St. Louis Rams Ink Sam Bradford

Congratulations Sam Bradford! You're officially the luckiest Injun this side of the Miss'sa Sip!

9 months ago Sam Bradford was on suicide watch after winning the Heisman trophy and announcing he was returning to school only to find himself requiring surgery on his throwing shoulder, and because he's 1/16 Cherokee and it should be required by law. Now Bradford has secured the largest contract ever for a draftee. The deal is worth $78 million, $50 million guaranteed, over 6 years and could be worth as much as $86 million with incentives. That'll buy a lot of jean jackets on the reservation.

All of this for a QB coming off of a season where he only appeared in 3 games, none of which did he start and finish them because of injury, and has yet to play in a game after having major surgery to his throwing shoulder. There's something wrong with this picture.

Don't get me wrong. I really liked the Bradford selection for the Rams. (Here's proof.) But there's now way in Hell that Sam Bradford is worth that kind of money right now. No draft pick is. They've done nothing in the league, but because they're the top overall pick they should get paid like a franchise player. Makes perfect sense. If you're always drunk like Sam Bradford and his people.


Editor's Note:
No Native Americans' feelings were harmed during the writing of this post. They're too busy yanking the lever on the slot machines anyway.

Soccer soccer soccer!!!

I know... where have I been right?  Truth be told at work we've been working on the new Nashville Convention Center (shameless plug, yes I know), so I have been quite busy.  Oh, and there was that whole World Cup thing that proved to be the ultimate time suck for me.

I assume you all at home watched the World Cup and also got swept up into the US soccer mania.  It was great while it lasted, right?  Time to move on to American sports, right?

WRONG.

From now on, at least once a week, you will be getting a fill of soccer links including what games to watch throughout the week.  We have a lot to get to, so strap on your Sambas and lets go...

Congrats to Spain and all, for winning their very first World Cup.

After a bunch of hullabaloo about how Cesc Fabregas wants to play for Barcelona, it looks like he's staying put. Much to the chagrin of some of his Spain teammates.

Thierry Henry made quite a splash in his debut for Red Bull NY, scoring in his first appearance. 

Danny Mwanga is an animal.  There is speculation as to whether or not he will represent US or not.  If he plays for Congo I will certainly respect his decision, but it will be a swift bludgeon to the nuts.

DC United have a gem in Honduran-American Andy Najar, and are not willing to share with Europe.

Bob Bradley will continue to be the coach for the USMNT at least for the friendly against Brazil on August 10.

David Beckham may be returning to the LA Galaxy as soon as August.

Liverpool officially begins its 2010-11 campaign with a win over Rabotnicki in Europa League.

Landon Donovan will not be dealt to an EPL-based team as he is considered "too important" for MLS.

There is still a possibility that Landon could play overseas this year.  Stay tuned for more on this...

Big signing for the Seattle Sounders in getting 24-year old Uruguayan midfielder Álvaro Fernández.

NY Cosmos possibly coming back?????

Cristiano Ronaldo was mistaken for Jersey Shore's "The Situation"

Jeremiah Masoli Transfers to Ole Miss

Yada. Yada. Yada. Who cares? Right? Maybe. Probably.

This ain't the Pac-10, or Pac-12, Jeremiah. You're going to put up these kind of numbers while being chased down by Dont'a Hightower, Kelvin Sheppard, and Marcell Dareus. Ehhh...I'll retract the last one for now. Regardless, Masoli couldn't even outrun some drunk frat boys while attempting to steal some laptops and a guitar from a frat house during a party.

And what is this going to do to the Rebels' chemistry? We've been through spring practice and now we're bringing in this hoodrat (Correction: f***ing hoodrat) to take over at QB? I bet Houston Nutt (Just read the 4th sentence. It's Nutt's favorite word.) thinks he's a real special kid. You know, just a special player with special talent.

I can't wait to watch this team implode. It's going to be real special.

This Just In! People In Cleveland Hate LBJ!

Are you for real right now? Did this really happen last night?

Honestly, I respect the hell out of this guy. This is hilarious. Radio stations across mid-western Ohio are kicking themselves right now for not thinking up this bit. It's pure genius! Personally, I'm a little upset that I didn't think of it!

Cleveland fans...get over yourself. You're just pathetic now. You have been since July 8th at approximately 9:21 EST when you started burning jerseys and crying. Kill yourselves.

It's All Up to Roy Now

Sources are reporting to NMV, courtesy of ESPN, SI, etc., that the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros have reached an agreement to deal Roy Oswalt to the City of Brotherly Love, booing Santa, and cheering a possibly paralized Michael Irvin.

So why aren't we reporting that Oswalt has actually been traded? Because Roy, and his no trade clause, hasn't OKed the deal. Roy is insisting the team that deals for him has to pick up his 2012 option worth $16 million, thus the hitch.

Strasburg Scratched

I'll admit it. This is only a big deal because it happened to Stephen Strasburg, but we're talking about it anyways. Now listen up.

Strasburg's senior season at San Diego St. = 109 innings

Strasburg's rookie season in the minors and majors to date = 109 2/3 innings

Basically what we have is a guy who is, as he said himself, heading into "uncharted territory". It'll be important for manager Jim Riggleman and the rest of the Nationals to keep a close eye on Strasburg the rest of the season. There's no reason to overwork the young pitcher in his first season while trying to fight their way out of the cellar in the NL East. If Strasburg is ruined because of poor handling, I may never forgive the Nats, and they won't forgive themselves.

Terrance "Cheeseburger" Cody Is Really Fat

Run 25 yards and back. Rest 70 seconds. Repeat. Repeat again.

Apparently that was too much for Mt. Cody because he failed that conditioning test. Twice. But don't worry Ravens fans! The third time was the charm! He's cleared to participate in drills!

And Cheeseburger? Ravens Pro-Bowl DT Haloti Ngata took one look at the fat bastard and immediately coined the nickname. How dare Ngata poke fun at Cody's problem? He only eats because he's unhappy, but he's unhappy because he eats.

He Gone!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5418167

Too soon? Never. A little insensitive? Always. Get used to it.

The NCAA Is On A Warpath

The NCAA has requested permission to investigate the University of Georgia, and more specifically junior WR AJ Green, about any wrongdoing in Athens.

Requested permission? Was Georgia really going to say no? Instead of playing nice, I think the NCAA should raid a campus like a SWAT team. Repel down the side of buildings, kick in windows and doors, throw canisters of tear gas into administrator's offices, and have Interim NCAA President Jim Isch walk in and slap a search warrant on an Athletic Director's desk. I'm not saying it would improve things, but it sure as hell would be awesome to watch those videos on YouTube.

This does cap off a pretty tumultuous month for UGA. You may remember this. I mean, how could you forget it? If UGA starts out SEC play in September with losses at South Carolina and at home against Arkansas, suicide rates could soar in Athens. Bulldog fans just suffered through terrible basketball and baseball seasons, and now may lose their star WR. Eh. Oh well.

Back to the NCAA. Jim Isch sure is making the most of his opportunity as Interim President. After Myles Brand succumbed to cancer in September of last year, Isch took over his post until University of Washington Chancellor Mark Emmert steps in on November 1, 2010. That gives Isch roughly around 15 months at the height of his professional career. Any self respecting person with only so much time to live out his/her dream should absolutely make the most of it, and Isch has.

A month and a half ago the NCAA dropped a bomb on USC, and now in the past 2 weeks the NCAA has marched into North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and now Georgia. Most of the allegations the NCAA has looked into involve improper contact with and benefits received from agents, or pimps. If the long term effects help prevent such occurances in the future, Jim Isch may be considered one of the best NCAA Presidents ever. Even if his end is in sight.

Big Z Completes Anger Management

And I guarantee it still won't help.

Zambrano has been tormenting the Wrigley faithful for the better part of a decade with his outrageous antics and frequent tantrums. There's a reason if you Google "Carlos Zambrano" the first suggestion that comes up is "Carlos Zambrano tirade".

It was never really a problem because Zambrano always performed on the mound with a career record and ERA of 108-74 and 3.58. However, when Big Z is 3-6 with a 5.66 ERA and a WHIP of 1.69, his insanity is a big issue.

The simple solution is to trade him, right? The Cubs did it with the psycho Milton Bradley in the offeseason. Well, Zambrano is signed through 2012 and owed more than $35 million, including an option for 2013 for $19.25. In order for a GM to take on that kind of risk at that kind money, he would have to be looking at 4 different scenarios:

1. A team who doesn't perennially contend, without a large window of opportunity, and looking for pitching help. (i.e., Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, etc.)

2. A team on the cusp of the playoffs and willing to take on a large amount of salary. (i.e., New York Mets, New York Yankees)

3. A team looking to dump another troubled player with a lot of money remaining on their deal. (Ex. Cubs/Mariners swap of Milton Bradley and Carlos Silva)

4. A GM looking to get fired.

Honestly, none of those scenarios look to be very promising for the Chicago Cubs. It's time for the Cubbie faithful to get used to busted Gatorade coolers, ejections, and dugout tirades.

Jeff Bower Out As Hornets GM

The New Orleans Hornets and their General Manager, ahem...former General Manager Jeff Bower have come to a "mutual" agreement that sees Bower step down from the post he has held since 2005. The Hornets have yet to name either a successor or candidate to replace Bower even though the NBA is currently in the free agent signing period.

Only 9 games into last season Bower fired head coach Byron Scott, took over as interim head coach, and led the Hornets to a 37-45 record. Bower was having trouble keeping the Hornets in the playoff picture while also staying under the luxury tax, mostly thanks to the bloated salaries of Peja Stojakovic($15.3 million), Emeka Okafor($11.5), James Posey($6.5), and Darius Songaila($4.8).

Due to these big chunks of cash going to under preforming players, superstar PG Chris Paul has become frustrated with the franchise's rut of mediocrity after experiencing a breakout seasons two years ago that saw them as the #2 seed in the West. Paul has become "restless" with the state of the team, and will become a free agent in the summer of 2012, leaving many New Orleans fans to wonder if CP3 is counting the days until he can jet out of town.

Before Bower was "mutually" forced out of NO, he was able to clear the salary of Morris Peterson off of the books to get under the luxury tax. Unfortunately, PF, and total BFF of CP3, David West has an Early Termination Option in his contract where he can opt out at the end of next season, which he most likely will do, as he will be 30 years old and looking for the last big payday of his career. Not to mention, he is underpaid as it is. The surprise of last season, Marcus Thornton, and Julian Wright will also be restricted free agents. A restricted free agent allows another team to sign the player to a contract, but the Hornets will have a week to decide if they want to match the offer and keep the player. Fortunately, there is hope! Stojakovic's and Songaila's contracts both come off the books at the end of the coming season which would clear up enough cap space to lure in some of the following big names in next year's free agent class.

2011 NBA Free Agents:

Unrestricted - Carmelo Anthony (Early Termination Option), Yao Ming, Tim Duncan (ETO), Tony Parker, Caron Butler, Mo Williams (ETO), Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Kendrick Perkins, Nene (ETO), JR Smith, Tayshaun Prince, Zach Randolph, Michael Redd, Jason Richardson, Carl Landry, Andrei Kirilenko

Restricted - Al Horford, Joakim Noah, Greg Oden, Rodney Stuckey, Brandan Wright, Aaron Brooks, Marc Gasol, Mario Chalmers, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler, Jeff Green, Spencer Hawes, Jared Dudley, Marco Belinelli, Yi Jianlan

Home Run Derby Lacks Star Power

The Home Run Derby has quickly turned into the Slam Dunk Contest of the MLB All-Star festivities. ESPN keeps touting it as "star studded" and that is far from the truth.

17 hitters were voted into the All-Star Game by the fans. 8 hitters are taking part in the HR Derby. Only Joe Mauer of the AL and Hanley Ramirez of the NL are in both groups. The rest of the field is filled out by Corey Hart, Chris Young, and Matt Holliday of the NL and Miguel Cabrera, Vernon Wells, and Nick Swisher of the AL. I guarantee you the average MLB fan has no idea who in the hell Hart, Young, or Wells are.

Now, no disrespect to those 3 guys. They're having great years with 21, 15, and 19 HRs respectively. However, just for kicks, let's replace each of those hitters with the player in their league that the fans voted as a starter ahead of them. We can replace Corey Hart with his teammate Ryan Braun, Chris Young with the Dodgers' Andre Ethier, and Vernon Wells with 3B Evan Longoria because Josh Hamilton "retired" from the Derby and Carl Crawford and Ichiro are not power guys. Suddenly the lineup looks a lot more appealing to the average fan.

Even if we fixed the lack of star power, we haven't fixed how boring it is. It's too long. Hell, most sluggers tire out by the end of the contest. Just ask Josh Hamilton. Most managers and front offices even prefer their players don't compete because it can wear a guy out for a playoff push. Some don't mind. Hmmm...I'm calling racism. Can I do that?

So how would I make the HR Derby more thrilling and exciting? I don't friggin' know. I don't get paid to sit around and think about these kind of things. I don't even get paid to write this crap. I'm not fixing MLB's problem for free.

¡España!

The Spanish have finally done it. They've broken through and won a World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time on a Andrés Iniesta shot in the 115'.

While entertaining, the Final was extremely sloppy and full of hard challenges that produced 14 yellow cards and a red card to the Dutch's John Heitinga in extra time as a result of 2 yellows. Yet the game was very wide open for the most part with both sides getting several better than decent chances at glory. However, keepers Iker Casillas from Spain and Maarten Stekelenburg from Holland were both up to the task as they both played exceptionally well with 5 saves apiece. Twice Casillas stoned the Dutch's Arjen Robben on breakaway attempts that looked like sure goals. Not to be outdone, Stekelenburg made a beauty of a kick save on Spain's David Villa and Cesc Fabregas.


Eventually the magic was going to wear off for one team, and Iniesta was determined to make it the Netherlands. Stekelenburg was still able to get his fingertips on the much maligned Jo'bulani ball, but it found the back of the net sending an entire country in a celebration that will last for a long time. Iniesta's goal was the latest game winner in a World Cup Final and it brought an end to an incredible and successful tournament.

Congratulations to Spain and Uruguay's Diego Forlán who was awarded the Golden Ball by FIFA given to the best player over the course of the entire tournament.

Netherlands vs. Spain

After exactly one month full of exciting and compelling matches, the World Cup Final is finally here. For the first time since 1978, the Finals will see two nations who have yet to raise the trophy as the Netherlands and Spain will put it all on the line for a chance at immortality. Ironically that match included the Netherlands in their second unsuccessful attempt to take home the top prize as they were knocked off by the hosts Argentina. This time the Dutch will be planning on a different outcome.

The Netherlands are trying to accompany Brazil in 1970 as only the 2nd team to win all of their games at the World Cup. They are led by Wesley Sneijder who is tied with Diego Forlan of Uruguay and David Villa of Spain with 5 goals a piece in their quest for the Golden Boot. Sneijder is also trying to complete something never before done. This summer Sneijder and his club team, Inter Milan, won their domestic title, Coppa Italia, the Serie A title, the UEFA Champions' League, and now he is attempting to add a World Cup and perhaps a Golden Boot and Golden Ball to his resume for FIFA Footballer of the Year. And he just married this hottie. Giggidy. Joining Sneijder in the Dutch attack is Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. Both forwards are extremely dangerous up top and will leave the Spanish defense with their hands full.

When most think of Spain in the context of futbol they imagine a world power on the same level of Brazil, Italy, Germany, and France. Well...not so much. Let's play a game. What do Spain, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, and the entire continent of Africa have in common? Zero World Cups. None. Nada. Before this year Spain had only finished as high as 4th once, and that was in 1950. David Villa and company have taken their country to a place they've never been, but still aren't satisfied. While a 2nd place finish in the tournament would match their FIFA ranking, it's not exactly what they're aiming for.

Stylistically these teams are carbon copies of the other. Both prefer to handle the majority of the possession in the midfield through accurate passing. Both teams have won the possession battle in every game this World Cup except for the Netherlands who defeated Cameroon 2-1 while losing possession 51%-49% in the last game of group play and had already clinched a Round of 16 birth. While neither defenses are their strong point, both are world class. Obviously. And both back lines prefer to mix it up aggressively with the opposing attackers. This game has a lot of potential for scoring if both teams open it up.

Prediction:
The Netherlands get an early goal from All-World forward Arjen Robben at 30' in the first half. Rather than sticking with the gameplan, Holland then allows Spain to control possession for much of the start of the second half where Andres Iniesta gets the equalizer and scores for the first time since the Chile game in the 65'. With the game tied Spain goes for the throat and gets caught on a rare counter attack where Wesley Sneijder blasts home the game, World Cup, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winner in the 75'.

Screw Paul the Octopus!

2-1 Netherlands

Things Are Getting Ugly

Is LeBron James wrong for the way he handled things? Yes.

Should he be criticized and placed under severe scrutiny? Yes.

Does Cleveland have every right to be pissed? Absolutely.

Are these comments from Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert justified? Not just no, but hell no.

I understand that the way LeBron has handled this process over the past couple of years has been immature and sad, but be the bigger man here Dan. You're a majority owner of a professional sports frachise and you just ruined your chances of possibly ever signing a big name free agent again. Not to mention, you sound like a complete imbecile and ungrateful prick in the process.

I'm not denying that what Dan Gilbert said wasn't true, but he's in no position to even imply it, much less ACTUALLY say it. In a typed letter. Not even in the Heat of the moment to a reporter. Gilbert took the time to sit down, think about what he wanted to say, edit it, and transcribe the document. Fool.

LeBron may have placed the dynamite at the base of the franchise, but you sir just lit the fuse. At least Cleveland has the Browns. Or Indians. And Mo Williams. Antawn Jamison? Oooooh! Grady Sizemore!!!

Huh? He sucks now? Well who the hell does the city of Cleveland have? Does Ohio St. count?

LeBron Is Heating Up

Very cliche, right? Here some other choices...

Can You Feel the Heat?

It Was the Heat of the Moment

Welcome to Miami

LeBron's In Miami

No matter which headline I choose, it doesn't change the fact that LBJ is a sell out and knows he can't win a title as The Man. This team will most likely win a title in the next 3 years, and LBJ will probably average more points, rebounds, and assists than Wade or Bosh, but make no mistake, this is Dwyane Wade's team. Always has been and always will until he's gone. The sooner LBJ can check his ego at the door, the smoother and better it will be for the Heat.

LeBron! LeBron! LeBron!

I'm no LeBron fan, but this day, this ESPN special, this decision. This I'm a fan of. I like it. I love it. I want some more of it. Damn you Tim McGraw.

Screw charity! Screw the Boys and Girls Club of America! This is all about publicity. It's a stunt. Dare I call it a publicity stunt? Point is, this assures us that LeBron James is no better than Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian. He is an attention whore. He can, as Ronnie on the preview for Jersey Shore 2 *fist pump!* would say, deny, deny, deny, but now we all know the truth. LeBron hearts the spotlight.

As for a formal prediction on LBJ's future home? Though they appear to be a distant 3rd, or even 4th, at the moment, I'm still sticking with my original team...the Chicago Bulls. LBJ would be stupid not to sign. I get it. He, Wade, and Bosh are BFFs. Whatever. They don't fit on the court! Wade and LBJ have to have the ball to dominate. Miami is Wade's town. No ifs, ands, or buts. No way, no how can LBJ play second fiddle to Wade. He just won't do it.

Then there's Cleveland. I would honestly laugh if LBJ resigned in Cleveland. It'll be at least 2 years before that roster is Championship caliber. And now with Byron Scott coaching, any young guys you bring in will be relegated to the 8th or 9th spots in the rotation. If LBJ resigns, their best bet at a title, or dynasty in this case, is if they clear enough cap space in 2012 for his other BFF Chris Paul to join him and his former coach. Until then, enjoy your summers fishing.

New York? Pfffffftttttt.

That leaves us with Chicago. You've got a potential franchise PG in Derrick Rose who hasn't even turned 23 yet. You've got one of the premier post defenders, rebounders, and all out hustle guys in Joakim Noah, and now you've got a PF that can spread the floor and run the pick-and-roll with thanks to his high arcing, silky smooth mid-range jumper in Carlos Boozer. Luol Deng's contract comes off the books in...well forget that. Maybe LBJ can get the best out of Deng. And if you take on the Windy City Challenge and succeed with multiple titles, you're considered the next Michael.

That is, unless you're just the next Paris.

Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to Miami

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5360134

No numbers are being reported yet, but we can assume they will both be receiving max deals. However, will Chris Bosh get the 6th year and extra $29 million he could only receive from a sign-and-trade with Miami and Toronto? I doubt it since Miami only has Mario Chalmers and Michael Beasley on their roster, but perhaps Toronto decided they wanted draft picks.

Either way let's not forget what's most important here...I told you so.

LeBron James to Make State of Free Agency Address

So this is what we've come to as a nation. To celebrate our independence we celebrate the rapid mass ingestion of processed meat tubes wrapped in buns. And now we set aside a full hour of valuable primetime TV coverage on a Thursday night so that LBJ can announce where he will play for at least the next 5-6 years.

I LOVE IT! I can't wait to watch! And did you hear that LBJ finally signed up for a Twitter?! If you want to add him his feed is @nomoralvctories.

OK. You got me. It's right here @KingJames.

If you haven't followed us yet than you're a prick and don't deserve this, but I'm such a nice guy that I'll give it you anyways.

World Cup Semifinals

We're down to 4 in the greatest spectacle in sports. We've got Germany in their 3rd straight semifinal, perennial underachievers Spain and the Netherlands, and the surprise of the tournament Uruguay.

The first semifinal pits the Netherlands against Uruguay. The Netherlands have twice been to the Finals and lost, but haven't been back since '78. Every year the Dutch have high expectations only to have Totaalvoetbal (Total Football) disappoint year after year. However, after knocking off Cup favorites Brazil, Wesley Sneijder and his teammates look to be in good position to become more famous in Holland than wooden shoes and windmills.

Uruguay, on the other hand, used to be giants of the World Cup. They hosted, and won, the very first World Cup back in 1930 then went on to shock hosts Brazil in the 1950 Final. Nowadays? Not so much. Before the 2010 version of the World Cup got underway, Uruguay had only won 1 game on the big stage since 1970 and had to beat Costa Rica in a playoff just to qualify. Now they're the only South American team left standing with great thanks to Luis Suarez's palms. Unfortunately for the smallest remaining country in the field, their prolific goal scorer will now miss the semifinal against the Netherlands. Uruguay was already outmatched with Suarez, and now they lose their #9 in a pivotal game. But they are playing with house money...eh, doesn't matter.

Netherlands 2-0.

The second semifinal sees a Germany squad that entered the Cup with severe question marks after losing their captain weeks before their first game and a Spain side that has yet to really live up to their potential since winning Euro 2008. Germany is the youngest team in the field this year, but have played nothing like it. Their young studs have lived up to the hype and then some. Whether it has been Ozil, Boateng, or Muller, who will unfortunately miss the semifinal due to the ridiculous yellow card stipulations, the Germans have evolved from boys to men in front of our very eyes. After a 4-1 thrashing of England in the Round of 16 and a 4-0 beatdown of Argentina in the Quarters, Germany is looking like the favorites to win the whole darned thing.

Spain, though, has been quite the mystery. Ranked 2nd in the FIFA rankings entering the World Cup, they were among the short list of favorites to leave South Africa victorious. It's been a rocky road to say the least. They opened group play with a shocking 1-0 loss to the Swiss, who coincedently remained very neutral about the whole thing, but still managed to beat Honduras and Chile to win their group as expected. They then fought off a pesky Portugese team 1-0 in the Round of 16 and squeaked by Paraguay after an exciting 2nd half filled with PKs. David Villa is in good shape to win the Golden Boot as he leads all scorers with 5 goals. Villa couldn't be hotter at a better time than now since Spain's star striker Fernando Torres has looked nothing like a star in South Africa and may be benched against Germany. The last time Torres scored a truly meaningful goal for Espana was the only goal in a Spain 1-0 victory at the Euro 2008 Final.

Over Germany.

Spain 2-1.

UGA AD Out After DUI

I'm not going to lie. I tried to see how many capital letters I could fit in one headline.

My initial reaction when I saw the headlines? Idiot. My initial reaction after actually reading the article? Friggin' idiot. This is a story almost too hilarious to be true. But alas! It is! And so is this video!

Figuring Out This NBA Free Agency Mess

It's been 3+ days since NBA free agents have begun negotiating with potential employers. I believe it's been long enough for an update on the goings on with NMV's top 10 available free agents.

1. LeBron James - The crown jewel of this star studded cast has announced that he will stall on announcing anything until after his youth basketball camp concludes Wednesday night. Those who love to speculate as I do, can't consider this as good news for Cleveland fans. However, how the hell do I know? James did meet with the Heat, Nets, Cavaliers, Bulls, Clippers, and Knicks over the weekend, and, while none are currently being ruled out, it looks as if the Cavaliers, Bulls, and Heat are indeed the frontrunners in no particular order. I'm still sticking with my initial prediction in the Bulls.
2. Dwayne Wade - As free agency opened, the one certainty among the Big 3 was that D-Wade was going to resign in Miami even though Wade is from Chicago. Well, maybe not anymore. Wade has been going through an extremely public divorce over the past 3 years, including his ex-wife accusing Wade of transmitting herpes from an extramarital affair and then giving it to her. I don't know if I want this to be true or not, either way it's an awesome story I can tell my grandkids about one of the greatest players of my generation. The point of all of this is, Wade has been awarded temporary full custody of his 2 children while living in Chicago for the past 2 months. Wade has said that he is going to do whatever he can to provide a stable life for his kids. I'm still saying he resigns in Miami.
3. Chris Bosh - The consensus is that Bosh will sign wherever LBJ signs. Sounds simple enough, right? Well it turns out that Bosh is making the most out of this free agent lollapalooza by hiring a camera crew to film a documentary chronicling the entire process. Sounds awesome, huh? Actually it does. I'm going to buy it. I'm a fan. Chicago Bulls' owner Jerry Reinsdorf is not a fan. Reinsdorf was not happy with the cameras in Bosh's meeting with the Bulls as he saw it as a sign of immaturity and questioned Bosh's dedication and ability to take the process seriously. It also left him questioning whether or not he wants to offer a max deal to that kind of guy. I say Bosh doesn't sign unless he's getting the max, and I say Reinsdorf hesitates just enough and Chris Bosh finds himself on South Beach with the newly single Dwayne Wade.
4. Dirk Nowitzki - Dirk agreed to resign with his good buddy Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks earlier today. Shocker.
5. Amare Stoudemire - From the way this article sounds, we shouldn't be surprised if there is an announcement in the next few days stating that Stoudemire and the New York Knicks have agreed to terms. The Knicks are at the top of Amare's list. Amare is near the top of the Knicks' list. Amare and head coach Mike D'Antoni kissed and made up. D'Antoni's system rewards "Im'ma get mine" guys like Amare.
6. Joe Johnson - The Atlanta Hawks are like the guy that was moderately successful with women a long time ago. He dated the one chick that was out of his league (Bob Pettit) and the chick who wore too much make-up and dressed slutty so you thought she was hotter than she really was (Dominique Wilkins), but then went into a really long slump. Then, when he was at his darkest, he met a cute, modest, humble girl who had yet to really blossom (Joe Johnson) and they fell for each other. Slowly other things in his life turned around (Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Al Horford) and he mostly attributed it to his new girl. Well now their relationship has yet to reach that next level and they both know it's time to move on, but instead he invests everything he has into making it work when we all know it's going to fail miserably. In case, you didn't follow or read the article I went through all the trouble of linking for you, Atlanta signed Joe Johnson to a max deal. Idiots.
7. Carlos Boozer - Surprisingly things have been quiet involving Carlos Boozer. It hasn't been due to a lack of interest, rather the fact that he's not a max deal free agent and he's considered a nice consolation prize to whoever doesn't sign Chris Bosh. In my first predictions I had Bosh signing in Chicago and Boozer in Miami where he makes his offseason home. However, since I now have Bosh signing in Miami, I now have Boozer signing in Chicago with LBJ. Boozer is expected to sign for about $4 million less than Bosh which fits right into Chicago's plans financially as they don't have quite enough to sign 2 max players without moving a little more salary.
8. Rudy Gay - Memphis made it very clear to Rudy, his agent, and any team attempting to sign him as a restricted free agent that they were going to match any and all offers for their SF with loads of offensive potential. Gay and his agent got the message and already agreed to terms to return to the Grizzlies.
9. Paul Pierce - Pierce opted out in hopes of signing one more big contract in his illusive career. Even though he signed for $36 million less than the max he was eligible for, Pierce did quite well for himself by resigning in Boston for $60 million over 4 years. By settling for less money, Pierce left the Celtics with enough money to hopefully resign...
10. Ray Allen - Even after stinking up 6 out of 7 NBA Finals games (4-30 from 3 in every game besides Game 2, and an 0-13 from the field in Game 3), Ray Allen is going to get paid this offseason, and my guess it'll be from either the Celtics or whoever signs LBJ. Originally, I had Ray Ray going to Chicago with LBJ, but now that Paul Pierce took much less money and Doc Rivers has stated he's coming back for one more try at another title, I don't see Allen signing anywhere besides back in Boston.

Remembering Steve McNair

Exactly one year ago former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair was shot and killed by his mistress Sahel Kazemi who then turned the gun on herself. The news sent shock waves throughout the sports community as McNair was always considered the ultimate family man and an upstanding human being who spent countless hours giving back to his surrounding communities.

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