Facial Hair or lack their of

Found this article on CBSsportsline.com showing the top 10 attempts at growing facial hair in sports. These guys look ridiculous. Here are my favorites:

Wow

All season long the world was full of witnesses.
Fans witnessed.
Players witnessed.
ESPN witnessed.
The World witnessed.



And finally,

Lebron witnessed.

This is no blog to stab at Lebron James. He's a beast. He's young and already one of the top few players in the league. I have no quarrel with Lebron. Do I love him and his game, his intensity, passion and ability? No. But I don't dislike him. He's good for basketball and that's incredibly obvious.

But he's not there yet.

The simple truth is very clear to those who paid attention to this series. The better team won. Key word being 'team'. The best player on the court at all times was Lebron, but the next three best players in the series were Dwight Howard, Hedo, and Rashard Lewis. And it wasn't even close. And did anyone else notice that Mike Brown doesn't coach? He's such a puppet he should be in those Nike commercials alongside Kobe and Lebron (if they still exist). If there was ever a series to expose the fraudulence of the NBA Coach of the Year Award, this was it. Stan Van Gundy looked like Bob Knight compared to Brown. And we all saw it clear as day. That's not saying much for Stan Van, but it's really not saying much for Brown.

Cleveland had their chances. Up fifteen in the second quarter of game one, they took their King James sneakers off the throat. And it cost them. It cost them the game, and furthermore the series. Orlando would have wilted and died if they had lost by ten in game one. Instead, a team of jump shooters had the utmost confidence, the one thing you never want to give a team of jump shooters. Everything in this series was a mismatch. The best example maybe Mo Williams' empty guarantee to win the series. How pathetic, the damn thing didn't even go seven.

Back to Lebron real quick. I know there are those of you out there that ignore the media, and I applaud that. But for those of you who enjoy putting Lebron James and Michael Jordan's names in the same sentence, send me your address. I will personally make the visit just to punch you in the neck. It's not that Lebron isn't as good as Michael, I wouldn't expect him to be at this point in his career. It's that the very projection makes me sick to my stomach. In order to be considered in the same league as MJ, one must have at least 3 or 4 titles. To this point, Lebron doesn't. Kobe will most likely have four in a week or two, so his application will be looked at further. Remember this, in MJ's sixth season (granted he played two years of college ball so if you're of the age, not amount of seasons train of thought you're excused from this) he lost two playoff games and was the NBA Finals MVP against Magic's Lakers. In Lebron's sixth season he lost to the Magic (no pun intended). Just some food for thought.

So here we are.
No more chalk.
No more puppet.
No more pity for Cleveland crammed down the national audience's throats.
No more.

But you all know this.

You Witnessed it.

Stan Van look-alike

I know I'm a bit late on this one but i mean c'mon. It's too good. It has to make an appearance on Results Inconclusive.

Nationals making move from joke to Raiders status

(si.com)

Now, let's get this out there. I hate the Nationals. But, even if i didn't I would be sure to make fun of them. Most people would remember them spelling "Natinals" on their jerseys earlier this year. They are at it again. This Memorial day it was Teddy Roosevelt bobble-head night. I guess they have to spread out the only two candidates for bobble head night (Dunn and Zimmerman) for the whole year so Teddy is a fill-in. Anyway, on the bobblehead they misspelled it "Rossevelt". A buddy recently told me that they misspelled it like that because Ross Detwiler was making the start. I'm not calling him a liar but if this is their excuse then that Gnats are even more ridiculous then i thought. I think that they made the mistake and that was their last second excuse. Doesn't anyone have spellcheck in that franchise? Or a brain?

Facebook Strikes again!

Remember when i wrote the Lane Kiffin article (here) and i told everyone that the social networking sites are nothing but trouble for sports stars? Well there is another example now. Atlanta Falcon, Quinn Ojinnaka (didn't make that name up) was arrested for battery on his wife over his facebook account. Apparently his wife didn't like the attention he was getting from another girl on the account. When she confronted him he threw her down some stairs and then out of the house. Ain't jealousy a bitch? Ojinnaka says she was attempting to stab him with a pen. In my opinion i think a 305 lb football player can dodge a pen stab and restrain a woman without chucking her down steps. But what do I know? I wonder how many notifications he's getting now.

NHL Finals should be viewable to everyone

I think that the NHL is mad enough about having to show some of their playoff games on versus but now it has reached an all time low. The Stanly Cup Finals games will be played on Saturday and Sunday, the first time games 1 and 2 will be played on back to back days since the mid 1950's on NBC. After that the championship series of the sport will be pushed back to versus! A network that no one had heard of until they started showing hockey on it. A network that many hockey fans don't even get on their TV plans. Here is NBC's schedule this week:

The show, I'm a celebrity ... Get me out of here! is in the 8-9 spot Monday through Thursday. I had to look up what this was. It's a reality show where celebrities are dropped off on a Costa Rican island and compete in comedy challenges while trying to survive (yeah right). This "reality" show is really stealing TV time from the NHL Stanley Cup Finals? It's too bad for the sport, it looked as though it was on the rise. I know it sucked me in for these playoffs.

Through the eyes of the Tribdog

Due to a recent knee injury I have alot of time on my hands. Actually, I always have alot of time on my hands. Here are some musings on the sports world recently:

Is there a Dwight Howard puppet to be revealed soon? Personally I would go with Hedo. My God is he ugly.

The Nuggets hot run came to a screetching halt much to my chagrin. Oh well, maybe next year they can manage less than 3 technical fouls per playoff game. Still love the Birdman though. Duh.

Why is Magic Johnson on TV? Other than to publicize Lamoron Odom?

How terrible is Big Papup? Good riddance. Here's to hoping he ends up with the 4 Home Runs that he's on pace to hit.

The Men's NCAA baseball tournament started this week. Does anyone care? Talk about an event that only gets TV time because of lack of sporting events worth a damn on TV around this time.

The Women's Softball College World Series started this week. See above.

The first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals will be back to back on Saturday and Sunday. Sucks for the players, coaches, trainers and seafood wholesalers in Detroit. Doesn't suck for the NHL and NBC however, primetime is what the sport has to have to promote this thing. Even if it is taxing for most involved.

Rachel Alexandra won't run in the Belmont Stakes. Shocker. In other news, this is the worst horse racing year in recent memory.

Calipari? In trouble? Nah, he wouldnt...

Derrick Rose may not be able to pass the SAT, but he sure can make Rondo look like crap.

It was nice knowing you, Blake Griffin.

Got to see pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg face two batters today (it was apparently important enough to interrupt Sportscenter). I noticed two things. Great fastball first of all. Secondly, great neck jerk when he watched the second batter launch one into the stratosphere. Buster Olney says that the Nationals know he gives up mad homers. Still beats the hell out of anyone they have now.

I feel like the throwback "Where Amazing Happens" commercials could have more variations. And how is Jordan's jumper versus Utah not one of them? Cmon.

Can't wait to see Game 6 of the Magic/Cavs series. If Cleveland loses, ESPN may shut down.

How come Jesus and Mickey Mouse don't get voted into the MLB All Star Game?

How long until they change the French Open to the Rafa Open?

Mad Love,
Tribdog

Millhouse finishes 2nd in 09 Spelling bee

I know I've reached and most likely exceeded my limit for Spelling bee posts. I apologize, now there is a full year wait for 2010. Everyone get your dictionaries out and start practicing.

Kadour Ziani, remember the name

This guy is unreal, probably the best dunker right now. The best part is this Frenchman with a 60 inch vertical is 5 foot 10 inches! Watch the video... it's amazing. Pay attention. Some of the dunks he's even blindfolded.

Tom Brady... who cares until September

This just in: Tom Brady ran, and stretched today.... oh and he wipes with his left hand!

I'm so sick and tired of ESPN salivating over him for coming back from his injury. Wait until September. I don't need a Tom Brady update every 5 minutes. Talk about these great NBA playoffs, not returns from injuries.

O's show they may be turning the corner

Highly renowned catcher, Matt Wieters makes his pro debut tomorrow for the Orioles. Fantasy league owners around the world are finally releasing a sigh of relief that he will finally be getting them some points. Wieters, ranked as the top prospect (ahead of 08 playoff's star David Price) on ESPN.com was the Orioles first pick in the 07 draft. I think the O's made this move a bit sooner than they wanted because they are currently getting no production from fellow catchers Gregg Zaun and Chad Moeller.

Rookie Jason Berken started his first game two days ago and collected a win. Highly regarded righty David Hernandez will start tonight for the O's making his debut. He went 3-1 with a sub 3 ERA at AAA-Norfolk this year.

With Wieters on his way up and other rookies thriving it got me thinking of other top prospects that should be close. Brandon Snyder, a rule 5 eligible player this year, is absolutely mashing the ball at AA-Bowie (.356 BA, 9HR, 37 RBI) and could soon be up as either DH or 1B with Ty Wigginton doing little at the plate in DH action.

If all 4 of these guys live up to the potential the Orioles could be quite the formidable unit for years to come. They have already locked down stars RF Nick Markakis and 2B Brian Roberts with long term deals. Rookie Nolan Reimold (walk-off home run yesterday) looks like he could be the real deal in LF and young Adam Jones is playing at an all-star caliber in CF.

If 25 year-old SS, Robert Andino can improve at the plate he could possibly be an everyday player on this ball club for years to come because of his tremendous defense. So then the only hole would be at 3B. Although Melvin Mora is still getting the job done his years are numbered. With a few more pitchers (can never have too many) and a young 3B I see the O's returning to their 90's form where they were a threat year in year out. They ahve finally learned to do it from the minors up. Be patient O's fans. Your time will come

Horrendous Officiating Makes it Hard to Watch the NBA

In watching the NBA Conference Finals, I cannot help but become more and more frustrated with the officiating. The flagrants, the technicals, and the ticky tacky calls have done all they can keep me from watching. Fortunately for the NBA, my fanhood (and the lack of any other solid programming) has kept me tuning in night after night.

Let's begin with last night's Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals. The foul called on Mickael Pietrus while he was gaurding LeBron in the final seconds of the game was nothing more than the NBA wanting to see the best players in the finals, not the best teams. If this is just about who is the best player, why don't we just turn the whole thing into a trickshot competition... I'll get the Globtrotters on the horn.

If you are going to call the foul on Pietrus, then how can you not call the foul on Andy Varejao on the next play. Personally, I don't think either should be called. Both players played excellent defense. LeBron fell so he got the call. Dwight stood his ground and was rewarded with... well nothing.

Not only are bad calls being made, the refs are simply calling way too many fouls. Clearly the refs are not subscribing to the old adage "let the boys play." The number of fouls called has increased from 33 personals in Game One to 50 personals in Game Four of the East. I understand that players are going to be more physical as the series goes on, but how can the foul discrepancy be so large? Calling 50 fouls almost makes the game unbearable. It seems like there is a foul called on every play in the fourth quarter. There is no rhythm or consistency to the game.

The technical foul calling has been extremely over-sensitive. Last night's technical call on Howard for "taunting" Andy was completely unwarranted. Howard completely an And-1 and pumped his fist in no particular direction. By calling that a technical, the NBA is telling their players and the kids who look up to them to never be happy with their accomplishments. I thought this was competitive basketball. In the heat of the moment players are going to show some emotion. That does not constitute it as taunting.

Even if it did, why do we all have to subject to this liberal point of view where we cannot hurt anybody's feelings anyway? Why are teams and players not allowed to humiliate their competition? In Roman times, not only did they humiliate them, they made sure they did not leave the arena alive. In comparison, I see nothing wrong with a little fist pump after a key play.

Today, Howard's technical was rescinded, but it still turned the game and gave the Cavs all the momentum. Magic were able to bounce back, but what if they could not? Would the NBA have given them the game? I think not. Refs need to hold their whistles. They are hurting the game.

Classic Top 10

Who's outta here?

I know I gave some incredible dap the other day to J.R. Smith for having the best celebrations in professional sports, but as for ejections, it gets no better than Carlos Zambrano. See for yourself...

The Ejection



The Unceremonious Killing of the Gatorade Machine
(Starts at about 0:15)



Mad props to youtube's boczar86 and fsn for the videos

Man-Ram doing great in All-star voting

Manny Ramirez, the worst defensive player in the game and possibly biggest Bush-leaguer is 4th in the initial all-star voting. Manny is of course serving a 50 game suspension for a failed drug test. He tested positive for a women's fertility drug, which is used by many steroid users to restart cycles. Word is they worked and that he's also having twin boys. He hasn't thought of names for the little tikes yet. But seriously, how is this dope in 4th for all-star voting. A guy has even made a website in support (http://www.voteformanny.blogspot.com/)

The three players he is trailing are Ryan Braun, Alfonso Soriano, and Carlos Beltran. If this guy makes it in it will be horrible for the sport. Really showing that fans don't give two shits about the steroid issue that is ruining the integrity of the game. I know that the Phillies play in a verryyyyyyy hitter friendly field but look at Raul Ibanez' stats (.347 BA, 17HR, 44 RBI) and tell me that isn't more impressive then Manny's 50 game suspension and cheating. He's a joke.

You want me to spell what?

I know that the Spelling bee isn't a sport but it comes on ESPN. Is that a good enough excuse to post this video?

One handed man recieves D-1 scholarship

All kids growing up playing basketball struggle when their coach gets them to start learning how to shoot a layup with their off hand. This was a bit more challenging for Kevin Laue. He was born without a left hand as the umbilical cord cut off circulation during birth.

Manhattan College decided to take a chance on him. Coach Arritt said "He can run as well as anybody, he can jump as well as anybody. You don't need two hands to block shots around the basket." (ESPN.com). The coach also hopes his extreme work ethic will rub off on the other players.

The 6'10" center decided to attend Fork Union Military Academy after high school to increase his chance of signing a D-1 offer, a long time dream of his. There he averaged 10 points and 5 boards going up against major D-1 talent.

He can handle passes with his handicap hand but is of course limited to shooting with his right arm. Something that gives him a monstrous disadvantage.

Laue says he has been contacted by hundreds of people going through similar conditions and that he has been a source of hope for all of them. He hopes to be able to reach more people when getting to college.

I wish him the best of luck and applaud Manhattan College for taking a chance on someone like this.
(NYtimes.com)

Superb Bench Contributions: Where Birdman, J.R., and the Deciding Factors Happen

After a convincing 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers Monday night, a few things became very apparent to the viewing public. First, Denver's bench is far superior to the Lakers' and for that matter, almost anyone in the league. Secondly, the Birdman's energy is unsurpassed by any player in the league. The guy is always lightning in a bottle mixed with Red Bull. Most of all, those of you out there that tuned into Game 4 have realized that when he's on, J.R. Smith has the most entertaining celebrations in the game.

Lets take a look at the Nuggets key bench players:

Linas Kleiza is a matchup problem for most teams. With his size and shooting ability, there is no right way to play him as an opposing coach. He abused the Zen Master's plan to guard him with a bigger player and scored ten big points last night.

Chris "Birdman" Andersen grabbed 14 rebounds and scored 6 points on some ferocious dunks last night. Lets not forget about his presence around the rim defensively. Although he had only 2 blocks last night he sent a message by destroying Shannon Brown's layup attempt in the first half. Birdman finished second in the league in blocked shots this year.

J.R. Smith was what he is when he's at his best, a great scorer. It started in the first half with continuous attack of the rim and a few excellent assists to Nene. In the second half he went 4-7 from three point land and on consecutive possessions pretty much sealed L.A's fate. All in all he ended up as the Nuggets' leading scorer tied with Chauncey Billups at 24 points.

When looking at purpose of bench play in any league of play, energy is almost as important as statistics. Players are usually expected to raise the play of the starters and help spur the team's surges. Birdman does exactly that. Not only does he draw the biggest fan ovations upon entering the game and making hustle plays, he is a force on the glass. His hustle should make any basketball fan proud in a league where laziness is permitted to its fullest extent. Birdman is never invisible on the court and contributes in any way possible. Players in that mold are necessary for any team that wants to win an NBA Championship.


There is no nickname for J.R. Smith, despite Jeff Van Gundy's idea to call him 'Smitty' when he plays well and J.R. when he is erratic (which he has a knack for being at times). However, something along the lines of 'Primetime' would suit him just fine. In a stretch of about 5 minutes in Game 4, J.R.: exclaimed that the Pepsi Center was his house after a tremendous dunk, did the same almost as emphatically after one of his nail in the coffin threes, and walked it out in a goofy little strut that could only make the Lakers cringe following his final three. When it was all said and done, the Nuggets were victorious and the Lakers felt the salt in their wounds. Who else can induce such laughter and humiliate the opponent as tremendously as J.R.? No one, that's who. Sure he plays like a moron sometimes, and his technical fouls leave something to be desired, but come on, those things are quickly forgotten when he walks it out right in front of the Zen Master.

So here we are, the oh so great Black Mamba, Zen Master and Pau Gasoft knotted up with a rag tag bunch of athletes at 2-2. The Nuggets are the only team to blow out the opposition in this series and that tells me they are the superior team. They may fade and crumble like they have in the past, but don't count on it. Game 4 sent a message that may have the Purple and Gold shaking in their boots.

Did I mention that Carmelo shot 3-16 last night?

Uh Oh.

Canseco's Career after Baseball continues to be an Embarrassment

Remember Jose Canseco? Of course you do. He's the moron who wants all the credit for the steroid scandal in the MLB. He's the former outfielder who let a ball hit off his head and go over the fence for a homer. He's the former home run hitter who weighed about 300 pounds and insisted on wearing size Medium jerseys. Well, now he's the jackass who lost an MMA fight to a 7'2" Korean in 77 seconds.

This guy is so desperate for cash that he even boxed Danny Bonaduce. You know, that small little ginger. Guess what, he didn't even win. They tied! Jose is a joke. I would be ecstatic if he never appeared in the news again. What the video below.... its a riot.

Greivis Vasquez is a Tool

Listening to the radio today on the way home they were talking about Greivis Vasquez. The possible former Maryland Terp basketball player. Reports are that he is leaning towards entering the NBA draft although he is yet to hire an NBA agent. He's had workouts with the Wiz and the Cavs have possibly expressed interest in taking him with their 1st round pick. How is this happening? Two weeks ago he was projected as late 2nd round to undrafted. What could an individual team workout show that would bump his stock up so much? Is he all of a sudden not turning the ball over constantly or yelling at and flicking off the crowd?

In the NBA, there is only guaranteed money if you are drafted in the 1st round so if you are a borderline pick why even contemplate entering? Go back for your last year, try to actually win something, which Vasquez has yet to do during his time there. This cocky, overrated, asshole of a basketball player would be making a huge mistake to enter. Ask former Terp star John Gilhchrist how his early entry went. The once promising star went undrafted and ended up playing in a professional league in Israel. How many of you guys have heard of the Israel basketball league? EXACTLY! Hell, what do I care. College basketball would be better off without him, but the NBA would be worse.

Rain Delay Dance-off

Oh the joys of a 5 hour rain delay!

Hey! My head got in the way of your elbow!

As the Cavs/Magic series suddenly becomes more and more compelling, finally we have some blood. It spilled out of Mo Williams' face last night and guess what? The Cavaliers whined about it. Notorious whiner Stan Van got to sit back and watch his craft being perfected by the team that he has suddenly thrown into a bit of adversity. The Cavs cruised through the first two rounds and obviously, whatever hard fouls they encountered were minor details. They were winning, and winning big. Now things aren't so fun and fancy-free. Mo Williams' post game comments reflected a sore loser with a sore face and a huge basket of sour grapes. "Most definitely", Mo Williams replied when he thought it was a dirty play. Really, Mo? Seeing as how he was injured, I can let that slide. But when Mo goes onto say, "I couldn't care less about Anthony Johnson -- he plays 12 minutes a game. I couldn't care less." Now we have a problem. You never take potshots at another man's livelihood. Especially not a man who just made you look like a blubbering baby on national television.

Lebron is what Lebron is, he can say and do whatever he wants and that's just fine. He takes his hard fouls like a man, the right way. Mo Williams was a nobody before this year and it's looking like in about a week he will be just another professional athlete on a golf course. And guess what? Anthony Johnson may be playing for a ring! How great would that be?

Besides the fact that I believe that flagrant was ridiculous (Johnson just attempted to get his shot off, something that happens routinely after a foul in the continuation league), I find Mo Williams' reactions were less than warranted. The funniest part is that Johnson got in the Cavs heads, and he only plays 12 minutes a game.

Guess he made the best of those 12 minutes.

More than we can say for Mo.

Facebook and Twitter get Lane Kifffin in trouble again

Well, the famous social networking sites have now really busted Kiffin's balls. Already in hot water for some of the decisions and moves he's made Tennessee has been forced to admit to another recruiting violation. CBSSporstsline.com reports that both of the sites had "I was so excited to hear that J.C. Copeland committed to play for the Vols today!" posted on the profile. While everyone is quick to point the finger and call Kiffin a moron some speculate he did this for the publicity. While these secondary violations are rarely penalized he could once again throw UT back into the headlines as the season approaches. My question is. why does he have these accounts? What good could possibly come from them? This makes me think he is just doing this for the publicity, if so he's a real McAsshole.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson: Excited? Confused? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle?

My Beef with the Baseball Shift

I recently attended an O's vs. Gnats game and was reminded of one of the most aggravating things in Major League Baseball. I am talking about the shift that teams play for left-handed pull hitters. This is the case when the third baseman plays where the shortstop usually would, shortstop moves to play right of second base and the second baseman plays in shallow right field. This of course leaves the left field line wide open. If this defense were played against Ichiro he would hit .500 every year. So why does this bug me so much? Here's why.

For one thing, in order for the batter to hit into the shift your pitcher must work on the inside half of the plate. This plays into power hitters hands. It's easier to hit home runs to the pull side.

But, the most aggravating part of this is the hitters obvious problem with fundamental baseball. Can't these guys get their hands on Tom Emanski's instructional videos? If they would just stop being so cocky and take some time during BP and work on drag bunting down the third baseline their batting averages wouldsky rocket. Even, Mo Vaughn could beat out a bunt for a base hit with not third baseman close to the line. Even attempting this once would require the team to shift back to a normal defense and re-open the normal gaps these players would love to spray the ball in.

What about even concentrating on driving the ball the other way? These ballplayers are strong enough to drive a ball the other way even if its not on the outer half. This was made obvious when I saw Ryan Zimmerman drive an inside fastball over the right-center field wall Friday night. Why not use this same approach and spray the ball to left field? Pitchers make mistakes, you can get a pitch to handle.

Players need to go back to fundamental baseball. It would be a good thing for the kids that look up to them so much to learn from.

Cowboys can't get enough of those ex-cons

Michael Irvin, Nate Newton, and Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones. Three of the most illustrious Cowboys ever to be arrested. It's now time for them to move over squeeze somebody else onto the list.

Jeffrey Lawrence Galland.

While he never suited up for the 'Boys, ex-convict Galland was a consultant who helped Dallas when they upgraded their practice facilities last year. The same practice facility that collapsed earlier this summer, leaving 12 injured and one paralyzed.

Galland was released from federal prison in 2000 after serving a four-and-a-half year sentence. Galland pleaded guilty to charges of using a firearm during a violent crime, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. He was also arrested in 1994 for and convicted of burglary.

My question is does Jerry Jones even know the meaning of a background check? I know that convicts deserve a second chance, but before hiring anybody, you should check their references and qualifications.

Galland's résumé falsified information about his education. The résumé said he had earned a BS in Physics from Washington University, but he has not. It also said he had taken classes toward a master's in structural engineering at UNLV, but he has not.

Jones and the Cowboys need to take a little more time and put a little more effort into deciding who they hire. It is possible that the hiring of Galland cost one man to lose the ability to walk for the rest of his life.

John Daly uses outrageous behavior for something good?

Chain Smoking, Beer bonging John Daly has finally done something good. The real life Happy Gilmore has been famous for many negative aspects of his personality up until now. Most people have heard about Phil Michelson's wife being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. While we all are hoping for the best outcome for the Michelson family John Daly has decided to sport some bright pink pants in support of the fellow golfer's wife. Mad props Mr. Daly, you win points in my book.

A-rod's secret to success

Since his return from a strain of his labia minora A-rod has 7 dingers in only 15 games (49 ab's). What is the secret to his powerful sucess? Massages from middle-aged shirtless men of course. Why didn't I think of that?

I Guess Somebody Hit the Shot

Listen for how quickly the anchors are ready to give up on their beloved Cavaliers. What a great sports city.

I learned at age 8...

How to make an inbounds pass.   I may have had 2-5 intercepted by an opposing team in my 22 years of existence.  Yet somehow, the Nuggets have managed to do it twice in the same 7 game series.  First Anthony Carter, and now Kenyon Martin.  I understand that neither players are experts with the ball in their hands, but come on now guys.  Trevor Ariza doesn't play for the Globetrotters.  At least not yet.  This is another classic case of fundamental basketball ruining an NBA team in the playoffs (look to last night's Hedo failure to stay with Lebron for further proof). As sad as it was to watch, and as angry as I was when the game was over, there is no where to point the finger but to the NBA.  Fundamentals are as overlooked as salad at a Golden Corral these days.  And everyone seems to like it just fine. 

Jason Giambi: The man, the myth, the legend

Just a few hours ago baseball god, Jason Giambi cracked his 400th career home run. Let's take this time to celebrate a great career on and off the field and with or without mass amounts of roids. One can only hope that an event like this will prompt that dirty stache to come back into play.

Lebron vs. Hedo

May 22, 2009. LeBron James hit the shot to keep the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Names for the shot are still trying to be thought up. Contestants are “the defibrillator,” “the shot heard ‘round the world” (boo), and as LeBron put it “the greatest shot I have ever made.” My personal favorite was offered up by ESPNs Jay Harris. “An L-Bomb. From L-Bron.”

No matter which name you prefer, the fact is that there was one thing and one thing only LeBron was out to prove when he released from 30 feet away with just one second on the clock: he is better than Hedo Turkoglu.

And finally LeBron did prove that. I know some of you may not be ready to take the step, but let’s face it people, LeBron has surpassed Hedo in all facets of the game.

Turkey scored 21 on 9-17 from the field. Pretty good numbers that have been good enough for most to say that he is better than LeBron. Until Game 2 when LeBron tallied 35 points.

Hedo hit a shot that looked like it won the game for the Magic leaving just one second left on the clock. The Cleveland crowd went silent. The Magic bench went crazy. Until LeBron hit “the shot.”

The greatest reason that the shot put to rest all “Hedo or LeBron” arguments is because LeBron made it over Hedo. Not Rashard Lewis, Courtney Lee, Skip to My Lou, or JJ Redick, but the man so many have said is better than him, Hedo Turkoglu.

Turkey made his shot over Sasha Pavlovic… yawn. Sasha, at 6’8” is shorter than the 6’11” Hedo. Lebron gives up three solid inches to the man who had a hand in his face when he shot. Hedo gets three.

It’s time we can finally put to rest the argument. LeBron is better than Hedo. Now, are the Magic better than the Cavs?

Ryan Leaf: The dream life

After the prolific NFL career of Ryan Leaf he has once again shocked us all by getting busted for trying to illegally obtain HYDROCODONE! What a guy!. ESPN.com has reported that he was indicted on seven counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Apparently this breadwinner broke into an injured football player's house and stole the drugs. After a short stint with the Cowboys in 2001 its just a matter of time until good ole Jerry Jones signs him again after this recent news. There isn't a player in the league with this legal trouble that doesnt deserve a huge blue star on his helmet.

Mike Vick

Ok, so by now everyone that has a pulse knows that Mick Vick is out of prison and on house arrest in the dirrrtyyyy 757. Now the questions about his return are being discussed on every radio and tv show across the country.

My thoughts? As a current Hokie I may be a bit biased but I think the man has does his duty to the system, and served his time and he deserves a second chance. In 1998 Leonard Little crashed into and killed a woman. 6 years later he was arrested for drunk driving. How much has he shown to prove he has changed? Now Goodell says Vick will get reinstated only if he shows change. I think he should and will be playing in the NFL soon.

Then the question needs to be answered of where he will end up. If he came to me asking for help I would insist that he go to a proven team with a proven coach, competitive team, and good front office. He was destined to lose in Atlanta because these type of things weren't there consistently. Speculations of teams like Oakland going after him are sure to be popular but he would be better suited to be a backup for 1-2 years in a program like New England or Indianapolis where he could grow and get himself back in NFL style form. He could even enter the games situationally. Imagine the headache that would cause for the opposing team preparing during the week. That is precious time they could be spending on preparing for Tom Brady or Peyton Manning.

All in all, the man deserves a chance. Throw him out there, see if he shits the bed again. I don't think he will. No one is that stupid. Not even Pacman Jones. Ok, well maybe Pacman Jones.

Nuggs-Lakeshow Preview

The Nuggets and Lakers will head to Denver for Game 3 tonight with the series tied up at one game apiece.

Thursday night's game two was one of the best of this postseason. Melo lead the Nuggs to victory with 34 points and nine rebounds. Kobe did all that he could to lead the Lakers for the first 47 minutes, but when the Lakers were in need of a game-tying shot, the ball went to the halfway washed-up point guard Derek Fisher, instead of last year's MVP. Fisher missed and the Lakers lost their chance to go up two games to none.

The Nuggets are going to come out tonight with fire in their collective belly and determination in their soul. As everybody has been saying, the Nuggs are playing the best basketball out of everybody, and have been throughout the playoffs. That being the fact, the Lakers will need to actually play like they have something to prove, because they do.

Throughout the entire postseason, the Lakers have played like they are already in the NBA Finals. That may work against the Jazz and Rockets, but the Nuggets are for real. The Lakers are going to need to come out ready to fight tonight if they want to win this game. Here are a few keys to the game for each team.

Nuggets:
- JR Smith - he was unstoppable in the Mavericks series and so were the Nuggets. For the first two games of the series, Smith has averaged 5.5 ppg compared to 16.6 and 16.0 in the Nuggets' first two series.
- Stay Big - Nene, K-Mart, and Chris "Birdman" Anderson need to continue their domination of the frontline. The Lakers' bigs have been touted as "soft;" something the Nuggs can easily capitalize on. While they have been out rebounded in the series, Birdman is making his presence felt blocking 1.5 shots per game and altering many others.

Lakers:
- Kobe - the former MVP needs to be "Mr. Big Shot" for the Lakers. When the game is on the line, he needs to take over, much like Bron Bron did last night in Cleveland. If he wants to combat Jerry West's opinion, Kobe needs to step his game up in crunch time.
- Prove It - the Lakers were picked at the beginning of the year by many as the team to rep the West in the NBA Finals this year. So far in the playoffs, they have not played like they should be in the Finals. They snuck by a banged up Rockets team and never put the Jazz away when they had a big lead. They need to play tonight like they are the underdogs, because in many ways, they are.

Lebron...a rising star

Lebron gets little publicity after huge 3 pointer in game 2. I wonder what ESPN.com would have looked like if Sasha Pavlovic would have hit that shot. Think the NBA wants a Lakers-Cavs final badly enough?