- THE SPORTING BLOG reports that detainees at the Wisconsin National Guard camp over in Iraq are using Brett Favre’s shenanigans against the soldiers.

- BLACK SPORTS ONLINE wonders if anyone cares about the concussion problem in the NFL.

- SHUTDOWN CORNER discusses the Jay Cutler and Lovie Smith’s decision not to sit down for an interview with Bob Costas in advance of the team’s Sunday night game against the Eagles.

- RUMORS & RANTS lists some of the worst calls of all time.

- HUGGING HAROLD REYNOLDS has audio of Magic Johnson responding to Isiah Thomas (who responded to Magic Johnson’s book).

- AWFUL ANNOUNCING has video of Terry Bradshaw guaranteeing a Steeler win over the Bengals on Sunday. Oops.

- GUYISM has video of a little girl scoring a goal on her own team in a junior soccer league. It is kind of funny.

- SPORTSbyBROOKS wonders if Jerry Jones looks a little tipsy in a recent photo.

- DEADSPIN has more details about ESPN horndoggery.

Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee reports that the Kings are considering a trade involving Hornets big man Emeka Okafor.

A source with knowledge of the situation says the Kings are discussing a trade with New Orleans that would send Kenny Thomas to the Hornets and bring center Emeka Okafor to Sacramento.

The deal would be ideal for the Hornets, as Thomas’ expiring contract worth $8.7 million is just the kind of contract that would trim their enormous payroll. The question, of course, is whether the Kings see Okafor as a big man solution worth the five years and approximately $64 million left on his deal.

I don’t get the Hornets plan of attack for the last year or so. They have the best point guard in the NBA, yet instead of making a clear commitment to spend to build around him, they’re slashing salary again. The confusing thing is that they tried to slash salary last year when they negotiated a trade that sent Tyson Chandler to Oklahoma City, only the Thunder sent Chandler back after their doctors had a chance to look him over. Then they turned around this offseason and traded Chandler (who has a short, expensive contract) for Okafor (who has a long, expensive contract). So it looked like the Hornets were willing to make a long-term commitment to build a winner.

Now, after a 3-7 start that has Chris Paul sidelined for a few weeks with a sprained ankle, they’re ready to give Okafor away. What kind of signal does this send to Paul? He’s signed through 2011-12, but at what point does he become disgruntled? They’ve already traded away Chandler and fired Byron Scott, and now they’re looking to move a sure double-double guy in Okafor. He’s not worth his contract, but he’s still valuable, and if the Hornets want to get back to competitive, they could really use him manning the middle.

It’s not like jettisoning Okafor’s salary is going to give the Hornets any immediate salary cap space. They’re sitting at almost $72 M for next season and won’t have any flexibility until the summer of 2011. Paul is 24, so he has plenty of basketball left to play, but David West is 29, and by the time the Hornets have a chance to be competitive again, he might be 31 or 32 and on the decline.

This is a sad situation. The Hornets looked to be on the cusp of competing for a title a couple of seasons ago and now they’re starting a rebuilding process that looks like it’s going to take a while.

The New Orleans Hornets started the season a disappointing 3-6, and decided to make a change at head coach, firing Byron Scott.

Scott will be replaced by general manager Jeff Bower, with Tim Floyd as his top assistant, the team said. Floyd formerly coached the Hornets and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and most recently at USC.

Team owner George Shinn thanked Scott for his service, but said Bower “knows this team better than anyone” and gives the Hornets “our best opportunity to reach our goals this season.”

Scott won NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2008 after he and franchise point guard Chris Paul led the Hornets to a 56-26 record and the Southwest Division title. The Hornets then defeated Dallas in the first round of the playoffs and were within one win of the West finals before losing Game 7 at home to the San Antonio Spurs.

Scott hung on to his job after the early exit but couldn’t survive New Orleans’ poor start, even though the many holes on the Hornets’ roster — with no consistent scorer at the wing positions and little depth — appeared to be beyond his control. A number of league observers considered a coaching change inevitable if the Hornets struggled this season.

The team’s biggest problem isn’t Scott — it’s a lack of talent on the wings. Peja Stojakovic was supposed to be the Hornets’ top perimeter scorer, but he has struggled with a bad back and is getting older. The quickest way for the team to inject some scoring into its lineup would be to trade for Stephen Jackson or Rip Hamilton, two sharpshooting wings that are readily available. But that would require a long-term commitment to one of those players as part of the team’s core.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Yahoo! Sports reports that the Warriors are “more committed than ever” in moving their disgruntled swingman, but can they find a buyer?

First things first: the 31-year-old has three years and more than $27 million remaining on his contract after this season. This could be a tough pill to swallow for a team that’s already over the luxury tax threshold because it would effectively pay $16-$20 million per season (salary + tax) for his services, depending on what kind of contracts they give up in the trade.

Jackson has a reputation as a malcontent. Whether or not this is deserved is up for debate, but that’s the perception. For that reason, I don’t think teams at are currently legit contenders would roll the dice, so even though teams like the Cavs and Spurs are rumored to be willing to trade for Jackson, there’s just too much risk for too little reward. I don’t think the Lakers, Celtics or Magic would go for it either. The Lakers and Magic already overhauled their wings and the Celtics seem content with their group. Of these teams, Boston would seem the most capable of taking Jackson on due to the veteran leadership of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce and the clear pecking order on the wing.

I think we have to look at the next tier of contenders — the Mavericks, Bulls, Hawks, Blazers, Suns, Heat and Hornets — to find a team that is both desperate enough to risk adding Jackson to the roster and willing to spend to contend.

The Bulls and Heat are going to use their cap space next summer, so cross them off. The Mavs are winning and have pretty good chemistry right now, even though they have yet to add Josh Howard to the mix. The Blazers have learned from their past and seem unwilling to take on players with character issues. The Suns and Hawks have financial problems and are unlikely to take on Jackson’s contract.

That leaves the Hornets, who looked to be in cost-cutting mode when they tried to give Tyson Chandler away last season. But then they turned around this summer and traded for Emeka Okafor, who has four more years remaining on his deal after this season. The Hornets are starting Morris Peterson and Julian Wright on the wing and have Peja Stojakovic (and his giant salary) coming off the bench. In short, they are desperate for a player like Jackson who can knock down open shots. Moreover, Chris Paul has the leadership and the heft to bring out the best in Jackson.

New Orleans has a number of players with short deals (Stojakovic, James Posey, Morris Peterson and Darius Songaila) who could be used to facilitate a deal. Are the Warriors just looking to get out from under Jackson’s contract? If so, a deal that includes Peterson and Songaila would save Golden State $16 million over the next three years. Do they want a prospect? Then maybe Julian Wright could be included.

Is Stephen Jackson enough to put the Hornets over the top? I don’t know. But let’s not forget that the Hornets looked to be on the verge just a couple of seasons ago. But as Peterson and Stojakovic have declined, so have the Hornets. They need a good wing, and Jackson fits the bill.


Photo from fOTOGLIF

- BALL DON’T LIE has video of Kobe Bryant’s appearance on Lopez Live.

- THE BIG LEAD says that “The Broncos Are Who We Thought They Were.”

- MONDESI’S HOUSE is skeptical about Larry Johnson’s desire to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. Good luck with that, Larry.

- THE 700 LEVEL discusses Mike Vick’s preference not to be a ‘Wildcat guy.’

The Chiefs waive Larry Johnson. It’s interesting timing. Maybe KC saw enough out of Jamaal Charles (6 rushes, 36 yards) and Kolby Smith (4 rushes, 17 yards) to make them confident enough to cut LJ loose. The Chiefs have some nice rushing matchups coming up, but if Charles is only going to get nine touches, he’s not worth starting. His 6.0 ypc was encouraging, however.

Portis doubtful for Week 10. Ladell Betts will get most of the work in the Redskins’ backfield, but Rock Cartwright might be involved around the goal line. Neither is a strong play in a bad matchup against the Broncos.

Chris Henry out for the rest of the season. Henry was a popular breakout pick back in August, but never truly made a significant fantasy impact on the field. Had Andre Caldwell not proved to be such a dependable third option in the passing game, Henry might have had a bigger season.

Westbrook out as long as he has headaches. Apparently, he was ready to play, but a headache on Sunday caused the Eagles to think twice. Concussions are dicey, but keep an eye on him this week. If he’s practicing, then he’s probably a go unless he gets another headache next Sunday. The game is in San Diego, so whether or not he makes the flight will be a good indicator of his status.

Photo from fOTOGLIF