INTERCEPTED: NBA SUSPENDS RASHARD LEWIS FOR STEROID VIOLATION

From the NBA.com:

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2009 – Rashard Lewis of the Orlando Magic has been suspended without pay for ten games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for an elevated testosterone level, it was announced today by the NBA. Lewis’ suspension will begin with the first game of the 2009-10 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.

Rashard Lewis Statement:

“First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty.

Toward the end of the season I took an over-the-counter supplement which at the time I did not realize included a substance banned by the NBA.

I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment.

I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character.

I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert in the field.”

When will these dudes learn? Cute smile though. Smh!

Um...Stephon Marbury Dude Where's Ya Sponsor...

This is what happens when live streaming goes TERRIBLY wrong. What in the name of all that is HOLY is wrong with this dude?


Yeah it's a epidemic alright!


No your eyes are NOT deceiving you. He's performing some highly questionable dancing to Barbie Girl.



BUT WAIT....THERE'S MORE!!!!!!!!








Who's dude in the background for real...




I can't get enough of the lunacy...I truly CANNOT!

At some point I think I stopped breathing...so I can't mess with this dude. He's gonna kill me. You can pay for this level of hilarity.

ESPN Pisses in Starbury Marbury's Cornflakes!

Stephon Marbury has been a walking talking lump of crazy for the past few weeks. Recently, HipHollywood.com caught up with the disgruntled NBA player for an exclusive & interesting interview, that quickly turned into a full on rant by Marbury, who took direct shots at ESPN.

All I know is...ESPN had better keep his name outta their mouth or he might have to check that chin. Just sayin...

From HipHollywood.com:

HipHollywood.com managed to track down on the most popular athletes in the world right now: Stephon Marbury. The former NBA star has made quite the name for himself in the past week by broadcasting his somewhat crazy life 24-hours a day, 7-days a week on UStream.TV Here's what he said:

“The next time you say my name out of your mouth at ESPN, you better be careful what you ask for. I already let my skeletons out. Yeah, I had sex with another woman, and I was wrong. I asked God for forgiveness and now I’m moving on with my life. They said I couldn’t play no more. They don’t know where I’m going to play – China, Italy, Greece…they (ESPN) said that they didn’t want me because someone from an organization said that I have a bad attitude.

…This is the last thing I’m going to say. ESPN, show an hour highlight. Show all of the good things that I’ve done, because there is more good in me than there is bad. And then it’s over with. But, if not…365 days, 24/7 you will see me.”

Now we're not going to give you the entire interview today, but here's a sample. Check back tomorrow for the entire thing!

Right on...right on!

INTERCEPTED: Lamar Odom Will Remain a Los Angeles Laker

*Wondering if there's anyone else out there who is secretly in love with Lamar Odom like I am hmmmm....* Did I just say that out loud? Ooops...LOL!

YES! "Mr. Brown" dressing Lamar Odom...mmm hmmm...that guy!

And YUP this one too! I like my men slightly wacky...LOL!


Well he and the LA Lakers have agreed to contract terms and he will be with the team for what looks like the rest of his career.

From ESPN.com:

Free agent forward Lamar Odom will return to the Los Angeles Lakers, an NBA source said Thursday.

One source close to the process told ESPN.com that Odom will come away with a guaranteed $27 million from the new contract, matching the original value of the three-year, $27 million deal Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled off the table earlier this month.

It's believed that the structure of the new deal calls for Odom to earn $25 million over the first three seasons, with the Lakers owing him $2 million in the fourth year if they elect not to pick up their team option.

Odom's signing was the most significant free agent move left to play out this summer, as it restores a pivotal piece to the Lakers' championship team. The versatile, 6-foot-9 Odom averaged 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds during the regular season and 12.3 points and 9.1 rebounds during the playoffs, despite injuring his back in a fall during the Western Conference semifinals against Houston.

And with that...MY dream team is complete! Let's see...Kobe, Gasol, Odom, ummm... Ron Artest & Andrew Bynum coming into his own. Championship!

INTERCEPTED: Shaq Gets Sports Reality TV Show

From Hoops Insider:

USA Today (Gary Levin) reports: NBA star Shaquille O’Neal is getting ready to multitask. The four-time hoops champion, who joins the Cleveland Cavaliers next season, will star in “Shaq Vs.,” an ABC reality series that pits him against top athletes in their own sports. Filming begins Wednesday in Pittsburgh, where Shaq takes on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football. Future hourlong episodes will pit him against Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, tennis pro Serena Williams and beach volleyball Olympians Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. InsideHoops.com editor says: The show sounds like it should be fun to watch, if done correctly. Ideally, the guest athletes share cool stuff that we wouldn’t normally hear or see and bring something new, aside from showing off skills we already know they possess.

If this show is anywhere near as entertaining as 4th & Long on Spike TV is.. I can't wait!

INTERCEPTED: News around the Baller Carousel

Here's what's going on in the sports world:

NFL News

Former Denver Bronco RB Travis Henry has been sentenced to 3 years of prison. And I can't help but wonder how many people he killed. It must have been like 20 and he was probably high, drunk, deaf and blind because that quadruple the amount of time Donte Stallworth got for killing someone while under the influence. Just saying…

Dallas Cowboys WR Roy Williams has decided he will talk with the media during the football season.

As Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News points out, Williams' decision not to speak to the media this season could be evidence of the pressure that he is feeling to perform.

Part of the problem could be that Williams didn't perform well last year, after arriving in exchange for a Herschel-style boatload of picks and inking a contract worth $9 million per year.

Yeah pressure bust pipes now doesn't it Mr. Williams. Chyle boo!


If you're a football fanatic like myself you’ll be pleased to hear that the NFL Network will be broadcasting all 65 preseason this season. For local fans this isn't news. But for fans with teams outside of their state this is great! And here are the 12 live broadcast game schedules:

St. Louis Rams vs. New York Jets (HD) on Friday, August 14 at 7:00 PM ET
Former USC and #4 overall draft pick QB Mark Sanchez makes his NFL debut with the Jets. New head coaches Rex Ryan (Jets) and Steve Spagnuolo (Rams) lead their teams for the first time.

Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers (HD) on Friday, August 14 at 10:00 PM ET
49ers first round draft pick WR Michael Crabtree makes his debut in San Francisco, while Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels begins his tenure in Denver with a new QB.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions (HD) on Saturday, August 15 at 4:00 PM ET
Lions QB and 2009 #1 overall pick Matthew Stafford looks to replicate the success of Falcons QB and 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan in this NFC matchup.

Chicago Bears vs. Buffalo Bills (HD) on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 PM ET
Two of the biggest names to change teams this summer are on display as Bears QB Jay Cutler and Bills WR Terrell Owens debut with their new teams.

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers (HD) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 PM ET
It's a new season and new beginning for NFL veterans Matt Hasselbeck and LaDainian Tomlinson, who both look for a fresh start in 2009.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins (HD) on Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM ET
Albert Haynesworth makes his debut with the Redskins against Ben Roethlisberger and the defending Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD) on Saturday, August 22 at 10:30 PM ET
The Broncos look to unveil an improved defensive unit against the Seahawks and newly acquired offensive weapon T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Detroit Lions (HD) on Saturday, August 29 at 1:00 PM ET
Colts head coach Jim Caldwell and Lions head coach Jim Schwartz embark on Week 3 of the preseason at the helm of their new teams.

New Orleans Saints vs. Oakland Raiders (HD) on Saturday, August 29 at 4:00 PM ET

A young Raiders offense looks to outscore QB Drew Brees and a Saints offense that led the league in 2008.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Jets (HD) on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 PM ET
The Philadelphia Eagles and top picks Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy take on rookie QB Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets.

Oakland Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks (HD) on Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET
Head coach Tom Cable and the Oakland Raiders face new head coach Jim Mora and the Seattle Seahawks in both teams' final game of the preseason.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings (HD) on Friday, September 4 at 8:00 PM ET
Rookie WR Percy Harvin takes his final preseason reps against the Cowboys as Dallas and Minnesota meet in their preseason finale for the fourth consecutive year.

Steve McNair didn't leave "Will" behind for his family, so a judge in Mississippi has ruled that his wife, Mechelle McNail, will oversee ENTIRE estate. Now that’s justice for what she’s been through…I’m sorry but it really is. I bet she knew he didn't have one, which is why she looked completely unshaken at that funeral last week. Pow!

Federal agents have apparently arrested the man who allegedly provided the gun that killed McNair. SMDH From NFL.com

A criminal complaint unsealed Friday in Nashville says that Gilliam -- who was convicted of murder and attempted armed robbery in 1993 in Florida -- admitted he sold the gun to the woman who later shot McNair.

McNair was shot to death on July 4 at his condo by his 20-year-old mistress Sahel Kazemi, who then turned the gun on herself.

The complaint, signed by ATF agent Mickey French, charges Gilliam with illegally possessing a firearm, which he is barred from doing as a felon.

Detectives traced the gun to its 2002 sale at a pawn shop, according to the complaint. Gilliam eventually bought it from an individual for $100 about a year ago. According to court documents, Gilliam admitted to detectives he sold the gun to Kazemi for $100.

Federal prosecutors in Nashville planned to announce the case at a press conference later Friday.

Police announced in a news conference last week that Kazemi purchased "a fully loaded nine millimeter pistol from a private individual" who met her in the parking lot of the mall where she worked at a Dave & Busters restaurant.

Kazemi met the person when she was trying to sell her car. She mentioned to him that she was looking to buy a gun and he told her he had one for sale, police said. The sale took place two days before McNair's shooting.

How nice...Brett Favre will make his decision to return before training camp begins. Well thanks you Brett, thank you very much!

Cris Carter has decided not to remain silent while Favre runs amok over the NFL. He believes that if the Vikings sign Brett it could possibly threaten team chemistry. And so do I! If anyone is interested in my RANT against Favre...help yourself.

NBA News

With free agency winding down there's not much going on in the NBA. But I found this article in DIME Magazine which list the top 10 free agents yet to sign with any teams.

1. Marquis Daniels - I’m kind of surprised Daniels is still available right now after having the best season of his career. Averaging 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, he showed when he could stay healthy (54 games last season), he is a valuable contributor to a team.

2. Flip Murray - After a great year in Atlanta averaging 12.2 points in 25 minutes off the bench, Murray would be a great piece for a team in search of instant offense a la Eddie House. It seems the backcourt is getting crowded in the ATL, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Flip find a team he can get some burn on next season.

3. Von Wafer - While Houston clearly needs a big guy to fill Yao’s void, they’d be crazy to let Wafer walk this summer. Especially with Ron Artest playing for the Lakers, the Rockets can definitely use Wafer’s intensity on both end of the floor.

4. Matt Barnes - Starting 40 games for the Suns last season, Barnes had the best season of his career averaging 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in only 27 minutes a night. Barnes is one of those guys that doesn’t take plays off, and if he can stick with a team for more than two years, he can definitely become a solid contributor.

5. Drew Gooden - With career averages of 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, Gooden will always find himself on an NBA roster. After signing Antonio McDyess, it appears Gooden has outstayed his welcome in San Antonio.

6. Anthony Carter - Finding a legit point guard in this League is tougher than it seems. And while this year’s NBA Draft was full of aspiring PGs, most coaches like to have a vet around just in case. That’s where AC comes in.

7. Chris Wilcox - Of all these guys, 6-10 Wilcox could be the most intriguing option. A couple years ago during a three-year stretch with the Sonics, Wilcox was averaging around 14 and 8 a game after not getting the minutes to flourish with the Clippers. At only 26 years old, the potential is definitely still there and well worth the limited investment.

8. Ime Udoka - While his numbers weren’t great with the Spurs, Udoka is a modern-day Bruce Bowen. And if San Antonio can’t get Bruce back in town, they should do everything they can keep Udoka.

9. Stephon Marbury - After a tumultuous season to say the least, Marbury can still play. While most teams don’t want to deal with his headaches, he still has to be on this list as one of the best available.

10. Sean May - While May has been irrelevent for quite some time, he’s been busy working out for the Blazers and Kings with plans to work out for the Cavs and Clippers later this week. If he can stay health, the former UNC product could be a steal.

MLB News - (This is a learning process for me...but I don't want to leave anyone out so I'm working to include more MLB news in my posts.)

The American League beat the National League in the All-Star game which extended it's unbeaten streak to 13 years. That's just down right sad if you ask me...the National League needs to step it up!

Despite the steroid and subsequent suspension fans of Manny Ramirez have welcomed their star back.

INTERCEPTED: ESPY AWARDS 2009 RECAP

From the Los Angeles Times:

The show, which will be broadcast Sunday July 19th by ESPN, is wildly popular among athletes and actors. This year Michael Phelps steals the show and the Lakers also get their due.

It's a good thing athletes don't rely on a teleprompter and a good thing the ESPY awards broadcast scheduled for Sunday on ESPN was recorded Wednesday night at the Nokia Theatre LA Live. It will provide an opportunity for some cleanup.

As host Samuel L. Jackson said after he stood dumbstruck for a moment on stage, "I wish I had learned the monologue. Then I wouldn't have to stand here waiting on the monitor. Play some more music. Please."

Eventually the teleprompter lit up and the ESPY awards show was able to go on. Lakers fans will want to tune in to the 6 p.m. telecast Sunday because a certain NBA team that wears purple and gold won the best team trophy. And Michael Phelps fans will want to tune in because the Olympic swimmer seemed to win just about everything else.

Fans vote for the awards and 13 were handed out. Phelps, who won best male athlete, also won four others.

San Diego Charger LB Shawne Merriman

Tyson & Holyfield pose together and suddenly I have the urge to sing "Reunited and it feels so good!"

LA Laker Derek Fisher and his wife

LA Laker Josh Powell

Former Heavy weight title champion Evander Holyfield

Host of the 2009 Espy's and Actor Samuel L. Jackson

Professional tennis champion Venus Williams (who is killing that dress)

Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson with his wife

Atlanta Falcon TE Tony Gonzales and his date

Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens was there of course. Hardly recognized him fully clothed, LOL!

Number 1 draft pick & Detroit Lion QB Matthew Stafford

U.S. national soccer team players Clint Dempsey (left) and Jozy Altador (for Team Six pack)

Wimbledon champion Serena Williams (who also looks gorgeous in her dress)

Michael Phelps brought along his mother

San Francisco 49er WR Michael Crabtree

WNBA player Lisa Leslie and actor David Charvet

Kobe and Vanessa Bryant

Oklahoma City Thunder NBA player Kevin Durant

Former NBA great Julius Erving

Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester

Memphis Grizzlies NBA player Hasheem Thabeet

Gotta love the "Look at my rock BISHES!" pose by Kendra

Philadelphia Eagle Hank Bassett and new wife Kendra Wilson

Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps, NFL player Michael Crabtree, spokesman for Subway Jared Fogle and NBA player Blake Griffin arrive.

New Orlean's Saints WR Marques Colston

Seriously Carmelo and that smile should be illegal - Lala is such a lucky lady!

Boxer Andre Berto

Former Boxer Shane Mosley

Olympic gold medal winners Angelo Taylor (left) and Usain Bolt

Pittsburgh Steeler's & Super Bowl Champion QB Ben Roethlisberger

Kobe & Vanessa again

Carmelo Anthony

New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis

List of some of the winners:

Best in Sport
Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)

Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
Best Male Golfer: Tiger Woods

Special Awards
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer

INTERCEPTED: Richard Jefferson Gets Cold Feet

From Yahoo Sports:

Richard Jefferson, who was traded in June from the Bucks to the Spurs, got cold feet, dumped his stunning fiancé — onetime Nets dancer Kesha Ni'Cole Nichols — and pulled the proverbial plug on his $2 million Manhattan wedding on Saturday.

According to the New York Post, Jefferson's decision was so last-minute that some his guests still showed up.

"He called about two hours before the wedding. It was nuts," said one Jefferson pal.

He never showed up at the hotel, but "all his boys were there," the friend said. "He gave his best friend the Black Amex [credit card] for the night."

Jefferson's guests made good use of the credit card to party on their pal's dime.

I bet they did.

According to HoopsHype, Jefferson is set to make $14.2 million this season, and $15 million in 2011. I've done the math, and, yes, he could afford to throw a solid little wedding (or non-wedding party) every damn weekend. That's real love.

SMDH! Mr. Jefferson has pretty arm pieces everywhere real nervous right now.

Update from Necole Bitchie:

According to our source, Richard and Kesha Nichols were in Los Angeles for the wedding of Orlando Magic player Brian Cook, a week before their wedding, when everything came undone. The day after the wedding, Richard and Kesha were headed to NYC for their wedding week, or so she thought. Richard told his fiance he was going to spend a couple of days with his buddies, then meet her in NYC. Instead, he hopped on a plane and went to Paris with two friends and Luke Walton of the Lakers, his former teammate at University of Arizona.

At some point while over the Atlantic on his way to Europe, Richard sent an email telling Kesha the wedding was off. So the jilted bride was forced to break the news to most of the guests, including some of Richard’s own friends who he did not inform. All of this just three days before the wedding. Kesha vented on her Twitter account, but her account has since been closed.

According to our source, Richard has tried to email and call Kesha but she is headed on ‘their’ honeymoon alone and wants NOTHING to do with him.

INTERCEPTED: A.I. KEEPS GRIZZLIES & HEAT WAITING...

So far signings and trades during free agency in the NBA have gone seemingly smooth. But for AI, fresh off a disastrous season with the Detroit Pistons, the question of which team will land the super star forward remains a mystery. Sources close to AI are claiming that his agent is in talks with both the Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat as previously reported last week. But the odds of him signing with the Heat seem greater than that with the Grizzlies. Still it should be noted that a mini battle over AI is brewing between the two teams and whichever one he chooses will be the better for it.

We all know that D. Wade wants AI, or any other available high profile player, that will help in his quest for a second championship. Which is why he's currently waiting to sign his contract extension that has been offered to him by the Heat, as he observes what steps the team will take in making this happen. So with AI on the fence and Wade playing the waiting game things could get a little messy.

According to the Miami Herald: "Allen Iverson asked for the $5.8 million midlevel exception from the Heat in a one-year deal, but Miami has been reluctant to pay him much more than $2 million, if that. And while Iverson is also exploring Memphis and Charlotte, Miami would be his preference if money is equal. The Heat spoke with the agent for Andre Miller -- who's in a stalemate with Philadelphia -- but hasn't pursued a sign-and-trade, and Miller wants more than the midlevel. " So Miami had better get on the good foot and come up with that 5.8 million because I think D. Wade's extension with them may depend it.

I love off season signing battles...

UPDATE: DIME Magazine is reporting that A.I. are in serious talks with the LA Clippers. This story keeps getting more and more interesting.

INTERCEPTED: NBA Free Agency Signing MADNESS!

It's the best part of the year for professional basketball (YES better than the draft). It's free agency season, which should be noted has been going on behind the scenes for the past few weeks, but yesterday marked the first day in which players could sign on the dotted line for many team offers.

Trevor Ariza signed a 5-year 33.95 million dollar contract with the Houston Rockets yesterday. The trade for Ariza came with the Rockets deal when they dealt Ron Artest to the Laker's.

The Houston Rockets will likely be involved in many trade and free agent dealings with the news that their star Yao Ming may very well miss all of next season with an injured foot. Not to mention Tracy McGrady's recovery from microfracture knee surgery and with one year left in his contract with the Rockets their top two guys will likely not be much of a factor in 2009-2010. Not shaping up to be the greatest year for Houston...but Ariza will help.

As reported, Rasheed Wallace is officially a Boston Celtics. Wallace joins Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce and this team is officially disgustingly loaded with talent. It should be against the law it really should. Championship or bust for them this season imo.

The Cleveland Cavaliers continued adding to their power roster by signing Anderson Varejao on Wednesday to a 6 year 50 million dollar contract.

The Lakers are still in negotiations with unrestricted free agent Lamar Odom (and if they know like I know they'll pay him the 10 million he's seeking) Andrew Bynum WILL be a beast ONE day but that day won't begin next season.

Dwayne Wade has made public statements aimed at the Miami Heat organization that he will remain in Miami...provided he can win another championship. And D. Wade believes that A.I. (Allen Iverson) is his best option to making that happen. However A.I. may have his eye on the Memphis Grizzlies as his agent and the team are reportedly in contract talks.

The Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors have agreed to terms in a very complicated 4 way team trade that includes Shawn Marion signing with the Mavericks. In the end the teams include: Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, the Mavericks & Raptors. Trade and signing details can be read here.

Mixed up in the Mavericks/Raptors 4 team trade, was Hedo Turkoglu who signed with the Raptors yesterday. Turkoglu opted out of his contract with the Orlando Magic after the team acquired Vince Carter. Carter is a plus for the Magic who now has to deal with a conference with Shaq in it.

"Free agent" and highly successful coach Phil Jackson will be back with the Laker's in 2009-2010.

The Detroit Pistons are very close to naming, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach John Kuester as their new head coach according to sources in the NBA. According to them, "Kuester is familiar to the Pistons, and president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, having served on Larry Brown's staff in Detroit in 2004 when the Pistons won the NBA championship." Seems like a nice fit to me.

Speaking of Detroit...the Detroit Free Press has weighed in on the free agency team winners and losers so far. Story here. They no likey the Shaq/Lebron duo :(

INTERCEPTED: 2009 ESPY AWARDS

The Oscar & Grammy Awards for athletes are here! The 2009 ESPY Awards are set to air Sunday, July 19th at 9pm, with Samuel L. Jackson as host (Am I the only one who'll miss Justin Timberland?) This years awards have an overwhelming 37 categories with Michael Phelps leading the way with 4 nominations of his own. (Guess weed-gate is the thing of the past)

The ESPY Awards honor the best achievements, moments and leading athletes of the previous year. Fans determine winners through online (http://www.espys.tv/) and mobile phone voting (http://www.espn.mobi/ that has already begun and runs through July 11.

For the full list of nominees click here.

I've condensed the list to some of the more popular categories below. Voting has already begun so be sure to cast your vote for your favorite nominees. Highlighted in red are XIKhai's pick to win for each category.

BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Natalie Coughlin, Swimming, Nastia Liukin, GymnasticsMaya Moore, NCAA Basketball Candace Parker, WNBASerena Williams, Tennis *This was hard wih Serena JUST winning Wimbleton*

BEST MALE ATHLETE
Kobe Bryant, NBA LeBron James, NBA, Jimmie Johnson, Auto Racing, Michael Phelps, Swimming *Tough one*

BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies, Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, Olympic Beach Volleyball *There's no way he doesn't win this*

BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE
Shawn Johnson, Olympic Gymnastics, Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays, Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls, Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

BEST RECORD BREAKING PERFORMANCE
Usain Bolt, Olympic Sprinter, Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals, Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers, Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimmer *Another tough one, but I voting on the chances of the record least likely to be broken and PJ has that one hands down*

BEST TEAM
Connecticut Women’s Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, North Carolina Men’s Basketball, Philadelphia PhilliesPittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers *My Laker's bias is all up and through this post, lol*

Don't forget voting ends on July 11th so vote often!

INTERCEPTED: Ron Artest is a Laker...

YES <--- THAT Ron Artest. The gritty often confrontational defensive player is now a Los Angeles Laker. What a difference the off season makes I guess. In exchange for Artest the Lakers sent the breakout forward Trevor Ariza, who was key in leading the Lakers throughout the playoffs to their championship, to Houston, a team that just got news that their star Yao Ming may need to undergo surgery on the foot he injured in the playoffs against the Lakers.

ESPN thinks this is a match made in heaven.

I however have my doubts. I don't doubt his ability, Artest is a defensive beast but he's also a handful and often unpredictable emotionally on the court. It's hard to rely on hot headed players in the NBA once the refs label them as a problem child they call them on everything.

But I will say this the NBA has just gotten even more exciting. Last week news of Shaq being signed by the Cavs made "Chocolate Shoulders" (nickname courtesy of Chrisette Michele) a little uncomfortable about that repeat Finals appearance everyone was predicting for the magic. And yesterday Ron Artest was added to an already potent and effective roster of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher & Andrew Bynum.

The 2009-2010 NBA season is gonna be "So Amazing"

Intercepted: Shaq traded to the Cavaliers

Like we didn't see this coming...Shaquillle O'Neal traded to the Cavaliers. If Shaq had a million dollars for every young superstar basketball one step away from a championship who's careers he's helped launch, he'd be a very rich man. Oh wait...HE does and he's on his way to making more for another one!

The NBA just got 10 times more interesting. In a "stunning" move the Phoenix Suns, fresh off of yet another disappointing season (I still love you A'mare) and financially hurting had to trade their only hope for a championship player Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Yes...THIS Cleveland. Btw, I know EVERY word to this song!

Their economy is sure to get a boost not only from the signing ALONE, but the reward teams get from the signing in the end. We all know what happens when the Diesel comes to town (see Kobe & D. Wade) So it's only a matter of time before he brings one to Cleveland. I wonder what the stories will ready after Shaq wins a championship FOR Lebron. Will the discussion and criticism towards Kobe be passed onto King James now that Kobe has secured his Shaq-less ring?

Hmmmm...only time will tell tell but I'm calling an early Kobe/Gasol-Lebron/Shaq finals! Yup heard it here first!

Sorry Chocolate Shoulders the original "Superman" is back in East! The Cavs just got DIESELED!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 – NBA “Pre” Draft Party

Tuesday night’s draft party was held at Amalia restaurant and lounge in NYC. Unlike the “pre” NFL draft party held at M2 in NYC, this event was very organized. No long lines (well not when I got there), no pushing, no yelling, no 3 hour wait to figure out that there’s 28 lines and a crowd swarming the front and no one is getting in until after 1:00am although you killed yourself to get there by 10pm. Kudos to the event planners! Amalia is an elegant venue with silk wallpaper, glass chandeliers, backlit mosaic tiled stairs, and distressed brick walls. Dim the lights, break out the candles, turn up the music and it’s my kinda place!!!

This event was definitely a buffet for the men. By 11:30pm there was a nice crowd…..but mostly females. By 12:30am there was an even better crowd and the music was good, but again mostly females. Nothing wrong with the ladies, but something’s just not right when you’re at a nice event and the ratio of women to men is approximately 12:1. I know the “NBA” aspect brings the female crowd but don’t guys know they need to come too?? The ladies buy an outfit, get their hair done and go through all the prep work for the event. They all won’t snag an athlete! There should be a strong crew of guys plotting on those who just came to party, those who don’t make the cut, and those who aren’t bold enough to sneak into VIP. I’m not implying anything, just emphasizing the need for an equal playing field. Overall, it was a decent party. The real draft party is on Thursday. No, I won’t slip and say where so everyone can blame me when the door looks like feeding time at the zoo. But if the music is great, the drinks are flowing and the crowd looks good like on Tuesday night (just with a tad bit more males) then it might be worth going to work with little to no sleep and struggling to keep the bags of sand, I mean eyelids, open! Stay tuned….. If I actually make it there, I’ll fill you in on the details.