Bleacher Report - Articles by Yvette

Brett Favre: We Just Can't Get Enough

Yvette — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:15:46 -0400

The title says it all.

Brett Favre has done it again. Except this time, he's done it bigger and better.

I'm at a loss for what to say about a man I've learned to re-love after selflessly giving up his passion for his fans.

And then, he goes and pulls a stunt like this.

What am I supposed to feel?

Gratitude? Yeah, I'm glad he's playing.

Sadness? Yeah, I'm sad he's playing against Green Bay's enemy.

Betrayed? Yeah, I think that encompasses most of my sentiment.

To Favre, from a fan who will never stop honoring you no matter what: Just let me be.

If at the end of the season your team is atop the NFC North, I'm not sure what I'll say.

But right now, I've had enough.

See, the thing Favre and I have in common is this: We both can't let go.

He can't let go of the game, and I can't let go of watching him play the game.

Does anyone know where I can get tickets to the Kansas City game this Friday?

Brett Favre: A Tribute to the Only Cheese Head That Can "Break My Heart"

Yvette — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:02:00 -0400

For Daniel, Rob, and Rocky. Thanks for all the support, all the time.

I’m standing in line at the local grocery store when out of the corner of my eye I spot a misplaced magazine.

As I move toward the rack, one hand carrying tonight’s chicken dinner the other a baker’s dozen cookies, I inch my way toward the rack careful to leave one foot in line. I don’t want to lose my spot.

The cover of the magazine shows a green sleeve designed with a nonchalant yellow stripe, a tattooed No. 4 on the jersey.

I know this jersey.

“Miss?” the cashier calls out to me.

I hear her, but I’m trying with all my might to grab the magazine.

“Miss, are you ready?” she asks again.

I look behind me and see the just-out-of-work folks falling into place in a line where the wait time has crept up to ten minutes. Instinctively, I nod for the lady behind me to go ahead.

I must see that magazine.

Brett Favre may not be the most well liked quarterback in the current scheme of things.

After all, it's tough to love a guy that decides to break the hearts of millions (yes, males included), make a sudden comeback the following season, re-retire, un-retire only to (almost) sign with a team Green Bay Packers’ fans can only describe as the epitome of rival, and then do an about-face and claim he’s not coming out of retirement after all.

Can someone say indecisive?

Alas, my point isn’t to write another “Dear Brett” letter nor is it to write about the sour taste he’s left in the mouths of many Cheese Heads.

Bear with me while I strive to make a case for a man I can sincerely say I still respect and admire in spite of the sour taste this Cheese Head has had in her mouth.

For those who have read my pieces (all eight!), my initiation into the Bleacher Report sphere began with an article originally titled, “Mike, Brett: Retire to Un-retire No More.” It was later retitled, “Players Who Declare Retirement Should Not Be Allowed to Play Again” by an intern editor, whose work I didn’t know I could reedit.

In this piece I was angry, bitter, and upset. To put it bluntly, I was being a girl.

While my draw to most athletes usually stems from their troubled past, Favre didn’t quite fit the mold of my favorite player. He was a genius on the football field and quite frankly looked like a Greek god in his green uniform. All sexism aside, the guy was undeniably great.

Say what you will about him, the guy has a track record like no other. He’s currently the only player with three consecutive AP Most Valuable Player awards, most career touchdown passes, and most consecutive starts as quarterback in the NFL. He led his Packers to seven division championships, four NFC Championship games, and achieved the ultimate in Super Bowl XXXI, where he led Packers Nation to a win.

A few other notable stats for the awesomeness that is Favre: he has the most career passing yards, most career pass completions, and most victories as starting quarterback.

He did all this in 17 seasons with Green Bay and as far as the media are concerned, only had one wife. Talk about committed, huh?

All humor aside, while his indecisiveness isn’t my favorite part about being a Favre fan, like everything else you have to take the good with the bad.

Yes the man also holds the record for most interceptions. No he didn’t win more than one Super Bowl.

But you can’t complete a pass unless you risk the interception. And the number of rings doesn’t equate the memories, stats, and dedication.

And the man did commit 17 years of his life to a nation that honored that committment with dedication, loyalty, and such an incredible fanhood it can only be described as scary.

While I at one point argued Favre should never have left, I can’t say I wasn’t happy just to watch him play when he did return, even if it was in a white uniform with a green stripe.

And with news breaking out today he will not, as previously thought, be coming back to play for the abominable men in purple, you have to respect Favre.

In an effort to sidestep the bitterness I may have had at one point, I have to admire a guy that won’t come back, not because he doesn’t want to, but because he can’t guarantee 100 percent. You can’t be upset at someone who demands perfection of himself, not for himself.

At one point I thought he was unwilling to let go of the fame, but now I realize more than ever it’s not about the fame—it’s about the passion.

In terms of relationship, Favre is doing what’s best for the fans even though we may not recognize it right now. Because it’d be too easy to come back, become a sell out, and feed the greed and need for his passion. Instead, he’s letting us go to be free to find another who is able to give us 100 percent.

And you know what? We deserve it.

And on the fateful day at Albertson’s, as the cashier announced my total was $20 and some change, I stared at the crumpled $20 bill in my hand.

I knew I should have brought my wallet.

I ended up losing my place in line and trading in my cookies for the magazine.

But those are the sacrifices one makes for those you love. And, as I’ve said a million times before, while Favre is the only person who can break my heart into little pieces, I can’t hate the guy for it.

He’s done it for the betterment of the relationship.

So Brett, in the words of Sir Elton John, “Don’t go breakin’ my heart.”

But in case you do—thanks for the memories.

Los Angeles Lakers-Denver Nuggets: Fourth Quarter Key to Laker Victory

Yvette — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:32:19 -0400

In a game where the Lakers were expected to come out firing on all pistons, they didn’t.

And for a minute, Lakers’ fans were left to wonder: Are we going to have to force a Game Seven for a shot at the finals?

If you’ve seen any of the games, you know the Lakers have been playing with about half of their talent potential, lost games that should have been won, and made some pretty hideous plays.

But tonight, fortunately, the basketball gods were watching over the Lakers and provided them the “umph” they needed to come out with a win to lead the series, 3-2.

The Lakers were able to capitalize on offense and defense in the fourth quarter, winning 103-94.

Kobe Bryant had 22 points, and Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Trevor Ariza, and Lamar Odom added 14, 12, 12, and 19, respectively.

Odom, who has been tagged the "X" Factor by head coach Phil Jackson, seemed to regain some momentum for the first time this series, and certified the nickname.

While a sluggish start forced the Lakers to battle it out throughout the first three quarters, the fourth quarter was anything but.

That being said, for those who have doubted the Lakers this postseason, here’s something to think about: It’s easy to doubt a team who isn’t playing to their potential. But the truth of the matter is that even when the Lakers have played half-heartedly, they have managed to create ways to take the series.

And while some may state the Lakers aren’t playing to their “playoff potential,” that’s precisely what makes them championship material. While teams like the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers have had to play to all out, night-in-and-night-out to win, the Lakers only need a mediocre performance to get by.

For opponents, that should be reason for concern.

I’m not defending the Lakers nor am I endorsing their middling performance. In fact, I’ve been one of those Lakers’ fans yelling at the TV, “You don’t deserve a championship!”

But in the end, it all washes out. I’d be devastated if the Lakers lost, and that’s the truth. So while I sit here and write this, I acknowledge the Lakers are going to have to play better, and they should probably do it soon.

In case you missed it, the Orlando Magic won Game Five against the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday to take a dominating series lead, 3-1.

And I really doubt the Magic are going to be so forgiving, if they face the Lakers in the finals. In fact, the Cavs would be a tough challenge as well.

While some people are expecting a huge Cavs comeback to feature the highly marketed Kobe Bryant vs. LeBron James matchup, I only have this to say: I don’t give a damn about LeBron and the Cavs.

So Lakers, from a dedicated fan, heed this advice: Play better, faster, cleaner, and whole-heartedly. I know you’re great, but make other fans and teams realize it too.

I only care that Bryant and Co. are holding that trophy at the end of June.

Orlando Magic-Cleveland Cavaliers: 10 Messages for LBJ and Gang

Yvette — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:42:51 -0400

Just a few notes for the Cavaliers from a Lakers fan who witnessed the intensity of what a passionate team is capable of accomplishing.

Hypocritical as it may sound, I’d like to venture into tonight’s Orlando Magic-Cleveland Cavaliers matchup to point out a few things.

The final score, 107-106, ending in a Magic victory, is not as important as the message delivered to the Cavaliers this evening.

Just a few notes for the Cavaliers to mull over:

1) Memo to LeBron James: you can be stopped, you can be defended, and you can be beat.

2) An 8-0 record means nothing if you lose the series to the underdog.

3) You’ll need more than King James if you want to be crowned victorious.

4) In your first real challenge of this postseason, you failed. No, we don’t care that you had an 8-0 record. No, we don’t care that you can play better. No, we don’t care that you have the league’s MVP on your side. No, we don’t care the margin of victory was one.

5) The Magic have passion too. We just don’t need the clapping “poof” powder to get us going (visualize LBJ).

6) What goes up, must come down. That means you, Cavs.

7) We don’t care that you only lost two games at home during the regular season. We only care you lost this one.

8) From Dwight Howard: Did you see what I did to that clock? I’ll do it to your team, too.

9) We’re hungry. We just beat the defending champions. Do you still doubt us?

10) If you didn’t believe in Magic, start. We can make you disappear.

You’ve been warned, Cavaliers. Don’t you dare take us for granted.

Fans Anonymous: A Place Of Healing For All (Satire)

Yvette — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:24:24 -0400

Disclaimer: Nothing mentioned in the article is real. All names, institutions, scenarios, and patients are made up. Please do not attempt to call or research this institution because it does not exist. The symptoms, issues, problems, and diagnoses do not exist, and there isn’t a Dr. MJ Baller, to the best of my knowledge anyway. Special thanks to DirecTV marketing for their "Displaced Fan Syndrome" creation.

Welcome to "Fans Anonymous," a place where fanhood prevails, even during those really crummy seasons when your team is simply playing awful, can’t seem to buy a W (welcome Detroit Lions’ fans), are cheating their way through the league (A-Rod or Manny fan, anyone?), doesn’t exist, or if you’re suffering from Displaced Fan Syndrome (brought to you by DirecTV and appropriately acronym-ed DFS).

If you, or anyone close to you, know of someone suffering from any of the aforementioned problems, “Fans Anonymous” (FA) is here to help.

We here at FA believe getting scorned for diligently cheering for a team that, let’s face it, isn’t going to be playing past the regular season (or getting made fun of for liking a team that you, let’s face it, have no business being a fan of), is completely uncalled for and have built this institution with principles of inclusion, and live by the motto of those famous musketeers, “all for one, and one for all.”

I’d like to introduce Mark, one of our veterans here at FA. He’s been a Cleveland Browns fan for 24 years, and has yet to see his team win a Super Bowl.

“It’s been tough,” Mark said, when asked what it was like being a fan of a hopeless team. “You want to wear your jersey out in public, but you can’t. If you do, people look at you like there is something wrong. It's not like Cleveland is known for sports.”

We hear you Mark. Alice, a 68-year-old woman, is a Seattle Super Sonics fan and understands Mark’s pain.

“You live in Seattle, and you think, ‘Wow, this is wonderful.’ And then, in a matter of a year, you find out that you spent thousands of dollars on Sonics merchandise for nothing,” Alice said. “And it’s not like you can sell it on e-Bay. Who wants merchandise from a nonexistent team?”

Alice has been coming here since the team was relocated to Oklahoma City, where they were renamed Thunder. A fan since the birth of the Sonics in 1966, Alice has no idea what to do.

Dr. M.J. Baller, a doctor specializing in the treatment of fanhood issues, says he has never seen anyone suffer from such a loss.

“It breaks my heart to see Alice,” he said. "I mean, I’m a doctor. A real good-looking, rich doctor. But I can’t create miracles. I can’t bring back a team that’s dead.”

Alice has had mild breakthroughs since the original interview, but progresses slowly, nonetheless.

Meet Preston, a 15-year-old boy out in Miami whose recent release from the institution is a success story.

“I remember being up at night, watching the game and thinking, ‘They have to win,’” the young boy said of the 2007-2008 atrocious Miami Heat season. “We had it all. They brought Shaq [O’Neal] in and won a championship. And a few years later, we’re having this devastating season.”

Preston has since been released, after Dwyane Wade became a contender for the MVP award and successfully brought his team back to the playoffs.

“It’s been so long since Preston has been this happy,” said Preston’s mother, Jane. “He plays with kids his age, is out in the sun, and is wearing his Heat jersey again.”

Kevin, a San Diego, California resident is one of our many patients suffering from DFS. He’s been a fan of the New York Yankees for seven years now.

“It’s hard,” he said, when asked about his long distance relationship. “You can only watch your team on TV.”

“Kevin’s story is an interesting one, but not rare,” said Dr. Baller. “His parents noticed that he would go away for days at a time, staying over at his friends. So apparently, his parents phoned his friend’s house one day and found out that Kevin’s friend had been missing for a few days as well.”

“It was a shock. We had no idea Kevin had been traveling to New York,” said his father, who didn’t want his real name to be released. “He would come home from school and say he wanted to buy some Yankees memorabilia. We would give him the money to buy his stuff, not realizing he was using the money to fly across the coast."

“The signs of DFS were all there,” said Dr. Baller. “In these cases, usually the patient asks for money. They go missing for days at a time and are sleep deprived from the jet lag.”

“We had always supported Kevin, because we knew he was upset that he lived in California, but we had no idea it was DFS,” said his mother, holding back tears. "He would sleep a lot, but I just thought he was tired from his dance classes."

Dr. Baller began his clinic in 2000 and since then his business—I mean, institution—has blossomed. Records indicate that DFS is a prevalent disease and Dr. Baller is one of the best specialists in the nation.

Dr. Baller received his Ph.D from Full Of It University, in Nowhere, Neverland. He currently resides on an island with his ferocious dog (a poodle), Psycho.

“Our goal is to get these fans to where they need to be, for recovery,” said Dr. Baller. “We listen, we care. Sometimes, these fans just need to be heard. We've seen a lot of progress, especially in Detroit Lions' fans. We've seen it all. And if we haven't, we'll go through it together. We're here to help.”

For those of you interested in venting, Dr. Baller will be holding a party—er, press conference—this Saturday.

For more information about the conference, please call 1-800-LOST-FAN.

So, hi folks. I’m Yvette. And I have DFS. I deal with my DFS by writing on Bleacher Report. What’s your story?

Writers Beware: Stop, You're Late

Yvette — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:57:49 -0400

For those of you writing about Manny Ramirez and the “oh my God” steroid phenomenon, stop.

For those of you writing about Derek Fisher’s “oh my God” flagrant two foul last night, stop.

For those of you writing about Brett Favre’s “oh my God” re-return, stop.

In the world of sports, you have to be fast. If you’re writing an article two hours after the game ended, the news broke, or any other “oh my God” moment, you’re three hours late.

I've read over fifteen articles today about those three topics in the last hour, and none of them presented me with news I didn't already know.

Ramirez is still suspended 50 games, Fisher is still suspended for Friday's game, and Favre has yet to sign with the Vikings. And in all honesty, all those topics cover my favorite tags: Dodgers, Lakers/Fisher, and Packers/Favre.

These are not words of discouragement, but rather words of encouragement. It’s tough to get your article picked in a crowd of one bazillion, let alone two bazillion articles about the same topic.

So writers pick up your pencil, pad, laptop, and Snickers bar and gear up for the next big thing.

Ah. There you go again. You’re already too late!

Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics: One Desire, Two Legends, Pt. I

Yvette — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:06:51 -0400

This is part one in a series of three articles written in collaboration with Rob. My series, "One Desire, Two Legends" discusses the Los Angeles point of view of the rivalry, while Rob's series, "A Tale of Two Cities," will enlighten us with the Boston perspective.

Stay tuned for the next part of "One Desire, Two Legends" and "A Tale of Two Cities," where the Angels/Red Sox rivalry will be discussed.

Until then, go LA!

Los Angeles has always been a city to envy with its bright lights, superstars, and riveting stories.

Truth be told, Los Angeles also plays host to some of the greatest hearts in sports, displaying passion, persistence, and talent.

It’s no surprise one of the most transcendent rivalries in all of sports stems from this very scene, the heart of all the stardom.

You needn’t be a child of the ‘80s to understand the intensity the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics brought forth. With some of the greatest names known to mankind, the two teams epitomize the true spirit of competition.

And now, we are embarking on a new era of that exact rivalry, one that will be unparalleled for years to come.

We may not have a Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, or Kevin McHale to entertain us.

But we have a Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Pau Gasol, Paul Pierce, Andrew Bynum, Ray Allen, and Lamar Odom.

And while they may not be playing the same style of basketball, the dynamics of the game are equally compelling, eccentric, and prodigious.

So, while we may build upon an established enmity, it’s the future we have to look to.

Use the past as a reference for great debate, but delve into a newly anointed competition that will set precedence for the unborn athletes who will come to play in these great cities.

Last year’s finals provide a painful memory for LA fans. But with that memory come feelings of remorse, anger, and a desperate need for redemption.

But what exactly makes this rivalry so epic and prestigious?

The NBA has supported this as one of the great stories for basketball fans all over the world. With a combined total of 31 championships between the two teams (17 for the Celtics, 14 for the Lakers), making for half of the 62 championships in NBA history, one can’t help but marvel at the phenomenon these teams have created.

The year 1984 was green and white, as Bird and the Celtics defeated the Lakers 4-3, in a series that belonged to the Lakers; that is, until the pivotal game five, when Boston took advantage and dealt the Lakers a slap in the face, taking on a 3-2 lead.

The Lakers rallied back to take game six and send the series to seven.

Game seven was the Lakers' last, most grueling obstacle.

As the Lakers tortuously fought back from a 14 point deficit, the Celtics sunk a couple of three’s, leaving the Lakers to come up 11 points short of a victory, and watch as Bird was crowned the MVP of the finals, confetti falling in green and white at the Garden.

The Lakers weren’t even able to leave Boston after the game, and were forced to remain another night, sulking in the Boston victory in Boston territory.

Celtics great McHale added insult to injury by coining the term “Tragic Johnson,” creating a more intense rivalry. Unbeknownst to him, he was taking part in a rivalry that would remain through two decades, and continue on through present day.

But the Celtics weren’t satisfied. They needed to add more insult atop their insult.

Bird said, "I'd like to give them the opportunity to redeem themselves. I'm sure they have guys who feel they didn't play up to their capabilities."

True to his words, the Lakers proved Bird right.

The following year in 1985, driven by vengeance and embarrassment from the previous year, the Lakers set forth a different outcome, marked by a 4-2 win over the Celtics.

Sweetest of all, the victory was commemorated with a territorial trespass in the—one and only—Garden.

Boston would bounce back and win again in 1986, but the rivalry wouldn’t be between green and purple, but against the Houston Rockets.

However, the trade of victories would again come in 1987, as the Lakers defeated the Celtics in a 4-2 victory, this time, celebrating the win at home.

It was a series that led Bird to say, "Magic is a great, great basketball player. The best I've ever seen."

Eat your words, Bird.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a Lakers fan, not a Celtics hater, but this year, I can feel the change. Grant it, I felt the transformation was in its infancy in 2000, when the Lakers began their glorious three-peat.

The embarrassment of last year’s finals resonates with LA fans. And one thing about LA fans, we don’t forget.

With the resurgence of the grand rivalry gaining strength in 2008, the Lakers and Celtics were new teams, with new faces, new wants, and new needs.

The Celtics were a team of three—talented, poised, and hungry—Pierce, Allen, and Garnett, respectively.

The Lakers were filled with talent, lacking in one particular area of expertise—experience.

The Celtics were victorious, yet again, against a becoming Lakers team.

No words will ever describe the vicious antics the Celtics unleashed in a six game series against the Lakers.

The Celtics edged out the Lakers by 39 points, a margin of victory so embarrassing, even Lakers fans had to hang their heads.

And still, we haven’t forgotten.

We haven’t forgotten the force with which Garnett played, the three-point makes by Allen, or the hovering defense by Pierce. Nor have we forgotten the sudden emergence of Rajon Rondo.

No, Boston, we have not forgotten.

To forget would mean we fail to acknowledge the great rivalry that exists between the two cities. And forgetting would also mean we let go of the fire that ignites us to play with more passion than ever.

So, while we may not forget, neither will we dwell.

But the time is now.

And now is the time for the Lakers.

Now is the time we turn “tragic” into “Magic” and regain the respect we deserve.

Now is the time we earn our anointment and reign over all other teams. Now is the time we redeem ourselves for the harrowing loss in the championship finals. Now is the time for us to show and reestablish the envy for Los Angeles.

Thank you Boston for the great strife.

It’s been real, it’s been fun. It’s been real fun.

But we’re ready for No. 15.

Nick Van Exel: A Tribute to a Los Angeles Lakers Nobody

Yvette — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:42:41 -0400

Sometime in Oct. 1997: Yvette, fifth grade, age 11

Dear Journal,

There’s this player, and he plays for the Lakers, that I really like.

He’s fast. Just so super fast! He’s like lightning!

He’s good at shooting threes! He wears some really long socks. I think his name is Nick Axel. I’ll ask my friends when I get to school.

I know it’s Nick, but the last name seemed longer when all the boys said it.

Anyway, I’m going to ask Mom to get me a jersey! If I get it, I’ll write back.

(big picture of a heart),

Yvette

(more big hearts)

Present Time

I distinctly remember the day Nick Van Exel entered my life. I was 11 and had been playing basketball for about a year, maybe a bit longer. It was a warm day in Oct. 1997 and I had learned the rules of basketball the previous year in fourth grade.

I was getting into what I like to refer to as my “sports persona” era (refer to my bio), and I thought wearing long shorts and high tops should be required as the school uniform.

Instead, I was rocking a white button up shirt and a navy blue skort with some navy blue Mary Jane shoes that I absolutely despised.

I’d refused to wear skirts because it was too hard to play basketball in them, so skorts were the compromise between my Mother and I. (For those of you who don’t know what a skort is—that’s where you wear shorts that have a sewn on flap in front so the front side looks like a skirt.)

So, I had already decided the Los Angeles Lakers were going to be the object of my affection and I would bleed purple and gold until the day I died. And, for the sake of fanhood, I had to pick my favorite player.

My transition into my sports persona was almost complete.

All I needed was a favorite player.

He was a player on the Lakers and was referred to as “Nick the Quick.” I later learned the correct spelling of his name was Nick Van Exel.

His class included players we would come to admire. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Allan Houston, Sam Cassell, and Chris Webber are a few names you may recognize.

But there was something about him.

At the time, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. He was just an average player, but he played with an intensity and hunger I had never seen.

He could shoot three-point field goals with his eyes closed and his nonchalant attitude was somehow intriguing.

However, if you know Van Exel, you know he wasn’t known for his calm attitude.

In 1996, Van Exel pushed referee Ron Garretson into a scorers table to protest a bad call.

The strained relationship between he and coach Del Harris was no secret to the NBA either. Everyone knew Van Exel had an attitude problem, to say the least, but his numbers were good enough that the NBA looked beyond his rap sheet.

I would read stories about the tension between Van Exel and teammates like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and (my other No. 1 favorite player) Derek Fisher.

I was in seventh grade when I read about the controversial comments he made about Jason Williams and his ostentatious style of play.

"If I was to do it, it would be like, 'You can't bring that playground ball to the NBA.’ But when he does it, it’s like, ‘Oh my God!'"

Van Exel went on to say Williams was able to get away with it because he was white.

While he was basically accusing the NBA of racism, Van Exel wasn’t helping his case any by putting forth such a negative remark to be tagged back to him.

But I admired him.

I was watching FSN’s Beyond the Glory one school night and the episode happened to be about Van Exel’s life.

I turned the volume up and unconsciously began to put away my homework. I didn’t leave the television that evening, not even during commercials, until the show was over.

Van Exel was one of the most dominant shooters during his prime years. He holds the No. 2 record for the Lakers for most three-point FGs made with 750 (he was surpassed by the Kobster).

He holds the No. 7 spot for the NBA record in the same category.

Before Robert Horry was designated Mr. Clutch, Van Exel was dropping the miracle shots.

But no one remembers that.

No one remembers because his temper, fade away stats, and personal instability are more prominent in the minds of many.

But, Nick, I’m here to remind everyone why you were super awesome.

I, fortunately, had the opportunity to see him play with the likes of Eddie Jones. I saw him play with Lindsey Hunter, and all the other Laker hoopsters who are retired, or surely on their way out.

I saw him play with a rookie Bryant, Elden Cambell, Byron Scott, Fisher, O’Neal, Travis Knight, and Corie Blount.

I saw him play against a loaded Chicago Bulls team.

And now, more than ever before, I’m able to pinpoint why the 6’1’’ hoodlum was such an iconic figure in my memory.

Van Exel’s childhood was not what one would expect for a basketball player. Grant it, his bold words and style of play were enough to question his childhood. But the idealized NBA professional more than likely didn’t have the upbringing this kid had.

At the age of 12, Van Exel was riding alongside his father in a hot-wired car. He was fending for himself after his father was jailed, and rarely saw his mother due to her overzealous efforts to provide for the young Nick.

Van Exel’s college career was quite impressive. He led the University of Cincinnati Bearcats to a Final Four appearance and became the university’s all-time leading scorer for most three-pointers made during his time.

And, he reportedly slept in his college gym to make ends meet. Some dedication.

When drafted to the NBA, Van Exel brought forth that aggression on the court. And he was reprimanded for it. Again. And again. And again.

But that wouldn’t deter my admiration for the basketball delinquent. His persistency and willingness to succeed drew me to admire him even more than the average 11-year-old girl’s admiration for the group N’Sync (who was very popular at the time, apparently).

I remember one particular game, during the regular season, where Nick’s valiant efforts were serving to no avail. His shoulders slumped and he sulkily hung a towel over his head.

Naïve and impressionable, I grabbed my sneakers and headed outside to play basketball. I would not sulk with Nick. I would play for him.

In retrospect, it may have been an odd choice to follow such a troubled player when I was at such an impressionable age.

But his careless antics and fervor attempts to win remained with me, even as he traveled to Denver, Dallas, Golden State, Portland, and finally, his last stop, San Antonio.

So, while I remember watching him play in the 1998 NBA All-Star game, it’s not the reason he resonates within me.

It’s that fearlessness, the long-traveled journey and the dire need to accomplish something.

Nick, you're the reason I sported the No. 9 on my jersey. You're the reason for my cheesy email name. You're the reason I got angry when my team would lose.

No Nick, you didn’t win the ring.

But you were the deepest Laker. The golden Nugget. The passionate Blazer. The lone Maverick. The fearless Warrior. The shiniest Spur.

Hell, you're Nick "the Quick" Van Exel. And don't you forget it.

Los Angeles-Chicago: Are the Lakers Ready For a Championship?

Yvette — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 03:28:47 -0400

For the third time this week, the Lakers put on a mediocre performance and came out with a win.

In a 117-109 win, the Lakers showed why they’re the best in the West and are contenders for the best team in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant came away with 28 points, while Pau Gasol ended the game with 23 on the score board.

However, no one would have predicted the outcome the way the Lakers came out and played in the first half.

Gasol came out and missed the first free-throw of the game and though the Lakers came out to take a quick 18-16 lead, they wouldn’t see their team up again until the fourth quarter.

Derrick Rose, the young rookie in contention for the Rookie of the Year award, and John Salmons made for a combined 55 points, but that wasn’t enough for the depth from the Lakers bench.

Salmons came out and hit a 3-point buzzer beater with less than a second left to set the tempo for half time.

Had you walked out after the first, or even second quarter, you would have thought the Bulls would be heading on to their fourth win in the row.

But you would have been wrong.

The Lakers ended the half as the underdogs, 62-48, but unleashed their defense in the beginning of the third. At the end of the second, the Lakers had a field goal percentage of 46 and the Bulls were shooting 59 percent from the field.

But the Lakers rallied and fought back, cutting the lead down to six by the end of the third quarter.

Bryant and Gasol entered the fourth quarter after the six minute mark, but the second unit managed to bring back and tie the game at 89 apiece at around the 10 minute mark.

Luke Walton hit the free-throw that gave the Lakers their first lead since the first quarter, 92-91 and went on a few seconds later to go on a 14-0 run.

The Bulls were done.

After this game, I sat down and analyzed the game a bit.

The Bulls were coming off a three game win streak and had managed to creep their way up to the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but even that couldn’t offset the intensity of the Lakers once they got going.

We’ve seen this before though.

The Lakers are dominant and have the ability to turn a mediocre performance into another tally in the win column, provide it they have the right people, coach, and plays.

Cohesiveness, you might say, has finally been attained. Bryant has finally learned to pass and managed to keep his personal life under the wraps. The team has finally managed to integrate second string players into the starting line up as needed.

Regardless of what the case may be, the Lakers have the “it” factor. They’re it.

Not to belittle any other team out there, but given the Celtics' recent slip down the totem pole, while not severe, is proof of their invincibility.

As for the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite their well seasoned players like Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Wally Szczerbiak, and Ben Wallace, their team offense revolves around LeBron James. When he collapses, it seems the Cavs have more than enough trouble building a strong game against other teams.

While I truly believe the Lakers are the team to beat and I consider myself a die-hard Lakers fan, it’s hard to come to terms when you’ve been let down.

I thought last year was their season too, but that was a bust.

The Lakers have been in the NBA finals five out of the last 10 years, and won three of those times. Those three championships were all won the first three of those 10 years.

Last season they put a run of the mill performance and managed to give the Celtics somewhat of a challenge and came away with two wins before the Celtics demised the Lakers.

It’s hard to make a case against a team who can just win like the Lakers.

So, have the Lakers finally found their perfect season?

Bryant and Gasol have made for the new and improved dynamic duo. Their No. 3 player is Lamar Odom who can easily be the No. 2 go-to-man. Trevor Ariza has such amazing agility, he can get the ball no matter where it goes. Derek Fisher is one of the best defensive players in the game. Luke Walton comes off the bench as the sixth man. And their bench can easily be the starting lineup for another team.

I think I’ve come to terms with them winning a championship.

Players Who Declare Retirement Should Not Be Allowed to Play Again

Yvette — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:07:01 -0400

We’ve all been there.

We watch them because they’re amazing, they can demonstrate skills that may never be seen again, and they can get your favorite team out of a jam in a second.

They’re some of the greatest athletes. And no matter how much we love/hate them, we watch them.

They’re the great athletes who retire and leave us with a hollow feeling in our hearts—a feeling of dread in our stomach. How will basketball survive without Michael Jordan? Who will ever match Brett Favre in most consecutive games started? How will the world go on if no one is boxing Muhammad Ali?

I’ve been there too—except it usually takes about three months before that empty feeling in my heart is temporarily restored because they come back. And the smile on my face is bigger than ever, as I momentarily catch my breath to hear those wonderful words, “I will be coming out of retirement.”

So it is, the world continues and the birds that had stopped their melancholy sounds come out of their little hiding places and sing again. And for another season, I remember what it’s like to be alive.

But it’s short-lived. Not only do they end up retiring again, but their comeback doesn’t produce the grandiose season you expected. Because not only have they broken your heart, they’ve forgotten to bring back their heart.

Don’t get me wrong, I was excited no less than you were when Jordan came back as a Wizard and Favre came back as a Jet. Maybe I was under false pretense, but I really thought they would be able to carry their mediocre teams and prove to the world why they, and only they, could we forgive for breaking our hearts.

When the postseason rolled around and our unforgotten heroes were nowhere in sight, I began to wonder whether I’d ever love anyone as much as I loved them.

And one day, with heaviness in my heart, I contemplated why I ever allowed them back in my life. So I decisively concluded to allow it no more.

Now, I feel as though I’ve gone through relationship counseling to forgive my idols for what they did.

So I say no athlete who publicly announces their retirement should be allowed back.

Well, let me rephrase. No athlete who publicly announces their retirement without a life altering emergency should be allowed back. The last stipulation is for Lance Armstrong who I have entirely forgiven.

For the others, retirement should be as much a commitment as playing for a team. When Jordan left for the diamond, he was leaving a world in which he would be marked one of the greatest players of all time. Apparently, that wasn’t enough.

When Favre said he wanted to play, but didn’t want to practice, he was basically saying he was too great to have to do what other “ordinary” players had to do.

When Roger Clemens decided to retire, he left on a good note, with a beautiful stat sheet. But the broken records and committed fans were not enough to keep this pitcher out of the bullpen.

Not to sound like a bitter fan, but with so much emotional baggage for the fans and indecisiveness on their part, why should they be allowed to come back?

To con us into buying new jerseys or keep us up until three in the morning on e-bay to make sure we win those (marked-up) tickets in case they decide to re-retire the following year? No thank you.

I refuse to be suckered in and purchase that new jersey. Well, except for Kobe. I mean, he changed his number, but I won’t complain since he’s never officially left.

What about their teammates? Those who dedicated themselves and have never known anything other than their all-star? What about their countless efforts to build an offense around one person?

Kudos to Mike McCarthy who gave Aaron Rodgers the opportunity to come forward and play.

Kudos to Rodgers for staying with the Green Bay Packers, knowing he wouldn’t be in the limelight until Favre retired.

I can’t pinpoint what makes them decide to retire. I don’t know if age is a factor. Fear of hitting decade No. 5 ? Perhaps. Fear of not performing up to expectations? Probable. Fear that this may be their last opportunity to leave with a high approval rating? Most likely.

Whatever the case, here’s my advice: Stay until the very end, until you’re truly certain it’s the end. Stay until you’re heart doesn’t skip a beat when you walk on the field or your pulse doesn’t race when you see your name on television. Stay until you can look fans in the eye and say “I will retire” without batting an eyelash.

But don’t come back because you’re not sure you can transition into life. Face it, one day, be it today or tomorrow, the transition will have to be made. Retire because you want to and not because you’re forced to because of injury.

Spare the fans. You owe it to us.

Those of us who TiVoed your games because we had to work late. Those of us who risked getting fired because we were on YouTube to watch your spectacular play from the night before. Those of us who (shamefully) would stay up until three in the morning to buy game tickets if and when you decide to un-retire (for the first, second, third or millionth time).

When all is said and done, we still heart you.