All Entries Tagged With: "Basketball"
Once Again…LeBron Wins
This past weekend for the 4th time Miami Heat star LeBron James was awarded the NBA MVP award. LeBron’s talent goes without saying (don’t believe just watch) especially considering he’s now one of only four players who’s earned the title that many times.
Upon accepting his award, LeBron gave a heartfelt speech thanking his mom, Savannah and her parents. Watch it below…
Congratulations LeBron James!!!
NBA Player Javaris Crittenton Indicted For 2011 Murder
While we hadn’t heard much about the incident since it became big news in 2011, it appears that investigators and prosecutors have been working hard in regards to NBA player Javaris Crittenton’s involvement in the murder of Jullian Jones.
Back in 2011 Crittenton was accused of being the one to fire the shot that ultimately lead to the death of Jones, a mother of four. While Jones wasn’t the intended victim, it’s being said that while Crittenton was out for revenge on a group of gang members who allegedly robbed, Jones got caught up in the crossfire.
Since the incident, Crittenton has proclaimed his innocence, but evidently law officials feel differently. As a result, Crittenton was indicted on 12 charges including murder earlier this week.
I’m not sure what to make of all of this, but time has a way of telling how this will all pan out. Considering Crittenton had a career in which he makes a pretty good penny it’ll be sad and downright ridiculous for to find out he threw it all away over his pride and possessions he should’ve been able to afford to replace.
No trial date has been set yet so be sure to check back with us for updates as this all plays out.
Mom Drops Paternity Suit Against Michael Jordan
After her son posted a video on Youtube concerning his “father”, his mom, Pamela Y. Smith filed a paternity suit alleging that NBA legend Michael Jordan was her son’s father. Smith filed the suit here in Atlanta at the Fulton County Superior Court.
In a counter suit Jordan claimed otherwise by showing that Smith had previously claimed during her 2003 divorce case that her now ex-husband Glennville G. Reynolds was her son’s father.
Well after last week’s court hearing between both parties in which Jordan wasn’t present, it appears things have changed. Upon leaving the hearing, both parties agreed to return to court if the matter couldn’t be resolved free of a judge’s ruling.
After all was said and done or however it played out, somewhere between then and now, Ms. Smith has decided to drop the paternity suit. According to her attorney, the decision was made “in her son’s best interest.”
Now while the whole Jordan’s his daddy case suddenly appeared out of nowhere, it seems to be disappearing just as fast. Hmmmmm sniff sniff…do I smell a settlement? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Video: Magic Johnson Puts Up $1 Million To See Lebron In Dunk Contest
Despite, Lebron James outstanding dunk performances he show’s on the court, the Miami Heat player has yet to enter the Slam Dunk Contest. So, in efforts to entice him a little, former NBA player-businessman Magic Johnson put up a BIG wager.
During a recent discussion on ESPN, Magic pleaded to Lebron that this is something he really wants to see next year at All-Star. In fact, he’s willing to pay the slam dunk winner $1 million if Lebron James enters the contest.
“Please, LeBron, get in the dunk contest,” Johnson said. “I’m going to put up a million dollars. A million dollars from Magic to LeBron. Please get in the dunk contest. I go every year. I want to see you out there. A million to the winner.”
Sounds like a good deal! Check out the Magic’s announcement below…
Ex-NBA Star Allen Iverson Loses ATL Mansion
One can only shake their head when thinking about all the trials and tribulations that have seemed to engulf not only the NBA career Allen Iverson once had but other prominent areas of his life.
Fresh off the heels of a divorce, he has now been bit by the foreclosure bug and has lost his mansion in Atlanta. In the divorce decree, Iverson kept ownership of the almost 10,000 square foot home which he had on the market for $2.5 million. Iverson had the home built four years ago for $4.5 million. According to sources, the home was purchased for $2.5 million by Georgia Primary Bank.
As it’s been said here a few time before…if your outgo is more than your income then your upkeep will be your downfall. But hopefully somewhere along the way Iverson can get a grip, plant his feet on some solid ground and get it together.
Foul on the Play: Celtics’ Rajon Rondon Out For Remainder of Season
It is with deep sadness and utter disappointment that I have to report not to mention try to eventually fathom the mere thought of Boston Celtics’ star Rajon Rondo sitting on the sidelines for the remainder of the season. But unfortunately, that is the case!
After suffering a right knee injury during the Celtics loss to the Hawks late last week, the true extent of his injury was later confirmed over the weekend prior to the Celtics face-off against the Heat. In what I had hoped would not be the case, it was confirmed that the extent of it all was a torn ACL rendering him out of the game for the rest of the season.
Being that he’s one of the best players on the team, his absence could be devastating to their dynamics. But watching them snap their six game losing streak in double OT against the Heat on Sunday sans Rondo, the rest of the team proved that they can still hold it down. So we’ll see how the rest of the season goes for them.
Nonetheless we’re wishing Rondo a speedy recovery and wondering who’ll be taking his place considering he was recently named as the starting point guard for the Eastern Conference for this year’s All-Star Game.
It’s Cheaper 2 Keep Her: Kobe Dodges $1.36M A Month Divorce Settlement
Kobe Bryant got paper! Years of him shooting in the gym has paid off and created a multi-million dollar empire. But, what happens if he calls it splitsville from wife Vanessa? She would walk away with half of his earnings. Damn!
California has some of the strictest divorce laws than any other state. If married over 10 years, marriages are considered indefinite. Therefore, wife (or husband in some cases) would be entitled to life long spousal support and child support (if there are kids involved). In the case of Vanessa, Kobe will be ordered to pay an estimated $386,000 in monthly child support for his two little girls. Also, spousal support would run him up to $1 million.
Thank goodness the two was able to work out their differences….once again.
Do you think $1.36M is justified though? Let us know. We would love to hear your opinion on this.
Carmelo Anthony’s New Shoe…the Jordan Melo M9
NBA star Carmelo Anthony in collaboration with the Jordan Brand recently released his ninth signature, the Jordan Melo M9.
About the development of the shoe, Anthony said in a press statement, “I love the idea of being locked in, whether I’m on the perimeter or making a move in the post. I want to protect my ankles while not restricting my cutting ability. After working closely with the Jordan Brand team during development stages, the JORDAN MELO M9 fits my game perfectly.”
The Jordan Melo M9 retails for $140 and comes in various colors. Check out the collection below.
Brooklyn Nets Give Avery Johnson His Walking Papers
After getting the team off to a winning start and not to mention just recently being deemed as the Eastern Conference’s Coach of the Month for November, Avery Johnson has been given the boot as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Initially it seemed as if things were on the up and up with the workings of the team and Johnson leading their way. But somewhere somehow things took a turn for the worse within the last 3 or 4 weeks when the Nets kept losing games including five of their last six games and now have a 14-14 record.
The team’s General Manager Billy King made the announcement of Johnson’s firing yesterday saying, “It was a tough decision, I worked well with Avery for 2½ years. The way we’ve been playing lately and talking with ownership, I spoke to them this morning and the decision was made.”
Johnson later responded to the news saying, “This is a really disappointing day for me and my family. This is a difficult time. It’s something that I didn’t necessarily see coming, especially after our pretty good November.”
Until the Nets get a new coach, they’ve named Johnson’s head assistant, P.J. Carlesimo as interim head coach.
Well, well, well and the cookie crumbles!
Shaquille O’Neal Launching Very Own Vodka Brand…Luv Shaq
Like acting, like clothing lines, like reality television, like premium liquors…there’s no limit to what these celebrities may dip their hands in be it an athlete, musical artist, actor or actress.
I could go on and on about who’s done whatever else other than what they really do, but I’ll get straight to it with the who this time and what now.
By way of former NBA star formally known as Shaquille O’Neal but better known as Shaq is his very own brand of liquor called Luv Shaq. His vodka brand will be produced by the company Devotion Vodka whose founder said in a statement that it will compete with Ciroc but at a “more competitive price.”
Now before you decide if another brand of vodka is really needed, the difference in Shaq’s brand just may make you think differently.
Being that he is an athlete and in an effort to stay in stride with America’s route of being more health conscious, Shaq is going to make his vodka both sugar and gluten-free. But don’t worry you’ll still get some flavor because Luv Shaq will be in coconut flavor. As for the packaging, the bottle will feature an image of Shaq with giant wings.
Luv Shaq will be on store shelves in sometime next year.
NBA Great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Honored With Statue at the Staples Center
Joining fellow Los Angeles Lakers legends, Magic Johnson and Jerry West when it comes to having your very own statue at the infamous Staples Center is legend in his own right Kareem Adbul-Jabbar.
The statue was recently unveiled during a ceremony for the 65-year-old former NBA star. Abdul-Jabbar’s career span from 1969-1989 with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers and to date he is still the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. He also won six NBA championships and 6 MVP awards.
The statue which stands almost 16-foot tall memorializes Abdul-Jabbar’s famous hook shot also depicts his No. 33 jersey of course with short shorts and his signature goggles and wristbands.
Gratefully accepting the honor, Abdul-Jabbar said, “Having lived my life and had the experiences I’ve had, I can understand now what a man like Lou Gehrig means when he considers himself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
I must say, this is an honor well deserved. Congrats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!
The Lakers Give Mike Brown the Boot…Foul on the Play???
Over the weekend and only five games into the season, in what’s considered to be a shocking move, the Los Angeles Lakers gave their head coach, Mike Brown, the boot. With the team’s high expectations of success especially after rebuilding which included the addition of All-Stars Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, they’ve only managed to get off to a rough start with a 1-4 record thus far.
While it can be argued that the team wasn’t fully intact due to Howard’s lingering difficulties after having back surgery and Nash’s left fibula fracture, it looks as if all the blame will go on Brown. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak cited two main reasons for Brown’s dismissal; won-loss record and lack of improvement. “After five games we weren’t seeing improvement and we made a decision. Maybe it would have changed…we didn’t want to wait five months and find out it wasn’t going to change,” said Kupchak.
This says a lot about their faith in Brown’s ability considering he’s only stacked $7 million of the $18 million contract he signed back in 2011.
To it all, in a statement, Brown said “I have great respect for the Buss family and the Lakers’ storied tradition and I thank them for the opportunity they afforded me. I have a deep appreciation for the coaches and players that I worked with this past year and I wish the organization nothing but success as they move forward.”
According to the team, Bernie Bickerstaff will serve as interim coach, but no announcement has been made as to who will officially replace Brown.
What do you think people? Justified or Foul on the Play??? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Dwyane Wade Get His Own Brand In New Deal With Li-Ning
After recently reporting that NBA star Dwyane Wade had ended his relationship with the Jordan Brand, we’re back to tell you all about his new deal.
Partnering with Chinese athletic Company, Li-Ning, the Miami Heat guard will get his own brand which of course will be called Wade. Conditions of the deal will grant Wade plenty of say when it comes to design elements and endorsers. Having already unveiled his first signature shoe of his new brand during a recent Heat practice session, he plans to officially debut the shoe when the heat face the Los Angeles Clippers during a preseason game in Beijing.
According to Wade, the shoe we’ll see in China “will not be the final product.” So I guess we can just consider this a sneak peek to what’s to come. He’s hoping to have something closer to the final product when the Heat open the season against Boston later this month. However, if not, Wade says, “I’m not rushing. I want to make sure it’s a good product and when people see me, they need to know I’m comfortable with it. I want to make sure people understand that this is a big deal, not only for China, but for me.”
Wade’s apparel and footwear line is expected to be available at Li-Ning retail stores and online later this year with the U.S. debut slated for 2013. His shoes are expected to have a price point of approximately $120.
Heat’s Dwyane Wade Ends Relationship with Jordan
First Solange ends her relationship with Carol’s Daughter and now Dwyane Wade is giving Jordan the boot.
The Miami Heat star has revealed that he will no longer be sporting the Jordan brand sneakers and apparel. While Wade said his time with the Jordan brand has been “unbelievable” and that he feels “honored to have represented my favorite player of all time and his brand”, he has (upon mutual agreement from both sides) decided not to extend his contract which expired last month.
Wade gave no indication as to what shoe he’ll be wearing when the upcoming NBA season begins. It’ll be interesting to see what he traded his Jordans in for.
Blast From the Past…2 Chainz Before He Was Tity Boi
ESPN is giving us a blast from the past. By way of video, the sports network is giving fans a brief glimpse into the world of rapper 2 Chainz’ high school basketball days. 2 Chainz who before that was known as Tity Boi who before that was known as Tauheed Epps was the star player for the North Clayton Eagles. The 1995 clip shows the rapper sink a 3-pointer, slam down a dunk and breaking out doing the Bankhead bounce. Classic!!!
Check out the video below….
US Female Olympians Receive ‘Inspiration Award’ From WNBA
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) recently held a special ceremony to honor several Olympic champions. The luncheon, hosted by WNBA President Laurel Richie, was held to praise great women who has excelled in an Olympic sport and received medals during the 2012 London Games. Receipients of the “Inspiration Award” were tennis star Venus Williams (who won her 4th Gold medal), volleyball star Danielle Scott-Arruda (who helped her team win Silver medal), water polo star Betsey Armstrong (Gold), judo star Kayla Harrison (Gold), rowing star Taylor Ritzel (Gold), and boxer Claressa Shields (who won Gold and during the sports first women could compete in the sport).
President Laurel Richie spoke eloquently about the strength of women athletes and being the role models of our younger generation.
“You have captured the nation through your passion, dedication and hard work, and I suspect quite the bit of sacrifice,” Richie said. “You are an inspiration to the next generation of young girls who we know were glued to their TV sets and their iPads and iPods and all other devices, and they watched you compete. … You have shown what women can be as athletes and what athletes can be as citizens.”
“We all believe in women’s sports, we believe in women athletes,” Williams said. “Young women need to know they can achieve, and sports makes life better. It helps women be more successful, more confident. I am so proud to be amongst all these wonderful athletes who are role models.”
In addition, the US Women’s Olympic basketball team were honored for bringing home their fifth striaght gold medal. Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), WNBA MVP, accepted her teammates awards on their behalf. Teresa Edwards, five time Olympic medalist, received a special “Pioneer Award” for her sportsmanship on the court and in the community.
Kudos to all the women honored. You make us proud!
Source: AP
Reggie Miller Joins Sister In Hall of Fame
After a 17-year career which ended when he retired in 2005, NBA great Reggie Miller is finally getting his due justice for all of his years of hard work and discipline. Becoming even more of a legend in the world of professional basketball, Miller was inducted into the Hall of Fame last Friday.
Miller who played his entire professional career with the Indiana Pacers left the league as the franchise’s all-time leader in both points and steal, an Olympic gold medalist and a league record holder of 320 3-point shots in the playoffs. About his induction Miller said, “This is awesome. I don’t take moments like this for granted. I’m so honored to be part of this great evening with all these great players.”
Making the induction even more special is the fact that Miller joins his sister Cheryl Miller creating the first sister/brother pair of Hall of Fame inductees. As she joined him on the stage full of tears and joy, Miller made sure he gave her props about her success and influence on his career. “I just so happened to live across the hall from the greatest woman basketball player ever. I’m not on this stage without you.”
Congratulations Hall of Famer Reggie Miller!!!
Justin Timberlake Secures Minority Stake In NBA’s ‘Memphis Grizzlies’
Celebrities are taking their love for the game of basketball a step further. From Usher Raymond IV to Jay-Z, several music artists has expanded their portfolios by investing in pro basketball teams. Next up, Justin Timberlake has secured his stake in the Memphis Grizzlies team.
An unknown source close to the current bid process, states that Justin is part of a group of investors who will join tech-billionare Robert Pera to purchase the Grizzlies. Currently awaiting the NBA’s final decision, Pera is said to want to purchase the team from Michael Heisley for approximately $350 million. The group consists of Timberlake, other high profile community leaders from Memphis, and strategicly placed investors nationwide.
The Grizzlies has been in Memphis, Tennessee for 11 years now after being moved from Vancouver. Although fans are concerned that the new owners may decide to move the team elsewhere, the source told the Associated Press that Pera and the group are committed to keeping the hometown fans happy.
NBA 2K13 Tracklist [Handpicked by Jay Z]
2K Sports has released the tracklist for the highly anticipated NBA 2K13. The 24 songs for the tracklist were put together by music mogul Jay Z. Besides the hot tracks, the game will also feature an enhanced My Player Mode, all new gameplay features plus the ’92 Olympic Dream Team and the 2012 Men’s Olympic team. Check out the tracklist below…
NBA 2K13 Track Listing
The Hours – Ali in the Jungle
Too Short – Blow the Whistle (Main)
Eric B. and Rakim – I Ain’t No Joke
Phoenix – 1901
JAY Z – Pump it Up (Freestyle)
Puff Daddy and the Family – Victory (feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes)
Daft Punk – Around The World (Radio Edit)
Santigold – Shove It (feat. Spank Rock)
Kanye West – Amazing
JAY Z – Run This Town
The Dirty Projectors – Stillness is the Move
Nas – The World is Yours
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
Roy Ayers – We Live in Brooklyn, Baby
Justice – Stress
JAY Z – The Bounce
Kanye West – We Major (feat. Nas & Really Doe)
Mobb Deep – Shook Ones, Pt. II
Meek Mill – Ima Boss – Instrumental
Kanye West – Mercy (feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz)
U2 – Elevation
JAY Z – On To The Next One
JAY Z – Public Service Announcement
JAY Z – H.A.M. (Instrumental)
NBA 2K13 will be released October 2, 2012.
Dream Team Days May Be Over Due to Age Cap
The U.S.A men’s basketball team, aka Dream Team, dominated the 2012 Olympics and brought home the gold. Well, members of the FIBA feels the age mixtures serves as an advantage for the U.S.A team (and has for years).
FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann says an under-23 policy limit for men probably won’t be proposed for Rio. The NBA has been in favor of basketball moving to a soccer model, in which teams are made up of players 23 and younger, with three roster exceptions for older players.
That model likely would bring to an end the superstar era for the USA, which started using established NBA veterans in 1992. LeBron James says he would not play if he was granted an exception in an under-23 format.
The Americans’ dominance in London has also raised questions about changing the rules.
Baumann says one possible solution was pushing the World Cup of Basketball back a year and using it as the qualifier for the 2020 Olympics, instead of making teams potentially play three years in a row. (Source)
What are your thoughts? Do you think the new rule will make a difference?
Stick to the Script
As of late I’ve been putting some thought into athletes and some of their decisions to have part-time or second careers as musicians or actors. I was listening to Stephen Jackson’s mixtape which actually doesn’t sound bad and has pretty good features and started thinking how many epic failures preceding athletes had with their music careers. Shaquille O’Neal did have gold and platinum albums but only off his name. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Chris Webber to name the major ones that come to mind.
Anyone else noticing a common theme? Why does it seem as if only really good NBA players want to pursue a rap career. Deion Sanders and Oscar De La Hoya both tried their hand at music unsuccessfully. The only true successes I can think of are Wayman Tisdale and Bernie Williams both who have had solid Jazz careers and actually have talent. How about these players you probably never knew had rap stints, may never even knew them as pro athletes? Like, Isaiah Rider, Troy Hudson, Ron Artest, Chris Mills, Walt Williams, and even Jason Kidd. I mean really who is giving these pro athletes advice?
How about the pro players who try acting? Howie Long and Rick Fox; don’t we all wish we could forget? The best probably are from 70’s Fred Williamson and Jim Brown. I am not counting Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson because he never played pro football and Wrestling is not a sport… its men play fighting in leotards. I believe Terry Crews made a couple of NFL teams and has turned out to have a pretty decent acting career. My question is can someone name me a talented and successful athlete who actually had a talented and successful acting or music career?
Submitted by contributing writer J. Darien Stokes
Shaq O’Neal’s Set to ‘Upload’ on TV!
The Shaq-ster aka Shaquille O’Neal will soon re-up on his television efforts.
Tru Tv has just given the greenlight to Shaq’s new comedy sketch show “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal”. The 10-episode show will co-star comedians Gary Owens and Godfrey. The guys will share their 2 cents on web videos and also showcase thier own parodies. With Shaq being a known funny guy himself, we’re sure fans tuning in will not be disappointed.
“Shaquille O’Neal has such a great personality, and he really has a lot of fun with the format and the material in this new truTV series,” said TruTV EVP and COO Marc Juris. “This show is going to be a great fit with TruTV’s comedic shows like Impractical Jokers and the upcoming Killer Karaoke.”
No word yet on when the show will air. But, we will definitely keep you posted!
2012 Olympic Dream Team Revealed…FINALLY!!!
After what’s seemed like a long drawn out process and considering the Olympics are just around the corner we can finally relax the suspense surrounding who will make up this year’s United States basketball team. The 2012 Olympic Dream Team consists of some existing Gold Medalists such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and a few newbies like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Blake Griffin.The head coach for this year’s team will be Duke University’s Mike Krzyzewski.
Here’s the full roster…
Guards
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams, New JerseyNets
Forwards
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia76ers
LeBron James, Miami Heat
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Center
Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks
TEAM USA!!!
NBA Shakeups….The Latest
There’s been quite a bit going on in the world of NBA basketball when it comes to rookies, trade deals, and free agent. What the final fallout will truly be once the dust settles remains a mystery, but here’s the latest talk around the league.
Jason Terry is headed to the Boston Celtics. It’s been reported that the former Dallas Maverick shooting guard has agreed to a 3-year, $15 million deal with the team. Even though the papers have yet to be signed and in regards to what team he’ll play for in the upcoming season, Terry makes it clear that “it definitely won’t be Dallas.”
Even though the New York Knicks said they would match any deal offered to keep him on the tem, it looks as if Jeremy Lin has green lighted a four-year, $28.8 million deal with the Houston Rockets. Considering the deal can’t be made official until July 11th, it looks like the Knicks may still have a dog in this fight.
While he’s hush-hush on the details as to the what and how much, Jameer Nelson has let it be known that he’s staying in Orlando and is good with his new contract.
It’s being said that NBA vet Jason Kidd is packing up his free agent bag saying goodbye to the Dallas Mavericks and hello to the New York Knicks.
Giving up four draft picks over the next three years plus $3 million dollars, the Los Angeles Lakers manage to scoop All-Star Steve Nash from the Phoenix Suns. In the deal the Lakers guaranteed Nash a three-year deal worth $27 million.
While many were hoping it was some kind of sick joke, Ray Allen seems to still be in talks with and seriously considering a deal with the Miami Heat.
Be sure to check back in for more updates as the official signing day of July 11th nears.
Should FLOPPING Be Foul???
Lately, there has been a lot of talk around NBA about the ‘flopping’ in the league and how or if it should be officiated. I think discipline of flopping is long overdue. Some analysts believe if you ain’t cheating, you ain’t trying; or that it’s part of the game. I think if you have to cheat to beat me then you can’t really beat me and I didn’t lose. I don’t care what the level or the game. It’s one thing to tug an opponents shorts or step on his shoe to prevent a rebound but to make it seem like something happened that didn’t and get rewarded that’s just bad character to me. I don’t know where or with whom it started but I think it’s cowardly and everything possible should be done to punish and get rid of it.
Article submitted by contributing writer J. Darien Stokes
Should LeBron’s Lack of a Ring Matter???
Just recently LeBron James was awarded his 3rd regular season MVP award which put him on a short list of elite players known for their greatness. There was a lot of media about how he was the only player on the list who had not yet won a championship. It seemed to me that the media was trying to say if he never won a championship it would lessen his career. I could not disagree more! What does winning a team championship have to do with anyone’s game as an individual player? Even though out of the 4 major sports, basketball, followed by hockey, then football, and lastly baseball is the sport that can most greatly be affected by a single player: It still is not tennis, golf or anything that only depends on one person. Barry Sanders is considered by many to be the greatest running back ever and never won a super bowl. Charles Barkley is easily a top 5 or better power forward and never got a ring. I’m far from a fan of LeBron James; I think he is soft, complains too much, and acts way to feminine for my taste. However I don’t think not winning any championship rings should affect his or anyone else’s personal legacy.
Article submitted by contributing writer J. Darien Stokes
Foul on the Play: Metta World Peace Is Outta There!!!
After what was deemed as a “flagrant 2” foul committed by Lakers forward Metta World Peace during the Lakers Sunday night game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA hoopster formerly known as Ron Artest, has been handed a seven game suspension. To quickly bring you up to speed for those of you who missed it, after taking the ball to the hole and while in celebration mode, World Peace delivered a swift but fierce blow dead smack into the side of the head of OKC guard James Harden. The blow sent Harden crashing to floor with what was later discovered to be a concussion and World Peace was immediately ejected from the game. Here’s what NBA commissioner David Stern had to say about the situation…
“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area. We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations.”
Well there you have it! For years it’s been said that a zebra doesn’t change its stripes. It would appear that the name change didn’t make a difference either. But we’ll leave out opinion out of it for now and let you be the judge. Take a peep a vid of the incident below and tell of what you think!
Lamar and Dallas…Done!!!
After a much dreaded and sad departure from the Los Angeles Lakers and being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, NBA veteran Lamar Odom is facing another career letdown. Per an agreement reached this past weekend, Odom and the Mavericks have decided to part ways. According to sources, while Odom’s departure from the team will be immediate, the Mavericks are not releasing him from the team just yet and will retain his rights.
The Mavericks plan to list him as inactive with the consideration of possibly including him in a future trade deal. As for Odom, whosoever houses his name on their team’s roster as of June 29, has the option to either by him out for $2.4 million by that date or take on the $8.2 million he’s due to earn in the 2012-13 season.
In a statement to ESPN.com, Odom said, “The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it’s in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team. I’m sorry that things didn’t work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs’ organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship.”
While it’s been no secret that Odom has had his share of struggles both on and off the courts since joining the team, the Mavericks along with a lot of other people had hoped he’d find his way. But after all was said and done, their union just didn’t work out, leaving all to wonder what‘s next for Odom. Only time will tell and when it does, you’ll be the first ones we let know.
Foul on the Play: Dennis Rodman “extremely sick” and “broke”
Well it’s seems as if the saga never ends…another day, another celebrity goes broke! Next up on the chopping block of the famous ones’ financial woes is former NBA hoopster Dennis Rodman. According to court documents filed by his attorney, Rodman is unable to make both his spousal and child support payments because he “extremely sick” and “broke”. The filing was in response to a suit for failure to make the payments.
It is being said that the Hall of Famer currently owes $808,935 in back child support for the two kids he had with his third wife and $51,441 in spousal support. The claim also includes an additional $5,000 he’s required to pay monthly for another child he has from a previous relationship.
Now for those of you who are wondering just how sick and broke he is, here’s a tad bit of what his manager Darren Prince had to say according to ABCNews.com…
On Rodman Being Broke
“He’s not hurting [financially], compared to retired athletes, with what he makes, but he’s certainly not making what he made when he was playing with the Bulls.”
About Rodman’s Illness
“He has a well-documented drinking problem, and all the stress from the divorce and not seeing his kids isn’t helping. As people know, it’s a daily struggle. He has good days and bad ones and good weeks and bad weeks.”
Well hopefully the old bad boy can pull it together and get back on his feet, but in the meantime in between time all we want to know is…Where did ALL that money go Rodman?????
NBA All-Star 2012 Slam Dunk Contest + A Few Changes in the Rules
The NBA has released its line-up for this year’s All-Star slam dunk contest and a few changes as to how the winner will be selected. In previous years, the contest consisted of two rounds of dunks with a panel of judges voting on the first round and the fans on the second. Well this year there will be only one round with each contestant executing three dunks and who wins will be left totally up to the fans. So if you’re a fan, be sure to tune in get your vote in via NBA.com, Twitter or through text messaging. Here’s the line-up (unfortunately defending champ Blake Griffin will not be returning)….
Iman Shumpert (New York Knicks)
Paul George (Indiana Pacers)
Derrick Williams (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Chase Budinger (Houston Rockets)
The slam dunk contest will take place on February 25th during the league’s ‘All-Star Saturday Night’ which begins at 8:00pm EST.
