i bet this will come as a shock to some... george karl isnt going to be an ahole...

per marc stein's twitter

STEIN_LINE_HQ: Just filed to ESPN.com: West coach George Karl has informed #NBA officials that he plans to start Dirk in place of injured Kobe in AS game

Link to Stein's Twitter

Also congrats to Dallas-Fort Worth cuz we set a new record for snowfall today.... hilarious... welcome to Dallas NBA!

and all other all stars rejoice becuase they will get more shots...

saw it on marc steins twitter...  glad another mav made it

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IT'S THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL!

Here's hoping murray pulls off the amazing upset...

still mad roddick isnt here... i am wearing my lacoste hat in honor of him... 

i promise i wont fall asleep tonight.. i am ready for the long haul...

sorry about passing out last night... i was tired... and 14 beers didnt help...

where is jonthefon? im gonna text bruce and get him here... am i at 75 words yet?

By Mike Florio

New York Jets at Colts
Coach Rex Ryan has crafted a potent message for his team. Ryan talks big, and his team responds.

As a result, they don’t simply believe they can beat the Colts. The Jets believe that they will. And that’s making others not in the locker room believe it, too.

We’ve seen over the past several years that any team qualifying for the tournament can get to the finals. Last year, the 9-7 Cardinals defied the odds and made it to the Super Bowl. The prior season, the fifth-seeded Giants won the thing.

In 2005, the sixth-seeded Steelers emerged with a Super Bowl win, too. So with the Jets buoyed by winning two playoff games on the road, they can do it as well. More importantly, they believe that they will.

It won’t be easy. The challenge will be to control the ball, shorten the game, keep Peyton Manning frustrated on the sidelines and frazzled when he’s playing, and coax Mark Sanchez to deliver key throws when needed.

Manning has struggled in the past with 3-4 defenses, and Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will do everything they can to confuse and confound Manning.

So let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.

Pick: Jets 17, Colts 13.

and i apologize if this link has been posted... i could not find it anywhere on the site...

iverson still to start for the east... no word on dirk

Link to Story

Sparing the NBA an embarrassment, Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash overtook exiled Houston Rocket Tracy McGrady in the final days of balloting to secure a Western Conference starting spot in the 2010 All-Star game, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Thursday. McGrady played just six games for a total of 46 minutes until he and the team decided to separate from each other until the Rockets can work a trade for him.

The Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson(notes) was also voted into the Feb. 14th game in Dallas as a starter for the Eastern Conference, sources said.

This is the last ballot update until starters are revealed on january 21. You can vote everyday for Dirk so go to NBA.com and freakin do it!

Link to Story

Eastern Conference

Forwards: LeBron James (Cle) 1,769,287; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 1,467,365; Chris Bosh (Tor) 724,317; Paul Pierce (Bos) 366,234; Josh Smith (Atl) 334,338; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 228,343; Danny Granger (Ind) 213,371; Michael Beasley (Mia) 188,552; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 151,717; Hedo Turkoglu (Tor) 133,445; Caron Butler (Was) 110,003.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,719,359; Allen Iverson (Phi) 930,713; Vince Carter (Orl) 745,581; Ray Allen (Bos) 510,885; Gilbert Arenas (Was) 445,473; Derrick Rose (Chi) 385,829; Joe Johnson (Atl) 329,100; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 269,566; Jose Calderon (Tor) 157,354; Mike Bibby (Atl) 155,078.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,681,897; Shaquille O'Neal (Cle) 609,486; Al Horford (Atl) 178,360; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 168,684; Brook Lopez (NJ) 154,362; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 143,545; Jermaine O'Neal (Mia) 111,065; Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 87,590; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 56,598; Samuel Dalembert (Phi) 53,880; Tyson Chandler (Cha) 44,279; Brad Miller (Chi) 40,182.

Western Conference

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,568,259; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 826,130; Tim Duncan (SA) 776,225; Pau Gasol (LAL) 754,070; Kevin Durant (OKC) 556,847; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 504,725; Luis Scola (Hou) 437,944; Shawn Marion (Dal) 295,310; Ron Artest (LAL) 266,554; Lamar Odom (LAL) 194,567; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 177,663.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,793,782; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 746,625; Steve Nash (Pho) 744,250; Chris Paul (NO) 701,417; Aaron Brooks (Hou) 443,369; Jason Kidd (Dal) 429,720; Chauncey Billups (Den) 310,281; Deron Williams (Utah) 285,185; Manu Ginobili (SA) 261,107; Brandon Roy (Por) 257,231; Tony Parker (SA) 248,951.

Centers: Amar'e Stoudemire (Pho) 1,304,470; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 743,182; Nene (Den) 261,295; Marc Gasol (Mem) 217,675; Antonio McDyess (SA) 157,346; Al Jefferson (Min) 146,773; Greg Oden (Por) 136,388; Marcus Camby (LAC) 121,981; Andris Biedrins (GS) 102,095; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 96,897; Emeka Okafor (NO) 94,685; Spencer Hawes (Sac) 31,767.

Maybe you guys didn't know, but the mavs are tipping off right now... i guess this can be the open thread for now... BEAT THE GRIZZ...

Injury Report

MEMPHIS

No significant injuries

DALLAS

· Jason Kidd PG - Dec 24: Day-to-Day · Dirk Nowitzki PF - Dec 22: Day-to-Day

· Fantasy Injury News · View NBA injury report

Earlier peter king posted this on twitter...

@SI_PeterKing RT @DougzInBoston: If Colts win SB are they team of decade? ... Not to me. Pats' 3 SBs, 4 fewer reg-season wins would trump Indy.

So i replied to him saying... "yah but the colts didnt cheat to win their super bowls like the pats"

he then sends me a direct message... so i opened up the email with great anticipation to see what he had respinded with...  and his direct message said...

SI_PeterKing no

 

what does that even mean?!

We still haven't been able to see both of these teams face each other at full strength yet with Tony Parker, Erick Dampier, Shawn Marion, Josh Howard all out, and Manu leaving early with a groin injury. With all of these pieces missing we weren't going to see a exciting game tonight were we? I noticed George Hill said he was ready for the challenge to guard Dirk. Lucky for him, he wasn't given the assignment! Let's get to the Dirk heavy quick hits from tonight's game, and make sure and leave your thoughts from tonight in the comments.

• This Dirk guy may be able to make a living in this league. Seriously, he is unbelievable. Local sports talk host on 1310 The Ticket, Bob Sturm, has been reiterating this lately and I am completely on board: Dirk is amazing and Mavs fans who get to watch him night in and night out should be PRIVILEGED to cheer for him. He is a 1st ballot Hall of Famer and one of the best and unique players this league has ever seen. I am proud to be a fan of Dirk Nowitzki, and if any national media member or moron fan of another team doesn't realize Dirk's greatness, then they do not know basketball.
  
• What is all of this talk about the Mavs window closing? Doesn't that go hand in hand with Dirk's window? Call me crazy, but I don't see Dirk slowing down anytime soon.
• Maybe I should be happy we went to the JET Cropduster at the end of regulation. That bonehead move allowed all of us to witness more of Dirk's greatness. But what were the Mavs doing? He was 3-15 before that "shot." Wouldn't we rather Dirk take a heavily contested shot than just about anyone else on our team take a wide open shot? Run the game-ending plays for Dirk!
• We all keep talking in the game threads about a Mavs player to bag on. We went through Barea, Gooden, Tim Thomas, but I think we settled on Jason Terry. We know he can take over a game offensively. We aren't stupid. But in crunch time, I don't trust him to play defense, I don't trust him to make free throws, and I'd rather have Dirk taking the big shots. I say all of this knowing that the Cropduster will stick it to me soon and be the JET very soon (I hope!).
• Were the two biggest plays Dirk made all night his defensive stops against Duncan in overtime? Nowitzki played tough vs. Duncan (unlike Humphries at the end of regulation) and stopped him twice in the extra session. Yes, the offensive plays Dirk made were more exhilarating, but when will Dirk get any credit for his defense?Dirk could do no wrong tonight.
• Since Devean George is gone, everyone is looking for a new punching bag as I already mentioned. I have suggested Jason Terry, though many of you have jumped on Drew Gooden. Well, he is doing his best to make you continue to look. Three double-doubles in a row for the former bunnytailer. I love the way he is playing right now. I saw him take one shot I didn't like tonight. Every other time he had the ball he attacked the basket. When Damp comes back, the Dallas Mavericks actually have some depth at the 5! Mavs just need to remember to make sure and turn off the rim mics when he brings his foul mouth nearby.
  
• Tim Thomas played! OK, maybe I shouldn't be that excited. All I can remember from him is a missed dunk.
  
• What was Popovich doing in the 4th quarter leaving Malik Hairston in the game for so long? Did he forget that the Spurs signed Richard Jefferson in the off-season? That is the only explanation I can think of.
• Dirk just said "pissed" on the post game. He wasn't happy with himself at halftime. Can you say pissed on TV?
• Roddy Beaubois was a force early again, and we didnt see him late... again. Carlisle obviously still trusts Barea more in the 4th, and I cant argue with the results tonight. JJ finished the game with a +/- of +14, only behind the +15 of Kris Humphries.I'm still angry I wasn't able to win that Roddy jersey on TXA 21 tonight! They both can thank Dirk a bit for alot of that +.
  
• Tim Duncan lead the Spurs in points, rebounds, assists and blocks. When will he go away?
• Anyone else bummed that Humphries dunk attempt didn't go down over Duncan? Would have loved to make that the background on my computer.
• Devin Harris is 0-12.

That is all for me tonight. I really do want people other than Mavs fans to realize the greatness of Dirk Nowitzki. I don't want to hear how this guy isn't clutch. I don't want to hear why this guy is soft. That is all bull! For those of us who are devoted to this team and are lucky enough to watch them most nights... we know how great Dirk is.  With a week to go until Thanksgiving, let us all be thankful that Dirk is on the Dallas Mavericks. And of course, the Spurs could dress the coyote, and it would still feel great to beat them. GO MAVS!

I have been MIA this past week. Craziest work week of my life. I haven't watched a Mavs game in almost 2 weeks. Last night, I only saw the final 27 seconds of overtime, though they were a great 27 seconds.

I am hoping that work settles down, and that I can begin to let the Mavs take over my life like usual. By the way, who knew the Hawks were so good? Continue reading to see the roundup of rankings.

Continue reading this post »

Does it really matter where people think the Mavs rank in the NBA after two weeks? Probably not. But I have always enjoyed seeing different thoughts from different places on the Mavs. Now, I used to let power rankings anger me when I thought our team was being disrespected. Recently I've done my best to mellow out on the power rankings and let things that truly matter make me angry, like Dwyane Wade.

That being said, I've done my best to compile all of the NBA power rankings that I have come across. I will continue to update this weekly so we can see what the general consensus is of our beloved Mavericks nationally. If you know of one that I am missing, please leave it in the comments. I will make sure and add it to next week's Power Rankings Roundup. A few sites have paired up with other sites (Yahoo/NBA.com, CBSSports/SI.com). Also note that some sites have not been updated yet this week. I put my comments in italics.

Overall, everyone agrees that we are a top ten team in the league right now. I would definitely concur, though I still get sick thinking about that loss at New Orleans. What do you think?

Continue reading this post »

Link To Story

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the Mavericks will have five players on the NBA All-Star ballot.

They'll be the five at Tuesday's news conference and they will be the first voters in the fan balloting that will select the starters for the game Valentine's Day at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion and Josh Howard will be on the ballot. Erick Dampier was left off, according to folks with knowledge of the ballot.

Still, the Mavericks have a nice representation. It'll be interesting to find out if more than Nowitzki makes the final Western Conference squad. As always, it'll boil down to wins. The best teams in the first half of the season usually get the most players named.

--Eddie Sefko

It's recap time... and we dominated. We were supposed to dominate right? Phillip predicted he Mavs to roll and we did. I have a bit of news though... someone got really drunk at the birthday party... sorry it wasn't me. It was my wife... I think she's okay... I am more worried about this recap though... let's get into the game (or at least the part i saw).

- Josh Howard is BACK! the good news is that he looked aggressive... the bad news is that he still bricked jumpshots and he did his Jason Terry impression at the free throw line...
- Dirk got 20 points again... I can't believe that loser scored less than 20 vs NO... he sucks
- JJ Barea had 12 assists?!?! He is the worst player in the league one night and the next... he brings it... prettay impressive... He's still short...
- I posted it in the game thread... the Mavs had the 4th highest shooting % in the last 18 years... ummm awesome
- Isn't it stupid that roddy boobwa is badass early on vs NO and then we only see him in garbage time tonight? come on now...
- Baylor won today... SIC 'EM
- Jason Terry needs to stop missing free throws or I will punch him... i will...
- I am glad Quinton Ross isn't hurt.
- Is Erick Dampier a viable option in fantasy... i am still refusing to bite... but ever single game this year he isn't hurting your team... gotta love contract years.
- I saw Shawn Marion miss 2 shots before I left... he finished the game 9-11 from the field... I guess he did well after I left huh? Has he shot a FT this year? I am not looking it up... I'm just wondering...
- I've got nothing left... Please leave your thoughts on the game in the comment section and get ready to beat the Rockets on Monday Tuesday... I am going to link the Mavs-Rockets game cuz SBNation gives me that option... not sure where it leads... GO MAVS!

Rockets vs Mavericks coverage

My name is Zack, though most of you know me as zkmavz...  That's me in the picture with the Dirk jersey on... Phillip's #1 enemy, Dirk Diggler, is with me as well.  

I am looking forward to contributing to this site in ways other than getting angry in the game threads. I am going to be doing post-game recaps and some other weekly stuff that is a surprise. Yay surprises! The best news of all is that the more I post, the less Phillip will. No... just kidding The best news is really that I plan to regularly have new stuff for people to read and comment on... and if you dont like what I post, please comment and let me know. I will then do more of what you don't like just to annoy you. That's not true either... I don't want to annoy you. I don't really know where I am going with this... I didn't want to post this anyway... Let's move on.

My first duty will be to start doing quick recaps of each game... and what a perfect night to start. The Raptors are coming to town after beating the Hornets last night, and (Phillip, skip this rest of this paragraph) I wont even get to watch the game live since my wife is dragging me to a birthday party. So please be prepared for a delayed recap with me being about 6 beers deep.

OK, I am done with this introductory post. I look forward to giving you all some good hard Mavericks love this season. Bruce182 what's up? Front page shout out for ya buddy!

GO MAV'S MAVS!

Former New Jersey Net star Richard Jefferson bailed on his stunning fiancee -- pulling the plug on his posh Manhattan wedding at the 11th hour without even alerting some of the guests, The New York Post has learned.

The cold-footed forward's decision to ditch onetime Net dancer Kesha Ni'Cole Nichols was so last-minute that some of his oblivious friends had already shown up last Saturday at the swank Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle for the $2 million wedding that never happened.

Jefferson — who was traded in June to the San Antonio Spurs — dumped Nichols just before the weekend, according to sources.

She immediately called her family and friends to say the ceremony was off.

But Jefferson waited much longer, his friends told The Post.

"He called about two hours before the wedding. It was nuts," said one Jefferson pal.

He never showed up at the hotel, but "all his boys were there," the friend said. "He gave his best friend the Black Amex (credit card) for the night."

LINK TO STORY

An NBA source has told the Orlando Sentinel that the Orlando Magic will match the five-year, $34-million offer sheet extended by the Dallas Mavericks to Marcin Gortat and thus retain him. The team would not be able to trade him until Dec. 15, at the earliest, if that's what the team wants to do.

more words are needed... way to go donnie.. put all your damn eggs in one basket and not bass is gone too... fucking shoot me.. damp and hollins here we go... otis smith is a dead man... f south florida teams

LINK TO STORY

Continue reading this post »

keep in mind this is a peter vescey story and he's a moron... but if they got amare for old balls tmac... just kill me now

Columnist Peter Vescey's NBA sources indicate the Rockets are "leaning toward" trading Tracy McGrady, Carl Landry and Aaron Brooks to the Suns for Leandro Barbosa and Amare Stoudemire.
Stoudemire has been disgruntled in Phoenix for a while now, and ESPN's Ric Bucher reported on Thursday that he will indeed be traded. The Suns would acquire two solid young players in Landry and Brooks, while gaining financial flexibility with T-Mac's expiring $22 million contract. So far nothing is official, but stay tuned throughout what promises to be a hectic draft day. Jun. 25 - 12:22 pm et

Link to Story

Saw the story on yahoosports.com... another one gets away? phoenix is gonna be good next year huh?


The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal(notes), a league source told Yahoo! Sports late Thursday night.
Cleveland will send Ben Wallace(notes), Sasha Pavlovic(notes), the 46th pick in Thursday’s draft and cash to the Suns for O’Neal.

 Link to Story


more words more words more words

from ESPN insider...

Mavs eye pick No. 5?

The Mavericks are said to be interested in the fifth pick and the prospect of drafting Jordan Hill.

The teams have made nice in the past, most recently in the swap that secured Antawn Jamison in 2004. The Mavericks also were kind enough to relieve the Wizards of Juwan Howard in 2001.

The Mavericks apparently are willing to part with either Jason Terry or Josh Howard to sweeten a potential deal. The Mavericks would be obligated to accept an expiring contract of the Wizards, the one belonging to either the Etan Thomas or Mike James. -- The Washington Time

Link to Article

The woman arrested at Dirk Nowitzki's house on May 6 says she is pregnant with the child of the Dallas Mavericks' star and that they had been engaged.

Cristal Taylor spoke to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from jail in Beaumont, Texas.

"I've known Dirk for seven years -- and, no, I didn't tell him everything about my past because I was afraid," Taylor said, according to the newspaper. "But I mean, now I'm pregnant and alone and broke because he is my only source of income."

Taylor said that Nowitzki has not contacted her and likely does not know that she is pregnant. She said that she didn't know before she was arrested.

"I didn't even know," she said, according to the newspaper. "Nobody knew until they tested me in Dallas."

Taylor said that she was tested at the Dallas County Jail where she was held for one week before a transfer to Beaumont.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/football/nfl/05/08/nfl.owners/index.html

SI.com identified the five best and five worst owners in each of the four major team sports. The method was not scientific but based on numerous factors, some of which are indisputable and some of which are intangible. Among the criteria used to evaluate owners was the willingness to spend money to improve the team; the stability and capabilities of the front office and management; the amenities at the team's venue; and the club's culture and interactivity with fans. Of course, weighing heavily in the decision was the team's success or failure on the field. (Note: Records are through 2008 season.)

Chris Paul To Mavs?

Picture Chris Paul in a Mavericks uniform.

That might make it easier for MFFLs to watch this weekend's home-and-home series with New Orleans if Paul dominates Dallas, as he does most times the Hornets and Mavs meet. But it's also a realistic scenario for next season.

The thought has apparently crossed Mark Cuban's mind. Rumor has it the Mavs brass let the powers that be in the Big Easy know before the trade deadline that they'd take the Hornets' two worst contracts off their hands in a package with Paul. I'd wager the value of Paul's four-year, max contract extension that kicks in next season that the Mavericks will put on the full-court press with that proposal this summer.

Acquiring Paul, a perennial MVP candidate who hasn't even hit his prime yet, and a couple of his overpaid pals would be a no-brainer basketball deal for the Mavs. For the Hornets, such a deal would make sense only because of the dollars.

The Hornets are a prime example of a team that might have to make a desperate, cost-cutting deal due to the economy. They play in a small market still recovering from Hurricane Katrina and are in luxury-tax territory. That awful combination led them to trade Tyson Chandler for spare parts in the middle of a playoff race, although Oklahoma City's doctors ultimately vetoed that deal.

Cuban can put together a heck of a bailout package for the Hornets, the bulk of which would consist of the expiring contracts of Jerry Stackhouse, Josh Howard and Erick Dampier.

(Quick contract primer: Stackhouse is on the books for $7 million next season, but he can be bought out for $2 million, making him especially attractive to cost-cutting teams. Howard is due $10.89 million next season and has a team option for 2010-11. Dampier, who didn't reach the incentives to guarantee his 2010-11 salary, will make $12.12 million next season.)

Who would the Hornets want to get rid of so badly that they'd be willing to part with Paul? Peja Stojakovic ($13.39 million next season and $14.26 in 2010-11) would definitely be part of the deal. Chandler ($12.3 next season and $13.2 in 2010-11) probably would be included, too. Morris Peterson (due a total of $12 million over the next two seasons) or James Posey ($19.5 million over three seasons) are other possibilities.

Stojakovic's contract ranks among the worst in the league. He's had a very good career, but he's an oft-injured 40-percent jump shooter these days. But he is the starting small forward for a playoff team.

The Mavs would probably prefer to take Chandler, even with his massive contract, over Peterson or Posey. He'd provide an instant upgrade over Dampier and give Paul the comfort of continuing to work with his pogo-stick pick-and-roll partner. Chandler's athletic, gritty style -- rebounding, blocking shots and finishing -- would be a perfect complement for Dirk's game.

If it's Posey, the Mavs would be getting a savvy role player who has a couple of rings. If it's Peterson, well, that's a small price to pay for the league's best point guard.

Add it all up, including the millions saved by buying out Stack and avoiding the luxury tax (plus the $3 million Cuban seems to toss in with every trade), and this trade trims over $100 million from the Hornets' expenses over the years. That could be tough to turn down for a business-minded owner like George Shinn, especially if New Orleans fans don't pack their arena for playoff games.

For a basketball-minded owner like Cuban, the chance to make Paul a Maverick is worth pursuing.

Cuban has repeatedly said the Mavs will be "opportunistic" in the trade market and are willing to take on salary if the right situation presents itself. This is the kind of deal Cuban is referring to -- actually, this is the best-case scenario of that kind of deal.

"I want to win," Cuban said last night when asked about his willingness to take on significant salaries under the right circumstances. "If I think it puts us over the top, hell yeah. I'll just go get another job at Dairy Queen."

It's not just talk coming from the brash billionaire. Cuban proved with the Jason Kidd trade last season that he's willing to write the necessary checks to significantly improve the Mavs' chances of winning.

OK, so the Kidd deal hasn't panned out as planned. Hey, if Cuban can get Paul here, Devin Harris will be a distant memory.

San Diego State plays TCU this weekend... Strasburg scheduled to start Friday... anyone going to see him?

GoFrogs.com

Full Story on Yahoo

SAN DIEGO – The radar gun blinks wildly. It’s not used to this. No one makes it strain to read out a third digit. It looks like binary code, not the speed of a pitch from a 20-year-old kid: 101.

It keeps showing up, 101 again and again, and as scouts peek at the number, they ask aloud what everyone else in the baseball world wonders: Will Stephen Strasburg someday throw a baseball harder than anyone has before?

Two men holding radar guns as well as his pitching coach said he has touched 103 mph this season. Only three others have done that, and all were major league relief pitchers, not juniors in college. Strasburg is a starter for San Diego State, and his velocity levels off in triple digits, something never seen, not from Nolan Ryan or Randy Johnson or any of the modern fireballers since the advent of the radar gun.

So it’s no surprise that Strasburg is dominating college like no pitcher ever has. He has 74 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings, meaning only 29 outs have come via batted ball. He fanned 23 batters in one game last year, and in seven outings with Team USA last summer, culminating with the Beijing Olympics, he struck out 62 in 41 innings.

Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade today was fired from his endorsement contract with a chain of charter schools originally named after him and catering to high school dropouts.

Wade, 27, didn’t fulfill his obligations to the D. Wade’s Schools, said Mavericks in Education CEO Mark Thimmig. Those included appearances in TV commercials.

“We need to move on; the dropout rate is at epidemic levels,” Thimmig said. “This contract made Dwyane Wade the biggest celebrity committed to turning around the national dropout crisis.

“He was supposed to participate in marketing campaigns and public appearances, but he has not been engaged.”

Wade received an undisclosed number of shares in the schools when he signed on.

Thimmig said he’ll go on the hunt for another celebrity pitchman, “one with strong family values.”

LINK TO STORY

The trade that sent Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs appears to be only the first phase of some major wheeling and dealing by the New England Patriots this offseason.

The second phase, NFL sources say, is likely to involve a trade that would send Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers to the Patriots in exchange for the second-round pick (34th overall) they received from the Chiefs on Feb. 28.

According to league sources, the Patriots and Panthers are hoping to complete the deal at some point between the March 22-25 NFL owners meetings and the start of the draft on April 25.

Peppers, on whom the Panthers have placed a franchise tag that assures him of a one-year contract worth $16.68 million, would be converted to outside linebacker in New England's 3-4 defense.

LINK TO STORY

David Moore Not Impressed Until Mavs beat good team on the Road

JJT says mavs will go as far as Dirk can take them

Photos from last nights game... i had no clue we wore the Los Mavs jerseys...

"It parted like the Red Sea," said Howard, who played with a sore left ankle. "I was going to shoot the jumper, but when I saw that, I had to change it up. This was big for us. We've shot ourselves in the foot a few times lately. We needed this."- Josh Howard

Ha... he was going to shoot the jumper... shocker

we can cheer for Pops again!

 TRES POINTER!!!!

"I put it on my shoulders," Duncan said. "I really played an awful game on both ends. I've got to clean that up. ... They were real physical and I felt I got fouled on a couple things. But everybody feels like they get fouled sometimes. I tried to play through it, then started compounding by missing layups and missing shots. Frustrating night." - Tim Duncan

awwww poor baby

In case you have been asleep like Wes...

mike fisher over at DB.com says we saw a preview of rick's playoff rotation

You have all probably read all of this today... but i thought I'd post it anyway... GO MAVS!

soooo... who is going to sign him?

The Dallas Cowboys have released controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, sources told ESPN's Michael Smith late Wednesday.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones did not deny the team is discussing the possible release of Owens in late February.

"That Stephen and I were debating about Terrell, that's just misinformation," Jones said regarding his son, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones at the time. "That's just not accurate. I don't know where that comes from. That's just total misinformation."

There has been talk since the end of the Cowboys' 9-7 season that they would consider cutting Owens to improve moral in the locker room.

Not only did Owens have relationship issues with quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten, but the receiver consistently criticized offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's play calling and his offensive schemes to the point that sources say Garrett does not believe they can coexist.

The Cowboys paid Owens a $12 million signing bonus just last year, included as part of a new four-year, $34 million deal.

Owens caught 69 passes for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

link to story