Manning Family Feats of Strength

Stern: Fans To Vote For Outcome of Game 4 of Finals

NEW YORK — Despite being denied the optimal Finals match-up between the Lakers and the Cavaliers, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced Wednesday to add another fan element to boost ratings fan involvement during the 2009 NBA Finals by letting fans vote the outcome of Game 4.

"Fans will be able to phone, text or email in their votes for who they want to win the fourth game in the series," said Stern. "The votes will be tallied, and whoever wins, will have Game 4 in the record books as a 'W.' It's a win-win for everybody!"

Stern said he selected Game 4 since it has more potential to extend a series.

"If the Lakers are savagely massacring Dwight Howard and his team, perhaps a sympathy vote could propel that blue team to making a run at it," said Stern. "It certainly makes things more interesting from a fan perspective."

Stern said that the regular sixty minute game would be replaced with a thirty minute exhibition from each team, similar to the All-Star game, complete with a dunking contest, trick shot competition, and mid-court dance off, followed by a thirty minute Slamball contest, with celebrity judges Kelli Clarkson and Jim Belushi.

Stern said he's confident the addition will add the appeal that the Kobe-LeBron match up would have proffered, had the Cavs won.

"You gotta wonder where those Ohio votes are going to go," said Stern. "I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. James made a surprise appearance during the Slamball segment," Stern hinted sheepishly.

Fans who vote by texting with Verizon Wireless phones get a free text message from LeBron James or Kobe Bryant.

Mond......Tuesday Morning S--t Storm

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful weekend, I know I did. Sorry about the storm yesterday we got a little mixed up but we'll try to make it up to you today.

The topic: Misunderstood athletes.

I'll give you a little example. Icehouse and I were talking about the whole Shockey incident over the weekend. Now personally I think Shockey is a huge asshole, but you can't deny the effort and ability he brings to the field. However, most of the media portrays him as a selfish, over-rated jackass.


So basically what we are looking for is an athlete who has a disconnect between their perceived perception and on field performance.

First example:
Ron Artest. Artest will never live down the Rumble in the Palace, and rightfully so. (although nobody really knows how they would react in that situation) However, I always felt like Artest busted his ass on the court and was a vital asset to any team. I'd also like you to look at this video.


In my semi-professional opinion this is a classic case of ADHD. Yeah, we currently over-diagnose this condition, but damn.

Another good example is Mike Vick. I think we all know the public perception of Vick, but the guy has no concern for his body. He just wants to score and win.



The examples I just threw up were guys who were perceived as bad people, but good players. Icehouse pointed out that this could work in the exact opposite way. That is, players who are viewed as gods, but are complete assholes. See Favre, Brett.

Tuesday Storm Begin.

Monday Morning S--t Storm

I was going to do something serious, but I'm just having so much fun right now.

Icehouse's point/counterpoint had me rolling this weekend and I feel like we need to explore this topic a little more.

What's the topic you ask?

Goofy and gooberific athletes.

You know the ones that make you laugh, and question why are they playing.

My Pick:
Ok this took a long time, there are just so many choices, and believe me I'm still questioning myself right now.


"What's that you say Mrs. Robinson? Joltin Joe has left and gone away? (hey hey hey)

The reasons for Dimaggio?

Well Joe batted .325 over his career, banged out 361 homers (and probably would've had more if not for the war in the middle of his career and the large vacuum that was Yankee stadium's left field.) He was also considered the best 5 tool player, and he still holds the hitting steak record at 56, which I'm afraid to say, will not be broken in our lifetime.

Ohhhhh and he married Marilyn Monroe.

So for all you young hobbers out there remember this: As long as you can ball and make lots of money, nobody will care about anything else.

let's light this fire.

Begin

Monday Morning S--T Storm

Starting on a more serious note.

last night I stumbled across a website (tastefully) entitled Pimp This Bum!

URL's aside, the site posts videos of homeless individuals in Houston and asks for donations. Maybe I just have a soft spot in my heart, but it's worth a look.

Now, in some weird way this is actually related to the Shit Storm I had planned.

Currently the national unemployment level is around 8.1%.

People are hurting, and I recently read several articles suggesting that even professional sports may need to cut back.

So in the unlikely event that this does happen, what in the hell will pro athletes do for a living?

And that my fellow Hobbers, is the Shit Storm.

Lets match some pro athletes with some steady jobs.

My first selection, just so we can get it out of the way.


Mike Vick, host of the new Animal Planet show called "Whats up Dog" where Mike travels around the country interviewing celebrities and their pets.

OK that was weak, another example.


RAY LEWIS: preacher/CutCo rep.

Alright Hobbersonians let your dirty minds run wild.