Hall of fame ballot excludes Rose

Of all the disappointments fans and much of the baseball world has dealt with in the last year(steroids, embarrassing record by Royals, controversial rumor about Manny Ramirez being traded) and now Pete Rose gets his final shafting. The MLB commissioner has got a lot of balls to not reinstate Pete Rose on the ballot for the Hall of Fame. The rotten voters who had held the deciding outcome in the election process really screwed this baseball Great over big time. Some of these critics wouldn't recognize talent if it kicked them in the ass! Yes, Pete Rose betted on baseball and admitted it. What's this got to do with performance and achievements as a player? Those inconsiderate, heartless bastards...how dare they dignify a true baseball legend.

The list of names which WERE on the recent ballot failed in comparison to "Charlie Hustle." Such candidates included Dale Murphy, Doc Gooden, Gary Gaetti, John Wetteland, Willie McGee, Jack Morris, Hal Morris, and Walt Weiss. Are you kidding me? With the exception of maybe Dale Murphy the rest of these guys couldn't even hold Pete Rose's jockstrap(Not that they'd actually want to). We're talking about a lifetime .300 plus hitter with over 3,000 hits and 2,000 runs. Plus he was a perennial All-Star. Yeah, I guess that's not good enough for the douchebags who didn't think he belonged in Cooperstown.

Suppose Rose was a woman beater, hit men, drug addict, or gigolo. If that was the case he'd be accepted into the Hall of Fame even after the bad publicity received. He'd be welcomed with open arms into enrishment. This why is players like Doc Gooden get the free pass. His criminal record doesn't affect his selection on the ballot. Why should Pete Rose suffer from his private betting in a similar scenario. His actions did involve the game of baseball, resulting in being banned for life. That's justifiable, but refusing to give him proper consideration for the Hall is disrespectful and hypocritical. That's right, calling him one of the best players of all-time then disconnecting him from baseball years after he broke a rule is wrong. Give the man a break. Examine him as a Major Leaguer not as a gambler. This standpoint will show that he deserves the grand honor. So wise up decision makers and vote him in the Hall!

ACC basketball

With the college basketball season already underway and several top players lost to the pros there is a major change in the ACC. The competition will still be fierce, but the usual teams that reign supreme are absense of senority. With less experienced talent the door is open wider for low ranked teams to exceed expectations. Now Clemson, Virginia Tech, NC state, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Maryland, and Florida State are better matched up against each other and the rest of the competition. Of course, Duke looks to have the best team with returning team leaders J.J. Redick and Sheldon Williams. However, Duke and UNC are far from unbeatable this year. They're not going to run away from the ACC pack(barring a miracle season).

The departure of last year's big names, Sean May, Raymond Felton, Julius Hodge, Rashad McCants, John Gilchrist, Jarret Jack, and Daniel Ewing allows even potential for most teams in the league. There will be closer games, especially between the big rivals. Coaches may have to rely more on savvy strategizing in these games rather than expect their players to "create" in the clutch. All players will learn from routine plays and a lot from teammates in practices. Playmakers, scorers, and defensive specialists will be developed and skills will be refined. Expect another thrilling season of ACC basketball. This is where young student-athletes become tommorrow's NBA superstars.

Lebron donates bags of food for Thanksgiving. AP Photo/Mark Duncan  

Charitable giving delights hometown community

On monday, Cleveland Cavs' superstar Lebron James bought turkeys and donated groceries to impoverished families at a Baptist church in downtown Cleveland. This came as a Thanksgiving treat. His mere presence was a thrill for many fans and supporters. Personally delivering food at the church and in his hometown of Akron brightened everyone's day. The third year NBA all-star showed his generosity and compassion. He served as a surprise blessing. The Antioch Baptist church appreciated his kind donations which will provide Thanksgiving meals for many needy families. If more and more professional athletes would do this, it would make an impact on numerous struggling commmunities during Thanksgiving and encourage others to give.

No one should be without a meal, especially on Thanksgiving. Lebron is an inspiration by the example he sets. He is a great, young role model for kids. Doing what's right or what you feel is right usually only leads to positive things. That's why I admire the guy, he's not selfish. I think Lebron James will be rewarded for his good deed. His prize may come in the form of a playoff birth this season. He definitely deserves it. Good luck in your pursuit, Lebron. You the man!

The NBA has a minor league?

To my surprise, I've found out the NBA has a new league for development called the NBA-D League. This explains why a couple undrafted players or third round picks are being activated on NBA rosters. Well, an environment with a beginner's approach for other basketball players is a positive step for the NBA. The D-League will not only give hope to young and underdeveloped ballers, but the chance to build quality skills to survive in the NBA. It's good to see that not just any athlete can make it to the NBA. Otherwise there'd be a ton of guys making fools of themselves, taking unintelligent risks, getting long-term injuries, and having trouble moving into other career paths. I think the D-league will help these pro athletes-in- training find their place. Maybe some will realize they're better suited coaching or managing.

This experimental league is only in it's first year, but I already don't like a few aspects of it. First of all, the team names don't sound too appealing or sporty. Who wants to watch or root for a basketball team called the Forth Worth Flyers, Austin Toros, Fayetteville Patriots, or the Florida Flame? These are crappy names in my opinion. Also, the mascots for these teams will suck. They don't seem to fit well for the sport. The cities do have a big influence here, but the NBA tradition of either using a type of revelant animal/creature or appropriate state affiliation should be kept.

The other area which concerns me is how the coaches, owners, and the commissioner want to "experiment" with the rules. I hope as in rules they don't mean policies or regulations. If that's the case, the players might get the impression they have leeway to get away with random illegal violations/crimes like, oh...possession of a firearm in an arena, statutory rape, drug distribution/use, assault/battery on fans and coaches, headbutting refs, and making fake excuses(my home caught on fire, I was in a car wreck, cellphone was dead) for not attending team practices. The list can go on and on really, which is why those in charge need to clarify the word "experiment". Players don't need to get the idea they'll only be slapped on the wrist and given extra chances for misconduct because they might be crazy enough to show up at a live game with hookers while wearing a pimp suit or be straight up high after smoking several joints. The D-league will then bring shame to the NBA, which at times has already shamed professional basketball with shocking travesties.

Lebron James scores a quick 2 points against Orlando. A/P Photo- John Raoux 

Lebron sets milestone in Cavs' overtime win

The Cleveland Cavailers should thank their lucky stars that they have Lebron James. He continues to impress and progress as an NBA superstar. Sunday, the Cavs overcame the Orlando Magic with a overtime victory, 108-100. The story of the night belonged to James. He became the youngest player ever (20 yrs. old) to reach 4,000 career points. He surpassed Kobe Byrant who set the old mark at 21 years of age. Lebron finished the game with 26 points while helping his team improve to 5-2. Larry Huges added 22 points for the Cavs as well.

With a confidence stride Cleveland is on a roll, starting the season out right. Tonight they'll meet the equally hot Washington Wizards, led by Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. "King" James (as referred to by many)may go on a offensive rampage, showcasing his fast developing skills and natural talent. He is the future of the NBA. With help from new additions on the team (Caron Butler, Larry Hughes, and Donyell Marshall) Lebron hopefully won't have to carry the load the entire season. Look for more great things to come from this dazzling, promising phenom.

Without Shaq, Heat still look impressive

With a fresh start in a new season, the future looks bright for the Miami Heat. There is no doubt the loss of Shaq due to injury and his infinite commerical appeal is a blow to this team. Despite his absence, the GM has made smart off-season acquisitions. The Heat are a force to reckon with again. With the arrival of Gary Payton, Antoine Walker, and Jason Williams they've got plenty of fire power to compete with the best in the Eastern conference. I like their chances even without big Shaq "Daddy". Where did Miami get the money though to sign these players? That's what I want to know. This new starting lineup and bench is awesome. Not only do they have the players mentioned above, but also Dwayne Wade and Alonzo Mourning(underrated). They've got the defense and offense to match about any team in the league.

Dwayne Wade must step up as the leader on this team while Shaq is absence. This guy has took the NBA by storm. Without Shaq in the lineup, hogging up the minutes on the court and the ball it's gives other talented players a chance to showcase their skills a bit more. Yeah, I know O'Neal is a dominant Center(tops in the NBA), but let's face it, the offense revolves around him too much. So I think it's good in a way that he's gone for a while. In the meanwhile the coach can experiment with different offensive strategies which may involve a lot of screen and rolls or outside shooting. The diverse group of players need to have fun and enjoy the fact that Shaq is not around to hog up all the glory and publicity. (Nothing personal with Shaq, great guy and all, just seems to be endorsing and promoting products on TV all the time. With his salary, it's okay to tone it down). Yeah, I'm sure these players on Miami will make for a awesome basketball unit in the 05-06 season.

Suspension of mascots, a rarity in sports

Every year we hear about incidents involving players or coaches getting ejected and suspended. This is normally a result of excessive arguing, verbal abuse, and fighting. Participants get riled up then things get way out of control. However, one group that never seems to break the rules are mascots. Just like athletes they're on hand to entertain an audience. Either that or serve as a floor mat for adult fans and a playmate for children. Sure they take their share of abuse, but never lose their cool. I admire that level of professionalism even though they dress up in silly animal costume while lowing and debacing themselves by dancing on top of a dugout or belcher for the amusement of spectators. Mascots show team spirit for a crowd.

Generating energy and noise for a home team can lead to a team's comeback. Why would mascots won't to kill this momentum by cursing out a disgruntled fan, cracking someone over the head with a beer bottle, or spitting on an umpire for making a bad call? These adorable mascots would never committ such a henous act on a normal day, but when they're having a bad day and start drinking alcohol their attitude changes. A sweet, enduring mascot can turn into a real asshole. This is where parents force their kids to look the other way because knowing the shocking reality of it all may damage them for the rest of their lives. Nine times out of ten a situation like this won't arise, but it's smart to keep an eye out just in case. One minute a cherished mascot can be seen shaking hands with fans the next he's choking a ballpark employee and striking him with a bat on the ground for bumping into you too hard. Witnesses of such a vicious attack will gasp, losing their attention on the game. If mascots did cause a big scene and get suspended, it would be all over the local newspapers. The headline would read, "Stadium employee beaten motionless with Louisville slugger by team mascot."

Rashad McCants- 14th pick overall- Timberwolves 

Former ACC standouts invade NBA

In the first week of the NBA season, rookies in the league are gaining exposure with limited playing time. Coaches are experimenting with players, testing strategies/plays, and getting a good idea of how developed these first-year wonders are in this early stage of their professional careers. Despite a rising flock of youngsters straight out of high school entering the league such as Andrew Bynum and C.J. Miles, a strong crop of ACC players exist too. Their memorable, outstanding performances in college render them as the most prominent in my view. Of course, other top picks (Andrew Bogut, Hakim Warrick, and Deron Williams)will hold their own in the NBA and may be deemed the best "break-through" rookies at the end of the season.
I think though with the guys from the ACC, more rivalries will be created among teams. Knowing the tenacious, competitive spirits these guys have will drive the energy and nature of professional basketball. Their presence is good for the game. New comers like Chris Paul(Wake Forest),Raymond Felton(UNC), Julius Hodge(NC state), Rashad McCants(UNC), and Jarret Jack(Georgia Tech) have a ton of talent and will only grow into more fine-tuned athletes after a couple years of experience in the NBA. I know they'll make their team's record improve or at least give the teams some balance. Most of the draft picks will make their mark in the NBA, therefore making ACC college basketball proud and filled with honor.

Dennis Rodman, back in the public spotlight

Just as the basketball season gets underway, a face from the past reemerges in the news again. That's right, former Bulls and Pistons standout, Dennis Rodman has screwed up again. The good news for him is he didn't get arrested or at least not yet. Rodman was charged with a speeding ticket while cruising the highway 95 mph in Denver, Colorado. Driving his Lamborghini was a mistake. A cop pulled him over and wrote him the ticket, not impressed at all when approaching his vehicle and realizing exactly who he was dealing with. The police officer had seen his share of dyed-haired, nose-pierced ugly biker dudes and travesites. So Rodman really was no different. "The Worm" as he is known by many was fined and required to pay over $500 in traffic court.

It's amazing how professional athletes choose to spend their money. Conserving money on food and gas isn't really a big concern for rich athletes. It apparently was for Dennis, who stiffed a country store/gas station after filling his car up with $40 worth of gas then driving off without paying. Yes, this is true. How low of a scumbag and cheap do you have to be to do this? It's pathetic when a wealthy, once famous sports star resorts to such tactics. If there was another reason for him not paying, it would be laziness. Now that would be inexcusable for anybody. It's beyond logic though what happened next. Rodman didn't get in any trouble, however since a fan, lacking good judgment spotted him, was informed of the stolen gasoline, and decided to pay the $40. This person actually PAID for that rich bastard's ride home. What an freaking IDIOT! Why in hell didn't someone call the police?? Make Rodman return to that gas station, publicly apologize, and arrest his ass for theft and being so damn cheap!

This story really bothers me. I can't understand how professional athletes or in Rodman's case, washed-up has beens(only good at rebounding and dressing up in drag) take their luxuries in life for granted. He didn't try to check his wallet or even attempt to reach for a credit card, roll of cash, or nothing! This is being unappreciative of fame and fortune. That is why athletes don't need to be paid high salaries. Oh, they'll go through the money like water, buying rolex watches, expensive clothes, $300 sunglasses, fast sports cars, SUVs, heroine, weed, and 50-room mansions. But for God Sakes, don't ask them to pay for fuel or child support because that's too much of an inconvenience. Dennis still has not learned his lesson and it may take several years in prison for some sense to beaten into him.