Cavs owner wrong with LeBron-to-NY "insult" rant

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert attempted to stick it to the media on Thursday, blaming them rather than the ineptitude of the franchise for speculation that LeBron James will flee Cleveland after his contract is over for either the New York Knicks or future Brooklyn Nets.

He called the media's reporting of the issue out-of-line, "an insult to the city" and simple conjecture from bored soprts reporters.

PUH-lease.

Really, Dan Gilbert?!

Yeah, I guess LeBron James isn't best buds with Jay-Z, who just happens to be a co-owner of the New Jersey (soon Brooklyn) Nets?

Really?!

I guess the Nets and Knicks haven't been making trades, cutting players and clearing cap space for 2010 when they can make max offers to James and bring him to NY?

Really?!

Because Dan Gilbert isn't one of the worst owners in professional sports who didn't fall ass-first into the best player in the league and has YET to provide him with an acceptable supporting cast in order for him to take that sorry franchise all-the-way to an NBA title?

Really?!

Because LeBron James (noted front-runner aside) didn't wear a New York Yankees cap to a Yanks/Indians playoff game...IN CLEVELAND?

Really?!

When asked about New York, LeBron didn't specifically say he loves the city and thought it would be a great place to live and play?

Really?!

Because LeBron didn't come out with a limited edition line of a New York style of his shoes...only sold in New York City...featuring many Yankees references?

Really?!

Because LeBron is going to indicate his team's owner (who is currently paying him millions of dollars for the next two years) that he plans to leave? There is a max contract in the NBA, so the best the Cavs can do is match exactly what the Knicks and Nets will offer.

Really?!

Because LeBron doesn't have a clause in his Nike contract that promises to DOUBLE his endorsement deal if he moves to a major city like New York, Chicago or Los Angeles?

Really?!

Gilbert's not going to worry about a contract extension for the best player in the NBA who is disheartened with the lack of effort made and money the team has spent to fill up the rest of the roster with appropriate talent to compliment LeBron and help them win a title?

Really?!

Sports reporters are bored because they don't have the entire NFL season to cover, NCAA football every Thursday through Saturday, tight MLB playoff races, Brett Favre, O.J. Simpson, Lance Armstrong, (locally) Derek Anderson/Brady Quinn, Ohio State, etc.?

Really?!

THAT speculation is an insult to the city? Not the fact that the Indians made the playoffs last year and gave up on this season before the All-Star break? That Ohio State made it to two BCS title games and got whooped by superior opponents? That OSU just got bludgeoned to death by USC? That your 2008 gem of an NFL team is at the bottom of the league and about to lose their starting QB, coach, etc.

Really, Dan Gilbert?!

(Just for the record...I've been doing "Really?!" columns since the late 90s...so no posts about ripping off Saturday Night Live on this one. Thanks.)

Oklahoma City fails to create excitement in unveiling name, colors

The NBA’s newest franchise is the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oh, that was supposed to be a secret? Sorry, I’ve already known for a month…as have most of you and most of the media.

There are only a few ways to make a big splash as a franchise in professional sports outside of winning a championship. Moving a team is one of those ways, changing the name and colors are another.

So while every NBA fan already knows the name of the former Seattle SuperSonics franchise, Oklahoma City’s public relations and media staff still feel the need to make it a big spectacle. They just announced a huge downtown rally and unveiling on Sept. 3.

When you unveil something, it is supposed to have been a secret prior to that day. That is what creates the excitement. Even the definition of the word is “to disclose, reveal.” But if the world already knows what you are going to disclose, what is the point?

As if the name choice wasn’t bad enough already.

Look, I am all for getting creative in sports, but I draw the line on two points as far as naming teams goes. (1) Do not name a team after an inanimate object, and (2) Make the team name plural.

The NFL and MLB have figured this out. The NBA, NHL, MLS and (worst of all, not that anyone cares) WNBA got some ‘splainin’ to do.

The worst offenders are the weather group: the Heat, Lightning, Sky, Sun, Storm and now Thunder. Uck. I am sure Kevin Durant is happy to say, “I am delighted to be a Thunder.” “I have wanted to be a Thunder my whole career.” Not.

Then you get into the other oddballs: Magic, Jazz, Wild (though I like the name), Dream, Shock, Fever, Liberty and Mercury.

I just can’t wrap my head around the people making these marketing decisions, especially when starting anew in a different city. And in case you were curious, two of their other options were “Wind” and “Bison.” Who are these decision-makers?

With all of my complaining, I can already hear a few of you saying to yourselves, “Yeah, like he can come up with anything better!” I sure can. Here are two names, off the top of my head, which (1) Make more sense than Thunder, and (2) Follow my rules.

Oklahoma City Barons
Oklahoma City Slickers

Using the second name, in particular, would be fantastic. In addition to the double usage of “City Slickers” and “Slickers” alone, it is catchy, fun and is easy to utilize in marketing campaigns. Naming the restaurants and clubs in the area, creating a mascot, everything becomes easier with a good team name.

With all that being said, I guess it is too late to change it now. After all, there is a secret unveiling on Wednesday!

Lovable Barkley ready to make you uncomfortable

If you’re a sports fan, it should almost be a requirement for you to love Charles Barkley. Aside from his greatness during his playing days in the NBA, Barkley is a cut-up, a character, he’s like the uncle that makes you laugh even though you sometimes roll your eyes.

And while you may not agree with his opinions on basketball or politics or his decisions on how to manage his money, Sir Charles is still there cracking a joke, smiling wide and making you feel comfortable.

Until now.

You see, it is not that Chuck is heading for a downward spiral or anything; he’s just going to be showcasing two pretty uncomfortable events in his life to the national viewing public: a colonoscopy and the attempted fixing of his golf swing.

To get a, well, “deeper” look at Barkley, be sure to tune in to the “Stand Up to Cancer” special being aired Sept. 5 simultaneously by NBC, CBS and ABC. Cameras will follow Barkley through his home state of Alabama while he prepares and completes the procedure that screens for prostate and other cancers. Barkley joked that the show’s producers probably wanted a celebrity with the biggest ass.

Then, if you weren’t shifting uncomfortably in your seat already, make sure your cable company or satellite provider carries the Golf Channel so you can watch Barkley’s newest unnamed reality series. The goal? “Fix Charles Barkley’s swing,” Sir Charles says.

Barkley, as well as the rest of the golf-viewing public, is embarrassed by his “turrible” swing and thinks Tiger Woods' swing coach, Hank Haney, can do some good.

“I was telling Hank that when I’m standing over the ball, I’m (expletive deleted) terrified. I have no idea what’s going to happen. He told me he used to have the yips, but not as bad as me. That’s what makes me think he can fix what’s wrong.’’

You’re not the only one whose “turrified,” Chucky. I wish you the best of luck on both because, well, you need it.

Baby daddy champ Shawn Kemp to play in Italy

With the recent rush of NBA-level talent signing with European teams, one would assume the squads are looking for bright young stars that will help them win their league’s championship. Not Premiata Montegranaro, apparently. The Italian league team reached out and signed 38-year-old Shawn Kemp a few days ago to play for them beginning in November.

The best part about the signing is the quote from their head coach.

"I am happy that a player that has made basketball history would come to Montegranaro," coach Alessandro Finelli said.

What basketball history? Sure, Kemp is a six-time All-Star, but he hasn’t played since the 2002-03 season, and he hasn’t been the Reign Man since the 90s. He’s just not relevant anymore.

The only basketball history Kemp has made that I am aware of is being the all-time baby daddy champion--the record for fathering the most illegitimate children by one NBAer, ever. Shawn Kemp has more illegitimate kids than adoption centers. Kemp has had more kids than Jenna Jameson has had…well…you get the point.

Oh, and the last time Kemp played international basketball? Perhaps you remember the Olympics when he grabbed his crotch following a monster dunk? Face of a franchise right there.

Listen, I’m happy for the guy. He’s making some good money, playing basketball again and will probably get some endorsement deals over in Europe just because of his name and history. I’m sure he needs the money…especially if they have food and cocaine in Europe.

I’m just wondering what guys like Allan Houston are doing. All of these retired players who need money should take advantage of these European teams and their deep pockets. Houston won the $100 million lottery by hitting one huge shot for the New York Knicks (one of the best sports moments of my life). He still wants to play…I don’t know if he can…but at least he can move better than the 310 lb. Kemp.

Patriots Actually Celebrating Imperfect Season with Rings, Banner

As if Boston-based teams have not already given us a plethora of reasons to despise them, the New England Patriots and owner Robert Kraft are now seemingly ignoring their historic Super Bowl (collapse, loss, what-have-you) and are presenting players with rings commemorating last year’s near-perfect campaign.

According to the Boston Globe, the Krafts are presenting rings which have “16-0 – perfect season” on one side and “18-1 AFC Championship” on the other.

I have heard about second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, hell tenth place being celebrated in youth leagues to boost the self-esteem of kids that way no one is titled a “loser.”

Guess what, Patriots players and fans?! This is the pros. YOU LOST! YOU ARE LOSERS!

As one former AFC East rival once said, “You play – to win – the game.” You lost the game. You don’t deserve a ring. You don’t deserve a banner in the rafters (which the Krafts are also planning). You don’t get to celebrate failure. 16-0 is not a perfect season; 19-0, however, is, and you fell short.

If Kraft is all about spending money to accurately represent the Patriots accomplishments, shouldn’t there be a little video camera/asterisk on their last three Super Bowls…or at least this past imperfect season?

The Patriots came 35 seconds away from winning a Super Bowl…but they lost. Where is the New York Yankees 2001 ALCS ring for 95 wins and being an out away from winning their fourth-consecutive World Series? Where is Rocco Mediate’s U.S. Open trophy for finishing just a stroke short in extra holes on Monday? Why aren’t the Miami Dolphins celebrating going 1-15 with a Jake Long sign hanging next to Dan Marino’s?

Because you do not celebrate failure, no matter how well you play up until you fail.

Where are Mercury Morris and his quotation-churning brain when I need them?

Injuries not excuse but reason for Yankees fall

While no one will be pulling out the world’s smallest violin any time soon and playing a sympathy song for the New York Yankees, the fact of the matter remains that the massive amounts of injuries this team has incurred are the main reason they will break their streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances.

Yankee haters will turn to the “injuries are no excuse” or “every team has injuries” cards, trying to diminish the extent and effect that these have decimated the team. Instead, they will argue that it is the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox who will ultimately be responsible for the demise of the 2008 Yankees.

I am here to tell the Yankees critics one thing: You’re wrong and the Baby Boss is right.

That’s right, amidst all the comments by the media that Hank Steinbrenner is a blow-hard (or worse), he has been right more times than he’s been wrong since taking the reigns of the Yankees.

He was right to choose Joe Girardi over Don Mattingly (as a Mattingly fan it pains me to say that), right that Joba Chamberlain should be a starting pitcher, right that Mike Mussina needed to pitch “more like Jamie Moyer” and right that, “There’s only so much you can do. They’re not supermen. (These injuries) would kill any team.”

Injuries are expected when your roster consists of men with such a high average age, but no one could anticipate the extent they occurred this year with 20 trips to the disabled list—20!

Let’s start at the top. Ace and consecutive 19-game winner Chien-Ming Wang starts the season 5-0 then injuries his foot on June 15 in an interleague game while running the bases—something he shouldn’t be doing in the first place. Out for the season.

Veteran newly re-signed catcher Jorge Posada injuries his right shoulder early in the season and never recovers—now out for the year. Starting left fielder Hideki Matsui and starting pitchers Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy have also been out for the majority of the year, forcing the Yankees to sign Sidney Ponson and deal with a combination of Daniel Rasner/Dan Giese to fill the fifth rotation spot.

Aside from the fact that the Yankees lost the bats of Matsui and Posada, more importantly they lost Posada’s ability to manage the Yankees stable of veteran and inexperienced pitchers. What could be more important? Oh, I forgot, losing your ace. Give the Yankees a moderate 8 more wins to this point from Wang and they’re battling for the division lead.

GM Brian Cashman has done an adequate job of replacing the offense in making spectacular trades for outfielder Xavier Nady and catcher Pudge Rodriguez though, at this point, it looks like too little too late. While not an excuse, it is inequitable to ignore the Yankees massive amount of injuries as the primary reason for their 2008 failures.

Why Miami Dolphins fans shouldn't care about Brett Favre to New York Jets trade

To Miami Dolphins Fans: There is no doubt that the 2008 NFL off-season has been dominated by two stories: Jason Taylor’s exodus from the Miami Dolphins and Brett Favre’s decision to unretire (like he was actually retired in the first place) and return to the NFL.

As Dolphins fans, we thought we were in the clear with Taylor being traded to the Washington Redskins a few weeks ago. But then Favre’s situation worsened. It became more than a national story. The Favre Watch was on and, no matter how hard we tried, we could not get away from it. All that we could hope for was some type of resolution—anything to get Favre out of the ESPN.com top story, away from the PTI headlines, muting the mouths of our talk radio pundits and sports commentators that all had their own opinion on the situation. Something that would allow us to re-focus on real sports stories—our own team’s training camp and pre-season games, the exciting MLB season and the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Then they (the Packers, media, God himself) go ahead and f*&k us again. Favre gets traded to our rival New York Jets late Wednesday night. Let’s stop right here so I can clear something up. No, this is not some rant about how Favre being on our hated foe is going to keep us from winning games or the division. In fact, the only negative of this entire situation is that we will not stop hearing about Favre no matter how hard we try. We play the Jets twice a year and follow our division closely—now there is no escaping Favre and the drama he drags along with him.

Aside from that, the fact of the matter is this: as far as Favre and the Jets are concerned, I could care less. I’m indifferent. It doesn’t matter. I could even argue it helps us. Let me break it down and show you The Silver Lining of this whole situation.

* I am going to start by matter-of-factly stating that the Jets are no longer my most hated NFL franchise. The New England Patriots, with the help of Bill Bellichick and the city of Boston, have taken that title with ease. The improvement of the Jets can only help to overthrow the villainous Patriots franchise, perhaps even knock them out of the playoffs all together with a little luck and some hard work. Maybe Favre can be instrumental in sending the Pats back into the dark ages.

* Favre’s first game in the green-and-white will be against our Dolphins at home in Dolphins Stadium on a hopefully hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. Aside from the fact that we can deal a strong blow to Favre’s celebratory return to the NFL by going out and beating the Jets, the game is going to be a LOT of fun! The stadium will be packed, the Dolphins will sell a LOT of tickets—it will be CBS’s 1:00 p.m. nationally televised game. If they allowed a Week 1 Flex game, it would be on Sunday Night Football.

* Favre’s tenure with the Jets will not be long. We’re looking at most likely a two-year run, three years max. (Interesting, considering he “retired” this year and may now play for another two.) The Dolphins are nowhere near close to seriously competing for a division title, conference title or Super Bowl championship in the next two years. Let’s stop kidding ourselves. We’ll be lucky to win 4-5 in ’08, 6-8 in ’09 and 9-11 in ’10…and that’s if everything goes right! Favre’s presence in New York does not affect the future of the Dolphins. Will we lose a few more games to the Jets over the next two years? Sure. Do the Jets have more time to find a suitable QB to replace Favre? Maybe. Aside from that, it doesn’t matter.

So, in the end, the Favre situation has come to impact us more than we would have originally hoped. Luckily, it will all be superficial. He is not a threat to the future of the Miami Dolphins, and the present isn’t promising enough for us to get worked up over anyway.

The goal of this edition of The Silver Lining is to qualm any concerns about Favre joining the AFC East before they arise—to put out a flickering, hopefully non-existent fire. To say, honestly, as far as Brett Favre is concerned, I no longer care and haven’t for quite some time—and neither should you.

LeBron James: Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Honestly, what exactly have the Cleveland Cavaliers been doing this offseason? Because I can tell you what they have not been doing…getting star forward LeBron James an ounce, a bit, an iota of help.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…What the hell is wrong with this franchise? Absolutely horrendous for a decade, lady luck finally strikes the Cavs in the form of Akron-born King James in the 2003 NBA Draft. Aside from being arguably the best player in the league right now, James is a hometown guy and as much a star away from the court as he is on it.

He took a downtrodden franchise to the top, barely missing the Eastern Conference Finals in 2005-06, barely losing the NBA Finals in 2006-07 and again barely missing the Eastern Conference Finals and losing to the eventual champion Boston Celtics this year.

And he has done it…alone. All by himself.

Do the Cavs want him to be impressed by their endless list of third- and fourth-rate support players? Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Damon Jones, Donyell Marshall, Drew Gooden, Daniel Gibson, Wally Szczerbiak, Anderson Varejao, Delonte West…? It’s pathetic.

You have a franchise player who has the ability to take you to the title game every single season. Give him a little help getting to that point, and he will finish the job.

And what do you do with perhaps the best player we’ve seen since Michael Jordan? You waste your opportunity and sit Indian-style watching as he gets disgusted with the franchise—his franchise. You wait and expect him to do it on his own while his contract slowly expires; you leave him no other choice but to head to New York (Knicks or Nets) for greener pastures and championships without so much as trying.

So you’re going to take the 2003-04 Rooke if the Year, annual All-Star (four appearances, two MVPs), four-time All-NBA player, league scoring champion in 2007-08 with career averages of 27.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 6.6 apg and 1.8 spg (17 triple-doubles) and let him sit in Cleveland and fester?

Smart move. But you’ll be kicking yourselves when he’s putting up those numbers for a franchise that cares and will help him win titles.

Steinbrenner placates to media about Bonds

Let me start by saying that I hope I don’t lose what few readers I have by posting two New York Yankees columns in a row. Some “news” stories hit me a certain way that I feel the need to comment and with the Yankees, well, what could be bigger?

Anyway, back to topic. Now that we’re over 100 games into the 2008 MLB season and former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds is still unsigned by any club, just the mention of his name is sure to grab headlines. And, like him or not, Hank Steinbrenner has already learned the media-suaveness of his father and is using it to his and his team’s advantage.

Chances are every team at one point or another has had someone in their front office make a mention of Bonds. Whether it was in passing, a serious discussion or what-have-you, his name has been brought up in every front office around the league. The only stories we have heard about Bonds up until this point have been, “Nobody is going to sign him” even though everyone has discussed him. And nobody will sign him.

Following their normal annual meeting after the All-Star break at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to discuss franchise and personnel decisions through the end of the season, A reporter asked Steinbrenner what issues were covered. His response?

"We covered everything, including Bonds."

Genius. Five words that in reality meant nothing but for sports writers meant an article with a headline of “Yankees may bring in Barry Bonds,” “Yankees talk about Bonds,” “Yankees to add Bonds?”

It is the non-story of all non-stories. Instead, they should be writing about how the Yankees are interested in trading for San Francisco Giants catcher Bengie Molina, Seattle Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn or Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Xavier Nady. But no, those are reserved for the last two paragraphs, with the prior being about a story that doesn’t exist.

At some point the media changed. It switched from reporting news stories about facts and rumors to reporting and inferring stories from quotes. Steinbrenner easily could have said, ‘We covered everything including trades and free agents.” But he didn’t, because he knew how to get the story, and it only took five words to do so.

Jorge Posada done behind the plate?

Love or hate them, the New York Yankees are never void of interesting news stories. In an offseason met with a lot of questions, the Yankees decided to keep a number of their veterans signing Andy Pettite for a season and Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada to multi-year deals.

As is often the case with older players signing these types of deals, Posada has been injured all season. The most recent diagnosis is that his right labrum is deteriorating and will require surgery. A catcher without a labrum is useless.

During spring training and in rare bouts this year, new manager Joe Girardi had Posada practicing and playing at first base, giving him another option to contribute aside from staying behind the plate. While not his natural position, Posada played well, but nevertheless fought the move:

"I want to catch. I'm a catcher; I'm not a first baseman," Posada said.

Now, with the only two options being to play first and DH or sit out the remainder of the season, Posada has thankfully changed his tune.

"It's not about me. It's about the team now," Posada said. "How can I help the team? That's why I'm going to go through the rehab. If I'm able to hit, I'm going to try to do that. If I'm not able to hit, I'm going to have surgery."

I love Jorge, let’s not get it twisted. He had a career season last year. Nevertheless, the quote disturbs me. “It’s about the team now.” Now? What about before? If Girardi, your manager, former teammate and catcher-in-arms thinks it is best for you to play first, you do it.

Considering the Yankees haven’t had an everyday first baseman since Tino Martinez, Posada should see this as a welcome move and a way of making his career in pinstripes last longer. On the other hand, the Yankees now need to find Posada’s replacement and find it before next season. Jose Molina is great defensively, but a Yankees catcher needs a strong bat.

On a seven-game win streak and now only 3.5 games out of first while missing both Posada and Hideki Matsui, perhaps the Yankees have finally righted the ship. Now if Posada can start hitting the ball like he did last year, he can fuel them back to the top.

Army orders Caleb Campbell to withdraw from Lions, fulfill obligations

I am sure there are plenty of you who remember the story from the 2008 NFL Draft of Army safety Caleb Campbell. He was drafted to the Detroit Lions and, therefore, avoided military service due to a new rule giving those with a chance to play for a professional sports team the ability to serve their term of duty in the United States as a recruiter instead of on active duty.

Well, it should come as no suprise to you that the inspiring story has changed course.

Caleb Campbell, the Detroit Lions' seventh-round pick, will not be playing for the team this year. According to a Lions press release, the U.S. Army reversed its stance that would have allowed the safety to fulfill his military obligations in Michigan had he made the Lions' roster.

What a crock! In a time where the Army is trying to recruit new members and increase military service in this country, they do something to once again hurt their image. It is not like there are hundreds of soldiers that this affects at the present time, just one. They allowed the kid to get drafted, earn a roster spot and sign a three-year contract and then they take that all away from him?

The fact of the matter is this: Campbell is an Army guy and will never mention a word about how hurt, upset and dejected he probably is right now. That doesn’t change the fact that this is the wrong decision. If I was the Lions, I’d consider suing to get the signing bonus that I’ve already laid out back. This is wrong in every way and, unfortunately, these things aren’t even a surprise anymore. Big mistake, Army, big mistake.

Childress signs with Greek club team Olympiakos

Josh Childress signing a three-year $20 million deal is not that outrageous—except for the fact that it is for a non-NBA team. Leaving the NBA and the United States behind, Childress is really the first of his kind to spurn NBA offers to play in Europe.

In Olympiakos, he is going to a title-contending club that finished second to Panathinaikos in the Greek basketball league last season. They also just signed another big-name player, Greek star Theodoros Papaloukas, completing a solid roster overhaul that should bring them close to the title.

So let me get this straight... Childress went from being an Atlanta Hawks reserve to possibly the premiere player in the Greek league. He will play fewer games, get paid more money and be a star? Sounds like a good deal to me.

The best part about the contract is after each season, he has an opt-out clause to return to the NBA. So all Childress really needs to do is have one great season in Greece to hopefully raise his value even more than the $5.6 million he was set to receive from the Hawks’ rumored offer. Atlanta will retain his rights as a restricted free agent as long as they provide him with qualifying offers each season.

While I can see this as a bit of a hit to Atlanta, who is in the middle of a resurgence and just made their first playoff appearance in years, Childress definitely made the right decision for his life and career. Aside from the notoriety he will gain abroad, if all goes well he will be an even bigger commodity here. Besides, he’s making $6.66 million after taxes as opposed to $5.6 million before taxes…big difference!

The only question I really have is: Where did Olympiakos get the money?

Carson Palmer speaks his mind, the truth

That’s it. Game over. Carson Palmer is my favorite NFL quarterback.

Not because he won me a fantasy football championship (he didn’t), plays for my favorite team (he doesn’t) or is even the best at his position in the league (he’s not.) It only took one long quote, one radio interview, one beautifully phrased piece of truth to turn me into a Carson Palmer fan.

I don't watch what I say. I cannot stand the Buckeyes and having to live in Ohio and hear those people talk about their team, it drives me absolutely nuts. We got Keith Rivers out there and we got Frostee Rucker, we finally got a couple other 'SC guys. It's amazing to hear what those guys think about that university and what they think about that football program and (Ohio State coach Jim) Tressel and all the crap I gotta put up with being back there. I just can't wait for two years from now when 'SC comes to the 'Shoe and I get to, hopefully we'll have a home game that weekend and I can go up there and watch us, pound on them in their own turf and kind of put all the talk to rest. Because I'm really getting sick of it and I just can't wait for this game to get here so they can come out to the Coliseum and experience LA and get an old-fashioned Pac-10 butt-whoopin' and go back to the Big Ten . . . I can't wait.

Have I converted you, too? No? You must be an Ohio State fan.

Let’s put aside the cojones it takes to say these words while playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in Buckeye country. Especially because the fans that pack your stadium and buy your jersey care 10 times more about OSU than they ever will about the Bengals.

The fact of the matter is Palmer did two things I love and respect: (1) He spoke the truth without regard for backlash and (2) He still has pride and loyalty to his school and conference.

To a lot of NFL players, college football is a stepping stone to the pros. But there are always those select few that bleed (in this case) cardinal and gold through-and-through, even when their playing career is over. It is even better when those players are solid pros as opposed to your fourth-stringers that hardly see the field.

Aside from having pride in his former accomplishments, Palmer points out a painstakingly obvious fact: the Big Ten is a joke. It has been a joke, and it will continue to be a joke until one more team is added and there is a conference championship game. As if their last two BCS Championship games are not proof enough, they have missed the boat on how the game is played these days while the powerhouse SEC schools like LSU, Florida and Georgia and major programs like the Pac-10’s USC and Big 12’s Texas have it easily figured out.

Yet fans of the Big Ten and, more importantly, Ohio State, continue to carry on like their stool don’t stink while they slowly become the Buffalo Bills of college football—always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

Taylor's acting desire a finely orchestrated deception

For my conspiracy theorists and pessimists out there, I bring you the following: A commentary on my own suggestion that Jason Taylor’s recent and sudden desire to escape to Hollywood was nothing more than a finely orchestrated deception by his agents and management.

Seemingly content as a Miami Dolphin for a decade, things began to unravel for the All-Pro early during the 2007 season. Noticing the Dolphins falling to an inconceivable level with a boob (Cam Cameron) as a head coach and no prospects of success in the near future, Taylor began to turn. His power in the organization was legitimate—from having owner H. Wayne Huizenga’s ear to being the vocal locker room leader. When Taylor spoke, people listened.

It was during the ’08 season that Taylor dropped the ball—he gave up. He realized the worthless, day-to-day struggle he faced as a member of the Dolphins. His attitude and disposition permeated throughout the locker room. Once Cameron lost Taylor, he lost every remaining player, the season and his head coaching career with the Dolphins. No wonder Bill Parcells was put-off by Taylor; he realized Taylor’s contributions on the field would be less significant than the detriment he would do to the team in the locker room. In a Parcells system, the coaches (and specifically chosen players) have the voice, not just sour veterans.

With the season over and an offer on the table from ABC to compete in “Dancing With the Stars,” Taylor finally had his out. And as any agent worth his 10% would, Gary Wichard started putting together a plan. Perhaps not the perfect plan, but nevertheless a good one.

Taylor performed on DWTS for two reasons: to be more noticeable in Hollywood and to begin the deception—the deception that his goal all along was to be an actor. Once again, any agent worth his 10% should have a plan ready for his client’s post-playing career. Taylor is not unique in wanting to go Hollywood and keep himself in the spotlight. He is, however, unique in using that desire to deceive his team into trading him.

Go on DWTS, refuse to commit to the Dolphins and then publicly state you are only going to play for one more season (and you want it to be with a contender) because of your desire to act. Refuse to attend any mini camps or OTAs, making up excuses that, while sounding legitimate, are obviously bogus. Then, continuously placate to the media and your fans that you are not doing this because you WANT to leave but because with such limited time left you have to leave. Why would any team accept a player doing those things? They would not, and Gary Wichard knew that from the start.

And now that the deception is completed and a trade has been made, everyone will begin to see it unravel. It started with Washington’s executive vice president Vinny Cerrato being "100 percent positive he'll play longer than one year." Of course he will; he was always going to.

Let’s face it--Taylor’s prospects in Hollywood are slim-to-none. Meeting with Denzel Washington, studio executives and reading offers in La-La-Land? They may have happened but none were approached with much seriousness. Taylor probably made his rounds to learn more about the industry for when he actually retires in 2011 or 2012. Yes, you heard it here first—2011 or 2012.

Taylor will play out the remainder of his contract (two years) with the Redskins, and he will be happy to do so because he NEVER truly considered retiring. When the Redskins have not provided Taylor with his shot at contention for a Super Bowl ring, he will do what so many two-faced athletes (read: Junior Seau) have done and sign a one- or two-year deal with a team (read: New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys) for that last shot at glory. Then, he will ride off into that Hollywood sunset that will look eerily like an ESPN (owned by ABC who produces DWTS), NBC or FOX studio.

In the end, he may win his ring, get his Hall of Fame bust and win back some fans, but one thing will never change: This was a farce, a sham, a finely orchestrated deception.

Tomlinson Campaigns to be No. 1 Fantasy Pick

San Diego Chargers RB LaDanian Tomlinson wants your vote. No, he’s not campaigning for Barack Obama or John McCain. He wants to be your No. 1 fantasy draft selection.

Tomlinson has been making his rounds on the talk-show circuit, throwing out advertisements and even shaking hands and handing out bumper stickers in Times Square asking fans to trust him to lead their fantasy teams for the 2008 season.

"I should be the No. 1 pick because I'm proven," Tomlinson told The Associated Press. "I've been doing it for a while and have experience helping owners win their leagues. I got a good track record, and I'll be ready on day one."

Awesome. But, maybe not.

It seems LT isn’t doing all of this for himself, but because FOXSports.com is paying him to promote their fantasy games. So much for the great story! If Tomlinson had been doing this on his own, I’d be praising him for being unique, fun and an example for a lot of the guys in the league to learn from.

Instead, he’s a shill.

Nevertheless, I’m giving consideration to not even taking a RB in the first round for the first time in my fantasy career. After seeing how the NFL passing game has exploded and the abilities of Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning and New England Patriots QB Tom Brady to put up huge fantasy stats, one must wonder if it makes any sense to go the power RB route anymore.

MLB Delivers All-Star Game Present for My Birthday

It is my birthday so, needless to say, I’m taking the day off from the blog. More importantly, MLB gave me the best birthday present I could ask for last night with a touching tribute to Yankees Stadium, the New York Yankees and principal owner George Steinbrenner.

Even better was the game, a fantastic display of pitching, clutch offense and even cluthcer (yes, I know it’s not a word) defense in the extra innings. Am I exhausted today? Sure. But it was all worth staying up until 1:37 a.m. this morning. Maybe it was a little extra gift to have it last into the morning of the 16^th.

What is the most interesting is how the circumstances of this game came about. Bud Selig screwed up by calling a tie in the 2002 All-Star game, leading him to adopt the slogan, “This time it counts” and make future games decide home field advantage for the World Series. In effect, he is the reason last night’s game lasted 15 innings.

Of course all of the players want to play hard and have their team win, but if the World Series HFA wasn’t on the line, that game would’ve ended a helluva lot earlier. Instead, we had players like Brandon Webb and Scott Kazmir who never should have been in the game (because they pitched on Sunday) chancing injury to help their squad win the game. Interesting turn of events, huh Bud?

So much for not writing today! Be back tomorrow and please keep reading and start posting comments!

Who Does Papelbon Think He Is?

Honestly, who does this guy think he is? Lips-pursing Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon made an ass out of himself on Monday, stating to reporters that he deserves to close the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankees Stadium for the American League rather than future Hall of Famer and New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.

"We've both earned that right; us, by winning the World Series and having the opportunity of having our manager there and our team being represented, and Mariano by what he's done for this role, we're in Yankee Stadium and blah, blah, blah," Papelbon said. "It's not that easy."

Then he recanted.

"I feel I owe a lot to this game and that's one of the things I owe to this game, to let an elder statesman go ahead of me."

It’s not that easy? Yes, it is. Winning two World Series in your career is nice, especially if one of them was last season. Let me know when you win FOUR and play in SIX. Let me know when you are the best closer in the history of the game and have 466 saves.

Let me know when you’re a nine-time All-Star selection and World Series MVP. Let me know when you hold the MLB records for lowest postseason ERA of all-time (0.77), most postseason saves (34), most consecutive scoreless innings (34 1/3), most appearances in postseason history (76), most…do I really need to continue?

This is all not to mention the fact that the game is at Yankees Stadium, and it is the final season of its existence. But...it’s not about age, last season or who is managing the team. What it's about is who is the best closer in 2008.

Oh, and Jon, why don’t you take this into consideration: Rivera is having a BETTER SEASON than you are—1.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 23 saves for Rivera compared to your 2.43 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 28 saves.

Pathetic. Shut your mouth, stop blowing saves and start worrying about whether or not your team can hold onto that AL East lead after the break...or at least what flavor your next chapstick is going to be.

Favre Speaks, (Billy) Packer Fired, Donaghy Co-Horts

I figured Monday is a good time to tie up some loose ends from the weekend and, without computer access all day, I honestly didn't feel like going too in-depth on one story.

Favre Speaks: Retired Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre spoke publicly for the first time since deciding to return to the NFL with none other than Packers fan and shareholder and FOX News talking head Greta Van Susteren. Conflict of interest?! Among other asinine comments, Favre said he wants to return but no longer feels welcome in Green Bay. Read the rest...

(Billy) Packer Fired: After 27 years as the lead college basketball analyst for CBS, Billy Packer was fired over the weekend. Packer covered 34 consecutive years of March Madness tournaments (starting at NBC) and is now being replaced by studio analyst Clark Kellogg. While I enjoyed Packer during broadcasts, especially the two Florida Gators runs in 2006 and 2007, it was time for him to leave. All the best, Billy. Read the CBS story...

Donaghy Co-Horts: Also big news stepping from the weekend is former NBA referee Tim Donaghy's private phone records. According to reports FOX, Donaghy made 134 phone calls during the 2006-07 season (most before or after games he worked) to fellow official Scott Foster. Perhaps this scandal is not based on "one rogue official" as Commissioner David Stern claims?

R.I.P. Bobby Murcer: 1946-2008

As a lifetime New York Yankees fan, I've seen and read about plenty of great players that have come in and out of the Bronx. For some it is merely a stop during their career, for others, it is the perfect place to end theirs. For Bobby Murcer, the New York Yankees were his life.

While I barely remember seeing him play, Murcer holds an important distinction as the only Yankee to play with both Mickey Mantle and Don Mattingly. He was immensely popular and hit .277 with 252 home runs and 1,043 RBIs in 17 seasons in the majors.

A five-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner and three-time Emmy Award winner, Murcer dealt with a malignant brain tumor for years; it never stopped him from continuing to help the team as a broadcaster even up to the middle of last season. All-in-all, Murcer spent nearly four decades in pinstripes as a player, executive and announcer. He spent his whole life as a great human being.

"Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine," owner George Steinbrenner said. "I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy."

"Bobby was a gentleman, a great ambassador for baseball, and a true leader both on and off the field. He was a man of great heart and compassion," Commissioner Bud Selig said.

"If there's a Hall of Fame for people, he's in it," Reggie Jackson said. "He was such a good person, and he was appreciative of the people who cared so much for him."

"Just a wonderful person, a great teammate and a heck of a baseball player," ex-Yankee teammate Lou Piniella said. "It's a sad day."

"I've never met a more genuine person," Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay said. "What he went through the last couple of years no one should ever have to go through, but he went through it with such grace. He was an amazing, amazing guy. He was a piece of work in the best way possible."

Klitschko Wants to be the "People's Champion"

Who knew Wladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44 KOs) watched WWE? Or maybe he's just a big fan of The Rock...I mean Dwayne Johnson. Nevertheless, Klitschko wants to be known as the "People's Champion" once he becomes the Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion of boxing. The question I pose is: Can anyone stop him?

This afternoon, Klitschko defends his IBF, WBO and IBO world heavyweight titles against Tony Thompson (31-1, 19 KOs), his next lackluster opponent. The fight is at 4:30 p.m. (EST) because it is in Germany and is on HBO for free.

In order to fulfill his dream, he will need to defeat WBC heavyweight champion Samuel Peter (30-1, 23 KOs) and undefeated WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagev (24-0-1, 17 KOs). While the world is waiting patiently for someone to step up and hold all the major belts, it doesn't seem that boxing as a whole is in any rush to make it happen. Do they not see the amount of ground they are losing to MMA?

While the heavyweight division has dropped in popularity faster than the Titanic sank, there are no violins playing on the way down, just a rowdy crowd ready for the rebirth of the division. And while Klitschko may only have amounted to a good contender a decade or two ago, he is in the position to be the first Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion since Lennox Lewis.

"I will not see myself as champion until I have all of the belts," Klitschko said. "I still have work to do to be recognized as the real champion, and this is driving me on, this is my motivation. To me, it is important to become the people's champion, the real champion. This is why I fight."

Klitschko, a Ph.D., is a smart cat. He realizes his talent but also has that important desire to be more than he's made out to be. It is time for him to separate himself from his peers and prove his desire and ability to be a worthy and undisputed champion. The only problem is time might be running out.

Brett Favre: I Want To Play (Just Not in Green Bay)

Just when you thought it was safe to be an NFL general manager, your long-time, future Hall of Fame, Super Bowl-winning RETIRED franchise QB makes your life difficult. That has to be what Ted Thompson and head coach Mike McCarthy are thinking this afternoon as Brett Favre has told the team he wants to play with an unconditional release from his Green Bay Packers contract.

Wow.

Three days after expressing to Packers' officials during a conference call his desire to play in 2008, Favre had his agent James "Bus" Cook send an overnight letter officially asking for his client's contractual release. Favre claims pressure from the Packers seeking a decision caused him to retire in March even though he had felt the same way about retirement as he did in previous seasons.

More so, Favre indicated that his tenure and dedication to Green Bay should be enough to afford him an unconditional release, without any strings or worry of trade: he wants full control of his future, even though he is under contract for three more years.

Wow again.

Simply put, this is a horrible move on Favre's part. While I fully support ANY athlete wanting to play as long as he is physically able to, Favre went out like a champion last year, even if his last pass was an interception. The only reason to return should be to win a Super Bowl and, at this point, is that really going to happen? Of course not.

What are the chances that Favre is going to pick the one team out of 32 that will win the whole schabang? He is going to have to learn a brand new system and work with a new offensive line and receivers. The chances for ultimate success are slim, regardless of where.

This may be all fun and games to Favre, but while his achievements and success in Green Bay will be unscathed, his legacy won't be. All he needs to do is look at Joe Montana and ask him how it worked out in Kansas City. Montana got injured and played well but never reached the level of success he did in San Francisco--and he spent FIVE YEARS there. What is Favre going to accomplish in one or two? Or is he planning to play until he's 43?

Green Bay Packers Press Release: The finality of his decision to retire was accepted by the organization. At that point, the Green Bay Packers made the commitment to move forward with our football team.

As a retired player, Brett has the option to apply for reinstatement with Commissioner Goodell. If that were to occur, he would become an active member of the Green Bay Packers. As always, the Packers will do what's right and in the best interest of the team.

Brandon Jennings: One Smart Teenager

If you haven't heard about Brandon Jennings already, let me get you up-to-date. Jennings is a recent high school graduate and the nation's top point guard who wants to play in the NBA. Unfortunately, because of a change to the league's eligibility rules in 2006, in order to do so he must be 19-years-old or one year out of high school. Like most graduating seniors, Jennings agreed to sign and play NCAA basketball for one year with Arizona before being the next "one-and-done" player and to enter the NBA draft after his one and only season is complete.

Where Jennings deviates from the path that fellow phenoms Kevin Durant (Texas), Michael Beasley (Kansas State) and O.J. Mayo (USC) have laid out is his most recent change of mind to forgo college and his scholarship to Arizona. Instead, Jennings will play professionally in Europe for his "one year out of high school" and earn about $300K doing so. Smart move, I say.

There are two issues at hand here. The first is the NBA's eligibility rule itself; the second is Jennings' decision. Below, I will briefly explain the flaws in the rule, and the genius to Jennings' move.

The Rule: Flawed is the best word I can use to describe it and there are two major flaws that prevail--age and impact. To base eligibility on age, rather than readiness, is absurd in basketball. At 18 you can serve in the Army, vote for President and are considered a legal adult, yet you can't get a job you've been working towards for years? For those that will bring up the NFL, it is a much more physical sport and while a rare high school athlete may be able to go direct, more often than not at least two full seasons of college are needed to prepare them for the physicality and nuances of the next level.

Next, impact. Playing one year in college may help the "maturing" process of some players, but it does little to help the NCAA product, the universities that take these one-and-done players or even the NBA product. It gives the athletes an extra year to get injured and possibly ruin their future without getting a dime while implying NBA team officials are not intelligent enough to draft realizing their age and possible inexperience.

The Decision: I could not support Jennings' decision any more. Aside from earning money while taking the same injury risks he would face in the NCAA game, Jennings is putting himself up against better competition. He is also in Europe for a year and, let's be honest, who wouldn't love to do that after high school? A year in college will not provide him any useful education (let's be honest, freshman year is a joke) or benefit outside of being seen on television more often. Scouts have no problem considering European players for the NBA Draft as we've seen in recent years, especially if they're American to begin with. He won't have to worry about the risks of signing with an agent, illegal benefits or any of the other baggage that comes with playing in the NCAA.

The Fix: Two points here. (1) If the NBA wants the eligibility rule to work, it needs to be two years out of high school, not one. Align it with the NFL's rule, allow the athletes to have some impact on their college programs, actually develop their skills and get a legitimate education. (2) Stop being hypocritical. A 19-year-old from Europe who has been playing professionally since he was 16 doesn't cause the fluttering of an eye, but an 18-year-old planning to forego college and play in the same league as that other player does? Give me a break. Fix the system or get rid of it.

Brand to 76ers, Spurns Davis

I am all about athletes doing what is best for themselves, though I may sometimes disagree with the methods they take to do so. Case in point is Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer, who lied for months to the Cleveland Cavaliers, promising the team and its owner he would re-sign with them, continue to play with LeBron James and help build a winner. Cleveland stopped looking to acquire big-time free agents and were devistated when Boozer signed an offer sheet with Utah behind their backs on July 1. Why did he do so? Well, the Jazz offered $28 million more.

Yesterday's not-so-shocking development of Elton Brand agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers first got me thinking about Boozer. No, Brand didn't promise the city of Los Angeles he would stay, nor did he sit down with owner Donald Sterling and guarantee he would be back next year. However, one does have to wonder if he had struck a deal with pal and newest Los Angeles Clippers point guard Baron Davis.

It seemed fishy when, at the start of free agency, Davis and Brand both made initial statements that in an ideal world they would stay at their respective clubs (Golden State, L.A. Clippers.) Then, as quick and as shocking as lightning, Davis signed with the Clippers for $65 million. The Clippers' signed Davis to bolster their team, figuring they were going to lose Corey Maggette but would be able to re-sign Brand and have the twosome lead the team. No doubt Davis had this thought as well.

While I don't think Brand has any reason to feel guilty, that does not mean he shouldn't apologize. Not to the Clippers or Sterling, even though his intentions to stay led them to throw big money at Davis and dream of a legitimate, competative team. Brand should apologize to Davis. Because now, the talented PG who couldn't find a team to lead is stuck with the Clippers and neither Brand nor Maggette is there to help. Whether they had a deal or not is irrelevant, Brand led him astray with his comments and chose money over winning. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

What to Watch: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

With the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games exactly a month away, I thought this would be a good time to detail what I planned to watch and follow closely over the course of the event. I should preface this column by saying that I love the Summer Olympics, could pretty much watch any event and am much more concerned about the United States in my viewing than anything else. That being said...

1. Michael Phelps (USA) - Going for a record eight Gold medals, Phelps is already setting world records in the trials and makes his stiffest competition look like they are in a different class. Former Florida Gator Ryan Lochte, the next best American swimmer, has a chance to win some medals of his own.

2. USA Basketball - After being embarrassed in Athens in 2004 and at international competitions, USA Basketball realized their decline was steeper and more dramatic than they originally thought. The entire system was re-organized from top-to-bottom and features Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Jason Kidd with Coach K at the helm. They are again the favorites to win the Gold, but one has to wonder about the lack of front court players on the team.

3. Usain Bolt (JAM) / Tyson Gay (USA) - Outside of Bolt's great name, these two are the fastest men in the world. Bolt holds the world record in the 100 m (9.72 s), but Gay just ran the fastest-ever 100 m (9.68 s), though it was wind-aided. He is also the defending 2007 World Champion in the 100 m, 200 m and 4 x 100 m defeating Bolt in those events. Though Gay injured himself in the 200 m trials, he will still be facing Bolt in the 100 m making for probably the best race in the Beijing Olympics.

4. Dara Torres (USA) - Back to swimming, the 41-year-old (also former Florida Gator) Torres is set to be the first American swimmer to appear in five Olympics. Her first was 1984, meaning she's been in Olympics as long as I've been alive. Already with nine Olympic medals, Torres may be at her best yet and just broke her own American 50 m record. Oh, and if she didn't tell you already, she's drug-free.

5. The Rest - I know, it's broad. But with 34 sports and 20 times as many events, it is hard to pick from the rest. I may be criticized of recycling the same storylines the media is pushing here. Tough--they're being pushed because they're the most interesting. Of course we have a 16-year-old dynamic gymnist, an exciting beach volleyball duo, some young talents in boxing and a great softball team. Just stay away from synchronized swimming, badminton and archery and you should be OK.

The New Pac-Man

There are plenty of good nicknames in professional sports but since Dallas Cowboys CB Adam Jones decided to drop the "Pacman" there is no good reason NOT to anoint a new one.

Meet Manny Pacquiao. WBC Lightweight Champion, WBC Super Featherweight Champion, 47-3-2 with 35 KOs (75%) and perhaps the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world now that Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has retired.

He's lightning fast, can take a punch and, most importantly, is proven and tested. Pacquiao has fought against solid and strong competition for the last five years and most recently won the WBC Lightweight Championship from David Diaz (34-1-1, 17 KOs) on June 28.


He has fought as low as Light Flyweight (106 lbs.), and is considering moving up to 140 lbs. to fight Ricky Hatton (44-1-0, 31 KOs). Considering the popularity of both, fighting Hatton could be big money for Pacquiao. He has won four major titles in four weight classes and would have a legitimate shot of winning. He is also considering a fight with Nate Campbell (32-5-1, 25 KOs), the WBA, WBO and IBF Lightweight Champion as soon as November.

But, before any of that, Pacquiao will be representing the Phillipines at the 2008 Bejing Olympics and will even be the flag bearer for his country. It has gotten to the point that people are wondering who he will beat next and how bad it will be.

While MMA has grown in popularity recently, boxing has made strides of their own. Pac-Man, Kelly Pavlick, Ricky Hatton, a final match for Oscar De La Hoya and the possibility of a unified Heavyweight Champion in Wladamir Klitschko are all blright spots, and boxing could begin to make a comback if solid fights with good opponents and title defenses continue occuring.

Arenas Gives (Little) Back to Wizards

Call it a fulfilling a promise, helping his team or whatever else you would like.  As far as Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas' recent decision to sign for less than the maximum the Wizards offered him goes, I'll call it a PR move.  Not only that, I'll call it insignificant and, while a nice gesture in spirit, not nearly enough.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Arenas as a person.  He's great in the community, entertaining off the court and has a great shot.  But, let's be honest, he's NOT a max deal-caliber player.  When signing or re-signing a player, you need to consider a few things.  Paramount among all of them are talent and health.  Arenas is talented but not the most talented, and we all know he's not the healthiest either.

The fact of the matter is that Arenas decided to "give back" $16 million.  Sounds good, except when you consider that it is over six years.  That's $2.66 million a year to help the team sign other players while he's still earning $18.5 million.  Research NBA salaries; $2-3 million doesn't get you much unless you add it to a mid-level exception.

If Arenas really wanted to make a statement and help his team he would have negotiated down to $90 million.  Not only would it have been more helpful by freeing up $6.16 million a year to improve the team, but he'd also be getting his fair market value.  However you slice it, $111 million over 6 years is overpaying for Arenas.

"(The Wizards) offered me the max, and I'm basically giving back $16 million," Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it."

"What can I do for my family with $127 million that I can't do with $111 million?"

What's going to happen when Arenas' knee doesn't hold up three years from now?  Is $18.5 million really any less binding than $21.16 million?  No, it's not, but $15 million sure as hell is less binding.  And what can Arenas do for his family with $111 million that he can't with $90 million?  It's not like he doesn't have financial planners and accountants who are going to grow that money.  Not to mention endorsements and six more years of being the face of a franchise.

I'm not saying it's not a nice gesture; it's just not enough of one.  If you want to help your team, get paid exactly what you deserve and give them the flexibility to actually improve.  Getting paid $111 million is fleecing the franchise, even if you're taking less than they originally offered.

Hot Dog! Chestnut Wins in Playoff

For me, July 4th is about two things: America and baseball.  The problem is, July is in the Summer, and the heat causes people to do some crazy things like, you know, shove 59 hot dogs down their throats for a Mustard Belt.

Now I love hot dogs as much as the next guy, especially Nathan's.  But in no way, shape or form do I want to watch anyone shove food down their throats at that rate.  Especially when the result is a water-soaked bun residue face coating and watching people jump up and down to try to fill themselves with more after tying in regulation.

I watched the highlights, Joey Chestnut won, the title stays on U.S. soil.  Great.  Takeru Kobayashi is quickly turning into the Atlanta Braves of this contest.  Now I'm going to celebrate what this day is really about: watching the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox while eating maybe two hot dogs of my own.

Clemens Better Not Drop the Soap

In a story that for some reason is not getting the coverage it deserves, it appears as if baseball great Roger Clemens' next destination will be prison, rather than Cooperstown. According to a court brief filed by Brian McNamee's lawyers, the syringes and steroid paraphernalia turned over to federal agents will test positive for Clemens' DNA.

Uh-oh.

Clemens has had plenty to deal with over the past few months including questions about his achievements, statistics, credibility and marital fidelity. While the latter has all but left Clemens to look like a cheating husband, many continued to defend him in the trail against his baseball identity--after all, guilty until proven innocent, right? But at this point, there is no defending The Rocket anymore.

The paraphernalia, including syringes and bloodied gauze pads, "will test positive for Clemens' DNA," the brief states. "Once the DNA results are revealed, there will be little dispute about who is telling the truth."

McNamee's attorney, Richard Emery, said McNamee kept the items from as far back as 2000 because he "had this inkling and gut feeling that he couldn't trust Roger and better keep something to protect himself in the future."

If these reports are true, Clemens is a cheater. Worst of all, he's a lying cheater. Say what you will about Andy Pettite, Jason Giambi and some other athletes that have admited their wrongdoing and asked for the public's forgiveness. At least they were honest.

McNamee's lawyers will again motion for a dismissal of Clemens' suit. With this evidence, they will probably get just that sometime in August or September. The question will then turn to the federal grand jury and how Clemens will have to face and potentially pay for what will amount to be a serious perjury charge.

Brett Favre Not Retiring?

Don't call it a comeback because, let's face it, he never really left. According to multiple sources including ESPN's Chris Mortensen and current Green Bay Packers players who wish to remain nameless, future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is giving serious consideration to returning to the gridiron this year.

What a surprise.

For me, the surprise was that Favre "retired" in the first place. Especially considering he put up totals of 4,155 yds. and 28 TDs while compiling a 95.7 passer rating just last season. He also brought his team to the NFC Championship game and came close to making the Super Bowl a season after putting up dreadful numbers: 18 TDs, 18 INTs and a 72.7 passer rating.

ESPN is expected to go on the air in just a few minutes with a Favre report. I was allerted to this from a text message from ESPN's news service telling me to be sure and watch NFL Live at 4:00 p.m. today. The show started with host Trey Wingo saying Favre has told head coach Mike McCarthy that he has the itch to play again and continued with studio analyst and current Green Bay Packers player Al Harris saying he has spoken to Favre on a few occaions in which he has reiterated the same feelings.

If Favre does return, one would expect he wants it to be with Green Bay, though in all actuality it may have to be with a team other than the Packers. They just spent the draft giving new QB Aaron Rodgers a plethora of back-ups and competition for his job. One now wonders if Favre's retirement was premature or if he's trying to pull a Roger Clemens and get max money for the least amount of work and has wanted to play and return to the field all along?

Favre is still under contract with the Packers and is currently listed on IR. His family is reportedly pushing him to return to the field. All he would have to do is speak with management and request a reinstatement into the league in order to make his contract active again. There should be more developments in the coming days.

All I can say is if I was the Packers, I would say it's time to move on. If they decide not to, Rodgers should find somewhere else to play.

A-Rod's Affair with Madonna? Davis and Brand Opt Out, Ronaldo Not Re-Signed by AC Milan

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is no stranger to publicity and the media inciting rumors about his professional career and love life. Neither is singer and worldwide pop icon Madonna. Are both so used to the spotlight and controversy surrounding them that they are fueling it even more with an alleged long-time affair? The New York Post and Us magazine say so. All I can say to A-Rod is: Your wife's hot, Madonna's ugly, you have two kids, you just signed a record deal that you could lose half of in a divorce settlement...are you really that stupid?

I do not know why everyone is so surprised about Baron Davis and Elton Brand opting out of their contracts. Both play for sub-par teams with low market shares and neither gets the respect they deserve. All staying under contract does is limit their chances of winning a championship and earning their worth at the present market value. I hope both wind up in better situations, though Davis claims he is focused on Brand's former Los Angeles Clippers but prefers to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors. Speaking with ESPN's J.A. Adande via e-mail, Davis wrote: "Clipps r possible. G State is where I wanna b." Good thing the contracts don't take into account their grammer.

Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo met with AC Milan over the weekend, only to be told his contract with the club would not be renewed. After severing a tendon in his knee playing in a Serie A match against Livorno in February, Ronaldo has been recovering from surgery and is expected to return in early 2009. The non-renewal is interesting as Milan is said to be considering re-signing El Fenomeno if he can prove his health. Prove his health? Besides winning World Cups and league titles, I do not see what he has left to prove. If the man says he will return, he will return. Chances are he will not be re-signed and while he could go to Brazil and play at home, I would not be surprised to see a lucrative offer come his way from the MLS in the next six months.