- Despite Russell Westbrook’s accomplishments, he will not win his 2nd straight NBA MVP award (You know what I’m about to say…and so what…) The award will go to Houston Rockets James Harden. “The Beard” led the Rockets to the best record in the NBA (65-17) and he’s been MVP finalist the past 2 years. It’s his time! Don’t mess this up, voters.
- With the LA Clippers being eliminated from the NBA Playoffs, it’s truly official that their proverbial ‘window’ is now closed. Gone are Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and it wouldn’t surprise me if head coach Doc Rivers was next. And to think: He was traded from Boston for this?
- As we know, the NBA playoffs begins on Saturday and in my opinion, the most intriguing matchups are Philadelphia vs. Miami in the East and Golden State vs. San Antonio in the West. The Sixers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2011-12 season and they finished the regular season on a 15-game winning streak. I don’t think the Heat is ready for the upstarts from Philly. In the past 3 years the Warriors and Spurs were the two best teams in the West, so it will be intriguing to see who will win this one. Personally, I hope the Spurs pull off the upset.
- I applaud the Los Angeles Lakers for their strong finish and their 35-47 record. No, it doesn’t mean playoffs, but it also doesn’t mean a 50-loss season. So, they are movin’ on up. But they also get my applause as they gave 32-year old G-league veteran Andre Ingram a chance to play, and Ingram rewarded L.A. with a 19-point effort. I also like how the Rockets’ Chris Paul gave Ingram a word of encouragement. Very classy gestures indeed.
- Fight! Fight! Are the Boston Red Sox and NY Yankees at it again? They were Wednesday night as both benches cleared. What caused the Brawl? Red Sox reliever Joe Kelly hit Yankees designated hitter Tyler Austin with the ball, he rushed the mound and… you know the rest. Kelly and Austin were both suspended 8 games and fined. Of course, they will appeal their suspensions. Fight nice, boys.
- After beating the Chicago Cubs 6-1, the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates are now 9- 3 after 12 games. Is it time to take them seriously? No. twelve games into a 162-game season is like an NFL team starting 3-1. It’s too early, folks. Don’t plan to buy playoff tickets yet. I hope the Pirates keep it going, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. And they still haven’t faced the best of the National League yet.
- I am impressed with the 10-1 start by the NY Mets. Where did they come from, all of a sudden? I know no one didn’t expect the Pirates to start 9-3, but nobody expected Mets to start stronger than the Washington Nationals. Yep, it’s still early. Especially with
the defending NL Champion LA Dodgers at 4-7. No way they remain under .500.
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- Cincinnati Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict is officially suspended four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. So, for the second-straight season, he’s been suspended 4 games, with last season being the result of flagrant hits on opponents. It’s not my place to judge, but when will this dude learn?
- It’s a shame that free agent QB Colin Kaepernick’s visit with the Seattle Seahawks was postponed because he said he would still take a knee for the National Anthem. I know it’s beating a dead horse, but the man is making a statement with the kneeling about how things are for African-Americans in this country, not disrespecting veterans. But folks still aren’t trying to get that. And it shouldn’t have anything to do with Kaepernick’s football skills.
- Finally, Today the Dallas Cowboys released veteran Wide Reciever Dez Bryant. Bryant who is the Cowboys all time TD reception leader (73) and spent eight seasons with Dallas. The Cowboys have now freed 8 million dollars in salary cap space by cutting the 30 year old wide out..
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