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The Warriors are for real

Posted on Monday 30 April 2007

First they had to win nine of ten just to make the playoffs. Then they had to face the Mavs, the #1 seed in the West (and the consensus best team in the league). But Golden State just seems to have Dallas’ number. This year, they won all three regular season meetings and, counting the playoffs, have won six of the last seven games against the Mavs.

Golden State is a small, athletic team that plays at a frenetic pace both offensively and defensively. Head coach Don Nelson (who used to coach Dallas) loves to utilize gimmick defenses and has thrown the Mavs completely off their game. Likely MVP Dirk Nowitzki has been limited by the Warriors’ scrambling, in-your-face defense and is completely out of rhythm. He’s no longer getting that famous post up at the free throw line. The Warriors are running a double team at him just about every time he catches the ball and they’ve got the team speed to recover when he elects to pass instead of shoot.

Offensively, Baron Davis is playing out of his mind. At the end of the second quarter he hit a 45-foot desperation three to tie the game going into halftime, and at the end of the third quarter he stole the ball and flushed it home to give Golden State the momentum going into the final period. Finally, with time winding down in the fourth, he hit a long jumpshot over Devin Harris to seal the game.

But the Warriors are not all Davis. They’ve got loads of young, athletic wing players – Monta Ellis, Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson, Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes – along with a bit of an inside presence in Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins, which gives Nelson the pieces he needs to give the Mavs fits.

Golden State leads the series, 3-1, but still has to get one more win. Two of the last three games are in Dallas. Tuesday’s Game 5 (9:30 PM ET, TNT) should be very interesting. The Mavs are in a very tough spot - how will they respond?

John Paulsen @ 1:44 pm
Filed under: NBA and External NBA
Take The Under 8 1/2 Runs In Bal/Det @ 7:05 EDT

Posted on Monday 30 April 2007

These two teams are a combined 14-6 under in their last 20 games. Daniel Cabrera gets the start tonight for the O’s. He’s been spectacular this season in all but one start and has allowed only one homer in 57 2/3 innings. Wednesday he held the Red Sox to one run in his first six innings of work. He’s pitched into the 7th inning in four of his five starts. Bonderman takes the hill for Detroit. Tuesday he had his first bad outing of season. Other than that game he’s been practically unhittable. The Orioles are averaging only 2.6 runs PG in their last 6 games.
Take the under.

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Madwinners @ 8:50 am
Filed under: Free Picks
Seventh Round Recap

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot the NFL Draft’s round seven:

Best Value:
Brandon Siler, LB, Chargers (No. 240) – Siler was once regarded as the second best middle linebacker prospect in the draft and a potential second or third round pick. The reason he slipped was because of his lack of experience and could have probably used another year at Florida. However, he’s a true playmaker, should benefit from playing with a top San Diego defense and was a great find in the seventh round. Other values: Deshawn Wynn, RB, Packers; Dallas Baker, WR, Steelers; Chase Pittman, DE, Browns.

Potential Sleeper:
Ben Patrick, TE, Cardinals (No. 215) – Shocking that Patrick dropped into the second round because his stock was on the rise after the NFL Combine. He’s got a ton of talent, but didn’t play at a Division I program, so therefore he dropped. It’s interesting to see how he’ll fit into that offense though, especially since Arizona took Leonard Pope in last year’s draft. Other sleepers: Clark Harris, TE, Packers.

Anthony Stalter @ 5:11 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Sixth Round Recap

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s sixth round:

Best Value:
John Wendling, S, Bills (No. 184) – I’m shocked Wendling lasted this long because he at the very least will be a solid special teams contributor. He’s not a starter – at least not right now – but he’s got great speed and is an outright football player. Other values: Rufus Alexander, LB, Broncos; Ryan Smith, CB, Titans; Prescott Burgess, LB, Ravens.

Potential Sleepers:
Courtney Taylor, WR, Seahawks (197) – By trading Darrell Jackson to the 49ers for a fourth round pick, the Seahawks needed to address their wide receiver position. Taylor is almost a copy cutout of Jackson (without all the NFL experience of course) in that he’s got great size and athleticism. He’s not overly fast, but neither was Jackson. Other potential sleepers: David Irons, CB, Falcons; HB Blades, LB, Redskins.

What the hell were they thinking?
Hard to criticize this deep into the draft, so I won’t.

Anthony Stalter @ 3:19 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Fifth Round Recap

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fifth round:

Best Value:
Aundrae Allison, WR, Vikings (No. 146) – Allison had some off field issues in college, but is an incredible athlete and has tremendous hands. He had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl and if it weren’t for his baggage, would have been at least a third round pick. Other values: Dustin Fry, C, Rams; Kolby Smith, RB, Chiefs; Troy Smith, QB, Ravens.

Potential Sleeper:
Kevin Boss, TE, Giants (No. 153) – Boss had a solid workout at the NFL Combine, displaying soft hands and running well in drills. If he makes the team – and he certainly should – he’ll be a nice compliment to Jeremy Shockey. Other potential sleepers: Josh Gattis, S, Jaguars; Justin Medlock, K, Chiefs; Tarell Brown, CB, 49ers.

What the hell were they thinking?
Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals (No. 142) – Arizona didn’t reach – Breaston was projected in the fifth – but didn’t get an unbelievable prospect. His value is on special teams, but only on returns seeing as how he’s not that big. He struggles getting off the line as a receiver and unless he proves himself as an amazing returner, it’s doubtful he’ll even make the team.

Anthony Stalter @ 1:43 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Fourth Round Recap:

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fourth round:

Best Value:
Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders (No. 100) – The fact Bush actually slipped into the fourth round – there were thoughts he might have gone in the late second or early third – makes this an even better pick. Bush would have been a top five pick if he hadn’t broken his leg at the start of the ’06 season and if he turns out to be healthy; this could be the steal of the draft. Other values: Jay Moore, DE, 49ers; Antonio Pittman, RB, Saints; Tarnard Jackson, CB, Bucs.

Potential sleepers:
Zak Deossie, LB, Giants (116) – Another small school product, Deossie has loads of speed, changes directions well and is a cover linebacker. He might be a bit raw, but for a fourth round pick and a team depleted of linebackers, he’s a solid selection. Other potential sleepers: Manuel Ramirez, G, Lions; Stephen Nichols, LB, Falcons; Doug Free, G, Cowboys.

What the hell were they thinking?
Marcus Thomas, DT, Broncos (121) – Don’t get it twisted about this pick, Thomas would have been a first round pick if he didn’t have so many off field issues at Florida last year. However, the Broncos unloaded a ton of picks (including a third rounder in ‘08) to move up and take the talented, yet controversial Thomas. Now, one could argue that if he fulfills his potential, it was all worth it, but you generally don’t give up multiple picks for a troublemaker. Other questionable moves: The Steelers traded a fourth and a sixth round pick to Green Bay in order to select punter Daniel Sepulveda. Granted he’s the top rated punter in the draft, but he’s still a punter…and the Steelers gave up two picks for him…yikes.

Anthony Stalter @ 12:52 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External NFL Draft
Third Round Recap

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s third round:

Best Value:
DeMarcus “Tank” Tyler, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 82) – This pick comes with a, “yeah, but”. Tyler has the talent to be a first round pick, but he had some off field issues at N.C. State. Nevertheless, the Chiefs got a steal in the third round and a solid run defender. Other values: Marcus McCauley, CB, Vikings; Trent Edwards, QB, Bills; Charles Johnson, DE, Panthers.

Potential Sleepers:
Daymeion Hughes, CB, Colts (No. 95) – This pick actually covers both the value and sleeper section. Hughes should excel in the Colts’ Cover 2 scheme because while he’s not that fast, he is the ultimate ballhawk and plays the run extremely well. If Hughes could run a 4.4 40, he would probably be a first round pick. Indy got a steal late in the third. Other potential sleepers: Buster Davis, LB, Cardinals; Tony Hunt, RB, Eagles; Ray McDonald, DE, 49ers; Aaron Rouse, S, Packers.

What the hell were they thinking?
Garrett Wolfe, RB, Chicago Bears (No. 93) – Wow, what a reach. I realize the running back class isn’t deep this year, but Garrett Wolfe in the third round? He’s a sixth rounder at the absolute best and might have been available as an undrafted free agent. Granted, he had an unbelievable senior season - and was a Heisman candidate – but he’s incredibly small and unlike Jaguars’ back Maurice Jones-Drew, not that stout. Other questionable moves: The Falcons taking Laurent Robinson over nabbing Michael Bush when they had a chance. Robinson will compete with Joe Horn, Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, Brian Finneran, Fred Gibson and Adam Jennings for a roster spot while Bush could have potentially given Bobby Petrino the big back he covets.

Anthony Stalter @ 12:30 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Second Round Recap

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s second round:

Best Value:
Alan Branch, DT, Arizona Cardinals (No. 33) – Thanks to a terrible pro day performance and a bad work ethic rep, Branch fell all the way to the top of the second round. However, he was once a top 10 pick, has an NFL-ready body and maybe he’ll have a little motivation for dropping so far. Other top values: Paul Posluszny, LB, Bills; Arron Sears, G, Bucs; Justin Blalock, G & Chris Houston, CB, Falcons; Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings; Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Panthers; David Harris, ILB, Jets; Ryan Kalil, C, Panthers; Eric Wright, CB, Browns; Steve Smith, WR, Giants.

Potential Sleeper:
Justin Durant, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 48) – Durant played at a small program (Hampton), so he might not catch the average fan’s eye. However, Durant is extremely athletic, fast and is used to making big plays. He’s just a bit of an unknown right now, but well worth the risk and is going into a fantastic defensive situation in Jacksonville. Other potential sleepers: Brian Leonard, RB/FB, Rams; Ikaika Alma-Francis, DE, Lions; Samson Satele, C, Dolphins.

What the hell were they thinking?
Drew Stanton, QB, Detroit Lions (No. 43) – I’m going to get heat on this, because I already have from Sparty On in the past. But this was a major reach for the Lions and worse yet, he doesn’t fit Mike Martz’s system. Martz’s system is predicated on timing and accuracy, plus its complex and based on vertical passing. What system did Stanton play in at MSU? A simple scheme with short to intermediate passing routes and he struggled with accuracy. He was a bad fit, bottom line. Other questionable moves: The Chargers giving up multiple draft picks to the Bears to move up and land safety Eric Weddle. I like the player, but not the compensation; The Bears taking Dan Bazuin, a defensive end, which is about the last thing Chicago needs. Once again, love the player and he’s a Bears-type of guy, but they reached a bit and could have probably addressed other needs.

Anthony Stalter @ 12:00 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Moss traded to Patriots

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

The NFL Network is reporting the Oakland Raiders traded wide receiver Randy Moss to the New England Patriots for a fourth round draft pick (which the Raiders used on Cincinnati defensive back John Bowe).

The Patriots continue their impressive offseason by adding one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. Moss joins Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Welker to seemingly improve a unit that was suspect in ‘06. However, it should be noted Moss barely made a blimp on the radar in Oakland the past two seasons, showing declining skills and a sorry attitude (well, he already had the sorry attitude before he got to Oakland). However, one has to believe that if Moss has anything left in the tank, he’s going to show it for Bill Belichick and the mega organization, the Patriots. New England might be the only franchise in the NFL equipped to take on Moss’s baggage.

On the flip side are the Raiders. Weren’t they supposed to draft Calvin Johnson if they could move Randy Moss? Maybe that wasn’t the plan the whole time, but it’s strange to think that Oakland was willing to part with Moss for a fourth round pick, yet they don’t draft arguably the best prospect in the entire class. Interesting.

Anthony Stalter @ 10:54 am
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Take The Under 191 In The Nets vs Raptors @ 7:35 EDT

Posted on Sunday 29 April 2007

Current trends indicate that this game should be an easy Under. The Nets have historically played low scoring home games in the playoffs, with their last nine averaging just 180 points, so look for the Raptors to accommodate them for an easy Under. In the last dozen Toronto road games in which the Raptors were off a loss and facing an opponent off a win, the Under is an amazing 10-2. As for New Jersey, their last nine home playoff games have averaged a combined total of 180 points, more then 10 points less than where this total is set. After the Over cashed in six of the eight game twos of these playoffs, look for a correction and for the Under to shine in the third game of each series.

For free bonus selections and to listen to an hysterically funny and informative daily webcast please visit us at www.madwinners.com

Madwinners @ 8:40 am
Filed under: Free Picks
First round in the books

Posted on Saturday 28 April 2007

The first round is over and it was the longest ever in NFL history (seriously). Other than Brady Quinn dropping to No. 22, there weren’t many surprises. And no, I’m not counting Ted Ginn Jr. being selected by Miami at No. 9, because I had that pick in my final mock draft and think it was a better selection than most are making it out to be. There were some reaches – Green Bay taking Justin Harrell at No. 16 for one – but other than that, JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas were picked rather status quo.

Feel free to check out our first round blog with notes and comments on every pick. Then check back here at the Scores Report after every round for a recap of the best values, sleepers and, ‘what were they thinking?’ selections of rounds 2 through 7.

Anthony Stalter @ 5:23 pm
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Take The Over 8.5 In The Cubs/Cards @ 4:00 EST

Posted on Saturday 28 April 2007

Both starting pitchers are among the NL leaders and hits allowed and both feature very high ERAs. Wainwright has struggled with walks and Zambrano is near the top of the league in HRs allowed. Both offenses have picked up the pace with solid scoring in the last week and this game could be a fun one to watch provided you are not a pitching coach for either squad as the bullpens will see plenty of action.

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Blogging the NFL Draft

Posted on Friday 27 April 2007

Join us today at 11:45 AM (ET) as Bullz-Eye NFL guru Anthony Stalter and I blog the first round of the NFL Draft. We’ll go pick-by-pick, discuss team needs, answer your questions, provide fantasy insight, rip on Mel Kiper and finally find out what the heck my team (the Packers) is going to do about its running back situation.

See you in a few.

JP: Good morning, everyone. We’re about a half hour away from the start of the draft. Anthony will be here in a few minutes. As the draft goes one, feel free to chime in with your questions and comments.

JP: The Raiders start things off with the first pick and there are conflicting reports about how they are going to proceed. They’ve opened up negotations with Russell, Quinn and Calvin Johnson, but sources have told ESPN that the team has already notified Russell that he’ll be the #1 pick.

JP: Anthony, with so many holes to fill, it seems like the Raiders should either take the best player available (most people seem to agree that’s Johnson) or trade down to acquire some picks. If they go with Russell, do you think that it’s the right move?

AS: I’m someone who believes Oakland has to take Russell with their current quarterback situation. Trent Edwards or John Beck in the second is a novel idea, but what do you do with Randy Moss and Jerry Porter? Calvin Johnson is a superior athlete, but Russell is a talented prospect and fills a bigger immediate need. I like the move, but I’ll never criticize a team for talking a talent such as Johnson.

Click here to join the conversation.

John Paulsen @ 2:01 pm
Filed under: NFL and Fantasy Football and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and External NFL Draft
Falcons, Lions in serious trade talks for the No. 2

Posted on Friday 27 April 2007

Alright, I’m done thinking this deal isn’t going to go through. It’s time to entertain the idea the Falcons will trade with Detroit in order to select Georgia Tech wide out Calvin Johnson. Indications look like Detroit will send the No. 2 pick for Atlanta’s first, third and a pair of seconds (if not more).

I’ve disputed this trade for weeks because I didn’t think it made sense for the Falcons. And I still think it’s a terrible move, because Atlanta has vast other needs, shouldn’t give up three or four potential starters for one player (even if he is Calvin Johnson) and will essentially wind up getting nothing in the end for backup quarterback Matt Schaub. But I digress. Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank may be more worried about selling tickets and the image of his team than actually winning Super Bowls. Given Michael Vick’s latest (and essentially most serious) issues with the law, Blank may feel he needs a new face of the franchise and will sacrifice the good of the team to get what he wants. If it happens, it’s a disastrous move waiting to happen for the Falcons, despite winding up with arguably the best player in the draft. I hope for Atlanta fans if the Falcons do select Johnson, that he can play defensive end, tackle, offensive guard, safety and corner, because he’ll have to.

As for the Lions, this move potentially makes Matt Millen look like a genius. He would keep stockpiling picks, will get a king’s ransom for a pick he doesn’t want and fill his roster with much needed bodies. This would be a fantastic move for Detroit, but then again, Millen still has to go out and draft the right players with all of these selections.

Anthony Stalter @ 10:43 am
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and Rumors & Gossip and External NFL Draft
Vick involved in illegal dog fighting?

Posted on Friday 27 April 2007

Boy, it’s been one hell of an offseason for Michael Vick. Apparently a house owned by Vick – but occupied by his cousin – is under investigation for possibly severing as a breeding ground for pit bulls and dog fighting competitions.

This is an excerpt from a recent article published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

According to a police report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a drug investigation involving Vick’s cousin Davon Boddie led authorities to the house in Smithfield, Va. The Virginian-Pilot reported that, according to court records, police found about 30 dogs, some heavily scarred, and various paraphernalia associated with dog fighting while conducting a search of the home, which Vick owns but does not live in.

It specifically gets worse for Vick:

The Humane Society of the United States issued the following statement from Wyane Pacelle, president and CEO: “The Humane Society of the United States has heard troubling reports for some time that Michael Vick has been involved in organized dog fighting, and we fear that this investigation may validate that very disturbing allegation.”

“We have well-placed sources in the dog fighting underworld,” John Goodwin, deputy manager of animal fighting issues, told the Journal-Constitution. “His involvement has been brought to our attention numerous times. We pay people for information that leads to arrests.”

If these allegations are true and Vick was involved or at least knew about this (which all indications looked like he did), he should be suspended, jailed or both. If he did have a hand in these allegations, he’s sick. This isn’t being caught with weed in a trick water bottle or supposedly giving a woman herpes (two finer past moments for Vick), this is animal cruelty and he should be punished. This guy has been coddled too many damn times and someone needs to step up like in the case of Pacman Jones and Chris Henry and do something about it. He can’t walk around doing whatever he feels because he’s one of the faces of the NFL. Once again, IF he’s guilty.

Right now, Vick’s lucky the draft is ready to kick off because he buys himself enough time to stay out of the public eye. But this is a crap storm waiting to happen and I’ve got a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Anthony Stalter @ 10:25 am
Filed under: NFL and External NFL and External Sports
Turner re-signs with Chargers, Grant with Saints

Posted on Friday 27 April 2007

The NFL Network is reporting the San Diego Chargers have re-signed backup running back Michael Turner to a one-year, $2.35 million contract. Fear not Buffalo or Green Bay fans, Turner can still be had through a trade either on or after draft day. This is just paperwork and a formality, which had to get done because Turner needed a contract for ’07.

In other NFL news, FOXSports.com is reporting the New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive end Charles Grant to a monster seven-year deal, worth up to $63 million including $22 million in guarantees. Grant is now one of the highest paid defensive ends in the league, which he certainly isn’t, but that’s just the way the market is right now. He is a solid run defender however, and now the Saints don’t have to worry about filling his position with a high pick in the draft.

Anthony Stalter @ 7:52 am
Filed under: NFL and External NFL
Is Shawn Marion unhappy?

Posted on Thursday 26 April 2007

ESPN the Magazine ran an article about Shawn Marion, and how he feels under appreciated in his current role with the Suns.

So what about it, Shawn? Would you rather be a 30-point scorer and an MVP candidate on a lesser team, say, one only flirting with the postseason, than the sidekick to the sidekick in Phoenix? “Wow, that’s interesting,” he says thoughtfully, as if he’s never entertained the prospect before.

Marion pauses nearly 10 seconds to concentrate on the question. Only the muted sound of late-afternoon traffic outside the two-story living room breaks the silence. He fiddles with the remote as if it holds the answer. “I’ve never been asked that,” he continues. “That would be an interesting situation to be in, to really show people what I can do.

“But we’d be in the playoffs, right?”

Some of Marion’s frustration stems from the Phoenix half court game:

“A lot of people don’t understand how the NBA works,” he says. “They look at the Suns as a running team but don’t realize that many nights, we play a two-man game. Everything we do starts with Steve and Amaré’s pick-and-roll. I have no plays called for me. I have to go get everything.”

Where is the love? The résumé certainly demands it: 18.6 ppg and four All-Star Games in eight seasons. And this season, Marion is the only guy in the top 20 in rebounds (10.0), field goal percentage (52.5), steals (2.0), blocks (1.6), double-doubles (35) and minutes (37.9). “Steve is the MVP of the league,” says Marion, “but I’ve had people tell me I am the MVP of the team.” Warriors coach Don Nelson might be one of them. Nellie says Marion is “as important as anyone they’ve got.”

Don’t misunderstand. Marion is not trying to steal Nash’s thunder or pick a fight. There is plenty of respect and a healthy appreciation for their symbiotic relationship. But he’d still like you to pass the sugar, please. “I want the recognition,” says Marion, who got fewer votes for February’s All-Star Game than Shane Battier. “I feel I’ve done what it takes to get it, but for some reason it hasn’t happened.”

I’ve heard these grumbles before, right about the same time each year as Steve Nash is in the MVP discussion while Marion isn’t. The guy is a tremendous talent and would be a huge asset to any team, but I don’t know that if he went to another franchise that he’d suddenly be in the MVP conversation. He’s not a guy that has ever been good at creating his own shot (before or after Nash’s arrival) and his jumper is so ugly that it certainly has to play in people’s minds that he’s not a pure shooter.

The fact that Battier received more All-Star votes than Marion is a travesty, but that has more to do with Yao Ming’s followers in China than any tangible opinion that Battier is actually better than the Matrix. The reason he hasn’t made the All-Defensive Team is due to the perception that the Suns aren’t a good defensive team. He’s the highest paid player on the Suns (with two years and $34 M remaining on his contract) and his team has as good of a shot as any of winning a title in the next few seasons. Anyone who plays fantasy basketball knows the guy is an absolute stud.

Moreover, I could name ten superstars that would love to switch places with him.

Isn’t that enough?

John Paulsen @ 6:20 pm
Filed under: NBA and External NBA
Baron Davis’ big blunder

Posted on Thursday 26 April 2007

I guess familiarity does indeed breed contempt.

Things got a little testy in the third quarter of Game 2 of the Mavs/Warriors series. Stephen Jackson fouled Jason Terry in the open court. After the whistle blew, Jackson raised his hand, indicating the foul was on him, but Terry kept dribbling the ball. He passed Baron Davis (who swiped at the ball) and then he passed Matt Barnes (who also swiped at the ball). Terry took umbrage at Barnes’ actions, and stepped towards Barnes with his chest all puffed up while Dasagana Diop (who was nearby) took a swipe at Barnes’ arms. A small scrum developed and Diop, Davis and Jackson were all hit with technical fouls. Diop got his for swiping at a player who didn’t have the ball after the whistle had blown, but it’s not exactly clear what Davis or Jackson did to deserve their technicals (other than having reputations for being malcontents).

I mention this incident because both Golden State players were tossed later in the game. Jackson’s ejection came after the game was pretty much over, but Davis’ ejection came at the tail end of the third quarter with the Warriors trailing, 85-74. He clearly fouled Jerry Stackhouse on the play, and then overreacted to the foul call against him. He flailed his arms around and then started smiling and clapping (in a mocking fashion, mind you) and wouldn’t stop. He just kept clapping loudly – well past the point of discomfort - and he got tossed for it.

Davis is arguably Golden State’s best and most experienced player. Moreover, he’s a point guard (and the team’s leader) and he should know to keep his emotions in check when there is so much on the line. It’s not like the game was a blowout, Golden State was only down 11 and there was a whole quarter to play. Don’t forget that the Mavs haven’t shown a great ability in the past to close out games, either. His team had a legitimate shot of coming back to win the game, but his ejection pretty much sealed the loss. It was a bonehead move, pure and simple.

But back to Jason Terry. His decision to keep attacking the basket after the foul had already been called precipitated the two technicals being levied against Davis and Jackson. If you’re going to act like you didn’t hear the whistle, why do you get all bent out of shape when your opponent does the same thing? I just don’t get it.

Regardless, the Warriors are in the Mavs’ heads right now, and this is shaping up to be an interesting series.

John Paulsen @ 11:40 am
Filed under: NBA and External NBA
Dolphins looking to trade Booker? Ginn a target?

Posted on Thursday 26 April 2007

FOXSports.com is reporting the Miami Dolphins are possibly looking to trade wide receiver Marty Booker for extra picks.

Why is this trade rumor important? Well it could possibly indicate the Dolphins will look at explosive Ohio State wide out Ted Ginn Jr. It makes sense given Miami traded slot receiver Wes Welker to the Patriots and released tight end Randy McMichael (eventually signed by the Rams) in the offseason. The Fish have a hole in the receiver department and could use a playmaker on offense to compliment whatever quarterback they toss under center in ’07.

Another rumor that seems to be picking up steam is one involving Miami and Chicago. In the same FOXSports.com article as the Booker information, it also reports the Bears and Dolphins have at least explored the possibility of a trade with Chicago looking to move up for Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn if he falls to the ninth overall pick. It seems far-fetched at this point, but definitely worth noting.

Anthony Stalter @ 9:22 am
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and Rumors & Gossip and External NFL Draft
Did Peterson re-injure his collarbone?

Posted on Thursday 26 April 2007

In news that could potentially shake the dynamics of the first 10 picks in this weekend’s draft, SI.com’s Don Banks reports former Oklahoma tailback Adrian Peterson re-injured his collarbone while playing in the Fiesta Bowl in January. Apparently, Peterson disclosed the injury at the NFL Combine in March, but it’s just now coming to light.

This is compelling information if it’s true. Not that a collarbone injury is a massive concern, but certainly any injury that forces a player to have surgery has to be taken seriously. Plus, part of the knock on Peterson is that he runs too upright and therefore is overly susceptible to being injured. The Cleveland Browns are one of the top teams interested in Peterson, but have also been linked to Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn and Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas. It’s realistic to think the Browns have already made their decision regarding the third overall pick, but it’s worth speculating they were scared off of Peterson after the NFL Combine.

If you’re into conspiracy theories, maybe the Bills or Packers (two teams interested in a running back) released the information in hopes Peterson falls to the back half of the top 10 and will make a move to trade up. Oh the NFL Draft tension mounts.

Anthony Stalter @ 8:53 am
Filed under: NFL and NFL Draft and External NFL and External Sports and Rumors & Gossip and External NFL Draft