Separating the wheat from the chaffe?

Recently a (R) Congressman said that we shouldn’t cover Michael Jackson because he was a pedophile, and child molester. Mind you Michael was found innocent by a jury of his peers. So why do some people still defile his name?

Could it be of his oft-cited shopping escapades in costume? Could it be his ultra secret desire to protect his children from the public? Or, maybe something more sinister, perhaps his racial background.

Whatever the reason behind the frequent castigation of Michael one thing is crystal clear, even in death he is hot topic! How else do you explain the insatiable coverage by the 24 hour news cycle with all things Michael Jackson?

IN the words of Al Sharpton, at his memorial service, he said it best; “Wasn’t nothing strange about your daddy, it was STRANGE what your daddy had to deal with!”

D wad3 & Free Agency

• If Wade extends this off-season, he would make $92 million over the next 5 seasons. He would become a free agent after the 2013/14 season at age 32.

• If Wade opts out and re-signs with the Heat, he would make $141 million ($92 million over the next seven seasons (over the first five seasons; $49 million the following two seasons). He would become a free agent after the 2015/16 season at age 34.

• If Wade opts out and re-signs with another team, he would make $112 million over the next six seasons ($90 million over the first five seasons; $22 million the following season). He would become a free agent after the 2014/15 season at age 33.

• If Wade opts in and re-signs with the Heat after the 2010/11 season, he could make $169 million over the next eight seasons ($93 million over the first five seasons; $77 million the following three seasons). He would become a free agent after the 2016/17 season at age 35. Consider this:

• A new, more restrictive CBA is likely to come into effect after the 2010/11 season. Although, like Shaquille & Garnett who had their contracts grand-fathered in were able to get 105% of their old $$ applied to their new deal. The CBA allows for this, so a newer restrictive CBA wouldn’t adversely affect Wade.

• Due to the restraints from the new salary cap & luxury tax threshold, the Heat cannot get the same value for (its over $40 million in expiring contracts) them in free agency next off-season as the team could via trade this off-season. This makes this off-season crucial for Wade & the team to add stars & role players around him.

• For example, the Heat could get back $23 million  of long-term value for Jermaine O’Neal in a trade this off-season. Next off-season, the Heat can only spend up to the projected $50 million salary cap in free agency. Since Wade and Beasley already command $22 million, the Heat would have $28 million to fill out the entire rest of the roster.

ALL WILLIAMS, ALL THE TIME @ THE ALL ENGLAND LAWN CLUB!

The All-American Final at Wimbledon is almost to be expected. Venus Williams has one 4 titles there, as recent as the last two years. Serena has won 2 since 2000. Only two other champions have won there this century & decade besides the Williams sisters.

“There’s nothing like winning a title with your sister,” said Serena, who has won 11 major singles titles. “It’s really a good feeling.”

Its safe to say they dominate on grass. They dominate all competition. Venus & Serena won the doubles title last year too. As a doubles pair they are the toughest competitors playing. No one wants to see these two bronze goddess’ glaring back at them across the net.

“One out of two’s not bad,” Venus said. “I really wanted to win the singles, but they’re two separate events. If I won the singles and not the doubles, it’s still not the same.”

All Williams, All the time seems to be the standard lately. The American final culminating on the 4th of July is must see tv. In fact, you could call it All-Williams Saturday.

“Serena added the women’s doubles title to her take at this year’s tournament, teaming with big sister Venus to beat Rennae Stubbs and Samantha Stosur of Australia 7-6 (4), 6-4. It’s their fourth Wimbledon title together, part of their haul of nine Grand Slam women’s doubles championships.”

Earlier in the day Serena won the Women’s finals Singles match. Against who you ask?, none other than Venus.