By Kevin Gregory

I’m not hating on the Heat, but I must admit that some things going on don’t seem “Kosher” I like that these young African American men are now exploiting a game that once exploited their predecessors, in the words of Jay-Z. “Pay us, like you owe us, for all of the years that you Hoed us”. But, in the same breath let me say this, Lebron needs to download that old blues song that says, “It ain’t what you do, but the way you do it”; and this was done ALL WRONG. Aside from the that, the thing that rocks me to the core is the folks who call themselves Basketball Fans.

A real basketball fan roots for: #1-The Game Itself, #2-The Team, #3-The Player. These brand new folks now root for the name on the back of the jersey as oppossed to the name on the front of the jersey, as Hashim Kelly already said, “These fans switch teams like underwear!” Real fans follow their team through the bad times, the really bad times, the Gawd awful times and even worse, but we stick with them! It’s why we appreciate the championships! Real fans act like fantasy GM’s and try and figure out who to trade and/or draft to make their team better! Hell right now I’m trying to figure out how Joe can trade Rip and/or Tay to bring in AL Jefferson, WHY, because I want MY TEAM to be good. These fake fans just hop on a great player playing for a contender and get to supporting…..suckers!

Now to me it’s become quite obvious that this whole Miami Heat deal has been in the works for a few years now. All 3 players signed odd contracts where they could opt out in the same year. This caused teams to begin clearing cap space like roach exterminators. I think that the plan was for all 3 to get to NY and play in Madison Square Garden, but NY couldn’t get Eddie Curry’s $11Million off the books, enter Pat Riley.

Let’s look at Pat’s history in free agency. Summer of 1996, Juwan Howard (the top free agent that summer) signs to play for Miami for over $100 Million, the league rescends that deal because they (Miami) violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement by having an agreement with Alonzo Mourning in place already ( http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/13/sports/an-angry-pat-riley-insists-the-heat-broke-no-salary-cap-rules.html ).
The summer of 2003, the Clippers have Andre Miller, Corey Maggette, Elton Brand and Lamar Odom, all are restricted free agents. Riley publicly targets Brand and offers him an $82M contract that the Clips match….JACKPOT! because Riley really wanted Odom, once the Clips matched Brand….they couldn’t afford to keep Odom and Riley got him for $20M less than what they offered Odom ( http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?id=1594256 ).
In short NOBODY has manipulated and flirted with breaking the CBA in summer free agency markets more than Pat Riley. Ever since Wade signed his extension Riley has refused to sign any player beyond the 2010 season so that they would clear the books for this class, why would he do that unless he knew that Wade, Bosh and James were determined to play together, folks this is indeed bordering on tampering and collusion, and it’s bad for the game, remember real fans always root for THE GAME first.

Why do I think this way, because there were better teams than any 2 of them could have joined. Wade&James in New Jersey playing with Harris, Lopez, Favors, Courtney Lee and Terrance Williams would have been a much better team than 3Heat + Min contracts. Same can be said about James and Bosh or Wade and Bosh. I could use Chicago and the Clippers as similiar examples, but those 3 colluded to play with each other. Smells fishy to me.

But again I’m not mad, I still love the game, I still love my PISTONS, plus this crap never works remember the summer of 1996, the Knicks bring in Allan Houston and Larry Johnson tot play with Patrick Ewing. Same summer Barkley to Hou to play with Drexler and Dream, in ‘98 they pickep up Pippen. Summer of 2000 Grant Hill and T-Mac to Orl (who were the Wade and LeBron of that time). Summer of 2003 Malone and Payton to LA to play with Kobe and Shaq (who ‘d already won 3 rings BTW)……NONE OF THOSE TEAMS WON THE TITLE!

By Bobjohnson

There are reports that Ben Roethlisberger will be slapped with a four to six game suspension from the NFL for violating the leagues code of conduct. Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault twice, although charges have never been filed against him in neither case.

Rumors are running rampant about Big Ben possibly being traded for a top 10 pick in tomorrow nights draft. If Ben is traded this would definetly catch most of us off guard since Ben is a franchise QB and franchise QB’s don’t get traded- especially ones in their prime years. I wonder if the Steelers are trying to send a message about how seriously they take their teams image of integrity. Remember  Santonio Holmes, a former first round draft pick and Super Bowl MVP, the Steelers traded to the JETS for a 5TH ROUND DRAFT PICK a little over a week ago? And all he did was throw a drink in a lady’s face!

Ben is one of my favorite QB’s in the league and I do not think he dserves to be traded but athletes must learn that there are consequences for their actions, behaviors, and decisions. There are plenty of other people out there that wish they could get the chance that Ben has. If he is traded, I think he should be happy. He should be happy that there were no rape charges filed against him. That stigma alone could ruin his career and although Kobe Bryant managed to shake it, I doubt anyone could overcome two sexual assault charges.

Im just sayin’…….!!!!!

Let me get this straight! Santonio Holmes, a former first round draft pick and Super Bowl MVP has been traded by the Steelers to the JETS for a 5TH ROUND DRAFT PICK?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Steelers-trade-Santonio-Holmes-to-Jets-for-a-use?

Now I know Holmes got into a little trouble because he threw a drink in a womans face but….DAMN!
According to Yahoo! Sports this trade was done to send a message to Ben Roethlisberger who has been accused of sexual assault twice now, “More importantly, the message (which SI’s Peter King has already described as “shot across the bow to Big Ben”) gets through, too, and the Steelers can take a baby step back towards being viewed as an organization that only employs football players of decent character.” (Yahoo! Sports)

Today, however, the Ocmulgee Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright said that the charges could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and “We are not condoning Mr. Roethlisberger’s actions that night but we do not prosecute morals. We prosecute crimes.”

http://www.wnem.com/sports/23120813/detail.html

By Bobjohnson

It wasn’t until 1979, when Michigan State and Indiana State played for NCAA title game, that viewers really became interested in college hoops. This game pitted a country kid by the name of Larry Bird against the always smiling and ever so charismatic Magic Johnson. Although this game was not the most entertaining, there were no fights, game winning shots, or even tattooed players; it was the Johnson-Bird match up that had one-fourth of all American TV viewers tuning in. MSU won 75-64.
Fast forward to 2010 and Butler star Gordon Hayward had his chance to go down in NCAA history by making a jumper with five seconds left on the clock—he missed. But opportunity presented itself again, this time in the form of a half-court buzzer shot that missed the target as well. While Butler missed their opportunity at having a fairytale ending, I must say this was a very exciting game.
I wouldn’t put it over the Johnson-Bird match up but I will put it before the 1966 game where the all black Texas Western knocked off the all white No.1 ranked Kentucky, 72-65. Okay, that was a LIE! But this game will go down as one of the top FIVE in Bobjohnson’s world.
What are your Top 5?

Wassup fellow Bob’s Blog followers. Today we have another BLOG from the always entertaining Hashim “Kellz” Kelley!

Hello to all my fellow die hard NBA fans, sports fans, casual fans and bandwagon fans…..Most you know I’m a die hard Laker fan way back since I was wearing superman underwear…(no, not since 2008) and those who know my passion for my Lakers and sports know that I find it hard to tolerate bandwagon/front runner fans. Well, if you cheer for a team just out of your choice and likeness, I can understand that. But please don’t make it like you were a fan of that particular team ever since Tevin Campbell sang the song ‘Tomorrow” with that raggady sweatshirt on and the T-shirt hanging out. With that being said…I wanna ask all fans…WHO’YA GOT TO WIN THE FINALS!!!! im not asking who’s ya favorite team, because yes, we all know y’all been die hard Cav fans since 1984…Un huh, right. I got the Lakers of course in 5 games over Orlando!
So I’m asking now, so that we can use for referrence in case y’all might wanna flip flop.

The reason I’m asking this is because I looked into my crystal ball and this is the text message that was left…”A yo Kellz….man you won’t believe this. The college national championship has just been won by ___________, and about 85% of facebook fakin like they were a big fan of ____________, so please make a sports blog about WHO’YA GOT TO WIN THE FINALS before these front runner bandwagon fans get outta control. Peace Kellz. Sincerely, Future Jenkins”

so, WHO’YA GOT!!!!!!!

Welcome to the Super Bowl!!!

Not the one that resided on South Beach a few weeks ago.

The “Super Bowl” that takes place in Detroit EVERY SINGLE YEAR….

The NFL Draft. Where hopes & dreams are built up midway through the previous season’s blunders….and subsequently deflated by a franchise’s ability to make a seemingly simple process harder than imaginable. Such is the life of a Detroit Lions fan. Let’s delve into the utterly painful, but endearing process, shall we??

Round 1

Since the Lions have the 2nd overall pick, this pick HAS to net an impact player & starter from DAY ONE. The 2 top rated prospects here are DT Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) & DT Gerald McCoy (Texas). Either of these players would suffice, with Suh having the edge in talent & explosiveness. McCoy isn’t far off. To some, these two are a wash. A sleeper pick in this spot could be OT Russell Okung (Ok St).

An EVEN BETTER scenario could play out, however. QB’s Sam Bradford (Okla) & Jimmy Clausen (ND) are steadily climbing the board in numerous mock drafts. There are 3 teams that are desperate for top flite signal callers (Wash, Sea, Buff). After the NFL Combine, look for trade rumors to heat up, as these teams are itching to possibly move up. The BEST CASE SCENARIO outside of the Lions drafting Suh is for one of these teams to sell the farm (and extra draft picks) to the Lions for the rights to one of these QB’s. The Lions roster is SO devoid of talent. They’d definitely listen.

My Pick: Gerald McCoy. I don’t see St. Louis passing up the consensus best player in the draft (Suh).

Round 2

For Lions fans, this is where the draft gets painful. The fact that there are SO many holes in this roster, do you go for the dreaded “best player available”?? Or do you simply satisfy a need?? Based upon last year, Lions GM Martin Mayhew thankfully satisfied a need & took a playmaker at a position of need (Louis Delmas). The Lions are in desperate need of secondary help & there are pllenty of prospects on the board that would fill them. FS Nate Allen (S Fla) would be a nice pick here, as would CB’s Patrick Robinson (FSU) & Kyle Wilson (Boise St), with Wilson satisfying another specific need at KR, in addition to being a solid corner. It wouldn’t be a Lions draft if I didn’t mention the possibility of GM Martin Mayhew salivating over an offensive player in this slot. That player being RB Jahvid Best. If there is a God…..NO RB here.

My Pick: CB Kyle Wilson

Round 3

It can’t be overstated enough. The Lions have MANY holes to fill. NOT least of which, is the offensive & defensive lines. In today’s NFL, you have to HAVE a QB, protect the QB, and RUSH the opposing QB. The Lions need the best player available on either line. Good news is…there are players available in this round who meet these needs. DT Geno Atkins (Georgia) would be a disruptive force in the middle. G Jon Asamoah would shore up a weak spot in a hurry. G Marshall Newhouse is a freak athlete that would be an instant starter. DE Greg Hardy, although having weight issues at Ole Miss, looks to be a steal here after a promising Senior Bowl appearance. **Disclaimer** Again, I have to alert you to the salivation factor, as WR Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss) will probably be available here. He definitely has speed to burn & will wow people in workouts. Will the ghost of Matt Millen & his penchant for WR’s manifest itself?? Um, bartender???

My Pick: WR Dexter McCluster (Ole Miss).

This is where Detroit area bars start to make money. Until this organization can overcome its desire to make a splash in the draft vs. simply addressing needs, this process will continue to be a painful one. I would humor you with more round by round coverage & picks, but what’s the use?? I’d have MORE luck on the roulette table.

Can I get ten $10 chips, please??

Oh happy day….

Jeffrey R. Bulls
Guest Columnist

By Bobjohnson

Friday I had the chance to attend a wonderful event for Dorian Styles Dawkins. Comedian D.L. Hughley came out to Delta College for an American Heart Association benefit. Dawkins was the 14-yr old son of future Saginaw Hall of Famer, Saginaw High School coach Lou Dawkins and Loomis Academy principal Trish Dawkins. The comedy show Friday was the first part of a two weekend event. On Feb. 6 at the Delta College Pioneers Gym, Columbus Northland and Detroit Country Day will face off at 6pm. At 8pm, East lansing will play Detroit Consortium. Then on Sunday Feb. 7 at noon, Clarkston will face the Academy of Oak Park and at 3pm The MIGHTY Saginaw High Trojans will face the Flint Powers. Tickets for these events will be $10. So come out and show your support for a good cause.

The Minnesota Vikings lost the NFC championship game because of turnovers and Brett Favre’s interception in the waning seconds of regulation. Brett Favre seemed to turn into 2003 interception throwing Brett Favre. He hadn’t really done it all season. But then on third-and-15 in the last few seconds of the game, with his team getting into field-goal range, Favre rolls out right, passes up an easy eight-yard scramble and fires a ball across his body to a covered Sidney Rice and the ball was picked by Tracy Porter. It was a play we’ve all seen a dozen times. He had held back for much of the season, not throwing the ball into quadruple coverage or with his left hand while getting sacked by an entire defensive line. Fumbles hurt the Vikings too. I would have loved to see Peyton vs. Favre- New great vs. Old great! I really hope that Favre retires after this!

Bobjohnson’s Blog.

Jason Richardson has been moved from his starting position to coming off the bench. J-Rich is taking this well according to his comments to the Arizona Press, “I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve never come off the bench my whole career. If that’s something they want me to do, I’m willing to do it. I’m the type of guy that just wants to win. I’m a professional. I’m always coming to do my job and play hard.”
I’m glad J-Rich is does not have any A.I. in his blood.
J-Rich is being replaced by Leandro Barbosa. Coach Alvin Gentry says that he is trying to get Barbosa going. Bobjohnson has a different opinion. I smell a trade coming. I think the Sun’s are going to trade J-Rich and get maximum value for him.
I would love to see him come home and play for Detroit. We need talent like him really bad at this moment and I would have an excuse to get a press pass to the Palace!
Let me know what you think of all of this, Sports Fans!