Jack "The Assassin" Tatum

NFL great Jack Tatum died today at the age of 61. Tatum was known as a ferocious hitter during his playing days for the Raiders. He and an illustrious football career in college and in the NFL. He was a three Pro Bowl selection, Super Bowl winner, and an All-American at The University of Ohio State.

2nd Chance

When you hear the name Maurice Clarett there is a lot that can be said. You can talk about his unforgettable freshman year at Ohio State, his famous bottle of grey goose, his criminal record, or his short stint in the NFL. A lot has changed for Clarett since he stormed Ohio State's campus many years ago. He became the poster child for the "dumb athlete" and his behavior led him to a 3 1/2 year stay in a Toledo, Ohio correctional facility. Clarett made headlines again July 26th, but it was for a positive reason. He is re-enrolling as a student at The University of Ohio State. That is a major accomplishment for him and I wish him the best. While incarerated in a Toledo Correctional he took online college courses and he had a popular blog that provided guidance to young adults. Everyone in life deserves a second chance to better themselves. Sometimes mistakes can be blessings in some cases. If Clarett would have never went to prison who knows where he would be. Clarett stated that he doesn't want to become a distraction to the football team or the university. Maybe he can be a motivational tool to athletes around the country. Here is a guy who had the world in his hands and it all vanished within a blink of an eye. This a great redemption story for Maurice Clarett. Education is something that can go further than running a football. They took the football away from him, but they cannot take away his education.

Cleveland Rocked!

The city of Cleveland and the rest of northeast ohio got their hearts ripped open thursday night. Hometown hero Lebron James ditched the Cavs to take his talents to the Miami Heat. In the eyes of Cavalaiers fans this was reminicent to Hulk Hogan joining forces with NWO back in the late 1990's. Lebron went from hero to zero during the whole free agent process. The media bashed James for his ego and the way he handled his free agent signing. Lebron made the best decision for him and his family and I hope he doesn't return back to his hometown area. With threats to his family, friends, and watching people burn his jersey this situation has turned into turmoil. The "mistake by the lake" also known as Cleveland has shown ignorant behavior towards their former savior. Owner Dan Gilbert issued a letter to the Cavalier fans that was an embarrassment for the state of Ohio. Dan Gilbert sounded like a fat chick who lost her prom date and was torn into pieces. He called Lebron "narcassistic" and other insulting names. This is all coming from a guy who endorsed the Lebron James persona to make millions of dollars. Gilbert who is also the owner of the company FatHead even marked down the prices of Lebron James merchandise. Coincindentally the prices are the same birthdate Benedict Arnold. Calling Lebron was a "quitter" was a low blow. All the man asked for was help on the basketball court. When Kobe put the pressure on the Lakers to bring him weapons Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak acquired Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, and Derrick Fisher. The Cavs gave Lebron cast offs such as Ben Wallace, Wally Szcerbiak, Antawn Jamison, and the list goes on. The Cavailers will continue to be an organization searching for its identity. Dan Gilbert has shown his true colors and it will come back to haunt him and his organization for many years. Cleveland without Lebron just turned into Flint, Michigan. Dan Gilbert stated that the Cavs will win a championship before the so-called King. CHILD PLEASE! Good luck with that championship run with Boobie Cole(Gibson), Mo Williams, and Andy Varaejo.

Championship Pedigree

The Boston Celtics won a NBA title two seasons ago with the likes of Garnett, Allen, Pierce, Posey, Rondo, and other key players. The Celtics man handled the Lakers in six games and the title clincher was an embarrassment for the Lake Show. Garnett and Allen were acquired during that off-season to team up with Paul Pierce to form the "Big 3". Many sports analyst predicted the Celtics would click because all of the stars were unselfish and were hungry to win. Age was also a factor when the Celtics acquired Allen and Garnett. The Boston Celtics did not repeat as champions the following season and the Celtics got hit by the injury bug. Kevin Garnett went down with a knee injury and that played a huge role in the Celtics not repeating. This past season the Celtics looked sluggish, old, and lethargic at times during the regular season. Newly acquired players such as Rasheed Wallace and Nate Robinson did not gel with the C's. The Celtics had a rough regular season but a star was born in Rajon Rondo. Rajon Rondo became a superb point guard and became the Celtics most valuable player. During the championship run Rajon Rondo was looked at as a weakness, but now things have changed. The Celtics have turned the switch on and they have been on a terror during the playoffs. The Celtics "Big 3" may be a few years older, but Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, and Glen "Big Baby" Davis have evolved into better players than they were two seasons ago. The unsung hero of the Boston Celtics is assistant coach Tom Thibodeau who devises defensive game plans that makes the opposing team's star look human at times. Coach Thibodeau knows Lebron James is the Cleveland Cavailers so he made a game plan to where his teammates had to deliver and we saw how successful that was. Now he is playing Jameer Nelson tough and making Dwight Howard beat them on the offensive end. We all know Dwight Howard's offensive game is dormant. The Celtic's may be heading down championship lane again. The Lakers are the only team that provides a formidable match up for the C's. We will see how the rest of the playoffs will play out. We may see a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals. Stay Tuned!

Bye Bye Jamarcus!

In the 2007 NFL Draft The Oakland Raiders thought they landed a cant miss prospect with a massive amount of potential. Jamarcus Russell was a heralded Quarterback out of LSU. Russell put up great numbers during his tenure for the Tigers. He caught national attention after his Sugar Bowl performance. Russell accumulated over 350 yards of passing and rushing and scored 3 TDs, leading to the Tigers 41–14 win over Notre Dame. He was also named the Sugar Bowl MVP. Before the Sugar Bowl performance Russell wasn't on many NFL mock drafts. After his MVP performance he surpassed the likes of Brady Quinn, Troy Smith, and Trent Edwards as the top Quarterback in the upcoming draft. After the season Russell wowed scouts in individual workouts and there were reports that he could throw the football 50 yards while being on his knees. The Raiders senile owner Al Davis is usually infatuated with superb athletes and troubled players. Davis's Raiders were blessed with the #1 pick in that year's draft and it was no question that they would draft Russell to be the savior to the franchise. Russell was selected #1 and that's when the expectations became larger than life. Jamarcus failed to reach a contract during training camp and it led to him holding out for more money. Russell held out through training camp and the first weeks of the 2007 NFL season, until September 12, 2007, when he signed a six-year contract worth up to $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed. With the large amount of salary given to the unproven prospect the Raiders wanted instant results. Owner Al Davis wanted to play Jamarcus Russell right away even though Head Coach Lane Kiffin thought otherwise. From the 2007 season until this past season Russell has been a huge disappointment. He has been erratic as a Quarterback and has been at the dinner table more than the end zone. Russell has been called out by multiple teammates and coaches for the lack of effort and lazy practice habits. To be a successful Quarterback in the NFL you need to put the time in to watch film and know everyone's assignment on the field. From my perspective it looked like Russell met with his jeweler and chef more than his Wide Receivers. Raider Nation is fed up with Russell and it's time for him to be ousted. With newly acquired Quarterback Jason Campbell Russell's days are numbered. The Raiders were robbed and Jamarcus Russell is laughing to the bank he may have lost the battle as a player but Russell's financial impact can hurt the Raiders development for years to come. Memo to NFL Scouts: When scouting a Quarterback analyze the players throwing mechanics, footwork, and accuracy not how far he can throw a football while sitting on his knees. Have you ever seen Drew Brees throw a touchdown on his knees? Al Davis will not admit he failed on this project. Al will continue to be Al and the Raiders will continue to be the Raiders.

Controversy Sells

Life Comes At You Fast

Last season in Men's College Basketball the North Carolina Tar Heels were the 2009 Champions. The Tar Heels rolled over opponents and boasted a roster full of NBA talent. Players such as Tyler Hansborough, Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, and Danny Green were the toast of the town and Head Coach Roy Williams won his 2nd title something in Tar Heel history that hasn't been accomplished since the great Dean Smith. After the title run the Tar Heels had a great recruiting class filled with McDonald's All-Americans that were primed to be potential stars. This season has been a 180 degree turn around. The North Carolina Tar Heels received a number one seed yesterday in the NIT tournament yes the National Invitational Tournament not typical territory for the Tar Heels. Coach Roy Williams roster is filled with talent, but they do not possess the true grit and winning attitude of the teams in the past. It will be an odd look when people fill out their March Madness brackets and UNC is know where to be found. The Tar Heels will be back that is the nature of their program. Memo to coaches around the country: Try to stay away from a championship hangover it is a bad look just ask Roy Williams. Act like you've been there before.