Michael Vick Deserves Some Compassion

For the last two and a half years, the media and animal rights activists have saturated our daily lives with the Michael Vick coverage. To me, there are a lot of lessons to be learned by Vick, and a lot of coat-taling that needs to come to a hault.

In life, everyone should own up to their wrong doings for what its worth, but it is only fair, that if there is a wrong, there should be a chance of making it right. Who ever said two wrongs dont make a right should be given a humanitarian award.

With Vick’s release, the media, NFL executives, owners, and even the social networks have waged a full blown discussion on the Mike Vick issue all over again. This time inquiring minds would like to know if he was sufficiently punished, if his head needs to be examine by a neurologist, or whether the NFL should give him a second chance to play right away?

If you ask me for my two cents on this issue, my responses would be simply this: the players union has been taking a back seat on this issue and yes he should be alowed to play. The NFLPA ha been extremely silent, even though they have the resouces to assist troubled players with rehabiliation, or do they? If it was not for Tony Dungy taking a humane approach to this situation amd reached out to Vick, most people would turn the other cheek. As a matter of fact, Terrell Owens came to Vick’s defense even before the Player’s Union.

Supposingly, now we hear that the NFLPA will include the NFL’s disciplinary actions in their pending labor talks. As if, they need one more item on the agenda which already seems taunted. Unforntunately for Vick, he is thrown right in the middle of the circus. However, I am concerned with the fact that he needs some serious damage control in the form of a good publicist and/or someone from the union’s player development department. Vick is a player who had his fair share of ups and downs with the Falcons, but still enjoyed good publicity and was not exposed to or heavily scrutinized by the savage media, as he will now.

Yes, he was a human highlight reel, but he only did his fair share of in depth interviews as a player. In that regard, he would need the media savvy skills and a point man from the union at his side. After all the NFLPA needs their branding too. He will need to land on his feet firmly, but some help might be required.

The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in my opinion, needs to firmly stipulate to Vick about his future. As I am not quite sure what the conditional reinstatement entails. Commission Goodell seem to have a bigger problem, as his body language spoke volumes at the press conference. In my humble opionion, he showed little on no compassion is his announcement. Someone should ask him, if he has ever been given a chance with anything in life. For his usual “god-like” posture is a leading indicator of his lack of care.

But really and truly, Vick placed himself in this “fracass” (as they say in Jamaica), and only he can get himself out. My advise to him would be to keep Tony Dungy on his speed dial and reach out to Deon Saunders, who have given an ear to a few troubled players in the past.

To me, Vick owes it to the fans to prove his critics wrong, now that he has been given a chance at the NFL. He should embrace the idea and be positive, passionate and prepared. He should take full control of is life abd be the owner of all his decisions and must definitey – his destiny.

As for the NFL, maybe the executives need some lessons in human relations – some of the greatest classes are given at Harvard (speaking as a former particpant). Make no mistake, the NFLPA will take the league to task during the ongoing labor talks about the disciplinary actions and how those should be rendered. But as of now Vick need their help.

The NFLPA should help Vick put together a plan to get his life back on track. After all I assume he is a paying union member or was, and his rights and dues are as good as the next player. Second chances, sympathy and compassion are incentives given to humans, as life surely calls for this some times. We dont have to reject seeing the right side of a wrong-doer, some times his regret should warrant some compassion.

Karma Is Gonna Get You Brett Favre

As the NFL season begins to unfold with the start of training camp, I believe it will be my duty to call out the injustices with the coaches and players as I see it fit. If you are wondering, I am not bias, I am as sharp as a baseball umpire, I call it like I see it. And from where I stand looking in, the Brett Favre-Vikings fiasco has gotten outlandish.

I admire the former Green Bay Packers’ quarterback, and literally jumped off his bandwagon two seasons ago. But the kinder gentler me, thought that a second chance was in order for the old gunslinger. So I watched a few Jets games last season in his support, having to eat my words in the first half of the season, when Favre looked like the Favre of old.

However, during the second half of the season, when Favre got hurt, his efforts seemed far fetched and his numbers slipped, calling into to question his ability to finish the season or even come back to play the next. But after the season ended, Mr. Favre created a broadway skit of song and dance again. This time, he adapted lines from the play Hamlet and his return was simply dubbed “to be or not to be”.

As the speculations heightened, the media, the fans and Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings starred in the long-running off broadway musical. We have gone through daily updates of Favre riding his lawn mover, to him hanging out with high school students. Then there was the on again off again meeting with Brad Childress. At this point I was in the I do not care about Brett mode.

To me, Brett Favre will always be a warrior, whether or not he plays in the NFL this season. He has already carved out his legacy, when he played for the Green Bay Packers. My question now will be whether or not his legacy is scared from all those indecisions. Maybe someone should send Brett a memo and ask him to write a note self (Go Out While The Going Is Good).

A NFL quarterback holds and retains certain honors and commands a lot of respect from his team and his other colleagues. The quarterback position, is one in which, you automatically assume, that this player is a leader. Oh well, so much for my assumptions, because Brett Favre has simply broken that mold.

So while I am here penning my frustrations with you Brett, lead me through your decision making process. As a fan who once thought the sun rises and sets with you in Green Bay. What’s up with the new edition Brett Favre? You should also be aware of the fact that I am not the only one asking for the old version of Brett Favre to come back.

I am fully aware of your shoulder injury, the surgery and all that jazz. But you have played for 18 seasons before and should be a good judge as to your ability or inability to return. After all you have been knocked down and out before. Help me here Brett.

Where is your assertive style, where are your killer instincts, how can I help you over this hurdle? If I must be honest with you Brett, this whole mellow drama is a made for a Reality Show sure fire hit. You see Brett you are missing your other calling. And by all means the script needs no tweaking. I think I am about to say “Action”. The main characters for this reality show will be no other than you, your agent Bus Cook and yes I said it here first – Brad “I Know Karma Is Gonna Get Him” Childress. At this point I am not sure who will stir the ratings more, you or Brad.

Coach Childress has been playing dodge ball with the fans, the media, his team and most of all his current quarterback. It would be only fair that we establish one fact going in – Karma is real and it will get you. Karma will be real for you, if you continue to string the Vikings along, and will be a reality for Childress, if he strings the current quarterback along waiting for you.

As you fully well know, no evil and calculating sins go unpunishd and the way I see it, you have been hogging the spotlight for that extra 15 mins for the last few years. Say it ain’t so Brett, tell me if its your ego that’s making you do this – come on blame someone or something else.

One piece of advise buddy – you can get off this moving train right now by throwing Childress under it. You can issue a press release eluding to the fact that Childress forced this drama upon you. Please Brett, just say you will not be bullied into coming back. Then submit your resume to the networks and join the “talking heads clubs”.

Leave the idea of playing to the players who has a one way ticket with their lugguge all packed to go. Withdraw yourself from the possibity of having karma hitting your way. On the other hand too, stay retired, cause karma is sure to get the Vikings and Coach Childress.

My Parting Shot To The Training Camp Bound NFL Players

So after a long wait the National Football League aka NFL aka the No Fun League will roll up the curtains to welcome another pre-season, training camp and regular season. And as if, we did not have enough drama during the offseason, I am eager and a bit anxious to see how things will rollout for all 32 teams.

I have been following all the changes with the various coaching staff league-wide, and is even more intrigued by the movement of the players. I noticed that certain players have signed with teams where they are either a perfect match or will be a misfit. Knowing all of this, it will make for an interesting season.

While I will miss players like Brian Dawkins from the Eagles, Ray Lewis will stay in Baltimore and oh yes Jason Taylor came back home to the Dolphins. Chad Ohcocinco will be back with the Bengals and Larry Fitzgerald will still be a Cardinal.

But as I sit and wonder about all the teams and where they will finish at season’s end. My focus returns to the players and the part they play in this big win-loss equation. Which leads me to the main event of this blog – my send off rant to all NFL Players;

The Players Commandments:

1. Thou shall honor thy contract; after all you signed it;
2. Thou shall not be late for pratice; even if the coach sets the clock ten minutes fast;
3. Thou shall not disrespect your team mates while in camp; even if he hits you hard during practice
4. Thou shall not foster any talks of a hold-out; your job is not guaranteed and there is a recession
5. Thou shall not plan any golf outing during the season; less your sexual discretion and or judgmnet
comes into question, and you end up using words like didn’t would’t or haven’t
6. Thou shall adhere to the NFL Conduct Policy; for further clarification, see the Mike Vick or Plaxico
Burress Rules at subpart “just dont do it”
7. Thou shall adhere to the sacred vows of your marriage; so it stay drama free, less someone gets
shot
8. Thou shall not slap, punch, kick or imprison your significant or non-significant other; for futher
explanation see the NFL Conduct Policy at sunsection Roger Goodell
9. Thou shall not exercise your option to be a diva, divas have estrogen and thats in violation of the
substance abuse policy
10. Thou shall not whine, cry or write a book about throwing you the darn the ball

11. Thou shall not make a list about the DBs who can not cover you, lets face it catch the darn ball, and
we will see it for ourselves

12. Thou shall not put your coach on blast whether on the sideline or at your press conference

13. Thou shall not trash talk the Referees, one is a judge and you might have to face him during the
offseason
14. Thou shall not ask for a name change during the season if you are not getting the ball, who do you
think you are – Chad Ochocinco

15. Thou shall not make it rain in the strip joint, nobody thought that was cute

16. Thou shall not take any banned substance and even try to mask it as estrogen, diet pills or Jamba
Juice
17. Thou shall not break out in tears after a lost in an attempt to get some me time, and please leave
the QB out of your meltdown

So if you are a player in the NFL, have fun this season, make the team, be an outstanding citizen, live drama free and entertain the fans like your career depended on it. Shout out to the Eagles lets go baby.

Dear NFL Rookie

The time has come for you to know about the thoughts on the minds of the fans for years now. You see the fans, play an integral part of your lives, believe it or not. So I am gonna roll out some issues that are pressing, on behalf of the millions of fans not ginned up enough to write you a blog post.

First things first, let me congratulate you for making it into the NFL, and kudos to you, if your agent was skillful enough to secure your contract, before the start of training camp. You are to be thankful for this big step, because as far as the economy goes, earning a pay check anywhere is a privlege these days.

You have been playing football since the Pee Wee league, and I assume that you have sought after the your career and dreams as a player in the NFL. It is no longer okay to expect that Coaches will give you special treatment, and whining to get to the ball is seriously not an option. College is ways behind you now and darn it guys this is the pros.

Your playbook should be your best friend, as you are still trying to make that 53-man roster. While in camp, working on the things that make you a great player and consummate the skills to make yourself a even better team-mate. Seek counsel from the player(s) who come(s) in early and leave(s) late.

Watching practice or game film is not only for earning you brownie points on “cut day”, but it will get you to a few pro bowls and even to Canton, Ohio. Rest and relaxtion, to an athlete or even a John Doe is a fair blance in achieving success, so enjoy your down time and do not take your eyes off the prize.

There have been a lot of changes to your life since draft day and you will learn to adapt. But as you can see, even the Veterans have major slip ups. Playing in the NFL is a privilege and not a right, and only 1% of the best of the best earns the chance to play. Its a great gig, but you have to chose the song to dance to. Again, the league is full of stars, role models and mentors, so pick, choose or refuse.

With your future and fame comes a lot of high and low points over the duration of your career. Learn to balance the good and bad. See the good in people and allow them to see the good in you. Utilize the elements of trust and allow the process of elimination to rain eternal in all your decision making.

Employ the art of soul searching, give back to your NFL community or the charity of your choice. Look for ways to lead and only follow in the footsteps of the great men who came before you. Enjoy your family and even your extended family, respect yourself and all the people you will come to meet.

Learn to adhere to the conduct policy of the league and get familiar with them. Use your resources in your quest to being that all round player. Respect your team-mates, understand that we all come from different places and backgrounds.

You will meet thousands of women during your careers, please, please respect the word NO for what it means and stands for. Learn to be a leader and a great example to your friends and colleagues off the field, whether they are good, bad or ugly.

Finally, Rookie you owe it to yourselves to protect the NFL Brand. The fans depend on you, because they love their teams and bleed the colors. The most important thing is Rookie is about your team pride.

In closing, I will leave you with the words of my favorite football philosopher, Vince Lombardi who said: “winning is not everything, its the only thing.” Win on game day, win for the fans, win in practice, in the huddle, off the field, as a team-mate and as a friend.

Good luck in camp, project your positive self.

How Sports Imitates Life

I have learned a few things about life over my long year of existence and I am only too proud to share them, as I have also realized that a few people could learn a few things from me. My father who was a wise man and my favorite philosopher, always tell me that sports tell the story of life, but its only in my later years, that I was able to realize this whole notion.

Which leads me to a few examples of sport imitating life over the last few days. There was the historic run at the British Open for Tom Watson who came up short, and the likely, but unlikely winner Stewart Cink, who won his first major. There was also the buzzing news about world’s number one golfer Tiger Woods, missing the cut for the firs time in his professional life. For Tom Watson, his rally over three days of the tournament was nothing short of excitement. This humble man with that killer smile, who was a force to reckon with in his early days, gave 59-year olds around the globe, a fresh new look on life, whether they were golfers or not.

But Stewart Cink, who had been knocking for sometime now, seized the moment after not even being on the leader board for the entire week. Cink grabbed the opportunity when Watson missed his putt, challenging Watson in the playoff to earn his very first British Open. So much could be said about resilience in Watson’s case and in Cink’s case, it could be said that he was ready when opportunity knocked. Either way no one can say that both men were not successful, even though Mr. Cink was the titleholder.

We move on the NBA free agency and Lamar Odom, who earlier last week was seemingly, from all reports, returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. Odom was a sure fire bet to return to the Lakers, after all, he was a key part of the Lakers’ success in the NBA Finals, and Trevor Ariza did moved on to the Rockets. Later in the week, we learned that the Lakers’ deal was off the table and that neither Miami Heat nor the Dallas Maverick was able to match what the Lakers were offering. So the last I heard was that Odom was making phone calls to Lakers, seeking to reopen the talks, in an effort to salvage the offer.

What could we learn from this? As an agent, the first lesson you learn, it’s always best to do comparison shop, before you commit your client to a deal, because if you walk away from money, there is always someone out there who will take it. Chances are also; the terms by which you accept to reopen a deal might be one you live to regret. Note to self: “never go back on your vomit” – words from my wise dad.

Moving on to Brett Favre, with his eternal decision of NFL R&R. Where I come from “R&R” stands for rest and relaxation, and although I have not consummated the skill to either of the two at my tender age – but I am not a pro football quarterback.

In the case of Brett Favre, R&R for him means retire and return. A concept that I have not been able to understand. But after the last few weeks of back and forth with Favre, the Vikings and the sports media. I can tell you what life lesson there is to garner from this one – always leave the room when you still have an audience. For me, I honestly think, Brett should be like Tony Dungy, who left while the going was good, that’s if he want to protect the integrity of his legacy.

And finally, there is the issue of Mike Vick. Enough has been said and written about Vick and the hideous crimes he committed with respect to the dog-fighting ring. But Vick was sentenced by a judge and as his sentence ends today. We can only hope the ordeal that he has faced over these few months has taught him some lessons in life.

As to what will happen with his future, one will never know, as he is scheduled to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sometime here in the near future. Mr. Goodell who has been commended and critized for the approach that he is taking with players’ conduct, should take a step back and look at how sports imitates life. Goodell and Vick should both realize how the decisions they make can hurt or improve moral for the least among us. This is a decision that Vick has to take serious as it could be the beginning or ending of his life as a pro-athlete and Goodell needs to realize that the American dream is most times about second chances.

So today, as I wrap up this blog post, I would hope that every reader sees where I am coming from with this story idea. I am a big gunner for the underdog, and hopes that even the prized fighter, will learn through his successes or failures. Sports fan or not, life is always big or small; it depends on how you see your road ahead. So, stop, take a look, learn, feel, and celebrate you wins as well as your losses.

NFL Networks The Place To Be For All 65 Pre-Season Games

According to a press release from the NFL. The NFL Network will be home to all the NFL preseason games for the first time with 65 games airing on the only network dedicated entirely to football. In addition for the first time, the entire NFL preseason schedule will be seen in high definition nationally including 12 live preseason games, the most in the network’s history.
Week 1 of the 2009 NFL preseason on NFL Network features five live games highlighted by the debuts of first-round quarterback draft picks MATTHEW STAFFORD and MARK SANCHEZ.
The live coverage kicks off with a doubleheader on Friday, August 14 at 8:00 PM ET with the St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets, followed by Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers. Saturday, August 15th features the first-ever live tripleheader with the Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions beginning at 4:00 PM ET, followed immediately by Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers.
In addition to the pre-season games, the NFL Network is the only place for A-List Fantasy Football fans to prepare their picks and depth charts for the 2009 regular season with NFL Network and NFL.com’s all-encompassing coverage of the 2009 preseason.
All 12 live preseason games will include halftime shows featuring NFL Network’ steam of analysts from its Los Angeles studios and five-minute NFL Network Now updates between game broadcasts reporting the most up-to-date news and information. NFL Network’s schedule includes a total of 162 telecasts as it includes every game, live games and game replays of all the preseason action.

Terrell Suggs Signs Six Year Deal

Sources close to the Baltimore Ravens are reporting that the team has come to terms with linebacker Terrell Suggs. Suggs agreed to terms Wednesday on a six-year contract, a deal that provides a long-term solution to his unsettled status as the team’s franchise player.
Suggs has been the Ravens’ franchise player for the past two seasons. The 6-foot-3, 260-pounder had until 4 p.m. Wednesday to work out a deal or face being stuck with the franchise tag for another year.
Had Suggs not signed, he would have played the season for $10.17 million and become a free agent next season.
“Getting a deal done with Terrell is consistent with our history of retaining our best Pro Bowl players, like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Ogden, Todd Heap and Jamal Lewis,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “Securing Terrell for six seasons gives us a premier pass-rusher whose ability to stop the run does not get enough credit.”
During his six years with the Ravens, Suggs has 53 sacks and has not missed a game. He led Baltimore with eight sacks last season and added four more in the postseason, including two in the AFC championship game against Pittsburgh after missing an entire week of practice with a shoulder injury.
“This will be Suggs’ seventh season, and he is still a young player,” Newsome said. “Remember, he came to us as a 20-year old rookie after his junior year in college. This is a good day for the Ravens franchise.”
The 26-year-old Suggs was selected by the Ravens out of Arizona State with the 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft. The three-time Pro Bowl selection is considered one of the best pass-rushers in the league, and has also returned two interceptions for touchdowns.

NFPLA Presents Their Case To Congress

The resumption of talks on a new collective bargaining agreement will continue between the NFL owners and the players union, and in an abundance of caution, new union chief, DeMaurice Smith and 20 current and retired players heads to Washington to drum up support with congress. The move is a wise one and will hopefully buy them some political capital on Capital Hill, in case of a lockout.

Union head, DeMaurice Smith, said the group will remind lawmakers about the “gifts” Congress bestows on the league, such as an antitrust exemption for broadcasting contracts. That might be a hard sell, when players are making 7-figure salaries, but Smith hopes that the thought of job loss for stadium workers will probably bring a more convincing argument.

Smith said that he was not- sure whether a business that generated $8 billion in revenue last year should be contemplating putting people out of work during a lockout.

Last year, the owners voted to opt out of the current agreement in 2011, raising the possibility of a work stoppage in two years. Owners argue that the current agreement is too favorable for players, who get about 60 percent of revenues.

The players have countered with a union-commissioned study that showed the average value of the teams has grown from $288 million to $1.04 billion over 10 years, an increase of about 14 percent a year.
NFL vice president Joe Browne noted that the sides just finished their second negotiating session. “We’re hopeful that matters can be resolved,” he said. “It’s a little premature to talk about putting stadium workers out of work in 2011.”

Congress has jurisdiction over the NFL in several areas, including a 1961 law granting leagues antitrust exemption for broadcasting. That allowed the NFL to sign TV contracts on behalf of all its teams, helping to transform the league into the economic powerhouse it is today.
In selecting Smith this year, the union chose Washington smarts over football experience. Smith, a Washington lawyer, served on the Obama transition team and also worked for Eric Holder before Holder became attorney general.

The NFL has also ramped up its Washington presence, hiring a full-time lobbyist and creating a political action committee to make federal campaign donations last year.

Congress has a history of taking a close look at sports leagues during work stoppages. After the 232-day strike wiped out the 1994 World Series, several lawmakers introduced legislation to take away MLB’s coveted antitrust exemption.

We can only hope that talks between the owners and union will progress in a positive way, because I love my NFL. Hopefully DeMaurice Smith’s Washington savvy will rub off on congress.

A Little Tweeting Won’t Hurt Nobody

Twitter is a social networking tool that has been instrumental in linking people of all walks of life, who share a common interest. With the explosion of Twitter, even CEOs and other business executives are using this medium to get their thoughts out to regular folks like you and me.

In a grueling economy such as ours, the least we can do is share a tweet with our friends and loyal followers in exchange for the lavish dinner parties and wine tastings, we can no longer afford to take our friends to or even meet new ones at.

We can share links to recipes; sports stories, wacky pictures and yes shout outs. Pro golfers are tweeting, doctors are tweeting, and artists are giving their two-cents to either start a beef of quash one. Fans give their two cents on the game, the movie or a CD.

Twitter has become a self-made marketing outlet for people of all walks of life too. And I have never heard anyone except for my teenagers complain about getting too much information.

As far as my teens are concerned, mommy’s tweets just get in the way of their text messages from their gazillion friends. But outside of that, they love my sports and entertainment updates.

Actually to say that the LPGA golfers, who were allowed to tweet during their rounds in a recently concluded match, lost focus and could not sink the crucial putt, would be far from the truth.

On that note, I guess if you were paying attention to Twitter or is a follower of Bengals’ Wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco, then you will know where I am going with this NFL/Ochocinco debacle.

Ochocinco, who is famous for injecting fun and humor into the NFL, is best known for his sideline antics as well as his clutch receptions. So when he posted a tweet last week about wanting to tweet during the games, the Gringes at the NFL aka “NO FUN LEAGUE” were all over him like a defensive back.

The “Gatekeepers” at the NFL, announced shortly afterwards that there would be no tweeting from Chad or anyone else. That’s it players, there would be no celebrations after the touchdown, no leaping into the fans, no smiling, and no tweets, “this is the no fun league.”

I am a firm believer of discipline and professionalism, but there is nothing wrong with a little tweeting on the sidelines. Maybe instead of putting a microphone on Ray Lewis or Ed Reed, I would like to see them tweet about what’s on their minds. Unless however, they are planning to tweet pictures of the opposing team’s signal calling (yes I went there), then the tweeting should be a no go.

Last time I checked, offense and defense are never on the field at the same time, so tweet away Chad, be my guest. Tell me why you were having a bad game, tell me if there is a DB that can cover you, tell me if you are feeling gravely ill, tell me if you need more money, tell me if you need a wedding proposal…tell me Ocho, just tweet it.

So word to the wise heads at the NFL, including but not limited to Roger Goodell, please let Ochocinco post his tweets, it might be the only humor we will see or hear about this upcoming season. After all the ticket prices might be out of reach, and with all the job losses, cable and the NFL Sunday Ticket affordability might be slipping away.

So in 140 characters or less, here is my tweet @NFLGatekeepers: Leave the players the hell alone to have some fun!!

Tweet you later.

Lebron James The Brand Or Human

For a long time, I came to believed that the Nike slogan of “Just Do It” fueled everyone in the universe and more so, the professional athletes who are paid to wear the logo on their hats, shirt, pants and shoes.

Just Do It…made my golf game better, I bought Nike shoes, golf bag and clubs, I bought into the Nike hype, and yes I did. So did Lebron, MJ, Kobe, Tiger, Venus, Serena, my son and daughter and millions of other Nike buying Americans.

Unlike you and I, the superstars who wear the Nike logo, are paid to be their best to a fault. It is almost expected that these athletes are not allowed to miss a putt, free throw, field goal, or yes a dunk during the off-season.

I guess you know where I am going with this. I know readers of my blog posts over the last few months can or will decide that I am huge Lebron James fan, matter of fact I am knowledgeable on all things Lebron and Cleveland Cavaliers.

As to King James, one thing I know for sure, he is a believer, or shall I say witness to the “Just Do It” cliché. James also takes responsibility for his actions, except for the Conference Finals, when he made an early exit off the court, without displaying his brand of leadership and sportsmanship that became so signature for him during the season.

For that, I gave him a free pass on the misstep, alluding to the fact, that we have to also remember he is young. After learning about the recent dink-incident with the Xavier player, Jordan Crawford at a pick up game, where the King was temporarily de-throned. I was reminded that Lebron is not only young and human, but he is a corporation who is protecting his brand.

Of course the details are very sketchy as to whether Lebron was dunked on, because of course sources are saying the people from Just Do It land confiscated the tapes, or shall I say evidence, leaving dunk-master Jordan Crawford with no proof or bragging rights.

In my opinion, it was not a big deal, as Lebron is not really supposed to be taking on some college kid in a full-fletched dunk-fest, pursuant to contractual obligation with his team. I know for sure its standard with NFL contracts, to prevent off-season injuries.
So it’s easy for the Lebron non-believers to put on the heat. As long as he did not hurt himself in his quest to save his ego, his true fans are happy.

The only thing I disagree with is that Nike did not use that dunk as an opportunity to make another ad showing their pitchman as an underdog. Of course, society forces athletes to be almost near perfect in their everyday life on and off the field/court. Corporate sponsors are paying recession dollars for endorsements, so both the company and the athlete are on permanent notice of any less than perfect performance.

To me Lebron should have hailed the kid as a rising star; yes Jordan Crawford did rise to the occasion, isn’t that what life is all about? But the way it was handled, causes speculation about whether he is even expected to miss a dunk, he is not only a dumpster, he a mentor, volunteer, pro basketball player, father and all around, Nike should “Just Realized That” and “Witness That”.

Breast Cancer Hits Home For Phil Mickelson Again

They say that you never quite grow up until you parents get ill or pass away, so pro-golfer Phil Mickelson will have to muster up the strength and courage as a caregiver for the second time around, as his mom was his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and is to have surgery later this week.

Just weeks after receiving the diagnosis on his wife Amy, Phil will have to embrace his mom through her struggles with this grave illness also. One can never be too prepared for these occurrences and we could only be thankful, that the every day challenges Phil faces playing golf has prepared him for this journey.

The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on its Web site that Mary Mickelson discovered she had breast cancer last week. She is to have surgery Friday at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, the same hospital where Mickelson’s wife, Amy, had surgery last Wednesday.
Mickelson’s sister, Tina, told the newspaper she wanted to make her mother’s condition known so she could receive the same outpouring of support and prayers that meant so much to Amy Mickelson.

Mickelson has not spoken publicly since the U.S. Open where he was a runner-up for a record fifth time.

His parents live in the same San Diego house where they raised their three children. Mary Mickelson was honored in 1998 as “Mother of the Year” by the San Diego chapter of the March of Dimes. She said at the time, “I don’t know if I’ve done anything extra than other mothers. We’ve always been involved and have just been there.”

Mickelson said at Bethpage Black that it was “highly unlikely” he would play the British Open, and said his schedule the rest of the year depended on his wife’s battle with cancer.

So I join the millions of fans who are rooting for Mary, Amy and all the rest of cancer patients out there. Remember to wear something pink in their honor.

Steve McNair Gone Too Soon

Several years ago, when I was first doing my research and weighing my options to become a sports agent, someone made a big impact on my life. I guess he had seen the fire in my eyes and saw how I wanted to help his fellow pro football colleagues. That someone was Steve McNair.

I met Steve and his brother at an Arena Football game here in Florida, where his brother was the quarterback, for the Florida Bobcats. A friend who has just retired from baseball and was giving me a look behind the scenes, on my quest to become a sports agent, introduced me to him.

I can tell you that Mr. McNair was very warm, seemingly kind hearted and extremely encouraging, he told me to do my best and keep my nose clean. And even after that, I could hear his words and other such kind words echoing inside my head as I conducted business as an agent.

As the tragic news of his death hit me on Saturday, it quickly came to pass that the pro-football player that I had met and watched on TV was taken away from his family in a rather tragic fashion. The speculations are mounting and frankly none of that is my business right now.

As always, I will rise above the fray and commend the man who donated his time and efforts to the community, I will lift up his efforts to his hometown during the time of Hurricane Katrina, and celebrate with all the players and fans who got to meet him.

At the end of the day, Steve McNair suffered a tragic death, leaving behind a wife and mother of his children. I am not condoning his shortcomings and the public disgrace; Mechelle McNair must face, but willingly admit that we are all human.

We have to remember that life give the greatest opportunities to shine and the biggest temptations to fail, so it upon us to choose, how we are remembered.

So today as a sports fan, mother, former wife, sports agent, volunteer and mentor, lets pick the opportunities of success and always second-guess the people we let into our live.

To Mechelle McNair, our prayers are with you on this difficult journey and please do not look back. RIP Steve McNair.

Breakfast At Wimbledon: An All-Williams Final

If I were a betting woman, I would have been raking in cash an hour ago, as my two favorite tennis divas finished their semifinals in winning form, heading into a sister-sister matchup on Center Court of Wimbledon in the women’s final on the 4th of July. As a tennis fan and one who especially cheer for the sons and daughters from our soil. I am truly happy for Venus and Serena who have on many occasions held that flag way up high for American Tennis.

Serena and Venus matchups are my favorites, but I am always very torn, as I have a problem deciding which sister I will cheer for. I normally just go with the flow, cheering for Serena because she is the little sister and rooting for Venus when she has no mercy as a big sister.
But all in all, I will be watching the finals with a lot of pride for these two legends in their own rights. Serena, a two-time Wimbledon champion, was pushed to the limit by the fourth-seeded Dementieva but raised her game when she needed in one of the most compelling women’s matches at the All England Club in years.
She saved match point and overcame Elena Dementieva 6-7 (4), 7-5, 8-6 in an overwhelming fashion, setting up another championship match against sister Venus. The 2-hour, 49-minute epic of a match ended when Dementieva sailed a backhand wide. And in true Serena signature style, she threw her head back, pumped her arms and hopped up and down in celebration.
It was Serena’s eighth straight win in a Grand Slam semifinal going back to the 2003 French Open. She is now 14-2 overall in Grand Slam semifinals. The results set up a second straight and fourth overall women’s final here between the Williams siblings. One Williams or the other has won seven of the past nine championships at the All England Club.
Venus and Serena Williams won in contrasting fashion Thursday to set up their fourth all-sister Wimbledon Five-time winner Venus needed only 51 minutes to overwhelm Dinara Safina 6-1, 6-0 and reach her eighth Wimbledon final.
Venus is bidding to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1991-93 to win Wimbledon three years in a row and is trying for No. 6 overall. Serena beat Venus in the 2002 and 2003 finals at the All England Club
There have been seven all-Williams championship matches at majors, with Serena holding a 5-2 lead. Overall, the sisters are tied 10-10.
“Oh my God, this is my eighth final, and it’s a dream come to true to be here again and have the opportunity to hold the plate up,” Venus said. The sisters – with 17 Grand Slam titles between them – will face each other Saturday in a Fourth of July final.
“A fourth final – it’s so exciting. It was so hard before my match to watch all that drama,” Venus said, referring to Serena’s semifinal. “It was so difficult. But the hardest part is next to come, to play Serena Williams.”
My most perfect sports moment: breakfast at Wimbledon, all-Williams final on 4th of July – priceless.

Is Jim Brown Starting A Beef With Tiger Woods

As a lover of everything sports, I really do insist on myself, to find time away from the games to give back. I have been a volunteer ever since I can remember on the insistence of my dear my – bless her heart. She told me that giving back, in whichever way I could, makes or break who you are as a human being.

But as the years rolled by, I have giving back to causes I believed in, and some that I have had fun doing. As a volunteer, I have been an event planner, volunteer recruiter, fundraiser, board member, Orange Bowl Ambassador, even assisting with my kids’ booster club.

At no time during my tenure as a volunteer, did anyone seek to tell me that I needed to be more socially involved with the various issues we all are faced with. The various organizations, where I donated my time, was simply thrilled that I gave of my time, versus writing a check.

But trust me, if I ever could afford to start a foundation to help others, it would be a recreation center with indoor golf courses, basketball courts, batting cages and you name it. I think children are our future and fully well believe that if we invest in them from an early age, we will not live to regret it.

This segways me into the recent comments made by NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Brown about Tiger Woods. Everyone who knows me, knows that NO ONE speaks ill about Tiger Woods – no one. But I will be a grown up this time around for the sake of being fair.

If I must paraphrase Brown, who said that Tiger is a killer in his sports and will run you over, but is not doing enough for social issues. Jim, I have one question, who deem you the know all, be all on social issues? First of all, as a woman, I am quite taken aback that you will speak from your high and mighty throne, knowing the injustices that you have been accused of in your past.

Correct me if I am wrong, not one time, did I her you come out and speak remorsefully about the number of domestic violence accusations that have loomed around you for the last few years.

Yes, you have purportedly tried to clean up your act, but fighting street crime and worked with gang violence, but who are you to judge what drives Tiger? Seriously, golf and football are two different sports; the way of thinking is totally different as a pro golfer and a pro footballer.

Not to knock what your efforts are on social issues, but there are different approaches, you might believe that fighting gang violence and inducing neighborhood peace is where its at, while Tiger created a foundation to teach kids to regenerate their efforts into being a good sportsman, ultimately making decisions about the future and beyond.

The question is not what you have done to prove you are a contributor on social issues, but rather are you doing anything at all to make a difference. Henceforth, in that regarding Mr. Woods should not be the focus of your banter, instead, you should express an interest to collaborate instead of criticize.

Now, just in case Brown has not visit the Tiger Woods Foundation’s website to inquire, before making that ridiculous statement, here is an excerpt from the website:
Empowering Youth: Providing access to critical developmental programs is a priority for the Tiger Woods Foundation. Youth are encouraged to explore their interests and career aspirations in an inspiring and supportive environment at the Tiger Woods Learning Center. Achieving goals and reaching dreams is the focus of our nationwide character development program. The Foundation is giving youth the skills to lay their own groundwork for the future.

We can proudly say that more than 10 million young people have benefited from the Tiger Woods Foundation since its inception in 1996. Through programs and annual events, the Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of youth around the world.
Our programs, initiatives and students continue to grow and exceed expectations every day. What started out with limited access throughout America, now reaches out to young people around the world. We’re proud to say this is just the beginning.

Just in case Jim was not familiar with the Tiger Woods Action Plan; here is another excerpt (there is even a phone number for ease of reference Jim):
Defining goals and achieving them while giving back to the community is what Tiger’s Action Plan is all about. A character development program for youth 8-17, Tiger’s Action Plan addresses three priorities: character education, volunteer service and career exploration.

The curriculum begins by helping kids identify their dreams and goals. By the fourth unit, they are asked to plan an Action Project that will benefit their community and throughout the remainder of the program will explore careers and reflect on their efforts. For the grand finale, participants complete their Action Project and give a formal presentation to their friends, family and community.

Once completed, participants are equipped with tools to help them continue setting and achieving their own personal goals, creating their own ladder to success. Since the program also encourages community service and volunteerism, young people are instilled with a desire to give back to their local communities and continue making a difference.
Teachers and group leaders can obtain a ready-to-go curriculum, and individuals can participate in the program by clicking on the link below or calling 1-866-916-GOAL.

What I think this all boils down to, is Jim wanting Tiger to be the stereotypical spokesperson to the problems facing inner city kids and neighborhoods, nothing wrong with that, but there are different approaches. So the next time Jim Brown wants to “beef” with Tiger, he should pick up the phone and call Tiger to discuss ideas, instead of trying to rule the social issues platform, looking from his “throne” like the model citizen that he is. In short and with due respect, Jim Brown “shut the hell up.”