The 2006 NBA Draft was the first with Michael Jordan back in the NBA as part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. The first selection of the Bobcats (third overall) in the MJ era was Adam Morrison. Just hope that Morrison works out for Jordan unlike one Kwame Brown.  

Well it seems that people including myself won't let Jordan forget that he drafted Brown first overall instead of Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, and Tony Parker or Eva Longoria's boyfriend. Heck maybe he could've drafted Ms. Longoria and she would have been a player than Brown. I hate to say that it was a bad decision but Brown's career ppg is 7.6, Sam Bowie (with 10.9 ppg) would have been a better choice. To be fair to Brown, he's a perfect teammate to Kobe Bryant because Brown wouldn't demand the ball and take point away from Kobe.

Despite the decision to draft Brown it's unfair to Jordan to say that  he ran the Washington Wizards to the ground. No he didn't, when he was with team or at least playing for the team Wizards, they sold out every home game. Plus it only took two years after Jordan left  for the Wizards to make the playoffs. Even if some people say that Jordan ran that team into the ground, I don't it was as bad as Isiah Thomas is doing to the Knicks, and did with the Raptors, or the CBA.

However Morrison played three years in college with Gonzaga become one of college basketball's profilic scorers. Ok so he cried when his team lost to UCLA in the sweet sixteen and he can't play defense. At least he can score more than Brown did. Jordan finds himself co-owning a team of the future but it won't mean much unless Morrison, Emeka Okafor, and Raymond Felton can deliver otherwise it's going to be hard for MJ to seperate himself from the wrecker Mr. Thomas. 

Can the New York Knicks rebound from the mess that Isiah Thomas has created? Well they're going to try the Pat Riley plan. What's the Pat Riley plan you ask? Is where a GM who has coaching experience gets high-priced players with some talent who also don't play team ball and have big egos. Wait to forced out or fired a coach then take become the head coach. That's what Riley did and led the Miami Heat to their first title and a few days after that the Knicks fired Head Coach Larry Brown and Thomas will take over. Did Starbury have something to do with the decision. The difference is ex-Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy had over two years of coaching the Heat and Larry Brown only last one season. The Heat was one of the best teams and the Knicks were one of the worst teams.

What did the Knicks expect from Larry Brown? Take them to the playoff right away. Not even Phil Jackson, Riley, or some of the NBA coaching legends could do that. Plus Brown didn't put that team together Thomas did and he's the one that should be fired not Brown. Thomas is running the Knicks into the ground to the point where Michael Jordan is better than him being an executive to a NBA team. Brown can't work miracles well unless you count he took the LA Clippers to the playoffs two straghit times, which can be consider a miracle of sorts. The Knicks are proving once again they're the worst franchise in sports, well the Kansas City Royals are close. Finishing 29-53 also didn't help.

I'm more of a Phil Jackson fan but I think that Larry Brown didn't deserve the last two firing he got. The first (Brown's second firing) from the Detroit Pistons. Really who fires a coach after leading their team to two straghit finals appearences expect from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones forcing out coach Jimmy Johnson after Johnson won Back to Back Super Bowls? Did Jones borrow some drugs from his players?  I hate to make fun of the Pistons owner because he also owns the Lightning but what if Brown was stay coaching the Pistons this season, would the Pistons beat the Heat and maybe the Mavs. Then the Knicks, they should have given him another year. How many years did the Bulls give Tim Floyd? Now the Knicks have to paid Brown 40 million dollars to do nothing. Good work if you can find it.    

Well Thomas was a OK coach with the Indiana Pacers before getting fired by Larry Bird, who fired him because I belief the Detroit-Boston rivalry. The only thing Thomas did better than coaching was being a player (Hall of Famer). Can Thomas help the Knicks improve by coaching or contiune to run the team into ground some more? If Thomas doesn't work out, The Knicks can always create a reality show TV to find their new head coach.

When Public Enemy came up with the song "Don't believe the Hype?" They weren't talking about a sports team or anything sports. Maybe about the Reagan Adminstration. However when I think of this song I do think of those who were overhyped like Howard Dean or draft proscept what didn't work or a team that supposed to go far but didn't far. That's what I think of USA men's soccer after losing to Ghana to finished 0-2-1 in the World Cup. The experts thought this was the best US men's soccer ever, 5th in FIFA. After losses to the Czech Republic and Ghana doomed the US. I thought after the tied with Italy, the US had a chance against Ghana but Ghana showed why they beat the Czechs by beating the US 2-1. Sad part if they won the US would have advance because Italy beat the Czechs. Well back to the drawing broad.

Sadly this isn't the only time an American team fell short. In the World Baseball Classic, the 2006 Winter Olympics in Hockey (both men's and women's), and the Men's Basketball in the 2004 Summer Olympics all were expect to win it all and come up short. Well the Men's Basketball of 2004 and the Women's Hockey Team did won the bronze. Unlike, the Men's soccer team, the other US team were expected to win it all because soccer is this country's weakest sports. Is there a way we can believe the hype about any US team in any sport? 

Did we really expect the US soccer team to make far or at least win the World Cup? I doubt it. The referees make sure they didn't by giving two US player red cards against Italy, disallowed a goal which would won that game (I still think that goal should have been allowed and I don't care what anybody said) and a stupid penalty that gave Ghana that victory. I wish they had the umpires from World Baseball Classic that made calls for the USA.

I have a friend from Myspace that wants coach Bruce Arenas fired. I can understand than the Knicks firing coach Larry Brown (tuned in for my story about that). Well I guess the best team the US teams can do is rebound, from a team, and don't the opponents too lighty or else we'll be looking another underperfroming US team again.    

I know the boys will be boys statement is true. No matter what the rules said people are going to do it anyway. But after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was hospitalized after being involved in a veliche while he was riding his bike without a helmet. Plus driving a bike which was reported to be the one of the fastest built.

After the accidents of NBA player Jason Williams and Cleveland Browns Tight End Kellen Winslow coach Bill Cowher tried to warn his young quarterback about riding his bike without his helmet. Even Hall of Fame Terry Bradshaw said ride the bike when you retire. Maybe Bradshaw should have also told Big Ben to get a pick-up truck, suggestion. Roethlisberger should have know better consider his own mother died in a car crash when he was only eight years old. Plus he wears a helmet playing football why not while riding a bike. To add insult to injury, it's reported he didn't have a motorcycle license. So could face charges. Pennsylvania law allows motorcyclist to go helmetless if that people is at least 21 years old, has a motorcycle license, and graduates a safety class. Well I'm guess Big Ben is also going to get a ticket.     

Sadly, this is one of many situation where professional and college athletes make bad decisions. Earlier today JJ Redick, a future first-round pick in the 2006 NBA draft was busted for drunk driving, What's next? I'm asking. This accident is one of the main reason why teams need to put special clause on contracts to prevent from happening. Yankees owner George Steinnbrenner would never have any of his players go near a bike much less ride in one. Even if they're clauses against player riding motorcycles boys will be boys no matter what. I hope that Big Ben Roethlisberger recovers from his injuries. As for what the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be only time will tell.      

After gambling admissions from golfer John Daly and NBA Hall of Famer (and possible Alabama governor) Charles Barkley that costs them $60-70 million combined. There is a good chance that Barkley won't run for the governor considing this admission but then again there's been worse accustions against political figures, right?  Is there a chance that the comissioners of professionals sports leagues can get this under control? Has anybody learn from Pete Rose that this can be a bad thing. By the way Pete Rose should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Also, yes I know Rose broke the rules but steroids are illegally in the United States and yet Major League Baseball players took them. Some of them could be in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Well it doesn't look like sports and gambling will ever sperate but how can the comissioners stop athletes from gambling? Sadly, no one is immune from this. Michael Jordan was busted after paying a gambling debt by check. Not smart, but either was drafting Kwame Brown, which consider worst than paying by check to gamblers (well at least to me). Even thought he didn't wasn't directly connected, Wayne Gretzky was catching by the media storm after a gambling ring was alleging ring by his assistant coach and his wife made bets in that ring.

Anybody know Art Schlichter? He was a quarterback from Ohio State who was drafted by the Baltimore Colts fourth overall in the 1982 NFL Draft. Sadly for the Colts, he was a gambler. Instead of reading the playbook he charted games he score on. If he concentated on the playbook like he on betting sheets, he might have been a good NFL quarterback. His gambling caused the NFL to suspend him for the entire 1983 season. Which means that the Colts to draft John Elway, who refuse to sign which led to Bo Jackson and Eli Manning refusing to sign with team that drafted them. Not only that but the Colts moved to Indianapolis before the 1984 season, then 11 years later the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore and were renamed the Ravens. As you see it not only ruins athlete's life, he can ruin teams.

The biggest reason why Athletes should gamble is what happens if an athletes owe money to the wrong people can are more than likely to throw a game in the other team favor like the Black Sox Scandal. Well I hope something can be done about it otherwise the future of spotrs doesn't look too bright.    

The 2006 NFL season hasn't yet and people have already compare the Houston Texans decision to Mario Williams number one overall to the Portland Trail Blazers picked  Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Should I add that not even the mini-camp have started and why is this compare the Texans to the Jail Blazers (I mean Trail Blazers). I admit, I'm writing off VInce Young as a bust but I'll wait until what the Titans do with Steve McNair. I've mention this in earlier blog that Chris Rock when he hosted the Oscars in 2005 said that "if you try to get Russell Crowe and the best you can do is Colin Ferrell, Wait,".

Don't get me wrong to I thought that Bush would be selecting by the Texans but either the housing scandal or Bush alleging wanted more money scare off the Texans into picking Williams. I know like Bush, Jordan was highly acclaimed in college. Plus Bush won the Heisman (if I am not mistaken, didn't Jordan won the college basketball player of the year) but is it too soon to write off Mario Williams as another Sam Bowie. The big difference is Bowie missed two seasons in Kentucky to injuries and yet the Jail Blazers (oops, Trail Blazers) picked him anyway and guess what Bowie couldn't stay heatlhy. Last I checked I don't think Williams had injuries otherwise he won't be projected in the top five pick.

Why just stop at comparing the Texans to the Jail Blazers (Once again I mean Trail Blazers)? How about compare to the Green Bay Packers who drafted Tony Mandarich over Barry Sanders (who's been compared to Reggie Bush, isn't that something), Deion Sanders, and Derrick Thomas? or Cleveland Browns for drafting Courtney Brown over Lavar Arrington, Jamal Lewis, and Brian Urlacher.  I know there's booms or busts in every draft but can we wait until after the 2006 season until we make that decision? OK maybe not, but think about it.     

Another Real World/Road Rules challenge has ended as the win the Gauntlet 2. I decide to make up awards for Gauntlet 2 called the Gauntlet 2 awards, which celebrate moments that made the Gauntlet 2 great at least in my eyes.

The Ryan Leaf Award (Freaking over nothing) goes to Jo: After being team captain of the Rookie team and a wild party Jo panics and when Chocolate syrup is spilled in the captain’s room. Jo overacts and calls the police saying she being manhandled and threatened to sue the island. She was actually one of the oldest cast members and she acted like one of the youngest. She leaves the Gauntlet under police escort leaving the female captain spot open for the Rookies, which later went to Kina. Where were the producers in this?

The Larry Brown Award (leaving early) goes to Cameran: She probably was a easy target for Kina to pick for going to the Gauntlet 2 but instead of challenge Kina for the Captain spot, Cameran just quit like she did in Battle of the Sexes 2. Even Her boyfriend Jeremy Bloom and drunken #### Bode Miller gave it their all in the Olympics.

The most likely to have a baby from a NBA player award goes to Jodi: She had sexual relations with Adam, Mark, and Alton among others. 

The 2001 Rams award (standing there and doing nothing) goes to the Rookies: In the 10,000 Pyramid mission, instead of one more go around the Rookies rested and hoped the Veterans would fail but they ending winning with 15 second left.

The Terrell Owens Award goes to Danny: After losing the 10,000 Pyramid mission, Danny thinking Jodi talking bad to him to Jillian loses it to the point where sent to the Gauntlet and loses. Even if the Rookies voted as a team Danny would have been send home.

The Adrian McPherson award (gambling your team loyal) goes to Cara: Alliances are the name of the game but it’s unwise of going to the team for help. I don’t blame Cara for doing this with Susie but I blame her for going to Jillian, (who was in the same Road Rules season with the other three ladies) with this. I also don’t disagree what Jillian do by telling Kina. Cara later got the boot.  

The Ron Artest award (reacting over nothing) goes to Katie, Kina, and Ibis: After Susie’s aftershow on MTV.com, Katie and Ibis response on their Myspaces and Kina joining in. Susie later said sorry but I think Kina, Katie, and Ibis owe Susie an apology especially Ibis who talk smacked about Jillian and Katie, who needs to cut down on the drinking especially after arguing with Veronica in the First Gauntlet and Inferno and smacking Johnny Fairplay on Kill Reality.   

The Vinny Lecavalier award (captain that quits on his/her team) goes to Beth: Instead facing Aneesa in the Gauntlet Beth quit for her beliefs. One she did Playboy and two a Captain of anything especially a sports team doesn’t or shouldn’t give up on his or her team no matter what their beliefs are.

The Donovan McNabb (good player who doesn't get much respect they should) award goes to Kina: I seen the MTV message boards they aren’t kind to Kina but Kina is actually a good leader. Despite not being personally with members of her team and another I’ll mention later. She did a great job as Captain and the Rookies should be proud to have her as Captain and those making fun of her should be ashamed.

The Sean Taylor award goes to Brad for spitting at Derrick well more toward Ruthie then was the Brokeback Mountain ending where both Brad and Derrick hugged in the end.

The Shaq and Kobe award goes to Beth and Montana: You would think that people in there 30’s would get along and fun of the 20 some things but it didn’t happen and Beth beat Montana in the Gauntlet.

The Steroid award goes to Derrick and Brad: Wouldn’t like for the show to do a Drug Test so you can see whose using. I belief Brad and Derrick were using.

The Bruce Allen award (bad decision) goes to Alton and Kina: This is why the team should vote instead of the team captain. For Alton it was choosing Adam over Jeremy to the Gauntlet. Despite Jeremy cause the team to lose the dry paint mission causing the rookie to lose to go in the Gauntlet. Adam and Jeremy lost to Alton. The biggest mistake was when Kina chose Jillian over Ibis. Ibis mess up in two missions and Jillian was clearly more Athletic than Ibis. There’s a reason why Scramming quarterbacks are popular, Kina. Only Reasons why Kina chose not to send Ibis were to make sure she go for a easy victory (which Kina did win) and not to pissed off Ibis. Well Kina pissed the rest of the team (especially ex college football player MJ) with her decision. Next time Kina, make the team happy and if you do vote Ibis off, warn her in advance and get her some of the prize money.  Matter of fact Jillian some of the prize money (I’m sure Ibis and Randy can help you out) and you, Katie, and Ibis still owe an apology to Susie.

The I thought he died award goes to Mark: not because he’s old but because he looked the guy who played Lem on “The Shield,” who was killed by Shane in the 5^th season finale.

The biggest disappointment award goes to the Veterans in the Final Mission: Even Beth would call that pathetic when the Vets quitted in the final mission. Ok they lost all their chips but if Derrick was there the team would have kept going. Kina won two of the most entertaining Gauntlets of the season, and Alton should gets a contract with the Tampa Bay. Devil Rays right now.

The Gauntlet MVP goes to Derrick, Kina, and Alton: The three leaders combined went 10-1 in the Gauntlet with only Derrick losing in the final Gauntlet to Timmy, who wore a Terry Bradshaw jersey. No one work harder than Derrick who came up a step short. He should look at the bright side, if he was a team in the NCAA men’s basketball tourney he would have made it to the Final Four, further than Duke, Uconn, North Carolina, etc. The final Gauntlet proved to me one thing never go against a guy wearing a jersey of a player who went 4-0 in the Super Bowl.

That’s my Gauntlet 2 Awards I hope you like them if not send in your hate e-mail. Also The Gauntlet 2 proved another thing TJ Lavin or producer of the is a better officials than those who called Super Bowl XL. 

The 2006 Winter Olympics show usthe thrill of victory, agony of defeat, and the drunken idiotness of one Bode Miller.

Miller will go down as the biggest busts in all of Olympic history but unlike most draft busts, Miller has two Silver medals in 2002 games but still doesn't makeup for his poor performance in Torino, even if he won five gold medals in 2010, he'll be for the 2006 games. A tip to Bode put the bottle down and train for the next games. If he wanted to drink, shouldn't he be on "The Real World," 

We also saw Lindsay Jacobellis and Sasha Cohen, whose falls cost them gold and settle for silver and the women's USA hockey team fall to Sweden and settle for bronze. Also disappointing the men's Canada hockey not medaling, I hope Greztky's wife didn't make a bet for Canada to win gold. A expected performance by USA's men's hockey not medaling and their #### coach benching Lightning goalie John Grahame after one game (a tie). Next time give Grahame another chance. I sound like a homer but remember Grahame has Stanley Cup ring unlike the USA coach.

We saw the rise of Shawn White "The Flying Tomato,"  speedskaters Joey Cheek, Chad Hendrick, Shani Davis, and Apolo Ohno adding to his thropy collection. We also saw Hendrick and Davis fighting like Kobe and Shaq were. Hey guys, if Shaq and Kobe made peace so should you unless you want The Flying Tomato to have your endorsement deals. That's part of the winter games. Tune in for Summer Games in two years. By the way, note to USA Basketball put Allen Iverson on your team.

Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors for the second-highest point total for a game only Wilt Chamberlain had more with 100 points. By Bryant scoring that many points, got me wondering does Kobe have teammates because the rest of the LA Lakers scored 41 points. What happened to Lamar Odom, wasn't he an All-Star player back in the day?

Not only in that game, Kobe has 40 or more points 13 times, four of those times 50 or more points including scoring 62 points against Dallas. Is the supporting cast for the Lakers that bad that they depend on Kobe scoring over 40 points to win. Why can't Kobe inspire his team like Michael Jordan did with his Bulls? Why can't coach Phil Jackson get the ball to other player than aren't name Kobe or does Jackson care more about making $10 million a season? Jordan wasn't accuse of being a ball hog . Of course Jordan didn't accuse a teammate of paying quiet money or hitting on his wife or accuse of a crime (unless you count that gambling situation) like Kobe was.

A situation would be get someone that can take pressure off Kobe. Bryant said somewhere or might have been somebody else said that Ron Artest could be a fit with the Lakers. Honestly, that sounds like a good idea for two reasons. One, the opposing defense would have to stop double-teaming Kobe to also focus on Artest, who can score as well and two, if Kobe wants his image to be repaired why not have the Lakers get Artest, who has more baggage than Kobe and the rest of the NBA for that matter. It depends want Kobe wants because he's the reason why Shaq went to Miami and Phil got the boot and I don't care what ESPN's Top five reasons you can't blame said. I would like to see Artest join the Lakers to see how react with Kobe.