Checking In

Yes, we're still alive and actually a little happier now that it seems like we'll have some football this year outside of the NCAA.  Let's catch up on a few things we missed over the last few weeks.

NBA:

Everyone seems to be wanting/planning on going overseas if the NBA lockout takes a while.  I'm not sure how I view this one because you have people like Stephen A. who says that it's selfish for guys to do this when they are supposed to be a group supporting each other, and then you get stories like the one on Deron Williams where he articulates that he spoke with the NBAPA and they basically said that they are on board with his decision.  Now you got rumors of Ron Artest playing in Britain, Nicolas Batum playing in France, Malik Hairston going to Italy, Kobe putting together an All-Star team for a trip through China, Tony Parker going to play for ASVEL (France), David Lighty and DaJuan Summers both going to Italy, Will Bynum going back to Maccabi Tel Aviv, and even guys like Matt Janning going to Fastweb Casale (Italy). 

Of course with the NBA, you got silliness with of all people, and no one was surprised, that Michael Beasley was ticketed for the Mary Jane.  Please forgive me as I fake the surprise face. Beasley has all the talent in the world, but they just drafted a kid that can do what you do and you are going to show up in the national headlines for this?  (Getting on my soapbox) If you are a professional talent and need someone to mentor you or provide some real life experience on your journey, please, please please, drop me an email.  We can work out the money (I do have kids I need to put through college, but they're young), I can guarantee that it'll definitely be worth it.  My job will be to keep you out of the papers and doing stupid stuff like 'The Decision'.  Call me. 

LeBron is coming back to Ohio, well kind of.  LeBron, or his image will be coming back to Ohio.  The LeBron Brand will outfit the Ohio State Buckeyes, Kentucky Wildcats, and the University of Miami Hurricanes for the upcoming season. 

We need basketball back just so we can watch the guys on TNT.  Can you imagine how much more fun it'll be with adding Shaw to the lineup with Kenny, Charles, Ernie, and Webber?  Look for the Big Broadcaster to join the TNT team when the lockout ends. 

NFL:

A guess this is really a bad time for all athletes, Hines Ward was cited for a DUI, which prompted Ray Rice and Ryan Clark to start trash talking on Twitter.  July 21st, please get us some football. 

Another one of those, let me get my surprise face on, Pacman Jones, actually Adam Jones was arrested for drunken disorderly conduct.  Unless he has a twin brother, this guy should just stay at home.  Check the neck brace, this just can't be true. 

Mike Vrabel is retiring to go back and be an assistant at his alma mater, The Ohio State University.  He put in 14 years in the NFL and has some rings to show for it.  He should be a welcome sight at the university with everything going on there. 

Plaxico is being rumored to play for every team in the NFL, and we'll see which GM gives him a chance. 

DeSean Jackson, please see note above about a mentor.  This was a rampant issue in the NBA this year, so why do NFL players feel they'll get a pass?  And on the radio? 

When Peyton Manning says that he's hurting and needs the Colts training staff, you know the end of the lockout is near.  


That's it for now,....what else is going on?