Tim Donaghy rocked the NBA, basketball and sports world months ago when it was discovered he had assisted in fixing games and also had been betting on games. Mob involvement was uncovered by the FBI and Donaghy soon was on the hot seat. Donaghy sang as soon as he was caught, discussing how other refs may have been involved. David Stern, always the face of justice in sports, cited Donaghy as a rogue criminal acting alone, as no other NBA officials could possibly be involved. Donaghy was accused of trying to lighten his sentence by singing about others who may or may not have been involved. Finally, as of Tuesday, Tim Donaghy finally received the punishment for his crimes. Two concurrent 15 month prison terms for the betting and fixing of NBA games.
On the Mike and Mike radio show on ESPN, they talked to a Gambling Addiction Counselor/Advisor who's been working with Donaghy. The counselor continued to discuss how gambling is a serious addiction for many, and that the rest of us who don't have the addiction simply don't understand. Donaghy may have received a much ligher sentence than deserved, and while there's many gamblers and many addicts in the world, all actions are a choice we make. The consequences of a crime whether an addict are not, don't change. Donaghy now has 15 months to rebuild mentally and start to piece back together what he threw away by participating in gambling and mob activity.
Rabu, 30 Juli 2008
Sabtu, 26 Juli 2008
The WNBA Meets WWE?
This past week saw the WNBA with a historic first in its league: a major brawl amongst two teams, as well as a coach getting involved, and a star player getting injured for the season. While the battle between the Los Angeles Sparks and Detroit Shock will never be talked about like the fight at the Palace between the Pistons and Pacers several years ago, it still goes to show sports can turn ugly.
In this situation, a player on the Shock ended up running over Candace Parker of the Sparks. Sparks flew after the collision which saw the players on top of each other on the court. Lisa Leslie of the Sparks tried to restrain players from fighting and ended up getting shoved by Detroit's assistant coach, former NBA player Rick Mahorn. Also during the melee, Detroit's Sheryl Ford ended up hurting her ankle and will now sit out for the rest of the WNBA season.
While many sports fans continue to belittle the WNBA as a pro sports league, a brawl of this sort will always help in the cause. But even more glaring is the idea that it will take a fight amongst women to gain their league more respect. The brawl at the Palace years ago is still recounted to this day as one of the worst incidents in pro sports mayhem, as fans got involved. While no fans were involved in the women's basketball battle, it may come to that at some point. And now the WNBA may start to get noticed, albeit slightly more, for its first major on-court brawl. It's unfortunate it may take that sort of event to spark more interest and shock fans into appreciating the women's basketball game.
In this situation, a player on the Shock ended up running over Candace Parker of the Sparks. Sparks flew after the collision which saw the players on top of each other on the court. Lisa Leslie of the Sparks tried to restrain players from fighting and ended up getting shoved by Detroit's assistant coach, former NBA player Rick Mahorn. Also during the melee, Detroit's Sheryl Ford ended up hurting her ankle and will now sit out for the rest of the WNBA season.
While many sports fans continue to belittle the WNBA as a pro sports league, a brawl of this sort will always help in the cause. But even more glaring is the idea that it will take a fight amongst women to gain their league more respect. The brawl at the Palace years ago is still recounted to this day as one of the worst incidents in pro sports mayhem, as fans got involved. While no fans were involved in the women's basketball battle, it may come to that at some point. And now the WNBA may start to get noticed, albeit slightly more, for its first major on-court brawl. It's unfortunate it may take that sort of event to spark more interest and shock fans into appreciating the women's basketball game.
Sabtu, 12 Juli 2008
Does WNBA Get Enough Love?
Next Saturday, July 19th, the WNBA will hold the first ever outdoor professional basketball game. It will feature the New York Liberty hosting the Indiana Fever in the outdoor game at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Hopefully the weather permits this historic event, but a great game may be played in pouring rain too. Previously the Liberty held the first ever game on the stage of Radio City Music Hall, which was a very interesting concept. Fans were seated down below the stage to watch exciting back and forth basketball, as if it were a Broadway show.
The question continually is raised with the WNBA: Should the league call it quits due to lower interest and attendance levels than its bigger brother, the NBA?
In my opinion, basketball's basketball, no matter where it's played or who might be playing. It's a game involving fundamentals, strategies and skills that many truly gifted athletes can hone. If you're a fan of the game, you can enjoy it on many levels, whether it's pros in the NBA, college hoops, high school and even the Women's version, the WNBA. There's been some impressive feats achieved in the league such as the Houston Comets and their early title dynasty of four straight. Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker have been two pro womens players to dunk in games, also historic.
Those who argue women aren't as athletic as males are discounting athletics. Watching certain players use their skills in the WNBA can be just as impressive as the NBA. For example, Steve Nash isn't a dunker, but he can definitely pass, shoot and run an offense well. The same goes for names like Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm, or Becky Hammons of the San Antonio Silver Stars. There's also outstanding offensive players such as Diana Tarausi of the Phoenix Mercury, and Alaina Beard of the Washington Mystics.
What it really comes down to is a fan's personal preference. If you truly love the game, you'll love it on all levels and be able to recognize the great performances that occur on basketball courts everywhere.
The question continually is raised with the WNBA: Should the league call it quits due to lower interest and attendance levels than its bigger brother, the NBA?
In my opinion, basketball's basketball, no matter where it's played or who might be playing. It's a game involving fundamentals, strategies and skills that many truly gifted athletes can hone. If you're a fan of the game, you can enjoy it on many levels, whether it's pros in the NBA, college hoops, high school and even the Women's version, the WNBA. There's been some impressive feats achieved in the league such as the Houston Comets and their early title dynasty of four straight. Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker have been two pro womens players to dunk in games, also historic.
Those who argue women aren't as athletic as males are discounting athletics. Watching certain players use their skills in the WNBA can be just as impressive as the NBA. For example, Steve Nash isn't a dunker, but he can definitely pass, shoot and run an offense well. The same goes for names like Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm, or Becky Hammons of the San Antonio Silver Stars. There's also outstanding offensive players such as Diana Tarausi of the Phoenix Mercury, and Alaina Beard of the Washington Mystics.
What it really comes down to is a fan's personal preference. If you truly love the game, you'll love it on all levels and be able to recognize the great performances that occur on basketball courts everywhere.
Rabu, 09 Juli 2008
Free Agents Move East?
A New Sixers Brand
The Philadelphia 76ers made one of the biggest moves so far in the young free agency period of the NBA. Philly added the services of 10 year NBA veteran and perennial All-star, Elton Brand. It had originally appeared like Brand would re-sign with his longtime Clippers, and align himself with their latest acquisition, PG Baron Davis. But the Sixers gave up enough cash to add the big man to their front court mix, and are now ready to compete in the East.
As noted on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike show, more players are likely headed to the East because they have a better chance at competing there. In the West, talent is stacked and several teams are leaps and bounds above the rest. Right now the NBA Finals runner-ups, the Lakers, may lose Ronny Turiaf to the Warriors, as they need to match an offer made to him.
The Lakers basically steamrolled through the Western side of the playoffs, before being dismantled by Boston in the Finals. That said, Boston didn't have an easy route in the East. They were taken to the limit by both Atlanta and Cleveland. Meanwhile, Philly took the Pistons six games in the East, and with the addition of a solid upfront player like Elton Brand, the Sixers only increase their chances at making it deep into the playoffs.
The case was also made that teams like the Bulls and Nets made great draft night moves to position themselves. But that positioning might not pay off until a year or two down the road. The Bulls are young and able, but the Nets may be more of a rebuild as Vince Carter isn't getting younger and may decide to leave town for a title contender. Watch for more teams to attempt to sign key players in the coming weeks in order to compete in 2008-09.
The Philadelphia 76ers made one of the biggest moves so far in the young free agency period of the NBA. Philly added the services of 10 year NBA veteran and perennial All-star, Elton Brand. It had originally appeared like Brand would re-sign with his longtime Clippers, and align himself with their latest acquisition, PG Baron Davis. But the Sixers gave up enough cash to add the big man to their front court mix, and are now ready to compete in the East.
As noted on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike show, more players are likely headed to the East because they have a better chance at competing there. In the West, talent is stacked and several teams are leaps and bounds above the rest. Right now the NBA Finals runner-ups, the Lakers, may lose Ronny Turiaf to the Warriors, as they need to match an offer made to him.
The Lakers basically steamrolled through the Western side of the playoffs, before being dismantled by Boston in the Finals. That said, Boston didn't have an easy route in the East. They were taken to the limit by both Atlanta and Cleveland. Meanwhile, Philly took the Pistons six games in the East, and with the addition of a solid upfront player like Elton Brand, the Sixers only increase their chances at making it deep into the playoffs.
The case was also made that teams like the Bulls and Nets made great draft night moves to position themselves. But that positioning might not pay off until a year or two down the road. The Bulls are young and able, but the Nets may be more of a rebuild as Vince Carter isn't getting younger and may decide to leave town for a title contender. Watch for more teams to attempt to sign key players in the coming weeks in order to compete in 2008-09.
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