LeBron James To Leave Cleveland Ha?

LeBron James To Leave Cleveland Ha?
M.D. Wright
5.24.09

Cleveland Stans (Stalker Fans who are beyond irrational when it comes to James) like to lie to themselves and construct lists stating the reasons they believe LeBron James will remain in Cleveland as a Cavalier beyond the 2009-2010 season. I never really thought he was going to. Even the new deal with the Chinese Investors coming to buy a stake in the team is not going to make a difference. If anything, that is about Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and lining HIS pockets. Remember, the name of the arena the Cavs play in is named after the company Gilbert owns: "Quicken Loans Arena". Quicken Loans relied heavily upon Interest-Only mortgages. Anyone with a TV and CNN knows that the real estate market was plagued by such mortgages. That stuff is coming home to roost. There is nothing Cleveland can possibly do to keep LeBron in Cleveland if he really wants to leave for greener pastures.

Now let's tackle the hardline, on-the-court issues that people continue trying to pound into the ground (and this Orlando Eastern Conference Final series is exposing).

A lot of Cavalier fans/Knick haters like to tell themselves and anyone who listen that "there's no reason for LeBron to leave. He loves it here. He's embedded in the community." Blah blah blah. That hasn't stopped any of the players before him from leaving and heading to teams that offer him more money and afford them even MORE exposure. Name a Cleveland Plain-Dealer writer.

I'll wait.

Now name a sports writer for one of the New York papers. You don't even have to read the Daily News, Newsday, the Times or the Post to name 3-5 of them. Madison Avenue is four blocks away. You have Broadway. You have everything to make LeBron James a global icon (his stated goal). As much as people know and love LeBron as is, KOBE BRYANT AND YAO MING (respectively) still lead the NBA in global jersey sales. Let's not forget that. People in China love Kobe and YAO. LeBron will lift his image and profile in New York. I say New York and not Los Angeles, because the Lakers are cap-strapped and would have to gut the team of players they need to win in order to get LeBron. Besides, Kobe is the ultimate Alpha Dog and that wouldn't work. LeBron wants no part of Detroit, that's a lateral/BACKWARD move (if you're rational, it is CLEARLY the latter), so Piston fans can keep dreaming. The Pistons are eyeing Stoudemire or Bosh, anyway. Chicago would be a good fit, but they are set to lose Ben Gordon, their leading scorer and don't even have the players this current Cavalier team has.

Now, to the people who say "why would he go to that joke of a franchise in disarray?" (New York Knicks) Chew on this. Isiah Thomas and his circus have rolled out of town. Jimmy Dolan has gone back behind the scenes (face it, even some Knick fans didn't know he owned the team LONG before they started uttering his name about firing Layden and subsequently Thomas). Now that he's back where he belongs, new GM Donnie Walsh can do his job. Walsh brought Reggie Miller to the Pacers and built the Pacers into perennial contenders in the 1990s.

Look at the Cavs roster and look at the Knicks'. Put LeBron on the 2008-2009 Knicks and the Knicks go from 32-50 to 60-22. Conversely, the Cavs go back to being a 27-34 win team without him with the SAME CURRENT players. With a couple more matchup advantages and better scorers in Al Harrington and David Lee, the Knicks are a better team with LeBron than the Cavs are, top to bottom. Consider this:

2008-2009 Cavs regulars:
F- LeBron James
F- Anderson Vareao
C- Zydrunas Ilgauskas
G- Delonte West
G- Maurice Williams
F- Wally Szczerbiak
F- Ben Wallace
G- Daniel Gibson
G/F- Sasha Pavlovic
F- Joe Smith

This team won 67 games. Half of them on the strength of having LeBron. As they are currently proving in losing to the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, they aren't a clutch team at all. Save for one game-winning shot by James. The rest of these guys are role players.

2008-2009 Knicks regulars:
F- Al Harrington (great scorer, can get 30 every night)
F- David Lee (double-double machine -- as in 18 and 12)
C- Eddy Curry (a joke, but so is Ilgauskas right now)
G- Wilson Chandler (showed flashes of what he did at DePaul, very solid all around, long future in the NBA)
G- Chris Duhon (no worse than anyone on Cleveland right now, and runs coach Mike D'Antoni's system to perfection)
F- Danilo Gallinari (a healthy Gallo is Dirk 2.0)
G- Nate Robinson (better than anyone on Cleveland's backcourt)
G/F- Quentin Richardson (basically useless, as is Wally)
F- Chris Wilcox (young Joe Smith)
G- Larry Hughes (played with LeBron before, can score better than anyone on Cleveland not named James)
F- Jared Jeffries (Varejao)

Throw in a #8 pick this year, a free agent who can make a difference in 2009-2010 and TONS of cap space with Stephon Marbury gone and a couple of current contracts coming off the books, and the Knicks can upgrade at Guard and Forward in 2010-2011 ALONG WITH James and the Knicks are instantly the best team in the East. DO NOT use the current Knicks (or the 2001-2008 teams for that matter) cloud your perception of the future. The Knicks are not far from contending at all. The Celtics are aging before our eyes, Miami is aging at the wrong positions and too young in most vital positions. The Bulls are on the cusp, but missing a legitimate shooting guard who plays both ways (and inside scoring).

Keep this in mind this offseason if James DOESN'T re-sign with Cleveland and if he DOES sign with the Knicks (maybe even through a sign-and-trade with protected draft picks and a couple of coveted players (such as David Lee) in 2010-2011.

Not saying it will happen, because I'm not in his head. But let's get back to reality: this Cleveland outfit is not a great team and they're not put together well enough to make LeBron say "hey, I want to stay here after all". These are not the '81-'87 Celtics, or '88-'90 Pistons, or '92-'98 Bulls, or '80-'90 Lakers. And since they are not, talking about lineups, Chinese Investors, how close LeBron's house is in proximity to downtown blah blah blah is just that: BLITHER.

Taunting? Bring It BACK!

Taunting? Bring It BACK!
M.D. Wright
5.24.09

As we continue to watch the pussification of pro sports before our eyes -- you won't be able to touch Quarterbacks in the NFL pretty soon (while Running Backs continue to get clobbered on every play in every conceivable way), the NBA won't allow defensive players to hand-check offensive players (with the hopes of increased scoring -- meanwhile the 90s NBA was the most watchable version of the product) and well, the MLB could benefit because 70% of the league (including pitchers) were roided up from 1988-2008, by all accounts. NHL players can still beat each other about the face, and I'm glad. Hockey wouldn't be as palpable without it.

This and one other thing, which has been been stripped from nearly every sport: TAUNTING.

The NBA won't allow a guy to push down a defender attempting to block his shot, stand over him, yell taunts (as anyone in an emotionally-charged moment would do), NFL players can't clock a guy's clock on a good hit and stand over him like Jack Tatum did Sammy White in Super Bowl XI

MLB players like Manny Ramirez can't stand and admire his home runs for an hour -- without being beaned the next time he came to the plate (or one of his teammates).

Listen, taunting is part of the game. You grow up doing it. It's not "BUSH LEAGUE". It is what you do when you execute a play superior to the guy defending (or offending) you. It doesn't always perpetuate fights. It isn't a gateway act. And if it does lead to fights, so what? That's life. We fight playing pickup ball in the streets. We fight playing tackle football at our high school alma maters. We fight in Park & Rec leagues. But you know what? UNLESS YOU'RE PUSSIFIED, that's where it ends and you could even fight your homeboy and go right back to being cool after the game.

When will David J. Stern and ROGER GOODELL (who, if he botches this Vick thing, along with a long line of policies he's instituted that I do not agree with nor like at all, will REALLY be on my X-List) get it? These esoteric corporate sponsors aren't as wary about all these things as the leagues claim. These same sponsors air commercials that elicit the same responses from the people who view them and subsequently buy their product. Call it what it really is.

Oh. You can't do that, Rev. Al, the NAACP and any other liberal special interest group will be up your culo. THAT'S your bigger concern. Not sponsors jumping ship.

TAUNTING IS PART OF SPORTS. It drives you to be better so the guy can't have a reason to do it in the future. Plain and simple.

NBA on NBC Returns?

NBA on NBC Returns?
M.D. Wright
5.23.09

If you're a living, breathing NBA fan aged 21-45, you LIVED for the NBA on NBC. You hated ABC and ESPN for giving the NBA the Godfather Offer for broadcast rights in 2002. You were wistful when the 2002 Finals were over, because it marked the end of that particular incarnation of NBC's coverage of the NBA. I knew things would never be the same. I cursed Disney, ABC and ESPN because of it. How could I not? We LIVED for those Sunday TRIPLEHEADERS. The music. The suspenseful intros by Bob Costas and Marv Albert. The plot lines. The rivalries. The NBA on NBC was an EVENT. You did not miss a game unless you were on your deathbed, or someone close to you was, or you were forced to work or in mid-air traveling. Whenever you heard (and still do) hear the John Tesh jingle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR7cd_N2LPU, you look for a TV because you could be missing a game. You were programmed for 12 years to think this way. Wives and girlfriends hated Sunday afternoons because you watched basketball from noon until almost 9 pm every week. And even on some Saturdays, there would be doubleheaders. This was the life.

With such legendary commentary game in and game out, from the likes of the aforementioned Costas and Albert, but also Steve "Snapper" Jones and Bill Walton -- whose back and forth banter during games became the stuff of legend as well, the NBA took off to unprecedented heights in the 1990s.

Now that the NBA re-upped (all about money, Disney/ABC/ESPN offered more than double what NBC originally offered, and NBC was hemorrhaging losses from 1999-2002 due to Michael Jordan's second retirement) with ABC until 2015-2016, we will not see the NBA on NBC again -- if ever, at least until that time. I hope they bring the music with them. Enough of us should petition the league as well as Dick Ebersol and the other powers-that-be at NBC Sports to let them know how much we HATE watching ABC/ESPN's coverage of the NBA (apologies to Jeff Van Gundy, the only worthwhile analyst they have other than my other personal fave behind Marv Albert, Hubie Brown).



Such memorable classics as the clinching Game 6 of the 1993 NBA Finals, including the Phoenix Suns vs. the Chicago Bulls were epic battles in the NBA while airing on NBC. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3pYT6S2TI .

Another great moment was Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals featuring Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls shown here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=med9nvhCkao . Marv Albert, the VOICE of New York Knicks basketball from 1967-2004, and the greatest of all time in sports broadcasting, was on the call. His call on Michael Jordan's 6th three-pointer was epic and still gives people chills (especially those who were watching the game live as I was with my dad and two of my best friends). My dad and I have watched some of the best games in the history of the NBA since 1985. Jordan hitting those three even made my dad shake his head in amazement (as Jordan was not known as a 3 point shooter up until that time). Jordan's shrug at Marv, the Czar of the Telestrator (Mike Fratello) and Magic Johnson is an enduring image in NBA annals. Marv's call further drove Jordan's legend: "DID YOU SEE THAT LOOK??? Michael... INDICATING... HE CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!"

Some of the other more memorable high points of the NBA on NBC (1990-2002) are as follows:

1991 NBA Eastern Conference First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. Game 3. At "The Garden". Jordan's famous dunk on Ewing and Oakley. He also had 33 points in the game. Yawn. It was on MSG and not NBC at the time. I miss that old MSG substitution horn and the dim lights at the Garden. God, can we have these days back??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vysHGJTU1fo. On the Bulls' local coverage, check out Johnny "Red" Kerr's reaction (which was typical) to Jordan's dunk. He sounded like he just got bit by a pack of pit bulls. R.I.P. Red Kerr. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HDdT1oBcXA . I was watching that game live also and I hate how Knick/Pat Ewing haters like to talk about it to this day. No one fouled Jordan on that play.

1991 NBA Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Game 5. This is a classic NBA on NBC intro. Listen to the music. Listen to Costas' narration. Look at the slow motion images. YOU WERE READY TO WATCH AN EPIC CONTEST after this. The NBA on NBC rivaled the NBA on CBS (for those of us who are able to remember its coverage throughout the 80s with Dick Stockton and Tom Heinsohn, and later Hubie Brown -- where he debuted his trademark use of "Second Person/Coachspeak" color analysis in games, which those who know me, know I love and do an excellent imitation of).

Here is the link for that

1991 NBA Finals: Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Game 5 (Bulls Clinch). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqXdiz57Jd0 .

This also happened in that series. Game 2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT1yNyRwd7w My dad said it was "unnecessary" when we were watching it, but my boys Chico and Butter and I all loved it -- and proceeded to go outside and imitate it on the basketball court the next day. Again, Marv Albert with the great call. "OHHHHH... and spec-TACULAR move... by Michael... Jordan!!!"

1992 NBA All-Star Game. This stands out because it was just three months after Earvin "Magic" Johnson shocked the world in November 1991 with his HIV diagnosis. Magic did play in this game, however. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd61FTNQw9w . There are 18 total parts to this video, I'm providing the first part.

1992 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. Player intros by Mike Walczewski. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5TRpklR0eE

1992 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. We were supposed to beat the Bulls that year. We lose in Game 7. There are MANY enduring images from this series. The biggest being Michael Jordan finishing over Patrick Ewing and Xavier McDaniel, who fouled Jordan -- while Jordan seemingly hung in the air for 10 seconds. Jordan comes down, yelling, screaming and pumping his fists at Ewing and McDaniel, who had both fallen while Jordan maintained his footing. I was both pissed and somewhat pleased. It was hard being a Knick fan in the 1990s. MORE SO THAN IT HAS BEEN THROUGHOUT THE 2000s.

Here's Game 4 of that series, from an electric Madison Square Garden (it's a mausoleum now). Notice some patented things here: Jordan's overall excellence. Pippen's clutch play. Phil Jackson and his fiery temper getting technicals. "Johnnnn STARKS!" (as our Public Address Announcer, Mike Walczewski used to say it at MSG) and his great shooting, and "PAT-rick Ewing" (also a "Wally" trademark call -- you can hear it as Ewing hits his PATENTED baseline jump shot at 00:18). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IejJaBdz6W8 . Great game. Great series. I was crushed. No one was beating the Bulls that year if we didn't.

Game 3 was probably the best. Featuring Jordan standing over Ewing and McDaniel as I previously mentioned. Check that out at 6:29-7:13. By the way, I loved NBC for those still, slow-motion replays with the grainy/jumping footage. WHO DID NOT LOVE THIS? I dare you to stand up. I will eviscerate you. I still get chills. I had that still photo as my profile picture. It is forever etched in my mind. We weren't going to beat them. Even though this was ONLY Game 3. Ewing had a terrible game, I do recall. I watched this game with my dad and my boys, as usual, but I felt very sour after this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GcsNhxezpU

1993 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Game 5. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. Jordan kills us with 54 points. I want to kill someone. I was a Jordan fan. I liked to see him do his thing, just NOT AGAINST US. A lot of people thought I was a Bulls fan, but I wanted to do someone harm after the '93 ECF. We were SUPPOSED to win that year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKOkNZ4Yzto .

1993 NBA Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns. Game 6 (Bulls Clinch). Jordan had five great games leading up to this. He also had scored all nine of the Bulls' points in a pitiful 4th quarter until John Paxson hit the 3 point shot heard 'round the world. Marv Albert: "Here's Paxson for threeeeee... YES!!!" LOL@Costas' intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ3pYT6S2TI .

1994 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Game 5. Reggie kills us in the 4th. BTW, I always loved the organ that old man Eddie played after Patrick Ewing scored. "Pa-trick Ewing (two beats on the organ). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7L1lruNCfk .

1994 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Game 7. We clinch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xei7sJimqzI

1994 NBA Finals. Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks. Game 5. Series overshadowed by OJ's murderin' ass. Best Knicks Intro. EVER. "ANNNNNNNNNNND at center, at 7'0" from Georgetown.... Number 33, COOOO-CAPTAIN... PAAAAAAAA-TRICK EWING!!!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0RwVBgIfew .

1995 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Game 1. Reggie Miller scores 8 points in the last 8 seconds of the game. Pushes Greg Anthony after making a 3, and hits another (along with 2 FTs). "TIE GAMMMMMEEE-UH!!! No need to foul in THAT situationnnnnnn-uh!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCEsVa3ZBZA

1995 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Game 7. Patrick Ewing misses an EASY layup that would have won it for the Knicks. I nearly busted my TV set at my parents' BBQ that day. Memorial Day Weekend, 1995. SHEESH. I cannot find video for it and rightfully so. It would be like watching Lawrence Taylor break Joe Theismann's leg all over again on Monday Night Football in 1985. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yn9wj3e6Uw. Imagine being 6 years old and seeing that, as I did?

1997 Regular Season. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. Typical Knicks/Bulls game. Typical NBA on NBC intro. Typical NBA on NBC buildup. TYPICAL GREAT GAME. Pat had it "taking place" (as Kenny Mayne says). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwBtey9cnDM

1997 Regular Season. Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks. A compilation of that season. This is posted just to show you Wally's PA skills when introducing my Knicks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Y_P3hpeNQ .

1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat. The league cheats and suspends all our star players (including Ewing, Houston, Larry Johnson and Stark) for either Game 6 and/or Game 7, meanwhile the Heat only lose PJ Brown, who was only a role player for Miami -- along with JVG (Jeff Van Gundy for non-NBA people) hanging by Alonzo Mourning's ankles ha (albeit that was in the '98 Playoffs). And we lose the series due to this fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGD_ym_hb1M

1997 NBA Western Conference Finals. Barkley chokes again. John Stockton makes the most clutch shot in Utah Jazz history to send the Jazz to the NBA Finals for the first time ever. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcVzcPOP0Sw .

1997 NBA Finals. Utah Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls. Game 5. "THE FLU GAME". We were huddled in a room in Freeport, Bahamas watching this. About 30 of us. Brendan Haywood was in the house with us. Marv Albert: "Jordan... he... he... he looks like...a... a... boxer..." Jordan had a game FOR THE AGES. Malone was a fag for not making the heady play late. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2os-hfXSUlA .

1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers. Game 3. Reggie Miller has one of the best games of his life, making it a series again. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJrTGf0Wcgg .

1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers. Game 6. Reggie does it again. Pushes Jordan off and hits the clincher. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htSWwyrxUIA .

1998 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers. Game 7. The culmination of a great (and very underrated) series. People did not give the Pacers a shot, but they pushed the aging Bulls to the brink. Jordan was 35 at the time, you will recall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnKINLUaFj4 .

1998 NBA Finals. Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz. Game 6 (Bulls Clinch). Michael Jordan, with what should've been his defining capstone shot for his career, hits the game-winning, SERIES/NBA FINALS-CLINCHING, picture-perfect jumper from 18 (after pushing off Bryon Russell) and poses after the perfect switch. He tarnished the ending of his career by coming back once more to play for the Washington Wizards in 2001, however, this shot lives on in infamy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkDUY6fu7Uk
.

1999 NBA Eastern Conference First Round. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat. Game 5 (Knicks Clinch). Allan Houston saves the day with the best Game Winning shot of his career. Payback for the Heat stealing the 1997 NBA title shot from us with the suspensions of our key players. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex-U50tT4aI . 8th seed Knicks defeat the "Top Seeded" Miami Heat. PAYBACK.

1999 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks. Game 3. My guys. Latrell Sprewell (who I am nicknamed after by the guys I played ball with from '00-'04) and my BOY Allan Houston. Knicks at home, with the greatest introductions known to mankind. Pat was out, after that OAF Andrew Lang tried to end his career (and effectively did). LMAO@BILL WALTON. Calling out Rik Smits 4:02-4:18. NAILLLLED to the floor. "A flagrant fouler who has fouled out of both gammmmmmes-uh". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RZJGCCuC7E . NO ONE CAN TOP THE KNICKS' STARTING LINEUP INTRODUCTIONS. I don't care WHAT the Bulls did in the 90s, the Knicks with WALLY on the PA was the best ever. I loved how he said "PA-TRICK EWING!" (although Ewing was out with the wrist injury).

1999 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks. Game 3 -- the final minute. Larry Johnson (making the "LJ" sign with his arms, which we Knick fans loved, but BILL WALTON HATED). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yn9wj3e6Uw .

1999 NBA Western Conference Finals. Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs. Game 2. Back when I thought the Blazers were snake bitten or something. They had some great teams from 1998-2002. Sean Elliott MANAGES to keep his heels inbounds somehow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1EL38SKyX8 .

2000 NBA Western Conference Finals. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Game 7. I was mad. The Blazers blew this series. They were up 3-2 in the series. Blew Game 6. Blew Game 7 with a 15 point lead. This is the last segment of that game. I was mad because my dude Steve Smith was on that team and I wanted him to get a ring (he eventually did with the 2005 Spurs). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKLg6ewgs20 .

2001 NBA Finals. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Game 1. Allen Iverson BUSTS the Lakers for 48 points for the win. ***Listen to PA Announcer Lawrence Tanter, my favorite after Mike Walczewski for the Knicks -- calls the names out when teams score. "... Allen Iverson..."*** The only game the Sixers would win, however. Lakers go on to win the 2nd of their 3rd straight NBA titles in 2001. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79WSHpMU894 .

Let's start a petition to get the NBA on NBC back!

The Professor of Sports Mailbag Debuts

The Professor of Sports Mailbag Debuts
M.D. Wright
5.22.09

I'm going to debut the mailbag this weekend. My favorite columnist since 1999, Bill Simmons is the inspiration for this idea. His mailbags are the stuff of legend and it's a great way to further interact with my readers and my friends on Facebook who only have limited space on the news feed to ramble on about their real thoughts without being politically correct.

The only thing that won't be allowed is nudity/porn and ridiculously vulgar language.

The premise is simple: just email him your thoughts about anything you want to discuss (mdwright@gmail.com), whether it is sports, music industry-related, politics, pop culture, TV/movies and he will post your questions in mailbag format on the Musings of the Professor (Live).

Happy musing
MDW

The Rockefeller Drug Laws?

The Rockefeller Drug Laws?
M.D. Wright
5.21.09

I have a problem with the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The very spirit behind the law is itself insidious -- given that then-governor Nelson D. Rockefeller was a heavy proponent of the laws when he signed them into law 35 years ago. What prompted me to write about the law (this particular time, because there are instances almost daily that I hear of that anger me) is a former MLB player by the name of Willie Mays Aikens, who played for the Kansas City Royals (among other teams) in the 1980s. He was caught trying to cop from an undercover officer and arrested and charged for POSSESSION; but not with the intent to sell. The law itself does not delineate between intent to distribute and usage. I am not 100% clear about the amount Aikens possessed (since his defence was that he was a user and not a dealer), but he was convicted of selling 50 grams to the uncover officer in 1994. He received 20 years and 8 months... for selling 50 grams of crack cocaine. There are murderers who don't get 1/3 of the time that Aikens received for selling CRACK.

The laws are evil because the untrained eye does not see the implications involved. First of all, they have been counterproductive. While the penal system is happy to cast a wide net and incarcerate all who break the law, even slightly, you now how people who both use and sell crack cocaine (mostly Blacks and other minorities) receiving harsh sentences on par with 1st and 2nd degree murder and 1st degree manslaughter. To be fair, some states have scaled back their drug laws, but the ones in place in New York State are still ridiculous. Willie Mays Aikens agrees, even though he was busted in Missouri.

The penalty for PURE COCAINE possession, a drug which has a higher street value than crack cocaine, is much less. How is this so? WHY is this so? Most of its users are of the middle and upper middle/upper class. There's no more explanation needed. I've seen people get 5-10 for selling JUMS, meanwhile coke dealers barely get a year, if that. Much less users who are caught with minimal amounts. Something is wrong with that picture.

Let's hear your thoughts on this.

MDW

Michael Vick

Michael Vick
M.D. Wright
5.20.09

Listen, I'm sick and tired of people condemning people for the things they do. Especially in Vick's case.
As a noted dog LOVER, you know I love dogs, but dear God, He values HUMAN LIFE over animals -- even though He gave us animals to care for and such.

However, for those people out there who, when asked in polls, what the NFL should do with Michael Vick claim that:

62% think the NFL should re-instate him.
15% think the NFL should ban him for life.
23% are either indifferent or he should be banned for this year.

The 15% who thinks he should be banned for life for killing dogs -- if they have children, I want to kick them in their f'n head and stomp on their testicles, because let's be serious. There are MURDERERS in the NFL who never missed a game for doing so. And yes, Leonard Little, Ray Lewis, Adam Jones, I'm talking about YOU. There are actually people who think that now that Vick has TRULY paid (excessive IMO, losing all of his money, his houses, cars and endorsements and two years off his prime years in his career -- which should've only been six months at MOST) his debt to society that he doesn't deserve a chance to ply his wares -- I want cameras to follow everything they do for the rest of their lives. The minute they do something reprehensible, I want them banned from their jobs, churches and banned from Western Civilization. Throw them in prison for 10 years and take away everything they worked for up until that point.

I'm sick of overly judgmental and condemning people.

Soundscan: May 11-18, 2009

Soundscan: May 11-18, 2009
M.D. Wright
5.20.09

Chart Position
3

Artist
Cam'ron

Label
Asylum

Album Title
Crime Pays

Last Week Sales
42,161

This Week Sales
--

% Change
--

Cam'ron debuted 3rd on the charts. Only Green Day's heavily anticipated new album and Hannah Montana's collaboration with Disney sold more with 221K and 68K, respectively. Cam reportedly sold 42K according to soundscan, including all outlets online. With the typical expectation of 60% drop in 2nd week, sales figures don't bode well for those expecting the sales of "Crime Pays" to exceed those of "Killa Season" (which also debuted high on the charts - actually #1 overall in April 2006).

For people who hate Cam'ron or are apathetic to him, this is good news. To Cam'ron fans, this is somewhat bad news, but with one caveat: Asylum, while maintaining distribution with a major label (Warner) does not distribute as Def Jam, Bad Boy/Arista/J or Sony. Cam'ron's next album may not be on Asylum, and may feature more cameo appearances and better production with more promotion with singles and videos on the major outlets. I believe Cam pretty much put "Crime Pays" out as a taste test before putting out Killa Season II the movie and the other album that he mentioned that will drop in late 2009.

However, those who have followed Cam'ron's career know that such a declaration regarding release dates is worthless, as there have been delays of up to nearly two years with regard to his albums' release dates ("Purple Haze" due to label politics at Roc-a-Fella in 2003/2004, and "Crime Pays", which was originally titled differently and intended for release in mid 2007).

Eminem's new album, "Relapse" is expected to debut at #1 on the charts and to move approximately 450,000 units by most estimates. Soundscan numbers will be available for that record one week from today.

2009 NBA Draft Lottery Positions

2009 NBA Draft Lottery Positions
M.D. Wright
5.19.09

The annual NBA Draft Lottery was held today in Secaucus, New Jersey (home to some pretty decent strip malls and such) to determine the drafting position of the teams which did not make the 2009 NBA Playoffs. The 2009 NBA Draft will be held at the Madison Square Garden Theatre, June 25, 2009. 7 PM EDT.

The positioning goes as follows:

1. Los Angeles Clippers.
2. Memphis Grizzlies.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder.
4. Sacramento Kings.
5. Washington Wizards.
6. Minnesota Timberwolves.
7. Golden State Warriors.
8. New York Knicks.
9. Toronto Raptors.
10. Milwaukee Bucks.
11. New Jersey Nets.
12. Charlotte Bobcats.
13. Indiana Pacers.
14. Phoenix Suns.

If you have been listening to mock drafts and guys saying where so and so was gonna go, they're all idiots. How could they know before tonight? The draft lottery determines who picks and teams still pick based upon need FIRST and then potential 50% of the time. Only NOW do we know where guys are going. Rather than predict where particular players are going, here are each teams' biggest area(s) of need:

1. Los Angeles Clippers (19-63). The Clippers need everything. C Chris Kaman could leave in free agency. They do have F Marcus Camby returning, along with young F Al Thornton and 30 year old G Baron Davis and young G Eric Gordon. Nevertheless, the Clippers need direction. Mike Dunleavy might be the worst coach in the NBA. They also have Zach Randolph. How is it that this team wins 19 games? Injuries or not. Given their positioning, they may go after F Blake Griffin, because they have zero tenacity at the 4 right now. We shall see.

2. Memphis Grizzlies (24-58). Another team with players at every position. The problem with Memphis is they are all young. At this position, with the players available, the Grizzlies may be looking at a bigger point guard (although they seemingly have a half dozen already). They already have G OJ Mayo at the 2, F Rudy Gay at the 3 and C Marc Gasol. They can also go after Griffin if the Clippers somehow pass (and that's not far-fetched; these ARE the Clips, ya know?) Maybe G James Harden.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (23-59). Yet again, a young team. They played relatively well following the All-Star Break. The Thunder have G/F Kevin Durant, G Russell Westbrook and F Jeff Green. They will have a shot at C Hasheem Thabeet. Hosh provides them with the size they generally lack.

4. Sacramento Kings (17-65). The Kings are a mess. I cannot begin to assess what they need or what direction they will go. Their best players are the same size and basically play the same position (Kevin Martin/Francisco Garcia). Aside from that, the Kings NEED a big man. But they also need a point guard and a decent power forward.

5. Washington Wizards (19-63). Injuries aside, the Wiz are playing with the House's money at #5. If they are healthy, they have G Gilbert Arenas, F Caron Butler, F Antawn Jamison and serviceable C Brendan Haywood. Realistically, they are just looking for depth here, or maybe a PG to take the ballhandling load off Arenas coming off two major knee injuries in the past three seasons.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-58). Also playing with the house's money -- if C Al Jefferson is healthy going into the season. The Wolves have loads of young talent and several draft picks coming to them as the result of the Kevin Garnett trade and the trade between Memphis and themselves last year. They can go point guard or swingman here.

7. Golden State Warriors (29-53). The Warriors are in the lottery for two reasons: 1) Monta Ellis' foolishness last offseason and other players' injuries and 2) Coach Don Nelson's stubborn desire not to play his best players more minutes. It's as if they were tanking all season. The problem also with the Warriors is their best players aside from Ellis are all 3's and 4's. Beidrins is a very good player inside, but he's a stick. They need a capable scorer down low who also wants to play defence. The rest of the team can score all day and all night (led the NBA with nearly 110 PPG). But they don't care about defence (leading -- if you want to look at it that way -- the NBA surrendering the same). Anthony Randolph seems to be every announcer's man-crush -- as he should be -- no homo. But the Warriors better draft well this year, or a lot of guys are going to be out of a job next June.

8. New York Knicks (32-50). I thought the Knicks would get into the top 5, but the Knicks' needs are clear to everyone who watched them this year. All 24 of us. The Knicks need a legitimate big man. Although they may look free agency or trade to get that player, the Knicks can still look to this year's draft for a big man nonetheless. The Knicks also need a respectable point guard. G Chris Duhon did his best last year but he's still... CHRIS DUHON. G Nate Robinson is better as the 6th man anchoring the 2nd unit than starting. At 5'7", he is a liability for the Knicks 98% of the time on defence. That is not what you want with your first unit; potentially starting out the gate playing from behind because the opposing team's point guard can basically do whatever he wants.

9. Toronto Raptors (33-49). Interesting scenario for the Raptors. They are hoping and praying C Chris Bosh will re-sign. If he does not -- DEAR GOD for them. It puts them in a conundrum draft-wise this year, because they will not know if Bosh will re-sign until AFTER the July 1 free agency period begins. If he does not re-sign with Toronto, he is almost certain to go to New York in 2010 or possibly in a trade this year. Watch out for the Raptors on Draft Night. They could be dealing. They have players at 1-3, but they can use an upgrade at the 2. If there is a big man available, they may look there, regardless of what Bosh decides to do.

10. Milwaukee Bucks (34-48). The Bucks are a baffling team. They have talent at every position, and sometimes two good players at each position. Hard to decipher which direction they will go in. They have G Ramone Sessions. They have G Michael Redd. They have F's Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut. They have serviceable F/C Dan Gadzuric. Will there be a big man available? Will Redd be healthy? Do they trust Sessions? At 10, you almost think the Bucks will play it safe and go for a bigger PG. But who really knows?

11. New Jersey Nets (34-48). They won a good 20 more games than I thought they would. And I'm not trying to be funny. It appeared as though they were having a fire sale as rumors spread that owner Bruce Ratner is trying to sell the team. Will G Vince Carter be with the Nets beyond this season however? F/C Sean Williams looks like a bust (no pun, for those who know his past). G Devin Harris is going to be a boss next year. F/C Brook Lopez does his job and puts his head down like Paul O'Neill. So does F Josh Boone. The Nets need a swingman to complement Carter.

12. Charlotte Bobcats (35-47). The Bobcats made the expected progress this past season. Now it is time to build on it. They have parted ways with Doughboy Sean May. C Emeka Okafor is in the fold long-term. They may let G Raymond Felton go, but they are set with young G DJ Augustin. The Bobcats have productive role players in G/F Raja Bell and F Boris Diaw. They clearly need a big 2 guard and/or a 3 man/wing player who can play both ends. The Bobcats can also use a power forward.

13. Indiana Pacers (36-46). The Pacers nearly made the playoffs, but they were racked by injuries. They have a STUD in G/F Danny Granger. Will they let Tinsley go, FINALLY? The Pacers have a really solid 3/4 in Troy Murphy. They still have not addressed their big man woes that go back to Rik Smits' days. But will a legitimate big man be available at 13?

14. Phoenix Suns (46-36). Too little, too late. The Suns win 46 and won't find a player that will be able to help them right now at this position. For what they need (someone to replace O'Neal and/or Stoudemire, as well as a legitimate PG to replace Nash -- as well as a 3 to replace 37 year old Grant Hill), they aren't picking highly enough to address that in either round of the draft. Steve Kerr is not a particularly strong GM, and he will have to undo that label this offseason through trades and free agency if the Suns expect to be anything other than also-rans and perennial back-end lottery teams. Teams who barely miss the playoffs typically take longer to get back to the top unless their GM makes the right moves. Kerr has to earn his money here.

Jesus Shuttlesworth Ha?

Jesus Shuttlesworth Ha?
M.D. Wright
5.17.09

Just a quick though. Why do people always reference that movie? Yes, it was a classic by Spike, and an overall good movie, but:

RAY ALLEN IS A TERRIBLE ACTOR. Dear God. Quit saying "that's Jesus Shuttlesworth!!!" as if that's something great ha.

GONE FISHIN'!

He's no Reggie Miller.

What Is REALLY God's Will?

What Is REALLY God's Will?
M.D. Wright
5.17.09

I hear a lot of people talking about "God's Will" this, "God's Will" that. And that's great. If you are lucid and in your right mind, you should WANT to be in it. It's much like a wealthy grandparent who has a will and anyone related to them or adopted into the fold as friends or trusted allies can be part of this will. That is the way it is with God. if you are His child, believing and confessing Jesus Christ and part of the body of faith, you are in God's Will. This is a great thing.

Segue.

I hear a lot of people discuss this in the context (and why are we still at the point of doing this, when we SHOULD know better by now?) of works. Being in God's Will does not center solely upon how "good" you are or if you have 100 good works for every sin. Our works are as filthy rags to God. Get over yourselves. Furthermore, people sometimes (however subconsciously and inadvertently done as is) make it seem as though they are more entitled to the things contained in God's Will because they perceive (and judge unjustly) others to be doing evil (when they're not even) instead of praying for them.

I say all that to say this: the Church -- the Body of Christ -- is undergoing a shaking. The institutionalized church is at a crossroads, and there is a TON of erroneous teaching that has been spewed from the pulpit over the past 50 years or so that is being exposed for what it was/is. People are sick of being lied to, betrayed, led astray, abused, mistreated and worst of all -- put down by other SUPPOSED believers in the House of Faith.

That is all.

Graduation: What Does It All Mean In 2009?

Graduation: What Does It All Mean In 2009?
M.D. Wright
5.16.09

Graduation is an exhilarating experience for anyone. For some, they are just glad to be done with an undergraduate degree. For others, they are proud and ecstatic, but at the same time, they know they are pursuing further education (personally, I am an academic for life) and yet others are expecting to find jobs waiting for them (or expected to have one sewn up prior to graduation and have not... yet) and are nervous because of the current economy/hiring practices of businesses in 2009.

I refuse to worry or fret. God has had my back for the past three years. No jokes. I haven't always been faithful or done right -- and I have no problem admitting to being a screw up at times -- but I don't worry about whether or not God is looking out for me. Before coming back to UNCG, I was making very good money, had everything with respect to material possessions and was able to pretty much do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. People who did not know me prior to 2006 do not know that; those who did, do know.

That all changed in 2006, when the demands on school and the failure of my businesses caused me to have to surrender EVERYTHING (including my way of doing things and trusting God FOR REAL, for real). So when it comes to post-graduate plans, that's really the deal. I'm applying to 15-20 FEDERAL JOBS -- those who have done KSAs for those know that is a monumental task.

Given that I am planning to get my Masters (either in Business Administration in some capacity or an MS in Journalism), Juris Doctorate and Ph.D., I am not exhaling. Sure, I am excited and happy about short-term prospects, and I always live in the moment, so I am trying to celebrate this for the next month or so ha. But in reality, I'm really reflective right now. I've come a long way like Virginia Slims. I've had to cut a LOT of people off -- some of whom posed as friends, but set me up for a fall(s), laughed when I was going through the worst in 2007 and 2008 and don't realize what they are bringing on themselves for doing so.

Nonetheless, here are my short-term plans:

The fact that none of my friends live in Greensboro and, while I've lived here longer than any other city I've lived in, this is not "home" for me. I have no ties here outside of my parents and a couple of relatives who are not even originally from here. I'm heading back to New York for good. I should correct myself, though. I do have friends in Greensboro, some aren't graduates yet, and I rarely see them or get a chance to hang with them. But I've got to move on. There are no jobs here and I have to reclaim my spot.

I'm going to head to New York on June 5. Hopefully, my friend's summer camp gig comes through as expected and I'll just chill on Staten Island this summer. Yes, I will definitely be in Harlem (you already know) every week just because.... well, I'm supposed to. I'll be out in Jersey quite a bit also. I'll be going to shows at the Garden, Yankee games, Met games, free concerts by quality artists out in Brooklyn and in the various different parks in the city, TNThursdays at Nevada's down in the East Village, heading upstate to see some friends and relatives, Connecticut a few times and Massachusetts and DEFINITELY out to Montauk to fish (Kyle, we're gonna be "on a boat"). All the while, I will be continuing to apply for federal jobs. If nothing comes through, I will begin my Masters' studies this fall full-time. Depending on how my real estate buddies work things out, I'll be moving into my own place (finally) in Harlem either down near Mt. Morris Park or up on the Hill or near City, in that general area. Either that or back out to Fort Greene where I also lived back in the day.

I have a few family gatherings that I am very excited about. My sister is heading back to Atlanta soon. If you're doing REAL things in music or film, you need to talk to her. SERIOUSLY. I'll shill for her for life. Not just because she's my sister, but because she's 10 times more talented than I am in music, film and the such like, and I'm no slouch.

We have a big family gathering at the roots of the tree down in Camden, NJ this July 4th. I'm looking forward to meeting some family members for the first time. Over/under that I'll meet one that I've seen around either in NC, NJ or NY? 42:1. Watch. Ha. But anyway, I am looking forward to all of that.

I love how God separated me from people lately. It helped me to lean on Him more and reflect. To be sure, you really do find out who your friends are (and realize that you only truly have 3-5 real ones at ANY one time at all stages of your life). The sooner you accept that as truth, the sooner you will get over people who show their asses and try to take you down on a regular basis.

I'm somewhat going to miss North Carolina, but my heart is always here -- much like it has been in New York while I've been there. I'll always be home in both places. But for now, and the next 15-20 years or so, I've got to be back to where I'm supposed to be.

Shouts to the following people -- we've got some shenanigans to partake in this summer:

Young DK
Young Lee
Young Tom
Ms. Shay
Sister Alicia Wu
'manita Chantal L.
Tiff B.
L. Boogie
Young Court Mitchell
My Cuz Prince
Nico Haze (whenever you finally come back to NY ha)
Raquel B. (will be in south Florida to beat your butt in Wii ha)
Jin
Mary1000, Mely down in PR
KOFI RA -- I'm gonna be out there before August 15. It is my goal.
YOUNG RODE, we're going to Disneyland.

If I left anyone off, get at me, I'm going to enjoy this summer HARDBODY (no homo).

Peace

More NBA Referee/Cheating For Boston Escapades

More NBA Referee/Cheating For Boston Escapades
M.D. Wright
5.13.09

Where Amazing Happens (c), eh?

Let me run down a laundry list of infractions that have gone unchecked all playoffs:

1. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 5. Rajon Rondo pimp slaps Brad Miller, knocks a tooth out and leaves Miller bloodied. VIEW HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TzGrzs7-AI

NO FLAGRANT 1. NO FLAGRANT 2. They even waited for a second to even make a REGULAR FOUL CALL -- and before anyone disputes this, I was watching it live. The call was late. They were actually going to let this clown get away with that malicious foul. He made no attempt at the ball. It was just a cheap shot foul because the Celtics ganged up on Ben Gordon (triple teamed him, actually -- since he is known to kill teams at the ends of games with backbreaking three pointers) and left Miller a wide open lane. They panicked and were determined not to give up the easy bucket. Okay. But go for the ball, not the man's face. Then exaggerate his weight in the postgame interview (Rondo claims Miller is 290, he's 265... MAYBE) to further defend your actions. Somehow.

Meanwhile, Derek Fisher (rightfully) gets ejected for a forearm shiver and Rafer Alston gets ejected for... SLAPPING (softly, I might add) a guy in the back of the head (deservedly)?

Let's move on.

2. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 6. Rondo is at it again. Punches Kirk Hinrich http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5VkdP_I-XM. No ejection. No suspension. Guys have gotten suspended and assessed Flagrant 2 Fouls for less. I don't get it. Rondo has goaltended three or four shots in these playoffs that have not been called, by the way.

3. First Round. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics. Game 7. I have no video, because David Stern and his cronies made sure 1) TNT didn't even show a replay of the play itself and 2) subsequently, there IS no video online. But Glen "Big Baby" Davis chops Dwight Howard across the arm. No foul. Knocks the ball loose. Davis grabs the ball with BOTH FEET CLEARLY OUT OF BOUNDS. No call. The referee was standing RIGHT THERE WATCHING IT. I guess he was so amazed by things that he forgot to blow his whistle. The Magic had a chance to go down and cut the lead to 3, instead on the play Ed House gets a breakaway layup off Davis' "steal".

4. This isn't playoffs, but more Rondo bitchassness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9wKL3y-rGU Notice he walks away, because Kobe was having NUNNADOT. ha.

5. Second Round. Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics. Game 5. Two things here. Well, actually three. Remember in the Chicago series, Ben Gordon shot an obvious 3 pointer that was called a 2. IN THE FIRST HALF. The refs changed it in the second half. Last night, in Game 5 of the ORL vs. BOS series, Ray Allen shoots a 2 (if you can't see anything between the white three point line and the white in a player's shoes, HE IS COUNTED ON THE LINE. The rules for officiating are clear. I have been an official in the past. I know this. The play was called a 3. They did not change it to a 2 -- BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE FIRST HALF AND THEY CAN'T "GO BACK"? WTF??? They just did that in the Chicago series! Does the NBA front office really think people are overlooking these incosistencies and this ruse to keep Boston in it?

Anyway, this play here typifies what has gone on all playoffs. No Boston player has been fined, suspended or even assessed Flagrant 2's; when Rondo, Perkins should each have at least one. This OBVIOUS airball -- which resulted in a 24 second violation, concluded with the referees huddling and OVERTURNING the call, even though none of them saw the ball touch the rim, nor did they go to replay. THE HELL? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su6PxE0BOZg

For Patrick Ewing Fans: Vintage Video

For Patrick Ewing Fans: Vintage Video
M.D. Wright
5.13.09

Just posting these for old times' sake. When the Garden was loud. And we were proud (well, REAL Knick fans still are, regardless). Vintage Pat Ewing.
Enjoy:



http://e-town.itgo.com/PatrickEwing/Media/media.htm

For Wally (Mike Walczewski) fans, note his "PAAAAAAA-trick Ewing" call after the made shots that REAL Knick fans remember and love so much.

Graduation & The Thereafter...

Graduation & The Thereafter...
(R. Bonifacio, M.D. Wright)
5.11.09

A friend of mine (and in the future, check the bottom of my posts -- because I will give publishing credit to the people who inspire a blog or who have asked for me to write something that was on their minds and they weren't desirous to write it) suggested I do this, so here goes:

As most of you know, UNC Greensboro graduates this Friday, May 15, 2009 at 10:00 am at the Greensboro Coliseum. For those who have received invitations from me (or my family regarding the BBQ following Commencement) you can ignore this.

I am asking that each of my friends on here donate $10 (or whatever is in your hearts to give) toward my getting back on my feet, paying for exams/application fees and rent, while I continue my career search this summer.

If you decide to do so, my information is as follows:

Michael D. Wright
1212-B Oakland Avenue
Greensboro, NC 27403
336.340.5506
mdwright212@gmail.com

I also have PayPal, but that is a bit too tedious.

Saludos,

MDW

Current Rumination

Current Rumination
M.D. Wright
5.11.09

For the churched out there, especially for those of us who have served over ministries and seen the inner workings of "church" that most people don't see or know about, I want to pose a thought.

Does anyone see the disturbing trend that is underway; the one where pastors over a particular church act like front runners, only associating with the elite professionals, shucking, jiving, shilling for them, meanwhile blatantly ignoring (and in some cases, as I have witnessed...) putting those down who aren't doctors, lawyers, politicians, etc.?

It's not a big deal to me, but I wonder if anyone else notices this.

Makes you wonder what some of them will do when the people who they put down, never tried to help when it was apparent they weren't doing so well -- end up experiencing big success and become the very "elite" that they so commonly side with.

Just a rumination.