By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just A Thought... A Man's Word: A wise man once said, "All I got is my balls and my word. And I don't break 'em for no one!" It a sports era when athletes get (or attempt) to pick and choose where they play and when they play it seems as if no one man ever sticks to his word. Chad Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Lance Briggs to name a few all swore that they'd never wear the only pro jersey that they've been associated with in their careers again. Needless to say they all folded like lawn chairs! The latest athlete to ignore this simple rule in life is the "Great" Brett Favre. In March, Brett had an emotional breakdown at a press conference in Green Bay where he FORMALLY announced his retirement. Favre shed tears, stating that he was too tired to give his all but admitted that he still had what it took to play. Recently Favre stated that he wants to return to action this fall and he would like to be released so that he may choose to go where he his legendary services are wanted. Immediately critics (including myself) were quick to say that he broke his word as a man and many even lost respect for the ageless wonder. Regardless as to who side you're on the fact is that Favre's itch to play has turned into a rash! And the Packers are hoping this all goes away by season end. If Favre watched the entire SCARFACE film he may continue to push for his release because that same wise man also told us that "The World Is Yours" and that's his word! I. NFL Divisional Breakdowns (NFC South) This division has a trend, the team that finishes last normally finishes first the following season. In fact, last year was no different when the Bucs rose from the cellar of the NFC South to the top of the division. Last year the Falcons finished in last place but will the arrival of rookie QB Matt Ryan be enough to continue the divisions worst to first trend? Let's take a look! (2007 record) 1. SAINTS (2007: 7-9) Last season the Saints flirted with 'Aints status with a weak secondary along with an array of health concerns. Both Deuce and Reggie missed games due to injury, Drew Brees started the season off rocky before coming on when it was too late and the secondary couldn't knock down a pass to save their lives! So what does a team with secondary woes do to improve, enhance the front four. In the first round of the draft, the Saints selected DT Sedrick Ellis out of USC. As for their secondary, New Orleans signed Pats FA corner Randall Gay and added LB Jonathan Vilma into the mix as well. As long as their defense gels to defend the weak south division foes this team will find themselves in the mix come January. Prediction: 10-6 2. PANTHERS (2007: 7-9)- '07 was nothing more than a disappointing year for the Panthers. Injury played a big role, as it does for most struggling teams, however the Panthers "O" struggled to move the chains. Carolina used their first pick in the draft to select the dynamic RB Jonathan Stewart out of Oregon. With the questionable health of DaAngelo Williams the team is hoping Stewart can have an immediate impact and help carry the load. As for the aerial attach the Panthers signed D.J. Hackett from Seattle and a familiar face in Muhsin Muhammad. My only question is the depth of this defense, Julius Peppers is aging and the defense seems to have taken an overall step back. Barring injury the Panthers may still find themselves clinching a wild card berth. Prediction: 9-7 3. BUCCANEERS (2007: 9-7) Many fans in central Florida may want to skip this section. I honestly believe that last year's division run for Tampa was a fluke. Prior to breaking down this section I had totally forgotten about who the Champ was, then as the thought came back to mind I found myself saying What the Buc!?!? The biggest issue is AGE with this team. The best players are all in there 30's. Barber and Brooks on defense. Garcia and Galloway on offense. Jon Gruden still doesn't feel comfortable with his QB situation, which raises a red flag for me if I were a Tampa fan. The Bucs offense was anemic to say the least. Garcia only threw 13 TDs and the teams leading rusher (Ernest Graham) only had 900 yards (well, 898 to be exact). Although they won a very weak division they were immediately bounced from the playoffs by the eventual champs. With the first round selection of CB Aqib Talib they're solid secondary will improve but that still won't put points on the board and control time of possession. This will be a farewell season for the ageless wonders as they take a step (or two) back in the division. Prediction: 7-9 4. FALCONS (2007: 4-12): After a season when the dirty birds lost their best player in Michael Vick, defensive igniter in DeAngelo Hall and new Coach Bobby Petrino, Falcons fans just want to see a team that plays hard for a change. Despite the letdown of '07 the Falcons did have one bright spot, WR Roddy White. White managed to make 83 catches for 1200 yards and 6 TDs in the midst of a QB carousel unlike anything in recent history. Atlanta was aggressive in FA signing RB Michael Turner from the Chargers and selecting QB Matt Ryan third overall in the draft. With their offense improving one knows their success will depend on the offensive line, which is where the bright spots end. As for the defensive side of the ball, the unit is very mediocre. Don't expect this team to sneak up on anyone but I assure you that want to avoid their "doormat" status so they will play hard. Prediction: 5-11 II. NBA NEWS & NOTES NBA Layoffs: After the LA Clippers were bamboozled by the departure of Elton Brand; the Clips acquired F/C Marcus Camby for essentially a bag of air pins! That's right the Clippers acquired the 31-year-old shot blocking machine for a potential 2010-second round pick. This trade sounds more confusing than Gasol to the other LA team. However there is an explanation. Due to the fact that the Nuggets were over the salary cap they possessed the ability to ship a player with a large contract to a team under the cap without having to receive any contracts in return. Ironically the only other team that the Nuggets could've traded with was...you guessed the Grizzles. There's something about Memphis and LA always being involved with sneaky trades.... POSEY says YES to N.O.: After winning a ring for the second time in three years, reserve forward James Posey signed a 4yr deal worth $25 Million with the New Orleans Hornets. CP3 and Company hope that the addition of the scrappy veteran will enhance their chances of being a contender in the tough Western Conference for the next few years. Cleveland Rocks! So the Cavs may have lost out in the James Posey sweepstakes (along with the Lakers & Celtics) but the Cavs took a step towards securing talent around LBJ by signing G Daniel Gibson to a 5yr deal. The terms of the deal are unknown but one thing's for sure, the Cavs are showing LeBron they're committed to being a contender for years beyond 2010. (Hint hint) Team USA Sparring Partners: Prior to the Olympics beginning in Beijing (8.8.08) the Men's Olympic Basketball Team will come together in Las Vegas along with 10 up and coming NBA Stars that will serve as "sparring partners." The talented 10th includes: Derrick Rose, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Luther Head, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Martin, O.J. Mayo, Rodney Stuckey. One may feel that this is no news but if you're a fan of one of these budding stars expect for your team to get better just by the time they'll spend with the cream of the crop! III. Sports Ventz (Buzzer Beater Style) QB Sac? The NFL current "Iron Man" Peyton Manning will be out 4-6 weeks after having surgery on his bursa sac in his left knee. Apparently Manning was experiencing some swelling and doctors felt it was important for the sac to be drained prior to the beginning of the season. Colts fans beware Marvin Harrison's injury was similar to what Peyton is currently experiencing. He'll obviously miss training camp and the pre-season but Manning promises to be ready for the season opener (Sept. 7 vs. Bears) GULP! Cheese Melt? Favre Report...What now? After exchanging a war of words with the Green Bay Packers, Favre has stated that he is in no rush to submit his request for reinstatement to the commissioner. Brett seems to be calling the team's bluff but the Packers brass ain't budging! While not rushing to make a formal request may be mind boggling to others it's simple, since Favre doesn't want to play in Green Bay he'd get fined $15K a day for missing training camp practice. In other words he may be confused with the indecisiveness but he ain't stupid! Keeping Up With The Jones': After cutting the troubled Cedric Benson, the Chicago Bears knew it was important to add a Running Back with NFL experience to their backfield. As a result, the Bears signed for Lions RB Kevin Jones to a one-year deal to prove he's healthy and productive. Bears fans don't get too excited Jones may start training camp next week on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means he can't practice with the team and his activity is very limited. Playing Abroad? After three days of participating in unorganized workouts in front of team representatives from a seven different countries, former Oak Hill Academy standout Brandon Jennings signed a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with Pallacanestro Virtus Roma, a prominent Italian club in Serie A of Euroleague. Many wonder if his signing with a Euro team will lead to more Prep phenoms to skip the Collegiate ranks by going abroad. Of course this will depend on Brandon's success but keep in mind that all the money is still in the States, from fat guaranteed contracts, endorsement deals and the ability to be watched by your parents. At the end of the day, BJ just didn't make the grade so he took a gamble by opting to play in Europe. Let's hope another PG star isn't born during March madness as Brandon struggles to adapt to playing with grown men hungry for an opportunity to play in the NBA....stay tuned! III. SAY WHAT?!?! We often hear the "politically correct" reasons as to why they do certain things on or off the field, but here we will get to the bottom of things. Last week we chopped it up with Brett Favre... This week we'll chop it up with Preps star turned EURO pro Brandon Jennings... ME: Yo Brandon was going on you got a minute? BJ: Yea Kev I was just packing a few things..wassup? ME- Going somewhere? BJ- Yea Italy. Haven't you heard I gonna play pro ball in Europe! ME- What about Arizona? BJ- It's nice but why play there when I can get paid to do so? ME- A few reasons come to mind: Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Bea.. (interrupted) BJ- Okay! I get it yea they were all one and done. But I'm none and done. ME- (LOL) oh you think that's cool huh? BJ- Yea I'm setting a trend! ME- Oh like wearing the Kid-n-Played Out high top fade in the McDonald's All-American Game right? BJ- Ha-Ha-Ha...that's not funny ME- LOL, you're right but what is funny is that you thinking you're setting a trend. BJ- I'm not? ME- Boy you really are dumb huh? The last time a player tried to figure out a loop hole into turning Pro was Maurice Clarett, and we all know how that ended.. BJ- Yea but I'm good at what I do.. ME- Yea and so was he....stealing cars! BJ- I feel you but that won't happen to me and that's my word! ME- You also SAID you were going to attend Arizona (PG University) what happened to a man only having his BasketBALLS and his Word? BJ- Man you watch too many movies! ME- Yea and you obviously didn't watch HOOP DREAMS! ***click*** ***dial tone*** ME- (LOL) Maybe he did...