Back. Hopefully For Good.

A lot has changed since I last posted:

• Lebron got a ring....finally, 
• I've finished 4 of 5 seasons of the greatest show in the history of the world, Friday Night Lights [Full post coming soon] and
• My sister Alexis ripped her pants when she was raging too hard here in DC. [Love you, Lex!] 

All in all, the summer has started off with a bang and I don't see it slowing down anytime soon.

Dallas....Cavs?? Really Cleveland???

Aight Cavs fans, we understand you're a little bitter about Lebron but this is too much. Even though I'm still sick that my Bulls aren't in the Finals, this series will be over in no more than 6.

Sorry Dallas.

Dwyane Wade DESTROYS Kendrick Perkins

This is absolutely disgusting. This game went off literally 15 minutes ago and this dunk is already all over the internet. Take a look but make sure that there are no small children around.


Shit's disgusting.

Oh yea, the Heat lost.

Are the Miami Heat in Trouble??

After the Miami Heat lost their 5^th straight game last night against the Portland Trail Blazers, a lot of NBA fans are saying the Heat are in trouble. Maybe it's the pressure of living up to the hype has been too much but the Heat just haven't figured it out yet. Even with 38 from Dwyane Wade and 31 from Lebron, the Heat still got the L. What gives?? Are the Miami Heat in trouble??

The short answer is no. Expectations for the Heat were probably too high from the beginning. Plus, you can add that to the fact that Pat Riley should realistically be the head coach of this team anyway. As far as last night's game goes, wack ass Chris Bosh was held to just 7 points! There is one alarming thing about the Heat though, their record against the other top teams in the league:
Pretty bad. But even the Heat's 1-9 record can be misleading when you compare it to Championship-favorite LA Lakers' 2-6 against the other top teams.
Basically, there's no real reason for concern here. The Heat could are still in contention for first place in the East...kind of. Boston's going to hang on for the #1 spot and the Bulls will stay at #2. A third seed for Miami is definitel doable and a good step for a first year together. Give em a break.

Plus, how can you feel sorry for them? Look at their DANCERS.

Oh, and their former dancers.

College Football Picks: Week 2

If you've ever read this blog before, you know I gotta start with LSU. We open up SEC play today against Vandy. All I can say is I hope you brought your beer and Crown Royal because that's a W. But that's a given.

Now onto the big games. And there are some pretty big ones this week:

• GAME OF THE WEEK:
  

(12) Miami (FL) at (2) Ohio State // The first big test for Heisman candidate Trevor Pryor will come from an explosive Miami team. Hard game to call but I'm goin with the U. Oh, and Lebron's gonna be there.

• Week 2 Picks:
  

1. (17) Florida State at (10) Oklahoma// I'm going Oklahoma. Too much of the team came back from last year...and I've never really cared for Florida State. [Besides Peter Warrick.]
   

1. Michigan at Notre Dame // I'm not sold one way or another but I think Notre Dame's depth might trump Michigan's athleticism. Prove me right Dewey.
2. (18) Penn State at (1) Alabama // The only reason this is a big game is because it's two ranked teams. Bama, as much as it pains me to say this, should have no issue with Penn State. [Note: Shouts to Eddie Lacy from my former high school, Dutchtown High.]

• Sleeper Game

(22) Georgia at (24) South Carolina // This game will be interesting since UGA will be without All-SEC receiver A.J. Green. A win without him would be big for the confidence of the team...and that's what I'm predicting.


This is the last weekend of the campaign so I might not catch my first game until the afternoon. No matter what though, I know I'll be in front of a TV by 3:30 like:

College football, I totally get you NOWWWWW!!

Penny Hardaway: Don't Call It a Comeback...Even Though You Probably Should

Don't look now but reports have surfaced that former NBA star, and one of my all-time favorite players, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway is attempting another comeback to the league. And if you think for two seconds, you should be able to figure out which team he's thinking about....the Miami Heat. Yea, that's the same thing I thought. It makes sense for Penny to want return to Miami to join one of the most hyped teams in NBA history in an attempt to finally get a ring. I get that. But how would this help the Heat?? The last time I saw Penny Hardaway he looked like an overweight version of Chris Tucker x Montell Jordan. Sure, he'll play for the league minimum but will he really contribute?? I actually hope so. Injuries kept him from ever becoming one of the true greats and this might give him a chance to redeem that...or maybe not. I'm just hoping this leads to some new MVPuppets x Lil Penny spots.




We'll see.

The Decision...Aftermath

We waited long enough. After weeks and weeks of speculation, we finally know the answer to the question that every sports fan in the world has been waiting to know: David Lee is going to the Golden State Warriors! I'm glad we're not worried about that anymore. But in real news, we all know that Lebron James is now with the Miami Heat. Kind of surprising to some, and completely devastating to others. As a Bulls fan it's hard to not be disappointed, but it's not the worst thing to ever happen to us. But for Cavs fans....well.
Damn.
And with all that being said, the person who possibly took it the worst was the owner of the Cavs, Dan Gilbert. Check out the open letter he wrote for fans. Click for entire letter.
Salt.Tee.

I can understand his anger but c'mon son, you had seven years to get players around Lebron but waited until he was gone to get all passionate about it. For some reason this reminds me of the South Park episode where Cartman made Scott Tenorman cry and he licked his tears. Yea, this episode.
I sure hope Dan Gilbert has someone to lick his tears.
Cartman's got it.

Good luck in Miami, Lebron.

Bulls all day though.

NBA Free Agency. What I WANT to Happen

It's no secret...I'm a really big Bulls fan. It's also common knowledge that now that it's July 1, Lebron James and company have the next 10 years of the NBA in the palm of their hands. I'm trying to hope for the best and prepare for the worst, but I'm going to be royally PISSED if we don't get Lebron. Here's a breakdown of what I'm hoping and praying will happen during this summer's free agency:

• Chicago Bulls

OK, everybody wants Lebron but I actually feel like we're gonna get him. The LBJ/Bosh/Wade to Miami rumors just seem like too much of a long-shot. There's not enough minutes in a game, let alone possessions to let both Lebron and DWade get theirs. I feel like James x Bosh is a more realistic possibility.....even though I'd probably rather take Amare. Wack defense and all.

• Miami Heat

Since I'm hoping that the holy triumvirate of James/Bosh/Wade isn't going become a reality, the next best thing for Miami is to sign both Wade and Amare Stoudamire. DWade deserves a huge contract that would solidify his stay in Miami and by throwing in Amare in his prime, they would still contend in the East. Makes perfect sense...once Lebron comes to Chicago.

• This last one....eh

I'm not saying that Carlos Boozer and Dirk are gonna end up playing with each other, I'm just not sure where they're gonna land. I think Dirk could fit will in New Jersey and I think Boozer could fit will in either New York or Miami if Amare doesn't go. Plus, if I had a point guard like Deron Williams, I'd most likely want to stay in Utah. But then again, you gotta go to the best situation and it IS Utah we're talking about...

Other NBA Notes:

• Paul Pierce should be headed back to Boston since Doc's returning.
• The Bulls should try to find a shooter....um, Ray Allen??
• If Charles Barkley leaves TNT to become the Suns' GM/a>, I'll be pissed.
• Mikhail Prokhorov is really trying to get the Nets in the Lebron Sweepstakes

I'm basically gonna be on pins and needles until someone signs with someone. Until then, hold tight Bulls fans.

Come on, Lebron.

Miami Says Nah....They Said Nah.

I couldn't bear to crop this photo.
The Miami Heat were able to avoid being swept by the Boston Celtics by relying on their proven leader, Dwyane Wade. Wade had his best playoff game ever after going off for 46, 5 and 5. But none of his buckets were any bigger than this one:

EGHCK, KG. EGHCK.Good win for the Heat and also [and more importantly] D.Wade's contract for next year. Pay-Per.

Bulls, Thunder and Heat Can't Escape the Jealous...Trail 0-2

The NBA playoffs have started off pretty much disgusting...and according to most people's plans. But not mine. I was REALLY fucking hoping predicted that the Bulls could at least strike some sort of fear in the Cavs this year; no such luck. My main upset for the first round was the Heat over the Celtics...we all saw how last night turned out. And that was WITHOUT KG. And then we have the Thunder. I thought that the youngest scoring champ in history could at least do a little damage against even the Lakers. NO DICE. I'm starting to reconsider changing the name of this blog to asamp was wrong.

And I hate to be wrong.

Come on BullsThunderHeat, don't jealous me and all the upset seekers.

[Note: The Bucks are also down 0-2 to the Hawks but I saw that one coming.]

Aight, So the Season is Pretty Much a Wrap, But These Are DOPE

Nike does it again.

This week, college football teams around the country will showcase their special Nike Pro-Combat uniforms. Nike has completely redesigned the jerseys of 10 schools (LSU, Miami, Mizzouri, Florida State, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, TCU, Virginia Tech and Ohio State) all the way from the helmet and jersey to the dry fits and cleats. It's a win-win for both parties since Nike gets free advertising and the players and fans get to see new jerseys. Especially for teams like LSU and Ohio State with really conservative jerseys. Not only do the jerseys add a new look to the programs but the jerseys are up to 40% lighter than the normal ones.

I mean, it might not sound like much, but these jerseys are DOPE. And don't sleep on the gloves. Each team has their logo one the palm of the gloves. Dopeness.

See the whole story and a better look here.







Miami, Mizzou, FSU

Oklahoma, Florida, Texas

TCU, Virginia Tech, Ohio State

In Depth looks and slogans for each school:
LSU: Cochon De Lait [Pig Roast]
Miami: The U Knows
Mizzou: Beast Mode
Florida State: Fear the Spear
Oklahoma: Stake Our Claim
Florida: Fear the Mission
Texas: Texas Fight
TCU: Don't Back Down
Virginia Tech: Ut Prosim [...so that I may serve]
Ohio State: Earned

Well damn.

AWR College Football Picks - Week Five

Last week proved to be the most unpredictable week of college football so far this season. I'm not gonna post my percentage but it was far from my 97% the week before. Anyway, here are my picks for this week:

Game of the Week:

• (4) LSU Tigers at (18) UGA - You already know. LSU's taking this one and I'm headed down to Athens tomorrow to see it in person. Any Tigers making the trip, hit me on the celly. [CBS, 3:30]

This Week's picks:

• (3) Alabama over Kentucky - This one's gonna get ugly. Bama is looking like the best team in the country right now Kentucky's....not. Big game from Bama. [ESPN360, 12:21]
• (6) Virginia Tech over Duke - Another ugly one. Tyrod's on a roll after dismantling Miami last week. And it's not basketball season. [ESPN360, 12:00]
• (7) USC over (24) Cal - The Trojans had Jahvid Best's number last year and held him to under 40 yards for the game. He might get a few more this year but it still won't be enough. [ABC, 8:00]

Upset:

• (17) Miami over (8) Oklahoma - The Canes are definitely going to bounce back after getting embarrassed by Tech last week. Plus, no Bradford for the Sooners. [ABC, 8:00]

Keep an eye on:

• (21) Ole Miss at Vanderbilt - I'm looking forward to seeing how Ole Miss can respond to getting upset last week. I said they were hype and a second straight loss, to Vandy nonetheless, could solidify that. [ESPNU, 7:00]
• (22) Michigan at Michigan State - This will be a good chance to see how real Michigan is. State's not necessarily a power in the Big 10 but they always play up for Michigan. Should be a good one that Michigan wins. [Big 10 Network, 12:00]
• (25) Georgia Tech at South Carolina - Pretty intriguing middle season non-conference game. I'm not really convinced on USC, but I'm not convinced on Tech either. But their running game is official. We'll see. [ESPN360, 7:30]
• Auburn at Tennessee - SEC matchup of teams that usually go at it. Chizik vs. Kiffin should be a good one. [ESPN, 7:45]
• Washington at Notre Dame - Locker vs. Clausen. Two QBs on the rise in a game that not many people were looking forward to before the season started. Let's see if the defenses can keep up. [NBC, 3:30]

It might be hard to keep up with the scores this Saturday since I'll be in Athens with a lot of this mixed with this, but I'm pretty confident about this week. Bulldogs about to get the jealous.

Sorry UGA.

AWR College Football Picks - Week Four

I was 100% on last week's picks...except for USC getting jealous'd by Washington. We all knew that the Trojans would blow a game some time and I kinda figured after the Huskies played us so close that they were better than people thought. Anyway, on to the next one...

Game of the Week:

• (9) Miami at (11) Virginia Tech - Jacory Harris vs. Tyrod Taylor. WOW. I'm goin with the Canes in this one. [ABC, 3:30]

This Week's Picks:

• THE (7) LSU Tigers over Mississippi State - Duh. [ESPN 360/Peachtree TV, 12:00]
• (1) Florida WAY over Kentucky. Even with a sick Tebow, the Gators are leagues ahead of UK. [ESPN2/ESPN 360, 6:00]
• (2) Texas WAY over UTEP - Why elaborate??? [3:00]
• (3) Bama over Arkansas - No McFadden or Felix to help the Hogs with this one. [CBS, 3:30]
• (5) Penn State over Iowa - Sorry Web, payback's a bitch. [ABC, 8:00]

Upsets:

• Oregon over (6) Cal - Cal barely squeeked by Minnesota last week while the Ducks are coming off a big win over (18) Utah. No LaGuerrette Brown, no problem. [ABC, 3:30]
• Clemson over (15) TCU - I haven't seen much from TCU but Clemson is past due for a big game from CJ Spiller and Jacoby Ford. Plus, I don't think Kyle Parker can mess this up. [ESPN 360, 3:30]
• Texas Tech over (17) Houston - Kinda weird that this is an upset, but Taylor Potts is about to go ham for Tech. [ESPN2, 9:15]

Keep an eye on:

• Arizona State at (21) Georgia - I'm still not sold on Joe Cox and I don't think Mark Richt is either. He needs to perform. [ESPNU, 7:00]
• Indiana at (23) Michigan - No chance for Indiana in this one, but the Wolverines are finally fun to watch again. [ESPN2, 12:00]
• Notre Damn at Purdue - Tryin to see what Clausen talkin bout. [ESPN, 8:00]
• McNeese State at Tulane - I might be the ONLY person that cares about this game. Shouts to Damion and Dustan

Shit, about 30 minutes til kickoff. Ariiiiiiite.

Gotta Make It To Seven.../No Flagrant for Rondo/Josh Smith Is Not Smart

Big game tonight in Chicago. We have a chance to tie the series at 3 games apiece and force a Game 7 back in Boston. And I think we can do it. Even though it sounds like a Disney movie, the Bulls gain a lot of confidence with every close game we play. And in contrast, the Celtics lose a little. I'm not the kind of fan that's happy with just not getting Piston'ed...I want to WIN. And I believe will will tonight and next game. So what?? And it's gonna be a close one. Three of the five games have gone to at least overtime and one of the non-overtime games was won by a last second shot. If we show up to play, then I'm sure I'll be doing this after the game:

Andyaknowdaaaat.

Now onto the "controversial" foul from Rajon Rondo onto Brad Miller: I think that it was a foul and maybe even a regular season flagrant foul...but a flagrant fould in game 5 of the playoffs with 1 second left?? While I wish the flagrant would have been called, I don't think that the ref would make that call at this point in such an important game. But Rondo did leave Brad Miller's mouth lookin like this. Damn. And after Rondo throwing a punch that connected and getting off, why did Dwight Howard get suspended for Game 6 after throwing an elbow?? That's messed up. With that being said, I'm sure that the next person to commit a flagrant foul in this serious will definitely be suspended....if he doesn't play for the Celtics.

[Note: I know you saw Josh Smith's ass try to get that under-the-legs dunk during last night's Hawks/Heat game. Not only did he miss it, but he gave the ailing Heat even more motivation Wtf.]

Um, he did dunk on Jermaine O'Neal though...Bawse.

SB '09: Owww

The time is finally here.
Spring Break 09.

I'm sure that this year will be another week full of drunkenness, debauchery and boomsooka on South Beach. Have fun, be safe and I want stories when we get back. Oww.

And remember, it's not Spring Break unless you look back and have some moment that make you do this:
Owwww.

Jermaine O'Neal Heads to...Miami??? Oww.

True.

I've always like Jermaine O'Neal as a player, even though he played big years in Indiana. I think that even though the Heat had to give up one of their more consistent players in Shawn Marion, they got the size that they needed. Now the Heat have a big man that can at least give Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard some trouble. And it will add to more offensive production on the inside. Good trade for the Heat. The entire trade included sending O'Neal, along with Jamario Neal and a future first-round draft pick to Miami for Marion, Marcus Banks and cash.

D.Wade and Jermaine O'Neal are about to fucking ball in Miami. Throw in my man Fabolous, I mean Mario, and B'Eazy and it's about to get really interesting in the East. Ow.

I bet Shawn Marion was salty about getting traded the day after scoring the winning dunk against the Bulls. I guess that's what you get for messing with my team sonnn. When he got to practice today in Miami he got the news and was probably looking very Colt McCoy-ish:

Damn. The Bulls Can't Catch a Break...

We really can't.
It's bad enough that we're sitting on a 23-30 record going into the All-Star break but last night's loss to the Heat was the worst. Ben Gordon, who is one of the most under-appreciated players in the league, dropped 34 last night...in an L. Last night was a heartbreaker. The Bulls had the ball with less than 4 seconds left in a tie game....sure to at least make it to overtime right??? Just peep:

This is how I looked as the game changed from definite overtime, to a heartbreaking loss: Chicago falls again.

Excuse me while I get my Dana Jacobson on.