AEG In Talks To Move NFL & NBA Drafts To L.A

Two of my favorite events of the year might be moving out west. AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke said yesterday that the company is in talks to move the NFL and NBA drafts from New York to Los Angeles. According to Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg News, AEG will also be very aggressive in bidding for a Super Bowl in L.A., which has not had an NFL team since '94.

Leiweke said that "It’s critical we get the NFL back. If doing a Super Bowl or doing the draft ultimately helps bring the NFL back to L.A., then it takes on an even greater importance than just the event itself.”

AEG owns the Staples Center so that is the logical choice for host venue of the two drafts. Currently, the NFL draft is held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, but its contract expires next year. The NBA draft is held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, also owned by Cablevision.

This would be a huge move for both leagues as the NFL draft has been held in New York since 1965 and the NBA draft has been held there since 2001.

Beckham Using The Wrong Phone?

AC Milan MF and Motorola global brand ambassador David Beckham has landed himself in hot water after pictures appeared showing him using an Apple iPhone. Last month, we featured Motorola's new campaign featuring Beckham as a half-human and half-robot "Terminator" character and the $3,800 Aura phone.

Beckham has been the face of Motorola since 2006, signing a multi-million dollar agreement including global advertising appearances.

BrandRepublic.com broke the iPhone story after Italian paparazzi caught Beckham "red handed while he dined alone in Milan yesterday, busying himself with an Apple iPhone, before sheepishly hiding it under the table."

Interesting move for the Motorola endorsee Beckham. I guess contracts don't matter when a huge star needs the best possible service from a product. That is like LeBron James hydrating with Gatorade over VitaminWater.

Boldin To Become Eli's #1?

On Tuesday, we wrote about Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin firing super agent Drew Rosenhaus but there is now a new twist to the story. The word is that Boldin will sign with Tom Condon of CAA Sports and the star receiver might become Eli Manning's new favorite target in New York.

Although Boldin hasn't officially hired a new agent, The New York Post reports that Condon is the expected choice. Under NFLPA rules, a player must wait five days after firing his agent before hiring a new one. Condon will become Boldin's fourth different agent since he was drafted in 2003.

According to the Arizona Republic, Boldin is still sitting out Cardinals team activities while trying to negotiate a new contract or orchestrate a trade. Although the G-Men drafted WRs Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden (my favorite NFL Rookie dancer), they still feel as if Boldin would be the perfect replacement for Plaxico Burress.

Boldin hasn't been satisfied with his Cardinals contract for over a year and is still owed $5.75 million over the next two seasons. Rosenhaus was unable to secure a new deal or a trade this past year and Boldin remains unhappy with his current situation. The Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald definitely need #81 back in Arizona, but when the receiver signs Condon expect a move to be made.

DeJuan Blair Sheds Major Poundage

While the main attractions for scouts at the NBA's Pre-Draft camp this week are top big men prospects Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet and Jordan Hill, Pittsburgh C DeJuan Blair made the biggest impact by simply stepping on the scale. The big-boned 1st team All-American weighed in at a svelte 275 lbs at the opening day physical yesterday. Although that might seem like a lot for a 6' 6" center, Blair has shed 40 lbs. since he began training at IMG Academy four weeks ago.

How does one lose that much weight in such a short period of time? The Big East Co-Player of the Year hired a nutritionist and is religious about his strict high-protein, low-carb diet. The most impressive figure is that Blair was 289 lbs. three days ago when he worked out for Phoenix. Losing 14 lbs. in three days doesn't seem possible, but neither does averaging 15.7 points and 12.3 rebounds as a very undersized center in the big man dominated Big East.

Sporting News' Sean Deveney talked poundage with Blair at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Chicago. “I haven’t been this slim since the 10th grade. I blew up, but now I am back down. I like where I am. Trust me, I am not going to blow up again.”

After the top three big men (Griffin, Thabeet, Hill) are selected there is quite a drop-off with inside players and despite his size, Blair will be selected in the mid to late 1st round. His 7' 2" wingspan and insane rebounding prowess should make scouts look past his height. All scouts have to do is turn on game tape of Blair's February match up with the 7' 3" Thabeet. Blair dominated the massive UConn center, pouring in 22 points and 23 rebounds to Thabeet's 5 points and 4 rebounds.

Whichever team drafts Blair is going to get a hard-working inside force for years to come. He will remind NBA fans of Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason in stature, rebounding and attitude.

Did D.Rose Cheat on SAT?

Although John Calipari has moved on to coach Kentucky, his impact is still being felt at Memphis. The NCAA is accusing the Tigers of major violations during the 2007-08 season while Calipari was coach. Memphis Commercial Appeal obtained NCAA documents that charge a Memphis recruit of "knowing fraudulence or misconduct in connection with his entrance examination."

This player played for Memphis during the 2007-08 season and only that season, which included the team's trip to the Final Four. The only Tiger that fits the description is NBA Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, "If proven to be true, the Tigers could be forced to forfeit their NCAA-record 38 victories and Final Four appearance."

The NCAA alleged the prospective player became eligible after an "unknown individual" completed his SAT. The player, said the NCAA, "subsequently competed for the men's basketball team through the 2007-08 season, which included his participation in the 2008 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship."

Calipari, who left Memphis for Kentucky on March 31, is not named in the report, but the NCAA has requested his presence at the hearing. Memphis is expected to appear before the NCAA Committee on Infractions June 6. The NCAA also alleged that Memphis permitted an "associate" of a player to travel with the team to some road games for free, an extra benefit that would amount to $2,260.

Although Calipari and Rose no longer have direct connections to Memphis, they should still face punishment. Whatever NCAA sanctions are placed upon Memphis should also include Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats.

You can read the NCAA's letter to the University of Memphis here

The Future of NFL Touchdown Dances

A few weeks ago, the top NFL Draft picks showed off their new jerseys at the LA Coliseum for Upper Deck's 2009 NFL Rookie Premiere Photo Shoot. To make things more interesting, Upper Deck hosted a Touchdown Dance Challenge with the winner taking home an autographed Michael Jordan jersey. A prize like that would get even the stiffest of personalities (ie. Stafford) on the dance floor. NY Giants WR Ramses Barden and San Francisco 49ers QB Nate Davis are my two personal favorites but check out the video below for some TD dance highlights.

(via Game On!)

Odom's Sweet Tooth Holding Him Back?

Lamar Odom's lackluster play the last month is one the main reasons the Lakers find themselves tied 2-2 with Denver heading into Game 5 this evening. The versatile 6' 10" forward is averaging just 7 points and 5 rebounds per game this series, while Nuggets big men Kenyon Martin, Nene and Chris Andersen own the paint. The athletic and lanky Odom should be a mismatch for Denver but has been more of an anomaly for the Lakeshow during the playoffs.

LA Times' Ted Green said it best when he described LO as "the single most frustrating and enigmatic performer the team has ever had. His victory in that department is so overwhelming, no one is in the conversation for second place. But should we be surprised? He's made a career of this. Exciting one night, exasperating the next."

So what could be holding Odom back during these playoffs? It might be the fact that he spends most of his $14million salary on candy (munchies?) and probably is fighting off constant sugar crashes during games. Can't Gary Vitti fix Odom up before he enters the game?

Odom's backseat candy display reminds me so much of Randy Wagstaff selling candy to his classmates in season 4 of The Wire. Check out this ESPN profile on Odom's sweet tooth. Nice find EddieHollywood!

Did LeBron Lie About Beverage Of Choice?

During Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, TNT's Craig Sager noted that LeBron James suffered from dehydration at the end of Game 1 and "to make sure everything went well, the ballboys had three bottles of fluids for his pregame ritual" prior to Game 2.

Before Game 2, James drank those three bottles "within two-and-a-half minutes" and TNT showed footage of #23 shooting with Gatorade bottles in the foreground and later aired video of James drinking a Gatorade without the label. The only problem is that James has a deal with VitaminWater and prior the Game Two, the NBA MVP said, "I never drink Gatorade. Just Vitaminwater." Cleveland's training staff must have served him these beverages as Gatorade is still the best hydrating sports drink on the market. The brand should be able to use the LeBron footage as proof to why regardless of advertising or athlete endorsements, they are still the most trusted drink in sports.

Throughout these playoffs, VitaminWater has inspired fans to debate whether LeBron or Kobe is the better player. However with Cleveland now down 3-1 and Los Angeles tied 2-2, the brand might be faced with a NBA Finals without both stars. The company has spent a ton of money on TV and online ads featuring James and Bryant the last month, but CNBC's Darren Rovell explores how the brand might be preparing for a Orlando-Denver Finals. Thankfully for the brand, Dwight Howard and Chauncey Billups are both VitaminWater assets. "If it's Magic-Nuggets, expect the folks at Vitaminwater to utilize both Howard and Billups in some sort of spot."

Jordan Featured in New Chicago Olympic Spot

Chicago 2016 today announced that two new PSAs featuring Michael Jordan will begin running this week on area TV stations in support of the city's 2016 Olympic Games bid. MJ joins famous Chicagoans such as President Barack Obama in the Olympic bid support.

In two 30-second public service announcements sent to local television stations today, Jordan talks about the paralympic games and reflects on his own time as a Chicago Bull and what it meant to be on the Olympic basketball team. Both ads close with graphics that flash: “Back the bid. Chicago2016.org,” with Jordan proclaiming Chicago’s bid slogan: "Let Friendship Shine."

Chicago is one of four finalist cities for the 2016 summer games, along with Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo and the International Olympic committee will vote for the winning city Oct. 2

Messi to Star on World's Biggest Soccer Stage

What a monumental week for FC Barcelona MF Lionel Messi. Not only is the 21-year-old Argentinian soccer star on the cover of ESPN the Magazine, but he is playing in "the most important game of his life" today in the UEFA Champions League Final vs. Manchester United. The 5' 6" Messi is after revenge for last year's semi-final defeat by the eventual champions ManU, but he is also facing their star forward Cristiano Ronaldo in a battle for the title of "world's best soccer player."

The amazing ESPN the Magazine cover story details Messi's upbringing as an undersized soccer phenom, his unique playing style and the pressure of filling the shoes of legendary countryman Diego Maradona.

Not only does Messi have Spain and Argentina behind him today, but adidas has put their soccer future in the hands (feet actually) of Lionel. In celebration of the UEFA Champions League Final, adidas is launching a soccer campaign called “Every Team Needs - The Spark” with Messi front and center. On his feet today are soccer's most technologically innovative boot, the F50i. The cleat combines design elements with a new technology called SprintSkin to enhance Messi's performance while providing a perfect fit.

In conjunction with the campaign and boot launch today, adidas has released a graphic-novel type video series starring Messi as ‘The Spark’ and introduces soccer legend Zinedine Zidane as a mysterious storyteller. Zidane travels to Buenos Aires in search of the young footballer, Messi and to discover his mystical beginnings. The videos live on adidas.com/football and the site also features diary entries from Zidane, interviews and exclusive Champions League footage that showcases Messi’s unmatched talent.

Messi told The Sun, "We're the best team in Europe in an open game and this will give us the advantage. If they (ManU) come out to play it will be a beautiful game - and I hope it will benefit us.

Today's UEFA Champions League Final (11:30 am PST on ESPN) is regarded as a "dream final" and will be a classic match up between perennial powers, Manchester United and FC Barcelona. Expect Lionel Messi to step up to the challenge, perform at the highest level on the world's biggest soccer stage and lead Barcelona to victory. After today, there will be no doubt that Messi is indeed the world's greatest soccer player.

Big Day for Boston's Famous Knees

The two most precious knees in Boston’s sports world both had newsworthy days on Tuesday. New England Patriots QB Tom Brady practiced with the team for the first time since suffering a season-ending left knee injury and Boston Celtics F Kevin Garnett underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs in his right knee.

Day 1 of team OTA's was Brady's first action since tearing up his knee on opening day vs. Kansas City. Ironically, the Pats traded Brady's very capable backup Matt Cassell to the Chiefs so the only relief behind Brady is 2008 third-round draft pick Kevin O'Connell. The club is confident that #12 will open up the 2009 season behind center vs. the Buffalo Bills but expect them to sign a veteran QB just in case Brady goes down again. I wonder what kind of shape Vinny Testaverde is in right now.

In the cover story of this week's Sports Illustrated, Brady said he has no pain or restrictions in his movement when he runs and cuts. He is “as confident as anyone could be that I'll be ready to play, back to playing normally, when the season starts. I've done everything I could to push myself, sometimes too hard. Right now, I'm doing everything. Literally everything. There's nothing I can't do."

While Brady has finally returned to the field, the Celtics' KG is just beginning his own recovery process. After being forced to sit and watch his team's disappointing 2nd round playoff exit, Boston's emotional leader finally went under the knife. He originally hurt his knee Feb. 19 against the Utah Jazz, missing the next 13 games, returning for four and re-aggravating the injury. Although Boston announced he was shelved for the season, basketball fans were hoping for a Willis Reed-like return. However, the 33-year-old didn't get out of his fine Italian suites during the playoffs.

Garnett is expected to be out 6-8 weeks but will be 100% in time for training camp. The real question is whether KG will ever be the same player. Celtics coach Doc Rivers said in a statement today, "I expect Kevin to return to active duty in full force and be that consummate two-way professional that he has shown all of us throughout his fantastic NBA career."

The C's seem to be losing their grip on the Eastern Conference as Cleveland, Orlando, Miami and Atlanta are young and poised to dominate for years to come. Signing Big Baby Davis will be priority this offseason, but the team needs to insure they clear cap space for when Rajon Rondo becomes a free agent next summer. It will be interesting to see if Danny Ainge can bring Boston back to championship level again.

Good News, Bad News for Rosenhaus

It has been an interesting day for NFL agent Drew Rosenhaus. He has been re-hired by "rehabbed" Saints TE Jeremy Shockey but has been fired by Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin. The Shockey move was expected after he fired Rosenhaus back in April, but the Boldin news is a big blow to Rosenhaus Sports.

Ever since the Cardinals signed fellow WR Larry Fitzgerald to a four-year, $40 million extension last year, Rosenhaus has been trying to get his client paid or traded. Boldin has been unhappy with his contract situation for more than a year now and negotiations and trade talks have recently stalled. It looked as if the WR would be traded around the NFL Draft but after no change of address or increase in salary, Boldin has decided to change representation.

In an email statement that he also posted on his Twitter page, Rosenhaus said, “We are pleased to announce today that we have re-signed Jeremy Shockey. Regarding Anquan Boldin, let me say that I have great respect for him. I’m hopeful that we can work things out and he will return to the Rosenhaus Sports family in the near future. We are proud to continue to represent his brother D.J. Boldin.

Under NFLPA rules, a player must wait five days after firing his agent before hiring a new one however the word is that Boldin has been speaking with other agents the last few weeks. Apparently he has chatted with Kennard McGuire, CAA agents Tom Condon and Ben Dogra, and two of Fitzgerald's agents, Eugene Parker and Paul Lawrence.

Every offseason, Rosenhaus attracts veteran clients looking for big free agent deals, but with Boldin moving to another agency and surely getting a ton of money, the Rosenhaus brand will be tarnished. One of his star clients had been unhappy with his contract situation for more than a year and Rosenhaus couldn't get anything done. Rival agents will surely use this situation as a case study in future client recruiting.

Mr. T Pities The Pirates

After throwing out the ceremonial first pitch yesterday rocking some amazing American flag pants, Mr. T performed a classic version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch of the Chicago Cubs-Pittsburgh Pirates game.

Check out the highlights and ESPN's Mike Wilbon and Neil Everett offering insight on Clubber Lang's day at Wrigley.

Canseco Chokes in MMA Debut

Former baseballer Jose Canseco lasted 1 minute, 17 seconds in his Mixed Martial Arts debut in Japan this morning. The 44-year-old former AL MVP entered the ring carrying a baseball bat to the tune of "Wild Thing" and was quickly KO'd by 7' 2" 330 lb. South Korean super heavyweight Hong Man Choi. Canseco injured his knee running away from his Choi and ultimately was knocked out. For a detailed fight recap check out Yahoo! Sports' Cagewriter or watch the quick video below.

(via First Cuts)

NBA Playoff Ads "Evolve"

Although the NBA Finals don’t start until June 4th, ESPN and ABC have already announced their marketing campaign called “Evolution.” The TV, radio, print and internet program was developed by ESPN, the NBA and the league’s ad agency, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners of San Francisco and is an extension of the “Where Will Amazing Happen This Year?” campaign.

The main component is the below photo spread of seven NBA greats in various stages of dunking from past Finals appearances (includes Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett). The ad will run in ESPN the Magazine and as an interactive banner starting June 1st on ESPN.com and other sports sites. Fans will be able to click on each player to hear audio from each specific NBA Finals game. These print and online ads are in conjunction with the two new “Amazing” TV sports that we featured on Wednesday.

The NBA is on fire with their playoffs ads and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners has done an awesome job linking past NBA greats and unforgettable playoff moments to the current generation of players and fans.

(via NYSportsJournalism.com)

Seven-Time NBA Champ Can't Find His Rings

In a time when former athletes are frequently selling championship rings to get themselves out of debt, seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry is faced with another dilemma. The 6' 10" sharp-shooting forward can't seem to find any of his rings (three with Lakers, two each with Rockets and Spurs).

Dime Magazine reports that following a video conference today with NBA greats Robert Horry, Dominique Wilkins and Bernard King to promote the NBA's most amazing playoff moments, Horry admitted that he doesn’t know the exact whereabouts of his seven championship rings.

“Honestly, I don’t know where they are right now! I just moved, so I think that they’re in a box somewhere in my house. The movers weren’t supposed to touch it, but they did. I used to keep them in a jewelry box in my bathroom, but I think that they’re in the house somewhere.”

Horry is one of nine players to have won seven or more NBA championships (the only player who didn't play on the 1960s Celtic squads). He is also one of two players to win rings with three different teams (John Salley).

On the NBA video conference, Horry detailed the buzzer beater he hit as a Laker in the '02 Western Conference Finals vs. Sacramento but said that the '94-'95 championship run with the Rockets carries the greatest significance. “We were a six-seed, but we did some remarkable things that year and in the Finals we beat America’s team. We called the Magic that because they were on TV just about every day.”

If he could find his rings, that would be the one that he’d wear. Let's just hope Horry doesn't go broke anytime soon.

Swisher's Secret to Success

The New York Yankees feature a collection of big names and high priced stars, however their most versatile and perhaps most valuable ballplayer is utilityman Nick Swisher. While his teammates endorse everything from deodorant and watches to credit cards and sneakers, the 28-year old Swisher only has one product endorsement, Broughton Dairy's chocolate milk.

Nando Di Fino of Wall Street Journal reports that the Ohio-based company approached local boy Swisher this offseason with an opportunity that was too good to pass up. Swisher's only request? That they keep the white milk far away. "I can't stand white milk, but I grew up on chocolate milk. I can drink chocolate milk all day." Chocolate milk's versatility mirrors that of Swisher's game. One can enjoy the delicious beverage with a juicy burger or as a stand alone dessert. Swisher has played 1B, OF, DH and even pitched a scoreless for the Yankees this season.

Unfortunately, chocolate milk has received some negative publicity in the sports world the past few years. In 2007, University of Washington football coach substituted water and Gatorade for cartons of chocolate milk and it didn't turn out so well. He required all players to enjoy the dessert beverage after practice, however the Huskies finished the season 4-9 and Willingham was ultimately fired last October.

Last spring, basketball media constantly noted that former UCLA Bruin Kevin Love lost 15 lbs. by removing chocolate milk from his diet. The 6' 10" forward went cold turkey on his dessert drink obsession and the Memphis Grizzlies selected the svelt Love with the #5 pick.

Hopefully Nick Swisher's chocolate milk endorsement and productive season will put the dessert beverage back on the map in the sports world.

Sanchez's GQ Bonus

Jets QB Mark Sanchez got a big bonus from his racy GQ photo shoot, a new lady friend. According to the New York Post, Sanchez is now dating Hilary Rhoda, the Estee Lauder model who poses with him in the magazine's June issue. "They met on the shoot three months ago and started dating. There was instant chemistry," says a source. Adds another: "Everyone in her crew is buzzing about their relationship."

This should worry Trojan and Jet fans as Sanchez looks to be going down the same path as Cardinals QB Matt Leinart. If 6 really wants to be QB1 for the Jets in '09, he needs to get his head in the playbook and tone down his extra curricular activities.

Cavs Could Use Some Kryptonite

In case you were like me and somehow missed the classic Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals last night, the first time Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard touched the ball he made his Superman presence felt. The 6' 11" 265 lb. center channeled his inner-Shaq and knocked down the 24-second shot clock with a powerful dunk. The game was delayed 8 minutes as stadium staff attempted to fix the clock, but had to use baseline portable units until halftime. Howard finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in the 4th quarter of the 107-106 victory.


Although LeBron James finished with 49 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 1 leg cramp, the Sports Illustrated cover jinx might have struck again. The MVP appears on this week's issue which hit newstands yesterday.

Fans Can Buy NBA Playoff Games on iTunes

The NBA and Apple have revived a deal that will put playoff games for sale on iTunes. The original partnership was made for the '06 NBA Playoffs but it was not renewed the following year.

Eric Fisher of Sports Business Journal reports the current contract calls for the sale of single games from the conference finals and NBA Finals for $1.99 within 24 hours of each game’s conclusion. The deal also offers numerous package deals centered on entire playoff rounds, the All-Star Game in Phoenix, and a package of memorable games from the regular season.

The NBA currently has the two most popular free sports applications for the iPhone and iTouch in the iTunes App Store. NBA Game Time and the video companion application NBA Playoff Highlights have been downloaded over 500,000 times.

NBA To Release Most "Amazing" TV Spots for Finals

Although the Conference Finals just started last night, I couldn't wait to post the NBA's next "Where Amazing Happens" commercials. The two new 30-second TV spots won't air until the Finals and NESW Sports posted the early look today. The commercials feature Julius Erving's reverse layup against the Lakers in Game 4 of the '80 Finals and Magic Johnson's game winning hook shot against the Celtics in Game 4 of the '87 Finals.

The spots use CGI technology to recreate these two historic moments in NBA Finals history and begin with empty stadiums and continue with fans, players and audio from the original broadcast.

The NBA is on fire with these "Amazing" commercials.

(via NESW Sports)

adidas Celebrates Howard & Rose With Animated Videos

adidas and FreeDarko.com, a leading basketball blog and author of The Macrophenomenal Pro Basketball Almanac, have partnered on two fully animated videos celebrating Orlando Magic C Dwight "The Mountain of Muscle" Howard and Chicago Bulls G Derrick "The Red Blur" Rose. Narrated by Chali 2na from Jurassic 5, these videos detail each player's game and performance gear that bolsters them to super-human levels.

Rosenhaus is "Agent of Steel"

Super agent Drew Rosenhaus is not the most humble guy in the world. "The Shark" is loud, brash and cocky, but that is what makes him one the most controversial, successful and interesting agents in all of sports. His four-person Miami-based agency represents over a 100 NFL players including Plaxico Burress, Chad Ocho Cinco, Willis McGahee, Anquan Boldin, Terrell Owens, and Kellen Winslow Jr.

Whether it's his commercials for Burger King or ESPN, movie cameos or book releases, Rosenhaus is always in the public eye. He signed up on Twitter a few weeks ago and has been posting constant updates on his large client list, describing everything from contract negotiations to his agency's workout regimen.

Rosenhaus is a health nut and requires all staff members to stay in tip top shape. Yesterday he "tweeted," Today is mandatory wind sprints for all RSR employees. We have to run 15 110 yard sprints in 18 seconds with 45 seconds of rest in between.

Muscle and Fitness actually profiles Rosenhaus Sports in the magazine's June issue and the agent posted the article and photo spread on his company website yesterday. The feature offers an inside look at Rosenhaus Sports in general and Drew's training philosophy in particular. The agent takes enormous pride in his fitness and constantly works out with his NFL clients. “What’s more productive, running gassers with my clients and bonding out here, or taking them to a crowded bar somewhere?” Rosenhaus asks as he stops at the goal line. “When we’re pushing through a workout together, they see that when I say I work hard, I mean it.”

The energy and passion Rosenhaus exhibits for his training mirrors his tenacity in contract negotiations. What player wouldn't want an agent that goes to battle on his behalf each and every day? "You can wine and dine a client all you like, but if you’re willing to run side by side with him in 100-degree heat until you both puke, you form a connection that can’t be had over a bottle of Cristal and a filet mignon. For an agent, that connection is priceless. Because while he can’t bond with a client in uniform, he can certainly bond with him by training in unison."

You can dislike Rosenhaus' attitude and personality all you want, but the guys is great at his job done and makes his clients a lot of money.

Mays is NCAA's Top Workout Warrior

ESPN The Magazine's Bruce Feldman released his annual list of the top "workout warriors" in college football and as expected, USC S Taylor Mays tops the list of freakish athletes. The 6' 3" 238 lb. Trojan is an absolute physical specimen, possessing a 41" vertical leap and a 11' 4" inch standing broad jump. Mays can bench-press 225 pounds 29 times and last spring ran the 40-yard dash in 4.32 seconds.

On the field, Mays' bone crushing hits have made him a YouTube sensation. The guy did knock three Arizona Wildcats out in one game last season!

After a stellar senior season in 2009, Mays is expected to turn in one of the greatest overall NFL Combine performances of all time. He isn't even at tip top shape yet according to Feldman who wrote that "Mays, who says his body fat is about 5 percent of his total weight, plans to trim down to around 230 pounds in time for the season and has another idea to boost his flexibility"

Don't be surprised if Mays seriously hurts somebody next year. Check out the full list of NCAA Football's "Workout Warriors"

TO Already In With Buffalo Media

Bills WR Terrell Owens made his first official business trip to upstate New York this week for Buffalo mini camp and has already made his presence felt with the local media. The star receiver paid a visit to WKBW-ABC yesterday and delivered part of the local nightly newscast. He reported on Bills OTA's and even intro'd his own post-practice interview. Is this guy narcissistic or what? Actually this is a really entertaining video clip. Maybe TO will be a member of Sportscaster U's Class of 2010?


(via Sports Business Daily)

Shaq Attends Sportscaster U

Phoenix Suns C Shaquille O'Neal is preparing for life after basketball. This week, the 7-foot-1 center has been taking a course at Syracuse University known as "Sportscaster U," a crash course designed to teach athletes about the broadcasting industry. He arrived on Sunday and has been taking classes at Syracuse's School of Public Communications focussing on voice-overs, on-camera work and general delivery. The inaugural "Sportscaster U" was held last summer in conjunction with the NBPA and four players including Eric Snow and Adrian Griffin participated.

According to the Post-Standard, Shaq even scored the first on-camera interview with Greg Paulus since he announced his decision to play football for the Orange. Reporter Mike Waters chatted with the Diesel about the Syracuse broadcasting boot camp.

Coby Gives Dad Insight on Kobe

Former LA Lakers guard Coby Karl might be the most important player not actually playing in the Western Conference Finals. His dad, George coaches the Denver Nuggets and since the Lakers cut the 25-year-old player prior to the the season, Coby's loyalties are with Carmelo and Co. Jeff Eisenberg of The Press-Enterprise explored this interesting storyline today.

Among the highlights of the younger Karl's report: tips on containing Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, a recap of how the Lakers coaches advised the team to defend Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, and an amusing look inside Phil Jackson's film room before last year's first-round series against Denver.

This shouldn't be a huge advantage for Denver, but any little tidbit helps. Phil Jackson doesn't seem too concerned though. "He's a heady ballplayer so he can give his father a lot of things, but the reality is George and I have probably coached against each other 70 times in our careers. There's a lot of things we can go back to, look at and know about. He's fully aware of what we do."

Karl appeared in 17 games for the Lakers in '07-'08 but after struggling in preseason last fall, the 6'5'' guard lost his roster spot to rookie Sun Yue. Karl ultimately signed with Spanish pro club Joventut Badalona of the Liga ACB in January.

Sanchez Hits Beach Before First NFL Snap

Come on Mark! After having to witness a few recent USC Trojan football stars fizzle in the NFL, I was hoping New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez would be the one to break the curse. Instead of laying low this off season and losing his head in the NY Jets' playbook, the #5 pick of this year's NFL Draft decided to lose his shirt for GQ Magazine.

The June issue features a racy "Baywatch-style" spread of the Jets' future QB1 "romping around topless, in swim trunks and ever so gently (yet firmly!) grasping one lucky lady." Check out full photo gallery here

New York media, sports blogs and NFL locker rooms will surely have a field day with these photos (a la A-Rod's Details Magazine photo spread) and Jets training camp this summer will be filled with even more Sanchez hazing. However after all the jokes are made, Mark's image will be standing strong. A good looking and charismatic quarterback in New York City, Sanchez is expected to make between $5-$10 million in endorsements his first season. The QB's Hispanic heritage will certainly boost his sponsorship opportunities and put him right up there with the elite NFL pitchmen.

Mandy Stadtmiller of the New York Post broke the GQ photo spread story today and already has moved Sanchez ahead of the NFL's biggest star. "Those eyes. Those abs. Those arms just begging to ... toss a football. It's official, Tom Brady: You've just been out-Tom Brady-ed."

Sanchez will certainly become a star off the field in New York, but I just hope he focuses on football, seizes his opportunity to become the Jets' starting QB and breaks the USC Trojan/NFL curse.

Get a shirt on 6!

Udeze Sacks Leukemia

After more than a year battling leukemia, Minnesota Vikings DE Kenechi Udeze is disease-free and ready to once again strap on his football pads. Sid Hartman of Star Tribune featured Udeze's return yesterday and said the former 1st-round pick out of USC met with head coach Brad Childress to discuss the upcoming Vikings mini camp.

"I feel really good," Udeze said. "I just recently had a physical with our team doctor. [Dr. Sheldon] Burns had me go through a stress test and everything was good, so I'm looking forward to joining the team as we get together here soon.

In February 2008, Udeze was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells. After months of tests and chemotherapy treatment, doctors accessed that Udeze would need a bone marrow transplant. Udeze's older bother Thomas surprisingly tested as a 100% match for the transplant. Leukemia patients have a 25 % chance of finding a match among family members. The transplant occured last summer and since the surgery, Udeze has been taking classes at USC and getting back into football shape. Udeze returned to the Metrodome in November as an honorary captain for a game against the Green Bay Packers and promised that he would indeed return to the field.

After tackling the biggest opponent of his life, Udezer will finally rejoin the vaunted defensive line of the Vikings. What an inspirational story!

Which is the best Brand?

"Casting" athletes with random actors is always a fun game and "Who would play (player name) in the made-for-TV movie?" is a frequent question asked during my sports viewing parties. No two opponents have ever been so easily cast as Lakers G Sasha Vujacic and Rockets F Luis Scola. For months, folks have been comparing the two players separately to the lanky, long-haired and bearded actor Russell Brand. In true dramatic fashion, Brand sat courtside for the final game in this look-a-like battle, Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Vujacic contributed 9 points in the Lakers' series ending victory, but Scola was a breakout player in these playoffs averaging close to 15 points and 9 rebounds per game.

So as we move on to the next series, which player looks more like the British actor? The sweet-shooting Slovenian, Vujacic or the Buenos Aires-born bruiser, Scola?

Kobe Bryant seems to think that it's Sasha who in fact is the Brand clone and even gave credit to the actor's attendance for his teammate's solid 4th quarter performance yesterday.

(via LATimes.com)

LeBron's Eastern Conference Finals Prep

After a long week of rest, the Cleveland Cavaliers finally have an Eastern Conference Finals opponent. Besides watching film, going over the playbook and improving conditioning another key to NBA Playoff success is trick shots. Check out this crazy LeBron shot from after Cavs practice yesterday. Also, what is up with the sweatpants/no shirt combo?

Playmaker's Reality Show Premieres Tonight

"The Playmaker" Michael Irvin is back on television. The Hall of Fame WR is teaming up with Spike TV to offer the opportunity of a lifetime to one unknown football player. "4th and Long" premieres tonight on Spike TV at 10 p.m. EST and will reward one talented athlete the chance to play for the Dallas Cowboys. The 10-episode series was filmed at the famous Cotton Bowl and features former Cowboys Special Teams Coach Joe Avezzano and longtime Safety Billl Bates as coaches. Irvin, Avezzano and Bates will put 12 unknown footballers (6 wide receivers and 6 defensive backs) through rigorous mental, physical and emotional challenges in hopes to mold them into Cowboys material.

"4th and Long" should be pretty interesting, although the quality of Spike TV's sports programming isn't the best (see Joes vs. Pros). Irvin will be entertaining as usual and the Jerry Jones cameos should be good for a chuckle. Check out the trailer below and set your tivos for tonight.

Rondo's Huge Red Bull Wingspan

Last month, Boston Celtics G Rajon Rondo became the first NBA player to sign an endorsement deal with Red Bull. The brand made a big splash with the announcement and even drove Rondo to Game 1 of the Chicago Bulls series in the #82 Red Bull NASCAR.

Red Bull will surely take credit for Rondo insanely energetic playoff run. The 3rd-year player is averaging close to a triple-double and will command top dollar with his next contract. Celtics GM Danny Ainge already exercised Rondo’s $2.09 million team option for next season but they better be ready to pay him plenty of green in 2010. Their floor general will be a much coveted players in that summer's stacked free agent class.

Red Bull released a pretty cool "MTV Cribs"-like video of Rondo's Boston mansion this week. Take a peek at the point guard's humble abode, his memorabilia, movie theater and strategically placed Red Bull.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

Uncle Junior is Quite the Singer

Best known for his role as Corrado "Junior" Soprano on HBO's The Sopranos, Dominic Chianese performed a wonderful version of the National Anthem at a San Diego Padres game this week. The 78-year-old actor is actually a big time musician and released CDs in 2000 and 2003
(via First Cuts)

One of the classic scenes in The Sopranos is when Corrado sings "Core 'ngrato" ("Ungrateful Heart"), in the third-season finale episode.

Ochocinco Is Official

The NFL has agreed to let Cincinatti Bengals WR Chad Johnson wear his new surname, OCHOCINCO on the back of his jersey in 2009. The outspoken receiver said last year that he wanted his name to be “Ocho Cinco,” but upon legally changing his name in Florida, he submitted "Ochocinco."

The Begnals were fine with Chad's name change last year, but the NFL wanted #85 to pay for the large amount of “Johnson” jerseys that Reebok stocked for the season. Ochocinco of course declined so he played 2008 under his former last name.

"The Street Stops Here" Tells Hurley's Story

St. Anthony's of New Jersey is one of the premiere high school basketball institutions in the country and for over 30 years, Bob Hurley has been driving the program as head coach. Hurley has won won a national record 25 state championships, sent over 100 players to D-I basketball programs and coached five first round NBA draft picks (including his son Bobby). However more impressive than the wins and championships is Hurley's lifelong commitment to changing the lives of local inner city kids and giving them the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. In his time at St. Anthony's, all but two of Hurley's players have moved on to college.

TeamWorks Media featured Hurley and St. Anthony's basketball program in a documentary called "The Street Stops Here." Filmed during the 2008 basketball season, we are exposed to the financial and personal struggles at St. Anthony's and Hurley's commitment to keeping the school open, his basketball program running smoothly and giving his players the chance to go to college.

Looks like a solid documentary and of course features my favorite sports movie music, Explosions in the Sky. I really hope this doc ends up on ESPN soon. Check out the great trailer below.

(via First Cuts)

All-American LB To Battle Cancer

One of my favorite non-'SC college footballers is now forced to make the biggest tackle of his life, cancer. Boston College LB Mark Herzlich has been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a "malignant tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue."

Herzlich learned of the cancer after going in for tests this week for leg pain. The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year has returned home to Pennsylvania to be with his family and undergo tests to determine a course of treatment.

Known for his Lattimer-like face paint and devastating hits, Herzlich is an absolute beast on the gridiron. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award last year after leading BC with 110 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Herzlich easily would have been a 1st-round NFL draft choice but decided to return to school for his final season.

"At this point, I do not know what this means for my football future, but I am determined to rid my body of this disease so that I can put that uniform back on. Thank you in advance for your prayers and concern. Together, we will fight this and win."

Herzlich is a fighter and epitomizes everything great about NCAA football. I wish him the best of luck as he faces this battle and hope to see him back on the field soon!

Sir Charles Push-Up Contest

On last night's "Inside the NBA," Charles Barkley said the only things a woman could beat him at are cooking and cleaning. So of course a TNT camerawoman challenged Barkley to a push-up contest. Take a guess who won?

HBO's "Hard Knocks" To Feature Cincy

HBO and NFL Films will formally announce today the Cincinnati Bengals as the subject of next season's “Hard Knocks: Training Camp.” The series will consist of five one-hour episodes and will be shot by a 24-person crew from NFL Films

According to John Reedy of Cincinnati Enquirer, the team has scheduled a noon press conference at Paul Brown Stadium to make “an announcement regarding a major development for the Bengals 2009 preseason." Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and NFL Films President Steve Sabol are expected to be among the speakers.

The NFL Films crew will have all access this summer to the player and coach meeting rooms, training rooms, dormitories and practice fields.

Although the Bengals don't have a shot at the Super Bowl next season, a cast featuring Chad Ochocinco, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry along with newcomers Andre Smith and Rey Maualuga will surely be entertaining. I just hope Carson Palmer's head doesn't explode as he has to deal with these insane personalities. It is definitely going to be a great season of "Hard Knocks."

Orange is Paulus' New Favorite Color

Former Duke point guard and stud high school QB Greg Paulus has a 10 a.m. ET teleconference scheduled today where he's expected to announce he will play football for Syracuse next season.

ESPN.com's Joe Schad reports that Paulus, who was a standout high school quarterback, has selected the Orange. "He's seemingly a good fit there for new coach Doug Marrone's pro-style offense, and could perhaps give redshirt freshman QB Ryan Nassib more time to mature."

A high school All-American, Paulus threw for 11,763 yards at Christian Brothers Academy, near the Syracuse campus.

Paulus is eligible for one season of football because he didn't redshirt for Duke's basketball team and because he will complete his degree in four years.

Shaq Enters Reality TV World

Finally "The Diesel" will have all cameras on him. A&E network announced yesterday that next season Phoenix Suns C Shaquille O'Neal is getting his own reality series, "Love Shaq." The show will follow the 37 year-old basketballer and his family of seven.

Sun-Sentinel.com reports that "Love Shaq" is one of several celebrity reality series on the cable network's agenda. Other new series will feature Tony Danza, Bob Saget and M.C. Hammer. In addition, Steven Seagal and Russell Simmons also have reality series in the works with A&E. Those are some bigtime names for the network.

Reggie is a High Flyer

Although it is the NFL off season, New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush made SportsCenter's Top 10 plays last night for his high-flying act. Bush went up in a stunt plane yesterday as part of the Red Bull Air Race week in San Diego and his flight was caught on tape.


(via USCTrojans.com)

Another Awkward TNT Celeb Interview

It is always so awkward when TNT interviews random actors from their network's shows during NBA games. They don't exactly cast A-list thespians in their original programs and I'm pretty sure NBA fans have no interest in Eric McCormack or Tom Cavanagh's basketball analysis.

Last night, Craig Sager swooped in on "The Closer," Kyra Sedgwick for another classic in-game interview. At least her hubby Kevin Bacon provides some quality basketball insight.

The two gentleman next to Kyra seem to be enjoying themselves too.

“Yeah, I mean, you know.. They’re way ahead so..I kinda think it’s done. What do you think?”

(via YouBeenBlinded.com)

“I don’t think Kyra Sedgwick watches a lot of basketball after that interview with Craig Sager.”
-TNT commentator Doug Collins