B-Easy or the Boozer?

Rumors abound about where Boozer will land this off season. Though, he has agreed to a trade from the Utah Jazz his current team there is no tangible idea just where that is. Miami is his preferred destination, but the Jazz want more than the Heat (read: B-Easy) are prepared to give up. I agree with that, Beasley is in his 2nd season, and its too soon to know what he brings to the table this early in his career.

Some say he will be even better than Boozer, a 20 ppg & 10 rpg player. On one hand, the Heat need to upgrade their roster. However, at what cost? I think they need to develop the young talent they have on their squad: Chalmers, Beasley, Cook, Wright, and Beverly. At the same time, if they can improve exponentially without sacrificing their young core then MAKE MOVES. If only it were that easy.

As a fan its hard to be patient with all the improvements to Eastern Conference rivals like the Magic, Wizards, Cavaliers, Raptors & the Celtics. Wad3 needs help, but he’s shown us that he’s the type of player that can do more with less. So, an all-star upgrade would probably put them into into serious contention. Although, some might disagree the proof is in the 2006 NBA Finals in which the Heat won the crown with an inferior team, according to pundits & analysts.

So, smart money says if Wad3 gets another star to play alongside they can go all the way!! Below is an article about the Heat’s pending acquisition. Let’s hope that the lobbying of D. Wad3 & Boozer has an cyclical affect to land the all-star PF, and USA Olympic gold medalists.

This article was taken from hoopsworld.com:

Beasley or Boozer?

“For Miami HEAT fans waking up every morning hoping to see the headline “Boozer to Miami“ it may be time to stop getting your hopes up. Yes, the HEAT are the most logical destination for the All-Star forward but the Utah Jazz are not desperate to trade him. They’re going to wait for the best deal possible and according to {NBA.com’s David Aldridge} they have no problems going into the regular season with him as their starting power forward.

Aldridge indicates that in order for a deal to be completed immediately the HEAT are going to have to let go of Michael Beasley, the player with the most promise on their roster. It’s a tough predicament for the HEAT because while Beasley does have all the potential in the world it’s questionable as to whether or not he’ll develop like they hope. Boozer on the other hand is already one of the best power forwards in the league and his acquisition provides Dwayne Wade with the superstar teammate that he covets. It could be the difference in signing him to an extension now or taking the risk of losing him in next summer.

The last time an organization was in this kind of position was when Kobe Bryant was advocating a trade of Andrew Bynum in order to bring Jason Kidd in to run the triangle. At the time Kobe was so upset by the Lakers decision to hold onto Bynum that he demanded to be traded. The Lakers didn’t budge on that demand either and now here they are as the reigning champions with Bynum as a vital part of their run and future.

Would the Miami HEAT see the same kind of results if they held onto Beasley? Can he be a better player for them than Carlos Boozer?

Those are the million dollar questions right now in South Beach. The difference in the two situations though is at the time Kobe didn’t have anywhere near the kind of leverage that Dwayne Wade has. At the time Kobe was under contract and while he wanted to play on Pluto his only option was to play for the Lakers. If the HEAT pass on Boozer and Beasley doesn’t show significant signs of improvement Wade can leave town at season’s end while they get nothing in return, likely leading the franchise to a rebuilding period. This is why Wade hasn’t taken the extreme stance that Bryant did then. It isn’t worth the negative feedback that it would come with and he has the ability to go wherever he wants in just a few months.

The best decision for the HEAT may be to be patient just like the Jazz. They need to keep a close eye on Boozer just as they need to do with Amar’e Stoudemire and Chris Bosh. The only way Boozer becomes their savior is if they pull the trigger and give up Beasley. Right now they have options and while Dwayne Wade going into the free agent market unrestricted is a scary thought, no one can offer him more money and they can still bring in another All-Star as well.

It doesn’t appear that either team is going to do much other than stay on their current path until they have a legitimate reason to stray away from it. It’s in the best interest of both franchises to let things play out a little bit more and see where things are at closer to February.”

Which Heat Dancers are the Hottest?

Which Miami Heat dance team is hotter? The ‘05- ‘06 squad, or the ‘08-’09 squad?

For the record the Heat dance team has won the NBA’s hottest dance team the last 4 seasons. (I stand corrected, not the last 2, but 4).

 So, there only competition is themselves…

Clearly the hottest females in the league to do it…

Official voting at Heat.com or you can do so here…

Cast your votes below:

BJ PENN: Shows his athleticism!!!

Jumping out of a pool to the edge has been done before by NFL player Jarron Gilbert.  He started the whole you tube craze.

How many guys can do this? Probably not too many, it takes a lot of leg strength.

Penn, arguably is the best athlete in the UFC won’t hurt that claim with skills like this.

Check him out below!

Artest: Deal Maker or Deal Breaker???

NBA baller Ron Artest was recently acquired by the champion L.A. Lakers. He was acquired from the Houston Rockets during free agency. Artest was set to  join his former AAU buddy Lamar Odom also a free agent with the Lakers.

Ironically, the Artest acquisition may have priced Odom out.  Artest only signed for the Mid Levele Exception around $5.85 million, but for the over the cap & luxury tax Lakers–that may prevent them from giving Odom the $$ and years he wants.

So, Artest reportedly has reached out to his fellow NYC native to try & expedite his signing.  Although, Odom has attracted serious interest from the Miami Heat who have made an $35 million offer to him for 5 years.

So, in the past few days everyone on the Lakers from Artest, to Bryant & Fischer have made pitches to Odom to re-up with his NBA Finals winning club.

Even though the Lakers can offer him more money they have only offered him a 3 year deal worth $27 million & a 4 year deal worth $36 million. Odom, wants a 5 year deal. So the Heat has his attention with their 5 year deal on the table.

Though, reports out of LA is that owner Dr. Jerry Buss has rescinded the offer.

Due to the 10.3 state tax, the Heats offer (no state tax) is closer than most even realize. Only time will tell if Odom is seriously considering leaving the World Champs.

Reports from NBA.com suggest that Odom is close to taking the deal from the Heat!

Pictured above, Ron Artest (#5 in gold) of the Lakers plays for his team “Queensbridge” against “Hoopstreet” at the Hoops In The Sun tournament (HITS) at Orchard Beach Park in the Bronx.

If the Heat sign Odom, then Artest’s signing was the deal breaker that sends his hometown boy out of L.A. Unless, Artest the negotiator can help make a deal with the team & Odom.

BREAKING NEWS: Morphine, Is this a Cryptic cry 4 Help?

 First & foremost I must say outright, I am a Michael Jackson fan and this blog article isn’t meant to defame or castigate the man, his music or his memory.

As a fan, I did some searches through lyrics to my favorite songs by MJ. To my surprise, I found a lot os songs that I had forgotten about; “Got To Be There, Ben, P.Y.T., The Girl Is Mine, She’s Outta My Life” just to name a few.

I must acknowledge I am more of a fan of his older compilations, moreso than the newer albums. Although, “Butterflies, and Remember The Time” are instant classics. Even to a fickle music critique like myself.

I thought I knew all of his music, despite the fact I don’t own all of his albums. So, imagine my surprise when I saw the title to a song: “Morphine!”

Given all the rumors swirling about his prescription drug use, it surprised me that this song hadn’t recieved more critical acclaim given the circumstances surrounding his death.

Given the recent footage out now from his first accident, recording a commercial for Pepsi-Cola back in 1984, some 25 years ago. In which, Michael’s Jerri-Curl ignited in flames and caused 2nd & 3rd degree burns to his scalp & face!

This is on record for being his first reason to take pain killers (read: presription meds). Now, if you’ve seen the footage of the incident, then you know that MJ was in excruciating pain. I

n fact, he didn’t seem to realize his hair was on fire because he was dancing. Well, now I know why MJ veiled his life in secrecy–the video footage of the ordeal is hard to watch.

Moreover, media pundits have plastered it everywhere. Nevermind the fact that his children or parents have to witness this episode all over again.

Is it a coincidence that this video has surfaced after his death? Probably not, but seeing it only endears me to MJ even moreso. I can empathize with his needing pain killers because that ordeal had to be painful!!

At any rate, this song’s lyrics might shed some light into his pain therapy or his usage with prescribed medicines.

Rather, than denigrate MJ, why has no one punished the Doctor’s that gave him the plethora of medicines he’s purported to have used?

Why aren’t the pharmicists that filled the prescriptions bombarded with negative ad campaigns or sprawled over the 6 o’clock news?

Here are the lyrics:

He got flat baby
Kick in the back baby
A heart attack baby
I need your body

A hot kiss honey
He’s just a bitch baby
You make me sick baby
So unrelying

I’m such a swine baby
All down the line daddy
I hate your kind baby
So unreliable

A hot buzz baby
He’s one of us baby
Another drug baby
You so desire

Trust in me
Trust in me
Put all your trust in me
You’re doin’ morphine

Hoo!

They got place baby
Kicked in the face baby
You hate your race baby
You’re just a liar

Your every lick baby
Your dog’s a bitch baby
You make me sick baby
You soul survivor

She never cut from me
She never cut baby
I had to work baby
You just a rival

Always to please daddy
Right up and leave daddy
You’re thorwing shame daddy
So undesirable

Trust in me
Just in me
Put all your trust in me
You’re doin’ morphine

Go’on babe

Relax
This won’t hurt you
Before I put it in
Close your eyes and count to ten
Don’t cry
I won’t convert you
There’s no need to dismay
Close your eyes and drift away

Demerol
Demerol
Oh God he’s taking demerol
Demerol
Demerol
Oh God he’s taking demerol

He’s tried
Hard to convince her
To be over what he had
Today he wants it twice as bad
Don’t cry
I won’t resent you
Yesterday you had his trust
Today he’s taking twice as much

Demerol
Demerol
Oh God he’s taking demerol
Hee-hee-hee
Demerol
Demerol
Oh my Oh God it’s Demerol
Hee
Oooh

Oh!

He got shit baby
Your dog’s a bitch baby
You make me sick baby
You are a liar

Is truth a game daddy
To win the fame baby
It’s all the same baby
You’re so reliable

Trust in me
Trust in me
Put all your trust in me
She’s doin’ morphine

Hoo!

You just sit around just talkin’ nothing
You’re takin’ morphine
Hoo!
Go’on baby
You just sit around just talking about it
You’re takin’ morphine
Hoo-hoo!
Just sit around just talking nothing about it
You’re takin’ morphine
You just sit around just talking about it
You’re taking morphine
You just sit around just talkin’ nothin’
And takin’ morphine

Hoo-hoo
I’m going down baby
You’re talkin’ Morphine

Go’on baby!
Hoo!
Hoo!
Morphine!
Do it!
Hoo!
He’s takin’ morphine
Morphine!
Morphine!

Thompson & Evans Freestyle Rap….

Everyone and their momma swears they have lyrical skills to pay the bills. However, what’s the phenomena with athletes thinking they can verbally joust with the best of them? Remember, Shaq & his Fushnkins collabo?

Hell, remember Shaq last summer dissing Kobe in a freestyle caught on video at a NYC club? Shaq is probably the most famous wannabe rapper, but he’s far from the only one.

Reports are that newly acquired LA Laker Ron Artest released a song in tribute to Michael Jackson. How about an NBA rookie & 2nd year player spittin’? Well, you wanna see it here it goes: Jason Thompson & Tyreke Evans Rap.

Flagrant Foul: When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong..

RJ & former Girlfriend Kesha Ni'Cole Nichols

Richard Jefferson was asked last week about his recent trade to the San Antonio Spurs, and his pending nuptials. He said it would be a small intimate ceremony with close friends.

In addition, he said that he hadn’t included any of his new team mates because “he didn’t want them to feel obligated to attend.”

Well, I’m sure his boys wished they would have been given the same respect. RJ, canceled his wedding at the last minute. As a matter of fact, some of the guests were in the swank hotel before they heard the news.

He never showed up at the hotel, but “all his boys were there,” the friend said. “He gave his best friend the Black Amex [credit card] for the night.”

“He called about two hours before the wedding. It was nuts,” said one Jefferson pal.

Even the bride was told at the last minute! So what happened with his the former New Jersey Net dancer & her NBA boo?

Rumors have it that she didn’t sign the pre-nup. Though, this report has yet to be substantiated.

The would-be bride was stunned, but “not entirely caught off-guard,” by Jefferson’s unsportsmanlike conduct, according to a family friend.”She just wants to keep this as quiet as possible and move on. She’s doing just fine,” a Nichols family insider said.

Well, at least he stopped the ceremony before making a mistake. At $2 million for the ceremony that would have been a very expensive lesson.  This is a luxury tax that not even an overpaid athlete wanted to pay.

Jada Pinkett Smith & her sex life, R u curious?

“When you have three kids, you’ve got to take your opportunities when they come. In a limo, on the way to the Academy Awards this year, Will started looking at me in this way that drives me wild. We started kissing passionately, and the next thing I knew, well, let’s just say we missed the red carpet and I ended up with almost no makeup on.”

Wow, I guess the rumors about them being freaks were right. Still, some have said thats TMI (too much information). Speak for yourself , Jada has been icon since “A Different World!” She was foine then and is even moreso now!

Now, some might differ from my opinion, but thats cool! At any rate, she drops this dime in Shape magazine, and for those that thinks she ‘doth protest too much’, turn the page! Ya dig?

NOW, DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?

The first Magic act was the unforeseen pilgrimage to the NBA promised land, which saw the Orlando Magic in the the World Championship playing for the title. This was a squad that had been bounced from the playoffs early the last 2 seasons with only 6 wins in the post-season.

They eclipsed that total by 6 in winning 12 playoff games this season. So, what else could the Magic possibly do to earn their NBA moniker? Well, with free agency in full swing early in July, teams couldn’t officially sign players to offer sheets until July 8.

Everyone knew that Magic SF Hedo Turkoglu was widely reported to opt-out of his deal and test the free agency market. It was reported that the Blazers had stepped up to sign the mercurial forward, however their were reports that the Toronto Raptors would join in the bidding.

Well, Turk was in Portland for a weekend to get acquainted with players, management, & the community. Rumors had it that he had accepted the Blazers offer, however that wasn’t entirely true. He hadn’t, so when the Raptors made their pitch for him by offering more than the Blazers; Hedo jumped ’ship” to Toronto leaving a dejected Blazer front office in the process.

Now then, let’s deal with the Magic, recall they traded Courtney Leee & Tony Battie for Vince Carter right after the finals. Many believed, rightfully so, that meant the MAgic wouldn’t match or conduct a sign & trade to get something in return for Hedo.

They didn’t which led the NBA to believe the Magic were strapped for cash, but recall the Magic COO, Alex Martins saying that the luxury tax wouldn’t be an impediment. Why? Well, every playoff game won for played at home during the playoffs generates around a $1 million. That’s quite a haul.

Moreover, the Magic are building a new stadium which should be more financially prudent for them to make $$.

This all was a setup because the Magic had interest in Brandon Bass of the Dallas Mavericks, and Dallas had tendered an offer sheet to Marcin Gortat, the backup center behind Howard.

Well, since it was believed that by signing Bass to a 4 year 16 million deal-the Magic weren’t gonna splurge for a backup in Gortat. At least, that must have been Donnie Nelson’s, (Dallas GM) thinking in Dallas. He couldn’t have been more wrong.

The Magic steal Bass, and resign Gortat! Damn, Magic Act pt. 2. Now, do you believe in Magic? No one saw this happening, but with the shrewd moves of Magic GM Otis Smith he has effectively upgraded his front court big men, by essentially replacing Battie with the younger, tougher Bass.

This move alone stands to improve the Magic rebounding, defense & offensive productivity. Now, Rashard Lewis can move back to his natural SF position, and Howard will have a beast in the front court with him whom can battle on the boards, stretch the defense with his jump shot, and add more muscle to a finesse team that badly needs to reinvent itself from the inside out!

To the rest of the league, NOW do you believe in MAGIC?

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.

Steve “Air’ McNAir

Steve McNair former quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens & the Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans was found dead today. Reports claim that he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

“When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence,”

McNair played in the NFL for 13 seasons, his climax coming in 2000 at the Super Bowl against ‘the greatest show on turf’ the St. Louis Rams. He came within one yard of tying the game and sending it into overtime, though with no timeouts left the clock expired before he could lead his team back to tie the game.

I don’t think there was any other QB with his toughness. He has been known to play with cracked ribs & a bruised sternum. Injuries that would send mere mortals to the infirmary

Tough as nails McNair epitomized a players player mentality on the grid iron. He was as intimidating on offense as Ray Lewis was on defense. Can you imagine those two giving pre-game speeches

“There are persons who were around the complex today, visitors, who have been taken to headquarters for questioning, just to see what they know, what they may have seen,”

IN Memory: ..Wonder what Michael Jackson will be in his next Life?

I went to see Michael Jackson in concert twice when he came to Florida back in the mid 80’s. My grandmother took me to Jacksonville, Fl and then to Miami a week later. I even had the opportunity to appear on camera to speak about my love for Michael on the local news station.

I wonder what he will be in his next life? He’ll probably be a butterfly that transmigrates his soul 3 times  first as a cocoon, then a caterpillar, then a majestic black & gold monarch.

Michael had that affect on me and most of my friends. His ability to captivate a crowd with funky fresh moves, as his music grooved in background made for quite a spectacle.

I wonder what he’ll be in his next life? Maybe, he will be a King that restores his peoples majesty & place in the world as the  mothers & fathers of civilization!

No lie a brother wanted to be ‘like Mike‘, and quiet as kept the reason why I loved to dance was, in part due to the inspiration I derived from him as a youngin’. He always exhibited that desire to go hard, and leave the audience with no doubt who they came & wanted to see.

I wonder what he’ll be in his next life? Perhaps, a singer who sings songs of upliftment, akoma (love), peace, & unity!

If you’ve ever performed anything then you know that emotional charge & surge of energy you feel before, during & after the performance. Michael was a master performer. You never left his concert feeling like you didn’t get your monies worth. He left it all on stage. That’s what I respected most about him.

I wonder what he will be in his next life, probably a dancer who invokes the African proverb: “Afrikans dance & become GOD!“

Since, he endured so much critical acclaim in this life about his life, music, appearance etc. I wonder what he will be in his next life? I think he’ll be a wizard in charge of protecting that world from ignoble imperial forces opposed to harmony, righteousness & peace!

I wonder what he’ll be in his next life? Controversial, magnetic, misunderstood, graceful, beautiful, soulful, righteous, electric, and the world’s greatest entertainer.

Michael, you left a lot of endearing fans here on Earth. Wherever you are take our prayers to the feet of the Creator. What we’ve collectively wished for you in your untimely demise, we wish for our selves collectively as humanity.

I wonder what he’ll be in his next life?  NUBIAN ROYALTY!

Remember, Always Remember the most beneficient good in people and humanity collectively! Let that divine boundless energy rise above all other discordant energy. Let the ethos of man raise its vibration to greater heights NOW!

Hmm, I wonder what Michael Jackson will be in his next life? Whatever he is I hope he has eternal peace, prosperity & health! A mighty tree has fallen—we salute your life & memory my brother.

• MAY your crossing be blessed & protected. May the ancestors guide your soul to supreme mercy—

• May your mid rest assured now in comfort because no one here can hurt your heart any longer—
• May your memory serve the collective good benevolent vibration across the four corners of the world!
• I wonder what he’ll be in his next life? REMEMBERED!…..
  

SERENA TOPS BIG SIS, COLLECTS 3RD WIMBLEDON MAJOR TITLE…

Serena & Venus Williams just won the Women’s doubles championship Saturday at the all-lawn tennis club in England.  Now, on the 4th of July the culmination of  Williams’ sisters phenomenal play thrills with 94% of her serves to top big sis Sunday morning in England.

Although,  Serena is ranked #2 in the world according to the USTA computers. Her supporters know that with her 3 majors titles, 2 this year the Australian Open & Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open last fall. Serena Williams is the people ’s champion.

She has cemented her legacy as one of the greatest women’s players to ever play the game, arguably the G.OA.T. (greatest of all time). WOW, did I just say that.  Yes I did! Serena is just that GOOD!!

Racial Disparities widen with income

Despite being highly educated if you are a minority you won’t command the $ you’re due from your employer. Why?? Seemingly, because of the color of your skin. What other conclusion can one draw from the recent reports from the Census about pay grades between ethnic groups. Look at these facts:

“Blacks and Hispanics are lagging behind whites at the largest rates in roughly a decade when it comes to higher-paying jobs in the U.S.”

So, its safe to say “minorities” lost more than homes, right-to privacy, credit ratings, and civil liberties under the Bush administration.

“Census data released Monday highlight an increasingly educated U.S. work force whose earnings did not always seem to match up with its potential, partly due to a housing slowdown and recession.”

Or, more probably the economic hoarding of assets by the ruling elite is just an extension for what really goes on within the U.S. The facts speak for themselves, and ‘he who feels it knows!’

“About 87 percent of residents last year had graduated from high school and 29 percent from college.”

“But the pay disparity widened for blacks with college degrees. Blacks who had a bachelor’s degree earned about 78 cents for every $1 made by whites. It was the biggest disparity since 2001.”

“Hispanics with bachelor’s degrees made roughly 75 cents for every $1 made by whites.”

So, the moral of the story suggests that ‘minorities’ need advanced degrees just to keep economic pace with their white counterparts whom command a pay commensurate with their education with a Bachelor’s degree. Indeed, this has been a practice and de facto policy for as long as I can recall.

However, with the 24 hour news cycle and the infinite spread of information via the internet, perhaps the slow wheels of change can be obliterated and this discriminatory practice abolished.

Turk spurns Blazers for Raps, the Mrs. decides..

Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu was in Portland since Thursday reportedly getting a feel for the city & team that he was thinking of signing with. The Blazers offered him a 5 year contact worth about $50 million, although reports surfaced that Toronto was a late player for the 6′10″ small forward.

Turkoglu helped the Orlando Magic get to the NBA Finals this passt season, and was one of the hottest sought after free agents this off-season. Ric Bucher reported that, “Turkoglu’s as a happily married man would take into account his wife’s desire to move to Toronto, as opposed to Portland.” Well, it loooks like she may have played a more decisive role than people in Portland know!

Now, perhaps teams will try & woo the whole family instead of just the player. Technically, when a team signs a player they inherit the whole family.  So it might behoove GM’s to look into flattering the “significant other” as well and not just the player!

She may not play the game like her husband, although her decision making ability being the “House Manager” affords her carte blanche in decisive relocation packages, and refusal or acceptance respectively!

Orlando fans are sad to see Turk depart, but they get to see more of him since he’ll be playing for rival Raptors just across thenorthern border.