Like Miami Heat, Dolphins are fired up and down to squabble

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While [the] Miami Heat are poised to burn out OKC's thunder, it seems Miami might just be too-hot-too-handle, at least for the Dolphins.

 

According to South Florida Sun-Sentinel blogger - Omar Kelly, things got a little testy during mini camp practice this afternoon; a squabble broke out among the Big Fish! 

Left tackle - Jake Long took on defensive lineman - Olivier Vernon, while defensive lineman - Ryan Baker locked fins with guard - Richie Incognito. 

When it comes to sports, especially football, practices usually get and keep players on edge. But considering today's practice was no-contact, some believe the NFL may investigate today's incident, and 'put-the-smack-down' on the four linemen, who could easily blame their heightened passion(s) on the Miami Heat's explosive performance during the 2K12 NBA finals...or not.

But league involvement, and possible disciplinary action(s), isn't head coach - Joe Philbin's primary concern; he dislikes what this all means for players' who are unable to control their emotions, not only in practice, but moreover during [actual] game situations. 

"You have to be able to keep your poise and play. It’s great to be tough, it’s great to be physical. . . . It’s 15 yards, loss of down, clock, all those things. So yeah, there was good competitiveness, but you’ve got to be smart." -Coach Philbin

For those who've played the gridiron game, a lil' extra pushin'-n-shovin' is a harmless and inevitable occurrence. 

The NFL and Coach Philbin make an excellent point, however. Poor practice habits ultimately makes for bad business on the field. Maybe the Dolphins are just getting caught-up with all the hype in Miami, and their new celebrity -- Hard Knocks -- status on HBO. Hit em up!  

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Brian Banks Finally Free to Pursue Dream of Playing Pro Football, After Unfair Justice - Rape Charge

If any man deserves an opportunity to fulfill [his] dream of playing professional football in the NFL, Brian Banks most certainly does. After serving five years and two months in prison for the false charge of rape, Banks was finally set free after his accuser, 'hood rat' - Wanetta Gibson, admitted she was not raped by the former Long Beach Polytechnic High School football star, who was set to ball with the University of Southern California [USC] - Trojans, back in 2002-03. 

Unfortunately, due to a flawed and racially biased justice system, and immoral "legal representation" by [his] public defender - who advised Banks to plead "no contest" because he was a "big black teenager" - Banks was unable to play his senior year as Poly's star linebacker, and later join the Trojans on a full scholarship. 

At the time of his arrest at age 17, according to Banks,  
he was not allowed to give his side of the story, or speak with his mother to ask if he should plead "no contest" or fight the case before a jury. 

His public defender straight-up denied, a minor at the time, an opportunity to consult with his moms. His attorney told Banks he had to make the decision on his own, at that moment, without speaking to anyone. 

Obviously scared of facing up to 41 years in prison, by risking a trial by jury, the young athlete took the "advice" of his public defender (who, obviously, also didn't believe he was innocent of rape charges). No doubt, Brian Banks was also stripped of his scholarship from USC.

Finally exonerated of [the] rape charges, Banks shed bitter-sweet tears in the courtroom as he listened to the words that set him free once and for all. You would think a man treated so horribly by a system that readies itself to convict, particularly, young black males, would be justifiably hateful towards the criminal justice system, as well as the 'hood rat' who lied on him, and got paid 1.5 million in a settlement filed against the school district. But Banks, in spite of it all, looks forward to a hopeful career playing professional football for the NFL. 

On June 7, Banks is scheduled to work out for the Seattle Seahawks, coached by former USC coach - Pete Carroll, who recruited the star linebacker years before this horrible miscarriage of justice. 

Although Banks is eligible to file a claim and receive $100 for each day he was denied freedom by the State of California, according to State Penal Code 4900, there is a larger issue that must be addressed; It can no longer be acceptable that young black males, especially, are considered public enemy number one, and not given fair and equal treatment in a country that largely relies on young black males to fight its foreign wars. 

With regard to this case, Banks was just another number...another notch on the belt of injustice. The question must be asked, how can someone make a false accusation, of this magnitude, about another individual, without the support of independent witness(es) or physical evidence, and there being an immediate investigation to establish legitimacy? 

Well it's possible when it comes to stereotyping young black males. 

Had Banks been a young white male falsely accused of raping a young white female, virtually every young black male living in America knows that his racial counterpart would likely have been treated fairly, without [the] racial bias demonstrated by arresting officers and the State's public defender.

Cases like these, including that of Trayvon Martin, are unfortunate reminders that the assault on YBM's (young black males) is business-as-usual in the United States of America. 

Hopefully, USC will reinstate Banks' scholarship, the State of California will award him every dime owed to him for this horrible miscarriage of justice, and the National Football League will give him a legitimate opportunity to fulfill a dream deferred by a racially biased and corrupt system of so-called "justice for all"!

And as for 'Miss Thang' (hood rat - Wanetta Gibson), although Banks is too nice and too classy of a guy to go there -- YOU STANK!

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*The following videos contain strong adult language that may be offensive. Ballerswagg and World Village are not responsible for the content and comments made by Tommy Outlakes for yourworldmyviews.com or his on air guests. Although the comments are inflammatory, an honest and fruitful discussion seriously needs to take place, particularly between black men and women.

Lesson to YBMA (Young Black Male Athletes):

Focus on your sport of passion, and leave the 'hood-rats' alone! Unfortunately, too many of their mothers have taught them to prey on brothas with a baller's future. And you already know that America views you as guilty until you can prove your innocence.

Jackson secure, Gasol not sure about team destinies

Today one athlete, wide receiver - DeSean Jackson, 

has secured his future by signing a five year, 51 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. But another professional athlete, Pau Gasol, is still not sure about his fate as a starting forward-center for 
the Los Angeles Lakers.

No doubt, Mr. Jackson is feelin' pretty good about things, with regard to his continued cash flow from the same provider. PG (Pau Gasol), on the other hand, appears to be handling the anxiety of not knowing if he'll continue to play ball with the Lakers or not, "with grace". In other words, he's keeping his true emotions in check. But at the house, you can bet Pau is like "What the deal, Buss?" 

No worries, PG! As you already know, when it comes to the NBA; it's strictly business. Plus, the Lakers probably needed to see you 'up' your productivity this season to see where your head and heart is. It could also be a simple matter of philosophical approach considering there's a new coach in town -- Mike Brown. Whatever the case, with the Lakers or not, PG is a champion big man with big skills, and it is understandable why he'd want to remain in Los Angeles. Who wouldn't?

Lesson to all pro athletes:  

You're only as good as your most recent performance. Get lazy with your smash-game and you'll be the topic of "trades" conversation(s) for the shot callers. In business, productivity always trumps history. Right DJ?

It's Official: San Francisco 49ers Sign Wide Receiver - Randy Moss

Guess who's back? After a rocky 2010 season with Minnesota, Tennessee and New England, the 'Moss Man', 'Mr. Showtime', 'RM' -- Randy Moss 

will be back in NFL wide receiver action, catching passes for the San Francisco 49er offense,

after inking one year deal. At 35 years old, and after an impressive workout with the 9ers, Moss will definitely get opportunities to show he's still got his groove and ability to stretch the field.
 
No doubt he's still got swagg, but some might argue that 'swagg' means nothin' without field production. Welcome back to the gridiron, 'RM'; get loose 'on-em'!

WR - Randy Moss

Career Stats:     

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Rec:  954

Yds:  14,858

Avg:  15.6 

TD:  153

Fum:  12

Colts and Peyton Manning say, "deuces"

It's official:   Long time Indianapolis Colts star quarterback - Peyton Manning is released by Colts

"I'll always be a Colt", said Peyton Manning in response to the news that his years with the Indianapolis Colts is a wrap...deuces. After a 14 year run leading one of the NFL's most dominant offenses, no doubt, Colt fans will miss Manning's ability to "Joe Montana" his offense down the field, and into the end-zone. 

What the future holds for Manning, as well as the Colts, is obviously left to speculation, but "times change, circumstances change, and that's the reality of playing in the NFL" -- according to Manning. 

With about half a dozen teams showing interest in #18, time will tell if Peyton will be able to fling the 'pigskin' as he once did before undergoing a series of neck operations, causing him to miss an entire [2011] NFL season.

As for now, we wish Peyton the best with his recovery, and return to the gridiron to ball, swagg and get it in!

Super Bowl XLVI - Sunday Showdown of Giants and Patriots

The game, players and comparison of this year's red, white and blue 'ballers', representing the New York Giants and New England Patriots, matters to those who cherish the celebrated tradition of watching professional championship football with good food, music, enthusiastic friends and fans, and big game plays; here we go again!

Whether witnessing America's greatest show at the house or tailgating at the stadium's parking lot, this year's 2012 showdown between the Patriots and Giants looks like it's going to be another gun-slinging battle between quarterbacks' Tom Brady and Eli Manning. 

So once the menu items and guests are considered and determined, the backyard is freshly manicured, and the deck, patio and bar-b-que pit is dusted off - drafting and printing the game-pool sheets, and gathering a few helpful pieces of game low-down intelligence would be the thing to do, for those hard core grid-iron gamers', who get-a-rush from having passionate arguments and debates about which team will be crowned champs of Super Bowl XLVI. 

  Regardless of the final score, a good contested battle is a must for dedicated, enthusiastic football fans who crave for brave and heroic athleticism. To help sort out a few facts and opinions in preparation for a fan's analysis, take a look at a few variables that may, or certainly will for some, impact the game's outcome (while keeping in mind..."any given Sunday" is subject to, like most of life's affairs,..."Murphy's Law" - a 'blues' the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens were, regretfully, unable to shake recently):

 

NEP vs NYG Season Productivity - By The Numbers:

Season Record:  13 - 3 - 0 (win % = .813)

Season Record:  9 - 7 - 0 (win % = .563) 

PTS:  32 (ranked 3rd)

PTS:  24.6 (ranked 9th)

YDS:  428 (ranked 2nd) 

YDS:  385.1 (ranked 8th)

Pass YDS:  317.8 (ranked 2nd)

Pass YDS:  295.9 (ranked 5th)

Rush YDS:  110.2 (ranked 20th)

Rush YDS:  89.2 (ranked 32nd)   

  

QB Rating - Brady:  (105.8) 

QB Rating - Manning:  (103.1)

Sacks:  (8, opponents 1)

Sacks:  (9, opponents 8)

Field Goals:  (4/4)

Field Goals:  (6/8)

Kick & Punt Return TD's:  (0)

Kick & Punt Return TD's:  (0)

Turnover Ratio:  (-3)

Turnover Ratio:  (+5)

So who's gonna "run this town" and earn the title...

the Giants...

or the Patriots?

On Sunday, Feb. 5, 2K12...we'll get our answer!

 

'SuperSwaggin' Cee Lo Green and Pop Diva Madonna to 'get-it-in' at NFL Superbowl XLVI - plus, Mike Epps Ambassador!

As far as NFL Superbowl halftime performances go, this year's 2012 show promises to be 'superswagged-out'!

No doubt, pop star - lady Madonna will bring her unique taste, talent and creativity to the stage, as expected, and all the swagg and extraordinary 'fantabulism', embodied in the personification of Cee Lo Green, 

could make for one of the most interesting and entertaining halftime performances, by a duo, in NFL history. Why? 

While it's not an unusual thing to witness performances by a duo during halftime shows, Superbowl XLVI promises to deliver "one of the biggest musical milestones this year!" 

Although hundreds of millions of viewers will witness America's biggest show on February 5, 2012 - this will be the first time the NFL's halftime production promises to be the "hype"; it will be imagined by Cirque du Soleil and Jamie King (Madonna's career choreographer).

And with a venue as large and accommodating as the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, besides the New York Giants and New England Patriots, Madonna, Cee Lo, and Cirque du Soleil will display quite an exciting, memorable, and spectacular array of talent.
 

Oh, and by the way...if you have any complaints about the show or wish to express your satisfaction, feel free to 'holla-atcha-boy'  --  comedian, actor, and this year's 2K12 NFL-SB ambassador 

Mike Epps 
(OA) Official Ambassador - Super Bowl XLVI 

 Yuh digg?

T.O. dissed by NFL, but destined to ball-up with IFL - Wranglers?

Former NFL wide receiver - Terrell Owens has announced plans to play ball with, and co-own, an Indoor Football League (IFL) team - the Allen Wranglers.

Beyond displaying his talents for the Wranglers, having caught 72 passes with the NFL's - Cincinnati Bengals in 2010, T.O. will also be runnin' 'thangs', um...at least half way runnin' 'thangs', as co-owner of the team. 

Due to an unfortunate ACL injury, NFL teams passed on T.O.'s package, although some have suspected his one-sided egotistical rampages may have also contributed to his fall from favor with NFL teams (which began several years ago). During the off-season Wrangler's (GM) General Manager - Drew Pearson, former Dallas Cowboys receiver, hooked up with T.O. to make a deal with the Wranglers. 

The team's first game is scheduled for February 25th, but T.O. is still undecided if he'll play in all or some of the teams games. 

"This may be a good look for T.O." 

Granted he's not playing for the "big show" as he once did, but this new deal in Dallas, with an organization that certainly needs increased awareness, may just be the therapuetic adjustment that finally suits T.O., and his swaggin'-ass personality. 'Yuh-digg'?

Thanks for the colorful show, T.O. Best of luck with the Allen Wranglers, brodie! 

"It doesn't matter what people say about me, I weather the storm."  ~Terrell Owens

In today's new era, Cougar 'reps' more than just team sports

Some of the NFL's, and other sports, greatest and most revered teams are represented by animal mascots. From Denver's Broncos, to Chicago's Bears, to Atlanta's Falcons - animal mascots have and continue to dominate team representation. While many animals have found celebratory refuge with pro football teams, the cougar, unlike 

Carolina's Panthers, seems regulated to college teams such as BYU (Brigham Young University). "The reason why the future student body gravitated toward Cougars is pretty clear: Area collegiate power BYU uses the Cougar as its mascot and enjoys an enormous fan base of area residents and those who follow the Mormon faith (BYU is a Mormon institution)." But wait! Cougar's may be limited when it comes to sports, but not when it comes to greater representative powers...like being identified with mature women. 

Perhaps this exalted status may be too much power for one cat to handle? 

On Wednesday (Jan. 18, 2K12), in spite of its popular selection by their student body, receiving 23% of the vote over other options, school district officials at Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon High announced that the school's team name would be the Charger's, and not the Cougar's as students had hoped. 

On the surface, this story doesn't seem like such a big deal until the reason for not selecting and naming the team Cougars is revealed; "...the Canyons School Board refused to accept the Cougar as a mascot out of fear that it might offend older women." Say whaaaat? 

You mean to tell me that "Cougar" status has grown so influential that it commands political correctness by local politicians? Pure swagg, no doubt, homie! All we can say is, "way to go" to some of the most famous "Cougars" that have contributed to the mystique of 'Cougar Power' [CP]:

  

Madonna

Demi Moore

Mariah Carey

Jennifer Aniston

Cameron Diaz

Eva Longoria

and no doubt, the Cat Woman...

Halle Berry

Considering this disturbing, or maybe not so disturbing, trend - let's keep our eyes open and looking out for further cougar-political-power developments. The future of Cougar may very well be at stake.

Day of The Get-Down: 2012 NFL Conference Championships

Sunday, January 22, 2012 is a date reserved for the get-down:  
The NFL Conference Championships! 

Representing the AFC will be the Baltimore Ravens 

battling the New England Patriots, 

 while the New York Giants 

and San Francisco 49ers bang-hard for the NFC title.

As always, Baltimore looks good and ready to tear the roof down. But so many teams have felt this way when confronted with New England's gate keepers of the grid-iron. As good as the Ravens look, New England just might figure out, yet again, another way to SuperBowl majesty. 

The New York Giants, as do the Ravens, look as though they may blow right through the 9ers. This particular contest will come down to raw passion and emotion. In other words, this game will be determined before it begins. 

It's been many seasons since San Francisco has smelled and tasted victory on one of the world's finest stages. If they play as hungry as they should be for world football domination, the Giants are in for a long and frustrating end to a hard earned trip to the post season.  

Eric Stark and Mike Gross share their picks for this season's SuperBowl team finalists. What a post-season it has been!

ABC ACTION NEWS (Video): "REVIEW - NFL Blitz for XBox 360 and PlayStation 3"

Peep this in-depth review, by ABC ActionNews' - Game Room, of one of the tightest football video games on the market - NFL Blitz for 360 and XBox. 

"NFL Blitz features the arcade-style game play that made the original game a hit, but takes the experience to a whole new level with immersive online game modes in high-definition." [Source: http://www.ea.com/nfl-blitz/blog]

No doubt 'gettin'-it-in' with Blitz is a must for all of us ballers' and tailgaters, and we all know we put in much work, alone playing against the computer, keeping our game tight, but the best part is havin' peeps over to play tournament mode! Get the chips, dip, hot wings, fries, potato skins, hot links, dogs (as in hot), ribs, burgers, tacos, fried chicken, sandwiches and cold drinks out...and come get 'dealt-wit', fella. "Yeah, you don't want none; you can't see my swagg on this right here, rookie...raise up!"

NFL and NBA Hardest Hits and Highlights on YouTube!

Yeah ballers! What's a site about football or basketball without action-packed highlights loaded with swag? Other than whack, we sure don't know, but we ain't one of them. Here's a couple of YouTube videos worth watching and shouting "oohs" and "aahs" too. Check it! 

NFL's 2007 - 2010 Hardest Hits

 

NBA's 2010 - 2011 Top Dunks

Firing of Oakland Raider Head Football Coach - Hue Jackson

  Just after the conclusion of his first season as head coach, the recent ousting of [now] former head coach of the Oakland Raiders - Hue Jackson, by owner - Mark Davis through his [new] general manager - Reggie McKenzie, came as no surprise to some, yet surprisingly to himself and his supporters. While some reports suggested that Jackson was too "power hungry" and wanted more authority and say-so within the Raider organization, others simply believe his press conference comments, right after losing the last game of the season, when he put his players 'on-blast' for not performing as expected, was cause for his firing. 

Whether it was actually McKenzie or Davis who made the call to dismiss Jackson still remains a mystery, but there's speculation that it was Davis' nod that put the act in motion. Perhaps we'll never know the real deal on this issue, but O.G. - Hue Jackson was respectful about the decision, and while "pissed" at his team for their lack of will-to-win attitude, he repeatedly accepted his responsibility, as head coach, for producing only an average (500, 8 and 8 record) season. 

"I was surprised, but I understand the decision", said Jackson during an interview about his termination.

Upon his release from the organization, the former head coach gracefully accepted his fate and wished the organization, and owner - Mark Davis, well and looks forward to furthering his professional career as a coach in the NFL.

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On a good note:  Although Jackson was surprised and obviously disappointed about his fall from Raider Nation, he still stands by his convictions and enjoys major support from long time friends and former teammates, namely, from his high school alma-mater in Los Angeles, California - Dorsey High School. 

During his senior year at Dorsey, Jackson was the starting quarterback for the Dons, who won the city championship in 1982. "So hard, so hard to be a Don!"...but not so hard to be a Raider...or maybe not?

With the Raider's poor performance history, and dark cloud of funk that's been plaguing the organization for far too long, Mr. Jackson might find himself better suited coaching personnel who execute plays like the Raiders of times past, instead of setting new record lows for most penalties; "coaches can only coach, but players must ball, homie!" 


Coach Jackson is a winner, and it's understandable that he let off a little steam about his feelings regarding his players - finally, a coach who said what he really felt and kept it "real".

Much love and good luck coach!

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The Latest Jackson Headline: 

"Bengals hire ex-Raiders coach Jackson as an assistant"

read all about it @ NFL.com!