L.A. Pride is a true sports enthusiast.  A former youth, and division II assistant basketball coach, who studied the martial arts, he enjoys and follows all sports, even hockey.  His quick wit and insight brings a fresh view to the world of sports. You may not always agree with him, but you will enjoy his highly opinionated thoughts.

Is it me…

Or did Victor Cruz and Darrelle Revis each do the right thing?  Victor Cruz, wide receiver, New York Giants, was a no show at the Giants voluntary off-season camp.  Cruz, who does not have a contract, cannot be penalized for his absence because the camp is voluntary and he doesn’t have a contract.  Victor is a restricted free agent, meaning the Giants have the right to match any offers made to Cruz.  However, if they choose not to match an offer the Giants would receive a first round draft pick.  This could prove costly, thus making it difficult for Cruz to obtain a deal.  He does have a 2.879 million dollar tender offer from the Giants, but it is not the long-term deal he is seeking.

Darrelle Revis cornerback, New York Jets, who is coming off a major knee injury and has been listed as trade material, reported to the Jets camp as scheduled.  Revis, who is under contract, would have violated his contract, by not showing up, and stood to lose a million dollars in bonus money.  Revis would have preferred to stay in Arizona and rehab his leg while the trade issues take care of themselves.

These two New York football stars have responded differently to similar situations, one chose not to report to camp, and let his team know he deserves a long term deal, and the other reported to camp against his will, but wanted the team to know he will honor his deal and collect his money.

They are doing what is in their best interest.  Bravo to both as they take on their respective goliaths.

NFL teams continue to adjust and shape their rosters;

A list of current NFL transactions can be found at

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/transactions/

Is it me…

Or did the Lakers and Kobe catch a bad break?  Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, tore his Achilles tendon, and is out for six to nine months.  The Lakers who are fighting for the final playoff berth responded well to this devastating accident, by winning their first game without Kobe.    The Utah Jazz, who are also fighting for the final spot, have refused to lie down and are taking it too the wire.  They are in a win or go home situation.  They must win their final game and hope that the Houston Rockets, ‘blast off’ on the Lakers.

Follow this link to the current conference standings:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/standings

Life is so unfair, and so are sports.  My favorite pro basketball teams are the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.  Guess who play each other in the first round of the playoffs?  I was hoping they would meet later in the playoffs, but now one must go…early.  AHHHHHHHH!

NBA teams are adjusting their rosters.  Please follow this link for the latest information on your team:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/?eref=sinav

Is it me…

Or was it a no brainer for the Phoenix Mercury?  The WNBA held their draft and the Phoenix franchise had the number one pick and selected …Britney Griner of Baylor.  Griner, who dominated, women’s college basketball was a consensus all-american and should do well as a pro.  However, she should ignore Mark Cuban and not even entertain the idea of playing with the boys.  Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, NBA, claims he would draft Britney to play in the NBA.  I hope he is joking because that is a sure way to get her hurt.  Griner is 6’8” and thin, the guys would muscle her right out of the game.  Britney, no offense, stay with the ladies.  That is why there is a WNBA, a pro league for WOMEN.

Is it me…

Or is it with deep regret we note the tragedy in Boston?   Three people were killed, including an eight-year-old boy,  and more than 170 injured by explosions near the finish of the Boston Marathon on Monday.  There were two separate explosions, believed  to be acts of terrorism that went off at approximately 3 p.m. several hours into the race.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Edited by D. Pride.