Michael Irvin: Mayweather Making The Brothers Look Bad

Everyone wants to see a Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather showdown. And ask anyone that Mayweather is ducking Pacquiao and you'll get an emphatic yes from some. That would include NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

Irvin is so disenchanted by the fight being put off for various reasons, that he had something to say about it. This might actually make Mayweather take the fight if you ask me.

"I like both of them but I’m telling you right now, I wish Mayweather would go ahead and fight the guy. It makes brothers look bad with all of this running."




After their respective fights against Victor Ortiz and Juan Manuel Marquez, if they both win of course, many would like to finally see them get it on. Boxing and the boxing fans that remain need this fight. The sport is dying a slow death and a Pacquiao/Mayweather bout would give it the shot in the arm that it desperately needs.  

Heat Might Take A Flier On Grant Hill If, When The Lockout Ends

I do believe there will be an NBA season, just like I used to believe in Santa. It might be a shortened season once again but I don't think the players or owners are that stupid to let a season go to waste.

If and when the lockout ends, the Miami Heat will be looking to improve on their current roster. Here's one possibility that would actually make the Heat a more likable team. The addition of Grant Hill. The Heat are looking for a perimeter defender and either Shane Battier or Hill would fit the bill according to a report in the Miami Herald.

If the Heat cannot sign preferred choices Shane Battier, Grant Hill or Tayshaun Prince postlockout, Miami will consider Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady, among others.


If I had to pick out of those four I would take the first three listed above than the last two. For this reason only. Prince, Hill, or Battier don't need the ball in their hands and don't require many shots. McGrady and Redd probably still think of themselves as starter material. I believe both of them could help a team, but not one with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, or LeBron James on it already.     


 

Stonum To Be Redshirted For 2011

Michigan wide receiver Darryl Stonum was suspended indefinitely in early May after receiving his second DUI offense. Now Stonum will be redshirted for the 2011 season. This came from head coach Brady Hoke.

Even though Stonum would've been in a key contributor for a revamped offense this year, Hoke thought it would be best for Stonum to get his life in order. Now I know all the Michigan State supporters will come out and denounce the decision, but it is what it is. I hear all the howling from East Lansing right now.

Sophomore punter Will Hagerup has been suspended the first four games of the season for undisclosed reasons, and junior receiver Terrence Robinson will miss the season opener Sept. 3 for violating team rules.


This is more than a football decision. Louisville's Charlie Strong made the same decision regarding one of his own players. This is the first major decision that Hoke has made since he's set foot in Ann Arbor.

"While it would be great to have Darryl on the field this season, we feel it is in his best interest and the best interest of our program for him to redshirt," Hoke said in a prepared statement. "Darryl will continue to be an important part of our team and family. He has done everything we have asked him to do, but our number one priority is to help Darryl grow as a person."

"In order to build a championship-caliber culture, you have to be accountable to each other on and off the field," Hoke said. "There are expectations at the University of Michigan you must live up to."



Now we'll see if the other Wolverines will fall in line after Hoke has finally laid down the law.

Matt Forte Considering Skipping Preseason Games

Instead of a training camp holdout, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is considering a preseason game holdout if he doesn't get a contract extension done by the preseason opener next Sunday against Buffalo. Forte will practice, but he'll just skip the exhibition games.

Forte is also thinking of his health when he stated that he would sit out preseason games. The turf at Soldier Field has been in lousy condition recently and he wouldn't want to risk injury in a menaingless game without having the extension done. Doesn't sound greedy to me, just smart.

"I've considered not playing in the preseason games," Forte told the Tribune. "But just to make that a fact, and say 'I'm not going to,' I haven't gotten there yet."

"Any time the field is not good enough to practice on that is a concern," Forte said. "There is always a concern with injuries. You can get injured going out to practice.


"I have to talk to coach (Lovie Smith) and talk to Jerry and my agent (Adisa Bakari). We'd have to have a big meeting to really talk about (sitting out preseason games until a contract is complete)."

General Manager Jerry Angelo says there's no timetable to get a deal done, but does say he's "motivated" to get one done.

It would be wise to have Forte happy, since he's one of their biggest weapons on offense. Not saying that he wouldn't give his all, but you want to have a happy Forte instead of an angry one.

Rex Ryan Has No Well Wishes For Shaun Ellis

If you ask New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan,  former Jet Shaun Ellis is the equal to Benedict Arnold. Ellis signed with division rival, New Engalnd, whom Ryan doesn't like. Both players and coaches know that it's a business and when Ellis couldn't get an extension he signed with the Patriots. 

Ryan had this to say about Ellis, according to the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta.

“The fact that he chose them . . . there’s no way I’m going to wish him well. There’s no chance of that.”

Knowing Ryan he probably had a lot more to say than that. I'm not buying that Rex will let this go quietly. This could be another Bounty Bowl in the making. Knowing that Bill Belichick stuck it to him will only intensify this rivalry. This isn't over by a longshot.

Jered Weaver Drops His Appeal, Takes A Shot At Carlos Guillen

Los Angeles Angels Jered Weaver made news when he threw at Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila after Carlos Guillen blasted a home run off him and gave him the evil eye. After that little incident Weaver was suspended for six games. Of course Weaver filed an appeal which he decided to drop, coincidentally after his start Friday night. Isn't this how it always happens.

After dropping his appeal, Weaver took a shot at the Tigers' Guillen, the oft injured second baseman.

When Weaver was asked why he didn't wait to face Guillen next year -- the Angels have no games remaining against the Tigers this season -- Weaver said, "Who knows if I'm going to be able to face him again? Is he going to have a job next year?"

Is this guy a sore loser or what? I would hate to beat him in a poker game or Monopoly. He might shoot me. He should be careful what he says. Although it's a longshot, Guillen could wind up with the Angels next season.







   

Kurt Warner Lobbies For Randy Moss To Think About Arizona

No one really believes that Randy Moss is retired. It's like a myth or urban legend of sorts, like Elvis and Tupac still being alive, big foot, and the yeti. There was the Philadelphia Eagles rumor, which turned out to be all talk. Now there is some Moss talk going on in Arizona.

Over the past two offseasons the Arizona Cardinals have lost Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston. Larry Fitzgerald did his most damage with those two working with him and Kurt Warner at the helm. It owuld seem ideal that the Cardinals would be open to trying to lure Moss to the desert since they do have a void at receiver. Nothing aginst whoever they have now, but I don't think Early Doucet has any DBs shaking in their cleats. I think it would also make Kevin Kolb's transition a pretty smooth one.

Speaking of Warner, in an interview with 620 KTAR’s Burns and Gambo, it sounds like Warner was openly lobbying for Moss to rethink his retirement and come to Arizona.

“I don’t think there’s any question he could help,” Warner said. “I still think there’s something in the tank for Randy. . . . He has a great relationship with Larry Fitzgerald. That could be a huge plus coming to this organization.



“I think a deep threat is something that they need. They need somebody that can stretch the field. As good as Larry is, that’s not the player that he is.”


True indeed, he could help the Cardinals, and they do need someone who can go deep. Problem is there isn't much help on the market. If I were sitting in their front office I'd make Moss an offer he couldn't refuse. I don't know if he'd take it but it's worth a try.

Personally I think Moss is a long way from being done. I just think he's waiting for the New England Patriots to call him and see if he wants to come back there.