On Life Support

Perspectives in Black is not dead, but it's on life support because I haven't felt compelled to write. My lack of motivation comes from our lack of internet and the inconvenience associated with travelling to a place where I can use the internet to blog. Dr. Smiles and I currently contemplating getting internet service. Keep your eyes out.

The U.S. National Soccer Team showed great heart and grit in their come from behind tie against Slovenia. I thought the game was over at halftime, but the U.S. played the second half aggressively and attacked the goal. It was a total team effort and hopefully they can get a victory against Algeria and proceed to the knockout round.

Congratulations to Kobe Bryant and the rest of the Los Angles Lakers on winning back-to-back NBA championships. This year's finals were a perfect example of what's right with professional basketball - exceptional players making exceptional plays for storied franchises. Kobe's fifth title definitely makes him a top five Laker, but he's not my number one. My top five are Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and James Worthy.

Now that the season is officially over, the much ballyhooed "Summer of LeBron" can start. As for big free agents, I predict that LeBron will stay in Cleveland (I think he should); Dwyane Wade will stay in Miami (I wish he'd sign an offer with Atlanta); Dirk Nowitzki will stay in Dallas (he's the legitimate face of the franchise); Chris Bosh to Miami (he and D-Wade will be amazing); Joe Johnson to Chicago (he wants top tier money, but he's not a top tier player and the Hawks shouldn't overpay because he won't take them to the next level); and the Hawks will probably sign either John Salmons (Milwaukee) or Rudy Gay (Memphis) - two guys similar to Joe Johnson who want an opportunity to prove that they're "franchise players". I'm not sold on either.

The college football conference shake-up is a perfect example of what's wrong with the sport. It's all about money and not the student athlete. Conferences are making billions; coaches are making millions; and the (student) athlete gets a "free education" and more scrutiny than other students. I put quotation marks around free education because if you look at the graduation rates, especially at the top tier schools in the top conferences. The players aren't graduating. I wish they'd designate some of the money in the form of a trust for the guys who don't go pro so they can reap a little of the finanical rewards of their college glory days.