Thursday November 19, 2009
The first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. The second rule of Fight Club is: you DO NOT talk about Fight Club!
- Brad Pitt (as Tyler Durden)
The NCAA is apparently following the Tyler Durden school of public relations these days. They've issued a ruling on the University of Memphis' appeal... but they aren't telling anyone what that ruling is.
The Memphis administration knows... but is claiming they're forbidden by NCAA bylaws from revealing anything.
I guess we can wait until next year's official NCAA record book is published, and see if the Tigers are still listed as a 2008 Final Four team.
As Rush the Court points out, it's this sort of behavior that destroys any faith the public might have in the NCAA's ability to police itself in a fair and reasonable manner. It's nice to see the Memphis administration pointing out the absurdity of it all.
The Basis for the Appeal
The NCAA's investigation into the Memphis program centers on the eligibility of one player from the 2007-08 national runner-up team -- Derrick Rose, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year.
Rose is accused of having someone take the SAT for him.
There were additional allegations that the university provided improper benefits -- hotel and travel expenses, primarily -- to Rose's brother.
In August, the NCAA ruled that the Tigers' 38 wins and Final Four appearance from that season would be vacated.
It is worth noting that Rose was declared eligible by the NCAA's official clearinghouse before ever suiting up for the Tigers. This investigation didn't even begin until Rose was three months into his rookie year with the Bulls. The fact that the NCAA has declared that Memphis has "strict liability" in the matter -- even though the University was relying on the NCAA clearinghouse ruling as to Rose's eligibility -- is the basis for Memphis appeal.
More on this story: The NCAA vs. Memphis
Monday November 16, 2009
In what is being termed a "mutual agreement," Allen Iverson and the Grizzlies are going their separate ways. He'll be placed on waivers on Tuesday, November 17th, and should be a free agent by Wednesday.
The New York Knicks will consider offering Iverson a deal. Charlotte and Cleveland have also been mentioned as potential destinations.
To fill the Iverson-shaped hole in their backcourt, the Grizzlies have signed another guard with a less-than-stellar resume, adding Jamaal Tinsley to their volatile mix. Tinsley spent last season being paid to stay away from the Indiana Pacers.
Monday November 16, 2009
Note to S-Jax -- be careful what you wish for.
Stephen Jackson's wish -- to be traded away from the struggling and dysfunctional Golden State Warriors and coach Don Nelson -- was granted earlier today. But it's hard to make the case that his new situation is an improvement.
Jackson and little-used point guard Acie Law are headed to the 3-6 Charlotte Bobcats. Veteran swingman Raja Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic are headed to Oakland in return.
For the Bobcats, Jackson fills an obvious need: perimeter scoring. But Jackson's best position at this stage of his career is small forward, and in Charlotte, that's Gerald Wallace's job. That means he'll slot in at shooting guard, where he'll be a defensive liability against the league's quicker wings. But his shooting ability should help open the floor for slashers like Wallace, Boris Diaw and Raymond Felton -- which will help the Bobcats far more than a defensive specialist like Bell did.
He's also a significant investment -- Jackson's contract runs through the next three seasons, and he'll make over $10 million in 2012-13 (when he's 34). That's sort of a strange long-term investment for the Bobcats to make, when everyone thinks they're trying to cut payroll and prepare the franchise for a sale.
Golden State gets rid of a malcontent and a little bit of payroll relief -- Bell's contract expires after this season, but Radmanovic has a player option for next year. It's hard to say how either player will fit into the Warriors' rotation, which is already over-loaded with wings -- especially when you consider the fact that neither of the new arrivals is adept at initiating an offense. Jackson's ability to run the point took a lot of pressure off Golden State's young backcourt. That ability will be hard to replace.
Jackson will become one of the primary scoring options for his new team, but his value in most fantasy formats will actually drop. Golden State plays at a breakneck pace on offense; there are turtles and snails that get up and down the court quicker than Larry Brown's Bobcats.
Friday November 13, 2009
LeBron James has announced plans to give up uniform number 23 as a means of honoring Michael Jordan. "I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon," James told reporters.
James wants the league's twelve other twenty-threes to follow suit. One of them -- Jason Richardson of the Phoenix Suns -- already declared he's on board via his Twitter feed, saying "the NBA should of retired 23 years ago."
The league-wide retirement of a number would be a first for the NBA, but other sports have gone that route to honor all-time greats. Major League Baseball retired Jackie Robinson's 42 in 1997 -- the 50th anniversary of Robinson's debut in the big leagues. And the NHL has officially retired 99 for Wayne Gretzky -- and un-officially retired 66 for Mario Lemieux.
