CLEVELAND, OH. – LeBron James was presented his second consecutive NBA MVP, joining nine other NBA players who have won the award in back-to-back seasons.Those familiar names are Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash and Bill Russell.

Three of those stars, Russell, Chamberlain and Bird actually took the trophy home three times in a row.

James’ win comes at the heels of a season where he compiled the most impressive stats of his 7-year career that included 29.7 PPG, 7.3 rebounds and 8.6assists.NBA Commissioner David Stern presented the hardware to James Sunday at the University of Akron.

The Cavs star received 116 of a possible 123 first-place votes blowing away all the other candidates. Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant came in second but was picked first on only four ballots.

One piece of the puzzle for James’ career that remains missing is an NBA Championship. The Cavs have surrounded James with several different player combinations and have yet to find the right mix to bring Cleveland its first NBA Championship.

The most recent group includes Shaquille O’Neal who has won titles for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. The Cavs are considered by many as this year’s favorite after winning 61 games this season snagging the top seed in the playoffs.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax™

WASHINGTON – Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas pleaded guilty Friday for carrying a pistol without a license in D.C. That charge is a felony and the player awaits to see what effect the felony conviction will have on his personal life and NBA career.

In December, Arenas admitted to storing guns in his locker at the Verizon Center and an incident occurred with teammate Javaris Crittenton around that same time.

NBA commissioner David Stern has suspended Arenas indefinitely after the player made a sarcastic gun gesture before a game in Philadelphia while he was awaiting the investigation to be completed.

Arenas’ defense attorney Kenneth Wainstein said that prosecutors agreed not to seek a sentence longer than the low end of sentencing guidelines which indicates Arenas would spend no more than six months in jail.

The three-time All-Star said the guns were in his locker to keep them away from his children and went on to say he was not aware it was a violation of D.C.’s gun laws.

According to earlier reports, Arenas and Crittenton had an ongoing conflict concerning a gambling debt. Their dispute escalated to the point Arenas pulled the weapons out while in the locker room and displayed them for Crittenton to see. Some reports said Arena left a note that said, “Pick One” for his teammate to see.

If Arenas avoids jail, this incident and conviction is sure to jeopardize his NBA career at least in the short run. There is speculation that the Wizards may attempt to skate out of the $111 million contract they signed with Arenas recently.

Related Articles:

Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week Arenas & His Guns – Sports Climax

Stern Suspends Arenas Indefinitely – Sports Climax

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

Gilbert Arenas should stick to basketball and leave his comedy routine off the court because he and NBA Commissioner David Stern clearly have a different opinion on what is funny and what is not.

While on the court prior to a game in Philadelphia, Arenas pointed his fingers at his teammates like they were pistols, making reference to the attention that has been given to him since he pulled an unloaded weapon out of his locker during a dispute with another teammate.

That theatrical move raised a few eyebrows including Stern’s who took offense to the Washington Wizards players’ gun gestures and suspended the player indefinitely while the federal authorities continue to investigate the player for an incident involving gun possession.

Stern originally said he intended to wait for the federal and local investigations to be completed before taking action, and requested the Wizards organization to do the same. He suddenly changed his mind after the incident in Philadelphia and levied the suspension.

“The possession of firearms by an NBA player in an NBA arena is a matter of the utmost concern to us,” Stern said in a statement released by the league. “I initially thought it prudent to refrain from taking immediate action because of the pendency of a criminal investigation. For the same reason, I directed the Wizards to refrain from taking any action. Mr. Arenas’ ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game. Accordingly, I am suspending Mr. Arenas indefinitely, without pay, effective immediately pending the completion of the investigation by the NBA.”

After hearing of the suspension, reality set in and Arenas was quick to apologize.

“While I never intended any harm or disrespect to the NBA or anyone else, my gun possession at the Verizon Center and my attempts at humor showed terrible judgment. I take full responsibility for my conduct. Earlier today, I called Commissioner Stern to apologize, and I hope we will be able to talk soon.”

Related Articles:

ESPN – Arenas Suspended Indefinitely

Sports Climax – Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week Gilbert and His Gun

Copyright © 2010 – Sports Climax

CHICAGO – NBA referees let the league know what they thought of the latest contract offer when they voted 57-0 against it at their meeting in the Windy City Wednesday night.

That vote led to further discussions but after those hit a brick wall, the referees were sent home and both sides went to impasse.

NBA referees being sent home. What an awesome concept! How many times have we fantasized about that.

If this group of zebras are sent packing during the start of the season would we even notice the difference?

NBA refs have become notorious for calling fouls on anyone who gets within arm’s length of stars like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James and they appear willing to extend their summer to fight for their cause.

OK, the term ‘arm’s length’ is an exaggeration, well sort of; depends what tape or highlight reel you choose to look at and fighting for a cause is usually a strong, admirable characteristic depends on the details.

It appears the major disagreement stems around some retirement issues. I guess ex-referee and whistle-blower Tim Donaghy’s living conditions in jail are not quite up to par with the union’s idea of retirement. Donaghy is in jail where he belongs after fixing several NBA games over a several year period.

The performance of the zebras in all major sports have caused fans and media to scream “Fix!” but none as often as the NBA who many times end up with playoff match-ups that supply the best ratings.

After NFL referee Ed Hochuli blew a call in the final seconds of a game last year, he ‘manned up’ and admitted he made a mistake. When highlight reels are burning up the airways with questionable NBA calls that determine a crucial game’s outcome, the league’s officials and refs normally go about their business and withhold comments or admissions of any kind.

This same group of officials are certainly speaking out loud and clear now though; with that lopsided vote of 57-0.

Lead union negotiator Lamell McMorris sounded pessimistic concerning any quick resolution. “It looks like a lockout is both imminent and unavoidable,” McMorris said. “We have suspended dialogue again today. We’ve been in constant communication, but it’s not going to happen.” The union also presented a memo showing how statistically the number of fines and suspensions did increase the last time fill-in refs were used. 

“I am not optimistic,” lead NBA negotiator Rich Buchanan added.

A lockout appears likely at this point but how bad would the league and fans actually suffer with fill-in referees in NBA games? Would the quality of the officiating suffer or even be noticeable?

Before you answer, check out a last-minute Lebron gift granted by the referees, ponder it over a last-minute freebie handed to Dywane Wade then make your decision.

Other Stories:

NBA Refs Demonstrate Why a Lock-out Could Be Disastrous

NBA Ref Donaghy Indicted

NFL Ref Hochuli Admits Blowing Call Late in Game

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax