Sports Talk Featuring Durty Bo Dean

Earlier today, I got to talk sports with one of the rising stars in Hip Hop and Rap. And I thought, "Who better to shed some light on Crimson Tide football, than the Alabama Outlaw...Durty Bo Dean?" Here's a brief Q & A session.

Rob: Durty, the Crimson Tide appear headed toward another run at the BCS Championship. But, can Alabama roll through the SEC again? And, who will be the Tide's toughest contenders in the conference?

Durty Bo Dean: Oh yeah, I feel even though Florida lost alot of their top players to the draft, that they are still our toughest challenge in the SEC.

Rob: I agree. The Tide will probably face 'em twice. Once on October 2nd in Tuscaloosa and again in December for the SEC title. Your squad looks strong, as Heisman trophy winner, Mark Ingram returns to the Alabama backfield. So does the talented Trent Richardson. This tandem combined to rush for over 2,400 yards and 25 tds in 2009. Does Alabama have the nation's best running back combination?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel with the combination of speed and power that we do have the best RB combination in the SEC, if not the NCAA. I think Richardson will have a breakout season this year.

Rob: That's a good point. The Tide's opposition will be fired up to shut Ingram down. But, Pensacola's Trent Richardson will be a change of pace back, that causes all kinds of issues for opposing defenses. Let's talk about Julio Jones for a minute. In 2009, he only caught 43 passes for 596 yards and 4 scrawny tds. But, senior QB Greg McElroy "Put on a Show" in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. As a result of his maturation, will offensive coordinator, Jim McElwain take more shots to #8 down field in 2010?

Durty Bo Dean: Yeah, alot of people don't know that Jones was injured through half of the season. I think he will come back with something to prove. McElroy definitely proved himself during that Florida game. I think Jim McElwain will definitely open up the offense in 2010.

Rob: That could be scary for Alabama's opponents. Entering his 4th season in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban has posted a 33-8 record, including a BCS title. And, that's after inheriting a program that nearly passed out under Mike Shula. Is it too early to compare his legacy to that of the legendary coach, Bear Bryant?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel it's a lil' too early. I respect Saban for bringing that power football and defensive intensity back to Alabama, though. I still wanna be sure he's in it for the long haul.

Rob: Well said. Any detractor of Saban's mentions his history of moving on to "greener pastures." In the interest of the SEC, I hope he remains at Alabama for many more years. Moving on, the Georgia Bulldogs decided to "Black Out" the Crimson Tide in 2008. The plan backfired, as Mark Richt's squad went into the half, stunned by a 30 point deficit. What do you think about coaches employing such tactics to motivate their players and fans?

Durty Bo Dean: LOL. I don't think those type of tricks are gonna work against the Tide. Saban has his players too disciplined to fall for that. The best thing for the competition to do is play hard nosed, straight up football, cause we don't back down!

Rob: Alabama is always strong in the trenches. But, former Tide DT Terence Cody is preparing for his rookie season in the NFL. Will Kirby Smart's defense miss his presence in the middle?

Durty Bo Dean: I think we will definitely miss "Mt. Cody." He and Melsin were a very important piece of our championship run. But, Smart and Saban are always prepared and we have alot of talent ready to fill the void.

Rob: I think I know the answer to this question, but I gotta ask it anyway. Will we ever see you rockin' an Auburn Tigers cap in one of your videos? And, what do you dislike most about Alabama's in-state rival?

Durty Bo Dean: Never. I think it's a very good rivalry that does alot for the state of Alabama. No further comment on the Tigers.

Rob: Former Tennessee head coach, Lane Kiffin is facing some serious sanctions at USC. What are your thoughts on the situation?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I feel that karma is real and he kinda got what he deserved for bailing on Tennessee. Like that, Alabama went through similar sanctions and we bounced back. So, USC just has to build from the situation and take a closer look at their players and staff.

Rob: Well said. Moving on, some of my heroes growing up were Tim Worley, Dominique Wilkins, and Hank Aaron. What athletes did you look up to and who do you admire today?

Durty Bo Dean: Michael Jordan, Emmitt Smith, and Ken Griffey Jr. to name a few. Alot of my heroes were family members who helped raise me. But, sports taught me friendship and teamwork.

Rob: Speaking of MJ, he and I both had alot to say about LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland. We were both critical of his move to South Beach. But, I wonder if we were a bit unfair. What are your thoughts?

Durty Bo Dean: I have mixed feelings. I agree with Jordan and Bird by saying they would never join up, because they wanted to defeat each other. But, it's a different era and I don't think LeBron would have won a ring in Cleveland.

Rob: You're probably right about Cleveland. That city seems to be cursed in the world of sports. Let's get back to football for a minute. What's on your tailgate menu?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I gotta have some St. Louis style ribs, barbecue shrimp, and a couple of Coronas to wash it all down.

Rob: Sounds good. Whenever you're ready to fire up the grill, let me know. Aside from music and college football, what are some of your other interests?

Durty Bo Dean: Pretty much livin' my life to the fullest, being a good father to my daughter, and trying to see a million dollars before I'm 40 years old.

Rob: Thanks for your time, Durty. I know you're very busy right now. You've got a CD in the works and some promotional opportunities on the horizon. Would you like to share some details with the readers and how can they support Durty Bo Dean?

Durty Bo Dean: Yea I'm wrapping up my album titled "Theme Music" due to release this month. I have a couple of shows booked in Florida to promote the album. For more details, you can go to www.durtybodean.com or just google me.

Rob: Ya'll heard the man. Check him out. You won't regret it.

Fading Braves

It's been a long time, since I've mentioned the Atlanta Braves on this blog. Well, there's a reason. Although I was less than thrilled with the start to their season, I chose to shut up and give 'em some space. Coincidence or not, they caught fire during my self imposed MLB silence and built an 8 game lead in the NL East. But, my Bravos are having issues again. So, maybe it's time to "un-jinx" 'em one more time. Here's the deal...

Atlanta has struggled mightily over the last few weeks. Clutch hits have become non-existent, as the Braves continue to squander away the efforts of a solid pitching staff. First baseman Troy Glaus carried this team, with a Herculean bat in June. Unfortunately, he's starting to portray an image of Superman choking on a kryptonite laced buffet. It's ugly. So dang ugly, that the bat of Glaus has become a .130 (batting average) sized toothpick, with a whittled down slugging percentage of .174 and 3 scrawny hits during his last six games.

Meanwhile, the dastardly Phillies have added ace, Roy Oswalt, to their already solid pitching rotation. After a hard fought victory over the annoying Gnats in Washington, Philadelphia sits just 2.5 games back of Atlanta. It seems like just the other day, the Braves were cruising toward a NL East title. But, it's a long season and a lot has changed, quite rapidly within the division.

Don't get me wrong. It ain't time to panic in Atlanta. But, the recent acquisitions of outfielder Rick Ankiel and RP Kyle Farnsworth will provide little more than a laugh track for Braves opposition. All Star 2B, Martin Prado, is gimpy (day to day) and Atlanta is in dire need of an offensive MVP. Somebody will step up. That's how the script is 'sposed to read, ain't it? I just wonder, who will it be?

Next up for Atlanta is a much needed return to the friendly confines of Turner Field. On Monday night, the Braves will face the meaningless NY Mets at 7:10 ET on ESPN.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.