Today's Moment of Zen: 6 points in 2.8 seconds

In this edition of Today's Moment of Zen, I present to you a highlight of the greatest comeback in college basketball history.

We flashback to the year of 1999 during a Pac-10 regular season affair between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans.

The Ducks have a lead 84-79 with about 2.8 seconds left in the game. It appears that USC has no chance of winning this game. Then Adam Spanich scores six points in 2.8 seconds. The color commentator goes absolutely crazy after the shot goes in.

Eat your heart out, Reggie Miller.

By Ben Chew with No comments

I guess Ian Snell is "Hung"

The one negative of sports call-in shows is the possibility that prank callers might decide to hijack the show.

Well, during a Pittsburgh Pirates call-in show, an intrepid caller decided to ask the size of pitcher Ian Snell's "member."

The akward silence during the video might possibly be the funniest thing that I have seen in awhile.

(NSFW unless your work does not have problem with the word "penis")

(Courtesy of Busted Coverage)

By Ben Chew with No comments

NBA Free Agency: Party Like It's '09

With NBA free-agent signings set to commence Wednesday (12:01 am if any GMs are really enthusiastic), it seems the appropriate time for OtB to bring you the top 30 players who might be moving in the coming months. With 30 quality players possibly moving and 30 NBA teams, it only makes sense to match each player with a prospective team, even if it most certainly won't shake out that way.

A quick update, before we get into the list. The teams with the most cap space are the Memphis Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Portland Trailblazers, and the Detroit Pistons. The teams with potentially the most players to lose to free-agency are the Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Pistons. Do the math, Detroit stands the change the most significantly this summer. You can check out ESPN's list to see all the players eligible this summer and next. It's been pointed out that big name teams are positioning to have loads of cap space next summer. Therefore, for smaller market teams like the Grizzlies, the time to make significant acquisitions might be now or never. Teams that have already made some serious moves this summer include the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs, and Cleveland Cavaliers. On to the list!

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: The best of this crop, Kobe can opt out this summer, but leaving the Lakers now couldn't do anything for his reputation or title hopes.
2. Carlos Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizz don't have a history for making firebrand moves, but they are looking, as well they should be, to fill that power forward slot. The Grizz discussed a (failed, thankfully) trade for Zach Randolph, so Boozer would be a big pick up.
   
3. Ama're Stoudamire, Golden State Warriors: Though Don Nelson seems to be messing with Steve Kerr, the Warriors are still looking at STAT. There've been murmurings that Ama're won't be as effective after rehabbing his...eye.
4. Ben Gordon, Minnesota Timberwolves: Minny just traded away two shooting guards. The Brit would fit perfectly here.
5. Paul Millsap, OKC Thunder: Millsap is a restricted free agent, but OKC has been talking shop. He'd be great next to Durant, but the Thunder already have Jeff Green and are thin at the center spot. Perhaps a trade with Memphis for Marc Gasol? If the Jazz retain Millsap, teammate Okur could also be available. Just speculation here, though.
6. Josh Smith, Washington Wizards: Smith is not a free agent, but teams have been salivating over mention he might be available. Washington's Antawn Jamison is also rumored to be up for relocation. Swapsies?
7. Ron Artest, Houston Rockets: The Rockets have been getting it right lately, and though the team looks drastically different without Yao, they will most likely put a premium on brining Artest back.
8. Trevor Ariza, Cleveland Cavaliers: Ariza will most likely be back with the Lakers, but for the purposes of this exercise let's take note of the Cavs fleeting interest, especially because Cleveland would love to take a piece away from the Lakers.
9. Chris Anderson, Heat: The Heat boast plodding big men Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O'neal up front, but Dwayne Wade needs some horses to run with. The Birdman would be a perfect example. The Heat also have long standing interest in Boozer.
10. Lamar Odom, Indiana Pacers: Lamar loves the Lakers and vice versa, but if he can't get back Indiana would love to snap him up. Mike Dunleavy Jr. is out for the start of the season and Lamar would work perfectly as a complement to Danny Granger.
11. Jason Kidd, New York Knicks: Kidd might re-up with the Mavs, but New York and Mike D'Antoni (and Darko) have shown interest. Kidd could also take the mid-level to go play with Lebron and Shaq.
12. Hedo Turkoglu, Toronto Raptors: The Magic took on Vince Carter, and thus will not be able to pay Hedo what he wants. Also interested are the Pistons and Spurs, but something tells me Hidayet is going North of the border.
13. Rasheed Wallace, Orlando Magic: Orlando, however, is not staying still this offseason. They're looking to blow this weapons race out of the water by picking up the former Piston.
14. David Lee, Milwaukee Bucks: Lee could end up anywhere needing a good rebounder, including Memphis or, yes, New York. Milwaukee looks for the pick up by not extending a qualifying offer to Charlie Villanueva. Lee is a restricted free agent though, so could stay in NY.
    
15. Shawn Marion, New Orleans Hornets: CP3's team needs depth everywhere but pg and pf. Peja Stojakovic has been tailing off, so they need to pick up someone to play the 3.
16. Nate Robinson, Sacramento Kings: Though the Kings just picked up Tyreke Evans, Krypto-Nate has shown his ability to play with other points-guards, even behind them, just not in D'Antoni's system. Robinson is also a restricted free agent.
17. Kyle Korver, Utah Jazz: the Jazz stand to lose the most this summer, but they should hold on to at least some of their free agents, of which Korver is one.
    
18. Charlie Villanueva, New Jersey Nets: Powder's just 24, so would complement New Jersey's youth movement nicely, and would play well next to Brooks Lopez.
19. Brandon Bass, Chicago Bulls: The Bulls have needed a banger ever since Elton Brand left town. Bass would fill that void. Orlando also seems interested.
20. Marcin Gortat, Boston Celtics: The Celts were so desperate for depth up front that they signed Mikki Moore last season. They'd much prefer the Polish Hammer.
21. Allen Iverson, Charlotte Bobcats: I have no idea what the future holds for the answer. The only straw to grasp on now is word that Iverson wouldn't mind playing for Larry Brown again.
22. Andre Miller, Philadelphia 76ers: Similarly, I have no idea where Miller will end up. Someplace that needs a back up pg? Let's just say he goes back to Philly, since I can't imagine Jrue is really ready to be the full time distributor.
23. Mike Bibby, Portland Trail Blazers: I'm looking to Portland to make splashes through trades rather than free agency, and then perhaps make an impact next summer. Though really I have a feeling they might fumble all that talent they've stockpiled. They've been looking for a point, and Bibby can be off the ball enough to play with B-Roy.
24. Drew Gooden, San Antonio Spurs: If the Spurs don't pick up any of the bigger name big men this summer, look for them to retain Gooden.
25. Antonio McDyess, Detroit Pistons: Dumars strikes me as a guy moving through trades, so I'm not looking for big acquisitions this summer in free agency. McDyess will probably retire if he doesn't get resigned by the Pistons, so we'll put him here.
26. Grant Hill, Phoenix Suns: See above, McDyess. Substitute Kerr for Dumars.
    
27. Zaza Pachulia, Dallas Mavericks: I originally included Zaza on this list just because his name is awesome. But The Mavs don't have much beyond Dampier at the 5, so Pachulia could be a good hire.
28. Von Wafer, Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets should really stand pat this summer and just focus on re-signing the Birdman, but if they lose him Von Wafer could be a nice scorer behind Billups. Anthony Carter might not return for back up duty.
29. Stephon Marbury, Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are thin pretty much everywhere, and need to not start Maurice Evans on one of the wings, but after acquiring Jamal Crawford, the Hawks just have to figure out what's really good with Josh Smith. Starbury could be back with the Celts, but House will probably return too.
    
30. Zach Randolph, Los Angeles Clippers: Randolph makes this list simply because the Clippers need to get rid of Z-bo and make room for Blake Griffin. Randolph's not a free agent, but their failure to move him will simply confirm that the Clippers continue to be the worst franchise in the history of sports. How did they get Boom Dizzle to sign last summer? Geez.

Honorable mention: Wally Szczerbiak, who doesn't make the list because without his albatross contract still set to come of the books, he loses a whole heap of value. Maybe Larry Bird will pick him up. Just kidding.

By snagamat with No comments

Operation Kobe: Rehabbing the Haters

A few weeks back, I wrote that the Kobe and the Lakers could get on to writing their own story now that the first title monkey was off their back. Recently, Kobe's been getting pub for his positive memories of the other MJ, Michael Jackson. I wanted to take the opportunity to drop a little lit on y'all. See, I figure if Kobe was able to shake off any semblance of prior demons with this championship, it would be a good time for Kobe-haters to re-think their perspectives as well. Kobe has held the title of Most Polarizing Player for years now, if indeed he can't be said to have created the position (retrospective awards could probably go to guys like Dennis Rodman and Wilt Chamberlain). Thus, I turn to Philip Roth's farcial Operation Shylock for a method of rehabbing any Kobe hate that might still linger. I present to you the TEN TENETS OF KOBE-HATERS ANONYMOUS

1. We admit that we are haters prone to prejudice and powerless to control our hatred.
2. We recognize that it is not [Kobe] who has wronged us but we who hold [Kobe] responsible for our troubles and the world's evils. It is we who wrong [him] by believing this.
3. [Kobe] may well have shortcomings like any other human being, but the shortcomings we are here to be honest about are our own, i.e., paranoia, sadism, negativism, destructiveness, envy.
4. Our money problems are not of [Kobe's] making but of our own.
5. Our job problems are not of [Kobe's] making but of our own (so too with sexual problems, marital problems, problems in the community).
6. [Kobe-haterism] is a form of flight from reality, a refusal to think honestly about ourselves and our society.
7. Inasmuch as [Kobe-haters] cannot control their hatred, they are not like other people. We recognize that even to drop a casual [Kobe-hateristic] slur endangers our struggle to rid ourselves of our sickness.
8. Helping to detoxify others is the cornerstone of our recovery. Nothing will so much ensure immunity from the illness of [Kobe-haterism] as intensive work with other [Kobe-haters].
9. We are not scholars, we do not care why we have this dreadful illness, we come together to admit that we have it and to help one another get rid of it.
10. In the fellowship of [K-H.A.] we strive to master the temptation to [Kobe] hatred in all its forms.

Because of the sensitive nature of the original tenets set out by Roth, I must make clear that it is a farcical work from which I lift these words and a farcical intent to which I direct them here towards Kobe-haterism. While I do not believe Kobe-haterism is as dire a perspective as anti-Semitism, I do hold that it must needs be addressed and have thus turned to Roth's work after which to pattern a cure for Kobe-haterism.

Other notes from the NBA:

• Sad news that Yao Ming's foot injury could keep him out the entire 09-10 season or even possibly end his career. At least Yao has a solid love life to turn to, unlike other international stars like Dirk or Pau.
• Brandon Jennings cannot be faulted for acting a fool in a private conversation. He can be faulted for maintaing a friendship with Joe Budden.
• Tyreke Evans has been confronting discussion of his involvement in the murder committed by his cousin. I don't think it's too much of a concern, as he's handling it maturely, didn't even know his cousin had a gun, and more over is going to be playing Sacramento (now if the Kings move to Vegas, we might have to look at it a little differently). However, I am concerned that he seems to play the Stan Rothenstein role from MY COUSIN VINNY.
  

By snagamat with No comments

Erin Andrews's "Road to Glory"

EA Sports current marketing ploy for NCAA Football 2010 is to bombard you with as many images of Erin Andrews as possible.

You even now get to play a mode call, "Road to Glory with Erin Andrews." While, I think most of you, probably hyper-ventaliated and passed out on the floor. "Road to Glory with Erin Andrews" is a campaign mode where you build a created-player into a College Football Icon.

No word yet, if Erin Andrews unlocks anything near the end of the "Road to Glory"

(Courtesy of The Rookies)

By Ben Chew with No comments

"Black Guys Don't Play Hockey"

One of our favorite singer/songwriters at Outside the Boxscore is Ryan Parker. He has now even topped himself with this latest offering titled, "Black Guys Don't Play Hockey."

I have feeling that most of you might jump down my throat for posting this parody song but in the end, sports and race go hand and hand.

Racism is sports is always a touchy subject but in the end, it's a parody song and well it is supposed to be funny.

(Courtesy of Ryan Parker Songs)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

FantasyDrafthelp.com Ultimate Football Stat

NOTE: The UQB system is explained in more detail here. Suffice to say that players are measured proportionately against each other in key categories based on the standard deviation from the mean in each area. It is truly the Ultimate Quantitative Baseline of how each player performed in 2008. Kickers are not included among the top overall players because although they account for a great deal of scoring, they do not get drafted in the top few rounds overall.

Here are the top 60 players overall from 2008:

Players
UQB
Rk
Drew Brees
1797
1
Kurt Warner
1656
2
Jay Cutler
1643
3
Adrian Peterson
1618
4
Michael Turner
1606
5
DeAngelo Williams
1571
6
Clinton Portis
1570
7
Aaron Rodgers
1554
8T
Larry Fitzgerald
1554
8T
Calvin Johnson
1553
10
Andre Johnson
1552
11
Philip Rivers
1551
12
Peyton Manning
1550
13
Steve Smith
1549
14T
Greg Jennings
1549
14T
Roddy White
1548
16
Antonio Bryant
1546
17T
Terrell Owens
1546
17T
Randy Moss
1546
19
Vincent Jackson
1545
20T
Thomas Jones
1545
20T
Steve Slaton
1543
22T
Reggie Wayne
1543
22T
Kevin Walter
1541
24
Donald Driver
1539
25T
Matt Forte
1539
25T
Donovan McNabb
1538
27T
Isaac Bruce
1538
27T
Muhsin Muhammad
1538
27T
Santonio Holmes
1537
30
Chris Johnson
1536
31
Bernard Berrian
1535
32
Tony Gonzalez
1534
33
Lee Evans
1533
34
DeSean Jackson
1531
35
Braylon Edwards
1530
36T
Devery Henderson
1530
36T
Ryan Grant
1529
38T
Ted Ginn Jr.
1529
38T
Michael Jenkins
1528
40
Marques Colston
1527
41
LaDainian Tomlinson
1526
42
Jason Witten
1524
43
Anquan Boldin
1522
44
Steven Jackson
1520
45T
Matt Cassel
1520
45T
Robert Meachem
1520
45T
Frank Gore
1520
45T
Brandon Jacobs
1520
45T
Brandon Marshall
1520
45T
Mark Clayton
1520
45T
Derrick Ward
1519
52T
Marshawn Lynch
1519
52T
Lance Moore
1518
54T
Justin Gage
1518
54T
Owen Daniels
1518
54T
Chad Pennington
1518
54T
Dwayne Bowe
1517
58T
Chris Cooley
1517
58T
Dallas Clark
1517
58T
Malcom Floyd
1517
58T

By Rick Morris with No comments

NHL TV suggestion: how to televise the playoffs

Also at HOCKEY DRAFTOLOGY 2009 and Sportsology, which is hosting live NHL Entry Draft coverage all weekend long.

No, this is not another rant about the NHL being televised on a network with the national penetration, or lack thereof, of Versus. That would be another piece for another time if everything there was to say had not already been said 1,000 times — because frankly, there’s another issue related to this one that is of more concern and is potentially more easily addressed.

Ever since leaving the ESPN family in 2005, the NHL has placed the bulk of their playoff games in the first two rounds on a premium subscription package that costs their loyal fans more money — and puts the games behind a firewall that casual fans will not choose to access. It is worth noting that they are alone among the four major sports in North America in this regard (although the NBA does put a few games on NBA TV, currently in less homes than the Test Pattern Channel). Few if any observers would dispute that the NHL is the sport most in need of reaching out to casual fans — and few if any would dispute that the passion and action of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are elements that can accomplish this feat.

Now, this column was inspired by memories of the rare occasions back in the day when ESPN would carry a firstround playoff doubleheader on one channel and ESPN2 would carry the night’s other two games. With staggered start times of 7:00 PM EDT on one network and 7:30 PM EDT on the other, fans could experience the nirvana of skipping between the games at intermission — or commercials — and missing a fairly minimal amount of action.

From there, that format germinated into the idea of how to consolidate the action into a single channel, inasmuch as Versus is the single present cable/satellite channel for NHL action and it cannot be assumed that the league’s next TV contract will include two channels worth of action even if Disney gets back in the game. Wouldn’t the league and the sport benefit from a March Madness-type of presentation with their playoff action? Is this presentation possible?

We believe that it is, under the following format.

For first-round action with four games in one night, a pregame show should air from 6-7 PM EDT, setting the table for the night’s action and recapping events of the previous day. The first game would start promptly at 7:00 PM EDT, with the next one dropping the puck at 7:25 PM EDT. This would allow for coverage to move fairly seamlessly between games, albeit with fairly minimal intermission analysis from the studio — but that would be the price paid for the frenetic action. The geography of the local markets would determine which game would take priority for the brief moments when the games overlap — and the network would also be free to utilize the split-screen when urgent sequences are occurring simultaneously. The third game would begin at 9:25 PM EDT, hopefully right on the heels of the first game’s conclusion, although admittedly the second game would still be underway — this concession to having some overlap would be necessary, though, in order to keep the evening’s overall conclusion time within some semblance of reason. The fourth game would start at 9:50 PM EDT and the second half of the evening’s action would progress in the same manner. A studio postgame show would follow the conclusion of the last game and ideally air from about 12:15 AM EDT until 1:00 AM EDT assuming the games are all on schedule.

For first-round action with three games in one night, everything would air in the same fashion except for the third game beginning at 9:50 PM EDT so as to decrease the chances of overlap between the early games and the late one. For first-round or second-round action with two games in one night, the format with the 7:00 PM EDT and 7:25 PM EDT start times could be retained if both games are in the Eastern or Central time zones; otherwise, fairly standard doubleheader coverage would air with start times of 7:00 PM EDT and 9:40 PM EDT.

Ideally, a network would air these games with their own broadcast crew instead of subcontracting out to local affiliates like Versus has done, but if a continuation of that arrangement were deemed necessary to make the finances add up for this package to take place, it would be a trade-off that is easily justified. While a number of parties might end up sacrificing financially in the short-term to make this system possible, the buzz that would be generated and the new and curious viewers enticed would surely make this a winner within a few years. There would not be extended commercial breaks available during the three-game and four-game nights, but sponsorships for the evening could be sold off in a number of creative ways. In short, nothing would bring the unparalleled excitement of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the masses like this idea would. Make it happen, NHL!

By Rick Morris with No comments

Watch Out for that.......Ball Girl

Usually in tennis, the point of the game is get the ball back over the net under all circumstances.

During a Wimbledon match between Tommy Haas and Michael Llodra, Llodra collided with a ball girl next to the referee chair.

Who knew that tennis was a contact sport?

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

By Ben Chew with No comments

My Love Affair with Shaquille: 'Over the Edge'

Let me explain something to you. I used to love Shaq. This perhaps is not a big surprise considering that I'm a lifetime Lakers fan. But understand this, when my high school buddies were lauding the lithe game of Kobe, I was hating on the Mamba for driving a wedge into our team at all times. Of course I love or perhaps more accurately empathize with New Kobe, but that's a different story. The point is I defended Shaq 'til I was blue in the face. I pointed to his joviality and the camaraderie he instilled in the team. I pointed to the 15 point quarters he'd regularly throw up. I'd point to the cross-overs he'd break out a couple times a season (on Brad Miller) or when the Daddy led the break. I even went so far as to emulate his free-throw shooting style. But I never defended his thespian turns. Never that.

Now, perhaps all my opinions have been reconsidered. After Shaq has unerringly created a wake of teams he's worn away from, after he's become the only superstar journeyman (Orlando, LA, Miami, Phoenix, and now Cleveland...the first cold city for Shaqtus, could he pull a Rubio?), after his ceaseless speaking of the Truth turned to verbal diarrhea, I admittedly have grown a bit tired of the Big Name-is-Bigger-than-Game. I don't need to know how his ass tastes, because I know the sound his face makes. With this in mind, Shaq's latest bid for histrionic-est player ever comes as a welcome reminder of why I loved him in the first place: his humor. It was a wise choice too to make the video statement without his own words. Cut the diarrhea like Imodium A-D. Your actions, or act-ing, can speak much more elegantly than your words, Shaquille.

The video is hilarious. It follows Shaq on an evidently emotional car ride as he sings along to Akon's 'Over the Edge.' Shaq puts the car in park several times to jump out and let his real emotions show. It was posted via twitter when the trade to Cleveland was confirmed, along with the line, "this is how I really feel about the trade." At the beginning, you can't tell if he's showing tracks of tears, or if he's just sweating. But by the end, he's wiping his eyes, and you know he's at least feigning some real emotion here. The best is when Shaq rocks out and really goes "over the edge" for the last minute or so of the vid.

Now, it's obvious that Shaq's being silly with it, and pretending to be more hurt by his expulsion from the desert than he probably really is. However, from Shaq's overly revealing twitter hits from the past, and from all the trouble he gets in for voicing his rather bratty emotions, it's apparent Shaq's a little more sensitive than he lets on. He covers with humor, as do so many of us. The great thing about this gesture is that it allows him to show he's recognizes the bittersweet undertone to his leaving the Suns without totally trashing on the new experiences that will be afforded by this trade. Nicely done Big. Perhaps I underrated your acting abilities. Perhaps I am intrigued by the dangling bait of "Shaqology coming soon" at the end of the vid. Perhaps I'll find redemption for my once thriving Shaq fanship while you pursue that fifth in Cleveland. You got the world to watch you Shaq. Here's hoping you do something worthwhile with it.

In or out of basketball, and let's also hope you don't conflate the two...too much.
(head-lining vid courtesy of NBA Fanhouse)

By snagamat with No comments

One Last Jam

And we're not talking jam band kind of jam. We're not talking strawberry jam. We're talking what constituted a dunk ten to fifteen years ago. We're talking something that rocks you, or rims. We're talking the memory of the King of Pop, and his dip into the hard-top world of His Airness. Embedding is disabled by request for most Michael Jackson videos on Youtube, so I'm going to respect that boundary and simply link to the video.

Yes, Michael Jackson passed away Thursday. A fact largely overshadowing any sports happenings. For all my frustration with the Big Cactus, he at least took the time to touch on this when interviewed during the draft. And, if you care, my facebook quiz representative Michael Jackson song is Thriller, just so you know.

But on this sad day, I did want to take some time to remember the song that found MJ meeting MJ. While it perhaps didn't have the cultural impact of a crossover like Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract or Jordan's own venture into cartoons with 1996's Space Jam, it does represent one of the more artful meetings of sports world and the pop music world.

Jam also featured Heavy D, which isn't a sm all thing when you consider D's importance coming out of the late 80s. But the best part of the vid is that you catch both Michaels a little out of their element. Michael Jordan worked on some dance moves, and it showed us how even he could look stiff next to Jackson. This is something to consider when you look at how these taller than average athletes we watch actually move in the real world. And, of course, it's a testament to the kind of dance wonder Jackson was. He makes Jordan look like a mannakin out there, and you can just imagine him shaking circles around Jordan. At the same time, Jordan takes Jackson through some basketball paces. And, I gotta say, Jackson didn't look uncomfortable doing it. Though his intensity reminds more of Kevin Johnson than the sublimely intense Michael Jordan.

Anyway, Michael Jackson, you were a perpetual reminder that music is important and that it can be endlessly searching and growing and moving in the most personal of ways. And, of course, in the most public of displays of talent, which we at Outside can appreciate. Thanks for the memories, especially the musical ones.

By snagamat with No comments

Carter Gets a Career Boost

In February, a trade sending Vince Carter to the Spurs was rumored. Instead, the Spurs traded for Richard Jefferson earlier this week. With today's trade to the Orlando Magic, Carter avoids becoming next on the long list of vets on their last legs brought in to help the Spurs. This list includes Michael Finley (the most successful), Brent Barry, Nick Van Exel, Robert Horry, Damon Stoudamire, Kurt Thomas, Austin Croshere, and even Drew Gooden (admittedly not on his last legs quite yet). Seriously San Anton, who's next? Allen Iverson? Rasheed Wallace? Do they get a pension with that retirement plan? Furthermore, Half-Man Half-Amazing also trumps Shaq's move to become the big name vet bettering his situation this summer, even if it is only a one year hire. You gotta think Vince to Orlando is more promising than Diesel to Cleveland. The only question is what happens to Hedo now? And what is Minny doing with all those point guards?

By snagamat with No comments

Gerald Henderson Taken for Golf Skills

The lottery portion of the NBA draft is done, and here are some initial thoughts. It's shaping up to be a certifiably wacky draft. Phoenix is making some legit noise. Minny got Rubio and Flynn and may be trading the Spaniard. Brandon Jennings, afraid to be last in the green room, took his hand shake 4 picks late. Austin Daye and Jrue Holiday were the two guys invited not taken in the lottery. Tiger's team is even getting in on the draft day action, trading for Vince Carter. I don't know what this'll look like when the dust settles. What I do know so far is Gerald Henderson, Jr. was picked by the Charlotte Bobcats so he could help Michael Jordan with his short game. Henderson was a junior pro champ, and talked about the difficulty of choosing to pursue a career in basketball instead. Of course, he can also do this:

By snagamat with No comments

NBA Draft talent overview

Also at HOOPS DRAFTOLOGY 2009 and The FDH Lounge, which has videos of the top prospects up and will be live-blogging tonight's proceedings.

In an NBA Draft this depleted in terms of sure-fire stars, it’s almost fitting that the only legitimate one is headed for a SoCal-based team responsible for crushing more hopes and dreams than the Hollywood casting couch.

Oklahoma PF Blake Griffin possesses undeniable franchise-player ability, but his ability to develop further will be seriously challenged by the Clippers’ logjam at forward — as well as the very concept of being drafted by the Clippers themselves. He heads up an average power forward class that will see only one other player designated as a certain lottery pick (Arizona’s Jordan Hill). Two other players trying to shake the damning-with-faint-praise description as “great college players,” UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough and Pittsburgh’s DeJuan Blair, should go in the early part of the non-lottery portion of the proceedings. They do project as excellent rotation players over the long haul and are the only other ones who can rest easy that their names will be called during the first round.

If the marquee player’s position in this bad draft qualifies as the average one in the event, how do the other ones rate? In a nutshell, the backcourt positions are both a tad better, while the other frontcourt positions are either a little worse (small forward) or much, much worse (center).

^ Point Guard: Spain’s Ricky Rubio is the keynote talent here and would likely be tagged as the second overall pick in the draft had a team other than Memphis landed in the spot. Syracuse’s Jonny Flynn and high-schooler-turned-Europro Brandon Jennings bring lottery-quality flash and upside to the position, while tweener Stephen Curry is turning enough heads with his shooting and his bloodlines to be certain of a Top 10 slotting. UCLA”s Jrue Holliday may also sneak into the lottery, despite his rawness. Later in the round, low-ceiling-but-safe Ty Lawson from UNC should end up in a nice situation with a good team, while Wake Forest’s Jeff Teague seems very likely to go in the first round. UCLA’s Darren Collison and VCU’s Eric Maynor also have a chance to be taken before the end of the first round.

^ Shooting Guard: Arizona State’s James Hardin is a lock to be the first “2” taken off the board, somewhere in the top four overall, with USC’s DeMar DeRosan and Memphis’s Tyreke Evans trailing close behind. Duke’s Gerald Henderson could crack the lottery, as could Arizona’s Chase Budinger (less likely), with a host of other shooting guards looking to drop between picks 20-30 (Louisville’s Terrence Williams, LSU’s Marcus Thornton, UNC’s Wayne Ellington, Temple’s Dionte Christmas and Florida State’s Toney Douglas).

^ Shooting Forward: Few if any NBA teams can count on an impact upgrade from this position and it is possible that there will not be a “3” taken with a lottery pick. Wake Forest’s James Johnson could well be the first to go based on potential, with Louisville’s Earl Clark, Gonzaga’s Austin Daye and potentially Pittsburgh’s Sam Young being drafted in that vicinity. Other than Israel’s Omar Casspi, there are no other first round near-locks.

^ Center: The toughest position in terms of finding talent year in and year out is truly a “black hole of suckage” in 2009. UConn’s Hasheem Thabeet will go between picks 2-4 overall and is being compared to Dikembe Mutombo in terms of UPSIDE! ‘Nuff said. Other than him, only Ohio State’s BJ Mullins, an offensively-talented 7-footer coming off of a disappointing freshman year, can count on a first-round selection.

The dropoff from Griffin to the next player, likely Rubio, is severe in terms of projecting numerous certain All-Star selections — which, health permitting, would in a normal year be quite likely for at least a few high lottery picks. There are potentially 8-10 players in this draft capable of pulling intermittent All-Star designations during their career if they go through an immense amount of development. It is scant exaggeration to say that most of the players in the top ten would be going at least five slots lower in a normal year and players beyond the top ten would be going no less than ten slots lower in a normal year. In a league that tries to use the draft process to even out the overall talent distribution, this year’s class won’t even come close to accomplishing that.

By Rick Morris with No comments

Shaq Brings Pre-Game Skills to Cleveland

This trade has been rumored for awhile. On the eve/early morn of draft day, sources confirm that the Daddy's going to Cleveland to team with the King. Should be fun. What I'm really looking for, however, is what kind of pre-game routines the two will come up with once this deal really goes through. And of course, you can't count out the significance of the Kobe-Lebron AND Kobe-Shaq storylines converging on Christmas day. Schedule makers, don't let us down!

Actually, if you can opt for the subtle choice...well, there is no subtle choice for Christmas day showdowns, is there? It's for the masses. I guess I just have to get over my hot air pretension.

By snagamat with 1 comment

Playing It Close: Griffin and the NBA taking the Sub

There are signs all over that money is tight even for organizations that cut million dollar contracts regularly. Wednesday, New York was singing, "Five Dollar Six-Foot-Nine Long!" as Blake Griffin played a Subway version of H-O-R-S-E. We kid, but perhaps someday down the line, we'll see NBA players dining at Subway more often than they do at the Cheesecake Factory, taking the sub to work, or even riding a bike like Lou. Okay, that's also a shot at giggles, but seriously, NBA teams are skimping on scouting opponents. The New Jersey Nets released Paul Cormier last week. The Spurs and Wizards are trying the same thing. Other teams are cutting back on the number of assistant coaches they carry. The idea is that teams are paying for the ridiculously huge contracts they're giving head coaches...or players.

(big mahalo to NBA Fanhouse for the Griffin sighting)

By snagamat with No comments

Your still my Superstar, Terrell Owens

Well, clearly the summer cannot be ever complete without Terrell Owens being in the limelight and this time it's not him doing the talking.

ABC "Superstars" which is pretty much a cheap rip-off of "Battle of the Network Stars" has supermodel Joanna Krupa ripping her partner Terrell Owens.

The best line of the clip is Krupa calling Terrell out, "He calls himself an athlete." I guess she did learn something from Terrell Owens, the best idea when you are not successful is to bad-mouth your teammates and take the blame off of yourself.

Maybe it was a good idea that he did get voted off after all, can we still send Joanna Krupa to "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here"?

(Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

By Ben Chew with No comments

USA beats Spain 2-0, The Confederation Cup becomes democratized!

Remember the early demise of Team USA soccer? Well, that seems to have ended for now as the American team has shocked the Spanish by the score of 2-0 and move on to the final of the Confederation Cup. Team USA led by goals from young-gun Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey provided the magin of victory.

The Americans will go into the final of the competition which is a tune-up for the World Cup will face world powerhouse Brazil or South Africa. For now, the USA team will become the darlings for at least a day and a half.

You can tell it it a slow news day when USA Soccer is a lead story on this website.

Cue Carrie Underwood....

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Cleveland Browns.....Yeah, the color is similar to something else

Ever since the Cleveland Browns came back to Cleveland after having the team move to Baltimore, the "new" Cleveland Browns have pretty much have been the laughing-stock of the NFL.

Sports songwriter extraordinaire Ryan Parker decided to make a commomn assumption about the Cleveland Browns and well to put it in his words, "If it's Brown, Flush it Down."

(Courtesy of NESW Sports and Ryan Parker Songs)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Two Flip Throws to the FACE!

Here is an instance as to why you should always give the throw in guy his three yards of space in soccer/futbol. If you don't, you might just get FACED!

Here is a second example of a throw to the face (but the kid didn't fall).

(For the record, the thrower in the second clip was given a yellow card, which is not how the rules of soccer/futbol generally go. It's a perfectly legitimate throw-in in both cases, and in each the defender is simply too close to the thrower, and is at fault. The ref could have given a red card in either case if he deemed that the thrower intended to mess up these kid's faces. But if that wasn't the case, then you can't give a card, and that's what should have happened.

Also, because everyone on the YouTube clips doesn't seem to get it, futbol/football=soccer. American Football = A very small specified sport that, while awesome, took the name second (Besides, they use their feet a ton more than we do). So you don't have to love soccer, but don't be a dick about its name for no reason.

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Spurs Take Wrong Flyer on Jefferson?

Remember this commercial? Kinda? Me too. From the fringes of your NBA memory, summon up the images of Jason Kidd surrounded by a plethora of high flyers and quick hitters. Kenyon Martin, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter were the main culprits. Now, all but Carter are gone from the New Jersey Nets, but Jefferson and Carter seem fated to continue to wait in the same wings. In February, around the trade deadline, there were trade rumors going around that the Spurs were taking a long, hard look at Carter. Now, with the draft only days away, the Spurs are swinging for the fences (and perhaps missing), and getting the other ex-Net still playing in the Eastern Conference.

This commercial highlights the two players' athletic abilities and slam- dunk predispositions. What it doesn't show is Carter's progression into elderstatesman status, and Jeffors slow sink into mediocrity. Stories go that Carter was a calm influence on an up-and-coming Meadowlands team that featured Devin Harris' breakout season. Jefferson, on the other hand, underachieved in Milwaukee, and the Bucks were better off with him on the bench. So, with this trade all but completed, I'm left wondering: are the Spurs getting the wrong wing-man? Keep in mind, this kills their cap space for 2010.

By snagamat with No comments

Pants Rowland and Kirby Dar Dar have Great Names!

The Great Sports Name Hall of Fame has added two more names to its ranks:
- Kirby Dar Dar has been nominated for Ballot Four
- and Clarence "Pants" Rowland has been added to the Wannabees list

Check 'em out!

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Bethpage: Not For the Pros

Lucas Glover won the US Open at Bethpage Black on Monday. You can get your info through other venues, so I won't go into details. Suffice it to say that the conditions weren't great (including the "mud ball" seen in the vid above), Glover was persistent and lucky, and he beat out story lines Phil Mickelson and David Duval (and, of course, Tiger). Ricky Barnes, who shot a record 132 over the first 36, joined Mickelson and Duval in second place. Mickelson becomes the leader in runner-up finishes for the US Open, having come in second five times. Tiger finished tied for 6th after winning last year, four shots back.

More importantly, however, comes this gem from USA Today. Apparently, Stars Wars ain't the only phenomenon that gets fans to line up days in advance. Actually, this is kind of like a cross between waiting for Star Wars and going to the drive-in/tail-gaiting for a football game. From early last week, fans showed up at Bethpage to play on the same course their idols would soon play. Some had to wait for days. The best line: "Started playing when I was 32, when I got married, and the golf has lasted a lot longer than the marriage. I can tell you that much. So, that's why we're here."

By snagamat with No comments

Coot Veal is a Great Sports Name Hall of Fame Wannabee!

How does a light hitting shortstop for a terrible expansion team get remembered forever? Well it helps to have an excellent nickname! Check out my thoughts on Coot over at the Great Sports Name Hall of Fame!

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Futbolito!

Man, I just love Gillette Stadium.

Today I had the pleasure of attending MLS' Futbolito, a 4 on 4 soccer tournament that involved 4' by 6' nets and a 20' by 30' field, as well as no goalies and a weird box in front of the goal that you couldn't touch the ball in (to reduce "camping"). There were tons of people there, with 24 fields per practice field (48 total) and another 12 or so inside Gillette Stadium itself (where the above picture is from). And even though it began to rain early on (and just got worse, as my shirt and pants were stuck to my body as I left), some great soccer was played and a lot of awesome times were had.

I personally had the pleasure of following around my brother's under 16 team, FCLC, as they played throughout the day. Two wins (7-1 and 5-2) were followed by a disputed tie (I say it was 8-7 us, the ref claims 7 all), and that was good enough to win the group. What followed (post Qdoba stop) was an intense matchup against the always pretty good but also always a little chippy FC Puma entry. FCLC went up early but Puma came back, and FC was down 6-5 as the game neared the end of the second half. Both teams started to push and shove a lot and get a little frustrated in the slop, but somehow FCLC's Johnny McBride caught hold of one and put it in the net to tie the game up at 6 a piece just before the second half ended. Truly the stuff of champions.

OT One was Sudden Death, but no one managed to put a shot in. There were several good chances from both teams, but a lot of the period was filled with pushes and complaints about no calls, mostly from one Puma player who scored a lot of goals but also apparently thought he was a ref.

OT Two was short and bittersweet, as one Puma player took the ball about two minutes in and put in the game winner from close by. He followed this up with one of the least classy displays of sportsmanship I have ever seen, as he extended both arms, middle fingers raised, towards the entire FCLC team. A hard fought game by both teams, and I'm impressed by Puma's resolve to come through in a double OT game after losing the lead late in regulation, but I can't get behind a team that pulls crap like that. So kind of a shitty ending, but I guess it is what it is (although, to be fair, this was the semifinal - Puma was killed by FC United in the actual final, so karma is a BITCH!).

Some other notables of the day:
(Almost) Goal of the Day - At one point in the tie game, FCLC's Uday Agrawal had a great chance all alone right in front of the net with a 3-1 lead. Instead of putting in the easy goal, he fell to the ground and attempted to head the ball through the "no touch" box and into the net. The ball stopped just short of the goal line and no goal was scored, but it was easily one of the most hilarious things I have ever seen on a soccer field.

Store of the Day - Bass Pro Shops. The one in Patriot Place not only has archery and fishing lessons available, but it also had a giant ship AND giant whale. It's pretty ridiculous, but also kind of awesome, and there must've been 400 people in the store today during a break from gameplay. I was impressed.

Last but not Least, Team Name of the Day - The very first team FCLC faced called themselves the "Scrappy Sausages," which was pretty funny. I guess they were actually Canton High School's JV team. For the record, Canton has been home to Mo Vaughn, Dana Barros, Randy Moss and Jonathan Papelbon, among others. So that's pretty sweet.

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Dino Radja Nominated to the Great Sports Name Hall of Fame!

Croatia's greatest natural export (besides maybe her), Dino Radja, was nominated to the Great Sports Name Hall of Fame today. Check it out here!

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Gotta Love a Gimmick - Donald Trump Buys WWE Monday Night Raw

Steve Austin stuns Donald Trump
Uploaded by WWEClips. -

In a move that is perfect for this segment, Donald Trump officially purchased WWE's Monday Night Raw earlier this week. And hooo boy, what a gimmick it is.

Now, WWE already had the brand extension. Back in 2002 after they bought out WCW, the WWE was split into two rosters: Raw and Smackdown (In 2006 ECW was added as a third roster). There is some inter-brand fighting (especially at Pay Per View matches), but at least during the normal weeks the brands keep to themselves.

However, the gimmick often is that one brand tries to be better than another, based on the talent of their wrestlers and the pure awesomeness of their fights. And really, what better way to say "My brand is better than yours" than to "hire" a multi billionaire to run your brand. I'm sure he did actually buy in somewhat, and that it is a legal deal. I'm just saying that Trump is in this as much more than a figurehead, and I expect related storylines as a result.

Mostly because this isn't Trump's first venture into the WWF/WWE. Many articles cite how he was involved in Wrestlemania 23, where "his" fighter took on Vince McMahon's fighter and Stone Cold later gave Trump a Stone Cold Stunner. But Trump was involved in Wrestlemanias lonnng before number 23. In fact, my favorite of all time, Wrestlemania 5 (where the Mega Powers EXPLODED and Rick Martel turned Heel) took place at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, and so there hasn't really been a time where Trump WASN'T involved in the WWE/WWF. It just wasn't in such an officious manner before.

I gotta say, I'm pretty excited for Trump's "purchase." If it means major feuding between him and Vince (and/or Eric Bischoff), then I'm all for it.

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Gotta Love a Gimmick - The Rap Master P.N. News

We already saw WCW try Boy Bands, and that was weird. But this early 90's gimmick is even weirder.

Paul Neu entered WCW in 1991 and was booked as the Rap Master. His gimmick basically consisted of being a chubby guy in bad clothes who rapped all the time, including before the match began and before he applied his finishing move (the broken record). Beyond that, he's really only remembered for two things:

1. He feuded with "Stunning" Steve Austin, who later became "Stone Cold" in the WWF, which was such a better gimmick. P.N. lost a lot to Steve, including the above match where he partnered with Z Man versus Austin and Van Vader (Here's part 2 of that match if you're curious). However, with Bobby Eaton and Salt N' Pepa (Why? Who knows?) by his side, he finally beat Austin (with Terry Taylor) at Great American Bash '91. Here's an awful commercial where PN News raps about the upcoming Bash.

2. If you did watch part 2 of that match, you'll know what else News is known for: Being a pretty bad actor. Sure enough, in a later match with the Angel of Death, News botched a move and broke Angel's leg, ending the dude's career, which goes to show you how truly dangerous a terrible gimmick can be. WCW took News off all future cards until his contract ran out, and then News was out of work (thankfully). However, the guy later found work in ECW for a bit (as PN News again), and currently acts as Cannonball Grizzly on the European Circuit, so not everyone has learned their lesson.

On an unrelated note, I found out today that the GSNHOF nominated Pull Dickoff is not who I thought he was. He's actually Paul Dickov. So that's awkward.

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Marco Scutaro steals second.....on a walk

Current Blue Jay utility player Marco Scutaro (pictured above with a sock over his mouth when he played with the Oakland Athletics) knows how to play the game of baseball.

He is so good in fact that he got to second base....on a walk. How you might ask? During yesterday's Toronto win over the Philadelphia Phillies, Scutaro was walked in the top of the 3rd inning and noticed that Phillies starter Joe Blanton was not paying attention.

Scutaro then stole second base as a confused Blaton threw the ball back towards second base. That was a heads up play from Scutaro or is that a feet of daring doo.

(I even rolled my eyes at that pun)

Check out the video: HERE

(Courtesy of Big League Stew)

By Ben Chew with No comments

The Pittsburgh Pirates Suck...Now In Song Form

Most people in Pittsburgh can currently say that they live in the city of champions with a Steelers Super Bowl win and a Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup.

However, not all teams in Pittsburgh are winners. Look at the Pittsburgh Pirates who have not won a World Series since 1979.

Ryan Parker at Ryan Parker Songs shares his feelings regarding the team in Pittsburgh that is not a champion.

(Courtesy of NESW Sports and Ryan Parker Songs)

By Ben Chew with 2 comments

I Love the Internet - How Dale Davis Helped Me Find Jesus (Well, His Racing Team Anyways)

In our Game 5 liveblog, Outside the Boxscore talked about tons of random stuff. At one point, Ben noticed Dale Davis in the crowd and mentioned it, with Sean (Snagamat) writing "Dale Davis could be Billy Bob Thornton in Slingblade if not for the night-dark quality of his skin.

So of course I had to look these guys up. Billy Bob. Dale Davis (whose real name is Elliott Lydell, so how weird a nickname is Dale?). I sort of see the comparison, it's mostly in the big lower lip though.

Anyways, I also found this mug shot of Dale (along with this accompanying story) about how Dale was acting out in public one night and ended up getting stun gunned by police. Having had a friend get stun gunned by cops after some wild antics in college, that stuff hurts, and I was kind of surprised to see Dale had been stunned, since he had seemed a nice guy (But I guess he did play for the Portland Jail Trailblazers, so go figure). I found out that Dale was acquitted of all charges, which was reassuring, because I hadn't thought he was a bad guy.

Before I realized that he had been acquitted, I searched the internet for other proof that Dale was a good guy. Maybe he donated money to a good cause, or helped twitter broadcast the Iran protests, or saved a bunny. I was just looking for anything.

What did I find? Dale Davis was once part owner of E and M motorsports, which started as an offshoot of Victory in Jesus racing. Not exactly what I had in mind, but hey it's something Dale Davis did, and it's random, so that's something. A little research into E and M showed that they were very nearly bought by former Atlanta Falcon Terrance Mathis (who is 2nd all time in career 2 point conversions made) and his racing team, Victory Motorsports, but this deal fell through. So that was sort of interesting. But I was more interested in this Victory in Jesus Motorsports, and so I delved a little bit deeper.

Apparently Victory in Jesus Racing started in 2001 as Morgan Shepherd's self founded truck team. With little money to spend, Shepherd spent much of the year acting as his own pit crew, climbing out of the car during pit stops to change his own tires and add his own fuel. Morgan didn't finish very well with these long pit stops, and ended the 2001 season 26th in points with a best finish of 11th (which is still pretty impressive). The next year his best finish (and only race he finished) was 17th, though he somehow beat his points total from the year before and finished 24th in points. He also began racing Nascar on a limited basis, but his best finish of the year was 40th, and so he clearly wasn't very good at that either. More years and more one man pit stops led to more last place finishes and DNFs. Finally, in 2006, Morgan sold some interest of his team to investors and renamed the team Victory Motorsports (and that, my friend, is where Terrance Mathis came in, and where this article basically ends).

On an end note, Morgan Shepherd was not a terrible driver, with 4 Nascar wins (his last in '93) and 15 truck wins (last in '88) to his credit. However, his best finish in Nascar for VIJ was 32nd, which sucks. And when he finally created another Church-based team, Faith Motorsports, in July of 2006, his best finish between two races was 42nd. Now to be fair, many of these races included Morgan showing up, running until he ran out of tires, and then leaving the track because he didn't have any more tires due to lack of funding. But sadly Morgan Shepherd never again found victory (lane) in Jesus. I guess Dale Davis and Terrance Mathis were convinced they might, since they bought shares in the team that once was VIJ. But for the record, I count 0 Nascar wins, 0 Busch wins, and 0 Truck wins for Victory Racing, with or without Jesus. So that's something, and all this random information you just read is why I love the internet.

By SpastikMooss with No comments

Conan's wax figures of Fonzi and Tom Cruise at the Lakers parade

During last night's episode of The Tonight Show with Conan O' Brien, he commented on a running gag from the past two nights of these terrible looking wax figures of Tom Cruise and Fonzi from Happy Days that he bought at a wax replica auction.

Then Conan commented that they had left the studio and the Tonight Show crew was still hunting for them.

He also commented that Lakers had their championship parade yesterday and guess who showed up to it.

By Ben Chew with No comments

"FORGETTTA BOUT IT"

Usually, I am not really a fan of these ESPN "cut-away skits" but this is actually pretty funny.

ESPN asked some players since the US Open is being played at BethPaige Black to try out their New York accents.

Let's just say that no one is going to confuse any of them with New Yorkers anytime soon.

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Sock Puppets + US Open Preview = FTW

Let’s be honest, how many times when you were a kid, you created a sock puppet and recreated a news-cast or play using them? Alright, I clearly did not but I have a feeling that some of you have even done it yourself or with your kids.

The peeps over at Waggle Room presented a US Open preview with sock puppets. Yes, this clearly might be the best idea since Twitter. They have cameos by Angel Cabrera and even Tiger Woods.

In the end, I will let the video speak for itself.

(Courtesy of Waggle Room)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Kobe Diem: Bryant Says He'll Stay

Today the Los Angeles Lakers held their championship parade to commemorate 2009's Larry O'Brien. They took the Lakers court floor and transported it to the LA Coliseum. Near to 100,000 fans came to see. No riots, just a little gate crashing. As a Lakers fan, I'm all thumbs (up) for this. But it is an occasion to think about parades past and give some first thoughts on this one. I think the Coliseum worked well in terms of giving the fans somewhere to sit. But the stage being beneath the fans instead of above felt a little anticlimactic. For the record, Ariza got the biggest cheer coming out of Staples to get on the buses, though Kobe caused more of an awed hush. Kobe was amped up to address the fans, that's for sure. In our first vid we get Stu Lantz screaming hoarsely at Kobe to come back. Kobe agreed to and said LA's his home. Yay. Can't help feeling leery at the duress, but you can't help the propaganda that goes with the tone of excitement.

Our second vid gives you Kobe's introduction. It's good to see him hop up and down, giddy at his introduction, after years of him coming out that tunnel somewhere between sullen and serious. The claims that Garnett's joy was a bit feigned last year have been somewhat extended to Kobe this year (and throughout his career), but you gotta like seeeing someone so happy, especially someone who's worked so hard for this. He ended the first vid by bringing the fans in on the whole hands in thing, which feels a little high school-ish. Watching all these celebrations, all the players with hats tipped back (or hair blown out as in Josh Powell, if you weren't sure who that big haired hanger on was), you really realize how young these guys are. Bynum's 21. Ariza's 23. Pau has braces, for crying out loud. Speaking of which...

With that faint lisp, he really runs the Spaniard stereotypes up the wall. I'm no Spanish expert, but I felt Mark Madsen's Spanish in previous parades was more felt, less affected. But you gotta cater to the fan base, right? This team is so incredibly international. Gasol from Spain (Was he texting Rudy Fernandez? Did text messaging technology just reach Spain? I keed, I keed). Sasha from Slovenia. Sun Yue from China. Kobe growing up in Italy. Farmar, the Jewish baller, and Ariza, both LA born. Here are some highlights from recent Lakers parades. Shaq's "CAN YOU DIG IT!?!?" in 2000. Mark Madsen's "Who let the dogs out!" and crazy, honors-student-at-Stanford Spanish in 2001, or his exhorting the Latino crowd to chant "Qua-tro!" before he did the infamous dance. Of course, who can forget Slava Medvedenko's simple "I love L.A." (Love the Chick Hearn on those old highlights)?

By snagamat with No comments

Martellus Bennett tours the Cowboys new stadium

Current Dallas Cowboy tight end (and Twittermaven) Martellus Bennett has recently posted a tour of the Cowboys new stadium on his Youtube page MartyBTv.

Bennett, along with safety Patrick Watkins, took some time out to show off the Cowboys' new digs. There is even a brief cameo by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in this video.

However, one thing to call into question is the pricing at the concession stands. Ready to drop about $9 dollars on a beer or $14 on a sandwich? I guess not. I guess the saying is true, "Everything is bigger in Texas"...including the prices.

(Courtesy of Sports Rubbish)

By Ben Chew with No comments

The San Diego Chicken gets paid....

When most people think of sports individuals who make six figure salaries in appearance fees, they think Michael Jordan, Jeff Gordon, or even Ryan Howard. Well the San Diego Chicken is making money as well, to the tune of over six figures last year just on appearances alone.

The 55 year old man beneath the mask, Ted Giannoulas, is thinking about hanging up his feathers and head. Giannoulas has been the San Diego Chicken for the past 35 years, which is pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

However, in this economy, I think Ted should probably rethink this plan to retire the chicken. He does not want to have make a comeback in five years as "The artist formely known as the San Diego Chicken."

(Courtesy of Deuce of Davenport)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Remembering the OJ Chase

It's odd to say that this video of the OJ chase comes from way back in 1994, but that is the truth (The video was taken from a retrospective done in 2008 by the MSNBC show "Verdict with Dan Abrams"). The O.J. "White Bronco" chase will forever be one of the most remembered moments of the 1990's and forever changed people's opinion of the man once known as "The Juice." Today is the 15th anniversary of the chase, which occurred on June 17th, 1994.

Prior to this chase, O.J.'s former wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her current husband Ron Goldman were found brutally murdered. Lawyers originally told O.J. to turn himself in at about 11am but O.J. did not show up to that alleged meeting time at the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police then issued an all-points bulletin to bring in O.J., and then this low-speed chase made history. Many people were glued to the television sets watching Al Cowling's White Bronco travel down Interstate 405 as police tried to talk O.J. down from shooting himself and instead give himself up to police custody.

Eventually the chase ended at the Simpson residence and Simpson surrendered himself to authorities after being talked to by his attorney Robert Shapiro.

As it seems so long ago, it is still fresh in most of our minds. It is one of the few moments that we can remember where we were when it happened. Although, I cannot remember alot from it, I do remember seeing that White Bronco go slowly down that freeway.

NBC and ABC coverage of the event pulled extraordinary ratings for the coverage and even forced NBC to cut into their coverage of the 1994 NBA Finals. In this society, that would rarely happen which speaks to the magnitude of this event.

Eventually O.J. was found not guilty, but the shadow of the murders and the Bronco chase will still live for him and people that saw it happen.

(Information used in this article was from an Wikipedia article regarding the O.J. Simpson murder case)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Just when you thought it safe, another MVP Puppet commercial

By now, I am pretty sure that everyone knows my distaste for the MVP puppet commercials made by Nike.

However, since everyone else seems to like them, I figure that I might put out another post of the latest two commercials.

The first video (shown above) is called "Celebration" and the second one (shown below) is called "Quickness." Hopefully this commercial campaign will take the second video's name and end quickly. They even had to ruin Montell Jordan's, "This is How We Do It" in the first video.



("Celebration" courtesy of Ball Don't Lie)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Nice Throw, Is it Real?

Just before the Pittsburgh Penguins parade, this video was taken of someone in the crowd throwing a football through a window across the street.

It looks like to me, that it was a damn impressive throw and someone should clearly get him a scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh.

However, I have some sinking suspicion that this tape might not be real, or that the kid who takes credit for the throw did not throw it.

All in all, it is an impressive viral video to say the least.

(Courtesy of NESW Sports)

By Ben Chew with No comments

Mayne Street: Kenny Mayne vs. Scoop Jackson

The latest episode of Mayne Street is up and it is entitled, "1st and 10." The premise for the sketch is that Kenny Mayne is asked to be on the version of 1st and 10 where he allowed to pick his opponent.

Well, Kenny decided to go with ESPN writer Scoop Jackson and let's just say that Kenny probably should have made a different decision.

Best line of this entire skit is Jackson yelling, "Obama" at the end.

By Ben Chew with 1 comment

Note To Self: When I get my own talk show, DO NOT INVITE ARTIE LANGE

Well, the day of reckoning has finally been put upon us. No, I am not talking about the apocalypse. It was the debut of Joe Buck's new talk show on HBO called, "The Joe Buck Show"

I will say that the show was actually pretty entertaining for the most part and defintely something to check out in this terrible summer programming that we have.

However, Joe Buck had a round-table with comedians Paul Rudd, Justin Sudeikis and the always controversial Artie Lange. Then Artie decided to repeatly rip into Buck and make some off-color jokes.

The above video and the below video are clearly NSFW and will be the best sixteen minutes that you spent today.



(Courtesy of Awful Announcing)

By Ben Chew with 1 comment