Category Archives: Uncategorized
LeBron: NO APOLOGIES NECESSARY!!!
“For weeks, media writers and sports commentators have blasted LeBron James’ free agency behavior; describing his consideration of team offers as some sort of crude & blatant disrespect towards the fans of Cleveland. They say the city would be crushed if he decides to leave, and have aligned his indecisiveness with the fate of all humanity! Justifiably, his departure would perhaps mark the decline of Cavalier basketball for a generation, circa ’93 when they were absent from playoff contention as often as Ferris Bueller skipped home-room. But is all the criticism necessary? I say “NO”…….. let’s discuss.”
“What bothers me is the notion that he must (for some reason or another) deny himself of his right to pursue the progressive nature of entrepreneurialism in an effort please everyone else! I understand the strong connection between LeBron and his hometown base of support; after all he was born, raised, nurtured, drafted, and celebrated by that region of Ohio. However, it’s as if no one has considered that perhaps he wishes to explore a professional life beyond Cleveland, beyond Akron… Though an athletic phenomenon, he’s just 25 years old!! His name may be responsible for millions in local small-business revenue generation, but he’s not Cleveland’s personal stimulus package! If, as an unemployed American for hire, he has a genuine interest in joining another company, in another city, that is his prerogative…. so deal with it.”
“‘Employee Retention’ is the responsibility of the Cavs! They haven’t made any organizational changes that would further entice LeBron to reject offers from Chicago, New York, Miami… Last season they would’ve had Amar’e Stoudemire on their roster, but they refused to trade away bench-forward J.J. Hickson. This week, they had an opportunity to close Chris Bosh, but management couldn’t work out the terms of Toronto’s “sign and trade” needs. There was an opportunity to bring back Carlos Boozer, but instead he’s in Chicago hoping that LeBron will follow. The truth is, just as any of us would do in an interview process, he has set aside all of his professional loyalties to properly assess his business expectations; basing some from the industry landscape and others from what his previous employer has (or has not) done to improve working conditions… and he has every right to do that.”
“And to Cleveland: what if he does come back? The organization hasn’t made any moves to improve its roster. Alternatively, Chicago and Miami have both made major strides in the past 24 hours, while Orlando and Boston remain the best teams in the East. At best, the Cavs are the 3rd best team in the conference, which is due entirely to the fact that one of the 2 or 3 best players in the world plays there.”
“My point: LeBron doesn’t owe ANYONE an apology if he decides to move on…….. Go to New York and build your own statue… Go to Chicago and blossom beneath the shadow of greatness… Go to Miami and be a part of undoubtedly the greatest 3-man roster in NBA history… because no apology is necessary.”
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
“…But what will LeBron do?!”
Here’s something a little different: I had an insightful conversation with my nephew today regarding NBA free agency; told him to jot down a few thoughts so I could share them… I’ll chime in later, but here’s his tak on the Lebron saga… In his own words.”
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“My take on the whole Lebron James spill is revolved around his soul purpose of wanting to play ball: to get that championship ring… He is in a few win-win situations with the following teams and the supporting cast contributions they have gained with their newly acquired players: Knicks, Bulls, and Heat. With Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on the front lines on the Miami Heat, Lebron would bring a presence far greater than we have seen with these two highly talented players…”
“Question is… will he mesh with these guys in consecutive seasons? Don’t get me wrong. These are two of the best in the league, but what do we know Lebron for? His all-star status and dominating the limelight. Now the Knicks: Amar’e Stoudamire and the possibility of getting someone of the status of a Toni Parker as a guard… Great attributes for role players in Lebron’s quest for the title. With Amar’e, having also never tasted that sweet savor from the gold, the connection would definitely spark hunger from him as well as Lebron. Finally the Bulls. In my opinion, this would be one of my highly favored moves for him. Having several role players behind you who are young, possible draft picks that would set the Bulls on a higher pedestal compared to other Eastern teams, and moving to a great city where I’m pretty sure he would enjoy his years… you can’t beat it!”
“That’s my take and we’ll see how this plays out Thursday.”
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…Share your thoughts.
–A.J. Padgett
www.Twitter.com/Padgett1291
www.iblmedia.com
Recent delay….
Lately, I haven’t been able to update the blog as often as I would like to; however this is due to a big project that I’ve been working on within my publishing outlet, The IbL Media Group. But be patient with me, within the next several days I’ll be able to dedicate time back to interacting with you guys. From Lakers’ back-to-back to the US elimination, we’ve got a lot to talk about. Thanks for your tweets and emails.
So, stay tuned//
Mayweather – Mosley Vol. 3: “Easy Money”
1.4 Million in domestic pay-per-view buys…
Over $78 Million in HBO revenues generated…
Recorded as the 2nd biggest non-heavyweight PPV fight in history…
740,000 cable buys, 660,000 satellite subscriptions…
and a reported $50+ Million dollar purse.
Beyond the bank figures and accounting points, Floyd Mayweather may have done more than simply solidify his place as this generation’s PPV box-office king… he may have stripped the naysayers of any reason to believe that anyone at 147 pounds… including Manny Pacquiao… has much of a chance of beating him.
Outside of 2 clean right hands in the 2nd round, it’s tough to argue that May 1st wasn’t “Easy Money” for Floyd Mayweather. Boxing fans wanted to see how he’d respond once Shane connected with his right hand… all he did was spend the next 40 minutes cleaning the scorecard, as he proceeded to technically sweep Shane right out of the fight. The public wanted to know how he would respond to true speed, and if his defense was really as good as “24/7″ publicized… all he did was make Shane look uncertain and jittery; unwilling to pull the trigger out of worry for Mayweather’s counter punching skills. We wanted to know if Floyd could stand up to a true Welterweight with ‘pop’ comparable to Manny Pacquiao… today, there’s no argument that he can; he adjusted, and never allowed himself to be hit with that same shot again! He looked physically bigger and stronger (which to many was unexpected considering Shane’s power & build.) He was obviously faster, smarter, craftier, better conditioned… and most importantly he was more relaxed (which was perhaps the most surprising measure considering Mosley’s resume).
Plain and simple, there are no holes in his game… which makes the prospect of Manny/May an even BIGGER draw now than a few months ago when promoters where shooting for them to fight at the top of 2010!
…The word around town is that Pacquiao has reserved a room at Dallas Cowboy Stadium for either November 6th and 13th… wonder if Mayweather will be checking in on that evening as well.
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
Allen Iverson: In search of an “Answer”
Allen Iverson, undoubtedly one of the greatest scoring ”point guards” to ever lace up the high tops, has seemingly been exiled to what I like to call “the island,” the place where future Hall-of-Famers go when their reputation for greatness (or desire for self-promotion) forces them to accept short-term contracts & settle with whichever mediocre ball-club agrees to sign ‘em. Personal legacy growing like the entourage following him to VIP, Iverson is considered by most to be one of the most passionate players of this generation… Absolutely fearless! Isaiah’s toughness, combined with “Earl the Pearl’s” flash and Peewee Kirkland’s street swagger. Watching A.I. in his prime was the closest we urban kids could get to seeing a Pro do a sidewalk crossover; top of the key, effortless, pure, “right-to-left”; an art that went uncompromised, even at Georgetown amidst the NCAA’s growing dislike of city guards who thrive off of making the next Larry Bird, look like a French Lick wanna-be!
That guy, “the answer” who assassinated the ego’s of every great player of this era with his change-of-pace move, is now in search of a team? Why?! What are the arguments defending teams who refuse a ‘sit-down’ to at least discuss the option? ESPN’s Sports Nation calls him selfish, sports writers say that nobody wants to play with him because he takes too many shots… Funny how people said the same thing about Kevin Garnett before he shook hands with Bill Russell, cementing his status in Celtic green. Even Kobe got chopped-up for being selfish and not trusting his teammates enough… that was before he provided LA with another Championship parade. It seems (in my opinion anyway) that all of the greats are self-serving until timing permits them the opportunity to capture a ring, at which point they’re just ‘great’… or maybe they’re still (a bit) selfish but the perception of those who once criticized them is blinded by championship jewelry.
But is “the island” only reserved for the Ewings who lived in the era of Michael and simply couldn’t win game 5? Not exactly: remember MJ had the opportunity to retire on the back of his 6th championship, hanging his legacy on the brow of Utah fans who both cheered & booed as the Commissioner enshrined them on the Jazz logo. Instead, the last jump shot he took was in a Washington Wizards uniform. Charles Barkley retired in Houston, Magic tried his hand at coaching, Isaiah’s legacy is now aligned with those crumbling Knicks, & Malone sold out to amidst the Kobe/Shaq breakup.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather see A.I. play than to see him retire while he’s still got the desire & ability to contribute to the game. It was only 2 years ago that he was an All-Star, averaging about 25 pts. a game and still able to put up buckets. I guess the question is: “Is there a team out there who’s badly in need of an answer as he is…”
Another question……… “Did anyone else (other than Michael Wilbon) think CLEVELAND?!”
All I’m saying is, “A.I. isn’t the only guy who’s STILL in search of an “Answer”…
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
The New York BRICKS!!
In the words of David Letterman (a few weeks ago during an interview with Jay-Z): “Remember when they used to play Pro ball down at the Garden?!”
I think Dave was referring to the ’90′s era with Ewing, Oakley, Starks, Jackson… when they gave Jordan all he could handle each year in the 2nd round of the playoffs, or when Reggie Miller would destroy their hopes of anything beyond a 7th game in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks haven’t “played Pro ball” since Patrick Ewing missed a finger-roll in the final seconds against Houston which would’ve delivered a long awaited championship… Their last legit shot at a ring, back when Jordan was deciding whether or not to “really” retire. Those were the good ‘ol days, back when the Garden wasn’t just a random gym where Kobe & Lebron could come & drop 50+ on consecutive nights vs. little if any competitive resistance… now it’s where the year’s big event was the “Blueprint 3″ album release & benefit concert.
It’s a shame really, to think that a pro team would shoot 31% on ANY given night, regardless of whether or not its pre-season or a charity game. If it weren’t for Nate Robinson’s “Slam Dunk” trophies and Spike Lee, New York Knick 
basketball would be the equivalent of the Memphis Grizzlies… closer to developmental league tryouts than a post-season contender.
Maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but the fact is that I’m a fan! Those 1990′s Knicks would battle ANYBODY who stepped on the floor (a sort of reincarnation of the Bad Boy Pistons… plus Xavier McDaniel). To see the city that has produced some of the greatest names in the sport, a city that houses one of the most legendary Hoop playgrounds in all of the world; the place where Walt Frazier & Earl Monroe shared the same back-court… become a meaningless road opponent where the visiting team is making after-party plans at halftime, is just sad.
Yeah, some of us remember when they used to “play pro ball” in New York… that was about 10 years ago. Now, the stadium is only full when the Lakers/Cavs drop in, or the Saturday following the Puerto Rican Day Parade when Miguel Cotto fights.
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
Money!!!
So, I took some time off……. I sat back the past few weeks and watched the sports highlight-reels develop; even traveled to cover a few events on the East Coast (which included my first experience at Yankee Stadium). But anyway, lets get some “real talk” going……….
Floyd “Money” Mayweather returned to the ring a few weeks ago, and over the past few days I’ve been reading some of the sports-wires with their biased Pacquiao fans who hate anything Mayweather and love everything PacMan. As a fan of the sport and (not some fanatic-follower who youtubes highlights of any one particular fighter), I’ve found the one-sidedness out there to be bit disingenuous, so for those who haven’t been introduced to “Money,” and only know him from HBO’s 24/7, allow me the privilege to do so.
“Money: not just because he pays everything in cash, lives a Hip-Hop lifestyle, or is the “over” on EVERY betting line to which his name is attached, but because the boy is good!!” Over his Career, Mayweather has won 6 belts in 5 different weight classes, has held a title 10 of his 11 yrs as a pro, is undefeated as a professional (and by the way his amateur profile is just as impressive, which includes a Bronze in the ’96 Games in ATL), and he has NEVER won a vacant title (meaning he beat the top guy to win each strap he’s championed)… and he is by far the most dedicated athlete in the sport, as its been well documented that you can sometimes find him in the gym running sprints at 4am.
I’ll admit, lately his fights have become more predictable, and who could blame him for chasing the Euros considering how GoldenBoy Promotion is hungry to feed him whoever he wants from their roster (even De la Hoya himself would get back in there for a $20M payday). And as much as people want to blame Floyd for not posting a KO every time he fights, it cannot be disputed that he’s still the greatest defensive fighter of this generation! Not only has he never been knocked down, but he’s never been in any serious trouble… not one round, ever!!
Speaking of money, he’s by far the biggest PPV draw in the sport, hence the bullseye he wears as an accessory to his flashy lifestyle. So now, everybody wants to fight him; some to make a statement, while others like Shane Mosley just want to bankroll their retirement… And to discuss this further, there’s this “misconception” that ”Money’s” been avoiding Shane Mosley… Could be true, but one has to also address the fact that Shane hasn’t been in too much of a hurry to fight Floyd either (until now, ala “bankroll”)!! Let’s be frank, Shane avoided Floyd in ’06 around the time Floyd beat Baldomir & Juda, talking about he wanted to go on vacation with his family. Now that Sugar’s 38, he wants to retire having fought everybody… so he’s anxious, and perhaps rightfully so. Now, I can’t blame these guys for wanting to preserve their careers, and take time when necessary to get things straight in their personal lives; “Money” did the same thing 2 years ago when a fight between him and Cotto was Primetime TV. I personally don’t think a fight between these two will ever happen, (ala Roy Jones & Bernard Hopkins)…..
I realize most fans want to see head banging action, and don’t particularly have an appreciation for pure boxing skills… for those fans, allow me introduce you to the UFC!! Fact is, Floyd isn’t that kind of fighter…. never has been, never will be. His defensive technique will overwhelm & frustrate any fighter in the division (including Manny Pacquiao, whom I have great respect for)…. Which leads to another point: The Lack of Appreciation//
Reality for “Money” is, unfortunately it doesn’t matter WHO he beats, the critics will always create an excuse for his opponent: Gatti had issues with the weight (RIP), Oscar was too old, Hatton wasn’t disciplined enough, Marquez was too small, etc. Next it will be: Shane was over the hill, Pacquiao was the smaller man, Cotto was never the same fighter after Margarito, and it was too early in Berto’s career (if that fight ever happens). The truth is, in 2 years he (quite possibly) will have beaten every big name between 144 and 150 lbs, and hold a record of something like 44-0; which again will get chopped up by those who drop $50 on PPV just hoping to see him lose.
But if he ‘Windexes’ the division, what will the critics have to say about “Money” then? Nothing really, they’ll continue to take shots at his career… But the truth is, if he chops up the division by 2011, he could go down as one of the greatest Welterweights of all times!!
That post will read something like: “Hall of Fame, allow me to introduce you to Money!”
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
“…Personal Vicktory.”
…7-11 for 26 yards passing/35 yards rushing with 1 TD, 2 fumbles (1 lost), and an interception in most cases wouldn’t be considered a successful QB debut… Though, it is (after all) the Pre-Season and much isn’t really expected… “OK, so if the bar is lowered due to the game’s lack of significance, these still are unimpressive stats…” But considering that just a few months ago, Michael Vick was figuratively locked in cell of personal resentment, the 27-38 loss to the Jets Thursday night would serve as a personal victory for Michael.
What a difference a matter of weeks make! From 18 months hard time, to a halfway house, $10 an hour on a construction site… to being notified that he will officially be reinstated in a matter of weeks. “There were times where in losing we win!” As little leaguers, we’re are often reassured that in defeat there is something positive which can be garnered from the experience… this is one of those moments, maturated by the experience of a 2 year jail sentence, bankruptcy, & a second chance.
Congratulations, not simply to Michael but to (as Tony Dungy articulated it) “The Christian value of Forgiveness.” Michael has been granted a unique opportunity. 25 years from now, his can be the story used to demonstrate the human capability to redeem oneself. It won’t be easy, may even be impossible… but the opportunity to reserve his space in the dictionary beneath “redemption” absolutely will be worth the struggle. Good luck//
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
“Too Legit?!?”
Bugati, Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, Maserati…. all of which scream “VRrooooomM!” as they seemingly glide across European tracks, leaving behind dropped-jaws and a swagger that is unmistakable. Until now, this awe inspiring effect has been limited to gas-guzzling coupes fixed to the cover of the Robb Report & luxury car ads……. Welcome to the “G2” era, where Nike checks speed around the track instead of Goodyear tires, & RPM’s measure footsteps instead of horsepower. And as unfair as it seems to question evolution & level of commitment these street racers have dedicated to master their art, we’re all wondering if there has been some sort of biological enhancement; a sort of advancement to human genetics that has pushed their running ability beyond the “gears” that seem to “drive” their weaker competitors.
“Let’s evaluate…”
Usain Bolt. Name sounds like a brand of engine fuel… name sounds like the boy can run… and boy, can he RUN!!! He’s broken every relevant track record, and on the same German speedway where Jesse Owens proved that African Americans were a force to be reckoned with (both in society & athletic competition), he crushed the 100M record that was his to correct in the first place. But why stop there, he took the 200M as well. “VRrooooomM!” And with all of his charisma, likability, swagger… let’s face it, there is a cloud dangling over not just above him, but the entire sport through which he has established his brand. Blame Marion Jones, Chris Gatling, & others who inserted Diesel fuel where Regular Unleaded was acceptable. So, now every great track & field athlete has to answer to the jury of public opinion, who unfortunately has already settled with a verdict.
For those like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson; I hope this kid is clean and dominates the sport for years to come just as they did. I hope that he jogs into the record books, perhaps transitions into one of the NFL’s top Receivers, graduates to Canton, Ohio, retires an old man on the beaches of Jamaica surrounded by grand kids & coconut trees. But for now, unfortunately (to some) his success seems almost “too legit.” Guess time will tell….
“VRrooooomM!!”
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
