Yardbarker: All Articles

Don't worry about the Lakers, Kobe's fine

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:34:25 -0500

Kobe Bryant tweaked his back the second play of the game Sunday in Utah and is currently getting ready for Wednesday's game 5 against the Jazz at Staples. It appeared to be a minor strain that got considerably worse as the game wore on. Too many Laker fans think this is extremely bad news, but to me it looks like something right out of a movie script. The entire year seems to be one big choreographed movie that culminates with the Lakers winning the title in a game 7 at the Boston Garden on a last second shot in the 5th overtime. I also laugh at the people that would have taken Kobe out, as if that were an option. Imagine if Red Holzman would have said to Willis Reed in 1970, "That's okay big fella, we don't need you tonight." We would have been robbed of history and this is no different. Look for Kobe to come out and put up 40 on the Jazz and squelch any rumors of being incapacitated. Most minor back injuries heal in about two-three days. With the advanced "secret" technologies used in sports today, and the extra day rest, there is no doubt number 24 is playing and playing well on Wednesday.

Annika Sorenstam approaching the 19th hole

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:24:51 -0500

A few nights ago the Sports Center highlights contained the LPGA event. I couldn't tell you where the event was or much about it other then Annika Sorenstam won by seven strokes. Not much of a surprise and I suppose after last year's comments that she felt like she was on the back nine of her career we shouldn't be surprised that the princess of the greens will be putting away her clubs in hope of starting a family and settling down at the age of 37. It's a point that much come in each professional athletes career though with the longevity of golfers their careers seem to span decades and despite Sorestam's repeated statements that she didn't care about the all time wins mark on the womans tour I'll even admit I was a bit surprised to hear todays comments. Sorenstam's 72 victories put her third on the LPGA Tour's career list behind Kathy Whitworth (88) and Mickey Wright (82). She is tied for fourth in career majors, five behind record-setter Patty Berg. "It's sad to see the greatest female golfer of all time step away from the game," said Tiger Woods, who has played practice rounds with Sorenstam. "But it's nice to see Annika did it on her terms. It has been a pleasure watching Annika player for all of these years, but even more an honor to call her a friend."

Former Panther and meth user found dead

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:33:38 -0500

Curtis Whitley, who admitted to using methamphetamine during his NFL career, was found dead recently in Texas. The former offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers was 39 years old.

Romo and Simpson... on the rocks?

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:11:38 -0500

According to reports, Tony Romo's and Jessica Simpson's relationship is over.

Suns Coaching Search

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:47:54 -0500

Steve Kerr has said that he is going to take his time in hiring a new coach. So it's a perfect time for us to postulate as to who he might hire, and more importantly who we want him to hire. Here are some names that have surfaced from different papers around the country (In no particular order) or who are available. Kerr has said that it will be a name with lots of experience so that should cut down this list a bit. Kurt Rambis (Lakers asst and former head coach 24-13 record) Vinny Del Negro (former Suns player) Tyrone Corbin (UT assistant) Paul Westphal (former head coach) Paul Silas (former head coach) Byron Scott (current NO head coach) Avery Johnson (former Dallas head coach) Sam Vincent (former Bobcats head coach) Dan Majerle (former Suns player) Flip Saunders (Detroit head coach) Mark Jackson (Former player Jeff Van Gundy (Former coach) Who do you think is the best fit for the Suns? Someone off this list or someone totally different? I think Avery Johnson would be a good hire, but seeing as he hasn't already, it probably wont happen.

Players and Teams Who Never Should Have Been

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:27:23 -0500

Certain things just don't look right. Guys in skin-tight blue jeans. Crown Victoria sedans sitting on 26s. Carlos Beltran's hair. The same can be said of athletes, particularly those who spent large portions of their career with one team and then put on a new and unfamiliar uniform...

Mother's Day is over, #$@%!

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:08:17 -0500

LeBron James yells at his Mom after a tussle with Paul Pierce and K.G. during last night's game. Watch this video of the blowup.

Gunning to be the next Marvin Harrison?

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:00:07 -0500

Buffalo Bills rookie WR James Hardy allegedly pulled a gun on his father during an altercation on Sunday. At least it was Mother's Day and not Father's Day. "Hardy's name has been removed from a police report regarding the incident, but other evidence pointed to Hardy pointing the gun at his father. Fort Wayne, Indiana police chief Rusty York confirmed that Hardy was the guy who allegedly pointed the gun." Hardy was the team's second-round selection (#41 overall).

Yardbarker interview: Torry Holt

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:55:02 -0500

St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt spent a few minutes with the Yard today. We spoke about Ocho Cinco, Roger Goodell, the evolution of the WR position, and also what both he and the Rams did during the offseason to improve upon last season's 3-13 record. There is more at Blogimore Ravens; however, below is the bulk of our conversation. EVOLUTION OF THE W.R. POSITION: "The wide receiver position is a highly developed spot on the football team. There is more attention, and guys today are bigger, faster and stronger. Some of the bigger guys -- Plaxico Burress, Randy Moss -- are running better routes now than the smaller guys." CHAD JOHNSON'S OFFSEASON ANTICS: "I don't have a problem with it. His style is his style. I've done similar things. Not as much as some other guys, but what they do is what they choose to do. If you play at a high level consistently, you can write your own ticket. That's what I believe. Chad, T.O. and Randy... it's up to their discretion what they do." LIFE BEYOND ST. LOUIS: "I plan to play out my two years out in St. Louis. If it doesn't work out with regard to an extension, then I would love to play in my home state of Carolina. But I'll cross that bridge when I come to it." HOW HE SPENT THE OFFSEASON: "After the Pro Bowl, I didn't do anything. I drank some wine. I like Merlot and Chardonnay: Kendall Jackson, Opus One, Sonoma Reserve. I also read books: fiction and non-fiction, and also some magazines. Right now I'm reading, "The Inner Game of Tennis." I can't remember the author. Tennis and golf are individual sports, unlike football, which of course is a team sport. I have a lot of respect for those guys because they're able to focus and channel their energies. They compete against themselves. They don't have teammates to keep them focused. Anyway, I got away from football, and I spent time with my family. I refreshed and let my body heal up. At minicamp last week, I was still able to create separation, still able to catch some balls." IMPROVING THE ST. LOUIS RAMS: "New offensive coordinator Al Saunders is going to open things up a bit. The first thing Rams fans will notice out of the gate is the speed with which we're playing the game. Also that we're having fun, and of course we need to execute plays. Minicamp was very vibrant, a lot of energy. Lots of attention to detail. Coach Saunders is teaching us how to play the game. It was a very promising minicamp." DISCIPLINARIAN ROGER GOODELL: "He sent a message in his first year: Straighten your ass up. Do what you're supposed to do. Don't be tired of doing the right thing. Stay within the code no matter who you are. Just stay on the straight and narrow. Don't hurt yourself, your team or the league. What he's doing, the impact that he has had, it's outstanding."

Obama & Barkley 2008

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:00:33 -0500

Love Chuck. I think Obama's choice for VP is obvious. Chuck for Change! Just won the Russian Championship and headed home baybeeeeeeee! Open against LA on Saturday! It'll be nice to settle in at home for few months and get some sun...

NBA All-Defensive Team

Mon, 12 May 2008 20:35:02 -0500

Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant headlines the NBA All-Defensive Team after leading the voting and receiving 52 points each from the voting panel. This is Garnett's ninth Defensive Team selection and Bryant's eighth. The All-Defensive Team selection will be an additional award for the two players who were recently award NBA Defensive Player of the Year (Garnett) and Most Valuable Player (Bryant).

Gather Around Gluttons

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:02:09 -0500

Hopefully there's no curse ala Madden. "Major League Eating: The Game" is now on Wii.

D'Antoni to the Knicks | Wrong Move

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:29:21 -0500

The Knicks are a slow, un-athletic bunch, which doesn't fit with D'Antoni's scheme. Unless some roster moves are made, I can't see much improvement from last season's disappointment. The best way for the Knicks to be a winning franchise is to be a defensive team. If they played off other team's mistakes, that's when they can find success. When you're fast-breaking down the court, let it come off a turnover, or a big rebound. Then Marbury and Jamal Crawford can play their game, while Lee, Curry, and Zach Randolph score inside. Mark Jackson would have been a better choice as Knicks coach. He was a former favorite and native New Yorker. Not to mention the positive effect he could have on Marbury. As disappointing as he's been, he's the starting point guard. Seeing how Marbury and D'Antoni feed off each other this season will be the latest installment in the soap opera that is the New York Knicks.

D'Antoni to the Knicks | Right Move

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:30:44 -0500

Believe it or not, there are some fan favorites on this team. David Lee is chief among them. Renaldo Balkman's cannonball style of basketball has earned himself some fans as well. Nate Robinson's game seems to swing like a pendulum, but he's a popular player nonetheless. In his limited minutes toward the end of the season, fans liked what they saw out of Wilson Chandler as well. The one quality that all of these players have in common is that they rebound the basketball (even little Nate) and they run the floor. Think D'Antoni can find a use for players like that? And let's not forget the team's leading scorer, Jamal Crawford. You tell me, is this a guy best suited for walking the ball up the floor or tearing up and down it? Hell, maybe QRich isn't washed up after all. If anyone can find that out, it'd be his coach from Phoenix. Bottom line. Obviously this is a team and roster in flux, however the reality of the situation is that there are pieces in place here who, like it or not, D'Antoni will have to coach, and the coach's job will be to make those pieces as effective and competitive as possible. Walsh is thinking outside the box on this one, and I think he just might have gotten it right.

Zito avoids 0-8 start, actually has quality start

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:05:31 -0500

I suppose all good things must come to an end some time and that includes the insanity surrounding Barry Zito and his 0-7 start this season. Zito who signed an 7 year $126 million dollar contract with the San Fransisco Giants with an option for an eight season at $18 million had been relegated to the bullpen following his April 7 start against the Cincinnati Reds only to return to the rotation 11 days later without ever appearing as a reliever. Zito took a loss in his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates lasting just five innings. Faced against the Houston Astros who were on a three game win streak and winners of 8 of their last 10 things weren't' exactly in Zitos favor. Add in his opponent on the mound for the Astros was Roy Oswalt and it was easy to envision Zito making a run at the 0-9 start that Mike Maroth got off to in 2003 on his way to losing 21 games. Maroth stood at 0-7 following his seventh start of that 2003 season and his ERA stood at 5.66. He staved off a loss in his eighth start but took losses in his next two outings before finally breaking through for a win against the Chicago White Sox. Zito entered Monday's start against the Astros with a 6.95 ERA and unlike Maroth he couldn't even say he was on a awful team as the Giants have won at a .421 clip wsdfdsdsfd

Celtics Still Winless on the Road

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:32:31 -0500

Game 4 started out much better than game 3, but the end result was the same as the Celtics lost to the Cavaliers 88-77. The Celtics are going back to Boston with their series tied at 2 games apiece once again. In 5 tries, they inexplicably have not been able to win on the road. After a blow out in game 3, they came out more aggressively in this one and kept it close until the final 2 minutes when the Cavaliers pulled away. Perk got into quick foul trouble and went to the bench with 4:10 left in the first. Perk returned in the second quarter only to pick up his third foul a little over a minute later. He finished with 2 points and 3 rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. PJ Brown benefited the most from Perk's foul problems as he had his best game as a Celtic with 8 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in 22 minutes. It was very puzzling that Leon Powe played only 6 minutes after playing very well in the post season so far. In another puzzling move, Big Baby started the fourth quarter and played 4 minutes with only 1 missed jumper and a foul to show for his efforts. KG was very active in this game, diving for loose balls and forcing 2 jump balls. He had 13 points in the first half but scored just 2 points in the second half to finish with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block in 40 minutes. At times, Paul Pierce was aggressive in taking the ball to the hoop and it seemed as though he would take over the game but then, he would stop driving and settle for quick outside jumpers. He had 13 points on 6-17 shooting to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Ray Allen seemed to come alive in the second half, finally breaking out of his shooting slump and scoring 9 of his 15 points in the 3rd quarter. He also pulled down 6 rebounds and dished out 3 assists. Rajon Rondo did a good job of pushing the pace of the game and he also was more aggressive on offense. He finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 33 minutes. Sam Cassell struggled In this game as he was 0-5 from the field in 14 minutes of play and defensively he was burned by Daniel Gibson almost every time down. Doc may have left Sam in too long as the offense seemed to stall when Sam was running the point. Through 3 quarters, the Celtics controlled the boards with a 31-28 advantage at the end of 3. They were out rebounded 6-1 in the fourth quarter however. Much of rebounding is effort and the Celtics clearly didn't put the effort out in the final period. Once again, the Celtics gave up too many easy shots as they allowed the Cavs to shoot 46% from the field. On the other end, the Celtics struggled with their offense, shooting just 39%. Unlike the other road games, the Celtics held the edge in free throws as they shot 20-26 to just 12-18 for the Cavs. There was one moment in the game that was laughable. With 4:13 left in the half, Pierce wrapped up LeBron to prevent a break away dunk. Their momentum took both of them into the crowd where LeBron's mother happened to be sitting. His mother, Gloria, was up and ready to take on the Celtics. To this, LeBron clearly told his mother: "Sit your a** down." It was pretty funny. The Celtics were within 4 with 2:43 left in the game but they allowed the Cavs to go on a 9-2 run to end the game as the Cavs scored on a variety of dunks and 3 pointers to close out the game. They just seemed tired and a step slow and allowed the Cavs to run away in the final minutes. The Cavaliers' bench came up big with 36 points and 19 rebounds while the Celtics bench struggled with just 17 points and 11 rebounds. No Celtics' subs were in double figures while on the other side Gibson had 14 points and Varejao had 12. The series now shifts back to Boston for game 5 and hopefully the struggles they have had on the road won't follow them home. The Celtics are still the only team who hasn't won on the road in the post season and their Jekyll and Hyde persona between home and the road has gotten more and more puzzling and more than a little worrisome. Hopefully they can find a solution to their poor play on both ends of the court, or their dream season may end considerably short of the goal.

Embracing the Human Element in Officiating

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:23:18 -0500

It's just too easy to rip sporting officials sometimes. We've always been taught otherwise, but when you're right you're right, and when you're wrong... you're allowing goals to pass through the side of the net.

Braydon Coburn out for Game Three

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:21:32 -0500

The Flyers playoff hopes continue to dim today. After losing to the Penguins yesterday to fall into a 2-0 hole in the series, the Flyers learned today that they will play Game 3 without defenseman Braydon Coburn. Coburn took a puck to the face in the first period of Game 2 and had to leave the game. He got 50 stitches on his face around his left eye and lost a lot of blood, making him feel lightheaded. The Flyers have already ruled him out for Game 3, although there is a chance he could return for Game 4 on Thursday. Ryan Parent will suit up in Coburn's place. Click the link for more, including "highlights" of Coburn's injury.

Tavarez designated for assignment

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:26:29 -0500

Julian Tavarez has been DFA's by the Sox to make room for Sean Casey.

Top 30 NBA Point Guards

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:19:10 -0500

Chris Paul is for real. He lead the New Orleans Hornets from no playoffs the year before to the 2 spot in the highly competitive West. He's extremely dangerous to other teams when it comes to decison making. From pulling up for a jumper, to driving in the lane to dishing it back out to an open teammate, they're all possibilities for him in just one play. He is the best point guard in the NBA. Player (Current Team/Former Team) PPG, RPG, APG, SPG * = Best in Category (R) = Rookie Steals 1+ Shown 1. Chris Paul (NOH) 21.1, 4, 11.6*, 2.7* 2. Baron Davis (GSW) 21.8*, 4.7, 7.6, 2.3 3. Deron Williams (UTA) 18.8, 3, 10.5, 1.1 4. Tony Parker (SAS) 18.8, 3.2, 6 5. Steve Nash (PHX) 16.9, 3.5, 11.1 6. Gilbert Arenas (WAS) 19.4, 3.9, 5.4, 1.8 (13 Games) 7. Chauncey Billups (DET) 17, 2.7, 6.8, 1.3 8. Jason Kidd (DAL/NJN) 10.8, 7.5*, 10.1, 1.7 9. Andre Miller (PHI) 17, 4, 6.9, 1.3 10. Mo Williams (MIL) 17.2, 3.5, 6.3, 1.2 11. Jamal Crawford (NYK) 20.6, 2.6, 5, 1 12. Raymond Felton (CHA) 14.4, 3, 7.4, 1.2 13. Jamaal Tinsley (IND) 11.9, 3.6, 8.4, 1.7 (39 Games) 14. Jose Calderon (TOR) 11.2, 2.9, 8.3 1.1 15. Rafer Alston (HOU) 13.1, 3.5, 5.3, 1.3 16. Rajon Rondo (BOS) 10.6, 4.2, 5.1, 1.7 17. Devin Harris (NJN/DAL) 14.8, 2.7, 5.8, 1.4 18. Kirk Hinrich (CHI) 11.5, 3.3, 6, 1.2 19. T.J. Ford (TOR) 12.1, 2, 6.1, 1.1 20. Beno Udrih (SAC) 12.8, 3.3, 4.3 21. Derek Fisher (LAL) 11.7, 2.1, 2.9, 1 22. Mike Bibby (ATL/SAC) 13.9, 3.3, 6, 1.1 23. Jameer Nelson (ORL) 10.9, 3.5, 4.6 24. Sam Cassell (BOS/LAC) 11.2, 2.5, 3.9 25. Nate Robinson (NYK) 12.7, 3.1, 2.9 26. Louis Williams (PHI) 11.5, 2.1, 3.2, 1 27. Daniel Gibson (CLE) 10.4, 2.3, 2.5 28. Delonte West (CLE/SEA) 8.3, 3.2, 3.8, 1 29. (R) Mike Conley (MEM) 9.4, 2.6, 4.2 30. Kyle Lowry (MEM) 9.6, 3, 3.6, 1.1 Just Missed It Ramon Sessions (MIL) 11.5, 4.9, 11.3, 1.5, (10 Games April) Antonio Daniels (WAS) 8.4, 2.9, 4.8, 1 Sebastian Telfair (MIN) 8.3, 2.3, 5.9, 1 Just a few things to say before I wrap this up. Jamal Crawford, he's a shooting guard running the point. He did pretty good, but Nate Robinson really should have taken that spot, and he might get that chance with Mike D'Antoni heading to New York and Marbury possibly opting out or getting traded. In fact a lot of players in the NBA are going to get their chance to shine in the NBA soon. A lot of the star veterans are nearing retirement. Players like Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Allen Iverson, Shaq, Dirk Nowitzki, even Shawn Marion turned 30 a few days ago. Soon they'll start to break down and eventually retire, making room for the younger guys to take charge. In a few years, the NBA's going to be a whole differnt game.

Are the Rays for Real Yet?

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:08:38 -0500

As the season keeps rolling along, the Tampa Bay Rays keep breaking personal records in this "break-out" season... but is it safe to say that they are for real? By getting rid of the "Devil" within their name, did they actually get rid of the Demon within their play? Keep reading @ the link provided!

Game Week, baby!

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:37:49 -0500

What's good everybody? As always, I hope you guys had great weekends and got to spend some time with your families on Mothers Day. It was my first Mothers Day in a very long time not being around my mother, not too sure I liked it too much! I miss my family a lot, but they are all flying out this weekend to Denver for the first game! We had a little scrimmage in Denver last weekend, just to get up and down the field against another team before starting the season this weekend. Last Saturday after the scrimmage, Mr. Anschutz was nice enough to let us stay at his Eagles Nest Ranch in Denver as a team and we had a great time. Played a little golf, had some GREAT food, played some cards, watched some basketball and just relaxed and kicked it together. The following morning a lot of guys got up and went fishing, skeet shooting, and all that good stuff, but I had to head to the airport to hop a plane to Portland (where I am now). It was a great weekend, and a great way to end training camp. Well, this Saturday is a day I've been waiting for, for a very long time. It's our opening game against the Denver Outlaws at Invesco field. In our short 3 weeks of training camp, I do believe we've developed great chemistry, and are playing at a very high level together. Clearly, there's always room for improvement, especially this early in the season, but we're heading the right direction. One of my best friend in the world, Benson Erwin plays for Denver, so it will be nice to get back out on the field and compete against him. We went grade school, middle school, high school, and eventually off to Hopkins together, so it's nice for this whole thing to come full circle and us to be back out on the field again at the professional level. In our league, Denver draws the largest crowds, so it will be an incredible atmosphere. I shot a few video's at the ranch that are being edited now, so I'll toss those up in a day or two. You can see how TERRIBLE my golf swing is. I think my boy mentioned it in the video, but I've gotten an award before for the worst golfer to ever play at this course in Southern California. Now, in my opinion, that's not even right, how are you even going to have an award like that? Messed up. Anyway, that's all I got for now. Need to get up and get a work out in and get the day started. Oh yeah, got a question, who's going to have the song of the summer? What artist? Every summer somebody comes out with a catchy song that more or less defines the summer and is played over and over and over again. Who's coming out with it? I've got my vote, but I'm holding on to it for now. Have a GREAT Monday, KH Oh yeah, and watch out for my boys at Hopkins, looks like they may be peaking at the right time...

Training Day

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:37:50 -0500

Well right now I'm in Columbus going through some training with the Grizzlies/Ohio State strength coaches. This is really my first full off season I'm able to train since my final year of high school. The training program starts today and is supposed to last 12 weeks so that pretty much takes me through my entire summer. I'm also wondering what pick our team will get in the lottery this year and who we actually take in the draft. I will have to lay off the videogaming for a while until I get my internet hooked up here in columbus... if you see my gamer tag online it's probably not me.

Explaining To The Non And Casual Sports Fan What It's Like To Go From Isiah Thomas To Mike D'Antoni

Mon, 12 May 2008 02:12:25 -0500

Despite what some of my fellow 'Barkers have written, going from Isiah Thomas to Mike D'Antoni is massive upgrade. I demonstrate this in chart form in terms that even the most casual of sports fan would understand.

Flyers lose 4-2 to Penguins.....again

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:06:32 -0500

The Flyers lost Game Two by the same score as they lost Game One, 4-2, but Sunday's contest was a completely different story in terms of effort. In Game One, the Flyers looked flat-footed and played most of the game back on their heels, while in Game Two they showed more of the effort and intensity that we have grown accustomed to seeing in this playoff run. The Flyers simply took too many penalties that allowed the Penguins to get their offense going and couldn't generate enough offense of their own. The night started off terrible for the Flyers when Braydon Coburn took a puck to the nose and collapsed to the ice. There were several questionable calls made by the refs throughout the game that went against both teams. Click the link for much more on the game, including highlights.

Dodgers Give Brazoban The Call

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:26:28 -0500

The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up Yhency Brazoban from Triple-A Las Vegas. This will be the twenty-seven year old relief pitcher's first time in the Major Leagues since his shoulder surgery. Thankfully, he is back where he belongs. It has been a long trip for the Dodgers' reliever. >>Continue: http://dodgersblog.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/05/dodgers_give_brazoban_the_call.html

Game 4

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:33:49 -0500

In Cleveland...getting ready to go to bed...thought I would drop yall a few lines. I haven't done much today. We had practice and a film session earlier today, and after that I went to Hard Rock Cafe and ate. They have the best spinach dip! After eating, I spent some time with my cousins. They came up here from Louisville to see the games, so I chilled with them a little bit. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. My mom is in Boston. I set up a little surprise for her and my girl for Mother's Day. It was nice, and they really liked it. I wanted them to do something special even though I wasn't there. O...and my daughter is finally crawling. We're all excited about that. I'm about to lay it down now. I have to bring it tomorrow, so I need to get some rest. Keep cheering for us, and hopefully we will get this W tomorrow. I'll holla! O..one last thing. I was reading a lot of the comments that were posted about the Marvin Williams foul, and I just wanted to let everyone know that Marvin and I are coo. He didn't mean to hurt me, and there are no hard feelings. Marvin is my homie, and I'm doing fine..my back is ok. Thanks for being concerned though!

Bears Not Considering Releasing Benson

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:16:02 -0500

Angelo finally weighs in on Benson GM criticizes poor judgment, but he doesn't plan to cut him. General manager Jerry Angelo said the Bears have no plans to release running back Cedric Benson in the wake of his arrest last weekend in Texas. But no matter how the case plays out, Angelo said Benson was guilty of poor judgment. ''The thing that I am most disappointed in is the fact that he put himself in a position to be the victim,'' Angelo said at the opening of the Bears' black-tie charity ball Saturday at Soldier Field. ''He's done a real fine job in the offseason. Obviously, this makes big story lines. That's not good for business.'' Benson was arrested May 3 on Lake Travis, near Austin, and charged with drunken boating and resisting arrest. A Lower Colorado River Authority officer subdued him with pepper spray when he ''presented himself as a threat,'' the police report said. They are allegations Benson has denied, saying he wasn't drunk and didn't resist the officers before he was dragged off a boat and allegedly choked with a hose. ''It was a lapse in judgment,'' Angelo said. ''He put himself in a position. Obviously, he knows he is going to be held to a higher standard. All athletes know that, particularly those that are high-profile like him. That's his hometown; everybody knows him. ''I'm putting myself in his shoes here, [but] he was very disturbed how everything came down. These things are very routine. This went further than normal, and he reacted. It's unfortunate.'' An initial court hearing is scheduled for May 19, but Benson isn't required to be present. He has hired prominent Austin attorney Sam Bassett to defend him. While details outlined by Benson and authorities differ wildly, statements from Benson and those in his camp don't match up, either. Benson told the Sun-Times last Sunday he had been on Lake Travis twice this year -- once in early April before the offseason program began, then again last weekend -- and was stopped both teams for a routine safety check by an LCRA boat. In the aftermath, a friend who was on the boat during the incident has come forward to claim she has been boating with Benson six times, and they've been stopped every time. Benson has been participating fully in the voluntary offseason workout program and said he's in the best shape of his career after suffering a broken left leg in November that required a plate and screws to stabilize the leg and ankle. He has struggled to fit in since his rookie season, when he came in with a grand vision but found playing time and acceptance difficult to come by. He has had four injuries in three seasons, chipping away at his reputation as a workhorse back, and the organization rather would try to pin a busted No. 4 overall pick on injury woes than on a bad decision by the front office if he doesn't pan out. Coach Lovie Smith declined to speak about the matter, and Angelo seemed a little taken aback by the crowd awaiting him at the tony event. The Bears' actions before the arrest -- drafting Tulane's Matt Forte in the second round -- speak loudest about how they feel. ''There's no plans to cut him,'' Angelo said. ''You run with this way too much. I'm a little surprised it's an every-day story, but unfortunately it is, and he's having to deal with it. ''What he needs to do is get himself up and going. He's fighting for a starting position. He's hungry. He's ready to go.'' Benson might be in a fight for a roster spot, too. Angelo is known for saying a player's boat has taken on water when off-the-field issues pile up. It could be sink or swim come Bourbonnais.

Top 25 Hilariously Bad Athlete Commercials

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:35:11 -0500

...Personally, I love the awkward athlete commercial, so in honor of Mr. Hamilton, we break down the 27 worst athlete commercials of all time. ( We tried for 25, but the extra two were too good to leave off)

Holt ready to Bolt?

Sun, 11 May 2008 15:10:19 -0500

Will Holt bolt at the end of his contract? Torry Holt (81) would like to remain with the Rams but is it realistic. Long-time teammate Isaac Bruce is now a San Francisco 49er. Torry Holt raised eyebrows three weeks ago when he talked about reuniting with his brother Terrence — a safety for the Carolina Panthers — when the final two years of his Rams contract were up. "I wanted to just send in my resignation to the Rams and join him down here," Holt told Raleigh, N.C., television station WRAL with a laugh. "What better place to come and play football than in your home state?' " Holt made the remarks at a charity golf tournament he and his brother held in North Carolina. Terrence signed as a free agent with Carolina earlier this offseason after spending the 2007 season with Arizona. To a degree, it was clear Holt was joking, particularly the remark about "resigning" from the Rams. But on Saturday, in his first comments to St. Louis reporters since the end of the 2007 season, it was clear that Holt is taking a realistic view about his future with the Rams. "I have this year and next year, and hopefully I can finish those years out," Holt said at the conclusion of the day's minicamp practice. "Then, I'll see where I'm at. I'll see where I'm at physically. I'll see where I'm at emotionally, financially. "And then, if they would like to do something here, I'll consider it. If not, then I'll have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else. So if that happens, Carolina will definitely be the first choice — no question about it. But I have '08 and '09 left to play, and that's what I plan on doing." It is a dream for many players, particularly those who have experienced great success in professional sports, to finish their career with the team that brought them into the pros. Holt, a native of Greensboro, N.C., was drafted No. 6 overall by St. Louis in 1999. Since then, he has made seven Pro Bowls, played in two Super Bowls, caught a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl and established himself as one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. But after watching longtime teammate Isaac Bruce's unceremonious release 2½ months ago, it is clear that Holt isn't betting the mortgage on a fairy-tale finish in St. Louis. When asked about the prospect of finishing his career in St. Louis, Holt said, "I welcome that." But he added: "I'm pretty sure there were guys before me that welcomed that. It doesn't always work out that way. So I'm going to take it year by year. I know for sure, hopefully, I have this year, so I'm going to play this year and see how things go from there." Those familiar with Holt said he was taken aback — even shocked — at Bruce's release this offseason. On Saturday, Holt played it down the middle when asked about life without Bruce at Rams Park. "It's been really different," Holt said. "You could always count on Isaac to come in and be ready to roll and get ready for the season. Not to see his locker in there, and not to see him out on the football field. Not to see him in the stretching and the drills. He's always the one at the front of the line getting things going. ... It's going to take some getting used to." Before this week, Holt sightings have been rare at Rams Park since the start of the offseason conditioning program in late March. He has been in St. Louis for a good portion of that time but has chosen not to work out at Rams Park. "Since I had the (knee) surgery last year, I went right to rehab, then I played 16 (games) and then went over and played in the Pro Bowl," Holt said. "So I just wanted to kind of step back and get some rest — not only for my knee, just for my overall body. "And from a mental standpoint, just kind of get away and relax. Get away from the building, and get away from football for a while, so I can come back with a fresh mind and give the guys and my teammates what it is they need." Holt, by the way, says his knee is feeling much better than it did a year ago at this time. Coach Scott Linehan normally is a stickler for players attending the offseason program. Tight end Brandon Manumaleuna's aversion to training in St. Louis in March and April is one reason he was traded to San Diego following the 2005 season. But for a player with Holt's longevity and accomplishments, Linehan is willing to bend the rules. "Torry's earned the privilege of doing things the way that work for him," Linehan said. "At this point in his career, he's really got to manage how he feels, to get himself back for the long season. "You're not going to get every player here (for the offseason program). Your goal is that every player utilizes the opportunity to do the offseason program. But Torry's a seven-time Pro Bowler who knows how to get himself ready for the season."