Terrible Celebration Injury

On May 29, 2010, Angels 1st baseman Kendry Morales hit a walk-off grand slam home run for a victory over the Seattle Mariners. Then the worst type of injury in sports occurred, the celebration injury. As Morales jumped to touch home plate, he landed awkwardly and fractured his lower left leg. He will require surgery and will probably be out for the rest of the season. This is a big blow to the Angels, Morales was their best hitter. Their season is in shambles as they have underperformed to their potential. There isn't too much celebrating going on in Angels town, if there is, watch your step.

The Blackhawk MJ Statue

One of the most iconic images known around the world is the Jordan Jumpman logo, a statue of that logo stands outside the United Center, where MJ won 6 NBA championships. Since the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers began, the statue donned a Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews jersey. This was a result of "Fandalism." Chicago is dying for an NHL title but this was disrespectful to the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. Maybe the city of Chicago forget what MJ had done for the city. Along with the jersey, there are new pictures that show his shoes having blades on the bottom to replicate ice skates. Please be classy Chicago.

Hair Dare

At the conclusion of the Eastern Conference Finals, the story of Michael Pietrus large 'fro was revealed. He had made a $17,000 bet with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis & Jameer Nelson to not cut his hair the entire basketball season. Pietrus had lived up to the bet & won the money.

It must be great to make a ridiculous amount of money and place it on hilarious wagers such as this one. It's too bad the hair dare didn't help them beat the Boston Celtics in their playoff series.

Chad Ochocinco = Great Guy

I don't think there is an NFL player who has a bigger heart than Chad Ochocinco. I think his name change is ridiculous, I'm gonna refer to him as Chad Johnson for the rest of this post. He wasn't supposed to finish as high as he did on Dancing With the Stars but he did so because he has a tremendous heart. He's not afraid to show his human side which differentiates him from other star wide receivers in the NFL.

Nine-year-old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr lives with this mother in a homeless shelter in New York City. He received an autographed jersey from Ochocinco after sending a letter. He then sent a second letter that would have melted the heart of the hardest individual.

Ruben's dream was to go to a football camp, and that particular prize was donated by Deion Sanders. Presenting the certificate for camp attendance, would be Chad Johnson. Ruben's hero was introduced after the young boy read his letter. It was also Reuben's birthday. Chad Johnson led the birthday song with the crowd at the camp. It was a touching moment & a tribute to a good man like Chad Johnson.

"It was the best day of my life," Ruben said at the end of the day.

Lakers vs. Celtics is Destiny

Lakers & Celtics fans wanted it, it was delivered. On Saturday evening, the Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns setting the stage for the most storied rivalry in all of sports. Only the Yankees-Red Sox match this intensity.

10 reasons why you need to watch this series:

1. Kobe Bryant's legacy is on the line. The man who will live as the greatest Laker ever has not yet beaten the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. He can continue his legacy.

2. Both of these teams are better than the 2008 versions of themselves.

3. Lakers are hungry for revenge.

4. The two best chants in the NBA will be on display: "Beat LA" & "Boston Sucks"

5. This may be the last run for the Boston Celtics Big 3 who are getting older and slower.

6. Ron Artest vs. Paul Pierce. This is time for Ron Artest to show why the Lakers got them.

7. The growth of Rajon Rondo as one of the best point guards in the NBA.

8. This is history: Lakers vs. Celtics. The two storied franchises in history.

9. These teams are evenly matched.

10. Be part of the rivalry lore.

Lakers vs. Celtics on our minds

It's gonna happen and nothing is going to stop it: LAKERS vs. CELTICS. This is the NBA Finals of all NBA finals, history loves this match-up. Boston fans want it, LA fans want it. Fans in Boston are beginning to scream "BEAT LA, BEAT LA" and fans in LA are beginning to scream "WE WANT BOSTON, WE WANT BOSTON!" After the Lakers finish taking their revenge from the Phoenix Suns, they are determined to seek revenge for an NBA Finals loss from two years ago to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics have historically dominated the match-up 9-2. There is bad blood between two of the NBA's most marquee teams that goes back to the 1960's when the Lakers were dominated by the Bill Russell Celtics. The 80's Showtime Lakers brought "THE RIVALRY" back on the map against the blue collar hard nosed Celtics with the Lakers finally beating the Celtics twice.

Another round of Kobe, Pau & Lamar vs Pierce, Allen & Garnett. Bring it on! LA is ready.

World Cup Commercial by Nike

This World Cup Commercial by Nike titled "Write the Future" got me psyched up for the World Cup which is less than a month away! It features some of the greatest soccer players in the world including guest appearances by Roger Federer and Kobe Bryant. It has classic moments with Rooney owning Federer in Ping Pong, Cristiano Ronaldo getting his own giant statue, and various players whose lives have changed by becoming winners in the World Cup. Soccer is the most watched player in the world and is a huge part of other countries cultures. One game changes everything.

2010 NBA Playoff commercials are poor

The past 2 years, NBA fans were graced with some of the most memorable NBA commercials in recent history. From "There can only be one", the "Amazing" campaign and even the Nike puppet commercials. This year, there is nothing great about the marketing during these NBA playoffs. There have been a huge number of commercials and the ones that have been there are quite bland. Perhaps this is a good thing? I don't know the numbers but maybe the NBA fan base has grown to the point where memorable marketing was no longer needed? I'm just disappointed at how poor it has been. Here are a few of the most memorable commercials from the past 2 years:




NBA! WHERE YOU AT!?

Meet the owner of the New Jersey Nets

Mark Cuban has met his match as the most interesting owner in the NBA, meet New Jersey Net's owner Mikhail Prokhorov. He is a man with a lot of money, a billionaire (39th richest man in the world) and has big plans for the Nets. He is the first non-American owner of an NBA franchise and he stands among the players at 6-7. He has already agreed to pay 1/2 of the new stadium to be built in Brooklyn where the Nets plan to move to in the next few years. He is known for his lavish lifestyle and he will bring that flair to the NBA. There is a quiet yet commanding presence about the Russian billionaire. He has the resources to build a great NBA franchise and I'm sure he's already already had dinner with Lebron James. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will soon.

Welcome Interleague Play.

Welcome back Inter-league Play! I love inter-league play, gives both leagues a chance to square off against each other. Possible World Series or classic historic match-ups get to be played. AL pitchers cringe at the thought of having to bat and NL pitchers celebrate joyfully at not having to bat. There are those who oppose the concept but I love that we have it. NY vs NY, Bos vs. Phil, LA vs. NY, LA vs Anaheim, Chicago vs. Chicago and much more. These are just some of the wonderful match-ups that we get. It only adds to the baseball culture. How can you not love it?

Ones to watch for:

• Chicago Cubs v. Chicago White Sox (Crosstown Classic, Windy City Series, or Red Line Series)
• Cincinnati Reds v. Cleveland Indians (Ohio Cup)
• Los Angeles Dodgers v. Los Angeles Angels (Freeway Series)
• New York Yankees v. New York Mets (Subway Series)
• San Francisco Giants v. Oakland Athletics (Bay Bridge Series or Battle of the Bay Area)
• St. Louis Cardinals v. Kansas City Royals (I-70 Series or Show-Me Series)
• Minnesota Twins v. Milwaukee Brewers

Federer/Nadal - Gotta love it?

Watching these two play against each other is an honor. A Goliath vs. Goliath match-up of opposing styles. It is already the greatest rivalry in tennis history and one of the best in all of sport's history. The power & speed of Nadal vs. the grace & agility of Federer is a marvel to watch. These two have the ultimate respect for each other. Let's enjoy these two titans clash as their rivalry continues.

Shaq, I heart you. But please retire.

Dear Shaquille O' Neal,

You are part of my basketball lore. You are part of the best memories I have as a Laker basketball fan. I felt betrayed when you left LA but I understand. I still have the LA Times issue where you thanked the city of LA for being great sports fans. My ego was hurt when you won a championship with Miami, so was the rest of LA. Winning a ring with the prince would of hurt a lot. You don't slam dunk like you used to, though it happens sometimes. Your still great with the media since your good with your words. Watching you play hurts me, please retire Shaq.

Sincerely,

Me

NEW YORK KNICKS! NEW YORK KNICKS!

The Cav-Celtics Game 6 moment with Lebron James taking the free throws and the Boston fans yelling "New York Knicks! New York Knicks!" at the top of their lungs can potentially live up to be one of the greatest moments in sports history. There has never been so much free agent scrutiny circling around one player and that moment represented that. Lebron made both free throws but the damage was done, the eventual season end was near. If he stays in Cleveland, this moment will be forgotten but shall he move, this lives in the highlight reels forever.

The Celtics Didn't Surprise You

THEY HAVE BEEN THERE ALL ALONG! The Boston Celtics dominated their series against NBA title favorite, Cleveland Cavaliers. This came at no surprise to me, I picked the Boston Celtics to win the series 4-2 before the season started. This Celtics team is a team with a championship pedigree and they are mentally tough. Rajon Rondo is playing unbelievable basketball and the their BIG 3 core remains strong. The Cleveland Cavaliers were a regular season team that fell with it's leader, Lebron James. Give the Celtics credit, they have no fear. I'm calling it now, Lakers vs. Celtics in the NBA FINALS.

Dodgers finding their stride.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are back! The Boys in Blue are heating up just in time for the summer. They are now winners of 6 straight and are on the verge of sweeping this weekend series against the 1st place San Diego Padres. It's about time that the Dodgers started playing up to their potential. The return of Manny Ramirez has rejuvenated the lineup. The injury to Andre Ethier could potentially have devastating impact so let's hope for good news today. The pitching staff has been solid which I hope we could keep up for the rest of the season. Our power bullpen is the best in baseball when they are firing on all cylinders.

Egg of the Week Lastings Milledge

Welcome to the egg of the week: Lastings Milledge, outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lastings hit a line drive that turned out to be less than he thought. A fireworks display at the Pittsburgh stadium caused a confusion rarely seen in baseball. Check out the video below:

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7866287&c_id=pit

Enjoy!

The NFL Chinese Wall Coming Down

Ed Wang was drafted in the 5th round out of Virginia Tech by the Buffalo Bills at this recent NFL Draft & has a great chance to make the team. An agile offensive lineman at 6-5, 300 lbs, Wang would become the first player of Chinese descent to make it on an NFL roster on opening day. Wang has become a superstar in China where there have been over hundreds of articles written on him. His Bills jersey is also on back order. As an Asian American, this is a big deal to me. I am proud of Ed Wang & all his accomplishments thus far. You go Ed!

ELBOW-GATE

Prince James has stirred a body part fascination among NBA fans around the world known as "Elbow-gate." The most talked about elbow in the history of professional sports has created a fanaticism among his admirers and haters. His right elbow even has it's own Twitter account: http://www.twitter.com/lebronselbow. The first signs of the injury occurred towards the end of game 5 against the Chicago Bulls in their first round series. The official diagnosis of the elbow after an MRI is a tendon strain and bone bruise. Despite that, the mystery of the nature of his elbow has been the topic of headlines. No one really knows what's going on with it. He put on a marvelous performance against the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their 2nd round series but came back looking lethargic against them in Game 2. He answered all questions about the elbow in game 3 when he put on a master performance. The talks of the elbow are calming down but the type of hysteria this caused has been a study of stupidity.

Raiders finding Cred

The Oakland Raiders finally released former #1 overall pick Jamarcus Russell. RAIDER FANS AROUND THE WORLD REJOICE! The Raiders are finally beginning to make football decisions and have made some nice additions this 0ff-season. Jamarcus Russell will go down as the biggest #1 overall bust in the history of the NFL. His three miserable years in the Raider organization will now become a distant memory. Thank you Al Davis.

Lakers finding their stride.

The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves 3-0 in the best of 7 series against the Utah Jazz Saturday night. The Lakers have now won 5 straight in the playoffs and are showing that they are the class of the Western Conference. These victories haven't been blow-out victories but the Lakers have stayed competitive and have a man by the name of Kobe Bryant to close out the games at the end. This wasn't a fair series for the Utah Jazz who are undersized with the loss of center Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko (who returned to action Saturday night). The Jazz have put up a strong fight but not coming out with the victory. Ron Artest showed up for Game 4 (my favorite Laker player) and the bench played a key role. The Lakers are still the most talented team in the league and the only way to for them to not win the title is for them to beat themselves.

Baseballs Unwritten Rules

The incident that took place in the Yankees-Athletics game a few weeks ago when A-Rod stepped on the pitchers mound was a supposed violation of an unwritten rule in baseball. I played 7 years of baseball growing up & actually never knew about this rule. I also have never seen it happen. I just never had the idea of stepping on the pitchers mound which I now view as disrespectful.

Here is a list of other unwritten rules in baseball:

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/legendary/liunwrit.shtml

Championship hope resting on a knee

There are times when the fate of a team's future rest on the health of a players limb. This is the case for the Lakers whose dreams to repeat as championships may rest on the knee of center Andrew Bynum. A "very small" tear was upgraded to a "small" tear during the 1st round of the playoffs against OKC. This comes at an inconvenient time for the Lakers who will need his size & skill to advance in the playoffs. I've had a meniscus tear on my knee, Bynum will be limited & his running will be affected. If this was 2 years ago, or last year, the Lakers would of been ok. But with the upgraded talent around the league, the Lakers need him more than ever.

Raiders improving? OMG

The Oakland Raiders are coming out of this off-season a surprisingly improved team. They traded for Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins to man the quarterback position (assuming Russell is released). They had an above-average NFL draft where they drafted players for the defensive & offensive lines adding size & speed for the future. They also made several small trades that have improved their team. Al Davis decided not to be a pushover and actually drafted quality players & made deals that made sense. They actually have a chance at being relevant this season. The light is getting brighter for Raider nation.

NHL on the RISE

According to the Nielsen television ratings, the NHL playoffs gained a 25% viewership in the first round compared to last year. I'm not a big hockey fan but this is great news. A large part of the increased viewership is likely due to the exposure hockey received during the recent Winter Olympics which ended with the championship game of U.S.A. vs Canada. According to ESPN:

NEW YORK -- U.S. viewership of the NHL playoffs increased 24 percent from 2009, the league's highest average first-round audience in 10 years.

The NHL said Friday that NBC and Versus combined to average 742,000 viewers per telecast. That's the most since ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 had 750,000 in 2000.

Versus averaged 595,000 viewers, a 35 percent increase from 2009 and the league's best showing on cable since ESPN/ESPN2 in 2001 (608,000). Versus averaged a .7 rating, up 75 percent from 2009.

NBC averaged 430,000 viewers for its four broadcasts, an 18 percent increase over 2009. Its 1.1 average rating was the best since 2006 and up 10 percent from last year.

Too bad my favorite NHL team, the Anaheim Ducks are not in the playoffs this year.

Best Wishes to George Karl

George Karl is a great NBA coach and person. I wish him strength in his battle against throat and neck cancer. His team, Denver Nuggets missed his presence. They lacked spirit & loss their identity without him. They went from championship contender to a dysfunctional unit struggling to get by as they were eliminated in the playoffs by a injury-riddled Utah Jazz. George Karl, get will soon. The NBA misses your presence.