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.

Yeah, I’m feeling a combination of shock and wonder… I can’t help but be in shock about the literal break down, before my eyes, of one of the longest running and most prolific dynasties in American professional sports history. No matter how you feel (those of you shall remain nameless), you cannot deny the superb outfitting of fundamentals along with the essentially talented group of semi ever-changing men that made up the L.A. Lakers.

I don’t think it’s saying too much to feel and discuss the deep and ominous hole that surrounds the subject of the Lakers and where they are to go from “here”… For me, “here” is this itchy, head-turning-of-the-dog feeling of what happened? What happened to the cool and smooth sailing they always played with, never becoming bothered by the pre-season win-lose columns (inferring that it would all work out in the wash of the post season)? This gigantic question bumps right up against one of the last questions for their season, of inquiring what exactly happened to the grace and maturity with which the Lakers always possessed… They were the studious ones that other teams immolated (or tried to at least). The Dallas Mavericks’ win over the Lakers (a 4-0 broom stroking in the 2^nd round of the NBA playoffs) was one for the record books, but one also that the Lakers should be quite ashamed of (for the varied violence that ensued, not the loss).

With Phil Jackson retiring and the roster in flux, what can I count on (Crack up!… My mind just went to, like, five things that were off the subject)? After reading a few articles on this subject, there was a slight tone in the air that Phil wasn’t the biggest fan of this latest group of guys he was coaching. That speaks volumes from a coach who has seen the likes of perfection in Michael Jordan and the skill and cunning in Dennis Rodman.

I can’t lie, I’m a Lakers fan. And while I know Kobe’s rein as the centerpiece for the team may be (may be!) coming to an end, I’d still like to see them rebuild and quiet as kept, for Kobe to win another one… More importantly though (Uh, maybe just as much rather), I’d like to see the continuity of seamless play and the chaotic calm they once had reborn once more.

The NFL Draft is going on and all I can think about is rejection…

So many dreams hang in the balance and yet rejection is still so much a part of that reality. It’s something, in life in general, to prepare and be the best at your skill (or one of a very limited number), and still not necessarily be a shoe-in. Being #1 is relative, right?… For instance, Cam Newton is the #1 overall pick (going to the Charlotte Panthers) and still, there are so many components to determining greatness. He experienced media and rumor-mill rejection. But today, today celebrates him as the best of the best.

It’s hilarious how one can experience the heights and depths of perceived greatness. I’m all about celebrating hard work, tenaciousness, gifting, and discipline. My heart just bleeds for those who will feel the indelible sting of rejection. It’s something that can only be explained after it is experienced.

Generally, I think teachers are different today than when I was in school. I feel a good number of them don’t seem invested as they’re beating their students out of the door when the bell rings. I’m sure some of you remember the days when teachers stayed hours after their regular school day to tutor or just to talk some sense into a student… Not to mention the home visits. Well, uh rah, I think this teacher might get a pass…

When your elementary school teacher was twisting your classmate’s ear, pulling him to his seat for his latest bout of misbehaving, I’m certain you weren’t wondering if your teacher had a right hook… (Yes, Mike Tyson style).

Sonya Lamonakis, a 36-year-old Harlem [New York] elementary school teacher, is also a professional boxer. Despite her classifying this “gig” as a hobby (Crack up!), Lamonakis is a top-five-rated female heavyweight who is being groomed for a title shot (I know, I know… a collective Lil’ John “What“!).

Turning down fights if there’s a PTA conflict or school-day event, Lamonakis makes her priority clear:

In February, when [Promoter Lou] DiBella had a show televised on Broadway Boxing at BB Kings [in New York City], he asked me to be on the card. I couldn’t, because I had made a promise to the kids. I was actually going to take them to a show. I already made these plans like three months ago. So I told him I had a commitment to the kids, to my students, and I just couldn’t disappoint them.

While she loves the sport and really knows her stuff, I love that she loves the children. I mean, as someone who loves young people and is committed to their tomorrows, I am impressed by Lamonakis’ dedication and her overall compassion for her students.

I know teachers can’t throw down (a.k.a. beat down) with children the way they did back in the day, but uh, kids may want to think twice before talking back to tight-bun-glasses-on-edge-of-nose-flat-shoe-wearing Ms. Brown.

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 am so accustomed to the Kardashians being, well, the Kardashians… That I was taken off guard when, middle sister of the Kardashians older trio set, Khloe shared with the world the very personal reality of infertility with her NBA husband, L.A. Lakers forward, Lamar Odom.

While Odom doesn’t make gossip news often and many times will have the more grounded and rational soundbites, Khloe and the rest of the clan often times are the contrary, having every word and action play out on one reality show or another. I must say I was a bit sadden by the announcement, but also hopeful that, as I like to think and often say, things happen as they should (Really! It’s one of my -isms.). And she appears to be taking the same stance. She’s a career woman, sister, wife, daughter, and friend, and the pressure of all those relationships can be burdensome for anyone, celebrities included. That’s why such a topic, although a common one, has to be hard to play out in front of the cameras… Night after night he’s a crucial player on a star-studded, veteran team and she’s living out her life, the envy of many (Well, if you choose this particular sister…).

The bigger picture, at least externally, is that they’re young and seemingly healthy… they’re wealthy, which offers them potentially more options, and they appear to be in love (and actually fairly normal, which is a rarity in their circles, I’m sure)… All ingredients for optimistic tomorrows.

Something like this helps everyone, I think, remember that we all have “stuff” to contend with, relative to our own lives and that jumping to the first conclusion about someone isn’t often the best course of action… You just never know. It pays to go deeper and get to know someone before you automatically go negative (I’m just sayin’)… A lot of those lessons grandma taught you back in the day render themselves true in adult life. Here’s to a fertile future… in whatever bountifulness that’s meaningful to you.

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?…