SUPERMAN THAT DUNK

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

" 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.

Related articles:

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

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