Conflict of Interest!
A question concerning conflict of interest was probably the last we might expect from the NBA. The issue had to be addressed after the Knicks hired Phil Jackson as president. Most are aware Jackson has been dating Laker vice-president Jeannie Buss for years. The couple is engaged however no wedding date is scheduled to my knowledge. Why do I think this is a Hollywood Insider or TMZ report?
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Joel Embiid is headed to the NBA; this declaration is made without any hesitation on my part. Embiid was projected a late first round pick early on in the 2014 draft. His improved play over the course of this season has increased his stock immensely. Embiid has moved from “who is he” to the number one draft choice on most mock draft sites. The back injury has caused him to miss the last few games of the season for Kansas. A question might be asked, why did Embiid head to California for doctors there to check his back? Are the doctors on staff at the university competent enough to diagnose his medical issue? The answer to the question requires no answer, we have it by now. The flight to California was possibly done at the insistence of his family. In January Embiid’s family indicated there was no requirement to leave school they were “secure” financially.
According to RealGM.com a first pick in 2014-15 would earn $4,592,200 in year one, $4,798,900 in year two and finally $5,005,500 in year three. A second pick would earn $4,108,800 in their first year, $4,293,700 in year two and $4,478,600 in his final year. Is Embiid’s family $4+ million dollars secure, I have no idea but it’s an interesting stance? This developing story is why I believe he may have played his last game in a Kansas jersey despite the NCAA Tournament, I could be wrong and again I could be right. The remaining question, checking this morning Embiid’s position has dropped on mock draft sites. DraftExpress.com and NBADraft.net now list him as the second player chosen. Mocks are not NBA driven however possible injury questions can cause a player to drop.
I’m okay how bout you?
Once upon a time a women’s role in television sports was "window dressing," look good never mind if your sports knowledge was limited. Never mind if someone was feeding you questions to ask through your headset. Female reporters worked the sidelines at football and basketball games interviewing coaches and players at half-time or after the game. Women have always broadcast women’s games however recently they have begun showing up as color analyst and broadcasters on men’s games. Does it create a problem for you? I pose the question because a letter writer objected to women working a football game. His reasoning was based on the fact; “they don’t play the game.” Technically he’s incorrect, they don‘t play the game in high school, college or in the NFL. There are a number of women playing tackle football in semi-pro and leagues throughout the nation.
Of course we cannot make the same statement regarding basketball. Women play the game at all skill, the game is played at a different level from the men but they do play. Women have been handling play by play and color duties for the women’s game since forever. Few have been involved in broadcasting the men’s game either the NBA or college. This is beginning to change as women began moving into this role as well. Doris Burke, Beth Mowins, Kara Lawson, Brook Weisbrod and others are part of the change; they have demonstrated their broadcast skill and insight into the game. Truth is told I rather listen to any of them over the “entertaining” comments provided by former coach and ESPN color analyst Jeff Van Gundy. I’m okay with women providing coverage on men’s games how bout you?
N-ot I-nvited T-ournament
The above is often jokingly used to describe the NIT Tournament. The NIT doesn't hold the prestige it once held, part of the downturn in prestige was due to expansion of the NCAA Tournament. Over the past 40 years the NCAA Tournament has expanded the field of teams from 32 to 40 and later 48. In recent years the number was increased again from 52 to 64 and finally settled with the current 68 teams. Expansion has meant a greater number of teams have qualified for the tourney leaving the NIT to scramble for teams which just missed the mark. Believe you me It’s no joke to the schools who accept NIT invitations, a number barely missed "The Big Dance." These schools closed their schedules with the regular season or conference post-season tourneys. As for the NIT match featuring Mizzou and Davidson Mizzou managed a hoo-hum victory over Davidson 85-77. The score is misleading in that Mizzou was behind at one stage 13 points down in the second half. The match on Sunday becomes more difficult facing Southern Mississippi 28-6.
