Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Lorenzen Wright

Just wanted to spend a few moments, writing about one of my favorite Atlanta Hawks. He wasn't an All Star, an MVP, or a Hall of Fame player. But, Lorenzen Wright was a man whose smile transcended through the TV. There was something very charismatic and endearing about this man. Although I never met him, I wished to see him succeed. His energy, emotions, and hustle on the court were characteristics I admired most in an athlete.

Sekou Smith, formerly of the AJC, wrote an article on February 11, 2008 that showcased the prankster side of Lorenzen Wright. Click on the title of this post, to read Smith's column.

During his 13 year career in the NBA, the Tennessee native averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He scored over 6,000 points and blocked 572 shots. As a fan of Lorenzen Wright, I'm saddened to hear of his passing.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Open Mike...Clever or Classless?

Not long after shamelessly slandering the University of Georgia's football program, Orlando Sentinel columnist, Mike Bianchi, continues to throw daggers at the SEC. Here's what he had to say about the Crimson Tide:

"In Alabama, cheating is as much a part of the football lore as the houndstooth cap worn by Bear Bryant and that purty dress worn by Mike DuBose's secretary...Roll Tide? Alabama's rallying cry should be, "We Lied!'"

Bianchi continues throwing stones, stating, "And maybe too, Alabama should get rid of its elephant mascot and replace it with a pig. What better animal to symbolize the dirtiest, stinkiest program in recent NCAA history."

After reading his latest ramblings, I realize that Bianchi is desperate for hits on his site. So desperate, in fact, that he's resorted to playing the heel card. In a twisted way, the concept kinda makes sense. Controversy generates interest and this dude is banking on the fact that he can get under your skin. He may be an idiot, but Bianchi is at least one on a mission.

Since I'm extremely bored at the moment, I've added a link to Bianchi's Bama bashing article. Click on the title of this post to check it out.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Columnist dogs Georgia

If you're not reading Bill King's Junkyard Blawg on AJC.com, you outta be. I often start my day, by reading his thoughts on the SEC. And on this day, I got a bit riled up after reading the ignorant words of the Orlando Sentinel's Mike Bianchi via King.

In summary, Bianchi calls UGA the most overrated program in the history of college football. Quite naturally, I take issue with that. Yes, there are times when I view the world through Red and Black tinted glasses. That's how I was raised and that's how I'm proud to be. But, Bianchi is way off base in his comparison of UGA to South Carolina. This disrespectful dig at the Dawgs, is nothing more than a lame azz attempt to generate interest in his Floridian flavored column. Where's the journalism in that?

We live in a world of media sensationalism, where insults become motivation and inspiration comes from unlikely places. So, this UGA fan would like to thank Mr. Bianchi for his bulletin board material. Every Dawg on Mark Richt's roster will read his "article." As a matter of fact, it's probably been framed already in the Butts-Mehre Building on campus. And, Bianchi just gave Georgia an additional reason to dig deep and knock that Gator sized chip off their shoulder.

Click on the title of this post to view Bill King's latest article. It's definitely worth reading.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Drunkyard Dawgs

To say this has been an embarrassing off season at UGA, is being rather kind. To be honest, we've seen some crazy things. A talented QB got booted for his troubles, an A.D. resigned, and numerous other athletes have been busted for alcohol related charges. I read an excellent article by Bill King of the AJC a few days ago. To sum it up, he basically said people ain't dumber than they used to be. We simply live in an Internet society, where college athletes live under the watchful eyes of "big brother."

We've all made less than wise decisions in our lives. But, most of us ain't on a roster. So, our transgressions can easily go unnoticed. The constant scrutiny these players face makes me thank God I can't run a 4.3 40. I don't condone their actions, but I don't condemn them for 'em, either. It ain't my place to judge.

Go Dawgs!

Click on the title of this post, to read Mr. King's words.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

A New Kingdom

Earlier, I posted an article about Cleveland's loss of LeBron James. Well, if you're interested in reading the flip side, click on the title of this post. I've already said my peace on the situation, so I'll defer you to Michael Wallace of the Miami Herald.

Go Cavs!

LeBron Goes to South Beach

Cleveland Cavaliers fans just got crushed by the decision of LeBron James. The Akron, Ohio native just kicked his hometown in the gut and bolted for South Beach. Although his Cavs were among the NBA elite, James couldn't resist "the urge to play basketball alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh." LeBron told ESPN, "I never wanted to leave Cleveland...This is a very emotional time for me..."

I hear that, and I call bullsh#t. It appears to me as if LeBron is just chasing rings. Chris Bosh signs with Miami. Dwyane Wade re-ups with the squad. So, James leaves a very successful Cavaliers team in hopes of joining a mega squad in Miami.

To be honest, I don't blame Cleveland fans for burning James jerseys. Dude says he "feels awful that he wasn't able to bring a championship to that town." So, why did he betray Cleveland by deciding to leave?

Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer has some interesting insight on the topic. To read his words, click on the title of this post.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Damon Evans Apologizes

If anybody cares to hear the apology Damon Evans issued today...You can. It's brought to you courtesy of Fox5Atlanta.com. Click on the title of this "post" to view the link.

Do as Evans says, NOT as he does

After his arrest for an alleged DUI, UGA athletics director Damon Evans, said he hopes to keep his job. As a lifelong Georgia fan, I hope he doesn't. Don't get me wrong. I believe in second chances and forgiveness. But, I also find it very difficult to look past the shame Evans just brought upon his alma mater. This once proud proponent of the state of Georgia's "zero tolerance" policy demands high standards from student athletes. Cited as "violation of team rules," Mark Richt has tossed quite a few kids off his team, for making "mistakes" similar to this. Damon Evans supported the decision, every single time. And, that's what a good athletics director should do.

But, this is a recently arrested A.D. we're talking about. The mugshot alone vastly diminishes any respectability Evans once owned. If he's allowed to retain his position at the school, I'll just have to wonder... Why should student athletes be held to a higher standard than the man who oversees the entire athletics department at the University of Georgia? That makes zero sense to me.

Evans is quoted in the AJC as saying, "My behavior, my actions, were not indicative of what we teach our student-athletes at the University of Georgia." Heck no, it ain't. Heaven forbid a football or basketball player find himself in the same situation. Dude would either be suspended or in desperate need of a transfer. Evans should be held accountable in the same manner as any "immature" athlete or university employee who runs afoul of the law. Actually, he should be held accountable to a higher degree of excellence. As athletics director at UGA, Evans sets the tone for anyone clothed in Red and Black. There is no excuse for the disgrace he just brought upon the University of Georgia. Damon is a man. He's 40. Shouldn't he provide better representation for the university whose standards he bares?

Although his apology resonated with somber words of remorse, Evans is no greater than the athletes UGA has dismissed for similar actions. And, he should not be granted any form of hypocritical immunity for his "unlawful" transgressions. Georgia's President, Michael Adams, has yet to make a decision on Evans' future at the school. As quoted in the AJC, Adams will "reserve further action pending a full review by staff and legal counsel." The President Dawg goes on to say that Evans is a man of integrity. Well, if that was the case, Damon Evans would have resigned his post tonight. He failed to do so. Evans claims to be "ashamed and embarrassed" by his actions." To be honest, I'm ashamed and embarrassed that he still represents the University of Georgia. Sorry to be blunt, but that's how I feel!

Click on the title of this post to hear Damon Evans' PSA on DUI prevention.