Bleacher Report - Articles by Jason Stoudemire

Jason Williams: The Talent and Drive To Win

Jason Stoudemire — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:15:43 -0400

"White Chocolate would've thrown that pass!"

"The Thrilla in Vanilla would've shot that three!"

Not anymore though, fans of roundball.

Why? Because he's not stupid.

When Jason Williams was traded to the expansion Memphis Grizzlies prior to the 2001-2002 NBA season, it was supposed to be a short period of time before he couldn't find a job due to his often-erratic style of play.

His fall from grace in Sacramento was a sight to see. The once beloved rookie who dazzled fans with fake behind-the-back passes and pull-up threes was now a laughingstock to many fans as he tried to stake his claim as a team player.

"I'd rather have 15 assists than 50 points," stated Williams during his rookie season during an interview.

So why, then, do fans still believe he is a showboat? Maybe it's the YouTube highlights that feature new mixes of J-Dub regularly. Maybe it's the cult following formed when he was in Sacramento. Maybe it's the loveable underdog story we as Americans love to tell.

The 6'1" white guy that weighs a buck eighty and is considered one of the greatest ball handlers ever and can seemingly score at will when called upon is a great story to tell.

J-Will is such a natural talent that he was still a top-10 pick, which is rare enough for point guards, and he only played half of his senior season at Florida due to his dismissal from the team for violating team rules.

The majority of NBA fans still think Williams is a showboat, as the image was carved into their skulls after watching his SportsCenter highlights and the occasional behind-the-back bounce pass fly out of bounds.

This is the same player that now owns an NBA championship ring and is an annual member of the NBA's top assist to turnover ratio leaders. He also learned how to become a role player, playing off of superstar Dwyane Wade for three seasons in Miami. Will he be back on South Beach? Probably not.

The Orlando Magic are pursuing the Orlando resident as you read this. Or, maybe they're not as this is being read after he signed, or five years down the road. In any event, play along.

Williams' agent, Dan Tobin, has stated that he has received interest in Jason from roughly six teams, and that the 32-year-old point guard could still start for a number of them.

His role with the Magic would most likely be backing up emerging star Jameer Nelson, providing veteran leadership, and earning between $2-4 million per season. Also involved would be throwing oops to freak-of-nature Dwight Howard, and most likely taking whomever the Heat start at point guard to school.

Williams is considered washed up by many "experts" of the league, and his best years are behind him. Are they?

Despite playing on an ankle he sprained twice during the game, Williams dropped his highest point total with the Heat (34) on the Magic and received praise from around the league for playing through agony as the Heat had already been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs months before.

Oh, but he's old now. (I'd challenge anyone not 6'9" or over reading this, including my gigantic 6'1" self, to go score two points in an NBA game. Not to mention on one leg. Ok, some of you may accomplish this, but for the sake of the article keep it to yourself. I'm trying to make a point.)

So, J-Will is looking for the right place to sign. A role with the Orlando Magic would add possibly another championship ring to his trophy case in the near future, adding to the great story to tell of a once-maligned star player that took the flash from his game, threw it out, and bought into his role as a leader and point guard for the Heat, or any team that needed him.

Kimbo Slice: An American Underdog in MMA

Jason Stoudemire — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:42:54 -0400

Before last night's debut episode of Elite XC Mixed Martial Arts on CBS, I already had a firm grasp on who Kimbo Slice was.

When I read the article on Slice in the June 2 issue of ESPN: the Magazine, it confirmed the "rumors" I'd heard from others about his tough life and the incredibly lucky turn it has taken.

A Division I football prospect coming out of high school in Miami, Slice's school was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. He was never offered the scholarships that likely would have awaited him due to a shortened season.

Slice did whatever he could for money; bodyguarding for a pornography company is his most famous job. He lived in a Nissan Pathfinder and was a homeless man looking for a way to rise from the ashes of unfortunate circumstances.

Then YouTube began posting Kimbo's street fights, which received millions of hits. He would fight for money, and seemed to be a different person during battle. He would almost suck the life out of his opponents with his ability to manipulate their minds into thinking they would lose.

Then world-renowned cage fighter Bas Rutten began training Slice for MMA combat, as Slice was desperate for paychecks.

Slice made an estimated six figure check from Saturday night's fight with James "The Colossus" Thompson.

Thompson was obviously the bigger of the two fighters, but Slice and his chiseled man-beast frame fought valiantly, even when he did struggle on the mat.

Many of the viewers, including the fight's commentators, believed the fight was ended too early. I myself thought that Thompson looked ready to fight after his ear exploded.

I am not going to pretend I have any clue about the rules of stopping a fight. However, if a guy's "cauliflower ear" explodes and is spraying blood thanks to a punch and the puncher continues to go after said ear, the referee seemed to make the right call in terms of safety.

Is he as experienced as a UFC fighter?

Of course not.

He is a ruthless street fighter from one of the toughest cities in the country. He is also a 235 1/2-pound warrior who is surprisingly soft-spoken and humble for a person of his internet fame.

The cult-like following Slice has received since entering the homes of millions has shown how Americans love the story of the underdog, whether he is a fictional Rocky Balboa or a real Tom Brady.

Slice appears to be staring into the souls of his opponents with the hunger the 34-year-old Bahamian has had for decades.

Does he have a lot to learn?

"I have a lot to learn," stated Slice post-fight.

However, it is hard not to root for a man who is fighting for not only for the money he's never had, but for his family.

Big Brown's Trash-Talking Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. Becoming Stuff of Legend

Jason Stoudemire — Thu, 29 May 2008 16:05:59 -0400

Horse racing may be the most "royal" of sports in today's world, but don't tell Rick Dutrow, Jr, trainer of Big Brown.

With Big Brown being one win away from the coveted "Triple Crown," winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in one season, Dutrow Jr. has guaranteed victory. The added mustard onto the Belmont Stakes provided by Dutrow gives the majority of Americans, non-caring horse racing fans, to be interested in the outcome. Will Big Brown win the Crown?

Dutrow sees it as a "foregone conclusion."

Apparently, a horse in Asia named "Casino Drive," but Dutrow disagrees with horse experts that say he can beat Big Brown.

"I'll be in the winner's circle when they get to the quarter pole. That's how I feel. I don't see that this horse can beat him," Dutrow said of Drive.

Big Brown is named after the United States Parcel Service and is also sponsored by them, adding a twist of irony and a public relations dream for UPS. Fast horse, fast packages. Legendary.

Horse-only enthusiasts probably aren't used to trash talk like the rest of the world, but it's refreshing to see a war of words in the media of equestrian, a war that Dutrow is single-handedly creating.

A Belmont Stakes brawl would be worth any amount of money one has paid to watch UFC fights or Mike Tyson comeback bids on Pay-Per View. I don't like the odds.

Imagine for a second the mayhem that would ensue with fighting jockeys and horses that weigh 1,000 pounds.

Kudos, Dutrow. Kudos. Best of luck in the future. I'm sure we'll be hearing from you.

Confessions of a Teenage Sports Fan

Jason Stoudemire — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:44:46 -0400

Ever since I can remember, professional sports have made up the outline of my life. In kindergarten, I always knew the scores to the previous nights' games in each sport, mainly basketball, baseball, and football.

I started picking my teams in the early elementary years of my adolescence, starting first with the Detroit Lions in first grade, San Francisco Giants in second, and the San Antonio Spurs in third.

I used to regularly sneak into the school library, and still do, to check scores, updates, and transactions in the sporting world.

The day that Barry Sanders retired was one of the worst cries of my young life, as my hero on the gridiron of Detroit was hanging up the cleats to the greatest career a running back has ever endured. That day lives on in my memory like it was yesterday.

After I read a book about Mr. Sanders in first grade, I was hooked. To this day I watch every Lions game, consider the players members of my family, and tend to damage things after an incredibly hard loss. (I broke my ceiling fan after a loss to the Broncos in 2003).

When kids need a score, they ask me. When they need how many points Kobe scored last night or how many assists Deron Williams had, they ask me. When they want to know who's pitching for whoever tonight, they ask me. That is something I'm proud of and if it makes me a loser, throw stuff at me, I don't care.

The life I lead does not end there, as I constantly think about writing articles and consider conveying messages on paper one of the greatest ways of self expression and personal belief.

The influence that sports on television and the media have had on me created my dream to be a writer for a major sports media outlet or other highly-respected source.

My knowledge of the world of competitive sports have allowed me to try out the style I'd be most suited for pursuing. Detroit Free Press's Mitch Albom has written great stories on the Lions about things the typical fan doesn't think of, behind the scenes stuff. DJ Gallo of ESPN.com and SportsPickle.com has shown the beauty of satire by poking fun at a planet taken too seriously by its citizens.

The two writers above are probably not known by many of the kids I associate myself with. They don't know the NBA record book like I do, don't know who won last night like I do, or have a real plan for their future...like I do.

Now, don't get me wrong. Everyone's got their own thing. But, the lack of professional sports knowledge seems to be growing at an alarming rate.

I'm not tooting my own horn, but I believe in having goals and writing about sports is what mine is. Plus, in the words of comedian Daniel Tosh about smoking pot, "I'm not in the seventh grade and have things to do."

The techniques and styles I've studied and uncovered have allowed me to practice my trade.

I write articles regularly for one of my best friends, usually satirical. This person is one of the few friends I have that will listen to me talk randomly about the events of deportes, for my Spanish-speaking amigos. The experience I've gained from this has allowed me to write for this site and hopefully put my obsessions to good use in the future.

Here is an example of my view on life: (I'm probably not the only one of us that's done this or thought about doing it) my freshman year of high school, in early October, I skipped the Homecoming Dance to go and see the Lions play the next day. Why? I needed my rest and wanted to enjoy the moment of DEEEEE-Troit Foot-ball.

Maybe this way I won't turn into an obsessive freak show like Sy the Photo Guy from "One Hour Photo" or Dr. Hannibal Lecter for the "Silence of the Lambs," "Hannibal," and "Red Dragon."

Maybe I will or already have. But it's nothing ESPNNews can't cure. Be right back...

San Antonio Spurs' X-Factor: Brent Barry

Jason Stoudemire — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:03:02 -0400

If the San Antonio Spurs expect to win a back-to-back title for the first time in franchise history, they will have to do so trailing the best team in the West led by the league's MVP.

Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are giving the Spurs all too much to handle in this Western Conference Final.

A balanced attack led by Bryant with contributions from Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, and Jordan Farmar have enabled the Lakers to take a 3-1 series lead with them to Los Angeles for Game 5 in the Staples Center on Thursday.

The series began with a Laker triumph in Los Angeles. Bryant, who is never one to shy away from a shot, attempted only three of them and had one field goal and two points at the half.

The league's MVP went on to score 25 points in the second half, also adding nine assists. The Lakers would also win Game 2 at home before flying to San Antonio and getting shallacked in Game 3 by 19 points, led by Tim Duncan's 22 points and 21 rebounds.

The media, which has been terribly inconsistent in terms of who has the upper hand in the series, proclaimed that the defending champion Spurs were back and that this series would go seven games.

However, the Spurs lost Game 4 at home by two points late in the game Tuesday night. So, which player other than Duncan would step up on this night?

None other than showman guard Brent Barry.

Barry is one of the more unlikely candidates to recapture his youth on the current Spurs roster filled with aging veterans to accompany young stars like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

After winning a title with the Spurs last season, Barry was released and found himself waiting for a team that needed a shooter to call. Surprisingly, it was the Spurs...again. Barry signed on and appeared in 31 games while only playing in 17 minutes per contest.

Also on the Spurs 2005 NBA Championship team, Barry's career has seen him suit up in five different uniforms, win a dunk contest, and be compared to Pete Maravich as a playmaker that could handle the ball and make tricky passes. A capable scorer, his career average is nearly 10 points per game and he is 10th on the all-time list for career three-point makes.

Barry's role for San Antonio has been simple: don't turn the ball over, be a leader, and shoot.

However, in Game 4 against the Lakers, he was one of the only veterans on the team to actually step up. He scored a playoff career-high 23 points, hitting 7 of 14 shots, and playing 27 minutes.

Barry also played well defensively, with two steals and many deflections when Bryant or Lamar Odom would enter the paint and look to pass or hesitate.

When Barry plays, the Spurs score. When he doesn't, they struggle to. Another shooter on the floor takes the double team away from Duncan more frequently and opens up San Antonio's offense for dribble penetration and the pick and rolls we're accustomed to seeing from them.

So gather round the tube and enjoy the re-birth of Brent Barry in the Lonestar State. It could be a "Barry" good series. I apologize

Need Some Cheese? NBA Players Must Quit Whining

Jason Stoudemire — Sun, 25 May 2008 09:25:37 -0400

The NBA's current public persona isn't exactly the greatest of the four major sports.

The Tim Donaghy betting scandal has shed a negative light on the league, although it's been mostly back-page news. The drug problems that plague baseball and football aren't as much of a problem in the NBA, but the maturity of its players is becoming a growing concern on the court.

The adrenaline rushes in an NBA game must be unbelievable for these players. Superstars and bench warmers alike seem to be entranced with the competition on the court. However, enough is enough.

It seems now that 98 percent of foul calls are wrong in terms of the players, and each one is greeted with wide eyes and hands-in-the air expressions. The moaning and groaning has become especially bad in the playoffs, with the thirst of competition at its highest level.

During David Stern's two-week-or-so period of rule changes to sharpen the league's image last season, he stated that players disagreeing with referees is natural, but that they do not need to throw a temper tantrum each time the whistle is blown.

This has apparently been ignored, as players of all teams have taken to berating referees each time they miss or make a shot that was contested. These instances have even been taking place more and more while the clock is running.

The NBA may be the league whose players are most well-known just by their faces. They are a part of the only major sport in the country that doesn't have to cover their faces or heads while competing, adding to the commercial industry of the league.

NBA players are the most well-known athletes in the country as a whole, and the examples they set are highly scrutinized both on and off the court.

"Good guys" such as Tim Duncan and Steve Nash are notorious crybabies. Watch the Spurs and Suns play, and they will disagree with almost every call, creating negative images for the casual fans of the NBA who know these future Hall of Famers to be good people and great players.

Now, these are not the only two players who moan and groan about lack of refereeing or too much of it, but they are some of the most successful players in the league, with two MVP awards each. MVPs are the face of the league, and these players are known as leaders in the NBA and communities in which they play.

Possibly the most annoying and immature on-court player in NBA history is Rasheed Wallace. Seeing him in person is like seeing an episode of South Park.

I've heard him say choice phrases I can't repeat for fear of getting shunned by the editors of this website. It almost appears that he loves b-tching about every call, as he has said publicly that he strives on playing with emotion.

Emotion is one thing, but expressing it negatively is getting older than Dikembe Mutombo; fans of this great league deserve more.

San Francisco Giants: Tim Lincecum Making Barry Zito an Afterthought

Jason Stoudemire — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:26:16 -0400

The San Francisco Giants have wasted roughly $130 million for the next eight seasons on one-time Cy Young winner Barry Zito as of his current winless record. (Note: Zito is in action today, May 23rd. It probably won't change, though).

Zito was signed to a free agent contract prior to the 2007 season at the highest rate for a pitcher of all time. He and agent Scott Boras agreed to the Giants 'contract offer after a furious battle to acquire the left-hander between the Giants and New York Mets.

Upon arriving with the Giants, Zito was befriended by OF Barry Bonds, and the two were seen enjoying each other's company all of Spring Training.

Bonds made "Don't Ask Me, Ask Barry" t-shirts with arrows pointing at the other Barry, and the most media-hunted players in San Francisco wore them simultaneously.

All was beautiful. Then, the season started.

2007 for Barry Zito was like a light switch. On, off, on, off.

In his first game back in Oakland, Zito lost a 15-3 decision and gave up seven runs and seven walks. Zito finished the season 11-13 with a 4.53 ERA.

Part way during the 2007 season, another pitcher made his Giants' debut. On May 6, 2007 the young phenom and top Giants' pitching prospect made his first career start on ESPN.

A year later, Tim Lincecum is one of the best pitchers in the majors and is helping Giants fans get over the waste of time that is, and eventually was, Barry Zito.

Linecum has it. Ask his teammates that call him "Franchise." Ask people, who pass him on the street and see a 5'11, 170 pound pitcher, with no idea who he is.

Lincecum, who wears #55, was fifth in the National League in strikeouts last season and is currently 6-1 with an ERA a shade over two runs.

He is also amongst the league leaders in strikeouts and is currently one of the top pitchers in the league—American or National.

Lincecum's pre-Giants life was filled with accolades. Leading his high school team to the 3A state title, being named Washington's High School Athlete of the Year, and being drafted by the Chicago Cubs right after his Senior year of High School.

Lincecum attended the University of Washington to sharpen his delivery and mound command. Only 334 days after the Giants drafted him tenth overall in 2006, he took the mound and had earned a spot in a young rotation filled with promise.

Lincecum may be most recognizable for his unique delivery. A rear-back and hurl kind of repertoire adds more torque and momentum for the "small" Lincecum. His delivery gives him the added technique of hiding the ball as long as possible so that the hitter can't read the pitch in time.

Tim Lincecum. Barry who?

Reggie Miller's Lingo Making Kevin Harlan Sound Even More Boss

Jason Stoudemire — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:32:05 -0400

TNT NBA Analyst and color commentator Reggie Miller's ability as a broadcaster is about as smooth as his two-handed push shot during his NBA career.

The best three-point shooter in NBA history, Miller ended his comeback bid with Boston during training camp prior to the 2007-08 season to officially join the broadcast booth for TNT, after going back and forth between the two for a few years. His stint with TNT has been marred by overexaggeration, terrible descriptions and over-the-top banter with his sister Cheryl, the sideline reporter.

Sadly though, Miller remains in the booth, usually with the legendary Marv Albert.

With Miller in the booth, it furthers my apparent obsession with the basketball-themed heaven-sent tunes that come from the gullet of Kevin Harlan, the Bill Russell of NBA broadcasting.

Kevin Harlan is the epitome of greatness as he successfully shapes games on TNT with his obviously perfected form of the English language.

My proof? The terms "Buckle Up!" "Oh BABY what a play!" Right BEE-TWEEN THEEE EYES!" "Flight (whoever dunked jersey number) is cleared for landing!" "He has been a FLAME-THROWER TONIGHT" and the legendary "OH Look out! Ride Em Cowboy" come to the mind of this fan.

LeBron's facial, as I've alluded to in another article regarding Harlan, is the greatest call in NBA history.

"LeBron James, with no regard for human life!"

The depth of Harlan's ability to paint a picture like Van Gogh adds to his aura in the Reggie Miller broadcasting era.

The next time one of Miller's games is going to commercial, listen to his description about either what just happened during the game, what is happening and why they went to time out, or what is being shown on the replay. Listen to his pathetic attempt to sound somewhat cool and unique. I'm sorry, Miller fans, but I wish he would've gone to Boston.

(On the Side: When Bill Walton returns to his legendary healthy self, he should sign with TNT and team up with Harlan to form the greatest duo in broadcast history, with no regard for human life.)

NBA Playoff Coverage: Kevin Harlan Rules

Jason Stoudemire — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:04:03 -0400

There are certain writers one reads that have that unique style of projecting their opinions or feelings into words in an article or column. The same can be said about television play-by-play and color commentary voices for sports games on TV and on the radio.

Vin Scully, the long-time Dodger announcer, sounds like he's 95-years old. Joe Morgan and John Miller's laid-back and friendly voices make Sunday Night Baseball easy to listen to, and Bill Walton's verbiage and ability to pick favorites over the course of an NBA game is hilarious.

Anytime I go to a game, the first people I look for are the commentators, especially if it's nationally televised.

From college football sideline reporter Erin Andrews (Marry Me?) to NBA color man Hubie Brown, I've seen some of the best looking and creative play-by-play people of my time.

Any time one listens to ex-coach Brown, this is what he/she needs to listen for:

"Yeah, I like Delonte West. He'll get you the 8-12 points and the 4-6 assists but he also has the ability to hit the outside shots."

Duane Kiper, who works for Bay Area Fox Sports Net, is more known for the Barry Bonds' homerun calls than he is for anything else.(He hits it hiiiiiiigh, heeeee hits it deeeeeeeeeep). This ability to have a voice thaat the fan picks up instantly as that person's is what makes someone either a top analyst or terrible one.

Kevin Harlan of TNT has the best voice in professional sports. Case Closed. End of discussion.

With an emphasis on big plays, Harlan can turn even the most pathetic game into a showcase of beautifully constructed comparisons and over-exaggerations for any fan to enjoy. His work in the NBA Playoffs has been otherworldly.

In Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal between the Cavaliers and Celtics, Harlan had one of the greatest calls in the history of the civilized world, although it is very under appreciated.

As LeBron James dunked on the Boston Celtics roster, fans, and front office staff late in the game, Harlan's use of the English language was a sound that could be heard throughout the free world.

"Here goes LeBron...OH! LeBron James with no regard for human life!!"

What human life has to do do with that dunk is not for certain, but the ability for Harlan to reach into the holster and pull out that legendary gem of a call is what makes for great TV and commentary.

Harlan's other in-game regular calls on made jumpers include: "Right beeeetweeen theee eyes!" "He is on FIRE!"

So, listen who you listen to sports fans of America. I'm listening to Kevin Harlan. Why? Because I have no regard for human life!!

Chris Paul: Best Point Guard in the NBA

Jason Stoudemire — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:28:34 -0400

Chris Paul plays pool with Michael Jordan. He donates much of his time to needy children and Hurricane Katrina victims. He is sponsored by Air Jordan, and on his shoe wrote the name of a child he never got to meet. The child died of cancer and his one wish was to meet Chris Paul.

I am proud to say that I have witnessed the phenomenon that is CP3.

While in Orlando I saw one of his worst games of the season. Paul was 6-19 from the field with 19 points and 12 assists. He was absent from the highlight reel, but his ability to impact a game when he struggles from the field is bested only by LeBron and Kobe.

Paul's ability to enter the lane and hesitate to make the defense guess is the best in the league. He never makes the wrong decision. Most of his points come off pick-and-rolls and his ability to read the defenders in the lane this postseason has been unmatched, thus far.

Whether it is a lob for Tyson Chandler, kick-out passes to Morris Peterson and Peja Stojakovic, or just him taking it in for the lay-in, Paul always picks correctly.

This is his first postseason and Paul has averaged 24.3 points and 11 assists. His Hornets defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs and are now in a battle with the Spurs as they try to upset the defending champions.

On February 10 of this past regular season I was able to see Kobe play for the first time. Whether one was a Pakistani tourist or an avid NBA fan, Kobe had a swagger that made fans believe he was unstoppable.

Paul is the same way. His confidence is never shaken and his ability to read the defense and make an extra pass on the break is unparalleled in today's game of one-on-one basketball.

"There's nothing he doesn't have—heart, talent, knowledge," noted Allen Iverson, fellow little-man of the NBA. "He knows when to shoot and when to get others involved. He has a complete understanding of the game."

Fellow All-Star David West has also been able to launch his career off of the leadership and vision of Paul. Stojakovic and Peterson have re-grasped their reputations as sharp-shooters, and Chandler has been able to salvage an above-average NBA career for one who has the shooting ability of our current Vice President.

All of these are thanks to Paul's unselfish play.

Chris Paul is the league's top point guard, and no one else even comes close. That's right, no one.

Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson: The Best is Yet to Come

Jason Stoudemire — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:13 -0400

Calvin Johnson was by far the most talked about rookie of the 2007 NFL Draft Class before the season began. When the Detroit Lions selected Johnson number two overall, Mel Kiper, Jr. and his beautiful head of hair said that Johnson was the best player on the board and that the Lions should not pass him up.

This came after the tragic selections of WRs Charles Rogers and Mike Williams in years past. But they were history and GM Matt Millen had to get another receiver to go along with Roy Williams to produce one of the top wideout tandems for years to come.

Johnson's modest personality and humble attitude make him a rare commodity among the receivers of the NFL, known for being the players who are the loud-mouth, immature "kids" of the league.

Johnson's natural ability is far from modest, however. He stands at 6'5", runs a 4.3 40-yard dash, and has a vertical leap of 42 inches.

Put those numbers alongside the freakish athletic ability of fellow starting wide receiver Williams, and one may have an argument in the future for best tandem...EVER.

Johnson hurt his back during a loss, albeit a drubbing, to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week Three.

Even though he made a spectacular leaping catch on the play, the original diagnosis was a week-to-week bruise. Still, Johnson found himself taking the painkiller Vicodin twice a game for much of the season. He regretted not getting healed up and playing through the pain.

"That's what really stopped me. That's really why I couldn't run. It bothered me the whole season. I'd take a little something every week just to get through the game. When you try to push off the ball and stuff, it hurts," stated Johnson during recent offseason activity.

Although he is not one to make excuses, Johnson believes that with a healed back he'll be twice as good this season.

"Last year, I'd say I could have done twice as good," Johnson said Wednesday. "If the top is 10, I'd say I was a five last year."

Whether or not the Lions will contend next season remains to be seen. But with Calvin Johnson as a major target for Jon Kitna or Drew Stanton, anything is possible.

The Shots Heard 'Round the NFL

Jason Stoudemire — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:57:31 -0400

Of all the people in the NFL, who would've thought HE would be marred in a controversy.

My team, the Lions, just had a newly signed safety charged with battering his pregnant girlfriend, but Marvin Harrison is different. He's not the typical loud-mouth wide receiver that exercises on his driveway, hits people with cars, and smokes the Mary J.

He's a quiet, often transparent figure in the NFL tabloids, where arrests occur on almost a daily basis. I'd never heard a negative thing about him until last Friday, when he was supposedly involved in a shooting in Philadelphia at a place he owned. Was he really? Chances are, we'll never know the whole story.

According to ESPN.com, he is not a suspect in the shootings, and he and his agent have called the reports "erroneous."

According to various legal minds covering the story, "if your gun is used in a crime in the state of Pennsylvania, you're automatically charged, and most likely arrested."

I don't know what he would be charged with, but a Marvin Harrison mug shot would be something I didn't plan to see in my lifetime. A legacy-ruiner if any of it pans out to be true. Many people thought Marvin Harrison was one of the last good-guy receivers in the league today.

The evidence mounted recently on Harrison, as six of the bullet casings fired in the shooting belong to one of Harrison's guns, which is rumored to be one of his twenty. This could lead to a possible arrest in the future, but Philadelphia police still claim he's not a suspect, and he was only interviewed as a part of police procedure.

In today's world, a reader of a major sports website or news source can't flick or scroll through headlines without seeing steroids, drugs, or arrest in a headline. This shocking story of Marvin Harrison's alleged involvement with firearms spells out the inevitable question itself: Whether the allegations are true or false, depending on what one believes, who else is there to root for? Let's hope they're false. For the NFL, and pro sports in general.

Kevin Smith: Welcome to Detroit

Jason Stoudemire — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:53:22 -0400

July 27th, 1998. I remember it well, sitting in my computer class in elementary school "researching" things. The internet allowed me to hear the news that Barry Sanders had retired from the NFL after ten years and in striking distance of an easily-attainable all-time rushing record. "The Day the Lions Died" is what I think of it as.

And we Lions fans needed the replacement. We all thought James Stewart admirably filled in and gave us some cheers. Kevin Jones made a Pro Bowl. But, it wasn't the same. We needed the reincarnation, and someone to look forward to watching.

And thanks to pick 64, Kevin Smith was drafted to the Lions.

It's not everyday when a player you root for in college football and go see in person numerous times gets drafted by your team in the National Football League. Kevin Smith is giving me the rare opportunity. He fell 81 yards shy of Mr. Lion's single season collegiate record of 2,629 rushing yards.

Now, I realize Central Florida isn't USC, but I also realize that against ranked NC State in the first game of the season he rushed for over 200 yards and his first play from scrimmage was an 87 yard touchdown run. Not good enough? University of Texas, 149 yards, 2 touchdowns. Kevin Smith is what us Lions fans have been waiting for.

Season line: 450 carries, 2,567 yards, 29 touchdowns.

Durability is something Lions fans need from a running back. Kevin Jones' entourage should've included a personal trainer, ambulance and crutches. Sure, he was great when healthy, but the key word was "when." Now, the Lions draft a back that carried the ball 30 times in five games, 40 times in 3 games, and only had less than 20 carries once last season.

Jones was often hampered by injuries even though, when healthy, he was a top-10 NFL back. Smith provides durability to the running back position and a chance to start over Tatum Bell. New Offensive Coordinator Jim Colletto brings a solid reputation as a "running guy," as he was the coordinator in Baltimore when Jamal Lewis ran for over 2,000 yards.

With the Lions now focused as much on running as passing, the future is bright in the continued effort to bring alive the magic Barry brought. There will never be another Barry Sanders. Hopefully, in 20 years, the same will be said about Kevin Smith.

Miami Heat's Jason Williams: Still Ballin'

Jason Stoudemire — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 12:39:15 -0400

He really was once that flashy.

With tattooed arms and a cocky swagger about his game, he was the young floor general of the Sacramento Kings. The shots he took, however rushed and ridiculous, were expected to go in.

This was the player the University of Florida gave up on and kicked out because he violated team rules.

This player was a seemingly pissed off point guard with a mission to irritate the media, to become the Eminem of the NBA.

This is no longer the case. The tattoos are still there, but that's about it.

Actually, he's been inked a few more times since his arrival in Miami before the 2005-2006 season, but the new Jason Williams, point guard of the Miami Heat, is not the same player he once was.

Whereas he would've pulled up for an off-balance three-pointer back then, he now merely pulls the ball out, looks for trailers, and runs Head Coach Pat Riley's offense. (Well, the occasional pull-up three may still occur.)

Instead of throwing it off the glass for a player running behind him for the Sports Center highlight alley-oop, he now takes it in himself or simply turns and hands it off.

The flashiness, for the most part, is gone.

Of course, when watching—okay, sitting through—the current Miami Heat games, one will see the behind-the-back passes for which J-Will was once so famous. Williams is no longer as interested in winning games as he is in winning a second championship.

His job has changed.

In Sac and Memphis, he was expected to be a major scoring contributor night in and night out. Now, J-Will and the Heat can also rely on Shawn Marion and Dwayne Wade.

Williams is now responsible for running the offense, running the offense, running the offense, shooting, and running the offense.

With Wade and Marion out for the season, J-Will has shown that he can still score and be a top-flight NBA point guard, averaging 14 points per game in March.

In one of those games, against the Heat's in-state rival the Orlando Magic, J-Will exploded for 34 points and sprained his ankle twice. Games like these show that given the right situation, the ability is still there for J-Will.

He has said he wants to remain in Miami but team officials will most likely be thinking differently this offseason.

Most likely they'll give Marcus Banks and an expected pickup the chance to start at point guard, leaving J-Will, currently in the last year of his contract with Miami, to test the free agent market.

A family man, and one who regularly gives back to underprivileged children, is what J-Will has always been.

A thug with a different agenda and bad attitude is something he has never been. Other than a few scraps with fans early on in Sacramento, J-Will has stayed out of negative tabloids.

He's never been arrested, though he's part of a league in which that's untrue for most.

This, from a player Coach Phil Jackson likened to American History X characters during team meetings.

This, from a player who stays out of the media spotlight and is regularly the first member of the team off the court in an effort to not be interviewed. He'd rather just go home and unwind.

Jason Williams...now you know him.

Dirk Nowitzki Playoff Collapse Now Imminent With Weak Support System

Jason Stoudemire — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:18:58 -0400

With the Mavericks in the heat of the Western Conference playoff race, its captain and top-scorer Dirk Nowitzki has been sidelined for roughly two weeks with a sprained knee and ankle.

The reason for the injury was a collision with Spurs G Ime Udoka, leaving Nowitzki lying on the floor helplessly. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacted to the injury Tuesday afternoon from one of his seven homes in Dallas.

“We’re pretty much screwed. I mean, Dirk can barely keep us afloat in the postseason when he’s healthy, and now this? Ask Miami and Golden State if I’m joking. One push or shove and a playoff collapse for my Mavericks and Dirk is about as full-proof as my wearing a t-shirt and imitating charge calls from my seat behind the basket next game,” noted Cuban as he flexed his pectoral muscles for all to see.

Nowitzki, last season’s Most Valuable Player, was virtually transparent during the Mavs’ first round series against the 8 seeded Warriors. The top-seeded Mavericks were defeated in seven games with Nowitzki and the Mavs being endlessly persecuted on the defensive end of the floor.

The season before, the Mavs held a two game lead in the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat before Dwayne Wade decided to throw passes to his teammates, rather than spectators and the Heat rolled off four straight victories. The Heat won the series in Dallas, where many fans began calling out Dirk for his lack of leadership and heart, not to mention his apparent lack of a hair brush and personal hygiene all-together.

“Dirk has gotten to play with arguably the two best point guards of this generation in Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. Now even though Steve Nash hands off the ball for assists and Kidd shoots with as much aim as Dick Cheney, it’s still another way to blame Nowitzki for being such a Sally-faced Nancy boy,” stated TNT NBA analyst Reggie Miller who correctly formulated sentences for the first time in his stint with TNT.

Nowitzki was unavailable for comment due to his rigorous workout regimen including awkward leg kicks in order to strengthen his knee and ankle, causing Miller to re-capture his annoying approach of player descriptions.

“Yeah, that’s another thing. I may have shot with two hands, but Dirk kicks his legs out. Totally lame-oh! I was much better losing in the playoffs that he is.”

The imminent collapse of the Mavericks should occur in late April and will be all Nowitzki’s fault.

No longer available

Jason Stoudemire — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:51:17 -0400

no longer available