What if Michael Vick Was White

ESPN is under fire Thursday for creating and publishing the Photoshopped image above of Michael Vick(notes) with a white face to accompany a column in ESPN The Magazine entitled "What if Michael Vick were white?"
After immediate backlash to the image, which was also posted on ESPN's website, editors replaced the online picture with a regular photograph of Vick. The website then reversed course and, as of 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, had restored the original, controversial image to the top of the online story.
The picture and headline accompany a thoughtful piece by noted cultural critic Toure on how Vick's race has shaped both the positive and negative aspects of his life. The author dismisses the hypothetical question posed in the article's title saying that changing Vick's race would be to fundamentally change the athlete so much as to render him unknowable.

I mean, who would this white Vick be? [...] When you alter his race, it's like those Back to the Future movies where someone goes back in time, inadvertently changes one small thing about his parents' dating history and then the person starts to disappear. If Vick had been born to white parents, you wouldn't even be reading this right now. That Vick would have had radically different options in life compared with the Vick who grew up in the projects of Newport News, Va., where many young black men see sports as the only way out.

On his Twitter account, Toure said he asked editors not to use "What if Michael Vick were white?" as the title to the article. He later said he wasn't consulted about the image choice. "Judge me on the story," he wrote, "not the art."
If you ever wonder why it's difficult to have intelligent, measured discussions about race in this country, look no further than the picture above. A fine author writes a thought-provoking piece about how the color of your skin has some bearing on the person you become. It molds you like a number of other factors like upbringing, class and parenting. He goes beyond the usual platitudes that we throw into racial discussions so as not to seem insensitive or trite. And all of that is ignored because of a race-baiting headline and a cheap Photoshop job.

Related: Michael Vick

Jalen Rose Sentenced to 20 Days In Jail

Jalen Rose was sentenced to 20 Days in prison after he pleaded guilty in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to driving while intoxicated after he was pulled over on May 25.
He was facing 93 days in jail if it had gone to trial, so he decided to spend less time of the lock out in lock up.
It will be interesting to see if there is any further punishment from ESPN, where Rose serves as an analyst.

Another NFL Player Aressted:Bengals RB Cedric Benson

Yesterday, it was  reported that Bengals Cedric Benson had been charged with assault of a family member. Story here. Well, new details have emerged.

According to police, Benson reportedly approached a former roommate at an Austin street corner at 5 a.m. Sunday, and repeatedly struck him in the face. According to the arrest affidavit, the victim ,a former roommate, Clavens Charles was approached by a “hostile and aggressive” Benson. He then told him they needed to talk about their problems. Afterwards, the two began to argue, and that’s when Benson allegedly punched him in the left side of his face multiple times.

“The two had difficulties resulting from Mr. Benson asking the former male roommate to leave his home a few days prior to this incident,” said Benson’s lawyer Sam Bassett in a written statement.

Benson, a former UT Longhorn Football Player, has been arrested three other times in the Austin area.

In June 2010, Benson was accused of punching a West 6th Street bar employee.

In May 2008, Lower Colorado River Authority officers charged Benson with boating while intoxicated at Lake Travis.

In June 2008, Benson was arrested in downtown Austin and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Benson still has to appear in court for his arrest last year in Austin, so this most recent arrest is not a good look for him. It’s equally bad for the Bengals,as a large question during the lockout is whether or not NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can apply the league’s conduct policy to players who are, technically, not employees of the league.

If Goodell is given this authority, he could suspend Benson, for his second arrest in a year. So how do the Bengals structure a contract offer, if they don’t know whether or not Benson will be suspended for the beginning of the season? Once the lockout ends, teams will only have 72 hours to negotiate exclusively with their own free agents, which isn’t enough time for Goodell to impose a penalty, nor enough time for the Bengals to make an informed decision.

Regardless, there is one thing that is for sure: Benson needs to leave Austin. Because when he is in his old stomping grounds, trouble is sure to follow.

"Choke" IS THE RIGHT WORD FOR THE US WOMENS SOCCER TEAM.

Lets not call it a "Choke Job" was a phrase swirling around Twitter. Because its a woman's sport are you suppose to be nice ? My answer is no and here is why. That diminishes the effort given by the 99 team (world champs). On the biggest stage in any sport there comes a great deal of pressure and expectations.The 99 team delivered the 2011 team caved in under pressure.

This was never more apparent than after dominating the first 20 min in offensive possessions having a one goal lead in the second half and again in extratime which seemed like an insurmountable challenge for the Japanese,they lost their aggression.They didnt play to win they played not to lose,a freightened team with burning tired legs waiting for time to run out.Time seems to never run out for the timid. If you dont finish off your opponent you leave the door open for chance, which came by way of a last minute corner kick by Japans Homare Sawa.But the US team still saved their ultimate choke job for the end.

 Going into the penalty kicks, the U.S. seemed to have the  advantage. They have the experienced and dangerous strikers, and more importantly they have one of the game's best goalkeepers manning the nets. They also had the history of never having missed a penalty kick in Women's World Cup play.They missed their first 3 shots two lame and badly aimed shots were blocked and the other sailed into the stands.

And while the Hope Solo blocked one shot, she should have had two. She got her hand on a shot to the lower left corner, but the ball powered through. If you are truly the best keeper in the world, then you need to stop that shot. "EPIC CHOKE". In soccer there are no coaches time outs or media timeouts for commercials these are well conditioned world class athletes and should be regarded as such and held to a world class standard just as men do.If your favored to win then you must do so or its a choke ,especially for any kind of "World Championship".

"I'm not sure," Wambach said when asked to explain all the blown leads and missed opportunities in her own TV interview. "I think the magnitude of all this can get the best of you.
"I don't know. Japan just kept coming and they never gave up."To me thats an admission of caving in under pressure.

The sadness at the Loss is moderated by wanting good things to happen to Japan in light of the recent events.We cant sugar coat it thogh it is what it is "A CHOKE JOB"  

"Exercise is a must" : Oldest Bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd

 Oldest Bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd

The oldest female bodybuilder Ernestine Shepherd 71 said, exercise is a must  for everybody."Everyone needs exercise in their life" .Shepherd is in better shape than most people, decades her junior.She spends her days running, lifting weights and working out every morning.Without it she also works as a certified personal trainer at her gym and is a role model not just for senior women everywhere, but for everyone of us .at 40 she was a ,”Bodybuilding champion Ernestine Shepherd shows us that ”being out of shape” as we age truly is merely an option.

Training grub: She drinks 16 ounces of water and eats a light snack that includes a bagel with peanut butter or two hard-boiled eggs before starting her workout.

Other acclaim: Has appeared in Essence (1991 and 2003); The Baltimore Times (2002); and the book Self Seduction, Ultimate Path to Inner and Outer Beauty (2003); has appeared on The View (2001); in a Carmax commercial (2004); and in the Miss America Senior Pageant (2004). She models for Nova Models in Baltimore.

 She doesn't overdo it. Shepherd said she bench presses about 150 pounds, but her trainer is careful not to push her and cause an injury. "I have old things in my body," she said.
She had an inspiration. Shepherd's quest to become buff was launched alongside her sister, Mildred Blackwell.
But when Blackwell died in 1992, a year into the sisters' training, Shepherd vowed to continue on in her memory.
She gives back. Shepherd said she wants other people, especially those who are older, to know it's not too late to get healthy.
In addition to working as a personal trainer, Shepherd leads exercise classes for seniors at the Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Baltimore.

Lockout Key Issue No More Jamarcus Russell's: Rookie Salary Cap

A key issue in the negotiations of the NFL lockout has been reached. NFL players and owners have agreed in principle to a new rookie wage system, sources on both sides told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Rookie contracts were becoming ridiculous with the guaranteed money, Sam Bradford for example, his contract netted him $50 million in guarantees and $86 million overall.  Jamarcus Russell signed a $61 million contract with $32 milllion guaranteed.  NFL veterans and owners could not continue to let unproven players earn this kind of money.

In the expected deal; all first rounders would get four-year deals, plus the option year, under current proposals. That option could be executed by the team after the third or fourth year of the contract.

Sources told ESPN Analyst Chris Mortensen that the two sides expect to work late into Thursday night and return Friday morning to work on open issues that include workman’s compensation, extra right-of-first-refusals on this year’s free agent class, settlement on the television damages and the antitrust lawsuit and issues relating to commercial sponsorships.

Progress has been made in the NFL labor negotiations and the July 21st deadline of reaching an agreement is within reach. Owner’s realize they will lose $20,000,000 per week if any games are cancelled. There could be light at the end of the lockout tunnel, but no celebrations coming from me until the deal is finalized.

Wambach Lifts USA To A 3-1 Victory Over France

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP)—The United States is in the World Cup final for the first time since it last won the title in 1999, and once again Abby Wambach came up big for these Americans, scoring in a 3-1 victory over France.
Wambach broke a tense tie in the 79th minute Wednesday with a monstrous header—what else?—off of a Lauren Cheney corner kick. Cheney delivered the ball perfectly to the far post, and the 5-foot-11 forward soared over the scrum, pushing the ball past French goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz. Wambach let out a scream and did a sliding sprint into the corner, where she was mobbed by her teammates.

It was Wambach’s third goal of the tournament and 12th of her career, tying fellow American Michelle Akers for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Alex Morgan added an insurance goal in the 82nd, the first for the World Cup rookie. When the final whistle sounded, the Americans rushed onto the field. Wambach found U.S. coach Pia Sundhage and gave her a bearhug as the pro-American crowd of 25,676 serenaded the team with chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!”
“Abby, she’s just the best,” Sundhage said. “I’m very happy to have her in our team. Great.”
Despite the loss, the World Cup was a resounding success for the French, who made their first appearance in the semifinals and qualified for next summer’s London Olympics.
The French didn’t stick around to watch the Americans celebrate—and the party is sure to be even bigger back home. A thrilling win over Brazil in the quarterfinals captivated fans back home, with Hollywood celebs, other pro athletes and folks who’d never watched a soccer game before jumping on the U.S. bandwagon. Ellen DeGeneres wished the team good luck on Twitter before the game, dozens in the Phoenix airport were glued to TVs and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers tagged one of his tweets with “worldcupfinalherewecome.”
Though the Americans are two-time World Cup champions, they haven’t made the final since Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Brandi Chastain won it all in 1999. This American team will now play either Japan or Sweden in Sunday’s final in Frankfurt.
The Americans had only two days’ rest following the Brazil game, their quickest turnaround of the tournament, and there had been concern that fatigue or emotions might get the best of them. But Wambach, who has been playing with an Achilles’ tendon so sore it often keeps her out of practice, dismissed that idea.
And she sure didn’t look hobbled.
“In the end, we’re in the finals,” Wambach said, “and that’s all that matters.”
The U.S. was staked to an early lead by Cheney’s goal in the ninth minute. But with the silky smooth Louisa Necib calling the shots, France dominated for most of the game, finishing with a whopping 25-11 advantage in shots. They missed two great chances in the first half, with goalkeeper Hope Solo having to tip a Gaetane Thiney shot away in the 30th and Sonia Bompastor rattling the crossbar two minutes later.
Finally, in the 55th, France got its equalizer. Bompastor floated in a cross from about 30 yards and, with the dangerous Gaetane Thiney right in front of her, Solo had little opportunity to move. The ball flew right past her.
But just as they did Sunday against Brazil, the Americans got stronger and stronger as the game went on before Wambach came through. Morgan then put the game out of reach, showing why many believe she’s next big U.S. thing. Outracing four French defenders, Morgan sprinted up the left side and then stutter-stepped to throw Sapowicz off before taking her shot. There were still 10 minutes left, but the party was on.

Ex NFL Bengal Killed by California Deputy in Scuffle

Ex-NFL Bengal killed by Calif deputy in scuffle

(AP) – 2 hours ago

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) — A former running back for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals was shot and killed Sunday in front of a convenience store after he allegedly hit a police officer with a bag holding two cans of beer.
David Lee "Deacon" Turner, 56, was shot and killed by a Kern County deputy.
As a student-athlete, Turner thrived, shredding defenses at Shafter High School, Bakersfield College and San Diego State University. But as an adult, after playing in the NFL from 1978 to 1980, he had trouble finding his place in civilian life.
Court records show an arrest history stretching back to 1986 for the former running back and kick return specialist. The most recent, on June 17, was for driving while his license was revoked because of a conviction for driving under the influence.
On Sunday, deputies were investigating reports of teenagers asking adults to buy alcohol and cigarettes. The deputies approached Turner as he left the store with his 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old juvenile whom authorities have not identified.
The deputies detained Turner while they investigated. According to reports from the sheriff's office, Turner initially complied with deputies but then decided to leave.
Deputies said a scuffle occurred when they tried to stop Turner. Deputy Aaron Nadal was hit on the back of the head with a bag holding two, 24-ounce cans of beer before Deputy Wesley Kraft drew his handgun and fired twice at Turner, authorities said.
Friends and family told the newspaper they have trouble believing authorities' account of the story. Coach Collins said, "The deputy must have provoked him." Nephew Kevin Turner called his uncle "the backbone of our family."
"He was a marvelous kid," Bakersfield College coach Gerry Collins told The Bakersfield Californian.
Sheriff Donny Youngblood said department investigators were getting tapes from video cameras at the store to see if the incident was recorded. He said the investigation won't be quick, and he will review the results. He said he has purposely not researched Turner's criminal background.
"I want to look at it with an open and objective mind," Youngblood said. "Having a record is a tiny piece of the puzzle, but not a significant piece."
He declined to comment about the investigation directly. The department issued a release saying Nadal was treated and released at a hospital. Officials have not described the nature of his injury.
Kraft is on administrative leave while sheriff's detectives investigate the shooting.
In 1979, Turner tied for the league lead in kick returns with 55. The same year he was second in rushing yards with 1,149.
"Pound for pound he was as strong as anyone on the time," former teammate and radio analyst Dave Lapham told Cincinnati.com.<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="Travchapman">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js%22%3E%3C/script>

NFL LOCKOUT :ROOKIE WAGES BIGGEST STUMBLING BLOCK

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie wage scale and free agency for veterans appear to be the biggest stumbling blocks to ending the NFL lockout.

Several people with knowledge of the talks tell The Associated Press that such key issues as splitting total revenues — the major reason for the dispute — the salary cap, fewer offseason workouts and the length of a new collective bargaining agreement are close to being completed.

The people spoke anonymously because details are supposed to remain private.

Owners and players are to meet again, beginning Tuesday, after two days of long negotiations last week. Lawyers from both sides are to meet Monday.

The sticky topics include limits on rookie salaries and signing bonuses. Another is the number of transition tags for free agents, with right of first refusal.

With training camps scheduled to open in less than two weeks for some teams, time is growing short to reach an agreement to end the nearly four-month lockout without a disruption to the preseason. With court-appointed mediator Arthur Boylan on vacation this week, the two sides plan to negotiate in New York, where last Friday talks were slowed by differences over the rookie wage scale and guidelines for unrestricted free agents.

NFL owners have long sought to restrict the huge bonuses and salaries paid to unproven rookies, particularly those selected high in the draft. Quarterback Sam Bradford, the 2010 top overall pick by St. Louis, signed a six-year, $78 million contract that included a record $50 million in guaranteed money.

The NFLPA insists that money diverted from the rookies go to veteran players; some also would go for retired players' benefits. The main disagreement right now is how deep into the first round the rookie wage scale would apply, perhaps eight picks, perhaps twice that many. Some owners also are seeking longer contracts for rookies.

In addition, the owners are pushing for more restrictions in free agency, which the players "vehemently oppose," one of the people familiar with the negotiations said.

"Maybe for one year there might be an extended right of first refusal as a compromise," the person said.

Would either side hold up a deal over that, especially with the possibility of lost exhibition games no longer remote? NFL revenues would be reduced by upward of $60 million for one weekend of canceled preseason games. The first full weekend of exhibition play is Aug. 11-15; the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams is Aug. 7 in Canton, Ohio.

Who pays how much to a so-called "legacy fund" to help retired players has become somewhat contentious. Originally, the funding was to be 50-50 between the owners and the players. There has been no agreement yet on that breakdown.

Whenever a deal is struck, it will be anywhere from six to 10 years. It also will include mechanisms for ending the CBA early, as happened with the 2006 agreement that the owners opted out of in 2008, leading to no salary cap in 2010 and, ultimately, to the lockout.

A topic on which there remains little disagreement is the salary cap. Some owners are not thrilled with a salary floor that requires teams spend up to 90 percent of the cap in cash on players' salaries each year, but that is not expected to be a significant hurdle.

Players would receive around 48 percent of all league revenues, which reached $9.3 billion last year, and the owners have dropped their demand for money off the top before splitting income with the players. There still will be some stadium credits for teams that recently financed new homes or are planning to do so.

An 18-game regular season still is favored by the owners, but has been set aside for now.

Reducing offseason workouts and minicamps, and the parameters for drug testing are close to being resolved and not seen as major roadblocks.

Boylan has ordered the two sides to meet before him in Minneapolis on July 19. He also made it clear that both sides should continue their own sessions in the interim "in an effort to define and narrow the differences between their respective settlement positions."

He also ordered lawyers from both sides to be ready to meet with him on the evening of July 18 for an "in-person agenda-setting session" that presumably would set the stage for productive talks the following day.

The owners have a labor meeting scheduled for July 21 in Atlanta.

12 NFL PLAYERS ARRESTED SINCE THE LOCKOUT

CINCINNATI — Bengals cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been arrested in Cincinnati on misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
The 27-year-old Jones was jailed around 3 a.m. Sunday. Cincinnati media outlets reported documents filed in court accuse Jones of being disorderly and shouting profanities in a bar and trying to pull away as officers arrested him.
Jones denied the allegations in an interview with WCPO-TV after leaving jail
Since the NFL lockout began on March 12, 12 NFL players have been arrested. This is up from eight arrests during the same period in 2010. During the lockout, the longest period without the arrest of an NFL player is 17 days. lets take a look at the 12 arrests.

Alex Magee

May 9, 2011

The Tampa Bay defensive end was cited on charges of marijuana possession and driving with an expired tag. Police pulled over Magee's 2009 black Dodge Charger for having an expired tag, and upon inspection, they found a small amount of marijuana. Magee is the fourth Buccaneers employee arrested in the last two months, joining Aqib Talib (aggravated assault), pro scouting director Shelton Quarles (DUI) and assistant to the head coach Jay Kaiser (DUI).

Antwan Applewhite

May 6

The 25-year-old Chargers linebacker, a criminal justice major in college, was arrested on suspicion of DUI on May 6. The Chargers called the arrest "disappointing."

William Moore

April 19

The Falcons safety was charged with speeding, driving with a suspended license and failure to appear in court after being pulled over in Gwinnett County, Ga. The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reported that the charges stemmed from an unpaid speeding ticket that has now been paid.

Kenny Britt

April 12

The Titans wide receiver was arrested after he allegedly raced away from a police officer attempting to pull him over for speeding in his hometown of Bayonne, N.J. Britt, 22, faces charges of eluding the officer, hindering apprehension and obstructing governmental function.

Mike Vrabel

April 4

Two days before Vrabel appeared as a named plaintiff in the antitrust suit against the NFL, he made an unanticipated trip through the criminal justice system. The Kansas City linebacker was arrested for felony theft stemming from an incident at an Indiana casino. A law enforcement official said Vrabel was spotted taking bottles of alcohol away without paying for them, but Vrabel called the incident an "unfortunate misunderstanding."

Louis Murphy

April 3

The Raiders receiver was arrested for three misdemeanors, including possession of a drug without a prescription. The drug -- later identified as Viagra -- was allegedly in an unlabeled bottle found after police arrested Murphy for resisting arrest. The officer said Murphy told him he removed the label "because he did not want his girlfriend to know he had a prescription for it."

Aqib Talib

March 30

The Buccaneers cornerback was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in relation to a March incident in which he allegedly shot at his sister's boyfriend. His mother was also charged.

Jason Peters

March 25

The Eagles Pro Bowl tackle was arrested in Shreveport, La., for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest. Police allege Peters was blaring music from his vehicle in the downtown area.

Johnny Jolly

March 25

After being suspended for all of Green Bay's Super Bowl season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, Jolly was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Police allegedly found 600 grams of codeine. Jolly was previously arrested in July 2008 for possession of at least 200 grams of the drug.

Bryan McCann

March 19

The Cowboys cornerback was charged with public intoxication. In a statement, McCann denied he was drunk at the time of his arrest

Mario Henderson

March 17

The Raiders offensive tackle was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, which was allegedly discovered after police pulled over his car for playing music too loudly. He was also cited for failure to wear a seat belt.

Chris Cook

March 12

The Vikings cornerback was arrested in his hometown of Lynchburg, Va., on suspicion of brandishing a gun during a fight. Cook says the incident was just a misunderstanding and that he only argued with a neighbor.

Vick Is Resigned By NIKE

NEW YORK (AP)—Nike re-signed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick(notes) to an endorsement deal Friday, nearly four years after dropping him amid his legal troubles.
Nike, which signed Vick as a rookie in 2001, terminated his contract in August 2007 after he filed a plea agreement admitting his involvement in a dogfighting ring. Vick spent 21 months in prison.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterbac…
AP - Jul 1, 2:58 pm EDT

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Terms of the deal were not released. “Michael acknowledges his past mistakes,” Nike said in a statement. “We do not condone those actions, but we support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field.” Vick was voted The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year after missing two seasons and playing sparingly in 2009. “Michael is committed to working with Nike and wants to utilize his platform as a professional athlete to have a positive impact on our youth,” said Andrew Stroth, the Chicago-based attorney who negotiated the deal for Vick. Nike and Vick initially renewed their relationship in 2009, when the company announced it had “agreed to supply product” to the quarterback, who was not under contract. Nike has similar agreements with several athletes with whom they don’t have endorsement deals. Vick signed a one-year contract with the Eagles in March, a few weeks after being designated as the team’s franchise player. He led the Eagles to a 10-6 record and the NFC East title after replacing an injured Kevin Kolb(notes) in Week 1.

Despite missing three games with an injury, Vick re-established himself as one of the most exciting players in the NFL. He set career highs with 3,018 yards passing, 21 touchdown passes, nine touchdowns rushing, a 62.6 completion percentage and a 100.2 passer rating.

Shaq Will Join The TNT Broadcast Team

O’Neal has agreed in principle with Turner Sports to join their broadcast team.

This makes for an even more entertaining NBA season (considering their is an NBA season). The 19-year NBA veteran was known to be a shoe-in for a broadcast spot after his retirement and now he will potentially join the team of Ernie Johnson, Kenny “The Jet” Smith and Charles Barkley.

TNT will finally fill the fourth spot on their team after a rotating door of former player the entire season who didn’t seem to gel with the rest of the crew very well.

Maybe Shaq can sport a new nickname now since joining the broadcast team. The Big Exclusive?

To NFL And NBA Players Either Manage Your Money or Else

It seems that 7 figures in your bank account comes with a mind altering drug. Many athletes lose touch with reality. Those contracts are not guaranteed for life and could end at anytime.
It’s been almost four months since the NFL lockout began. Four months since NFL players got a paycheck. With those lavish lifestyles to finance some bank accounts are going to feel a pinch. House notes ,car notes, alimony payments, child support payments don't go away because there is a lockout.

And after hearing that the NBA owners and players are no where near close to an agreement, it might be awhile before those guys get a paycheck too.

Normally when working class people lose their job they know money is going to be tight and they have to figure out a way to manage their money with no income coming in. But athletes are not the average Joe.

Some make millions of dollars a year and they spend it on mansions, cars and women . It is their money and they can spend it on whatever they want. But with no money coming in  right now I wonder if most of these athletes have finally learned how to manage and be smart with their money and avoid going broke.

Here's a list of casualties:

Latrell Sprewell, estimated career earnings: $50 million (Filed bankruptcy, 2007) Kenny Anderson, estimated career earnings: $60 million (Filed bankruptcy, 2005) Derrick Coleman, estimated career earnings: $87 million (Filed bankruptcy, 2010) Antione Walker, estimated career earnings: $110 million (Filed bankruptcy, 2010) Scottie Pippen, estimated career earnings: $120 million (Filed bankruptcy, 2003)

Two years ago, Pablo S. Torre wrote an article for Sports Illustrated on How (and Why) Athletes Go Broke. In this article, Torre did some research and found out that: “1) by the time they have been retired for two years, 78% of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial stress because of joblessness or divorce; 2) within five years of retirement, an estimated 60% of former NBA players are broke.”

It’s kind of astonishing to hear that a person who makes  millions of dollars a year would go broke but that’s what happens when athletes aren’t smart with their money. Even if  you can afford it, do you really need  ten cars in your driveway? Do you really need a 16 room, 15 ½ bathroom mansion when you’re the only person living in it?

 African American players make up 79 percent of the NBA. And according to the Toronto Star 60 percent of NBA players are broke five years after they retire. I'll let you do the math.A majority of this could be avoided by education but most don't stay in school long enough to receive it.

Since the lockout started, I’ve heard stories of what NFL players are doing to save money. Like New York Jets safety Eric Smith.

The free agent, who has been in the league for six years, moved back in with his parents in Ohio. I know its tough for SOME men to go back to live with their parents. But with no money coming in you have to do what you have to do to keep money in your pockets.

Then there is the  stories of some players who are still balling out of control despite not getting paid.

Like Eagles DeSean Jackson.

The arrogant wide receiver, that made $470,000 last year, spent $25,000 at a club and twitpic his receipt to impress whoever cares that he blows his money on liquor.

When I hear stories like that it doesn’t surprise me that 78 percent of NFL players go broke after retirement.

You have to be smart with your money no matter if you make $4 million a year, $400k a year or just $40,000 a year. Invest it. Save it. Just make better choices.

Drive one car. Live in one house.Have one wife or one girl friend.  Wear a shirt more than once. Make extended family pay for their own dinner. Learn to say NO. Live the life of a retiree-once you've retired. Loan money, don't give it away.

Request a background check on your investment broker. Pay your taxes. Read the fine print. Don't start expensive habits- strip clubs, gambling, drugs, alcoholism,etc. Wear condoms...every time. Being frugal with your money may lead to less friends but if they are truly your friend they will understand.

Dwight Howard "Planking" What the hell is Planking ?

The term "planking" was coined in Australia and the practice became a fad in 2011. Planking is described as the practice of lying down flat with arms to the side , to mimic a wooden plank  a photo must be taken and posted to the internet. On may 15,2011 Acton Beale, a 20 year old man plunged to his death after allegedly planking from a 7th floor balcony. Invented by Gary Clarkson and Christian Langdon in 1997 it quickly spread to Northern England and Britain but now has quickly taken over the USA.

In this free-agent class, big men (not big names) rule | NBA.com

Which big man would you want on your team? In this free-agent class, big men (not big names) rule NBA.com

Charles Barkley predicts an NBA LOCKOUT

As we watched the Mavericks close out the NBA Finals in South Beach and celebrate on enemy territory, we slowly began to transfer our thoughts to the seemingly impending lockout. After watching the NFL enter a lockout after extremely high television ratings, the last thing a sports fan wants to hear is that professional basketball will also be “M.I.A” for the near future. As it stands right now, it seems as if the owners and the players won’t be able to find common ground for compromise. While the players aren’t too thrilled about the prospects of a hard salary cap, they are willing to cut back on salaries. However, there are more problems such as fully guaranteed contracts and the minimum age limit to play in the NBA.

To nobody’s surprise, Charles Barkley has an opinion on the fate of the NBA and believes that a lockout will be the eventual result. However instead of focusing on fiscal issues, Barkley keys in on the Miami Heat and contraction as the reason for the approaching NBA lockout. He says that it would take a ‘miracle’ for Stern to evade a lockout:

“I think they’re really upset by this Lebron James/Chris Bosh situation, because their teams don’t have to be really good, but I feel like if they have a star in their market they can make some money. And if all the stars want to play together… we’re almost becoming like baseball where you’ve got a few good teams and the rest of them stink.”

While Pat Riley and the Miami Heat can’t be sole perpetrators responsible for causing the 2011 NBA Lockout, Barkley does have a point. Should guys like CP3 and Dwight leave for big markets, the NBA may have a challenging dilemma on their hands.To me I beleive that once a team signs a player and the team makes an effort to build a team around that player and their efforts fail to produce a championship that player has the right to leave and play else where.But to publicly intice others to do the same is wrong and harmful to the smaller market teams.

Tim Duncan: Is this the end of an Era?

According to the San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan will not opt  the final year of his contract.

As such, Duncan will play out the final year of his existing deal, during which he is scheduled to earn $21.2 million, and remains on track to become a free agent after the 2011-12 campaign.

The Express News states Duncan's camp agreed to stand pat with the strong possibility of a lockout looming on Thursday. The intentions are for Duncan to play through the final year of his contract and then sign a new deal after the 11-12' season. The report goes on to tell the team will not pursue an extension with Duncan before Thursday.
However, with no extension talk, and a lockout imminent, could a lockout season be the last for Duncan in a Spurs uniform? Highly doubtful.

Duncan restructured his contract once in the 07-08' season. That move was made so the team could pursue another player with top-level talent either via trade or free agency. The move eventually was made with a trade for forward Richard Jefferson, who obviously has not panned out in his two seasons with the Spurs.

Three days before the 2011 NBA draft, numerous trade rumors were swirling around the league Jefferson was being shopped around in a package that included guard Tony Parker. The rumored package wasn't being offered to get rid of Parker, but more so because he was the only tradeable asset the Spurs could lure a team with to take Jefferson's contract.

With a new Collective Barganing Agreement still uncertain, the Spurs organization is still uncertain as to how much they will be able to spend salary wise in free agency in the off season. For Spurs fans this comes as no surprise his minutes have dwendeled over the past few years and father time will eventualy prevail. The 4 time champion 2 time NBA MVP and arguably the greatest power forward ever will have to say good bye,

NFL Lockout Comes Down To One Relationship - Baltimore Beat Down

NFL Lockout Comes Down To One Relationship - Baltimore Beat Down

Chad Ochocinco is going to wrestle alligators - CBSSports.com

Chad Ochocinco is going to wrestle alligators - CBSSports.com

NFLLockout.com » What Is This Lockout About?

NFLLockout.com » What Is This Lockout About?

Boycott the NFL and the NBA

So, we have 2 seasons  being held hostage. The terrorists doing the kidnapping are the NFL and NBA owners, players, agents, lawyers, stadium operators, merchants, media and any other entities that have helped turn the game into a business. As a fan for more than 30years, I have watched this happen and have been helpless to do anything about it. Its time for action. They lose games,they trade our favorite players,they overcharge for everything, they play in the rain sleet and snow,but we still support them. Lets unite and turn the business back into a game.

It’s just the way of the world, when there is a buck to be made, people tend to take it as far as they can.
No shame in this because that’s the idea right? The reason people work is to make money but we are talking about a ridiculous  amount of it here. We have millionaires bickering with billionaires and the people most hurt by this are us, the fans. We are becoming  frustrated with the game we love because  we may not even have a normal season this year. The irony is, we are supplying the money being bickered over and we have no voice in the matter. let a representative for the fans attend those secret meetings We as fans support our teams,with our hard earned money. we buy tickets jerseys, hats,Tee shirts ,mugs ,posters and anything with our favorite teams logo on it.Not to mention the millions of dollars on their TV sports subscriptions, NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA League Pass this make us feel like we own apart of the team because actually we are the ones in directly paying those inflated salaries .What do we get in return?, entertainment and an autograph if your lucky. Open the doors to those meetings so the fans can be heard.

I say this time lets beat them to the punch. Fans unite and boycott everything that has the NFL and NBA  logos on it. Enjoy watching the season (if there is one) on TV but don’t spend a dime that will trickle up to these terrorists’ pockets. Lets remind them all where the money comes from in the first place! Imagine a televised game with no one in the stands and no merchandise being sold. I think it would be a powerful statement by the fans and might slow down this out of control money machine that we keep feeding our money to.Maybe even toss in a demand or 2, like lower ticket prices,no blackouts,and a ban on 8 dollar beers.

I know an NFL NBA  boycott isn’t very likely to happen, but something needs to be done because just like gasoline, the price will continue to rise as long as we keep paying the increase. I often hear players and coaches say “it’s all about the fans, they are the reason we play.” I wonder how many fans can’t even afford to attend a game! Or go to a game and have to eat before you go.
In closing, maybe it is time to remind these greedy folks of two things: 1) Yes, it is  the fans you play for, we pay your wages; and 2) Youth football is fun to watch too and its free!!! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Reports: Spurs trade for Kawhi Leonard, send George Hill to Pacers | ProBasketballTalk

Reports: Spurs trade for Kawhi Leonard, send George Hill to Pacers ProBasketballTalk

College Athletes and why they should be "Paid in full"

Paid in full

With the rising cost of tuition and the failing economy it is getting tougher and tougher to get your kid into college.For this reason alot of parents are literally banking on their son or daughter getting to college on a scholarship.This being said less than 1\2  a percent of all high school students will receive a 4yr scholarship.Recruiting high school athletes takes alot of time patience and skill,not only do you have to win over the student you have to win over the parent as well.Most parents would say  60,000$ or more  in education should be sufficient enough reward,but not all.

Take the recent scandals of Cam Newton ,Reggie Bush ,  O.J. Mayo and Terrelle Pryor  all allegedly violated NCAA rules by accepting  or asking for money and gifts from various people.My question is how many people could resist the temptation? Then apply these factors: your away from home,you don't have any money and your 18yrs old. It would be tough with out a doubt and not to mention the types of gifts hundreds of thousands of dollars new cars homes and V.I.P. treatment.which brings us to our next question "Should college athletes get paid?"Work study,research  and resident students generate millions of dollars for colleges but they GET PAID.

College is a financial purgatory .Student athletes use college as a platform to showcase their talents to the NFL in hopes of landing a lucrative contract. In reality only 1% will make it to the professional level.The NCAA turns its back on the other 99% .Most  major colleges have taken a page right from the NFL playbook generating millions of dollars from stadium expansions, TV deals, sponsorships  box seats and some college conferences even have their own TV  network. 10 college teams raked in 45 mill dollars last year from the exploitation of its athletes.The NCAA will argue that the Amateurism rule prevents them from paying current student athletes.What about former athletes? Former UCLA basketball standout Ed O'bannon is currently suing the NCAA for violation of antitrust laws by using his name and likeness in video games and on sports apparel. Litigation is still pending but this could be a historic moment because this would allow the world to see just how images ,likenesses of athletes are packaged together and sold for millions of dollars.

Rory Mcilroy: The Premature Crowning

Once again the media is searching for that next great sports hero to latch on to. When one super star retires or leaves the game they also leave a void and a feeding frenzy to fill that void begins.Questions start to fly "who will be the NEXT"....Jordan,Tiger Woods or Iron man Brett Favre ? In the wake of this frenzy peoples lives and reputations can be destroyed.The pressure that is placed on their shoulders once they are crowned  the  next superstar can be devastating. Look what it did to Lebron at the age of 26 hes been labeled a "choker" and they even have said "He's not a clutch player".C'mon give him a break he's still younger than Jordan was before he won his first title and didn't you tag him the "King" right out of high school . Whats troubling is that statistically hes still one of the top 3 players in the league.

      Now we come to the "NEXT" Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilroy he has been crowned after only one major championship victory,Tiger has 14 at least let Mcilroy get 4 under his belt before you crown him.If the failures start adding up before the wins do, the media will turn on him too.From his personal life to his character flaws they will assassinate him just to fill that void that was left when Tiger left. We as fans have a relentless need for information and we tend to crave whats hot good or bad and this is the driving force behind the media.More often than not we will pass premature judgement and end up crucifying someone for not living up to those expectations.Potential blinds us,it gives us a false sense of hope.We need to step back and let destiny run its course.This will give us a clear picture of how to judge them..

Sports Illustrated has proclaimed this a new era how desperate is golf http://www.facebook.com/SportsIllustrated