Amare Stoudemire Is Going Alex Haley On Us

I know.He's a Knick now

New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire is set on tracing his Israeli roots and possible Jewish heritage. Stoudemire is on a visit to Israel, says he has Hebrew roots through his mother.

She studied the scriptures and history and she believes she is a Hebrew,” he told The Associated Press on Friday in Jerusalem. “I grew up in a very spiritual home. It’s not about religion, it’s about spirituality for me.”

This is very interesting that Stoudemire might have Jewish lineage. I'm interested in seeing how this turns out. I'm glad that he's tracing his roots, since you don't hear too much about this going on with professional athletes.

Lewand Gets A Costly Punishment

NFL commish Roger Goodell doesn't discriminate when he hands down his brand of justice. Detroit Lions team president Tom Lewand found that out. He was made an example of when he fined Lewand $100,000 and suspended him for 30 days. No team activities until game three. Do not pass go and do not collect $200 while your handing out punishments Big Raj.

Lewand was caught drinking and driving, but pleaded to a lesser charge. He alledgedly was the designated driver. A loaded designated driver, the kind of driver I want taking me home. He went through the legal system and was fined $1000.

Goodell and Lewand met on July 24 and this is the conclusion they came to. This should serve as a lesson to Lewand. Also this should be a message to other NFL executives who seem to think they can get over on the system.  The players aren't the only ones being policed.

Angels Thrwarted In Move To Strengthen Team

The Los Angeles Angels failed to strengthen their team, when they attempted to trade for Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee. Lee has a no trade clause and nixed the deal saying he wanted to do what was best for him and his family and stay in Chicago. He also said that he would like to remain a Cub after this season and beyond.

Even though Lee has somewhat struggled this year, he would've been welcomed to an Angels team that needs another bat in the lineup. His Gold Glove defense would've also been a help. Current first baseman Kendry Morales is on the DL with a broken leg after celebrating a a walk off grand slam in May. This is a blow to the Angels in their pursuit of the first place Texas Rangers, but I'm sure they'll keep looking to make deals until the trade deadline on Saturday.

Lorenzen Wright Found Dead

Former Memphis Tiger and Atlana Hawks center Lorenzen Wright was found dead in Southeast Memphis. I never knew he was missing until i read the report that his body was found this afternoon.

Wright last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009. He starred for his hometown Memphis Tigers in college and also played for the Grizzlies. Wright was a former lotttery pick and played in the NBA for over a decade. 

The police report said it appeared Wright had been shot multiple times and that it did not appear to be suicide. Wright was 34 and left behind six children. 

'Reality Boys' Team Up In Cincy

After seemingly being blackballed by the NFL, Terrell Owens finally has a home. Owens is the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals. Owens officially signed with the Bengals yesterday and now joins fellow reality star Chad Ochocinco. Ownes is a good pickup and him and Ochocinco, along with Antonio Bryant gives the Bengals a potentially explosive group of receivers. Of course if this pairing was done about 5 years ago it would be absolutely lethal. Owens clearly isn't what he once was. Although, even at 37, he has kept himself in great physical condition and still can get the job done. He gives quarterback Carson Palmer another target to throw to, if he can hang onto the ball. Owens has been plagued by drops the past few years and he also has his past to deal with. He does have a lot of baggage, but I also believe he really wanted to win. It just always came to his teammates' expense. Maybe he's turning over a new leaf. He was awfully quiet in Buffalo last year. Not just statwise either. I wasn't in the locker room, but there weren't any public outbursts or throwing his quarterback under the bus. Even though the Bengals are starting to resemble the Raiders of old, with the cast of characters they've assembled, this could actually be a good landing spot for Owens.    

Jack Tatum, R.I.P

The man who I consider the godfather of hard hitting safeties, Jack Tatum, passed away from a massive heart attack. He was 61. Tatum previously battled diabetes and other health problems for years.

To me, Tatum brought in the era of the jaw rattling safety. He was a feared man on the field. Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley and others were players in the same mold. Hard hitting, fearless, and dared you to come across the middle. Being from Michigan it would be wrong to pay a Buckeye this much respect, but Tatum was the man. He was more known for paralyzing a defenseless Darryl Stingley in 1978. Even though he never formally apologized, there was some remorse for the vicious hit that confined Stingley to an electric wheelchair the rest of his life.

Tatum was best known for his days as a Raider, but played his last year for the Houston Oilers. He may not have been the best to play the game, but to me, the godfather of safeties that made receivers think twice about going across the middle.

They're Done

I hate to keep harping on one thing and beating a dead horse, but after being no hit by Tampa Bay's Matt Garza, I came to the conclusion that the Detroit Tigers are done. Donelike the Thanksgiving turkey when the little red thing pops up. The Tigers showed no signs of life and looked overmatched most of the night. I guess that's what happens when you have to replace proven major leaguers with 4a player types. Some will fault Jim Leyland, but he's only playing the hand he's been dealt. It's been a combination of bad luck, untimely injuries, and Dave Dombrowski not building enough quality depth in the minor league system. It's all happening at the worse time of the year, where th Tigers face their most brutal stretch of game. All on the road no less, where they've struggled all season.

I hate to give up on the season, but it's pretty hard to watch a team that seems close, but they're really far away. I still say don't make any desperation moves since they really don't have any chips to bring to the table. Unless they get a sweetheart of a deal. It would be a disservice to the fans to publicly admit giving up on the season. Deep down I think they all know it's pretty much over and the day will come where they'll be playing for next season and beyond. I'll still watch ad support them any way I can, but I think i have the same sentiment as many Tigers fans. It's over. Wait til next year. Then again, I could be wrong. Stranger things have happened. 


Yes, Garza still has that thing on his chin.