From Simba to Mufasa, can it be done?

For those of you who were not living on this planet last year (or those who live in a cave). Last year was the worst year in the history of sport for Michigan's beloved (lol) Detroit Lions. They were the first team in history to go 0-16.....ever! The ugly 0-16 record last year has lead them to be dubbed 'worst team in football (if not Sports) history'. Lets recap on the ridiculously horrible season. Detroit fans please refrain from violent acts and suicide attempts.

Starting with preseason I think the Lions were out to prove that Preseason games actually mean nothing (except for possible loss of players through injury). They won all 4 preseason games by comfortable enough margins. It was in Atlanta (week 1) where the trend of beating the Lions began. Unlike most trends, there seemed to be no end to it! From week 1 - week 5 they got so badly spanked that it seemed to demoralize the whole team, if not city. Week 6 against the Vikings and week 7 against the Texans there was a little glimpse of hope, where the down and out Lions thought they might win a game (MUHAHAHAHAH). It was week 11 when the Lions were mathematically out of playoff contention (I think we all knew it wasn't possible before week 11). After week 15 the league didn't think it was enough to watch the lions lose 15 consecutive match-ups; the Saints had to come along and violate, abuse and beat down the so called 'Lions', 7-42 in week 16 (Gawsh!). Trying to avoid being the worst team in history, the Lions stepped up to play the Packers at Lambeau in week 17. Well you know the outcome, I don't need to hurt them anymore than they hurt themselves. The only bright spot about the whole season was watching Calvin Johnson catch the ball (seriously that was it!).

Now after last year you would hope to make some serious changes. New GM (good), New coach (very good) and veteran players (OK, I guess). Adding smart and skilled veterans like Julian Peterson and Anthony Henry can only be a good thing for such a terrible defensive squad (if only they weren't 1,000 years old combined). Possibly starting the once great, now banged up QB - Daunte Culpepper surprised me? I am pretty sure he hasn't had a good season since 1734 BC. And ok, Sure each player I mentioned has been or still could be great. But do you really want to put your hopes in the rest of the leagues left overs. I just hope they make some very smart moves this season and actually make the picks they need in the draft his year. Maybe see if you can get a better QB than Drew Henson to back up the broken fumble machine that has become Daunte Culpepper (sorry my man, its true). I really hope this squad can shake of that not so Lionesque season and comeback with that 'King of the Jungle' like swagger this year. Regardless of what they do, I think each and every player and person involved with this organisation may need to consider finding God in 09!

If you didn't know, now you do!

Peace

Welcome to Miami!

Orlando and Miami are going to battle today! Most consider Miami a team un-worthy of watching because of their dismal 39-34 record, they are scored on as much as they score points, they average under 40 boards a game. After knowing all of this, why would anybody want to watch the Heat play at all. Well let me give you a couple reasons; Flash, B-Eazy, Mario Chalmers, Dequan Cook, Luther Head and about another 100 of the youngest and most talented people in the league. You would be an idiot not to enjoy watcing these catz take centre stage. Escpecially with Wade playing like the super hero that we expect him to be each and every night. Now enough obscene Miami ass kissing! The reason the is a great match up, is because it is a battle of two young and immensly talented teams. Granted Orlando will win by more than 10 points, due to Miami's obvious lack of a front court arsenal. Regardless of the games outcome, I can almost gaurantee it will fun to watch. I just hope the rest of the Miami squad start actually playing closer to that of the Lakers. They have the ability, they just don't have that confidence in themselves. Once this Miami squad gets a couple more games under their belt, and maybe a bit more playoff experience. This Miami squad will be come as dangerous as Somali Pirate hijacking a fuel ship.

If you didn't know, now you do!

Peace

Thumbs up for Saints and down for everyone else!

Yesterday it was announced that former Pro Bowl D-liner Rod Coleman, was given a chance to comeback with the Saints next season. Its great to see that some organizations understand talent should not be looked over, and investing in proven talents is good business. This 6-2 gigantor lead all Defensive tackles in sacks both in 04' and 05'. Not to mention a pretty impressive 4 forced fumbled that lead to his first Pro bowl selection on 05'. He has a combination of size, smarts and ox like strength; making this home-boy like a wrecking ball against apartments. Coleman injured himself in a watercraft accident (I know what you thinking.....genius right), which put him on the injury reserved list November 07'. Since then Coleman hasn't started a single game in the NFL. We all know injury can mean the end of your career in most cases in Pro Sport, particularly when it is off the field/court (Jayson Williams with the Chicago Bulls is perfect example of that). Subsequent recovery time and rehabilitation should be something team owners think about incorporating into their contracts (including free water crafting goods).

When a player performs above and beyond expectations (Ala Coleman), it is important to see that as a potentially great investment. Injury is part of the game, but should not be the end of the game for talented people like Coleman. There is an ocean of all-stars who were dubbed injury prone, to small for the position, to slow for the positions, to black, white, fat....the list goes on. In my time I have seen Heismann Trophy winners not even drafted (does that makes sense). Don't even get me started on Mike Vick! But before I get way ahead of myself I just want to point out that the Saints organisation deserve a round of applause (well, go on....). Although Coleman may not even make the squad. Even if he does make it, will he be as great as he was in 05'? Either way I still think they did a good job thinking laterally in this instance. It's time for the rest of the NFL to take a page out of the Saints book (some teams should think about copying the whole thing).

If you didn't know, now you do!

Peace

Chi-town step up.....Please!

It is hard watching the once upon a time dominant Chicago Bulls. They have been more up and down this season than Oprah's weight. It's not like they don't have the talent to get more wins! Frankly they have more talent on that squad than McDonald's has customers. Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, John Salmons, Brad Miller and Derrick Rose, I mean seriously! How can you not win games with so much talent. I could make a run to the playoffs with half of them. What's up Vinny? Do you need any help? I can understand that injuries and various other problems have come and sucked the swagger out of the squad. I just hope the addition of Brad Miller and John Salmons will create a fresh and revitalsed buzz in the locker room! The Chicago Bulls are a great team. I don't care what anybody has to say! You should never undestimate the power of the CHI!

P.S.

See if you can import some of Luol's 7 foot 8 cousins. More recruitment needs to be done in Africa.

The funny thing about society is the lack of understanding we have of ones potential. Be it in the work place or, in the sand dunes of Baghdad. It is the sad truth, but its the truth. People don't know a thing about potential, even if it was standing right in front of you with flag and a tutu. This is the problem managers in the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, even EPL face everyday. They are told to do their jobs and find the best talent out there. They come back with a handful of potential superstars, knowing that the fans may not agree with their choices (7 out of 10 times thats the case). Although this may be hard to accept, society needs to learn in this over-indulgent and shameless world we live in, "THE PUBLIC IS NOT FIT TO CRITICIZE MANAGERIAL DECISIONS." We are not involved in the scouting and signing process. The public are not going to be blamed for these bad choices.

Yes we have a say on the choices that are made, because we are the fans and our time and money is invested in sports. And also as individuals we are all entitled to our own opinions, its our god given right! In many cases our feedback can even help these various organizations make better decisions. This does not mean we should openly abuse these organizations. A real fan cheers on his/her team, regardless of the roster. You can argue that journalists comment on the draft picks and signings of all sports teams. But these journalists are actually paid to make these comments. Years of research and tertiary education gives them the ability and right to comment on the decisions of all sports executives. The coaching staff and executive body involved in drafting and scouting are experienced. The have knowledge of the game and understand the needs of their team. They base their decisions on what is best for the future of the team, and whether or not the player they sign has the ability to help the organization achieve its objectives. Every professional athlete has potential and talent, otherwise they would be accountants or rappers. These teams know what they need, and they understand what it takes to get what they need. They are not stupid enough to sign a talentless moron to a multi-million dollar contract (Even though it seems that way sometimes).

I'm not saying you are not allowed express your opinions, because I have no right to say that. I would just hope people would understand the professional sport is a business like any other. I'm not going to go out and stock up my shop with creaming soda cause Mary likes it, when I know I need Coca-Cola to make money. If executives made these decisions based on emotions and fan appreciation, teams would lose games and still be blamed for the losses. I would prefer a team that wins games with a few El-Haji Diouf's and Sebastian Telfair's, than a losing team. Wouldn't you?


PEACE!

Who is Jason Maxiel?!?!?

Defensive dominance. Physical freak. Highlight reel consistency. Potential out the #%$hole. Sure there are a few young players that you could say have these attributes. But to some of you ignorant chumps, Jason Maxiell is probably the last player that comes to mind. That means you are the same ignorant chumps who thought Gilbert Arenas wasn't worth a first round draft choice in '01'. The same thickheaded suckers that thought Todd Fuller and Vitaly Potapenko were better choices than Kobe and Steve Nash in '96'. You are probably the same haters who overlooked Ben Wallace and Avery Johnson, just because they attended historically black universities. Maxiell is a name you will see on the top of all highlight reels and stats boards for a long time to come.

A 6'7", 260 lb power forward. Maxiell was selected by the Bad Boys with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft. He attended Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas, where he proved he was a dude that nobody can mess with. During his career at the University of Cincinnati, where he was coached by Bob (B-Hugz) Huggins; he was one of the best players in the college rankings. The NCAA was essentially a stage for Maxiell to showcase his freaky abilities. Jason earned All-Conference USA Second Team honors. He was named Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year and earned C-USA All-Freshman Team honors. Averaged 9.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in the three C-USA Tournament games. He led Conference USA in blocked shots (2.8 bpg) and ranked 18th in the nation. His 91 blocks are the second-highest University of Cincinnati single-season total.The paint was like a mountain of cupcakes and Maxiell was Kirstie Alley.

He averaged 17.3 points in three postseason games and shot .607 from the field. Maxiell finished 11th on the University of Cincinnati's career scoring list with 1,566 points (13th in Conference USA history) and second on the University of Cincinnati career chart for blocked shots with 252 (4th in Conference USA). He played 129 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in Bearcats' history, and started the last 77 contests. Son was outstanding, he played each game as if he was on Death Row. Although these stats ain't Durant or Melo like, considering the coach and the system he was in; it is safe to say - the dude killed it. People compare his style to Ben Wallace (Former team mate), Kenyon Martin 'K-Mart' (Cincy Alumni), even Dennis Rodman 'D-Rod' (extroverted and crazy but could ball) and Darryl Dawkins (Chocolate Thunder, Double D). His scary athleticism and overall ability can turn the coolest dudes into swaggerless punks! Thats is what sets this kid apart from others!

Detroit did the smart thing and grabbed Jay Max at 26 overall. And nobody would fit in the Bad Boy's system better. He can out hustle, out muscle and degrade any dude willing to step up. This season Maxiell has had invaluable numbers off the bench, averaging 7.9 pts, 5.3 rebs and 1.1 blks per games. Once the Detroit coaching staff decide Maxiell should start full time, it will be judgement day for the front court suckers across the league. It takes more than a nation of millions to hold the Max back. The kid will be turning fans into fiends like hes Frank Lucas! When this brother blows up and y'all are like, "Who is Jason Maxiell?". I will be the dude kicking dirt in your face saying, "I told you so"!

Watch the kid eliminate the Cavs!(sorry Bron!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5h2mMRovGY

Watch son destroy his college opponents!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BUVCmyLchs&feature=related

PEACE!

SAY HELLO TO CARMELO!*

With a smile that can light up a stadium and an attitude so humble you pray for some arrogance. Carmelo Anthony is one of the coolest dudes to ever throw on a basketball jersey period! Some may think this is an overstatement! But, before you start hatin' think about it for just one second! Think about how cool this dude is????? He rocks cornrows tighter than Beyonce's booty! He's got a swagger which is not cocky, but confident! He dates chicks we all want a piece of (La La)! And on top of all that - this cat can ball like a mix of Charles Barkley, Willis Reed, James Worthy and Scottie Pippen! This dude has got it all - The natural outside game, the disastrous inside presence, the irritating defensive ability going along with the humble demeanour! What more could you ask for in a player?


Coming out of Oak Hill Melo was on top of the "we gotta have" list. Scouts were hollering like groupies at a DiPlOmAtS concert. Everybody knew that this kid was going to be SuPeR! Even though all the hype was around Bron and Cooke, everybody knew this cat was gonna blow up the league with his fierce and raw talent. People all over the world knew that this kid had mad game and was more than ready to be playin in the league! But all that didn't faze Melo! Nope..... he just ate up all the compliments and praise then used it to start-up the best freshman year a college baller had in a long time. Leading the Orange Assassins in Syracuse to a 30 -5 record and their first NCAA championship in men's basketball. Dominating all which stepped up, Melo averaged 22.2 ppg and 10.0 rebs without even really trying. Of course then came every honor known to man, All-Big Ten, All- American and probably every freshman of the year award he could get his hands on. College (although just practice for a man like him) helped him get one step closer and one leap higher in the rankings of - The NBA DRAFT. Melo once told the media, "I think going to college for that one year was probably the best thing I have ever done." He was right! The following year he was selected third overall by a Denver team which needed him more than Kobe needs an alibi everytime time he's in Colorado. Denver was the perfect place for him to start and even end his career.


Now that he finally got to where he wanted to be all his life, coming up from the crazy streets of Baltimore. After shooting millions of jump shots, demolishing every net he could find! After all that hype and talk of the greatest league in the world, the quite and talented Melo made it in to the family everybody wanted to be a part of (apart form the Cosby's) - the National Basketball Association. Some consider it a heaven of some sort, a place where only the baddest and hardest working cats make the cut! What every grown man dreams (well most grown men)! Not only did he make it he continued on with his dominant ways, turning his team into a playoff contender and out of Crappyocredome. Averaging 21 points a game, 6 rebounds and 2 assist, Melo was only a few votes off rookie of the year. Some even believe he was robbed of that honor.


It is now 2007 and Melo is having his best year so far, averaging 29.3 point, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Despite all the hate from the peoples he finally made it to the All-Star team after being robbed of the honor year after year. Melo has put a fist in all the haters faces proving he is force to be reckoned with. Now teaming up with AI (best player in the league no contest) to put the Dirty Denver squad on top of the basketball universe. Melo is 6-8, 230 lbs of pure ballerlicious talent. No one can stop him as he blows on through the league raining buckets and tears all over the NBA. You know how good the dude is, so jump on the band wagon before you get left behind.

Peace!