Charlie Sheen Admits to Steroids. Wait, What?

In the never ending story of the Steroid Era in baseball, we seem to be hitting the fictional part. Charlie Sheen, the actor who was fired from "Two and a Half Men," recently admitted to steroid use while filming the movie "Major League" back in the 1980's. Sheen said he took steroids for 6-8 weeks while filming and that his fastball went from 79 to 85 MPH. Okay, this is just crap. Baseball has already been bashed enough for this era in real life and now it's fictional players are juicing up? What's next? Benny the Jet from "The Sandlot" was really on Amphetamines? This is ridiculous that Charlie Sheen had to actually bulk up in order to play a part.

P.S. Counterpoint: He might have been researching for the role and found that many players were secretly taking steroids and decided to try it himself wanting to get the full experience of a baseball player. Then again, he's not that smart.

Paul Kariya Retires

A sad reality of sports is that athletes eventually have to retire and hang up the gloves. Well, I guess skates in this case. Gloves too. Anyway, one of my personal favorite hockey players, Paul Kariya, announced his retirement yesterday due to post-concussion symptoms. Sad to see any player forced to quit because of injury, especially one related to concussions sustained during a career. A lesson the NHL needs to remember (except for fighting).

Kariya played 15 seasons in the NHL with most of that with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. He and the team reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2003 but would lose to the New Jersey Devils in 7 games despite a valiant game 6 performance from Kariya. Kariya would never get his name on the Cup but still had a fine career. He finishes with 402 goals and 587 assists combining for 989 career points. Not bad for any player.

It's sad to see you go, Paul, but thanks for the memories. May you enjoy retirement.

US Wins Opening Match in 2011 Women's World Cup

That's right. Some Women's World Cup Coverage.

The US Women's Soccer team played their first game of the tournament earlier today in Germany. They faced North Korea who were actually pretty good. Eventually they broke them down as Lauren Cheney scored a goal in the 54th minute and then Rachel Buehler scored in the 76th minute. The US would win their opening match, 2-0. The US Women's next game is Saturday against Colombia. A great start for the US Women though I guess North Korea will just blame that and their eventual elimination on the weather. Good luck on your next match, USA, and remember there is no crying in Soccer except if you're Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gamecocks win College World Series... Again

I've commented on College Basketball which I'm not much a fan of and I have commented on the BCS Bowl games and the BCS Title game which is totally ludicrous. So I guess I have to comment on the College World Series.

My interest in this year's College World Series was actually centered around Cal for the most part what with losing their program and then getting it back. It's a pity, though, that they didn't get to the semifinals this year. Anyway, the two teams that made it to the Finals were South Carolina, last year's champions, and Florida. I guess the SEC also has prime talent for baseball as well as football. Anyway, South Carolina took game 1 yesterday thanks to some throwing errors, 2-1, and were looking to seal the deal today. Despite the short rest, Mike Roth comes in and pitches well with 7 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 6, and allowing 2 earned runs. Mike Pryce then comes in and finishes the job. Gamecocks win, 5-2, and claim their second straight national championship.

South Carolina seems to have the baseball program down. On top of this, the Gamecocks also have 16 straight NCAA tournament wins and 11 straight wins in the College World Series, both of which are records. Feel a bit sorry for Florida but then I remembered it was just College Baseball. Anyway, congrats to South Carolina on repeating. Better you than the Lakers.

Dodgers File for Bankruptcy Protection

If this was a game of Monopoly, Frank McCourt would be trashing the game board out of spite right about now. The Dodgers pitiful season of financial troubles seems to be coming to an frightful end as the team has filed for bankruptcy protection. McCourt now hopes that he can get $150 million so he can continue to search for a better media contract. The one he was ready to get was rejected by Bud Selig last week. McCourt will be heard today to see if he can get the money and be able to meet payroll. The team is bad and their off field woes seems to never end. Meanwhile, Selig seems to be going in for the kill on McCourt's ownership giving him no quarter. How does the commissioner overturn a divorce settlement? I don't see how McCourt can survive this much longer.

T.O. Had Sugrery?

Sort of a shocker was revealed yesterday. While the lockout is in place, players are having workouts run by themselves and the one thing they don't want to have happen as a result is injury. That seemed to happen to a prominent player in the NFL but not in a team workout. Terrell Owens seems to have torn his ACL at sometime and has apparently had a surgery to fix it. What's weird about this is that there is conflicting reports as to how he could've done this. One source says it happened during a personal workout while another said he sustained it during a taping of a reality show. Either way, he seems to be out for most if not all of the 2011 NFL season, provided there is a 2011 NFL season.

I really wish he injured it during a reality show taping. That would be so funny. Anyway, the best case scenario for TO seems to be about 6 months which means he could come back late mid season when a team is looking for a player to hire for a playoff push. As much as I dislike TO, he is still a great player when healthy and a team needing a WR for the postseason will take a look at him. If I'm TO, however, I'm sorting wishing for a complete lockout season. I know things are seemingly going well in discussions but hypothetically TO would be better off. He would get healed properly and people wouldn't necessarily forget about him. A season played without TO means less of a chance of him coming back. Just a thought.

P.S. The reason I waited for a while to report on this was because I thought he was going to retire and I didn't want to write two posts. I see that was wrong (unfortunately) and I had to speculate on his future instead.

Mexico Wins Gold at the Rose Bowl

The Gold Cup final was yesterday and over 93,000 fans showed up in attendance with the majority rooting for Mexico. The Mexican Soccer team has had an interesting tournament to say the least as they immediately lost 5 of their guys due to failed blood tests which they blamed on bad meat. That didn't stop them at all as they have blazed by their opponents so far. This final would be a bit different. The US started the match off on the right foot with 2 consecutive goals. Mexico would seemingly be unfazed by it as they scored 2 goals by half time to tie things up. The second half came and Mexico picked up right where they left off. A second goal was scored by Pablo Barrera and later a spectacular goal was shot in by Giovani Dos Santos. Mexico put the US out of their misery, 4-2, and claim the Gold Cup.

A magnificent tournament for Mexico as they claim a spot in the Confederations Cup in 2013 thanks to this victory. Chicharito was a huge boost for the team even though he didn't score in the final itself. The US should still be proud of their effort even though they lost. Perhaps it would've been different if Steve Cherundolo wasn't injured so soon but you have to learn to deal with bad luck. Congrats to Mexico on the win and your second straight Gold Cup title.

P.S. Does this mean they can smell the roses?

P.P.S. Oh and Tim Howard, shut up.

Roddick is Way Overhyped

As the biggest tennis tournament of the year closes it's first week of play, Andy Roddick was eliminated by Feliciano Lopez in straight sets 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), 6-4. For a second straight year, Roddick takes a rather early exit from Wimbledon. What I can't stand is all the coverage that has been put around this guy. This player is just a player that serves well and does everything else adequately. Not great, adequate. He gets all this attention when really he doesn't deserve half of it. Sure he's won one Grand Slam Title but that was back in 2003 at the US Open. He hasn't won any other Grand Slam even if he was playing well like he was doing a couple years ago at Wimbledon.

The only reason this guy gets any attention here at least is because he's American and tennis isn't about teams and cities but players and nationalities. Andy Murray is in a similar boat with the British Media bugging him on why he can't break the curse over British players at Wimbledon. If Roddick was from anywhere else, they would be bugging him like crazy unless it's Switzerland or Spain. If you take nationality out of the equation and just look at skill, Roddick doesn't deserve the attention. But since he's the best American Male Tennis player out there (SERIOUSLY?), the American sports media will have to cover him.

P.S. Really, there's no one else?

J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS... OF WINNIPEG!!!

With the hockey season over, let the off season begin with literally the biggest off season move with the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg. The deal become official this last week and just yesterday at the NHL Draft the team announced their new name just before their first pick. Okay, it's an old name. The Winnipeg Jets. Everyone had a feeling the old team name would be chosen and it was. The old Jets used to be in Winnipeg from 1972-1996 until the team moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. Anyway, good for the city to have their old team back. I'm sure the team will still struggle a bit as they try to find their way to the playoffs. As the Thrashers, they haven't gotten there for the last 4 seasons. Good Luck.

He's Blue About his Eyes

Josh Hamilton is a great hitter in baseball... by night. By day, he appears to be barely worth putting out there with a batting average in the .100's. The reasoning behind this is his eyes? Josh Hamilton has stated that he believes his blue eyes are the reason for his numbers difference saying that it is tough for people with blue eyes during the days. As weird as this sounds to me, there seems to be some science behind it having to do with lack of pigment and unwanted glare as a result. Of course the obvious solutions are finding the right sun glasses which seems to have not happened yet.

I must say, as a bit of a joke, has Josh ever thought about joining a team that plays in a dome? I think the Rays are the only team left with a true dome but I'm sure the one's with retractable roofs will gladly close them when you come to the plate. On a more serious note, I don't have blue eyes so I don't have a clue what it's like for Josh and others but I must inquire as to how much this affects the other blue eyed ballplayers. It didn't seem to stop Cal Ripken Jr. and his Hall of Fame career or at least slow him down.

Anyway, I hope Josh does find the right pair of sunglasses soon. Baseball loves him and needs him to be a star.

2011 NBA Draft: Irving to Cavs and More

I must admit, the NBA Draft sort of crept up on me. I mean it seems like the NBA Finals just ended.

Anyway, the big event was last night and they did their best to copy the NFL Draft's hype but let's face it, they weren't close. They were some notable moments though. Kyrie Irving become the first pick in the draft going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and 4th overall pick, Tristan Thompson, now have the job of rebuilding that team but more of the pressure will certainly be on Irving. Derrick Williams, a power forward, went as the 2nd overall pick to the T'wolves. Nice little addition for that team. Then 4 of the next 5 picks were international players with the first being Enes Kanter of Turkey going to the Jazz as the 3rd overall pick. Big deal that so many of the early picks did not even play in the NCAA. Anything to do with Dirk or are the athletes here just not that appealing?

Other notables include Kemba Walker going to the Bobcats as the 10th overall pick. He goes from UConn to playing for MJ's basketball team in Charlotte. Brandon Knight goes to the Pistons as the 8th overall pick. Another point guard sent to rebuild a franchise. The ultimate college scorer, Jimmer Fredette, is picked by the Bucks but it looks like he is Sacramento bound as the Kings seem to have the rights to him through a trade. It seems like he and Tyreke Evans will get long just fine as long as defensive play is not included. Also, a big move for the Kings as this kind of star power might keep the team in the state capital.

Not a bad draft considering it was all done in one night, something the NFL should consider. I know it's impossible considering the number of additional draft rounds but it would be very fun to watch. Teams would be trying to make franchise altering decisions in just a few seconds. It's chaotically fun. Anyway, that's all folks. Come back in a few years to see who panned out.

Riggleman Resigns Amidst Contract Dispute

The Nationals franchise has had a hard time becoming respectable ever since the team came to DC. The team has been a sub .500 team since the end of their first season there and that was an even .500 team. Jim Riggleman has been their manager for the last two seasons and on a "stringing along" type of basis. It seems that Jim has had enough of that. Jim demanded some sort of job security and wanted the team to pick up his option for the next season or he would quit. Yesterday he managed the Nationals and completed the sweep over the Mariners with a 1-0 win at home. This win also got the team over .500 with a 38-37 record. Despite all this good news and the fact the team was on a hot streak, Jim resigned his job of manager after the team did not pick up his option.

He actually stuck to his guns. A bold move for someone I have barely heard of. I must say it seems silly that Jim would quit after getting his team above .500 which is a big deal in DC. I understand that he wanted a sense of appreciation and a bit of job security but you shouldn't quit. Being manager of a baseball team is such a good job. I would do it in a heart beat as long as I didn't have to coach anyone on any mechanical issues. Leave that to the coaches. All am saying is that something like this needs to be an off season issue. That's when to take a stand, Jim.

Anyway, the Nationals hot streak may go cold soon thanks to this news that killed the clubhouse the mood. To make things worse, they now embark on a 6 game road trip.

The Future of US Soccer Rests with the Gold Cup Final

It's been a weird time for the US Soccer team since their World Cup appearance last year. The friendlies this year have given us two draws and two loses with one of them coming at the hands of the World Cup Champions, Spain, 4-0. But the US team is now not playing in friendlies but the Gold Cup tournament. They got by the group stage, despite one loss, and later beat Jamaica on Sunday, 2-0. Then yesterday they faced Panama, who was responsible for that one loss, and beat them 1-0 thanks to a Clint Dempsey goal in the 77th minute with some help from Landon Donovan. The US now is in the Gold Final and should do fine as long as they don't face... AH DAMN IT, IT'S MEXICO!!!

Now could the US win this match? Sure they could. It's not like facing Spain again. But Mexico is still pretty strong especially with Chicharito who has been getting better thanks to some time in the EPL playing as a starter for Man U. The point is that it will not be easy.

What makes this more interesting is that the fate of the head coach of the US Soccer team, Bob Bradley, could be at stake. While he has certainly met expectations to get to the Gold Cup Final, it may not be enough. If the team loses the match, there will be pressure to have him fired and replaced before the 2014 World Cup comes around again. Bob Bradley will have to win to make sure he has a job with the National Team.

Whatever the implications, it will be a fine match to watch. The Border Rivalry for the Gold Cup with be played Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

P.S. Also, don't forget to watch the Women's World Cup starting this weekend and be sure to root for the US Women's Soccer Team. You know, the team that has actually won World Cups.

Pujols Out for a While

In his last year under contract with the Cardinals, Albert Pujols has had a roller coaster type season. He started out by not re-signing followed by slumping for a while and then starting to show his great skill once more. Now the coaster has gone down significantly as Pujols has sustained a fractured left wrist and will be out for 4-6 weeks. Will the drama ever end for Pujols? He certainly won't win the MVP this year. Now what about the Central Division? The Cards are currently tied with the improving Brewers. I think the Cardinals will still stay in the race for the Wild Card if not the Central Division. As for Pujols' future contract, he will still be paid top dollar. A team will look past this injury and this season for that matter and will gladly take a risk on Pujols.

Rory McIlroy Wins 2011 US Open

The 2011 US Open at Congressional ends with only one story to talk about and that is Rory McIlroy. With Tiger Woods' popularity and talent slipping away, Rory saw an opportunity to fill that void. Though he would fail to close at the Masters, he didn't fail to close at Congressional. He shot a 69 on the final day of the tournament which is 2 under par. He finishes the event 16 under par with a score of 268. Truly a remarkable performance. The next guy, Jason Day, finished with a fine score himself with a 276 which is 8 under par. That would be good enough to win at this event most of the time but not this year. This torunament goes to Rory McIlroy. Congrats on getting your first Major title. He's only 22 and already he's played a legendary performance.

Rory is Killing at the US Open... So Far

The big story at the Masters earlier this year was Rory McIlroy's amazing start and then stumbling finish. With Tiger Woods not even competing at the US Open, the story goes to Rory again. Rory is once again off to a terrific start but his momentum doesn't seem to be going away. He hit 65 the first day, a 66 the 2nd, and now on the 3rd a 68. He has a total of 199 which has him 14 under par setting a 54 hole record at the US Open. He seems to have this thing wrapped up as he is 8 strokes in front of Y.E. Yang. The world now waits to see what his last day will be like and to see if he can hold it together for 18 more holes. It seems like he will.

P.S. Yes, it is a relatively slow sports week. I would talk about baseball more but to be honest there are too many games for me to make comment on. How the hell does anyone make new speculation and significant analysis of a team 162 times? It's impossible.

P.P.S. Plus the Giants and Red Sox both lost and the Yankees won. It's been a horrible day.

Aftermath of the NBA and NHL Playoffs

With the end of the NBA and NHL seasons, some interesting things have happened or brought up as a result. For the NBA, the world continues to hate LeBron James, especially with his comments he made after the Heat lost. His explanation seemed to be that life goes on but it seemed to everyone he was taking a shot at regular people struggling with their own problems. I could see both sides of the argument but it won't matter much anyway. LeBron haters will keep hating while mainstream US society may have their anger lessen for next season with the Triple Heat losing in their first season together.

As for the winners, Mark Cuban suggested not getting rings saying it was cliche. He wanted to give bracelets away instead. Dirk Nowitzki wasn't so keen on the idea and I don't blame him. He wants to be with the elite players that have won a title not a outsider with a silly bracelet. I don't mind Mark Cuban's creativity to try and make this title unique from all others. I just think it should be done in a different way. What about a parade at night with fireworks? That ain't bad. Not lasting though.

As for the NHL ending, Vancouver lost it's mind again. The city rioted when the Canucks lost to the Rangers in 1994 and the city rioted now after losing to the Bruins. Nearly 100 were arrested and almost 150 had to seek medical treatment. Stores and cars got hit hard as well leaving some stores and businesses in ruins. All for a Cup? I understand that Hockey is the national pastime of Canada but cool down, alright. It's not the World Cup. What would have happened if they had won the game? Probably a lot of people gathering anyway but with a more pleasant tone.

Interesting ends to both the NBA and NHL seasons. Of course the NBA is about to enter a rough off season with their CBA agreement expiring and now having to go into labor negotiations that have owners needing for more money and wanting a hard salary cap. If a hard cap comes, the Triple Heat in Miami may be over soon. Here's hoping.

BRUINS WIN 1ST STANLEY CUP IN NEARLY 40 YEARS!!!

The Stanley Cup Finals have been exciting this year with biting, big hits, and two goalies that seemed to be hogging the spotlight. There has also been another pattern that can't be ignored and that was the home team has won every game... so far. The Canucks won 3 in Vancouver and the Bruins won 3 in Boston. Now it was game 7 in Vancouver for Lord Stanley's Cup.

Over 18,000 Canucks' fans gathered to cheer on their team with another 100,000 cheering outside. The Bruins, however, came in with a little piece of home and did their best and man it was their best. Tim Thomas, the Bruins' Goalie, stopped all 37 shots from the Canucks. He was superb. The Bruins would also provide goal support for their hero. First a Goal from Patrice Bergeron in the first period. Then in the 2nd, Brad Marchand scored followed by another Bergeron Goal which was scored shorthanded. Finally, Brad Marchand scored again on an empty net in the final minutes. The fans cheered for their Canucks one last time for appreciation knowing it was over. The Bruins win game 7 in Vancouver, 4-0, and win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972.

A bit of a blowout by the end but still a good one to watch. The Canucks had a great regular season and even postseason until now. But they could not get their first Stanley Cup. As for the Bruins, their proud franchise reclaims the cup for the first time since the days of Bobby Orr. A great moment for them and the city of Boston in more than one way. Teams of the Boston area have completed the championship cycle. Their teams have won 3 Super bowls, 2 World Series, 1 NBA Championship, and a Stanley Cup Title in a 10 year span. If you're a fan of Boston sports teams, you've had a pretty good decade. But right now, Congratulations to the Boston Bruins for winning Lord Stanley's Cup.

THE DALLAS MAVERICKS WIN THEIR FIRST NBA TITLE!!!

Back in 2006, the Dallas Mavericks were up 2-0 in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. Despite the advantage, they lost that series by losing the next 4 games. It was heartbreaking and an experience they wouldn't forget. Now, five years later, the Dallas Mavericks were back in the NBA Finals and just one win away from redemption.

Game 6 was tonight as the Mavs were up 3-2 in the series and were looking to close it out now rather than in a game 7 which would favor the Heat. Dirk Nowitzki was a clutch man throughout but had trouble in the 1st half finding the basket. Jason Terry and company, however, managed to fill that hole quite nicely. Terry scored 19 first half points and finished the game 27 points, which was the most by anyone in game 6. JJ Barea also contributed with 15 points and Shawn Marion had 12. Dirk would get it going in the 2nd half and would end playing well in the 4th yet again. He would finish with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The 4th quarter came and the Mavericks continued to play well. They had a solid lead near the end and didn't let it go. The Mavericks win game 6, 105-95, and win their first NBA Championship in franchise history.

The title means so much to everyone on the team and for the city of Dallas, itself. The big man Dirk finally gets his ring after 13 years in the NBA. He was already a future Hall of Famer but now his career was complete. He was not the only one, however, to complete a career tonight. Jason Kidd had spent 19 seasons in the NBA and was in the NBA Finals twice before this carrying the Nets to two NBA Finals only to lose to the Lakers and the Spurs. He finally gets a ring of his own, ironically with the team he first started out with. Jason Terry, at the age of 33, got his ring after getting a trophy tattoo on his right arm and saying LeBron couldn't guard him for a whole series. Man was he right.

A bunch of others can look back on their careers with satisfaction like Shawn Marion, JJ Barea, and Tyson Chandler. You also have to feel happy for the often outspoken owner of the Mavericks, Mark Cuban, who didn't say much in this postseason but sure did enjoy it celebrating with his players on the bench as the time ran out in game 6. Rick Carlisle, the head coach, must receive a bunch of the credit as well as he coached a great series and a great postseason for that matter. This title was truly a team effort from the players to management.

Where there are winners, there are losers. The Miami Heat sure did impress me by getting to the NBA Finals this year. I admit I didn't think they would get this far. What may be remembered just as much as the Mavericks winning is the Triple Heat losing and how they lost. They continuously flopped in the 4th quarter with LeBron James getting most of that late game criticism. The media couldn't help but notice LeBron's failure considering all the criticism he attracted by making the Decision last year. Even Dan Gilbert poked at King James a bit saying "Old Lesson for all: There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE." on Twitter. There is no doubt in my mind that the Triple Heat will win a few titles but this wasn't their year. It was the Mavericks' year.

The Mavs had an incredible run this postseason. They first struggled with the Trail Blazers but eventually got by them. They then swept the defending champs, the Lakers, to get to the Conference Finals. There they defeated the Thunder to get to the NBA Finals where they just beat the Heat, 4-2. It was an amazing run indeed that had a focused Dirk that didn't settle for anything less than a title. After tonight's win, he was a bit emotional afterward and almost didn't come back out after the Mavs had won it all. But he did appear for his curtain call and raised that NBA Title along with his NBA Finals MVP Trophy. As great as Dirk was this postseason, this was a true team effort in which everyone had a part and everyone fulfilled their roles. Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks on their first NBA Championship; as a team and as a city.

Possible Realignment in Baseball?

An interesting idea for baseball is just being discussed among the movers and shakers. There is now talk of making each league 15 teams apiece instead of the National League having 16 teams and the American League having 14 teams. This move, of course, means that a NL team would have to make a move to the AL, most likely the West division considering they only have 4 teams. The team that seems ideal for the switch is the Houston Astros who are currently going through a ownership change. Of course, the concept of playoffs was brought up again along with adding a 5th team to each league. Also, there was some talk of getting rid of the separate divisions altogether.

The sticking point in all of this, though, is that this move would make each league have an uneven number of teams. Basically what would happen is that an inter league series would have to always be going on somewhere in baseball. It also means that it would become common place and not just something for a particular part of the year.

As for all this discussion, I like it. The NL Central doesn't need an extra team and the AL west could sure use one. It seems silly to keep this unevenness just because of tradition in scheduling. I know it would affect other scheduling matters but I'm sure it would be so bad. As for a 5th team for the playoffs, I still don't like the idea. That would be uneven.

P.S. I would actually rather keep divisions for the sake of regional rivalries but I would mind getting rid of them all together. The teams with the better records would then get in no matter what.

Mavs Take 3-2 Series Lead

Game 5 of the NBA Finals was last night and the series was tied at 2-2. Some extra hyping went into this game with LeBron James "Now or Never" attitude and Jason Terry stating earlier that James couldn't guard him for all 7 games. Which man was right? Jason Terry was, surprisingly. Terry had been below par, to say the least, so far in this series but last night he played liked a top player for the Mavericks' last home game of the year. Dirk was again the top player with 29 points and 6 rebounds but Terry was a great support man with 21 points scored including a clutch 3 pointer made near the end to put Dallas up by 7. Nonetheless, it scored over LeBron James. Mavericks would out shoot the Heat near the end and win, 112-103, and take a 3-2 series lead.

The series now heads back to Miami with the Mavs one win away from a title and the Heat needing a win to stay alive. LeBron continues to be anti-clutch man in 4th quarters while Dwayne Wade seems to keep carrying the team. Meanwhile, the Mavericks continue to make 4th quarter comebacks relying on Dirk Nowitzki for the most part. Game 6 is Sunday as the heat is now on the Heat.

P.S. Bad pun but it had to be used.

Mavs Even Series with a Sick Dirk

They're down 2-1 in the series facing an opposition that is hard to stop with their only star player being a 7 footer that has a fever. No problem. Game 3 of the NBA Finals had all of that for the Mavericks and somehow they prevailed. Dirk was once again clutch in the 4th, despite being sick, with 10 points and 5 rebounds in that quarter. He had 21 points and 11 rebounds total for the game. Shawn Marion also stepped up with 16 points along with Tyson Chandler who had 13 points and 16 rebounds. Jason Terry also provided some bench work with 17 points. The Mavs do win, 86-83, and even the series at 2-2.

A adequate copycat performance of Jordan's famous sick day performance back in 1997. Dirk stepped up again. They still shot less percentage wise than the Miami Heat but a win is a win, I guess. Thursday will have a huge game 5.

Pryor Not Coming Back

It was just last week when Jim Tressel resigned from Ohio State. Now the QB is following his lead. Terrelle Pryor, who was one of the players that started this fiasco in the first place, has decided to forgo his senior year at Ohio State. Now that Pryor is gone, it seems he will not be punished for his five game suspension at the start for next season. Speculation has already begun regarding Pryror's future. He might get in the NFL after all by entering the Supplemental Draft. But, because of the NFL Labor disagreements, he might join the CFL in Canada or take a year off and work with a QB Coach.

That's the story. Here's my take. Nice work NCAA for suspending this guy for a season he will just avoid all together. Great Job, dumb asses. I must say, however, that being forced to just leave Ohio State in shame might be a punishment in itself. He still should've been suspended for the Sugar Bowl but this works in a way. Still, the NCAA were further investigating the matter which also contributed to Pryor leaving Buckeye nation.

What will Pryror do? I expect a trip to Canada. He'll probably get a starting role there and he can join up with the NFL next season when the labor disagreements are all sorted out.

Plaxico's Brand New Day

Can you believe it's already been two years? Yesterday, Plaxico Burress was released from prison. He hugged his family and then addressed the media a bit seeming humbled. He also apparently met with his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. As for a possible team to go, Rosenhaus said Plaxico is open to all teams, including the Giants. Plaxico also said he will be ready to play when football returns.

Interesting little story about a man's exit from prison and his start on the road to redemption. As for possible teams, the Giants don't seem like a possibility. I'm sure Plaxico wouldn't mind playing for them but they still don't won't him. Much speculation has been directed toward the Eagles, even more since he was wearing a Phillies hat exiting the prison. Another reason why he's not coming back to the Giants. While Philly is a possibility, it's more likely he will end up somewhere else. Maybe not as a first string starter, but a 2nd or 3rd string guy.

While I myself don't have a clue where he'll end up, I'll just guess. The Patriots. Big personalities have gone there before, why not an ex-con. It probably won't happen but I honestly wouldn't be surprised.

USC Stripped of a Title

The NCAA has already come down very hard on USC in recent history because of their recruiting violations, especially with Reggie Bush and OJ Mayo. They have taken away scholarships, bowl appearances, and even wins during their seasons years ago. Most of this was, of course, applicable to college football. But the punishment was not done yet. Today, the BCS stripped USC of their 2004 BCS National Championship. They vacated the results of that game at the Orange Bowl as well as their participation in the following BCS Title game against Texas in which they lost. As a result, there will be no champion for 2004.

I'm honestly fine with punishing a program to bring them down a peg but taking away National Titles seems a little overblown. Don't get me wrong, USC broke the rules and in a way they shouldn't have the title but everyone still knows they won it. It's like everyone knows Pete Rose is a Hall of Fame player but is not in the Hall of Fame. I SAID "LIKE" THAT, IT'S NOT A PERFECT COMPARISON!!! Quite frankly I would actually like more sanctions on USC than they have now. Now I must admit I don't much like USC but with good reason, they cheat.

I still think college football needs to change their rules significantly but if a school breaks a rule that is currently in place, punish their future harshly, not their past. It may mean something to their so called prestige but not much more than that.

P.S. A major difference between this and Pete Rose was that Pete Rose was never thrown out of the Baseball Hall of Fame, he was just declared banned from baseball and ineligible for Hall of Fame entry forever (Not that Cooperstown wouldn't have thrown him out if he was in the Hall of Fame at the time).

Heat Take Game 3 and Series Lead

Last night featured another good game between the Miami Heat and Dirk Nowitzki. Dwayne Wade had another great night with 29 points and 11 rebounds. As implied, Dirk also had a great night scoring 34 points and getting 11 rebounds. Dirk would also come through late in the game keeping Dallas in it with 15 4th quarter points. Like the last game, it would come to a last shot by Dirk in fade away fashion. Unlike many that he had made before, he missed that shot to tie and the Heat win as a result, 88-86. Miami now has a 2-1 series lead.

That momentum that the Mavs had from game 2 is gone. As good as the Mavs have been this postseason, they have flopped so far in the NBA Finals. If it wasn't for Dirk Nowitzki, they would be down 3-0 in this series (if you don't count the fact they wouldn't be there at all). Even though Dirk missed that lost shot, the team around him needs to step up. Dirk is earning his paycheck, won't the rest of the Mavs earn there's?

Nadal Goes into Double Digits

Okay, first of all I must say I'm tired of this match up. Even though it hasn't appeared in a while, 13 times is still a little too much of Nadal-Federer. Anyway, the 2011 French Open final featured these two rivals in another classic match, yet again. Okay, maybe not as close as some of the other finals but still entertaining. By the end, it was the King of Clay prevailing 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-1. Rafael Nadal wins his 6th French Open Title, which ties Bjorn Borg's record at Roland Garros, and his 10th overall Grand Slam Title. Nadal takes his career another step further as he is now one slam outside the top five list. Congrats, Nadal, but get collected. Wimbledon is around the corner.

Li Na Makes History at Roland Garros

This year's French Open seemed to have been centered around Novak Djokovic and his amazing match winning streak. That would end short of the record of 46 straight wins in which Djokovic had 43 losing to Roger Federer in the Semi-Final round of this year's French Open. The men always have their story lines but a pretty good one can be found on the women's side this year. The Women's Final featured Li Na going against the defending champion, Francesca Schiavone. Li Na had lost her first Grand Slam Final match earlier this year when she lost to Kim Clijsters at the Australian Open. It seems that she has gotten better because of it as she has claimed victory at Roland Garros beating Schiavone in straight sets; 6-4, 7-6 (7-0).

As a result, Li Na has claimed her first Grand Slam Title. This is a big deal to anyone who does win a Grand Slam but it becomes much bigger when you consider she is the first player from China, man or woman, to win a Grand Slam Singles Title. Such an astonishing honor to be first of anything from your own country, especially in tennis world. Congratulations to her win and Grand Slam Title. May many more come to her in time.

Heat Cool Themselves Off?

Game 2 of the NBA Finals was tonight and this one will be remembered. The first half was pretty neck and neck as it was tied 51 all at the half. The Heat, however, came out and started to dominate the second half. They were even up 15 points with little over 6 minutes to go. And yet they lost? The Mavericks came back and went on a amazing run. The Heat got complacent and the Mavericks took advantage. Who would tie the game at 90 all? Dirk Nowitzki. Who would score a go ahead three pointer? Dirk Nowitzki. Who would score the game winning lay up after Mario Chalmers tied the game with a 3? Who else but Dirk Nowitzki. The big man finished the game with 24 points which included scoring the last 9 points for Dallas. Mavs win, 95-93, and tie the series at 1-1.

What happened? The Heat were just killing them in second half and then let up. I know a 15 point lead makes it seem like you've won the game but you can't allow yourselves to collapse like that. There have been too many games this postseason that prove you can't let up. I doubt the Heat will allow that to happen again but it gives the Mavericks all the momentum as the series shifts to Dallas for 3 straight games.

No Coming Back for Shaq

Shaquille O'Neal's last few years have been sort of sad when you look back on it. It seems more like a cross country tour that involved 3 teams and a lot of injuries, especially with this last season with the Celtics. It seems that tour and his career have come to an end. Shaquille O'Neal has decided to call it a career and retire after 19 seasons in the NBA. The timing seemed right for Shaq considering his decline and his recent injuries. All players must fall eventually and Shaq was no different.

However, he leaves a legacy to surely be remembered. As a player, he was one of the most dominant centers of all time. He was so strong in the low post and yet athletic. He would finish his career with 28,596 points which places him 5th on the all time scorers list. On top of that, he has four rings (three with the Lakers), 3 NBA Finals MVP's, and an NBA MVP in 2000. But Shaq was also known as a great person to be around and cover in the media. He had a great sense of humor and seemed to have a bunch of nicknames throughout his career.

Shaq ends his career as a legendary player and as a true entertainer. As he leaves, the Lakers say they will have his number retired. He truly deserves that and much more. Maybe a statue in front of the Staples Center? Sorry, Kareem.