Dream Team Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

So earlier tonight, the members of the 1992 Team USA Olympic Basketball Team were inducted into the Hall of Fame.  There were other people inducted as well including Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone, but clearly the Dream Team was the headline of the night.  Now, my question becomes, why is it just now happening.  I understand there's a time that has to be allotted until players can be elected into the Hall of Fame, and it makes sense that they NBA wanted all the members of the Dream Team inducted in the same year.  But did it really take this long.  I'll be honest, I thought the team would have been eligible years ago, but please, if anyone knows that this was the first year, comment, let me know.  I like being corrected because it means people are reading this blog and paying attention.  I may not acknowledge you, but you can always tell yourself you outsmarted the Eamonator! 
By the way, I watched the Hall of Fame ceremony.  May I just say, Larry Bird was by far the funniest person.  Everyone tried to make jokes, but Bird succeeded in them.  Most of the jokes were in regards to Charles Barkley.  And on that note...Charles, you're in the Hall of Fame now!  Stop trying to play golf!  Basketball is your sport, and this proves it!!  Barkley's response: Oh Eamonator, that's terrble!  That's right, terrble.  Not a typo, it's pronounce terrble.  Congratulations anyway Charles and to the entire NBA Hall of Fame class of 2010!

You've Got to Be Kidding Me!!

R

Really?  Really?  Just when it looks like the injury bug is flying away from Boston it takes away the clean up hitter for the season?  Just when Bucholz, Ellsbury, and Beckett come back and Pedroia is just days away, the Sox will lose Youkilis for the rest of the season.  A hit by pitch will have him out for the season because it tore a muscle in his thumb.  This sucks.  Youkilis has been one of the more consistant players for the Sox this year.  The Red Sox lineup is going to need to step up from spot 1-9 to make up for it.  And Lowell is going to need to continue to work hard at first base.  Thank god he wasn't traded to Texas in the off season.  He's the only hope for the Sox for the rest of the season.  And offensively, Martinez and Ortiz are going to need to step up along with Lowell to try to make up for it.  It's a tough road ahead for the Sox from here on out.  To quote a former player from 7 years ago, "Boys, it's time to Cowboy Up!"

Favre Now Undecided. Who Could Have Forseen This?

ESPN.com - Brett Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Wednesday that he has not made any decision about returning to play for the Minnesota Vikings this season and said he will play if healthy.
Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the quarterback has an appointment with Dr. James Andrews next week and will know more at that time. Andrews performed surgery on Favre's ankle in May.
"He's working out really hard and everything seems to indicate that if he is healthy and can contribute and play at the level that he has become accustomed to, he will play," Cook said.
Favre denied sending text messages to Vikings teammates and club officials that might have indicated he had decided to retire.
On Tuesday, Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said Favre texted his teammates and told them he plans to retire. Shiancoe added he did not receive any direct messages from Favre, but learned of the texts from several teammates.
"Shank, that's why I love him ... all right guys I gotta go," Favre said, when informed of Shiancoe's comments.
Shiancoe said Wednesday he still had not heard from Favre directly and declined further comment.
Favre told ESPN that he has decided to play for Minnesota in 2010 if his surgically repaired ankle heals but said the fact he has not been able to decide his future reflects his level of concern about regaining his health.
Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said Wednesday that the veteran quarterback plans to return to the team if he is healthy.
"I know it's a decision that he wrestles with," Bevell said. "He's a great player. He's a great competitor. He mulls things over. He's an emotional guy. So he thinks things through long and hard and takes his time with his decision. So I'm not surprised that things started to come out. We just have to wait and see."
Bevell, who became close friends with Favre during three years as his quarterbacks coach in Green Bay, said he has spoken to Favre recently, but not in the last 24 hours. He said it's been his understanding that if Favre's ankle heals, he will return to play for the Vikings this season.
"That's what I've been getting all along," Bevell said.
He hurt his left ankle in the NFC Championship Game loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Favre responded to a Star Tribune report that the Vikings were prepared to offer him more money for the 2010 season if he would play, insisting that his salary is not a factor in the decision. "It's not about money," he said.
Cook said there have been no negotiations on any adjustments to the deal.
"As far as Brett is concerned, in spite of reports to the contrary, Brett's situation has nothing to do with his contract, but everything to do with his health and ability to contribute to that team and play at a level that he has been accustomed to playing over the years," Cook told the NFL Network.
Favre told ESPN he has a time frame in mind and said he has spoken to the Vikings to make them aware of the approximate date when he will make his decision. He declined to reveal that information to ESPN, however.
"That is up for discussion, but they know and we know, so ..." Favre said.
Favre was at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg Wednesday, lightly tossing a football with players in warm-ups. He then helped as the players went through drills.
Favre has made regular appearances at Oak Grove in the summer for several years, working out with players during informal drills as he prepared for the upcoming season.
According to multiple reports Tuesday, Favre informed the Vikings he would not return to Minnesota for a second season. Favre sent text messages to teammates saying, "This is it," league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The Star Tribune reported that the Vikings have offered to increase Favre's salary to $16 million guaranteed -- $3 million more than he was scheduled to make this season, plus another $4 million in incentives that could potentially pay Favre $20 million total for the 2010 season.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday during a visit to Ravens camp that he was taking a "wait and hear" approach to the latest twist in the Favre saga.
"We haven't heard from Brett, so we're all reacting to media reports," Goodell said. "So I think I'd wait and hear what Brett has to say."
Goodell said that Favre is "great for our game," but wanted the three-time NFL MVP to make the best decision for himself, not the NFL.
"I think we all love to see him play, but we want him to do what's best for him at the end of the day," Goodell said.
With Favre, of course, nothing is ever necessarily final after 19 NFL seasons. He told the Vikings last year he wouldn't play, but changed his mind and joined them immediately after they broke training camp, with Childress even driving to the airport to pick him up. Camp this year ends on Aug. 12.
An entire advertising campaign has been built around his indecision and his teammates have become accustomed to hourly changes in his status.
"It's been about three years now I've been getting asked the Brett Favre questions," said a grinning Tarvaris Jackson, who would take over as the starter if Favre does not return. "It's kind of part of my life now. I actually might miss it."
Favre has waffled on retiring every summer since 2002. It led to an ugly parting with the Packers that got him traded from Green Bay to the Jets in 2008. After a so-so season in New York, he announced his retirement in early 2009 for the second time, then reconsidered and signed with the Vikings.
He had one of his best seasons last year, with career bests in completion percentage (68.4), quarterback rating (107.2) and fewest interceptions (7), while throwing for 33 TDs and 4,202 yards to lead the Vikings (12-4) to an NFC North title. Most people around the NFL figured he'll come back for another run at what would be a third Super Bowl appearance.
"He is an emotional guy. He does tell you how he's feeling. He is very honest," Bevell said. "That's what I love about him and that's what a lot of people love about him. Sometimes it serves him well, sometimes it doesn't."

Gosh, Brett Favre goes from being retired to being undecided based on health.  Man, who could have thought this?  Oh, wait.  Didn't I say this would happen 2 days ago?  Previous Article.  Wow, go figure.  Now he might play.  I'll bet in 2-3 days, he'll anounce that he's going to play.  And then his career will become the joke that I said it would.  I can't believe this guy.  I said make a decision!!  And he can't do it.  You know, a part of me thought he would stay retired.  But the other 99.7% of me said no way!  No more doubting myself.  Favre will come back!  And his career will always be thought of as this.  You know, SportsNation did a ranking of all QBs of all time.  And you know what, Favre was #3!  You know who is ahead of him?  #2: Peyton Manning.  #1: Joe Montana.  Neither of them will break his records.  But they're better, because fans see Favre as a joke.  Way to go Favre!  Way to make a fool out of yourself again.

Nope! Not Talking About It!

I refuse.  This doesn't count anyway.  This is homerun number 600* and 444 (legit).  I will not talk about this asterisc in history.

Shaq in Green?

ESPN.com - Shaquille O'Neal has decided to join the Boston Celtics, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. He was expected to tell the team of his intentions Wednesday morning, but there had been no word as of the afternoon.

The length of the contract is not known, but O'Neal, who has been seeking a two-year deal, will play for the veteran's minimum of $1.4 million annually.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers began pursuing O'Neal last month when the two met in Orlando. Boston and the Atlanta Hawks were the two clubs most interested in O'Neal, and sources say O'Neal chose the Celtics because he believes they have a better chance of winning what would be his fifth NBA championship.
O'Neal, 38, averaged 12 points and 6.7 rebounds last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the Cavs' six-game loss to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals, he averaged 13.5 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes a game.

By adding Shaquille O'Neal, the Celtics would serve notice that they won't be easily pushed aside in the new NBA landscape, writes Chris Forsberg. 

Although O'Neal is no longer the dominant force he was for most of his 18-year career, he will bolster a Celtics' front line that will be without injured starter Kendrick Perkins for the first few months of the season.
Earlier this summer, the Celtics added Jermaine O'Neal, signing the veteran center/power forward for the full mid-level exception of $5.7 million.
Comcast SportsNet-New England reported Tuesday that Shaquille O'Neal and the Celtics were close to agreeing to a deal. With Celtics general manager Danny Ainge out of town on vacation, an official news conference is expected to take place next week.

To be honest, I have always seen Shaquille O'Neal as a Laker.  Even when he played for the Heat, the Suns, and the Cavs, he's always been a Laker.  But when I heard rumors two months ago that Shaq could sign with the Celtics, I thought it would be great.  The Celtics were one quarter away from winning the championship last season, and blew it in the 4th because they lacked height with Kendrick Perkins going down.  Now Perk will be out until February at the earliest, and the Celtics would be without a big man.  Now, the Celtics have a taller big man, and probably the most dominant center of this decade.  Now, he may be old, but Shaq is still 7 feet tall and can out rebound anyone playing right now.  But the question is, what happens when Perkins comes back?  He's a young dominant center.  I say, Perk starts and Shaq comes off the bench.  I couldn't imagine a better bench player.  If that works, and Shaq puts his ego aside, the Celtics will be the team to beat.  Don't talk to me about Lebron, Bosh, and Wade.  Let's talk about Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, and Shaq!!  The Celtics will have the best starting five in the NBA, hands down!!.  I cannot wait for Game 1, when Shaq steps up to center court for tip off wearing Celtic green.  This is going to become very, very interesting.

Happy Birthday to a Great Man!!

Hey Giselle, you have 1 job today: Break the Bed!  I'm sure you can afford a new one once the Pats give him that new contract!  And for those of you who think he's going anywhere, you're crazy.  The Patriots will never let him get away.  He makes that team great!  Bob Kraft already said it, no matter what, Brady will be in Patriot blue next season!

Brett Favre Retires. Doubt it!!

So Brett Favre told the Vikings today that he's retiring from the NFL.  Boy does this sound familiar!!  Didn't he tell the Vikings two years ago that he was retiring and wouldn't play for them?  I'll believe it when the Vikings take the field on opening game and number 4 isn't standing with his hands on the center's ass.  This guy is without a doubt the best Quarterback who ever played the game.  His records show that.  So maybe he hasn't won many superbowls, he still has had a better career than any other QB ever.  But now, all this indecisiveness is tainting his reputation.  When he does decide to leave the NFL, he should be remembered for his records, for his Iron Man soul.  Now he'll be remembered for being the guy who retired and came back at least twice and I think it will be three times.  I don't think this man knows how to retire.  He should have gotten the hint when Sears had him do that commercial about indecisive people.  You didn't get it then Brett?  If you want to keep playing, keep playing!  The NFL can always use a player of your caliber.  If you want to retire, do it!  After 20 years you deserve some time for yourself and your family.  But whatever your decision is, stick with it.  But if you do this every year for another couple years, you will never be remembered for how great you are, but for what a joke your off the field antics were instead.  Stay, leave, do whatever, but stick with it Favre!  The fans wont always be there to put up with it!

Are You Kidding Me?! Two More Injuries For the Red Sox?

Why is it that the Red Sox are the Mets of last year?!  Like everyone is hurt this year.  The only players who haven't been hurt are Adrian Beltre, J.D. Drew, and Kevin Youkilis.  Amazing because they're probably the most injury prone players on the team.  And now Youk gets drilled in the thumb and leaves the game.  And two days earlier Mike Cameron gets put back on the DL.  Just as the Sox were starting to get they're players back, one gets hurt again and one of our needed players could be going down! I will admit that I am a Red Sox fan and root for the Sox, but I have tried to avoid talking all about the Sox, but this cannot ignore this.  The constant injuries is amazing!!  

Also, I am a bit amazed by one Red Sox injury.  Jacoby Ellsbury!!!  Guy breaks his ribs and is out for almost 2/3 the season?!  I know he's pissed that the Sox wouldn't give him an MRI immediately.  I think he's just avoiding coming back because of that.  I'm sick of that!  Stop being a baby and man up and get back on the field.  If not, maybe next season you won't be here.  Take your dress off and put your uniform back on!

So Because a Player Who is Supposed to Be Fat is Fat He Can't Play?

ESPN - Albert Haynesworth still hasn't passed the Washington Redskins' conditioning test.
The two-time All-Pro defensive tackle started to take the test Monday morning, but he stopped after three back-and-forth sprints because he again felt irritation in his left knee.
Haynesworth failed the test on the first day of training camp Thursday after taking an extended bathroom break in the middle of it. He failed again Friday when he didn't post a sufficient time, then didn't attempt it Saturday or Sunday because of his sore knee.
Unlike previous days, Haynesworth walked onto the field at the start of practice Monday with a helmet. However, he was not wearing pads and did not take part in drills.

 So let me see if I understand this.  Because an All-Pro Defensive Tackle is too fat, he can't play?  Aren't lineman supposed to be heavy?  I can't think of a single skinny, in shape lineman.  I remember when I played football, I went up against 300 pounders who couldn't run 10 yards.  And they were the starters!!  Now I understand that Mike Shanahan is new to the Redskins, and he expects certain things from his players, but are you really going to ban a guy for being as large as he should be?  That's like Jim Caldwell telling Peyton Manning that he needs to be able to run more in the pocket or he can't play.

Now, there are two sides to every story, and I understand that Haynesworth has a bad knee and that's why he isn't passing the tests.  If it's an injury that's keeping him out, it's understandable, but the media are making it sound like he's just too fat to play.  If it is the weight, I say Shanahan should let him go out there and play the way he always has.  He's always been big, let him play the way he knows how and win you games!!

After 1 Season Darrelle Revis Thinks He Deserves $16 Million?

ESPN - Forget "Hard Knocks." This is more like "Hard Ball."
The contract dispute between the New York Jets and star Darrelle Revis escalated toward nasty Sunday, when the disgruntled cornerback refused to report to training camp. His New York-based agent, Neil Schwartz, told ESPNNewYork.com that Revis won't show up until he receives a new contract.
That could be a while, based on the tenor of the negotiations.
General manager Mike Tannenbaum, who rarely discusses contract negotiations publicly, revealed that he made two "substantial" proposals last Thursday to Revis -- a long-term offer that would've made him a "Jet for life" and a short-term offer that would've increased his $1 million salary for 2010. Both proposals were rejected Friday night, Tannenbaum said.
He didn't provide any specifics; neither did Schwartz, who said: "Darrelle's actions speak volumes about the offers."
Revis is to make $1 million in the fourth year of his six-year rookie deal. He wants to be the league's highest-paid cornerback, a distinction that belongs to Nnamdi Asomugha, who signed a three-year, $45.3 million extension with the Raiders last offseason.

By holding out, Revis will incur a $16,523-a-day fine and waive future guarantees in his current contract. Based on a clause, the $20 million he's scheduled to earn in 2011 and 2012 goes from guaranteed to non-guaranteed salary. That he's willing to take that risk indicates the depth of his frustration. He has three years remaining on his rookie deal.
According to a source, the Jets' latest proposal includes no fully guaranteed money and his total compensation in 2010 would be less than $5.3 million -- the amount given to left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson in his recent extension.
Revis' decision came as no surprise, but it created a dark cloud over coach Rex Ryan's second training camp, the subject of a reality TV show -- HBO's "Hard Knocks." The national exposure, coupled with the team's openly stated Super Bowl-or-bust mentality, has fueled wild expectations.
Both Ryan and Tannenbaum said they were disappointed by Revis' no-show.
"I thought he'd be signed by now," said Ryan, who, with a straight face, maintained the Jets would remain the top-ranked defense even without Revis.
That wasn't a shot at Revis; Ryan called him "the best corner I've ever coached." Tannenbaum agreed that Revis has outperformed his contract and "we want to reward him." But he quickly added, "We have a fundamental disagreement on total compensation."
"The lines of communication are open and we remain committed to finding a solution that makes sense for him and makes sense for us," Tannenbaum said. "The two things that we've all agreed upon is that Darrelle has outplayed his contract and it needed to be addressed, and he has three years to go on his contract."
If Revis doesn't report by Aug. 10, the 2010 season won't count as an accrued season for him. The Jets may wait out Revis until then, seeing if he blinks.
"We were hoping Darrelle wouldn't have to go down this path," Schwartz said. "He and his family were extremely deliberate in this decision-making process."
The holdout comes three days after Tannenbaum and Ryan were rewarded with contract extensions, probably not the best timing from the Jets. Asked how Revis might feel about that, one player, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "I'd be [ticked]."
Revis wants a deal that surpasses Asomugha's ($16 million-per-year average). While the Jets believe that contract is an aberration, the signing bonus is also a sticking point in negotiations.
The Jets are refusing to dole out a big bonus even though it's an uncapped year, because they're concerned about the league's labor uncertainty. Those close to Revis believe that's hogwash and owner Woody Johnson doesn't want to write a big check because of cash-flow issues.
Because of the reallocation rule, the Jets are prohibited from fully guaranteeing future base salaries against injury and skill. It can be one, but not both. The Jets can make up for that with substantial up-front money, but the latest proposal is a Ferguson-like contract -- loaded with rolling guarantees, sources said.
Tannenbaum, calling himself a "problem solver," insisted he's willing to be flexible. He said he offered to meet face-to-face with Schwartz, but was rebuffed. Schwartz said that wasn't the case. The Jets waited several weeks before re-opening discussions at the eve of camp. Ryan, meanwhile, has insisted Revis was their No. 1 priority throughout the offseason.
Revis would be willing to accept a "band-aid" contract, a big raise in 2010 with the promise that the team would re-visit discussions on a long-term deal after the season. By then, the labor situation could be clarified.
Revis' holdout was a hot topic among his teammates, who were barraged by questions from the media. The players backed Revis, although they believe the defense wouldn't collapse without him.
"He's huge in this defense, but we'd find our way without him," safety Jim Leonhard said.
In his absence, Dwight Lowery and first-round pick Kyle Wilson will share Revis' spot at left cornerback, according to Ryan.
All-Pro center Nick Mangold, also seeking a contract extension, said he has no problem with Revis' decision, but unlike Revis, he showed up at camp. He said he isn't bothered that Ryan and Tannenbaum received extensions.
"They're working down the totem pole and they'll get to me in a couple of years," he said.
Tannenbaum said he hasn't spoken directly to Revis in several weeks. On July 14, he sent a text message to Revis, wishing him a happy birthday. Revis didn't respond.
In other Jets news, rookie running back Joe McKnight, who failed his conditioning run last week, passed Sunday morning, clearing him to participate in training camp.
Wide receiver Santonio Holmes was given a later mandatory report date of Wednesday so he can attend to a family matter. Holmes wrote on this Twitter page this week that his son was in the hospital, but it was uncertain if that was the reason for the delay.
Meanwhile, Jenkins (hamstring) and backup quarterback Kellen Clemens (calf) were placed on the active-physically unable to perform list.

 So after one good season, Darrelle Revis thinks he deserves to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL.  The current highest paid CB is Nnamdi Asomugha who is making $15 million per season.  So Revis thinks he should make at least $16 million, a $15 million raise?!  One season where he stopped Randy Moss?  Let's face it, Randy isn't happy in New England anymore.  It's not tough to stop him.  Revis is not the best CB in the league.  He's a guy that got lucky in a couple games.  I don't believe he should be making as much as he thinks.  If the Jets cave to this, they just prove they're a pathetic team who don't deserve the reputation they're being given.  They think it's all Revis?  They're defense is fine, I'll admit it, so they'll do just fine without Revis.  I could see a possible pay raise, but if it goes anywhere higher than $6 million a year, the Jets are admitting that without him, they're in a lot of trouble.  Forget Revis, clearly he's going to be a big ego player like Chad Johnson (Ochocinco for people who actually think of him as that) or Terrel Owens.  He's trouble, and will cause drama for the Jets and they're eventual demise to the likes of the Patriots!

How Long Do We Have to Put Up With the A-Roid 600 Homerun Story?

 ESPN- Alex Rodriguez is not in the lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays, putting his chase of 600 home runs temporarily on hold.  Yankees manager Joe Girardi decided to rest A-Rod on Sunday, and plans to give other regulars a break in the near future.
"He's played 13 days in a row," Girardi said. "We've got to make sure that we keep him healthy and strong. My key is keeping our guys healthy the rest of the way. It could be a very tough two months. If you don't do that, shame on us."
The Yankees' third baseman went 0 for 3 with a walk, a strikeout and a run scored Saturday in a 5-4 win. It was his ninth game since hitting his 599th homer on July 22.
"My swing is a little out of whack," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he really didn't need a day off, but understands Girardi's desire to keep his players fresh. He is hitting .243 (9 for 37) with eight RBIs since getting within one homer of 600.
His next opportunity for 600 could be at Yankee Stadium on Monday night against Toronto.
"It will come," Rodriguez said. "Everything is going to be fine.
The Yankees (66-37) have the best record in baseball.
"That's been the good part, we've been winning," Rodriguez said. "The team has been playing well and we've been getting picked up by different guys."
Girardi said it was a tough decision not starting Rodriguez against the Rays, who are second in the AL East.
"But it's not September 25th," Girardi said. "If I run him out there and he gets hurts today, people are going to say, 'why did you play him 13, 14 days in a row?' You've got to be smart about it."
Also, left-hander Andy Pettitte (strained left groin) threw 25 pitches halfway up a bullpen mound and could have a full mound session Tuesday or Wednesday.
"Everything is going good," Pettitte said. "It's another step."
Meanwhile, outfielder Austin Kearns, recently acquired from the Cleveland Indians, will make his first start for the Yankees on Sunday. Reliever Kerry Wood -- also obtained from Cleveland before Saturday's trade deadline -- has arrived in Tampa and will be available to pitch.




Damn, how much longer do we have to put up with this story?  So it's been a while since Rodriguez hit a homerun, who cares.  To me, it shouldn't even count as the 600th homerun.  This man admitted to using steroids for three years of his career.  During those three years, he hit 156 homeruns.  If we are condemning Barry Bonds and saying he is not really the homerun king because he used steroids, then A-Rod can't be either.  And we should not be giving all this attention for 600 homeruns, when once he hits it, it will only be his 444 legitimate homerun.  I also will never acknowledge him as the homerun king unless he breaks Aaron's record by 156 homeruns.  With that being the case, why talk about this?  Who cares that he's not in the lineup??  I could not care less!


P.S. I know this is my second consecutive story about the Yankees.  But honestly it bugs me that they get coverage for such meaningless things like a player is not starting or they trade for a few old guys who wont help them.  However, this blog is supposed to be about all teams, not just a few.  So I promise to do better to make a variety for you, my loyal followers.