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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

2008 NBA Mock Draft

While I have no problem sitting here and telling you that I can do a NFL mock draft as well as any of the experts (and did this year), a NBA mock draft? Not so much. What I will do, however, is provide my mocked-up lottery selections for tonight's 2008 draft. Through sites like Sportsbook.com you can bet on these picks, so feel free to take my advice if you're a bit stuck.

Note: If the Seattle/L.A. Clippers trade goes through, expect Eric Gordon to go to the Clippers and Brook Lopez to the Sonics.

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Chicago needs two character attributes desperately on their team—leadership and speed. Rose has both along with ideal size and court vision for a point guard. They would be hard-pressed to do better in the draft, and that is not to mention getting a player from Chicago who wants nothing more than to be a member of the Bulls. The no-brainer of all no-brainers.

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
Miami is not going to give Beasley away for free. There is enough value in him for them to gain some players they want while still getting a top draft pick. Look for them to trade down somewhere in the top five, but first they will have to make this selection.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - O.J. Mayo, SG, Southern California
While Mayo does not fill their biggest position of need, he is the third best player in this draft without question. There is a top tier and these three guys are in it. Minnesota is also considering Stanford C Brook Lopez (and will move Al Harrington to PF or trade him) but that looks doubtful.

4. "Seattle" Sonics - Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Seattle is said to be very interested in UCLA PG Russell Westbrook, Indiana SG Eric Gordon and Lopez at this slot. In the end, while they need a PG to pair with Kevin Durant, I feel they will opt for the big man to sure up the middle and help provide Durant with an inside-out game.

5. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana
There was supposed to be a trade with the New York Knicks here, but it does not look like that is going to happen. Eric Gordon is the most talented shooter left in the draft while Kevin Love is the most versatile big man. Memphis will go with one of the two here, and I think they are shying away from Love.

6. New York Knicks - Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA
The Knicks need a PG to replace Stephon Marbury at year's end and defense. Westbrook satisfies both needs. GM Donnie Walsh actually wants Mayo and has been trying to trade up to No. 3 in order to get him. If that does not happen, 3-4 should be as projected here and Westbrook should fall to the Knicks. Otherwise, gasp, Danilo Gallinari or even Joe Alexander.

7. Los Angeles Clippers - Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona
Mark it down now: the Clippers are taking a PG. It just depends who is available.

8. Milwaukee Bucks - Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
Scott Skiles likes him and Alexander has been one of the easiest calls of the whole draft. He's tough, high-energy and knows Manderin so he can converse and be friends with Yi. Alexander is a bit rough around the edges but should work well in Milwaukee.

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
If the draft plays out as I've laid it out, Charlotte will be happy because one of the most talented and fundamentally sound players will fall into their lap. Larry Brown will be pacing until he is available and ecstatic that they grab a player with an old school mindset and drive.

10. New Jersey Nets - Danilo Gallinari, SF, Armani Milan (Italy)
If the Knicks pass on Gallinari, rumor has it he still has a guarantee to be drafted in the top ten. Is it from the Nets? Maybe. Could it be from another team with a deal in place to trade up (cough, Portland, cough)? More likely. Especially if they can get a PG in Jarrett Jack in return.

11. Indiana Pacers - Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
After trading Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana wants to replace him in the middle. They are said to be looking at Randolph and Kosta Koufos. With Texas PG D.J. Augustin still available, they have a tough decision to make. Nevertheless, I see them going with Randolph here.

12. Sacramento Kings - D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas
Augustin won't have to wait too long. He still gets drafted in the lottery and for good reason; right now he is the best and most ready PG in the draft. The only negative is his height.

13. Portland Trailblazers - Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas
95% chance Portland trades out of this pick; they really want to move up for Augustin, Randolph or Gallinari. If they don't trade and the three aforementioned are gone, it is Rush in a heart beat. The Blazers will be able to contend next year and Rush is a defender and shooter.

14. Golden State Warriors - Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State
Some has Koufos off the board already, I do not. If he's gone, look for the Warriors to take Robin Lopez or Donte' Greene. Greene is the most talented, Koufos and Lopez fill a need for size and offense.

As for the rest, tune in to ESPN at 7:00 p.m. See you back here tomorrow! Feel free to leave comments or questions below!

Hey Shaq, how does being a civilian taste?

Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal may have been asking former teammate Kobe Bryant to "tell me how my ass tastes," but his freestyle rap at a club in New York has his fans, the media and the Maricopa County police asking a bunch of other questions.

Once such question: Hey Shaq, how does being a civilian taste?

Following the publicity given to Shaq's freestyle, the head sheriff of Maricopa County is asking the future Hall of Fame center for his badges back. And no, he's not doing it because of Shaq's lack of talent on the mic but rather the racially derogatory language he used while doing so.

"I want his two badges back," Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "Because if any one of my deputies did something like this, they're fired. I don't condone this type of racial conduct."

You see, Shaq has a love of law enforcement. In Maricopa County he was a special deputy then promoted to a colonel. It is no suprise, though, that the Miami Beach Police are keeping him as a member of their team.

I really don't mind the freestyling, the shots at Bryant or much else of what O'Neal said. Watch the whole freestyle. Well, except for two lines:

That's like Patrick Ewing having more rings than me

AND

Kobe, can't do without me

I can't stand up for anyone taking shots at Ewing, my favorite player. Not to mention if Ewing and the New York Knicks had a Bryant and didn't have to play every Conference Finals against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, he'd have a few rings of his own. He was a victim of circumstance.

Bryant may not have won a ring without Shaq, yet, but he will. Shaq was carried to his last title on the back of Dwayne Wade, and odds are he'll never win one again. His future is as an entertainer not a basketball player.

He used to be able to tell us how the glass tastes. Now he'll just be telling us how his gas tastes.

Misses of the Week

Every week the sports media reacts to certain stories that they should leave alone and makes poor decisions that aren't spotlighted enough. From time to time I will provide some "Misses of the Week" that I either failed to cover previously or did not necessarily constitute a full column. This week...

Barkley back to gambling: After being embarrassed during the NBA Playoffs when a casino made it public that Charles Barkley owed them $40,000, he swore he would quit gambling for at least "a year or two." While that is laughable in itself (imagine an alcoholic saying he'd quit drinking for two years), what is even more crazy is how the media is jumping all over him for accepting an invitation to play in a charity poker game. Sure, it is not the best way to stay away from a casino, but gambling implies risking your own money; Chuck is playing for charity. Give the man a little slack.

NBC, Notre Dame sign new deal: Five more years?! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE watching football and all sports on NBC. I also hate that they've lost MLB and NBA coverage over the past decade to crappy FOX and ABC respectivley. The reason this deal bothers me is two fold. First, signing Notre Dame to their own television deal keeps them independent from a conference. We all know it is time for them to join the Big 10 and allow them to be a REAL conference with a championship game. Second, well let's be honest, Notre Dame sucks.

NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol said the network doesn't look at year-to-year results when it comes to Notre Dame, calling the football program a premier brand that defines the network as much as the Olympics, the NFL and the U.S. Open golf championship. Really?! Maybe he should. Notre Dame is NOT what it once was and does not deserve this type of treatment, even if Tony Kornheiser continues to call them the "university of football in America."

NBA Finals - Game 6

Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals leaves the series in a position that I did not previously anticipate. In addition to thinking the Los Angeles Lakers would be up at least 3-2 at this point, I also never would have predicted that they'd blow such huge leads to the Boston Celtics (in one case causing the latter to win the game) at home.

With the series 3-2 in the opposite direction, tonight's game holds obvious signifigance. Two prevalent questions will be answered. 1) Can the Lakers win a decisive game on the road? 2) Do the Celtics have the wherewithall to prevent a Game 7? Two other thoughts are pretty standard throughout the playoffs. The home team's bench plays better, and great players play their best in do-or-die situations.

With that said, you would expect the Celtics bench to dominate as they have in the past. Kendrick Perkins expects to play but is not 100%, and Ray Allen is still reeling from his child's illness which may lead to some increased opportunities for Eddie House and Leon Powe.

While Paul Pierce may very well win the MVP if the Celtics prevail, Kobe Bryant is the best player in this series. He's been dynamite throughout the playoffs but has struggled a bit with the multiple coverages and defenses thrown at him by defensive guru Tom Thibodeau. The question is whether or not he can overcome that adversity in a decisive game on the road.

On a betting angle, I took the Lakers (yes, again) +5. The Celtics have covered the spread for all five games in this series. That doesn't happen. Covering six would include a win tonight, and I must stick to my guns even if it means going flat even for the entire playoffs.

Kobe Respnds to Schilling Slander

So how does Kobe Bryant respond to the questions of motivation, leadership and chemistry brought forth by blow hard Curt Schilling's 38 Pitches blog? By being a New York Yankees fan, of course.

"You're asking for my response to it? Go Yankees."

"Look, I know my team," said Bryant. "After all those bleeps, we almost pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in history. It seemed to motivate the team pretty well."

There's one high and tight for ya, Schill.

The best part of it all is that Bryant admits to his tirade and the players did respond reasonably well to it, albeit half of a quarter later.

"They're used to it and we all have thick skin around here on the team," Bryant said. "That's just how we, we're brutally honest with each other. Our team is built for that. We all love it."

And if the Lakers are in the process of going down again tonight in Game 4 at home, expect a repeat performance from Bryant. They've come back from 16 twice against the Spurs to win and came within points of coming back from 24 against the Boston Celtics in Game 2.

Schilling is a JERK-of-all-trades

With respect to T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times, I stole the title of this post. Simers wrote an article this morning condemning Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling for comments made in his blog following Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. Schilling was in attendance and sitting in seats ridiculously close to the Los Angeles Lakers bench and shared his criticisms on Kobe Bryant in his blog, 38 Pitches.

"From the first tip until about four minutes left in the game I saw and heard this guy (Bryant) bitch at his teammates. Every TO he came to the bench pissed, and a few of them he went to other guys and yelled about something they weren't doing, or something they did wrong. No dialogue about 'hey let's go, let's get after it' or whatever.

"He spent the better part of 3.5 quarters pissed off and ranting at the non-execution or lack of, of his team . . . as a fan I was watching the whole thing, Kobe, his teammates and then the after-effects of conversations. He'd yell at someone, make a point, or send a message, turn and walk away, and more than once the person on the other end would roll eyes or give a 'whatever dude' look."

Aside from the fact that I think blogging by athletes in general is a bad idea for a number of reasons, Schilling is already known as the blow hard of all blow hards, the asshole of all assholes, a jerk-of-all-trades if you will. He created his blog as a way to refute press reports about him and tell his side of the story. That is fair and acceptable enough. However, he has instead used it as a public forum to start conflicts with the media, management and even other players like Barry Bonds, making comments on issues that are none of his business.

I know you could turn this around and say I am being hypocritical because, well, isn't that what I am doing? The difference is that Schilling is a public figure and knows the media reads his blog solely to find tidbits of information to publicize.

Now he wants to comment on team chemistry and make insinuations on certain looks and comments on a sport he knows absolutely nothing about? Do you know how insanely crazy Schilling would get if Gilbert Arenas made comments on his demeanor inside the Boston Red Sox dugout in his blog the next day after being given tickets right next to it? While Simers' article comes off as a bit biased because he is a columnist in L.A., the general concept of his anger and justification for it are spot-on.

Schilling should keep his mouth shut. He is not a news reporter or basketball player, he is a baseball player--one that throws fits when the media makes false accusations or insinuations about him. How does he think the Lakers or Bryant feel about his comments?

And while taking his dump on Bryant and Pau Gasol ("saw a seven-footer who grabbed like four rebounds and spent the entire game whining about getting fouled"), he gives props to his Boston Celtics pals Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. How purely biased is he going to get? I wonder who got him the seats? Why was he next to the Lakers bench anyway? Bill Beli-cheat got the seats right behind Doc Rivers. Wait a minute...Boston athletes by each bench, all of whom love and support each other...are all of these teams in cahoots? I mean, Schilling has nothing better to do anyway...

There Can Only Be One

Say what you will about this blog, but you cannot deny that I have been more on than off over the last month. As further proof, I remind you of this post from last Thursday. I also provide the image to the right that went along with that article and the following submission which one of my readers, Chad, pointed out aired on ABC during the tail end of the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Finals this weekend.

If you didn't believe me at the time that the NBA was trying to fuel this series by its past rather than the merits of its current players, this should be enough proof for you.

Ham Sandwich?

Sorry for the late post today, was down in Miami at an interview and away from the computer. Let's hope it was all worth it!

Now, let us discuss Game 1 of the NBA Finals. After sitting through three quarters of glory, my Los Angeles Lakers pick fell apart during the fourth. That's OK. More importantly, I was dismayed to see how the Lakers and Kobe Bryant especially handled the Boston Celtics' defense and rebounding. Granted they are going into the game undersized, but the Lakers are certainly more talented from top to bottom.

Even more interesting, aside from predictions and results, was Paul Pierce and his "injured" knee. I put "injured" in quotes because, let's face it, that seemed to be a bit of a ham job. You cannot have it both ways. You either get carried out (which was funny enough on its own) , put into a wheelchair and sit out the game or come back much later after being worked on, or you hobble your way to the locker room, get a cortisone shot and go back on the court.

To see Boston rally behind either an overblown (maybe even fake) injury really turned my stomach. Sure there are die-hard Celtics fans, but where have these people been the last decade? First there were the New England Patriots fans that appeared out of nowhere, then "Red Sox Nation" which encompassed all true die-hard Sox fans and soon all New York Yankees haters and now the Celtics are the big ticket?

If I had my own dictionary, front-runner and Bostonian would be synonyms. As would ham and Paul Pierce.

Back to the Future

No matter what you do, where you look or how hard you try to avoid it, you cannot help hearing the 2008 NBA Finals be compared to the 1987 Finals, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and every other time the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics previously squared off for the trophy.

It is in the ESPN promos, on the front page of every Web site and will undoubtedly be centrally featured both on pre-game montage videos and in-game statistics. The problem is...none of it matters. It doesn't matter that the Celtics have won a majority of the meetings or that the Big 3 are supposedly a reincarnation of the old Big 3. They aren't even this bad with Yankees/Red Sox series.

I understand games need to be advertised and hyped. I also understand that Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, James Worthy, A.C. Green, Byron Scott, Robert Parish and Danny Ainge are not on the court. So instead, let's concentrate on the guys who are and keep the spotlight where it belongs, on the accomplishments of two teams in 2008, not 1987.

Since when were Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen and Lamar Odom not good enough to advertise a Finals series? Look at their shoe endorsement contracts and then tell me they can't sell product. Bryant in the Finals without Shaquille O'Neal, Pierce playing against the team of his youth, Garnett trying to prove he can win the big game, Phil Jackson trying to break (Boston Celtics Coach) Red Auerbach's record nine NBA titles. Which of those is not compelling enough for you?

I'll count the references tonight, from pre-game onward, and I doubt they'll fit in two hands. Honestly, I'm still surprised they haven't done the split-screen promo with Magic and Larry yet. Then again, there are two more weeks to go.

NBA Finals - Pick of the Day

The NBA Finals...after a week-long wait they begin tonight and the Los Angeles Lakers, almost suprisingly, are favored over the best defensive team and the team with the best overall record in the NBA, the Boston Celtics.

While I will still pick each individual game, the most important bet you can place on the Finals is the series bet. And for this series, I see the Lakers taking the title without question. Even though it is going off at -200, it is worth putting a double game bet on the line. (Ex. If you bet $20/game, put $40 on the Lakers at the series line).

It is tough to bet every individual game and doubling-up on the series allows you the comfort of knowing you have a straight-up, solid bet if everything else goes wrong. (Of course, the Lakers could lose...in which case you lose it all...but that is why this is called gambling.)

Tonight could very well be the best game of the series, think Suns/Spurs Game 1 in the first round. Coach Phil Jackson knows how important Game 1 is, especially when the Lakers get three consecutive games at home in filling out the 2-3-2 format of the Finals. We take the Lakers tonight with the minuscule +2.5 points (which could change to +2 by game time). If they're going to win the series, they need to start somewhere.