DEI, Junior: Dunzo

On Thursday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Junior) declared free agency. Following this season, he will depart Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. According to Junior, his motivation was winning. "At 32 years of age, the same age my father was when he made his final and most important career decision, it's time for me to compete on a consistent basis and contend for championships now," he said. "Money's not really the issue. It's not the guy who gives me the biggest paycheck. There's some things you can't get with money: peace of mind and satisfaction."

During his press conference, Junior welcomed all offers. Realistically, three possibilities exist. The options include Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports. Junior’s late father drove for Childress. Childress’ current stable includes Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer. Gibbs’ group features Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and J.J. Yeley. Hendrick’s ranks incorporate Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch, and Casey Mears.

Unfortunately, Junior’s courtship commences now. Speculation and conjecture have begun. Eventually, negotiations will ensue. Practically, Junior’s season is concluded. Twenty-six races remain. However, his preparation and results are irrelevant. Every question and conversation will encompass next season.

I predicted this situation. Teresa Earnhardt and Junior’s relationship was poisonous. This made negotiations impossible. Had Dale Earnhardt lived, this scenario is implausible. However, six years have passed. A nuclear winter has devolved into Junior’s exodus.

Virginia Tech Graduates

Fire Them

On Friday, XM Radio Disc Jockeys Opie and Anthony apologized for their repulsive content. On Wednesday, they aired a guest’s sexual fantasies concerning Queen Elizabeth, First Lady Laura Bush, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Opie and Anthony’s stunt was reprehensible. They should be fired. Public discourse has standards. Certain statements are unacceptable. Opie and Anthony should know this. They are miscreants. They should be dismissed.

Predictable Conundrum

Allegedly, Ricky Williams has tested positive for marijuana. This is unsurprising. Williams possesses immense talent. With that stated, his behavior has been consistently bizarre. Toward his career, he has acted apathetically. Why?

Tony Blair: Exemplary Leader

On Thursday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced his resignation. Officially, he will depart June 27. “I’ve been prime minister of this country for just over 10 years,” Blair said. “I think that’s long enough, not only for me, but also for the country and sometimes the only way you conquer the pull of power is to set it down.”

During his tenure, Blair introduced the minimum wage. He also increased public education and healthcare spending. He raised higher education tuition fees. He commenced Scotland and Wales home rule. He facilitated peace in Northern Ireland. His defining decision was British engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Blair’s legacy is secure. He was a sterling leader. Amidst descent and disparagement, Blair was principled. Intelligence and resolve directed his decisions. Criticism and character assassination were ignored. In this phony era, Blair was genuine. This was his defining quality.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“It’s graduation time. Here in New York, we have a lot of honor students graduating… Don’t kid yourself… Don’t kid yourself… A lot of honor students. Yes, your honor. No, your honor…. A lot of honor students.”

Late Show with David Letterman

American Idol: Sans The Fat One

LaKisha Jones has been eliminated. I never adored her. My objection? She will not sell records. She is unattractive and obese. This decision was correct. Finally and thankfully, the decision occurred.

Belief… Questionable

According to Floyd Landis, the United States Anti-Doping Agency offered him a reprieve. As reciprocation, they requested incriminating information on Lance Armstrong. If true, these actions are reprehensible. However, Landis is defective. One must not ignore his reputation.

Bill Richardson’s Brilliant Ad

Survivor: Yau-Man, Master Strategist

Timing is all. When one senses danger, action is required. Hesitation can induce peril. For the car challenge, a duel competition was staged. Boo, Stacy, and Yau-man navigated an obstacle course. Yau-men then conquered an ax toss. Promptly, he offered Dre the Ford Super Duty. As reciprocation, Dre exchanged potential final four immunity. After Boo scored immunity, Dre began plotting Yau-man’s removal. However, Yau-man anticipated the aforesaid. Pre-vote, he played his hidden immunity idol. He then received three votes. Stacy received two votes. Given Yau-man’s action, Stacy was eliminated.

Risk Swallowing?

According to a study, oral sex increases throat cancer risk. The litany of potential jokes is infinite.

A War Over Five Cents

A Wisconsin gas station owner has been affording senior citizens a two cent per gallon discount. He had been allowing youth sports boosters a three cent per gallon cut. Apparently, his kindness violates an Unfair Sales Act. He must raise prices or face fines. This law is asinine. Those enforcing this law are ridiculous.

A Eulogy For Finalists

Duplication is difficult. Achieving one championship series is exceptional. Achieving consecutive championship series is virtually implausible. The NBA is this rule’s exception. The Boston Celtics captured ten championships in twelve seasons. The Chicago Bulls garnered six in eight campaigns. The Los Angeles Lakers scored three consecutive titles. The San Antonio Spurs tallied three rings in seven seasons.

Last week, the defending NBA finalists were eliminated. The Bulls swept the champion Miami Heat. The Golden State Warriors upset the Western Conference winning Dallas Mavericks. Last season, each won twelve pre-finals contests. This season, they combined for two victories.

Dallas accrued 67 regular season wins. However, owner and star whining trumped focus. Their former coach stunned them. This was the second straight series Dallas could not close. Despite a 2-0 edge, they lost last season’s championship. Despite superior talent, they forfeited this series. Their effort was appalling. Their results horrendous.

Miami scored 44 regular season victories. Versus Chicago, they were visibly old. Shaquille O’Neal appeared exhausted. Gary Payton was ancient. Pat Riley’s tactics were ineffective. The remaining cast resembled a street squad. Clearly, this season demonstrated the obvious. Last season, the Heat were simply fortunate.

Dallas and Miami failed for contrasting reasons. The Mavericks were arrogant and unfocused. The Heat were aged and feeble. With that stated, their failures were not surprising. Yes, both were the NBA’s standard in 2005-2006. However, neither are cornerstone franchises. Each was merely the moment’s beneficiary.

Let Him Play Ball

Keyshawn Johnson began as the mouth that roared. Following his first touchdown, he removed his helmet, fired the football, and screamed. He wrote a book. He criticized teammates. He demeaned coaches. He improved. He spirited the New York Jets. He was traded. He disparaged the Jets. He performed terribly. He improved. He won a Super Bowl. He scorched Jon Gruden. He was benched. Again, he was traded. He performed admirably. The Dallas Cowboys released him. The Carolina Panthers signed him.

Last week, the Panthers released Johnson. Carolina’s second and fourth round selections were wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson. Obviously, youth sparked Johnson’s exit. "We appreciated the contribution of Keyshawn in his season with the Panthers," said Panthers Coach John Fox. "He brought us high production, but at this time, we are in a situation in which we have a number of young receivers and thought this was the right time to make the decision."

During his career, Johnson has recorded 814 receptions, 10,571 yards, and 64 touchdowns. In Carolina, Johnson snared 70 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns. Despite his talent, Johnson has not recorded a 80-plus reception season since 2001.

According to Johnson’s agent, several offers have been received. The aforesaid suggests Johnson’s future participation. This is outstanding. Johnson is controversial. However, he is also capable. Johnson deserves additional seasons. He is not perfect. With that stated, he has matured from that screaming rookie.

Hilton: Jail Deserved

On Friday, Paris Hilton received 45 days incarceration. Hilton was sentenced for violating probation. Her punishment will not include work release, furloughs, alternative jail, or electronic monitoring. Hilton’s sentence commences June 5.

Hilton’s actions were ridiculous. Obviously, she can afford a driver. She should have exercised this option. I applaud the judge. His decision was warranted. Hilton acted arrogantly and inappropriately. She should not have driven. She deserves these consequences.

Permanently Extinct

Once, horse racing and boxing were grand. They occupied both conversation and the front page. Despite their paucity, title clashes and the Triple Crown were sporting crown jewels. On Saturday, the 133rd Kentucky Derby and a glitzy championship bout occurred. Unfortunately, neither captivated America.

Boxing has numerous impediments. Pay Per View bouts are overly expensive. Only HBO and Showtime televise title clashes. Boxing airs late night. There is a weight class excess. There is a champions excess. Fighters are overly technical. They are also sans personality. Once, African-American youth admired Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson. Now, they mimic Lebron James and Dwayne Wade.

Horse racing has been stereotyped. The sport is affluent and caucasion. Cameras pan white crowds. Dress is suits, dresses, diamonds, and elegant jewelry. Drinks are commonly unrecognizable. African-Americans enjoy a proud horse racing tradition. However, the sport’s current complextion is pale.

I enjoy horse racing and boxing. I respect their history. Despite their diminished status, I continue viewing. My patronage is rare. Horse racing and boxing will never reassume prominence. They have become footnotes. The aforesaid is lamentable. However, the previous two paragraphs are unalterable.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Oral sex… Turns out, it can cause cancer… As if things weren’t tough enough for Paris Hilton.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Clemens Eyeing 24th Season, 4th Comeback

Following the 2003 season, Roger Clemens retired. His final playoff was memorable. He opposed Pedro Martinez twice. He sparked a virtual riot. Grady Little extended his career. Clemens final World Series start concluded in no decision. With the aforesaid complete, Clemens career darkened. His retirement encompassed eighty-two afternoons.

On Sunday, Clemens commenced his fourth return. Previously, he twirled three campaigns for the Houston Astros. This season, the New York Yankees signed him to a $28 million contract. During a press conference, Clemens stated his purpose. "Make no mistake about it, I've come back to do what they only know how to do here with the Yankees, and that's win a championship," he said. "Anything else is a failure, and I know that."

In 23 seasons, Clemens has accrued a 348-178 record. His career earned run average is 3.10. During five New York terms, Clemens tallied 77 wins and 36 losses. Post his initial retirement; Clemens is 38-18.

Clemens career has been exemplary. Retirement has not proven weakening. Clemens 2004-2006 record mirrors 2001-2003. Can he revive the Yankees? Clemens is impact. He stirs excitement. He concludes losing streaks. He facilitates winning streaks. Obviously, the Yankees are desperate. However, Clemens is superb. Assuming performance, October is not unrealistic.

McGrady: Shining Never

Tracy McGrady is not a star. He is a statistical marvel. He is shimmering, luminary extravaganza. Stars advance their teams. Stars improve their teammates. Stars manufacture victory. Stars inspire admiration. McGrady scores, sparkles, and speaks. Stars win.

In 2003, McGrady’s Orlando Magic botched a 3-1 series advantage. The Detroit Pistons defeated them 4-3. Last week, McGrady’s Houston Rockets fumbled a 3-2 edge. The Utah Jazz defeated them 4-3. This latest loss slipped McGrady’s career series record to 0-6. Overall, his career playoff record is 11-21.

With Detroit debilitated, McGrady strutted. “It’s nice to finally be in the second round of the playoffs,” he boasted. Prior to opposing Utah, McGrady barked. “If we lose, its on me.” Both scenarios are emblematic of McGrady. He is entrancing and entertaining. However, he is also problematic.

McGrady is arrogant. Simultaneously, he is egotistical and condescending. He believes his hype. He believes said hype is deserved. He criticizes those with opposing viewpoints. McGrady is viewable. He is a celebrated NBA player. However, he is not a star. He is not a champion. Despite his personal conceit.

Grading the Draft

Arizona Cardinals (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Alan Branch (DT - Michigan)

Greatest Potential Bust: Levi Brown (OT – Penn State)

Analysis: Personally, I believe Brown could have been selected lower. The Cardinals have also failed with previous offensive line selections. With that stated, their defensive selections of Branch and Buster Davis (3rd round) were also brilliant. Steve Breaston (4th round) was also a great selection. Despite the fact, he underachieved with Michigan.

Atlanta Falcons (B)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Justin Blalock (OT – Texas)

Greatest Potential Bust: Jamaal Anderson (DE – Arkansas)

Analysis: The Falcons added crucial offensive line depth. Blalock (2nd round) may have been their best selection. They also Doug Datish in round six. Anderson was a sensible selection. However, he was an unknown collegian. This creates bust potential. With that stated, the Falcons enjoyed a stellar draft. The greatest steal occurred in late round two, when they nabbed Chris Houston.

Baltimore Ravens (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Prescott Burgess (LB – Michigan)

Greatest Potential Bust: Ben Grubbs (OL – Auburn)

Analysis: A sixth round superstar? The aforesaid exemplified the Ravens’ horrific draft. Guards are not selected in the first round. Two guards in three rounds were unnecessary. Yamon Figures was also a terrible second round selection. Troy Smith could have been a sixth or seventh round pick. Simply stated, the Ravens draft was pathetic.

Buffalo Bills (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Paul Posluszny (LB – Penn State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Marshawn Lynch (RB – California)

Analysis: The Bills draft was outstanding. Lynch was slightly overpriced. However, the Bills coveted a Willis McGahee replacement. Assuming Lynch performs, he could achieve a Pro Bowl within three seasons. Posluszny was a steal. The Bills may have also garnered the pinch of day one, when they selected Trent Edwards (3rd round). While their late round selections were slightly questionable, the Bills overachieved. They laid a franchise foundation with three selections.

Carolina Panthers (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Dwayne Jarrett (WR – USC)

Greatest Potential Bust: Jon Beason (LB – Miami-FL)

Analysis: Jarrett was an enormous steal. Given Keyshawn Johnson’s release, he should assume an immediate starting role. Beason was a questionable selection. Prior to draft day, his status fluttered. His personal history does not engender confidence. The Panthers also scored with later selections. Ryan Kalil (2nd round) could be an immediate starter. Charles Johnson (3rd round) and Tim Shaw (6th round) should also contribute on defense.

Chicago Bears (D)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Greg Olsen (TE – Miami-FL)

Greatest Potential Bust: Garrett Wolfe (RB – Northern Illinois)

Analysis: Chicago’s lone golden selection was Olsen. During previous tight end seasons, he could have been selection higher. He should contribute immediately for Chicago. Wolfe was a very questionable selection. Given his size, he will never rise above special teams. The Bears also erred late, selecting players from New Hampshire, Central Michigan, and Louisiana-Monroe.

Cincinnati Bengals (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Leon Hall (CB – Michigan)

Greatest Potential Bust: Kenny Irons (RB – Auburn)

Analysis: Despite a brilliant initial selection, the Bengals found failure. Hall should start immediately. He will star. However, Irons has bust imprinted across his nameplate. Jeff Rowe (3rd round) was also a ridiculous selection. The Bengals selected consecutive Notre Dame players, closing their draft with improvement. However, their middle rounds may prove fatal.

Cleveland Browns (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Brady Quinn (QB – Notre Dame)

Greatest Potential Bust: Joe Thomas (OT – Wisconsin)

Analysis: Given recent top five tackle failure, Thomas will face scrutiny. He possesses exceptional talent. However, Robert Gallery and Leonard Davis also possessed exceptional talent. The Browns selection of Quinn was brilliant. He should start immediately. Assuming he performs, he will facilitate Miami regret. Eric Wright (2nd round) was a steal. While he has character issues, his talent is unquestioned. Chase Pittman (7th round) could also contribute immediately.

Dallas Cowboys (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Isaiah Stanback (QB – Washington)

Greatest Potential Bust: Anthony Spencer (DE – Purdue)

Analysis: Spencer was an abominable selection. The Cowboys possess a great front seven. Spencer was an unaffordable luxury. Stanback was mediocre in college. However, he could contribute on special teams. The remainder of their draft was horrific.

Denver Broncos (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Jarvis Moss (DE – Florida)

Greatest Potential Bust: Marcus Thomas (DT – Florida)

Analysis: Despite possessing only one second day selection, the Broncos excelled. Moss is an incredible star. He should supplant aging starters immediately. Afforded an opportunity, he could be Defensive Rookie of the Year. Crowder (2nd round) and Ryan Harris (3rd round) were also great selections. Crowder possesses starting talent and should contribute immediately.

Detroit Lions (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Charles Johnson (WR – Georgia Tech)

Greatest Potential Bust: Drew Stanton (QB – Michigan)

Analysis: Johnson should dispel recent history. He possesses immense physical talent. He is also exceedingly mature. He should easily garner Offensive Rookie of the Year. During his Michigan State tenure, Stanton (2nd round) was inconsistent. However, he possesses necessary skills and could morph into a starter. The Lions also acquired defensive depth with later selections.

Green Bay Packers (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: DeShawn Wynn (RB – Florida)

Greatest Potential Bust: Justin Harrell (DT – Tennessee)

Analysis: With Lynch removed, the Packers appeared confused. With that stated, the Packers retrieved a running back with Wynn (7th round). Given his Florida tenure, he should excel. Harrell possesses enormous talent also. Durability is an immense question. The Packers also acquired wide receivers depth. The jewel of which was David Clowney (5th round).

Houston Texans (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Amobi Okoye (DT – Louisville)

Greatest Potential Bust: Jacoby Jones (WR – Lane)

Analysis: Lane College in round three? An offensive lineman in round five? The Texans continued their draft ineptitude. Despite sacks and poor offensive production, Houston bypassed potential franchise players. Instead, they selected third tier secondary special teams failures. Matt Shaub should protest.

Indianapolis Colts (B)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Quinn Pitcock (DE – Ohio State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Anthony Gonzalez (WR – Ohio State)

Analysis: Gonzalez was a first round mistake. Jarrett would have been a superior selection. Despite his speed, Gonzalez is a teammate liability. Roy Hall (5th round) is also a character question. Additionally, the Colts required defense. While their selections for the aforesaid were murky, they retrieved two diamonds. Pitcock (4th round) should start immediately. Daymeion Hughes (3rd round) is also a potential star.

Jacksonville Jaguars (D)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Reggie Nelson (S – Florida)

Greatest Potential Bust: Justin Durant (LB – Hampton)

Analysis: Nelson is a star. He should start immediately. He should also challenge for defensive rookie of the year. Durant has Shaun Thompson scrawled across his nameplate. He was not second round worthy. Mike Walker (3rd round), Brian Smith (4th round), and Josh Gattis (5th round) were also questionable.

Kansas City Chiefs (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Dwayne Bowe (WR – LSU)

Greatest Potential Bust: DeMarcus Tyler (DT – North Carolina State)

Analysis: Bowe should immensely improve Kansas City’s meager wide receiver core. While they have never struggled scoring, he should provide an impact. Turk McBride (2nd round) and Tyler (3rd round) should split replacing Ryan Sims. Kolby Smith (4th round) and Justin Medlock (5th round) were also value selections. Smith should acquire short yard action. Medlock is accurate despite distance restrictions.

Miami Dolphins (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Lorenzo Booker (RB – Florida State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Ted Ginn Jr. (WR – Ohio State)

Analysis: Ginn is injured. He may not be primed for training camp. Ginn should not have been selected over Quinn. He is a mediocre wide receiver. He is a star special team player. Special team players are selected in round three. With round three mentioned, Booker is a sleeper selection. While he was inconsistent at Florida State, he could star with the Dolphins. John Beck (2nd round) is a satisfactory quarterback. However, he is not a Pro Bowl selection.

Minnesota Vikings (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Adrian Peterson (RB – Oklahoma)

Greatest Potential Bust: Brian Robinson (DE – Texas)

Analysis: The Vikings excelled. Despite durability questions, Peterson is a star. He should start immediately. Sidney Rice (2nd round) is an exceptional wide receiver. He is also underrated. He could arise as the pass catching star of this draft. Rufus Alexander (6th round) is underrated also. He and Robinson (4th round) could have spot impacts.

New England Patriots (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Brandon Meriweather (S – Miami-FL)

Greatest Potential Bust: Kareem Brown (DT – Miami-FL)

Analysis: The Patriots are deep. With that stated, their draft was apocryphal. Meriweather is the lone star selection. However, he possesses character issues. Sixth round selections from Central Connecticut and SMU were unfortunate.

New Orleans Saints (D)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Antonio Pittman (RB – Ohio State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Robert Meachem (WR – Tennessee)

Analysis: Given Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, why select a running back? Pittman will prove valuable as a spot player. He will also allow McAllister rest and improve Bush’s versatility. Meachem is a satisfactory wide receiver. However, the Saints could have traded down and retrieved him. Usama Young (3rd) was a poor selection.

New York Giants (B)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Steve Smith (WR – USC)

Greatest Potential Bust: Aaron Ross (CB – Texas)

Analysis: Despite his distinction, Ross bust quotient is minimal. He is a great talent. He should have an immediate impact. Smith (2nd round) is also a star. He should upgrade the Giants pathetic wide receiver core. Jay Alford (3rd round) should have a great defensive impact.

New York Jets (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: David Harris (LB – Michigan)

Greatest Potential Bust: Darrelle Revis (CB – Pittsburgh)

Analysis: Harris (2nd round) was a steal. He should have been a first round selection. Revis is a potential shut down cornerback. However, we have witnessed his predecessors. Assuming he equals the hype, he will aid the Jets versus the Patriots improved wide receiving core.

Oakland Raiders (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: JaMarcus Russell (QB – LSU)

Greatest Potential Bust: Michael Bush (RB – Louisville)

Analysis: Lane Kiffin’s initial draft was exemplary. Russell possesses immense physical talent. Assuming his attitude adjusts, he should star. Zach Miller (2nd round) is a stellar tight end target. Johnnie Lee Higgins (3rd round) and Bush (4th round) could also have offensive impacts. However, Bush must heal. Jay Richardson (5th round) and Quentin Moses (3rd round) were great defensive selections.

Philadelphia Eagles (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Tony Hunt (RB – Penn State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Kevin Kolb (QB – Houston)

Analysis: Despite glaring needs, the Eagles selected Kolb. The selection was unnecessary. He will have no impact. He also aggravated Donovan McNabb. Hunt (3rd round) is great, assuming continued success with late round running back selections. Victor Abiamiri (2nd round) and C.J. Gaddis (5th round) were stellar defensive selections.

Pittsburgh Steelers (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Lawrence Timmons (LB – Florida State)

Greatest Potential Bust: Matt Spaeth (TE – Minnesota)

Analysis: Timmons will adequately replace Joey Porter. He is also a defensive rookie of the year candidate. LaMarr Woodley (2nd round) could also start immediately. Spaeth (3rd round) has character issues. However, he should excel given Pittsburgh’s vacancy at tight end. Dallas Baker (7th round) may have been the second day’s steel. Assuming he produces.

San Diego Chargers (B)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Craig Davis (WR – LSU)

Greatest Potential Bust: Eric Weddle (S – Utah)

Analysis: Davis was overpriced. With that stated, San Diego required a speed wide receiver. Davis should imprint himself immediately. Weddle (2nd round) is a satisfactory talent. However, San Diego should not have traded to acquire him. Scott Chandler (4th round) was also a brilliant selection.

San Francisco 49ers (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Ray McDonald (DT – Florida)

Greatest Potential Bust: Patrick Willis (LB – Mississippi)

Analysis: Willis enjoyed a great senior season. However, he has enormous bust potential. Jason Hill (3rd round) was a steal. He should immediately contribute to San Francisco’s passing unit. Joe Staley (1st round) was a great selection. He could start immediately. McDonald (3rd round) and Jay Moore (4tth round) were excellent defensive line selections.

Seattle Seahawks (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Baraka Atkins (DE – Miami-FL)

Greatest Potential Bust: Josh Wilson (CB – Maryland)

Analysis: Given no first round selection, the Seahawks needed excellence. Instead, they failed. Atkins (4th round) was their greatest selection. Assuming his talent arises, he could start immediately. Wilson (2nd round) was a terrible selection. Will Herring (5th round) was also questionable. Courtney Taylor (6th round) could provide an offensive impact.

St. Louis Rams (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Brian Leonard (RB – Rutgers)

Greatest Potential Bust: Keith Jackson (DT – Arkansas)

Analysis: Adam Carriker (1st round) should start immediately. Leonard was also an exceptional selection. Given St. Louis’ innovative offensive history, Leonard should enjoy a great offensive season. Jonathan Wade (3rd round) and Clifton Ryan (5th round) should give defensive impacts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (C)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Gaines Adams (DE – Clemson)

Greatest Potential Bust: Kenneth Darby (RB – Alabama)

Analysis: Despite a stellar first day, the Buccaneers faltered late. Adams is an immediate impact superstar. He should restore Tampa Bay’s superior defensive line tradition. Arron Sears (2nd round) was a brilliant selection. He should provide immediate protection for either Chris Simms or Jeff Garcia. Sabby Piscitelli (3rd round) was also a great choice.

Tennessee Titans (F)

Greatest Potential Superstar: Michael Griffin (S – Texas)

Greatest Potential Bust: Chris Henry (RB – Arizona)

Analysis: The Titans drafted luxury. While Griffin was a great selection, the Titans possess safeties. Henry (2nd round) was also a terrible selection. During his Arizona tenure, he was unproductive. Tennessee’s lone effective choice was Chris Davis (4th round).

Washington Redskins (A)

Greatest Potential Superstar: LaRon Landry (S – LSU)

Greatest Potential Bust: Jordan Palmer (QB – UTEP)

Analysis: The Redskins enjoyed an exceptional draft. Landry should either compliment Sean Taylor or supplant him. He will have an immediate impact. Dallas Sartz (5th round) should impact where Lance Briggs could have. H.B. Blades (6th round) should also achieve presence. Palmer was inconsistent. However, he should improve with coaching.

The Big Five (5/6)

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five (5/6)

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Sewer Excrement

On Friday, Verizon Wireless revoked their “Sweet Escape” tour sponsorship. Their decision resulted from Akon simulating the rape of a fifteen year old. Verizon’s decision was correct. Akon’s actions were deplorable and unprofessional. He warrants severe retribution.

We Are At War

Last week, the Pentagon released a “battlefield ethics” report. Their major conclusions? Fifty percent would not report another soldier killing or wounding an innocent civilian. Forty percent support torture. Pentagon officials labeled these results “disappointing.” Given current climate, I brand them acceptable.

Alcohol Removal

Major League Baseball clubhouses banning beer? Simply stated, teams cannot enable players. When beer is present, temptation exists. When inducement is removed, prevention is possible. Josh Hancock has died. Our goal is prevention.

American Idol Live Blog

Melinda Doolittle (29 – Tennessee)

Her outfit is adorable. Her beginning is exceptional. This week’s key is control. Rhythm and balance are not mutually exclusive. They must remain consistently present. Her performance is commendable. During various points, she oversings. With that stated, this is a satisfactory start. Paula’s ensemble is gorgeous.

Her ensemble is apocryphal. She had been tasteful with her clothing. However, this fabric is fat accentuating. Her emotion appears contrived. This song concerns pain. I cannot believe she is hurting. Her performance is satisfactory. However, the unbelievable demeanor disgraces the endeavor.

Blake Lewis (25 – Washington)

Why did he pass on “Staying Alive?” His performance is horrible. The vocal is overly scattered. He is oversinging. He is singing excessively high. Normally, the beat boxing accentuates his performances. During this selection, his beat boxing is uncomfortable. The beat boxing is distracting. This performance was awful.

The hair and preppy façade clash. However, the background is killer. The lights are entrancing. The performance is horrible. He is my favorite. With that stated, the rhythm is non-existent. The vocal is scattered. Last week’s performance was shattering. This week’s performance could eliminate him. Simon and I agree. Bizarre song selection. Dreadful evening.

LaKisha Jones (27 – Michigan)

Her choice is unfortunate. “Stayin’ Alive” is the perfect Blake song. Unfortunately, she has chosen to ruin the selection. Her commencement is deplorable. Previous outfits accentuated her flab. This outfit showcases her flab. This performance is reprehensible. Her melody is disjointed. Her energy is unbelievable. As always, her dancing is frightening. Randy, I agree. This did not work. America, eliminate her.

She will meet the challenge? She will meet a Danish. Jim Carey phoned. He was amazed you converted his Batman Forever costume into a dress. She must cease crooning love songs. Her emotion is unbelievable. Additionally, Fat Albert alone is requested her serenade. The performance was appalling. Simon and I agree, she is vulnerable.

Jordin Sparks (17 – Arizona)

Gorgeous ensemble. Her beginning is exemplary. This selection’s key is emotion. Her emotion transcends. She did not oversing. Simply stated, she placed her signature upon this song. Incredible performance. Randy, outstanding word choice. She was controlled. Simon and I also concur. She was great.

She resembles a fat girl at the prom. The dress is overdone. The performance is respectable. Her emotion is believable. She does not oversing. She interprets the song as intended. She deserves advancement. Again, Simon and I agree. She appeared as a contest girl.

Blind & White Issue

Seventy-four percent of black fans want Barry Bonds to break Hank Aaron’s record. Only twenty-eight percent of white fans desire this. African-Americans view the Bonds steroid climate as persecution. Their judgment is wrong.

American Idol: Two Weeks Terminate Pair

Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey were deemed final four undeserving. American Idol’s formula was asinine. They combined two weeks’ results. Essentially, this rendered Tuesday’s performances pointless. With that stated, both Richardson and Stacey were not perfect. Stacy stumbled amidst “Idol Gives Back.” Richardson flubbed Bon Jovi’s “Dead or Alive.” Neither was worthy of finalist status. However, each could have outsold Jordin and LaKisha.

Survivor: Answer Expected, Alex Eliminated

Numbers are critical. When one is outnumbered, hope is minimal. Upset potential exists. However, the assumed result is defeat. For reward, the combatants utilized their mouth and retrieved pork. Total weight determined remuneration. Winners Boo, Dre, and Yau-man enjoyed a feast and river rafting expedition. Boo also received an immunity challenge advantage. In said challenge, Boo freely advanced into the final. Opposing Alex and Dre, he easily won. Facing certain elimination, Alex campaigned for a reprieve. Unfortunately, he failed. Six of seven votes facilitated his exit.

Another Tragedy Occurs

On Friday, a twenty-one year old Keene State College student shot his roommate. He then committed suicide. When will our children abandon violence? When will these tragedies end?

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Paris Hilton jailed for forty-five days. This situation has divided the citizens of this great Republic. On one hand, some favor leniency. On the other hand, some favor lethal injection.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Broadcasting His Salute

Rescinding History

According to Senator Hillary Clinton, Congress should rescind the Iraq War authorization.

Rescind the authorization? Is that how it works? You voted for the authorization. Now, you want the authorization rescinded? Well, if this is your belief now… Obviously, we will rescind the authorization.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“The Queen of England attended the Kentucky Derby… That Queen… what a sense of humor she has. She would go up to every horse and ask… Charles?”

Late Show with David Letterman

Line of the Morning

Senator John Edwards (D-NC)

“I can’t possibly carry around all the things I’ve ever said.”