Dwight Howard Getting Down with Jesus

Dwight Howard, center for the Orlando Magic participated in some activities at the beach that are HIGHLY unusual for a sports star (or celebrity of any kind for that matter). Sorry ladies, no: he was not caught skinny dipping or even strutting around wearing nothing but a Speedo. Instead, Howard decided to get baptized.

There were roughly 500 attendees present to watch as he was officially baptized by Orlando’s Summit Church at Bethune Beach. While the church did not release any photos, some rude spectator snapped this one to spread around (typical nosy A-holes).

It appears that Howard, who commented before he was drafted in 2004 that he wanted to, "raise the name of God within the league and throughout the world", is sticking to his guns on that mission. He has since also founded the Dwight D. Howard Foundation Inc., which provides scholarships to students wanting to attend Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy (his Alma Mater). While I personally might not have named the Atlantic Ocean in the middle of October as my first choice dunking location, I say more power to you, Dwight.

Hairy Situations

What is with men thinking their hair is some secret key to their team’s success? I’ve heard of the lucky jock strap superstition, the crazy pregame rituals that athletes swear by and even the “I don’t wash my socks all season” myth, but hair? C’mon boys – unless you have locks that rival the miraculous and mysterious powers of Amy Winehouse (her ‘do doubles as a drug storage) or Kate Gosselin (somethings gotta be going on up there if she can handle 9 kids counting Jon) you’re SOL. That being said – Ron Artest and Baron Davis? Get over yourselves and those furry badgers nestled on your heads.



Even though he too has a strange obsession with his hair, at least Clippers' Baron Davis can make his beard into a joke. Calling his facial accessory the "key to his swag", you too can now attain Davis’s status by purchasing a Boom’s Beard through his special offer. I mean, who wouldn't want that kind of "swag" when the Clippers have lost 5 of their last 6 games?



Second case in point: Ron Artest recently dyed the word “defense” in purple into his bleach-blonde buzz cut in Hebrew, Japanese and Hindi. This was apparently supposed to serve as “subliminal” motivation for the team to help turn their season around. Hmm… quite literally spelling out your message on your head? Yes, how very “subliminal” of you. Oh, and the Lakers went on to lose to the Magic that game. Further evidence of magical hair powers? Puh-lease.

Don't hate the player, hate the...

Across all professional sports, contract negotiations, player-coach relationships, retirement, and player-player conflicts result in athletes changing their uniforms. The popularity of the player is positively correlated with the outrage of the old team and the excitement of the new team. Switching teams is not, by any means, a new sensation. Usually, a trade makes a small wave within the organization that ripples out into the public for a week at the most. When great players are traded, however, it is a different story. Over the course of five weeks, we are taking a look at five significant cases. The first was Brett Favre and the second was Wayne Gretzky. The third is Patrick Ewing.

New York Knicks: 1985-2000
Seattle Supersonics: 2000-2001
Orlando Magic: 2001-2002

The New York Knickerbockers drafted Patrick Ewing with the first pick of the NBA draft in 1985. Named Rookie of the Year despite injuries, it was the start of what Pat O’Brien coined the “Ewing era.” Though he put up stunning stats and came understatedly close, Ewing was unable to lead the Knicks to an NBA Championship. Still, the success the team saw is nearly unparalleled, especially when compared to the weak performances of more recent years. Whether the Knicks were the division leaders or a Cinderella team, they made the playoffs in 13 out of 15 seasons with Ewing. He made the All-Star team 11 times. He became a hero in New York City, and number 33 jerseys filled Madison Square Garden to see the star center in action.

After 15 seasons as the team leader, Ewing left the Knicks in 2000, traded to the Seattle Supersonics for the final year of his contract. He wanted a high salary, but his age and deteriorating body were failing. Unable to agree on a contract extension, MSG Chairman James Dolan signed off on the deal that Ewing’s agent, David Falk, later described as “a mutual decision, and a mutual mistake.”

Ewing spent one season in Seattle and another with the Orlando Magic, retiring in 2002. He was relatively unsuccessful with both teams. Similarly, the Knicks have endured little success and many losing seasons since his departure. It is hard to tell who is to blame: Knicks management for refusing to spend more, or Ewing for refusing to accept less. Dolan was described as selfish for trying to bring down the team’s salary cap; Ewing was described as immature for believing that he could still perform at the same level that he did when he entered the NBA. Regardless, the truth remains—Patrick Ewing was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and instead of trying to come to an agreement, the Knicks traded him away.

Next Week: Michael Jordan

You know its a good night when...

Kobe is getting beat 49-37 at the half. One for 10 from the three and shooting only 33% overall, not to mention being out rebounded 22 to 14!

And, of course, the Yankees just blew their lead against the BoSox because apparently they really don't want to beat their arch rival this season. Or maybe it's just because all that money isn't worth it as evidenced by the fact that Sabathia's lead is now... well, a deficit. What good is a starter with no closer? In this economy, so offensive...

The new Big Baby....Lebron James

Right now I have a major problem with LeBron James and the fact that he refused to shake hands with opposing teammates during the last game of the playoffs. While I was surprised that he even bothered to explain himself, I am appalled by the attitude that he thinks he is completely justified in his actions. As if this little temper tantrum is somehow indicative of his unwavering dedication to being the best. I’m sorry, but all this proves is that LeBron is still a child.

What concerns me the most is the kind of message he is sending to young athletes. There are millions of children who look up to LeBron James; now they think it’s ok to abandon the rules of good sportsmanship. LeBron, you are a professional basketball player. This means that your chosen occupation, by definition, involves winning and losing. There are athletes around the world that shake hands with competitors from countries that their country is at war with and you can’t shake hands with the stinkin' Magic???? Stop being such an f'in baby, respect the game and the responsibility that comes with playing it. Get over yourself.