Are YOU Ready?

                    At approximately 10:38pm I began to see lines unfolding at GameStop’s all around the area and I’m sure around the country for the much anticipated and aggressively hyped leading NFL franchise of all time…MADDEN NFL 2011! A game in which causes people to call out of work, play sick, and just down right not sleep for 24- 72 hours. A franchise that has 6 year olds dreaming of winning it all and 60 year olds reminiscing on the good ole days. A franchise that brings you to your feet just as fast as it brings you to your knees. A franchise that screams “TAKE THAT” or kick back. This is what we live for, this is MADDEN 2011!

          For decades and all of my lifetime the talk has always been the revolutionary game that is the Madden NFL franchise. In 1989 Electronic Arts debuted the very first version of the game that was entitled John Madden Football. Features included 11 man rosters, single player and multiplayer. Since then and 22 years later we are now introducing the top football game of all time. With features such as enhanced game play and realism to the game with an innovative feel which allows you to have complete control of the game, renewed online play which allows you to scout other players and track what they tend to do in certain situations, and much much more. We thought Madden couldn’t get any better, who knew that all of these features were available for a game that is as simple and great as football. Overall I give this game a 7.7. I was disappointed in the franchise and superstar modes. Considering it gets very repetitive and they haven’t changed a thing since Madden 09, but overall it has good concepts, and great game play and animation which put the game over the top for me.

Laker Legacy

Now that another NBA championship is in the books, we have many, many topics to talk about. We have the “next big thing” in John wall and the potential in this years NBA Draft, we have LeBron James and this summers epic class of the 2010 free agents, and of course we have the great debate of Kobe Bryant’s legacy and if this past championship has solidified him as “THE GREATEST LAKER OF ALL TIME.” Now I’m not a Lakers fan, but as a basketball fan it is beyond reproach that all basketball fans understand and respect the importance of this franchise in not just basketball, but in the world of sports. Los Angeles has always been a winning franchise and with some of the greatest players of all time; players such as “Magic” Johnson, James worthy, and Kareem Abdul Jabber who all helped either revolutionize, elevate, or evolve the game of basketball to a new levels and new heights. Even though you can make the case that “Magic” has had some great players around him help him win championships, I think what he did for the game of basketball solidifies his mark as the all time great Laker because of what he meant to the Lakers and the game of basketball. And yes that whole era of Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and even going way back to George “Iceman” Gervin, and the “Big O” Oscar Robinson, Bill Russell, Wilt, the list goes on and on of the greatness and I’m not excluding them at all, but as far as Laker history you have to put Magic at the top of the list. Yes, I know Kobe is a champion, a competitor, a pure winner and he ties Magic with 5 rings and possibly going for more, but with this class of free agents to be I think it’s very unlikely to see another Kobe Bryant 3-peat. But I wouldn’t count him out; he’s a great player who just finds a way to win. Congratulations Kobe…I rooted for the Celtics!

BEYOND THE GAME

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          When I look at LeBron James I see a man driven by his passion, intensity, and pride for the game of basketball. But beyond the fame, media hype, and superior basketball skills I more importantly see a man who is humble, tranquil, and free. While still remembering the bonds that once held him know as the Akron projects LeBron has been committed to continue the development of his home city by giving back but more importantly giving young people an opportunity. Realizing that not everyone from the streets of Akron will make it into the NBA or any other professional league, but realizing the potential they have mentally and understanding the choices they make as young men and women who may live in a dismal environment, but do not have to lead a dismal lifestyle.

           I was watching Larry King Live when I heard about LeBron’s rough childhood and extremely difficult time growing up on the rough streets of Akron,Ohio. His mother was pregnant with him at the age of 16 and they moved 12 times in less than 4 years, but during this time LeBron began to develop a sense of responsibility and dependability. Although their were many nights where his heart lay heavy for the safety of his mother when she was out working trying to provide for her son. LeBron’s father was never there….AT ALL. He looked at it as if it didn’t matter, and in his case it doesn’t; LeBron’s mother Ms. Gloria James is the pinnacle of what a super woman truly is. She was able to provide for him while working and putting him through school. So with mothers day passing just weeks ago I would personally like to take this time to salute all of our women and especially our mothers (and my mother Cynthia McKiney), the ones who give us all that loving touch when were down and a spirited message to lift us up. She has raised yet another spirited young man who is able to not only contribute to the sports world but to maintain his humility and also remember where he came from by hosting continuous efforts to give back to his home community of Akron and many other cities across the country. Thanks LeBron and family, and all of our respective athletes and blue collar workers alike who take the time out to make the commitment to contribute to an ever growing society…I salute you!

Rivalry Renewed

 

         

            Tonight at approximately 9pm we will be witnessing one of the greatest sports rivalries of all time. The teams with a combined 32 NBA titles between them will square off once again. Being just minutes away from game 1 of the 2010 NBA Finals, sports nation seems to be on the fence about a clear cut winner. On one hand you have the red hot Boston Celtics, who have been on a roll ever since round 2 where they de-thrown LeBron James, and destroyed the clear favorite Orlando Magic in round 3. And on the other hand you have “the assassin” in Kobe Bryant leading his LA Lakers to their 31^st finals appearance all time, he himself winning 4 of those titles. And the “Zen Master” Phil Jackson who is tied for the most rings as a head coach in NBA history with 9 (the other is Red Auerbach with the Boston Celtics). Both of these teams have changed since they last met in the 2008 NBA Finals. The most noticeable change is the recent evolution of Celtics guard Rajon Rondo who has become one of the premier point guards in the NBA, and the addition of “Mighty Mouse” Nate Robinson, and Rasheed Wallace. While the Lakers have added some much needed toughness by acquiring Ron Artest. The last time these two teams met in 2008 the Lakers were pushed around in the paint and out-hustled. The key for the Lakers to turn things around this time is depending on how good of a job Ron Artest can do guarding Paul Pierce, the type of impact the Laker bench will have on the game, and how well will Andrew Bynum’s knee will hold up. For the Celtics, can their star stopping defense hold against the star of stars Kobe Bryant, can the big three get off to a good start, and can their bench outplay the Laker bench. The Lakers are the ultimate franchise in all of basketball, but tonight begins the ultimate test on will, perseverance, and determination for neither Kobe Bryant or Phil Jackson have defeated the Boston Celtics in an NBA final…EVER! However, Phil Jackson is a STELLAR, an IMPECCABLE, and an OUTSTANDING 47-0 when his team wins game one of any series. Cause for concern for the Celtics? We’ll soon find out as game the countdown for game one of the 2010 NBA Finals begins in 5…4…3…2…1…

“Stem-U-LIFE!!!”

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A reaserch team from New Jersey lead by Dr. Robert Shorr seem to have provided us with a legal solution to all of the steriod problems with athletes at all levels. Dr. Shorr and his team have dveloped a heathier approah to weight training by recognizing that accelerating the stem cell activity and better sleep can equivalate to faster and better weight training results. Real muscle is built through effective exercise that stresses muscles and ligaments causes them to suffer tiny micro-tears, creating the soreness from exercise. These micro-tears are repaired by stem cells migrating from bone marrow thereby building new muscle tissue. This new muscle tissue created is oermanent and authentic. Steriods can only simulate this type of reaction to the body causing it to break down as the body wares down. As the muscles repair themselvs the most stem cell recovery time takes place durring sleep, therefore making sleep the premer ingredient in producing muscle. Dr. Shorr noticed this problem and formulated compounds to address the synergy of all-natural proteins, enzymes, amino acids, and a stem cell agonist called indium which supports a natural sleep process. The product is called “Stemulite” and in undergoing its first stages of life trials it is unparallel to any other product inproving: strength and endurance, recovery time, muscle definition, higher sustained energy, and improved rest and sleep. Athletes all over the country are begingng to hear about the benefits of this product and hopefully many will make the switch to a more healthier and safer solution.

NFL Lays Down The Law

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The NFL carries strict laws and guidelines about how players should carry themselves on and off the field. Yet Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver continues to break these policies through analytical antics that continually disrupt the flow of the game and the integrity of its officials. Just this past week Chad Ocho ”Knuckle Head” was fined 30 thousand dollars for wearing a poncho and sombrero after a touchdown (scored on by the Detroit Lions might I add). First of all, it’s the Detroit Lions and everyone scores on them, secondly, if u are accustomed to scoring than you should have to worry about any type of celebration; just play the game and keep it moving. Now don’t make me out to be the bad guy here because it’s always good to see the players have a little fun, but stay within your guidelines and restrictions as a player. Chad you knew good and well that you were going to get fined for something like this because when the league sent you your last fine for acting like you were bribing a referee it clearly stated that: “prohibit abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures toward officials. That letter also noted that players are prohibited from taking items onto the field that are not a part of their uniform.” So you were in the wrong on two accounts and you continually do so without remorse or regret because people are always telling you how “funny and entertaining you are.” Don’t feed into the hype Chad, these fans aren’t paying those fines.

One Last Word of Advice: Don’t QUIT!

Throughout his illustrious NBA career Allen Iverson has been known as everything except a quitter. A term Allen’s former coach Larry Brown used when saying Allen “has more in the tank and shouldn’t give up.” Maybe inquiring that coach Brown is possibly opening the doors for retired NBA player Allen Iverson to come down to Charlotte and play for his Bobcats. The possibility of this happening is slim considering the Bobcats are still semi-rebuilding and hold a current record of 5-9. It seems unlikely that Allen would join a team unless it had a clear shot of winning the NBA title this season. Many analysts already agreed that Memphis was a bad stop for Allen and that a strong Charlotte team missing a few pieces would make a sensible destination for the 10 time all-star. Since the retirement we already hear whispers of the late great Celtic team looking at putting Iverson in the white and green, but nothing has been confirmed yet. It’s a shame that we have seen a great player (in a sense) forced into an early retirement, but hopefully this isnt the last draw.

 

Mr. Undisputed

This past Tuesday Albert Pujols was named the National League MVP making him the first player to repeat winning the award since Barry Bonds did it four times in a row from 2001-2004. There were 32 voters who had ballots and all 32 voted for Mr. Pujols. Here is a man who had led Major League Baseball in home runs (47), runs (124), slugging percentage (.658) and intentional walks (44), and topped the NL in on-base percentage (.443). He was second in the league in doubles (45) and third in batting average (.327) and RBIs (135). With these astronomical numbers the idea now comes to mind…Is Albert Pujols the best baseball player of this era? Many have debated the topic and such have the right to. When you look at the numbers he’s put up over the past decade he is clearly on pace to set multiple records including the all mighty Home Run record!

Another Season

Delaware State University football team has just put an end to another “not so outstanding football season.” The team finished 4-6 and had several games where they almost looked like a high school team. Coach Al Lavan has done a decent job of working with the pieces he has, but the staff needs to do a better job recruiting and bringing in some top notch players. The new facilities and new attitude on campus should help the cause, but until that happens don’t look for DSU football to be hitting the power rankings anytime soon. Until next year guys!

Fountain of Youth in Full Effect

Well NFL fans it looks like we were all wrong. Old man Farve has taken his team to new heights, rejuvenated an entire city, has his team on the verge of a Super Bowl birth, and slinging the ball down the field like he was 20. And yes I know some of you hopeless Farve fans will say you “saw this coming,” but come on, who really could have predicted this. Farve has the same number of touchdown passes as leading MVP candidate Peyton Manning and leads the league in passer rating. He also has only thrown 3 interceptions in his first 11 games, and for anyone who knows Bret Farve knows that is unheard of.