Why am I writing about LeBron James again? One way or the other I find myself being drained by the news surrounded around him, but this takes the proverbial cake (lemon, if I have my choice).:

“Absolutely not, because at the end of the day, all the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today,” James said. “They have the same personal problems they had today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that.”

Now, I know this quote has resounded around the world as millions witnessed (that was funny) the Dallas Mavericks river dance on the throats of the Miami Heat for the 2011 NBA Championship, but there are so many things to address here. I like to parallel the sport stories to that of every day life and I feel the range of human emotion and reaction involved around this Dallas win does just that (The numbered bullets were successful last time, so let’s try that again.).:

1. I hope with this statement that those who were stupefied by a ridiculous comparison between Michael Jordan and James will now come to their collective senses as even the Majestic Jordan never stooped so low as to rub people’s socio-economic situation in their faces… Oh and yes, after the 7th season, doesn’t have a ring.
   1. Let’s chat about this a little bit… Even if he was just talking to or about his haters or the media, the whole world heard this crass statement and may have taken it personally. The thing is, there are marginal people out there who just jumped the fence to now being a LeBron hater because of his snobbish comments (Thanks, I’m a billionaire and you’re not. Thanks for that.).
2. He [James] drains me… period… And his hairline has a remarkable resemblance to Paul Pierce’s hairline (Random? Yes, but true.).
3. I actually feel like he or some family member must have been threatened or something because he was not King James during the entire series… He was extremely inconsistent, lazy, disengaged, and all around just average.
4. There is no secret that Kobe Bryant is my fave. And one thing I love about him, which is very Jordanesque`, is that every game he shows up to play. He puts it all on the table, night in and night out. Why is it that James displayed such cry-baby-like tendencies, was a sore loser, and could ever think of being just average when the game required greatness?
   1. Dwyane Wade, during this entire stretch, displayed crazy maturity and poise. I think I have to give Marquette (his college) the credit for that. I think the training there prepared him for such moments. This is something James never experienced. Even being the high-school champion, it cannot groom you in the art of manhood and sportsmanship. I believe it’s something James will need to learn in order to be a champion in the League.
5. Savannah Brinson, James’ fiancee`, is being accused of having an affair with Washington Wizards’ Rashard Lewis and this turn of events is also apparently the reason for James sub-par play on the court.
   1. Okay, first off, I thought you had to be married in order to have an affair. Having a lot of children by someone doesn’t count.
   2. The fact that she has a lot of children by him counts… (cha-ching!).
   3. I want to know why Brinson and James’ mother like these NBA stars so much… There are other professional sports, you know?
6. Why was Chris Bosh crying so hard?
7. And my new fave quote, “The ring is the thing… and everything else is just statistics.”

Did I leave anything out??

My sports sporadics don’t necessarily line up with the latest headlines… I don’t seem to flow that way. These are just my thoughts surrounded around some countries within the world of sports, recent or not.

1. LeBron James is not better than Michael Jordan. And until he wins something, which is the point of this game called professional basketball, the NBA, he will never be as good. He will simply be another awesome player who never won a ring… Like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said, “the ring is the thing… and everything else is just statistics” (In context, he actually said this in reference to #2 [with Bill Russell having 11 championship rings], but it fits quite nicely here, too.).

2. Why is Scottie Pippen trippin’ (I’d usually ask why a person is on crack, but that can be considered defamation of character here.)? Did his PR person tell him he needed to do something to bring attention to himself? Who is he anyway to even open his mouth, ever? I can’t even think of a parallel to make this make sense [Did I mention Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said the ring is the thing? And Scottie can think Jordan for this honor.].

3. Mike Brown? Really? The end…

4. Why do colleges pick and choose integrity? Jim Tressel tenders his resignation to Ohio State? But, there has been recent press around the fact that “maybe” these college athletes should get some type of stipend above room, board, tuition, and such (People are so dramatic. Drained.)…

5. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association [a.k.a. soccer]) can now join the other elite professional sports with [opened to the public] scandals, lies, betrayal, bribery, isolation, embarrassment, and denial. Good times…

6. After the first NBA Finals game, Dirk Nowitzki is who we thought he was…

7. I went to Dallas this past weekend. Is there any other sport/team there outside of football?… There was no shortage of Cowboys memorabilia, symbols, or random stars that weren’t isolated to the Lone Star State. It was a crack up… It definitely shows who brings in the money (Or, who has the most money at least).

8. Roger Federer is a man god…

9. Did you know Kim Kardastian’s fiance`, Kris Humphries, plays for the New Jersey Nets?… I didn’t either (Yes I did. It was just funnier to say I didn’t. Love is grand!).

10. “The ring is the thing… and everything else is just statistics,” is my new single-sentence argument.

It’s a crack up to me ’cause every time I attempt to bring a story from another sports arena, some NBA star grabs my attention. And for me, its a must tell…

We all remember Allen Iverson, right?… Well, probably not, but he was a prolific point/shooting guard for the Philadelphia 76ers for many years, giving up his body night in and night out (Uh, ask your significant other to translate that for you.). He then went all Rambo after he was past his prime and asked to come off the bench, which lead him to now being a star (once again) for the Turkish Basketball League. Iverson isn’t primarily known for his charity work, which he’s done a great deal of, or for giving back and re-building black (African-American… for the PC side of you) communities, which he’s also contributed to for many years. Rather, he dons the stamp of celebrity approval for being a bad boy, say-what’s-on-his-mind type of fellow… It appears that hasn’t changed.

Born to a single, 15-year-old, Iverson has known some hardships, but I’m not one for excusing ridiculousness because of childhood woes. I believe we’ve all, relative to our situations, have experienced one hardship or another. Anywho… Iverson’s Lamborghini was pulled over by an Atlanta officer who noticed the vehicle changing lanes without signaling (Yes, a bit extra, I know, but stay with the story.), and after some time this once NBA All Star became irate because he couldn’t leave his vehicle (He was the passenger.) to eat (Wow!).

Okay, let’s forget the expired tags (Don’t even ask…) since 2009 and the 20 minutes, apparently, that Iverson needed to explain who he was to the officer… Let’s focus on the fact the he said to another human being (1) ”Do you know who I am” and (2) ”Take the car. I have 10 more.” And I like this one best, him telling the officer (3) “I make more money than you will in 10 years.” What, in the name of all that’s holy (I just got that weird mother-wouldn’t-like-that-phrasing feeling.)?… Who does that? This once MVP deemed it necessary to berate an officer for doing his job? Of course, later, he apologized (Whatever.). He’s lost so many cool points. How do you explain to your kid or younger sibling that this is inappropriate behavior when the world says, verbally and in action, that it’s okay… You get a pass since you entertain us. Even as a realist, a small piece of me (a little circle on my ankle) believe people have to be better than this.

So… former NBA star with the Chicago Bulls, Jalen Rose, was arrested recently on drunk driving charges.

When I heard this story earlier this week, I was shocked. As a pretty good analyst on ESPN (not sure if he still has his job), Rose just didn’t give off the impression that he would make such an idiotic decision. I guess that statement should be qualified since, for most sports analysts (or people in general), you really don’t necessarily get any impression other than what one wants portrayed, personality wise, on air (Of course, there are a few [who shall remain nameless] I wonder if they take a swig or two before going live.).

Once I got beyond the shock, I actually became a little itchy with the entire thing in that a little over a week ago, my mother was involved in an automobile accident with a drunk driver hitting her. Thankfully, outside of a totaled vehicle, a few burns (from the deplored airbag), bumps, and bruises, my mom will be okay. But, the thought still crosses my mind that it could have been so much different and therein lies the source of my itchness…

For me, the driver who hit my mom could’ve been “x” person (Rose, Spoonge Bob, Gaddafi) for all I cared. The point was that you made a decision, which is truly yours to make… and that’s drinking (and even getting tore down if you choose). But, then you made a second decision that took away the choice for someone else. That’s a problem for me. So, while you all know I’m one for redemption and grace being applied equally,  I totally don’t get the  general arrogance and complete irrelevance for human life. I’m hoping–simply–that Rose chooses better next time.

I call it Monkey Tendencies… Okay, remember back in the day (Uh rah, maybe even last week…) at the Pop Warner games or any pre-pro game for that matter, when the parents would take matters to another level?… Fussing, cussing, and even going to blows (i.e. “fights” for my ebonically challenged) over a bad call, their kid not getting enough playing time, or just because the ref sucked…

Now, fast forward to today (minus the parental battles), with professional players and their million-dollar salaries, it’s hard to imagine what it takes to make these high-paid adults lower themselves to throwing bows (…Urban Dictionary translation = to throw a punch past an opponent’s face and then to strike them with a pop of the elbow). Well, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Matt Cooke didn’t forget the good ole days and with his latest infamous hit, the National Hockey League (NHL) suspended him for the remainder of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs. And, contrary to how parents/mentors tend to side with their athlete, the Penguins “parental lordship” (Yeah, I know lordship was a bit much…), a.k.a. general manager, Ray Shero, was completely in favor of the suspension.

“The suspension is warranted because that’s exactly the kind of hit we’re trying to get out of the game. Head shots have no place in hockey. We’ve told Matt in no uncertain terms that this kind of action on the ice is unacceptable and cannot happen. Head shots must be dealt with severely, and the Pittsburgh Penguins support the NHL in sending this very strong message.”

I’ve always been of the mind that removing these professional players from the game, where they’re now not contributing and possibly feeling considerable heat from their teammates, is the best way to teach them… It’s a poor way to bring up an athlete, with instilling acceptance of barbaric behavior, but its an even more despicable and sour taste watching millionaires act like baboons for the heck of it… Even if it’s hockey. It seems like ridiculousness, in general, is so contageous. And no one runs to the medicine cabinet for a dose of soundness.

I know my title doesn’t lend very much to the imagination, but it was the most descriptive and appropriate word, given the gravity of what I just read.

I’d like to first say that I’d hope to write up this nice an informative article regarding some note-worthy historians and sport giants, which I still am planning to do, but this latest story trumped even that… but, not in the best of ways.

L.A. Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times, inviting underprivileded children to a free, random game in honor of Black History Month in, well, March. Yes (Close your collective mouths.). But you first have to see the actual ad, digest all of it’s really-did-I-just-read-that jargon to truly really appreciate the depth and width of the profoundness of my title.

Black History Month, late coming as it may, started in 1976 and since that time has been celebrated in February. And while I guess if I sit back and take the time to think I could see that maybe this debacle came from a good place. But the initial shock and surface reaction is way too deep for the everyday person to actually take the time to sit back and think. There are so many directions I could go with this story, yet I remain.

Aside… what exactly are the qualifications of being an underprivileded child? Is there like a pass or something, or do you bring in your parent/guardian W2 (Wow!)?

I can admit that I’m not a general fan of the current hip-hop movement (I’m old school all the way.), but the very famous tune from the profoundly creative, clever, and controversial Kanye West comes to mind… How could you be so heartless?…

No, I didn’t forget to talk about one of the biggest sporting events of the year… But you know me, and it has to be more than just the latest and greatest. In fact, while watching the all-day coverage leading up to the 2011 NFL Super Bowl, I was struck by one of the stories covered.

It was nostalgic to see William “Refrigerator” Perry getting some TV time. I’d wondered what happened to him and often times, now with the prevalent Internet, to find out something all you have to do is type a person’s name to find out if he or she is still dead or alive… Well, the Refrigerator was, indeed, still alive.

During the 1980’s, Perry was a household name as he invaded your television commercials and dominated the field for the Chicago Bears with his mammoth size. But this recent story didn’t necessarily leave me with the greatest of tastes in my mouth. In front of me (on the TV, of course) was a shell of a man. He was as cheerful and loveable as ever, but the years weren’t too kind to him.

We discovered that the now close to 400-pound Refrigerator suffered from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disorder triggered when a person’s immune system attacks their peripheral nervous system. Ouch, right? Imagine seeing this bigger-than-life weapon reduced to this robotic, stiff, and struggling man. The details are many, but a college-acquired habit of drinking alcohol is one of the chief opponents for this disease, and obviously for him now, too. And while Perry kicked the habit, after falling to a scary weight of 190 pounds and time in physical rehab, he says he only drinks one or two now… In his words, “no big deal”. I couldn’t help but walk away from the story thinking of how big a deal it really was.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/william-perry-the-refrigerator-2011-2#ixzz1DSbi5Qvo

Okay, I was relaxing after a long day… Hanging out, watching Sports Center. The news came on that Lawrence Taylor pleaded guilty to misdemeanors surrounded around rape charges, but avoided jail time.

This Pro football Hall of Famer admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old runaway prostitute. He said that she told him she was 19 (Really? Okay, we’re not going to take that any further; Neither are we going to discuss his wife, Lynette.). So, no jail time, but along with serving 6 years of probation he has to register as a sex offender.

This former New York Giant isn’t new to trouble, but as his lawyer spoke to the media I had that dog-turn-my-head-to-the-side look… He reiterated the facts and then concluded that this was an unfortunate situation and that his client was not a sexual predator (Are you serious, Dude?). I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing, literally. Does he deserve to be on the list?

There is something happening in the universe and I have yet to put my finger on it. I looked up at the open sky and the sun and moon were rotating, as they should. I am still convinced that there’s a phenomenon taking place. I know I cannot be the only one witnessing the downward spiral of the Indianapolis Colts and more specifically, their future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning.

If there is someone I have to explain this significance to, okay, here it is: Manning is considered to be among the top 2 (maybe 4 if you’re considering Vick and Rivers) quarterbacks in the League and he has held this reign for some time now. Unlike many teams and quarterbacks, for that matter, a deficit to Manning was nothing as he scored viciously in 4^th-quarter come backs and flawlessly executed 2-minute drills. Along with donning NFL’s highest jewel (the ring), he also comes from thorough pedigree stock… So, you have the cliff notes of his pro career… Which adds the bigger question mark to the end of what is going on?

It makes me sit back and wonder if he was always this tremendous pocket passer or if it was all the doing of his supporting cast. Manning was part of an outstanding dynasty of names and grandeur that reclaiming that roster (the talent at least) would be near to impossible. Well, that’s where he seems to live these days… impossible that they’ve loss another game; impossible that the receiver just isn’t Jerry Rice; impossible that all his weapons (I mean all) live outside the lines now with injuries. Manning blames himself for the Colts’ losses and that’s an honorable move as it acknowledges his athletic mortality and the awareness that without his supporting cast, his top rankings are bottoms up.

Any time a professional player says some variation of “I’ll do what I want”… I think you can expect trouble.

I’m definitely an afar-off-admirer of Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver Randy Moss (His locale could be changing any time while reading this post.), but his behavior is suspect. I guess more specifically, he is just a primadonna with tremendous skill and I’m not sure why it’s still tolerated within the National Football League, or professional sports for that matter.

What does it say to aspiring athletes or young people as a whole?… As long as I have skill I can act however I choose?? It is a poor example of sportsmanship and it shows a great lack of character. I have watched Moss back when he was with the Raiders and his antics were the same… I don’t get my way, I don’t play. I often get into friendly disputes over the Randy versus T.O. battle and my message is the same. Yes, both are talented and some say Randy is the better player, but T.O., within the lines, is the professional you’ve paid him to be. Forget age, or that balls have been dropped, or even his off-the-field frolicking… On the field, he takes the hard hits, he’s not afraid of the middle, and he doesn’t give up on plays. Now for Moss, it’s just the opposite. Let him not like the quarterback or feel that his number isn’t being called enough, or of late, that he was fined and now he’s not taking questions from the press… He won’t play. He sits on the sidelines with the quality-quilted towel gently tossed over his head and looks out into nothingness.

I hope Moss finds a place where he can spend his last years … A place where he can, hopefully, display sportsmanlike conduct and maturity. Otherwise, his legacy as a Hall of Famer will always resound, “When he wanted to play he was one of the best at his position…”