Investigative Sports Report Series: Coming Soon

In the coming weeks, I will be launching an in-depth investigative report series into four sports stories of interest. Stay tuned.

Check Mate!

Serena Williams wins her 10th Grand Slam in 22 miuntes (6-0, 6-3) and regains #1 ranking.

Venus and Serena Wins 2009 Australian Open Doubles

#1: Gone in 0:06 Seconds

Duke v. Wake Forest (January 28, 2009) Words are never enough.

Check!

Serena Williams is headed to her 10th Grand Slam Final after defeating Dementieva in straight sets (6-4, 6-3). This win, for Williams, breaks the record for career prize money earn by a female athlete formerly held by golfer Annika Sorenstram. Serena will face Safina for Open title and #1 ranking.

In the heat of heat...

Sweltering heat not enough to contain Williams. Williams meets Dementieva in 2009 Australian Open.

VH1: More Buffoonery

T.O. for some is the gift that keeps on giving, and for others, the gift you can't give back. We don't need a reality show about the life and times of T.O. When has the public not been privy to Terrell’s private and professional life? T.O. has always allowed us into his living room, locker room and any place else the cameras would follow-sometimes with a face filled with popcorn or a shinny nose.

I am bothered by the fact that VH1 is going to allow two pop tarts to provide mock therapy to an individual who really needs help. This show could set a real bad precedent for people who really need help. We don't need to laugh. What T.O needs is professional intervention.

Lastly, if a 35 year old man doesn't know how to find a woman by now, I don't see what his friends can do at this point to assist him. In order to find love, you must first love yourself. I wouldn’t advise any woman to enter the chaotic world of T.O.

"We Are Spartans"

Who says it's all about the boys........

Braylon Edwards: "The Remix"

Behold: The finest man in all of sports

Deion Sanders: Mr. Clean ("Ain't nobody bad like me")

Dhani Jones: "The Renaissance Man"

David Ortiz: I like it when you call me "Big Poppi."

David Beckham: Packed with herbs and spices

T.J Houshmandzdeh: Who you say yo mamma is?

Terrelle Pryor: The Baby Boy! (Mother's Love, Mother's Love)

Sidney Crosby: "Syd the kid"

I had a post removed earlier. I wasn't sure if it was because I had a Michigan Man on an OSU Man's blog or what. Who says that blogs are all aout the boys. I am a women who loves sports just as much as the next man; however, I'm not blind. Some of these men play and have played ball well, but they are equally as fine.

Check out Toni's Sports Hotties and tell me what you think?

Lakers: Western Conference Finals again?

As I examine the Western Conference as we near the NBA All-Star break, It appears that the Lakers maybe headed to the Western Conference Finals again. While San Antoinio is experienced, the sand in their hour glass maybe running out. Chris Paul and Hornets are still in building mode. The Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns, although regretable, will do what they always do get hurt or choke. I personally don't think the Denver Nuggets have enough. I miss you Mr. Big Shot.

The team that worries me is the Utah Jazz. Lets stay tuned.

Peace.

Like a good neighbor.....

Everytime I watch the new State Farm Insurance commerical wih LeBron James, I wonder why State Farm didn't go out and get an actual Cleveland Browns player like Braylon Edwards. Watching the commerical reminds me of the jingle Barry Mannilow wrote many years ago (Like a good neighbor State Farm is there.) Seeing LeBron in this commerical doesn't make me want to go out and purchase State Farm Insurance especially seeing him out of his element. I don't get the point they are trying to make. When his contract with the Caviliers is up, no on believes he plans to try out for football much less the Cleveland Browns.

On a personal note, I am personally tired of Madison Avenue utilizing athletes who play well on the court, but don't exhibit maturity in "real life."

Toni's Top 10: Steelers' SB XLIII Victory Prediction

Number 10: The Pittsburgh Steelers have better looking players on their roster including Coach Mike Tomlin.
Number 9: There will be more Terrible Towels.
Number 8: The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best uniforms in the NFL.
Number 7: EA Sports (Madden 09): Predicts the Steelers will beat the Cardinals.
Number 6: Troy Polamalu
Number 5: James Harrison, Lamar Wooley, Larry Foote, Jr.
Number 4: Best Defense in the NFL
Number 3: Ranked 2nd in the NFL for total yard per game 244.0
Number 2: Ranked 1st in the NFL for rushing yards allowed 44.0
Number 1: STEEL IN CHARGE

In Memoriam.....

Yesterday, the sports world lost an extraordinary woman and great coach.

Breast Cancer takes the lives of approximately 41,000 women per year (112 women per day). In memory of Ms. Yow, join me in a walk, run or some other form of service in fighting for a cure.

Peace.

"EVICTED"

I preface these comments by saying I mean no disrespected to the number of Americans who have lost their homes during this mortage crisis. However, there is only one word I could think of in the English language to describe the ass kicking Duke put on Maryland yesterday in their 85-44 win. From all indications, Duke hasn't beat down anyone this bad since 1963. DAMN!

When I checked the ESPN/USA and the AP Polls both had Duke ranked at #2. The funny thing is I didn't see Maryland at all. I didn't even see Maryland in that small section referred to as honorable mention. My question is then, How the hell did #21 Greivis Vasquez think he was going into Duke (Cameron Fieldhouse) and beat a #2 ranked team in the national with the roster Maryland had?

Here again, this is a classic case of another player who needs to keep his mouth shut. I really can't describe to you this beat down, so I have attached a picture of #21 that tells the story. I say to Vasquez, "Next time you start poppin' off at the mouth make sure you can back it up."

Peace.

"Barking Up The Wrong Tree"

Out of respect for our 44th President of the United States, I keep trying to turn the page, but there are some issues that remain unresolved and need to be addressed.

First, where was PETA and the Humane Society when dogs were turned on African-Americans. Did anyone ask for the decendents of these officers and others for a psych eval? Do you know how many generations of these families that are still in law enforcement?

If the sixties go to far back for you, where was PETA and the Humane Society when the pit bull ate the baby in New York as a result of being left on its own by its mother?

Where was PETA and the Humane Society in Detroit, Michigan and every other major Urban Center and yokal backwater playground on Friday and Saturday nights where the dogs fighting is on and poppin'?

I say all this to that these organizations are like others (i.e. the media) who use high profile people, preferably African-American males, to raise money, not consciousness, to further line their pockets. Its not about the dogs, Its about the money, getting on television, advancing their careers. In America, everyone knows how valuable 15 minutes of fame can be at the expense of a Black man. Ask Joe the plumber or Marcia, the attorney, from the OJ Trial.

Michael practiced poor judgement there is absolutely no doubt about that. Should athletes practice better judgement when picking associates? You betcha!

I have this to say to PETA and organizations like them who have rode the backs of, advanced their careers as a result of, and stand on the shoulders of Black men. Find a new gig. Find a new poster boy, or better yet, just start working hard and stop depending on ethnicity (White) to be the entitlement as it has so frequently worked for you in the past.

A Different Perspective

I have read some articles on the Wade divorce. The few I've read leave out some critical pieces. I'd like to comment on those few pieces simply because no one else has.

Firstly, no wife no matter how handsome, wealthy or high profile her husband is or becomes wants to believe going into marriage that he would be dishonest.

Second, any divorce papers filed becomes a matter of public record. We only care about this one because it is Dewayne Wade and who he is.

Here's the part in this equation that is often missed. While it really isn't our business who or how many women he slept with, what is our business and his wife's is the names of the women he has slept with, if this information is true.

Public health is potentially at risk here and sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise--especially among Black women. Individuals who have unprotected sex with others has slept with everyone that individual or individuals that person has slept with. In he world of HIV/AIDS and other transmittable diseases and because of these two children, his wife absolutely has a right to know this information. Who knows what could surface a year or two from now.

His wife is angry and she has every right, in my humble opinion, to be. She has been betrayed. As for him cutting her off financially, if true, speaks to his character.

The lesson I hope is learned here is that women need to start respecting themselves and the sanctity of other peoples marriages. It is not cool or hip, ever, to sleep with another womens' husband I don't care what lie he tells you. Men are out of control because women are out of control. Women offer men too many options and because they are men, they exercise them.

Remembering Curt Flood

As I reflect on one of the greatest of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. men (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), I am reminded of Curt Flood. Curt Flood is one of those sports pioneers who is often not mentioned, but those who love the game of baseball recognize him for his many baseball contributions.

What this generation doesn't know is that players from all sports have Curt Flood to thank for the advent of free agency. After the 1969 season, Flood challenged the reserve clause in baseball refusing a to be traded. He appealled his case the the United States Supreme Court, and although unsuccessful, this challenge of the system brought about greater solidarity among players and thus the advent of free agency.

The Future v. The Truth

This whole debate about LeBron and Kobe is getting pretty tired. This is not the first time that the NBA has had more than one dominate player at a time (Elgin Balylor, Wilt the Stilt, Bill Russell, Magic, Bird, Jordan, Kobe, LeBron, Shaq, Akeem the Dream, Kareem, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Wes Unsel, Clyde Drexel etc....).

My personal preference is Kobe Bryant. Kobe has the rings, the MVP, the Gold Medal etc. While LeBron has some of these successes to his credit, until he wins the big one, he is still the future, and Kobe is the truth.

STEEL IN CHARGE

In times such as theses....

In times such as these, we turn to Chocolate Thunder for wisdom. He said, "when all is said and done, there is nothing left to say or do."
Yesterday, the Philadelphia Eagles found themselves once again in the L-column. No one is a bigger fan of the Eagles much less McNabb, but the Eagles didn't play well. It was dejavu from last year. The Packers didn't have an answer for Burress, and the Eagles didn't have an answer for Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald and Warner showd up and showd out--period.

I think the question of whether McNabb should be the quarterback for the Eagles next season is an unfair one; however, going to the Superbowl and losing, appearing in five NFC title games and losing four times does require somebody go back to the drawing board. Since football is a team sport, I suggest chalk boards all around.

One of Three Things

I see that Tim Tebow has opted to stay in college for one for year. Why I see nothing wrong with that, I think there might be a couple other motivations. First, Tim Tebow is staying in school to work on his fundamentals as he states, or Tim Tebow is staying in college because he wants to be the second player in the history of college football to win the Heisman twice, or he knows just as I that a GM would be crazy not to draft him first and the Lions are on deck. Sounds like a very diplomatic way of saying heck naw to Detroit. I'm from Detroit, and I don't blame you. Lastly, it is a combination of all these things.

What do you think?

Kyle Whittingham

While Kyle Whittingham's loyalty to is university and players is commendable, he is out of his mind casting a vote for the University of Utah to be the BCS National Champions.

First in my humble opinion, it is the Big Ten and then everyone else; however, when I checked out the Utes schedule, I found the University Michigan- a team in worse condition before they brought Bo in the late 60's, Weber State University, which I learned for the first time is located somewhere in Utah, Air Force, Wyoming, New Mexico, which by the way has not been a real good football team since the great Ronnie Lott, BYU, and last but certainly not least UNLV who I thought only had a basketball with a former coach who sucked towels. Can anyone tell me where Grand MaMa is?

To make a long story short, the only real team (Alabama) they played this year they did beat in their bowl game. But perhaps Alabama was a little more beat up because they played a real schedule. Perhaps Utah was a little fresher because they played no real conference powerhouses with the exception of Oregon State (Pac-10) and Michigan (Big Ten). Based on their strength of schedule, they should not have even been in that game with Alabama. Play some teams in the SEC, Big Ten and Pac-10 and maybe you too will get some respect.

We don't need a playoff system for me to know that Florida, Ohio State, USC, Georgia, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas would beat the hell out of Utah.

Adam Jones: See Ya!

There comes a time when it is time to go. It is Adam Jones' time to go. He should have never been in Dallas, and he most definately should have never worn the Jersey number 21.

In his response to his comment about, "loving him some him", people who love themselves don't go into strip clubs with garbage bags of money with the intentions of making it rain, which subsequently got someone hurt for the rest of their life. People who love themselves and respect the game of pro football keep a low profile and not beat up body guards hired to protect them. You should have taken a tip from your teammate Marion Barber and kept your mouth shut and played ball. Did you notice that when Mr. Jones jumped on him, he didn't need to say a word because his sarrogates, including me, took care of Mr. Jones. Adam if you don't learn anything else from this experience, learn to walk soft and carry a bigger stick than you have in the past. Don't tell people what you will do or voice what is important to you carry out these deeds.

You were given an opportunity that you squandered. This is unfortunate because I really believe football is important to you, but before you made all those sacrifices to get to the pro level, you should have done very thing in your power to mature. It is your level of maturity that has landed you in this predicament. Grow up and come back strong. I believe it's in you, but your days as football player are over. Try being a great dad and respectable human being. These are excellent occupations as well.

Bob Stoops: No Barry Switzer!

I think it is about time to bid Bob Stoops adue. He should have been gone after the infamous statue of liberty play against Boise State, in my opinion. If this game is truly about winning, Mr. Stoops has not been successful. If Bob Stoops were a woman or person of color, he would have been fired by now. Ok. Lets handle your business.

Pro Football Hall of Fame: 2009 Finalist List

Out of respect for Michael Irvin's contributions to the game of football and the fact that he delivered one of the best Pro Football Fame of Fame speeches I've ever heard, I let up on voicing my politics regarding this selection process, but I have to draw the damn line with Charles Haley and Ray Guy.

First Ray Guy, can somebody tell me why there is a coveted award in college football bearing this great punter's name, but Ray Guy is not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? I watched Ray Guy play as a child, and I can tell you that in his day, Ray Guy was the truth. Go Raiders! Raise hell about this candidate. He is very worthy.

Last but certainly not least, Charles Haley (Alpha Man-Skee-Phi!) is the only man I know with 5 Super Bowl Rings and at least 5 Pro Bowl appearances. Since football is a game that starts at the line, why is it that we have issues making sure that lineman are given their just due. Remember, defense wins championships on both sides of the ball. While Joe Montana and Troy Aikman were great quarterbacks. In order to be a great quarterback, you need an offensive line protecting you and the defensive to handle their business when it is their turn on the field. Both Dallas and the 49ers had such players and Charles Haley was among them.

P.S. Go Richard Dent! I love you equally. Can somebody help me find Cris Carter's SuperBowl rings.