Sports Talk: Trilateral Commission NBA Style, Roger Clemens, MMA & More
Published: Monday - February 18, 2008
Words by Mike Monson
NBA: Trilateral Commission NBA style: The Pau Gasol trade to the Lakers is already having an impact in the NBA, especially in the Western Conference where all of a sudden the Lakers are serious contender to make the Finals.
There is also talk of a Trilateral Commission NBA style and it's starting in Texas, the home of our dictator G.W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Halliburton. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popavich are hating "BIG" on the purple and gold. They both think there should be a commission to review all NBA trades. Why should there be a review of two teams making a trade? There are already rules in place to make sure every trade is fair. What will be next on their agenda -- review every team playbook and make them get rid of the plays their teams don't like or can't defend? If this trade was made by any other team in the NBA, neither one of those haters would be talking about a commission.
One of the first photos of Pau Gasol in a Lakers jersey; Credit: NBA.com
Let's take one more look at this trade. The Lakers get Pau Gasol and a second round draft pick in 2010. The Grizzlies get forward Kwame "Krumy" Brown, guards Javaris Crittenton and Aaron Mckie (signed the day of the trade), the draft rights to Marc Gasol who plays overseas and two first round draft choices (2008 & 2010). We all know Krumy was signed for the expiring contract, but that will free up $9 million in cap space. McKie was just put in to make the trade work. But Marc Gasol is a good team player that is becoming more consistent at knocking down the three. He can pass and he can use his size and at 7'1", he can be dominate. The only skill he lacks is athleticism, but if he continues to improve at the pace he has been, then he can be solid player in the NBA. Javaris Crittenton is only 20 years old. He has a fast first step, has a solid outside shoot, and he will bring it every night. And plus two first round draft picks in the coming years will help. The Grizzles needed to start over and Gasol needed a fresh start on a team that didn't need him to be the #1 guy. So far, this has worked out for the Lakers, who needed to pair Kobe with all-star talent, but winning a championship will prove it was a good move. However, time will tell if this trade pays off for the Grizzlies. So to Cuban and Pop, quit being bitches and except the fact that the Lakers are back were they belong -- in title contention.
MLB: Clemens vs. Congress: Roger Clemens went in front of Congress on Wednesday (February 13) to answer questions about alleged steroid use. Congressman Elijah Cummings asked the tough question: Why would Brian McNamee (former trainer) tell the truth about Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch, but lie about Clemens? Especially when Pettitte, by Clemens' own testimony is an honest man, backed McNamee's story? Clemens responded with an earth shattering "I have no idea" answer. After a few minutes of government bullying, Cummings told Clemens, "I don't believe you." It's funny how these politicians in Washington -- that make there living by lying to us everyday -- can call someone else a liar. I mean, this is the same Congress that led us to believe that Saddam had "weapons of mass destruction." But anyway, to make a long story short, nothing came out of this hearing except wasted money and time. That is what those puppets in Washington do best...
DREAM press conference; Credit: FEG
MMA: It was all a "DREAM": There is a new MMA (mixed martial arts) promotion on the horizon... coming out of Japan. And it goes by the name "DREAM." Why they chose that name is beyond me. The new Japanese promotion is going try to bring back the grand prix tournament style mega cards that former mega promotion Pride F/C would put on before they went in the toilet and got bought out by the UFC. There have been a few big name MMA fighters showing there support for the promotion. Names like Royce Gracie, Kazushi Sakuraba, Kid Yamamoto and Mirko CroCop (former UFC heavyweight, 06 Pride grand prix winner) were in attendance for the press conference. CroCop was let out of his contract with the UFC after he had a record of 1-3 in the octagon where he was very uncomfortable fighting. He said that animals should fight in cages, not humans. Well Mirko, hopefully, you can get your game back and you can a try your luck one more time in the octagon. Also showing support for the promotion is the man considered the best heavyweight in the world by most MMA fighters and anyone that knows the sport -- that is former Pride heavyweight champ Fedor Emelianko.
With the resonation of UFC heavyweight champ Randy Couture, we just might have a stage for the two to finally meet. IF that happens, that will be a historic day for MMA fans all over the world. But DREAM will definitely have a uphill battle to become what Pride once was. There are some good fighters still out there that are not signed to the UFC. Hopefully DREAM will get a few of those guys on the roster, so we can see some competitive fights.
NFL: Patriots cheating could cost Robert "Krafty" Kraft & Bill "Billiecheat" Belichick a $100 million. A lawsuit was filed in the first building to be repaired after Hurricane Katrina in The New Orleans District Court. It was filed on the behalf of former Rams player, Willie Gary, two ticket holders that went to the '02 Superbowl, and a Rams seat license owner. The suit seeks damages caused by the Patriots "alleged" cheating in the 2002 Superbowl. I believe the Patriots did cheat, but come on, who is Willie Gary? The 02 Rams was my all-time favorite team, but I don't remember Willie Gary. I would also be pissed and want to sue if I was cheated out of a once in lifetime opportunity. Don't be surprised if Congress decides to make this there next spectacle of wasted money by taking this to Capitol Hill and turning it in to a full blown witch hunt that will last a few years.
Boxing: Oscar back in the ring: Oscar De La Hoya has signed a deal to fight "Contender" reality show runner up Steve Forbes, who is a tough guy and former 130 pound champ on HBO this spring. It will be a tune up bout before the Golden Boy gives us bore fest #2 against Floyd Mayweather Jr. I was at their first fight and it sucked, so train hard and tune up good Oscar and Floyd. I don't like wasting money on crappy fights.
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