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| This issue TSAReport.com got caught up in the 2008 NBA draft frenzy. We spoke withsome of the talented draftees during their big day in the spotlight. Many of these now future NBA stars made a lot of interesting comments before and after the draft. "Gunnin' For That #1 Spot" the documentary, directed and produced by Beastie Boys' member Adam Yauch, premiered at the Magic Johnson Movie Theatre in Harlem during the draft weekend. Yauch’s documentary follows eight future NBA prospects as they prepare to showcase their skills. Father's know best, talks about Allan and Wade Houston. The father and son duo coordinated a fun-filled weekend promoting the roles fathers play in their son's lives. Check it out! |
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NBA DRAFT 08 RUN-DOWN
"The NBA is a grown man's level of play so I definitely have to be prepared mentally as much as physically."- Russell Westbrook Words by Dave K. Far-El |
This summer's 2008 NBA Draft saw more freshman and sophomore lottery picks then any recent draft I can recall. The Sports Agent Report and I caught up with some of the draft picks just before their time in the spotlight. There were very few surprise picks on the star-studded night, but the trade was the blockbuster. Here's a quick recap:
Derrick Rose was drafted out of Memphis #1 by his hometown Chicago Bulls. Great pick considering how priceless point guards are these days. He was followed by Michael Beasley, who is going to have a pretty good time playing with D. Wade and Shawn "The Matrix" Marion. O.J Mayo of USC was third, and soon traded, to Memphis and Kevin Love was fifth to Memphis and traded for O.J. to Minnesota a few hours later. In an interview before the draft, Kevin Love stated," I am preparing myself by cutting my body fat down to 10%," which is good considering how much of a load he is going to have to carry in Minnesota for the dreadful Timberwolves. Kevin's UCLA teammate Russell Westbrook was taken one spot in front of Kevin at the #4 spot by Seattle. Russell said: "the NBA is a grown man's level of play so I definitely have to be prepared mentally as much as physically." I would have to say I agree because he is going to be paired up with last year R.O.Y Kevin Durant and with P.J. Carlesimo as a coach, there really is no room for error.
The NY Knicks at #6 kept it "All Italian League" with their pick Danilo Gallinari, to go along with their new coach and former Italian League player Mike D'Antonio. Of course Knicks fans booed the pick, as if we expected anything else. The L.A. Clippers picked Indiana U's Eric Gordon at #7; we'll see how much time he gets with Baron Davis now on board in L.A. Gordon actually reminds me of another Gordon - first name Ben - out of Chicago. West Virginia's Joe Alexander went #8 to Milwaukee and D.J. Augustin of Texas went #9 to Charlotte, which makes me wonder what is going on with current starting point guard Raymond Felton. Before the draft, we caught up with D.J. who told us; " I'm just trying to relax and have fun during a time like this because it's all you can do to calm down." D.J. felt that there was no more pressure than usual understanding he was going to be drafted to a team that was probably in need of a point guard. As long as he knows he's playing for Larry "play the right way" Brown, D.J. will be alright.
Brook Lopez of the Lopez twins out of Stanford was drafted by the NJ Nets at #10, who have since traded Richard Jefferson away in an attempt to get younger and have more cap flexibility to make an obvious run at LeBron James in 2010. Oddly enough, the last twins to come out of Stanford Univ. and get drafted in the NBA were the Collins twins, Jarod and Jason - and ironically, one was drafted by the Nets. I asked Brook if he or his brother had any contact with either of the Collins twins. He told me no because although they know of one another through an older brother, there was such an age difference that they didn't even bother. I guess they'd rather learn the hard way. For the record, his brother Robin Lopez was drafted at #15 by the Phoenix Suns and the Philadelphia Sixers selected University of Florida sophomore Mareese Speights at #16 whose stock fell because of reports of bad work ethic.
Brook Lopez of the Lopez twins out of Stanford was drafted by the NJ Nets at #10, whom have since traded Richard Jefferson away in an attempt to get younger and have more cap flexibility to make an obvious run at LeBron James in 2010. Oddly enough, the last twins to come out of Stanford Univ. and get drafted in the NBA were the Collins twins, Jarod and Jason and ironically, one was drafted by the Nets. I asked Brook if he or his brother had any contact with either of the Collins twins. He told me no because although they know of one another through an older brother, there was such an age difference that they didn't even bother. I guess they'd rather learn the hard way. For the record, his brother Robin Lopez was drafted at #15 by the Phoenix Suns and the Philadelphia Sixers selected University of Florida sophomore Mareese Speights at #16 whose stock fell because of reports of bad work ethic.
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GUNNIN' FOR THAT #1 SPOT
DOCUMENTARY REVIEW
Words by Dave K. Far-El
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Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the premiere of Beastie Boys’ member and movie producer Adam Yauch's documentary "Gunning For That #1 Spot."
"Gunnin for that #1 Spot,” offers a look into the lives of 24 up and coming High School Basketball All-Americans but focusing up close and personal on a specific eight. Not to mention the cool YouTube graphics they used to highlight each player being profiled. The most notable of the bunch are this year's NBA Draft lottery selections Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Jerryd Bayless; as well as Donté Green, and DeAndre Jordan. This is probably the best basketball documentary I have watched since "Hoop Dreams," mostly because unlike in "Hoop Dreams" these kids actually went to college and made the most of their opportunities.
"Gunnin’" followed the boys as they made their national basketball debut in the first annual "Boost Mobile Elite 24 Hoops Classic" at the acclaimed Holcombe Rucker Park in Harlem, NY. Watching this film, it is beyond obvious that director and former Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch is an avid basketball fan and junkie. This film was not a visual stunner but was filled with “private” footage. It was interesting listening to Michael Beasley's mother speak on how difficult it was keeping him out of trouble because of his youthful penchant for drama. Nowhere on ESPN would we see such personal footage of Kevin Love back home in Washington with his family; only then do we see just how much of a corn-fed country boy Kevin truly is.
The film also highlighted two players still in high school in Brandon Jennings, the smooth playing, old-soul point guard from Compton, California; and Lance Stephenson, Brooklyn's next big Lincoln High School hoops star on the rise. Even while still in high school, we can see how the potential for fame and fortune changes the mindstate of those around these kids. It seemed like most had a hand out expecting something from them in one fashion or another. One of the other highlights was the brutal honesty with which the sneaker company execs used when speaking about their need to compete with the other major sneaker brands. Even if that means scouting 12 year olds looking for the next potentially big hoops star. No, they were not ashamed to admit this on film either.
For as much as I enjoyed the film, I felt there were a few aesthetic flaws such as the grainy cut away shots used too often for my taste, during the film. There is footage of Michael Beasley playing around with a digital camera that left me completely clueless as to why they used it at all. But what they lacked in camera work, they definitely made up for with the soundtrack. Adam Yauch's use of Public Enemy's "By the Time I Get to Arizona" was priceless to say the least. Considering this documentary was shot two years ago, and Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Donté Green, and Jerryd Bayless were all drafted into the NBA this summer, I'd have to say as far as basketball documentaries are concerned, "Gunnin for that #1 Spot" definitely nailed it.
"Gunnin For That #1 Spot," is currently showing in select movie theatres in New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR. July 11, 2008, “Gunnin For That #1 Spot" will be showing in Chicago, IL - AMC Pipers Alley, Dallas, TX - Angelika Film Center, Plano, TX – Angelika Film Center, Seattle, WA - AMC Uptown
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FATHER KNOWS BEST
"I look at responsible fatherhood as a movement. I look at it as something that a lot of people aren’t really getting recognition for..." - Allan Houston
Words by H.L.
Many fathers and sons joined former New York Knick Allan Houston and his father Wade Houston to participate in the fifth annual “Father Knows Best” retreat during Father’s Day weekend. Allan and Wade Houston created a fun- filled weekend to emphasize the roles fathers play in their son’s lives. This retreat provided the participating fathers and mentors with the skills and strategies needed to fulfill these expectations.
“Having the discipline and the inner strength to set your personal duties aside and spend time with your son and/or daughter creates a much better situation for the young people in this world,” explained Wade Houston, father of two girls and a boy. The Houstons developed activities such as shooting clinics, basketball competitions, and a panel discussion for all the attendees. Numerous celebrities interacted with the fathers and their sons. “Hopefully one day when my sons get big enough, we might have to win this thing,” said New York Knick, Nate Robinson. Robinson’s sons, ages one and three, were too little to participate, so they stood at the sidelines and watched their daddy assist in the celebrity 2-on-2 shootout at Rucker Park.
“When I got to the NBA, I had a better appreciation for what I had received off the court from my father. I had an appreciation for the fundamentals that I learned. I look at responsible fatherhood as a movement. I look at it as something that a lot of people aren’t really getting recognition for and so when everybody is contributing and putting so much time and energy it just makes it special,” says Allan Houston. With plans to expand in various countries such as Uganda, the Houstons intend to spread the word on the importance of a father-child relationship.
For more information about Allan Houston’s retreat, visit www.allanhouston.com.
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TSA BLURBS
I’LL SEE YOU IN COURT
Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch driver’s license was revoked in Buffalo, New York traffic court by on Administrative Law Judge Thomas Gagola. He also imposed the maximum $100 fine and $50 surcharge after Lynch pleaded guilty to failure to exercise due care toward a pedestrian. Lynch was driving his 2008 Porsche Cayenne SUV in the city’s bar district at 3:30 a.m. when he struck a 27-year-old Ontario woman and kept going. · A man accused of planning a massacre at this year’s Super Bowl has been convicted of federal charges. Kurt Havelock was charged with six counts of mailing threatening communications in U.S. District Court in Phoenix. Authorities alleged the 36-year-old Havelock bought an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition from the Scottsdale Gun Club on Jan. 30. The documents say Havelock wanted to kill people at the Feb. 3 Super Bowl in Glendale and was armed when he reached a parking lot near University of Phoenix Stadium where pregame activities were taking place. However, Havelock had a change of heart. He called his parents, and they persuaded him to turn himself in to Tempe police. Havelock will be sentenced Aug. 25. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine. · New England Patriots cornerback Willie Andrews was arrested after allegedly holding a handgun to his girlfriend's head, according to the Boston Herald. Police arrested Andrews at his apartment on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm and he is being held without bail pending a hearing. · One man was arrested in a robbery and beating that left Oakland Raiders receiver Javon Walker unconscious on a side street after a long night of partying at Las Vegas nightclubs. Police said Arfat Fadel, of Las Vegas, was accused of multiple felonies, including kidnapping, robbery, battery and conspiracy in the June 16 robbery. Lt. Clinton Nichols said Walker lost about $3,000 in cash and $100,000 worth of jewelry in the robbery. The loot has not been recovered, he said. · Mike Tyson’s taking a beating, but this time it’s not in the ring. Instead, witnesses in an obscure racketeering case have linked the once-feared boxer to two murder schemes in his old neighborhood. They claim he bankrolled one. In the other, Tyson himself was considered a potential target, but was spared for religious reasons. Tyson has denied knowing anything about the mayhem surrounding a ruthless drug gang at the center of the case. But his name was dropped several times during recent testimony at the trial of an alleged getaway driver in two slayings. At the closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Haran reminded jurors the “evidence was that Mike Tyson put up $50,000 to kill” two men. Defense attorney Richard Levitt cautioned that the witness who described the Tyson murder-for-hire plot is “unquestionably a liar.” Tyson issued a statement calling the accounts “totally untrue.” He said he was “tired of people throwing my name around.” · Georgia Tech cornerback Jerrard Tarrant has been charged with rape and has been suspended indefinitely from the football team. The alleged victim said she was raped at an on-campus dormitory April 25 and reported the incident to police the following' morning, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Charles Lea, an attorney representing Tarrant, said his client is innocent of the charges.
LETS TALK SPORTS
No more “Pacman”? During Dallas Mavericks forward Brandon Bass’ basketball camp, suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback, Adam “Pacman” Jones expressed to reporters he’d like to be called by his given name and make “Pacman” a thing of the past. “There’s really just a lot of negativity behind it,” Jones said. “It’s just time for a change, man. I’m doing everything to make sure that I’m all right as a person, mentally and emotionally.” · The Gatorade-stained shirt worn by Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers as the team won its first NBA championship in 22 years has been auctioned for $55,000. An anonymous bidder bought the shirt, autographed by Rivers and Celtics star Paul Pierce, and the accompanying Gatorade bucket at a charity auction on sports radio WEEI-AM’s Web site. The proceeds will benefit the Boston Celtics’ Shamrock Foundation. · Michael Strahan was introduced as the newest member of FOX’s NFL Pregame Show. “I’m a lot younger than these guys, a whole lot younger than these guys. A lot better looking, too” says Strahan. Known for his charisma and candor as a player, Strahan insisted he wouldn’t be afraid to criticize former teammates or friends within the league. · Athletes looking for a performance boost appear to be turning to a little blue pill more usually taken for its off-the-field benefits: Viagra. Some sports authorities say the drug is now finding a following among athletes. It also has attracted the attention of the World Anti-Doping Agency. The agency is studying Viagra’s effects in athletes, but hasn’t yet banned it. Viagra is not on the International Olympic Committee’s list of prohibited drugs, so athletes can take it at the Beijing Olympics. Viagra was originally developed as a heart drug; its use as a treatment for erectile dysfunction was accidentally discovered. The drug works by increasing the effects of nitric oxide, which makes blood vessels expand. That should theoretically allow blood cells to get more oxygen from the lungs. It also might improve heart function. Viagra also is approved to treat pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the lungs’ blood vessels tighten. But whether Viagra makes athletes faster, stronger or jump higher is uncertain. · NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said it’s “ridiculous” to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts, and wants the issue addressed in contract talks. “There’s something wrong about the system,” said Goodell. “The money should go to people who perform.” Goodell referred to Michigan tackle Jake Long’s five-year, $57.75 million contract—with $30 million guaranteed. Long was the first overall draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in April. · Baltimore Ravens fans could see real ravens this season. A trainer in Georgia is working with two eight-week old ravens, hoping to have them ready to fly around M&T Bank Stadium before home games this season. Ravens officials plan to have one of the birds fly out of the tunnel players use to run onto the field. Trainer Daniel Walthers says he is even teaching the birds to mimic the words “touchdown,” and “Go Ravens.” · Recently retired boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. accused HBO’s announcers of bias against him and other black fighters. Mayweather, a 31-year-old former Olympic bronze medalist from Grand Rapids, MI, told The Grand Rapids Press in an interview that the network “is great,” but criticized its boxing announcers. “They talk about Kelly Pavlik, a white fighter, like he’s the second coming. Or they go crazy over Manny Pacquiao. But I’m a black fighter,” Mayweather said. “Is it racial? Absolutely. They praise white fighters, they praise Hispanic fighters, whatever. But black fighters, they never praise. “I’ve noticed it for a long time but I couldn’t say anything because I had to do business with them. I’ll still do business with them, but I’m done holding my tongue.” HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg said in a statement that the network, which has carried many of Mayweather’s fights, was disappointed to hear of the boxer’s remarks and denied his claims. “Floyd is a tremendous athlete who gave his all to the sport. We have nothing but admiration for what he accomplished in the ring,” Greenburg said. “His remarks regarding HBO broadcasters and executives are unfortunate and we could not disagree more.”
SPORTS BIZ
Clay Bennett finally found a dollar amount that would sever his contentious relationship with the city of Seattle—$75 million. As a result, the SuperSonics are headed to Oklahoma City with Bennett leading the way, leaving behind the team name, colors and 41 years of history.
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Some of the information provided is courtesy of AP, Reuters, and, Ticker. |
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