NBA 2K10 x Black Mamba

That's right, Kobe Bryant will be the cover athlete of the newest installment of 2K's NBA franchise. I can't say I didn't see this coming, but it did take a lot longer than I thought it would've. Being a huge fan of Kobe and the Lakers, I just had to post this one. Plus it gives me a better reason to pick up the game when it releases in October... That's if and when I get my X-Box 360 fixed of coarse.

RIP x DJ AM

DJ AM, whose real name was Adam Goldstein, has been found dead in his apartment in New York, according to entertainment website TMZ. The popular website reported police sources as saying the 36-year-old was found in his apartment around 5:20 pm on Friday (local time). They say there was drug paraphernalia at the scene. The police were reportedly notified after friends, who had not heard from Goldstein for several days, went to his apartment but could not get a response after knocking on his door.

AM was better known for his job as a disc jockey and romancing with such celebrities like Mandy Moore and Nicole Richie, who he was recently engaged with. He and music partner Travis Barker survived a plane crash a little less than a year ago. Both Barker and AM sustained critical injuries. The crash killed both crew members and two other passengers. AM was also known and respected in the shoe game for having a rare collection of limited edition and hard to find kicks.

Rest In Peace Adam Goldstein AKA DJ AM
(March 30, 1973 - August 28, 2009)

The Sky is the Limit

The sky is the limit, or at least that's what Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones thinks. After constructing a brand new stadium that took nearly 4 years to build and worth a whopping $1.15 billion dollars, everything is set and ready to go. Except for the 11,520-square-foot big screen that sits above midfield some 90 feet high. After the first ever football game held at the stadium, the gigantic TV has already become an issue.

Last week, the stadium opened its doors to the fans for the first time, as a preseason game was held between the Cowboys and Titans. During on field practice, Titans punter A.J. Trapasso was getting a few warm-up kicks in before the game, and he ended up actually hitting the 2,100 inch big screen. And once the game started, the story was no different. With the Titans forced to punt, Trapasso once again struck the screen above the field. The punt deflected backwards and was ruled in-play until Titans coach Jeff Fisher informed the officials that the punt struck the scoreboard. By rule, the down was replayed. The whole thing is already causing a debate in which NFL officials are thinking about raising the scoreboard another 10 ft. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones however, believes Trapasso hit the monitor on purpose and doesn't think raising the scoreboard is necessary.

Of coarse he doesn't, in his own mind his pefect masterpiece is just that, perfect. And having to move the world's largest high-definition television is the last thing Jones wants to do. But unless he wants his punters to kick the ball over the monitor, moving the damn thing would be the best solution.

Throwback Thursday x Triple Trouble

I dug up this photo about a few months or so ago, and thought what better time to post it, than when Smoltz made his Redsox debut. However his time in Boston was cut short due to an 8.32 ERA that was blistered by the AL East. And coming off of surgery with a sore right shoulder didn't help much either. But that didn't keep the likely future Hall of Famer from signing with another team.

Just a little over a week ago, The St. Louis Cardinals signed Smoltz for the remainder of the season. Smoltz will start in the rotation for the rest of the regular season and then could serve out of the bullpen in relief to set-up closer Ryan Franklin come playoff time. Smoltz joins a pitching staff led by Adam Wainwright and former Cy Young award winner Chris Carpenter. Smoltz' arrival could benefit both the team and his future in the bigs. Not only is he hoping to help the team win, but he's hoping to solidify a job for a 2010 go around.

In Smoltz' Cardinals debut, he pitched 5-shutout innings in San Diego and had 7-consecutive punch outs at one point. Smoltz earned the win and finished the game with 9 strikeouts while allowing only 3 hits. Smoltz, an eight-time All-Star and the all-time leader with 15 postseason victories, brings with him an illustrious career highlighted by both starting and relief pitching success. The former Cy Young award winner is one of only two pitchers to have had both a 20-win season and a 50-save season -- the other being Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley. Smoltz is the only pitcher in Major League history to top both 200 wins and 150 saves.

Both sides reached an agreement, for a prorated balance of the Major League minimum of $400,000 -- with the Red Sox committed to pay the balance of his $5.5 million contract -- includes incentive clauses for postseason awards.

Marshall Matters x The Eagle Has Landed

Another player in the NFL is continuing to prove how spoiled today's athletes really are. And Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall is no exception. Marshall who's had problems with the Broncos in the past is doing all he can to show the organization how much he wants out of Denver. In a practice held Thursday by the Broncos, Brandon Marshall was caught on tape punting the ball away and batting down balls passed to him. After being interviewed Thursday night on ESPN, Marshall said his behavior was out of frustration. But when BM wasn't seen punting balls away, he was seen sitting down while the rest of the team was running sprints.

I'm guessing this is his tactic to somehow get dealt to another team, however if I was a coach of another team and seen the same footage, Marshall would be the last person I'd want on my squad. Not only is Marshall being a pain in the ass, but he's disrespecting the team and organization. If this doesn't lead to the team trading him away, I don't know what will. With this unsportsmanlike behavior, Marshall joins a list of familiar names that have also been somewhat of a virus to their team, come practice time; T.O., Michael Crabtree, Jay Cutler, Chad OchoCinco and now Brandon Marshall.


In other Football news, Michael Vick made his long anticipated Eagles debut. In a preseason game today against Jacksonville, Vick went a perfect 4-for-4 in passing for a total of 19 yards. After the game, Vick was interviewed and said, "It felt great to finally be out there on the field and get my feet wet", as it was his first game since being released from prison just months ago. Vick compared his return to riding a bike, "You never forget how to do it." Vick also received a standing ovation from the Philly crowd in a half-empty stadium.

Young Eagle fans showing their support for their newest player

Crabtree acting Crabby

What seemed to be a dream acquisition for the 49ers, is now becoming a nightmare. Just months after being selected as the number 10 overall pick in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft, 49ers rookie Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree is threatening to sit out the entire 2009-2010 NFL season. Crabtree's adviser released a statement saying his client could hold out all season long and re-enter the draft next season if he isn't offered the right amount of money.

The first mistake here is, Crabtree's adviser that released the statement is also his cousin. Another thing is, Crabtree is acting like a self centered little bitch asking for money he shouldn't even be considering, given that he was not the first wide-out taken in the draft. The number 1 wide-out taken would be Raiders WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, who signed a $23.5 million dollar deal. & That's the amount of money Crabtree is demanding, after claiming to be the better wide receiver out of the two.

Crabtree's strategy of sitting out an entire season, can very well back fire on him. There's no doubt he would be picked up next season if he does indeed decide to hold out all season long, but who would be willing to take a roll of the dice and select a wide-receiver that's been sitting on his ass all season long, without any action on the field? Not to mention the chances of Crabtree somehow injuring himself and not being able to sign a contract at all. Also, if Crabtree thinks getting drafted at the number 10 spot overall was high, I doubt he would go any lower in next year's draft. All in all, he's only hurting his own chances and continuing to prove how spoiled today's athelete's really are. If he's smart, he'll sign before it's all said and done.

Either way, Niners head coach Mike Singletary isn't letting the hold out of his 1st round draft pick get to him. After being asked what his take on Crabtree sitting out he said, "He's the last person on my mind at this moment. I have a team full of players out there on that field that are here now, and they're my only concern." Singletary is doing and saying the right thing by not letting any of this drama distract him or his team. So far without Crabtree, the Niners have opened preseason off with two wins, both being by one point each.



In other Niner news, Coach Singletary announced Monday that Shaun Hill will be the 49ers starting quarterback when the regular season starts. Both Shaun Hill and Alex Smith have been competing for the starting job in camp and preseason. The 8-year pro finished the 2008 season with a 5-3 record as the starter, including wins in four of the last five games. In his career, Hill has a 7-3 record with 2,547 yards passing and 18 touchdowns through the air.

The Cable Guy Delivers

Did it happen or not? That's the question being asked in Oakland, after reports were made about Raiders head coach Tom Cable supposedly punching and breaking the jaw of defensive assistant Randy Hanson. The incident that no one seems to know much about caused injuries that ended up being treated at a hospital a few days ago. What's said to have been a heated argument, turned violent as punches were thrown. However Cable denies any such acts went down, but the marks on Hanson's face tell otherwise. It's all being investigated, so we'll just have to wait to see what happens. The whole thing to me sounds a bit confusing, but now I'm beginning to think the problems on the field aren't the only problems this team has.

Most Raider fans are known for being grimy and thug-like, but their coaches too? The team has been a mess for the past few seasons, so let's just see if things continue to go downhill from here on. Will an incident like this one help amp up Al Davis and the Raider Nation, or will it backfire in the end? Looks like we'll have to wait and find out how it all unfolds come game time. The Battle of the Bay begins this Saturday, in what has become a traditional preseason rivalry match-up between the Oakland Raiders and their cross town rivals--the San Francisco 49ers. Although it's only preseason, this is usually a fun one to watch, as both teams will face each other for bragging rights. Let's Go Niners!

HE'S BACK!...AGAIN.

After Brett Favre played in the NFL for 16 years, he retired, then made a comeback, and then retired again...Or so we thought. Now he's back for the third time, this time for a 2-year stay...Hopefully. Just days after two unnamed Viking players told officials that Brett Favre would sign with the team, he did. Brett Favre flew into Minnesota via private jet and announced his signing with the team. Favre held a Live press conference wearing a beat up hat and some ragged clothes, as if he just got out of training camp. Oh that's right, he did. Fresh off the plane and out of Vikings training camp, he addressed the media and answered questions about his return.

Favre mentioned numerous times that signing with the Vikings isn't to get revenge on his former team and Minnesota's rival - The Green Bay Packers, but many still think it is, including me. Now that he's back in the NFC North, his former Packer teammates will finally be on opposite ends for the first time to get a piece of their long time Quarterback. When asked whether or not they were looking forward to the match-up, The Packers Defense said they couldn't wait to get their hits in on Favre. The teams will face each other twice this season, once in each stadium. This has to leave a shitty taste in Sage Rosenfels mouth, who was re-signed in February as he was looking forward to being the starting QB this season, after learning Tavaris Jackson went down earlier in training camp with an injury. He'll now have to sit on the bench alongside Jackson and wait for his name to be called if any action will be coming his way.

Age is a lingering question as to why the Vikings would make such a desperate acquisition, but playing in doors at the Minnesota Metrodome would keep Favre warm and out of the freezing cold in which he played in at Lambeu Field for 16 straight seasons. The Vikings are a team dominated by their Running game led by RB Adrian Peterson, but with the Future Hall Of Famer Brett Favre into the mix, their passing ability will now be just as lethal as their running ability. Favre doesn't have the same mojo in his arm that he used to have, but his veteran presence and leadership skills will help this team in more than one way.

Many people think Favre has become a pest and just wish he would go away, and I'm one of them. But with the return of Brett Favre, I believe this will somewhat overshadow Michael Vick's incident and take a bit of pressure off of him. It was easy to say just days ago that Michael Vick was the talk of the NFL, but now all eyes are on Favre's return to the league. Will that remain the talk of the league once the regular season starts? Only time will tell.

Favre who underwent surgery this past offseason for a torn rotator-cuff, signed a 2-year deal worth $25 Million dollars. Favre brings with him his resume, which includes: The only player to win the AP Most Valuable Player three consecutive times (1995–97.)[6] He led the Packers to seven division championships (1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007), four NFC Championship Games (1995, 1996, 1997, and 2007), winning two (1996 and 1997), and two Super Bowl appearances, winning one (Super Bowl XXXI).

& He also holds lots of NFL records such as: most career touchdown passes (464), most career passing yards (65,127), most career pass completions (5,720), most career pass attempts (9,280), most career interceptions thrown (310), most consecutive starts among NFL quarterbacks (269; 291 total starts including playoffs)--just one away from tying the all-time consecutive starts record for any position-- and most career victories as a starting quarterback (169).

Favre training with the Vikings just hours before his press conference

Lakers sign Odom

The question I've been asking in my past blog posts, will no longer have to be asked. As the Los Angeles Lakers have signed Forward Lamar Odom to a multi-year contract. The figures of the contract were not yet released however, but it's clear the Lakers will look a lot like the 2009 Laker squad that brought home the gold this past season. With the exception of Trevor Ariza and the addition of Ron Artest. Odom played a huge role for the team all season long coming off of the bench and starting for the injured Andrew Bynum when he needed to. I'm more than glad to see he'll be back on the court for another tenure with the defending World Champs.

In helping the Lakers to the 2008-09 title, Odom averaged 12.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.35 blocks in the postseason. He also had a team-leading 51.4 percent three-point stroke that helped a bit, to say the least.



In other Laker news, Pau Gasol underwent surgery earlier this week in Spain to repair a torn volar plate on the index finger of his left hand. Gasol will be wearing a splint for three weeks, when the Spanish National Team hopes that he can return to play for his country in the European Championships. The Lakers expect to have an update on Gasol’s progress and return status in approximately three weeks.

The New York Mess!

Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse for the New York Mets, they did. A team that's been plagued with injuries all season long continues to struggle, as more names are added to the Disabled List. Injuries have become a daily thing for the ball club, and things aren't going to get much easier with the recent injury of David Wright being added into the mix.

Yesterday in a game against the San Francisco Giants, David Wright was hit in the head with a Matt Cain fastball. Luckily Wright had on a helmet, but the damage was still done as Wright lied motionless for a few minutes while players and trainers helped him to his feet and off the field. Wright is currently labeled as Day-to-day, but it seems his return to the team wouldn't help out too much considering how poorly the has performed all season long without many of their key players. Coming into this season, I had the Mets winning both the NL East, and the World Series. Now it seems they won't even make it to the playoffs.

The team has had just as much misfortune, as they've had injured players. & A little over a week ago, Luis Castillo who was walking back to the dugout after grounding out, ended up slipping on his way down the stairs and twisted his ankle. However he returned to the field after only a few days. Here are a few names that are currently on the Mets Disabled List: Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, John Maine, Fernando Martinez, Ramon Martinez, Jonathon Niese, Fernando Nieve, J.J. Putz, Jose Reyes, and Billy Wagner. Which brings me to my next question, who's next to be added onto the Mets Disabled List....The team's mascot, Mr. Met?

HIDE YOUR BEAGLE, VICK'S AN EAGLE!

That's right, after serving 18 months of a 23 month sentence in prison for illegal dog fighting, Mike Vick signed yesterday with the Philadelphia Eagles. Vick was released from prison to home confinement on May 20, 2009. & Like many Americans, Vick was in search of a job. It didn't come easy as many teams were in need of a quarter back, but were not willing to take a roll of the dice. On paper Vick brings a rushing game that could be just as deadly as his passing ability. However with Donovan McNabb as the starter, it's likely we'll be seeing Vick coming off the bench. Then again with McNabb's injury history being a liability, Vick could serve as the perfect back-up if needed. The wild cat offense is another thing that Vick could contribute to if needed to.

Vick made a press conference earlier today with coach Reid in front of hundreds of reporters and over two dozen cameras. Second chance was throw around quite a few times in the news conference, as was the word 'Contribute'. Vick said countless times he was thankful for a second chance and said he wouldn't disappoint. He also said he's just here to contribute and help the team win their 1st Super Bowl, no matter what position he was asked to play. With the acquisition of Vick, also comes a reign of controversy and protests. Outside of the facility that held the press conference, were hundreds of dog and animal lovers with signs and shirts to go along with their chants. But like Vick said in the press conference, he knew he was going to have to regain the respect of the fans, and also noted there are some fans that would never forgive him for what he has done.

Vick who said he can't wait to play, will be get his first practice with the Eagles tomorrow and could play in a preseason game as early as game 3. His first regular season start will depend on commissioner Goodell's decision. He could be reinstated by week 6 at the latest, and possibly as soon as week 1. Vick who still has plenty of debt to pay off, signed a 2-year deal worth $6.8 Million dollars ($1.6 mil. the 1st year and $5.2 mil. the 2nd year). No money is guaranteed however if Vick doesn't make the team. He was also said to have been offered a 2-year deal from the Cincinnati Bengals for $2.3 mil. Vick is making contributions to help work with the community along with the Humane Society, for part of his probation.

Before the Eagles signed Vick, many teams were rumored to have been in the Vick sweepstakes, including my 49ers, but the Eagles were not one of them, which is why this caught everyone by surprise. & As much as the 9ers are in need of a quarter back, I'm not sure Vick would have been the best solution. And an angry mob of PETA supporters at the Stick would be the last thing we'd want.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: California Hatred

Given that the Giants-Dodgers series just came to an end, what better way to reminisce than to remember some of the most historic yet horrific incidents that ever took place with these two teams on opposite ends of the field. The most notorious incident in the Giants-Dodgers rivalry has got to be the Juan Marichal-Johnny Roseboro brawl. After a few debatable hit batsmen and an argument, Giants pitcher Marichal took a bat to Roseboro's cranium. (As shown in the pictures)


Roseboro was badly bleeding but was not severely injured. The two later became close friends.


It's almost clear that the rivalry isn't as blood thirsty as it was in the 50's and 60's, but who said these teams still don't like each other? & What's a good ol' classic rivalry without a little pushing and shoving? That's exactly how game 3 of the 3 game series went between both teams on Wednesday. With the first game ending in frustration due to a few costly mishaps on behalf of the umpiring crew, it only got worse from there. Game 2 seemed to have a different take as the Dodgers pummeled the Giants starting pitching. But as game 3 came along, the Giants were in desperate need of a victory over there long time rivals. However they didn't get it easily.

With the umpires being of no help thanks to a few more shitty calls, the game came down to the last pitch. A pitch that was hit into the deep left field bleachers by shortstop Juan Uribe that sent the Giants home happy with a 4-2 10th inning walk-off victory. But before the celebration, the benches cleared. With Eugenio Velez leading the 5th inning off with a double, Freddy Sanchez came up to the plate to single and bring home Velez. As Velez slid home, a ball that was sailed high was caught by the leaping Russell Martin. When the Dodgers backstop returned to gravity, he was upended causing him to fall back. Martin regained himself and Velez gave him a pat on the back to show it was an accident.

Then came up Pablo Sandoval. Dodgers reliever James McDonald threw a first pitch high and in that seemed to have grazed Pablo's elbow. However the ump said it hit his bat first resulting in a strike. Sandoval took it as retaliation for the play that happened just seconds before. As he started to walk out of the batters box, he began jawing with McDonald and raised his arms. The home plate ump tried pushing Sandoval aside to avoid any further confrontation. Meanwhile Russell Martin tried getting in Sandoval's face to help back his pitcher. With both players arguing, the benches were cleared with players from both sides being held back. No blows were exchanged as the San Francisco crowd began chanting BEAT L.A. No ejections were given and Sandoval ended up walking to load the bases.

Sandoval was dubbed the nickname "Kung Fu Panda" due to his resemblance of the kids cartoon movie that was recently released. Barry Zito is credited with the name giving after he returned to the clubhouse one day. After he had watched the film earlier, he said they looked alike. The name stayed put, and the fans and media have expressed it ever since. The city of SF has somewhat fallen in love with their new home grown star. Fans show up at the ball park with panda hats and signs to support their hero. It's just too bad we didn't get to see if the "Kung Fu Panda" actually knew Kung Fu...

The Rivalry Continued

A new chapter in the Giants-Dodgers rivalry began today, as both teams faced off for the first time since May 10th. Given that I don't get to watch many Giants games, this was one of the better atmospheres to come from the crowd. Not only because it was Giants-Dodgers baseball, but because the Giants faithful got their first shot at Manny Ramirez since his alleged steroid use and suspension. After having to hear from Dodger fans pouring their hatred towards Barry Bonds for all these years, the San Francisco crowd returned the favor. Manny heard it from the boo bird's all night, whether he was at bat or fielding a ball. & Although game 1 is in the books, you better believe he'll be leaving the Bay Area with an earful.

The series could either help make or break the Giants playoff hopes, as they headed into tonight's game, tied with Colorado for the Wild Card lead. The division on the other hand is led by the Dodgers, who maintain a slim but still comfortable margin of 5.5 games over both the Giants and Rockies. The Rockies could however benefit from the Giants-Dodgers series. Hoping that both teams can somewhat beat up on each other. If Colorado doesn't gain ground in the division, they can certainly take sole possession of the Wild Card lead.

Not so Prince Charming

On Tuesday night, The Dodgers and Brewers played game 2 of their 3 game series in L.A. The game got ugly quick, as the Dodgers were up by a score of 17-4. However the score was not the biggest story of the game. In the 7th inning with a man on, Manny Ramirez came up to bat, only to unintentionally get beaned in the arm by a 1-0 fastball. An inning in a half later, and with the game well out of reach, the Dodgers pen called for Guillermo Mota to take the mound. With Brewers slugger Prince Fielder at the plate, Mota retaliated by beaning Fielder in the thigh on a first pitch fastball. Which led to Fielder and Dodgers catcher Russell Martin exchanging words, with Fielder asking "WTF was that?" Mota was immediately ejected from the game.

Minutes after the lopsided affair, and with both teams in their locker room, the angry Fielder stormed his way towards the Dodgers clubhouse only to find a security guard in front of closed doors. Fielder demanded to be let in, however the security guard held his ground and refused to let Fielder pass. Teammate Ryan Braun did most of the job, by holding Fielder back from causing any further damage. The rest of the Brewer team later came to help as security called for back up to escort Prince back to the locker room. Mota and Fielder have had history together, both playing with each other on last years Brewer squad.

My whole take on the incident is, it was unnecessary in two ways. One for it being a 13 run defecit, and the other for it being in the 9th inning. However, I don't blame Fielder for his reaction. But if he really wanted to do something about it, he should have charged the mound right then and there. Whether it was unacceptable or not, I do give credit for Mota beaning him 'below' the midsection. And as I watched Wednesdays game, all I could hope for, was to see a ball get away from Broxton while Fielder was at bat. Since there hasn't been much tension flaring this season, a heavy weight bout between Broxton and Fielder would have really made up for it.

Mota was also in a similar situation during Spring Training a few seasons ago, beaning Mets catcher Mike Piazza. Piazza charged the mound, as Mota ran around the field like a little school girl. If Mota finds Piazza intimidating, I wouldn't wanna know what he thinks of Fielder, considering he's probably the biggest guy in the league. Earlier today both players received fines by Major League Baseball, but were not suspended.

Prince Fielder is seen here talking to the home plate umpire after the incident

THROWBACK THURSDAYS

Since I've been laggin' it a bit on here, I'm gonna do something a little new. In order to keep YOU the viewer in tune, I'm gonna come up with a few new weekly concepts that will be updated every week. So what better way to start it off, than having a throwback Thursday (given that today is Thursday). In these posts, I'll post up a few vintage photo's of classic sports moments.

In this one, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych stands alongside everyones favorite Sesame Street character, Big Bird.

In one of my first posts, I payed tribute to the passing of Mark Fidrych. You could be read about it here: Rest In Paradise