"It ought to be a LAW, son"

Ty Lawson scored a career high 25 points with 21 of those points coming in the second half in UNC's 101-87 victory over the Duke Blue Devils. In his press conference, Coach K acknowldeged that, " Lawson played like a pro tonight." "He played as well as any point guard against us in a long time." I think this pretty much sums up the beat down.

Sidebar: I noticed the University of Oklahoma's coach Bob Stoops at the game. Bob Stoops don't need to be in Durham, North Carolina. He still needs to be thankful for the BCS nod over the University of Texas in addition to his office studying film from that BCS Title Game lost to the Florida Gators. While you were there, Bob, did you chat with Coach Williams, K or better yet Coach Cowher on what a real winner looks like? The nerve of some people.

"10"

.....and then there were six. All day, I thought about what I could name this blog entry to celebrate the most storied franchise in all of American sports. I thought about the title "Cardinal Knowledge", but there was only one title to describe what I saw this evening, and it is simply "10." Though it was a complete team effort in the end, there was but one who could claim the title of Super Bowl MVP, and this year it was 10 (Santonio Holmes). With but seconds to go, Rothisberger lead his team down the field to find at the end the perfect 10.

I have been a Steelers fan all of my life. I can not think of a game that had greater significance (Tomlin, youngest coach and African-American) and sixth Lombardi Trophy on the line. This year's festivities did not disappoint. From the pre-game show, the first three points of the game, The Boss's kick-ass halftime performance to the trophy presentation, in the final analysis, it was all Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are still in charge.

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.

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

"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.

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.

Marion Barber, III: Consistent, Hard Working, TOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When Brad Johnson stepped in for injured Tony Romo, no one put him on blast for being inadequate. When Tony Romo failed to score from one yard out in a playoff game, no one put him on blast. When Demarcus Ware kept jumping off sides in the Tampa Bay game like a jack rabbit, no one put him on blast. Since Terrell Owens has been in a Dallas Cowboys uniform, no one, but the media has put him on blast. For all the stupid shit Adam Jones has done before and to date, no one, but the media has put him on blast. After throwing two interceptions, no one put Tony Romo on blast. Jason Whitten tried to defend him and insult our intelligence at the same time by indicating that somehow he was at fault. I don't know how he could say this when Tony Romo threw the ball in the Steelers' receiver's hands.

I say all this to say that if the Dallas Cowboys are still in the "playoff conversation", it is because of the consistent play and team work of Marion Barber, III. Marion is quiet, consistent, hard working and tough. If he was not in the game on Sunday, I believe it was because he was unable to be. To be singled out, scapegoated and put on blast by the owner and GM was thoughtless and cruel.

Marion Barber, III is the least of the Dallas Cowboys problems. First, Tony Romo is no Troy Aikman or Roger Staubach. Since week one, it has been difficult to distinguish the head coach from the support staff. The Dallas Cowboys have alot of good players who don't play well together. Again, Brad Johnson was an inadequate replacement for Tony Romo. The Cowboys should have taken a three week vacation if he was the best they had.

As Mr. Jones so eloquently put it, "I own the team, and I can't be fired." I say to Mr. Jones take responsibility for the team "you" put together. If anyone is to blame for the Dallas Cowboys' failure, it is you! You sir are smart, tough and to be respected. Take the necessary steps to return your team to glory whatever it takes. Remeber, you're the boss. Attitude is always reflective of leadership.

Super Bowl or Bust?

I saw Deion on the Internet last week in an interview with Rich discussing the coming season. I miss not having the NFL Network. Time Warner Cable is still playing hardball. Until such time I can get the NFL Network, I must watch Deion via NFL Network website. I hate not having Prime Time in real time. Holla, if you hear me.

I do have to disagree with Deion in his assessment of the Dallas Cowboys. It's a bust baby. You heard it here first. The Washington Redskins are going to the Super Bowl. The Hogs are back! I know what you saying. The Dallas Cowboys, like Deion mentioned, is deep at every position, but so was the England Patriots, and you saw what happened.

Last year I told people the Packers were going to the Super Bowl and nobody believed me. The Giants put it on a silver platter for them by beating Dallas in Dallas. People were bothered by Brett Farve's interception. That interception became a moot point when Charles Woodson and Al Harris could not stop Plaxico Buress (Go Green!). It was curtains, and you know the rest of the story.

However, I saw in the Redskins at the end of this season what I was in the Packers in their previous season, not to mention the acquisition of twinkle toes (Jason Taylor), and it is on.

NFL Draft 2008

Can you imagine the number of licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll tootsie pop? Now, you can see why the owl unashamedly and impatiently takes a bite. That’s how slow Jake Long (former Wolverine as of Saturday) is. The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback, a running back and a new secondary. I can’t believe they are making a very slow offensive lineman their franchise player.

I never tripped about the money athletes make. My motto is: “Get all you can get while you can get it.” They’ll need it to pay for a new set of legs in the future…. (to be continued)

Best Damn Sports Clinic Period (continued)

As the NBA playoffs vastly approached, everyone thought that the wild, wild, west would put on a show for the ages. Let me tell you, they have not disappointed the fans. I’ll get to the east momentarily. Most people were chopping at the bits for a Kobe v. Shaq championship series. I just wanted people to take me serious when I said that Utah had a chance. While I don’t think they’ll be laughing in the end, Utah is a good team, but a championship series is not in the cards, yet.

As for Phoenix, all I can say is the coach of this team, the Denver Nuggets and poor Avery Johnson will probably be searching for employment. I like Avery Johnson. I like Jason Kidd, but the trade for Kidd was the wrong number. Jason Kidd had nothing in his body of work to suggest he could lead a team to a championship much less shared in the sweet success of one. As a Spartan (MSU) alumnus, I take issue with the constant comparison to Magic. I am Cal alum also, but Kidd is no Magic. Michael Jordan isn’t either, but that is a nugget for another conversation.

Speaking of Nuggets, the Denver Nuggets is a really good team with really good players who are currently underachieving. As much as I like Tracey McGrady, I’ll just pay him respect with the mentioning of his name. Frankly, I am sick of San Antonio. I haven’t forgiven Ginobli for all the 3-point shots against Detroit in their series three years ago. You see were this is headed.

The wild, wild, west is culminating into the best damn sports clinic period. I can’t wait until the Lakers play New Orleans. I love Chris Paul, but Kobe is getting ready to take this brother to school. It may hurt to watch, and it may also hurt Kobe more than Chris Paul, but it will be a lesson well learned for the future(typical parental psychological mumbo jumbo). Look out Kobe, Chris Paul has officially put the NBA on notice. After the Lakers and New Orleans, everything else is anti-climatic.

As far as the Boston Celtics, they look flawless. If were not from Detroit, I would be rooting for them. Kevin Garnett in my opinion is the NBA MVP. I know it is a season by season award, but his body of work and currently season accomplishments make him most worthy.

After Chris and Kobe, LaBron will be an after thought. Now let’s get to DEE-TROIT Basketball. I see Detroit handled their business last evening. The 76ers, too, will soon be a memory. The eastern conference championship will not be as exciting as the west, but I suspect Detroit and Boston will do us proud. In the end, the smart play and early season use of the Detroit bench will tell the story. Boston has a great sixth man at best, but this will not be enough. This series requires a bench. Boston is lacking in this category.

Best Damn Sports Clinic Period

The NBA's wild, wild west. To be continued.....

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch- Charles Woodson!

Enough said.

“Who needs Tom Brady when you got Brett Favre?”

In the words of Steve Urkel, “Did you see that?” Brett Favre to Greg Jennings, 82-yard touchdown, game over dude, it’s a wrap, call mamma to pick you up and the Packers win!
Before pre-season and the first snap of the regular, I told people that the Green Bay Packers were going to the Super Bowl. Nobody believed me. I got this to say to all the non-believers, “look out Dallas, we coming to git yo ass.”

For all you Detroit Lions fans out their saying hold the phone we are 5-2, I say you are of no consequence to this equation. I grew up in Detroit. I went to Thanksgiving games in Tiger Stadium on Trumbull. I’ve seen Mel Farr, Charlie Sanders, Lem Barney, Billy Sims, Barry Sanders and still no Super Bowl.

Lastly for the New York Giants who play in New Jersey, Michael Strahan looks lean and mean, but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. My eyes looked into the magic ball, shuck it and it said, “Packers.”

"MICHAEL WINS"

Last week, I kept myself busy by responding to the people of Fort Myers, Florida in their response to Deion Sanders’ article on Michael Vick and the subsequent response of the NFL Network to him.

As the comments went back and forth, it was always my intention to remain respectful and I did. After all, I felt I was stepping in for a voice, similar to mine and others, which had been silenced all the while thinking and speaking not in his exact words, but marking how I thought those words might be used and articulated. I am not sure if I educated the people in that community, but they most definitely educated me. I learned that no matter how many gains and contributions African-Americans make, we still have a great work to do. This is by no means to suggest that change is our sole responsibility, but charity always starts at home and spreads abroad.

This lesson was best taught Saturday as I watched the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Since first watching and comprehending the magnitude of what was happening, it was never more heartfelt, spiritual and memorable. Each man as well as their presenter had something very significant to say in terms of the honor itself, their lord and savior who was clearly at the head of their lives, and the careful selection of who was responsible for their success. But no one say it better than Jerry Jones when he said, “Michael Irvin is a Dallas Cowboy.”

There is nothing more American than apple pie, the World Series and being a Dallas Cowboy. All of these things represent what our nation hold dear and sacred. Even though African Americans have proven success when given the opportunity to participate in the American Dream, yet we are still made to feel unworthy.

I thought Michael Irvin’s induction was bitter sweet because I feel that Drew Pearson should be in the Hall of Fame. Drew Pearson was the original number 88, but after Michael spoke, where he was at that moment in time made me realize that it’s much greater than the respect given to a number, but the importance of respect due a man. Michael Irvin gets much respect, and his words were worthy to be praised.

Having said all this, we (African-Americans) must encourage and make sure our children feel good about themselves. Perhaps, we need to redefine who we LOOK UP to. Perhaps, we should GET UP from being complacent and NEVER GIVE UP on the fact that the road ahead is still paved with struggle. The mistakes we make are apart of a process that will eventually get us to place called, “Equals.”

2007 ESPY AWARDS

On Tuesday, March 27, 2007, ESPN announced that LeBron James and Jimmy Kimmel will host the 2007 ESPY Awards set to air July 15, 2007. I would like to make a case for Charles Woodson to be named the 2007 ESPY “Comeback Player of the Year.”

Before turf toe, “The Tuck Rule”, the shoulder injury, the broken leg and the beat down in Super Bowl XXXVII, Charles Woodson was drafted in the first round, 4th pick overall, in 1998 by the Oakland Raiders. In 1998 , he was name NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, selected to Pro Bowls 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, he should have been in 2007 but I digress, was named All-Pro 3 times (1998-2001 seasons) and the first Raider since 1971 to start in all 16 games.

On April 26, 2006, Charles Woodson signed with the Green Bay Packers, led the NFL with 8 interceptions, a career high, and returned punts and kickoffs.

No finer script could have been written for this Ohio native. From the Big Ten to the Heisman Trophy, the Pros, “Title Town” and yes, second ballot Canton? “You think?”

See you on the Red Carpet!

Hard act to follow

Last week I read on the Internet that Deion Sander’s former wife or her family is accusing Deion of stealing his children’s money. Firstly, I happen to really like Deion Sanders. Not that his past is not festively filled with incident after incident I’m sure he looks back on not without some shame. Remember the time Deion poured ice on the man in the locker room to cool him down, and the time he… Well no matter, this commentary has a Deion Sanders slant.

Let me just tell you what I think. Besides coming in a strong fourth on my all time DB list with Ronnie Lott leading the way followed by “The Assassin” Jack Tatum and Mel Blount, ladies some men are hard acts to follow and Deion Sanders is one of them. His former wife just as we all has truly witnessed a transformation, on his part, for the better. Sometimes, as unfortunate as it is, the second wife gets the better man. I truly do not wish to make light of this subject because it is serious, but what is even more serious is the fact that the African-American men are constantly looking over their shoulders and in most cases with good reason in America. From my vantage point, Mr. Sanders does not appear to be the type man you can’t talk to over a cup of coffee. In the future, I would hope if not for the children’s sake that an issue such as this be kept private.

As for the former Mrs. Sanders, Deion was incapable of loving anyone at that time in his life because he didn’t love himself. I hope that you too will make a new life with someone who can reciprocate that mutual feeling of love because all women who want that deserve it. As he (God) would have it, it was not meant to be with “Prime Time.”

Remember, living well is the best revenge.