Dwight Howard: Nobody Should be Surprised D12 won't Return to Los Angeles Lakers

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

Dwight Howard's future with the Los Angeles Lakers has been shaky at best for quite some time now, but it looks like he may be on his way out of Hollywood during free agency this offseason.

According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, Howard doesn't appear to have any interest in returning to the Lakers next season after a tumultous 2012-13 campaign that led to a Lakers first-round exit from the playoffs.

Sources: Dwight Howard unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers. Dallas and Houston the favorites. Main issue w/Lakers is Mike D'Antoni's system
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 27, 2013

If you're surprised at this bit of news, I'm not sure why.

Howard has already proven time and time and time and time again that he can be indecisive and makes bad decisions that often leave him in a negative light. We saw when he was with the Orlando Magic and we should have come to expect this now as a member of the Lakers.

Another problem L.A. is facing in keeping its best young player is that the environment on the team isn't comfortable enough in a D12 sense.

Sensitivity is a big part of Howard's makeup mentally and if he isn't comfortable someplace he isn't likely to stay there. Since the day he arrived, I'd put my money on it that Howard hasn't felt comfortable and still to this day doesn't feel anywhere close to how he did in, let's say Orlando.

The hiring of Mike D'Antoni was one of the first signs of trouble for the Laker-Howard relationship.

D'Antoni is a coach whose system doesn't fit the needs of Howard and the All-Star big man is well aware of that. Instead of Howard being able to post up as the focal point of this offense, D'Antoni would prefer to run the ball and pass it around looking for the easiest shot.

Howard has even made it clear during this past season that he wasn't getting the looks he desired as apart of the offense. As long as this continues--and it will now that it looks like D'Antoni is returning--there's no prayer Howard will subject himself to these player-coach clashes.

If the Lakers were more aware of their surroundings, D'Antoni would be out the door today and they would confide in Howard as to who he may want his coach to be. Sounds like a lot of responsibility to give Howard, but if the Lakers are serious about their billboard campaign to keep D12, it isn't out of the question to give him such power.

As for D'Antoni: firing him would mean the Lakers are paying three coaches at one time. Along with the fired Mike Brown, L.A. would have to pay a fired D'Antoni and whoever is his successor.

It isn't clear how much that weighs on Los Angeles in their decision-making process about D'Antoni, but it really shouldn't matter if the Lakers want the best chance to win. Not to mention, the Lakers have deep enough pockets to eat all that money as a franchise.

After all, Howard has been to an NBA Finals while D'Antoni hasn't. If I had to choose between the two, it would be Howard without a second thought and I think most would agree with me. So, why isn't it that easy for the Lakers?

(Photo via @Lakers)

The next issue, which in my opinion is the more difficult to deal with of the two, is Kobe Bryant.

It's no secret Bryant tried to push Howard to his limits when the Hall of Famer saw Howard faltering in any way, but Kobe's sometimes abrasive personality as a teammate didn't seem to please Howard none. Again, another instance where Howard looked uncomfortable and in turn it is another driving force for D12 to leave L.A.

There isn't much the Lakers can do about that as Bryant has been the face of the organization for so many years now that it's impossible for D12 and the Lakers to escape face if Bryant was to be let go in favor of the younger star.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, if Howard is to be kept, Bryant, D'Antoni and Howard must have a kumbaya moment in order to stay together for the foreseeable future if getting rid of Bryant and D'Antoni is out of the question.

Good luck with that.

Without that possibility, Dwight Howard will be suiting up for a different team when the 2013-14 season starts.

Doc Rivers to Los Angeles Clippers is End of an Era for Boston Celtics

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist

Doc Rivers' departure to Los Angeles to coach the Clippers is officially the end of an era for the Boston Celtics.

According to Jackie MacMullan of ESPN.com, Rivers will become the new head coach of the Clippers and will sign a three-year, $21 million deal after Los Angeles and Boston spent several days trying to work a deal out.

In exchange, the Celtics will get a first-round draft pick in 2015 as compensation and the Celts will release Rivers out of his current contract so he can join the Clippers.

With the deal done, the Celtics will now officially begin the rebuilding process with their newly acquired draft pick and it's just a matter of time before Kevin Garnett and/or Paul Pierce are shipped out of town also in some way, shape or form. 

Both KG and Pierce will have no interest in staying in Boston for the rebuilding process--especially since their favorite coach has gone elsewhere. On top of that, the director of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, will have no interest in keeping either of those big contracts around which in turn would slow down the Celtics' rebuild.


It's been rumored that Garnett could be headed to Los Angeles to join Rivers, but of course nothing is certain as of yet and it now looks like the league will block any such deal, per Ken Berger of CBSSports.com.

The NBA will not approve any subsequent exchange of players between the Clippers and Celtics this summer, and the teams understand that.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 23, 2013

As for Pierce, there has been no details about his future although news broke on Monday that the Cleveland Cavaliers may have an interest, per Kurt Helin of ProBasketballTalk.com.

No matter where they go to play next, both Garnett and Pierce would be fine additions to teams in need of a veteran presence with a winning pedigree. The most important thing for both Hall of Famers will be to join a team with a chance to win a title next season.

As for the era of the "Big Three" in Boston--Garnett, Pierce and Ray Allen--it's all over as Allen himself even moved on last season to join the now NBA champion Miami Heat. That was the start of the breakup and it's safe to say Rivers leaving will seal the deal that Boston is moving on.

In whole, it was a success for the "Big Three" as the Celtics made it to two NBA Finals and won one of those series. Granted, the Celtics are used to more greatness in their history than that, but it was a welcome relief for an organization that was dead in the dirt for several years before they pulled the trigger on the deals that brought Allen and Garnett to Beantown.

Their arrival revived Boston's basketball team and made the Celtics a dominant force in the NBA each and every year.

Sure, the Celtics may have waited a bit too long to break up their roster, but they were at least competitive in the latter years of the era and even took the Heat to a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012 and lost just one game short of another Finals appearance.

But those days are now over and there's only the future to talk about in Boston at this point.

Ainge will look to move Garnett and Pierce this offseason, but he also may look to deal Rajon Rondo as he's tried in the past and could very well land himself plenty of draft picks and/or young players that should set Boston up with a nice future for years to come.

The pain may be rough to deal with for now, but as the Big Three proved not so many years back, rebuilding can happen quickly if done right and it can pay immense dividends to have patience in the process.

Aaron Hernandez: Diving Into the Mind of Troubled Patriots Star and Others Like Him

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

It's no secret that the National Football League has a problem with players getting into trouble with the law. As a matter of fact, it seems like every month a player is involved in some kind of illegal activity much like Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots is potentially involved in at the moment.

For the rest of us mortals, it is impossible to fathom just how these multi-millionaire athletes can get themselves into these issues that are obviously self-inflicted after finding such a great deal of success both professionally and financially.

The common thought is: "If I had that money, I would stay out of trouble and just enjoy my life."

That is the common sense response when hearing about a story like Hernandez's, but unfortunately common sense isn't so common when it comes to the law and NFL players abiding by it. Granted, the vast majority do stay out of trouble, but far too many can't follow suit in this day and age.

Aside from the corruption that money, fame and ultimately power can bring, one of the biggest issues in the lives of these troubled athletes is their past. Often times, many of the stars you see today come from broken homes and/or a tough background filled with bad people and bad decisions.

What's puzzling is that while some can overcome that past and make it all the way to the top of the sport, others simply can't do it. That's because these types of players, for whatever reason, have never been able to leave their past "friends" behind them--thus bringing trouble with them for the rest of their lives.

And when you bring bad people along for the ride, bad decisions are bound to come much like they did in said player's history. It isn't a matter of if, but rather when these problems will arise.

According to Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports, Hernandez has a troubled past that dates back to his high school days in Connecticut. The loss of his father was a devastating thing for Hernandez to deal with and he quickly got involved with the wrong people shortly thereafter.

Even in college, Hernandez got into a bar fight that ended up getting him in trouble and was even questioned about a shooting that took place after the fight in which two men were injured. Not surprisingly, according to the same USA Today Sports report, Hernandez's buddies from Connecticut were there with him when the fight occurred.

His run-ins with the law sparked questions about his character when it came time for him to be drafted out of the University of Florida and it seems those character concerns are finally being realized.

Not only is he being investigated by police in the shooting death of 27-year-old Odin Lloyd, but he was also reportedly involved in another shooting down in Florida back in February of this year. It just seems that no matter where Hernandez goes, he simply can't avoid trouble.

Now, this isn't all to say that Hernandez's problems are not his fault, because clearly they are. At the end of the day, the Pats' tight-end makes his own decisions, but it's safe to say hanging out with a bad crowd won't help steer him in any better direction.

Sadly for the league itself, players will continue to make bad decisions and harm the NFL's reputation, leading many to believe the sport is filled with thugs and what not. While that isn't the entire story for the vast majority of the league, the loudest voices are the ones broadcasting the countless legal mistakes by these athletes.

The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell have done their best to make harsh penalties for players who break the law in the hopes of possibly avoiding these legal woes, but it appears that isn't helping all that much.

While these problems aren't going away anytime soon, let's just hope that players who enter the league in the future can learn from these dreadful mistakes current players are making and change their lives around when they get to the NFL before it's too late.

NBA Free Agency 2013: Denver Nuggets Should Let Andre Iguodala Walk

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

The Denver Nuggets not only have to worry about making a decision about who their next head coach will be, but the organization also has to decide if it will re-sign Andre Iguodala or let him walk.

Iguodala is set to make around $16 million next season, or at least he was before he opted-out of the final year of his deal in Denver, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Now, Iguodala will test the free agency waters in July.

The question is: should the Nuggets fork over the money and the years necessary to bring back their forward?

During the 2012-13 season, Iguodala's numbers were pretty pedestrian for a guy who was once thought to have the skill set to be a star in the NBA and for the price tag that he comes with.

Iguodala averaged just 13 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game in 80 starts. Granted, those are solid all-around numbers and his defense is also a plus, but is he really worthy of a contract worth $16 million per season?

I would say no, which also leaves me puzzled as to why Iguodala is opting out after a less than stellar regular season. Does he honestly believe he can get more money and years on the open market for his services with stats like those?

Chances are there may be a team desperate enough to sign him for what he was set to make next season before he ended his contract early, but the Nuggets shouldn't be one of those teams.

Quite frankly, Denver can bring in another player or two for the money Iguodala will be looking for and in turn match the production they lose from their swingman.

Let's face it: Iguodala has never panned out the way experts thought he might and he's become an average player in this league--no more, no less. In fact, Iguodala's scoring average hasn't been higher than 14 points per game since the 2009-10 season and it's probable those numbers won't improve as he gets older.

Besides, the Nuggets style of play is about more than just one player, so why would Denver tie itself up in a big, long-term deal for a player who can be replaced sooner rather than later?

If its more money and years Iguodala is looking for, the Nuggets would be better off passing up the chance to bring him back.

PEDS, Tigers and A-Rod; Oh My!

By: Matthew Orso 
Follow Matt on Twitter: @SportsTalk2345

 This is starting to become ridiculous. As reported by ESPN today, reports have surfaced about Tony Boesch (the steroid producer being questioned in Major League Baseball's Florida PED investigation) visited Alex Rodriguez during the 2012 ALCS when the Yankees played the Tigers.

Boesch is considered by many to be the ring leader who allegedly gave PEDs to Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun, Francisco Cervelli (among others).

I will be honest; baseball fans have had enough of the PED (performance enhancing drugs) issue. At this point people need to make up their minds about what to do with the steroid users in the game. I know Major League Baseball continues to maintain they have the toughest drug testing program around. Well that's still not enough. Players continue to cheat the system and show complete arrogance and neglect for the rules of baseball.

Which now brings me back to Alex Rodriguez. If Alex Rodriguez did take PEDs during the 2012 ALCS then the Yankees need to severe all ties with the man. (And I use the term loosely). Alex Rodriguez did everything in the 2012 playoffs; ask women for their phone numbers, get benched, strikeout and take PEDs. The only thing he didn't do was hit the baseball.

Alex Rodriguez is the anti-Tim Tebow for the Yankees. He draws the media towards him like mustard on a hot dog. However each bit of publicity defining Alex Rodriguez over the last five years has been negative. The only positive contribution Alex made for the Yankees was their 2009 World Series run. Yet with the allegations of PED use in the 2012 ALCS (and some reports indicate he took PEDs during the 2009 season) his few accomplishments as a Yankee have down the toilet and into the New York City gutters.

Alex is coming off surgery and has yet to play for the Yankees this season. His sheer presence in on the back page of any newspaper is the only trace of Alex Rodriguez that fans have seen in 2013. I understand the Yankees owe Rodriguez plenty of money. At this point, that shouldn't matter. Alex proved last season that he's lost his power. (He had 18 home runs in 2012.)

He also earned the title Mr. Single in the 2013 playoffs. And no, I'm not referring to his probable failed attempts at obtaining two female fans' phone numbers at a playoff game in Yankee Stadium. Alex Rodriguez had three hits in twenty-five at bats during the 2012 postseason. The fact is he hasn't hasn't has an extra base hit in the playoffs since the 2010 ALCS! I'm sorry but has the $275 million dollar man earned any cent of his contract? I think not.

Alex Rodriguez is a distraction and a coward for the New York Yankees. He doesn't represent the pinstripes; but instead his own selfish ego. He lives in a fantasy world where there are no consequences for his actions and everyone adores him. Well someone should show where this world is so I can move there! Alex Rodriguez is a coward; he cannot face his fear and be honest with the public. What's worse Alex Rodriguez can't be honest with himself. If he took the PEDs then he needs to stand up for the first time and be honest. The truth will set him free and hopefully the Yankees will send Alex Rodriguez free!

Carlos Gonzalez: Triple Crown is in Sight for Colorado Rockies Slugger

 

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

Carlos Gonzalez's National League-leading 20th home run on Father's Day not only helped propel the Colorado Rockies to victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, but it also furthered his quest to become the second Triple Crown winner in two seasons.

The last, of course, was  Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers in 2012.

Gonzalez is having a monster start to the 2013 campaign with 20 homers, 56 RBI and a .316 average.

In regard to his Triple Crown hopes, Gonzalez leads the NL in homers and he's second in RBIs by a margin of three behind the leader, Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The biggest hurdle Gonzalez faces is in the average department.

Granted, his .316 average is impressive to say the least for someone with Gonzalez's power, but it pales in comparison to NL leader Yadier Molina's .352 mark. Also ahead of Gonzalez is teammate Troy Tulowitzki (.347) and five other players who are hitting between .317 and .332.

It might look like a tall order for Gonzalez to get ahead in the average category but he did hit .336 in 2010, so finishing with such a high mark isn't out of the question. On top of that, both Molina and Tulowitzki have never hit higher than .315 in any season of their respective careers so there's a great chance both of their incredible averages will come down before season's end.

And as long as Gonzalez can continue to improve his mark, he should find himself smack dab in the middle of a batting title race at season's end barring a fantastic finish by any of the players currently above him. The same goes for both the home run and RBI races.

Besides just raw talent and a great ability to hit the baseball, Gonzalez plays in a ballpark that hitters can only dream about playing in. Coors Field is one of the best places to hit in Major League Baseball and that's an advantage Gonzalez can use to help his record-chasing cause.

Becoming a Triple Crown winner is one of the most difficult things to do in sports, but keep an eye on Gonzalez this season because he's formulating the kind of numbers to make it happen.

If he can accomplish that feat, Gonzalez would be the first National League player since 1937 to do so (per Baseball-Reference.com).

Problems in Patriot Town?

 By: Matthew Orso

         
   As much as I’d like to say the Patriots signing Tim Tebow (I better not type his name three times in this article or he might appear on the screen!) will cause the team to be cursed; I can’t.  No I believe the Jets will be the only team to suffer under the wrath of Tim Tebow-Mania. (That’s two times!) 

            However I do believe there is cause to be concerned in New England.  Many bad things have happened during this offseason in terms of the Patriots offense.  First off all how could the Patriots let Wes Welker go to the Broncos?  Yes I know Wes Welker had a perfect fit in New England and isn’t as great as his statistics show, but he was the key to the Patriots’ offense. 

            Wes Welker and Tom Brady are perfect QB-WR combination.  One of them always knows what the other is thinking on the football field.  He was Tom Brady’s go to guy in key situations over the last few season.  I know the Patriots policy on players (other than Tom Brady) is replace and reproduce.  However will anyone be able to put up the number Wes Welker had in his Patriots’ career.  (He had more than 7400 yards and exactly 30 touchdowns with the Patriots in six seasons.)

            Welker signed with the Broncos, who like the Patriots have a future Hall of Fame Quarterback leading the charge.  Peyton Manning will surely find Wes Welker and integrate him as a part of the offensive system.  I could see Welker putting up the same stats for the Broncos in 2013 that he put up with the Patriots in 2012.  Now instead of resigning Wes Welker the Patriots felt they could replace him with another receiver.  Wait, is that what Tim Tebow was brought in for?  (Darn three times!)

            And the offense loses even more with Rob Gronkowski undergoing his sixth surgery since February 2012.  He will be undergoing back surgery on Tuesday and should be out of action for 12 weeks.  There is the potential for Tom Brady to be without Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski week 1 against the Bills. 

            According to the New England Patriots website; the team’s top three WR are listed Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Michael Jenkins.  In 2013 they combined for 1350 yards and eight touchdowns.  Wes Welker had 1354 receiving yards and six touchdowns by himself last season!  The Patriots’ offense is in trouble for the 2013 season.  I mean they could go sign Terrell Owens or Chad Ochocinco after his prison sentence.  They couldn’t be any worse than Tim Tebow (fourth time) was for the Jets in 2012. 

            As of right now the Patriots have a depleted receiving core and a 36 year old QB.  No non-kicker has yet to defeat father time in the NFL.  This might be the year football fans see Tom Brady decline.  Do the Patriots have what it takes to win in 2013?  Offensively, I’m not too sure……..   

Dodgers & Diamondbacks: Everyone Gets a Suspension!

Written By: T. Wayne Scolpini-MLB Contributor

Tuesday night, June 11th, provided us with an old school baseball brawl. Benches cleared in Los Angeles in a game between the hometown Dodgers and rival Diamondbacks. It took two days for Major League Baseball to look through the tape and decide what the penalties should be. Today is Friday June 14th and we finally have some decisions.


Tuesday's night game was humming along until the sixth inning when Diamondback pitcher, and former Yankee, Ian Kennedy threw at the face of Dodger phenom Yasiel Puig. Not at his head, literally at his face. Puig took first base without any question. In the next half inning Zack Greinke, who was involved with a benches clearing brawl earlier in the year, threw several pitches at and behind Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero. He finally tagged Montero in the back and the benches cleared. No punches were thrown as the umpires controlled the extracurricular activity. The bottom half of the seventh arrived and Dodger manager Don Mattingly left Zack Greinke in to bat. Ian Kennedy then took it upon himself to throw directly at Greinke's head, hitting him in his front shoulder, inches away from his face. From this point on Mortal Kombat ensued. Benches cleared as Kennedy and Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson were immediately ejected but the fracas on the field ensued. Managers Don Mattingly and Kirk Gibson went after each other, Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGuire went after Matt Williams in an old school late 80's-early 90's "muscle filled" brawl. Punches were thrown, players were ejected and today the suspensions were handed down.

The suspensions are as follows: Ian Kennedy- 10 games, Eric Hinske-5 games, J.P. Howell and Skip Schumaker-2 games, Ronald Belisario-1 game, and that’s just the players. Mark McGuire gets a two game suspension while Don Mattingly and Kirk Gibson get a game each. All of the player’s suspensions are subject to appeal, the managers are not. In addition to the suspensions, four players were fined an undisclosed amount. Those players were: Zack Greinke, Yasiel Puig, Miguel Montero and Gerardo Parra.

Here is where we run into a HUGE problem. Joe Torre and the MLB discipline committee had a chance to lay down the hammer and set a precedent and they caved to the MLB Union once again. Ian Kennedy's suspension of ten days is the longest in the history of any suspension handed out ever. The problem is that Kennedy only pitches every five days, which means it's really only a two game suspension. In all of this Kennedy threw at two players heads, which is not only career threatening, but life threatening as well. If Joe Torre really wanted to set a precedent, he would have suspended Kennedy 20 games, with an appeal. The union would have appealed and gotten the ten games, but it's more important to show that you're not messing around with pitches thrown at people’s faces. This rant does not just dwindle down to Kennedy because Greinke was out of line as well. Greinke threw three pitches that ended up behind and over the head of Montero. As a pitcher who is going for retaliation, you get one try. If you do not hit the guy on that first try, you don’t get another. Greinke took it upon himself to take those shots on the opposing team’s catcher. Let me refresh your memory for a minute. Earlier this year Greinke hit Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin on the front shoulder and Quentin took exception to it and charged the mound. Instead of backing down Greinke waved Quentin on like he was a WWE wrestler and ended up with a broken collar bone and missed eight weeks of the season. I'm in no way saying that Greinke added fuel to this fire of a brawl, but he sure as hell laid some kindling.


After all is said and done five players and three coaches get suspended and twelve get fined. If it were up to me heavier suspensions would have been handed down to each pitcher. That way we can deter them from throwing at guys heads in the future. If you want to throw at a guy, he has a nice round, ten-inch place right below his back called a butt. Hit him there and go on with the game. Fighting in baseball is stupid and boring. Leave it to hockey fellas and our game will survive!

George Karl Has Right to Bash Denver Nuggets After Firing

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

It came as quite a shock when the Denver Nuggets decided to part ways with head coach George Karl at the end of their 2012-13 campaign, and it's safe to say Karl might have been shocked as well.

Here is what Karl had to say about his firing, per Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post:

On his conversation with team president Josh Kroenke upon being fired: "Josh was nice and complimentary, said he'd honor my contract and the coaches. The conversation was on the decision, and I said, 'I think I should tell you, I think it's very stupid.' And since then, I don't understand it."

I think most of us, if not all of us will agree with Karl on the ultimate intelligence of such a decision made by management.


After all, Karl did a lot of great things for the team including leading the Nuggets to its best regular season record in team history with a 57-25 mark, good enough for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. That accomplishment landed him NBA Coach of the Year honors, also.

NBA Finals 2013: Miami Heat Starting Mike Miller Would Be Desperation Move

By Michael Moraitis--Featured Columnist
Follow Michael on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

If the Miami Heat go ahead and decide to start Mike Miller in Game 4 of the NBA Finals while down 2-1 against the San Antonio Spurs, it would spell desperation for Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra.

According to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst, the Heat could start Miller in place of the offensively struggling Udonis Haslem, who despite great defense during the series has become a liability on the offensive end.

The hope here is that Miami can spread the floor enough to make things tougher for the Spurs' talented defense and possibly open up the paint for guys like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. San Antonio has done an excellent job of keeping both out of the paint, so the Heat are adjusting.

Denver Broncos Releasing Willis McGahee Was Right Move

By Michael Moraitis -- Featured Columnist

The Denver Broncos finally did what seemed like the inevitable and parted ways with veteran running back, Willis McGahee.

According to ESPN.com staff, the Broncos made the move on Thursday to release McGahee in what should  be a move to give some of the younger backs on the roster a shot this upcoming season--namely Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball.

In the report, McGahee acknowledges he understands that the Broncos are going younger and it makes perfect sense. Once a running back hits his 30's in the NFL, it normally means decline and McGahee is pushing retirement age at 32.

But what's more important in this situation is that the Broncos will rid themselves of the money McGahee was making for his oft-injured status last season.

While McGahee has been relatively healthy his entire career, he played in just 10 games last season and was unable to contribute in the playoffs as a result of his injuries. On top  of that, McGahee had to undergo serious knee surgery and that is a nightmare for a back his age.

Instead, the Broncos will go with their two younger backs in the hopes of getting more consistent play from their backfield. For fans that may be concerned about this move, that really shouldn't be the case at all.

Brooklyn Nets Hiring Jason Kidd as Head Coach is Risky Move

By Michael Moraitis - Featured Columnist
Follow me on Twitter: @michaelmoraitis

Jason Kidd is set to become the next head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and it couldn't be a more risky move by owner Mikhail Prokhorov and the organization.

According to Joseph A. Gambardello of Philly.com, Kidd is expected to be the main man on Brooklyn's bench for the next three seasons although the terms of his contract are still being worked out.

With all the glitz and glamour that came with the move to Brooklyn for the Nets, it was apparent their owner wanted a big name, headline-grabbing coach to take over after Avery Johnson was fired and P.J. Carlesimo was predictably let go at season's end.

Kidd certainly qualifies as such for Brooklyn after putting together an incredible Hall of Fame career that has him well-respected as one of the smartest and best players ever to grace the hardwood floors of an NBA court.


A portion of that fine career was spent with the Nets (in New Jersey) where he led the team to the finest stretch in its history which culminated in two NBA Finals appearances—both losses. Still, despite his inability to bring a title to New Jersey, Kidd is rightfully adored by most fans of the organization.

Such a high-profile player becoming a coach is certainly big news and while Kidd's smarts for the game are not in question, his experience certainly is.

Why MLB Steroid Users SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame.

By: Matthew Orso - SGM Show Columnist

 Now don't get wrong; I believe anyone who cheats the game of baseball should be punished. However, fans of the game need to face the facts. This era of baseball history is marred by steroids and scandals. There is nothing we can do to change it.

I used to believe baseball writers had to redeem the past with justice; that players who took any PEDs should be banned from the game. However I've come to learn something over the last few years. History can not be changed or altered. For better or worst, history is to be defined by the actions and beliefs we bring into life; both good and bad.

Players like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and countless others been caught cheating baseball. Morally it is appealing to cheat in a sport that is supposed to promote hard work and fair competition. My belief that no baseball player should using performance enhancing drugs remains. However we cannot change the past, but only move forward to make the future better.

When I think about the Baseball Hall of Fame, the first thoughts appearing in my head are the legends of the past. From Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Walter Johnson thru Ozzie Smith, Roberto Alomar and Barry Larkin; legends of the game are celebrated in Cooperstown. One day I plan to take my children to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I would as if a part of the game were missing if players like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, etc did not have a plaque.

Tim Tebow Signing With New England Patriots is New York Jets Worst Nightmare

By: Michael Moraitis - Featured Columnist

As if the New York Jets didn't have enough things to worry about during the 2013-14 season, they now have to worry about Tim Tebow for at least another season as the embattled quarterback has joined the New England Patriots.

According to Ed Werder of ESPN (via Twitter), Tebow has signed on with the Patriots for this upcoming season, landing him right in the AFC East and in the same division as the lowly Jets.

Just filed to ESPN: The Patriots are signing QB Tim Tebow and expect him to be in minicamp tomorrow
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) June 10, 2013

Tebow's role on the Pats isn't known just yet, but considering New England has that Tom Brady guy behind center, there isn't any chance Tebow plays at quarterback unless something catastrophic happens or he gets a snap as a trick-play quarterback.

Instead, Tebow will likely play multiple roles with the team on the offensive end as a receiver and/or running back.

Sound familiar? That was exactly the plan the Jets had for Tebow going into last season before it failed miserably and ended up making even more of a mockery of both Tebow and the Jets organization. Tebow ended up just throwing eight passes the entire season to the tune of 39 yards.

While he was pretty prevalent in the Jets offense early on in his tenure, Tebow was inexplicably buried for the latter parts of the season and was never heard from again despite the fact that quarterback Mark Sanchez was dreadful enough to be replaced.

After things didn't work out last season and he didn't get his fair shake at his desired position, the Jets released Tebow in April of this year and thought they had rid themselves of the constant media sensation surrounding the controversial signal-caller.

It looked as though the Florida product wouldn't even land a job anywhere in the NFL this season but the Pats ended that notion.

Maurice Jones-Drew: Alleged bar fight not good for the Jax RB

MJD finds himself not trying to be a distraction to the Jaguars, unfortunately he is. 

 

By: SportsGuyMike Luper

It's no surprise that just about every week there are professional athletes getting in some kind of trouble. Either with the police, their team or the NFL. Maurice Jones-Drew is our newest casualty.

Jones-Drew held a 15-minute news conference Monday but didn't say much about an alleged bar fight over Memorial Day weekend. Jones-Drew spoke to reporters a day before the team opens a three-day, mandatory minicamp because he ''would rather get it done today than take away from what these guys are doing.'' ''I just don't want to be a distraction anymore,'' he added.

Jones-Drew declined to answer any questions or offer any details about what happened at a St. Augustine restaurant/bar last month. Jones-Drew has not been charged with any crime.

This is something that absolutely drives me crazy about athletes off the field. Let me say this to all professional athletes out there, The Cameras Are Always Running! This is a guy that you probably wouldn't expect to hear has off field issues. Surprise!