Monologue Joke of the Evening

“The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sports… If you don’t count Roger Clemens urine test.”

Late Show with David Letterman

NEW RULE

Prayer is worthless.

On Monday, Dale and Leilani Neumann were charged with reckless homicide. They ignored their daughter’s diabetes. They prayed. Their daughter died. Dale and Leilani Neumann merit maximum punishment. They are not parents. Parents love children. They protect them. They do not murder them.

Worth A Read

Joystiq

Exhaustively covering video games.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Jose Canseco’s house?

In Texas, a man forged a $360 billion check. Obviously, Roger Clemens is desperate.

Today’s top five or this weekend’s attractions (1) Kentucky Derby, (2) Magic vs. Pistons, (3) Oscar De La Hoya vs. Steve Forbes, (4) Rangers vs. Penguins, (5) Los Angeles Lakers

ESPN: Failure Saved Chris Lofton

Chris Lofton has beaten the odds his entire life. One of the most prolific 3-point shooters in college basketball history, Lofton can still recite all of the things he supposedly wouldn't or couldn't do when he came out of Maysville, Ky., four years ago. "Too short. Too slow. Not quick enough. Couldn't dribble well enough. Couldn't play defense," Lofton rolls off with his easy smile.

When it came time to pick a college, despite earning the prestigious Mr. Basketball honor in the state of Kentucky, Lofton was spurned by the two basketball powerhouses in that state -- Kentucky and Louisville. Undaunted, Lofton headed south and carved out a record-setting career at Tennessee -- one that helped put the Vols back on the basketball map. The 6-foot-2 guard, who looks about as unassuming on the court as the team equipment manager until you see him shoot the ball, was in many ways the face of the Vols' renaissance in men's hoops. They won a school-record 31 games this past season, vaulted to No. 1 in the polls for the first time in school history and made their second straight Sweet 16 appearance.

It was truly a memorable career, one that Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl guarantees will someday lead to the retiring of Lofton's No. 5 jersey. But Lofton's greatest conquest came off the court. He beat cancer. The three-time All-American, in an exclusive interview with ESPN.com, revealed for the first time publicly that he played his senior season at Tennessee after undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from one of his testicles in March 2007.

He was diagnosed with cancer only a few days after Tennessee ended its 2006-07 season with a Sweet 16 loss to Ohio State in San Antonio. Miraculously, the cancer was discovered after Lofton was picked randomly following the first-round win over Long Beach State to submit to an NCAA-mandated drug test. The results turned up positive, and Tennessee officials weren't notified until the day of the Ohio State game.

What nobody knew at the time, at least for certain, was that what actually showed up on that test was a tumor marker. It's a test that might have saved Lofton's life. "I think it probably was a miracle because we don't do any test here [at Tennessee] that would ever check that," said Chad Newman, Tennessee's head basketball trainer.

After blood work and then an ultrasound the next Monday, four days after the Ohio State game, revealed that Lofton indeed had cancer, secretive surgery was scheduled two days later on March 28 at UT Medical Center. The surgery was done early that morning, and Lofton's name never appeared on the board at the hospital. His parents were discreetly taken into the hospital, and Pearl even came in semi-disguise.

Lofton, who had ended so many other teams' dreams with one of his patented step-back 3-pointers, was about to embark on the fight of his life. "I'm not a guy who cries a whole lot around people," said Lofton, who's now cancer-free and as determined as ever to pursue a professional basketball career. "But I cried more this past year than I have my whole life combined. "I cried a river this past year."

Amazingly, Lofton went through the entire ordeal -- the surgery, radiation treatments, recovery and excruciating emotional distress -- with very few people knowing. It's the way he wanted it. An intensely private person, he internalized everything and was hell-bent on nobody being able to make excuses for him. "That's just the way he is: a no-excuses kind of fella," said Lofton's father, Franklin. "The worst part for us was not being down there with him and everything he was going through, but that's the way Chris wanted it. He knew if we were down there in Knoxville all the time, people would be asking questions."
It was a very tight circle of people who knew. That circle included Lofton's parents, the Tennessee coaches and medical staff and a handful of others. The only teammate Lofton told was fellow senior guard Jordan Howell, and that was late in the season. Lofton and Howell roomed together on the road.

Even Lofton's other family members -- aunts, uncles and cousins -- didn't know. "It's the hardest thing I've ever had to go through, but I know now there's nothing out there I can't overcome," Lofton said. "I wanted to deal with it on my terms because I didn't want it being a distraction for our team. I knew if it came out, everything would change. I didn't want it that way."

It was still hard for Lofton, a man of few words, to come forward after the season. But he knew there was a good chance his story might help others. "I think God wanted people to hear my story. I think that's what it was," Lofton said. "At first, I wanted to keep it to myself. I didn't want to tell anybody, but then I realized that people need to know, maybe to help them or maybe to help somebody else."

Even now, Lofton finds himself wondering what would have happened had he not been selected for the NCAA's random drug test following the win over Long Beach State. The year before, he'd also been selected following one of the Vols' NCAA tournament games, but nothing showed up on that drug screening. "Somebody was looking out for him," said Lofton's mother, Kathleen. "Never has anybody been so blessed to be picked for a drug test."

When Tennessee officials learned of Lofton's positive drug test the day of the Ohio State game, they were in utter shock. They decided not to tell Lofton or Pearl. At that point, they were trying to discern whether Lofton might have unknowingly consumed something in a protein shake or other supplement that would have contained a banned substance on the NCAA's list.

What was found on the test were high levels of beta hCG, which is found in women during pregnancy. It can signify steroid use, and it is also a marker for cancer. "Knowing Chris, we knew it had to be some sort of abnormality," said Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton, who was the first to receive the grim news in San Antonio.

Tennessee officials decided to tell Lofton and his parents about the positive drug test in the wee hours of March 23, only a few hours after the Vols lost a 17-point halftime lead in a heartbreaking 85-84 loss to Ohio State. They pulled the Loftons into a hotel room there in San Antonio to drop the bombshell. One of the scenarios discussed was cancer.

"Right then and there, it was like it was the end of the world for me," said Lofton, his eyes moistening. "I didn't know how to react, didn't know how to respond. It was like it wasn't even me they were talking about. I couldn't believe it. I mean, really, it was like the end of the world. You didn't know about your basketball career, didn't know if you were even going to be around to have a basketball career. You hear cancer, and … "

After flying back to Knoxville and doing additional tests, everybody's worst fear was confirmed. Lofton had testicular cancer. The good news, though, was the form he had was a seminoma, which, according to the National Cancer Institute, doesn't grow and spread as rapidly as nonseminomas. Seminomas are also more sensitive to radiation, which was the course of action doctors decided on following Lofton's surgery.

In vintage Lofton fashion, he wanted to get the surgery over with as soon as possible so that he could resume working out. He was naturally scared, but he was equally defiant. Cancer wasn't going to beat him. "I just remembered my mom and dad telling me, 'It's all going to be OK. Just pray about it and keep your faith,'" Lofton recalled. "You're going to go through tough times. We all are. It's how you respond to them that counts. It's how you get back up. You're going to get knocked down. It's whether you stay down or whether you get back up and fight that counts."

And make no mistake. Lofton had one hell of a fight on his hands. It took Lofton about 10 days to feel good enough to be up and walking around after the March 28 surgery. He couldn't do anything as far as conditioning or working out for nearly a month. "It was some of the worst pain I've ever gone through. All I could do was lie in the bed and watch movies," Lofton said.

His radiation treatments began on April 25 and continued through May 21. It was a daily ritual for Lofton and Newman. They met Monday through Friday and went to the hospital together for his 4:30 p.m. treatment. Lofton chose the afternoon treatment so that he might be able to do some basketball-related work in the morning. Remember, you're talking about a guy who shoots for an hour by himself after everybody else is long gone from practice. He's also been known to do a second weight-lifting workout later at night after doing the one with the team earlier in the day.

The gym and weight room are his cathedral. But even Lofton was no match for the radiation treatments and their nauseating side effects. The treatments included Lofton's entire midsection because doctors wanted to make sure the cancer didn't spread into the lymph nodes. "The first couple times, I was like, 'This is nothing. I can do this easy,'" Lofton remembered.

A week later, he was curled up in bed with a trash can by his side, all the while wondering what he'd done to deserve this. "I'm lying in bed, couldn't move and puking everywhere," Lofton said. "I'd call Chad and tell him, 'I'm hurting. I can't do this.' Chad was always there for me. He just kept telling me that I was going to make it. I don't know what I would have done without him."

While Newman was Lofton's lifeline in Knoxville, his parents were his rock via phone. They talked every night, his mom and dad passing the phone back and forth and wiping away tears as fast as they could. "I cried myself to sleep a lot of times talking to them on the phone," Lofton said. "You're by yourself and there's really nothing anybody can do. You just have to deal with it. My mom and dad kept me strong. They gave me passages out of the Bible to read to help keep me strong. We all leaned on our faith."

Lofton's radiation treatments were the most heartbreaking time for his mother, who was 235 miles away and knowing her only child was suffering. "It's the most difficult thing I've ever had to face," said Kathleen Lofton, who still gets choked up talking about it. "Anybody who has children knows, and when there's really nothing you can do … it's the worst feeling you can have. If I could have taken the cancer myself, I would have."

Lofton still remembers his last treatment like it was yesterday. "It was the best day of my life," he beamed. "I just thanked God for everything. He let me play basketball this year, and that is my life. It's all I ever wanted to do."

Pearl discussed the possibility of redshirting Lofton, who considered it. Ultimately, the senior-to-be simply couldn't see himself missing out on his final season when the Vols were being picked by everybody to be a national contender. "I had to be there for them," he said. "They would have been there for me."

Still, Lofton admittedly was a long way from being where he was when his junior season ended, one in which he led the SEC in scoring at 20.8 points per game and earned SEC Player of the Year honors. He lost nearly 15 pounds and weighed less than 190 pounds for the first time since he was in high school. More important, he'd lost all of his strength.

"You've got to remember that I missed a whole month or more of basketball. I couldn't do anything, run, shoot, work out, anything," Lofton said. "I didn't really start working out until June."

Then came the trials for the U.S. Pan Am team in July. Lofton knew he wasn't anywhere close to being ready, but he swallowed his pride and went. Sure enough, he was just a glimmer of the player who lit up the SEC as a junior, and was cut. "I should have never gone to the Pan Am trials. I knew what was going to happen," Lofton said. "I was so weak. That was really a downer."

The Vols went on their European tour in August, and Lofton was still working his way back into shape. And even when the regular season began in November, he could tell something was missing. "I was coming off my best season," said Lofton, the SEC's all-time leader with 431 3-pointers and third all-time on the NCAA's list. "But I just couldn't play to that level again. I had some good moments, but I didn't play as well as I expected, to my standards anyway, or as well as my team needed me to."

In particular, he noticed himself getting winded at points in the game he never used to in the past. He also didn't have that same explosiveness to the basket. That was the part of his game that he took to the next level as a junior. The mental part, though, was the most difficult roadblock. "It was in my head a lot, and maybe that affected me," Lofton said. "I just know I couldn't move the way I wanted to. It was like my body wouldn't let me."

Lofton's numbers went down -- his scoring average and shooting percentages. Part of that was Tennessee's having more balance on offense, but he also started the season by going 6-of-28 from the field in his first three games. Heading into SEC play on Jan. 9, he was shooting just 34.3 percent from the field. Yet, when the Vols needed him most during the stretch run to their first outright SEC championship since 1967, Lofton was there to save them on multiple occasions.

"For a time, I was asked about Chris Lofton pretty much every day," Pearl said, "and while knowing the underlying reasons of what was going on, I had to respect his wishes and his privacy. To answer that question now, with everything out, no, Chris wasn't quite the same. I don't think there's any question that the cancer, the treatment, the loss in strength … all of those definitely were a factor. But what I also can tell you is this: That jersey, No. 5, is going to be hanging in the rafters in Thompson-Boling Arena, joining Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King and Dale Ellis or Allan Houston to follow. No. 5 is going to be there. Chris Lofton leaves his mark in such a way as a Volunteer to have overcome this, to have not hidden and to have not allowed it to beat him."

And through it all, the few people who knew what Lofton was going through never heard him make the first excuse. "I've watched people battle through different things at different levels, but this touched me as much as anything," Newman said. "For a kid so genuinely good to get this, I just couldn't believe it. That's what made it so hard, because I simply couldn't be a guy that was down. I had to be positive for Chris. I was mentally and physically exhausted, and I can't imagine what it was like for Chris."

Lofton has been in for regular checkups, and the cancer has not spread. He is now cancer-free, Newman said, but he'll have to continue to be monitored for the rest of his life. Pearl has talked to several NBA executives he trusts, and they've assured him that Lofton's cancer won't be a factor as far as his being drafted or making a team. In fact, Denver Nuggets forward Nene went through a similar ordeal this past season and, after missing 2½ months, was back with the team on a limited basis.

"I have unbelievable respect for the guy," said Newman, who went with Lofton to all but one of his treatments. "I was just amazed at how he could come through this and be so private about it. What makes it even more amazing is that he continued to play at a high level in such a stressful situation, and even though it was subpar for him for a while, he took it in stride and kept going."

Lofton admits that he did his best not to listen when anybody in the media, or even fans, were discussing his shooting slump early in the season or talking about his not being the same player. "I just told myself that no matter what happens, I'm going to leave it all out on the floor," he said. "I didn't care what people said about me or wrote about me."

He just recently told some of his closest friends in Maysville about his cancer and jokes that their reaction was predictable. "They were like, 'Man, I could tell something was wrong with you,'" Lofton said.

After attending Tennessee's team banquet on Friday night, Lofton plans to spend some quiet time with his parents the next few weeks back home. He's waiting on an invite to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Orlando. He said much of his resolve this past year came from his parents. His dad works at a power plant and his mother is a middle school teacher.

They attended most of Lofton's games this past season, home and away, and would typically drive all night afterward to get back home and be at work the next morning. "That's how I was raised," Lofton said. "You show up for work every day no matter what."

Lofton's father was reminded recently of what he told former Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson during an in-home visit when the Vols were recruiting Lofton. They were out in the Loftons' front yard when Franklin Lofton looked at Peterson and said very matter of factly, "You won't get one just like my son. He's special."

We all know now just how special.

2008 Beijing Omnipresence?

Senator Sam Brownback: “What I just learned yesterday is that the Chinese government has issued an outrageous directive, in preparation for the Olympics .... American hotels have been ordered by the Chinese government to place monitors and filters on their Internet piping to facilitate spying on international guests and visitors. This is wrong, it's against international convention, it's certainly against the Olympic spirit. The Chinese government should not do that and should remove that request and that order.”

Always A Dodger

E.J. “Buzzie” Bavasi
(1914-2008)

Ben’s Little Acre

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve sliced the benchmark interest rate. They cut only a quarter point. Chairman Ben Bernanke, inflation or recession?

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“David Blaine held his breath under water for seventeen minutes. Seventeen minutes under water without breathing… or as Dick Cheney calls it… Interrogation.”

Late Show with David Letterman

Finally… White Waxed

On Wednesday, America eliminated Brooke White. White’s expulsion was warranted. Her performances were apocryphal. She was annoying. She merited prior elimination.

D.C. Madam

Deborah Jeane Palfrey
(1956-2008)

Yahoo: Witnesses Betting Their Life

Maurice Pulley agreed last fall to testify against the thug accused of shooting him in the face in an argument over a parking spot. But before Pulley ever took the stand, two gunmen ran up to him and killed him in his mother's driveway.

Pulley's family is blaming the dismantling of Milwaukee's witness-protection program 4 1/2 years ago. "My son is laying there like an animal. Like a deer," said the young man's father, Maurice Pulley Sr. "He stuck up for right and justice. When things start to happen, you need to act to get people safe. It's unconscionable. There should be no price too great to pay for somebody's protection."

Around the country, prosecutors say tight budgets are hamstringing their ability to keep witnesses safe at a time when intimidation on the streets appears to be surging, particularly in gang cases. "The most basic thing we should be able to do is assure them they'll be safe while their case is proceeding," Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm said. "We can't guarantee your safety."

Florida's witness protection efforts took a hit after a budget shortfall forced lawmakers in 2007 to reduce $500,000 originally appropriated for the program to $100,000. Atlanta prosecutors get no state help for witness protection, instead scraping by with money from forfeitures, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said. The money is so inadequate that he plea-bargains some cases because he can't afford to protect witnesses in long trials, he said. "It's a very serious problem," Howard said. "And that's why I think it's something we should get some assistance for from the state. Here in the county our budgets are shrinking, as with everybody."

In Chicago, the Cook County State's Attorney's office got some state dollars in 2003 and 2004 for witness relocation and protection, but since then has been running its program out of its own budget. Since 2003 the office has spent nearly $520,000 to relocate 199 witnesses.

In Philadelphia, spending by the district attorney's office on relocating witnesses increased from $413,290 in 2004 to $1 million in 2007. Nevertheless, District Attorney Lynne Abraham said that is not enough.

Abraham said her office can afford only to move a limited number of people from place to place until they can testify. She would like more money to help cover witnesses' living expenses and perhaps provide them with job training. "When we put you someplace else, you're cut off from family, friends, jobs. How are you going to make money?" she asked.

Prosecutors say witness intimidation is surging. "Stop Snitching" T-shirts have been sold in cities around the country. In 2004 NBA star Carmelo Anthony appeared in an underground Baltimore DVD that warned people they could be killed if they cooperated with police. A Web site titled "Who's a Rat?" offers a national database of informants.

Many jurisdictions do not keep figures on cases dismissed because of intimidation or the number of witnesses hurt or killed. But prosecutors tell stories of how witness intimidation has damaged cases. In Philadelphia, where the number of cases that involved witness relocation increased from 35 in 2004 to 84 last year, one of the most egregious examples came in 2006, when eight witnesses recanted testimony about who shot Faheem Thomas-Childs, a 10-year-old boy who walked into gang crossfire in front of dozens of people.

Levels of local protection vary. Some metropolitan areas, such as New York City, Miami and Chicago, have full-fledged programs or provide short-term relocation and protection on an informal, case-by-case basis. The money typically comes from prosecutors' budgets or state reimbursements.

The U.S. Marshals Service runs an elaborate witness protection program in which people are permanently relocated and given brand-new identities, but it is generally reserved for federal witnesses in major cases. In Milwaukee, detectives believe that Pulley had turned down $75,000 to keep his mouth shut, and had also brushed off threats on his life. Pulley's family said detectives warned that they could not offer the 24-year-old man protection.

The Sheriff's Department ran Milwaukee's protection unit with state and county dollars, but costs rose, reaching more than a half-million a year early this decade. With Wisconsin lawmakers grappling with billion-dollar budget deficits, the state's contribution dropped. By 2003 the county was picking up 40 percent of the tab. Sheriff David Clarke disbanded the unit that year, saying it was too expensive. The district attorney has been soliciting donations from private foundations to protect witnesses in big cases, but said he needs a full-fledged unit.

Milwaukee, a city of about 600,000, averaged around 100 homicides and more than 6,500 violent crimes annually between 2002 and 2006. In the four years since the witness protection unit ended, Chisholm's office on average charged someone with intimidating a witness every six days. "Something's got to be done," Chisholm said. "You say, `In 15 minutes I'm going to call you to the stand' and they'll just look at you and say, 'I'm not doing it.'"

Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Michael Arcuri, D-N.Y., have introduced bills in Congress that would authorize federal marshals to provide short-term protection in state cases and dispense witness protection grants. "Cities simply do not have the money," Cummings said. "When Milwaukee does away with its program, it sends a very loud message: The government is not going to protect you if you come forth."

Meanwhile, Pulley's father has bought his first gun, saying he needs protection against the people who killed his son. "At least I'm in a position to do something," he said. "I'm not in the same predicament my son was."

NEW RULE

Joe Andrew is irrelevant.

On Thursday, former Democratic National Chairman Joe Andrew transferred. Previously, he supported Senator Hillary Clinton. Henceforth, he supports Senator Barack Obama. Andrew’s movement is meaningless. He is unknown. Media can scream. Unfortunately, America will not care.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Dallas Mavericks Coach?

According to the White House, “mission accomplished” was harmful. You think?

Today’s top five or undecided super delegates (1) Al Gore, (2) John Edwards, (3) Nancy Pelosi, (4) Harry Reid, (5) Robert Byrd

President Bush Proposes Democratic Sabotage

NCAA Doubly Asinine

On Wednesday, the NCAA rejected a college football playoff. Simultaneously, they reinforced the College World Series. Concurrently, the NCAA is rational and ridiculous. Why?

Paula Abdul Speaks Double

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“MSNBC is reporting that the department of Homeland Security is asking boaters to be on the lookout for terrorists in small boats trying to detonate a nuclear bomb . . . $15 billion a year for Homeland Security and all they can do is come up with three drunks on a Wave Runner?”

The Tonight Show

Hillary’s Equation: Cash + Delegates + Rape?

NEW RULE

Timing is power.

On Tuesday, Governor Mike Easley endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton. His motivation? Easley is term limited. Following November 4, he is irrelevant. His future required publicity. Thus, Easley embraced political reality. Time and tightness equal importance.

Worth A Read

The College Baseball Blog

Since 2005, college baseball’s ultimate resource.

The Daily Smak

Hey, weren’t you Barack Obama’s Pastor?

According to Mindy McCready, Roger Clemens and her were lovers. Unfortunately, Brian McNamee would not inject her.

Today’s top five or Democratic meltdowns (1) Gary Hart, (2) Howard Dean, (3) George McGovern, (4) Edmund Muskie, (5) Michael Dukakis

Where is the Outrage?

On Tuesday, Senator Barack Obama chastised Reverend Jeremiah Wright. His condemnation was insufficient. Reverend Wright tarnished African-Americans, Clergymen, and Obama. Yet, Obama’s apology appeared forced. Senator Obama, Reverend Wright is crippling your campaign. Why are you not mad as hell?

Senator Obama Divorces Reverend Wright

Press Conference Complete Text

ESPN: Hardwood & Politics

Barack Obama got an assist from basketball before. Maybe it will work again. The presidential hopeful used the hardwood hideaway to help him adjust to a white world as a racially mixed teenager, and now he's trying to use hoops to beat the double-team of Hillary Clinton and political controversy. With cameras trained on his every 46-year-old move, Obama scrimmaged on Tuesday with the North Carolina Tar Heels. "These guys," Obama said, "are lot better than me."

But his moves on the court may help his moves off it. Obama needs something to deflect attention from the re-emergence of Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his bombastic former pastor whose racially charged opinions threaten to widen the disconnect between the Illinois senator and white working-class voters. More than that, Obama hopes his passion for basketball helps soften his image as cool and aloof. "I do think you can tell something about people by the way they play basketball," he told HBO's "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" this month.

Hours before losing Pennsylvania's primary to Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton last week, Obama played a pickup game at a well-appointed YMCA in Pittsburgh with several aides, friends and two reporters, including one from The Associated Press. No cameras were allowed in that game -- part of a private voting day ritual -- but Obama hasn't been so shy since the campaign moved to Indiana and North Carolina, basketball-crazed states that hold Democratic primaries next week.

Last Friday, he scored four baskets -- including a nifty left-handed 3-pointer -- in a Kokomo, Ind., game tied to his voter registration drive. The politics are smart. "We're a very sports-loving country and it would be unusual if our president in one way or another was not sports connected," said Stephen Hess, a presidential scholar who served in the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations.

Dwight D. Eisenhower played golf, a sport as genteel and patrician as the president who played it. John Kennedy played touch football with the youthful "vigah" that defined his 1960 campaign. Richard Nixon bowled, badly, as he brought blue-collar voters into the GOP fold. Clinton played softball in high school and recalls playing half-court basketball while growing up (only the boys could play full court), but she's not much of a jock now.

Still, the New York senator who was born in Illinois knows the difference between a home run and a political foul. "Well," she said of her allegiances in a hypothetical World Series between the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees, "I would probably have to alternate sides."

The sports strategy has its limits. If not, former Sen. Bill Bradley would have been elected president in 2000. The Hall of Fame basketball player shot hoops on the campaign trail. "Playing ball makes you accessible in a way that neither of them are -- Obama and Bradley," said Eric Hauser, a Democratic strategist who worked for Bradley.

"They both deal with the reputation of being distant and cool, and basketball transcends race."

Growing up in Hawaii, Obama considered basketball as a way to find his racial identity in a diverse community. "Here is a place," Obama told HBO, "where black was not a disadvantage."

Now, it's a place for a break from the campaign. Dribbling a ball during warmups on the court in Pittsburgh, Obama said he and his pals played the day of the Iowa caucuses. "We won the caucuses then came New Hampshire and we didn't play. We were too busy," he said. "That won't happen again. I am superstitious."

Obama picked the teams in Pittsburgh, giving himself five of the best players and two of the worst (the reporters) and immediately took charge of the play, bringing the ball up court and dishing soft bounce passes. He kept score and called fouls, including one on himself.

Obama is extremely confident with his game, for good reason. He glides more than runs, high and soft on the balls of his feet and with graceful strides that put enough space between himself and his opponents to launch a solid left-handed jump shot. Obama, who usually plays with younger men, says he's a step too fast for most his age. "They're better off testing my jumper," he told HBO.

In the first of four games, Obama lost the ball out of bounds. "My bad," he told teammates. "I'm sorry."

Not everybody is so honest. When an opposing player dribbled the ball off his own leg and called a cheap foul, one of Obama's teammates said sarcastically, "Hey, man, nice move."

Typical trash talk. But it struck Obama as funny. Over-the-top funny. Falling to his knees, the senator giggled uncontrollably, holding his head in his hands and writhing. He wiped tears from his eyes while getting up. It's hard to see how skinny Obama is until he's banging beneath the rim, his bony hips giving easily to brawnier competitors. But despite his size, Obama took every opportunity to career recklessly through the lane with his signature move:

Fake right and drive hard to the left. A political statement? Nah," he said with a wan and sweaty smile, "I just love to play this game."

President Discusses Economy, Gas Prices, & Students

Press Conference Complete Text

Carolina Brown

Larry Brown is a vagabond. He is a champion, legend, mentor, teacher, and virtuoso. Still, he is traveled. His eyes are weary. His smile is worn. His face wears every mile.

On Tuesday, the Charlotte Bobcats hired Brown. According to him, commitment was critical. “I told Michael [Jordan], 'I'm not coming here unless I know you're fully committed,'” Brown said. “He told me that last year and he told me it again. You know how competitive he is. He wants to win. I can get to him at anytime, and he's surrounded himself with people that I really respect and like.”

Concerning Brown, Raymond Felton is ecstatic. “I'm very excited, of course,” he said. “Carolina guy. He loves his point guards, for one. And on top of that he's a great coach. He's going to come in every day and he's going to try to get us better. I'm definitely looking forward to this experience.”

During his career, Brown has logged a 1408-968 ledger. He has traversed the ABA, NBA, NCAA, and the Olympics. In Carolina (ABA – 168 games), Brown posted a 104-64 record. In Denver (ABA\NBA – 375 games), he racked a 251-134 record. In UCLA (NCAA – 69 games), he registered a 42-17 record. In New Jersey (NBA – 158 games), he tallied a 91-67 mark. In Kansas (NCAA - 171 games), he chalked a 127-44 record.

In San Antonio (NBA – 284 games), he posted a 153-131 ledger. In Los Angeles (NBA – 117 games), he tallied a 64-53 mark. In Indiana (NBA – 328 games), he logged a 190-138 record. In Philadelphia (NBA – 460 games), he accrued a 245-215 record. In Detroit (NBA – 164 games), he amassed a 108-56 ledger. In New York (NBA – 82 games), he tallied a 23-59 mark. Overall, Brown has garnered an Olympic Gold medal, an Olympic Bronze medal, an NCAA championship, an NBA championship, three conference championships, and ten division championships.

Concerning New York, Brown accepts responsibility. “I was a bad coach,” he said. “I did a bad job. I learned from that. But being out of it in the last few years, even though I had a title in Philly ... I just missed being around the game. I love it. I want to be a part of it.”

Charlotte is an immature franchise. Given this, Brown is perfect. His charges may be young. He may be old. Yet, he still cherishes teaching. He still craves success.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“Everyone in New York is in a gardening mood. In fact, former Governor Elliot Spitzer is in a gardening mood. Earlier today, he purchased a ho.”

Late Show with David Letterman

NEW RULE

Polygamists are pedophiles.

According to Texas Child Protective Services, fifty-three fourteen to seventeen year-olds were compound residents. Thirty-one either are parents or pregnant. I am not surprised.

The polygamist males are not religious. They are horny old men. They are dirty old men. They are perverts. They perverted Mormonism. Their victims will never recover. Therefore, no one should defend them. They were not spiritual. They simply wanted sex. These men merit figurative castration. They warrant eternal damnation.

For A Heartbeat, Lauren and Stephen Rekindle

Good boys versus bad boys. This argument is generational. This argument is universal. Good boys earn, indulge, and succeed. They pamper you. Bad boys argue, fight, and struggle. They protect you. Good boys are chivalrous and respectful. Bad boys are exciting and risky.

On Monday, Audrina, Lauren, and Lo celebrated their housewarming. Stephen Colletti and Justin attended. Lauren and Stephen discussed the house. Audrina and Justin discussed their relationship. Stephanie did not attend. Her excuse? Heidi and Spencer objected. Stephanie is a collegian. Is she incapable of independence?

The next evening, Lauren and Stephen attended dinner. They flirted. They reminisced. They considered their relationship. Subsequently, Lauren explained her feelings. “When I’m with him, I feel like I’m in high school,” she said. “I’m not in high school.”

Lauren should reconsider. Justin was a bad boy. Brody was a bad boy. Lauren deserves a good boy. Stephen is attractive, caring, polite, and truthful. Lo is correct. Lauren and Stephen should marry. Everyone wants this.

American Idol Live Blog

Jason Castro (20 - Texas)

Post contest judging? Seriously? His background is tranquil. Pink compliments his persona. His commencement is acceptable. His emotion is adequate. Unfortunately, his performance is boring. He is sans character and personality. Additionally, his appearance costs him. He cannot sing with affection. This frightens me.

His background is ominous. Given my previous opinion, darkness is inappropriate. His vocals are awful. His singing is uninspired and weak. His face contorts. He is attempting emotion. However, emotion is unavailable. America, eliminate him.

David Cook (25 – Missouri)

His appearance is awkward. Prior to the performance, was he sleeping? His hair is atrocious. His commencement and transition are agreeable. His vocals are not exemplary. He slightly oversings. He rekindles the rock gimmick. With that stated, adequate performance.

His background is scary. His appearance is menacing. He is channeling deficiencies. His previous two weeks were acceptable. These two songs were horror porn. His vocals are average. He is not terrible. However, the vocals are awkward. Why does he advance?

Brooke White (24 – Arizona)

Her commencement is ridiculous. Her facial expressions are frightened and forced. Her eyes are skittish. Yet, she is smiling. Her emotion is completely contrived. Her vocals are worse. She is oversinging. She is scattered. America, why did she advance? Apocryphal performance.

Her single piano is enchanting. The background is elegant. Her commencement is acceptable. She is inspired and vulnerable. Her transition is uncomfortable. Once again, her emotion is forced. She should appear introspective. Instead, she appears insipid and scared. Her emotion is contrived. America, eliminate her.

David Archuleta (17 – California)

Excellent selection. “Sweet Caroline” is an immense favorite. His commencement is adequate. However, his vocals are intimidated. Obviously, the selection is gargantuan. Yet, this is a song. His transition improves slightly. His emotion remains choreographed. His performance is not wretched. With that stated, I expected brilliance.

His commencement is improved. His emotion remains intimidated. With that stated, his vocals are strong. He is smiling. His facial expressions parallel the selection. He improves throughout. His conclusion is excellent. Outstanding performance.

Syesha Mercado (21 - Florida)

For the second consecutive week, her hair is immaculate. Her appearance is flawless. She is gorgeous. Her commencement is alright. She does not oversing. Unfortunately, she appears vacant. Her eyes and smile are electric. Her emotion is exiled. Her conclusion is also average. With this performance, she has endangered herself.

Intriguing selection. Her commencement is outstanding. Her emotion transcends. She is beautiful, bouncy, and brilliant. She is delightful. Her conclusion is immaculate. Her vocals are inspired and powerful. She has completely recovered. She should advance.

Johnny Dawkins: Stanford Calamity?

On Monday, Stanford hired Duke Associate Head Coach Johnny Dawkins. Stanford’s decision is intriguing. Dawkins is an exemplary individual. With that stated, Tommy Amaker was also. In Seton Hall and Michigan, his record was inadequate.

Big Ten Commissioner: BCS is Forever

Jim Delaney: “The perception that the Big Ten and Pac-10 are holding this back is not right. We're seen as obstructionists when we did what we did to evolve the system. The calls for change are external. Ask others here how strongly they feel for a call for change. I don't see it. I think there are a lot of other people who like where they are, but they should say it. There are others in the room who like where we're at. There are no raised voices here. Everybody's mind is open for discussion. The burden for change is on those who want change. The BCS has had controversy, but it's done some things well. I think everybody would have to concede it has done some things well. Even when the coaches and sportswriters were determining the national champion, there was controversy. I don't think there's any doom or gloom about the regular season or postseason.”

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be Hannah Montana?

In Brazil, Ronaldo, prostitution, and transvestites. Elliot Spitzer, your issues are nothing.

Today’s top five or country music‘s finest (1) Carrie Underwood, (2) Ashton Shepherd, (3)Miranda Lambert, (4) Kellie Pickler, (5) Mindy McCready

Jeremiah Wright Flips Off Obama

National Press Club Complete Text

John Moody: Do Souls Have Colors?

I’m white. I’m American. I’m Christian. I’m not a racist.

And I’m offended by Jeremiah Wright. The Trinity United Church’s former pastor put on nearly an hour of smug mugging for the cameras at the National Press Club in Washington. Among other things, he repeated with a kind of glee that the attacks on 9/11 were retribution for America’s sins. He tried to distinguish African-influenced Christian churches in the United States from those that are not. He said, in part, that his recent plunge into the limelight “just might mean that the reality of the African-American church will no longer be invisible.”

What reality is that, reverend? How is reality visible or invisible? Is it a different reality from my church? Who says so? God? Or just you? What the heck, to be polite, are you talking about?

Let’s be clear: Reverend Wright has the right to say what he wants; that is the beauty of this country that he believes has so wronged him. His remarks are protected, even if they offend me, which they do. I, too, have rights, including the right to offend the Reverend, which I expect this will do.

I attend a Roman Catholic church where the pastor and most of the congregation are white. Yet my pastor would no more speak of white America, or the white church, or the hardships imposed on white people by the U.S. government because of affirmative action, than he would say “Goddamn America”. This does not mean that there is uniformity of opinion in my church. I know that my pastor and I disagree on issues of politics. I know that because we have talked outside the church, not because he preaches his politics from the pulpit. I would find it impossible to attend if he did this, because that would be an abuse of his position. His job is to help me in my quest for eternal salvation, not to tell me the kind of world he wants to live in until he and I achieve that goal.

He does not preach in order to divide. He preaches to bring comfort and hope to those in the Lord’s House. Wright speaks about white racism while espousing the kind of hateful, bitter (yes, I know that word’s been used before) division between white and black that is the essence of racism. Do I know what goes on inside his head? No. But neither does he know what thoughts I secretly harbor.

“Be not deceived, God is not mocked,” Wright said, quoting Galatians 6:7. Reverend Wright, who dislikes being judged by sound bites, omitted the first passages of that biblical book. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.”

Whose burden were you bearing when you spoke, Reverend? If Americans have sinned, are you ministering to them in the spirit of meekness? You speak of the black church, yes. But what of the white church? Do churches have colors? Do souls? Are you and your church superior to mine? Allow me to tell you: you and it are not. Your words, reverend, were an affront to me, but of far more importance, to the Almighty. You can still atone, but remember, God is not mocked.

Voter ID Valid

On Monday, the United States Supreme Court embraced voter identification. According to the 6-3 majority, identification does not disenfranchise. The Supreme Court’s decision is correct. Obtaining identification is not difficult.

False Farewell… Pat Riley Resigns

Pat Riley was arrogant. He was arduous, obstinate, pompous, smug, and superior. Riley abused players. He despised skeptics. Within himself, Riley conveyed brilliance and conviction. Outwardly, he projected conceit and scorn.

On Monday, Riley reassigned himself. He remains president. Erik Spoelstra will coach. “Pat Riley has instilled in me values that enabled me to win a championship in just three seasons,” said Dwyane Wade. “I've seen him do the necessary things to make us winners and I believe that with his focus on being president and his commitment to the team, we will once again become a contender. I believe in Coach Spo and have complete confidence that our team will succeed with him at the helm.”

“I think the call from the Hall of Fame did something to me,” said Riley. “There was a lot of emotion on that telephone call. When you come to the finish, or you know it's the best time, it's a clean ending.”

During his career, Riley amassed a 1,210-694 record. In Los Angeles (9 seasons), Riley racked a 533-194 record. In New York (4 seasons), he registered a 223-105 record. In Miami (11 seasons), he logged a 454-395 ledger. Overall, Riley garnered six NBA championships, nine conference championships, and eighteen division championships.

“I'm leaving mine behind me,” Riley said. “I'm leaving last year behind me. It's been a wonderful experience and it's been a great journey. Now it's Erik's.”

Riley’s legacy is convoluted. He won five championships. He stole one. He advanced immense talents. He alienated immense talents. Riley merits celebration. Yet, his exodus is void.

Coach, Scout, Trailblazer

Will Robinson
(1911-2008)

America’s Team: Pacman, Tank, & T.O.

Pacman Jones has been arrested on six occasions and interrogated on eleven. Currently, he faces felony coercion charges. He is suspended. Why is he valued?

On Sunday, the Tennessee Titans traded Jones to the Dallas Cowboys. As reciprocation, the Titans received a fourth round selection. “I think for Adam's sake it's a very good first step,” said Agent Manny Arora. “We still have to get through the NFL commissioner's office. I think once we do that we can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to playing football.”

During his career, Jones has amassed 116 tackles and 4 interceptions. His criminal record trumps this. In July 2005, he was arrested on assault and vandalism charges. October 2005, Jones received probation for non-reporting to probation and not disclosing his previous arrest. August and October 2006, two incidents with women spawned disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and misdemeanor assault charges. February 2007, Jones was charged with felony coercion and misdemeanor battery and threat to life.

As previously stated, the Cowboys are America’s team. Once, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith represented them. Now, Tank Johnson and Terrell Owens represent them. Winning does not require character. However, society does. They Cowboys should remember this. Otherwise, their star should emblazon a Crips bandana.

The Big Five

For reasons good and bad… they were the news.

The Hot Five

A quintet of sizzling conversation starters.

Monologue Joke of the Evening

“I have a problem. Maybe you folks can help me out with it… It’s kind of a dilemma. Is it to soon to hit on Star Jones?”

Late Show with David Letterman

Hansbrough Decides, Ellington & Lawson Declare

Money is omnipresent. Money is valued and vital. Money alters status, neutralizes necessities, and satisfies temptations. Money will never evaporate, expire, or perish. Simply stated, money is forever.

On Friday, Tyler Hansbrough declared his NBA intentions. Hansbrough is returning for his senior season. “I love my collegiate experience and want to finish my four years here, then move on to my next dream of playing in the NBA,” he said. “I am very relieved that this decision is behind us and I can concentrate on my academic work and improving my game for next season.”

Simultaneously, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson declared their NBA eligibility. “I want what is best for each individual and each individual player is different and has different factors to consider,” said Coach Roy Williams. “We will continue to help Ty and Wayne with the draft process and give them all the support they need in making any future decisions…”

Last season, Hansbrough averaged 22.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest. Ellington averaged 16.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. Lawson averaged 12.7 points and 5.2 assists per contest.

Tim Duncan and Peyton Manning were seniors. They have accrued championships. They have earned millions. They have personified their professions. Obviously, declarations are subjective. With that stated, experience and knowledge do not debilitate.

NEW RULE

Loyalty is admirable.

Last week, Kevin Love and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute declared their NBA eligibility. On Saturday, Darren Collison declared his NBA intentions. Collison is returning for his senior season. I applaud Collison. Obviously, UCLA must rebuild. They have forfeited their title opportunity. Collison could have run. Love and Mbah a Moute may be excellent professionals. Collison is an exemplary individual.

Lebron James: Weak & Whiny

Brendan Haywood: “This is the playoffs. He wears 23, he wants to be Michael Jordan, I can respect that, he's a great player. You saw what Mike went through. Mike got fouled way worse than this. No one is trying to hurt him, everybody is trying to play basketball, trying to play tough. Play basketball and leave it alone. But the game has changed a lot. Back in the day, you definitely couldn't have said that with the nature of the game with the Pistons, the Bad Boys, the Knicks. You would have been seen as flat out soft.”

Worth A Read

Fired Up Missouri

Informing and uniting Missourians. Their objectives? Responsible government, secure families, and strong communities.

The Daily Smak

Hey, didn’t you used to be the Denver Nuggets?

This weekend, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays swept the Boston Red Sox. The Devil Rays cheated. Prior to the series, they buried Ted Williams’ fishing pole.

Today’s top five or finest female athletes (1) Danica Patrick, (2) Natalie Gulbis, (3) Gretchen Bleiler, (4) Gina Carano, (5) Ashley Force

Reverend Wright: I Write the Sermons

Jeremiah Wright: “I describe the conditions in this country. I'm not here for political reasons. I'm not a politician. I know that fact will surprise many of you because many in the corporate-owned media made it seem like I am running for the Oval Office. I am not running for the Oval Office. I've been running for Jesus a long, long time, and I'm not tired yet. I am not one of the most divisive black spiritual leaders. I'm one of the most descriptive.”

Al Sharpton: Punish Everyone

Al Sharpton: “We strategically know how to stop the city so people stand still and realize that you do not have the right to shoot down unarmed, innocent civilians. This city is going to deal with the blood of Sean Bell. They never accused Sean Bell of doing anything. Then why is he dead? Authorities have shown now that they will not hold police accountable. Well, guess what? If you won't, we will!”

Driving Fantastic

On Sunday, Ashley Force garnered the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals. Force and Danica Patrick are equally talented. They merit mirror recognition.

Fox News: Burying the Past

Twenty-two years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, work is under way on a colossal new shelter to cover the ruins and deadly radioactive contents of the exploded Soviet-era power plant. For years, the original iron and concrete shelter that was hastily constructed over the reactor has been leaking radiation, cracking and threatening to collapse. The new one, an arch of steel, would be big enough to contain the Statue of Liberty.

Once completed, Chernobyl will be safe, said Vince Novak, nuclear safety director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development which manages the $505 million project. The new shelter is part of a broader $1.4 billion effort financed by international donors that began in 1997 and includes shoring up the current shelter, monitoring radiation and training experts.

The explosion at reactor No. 4 on April 26, 1986 was the world's worst nuclear accident, spewing radiation over a large swath of the former Soviet Union and much of northern Europe. It directly contaminated an area roughly half the size of Italy, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

In the two months after the disaster, 31 people died of radioactivity, but the final toll is still debated. The U.N. health agency estimates that about 9,300 will eventually die from cancers caused by Chernobyl's radiation. Groups such as Greenpeace insist the toll could be 10 times higher. The old shelter, called a "sarcophagus," was built in just six months. But intense radiation has weakened it, according to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and rain and snow are seeping through cracks.

Officials say a tornado or earthquake could bring down the shelter, releasing clouds of poisonous dust. The first step, shoring up the sarcophagus, is almost complete, Ukrainian and EBRD officials say. Later, the 20,000-ton arch — 345 feet tall, 840 feet wide and 490 feet long — will be built next to the old shelter and slid over it on railtracks. Its front side will be covered by metal, and the back will abut the wall of reactor No. 3.

Construction is to begin next year and be completed in 2012, and it is designed to last 100 years. It is designed and built by Novarka, a French-led consortium. Workers will wear protective suits and masks, and those needing to be closer to the radioactivity will work in shifts as short as several minutes.

Once the arch is up, the least stable parts of the old shelter and the reactor will be dismantled and removed. In 50 years, the nuclear fuel will be extracted, although it is unclear where it will be stored. The EBRD says 95 percent of the reactor's nuclear inventory is still inside the ruins, but some experts believe most of the radiation was released in the days after the accident.

The new shelter evokes mixed feelings among Ukrainians. Some are just happy the reactor is finally going to be made safe. Others, especially those directly affected by the disaster, accuse the government of playing up the new shelter at the expense of treating their health problems.

Scientists continue to debate the Novarka solution, with some saying the reactor should be dismantled or embedded in concrete. Others say the government should be more concerned about the contaminated land, ground water and equipment, and the spent nuclear fuel.

This nation of 46 million gets almost half its electricity from 15 reactors at four power plants. None is of the Chernobyl type. President Viktor Yushchenko wants to expand Ukraine's nuclear power industry, but environmentalists say the lesson of Chernobyl is that nuclear power carries hidden costs and dangers. "Nuclear energy has shown how expensive it is," said Vladimir Chuprov of Greenpeace Russia.

Line of the Morning

Governor Howard Dean (D-VT)

“We’re not arguing that he’s going to be in war for a hundred years. We don’t think we ought to be in Iraq for a hundred years under any circumstances. Think of the hundreds of billions of dollars that are being spent in Iraq which we need right here at home to preserve American jobs…”

Fox News: A Soldier’s Walk

John Fernandez should not have been playing lacrosse in the Army-Navy alumni game at Madison Square Garden. By all rights, the former U.S. Army first lieutenant should be dead. But luck intervened. "It was just a matter of chance — pure luck," said Fernandez of Shoreham, Long Island, who was severely wounded in Iraq after a U.S. plane dropped a 500-pound bomb on his Humvee in a case of friendly fire on April 3, 2003. Shrapnel from the explosion shredded his legs. "I crawled. I couldn't walk."

More than five years later, the soldier can do more than just walk. He can play lacrosse thanks to prosthetic limbs as he demonstrated during the Heroes Cup, which preceded the New York Titans professional game Saturday night. "Change of direction is a little bit more difficult just because I don't have ankles," Fernandez said. "I get around. I'm not necessarily the guy who's going to be taking the ball and driving from behind the cage. I'm out there and playing. Running around, setting picks and scoring goals."

Fernandez speaks impassively when he recounts what happened to him. But his story is extraordinary. Somehow the bomb, which ripped through his Humvee, spared Fernandez who was sleeping next to the vehicle on a cot south of Baghdad in Karballa. It did not spare his driver, gunner nor the platoon sergeant who was nearby in another Humvee.
Seven others were injured.

Afterward, Fernandez, 30, was flown to a naval base in Spain and then to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Doctors delivered a grim prognosis when he arrived. Part of his right leg had to go. They could try to save his left foot but it might be more trouble than it was worth. There could be lasting complications. Fernandez told doctors: "Just take it off. Cut it off and move on. It's literally cutting your losses."

Surgeons amputated his right leg eight inches below the knee. They also removed his left foot. But Fernandez was undeterred. He returned home that June for many months of painful rehabilitation. The soldier in him refused to lay down — so did his wife Kristi who helped Fernandez recover. "We just kept looking ahead," she said while watching Fernandez play at the Garden, cheering the Army players who eventually lost to Navy 10-6. The first few years were a learning process, but over time he adapted to his new legs. His latest set are made mostly of carbon fiber. He's been able to play sports for about four years.

"I put on my legs in the morning like you put on your shoes," said Fernandez, now alumni director of the Wounded Warrior Project in New York dedicated to veterans injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And he never limited himself. "I wanted to be able to do everything I could do prior to the injury," said Fernandez, who has two children and a third on the way.

One of those things was lacrosse. Fernandez played at Rocky Point High School on Long Island. He was also captain of his team at West Point. Fernandez wasn't quickest player. He wasn't a star. But he had other skills. "My saving grace was that I hard shot," he said.

When he takes the field with his prosthetic limbs, changing direction can be difficult though he was able to bound up and down the artificial turf at the Garden with little problem. His wife says he gets better each time he plays, and he scored in a previous alumni game. The other players show him no quarter and certainly the ones from Navy did not at MSG. Most of the time, players aren't looking at his legs. They're looking to jar the bar loose with a good hit. "I try my hardest," he said. "I try to put the ball in the back of the net."

Playing lacrosse at the Garden, perhaps, isn't his proudest moment on two legs since his injury. Fernandez had intended to marry his wife in a big ceremony but had to quickly tie the knot in a civil service shortly before he shipped out to Iraq. "The deployment got in the way," he said.

A proper wedding had to wait. Only seven months after Fernandez narrowly avoided death, the couple finally had one. "I danced and walked down the isle," Fernandez said. "I did it all."

Carmelo Anthony: We Quit

Carmelo Anthony: “In a game like tonight, on our home court, us giving up as a whole is uncalled for. Yeah. We quit. Everybody. From the coaches to the players, we quit. And I said it. I'm not blaming anyone. I'm not pointing the fingers at nobody. I didn't play worth a [expletive] tonight, and I can accept that. But as a competitor, there's no way that I should lay down and quit and lay down on my team like we did tonight. You could just sense it. I'm saying 'we,' because I'm part of this, too. I'm saying I quit. We all just gave up. In my five years here, this is the first time I've felt like this. This one hurt. It hurt bad.”

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