Bosh and Wade in Miami: Conspiracy Theory Afoot

(Miami, Fl) -- OK so we all know the news regarding Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami. Two parts of the dream time are headed to Southbeach to create a championship type tandem.

We have also heard for weeks about a proposed three man dream team also involving LeBron James.

With the announcement of Wade and Bosh and the news of LeBron's one hour free agency special many people are counting out the chances that the trio to Miami deal was just a dream and its chances of happening are gone.

I think otherwise...

If you pay attention to the way all of the free agencies have gone down we see a few things. Mostly the statements from the players and the specifics of the deals. We saw this with the max deal to Joe Johnson and the massive overpaid contract to A'mare in NYC but why haven't we heard anything about Southbeach's new superstars.

World Cup Bound: U.S. Tops Turkey 2-1 In Send Off Series Finale

This is an Examiner.com piece to 

read the original CLICK HERE

(Philadelphia, PA) - Despite a slow first half the U.S. National Soccer Team defeated Turkey 2-1 in their final international friendly on Saturday afternoon. This was the final match before the squad heads to South Africa for this summer's World Cup and the first since the final 23-man roster was set on Wednesday.


A crowd of just under 68,000 filled Lincoln Financial Field with the raucous intensity the team expects to see in South Africa. Coming into the match the U.S. was 4-1 in their final friendly before a World Cup.

Turkey struck first in the 27th minute as midfielder Arda Turan broke off a mis directed run by American Jonathan Spector a connected on a shot that evaded the charging U.S. goalie Tim Howard.

Despite failing to qualify for this summer's World Cup the Turks did start most of their international squad and pressured the U.S. National Team for most of the first half. Howard faced many rushes and lucked out on a missed shot by Tuncay Sanli just before the 45th minute to keep the lead at one going into half.

After some roster shuffling by U.S. head coach Bob Bradley the team responded. In the 46th minute. Bradley  subbed in Oguchi Onyewu, Steve Cherundolo, José Francisco Torres and Robbie Findley to help the team spread the field.

The move worked as the newly inserted Findley connected with Landon Donovan at around the 15-meter line to set up the first goal. Donovan triggered a strike into Turkeys defense crossing up Turkish goaltender Volkan Demirel and sent a soft pass to U.S's Jozy Altidore for the equalizer.

Both teams pressured and had opportunities but incredible showings by both goaltenders kept the match close. It wasn't until the 75th that the U.S. took the edge as midfielder Clint Dempsey connected on a cross from Donovan to give the team the 2-1 lead.

Donovan was the all-star for the U.S. squad way beyond his two assists. Donovan connected on several set positions and corner kicks that could have seen the back of the net.

The U.S has one more tune-up match before the start of the World Cup on June 11th. They will face Australia on June 5th in Roodepoort, South Africa.

The first official match for the U.S. squad will take place on June 12th as they take on heavily favored England at Royal Bafokeng Stadium. The match can be seen live on ABC at 2:30 ET.
Scoring Totals:

United States:
- Jozy Altidore (59)
- Clint Dempsey (75)
Turkey:
-Arda Turan (27)
Yellow Cards:

United States- Ricardo Clark (41)

Turkey- Mehmet Topal (57), Gokhan Zon (90)

2010 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0 (3-of-3)

This is part three of my three part NBA Mock Draft. 

(Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3)

First before I begin giving you my first draft of the 2010 NBA Mock Draft season I want to preface this by saying I made the picks I did with the assumption that a few free agents are leaving their respected team and certain I feel are remaining. I think that D-Wade is staying in Miami, LeBron is leaving, Chris Bosh will no longer be a Raptor and Joe Johnson is exiting the way of Mike Woodson. I preface this by saying that if you don't agree I am sorry but I guess we won't know the true validity of the free agent market till July, 9th.

I made my picks based on need, availability and a large amount of common sense. Despite the rumors and theories John Wall is going to be the second pick and if the Sixers don't take Evan Turner with the second pick I might jump off a bridge... That being said I present you part 3-of-3 of the Mock Draft 1.0.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Larry Sanders (PF/C) VCU

This kid is the biggest anomaly of the draft. He is so unique because of his skills set he could go anywhere between a top 10 pick to the second round. Truth is he has so much upside but just as much unknown. I think he would be a great fit for the Thunder as it would be a step up to Nenad Kristic at center but also could help them pound with the bigs when Serge Ibaka becomes the full time starter in OKC.

22. Portland Trailblazers: Solomon Alabi (C) Florida St.

I always feel bad for the Blazers. They will always have to deal with the Sam Bowie / MJ comparisons and now as Kevin Durant ascends to the pantheon they will now always be the Greg Oden people. Facts are Oden is one more disappointment from being a complete bust and the only other option this team has was Joel Przybilla and with him entering his 10 season the Blazers need to start thinking about getting someone young.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stanley Robinson (PF) UConn

This is third pick for the T-Wolves and with the first two I gave them SF help so I think that with this draft being so deep as the forward position why not another. Basically if Robinson is here they will take him because I think he is the best talent as trade bait. If hes the pick hell never wear the uniform. This kid was a under shadowed talent at UConn but I commend him for graduating and I think that he will become a useful role player for a team. Think Juwan Howard.

24. Atlanta Hawks: Eric Bledsoe (SG) Kentucky

If Joe Johnson leaves this team will be in desperate need of guard help. Bledsoe was over shadowed by John Wall but I think given the chance he could be a great combo guard, specifically for the Hawks. The Hawks have max money and if they decide the can keep Joe Johnson then Bledsoe could be groomed into the PG of the future for when Mike Bibby retires.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Elliott Williams (SG) Memphis

I know what your saying, The one thing Memphis has is guards, and you right. Just like with the T-Wolves, I dont expect them to keep all three picks. If this pick is not traded then the player chosen will be. But he was my highest player left on my list and I don't see him fitting with any other team with the last five picks.

                                          26. Oklahoma City Thunder: Willie Warren (PG/SG) Oklahoma

Great in state talent as well as a good kid overall. Who knows how long they will be able to keep Russell Westbrook in town and Warren could learn a lot in this system. We saw how successful James Harden was this year and I think the same thing could happen for Willie. The Thunder are excelling with picking up unknown talents and I think this may be another case.

27. New Jersey Nets: Paul George (SF) Fresno St.

This kid has great range and has been praised as amazing coach-able, which is a huge selling point for the Nets. Hes quick off the dribble and in workouts this week was described as NBA range when it came to his shooting. The Nets will take a big man at the third spot and try to deepen themselves with this pick.

28. Memphis Grizzlie: Dominique Jones (PG) South Florida 

This kid is a great leader and has smart court sense. The Grizzlies are deep at SG but with a young PG and the right coaching it could completely change their offensive strategy (which is deeply needed). He is a bit of a project but has the potential to be a leader.

29. Orlando Magic: Quiny Pondexter (SF) Washington

Not that the Magic need help as the SF position with Pietrus and Barnes Pondexter can also play SG when needed. He is a hard worker and I think Stan would really like this kid. He wont have pressure to start and could learn much from a good group of veterans.

30. Washington Wizards: Kevin Seraphin (C) France

The Wizards need help EVERYWHERE and I think that Seraphin would be a good pick for this team. He is registered as a C but I think that in the pro game he will fit more in with a team as a PF. Either way this kid has size and quickness. I don't know if he will come over right away but with the last pick in the first round its not a huge loss. The Wizards will need a few years to turn it around in the first place.

So there it is ladies and gents... my 2010 NBA Mock Draft. I expect it to go through some changes before the 24th but I think it a solid selection of the talent that's available.

Love it or hate it, I would love to hear your comments.

-b.chan

2010 NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0 (2-of-3)

This is part two of my three part NBA Mock Draft. 

(Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3)

(First before I begin giving you my first draft of the 2010 NBA Mock Draft season I want to preface this by saying I made the picks I did with the assumption that a few free agents are leaving their respected team and certain I feel are remaining. I think that D-Wade is staying in Miami, LeBron is leaving, Chris Bosh will no longer be a Raptor and Joe Johnson is exiting the way of Mike Woodson. I preface this by saying that if you don't agree I am sorry but I guess we won't know the true validity of the free agent market till July, 9th. I made my picks based on need, availability and a large amount of common sense. That being said I present you part 2-of-3 of the Mock Draft 1.0.)

Just as last year was the year of the guard this year is a chance for many clubs to replenish their rosters will high quality SF and PF and a fair mix of hybrid guys that can score as a PF but the size of a center...

11. New Orleans Hornets: Donatas Motiejunas (PF/C) Lithuania
It didn't take long  but with the 11th pick I expect the Hornets to take the best international available in this years draft. He is a Andrea Bargnani type talent but has been criticized as a little un-focused, I notch that up to being the best player in a league and not caring. Either way I think he could immediately help a Hornets teams that is in a bit of disarray.


12. Memphis Grizzlies: Patrick Patterson (PF) Kentucky
 The Grizzlies have three first round picks so if they don't make a move to get higher I think Patterson is a good fit for Memphis. He is one of the more experienced PF in this draft and would fit well in Lionel Hollins system, plus Patterson is versatile enough to fit on the court with either Rudy Gay or Zach Randolph.


13. Toronto Raptors: Daniel Orton (PF/C) Kentucky
Another Wildcat comes off the board with this pick and I think Orton is a security pick for Toronto is Chis Bosh leaves. Hopefully is Bosh decides to exit he will make it better for Toronto in a sign and trade but if he gets out of dodge and leaves the Raptors high and dry Orton might help patch a small part of the wound.


14. Houston Rockets: Hassan Whiteside (PF/C) Marshall
Another security pick here for the Rockets. No one is really sure what Yao Ming will play like when he comes back and with Houston brass assuring fans that Luis Scola will return next year Whiteside would be a smart choice. The Rockets have max money this summer but they only have two names on their radar (Amare or Bosh). Chances are they wont get either so like many teams security in the draft is the most reassuring thing.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Avery Bradley (SG) Texas
The Bucks got a lot of miles out of John Salmons and benefited from his production as the biggest upstart in the Eastern Conference. With Michael Redd coming off a season of injuries the multi-talented Bradley is a good pick from a team looking to get younger and quicker. A young backcourt of Jennings and Bradley could solidify a team that needs to start looking towards their promising future.


16. Minnesota Timberwolves: Gordon Hayward (SF) Butler
Minnesota has three of the first twenty-three picks in the draft so if anyone is making a move its them. Hayward made a name for himself in Butlers improbable run towards the national title. He averaged 15 points and 8 boards in the tournament and is a solid three point threat. He won't be a starter right away but think of him as a younger Jason Kapono just a little smaller. Definitely a point of improvement for the T-Wolves.

17. Chicago Bulls: Damion James (SF) Texas
I think that James is a smart move here as a security if the LeBron rumors done come true. The team still has faith in Luol Deng but you could see in the playoffs that after a few games of overplaying he became gassed quickly. James can step in and play immediately and will work well with Taj Gibson when he slides to the 2.

(Its sad that its going to take this long for a senior to come off the board but with everyone worried about next years CBA this draft is flooded with underclassmen.)

18. Miami Heat: James Anderson (SG) Oklahoma St.
This was a toughest pick because this was the 4th or 5th place I think Anderson could go. Hes talented (22.3 ppg) and could play SF is needed. He is also the best player as a D-Wade insurance policy (besides Evan Turner). If the rumors are true and Pat Riley is returning to the sidelines then Anderson could be groomed into an elite player and one of this drafts biggest steal. He has the Andre Iguodala potential but with less pressure.

19. Boston Celtics: Xavier Henry (SG) Kansas
With the unknown future of Ray Allen in Boston and the fact that Michael Finley is not a long term solution Henry could be the player with the best chance to success immediately. Last season he hit 41% from beyond the arch and could be a big part of the long term Celtics success. He will have his growing pains because much of his negative attention is about his attitude. The Celtics have had this issue before and look where that got them... Rajon Rondo.

20. San Antonio Spurs: Luke Babbitt (SF) Nevada
Just as they did with George Hill and his growth as the PG of the future and the steal of the draft in DeJuan Blair as the PF of the future, Babbitt could be the SF of the future for the Spurs. Who knows how long Richard Jefferson will stay in town and its a good idea to get a young talent in the mix before Jefferson's skills diminish.

Well that's part two of Mock Draft 1.0... I appreciate the comments so drop me

a line...

-b.chan

No tape in the Champagne Room...

The on going investigation evolving around Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger hit a bump today as several reports of the March 5th incident have come to light. ESPN.com is reporting that the entrance to the VIP room where the two time Superbowl winner allegedly sexual assaulted a 20 year old was guarded by a bodyguard at the time of the alleged incident.

It also stated in the report that the bathroom that was located in a back room of the VIP section of the nightclub was also guarded by a friend of Roethlisberger's at the time of the incident. 

When interviewed by ESPN the bouncer on duty at the Capitol City Nightclub stated that is was common for a guard to protect the bathrooms and that he didn't see anything "out of the ordinary" about the night.

Later in the article the bouncer, Rocky Duncan, had this to say about the time of the alleged incident...

Roethlisberger was standing and talking with what appeared to be a woman sitting on a stool a few feet from the bathroom door, which was separated from the stage room by a 4-foot divider. Roethlisberger's frame blocked Duncan from seeing the woman. But Duncan added he had never seen the accuser and did not know what she looked like. Duncan said a member of Roethlisberger's entourage, whom he called "the ringleader," was sitting on a stool about a foot away from the door that led to the area where Roethlisberger and the woman had been talking.

Another twist in the case came today when it was announced the security camera footage of the night was some how erased before police had the chance to acquire it for evidence. Owners of the nightclub state that they were attempting to make a copy for police when they encountered a malfunction and somehow the records were erased.

There has been little support or comment made from team officials or the Rooney family about the issue. In an ESPN interview head coach Mike Tomlin stated that he was not frustrated about the fact that Ben has been absent from off season workouts and he expects Ben to be present when mandatory OTA start in a few weeks.

Right now both sides are gathering evidence for the preliminary hearing but they expect the case to possibly go to trial sometime this summer. This is not the second time Roethlisberger has been accused of sexual assault. In 2009 a hotel clerk at the Lake Tahoe Harrahs Hotel accused Ben of rape and is attempting to sue for over $450,000 in damages from the QB. The case is still pending.

(on a side note: this guy is disgusting, yes I know the girl was only 20 and the case will most likely be thrown out because she was a drunk minor in a club but what the hell is this guy doing in a nightclub in a college town, I hope he gets a rape charge this is the second time he has been accused and he needs to be put in his place).

-b.chan

Check the new Eternal Mulligan Widget... CLICK HERE... 

Now you can have all the articles on your Facebook, Twitter or smart phone.

What's up Doc... Gooden Arrested in NJ

The comedy and hilarity that is the lives of Dwight Gooden and Darrly Strawberry has hit another bump today as former Met Dwight Gooden was arrested in upstate New Jersey for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.

This is not the first time Gooden has been in trouble with the law. In 2002 he was arrested outside of Tampa FL for driving while intoxicated and an open container. This story is similar accept for the other plethora of charges facing Doc K. Gooden was not only high as a kite when he was arrested but he also had a child in the car that is not one of his children when pulled over at 8:33 am yesterday.

Gooden is also being charged with leaving the scene of an accident. It has yet to be announced if Gooden caused the wreck or if he was hit but by the look of the other charges I am going to bet the accident was his fault.

All of this is also a violation of his ongoing probation from his jail time he served in 2006. That stint in jail came from another parole violation coming from an intoxicated meeting Gooden has with his parole officer.

This story is even funnier because of the nature of Gooden's past. We first saw all of these coming in 1987 when Gooden was arrested after fighting with police outside of a bar in Tampa Fl. He was sent to rehab and kept out of the Mets lineup for over three months. After coming back he managed to win a whopping 13 games for the Mets.

Now when it comes to Mr. Strawberry I can't be overly critical because I feel bad for a lot of the things that have happened to him. The reformed former addict and cancer survivor is now a born again Christian who is making his runs on the religious circuit talking about with the help of god he is trying to put his life back together...

Strawberry is now on his third wife. fourth kidney and third probation term. Gotta love NYC.

This is an interview Strawberry did with The 700 Club last September.



Another reason why N.Y. Sucks they cant even keep their crackheads in check...

-b.chan

NFL Roundup

Now for those of you who know me you are aware that I am not the biggest football fan. In saying this I still think it is necessary to try and address some of the rumors and moves (or potential moves) made in Philadelphia football as well as some things done in the NFL today that would have a lasting affect on the Eagles.

McNabb Trade Rumors: 

Just as I had stated the other day the onslaught of trade rumors involving Donovan McNabb does not seem like it will end anytime soon. Today Sal Pal announced on 97.5 the fanatic that more teams are talking to the Eagles about the services of #5. Like I had stated as these rumors began the Seahawks, Rams, Raiders and Bills are all looking into McNabb and each does make a lot of logical sense for a team like the Eagles. These stories have been confirmed by Chris Robinson of Yahoo Sports who is one of the top insiders for both the Seahawks and the Raiders.

The thing that does help many of these rumors is the fact that the Eagles are finally admitting that they are shopping McNabb, or as Reid calls it "looking into our options". Basically the team is finding the best deal and hopes to make it happen before the draft. Also it has been reported the Eagles have lowered their asking price for McNabb to a second round or a compilation of later round draft picks.

If anything is to happen I expect it to happen soon.

NFL Makes Rule Changes:

Today at the off season coaches meeting the NFL has changed their overtime rules for playoff games. This will not affect regular season games but the rule change has to do with overtime periods and scoring. After the coin toss it has been common place for a team to get into field goal range and win a game with said field goal (Patriots Super Bowl Wins). With the new rule change the only way a game can end on the first possessions of the coin flip is if the team scores a touchdown on the series. If they go for the traditional field goal and make it the other team has one chance to do the same without losing the game.

This is something that the NFL has needed for a while and should make playoff games more interesting and cause teams to go for more chances in the extra period.

So there it is guys that is the only NFL news that has sunk in today. Ill add more as the day goes along but that is pretty much all I got.

-b.chan

Youtube Video Of The Week

So while perusing Youtube today I found this awesome collaboration video of Len Bias highlights mixed with Runnin'. Awesome video props go out to KnowOne for creating this. Without Bias is hands down the saddest 30 for 30 film yet.



-b.chan

Sportscenter Gets Punked

With the news that Brian Westbrook was released by the Philadelphia Eagles it became something of a national story. Every newspaper, TV channel or reporter was dying to get the first interview and for a second we thought it was going to happen on last nights 11:30 SportsCenter. The hosts were a tandem of Scott Van Pelt and Steve Levy, a good combo and funny enough to pull off what eventually happened when the entire ESPN nation got punked by a useless Howard Stern devote. This is not the first time this has happened but I think with all things considered Van Pelt kept his composure quite well.

-b.chan

Is Hannah Storm Hot?

It is public knowledge that PTI co-host Tony Kornheiser has been suspended for two weeks for some hurtful comments he said about Sports Center host Hannah Storm. On an episode of Sportscenter Storm wore a rather interesting outfit that could be compared to that of a catholic school girl. However the case here is what Kornheiser had to say about Storms outfit.

Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today. She’s got on red go-go boots and a catholic school plaid skirt … way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s by now.

She’s got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body … I know she’s very good, and I’m not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won’t … but Hannah Storm … come on now! Stop! What are you doing?

Now here is the question I post to you. Is that outfit that bad. I mean we all know that he deserves the suspension because of what he said but I kinda think Storm is hot. Id like to have your comments.


-b.chan