By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. This week has been dubbed "A Week of Freedom". From the release of the Queen Bee and Dallas Austin to the celebration of Independence Day. July 4th. Fireworks. BBQ. A day to be FREE, and celebrating FREE-dom as Americans know it. In the NBA, players have their own version of "Independence Day" July 1st the day players are declared FREE-agents, from being locked into contracts for 4 to 6 seasons to being given the option to explore new opportunities both financially and for the pursuit of the ultimate fireworks show, a championship parade. From your favorite team to the team you hate most; many have sought freedom in releasing players and obtaining new talent for the "betterment" of the team. Below is Thoughtful Thursday's Free For All! NBA During the first five days of the NBA free-agency period many players have reached verbal agreements with their new employers, but please keep in mind that contracts will not be official until July 12. o Chicago: From one side of Lake Michigan to the other, Chicago made the biggest splash signing Center Ben Wallace to a 4yr. Deal ($60 million). With that acquisition the Bulls have a solidified big man that can control the boards and alter shots. But he would be joined by veteran PF/C P.J. Brown via trade that sent Tyson Chandler to New Orleans for the veteran big man along with 6'6 guard J.R. Smith. The Baby Bulls have quickly matured into Eastern Conference contenders. Some reports say that J.R. Smith may be dealt again so stay tuned. o Detroit: To the many Pistons mourning the loss of Wallace to central division rival Chicago; one may rest easier knowing that Detroit has lured Center Nazr Mohammed (5yr.$30 million) from the San Antonio Spurs. Although he's no Ben Wallace he can still clog things up in the middle for the rest of the Fab Four. This move was big blocking the Cleveland Cavaliers, another central rival, from courting the veteran center. o Atlanta: The Hawks are finally "point-ing" in the right direction acquiring PG Speedy Claxton (4yr. $25 million), from the Hornets. Claxton gained valuable playoff experience during the Spurs 2003 Championship run. This move by the Hawks allows Joe Johnson to move into his normal position of shooting guard. o Los Angeles (x2): The Clippers locked down its main free-agent obligation by resigning Sam Cassell (2yr. $13 million), the Hawks offered the same amount but the Clippers matched. On the other hand, the Clippers lose sharpshooter Vladimir Radmanovic to Staples Center mates L.A. Lakers. Although this isn't a blockbuster move for the Lakers, Radmanovic shooting abilities extends the defense and creates opportunities for Kobe and Odom. As a result of Vlad bolting to the Lakers, the Clippers have signed F Tim Thomas (4yr. $24 million), a big forward that can spread the floor for Elton Brand. Who's supreme in L.A. now? o New Orleans/Oklahoma: The Hornets have been buzzing thus far acquiring Peja Stojakovic (5yr. $60 million) to team Peja long-distance shooting with Rookie of the year Chris Paul. The Hornets also signed veteran PG Bobby Jackson to a multi-year deal to back-up Paul and add depth at the guard position. With the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, the Hornets are ready to run wild in the West! o Dallas: The Mavericks wasted no time in resigning PG Jason Terry (6yr. $50 million) to direct their dynamic offense for years to come. They may have to make a serious run immediately because Dirk becomes a free agent at the end of next season. o Denver: Despite missing the entire '05-'06 season (27 games in '04-'-05) due to knee injuries, the Nuggets have reached an agreement with center Nene (6yr. $60 million). But stay tuned because this could lead to the departure of Kenyon Martin. o Utah: The Jazz have taken guard by resigning Matt Harping (deal), and acquiring Derek Fisher via trade from the Warriors for Devin Brown, Keith McCleod, and Andre Owens. o Class of '03: Yes, the dynamic class of 2003 is up for extensions, which equals "Cha-Ching". Nuggets swingman Carmelo Anthony and Heat's guard Dwyane Wade have both reached 5year extensions worth about $80 million. As for the '03 peer in LeBron James, who was offered the same deal, he has yet to agree to his extension. But 'Cavs fans shouldn't lose any sleep LeBron and his agent have been vacating, and tending to personal commitments. The two sides should reach an agreement before James leaves for the USA Basketball Camp (July 19) in Las Vegas. o Who's Left? It's obvious that the free agent period has been very active to say the least, but if your team is looking for that missing piece there are a few quality players available. 1. Al Harrington, 25, 6'9 Small Forward brings experience and scoring range from 15-20 feet. He has developed into a quality defender but his motivation is often questioned. Some reports have him resurfacing back in Indiana. 2. Bonzi Wells, 29, 6'5 Shooting Guard/ Forward that brings toughness and big play. Although he's listed at 6'5 he plays like he's 6'8, Wells could be the final piece to a contenders puzzle, but don't be surprised if the Maloof brothers resign him to join Ron Artest for a full-season. 3. Jared Jeffries, 24, 6'11 Guard/ Forward, Jeffries came on for the Wizards down the stretch displaying his length and athleticism in defending LeBron James during the playoffs. Although he's no James stopper, a player with his size and athleticism could be a nice pick up for many teams. 4. Eddie House, 28, 6'1 Combo Guard, House has reportedly opted out of his contract to test the market. He brought instant offense off the bench serving as a backup for Steve Nash. His up-tempo play is what many teams need at the guard position; look for the Bucks (who traded T.J. Ford to Toronto for Charlie Villaneuva) and Grizzles, to name a few, to make an offer to House. SPORTS VENTZ o NBA: Chicago Bulls mascot, Benny the Bull, was charged with misdemeanor battery and driving within a parkway during the Taste of Chicago at the outdoor festival. Apparently he was jacked up about Wallace joining the team as the 26-year-old is accused of throwing a punch at an off-duty sheriff's deputy, knocking off his glasses and breaking his watch. I don't know about you but this seems like a bunch of BULL-S***! But don't worry the Benny the Bull suit was returned to the United Center after his arrest. o MLB: It's widely known that the New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox are viewed as second fiddle in their hometown's to the Yankees and Cubs. Their play has proven that the two clubs are supreme in their large cities having produced six all-star selections each. Say what you want but the Sox are defending champs and the Mets are leading the NL East. All-Star Game July 11th in Pittsburgh. o NHL: As if the city of Detroit has not suffered enough with the loss of Ben Wallace, Detroit Red Wings legend Steve Yzerman, who led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cup titles and spent his entire 23-year NHL career in Detroit, retired from playing Monday, but said he plans to stay in the organization while devoting more time to his family. o GOOD CALL: Miller Lite has recently launched a series of ads promoting Man Laws, part of the "Men of the Square Table" campaign. Manlaws.com has received roughly 50, 000 submissions with hopes of one lucky winner appearing in a Man Law commercial. Here are some of the sites highlights: "A man shall never ask for help opening his Miller Lite. Good Call." "Cooler protocol-Miller Lite placed in first, then add ice. Good Call." "Unless you're a pro athlete, flip-up sunglasses are inadvisable this summer. Good Call." And my personal entry: " A guy who does not have a dish, shall obtain one just for football season, then when the regular season is over he shall return the dish immediately. Good Call."

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Just when you thought the pro sports season was at a stand still the NBA was set to showcase stars of tomorrow in the 2006 NBA Draft today! The only problem was that there was no clear-cut star. One may say that the college's leading scorer; Adam Morrison (28 pts. /g) could be the gem of the draft, yet he was not a #1 selection. Instead, the toss up was between an Italian that many of American fans has never of, and a collegiate freshman who proved to the world that he could soar to new heights during the NCAA Tournament (Tyrus Thomas). In other words to the naked eye the NBA draft was prematurely viewed as being as dry as Damon Wayans during the 2006 BET Awards, but as we would soon find out the draft would have more story lines than Desperate Housewives...let's take a trip down POTENTIAL lane, better known as the NBA draft. NBA The result of NBA teams draft prospects can be described in three ways: good, bad, and ugly. For instance it was GOOD that Marcus Williams, PG Uconn, fell to #22 for the Nets where he can learn from one of NBA's greats (Jason Kidd) and be prepared to take over when Kidd's time is done. However, things got BAD for the Trailblazers making more changes to the team during the draft than Michael Jackson does to his face, leaving the sports world baffled by its moves. As for the UGLY side of things just look to the Sonics who made absolutely no sense at all with their selection of Saer Sene with the #10 pick. For more on the Good, Bad, and Ugly of the NBA draft, scroll down with caution. • GOOD: o Toronto: With no consensus #1 pick the Raptors did well with selecting Andrea Bargnani, 7'1 Forward Italy. Although he is a defensive liability he can score both inside and out. Teaming up with Bosh, Villanueva, and Peterson I feel as if his transition to the NBA will be fine. o Chicago: The Bulls are a young team that thrives off its defense. With the addition of Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha (6'7 Forward Switzerland), they were able to upgrade in the area of athleticism, length, and intensity. If you've paid attention to the Bulls in the past two years, you may have noticed that, those categories are keys to their success. Coupled with the scoring of Heinrich, Gordon, and Deng the Bulls can be deadly with the right veteran free-agent acquisition. Stay Tuned! o Charlotte: With the #3 selection the Bobcats bypassed Gay and Roy for Morrison. At first glance I scratched my head wondering why MJ and Bob would pass on two athletic players for the man with the 'stache. Its simple, with Morrison's scoring ability the Bobcats finally have a go to guy. Felton is excellent at point, along with the interior presence of Okafor and May. One thing's for sure this team is built around passionate players and winners at the collegiate level, hopefully they can translate it to the NBA level. o New Jersey: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Just ask the Nets who were lucky to have Marcus Williams, PG and Josh Boone, PF (Uconn teammates) fall into their laps with the #22 & #23 picks. Williams has the chance of playing under the tutelage of Kidd so that he and Boone can continue the Nets tempo off the bench making them a much deeper team. Honorable Mention: Orlando Magic, James Augustine and J.J. Redick- scoring relief for Dwight Howard & Co....Cleveland Cavaliers, Shannon Brown, and Daniel Gibson- Finally energetic guards that attacks the basket to help LeBron James. o BAD o Portland: Let me get this straight the Blazers ended the evening with the services of LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy, both via Draft day trades that didn't need to take place. That makes no sense having to send money to Chicago and Minnesota. Then end the round selecting Joel Freeland (6'10 F, England) when the likes of Paul Davis were still available. Who knew that even though there were no Prep Stars available, Portland would still find a way to screw things up. I guess that's why they had the fourth pick to begin with. o Atlanta: The Hawks began the night selecting Shelden Williams, many disagreed but I actually like that pick. It was their second round pick I disagreed with. Why pick another 6'10 talent (Solomon Jones, So. Fla.) when Dee Brown, PG (two-time Wooden award Finalist) was available in the second round and could be the answer to their PG needs. Unless there is some movement during free agency, the Hawks could be in the lottery again in '07. o Lakers: With the #26 pick many may feel as if there were no talent left in the "thin" draft. I may have agreed before the draft started, but the Lakers were a true disappointment drafting the UCLA product, Jordan Farmar. It seems as if he could do absolutely nothing for Kobe & Phil. I know I sound like a broken record but the likes of Paul Davis, Maurice Ager, or even the athletic James White would have been a better fit for the Lakers triangle. There's still free agency, and Kobe needs a big man bad! o UGLY o New York: Its only right that the Knicks complete their disappointing Eddy Curry trade/season with a horrendous draft. I must admit I was in favor of the trade (from the NY perspective) but it has done nothing but backfired sense then. The Knicks selected Renaldo Balkman #20, F South Carolina, and Mardy Collins #29, (another Guard) Temple, with the likes of Josh Boone, and Paul Davis still available. The team is guard heavy but weak in the frontcourt, they didn't address need or best available, maybe it wasn't Larry's fault after all? o Minnesota: The Timberwolves seemed to have been headed in the right direction with the selection of Brandon Roy, G Washington, at # 6. But before I could picture him in a 'Wolves uniform it was announced that he was sent to Portland for the rights to Randy Foye, G Villanova. Many felt as if KG would have been complimented well with Roy, but now he must roll with Foye, he'll demand a trade much sooner than later. o Rockets: First the Texans and now the Rockets! Yes, Houston selected 6'9 athletic freak in Rudy Gay, the perfect third option to Ming and McGrady, then sent him to Memphis for the polished Shane Battier. With the chronic back spasms of T-Mac it seemed only fitting that Gay was selected to slash and score on the wing to take some pressure off of McGrady's ailing back. Not again Houston, Not Again! SPORTS VENTZ • Poker: Bluff Media, publisher of Bluff Magazine and Bluff Poker Radio will provide live coverage of the 2006 World Series of Poker on radio airways. I'm no Poker player but with this decision they must be Bluffing! • CWS: Another sports first for the year 2006! The Oregon State Beavers won its first College World Series title, defeating UNC 3-2, joining Miami Heat and Carolina Hurricanes as Sports First Champions. Look out football world the Texans could shock the world! Sike! • NFL: 4-year safety, Ed Reed, has reached an agreement on a 6-year extension with Baltimore to carry him through the 2012 season. Now if the Ravens can only figure out how to put up big numbers...oh yeah Steve McNair, but there's no pressure! • MLB: One of the game's purest, Hall-of-Fame analyst Peter Gammons is listed in good condition after undergoing an operation to treat a brain aneurysm on Tuesday. Our prayers go out to he and his family for a speedy recovery. • DUKE: DUKE= DUI! No I'm not teasing J.J. Redick, or the Lacrosse team, this time it's their "enforcer" the Athletic Director. Well, not quite but Joe Alleuva, Duke A.D., injured his head (42 stitches) during a boating accident. His son, Joseph Alleuva, former Duke baseball player, was charged with operating a boat while impaired. Now it makes sense, Duke can't keep its players under control because their A.D. can't keep his own son under control, he was also cited with a alcohol charge during his years at Duke ('98-'01). • BOXING: 4-time heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield (38-8-2) will return to the ring August 19 at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, his opponent is scheduled to be announced later today. Since boxers don't like to leave the sport, maybe there should be something like the senior tour in GOLF for aging boxers like Holyfield and Foreman. Better yet let's stop their old A** from boxing period! • NBA: Isaiah Thomas has one year to turn the Knicks around, says James Dolan. "He made this bed", I guess now he needs to buy all new linens because the one on this "bed" just don't fit. If not he'll be shopping for a new home to sleep in next year!

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Ten years ago the NBA draft featured two high schoolers, one that became a three-time NBA champ, two dynamic Big East guards, and an ACC point-guard who would eventually be deemed as the "best point-guard" in the NBA. Not to mention a Canadian that preferred soccer to leading a fast break, who would eventually become a two-time MVP. Exactly who am I refering to you ask: Kobe Bryant #13 (3 time Champ), Jermaine O'Neal #17, Allen Iverson #1 and Ray Allen #5, Stephon Marbury #4 and Steve Nash #15. Many believe that the 1996 NBA Draft may have been one of the "deepest" drafts of all-time. But please don't overlook the fact that the draft also featured: Kerry Kittles #8, Samaki Walker #9, Erick Dampier #10, and Todd Fuller #11. With that being said the 2006 NBA Draft is far more confusing than it is deep. There is no consensus #1 pick and the draft is as shallow as a kiddy pool. So put yourself in GM shoes. Do you draft based on need, potential, or simply the best available? Depending on one's roster you're faced with all of the above. There are 200 names in the draft with only 60 available slots. I'm no mathematician but there will be 140 long faces come Thursday morning. If you're into six-man awards, breakout players, and four-year projects then you're in luck because you'll have a hard time selling sneakers with this year's crop of talent. Just a day away from the Toronto Raptors being placed "on the clock" I'll tell you what lottery teams will call what names at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. 1. Toronto- Andrea Bargnani, (7'1 Italy) forward, who many compare to Dirk Nowitzki, is known for his Euro style of play. Sure he can shoot, dribble, and run the floor, but many may question his intensity level just as they do Nowitzki. He should be fine along side Chris Bosh and Charlie Villanueva. 2. Chicago- Tyrus Thomas (6'9 LSU) Power Forward that loves to block shots. His performance during the Tigers final four run truly raised his stock in being the best interior defender in college. There's only one problem with Thomas he can't score. He may be the most athletic player in the draft, but he reminds me of an undersized Tyson Chandler. Hopefully Bargnani will be overlooked at #1. 3. Charlotte- Brandon Roy (6'5 Washington) With Michael Jordan running the show, one has to believe that he is thinking of a scorer. Tar Heels Sean May and Raymond Felton coupled with Uconn's Emeaka Okeafor are proven champs in the collegiate ranks. With a scorer like Roy added to the nucleus this team could be exciting to watch. Then again they are the Bobcats. 4. Portland- Adam Morrison (6'8 Gonzaga) voted as the top player in the nation (or 2nd depending on which award) its amazing that three teams would pass on the man with the 'stache. Despite his lack of athleticism, defense, and health issues (diabetes) he is still a dangerous scorer. On the other hand only two Caucasian Americans have been among the top 20 in scoring since 1992 (Tom Gugliotta & Keith Van Horn). 5. Atlanta- LaMarcus Aldridge (6'10 Texas) many may be screaming that the Hawks need a PG but let's face it, there's no Chris Paul in this draft. So, they should opt for the best available (since they have a lot of needs) Aldridge can run the floor, and more importantly score! But don't be surprised if the Hawks make the first trade of the evening for a certain guard featured in the '96 draft (Iverson). 6. Minnesota- Marcus Williams (6'3 Uconn) when it comes to the Timberwolves where do you begin. KG is still the centerpiece but he needs more than the draft can give. At least Williams can push the rock, which at the very least is a start. 7. Boston- Rudy Gay (6'8 Uconn) With a 39" vertical jump and a wingspan of 87" his potential alone would draw any GM in the league. The thing that makes this pick attractive is that he can slash with Paul Pierce. 8. Houston- J.J. Redick (6'5 Duke) This guy range begins when he enters the gym. Sure he was cited for a DWI but what else could you say about this four-year sharpshooter. He's faced ACC talent every season and still managed to become the All-Time scorer in ACC history despite season-to-season adjustments. His final collegiate performance may have been disappointing (3-18) but what was impressive was that he kept on shooting. 9. Golden State- Patrick O'Bryant (7'0 Bradley) Quick name the starting center for the Warriors during the '05-'06 season? I thought so. With the high-powered Richardson, Davis, and Dunleavy, the Warriors could strike gold with O'Bryant. One thing's for sure they can't do any worse than they did with Ike Diogu. 10. Seattle- Shelden Williams (6'9 Duke) many may describe Williams as being an undersized, overrated Blue Devil but the same was said about Elton Brand and Shane Battier. They turned out to be some pretty good players. 11. Orlando- Ronnie Brewer (6'7 Arkansas) this selection will be labeled a "potential pick." He's a point-forward from Arkansas that is known for his defense. Sure Brewer's no Scottie Pippen now, but neither was Pippen when he was drafted. 12. New Orleans- Rodney Carney (6'6 Memphis) Carney is great in transition and loves to attack the rim, similar to Shawn Marion and Josh Smith. With the ball in Chris Paul's hands Reggie Bush won't be the only thing exciting to watch in the Bayou. 13. Philadelphia- Randy Foye (6'3 Villanova) It's still up in there air as to whether or not Iverson will still be the answer in Philly, but with the selection of Foye, another shoot-first combo guard from the Big East, the Sixers' could potentially be drafting their future. *Please keep in mind that this mock draft is simply that, a projection based off of my knowledge, draft history, and team needs. If I were truly an expert I would be in someone's "war room" breaking down players from their height to what they like to eat. Stay tuned as we will soon find out the entire draft class of 2006, Wednesday June 28, 7 ET (ESPN).

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. Ah yes...Wednesday June 21, 2006 marked the first day of summer. Oddly enough Monday the NHL season was concluded with a first-time Stanley Cup Winner (Carolina Hurricanes) as well as the NBA concluding its season crowning yet another first-time champ in the Miami Heat. The NFL off-season is in high gear, and the boys of summer (MLB) are playing at a park near you. With that being said what does a multi-million dollar athlete do on his summer vacation, let's take a look... NBA So the Miami Heat shocked the world by overcoming a 0-2 deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the NBA Finals. To many that may have been a surprise (it is only the third time in history that was done), but what wasn't surprising to many was the performance put on by MVP awardee Dwyane Wade (34 pts. 8 reb. 4 asst.). With that being said there are some questions that will arrive during the NBA's summer vacation. Q. Its obvious that D-Wade resides in sunny Miami Beach, but normally when one wins a Sports title, and is crowned MVP they attend Walt Disney World in Orlando. So, does D-Wade visit second rated Orlando, when he lives in Miami? A. Sure he does. D-Wade is only 24 years old despite his "Manly heroics", not to mention he has a wife and kid that would enjoy the family time. But don't get to comfy Dwyane because before you know it, it'll be business as usual as he attends U.S. National basketball camp in Las Vegas...Who am I kidding that's still a vacation. Q. Will the Heat Repeat? A. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Mourning and Payton will probably retire now that their pursuit of a ring has finally ended after 14, and 16 year careers respectively. Not to mention Shaq is on the decline and Riley isn't getting any younger. One thing's for sure they still have D-Wade, so after off-season acquisitions one could only imagine. Q. After a 2-0 start, then the four game collapse will the Dallas Mavericks be able to bounce back next year? A. Definitely! The Mavericks reached their first NBA Finals in franchise history (as did Miami) but the only Finals experience they had was Avery Johnson. As a result the Mavs' will lose a lot of sleep this summer, thinking about what they did wrong, and what they could have done to come out on top. The most important thing for the Mavs' to do during their summer vacation is to lock down Jason Terry to keep the nucleus of the team together. Q. Should Shaquille O'Neal and Pat Riley retire? A. Many people would be quick to say yes, but let's examine things first. Shaq has played for 14 seasons, winning four NBA titles, one A.K. (after Kobe). As a result there isn't really much he could prove to the world or even himself. Shaq should really relax his aging body during his summer vacation and enjoy time with his wife and kids. Then if he feels he can endure another 82 game season, why not play again. But if the thought of practice makes his big toe throb then maybe he should ride off into the South Beach sunset. As for Riley, well he may be getting up there in age but the youthful Dwyane Wade will keep him young. Pat should stick around for a couple more years to pass the torch to the next head coach....maybe it'll be Shaq? Q. Now that Dwyane Wade has captured his first NBA title, Finals MVP. Is it safe to say that he is comparable to Michael Jordan? A. It wouldn't be right for a basketball discussion to take place without one being compared to M.J. But coming from a Chicago native please stop with the comparisons. Look the two played in two different eras. In M.J. era there was no such thing as the "hand-check" foul. One could have been rode all the way to the rim without a foul being called. Whereas the D-Wade era plays zone, and a foul can be called due to a stare down. Look one can debate all they want but chew on this: Dwyane Wade's third season: 27 points 5 rebounds 6 assists. Michael Jordan's third season: 37 points 5 rebounds 5 assists 3 steals (one-year after breaking his ankle). D-Wade's rookie average (w/o Shaq): 16 pts. 4 reb. 4 assts. M.J. rookie average 28 pts. 7 reb. 6 assts. 2 steals. Q. Okay maybe D-Wade isn't comparable to M.J. but is he at least the best player in the NBA? A. Right here, right now, at this very moment Dwyane Wade is somewhere on South Beach watching the sunset, with a cold beverage from Wet Willy's in one hand, and his Final MVP trophy in the other. I think that says it all. SPORTS VENTZ • NBA: In case you haven't heard Michael Jordan is now the second largest majority owner (to Rob Johnson) with the Charlotte Bobcats. As the NBA draft lies one week away, M.J. will spend his summer vacation grooming some new talent. Some reports say that it may be University of Washington standout guard Brandon Roy. This 6'5 guard has been deemed as the most NBA ready, with M.J. eyeing him could Roy become the next Wade? Sorry, I couldn't resist. • NFL: With the NFL season beginning in two months, many fans and critics are buzzing in anticipation for the '06 season. Recently ESPN.com released its first set of power rankings with Seattle and Pittsburgh at the top of the list. Of course their ranking will change in due time but one that shocked me most was the Atlanta Falcons at #20. I know they didn't make the playoffs last season but the team has the most exciting QB in football. Not to mention there defense was upgraded with the signing of DE John Abraham, S Lawyer Malloy, LB Ed Hartwell returns from an injury, and CB Jimmy Williams was drafted out of Va. Tech to join his Hokie counterpart DeAngelo Hall. I was always told that defense wins championships....Note to the NFC south the Falcons look to soar in 2006. • MLB: Temper...Temper! White Sox manager, Ozzie Guillen, is known for his outspoken comments has recently made Chicago headlines by using a derogatory name for a homosexual in regards to Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti. "What a piece of "expletive" says Guillen, he is "expletive" fag." When asked about his comments Guillen defended his statement by saying "Mariotti is not man enough to meet me and talk about things before writing. He also went on the say that where he is from (Venezuela) the word "fag" is used to describe one's courage not sexuality. Those comments are fine but this is what bothers me...Guillen went on to say he has gay friends, he attends WNBA games, he went to a Madonna concert, and plans to go to the Gay games in Chicago...Well if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck! • Sports First: Carolina Hurricanes wins its first Stanley Cup on the heels of 22-year-old Cam Ward (had 22 saves in game 7 victory) and the Miami Heat won its first NBA Championship on the heels of 24-year-old Dwyane Wade, not to mention the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XL on the broad shoulders of 24-year-old Ben Rothlesberger (youngest QB winner in Super Bowl history). So as our children embark on yet another summer vacation let's enroll them in sports camp to enhance their skills because the future of professional sports is now, and your children, Got Next!

By: Kevin Cottrell, Jr. In the world as we know it, we tend to categorize everything: Rich and poor people, white and blue-collar employees, soldiers and civilians, stars and scrubs, franchise players and role players, you get the drift. The best way to classify individuals are with two categories: The Haves and the Wills. For instance, college graduates have gotten jobs or will get jobs, and ladies a man you dated has lied or will lie.... but this is sports ventz, and in the world of sports things are no different. In this week edition of Thoughtful Thursday we'll examine the have(s) and the will(s) in sports. NFL • Have: Kellen Winslow, Jr., Cleveland Browns tight end phenom decided to take a spin on his motorcycle. In the world of cycles, either you have fallen or you will fall. Winslow eventually crashed tearing his knee in three places, interrupting a promising career. Will: Recently Steelers Quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger decided to ignore Steelers officials in regards to joyriding on his motorcycle, and as of Monday he crashed. Big Ben broke his upper and lower jaw, nose, lost two teeth, he has a 9-inch gash across his head, and lacerations to his knees. Just a few months removed from the Super Bowl, Big Ben has not only disappointed his family, fans, but the Steelers organization. Like Winslow, Ben has lived but will that be the end of his career? • Have: Its true that the beauty of the game is scoring touchdowns, and winning super bowls. In this case, All-Pro receiver Terrell Owens "carried" his team to the promise land and the following year he expected compensation for his hard work. As a result there were times that he refused to come to practice, and of course is no longer apart of the Eagles. Will: Super Bowl 39 MVP Deion Branch of the Patriots, was recently a no-show at a mandatory 3-day camp due to a contract dispute with the organization. The biggest difference is that he contributed to defeating that Terrell Owens team...Pay the guy! • Have: Often times a very athletic "black" quarterback has entered the NFL Draft and been converted to a receiver. For instance, Antwaan Randle-El was a dynamic quarterback from Indiana that is now listed as a WR/QB/Specialist with the Redskins. Will: Marcus Vick, former Virginia Tech quarterback, has been signed by the Miami Dolphins as a quarterback but recently worked into the Dolphins offense as a WR/QB/specialist. I guess NFL executives can't help it that these guys are gifted athletes, but a black QB, Doug Williams has won a super bowl, and another black QB will. NBA • Have: A greatly assembled team featuring Shaquille O'Neal (2004 Lakers) the most dominant center in the game, a dynamic two-guard (Kobe), and a future hall-of-fame coach (Phil Jackson) was embarrassed by a team built on youth and defensive tenacity ('04 Pistons). Will: Will the same thing happen to a team featuring Shaquille O'Neal (2006 Heat) the most dominant center in the game, a dynamic two-guard (DWade), and a future hall-of-fame coach (Pat Riley) versus the Dallas Mavericks? I think so! • Have: L.A. Lakers' courtside seats were once the highest priced seats in the NBA, boasting a $2,100 ticket price. Will: The L.A. Lakers' courtside seats are still the highest priced tickets in the NBA with a $2,200 ticket price. • Have: Duke athletes (Lacrosse) have experienced some legal troubles of late, charges stemming from rape to underage drinking. Will: Another Duke athlete (basketball) J.J. Reddick, has recently experienced legal trouble, being charged with a DWI. Apparently the sharp shooter wasn't that sharp when he committed a legal turn after approaching a police road block...But like the Lacrosse players who have been allowed to play, Reddick will too be allowed to play the game that he loves after being drafted on June 28. SPORTS VENTZ • Have: Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all-time, lost his best friend in his father. MJ returned to the game he loved and led the Bulls to capture their fourth NBA title (1996) versus the Seattle Sonics. Ironically enough MJ & Company won the championship on Father's Day. Will: Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer of all time, recently lost his best friend in his father. After a 9-tournament layoff he has returned to compete at Winged Foot (Thursday-Sunday) in an attempt to capture his third U.S. Open Title, in order to obtain his goal he too will have to win on Father's Day. • Have: USA Teams have sucked in the past: '04 Men's Basketball team lost, World Baseball Classic team lost, USA, and the Men's Hockey Team lost... Will: The USA World Cup team will lose. • Have: Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat's number one scoring option, scored 42 points in a winning effort in game 3 of the NBA finals. • Will: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks' number one scoring option, will score 40+ points in a winning effort in game 4 of the NBA finals.