After Further Review...

Enough already!

2009-12-04T05:34:00.002-07:00

We all know nobody in the world is perfect. We know high-profile athletes have the mentality that the rules don't always apply to them. We know that marital infidelity is commonplace not only in the sporting and entertainment worlds, but in our society in general.

So it appears we can now add yet another high-profile athlete to the long list of those who have violated marital vows.

Accept it and let's move on.

I'll admit this whole Tiger Woods story piqued my interest when it first started unfolding a week ago, but I think I've had my fill. It is a sad story. I feel for Woods' wife who is apparently the biggest victim in this sordid tale. I hope she has the strength she needs to deal with it.

As for you, Tiger, well, let's just say you went from being a well-respected man in the forum of public opinion to becoming just another high-profile athlete who has given in to his selfish desires. Let's hope you can repair the damage you've apparently done to your family.

What I'm saying is this really shouldn't be so surprising. What I find surprising the older I get is that the little boy in me still longs for a pro athlete that is not only a great competitor, but a great person, worthy of the adulation heaped upon him. I'm sure there are athletes out there who fit the bill, but I'm afraid they're in the minority.

Good night, Gracie.

C'mon Urban! Give him what he deserves!

2009-11-03T16:48:00.003-07:00

What a joke.

Florida's Brandon Spikes has been suspended for the first half of Saturday's game against Vanderbilt for his actions during last Saturday's game against Georgia in which he attempted to poke his fingers into an opposing player's eyes during a pile up.

First of all, what kind of punishment is a half a game suspension? If you're going to go play the part of a coach who cares about sportsmanship and personal conduct on the field, why not give Spikes a whole game to think about his actions? Two quarters is little more than a rest for a collegiate football player.

Furthermore, how about some good old-fashioned up-downs or wind sprints thrown in with a whole game's suspension? Make it clear to Spikes that you won't tolerate that kind of behavior.

One need not look any further than John Wooden for an example of a coach who really won't stand for nonsense.

Wooden, a proponent of academics, once learned that two of his star players had skipped class the day before the undefeated UCLA Bruins basketball team put their win streak on the line against North Carolina, which was ranked not far behind the Bruins in the national polls. Wooden quickly and decisively suspended the players, regardless of the big game.

Or how about Lou Holtz? I watched him once run onto the field while he was the head coach at Notre Dame to physically grab one of his players who had gotten out of hand and earned an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Holtz kept that player out of the game and publicly reprimanded the player in a post-game interview. If memory serves, the player was also suspended the next game.

I'm not buying Meyer's concern over Spikes' actions. To lightly slap his wrist and claim that half a game's suspension is punishment enough is a joke. And what's with the SEC's acceptance of Meyer's "punishment"?

Oh, for the old days when sportsmanship and personal conduct were actually aspects of the game and not politician-like lip service.

News flash: NBA Finals prompt renaming frenzy

2009-06-04T07:06:00.007-06:00

It's NBA Finals time again and the Lakers are in the mix for their 15th championship in franchise history. As a Lakers fan, it never gets old seeing the boys in purple and gold advance to the Finals.

Because of this trip's opponent, there needs to be some adjustments made in Lakerdom to keep Kobe & Co. on track. The Orlando Magic, by virtue of their team name, has forced the temporary renaming of some southern California icons and other seemingly mundane things.

Ervin "Magic" Johnson: The Lakers legend will be known as "Laker" Johnson for the duration of the Finals. Indeed, Johnson's play at the helm of the Lakers' Showtime dynasty was magical, but calling him by his supernatural nickname could wear on the Lakers' psyche.

The Magic Kingdom: Disneyland is a southern California hallmark that is known the world over as the Magic Kingdom. Not during the NBA Finals, though. The Lakers Kingdom is proud to welcome you to its gates at least until June 11 and as late as June 18. After that, welcome to the Magic Kingdom again.

Magic Mountain: Another southern California theme park with the bad guys' name in it. Welcome to Laker Mountain, home of Superman The Escape, Deja Vu and Batman The Ride!

Black Magic Woman: The Santana classic rock song will for possible the next two weeks be known as Black Laker Woman. There are actually several Laker Girls that could personify the song's temporary title.

Industrial Light & Magic: George Lucas' motion picture visual effects company will operate as Industrial Light & Lakers for the next week or so.

Magic 8 Ball: Mattel's fortune-telling toy will now be known as Laker 8 Ball. Following is a quick sampling of replies given by the Laker 8 Ball when asked about this year's Finals:
1. Will the Lakers win the Larry O'Brien trophy this year?: As I see it, yes.
2. Will Orlando win a game in the Staples Center?: Ask again later.
3. Will Kobe be held to under 10 points in any of this year's NBA Finals games?: Don't count on it.
4. Will Dwight Howard be slapped with a technical foul during the NBA Finals?: You may rely on it.
5. Will Laker fans arrive late and leave early during the NBA Finals?: Outlook good.

There you have it. Let's hope the renaming of these things will help propel the Lakers to their 15th NBA Championship.

Did I miss any?

Bring On The Magic!

2009-05-31T11:31:00.002-06:00

It never gets old seeing the Los Angeles Lakers make it to the NBA Finals. For the 30th time in franchise history, my beloved Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals.

Ideally, I would have rather seen the Lakers get a shot at revenge on the Celtics. My second choice would have been to see Kobe and LeBron face off for all the marbles. It will still be fun watching the Lakers and Magic go head-to-head for the O'Brian hardware.

My prediction: Lakers in 6.

Pac-12?

2009-01-14T13:00:00.007-07:00

Every year about this time, there is a lot of discussion about the BCS's role in the determination of a college football national champion. Overwhelmingly, the anti-BCS voice is heard and talk of a playoff system heats up. I personally favor a playoff and think it would only boost the exposure of college football while making boatloads of cash for the NCAA and its sponsors.

Every season, there is at least one team that seems to get snubbed in the BCS process. This season, that team was Utah which did something no other NCAA FBS team did this season: win every game on its schedule.

Did Utah deserve a shot at the national title? Sure, just like every top 10 team deserved a shot. Utah's conference, the Mountain West Conference, is the reason the Utes were snubbed by the BCS. Because the MWC is not a BCS conference, the conference champion, regardless of record, will never get into the national title game.

The way I see it, there are two solutions to this.

First is a playoff. Since that is unlikely to happen any time soon, the second solution seems even more doable: apply for admission to the Pac-10.

If the top two teams in the MWC, arguably Utah and BYU, were to join the Pac-10, then both teams would get a legitimate shot at the national championship. Go undefeated in the Pac-10 and you're as likely to get into the title game as any team from the Big 10, SEC or Big 12.

If the pre-BCS poll method was still the way a national champion was chosen, then Utah likely would have had the strongest claim to the title. It's how BYU won its only national title in 1984.

Aside from football, BYU and Utah would likely be instantly competitive in the "lesser" sports in the Pac-10.

So let's get it done, gentlemen!

Jet Favre: Are You Color Blind?

2009-01-07T12:24:00.007-07:00

Last summer's Brett Favre saga kept the NFL in the media spotlight during a time it is usually in the latter segments of SportsCenter.

When all was said and done, Sir Favre became a Jet and the Packers moved on with Aaron Rodgers behind center. The rest, as they say, is history and neither team is playing in the postseason.

It was weird seeing Favre in the NY Jets green and white instead of the Packers green and yellow...

Wait a sec! The Jets' colors ARE green and white, but what is that Packer-yellow thing (see picture) under Favre's jersey?? Yellow's not part of the Jets' colors!

Could Brett have been sending a message to his former team? Could the Packer-yellow collar thingy be a superstitious holding on to yesteryear?

Hidden messages, superstition or whatever, the Jets and Pack are at home watching the playoffs just like the rest of us.

Pass the chips, please.

The Contradictive Wording Of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy

2008-12-05T17:50:00.019-07:00

Adam "Pacman" Jones (Cowboys), Brandon Marshall (Broncos), Larry Johnson (Chiefs), and most recently, Plaxico Burress (Giants), are pro football players whose names have been in the news this season for having violated the National Football League's Personal Conduct Policy. What exactly is the league's Personal Conduct Policy?

The official announcement of the policy came on April 10, 2007, amidst the league's rumored desire to crack down on its players' off-field behavior. Since its inception, the policy has resulted in many NFL players being suspended for violation of the policy.

This post is not about whether the policy is good or not. In my opinion, the policy is a no-brainer and makes official the type of behavior that should be a given by any mature and responsible adult...and especially for public figures like pro football players.

Rather, I would like to take to task some of the wording of the policy.

On the surface, the policy is a good one. However, there are a couple of parts of the policy that I find problematic and I think they need to be addressed by the league.

The wording in the General Policy portion is clear and self-explanatory (except for the last paragraph):

Engaging in violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable and constitutes conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League. Such conduct alienates the fans on whom the success of the League depends and has negative and sometimes tragic consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator.

The League is committed to promoting and encouraging lawful conduct and to providing a safe and professional workplace for its employees.

Safe workplace? Isn't that contradictory to the nature of a football field? Just look at the lists of injured players week in and week out in the NFL. Was the NFL providing a safe workplace for those employees on the injured reserve list? Because football is a violent game, how is it possible for the league to provide a safe workplace for its employees?

In this area, the NFL is, by nature of the game, failing at its own policy.

It gets more interesting in the Prohibited Conduct portion (note: "Covered Persons" include players, coaches, front office personnel, and all employees of the NFL and its organizations):

It will be considered conduct detrimental for Covered Persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such Prohibited Conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons; the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; possession or distribution of a weapon in violation of state or federal law; involvement in "hate crimes" or crimes of domestic violence; theft, larceny or other property crimes; sex offenses; racketeering; money laundering; obstruction of justice; resisting arrest; fraud; and violent or threatening conduct. Additionally, Covered Persons shall not by their words or conduct suggest that criminal activity is acceptable or condoned within the NFL.

Again, how is it possible for the league to abide by its own policy here? Every football player knows that the "threat of physical violence" is a given every time they step onto a football field.

Sure, the wording in question says "any crime involving use or threat of physical violence to a person", but is the physical violence inherent to the legal game of football still not physically violent?

Semantics, some may say. But words should never be thrown around so carelessly as the NFL has in this instance.

I'm Kelly Martinez and I approve of this blog.

Voyeur Sport

2008-08-11T06:52:00.002-06:00

With the first weekend of the Olympics wrapped up, I am left to wonder: why is beach volleyball part of the Olympics?

Two days into the Beijing Games, I've watched fencing, archery, rowing, gymnastics, swimming, water polo, basketball, soccer, indoor volleyball, cycling, diving, and...dare I admit it??..beach volleyball.

I used to not be a fan of volleyball. I found the game confusing and it did little to stimulate the sports fan in me. After I began working in the collegiate sports information field, where I was paid to witness all of the school's sports, I have grown to better understand the game and, to some degree, have become a fan.

I love to watch the exciting and long-lasting volleys that accompany indoor volleyball. I admire the athleticism of those who play the game. However, the beach version of the game does nothing for me as a sports fan and should not be a part of the Olympics.

I have watched beach volleyball before and have found it not to be very athletically entertaining. The volleys are VERY short lived and, with only two players per team, the game is usually about the serve and first or second volley.

I'm not really sure whether it's because there's only two players on a beach volleyball team or not, but the way the game is played is kind of a slap in the face to its indoor and much more entertaining counterpart.

On the surface (and that is probably all there is to this game), I think beach volleyball's attraction is the human body. The women are clad in bikinis and the camera angles show these women's physical attributes in all their glory with numerous and extensive close-up shots. If it weren't for these women's attractive bodies, what other reason could there be to watch?

There are other sports where the participants' physical attributes are accentuated (swimming, diving, gymnastics, etc.), but at least those are legitimate sports that have athletic value for its spectators.

As for men's beach volleyball, perhaps it's the same thing, though I doubt it because women spectators are not as visually driven as men spectators are. But, there are beach bunnies who love the sight of an attractive male in beach attire, so maybe, to some extent, that is the allure of men's beach volleyball as well.

Maybe you think this blogger's gone off his rocker, and maybe I have. All I can say is that when I'm flipping through the channels looking for my Olympic fix, I won't stop on beach volleyball because I find its athleticism entertaining.

They Got Next

2008-07-25T16:30:00.004-06:00

The WNBA has finally arrived. Not really, but at least it's getting a few more seconds on SportsCenter.

It has taken a brawl at the end of Tuesday's Los Angeles Sparks-Detroit Shock game to bring wid(er)spread media and fan attention to the league. Sportscasters and league officials have reacted to the brawl with disgust and disdain....which is a step up from the usual disgust and disdain fans react with over the level of play on display.

Is it really that much of a surprise that professional athletes have gotten into a fight while embroiled in the thick of battle? Why the disgust? Is it because they're women and should behave like ladies instead of acting like their boorish male counterparts?

Nah! That would fly in the face of true equality...which is what the league is supposed to be all about. (Yeah, right!)

We don't expect the men to behave like gentlemen while on the court, so, in the interest of equality, why should the women be expected to behave like ladies? They're egocentric pro athletes, just like the men who comprise the NBA. Aggression and rough play is something they should be used to.

Look at women's pro boxing. There are no pretenses in that sport. Fans who watch it aren't expecting ladylike behavior from the combatants.

The way I see it, a WNBA brawl is long overdue. After over a decade of existence behind the guise of gender equality, why not embrace this incident and build off of it? Fighting is, to some extent, part of the allure of the NBA. Fans of the NBA have come to expect aggression and rough play on the court. In most arenas, the fans feed off of it.

So why should it be any different in the WNBA? It surely couldn't hurt given the league's infinitesimal fan base.

Sure, NBA players are fined and suspended for violence, but how painful is it for a multi-millionaire basketball player to fork out a $10,000 fine and miss a game or two for acting aggressively? If aggression was truly not wanted, then the messages sent for fighting, in any sport, would be much stiffer than they are now.

Another thing to consider in all of this is the coaching involved. Is anyone really surprised that a Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn coached player is charged with starting the WNBA's worst fight?

Detroit's Plenette Pierson, deemed the instigator of the fight, was fined $1,500 and has been suspended for four games. Not to be outdone by most participants, former Bad Boy Mahorn was fined $1,000 and received a two-game suspension for pushing L.A. star Lisa Leslie to the floor during the fight. The rest of the players involved were slapped with $500 fines.

Personally, I will be keeping a better eye on the WNBA (*sardonic grin*). If aggressive play is going to be embraced like it is in the NBA, I may change my opinion of the league and start watching. (Yeah, riiiiggght!)

Viva la Classic!

2008-07-17T05:59:00.000-06:00

I love to reminisce.

Perhaps this is why I love ESPN Classic so much. I like ESPN with its constant SportsCenter airings, Pardon The Interruption with Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon, Around The Horn, and Jim Rome Is Burning. While these shows are highly entertaining and informative, nothing quite compares with Classic's reairing of Game 7 of the 1984 NBA Finals or the 1983 Orange Bowl or Buster Douglas' upset win over Mike Tyson in 1990.

Shows like these work wonders for me, and apparently many others or ESPN would not keep programming like this on the air.

Like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Classic takes me back to the comfort of my youth and young adulthood. Reacting to a missed layup by Magic Johnson in 1984 takes me back to the first time I saw him miss that layup in Game 7 in Boston Garden, complete with what I was snacking on at the time (Doritos), who I was watching the game with (my buddies), and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, the Lakers will win that game this time around (not really, but it seems like it).

So, thank you, ESPN, for giving us Classic and providing us with memories of not only the games themselves, but of a a time when life was much simpler and less stressful.

Don't Do It, Brett!

2008-07-03T16:45:00.003-06:00

Dear Brett Favre,

I understand what it's like to be in your late 30s and see that you've lost a step or two. I also understand that in your late 30s, you want to prove that you're just as rugged and good as you were in your 20s. I also understand that mentally, you feel as sharp as you did 17 years ago...though your body is beginning to disagree with that assessment.

What I don't understand, however, is why you can't leave well enough alone. I mean, you called it quits in March because you were, "mentally tired." ESPN and the NFL Network made quite a big deal about your retirement. With all of the Brett Favre tribute programming that flooded the airwaves for several weeks, one could have assumed you had died.

Now, four months later, you're apparently ready to lace up the cleats and make a comeback. Funny thing, though...how can you make a comeback when, in actuality, you haven't even been gone yet? Is your mental tiredness all rested and ready to go now?

You told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in March that the only way it would be worth it for you to play another season was if you could win the Super Bowl. You said, "If I felt like coming back -- and [my wife] and I talked about this -- the only way for me to be successful would be to win a Super Bowl. To go to the Super Bowl and lose, would almost be worse than anything else. Anything less than a Super Bowl win would be unsuccessful."

I get it, Brett. After 17 seasons, three MVP awards, and two appearances in the Super Bowl, you understand the rigors and stress involved in "putting up or shutting up" in the NFL. Makes sense. Nobody faulted you for calling it quits in March. You should know better than to "come back", though.

Look at what Michael Jordan did. He came back twice, once from a premature retirement and once from a legitimate retirement. He came back the second time at 38, the same age you are now. In the two seasons he played in Washington, his stats were considerably lower than his career averages in every category, not to mention the damage his comeback did to his legacy.

Everyone remembers his career with fondness, but there will always be that mental asterisk in fans' minds that he played too long. When he retired in '98, his legacy would have been one that had him going out on top, an NBA champion. Instead, he traded that in for two seasons with the Wizards that etched memories in fans' minds of a slower, overweight Michael Jordan, who paled in comparison to the one who retired in '98.

Though you didn't go out on top, Brett, you did go out on a much higher note than anyone expected. You came close. You almost made it to the Super Bowl. I can understand how that might eat at you, coming oh-so-close and not making it. But listen...the odds of you making a run like that again with the Packers or any other team are pretty slim, even if they wanted you back. In case you haven't been reading the papers or watching SportsCenter, it sounds like the Packers are tired of your "I'm retired...but then again..." routine, as sports franchises tend to do when an aging superstar is reluctant to let go.

Do yourself and us a favor, Brett: stay retired. We all think highly of you and all that you accomplished during your career. The odds of you tarnishing that opinion are too great for you to risk a comeback.

A Note To Tiger

2008-06-21T09:45:00.004-06:00

I've got something to say to you, Tiger Woods: How could you?

While the rest of the sporting world is amazed at the feat you pulled off by winning the U.S. Open with a torn ACL and stress fractures in your leg last week, I am left to wonder what you were thinking. Doctors warned you not to risk further injury by playing, but you said you decided to play because playing is what you do.

That doesn't cut it with me, buddy. How about a little foresight here?

Prior to your arrival on the pro circuit in 1996, pro golf was what I turned on Saturday and Sunday afternoons when I was trying to catch a nap. Since then, pro golf has transformed from a lazy, sleepy spectator sport used to pass time into an exciting, dramatic event worth staying awake for.

You injected youth and enthusiasm into a game that was long past due for an overhaul. Your passion for the game has been contagious. Just look at the galleries that watch you play. Golf fans used to greet the winning golfer at the 18th green with what was little more than polite applause...the type you hear at a tennis match. But with you, galleries now explode with thunderous cheering, the kind you find at a football or basketball game.

I've become an involved golf fan because of you. Now you're trying to take that away from me.

I wish you the best on your upcoming surgery. I truly hope it won't be the end of your career. I hope it doesn't force you into becoming a lesser golfer. I hope to see you on the prowl again, but part of me is worried that among all the pro golfers on the tour, it will be your decision to ignore medical advice that will derail the Tiger Express and deprive us of watching you play.

As for the rest of you pro golfers, you all ought to be ashamed! Here was your chance to win a tournament that Tiger was playing in. He was hurting and on the ropes and not one of you could finish him off. Kudos to Rocco Mediate for taking The Tiger into extra innings, overtime, penalty kicks, or whatever you want to call it. But the rest of you ought to hang your heads in shame. Yeah, I'm talking especially to you, Phil, Ernie, Adam and Sergio.

Well, gentlemen, the field is ripe now. Tiger's out and won't be back until 2009. So win your tournaments and build your confidence. Just don't ruin the game while he's gone.

Crying a River

2008-06-18T16:23:00.002-06:00

"Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.!," wore thin on my nerves during the 2008 NBA Finals.

While Bostonians broke out their decades-old chant and used it often during the three games played in the New Boston Garden, I recalled the Lakers crowds of the '80s, which were far superior to the ones that showed up during this year's Finals.

As annoying as Celtics fans can be, I've got to hand it to them...they out fanned the L.A. masses this time around with a barage of constant noise and support for their team. I had to wonder if the L.A. fans were even watching the game at points during the three games played at Staples Center.

The noise generated by Lakers home crowds paled in comparison to the Celtics throngs. After all, they had been waiting for 21 years for another shot at the NBA grand prize. Prior to Game 4, the ABC/ESPN commentators made note of how few of the 18,997 seats in Staples Center were filled with just minutes to go before tipoff, giving fuel to the notion that L.A. crowds passively arrive late and eagerly leave early from sporting events.

Maybe Lakers fans are jaded. NBA titles (or shots at them) have come to L.A. a lot more often than to the Celtics in the past 21 years. Since the Celtics last played in The Finals in 1987, L.A. has played for six NBA titles (1991, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008) and have won three (2000, 2001, 2002).

That's not a good excuse for Lakers fans, though. I mean, this is the Lakers vs. the Celtics! What more can we ask for?

It wasn't this way in the '80s. The Lakers crowds at the Great Western Forum were raucus and noisy. Those crowds are what the Lakers masses of today should emulate.

As for the on-the-court business of this series, both teams are in positions that will likely favor them to return to the 2009 Finals. Both teams are packed with talent and it seems The Rivalry has caught on with the current Lakers and Celtics.

Until then, Lakers players and fans alike can only hope Andrew Bynum's knee heals nicely during the off season and that missing persons Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom are located after their untimely disappearances during this year's finals.

So enjoy it while you can, Celtics. The Rivalry has been reawakened and both teams have added purpose to return to the NBA Finals.

Lakers vs. Celtics XI

2008-06-03T11:39:00.003-06:00

Notes from this storied rivalry:

This will be the 11th time these franchises have met for the NBA title and the first time in 21 years. The Celtics lead the championship series, 8-2, but the Lakers have won two of the last three meetings (1985 and 1987).

In the history of the NBA Finals, the Celtics and Lakers have combined to win 30 out of 61 championships. Of the 61 NBA Finals played, 38 have involved one or both of these teams.

The Celtics have won 16 titles while the Lakers have won 14. Of their 14 titles, nine have come since the Lakers relocated to Los Angeles in 1960.

Last time in NBA Finals: Lakers 2004, Celtics 1987

Last NBA title: Lakers 2002, Celtics 1984

Championships pre-1979: Celtics 13, Lakers 6

Championships post-1979: Lakers 8, Celtics 3

In 61 NBA Finals games played against each other, Boston has a 36-25 edge.

During their string of eight consecutive titles from 1958-66, the Celtics faced the Lakers five times. Following a one-year break from that incredible run, the Celtics returned to the NBA Finals in 1968 and 1969 and knocked off the Lakers both times to win back-to-back championships.

Age of current Lakers and Celtics when these two teams last met in NBA Finals:
Ray Allen: 11
Kevin Garnett: 10
Paul Pierce: 9
Kobe Bryant: 8
Lamar Odom: 7
Pau Gasol: 6
Rajon Rondo: 1
Jordan Farmar: 6 months
Andrew Bynum (injured): born 4 months later

Outcome of 2008 NBA Finals: Lakers in six

Ode To The Flopper

2008-05-29T17:32:00.000-06:00

Watch the ball player brought down to his knees
'Twas by contact, or for the referees?
See the tall man on the seat of his pants
Amid all the boos and ill-tempered chants

No mas!, came the call from the league's big brass
We think this acting is quite poorly passed
As a foul, a blatant breaking of rules
Do you think you can play us all for such fools?

Flopping and acting starting next season
Will give the NBA a very good reason
To review and decide in a flash
That you must fork over some cold and hard cash

(Of what doth this blogger write? Read it and weep: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3416579)

Top 10 Floppers
In honor of the NBA's decision to start fining players for the age-old practice of flopping, here is a top 10 list of the biggest floppers I've witnessed in the 25+ years I've been a fan:

10. Danny Ainge - If there was one thing fans could count on, it was that Ainge would wind up on the seat of his pants from minor or no contact almost every game. The bigger the game, the bigger the flops.

9. Larry Bird - Yes, the Bird Man was one of the greatest players to play the game, but the man had a penchant for the flop. He spent a lot of time on the ground for a Bird.

8. Sam Cassell - Over his 19 seasons with eight different teams, Cassell has steadily built a reputation for the flop. He might be the record holder for most flops in different uniforms!

7. Raja Bell - Why? Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNN9ZiH38fs

6. Robert Horry - He's one of only nine players in the history of the game to win seven or more NBA championships. While he's hit some pretty clutch shots to help his teams win those titles, he's also perfected the flop...especially while setting a pick.

5. Andrei Kirilenko - This modern-day flopper can be credited with bringing the flop issue to the forefront. During this season's playoffs, Kirilenko stole a game for his team with a classic flop against Houston. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hSaX7zNCMY

4. Dennis Rodman - Rebounding was Rodman's forte, but not far behind was his tendency to overreact to contact.

3. John Stockton - Mr. Assist seemed to need assistance getting up from supposed fouls a lot during his 19-year career.

2. Bill Laimbeer - This Pistons Bad Boy loved to rile a crowd, not to mention his opponents. If flopping was a fine art, this guy would have a shelf full of Academy Awards.

1. Vlade Divac - Growing up in Serbia did little to teach this big man to stay on his feet. What was that? It looked like Divac was fouled by Shaq's jersey! The proof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPHIT61FfU

(Dis)honorable mention:
Manu Ginobili, Steve Nash, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shane Battier, Karl Malone, Matt Harpring, Kevin Johnson

New Army Policy Benefits NFL Rookie

2008-05-02T15:59:00.000-06:00

In case you lost interest by the time the NFL Draft rolled around to the seventh round last weekend, Caleb Campbell, a safety from Army, was chosen by the Detroit Lions with the 218th pick of the draft.

Unlike professional-caliber athletes of the past from the military academies, Campbell is the first Army football player to benefit from a new policy that will allow him to play professional football while fulfilling his military commitment as a recruiter and in the reserves. Campbell will spend his Tuesday off days from the Lions visiting local high schools and working as a recruiter.

If his football career lasts longer than two seasons, Campbell will have the opportunity to buy out the remaining three years of his active-duty commitment in exchange for six years in the reserves.

Roger Staubach and David Robinson would likely have loved a deal like that.

Critics of the new policy call it unfair to Campbell's classmates and fellow soldiers. Now, critics argue, someone else will have to take Campbell's place if his unit is deployed to Iraq.

This argument is weak.

If Campbell's unit is sent to the Middle East or wherever else, Joe Blow and John Doe in his unit are going to see combat whether Campbell plays for the Lions or not. Nobody's going to replace Campbell who isn't already expecting to be deployed to Iraq.

If there was a military draft in place, then the critics' argument would be stronger. If a military draft was in place, I would suspect the new military policy regarding professional athletes would be reversed to what it was before: five years of service BEFORE the big bucks and limelight of pro sports.

Now all Campbell has to do is make the team.

Bye-Bye Sonics; Adios Zeke; Playoffs Are Here!

2008-04-18T16:00:00.000-06:00

This just in: On Apr. 18, the NBA owners, by a 28-2 vote, approved the relocation of the Seattle Super Sonics franchise to Oklahoma City. The only stipulation is that the team settle its lawsuit with the city of Seattle and is able to get out of the remaining two years on its lease with the KeyArena.

Dallas owner Mark Cuban and Portland owner Paul Allen were the two who voted against the move. Cuban cited his concerns over the size of the Oklahoma City market as the reason he voted 'nay' while Allen offered no reason for his vote.

Who cares? Why should any professional sports franchise need the approval of its competitors to relocate the place where it does business? If McDonalds wants to shut down one of its restaurants and open another in a neighboring city, does Ronald McDonald need to get permission from Burger King, Wendy's, Carl's Jr., and Jack In The Box?

Every sports franchise should be able to what it wants and deems is necessary to survive. Requiring a poll of 30 filthy rich owners is silly. Each of these owners know how to succeed in businesses other than professional sports. Each would have been severely limited in that success if they had been required to seek permission from a group of peers to do what is in the best interest of their business.

It speaks loudly of Cuban's and Allen's arrogance to think they could actually stop the Sonics from relocating.

What??? Arrogance in professional sports? Surely I jest!

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Isaiah Thomas was fired by the Knicks on Friday, Apr. 18. Thomas, who won two NBA titles as a player with the Detroit Pistons, was hired by the Knicks as the team president on Dec. 22, 2003. His management and eventual return to coaching in 2006 steadily led the team on a downward spiral, culminating in last summer's sexual harrassment case and this season's dismal 23-59 campaign.

Thomas has a 187-223 NBA coaching record with three NBA teams (Toronto, Indiana, and New York). Thomas also purchased the financially-strapped CBA in 1998 for $5 million and played a key role in the league's eventual collapse. A late-hour offer from the NBA to purchase the league as its own minor league system fell on deaf ears with Thomas and the league officially ceased to exist in 2000.

So...what took so long? Why didn't the Knicks get rid of Thomas the minute things started going south (which was sometime not long after he arrived)? It's no surprise he didn't do well with the Knicks; he hasn't been successful at much since he retired from the Pistons in 1994.

Sure, he's been employed, making more money than I'll ever see, but success at one's chosen profession goes deeper than bank. Most of his coaching success came in Indiana when he replaced Larry Bird and was able to ride the team Bird built into the playoffs for the three seasons he was there.

A member of the Pistons' "Bad Boy" teams of the late '80s and early '90s, Thomas displayed little class and much arrogance and disdain along with his impressive playing skills. He's in the NBA Hall of Fame as a player, but don't look for him to make it there as a coach or front office guy.

Respect and success on the court or field are how most professional sports personnel are judged and Thomas had little of either. I wonder which team Thomas will next be able to run into the ground.

Dr. Buss...do not answer the phone when Zeke calls.

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The NBA playoffs tip off on Saturday, Apr. 19. Here's a quick look at the first round matchups and my take on them:

"Least"ern Conference
#8 Atlanta vs. #1 Boston: C'mon. Are you serious? I'll be surprised if the Hawks win one game. Garnett, Pierce, and Allen have waited much too long to let their first real shot at an NBA title go down the tubes in the first round. Yeah, I know K.G. almost made it in Minnesota, but c'mon, they were playing the Lakers!
Bottom line: Celtics in four

#7 Philadelphia vs. #2 Detroit: Philadelphia had a strong second half of the season and I think they might surprise some folks against the Pistons. If the Pistons can hang on to the momentum they gained by going 8-2 to close out the season, they could be the team to beat in the East.
Bottom line: Pistons in six

#6 Toronto vs. #3 Orlando: Every time I see the Magic play on TV, my thoughts return to the All-Star weekend and the sight of Dwight Howard stealing the show at the slam dunk competition. His Superman dunk could be a portent for the Raptors' playoff hopes.
Bottom line: Magic in five

#5 Washington vs. #4 Cleveland: This is the third straight season these teams will meet in the post season. The Cavs swept the Wizards in '07 and beat them in six in '06. Gilbert Arenas, who recently returned from a nearly season-long injury, will come off the bench for the Wizards. Lebron James is...well, Lebron James. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the Cavs are...Lebron James. Sorry L.J., your one-man show won't cut it this year.
Bottom line: Wizards in six

"Best"ern Conference
#8 Denver vs. #1 L.A. Lakers: I'll try not to let my heart rule in this one. Okay, I'll let my heart say one thing: go Lakers!!! That aside, the West is wide open this year. A mere three games separated the top six teams in the West and only seven separated the Lakers and Nuggets. Carmelo and A.I. are a formidable threat to the Lakers who are a split second away from seeing their season go up in flames with Kobe's swollen and surgery-destined pinky. A.I. has been to the NBA Finals before, but I don't think his experience (a loss to the Lakers in '01) will be enough to guide the Nuggets there.
Bottom line: Lakers in five

#7 Dallas vs. #2 New Orleans: Head coach Byron Scott has had a lot of coaching success, guiding New Jersey to the Finals in '02 and '03 and steadily turning the Hornets around since he took over in '04. The Hornets have improved in wins in each of Scott's seasons at the helm. The Hornets defense lapsed during the final stretch of the regular season, losing four of six. Dallas is steadily declining. The team has gone from a Finals appearance in '06 to a top seed and a subsequent first-round collapse against Golden State in '07 to a seven seed in '08. Look for the upstart to continue upstarting.
Bottom line: Hornets in six

#6 Phoenix vs. #3 San Antonio: This is the best matchup of the first round. With the addition of Shaq, look for Phoenix to try to exploit the Spurs inside. If Duncan can take his game outside the key, Shaq and the Suns will be a sunken ship. It's hard to choose against Steve Nash and Amare Stoudamaire, though. Tony Parker has been plagued by injuries this season, so don't look for him to be as much of a factor in this series as he has been in the past. The winner of this series, if not burned out, could be on the inside track to the Finals.
Bottom line: Spurs in seven

#4 Utah vs. #5 Houston: The Rockets have the home court advantage in this series because they have a better record than the Jazz. Living in the Jazz' back yard, I am privvy to the rantings and ravings of a fan base that will forever lament their beloved Jazz blowing its only shots at the NBA title in '97 and '98. The Jazz have improved in each of the past two seasons, but they still aren't the caliber of the Stockton and Malone squads of yesteryear. Carlos Boozer, Mehmot Okur, Ronnie Brewer, and Deron Williams are solid players and are probably enough to overpower the Yao Ming-less Rockets. The Jazz were one step away from reaching the Finals last season, but don't look for them to repeat that feat this season. Tracy McGrady, like L.J., is pretty much a one man team.
Bottom line: Jazz in six

Views and (Semi) News

2008-04-11T16:19:00.000-06:00

We interrupt this program to bring you the following special report from the sporting world. The views and news presented here do not reflect the views and opinions of this network or its affiliates.

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So Kansas won the NCAA men's basketball championship. No surprise to a lot of office tourney bracket players, I know, there were a few in my pool! I, on the other hand, chose Stanford and North Carolina to face off for the title and predicted the Cardinal would win it all. That prediction fell along the wayside in the Sweet 16 for Stanford and in the Final Four for North Carolina. No matter, the tournament was a lot of fun to watch...just as it is every year!

Now, if only the folks at NCAA headquarters would wise up and institute a football playoff tournament! I know the BCS was supposed to be a good thing for college football, but I don't think it has been. There are many ways the NCAA could institute a football playoff, but it is evident that won't be happening anytime soon.

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The NBA regular season is winding down and it's anyone's guess who the team to beat in the West is. I don't think I've ever seen such a tight race so late in a season. It's obvious that the Celtics are the team to beat in the East and will likely be the favorite if they reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1987. Like every season, I'm pulling for the Lakers and would love to see a Lakers-Celtics final again. The 1984, '85, and '87 matchups between these two storied franchises are NBA Finals I grew up on. Sure, if it happens, the players will be different, but it doesn't matter; what would matter is that the two organizations that helped build the NBA Finals into what it is today would be locking horns for the whole enchilada once again.

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Major League Baseball is underway again. I watched my beloved Dodgers on ESPN on Opening Day and it did my mood well to see them blank the Giants. What I can't believe, however, is that Larry Bowa is wearing the Dodger Blue. I admire Joe Torre and am glad he's the Dodger manager, but why did he have to bring Bowa on board? I mean, how could you hire someone who was a Dodger killer in his playing days? I know it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but when I think of a list of former players that should NEVER have anything to do with my beloved Dodgers, Bowa is on that list.

Others who should NEVER don the Dodger Blue include: Craig Nettles, Barry Bonds, Dale Murphy, Gary Carter, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, and Pete Rose. I'm sure I could come up with more, but that's a good start.

I trust Torre will make sound baseball decisions while at the helm of the Dodgers. I will have to trust him on the Bowa addition. But my inner child who lived and died with the Dodgers in the 70s and 80s is booing at the top of his lungs.

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Former NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell was recently hired as the head football coach at Springville (Utah) High School. Mitchell is an SHS alum who led the Red Devils to the Utah state football championship in 1986. My son will be a senior this coming season and is very excited, as are all of his teammates, to have Mitchell as their head dude.

I'm not convinced that the powers that be at SHS went out and found the best available person for the job, but it will be interesting to see what unfolds for the SHS 2008 football team. If Mitchell doesn't lead the team to the playoffs, at least he will help fill the stands and take some of the limelight away from nearby powerhouse, and regional rival, Timpview.

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This has been a special report from the world of sports. We now return you to our regularly scheduled programming.