Tejada hits the game winner

Just when you thought it was going to be "dead" time from the end of the NBA season to the beginning of NFL and College training camps, along come the Astros to make the stretch run very interesting.

Last night at Minute Maid Park in Houston, the Astros found a way to win. With the Astros down a run, 3-2 in the bottom of the ninth, with 2 outs versus the division NL Central division leading St. Louis Cardinals, Miguel Tejada delivered a game-winning RBI single to help the Astros win in dramatic fashion and sweep the series.

Catcher Ivan Rodriguez would lead off with an RBI single to score Chris Coste and tie the score at 3. Tejada would single in Jeff Keppinger for the game winner.

Tejada's hit solidified a two-run rally against Cardinal's closer Ryan Franklin. Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter handed the ball to Franklin with a one-run lead. Carpenter outlasted Roy Oswalt and the Astros for eight innings before watching his ninth win go up in smoke.

Speaking of smoke, there's no more smoke surrounding second year Astros skipper, Cecil Cooper. There had been some talk of him losing his job early on because his Astros weren't playing like contenders...because most of the season they were playing sub-500 baseball and worst of all, nobody really cared except the season ticket holders and your die-hard baseball fans. Remember, Houston is a football city and for the Astros to get and keep attention, winning is critical.

Not the case anymore! The Astros have regained the attention of the city and are relevant in the NL Central after sweeping the Tony LaRussa managed St. Louis Cardinals for the second time this season. And believe it or not, the Astros sit a game back of the central division leading Cardinals and tied for second place with the Chicago Cubs. In addition, the Astros are now 3 games OVER 500 at 49-46. The Cardinals are 51-46.

Astros 4, Cardinals 3

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
STL (51-46)	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	3	8	0
HOU (49-46)	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	2	4	12	0

W:	J. Valverde (1-2)
L:	R. Franklin (2-1)

Proud Uncle!

She's a member of the group "Sophia Fresh" and her name is Skye...(third right). If someone had told me that SHE would be the one when she was a kid, really still is, to take on the world of showbiz, I would have bet them my future house. I didn't know she had it in her. She has two other sisters who I would have picked before her...and yes...they are doing well also!!

However, here she is! Skye, Crystal, and Cole Rose are taking the world by storm. Grammy–Nominated, Multi-Platinum Producer / Songwriter / Artist, T-Pain is their executive producer.

Check out the attached video and follow her and the group at www.twitter.com/SkyeTunes.

Yes...this is a sports blog. However, Skye is family! Enjoy!

Yao Ming opts for foot surgery---out for 2009-10?

Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming, with the blessing of the Rockets, has as elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that was broken during the playoffs in May. There's a good chance that the surgery will eliminate his chances of playing next season. However, he may be able to resume his NBA career.

Yao has decided to undergo a bone graft to heal the existing fracture and have his arch surgically lowered to reduce the stress on his foot.He spoke with several doctors before making his decision.

Yao has broken the foot twice. He last broke it May of 2009 in Game 3 of Houston's second-round playoff battle against the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was originally hoped the fracture would heal with rest and Yao would be back for training camp, but a check-up in June revealed the fracture had not improved.

The surgery will be performed next week by Dr. Tom Clanton, one of the Rockets' team physicians. If all goes well, there's a possibility that Yao could begin rehabilitation "a couple weeks" after surgery and could return to basketball activity in six months.

MK Bower will do well at Rice University

Rice University, more specifically, Rice Athletic Director, Chris Del Conte, made a tremendous hire in MK Bower, the very talented former Rice beat writer of the Houston Chronicle.

Bower has been assigned to cover "all things" Rice and beyond. It is cutting edge in that Professional sports teams have in house reporters. The challenge will be a balancing act. However, there's no doubt he will do well with the support of Del Conte, SID Chuck Pool and others in finding that balance.

While I do somewhat consider Bower my competition, (tongue firmly planted in cheek), it's not even close. I had the opportunity to work with MK during our stint at SportsRadio 610. He is dedicated to his craft and he gets nothing but great respect here. MK is well-written and highly skilled in the art of sports writing. I am a broadcaster who just happens to love writing about sports!

We caught up with MK for his thoughts about his wonderful opportunity.

Steve McNair---Dead at 36

Can't believe it...just seemed like yesterday that we were watching McNair and the Titans in the 2000 Superbowl trying to pull it out against the St.Louis Rams. Here we are today and McNair is no longer with us.

I can proudly say that I, along with other fortunate Sportscasters in Houston, had a chance to cover McNair while he was an up and coming quarterback with the Oilers. While it was a short stay for them after McNair was drafted in '95, he was always the consummate pro, never too excited, always handled himself well. Most importantly, McNair seemed to have an understanding of what was most important.

It seems as though this blog is becoming more of a blog for tributes rather than recognition for athletic excellence. However, Steve McNair was athletic excellence.

Regardless what you think of him at this moment, please remember his family and say a prayer for his Wife and their 4 boys.

Steve McNair was one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Take a look at the video below and remember the moments that he gave you while he performed on the football field.

Our prayers are with the family.




This was also a sad day.

This is my personal tribute to Michael Jackson. As I and family were driving home from a short vacation, my lone Daughter asked, "hey---you know Michael Jackson died---right"? At first, I didn't take her seriously because she is the ultimate prankster.

However, "after further review", researching and combing the internet and satellite radio for answers while driving, sadly but surely, it was true. We, as human beings are not supposed to worship men. We worship God. But, Michael was a product of our generation and we will miss him dearly. He provided so many memories!

His music resonates in my mind like no other artist and for his talents and my being able to really appreciate his music at the highest level, I am grateful.

Rest in peace Michael and may God be with you!

One of your biggest fans!

Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson. Also check out the Michael Jackson mp3 player to the right of this tribute!

Big News abounds--College Baseball--NBA--NFL

LSU wins the NCAA College World Series on Wednesday versus the Texas Longhorns with an 11-4 victory at Rosenblatt Field in Omaha. This is the sixth National Championship for the Tigers.

Tigers rightfielder Jared Mitchell hit a three-run homer in the first inning to help LSU build a 4-0 lead. Texas pulled even in the 5th when Kevin Keyes would lace a 2-run homer over the left centerfield wall tying the game at 4.

Mikie Mahtook's tie-breaking double got the tigers going again as they would add two more, 6-4, Tigers and they would add 3 more to stretch the lead out to 5. The longhorns would not add anymore runs thanks to the efforts of reliever Chad Jones and Louis Coleman.

Anthony Ranaudo (12-3) earned the win. He would allow four runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 1-3 innings. Brandon Workman took the loss and finished at 3 and 5.
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The Spurs made a trade on Tuesday that could help them get back to the winners circle. But, what's it all about. They gave up their defensive stopper, Greg Bowen, to get Richard Jefferson, who is not just a good defender, but a scorer who averages about 18 a game. Could be trouble for the Rockets!

Click on pic for more!
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Rice Owl All-American, Anthony Rendon, says that the ankle injured in the NCAA Super Regional versus LSU, and surgically repaired about a week ago, is feeling better.


Rendon/Rice Sports Information
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From the it's about time list, four-time Pro Bowl defensive end, Julius Peppers signed his one-year, $16.7 million tender under the franchise tag on Wednesday with the Carolina Panthers, ending the chance that he could hold out at the start of training camp.
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Could be a good sign for former Rice Owl All-American receiver, Jarrett Dillard. The Jacksonville Jaguars are trying to trade receiver, Dennis Northcutt. According to ESPN, Northcutt's time as a Jaguar maybe coming to an end.


Dillard/Jacksonville Jaguars
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Rice Owl base-ballers continue to receive awards. This time it's Rice junior first baseman Jimmy Comerota. He was one of 12 student-athletes in Conference USA to earn the 2008-2009 C-USA Spirit of Service award.


Comerota/Rice Sports Information

Browns Receiver---Donte Stallworth---suspended indefinitely!

Roger Goodell decided to make a statement today by suspending Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth for the unforeseeable future. Something, seemingly, had to be done due to public outcry at what seems to be a REALLY reduced sentence for a DUI Manslaughter charge.

These are the details of the story as reported by ESPN.

After a night of drinking at a bar in Miami Beach's Fountainebleau hotel, police said Stallworth hit 59-year-old Mario Reyes, a Miami construction worker, who was rushing to catch a bus after finishing work at about 7:15 a.m. Stallworth told police he flashed his lights in an attempt to warn Reyes, who was not in a crosswalk.

Stallworth had a blood-alcohol level well above Florida's legal limit. He stopped after the crash and reported the accident. Police estimated Stallworth was driving about 50 mph in a 40 mph zone.

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle cited Stallworth's cooperation and willingness to accept responsibility as factors in the plea deal. Rundle also said the Reyes family -- particularly the victim's 15-year-old daughter -- wanted the case resolved.

Stallworth also must undergo drug and alcohol testing. His driver's license was suspended for life and he must perform 1,000 hours of community service.

Stallworth has reached an undisclosed out of court settlement with the family of the victim. In addition, the suspension is effective immediately and as a result, the Browns will not be able to use the services of the seven-year veteran.

The Browns receiver signed a seven-year, $35 million contract before last season but was hurt much of last season, and finished the 2008-09 season with 17 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.

What do you think? Watch the video and comment below. While Stallworth had a high blood alcohol level at the time of the accident, and is clearly at fault, does the victim share some of the blame? Let me know what you think.

Sammy Sosa Test Positive----for Steroids---NOW?

Sammy Sosa tested positive in 2003 and why are we just hearing about it? For one, baseball did not have penalties for the first-time use of performance-enhancing drugs in 2003.

One assumption why this is just coming out? The New York Times said Sosa is one of 104 players who tested positive in baseball's anonymous 2003 survey, which has been the subject of a protracted court fight. Remember that same survey included the name of New York Yankees slugger and third baseman Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez eventually came clean and admitted that he did test positive. The drug was not identified by the Times although sources indicate it was a PED, (performance enhancing drug).

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig seems to be very upset about this and can not confirm nor deny the report especially since he stated that he is uncertain about the source.

Sosa is number six with 609 longballs on baseball's career home run list...545 of those with the Chicago Cubs. He has not played in the majors since 2007 with Texas and would be eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Several of the game's biggest stars, including home-run king Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, have been implicated in steroids use. Will any of these players, who we at one time considered great players, be voted into the Hall of Fame?

See the video and comment below.

Former Ch. 11 Newscaster---Next Food Network Star?

Terrence Jackson has completely transformed himself. He was once the smooth-talking, "live" and-on-the-scene reporter, who for KHOU-TV, would occasionally be put in harms way to deliver the news, no matter the situation. That is the job of a reporter.

Today, Terrence is a smooth-talking salesman for a national home builder. In addition, Terrence moonlights as a gourmet cook. Based on personal experience, he's pretty good at it---and really has created some pretty tasty dishes.

He is setting his sights on becoming the next food network star and has taken the first step in the video below. After you view, please render your thoughts in the "comments" section.

Thanks for watching.

Wide Receiver Plaxico Burress' trial has been postponed until September 23rd by Felicia Mennin. The postponement could possibly allow Burress to sign with an NFL team. According to Burress' attorney, the former New York Giants receiver can step on the field of play and perform . For those of you who may not know what happened, here goes. This, according to ESPN.

Burress shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3½ years in prison. Burress could face a minimum of 3½ years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is free on $100,000 bail.

Outside court Monday, Brafman said it was "inconceivable" that Burress would face trial on the charge before 2010, said several teams were trying to sign his client, and "physically he's in the best shape of his life. He's ready to play."

According to the same report, Burress is negotiating with several NFL teams to return to the league in 2009 after the judge delayed his trial Monday on gun possession charges.

Burress made a brief appearance in court Monday, accompanied by his wife and attorney Benjamin Brafman. Judge Felicia Mennin adjourned the case until Sept. 23.

The big question is, will NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell allow Burress to play for an NFL team until time for his trial.

I say that he will. Burress has a right to earn a living and until the trial, there is no precedent set that precludes him from playing...at least for now. It's a matter of whether or not an NFL team is willing to give Burress a shot.

One team that could be a perfect fit would be the New York Jets. Same city, rookie quarterbackin Mark Sanchez who needs a good veteran "go to" guy, Burress needs a second in the chance, all of the ingredients are there.

But first, there's this one little hurdle that Burress needs to jump to make the leap to the Jets. See below. And let me know what you think about Burress to the Jets or whatever team you think would be a great fit.

Atlanta Falcons release QB Michael Vick!

Well...what do ya think? Think he could play for the Houston Texans? Why not give him a shot?

The Atlanta Falcons have released Michael Vick and he is eligible to sign with any NFL or CFL team. However, the NFL has not yet reinstated him. Vick's incarceration sentence ends July 20. NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, plans to meet with Vick post his complete release.

But, in the meantime, let's just say that there's not an option for him to play in the NFL because of all the negative publicity and pressure signing him would bring to that team. In PR circles BAD publicity is better than NO publicity. But, how badly does an NFL team want the shenanigans and how much attention does that particular NFL team really need? BTW...there were some rumblings in San Francisco about the 49'ers.

However, the prospective-Vick NFL team could choose to completely ignore that negative pub that their probably going to get thinking that Vick can help the team win, or they can choose to simply embrace the attention and realize that the pub-seeking-organizations responsible for the creating the hub-bub only wants attention for their cause anyway and that has nothing to do with football. At the end of the day, it's all about wins and losses and whether or not a person can help your team win.

I understand both sides. But, I like the side that says give a talented person, allegedly, an opportunity to rectify their wrong and tell those outside organizations to find another creative way to seek attention for their cause! They should have talented people within their organizations to create new and better ways to communicate their ideas and cause to the public.

What do you think about this...and oh, BTW! Do you think the Texans should give Vick a shot?
Let your voice be heard and respond to the question.

Meanwhile, this is what we knew Vick could do!



And then this!

Former Bears QB Rex Grossman is now a Texan!

The Texans announced on Thursday that they signed former Chicago Bears Quarterback, Rex Grossman, to one year contract with the idea of him possibly being a backup. Former Detroit Lions QB, Dan Orlovsky, to be the number 2 backup. The question for the Texans now is which one really will be the number 2 behind starting QB, Matt Schaub.

Now, what happens with Alex Brink? Guess NFL teams never can have too many quarterbacks in training camp!!

Meanwhile, see the video below of Rex Grossman.

Former NBA All-Star Otis Birdsong, talks Finals

Game three of the NBA Finals will take place tonight in Orlando with the Magic down 0-2 to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Fortunately for the magic, they're home where they were 32-9 during the regular season. Unfortunately for the Magic, the Lakers have history on their side...when the home team wins the first two games of an NBA Finals, that team goes on to win the series over 90% of the time. The Magic could throw a wrench in the percentages. However, they will need to go into their bag of tricks and work a little MAGIC!

There will be several stars in attendance tonight at the game and one of those will be a former NBA All-Star guard, Otis Birdsong, who played 12 years with 3 teams in the league and shot over 50% from the field for his career. He was a consensus All-American at the University of Houston and the second player taken in the 1977 NBA draft. BTW...Otis is also a Florida native.

My first question to Otis was---who is he picking to win it (the NBA Championsip)? His response was---"Chuckle"---"The Magic"! And then he gets serious and says "the L.A. Lakers in six games." I wanted to know why he picked 6. "Because I think the Magic will win 2 games at home."

The Magic had every opportunity to win the game at the end especially with the play call for Courtney Lee. It was a designed lob with several screens set for him to get to the basket. I asked Otis if he thought the rookie Lee was the right guy and was that the wrong play call? "

"That was a great call---he just missed the layup. You know, when he caught the ball---it's a great example for young kids---if he had tried to lay the ball in, (the basket), with his left hand it probably would have been an easier shot. He was on the left side. He was up in the air. He probably could have used his left hand. But, he just missed the layup. He, (Lee), probably got too excited---caught up in the moment and just layed it up a tad too hard."

"He, (Lee), missed a golden opportunity because Kobe---even though he had 29 points, he wasn't "Kobe". He had 7 or 8 turnovers and I don't think the Lakers played that well. They gave up too many wide open shots. Rashard Lewis had too many open looks. Turkulou had too many open looks. J.J. Reddick was 1 for 9. But, he had a lot of wide open looks. So, the Lakers are very fortunate to have won that game."

Birdsong added more. "If the Magic think that by just going home is gonna be the answer to all their problems, they are sadly mistaken because Denver thought the same thing. When the series was 3-2. I guess they figured that just by going home, they would win that game and the Lakers went out and handed it to 'em. So, this won't be an easy game for Orlando Tuesday. Kobe is two games from a title and you'd better believe he's gonna bring it Tuesday night."

I asked Birdsong if he thought this is the same team that beat Cleveland. "They're the same team. But, it's about matchups. They had the advantage on several fronts."

Birdsong talked in depth about the mis-matches between Cleveland and Orlando. But, those were pretty obvious. So, we won't mention them all in this article since that series is over. However, Birdsong did lend this view about that series.

"They just had too many matchup problems. They didn't get anything inside. LaBron was the only force inside for Cleveland. So, now that has changed. L.A. gets a lot of points in the paint. Kobe gets points in the paint. Gasol gets points in the paint. Odom gets points in the paint. Even Bynam, when he's in there, he gets a few points in the paint. So, the roles have reversed. It's tough now. L.A. has all the matchup advantages."

Those are the reasons why the Lakers were picked by the pundits at the start of the season to win the NBA Championship---matchup advantages! Birdsong agrees.

"No doubt. And even though Cleveland had the best record in the league, L.A. clearly has the best talent---and with those three bigs and Kobe Bryant, you have to be favored---and of course, with Phil Jackson---the legendary coach."

I asked Otis if he thought Orlando had been considered a possible contender for the title at the start of the season. "Not at the beginning of the season. But, the way they played throughout the season. I mean, I kept telling people Orlando has a good team---those kids can play. Even though Rafer Austin and Johnson have done great jobs it would have been interesting to see with Jameer Nelson at 100%. But, there were no guarantee with Jameer Nelson in there that they, (the Magic), would have gotten this far because he is a scoring point guard. Rafer basically looks to shoot but he's wide open. Jameer would try and create his own shot and that's why he led the Magic in scoring. He was their leader in scoring when he got hurt." (Back in February)

Rafer Ausin in my mind is a better fit for the Magic team than Nelson. I sought Birdsong's opinion. "The way they had played in the playoffs---for that particular style---they were a better team. But, when Jameer Nelson is 100 % healthy, the Magic are a tougher to defend because he creates too many problems. He's so quick---he can shoot the "3"---put it on the floor. But, his problem is he has to learn to get everybody else involved first." Birdsong went on to explain that when Jameer is getting his, no one else is getting theirs.

That response led me to ask Birdsong if he thought Van Gundy should have started Nelson versus Austin at the point for the first game of the finals. "No! He did the right thing in going with Rafer. I think he played Jameer too many minutes the first game. I mean, the kid played the whole second quarter.

"When, (L.A.'s Andrew), Bynum came back, Phil Jackson was "spoon-feeding" him. He played him 5 or 6 minutes and sat him down---he played 5 or 6 minutes (more) and sat him down. You can't just throw a kid to the fire and let him play the whole quarter. Rarely do starters who've been playing all year play the whole quarter."

Now---to the really big question---what about the chemistry? Doesn't the switch at point guard, Rafer and Jameer), hurt the chemistry of the team? Ahhh, no doubt. The way Rafer was playing, and Johnson off the bench, who's a veteran very good defensive player---provided toughness. I don't care what they say---that affects the chemistry."

Birdsong experienced the same situation as the 2-guard while with the Kansas City Kings facing the Rockets in the '81 Western Conference Finals. Phil Ford had eye surgery at the end of the regular seaon and missed the first two series of the playoffs---Phoenix and Portland. Ernie Grunfeld, who Otis describes as slow was the backup point and the Kings were winning because their style was "possession" basketball which was the style that got them to the Western Conference finals. Grunfeld got the Kings past the first two rounds.

However, the late, (Head Coach), Cotton Fitzsimmons decided to insert Phil Ford back in the starting lineup, who was not 100%, which Birdsong stated disrupted their rotation, and their confidence. The Rockets would defeat Birdsong and the Kings 4 games to 1. The Rockets would go on to face Boston in the NBA Finals.

Hence, Birdsong has some idea of what Rafer is feeling. "The way he's shooting, to me, whether he admits it or not, I think he has put pressure on himself to play well because he doesn't know how long he's going to be in there and if he's not performing at a high level he' looking over his shoulder thinking the coach is gonna pull me and put in Jameer."

"But, as far as a "team", I don't think their confidence is shaken at all. Like they, (the Magic) said, the Lakers just held serve."

It'll be up to the Magic to hold serve beginning Tuesday night. If the Magic win Tuesday, we have a series. If not, Kobe and the Lakers will add another championship banner to the rafters.

The Orlando Magic Will Want This One Back!

If Courtney Lee makes the layup, the series is tied at a game apiece. He had just missed a point-blank layup earlier with a little more than 20 ticks left in regulation. First of all, one would have expected Turkoglu or Lewis to have the ball in the last few seconds of what could have been a series deciding game.

But once the shot clock dipped to 8 seconds and ticking, Courtney Lee's options ran thin since every teammate was defended by a Laker. Lee attempted a high percentage shot by creating a path to the basket for a layup. But, he missed...time out Lakers. There's still about 9 seconds remaining and the game tied at 88.

Of course, the play to win game two is for Kobe who had every intention of going straight to the basket for a layup or attempt to draw the foul. But, the Magic made a great defensive play...specifically Hedo Turkoglu who Kobe flat out beat down the lane on his way to the basket.

But, Turkoglu stayed with the play and blocked Kobe's shot from behind. The ball trickled out of bounds off Kobe's leg and it was initially believed that time had run out with the game going into overtime tied at 88. However, after a check of the clock by the refs, .06 of a second was awarded, so to speak, to the Magic for an attempt to tie the series at a game a piece.

The Magic called a time out and Van Gundy gave his guys a play. The Magic had .06 of a second to win this game and head back to Orlando having won a split. After great defense by the Lakers prevented the Magic from an inbounds pass on the first try, the Magic used a second time out. Van Gundy reset the play and it's now or never for Orlando. The play they call is a lob for Courtney Lee...a play he says he runs all the time in practice with total precision.

The Magic run the play to perfection setting perfect screens, getting a perfect pass to Lee at the basket........................and he misses the layup...a hard bounce off the glass......much too hard. Closest defender to him is Pao Gasol who actually might have disrupted the shot.

Regardless, the Magic and Lakers go into overtime and the rest is history. The final in overtime, 101-96. The Lakers now have a 2-0 lead in this best of seven finals and now the series heads to Orlando for three.

Say what you want about Kobe Bryant. He's a winner who refuses to let his team to lose. And that's what seems to drive him despite the criticism he gets about his somewhat gruff atttitude. Kobe finished with 29 points. But, the x-factor for the Lakers Sunday night was Lamar Odom who torched the Magic for 19 points...off the bench. He did a lot of the dirty work. But, he was also that third long body on the boards, had 8 big rebounds, and defending and knocking down jumpers and getting to the basket for layups at critical points in the game. Pao Gasol was nothing short of brilliant as he would dominate in OT scoring 7 points, finishing with 29 total and 10 boards. The Lakers would have 4 players in double figures including Derrick Fisher with 12.

The Magic, on the other hand, played well. But, could not finish the job in regulation which might have led to their less than enthusiastic play in overtime. Rashard Lewis led Orlando with 34 points, followed by Turkoglu with 22. Dwight Howard finished with 17 points, 16 boards.

For many stretches in the game, particularly in the 4th quarter, the Magic played with a point guard...Jameer Nelson or Rafer Austin. Could be because they both were ineffective or Coach Van Gundy is not willing to deal with the controversy brewing about who should be playing.

Nelson was hurt in late January and was not able to return until the finals. Rafer, on the other hand, has been the leader of this team since that time and was a huge contributor during the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers...one of the reasons they won.

I don't understand why Van Gundy would disrupt the chemistry of what he had going for some unknown quantity. But, he's the coach.

The two will play again on Tuesday night in Orlando and this will be the best opportunity for the Magic to win a game. While they are not out of it yet, Sunday night would have been a nice "W" to have going back to Orlando.

Watch the highlights from Sunday night's game below.

Rice Owls Eliminated from CWS Contention

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Rice Owls who played gallantly against an LSU team that just seemed to have it all. LSU's Louis Coleman pitched 8 innings of really solid baseball allowing just 3 runs on 9 hits, and striking out 5. What was really impressive is that the tigers were not forced to go into their bullpen. The Tigers only needed to use Coleman and Matty Ott---the best closer in college baseball for the final inning.

The Owls lost for the second day in a row in the best-of-three at the Baton Rouge Super Regional against number 1 LSU, 5-3. The final score does not really indicate how tough a loss this was.

They not only loss the game, they also loss freshman sensation and All-American, Anthony Rendon, to injury in the 2nd inning after a collision with Rick Hague chasing a fly ball into deep foul territory along the 3rd base line. It was a situation from which the Owls could not recover losing their best hitter, 385 BA., and emotional leader of the club.

See more details here.

Rice Drops Game One of the Super Regionals!

The Rice Owls are in a 'must-win' situation after losing Game One in the best-of-three, 12-9, Friday night in Baton Rouge at Alex Box Stadium.

If the Owls are going to have any chance of keeping their hopes alive for a game 3 with a chance to travel to Omaha and the College World Series, they will need to devise a recipe that will thwart the potent offense of the LSU Tigers.

The Tigers were led by Ryan Schimpf, who ignited a 6-run fifth-inning with a 3-run homer off Taylor Wall. Wall is scheduled to start Sunday if there a game three is needed.

Meanwhile, Ryan Berry, who is ranked 6th in the nation with a radar escaping 1.99 ERA, takes the mound on Saturday against Louis Coleman. He is believed to be the most talented pitcher in the LSU rotation and sports a 12-2 record. Coleman is also ranked 11th nationally in strikeouts with 119.

The Owls looked like world beaters going into the 4th inning as hurler Mike Ojada took the mound with a 3-run lead. However, it was in the same 4th inning that the Tigers began to chip away at what turned out two innings later to be an insignificant lead.

Great performances were the highlight for both teams. LSU's Anthony Renaudo looked imposing at 6'7" throwing for 7 2/3 innings and allowing 5 hits and 5 runs while striking out 9. But, Rice All-American third baseman, Anthony Rendon, (pictured above), even in a losing cause, proved why he was selected as Collegiate Baseball Magazine's Freshman of the Year. Rendon would finish 3-for-4, with 2 RBI, and a homerun. He would also score three times.

Here's how the game unfolded. Click here to see the condensed highlight package of Friday night's game on ESPN.

Game two first pitch on Saturday afternoon gets underway at 4:00 and will be televised on ESPN. While watching the game, we invite you to follow along with us on twitter.

Breaking News---QB Chase Clement---Has Left Ti-Cats Training Camp!

Former Rice star Quarterback Chase Clement has officially left Hamilton Tiger Cats training camp. According to his Dad, Craig, Chase is currently on a flight back to San Antonio. I spoke with Craig earlier today via cell phone.

His dad stated the reasons why he left camp. For those of you reading this, I think I can safely say as a College Football Analyst, at the very core, Chase's leaving camp had nothing to do with his abilities.

Go here to find out why. Also, check back here and the twitter feeds at the top right hand portion of the page for other news and notes.

Meanwhile, what teams do you think might give him a shot at making their roster?

Lakers Roll in Game One!

There was no doubt going into the second quarter that the Lakers were pretty much in control. The Magic had a 33-28 lead with Jameer Nelson running the show. But, the Lakers would go on a 7-0 run and erase the lead.

That pretty much meant that Orlando was ineffective offensively and couldn't keep the Lakers away from the glass and maybe---just maybe---and since I'm not a coach, I won't question Stan Van Gundy because I think he's a good coach---but---how do you sub Nelson, who hadn't played since January-February for Rafer Austin who got the team to the finals in the first place? You think Shaq texted SVG and told him to remember he's facing Kobe?

OK...Rafer missed several good-look short and long range jumpers...his shot was not there. But, players like Rafer have to get their touches and need TIME to find their shot. Maybe the "panic ghost" showed up on Van Gundy's shoulder again and whispered little words in his ear...play Nelson---play Nelson---he'll win the game for you. Nope...that wasn't it. Nelson scored 6 and played well during that 6-point spurt. But, he was clearly out of his element. How do you expect any athlete to find a rhythm in a game after not having played at game speed in 4 to 5 months---especially a finals game? I'll ask some former NBA guys if that is possible.

Meanwhile, Kobe was simply "GAS"! 40 points...his first career 40-point finals game. Took over 30 shots...but so what? The Magic could not stop him. He deserves the "moment' he's receiving.
Pao Gasol, Lamar Odom...both very good in game 1. Odom played the way a good complimentary player should and had some pretty good post comments.

Conversely...Dwight Howard...harassed all night long. Only had one field goal. Was 10 of 16 from the charity stripe...total ? 12 points and a loss! Could not find a rhythm due to Orlando's inability to hit shots from the outside. Lakers pounded the middle with the bigs and took away the inside game. No consistent mid-range or 3-point shots from Turkoglu, Pietrus, Austin, or Lewis...made for a low percentage shooting night, (29.9%-FG), for the Magic, (34.8%-3-ball), and no real inside game from Howard equals a loss. The Magic scored 22 points in the paint while the Lakers scored 56. Worse, the big three of Turkoglu, Lewis and Howard scored a total of 33 points. Some of that credit goes to the Laker's defense.

Question: I thought the Magic dominated the Cavs in the paint during the Eastern Conference Finals. What did you see?

The Lakers have slightly more length than the Magic and have multiple-diverse players who can score and defend. To a great extent, so do the Magic. But, the difference showed tonight and the Lakers also showed themselves to be much more aggressive going into the paint area looking to make blocks, get the strip, and generate turnovers.

Van Gundy has to develop a game plan that includes getting the ball down low to Howard for high percentage shots, (dunks), in Sunday's matchup or the Magic will be looking at 0-2 before going back to Orlando for 3.

The two-day layoff should be good for them and give them ample time to prepare.

Let me know what you're thinking? First, check out the below clip.

The Road to Omaha for the Rice Owls Runs Through Baton Rouge!

Yes...the Rice Owls will have to take two of three from the number 1 team in the country this weekend. This is going to be a fight.

If you think for one second that the Owls are soft and can't take the pressure, think again. Under Wayne Graham, they have a swagger and they are tough...understated, but if you spend any time around the players, you'll notice a silent intellectual confidence that sort of beams from each one of the players.

Meanwhile, LSU is one of the best programs in the country. I should say, the top---although Texas is right there with 'em. They play good baseball. The Tigers are 49-16 overall and 31-9 at home. And the Cajuns love their baseball and don't have a problem letting the opposition you know exactly where they stand on just about anything at any time. So, the "Box" will be rocking.

Can the Owls pull it off? Vote below and check out the previews. Meanwhile, peruse the NEW blog and let me know what you think. I'll have new and different material coming daily.

Enjoy your day, the NBA, and college baseball this weekend.

Chase is a Tiger-Cat

'Bout time that Chase gets a team. He's now an OFFICIAL member of the Hamilton Ti-Cats. I think he will do well. His running style is suited for the CFL and his passing ability will come in handy on that wide field.

For more details, see the full story.

What do you think? Will he exceed expectations? Let me know.

Let your voice be heard in the poll below.