Carroll Trust In The Kid, So Trust In Barkley, USC

For years, USC has been obsessed with potent quarterbacks. They were obsessed with Carlson Palmer’s powerful arm, Matt Leinart’s accuracy, John David Booty’s decision-making, and Mark Sanchez’s mobility.

I’m sure you were shocked when true freshman Matt Barkley was named the starting quarterback. It was a bold move for Pete Carroll, one of college football’s successful coaches, trusting an inexperienced quarterback to engineer a potent program that’s expecting to capture a national championship.

After faltering in previous seasons, the Trojans are anxious, starving, and determined to repossess the exhilaration of winning all their PAC-10 games after collapsing in the prior two seasons to Stanford and Oregon State.

Each were heart-rending losses that hindered USC's chances of capturing a national title. And Carroll, the mastermind who rejuvenated the Trojans with brilliant recruiting and coaching methods, puts his trust in and gives the ball to the No. 1 recruit in the nation.

Barkley was confident, raw and eager to lead the Trojans out of the Coliseum in the season opener.

Before he would let Carroll speculate if Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain was next in line to gain the spotlight and hurl passes to a core of quality receivers, Barkley played so well that he proved his wishes weren’t surreal, but reality.

Imprinting a page in the history books, Barkley will become the first true freshman to start a season opener for the Trojans.

It is risky, and was a tough decision to pick a self-assured 18-year old with raw talent. At a young age, he will be faced with the pressures and huge burdens in a prestigious program that expects to collect hardware and celebrate victories each year.

Other than roses, the Trojans are expected to win the big one, the National Championship. And if this is to occur, much will be demanded of Barkley. His leadership, athleticism and maturity will be an essential part in how well the Trojans perform this season and beyond.

Known for their fabulous rush attack, a speedy Joe McKnight, who has been compared to former Trojan running back Reggie Bush, and an electric Stafon Johnson anchor a high-powered offense that has excited USC fans over the years.

However, Barkley is trying to be the difference in what the Trojans presume is a moment to shine and jettison all the nightmarish times of heartbreaking losses in recent seasons.

Is it just me, or can we trust in Barkley?

I’ll say if we trust in Carroll’s pickings and coaching approach, we should trust in Barkley. Assuming he knows the type of quarterback he has given full pledge in running this offense, Berkley is the right player beckoned by the intelligence of Carroll.

He understands Barkley’s strengths and weaknesses, and understands the latter can end a season of perfection. A few errant throws to surrender a game against an inferior team would cause the Trojans to drop drastically in the AP poll.

Falling out of the top five will have them fighting against the BCS, rather than fighting against the conference. It's a disadvantage they refuse to withstand this season, and Barkley is counted on to reproduce a familiar scenario.

To compete with teams such as Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, Barkley has a chance to dictate the entire season if he manages to play efficiently.

Getting the nod over Corp is an indication that Barkley is capable and ready to elevate into spotlight, along with living the college life with multiple textbooks, classes and a sense of knowledge by coming to USC a year early to prepare.

But he’s getting more of a nod, surprisingly after Corp was more accustomed to the offensive system and was impressive at the mock game. By weighing starting honors against health status, Barkley is better off starting against San Jose State on Sept. 5.

In early August, Corp suffered a cracked fibula and hasn't fully recovered, but will still play if Barkley falters in the game to avoid an upsetting loss.

So despite wondering what kind of talent he’ll bring to the game and wondering how he can espouse winning among the nation's ultra-elite, it's clear that Barkley has potential and will be exciting to watch.

At high school, under the Friday Night Lights, the Mater Dei product was enthralling to watch.

And even he has facts to affirm his ability in a full season, if he’s able to endure the role as a starter. He was named 2007 Gatorade’s Male Athlete of the Year and throw 54.5 percent for 2,877 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions before enrolling into USC. He impressed Carroll enough to empower the coach to make a faster choice, but doomed Corp’s chances, forcing him to wait.

The way the Trojans dominate is by composure and confidence. If Barkley plays with excellent poise and stays unflappable, he’s then trusted to engineer the Trojans to multiple titles during a decisive stint with sturdy mechanics, ingenious footwork and firmness as a pocket passer.

After winning two national titles and compiling a record of 88-15 in eight seasons at USC to overwhelm us, there’s no questioning any decisions Carroll makes. His decision-making doesn't usually produce bad results, and they often turn into gratifying victories.

So, trusting the legendary coach who was obsessed with every quarterback he has ever coached, including his obsession with Barkley, means you have to trust in the talented freshman.

Trust Barkley, as some say he understands the offensive schemes better than Sanchez, Palmer, Booty, and Leinart.

Michael Beasley Must Save Himself Before His Talent Frails

It wasn’t long ago when a futile team in South Beach possessed the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

And to appease grieving fans recovering from the Shaq trade, the Miami Heat selected Michael Beasley, a furious beast that was seriously needed to subsidize physical toughness.

By demonstrating tangible abilities in his freshman season at Kansas State, he was more than a diaper dandy as Dick Vitale prefers to call a true phenom when introduced to the campus lifestyle.

More impressively, Beasley was a singular star who uplifted a depleted program with NBA-type numbers, drawing scouts and obviously Heat president of basketball operations, Pat Riley, into taking an interest on the talented prospect.

But there were perilous aspects to consider before selecting a forceful and gifted forward with the proper ingredients to develop into a prolific force. Knowingly, Beasley’s history was never really as thrilling as his 30-point games or double-digit rebounding.

As a high-school sensation, he ran into some unlawful issues, and even the league had to punish him with a $50,000 fine, following last summer’s rookie symposium when he was reportedly in a hotel room where marijuana was detected.

So Riley, a mastermind in assembling championship-caliber teams, knew what type of player he had welcomed and made a wise pick that he felt would change the dimension. But before a downcast Beasley can showcase talent, he must vanquish all emotional issues.

Once again, you are observing an athlete with potential star power, cope from psychological issues. At 20, he’s suffering from depression and apparent drug abuse, according to the Associated Press.

It’s very disturbing to hear a talented player who is close to losing his mind. Over the weekend, Beasley drastically raised a level of concerns when he photographed his new tattoo and exposed it publicly by putting it on his Twitter account.

Clearly, the photo displays a small plastic bag in the background that could’ve contained drugs. More hints surfaced when three posts were made from his apparent Twitter account. One of them read, “Feelin like it’s not worth livin!!!!” Those are signs that can’t be overlooked, and must be taken seriously to save him of frailty.

It was enough indications for Riley to encourage him to seek counseling. From listening to Riley’s advice, he checked into a Houston rehabilitation facility last week and is being treated for his psychotic status. Good thing is, Beasley hasn’t self-destructed. Bad thing is, he can self-destruct.

If he suddenly cracks up and turns wacko, his unpleasant disorder can expunge an auspicious career. In other words, turning into a mental patient wastes talent as Beasley has the makings to be one of the most dominant forwards for years to come.

Again, fans in Miami are waiting to see the muscular bodybuilder rise into an essential force in the middle to intimidate opponents, knock down jumpers, and recover from anxiety to reform into the frightful beast. It’s uncommon when a position player in the front court plays as if he’s a point guard.

Being a well-rounded player on the court was helpful in college, heightening his draft status as the second best player available, behind the explosive guard Derrick Rose. Granted, it was a privilege for the Heat to inherit a top prospect that’s extremely versatile and can institute a foundation alongside the proficient Dwyane Wade.

But now it’s more of a serious concern as management worries about Beasley’s dispirited behavior. Carefully considering the Miami Heat’s management, personnel, and fans in South Beach was premature concern with his conduct in the past. They were leery, not knowing what to expect or will happen.

Now they’re experiencing a talented player who has significant problems, which can petrify an entire team. Panic attacks are increasingly sustained around the organization; not knowing what will happen with Beasley just as he doesn’t know what’s wrong with himself, personally.

Evidently, he’s confused and unhappy with himself and players personnel as talent is veiling in terms of the market, which reduces respectability and makes him less valuable.

At 20-years old, he’s still developing and maturing, with problems defacing sanity and discarding all talented aspects that Beasley was expected to present to the game.

When he arrived to paradise and became a wealthy NBA-player, expectations were high as many predicted he would have a breakout season and impress the beach-goers and Heat devotees.

Make no mistake: He struggled throughout the season, but wasn’t a disappointment in his rookie season, making the rookie All-NBA first team in averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds. It’s disheartening when a player with much potential suffers from anxiety disorders and drug abuse; that can put a stranglehold, not only on endowment, but life.

His disturbed feelings are transparencies for getting help before it’s too late.

Ichiro's Grace Means Gratifying Hope for Majors

From the beautiful sceneries to wonderful sports figures, fans have had many reasons to be loyal and embrace their players. Years ago, the Northwest saw the magical “Glove” of Gary Payton in the NBA, while mighty homers were being belted by Ken Griffey Jr. inside a colossal Kingdome.

Years later, the Seattle Mariners started playing in their modern venue Safeco Field, and continued to bring on board unique players.

As you spend ample time wondering about the next name to be linked from the list of 104 frauds, outfielder Ichiro Suzuki continues to dazzle, nearing a gratifying milestone that’s a rarity in a game where players have to make contact with a fast-moving object.

With an awkward form of swinging at a fastball, his keen eyes and flawless timing makes it seem effortless for Ichiro to connect, which usually turns out to be a hit.

And when he takes first base, standing 90 feet away from second, his brilliant speed takes over.


Thus far, Ichiro is arguably one of the best international stars in the game. Most of the population in Seattle admires the Japanese-born star, seeing him amazingly climb fences to rob homers on sensational leaps that seem impossible.

But nothing seems impossible for Ichiro, a well-rounded outfielder who receives warm receptions when he steps into the batter’s box. Throughout Safeco Field, customary cheers of “Ichiro, Ichiro, Ichiro!” echoes loudly enough to cause significant headaches.

It’s worth screaming loud for a prolific hitter and speedy leadoff man nearing 2,000 hits, which defines his wonderful achievements.

He’s on the verge of amassing 200 hits this season, and he’s close to reaching the mark in nine consecutive seasons. He’s a one-of-a-kind, capable of conquering feats that others have never reached at his age.

Doing so, he’ll remain just one shy of tying Pete Rose for the long-time record of consecutive 200-hit seasons. He’s an innocent outfielder that you can’t dislike, or neglect praising because of the avalanche of hits.

It’s even harder to dislike Ichiro for having so much pride in his Japanese heritage and the game. No other star player has led the majors in hits, since Ichiro debuted with the Mariners in 2001, luring a large population of the Asian culture to embrace him with pride.

He responds to the recognition by waving his country’s flag.

Being adored by fans isn’t difficult to understand, when he is only 12 hits away from the 2,000-hit plateau. He’s already become the first Japanese position player, batting champion and Most Valuable Player in the majors.

That’s a proud accomplishment for Japan, when one of their players entered the majors here in America to symbolize grace.

In a year that has been highlighted by poisoned syringes, Ichiro tries to make us believe that not everyone in this game is an asterisk, giving baseball a true sense of honor. Assuming he’s a purist and natural born hitter, he’s an example that it doesn’t take steroids to reach a pinnacle, but diligence and trust in the game.

At 35, Ichiro has attained more than the average US major leaguer. Owning the season-single hits record with 262, and over 3,000 hits between Japan and the US, engaging in plaudits is the least thing he’s worried about. More than anything, he’s reaching milestones and standards, especially if he’s not dirty.

Please let’s hope he’s clean and true to the game, or else his prosperous years in the majors will be erased.

But let’s not think that way, and cherish a valuable moment we haven’t been able to witness in a sport that’s contaminated with illicit substances. From our understanding, Ichiro belongs on the same list as Griffey.

This makes us believe there’s still hope left in baseball. And with Ichiro having an impact on this fraudulent era, it makes an enormous difference, clearing up overexposed PED revelations.

In a town that remains distraught over the departure of its pro basketball team, after the Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City, we are fortunate to have an international star as singular as Ichiro.

Once again, Seattle experiences a rare breed of talent.

Memphis Vacates Prestige: Calipari, Rose Scandal Generates Eternal Shame

In the NCAA, the multitude of scandals is troubling.

It normally results from coaches providing unlawful benefits that manipulate an appealing superstar to develop a relationship with one of the premier programs.

It could also, however, result from coaches making illegal phone calls to recruit athletes.

Normally, though, it involves coaches tampering with recruits unjustly in some shape or fashion, all to obtain talented prospects.

Flirting with athletic stars is one (wrong) thing, but violating academic rules are pehaps even more grievous deceptions.

Such infractions are an embarrassment as the NCAA hunts down and punishes universities with traditional pride, clouding memories of recent successes.

Such is the plight of the Memphis Tigers, humbled by an academic scandal that threatens the accomplishments of the past few seasons.

The Tiger basketball team celebrated. They amassed victories. They energized an entire community. And they were dominant, frequently pounding opponents in Conference USA in lopsided fashions.

But years ago, the team was forlorn and unstable, as a disengaged atmosphere permeated the program. Then, John Calipari instituted a superb program and changed dynamics with his clever-minded structure and charisma.

The main reason he allured recruits and built a compelling program was his charismatic influence.

Another reason was Memphis began showing the possibilities of advancing far in the NCAA tournament over the last few seasons.

Unfortunately, it would appear that these games were never won legitimately, meaning the Tigers might not have been as pure as advertised.

So now, the NCAA says the winning never happened, and accomplishing a glorious Final Four appearance, instead of being given an asterisk, was stricken from the books altogether.

They took away wonderful memories of Derrick Rose, who had a dazzling freshman season, leading the Tigers past their long-suffering Elite Eight lapses.

The ruling by the NCAA left the impression that the Tigers didn’t come up short, but came up dirty, smearing the university's image and ruining Calipari’s and Rose’s legacy in the process.

More embarrassingly, this was one of the premier programs in the country, and they were accused of committing one of the most outrageous scandals in college basketball. It wasn’t point-shaving, illegal recruiting or bribing a player, but academic fraud that forced Memphis to vacate its Final Four and 38 victories from the 2007-08 season.

That’s literally a shame, when a student-athlete's actions corrupt an entire program for disgusting blunders that shamelessly confirm an infamous reputation among a prosperous program.

And now, Memphis is being stripped of their flourishing season, and it makes you think no more of the record-setting year, when they went an entire season 38-2 to overwhelm the NCAA committee and bracketologists.

You can tear pages out of the history books and dispose of them. Sadly, though, Memphis might have erroneously infringed a policy that’s prohibited among NCAA rules in accepting the ineligible freshman sensation Rose, who is alleged to have had someone else take his SAT test as a high-school senior in Chicago.

So now, the Memphis administration are scapegoats, taking the critical punishment of someone else’s potential violations.

Memphis fans once had confidence that Calipari wouldn’t retrace his infamous background.

Thirteen years ago, Calipari was identified as a con artist at Massachusetts. He didn't carefully evaluate and monitor the program, and acknowledged that he had no notion star player Marcus Camby was taking improper gifts from a sports agent until the that Camby admitted that he received imprudent benefits.

The NCAA was investigating UMass when Calipari opted to avoid further issues, joining the Nets as Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations. Instead of standing up, he ran from the scandal and cast shame on the Minuteman.

Once again, Calipari claims that he was unaware of scams and the alleged unlawful pampering of the explosive guard Rose, who was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and emerged into a well-rounded product.

If he can revive the Bulls, Chicagoans will forget academic fraud was ever committed by the star-studded player. But, of course, the infractions remain eternally with Memphis athletics.

They’ll face the most scrutiny, after never managing to take full accountability of the fraud smearing its reputation. And for the rest of his life, fraudulent testing couldl haunt Rose.

Meanwhile, Calipari should have learned more about Rose’s eligibility and confirmed if he was acceptable academically. As investigators unmasked facts of Rose’s alleged sneaky habits to cheat on exams, his brother received $1,713.85 in forbidden benefits from the University of Memphis.

Though the school said Reggie Rose had been billed, they have not yet received a dime.

It’s tough to pull one over on the NCAA, particularly when suddenly Rose was granted college eligibility to take the SAT in Detroit.

That’s strange, and hard to affirm after he repeatedly (three times) failed the easier ACT. It’s obvious he wasn’t a genius at test-taking, but a floor general who qualified to play might have shamed himself simply to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Calipari could’ve and should've known, avoiding the ramifications that were involved.

Instead of standing up to wrongdoings, he rather ignored the potential infractions and refused to worry about past.

Then again, maybe he had no indications that fraud was smudging the program, though this is highly unlikely.

Spirited fans in Lexington will probably let depravity slide, understanding Calipari is an ambassador and savior in reviving aspiration at Kentucky, one of the premier college programs in the nation.

He might finally have a clear message for bypassing and staying conscious of what develops. He’s now running a very demanding program with high expectations and traditional values.

After all he’s the ambassador to the state of Kentucky.

But unfortunately, the alleged infractions were severe enough to vacate a miraculous season and Final Four memories for Memphis.

Sometimes, you have to learn the hard way. And Calipari is one of them. Memphis, unfortunately for the school, is another.


This article was edited from its original version.

Plaxico's Punishment Will Teach Valuable Lesson

Not long ago, he was the New York Giants' Super Bowl hero, annointed for his famous game-winning catch, making Super Bowl XLII one of the greatest ever.

But drastically, Plaxico Burress saw a promising career implode before he could even utter a very useful word.

"Foolish."

Common sense tells me he committed this crime out of stupidity, and failed to think about what he was doing before he did it.

Some will prefer to call his idiotic judgment a serious crime, while others will quickly admit that it was horrific and perilous and an infraction. Some aren’t sympathetic at all, convinced he deserves a harsher sentence.

Was Burress’ sentence harsh enough or too harsh? Either way, Burress must serve time in prison for making poor choices that have ruined his trusted reputation and change the way the masses perceive the naturally gifted wideout.

He was famously known for the captivating catch, which granted a miracle to the New York Giants in an upset win over the New England Patriots. He was indomitable as Eli Manning’s primary target.

A promising and solid culture, however, can topple once unlawful scenes are broadcasted to the entire world, particularly when issues involve a dynamic wide receiver as talented and explosive as Burress.

Over the years, he emerged as a premier superstar, as the Giants faithful admired Burress for showcasing remarkable talent.

But as fast as he made them competitive, Burress sabotaged the Giants with one costly misdeed, which was more serious than a kid making a big boo-boo. One night at a New York nightclub, a .40 caliber he owned, fired and a bullet hit him in the right thigh.

Truth is, Burress’ concealed weapon could’ve killed innocent people inside the night club, and worse it could’ve endangered his career had he had to serve a harsher sentence. Instead, each individual has their own ideas about Burress, and will argue that accepting a plea bargain with a two-year prison sentence isn’t a harsh penalty for carrying around a concealed weapon.

For many of us, there’s no sympathy granted, but you have to feel slightly sorry. Understand that if Burress would’ve had the gun on safety lock to avoid this episode, he would’ve never been arrested, indicted or even have had to agree on serving time for the crime. Avoiding 3 1/2-years maximum sentence, is a good thing -- partly because of fame, which allows Burress somewhat celeb reverence.

Beyond all measures, facing severe ramifications, is a valuable lesson that should teach Burress the importance of staying out of trouble. By having ignorant ways, being stupid, apathetic and confused, it put Burress in this situation. He will have to regain trust and credibility.

When he’s released from prison, an intrepid team will take on a player of his caliber, regardless of distractions. It’s perilous when any team gives infamous players a second chance. I'm not saying it’s bad, allowing players to have a chance to redeem from all calamities, but they can jeopardize a team's morale.

Pitifully Burress became an ex-Giant, not long after he had accidently shot himself. Not only did he let down himself, but he let down his ex-teammates, too. Notice how efficient they were when Burress was still playing.

Meanwhile, you can learn an important message. Burress is the epitome of athletes who carry concealed weapons. And the first reaction for the next one caught with a weapon will be treated the same, I guess.

This was a wake-up call to athletes and everyday working people. Fortunately, Burress only shot himself and nobody else. This is currently Burress learning to secure values, show maturity and dismiss arrogance. Being self-centered ended a brief stint as the Giants' top receiver. Thinking he was very important to the team’s future, he lacked the notion that 11 players offensively and defensively are needed to excel in the league.

Point is, he failed to abide by New York laws, and now must pay for violating those laws. They couldn’t care less if Burress was licensed in Florida. They wanted to send a message. And being a Super Bowl hero doesn’t always get you a free pass, or he would’ve been able to walk out of the courtroom a free man.

It's kind of like the Michael Vick situation. Vick was recently released from federal custody, after spending 18 months in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting ring. Sure, the crime was more repulsive and horrid, but Burress’ incident could’ve turned into a deadly massacre. So he will stay in the slammer for doing harm to himself, and more importantly, learn to abide by the laws.

Because he lives the celebrity lifestyle, Burress is fortunate to have a light sentence. His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, is the best in New York, and has represented many criminals. To use the sympathy card, Brafman made it seem as if Burress was New York’s most innocent guy.

Still, he must spend time locked up to realize and understand lugging around a concealed weapon will not be condoned. With a mindset that he never had to follow team rules, Burress tried to elude the streets with freebies and was expecting to receive sympathy from the average New Yorker.

Yes, on a team he can get off easy, but not on the streets. It's obvious they’re emphasizing a critical statement to cease weapon possession in the public, using Burress as an example.

At one point, the grand jury indicted Burress on two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree reckless endangerment. Those are charges that can force prison officers to throw away the key, whether you're famous or not.

In that case Burress would’ve been infamous, as he could’ve received a 15-year sentence, if he was convicted on all those charges. From that perspective, he's been given another chance, just as Vick was given another opportunity when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, attempting to redeem and recover from the hideous crimes that will have a burden on his renaissance. Even he learned a lesson, and seemingly it has made him more humble, matured and gracious.

Paying for your actions isn't always bad. Here is where Burress will have a turning point to change as an individual, by altering into a humbled, matured and gracious individual that is likable, not only for the game, but as a person, too.

Although it might be the end of his career, you can’t count on it. In a forgiven country, he’ll be given another chance.

But in a less sympathetic country, players won’t get away with their foolish and sinful misconduct.

Favre Arrives in Minnesota Seeking Vengeance on Packers

I knew this was a never-ending story. I knew Brett Favre was coming back. But I didn’t predict his decision would take so long, after making it clear a year ago that the Minnesota Vikings fit with his future plans.


We can now finally sigh and escape from weariness, because Favre made up his mind.

Unsure about playing next season, he almost took us on another crazy saga and almost refreshed one's memory of the everlasting saga last summer.

Favre hijacked football with his constant mind-changing, finding it tough to relinquish the game that has created fame, ego, die-hard fans, and anything else you want to talk about. And because he’s passionate about football, it makes sense to believe he’s doing it because he thinks it will make him happy.

No.

He’s returning for one reason—to seek vengeance against the Green Bay Packers.

So there you have it, a popular quarterback out to prove he’s still legitimate, trying to capture more titles before retiring for good.

If he ever retires and then doesn’t un-retire (an annoying routine that has frustrated and made us fatigued to turn on Sportscenter), Favre’s legacy will symbolize success -- an average player will never accomplish.

But instead, he grabbed attention by playing games with fans.

On most nights, ESPN could’ve gotten away with renaming Sportscenter Favrecenter, because his name was mentioned and seen in most segments at the expense of other sports news. The publicity will tone down now.

There’s no better way than defeating and breaking hearts of former fans and teammates in Green Bay. And signing with the Vikings is one way to shatter hearts while getting revenge.

He’s now a divisional rival, playing on a team that is deeply hated among Wisconsinites. Rooting against Favre will seem strange, upsetting, and might even cripple a much-loved and historic legacy he attained with the Packers.

Being self-centered and willing to play on a team in serious need of consistency at quarterback fueled Favre’s successful comeback for the second straight season.

To preserve an astonishing legacy, a suitable moment to call it quits would’ve come after he led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game before losing to the New York Giants a few seasons ago.

Instead, at an emotional news conference, a teary-eyed Favre misled the Packers by insisting he was retiring. Months later, Favre owned every sports network and sports web site and grabbed our attention, pleading for the Packers to take him back.

For months, he created an annoying saga and was selfish, understanding the Packers had moved in a new direction.

And suddenly, the team Favre led for 16 years and served as a symbol, rebuffed interest and was reluctant retaining the future Hall of Famer. This is why he now holds a grudge on Ted Thompson, who rejected welcoming Favre back and promised the starting position to an up-and-coming Aaron Rodgers.

At a news conference, Favre got his wish and became a Viking. All along, it was where he desired to play, but he had to settle for playing for the New York Jets when the Packers had all the leverage and dealt him to the Big Apple rather than a divisional opponent.

For Favre, traveling to a larger media town, it was a huge adjustment. He didn't seem delighted wearing darker green in the big city. Again, he’s back and will play in a town that once had bitterness against Favre, but now is kind to welcome the three-time MVP.

It seems surreal, but it’s real. And Packers fans will have to become accustomed to seeing Favre at Lambeau Field once a year in a purple jersey, playing for a bitter rival.

We all should have seen this coming when Dr. Andrews performed shoulder surgery on Favre. We all should have seen this coming when he worked out at a high school in Mississippi.

Right then and there, he was telling us he was coming back, and because he never signed official retirement documents, anything was possible. You can never count out Favre.

But a return is perilous coming off a poor season with the Jets, when he threw a league-leading 22 interceptions.

Having an encore season can really hurt his remarkable legacy, especially if he loses to the Packers. Sometimes revenge isn’t worth the risk.

In this case, it isn’t.

Favre was better off staying retired to avoid life-threatening injuries and save an unbreakable legacy. If he continues to play and have awful games, his legacy could be a smeared blemish eternally.

On the flip side, he’s surrounded by a dangerous running game, a dynamic tandem that’s difficult to slow down. With an explosive Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, Favre won’t have to throw nearly as much, which will alleviate overusing a shaky shoulder that limits his ability to hurl the deep ball.

In Green Bay, Favre signing with the Vikings is emotionally a bitter time for many animated Cheeseheads and players. Strangely, he’s their biggest rival, where once they embraced the NFL legend.

And of course, your average Wisconsinites are bothered and disgruntled, while average Minnesotans are exhilarated by Favre’s arrival.

They’re confident his presence will punch their ticket deep into the playoffs and even the Super Bowl. Anyone who’s an honest football fanatic will tell you the Vikings are NFC North contenders or even Super Bowl contenders. But it’s hard to tell if they’re contenders on the largest stage.

Although coach Brad Childress’ long negotiations came to a close, and the Vikings feel they finally have a legitimate quarterback, it’s unknown if Favre can physically and mentally last or remain healthy for an entire season.

At 39, fame gives Favre more privileges. In fairness, it’s overwhelming to see any player refuse to participate in offseason minicamp and training camp, only indicating that he is stubborn and self-centered. Although he’s willing to come back, he wants to manipulate things, arriving to play on Sundays.

Without hesitating, Childress named Favre the starter, forcing an inconsistent Tarvaris Jackson, who failed to win a much-needed playoff game, to the bench along with an uncertain Sage Rosenfels, who could’ve easily earned the starting job.

In other words, these are Favre’s Vikings.

And he already solidifies a powerful rooster, as a consistent quarterback was the only ingredient missing. Simply, No. 4 can get payback when the Packers travel to the noisy Metrodome, where Favre has pulled off some incredible victories.

Perhaps he can get a double dose of retribution when he returns to Lambeau Field and faces the hysteria of unsatisfied fans. Before, he would walk out of the tunnel, waiting for the proud fans to cheer.

Now, he’ll walk out of the visitor's tunnel, receiving mixed reactions from fans and will have tremendous pressure to escape a hostile environment with a win.

But for now, Favre is seeking revenge and couldn’t care less about his legacy.

Oakland Raiders Caught in Usual Chaos

There’s not a season without chaotic feuds. There’s not a season without the Oakland Raiders being described as the team of dysfunction, setting up another year of failures.

To remove the Commitment to Excellence sign, and rename it Commitment to Dysfunction is a good suggestion. Once again black and silver pride is victims of diversity, as the dark hole cast darken days of disarray and unnecessary distractions.

Above all, the Raiders are the epitome of a bizarre soap opera that never vanishes, instead continues to eclipse a once-respected franchise, which now is the most-polarizing franchise for its confounded draft picks, silly feuds and Al Davis, a stubborn-minded owner who dictates the playbook and designs a horrendous play.

I’ll like to see him stroll downstairs from the press box and coach from the sidelines.

Make no mistake the Raiders can expose talent. As they’re in working progress, there’s a possibility they can flourish on all levels. But there’s a slight problem that can hinder a turnaround. No seriously, the Raiders are once again caught in a mess.

As usual, troubles were expected to circulate, and create a media circus at the annual Raiders Circus. It comes to town each year publicizing more annoyance, either referring to Davis’ feud with a player or coach.

When suddenly he becomes tired of his coach, he’ll fire or force him to sign a letter of resignation. When suddenly he has enough, he’ll release players who haven’t produced base on capabilities.

When suddenly he refuses to endure his staff or players for attempting a new method that wasn’t approved, he’ll contemplate on upgrading a team, which was dynamically built. But anytime the Raiders are on verge of making progress, Davis expunges chemistry that is never successful in proving worthy.

For a once, the Raiders dysfunction that has worn off the spirited game faces, isn’t because of Davis’ stubborn-minded personality. Just so you know coach Tom Cable is causing trouble. He had the interim label removed and was hired as the next coach to manage dysfunction, taking over for a dispirited Lane Kiffin.

He was brave and poise to take on a tough assignment, a challenge most coaches rejects before the boss even offers a job. He is a coach the players and coaching staff listens to and understands. So he has accomplished a certain respect level in less than a full season with his influential messages and coaching method, more than former coach Art Shell.

Maybe this is where the annual coaching hiring ends, as the Raiders can focus on football. Not so fast, they can’t focus on keeping chemistry intact, let along establishing an assuring season.

Not after what allegedly transpired in training camp, and if disputes inflame further issues other than verbal assault and physical assault involving the coaching staff, it can damage morale.

Nothing new as the Raiders have being missing esprit since punching a ticket to the Super Bowl in 2002, where they were downplayed and collapsed to Jon Gruden’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Maybe Davis should’ve been smart and retained Gruden. If so, the Raiders wouldn’t have had to worry about changing from coach to coach, finding a suitable person to accommodate the sully owner. Coaches aren’t willing to guide a team with powerful demands by the owner, and Davis is difficult to agree with on philosophies.

There’s one person willing to encounter a fragile relationship and conflicts anytime Davis’ mood shifts to a downside. According to history, he’ll become burned out of Cable, meaning he’ll prepare another letter and read the statement just as he did when he sorely failed to handle Kiffin’s dismissal with dignity.

According to AOL Fanhouse, the Raiders are doomed with any coach. They might be curse? No just in disarray, maybe for awful communication, maybe for egotistic advantages or maybe Cable was just enraged and snapped, and quickly reacted.

You never know what happens with the Raiders, a befuddled team that’s hard to understand. There might never be any truth to this story. And instead of talking about and preparing for the regular season they’re raving and preparing for a UFC fight and not a 16-game regular season.

The rest of the world clearly knows the Raiders are as disoriented as the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Cubs and the New York Mets. The rest of the world clearly knows they are laughable and improvises needless drama.

To add to all the fuss, Cable allegedly punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson in the jaw, causing injuries that required treatment at Queen of the Valley Hospital and he was described by Napa Police Department as an unidentified 41-year old assistant coach. Hanson sustained a fractured jaw said Napa Police Department.

Here’s where this story gets tricky. Cable told ESPN’s Mark Schlereth no punches were exchanged. If so, the Raiders have a bad history in trading punches. In 2003, physical linebacker Bill Romanowski struck teammate Marcus Williams in practice, breaking his jaw.

Just when it seem they’ve gotten over a dismal five seasons of headaches and displeasure, the Raiders are facing more distraught junctures that have lasted eternally, longer than Brett Favre has requested to comeback.

By now a championship-starved town, where most people wear black and silver are absolute diehards and wear their game faces on Sundays. And if fans are ready to showboat their game faces, at least most of us thought the time would be now. Although they aren’t nearly close to showcasing and dominating the playoffs, the Raiders have a legitimate chance at amassing more wins.

A weak AFC West is rated as the inferior division, entering this season. I can’t yet give the Kansas Chiefs a slight advantage, as Scott Pioli, the Chiefs mastermind, has an average team, thus far, in their rebuilding project.

But without prolific tight end Tony Gonzalez, Matt Cassel, the newly acquired quarterback from New England will need productivity from his other receiver cores to have another breakout and dazzling year.

It’s difficult to tell where the Denver Broncos stand, after trading rising quarterback Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears. Newly head coach Josh McDaniels disputes with Cutler forced a distasteful divorce as they are retooling. But wait, there’s one team with an advantage.

Much of the disappointment has transpired against the San Diego Chargers. Since ’03, the Raiders have failed to secure a win. If only there weren’t any distractions clouding the dark hole, maybe they’ll have a greater chance at insuring a substantial win.

With a strong rush attack the Raiders could be dangerous, and their running game is an instrumental piece to benefit. Suddenly, JaMarcus Russell has stepped up the intensity level, completing passes efficiently with his powerful arm and is merely comfortable and confident.

Still, he has potential to be one of the deepest ball throwers in the league. Surrounded by a forceful rushing game, will take pressure off and create more time to design a play. Their backfield is very explosive with the likes of Darren McFadden, a running back who’s very agile and will create in the “Wildcat” offense that is a creative option.

All this talent is wasteful, if the Raiders refuse to relinquish dysfunctional practices that are very irritating. As to Raiders fans, they’re the greatest fans in football, just because they believe. But they just continue to take the long-suffering abuse.

It’s bad to refer to this much talent as a joke, and not a dynamic contender. It’s bad to team that’s content with their coach, but now have seen another side. If it’s true, you might have second thoughts on Cable. Then again, he may be a perfect coach to motivate the Raiders, something that was missing.

But now, the Raiders are acting like buffoons again.

Even former player, admittedly rip the organization as soon as he departed to another team. Retired Warren Sapp referred to the Raiders as “dark as a black hole” These days, they’re blacker than a dark hole.

Sorry, they’re a dysfunctional joke.

Kudos to Yang: Conquers Asian Pride With Miraculous Milestone

As we’ve being brainwashed, imploring for epic prosperity from Tiger Woods in return to the course as healthy as ever, we've witnessed the greatest upset in golf. He’s supposed to be from another planet, but we ignored an epic landmark accomplished by a golfer who came out of nowhere to spoil Woods spectacle.

His name is Yong-Eun Yang, and he suddenly blossomed into the primary stage, celebrating a glorious moment and stealing the spotlight from the world’s greatest player.

On all joyful days, Yang was the first Asian-born player to win a major, with South Korea embracing the epic milestone with pride. Hardly, Yang was known as a competitor or even a matchup for Tiger to surpass him in the late stages. It was a moment Yang begot consciousness and withstood Tiger to cease him of winning a major title in a full year.

It was shocking on all levels to witness Yang sustain the 91st PGA Championship, as Tiger relapsed a 54-hole lead. That’s a rarity to watch Tiger, an exquisite golfer who has won countless majors in the past, complete a year without winning a major. And that’s a rarity to hear a name Yang, come out victorious on the final day.

This was supposed to be the tournament where Tiger dominated to save the uttermost performance last and conquer his 15th major title, which would’ve moved him within three behind Jack Nicklaus.

Oh well, it’s not all about Tiger. It’s about Yang, representing his native country by enticing the people back home with a chip-in eagle shot that rested 20 yards short of the green on No. 14, and finally won by three shots with a birdie in the final hole.

This prompted an imitation of Tiger’s fist pump as Yang continuously pumped his first and felt tremendous joy in reaching a climax against the worlds greatest. It was tense, but he was able to master a substantial victory, enough to silence people who believed in Tiger. But he wasn’t the one to prevail.

Instead, Yang was a surprising golfer no one anticipated to meet Tiger in a one-on-one duel; particularly when he was just ranked 110th golfer in the world and only captured his first career victory in the Honda Classic, dating back to March at the age 37.

At least the favorable winner could’ve been Padraig Harrington, but unfortunately, he ran into a downfall at No. 8 with a quadruple-bogey.

And there went the showdown we all had our eyes set for an eternal and hard fought battle between Woods and Harrington, a marathon that would’ve hijacked national coverage for countless hours. But in Asia, Yang absorbed much attention, and was the epicenter in receiving the noble prize and recording a historic moment among golf.

For now, Tiger will have to wait to rectify a struggling year of seizing a major. This leaves us to wonder about his knee after he spent eight-months rehabilitating from reconstructive knee surgery. You may start to wonder, if Tiger can win multiple majors before his time comes to a closure.

You may even wonder if Tiger’s era has already reached a terminal.

No. He has a few years left to increase a legacy, and receive honors as the greatest golfer of our generation. Throughout the year, in major events, miscues have cost Tiger.

And once again, he has replicated similar lapses by missing putts, nailing shots of trees, and struggling with accuracy to fire shots into galleries. That easily gave Yang edge to pull off one of the biggest stunners in sports this year.

And he benefited. Credit belongs to Y.E. Yang, who was as ignored as shortness was ignored. Standing at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, is the champion.

This was just as intriguing as Tiger Woods earning No. 15. It was captivating, and served as Asian Pride.

Difficult to Forget Gruesome Crimes, But Easy To Forgive Vick

Dressed in a stylish, grayish and golden pinstriped suit, Michael Vick officially made a public scene with the Philadelphia Eagles in a news conference, where he was introduced as the newest member of the Eagles, joined by coach Andy Reid and his adviser and former NFL coach Tony Dungy.

Sitting in front of the media, staring into your television screen, Vick seemed very sincere, gracious, and apologetic for bankrolling a heinous dogfighting ring that nearly jeopardized his career. Either way, that is, there’ll be masses always embracing Vick, while others will refuse to accept him back as a supreme superstar.

Waiting to see how long Vick’s timeless pursuit in calling a new team home would last, teams were skeptical to sign a player with burdens. Suddenly, Dungy, who has been a positive mentor for Vick, predicted his status and acknowledged that he’ll be with a team before the end of the week. Sure enough, the Eagles made a dicey choice by adding a once-disturbed individual who now seems to be a changed man, understanding the values of life.

After a 23-month federal sentence, spending 18 in prison and the final two in home confinement, reality kicked in as he mellowed and sought to move on and prove to the world he isn’t a sinful individual, but someone who made a dreadful mistake.

Unlike most teams, the Eagles were amenable in giving Vick a second chance to prove himself on Sundays and satisfy society. Thursday night, a dream returned, when Vick agreed to sign a one-year deal, with an option for a second year for $5.2 million.

He is now given a chance to redeem a gruesome crime and send powerful messages to children to not follow the same path.

With his penetrating eyes and serious facial features, it showed a more mature and remorseful quarterback, and can turn out to be the best-case scenario or the worst-case scenario.

From other teams that were interested in Vick, the Eagles were least expected, and have shocked the world by taking such a risk to create a multi-dimensional threat.

We’ll never forget the horrific crimes. But in the end, hopefully, we can remember the sincere and respectful gentleman he is now. To be fair, he has earned it back by paying debits to society and working at the Boys and Girls Club.

To be fair, he can probably keep himself out of trouble, after spending ample time with the feds. To be fair, he has shown enough remorse in working with the Humane Society of the United States.

Make no mistake, despite unlawful letdowns, Vick can offer a few tricks in the “Wildcat” offense, which he can probably run effectively. While serving a two-year suspension, and staring at four gray walls from behind bars, Vick will likely be a bit rusty. But after all, he might still be agile inside the pocket and explosive outside of it.

If so, the Eagles can benefit as Vick’s speed will create options on offense, making it difficult for opposing defensive units to make a critical stop. And McNabb can utilize his nifty footwork and break out of the pocket by running the ball quite often to amass productive yard totals. Of course, those are gratifying aspects of Vick’s presence.

But not long ago, the Eagles extended Donovan McNabb’s contract. They trust that he’s the legitimate quarterback who can lead them back to the Super Bowl. And not long ago, PETA sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, stating aversion about the horrific crimes and advised him not to grant Vick a second chance.

In Philly, the landing spot is surreal, not because of Vick’s infamous wrongdoings, but because the Eagles have a lineup of talented weapons and a quarterback with an ego. In addition, across our society, Vick’s presence won’t settle too well with those who are numb and dishearten of the outrageous scandal.

And it is still difficult to predict how effective he’ll be with the Eagles. Or even, if protesters will continue to crowd the outside of the NovaCare complex in Philly and local venues at home and on the road.

Here’s a theory about the average Philly fan. It’s the "City of Brotherly Love" and sometimes hate. It’s the city that booed Santa Claus. But it’s the city where rabid fans admire players, if they perform efficiently. All Vick has to do is win, and perform up to his capabilities to absorb a large fan base. I think he already has, just from his posture and good vibes, exhibited at the news conference and the comments he made in regards to redirecting his lifestyle.

“I know I’ve done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem,” Vick said sincerely.

The problems are public scorn and splitting time with McNabb. First off, fans don’t care about contract arrangements, public scrutiny or making time suitable for two quarterbacks with the same type of pedigree.

They care only about winning games and the Super Bowl. In a city that is championship-starved, the least worry on their minds is the quarterback with most snaps. At the end of the day, McNabb is likely to get the most snaps, though he’s one of the most polarizing athletes in Philly.

Over the years, he has been scrutinized by fans and the media for under-performing or overachieving. But more shockingly, Reid benched McNabb in favor of second-year quarterback Kevin Kolb a season ago. In the first half of that game, McNabb had committed three turnovers in a miserable performance. But for some time now, McNabb has been an under-appreciated athlete.

Now there’s no reason to dislike or boo him. He personally lobbied management to sign Vick, emphasizing that he wanted to be a mentor and give advice to a grateful player.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie listened and gave him a second chance to turn his life into a positive one, and possibly cure the Eagles misfortunes of coming up short in big games. He met with Vick for a few hours, and is convinced that Vick has paid his debts and is doing much to prevent animal cruelty.

Thanks to Dungy, who visited Vick in prison and guided in his troubling times, and McNabb’s positive messages, Vick has positive men who are generous and have encouraged him to turn his life around. Still, there will always be disgruntled people who don’t accept Vick.

I wrote in several columns that Vick shouldn’t be allowed back, but by indicating maturity and positive messages, he’s more likable.

We’ll never forget, but we can forgive.

Louisville Disheartened by Rick Pitino's Sex Infamy

As peculiar as the revelations sound, Rick Pitino is the one special coach you truly admire. With brilliant success over the years, he has spent time mentoring kids with his savvy coaching customs. His style in guiding young stars to the next level is what describes Pitino.


For years, he has being a teacher who defines all the virtuous meanings of basketball. But now, the Louisville fans are shocked at the latest scandal, which puts a dent in Louisville’s tradition and hurts its chances of adding elite talent.

Suddenly, a wise and successful coach watches dreadful accusations unfold.

We want to believe the accuser has a case of mistaken identity, we want to believe the man who wears a white disco suit, with hair groomed neatly walking the courtside yelling out plays isn’t the one wanted on charges

The entire state of Louisville basketball is in a downcast mood and emotionally disheartened by Pitino’s sexual fling, which has had jaws dropping faster than a horse races in the Kentucky Derby.

According to a report in the Louisville Courier-Journal, Pitino acknowledged that he had sex with a woman named Karen Cunagin Sypher, at a table inside an Italian restaurant in 2003.

Two weeks later, Sypher informed Pitino that she was pregnant and planned to have an abortion without having health insurance to cover it. But Pitino’s lawyers said he took care of, when he paid $3,000 to have her operation done.

That is sending poor examples to talented players, inspired of Pitino’s influence. That is staining long years of applause for building a winning tradition. You swear from the never-ending cheers, he’s the mayor in a town that adores its basketball.

It is very much so a town, where Pitino serves as the state ambassador, leading and creating a social landscape. What a disaster for such a likable man who won a national title at Kentucky in 1996, and taught many players the importance of life, not just the fundamentals of the game.

But it’s difficult to teach others when problems strike in your life. Right now, Pitino’s life isn’t perfect, but more stressful and devastating.

Once again, we are witnesses to coaches and players who we tend to admire deeply, but find themselves in tough dilemmas because of a foolish mistake.

Pitino was known as a respectful person who never would do such a thing. He's married, a father of five children, and a faithful Roman Catholic.

But none of those aspects mattered, going against his morals to disappear with another woman. It doesn’t just affect his future with Louisville, but the program’s future, too. They were on the rise to top the rankings last season, and were in for a battle with John Calipari, who is rejuvenating a winning ritual to answer demands at Kentucky next season.

Not sure if the program will nearly rank as high as Kentucky with the disturbing news spreading around the community as a scandal overweighs the Cardinals intentions next season.

Either it will force Pitino to step down, or it will encourage him to stay and attempt to restore normalcy and trust level among the people. Anyhow, most disgrace will be forgotten, and will allow Pitino to focus strictly on guiding the players.

But an affair has Pitino stuck sinfully, and sadly, knowing he has put the Cardinals in a befuddled mess, especially in recruiting large amounts of talent to upgrade national title hopes. Pitino needs belief and can definitely pray often about having coaching opportunities active next season.

Nonetheless, it starts with first-class recruiting and superior play from the Cardinals as a unit.

As he committed adultery, Pitino has unhinged a recruiting class, changing the minds of athletes who were committed in signing their names in ink to play under one of college basketball’s premier programs and coaches.

But with all the distractions and clutters that can refrain winning enough games to qualify for the tournament, as Sypher faces federal charges for lying to the FBI and trying to extort $10 million from Pitino. After surrendering to authorities, her trial may last until the college basketball season gets underway.

Headaches are enough to turn players in opposite directions. They’ll sign with programs that have less situations and positive examples. One mistake can turn players away, and can weaken obligations in which Louisville may pay for their blunders.

Before earning back recruits, now, Pitino will have to maintain self-consciousness and refine trust again to reestablish a Final Four team, even better a national championship team. It’s hard to reshape into an effective program when half of the talented recruits are declining to commit.

Twenty-five considerations are expected to play in Louisville, but most of them will likely become newcomers elsewhere if infamous charges continue to cloud a once admired tradition.

Now they’re caught in turmoil, as most talented recruits will decide upon Pitino’s decision to either resign or take a leave of absence. It will work in other programs' favor, enabling recruiters to speculate on values without Pitino in his tailor-made suits on the sidelines, crossing his arms, and giving advice on each possession.

What a tough loss that would be for the university and players who were willing to have a role in Louisville.

They have already lost the recruiting war with Big East rivals Syracuse. The Brazilian, big man, Fab Melo, committed to enhance a college career with the Orange, turning down the Cardinals, who he had targeted greatly.

In the wake of the shocking news, there’s a slight chance they might even grab Samardo Samuels.

Michael Chandler, a 6'10" junior in high school whose stamina and toughness inside make him the type of big man they’re targeting. But now, he might change his mind and choose to play elsewhere, not knowing the status of Pitino.

Even though Pitino is the integral piece in guiding and engaging prosperity, the recruits are more vital to save a unique and well-liked tradition before it no longer endears quality that is commendable.

You would’ve thought Pitino knew.

Minnesota Timberwolves Howled For Help, Kurt Rambis Wild About Coaching Chance

Nearly two decades ago, Kurt Rambis stepped up in a critical way for the Los Angeles Lakers.

As he arrived on the court, stylish, wearing enormous black glasses, a thick mustache, and tight, small shorts, no one would ever mistake him for tough.

But that's exactly what Kurt embodied.

Known for his physicality in sustaining possessions with his exceptional rebounding, the tall and lanky forward was an inside force.

For instance, Rambis’ energetic dominance was a primary factor in a memorable Game Four of the 1984 NBA Finals, between his "Showtime" Lakers and the Boston Celtics. In that game, Rambis caught a pass on a fast break, and was on his way to dunking the ball when Celtics PF Kevin McHale clotheslined him.

Now, 25 years later, Rambis gets a shot at reviving the same franchise McHale couldn't.

On Tuesday afternoon, Rambis advanced to new heights, and now can take responsibility in leading a team under his behalf as the new coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

At last, the Wolves can say they’ve found a coach with potential, someone who can make vital adjustments and instill charisma. At last, they can attempt to rebuild into contenders, dismissing previous coaches who have failed, one of them being McHale, who was the former president and coach.

After 10 years of being an Assistant Coach, Rambis earned his first chance at making the calls. He will never have to sit on the bench waiting for the boss to call the plays.

Its his job now. A job to bring the Wolves back into the playoff picture; one they haven't seen since Kevin Garnett left town for a ring in Boston.

From his distinctive star power in the ‘80’s, one that rivaled local Hollywood celebs, Rambis was admired. He was the one player aside from Magic Johnson, who played an integral role in the Lakers dynasty.

He's also been on the bench for many of the Lakers titles this decade. But no longer will he have to sit in the shadows of Phil Jackson. He now confronts his own challenges; coaching the youth of the Wolves.

This rare opportunity gives Rambis the chance to mold players and develop them into solid professionals.



For much of Rambis’ life, he's played in an up-tempo offense, meaning, he will most likely install one. It will create a dynamic and tense transition game, which can quite often be difficult to stop on both the perimeter and in the paint.

This past June, after the NBA Draft, many league experts were perplexed by GM David Kahn's moves. But one sure-fire winner, has been the signing of Rambis. In the past two seasons, the Wolves collected just 22 and 24 wins, making it difficult to hire a coach to clean up dismay.

It was simple for Mark Jackson, ABC/ESPN analyst, to pass on this job. But Rambis embraced the challenge - a hard one at that.

Now fans in the "Twin City" are counting on him to bring the Wolves back to the playoffs.

With Rambis' hiring, the drafting of Jonny Flynn, and the possible addition of Ricky Rubio, the fans will support the Wolves and their new faces.

First and foremost, Rubio may not even play in Minnesota this season due to contract disputes. But well-rounded prospect, Jonny Flynn will. The Syracuse alum, has the potential to blossom into a superstar with his poise and leadership qualities. And there’s no better leader or mentor than Rambis to cultivate guidance.

It will be interesting to see if the franchise that Rambis dedicated most of his life to, the Lakers, is one that he can help challenge in the coming years.

But in the meantime, it will have to be a complete effort from top to bottom, for the Wolves to get back to the promised land. But the hiring of Kurt Rambis was a great start to a new beginning.

Big Papi's Vague Explanation Does Little To Clear Doubts of His Drug Usage

Maybe it’s the biggest scandal in baseball.

Maybe the union is hiding important information. And maybe baseball is to embarrass of unveiling the truth.

All of us as citizens shouldn’t believe a word coming out of the mouth of David Ortiz, the latest name leaked to the 2003 list of the 104 players involved in the Steroid Era, or a mystical union.

None of them can be trusted, after lying directly to us as there are still myriads of tainted players living a lie. Wow. Let’s just say this is a crisis the union and Ortiz has twisted, making it difficult to muster truthful evidence.

I’m befuddled, disappointed and hopeless of a sport that is suffering from a wretched era of poison syringes, disgusting pills and more perplexing drugs out there.

But the latest criminal is Big Papi, of revelations yet again setting a destructive image on the majors. It has reached a point of fatigue, shame and stupidity on certain levels.

Like Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, and Manny Ramirez, he uses the excuse method to escape from the criticism and frenzied queries.

When Big Papi’s name was leaked to a report 10 days ago, the story has developed a BIG MESS and remains to put a freeze on the game. Disgracefully, baseball scandals continue to highlight a demoralizing season, and now reduce the moods of many passionate fans.

For a while, I considered boycotting the game, but realized there are more positive perceptions, still existing. In the meantime, a mysterious list of anonymous players is lingering and uncovering names. Unfortunately, the guilty sham is a likable guy who has amassed homers and RBIs, establishing a home in Boston to emerge into a primary source.

With Ortiz’s heroics and brilliant swings, he’s the favorable player and praised mightily, helping the Red Sox prevail in two World Series titles this decade. But their titles have generated lasting questions on if the triumphant effort was actually tainted of Manny Ramirez’s and Ortiz’s unlawful supplements.

Aside from the apparent supplements Ortiz pumped into his massive body, wasn’t he the so-called slugger who insisted that every player should be tested on a regular and if a player tested positive to serve a harsh punishment? Yes, it was him.

Now that his name is portrayed as a cheater, Ortiz denies any relations to the other frauds. Judging Ortiz’s popularity among major league players and his development into a well-beloved fan favorite in Boston, fans will still brace him after he was caught cheating.

The least Ortiz can give to fans is an explanation on how he tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Now, it seems like a good time to release guilt and humiliation off his back with a truthful answer.

But as usual, like the others, Ortiz’s credibility diminished as he refused to provide specifics. Same goes for the union, doing everything they can to keep the truth hidden, saying it’s prohibited to reveal what he tested positive for because of court orders. It is bad enough they’re concealing the list from us, and now they’re not giving us details on Ortiz’s fraudulent intakes.

Well, less information doesn’t restore an excusable cause, nor does it revamp credibility. It is hard to believe anything, as Ortiz and the union sugarcoat all the facts and continue to allow the biggest scandal to ruin an unknown season, now with a list of players to surface anytime soon.

Instead of giving us useful answers, they gave us more perplexing nonsense. This forces disappointed fans to ponder and try to grasp a sense of what Ortiz really took.

In other words, we’re stuck playing guessing games, and we’re attempting to make a hard swing and understand the puzzling infamy. It is swirling around baseball faster than a 99mph fastball, and it has literally revealed more drama. By now people are tired of revelations that lack certainty, which makes it hard to believe anyone in this devastating era.

If you tell the world Ortiz tested positive for performance-enhancer, then you should come clean and tell us what he stored into his body. It’s just that simple. So, Ortiz informed us Saturday he never used steroids, and that it was vitamins and over-the-counter supplements.

And he expects us to believe that. We should be accustomed of player’s convenient excuses. We should’ve seen this protocol coming again. And we should’ve known Ortiz would classify himself as an innocent man. Don’t they all?

What we saw and heard from Ortiz were similar scenarios from others. So once again, major league baseball caught another suspect in a foolish lie. Then again, maybe the government is goons and prefers not to dwell on the infamous past.

The truth might never be revealed, with the stubborn-minded government seizing the survey list of positive test during the BALCO investigation. That was a perfect moment to remove headaches of drug issues away from a sport that was cherished for its tradition.

Meanwhile, there is some suspicion to Ortiz’s elusive story. Remember when he played for the Twins, where his name was hardly mentioned and then went to Boston and emerged into a big star? Yes!

Remember when everyone was convinced that Ortiz’s surreal power had levitated to baseball’s best? Well it has being anything but excellent, as the numbers have dropped. Those are your hints that something unfathomable created more issues, relating to the benefits of performance-enhancers.

Denying he ever used or purchased steroids is difficult to accept. No time to feel sympathy, nor time to trust a player. By giving out limited details, Michael Weiner, who is waiting to replace Donald Fehr as the next union chief, allowed Ortiz a free ride.

At least it’s what we should take from a vague conference, when Weiner touched on some points of the players who tested positive, of course reactions nobody was anxious to hear.

One of the players on the list could be one of the eight who tested positive for an illegal dietary supplement. There are allegedly 96 names included on the ’03 list and have tested dirty, but 13 of the 96 positive tests are being disputed.

The union informed Ortiz in ’04 that his name was on the list, but that he might hadn’t tested dirty. From all this confusion, we’ll never know.

From an unspecific union and Ortiz, we’ll never know.

But, each makes a brilliant cover up.

Jay Cutler Needs To Stop Crying On Past, Focus On Bears

Anytime players have the privilege to express their thoughts on sports talk radio, comments can translate ugly results. Instantly, foolish words come out of their mouths, which shouldn’t be mentioned over the radio. Next it initiates a media frenzy and ruckus among training camp.

Meanwhile, in actuality, Jay Cutler is complacent to talk on the radio, so the entire world can hear him publicly take shots at fans. For the folks in Denver, ignore Cutler’s lingering triviality as he needs to move on and release grudges and irritability of a chaotic divorce.

An irreparable relationship deteriorated in Denver, when Cutler feuded with first-year coach Josh McDaniels. This is what ego constructs, unpleasant clashes between a rookie head coach, waiting to impress and a dynamic quarterback who demands more allotment after having an impressive season. It wasn’t long ago, when a promising marriage abolished rapidly. A few months ago, an ambiguous saga continuously escalated.

Without realizing the NFL is a business, and not a personal business, Cutler was sensitive and took trade talks personal. There wasn’t a moment during the saga that he manned up or attempted to revitalize an unstable relationship that was instantly hopeless. Maybe things would’ve being different, if he had handled exhausted disputes like a man and not childishly.

That unnecessary attitude was tiresome just as he was burned out with the Broncos. He later whined out loud so the public can hear his vexatious trade demands. After all, he was granted his wish. But he still hasn’t grown up, which raises concern of his accountability in leadership guise. Arrogantly, Cutler has a careless mindset that the NFL strictly functions around him.

If he expects to lead the Bears in a new direction, he’ll have to evaluate and naturalize selfish customs. Otherwise, Cutler’s personal issues will forge more confusion in a category that has delayed prosperity. And in the meantime, flaws envelop potential sensibility of him emerging into a top quarterback.

From the outbreak season a year ago, practically he’s one of the favorable players to quarterback a franchise. To inform fans across our country, Cutler has earned his fair share of elite honors, such as a Pro Bowl and a season of statistics that jumped off the stat sheets.

Last season, he astonishingly threw for 4,526 yards and 25 touchdowns, but now exploits are erased whenever there’s negative ongoing blubbering.

None of this is trivial and if anything it is nonsense to call out fans. With Cutler’s sensitive attitude, he is outspoken and isn’t mature enough to avoid joshing comments. There isn’t a moment that he abstain emotions, by foolishly slipping at the mouth. Still, he hasn’t learned the importance of maintaining a positive stance.

When he appeared on ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago, Cutler was asked about the fans in Chicago. However, it led to more incongruity talk as he ripped Broncos fans. If he had pride and some sense, he would just shut up and get over the languishing closure in Denver.

If he was focus on the upcoming season, he would bond a steady relationship with his new teammates and learn each player’s style. Instead he is too engaged on dwelling about the past and lacks maturity, still upset on how the Broncos opted to move on without him being in their future plans.

He hasn’t gotten over the fact that the league is a business, and that it isn’t always about him. He hasn’t matured into a leader or someone who can mend quarterback struggles. Right now, the players are fit without a crying Cutler upgrading leadership objectives. Most of all, not everyone is content with having a new quarterback in the town.

Before, the Bears were led by a powerful defense, and linebacker Brian Urlacher, who insulted Cutler, using derogatory language to describe the most highly regarded player to migrate to Chicago, recently.

Maybe that is why Tony Dungy, a well-respected man in football and retired coach, was leery of his maturity level on leading a team. Maybe that is why Cutler needs to establish clarity for the upcoming season by remaining silent or respond in a more mellow way without ripping a large population.

Now isn’t a bad time to stick a pacifier in his mouth, forgetting about the past and focus on the playbook, tactics and his new teammates of the Chicago Bears. But more blubbering will just create trouble as the masses are only accustomed to the unnecessary remarks made.

Still, he hasn’t accelerated into a virtuous leader, and has submitted examples of doubt in espousing an ambassador role.

Since arriving, Cutler has delivered hell marry passes that have dropped in for interceptions, rather than astounding passes. In other words, he imposes more problems in Chicago, and he is quickly emerging into an issue, rather than a hero of restoring irony among a team that’s exhausted of quarterback failures.

The last thing the Bears can afford is a setback, hinging back to spiteful exigencies, which will constitute mortals and downcast shambles. Sure, the great people of Chicago have waited for a tangible player to turn an ailment era into a momentous one.

For years, the Bears were humiliated, disregard and suffered misfortune for inconsistency in hurling prolific passes. They were mostly guided by fearsome defensive efforts and field goal miracles.

Experiencing a long decade of misery, the Bears managed advancing to the Super Bowl three years ago, and suffered more heartbreak by losing to Indianapolis in Miami.

For a long time, the Bears have stumbled to stabilize the quarterback position, which is why Cutler is a huge origin to a new era of positive creations. This is a team who hasn’t had a top-notch quarterback since the 1985 Bears dominated the game with brutal attacks and throws lofted by a savvy Jim McMahon, whose remarkable career was limited from multiple injuries.

This is a team that has tried to generate promise with unsuccessful quarterbacks, guided by an inconsistent Rex Grossman, who capitulated in the Super Bowl when coach Lovie Smith had significant confidence in the erratic quarterback.

Being stubborn-minded, which gave Grossman a memorable chance to start the biggest game of his lifetime, ended unmemorable and painfully.

That night, he proved he wasn’t the right fit as a starter, making foolish decisions that forced him into turnovers. After all, the Bears had a few positive aspirations. Kyle Orton was more consistent than Grossman by advancing the ball into the red zone more often and never turned over the ball as much.

But now, it’s funny how Denver fans booed Orton at the Broncos scrimmage game. What was deemed a suitable exchange, turns out Broncos fans are unhappy with Orton, while Cutler continues to whine about the past.

Doing so, he is creating distractions and has forgotten that the season is looming ever so closer. Just when the Bears figured they had solidified their weaknesses, the solution has formed problems.

I’m speaking of Cutler, the one player fans in Chicago lost sleep over as if they had won the Super Bowl. Not yet, at least. But it feels like they won, finally obtaining possession of a legitimate cure for relapses and long suffered agony.

Now it feels the misery has returned, suffering from the unknown factor, which is Cutler. Refusing to overcome a mishandled letdown in Denver, there isn’t any doubt that Cutler intrigues more quarterback disadvantages.

There’s only one way to cure fuss, tell Cutler to avoid confrontations and keep mouth shut.

It’s that simple.

Ambrose Fastest in Final Practice Sessions at The Glen

After Saturday’s final practice sessions for Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup series race at the road course of Watkins Glen, a few drivers have stood out over the rest with consistent spectacular times during both sessions.

The top road course practice times don’t necessarily produce the winner two times a year, but they do give a great indication of who should be running in the top-10 and at least compete for the win.

The star of the day was Australian Marcos Ambrose who was fastest in both of Saturday’s practices. After running 12 laps with the third best average speed in the first session, Ambrose came out in Happy Hour, ran the fastest laps, and then parked his car after only eight laps signaling that they were good to go for Sunday’s race.

Ambrose has run close to the same practice times In his last two Cup road course races, including this seasons Sonoma race, but this race will be the first time that he won’t have to start from the rear. Because of a great qualifying session, Ambrose will start fourth which surely help his cause to gaining his first career Cup win.

Despite his poor start position in the last two road races, Ambrose still managed to finish third in both. Considering that 16 of the 26 Watkins Glen winners have started within the top four, Ambrose practice times look all the more attractive in making him a top candidate to win this week.

Sunday’s pole sitter, Jimmie Johnson, was third fastest in the early session and second during happy hour. Johnson has never won a road course event among his 43 career victories, but looks to have his best opportunity ever.In all 15 of Johnson’s career road starts, he has never been so crisp and clean, while being so fast, during practice while maneuvering both right and left turns.

Kurt Busch impressed a lot of the teams in the garage with his practices on Friday and Saturday. Busch was fastest in the first session Friday and sixth in Saturday’s happy hour. In the first session Saturday,

Busch had the 12th fastest lap but ran the most laps with the second fastest average times.
Between both sessions, no one ran more laps than Busch for the day which means the team should be dialed in for long runs, something road courses present more than most.

Busch has never won a road course race, but his start position at second coupled with his great two days of practice, and stellar long run times make him a great candidate to get that first road win.

Juan Pablo Montoya had a great day of practices coming in fourth quickest early and tenth during happy hour running 19 laps. His one and only career Cup win came on the road course of Sonoma, not to mention he is one of the hottest drivers on the tour.

The guy won Monte Carlo, come on, who can say that?

That accomplishment alone should separate status levels altogether. However, Montoya is playing the NASCAR points race at the moment and is very focused on the making the chase with only five races remaining. If it came push to shove late in the race, it’s likely Montoya makes that move to get the win, but the way the team has been talking, they just want a top five and the points that come with it.

Tony Stewart has the best seven year resume at Watkins Glen of anyone in track history. He had sluggish times on Friday, but came out solid with a 14th best early and then seventh fastest in happy hour. His four wins and two second-place finishes over that seven year span give him more clout for this race as a candidate to win than any of the top drivers in practice.

The key to race is likely to be who becomes the luckiest during their green flag pit stops. There should only be two stops required which means that someone who comes in early just before an ill-timed caution, which always seems to happen, will have position over those who haven’t pitted.

It’s such a long haul around the track that no one up front wants to be that guy stuck out late.
Look for early pit stops before their 30 to 35 lap possibility, and then trying to stretch out that final fuel stop to the maximum possibility to avoid being caught in a pickle. Easier said than done, but that looks to be the common strategy.

Based on the practices with the amount of laps run, drivers like Johnson and Busch stand out as ones who will be really good on that final stretch if in position.

Watkins Glen Top Happy Hour Speeds:
1) Marcos Ambrose 123.021 mph - AVG: 8 laps @ 122.556
2) Jimmie Johnson 122.483 mph - AVG 23 laps @ 121.614
3) Denny Hamlin 122.189 mph - AVG 20 laps @ 121.346
4) Carl Edwards 122.149 mph - AVG 19 laps @ 121.221
5) Boris Said 122.096 mph - AVG 26 laps @ 120.849
6) Kurt Busch 121.963 mph - AVG 26 laps @ 121.370
7) Tony Stewart 121.961 mph - AVG 22 laps @ 121.273

Saturday’s First Practice Speeds:
1) Marcos Ambrose 122.643 mph - AVG 12 laps @ 121.213
2) Sam Hornish Jr 122.379 mph - AVG 15 laps @ 120.890
3) Jimmie Johnson 122.335 mph - AVG 16 laps @ 121.614
4) Juan Pablo Montoya 122.317 mph - AVG 17 laps @ 121.169
5) Max Papis 122.267 mph - AVG 11 laps @ 121.130

Top Rated drivers far as candidates to win Sunday’s Watkins Glen race based on this weekend’s practice, past performances at the Glen, a mix of Sonoma, and current state of their team.
1) Kurt Busch
2) Tony Stewart
3) Jimmie Johnson
4) Marcos Ambrose
5) Juan Pablo Montoya
6) Kyle Busch
7) Jeff Gordon
8) Denny Hamlin
9) Kevin Harvick
10) Carl Edwards

Green Bay Packers May Take a Lambeau Leap of Faith on Michael Vick

As most of the world remains curious of Michael Vick’s next possible destination, after he was conditionally reinstated by the NFL last month immediately before training camp opened, multiple teams have acknowledged they’ve pulled out of the biding crusade.

With a number of teams reluctant to have any affiliation with Vick, it seems as if finding a new locale will present complex negotiations. People haven’t forgotten the repugnant nature, which led to a 23-month federal sentence and the last two months on home confinement.

Some felt serving a prison sentence was a strict punishment and a strong message for committing a distasteful crime. In the past weeks, it was peculiar when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell allowed Vick a second chance.

As a result, he must have shown true remorse by serving time in the slammer, he must had articulated a sincere statement with a heartfelt demeanor and he must meant much to the league as a marketing crusade. Don’t ask.

Meanwhile, Vick has been granted liberty as a normal citizen. Thanks to a more generous boss, Vick has been permitted to redeem any tension and animosity.

It’s an opportunity to secure a battered legacy, and if he can lead an inferior team on glorious playoff runs or even an experienced team to the Super Bowl, there will be some die-hard fans embracing the best rushing quarterback of all time.

But until then, Vick is known as the heinous dog killer of all time, sadly brutalizing the creatures as an amusing activity that helmed rebellious infringements. It's hard to fantasize any team adding an infamous superstar who committed an outrageous scandal that initially makes us puke over the sicken infamy.

Maybe it is transparent to why Chicago, Dallas, Tampa Bay, San Francisco, St. Louis, Cleveland and even Oakland, a team desperately known for practically singing rebels, rebuffed interest. But they had sense enough to avoid the chaotic downside of interruptions from PETA protesters, heckling training camp, facilities and stadiums.

Any team willing to take on Vick will subject to the unnecessary drama and publicity that can attenuate intrepidity, however, there is one team that might be willing to take a venturous chance in grabbing the quarterback.

The Green Bay Packers are convince Vick can renew aspiration for committed Cheesehead fans, avid and devoted to opt Sunday afternoons to crowd the local sports bar or the nearest living room to commend the Packers.

The town is a complete ghost town, as the streets are empty, to which walking the streets you will probably be lucky to see a police car pass by patrolling and one vehicle crossing an intersection. When it’s football season in Green Bay, it is Packer season.

And soon enough Packer season might belong to more than just the Packers as an entire. This time around, the year doesn’t cater to Brett Favre, but accommodates to Vick, maybe?

As teams continue to avoid Vick’s utility and take repeated questions from reporters of his availability and possibly of him solidifying offensive schemes, Packers general manager Ted Thompson announced publicly the team is not ruling out signing Vick.

That is frightening mercy, interested in a fallen star. He was deprived of everything, and drastically had to live an unfamiliar lifestyle by sitting in a prison sell, isolated with inmates.

It was a drastic adjustment, having to file bankruptcy and take on a minimum wage job as a construction worker. This was somberly a new development of losing the richest deal in NFL history for his foolish mistake that cost him a life-long dream.

But now, the Packers are considering to rebuild a culture around Vick, shrouding an obscene past and cares about solidifying the offense.

Doing so, however, the Packers are fervent to win, rather than waiting in the future. A year ago, Thompson tried to settle a long-lasting saga with an un-retired Favre. But after a while, the Packers and fans were fatigued of the drama swirling around training camp, creating a ruckus.

When Favre announced he was anxious to return, the Packers had already sacrificed the starting job to an up-and-coming quarterback named Aaron Rodgers.

So, promising the starting position to a competitive youngster, logically insisting interest for a troubling player who notoriously brings unsubstantial baggage to a domain peaceful without having to succumb to offended protesters, will create harassment among an angelic coaching staff and players who never experience disruptions quite serve.

To take a coaching staff and players through much explosion seems a bit selfish, and unfair to Rodgers, particularly when he is trying to grasp a legitimate identity as a pro quarterback.

He earned loyalty a year ago as Favre’s successor, though he played with a significant shoulder injury in all 16 games last season. Entering last season, the Packers were insisting to start were they left off, only increasing a notch. They were aiming to repeat a triumphant return to the NFC Championship Game, moving in a new direction.

But an erratic season wasn’t consolation, losing four of the last five games in the regular season to finish with a 6-10 record.

One reason the Packers don’t have to invite Vick to play next fall is Rodgers. In his first full season as the starter, detouring flusters and doubts, it resulted in an exceptional season. After all, he wasn’t a disappointment or inferior to the Packers, giving him a chance to prove he’s a central piece to their future.

As a result, he mustered a 93.8 passer rating and threw for over 4,000 yards, displaying tremendous accuracy and arm strength. Similar to Favre, Rodgers is very mobile inside the pocket and buys enough time to heave passes. Just last year alone, he amassed 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

A hint to the Packers: Don’t give up on Rodgers, by replacing the promising star with Vick. Another reason the Packers don’t have to solicit Vick is for a limbo status. Since he hasn’t played in a few years, rust can create shaky and unreliable struggles.

Physically and mentally, Vick might not be ready for a challenging recovery in strengthen an offense and will gradually have to salvage his explosive form. Not a problem in the season- opener, as he’s expected to return by week six.

So either way, Rodgers will have more than enough time to preserve his role as the team leader who will take more Lambeau Leaps.

Figuratively, assuming the Packers are deeply attached to perpetrating the wildcat formation, an active scheme that’s parallel to Vick’s indomitable rushing abilities, sets up potential threats.

But in a way, the Packers can avoid severe perils by taking a minor risk. If they agree to a one-year deal, having him as a part of their rebuilding stage might not engage much concern. It is understandable the Packers can exercise Vick as a backup to have a second option if Rodgers suffers any type of injury.

With a pair of inexperience second-year quarterbacks, Matt Flynn and Brian Brohm as the alternatives, Vick is an average benefit, though I’ll never embrace him as a player. But none of this means the Packers will convert into Super Bowl favorites.

Having an explosive rusher, Ryan Grant and a speedy tandem of hard-driven wideouts, Greg Jennings and veteran Donald Driver, firmly formulates a playoff-bound team. But I’m not so sure they’re Super Bowl bound, just as I’m not so sure it’s worth taking a Lambeau Leap to coax Vick.

Blinded of the crimes, the Packers are the only team offering a second chance. And once again, poor Rodgers waits as his job can eventually be on the line. Must say, it’s how a goon perform, not how he lived his past.

If so, Vick wouldn’t have earned a second chance to prove that he has paid debts to society. No doubt the fans will accept Vick, only if he performs precisely and install jovial principles where traditional loyalty will have an impact on Vick’s future.

Only a Pack can make a Lambeau Leap.

Marbury's Sadness Reveals a Different Side To The Athlete

The world derided a video that LeBron James tried to conceal from the public of a college player dunking over the global superstar. No wonder why Nike tried to salvage the humiliating tape.

For more than a week the topic flourished, making any normal citizen fatigued of the storyline blown out of portion; which translated into a primary development.

A high-intense dunk created merciless annoyance and actualized national absorption to catch our attention, when none of us never really cared about an empathic dunk. From populace reactions, many ignored the agitating footage that was described as" Internet assault."

Once it seemed this website video phase has longed past and moved on to more important elements in sports, a new generation is brainwashed of corrupted videos broadcast on websites.

Any athlete who advertises in a negative way on the Internet, just to make a public scene, is setting up for a humiliating stature.

Not long ago, citizens here laughed at A-Rod for portraying himself as the laughing stock of America, posing in the men’s magazine Details. The photos showed Rodriguez kissing a mirror, of which he made a complete joke.

Oh, I haven’t forgotten the photos of Tom Brady caught walking in a protective boot on his right foot as he trotted to his girlfriend, Gisele Bundchen’s apartment. Or even when Michael Phelps was caught on a photo, blowing on a bong at a college party. All of these were over analyzed.

Dwelling on the latest videos grasp our interest, and whenever a sports figure is seen in a bizarre photo with something jolting, the entire world raves about superstar’s privacy. They are discovered enacting in an unusual way that we’re not accustomed to recognizing from the aspects of the game.

So, the latest brouhaha to jolt our instincts is the webcast of Stephon Marbury.

And to believe he has matured into a knowledgeable player with a consciousness for disturbing features, still we should grasp an assumption that Marbury is juvenile and self-centered, lacking a conscience to straighten up a long-lost demeanor. Looking back into his past, you wonder why he persists in putting himself in perplexing troubles.

The more skeptical episodes released into the public regarding Marbury, the more his image will dwindle. For years, selfishness has gotten him into heated confrontations, conflicts with teammates and coaches as everything revolved around him. Forgetting and bashing teammates just provoked further infamous chemistry.

Each team he has practically dismantled by dividing a brand of players with his cocky attitude. With an infamous behavior, Marbury isn’t the world’s likable player, but might be the most dislikable.

Just to refresh, Marbury had a confounded testimony in the Isiah Thomas sexual harassment case. But more troubles occurred in New York, where his popularity gradually deteriorated and strangely had a designed tattoo done on the side of his head.

It is alright to wonder if Marbury was a prolific guard who never excelled to an agenda, wasting creative ball-handling and exceptional long-range shooting to allow his enigmatic modus to take over?

It was a glorifying dream, representing his native town, born and raised in Coney Island, New York. But an actual dream gradually disintegrated with the New York Knicks, who wasted valuable prices on Marbury, paying $19 million as he refused to play. As usual, he was only concerned with his welfare, rather than the team’s well-being, which is why the Knicks agreed on a contract.

Sharing profit with Marbury uplifted the town and stabilized a positive mood inside Madison Square Garden. Before, it was just a place to enjoy as a nice evening at the sports bar, ignoring objects that appeared on the court.

It wasn’t long before, the atmosphere turned back into a Broadway sporting soap opera and lasting longer than the hit show Days of our Lives.

Pathetically, Marbury and Thomas constantly feuded, igniting conflict and dramatic ruckus among the team. Mired in multiple disputes that created animosity and disarray, the Knicks were easily described as NBA’s most dysfunctional team.

In a town where confidence has reduced since the Patrick Ewing era, we were ensured that Thomas was the mastermind for remodeling a contender, instead a disastrous mess ensued.

Before Thomas arrived to take on a demanding role, Marbury feuded with coach Larry Brown and teammates, selfishly having a bitter mindset that individually the team revolved around his contributions. Being self-centered resulted in him trying to dictate when he participates and how he plays, a demeanor that drastically poisoned any chemistry.

Last season, the Knicks President of Basketball Operations, Donnie Walsh, had a four-hour meeting with Marbury and agreed to a contract buyout. From there, he was released and eligible to sign with the Boston Celtics, who was a primary target and took a perilous gamble for half of a season.

But whenever someone exposes a foolish image, sadly to the world it draws more dislike and bitterness in the way we perceive that individual.

Now it is Marbury faced with humiliation, as there shouldn’t be sympathetic sorrow giving to the guard, who we thought was willing to change his demeanor.


Yet, has he avoided troubling scenarios, but has earned attention by presenting horrible concepts that aren't digestible.

With psychologically questionable behavior, Marbury is easily despised by the masses that had accumulated tremendous deference after he marketed his discount shoes to make affordable for children who are less fortunate.

Just goes to show, how fast heroics can weaken from a few mistakes.

A film captures Marbury in a room with his shirt off, emotionally breaking down in front of a webcam. He is showing perfect hints that he is mentally disturbed.

He has gone wacko, a mental patient that is no longer classified as a NBA superstar. Knowing his past history makes it difficult to describe him as a valuable guard.

Sorry, but there’s no sympathy felt here, as Marbury seemed confused, eating Vaseline on a camera. He revealed to the world that there are major issues troubling his mind, and anyone should be aware that Marbury is disturbed.

Ask yourself what is the world coming to, and maybe someone will tell you Marbury is emotionally confounded. Just like that, his image will never be the same, courtesy of a website video that reveals an ambiguous and bizarre scene of Marbury.

It is now obvious that we can never underestimate the mindset of a player, especially like the disgraceful Steph, who was always enigmatic on the court and apparently off the court, too.

And so, we thought LeBron getting dunked on was bad. Think again, it turns out Marbury is a bad example and the humiliated one.