Hornets v Timberwolves or Saints v Falcons ~ NBA v NFL...

Tonight I had a choice between the NBA and the NFL, and I'm beginning to think I chose incorrectly. 

Rather than go watch the Minnesota Timberwolves host the New Orleans Hornets (i.e. for some I guess this match-up could be described as "contraction v contraction"), I decided to stay in and watch the New Orleans Saints play the Atlanta Falcons...  Is it just me or is this MNF game boring?  Don't get me wrong, it's a close game (i.e. Saints are up 10-7) with about a minute left in the 3rd Q ~ but for me, it's not that exciting and based on the Tweets I'm reading, I'm not alone in my feelings.

The Timberwolves on the other hand apparently dominated the Hornets.  I'm going to say "apparently", since tonight's ~ actually I think most, Timberwolves' games aren't televised locally here in Minneapolis.  I'm just going by the box score.  Hornet's star Chris Paul dropped 22 points and had 13 assists.  David West, a Xavier alumnus, had 23 points in the losing effort.

****  Once when I was in Vegas, there were a few guys arguing.  They were sitting in front of me. One guy said to the other, "I bet she doesn't know."  Then they all turned around to look at me, while one of the guys asked me where David West went to college.  In no time at all, I said, "Xavier".  One guy started yelling obscenities, and the other guy started yelling that he wanted to get paid.  Evidently I settled a bet.  Guys, don't get it twisted.  I know sports.  Plus, I was sitting in a sports book, and I'm from Ohio.  Of course I knew David West went to Xavier University.

For the Timberwolves, Beasley dropped 30 points and Kevin Love had another double-double (i.e. 16-11).  Wesley Johnson scored 24, but I'm not even going to fake like I know anything about him. 

Since scalping is legal in Minneapolis, I debated on going to the game tonight.  I remember when the Oklahoma City Thunder was in town and there was a "homeless" guy trying to sell me a corner, lower bowl ticket for $10.  I ante'd up for a better ticket with a better view, since sometimes it's not always about a bargain.

With Chris Paul not performing as well this season as in previous ones, I wasn't overly-excited about trying to go to the basketball game.  I determined that I was comfortable spending $10-20 on a lower level ticket, but ultimately decided I didn't have the strength to walk over to the Target Center and negotiate.  ****  I'd be willing to bet I could get a good seat at that price for that game.

Hmmm, now the Falcons have taken the lead, and the score is 14-10.  Maybe the 4th Q will be worth watching...

****  I used to live in Atlanta, but haven't actually been to a Falcons game in years (i.e. since the Michael Vick era ended).  That reminds me, in 2005 the Falcons hosted the New York Giants.  As I was waiting to go through the turnstile I noticed Evander Holyfield.  For those of you that don't know, he lived/lives in Atlanta.  From what I could see, Holyfield was denied entrance into the Georgia Dome.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it looked like he didn't have a ticket.  I SWEAR.  Can't blame the guy for trying, I guess...

Update:  Yes, the 4th Q was worth watching.  The New Orleans Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 17-14...  Turns out, I did the right thing after all, by staying in.


THE WIRK

My thoughts on contraction and the NBA

My thoughts on contraction and the NBA.

Sure there are teams that historically have underperformed in the NBA and other teams that may not be able to survive financially in their city.  We all remember Danny Ferry leaving for Italy rather than play for the Los Angeles Clippers, but even the Clippers have become exciting again (i.e. with Blake Griffin).  Further, this month, the NBA has announced that it plans to purchase the New Orleans Hornets (i.e. where star Chris Paul excites the crowd).  There are other examples out there...  However, I don't believe contraction to be the answer.

I think the notion of having 3-4 stars on a team is fine, but I think that some players (i.e. who have been vocal recently)  need to understand that this is generally done by having 3-4 players (1) STEP UP to achieve stardom by improving their games and/or (2) play in a system that accentuates their strengths. I think making a "deal with the Devil" (i.e. it's an expression, so calm down ~ I love Riley and Spoelstra) is not and should not be the norm.  Even role players in the right niche, will work hard, develop their game, and become stars. It takes time...  There are no quick-fixes and shortcuts.

Would Scottie Pippen be "Scottie Pippen" if he had never played for the Chicago Bulls and was without Michael Jordan during his career?  The world will never know.  However, I believe that talented, hard working players in the NBA will rise to the top and make their teammates better... 

I think there's a lot of men in the NBA (i.e. regardless of what team they play for) that individually I couldn't pick out of a line up.  This "anonymity" can be for a variety of reasons...  Maybe the player is young or is a long-time journey men that bounce(s) from team to team.  Another reason could be that I'm getting older and the guys are younger now.  ****  Nah, that can't be it.  It's not like I'm losing my memory.  I'd argue that these men have given me no reason to remember their game.

It's no secret that all NBA drafts are not created equally.  I'd love for a team to walk up to the podium and "Pass" on a draft when the talent is weak if they really can't get a player to help them or make the right deal.  I've never been in a war room, but am I really to believe that some of these choices were sincerely thought to bring success to a team?  I've seen players get drafted and immediately I think of coaches who have a relationships with agents...  ****  Having the 1st pick in the draft doesn't guarantee a powerhouse for the franchise.  Further, of course, you can find a needle in a haystack and find treasures deep in the draft.  However, the development of that talent usually takes time.

If you want an argument for or against contraction from a financial perspective, this isn't the place for you.  I'm not going to run any numbers here.  I just needed to sound off on the topic, because I'm tired of reading other peoples' ideas about it.

LeBron James talking about being in favor of contraction, would be like Warren Buffett telling a homeless person that he saves a lot of his money.  Thanks, but just be quiet.

****  One last thing, if you found this post/blog thought-provoking and/or enjoyable, please vote for me (i.e. for Blog of the Year) on the right-hand side towards the top.  It only takes a second.  Thanks!


THE WIRK

NBA Sunday morning thoughts on the Knicks, Sixers, and Mavericks

I'm getting a slow start today since I had a holiday party last night.  Here are my NBA thoughts as I start to wake up and hustle.

• The Knicks game to go to wasn't the game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards, so in hindsight I missed nothing.  The game to go to is the one being played right now, since the Knicks are up on the Denver Nuggets.  Further, with all the Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks rumors swirling, I think there's a whole other element of drama associated with this game.
• I should've hopped on the train and went to NYC this morning...
• I also thought about heading to Philly (i.e. I still have never seen the Sixers play at home) to cross off another venue today.  I thought the game might be fun since the New Orleans Hornets and Chris Paul were in town.  Needless to say, I never motivated.
• Looks like I'm missing nothing, since although the Hornets showed up ~ based on the score (i.e they're losing 45-22) they have yet to PLAY.
• The Dallas Mavericks have extended their win streak to 12.  I need to get myself to Dallas.  I took a look at the Mavs schedule though, and it doesn't synch up with mine. 
• Oh and have I not mentioned it yet in this post?  Dirk Nowitzki is growing on me, now that he cut his hair!  LOL.

With the holidays, my work, and play schedule I don't think I slow down until the week of Christmas.  If you're following this blog, you'll see what I'm talking about as the days unfold. 

I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do and where I want to be, but New York and Dallas are very high on my list!


THE WIRK

***  Update, I'm back from a a movie and just checked the scores.  Wow.  The Knicks beat the Nuggets to extend their win streak to 8 games.  Amare dropped 30 in the victory, to extend his streak to 8 games with 30 points or more...  Forget the Miami Heat.  I'd rather hear about the Knicks or the Mavericks...  Those 2 teams are "legitimately" on fire, since they're defeating quality teams.

Flight delayed? Just Tweet and watch the 2010 NBA Draft

****  I know I'm late, with this post.  I was on vacation.  That doesn't mean I don't have something to say.

My travel nightmares over the past few days started on Thursday night...

I was at the gate ready to board my flight, when the gate agent got on the intercom to announce that my flight would be delayed.  It just so happens I was talking on the phone when the announcement was going on.  I heard it just fine (i.e. along with the other 100 people at the gate), but some strange lady in orange pants started waving her hands in front of me to try to shush me.  If you read this blog, you also know that I don't like people who wave their hands at me to get me to do or NOT do something.  Regardless, the lady spazzed out again while sitting down an hour later and some other strangers had to help her get some airport personnel to attend to her.  Who knows what the lady's issue was, but at least she had a team of 5 people to handle her.

On Thursday, my flight was supposed to leave Minneapolis around 5:30 PM, but left around 11:15PM instead.  Awesome.  Does anyone even know that Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport had a G Terminal?!?!  I had no idea.  It's faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar.  Regardless,  There's nothing anyone can do about a flight delay and this blow wasn't as devastating for me, since it gave me a chance to watch the NBA Draft.  I love the NBA Draft when the draft pool is loaded with talent.  I'm not going to sugar coat it.  In comparison to the 1996 NBA Draft, I think this year's draft pool was relatively shallow. 

1996 was stacked with talent.  As a recap from Wikipedia:

Round one

1. Allen Iverson* (SG) United States Philadelphia 76ers Georgetown-So.
2. Marcus Cambyx (C) United States Toronto Raptors UMass-Jr.
3. Shareef Abdur-Rahim+ (PF) United States Vancouver Grizzlies California-Fr.
4. Stephon Marbury* (PG) United States Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Minnesota) Georgia Tech-Fr.
5. Ray Allen* (SG) United States Minnesota Timberwolves (traded to Milwaukee Bucks) UConn-Jr.
6. Antoine Walker+ (PF) United States Boston Celtics (from Dallas) Kentucky-So.
7. Lorenzen Wright (C) United States Los Angeles Clippers Memphis-So.
8. Kerry Kittles (SG) United States New Jersey Nets Villanova-Sr.
9. Samaki Walker (PF) United States Dallas Mavericks (from Boston) Louisville-So.
10. Erick Dampier (C) United States Indiana Pacers (from Denver) Mississippi State-Jr.
11. Todd Fuller (C) United States Golden State Warriors (from Golden State via Orlando and Washington) NC State-Sr.
12. Vitaly Potapenko (C) Ukraine Cleveland Cavaliers (from Washington) Wright State-Jr.
13. Kobe Bryant* (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (traded to L.A. Lakers) Lower Merion HS (Lower Merion, PA)
14. Peja Stojaković* (SF) Yugoslavia Sacramento Kings PAOK (Greece)
15. Steve Nash* (PG) Canada Phoenix Suns Santa Clara-Sr.
16. Tony Delk (SG) United States Charlotte Hornets (from Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
17. Jermaine O'Neal* (F/C) United States Portland Trail Blazers Eau Claire HS (Columbia, SC)
18. John Wallace (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Detroit via San Antonio) Syracuse-Sr.
19. Walter McCarty (PF) United States New York Knicks (from Atlanta via Miami) Kentucky-Sr.
20. Zydrunas Ilgauskas+ (C) Lithuania Cleveland Cavaliers Atletas (Lithuania)

I told you that the 1996 NBA Draft talent was deep!

This year was different.  If you didn't know ahead of time who the #1 (i.e. John Wall) and #2 (i.e. Evan Turner) picks were, then you either don't like basketball or you're stupid.  Like I said, I'm not going to sugar coat it.

Stuck at the airport, I had no choice but to pony up in front of a TV and watch the NBA draft and READ the closed captioning.  After a while that is no fun.  So, with my trust iPhone in hand I logged into my Twitter account to see what people had to say.  I follow some really intelligent people in sports who are in the know, and I also follow some clowns that make me laugh with their 140 character posts.  I sat there and almost accidentally spit out my drink reading the tweets, when the Utah took Gordon Hayward 9th.  I laughed out loud after reading some of the comments when the New Orleans Hornets drafted Kansas' Cole Aldrich at #11. 

As soon as Aldrich was selected one of my friends who I follow wrote that "Chris Paul was as good as gone."  I laughed.  Then the Hornets agreed to trade Aldrich and guard Morris Peterson to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Thunder's 21st and 26th picks in the first round.  I couldn't wait to see Kevin Durant's face to decipher his reaction to the trade.  Actually, now that I think about it, I follow KDThunderup on Twitter and I can't remember if he reacted or not.  Read into that, what you will.

Interestingly, with the 23rd pick, Trevor Booker was the first senior to be drafted by the Timberwolves.  Read into that, what you will.

During the draft I noticed a post that David Aldridge wrote saying that Rasheed Wallace was going to retire. That was my chance to Tweet that on a day when everyone welcomes rookies to the league, it's always important to remember the veterans!

I haven't read Bill Simmons' NBA Draft Diary post yet.  Like a kid on Christmas, I anxiously look forward to it every year,  Simmons' basketball knowledge is so deep that I use it as a litmus test to see if I still "have it".  If I get lost and don't understand his references, it's a sign that I need to study-up some more.  My brother isn't a formidable opponent, even though he like to think he knows his basketball history ~ he doesn't.  Usually he hits me with some highlights from Simmons' piece and a couple of questions, but since he's in Cape Town this year (i.e. World Cup), I'll forgive him for slacking this year.

John Wall is a Washington Wizard,  Stephen Strasburg is a Washington National.  Donovan McNabb is a Washington Redskin.  Alex Ovechkin is a Washington Capital.  In the course of a few years, Washington DC has become a "sexier" town for athletes.  Now, all Washington needs to do is show the rest of the teams that it can WIN.

THE WIRK

Winter Olympics and Basketball (Cavs, Wiz, Hornets, Knicks, and Jayson Williams)

Olympics

Yesterday I was up late trying to figure out a plan to head to Vancouver for the Winter Olympics.  So last night, I started taking a closer look at it all.  I could do flight easily (i.e. I have a magic chest of airline miles), event tickets were more than reasonable (i.e. I was looking at trying to do hockey all day on Wednesday - yes, Wednesday - yes, TOMORROW), and from what I heard it'd be very easy to walk to Canada Hockey Place based on the hotel recommended to me.

The major reason why I'm not going to Vancouver tomorrow morning is hotel.  Hotels are ridiculously expensive out there now and it's tough to justify that kind of expense for something I'm moderately interested in.  I'm interested in checking out the Olympics, but not $500/night interested and I don't want a cheaper hotel that's farther out and then to have to fool w/transportation.  Normally I'd say forget the hotel, stay out "all" night and then hop the plane the following morning.  However, this is Vancouver ~ a city that I've never been to ~ so, flying there for one day for the Olympics seems silly.

Some random thoughts about the Olympics and before any of my readers leave me notes/texts/comments/voicemails, I want to admit that I know nothing about these events.  I'm a CASUAL Winter Olympics sportsfan.

• I could/would never figure skate with my brother.  It's creepy.
• Meryl Davis DOES look like an Avatar character.  This was mentioned to me last night, while at trivia.  When I got home I googled it.  Evidently, my friend isn't the only one that thinks this way.  How cool would it be if she skated blue?!?!
• You don't need judges for ski jumping.  There should be no scoring based on "technique".  If you go farthest compared to any of the other jumpers, then you WIN.  End of story. 
• I wish I knew how to ski jump ~ that event is AMAZING.  I can't even imagine how fun it must be to soar in the air that far.
• Curling is addictive.

Curling (photo courtesy of my brother

• Whoever put the cameras on the skiers' helmets is BRILLIANT.
• The next Winter Olympics is in Russia. 
• I've always wanted to see Russia...  Anyone up for an adventure in 2014?

Basketball

Slow news day.

• Still waiting on the Wizards to buyout Zydrunas.  Any day now, people...  The deal needs to get done by March 1, so he can be eligible to play in the playoffs.
• Josh Howard is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL.  He injured himself during the Wizards' game last night against the Bulls.
• After playing in 2 games for the Knicks, I saw that Tracy McGrady has "knee pain".  That's unfortunate for Knicks' fans, but it's no secret that T-Mac has a history of getting hurt and missing many games.  I hate to say, "I told you so"...  Sure, he showed flashes of previous glory, but the man just seems injury prone.  I saw him, most recently (i.e. January 2010), sitting near the baseline at the Duke v Georgetown game at the Verizon Center. Incidentally, he was being praised, during the game, for his humanitarian efforts.  I can respect that.
• Oh, did you know that T-Mac is Vince Carter's cousin...  He's also "injury prone"...  Just sayin'...  :-P

T-Mac sitting baseline

 

Maybe you and/or T-Mac can sit in a NY Knick DreamSeat...

• 
  
  The Cavs are losing to the New Orleans Hornets right now.  It's half-time, and the Cavs are down by 3.  Score is 56-53.  I predict that they lose AGAIN.
• 
  
  Chris Paul's not playing, because of his kne injury but good to see that he's traveling with the team and staying in the mix of things (i.e. heading to shoot around etc.).  Here's hoping he has a successful and speedy recovery/rehabiliation.
• 
  
  Jayson Williams was sentenced to 5 years in prison for shooting his limo driver in 2002.  This Jayson Williams is not "White Chocolate" nor "Duke Jason". I remember this story back in 2002.   I can't believe it's been 8 years.  I'm not going to get into details, because you can read them for yourself ~ http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4938372.  
• 
  
  This is a sad story for everyone involved.  Maybe now, there can be some peace in his life and for the victim's family.  The whole situation is incredibly unfortunate, and from all I've read and seen, I truly believe that it was an accident on William's part.  Jayson Williams is eligible for parole in 18 months.

That's all I have.

THE WIRK

It's tough to be a Celtics or Hornets fan right now ~ Go Cavs, Go Caps, Go Colts!!!

Basketball

1. Wouldn't be surprised if Paul Pierce sits out a few games.  Might as well rest the foot/ankle, until after All-Star break.

Paul Pierce walking off the court after hitting the deck

2. Ray Allen to be traded?  I think it's a mistake. I like Ray Allen as a Celtic and his 3 point prowess...  He's the Celtics version of John Starks...  I like his 3P%age (about 33 percent) and his 15 PPG.  Admittedly, I'm not a GM so I have no idea what he's making.

What uniform do you see Ray Allen wearing?

3. Would hate to be a Celtics fan right now, with all these headaches and KG back in the game.
4. Celtics don't scare Cavs fans!
5. Boobie Gibson is getting it done in Cleveland!  Cavs won 9 is a row last night as they beat Memphis.  I'm going to have to look for my "Got Boobie" T-shirt...
6. Incidentally I was playing on Twitter and saw NBATVChris (aka Chris Webber) ask if anyone thought Memphis was going to beat the Cavs last night... I tweeted back that there would be no upset in Cleveland and that the Cavs would win.  Chris, I was right!
7.  Chris Paul to have surgery.  That's really unfortunate for him and the NO Hornets, who currently are in the 9th spot in the West.  Sorry Hornets fans...  There's room for you on the Cavs bandwagon...  We'll welcome you with open arms.  Hornets don't scare Cavs fans either!
8.  NBA-All Star next weekend in Dallas ~ I need to start planning my trip!!!

Hockey
1. Capitals have won 11 in a row, but I won't be able to check them out until March.  They're away A LOT this month and I'm headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.
2. The Caps should beat the Rangers easily on Thursday night ~ just a hunch...
3. Whoever is in charge of setting NHL hockey schedule needs to get fired.  Why would you have the Capitals play the Penguins on Super Bowl Sunday?!?!  It makes no sense and at a minimum completely inconveniences ME, since I would've liked to have been there in-person to see the match-up at the Verizon Center!  Seriously, the first time these 2 teams met this year (last month), they were up against the Lakers v the Cavs in Cleveland.  I remember that, because I was in Cleveland watching LeBron et al ball...  I have no idea what cave the NHL schedulers are hanging out in ~ but I hope they get their acts together and position the marquee matchups better next year.

NHL Playoffs, Penguins v Caps, May 2009

Football
1. Dwight Freeney will play.  He has to...  It's the Super Bowl.  GO COLTS!!!

Other
1.  Still looking at logos for TheWirk.com.  I've seen so many mock-ups, that I've got a headache...

Alright, I'm done ~ I need to head to the airport "soon"...  Miami here I come...

THE WIRK

Soooo... You want me to bid on a Gilbert Arenas jersey...

Ok - So tonight I went to the Capitol Movement, Inc.'s 5th Annual Winter Fundraiser and Reception...  It was a fun time had by all with a vast selection of silent auction items.  The evening was covered by The Hill, DC Metromix etc. so if you're curious you can look at the pics or you can wait for some pics to show up on my facebook account.

At any rate, some things I find interesting.  Here goes. My friend, Damien, reminds me about the event tonight and asks me if I'm going.  I waffle.  He says the magic words, "Natalie's going".  Needless to say that's guaranteed fun and, I'm in.

We go to The Reserve and I survey the scene.  Guys you are crazy not to show up at events like these.  The girls to guys ratio is 10:1.  Trust me.  You all made a big mistake.  Huge...

I notice a dear friend of mine who writes for the Washington Post and works for ESPN is listed as a sponsor of the event.  I doubt he's gonna appear though because he failed to mention it the night before.  At any rate, I'm gonna have fiun.  Nat and I arrive at the venue, buy our tickets, and grab what is to begin many glasses of wine...  I start to explore the silent auction items and a few things interest me...

1 - There's an autographed Brett Favre football that someone had bid $1K for...
2 - There's a Chris Paul autographed basketball that someone has bid the minimun $150 for...
3 - There's a Gilbert Arenas jersey up for auction...

The Brett Favre football is appealing because the odds of me buying a pair of Wranglers and having him sign them are bleak..  LOL!  Let's face it.  Brett is not gonna be playing many more games and he doesn't seem like the guy who's willing to sit at a mall/autoshow and sign autographs.  The thousand dollar question is ~ am I willing to spend at least $1,025.00 and get in a bidding war?  Ultimately, I decided, NO.

We move onto the bargain item of a Chris Paul autographed basketball...  I think back to 2 years ago or so, when I met Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.  Chris was on crutches then, and I honestly had know idea who he was...  I only recognized Dwyane at the time...  My friend, Richie, who's casino host extraordinare at the Hard Rock told me, that if I was patient, I could meet Dwyane.  Needless to say, I was patient...  After some time and an introduction, I was posing for a picture with Dwyane and ironically Chris was in the background, on crutches, on the left side of the pic...  Dwyane, Chris, and their crew were rolling dice in the cabana by the pool and having harmless fun...  This was 2 years ago or so, and I still have those dice in my Dior Boston Logo bag..  Those dice ARE money...

Lastly, I recall the Arenas jersey and all the headache Gil has brought to his fans and the Washington faithful...  Those that know me, know that I am not a Wizards fan.  Those that know me, know that I have a tendency to vote for the coach when it come to me picking teams during March Madness...  I was a Lute Olsen fan,,  Hell, if he was still coaching, I'd still be a fan.  I've never met the man... I know nothing about him.  BUT, I know "people", and Lute seemed like a good guy so when it came to push or shove, I chose the Wildcats... 

Last night I was chatting at dinner with my sports friends about Gil...  We talked about guns in the NBA and the other athletes that could've gotten in trouble for punching their babysitter, sexual assualt, accidentally shooting someone, jumping into the stands and punching people etc. and many ~ too many names (e.g. Ruben Patterson, Vernon Maxwell, Jayson Williams etc.) ~ come to mind...  I started to think.  These other individuals did what they did and were caught and their careers  for themost part seemingly continued.  Hmmmm... Interesting...  Guns and violence don't surprise me in professional sports.  It's a different world.  Professional sports is a fraternity.  There's a circle of trust in locker rooms, on the court, on the road, etc.  Those individuals in the fraternity do not tamper with the bond that is created by becoming a part of the team.

I looked at the Brett Favre ball today and someone made a comment to me at the event tonight about fidelity, and I found myself waving her off.  I don't care if the guy I admire on the field/court  is a complete POS at home.  I don't buy a ticket to see him at home.  Then I thought about women and the times I was sitting in a professional athlete "family lounge".  What's the family lounge environnment?  It's a bunch of woman, children, and friends who "saw no evil, heard no evil, and will not speak evil"...  You know the saying, "They alway kill the messenger"..  Yeah, welcome to the family lounge.  You tell someone that their spouse or significant other may be doing something shady and brace yourself for what you're about to hear.  It's much easier and safer to just watch Seinfeld re-reruns, keep your mouth shut, and smile.

Gilbert Arenas' jerseys and other items have been removed and according to friends are no longer for sale at the Verizon Center.  Wow.  OK...  I find it funny then that this item seemingly was bid on so little, when it could EASILY become a rare collector's item :-P  I uploaded a pic of this on my fb account during the night with a comment saying that Gil's gun(s) would've gotten more bids than that jersey...  Yes, I said it  ~ and it's funny, so go ahead and laugh out loud...

That's all I have...  It's late...

Brett Favre autographed football...

Foolishly I neglect Chris Paul in Vegas...  He's to the left of this pic of Dwyane and I... 

Arenas' jersey for auction

THE WIRK