Ticha Penicheiro: The Game Changer Retires

 

As we see one of the greatest female basketball players of all-time retire, we want to reflect on Ticha Penicheiro’s career. At the age of 38, she said enough is enough and put the basketball down. I remember her back in 1997 when the WNBA first was established and I was like “who is this girl”. She was dope guys! Penicherio had a handle to die for and the flashy passes you couldn’t ignore. Once said to be the female version of Jason Williams just more disciplined (Sac Bee, 2012). We can’t forget as well that she played in Sacramento for 12 seasons with the Monarchs and won her first WNBA title with the club in 2005.

It all started when she was selected 2nd overall in the 1998 WNBA draft. Many didn’t know much about her coming out of Old Dominion University but I can tell you that the nation would find out who she was. I watched many of her games years ago and was glued to the TV. For one I was never a big WNBA fan but I definitely enjoyed watching her point guard play. Iv’e seen them all and I can tell you that she is better then some guys out there. Most would say that women can’t ball and I would say that have you ever played against a WNBA player? I would say you probably haven’t. These women can ball and they demand respect on the court. Penicherio will leave her mark on the game and many women that come after her will follow her blueprint that she started.

The Sacramento Monarchs really knew what they had in Penicherio and she was a team player to the fullest and you could see a bit of Steve Nash in her as well. I had to put this story out because it was needed. What was your greatest moment of Penicherio's career?

Top 10 Running Backs in the NFL

 

Running backs in the NFL are the cream of the crop. This position only has a couple of years of shelf life. Many look at these backs as premium in the league and many on this list are definitely that. Some on this list could of had a major break-out season but the injury bug caught up to them. So this year they have the chance to improve themselves and their teams. You even might see a fall off with some players because of the new coaching staff that brings in the new system they would be playing in. Do you like this top 10 order?

 

LeSean McCoy


Ray Rice


Arian Foster
Maurice Jones-Drew


Adrian Peterson


Marshawn Lynch


Michael Turner


Ryan Matthews


Chris Johnson
Matt Forte

Where are They Now: Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson

 

Big Dog was from the hard streets of Indiana where drugs and crime was the way of life. His Mother did whatever she needed to do to get her young son Glenn away from trouble. In time Glenn started to rise as a basketball star and many colleges came calling.

One school that had his complete attention was Purdue University. While attending Purdue, Glenn was just a stud and a standout. Putting up great numbers throughout his college career you just knew the pros would come calling him. So that is just what happen after. In 1994 Robinson was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks 1st overall. But this came at a price too.

Robinson wanted it all; the fame, money and power. Big Dog felt that he was a star so he should be paid as one and this is as a rookie. This is all before rookie salary cap guys!  Robinson demanded a 13 year/$100 million deal. If you can remember in the 1990‘s this club wasn’t even worth $100 million. So there was a holdout but they came to a deal that would give him 10 years/$68 million guaranteed. Robinson was worth every penny that the Bucks spent. In his rookie season alone he averaged more than 20 points per game.  This was a feat many 1st overall draft picks couldn’t do. There was so much pressure on Big Dog that he knew he had to come with it.

 

Robinson had a good career, but could of been better if it wasn’t for his injuries and being a bad locker room guy. Ray Allen and Robinson teamed up in the mid 90’s and had success together to getting the team back to the playoffs, but Big Dog thought that Allen was a bit “soft” (Hoops Addict, 2007). This where it all started and ended.

So after that he was shipped to Atlanta and things were never the same after that. He still put up numbers but he was soon to be forget after leaving Milwaukee.

Later in his career he did get a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005. So I gotta give him kuddos for that. Robinson became more of a shooter later in his career when the injury bug caught up with him.

Robinson will be remembered as a player that had a lot of steam coming into the league and when he planted his feet he was almost unstoppable to guard. This man could shoot, post-up and was aggressive on the boards.

I liked his game a lot back then and just was wondering what happened to him. You can go ask many players that played against him years ago and they would be quick to tell you that he had a very bright future and could of been one of the greatest at his position.

What was your best moment that you remember of Big Dog?

Top 10 Shortstops in the MLB

 

The playoff season in the MLB in right around the corner and to get you guys ready I’m going to be giving you my top 10 positions in the league. Many times we forget how great baseball can be until the playoffs comes around. With hard work and dedication these shortstops are making a name for themselves and some have put there names in the record book. So enjoy this list and understand this position is one of the most important in the game and it’s my favorite!

Troy Tulowitzki


Jose Reyes
Asdrubal Cabrera


Derek Jeter


Starlin Castro


Alexei Ramirez


Hanley Ramirez
Jhonny Peralta


J.J. Hardy


Jimmy Rollins

Top 10 Power Forwards in the NBA

The top 10 list is here and ready to be displayed. I can tell you that many of these players could of went first, but you their can only be one chosen. These power forwards are making a difference for their teams and in the league. Many of them are all-stars and they demand respect upon there counterparts. They have one of the toughest task every night as they are challenged to do it all, from posting up in the paint, rebounding and blocking shots. So much is asked of them and they answer the calling. So here it is! Now I want to get your list!

 

1. Kevin Love
Blake Griffin


LaMarcus Aldridge


Dirk Nowitzki


Amar’e Stoudemire


Chris Bosh


Zach Randolph


Paul Gasol


Josh Smith


Tim Duncan

Top 5 Coaches in the NFL

 

With all the talent in the world we see every Sunday with the NFL, at times we forget about the backbone of the team and that’s the head coach. Many times the players steal the show but without these head coaches these players wouldn’t be who they are. So tonight I’m going to give you the best of the best.

Tom Coughlin
Bill Belichick
Jim Harbaugh


Gary Kubiak
John Harbaugh

The Villain Persona Makes it to the Hall

 

Now we can call former NBA superstar Reggie Miller a Hall of Famer. Once known through his whole entire career as a villain and an antagonizer, Miller lived up to those names. When Miller was growing up he wasn’t even the star of the family in sports. It was his sister and legendary women’s basketball Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller. She broke so many records in basketball that her brother Reggie wasn’t even thought of. She gave her brother the confidence that we’ve seen through his career. She pushed him to be the best and sure he was that in the 90’s. Reggie had all the odds against him. One was that his sister was a better player then him and lastly, he was so fragile looking that many thought he would break in half if he were to be hit.

I can’t lie guys, I was a big Miller fan through his career. The reason why was because you seen a player that could hit jump shots with ease and he was a villain. Many hate the villain but I embraced it. When he played the New York Knicks and terrorized them, I definitely wasn’t a fan then. He pushed my team to the limits and broke our hearts so many times. We can’t forget the 8 points he put on the Knicks in 8.9 seconds. This made my heart fall out my chest! I couldn’t believe what I say. This was one of the most heart breaking moments that Iv’e witnessed in sports through my life.

Miller was known for his chicken fighting on the court, where he was a pest defender and wouldn’t back down from any challenge. You knew when Miller stepped on the court it would become a show. He loved the theater of the game. Miller was the king of flopping and made it his brand. So when you see all the flopping in the league, you know where it all started. Miller knew how to get the referees on his side. When that three pointer went up and you were guarding him, best believe he was kicking out that leg and fall to the floor. I can’t knock him for that; he knew what needed to be done to win games for his club. The Indiana Pacers weren’t anything without Reggie Miller. This is the same player in 1987 when he was drafted 11th overall, he was booed by Pacer fans. Little did they know he would become there everything for almost two decades.

Top 10 Small Forwards in the NBA

 

Small forwards of the NBA don’t get enough love as being the focal point of a team’s success, only if you’re a superstar of the league you will be noticed as such. So I wanted to give them some props for what they do on a daily basis and for being a game changer for the team. The players on this list are really incredible as they at times play different positions in games to help the team win. These players can do it all from running point guard, making flashy passes to shooting the three. This is my list, so let me get yours!

LeBron James
Kevin Durant
Carmelo Anthony


Paul Pierce


Rudy Gay
Danny Granger


Andre Iguodala
Luol Deng


Gerald Wallace


Shawn Marion

Let's Expect This Every 5 Years

 

I know I don’t speak about the NHL much but I do have love for the sport. To see another lockout in this sports in the last 7 years is just ridiculous. First I want to give a shout out my team the New York Rangers for there last season playoff run. It was amazing to watch and wish they would of won the Stanley Cup, but what can you do? Now it’s looking like they won’t even get a chance this coming season because the owners and players couldn’t come to a collective bargaining agreement. So they decided to lockout the players, teams and owners.

This is the 5th lockout in the sports since 1992. Why would anyone want to keep supporting this league faithfully? I’m just saying! I know you have die hard hockey fans out there and I understand your pain because when the NBA had a lockout I was distraught. Now we can see why the NHL has lost fans through the years and they aren’t as popular as they need to be. Us as fans knows that sports is a business and when the money isn’t right the fans will suffer for it. You have players that just signed long-term deals with teams in free agency and now they have nowhere to play for at least weeks to a couple of months. This isn’t good for the game.

Also players are heading out of the United States to play overseas with teams that are grabbing them up. These players are actually smart to do this because it will keep their game sharp for when the lockout is over they will be ready for battle. I’m getting a headache hearing about all these lockouts in sports period. But the NHL has the ball fallen again and they just don’t get it. So much greed goes into these negotiations is just unfair to the fans. Each side thinks that they’re being pushed around and both won’t give in. Well we all see how that turns out. What a damn mess. What do you guys think about the lockout and the NHL altogether?

I Love my Knicks but Steph is Right

 

Starbury makes the news again yesterday with his interview with ESPN’s Ian Begley and I can tell you that he was right on point. Marbury made comments on the Anthony/Stoudemire duo and his belief of them not meshing together and their upside. First I want to let you guys know that I’m a big fan of the New York Knicks so don’t think I’m beating them up. I’m a realist at heart. I don’t let my feelings and emotions get in the way what the truth really is about a team. The numbers aren’t lying about Anthony and Stoudemire teaming up. They are a .500 team with the duo (ESPN New York, 2012). This isn’t good at all guys! You would think that they would have a better record together, but like Steph said Amar’e needs a point guard who is like Steve Nash to run the pick and roll. That is the kind of player Stoudemire is and he flourishes in that kind of system.

Marbury knows Stoudemire because he played with him in Phoenix as his point guard. So the man definitely knows what he is talking about and is credible. Many people are saying that Marbury is sour about the fallout of the Knicks, but I say he is over it and has moved on with his life. Don’t get me wrong, of course he wishes that things would of turned out better and they could have made magic together. But things happy people. I just don’t know why this is big news because many people are upset about this duo’s chemistry together. Steph is just the scapegoat that people want to label.

Carmelo is a hell of a player but he doesn’t have a good reputation of making people around him better. This is the season where he can turn it around and be more than just a scorer. I know that he needs help and can’t do it alone. Stoudemire and Anthony have to get it together because we can’t take another 1st round exist in the playoffs. Sorry! Money was a big part of Anthony coming to the Knicks. I don’t think it was mainly on his talent. Remember the Knicks renovated the Garden and they needed a face to sell to the fans and Anthony was it. Without him those suites wouldn’t be filled and if they were it would of been at a discount. We all know Dolan doesn’t give out discounts! Do you think Marbury was out of content when he gave his comments on the duo?

Should I Throw the Flag Sherman: Are you Kidding me

 

In the case of this disastrous officiating that is going on in the NFL, Goodell and company need to get on it and bring back the regular officials. These replacement officials just can’t get the job done and it is very obvious. They are having the players make the calls for them for everything; to call out penalties for false starts or just holding calls. This is a complete mess and it is colliding with the integrity of the game we love. I say just pay the regular officials the money that they deserve. I understand that they aren’t perfect and they have made their shares of mistakes in the past on big plays, but this is filth that is put on the green.

Check out CB Richard Sherman in the picture; he doesn’t know what hit him when replacement official was ready to throw the penalty flag. My thing with these officials are that they really don’t understand most of the rules and they just seem to be too frightened to officiate these games. It’s kind of like the game is too big for them. I hope they don’t kill my Giants game tonight against Carolina because you guys will see a different side of me. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do! If you have the veterans forcing the replacement officials to make calls for them, what do you think rookie Robert Griffin III would do. He is doing the same thing and I can’t even blame him. Griffin is use to these kinds of officials from college (Bleacher Report, 2012). I say send them back where they came from.

Football is the number one sport in the country and many fans, teams and players are furious about what’s going on. The league understands that with the popularity of the sport they won’t lose fans. Goodell is playing with fire and I think he is a bit cocky to take fans for granted. I can definitely understand the gripes many are having about the officiating. But I would say let’s keep giving them a chance because it doesn’t look good for the regular officials and they are still trying to negotiate a deal. Who knows when they are coming back? So in the meantime we have to keep dealing with these officials and hope they can get better by the week. Do I think they will? Hmmm! Should I even answer that? Replacement officials have to start somewhere and have on the job training, but the game just seems to be too fast for them and who knows how long they will take to get it. Tell me your frustrations with these replacement officials.

Never Sleep with the Enemy!

 

I’ve been getting email after email about if I’m going to speak about Kevin Durant working out with LeBron James again this year. So here we go! First off I’m not a big believer in working out with your competition even though you’re friends off the court; sorry it’s just not happening. I get it that they have been friends since KD was playing for Texas, but haven’t many other players shared friendships? This is too close to comfort for me guys. LeBron just torched Durrant in the NBA Finals and this is what we see 3 months later? Come on!

Fraternizing is okay sometimes and many players are doing it and have done it in the past. For example, check out Patrick Ewing. Him and Jordan would meet after games in NY and go to a restaurant for dinner. So this does happens but that doesn’t mean we agree as well. As a fan I feel that we are in too deep with our teams and players we love, so we don’t want to see this happening. I can tell you for sure that OKC fans are in rage because of this. KD losses points with me on this one. The reason is because this off-season you should separate yourself from LeBron and work out either by yourself or with someone that is affiliated with the team.

There is one thing that you played on the USA Basketball team together and you guys are around each other most of the day. This is the time to come together as one. I got that, but one month away from training camp; I’m just clueless people. Those are just a piece of my thoughts on it. Don’t get me wrong, I like both players but I really hope that this ends now! If I was KD, I would do everything in my power to get my game even more to the next level to beat the Heat and stay away from LeBron at this moment. What do you think about this bond that they have before the season? Am I being mean about this guys? I would love to know.

The Tribute: We all Have our off Days

 

Dwyane Wade is a star in the league that usually gets the attention for his last second shots or his posterizing dunks. Well tonight he was on the other end of the stick. Chicago Bulls’ Taj Gibson gave D-Wade a taste of his own medicine. As I always say “the picture says it all’’. Everyone gets dunked on sometimes right? Even the stars can get it too! No exceptions here.

Top 10 Most Underrated Players in the NBA

 

What makes a player underrated is when he doesn’t get the props that he deserves. Being a star isn’t just the numbers that are put up, its the energy which he brings to the court nightly. These players have star power but with the numbers they are putting up, they are not even in the discussion as elite. These players mean a lot to their teams but many times they are overlooked by the mega stars in the league such as Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

 

1. Dirk Nowitzki
Kevin Love


Tony Parker
LaMarcus Aldridge
Zach Randolph
Monta Ellis
Luol Deng


Manu Ginobili
Kevin Martin


Kendrick Perkins

Always Imitated but Never Duplicated: Air Jordan

 

One of the most anticipated stories that I’ve ever written is here now people. Michael Jordan isn’t just the greatest basketball player ever, but I’m going out on the limb by saying he is the greatest athlete of all-time. I know that’s big talk coming from me, but this man fits that description. That’s just how I feel and many of you believe that as well. When many of us were growing up and playing sports, we all wanted to be like “Mike’’. Through his confidence and competitiveness many looked up to him as a savior. For many children in urban areas around the country; Jordan showed a way out of their situation and rise up.

Jordan was born in Brooklyn and we know people from NYC have this swagger about themselves that never leave them. Even if they weren’t raised here. He moved to North Carolina as a toddler and had strong family value between his mother and father. Everything Jordan did since he was young he was competitive about it. He never wanted to lose at anything and can you blame him? Young Michael Jordan wasn’t tall enough to make the varsity team in his sophomore year but that only made him more hungry to be great. That was the real start of the burning fire inside of him. Once he got his chance, he never looked back.

Jordan became one of the greatest college basketball players that has ever touch the hardwood. North Carolina Tar Heels were very lucky to have a player of his caliber. Till this day people are still talking about Jordan not being drafted number 1 overall in the 1984 draft. He was selected number 3 by the Bulls. This just put Jordan in his usual mind set of “me against the world” attitude. Jordan didn’t disappoint once going pro. He became the rookie of the year and had a strong buzz out there that he will be the next superstar of the league. Their was nothing that Jordan couldn’t do on the basketball court. The only knock on him through his early years was that he was too selfish by taking all the shots and his butting heads with teammates.

So for years Jordan couldn’t get over the hump and win a title. Let’s not forget who was in the league at the time when Jordan was coming up. You had two of the most recognizable superstars that sports have ever seen; Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Jordan seemed not to get over the hump to beat those guys. They had his number for many years and also the bad boy Pistons. Once Jordan got the help he needed by the addition of Scottie Pippen and the role players, he seemed to understand what it meant to play team ball. Every night Jordan gave it his all and scored point after point so that he made sure his team was victorious. When I was young watching Jordan on TV, I wondered why he didn’t pass the ball. It was all about the trusting in his teammates. Life lessons learned by Jordan made him change his ways; and it worked like a charm.

Jordan goes on to win in his career 6 NBA titles and many other accolades. He was the athlete that if it wasn’t for him, these players wouldn’t get the kind of contracts they are getting now. Can we not forget the endorsement deals Jordan attained. There was Nike, Gatorade, Wheates, McDonald’s and his Jordan brand just to name a few. Jordan was the face of sports in the 80’s and 90’s. When Jordan retired for the first time many thought basketball was dead because he changed the game of the sport. It wouldn’t be the same sport as it once was. Many thought Jordan could float to even flying in the air. The things he was doing seemed unhuman. I was one who was thinking that myself.

Now let’s get down to the real business here. There are many players that came after him and experts and even fans wanted to compare them to Jordan. I would say just like many of you is that there is and will only be one Michael Jordan. Don’t forget that people! There might come great players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but they would not and I repeat would not be Jordan. I’m glad that is put to rest now. Once Jordan retired everyone wanted the next Jordan to come to life and duplicate him. As I said before you can imitate him but you can never duplicate him.

As we know Jordan is the owner of the lowly Charlotte Bobcats and we know he has been taking a lot of heat since moving into the executive positions. Jordan has been called a horrible executive to even incompetent. I don’t know what’s going on behind closed doors, but what I can say is that he has made some very bad decisions since leaving the game. For one the drafting of the biggest bust in the NBA, former number 1 draft pick Kwame Brown. Sorry to say, but his name is the definition of a true SCRUB! I said it and I can back up those words with that, but that’s for another article. Jordan just needs to focus on the end goal and put the right pieces in place to make his team succeed and he can change the perception about himself. In my finals words I just want to say Jordan’s name will live forever! Tell me your greatest Jordan moments and how he had an affect on your life?

Top 10 Wide Receivers in the NFL

 

You guys didn’t think I forgot about the NFL’s best receivers? No I didn’t! So here it goes.

Calvin Johnson


Larry Fitzgerald


Wes Welker


Brandon Marshall


Andre Johnson


Victor Cruz


Steve Smith


Hakeem Nicks


Jordy Nelson


Mike Wallace

Williams Vows he will Walk Again

 

I want to let you guys really know how blessed I am to write to you about sports and the inspiring stories that come along with it. I couldn’t tell you 5 years ago I would be doing something that I love as of this. What makes me even more eager to bring you the best sports stories out there is because I can talk about a man that inspired me today. The person and athlete that I’m speaking about is former welterweight champion Paul (The Punisher) Williams. His story motivated and moved me at the same time. This is a man who in May 2012 was paralyzed from the waist down from a motorcycle accident that severed his spin.

Tonight Williams was suppose to be fighting for the WBC super welterweight title against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (USA Today, 2012). This was suppose to be his night, but life happens and he has accepted that. However, it doesn’t mean that he won’t keep fighting to walk again. When most doctors told him that he won’t be able to walk again, he is being very optimistic about not being in a wheelchair for very long. Williams ultimate goal is just not to walk again, but to fight again. At the age of 31 years old, he wants to fight by 33. Wow is all I have to say about that. What a courageous and positive person out there. Watching his interview with Jim Gray, it hit me that you can’t count a man out when he is down because he can rise again.

This should be a lesson for us all that we can do anything in life as long as we have the right attitude about it and live a good life. Williams is a well accomplished boxer that has a great fighting record of 41-2. Many have stood and many have fell to the hands of Williams. A bright future of a athlete whose book isn’t done yet. Just another chapter in it that we are reading. Many fans feel awful for what he has gone through, but he doesn’t feel bad for himself. Williams looks at it as just an obstacle in his life that he will overcome. If you guys don’t know much about him, take some time out and read about him. I would love to see him walk again and even fight if that will be possible, but right now I’m just soaking in the moment of a athlete that get’s it.

Top 10 Shooting Guards in the NBA

 

With all the recognition given to the point guards of the NBA, people tend to forget how great the shooting guards are. When I say great, I mean it. These boys can play! No doubt about it and I’m bringing you the best of the best tonight. These names ring bells and they will bring it to the court this fall. Can’t wait!

Kobe Bryant
Dwyane Wade
Joe Johnson
James Harden


Kevin Martin


Andre Iguodala
Monta Ellis


Manu Ginobili
Eric Gordon
Ray Allen

Where are They now: Moises Alou

I want to bring you guys back to the 90‘s for a second. I’m talking about anyone past 25 years old on this one. No disrespect to the younger ones. You know I love you too. When you thought of star power in the MLB, you had to think of Moises Alou. He was a first round pick in 1986 with a lot of talent and expectations that came with it. A young and aspired player that came from the Dominican Republic that came to make his mark in the United States and the league. Alou comes from a strong background of family members that played baseball; one is his father Felipe which was once a former MLB player and manager for many years. He once guided his son through baseball to see him flourish in which he definitely did. Alou was no scrub! In the beginning of his career he wasn’t a power hitter at all. He would get some hits and maybe a couple of home runs, but that was it.

But later on in his young career, you started to see Alou blossom into a superstar in the league. For a good 4-5 years straight he was hitting over 30 home runs while driving in 115 plus RBI’s. Now you tell me Alou wasn’t your guy! Just want to let you guys know, that he was one of my favorite players of my life time. The reason was when I was growing up I use to watch him play and he made the game look so easy. Alou played with finesse and always had a hit to get on base. Years ago that’s what it was all about. Then the game got commercial and everyone was looking for the home run or what they call “the big splash”.

Alou is considered as one of the best outfielders that has ever done it. He ruled the 1990’s and the 2000’s (Incredible People, n.d.). That boy can definitely field! Today to get a good to great outfielder is rare in the game. So I just want to appreciate the players that came before us that we tend to forget about. But I can tell you that I wont. Alou played a hard 17 years in the league making millions while doing it, but staying humble at the same time. Something that will gross you guys out that you don’t know about Alou. He is one of the only players that don’t use a glove to bat and to make him have a better grip on the bat, he would urinate on his hands to make them stiff. Wow! Sorry if you just ate. I know that can turn your stomach a bit. This is just to show you how much baseball is different. Players weren’t back in the day to get a cheating edge on their competition. They were looking to do it the right way.

Since his retirement from baseball in 2009, Alou has been laying low. It is very hard to see him around or just hear anything about him. I guess the spot light just wasn’t for him. I can see him coming back like his father and become a manager one of these days. Alou isn’t done with baseball as we might think. One day we might even see him in the Hall of Fame. What are your memories of Moises Alou?

The Black Mamba vs King James

I’m sorry I had you waiting for this story and great debate to come after. Let me first say that you can’t go wrong whoever you choose as you’re favorite or most dominant player. LeBron and Kobe are one of the greatest players that have ever played the game of basketball. However, when it’s all said and done you have to choose who is greater. Let’s go in!

Years ago I would of chose Bryant because he was just clutch and wasn’t scared to put the team on his back. Not saying that James wasn’t, but Kobe had and still has the eye of the tiger that many players lacked. If you would have asked me four years ago, Kobe was that guy. But later on I’m analyzing everything and I would say that LeBron James will be the greater player when it’s all said and done. I can’t believe that I’m saying guys. But numbers don’t lie; people do. Here is why James will be greater and is right now. James right now is only 27 years old and is in the prime of his career and yes he only has one ring but he is a better all-around player than Kobe. Let’s not forget he has 3 MVP’s. Something that Kobe couldn’t achieve.

I know it’s not all about MVP trophies, but many feel that LeBron is better. Anyone that knows me for a long time knows that I’m a Kobe supporter and he is one of my favorites of all-time, but you have to choose one. Can’t be all over the place with this one! A lot of people will say that Kobe is better because he has 5 rings and I would say you’re correct, but who did he do it with? Hmm, just think about for a little. You ready now? Ok! There was Shaq, one of the most dominant players to ever play sports. He got three titles with him and that is all great and well, but Kobe was the side kick in the playoffs.

Even after he won the titles and ran Shaq out of town for a couple of years his Lakers were a doormat until 2009 (Bleacher Report, 2012). That is when the organization acquired Pau Gasol. That was a changing point for the team and Bryant knew it. So what I’m saying is that the NBA is a team game and you can’t do it alone. I’m going to tell you one thing and that’s if James would have had star power in Cleveland he would have had already 3 to 4 rings already. Trust me! Look who he had people; Mo Williams, an old Shaq and Jamison at the end of his ropes. Please!

By the time James career is over he will have multiple titles in his career. With the addition to more great starts that Kobe can play with; Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, I can see them winning one to two more titles. Again Bryant needs the star power. Many would argue that LeBron had to go to Miami to get a ring and I would say that he is smart to leave that small market team in Ohio. That was good for him to finally get help to compete on a high level. He was just too tired of putting an organization on his back that didn’t get help for him. James just didn’t want to be the next Reggie Miller, Dan Marino, Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing. Good for him!

LeBron has better statistics then Kobe has ever had. Please don’t tell me that Kobe scored 81 points in a game. That doesn’t make you greater than someone else in my eyes. Trust me, when I heard he did that; man, that was something though. Again guys, I’m not beating Kobe up I just don’t think that he is better than James. Many will agree and disagree at the same time, but you guys know “I don’t care”! It’s my opinion and some credible facts to go along with my argument. It was fun and I look forward for more debates like this soon. Love you guys and let me know what you feel? Like I always say “plant your flag”.

My Top 10 NFL Power Rankings

The sports world has put out there list of the NFL power rankings and now yours truly has done it too! But my way though.

1.      New England Patriots

2.      San Francisco 49ers

3.      Green Bay Packers

4.      Baltimore Ravens

5.      Denver Broncos

6.      Houston Texans

7.      Dallas Cowboys

8.      Atlanta Falcons

9.      New York Giants

10.    New York Jets

Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA

This is a subject that I enjoy the most; to talk about the great point guards of the NBA. That is the way to start off a morning. I came up with this list to recognize the point guards in the league who are getting it done and have the respect of the team. A point guard is someone who orchestrates an offense; the floor general! With many great point guards in the league today, there can only be 10! Who is on your list?

1.      Chris Paul

2.      Derrick Rose

3.      Rajon Rondo

4.      Deron Williams

5.      Steve Nash

6.      Russell Westbrook

7.      Tony Parker

8.      John Wall

9.      Brandon Jennings

10.    Kyrie Irving  

We Shall Never Forget 9/11

September 11, 2001 would be a day and year that we’ll never forget. The terrorist attacks on our great country and the city that we love changed our lives forever. The World Trade Center was attacked by terrorist that hated our country and believed in a leader that had evil in his heart. But when there is pain comes courage and unity. This country came together and united as one. They cried and healed together. So as we remember this day, we want to say thank you for all the men and women in uniform that saved many lives while giving their own. Very couragous heroes. Thank you!

The New York Mets had something to say to the world that day and they beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2 with an amazing home run by the great Mike Piazza. That wasn’t just a home run which was a heartfelt hit over the fence that “we are a strong nation”. I was only a senior in high school, but I understood what it meant for the city and the country. That was the change of the attacks in my opinion. That home run will be memorable for decades to come. That was a difficult game to watch that day and I could only imagine that the players on both teams could barely get on the field. With a lot of emotion in the air, the Mets came to play and I will always show them respect for how they came out.

I’m so proud to be an American of this great country and we will prevail in the end and Osama Bin Laden has paid for his obstruction to our country. Hopefully we will never face an attack like this again. That was a scary day for all of us, but with the Mets playing that game; it made things a bit easier to heal.

The Circus has Officially Left NY

I will be the first one to say that I was truly impressed on how the New York Jets put a hurting on the newly Buffalo Bills starring $100 million man, Mario Williams. They did a hell of a job on offense and defense stopping the Bills. I guess Mark Sanchez shut up the non-believers and the critics for now that he is a good quarterback. People always knew that he was a decent quarterback but many didn’t feel that he has what it takes to take them to the promise land, and that is the Super Bowl. We’ve all seen how Sanchez took them to two straight AFC championship games but we live in the “what have you done for me lately” era.

I was one of the critics that just thought they just won’t get it done this season and here comes Rex Ryan to the rescue, to show everyone he is a very good coach. He might talk a lot but he backs it up many times. So I give him and the Jets credit for that. It just something about this team that I’m just not sold as of yet and yes, this is only one game. Many thought they were going to win anyway, but not like this. It was an embarrassing blowout for the Bills. The score was 48-28 Jets. Who would have knew they had that offense in them. Also can we please stop talking about this wild cat offense? Pleassseeee! I’m just so tired of it! The Jets are acting like they are the ones that started this offense. There are many other teams that have been doing it for many years now.

Hopefully this team can bring this momentum into next game and for the rest of the season. The question is; can they? Only time will tell guys. What I can say is that this will be an interesting team to follow and all the entertainment that follows them. With all the circus acts in the off-season and through preseason we can now feel comfortable that this team will score touch downs and be competitive. I really don’t want Sanchez to lose his job to Tim Tebow because this man can’t throw to save his life. Great person and very spiritual at that but a pathetic passer! Sanchez was looking like old and a top 15 quarterback in the NFL at that. Even Holmes looked like he was having fun and that is very hard to see. Winning cures all! So like the radio and television says; J-E-T, Jets, Jets, Jets! I’m just singing the jingle ya’ll lol! Where do you think this franchise will finish at the end of the season?

My List of the Top 10 Greatest Dunkers of All-Time

The NBA season is right around the corner and I’m getting you guys ready with my Top 10 Dunkers of All-Time. Some of these players on this list might be retired or at the end of their careers but when they were young and running, they were putting it down. So let’s get it started. Who is on your list?

1.      Michael Jordan

2.      Julius Erving a.k.a. Dr. J

3.      Vince Carter

4.      Dominique Wilkins

5.      LeBron James

6.      Shawn Kemp

7.      Kobe Bryant

8.      Blake Griffin

9.      Shaquille O'Neal

10.   Jason Richardson

The Lawsuit: The Aftermath of the NFL

Football in the United States is considered to be the toughest and hard hitting sport that exists today. However, in professional football there comes a price of playing this game and getting all the fame, fortune and glory that comes along with it. Many active players are known to play with a concussion so that they don’t be considered as being “soft” or they’re quitting on their teammates. A football player’s life span in the NFL is only a few years. So the mindset is to make as much money as you can and even play hurt if need be. If they don’t do this in most cases they would be cut by their perspective team. This is the reality of the NFL. Let’s not hide the facts people.

Right now as we speak there is a big lawsuit against the NFL of former players coming forward and claiming that they faced head injuries such as concussions through their careers. But they say that they can’t live a normal life because of this. The players feel that their life span will be cut because of these head injuries. You have doctors and researchers that are backing up their claims. Roger Goodell has a lot on his plate with this lawsuit. I don’t want to hear the players signed up for this. At the end of the day, these retired players are people too and they deserve to live a healthy life after football. This is why the bounty investigation was such a big story around the country.

I do believe that the players are going to be victorious in this lawsuit case, but this won’t change the fact that many are going through trauma after football. Let’s look at the late great Junior Seau. It was said that partially his suicide was due to the brain injuries that he incurred while playing in the NFL (MSNBC, 2012). I don’t know if this is factual but this story does have some creditability. The very worst thing about this case is that the players don’t feel that the NFL has been taking care of them once they retired from the sport. They have been left out to dry. Some may say “why didn’t the players save their money”. I would say, who we to judge them. Everyone makes mistakes and NFL players aren’t excluded.

I think that the NFL should treat these retired players with respect and dignity and not just the Hall of Famers; everyone! This story means a lot to me because I hate to hear about athletes that gave the fans the best entertainment weekly and now they can barely sleep without nightmares of the hard hits and concussions they faced while playing. My mother gets all of the credit for me even writing this article. She told me that this would be a great 100^th topic to write about; a great milestone for your sports site. I thought it was terrific idea and here it is. I hope you guys enjoyed it and really think about what these players have gone through. Is there anything different the NFL can do to help these players?

The Tribute: Move Chris, get out the Way

I love Paul Pierce guys! This man is fearless and he is brings it year after year. Well on this day, he brought it down the lane and flushed it on Chris Bosh. Thank God Bosh isn’t that soft anymore since playing with the Miami Heat. Just a tad bit though, but you didn't hear that from me. This was just ridiculous people. The picture says it all. Bosh didn't even want to see himself get posterized. Look at your boy Nesterovic, he was just looking and saying to himself “Just glad it wasn’t me” haha. One for the ages; and they said Pierce couldn’t jump! Huh…