It's been 5 years!

I've shared my story about my weight struggles before. I haven't told the whole story though. Those who've known me for more than 5 years know I used to be 251 lbs (at 5'6). I struggled with my weight most of my adult life. I tried a bunch of different fad diets, I've tried different types of pills (prescription and non). I've had some success. The most I lost was about 30 lbs during a dieting phase. In Sept 2012 I had been working on my latest diet/exercise phase. I was down about 25 lbs since May of that year. I went out to the basketball court to get in some exercise and POP! I ended up with a full tear of my Achilles. It was the worst pain in my life! I remember sitting in the doctor's office when he finished putting the cast on. He told me the cast would be on for 6 weeks, then I'd get it removed and have to do rehab for the leg. He said at least a 6 month recovery time and closer to a year before I get back to 100%. I didn't show it at the office but in that moment I died inside! I was thinking 'those 20+ lbs I lost over the last 4-5 months will all come back! What am I gonna do?!"

6 weeks later, I got the cast off and realized I still had to use crutches for weeks because my leg was so weak. Daily "wins" were being able to put pressure on the leg for more than 5 seconds. I didn't have the money to go to rehab so I only went to a couple of sessions. I looked up the exercises on line and did them at home on my own. My leg started to get stronger and yes, I did pick up all the weight I lost plus another 5-10 lbs.

December 2012 was the 2nd domino to fall that really changed my life. A good friend of mine (and at that time I didn't have a lot of "good friends") died of a heart attack. Rocked my world. A guy only a couple years older than me--died suddenly of a heart attack! I couldn't believe it. I had to lose weight again! I couldn't let that be me! February 2013 the next domino fell--probably the one that was the most significant. My oldest daughter told me she was pregnant. World rocked again! I'm going to be a grandfather! I had to get myself together! I went back to my doctor for the prescription pills I had found some success with. Surely that would help! Not this time. I don't know if my body had gotten used to it, but now I could barely lose 5lbs on the pills.  I went into a depression for several months. I didn't tell my family about it. I felt lost. I honestly did not think I would live another 5 years. I was back to over 245 lbs. I was coming off an Achilles tear--still not 100%. The weight loss I tried wasn't working. I was doomed!

July 6, 2013 my oldest grandson Caden was born. He was the last domino to fall for me. Holding that precious baby in my arms got me out of my depression and got me motivated.  I knew if I was going to live long enough to see this child grow up, start school I had to do something. A friend of mine had researched gastric by pass surgery. I always thought that was for people with money--not us "common folk." I never thought it was an option. I didn't realize that it had been around so long that it was now an accepted practice that most insurances will cover a significant portion of it. At this point, cost didn't matter to me. If I had to go into debt the rest of my life, at least I'd have a "life" to do that for! I scheduled myself for a meeting in September 2013 and got the ball rolling.

January 2014 I got the surgery! It saved my life. I followed the regiment, dropped 90 lbs in a year and got into running as a hobby/addiction. As I was sitting in a tub soaking my sore body from running my second marathon, it had just dawned upon--it's been 5 years! It's been 5 years since I sat in depression thinking I was not going to live another 5 years if I stayed on the course I was on. To God be the glory!!! In these last 5 years I've been blessed to see my grandson grow up, start pre school. I even have a 2nd grandson Cole. I've had the pleasure of watching him grow and we just celebrated his 3rd birthday. I've watched my oldest daughter graduate college. My son graduate high school and attend college. This Sunday (May 6th) I will have the honor of walking my oldest daughter down the aisle as she gets married.

God has richly blessed my life. While I say the surgery changed my life I know that all this time God was directing my steps. He needed me to see the despair I was in to know what He had planned for my life. I feel reborn out of the ashes. As I reflect on this gift of life He's given me I can't help but think about what God wants me to do with this life He's given back to me. I need to do some more soul searching on this. In the meantime, I'm going to try and be the best version of myself I can--so that it honors Him!

If you are reading and can relate to the depression, pain and suffering know that God is real. Know that He loves you and He has a plan for you. What may seem difficult or impossible CAN be overcome! Remember God is in the miracle business! "I can do all things through Him that gives me strength!" Phil 4:13 NIV

Promote The Positive

A couple of years ago I started using the hastag #PromoteThePositive.  I was just thinking the other day, why did I start doing that? Then it hit me! (pretty proud of myself for remembering that circumstance since my brain is pretty much mush these days), but I was on Twitter and it just seemed like every story that came out was about something negative! Shootings, rapes, crime, violence, athletes being arrested for one reason or another...on and on--all negative things.  Then I saw a small article about something positive an athlete did. They either gave back to their hometown or helped with Make A Wish but it was something that was pretty cool yet it only got a small heading. I posed the question to that article "why are only the negative things these days highlighted? Where are the articles trumpeting the positive?" Someone who was following the article (that I did not know) replied to me with something like "Negativity sells! If it bleeds it leads! you can't be that naive". Well, you can imagine my first reaction as pride was swelling in my blood--BUT I didn't bite. Instead of coming with vitriol and malice I simply asked the question "why not?! Why can't we promote what is positive in society?" From there I decided I was going to be the one to get that train moving if nobody else did. Now I know I'm CLEARLY not the first or only one to promote the positivity--I'm forwarding/tagging these articles.  But I want to do my part to show that there are good people in this world. There are positive things going on. Not every person is out to do you harm.  If you lose hope/faith then we are truly lost.

So, I challenge every person who reads this article find something you can point to that's positive and share it with others. Use the hashtag #PromoteThePositive maybe it'll catch on. "If it bleeds it leads" will still have a dominant place in our culture unfortunately, but we can also give voice to those things and those people doing positive in our communities, lives, world.

...maybe it's just me :)

God bless!

Why I run

People often ask me, "Why do you run?" I guess the reason they ask is most of my social media posts are about runs I've been on, articles I've read and thought were interesting and re posted were about running.  My love of sports has evolved to a love/loathe relationship with running.  As I was getting up this morning, I had contemplated going out for a run before work.  Sleep was feeling real good. I knew today would be another long day because of commitments I've made so it was real easy to say 'naw, don't need to run today. I got too much to do. Need to save the energy.' So I started checking email then checking Facebook.  BAM!  About 2-3 post I saw were guys in my run group BMR (Black Men Run).  They showed themselves putting in work.  Well if they got out, I got no excuse. I need to get out too! As I was out running it occurred to me there are so many reasons why I run. To narrow it down to just one or two wouldn't be doing it any justice. So, I wanted to write this piece on "Why I run."

God

He is the most important person in my life. I wouldn't be true to myself if I didn't list the many blessings God has given as one of the reasons I run.  God has given me His grace.  Grace has been defined as "not getting what you deserve and getting what you don't deserve." This is certainly true in my case. I ballooned up to 251 pounds at my highest weight. I'm only 5'6" so I was a bowling ball! Unhealthy. No exercising habits to speak of. Poor eater in terms of healthy eating. I was a borderline diabetic. Has some heart issues. I did all of this to myself. No one held a gun to my head and forced me into this lifestyle. I DID IT! I certainly didn't deserve a second chance at health, but He gave it to me! I got on a program to get gastric by pass surgery January of 2014 and as of this morning I've dropped over 90 lbs! Sure I celebrate the weight loss and being able to keep it off going on 2 years but I KNOW without God I'm not here or successful.  More about that later too

Social Media

This on the surface may seem vain to you, but let me explain something.  When people (like myself) post runs or workouts on social media it's directed at 2 specific people/groups:

1. The little voice that tells you 'don't go out. you don't need to run/work out today. Stay home where it's comfortable. You've done enough'

2. It's directed at the person who reads the post and NEEDS that post.  Just like I mentioned this morning, I was battling the little voice in my head who said stay in bed.  I saw some of my brothers who beat that little voice and their post ENCOURAGED me. It got me going.  Many, many times I see people posting runs, walks, work outs whatever and I get encouraged! I'm happy for them! I see people who run faster and longer than me and their posts push me! They give me the goal to set before myself!  So, when you're on Facebook or Twitter or any other social media and you see my post or anyone else's know WHY they're posting. It's to brag--to that little voice that says stop and its to encourage that person who otherwise may not have started

BMR/BGR

My wife Christy started running with BGR (Black Girls Run). I didn't get it. We live in a beautiful community with plenty of areas to walk/run in. Why drive somewhere else to meet other people to go walk/run? Seemed like a waste of gas to me (especially when gas was like $4/gallon). She kept encouraging me to get with BMR back in February of this year when I started to exercise again. NOPE! I didn't need to run with a group. I had all the land I needed right here!  Trained and ran my first 5K in 4 years right here too. It was the first time I ran a 5K all the way through without walking. I figured I'd run a 5K every quarter for the rest of the year. I started following BMR on Facebook. Saw some of the postings and the runs--cool, just not for me.  Then June we ran an impromtu 5k at NoDa Brewery. I met some of the fellas at the race. Took a group picture with them though I felt out of place like I didn't belong.  I mean I had never gone out on a run with them so it was kind of weird for me.  I ran that race all the way through and beat my previous time (PR--Personal Record). I decided to start meeting with BMR on their Monday and Wednesday runs. I messaged our Capt Greg and asked how long did they run? I mean to me these guys were semi pro runners! They were in a running club! I was only hoping to keep pace with them.  Greg told me "your race, your pace. We stay until the last guy comes in. We just ask whatever distance you run you finish w/in an hour."  OH COOL! I can do that. Went out with them on a Monday at the greenway and had a great run! I was so used to the hills of Highland Creek running flatlands on the greenway was a breeze! that soon became a healthy addiction. I got to know a bunch of great guys. One of the best parts is unlike a lot of "clubs" or sports you get into they ALL GENUINELY encouraged you every step! If you were running a race they came out to support you (and these races get going early). Sometimes ran along side you. They even TRICK you into running your first half marathon after only ever running a 5k! LOL.  I had knee problems no doctor was diagnosing right. I was training for my 1st half marathon and I hit a pretty big set back. I couldn't run--not a bit! I was frustrated and depressed. What I loved was being taken from me and no one could tell me why. I was about 2 weeks from the race and posted on FB that I hit a set back.  Within 5 minutes I got a call from one of my brothers John who said "hey we're getting through this half! If I got to walk you through this thing myself that's what we're gonna do!" I just met John through BMR a month or two ago when he made that call to me.  John has been battling his own challenges. This was his 1st half marathon too and I knew how hard he had been working. I told John I would not let him waste his training waiting on me to get through this. I NEEDED him to run his race. My faith in God would not allow me to give up! John's words gave me the courage and the resolve I needed.  Come hell or high water I was finishing!  And I did...

Family/Fitness

There is so much I can put here. I can add my BMR/BGR family. My church family, but for these purposes I'll say this is related to my wife, kids and grandsons.  December 2012 a very good friend of mine passed away suddenly. It shocked me. I was recovering from a torn achilles and picking up weight I had previously lost. My friend KJ dying really made me look at my life.  In early 2013 I found out I was going to be a grandfather (Pop Pop). I was out of shape. Morbidly obese and honestly didn't think I would live another 5 years at this pace.  I wanted/needed to see my grandson! I wanted my kids to have a dad. I wanted to grow old with my wife. I was not putting myself in position to do any of that. So I started on the path for getting gastric by pass surgery. They told me my max weight loss would be down to 187 lbs.  That was great!  They also told me if I didn't take care of myself I could stretch my stomach back and regain the weight. There were quite a few people at work that had gotten the surgery and had gained the weight back.  That terrified me! In order for me to lose the weight and keep it off I had to exercise! I had done too much damage to my knees and couldn't play basketball like I used to. I don't like cycling so that left golf or running. Golf is nice but expensive and weather dependent. Running/walking is FREE and available anywhere.  I started walking then running and walking and competing. It gave me a new body. It gave my kids a new dad and my wife a new husband.  Since, I've also been blessed with a second grandson as well.  My family is my world. I owed it to them to do whatever I could to get healthy.

So for those of you who are contemplating whether to run/walk/workout, I say DO IT! Don't listen to the little voices in your head or the doubters who tell you you can't. I didn't start out 2015 thinking I would run (6) 5K, (11) 10K (2) half marathons in less than 10 months, but with God's grace I did! Don't wait until the new year get out today!  Remember "it's your race and your pace!"

get it in!

Can SOMEONE please get the Lakers organization into the year 2015??!!!

What do you do for a living?  Are you in Sales, medical field, or something else?  Whatever it is, imagine you are considered one of the best in your field.  Now you're thinking "I want to see what other companies are like."  Not that you're necessarily unhappy with where you are--you're respected, compensated well and you have some seniority.  You decide to send your resume out through a service and low and behold you get 6-7 companies lining up to interview you!  Great day right?! You do your research on the companies and you know their history and you see where they are in terms of stability and job security. You decide to take the interview for all the companies because you want to hear what they are all about.  You want to be a part of a winning team and know how you and your skill set fits in to that team--right? Well, while you're at company #1 they bring out local celebrity and former star of the "what's going down" episode of That's My Momma Randy Watson to sing Greatest Love of All as part of company #1 pitch to why you should join them.  Does that move you in any way? You went to an interview to see how you would fit in with this company, knowing that you have a ton of value and experience you can offer.  They bring out Randy Watson as part of their pitch to you!!!  You see where I'm going here? No? Well neither did LaMarcus Aldridge when he met with the Lakers on his first visit for free agency.  The Lakers made a movie (similar to what they pitched to Mello last year) and brought out their "a-list celebs" to pitch "basketball" to him.  When he asked about basketball questions, he got vague and incomplete answers.  After all of this the Lakers brass were reported as saying they felt the meeting went exceptionally well.  Now that this is all coming to light, the usual punching bag for the Lakers woes (Kobe Bryant) is being hung out to dry.  Here's my case why that is MOSTLY unfair:

The state of the LA Lakers​: for 2 years most of the blame/media coverage about the Lakers is that Kobe is getting a ton of money and his attitude is keeping free agents away from the Lakers. Here's why that' flawed (mostly, but not completely). Yes his salary does prevent LA from bringing in 2 max contract players. But, what team has that kind of cap room and what two max contract players are REALLY worth spending that kind of money on AND willing to go to that one team? I'll wait for the answer...So let's take that off the table for now. The 2nd issue about Kobe not being the type of player others want to play with. Who? Who are these players that don't want to ball with a top 10 all time great with 5 rings and a unanimous 1st ballot hall of famer who has the best work ethic on the court since Jordan?! Point them out, mark them with a highlighter so I can see them in fluorescent light because I DON'T WANT THEM ON MY TEAM!  The MAIN problem for the Lakers organization is THEIR approach to free agents! They're still pitching players like they did when they landed Shaq. A bunch of Hollywood types, movies about how they can market them and why "the big city" is the best place for their "brand."  This is the age of social media. No offense to my Cleveland, OH family but that is a relatively small market that houses the best player in the league--his brand is just fine! Why, because you no longer need the exposure of a big city to be a big market attraction. News and information is instantaneous. It's not dependent on a big market.  And lets be honest, "branding" is GLOBAL not just local. The Lakers need to infuse some fresh blood into the front office.  Someone who knows the pulse of the players.  They also need to point to how bringing in player _____ is going to help them get banner #17..18...and well you get it!

Now, Kobe has and still goes "on the record" with unwise comments. Most recently he was interviewed by Jemelle Hill and the quote attributed him about why he doesn't make friends in the NBA he said (paraphrasing) 'friends are temporary but banners last forever.' Two sides to this. Those who love the competitiveness of that statement laud his bravado.  Those who really pay attention to what that means are saddened by it.  A TRUE friend DOES last forever.  It seems apparent Kobe hasn't really found that TRUE friend or tried. When you retire and the bright lights are dimming and darkening who's left? Family? Sure. Friends? TRUE ones! Not just those who are there when things are good.  This is how Kobe has approached a lot of his career (based on what I've seen and read as I have never met the man personally). That's sad to me, because the end of his career is coming--a brilliant hall of fame career. He's apparently been wise with his money so he wont be going broke but the game and it's players who are carrying it on, may not be as quick to embrace a retired Kobe as they are for one who is currently playing--he may be OK with that now but later? We all want to be loved/liked on a certain level.  I think this mindset has prevented some with bonding and going all out for the Lakers. If I can make an analogy: As a supervisor, I have people who work for me. If all I ever do is treat them like employees and just show business interest in what they say and do, they will handle their jobs appropriately but when the ____ hits the fan, and I'm backed into the wall and now NEED them to step up their game, how many (if any) will be WILLING to do that on their own? What would be their motivation? I've only treated them like employees and just giving them what is fair and just; not considering them or sacrifices they've made and attributing value to that at all. Still, some may give you more, but how many? How long will that last if you stay on the same course?  Kareem was known to be a bit surly during his playing days. It cost him relationships with team mates and media. he was an all time great and first ballot hall of famer.  However at some point he wanted to be a head coach. He started off working with centers and did a great job in helping some of the games big men take their game to the next level.  However he (to this date) has never gotten the opportunity to be a head coach. Not because he couldn't handle it. There are ton of head coaches who got jobs they probably shouldn't have but did. Most attribute Kareem's past as the main reason he didn't get ground swell and support for what he wanted to do next. 

This is Kobe's 20th year in the league. Monumental accomplishments. Great career. He will be celebrated this year. I'm hoping to see him in Charlotte. I hope he takes this time to enjoy what has been accomplished, appreciate what has been earned, and enjoy the last chapter(s) of his career with his team mates and an organization who is at a cross roads betting heavily on draft picks D'Angelo Russel and Julius Randle can take them to the next great chapter in Lakers history.  Because when it's over (and the end is sooner than we want to think) it's over!  The Lakers will need to figure out life after Kobe--that train is getting retired and a new model is needed. They can't rely on the old thinking. They need to adjust to how things are done today.  Get back to basketball and winning ON the court. Let the players agent figure out how his/her client can win off the court. You can give them resources, but stick to what got you here--winning basketball games and championships.  It's what the interview is for!

...or is it just me?

Why keeping Sparano MAY make sense for the Raiders

OK...OK...OK...It's one win but MAN!!! that one win came a full calendar year PLUS for Raiders fans..AND at the expense of one of your rivals.  Only thing that would've made it sweeter for me was for it to be against the broncos. 
This team has a lot of bright spots on it.  There are pieces to build from.  That couldn't be said as early as 2 years ago.  We are beginning to see the development of players on the defense like:
Sio Moore, Khalil Mack, Justin Ellis, TJ Carrie and DJ Hayden
offensively has to lead off with your General: Derek Carr, Latavious Murray, Gabe Jackson, Lil Wiz, Streator, Andre Holmes, Brice Butler and James Jones. There are also other players in the mix that we hope are developing and will see some major PT soon like McGill, Dowling and Watson.

Again, all positives we couldn't point to a couple years ago.  Now, I said there's a reason why the Raiders may want to consider keeping Sparano as the head man.  Consistency. The Raiders will still likely get the first pick in the draft.  At worst a top 5 for sure.  That means there's still a lot of work to be done and still quite a few more pieces to be added.  Why not keep a guy who has the players respect?  He's been a rebuilding coach before. He's considered a top coach with the offensive line and let's face it we still have some work to do to get these guys in a better position to succeed.  The Raiders will not contend for a playoff spot next year--no shock to the realistic fan.  For some of my Raider Nation brethren I may have just put myself on the most wanted list for that statement.  Either way, I believe it to be true!  Keep Sparano around for a few more years and see what that type of consistency can do for Carr/Mack/Moore and the other foundation pieces the Raiders have.  Sparano could turn this into a playoff contender with the right pieces if GM Reggie McKenzie can get him what he needs.  The Raiders are still looking for a permanent home. No deal is forth coming. What is there to gain but hoping a marquee coach REALLY wants to come there for anything less than a Brinks truck with all the trimmings!

Give Sparano a chance to put his model in place.  We are starting to see some of the young talent Reggie brought in so let's tie the two together for a couple more years. We're out of cap hell and have a full compliment of draft picks. We have (what we believe) is our present and future signal caller, so let's keep it moving with the guys we got.  Sparano will likely make some moves with the assistant coaches in the off season--so be it.  I say consider him for the top job rather than settle/hope we find the next big thing in coaching.  Rebuilding a team doesn't occur overnight. We made the wrong choice 3 years ago in a guy w/o head coaching experience, let's roll with what/who we know.

...or is it just me?

Future ESPN 30 for 30--Kobe Bryant--an appreciation

What if I told you a 17 year old kid from Italy, via Philadelphia would change an NBA franchise and spark a debate for years to come?  Ok, I had to start off like that!  Seriously, 17 year old Kobe Bean Bryant decides to go from high school to the pro's; gets drafted 8th by the Charlotte Hornets then traded to the LA Lakers draft day for Vlade Divac and thus began a history making career that will end with countless comparisons to Michael Jeffery Jordan--revered as THE greatest NBA player ever...or is it just me?

Let's compare (stats are through 4/2/2013)

Name (championships)	Seasons	GP	GS	PTS	ASST	REB
M Jordan (6)	15	1264	1264	32292	5633	6672
K Bryant (5)	16	1234	1086	31457	5853	6544
Difference (1)	1	30	178	835	-220	128

Jordan played 3 years at UNC before going to the NBA.  He "retired" for a season, came back and won three more NBA championships before retiring again.  He then came back for 2 more forgettable years with the Wizards.  In total Jordan played 15 seasons was a starter since being drafted.  Jordan completed his career in 2nd place in all time scoring.  Since retirement he has dropped to 3rd (behind Karl Malone and Kareem).  Jordan holds 6 scoring titles.

Kobe came to the Lakers in 1995-96 seasons.  He played in 71/82 games that year, starting in only 6.  Following year he played in 79 games and started 1.  It wasn't until the strike shortened season of 1998-99 that Kobe became a full time starter. Kobe didn't become the Lakers first option until 2005-06 seasons (Shaq traded to Miami).   Kobe holds 1 scoring title. Kobe will finish his 16th season in 4th place all time on the scoring list.  At this point he trails Jordan by 835 points to move into 3rd all time with 1 more year on his contract.

I'm a big Kobe fan, but NO ONE has ever matched Jordan competitive mentality--his killer instinct.  Jordan admitted in a recent article he created a rivalry with his own brother convincing himself that his father favored his brother (Larry) more than him. This drove him to compete and dominate on the highest levels throughout his career.  Kobe is close--but I would say he's still #2 in competitive nature.  Kobe has played through numerous injuries such as broken fingers, damaged knees, back problems, sprained ankles to name a few.  He, just like Jordan wants/demands the ball when it's clutch time.  He (like Jordan) was known for delivering in the clutch as well.  Jordan would dominate on defense as well as on offense which is the difference in the two.  Kobe has always been a very good defender, but his gift to the game has been his offense.  His uncanny ability to create his own shot when there doesn't seem to be one.  He's been labeled as selfish and a ball hog, but when you're 4th in the NBA in scoring all time that comes with the territory.  Jordan/Kobe have both been described as "hard to play with" by some team mates but both have also been described as "driven" by the same.

Last night Shaquille O'Neal got his jersey retired from the Lakers (rightfully so).  Shaq and Kobe's feud was much publicized.  Both (one retired and the other on the door step) reflect back on their feud and admit they wished they were able to work things out for the betterment of their careers.  If they were, we could be talking about Shaq catching the great Bill Russell with 11 rings and Kobe would have likely surpassed Jordan's 6 at this point in his career.  Instead Kobe offers this explanation to why it didn't work out.

     "Me and Shaq are two alpha-males. We both are dominant and need to be the dominant presence on our teams.  We would eventually have to part even if it was on good terms.  It would be like Jordan (Michael) playing alongside Wilt (Chamberlain) during their careers.  Eventually they would have to part ways."

TRUE.  Kobe has been vilified in the media.  He's earned some of it.  Some of it not so much. Jordan was/is beloved.  To suggest someone in this lifetime would be close to the icon that is Jordan is uneasy for some.  That gets manifested in different ways.  it's easy to pick apart someone's flaws--especially someone you don't like.  What's difficult is to respect those accomplishments w/o bias for what they are.  Jordan was compared to NBA legend Julius "Dr J" Erving early in his career.  Sacrilegious for those of us who loved watching the Dr work.  Over time though we came to appreciate Jordan for what he was.  Kobe's career isn't over with yet.  He may/may not catch Jordan in scoring/championships.  EVERYONE who knows anything about Kobe knows that's his mark. He chooses the best at his position to emulate.  Love him or hate him, whether it's 5 rings, 6 rings or more Kobe is still in the conversation as one of the greatest to play the game of all time.  We may never see another one like Jordan, but I would venture to say we'll also never see another one like Kobe Bean Bryant either!

What happened to the middle ground?

"Best team ever!"  "This is the team to beat!"  "Long season for..."  these were the headlines after 1 week of football.  I wondered how true would people be if things were reveresed in week 2.  Sure enough the tune changed completely.  Let's look at some examples
Jets put a whoopin on the Bills week 1.  They score an NFL high of 48 points and everyone is ready to annoint them the beasts of the East.  Fast forward to Sunday and the Jets lose to a good Pittsburgh team.  Now the headlines are filled with "Calls for Tebow to start with Jets."  take the Cowboys.  They beat reigning super bowl champs the Giants in the season opener.  Sunday they get beat soundly by Seattle.  The same ones who were ready to have a part for Dallas's ceremonious return are the same ones asking if "they have the right QB for the team." 
Where is the middle?  Is there anyone who believes in a win is a win and a loss is a loss.  A win (this early) isn't the catapult to a 16-0 season and promises of future greatness.  Nor is a loss (this early) the begining of the Apocalypse for your team. No one has perspective anymore.  I guess because society is used to the sensationalism.  People want the extreme story. Nobody wants to hear the truth--really?  Truth is the vast majority of teams have work to do.  Some more than others.  For other teams (like my beloved Raiders) there's a lot that needs to be done but not much to do it with.

Shaq V Howard

It's been a while since I posted. A lot has taken place.  I've felt like writing a couple times but that's not when I want to write--when I kinda felt like it.  I wanted my next post and any post from here on to be inspired.  I wanted to "want" to write.  I'm a self professed sports junky who isn't trying to get cured. 
With that said I just read an article by Scoop Jackson on ESPN.  Pretty decent article.  Scoop, like most writers/fans/ex-players was/is calling out Dwight Howard for his play.  Scoop contends that D12 needs to "prove all of us wrong (fans/writers/players)." That's the part I don't agree with.  He doesn't HAVE TO prove anything to the fans to make his money.  Writers neither.  Players--kinda. He has to prove his worth to the GM and Owner of the team.  Right now, the public message they're sending is he is.  He's got an open invite to a max contract at the end of the season.  if he chooses to go elsewhere there are other teams waiting to offer him the max they can offer (which is 1 year and some millions less than the Lakers could).  All that adds up to he doesn't have anything to prove to them to make THAT money.  Howeva' if he wants jersey sales, shoe contracts, endorsements, acting roles all that other stuff that comes with being a superstar in a major sport--he has to convince us!
The most common comparison is Shaq and Howard to each other.  You already know the background and similarities (position, size, former team, etc...)  Both are physically gifted and love to have fun--big kids.  Difference is Shaq LOVED to Dominate on the court! You come at him and he's putting in 40 pt and 20+ boards THEN give you a sound byte in the interview to let you know WHY you brought this on yourself! D12...no so much. You go at him and he sulks. He doesn't get mad and he doesn't take ANYTHING out on the court. THIS is what EVERYONE--GM/Owner included are waiting to see from him.
Scoop talks about D12 not smiling so much on the court.  I get that, but I can take that if he DOMINATING you with a smile. Let's be honest, he can still dominate.  You see glimpses of it.  If he's planning on staying with the Lakers, that means living with Kobe another year or two (maybe more).  He can't wait until Kobe is gone before he decides he wants to assert himself. Do it now! Demand your spot as an equal--even if you're not. Kobe is hard to play with--no question.  BUT, you'll get his respect if you earn it--demand it! Kobe AND Shaq will freely admit (now) that both needed each other.  If they were able to figure out a way to co-exist, the potential was limitless.  When Phil retired in 2005 after the finals, Jerry Buss/Mitch had dinner with Pat Riley about coming back to coach the Lakers.  Riley said yes on one condition--he could talk to Shaq and Kobe about staying together.  He was denied.  At that point Shaq was going to be traded.  What could've been...
To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Dwight needs to take hold of "the fierce urgency of now." Now is the time to dominate!
Now is the time to demand your respect!
Now is the time to prove to yourself that you belong in the conversation as a dominant player!

If I could tell Dwight something directly it would be this:
D12 you have all the game in the world but you're not showing it. Kobe wants to win above everything and everyone. You have to deal with that. It's the price a champion pays. If you're not paying that price, you're not winning championships or at least you're not a factor in it. Basketball gives you the vehicle for everything else you want to do--movies, endorsement,etc...Most are saying the NBA center is going away.  First proof is the all star game eliminating voting for positions but front/back court. Show the world (because that's your stage) the dominating center is STILL in the NBA.  he's rare and he's the catalyst for a championship. 

The BUSINESS of Sports

This is a great time of year for sports fans.  You have the Olympics in London which, to me, seems more intriguing than ever, you have NFL pre-season kicking off, you have the blockbuster trade of the Lakers and for those baseball fans...whatever.  So amidst all of this why so many negative views? 
Olympics: Should NBA players play?  If so, should there be an age limit?  Why is Usain Bolt disrespecting Carl Lewis?  Who is the best Olympian ever Bolt or Phelps? US Soccer women had t-shirts printed that celebrated their accomplishment--how dare they?
My answer?  Money. NBA and its owners want to limit who plays in the Olympics.  Why?  They're not getting their cut. One of the most outspoken is Mavs owner Mark Cuban.  Not sure why he cares since no one (not named Nowitski) on the roster is making the Olympics.  Nowitski would be playing for Germany and good luck getting your "cut" from them.  The NBA cares about lining their pockets even more.  The pro's were criticized when D Wade suggested they get paid to play.  Actually they do when they medal (25k for gold, 15k for silver and 10k for bronze). Hey it's gas money for the Maybach for a year. We can't go back to the college players for 1 VERY good reason...We don't have too many that stay in college!  If you're NBA caliber talent (or even close to it these days) you're 1 or 2 years and done.  Rarely do you see these guys stay 3-4 years.  The age limit thing in the NBA will prohibit players who are beyond the limit after some have hit their peak.  The olympics is every 4 years.  You get a college player who stays until their Jr or Sr year (age 19-21), they go pro and 4 years later the Olympics rolls around again.  They're possibly over the limit w/o a chance to play for their country.  I'll concede it may not happen as often but no other country is considering doing this why would we?  The talent in other countries is a lot higher now because of the NBA.  Let the big dogs be The Big Dogs.
The Lakers trade for D12 is drawing some of the old arguments.  Small markets can't compete. That's crap!  Small markets shouldn't have owners send out inflammatory tweets about stars leaving.  Small markets need to hire GM/HC better and make better long term decisions.  See Pacers, OKC and Spurs as proof smaller markets can/do compete with the larger ones.  The Clippers made the playoffs for the first time since Kennedy was president.  Big Markets do have more room for error, but they have to be smart too.
Greatest Olympian ever? My two cents I say Phelps. Yes he has more opportunities in swimming than they do in track and field.  But 22 medals and 18 of them are gold.  18!!! You STILL have to compete against the best of the best in every event and you do that to a clip of 18 first place finishes, 2 second place and 2 third place. I say Phelps.  Doesn't make me right, because it's ALL subjective.  Some people have to stop being so sensitive and thinking one group is voting for another because of race. Racism exists, it's just not in every decision made.

speaking of being over sensative the US womens soccer team getting grief over t-shirts they wore after beating the same team who beat them for the World Cup is just stupid!  You have to wait 4 years to win an Olympic gold medal (summer olympics at least).  No do overs.  No mulligans. No 2nd chance next year, or the year after that.  World Cup and Olympic gold are TWO VERY different things!  You work at your craft that long to be the best and then prove it during the course of several days.  Yea, you deserve to get loose!  For all the "ugly American blasts" I say BLLLPPPPP!!! 

then again, maybe it's just me...but I doubt it

Why the NBA is missing the boat on what is REALLY the problem

I'm baaack!!! It's been a minute but allow me to give my usual EXPERT opinion and fix what is wrong (or at least tell you what's wrong) in the NBA.  Ready?!  Heeere we go!
Small market owners are complaining about the rich getting richer and the big market teams fielding better competition than they are/can.  The latest craze (which will somehow find it's way to be blamed on LeBron and/or President Obama somehow) is the 'concept' of "the big 3."  Everybody knows the whole LeBron "decision" campaign and him taking his talents to south beach--not rehashing that.  People came out of the wood work spraining ankles, twisting backs and pulling hamstrings to pile on why this was a "cowardly move."  How quickly do we forget!  They say hindsight is 20/20.  Really?  Then why don't these owners/gm see what's always been there?!

Anybody ever heard of Bill Russel, Bob Cousy?  How about Bird, McHale, Parrish?  Magic, Worthy, Kareem? Dr. J, Darryl Dawkins, Moses Malone, Mo Cheeks? Jerry West, Wilt and the big O? The concept of the big 3 has been in the NBA for years.  The issue isn't teams are putting the big 3's together--the change has come due to two MAJOR pieces.  1. Salary cap and 1a. Talent pool
Salary Cap has prevented the smaller market teams from being able to put their chips in and buy multiple free agents.  On the surface you may say "that's the argument--lack of an even playing field."  This is only one part of it. Teams are having to draft young inexperienced players, teach them over the next 2-4 years (which is what they would get in college).  By the time they develop their games, their 1st contracts are up, likely the coach that was there may be fired by now, the team is left with hiring a new coach, overpaying for a guy who is just now developing and hoping he does blossom into a star.  This is where the salary cap hurts the smaller teams--little room for error.  Don't get me wrong; prior to the high school/1 year college player surge hit, you still had some bad player decisions.  The major difference is you at least got to see them compete in college 2-3 years.  You were able to overcome a bad selection—your percentages of getting a better player were in your favor.  2-3 years of training (college ball) goes a long way in the develop process.  If Kwame Brown went to college would he still have been #1 overall?  Not likely.  If Kobe went to college, do you think he would have been drafted 8^th then traded?  Nope. There’s an argument on both sides.  It helps SOME of these guys mature on and off the court.  It also gets them around better talent. 
Now days with the 1 year rule, you have glimpses of brilliance in college, with kids who typically don't have developed bodies for the NBA grind at potential stars.  THAT is the crux of the problem!  The talent pool of TRUE NBA players is shallow.  You have so many players that aren’t ready that make the jump.  Teams have to draft them on potential when you have very little to go off of.  These decisions lock up money or you let a guy go and he develops elsewhere.  Back in the days of Magic, Jordan, Isaiah, Bird, etc…you had players who proved themselves in college.  They had a more polished game.  Every team in the NBA had a bonified all-star.  Some teams had 2 or 3 or even more.  Over time as the talent weakened it took those all stars from one team and moved them to bigger teams who could afford a luxury tax or afford to pay 2 or more stars.  The smaller markets couldn’t compete not just with money but with time—the gambles on players were even more risky since you didn’t have much to view.  A wrong step and you’ve set a franchise back several years.  A modern day success story is the Thunder.  They drafted young players like Durant, Harden, Westbrook who all developed well.  They also had a supporting fan base to give them time.  You have the opposite in the Wizards and Bobcats who can’t get the right pieces in place.  Solve the problem by improving the talent pool.  Either pay the college kids or put real money and time in your D-league.  The other option is having these small markets continue to struggle to the point of folding or just being the Washington Generals to a league of Harlem Globetrotters.

…maybe it’s just me, but I doubt it!

State of the Lakers

It's been a while since I dropped a sports related blog.  I figured on the eve of the NBA draft, what better time than to grace all of you with my patented "expert opinion."  Let's get to it shall we?!

Mitch Kupchak is regarded by many as a top notch GM.  I'm not so convinced.  He took over for Jerry West (aka "the logo) for the 2000-2001 season.  The few Lakers first round picks from that season to today (7) are the following "marquee" names:
Mark Madsen, Chris Jefferies (traded), Brian Cook, Sash Vujacic, Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Javaris Crittenton, and Toney Douglas (traded). SIGH...
I'll give you Bynum even though he was the pick made after we traded Shaq and Bynum was a skinny high schooler who didn't contribute for a few years.  The rest... COME ON MAN!
7 first round picks in 12 years and this is the list?! Some of these guys have been traded more than a pack of cigarettes in an episode of Oz!  Ok, but a GM's mettle is tested by his evaluation of talent.  What about the 2nd round picks and the trades?
3/4 of the 2nd round picks I couldn't tweet because of character restrictions.  The best 2nd round pick to date was probably Luke "I have no back" Walton.  Jury is still out on the youngsters we got in the last two years (Ebanks, Caracter and Morris).  Trade wise, we traded Shaq for a 1st round pick (Jordan Farmar), Caron Butler, Odom, and Brian Grant. Caron is playing for the Clippers and got a ring last year with the Mavs, LO is in reality TV land traded him for a 1st round pick that we gave up for a fresh pack of Juicy Fruit and a avocado seed, Brian Grant retired 5 minutes after we traded for him.  Shaq? Oh, he wont another title with Miami the first year there. 
Ok, I'm getting to the "other" trade too. To be fair.  Mitch did trade Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie's contract (cause he sure didn't play) and Marc Gasol, 2 first round picks to his daddy, I mean Jerry West for Pau and 2nd round pick (Ebanks).  Pau helped get us to 3 championships (winning 2), but lately has played soft as butter in the playoffs.  So those who say the Lakers fleeced the Griz consider we gave up a marquee piece in Marc Gasol plus 2 first round picks--not bad.  I still think Jerry was bailing out his protege with the deal.
Here we are on the door step of the NBA draft.  Lakers are in pursuit of a trade for Gasol.  Rumor is they want a top 10 pick and a player.  Not likely to happen so they may get Josh Smith and the 23rd pick.  Not the value I'd like, but at this point, let's just get something done!  It may be time for Mitch to seek greener pastures.  I know, I know 'the Lakers could do much worse than Mitch Kupchak for a GM.'  Yea, we could get Michael Jordan running the franchise in the ground...

It IS better to give than to receive

I've been so blessed lately to have an opportunity at a dream house.  I've stressed over it not because I lack faith, but because I recognize I am so unworthy of God's tremendous blessings he's given me.  We say "let go and let God" but how often do we do it?  In my case I trust the Lord completely and without hesitation.  My issue comes from not knowing His will for me.  As much as I love this house and so want to close on it, I can honestly say if it falls through I KNOW it's God's will at work.  If it does go through as planned I KNOW that is God's will as well.  There's a difference to it--at least to me.

As I mentioned before we've been blessed to be able to do some amazing things this year.  We help out at our church, we've visited different family members in various places, taken a few mini vacations and still in the position to get this house.  As much as I'm looking forward to moving there the look on my wife and kids faces gives me just as much pleasure and happiness.  I had the opportunity to reward my son for doing well in school this last quarter and dramatically picking up his grades and his GPA with a NFL jersey of one of his favorite players.  he didn't know it was coming and I was able to surprise him.  His expression and gratitude was better than anything I could've gotten for myself.  It made my day.
I called my dad yesterday and told him I mailed off a package for him for Father's day and his birthday.  He told me he felt bad that I spent money on him since he knows we have some upcoming expenses on the house closing.  He wished I didn't feel obligated to get him anything.  I told him I haven't missed a Father's day/Birthday as long as I can remember and I'd like to keep that streak going.  My dad is very appreciative of the smallest things.  He mentioned some golf shirts I got him a couple years ago.  He said he only wears them when he's relaxing.  It's a way of keeping us in his mind.  That really moved me.  I had forgotten about the shirts and at the time probably didn't think he would put any significance to them, but the fact that several years later he still sees those as "special" meant a lot to me.  It's his gratitude and God's grace that has humbled me in so many ways.  I feel honored and blessed to be my dad's son.  I feel even more honored that God would allow me to have a relationship with Him.  So when I say it is truly better to give than to receive you get my meaning.

What a difference a year makes? Maybe not

My beloved Lakers got trounced yesterday.  Bad. By 29. I'd like to say it hurt deeply and I was surprised, but reality is that's kind of where they are.  Last year the Lakers got taken to 6 games by the Hornets who were w/o their 2nd leading scorer.  LA played bad and looked bad.  Up next was the Mavs.  That ended BADLY!  Swept in Phil Jax last game as coach.  Bynum and Artest lost control and got ejected.  They embarrassed the franchise.
Offseason saw a lock out, new head coach brought in unceremoniously.  Add in the Chris Paul trade that wasn't.  Lamar Odom trade that looked brilliant for the Lakers now. 

Lakers are year older, the depth is non existent and their 2nd star (Bynum) is a man-child.  Sometimes he man's up and balls, sometimes he acts like a child and pouts.  The coach is justly happy to be in the NBA and coaching another superstar and it shows.  Kobe has matured but his penchant for patience is wearing thin--justifiably so. I said before finish the season without any big trades and go hunting in the off season.  From the looks of last night, the off season is about a week away.
"Secretary, please get the Orlando Magic on the line.  Tell them we'll send Bynum for Dwight now--straight up."

Judging TP

I haven't written anything in a while.  Been busy and just not feeling as creative with all the things going on in my life.  God continues to bless me and my family daily.  Humbles me to tears at times--literally.  I was reading an article about Tyrell Pryor on ESPN this morning.  The title said "Pryor took money for his family."  I thought, 'oh boy here we go again.  Can they just leave this guy alone?!'  Hasn't he paid enough already?!  Begrudgingly I read the article.  To my surprise it was a pro-TP article. It was a continuation of what Pryor had gone through at THE Ohio State University.  He details that he sold his gold pants (a gold charm given as a reward for the ANNUAL beating of michigan--allowed by the NCAA) for $3000.  Granted, the charm isn't worth 3k in gold but the significance of them adds to the value.  Now what would an 18 year old do with 3k in his pocket after beating your arch rival in your Freshman year at a major 1A college? He sent it home to pay his mom's back rent (4 months behind) and her gas bill.  Let me say that again for dramatic effect. An 18 yr old starting in his freshman year at OSU just beat michigan and got his 1st pair of treasured gold pants as a reward, he sold them for 3K and gave the money (all of it) to his mom to help her and his sister keep a roof over their heads and turn the heat on.
Now don't get me wrong, I fully realize if he took 3k his freshman year, he likely took money for the next two as well.  I don't know where it was spent.  Likely some still went to his family, some went to him as well.  I'm not saying or absolving TP of doing some wrong doing (in the eyes of the NCAA). Athletes know when they go to college what the rules are.  They know accepting money is against the rules and could likely lead to disciplinary actions--which it did.
What would you do?  A lot of articles and judgements have come out.  I'm not going to rehash the whole thing and expose my obvious bias...yes I am!  They sold stuff given to them by the NCAA!   It's their stuff!  It's not like they took jerseys that didn't belong to them or footballs or something NOT given to them.  They sold their belongings!  For what?  Money to help out families. Yes, some money was used for his personal gain, but again it was their stuff!  It's like your job giving you a gold watch for 20 years of service.  You selling that watch and your job telling you now you have to forfeit a raise because of the money you got for a watch they gave you.  It's stupid to me and I wont EVER agree/understand it. That along with the Tuck rule--don't ask...
I digress...My point (before my rant) was many people judged TP w/o getting his side.  Without putting themselves in his place.  Roger Goodell (the discipline commissioner) suspended him for 5 games in a shorten offseason for the NFL.  He delayed the supplemental draft in which he was drafted in.  Why? To make a point?  Why him and why then? Pete Carrol bolted for the NFL just before the NCAA got a hold of USC for their violations--yet no sanctions for him.  Jim Tressell got a consultant job with Indy, yet no sanctions.  How many players got kicked off of team transferred to other schools and still had no sanctions? (see: Janoris Jenkins 2012 draft class).  I wish I knew Goodell's rationale for TP suspension.  Throughout all of this TP has tried to remain positive.  Other pundits knock his ability and say he'll never be an NFL QB.  Those same pundits lauded Jamarcus Russell and Blaine Gabbert as top echelon draft choices.  Gabbert's career is still undecided but not off to a good start.  TP got better every year at OSU.  Passing %, yards, TD improved every year. He's 6'6" 230 lbs, freakishly fast and athletic, yet he doesn't get a chance.  People point to last year and say "he can't pick up the play book."  He came to a team in August then got suspended from the facility and coaches staff for the first 5 games.  Once he got back, the starting QB went down, traded for Palmer then the starting RB went down.  Who's going to have time to coach up a rookie QB who wasn't in camp, no OTAs and missed the first 5 games of the season?  No one.
New season. New coaching staff. New playbook.  What's TP reaction?  "I'm there 6 days a week.  haven't gone home in months.  I'm on level ground with everyone else. I'm learning the a new system like they are."  Well not exactly. Leinart was signed.  He was coached by the same OC in Texas so he already knows the system.  TP will be fine.  he's coachable; a great athlete who's gone through some struggles at a young age and has much to prove to his doubters and judges.  Oh by the way, those same draft pundits who said he wouldn't amount to an NFL QB admit at his level of progression in college had he played one more year, he very likely would have been a first round pick with all the QB being taken.  Definitely gone before the 3rd round where the Raiders took him a year ago.

we'll see who's laughing a few years from now.

Everything for a reason

"God doesn't close a door without opening a window."
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
"Everything happens for a reason."
We've all heard these before.  Probably said them as words of comfort to someone a time or 12.  I know I have.  You might have even said it to yourself too.  The funny thing is it's EASY to say to someone else and easy to think it to yourself when things are good or not that bad. The hard part is to say it with conviction and believe it with the same conviction during the HARD times.  I speak from experience again.

I'm here today BECAUSE of the things I've been through--both good and bad.  My perspective on life has changed (for the good I believe).  Like everyone I've had my share of hard times.  Things I may or may not divulge.  A lot of personal issues that through the grace of God I've come out of. I didn't have the appreciation then about how it would mold me and make me the person I am.  Looking back on some of those things, I can honestly say I wouldn't make the same decisions today had I not gone through those things.  I've come to embrace my experiences--the good and the bad knowing God's PERFECT plan was for me to endure them.  Even the bad decisions made were all a part of his plan.
As parents you do this daily with your children.  From the time their born you begin to teach them.  You hold a child when they cry. You give them love and attention.  You give them advice they may only need once in their life and you pray they remember it and apply it.  Those things are based on our own experiences. 
Parents want a better life for their children then what they had.  That's not to say you had a bad life but always want more for your children.  That's why you make sacrifices with time or finances or whatever is important.
I've been blessed by God with so many opportunities that His grace is overwhelming for me at times.  It's when I think back to how much of a knuckle head I've been (putting it mildly) that I am so grateful for Him leading me to where I am today.  I'm not talking about me being the mystery winner of the mega millions or anything like that.  I'm referring to His blessings for the day to day things that make life FULL.  My children's health, having a roof over our heads, being able to take my family on vacations, being able to serve at church, having this opportunity to share my thougths and feelings about my faith with those of you who read this blog.  My wonderful family who always supports each other.  In particular my cousin's who we're always touching base with each other (James, Tiffany, Shannon, Shawncy, Casey, Raymond, Zandra, my brother Stacey, Hallie, Helen, Teresa, Karl, Bernard, and Joann) to name a few. 
If I had any advice to give it would be appreciate the little things, look for the glory of God in all things and use your one and only life to honor the One who gave it to you.

Deuteronomy 8: 17-18:
You may say to yourself, "my power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who give you the ability to produce wealth...

Metta World War

Saw the Lakers and Thunder double OT game yesterday.  The game was filled with subplots and story lines.  Among them: Thunder attempting to get back to the top spot in the West, the Lakers trying to hold onto the 3 spot and clinch the Pacific division.  The end of the game talked more about what transpired than what the last week of the NBA still holds
Metta World Peace (aka Ron Artest) had been playing increasingly better in the month of April compared to the rest of the season. MWP was averaging less than double digits in points and rebounds prior to April.  Now he was averaging 16 pt/ 9 rebounds per game.  This came at a good time for the Lakers with Kobe Bryant missing 7 straight games.  The team seemed to gel during that time in his absence going 5-2.  A hard fought nationally televised game yesterday saw  MWP revert back to Ron-Ron of the Malice in the Palace infamy.  MWP celebrating a breakaway steal and dunk did the obligatory chest pound when James Harden got a little too close for comfort.  The result was a much publicized vicious elbow to Harden's head.  He feel like a stack of bricks.  At first glance it looked (to me at least) like a flop.  It looked like MWP pushed him out of the way and Harden was just looking for a cheap foul.  Nothing could have been further from the truth.  Replay clearly shows a vicious hard elbow that got extended.  What ensued afterward was most concerning to me. 
MWP had been a model citizen with the Lakers.  The one time defensive player of the year seemed to be playing well in LA.  On Sunday, after a nasty hit on Harden  MWP got into his fighting stance when forward Surge Ibaka came charging.  Ibaka apparently remembered WHO he was dealing with because he stopped well short of actually engaging MWP.  Meanwhile MWP was locked and loaded and gunning for bear.  He prodded Ibaka to "come get some."  To me that was a different MWP/Ron Artest that the Lakers hadn't seen. While you have to be ready if someone runs up on you--not knowing their intentions.  This just seemed different to me.
I think back to when Mike Tyson was at the end of his career and still fighting.  He was known to go a little haywire on his opponent...reporters...or anyone else in the vicinity.  Mike blamed it on not taking his meds just before fights.  He felt it took his edge off--an edge he felt he needed as a competitor--a gladiator.  I can't help but think MAYBE Ron (who by his own admission) suffers from mental issues in which he's being treated.  Ron's numbers have picked up during April.  His aggressiveness Sunday showed a different guy Laker fans haven't seen in the purple and gold.
I'm a die hard Lakers fan--always have been. I'd love nothing more than to get another ring this year and tie Boston for most all time. Not at the expense of another player.  I hope Ron isn't sacrificing his mental health for the sake of a game.  He appeared to be contrite afterward. I believe him.  For a guy who worked hard to get a championship his whole career only to auction the ring off to donate to mental health charities says a lot about his character.  I certainly hope James Harden is OK and back playing, but selfishly I'm rooting for my guy--Metta World Peace aka Ron Artest to get himself back where he needs to be.  Not for another ring, but because it's the right thing to do.

Top Center in the NBA

I got home from Myrtle Beach yesterday to catch the end of the Lakers V. Mavs game.  This was game #5 Kobe has missed.  Granted the Mavs are struggling just to make the 8 seed for the playoffs but it's still a good rivalry.  Game went back and forth with the Lakers pulling it out in OT.  Some questionable no calls, but that's what home court is about.
Funny thing though on the way to 4 wins in 5 games w/o Kobe.  The role players stepped up.  Ramon put in 22 and 5 dimes, MWP (aka Ron-Ron) did his thang on defense and chipped in a few on offense.  Matt "crazy man" Barnes had a great all around game with defense, rebounds, assists and points.  He was close to a triple double.  Bynum had a "bad game" with 23 points and 13 boards.  Pau was solid as well. Everybody is playing better as a unit.  Kobe was coaching them up on the sidelines at each time out.  Mike Brown and Kobe looked like they were learning from each other.  Scary thought!  The Lakers biggest knock has been at PG and lack of depth on their bench.  Yesterday the PG was playoff caliber and the role players looked like they were geling for the first time this season. 
Don't get me wrong, the Thunder are still the talent in the West but if we keep the 3 seed and the Clips keep the 4, that will be a good match up that the Thunder could lose.  Two young and athletic teams going at it. Meanwhile the elder statesmen of the conference (spurs and Lakers) would likely do battle in the 2nd round.  Again, a very good match up.
JA Adande wrote an article about the game and put in a little factoid.  Dwight Howard is now out with back problems--never good for an NBA player (see Larry Bird, Larry Johnson, Amare Stoudemire).  JA shows at this rate Bynum is set to play in more games this year than D12.  A first for the big fella who's been ravaged with injuries since coming into the league. In hindsight, the Lakers trades and non-trades seem to be panning out.  Odom shipped to Mavs for a first round pick and a trade exception.  That pick netted Ramon sessions.  Odom hasn't done anything for the Mavs this year and now got Keyshawned for the season.  Lakers not trading for D12.  Gasol and Bynum keep ballin and the Lakers keep their height advantage.  The Lakers still have the trade exception from the Mavs to use in the off season.  They also unloaded the hefty contract of Luke Walton and they still hold their amnesty clause to use in the future as well. 
Jim Buss was adamant of not trading Bynum.  Maybe he knew something we all didn't.  My cousin (C3) said the Lakers were the class of the West--called his shot months ago.  I thought he was crazy BUT I'm beginning to think he had something there.  Maybe he was the one who whispered in Jim Buss' ear about Bynum?!  While all eyese are on the East with the Heat and Bulls, quietly the Lakers are making a run of their own.  5 games left (2 with the spurs, 1 with the thunder).  The mission is to stay at either the 3 or move to the 2 if we can. 

The playoffs should be fun!

Real Talk

I caught this exchange on ESPN radio yesterday (http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7800707).  It started with Jalen Rose calling out Skip Bayless who was dogging Russell Westbrook for shooting too much (in his opinion).  Jalen brought up Skip's high school b-ball stats.  Skip apparently "embellished" a bit about his own skills in a tweet.  What ensued was fans gold.  Three highly opinionated analysis going at it about what should/should not be considered "over the line."  Jalen coming from a pro athlete standpoint, Skip and Stephen A from a journalist's.
Jalen's first point was 'why dog Kwame Brown?'  This is near and dear to my heart because I too detested the Lakers getting Kwame Brown.  His best contribution to the franchise was being the center piece in the Pau Gasol trade.  Jalen's point was there are only 450 jobs in the NBA and he's had one for 10 years making millions.  He may not be one of the elite players in the NBA but he's better than non-NBA players. Ironically CC (Cris Carter) agreed. He said "I gotta stack of money I'm putting on Kwame Brown vs. any non-NBA player."  Interesting take...
Stephen A and Skip's take was Kwame's numbers suck.  His play is sub par and he shouldn't be in the NBA.  If you compare him to other Center's in the NBA his salary doesn't match his output and based on peer to peer comparisons he's deserving of the criticism.  Again, interesting points...
From there the conversation turned to HOW you criticize someone.  Name calling--scrub, waste, Prince James, etc...Jalen's point was you can criticize someones stats, their work ethic and their performance but to call someone out there name or take it further is crossing the line.  He contends everyone is human and to talk about them badly like that is crossing the line. Their family is effected by what and how you say things about them and as journalist/media types they need to be more responsible.
Skip/Stephen A contend because he's a public figure making big money he (by default) accepts that part of the career he's chosen.  Neither saw it as crossing the line because they get paid to evaluate and report talent.
Now, this is where I jump off their band wagon.  The type of money you make or the type of job you have does not give anyone the right to disrespect you.  Disagree with you or oppose you--sure!  Disrespect, no.  It's not in any job description (that I'm aware of) that says because you've agreed to take this position at this pay, public flogging is a given.  Now, don't get me wrong I'm not naive to think that certain positions do come with that type of scrutiny--ex President of the US, CEO of major companies, Police Chief, etc...BUT my point it doesn't make it right to disrespect someone.  You can vehemently disagree all day long, campaign against them, protest policies, actions, etc...but the name calling and personal attacks are just wrong.
I'll admit that I've done it.  Right here on this blog as a matter of fact.  My nickname for Pau is "Butta"--sometimes he plays smooth, sometimes he plays soft. I'm not saying its right, but now I have a different perspective on how it affects others.  I'm certain being in management I have/still have unflattering nicknames from current/previous employees.  I know that I'm not here to make friends but to get a job done.  In the end all I want/expect is respect not to be liked.  Respected in that what I say gets done the way I want it done.  if not there are consequences.  The best an athlete could do is deny certain reporters interviews.  You can't stop talking to the media entirely because of company rules and they'll get fined for it.  But, you understand that going into that career field.
What's my point?  Honestly, I don't think I have one today. I'm just giving my opinion on how I saw/heard things yesterday.  Will I change what I say and how I act, yea somewhat.  As a fan though, I'll still be critical of players.  I'll cheer them when they ball and boo them when they suck.  I'd end by saying 'maybe it's just me' but I know it's not.

have a great one!

...just not feeling it this year...

Now that Holy week (including Easter) is over, I'm back with some sports takes...I guess.  Normally this time of year is one of my favorites.  You've got NFL draft and Free Agency going bananas, NBA playoff seeding is heating up--it should be a good time for a sports junky like myself.  Usually I've got Twitter opened, checking Rumor Central on ESPN/NFL.com, scouring local sports pages for FA visits, pro days, putting my Draft binder together with the top 10-15 players at each position.  I'm scheduling time off to let the draft soak in.  3 glorious days of football, football AND more football.  this year, eh, not so much

Why the lack of enthusiasm..my teams are less than inspiring.  The Raiders (under new management) APPEAR to be making the right decisions under new GM (former Raider) Reggie McKenzie and new Head Coach Dennis "the menace" Allen.  Oakland has no CAP room and 2.3 draft picks this year--none until the end of round 3.  The team had to cut lose some BAD contracts and make some solid decisions for starters and depth.  Based on what we could pay, it looks solid but only real action will show if it was the right call or not.  By not overpaying (typical Raider fashion) and NOT offering the farm (in terms of draft picks) we're setting ourselves up for a bright future...hopefully
The Lakers...SMH...the good, the bad and the ugly!  Sometimes they play like world beaters, most times they play like a good And 1 team. Depth is not strong but getting better.  The coach is clueless and in awe of his players--bad sign.  The GM has his hands tied by the owner's son and shackled by David Stern--the villain--yup still not over how we got jobbed on the CP3 deal.  One bright spot, the Lamar Odom trade makes us look like bandits!  LO just got the Keyshawn treatment for the year and we're no worse for wear. We parlayed his trade into Ramon Sessions, Bo Bo Johnson and got rid of Luke Walton's contract.  Not bad if you ask me.  Not great, but not bad either.  Not sure which Lakers team shows up from day to day so I have no idea what to expect in the playoffs.
Times like these I think I need to get into a new sport.  Maybe baseball? The Indians are a farm team for the Yankees and others, so that's a no.  Hockey?  Not ready to get into that yet.  Soccer?  Adult kickball (in my expert opinion)--not happening.  Before any of you start with the "it's the most popular sport in the world" take, I DON'T CARE!  Running around a field the size of a continent for hours on end only to see 2-3 goals made is not entertaining for me.  So take your juice boxes and orange slices elsewhere! oh I forgot, "with all due respect" of course :)

OK, that's all I got today--I know it wasn't much but it's my expert opinion!