Tag Archive | "NBA"

Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week – Gilbert Arenas & His Gun


The Washington Wizards of the NBA recently awarded star player Gilbert Arenas with a $111 million contract,Gilbert Arenas trusting and expecting the player to lead the team back into contention for an NBA title.

Instead, the troubled player has his team sitting in the cellar of the Southeast Division with a dismal 10-20 record, four teams away from the nearest playoff spot.

To make matters a whole lot worse, Arenas interviews this week will be including law enforcement officials.

The New York Post report that Arenas had a confrontation in the Wizards’ locker room with teammate Javaris Crittenton that led to both players having guns in their hands has been confirmed by a league source. According to that source, the incident may have involved a debt of $25,000 that Arenas owed Crittenton.

NBA VP of communications Tim Frank released a statement Friday confirming that law enforcement is involved. “There is an active investigation by D.C. law enforcement authorities, which we are monitoring closely. We are not taking any independent action at this time.”

Anyone reading this must certainly be wondering what cave Arenas was hiding in during all the media coverage of the Plaxico Burress incident. How Plaxico, an NFL star, was charged with a felony, prosecuted and sentenced to serve time. How that series of events involving a handgun had squashed the man’s career and more importantly, his life.

Arenas certainly must know as much or more detail about the Plaxico event than most of us yet he still felt above the law, stored a weapon in his locker and made the decision to pull it out in view of others in the room.

Slllaaaaaaaappp!!!!!!

That was the sound of a Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week.

Sllaaaappp! And there’s another, your team isn’t called the Washington Bullets anymore!  (Washington changed the team name from the Bullets to the Wizards in 1997 because the owner didn’t like the violent overtones of the name ‘Bullets’.)

There comes a point and time where the general public, fans and the media stop feeling sorry for some of these players and this may be that time. If Arenas is found to have broken laws and is prosecuted for this asinine ordeal, the Wizards could come out big winners.

The first word you go to the team’s website is the word “character”. Imagine how much “character” the organization can buy with the $100 million of cash that would be freed up if Arenas ends up out of the league, down the same path as Plaxico.

Sllaapp! Had to throw an extra one in there on this one.

Copyright © 2010 Sports Climax

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Ex-Con/NBA Ref Book Publication Cancelled


Random House has cancelled the publicationof ex-NBA referee and convict Tim Donaghy’s book, “Blowing the tim-donaghyWhistle.”

The FBI investigation that rocked the NBA and sent Donaghy to prison found that he had acted alone yet Donaghy proclaims in his book that several referees were involved in side-betting before and during NBA contests.

Random House stated Donaghy can now shop for another home for his project but most expect that to be a difficult task for the convict who humiliated himself and the league since many readers may find it difficult to believe a man with Donaghy’s past.

Deadspin.com published several excerpts said to be from the book including this:

“To have a little fun at the expense of the worst troublemakers, the referees working the game would sometimes make a modest friendly wager amongst themselves: first ref to give one of the bad boys a technical foul wouldn’t have to tip the ball boy that night. In the NBA, ball boys set up the referees’ locker room and keep it stocked with food and beer for the postgame meal.

We usually ran the kid ragged with a variety of personal requests and then slipped him a $20 bill. Technically, the winner of the bet won twice – he didn’t have to pay the kid and he got to call a T on Mr. Foul-Mouthed Big-Shot Du Jour.

After the opening tip, it was hilarious as the three of us immediately focused our full attention on the intended victim, waiting for something, anything, to justify a technical foul. If the guy so much as looked at one of us and mumbled, we rang him up. Later in the referees’ locker room, we would down a couple of brews, eat some chicken wings, and laugh like hell.”

To see more from the Deadspin.com story, go here.

Related Articles:

Stern Spars With Whistle-Blowing Ref

NBA Refs Face Lockout-Will We Notice the Difference?

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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NBA Refs Face Lockout–Will We Notice the Difference?


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. nba-ref1

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

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Michael Jordan Inducted Into NBA Hall of Fame


CHICAGO – Michael Jordan who brought a new meaning to the words ‘slam-dunk’ was inducted into the Naismith michael-jordan Memorial Hall of Fame on Friday after a career that included winning six NBA championships and five MVP awards.

Joining Jordan were basketball greats David Robinson and John Stockton and coaches Jerry Sloan and C. Vivian Stringer.

Jordan’s emotional and humorous acceptance speech included recollections going as far back as his school days as a youngster in North Carolina.

Referring to the school basketball coach who cut him from the varsity team Jordan said, “I wanted to make sure you understood you made a mistake, dude.”

Jordan started his career with the Chicago Bulls and spent several years in a rebuilding process before the Bulls went on a dominating run, winning several championships.

Here is an exclusive interview shown on ESPN on Friday.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week – LeBron ‘King’ James


LeBron ‘King’ James gets the Sports Climax Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week after refusing to congratulate his (Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer)opponents, storming off the court in Orlando and ignoring the media.

The King had just been dethroned–blown off the court 103-90 at Amway Arena by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic won that best-of-seven series four games to two.

James took a quick shower and exited the locker room without sharing any comments with the media. And yes that’s the same media he gave a warm welcome to after hitting a historic shot in Game 2 of the same series.

Double standards.

Poor sportsmanship?

LeBron denies it but his Cleveland’s hometown fans even think so.

For leaving that lasting impression of poor sportsmanship in the minds of many youngsters who don #23 Cavs jerseys to the games and around their neighborhoods, LeBron is crowned ‘King’ and receives the Sports Climax Bitch-Slap-of-the-Week.

Copyright ©2010 Sports Climax

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LeBron James ‘infomercial’ Needs to Stop


ORLANDO – After NBA MVP LeBron James made his historic, buzzer-beating 3-pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern (Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer)Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic, he was swamped by media and welcomed the hype and exposure.

After the astounding 96-95 victory James was ecstatic and sat with the media during post-game to continue the NBA’s ‘King James Infomercial’. “For me, a second is a long time,” James said. “For others, it’s very short. That is the biggest shot I’ve made in my career.”

With a millisecond left on the clock, James’ released the ball with a smooth flick of his wrist, sinking  the high-pressure, historic shot. Much of the media jumped on the opportunity to compare it to another famous NBA moment, Michael Jordan making “The Shot” against the Cavaliers years ago in a playoff game.

When asked about “The Shot” James replied, “That guy’s not in the league anymore. The other 23 is on the good side now.”

The King James infomercial was picking up steam, the media circus in overdrive.

James is the type of player that only comes along every quarter of a century and he is expected to sign the hugest contract in NBA or even sports history, one that may make A-Rod’s quarter-billion-dollar contract ($250 million) look like pocket change.

While LeBron speaks about how he would like to become the world’s first “billion dollar athlete” the media spends it’s time validating James’ monetary worth to the world, feeding fans and NBA organizations countless articles and coverage of his greatness, reminding them that “King James” is living up to his title.

Fast-forward to Game 6 of the same Eastern Conference Finals in Orlando at Amway Arena. This night offered no opportunity for heroics. On this night Dwight Howard and his Magic smoked James and the Cavaliers off the court, sending them packing for the season.

James stormed off the court carrying with him the burden of his poorest performance of the Eastern Conference Finals, a 28-point, 8-for-20 night.

The media, just as they did when James waltzed off the court after nailing his historic 3-pointer, filled the locker room ready to gather a few comments from NBA’s superstar.

Those recorders would have to wait another day as James’ responded with a quick shower, a headset full of music and a strut out to the team bus, ignoring the same people who have been most instrumental in promoting him throughout his career.

How do you suppose the writers at the Cleveland Plain Dealer, ESPN and NBA.com should feel? A little bitter and slighted maybe? 

James deserves the same recourse any other athlete would receive from the media after pulling a stunt like that. Normally a spokesman for the team, James left his teammates out to dry that night, deserting them and leaving them to face the music.

The response from the media should be to discontinue the ‘LeBron infomercial’, stopping all excessive promotion and start spreading the xposure around.

Dwight Howard said he, “was surprised” that James did not congratulate him after the game and quite frankly so was most everyone else.

James finally spoke to the media the following day claiming he is “not a bad sport.” Most say he is and you can add lack of class to that. In a recent poll taken at his hometown paper The Cleveland Plain Dealer a majority of Cavs fans said LeBron was indeed a bad sport while only 26% said LeBron was not a bad sport. And that is a poll from the hometown fans.

When asked about his bitter exit James asked why would he want to congratulate another player or team after his team was just “beaten up by them.”

Why? Because it’s good sportsmanship. It’s a positive message to all the youngsters who purchase his jerseys to wear to the games and around their neighborhoods.

How many times have we seen King James mingling with his opponents and accepting congratulatory remarks and handshakes after “beating them up.” James appears to have a double standard and it is embarrassing for the Cavaliers organization although they will never admit it.

Admitting it could possibly hinder the team’s chances of re-signing the MVP.

The media on the other hand has the professional responsibility to direct a huge spotlight on the topic.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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Billups returns to Detroit to face Pistons


DETROIT – Chauncey Billups returns to the Motor City tonight to play against his former team the Detroit Pistons for the first (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)time since he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in November.Mr. Big Shot who has been a permanent fixture at the Palace through several years of playoff runs that include an NBA Championship is sure to be greeted by raucous applause by the Pistons fans, many who are still shaking off the aftershocks caused by the trade that thus far has destructed the team.

Billups one of the NBA’s most unselfish leaders was one of the most consistent performers in Pistons history and was considered one of Motown’s biggest sports heroes.
Allen Iverson who came to the Pistons as part of the Billups trade has been criticized for his inconsistent play and attitude issues as the Pistons are struggling to hold onto the #6 playoff spot with a 24-24 record.

Pistons President Joe Dumars has an excellent history of deal-making but the timing of Billups’ return will be a reminder to the team and fans that even Dumars is prone to make mistakes.

While the Pistons are a dismal 23-29 with A.I.in the line-up, Billups has led his Nuggets to a 39-21 record and currently sit in the #3 spot in the Western Conference.

To add insult to injury, the Pistons just defeated the #2 seed Boston Celtics and #3 seed Orlando Magic without A.I. in the line-up.

Billups says the Pistons will be fine and Joe Dumars will figure it all out and get them back on track. When asked how things would be if he were still in Detroit he responded, “We’d be the top one or two in the East and probably in basketball, like we always are.”

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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Over 208,000 ‘following’ Shaq on Twitter


PHOENIX – Just in case you missed it, Shaquille O’Neal’s latest hobby besides dominating games and putting a few (AP Photo/Paul Connors)games in the win column for the Suns is Twitter.

Now being ‘followed’ by over 208,000 other Twitters, Big Daddy was having a ball with it recently when he sent a message to his ‘followers’ on the site.

The message read, “I’m at the fashion sq mall, any1 touches me gets 2 tickets, tag me and say yur twit u hv 20min.”

Can you imagine the economic impact that message had on that shopping mall? Now there’s a quick fix to the economy. Obama can send Shaq around to companies in the most dire need of pumping up their revenue.

Since there are impersonators on the site, if you want to hook up with the Phoenix Suns’ center on Twitter, know that the real Big Daddy refers to himself as ‘The real Shaq’, not to be mistaken for the impostors who call themselves ‘THE_GAY_SHAQ’, or ‘THE_REAL_SHAQ1′.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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Shaq on Twitter


ORLANO, FL. – Shaquille O’Neal’s latest hobby is Twitter.

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)Big Daddy was having a ball with it recently when he sent a message to his 165,000 ‘followers’ on the site.

The message read, “I’m at the fashion sq mall, any1 touches me gets 2 tickets, tag me and say yur twit u hv 20 min.”

Can you imagine the economic impact that message had on that shopping mall? Minutes after the Tweet, several fans stormed to the mall trying to get a peek at the NBA star. Now there’s a quick fix to the economy. Obama can send Shaq around to whatever restaurants and stores in dire need of pumping up their revenue.

Since there are impersonators on the site, if you want to hook up with the Phoenix Suns’ center on Twitter, know that the real Big Daddy refers to himself as ‘The real Shaq’, not to be mistaken for the imposters who call themselves ‘THE_GAY_SHAQ’, or ‘THE_REAL_SHAQ1′.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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Kobe and Shaq share NBA All-Star MVP


PHOENIX – The NBA All-Star game on Sunday reminded us why it is sometimes beneficial to suit up a handful of players by (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)popularity as opposed to talent and productivity. That contest is clearly not about pure talent and competition, it is about entertainment and entertain is exactly what Shaquille O’Neal did in front of his hometown fans in Phoenix.With his better years way behind him, who would have thought Shaq would end up putting down 17 points in less than 11 minutes going 8 of 9 from the field. Even more of a stretch was thinking ex-Laker teammate Kobe Bryant and Shaq would be sharing any hardware again, especially an All-Star MVP trophy.

Kobe led the West with 27 points in the 146-119 victory over the East.

When asked about sharing the award with Shaq, Kobe appeared to enjoy the moment but made it clear the players weren’t planning to spend any upcoming holidays together. “We’re not going to go back to the room and watch Steel Magnolias or something like that, you know what I’m saying, crying, all that stuff,” said Kobe. “We had a good time. That’s all.”

“It felt like old times”, said Shaq, “I miss those times”.

One of the game’s lighter moments which made highlight reels around the country was Shaq’s Globetrotter-type bounce-pass through Dwight Howard’s legs followed by a return pass from Chris Paul and a finishing slam dunk by Big Daddy. The play brought a rousing response from the crowd and a row of laughs from both benches.

West starters Phoenix Suns’ forward Amar’e Stoudemire finished with 19 while New Orleans Hornet Chris Paul finished with 14 helpers for the West. LeBron James led the East with 20 points.

For the complete box score visit NBA.com.

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax

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