NBA

[g-mile7]

Golden State may have missed their chance. Game 5 was a good game but I don't think the Warriors will be able to put the final nail in the Mavs coffin........but I have been wrong before.


The bay is goin be HYPHY tonite.....the Warriors are very similar to the Kings (Jason Williams era) but they def. have a much better coach in Nellie.

[TurdBerglar]

Breaking News......
Turd's boy Ron Artest is going to jail for 20 days.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2859498


i hate that motherfucker. the pacers were my team until he fucked everything up. fucking shithead

[g-mile7]

Norcal killin right now! Even Snopp Dogg in tha spot!

[g-mile7]

ROBERT HORRY
Curse him






Signed,
Sacramento and tha Kings

[g-mile7]

Jackson on fiya! 7/7 three and tha last 13 pts 4 Golden State

[TurdBerglar]

looks like dirk is not gonna be mvp. what a melt down

[g-mile7]

looks like dirk is not gonna be mvp. what a melt down
Barnes just made a poster of Dirk

[g-mile7]

This is the most pathetic showing of a number 1 seed EVER.



LOL at all these LA/Hollywood folk at tha game since their teams lost. Stay in LA we dont want y'all front runners and shit. Fake fans
God Dallas playin like tha old Mavs. Guess tha Mavs can blame tha Blazers 4 part of this. The blacks/whites/hispanic and espically AZN gettin HYPHY

[TurdBerglar]

so we have a team that barely made the playoffs needing the very last game to qualify elimating a 67 win(6th best record ever!) team. this is insane.

[Drederick Tatum]

Stephen Jackson is a baller.
nutjob eh?

[g-mile7]

so we have a team that barely made the playoffs needing the very last game to qualify elimating a 67 win(6th best record ever!) team. this is insane.
Regular season is preseason baby...this tha REAL season

[g-mile7]

nutjob eh?
!

[Drederick Tatum]

Dirk 8 points and 10 rebounds. 2-13 from the floor. if the Mavs needed Dampier-like numbers they would've let him play. what a choke by Dirk.

[TurdBerglar]

he's fucking crazy. are you denying that?

[g-mile7]

Dirk 8 points and 10 rebounds. 2-13 from the floor. if the Mavs needed Dampier-like numbers they would've let him play. what a choke by Dirk.
Spurs-Suns=Real Western Conferance Finals. Know the Suns lickin them lips


Warriors, Rockets or Jazz in tha West finals? Who wouldve thought? Davis showed that skill he had b4 injuries with tha Hornets. He was tha beast of east b4 Arenas hell he was Arenas b4 Arenas. And Davis' beard game more vicious too

[Drederick Tatum]

33 points crazy.

[g-mile7]

he's fucking crazy. are you denying that?
Jackson is crazy, but you know wat else...he just dont give a fuck



Mavs gone fishin son

[g-mile7]

Poor Avery Johnson though. Dude cried...feel bad cuz Cuban goin be on his ass

[Gareth]

haha yea poor avery...sonned by nellie
master > apprentice
baron davis reminds me of a cross between black thought and freeway

[g-mile7]

haha yea poor avery...sonned by nellie
master > apprentice
baron davis reminds me of a cross between black thought and freeway
str8 up Jedi shit.

[DandyFop]

Jesus h. Charles Barkley is a fat ass these days?

Can't wait to see the outcome of the Jazz game Saturday.

I <3 basketballllll

[Gareth]

fat?
maybe.
but he's still faster than dick bavetta.

[Yeti]

No Shaq No Wade No Dirk No Kobe No Ratings

Stephen Jackson was heard to say----LETS HIT THE TITTY BAR!!

[g-mile7]

No Shaq No Wade No Dirk No Kobe No Ratings

Stephen Jackson was heard to say----LETS HIT THE TITTY BAR!!
Two words-King James

[Yeti]

I don't think Lebron is a ratings giant yet. If he can lead them to an upset and go on a huge roll.....maybe people will be interested in the Cavs.

A Suns vs Cavs championship might get good ratings. A Suns vs Pistons is the other ratings savior the NBA is wishing for.

[g-mile7]

I don't think Lebron is a ratings giant yet. If he can lead them to an upset and go on a huge roll.....maybe people will be interested in the Cavs.

A Suns vs Cavs championship might get good ratings. A Suns vs Pistons is the other ratings savior the NBA is wishing for.
Boy if the Suns and Warriors play man...

But in terms of stars James all we got

[YoungRemy]

They are moving the 3 pt line out.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2859065

I can't believe I know this but...................

Who made the NBA's 1st 3pter?
Hint---He was a Celtic and a coach.

I thought it might have been Nelson, but I admit I had to search...
wiki says it was Chris Ford

p.s. that 3point rule change is for NCAA, not the NBA

p.p.s. voting for MVP is done before the Playoffs begins.
if Dirk wins, they need to do some sort of recall...

either that or wheel his ass out on live television at a Round 2 game, preferrably in Phoenix so he can decline the award and give it to Nash...


or they could invite him to the next home game in OakTown and embarass his ass there...

next, I'm scared shitless of the Jazz... The last time the Rockets were in the playoffs, they were up 2-0 on Dallas and lost the series in game 7 on the road. They have homecourt, but the Jazz have led at the half in all six of these games... if the Rockets dont blow them out I'm going to have a heart attack... no nail biters, no last minute comebacks...put your foot on their throats and go for the jugular

GO ROCKETS

[g-mile7]

I thought it might have been Nelson, but I admit I had to search...
wiki says it was Chris Ford

p.s. that 3point rule change is for NCAA, not the NBA

p.p.s. voting for MVP is done before the Playoffs begins.
if Dirk wins, they need to do some sort of recall...

either that or wheel his ass out on live television at a Round 2 game, preferrably in Phoenix so he can decline the award and give it to Nash...


or they could invite him to the next home game in OakTown and embarass his ass there...

next, I'm scared shitless of the Jazz... The last time the Rockets were in the playoffs, they were up 2-0 on Dallas and lost the series in game 7 on the road. They have homecourt, but the Jazz have led at the half in all six of these games... if the Rockets dont blow them out I'm going to have a heart attack... no nail biters, no last minute comebacks...put your foot on their throats and go for the jugular

GO ROCKETS

If Dirk wanted to avoid months of people saying he has to "prove" himself he should decline.....boy I havent seen a choke like this since Peja was playing on the Kings in the Western Conference Finals in 02

[marsdaddy]

baron davis reminds me of a cross between black thought and freewayA friend of mine looked at the TV and said, "Is Levar Burton playing for the W's now?" Kunta Kinte!

Warriors - Suns would be fun...
fat?
maybe.
but he's still faster than dick bavetta.The joke around here was Dwayne Wade can't get in his top 5 because it's taken by McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, and the newest member = Cinnabon.

He's not faster than Bavetta, he just didn't fall down. Of course, Bavetta is 20+ years his senior.

No Shaq No Wade No Dirk No Kobe No Ratings

Stephen Jackson was heard to say----LETS HIT THE TITTY BAR!!He'll make it rain, for sure. Now just wait until he gets that MORON tattoo.

[SB00774]

Raps :(

[Drederick Tatum]

No Shaq No Wade No Dirk No Kobe No Ratings


don't Vince Carter, Steve Nash, Lebron James, Jason Kidd, Amare Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Richard Hamilton count for anything?

[Drederick Tatum]

bye bye, Rockets.

[YoungRemy]

bye bye, Rockets.

:(

[Yeti]

I guess Stern is handing the Spurs the West. I keep watching the highlight of Nash getting checked into the boards and I still do not see Stoudemire involved in the shoving match.

[DandyFop]

Oh man. The Jazz games have been fucking wicked against the Warriors. Though I do love me some Baron Davis...that was such a sweet series. I hope they don't go up against the Suns...but with all this bullshit, looks like that might just be the case.

[Yeti]

The Suns have to win 2 in a row so your Jazz might get the Spurs.

[Drederick Tatum]

jesus christ, the Spurs are boring. even their exciting players; Parker, Ginobli are dull.

[TurdBerglar]

if i were dirk i'd have a problem excepting that MVP trophie

[Drederick Tatum]

man, New Jersey basically got pummeled on their own floor.

Cavs v Pistons
Spurs v Jazz

the East suddenly became the most entertaining conference. does Cleveland have a chance to make it to the Finals?

[Gareth]

i dont think the cavs have enough depth to beat the pistons
tim duncan 9 blocks...huge
i don't see utah beating s.a

[DandyFop]

I don't think Utah will beat the Spurs :/

Maybe that will be good because I don't have TV and I'm spending way too much money at sports bars lately.

[Drederick Tatum]

i dont think the cavs have enough depth to beat the pistons


and Lebron has to play well every game for them to have any chance. in the last game, with him out because of foul trouble, the Nets came back from a huge deficit. the Cavs offence just doesn't run without him.

[Gareth]

I'm spending way too much money at sports bars lately.

spend that huge hunk of money that you have on booze at the local sports bar
yeh, larry hughes, gooden and big z won't be able to pick up the slack if LBJ has an off night or is locked down on d or whatever

[TurdBerglar]

LOS ANGELES - Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the Lakers on Wednesday, a day after calling the team's front office "a mess." He said there was nothing the Lakers could do to change his mind.

"I would like to be traded, yeah," Bryant said in a radio interview. "Tough as it is to come to that conclusion there's no other alternative. It's rough man, but I don't see how you can rebuild that trust. I just don't know how you can move forward in that type of situation."

Bryant, who helped the Lakers win three consecutive NBA championships, has four years left on the seven-year, $136.4 million contract he signed July 15, 2004. That was a day after Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.

Bryant became infuriated Tuesday when a Los Angeles Times columnist quoted what he called a Lakers insider as saying it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from O'Neal that prompted the trade to Miami.

Bryant, the NBA's leading scorer the past two seasons, said he spoke with Phil Jackson on Tuesday, and the coach told him he was being let go because the Lakers were committed to reducing payroll and rebuilding long term.

"They said nothing to me about a long-term plan — absolutely nothing," Bryant told KLAC radio, the Lakers' flagship station. "They told Phil one thing and they told me another. Actions speak louder than words."

"It's a trust thing," he added. "They're in a long-term plan that I had no idea about."

Buss issued a statement saying:

"We are aware of the media reports. However, Kobe has not told us directly that he wants to be traded. We have made it very clear that we are building our team around Kobe and that we intend for him to be a Laker his entire career. We will speak directly to Kobe and until we do that, we will not comment publicly about this."

Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, did not respond to several messages left by The Associated Press.

The Lakers won championships from 2000-02 and reached the NBA finals again in 2004, losing to the Detroit Pistons in five games. The team was broken up at that time. O'Neal was traded, Jackson left and other stalwarts — Karl Malone, Gary Payton, Derek Fisher, Robert Horry and Rick Fox — went elsewhere or retired.


Poll

The Lakers failed to make the playoffs the following season. With Jackson returning before the 2005-06 campaign, they finished seventh in the Western Conference in each of the past two years, but were eliminated by Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs.

The Lakers appeared to be a title contender through the first half of this season, going 26-13 despite several injuries to key players. But they lost 27 of their last 43 games to finish 42-40 before losing to the Suns in five games.

Bryant urged the team at season's end to do what it takes to get back into contention. He essentially repeated those comments last weekend in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.

On Sunday, he suggested former Lakers general manager Jerry West should return. West left the team in the summer of 2000 and was succeeded by current GM Mitch Kupchak.

West, an employee of the Lakers for about 40 years as a player, coach and executive, is under contract as the Memphis Grizzlies' president until July 1. He turned 69 this week and has remained a close friend of Kupchak's. West has said he has "no plans to seek employment with any other organization."

It was West who brought Bryant to the Lakers, trading center Vlade Divac to Charlotte in the summer of 1996 for the rights to Bryant — the 13th pick in the NBA draft. Bryant was only 17 at the time.

On Tuesday, Bryant did a series of radio interviews bashing the Lakers.

"That place is a mess," Bryant said, referring to the Lakers' front office. "If we're not making strides here to improve this team right now, to be aggressive in that nature, then what's the point of having me here?"

That same day the 74-year-old Buss was arrested in Carlsbad for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released later in the day.

Bryant earned $17.72 million last season and is owed $88.6 million over the next four years. He can terminate his contract following the 2008-09 season — a move that would leave $47.8 million on the table.

That money would be paid out similar to a signing bonus and would not count toward the salary cap. The Lakers had to pay a similar fee to Lamar Odom when they acquired him from Miami three years ago, paying him about $8 million.

Bryant has made the All-Star team in each of the past nine seasons, clearly establishing himself as an NBA great before age 30. Only one active NBA player, Kevin Garnett, has a longer tenure with one team than Bryant. Garnett has played 12 seasons for Minnesota.

The Lakers won 20 playoff series from 2000-04 but have won four postseason games and no series in the past three years. Since O'Neal left, they've received little from the draft, trades or free agency.

Bryant has stated repeatedly in the past that he was a Lakers' fan since childhood, and wanted to be a Laker for life. But the O'Neal matter and his feeling of being misled by Buss appear have changed things.

"The fact of the matter is that many people don't know what really went down when I was approaching free agency because I have stayed quiet about it this whole time," Bryant wrote on his Web site. "The real facts are that Dr. Buss requested a meeting with me during the '04 season long before I opted out of my contract, and he told me he had already decided not to extend Shaq, as he was concerned about Shaq's age, fitness and contract demands.

"Dr. Buss made it clear that his decision was final, his mind was made up, and no matter what I decided to do with free agency, he was still going to move Shaq."

O'Neal said on the Philadelphia Inquirer's Web site he believed Bryant "100 percent."

Bryant said he was considering signing with the Clippers and Chicago Bulls three years ago before hearing from Buss.

"Dr. Buss promised me he would rebuild right away, and I believed him," Bryant wrote. "That is why I put my trust in the Lakers. But when stuff like this is coming from the 'inside,' all I can do is hope that someone from the 'inside' comes forward to support me and set straight the facts of what really happened. This is the TRUTH."



whoa

[Yeti]

Maybe he could go play with Melo & AI. He likes the Colorado women.


What about those Cavs?

[TurdBerglar]

golden state!

[Yeti]

They would have to give up half their team and then Kobe would be playing one on five again.

[Whatitis]

Don't be surpised if he's not traded. If he is traded the Lakers fall into a team that has no star player, the Lakers and the league do not want that to happen, revenues. It's gonna be up to Jerry Buss, but the Lakers need to do a lot more to get the organization back to a championship caliber team. If they are not willing to do this soon, like Dr. Buss promised Kobe 3 years ago, Kobe is gone. If the trade does happen, the Lakers better get more for Kobe than they did for Shaq.

[Drederick Tatum]

it would seem as if Lebron has figured out how to beat the Pistons...either that or Prince has forgotten how to guard him.

Lebron vs Bowen in the Finals?

[Yeti]

Great Game! I think if the Cavs can upset the Pistons it will be the best thing to happen for the NBA. We need a new team in the East to step up. Now, the East can at least have the Heat, Cavs and Pistons duking it out next season.


Wow! What about Billy Donovan leaving Florida to coach the Magic?

Orlando waved millions of NBA dollars at Billy Donovan. The Gators coach bit Thursday. But after winning the last two national titles, will Donovan work his Magic at the next level? History sure isn't on his side.

More here----
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2889465&sportCat=ncf

[saz]

Now, the East can at least have the Heat, Cavs and Pistons duking it out next season.

you forgot chicago. the heat are old and banged up, they could be in trouble.

[Yeti]

you forgot chicago. the heat are old and banged up, they could be in trouble.

Very Very true.... I should have never left out the Bulls. Some other teams are on the cusp of being very good. I just want the East to get some parity and good players. I am disappointed that Oden and Durant will be shipped out West.

[Gareth]

shittiest series ever..San Antonio & Utah

i cant stand Duncan and Bowen and Okur and them

deron williams is awesome
marvin williams over deron and chris paul?

[marsdaddy]

LeBron was out of his head. Still, the Pistons have the more complete team. Prince is good, but not THAT good. Neither is Bowen. I can't believe the refs didn't call more fouls on Detroit. That sucked.

Kobe might have 3 rings, but how many does he have without Shaq?

Now, if only Golden State could have a complete season and maybe develop a big man to guard Duncan.

[TurdBerglar]

what's wrong with the pistons

[Drederick Tatum]

a few of them were probably already thinking about what team they were going to play for next season. but still, that was a bit of a beating.

anyway, Gibson has obviously proven to be a ridiculous steal at #300 or whenever he was taken in the draft. quick, good shooter, and willing to defend. good player. seems like the Cavs may have found an answer to one of their problem positions.

so boring Spurs vs Cavs. I'd like I say something different, but I think the Spurs and their mind-numbing excellence will grind down the inexperienced Cavs. I say 4-1.

[Gareth]

woah, did not pick that series at all.

[Yeti]

The Cavs have Sideshow Bob playing center/forward so I pick them to win it all.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/anderson_varejao/index.html?nav=page

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3847

[marsdaddy]

Another experience of being Dead Wrong In Public.

go warrior!

[Yeti]

The finals begin tonight. I am rooting for the underdog and I hope the Cavs can pull it off.

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah Cavs all the way. I'm sure he's a wonderful person who loves injured animals and marginalized minorities but fuck Tim Duncan.

[Drederick Tatum]

Allan Houston certainly looks the part as an ESPN analyst.

[Drederick Tatum]

....the Magic just hired Ron Jeremy as head coach.

[Yeti]

The championship series really might have set the NBA back 10 years.

[TurdBerglar]

Phoenix's roster moves could end in a hurry if Grant Hill says yes to the Suns.

He will get his first chance today when the Suns make him their free agency priority with the first allowable phone call at 9 p.m. Sources in each conference said they believe Phoenix tops Hill's list, which also includes San Antonio, Detroit, Toronto and Orlando.

NBA teams can begin recruiting and negotiating with free agents tonight but cannot sign them until July 11.





Once Suns first-round draft pick Alando Tucker signs his contract and James Jones' trade to Portland is official, Phoenix will have 10 players under contract for the upcoming season.

Kurt Thomas exercised his $8.1 million option. With Sean Marks expected to re-sign with the team, a veteran's minimum contract to Hill would give Phoenix 12 players toward the 13-player minimum. It likely won't go beyond 13 players with Phoenix facing a $7 million luxury tax, second only to New York. One spot would remain open for flexibility, and second-rounder D.J. Strawberry could get it.

Hill, who was in the Valley recently, said on ESPN radio on June 12 that Phoenix would be a better fit than San Antonio. He said his priorities were style of play, title contention and light practices because of his injury history. Hill, 34, averaged 14.4 points on 52 percent shooting in 65 games last season in Orlando but missed 265 games in the previous five years.

Hill also would fit Phoenix's priorities as a versatile, high-character veteran. The Suns can't comment on free agents but General Manager Steve Kerr shared his approach.

"We'd like to add some experience," Kerr said. "We just added two rookies who are going to be raw and they're not going to know what's going on out there so we'd like to balance that out with guys who have been there . . . or I should say a player that's been there before. I don't know that we're going to sign more than one player based on our numbers.

"If we get what we're after, then we'll be thrilled."

A veteran's minimum contract for Hill would be $1,219,590, $448,980 of which comes from a league fund for veterans. Hill is coming off a seven-year, $92 million deal.

Kerr said Phoenix is unlikely to chase free agent big men.

"The way our team is, who Mike (D'Antoni) plays, you can always talk about, 'Let's go get a big,' " Kerr said. "But a big's probably not going to play. If he was going to play, he wouldn't be a free agent or he'd be in the market for big dollars. We're looking for versatility."



this is a great move if he can stay healthy

[TurdBerglar]

oh yeah, how could i have forgotten...


paul peirce and ray allen? now they just need ten other people...

[Drederick Tatum]

hey, Al Jefferson is pretty good, and Gerald Green can....well, finish a break.

[Gareth]

the zach randolph trade looks like a good move on isiah's part.

[Drederick Tatum]

I think that trade works out for both teams. I hope Steve Francis gets more playing time and can regain the form he had in Houston.

[Yeti]

Nice suit Joakim...check it out. Ha!


http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story/?ID=212177&hubname=nba

[GetYourWarOn]

the zach randolph trade looks like a good move on isiah's part.

randolph and eddy curry will form the most uninspiring and lazy front court combination ever

[Suavee-Bolo]

NEW YORK -- The former Knicks (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/teams/page/NY) executive who is suing coach Isiah Thomas for sexual harassment alleged in court papers that Thomas urged a cheerleader to flirt with referees and guard Stephon Marbury cursed at her, according to newspaper reports Saturday.

Anucha Browne Sanders, a former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, filed documents to answer the Knicks' attempt to have her lawsuit dismissed.
In the papers, which were unsealed Friday, Browne Sanders alleges cheerleader Petra Pope told her Thomas encouraged Pope to flirt with officials before a game against the Nets in 2004, the Daily News reported (http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2007/06/30/2007-06-30_garden_of_sin_in_suit.html).
"What she told me was that Isiah asked her to go into the referees' locker room and make them happy," Browne Sanders testified.
Sanders said Marbury directed an obscenity at her after she complained about the player's cousin (Sebastian Telfair)-- who was also employed by the team -- had made graphic sexual comments to her staff.
Marbury, in a January deposition, acknowledged calling Browne Sanders a derogatory name, the New York Post reported (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06302007/news/nationalnews/foul_on_stephon_nationalnews_kati_cornell.htm).

Sanders also claimed a member of her staff admitted to consensual drunken sex with Marbury after a night at a "gentlemen's club" and said "she did not believe she could say no because of who Marbury is."

Sanders said her decision to inform officials about the encounter led to her being fired, according to the New York Post.
Thomas and Madison Square Garden are listed as the defendants in the lawsuit, which charges them with sex discrimination and retaliation. Marbury is not a defendant in the lawsuit.
Browne Sanders filed the lawsuit last year, claiming she was fired "for telling the truth" while going through internal channels to stop the harassment. She has accused Thomas of telling her he was "very attracted" to her and "in love" with her and tried to kiss her.
The 44-year-old former Northwestern basketball star is seeking reinstatement to her job and unspecified damages.
Madison Square Garden said she was fired because she "failed to fulfill professional responsibilities." MSG said in a statement Saturday that the lawsuit was "riddled with fabrications."
In seeking a dismissal of the lawsuit, Thomas said Browne Sanders brought the action to harm him and secure a financial payout from him and Madison Square Garden.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service


Of course, I'm sure it's all false and she's making it all up.

[TurdBerglar]

this woman just simply sounds like a big pain in the ass

[TurdBerglar]

DALLAS (AP) - Mavericks owner Mark Cuban claims in an ongoing dispute with his former coach that Don Nelson used "confidential information" to help the Golden State Warriors pull off a stunning first-round playoff victory.

That accusation is part of Cuban's response to an arbitration claim Nelson has filed against Cuban to get $6.5 million of deferred compensation, which Nelson said he is owed for his time with the Mavericks from 1997-2005.
"Don may know that (Dirk) Nowitzki likes to turn toward his left shoulder not his right shoulder, but we don't think that's a trade secret or confidential information," Nelson's attorney, John O'Connor, said by phone Friday from his San Francisco office. "Cuban apparently does."

Cuban didn't respond to e-mail Friday, when he had left hip replacement surgery. A team spokeswoman said the Mavericks had no comment about the arbitration case.

The Warriors became the first No. 8 seed to win a best-of-seven playoff series to knock out the top-seeded team, winning in six games. The stunning end to the Mavericks' season came a year after they made it to the NBA Finals, then lost in six games against Miami after taking a 2-0 series lead.

The counterclaim by Cuban, in which he also contends that Nelson violated a noncompete clause in his Dallas contract when he became Golden State's coach last summer, was first reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Friday.

Nelson's arbitration claim was filed May 1 after failed attempts to settle the dispute with Cuban. The claim was filed while the playoff series between the Warriors and Mavericks was still ongoing.

"Don is a bit embarrassed that he is part of this, and that people might think this was his idea," O'Connor said.

Nelson's contract with the Mavs included a clause that called for arbitration to settle any disputes.

A panel of retired judges will hear the case later this year, likely in October or November, after both sides have time for depositions and discovery. Any ruling by the arbitration panel is final and binding, without any right of appeal.

When he resigned as the Mavericks' coach in March 2005 and replaced by hand-picked successor Avery Johnson, Nelson still had a deal to remain a team consultant through 2011 for about $200,000 a year.

In Nelson's claim, he contends he was never paid a consultant fee and thus was free to take another job.

Cuban has said Nelson returned to coaching after repeatedly telling the billionaire that Dallas would be his last job.

The money Nelson is seeking stems from the days before Cuban owned the team, back when the Mavericks were draft lottery regulars and Nelson was hired as the general manager to clean up the mess. He overhauled the roster, made himself the coach and discovered how well the combination of Michael Finley, Steve Nash and Nowitzki worked.

The team became playoff regulars after Cuban bought the team in 2000 and injected money and enthusiasm. Nelson was his mentor early on, and they made for an entertaining tandem.

Nelson, whose 1,232 victories are the second-most in NBA history, returned last summer to the Warriors and led them to a 42-40 record, enough to earn a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. Dallas was 67-15, but was 0-3 during the regular season against Golden State.


some times mark cuban is a straight up shit head. how is knowing all the team's plays and knowing all the tendencies of the team's star player fucking confidencial considering HE COACHED THE TEAM LAST YEAR AND FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE THAT? that whole team is built around nelly's coaching! of course he knows how the team opperates on the court!

[GetYourWarOn]

RAPTORS will be the team to beat in the east next season

watch, they will be tuff,....cause Colangello will make the appropriate moves to make them contenders

(y)

yeah they're gonna be good

if the bulls ever decide to trade some of their younger players for an all star caliber player like kg or pau gasol then i think they will be the team to beat

[saz]

we don't need to make a trade, our line-up is solid, besides from lacking a post-up game. but noah should help.

[Gareth]

rashard lewis to orlando.
still won't make them a contender tho.

[Gareth]

would you pay darko $10 mill per season?
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Magic-show-no-interest-in-re-signing-Milicic;_ylt=AqWn7k0NTPtxzsabkPnJ9biLvLYF?urn=nba, 38181

[Drederick Tatum]

with both Lewis and Allen gone, Seattle are really pinning a lot of their hopes to Durant. bit of a risk.

Lewis obviously went where he would get the most money, not the club he thinks have a good chance of winning anything. He'll be the second best player on that team so he'll see some of the ball too. He and Howard could form a pretty nice inside/outside pairing....and from what I know of US weather he's going from constant rain to constant sunshine.

I'm still waiting for a big KG move.

[TurdBerglar]

HOUSTON (AP) - Steve Francis is returning to the Rockets.

Francis has agreed to a deal with Houston, his agent Jeff Fried said Thursday.
Before he was traded to Orlando in 2004 as part of a multiplayer deal that brought Tracy McGrady to the Rockets, Francis spent his first five NBA seasons with the Rockets.

He was sent to the Knicks in early 2006 and played for them until he was traded to Portland last month in a draft-night deal. The Trail Blazers bought out his contract for a reported $30 million last week, making him an unrestricted free agent.

"We're extremely pleased that he's going back to Houston," Fried said. "Houston has always been home for Steve since he entered the NBA."

Fried said the buyout from Portland allowed Francis more freedom in choosing a team based on factors other than money. He would not release terms of the deal, but said other teams offered more lucrative contracts.

Miami, Dallas and the Los Angeles Clippers were interested in the 30-year-old guard.

"When you look back at a few months ago and the status of things and fast forward to today, it's really something that probably could not have been planned or implemented any better," Fried said.

Fried said Francis chose the Rockets because of his "comfort factor" with the team and because he believes he can be a "meaningful participant in the overall success" in Houston.

Francis played just 44 games for the Knicks last season while dealing with injuries, averaging a career-low 11.3 points. The three-time All-Star has averaged 18.4 points and 6.1 assists in his eight-year NBA career.

Francis has maintained a home in Houston since signing with the Rockets his rookie season and spent time in the city last season while recovering from a knee injury.



biggest three in the league next season? macgrady, yao, francis....

[YoungRemy]

biggest three in the league next season? macgrady, yao, francis....

the irony is that they traded away Mike james for rafer alston, then got Mike James back this off-season...

they traded francis for T-Mac, then they got Francis this offseason...

they also just traded one Euro V Spanoulis for another, Luis Scola, with the Spurs

they still need another big- package rafer and John lucas for a power forward and they might be able to get out of the first round

[Yeti]

A referee is being investigated for mob ties and shaving points. If this is true it will rock the NBA to it's very core.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2943095

[TurdBerglar]

The on-again, off-again deal with the Boston Celtics acquiring Kevin Garnett apparently is back on.

According to sources, the current deal on the table has the 6-foot-11 Garnett heading to Boston and the Celtics dealing away Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff's hefty expiring contract and Rajon Rondo. There may also be other players and draft picks involved.
It's not quite done, but three industry sources — including one close to the Celtics — told FOXSports.com that it's extremely close and could become official within the next 48 hours.

"It's basically done," one source said. "If it does happen, this will make the Celtics relevant again."

Celtics boss Danny Ainge attempted to trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves star forward prior to the NBA Draft, but the 31-year-old perennial All-Star had no interest in heading to Boston.

However, things may have changed now that Ainge and the Celtics pulled off the draft day deal with Seattle for Ray Allen.

There have been numerous discussions during the last week between Ainge and Wolves vice president Kevin McHale, who are good friends dating back to their days playing together on the Celtics.

Garnett has the option to get out of his contract — which pays $22 million next season — after the 2008 campaign and become a free agent. He averaged 22.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game last season — his 12th in the NBA.

Garnett is a 10-time NBA All-Star and was the league's MVP in 2004. He is also one of the better defensive players in the NBA.

The deal would give Ainge a team that could compete with anyone in the Eastern Conference with the trio of Paul Pierce, Garnett and Allen. The Celtics would also have nearly $60 million in salaries between the three players for next season alone.

The Wolves would get one of the league's top young players in the 22-year-old Jefferson, who averaged 16 points and 11 boards in 69 games a year ago, and a second-year point guard in Rondo with plenty of potential. They would also get Ratliff's $11.7 million salary, which will come off the books after this season.


would this work?

[g-mile7]

Garnett best season (in terms of post season) was when he had two weapons to choose from with Spree and Sam....he will have that, if not better, with Pierce and Allen...it would also make the Ray Allen trade seem to make a bit of sense. Throw in the young Gerlad Green and you have a front that could run the East.

[Drederick Tatum]

it'd be cool to see Garnett play with some decent players for once. if he joins, Boston have a chance to go deep into the play offs. all the way to the title is doubtful as the West also get to play for that. KG out of Minnesota really needs to happen.

[Drederick Tatum]

Throw in the young Gerlad Green and you have a front that could run the East.

yep, and if Sebastian Telfair ever adds some decision making and court awareness to his speed and handle then you've got a real solid team.

[g-mile7]

yep, and if Sebastian Telfair ever adds some decision making and court awareness to his speed and handle then you've got a real solid team.

I forgot they have Telfair...hopefully he gets his mind right on and off the court as well.

[YoungRemy]

wow..this KG trade is a done deal... the East just got a little stronger

[TurdBerglar]

finally a reason to root for the home team!

[Drederick Tatum]

have Green and Telfair been included in the deal?

[TurdBerglar]

yes

[TurdBerglar]

BOSTON - Kevin Garnett is leaving Minnesota after the Boston Celtics agreed to acquire the All-Star forward in a multiplayer trade with the Timberwolves, a Celtics official told The Associated Press on Monday.

Among the players who could be headed to Minnesota are forward Al Jefferson, guard Sebastian Telfair, swingman Gerald Green and center Theo Ratliff, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been completed. The official also said the Timberwolves would get at least one draft choice.
The teams still had some things to clarify with the players' contracts, but the official said that would not keep the Celtics from acquiring Garnett, although there could be a change in the players ticketed for the Timberwolves.

There was a chance that a conference call announcing the trade — the possibility of which was first reported by FOXSports.com's Jeff Goodman late Sunday — would be held Monday, the official said.

Garnett, 31, has spent all of his 12 NBA seasons with Minnesota. He would get an extension of his contract, which has one year plus an option year remaining, the official said.

The Celtics had tried to get Garnett late last month, but his agent said he didn't want to go to Boston.

Since then, Boston acquired seven-time All-Star guard Ray Allen from Seattle in a draft day deal. Already with Paul Pierce, the Celtics would become instant contenders in the mediocre Atlantic Division with Garnett, even without promising forward Jefferson.

The Celtics obtained Allen and the 35th pick of the draft for guards Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, and forward Jeff Green of Georgetown, whom they drafted with the fifth pick.

The Celtics have won just three playoff series during Pierce's nine years with them. They still have an NBA-record 16 championships, but none since 1986.

"They have no excuses, this team out there," Danny Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations, said after Allen was acquired.

Pierce, 29, led the Celtics in scoring last season but played only 47 games because of injury.

Allen, who turns 32 next month, averaged a career-high 26.4 points last season, his 11th, but underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on both ankles that required him to wear protective boots. He is expected to be ready for training camp.


they kinda gave up a lot, but it is garnet....

[Drederick Tatum]

ah well, scratch all that talk with gmile. I think they should've kept either Green or Telfair.

they need a point guard.

[GetYourWarOn]

yep, and if Sebastian Telfair ever adds some decision making and court awareness to his speed and handle then you've got a real solid team.

good luck with that

[GetYourWarOn]

they kinda gave up a lot, but it is garnet....


true, but jefferson is the only blue chip player out of the bunch.... green is a slick offensive player, and there's a good chance he'll be a 20 point a night scorer in this league, but he's got a really long way to go before he gets there.... gomes (if he's included) is a solid bench guy at best and you've got big problems if he's starting for you....and telfair just sucks.

[Gareth]

rajon rondo >>>>>>>>> bassy
for days
minnesota will have a decent core of young guys - randy foye, jefferson, corey brewer.

[TurdBerglar]

BOSTON - Kevin Garnett is coming to Boston — and he's going to stay for a while.

According to Celtics spokesman Jeff Twiss, the 10-time NBA All-Star will likely be introduced at a news conference at 5:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
According to multiple sources close to situation, Minnesota will send Garnett to Boston for five players and a pair of first-round draft picks. Al Jefferson is the centerpiece of the deal for Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale, who will also get Theo Ratliff and his expiring contract, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair and a pair of 2009 first-round picks.

The Celtics' draft pick will be top-three protected and the other pick will be the one Minnesota originally dealt to Boston in the trade that sent Ricky Davis to the T'Wolves for Wally Szczerbiak.

According to sources, Garnett will also sign a three-year extension with the Celtics. He has two years left on his current deal.

Garnett, the league's MVP in 2004, had the option to opt out of his contract — which pays $22 million next season — after the 2008 campaign and become a free agent.

McHale tried feverishly to obtain Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo in the deal. However, Celtics boss Danny Ainge held out from trading Rondo — who will likely be the team's starting floor leader this season.

Ainge tried unsuccessfully to acquire the 31-year-old Garnett prior to the NBA Draft, but was able to land Ray Allen from Seattle for the No. 5 overall pick, Delonte West and Szczerbiak on the night of the draft.



done deal!

im excited. now maybe i can wear a celtics hat!

[YoungRemy]

so Telfairs going to Minnesota and boston has a big three of Allen, Pierce, and Garnett? that looks like a decent core...

[Yeti]

I am an old arse man because I used to root for the Celtics when Dave Cowens, John Havlicek and Jo Jo White played. My father went to Ohio State with John "Hondo" Havlicek so being a Celtics fan was done by osmosis. I have since moved around and I adopted the Heat.

I guess the only sports team I have been loyal to throughout my life has been the Raiders which can be a bummer sometimes.....but like Al Davis always says---once a Raider always a Raider (unless your name is Marcus Allen or Randy Moss).

[g-mile7]

ah well, scratch all that talk with gmile. I think they should've kept either Green or Telfair.

they need a point guard.

They should have kept Green...sadly, but it will work out better for both teams.

[Drederick Tatum]

Rondo going to be given the chance to run the team. quite a bit of responsibility for a player who is basically unproven. how hard can it be now though? get the ball to half court and then give it to Garnett, Pierce or Allen....I could do that.

[TurdBerglar]

they should just run the offence through garnet. honestly they don't really need a point guard. garnet's only real competition in the east will be dwight howard and J. O'neal(if he stays in the east). Post up, wait for the double team and kick out to peirce who is a good shooter or even better yet allen who is probably the best shooter in the league right now. Or garnet can just simply power through his defender. the celtics will have a good spread on the floor. scoring from all locations.

[Gareth]

hey...let's not forget brian scalabrine - bostons other weapon!
bosh is in the eastern conference too.

[Gareth]

oh and another thing...
bring back antoine walker
that would be awesome
someone make it happen

[Drederick Tatum]

yeah, the Celtics aren't going to be the deepest team in the league, that's for sure. still, Paul Pierce must be stoked, month and a half ago he was surrounded by a couple of decent, but not fantastic players, and now he's arguably the third best player on what was his team.

[Gareth]

gilbert arenas on shark attacks:

I know this is random, but I just want to clear this up for people out there.
There are these things called shark attacks, but there is no such thing as a shark attack. I have never seen a real shark attack.

I know you’re making a weird face as you’re reading this. OK people, a shark attack is not what we see on TV and what people portray it as.

We’re humans. We live on land.

Sharks live in water.

So if you’re swimming in the water and a shark bites you, that’s called trespassing. That is called trespassing. That is not a shark attack.

A shark attack is if you’re chilling at home, sitting on your couch, and a shark comes in and bites you; now that’s a shark attack. Now, if you’re chilling in the water, that is called invasion of space. So I have never heard of a shark attack.

When I see on the news where it’s like, "There have been 10 shark attacks," I’m like, "Hey, for real?! They’re just running around? Sharks are walking now, huh! We live on the land, we don’t live underwater."

http://www.nba.com/blog/gilbert_arenas.html#070801_01

[Drederick Tatum]

hahahahahahaha

[TurdBerglar]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand ruptured his left Achilles' tendon on Friday during his daily workout.

Brand, 28, will undergo surgery but plans for the operation have not been finalized yet, the Clippers said.
Last month, Brand - a veteran of eight NBA seasons - withdrew from the U.S. national team because of an injury. He averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds last season, when the Clippers failed to make the playoffs.



oh dear

[Drederick Tatum]

thats bad. very bad. I'd say that's 3-4 months minimum.

[TurdBerglar]

that injury tends to linger

[TurdBerglar]

BOSTON (AP) - The Boston Celtics have spoken with future Hall of Famer Reggie Miller about coming out of retirement to help the once-proud franchise in its push for an unprecedented 17th NBA title.

"I'm always flattered when my name is mentioned as someone who can still help an NBA team win a championship," Miller said Wednesday in a statement relayed to The Associated Press by the TNT network. "I've had limited discussions with Celtics management about their roster and a potential role for me. At this time, I'm enjoying my role as an analyst with TNT."
Celtics officials did not respond to requests for comment. Miller's agent, Arn Tellem, declined comment.

Miller, who will turn 42 this month, played 18 seasons, all with the Indiana Pacers, before retiring in 2005. He is 13th on the league's career scoring list with 25,279 points and the leader in 3-pointers made and attempted.

His uniform No. 31 was retired by the Pacers last year.

In addition to working on television broadcasts of NBA and WNBA games, he has run a movie production company called Boom Baby Productions and co-hosted "Live with Regis and Kelly." But he admitted when the Pacers opened training camp without him in 2005 that it wasn't the same thrill.

"It's strange not to be a part of an (NBA) organization or part of a team," he said then. "I'm not joking with anybody on the bus like I usually do. But waking up with my back, knees and ankles hurting — that's not stuff I'm going to miss much."

The Celtics were 24-58 last season and have won three playoff series in the nine years since drafting Paul Pierce. But they have undergone a near-complete roster overhaul this summer that has taken them from a rebuilding program to Eastern Conference contenders.

They traded for seven-time All-Star Ray Allen on draft weekend and then pulled off an unprecedented 7-for-1 trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves for former MVP Kevin Garnett. Those two will team with Pierce to form one of the most formidable top three in the NBA.

But the rest of the roster needs work.

The starting lineup includes second-year pro Rajon Rondo at point guard and Kendrick Perkins at center. Only four other players are under contract.

"Clearly, we need a little bit more help just to shore up the bench," coach Doc Rivers said after the Garnett deal. "But it's sure better talking about shoring up our bench than shoring up our starting lineup."

That's where Miller would fit in, as a backup for Allen and the kind of veteran who would provide guidance — and perhaps a key 3-pointer — in the playoffs. (The last time the NBA's most decorated franchise, made the postseason, in 2005, they were bounced out in seven games by the Pacers in Miller's final season).



hmmm

miller coming off the bench and hovering around the three point arc? that's all he would really need to do quite honestly, and no one better then him to do it. miller and allen knocking down threes? that's fucking dangerous. it probably won't happen though.

[RobMoney$]

Miller, Allen, & KG?

Someone should let Danny Ainge know the way you get better in the NBA is through the draft, not by trading away all your picks to the Sonics for over the hill players.

Miller was finished 3 years ago.

[YoungRemy]

yeah, this is another story that the media runs away with that has zero merit whatsoever...

the Celtics need Miller more than Miller needs to come out of retirement.
he made that statement above which pretty much says he's not interested...

he had his moment, crying up there in Indy, raising his number to the rafters a year later... he's got a cush job with TNT and old creaky Knees.

theres no reason for him to come out of retirement.while they are media's darlings right now, the Celtics might as well call up barkley, pippen, and Olajuwon while they are at it... MJ might be a good fit with this team, oh and Oakley and Kevin Willis are available as well

let it go, this is a bad idea

[RobMoney$]

Seems to me the Celtics are just trying to sell tickets instead of trying to win.

I guess at the end of the day, it is a business.

[TurdBerglar]

MIAMI (AP) - Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal are together again.

The 36-year-old Hardaway, who last played an NBA game in November 2005, signed with the Miami Heat on Thursday and is reuniting with O'Neal — his former Orlando Magic teammate back in the mid-1990s.
"Penny is a player who has been an All-Star and has enjoyed an illustrious career," Heat president Pat Riley said. "We have been impressed at his hard work and dedication this summer to get back in shape and return to the NBA. He is a skilled player who can help us in multiple positions."

The team said Hardaway wasn't available for comment. O'Neal, who has occasionally offered less-than-glowing comments about his time with Hardaway in Orlando, told the Heat he supports the move to sign his former teammate.

Hardaway, a four-time All-Star game starter, has averaged 15.4 points in his career, but hasn't finished a season averaging double digits in scoring since the 2002-03 season with Phoenix. He played in four games with the New York Knicks early in the 2005-06 campaign before succumbing to knee injuries.

He's the second notable acquisition Miami has made during the free agent period; the team signed former Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard Smush Parker last month.

Hardaway figures to be a candidate to inherit the role similar to the one Eddie Jones held with the Heat at the end of last season, someone who can play either shooting guard or small forward. Jones agreed to two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks last week.

Miami has spent much of the offseason looking for free agent help; the Heat tried unsuccessfully last month to sign guard Mo Williams, who remained in Milwaukee after the Bucks offered him a deal worth more than $20 million over what Miami could afford. Miami also has been in discussions about acquiring restricted free agent Mickael Pietrus from Golden State, and still could bring back James Posey — another free agent who has spent the past two seasons with the Heat.

"I can't worry about what we don't have or what we missed out on," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said earlier this week. "We have to worry about what we can continue to get."

Somewhat surprisingly, that list includes Hardaway.

Back in his Orlando days, including the Magic's run to the NBA finals in 1995, Hardaway was the first in the triumvirate of young, high-scoring guards that O'Neal has been paired with throughout his NBA career. O'Neal teamed with Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers, and helped Wade deliver a championship to Miami in 2006.

Hardaway and O'Neal teamed to average nearly 48 points per game in their three seasons together with Orlando — but that duo was split more than a decade ago, when O'Neal headed to the Lakers. A year later, Hardaway was widely perceived to be the reason then-Magic coach Brian Hill was fired.

Hardaway was sent to Phoenix before the 1999-2000 season in a sign-and-trade deal for forwards Pat Garrity and Danny Manning, along with two draft picks. The Suns shipped him to the Knicks midway through the 2003-04 season, and another trade brought him back to Orlando in February 2006 — for five whole days before the Magic waived Hardaway and his expiring $15.8 million contract.

At the time, Hardaway said he planned to continue playing. A year and a half later, he's getting that opportunity.



what a bunch of geezers on this team

[g-mile7]

what a bunch of geezers on this team

Yea, but its cool to see them together again.


Celtics still that team though to watch with the Bulls and Pistons...like the 8Os/early 9Os all over again

[Drederick Tatum]

Penny Hardaway could've been a great player if he hadn't been plagued by injuries so much. I mean, he was good, but he had the potential to be really good.

[TurdBerglar]

it shocked when when i read that he was only a four time all star. i remember when he was slated to be the next legitimate magic/jordan replacement. same exact thing with grant hill. hill was his generation's lebron, but more fundamentally sound...

[g-mile7]

it shocked when when i read that he was only a four time all star. i remember when he was slated to be the next legitimate magic/jordan replacement. same exact thing with grant hill. hill was his generation's lebron, but more fundamentally sound...

Yea Hill was amazing...but its sad how injuries can rob a player. Webber and Vince Carter are even more heartbreaking to me

[TurdBerglar]

vincer carter still has all his shit. he's just a pussy


carter should not be shooting threes. that mother fucker can still dunk over anyone.

[Drederick Tatum]

Hill never had the strength or outside shot that Lebron has. even with Hill in his prime I'd still take Lebron anytime.

as for Hardaway, those injuries really grounded him too. he used to be able to get up, but watching highlights from his New York days, and to a lesser extent, his time in Phoenix, nearly everything is layups.

[Drederick Tatum]

vincer carter still has all his shit. he's just a pussy


yeah, Vince's injuries are nowhere near heartbreaking. he just realized correctly that if you want to have a productive and lengthy career you can't constantly attack the basket. he can still throw it down. ask Alonzo.

[TurdBerglar]

nobody has the strength that lebron has except for maybe that madman ron artest or some massive power foward/center.

[Drederick Tatum]

this is true.

[TurdBerglar]

yeah, Vince's injuries are nowhere near heartbreaking. he just realized correctly that if you want to have a productive and lengthy career you can't constantly attack the basket. he can still throw it down. ask Alonzo.

he was a lot more productive when he was dunking the shit over people. you have a point with lengthening his career though.

[RobMoney$]

Penny Hardaway is a plug.

We used to call him "Tinman" because he had no heart.
The only reason he made 4 All-Star games at all was because of the popularity of Little Penny.

[RobMoney$]

he just realized correctly that if you want to have a productive and lengthy career you can't constantly attack the basket. he can still throw it down. ask Alonzo.


You can ask MJ too.

Vinsanity isn't MJ though.

[Drederick Tatum]

he was a lot more productive when he was dunking the shit over people.

not particularly. last season he averaged 25ppg, 6rpg and 5apg. that's pretty standard for him.

[g-mile7]

not particularly. last season he averaged 25ppg, 6rpg and 5apg. that's pretty standard for him.

Yea, its just he could take over a game when he was dunking on fools.

[TurdBerglar]

not particularly. last season he averaged 25ppg, 6rpg and 5apg. that's pretty standard for him.




but he falters in the clutch trying to drop those deep bombs

[TurdBerglar]

NEW YORK (AP) - Tim Donaghy started making NBA bets four years ago, and he didn't hesitate to wager on games he worked.

Speaking in code during telephone calls, he tipped off high-stakes gamblers with inside information and recommended which teams to bet on. When his picks hit, he was paid $5,000.
The stunning allegations emerged Wednesday as the disgraced former NBA referee pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a scandal that rocked the league and tarnished the integrity of the sport.

"By having this nonpublic information, I was in a unique position to predict the outcome of NBA games," Donaghy, standing ramrod-straight with his hands clasped in front of him, told the judge in a Brooklyn courtroom.

Donaghy, who was released on $250,000 bond, faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 9 for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce. He also must pay a $500,000 fine and at least $30,000 in restitution to the government.

Commissioner David Stern said the NBA would "continue with our ongoing and thorough review of the league's officiating program to ensure that the best possible policies and procedures are in place to protect the integrity of our game."

Defense attorney John Lauro told The Associated Press that Donaghy was "relieved this part of the proceeding is over and we look forward to completely resolving this matter in the coming months."

"Tim deeply regrets his involvement in this matter and especially the pain it has caused his family, friends and co-workers," Lauro said.

The plea had been widely expected in recent weeks, but court documents released Wednesday revealed new details about the depth of the scandal.

Court papers say the 40-year-old Donaghy began placing bets on NBA games in 2003. Starting last December, he began giving gambling associates sensitive information, including which crews would officiate games and how the various officials and players interacted.

His actions "compromised his objectivity as a referee because of his personal financial interest in the outcome of NBA games," the government said.

It was highly lucrative for Donaghy. While in Toronto, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., to referee games earlier this year, Donaghy received thousands of dollars in cash payoffs from the gamblers, authorities said.

They did not spell out specific games that Donaghy officiated and placed bets on, nor would they say if he made calls during the game to help a team cover the spread.

In one exchange, according to court papers, Donaghy provided a tip about an NBA game on Dec. 13, 2006. That same day, he worked a 76ers game in Philadelphia against the Boston Celtics.

The next day, Donaghy met with the gamblers in Pennsylvania and received a cash payment, authorities say. A person close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing, said the payment was for a successful tip on the 76ers-Celtics game.

The point spread moved two points before the game went off the board - a fairly significant swing - with Boston going from a 1 1/2-point favorite to a 3 1/2-point choice. Boston won by 20.

The two alleged co-conspirators, identified by prosecutors as James Battista, a professional gambler with the nicknames "Baba" and "Sheep," and Thomas Martino, also appeared in court Wednesday. They were ordered released on $250,000 bond after their arraignment on charges of conspiracy to defraud the NBA.

Battista's lawyer, Jack McMahon, said a grand jury is expected to hear the case and, if indicted, his client intends to plead innocent.

"Mr. Donaghy walked away with a nice situation for himself. He is the linchpin and he seems to have worked his way into a nice situation," McMahon said. "I don't know if that is fair."

The betting scheme was uncovered during an investigation into the Gambino crime family in Brooklyn. None of the defendants in this case was charged with organized crime affiliation.

"He has no more association with an organized crime family than me, and I'm not associated with any organized crime," said McMahon, Battista's lawyer.

Stern said last month that the FBI first contacted the NBA on June 20 to talk about a referee alleged to be gambling on games, and Donaghy resigned July 9 after 13 years as an official. Stern said he would have fired him sooner but was told it might affect the investigation.

Stern blamed a "rogue, isolated criminal" for a scandal that threatened the credibility of every referee. But players are trying not to get too caught up in it.

"Honestly, I don't think anybody's thinking about it. Us players, we haven't discussed it," superstar Kobe Bryant said. "It's not something that's on the radar for us. We know that the commissioner and the league and whoever else is handling the situation, they're going to take care of it, so we don't have much to worry about."

Donaghy, who earned $260,000 last year, was rated in the top tier of officials, and there was nothing suspicious about the frequency of his foul calls, Stern said. He was assigned to work in the second round of the playoffs, with his last NBA game coming during the Phoenix-San Antonio Western Conference semifinal.

The NBA places huge restrictions on NBA referees when it comes to gambling. They are not allowed to enter a casino, for example.

"An unfortunate situation has taken place," New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd said. "But I think the NBA will definitely learn from this but move forward. Win or lose, the players control that."

Donaghy turned over his passport and must seek permission to travel anywhere other than Pennsylvania, Florida or New York.

In court, Donaghy said he is receiving psychiatric treatment for his gambling problem and is taking antidepressant and anxiety medication.

[YoungRemy]

Jim Rome had Steve Francis on the air today and he took my call on the air- I got to chat it up with Jim and Stevie about the new-look Rockets this season... it was pretty cool...

so do we start a new NBA thread for the new season or is this the default?

[Yeti]

Lets just keep this one.

Now can we talk about Baron Davis dating Teri Hatcher?
http://larrybrownsports.com/2007/08/09/baron-davis-teri-hatcher-lovely/

The desparate housewives sure like bball players.

[TurdBerglar]

HOUSTON (AP) - Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner's office said Tuesday.

Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001. He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.
The five-year veteran, who was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. Griffin was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.

Houston police said in a report that the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday.

The driver's body was badly burned and there was no identification.

Griffin had a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices during his first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey. He spent time in the Betty Ford Center for alcohol treatment in 2003-04.

Griffin, who played forward and center, signed with the Timberwolves as a free agent before the 2004 season. He showed enough promise as a shot-blocker and rebounder to be signed to an extension, but was waived in March after playing in just 13 games last season with the Wolves

[YoungRemy]

wow... such a tragic story to an already dismal career... he was only 25 and his career was over, and now this...

[Drederick Tatum]

Eddie Griffin could block shots and had some range. if Joe Smith can have a career he should've had one too. he was always given decent ratings in the NBA Live and 2K series.

[RobMoney$]

Eddie Griffin went to my rival HS, Roman Catholic HS here in Philly.

[Yeti]

Poor Spree--------

In Latrell Sprewell’s world, this actually qualifies as image rehab: It’s quite possible that when the time comes, his tombstone will make reference to the fact that he once lamented his $14.6 million salary by saying, “I got a family to feed.” I really think his choking of P.J. Carlesimo has retreated to the rear-view here.
So now Sprewell, who I guess isn’t retired but who hasn’t found employment since 2005, is having housing troubles of a sort: His $1.5 million yacht was repossessed Tuesday near Milwaukee.
The mortgage on the 70-foot craft runs $10,322 a month, and Spree hasn’t kept up the insurance either, the lienholder claims. The subprime mortgage market continues to wreak havoc with the good ordinary hard-working citizens of the world. On the bright side, there have been no reports of underfed children choking people on the streets.
http://www.mercextra.com/blogs/buzz/2007/08/22/latrell-sprewell-will-not-play-quincy-as-he-has-no-more-boat/

[Drederick Tatum]

man, why didn't he just accept that contract Minnesota offered him?!! he was going to get something like 21 mill over 3 years. he's a bit of an idiot, but still my favourite player.

[TurdBerglar]

On March 30, 2006, Griffin was involved in a bizarre car crash. Witnesses and friends stated that he was watching a "porn movie on a DVD in his vehicle, and was masturbating".[7] After the accident, Griffin entered a nearby convenience store. The store's security camera recorded video of Griffin repeatedly saying he was drunk, that he didn't have a driver's license, and pleading with the man whose S.U.V he crashed into, offering to buy him a new car in exchange for not calling the police. Police eventually did arrive, however, but allegedly did not require Griffin to submit to a breathalyser test or field sobriety test. An investigation was conducted to determine if the officers violated standard protocol in light of Griffin's celebrity status.[8]

[TurdBerglar]

man, why didn't he just accept that contract Minnesota offered him?!! he was going to get something like 21 mill over 3 years. he's a bit of an idiot, but still my favourite player.

remember those stupid hairdos him and hudson sported in protest of their contracts?

[Drederick Tatum]

those were in protest? I just thought they didn't have any taste.

[TurdBerglar]

apparently having fucked up hair is "sticking it to the man"


those emo fucks know

[g-mile7]

apparently having fucked up hair is "sticking it to the man"


those emo fucks know

Spree's HELLA emo though.

[TurdBerglar]

i know

[paul jones]

I watched the 'SHAQ' episode from Curb Your Enthusiasm yesterday(y)

[TurdBerglar]

he's a big fuck, isn't he, paulo?

[paul jones]

he's a big fuck, isn't he, paulo?

yeah,he's huge

[TurdBerglar]

fiba championship US vs Venezuela starts in ten minutes on espn classic

[TurdBerglar]

haha

this game is a joke

[Gareth]

i want to see team USA play a full strength argentina under FIBA rules.

[TurdBerglar]

Reggie Miller is staying retired, passing on a chance to turn the Big Three of the Boston Celtics into the Fabulous Four.

Miller told the Celtics his decision after having several conversations with Danny Ainge, Boston's executive director of basketball operations, during the past two weeks, team spokesman Jeff Twiss said.
The NBA's career leader in 3-pointers turned 42 on Friday and has spent the last two seasons out of the NBA after retiring from an 18-year pro career, entirely with the Indiana Pacers. He never won an NBA championship, and the overhauled Celtics are considered contenders.

"Danny and Reggie have been pretty much in communication periodically over the last few weeks or so," Twiss said Friday. "Danny informed me that (Miller) will not be coming back or out of retirement.

"I think it's Reggie's news, Reggie's comeback type of thing. But if that's his decision, then I think we certainly respect his decision and appreciate his consideration of even attempting to come back."

Ainge's discussions with Miller surfaced after the Celtics obtained 2004 NBA MVP Kevin Garnett from Minnesota on July 31. They already had traded for shooting guard Ray Allen, a seven-time All-Star, on the day of the NBA draft. Those two join Paul Pierce, who has spent all nine of his NBA seasons with Boston, to make a formidable threesome in the Eastern Conference, which was mediocre last season.

Miller told the Indianapolis Star, in a story published Friday, that he would not return to the NBA with any team.

"Physically, I know I could have done it," he told the newspaper. "But mentally, when you do something like this, you've either got to be all in or all out. And I've decided I'm all out."

Last season, Miller was a television analyst for NBA and WNBA games on the TNT network. He has run a movie production company called Boom Baby Productions since retiring. He's also co-hosted "Live with Regis and Kelly."

"Everything he had to say was in that story," a TNT spokesman said.

On Tuesday, at a charity bowling event in Indianapolis, Miller said, "I don't even know what I'm going to do" about coming out of retirement.

The Pacers retired Miller's No. 31 after a career in which he scored 25,279 points, 13th most in NBA history.

The Celtics viewed Miller as a substitute who could come off the bench to provide offense. They were 24-58 last season and missed the playoffs but are considered serious contenders in the NBA East.

The Celtics have added forward Scot Pollard and guard Eddie House since obtaining Garnett but still lack depth. Their two starters besides Garnett, Allen and Pierce are point guard Rajon Rondo and center Kendrick Perkins, both young and unproven.



im kinda glad he didn't decide to play. he's one of the few top athletes that have gone out with class in recent memory.

[Drederick Tatum]

pity he had no class when he was playing.

[TurdBerglar]

that's what i liked about miller. he was such a nuisance. could really get under people's skin.

[TurdBerglar]

another fiba game against brazil on espn2

they seem to be taking this one seriously. good game so far early on

[TurdBerglar]

MIAMI (AP) - Shaquille O'Neal has filed to divorce his wife after nearly five years of marriage, his attorney said Tuesday night.

Attorney Ira Elegant said the petition was filed on behalf of the Miami Heat center in Miami-Dade Circuit Court on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear who is representing Shaunie O'Neal in the case.
The Heat did not have an immediate comment, and Shaquille O'Neal did not respond to a request for comment made through the team.

According to the filing, which was first reported by The Miami Herald on its Web site Tuesday night, Shaquille O'Neal is asking Shaunie O'Neal to provide a "correct accounting of all money, funds, stocks, bonds, and other securities" that she had access to or obtained during the marriage.

They are the parents of six children; Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal had four together, and each had one other before their Dec. 26, 2002 wedding.

Shaquille O'Neal makes $20 million annually in his contract with the Heat, plus endorsement deals that are estimated to be worth several million more each year. The couple has also listed their home on Miami Beach's posh Star Island for about $32 million, or roughly $13 million more than they paid for it after O'Neal was traded to the Heat by the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2004-05 season.

[TurdBerglar]

An exploratory arthroscopic surgery performed on Greg Oden today revealed cartilage damage to the Portland Trail Blazers rookie’s right knee. Oden is likely to miss the 2007-08 NBA season.

"Greg had an arthroscopy and a micro fracture surgery today," said team physician Dr. Don Roberts, who performed the surgery. "He was found to have articular cartilage damage in his right knee. The area of injury was not large and we were able to treat it with micro fracture, which stimulates the growth of cartilage. There are things about this that are positive for Greg. First of all he is young. The area where the damage was is small and the rest of his knee looked normal. All those are good signs for a complete recovery from micro fracture surgery."

Oden is expected to be on crutches for up to eight weeks. Recovery time from micro fracture surgery varies from person to person, but generally takes between six and 12 months for full recovery.

"Certainly this is a setback, but our future is still incredibly bright," said Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard. "Is it disappointing? Yes. However, this is a great core of talent and players of strong character and will continue to be."

Oden, the #1 pick in June’s NBA Draft, averaged 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds for Ohio State last season, leading the Buckeyes to the NCAA national championship game as a freshman.

"We know this discouraging news for all of our fans, however, the people of Portland are very enthusiastic and compassionate about their Trail Blazers and I know they will stand behind Greg and the team during his recovery," said Trail Blazers President Larry Miller. "We believe our fans and sponsors are going to continue to support us because they know we’re headed in the right direction."

microfracture surgery is not a good thing. not a good thing at all.

[Drederick Tatum]

apparently he hurt it getting up off the couch.

I'm not too sure about Oden really. he could turn into another Joe Smith...or Adonal Foyle.

[TurdBerglar]

who beleives he's actually 19? he looks like a 45 year old man that's been working in the coal mines since he was 16.

[Drederick Tatum]

regardless of his actual age by the time he recovers he'll be about 45. 12 months for a full recovery?! poor guy. still, he'll make some money.

[Yeti]

Remember when Portland picked Sam Bowie ahead of a guy named Michael Jordan?

I know that MJ put a spell on Portland. Why do you think it rains all the time?

[g-mile7]

Remember when Portland picked Sam Bowie ahead of a guy named Michael Jordan?

I know that MJ put a spell on Portland. Why do you think it rains all the time?

hahaha how come it doesnt rain in Houston though? I mean they passed MJ up too....guess it had something to do with the magic of the DREAM hahaha


but thats mad funny MJ still tormenting the Blazers after all these years. The city hasnt been the same since the Finals of 92

[Yeti]

Hakeem the Dream was a badass in his prime. I can't say that I would have passed on Olajuwan but Sam Bowie for Pete's sake?!

Some said that picking Oden over Durant was like passing on Jordan again. Only time will tell. Living in Texas last season I got to see Durant in a bunch of games. He is nice but we will see if he can do it against the big boys. I think he can.

[g-mile7]

Hakeem the Dream was a badass in his prime. I can't say that I would have passed on Olajuwan but Sam Bowie for Pete's sake?!

Some said that picking Oden over Durant was like passing on Jordan again. Only time will tell. Living in Texas last season I got to see Durant in a bunch of games. He is nice but we will see if he can do it against the big boys. I think he can.

If that happens the Blazers should just give up in the NBA

[Yeti]

I just read this article on ESPN.com............it kind of goes with all the old man comments about Oden.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/blog/index?name=simmons

Here is an excerpt...............
When you see basketball players dressed in normal clothes, it's mesmerizing to watch them walk for two reasons: They're always much bigger in person, but they move so effortlessly that it's always strangely discombobulating to watch them walk, like they belong to another species or something. For instance, we all know one or two exceptionally tall people who don't play sports -- they always move gingerly, and their posture usually isn't that good, and everything about them says, "I wish I wasn't this tall." The best athletes in the NBA don't carry themselves like this. They glide. Everything moves effortlessly as they walk, and it's impossible to fully explain unless you've seen it. Even someone like Shaq glides across the room like he's the size of Steve Nash. They don't move like normal tall people.
So, before and after the show, I was vigilantly watching everyone stroll by for one reason: I wanted to see Oden and Durant walking in normal clothes. It was like the final piece of the "Durant vs. Oden" puzzle for me. As it turned out, I got to see Durant first -- he shuffled down the hallway, all 81 inches of him, looking like he was put on Earth to play sports for a living. No big surprise there. Even the biggest nonsports fan on the planet could watch Durant walk for 35 feet and think, "That guy was born to play basketball." Now, I needed Oden. We didn't see him before the show, and I didn't see him right afterward. Just when I was about to give up, a friend of mine said, "Yo, Oden just walked by."
I scurried down the hallway to see him. Lo and behold, Oden was walking by himself down the last stretch of the hallway, about 50 feet in all, right before the exit to head outside.
Blazers fans don't need any more reminders of the 1984 draft.
And you know what? He walked like a 50-year-old man. His posture was screwed up. He had the Fred Sanford walk going. If you saw him from behind and just studied his walk, you would have thought it was a retired player, someone like Patrick Ewing or Robert Parish. I couldn't believe it. I didn't stop talking about it the rest of the night. Greg Oden walked like a guy who had bad knees. If I were Portland's GM and watched Oden walk across the room, that would have been it for me. The next day, I even called my buddy Sully (who works for the Celtics) just to have the obligatory, "Yo, we might have dodged a bullet May 22; Greg Oden walks like a 50-year-old man" conversation.

[Gareth]

i feel bad for the guy
and for the blazers

[TurdBerglar]

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Clippers forward Elton Brand had the cast removed from his left leg and was fitted for a removable walking boot Tuesday, six weeks after he had surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles' tendon.

The Clippers said Brand will begin a rehabilitation program under the supervision of their training and medical staff. The program includes local therapy, cardiovascular work and a flexibility and strengthening program.
Brand is expected to wear the walking boot for six weeks before being reevaluated by Dr. Craig Morgan at Christiana Care's Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington, Del.

Brand was injured Aug. 3 during his daily workout in nearby El Segundo, and Morgan performed the surgery four days later. Brand was examined and had his cast removed at the hospital in Wilmington.

Brand averaged 20.5 points and 9.3 rebounds last season. While no timetable has been set for his return to the court, he is expected to miss at least the first several months of the season.


i completely forgot about this. how exactly is a torn tendon fixed?

[TurdBerglar]

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Disgruntled forward Andrei Kirilenko is apparently willing to accept any option that will get him away from Utah.

Whether he really has any choices will be up to the Jazz.
Kirilenko repeated his trade request to a Russian newspaper, saying he is unhappy playing the structured style Utah coach Jerry Sloan demands. Unfortunately for Kirilenko, the $86 million deal he signed three years ago has him under contract with the Jazz through 2011.

"For the past two years I've been going on the court and acting like a robot," Kirilenko told Russia's Sport-Express in a story published Friday. "When I signed my contract the future looked completely different — I thought I would play, win and get pleasure from it. Unfortunately, this is out of the question now — even in successful games. This is the worst feeling."

Kirilenko, who just led Russia to the European championship, said he is even considering leaving the NBA and signing with a European team. But he can't do that while Utah still holds his rights.

And the Jazz may not be very agreeable when Kirilenko's request is based primarily on his deteriorated relationship with Sloan, who is entering his 20th season as Utah's coach. The team's only comment since Kirilenko went public this week has been that he is under contract and expected to be there when practice begins on Oct. 2.

Even team owner Larry Miller, who is openly critical when he's not happy with a player, is not commenting on Kirilenko's request.

Unless Kirilenko and agent Marc Fleisher, who did not return messages Friday, can work out a buyout or persuade the Jazz to trade him, Kirilenko's only options will be to sit out or return for a seventh season in Utah.

"Anyway, while my contract with the Jazz is in place, I don't have the right to negotiate," Kirilenko said. "I think there will be offers. But it's meaningless to talk about that now."



i'd love to see kirilenko in a situation where he can go all out

[Gareth]

yeh, especially if he's on your fantasy roster.
i wonder if he ever uses the "once a year free-pass" that his wife gives him

[TurdBerglar]

i doubt it

he seems to be incredibly nice and genuine or a just pedophile. he treads that tight line. from what i can remember that free pass didn't include kids.

[TurdBerglar]

i'd also like to see tayshaun prince not being only the fourth option. princes skill set seems to be very similar to AK47's.

[Drederick Tatum]

AK47 is one of my favourite players and Utah is one of my most disliked teams. be great if he could go somewhere else.

maybe Golden State so Davis can apologize for this (http://youtube.com/watch?v=tYpwjB0IzoU). why does Baron show the others his stomach?

[sjp]

the bucks resigned charlie bell right out from under the heat gotta love it so lets see michael redd, desmond mason, charlie bell, charlie villanueva, andrew bogut, mo williams, and yi jianlian seems to be like an ok team this year. if they can stay healthy

[TurdBerglar]

Shawn Marion is sick of the trade rumors. So now he's making a trade request.

The forward told the Arizona Republic he wants out, saying "I'm tired of hearing my name in trades. I love my fans in Phoenix but I think it's time for me to move on."
There have been rumors swirling of a trade to the Jazz or the Lakers, while Marion has pushed the team for an extension of his current deal. He is the team's highest-paid player, due $16.4 million for this year and $17.8 million next.

He's said to have been seeking a three-year extension at $20 million per, but he says a conflict over an extension is only "part of why" he wants out.

"Regardless of everything that went on with the extension, I'm tired of hearing my name in trade rumors. It's time for me to move on. I felt like they tried to force my hand to Boston with the (Kevin) Garnett stuff," Marion told the paper.

There was reportedly a proposed three-way trade sending Garnett to Phoenix and Marion to Boston that Marion shot down over the summer.

So where would he like to go?

The Lakers look good to him.

"You have a great organization, great ownership there with the Lakers. I don't see no problems with playing there," Marion told The Sporting News.



i don't see why the suns would want to get rid of him. he seems to fit into their style perfectly.

[TurdBerglar]

PHOENIX (AP) - Suns forward Amare Stoudemire will undergo minor arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday but is expected to be sidelined only two to three weeks.

The operation to remove a loose particle will be on the All-Star's right knee, not the left on which microfracture surgery was done two years ago. That operation forced him to miss virtually all of the 2005-06 season.
"It's a procedure that Raja (Bell) just went through just to clean it up," Suns coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We have time to do it so we thought let's go ahead and get it done."

Team orthopedic surgeon Thomas Carter will perform the operation.

There was no mention of the impending surgery, by Stoudemire or anyone else, during the team's media day gathering on Monday. The plans were revealed in a news release issued by the team Monday evening.

The Suns, without Stoudemire, traveled by bus Monday to Tucson, where they begin a six-day training camp on Tuesday at the University of Arizona's McKale Center.

Stoudemire had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee while recovering from the microfracture procedure.

He was named first team all-NBA last season after averaging 20.4 points and 9.6 rebounds.

[Drederick Tatum]

i don't see why the suns would want to get rid of him. he seems to fit into their style perfectly.

he has such a massssssive contract. and it seems he's unhappy himself. I have a feeling that he'd like to be the main guy on a team. but yeah, he's a good player. ugliest shot in the league, but can fill it up in nearly any statistical category.

[TurdBerglar]

i don't really think he's main guy type of material. who knows though. he's never really been in that type of a situation.

[Drederick Tatum]

I don't think he is either. I don't think he can create his own shot well enough to be a main option on a team. I hope he does leave Phoenix though, roster changes are always interesting.

[Yeti]

NEW YORK -- A federal jury has decided that Madison Square Garden and its chairman must pay $11.6 million in damages to former New York Knicks executive Anucha Browne Sanders over her harassment lawsuit.

A verdict earlier Tuesday found that Knicks coach Isiah Thomas had sexually harassed Browne Sanders, subjecting her to unwanted advances and a barrage of verbal insults, but also said he does not have to pay punitive damages.

But the jury did find that Madison Square Garden committed harassment against the woman, and decided that she is entitled to punitive damages from MSG.

The jury found that the Garden owes $6 million for allowing a hostile work environment to exist and $2.6 million for retaliation. MSG chairman James Dolan owes $3 million.

"What I did here, I did for every working woman in America," said Browne Sanders, who came out of the courtroom beaming. "And that includes everyone who gets up and goes to work in the morning."

"It's for also the women who don't have the means and couldn't possibly have done what I was able to do, she said.

The Garden said it would appeal.

After an ugly, three-week trial, the verdict gave Thomas a partial victory in the $10 million lawsuit.

"I'm innocent, I'm very innocent, and I did not do the things she has accused me in this courtroom of doing," Thomas said. "I'm extremely disappointed that the jury did not see the facts in this case. I will appeal this, and I remain confident in the man that I am and what I stand for and the family that I have."

U.S. District Judge Gerard E. Lynch called it an "eminently reasonable" verdict, and gave the jurors instructions on how to proceed. Before the jury resumed deliberations, attorneys from both sides appealed to the jurors.

Browne Sanders' lawyer, Anne Vladeck, had urged the jury to afix damages that sent a message "to avoid this happening to somebody else." She said the defendants had ruined her client's career, and she called Dolan a liar.

Thomas' lawyer, Ronald Green, told jurors they had already sent "a very clear, very strong and very forceful message.

"Punishment for the sake of punishment is not what this is all about," he said.

The harassment verdict was widely expected after the jury sent a note to the judge Monday indicating that it believed Thomas, the Garden and Dolan sexually harassed Browne Sanders, a married mother of three.

After the verdict, Browne Sanders hugged family members and friends gathered in the back of the courtroom.

"We believe that the jury's decision was incorrect," MSG said in a statement. "We look forward to presenting our arguments to an appeals court, and believe they will agree that no sexual harassment took place and MSG acted properly."

[TurdBerglar]

Add another interesting wrinkle to the New York Knicks' off-season.

Just a week after Isiah Thomas and Madison Square Garden were found liable in an all-too-public sexual harassment lawsuit, the Knicks coach made news for an on-court reason: Allan Houston is coming back.
Houston, a two-time NBA All-Star who was forced to retire due to chronic knee pain before the 2005-06 season, will likely rejoin the Knicks by Friday, Thomas said, according to a report on the New York Daily News Web site.

Known for his accurate jumpshot, Houston will not have an easy time making the Knicks roster. New York has 15 players with guaranteed contracts, the Daily News reported, though the team does have a history of paying players not on the active roster.


is this really necessary?

[TurdBerglar]

im watching a nuggets/suns preseason game and the nash, bell, hill, marion, and stoudamire lineup has got to be one of the most exciting teams i have ever seen. replace bell with barbosa and that's fucking intense. i really hope marion stays with the suns. and it's nice to see hill playing well.

[Gareth]

i wonder if sean marks will crack the rotation now that kurt thomas is gone
he got a few mins in preseason and didnt seem to do too badly

[TurdBerglar]

is he like a superstar over there?

[Gareth]

nah - it's just that he's the only nzer who has spent a meaningful amount of time in the L, even though he doesn't actually get any minutes
there was another guy but he was signed to a few 10 day contracts and thats about it...marks has bounced around for years

[GetYourWarOn]

i completely forgot about this. how exactly is a torn tendon fixed?

they use a sailor's knot

[GetYourWarOn]

juwan howard is gonna get bought out by the twolves. i hope the c's can sign him cause he'd be a great fit coming off the bench

[TurdBerglar]

if tony allen can stay healthy and that rondo guy proves himself(he's only a sophmore) and if they can get howard...christ, that'll be a good fucking team.

[TurdBerglar]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. - After Kobe Bryant didn't practice Saturday because of a sprained right wrist, Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson said he expected Bryant to play Tuesday night in the season opener against the Houston Rockets, but he was critical of Bryant, questioning his commitment, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

"Obviously he hasn't thrown his heart and soul into performing on the floor," Jackson said, the Times reported. "That hurts me a little bit. . . . He was going to work at this thing and (would) put his full being into this. Right now, he's having a hard time doing that."

Bryant shot back with comments of his own.

"That (should be) the least of (Jackson's) concerns or anybody's concerns," Bryant told the Times. "You don't have to worry about that. . . . I'm ready to play. Period. You don't have to worry about me."

Bryant didn’t travel to Las Vegas with the team and his status was day-to-day, Lakers spokesman John Black said. Bryant was injured after Utah center Mehmet Okur struck him Tuesday night in an exhibition game in Anaheim.

The Lakers and Chicago Bulls have been having daily talks about a Kobe Bryant trade, ESPN reported Saturday.

According to the report, the Lakers have asked for Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, but the Bulls do not want to give up that much for Bryant. The other problem is that Bryant would likely not want to play in Chicago if the Bulls gave up that much talent to get him.

ESPN reported that there are two camps within the Lakers organization — one in favor of keeping him, one in favor of trading him — which is complicating matters. The report also cited an unnamed source as saying that any Bryant trade seemed less likely now than it did a couple of days ago.


now didn't you wish you weren't such a bitch about shaq, there kobe?

[YoungRemy]

the Lakers and the Knicks will be the laughing stock of the entire league this season...

and juwan howard is soft

[TurdBerglar]

fist games are tonight, guys. doubleheader on tnt.

[Yeti]

A healthy D Wade and my Heat vs the Pistons. That is a good opener. I will also watch a little of Seattle to see Durant.

[Drederick Tatum]

I'm interested to see how the Heat's new additions do. they all have the ability to contribute. Smush Parker, Ricky Davis and old man Anfernee. I still can't get over the fact that he's 36; in my mind he's 23, still running Orlando, and making a run at being the best player in the league.

[TurdBerglar]

i think ricky is just gonna be pain and in ass. i have a feeling he'll be disruptive. im very surprised they actually traded for him. i completely understand getting rid of walker, but for davis? yes he can score but he's bit of a dick. unless he's grown up some.

[Yeti]

Walker was in Riley's doghouse. He commented on Walker's weight to the media. When hasn't Walker battled weight? I knew he was on the way out. I think Davis will fit in because I have a feeling Riley will want to run the break more.

[TurdBerglar]

so are ricky and wade starting along side each other? haslem is not very tall. that's a small line up.

[TurdBerglar]

the mavs just got juwan howard

[Drederick Tatum]

Riley could be thinking about the postShaq era. probably looking over at the success of the Suns and thinking, "hey, I can do that. I invented that shit."

[TurdBerglar]

i think the only way a run and gun team can win the whole thing is when classic teams like the heat and the rockets and celtics eventually fade away.

[Yeti]

I think Davis will be coming off the bench. I heard Riley was going to pick up Magic and revive the Laker Breaker with the Heat.

[Drederick Tatum]

Kurt Rambis needs to make a comeback in a big way.

[Yeti]

I met Kurt Rambis once. I think he was playing for the Charlotte Hornets. Did he play for the Hornets? I was shooting a Bulls/Hornets game (so I think he had to be a Hornet) and I remember interviewing him and Jordan. I was pretty happy to shake both guys hands. Jordan had hands like baskets.

[Yeti]

I screwed up on a bunch of stuff. The Heat/Pistons game is Thursday night and Seattle is the late game. I also checked the Heat webpage and it appears that the Heat's starting line-up is--

D Wade---Shooting Guard
J Williams---Point Guard
Shaq Diesel---Center
U Haslem---Power Forward
Ricky Davis---Small Forward

[TurdBerglar]

that is a tiny lineup other than shaq

[Gareth]

kobe got to the line 27 times?
jeez

[Drederick Tatum]

he pretty much took as many shots as the rest of the team put together.

I hope he gets traded. I like big trades.

[icy manipulator]

SO is Lebron tapping Sharapova or what

[Gareth]

who knows...all i know is the cavs will not be making the finals this season
and yep i hope kobe gets traded too
i like drama

[g-mile7]

Kobe is a punk.

[g-mile7]

I screwed up on a bunch of stuff. The Heat/Pistons game is Thursday night and Seattle is the late game. I also checked the Heat webpage and it appears that the Heat's starting line-up is--

D Wade---Shooting Guard
J Williams---Point Guard
Shaq Diesel---Center
U Haslem---Power Forward
Ricky Davis---Small Forward

pretty good on paper though if you think about it...shoot all you need is one big guy and they got that with Shaq

[p-branez]

i'm looking forward to watching the celtics tonight.
especially after arenas went out and said the wizards will win.

[TurdBerglar]

since i live in MA every celtics game is broadcasted on Fox Sports Net. this year i actually have a reason to use this to my advantage.(y)

[TurdBerglar]

how about them celtics

[Gareth]

KG 22/20/5/3/3
ridiculous
breakout year for bargnani??

[TurdBerglar]

PHOENIX, Nov. 5 (AP) -- Swelling in Amare Stoudemire's right knee could sideline him for the second game in a row when the Phoenix Suns begin a four-game road trip Tuesday night at Charlotte.

"It all depends on how I feel,'' Stoudemire said after the Suns practiced on Monday. "If I feel good tomorrow, then I'll play. If not, then I'll sit it out. There's no pressure being put on me by the staff or the trainers.''

Stoudemire watched film, lifted weights and did some shooting while his teammates practiced. He sat out Phoenix's 103-92 victory over Cleveland on Sunday. The all-star forward had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Oct. 2.

He missed virtually all the 2005-06 season after microfracture surgery on his left knee. The latest surgery was considered minor, and Stoudemire had come back strong before the swelling occurred.

Coach Mike D'Antoni said he was not concerned about any long-term impact.

"Maybe it's just a normal thing, just a little too much activity, maybe,'' D'Antoni said. "Whatever it is, with a couple of days' rest, he'll be fine.''

Stoudemire, the only player to appear in all 82 regular-season Suns games last season, said he is taking a cautious approach.

"It's early, I've got a long career,'' he said. "You can't win a championship in November, but you can lose one, you know what I'm saying? I just want to make sure I take my time and get back right so I'm able to go to war with these guys the next few months.''


what is up with this guy's knees!

[TimDoolan]

Kobe 4 Chicago

[TurdBerglar]

no

that would just create another shit team in the east

the east NEEDS chicago as is

[saz]

exactly. there's no way i want to see my team dismantled in order to land some self-centred, megalomaniac prima donna. besides, paxson has ruled it out.

[TimDoolan]

exactly. there's no way i want to see my team dismantled in order to land some self-centred, megalomaniac prima donna.

Dennis Rodman?

By the way have you had trouble getting onto the Bulls homepage?

[saz]

rodman has a huge ego for sure, but you simply can't compare him to kobe. kobe is all about kobe, whereas rodman for the most part behaved okay, and was a team player while playing under jackson and with jordan/pip in our second dynasty of '96-'98. and the bulls didn't have to dismantle their roster in order to land rodman.

no, but i've found lately that it takes a little while for the sun-times bulls' page to load.

[YoungRemy]

good job on paxson's part to nip this in the bud... besides, kobe wanted to run with deng and he has the right to reject any trade that is done...

even if they dismantled the bulls and sent dend, nocioni and heinrich to LA, Kobe would have rejected it...

he shouls waive his no-trade clause if he wants to be traded so badly...

he should also shut the fuck up and play basketball. they beat Phoenix badly, beat the Jazz and barely lost to Houston... the Lakers arent in that bad of shape with D Fish back, Bynum playing like he is interested, and the rest of the bench contributing- Vlad Rad and Sasha have been playing pretty well...

meanwhile, the Clippers are playing decent ball without Brand and Livingston, and teh Suns seem to have lost their edge...

indy is still undefeated and the bulls are 0-3?

[TimDoolan]

make that 0-4
tough loss tonight
We need Brand back

[Gareth]

hahaahah
"It was 59-37 at halftime after Sean Marks' thunderous dunk."
someone put that on youtube plz
http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20071107/capt.9908b221a4a2434f8733e87fc9dbddae.suns_bobcats _basketball_nccb107.jpg

[YoungRemy]

peja with 10 three-pointers and chris paul had 21 assists in their win over the Lakers...

the hornets are 4-0 now...

speaking of Brand, the Clipers are 3-0 without him in any of their games this season. he ought to be out until january at least...

[TurdBerglar]

any news on gary payton and chris webber getting signed? have they officially retired?

[Drederick Tatum]

someone should definitely sign Webber. he may be slowing down, but he's big and still has good skills with ball in hand. maybe he wants too much.

[TurdBerglar]

the pistons said they didn't resign him just because they wanted to develop their younger players. having webber around would eat up way to many of their minutes. they also said if anyone of their bigs was hit with an injury they would sign him.

[p-branez]

joe dumars is going to try and free up some room for c.webb later in the season. we need to get rid of nazr muhammad, who plays 6 minutes a game and gets paid $6 million for it.

[g-mile7]

Man, the Rockets are looking so solid already. I hate getting my hopes up this early, but they are gellin' so well.

WHERES STEVIE THOUGH???

[g-mile7]

joe dumars is going to try and free up some room for c.webb later in the season. we need to get rid of nazr muhammad, who plays 6 minutes a game and gets paid $6 million for it.

Yea the offense was running good through CDubb and he played some of the best ball he has played since his last season as a King (before the knee surgery)



I hope he goes back to the Pistons and not to the Lakers or Mavs....

[TurdBerglar]

dirk is choking again

[Drederick Tatum]

even when Dirk's not choking the absence of any kind of flair in his game means I cannot cheer for him. too much substance, not enough style.

[YoungRemy]

WHERES STEVIE THOUGH???

stevie, like chris webber, is all washed up...

he is fat and too slow for adelman's offense... the home opener, 18,000 were chanting "we want steve" and ADELMAN LEFT HIM ON THE BENCH...

[TurdBerglar]

i think sitting on the bench in new york completely ruined his career

[YoungRemy]

that and getting bought out by portland...

and losing his hetero-lifemate Mobley


so tonight's game between the (Yi Jianlan) Bucks and the (Yao Ming) Rockets is supposedly going to be the most watched NBA game in history...

200 million will be watching from China alone...

last years super bowl had 93 million viewers in comparison

[TurdBerglar]

It has been reported by several media outlets that free-agent forward Chris Webber would only consider his hometown Detroit Pistons. According to a source close to Webber, though, he would also consider signing with the Cavs if the role was right. The Cavs are depleted in the frontcourt with Anderson Varejao holding out and with Donyell Marshall out with injury.

The Cavs have also had some contact with free-agent forward Dale Davis, but currently there are no serious discussions, agent Chubby Wells said.

The Cavs will likely see what the prognosis is with Marshall, who is resting for a week to see if his wrist improves, before thinking about making any moves. There is some concern Marshall's wrist might not respond to rest and more action might be needed.

Right now, the Cavs have limited roster flexibility because Dwayne Jones, who is now the Cavs' first big man off the bench, had his $770,000 contract become guaranteed when he made the opening-day roster. The only player with a nonguaranteed contract is rookie Demetris Nichols, who the Cavs would prefer to keep. The Cavs might try to trade guard Shannon Brown to free up a roster spot if the need arises.


really webber? the fucking cavs? surely you could be used on a better team. i wonder if boston has any cap room....

[TurdBerglar]

The U.S. has 250 million total. Just something to think about.

what i think is more astonishing is that there's 200 million people in china that actually have electricity never mind a fucking tv.

[YoungRemy]

i am genuinely scared of the Boston Celtics.

if you look at their schedule, they could easily go 23-0 out the gate

[TimDoolan]

i am genuinely scared of the Boston Celtics.

if you look at their schedule, they could easily go 23-0 out the gate
I can't disagree with you here. Every player on the Celtics had a positive plus/minus in tonight's game except Tony Allen. He had a minus 10.... in eleven minuts. That is a pretty hard trick to pull off when the rest of your team is in positive numbers. K.G. is the anchor of the Celtics' offense and defense. Tony was like an anchor tied around to ankle of a drowning man. I'd rather see Ray, Rajon and Eddie split all of the minutes at the 1 and 2 spots than see Tony play another minute at this point. He's nowhere near healthy and he's as dumb as ever.

[Gareth]

i just finished paul shirley's book "can i keep my jersey?"
if you've read his blogs then you'll basically know what to expect
it is an interesting enough read, seeing the NBA and other pro-leagues from an insider's perspective, except that the insider is really an outsider [ie- does not get on with pro-athletes, gets by on short term contracts etc]

[TurdBerglar]

do you think danny ainge had this shit up his sleeve the whole time?

[TurdBerglar]

PHOENIX - The customary postgame meeting between Garden chairman James Dolan and Isiah Thomas seemed to go on longer than usual late Sunday night in New York. Those sit-downs could be potentially harmful to a head coach. But in this instance, the discussion between Dolan and Isiah Thomas could mean the beginning of the end of Stephon Marbury.

A high-ranking team official told the Daily News that Thomas and Dolan have been in talks in recent days concerning Marbury's future. Knicks brass is considering what options it has to reduce Marbury's role or get rid of him entirely.

A trade is unlikely because Marbury, the team's controversial point guard, is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons. Dolan's and Thomas' history suggests that they would not rule out negotiating a buyout for Marbury, who then would become a free agent. At the very least, Marbury's minutes could be reduced substantially for as long as he remains on the team.

The Knicks are 2-3 entering tonight's game in Phoenix. Marbury, 30, made the trip west but there is some uncertainty whether he will even play. The Knicks traveled to Phoenix yesterday afternoon and were not available for comment. Attempts to reach Thomas at the team hotel were unsuccessful.

Marbury accepted responsibility for Sunday's loss to Miami after he threw away a pass in the final minute and allowed Heat guard Jason Williams to get open and hit the go-ahead jumper.

However, blaming Marbury for the Knicks' record is unfair, especially since Jamal Crawford had a similarly brutal turnover and has struggled defensively. The same is true of Eddy Curry, who was a nonfactor in back-to-back performances against Orlando's Dwight Howard and Miami's Shaquille O'Neal.

Perhaps Marbury is being set up as the scapegoat in the aftermath of the Anucha Browne Sanders sexual harassment trial. Marbury testified that he once referred to Sanders as a "bitch." It was also revealed during the trial that Marbury, a married father, had an affair with a Garden employee who was a public relations intern at the time.

Also, Marbury made several infamous and bizarre television appearances over the summer that embarrassed the organization. Marbury has maintained a low profile since the start of training camp and has even attempted to extend olive branches to those members of the media that he has feuded with for the past several years.

A person close to Marbury says he is beaten down emotionally from everything that transpired over the summer and through the Sanders trial and that deep down he would welcome a change of scenery. In five games, Marbury is averaging 15.2 points and 6.8 assists. Now in his 12th season, Marbury has averaged 19.8 points and 7.9 assists over his career with four different teams.

Marbury was, of course, Thomas' first blockbuster acquisition. The January 2004 trade was celebrated because it meant that Marbury, the Brooklyn legend, would be returning home. But Marbury quickly alienated teammates, coaches and the media with his moody behavior. He was involved in a memorable altercation with former teammate Kurt Thomas and later with current teammate Quentin Richardson. Both players wanted to fight Marbury.

Through it all, including the losing seasons and zero playoffs wins, Isiah Thomas stood firmly behind Marbury and exiled anyone that had a problem with his guard - including Kurt Thomas, Shandon Anderson, Tim Thomas, Keith Van Horn and Dikembe Mutombo.

Marbury's career in New York, which seemed so promising, appears to be headed for an ugly divorce. If the Knicks were to sever ties with Marbury, it is uncertain how it would


remember when marbury was constantly on the cusp of superstardom? he was always compared to iverson but with better true point guard abilities.

[YoungRemy]

all i remember is marbury making his teams worse and then after he left they improved to the next level...

the suns, wolves, and nets all went to their conference finals without marbury

like i said- the knicks and lakers are in complete turmoil

[TurdBerglar]

both the suns and the knicks improved when marbury first arrived. he seems to just become a bitch after a while and disrupts everything.

[YoungRemy]

i dont know what knicks youve been watching, turd, but they are the farthest thing from improved than i have ever seen... they epitomize mediocrity if not turmoil...

after the 02-03 season, with a 37–45 record and failing to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight season:


2003–04 season, (trade for Bizarr-bury 40 games into the season)
39–43 record, swept by the New Jersey Nets in the first round.

2004-05
33–49 record, failed to make playoffs

Lenny Wilkens resigned during the season, and Herb Williams served as interim coach for the rest of the season. During the off-season, the team signed Larry Brown to a five-year contract worth about $50 million, hoping he would lead the Knicks back to the NBA playoffs.

2005-06
23-59 record, failed to make playoffs
fired and $18.5 million buy-out of coach Larry Brown.

2006-2007
33-49 record, failed to make playoffs
The Knicks improved by 10 games in the 2006-2007 campaign, and were only eliminated from playoff contention in the last week of the season.

[TurdBerglar]

not the knicks now


when they FIRST got marbury

[TurdBerglar]

NEW YORK (AP) - The NBA has spoken with the Los Angeles Lakers about a sexual reference coach Phil Jackson made in a comment following Tuesday night's game in San Antonio.

The Spurs made 13 3-pointers in their 107-92 victory, and Jackson was asked if too much penetration was leading to open outside shooters.
"We call this a 'Brokeback Mountain' game, because there's so much penetration and kickouts," Jackson said. "It was one of those games."

The 2005 film, which won three Oscars, depicts two cowboys who conceal their homosexual affair.

"The remarks are in poor taste, and the Lakers have assured us such remarks will not occur in the future," league spokesman Brian McIntyre said.


hi5 phil

[TurdBerglar]

looks like the celtics on their way to 7-0


i've been trying to look for tickets and maybe take a train to boston and catch a game. but almost everything for the whole season is sold out!

[YoungRemy]

turd, not to discredit marburys talent, but they really havent improved much besides his very first season, which he was brought in in the middle of the season... the marbury trade was the end of a bunch of trades by Isiah when he took over the team. yes, they improved that year by two games and made the playoffs, but they have a losing record and a losing mentality ever since then... I understand that he is talented and is a better point guard than 90% of the league, but in my opinion he is too volatile, too close to a Ron Artest breakdown for any team to take a look at him...

it looks like he and Isiah made up, these two are made for each other...

whats up with the Heat?

[TimDoolan]

What would you guys say is a fair price for four floor level tickets to see the Celtics in Chicago? This is a premium game so I expect to pay alot. $1000? $2000? I really have no idea.

[RobMoney$]

All I know is the Celtics were undefeated until Turd made them his avatar.

Call it a Jinx.