Monday, April 30, 2012

2012 NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend: Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable

When it comes to the NBA playoffs the journey of a champion is a destiny unknown. Warriors battling on a hardwood floor is tales of folklore. Men battling for the one opportunity to be the best and race to that finish line we all call the NBA Finals.


During the NBA Playoffs arguments become testy, emotions take more rides than a 15 yr old at an amusement park. Every player eager to showcase their knowledge, skill and athletic talents against the worlds best competitors. NBA playoff moments are more memorable than an 82 or 66 game regular season. The playoffs represent the moment when "Boy's become Men" Earvin becomes Magic, Bird becomes Legend, Michael Jordan turns into Greatness and Kobe becomes the Black Mamba. What's success, beyond success, beyond success Michael Jordan winning the 1998 NBA Finals.

NBA playoffs is the time of year when Linkin Park's "Burn it Down" blares in the speakers and Kanye West (2011 playoff theme) "All of The Lights" goes full stage. Regular season excuses get "Burned" and all that matters from late April until mid June is winning.


The 2012 NBA Playoffs has already provided Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable moments and terrible tragedies. Playoff atmosphere started April 22nd the weekend before the NBA playoffs when the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder.During the game Metta World Peace landed a vicious elbow on the side of James Hardens head and the NBA script continues to be unpredictable.

Opening weekend began with a tragic phantom injury to 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose possibly the most unexplained disappointing injury in NBA playoff history and an emotional buzzer beater by Kevin Durant over the outstretched arms of Shawn Marion and the 2011 defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. L.A. Lakers Andrew Bynum registered 10 Blocks against the Denver "midgets" Nuggets in a historic performance becoming only the second player in playoff history to record at least 10pts, 10rebs and 10 blks in a NBA playoff game. Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo found his inner Kevin Hart chest bumping referee Marc Davis. Then in a late night affair the Memphis Grizzlies totally collapsed like a "ton of bricks" against the Los Angeles Clippers blowing a 27 point lead.


With all of the mayhem already displayed during the 2012 NBA playoffs and the condensed pressure of the 66 game regular season schedule life in the NBA has become incalculable. Thus the Miami Heat are still the heavy odd on favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2012 NBA Finals and the Western Conference continues to be a toss up between the Associations best NBA teams. So after a Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable opening playoff weekend full of mayhem, who will when the NBA Finals??


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Friday, April 27, 2012

Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL Draft: Shock Draft Experts and Select Bruce Irvin

Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL draft was excellent, yes I disagree with nationwide sports analyst and their criticism of the Seahawks top pick. At the start of the 2012 NFL Draft Seahawks only had six draft picks but wisely completed a draft day deal with the Philadelphia Eagles to move back three positions from #12 to #15. Why did the Seahawks move back three positions because the three players the Seahawks were targeting in the first round were still available. Moving back three spots the Seahawks still had a shot at their targeted 2012 pre-draft picks while adding two more additional draft picks.

A little recent history since John Schneider and Pete Carroll arrived in Seattle the franchise has rebuilt on the strength of the draft and through free agency. Schneider and Carroll are top evaluators of prospected NFL talent examples include Brandon Browner, Richard Sherman, Russell Okung, Doug Baldwin, K.J. Wright, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Carroll was the brain that believed in Red Bryant, when Bryant thought his career was coming to a close in Seattle. One thing the new Seahawks regime in has shown us is to never doubt the brain trust or the Chess moves on the board.

Drafting Bruce Irvin was a genius move in hindsight, yes he has had some issues in the past with school and some boneheaded decision making. Bruce Irvin's past history stands out like a sore thumb but the man never gave up he keeps pushing despite his academic failures he took strides to complete his G.E.D. and never gave up on attending college. Sometimes as humans we tend to focused on others individual past problems so much that we discredit and ignore the effort it takes for a person to overcome those issues. Overcoming the issues and problems build character.

Coming into West Virginia Bruce Irvin was touted as a possible Big East defensive player of the year his expectations were high. Pete Carroll looked at recruiting Irvin to USC so the young fella has talent and a history with the Seahawks head coach. As an OLB Irvin produces 4.5 speed and his skill set compliments the missing piece in the Seahawks defense. Irvin not only has the capability to play OLB but has the intangibles to lineup on the line at DE and bring a tremendous pass rush off the edge.


After the draft Schneider acknowledged that the Seahawks thought about moving back in the draft for a second time "We thought about doing it again," Schneider said. "We just didn't want to get too cute. This guy is just too special of a football player." Whispers about the New York Jets looking to possibly draft Irvin made it into the Seahawks draft room and Schneider made the move. ESPN's Skip Bayless mentioned that every time he watched a WVU game last season Irvin kept sacking him in his seat at home flying off the television screen to hit a quarterback.

As analyst and so called Mock Draft experts "cough" Christian Fauria point and criticize the Seahawks draft. We also point and criticize the draft experts for missing out on Bruce Irvin. Bruce welcome to the #12thMan welcome to Seattle home to the loudest stadium on the planet the best fans in the world. We know why Schneider, Carroll and the Seahawks brass drafted you now shock the world.


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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Metta World Peace Mentally Competitive and Annoyed

Call me old school, call me an 1980's baby, call me a U.S. Veteran that appreciates hard work and understands the rigors of performing at high a level competitively. Call me a fan of the old Detroit 'Bad Boys",and New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat of the 1997 brawl but don't call me a fan of Kermit Washington or Latrell Sprewell. Don't call me a fan of players or coaches full of intent or malicious bounties.

The acts of the player formally known as Ron Artest fall into a category of it's own. No Metta World Peace's decision was not peaceful or fit for a Disney movie but neither was Alonzo Mourning's and Larry Johnson's actions. MWP actions are missed understood after reviewing the image at normal speed not the slowed down version presented by media outlets across America painting MWP into a "Mike Tyson killer" I noticed two elements.

What we witnessed was a combination of competitiveness and a player who deals with mental illness. It's no secret Ron Artest has been seen by Dr. Nicole Miller. After winning the NBA Finals in 2010 Ron Artest thanked Dr. Miller for her psychiatric help. In a heightened moment of Artest's life he thanked his "Mental Health Doctor" that's big news don't miss the message. During the 2011 season Ron Artest was named "NBA Citizen of the Year" for donating his time to Mental Health Charities and helping others with mental conditions. Not only was Artest acknowledging his condition but the NBA naming him citizen of the year was acknowledging his condition as well.

On September 16th 2011 Ron Artest changed his name to Metta World Peace, when a man with a mental condition changes his name usually people say something about it or stop the individual. I understand the whole World B. Free issue but I think we missed the message. I am not calling Ron Artest "Sybil" but sometimes when we think we have done so good in life in a particular issue of weakness as humans we tend to relax on the treatment that got us to a successful point in our lives. Taking personal mental treatment for granted and opting to become more of a spokesperson instead of a patient.

Back to NBA basketball, secondly what we saw was two teams on the collision course of becoming bitter rivals. The Lakers still competing to hold on as NBA title contenders versus the young Lions of the NBA seething to prove they are the new team on the block. Competitive juices started flowing James Harden was "yappin" talking as he usually does being annoying in the ears of MWP and Kobe Bryant. Positioning his body in ways to make a player frustrated. MWP was feeling good dunking and stealing the ball, playing his best basketball since donning a Lakers uniform. Celebrating after a momentum changing dunk and James Harden decided to be annoying and it was at that one split second "Ron Artest" jumped out of the body of Metta World Peace "get the message" this was not malice. In the NBA fans have seen much"worse"

Reality check... Metta play's basketball on television not in his backyard. "Go to any park in America on a Saturday were local citizens play basketball and watch the frustration on the court". World Peace was celebrating and the most annoying player on the court purposely decided to get in the way. This was a man who's issues were dormant like a volcano (every now and then they spill ash) but the NBA knows this right. In the heat of the moment Metta World Peace was Mentally Competitive and Annoyed


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Monday, April 23, 2012

Wale Bets ESPN Skip Bayless

On Monday April 23rd Wale appeared on ESPN First Take. Wale got caught in a fiery bet argument with Skip Bayless. Of course the disagreement was over Skip's favorite all time player the loveable Tim Tebow. Wale not a big fan of Tebow said he would cut his hair if Tebow started six or more NFL games during the 2012-2013 season.

Really Wale betting the Lord of Tebowmania Skip Bayless. Rex Ryan and the Jets traded for Tebow with the impression of Tebow challenging Sanchez for the starting QB position. Ryan is so gushed on Tebow most reports out of New York have Tebow taking the reigns of the Jets offense by game 4 of the regular season. Hugh Douglas former NFL player and ESPN analyst predicts " Tebow starts by game 4".

So how long will it take for Rex Ryan and the New York Jets to choose Tebow as the #1 Quarterback of the franchise. Wale predicts regular season game 12 week 13 versus the Arizona Cardinals as the earliest possible NY JETS Tebow start. While Wale is a knowledgeable sports fan and enthusiast betting against Tebow is a long shot.  Any game before that and it's snip snip for Hip Hop artist Wale and his locks. 


I can hear Tebow and Skip right now turning on the clippers, brushing off the barber chair and cutting Wale's hair on ESPN First Take during the 2012 NFL season.


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Saturday, April 21, 2012

Orlando Magic: Dwight Howard new "Barnum Bailey" NBA Sports Media Clown!

Dwight "let your light so shine" Howard. Has become a NBA  media circus the once loved and respected Howard is now turning into selfish enemy #1. When Drafted in 2004 Dwight Howard made several comments including this one "I want to use my NBA career and Christian Faith to raise the name of God within the league and around the world"

Over the past two weeks Dwight Howard's initial 2004 draft statement has become the skeleton of a man once respected. One should never question the faith of an individual but actions and statement can be judged. Working back doors to get your coach fired, publicly demanding trades and looking for ways to undermine the Orlando Magic front office are not signs of one looking to spread the light. "What Would Tebow Do? Yes, I interjected the name of Tebow into an NBA article sue me"  The 2011-2012 NBA season for the self proclaimed Superman has been everything short of Super.

It's understandable that a NBA player, NFL player or any professional athlete would look to control their destiny and career goals. Unfortunately the world of sports is now a business full of Commissioners, Executives, CEO's, Owners, Managers and all of the above. The latest tirade an actions of Howard has been everything but professional time to grow up!

It's true Howard is not the first player to openly want an NBA coach fired or ask for a trade. Magic Johnson the Los Angeles Lakers Legend once demanded a trade during the 1981-1982 season which led to the firing of Westhead and the eventual promotion of Pat Riley to Lakers head coach.  In that situation Magic Johnson had already won a NBA Finals championship and NBA Finals MVP as a rookie in 1980. That argument was based on making the Lakers better and winning multiple championships in L.A., Magic had already signed a 25 year, $25 million contract to be with the Lakers for his career longevity. Dwight has done none of the above.


Orlando Magic fans, coaches and front office has been disrespected and strung along for a ride by a player who's light has tuned dark. Dwight acknowledge before a potential trade to the Los Angeles Lakers that if traded he would not resign his contract thus the Lakers would have traded Andrew Bynum to rent Howard for a few months. That comment was never picked apart or examined properly this is a statement by a player shunning the Lakers! The franchise of champions and NBA greats Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Shaquille O'neal and Kobe Bryant.

Dwight Howard is all about Dwight Howard stealing nicknames "Superman" before the real Superman retired, wanting coaching fired, running your franchise in circles over a contract, and disrespecting great organizations. Maybe I am too harsh but Dwight Howard is now the media sports clown for Barnum Bailey!

If  Howard's desires is in  Brooklyn then he should go but don't bury the Orlando Magic franchise, fans and coaches while half-heartedly committing to a 1 yr contract out of fear people won't like you..


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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

New York JETS: 2012 Schedule released when will Tim Tebow start?

Looking at the New NFL schedule today New York Jets fans can help to wonder what week will Tim Tebow take over as starting Quarterback. We all know Rex Ryan is just waiting to put his new weapon onto a football field. Of course there is the formality of having a Quarterback battle between Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. It's a real possibility that Mark Sanchez starts the 2012 NFL season as the Jets starting QB but if you've been listening closely Ryan wants "Tebow Time".  So what game will Tebow start or finish in 2012 




The 2012 schedule for the Jets first four games.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, Buffalo, 1:00 PM  The battle of New York Hot Dogs vs. Buffalo Wings Sanchez chokes on a bun during halftime it's "Tebow Time"

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, at Pittsburgh, 4:15 PM James Harrison with a HUGE hit in the 4th sacking the Sanchez. Here comes Tebow its "Tebow Time" remember the 2011-2012 NFL Wild Card game? Rex Ryan does.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 23, at Miami, 1:00 PM Hot Humid Sunny day in Miami very close game, players using oxygen tanks on the sideline Sanchez looks exhausted his thrown 3 INT's last drive Rex Ryan pulls the plug its "Tebow Time" in Florida
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, San Francisco, 1:00 PM Brutal game in the rain the 49ers defense has been relentless collapsing the pocket forcing Sanchez to run and Rex Ryan has to make adjustments and ops to use his Hybrid QB/RB it's "Tebow Time"



Of course none of this will happen. I am not putting a hex or jinx on the Sunny kid from USC but you have to admit to yourself at least think once in the back of your brain what game will Tebow play? The Jets re-signed Sanchez only after Peyton Manning alerted the club he was not interested. Forcing the JETS front office to make a quick decision on Sanchez. Rex Ryan never envisioned Peyton signing with the Denver Broncos and Tebow being available on the market. When the possibility to sign Tebow occured Rex Ryan's stomach got giddy and the JETS secured the future. There's always the possibility Sanchez plays the first three quarters and then Tebow Time takes over in the 4th but really? What backup NFL Quarterback have you seen with a ESPN press conference and guess what he was Really, Really, Really, Really Excited!!!



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Monday, April 16, 2012

New York Jets: Antonio Cromartie refuses Major Reality TV Deal Starring his 10 Children

Sometime athletes make bad  financial decisions that makes Wall Street executives in New York scratch their heads. This week in the first introduction of MAN UP! we uncover a story regarding New York Jets CB Antonio Cromartie.  Antonio Cromartie age 28 has fathered 10 children and recently blocked a TV production featuring his 10 children and their mothers. 


The show was designed so the children who live in New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas and California could get to spend time with each other and show family unity. The mothers of the children came up with the idea but Cromartie refuses to allow his children on television. One of the mothers Ryan Ross from Los Angeles exclaimed “I love it,” Ross said of the proposed TV show. “Our kids need to know who their siblings are. It’s bigger than our past with Antonio. It’s about our children.” Cromarties baby mama's claim they need the extra money generated by the program for financial help with the children. The mothers of Cromarties children act as 'Support Group" sharing their problems and venting to one each other. 




Records show Cromartie currently pays $3,500 to each mother except one. In March of 2010 Cromartie paid $500,000 to clear up paternity issues regarding his children. In a 2010 interview via Hard Knocks Antonio was asked by the camera crew how many children he sired and their names and well, he forgot. He forgot the names of his 10 Cromarties. 


The truth is Cromartie is not a dead beat father he takes time through out the year to spend time with his children. No court orders for arrears exist and he pays his child support. So your wondering how many baby mothers does Antonio have involved in the lives of his 10 Children? 8. Two from his wife Terricka and 8 from, well I posted a family collage below. I refuse to type all 7 names maybe next time Antonio should just walk around with a wallet size list of his baby mothers and children. 


New York Sports Media: So Antonio Cromartie #31 how many children do you currently have?


Antonio Cromartie: Did you just ask how many children? well take a card their all listed.. Next question?


Antonio Cromartioe and Terricka News Update:  A day after reports circulated about Cromartie canceling a Family TV reality show.  The Cromarties are now expecting twins. That will bring the total number of Children to a Grand Total of 12. Oh boy hope he keeps the family picture card list handy. Teens and adults let this be a reminder to #WrapItUp! 



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Atlanta Braves offense starting to feel "Chipper"

On Sunday April 15th the Atlanta Braves completed their sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers as the offense picked up the pace. Braves offense has been slow out of the starting blocks this season but with a healthy Chipper Jones back in the line up the Braves offense has vastly improved. Chipper Jones is currently batting .417 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI's and Jason Heyward is also starting to pick up his batting game .345 BA over the last 5 contests. The real question for this Braves offense is can Jones and Heyward keep up the pace. Offensively the Atlanta Braves have been inept coming off of a disappointing 2011 season.


Braves offensive problems have been a major topic of conversation since the retirement of former Manager Bobby Cox and the issues have remained heading into the 2012 Spring Training Camp. Atlanta's first four games of the 2012 regular season looked like more of the same 2011 nightmare as the Braves only averaged 2.5 runs per game. Talk of the 2012 ball club possibly being one of the wort offensives in Braves history and other rumors have been circulated publicly in Atlanta. Braves currently rank in the bottom portion of the league in hits 7.67, Doubles 1.33 and batting average .232. 


On the sunny side of baseball the Braves offense is showing some "juice" averaging 6 runs per game since April 10th and winning 2 out of 3 versus the Houston Astros and sweeping the Brewers. Braves are riding a 5 game winning streak that has calmed some of the rumor chatter. Chipper Jones return has sparked confidence on offense and Manager Fredi Gonzalez is hoping Chippers presence on the diamond continues to be that spark that turns the corner for the Braves offense.




In a recent interview with AJC Greg Walker the Braves hitting coach hinted that he wanted the team to concentrate on battling the ball at the plate, challenging pitchers and creating ball contact instead of looking for "Moneyballs" at the plate. “We want to be smart, but we also want to be aggressive,”  Walker wants is for the Braves “to develop a mindset” that doesn’t vary from at-bat to at-bat. Braves small ball might be the recipe to jump starting Dan Uggla, Brian Mc Cann, Freddie Freeman, Chipper Jones, Alex Gonzalez and Jason Heyward. All six players are capable of producing 20+ home run seasons.


 If the Braves new "Chipper" feeling offense can continue for the remainder of the 2012 season #10 can retire with another trip to a World Series. 

Friday, April 13, 2012

Los Angeles Lakers: Andrew Bynum the Revolution is NOW!!!

Finally his here, finally his arrived after 6 years in the NBA Shaquille O'neals heir apparent has arrived to the big stage. Andrew Bynum the Los Angeles Lakers Center is starting to shown signs of a young budding SuperStar.


During the lockout shortened NBA 66 game season Andrew Bynum was linked to several blown NBA trades involving Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. Bynum stayed honest while dealing with the possible NBA trade scenarios.  In a ESPN  interview Bynum responded to the rumors saying  "I think Dwight is a great player and obviously if the Lakers can get him for the right deal, it would be worthwhile," Bynum said after a early season Lakers' film session . "But, if they want too much [in return], it won't go through." 



During the 2011 NBA offseason rumors swirled in circles about Bynum privately wanting his own team. Bynum claims that the rumor was false "I never said anything like that," Bynum told ESPNLosAngeles.com 



Regardless of the rumors the new Bynum has arrived in Lakerland playing like a NBA All Star proving he belongs in Los Angeles Lakers Purple and Gold.  The NBA 2012 season has been terrific for Bynum averaging career highs 18.4 pts, and 12.2 rebs. Bynums attitude has come off more arrogant and cocky at times with reporter comments but the BIG DUDE is currently going through a NBA All Star maturation. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and most of the NBA greats displayed a side of arrogance once they recognized their true NBA basketball potential.  For Bynum the light to the tunnel is finally on he is tapping into his future NBA greatness.  

 Many will syill judge Bynum and feel the NBA All Star has taken too long to become a true force. For years media personnel thought Bynum was too soft under the rim and then during the 2010-2011 NBA playoff Bynum exploded sending J.J. Barea flying, Bynum was seething as the Lakers unraveled in a season ending defeat to the Dallas Mavericks. 


Since tossing J.J. Barea, Bynum has become an NBA monster. The Lakers now posses a BIG 3 consisting of Bynum, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. The combination has been to 3 NBA Finals and won 2 NBA Championships.




As Kobe's body starts to wind down from years of NBA competition, Bynum has become more dominant. While Kobe missed a few games suffering from an injured shin Bynum has taken control averaging close to 20 pts and 20 rebs with out Kobe on the floor. The BIG DUDE's outstanding play has allowed Kobe to rest his injuries this season. 


Bynum's new attitude is great for the Lakers. Why is this important? because Bynum represents the next generational step from Kobe. At the age of 24 Bynum's career projectory is starting to climb and with 2 NBA Championships under his belt his set to win not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5 you get the picture the Lakers and the BIG DUDE could be looking at future multiple NBA Championship rings. 


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Sunday, April 8, 2012

Shabazz Muhammad: Las Vegas Bishop Gorman athlete "Pick of the Litter"?

     Shabazz Muhammad a victim of the new CBA will be taking his talents to the NCAA next season. Shabazz is a Las Vegas NV talent who is without question the best High School prospect this year. In a recent short interview Shabazz exclaimed how he wish he had the option to enter the NBA draft out of high school. The 2012 Mc Donalds All American represents the next era of NBA players after LeBron James who looks to change the landscape of basketball. Shabazz is a dominate force inside, outside, bounce pass, iso "you name" it Shabazz has the ability to do it.

For the past two years I have been keeping an eye on Shabazz's playing abiity and in court decision making, Shabazz is by far a top athlete. Shabazz's freshmen season attending Bishop Gorman and playing for the Gaels he averaged 12pts and 6rebs. Shabazz's athlteic stretching ability has earned him the nickname "Plastic Man" but the Las Vegas area Point Guard is more than athletic. The Gales star also has a sense of mind and presence with the basketball in his hands not scared to pass to a teammate for an open three pointer. On April 8th 2012, Shabazz set a Nike Hoop Summit world record with 35pts. He scores, rebounds, dunks, blocks shots but also has the mental capacity to breakdown a defense and execute with the ball in his hands.


Their is no such thing as a sure bet in sports but since were talking about a Las Vegas athlete. Imagine sitting down at Bally's with a mean poker play in your hands, well Shabazz is a "Double Down". The kid is as close of a sure bet coming out of High School as Moses Malone, Shawn Kemp, Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. NBA scouts can't contact Shabazz now but if I was a GM I am watching him closely even before he chooses what college to attend.


When your this good and your the "pick of the litter" (hint...) you decide what program you attend and that can be a hard decision at times. Rumors are circulating many reports read "Shabazz is considering Duke, Kentucky and UCLA" others mention UNLV. Shabazz admits Kentucky winning the National Championship has provided a great influence to his upcoming decision. Shabazz say's he wants to do more than go to college his goal is to win a National Championship he wants to make an impact. Shabazz understand legacy building and understands creating a right path. So on April 11th Shabazz Muhammad the best bet at the table will decide to either be a Blue Devil, Wildcat, or Bruin.   It's Coach K vs. Coach Calipari its stay close to home (UCLA) or be daring and leave the comforts of the West Coast and head East. The only sure bet is that this won't be the last time you read the name Shabazz Muhammad.

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Earvin Johnson: Creating new Magic with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the urban community


Magic Johnson is one of the most inspirational humans in the world. Magic's acts of humanity and community building has touched the lives of millions in the United States and around the globe. In a world were most of our athletes are heavily criticized for poor business and community efforts Magic Johnson often displays a healthy alternative to negate the athlete stereotypes. 


Magic is a natural perfectionist a leader and a winner in every aspect of his business and professional career. For years Magic has been busy with efforts to revive of some Americas most hard hit communities by creating jobs and offering college scholarship programs to local residents. The Magic Johnson Foundation started in 1991 has had a significant impact in Americas urban communities in Detroit, Los Angeles, Atlanta and through out the United States. The foundations motto "we are the communities we serve" not only speaks of the foundations efforts in the communities but unites the foundation with the communities they serve. 


Most recently Magic took his community leadership and business savvy personality to new heights, helping front a group of new owners in purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers. The proud new owner of the Dodgers once the face of the NBA is now a Major League Baseball owner. 


Now for those wondering how this will play out, remember Magic doesn't touch a single project with out putting forth his best effort. His more than just a baseball owner his a fan of the game. Opening day Magic watched Matt Kemp hit a two run home run and could barely contain himself after the home run bomb the new owner peaked his head into the dugout to congratulate Matt Kemp. "The Dodgers have their Kobe, and his name is Matt Kemp" he said.




In today's buzz of social media Magic is not only a social icon but he is also a professional never asked to pull up his pants, straighten his tie, wear a belt or proper dress shoes. Magic is more than just a sports icon his a leader, mentor and role model for young entrepreneurs. Earvin's "Magic" moments on the court may have created a sports icon but since 1991 it's been Earvin Johnson's efforts off the court in local communities and classrooms that has made him a mentor and role model.  


Magic Johnson Foundation:


• In 2011 the Magic Johnson Foundation began to celebrate their 20th anniversary
• To date the Taylor Michaels Scholarship program has provided over 350 youth with resources and support
• By year’s end 2011 our Community Empowerment Centers (CECs) will have impacted over 245,000 disadvantaged youth
• The CECs have provided direct services to over 250,000 students in 16 urban markets
• CECs have awarded over $3 million dollars in hardware and software grants
• CECs Awarded over $250K in online learning scholarships
• The CECs have hosted over 300 students at Technology Boot camps
• CECs have improved the Academic Performance of over 6,500 youth
• Through the “I Stand with Magic” campaign over 89,000 people have signed up in the online campaign fight against HIV/AIDS 
• Through the "I Stand with Magic" campaign, the Magic Johnson Foundation has provided free HIV/AIDS testing to more than 38,000 Americans in 16 major cities. Additionally, the program has educated nearly 280,000 people about HIV, risk factors associated with the disease and the importance of HIV testing 
• Since 2003 our partnership with AIDs Healthcare Clinics has tested over, 3,750 adults and identified positive results for over 1000 testers 
• The Magic Johnson Foundation Annual Kid’s Mardi Gras started in 1997 has hosted over 16,500 disadvantaged urban youth 
• The Magic Johnson Foundation Annual Holiday Party has hosted over 45,000 youth and distributed over 300,000 toys since 1994



Magic Johnson Foundation website: http://magicjohnson.com/foundation/

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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Washington Huskies: Tony Wroten Declares for NBA Draft

University of Washington freshman player Tony Wroten declares for NBA Draft and will decide to hire an agent. Declaring or checking into the draft is one thing but hiring an agent leaves him with no choice but to move forward toward his NBA career. The real question NBA insiders and fans need to be asking is can Tony Wroten a player who is projected as an unfinished raw product successfully make the leap from college to NBA.


Wroten's game is explosive his athletically gifted. Last season Tony was awarded Pac-12 freshman of the year honors while averaging 16 pts, 5 rebs, 4 ast and 2 stls per game. Over the years Washington has produced some of the best young Point Guards and Shooting Guards to grace the NBA Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, and Isaiah Thomas have been phenomenal. 


As a Seattle/Tacoma native I remember Isaiah Thomas and Nate Robinson as kids. Isaiah Thomas aunt and my mother were close friends. I even worked for his grandmother cleaning local area apartments. So I love the talent of our local area products and I give my full support to Seattle area athletes. Many here in the Atlanta area call me a homer because of my Seattle area passion.


The difference between Nate Robinson, Isaiah Thomas and Tony Wroten is Nate and Isaiah waited past their freshmen years. They developed a body of work while playing at UW leaving college as more developed and polished athletes.Brandon Roy was an all pro top 5 athlete when he entered the draft in 2006.  Roy was named Pac-10 player of the year and received All-American honors at the end of the season, while also being a finalist for the WoodenNaismithOscar Robertson, and Adolph Rupp awards. Wroten well he is more famous for the free throws he missed during the first Pac-12 tournament game in UW history. The missed free throws were not unusual Wroten was only a 58.3% free throw shooter during his short stint at Washington. 


Especially when your as talented and gifted as Wroten, if he stayed and polished his skills while in college he has a chance at rewriting Washington Husky history and creating a lottery type draft pick position in the 2013 NBA Draft. I wish Tony Wroten all the best in his career, it takes a lot of work to get to the top of the Mount Rainier and if he keeps working on his RAW talent he can be a great player. If you end up playing for the Atlanta Hawks i'll be the reporter in the locker room with the Tony Wroten UW jersey on. I just believe in one more year for the Seattle area native turning pro. 




For comments and future updates please follow on Twitter @JMCSPORTSBOOK 
I am also U.S. Southern Correspondent for www.israelsportsradio.com listen to our podcast and follow, or share with a friend....


Israel Sports Radio link: http://israelsportsradio.com/

Twitter link: http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fantasy Basketball and Football Legend

I received my championship t-shirt this morning from my friends at http://www.myfantasyleague.com/ yep that's me champion once again. So now I possess Yahoo!, NFL.com, ESPN.com and MyFantasyLeague.com championships. Yes that's right I am one of the best. The greatest fantasy player of all time, okay we'll maybe not that great. I am not in the Fantasy Sports Trade Association Hall of Fame or anything but somebody please tell Megan Van Petten I am ready for my close up.




On a more serious note, I would really like to thank the guys at My Fantasy League for the cool t-shirt. This is one shirt I am putting in my office. Many sports fans don't know fantasy sports has been around since early 1950's first started by Bill Weikenbach when he started Superior Tile Summer Invitational Homerun Tournament. In August 1963, he had the first draft of the GOPPPL – the Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators league. Over the last 60 years Millions of fans, athletes, and celebrities have participated in Fantasy Baseball, Hockey, Football, Basketball you name a sport it has a fantasy component. 


I doubt fantasy pioneer Bill Weikenbach had any idea that a game he created would have so much appeal to sports fans world wide. Personally I would like to thank him along with Rotoworld and STATS LLC for keeping us up to date with fantasy news and updates. True pioneers of the game know that in today's digital high tech world you don't have to buy a store magazine to get the news on the latest athletes or injuries thanks to Rotoworld. STATS LLC provides most of the up to date live scores and stats you see today on major sports websites. 


Charlie Weigert is today's fantasy sports pioneer. His the reason fantasy operating sites were granted the right to use player names and statistics in their games without having to pay rights fees to the leagues involved. Court case  CBC Distribution and Marketing  v. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. True heroes, true inventors, true fantasy games, played by real people. 


If you have a fantasy league and looking for an extra member feel free to comment to this post and leave a message or contact me on Twitter @jmcsportsbook http://twitter.com/#!/JMCSPORTSBOOK


 Events: Check Clenaure Carter out on http://israelsportsradio.com/ April 3rd 2012 talking MLB, NBA, and NFL news and updates. Israel Sports Radio the only sports radio serving the Middle East.....