It's Spring Again... F@ck!

This is a new column called "Manny Stiles' Gratuitous Pondiferications of the imitation brand emoticon "f@ck"

I call it:

Manny Stiles' Gratuitous Pondiferications of the Imitation Brand Emoticon "F@ck"

This is a poem I wrote called "F@ck Boston"

Suck it in...
suckas
it's the smell of Spring.
Fungoes in bloom,
the Red Sox in perilous doom.

John Lackey is whack-y
he got smacked-y
like a cricket bat whacking a
wicked dust bunny...

Oh, yess... yessss Spring!
The Rays stepped on 'em
and swept the Sawx with a broom.

Carlos Pena,
puttin' you through pain, huh?
Why not pay Josh Beckett MORE money?
It's so wicked funny...

Ha Ha haaa haa ha.

Ha hahaaa yeah, that's what I said.


F@ck Boston.

F@ck the Celtics.

They're whatever Rasheed wants them to suck as bad as...

Garnett is toast begging to get buttered only to fall buttered side down in a pile full of bone-on-bone contact.

F@ck the Patriots.

Why?

Because the chicken crossed the road to rape, kill and eat the Easter Bunny. But only a split second before Bill Belichick was going to.

Slander? Hell yeah I'll slander Bill Belichick with all kinds of deluded methaphors and dream clouds in print. Nothing against the guy except for F@ck Bill Belichick! F@ck the entire franchise, their retired players not named Sam Cunningham, the current and future personnel and especially that repulsive logo.

And because my pet shrimp told me so. True story.

F@ck the Bruins. No one's afraid of you, you measly chumps.

I can't even feign interest in the Bruins. I'm serious. I tried to feign interest, but pitifully to NO avail, no regard and no measurable or distinctual change. They're the Bruins. Nothing to get excited about here.

F@ck Sam Malone, too. You know why.

Paul Revere made chamber pots, Ted Kennedy was addicted to rectal self-examinations and you Bostonians live in a sub-state. Massachusetts should be a county inside a Big Boy state, not a teeny, tiny, quiant, lace-ruffled pansy-derriered state that looks like the Iron Sheik's boots. F@ck Massachusetts (for the most part, I suppose). What did Massachusetts ever do right other than let itself get forced to free Maine out of it's grimy clutches?


And also.... Because I said so.

The New Curse is ON. Count it. Tick... tick... tick...

Pats Tag Cassel: Good or Bad?

Three Super Bowl rings. Two Super Bowl MVP's. Four Pro Bowls.

That's just a few of the accomplishments that make up New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's long resume in the National Football League. But, Brady's 2008 campaign was destroyed right off the bat after suffering a serious knee injury week one of the season, against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both the ACL and MCL in his knee were torn after Kansas City defensive back Bernard Pollard rolled on top of it during the first quarter. The injury forced New England to place him on the injured reserve, abruptly ending his season.Former University of Southern California quarterback, Matt Cassel, stepped in right away and led the team to the week one victory, 17-10. With little NFL experience, not much was expected of Cassel--who hadn't started a game since high school before Brady went down. Many TV analysts and fans considered New England's season spoiled.

In three and a half quarters of play, Cassel went 13 of 18 for 152 yards and a touchdown pass against the Chiefs. Not bad. The following week, against division-rival New York Jets, Cassel threw for 165 yards in a 19-10 victory.

In the end, Cassel--the unlikely hero--threw for 3,693 yards, 21 TD's and just 11 interceptions for the 11-5 Patriots. Yes, the team failed to make the playoffs, but that doesn't take away from the successful season the 26-year old Matt Cassel had under center. Cassel started off a bit on the rough side of things, but towards the end of the regular season, Cassel was as cool as "Joe Cool'' himself while in the pocket.

His success brought up an interesting topic this Sunday. The Patriots' organization decided to use their "franchise tag" on Cassel, keeping him in town for at least one more season. For those that don't know, the franchise tag is a designation that each NFL team are allowed to place on one player--usually of high importance to the team--that is scheduled to be a free agent that year. This strategic manuever allows teams to keep a highly-talented player for one extra year. For that season, that player's salary is guaranteed for that season.

The announcement made by New England's front office can only mean two things: A. Tom Brady's rehabilitation isn't going very smoothly or B. New England wishes to keep Cassel as their starter for next season.

Say it's crazy, but I wouldn't be surprised if Brady started the 2009 season off on the bench. Cassel is five years younger than the all-pro Brady, and knee injuries are one of the worst injuries to sustain in a game like football. Brady doesn't want to return too early and aggravate the knee, which has already been operated on several times.

The smart thing for head coach Bill Belichick to do here is sit Brady to begin the season, no matter how well Brady says his knee is. I suspect that's the reasoning behind the franchise tagging of Matt Cassel and fully agree in this move, considering the situation.

I mean, what's the worst that can happen? Ok, so Cassel has a rough start to the '09 season. Big deal. Brady has overcome many obstacles in his nine-year career. Cassel has displayed the leadership skills, and overall talent this season, I'm sure he can manage. Besides, football is a team game. It will take more than a few quarterbacking mistakes to fall in an early hole.

Keep Cassel another year for stability, Brady gets back to his normal winning routine and the Patriots could get a lot in return for a quarterback of Cassel's caliber. But, it's never a bad thing to have two capable quarterbacks on your roster.

Out-Drafting Bonanza Part 4 - The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick

Welcome to part 4 of the Out-Drafting Bonanza. Today's team is the Bill Belichick lead New England Patriots. For all cheating and video taping allegations, they certainly have given off the aura of being the Gold Standard for drafting. The team is considered a model franchise and the New England fans seem to turn a blind eye to how the team is run, as long as it produces winning results (so far so good). So, let's wind another one our and remember, the goal of this exercise is to compare a few different "successful" (and one really unsuccessful) NFL regimes and discover who's good, who's bad and where the hell we'll put Andy Reid.

In case you don't remember, here's a look at our Scoring System again.

And here's the regimes we'll be looking at:

• Philadelphia Eagles (Andy Reid)
• Detroit Lions (Steve Mariucci/Dick Jauron/Rod Marinelli...all under Matt Millen and we'll use this is the baseline/epitome of crap)
• Seattle Seahawks (Mike Holmgren/Tim Ruskell)
• New England Patriots (Bill Belichick)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (Jack Del Rio)
• Dallas Cowboys (Jerry Jones err Wade Phillips, though we'll be counting the Parcells years because of how involved Jones was regardless)
• Denver Broncos (Mike Shanahan)
• Chicago Bears (Lovie Smith)
• San Diego Charges (Norv Turner...but all the A.J. Smith era)

Let's not tie up any more of your time. Let's get to the Belichickian Era Drafts:

Year	Round	Name	Score (1-5)	Bonus	Note
2002	1	Daniel Graham	3	0	Graham was an adequate starter for the Pats. Not as special as they believed he would be
	2	Deion Branch	3	0	Again, Branch was a capable starter and SB MVP. He got it done when needed, but wasn't special
	3	Traded to move up and pick Graham	1	0	A third round pick for Graham? Ouch
	4	Rohan Davey/ Jarvis Green	2	0	Davey was a total flop and Green is a decent rotation DL
	5	Traded to move up and pick Green	1	0	Can't say trading up to get a reserve DL was worth it in hindsight
	6	Traded for future pick	0	0	?? - The Pats traded a lot and it was almost impossible to track all of them
	7	Antoine Womack/ David Givens	2	1	Womack (0) never made the team but Givens (3) was a fine starter while with the Pats

This draft really was mixed. Belichick found three adequate to good starters, but nothing special. Graham, Givens and Branch are/were good players in New England who did help produce a few Super Bowls, so its hard to argue with the results, but no studs really were taken.

2002 Score: 13 Points. First Round Hit Total: 1/1. Quality Players Selected (total): 0/6

Year	Round	Name	Score (1-5)	Bonus	Note
2003	1	Ty Warren	4	0	Warren is a fine leader on defense and a stud DT
	2	Eugene Wilson/ Bethel Johnson	2	0	Wilson was a decent safety who worked the Pats system while Johnson had speed, but only showed flashes and his lack of work ethic ended his career
	3	Traded to move up and pick Wilson	1	0	Can't say trading up for Wilson was awful, but wasn't worth it
	4	Dan Klecko/ Asante Samuel	4	4	Klecko (3+1) was a fine DT and great reserve while Samuel was an all-pro (5+3)
	5	Dan Koppen	4	2	Koppen is a pro-bowl center on a Super Bowl team
	6	Kliff Kingsbury	0	0	Another miserable backup QB, never made the team's 53
	7	Spencer Nead/ Tully Banta-Cain/ Ethan Kelley	1	0	Nead never made the squad, Banta-Cain was a decent reserve/role player and Kelley played one game as a Pat

Talk about a marquee draft. Belichick scored higher in the 4th round than the Lions did in the entire 2004 draft. Five of his first 6 picks were hits of at least starters and he even found a decent backup (Banta-Cain) in the 7th...which you'll note is a trend with BB, he does find relative Diamonds in the rough. Its not always Brady, but he finds contributors.

2003 Score: 22 Points. First Round Hit Total: 2/2. Quality Players Selected (total): 2/16

Year	Round	Name	Score (1-5)	Bonus	Note
2004	1	Vince Wilfork/ Ben Watson	4	0	Wilfork (5) is a stud DT while Watson (3) is a solid starter
	2	Marquise Hill	1	-1	Hard to fault the Pats here, but Hill was a backup until his death in 2007
	3	Guss Scott	1	0	Scott was a special teamer for 1 season with the Pats
	4	Dexter Reid/ Cedric Cobbs	1	0	Both were reserves/special teamers
	5	P.K. Sam	0	0	Between legal issues and stupidity, Sam never suited up but did collect a Super Bowl Ring
	6	Traded for Jamil Soriano	0	0	Never played as a Pat but if you google his name, you'll see him on facebook
	7	Christian Morton	0	0	Practice squadee who never suited up

This was clearly his worst draft. Marquise Hill and Guss Scott aren't even recognizable names, but the on thing Belichick didn't screw up was the first round, where he found a stud Defensive lineman in Vince Wilfork and a nice starter in Ben Watson.

2004 Score: 6 Points. First Round Hit Total: 4/4. Quality Players Selected (total): 4/24

Year	Round	Name	Score (1-5)	Bonus	Note
2005	1	Logan Mankins	4	0	Mankins is a probowler and 2nd team all-pro, nice late round pick
	2	Traded for picks to get Hobbs, Thomas (06) and Mincey (06) picks	2	0	Hobbs as a 2nd still isn't a bad pick but the package still didn't work out by 06
	3	Ellis Hobbs/ Nick Kaczur	3	0	Hobbs (3) is a nice starter while Kaczur, regardless of legal trouble has been an effective starter at tackle
	4	James Sanders	3	1	Sanders has adequately replaced Wilson
	5	Ryan Claridge	1	0	Claridge spent 1 year as a special teamer and was released
	6	Traded for Stevenson pick (06)	0	0	Ouch
	7	Matt Cassel/ Andy Stokes	2	1	Stokes (0) never made the 53 man team but was Mr Irrelevant, and Cassel (3) has filled in very well for Tom Brady.

Again, Belichick didn't miss on his first four picks, finding a pro-bowl lineman and three starter to decent backup players. Then in the 7th round he found current starting Quarterback Matt Cassel. I have a feeling I might get some flack for calling Cassel a three, but while he's played well, he's a backup QB on that team. A good one, but a backup.

2005 Score: 17 Points. First Round Hit Total: 5/5. Quality Players Selected (total): 5/31

Year	Round	Name	Score (1-5)	Bonus	Note
2006	1	Laurence Maroney	3	0	He's a starter, but injuryprone
	2	Chad Jackson	1	-1	13 career catches and injury prone
	3	David Thomas	2	0	Thomas is a decent blocker and adequate backup
	4	Garrett Mills/ Stephen Gostkowski	2	1	Mills never played a down as a Pat, while Gostkowski is a adequate kicker
	5	Ryan O'Callaghan	2	0	O'Callaghan is currently a career backup but could become a decent starter
	6	Jeremy Mincey/ Dan Stevenson/ Le Kevin Smith	0	0	Mincey & Stevenson never made the 53 man team, while Smith has seen little time
	7	Willie Andrews	1	0	Decent special teamer

Again, Belichick hit on the first round. While he didn't find much gold (the jury's still out on Maroney), he did find adequate players to form the high powered team for 2007. There was the Jackson bust but he was only one of two negative scorers for Belichick. The proof is in the pudding here but off the top of my head I see five players here who have contributed to successful Patriot squads (Andrews, Gostkowski, Thomas, Maroney and O'Callaghan).

2006 Score: 11 Points. First Round Hit Total: 6/6. Quality Players Selected (total): 5/41

So its reasonable to believe the Belichick drafts were a bit overrated. On the negative side, Belichick found a lot of 2s and 3s and wasn't afraid to make some 0s and cut losses (almost all the 1s were cut quickly too and none proved to be any good regardless). His positive was his ability (again) to find a lot of 2s and 3s which played crucial roles on teams that won Super Bowls. Moreover, he never missed on a first round pick (the weakest being Maroney, Watkins or Graham, though each still started a few games).

Final Scores:

• The Philadelphia Eagles and Andy Reid/Tom Heckert: 76. First round % (3 or better): 80%. Quality Players Selected (4 or better): 15%
  
• The Detroit Lions and Steve Mariucci/Dick Jauron/Rod Marinelli: 47. First round % (3 or better): 40%. Quality Players Selected (4 or better): 5%
• The Seattle Seahawks and Mike Holmgren/Tim Ruskell: 69. First round % (3 or better): 60%. Quality Players Selected (4 or better): 10%
• The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick: 69. First round % (3 or better): 100%. Quality Players Selected (4 or better): 12%
  

Note: 14.28% represents 1 pick out of 7 (per draft) is a quality player

Questions, concerns, comments, errors, Omissions? Please leave in the comments for send to Justin@badnewsbloggers.com

And You Thought Bernard Pollard Was Dirty?

Its not surprising that numerous Pats fans have been crying foul over the Brady hit by Bernard Pollard. Hell, even Vince Wilfork and Randy Moss believe so.

Many Pats fans (Personally, I like to imagine the proprietors of Sox and Dawgs as a red faced bunch of pissed off Boston Irish folks punching the keyboard as they typed that) and personnel have had an opinion on the hit, but one man's opinion is clearly missing...

That of Rodney Harrison.

Numerous Google Searches for Harrison have revealed little

So where is the NFL's dirtiest player to comment on this dirty play? (Oh, you say the poll is too old? How about this Coaches Poll from earlier this summer?) I can even image good ole Bill Belichick answer it and thinking: "Yeah, Harrison...whatever." The real facts are, 18 coaches were polled and 11 said Harrison right off the bat. Second place? Roy Williams with...two votes...

So Rodney, care to weigh in on the hit? Do you think it was dirty...Well really, would you have done it? (yeah ya would, don't lie)

Walker-Sports AFC East Preview

As we all eagerly wait on the upcoming football season, let’s continue our look around the NFL, today we will switch conferences and take a look at the AFC East. There’s a lot going on in this division, but it’s pretty straight forward to guess what the outcome of this conference will be.

New England Patriots: 17-1 pretty damn good unless that one lost came in the biggest game of the year. Everyone knows the story of the Patriots, and you can believe they will use the disappointment at the end of the story as fuel to climb back to the top of the mountain in 08. The Patriots will go to battle with the usual cast of characters. Their offense will have the same quick pace and explosive scoring ability as it did last season. I doubt they will break scoring records like last season, but they will not struggle to get into the endzone. Look for the Pats to change it up the attack plan just a bit this season. They will move Moss around and get him into the slot and let Welker play the outside. While this will cut into Welker’s numbers it will open up more opportunities for Moss. It will be hard for a defense to get a corner and a safety on him when he comes out of the slot where a nickel back or a linebacker would typically be the first line of defense.

On the defensive side the Pats lost some talent in the secondary with the departure of Ashanti Samuel. However, they were very active in free agency and have found very good replacements and in typical Patriots fashion it will cost the franchise a lot less cash. The biggest pickup in the off season has to be drafting Jerod Mayo at linebacker. Mayo will make an instant impact which the Patriots need since their ageing linebacking core was actually the wink link on their defense last season.

The Patriots will be ale to tear through this weak division and once again take home the title. Division Title that is.

New York Jets: The Jets barely fall into this second spot, and it does not mean they will have a successful all around season. The Jets have questions at QB and they have a bunch of new faces on the offensive line. They are some very talented faces and a solid mix of veterans and young guys. The upside is if the line can gel together, the Jets can potentially make a stable offense, and that could be enough.

Two seasons ago the Jets began to put together a solid defense and while they backtracked a little last season, they will look to rebound in 08. Their defense is good enough to keep them in a lot of games this season, especially when you look around the rest of the division.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills could easily be a huge surprise in 2008, especially if Trent Edwards can completely grasp the system and the league. Last year Edwards burst onto the scene and he showed lot of promise and there is no doubt he will build and grow this season. If he can progress, the Bills have the weapons on offense to make some noise. Marshawn Lynch was a stud in the back field and he will only improve now that he has a better understanding of the blocking schemes and the tempo of the game. Lee Evans is a deep threat receiver who had a down year last season due to erratic play at the QB position. If Edwards can settle down and deliver the ball then Evans could feast from the improved play and have a breakout year.

Miami Dolphins: They went out and drafted the cheapest number one draft pick available. But Jake Long should be able to anchor the line for a long time to come. Too bad no one has a clue who will be under center. What the Dolphins do have going for them is Ronnie Brown. He is a tough runner who can get solid yardage on every carry. If Miami can keep him healthy during the season he will help to jump start what was a terrible (say it like Charles Barkley) offense last season.

The one thing Miami has going for them entering next season is the Big Tuna. That’s right Bill Parcells has taken over and he is already making his presence felt. Parcells put Jason Taylor on notice and he has the Dolphins on notice from front office to towel boy. If nothing else, Parcells running the show will insure that everyone puts their best foot forward. He will make the Dolphins raise their level of play unfortunately that level just wont be good enough.

The Legend of...Freddie Mitchell

“The Legend of” is a series of articles compiling athletes who may appear forgettable but have forever etched themselves into the mind of at least one fan.

The venerable Freddie Mitchell was the 25th pick in the first round of the 2001 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles hoped by drafting him to acquire the stud receiver talent to push Donovan McNabb to the top.

Mitchell’s Philadelphia connections grew deeper, becoming the mouth of Philadelphia. Moreover, Mitchell played baseball with future Phillies All-Star Chase Utley and even introduced Utley to his future wife, Jennifer.

Eventually, Mitchell never quite reached the promise that the Eagles had for him. He was selected before Reggie Wayne, Chad Johnson and Steve Smith but only caught 15 balls in 2002 and then 35 in 2003. In 2004, Mitchell’s final year with the Eagles, he caught 22 balls and the Eagles ended up releasing him in 2005, after the NFL draft.

But Freddie did have achievements:

The Media

While not having the talents of a Clinton Portis, he certainly has the ego taking on numerous names such as First Down Freddie, Fourth Down Freddie, The People’s Champ (to which he would imitate a championship belt around his waste), and of course FredEx (because he always delivers). At one point, Freddie even showed up to a press conference wearing oven mitts and declared: “I'd like to thank God for giving me these hands."

4th and 26

In what is one of the most famous plays in Philadelphia Eagles history. The Green Bay Packers blew a 14 point lead. With only 1:12 left in the game after a 3rd down penalty and an 11 yard sack of Donovan McNabb, the Eagles faced 4th and 26. McNabb through a perfect strike to Mitchell at the first down line resulting in a fresh set of downs and a game tying field goal. The game went to overtime and after a Brian Dawkins interception, the Eagles went on to win.




The Scramble

The Score wasn’t so important as the Eagles were prepared to put another drubbing on the Cowboys during their Super Bowl season, but the famous McNabb scramble is one emblazoned in Eagles’ fans’ minds. McNabb’s almost 15 second scramble result in a 60 yard toss to Mitchell that stunned everyone…including John Madden. Boom!



The Downfall

Prior to the Super Bowl, Eagles fans were high on FredEx but in the weeks leading up to the game everyone soured. During an interview with Dan Patrick, Mitchell suggested he didn’t know the names of any of the Patriots DBs, only numbers and then followed that up by getting all the numbers wrong. Except Rodney Harrison, to which he was quoted as saying “[He’s] got something for him.” Harrison took offense, as did Bill Belichick. And the Patriots would film their way to victory 24-21.

After the game, Mitchell lambasted everyone, from the Pats and Eagles, namely saying Owens took away his catches and he and McNabb just didn’t fit. After being released a few months later, Mitchell worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs but was released. He’s also tried out for the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Toronto Argonauts and according to Deadspin, was reportedly serving as a substitute teacher. But regardless of the mouth or the skills, Freddie was a legend (in his own mind) for the few great moments he created in Eagles history.

The Daily "Linkin' Logs" (7/2/08)

Another additional of the Daily Linkin' Logs. Its a fine morning for my Philadelphia Phillies, who sent their "ace" wife beater down to the minors to rework. Makes me wonder how he took it. Did he "Chacon" Pat Gillick the GM, "Ramirez" the traveling secretary as he planned the trip, or did he take it in silence and just "Myers" his wife when he got home.

I shouldn't discredit Myers too much, since the incident in Boston in 2006, he's be more than willing to do therapy with his wife, has learned to control his anger and also took the move to the minors as a chance to rework rather than the demotion some might think it is.

As a result, the Phils posted a rare W (as of late) over the Bravos last night and called up R.J. Swindle, the electric middle relieve who's posted a 1.93 ERA in just over 20 innings pitched in AAA ball. Still makes me wonder where the next starter (to replace Myers) will come from.

Well enough about the Phils, on to the links!

• I know this one isn't sports related per se (unless you think bullying is a sport) but it was too much to pass up. Pamela Manson of the Salt Lake Tribute reports that yesterday the Utah Supreme Court threw out the manslaughter conviction of Erik Curtis Low on the basis that the jury was instructed that it could convict Low of manslaughter instead of Murder if it so desired. Not such startling news, as bumbling prosecutions aren't all that odd, but I haven't told you what Low did yet. Apparently (and you can read in the article), Low was at his aparment with three other men and they were drinking, ingesting cocaine and horsing around when one man, Jon Michael Hirschey grabbed low and gave him an atomic wedgie (I shit you not, the wedgie was apparently so strong, it lifted low off his feet). Within a few seconds, Low, drew a gun and shot Hirschey twice, once in the shoulder and once in the head, killing him. He was charged with murder and taken to trial. From there, you can see the results and today Low walks free, however I would surmise he'll receive a much smaller charge and probably conviction...


• Paul Snider of the Tribute introduces us to the next Rick Ankiel


• Jill Painter of the LA Daily News tells us Baron Davis is probably a Clipper (Talk about the poor man's Kobe)


• Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News recruits NBA referees who are in the Army now as the NBA hires a former Army General to head its Referee operations, formerly seperating them from basketball operations.


• Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald proves the Patriots are Hypocrits (and douches!)


• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tells us if Ronnie Brown and his (supposed) mentors have their way Ricky Williams will be the Fins opening day starter


• Jack Curry of the New York Times reports that Mark Ecko will donate the 765th home run ball by Barry Bonds to the Hall...and yeah, it'll have an asterisk.


• And as given to us by Deadspin.com, Harold Reynolds apparently is making is graceful return to cable network baseball analysis...hopefully TBS has enough interns for Reynolds' to grab.

Daily Video: Jim Rome "Layeths the Smacketh Down" on Tom Brady's 1st...errr...3rd Option

Oh, you heard me right. Our fellow blogspotians at "HuggingHaroldReynolds" decided to watch Jim Rome Today.

Ok, stop laughing.

Anyway, while we agree, its stunning that anyone actually watches Rome is Burning, its pretty awesome when another well known media douche bag digs deep into the Pats. And naturally the Patriots "Nation" (or whatever they'd like to be called) is a little uppity. We're so glad Wes Welker knows so much about championships...probably just as much as most Eagles...and their fans...

And while I have a tendency to disagree with Rome on a lot and as a fan I'd like to believe that some players care more about rings than money, the fact of the matter is Rome's pretty much dead on...and Samuel already has rings, so why not?

Click here to see the video courtesy of HuggingHaroldReynolds!

Your Daily "Linkin' Logs" (7/1/2008)

Another day, another set of Linkin' Logs. This time BNB steps into the realms of July and the good news is the site's been in existence to the point where we inexplicably post enough stuff to read daily.

On a serious note, one of our (my) goals at BNB is to not only give you some of the more interesting headlines in the world, but to have some fun...because its sports...and win or lose, it doesn't really matter...

With that said, on to the links!

• Janny Hu of the San Fran Chronicle let's us know how Baron Davis's 40 shots a game will most likely be leaving the Golden State...coincidently, he's also refusing more money than many will make in a lifetime
• Jose De Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle informs us that the MLB Players Union will be providing a staunch middle finger to things like ethics, morals and what have you as they file a grievance on behalf of Shawn Chacon...if only we knew what the grievance was for...
• Regardless of statistics, mindless Red Sox fans have managed to place David Ortiz in the All-Star game, but Jeff Horrigan of the Boston Herald let's us know Ortiz is still out and Mark Feinsand of the NY Times gives us the details on A-Rod pussing out on the Home Run Derby (A.K.A. Fun Time)
• As Reported by Mark Berman of the New York Post, King James lets us know his 2010 free agency plans may include New York...but his favorite Burough isn't Manhattan
• Mike Underwood of the Boston Herald tells us this time a Patriot us upset that someone else is cheating!
• Kurt Mensching of the Marquette Mining Journal gives us the scoop on what Mooch really thought of Matt Millen and the Ford Family...fact of the matter is, he's got the same opinion as most of Detroit
• The AP of Minnesota tells us the T-Wolves aren't attempting to resign everyone...I'll give you a hint, its an underachieving point guard who didn't go to college...
• Phillies Beat Writer Todd Zolecki (Of Philly Inquirer Fame) reports Jimmy Rollins is talking again, and this time he thinks the Phillies need to get some pitching...duh Jimmy
• Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News furthers the truth that the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys are total dicks...I would never pay $2,000 a piece for the rights to purchase tickets...(scroll down a few articles)
• And the Associated Press tells us that the Punch Out! Champ might be in more legal trouble...I'm talking bigger than Robin Givens legal trouble