Kobe Goes Hollywood

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has championship rings and an MVP trophy, and if that is not enough, now Mr. Bryant gets the nod from Hollywood, He is set to receive an honor usually reserved for the biggest thespians. Bryant will become the first athlete to have a hand and foot print ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

Representatives for the theater announced Thursday that Bryant will have the ceremony setting his hands and feet in cement as part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend festivities on Feb. 19, the day before the All-Star game at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
More than 200 Hollywood luminaries including John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Halley Berry and Brad Pitt have had their hands and feet set in cement in front of the Hollywood landmark. Congrats to Kobe.

Denver Nuggets We Have A Problem

Denver Nuggets we have a problem. Attention Mr. President send in the national guards – trade talks with the New Jersey Nets have come to a screeching halt. Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov instructed the team’s front office to cease talks with the Nuggets about a trade for Carmelo Anthony, leaving Denver with a lot less leverage in their efforts to deal their star forward before the Feb. 24 trade deadline. While Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri has said that the team was ready for the Nets’ withdrawal, Prokhorov’s decision “came as a shock” to the organization, which has been privately confident that New Jersey would not back away from the bargaining table, The Denver Post reported.

Now, Denver is working the phones in search of other willing trading partners, according to ESPN.com. While the Nets clearly had the most to offer, the Knicks remain a potential landing spot for Anthony, and there may be some teams willing to trade for Anthony even if he’s not willing to sign a long-term deal with them.

Teams in the hunt now include Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. Sources are saying that teams may be willing to offer enough expiring contracts, draft picks and young players in a package that’s more valuable than what the Knicks are willing to give up, the website said. The Knicks, Anthony’s preferred destination, may be willing to wait out the season and sign Anthony as a free agent without having to give up anything in exchange. SI.com, however, wrote that the Knicks will not be able to sign Anthony as a free agent in anything close to a max deal and fit the contract under the salary cap.

Another reason why becoming a free agent is not necessarily a preferable scenario for Anthony is that the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement expires at season’s end, and it may be impossible for him to get a deal that’s equal to the three-year, $65 million offer that’s currently on the table.

A Few Parting Shots After My Glass Of Eggnog

Over the last weeks, I have been brainstorming, about a blog I would write to reflect on the year in sports and entertainment – the highs, lows and the most memorable. I thought about the death of legends, the making of legends and legendary performances. I thought to myself, how would I write a blog post capturing all that happened, and then it came to mind, that I should just let the thoughts flow from my fingers tips. You know me, I tend to shoot from my Caribbean hips, so with a little flavor and lots of drum and bass, here we go 2009.

We all rang in the new year with a new vision, as individuals and then as citizens of the free world, who elected our first African-American president – Barack Obama. It was a heavily contested democratic race, having almost elected the Senator from New York and Former First Lady Hilary Clinton. The female sorority of traveling pantsuits rallied behind Senator Clinton, but she finally succumbed to the change candidate Obama. The rookie Senator from Chicago, Illinois routed senior Senator John McCain to win the presidency. And then, there was the rise and fall of icon Sarah Palin with a fashion scandal too.

So after Mr. Obama became President Obama in the historic inauguration, The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in the Superbowl with a clutch grab from wide receiver Santonio Holmes. Although, Larry Fitzgerald was my choice for MVP, Holmes was truly deserving of it. One low-light of that game was when Defensive End James Harrison punched Aaron Francisco, in what will forever be one of the dirtiest play, I have ever seen. Harrison made the news a few months later, saying he would not visit the White House with his team, as was tradition for the winning Superbowl team – Bonehead Award nominee.

The death of Michael Jackson stunned the nation, and fans from near and far came out to pay tribute to the king of pop. It was later determined that Jackson died of a drug overdose – a combination of prescription drugs, dispensed by his so-called doctor. But as big as Michael’s death was, there were other shocking moments. The sudden death of Titans’/Ravens’ retired quarterback Steve McNair, as a result of a murder suicide. As rumors swirl around the cause of his death, it was later discovered that his untimely death was as a result of an extramarital affair.

The Minnesota Vikings held the sports world and the media under seige, as they attempted to stay in the spotlight after a sub par 2008 season, by courting Brett Favre to come out of retirement. SportsCenter and every media outlet spent days and night covering Brett in his backyard mowing the lawn, playing pickup football with high school players in Mississippi, until they missed the secret private jet that took him to the Vikings headquarters. The Favre saga was out of control and I even stepped in to offer my two cents. Favre’s on again off again romance with the Vikings ended in a date to the prom after training camp, which was my bet – he is too old to be hit in two-a-days.

The Denver Broncos had their fair share of quarterback saga as Jay Cutler and his new coach had a falling out, after trade rumors surfaced, with talks of Matt Cassel coming to town. Stud wide receiver Brandon Marshall turned up his divatude refusing to show up to camp and demanded a trade in a contract dispute.

Bengals’ Chad Johnson deed-polled his name to Chad OchoCinco – need I say more? Terrell Owen was released by Dallas, did a TV Reality Show with his publicists, who were more like galpals – not one press release was written and one galpal booked a room for two with T.O. Then Mr. Owens went to Buffalo, his press conference was like an announcement for presidential candidacy.

The benching of Vince Young and then the return of Mr. Young who took his team on a playoff hunt. Young shared the spotlight with my candidate for MVP – running back Chris Johnson. Coach Mangini struggles in Cleveland, Coach Caldwell chasing the Dolphins 17-0 record – with my favorite horse Peyton.

Kobe and Lebron ads hinted of a NBA Finals matchup, but the Magic routed Lebron and the Cavaliers – breaking my heart as a Cavaliers’ fan. My fondest memory from the Magic-Cavs series was that 3-pointer by Lebron with seconds to go in the Orlando series. Lowlight was that unsportsmanlike infraction committed by Lebron at the end of the series – the “no hand shake”, come on Lebron. Steven Jackson was traded after that Don Nelson tirade. Ron Artest to Lakers and Vince to the Magic.

There was Chris and Rihanna, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and that annoying Kanye West moment. JayZ had that stupid D.O.A song, Usher got a divorce and wrote a song called “Papers”. Maxwell new album was a hit, Y.E. Yang beat Tiger Woods, talking about Tiger Woods – oh boy! As to Mr. Woods, he had a fall from grace after that Thanksgiving accident-incident turned extramarital affair turned media standoff, turn public relations nightmare turned transgressions. Oh well, I am just saying – agent/publicist for hire here – resume updated.

Delonte West and Gilbert Arenas had weapons issues, T.I. went to jail on weapons charges and his girlfriend had a reality show. Rodney Harrison retired, Junior Seau wanted to come back, Derrick Brooks had tryouts, Mr. Haynesworth went to Washington, Shaq to Cleveland and Dwayne Wade refused to resign – oh boy. Twitter became a bigger hit with athletes, artists and actors. Chad OchoCinco coined the phrase “child please” and Deion Saunders shouts “pay the man” when Joshua Cribbs runs one back. Chalmers of the Heat, started all 82 games off the bench, while Michael Beasley puts himself on blast on twitter result ing in a 30 day stay in rehab – too much disclosure there.

Hollywood lost Farah Fawcett and Britney Murphy,the Twilight Saga New Moon, Avatar and Transformers were all box office hits. Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry gone too soon and Brett Favre needs to know its too soon to show up his coach in national TV. Jamarcus Russell still overrated, Dolphins still struggles on December.

How I could I forget the Mike Vick story and the fact that he ended up on my favorite team the Eagles. The unselfishness of Donavan McNabb, the leadership of Andy Reid, the over-bearing Jerry Jones. The Tony Romo’s excuses, the heart of Darren Sproles.

Michael Jordan to the Hall Of Fame and Charles Barkley to golf rehab for that god-awful swing. So as I sip the last bit of eggnog and brings this blog to a close. Here are my final shouts outs: Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Lebron James, Chad OchoCinco, Akron Ohio High School wrestler amputee Leroy Sutton and his best friend Dartanyon Crockett – for their display of courage and friendship. John Daly for his courageous attempt coming back to the PGA Tour, Stewart Cink for his British Open win, Ray Allen and his son, Shaq for his kind gesture helping that North Carolina family, Senator Ted Kennedy for his contribution to mankind and politics. The Female US Golf team for winning the Solheim Cup and the boys for the Ryder Cup. Get a grip to Tiger Woods, James Harrison, Gilbert Arenas, Tom Brady (for snobbing Susie Kolber), Flozell Adams, Adalius Thomas, Brett Favre, JayZ, Kanye West, Sarah Palin (you are not a rogue), Charlie Weiss, Roger Goodell of the No Fun League. Tom Cable gets a thumbs down and shame on you Brett Favre for refusing to sit down, causing shame to your coach and yes Tiger Woods earns my god-awful swing for being a swinger… I am out.

Rashard Lewis And His Elevated Testosterone Levels

If you care about your future as a pro athlete, should you be aware of the
substance(s) you take in your over the counter vitamins? Should you also be aware
of the substance(s) listed on your league’s list of banned substance? The answers
to both questions should be an overwhelming yes.

As an agent who cares about my client and their reputation, I usually dispense harsh words reality to my clients, which sometimes make me persona non grata in their books. But honestly I really don’t care if they accuse me of being zealous, over protective and too cautious, because when they lose monies to fines, I do too. Not only that, I am always available for comments, if the media shoots me a question about my clients, so it would be in my best interest to lay that ground work for a positive comment instead of damage control.

There seems to be a growing trend with the NFL players taking banned substance, and even though the fines and penalties are pretty steep, it seems to continue. But when I learned of the Rashard Lewis incident, I was totally taken for a loop. I also found out that he is the 6th player of all time to have tested positive for a banned substance.

Lewis is like superman on the court, his energy level is always high, and during last season’s playoff he was a force to be reckon with from downtown. It was rather pleasing to see a player like him coming of age at the right time. So how did this happen, how does he fail a drug test due to elevated testosterone levels?

Players make a lot of money and sometimes are not affected by the steep fines attached to these mishaps, but money is money and losing $1.6m, as he is supposed to this season is a bit steep for my liking. Obviously the team has issued a statement echoing their support for him, but I hope they will feel the same way when he is missing for 10 games. What is it worth though, risking the loss of $1.6m only to say that he did not know about the supplements being on the NBA list of forbidden substances.

Is that enough by Lewis’ standard, or am I just the over-bearing, over-zealous and persona non grata agent. At the end of the day, I am proud of those undesirable accomplishments. At least my clients get to keep their cheddar. A serious concern of which, Lewis and his agent should have.

The off season acquisition of Vince Carter and the Magic parting ways with Hedo leaves a lot hanging on the shoulder of Mr. Lewis, and with his mammoth salary, he needed to double down on his knowledge of the specific ingredients of the supplements. Heck, he already has the talent for the Magic’s investment, lets educated Mr. Lewis as to the dos and don’ts of substance abuse. Of course this goes to every diuretic taking NFL player out there in steroids land and god forbid the rest of the NBA.

I am just curious to know how many other NFL or NBA players are consuming vitamins that might cause this kind of result. Note to self Lewis’ agent, please print your client the list and get busy with him, as far as the list of substance goes. Another reminder to agents and players disclosure is crucial on both part, and all of this ill could and will be averted. When in doubt simply Google it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.