My question is… Do you believe players are still afraid [intimidated, fearful] of Baltimore Ravens’ veteran defensive player, Ray Lewis?

I started off with this question because it’s been piercing my mind for a few days now. I respect the man. A veteran of 15 years in the NFL—and still being effective—is nothing to sneeze at. But I do wonder just what is in the mind space of the opponent standing across from Ray.

He’s held every defensive title possible and has garnered the respect of the League. He’s a father figure, professional role model, a brother to a lot of these players, someone who has faced trouble and rebounded, and he’s never been void of passion. I do remember a time, though, when different variations of the word “intimidate” laced his name as dominating adjectives when talking about the man on the field. I am by no means calling Ray a has been or over the hill, his smacks on opponents this season alone renders that argument moot. I am asking, still, is there a fear present in the opponents’ eyes?

I asked a few football fans and they said no… That maybe rookies did, but for the most part, no. I feel like I’m leaning toward yes… I say this because you just never know with Ray, and for me, one should fear that. When you least expect to be laying on your back, that’s when you are. I do know there’s a resounding respect for him, if anything else… But, yep, this one is a yes for me.

I’m feeling some type of way, y’all, about what I’ve been seeing on major networks… and some commercials in general. Man, my thing is, just let sleeping dogs lie (Uh, maybe poor choice of idioms, but my intention held no malice. LOL!)…

So, if you’ve watched a single segment of any sports’ program recently, you know that Michael Vick is now apparently the second coming. As the latest crowned quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick has perfected his game—accelerating his passing game and perfecting his running prowess—is being mentioned with the great veteran quarterbacks. I love it! I’m glad he’s back and because he spent a good deal of time off the field, he’s fresher than the average 30-year-old quarterback who may have had an uninterrupted career.

Surely, if you’ve lived on this planet for any amount of time you’ll know that Vick was part of this horrific group who funded and operated dog fighting rings (hence the poor usage above) and obviously supervised while animals were injured and killed. He served his time, along with attending various help classes, and he also donated to several charities. Now, you fast forward to today and Vick has all the analysts’ tongues wagging (OMG! Another one… I’m telling you, I guess you just don’t know how much you use dogisms to make a point.) and team officials wishing they’d chosen him. So, now that he’s the man on top, there are some haters out there who want to bring his past back to the nations’ attention by displaying just how horrible the superstar NFL player really is. Really?

Why? He served his time. I’m sure he’s learned a great deal and now he’s trying to get on with his life… Shouldn’t everyone else, too? There are so many examples I could pose here for conversation sake, but I’m sure you all can go through your mental rolodex to note a handfull, too. With not minimizing his actions, I want to add that the man didn’t kill another person. And, as a pet lover I was disgusted by this entire story, but at the same time I’m not trying to be his judge and jury each time his face or stats go across the screen in a positive manner… Why can’t people create commercials and such that relay the message that he’s a real life example of how you can make bad decisions, deal with the consequences, and still make it? Man, sometimes I just wonder what planet I’m really on.

So, I was sitting on the couch with a friend (a guy; valuable for later) and Hubby just shooting the breeze, nothing special. Hubby went upstairs and then came back down with an excited, “expectant” look on his face.

He says, “Honey, guess who was traded to the Ravens?”, and we all starred at each other. I was totally unsure of the answer, secretly hoping that T.O. had been miraculously traded from the Cincinnati Bengals. I guess I was just taken aback by his overall expectation that I’d just know… period. After the stare was obviously getting us no where and Hubby wasn’t answering our question of what the position was being filled, I yelled out (sorta squinting my eyes in doubt) “Houshmandzadeh” (yes, I checked the spelling)!

Ding, ding, ding… I was right! Who knew? I couldn’t believe it. Why was “Houshmandzadeh” even in my vocabulary (Crack up!)? And, Hubby was completely overjoyed as I’m sure he felt the glee of hoisting the my-wife-knows-sports trophy over his head. For me, it was more of a process of elite-player elimination… In which T.J. fit the bill with being part of the shocking ones (at least for me) who were let go from their respective roster.

I mean, I love sports (It’s obvious.) and with this time of year coming up (Uh football, not fall… Ugh!), I could just run naked outside with the deer and chickens (well almost…). And although it was pure sports’ knowledge for me, it was much more for him. Significant others, I’m telling you, it’s worth the hoisting of the trophy… Especially when you’re the only lady in the room (major shopping points… Hey, I’m still a woman, too!).

Hey Readers,  this is Hubby.  Let me apologize for the lull in posting… Wife and I are enjoying the warm ocean waves in the Dominican Republic and this excellent experience on the Punta Cana resort doesn´t feed the desire to stop and post, but the beat goes on, right?… Anyway, here are my vacation ponderings…

As you may know my wife, the standard blogger here, has never denied her love for the L.A. Lakers. We happened to be watching ESPN and the story about Pau Gasol truly intrigued us. As a young man, Pau had two things he wished to become and do: a basketball player and a doctor. Here is the interesting thing… the catalyst for his desire to become a doctor was watching one of his basketball idols, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, announcing his retirement because he had contracted HIV. I remember watching that same press conference and feeling that same sense of loss that I am sure Pau felt at that moment. It is in these times of loss that we, human beings, tend to find real appreciation in a person, place, or thing. It is also in these times of loss that we resolve to make changes and hopefully changes that benefit our family, our community, our nation… you get it? But anyway…

According to the story Pau decided to pursue his dream of professional basketball and put his medical studies on hold. He could not continue his rigorous schedule of both medical and basketball training. What came to my mind reading his story is the fact that no matter how famous, successful, or prominent we become we still all have to make choices that will affect our present and future reality. According to Pau, he believed that he would be able to pursue his medical career after his basketball playing days were over. Even if he gets the chance to accomplish this, he still had to choose at one point in his life.

…back to the beach!

Ummm, I’m feeling that Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield feeling with this whole Shaquille O’Neal situation. Enough is, well, enough in my opinion. Seriously… Shaq, let your name retire in lights, in grandeur… in the true sense.

If you haven’t heard, O’Neal just signed a 2-year, $3-million deal with the Boston Celtics and my stomach almost literally jumped through my knees and onto the ground (Uh, no exaggeration here!). Why Shaq? You’re 38, a champion, an All-Star, and one of the most prolific big men in the game (Ever!) and you’re gonna add to this tremendous NBA legacy this jumping-jack experiment? It’s crushing (not quite crushing, but you know), and actually appears rather desperate.

I heard Michael Jordan the other day talking about the love of the game and how nothing ever truly quenches that thrill… He continued by saying in his mind he still believes he can hang-undoubtedly-with the youngsters, but that it’s his body that just can’t physically do it any more. I’m guessing this is a bit of Shaq’s reality, as everyone knows he’s a diminished shadow of himself. And can you imagine the massive ego he’s going to have to swallow when he finally says (which I hope is any moment now) “I’m done”?…

I haven’t really written at all about the major leagues this year just because, well, there’s nothing too much to speak on… The game has really, overall, bored me into watching summer NBA games, where the bench talent show off their stuff and, of course, the ups and down of NFL summer camp. But, something of note has crept up and I think it is a small spark in an otherwise dull MLB season (And, there’s a wonderful lesson… Take out your pens.).

So, “A-Rod” (I’m so over tough-guy nicknames outside of high school. LOL!) A.K.A. Alex Rodriguez, of the New York Yankees, is about to make crazy history by being in the elite group of power hitters (6 to be exact) who have achieved 600 home runs. He’s currently at 599 and, frankly, seems to be in some sort of hitting rut. He’s taking his time and telling the media that he’s approaching this hit just like any other, but you know somewhere inside that almondy (Yes, “almondy”) skin, he’s itching for that long ball.

I’m not a fan, really, but I can appreciate the quest. It’s really something else when you’ve gotten so close only to be denied what you believe you rightly deserve. A-Rod appears to be a relatively upstanding guy, so for that reason I hope he achieves his goal. I’ve experienced both… the fallen short gloom and the utter glee of achievement, and, well, I gladly prefer the latter. The thing is (And it’s pretty simple!), there is much to be said about the former. Preparation, proactiveness, and passion are things I take along with me on the journey to achieve. Each one has its place and together, I’m pleased to say, you’ll have the perfect formula. You should really take the onus to achieve, but in order for that to happen you have to sketch out a plan(Uh, yes, okay… You can use my formula.)… A-Rod included. It’s doable… but its always a choice.

So, I’m finally at the point where I can wrap my head around everything and actually comment… Last week was just too much and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and hearing…

First, I have to say that, again, the hype around someone who hasn’t won a thangggg is mind boggling to me… But I digress. The Cavaliers majority owner, Dan Gilbert, took me over with his ignorant and emotionally stated comment regarding LeBron James’ relocation decision. Now, I’m maintaining a more positive and upbeat stance on this versus going the other route, but I can see the points stated regarding misplaced loyalty, racism, and the like. I guess my biggest question is, who cares? I mean, really. Now, my mother (69 years young I add) is a popular culture guru, which is weird in and of itself, and when she kept updating me on the latest LeBron happening I just thought, why me?

After experiencing from the comfort of my couch, a wonderful championship run by the L.A. Lakers, I am involuntarily dragged through the mud of the LeBron train and I’m drained, truly. I’m happy for him… Well, more indifferent, but we’ll call that “happy” instead. Maybe he’ll finally win the big game with the Miami Heat and then, finally, I would be more agreeable to the world stopping for a champion.

And to sum it up, surely CNN, Good Morning America, and primetime television shows (to name a few) can find something else to talk about and someone more deserving to interview… Wait, how ’bout that Harlem NY guy, Geoffrey Canada,  who is changing the world (literally) one block at a time. This world is hilarious…

Call it ESP, 50/50 chance, purple being my childhood fave color, or L.A. being one of my best vacation spots… I knew they would do it, again… I said it at the beginning of the NBA season and didn’t waver. When you believe something and can’t shake it, go with it. Just go with it!

Congratulations, Lakers, on your win over the Boston Celtics for the 2010 NBA Championship!

Who sets these rules? I mean, you can go into the military when you’re 18, but can’t drink (legally) until you’re 21. You don’t have to go to school any more after 16, but you’re still considered a minor in terms of statutory situations… And let’s not even talk about 30 and over clubs (LOL!).

So, why are there age rules for the NBA (There are for other sports, too, but my story is about basketball so go along with me…)? For obvious reasons (or maybe not that obvious), the NBA made a change some time back determining 19 as the entry age before declaring for the draft. Before that time, high schoolers could completely forgo college and head straight into the League (Sports Interruption: Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James became stars straight out of high school.). And we’re back… The thing is, some felt like the transition (mentally and physically) was too abrupt for young people to adjust to and remedied that at least 1 year of college would help ease the huge transition.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a 6-time MVP, 19-time All-Star selection, and in the ’80s helped Magic Johnson lead the L.A. Lakers to 5 NBA titles, says the NBA should raise its minimum age for entry into the League to 21. So uh… I’m thinking with those types of numbers somebody might want to take a listen to the living legend, huh? He feels like there’s a disturbing sense of entitlement among many of today’s young pros and all they’re concerned with is “where’s my money”, but have no regard for the game or the fundamentals. He continues with the substantial argument that they’re depriving themselves of the emotional and physical maturity necessary to meet on- and off-the-court challenges. Check out this quote from Abdul-Jabbar talking about his UCLA coach:

“He said if I let my intellectual life suffer because I was so into being an athlete that I would be less than I could be. I would tell all students to pursue your dreams but don’t let your education suffer.”

Wasn’t that deep (Crack up!)… Naw, it was really was (Don’t you feel all inspired?). You know, I’m just glad someone cares. I’m talking about someone who really knows what its all about and isn’t just talking from a turned-up-nose point of view. When I started this post, I didn’t know I would take this position on the subject, but I like the fact that there’s a reason behind his stance… that it’s not just some rhetoric for a political position or something. He wants to see the game back to how it used to be… fundamentals and gratitude for the opportunity. I can dig that… I still have issues with the 30 and over clubs (I don’t want to see a 65-year-old dancing to Prince. Eek.)!

Pain is a funny thing, isn’t it? No matter the form, it hurts, right? Think about it…

So, Tiger [Woods] is experiencing a new pain. He actually didn’t finish an 18-hole qualifying game because of this nagging neck pain. Apparently, this is a freak injury that occurs in the game of golf and is one that can be both career- and life-ending. Still composed, as always, Tiger explained his need to compete and not only that, but to do well in general. He also refuted the notion that this injury had anything to do with the head and neck injury he suffered during his November 2009 accident/incident in his car and with his wife.

Hmmmm… Pain is a funny thing, isn’t it? And it, indeed, comes in many forms. But, no matter the form, it still hurts (I promise you…). As I watched the interview with Tiger, I wondered what he was really thinking. Especially when the press asked him if the two were related. I wondered about the pain he has suffered over these past months… the mental anguish, the public embarrassment, and the private turmoil. The same is true for his wife, I’m sure. I don’t know… although he was discussing his physical pain, I couldn’t help but see and wonder about the other pain that is plaguing him.

Pain hurts, huh?