Two of the sports journalism industry’s best were hit with unfortunate events yesterday:

• Washington Post writer and PTI co-host Michael Wilbon suffered a minor heart attack last night at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is reportedly back at his house after doctors had to clear up a minor artery blockage. We wish him a speedy recovery.
• Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan’s son, Keith, 37, reportedly took his own life. His body was found at his residence in Islamabad, the city of which he worked for the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Our thoughts go out to him and his family.

• Hey, Archie Manning, Mr. Doyel wants you to get out of the spotlight.
• Someone actually thinks the Patriots are beatable? Go on…
• The Dolphins continue to build their staff with ex-Cowboys coaches.
• Did the most talented team really lose in the NFC title game?
• Larry Brown says the Knicks had spies all over the arena during his final days with the team.
• Some love for the successful outdoor hockey experiment.

Thanks to everyone for the “encouraging” words about the site while we were temporarily M.I.A. Lifestyle changes contributed, but by Monday we should be back in action and making a few revamps to ensure we’re staying focused on getting your MIND RITE about the issue of sports and all things surrounding the industry.

I hope everyone had a great set of holidays. I hope you’ve avoided too many new year’s resolutions because, as we all know, every time we break a resolution promise the terrorists win.

Look for a few site changes in the near future, and hopefully some more in-depth and interesting reads moving forward into 2008 and beyond.

In honor of the creepy holiday in which we teach children to pander from door to door, dressing as silly ghouls, goblins and witches for candy, we figured a nice creepy list would be fitting. Here are a few ideas which are scary to even ponder…

1. Placing Tony LaRussa in charge of any post-, pre- or during- game celebration party drinks. Needless to say, the same rule would apply for some of us in passing out candy to Halloween trick-or-treaters — “one for you, three for me…”
2. Allowing Isiah Thomas to run a feminist meeting of minds. Needless to say, many will be offended; not to mention how low we can assume the success rate would be when the word “trade” is involved, even if we are only talking about ideas.
3. Asking Rudy Guliani to lead a championship cheer. Sure, politicians and rockstars do this all the time: walk up to a podium, get the crowd hyped, and just as they’re about to say how much they love the city… they realize they have no clue where they are. And when the answer comes out, it’s sure to disappoint. (i.e. In New York, speaking praise of Boston… In Israel speaking praises of the Palestinians… In New England speaking praises of not running scores up… etc.)
4. Nominating Bill Belichick for any Sportsmanship/Ethics Committee. His wisdom of NFL traditions and rules will be valuable to the committees, sure, as will his in-depth “insider” information on how other leagues world-wide work, but his blatant disregard for every implemented rule and lack of mercy will surely harm the entire group.
5. Scott Boras teaming up with Microsoft as chief executive. Imagine how much basic keyboards would cost. You think Bill Gates knows how to take hold of the PC market? Imagine that market leverage with Boras’ amazing ability to milk every penny out of willing, desperate money holding consumers.
6. Lance Armstrong, Dorm Advisor. Lance, 36, was spotted messing around with one of the Olsen sisters, Ashley, 21. Hey, we all remember “you got it, dude!” There’s just something too creepy about the thought of…
7. David Stern, President of the United States. Remember when laws were passed that allowed harassing kids who wore their pants baggy? If you think Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney and George W. Bush were tough on any policy dissent, Stern would give them all a run for their money. Stern would be the most likely contender to break Bush’s record of “most countries pissed off in one term.” Think: Bonds chasing Aaron.
8. Tom Brady, OBGYN. Sorry, folks but you know what I mean… I’m too censored to continue. But he… gets his. (Ditto, Tony Romo)
9. Dan Snyder as Secretary of Treasury. Give this man the power over the country’s financial matters and we’d spare no expense at becoming the greatest country in the history of America. Also, we’d most likely search high and low for other countries’ most over-paid, underachievers — no matter their age.
10. Bud Selig, Tennis Line Judge. Can a tennis match end up in a tie? If players blatantly step on or over the line while serving, will he notice or look away?

I think March Madness is the best event in sports hands down.

I was born in Orlando, Florida. The Magic have been my team ever since I can remember.

I grew up drawing baseball stadiums on the living room floor while games played on TV. Even now I’ll sketch an original design every now and then.

I wonder why the organ is the soundtrack to baseball games.

There are two things in life I don’t understand. One is why DC residents still have taxation without full representation. The other is why college football still uses the BCS system to determine who plays for the title.

The two all-time greatest vocalists in popular music are Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke.

I think if Facebook added an instant messanging system, AIM would be dead by the end of the week. Jobs would be lost. Lives changed.

I agree with the comedian who said the White House should be a homeless shelter.

I think the illegal immigation debate is 80% about racism.

I saw Shaq play his rookie year.

I shook Dwight Howard’s hand.

I think SEC football is the real deal.

My worst moment as a sports fan came my freshman year of college watching Drew Nicholas of the Maryland Terrapins nail a buzzer-beating three to eliminate my underdog UNC Wilmington Seahawks from the NCAA Tourney. I can still barely stand to watch the replay.

My best moment came three years later when I rushed the floor after our conference tournament.

I think in sports and relationships there will always be cheating.

I do not like the phrase “shoot me an e-mail.�

I am wary to vote straight down the ticket for candidates I know nothing about.

I can make you a mix cd full of bands you’ve never heard of better than anyone else you know.

I think the only time I can be ruthless is during a game of Monopoly.

My favorite ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s Cinnamon Buns.

I think gift cards are the perfect companion to a gift, but don’t suffice as a gift by themselves.

I think when a singer is making a political statement I can take them seriously if I’m bobbing my head or banging it, but not when I’m shaking my butt. This might change.

I think baseball has an excellent playoff schedule.

I’m not backing out yet on my prediction that Greg Oden will be a better pick than Kevin Durant.

I think Acie Law will turn out better than Mike Conley, Jr.

It’s hard to explain why, but Milwaukee is my favorite baseball team.

I’m objective when it comes to watching football. If I was forced to root for just one team I would go with the Carolina Panthers.

Pro cheerleader outfits are ridiculous now.

I’m good at Scrabble.

My favorite album is Illinois by Sufjan Stevens.

Overall, my mind is rite.

• Cleveland took a 3-1 ALCS lead over Boston after a 7-3 win last night at Jacobs Field thanks to great pitching and defense. I did my best to stick through the game in its entirety and kept a live-blog. Some incentive to skimming through the Game 4 live-blog — Halle Berry references and pictures!
• Buffalo Bills’ injured tight-end Kevin Everett is said to have been able to “walk to some extent” with the help of a walker. Great, great news.
• Is Kobe getting traded? Most folks say hell no. But if he were to get traded, here are a few possibilities — Chicago, Washington, Memphis, Phoenix, Atlanta, Memphis… the list goes on. Just read TrueHoop’s compilation of Insider info. Or, if you’re an ESPN Insider, read Chad Ford’s piece in its entirety.
• Just before the NFL trade deadline, Chris Chambers was shipped from Miami to San Diego for a second-round draft pick. Good thing, too, as the Chargers are in desperate need of more offensive help. They are averaging 10 points less a game than they did last year under Schottenheimer.
• Both Antawn Jamison and Andray Blatche rolled their ankles in yesterday’s preseason game against Chicago. Mild sprain diagnoses for the two — Jamison sat out, Blatche taped up his and re-entered the game. Wizards Insider recaps.
• I won’t even begin to wonder why the NFL really wants to have the Super Bowl in London. Maybe to jack up prices even more than usual? Have the Queen of England decked out in a crown and an American football jersey? Would that be grounds for a treason accusation? Hmm… look it up.
• Zirin’s take at figuring out the whole Marion Jones steroids n’ confession debacle.

• Yanks lost in the ALCS to the Cleveland Indians 6-4 last night and after the game, manager Joe Torre was calm, cool and collected, as always. This might have been his best regular season ever, coaching a roster of younger players, including an inconsistent but talented starting pitching rotation. That said, how long ’till old man Steinbrenner brings down the hammer?
• Four charged in the murder of University of Memphis football player Taylor Bradford.
• The NFL rule allowing coaches can call a time-out a half-second before a kicker’s game-winner is nullified needs to be changed. I get the whole icing a kicker thing — which worked for and against Oakland already this year — but it’s getting out of hand. Imagine some of the greatest buzzer-beaters, the most exciting finishes, nullified because of this awful rule. Leave a 2-3 second window between time-outs and kicks. If the whistle isn’t sounded before the ball is snapped, play rolls on. End of story. Dallas’s rookie kicker, Nick Folk, could not be iced last night, even from 53 yards out as he helped his ‘boys pull of a last minute 25-24 win over Buffalo.
• Chicagoans are pissed. Not just because of the horrible incident involving 1 death and several injured marathon runners, but because the incident may cost them a shot at hosting the 2016 Olympics, according to Jay Marriotti. Not everyone at the Sun-Times agrees.
• Admitted steroid user, ex-superstar track runner Marion Jones returned the gold medals she won at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

Not quite the morning, but get your munch on regardless…

• Mizzo at The Starting Five is at it again with another quality interview, this time with David Aldridge



• Rightfully so, the Orlando Magic are patiently awaiting Billy Donovan to void the deal from his end. Also, reports say that for some calm to come of the separation, he must agree to not go to the NBA for five years. (MIND RITE - Billy D coming soon…)
• Scoop Jackson breaks down the meaning of Bron Bron making the Finals.
• Angry man Gregg Doyel says the Cavs may steal one game but, essentially, they’re doomed.
• A piece from FoxSports about the late Bill France Jr. and his meaning to NASCAR.
• Greg Oden started a blog and we’re hoping at some point he reveals his relation to Old Man LeBron…

• The King delegates - and it works! The Kid they call “Boobie” dropped 19 on the Pistons in Game 6 in Cleveland to help the Cavs close out a very old-looking Detroit squad. Chances the Spurs allow a guy named “Boobie” to destroy them? I’d give it 1:Bowen. (That’s very little if “the hitman” has anything to do with it)
• Guy from FoxSPorts says a certain superstar in L.A. should take notes on how LeBron handles his teammates. Other than a lame Lohan reference, he makes a good point.



• Billy Donovan changed his mind about hopping from college to the pros. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic will let Billy Donovan out of his contract. Anyone care for a waffle?
• A-Rod saves! With a 9th inning game-winning HR off BoSox closer Jonathan Papelbon last night, the Yanks climb to a nail-biting 12.5 games back from the division-leading Sox. Please, wake us in August when the obituaries are reigning down from all over the N.Y. area and Clemens is “fatigued” elsewhere…
• J.A. Adande on his way out at the L.A. Times and we wish him the best…
• Did anyone else catch the Eric Mangini cameo on The Sopranos last night? Just a brief showing in the resturant, but maybe keeping with the sports cameos they’ll have one of two Jersey-related folks make a cameo next week in the series finale:

  Vince Carter - Who better to take ill-advised shots at Phil’s gang? At this point, Tony and the gang could use a conscience-free shooter on their side. But if Phil and the New York boys hire Eric Snow to counter… consider Carter’s done for!

  Jay-Z - Who better to help keep fans of HBO’s favorite series on the edge of their seats and following the network than the man who called it quits but yet refuses to stay off-air and in the office as promised. Maybe some Soprano foreshadowing? I’m thinking next season of Entourage we find out that Vinny Chase has a great Uncle from the East who is in need of a place to hide for a few… hmm…

  Great second-to-last episode last night, though.

Busy day in sports yesterday…

Just when you thought the Kobe mess would completely overshadow all NBA Playoff talk, Lebron “The King” James dropped 48 to beat the Pistons in double-OT and made the advertising campaign more dead-on than ever - WITNESSES.

Send us a tee.

• Apparently you CAN beat Detroit training in the pool!

  Detroit had some questionable decisions down the stretch;

  • With the game tied at the end of the regulation, why did Mr. Big Shot Chauncey Billups settle for a three-point attempt, when he easily could have gotten past Eric Snow?
  • Flip Saunders was able to slow Lebron down in overtime by doubling him early in the shot clock, but on the final two posessions King James was allowed to go one and one? And without being fouled? Make him earn it at the line, he missed his last two free throws…
• The Phoenix Suns have appointed Steve Kerr as Team President and General Manager. This can only mean two things;

  1. Owner Robert Saver has lost his mind. What experience does Steve Kerr have in basketball management? Sure the guy has an NBA record 45% 3-point average making him best behind the arc shooter ever, but GM? I am surprised Saver has not brought on TNT’s Kenny “The Jet� Smith yet.

  2. Either Amare Stoudamire or Shawn Marion is gone. You do not bring in a new GM unless you are planning to do something big. Not to mention Kerr will want to make a splash to start the Kerr era. So which one of these two superstars goes? If I were the Suns Amare would be gone, who knows how long HGH is going to hold his knee together so they might want to deal him while his stock is high.

• Florida Gator Coach Billy Donovan turns down Kentucky’s cash, but loves the Orlando Magic’s dollars!

  Billy Donovan wanted to follow in mentor Rick Patino’s footsteps after all. Not by taking over Kentucky’s basketball program, but by jumping to the NBA to chase the mighty dollar. I am guessing Donovan will have similar results as Patino, so what’s the over under on how long he will last? I say 3 years. At least we know who is getting drafted with the ninth pick of the second round… Ladies and Gentleman Taurean Green!

• A kid who doesn’t really like spelling so much won the National Bee last night, taking out a kid trying to become the first Canadian to win the competition. (Personally, I just use spell check…)
• Harassing A-Rod s’more: Turns out his new blonde buddy was a Vegas stripper… anyone surprised?