James Harrison retires

Happy trails to James Harrison.  The veteran line backer has decided to call it quits after 11 NFL season's with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Harrison went undrafted out of Kent State in the 2002 NFL Draft.  He bounced around including a stint in NFL Europe before finding a steady home in Pittsburgh.

Harrison was named to five Pro Bowls during his career.  He was named first-team all-pro twice. He was named second - team all-pro on two occasions.  Harrison was an intricate member of two Super Bowl Championships with the Steelers.  He helped the Steelers franchise return to their glory days.

Harrison 's greatest success was being named NFL Defensive player of the year in 2008.  That's quite an accomplishment for a player that went undrafted.  He was also named Pittsburgh Steelers team MVP IN 2007 and once again in 2008.  Harrison ' s put together an excellent Hall-of-Fame resume in only 11 seasons.

Harrison was considered one of the dirtiest players in the league during his playing days. However, he never changed his ways and refused to be apologetic about his approach to the game.  Roger Goodell has feasted on Harrison 's pockets since taking over as commissioner.  The two played a game of cat and mouse for years.

Harrison played the game with an old school mentality.  Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary would have been proud to call him a teammate.  Love him or hate him, but James Harrison has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL over the last 10 years.  His presence will certainly be missed.

Rivers inks extension!

The Los Angeles Clippers And Doc Rivers have agreed to a contract extension through the 2018-2019 NBA season.  Rivers and new owner Steve Ballmer appear to be getting along just fine.  Ballmer recently purchased the Clippers for a record $2 Billion dollars.

Rivers led the Clippers to a franchise record 57 wins in 2014.  Since moving to Los Angeles the Clippers have been second fiddle to the Los Angeles Lakers.  Former owner Donald Sterling neglected winning for years.  As a result the Clippers have been bottom feeders in the Western Conference for years.

Rivers led the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008.  He was named NBA coach of the year while in a previous stint with the Orlando Magic.  Rivers is certainly the right man to guide to Clippers in their future endeavors.

The future looks bright for the Clippers in the city of angels.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis has emerged as the next big superstar in the NBA.  He guided the Kentucky Wildcats to the 2012 NCAA Championship.  This was Kentucky's first NCAA Championship since Tubby Smith's first season in 1998.  John Calipari has coached numerous NBA stars. Marcus Camby, Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans to name a few.  However, it took Davis' s defensive prowess to capture Calipari his first NCAA Championship.

Davis grew five inches the summer between his sophomore and junior year in high school.
His previous status as a guard gives him a distinct advantage matching up against other big men in the NBA.  In only his second NBA season, Davis averaged 20 points, 10 rebounds and fours blocks per game.  Davis has over performed during his first two years in the league.

The one knock on Davis is his durability.  He's missed 33 games in his first two years in the league.  Big men often struggle staying healthy during the early stages of their careers. Players 6'10" or better must learn the art of managing the human body.  Playing at the correct weight plays a huge role in maintaining health over long stretches.  Davis' s issues have not been weight related.  Either way as the New Orleans Pelicans best player, Davis needs to be on the court.

Davis has been the the biggest difference maker up front for team USA this summer. Playing in the 2014 FIBA World Cup will help him learn how to guard smaller, more agile centers.

Anthony Davis has a chance to be the next great center in the NBA.

NFL preseason injury bug

Injuries are a harsh reality in the game of football.  At some point every NFL player will suffer some sort of injury.  NFL teams must be prepared to deal with multiple injuries during the season.  The absolute worst time to suffer a severe injury in the NFL is during preseason play.  The games carry very little importance.  The preseason is when coaches are evaluating potential reserves, working out kinks in the game plan and looking for a diamond in the rough.

Sam Bradford ' s career is in serious jeopardy after suffering a season ending torn ACL.
This is the same injury Bradford suffered last season.  The St Louis Rams have been committed to Bradford since selecting him number one overall in the 2010 NFL Draft.  The Rams passed on Johnny Manziel in the offseason with the hopes Bradford would return to 100% health.  This time around the recovery process will be more difficult for Bradford. Only time can tell, but a preseason injury may cost Bradford his job as starting Quarterback of the St Louis Rams.

St. Louis fans shouldn't get too discouraged about this injury.  In 1999 the Rams Lost Trent Green to a season ending knee injury in the preseason.  That turned out to be the start of Kurt Warner ' s illustrious career.

Wes Welker has been diagnosed with yet another concussion.  This is the third concussion Welker has suffered in the last 10 months.  In this day and age, concussions are taken very serious in the NFL.  Luckily for Welker, this latest injury is not as severe as the previous two. However, With the current billion dollar suit the NFL is facing, playing football might not be an option for Welker anymore.  The proximity of Welker's concussions certainly raises a red flag.  The veteran receiver has to do some soul searching before he decides to return to the field.  Peyton Manning did his receiver an injustice by leading him into a crowd of three Texans defenders surrounding Welker.

Cam Newton is back on the Carolina Panthers injury report.  Since entering the league in 2011, Cam has been sacked or hit 467 times.  That's twice as much an any other Quarterback in the NFL.  Newton may be forced to miss the first game of the season due to bruised ribs.  Newton is the Panthers franchise player.  In the future he will need to make smarter decisions when leaving the pocket.  Despite Cam 's 6'4, 245 lbs frame he is still subject to injury.

Every NFL player will be injured at some point.  When these injuries take place in meaningless games it makes it a bit more difficult to cope with.

Marion to Cleveland

LeBron James is the best general manager in the NBA.

LeBron has been working his magic this off season.  His old friends James Jones and Mike Miller have agreed to join King James in Cleveland.  These may not be marquee additions, but both guys bring intangibles and a history of winning to the Cavaliers.

Shawn Marion has agreed to a one-year deal to join the Cavaliers.  Indiana showed interest in signing Marion.  The Pacers are looking to fill the void left at the small forward position. Not only did Cleveland improve, but they also put a damper on the Pacers plans as well. The Pacers were expected to be one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference prior to Paul George going down.

In his prime, Marion was one of the premiere forwards in the league.  His versatility makes him a head coaches dream.  You can plug Marion in at multiple positions and still get a solid effort.  The best thing about Marion is the fact that he doesn't need plays called for him.  You just throw him out there and let him roam.

The Phoenix Suns flourished for years playing Marion at the power forward slot.  He's gotten away with being undersized by bringing energy every night.  Marion is the type of player that can have an affect on his teammates just by showing up.  Young guys see a veteran out working them and take notice.  No young player wants to be embarrassed by a player perceived to be well past his prime.

With this addition the Cleveland Cavaliers improved by half a letter grade.  LeBron strikes again.

Dick Bavetta retires after 39 years .

Veteran NBA referee Dick Bavetta has announced his retirement after 39 years of service in the NBA.   Bavetta began his career on December 2nd, 1975 at Madison Square Garden.  He is one of the most  respected officials in NBA history.  Bavetta retired without ever missing an assigned game.  He officiated 2,635 consecutive games during his career.

Bavetta started out officiating high school games in New York City.  He has also had the pleasure of calling games in Rucker Park.  Bavetta is a member of the New York City basketball Hall-of-Fame.  He always brought a little swagger to the officiating crew.

Due to Bavetta's ties to New York, players often accused him of calling games in the Knicks favor.  Those accusations turned out to be nothing more than hoopla.

Bavetta has called three all-star games, the 1992 Summer Olympics , 270 playoff games and 27 NBA finals games.  Bavetta has forgotten more about basketball than most people will ever learn.  When he began his tenure in the NBA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was in his seventh professional season.  Rick Barry and the Golden State Warriors were defending NBA champions.

Bavetta holds a special place in the NBA's history book.  The role of an official is extremely difficult.  These men often do not get the respect they deserve.  The games would mean nothing without excellent officiating.  That's exactly what Bavetta brought to work every day for 39 years.

Derrick Rose is looking good.

By now most people are aware of Paul George's gruesome leg injury suffered during a warm up scrimmage for team USA.  Even people without a genuine interest in basketball have heard about the player that broke his leg in a freak occurence.

George recently signed a five-year, $90 Million dollar contract with the Indiana Pacers.  If this were the NFL George may have been released by now.  George is expected to miss the entire 2015 NBA season.  However, contracts are guaranteed in the NBA.  Indiana is on the hook to pay George unless he is traded.

Demarcus Cousins went down clinching his knee in one of team USA's recent practice sessions..  Cousins is expected to call it quits for the remainder of the tournament.  Kevin Durant's decision to leave team USA prior to international competition beginning is understandable.  Durant is coming off his first league MVP award.  He's yet to enter his prime.  The Oklahoma City Thunder have become a fixture in the Western Conference playoff picture.  The easiest way to get hurt is by playing tentatively.  Durant getting hurt would be a tragedy for the NBA, especially after one of the leagues rising stars has already gone down.

Derrick Rose has played in only 11 games over the last two season.  Injuries have cost the Chicago Bulls three opportunities to win another championship.  Rose appears healthy based on team USA's scrimmages.  Chicago's front office has their fingers crossed he returns from international play injury free.

Should Derrick Rose be participating for team USA?

Basketball has been Rose's favorite pastime since his youth growing up in Chicago.  He has a genuine love for the game not seen in every athlete.  Sitting on the sideline watching his brothers go to battle has been gut wrenching for the former number one pick.

This summer Rose appears to be having the time of his life while he continues to gain back confidence in his legs.  He's shed the disappoint look and even cracks a smile for us every now and then.  We've had sightings of Rose's two hand tomahawk dunk he's become famous for.  The amazing speed burst from half court to the rim also appears to be intact.

Loving the game too much can come with a price.  Chicago is once again a threat in the east.  Despite missing out on the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, John Paxson has done a great job reloading the Bulls for yet another championship run.  Aaron Brooks and Pau Gasol are both veterans with playoff experience.  Chicago could be the team to beat in the east this year.

Rose was named NBA MVP in 2011.  His hybrid style is different from most point guards in league history.  Rose and Russell Westbrook are arguably the two most athletic lead guards in NBA history.

Hopefully Rose has a great tournament and returns to Chicago feeling great.  The NBA cannot afford to lose another elite player this summer.

Mo'ne Davis, hottest pitcher alive!

Who is the hottest pitcher playing baseball today?

The answer to that question is not Clayton Kershaw.  It isn't Max Scherzer, David Price or Justin Verlander either.  In fact, the answer to that question isn't even pitching at the Major League level.

The most impressive hurler around is 13 years old, mean and throws a wicked fastball.  By the way, she happens to be a girl.  Mo'ne Davis, representing Philadelphia in the Little League World Series has been blowing away hitters left and right.  She boasts a wicked 70 mph fastball, along with a devastating change up.  Her precision around the plate is above average for a 13 year old.

Davis has become a media sensation since displaying her rare talent on the national stage. However, she seems poised to handle the attention.  Poise is one of the characteristics that make a great ace pitcher.  Her calm attitude is a plus on the mound as well as during post game interviews.

Davis is one of two girls participating in the Little League World Series this year.  She has already pitched two Back-to-back complete game shutouts for her Philadelphia based team.

Davis is no slouch at the plate either.  She produced an rbi single in Philadelphia's latest win.  This young lady is willing to do anything to get her team a victory.


Her success couldn't have come at a better time.  Becky Hammon was recently named the NBA'S first full-time female assistant coach.  Hopefully this can lead to a snowball affect of women getting jobs and accomplishing feats once considered impossible.

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier 67 years ago.  Mo'ne Davis recently pitched two back-to-back shutouts in the Little League World Series.  Anything is possible in life if given the opportunity.  It is a great pleasure watching Davis do just that.

Carmelo slims down.

Carmelo Anthony has never been considered a physical fitness addict.  Since entering the NBA in 2003 Carmelo's appearance has changed.  Even at Syracuse he had a pretty chubby frame.  Back then his talent and athleticism made up for his dough boy frame.

After 11 years in the NBA Carmelo realizes the necessity to take care of his body.  He's taken part in boxing and yoga this summer.  Maybe the Knicks superstar is conceding to age.  He's at that time in an NBA players career when your legacy starts to become important.  After 30 you don't know how long your body will hold up.  Taking steps to stay healthy can extend Carmelo's career two or three years.

Carmelo has only gotten past the first-round twice in his career.  LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh all entered the league the same year as Carmelo. They have all won multiple championships.  Carmelo is still in search of his first NBA finals appearance.

Carmelo will benefit from the weight loss in the new triangle offense.  Phil Jackson always wanted his players in shape in Chicago and Los Angeles.  For the triangle to work players must do a good amount of running.  The offense is based on ball movement and being in the right position.

Phil is responsible for helping dozens of players find a niche in the NBA.  He is also responsible for helping his superstar players reach new levels.  Hopefully the new regime can get Carmelo to a new level.  Shaquille O'Neal might have benefited the most from
Phil ' s tutelage.  He got Shaq in the best shape of his career by pushing him to play every minute of every game.  Shaq eventually gave up on that proposition.  However, it served as a spring board towards his first NBA finals MVP award.

Carmelo slimming down could definitely hinder his ability to post up other forwards. However, if it can extend his career, that's a price he and the Knicks are willing to pay. Lugging a 240 pound frame around for 70 plus games is demanding on the human body.

LeBron James has also decided to get on the Jenny Craig wave and shed some pounds this summer.  LeBron and Carmelo are like a new era Larry Bird and Magic Johnson.  Both players are aware of what the other does on a nightly basis.  Neither wants the other to get the upper hand.  Someday these two professionals will probably introduce one another at their Hall-of-Fame ceremonies.

Carmelo is one of the elite scorers of the modern generation.  Somehow it still seems as if he has more to give.  He's taken a great deal of criticism for staying in New York.  Carmelo claims his decision wasn't about the money.  New York must improve from an abysmal 37-45 finish last year.

The NBA'S new schedule is here.

Hip hip hooray, the NBA season is right around the corner! Men and women jump for joy. The best brand of basketball this planet has to offer is just over two months away.

The league has carefully etched out the new season's schedule with the intentions of exploiting the juicy stories left over from last season.

LeBron James decided to take his talents back to Ohio during the off season.  As a result the league has decided to take the national audience back to Ohio.  If the Kevin Love trade goes through as expected, the league just may find a way to squeeze the Cavaliers into a few more nationally televised slots.  Nationally broadcast games are important to professional sports leagues.  This is the leagues opportunity to showcase their brand.

The Eastern Conference is like a J.V league in comparison to the Western Conference.  This could be the reason the N.B.A decided to only have teams from the west play on opening night.  Players from the Eastern Conference should take this as a slap in the face.

The San Antonio Spurs, the leagues defending champions open up the season at home against the Dallas Mavericks.  The Spurs were the best team in the league last season wire to wire.  This year they open the season against the same team that took them to seven games in the first-round of the playoffs.  The Mavericks added Tyson Chandler, Chandler Parsons and Raymond Felton in the off season.  Dallas is poised to take the Spurs spot as kings out west.

The Chicago Bulls were serious candidates in the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes this past summer.  The New York Knicks open the season at home on October 29th against the Bulls.  Phil Jackson will begin his first full season in the Knicks front office against the team he guided to six championships during the 90's.  Derrick Rose is looking to regain MVP form.  Chicago, along with Cleveland are favorites to win the east.  This is definitely a statement game for New York.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors will rekindle their rivalry on Christmas day.  This is arguably the most exciting rivalry in the N.B.A right now.  These two teams don't like one another.  The two franchises aren't shy about expressing their disdain for the other.

LeBron will be taking his talents to South Beach for Christmas.  Ohio is cold around the holiday season.  I'm sure LeBron won't mind a mini vacation.  He's likely grown accustomed to the beautiful weather the city of Miami has to offer.  Christmas day is important for the N.B.A.  Michael Jordan played every Christmas.  Kobe Bryant took over that role after Michael called it quits.  Now that LeBron is the clear cut best player in the league, playing on Christmas is almost guaranteed.

John Wall and company must have really sent a lasting impression with their surprise run last postseason.  The Washington Wizards will travel to New York to take on the Knicks on Christmas day.  The Wizards have been irrelevant since Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton tried to turn the team plane into the wild wild west.  John Wall and Bradley Beal are both potential all-stars.  Basketball is back in the nation's capital.  Barack Obama will not have to travel far to see a marquee match-up this season.

Jump for joy, The N.B.A is almost back.

OOH WAY at the Rucker!

Ooh way putting in that work.  This one was over before it started!

Anthony Mason enjoying the festivities

Hannibal Lector

This one is a bit blurry but that's Dwight Hardy knocking down the off balance jumper. Who we ooh way!

Antoine Dobie, also known as ANTIFREEZE.

Best guard in the city?

Cab driver looking for that taxi fare.

Becky Hammon, first full-time female assistant in NBA!

The NBA has once again proven why it is one of the most diverse professional sports leagues in the world.  The San Antonio Spurs, the leagues defending champions have named Becky Hammon their newest assistant coach.  She is now the first full-time female assistant coach in N.B.A history.

Hammon has been apart of the San Antonio Community for seven years.  She was traded to the Alamo city from the New York Liberty in 2007.  For the past year Hammon has worked closely with the Spurs coaching staff, learning the in and outs of coaching in the N.B.A.  Greg Popovich must have been very impressed with Hammon ' s progress.  The Spurs are about business.  This hire was strictly about merit.  Popovich and company are not in the business of making American history.  For the Spurs winning comes first and Hammon has proven she can help the Spurs do just that.

Hammon has been a feisty point guard during her 16 year W.N.B.A career.  She entered the league as an undrafted free agent.  Hammon has put together one of the most accomplished careers in the short history of the league.  She's averaged 13 points, 3.8 assist and 1.1 steals per game during her career.  Her best season came in 2009, posting 19.5 points, 5.0 assist and 1.6 steals per game.

Hammon is a small town girl.  She hails from Rapid City, South Dakota.  She learned to play basketball by shooting basket after basket in her yard with the tutelage of her father.  As a youth she dreamed about playing in the N.B.A.  Today Hammon can tell young women they can one day become apart of the N.B.A family.

This hire could open doors for women in professional sports.  How long will it be before we have a female third  base coach or offensive coordinator?  Hammon may never get to become a head coach in the N.B.A.  However, a precedent has been set.  America has taken another huge step in gender equality.

Durant gone packing

The backlash to Paul George's devastating leg injury has officially begun.  Kevin Durant, the next face of U.S.A basketball has opted to leave team U.S.A prior to the World Cup kicking off.

Kobe Bryant's international career is over.  LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have participated at the Olympics on three occasions.  There's a good chance both LeBron and Carmelo are finished playing for team U.S.A.  Durant is the best player in the N.B.A, that is still a few years away from his peak.  That's when most guys at the professional level sacrifice the time and effort to represent the United States.  In the N.B.A your 30 ' s are about winning championships.

Durant is definitely not the only player pondering about this whole team U.S.A thing. George's injury is significant enough to alter the remainder of his career.  Basketball is different for soccer.  The N.B.A Championship is considered the ultimate trophy in the sport.  The league is considered a fraternity.  Witnessing a key member of that fraternity suffer a terrible injury will definitely send shock waves throughout the league.

The U.S.A began an unprecedented international run beginning with the Dream Team in 1992.  The 1996 team was a nice follow up to the Dream Team, but failed to dominate the the rest of the world in the Same manner.  By 2004 team U.S.A was only good enough to win bronze.  Well, at least the guys that were willing to go were  good enough to win bronze.

LeBron is still the best player in the N.B.A today.  But the question is how long before that changes?  Better yet, will the next wave of superstars be coaxed by owners like Mark Cuban into skipping international play altogether?

Basketball has exploded into an international game.  Players like Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki fell in love with basketball by watching the best players in the N.B.A play international ball.  The N.B.A wouldn't be the league it is today without foreign influence.  It's one of the things that make the league so special.

If the days of the N.B.A's best participating for team U.S.A are over it has certainly been a great ride.  The N.B.A is now a corporate conglomerate.  Players are billion dollar investments.

For the N.B.A's sake I hope they find some way to compensate.

Love on the move as expected!

Andrew Wiggins only wanted to play for a team that wanted him, and now that wish has been granted.  The Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to a trade that will send Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Minnesota will receive Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett and a 2015 first-round selection.

LeBron James has been open about his desire to become an owner after his playing days are over.  Right now he looks like the best general manager in the NBA.  Cleveland just went from an outside threat to win the east, to the favorites to represent the conference in the NBA finals.

Love averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds per contest last season.  Shaquille O'Neal was the last player to switch teams after averaging at least 25 points and 10 rebounds a night. That Move didn't pan out right away.  Kobe Bryant needed time to develop into the second star.  The Lakers also needed to get the right coach in place to manage all that talent.

The good thing about Love joining Cleveland is his youth.  The talented forward is just entering his prime.  Kyrie Irving is 22 years old.  LeBron is the elder statesman of the trio. Physical fitness has never been an issue for LeBron.  The future is shining bright in Cleveland.

Minnesota fans have no reason to have Ill feelings towards Love.  The fact of the matter is Minnesota has yet to develop a winning tradition.  Love is entering his seventh season.  The wear and tear begins when you enter the league, and doesn't stop until your retired. Tomorrow isn't a guarantee for any professional athlete.  Kevin Garnett had the time of his life in Boston, following twelve grueling years in Minnesota.  I'm sure Love will more than enjoy the comradery in Cleveland.

Minnesota came away as winners in this deal also.  Wiggins has all the tools to be a great player.  He's a solid defender, has a great wing span, has a great motor and is willing to be taught.  These are characteristics not seen often in an 18 year old.  Anthony Bennett had a disappointing rookie campaign.  However, he began to show signs towards the latter parts of last season.  If Bennett can come close to meeting the expectations of a number one pick, Minnesota might have a deadly nucleus a few years down the road.  Wiggins and Bennett are both natives of Canada.  They both should receive great fan support in the Twin Cities.

David Blatt 's job keeps getting better and better.  I can't remember any first time NBA coach coming into a better situation.  Blatt has yet to coach on an NBA sideline even as an assistant.  The fact that LeBron is such a student of the game will help the transition process for Blatt.

LeBron, Love and Irving all averaged at least twenty points a game last season.  Those numbers will all likely take a hit this season.  These things take time, even with arguably the best two forwards in the NBA on the same roster. The Miami Heat got off to a 9-8 start LeBron's first year in South Beach.  It took time for LeBron, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to adjust to being teammates.

LeBron's desire has always been to have talent around him in Cleveland.  Lately it seems like LeBron gets whatever he wants.  He certainly got the man every big market team was salivating over acquiring next summer.  Now NBA front offices can turn their hopes to Kevin Durant.

There is a new big-time in town!

Dyckman after dark

Tiger hurt again

Is Tiger Woods greatness all but gone?

Tiger Woods was once an untouchable athlete.  Good looks, talent and a super model wife would make any man jealous.  However, over the past five years all that magic seems to have dwindled away.

Tiger was forced to retire from the Bridgestone invitational after only eight holes on Sunday. This was only his third tournament since his last surgery.  Ever since Tiger's private life became public notice, he seems to run into set back after set back on the golf course.

Tiger has incentive to still be playing.  Jack Nicklaus' s 18 Major championships is in sight. At one point it seemed like a guarantee Tiger would surpass Jack.  Due to the injury bug and a nasty divorce, that proposition doesn't seem so certain.

In recent years Tiger's career has taken on the characteristics of some of the most troubled athletes in recent history.  His body is breaking down like Allen Iverson, while his private life has taken on the persona of Mike Tyson.  His injury report resembles that of a Starting NFL tailback.

If Tiger misses the next major that will make seven.  Jack didn't miss his seventh major tournament until the age of 61.  This year could be the first time Tiger has played in less than two majors since 1994.

Are the days of Tiger Woods dominating the world of golf over?  Rory McIlroy seems poised to remain at number one.  For so long it's been Tiger and everyone else.  Phil Mickelson is fun to root for, but could never get over the hump until recently.

Tiger has tried everything to get his body into playing form.  His list of injuries include a bum knee, elbow and a bad back.  These are all injuries to end careers.  Tiger deserves a great deal of credit just for trying.  He is obviously in agonizing pain when he steps on the golf course.

If Tiger never regains form it was a great ride while it lasted.  At one point the only athlete that was comparable to Tiger was Michael Jordan.  Over time people will forget about the divorce fiasco.  Tiger is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.  It's disappointing seeing him struggle to get back to an elite level.  This is the part of the game casual fans don't see.  The blood, sweat and tears that go into it.

NYC Summer Nights!

New York City

Experience love!

ENJOY LIFE!

As a child one of my favorite past times was running on the court during intermission of a basketball game.

George injured in USA scrimmage

Paul George Is living every professional athletes worst nightmare.  It's considered an honor to represent your country in international competition.  It's one thing to get injured in an NBA game, but to be out due to an injury suffered on the international scene Is like throwing gasoline on a fire.

George suffered a compound fracture of the ankle and fibula.  This is the same injury Kevin Ware suffered in the NCAA tournament a year ago.  Ware was forced to red shirt this season due to complications in the injured knee. There is currently no timetable for his return.  At this juncture all George can do is keep faith and be prepared for the rehab process.

The Indiana Pacers were the best team in the NBA the first two months of this past season. The team hit a wall down the stretch and was eliminated by the Miami Heat rather easily in the Eastern Conference finals.  Lance Stephenson turned down a five-year, $44 Million dollar deal to remain with the Pacers.  He opted instead to take a two-year deal with a third year club option with the Charlotte Hornets.  Now with George's injury, Indiana has lost their two best players in a matter of weeks.

NBA players have not suffered many high profile injuries since professionals were allowed to participate in international play beginning in 1992.  The injury is a real bummer for the Indiana Pacers organization as well as the NBA.  The way players view playing for the USA will change in the near future.

The Pacers finished last season in shambles.  However, with LeBron James taking his talents back to Ohio, the Eastern Conference is once again wide open.  Now with George sidelined this season's promise is all but gone.  The Pacers are going to have to dig deep to put together a winning season.

George's game developed rapidly due to Danny Granger suffering nagging injuries over the last three years.  Now Granger is struggling to prove he still has something left in those legs.  George is only 24 years old.  He still has a bright future ahead of him.  It's important that he takes the right steps to get back to 100% health.  Don't rush the recovery process.

Mark Cuban has spoken out against NBA players playing for the U.S in the past.  His statements about George's injury came as no surprise.  Cuban may not to be the only owner that will eventually speak out against NBA players being the main focus of the U.S basketball program.

Mike Krzyzewski handled the tragedy as well as humanly possible.  The rest of the scrimmage had no business being played.  I would assume this was one of the toughest post game interviews of Krzyzewski 's life.

Yanks add former Sox infielder

The New York Yankees have added veteran veteran Shortstop Stephen Drew.  Drew was a member of the Boston Red Sox 2013 World Series winning team.  

The addition of Drew adds some much needed stability to the Yankees defense up the middle. Drew will play second base for the first time in his career.   He's  a crafty player.  It could take a few weeks to get adjusted to his new position.  He should be just fine after enough repetition.  

Johnny Damon, Babe Ruth, Roger Clemens and Wade Boggs all have one thing in common.  They were all members of the Red Sox prior to joining the Yankees.  All four men helped bring a World Series crown to New York after playing in Bean Town.

Drew and Jacoby Ellsbury are now attempting to join that elite club.

Drew is the younger brother of former outfielder J.D Drew and former pitcher Tim Drew.  Talent definitely runs in the Drew family.

New York isn't picking up Drew for his bat.  He's hit only .176 in 39 games this season.  In 2008 he hit a career high 21 home runs.  It would be great for the Yankees if Drew can generate some of the power he displayed early in his career.

This could be viewed as a terrible attempt at wishful thinking.  This is Derek Jeter's last hurrah on the diamond.  The Yankees need to start making up some games to have a shot at the playoffs.  5.0 games in the division and 3.5 back in the Wild Card are not insurmountable leads.  However, August is here.  The time to string together a win streak is now.