Pistons’ Head Coach Michael Curry Ousted

The cutting axe was wheeling in Detroit earlier today when the Pistons fired Coach Mike Curry. It looks as if that the Pistons are trying to heal the bleeding and start their rebuilding process, which started with the Chauncey Billups trade, a sub-par .500 record and a sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs. That ouster by the Cavaliers ended the Pistons’ six year streak of making it to the conference finals.
Team president for basketball operations, Joe Dumars recentlt spoke about bringing back Curry for next season, but changed his mind about the fate of his former Pistons teammate after further consideration.
“This was a difficult decision to make,” Dumars said in a statement. “I want to thank Michael for his hard work and dedication to the organization. However, at this time, I have decided to make a change.”
Pistons spokesman Kevin Grigg said the timetable for naming a new coach was up in the air. “Obviously with the free agency period starting Wednesday, July 1, 2009, we don’t know quite the speed of it,” Grigg said.
Another ex-Pistons player and former Dumars teammate, Bill Laimbeer, stepped down in June as coach of the WNBA’s Detroit Shock, saying he wanted a shot at coaching in the NBA. Laimbeer did not immediately respond to an e-mail messages seeking comment.
The Pistons began the season with big hopes but couldn’t recover from the loss of All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups in a November trade to Denver for Allen Iverson — a move intended to feature Iverson’s creativity and create time for emerging guard Rodney Stuckey.
Instead, the Pistons fell apart. They won just three games in February and three in April, plummeting to the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff seeding and a no-win matchup with LeBron James and the Cavs.
The playoff series loss ended a dominant run: The Pistons and the Magic Johnson-led Los Angeles Lakers are the only franchises to play in six straight conference finals since 1970-71, when teams had to win two series to advance that far.
Immediately after the season, Dumars defended Curry. “It was an up-and-down season for him,” Dumars said then. “And, an up-and down-season for us. … The fact that we made so many changes for a first-year coach, I had to step back and be a little more patient than I have been. … I tried to put myself in his shoes.”
Dumars last week started rebuilding the roster. The Pistons may very well part with unrestricted free agents Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess, and they picked up forwards Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers and Jonas Jerebko in last week’s draft.
Last year, Dumars fired coach Flip Saunders after he led the team to the conference finals in each of his three seasons. Curry was an assistant under Saunders for one season. The Pistons also parted ways with Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown in 2005 after he helped them win a title and almost repeat during his two years with the team. Rick Carlisle was fired after two years with the Pistons following an conference finals appearance in his second season and NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first.
Curry, who played for the Pistons in 1995-1997 and 1999-2003, started his playing career as an undrafted free agent during the 1993-94 season in Philadelphia and ended during the 2004-05 season with the Indiana Pacers.
Near the end of his playing career, Curry headed the NBA players’ association, leading it from 2001-2003. He later served as the NBDL’s vice president for player development and the NBA’s vice president for basketball operations.

On To The Semifinals For Venus Williams

With the recent developments at Wimbledon, it would seem like the stage is being set for an all Williams final. As earlier today five-time champion Venus Williams overpowered Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-2 to move on to the semifinals in royal fashion.
Williams who over powered her opponent, hitting shots from all over the court, proving that she is a stalwart on grass. Although Venus wore a brace on her left leg, she did not skip a beat, slamming over 29 winners in stark comparison of the six winners her opponent offered up.
Both players endured the red hot sun, in a match which lasted little over 60 minutes. “I can’t complain,” Williams said. “I’m in the semifinals of Wimbledon, right where I want to be. I just need to take another step forward.”
Williams raced to a 5-0 lead against Radwanska, and finished off the first set with back-to-back aces. Williams dropped only two of 18 points on serve in the set.
Radwanska managed to win the first two games of the second set, but Williams regained command and ran off six straight to finish the match, ending with a clean forehand winner.
Serena Williams, a two-time Wimbledon champion herself, was due up later on Centre Court against 19-year-old Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. The sisters have met in three Wimbledon finals, including last year, and are on course for a fourth title meeting.
“That would be fantastic,” Venus said. “That’s what Serena and I are hoping for.” Venus Williams is trying to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1991-93 to win three Wimbledon titles in a row.
Only once in the last nine years has there been a Wimbledon women’s final that didn’t feature at least one of the Williams sisters. The sisters were the only two Grand Slam winners left in the women’s field — Serena has 10 major titles and Venus seven.
An all Williams finals, is what the fans back home are hoping for too, so we will continue to be the cheering force behind the sisters, although deep down inside I am rooting for Venus.

Yao Ming Might Be Out For 2010 Season

The Houston Rockets had better throw a dinner party for all the players; so that they could serve up some good food with the bad news the team received on center Yao Ming’s left foot injury. According to reports, this injury could be severe enough to hold out the big man next season, and could even be career threatening. Ming will know the severity of the injury upon completion of the selected treatment method, which will be used.
According to Rockets’ team physician Tom Clanton, the injury has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career threatening. “One of the things we are trying to get is a consensus opinion on that, to make certain there is no option we are overlooking that would provide an earlier return or would be an option for treatment that he would prefer rather than doing additional surgery.”
Clanton, responding to a story on Yahoo Sports that reported that the Rockets and Yao representatives are concerned Yao will never play again, said that Yao could choose to try again to immobilize the foot in the hopes that the hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone would heal on its own, as several of his previous bone injuries have and doctors expected this time.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said that he would not comment until he knows all the facts. Yao is scheduled to meet with several specialists to consider a wide variety of options. Clanton declined to say what option he expects to recommend. Because Yao is entirely asymptomatic, there remains a hope that additional time in a boot or cast could allow the bone to heal on its own.
Yao had a pin inserted in the foot in February 2006 and was ready to play in the Olympics in less than six months, and in 77 regular-season games last season. Clanton, however, said there is concern that a more extreme procedure might be warranted, even though his current injury is considered less severe.
If Ming misses the entire season, we can safely say that the Rockets luck out on the deal involving Shaq. Although it is not clear whether Shaq would have elected to go to Houston in a trade. Even though Houston has managed to win without Ming, he is an integral part of their team. Hope he gets well soon.

Alonzo Mourning Returns To The Miami Heat

Former Miami Heat Center Alonzo Mourning will bring his game back to the Miami Heat, but this time as a front office personnel. Mourning is in the process of cementing a deal with the Heat that will allow him to work in a player development role, serving as a mentor to the young players on and off the court.

This announcement came during a Miami Heat team golf charity event here in Miami. Heat president Pat Riley confirmed through a team spokesman that plans are in the works to give Mourning an official front-office capacity.

”We are in discussions with Mourning, and in the stage of forming a long-term relationship,” Riley said Friday. Mourning’s duties have yet to be defined, but it is he likely that he would work with young players, draft picks and free agents to help them adjust to the franchise and living in South Florida.

Mourning also would serve as a liaison to help assist Heat players in community activities and charities. Mourning is expected to earn a salary, and is likely to travel with the team and assist the coaching staff.

Mourning, 39, officially retired in January after playing 15 seasons. He was a seven-time All-Star and was twice named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Mourning helped the Heat win an NBA title in 2006. He sustained a career-ending knee injury in December 2007 against Atlanta.

Mourning retired as the Heat’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, minutes and games played. In March, he became the first Heat player to have his jersey retired when his No. 33 was raised to the rafters. Mourning has been heavily involved in charitable and political activities throughout his basketball career.

Mourning has maintained an almost daily presence around the team since he retired. But his hiring comes a month after the Heat dismissed about 20 employees in business operations amid budget cuts. Mourning’s position is considered a separate basketball operations position.

A Fan’s Tribute To Michael Jackson

Long before Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, Samuel L. Jackson, Danny Glover, Venus Williams, Serena William or Michael Jordan, there was the pop icon, the musical ambassador, the gloved one – yes Michael Jackson.

So today as we mourn the death and loss this musical superhero, lets take a moment in silence for this gentle giant and a musical pioneer, but lets not forget during that moment, that he was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend.

Now is not the time, to celebrate his down falls, but rather, we must embrace the good he has done for humanity through his music and charity. Lets remember how this son of our very soil brought dance and pop music to every corner of the eastern and western world. Let raise our hand in solidarity for every child, and all the other causes that his donations have helped.

Lets recall where we were, when we first heard: Beat It, Thriller, Human Nature, Ben or Dirty Diana. Lets whistle, lets hum to his tunes and for one moment in time, set our mind, body and soul at ease, because we were a part of his musical journey.

They say life is not a destination, but a journey, and Michael Jackson made his way around the corners, curves and speed bumps of his life. He left us behind as fans wishing he had giving us more of himself, but seriously what else could we have asked of a man whose music transcends race, class and creed.

He was a soft-spoken man, who for most of his life lived an existence, which was enriched, but similarly impoverished. He was a king in his own right, but was deprived of the simple things our children now takes for granted. He was forced to live and make his own happiness, which in itself is an arduous task.

So today Michael wherever you are, may you no longer struggle to be understood, I hope you find the peace of mind you so diligently sought to find, and may you find friends among the angels.

My duty to you was as a fan, so I thank you for the many years that I was able to turn to your music, when I need to the comfort just to be happy. Thank you the lyrical contents and the arrangements they were like no other. Most important rest in peace MJ – you deserve it.

Seve Ballesteros Launches Foundation

Golf legend Seve Ballesteros announced the launch of his cancer foundation Thursday, making first appearance before the press after undergoing brain tumor surgery nine months ago.
“I want to do my bit to battle this disease,” Ballesteros said at a reception in a Madrid hotel. Elegantly dressed in suit and tie and giving the thumbs-up salute to photographers, a smiling Ballesteros thanked doctors at Madrid’s La Paz hospital and all those who supported him during his ordeal.
“Just nine months ago my life was hanging by a thread,” the 52-year-old Spaniard said.
“I am a lucky man, I have a second opportunity and my desire is to help others,” he said while presenting the Seve Ballesteros Foundation to help fight cancer. Looking a little thinner but nonetheless in remarkably good shape and spirits, he was accompanied at the reception by two of the doctors that operated on him.
“I contributed my part through my strength as a sportsman, which is what they (the doctors) said, but if they had not been around I would not be with all of you today. So, many thanks,” he said to resounding applause.
Ballesteros won three British Opens and two Masters titles, and had 50 victories on the European Tour. He captained Europe’s Ryder Cup team to victory over the United States in 1997.
He underwent four operations on a malignant brain tumor between Oct. 6 and late December, when he was released from La Paz hospital. He subsequently underwent chemotherapy treatment. He said his thoughts were with people going through traumas like his.
“My message is that there is no secret in life at all. All you must do is fight, fight, fight and be consistent and in the end you will be a winner,” he said. “In the end, you have to have luck and luck comes to those who fight.”
He said he is back to playing a little bit of golf and that recently one his sons, Javier, beat him. “But I will beat him. I just need a bit of training,” he remarked.
Regarding his future, Ballesteros said he was going to dedicate his time to his children, the foundation and giving lectures but would also continue designing golf courses.
The Seve Ballesteros Foundation is aimed to contribute to cancer research, particularly the treatment of brain tumors. It will also help young golfers with financial problems so that they can practice the sport that gave Ballesteros so much success. As golf fans, avid players and humanitarians, we applaud Seve for his courage and determination in his fight.

Tiger Woods Does New York In Losing Fashion

The city of New York just has not been good to the world’s number one golfer this week. Hot off the course at Bethpage Black, or shall we say luke warm, Tiger Woods paid a visit to NBC funnyman and host of the Late Show Jimmy Fallon.
Woods was put to the test by Fallon, in a do over fashion, to replay Bethpage Black and was basically sent to school by Fallon. The two squared off in Times Square on the newest version of Woods’ video game, “Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’10” by EA Sports on a virtual Bethpage Black that was no kinder to Woods than last week’s waterlogged version.

The three-hole match was decided early: Woods double-bogeyed the first hole, Fallon birdied the second and the virtual rout was on.

“Nerds everywhere rejoice,” Fallon deadpanned after his victory. “This competition was not about winning or losing, it was about me winning.”

Dubbed the “Throwdown in Midtown” by Fallon, the 30-minute exhibition to launch the new game shut down half of Broadway at rush hour. The other half was done in by a city crew painting the street red. Seemed about right.

Red is Woods’ color of choice on Sunday, and was his mood when he bolted Bethpage Black on Monday. It had nothing to do with horrid traffic or weather delays or U.S. Golf Association dogma. For the second consecutive major Woods’ putter let him down at last week’s U.S. Open. He needed 120 putts to cover 72 sloppy holes and finish tied for sixth, compared to winner Lucas Glover’s 116 putts. The margin between the two? Four strokes.

Woods was in much better spirits after his loss to Fallon than he was when he frowned his way out of Long Island. “It’s about how I played in the (U.S. Open),” he smiled. “I got schooled at my own game.”

Woods will get a rematch. He’s scheduled to be a guest on the Late Show Thursday and a “Throwdown II” was assured, but Fallon wasn’t worried.

“He needs to change his attitude,” Fallon said. “He walks around like he’s the best player in the world.” But no doubt Tiger will bring his “A” game to the rematch, come on Tiger I am rooting for you. Did some say Fore? I am out of here to get my Tiger Woods Game, looks like the only way I would beat him.

King Of Pop Michael Jackson Hospitalized

According to news reports, pop star Michael Jackson was rushed to a hospital this afternoon by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.

The paramedics who responded to a call at Jackson’s home around 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived. The parademics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told The Times. The news comes as Jackson was attempting a comeback after years of tabloid headlines, most notably his trial and acquittal on child molestation charges.

In May, The Times reported that Jackson was living in a Bel-Air mansion and rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London’s O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get the so-called “King of Pop” back on stage.

His backers envision the shows at AEG’s O2 as an audition for a career rebirth that could ultimately encompass a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a “Thriller” casino. Such a rebound could wipe out Jackson’s massive debt.

We wish Michael a speedy recovery. Hope he beats it.

Aussie Tennis Alive Again At Wimbledon

Say it is not so, but this has to be a blast from the past. Lleyton Hewitt returned to his winning ways at the Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Thursday to score the biggest upset in the men’s draw so far with a 6-3 7-5 7-5 win over fifth seed Juan Martin Del Porto.

Australian Hewitt, ranked 56 in the world after a series of injuries but champion here in 2002, never allowed the Argentine an inch of breathing space with superb ground coverage and made the most of his opponent’s discomfort at the net.

“It’s like a second home really,” said Hewitt after his first career meeting with the 20-year-old. “It’s great to be back in the third round.”
Del Porto was a semi-finalist at French Open last month, had his left knee taped up at the end of the first set after a nasty slip, and Hewitt, who won the opener in 45 minutes, rammed home his advantage.

Hewitt, roared on by a vocal section of Australian fans decked out in traditional green and yellow colors, won his only break point of the second set late on before taking it 7-5.

He served for the match at 5-4 but Del Porto leveled only for Hewitt to break again, roaring his trademark “Come on!” to the excitable crowd.
Hewitt made no mistake second time around when he sealed the victory on his second match point when Del Porto boomed a service return long. Hewitt’s win puts a focus back on Aussie tennis on the men’s draw.

Maybe we could look to see him surging to compete with the chosen one Mr. Federer at the finals.

The Shaq And The King

I truly believe I must have done something special for the basketball gods, because today I woke up to some really great news. No I am not going to acquire a NBA franchise and did not have a nightmare about Lebron James (as if I would wake up from that dream).

But the news involves Lebron James. Next NBA season there will be a vehicle powered by diesel running up and down the court in the form of Shaq Diesel.

Yes sports fans, the Cleveland Cavaliers has acquired the right to Shaq in exchange for Ben Wallace, guard Sasha Pavlovic, a second-round draft pick and $500,000 in cash.

O’Neal who was traded to the Suns by the Miami Heat in 2008, did not make a big impact on the Suns, and we would hope that he helps the Cavaliers steer their way pass Dwight Howard and the Magic next season.

If the Cavaliers manage to capitalize on the deal with Shaq, it would mean that the Cavs would have two out of four leading scorers in the NBA. Of course, how Shaq responds to this call for duty in the off season, will be up to his desire to make this happen with Lebron.

I have not been able to obtain any comments from Lebron, but I sure hope he is excited.

Bye Bye Ms. Sharapova

The courts at Wimbledon proved to have been more friendly to Sharapova’s opponent Gisela Dulko, as she sent Sharapova packing until next year.

Sharapova won seven consecutive games during one stretch but let a late lead slip away Wednesday and was beaten by Gisela Dulko, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in the second round at Wimbledon.

In a wild, 14-point final game, Sharapova saved four match points. But on the fifth she pushed an easy forehand long, and she was out of the tournament after two rounds for the second year in a row.

The 2004 champion was playing in her fourth event since rejoining the tour last month following shoulder surgery in October. She’s ranked 60th but was seeded 24th because of past success at the All England Club. In the final game of the match, a desperate Maria Sharapova scrambled to hit one shot left-handed, and twice challenged calls but lost.

Happy Birthday To Me

Today some 44 years ago a beautiful woman named Juliet brought a baby into this world and named her Alice. But the baby Alice had a father named Richardt, who was more excited than your average dad. Simply because both parents were trying to conceive for a few years.

So they raised this new baby with the values, courage and wisdom enough to make her into a young lady, who grew up to be a rebel, a renegade, an activist, a friend, a lover, a mother, a wife, a single parent and the apple of her children’s eyes.

She has been a sports agent, a publicist, a manager, a confidant, a mentor a volunteer and a friend. And yes that “she” would be me. So today when I celebrate my achievements, I look back on all my experiences and celebrate my failures especially. Reason being that those failures have thought me courage, wisdom and perseverance.

Today, I thank god for all my friends throughout each walk of my life that I have taken, those who I have met as a volunteer, as a professional or through means like sports or social networking, I thank you for the all things that you have passed on to me. I thank you for being human enough to care and to share.

I reflect, recall and reshape my future according to my failures, not my successes. I revive my soul to be open enough to tolerate things that human nature has not allowed me to accept. And I challenge my inner being to continue to put out the love and realness I have managed to cultivate over the last years.

For the men, I have loved, for the ones who have loved me back, I thank you. For those who are still not older enough to be old enough, I thank you too. For the men who are my friends, I thank you for keeping it real, when my ego gets in front, for my son I thank you for trying your best to be the man I have raised.

For my girlfriends and all the women who have made a mark on my life I thank you. For my beautiful daughter who challenges me and my way of thinking, I thank you – for loving me and for teaching me that you are different from your mommy.

My life is very involved with certain causes, like heart diseases, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, children and other human rights and I truly hope that I will always donate my time and efforts for these missions. Today, I am truly grateful – THANKS TO ALL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME.

Gloria And Emilio Estefan Acquires Minority Stakes In The Miami Dolphins

Latin music icon Gloria Esteban and her husband Emilio will be announcing later this week, that they have acquired a minority ownership in the Miami Dolphins.

According to reports, the National Football League and the Dolphins are looking to expand their reach to South Florida’s growing Hispanic community and are turning to the Estefans as their ambassadors. Like many sports fans in South Florida his age, Emilio Estefan is a longtime Dolphins fan whose favorite player is Hall of Fame Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.

A Dolphins news release said there would be a Thursday morning ”major announcement on behalf of the Dolphins” hosted by the Estefans and Ross at LandShark Stadium. This is similar to the way the Dolphins announced their association with singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville business, which includes Land Shark Lager. Buffett is expected to become a minority owner eventually.

Ross likes show-business personalities and likes to make announcements with a show-business flair and timing. He began speaking with the Estefans three months ago about getting a small piece of the Dolphins.

Now, he has linked the Dolphins to two of South Florida’s most famous entertainers — Buffett, whose music symbolizes the relaxed Florida Keys lifestyle, and Gloria Estefan, whose music could symbolize South Florida’s ethnic metamorphosis over the past 25 years.

Emilio Estefan didn’t want to comment Monday night, and Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene said the Dolphins “won’t have a comment on anything until the announcement Thursday.”

The NFL has boosted recent efforts to tap into the national Hispanic market as Hispanics have become the nation’s fastest-growing minority. Players with Hispanic backgrounds such as Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez and Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz have been featured in NFL marketing campaigns aimed at Hispanics, particularly youths.

In fact, on Monday, Gloria Estefan was in Nashville recording with this year’s Monday Night Football introduction song with Hank Williams Jr. Williams’ Are You Ready for Some Football? has become Monday Night Football’s signature song since 1989.

The Estefans wouldn’t be the NFL’s first Hispanic owners. E. Javier Loya, CEO of CHOICE! Energy, is a Houston Texans limited partner.

Linking the Dolphins to the Estefans, who made a significant mark on popular music during the 1980s and ’90s, continues Ross’ trend of trying to light the Dolphins with a show-business tint.

Since taking over majority ownership of the Dolphins and the former Dolphin Stadium from H. Wayne Huizenga, Ross has reached out to Buffett and changed the name of the stadium, which was also formerly known as Joe Robbie Stadium and Pro Player Stadium.

Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine had several hits in the mid-1980s as South Florida, Miami in particular, tried to rebuild its image after the early 1980s riots and cocaine cowboy shootouts. As a solo act she continued to crank out hit music into this decade while Emilio gained stature as a producer.

A Father’s Day Tribute

On the eve of Father’s Day, I would like to pay tribute to the millions of dad’s around the world, who have sacrificed their time for all the children. Also to those dads who have given back to kids, who are not their own. To fathers who are mentors, to fathers who are senators, congressmen, vice presidents, presidents, doctors, farmers, garbage collectors, pastors and human right activists, we say thank you for all your direct and indirect contributions to our children’s lives.

To my very own dad, who gave a totally life long dedication to raising me. Dad, I thank you for loving me and for nurturing me, thank you for marrying my mom. Thanks for the values, for punishing me, for leaving me with the legacy of philosophy, for taking me to my first sporting events, even though I wanted to eat everything in sight.

You see, my dad passed away several years ago along with mom in a brutal car accident. On the day they died I lost my best friends, but most of all I lost my leading man, in everything called life. As I am writing this blog, I am sobbing, not cause he is gone, but because he left me with a legacy. Its hard shoes to fill, especially for a girl, but I have given it a shot.

My dad was wise, intellectual, worldly and my one-man cheering section at my high polo matches, soccer games, tennis matches and debate competitions, yes I was an intellectual jock. But I was most impressed with the way my dad treated the family unit, he was a role model for a husband, a mentor and a friend to other kids. Heck, my mom was impressed enough to marry him.

So years ago when I chose my husband, I quite expected the same. That did not quite work out and after my divorce, I officially took on the role of being a 50/50 parent – 50% mom and 50% dad. It is a hard role to play, and it takes a lot of juggling, being a mom is easy for me, but the dad part has been a challenge, on tough days, I pull for the resources that my dad gave to me. I am also sending out this tribute to the many single moms, grandmas and grandpas who pick the fatherly duties. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I also pay tribute to single dads and lift my hat to them, because raising children alone as a man takes a special heart. To the single dads I say thank you for hanging in there. For learning to all things female in order to raise your daughters and for balancing that the home life and career life.

To the dads in the armed forces, I am not quite sure how to thank you all, for serving our country and for protecting our shores. But a warm thanks. Come home soon, be safe and know we are all rooting for you back home.

To the dads in sports, the announcers, the pro-atlethes, producers, coaches and scouts – one word dedication, because I am aware of the sacrifice you put in to be a part of the family unit. To dads who are battling cancer, HIV, AIDS, diabetes, high blood pressure, I wish you the best of health and the support of you children.

So tomorrow, when you wake, pick of the phone call your dad or someone who is a dad, and make them feel special. I will do too, because deep down inside I wish I could call my own dad who is somewhere up in heaven, but I will thank other dads as a tribute to him. Special thanks to yours truly for holding down the fort my kids, then I will go out and play as an honorary member in a father and son tournament, paying tribute again to my dad. Dad, although my game is not half what your was, I will try to score a few birdies and pars in your name.

Happy Father’s Day Dads – Keep up the good work. If for some reason, there is a dad who reads this blog post and feels left out, then you might have not lived up to expectation, however its not too late to start. Make Father’s Day the start of something new.

Rain Suspends Play At Bethpage Black For Open

World’s No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods and serious contender Padraig Harrington paired together for the first round of the US Open is dodging rain drops and tackling weather conditions in their quest for the US Open crown.

But their quest for now is short lived, as USGA officials halted play, due to weather conditions. God knows Bethpage can be a mean course after the rain, but lets see what happens.

My Official NFL Pre-Season Rant

I have mixed emotions about professional athletes who feel that because they entertain us on Sundays and Mondays, they are entitled to be above the law. I am only hoping that this is just my imagination and not a trend marking its way to a Wide Receiver near you.
For some strange reason, I am convinced that Plaxico Burress, Donte Stallworth, Brandon Marshall and the Chris Henrys of the NFL world expect fans to support their plight and root for their return to the game – no harm no foul.
In the case of Plaxico Burress, his was a case of stupidity meet opportunity. I am still stuck on the fact that this grown man who earns a significant amount of money, packs an unlicensed weapon for a night on the town, instead of hiring bodyguards.
Donte Stallworth, to me has no defense in my book and should have been jailed for a longer period, to keep him off the streets of Miami – my home town. A 30-day sentence courtesy of the good old plea bargain and a financial settlement takes care of his woes. But what is this little legal measure teaching our youngsters growing up.
To me it says, hey party hearty, drink, get stoned and whatever happens, your chances will be as good as your attorney. I sure hope part of the settlement reached with the victims family, will go to psychological treatment for the nightmares that the family will no doubt be suffering.
As to Brandon Marshall – dude please grow up. Your past few years have been more about how many finances you have beaten, choked, or threatened. And to add fire to my fury, you have the nerves of wasting the ESPN viewers’ time to give an interview denying the allegations that the fans can already see through the holes in your story.
Players should remember or their agents should tell them only one percent of the best of the best gets a NFL Contract, so treat a NFL job offer and the subsequent employment with respect. Simply put, outside of their uniforms and within the confines of their private residences, they are just like citizens just like you and me and will have to do time for a crime, just like you and me.
I guess this is the part where, I turn the Mike Vick’s negative to positive, as not once did I hear of Mike resisting the book that was thrown at him for the crimes he committed. He has served his time and even though (and don’t get me started with Mr. Goodell), the NFL is “thinking” about his return, on the condition that he expresses remorse.
Give me a break, Plaxico, Brandon and Donte exist on lenient punishment in “Divadom” and Vick sits at home making $11 per hour. Explain something to me, have the NFL players lost their minds, or should the legal system give the ultimate penalty for each and every unsportsmanlike conduct, regardless of the high profile lawyer?
In summary, Goodell must decide if he’s going to let Burress play while facing a possible grand jury indictment on Sept. 23 on felony gun charges. If there is an indictment, the trial is not expected until next spring. Goodell could announce he’s suspending Burress for the first month of the season, but still allow a team to sign him now, bring him to training camp and then have him for the final 12 games. What nonsense!!
Donte’ Stallworth was also facing a possible 15 years when he was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after he killed Mario Reyes while driving drunk in Miami, Florida on March14, 2009. He reached an agreement to plead guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, two years of house arrest (during which he can continue to play football), and eight years of probation. He also reportedly reached a financial settlement with the victim’s family. No word yet, if Stallworth wants to play next season.
As to Brandon Marshall, he is off twittering somewhere about his disgruntlement with the Broncos. Three words Brandon: “Honor Your Contract.

Tiger Woods Addresses Amy Mickelson’s Health

The World’s No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods showed his softer side commenting on the Phil Mickelson said he dont know how he will cope at this week’s U.S. Open, with the constant reminders of his wife’s serious illness.

Woods and Mickelson return to Bethpage Black in New York for the second major of the year, seven years after they dueled at the same course for the 2002 U.S. Open title.

Woods emerged a three-stroke victor on that occasion, but it was runner-up Mickelson who had the majority of the New York crowd on his side as he was in hunt of that elusive first major title.

World No. 2 Mickelson will again be the center of attention on Long Island as he returns to major play for the first time since his wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer last month.

Though Woods has experience of having to deal with personal grief in a very public setting following the death of his father, Earl, in 2006, the defending champion acknowledged that their circumstances were very different.

“Is it easy? No, it’s not easy,” Woods said. “When my dad was sick, that’s kind of the natural progression anyway. Your parents are supposed to pass away before you. And God forbid how they get sick or how it ends.

“But to have a spouse, you’re supposed to go together. I couldn’t imagine dealing with what he has to deal with on a daily basis,” he added. “And hats off to how he’s handled it because certainly it’s so hard to do.

“Everywhere you go people are reminding you of it, and you can’t get away from it. And you think that the golf course would be your escape, but it’s not,” he explained. “You’re surrounded by people wishing you well the entire time and hoping everything works out. But then again, they keep reminding you of the same circumstance you’re dealing with on a daily basis, and you just can’t get away from it.

“It’s hard, and I don’t know how they’re doing it. But certainly it’s difficult.”

Woods and Mickelson are perceived as not being friends but Woods revealed that he and wife Elin had shared many personal moments with his rival and Amy.

“She’s a sweetheart. She’s been just so nice and so generous to everyone she meets,” Woods said of Amy Mickelson. “And all the years that we’ve played doubles and table tennis, Elin and myself and Phil and Amy, those are priceless times.

Tiger and Phil will not be paired for the US Open this year, as the UGSA moved to take Phil out of that pressure and spotlight that a pairing with Tiger brings. I am extremely happy for that fact, so it gives Phil a few quiet moments out there on the Links.

New York is like his second home because of the golf fans, and I hope they will be there this week as Phil makes a push for it.

Tiger Woods’ Course Design Project In Time Out

Full time golfer aand part time golf course designer Tiger Woods is behind schedule on his first project.
Woods recently said that construction on Al Ruwaya Golf Course in Dubai is on hold because of the economic meltdown in the United Arab Emirates, pushing back the scheduled opening by at least six months.

“It’s six months as of right now,” Woods said in an interview at the Memorial. “It’s going to be behind schedule. Obviously, the economy has turned over there and they’ve slowed down construction because of it.”

The course was to open this fall, but Woods said it could be next summer before the first ball with be hit on that course. “It all depends,” he said. “The economy needs to turn around. If it gets stimulated, we can pick up to the point where we might open earlier, but who knows? It’s out of my hands.”

The project is called the “Tiger Woods Dubai.” It includes 100 villas, 75 mansions, 22 palaces and a 360,000-square-foot boutique hotel. It also is to feature at 139,000-square-foot clubhouse and a golf academy. The developer is Tatweer, a division of Dubai Holding, which is owned by the Emirate and its rule, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Woods said Beau Welling, his chief architect at Tiger Woods Design, has continued to travel between Dubai and two other courses under construction in North Carolina (The Cliffs at High Carolina) and Mexico (Punta Brava).

His course in Dubai had only three holes under construction when work was suspended.
“We’re making sure we get the holes completed — the holes we have,” he said. “I think we have three holes right now.”

He said the course in Dubai needs irrigation to keep the sand in place because of arid conditions and the wind. Woods said on one of his visits, the sweeping wind “changed the whole outline of one hole.”
Woods said his courses in North Carolina and Mexico are awaiting various permits, but otherwise are on schedule.

The Cliffs at High Carolina is expected to be finished in the middle of 2010, while the Mexico course with spectacular ocean views is not scheduled to be completed until late 2010.

Nick Faldo To Receive His Knighthood

With the British Open just around the corner, golfer Nick Faldo earned a new title in addition to his six majors. From to day forward, please refer to the golf legend as Sir Nick Faldo.

Faldo will receive his knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday for his services to golf, the only athlete to be given one of Britain’s highest honors on the monarch’s birthday list this year.

“I was delighted to hear the news that I will be receiving a knighthood and am more than a little bit humbled to have been afforded this great honor,” Faldo said. “It has come as a real surprise, and the reaction from my children, family and friends has made this a very special moment for me.”

Faldo who is the only the second professional golfer to receive a knighthood following Sir Henry Cotton in 1988, won his first professional title in 1977 and added 46 more wins worldwide — including three Masters and three British Opens.

The 51-year-old Faldo has since made a series of entrepreneurial moves, designing golf courses all over the world and working as a television commentator. He captained the European Ryder Cup team that lost to the United States at Valhalla last year.

“I’ve been playing golf at the highest level for some 35 years or more now,” Faldo said. “It has always been my intention to do my utmost to develop this game both in Britain and abroad.”

A total of 984 people received honors on this year’s list. In descending order, the main honors are knighthoods, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and MBE.

Other sports personalities to be honored included a CBE to Peter King, the chief executive of the British Cycling Federation, and MBEs to Charlotte Edwards, captain of England’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team, and former Olympic badminton silver medalist Gail Emms.

Knights are addressed as “Sir” or “Dame,” while recipients of CBEs, OBEs and MBEs have no title but can put the letters after their names.

The honors are bestowed twice a year by the monarch, but recipients are selected by committees of civil servants from nominations made by the government and the public at large. Congrats to Nick, cant wait to see his colleagues tease him about it this week at the US Open.

A Date With Bethpage Black – Destiny Or Disaster

The Bethpage Black golfing mystery still is running on high-octane fuel after many childhood years. There are hundreds of golf course around the country that makes the top 100 list every year, but I only pay attention whether or not Bethpage Black makes it.

My biggest dream is one day go back and shoot a decent score and not be frustrated. But I am happy about the 103 that I recorded on that death threat of a course, two years ago on my 42nd birthday. Mind you I have played Pebble Beach, The Blue Monster and Pinehurst to name a few.

But “Deathpage” keeps calling me back, however, I have made a promised to myself never to go back until I have conquered my fear about that dreadful score.

Mindful of my 9 handicap, I was so destroyed by that score of 103. I don’t even think I would make that score in a nightmare. Not bragging one bit, but I have grown to be a consummate golfer over the years.
After my round at Bethpage, I was so burnt out that I went home and slept for hours.

But if I could manage to score tickets for the next day I would have been there with bells on. All my friends heard about my score and the only thing missing from my disastrous round was a banner announcing it over New York City.

So as the 2009 US Open rolls into town, there will be no doubt, be a lot of victims that the course will take this year. Tiger Woods have been king there and I wonder if his game is up to taking that beat down this year again.

I have a close bond with Bethpage as it became part of my family ritual, when my dad, a scratch golfer, would go out to wait for the wrist band and tickets overnight, before his morning’s round.
Keep in mind, too, that the course is closed during winter and on non-holiday Mondays. And, when Bethpage Black opens in mid April for the 2009 season, it will likely be for half-days only through Memorial Day. The course will then close for the tournament and remain closed until two to four weeks afterward.

Before anyone can use Bethpage’s reservation system, they must become a registered user. To register, you have to fax a copy of your driver’s license AND write or type out all of the information that appears on the front of it, plus your telephone number (an email address would help, too), in case the image is unreadable via the fax.

If you’re not a New York resident, you are also encouraged to include your Social Security number, which will become your reservation system account number. It’s not required (they’ll assign you a number, otherwise), but it will expedite processing. It usually takes between one and three days before you’re officially “in” the system.
Your second option for getting on Bethpage Black, as mentioned above, is to try and walk on, as all of the first hour’s tee times (which begin at 6:30 am), and one slot per hour thereafter, are made available on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the Bethpage brass.

Walk-on hopefuls typically arrive at Bethpage in the afternoon or early evening the day before they wish to play, backing their cars into the designated and numbered “overnight” parking spaces. At about 6:45 pm, a Bethpage official hands out wrist bands, one per car, which confirms the order for the next morning’s ticket distribution. These are the ticket, which allow you purchase your round of golf. Golfer going overnight could make a party of the once in a lifetime event.

You can chose to sleep in you car of use a sleeping bag, either way, it will not be a perfect night’s rest, but the opportunity to play is well worth it.

Rib Injury Sidelines Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s return to the ring has been halted due to an injury he sustained to his rib while training.

Golden Boy Promotions said on Sunday that Mayweather’s July 18, 2009 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be rescheduled.

“I am extremely disappointed that this fight has to be postponed,” Mayweather (39-0, 25 KOs) said in a statement. “I was training very hard and looking forward to getting back in the ring on July 18.”

Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) said in a statement from his training camp in Mexico that he was also disappointed. I will remain focused, in shape and ready to fight whenever the fight is rescheduled for,” the lightweight champion said.

Details about Mayweather’s injury were not immediately available. Mayweather and Marquez were scheduled to fight at a catch-weight of about 143 pounds, eight more than Marquez has ever fought and the lightest weight for Mayweather since 2005.

Mayweather hasn’t boxed since knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007. The former five-division champ was slated to fight a rematch with Oscar De La Hoya but instead abruptly retired last June, turning his attention to show business.

Now, many consider Manny Pacquiao boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter after the charismatic Filipino icon beat De La Hoya and Hatton in fewer rounds than Mayweather. It is possible that Mayweather and Pacquiao will eventually meet, but this injury will only push things further in the future.

Cristiano Ronaldo: My Departing Eye Candy

They say money can’t buy you love, but that is exactly what Manchester United’s skipper Sir Alex can do now that the Real Madrid team has gotten their heart’s desire, snagging soccer hottie Cristiano Ronaldo from his home at the Old Trafford. The Ronaldo deal has been described as one of the most tedious and drawn-out transfer sagas of the modern era.

Not only is this deal dollar staggering it leaves Fergie with buying power and rewards Real Madrid for their business savvy. Sir Alex Ferguson will have an extra £80 million (US$131m) to buy some love of the fans and to recruit other players to the club.

As a Manchester United fan, I am saddened to see Ronaldo go, but it was a soccer divorce waiting to happen. It’s a win-win situation for Cristiano as he gets paid for a professional he loves, and will do so, with his favorite childhood team.

Although Ronaldo was a staple for the Red Devils, on a bad day, he’ll win you a game; on a good day, he’ll do so in such a manner that will leave his opponents considering retirement at half time. He’ll beat men with pace, humiliate entire defenses with his skill, and fluster teams with his unholy knack for finding the net.

England has not seen that sort of explosive genius from a winger since John Barnes, who was at the peak of his Liverpool powers in the late 1980s. We must remember that, though Ronaldo did commit the cardinal sin of saying he would stay several times this season, this was a player who openly expressed his desire to leave the club but was talked out of it by his boss. Maybe that was Fergie’s mistake, and maybe that made this messy divorce all the more inevitable.

No player in the world can do for the club what Ronaldo has done, and the comparisons to George Best are not undeserved. He’s unlikely to ever be held in the same regard due to the nature of his departure, but nobody can dispute just how important he has been – a point, which will be made painfully clear should the club fail to cope properly.

So when Sir Alex takes out the check book to spend over the summer, please buy some eye candy players, then some skillful ones and see if you can at replace Ronaldo in the looks department a girl love here Red Devil eye candy.

Thumbs Up For John Daly And His Pants

The return of golfer John Daly to the PGA Tour made some of his loyal fans happy and give fashion writers a challenge, as they scrambled to cover John’s fashion get-up for the coming out party at the St. Judes Classic in Memphis.

John was excited to be back and shot a 72 for his first round, blaming his putter, which has been unkind to him down the stretch while on the European Tour.

He will have some work to do to catch his pro colleague Gay, who is in the lead at 6 under. But from the look of his pants, John’s should have a lot of spunk and fighter power this week.

I am digging the neon green combo,so I sent him an early morning good luck tweet, with a thumbs up for his choice of colors yesterday.

I wish John all this best this week and hopes that hsi putter will break him a birdie or two or three.

A Smiling Phil Mickelson Returns To The PGA

A smiling Phil Mickelson takes to the links for his first round at the St. Jude Classic. Mickelson has returned to the PGA Tour after temporarily suspending tour stops to focus on wife Amy, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Phil said that he is not sure how many tour stops he will play, but we wish him luck with the health of his wife and his return to the Tour.

Rush Limbaugh An NFL Owner – Hell No

Sports over the years have longed been a safe heaven for me to hide from the everyday stress of life, whether it be the failing economy or the disappearing dividends in my financial portfolio. I have turned to sports, for a good laugh, when I come home to unwind, frankly speaking, I would rather watch sports with friends than have a glass of my favorite wine. Simply because, I get the same satisfaction from a great competition, be it golf with Tiger in the lead on Sunday or Lebron James firing the two second buzzer beater to win the game.

My friendship with sports and other sports fans dig deep in the core of me and I have scored some lifetime friendships with lovers of all things sports. Sports have given me the chance to be friends with the most right-winged Republican to the guy or girl who votes democrat or independent. I have never mixed sports and politics, as I have long thought that it could be bad for my golf swing. I sometimes think Republicans make for better golfers. But I have never held that little voting right or opinion against any of my fellow golfing friends or even another sports fan.

So today when as I found out that there is a slight possibility that Rush Limbaugh could become a contender in the ownership of the St. Louis Rams, I was so disappointed. I am disappointed that the NFL Owners would even consider such a proposal, regardless of how desperate they might get. In an era, where race relations is said to be improving here at home, why would we make a hundred steps backwards to give Rush a say, in something that we sports fan enjoy without seeing color.

As sports fan, I see talent, skill set, determination, drive and ambition and it does not matter if its Phil Mickelson punching a difficult shot from behind a tree and sticking it close to the pin or its Rashard Lewis hitting one from way downtown to eliminate my Cleveland Cavaliers from the conference finals. And something tells me that all sports fans are equally charged in that regard.

To bring Rush Limbaugh into this pure sporting environment, it would be a sad day in history. After all, a large majority of the NFL players are black and Rush Limbaugh has for years disrespected a player or two, using some very colorful and demeaning undertones.

How would we be guaranteed that he would keep his mouth shut on his radio after the Rams has suffered a loss. How can we be sure he would not chant his inner Imus, when a player on his team commits the unthinkable, or gets in trouble with the law? Will he then treat it as a problem plaguing the NFL or just a color problem? Will he bash other NFL players who sport braids, tattoos and dreadlocks, in his quest to clean up the NFL’s image? Or will he be offensive and call out Donavan McNab again, telling him that he is washed up or overrated as a black quarterback.

I do not like this threat of Rush dragging politics and his off-colored remarks into my Sunday or Monday NFL game. Sports is an entertainment outlet for all fans, and so many NFL fans play Monday Morning Quarterback, simply because all NFL fans strongly believe they have the answers for all the errors committed during the game, but tell me, would Rush Limbaugh know to how handle his opinion in the “Red Zone?”

I think, we sport fans would like to either pass on or throw that idea up for an interception. Maybe the referees whould tell Rush that he already has too many unsportsmanlike conduct. Or should we just throw the whole rule book at him and just say no.

Phil Mickelson Returns To PGA Tour

Golf fans around the world cheering on and supporting Amy and Phil Mickelson, were given a beacon of hope this week as Phil Mickelson returned to the PGA Tour on Wednesday, trying to maintain normalcy in a life that has been turned upside-down by the discovery that his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Phil Mickelson will play the St. Jude Classic, which starts on Thursday, and will return to New York’s Bethpage Black, the site of the 2009 U.S. Open. Mickelson who is very popular in the big apple was the runner-up to Tiger Woods at Bethpage in 2002.

A bit tentative about his game at this point, he said that he is not just playing to play, he said that he feels like he can stay in contention, especially at Bethpage.

Mickelson was at the famed Bethpage Black course on Tuesday for a practice round. His voice cracked at times Wednesday while talking about his wife, Amy, one of the most popular figures on the PGA Tour.
Regarding his beloved wife Amy, He said the cancer was discovered early enough that she wouldn’t have to rush into surgery or make quick decisions.

He expects surgery the first week in July, and only then will they have a better idea what they are facing. Mickelson sounded as though he would play more than the U.S. Open. He just wasn’t sure where. He added that throughout this year, Amy would undergo several treatments, but as a family they do normal things, like playing golf tournaments.

His three children are going camping with their grandparents this week, while Amy spends time with her closest friends. Mickelson said it was unlikely she would be at the U.S. Open — the first major she has missed — because of the emotion.

“It’s difficult to face a lot of people … when you’re seeing people crying,” Mickelson said. Mickelson has done his crying alone.
Supremely confident on the golf course, Mickelson said the emotions of watching his wife deal with breast cancer are new to him.

“I’ve never felt this emotion,” he said. “I’ll be driving alone and start crying. It’s weird.”

Golf has been part of their lives for the 16 years they have been together, and Mickelson is curious to see how he can separate a wife coping with cancer with the concentration required inside the ropes.
“I’m looking forward to the four to five hours … where I’ll be able to focus on something else,” he said.

We are rooting for you Phil, Go out and make things happen, and of course good luck to Amy.

Chanting My Inner Kate Perry In My Message To Brett Favre

Okay, in the words of my 17-year, ” I am not a hater,” but for god sake Brett Favre – grow up. I am normally a level headed professional, but you are making me question the meaning of tears and good-byes. I have stuck in there with you Brett, through all of the wins and losses with the Packers, through the painkillers allegations, through the tearful goodbyes and yes the shameless returns.

I stood up for you all the way in Florida dude, If I wore tattoes, I would have the number 4 inked on my arm – or maybe not. But I hope that helps you figure out, why I am calling for you to grow up.

Your on and off again relationship with the Packers is like the boy meets girl, boy sleeps with girl, boy dumps girl number on Broadway, and the last time I checked your name is not “Joe.” Brett I do not know if you are scared, but if you are, I can understand and as an agent you and I know there is life after football. So there is no need to keep going back to the NFL to redeem your ego. You are name brand and endorsement material, please go out like Mike.

If its revenge you are seeking, why did you leave GBP to go to the Jets? Are you that bitter Brett? I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I am running out excuses for you, and you simply don’t have any excuses I could use.

You asked for your release from the Jets, after knowing your season ending numbers were not up to par, you even told many sports reporters that you would not play next season. Brett you kept the status of your shoulder hush-hush and have been playing games with the Vikings, one minute you are on, the other you are going to stay retired. Your agent is even a bigger liar and you are both playing games with the current Vikings QB.

I guess you will step on, pass over and throw any incomplete pass just to prove to the GBPs that you had your way. My dear, take it from a former polo player, I still like horses, that does not mean I should try to play polo at 43.

If you do come back next season, on your way to stick out your chest at the Packers, please leave me out of it, I do not want any part of your tears and goodbyes. Don’t make any appeal for “fans” to support you, because I speak for fans near and far, who are tired of your Kate Perry tune. Yes Brett you hot, then you are cold…in and then out, you kiss and make up, now you fail to show up. Realize this Brett, no one is losing sleep if you dont come back and no one is sleeping that you are. Call me a hater if you wish, but I do not get paid to be your enabler.

My Sports Weekend In Review

This weekend was jammed packed with sporting events for the average fan and the hard to please. But there could have been no complaints after the nail biting finishes in golf, tennis and basketball.

Roger Federer stage crafted a perfect movie ending for the French Open Finals, as he edged his way into history, to be compared with the greatest players to have ever played the game. Federer won the French Open final on Sunday to complete a career Grand Slam and earn a record-tying 14th major singles championship to tie Pete Sampras, a feat described by Roger as a “unique achievement.” Playing in his fourth final at Roland Garros, Federer became the sixth man to win all four Grand Slam championships.

Across the pond in a very quiet Ohio town, wearing his Sunday red, was Federer’s swoosh-mate, friend and world’s number one golfer Tiger Woods. It was only fitting that Mr. Woods staging his own comeback, attacked the back nine like the animal he is. Tiger and Federer are not only Nike endorsees, but they have maintained a friendship for years now. They have both won on Sundays before, but this pass Sunday, both Tiger and Roger were trying to kick that proverbial monkey off their backs – Roger for his first win at the French and Tiger for another win after coming back from knee surgery.

Woods broke away from a four-way tie for the lead Sunday at the Memorial with birdies on his final two holes, the last one a 7-iron that stopped a foot away from the cup for a 7-under 65 and a one-shot victory over Jim Furyk.

With a high-charged rally from a four-shot deficit, Woods revved up the crowd and silenced those who questioned his game heading into his title defense at Bethpage Black in two weeks.

He didn’t miss a fairway in the final round, the first time he has done that in more than five years. He missed only five fairways all week, his most accurate tournament off the tee since the 1998 Masters.

Woods won the Memorial for a record fourth time, and tournament host Jack Nicklaus was there to greet him behind the 18th green. It was his second victory this year after missing eight months from knee surgery, and Woods figured he would only get better.

As to the NBA Finals, I was already suffering from waiting two days to watch Game 2 and was calling all my friends for them to commiserate with me. I almost had to seek therapy by the end of Saturday night, but was encouraged with the pre-game coverage on NBATV.

When the game rolled on Sunday, I was so excited, I could not sit steady. The game itself was extremely close, and it was almost anyone’s game as Orlando pulled out some defensive stops, giving the Lakers a scare at home. Kobe for most of game was contained, but Pau Gasol picked up where Kobe and the other players could not. Gasol was assigned to cover Howard, who was a no-show for Game 2. He was effective in stopping Howard, essentially breaking out of his shell and defying the nickname Softy. Gasol scored 24 points, 10-for-11 from the free-throw line and 10 rebounds.

Howard aka Superman was visually absent as his teammates rallied the team, waiting for him to show up. In the end the Lakers pulled one out of their hats in overtime win. Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic had a monster game, finish with 34 points, but his efforts fell on deaf ears, as the Lakers setup the 2-0 lead of the series heading into Orlando for games 3, 4, and 5.

All in all sports fan around the globe had their aha moments as there were highlights for the ages. Thank you Tiger, Roger and the Lakers for the adrenaline rush.

So You Want To Be An NFL Player

If you should ask every college athlete who is getting ready to enter the draft if he had a childhood dream of playing professional football, his answer would be yes. And after all, a college athlete getting ready to enter the NFL Draft has partially realized half of his childhood dreams. Whether he is a Heisman Trophy candidate or slated to go in the 7th round, every draft prospect has his idea of how it will be after the draft and during the season.

It has well been documented that the road to the NFL draft is one filled with hope and expectations. And most times, what happens in between the draft and the season is what we have never really addressed with athletes looking to us as their agents for advice.

First of all many dreams sometimes come up short, while others are fulfilled. First round draft prospects fall to the sixth rounds and fifth round athletes get drafted in the second round. So how does an athlete overcome the obstacles and continue towards their childhood dream, if the draft does not measure up to their expectation? One word – PREPARATION.

They say when preparation meets opportunity success is realized, but I would go even further to encourage any prospective client to put these five Ps to work – “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. These five words should be the basis by which every athlete should exist. From the moment the athlete decides to enter the draft, he should have decided upon a reputable agent, who will advice him on his options going into the draft.

The athlete should also decide how he will prepare for the combines and his college pro day. The agent can be very instrumental and resourceful with pre-draft preparation and should be available to the athlete during this process. Of course, every athlete wants the best agent, but having the best agent who is not available to you can be the difference between success and failure.

The agent you choose sometimes is the foundation for your success, as the relationship between the pro team and your prospective agent can also make the difference. Since your reputation and your skills are the two biggest selling points, your agent is expected to have the same.

So you are equipped with your agent, your training for the combines and prop day is in progress. Your next matter of business should be discussing your draft options with your agent…what if you did not get drafted? What would be your next move? You should always be exploring your other options, if for some unforeseen reason draft day passes by.

The job of a professional athlete is a professional one and should be treated like a nine-five. You have to spend time as an athlete researching about the general managers and coaching staff of the teams that are showing interest in you. Do not leave everything up to your agent, as some of these teams might fly you in for a visit and interact with you without your agent being present.

Your reputation on and off the field can be critical to where you are positioned on draft day, so it would be in your best interest as a draft prospect to keep your nose clean. You still have to show that you have more than just playing skills and great physical talent.

Be careful of the advice you listen as some might be good and some could prove detrimental. Work with your family and your agent to see what is right for you and what best fits your situation.

Professional football is hard work and should not be taken as a walk in the park. Athlete should employ patience in all their everyday activities, because you always one pick away from being number, one pick away from the last, one pick away from being an undrafted free agent and the next guy who has to take the long way in through the CFL or AFL.

Whichever way you go, make and leave a lasting impression. Be Patient, be punctual, be humble, choose the right people in your corner, create and maintain a great relationship with your agent and make sure that agent does the same for you.

My Letter To Kobe Bryant and The Lakers

Dear Kobe:
I know I have not showed you any love during the regular season and worse so in the playoffs, simply because I have been cheering for the other puppet in the now famous Nike ad. However, please do not take it personal, its nothing about you and more about me, why I chose Lebron over you. Simply put it had to do with that Bob Marley shirt he sported one day and that helped me to look into his soul.

But please, let by-gones be by-gones, time to look ahead. I know you heard about Lebron’s surgery, so please do not text him, twitter or call him to tell him, that I am rooting for you. Kobe, please tell your teammates to be on board because, I want revenge against the Magic. Yeah, yeah, I am from South Florida and needs to be loyal, come on, loyal to the guys that ticked off my classy Lebron, ast the end of the series? Ops, dont worry, I think you are classy too.

I want pain and suffering for the Magic, and since the referees were not kind to the Cavs and not even congress wanted to introduce a bill for fairness, maybe you and Phil can take a shot at it. I want totally lock down, foul out Howard, send Lewis to school, as to Alson and Pietrus tell Fisher, I know he already knows what to do.

Oh, and what is this nonsense with Pietrus and your shoe, its not like he has a shoe deal, its either he wears the best of go shoeless. As to Nelson, with due respect, he wants to come back? Tell him to take a chill pill, after all he projected his comeback to be pre-season. What is he annointed by ying and yang?

Kobe, I have to go because Lebron gave me a word limit on this blog post, so I am chanting my inner Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Magic Johnson, Kareem, and if that’s not enough, here is some Vince Lombardi: “winning is not everything, its the only thing.” Peace out, but remember the numbers 4, 15, 10, 4 so you can silence Shaq, 15 for the Lakers total Championship and 10 for the Zen Master Phil.

Yours Truly

As Obsessed Sports Fan

The Tale Of The Bear And The Tiger At Memorial

Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods played together in the Memorial Skins Game yesterday for what was the second time they have competed against each other in the same group.

The Memorial Skins Game, Wednesday at Muirfield Village involved four players in two groups. Nicklaus and Woods will be joined by Stewart Cink and Kenny Perry, the defending champion at the Memorial. The other group had Vijay Singh, Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk and Camilo Villegas.

The only other time Nicklaus and Woods played in the same group was the 2000 PGA Championship, which Woods won for his third straight major.

For golf fans it was a great feeling to see the legend Jack and his under study Tiger walked the fairways together. I have a feeling Jack was impressed with that chip in from the fringe that Tiger made.

Jack said that he had a couple of par 4s that he could not make, but he enjoyed being out there. He was originally paired with Vijay Singh”s group, but requested to play with Woods, saying that they had not played for nine years.

As a Tiger fan, I am hoping that is a signed of what is ahead in the Memorial tourney which starts today. Go get them Tiger!!!

Michael Pietrus Gave Kobe’s Shoes The Boot

Orlando Magic guard Mickael Pietrus has worn the Kobe Bryant’s basketball shoes this season, but now that Pietrus will have the tough task of defending Mr. Bryant, he has stepped out of Bryant’s shoes. I guess familiarity breathes contempt.

Pietrus, a shooting guard who also helped defend LeBron James in the Eastern Conference finals will be wearing something a bit more old school – hmm, maybe Jordan’s.

“I have Kobe shoes at my house, but I’m going to play with Michael Jordan shoes,” Pietrus said.

No matter which pair of shoes Pietrus wears, slowing down Kobe is going to be a tough assignment as Pietrus has readily acknowledged.
Good luck Pietrus, it might come down to the shoes and footworks.

Get Well Soon King James

Lebron James battled with the Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and recently with the Orlando Magic, in an attempt to secure Eastern Conference Championship, but through it all, he battled with a health issue, a condition that was taken care of on Tuesday by way of surgery.

The Cleveland Cavaliers star underwent surgery at the Cleveland Clinic to remove a benign growth in his mouth, the team said. Dr. Frank Papay performed a five-hour procedure on James’ parotid gland, which produces saliva. Surgery for such conditions often takes time because of the numerous nerves and blood vessels in that area of the jaw.

The Cavaliers released a statement saying doctors were “pleased with the outcome of the procedure, and at this time, are confident that no further treatment will be needed as LeBron is expected to make a full and complete recovery.”

James and his family have been aware of this medical issue for several months but, with the clearance of the treating doctors and medical staff, decided to wait until the conclusion of the Cavaliers’ season to undergo the procedure. Cleveland was eliminated from the NBA playoffs on Saturday by Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals.

James is recovering comfortably at the Cleveland Clinic and is expected to return home soon. James, the league’s MVP, after leading the Cavs to 66 regular-season wins and their second Central Division title. He averaged 38.5 points, 8.3 assists and 8.0 rebounds in Cleveland’s series against the Magic, who won in six games.

James caused a minor controversy after Game 6, for not shaking hands with Orlando’s players and for skipping the postgame news conference.
Sources are saying that the NBA Commissioner will be making contact with Lebron to discuss that misstep. In the meantime basketbal fans liek myslef wishes him a speedy recovery.

Look Out Boys Danica To Do NASCAR

Danica Patrick-mania is at full gear. The IndyCar Series “Chose One’s” contract with Andretti Green Racing expires at season’s end, and expectations are high that she will make a run at NASCAR. Speculation centers on Patrick signing with one of the sport’s big four: Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing or Richard Childress Racing, ending up behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup car in 2011 following a season of seasoning in the Nationwide Series. Much has also been made lately at the flub ot the mouth Danica had when she interviewed with Dan Patrick of ESPN Radio, saying that one would only be cheating, if one got caught taking performance enhancement drugs. I seriously believe the powers that be in the IRL were not happy about that moment in gab history. Make your statements drug free Danica!! We still love too.

Who Is Gael Monfils?

Gael Monfils is the ATP’s 10th ranked player in the world, who ousted Andy Roddick from French Open on Monday at Roland Garros. Monfils who was born on September 1, 1986 in Bobigny, France, is currently the third highest ranked French tennis player. Gaël is nicknamed “La Monf”, or occasionally “Sliderman” due to his unusual sliding technique, especially on clay surfaces. He is of Caribbean heritage, his father, Rufin, a former soccer player and soccer agent, comes from the french island of Guadeloupe and his mother, Sylvette, a nurse hails from the island of Martinique. Monfils has a younger brother named Daryl.

Monfils considers Arthur Ashe to be his favorite player. He is fond of listening to music, particularly R&B. If he did not play tennis, he would play basketball. He is a huge fan of NBA team Detroit Pistons and his favorite basketball player is Carmelo Anthony. His best friends are countrymen and former juniors Josselin Ouanna and Paterne Mamata and fellow pros Richard Gasquet, Gilles Simon and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

He was coached by countryman and former ATP pro Thierry Champion since September of 2004, but they parted company in September 2006. Nevertheless, Monfils’s fitness trainer is still Rémi Barbarin and for the 2008 season, Monfils has hired Roger Rasheed as his coach.
Monfils is primarily a defensive counter-puncher who likes to stand far back from the baseline and retrieve every shot until he forces an error from his opponent or maneuvers around to hit a clean winner.

However, his ability to go from defense to offense very quickly often takes his opponents by surprise. His signature shot is his two-handed backhand which he sometimes executes in mid-air. Although Monfils is mostly a defensive player, during his own service games, he tends to go for an ace or a one two combination to finish off the points early. Only when he is forced to play an extended rally (usually on his opponent’s serve) does he retreat to a counter-punching position. He is also known for dancing to celebrate victories. Monfils possesses a huge serve capable of reaching over 140 mph.

Tennis commentators have noted that during his time on the junior tour, he imitated the service motion of Andy Roddick, who possesses the fastest ever recorded serve, though Monfils himself disputes copying Roddick’s serve. He now has a service motion that appears very similar to Roddick.

All Is Well At NFLPA DC Office After Fire

NFLPA Executive Director says that the NFL Players Association headquarters in Washington, D.C., suffered limited damage by a fire Tuesday morning. The fire apparently began in Smith’s office at approximately 5 a.m. and nobody was injured, he said. “Most of the damage was caused by the internal sprinkler system,” Smith said. “We don’t know a lot more, other than there is an investigation that is now under way.” There is no initial finding of arson but the NFLPA has given access to its security video system to investigators, Smith said.
Smith had just returned early Tuesday morning on a red-eye flight from San Francisco during his trek to meet with players from all 32 NFL teams. I wish all my colleagues at the league office the best of luck with that.

“PINK OUT” TRIBUTE TO THE MICKELSONS

The PGA Tour Charities has made contributions to many communities organization and causes over the years, and several golfers have their own foundation, working with kids, working with Louganis disease among other interest. But this week when the PGA TOUR Wives Association in conjunction with the PGA TOUR organized the “Pink Out” tribute to Amy Mickelson, I was extremely overwhelmed by the show of support. The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial tournament and the Susan G. Komen for a Cure Foundation. Players, caddies, wives and fans were asked to wear pink to support the Mickelsons and the other women battling breast cancer, and it was a huge turnout of support.

Contributions to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation were collected on site. Fans were also asked to sign a banner of support at the 13th hole that will be sent to the Mickelsons, as will more than 1,000 e-mails that PGATOUR.COM has collected from fans.

Amy Mickelson and her husband, Phil, the defending champion, spent Saturday afternoon watching the third round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial and were amazed by the outpouring of support as people both inside and outside the ropes wore pink to promote awareness for breast cancer research. Amy was diagnosed with the disease last week.

“We have been home watching the golf at Colonial surrounded by loved ones,” Amy said in a statement on her husband’s website. “Every time we see a player, caddy, announcer, or fan wearing pink we are overwhelmed by the love and support we feel. “The 11 days since we received the diagnosis have been very difficult, but this incredible gesture helps us feel so much stronger. We are determined to overcome this. Today’s ‘Pink Out’ will help all people, whether they’re fighting breast cancer or helping a loved one, know that they are not alone.”

Phil Mickelson was to defend his title at Colonial but suspended his schedule indefinitely last week after his wife was diagnosed. He said in a statement earlier this week that doctors believed the cancer was caught early. The couple is awaiting test results that will help determine the next course of action.

Mickelson said in a statement on his website earlier this week that he and his wife “had tears rolling down our faces” when they heard about the “Pink Out” celebration. “That is such an incredibly thoughtful gesture, not only for Amy, but for the 200,000 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. “I know it will mean a lot to them, too,” he said.

The Mickelsons met in 1992 and were married in 1996. The couple has three children. Amy can be frequently seen walking in her husband’s gallery and has endeared herself to fans with her bright smile and the ease with which she interacts with the crowd.

“Amy is such a supportive and loving life partner,” the three-time major champion said in his statement earlier this week. “She has always put me and our family first. Now it’s time for her and her health to come first and as we face this challenge together.”

A Sports Fan’s Confession

I must confess that my years as a high school athlete have left me with an obsession for sports, so much so, I became a sport agent, and to be a sports agent is no easy task. Of course I have been managing talent and egos for the last three years, but it’s a job I will never exchange. However, the sports agent is separate from the sports fan, and as the fan I must tell you I am a big lover of all things sports. Ask my mailman, he can tell you a few stories, about the stock pile of magazines that comes to my house. Trust me, when I say, I read them cover to cover.

I believe that the stress relief I get from watching sports is second to nothing else and maybe tied with my love for playing golf. You do not have to ask, if my golf game suffers during the NBA and NFL seasons. My golfing buddies will tell you that during the NBA season there are early tee times on Saturdays and Sundays and during the NFL season I play early or none at all.

With the NBA season getting ready to shut down for this season, hello golf game until NFL training camp. I am officially going through the NBA withdrawal already, as I have polished my clubs twice in one week and is able, to hold an entire conversation on the phone with my golf buddies, without the usual silence on the other line. Give them a few weeks and I will be back to fan-mode as usual, when the NFL gets off.

Not to mention the others sports I follow, there is international cricket, by the way I am mad at West Indies Cricket Captain, Chris Gayle – another blog post for that one. There is Rugby, Premier League Soccer – oh Manchester United, how I love thee. There is European Tour Golf and PGA Golf here state side. There is polo, boxing, Formula 1 racing – Girl Power to Sarah Fisher, Milka Duno and Danica Patrick.

What can I say, I am that all round sports fan, who has the occasional panic, when one season is finish, and I might have a week or two of no sporting events to watch or go to. I am a huge fan of twitter and have made friends with some sports buddies, who make up a little “network of rants and raves”. We give our two cents on the play calling, officiating, players, coaches and anything relevant during the games. We exchange sports articles, support each others’ blogs and have a great old time.

At the end of the day, sports help me to block life’s little distractions. It provides humor, suspense and intrigue, it creates friends, it makes those same friends your enemies in a good way and it helps me to bond with my children.

So as we wave goodbye to the NBA in a week, the NFL is right around the corner, PGA Tour is still in full swing, World Cup Qualifiers are in progress, and when all fails, there is my handicap index that needs to be shaved, think about it, my life is beautiful. Of course there is always my blog, where I express myself about what else – sports. Happy trails fellow sports fans, this sports fan is going to see what the postman brought in today.