All Entries Tagged With: "NBA"
Good Deeds: NBA’s Kevin Durant & Others Make $1 Million Donations to Oklahoma Tornado Victims
In times of great need, there are some people who waste no time with their generosity.
This week, a deadly tornado touched down in city of Moore, Oklahoma killing over 20 people and destroying most of the town. Well in less than 24 hours after the devastation, Oklahoma City Thunder power player Kevin Durant made a huge donation to the city of Moore. Durant’s $1 million donation was given to the Red Cross in efforts to assist those affected by the EF-4 tornado. This incident is especially close to Durant in that the city of Moore is where he calls home. The entire area is feeling much grief for which an elementary school, entire neighborhoods, and families were destroyed.
Other donations are steady coming in from individuals and corporations. Lowe’s stores, for instance, announced that they will donate $1 million to go towards recovery and rebuilding efforts. Their donation will help communities in Oklahoma, Texas, and other affected areas throughout the Midwest.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to all the families who’ve lost loved ones and experienced the devastation of the recent tornadoes, including members of our Lowe’s family,” said Robert Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “We’ll be there every step of the way to help these communities and families recover, from the search and rescue efforts until these neighborhoods are rebuilt.”
If you would like to donate, Lowe’s will be accepting donations at stores across the U.S. and via www.Lowes.com. Through their partnership with Red Cross, your donations will help provide food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance to those impacted by the tornadoes.
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!!!
Dennis Rodman Enters the Wild Side of Online Gaming
NBA legend Dennis Rodman is a smart man. He always know how to keep his name relevant and profitable. After several stints on various television shows like Celebrity Mole, Celebrity Big Brother, and recently Trump’s All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, Rodman has switched gears from the flat screen to online.
MX Digital, the leading gaming developer, has inked a deal with Rodman to create a series of online casino games. Rodman’s celebrity and wild antics throughout his career has set him apart from other athletes. Because of this, MX Digital believed this controversial character was a perfect fit for their online games. Last week, Rodman began shooting digital footage in Miami.
“We are shooting footage with Dennis in order to bring him directly into the game. Rodman is a perfect crossover personality, and it’s exactly that personality that we’re making sure to infuse into the games. I have worked with Dennis for a long time going back to his dynasty days with the Chicago Bulls, and am excited to have him as a part of our business,” noted Eric Bischoff, part of MX Digital’s management team through Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment, the well-known Hollywood production company behind dozens of reality television shows.
Apparently, Rodman has a keen sense when it comes to tapping into huge revenue generators. The online gaming industry is a multi-million dollar industry. In the UK, especially, online gaming is quite popular. Recently, Rodman acted as spokesman for a top European operator. After his appearance, Rodman’s celebrity garnered over $1 million in online bets immediately following.
“I travel a lot in Europe, so I knew online gaming was big business,” said Rodman of his foray into the sector. “I’ve wanted to get into this part of the gaming sector for a long time, and this was a great opportunity.”
“I love the interactive element of games these days. Connecting with fans in a totally new way is what really got me excited about the project,” Rodman concluded. “I’m lucky to be in a position where I can try moving from one medium into another one, from sports, to TV, to games. And it’s great when something new like this takes off.”
MX Digital is expected to debut the Rodman series on mobile devices, online, and social networks in the summer/fall 2013.
Magic Johnson’s Son “Didn’t Feel Violated” After TMZ Outed Him For Being Gay
When TMZ released photos of the son of legendary NBA player and businessman Magic Johnson’s son walking hand in hand with another male, a lot people were in complete shock. The public wasn’t aware that Magic Johnson had a gay son.
Well, 20 year old Earvin Johnson III has spoken out about the incident and appears to be dealing with it quite well. He sat down with Youtube’s Gwissues show and spoke on his thoughts about TMZ posted the story and his families respect for his lifestyle choices.
“I always wanted to come into the spotlight,” he said. “I always had dreams and plans of doing my own thing and creating my own image, so it came a little sooner than I thought it would but this is still something I knew I would be going through and would have to experience.”
“I am very, very, very blessed to have the family that I do,” E.J. Johnson said. “My parents have always been super supportive. My sister and I have always been really close and she’s been really supportive as with my brother. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.”
E.J. Johnson is currently a student at New York University studying Event Management and Design. His major interests are in media, fashion, and journalism.
Good Deeds: NBA Player Al Horford Surprises Boys & Girls Club (Metro Atlanta) During NCAA Weekend
While fans packed the Atlanta streets for the annual NCAA Championship games, one NBA player took time out to give back to the kids of Atlanta.
As part of the Hampton Hotels’ “Hands-On Hamptonality” Community Service Program, the kids of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America-Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) were in for a treat this past weekend. The girls and boys all participated in the “Hampton Hoops Classic” tournament which help raises funds for the renovation of the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club gymnasium. In addition, donations also helped 24 Clubs in the Atlanta area in receiving new gym equipment.
One hundred kids were surprised when Atlanta Hawks player Al Horford arrived. Horford was on hand to annouce the starting line-ups, spend time with the kids, take photos with the kids and sign autograph basketballs. Hampton Hotel, too, used the opportunity to unveil a huge donation to BGCMA of $125,000. The monies will be used to help start the renovations, lay down a new rubberized playing surface, lighting, and to upgrade their locker rooms.
Here’s a few photos from the event:
Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
For more information about “Hands-On Hamptonality” or to see more photos, go to www.facebook.com/hampton.
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: Toronto’s Terrance Ross Wins 2013 Slam Dunk Contest
The East came out on top during the highlight event of NBA All Star Weekend. The 2013 Slam Dunk Contest brought out six legaue players (3 from the West & 3 from the East). The players included:
West
Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz)
Eric Bledsoe (Los Angeles Clippers)
Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets)
East
Gerald Green (Indiana Pacers)
Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors)
James White (New York Knicks)
Despite the great competition from 2012 Slam Dunk winner Jeremy Evans in the finals, Toronto Raptors player Terrence Ross took the win! Apparently, it was Ross’ overall sportmanship that won him the title. His tribute to Vince Carter, adorning a no. 15 Raptors jersey while serving an off-the-glass 360-degree slam, effortlessly sealed his fate.
Ross is the only other Raptor to win the Slam Dunk title after Vince Carter.
In cased you missed it, check out Terrance Ross winning dunk shot below…
Source: BleacherReport
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.
WTH: Ex-Wife Of Deceased NBA Player Blows $1 Million In 10 Months
Remember basketball player Lorenzen Wright?? In 2010, the NBA all-star was found badly decomposed in the southeast part of Memphis, Tennesee. Well, his name has popped up in the media again. Not for anything in relation to his death, but instead for an excessive amount of money his ex-wife Sherra Robinson Wright has blown.
According to Yahoo! Sports, of the $1 million life insurance settlement she received after Lorenzen’s death, Sherra has spent $973,000 of it. Before he passed, the couple finalized their divorce just four months prior to his death. In the 2009 divorce settlement, the former Mrs. Wright was granted $16,650 a month in child support for their six children, and $10,000 a month in alimony…for a total of $319,000 a year.
The untimely death of the NBA player apparently didn’t sit too well with Sherra. So much so, that his family has accused the ex-wife of mismanaging money. A recent court judement ordered a financial review of her spending habits. According to those reports, Sherra was able to blow a million dollars via the following expenses:
- $32,000 for a Cadillac Escalade
- $26,000 for a Lexus
- $69,000 on furniture
- $11,750 for a New York trip
- $339,000 for purchase and improvement to a new home
- $7,100 for a pool deposit
- $5,000 for lawn equipment
- $34,000 on legal fees
A judge has ordered an full investigation of the living conditions and welfare of the children. In addition, $184,000 of death benefits from the NBA is being routed to Herb Wright (Lorenzen’s father) for the care of the kids. According to Sherra herself, she claims that the family is financially okay and have $1.4 million in assets (a new home and three investment properties in Arkansas).
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.
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!
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!
T.I. Talks 1st Experience Calling Hawks Game [Video]
Atlanta native, T.I., recently put those beautiful white choppers to work as an official broadcaster during the Hawks vs Heat game. The rapper’s first experience calling the plays seem to have been a smooth one. He takes a moment to speak with Hawks TV about preparing for the night, whether it was a difficult task, and what we should expect from his upcoming album, Trouble Man.
Click on this link to view the video on www.nba.com .
If you are a fan of Tip’s, be sure to cop his album on December 18!
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.
Majic Johnson Bringing Back ‘Souuulll Train’ + Don Cornelius Biopic
During his career as a professional basketball player, Magic Johnson earned his right to be deemed an NBA star and it looks as if he’s quickly earning the title of business mogul off the court. With several entrepreneurship gigs already under his belt, not to mention his most recent purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Magic is about to make yet another power move.
This time around, Magic has purchased and is about to bring back Sooouullll Train…that’s right, Soooouuulll Train! Even though it’s been a long time since the show was in the boob tube’s rotation, Magic hopes he can once again make the show a hit and keep the legacy going.
In addition to bringing ‘Soul Train’ back to television, Magic also plans to produce a biopic of Don Conrnelius’ life.
It’ll definitely be interesting to see how the comeback of ‘Soul Train’ fairs, but it’s going to be even more interesting considering the direction music and dancing has taken these days.
What do you think? Will you be watching?
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.
Athletes Face Harsh Realities In ’30 Under 30′
The in-depth look into athletes, their triumphs, and their downfalls graciously returned to our television screens this weekend in “30 Under 30″. This is the second season of the documentary-styled film project project. Produced by ESPN Films and directed by Billy Corben, the first film this season “30 Under 30: Broke” explored a question we all wondered…why most NBA and NFL players go broke within 5 to 10 years after retirement.
Sucked into bad investments, stalked by freeloaders, saddled with medical problems, and naturally prone to showing off, most pro athletes get shocked by harsh economic realities after years of living the high life. Drawing surprisingly vulnerable confessions from retired stars like Jamal Mashburn, Bernie Kosar, and Andre Rison, as well as Marvin Miller, the former executive director of the MLB Players Association, this fascinating documentary digs into the psychology of men whose competitive nature carries them to victory on the field and ruin off it.
If you didn’t get a chance to see the documentary, you can watch the full episode below. It will also air again this Saturday, Octocber 6:30 on ESPN Classic. If you want to own your own copy of the film, it is now available for purchase on iTunes for $4.99.
What are you thoughts on the documentary?
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.
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
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!
