The Business of Sports

As we have witnessed over the past year sports are definitely big business. The NFL, NBA, and NCAA have demonstrated this to use time and again. Money is first and foremost, and everything falls into the background.

Typically we hear people say the right things, but their actions tell a much different story. Greed has taken over, and we no longer do what is right in many instances. We do what will sell tickets, and put fans in the seats. But some time those things don't mean it is the right thing to do.

I totally understand the business side of things, and get the fact that you need revenue to maintain or increase profits. However, when you are fighting over how to split 9 billion dollars in a terrible economy, when you try to dictate how much an owner can make, or choose a team simply because it travels well, something is wrong.

I love sports and will watch as much as I can. But I also love people and understand that loving people means putting them first, and sports has to take a backseat sometime. Sometime it means you have to sacrifice something for the greater good.

I am a business owner, scholarship founder, author, academic advisor, husband, father and a lover of sports. My hope is that sports will lead the way in showing that good sportsmanship goes beyond field or court, and it extends to the boardroom and beyond.

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks

By now everyone knows that the Dallas Mavericks are 2011 NBA Champions. Wow, until this year I thought that probably would never happen. In my mind that changed when the Mavericks swept the Lakers. In so doing my perception of the Mavericks changed, and I fully expected the outcome of the championship.

There were not many of us that believed that the Mavericks would win the championship, so it feels real good to be right for a change.

The Mavericks were the most complete team this year, they seemed to believe that this was their year and it showed with each comeback victory. It was a great season and a great playoff run for the New NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. Congratulations!

Layoff LeBron

Okay people it is time to layoff LeBron, enough is enough. You may not have been rooting for him and his Heat teammates to win the 2011 NBA Championship. You may never want to see him win a championship ever, but it is time to layoff.

Of course LeBron in many of our eyes has made some mistakes in the past twelve months, but who hasn't? We have all made mistakes, but how long should we dwell on those mistakes? It is time to move on from The Decision, The Statement "not one, not two...", The Finals, and The Interview. LeBron has been overly scrutinized for all of the above. It is time to let if go and let's Live and Let Live. 

Nothing Better

March Madness, need I say more. The best tournament on the planet makes this time of year special. This year I didn't take the time to fill out a bracket simply because I was to uncertain about many of the teams. I know that I would not have selected VCU or Butler to make the final four, which isn't meant as a slight to either program. I simply didn't know enough about them to place them in the final four.

What is it about the tournament that makes it so special? I have to agree with a friend that said it is the format of the tournament that makes it special. Single Elimination! One bad night and you are heading home. Teams must not over look anyone or they will be gone.

Also there is an opportunity to see players and teams that you possibly haven't seen. My cousin hadn't seen Jimmer Fredette and called after he dropped a long bomb on Florida telling me I was right about him. Kemba Walker, Derrick Williams along with Butler and VCU made me want to spend more time in front of the television. For me sports wise as much as I love college football, and games leading up to the Super Bowl there is nothing better than the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

"The Dud"

The game did not live up to the hype. The Heat are running away with the game and the 4th quarter hasn't started. The fans tried to give it to LeBron each time he go the ball but after a few 3rd quarter points(24) they seem to be a little deflated. The realization has begun to set in that the Cavs are heading for a loss. At the present time LeBron has 38 and starts the 4th quarter on the bench. It appears that LeBron may be done for the night and fans are starting to leave, and so am I.

"The Reception"

Will there be fireworks after the introduction?  What will "The Reception" for one LeBron James be like tonight at The Q?

One thing I know is Cleveland is Angry for sure! I have been to games in the Q when a picture of the block M of the Wolverines was shown to insight boos. It was loud then, but I believe each time LeBron touches the ball the boos are much louder. If you know anything about Ohioans, they Hate Michigan. But today, it seems they HATE Bron Bron even more, now that is saying something.

As for the game well it looks like Miami will run away with it, but I'll let you know about that later.

Fixing the Detroit Pistons

After a few months off basketball is back, and so am I. I have been watching, reading and learning about as much as I can to write from a better perspective.

My favorite team The Detroit Pistons is off to a very slow start and it looks as if it will be a long season. From where I sit they have no chemistry, they don't seem to be cohesive enough to battle "together" down the stretch of close games. I don't know for sure because I have never been a coach or player in the NBA, but it looks like they are not on the same page. To me they don't look like they are having fun together. It looks like they are simply going through the motions. There is only one way to fix the problem in my estimation is a trade or two. Yeah I know trades during the season are difficult to pull off and it is tough to build chemistry as well, but a change it needed.

First, I would begin to explore a deal involving Tayshaun to LA Clippers for Chris Kaman. This would allow Tayshaun to go home to Cali, and bring us the Michigan native and center we haven't had for years. Secondly, I would explore trading Rodney Stuckey. I have never felt comfortable with him running the point. I would look at someone that has not had the opportunity like Acie Law. I would also explore trades involving Rip Hamilton to Denver and Jason Maxiel for the rights to Jerome Jordan. A few new faces could really help them begin the turnaround they need.