Gallinari To Rookie-Sophomore Game

New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari has been invited to play in the Rookie-Sophomore game on NBA All-Star weekend. Gallinari didn't play in the game last year as a rookie because he was injured with back problems for most of the season. However, this year, he has been a bit of a surprise. He is averaging 14.6 points per game, and he also is first in three-point shots made.

Gallinari has been a major factor in the Knicks play this year. Despite the Knicks recent slide, which has put them nine games under .500 recently, the Knicks have been much better than last year and the contributions from Gallinari has been a factor. Gallinari has shown the ability to take over down the stretch in some games. His game resembles Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, but he is smaller than Nowitzki.

Gallinari won't be the only player from the Knicks in All-Star festivities. Nate Robinson will participate in the dunk contest for the fourth time on All-Star weekend. He has won two competitions already, including last year's dunk contest. David Lee may also be a participant of the All-Star Game. He is averaging over 19 points a game and 11 rebounds a game. The reserves for the All-Star Game comes out on Thursday January 28.

Edwards, Sheppard Disappointed In Role

The New York Jets loss to the Indianapolis Colts 30-17 in the AFC Championship Game, and there were a couple of unhappy players on the Jets after the game. Wide receiver Braylon Edwards and defensive back Lito Sheppard both voiced their displeasure in their roles in the game. Edwards only had two catches for 100 yards, and Sheppard was told earlier in the week that Dwight Lowery would be starting in his place.

Edwards stated that he could've been more involved in the offense, and he also stated that the Jets could've scored more with him making big plays. Edwards caught a touchdown pass in the first half for the first score of the game for the Jets. However, he was a non-factor afterwards, only making one more catch and not having a catch in the second half.

Sheppard only played a limited role in the loss for the Jets. This was reminiscent of the NFC Championship Game last year between the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. Sheppard was on the Eagles in that game, and he played a very limited role in that game as well. Sheppard is due a roster bonus on March, and it's possible the Jets could cut him before that bonus is due to him.

Edwards does not own the right to complain about his involvement in the offense because he has dropped countless passes this season. That's a problem he has to correct before Mark Sanchez is able to look his way more. The Jets offense did fail to score in the second half, but that isn't because of Edwards lack of involvement. It has to be frustrating for Sheppard because he felt he was getting a fresh start after voicing his displeasure on the Eagles last year and in the offseason. However, head coach Rex Ryan simply did what he felt was best for the defense to succeed.

Knicks Still Covet Rubio

While Ricky Rubio continues to play overseas for FC Barcelona, the Knicks continue to keep their eye on him. Rubio was drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 NBA Draft. They owned the 6th pick as well, and used that to select another point guard, Jonny Flynn. They also had the 18th pick, in which they used to select point guard Tywon Lawson. He was traded to the Denver Nuggets.

Rubio decided to go back to Spain instead of coming to the NBA to play. That may have been because of the lack of interest to play in Minnesota, or because the money he would've had to pay the club he was on to leave was too much. However, the Knicks have international scout Kevin Wilson, who lives in Barcelona, taking a look at Rubio.

Timberwolves general manager David Kahn used to work under Knicks president Donnie Walsh with the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks will definitely need a point guard down the road, as Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson will be free agents after the season. They are both not expected to be retained, in order to sign multiple quality free agents, starting with Lebron James. Walsh was told by Kahn that the Timberwolves were not looking to trade Rubio, but that could change.

The Knicks have to look at Rubio very carefully. Rubio has been the topic of discussion since before the draft, but he's only 19 years old and he has to prove himself overseas a little more before he can be trusted at the NBA level. It is wise for the Knicks to covet him though, because the Knicks won't have a point guard if they get Lebron James and another marquee free agent. They should also look to draft a point guard, with the potential loss of Duhon and Robinson.

Jets Season Ends

The New York Jets ended their magical season in the AFC Championship Game after losing to the Indianapolis Colts 30-17. The Jets came into the game running the ball very well and playing very good defense, led by Darrelle Revis. The Jets got off to a great start in the first half, going ahead 17-6 on the strength of two touchdown passes from rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. The first one went to Braylon Edwards, who has struggled to make catches during the season and in the AFC Wild Card Game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The second touchdown pass went to Dustin Keller, who has become Sanchez's favorite target. Keller has caught a touchdown in all three games this postseason. The Colts managed to score a touchdown before halftime, which occurred on a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Austin Collie. The second half belonged to the Colts. They outscored the Jets 17-0, where Manning threw two more touchdown passes. Pierre Garcon caught 11 passes for 151 yards and had one of the touchdowns in the second half from Manning.

The Jets offense weren't able to get going in the second half. Rookie running back Shonn Greene got injured, and he didn't return, making it more difficult for the Jets. Greene and Thomas Jones combined for only 83 yards on 26 carries. The Jets defense also failed, giving up 377 passing yards to Manning, and 98 yards to Joseph Addai and Donald Brown on 22 carries. Revis was able to limit Reggie Wayne to only 3 catches for 55 yards, but Lito Sheppard and Dwight Lowery weren't able to contain Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. The Jets season ended at 11-8.

Knicks Lose By 50

The New York Knicks had their worst home game of the season, losing 128-78 to the Dallas Mavericks. This loss came with the absence of Jason Kidd and Erick Dampier. The Knicks were down by 16 at halftime, and it got worst in the 3rd quarter. The Knicks were outscored 38-13 in the quarter, going down by 41 points. The Knicks were down by as many as 53 points at one point in the game. The Knicks haven't beaten the Mavericks since January of 2006.

Jared Jeffries led the Knicks with 14 points, with 12 of them coming in the 1st quarter. Jeffries is only averaging 4.4 points per game this season. David Lee had another double-double, but only scored 11 points while grabbing 14 rebounds. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry led the Mavericks with 20 points, and Drew Gooden stepped in and played nicely, scoring 15 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. The Mavericks shot 58 percent from the field, 55 percent from three-point land, and were almost perfect from the free throw line.

The 50 point victory is the largest this season, surpassing the 48 point victory the Knicks had over the Indiana Pacers on January 3rd. The loss for the Knicks is more embarrassing considering their playmaker point guard Jason Kidd didn't play. Seven Mavericks players scored in double figures, while only Jeffries and Lee did the same. Danilo Gallinari only scored 6, Al Harrington only scored 7, and Wilson Chandler only scored 9. Nate Robinson did not play because of a pulled hamstring. The Knicks next game is Tuesday at the Garden against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Playoffs Needed In College Football

The college football season ended yesterday with Alabama claiming the national championship with a 37-21 victory over Texas. However, that seems to be the only important game in college football because of the BCS system. Shortly after the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl involving TCU and Boise State, who both went into the game undefeated as well, there was debate as to whether Boise State, who came out victorious against TCU, deserved a share of the national championship because they finished the season undefeated as well.

One thing should be clear. There should not be any shares of a national championship. Boise State's schedule, outside of games against Oregon and TCU, was very weak, therefore there isn't many people saying they should share the crown with Alabama. However, there shouldn't be any doubt at all. A clear-cut champion should be determined, and the only way that can happen is by a playoff system.

There were 34 bowl games during the bowl season and 33 of them don't count toward anything except bragging rights. Every other sport has a playoff system where a champion is determined fair and square. 68 teams were included in the bowls, which means a playoff system similar to college basketball can be the best fit. If 64 teams were included in the playoffs, which could span over the course of six weeks, that would be very logical with the seeding being determined by a committee.

With every proposal, there are issues that comes along with this. If a playoff system were to span six weeks, that could interfere with final exams and possibly the start of the spring semester. However, these final exams can be administered at another time and players sometimes miss school because of regular season games in September, October and November. Missing the first week of the spring semester wouldn't hurt.

This proposal won't be considered for another four years because ESPN signed a new agreement with the BCS, starting in 2010. A playoff system should be looked at following the 2013 bowl season, because it is clear that the majority of college football fans want a playoff system. It needs to happen rather sooner than later, because fans are being robbed.

Teams have found ways to do well within the BCS system. Two teams, Florida and Texas, kept a #1 and #2 spot in the rankings for most of the season until Florida lost to Alabama in the SEC Championship game. Florida and Texas have scheduled light opponents for the most part to go undefeated and make the championship game. Oklahoma, who had high expectations, play tough non-conference opponents in BYU and Miami. Teams should be required to schedule at least one non-conference opponent from a power conference. We can then determine in the BCS system who's deserving of a national championship spot as well. I don't think Texas was deserving of a spot.

Arenas Tarnishing NBA Image?

The talk of the NBA this week has been about the suspension of Wizards' superstar Gilbert Arenas, and his actions before the suspension. Arenas brought four guns to the Verizon Center, and it's been reported that Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton had a dispute about a gambling debt in which the guns were brought out. It was reported by the Washington Post yesterday that Crittenton pulled out his own handgun, loaded it and chambered a round. Crittenton has denied that, saying "I have done nothing wrong."

Commissioner David Stern maintained the stance before that he would let the legal process run its course before he makes a decision on the future of Arenas. However, earlier this week, Arenas constantly joked around with the situation, stating that he was more afraid of Stern because he is "mean." Arenas also did a pregame dance against the 76ers earlier this week with his hand in a gun motion pointing at his teammates. Stern clearly thought Arenas wasn't taking the situation seriously, and acted swiftly to suspend him instead of waiting for the legal process to conclude.

Stern made the right decision in suspending Arenas immediately. Stern needs to protect the image of the NBA, which many people think has a bunch of thugs. Other NBA players who have been in trouble with guns are Stephen Jackson and Sebastian Telfair. Telfair was involved with incidents regarding guns twice. Arenas didn't make a smart move by bringing the guns to the Verizon Center. He initially tried to justify the guns being in a lock box by saying he recently had a daughter and he wanted to get the guns out of the house. That's easy. Turn the guns in to local authorities. They'll be glad to get guns off of your hands. Bringing it to the arena was dumb because it could've turned disastrous.

Arenas wasn't completely wrong for making light of the situation. What good does it do if he constantly repeats himself and apologizes with a grim face to the media? It does nothing. He was still completely wrong and stupid for bringing them. Arenas should not be getting heat for his pregame antics before the 76ers game, or the countless interviews he's done where he's joking around. His contract also should not be terminated by the Wizards. They had to know the guns were there. If not, they would've said so at the beginning of all of this. The only way they should void his contract is if he does substantial time in prison. The Wizards are to blame as well and should get a hefty fine.

The actions of Arenas and Crittenton will damage the NBA's reputation, which has taken a hit with the brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills in 2004 involving Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson and Jermaine O'Neal. The gun incidents involving Telfair doesn't help either. The NBA shouldn't be looked at as a league of thugs but they'll have to do more community service outside of NBA Cares programs to show they really care and that they aren't thugs.

Gasol May Be Out Until Christmas

Reports have it that Pau Gasol may be out until around Christmas. Gasol mysteriously suffered a hamstring injury in preseason and hasn't played a game yet this season. The Lakers have still been able to win games, only losing once this season, a home game to the Mavericks. For more, click on the link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4646071

T.O. Sits Out Practice,

Terrell Owens sat out practice, apparently with a strained hip. Owens practiced earlier in the week, so this injury is apparently new. It has been no secret that Owens has been frustrated with his productivity this season, with only one touchdown reception through eight games. For more, check out the link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4644660

NL Gold Gloves Revealed

MLB released the Gold Glove winners for the National League, and names that stood out were Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino of the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies. Adam Wainwright, arguably the best pitcher in the NL, won it at the pitcher's position. For the complete list, check out the link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4645309

Abdul-Jabbar Fighting Cancer

NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has let it known that he is fighting a rare form of leukemia, which is called chronic myeloid leukemia. Abdul-Jabbar said doctors told him he can live a normal lifestyle and take medication to fight the disease. For more info, check out the story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4640518

AL Gold Glove Winners Announced

MLB announced the Gold Glove awards winners for each position in the American League. Torii Hunter and Ichiro Suzuki both won Gold Gloves at their positions, which gives them both nine straight Gold Glove awards. For the complete list, check out the link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4642325

Steelers Hand Broncos First Home Loss

The Steelers beat the Broncos 28-10, which gives the Broncos their first home loss of the season. The Broncos's loss and the Steelers's win brings both teams to a 6-2 record, tied with the Patriots and the Bengals for the second best record in the AFC behind the undefeated Colts. Steelers's safety Ryan Clark didn't play in this game due to complications from a sickle cell trait the last time he played in the high altitude in Denver. For more on the game, check out the link.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291109007

Isiah Thomas Loses In Debut

Isiah Thomas made his college head coaching debut with Florida International University and lost to the defending champions North Carolina 88-72. Earlier this year, Thomas was going to pull his team out of the matchup because they were promised to play Ohio State. They instead decided to stay with the matchup and play North Carolina in the 2K Sports Classic. For the game recap, check out the link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=293130153

Oregon Reinstates Blount

Oregon has reinstated LeGarrette Blount, after he was initially suspended for the year after punching Boise State's Byron Hout in the opening game. Blount punched Hout in the jaw, dropping him and was acting very violently as he was taken off the field at the conclusion of the game. Oregon quickly suspended him for the entire year, but said recently they would consider reinstating him. Was it smart for Oregon to reinstate Blount? Check out the story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4637797

Chiefs Cut Johnson

The Chiefs got rid of Larry Johnson, who got suspended from the team after using gay slurs on reporters and Todd Haley. Johnson was just 75 yards short of the team's rushing record, being held now by Priest Holmes. Was it better for the team to release him? Check out the story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4637300

NFL Week 9

Interesting games took place on the Sunday schedule, including an NFC East Sunday night battle between the Cowboys and Eagles. The Cowboys, to a lot of people's surprise, won 20-16. Also, the Giants were stunned and shocked as they lost 21-20 to the Chargers from a Philip Rivers touchdown throw with under 30 seconds left. The Colts and Saints both extended their perfect seasons yesterday, beating the Texans and Panthers respectively. What was the best game of Week 9? For game recaps of Sunday's games, check out the links.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291108001
http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291108003
http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=291108004
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108011
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108017
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108027
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108030
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108018
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108026
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108025
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108019
http://espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=291108021

Thomas Hurt by Magic Book

Miami-- Former Detroit Pistons point guard and NBA legend Isiah Thomas is stunned by new revelations by former Los Angeles Lakers guard and NBA legend Magic Johnson's book that has come to light. The book, titled "When The Game Was Ours," was co-written by former Boston Celtics forward and NBA legend Larry Bird, and author Jackie MacMullen. The book states how Thomas and Johnson were good friends during their playing days. However, after Thomas allegedly spread rumors about Johnson being gay after testing positive for HIV, their friendship was no longer.

Thomas has denied spreading rumors about Johnson being gay and said he is hurt that Johnson would come out with this in public instead of to him. Thomas says his brother contracted HIV before Johnson and his brother died of HIV so he knows how people can get the virus. Also, the book says that Johnson is also responsible for Thomas not being on the 1992 Olympic team, where USA won gold. Before, it was widely reported that former Chicago Bulls guard and NBA legend Michael Jordan didn't want Thomas on the team. Jordan has denied that.

I completely agree with Isiah Thomas' stand on this. Why is this being revealed in a book? Why hasn't Magic Johnson ever confronted Thomas about this? Johnson is interested in only one thing. He is interested in selling this book and making a lot of money, as he always has done. Johnson and Thomas were seen laughing together and having a good time at Madison Square Garden when Thomas was the president of the New York Knicks. So how has their friendship been no longer for 17 years? Johnson is probably fabricating things and has MacMullen going along with this mess. Johnson also cannot be trusted if he does things like that.

Cable Won't Face Charges

Napa-- Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable will not face charges after an investigation led to no credible evidence coming forward. In August, Cable was accused of breaking the jaw of Randy Hanson, one of the Raiders defensive coaches. The incident allegedly took place during a meeting with Cable and the defensive coaches in training camp, according to Hanson. Hanson said Cable blindsided him with a punch and repeatedly punched him, while also making life-threatening comments. Hanson has talked with the Napa County DA a couple of times, and the decision to not file charges came after a meeting with Hanson and the DA earlier this week.

Hanson's claims that Cable assaulted were not corroborated by other coaches from the Raiders' staff who were present when the attack allegedly took place. That made it hard for the DA to file any charges on Cable. The NFL had been monitoring the situation as well, and they have said that they will continue to follow up on the incident and decide whether Cable should be suspended or not. Coaches are subjected to the conduct policy along with the players. A number of players have been suspended under the policy but a coach has yet to face discipline from the policy.

There is no telling what happened in the incident where Hanson's jaw ended up being broken. However, the Raiders are happy this whole mess is behind them now, so they can focus on the New York Jets and every other opponent following them. The Raiders are 2-4 and they have a solid football team in my opinion. However, quarterback Jamarcus Russell has continued to hold them back, which is the reason they're not a playoff team. I am convinced that if quarterback Jeff Garcia was still on the team and their starting quarterback, the Raiders would be a playoff team. The Raiders should look for a quarterback in next year's draft.

Angels Force Game 6

Anaheim-- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 of the ALCS to force a Game 6 in New York. The Angels struck quickly, scoring four runs in the first inning before Yankees' pitcher A.J. Burnett was able to get an out. However, Burnett settled down and was able to pitch effectively up to the seventh inning. Angels' pitcher John Lackey pitched a great game, pitching 6 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs. The Yankees scored those three runs because Lackey left them on base when he was taken out. Angels' pitcher Darren Oliver replaced him and gave up a 3 RBI double to Mark Teixeira.

The Yankees ended up tying the game at four from Hideki Matsui's RBI single that drove home Teixeira. The Yankees added two more that inning from Robinson Cano's two RBI triple. The Angels weren't done yet. They proceeded to get three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Vladimir Guerrero hit an RBI single with the game at 6-5 to tie it at six. Kendry Morales followed that with an RBI single of his own, giving the Angels a 7-6 lead. The Yankees loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with two outs, but Nick Swisher popped out to end the game. Game 6 is Saturday night in New York.

This loss by the Yankees probably brings back memories of 2004, when they blew a 3-0 series lead to the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. The Red Sox went on to win that World Series. The Yankees have Andy Pettitte going up against Joe Saunders, so that should be a good battle. Saunders pitched well in Game 2 in New York as they lost in extra innings. Pettitte pitched well in Game 3 against the Angels, making one mistake when allowing the two run home run to Vladmir Guerrero to tie the game. I believe the Yankee bats will come alive early in this one, and Pettitte will be solid enough to edge out a victory.