaron was forced to hire a bodyguard to protect him and his family. Sports Illustrated had this to say about Aaron's ordeal,

Is this to be the year in which Aaron, at the age of thirty-nine, takes a moon walk above one of the most hallowed individual records in American sport...? Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball's attic?

That reaction had EVERYTHING to do with racism, discrimination, bigotry, hatred, and a disgustingly skewed superiority complex & not a DAMN thing to do with juicing.

**And all that asterisk shit is played out. Stop it.**

The Big Ticket Is In Boston!!

Kevin Garnett is my ULTIMATE favorite player of all time!! He's an amazing athlete and a perennial all star. The 6'11', 235 pound stellar forward was drafted fifth overall out of high school by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995. What later became a trend, he was the first player in over 20 years to be drafted right out of HS. In the 2006 season he averaged 22.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shot 83.5% from the line. His career nembers are similar at 20.5 ppg, 11.4 rebs, 4.5 asts, and 78% ft, 1.4 stls and 1.7 blks. KG has started every single game since his 2nd year in the league. He is widely regarded as the best all-around player in the league. Riding KG, the TWolves made the playoff 7 straight seasons, from 1996 to 2003, and were knocked in the 1st round all 7 years. The Wolves finally overcame the 'first round curse' and made it to the NBA Western Conference Finals in 2004 but were beaten by the Lakers. From there everyone felt they were on their way to a championship, but they haven't made the playoffs since. In 2004 he garnered 120 of the 123 first place votes and was voted MVP. He has spent his entire 12 year career with one team, something that is rare to find this trade heavy NBA era. He's just one of those great guys that you hate to see work as hard as he does without the payoff of an NBA championship.

He's passionate, supportive and a great team leader. He is respected by all; the league, his peers, his coaches, his fans and the media. While I love his intensity, effort and sacrifice, it's getting progressively harder to watch him play. His progress season after season on both ends of the ball is amazing but the supporting cast hasn't been good in years. He leaves everything he has out on the floor but in his 12 years in Minnesota, that hasn't been enough. You always know he'll give you 20-10, I mean he's done it for the last 9 years straight! No one can guard him 1-0n-1. When you really love and appreciate an athlete that gives so much night in and night out with no supporting cast, it gets more disgusting to listen to trade rumors. I've been talking about a KG trade for YEARS but Minnesota refused to let him go. Not only that, Garnett didn't want to leave. He loves Minnesota but a man can't do it all by himself. There is a culture of losing in Minny that the owners refused to do anything about. As much as management claimed to appreciate him, they lacked the common sense and weren't proactive enough to make anything happen. The Timberwolves have a bunch of young guys, and doesn't have experienced, savvy veterans like himself. They were unwilling to build a team around their superstar, and when they did get players that contributed and helped the team win, they were unable to hold onto them. Stephen A. Smith said it well, KG's only problem has been his "undying loyalty to the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise." Minnesota should have done a better job, and KG tried to wait on them to build a team around him. It never happened. "I'm loyal to a point where if someone's loyal to me, then I have no problem with that. But when that changes, it's pretty easy for me," Garnett said. Reminds me of that Tupac song, "Do For Love." Chorus - What you won't do, do for love/You tried everything, but you don't get love.

The mere hint of a trade excited me, but I always disappointed when talks fell through. The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Garnett! I'm already picturing him in the purple and gold!! Wait no, now it's the Phoenix Suns!! Here I am making plans to move to Arizona!! Still a no? Ok, now it's the Boston Celtics? Should I be falling for this one too? The Celts were coming at him around draft time and Kevin wasn't having it. The franchise is one of the most storied in NBA history, with numerous all stars, hall of famers and championships. But the the past couple of years they have been on a dizzying downward spiral. A team full young guys with little experience, no chemistry, and no confidence. It's even been said that they purposely tanked the season, losing as many games as possible so they could get a higher pick in the 2007 Draft. Now that's low. There's no reason to go from a non-contender to a sucka pretender. But after the draft, Boston acquired the 11-year pro Ray Allen from the Seattle Supersonics, and KG changed his mind. On 7.31.07 it became official. Kevin Garnett is the newest member of the BOSTON CELTICS! The Celtics got KG in exchange for sending guard Sebastian Telfair, center Theo Ratliff, and forwards Al Jefferson, Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes to Minnesota. The Wolves also get two future first-round draft picks and received cash considerations. This is the biggest deal in NBA history; trading one player for seven. "Kevin Garnett is a great player in our league, with a fierce and competitive spirit, who brings offensive scoring prowess and a defensive presence to our team," said Danny Ainge, Executive Director of Basketball Operations for the Celtics.

Garnett and Allen join veteran forward/guard Paul Pierce - THE BIG THREE BABY!! All have been All-stars multiple times, all have been in the eague for 9+ years, and NONE of them have an NBA Championship. None of them have been in the NBA Finals, but they've all played in conference finals. They are sooooo hungry, and a championship is in the very near future. The chemistry is going to be off the hook! Distribution of the basketball and points won’t be an issue. Garnett is a facilitator and is very unselfish. Ray Allen is a shooting guard, and in the 06-067 season averaged 26.4 pts, 4.1 assists, shot nearly 40% from behind the arc, and over 90% from the stripe. Paul Pierce has been with the Celtics his entire career, and averages 23.6 ppg, 3.9 asts, and 6.5 rebs per game. All of these guys are mature athletes and are itching to let everyone see what they've been waiting for for over two decades, The Return of The Boston Celtics! Garnett, Allen, & Pierce, 3 consumate professionals on 1 team. And it's interesting that Allen and Garnett were both drafted by the Timberwolves and are now playing for the Celtics. Full circle. Fresh start for everyone. THE BIG THREE BABY! The Boston Celtics are back on top! The Eastern Conference is now relevant again, and the Celts have catapulted themselves from the bottom of the barrel and are among the top 3 teams in the East. and I cannot wait for the season to begin. Clearly, neither can they.