By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr.

Just A Thought...

Do you believe in MAGIC?? On Friday Aug. 14th, Ervin "Magic" Johnson will turn 50 years old. To some it's the Big 5-0 or the half century mark, but to Magic it took many blessings and hard work. You see over 17 years ago, Magic announced to the world that he had contracted the HIV virus. While rumors swirled that he was cured his simply been in remission. Doctors are known for giving patients with terminal diseases timelines on living but one's individual actions will truly determine their lifespan, just as in sports. You see no athlete performs at a high level over long periods of time without being determined, dedicated and hard working. So whether you're fighting a disease or fighting for a promoting always remember that your "actions will set your timeline" don't just sit around expecting Magic to happen!

NBA News

Rambis Gets Revenge on McHale!! Tuesday Kurt Rambis decided he would no longer be Phil Jackson's "D-Coordinator" and took a leap to assume one of the toughest head coaching jobs in the NBA, with the Minnesota Timberwolves...He's inherited a team that couldn't win with KG so the fact that they're relying on an 18-yr old (unproven) Spainard should raise an eyebrow or two. Good Luck Kurt! And for those of you that don't know Rambis is replacing the aforementioned Kevin McHale as coach, click the link below to see how the once crossed paths!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ

NFL News & Notes

*****BREAKING NEWS****** 

Vick Update: Sorry if you read my previous Michael Vick report but he has signed with the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES!!! A 2year deal in which he'll receive $1.6 Million in the first year and $5 Million in the second year. Congrats to the Vick for making a return and kudos to the Eagles for having the "Spaldings" to sign him. And to members of PETA, I dare you take on the fans in Philadelphia (remember they booed Santa Claus) that won't be a good look! All of a sudden the EAGLES @ FALCONS game (Dec. 6th) just became the hottest event in the A since FreakNic!

NFL Division Breakdowns: This week we'll venture south to break down two divisions that are competitive and exciting. These divisions have Fantasy darlings like Peyton Manning and Michael Turner. Great brewing rivalries like the Saints vs. Falcons and the Colts vs. Titans. Here are more of my season outlooks and Predicted order of finish.

NFC South. (Last season record)

1. New Orleans Saints (8-8) - Every year the team to finish last in the previous season, bounces back the following year with a 1st place finish. This year things will remain consistent. The Saints really improved defensively which has been their Achilles in the past. However, much of their success will hinge upon the health and progress of Reggie Bush & Marques Colston. Bush started last year on fire prior to being injured. Marques battled injuries all of '08. With both in the lineup along w/Brees the Saints will be in the thick of things come Postseason. PREDICTION: 11-5

2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)-I must admit the addition of Tony Gonzalez makes the dirty birds a "sexy" pick but losing WR/PR Harry Douglas for the season really "turned me off." The stable running game with Turner/Norwood will keep things close for the Falcons it will be up to Tony/Roddy White to make the big plays in those tough games down the stretch. There's definitely a Wild Card in the Falcons' deck! PREDICTION: 9-7

3. Carolina Panthers (12-4)-Carolina always seems to have a great nucleus prior to training camp but before you know it they're bit by the injury bug. Last year QB Jake Delhomme was coming off Tommy John surgery. This year his favorite target (Steve Smith) injured his shoulder. Hopefully they do sign Vick because their QB is 34 yrs old and may never be the same. This is a tough team that will battle but their Super Window is closing as we speak. PREDICTION: 8-8

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)-Tampa has a new coach and 3 new QBs to choose from. The adage is that if you have 2 QBs you have none, so in Tampa's case they're all but done (it rhymes I know). Look this ain't your Older Brother's Bucs when they featured Sapp, Brooks, Dunn and Alstott. They are in rebuilding mode and will serve as this years NFC South doormat. But just as previous last place teams in the division, there's always next year to look forward too! PREDICTION: 6-10

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) The biggest difference between this year and last year's Colts has absolutely nothing to do with the departure of Tony Dungy or Marvin Harrison. It has all to do with a healthy Peyton Manning. Last season Big Bro missed the entire preseason as he rehabbed a scoped knee. The time off affected his timing with his wide outs, now his healthy again and is clicking on all cylinders with the likes of Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark & Co. I know Bob Sanders is never healthy and the old reliable Marvin is not in uni but as long as Peyton is healthy he'll be the coach on and off the field. Lucas Oil will be on fire this fall! PREDICTION: 12-4

2. Tennesee Titans (13-3) - Remember the ('08) Titans?? Good because that team will soon be an after thought. They will not be able to sneak up on anyone and Kerry Collins will not be able to perform at a high level for an entire 16 game season. In the backfield both Chris Johnson and LenDale White aspire to be "the man" and Vince Young is more focused on being inducted into the Hall of Fame as opposed to being inducted to the starting lineup. I still like this solid squad but not to rule the South yet again. PREDICTION: 10-6

3. Houston Texans (8-8) The Texans have been knocking on the "playoff door" for a while now. When many thought they ruined their franchise by passing on Reggie Bush for Mario Williams the naysayers were too busy hating to see that defense wins titles and that's what the Texans were focused on. Mario has made a Pro Bowl (Reggie just keep making tabloids) and Andre Johnson continues to be the Rodney Dangerfield of the NFL Wide outs. If Matt Schaub manages to play for the entire season you may be looking at a wild card participant. Keep your eyes on this team (especially if they are on your favorite team's regular season schedule). PREDICTION: 9-7

4. Jaguars (5-11) - To be blunt there's nothing to like about the Jags. David Garrard is a solid backup (at best). Fred Taylor rushed out of town and is now a Patriot. As for their wide outs they let ago of the top 3 leading receivers from '08 and brought in an aging Torry Holt! Unfortunately every division has a doormat and you're currently standing on this one. PREDICTION: 7-9

Quick Thoughts

 I know most Athletes think they are rappers/singers/musicians....but this attempt at merging basketball and rap is pure comedy....(Rashard Lewis, Kevin Durant, Mo Williams & Andre Iquodala) www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc72CaMsqQY

After watching the first episode of HBO's: "Hard Knocks", my first impression is...They suck! Unfortunately for them they lost their top two Tight Ends in the first week of camp and Carson Palmer & Chad Johnson didn't seem to be on the same page. Looks like the H.K curse will continue.

TWEETS of the WEEK! (With my 2 cents)               

serenajwilliams Someone say something nice to me. I'm miserable and super down!!! ;( Someone take me shopping please????? (My Take: Serena would like any place I could afford! LOL)

THE_REAL_SHAQ Bout to go up against albert pujols. Hell yea im nervous. How many think i can at least hit one home (My Take: Shaq will cool off St. Louis with all his fanning! Striiiiiiiike)

NBATVSteve On the way to support the Atlanta Dream and Detroit Shock and Rick Mahorn. (My Take: Sorry Smitty that makes 1 of us!)

96TruwarierQB Please:) everyone go illegally download my first album and hear the growth when my second album drops:) (My Take: That was from Ron Artest, I told you they all wanna be rappers! LOL