Congress cries foul over possible ACC move
WASHINGTON -- Nine U.S. Senators from the home states of the other Big East schools wrote to the leaders of Miami, Boston College and Syracuse on Wednesday in an effort to stop them from bolting to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The senators from West Virginia, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania said the defection would devastate the Big East, erode the progress its schools have made in women's sports and "send a troubling message to student-athletes across America." [more]

Posted by kj at 8:06:59 AM

Tyson: 'I Really Do Want to Rape Her'
Mike Tyson hasn't lost his penchant for saying the outrageous. In a television interview scheduled for broadcast Thursday, Tyson again denied he raped Washington in 1991. But he said the burden of being labeled a convicted rapist makes him want to do it now. "I just hate her guts. She put me in that state, where I don't know," Tyson said. "I really wish I did now. But now I really do want to rape her."

See also In Defense of Iron Mike: What is it that fascinates us about Mike Tyson? The man is obviously in need of psychological help of some kind. Most people needing that kind of help arouse our pity, or, if they’re prone to violence, our contempt. So then what is it that keeps some of us rooting for Mike Tyson?

Posted by kj at 7:14:56 AM

Idiot Sports Writers
Why Kidd Should be MVP: K-Cebo Satashi lashes out at those that would select Tim Duncan over Jason Kidd for league MVP and explains why Kidd is more deserving.

Posted by kj at 12:28:08 AM

Press Clippings
I guess since I haven't checked the referrer logs since August 2002, I never noticed this article by Tom Hoffarth in the L.A. Daily News, published January 26, 2003 Who's in your Internet rolodex?.

Twisted Fans: Lots of stuff that could be funny but sometimes misses the mark. Includes the opportunity to purchase a thong with the phrase "The World's Funniest Athletic Supporters" for $9.99.

Posted by kj at 10:17:54 PM

Is the NBA in favor of whiteys from overseas?
Dan McGraw analyzes the league's international and corporate comfort levels. Euro: New Currency of the NBA

Posted by kj at 4:57:19 PM

Meadowlands Could Make History
No, they haven't unearthed Hoffa's body yet. Rarely in the history of sports has an arena hosted both the NBA finals and Stanley Cup in the same year. The last time it happened was in 1994 when MSG hosted the Rangers (winners) and the Knicks (lost to Houston Rockets in 7) and again in 1980 Philly had both losers. Now guess when an arena had teams that won both championships in the same year? Never. Could the Meadowlands Arena be the new sports mecca? [thanks to damhor for doing the research]

Posted by kj at 7:17:12 AM

JVG on the Spurs Championship Banner
"Every time I come in this arena I want to climb up the rafters and tear that thing down."

Posted by kj at 6:18:24 AM

Iraqi Hoopsters Recall Glory Days
In the postwar scramble for power in Iraq, Munther Ali Shnawa has an unusual agenda. He's fighting to restore the nation's basketball team, once a powerhouse of hoop talent in the Middle East. [wsj]

Posted by kj at 5:58:09 AM

You can't fcuk with Phil Jackson
The effects of moving Shaq into the high post in the triangle offense have been obvious. Return of the living dead in L.A. Hold on, there's more: "Why were there so many offensive fouls called on Shaq down in San Antonio?" the coach asks. "Because the NBA is not going to let Shaq kick Tim Duncan's butt. No sir, the NBA absolutely has a stake in their double-MVP outplaying Shaq. If Shaq destroys Duncan, then the MVP award doesn't count for diddly." And it still doesn't. Kidd deserved it last year (I don't remember Timmy in the finals) and KG deserved it this year (Timmy ain't making it past Shaqfu either).

Posted by kj at 6:09:25 AM

Bob Ryan Suspended One Month for Smack Talk

Sports columnist Bob Ryan was suspended by The Boston Globe for one month without pay after saying on television that the wife of New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd, who was allegedly the victim of domestic abuse, needed someone to "smack her." "Bob Ryan's comments were a clear and egregious violation of the standards of The Boston Globe," Globe editor Martin Baron said in a statement. "Bob has been told in no uncertain terms that his remarks were offensive and unacceptable." The columnist was also barred from appearing on radio or television for one month. Ryan also works for ESPN as a regular panelist on "Around the Horn" and "The Sports Reporters" and is a regular guest on ESPN Radio. Ryan, who has since expressed regret, made the comments Sunday night during a segment on WBZ-TV's Sports Final show. Kidd said Boston fans insulted his wife and 3-year-old son during Game 4 of the 2002 Eastern Conference finals at the FleetCenter. Fans taunted Kidd with chants of "wife beater," referring to 2001 charges that he had struck his wife, Joumana. Kidd eventually agreed to a plea and received six months of court-ordered counseling. The Celtics and Nets began another playoff series on Monday, prompting Ryan and host Bob Lobel to discuss whether Kidd and his family will receive similar treatment when the teams come to Boston for Game 3 on Friday. During the show, Ryan said Kidd should expect taunts from the crowd, then criticized the Kidds for using their son "as a prop" and called Joumana Kidd an "exhibitionist" Then, in a comment that was not picked up clearly on tape, he said: "Oh great. I mean she needs (inaudible) to smack her." At that point, Lobel interrupted, saying, "You can't say that. What's happening here? You know what, I will give you a mulligan on that." Ryan retorted: "I'm not looking for that." Lobel persisted, saying, "You just don't want to smack her. You just don't mean to say that. Really, tell me you don't?" "Why should I say anything different than I said all playoffs last year?" Ryan said. In a statement Tuesday, Ryan apologized to Joumana Kidd for the "inappropriate and offensive remark." "It was, of course, atrocious judgment on my part," he said. "I wish to state clearly that I am aware of the very real problem of violence against women in our society, and that in no way is it a joking matter." Nets players and coaches called for Ryan's dismissal. Speaking during practice Tuesday, New Jersey coach Byron Scott said Ryan "should be out of a job." "Just tell him to come right in here and he can say that in front of me and Jason and some of our players," he told reporters. "He'll see how well he'll be received." Kidd called the comments "unfortunate" and said his wife "felt sorry if she offended (Ryan) in any way." [ESPN.com news services]

Hey Bob, guess what -- BOSTON SUCKS!

Posted by kj at 9:49:33 PM

Quote from Don Nelson on the Kings' blowout of the Mavericks:
"The bottom line is we have to play better and they have to play worse."

Posted by kj at 8:56:27 PM

The Mavericks' Baseline Jumper -- Cuban's New Target Is Other Owners
",,,immensely proactive owner has a new enemy in his campaign against hostile calls..it is his peers, those apathetic, silent owners of other NBA teams..."When I got to the league, everyone told me to be seen and not heard, Now they're writing things like the Maloof brothers and Howard Shultz have a model." [NYT]


Posted by kj at 7:36:10 AM

The Bet
between K-Cebo and C. Maroussi for $96 is to determine who the better player is, Carmelo Anthony or Lebron James, as of May 4, 2008. An independent arbitrator has been assigned to make the determination.

Posted by kj at 8:46:33 PM

Moment in time that shook the tennis world
« Before I begin my testimony, I want to say that I am a great fan of Steffi Graf. I follow her entire career with great interest. I have, for example, been sending her money every birthday since the borders were opened... Then, in 1990, Steffi Graf lost to Monica Seles in the German Open. My world collapsed around me. I could not bear the thought of someone beating Steffi Graf. Although she had not lost her No 1 seeding at that time, it affected me so much that I even considered suicide.

In 1991, or 1992 at the latest, it was old news. I had then definitely decided to injure Monica Seles in such a way that she would no longer be able to play tennis, or at least for a while. At no time did I intend to kill her. I did not even want to cause her a serious injury... For me, Steffi is the top woman. Her eyes sparkle like diamonds. She is an absolute dream woman. I really want to emphasise that; it comes straight from the heart. »

“Moment in time that shook the tennis world” by Owen Slot from the London Times. [via World New York]

Posted by kj at 5:45:13 AM