Quota-bles

PRESIDENTIAL FINAL FOUR PICKS

2009-03-18T02:28:00.003-04:00

Since publicly airing his distaste for the lack of a BCS playoff system in college football, we've known Obama and sports go together like peanut butter and honey. Jelly, honey, whatever your preference it's all good much like Obama's picks for NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four. The leader of the free world filled out his bracket Tuesday with his picks for who will dance their way to the Final Four and they were anything but "liberal" as the president has been accused of being. In fact they were quite "conservative" with all number 1 seeds except for Memphis, a number 2 seed.

Obama's Final Four Picks

North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Louisville and Memphis

How's that for presidential?

Tune in to ESPN Wednesday@12 PM EST for an indepth look at Obama's bracket and other tourney analysis.

See related:

OBAMA'S FOOTBALL STIMULUS PLAN

T.O.’s Last Hooray!

2009-03-05T06:49:00.005-05:00

Quotable:"If I gave you the answer that you want to hear, you'd already have it. And the fact that you don't should tell you something...I've experienced locker rooms that look dysfunctional on the face of it, OK? And won world championships," Dallas Cowboy owner, Jerry Jones on keeping Terrell Owens on the roster, a week before releasing him.

Yes, you heard it right! The tumultuous love/hate relationship between the Dallas Cowboys and Terell “The Voice” Owens has officially joined the ranks 50% of marriages in this country—in “Splitsville.” Just a week prior, Jerry Jones got his lasso in a bunch just at the mention of T.O. being cut from the roster. Apparently, he used that rope to fashion a noose to hang T.O. out to dry reportedly at the persuading of Cowboys insiders who still lack the ballsiness they so brazenly display behind closed locker room doors to voice their apparent disdain for the Pro-Bowl wide receiver. Sources reveal that Owens is shocked and feels betrayed however, not necessarily by Jerry Jones, despite Jones outright promise that Owens would remain a Dallas Cowboy amidst torrid locker room chemistry.

“It wasn’t just Whitten. He had problems with Tony Romo. He had problems calling out the offensive coordinator during the season, singly him out. He broadened the divide in the locker room so that players like Roy Williams, Patrick Clayton and I was even told Marion Barber , had been effected, negatively from their association with T.O. So I think the Cowboys will have some repairing to do in the locker room as the result of this. There were a lot of players, maybe the majority of players who sided with Terrell Owens against Tony Romo, Jason Whitten and offensive but if the Cowboys were going to solve this problem and address it seriously, I think Terrell Owens had to go and he had to go before they started their off season program at the end of this month.” ESPN analyst, Ed Werder reported.

While we’re speaking on advocates for Terrell Owens, let’s add Cowboys coach Wade Phillips into the mix, who along with Jones rallied behind Owens when he so vehemently shouted to any one that would listen that Romo and Whitten we’re engaged in a conspiracy to keep the ball from him complete with half-time pep sessions and slumber party strategy sessions.

“…You really never know the real reason behind it… cuz it’s a game of football and you just have to move on. Nobody is going to play this game forever…you look at guys like Marvin Harrison, that was released by the Indianapolis Colts, a couple of weeks ago or so. You just look over time. Fred Taylor, Jacksonville Jaguars. I was released by the Dallas Cowboys. I was released by the Carolina Panthers…It’s going to happen. You look at it and you say, you know what ,the next step for him is to find him for a team to play for, for the next couple of years and from that team, that point forward just continue to keep trying to build that legacy you’re trying to lead/live when he leaves the game. ” ESPN analyst, retired NFL player, Keyshawn Johnson commented.

Is it really that simple? Despite lackluster numbers last season ranging in T.O. still produced. Yes, he is one of the most selfish players in the league next to Chad “Ocho” Cinco, next to Randy Moss, next to Plaxico Burress and any other star wide receiver who values his own self-destructive off field run-ins with the law and tabloids over Super bowl and Pro-Bowl appearances however, say it with me now, he still produced. Jones didn’t offer him a new $34 million contract extension with a $12 million signing bonus for nothing. At the end of the day, it boils down to one thing, Owens is ousted not because of his track record of alienating quarterbacks and offensive players in San Francisco, Philadelphia and now Dallas; not for his world famous outspokenness or for his lackluster last season, resulting in his 69 receiving and 10 receiving touchdowns but because Romo finally fell under the weight of Owens outcries about the shoddiness of Garrett’s and Phelps’ offensive plays. What type of club doesn’t appease to its star quarterback?

So where does this leave T.O. in quest for Super bowl contention? Unfortunately for T.O., his track record and his mounting age (Owens will be 36 years old next year) leave his team prospects about as realistic as the Lions’ sloppy seconds leading the Cowboys to Super bowl glory next season. One thing is for certain, in the team’s “best” long-term interests or not, Dallas in the short-term has a lot of holes to fill that will take a whole lot more cement to fill than a few pothole patchups in the guise of acquiring an over hyped Roy Williams, aging Jon Kitna and a washed up Keith Brooking.

Drunken Driving With Antoine Walker

2009-01-07T06:18:00.005-05:00

Quotable:"Walker is one of the very best multi-faceted, versatile players in this game...He is able to handle the ball, pass it, make plays, shoot threes and rebound the ball. There isn’t anyone in this league better at doing that." Pat Riley, former Miami Heat coach.

My how the “mighty” have fallen. Former NBA player, Antoine Walker was recently charged with suspicion of drunk driving early Monday morning after get this, getting caught driving around with his headlights off at 5:39 in the morning. This is of course special interest to me due to the fact that the whole reason I indirectly started a brawl at the Palace (yes the infamous Pistons-Pacers brawl took a page out of my handbook) was because of this pseudo savior to Bean-town professional basketball pre-Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen era. An obnoxious Celtics’ fan insisting on being heard cheering for his favorite player over hundreds of Pistons fans is not fight inducing in itself but when you insist on cheering for your favorite player on enemy lines and you LIVE IN the opponent’s city THEN proceed to taunt the opponents’ fans about their weakest link (in our case, the Detroit Lions), “thems fighting words, buddy!”

So how did I put the Walker’s long lost lover in his place? I hit him in the head with chicken sandwich wrapper. Like Walker’s career, it went downhill fast. The whole crowd in section 201 including *gasp my mother began chanting asshole; the bleachers rained popcorn, beer and pennies on the guy and his friend and about seven guys young and old manned up ready to fight the “fake thugs.” By the end of the night, the Walkerettes were lead away by Palace security for failure to keep the peace and fights erupted elsewhere in the venue after the Pistons embarrassingly lost in a down to the wire, last ditch effort by the Celtics’.

Of course, in recent years, nobody with half a brain has been that up in arms to get his or her ass kicked by a crowd full of opposing fans over Antoine Walker. After acquiring him in a three player trade that included Jason Williams, and James Posey, former Heat coach Pat Riley commented that, “Walker is one of the very best multi-faceted, versatile players in this game. I think his numbers have shown throughout his career that he has been consistent year-in and year-out, providing points and rebounds. He is able to handle the ball, pass it, make plays, shoot threes and rebound the ball. There isn’t anyone in this league better at doing that. I believe that he will bring a tremendous, versatile, play-making, scoring, rebounding dimension to our team. He is in his prime and I think he will pair up brilliantly with Shaquille, Dwyane and the rest of the team.” Since winning a championship with Miami in 2006, Walker has been exiled to Minnesota where he struggled in 46 games with the Timberwolves during the 2007-08 season only to have his contract bought out by the Memphis Grizzlies in December, making him a free agent.

The police reported Walker stank of alcohol and looked even more like a sleepy eyed basset hound than usual. Given that this latest charge is added to the fact that Walker hasn't played this season, maybe Walker realizes that his chances to get picked up by a team are about as slim as Lebron singing a rendition of "Hello New York" as an official New York Knick when the Free Agent season rolls around in 2010.

A fat chance in hell!

LUDACRIS' GAMES ON WITH MADDEN CHALLENGE

2008-11-18T07:22:00.000-05:00

Quotable:"I call myself the MVP of rap..." Ludacris, rapper/actor

Grammy award winning rapper/actor, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is sending a cry out across Sportsnation for all Madden fans who think they can put the smackdown on Luda for the Number 1 spot in Ludacris' Madden Challenge. Ludacris is one of many celebs putting their mouth where their um joystick is as part of Xbox's "Game with Fame" promotion giving everyday gamers the chance to duke it out with some of their favorite celebrities and artists. Earlier this year, hip hop hotheads,rappers Bow Wow and Game went toe to toe in a Madden showdown of Youtube proportions.

For those interested Xbox gamers ready to throw some bows, users simply had to send a friend request to Luda's Xbox game tag, GWF Ludacris and be ready to rumble Monday, November 17th 3:00PM EST in order to compete. A master at cross marketing and promotion, Ludacris has set himself apart from other rappers with TV and film appearances in blockbuster hit, "Max Payne", "Law & Order:SVU","Crash","2Fast2Furious",and "Hustle&Flow" to become one of the most consistent, business savvy mainstream rap artists in the game. Ludacris "Game with Fame" Challenge comes just in time for his new album release, "Theater of the Mind", slated to hit stores, November 24th.

"I call myself the MVP of rap...When you put everything together in rap, as far as lyrics, visuals, record sales, personality, conceptual songs, I feel like I'm the summation of all. I feel like there's nothing I can't do."

Related Links:
Xbox Game with Fame

Dream Shattering Deaths Strike Jennifer Hudson’s Family

2008-10-27T19:35:00.006-04:00

Quotable:"I've had a similar journey as Effie…Me being a part of 'Idol,' her being part of the group. ... We both go through our journeys, trying to hold on to our dream and achieve our goal. We have hardships, but we prevail at the end.”

In recent events, Oscar winning actress/singer, Jennifer Hudson realized what nightmares are made of when the horrendous news of the violent deaths of her mother, 57 year old Darnell Donerson and older brother, 29 year old Andre Hudson in Hudson’s native Chicago, hit airwaves last Friday. Hudson’s rise to stardom was like the slow but steady ascension of a rollercoaster ride through good old-fashioned hard work and talent. Her critically acclaimed performance in the 2006 smash hit musical, “Dreamgirls” featuring an all-star African-American cast composed of Oscar award-winning Best Actor, Jamie Foxx (“Ray”), Grammy award-winning actress/singer, Beyonce Knowles, and comedic legend, Eddie Murphy among others, garnered her an Oscar and Golden Globe award in the Best Supporting Actress category in a Comedy/Musical in her first nomination shortly after being eliminated midway from Season 3 of “American Idol.” Her tumultuous on screen portrayal of Effie, the overweight lead singer of the fictitious Dreamettes , features the show-stopping song, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," a remake of the original Tony award winning song performed by singer, Jennifer Holiday in the hit stage play. Hudson reportedly beat out 800 other actresses/singers for the role including her Idol running mate, Fantasia.

Things seemed to be on track for the rising star who recently announced her engagement to “I Love New York2” contestant, David Otunga. Her healthy body image and beauty have been at the center of many celebrity magazines and message boards as an example of a positive role model for young women everywhere. Senator Barack Obama personally requested the girl with the “big voice” to sing the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention and 2008 has seen her appear in the blockbuster “Sex and City Movie” and most recently, “The Secret Life of Bees” with fellow black Hollywood starlets, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Kwundo as well as the release of her first solo album, “Spotlight.”

Miss Hudson has been no stranger to tragedy. In 1998, she lost one of her inspirations for her music upon the death of her grandma whom she tearfully thanked during her Oscar acceptance speech along with her mother, also her muse. Prior to that her father was also laid to rest. Always humbled and thankful, the close knit Hudson family was struck with tragedy again early Friday morning shortly before Hudson’s mother and brother were found fatally shot in Jennifer’s childhood home on Chicago’s Southside. News of the Hudson family’s horrific murders sent shockwaves of sadness, sympathy and outright disgust at the gall and viciousness of the homicides. Nine am Monday morning, the body of a 7 year old boy found shot multiple times including an execution style bullet to the head in the backseat of an abandoned white 94’ Chevy Suburban, has been identified as being that of Miss Hudson’s missing nephew, Julian—adding another devastating blow to family and its supporters.

"Jennifer always used to beg her mom to get out of that neighborhood, but she owned that house and she would never leave," said a neighbor.

Jennifer and her sister, Julia Balfour, pleaded in a Saturday press conference for the safe return of Julia’s son, Julian affectionately nicknamed “Juicebox” and “Dr.King”, offering a $100,000 reward for information of his whereabouts. The boy was originally believed to be in the custody of Julia’s estranged husband, William Balfour at the time. Balfour, 27, has been arrested and place in police custody for questioning in the Hudson family slayings. Although Balfour was rumored to have threatened to take the boy away and his alibi has been ruled contradictory to what was revealed by his pregnant girlfriend, he has not been charged with their deaths and denies involvement in the incidents. Outpours of condolences, well wishes and prayers flooded Jason and Jennifer’s myspace pages from family, friends and fans alike showing support what must be the singer’s growing pain for the loss of family that has kept her “grounded.” Neighbors from the Englewood neighborhood where Hudson herself once lived with her family, crowded outside the Hudson home silently praying, tears glistening and already a memorial of teddy bears and other tokens of support litter the street, marking the area where the tragedy first took place.

Jennifer’s brother was described as a “nice guy” who had few enemies and was nearly lost to a robbery at the family’s home two years prior. Anyone who knew the family admired their closeness and adored the “happy go lucky, spoiled yet easygoing kid” they lovingly referred to as Julian.

“It was such a nice family...I was shocked that somebody could ever do something like that to such a sweet lady. [Donerson] was quiet, but very nice," a neighbor commented. "She kept to herself and stayed in her house a lot."

Related Articles
MTV-Jennifer Hudson’s Nephew Found Dead
Yahoo OMG-Body Found Is That Of Hudson's Nephew
MTV-Jennifer Hudson Mom and Nephew Remembered
People Magazine-Neighborhood Grieves Over Deaths
CNN-Jennifer Hudson Worked Her Way Up
Chicago Tribune-Hudson Home A Magnet For Fans, Curiousity Seekers

BOLT STRIKES TWICE

2008-08-20T19:31:00.006-04:00

Quotable:"Michael Johnson is a great athlete, and he revolutionized the sport,I just changed it a little bit." Usain Bolt, Jamaican world class sprinter

They say lightning never strikes twice. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt begs to differ and the Olympic gods have spoken. In a blur of green, gold and black, Bolt flew across the finish line in a daunting 19.30 seconds, shattering a world record of 19.32 seconds set by American, Michael Johnson back in 1996 during the Atlanta Olympics. The 22 year old mega track star is the second prodigy of the Olympics to skyrocket skepticism and virtually impossible dreams of shattering old world records straight into the stratosphere. With an air of concentration and focus he hadn’t shown in his showboat finish in the 100 meter race Saturday, Bolt took the gold in the 200 focused and determined to surpass Johnson’s expectations that he’d breeze past his world record “someday.” Today was that day.

“Everything came together tonight," Bolt said. "I just blew my mind. I blew the world's mind.”

You could say it was Bolt’s gold spikes reminiscent of Johnson’s gold spikes on that fateful night in Atlanta 12 years ago that did it for him or call it the “poetry in motion” he embodies when watching his tall, 6’5 lean yet graceful body effortlessly propelling him down the stretch as former gold medal hurdler, Renaldo Nehemiah describes him. Whatever you do, don’t focus on the diet. Sure Bolt trained hard but I’d hardly call an insatiable craving for McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets the breakfast of champions.

One thing is for sure, the quest to proclaim the Jamaicans as the best sprinters in the world is not a long stretch by a long shot. With 7 total medals, Jamaica surprisingly leads the US with 4 gold medals versus America’s 2 gold medals and 9 total medals. A product of a nation known for mass producing some of the fastest sprinters in events 400 meters or less, Bolt has a country lineage to uphold and a promise to fulfill as he leads his team for one last hooray in the 400 relay.

"We want to prove to the world we're the best," said Jamaican 400-meter hurdles gold medalist Melanie Walker.

If lightning can strike three times, Bolt indeed might be just the man to do it.

For Beijing Olympic action, visit
Olympic Central

LIL WAYNE: MILLION RECORD BABY

2008-06-18T17:00:00.001-04:00

Quotable:"The only time I will depend is when I'm seventy years old, that's when I can't hold my ish within so I ish on myself cause I'm so sick and tired of ish on everybody else." Lil Wayne

Lil' Wayne is so sweet, girls want to lick his wrapper. Lil' Wayne spits hot fire! Lil' Wayne is the best rapper in the game! Now all the Lil' Wayne naysayers and haters can lick his "rapper too!" Today marks a monumental day for the Carter, now an inductee into the First Week Million Records Boy Club, Weezy baby surpassed Kanyeezy's 900,000 first week record sales of his junior album release, 'The Graduation' back in September 2007 and has clocked in at a reportedly 1 million sound scans. With 400,000 albums flying off the shelves on the first day, it was clear that a few leaks couldn't kill his pipe dreams.

"I wasn't trippin' about this," Lil' Wayne said. "I didn't have no expectations. That's not only with music, [that's] period. You shouldn't expect anything. You never know what could happen."

Previously not one to out do his self, Weezy's 2005 album release, The Carter II only registered at 238,500 sound scans, premiering at #2 on the Billboard Charts. This time The Carter's ecstacy tongue laced in sizzurp (that's codeine and cough syrup, as if you didn't know) landed him the coveted number #1 slot on the Billboard charts and bragging rights along 50 Cent's 2005 chart topper, 'The Massacre' which also set records at $1 million + in first week album sales.

Looks like third time's the charm for the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive." A fan favorite among mixtape DJs and hip hop heads alike since busting on the scene with his solo album 'The Block Is Hot' in 1999. To the Carter, being placed in the ranks with contenders Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent for best rapper in the game is so passe.

"I ain't lookin down but i see no one above me."

Despite mixed reviews including one proclaiming Wayne's third studio effort as glossed over as lip gloss, full of radio friendly fanfare that is more bubble yum than down right gritty, as Lil' Wayne fans will declare "A Milli, Hip Hop IS ALIVE!"

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Lil Wayne's Carter III Cracks A Million Sales In It's First Week

'HULK' SMASHES, NOT ENOUGH BASHES

2008-06-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

Quotable: “There are aspects of my personality that I can't control. And when I lose control, it's very dangerous to be around me.” Bruce Banner (Edward Norton)

Two words sum up the comic book adaption of one one of the most popular superheroes of all time, the Incredible Hulk…

HULK SMASH! (Yes! Been waiting to say that!)

The CGI infused second installment in the Hulk series started off slowly but delivered an action packed punch that gained the Marvel franchise and Hulk storyline a new audience without alienating long time fans. The story picked up where the first Hulk left off, with Dr. Bruce Banner (Ed Norton, previously portrayed by Eric Bana) now a fugitive on the run from the U.S. Army led by cigar smoking, non-chalant, General Ross (William Hurt) sworn to capture him at any costs to harness the power within as the ultimate weapon for their own selfish gain. Searching for a cure to rid him of his primal green counterpart, Banner fights off soldiers, bullets, his love for Dr. Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) and an enemy equally as menacing, the Abomination (Tim Roth).

Hulk is a classic struggle of the rage that lurks within us all ready to spin us out of control. For most of us it’s contained or kept in check by our own accord or even with the help of loved ones, a hobby, meditation, or some other method that helps us to escape from the stresses of everyday life. Though there is heart pounding action in the form of chase scenes and a tug of war between Hulk and the Army as well as a showdown of epic proportions featuring Hulk and The Abomination, the movie does little else to thrill and at times babbles more than Tom Cruise proclaiming his love for Scientology. Edward Norton does a good job of depicting the torment that riddles Banner and voluntarily confines him to a life of solitude at the expense of being happy. The chemistry between him and Betty is undeniable and not only is it his voice of reason but it keeps alive on quite a few occasions yet also keeps him determined to remain on the run. When the promise of a cure and the discovery of his Brazilian location after a bottling plant incident where he freelances as a factory worker forces him out of hiding, Bruce must test his restraint and push his limits or risk losing control forever. Tim Roth plays a British soldier Emil Blonsky enlisted by General Ross whose awe of Hulk’s rage and his own greedy lust for power ultimately transform him into one of Hulk’s famed nemesis’, The Abomination, a creature of pure adrenaline and aggression.

“As Banner, Norton gives a strong performance. Like “Iron Man’s” Robert Downey Jr., Norton is a former Oscar nominee who brings a wealth of talent to a role one normally wouldn’t consider him for…”

A welcome change from the Ang Lee directed disaster in 2005, the 2008 Incredible Hulk directed by transports me back to the Sunday mornings while getting dressed for church, when my guilty pleasure was watching the animated Hulk engrossed in his signature smashing and bashing. )? While Hulk got a much needed human upgrade, making his character more relatable than his movie predecessor, there was still something missing you “can’t quite put your finger on.” Could it be that sense of morale and social responsibility that was present in ‘Iron Man’? Or could it be the vengeance that drives Batman pre Kilmer (Michael Keaton, Batman) and post Clooney (Christian Bale, Batman Begins)? No wait! Maybe is it the ability to go from ordinary to extraordinary like in Spiderman or better yet the struggle for equality being social outcasts that X-Men represents. The special effects that transformed the medium build David Banner of modest stature into the 8-10 ft tall, green-eyed, muscle ripped, towering Hulk were certainly impressive yet more realistic this go round. His skin was less rubbery and besides the hair color, his height-weight proportions were more on point.

Three things Hulk shares in common with these other super heroes and summer blockbusters however is its fun factor, popularity and high yielding box office revenue. The opening weekend box office racked in $55,414,050 planting it firmly in the #1 box office slot. Since smashing its way on the scene, The Incredible Hulk has racked in $66,226,305 (domestic); $30,766,138 (foreign) with a worldwide gross of $96,992,443.

As the second movie financed and produced by Marvel Studios, Hulk fans disappointed in Lee’s version will be pleasantly satisfied by the action in 2008’s Incredible Hulk. Add a little dash of nostalgia provided by a voiceover from The Incredible Hulk TV series star, Louis Ferragno (Hulk Smash!), a cameo by a reprised Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and you got a green, environmentally friendly (tree bashing and city pummeling were largely done in CGI) superhero movie to tie you over until Hellboy2: The Golden Army(Coming July 11th) and most notably, the long anticipated The Dark Knight (Coming July 18th.)

Hulk In Theaters Now!

2008 Incredible Hulk Trailer

Visit the Incredible Hulk Online
http://increbilehulk.marvel.com

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK

2008-06-13T02:56:00.001-04:00

Quotable:"We just wet the bed. A nice big one, too. One of the ones you can't put a towel over. It was terrible." Kobe Bryant (sans Game 4 Lakers loss)

The Boston Celtics got banged around, outscored, and outrebounded but in the course of one quarter, the third quarter, they managed to bring an 18 point deficit within two points heading into the fourth quarter. This series the Celtics have dominated the third quarter making it a pivotal time in which to secure a win for 3 out of 4 games. Strategy? Not hardly.

The Lakers took an early lead, steadily keeping the Celtics at bay by as much as 24 points. With Lamar Odom and Paul Gasol playing off each other in a sequence of touch passes and pick and rolls combined with key plays by Kobe, Sasha Vuyacic, Vladimir Radmanovic and Derek Fisher, Lakers’ offense seemed unstoppable. That is until Paul Pierce launched a three with 6:56 left to go in the 3rd quarter. Watching what transpired from this point on was far from watching paint dry and more like a descent into every Lakers’ fan own personal brand of hell when talking about the rivalry between LA and Boston. Cringe! Another consecutive Boston win and on Lakers’ turf that is.

So where did the Lakers’ go wrong and when did the Celtics’ go right? Point blank when Boston’s status as number one defensive team in the league came rushing back to them. In a chain of events made up of drives to the hole by Ray Allen and off the bench 20 foot plus jumpers by Eddie House of all players, Boston put LA’s legendary triangular offense on LOCK, forcing turnovers and taking advantage of LA’s lack of interior defense. Some questionable calls by Phil Jackson such as benching Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom just when they got the hot hand only fueled the Lakers’ scoring drought. The buckets that previously rained in Southern California dried up as Kobe’s 8 assists for crucial shots by Derek Fisher during the first half just weren’t enough to keep the Celtics from gaining the momentum that the Lakers’ possessed throughout most of the game. Ray Allen was enigmatic and tireless, Paul Pierce caught a second wind that proved crucial to the Lakers’ demise.

The honorary Lakers’ fan in me is as stunned as any other Laker enthusiast. Not only did Boston manage to raise the stakes in the series and gain the competitive advantage but the son of guns overcame the largest half-time deficit in the NBA Finals history in the shot clock area at 18 points. Previous records had been set at 14 points by get this, Lakers’ opponents! If anyone should be calling foul on game rigging should be Jerry West. Take notes Tim Donaghy, no team down 3-1 in the Finals has ever come back to win the championship. With a 5 out of 6 win-loss record against the Lakers’ during the regular season, is it any wonder really that history was made Thursday night? Things don’t look pretty in the City of Angels as Game 5 takes place in the Garden in Boston Sunday. With the Celtics being one game away from their first championship in 21 years, the 0-6 road record epidemic, inconsistent scoring by Big Three members, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in addition to the perils of having a young bench seem almost irrelevant.

Well the bench and Big Three certainly showed up in Game 4. As part of a 21-3 run, Eddie House hit two shots from three point land followed by a 10-1 run highlighted by a dunk by P.J.Brown to close the third quarter. A jumper by Leon Powe tied the game for the first time since the first quarter at 73. Saying it was all downhill from there would be a firm grasp on the obvious.

“We sucked it up. We said we weren't going to back down. At the end of the third quarter I looked up at the scoreboard and told the fellas. We just have to go out there and compete and let the chips fall where they may.'' Paul Pierce said.
While the odds are certainly stacked against them, the Finals’ favorites find themselves in a precarious position to have their asses handed to them yet again. Though the same analysts and fair weather fans are already jumping ship calling for a Lakers’ concession … “It Ain’t Over ‘Til The Fat Lady Sings!”

Game 5 Sunday – Lakers at Boston @ 8:30PM EST

GIANTS' STRAHAN BIDS TEAM FAREWELL

2008-06-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Quotable:"At some point you have to realize that you've done all that you can do, all you need to do. It's Over!" Michael Strahan, New York Giants

What is in the water nowadays? Many speculate it's a myriad of things from growth hormones to steroids to good ole yellow no. 5 (a common dye found in most food and beverage products). Personally my theory is that it's a brand of irony that is "forcing" the greats of the sports and entertainment industries into a questionable retirement. Considering ten years ago retirement meant you took the fruits of your 401k and or IRA kicked back and put up your feet, now the announcement of retirement is more of a bargaining chip to up your stock.

First there's Brett Favre in his teary-eyed farewell in an emotional leave from the world's game stepchild, American football. Then Floyd Mayweather Jr. (that's "Money" Mayweather to you) bids ado to the rapidly declining world of boxing and now Michael Strahan (New York Giants defensive end) beaming his signature gap toothed smile declares "it's over!" With a Super Bowl win, seven Pro Bowl appearances and the record for fifth most sacks in NFL history under his belt, Strahan is certainly having it "his way", on his own terms. To his fellow teammates and his agent, his announcement about retiring came as a no surprise. In fact prior to the Giants unprecedented Super Bowl victory, he contemplated retirement after 14 seasons accomplishing every achievement imaginable to an NFL star just shy of a Super Bowl ring.

"Money was never the issue. Really I thought he was going to retire before last season. I'm happy he stayed around." Strahan's agent, Tony Agnone reported to the Associated Press.

Not even an offer by the front office to up the ante in his salary by an additional undisclosed amount on top of his $4 million dollar contract could change his mind. As the 36 year old Super bowl champion revealed, physically he still has plenty of life in him. His actions on the field and accolades by Giants coach, Tom Coughlin and opponents as well as friends speak for themselves. The "consummate" Giant as he is affectionately and jokingly nicknamed by Coughlin, started 15 of 16 times in the regular season while managing to rack up 46 tackles and nine sacks. Strahan is the Giant's career sacks leader in case you didn't know and at one point he set a single season NFL mark of 22.5 sacks back in 2001 as a Packer. Not bad for a second round draft pick from a small time Texas Southern University. Justifiably the underrated defensive end was instrumental in leading underdog to a championship victory. John Mara adamantly claims that the Giants' couldn't have done it without him and the sentiment around the league is unanimous in what the future holds for Strahan – Hall of Famer.

"Michael is not only one of the great Giants of all time but also one of the great defensive players in the NFL history. It was an honor to spend my entire career as his teammate." Former teammate, Tiki Barber notes.

I recall a pre Super Bowl prediction by fellow teammate Plaxico Burress that Patriots' fans and analysts unfairly labeled bold. While the Patriots certainly brought an offensive prowess and a defensive pressure cooker unmatched by many, the Giants will to win and team synergy managed to lock down the Pats power ranking defense 17-14 over New England in Super Bowl XLII. Simply put the Giants brought their A game. Even in the midst of anti-Patriots sentiment, Michael rallied for the Giants from the locker room to the sidelines as well as in the press in the good old fashioned "Ask not what your team can do for you, but what you can do for your team" mantra from taking young Giants' defensive ends under his wing to creating a humorous little jig he good naturedly called the "Strahan Stomp" to commensurate the Giants rise to Super Bowl champions.

Perhaps good friend Jon Runyan of the Philadelphia Eagles said it best. "You think that a situation where the guy exits winning a Super Bowl – going out on top – and if you could write a book, that's the way you'd want to end it."

"Icing on the cake." No small feat for a great guy whose tremendous career was far from on the decline.

MOVIE MAYDAY:INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULLS

2008-05-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Quotable: "City of gold...'gold' translates as 'treasure.' But their treasure wasn't gold, it was knowledge. Knowledge was their treasure. " Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)

Famed archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is called back into action after stumbling upon a Soviet plot to possess the power of the legendary crystal skulls. A revisit to the cult classics Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade, Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls is a nostalgic, roller coaster ride that blasts you ‘Back to the Future’ while giving you a not so modern taste of the ‘Supernatural.’ What makes the original and sequels cult favorites is the unique blend of history, otherworldly elements and action packed adventure that each Indy film hits you with. When director Steven Spielberg and writer George Lucas team up, you just know there will be close encounters of the first, second if not the third kind. Not to mention little green men, parallel universes and or characters and ideals that make one explore the far reaches of the imagination. Ok, so I went deeper than a touchdown pass from the legendary Joe Montana. Forgive me for dropping a spoiler that registers at least 8.0 on the Richter scale.

Things go awry for Indy when Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf, Transformers) enters his life informing him of the abduction of his mother, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen, original cast member,Indiana Jones:Raiders of the Lost Ark) and the duo's long term friend, Professor 'Ox' Oxley (John Hurt, V for Vendetta and Hellboy 1 and 2)by villianess, Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth:The Golden Age and Notes on a Scandal). The fists and witty remarks fly and the bad guys give chase on a mission that sends the globe trotting team on expedition from the US to England to Peru.

Without revisiting Indiana Jones 1-3, Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls is a fair revival of a storied franchise that has just enough umph to stand-on its own two feet without getting away from the very things that gained the franchise the massive cult following it still enjoys today. Harrison Ford is obviously not in tip top shape but he manages to reprise his wisecracking, whip cracking role quite well for his age.

"You know, for an old man you ain't bad in a fight. What are you, like 80?"
Mutt teases Indy.

Then of course there are the special effects and CGI that save the film. Another plus for sci-fi fans is the authencity of the legend itself. It seems that the crystal skulls actually exist and are thought to be extraterrestial and were first found in the 19th century. The skulls have been linked them to various cultures including Pre-Columbian tribes like the Mayans and Aztecs. The mystery of the crystal skulls still has many archaeologists and scientists speculating their origin and purpose. On the flip side, there were a few unsurprising fleeting moments that almost killed some of the action and storyline such as question of paternity, devices that obviously didn't exist during the 1950's in which the movie was set, sometimes corny dialogue, and extended chase scenes (damn catch him already!) but for the most part the movie did what it set out to do and that was entertain, which my not be enough for die hard Indiana Jones. For a sequel 20 years in the making, there is huge margin for disappointment! Just ask Rocky Balboa, another addition to a classic franchise that managed more to disappoint than to delight.

Here's to hanging up your whip Indy!

Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls Trailer

Indiana Jones Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls is in theaters now!

For More Movie Magic, Headlines and More,
Visit Indiana Jones.com

BEANTOWN VS MOTOWN: CELTICS AND PISTONS FACE-OFF

2008-05-23T12:24:00.003-04:00

Quotable: "A lot of the teams they played in the postseason and the regular season were scared of them, as far as KG and Ray and Paul. They are good players, but we have good players, also." Rasheed Wallace, Pistons forward.

Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons.

Sound familiar? It should. It's the most predictable yet still widely anticipated Eastern Conference match up in the playoffs. Both teams have so much in common. For one, they both soar above other contenders in the East and even though I hate to say it, my Pistons also share the Celtics' lack of intensity and focus at times. There are some major differences though. Starting with the fact that Boston is hungry, having never won a ring and never playing together collectively in the playoffs let alone the Eastern Conference Finals, they have a lot to prove. Then again so do the Pistons after being dethroned by the Spurs in the 2005 Finals, the Heat in the 2006 Eastern Conference Finals and the Cavs in 2007 Eastern Conference Finals.

Home Court Advantage

Detroit handed Boston their first home loss, 87-85 during the regular season. Add that to the can of whoop ass they unleashed on Boston at the Garden Thursday and the once invincible Celtics are now 10-1 at home against the Pistons in the post-season. Pistons have won three road games in the playoffs whereas the Celtics are flat out zero away from "Beantown", going 0-6 on the road. Detroit shutdown their series against Philadelphia in six games and against Orlando in five games while Boston allowed teams hang on for 7 games in both series (Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers).

Winner: Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons

Big Man Matchup

The matchup to watch of course lies between Kevin Garnett and Rasheed Wallace. KG and company have outrebounded the Pistons each time they've met in the regular season.

Winner: Boston Celtics

Shooting

The argument can swing either way on this one. If Ray Allen doesn't show up, the Pistons have the perimeter on lock! In the Cavs series, Allen was 32.8% from the field, averaging a measly 9.3 ppg, an 8.1 difference between his normal stats. The usually 3 point threat's noticeable decline falls from beyond the arch, dropping to 16.2% from the field or 6 for 37.

If Tayshaun Prince can't get open shots, Boston can edge the Pistons out the paint. The Pistons third leading scorer outside Rip and Chauncey only brought in 16pts during the team's previous games. Now that Chauncey close to 100% scoring, however after suffering a hamstring strain that had him sitting out for two games.

Winner: Boston Celtics or Detroit Pistons

Bench

While the Celtics have the "Big Three" consisting of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Pistons have the "Big Six", Rip, Chauncey, Sheed, Tayshaun, McDyess and now X factor, rookie Rodney Stuckey -- a key role player doing damage against the Celtics' defense in critical, scene stealing moments. You do the math!

Winner: Detroit Pistons

Coaching

Detroit is tried and true championship winning team with veteran coach,Flip Saunders at its helm.

Winner: Detroit Pistons

Best of 7 Series Winner: Pistons in 7

Game 1 - Celtics 88 Pistons 79
Game 2 - Celtics 103 Pistons 97

Related Articles:

Pistons pull even, Win Game 2

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY PICK ' EM

2008-05-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

It's that time again! The NBA Draft Lottery, held Tuesday, May 20th in Secacus, New Jersey, had more bells and whistles than the Super Bowl half-time show. Not that there were any fireworks, half naked dancers or superstar entertainers wailing into a microphone centerfield, but there were some initial surprises in choosing the top three that left many scratching their heads. How the hell did the Bulls at a 1.7% chance of landing the coveted #1 draft pick, end up with just that, the number selection in the lottery? Equally interesting enough, notable rapper turned mogul, Jay-Z sat suited up representing for the New Jersey Nets (soon to be Brooklyn Nets) among Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant for surprise, the Miami Heat and the Seattle Supersonics (soon to be the Oklahoma City SuperSonics),ex-BET CEO, Robert Johnson, majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats; NBA legend, Larry Bird for the Indiana Pacers, among others came out to hoping for a visit from "Lady Luck."

From the best to the worst positions, here's how the teams fared.

1. Chicago Bulls
2. Miami Heat
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Seattle SuperSonics
5. Memphis Grizzlies + LA Lakers 1st round pick
6. New York Knicks
7. LA Clippers
8. Milwaukee Bucks
9. Charlotte Bobcats
10.Indiana Pacers
11.New Jersey Nets + Dallas Mavericks 1st round pick
12.Sacramento Kings
13.Portland Trailblazers
14.Golden State Warriors

Notes* Portland Trailblazers won the first selection in the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery. The last lottery pick for the Pacers was in 1997. Scott Skiles is the new head coach for the Milwaukee Bucks. The LA Clippers have had 18 consecutive lottery appearances. The New York Knicks have had 7 consecutive losing seasons. The Seattle Supersonics and Miami Heat have never won a #1 pick in the lottery. The Chicago Bulls, to date, have not filled their head coach vacancy.

FOR FULL DRAFT LIST ORDER, CLICK HERE

Related Links

NBA Draft Lottery
Early Entry Candidates
What Teams Need

DWYANE WADE GIVES MOM KEYS TO GOD'S KINGDOM

2008-05-19T16:08:00.005-04:00

Quotable:"It's the dream of every man, every boy to be able to give their mother everything they want, so that was my dream and that is her dream to, that makes this perfect." Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

"Today is the crossover,"professed Jolinda Wade. "We're in here today because of God's goodness and God chose to use the heart of my son to do this for us... and he trusts the heart of his mama. Ain't that something?"

And what a big heart he has! Dwyane Wade or "The Flash" as they call him, has surpassed giving his mother the lavish gifts (e.g. cars, houses, clothes, jewelry etc.) most professional athletes shower their mothers with upon raking in the million dollar contracts and endorsements. He's now giving her the keys to the kingdom, God's kingdom. Recently, Wade bestowed a blessing upon his ex inmate/drug dealer/drug addict/ mother by purchasing a church in her name. The 'Temple of Praise' is a place of praise and worship, drawing in the hundreds, filling row for row of pews including notable patrons such as Shaquille O'Neal's mother and Magic Johnson's mother.

Jolinda's journey to being a reborn Christian and Baptist pastor is nothing short of miraculous. Once strung out on drugs, she bounced from jail to prison,essentially leaving behind Tragil, one of her daughters, to raise Dwyane. Tragil recalls the anxiety she felt everytime she heard of someone being found dead in Chicago's abandoned buildings, praying it wasn't her mother. It was in prison that God called to Ms. Wade and she started her first ministry, growing 'Temple of Praise' from just 47 members in a cramped room to hundreds in multi-room building after receiving time served for her participation in a work release program.

"Today is one of the greatest moments in my life." revealed Ms. Wade.

Like the saying goes, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Dwyane Wade began being his humanitarian efforts early in his NBA career, founding his non profit organization, Wayne's World Foundation in his rookie year. Wayne's World holds a week long summer camp for 600 kids and an annual Christmas party for 250 kids at a local amusement park. Wade recently teamed up with Staples to give 18 South Florida communities the chance to compete for $25,000 in improvements to their favorite community park in the "Staples Dream Park Challenge." Voters who entered also were placed in a drawing giving away five Wade autographed jerseys and five chances to meet "The Flash" in person.

Sunday, Dwyane sat in the first pew of his mom's new church home, overcome with emotion. This time crying tears of joy at his mother's accomplishment and his ability to make it happen for her. Wade never turned his back on his mom even when she was between a rock and a hard place.

A true testament to the power of forgiveness and the bond between a mother and a child.

"I respect my mother so much, from the life that she used to live and to see her today in the life that she lives. I'm so proud of her," Dwyane Wade told The Associated Press before the service. "Everybody thinks I'm the miraculous story in the family. I think she is. I think what I've done means I've been very blessed, but she's been more than blessed. She's been anointed."

SPYGATE RESURRECTED OR LAID TO REST?

2008-05-14T17:00:00.002-04:00

Quotable:“There was no bugging of locker rooms. There was no manipulation of communication systems. There was no crowd noise violations anywhere that he was aware of. No miking of players to pick up opposing signals or audibles." Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

It was only a matter of time before a scandal as infamous as Spygate reared its ugly head again. Come on, can anyone really pass up the chance to further knock the Patriots’ “perfect” season after an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants in Superbowl XLII? If Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania had his way the whole National Football League would go down hook, line and sinker.

Former video assistant, Matt Walsh met with NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell in a three hour plus conference Tuesday to further investigate “new information” presented in the Patriots’ spy games, in which he was caught red handed videotaping defensive signals from the sidelines of the New Jersey Jets’ camp last season. Walsh handed over 8 tapes he had in his possession since January, when he casually hinted at the possibility of being able to shed further light on the scandal. Apparently, Walsh wised up to the fact that the NFL could sue his ass from here to kingdom come for withholding what is technically their property and came to an agreement to relinquish the tapes in exchange for immunity from legal action in the foreseeable future. The penalty came after a short lived investigation and resulted in a $500,000 fine for Patriots’ coach, Bill Belichick and a $250,000 fine for the Patriots organization in addition to the relinquishing of a first round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft. To this day, coaches, fans and players still scream bloody murder at the leniency of the penalty Goodell dished out against the organization.
All naysayers needed was one more nail to crucify the Patriots with and when the rumor leaked that there was another blemish in the Patriots progressively perfect season, the chickens came home to roost. Word spread like wildfire of a ghost tape of the St.Louis Rams walk through practice prior to Superbowl XXVI and they dying embers of public uproar came roaring back to life. Another log to add to the fire… surprise! surprise! Well guess what? None of the 8 tapes confirmed this allegation and what Walsh revealed corresponded with what has already determined, Belichick cheated and at first refused to even acknowledge the fact, later giving a lame brain excuse to have misinterpreted the rules and vowing that there was no wrong intent being that the tapes weren’t used on game day. Highlights of the 8 tapes were even shown to the media, one of which consisted of tacky close ups of San Diego’s cheerleaders. There was NO tape of the St.Louis Rams walkthrough before Superbowl XXVI! Just like when Spygate began, Goodell was quick to put a kibosh on things before they “got out of hand.” Already notorious for botching the previous investigation by destroying material submitted by Belichick, a mishandling of the latest chapter in the Spygate saga would be just another botched up job by Goodell in a long list of screw-ups that have become the commissioner’s legacy.

“As I stand before you today, having met with 50 other people, I don’t know where else to turn . . . we hope that with Matt’s disclosure, everyone will finally believe what we’ve been saying all along and emphatically stated on the day of the initial report: 'The suggestion that the New England Patriots recorded the St. Louis Rams' walk-through on the day before Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002 is absolutely false. Any suggestion to the contrary is untrue.' "Goodell declared.

One of those witnesses interviewed was Greg Daboll, ex-Patriots receivers’ coach who now ironically is the Jets quarterback coach. Despite Walsh’s revelation that he did provide beneficial information to the Pats, to the tune of relaying signals to an unnamed Patriots’ quarterback for future reference until game day, when the signals were delivered to Charlie Weis to hand down to the field. The Patriots admitted to taping five teams over six games between 2000 and 2002: Buffalo, Miami, Cleveland, San Diego and Pittsburgh in the 2002 AFC Championship game, forever shrouding their 3 Super Bowl wins and nearly perfect 2007 season since then with a black cloak of suspicion. Too bad for Tom Brady, Laurence Maroney,Michael Vrabel, Kevin Faulk and the rest of the gang over in New England. Despite what Specter and his minions would like you to believe, there is the element of sheer talent and will that New England’s roster possesses that even with a Blockbuster Video store full of recorded defensive and or offensive signals no team would be able to execute. Of course one could chalk that up to dumb luck but then again you’d be blowing more smoke than Specter demanding an independent investigation.

Football fans would like further action taken to ensure that cheating to this magnitude doesn’t happen again and I agree but government involvement on any level is seldom if ever necessary and neither is discrediting or “downplaying” the talented Patriots player’s performance(s). All this coming from a man with his own personal interest(s) vested in blackballing the NFL. Specter is well known for being backed by Comcast (Specter’s second largest campaign contributor at $101,750) who are currently involved in a head to head debacle with the NFL network over its distribution. Guess who his number one supporter is? Blank Rome LLP, the law firm that represents Comcast (they are the largest contributors to his campaign at $ 258,550). If that isn’t a V for Vendetta, then I don’t know what is. Just the hard cold facts my friends.

As Goodell has mentioned, the evidence presented by Walsh “is consistent with what we disciplined the Patriots for last fall.” The only other thing previously known offense that was uncovered was ticket scalping (8-12 Super Bowl tickets) for Patriots players over two seasons and the participation of an injured reserve player in practice during the season. Hardly earth shattering news I’d say, another slap on the wrist at best with the penalty being, perhaps one game suspensions of the players involved.

In all fairness, the scandal was quite overhyped, spanning six months or the equivalent of a full season. I have to give it up to Walsh, holding on to the tapes for this long as if he had a Desert Eagle instead of a cap gun built up momentum in his favor to totally exclude himself from legal recourse he might not have been granted had he copped out early. Priceless.

Face it…. Yawngate, I mean Spygate has thankfully run its course. Not because Goodell says so or the Pats administration wants it to be, but because without overwhelming evidence to suggest further disciplinary measures should be taken, there is nothing left to discipline the Pats team for!

“With the war in Iraq raging on, gasoline prices closing in on $4 a gallon, and Americans losing their homes at record rates to foreclosure, the United States Senate should be focusing on the real problems that Americans are struggling with,” Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts said. “I'm looking forward to another great Patriots season where they can let their play on the field speak for itself.”
Amen, Mr. Kennedy. Amen.

Related Patriots Spy Games Articles:
Specter Calls Patriots’ Spying Wider Than Stated
Specter Wants Independent Investigation Into Spygate
Suspending Belichick will bring closure to Spygate
Herald Reporter: Devastating leap of logic led to story
Walsh Dismisses Pats Attempts To Diminish Minimize Illegal Taping

OJ MAYO: MO MONEY, MO PROBLEMS

2008-05-11T20:00:00.003-04:00

Quotable: "I would just like to know if I did [get money], where did the money go? I was a struggling college student like everyone else. I bicycled to class. The truth will come out, even though the perception is reality." O.J. Mayo

There's something about Mayo.

And these days it's not about where he will fall in the first round when the NBA Draft rolls around on June 26th. Like many student athletes before him, Mayo seems to have fallen into the pitfall of taking gifts,money and or other favors from agents and or their representatives. According to NCAA rules and regulations, student athletes cannot receive any form of gifts, cash or benefits while attending a college or university and in California it’s a misdemeanor for agents to bestow gifts of any sort to a student athlete. It has long been a “hush-hush” standard in college sports recruiting for college athletic programs and agents scouting for that next NBA eligible mega star to woo them into signing with them by making the money, gifts and other perks rain. Agents and other bottom feeders being paid to befriend rising high school and college athletes is as classic to sports as is the All-American football hero from a small town or the basketball phenom from the ghetto turned Franchise megastar.

Recently ex-confidant, Rodney Guillory, a Los Angeles event promoter, came forward alleging that he showered Mayo with $30,000 dollars in cash, various gifts and benefits including a flat screen TV for Mayo's dorm room, cell phone service, clothes, a hotel room and meals with a few similar benefits being bestowed upon one of Mayo's relatives and a few friends during Mayo’s senior year in high school and during his one year tenure at USC. Mayo ofcourse denies receiving any money or benefits from Guillory, stating, "I don't know anything about it. It caught me by surprise. I've got to get to L.A. to see what's going on. I'm just focusing on the draft."

In a statement released on Mother's Day, the NCAA commented,"The allegations of improper benefits received by O.J. Mayo before and during his enrollment at the University of Southern California -- as outlined in ESPN's May 11, 2008, segment of 'Outside the Lines' -- are new to the NCAA. This information was not available when the NCAA examined Mr. Mayo's academic and amateurism status prior to his collegiate enrollment, and we will review the information in conjunction with the institution and the Pac-10 Conference."

Lou Johnson, an associate of Guillory, revealed to ESPN’s “Outside The Lines” that Billy Duffy & Associates, whom Guillory reports gave him a total of $200,000 split up into monthly payments along with a new $50,000 Infiniti SUV, denies knowing Guillory or Johnson, let alone putting Guillory on payroll. Johnson even provided store receipts to the news show as proof. Considering that the receipts are from purchases made with a credit card from a non-existent charity organization called, The National Organization of Sickle Cell Prevention and Awareness Foundation, I’d hardly be flashing those around town to prove my credibility.

"We didn't give O.J. one dime. I was told that O.J. had an exemplary year on campus and was riding his bike to class. We've got 80 clients who we put our heart and soul working for and we're not in a position where we have to buy clients." Billy Duffy of Billy Duffy & Associates commented.

Sort of gives a new definition to the term “snake in the grass.” You’d be hard pressed to convince me that this isn’t a vendetta in a sweet deal that went south. With Mayo hiring Billy Duffy & Associates’ agent, Andrews and foregoing his sophomore year at USC to enter the NBA Draft, it seems awfully convenient timing that Guillory and Johnson would unload their “guilty” consciences on the media now. While Mayo certainly isn’t a saint, he did his due diligence when he accepted Denver Nuggets’ tickets from Carmelo Anthony last season and donated $460 (the value of the tickets) to charity. He probably did what many other kids do from broken homes whose talents can carry them further than any hustle the streets or even sometimes a job from a college education can often afford them, take the gifts being offered. It’s certainly not illegal nor the first time this has happened.

Is it me or does this story seem redundant like Hilary Clinton’s campaign attempts for presidency? Similar accusations have been thrown at Heisman Trophy winner and breakout Oakland Raiders quarterback, Reggie Bush also an USC alumnus and countless others such as Fresno State’s, Tito Maddox to name a few. Where is the accountability by the educational institutions, the college athletics department and staff? Hell! What about the agents and their representatives who paint the picture of the “Great White Hope” (or in Guillory’s case, “Great Black Hope”) coming down off Mt. Messiah to save a young promising kid from the hood from the hard knock life by supplying them with all the “bling”, cash and perks their hearts desire in exchange for a big payday when they hit the big time?

The jury is out. And if Mayo is founded to be liable, the cost to pay the boss could be vacating of games and records while he attended USC and North College Hill Highschool. The question is did USC know? Honestly, how could they not? Certainly, flashy new clothes and kicks and a flat screen TVs are blood red flags if you’re known for pedaling around campus on a bike! Let the investigations by the NCAA, the Ohio High School Athletic Association and USC begin! As even NBA commissioner David Stern acknowledges more is needed to be done to “protect student athletes,” if not from themselves but from predatory hustlers that prey on their talent.

If anything don’t hate the player, hate the game

Related Articles:
Mayo Demonstrates That NBA Rule Is A Disaster
Mayo Got The Money, But Others Cashed In
NCAA Has “New” Information On Mayo
Mayo Denies Ex-Confidant Claims Of Gifts, Including TV and Cash

KOBE POPS MVP CHERRY

2008-05-07T21:00:00.001-04:00

Quotable:"I don't know anybody who's ever deserved this trophy more. I don't know anybody who's ever worked as hard to accomplish what he's accomplished." Phil Jackson, Lakers coach

Hate it or love it, in a unanimous decision on Tuesday night, Kobe Bryant officially popped his cherry as league MVP (Most Valuable Player) in a high energy ceremony at the Staples Center that ended in a promise that the Lakers will “play until June.” The first time MVP winner was anything but selfish with the recognition of his achievement when he paused for the cause long enough to acknowledge the contributions of his teammates.

"This is not an individual award," Bryant replied. "The special thing about this award is we have done it together."

It wasn’t too long ago when trade rumors swirled around the Lakers’ franchise and Kobe’s whines for a trade resulted in boos echoing from the Staples Center as soon as the First All-NBA Team Champion stepped foot on the court opening night. With the injury of promising Lakers center, Andrew Bynum and inconsistent performances by Lamar Odom and Luke Walton, the Lakers were far from the force to be reckoned that swept the doomed Denver Nuggets in the first round. In what was the plot curve in a well written Hollywood script, Lakers’ general manager, Mitch Kuchpak answered the cries of his superstar in distress by enlisting a trade for Paul Gasol (one of the blockbuster season trades alongside Phoenix’s acquisition of Shaq and Dallas’ acquisition of Jason Kidd.) and Trevor Ariza.

Throughout his 12 seasons, Kobe has never been ranked above 3rd place in contention for league MVP and in the race for MVP, analysts weighed in on whether Kobe was deserving of the honor simply because he is one of the greatest players in the game. Tuesday all doubts were set aside with Bryant running away with 82 first-place votes and 1,100 points in the media vote. He was followed by New Orleans' Chris Paul (28 and 894), Boston's Kevin Garnett (15 and 670) and Cleveland's LeBron James (1 and 438). Kobe joins other past Laker MVP winner Shaquille O’Neal and three time Laker MVP winners, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.

And so the story comes full circle as Kobe and Co. make a play to return to the status of champion elite, currently leading the Utah Jazz 2-1 in Round 2 of the NBA playoffs. Ball hog? No more. While Kobe only averaged a modest 5.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds this season, he was able to accomplish what has held him to the stigma of not being a team player for so long – the ability to connect with his teammates. Taking newer recruits Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujicic and Jordan Farmar under his wing while involving veterans Lamar Odom and long time friend, Derek Fisher, has resulted in a gelled Lakers’ team non existent during the Lakers’ respective 00’-01’ and 01’-02’championship runs.

"He's deserving in this particular season with all of the question marks and everything going on coming into the season and the uncertainty," teammate Derek Fisher said. "Not only did he statistically have an MVP-type of season, everybody can reasonably say they were better this year because of what he did. He met the so-called criteria, elevating his teammates' games."

At first glance, it would seem Chris Paul or Kevin Garnett would be more ideal candidates for the MVP award. Kevin Garnett has turned around his team in one season, forming a menacing triple threat in the East that has won them the both the league best record and the best record in the Eastern Conference as well as a very real contention for the Championship. Not to be out done, Chris Paul’s Cinderella story is an awe inspiring proof that experience is no guarantee to winning in the Playoffs. His leadership over the young and hungry, New Orleans’ Hornets has given a Katrina ravaged city hope and a reason to be proud again such as sending the Dallas Mavericks home in the first round. Despite a torn ligament in his finger and an upper respiratory infection, Bryant played ALL 82 games this season, giving up shots and reaping the fruits of his labor with a more productive supporting cast, the best record in the Western conference (66-25) and a berth in the NBA Playoffs. A testament to Kobe's preseason vow of sacrifice and ecommitment in mending a relationship on the rocks with a team he has played with his entire career.

"The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it."
Theodore Roosevelt

'IRON MAN', AN IRON CLAD HIT

2008-05-05T20:01:00.008-04:00

Quotable: "Sometimes you gotta run before you crawl." Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)

From a long line of superhero movies adapted from comic book series comes “Iron Man”, an action packed adventure laced with great comedic timing, killer special effects and a classic good vs. evil plot but with a technology twist. Robert Downey Jr. is playboy billionaire genius, Tony Stark, a technology and weapons inventor who has inherited his father’s legacy of developing advanced weapons systems for the U.S. government under the guise Stark Industries. Stark delights in developing newer more advanced deadly weapons and a carefree, no responsibilities lifestyle filled with shameless womanizing and showboating. When a demonstration in Afghanistan of Stark Industries latest “merchant of death”, the Jericho missile is intercepted by terrorists, Stark is not only mortally wounded by the missile but is taken hostage to create the weapon of mass destruction for his captors.
Robert Downy Jr. is the most darkly human “superhero” I’ve seen since Christian Bale reprised the role of the Dark Knight in the 2005 blockbuster, Batman Begins. His air of sarcasm, witty humor and ultimately social consciousness is something I along with many can directly relate to.

Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrance Howard round out the cast as Stark's sidekicks and confidants, Virginia "Pepper" Potts and U.S. Airforces officer , Jim Rhodes who keep him from the brink of disaster and recklessness that has become his life. While in captivity, Stark is exposed to the dangers that his weapons presents and it is this self-realization and sense of responsibility that he experiences that makes the movie so real and so current with the war in Iraq still raging, suicide bombers and Al-Quaida still terrorizing and the "weapons of mass destruction" still threatning a global apocalypse from North Korea.

Having grown up on Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, the (Uncanny) X-Men, Fantastic Four, the Avengers, Captain America and the Incredible Hulk to name a few, Iron Man was originally lost on me along with other pre released comic book hero adaptions, Daredevil, Electra, Punisher, Spawn, Blade and Ghost Rider until recently. The first fully financed project by Marvel Studios has raked in $100.4 million in its opening weekend making it the 10th biggest opening of all time and the fourth biggest for a superhero movie. Among non-sequels, it came second to the first "Spider-Man," which premiered with $114.8 million. Critics are stark raving mad, heralding it a “Fun summer blockbuster.”

“‘Iron Man’ has several advantages over a lot of recent efforts in the superhero genre. It features a solid cast, snappy dialogue, some pleasant surprises, expectedly impressive special effects and even a hint of subtle social commentary. But most importantly, it’s fun.” Dan Lybarger-EFilmcritic.com

“One of the hippest, best-written and best-directed superhero movies ever -- a splendid way to kick off the summer movie season.” Lou Lumenick – New York Post

“Hollywood has unearthed an unlikely weapon of mass destruction: Robert Downey Jr.” Claudia Puig - USA Today

After being exposed to lackluster previews sporadically prior to the release, I’m thankful that even a sleepless night of blog updates and web design work couldn’t keep me away from being exposed to the gem that Iron Man is. The critics and fans all agree, Iron Man is a must see and a welcoming change to the seemingly endless slump of mindless dribble that has been in theaters of late.

"IRON MAN" TRAILER

A superhuman movie that has been noted for its brawn and brains, Iron Man is in theaters now!

ATLANTA HAWKS DOWN

2008-05-04T14:54:00.009-04:00

Quotable: “From day one, I told this team that anything is possible when you get into the playoffs – and this team believes that,” -- Atlanta Hawks’ coach, Michael Woodson.

The decibel level in the Philips Arena reached the highest level it had been since the Hawks faced the Bulls in Round 1 of the 1998 NBA playoffs. Whether it was the record breaking 20,425 fans that packed into Philips Arena, chanting and hollering ‘Seven’ after a passionate speech by Zaza Pachulia proclaiming Atlanta’s game seven inducing performance or a byproduct of Hawks’ coach, Michael Woodson’s own brand of tough love locker room pep talk before the game – the Atlanta Hawks are on the brink of creating NBA history. As Hawks fans will tell you, Atlanta is down BUT their NOT out! With 1:07 left to play, a three pointer by Hawks shooting guard, Joe Johnson clinched a 103-100 victory for Atlanta and forced the series to Game 7 today. You have to give the Hawks credit.

Said Garnett: "Joe Johnson is the most underrated player in our league besides [Detroit's] Rasheed Wallace. He's underrated ... I'll give it to him. He played his [butt] off."

The Celtics are not the only ones stunned into silence at the prospect of a seven game series in the first round. They seem to have bought into ESPN analysts’ theories that they will simply steamroll through the Eastern Conference for a picture-perfect finish where they will lounge lazily awaiting their Western Conference opponent in the Finals.

From the beginning of the season to after the Celtics' acquired underestimated veteran Sam Cassell, I held fast to my no bandwagon jumping policy. Sure the Celtics held the NBA record for the best 1 season turnaround, showcasing a 42 win improvement (also an NBA record) which brings us to their 66-16 record, they have the best win-loss record in the league. Impressive to some, to me they’re lack of intensity on the road is an indication that all that glitters is not gold. The more experienced Celtics’ still have some lessons in championship contenders to get under their belt. The Hawks' have fought tooth and nail to force a potential sweep into a jaw dropping seven game series, shell-shocking Boston Celtics and basketball enthusiasts everywhere. Should they pull of a win today, A 37-45 Atlanta would be the worst team to advance since the 1976 Pistons, and the first losing team to beat a No. 1 overall seed in a best-of-seven series.

While a win at the Garden to advance to round 2 seems highly unlikely, the unexpected fight from secondary players like a usually underperforming Zaza Puchilia and a recently injured, Marvin Williams gave Atlanta an edge to counter the 3 consecutive 23, 19 and 25 point losses to Boston on the road. Saying that Atlanta has found a way to get under Boston's heavily guarded armor is an understatement -- the Hawks' have managed to crawl under the Celtics' skin! Despite pressure cooking defense by the Celtics’ to force the Hawks to beat them with secondary players and to put up tough shots, the Hawks’ rallied from behind an 8pt deficit with 16 straight possessions in the second half of Game 6. The inability to maintain their notorious intensity on the court has analysts focusing on what they deem as two key weaknesses in Boston’s killer arsenal. Namely Kevin Garnett’s tendency to disappear in close games away from the Garden and Boston Celtics’ coach, Doc Rivers musical chair tactics in maintaining a consistent lineup.

These two key weaknesses will of course be swept under the rug now that Kevin Garnett and company have dominated the Atlanta Hawks 99-65 and advanced to the second round to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. All and all this has been a surprisingly must watch series up to the bittersweet end as the physicality of the first six games boiled over into a flagrant 2 foul called on Marvin Williams for virtually clotheslining Rajon Rondo to the floor, a move that ignited a 28 pt Celtics lead and Williams’ ejection from the game. It’s clear that the Celtics were out to make a statement.

"Play hard, play defense, win at home."

Round 2 Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Monday, May 6th @ 8:00pm - The Garden, Boston MA

LEBRON OVERRATED? JAY-Z "BLOWS THE WHISTLE"

2008-04-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Quotable:"Who the f*** is overrated? If anything, they under paid him. Hate him, that’s only going to make him spend the night out of spite with the chick you’ve been dating..." Jay-Z Stevenson Diss Freestyle "Blow The Whistle"

It seems that another chapter has unfolded in the DeShawn Stevenson (Washington Wizards forward) diss against Lebron James (Stevenson commented on March 17th after a a loss to the Cavaliers that Lebron was overrated.) that has Jay-Z “blowing the whistle.” Perhaps Jay-Z has a personal interest vested in Lebron beyond friendship. Maybe he has secretly signed him to endorse Rocawear in a future campaign? Or could it be he is buying another stake in a ball team, namely the Cleveland Cavaliers? Putting a ring on his finger? Say it ain't so Hov! While Jay has not contested Lil’ Wayne’s crusade against him, he has put on the gloves and battled rap heavyweights 50 Cent, Nas and Jim Jones/Dipset then stooped to giving the Deshawn Stevenson the 15 minutes of self promotion he was looking for in a war of words.
Back in December 2006, Wayne lashed out at Hova boasting, “I don’t like what he’s saying about how he had to come back because hip-hop’s dead and we need him. What the fuck do you mean? If anything it’s reborn, so he’s probably having a problem with that. You left on a good note, and all of the artists were saying, ‘Yo, this is Jay’s house. He’s the best.’ Now he comes back and still thinks it’s his house. It’s not your house anymore, and I’m better than you. I’m better than him, I’m 24 years old. ... I’m 13 years deep with five albums and 10 million records sold.”

The not so young Hov has joined the “Defend Lebron” campaign releasing a diss track entitled “Blow The Whistle” with the help of Damon Jones, James’ Cavaliers teammate, blazing Stevenson with lines like "Who the f*** is overrated? If anything, they under paid him. Hate him, that’s only going to make him spend the night out of spite with the chick you’ve been dating..." You’re really showing your age on this one Jigga. While I respect Jay as an artist and businessman, shouldn’t his energies be focused on his new bride, Beyonce, his growing mega empire and finalizing a historic multi-million dollar deal with LiveNation? The only two capitalizing on the he said, she said mud-slinging are DeShawn Stevenson, a streaky shooting Washington Wizards forward, averaging 11.2pts,2.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists and gimmicky teen rapper, Soulja Boy (Yahh, trick Yaaah!). All these pock shots for publicity are a pathetic attempt by Stevenson to put his name out there like the bricks he puts up off the backboard, oh excuse me his threes (BALLINNNNN'!!!!)

In a retort to Stevenson’s attempt to diminish Lebron’s franchise player status, Lebron blasted back at DeShawn stating, “Responding to Stevenson would be like Jay-Z coming back at Soulja Boy.” So what’s Soulja Boy’s take in all this? Already heralded as a potential “one hit wonder”, Soulja Boy is laughing all the way to the bank with hot singles annoying but infectious “Crank That”, “Yaah Trick!” and “Get Silly” (single he produced for upcoming rap artist, V.I.C) soaring up the charts. He certainly is expanding his portfolio outside the rap game early with the launch of his cartoon, sneaker and clothing lines on the horizon. Call him enterprising, call him wack, Soulja Boy ofcourse didn’t care for “King James” choice words but he did find the inclusion of his name in his metaphor humorous. "If you go to YouTube, you can see LeBron doing my dance," Soulja said. "So what is he trying to say?"

Soulja Boy At Game 3 Cavs vs. Wizards

Perhaps a Crank That contest between DeShawn and Lebron showing who can rock the dynasty the best will settle the score. YYYYOOOOOOOUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!

When asked about the Lebron/Deshawn rivalry, Lebron simply snickers,"I said what I've had to say and I've moved on. There is no rivalry. Seriously. There is no rivalry. There will never be a rivalry between me and DeShawn."

Granted this is entertaining basketball in an otherwise yawn inducing series between two lackluster teams,STILL DeShawn vs Lebron = OVERRATED!

Jay-Z - "Blow The Whistle" (Deshawn Stevenson Diss)

READ MORE ABOUT LEBRON VS DESHAWN RIVALRY
Jay-Z Joins Lebron/Deshawn Feud

'STREET KINGS' , TAKING NO PRISONERS

2008-04-25T21:32:00.000-04:00

Quotable:“Who are we, detective? We straight nightmares. We the walking, talking existing circumstances.” – Coates (Common)

What are the odds that the best cop drama that I've seen since "Training Day" happens to come from the same gritty, violently realistic storytelling of corruption, drugs and violence from the producer/writer of "Training Day" (2001), David Ayer? Well slim to none but Ayer has done it again! When renegade "hero" cop, John Ludlow (Keanu Reeves) takes to the streets to avenge the death of his ex-partner Terrance Washington(Terry Crews, "Everybody Hates Chris")and to clear his name of his execution , he tests his loyalties to the code he lives by and the badge he has served his whole career. Let's face it, Keanu Reeves hasn't appeared in nearly a significant pivotal role since "The Matrix" trilogy, but he surprisingly delivers as the rogue cop who's plagued by his concious and the death of his wife, when his eyes are open to the corruption of those closest to him.

An all-star cast heads up this sleeper hit led up by Keanu Reeves, Academy Award winner, Forest Whitaker (“Last King of Scotland”), Hugh Laurie (Fox's "House"), Common, Cedric “The Entertainer”, Chris Evans ("Fantastic Four 1 and Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), The Game and Clifton Powell to name a few. Whitaker brings to life the intensely, power-driven and enigmatic Capt. Jack Wander. He has mentored Ludlow throughout his career, taking him under his wing from his days as a wet behind the ears rookie to his glory days as the unit’s star detective with a special knack for gun fighting.

“I can’t lose you. Who’d do what you do? You are the tip of the spear. Who’s gonna hold back the animals?” he tells Ludlow.

Deep beneath good intentions lies hidden agendas, bigger than Ludlow could possibly imagine and he begins to question the intentions of his mentor and lifetime friend as the bodies and odds stack up against him.

Though Common doesn’t get much screen time as a title character, his ruthless alter ego Coates is a crucial key to uncovering the conspiracy that has Ludlow fighting to stay alive before he either is buried by the department or buried by his secret and not so secret enemies. Cedric “The Entertainer” and The Game provide comedic moments outside Reeves’ smart ass, reckless antics (e.g. The Game taking several blows to the dome courtesy of your complimentary Yellow Pages... priceless!)Some of the best lines of the movie come from Reeves many missions he embarks on to uncover the truth, regain his reputation and to redeem his already lost soul.

Thug Kim: “Fuck that's supposed to mean, white boy? “
Tom Ludlow: “It means you've got eyes like apostrophes, you dress white, talk black, and drive Jew. So how am I supposed to know what kind of zipper-head dog-munching dick you are if you don't?”

“If you're going to do something, do it now. I know you want my scalp nailed to your wall, but then who's going to go in where the law won't? You Captain? You? You gonna clean up the needles and baby parts? No. You need me, and my company of men. You hate me, but you need me.” Ludlow quips at Capt. James Biggs (Hugh Laurie).

All is not what it seems and this suspense filled drama will leave you guessing, unraveling each layer until the riveting climax bursts into a surprise ending you almost never saw coming. Friend or foe, this is their city, their rules and there are no prisoners.

Street Kings 2008 Trailer (HD)

A good flick that may have you keeping your friends close and your enemies even closer, Street Kings is currently in theaters.

BEST COP MOVIES OF ALL TIME

Lethal Weapon

Die Hard

Bad Boys

Training Day

48 Hours

The Fugitive

U.S Marshalls

CLUB LOVING

2008-04-25T03:45:00.000-04:00

Quotable: "Consider this the audio afterparty..." King Magazine

Since Sean Combs, I mean Puffy aka Puff Daddy or you can just call him Diddy "invented" the remix and made it a staple in the music industry, it only seems fitting for a hot single to comeback with an even hotter remix to keep the request lines ringing and the album release buzz soaring. Riding the demand of hishit single "Love In This Club" featuring Young Jeezy (yeeaaahhhh!!!!) from the highly anticipated album "Here I Stand", Usher is getting more loving in the club this time with Mrs.Carter formerly known as Beyonce with the help of Carter Jr. bka. Dwayne Carter self proclaimed best rap artist of 08', Lil' Wayne.

While this version is more of serenade with Usher assuring his jumpoff of a night of pleasure to come and her expressing her lustful desires with a tinge of doubt, Usher doesn't fail to keep this a club banger. The jury is out on this one until I listen to it a few more times.

Which version brings out your inner exhibitionist?

Usher ft Beyonce and Lil' Wayne - Love In This Club (PtII)

Usher ft Young Jeezy - Love In This Club (PtI)

VISIT USHER ONLINE

ESTELLE, ATLANTIC RECORDS " AMERICAN GIRL"

2008-04-13T01:18:00.000-04:00

QUOTA-BLE:
"Let me be different. Let me be that person your not use to hearing...I got to the point, between the last album and this album, where I stopped apologizing for being the person that I am. I feel I owe it to the people to be 100% honest in my lyrics. I'm just satisfied with who I am, and who I'm turning out to be." -- Estelle

Armed with soulful ballads, a dose of British charm and the humility of a star on the rise, Atlantic/Homeschool Records new artist Estelle welcomed Detroiters into her heart and Detroiters welcomed her into theirs, giving us a taste or just a “touch” of her slow and easy like molasses voice with a twang. When I first heard the hit single “American Boy” ft. Kanye West off her soon to be released album, “Shine”, my neck twitched, tilting side to side, feet tapping subconsciously while my conscious mind contemplated, “Hmm, do I really like this song?” It didn’t take me long to overcome and bury my small kernel of doubt. This is the “American” girl and first artist endorsed by and signed to John Legend’s record label Homeschool Records after all. The more Hot 102.7FM boasted about her talents and her upcoming performance and introduction to Detroit on Friday, April 11, 2008, the more she intrigued me. Though Estelle released self-created “18th day” under V2 Records in London, her second album promises to be a sensually tasty treat laced with funk, soul and reggae from artist and producer collaborations such as Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Wyclef Jean, Will.i.am, Mark Ronson and Cee-lo & Jack Splash.

"Her sound is a unique blend of hip hop, pop, reggae and soul,” explains Legend. “She has a special voice, unlike any other voice out there in mainstream music, and she can really write. She writes hip lyrics with unforgettable melodies. I recognized that in her when I first worked with her in 2004." He continues, "I'm excited and honored to have Estelle as the first artist on my label, Homeschool Records. I believe the world is going to fall in love with her album, as I already have. Estelle is an amazing talent, and she's going to do big things."

Detroit’s movers and shakers, some I knew and surprisingly many I didn’t recognize packed into the second floor of Grand Central Lounge (Harmonie Park, Downtown Detroit), waiting patiently while sipping on array of drinks from the custom bar (including specialty promotional drinks courtesy of Absolut), buzzing with anticipation.

“How much longer before she performs?” I asked Estelle’s DJ and my personal friend from London, DJ Smashrelly (though the promoter that evening was a personal friend as mine as well, DJ Smashrelly placed me and my boyfriend on his guestlist to come down to hear her perform and to finally meet him in person after all these years.) I couldn’t wait to rock out to “American Boy” but something told me that she didn’t need Kanye to carry her music and the rest of the songs from her arsenal would stir in me the same hyped feeling. And I was pleasantly blessed with "Wait A Minute (Just A Touch)", produced by Swizz Beatz, another surefire hit.

Sue me for thinking that Grand Central would have faster food service and that my boyfriend’s salmon would actually be fully cooked. So we unfortunately only caught a song or two toward the end of her performance but the vibe in the room was unanimous, Estelle was a hit! Her stage presence and improvisational style combined with the synergy of her backup singers and her band (featuring DJ Smashrelly) provided the crowd with an passionate live performance reminiscent of her influences Ella Fitzgerald as well as Mary J. Blige and has been compared to Lauryn Hill.

If this is what a genuine original mix of music sounds like, Estelle is that unique infusion your not use to hearing ---- the type of artist that has all but disappeared from mainstream music today. Look for her album to drop on Friday, April 29th.

Estelle ft.Kanye West - "American Boy"

VISIT ESTELLE ONLINE
http://www.estellemusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/estelleonline

THE FOUR MUSKETEERS

2008-04-05T18:41:00.000-04:00

One for all and all for four? For the first time in NCAA tournament history, four, count em, four no.1 seeds have finagled and dazzled their way to the big dance-off. Yes, this one is special folks. In a tournament of surprisingly a few and far in between “Cinderellas”, (No.10 seed Davidson surpassed all expectations and wowed fans with its tourney run of firsts before being barely uprooted by Kansas in the Elite Eight and No.12 seed Western Kentucky came within 4pts of blowing past UCLA before succumbing in a loss.), never has four mega conference winning heavyweights ever been assembled under one roof and yet Memphis (37-1), North Carolina (36-2), Kansas (35-3), and UCLA (35-3) will take San Antonio by storm for a tourney showdown of epic proportions!

While the analysts have it, successfully “projecting” the four best teams in the country, there can only be one team left standing and none of these four junior led powerhouses are going down without a fight.

North Carolina Tarheels
Sure Ty Hansborough is a Junior All-American and the ESPN.com Player of the Year but will he break under pressure? The race for Hansborough to win a national title before potentially exiting for the NBA draft is on and poppin’ like Chris Brown going “wall to wall” in his latest music video. The Tarheels have what you would call a winning history (Ranked no.2 All-Time with 17 Final Four appearances, ranked #1 in the nation for the 6th time, won 2 national championships to name a few) and of course there’s the graduation and ascension of the most infamous Tarheel of them all, Michael Jordan. What North Carolina possesses where other teams lack is the selflessness in which they play and the knowledge that each role is important. A role each player executes well. It’s easy to focus on Hansborough yet let’s not rule out the other four McDonald All-American players, Quentin Thomas, Bobby Frasor, Danny Green and Ty Lawson along with the majority of the Tarheels’ recruiting class. With a talented offense like this, North Carolina will work together to create those open shots despite the season statistics indicating the Tarheels’ will be stagnant against high caliber opposing teams. Carolina will defend the perimeter well but must avoid Kansas driving to the hole for easy baskets and keep a holey defense well patched. Coaching experience combined with sheer will and stellar offense might just advance these roleplayers to the NCAA finals.

Memphis Tigers
With a physical and athletic prowess Memphis has managed to silence its critics salivating at the mouth at the thought of a potential downfall at the hands of tourney favorite, the Texas Longhorns. Once the Tigers’ Achilles heel, foul shooting was all but the team’s savior in its 81-67 Elite Eight win over Texas. It is clear that many question whether Memphis deserve the right to play in the Final Four often criticizing their bounce pass style of play, however at this point one should consider how balanced of team Memphis is (perhaps the second most balanced team of the four remaining, next to Kansas.) Their hunger is apparent. Their appearance as NCAA Champions in two of my three bracket scenarios calls for their win over Kansas and North Carolina respectively is no mistake. They have shown that the USA Conference is a force to be reckoned with time and time again, defeating powerhouses Georgetown, USC and punishing teams offensively and defensively resulting in a 37-1 winning record. Of course, Kevin Love is no secret as UCLA’s post big man weapon, yet the contributions of Tigers’ guards, JaJuan Smith, O.J. Mayo, JP Prince, Robert Vaden, Stefon Jackson and Lamont Jordan will be just as instrumental in the Tigers’ ferocity with their opponents beyond this past season. If the Tigers’ can keep the Bruins’ off the perimeter, put up the numbers from the line like they did against Texas and keep Josh Shipp at bay, look for this underdog to tango in San Antonio in the national championship game for a well deserved title.

Kansas Jayhawks
Analysts have been heralding the Jayhawks as the most balanced team since before the tournament began, even going as far as to declare them the 2008 NCAA National Champions (save Dick Vitale nominating fallen Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh will reign supreme, eh Dick? I’m still scratching my head on the reasoning behind that one.) What North Carolina lacks in size, Kansas makes up. Kansas gets two points for both roster depth and overall balance. At their best, few teams have been able to slow KU down on offense. On the defensive end, KU limited Arizona and USC to a mere infant crawl on points and on the boards while keeping a pesky Davidson at bay. Don’t underestimate North Carolina on defense though as their performance has improved nicely during the second half of the season The question is simple. Will the Jayhawks bring their A-game? The key will be limiting Ty Hansborough while creating opportunities for the front court to shine. The Tarheels have struggled with well balanced teams that have a strong front court. Kansas certainly has that going for them. The statistics favor Kansas but stats don’t win championships, defense does. The Jayhawks’ better hope theirs can outweigh the synergy of the Carolina offense now that Ty Lawson is suited up and the Tarheels’ are running full throttle.

UCLA Bruins
One of the critical keys that could be the difference maker Saturday with the Bruins, the collision course destined for the NBA known as Darren Collison (besides built Ford tough forward/center, Kevin Love.) While Collison possesses tenacity, the lack of a perimeter game leaves UCLA with the toughest uphill battle facing them to continue onto the big dance in San Antonio and ultimately clinching its 12th National Championship. Pressure will also fall on a consistently shooting, Josh Shipp whose surgery on his right hip cost him most of the 2005-06 season and has been linked to his inability to duplicate successful shots in practice to successful shots on the court. Though UCLA has held three consecutive Final Four appearances, a national championship still eludes them. Will their thirst to be champions be enough fuel to win over an overpowering Memphis? The Bruins' won't be able to count on coasting with a big lead let alone a miracle win in this matchup and is all to familiar with flirting with disaster (almost becoming an honorary member of upset central at the hands of 9th seed Texas A&M and 12th seed Western Kentucky.)If prepared, UCLA will come to play with an athleticism and defense that rivals that of an NBA team (They can pull down rebounds and shoot free throws with the best of them). They'll need it to stave off star Tigers' defense killers Kevin Dorsey and Chris Douglas-Roberts who can kill D's patrolling the paint and who can deliver one good stroke from behind the arc. UCLA had better stick to what's tried and true, transitionally defense and an attacking offense (nil on the three pointers) if they any hopes of beating Memphis. Talk about a Miracle Mile.

While partial to North Carolina, I have to hold true to two of my three tourney brackets predicting Memphis as National Champions (maybe next time UCLA.) There's something about those underdogs that draws me in. Could it be their struggle mirrors my own? Well that's part of it but to be totally honest it just makes for a better story.This will be Memphis' first national title should they succeed. Plus there's nothing better than a good old fashion "I told you so" that comes with the territory of being underestimated despite your skill level and or talents. A rub it in their arrogant faces feel so to speak ha! Well, tonight to the victor goes the spoils! The chance at a national championship! Roar on Tigers'!

Memphis vs UCLA, Saturday April 5th @ 6:07pm EST
North Carolina vs Kansas, Saturday April 5th @ 8:47pm EST

DOWN TO 'THE WIRE'

2008-03-10T19:24:00.001-04:00

QUOTA-BLE:
"The series finale was great but I think they could have emphasized the street side more. Fans watch 'The Wire' to see the gritty side, the drug dealers." Kwame Patterson aka Monk, HBO The Wire

Notorious for its innovative programming, HBO has churned out mega hit shows that have run circles around primetime pilots and have left them scrambling. Shows such as critically acclaimed The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Sex and the City and sleeper hits like The Wire, Entourage and Curb Your Enthusiasm offer an alternative to the melodrama surreal life painted on primetime television. Snubbed by mainstream award committees, 'The Wire' has continued to rack up street fame, critical acclaim and press accolades that resonate from the hood to the suburbs.

“This is TV as great modern literature, a shattering and heartbreaking urban epic about a city (Baltimore) rotting from within.” – TV Guide

“The breadth and ambition of "The Wire" are unrivaled and that taken cumulatively over the course of a season -- any season -- it's an astonishing display of writing, acting and storytelling that must be considered alongside the best literature and filmmaking in the modern era.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“Brilliant, scathing, sprawling, The Wire has turned our indifference to urban decay into a TV achievement of the highest order.” – USA Today

“The Wire” is a beautiful, brave series. This is its best season yet.” – New York Times on Season Four

What is it about this gritty crime drama that has me and millions proclaiming The Wire as one of the best, if not the best show on television? For once the critics and fans agree. This week, the grippingly dramatic, keep you on the edge of your seats season, comes to a sad but necessary end, with the series finale currently airing on HBO and on HBO On Demand. Just when Season Four gave me a taste, Season Five picked me right back up, pulling me in for more. Who could better answer the mysteries of The Wire's popularity than my personal friend, actor Kwame Patterson aka "Monk"

How did you land an audition for 'The Wire'?
By one of the casting directors who attended the play I was in, “As Cherry Hill Turns.” I played a character called Mike Mike. I was only supposed to be cast for one episode.

Who is Monk?
Marlo’s lieutenant. You have to go through the lieutenant to get the product. I’m the person who brings the drugs to you, I’mma bring you those keys. I also oversee the crews on the street. Like a business man. A personal assistant.

How close is Kwame to Monk?
In a past life, Kwame was pretty close to Monk. That’s what made it easy for me to step into the role. I grew up in that environment. I’ve seen a lot, been around a lot. Now Kwame and Monk are totally opposite.

What was it like to work on the set?
It was fun. Very family-oriented. No big egos (from what I can see). Everyone was welcoming with open arms. If I had any questions, they got answered. I enjoyed myself.

What was your favorite moment from 'The Wire'?
From season four, I’d have to say the scene where I was in the park, passing out money to the kids. I love kids. Even though I don’t have any. You couldn’t see it on camera but between takes we were having fun. With season five, it was that scene where Snoop and O’Dogg were shooting at cats on the corner. It was me driving that truck. The camera crew was in front of me and they had us do it like 20 times. I had to whip the corner at 100mph with only a few inches to spare to avoid hitting the film crew. Snoop and O’Dogg were all over the place. If they were shooting, they would have shoot each other. They were like “Dog, are you trying to kill us?” It was fun. We were laughing the whole time. I got to be stunt driver and got to speed legally at the same time.

Who was your favorite character on the show?
Snoop. She’s the realest thing on the show. Everything about her is real. Her name is actually Snoop. She did time. She led a tough life. It’s a blessing to see how far she’s come. She’s not really a character, she’s almost playing herself.

What can viewer’s expect from the Series Finale?
The series finale was great but I think they could have emphasized the street side more. Fans watch 'The Wire' to see the gritty side, the drug dealers.

What will happen to Marlo?
It’s a rumor going around that he’s gonna go fishing. His boat is gonna capsize and he’s gonna drown (laughs)

Will there be a new TV show similar to ‘The Wire’?
Yes. I think so. Sooner than people think actually.

Will they be releasing ‘The Wire’ movie?
There are rumors they are gonna make a movie but Lord knows when that’s gonna happen.

It was a pleasure interviewing you (in fake British accent)

It was a pleasure being interviewed by you (laughs)

To see more pictures of Kwame on the set of 'The Wire'
Visit Kwame Patterson on Myspace

Related Articles
HBO The Wire Finale Review-New York Times
Actors from 'The Wire' attend screening
HBO 'The Wire' Official Site
HBO 'The Wire' Message Boards

END OF AN ERA: FAVRE RETIRES

2008-03-07T23:44:00.001-05:00

In an emotional annoucement, a teary eyed Brett Favre revealed his retirement during a press conference, after 17 seasons as one of the NFL's most record setting quarterbacks of all time. "I promised I wouldn't get emotional," he choked between an ebb of tears. "I've watched hundreds of players retire and you wonder what that would be like and you think you're prepared ...It wasn't about the money or fame or records. I hear people talk about your accomplishments and things. It was never my accomplishments, it was our accomplishments." The 38 year old "gunslinger" from Missisippi first stunned his agent, Bus Cook and Packers coach Mike McCarthy with his intentions on Monday, March 3rd.

Favre had always been admired and acknowledged for the passion in which he played the game."His accomplishments are legendary," General manager, Ted Thompson said. "And it's the passion with which he played that made everyone a Brett Favre fan." His killer arm, competitive spirit and insatiable thirst to play the game, recently shattered former Miami Dolphins quarterback great and NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino's record of most touchdown passes and most yards passing as well as John Elway's record for most career victories.

With only a month before the draft in April and June looming on the horizon it would seem that an announcement of retirement has come prematurely. Many in the league such as NFL analyst Troy Aikman, question whether Favre will actually stay retired. Walking away when the smell of turf and the screams of thousands of fans are ripe in the air would fill the average sports fan with a sense of nostalgia. For a legendary quarterback, it would call to him like the familiar embrace of a past lover.

The career stats he leaves behind are remarkable to say the least; a Superbowl win, 5,377 career completions in 8,758 attempts for 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 253 starts (including the playoffs, 275 starts), the most of any quarterback. If I failed to mention another record he holds for 288 interceptions,forgive me for not wanting to relive an ill fated 2005 season where the Packers went 4-12. Under normal circumstances, I would cling to this stat laughing in maniacal glee at any Packers misfortune, but I happen to respect the NFL's only three-time MVP. Despite all his achievements, the 23-20 loss that catapulted the New York Giants to a 2008 Superbowl win as a result of an interception during overtime of the NFC Championship game , had to have delivered a confidence shaking blow.

Who are we to not believe Favre's sudden bout with mental fatigue and lack of desire for the game? Can you very well blame the man? In this dog eat dog world, it's often all or nothing. Even after news spread like wildfire across the internet and newswires everywhere, analysts contemplated Favre’s return and critics weighed in on Favre’s status as one of the best quarterbacks ever.

"I have way too much pride," Favre commented. "I expect a lot out of myself. And if I cannot do those things 100 percent, then I can't play." The only thing that would make the game worth playing would be another Superbowl win. With a virtuoso of talented wide receivers to tap into, this may very well be possible even without the acquisition of Randy Moss (although Favre downplayed the Packers lack of iniative in cementing a deal with Moss, Favre’s disappointment was apparent and has been widely speculated as a major reason for his “sudden” retirement).

I’d rather go out at the top of my game than to stay in and suffer another failure to clinch the ultimate game. Favre just might be on to something there.

ENTRIGUE~MY BDAY WEEKEND RECAP

2008-03-05T15:59:00.000-05:00

What better way to bring in your birthday with family and friends?

This past weekend I had a little slice of nostalgia celebrating my birthday at the Wrecklamation Greek Alumni event at Grand Central Lounge in downtown Detroit. Friday kicks off the weekend at Grand Central Lounge with the G Lounge series, giving party goers a new theme and new experience each week brought to you courtesy of Good People Entertainment and D Macon, the party professional.

Special thanks to my best friend Dena, my girls Christina, Jatara,and Mika, my brothers, Eddie and Garyn, my cousin Leslie,my special friend Eric M for showing up early and letting me do my thing, D. Macon for inviting me to have my birthday party at Grand Central, Koolaid and Reggie of Prime Events for promoting and my other peoples from MSU and abroad (Steve, Akil, Yvette, Ebony, Party Guy Drew,J-Dee of Connected Entertainment etc) for coming out in the blizzard to help me celebrate. For all my friends that wanted to be there but could not, your off the hook for now lol but you better be around next month when I kick off my first monthly event entitled Dulce

Happy birthday to all my Pisces friends and associates (Latrice, Jai Lynn, Ambrose, Steve, Joe aka Logic, Joe, Angel Tara, Andre of Street Visionz, Ty of District 81, Ant of EyeCandy Modeling, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons)

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM MY BIRTHDAY PARTY

SUPERMAN THAT DUNK

2008-02-26T23:44:00.000-05:00

If there was ever a doubt that Superman could fly, 6'11 Orlando Magic center, Dwight Howard answered that question with his cape flying, gliding dunk from the free throw line in round 2 of the 2008 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest. Crowned the winner by unanimous vote by the All-Star judges (Magic Johnson, Darryl Dawkins, Dominique Wilkins, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, and Karl Malone) and 78% of fans worldwide, Howard's high flying antics were reminiscent of Michael Jordan, Dee Brown, Dominique Wilkins, Kobe Bryant hey day when the windmill, 360, one hand reverse, blind (one hand covering the eyes) and gliding from the free throw line were king. It was these dunks that set the standard for excellence and raised the bar to make the dunk contest the most anticipated event during All-Star weekend next to the All-Star game.

Since then there have been dunks that have captured the attention of and delighted audiences everywhere and earned that player entry into the dunk contest hall of fame.

2000 -- Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors
Reverse 360 dunk
Through the legs off the bounce dunk
Two-handed dunk from the free throw line
Vince Carter 2000 Slam Dunk Contest

2003 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors (Only dunk champion to two-peat since Jordan in the 80's)
Two-handed off the bounce reverse dunk
One-handed reverse (off the bounce, racing down the baseline and jumping with his back to the basket)
Jason Richardson 2003 Slam Dunk Contest

2004 -- Jason Richardson, Golden State Warriors
Underhand, off the glass, between the legs, one-handed dunk
2004 Slam Dunk Contest Highlights

2005 -- Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
Off the glass (at an angle), high off the glass, off Steve Nash's head for an alley-oop, spinning with a one hand flush dunk
2005 Slam Dunk contest Highlights

2005 -- Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks (Second youngest player to be crowned Dunk Champion)
Donning a Wilkins throwback jersey, windmill dunk
Leapfrog over Kenyon Martin, for an alley-oop dunk
360 reverse spin dunk

2006 -- Nate Robinson, New York Knicks (Only player under 6 ft other than Spudd Webb to win a dunk contest)
Bounce pass for a soaring jump over Spudd Webb dunk
Nate Robinson 2006 Dunk Contest Highlights

Regardless of the intensity and notoriety that the past 6 years of dunks have ignited, no dunk contest winner has sparked more recent hype than Dwight Howard. Living up to his hype in the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest, Howard rocked the crowd with an donning a superman cape and shirt, launched off the ground from just beyond the free throw line, skyrocketing the ball through the net, erupting a wave of perfect ten cards shooting up in a tidal wave of thundering applause and flashbulbs.

Technically speaking, the dunk of the night was a shot but WHO CARES?!! This year fans witnessed a return to creativity that the contest has only witnessed in spurts. Howard put the hit out on returning champ Gerald Green early, rounding out the first round with a head behind the backboard dunk. It was a improved version of Andre Iguodala's 50 in 2006. Held to the edge of my best friend's couch, the replay of Dwight Howard spinning and contorting his body mid-air, released a chorus of oohs and ahs, followed by a bevy hysterical giggles from my lips as my friend and I expressed mass disbelief at the monster dunk that had just flashed across the screen.

You gotta be KIDDING ME! This 6'11 wonder with the broad shoulders and boyish white tooth grin had just banged a 50 pointer home!

A tough act to follow would be putting it lightly but somehow, Minnesota Timberwolves guard, Gerald Green putting the icing on the cake so to speak with a dunk he called "Birthday Cake." I swear if the replay hadn't been shown on this one, the genius of this creative dunk would of been lost on me. As I watched, Green climb a ladder, place a lone cupcake at the top of the basket and climb back down, I couldn't fathom what he possibly was gonna do? Sing Happy Birthday? Dunk without making the cup cake fall off the rim?

Maybe next time, he'll don a birthday hat, dunk, blow the candle out and lick icing off his fingers after taking a bite! Ha ha

(MJ on the Evolution of the Game)

“I’ll give you a great example of the evolution of the game,” Jordan said. “In the slam dunk contest, the major feat was to take off from the free throw line. Dr. J was the first to do it, then I did it. What was different about the way the two of us did it?” When a pause produced no answer, Jordan said: “Dr. J, when he took off, he ran. I dribbled, which is harder to do because you’ve got to get your rhythm together. People never even noticed that. That was my way of improving on what Dr. J did. That was taking it to the next level—the evolution of the dunk. And then in the All-Star Game in 2000, Vince Carter took off with two hands from the free throw line. That’s the evolution of how change happens. Dr. J ran, I dribbled and Vince Carter is adding the two hands, which is increasing the norm.”

The evolution of the slam dunk champion continues...

More on 2008 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest
2007 NBA All-Star Dunk Contest and Past Dunk Contests

2008-02-15T02:42:00.000-05:00

" A GIANT IMPERFECTION"

On Sunday, February 3, 2008, the nation witnessed the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. The second most watched Super Bowl game saw the New York Giants (10-6 during the regular season) and Eli Manning be transformed from underdogs to the princes of New York and Super Bowl XLII champion darlings. What formula of success did they follow? What lone tactic did they execute to go down in history books as the first NFC wild card team to win a Super Bowl while simultaneously robbing Las Vegas of $2.6 million (Can you say all time record?)? Here’s a peak into the Giants not so hidden arsenal of gridiron weapons. Patriots, are you listening?

– I Can of Whoop Ass -- It was a 3pt loss to the Patriots 38-35 during the regular season that gave the Giants their road rage, resulting in a wild card playoff bid and three playoff wins against the Bucs, Cowboys and Packers on the road. Yes having a can of whoop ass unleashed on you sometimes does wonders. In the Giants case, it was a good old fashioned ass whupping that gave the Giants their swagger and confidence to go on to become record setting Super Bowl champions.

Eli Eli Manning – America’s goofy kid brother seemingly shed his dork status overnight. From stealing Tom Brady 's mojo with a 12 play drive of his own to shaking off four or five defenders in a scramble, Eli’s antics on the field have gained him an upgrade into the rising quarterback league with the likes of Tony Romo, Ben Roethlishberger and Drew Brees, a Super Bowl ring, an Super Bowl MVP trophy and a horde of advertisers foaming at the mouth. Early in the game, Manning ignited a scoring drive with a 45 yard pass to rookie tight end, Kevin Boss and a perfect end zone strike to David Tyree to seize the lead, 10-7 in the first half. Not bad for an ex-prima donna criticized for poor decision-making and leadership skills.

1) Defense – Giants defensive ends, Michael Straham, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora know something about the phrase, “Defense wins championships.” The Giants defensive line accomplished what no other team could do all season; Put a lock on the Patriots virtually unbeatable offense, holding them to 81 yards and 7 points in the second half while putting Tom Brady in the pressure cooker (Brady was sacked 5 times. The most sacks Brady received all season).

Giants leave Brady dazed and confused

20 Rookie Class 2007 --Perhaps the most unlikely of heroes, wide receiver Steve Smith (drafted in the second round from Southern California), tight end Kevin Boss (drafted from Western Oregon in the fifth round) and Ahmad Bradshaw (drafted in the seventh round from Marshall). Smith delivered his best performance carrying for 50 yards with five catches, four of which resulted in first downs. Kevin Boss set up New York’s first touchdown in the first half with a catch for a 45 yard Giants gain. Bradshaw utilized his speed while Brandon Jacobs tore at the Patriots defensively. Jay Alford, another rookie notable, delivered one of Tom Brady’s sacks forcing two ill fated ‘Hail Mary’ plays that ultimately sealed New England’s fate.

Rookies deliver crown for Giants

Whether you take into account the above four factors or you just realize the Patriots just played poorly, the Giants are the thrilla in manila that had 97.5 million viewers glued to their seats. Will they repeat? Probably not, but the 1972 Miami Dolphins team will forever sing their praises as the team that single handedly saved their undefeated record and posed the question ‘How will the Patriots be remembered?’ in analysts minds nationwide.

The ten things we learned from the Giants Superbowl win
Giants staggering win watched by record 97.5 million
Giants win costs sports book record $2.6 million
Supernatural catch by Tyree one for the ages

2007 Sports Hall of Shame-Top 7 Worst Sports Moments

2008-01-11T18:03:00.000-05:00

In 2007, we saw upsets, spy games, tearful apologies, indictments, fallen franchise darlings, and a host of other incidents of mischief and mayhem. Every now and then you have moments in sports that impact us leaving a lasting affect on our hearts and in our minds. Here are the Top 7 Worst sports moments that made the cut into my 2007 Sports Hall of Shame.

1. SENSELESS SHOOTING DEATH OF SEAN TAYLOR

In a year of tragedies (shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback, Darrent Williams at the beginning of 2007 outside a club in Denver after attending a New Year's Eve Party;Damien Nash, also of the Denver Broncos,a 24-year-old running back who died after a charity basketball game, Marquise Hill, 24 year old, New England Patriots defensive end that fell off a jet ski in Lake Pontchartrain and a host of other pro athletes cursed to die young.) the shooting death of Washington Redskins safety and Pro-Bowl All Star, Sean Taylor had to be the most profound. Taylor suffered an untimely death after being shot during a burglary in the wee hours of the morning on November 26,2007. Four suspects: Venjah K. Hunte,20; Eric Rivera Jr., 17; Jason Scott Mitchell, 17; and Charles Kendrick Lee Wardlow, 18 broke into Taylor's newly purchased Miami home while he lay asleep with his girlfriend of 7 years and baby girl adjacent in another room. Two shots were fired after the suspects broke into the master bedroom, one shot injuring Taylor who died the next day from an ultimately fatal femoral artery wound. Taylor was 24 years old, leaving behind an 18 month daughter, an NFL community shook up and thousands of fans in mourning at a tragic loss of a young man who had touched the lives of so many.

CLICK HERE FOR MY ARTICLE ON TAYLOR, WILLIAMS -TRAGEDY IN THE END ZONE

2. MARION JONES TEARFUL APOLOGY

Steadfast in not admitting her guilt to abusing steroids, Marion Jones finally broke down in a tearful apology worthy of an Oscar on October 5th. Since her admission, she has returned her five Olympic medals and records of her accomplishments during said Olympics in which she earned these medals have been erased. To add insult to injury, penniless Jones was recently sentenced to 6 months in prison for her love affair with Clear (the growth hormone she had ingested for 2 years during her 2000 Sydney Olympic run.), one of the two charges she had been sentenced for. For years Marion denied using steroids, even issuing this statement in 2004: “I have never, ever used performance-enhancing drugs.” She also sued BALCO founder Victor Conte after he repeatedly accused her of using performance-enhancing drugs and also testified that he had watched her inject herself.

“I am responsible fully for my actions. I have no one to blame but myself for what I’ve done,” she said. “Making the wrong choices and bad decisions can be disastrous.”

Way to go Marion! Admitting there is a problem is the first step in the road to recovery. Let's just say that crocodile tears might of gotten the baby faced American heroine a pass had Barry Bonds not issued a similar passionate denial against the use of performance enhancing drugs and we knew nothing of the other 79 big league athletes named for taking steroids in the 2007 Mitchell Report.

3. MICHAEL VICK'S DOG DAY AFTERNOON

In the latest chapter of the Michael Vick saga, ex-Atlanta Falcons franchise darling and endorsement poster boy, Vick had the book thrown at him for his felonious activity as the "ringleader" of an illegal, interstate dog fighting ring. Judge Henry E. Hudson sentenced Vick to 23 months in prison, further tarnishing his once golden reputation and dimming the lights on any recovery of his promising NFL career. Already set to lose up to $150 million in salary and endorsements, stating that Michael Vick's future is uncertain is an understatement. PETA and the Michigan Humane Society have painted Vick as the devil incarnate launching several anti-Vick campaigns including selling anti-Vick tee shirts with proceeds to "benefit" charity.

4. NBA REF TIM DONAGHY HAS HIS WHISTLE BLOWN

NBA ex-referee Tim Donaghy plead guilty to two gambling related felonies on August 15th, one being conspiracy to commit wire fraud and the other conspiracy to transmit gambling information across state lines. In a confession, 40 year old veteran official, Donaghy admitted to rigging games in which he officiated since 2003, placing bets and taking cash in exchange for recommendations or picks on NBA games including games he worked on to individuals involved in sports betting. Donaghy faces up to 25 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 and $30,000 in restitution to the government for his double dipping. So much for loving what you do and getting paid for it! NBA commissioner, David Stern has since admitted to the frequency of gambling among refs and even rallied for referees in the following statement:

"Our ban on gambling is absolute, and in my view it is too absolute, too harsh and was not particularly well-enforced over the years," Stern said. "We're going to come up with a new set of rules that make sense."

He even went as far to say that all refs have been reported to engage in some form of gambling, whether its off season casino gambling, bingo or lottery tickets.

Can Donaghy now say he is the victim of a flawed system and hey, other refs did it too?

5. ROGER CLEMENS HEADLINES THE MITCHELL REPORT

Perhaps the most mentioned of the names cited in the report that reads more like a best-seller tell all book penned by a scorned lover, Roger Clemens (no, not Barry Bonds. hate to disappoint you.) was listed on 9 pages totaling 82 times for use of steroids. The infamous Barry Bonds, Andy Pettitte, Eric Gagne , Miguel Tejada Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, Troy Glaus, Gary Matthews Jr., Paul Byrd, Jose Guillen, Brian Roberts, Paul Lo Duca and Rick Ankiel were among other current players listed. Not all were associated with steroids as some were also linked to growth hormones. Widely known as the Greatest Pitcher of His Era, MVP and All-Star Clemens was accused in several excerpts by New York Yankees strength and conditioning coach, Brian McNamee who alleged that during the 2000 season, he injected Clemens with testosterone labeled Sustanon 250 or Deca-Durabolin to enhance his performance on the field.

"It is very unfair to include Roger's name in this report," said Clemens' lawyer, Rusty Hardin. "He is left with no meaningful way to combat what he strongly contends are totally false allegations. He has not been charged with anything, he will not be charged with anything and yet he is being tried in the court of public opinion with no recourse. That is totally wrong."

Interestingly enough, an aftermath of punishment and strict rule enforcement is unlikely. I suppose the injustice of it all is not widespread enough to cover all the commissioners, the players association and players who share in the blame for the rise of the "Steroid Era" over the last 20 years. With the exception of Barry Bonds of course, who is facing charges for lying to a federal grand jury about the use of steroids. Hmmm....admit steroid use, no penalities; deny steroid use, get indicted. Wait a minute! Didn't Marion Jones try that?

DOWNLOAD THE MITCHELL REPORT

6. PATRIOT SPY GAMES

This story was actually a quotable posted in my yahoo group when it broke back in September and I struggled with posting it as my #6 worst sports moments in 2007 over the poor excuse of a game that resulted in West Virginia's pathetic loss to Pittsburgh, costing them a ride to the BCS National Championship game. It seems the Patriots head coach Bill Belicheck had mistaken taping of the Jets defensive signals as a live taping of America's Funniest Home Videos. Well the NFL didn't find it so funny. Though he avoided suspension, a questionable move contested by many around the league, Belicheck was fined $500,000 (the most by any NFL coach to date) while the team was hit with a $250,000 fine. The Patriots have also been ordered to forfeit the first round draft pick for the 2008 NFL draft. It seems that this isn't the Patriots first violation. The Patriots have been caught once before for shooting unauthorized video during a Green Bay game in November 2006. The Packers caught video assistant Matt Estrella red handed and told him to stop.

Suspicion of spy games didn't start and won't stop with Belicheck. In the early 1970's, Washington Redskins coach George Allen would routinely send security out to scout practice grounds to ensure the absence of spies. News of "Spygate" spread like wildfire across the league, resulting in outcries and raised questions of other suspicious activity players and coaches. A copy of the Patriots' videotape "mysteriously" found its way on air during Fox's pre game show the following Sunday. Whatever the Patriots' defense (4th ranked defense in NFL) "learned" from the Jets defense (25th ranked defense in NFL) is a mystery in itself. The world may never know.

7. APPALACHIAN STATE STUNNER, MICHIGAN BLUNDER

In one of the most unimaginable upsets in college football history, Appalachian State blocked a 37 yard U of M field goal in the final seconds of an already close game to finish off Michigan 34-32, sending them on an 0-3 run. Talk about an early season smack down! Though the Mountaineers was certainly a worthy opponent, coming in as two time champs of former Division 1-AA, the unfathomable to many analysts and U of M fans, became reality on that eventful Saturday afternoon. And to think that this happened to one of the most celebrated programs in the Big Ten. While redeeming their season (Michigan finished 9-4) and winning the Capitol One Bowl game against Florida 41-35, Michigan will forever be mentioned in history books as the team that analysts and fans will be remembered for the slogan "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." Many have speculated that this game set the stage for other season upsets. Way to be a trend-setter! GO BLUE!!

The decision was certainly tough. Though you may or may not agree with my top 7, I based it on impact to the sports community and fans. Here are a few honorable mentions from the cutting room floor:

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Pittsburgh dashes West Virginia BCS National Championship Game Hopes; Powerhouse Nebraska and Notre Dame Flophouses; Pistons Eastern Conference Finals jinx ; Curse of Miami, Dolphins Finish Season 2-12