2012 NBA Draft Results

Tonight was the 2012 NBA Draft and I have never seen more wheeling and dealing in a draft like this in a very long time. It really seemed like certain teams were unsure of their picks. I think teams like the Wizards, Hornets and Cavaliers had an awesome draft overall. They all knew what they wanted and pretty much got it. Everyone keeps saying no one will compete with the Heat or Thunder but if those three teams can make some good free agent signings then they could be getting into the hunt again. With all that being said here is a recap of tonight's events and how it all went down.



Round 1 Draft Picks
1 New Orleans Anthony Davis (PF) Kentucky
2 Charlotte Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (SF) Kentucky
3 Washington Bradley Beal (SG) Florida
4 Cleveland Dion Waiters (SG) Syracuse
5 Sacramento Thomas Robinson (PF) Kansas
6 Portland Damian Lillard (PG) Weber St
7 Golden State Harrison Barnes (SF) UNC
8 Toronto Terrence Ross (SG) Washington
9 Detroit Andre Drummond (C) UConn
10 New Orleans Austin Rivers (SG) Duke
11 Portland Meyers Leonard (C) Illinois
12 Houston Jeremy Lamb (SG) UConn
13 Phoenix Kendall Marshall (PG) UNC
14 Milwaukee John Henson (PF) UNC
15 Philadelphia Maurice Harkless (SF) St John's
16 Houston Royce White (SF) Iowa St
17 Dallas  Tyler Zeller (C) UNC
18 Houston Terrence Jones (PF) Kentucky
19 Orlando Andrew Nicholson (PF) St B'nvntre
20 Denver Evan Fournier (SG) France
21 Boston Jared Sullinger (PF) Ohio St
22 Boston Fab Melo (C) Syracuse
23 Atlanta John Jenkins (SG) Vanderbilt
24 Cleveland  Jared Cunningham (SG) Oregon St
25 Memphis Tony Wroten Jr. (PG) Washington
26 Indiana Miles Plumlee (PF) Duke
27 Miami  Arnett Moultrie (PF) Miss St
28 Oklahoma City Perry Jones (PF) Baylor
29 Chicago Marquis Teague (PG) Kentucky
30 Golden State Festus Ezeli (C) Vanderbilt

Round 2

1 Charlotte Jeff Taylor (SF) Vanderbilt
2 Washington Tomas Satoransky (SG) Czech Republic
3 Cleveland Bernard James (C) Florida St
4 Cleveland Jae Crowder (SF) Marquette
5 Golden State Draymond Green (SF) Mich St
6 Sacramento  Orlando Johnson (SG) Gauchos
7 Toronto Quincy Acy (SF) Baylor
8 Denver Quincy Miller (SF) Baylor
9 Detroit Khris Middleton (SF) Texas A&M
10 Portland Will Barton (SG) Memphis
11 Portland  Tyshawn Taylor (PG) Kansas
12 Milwaukee Doron Lamb (SG) Kentucky
13 Atlanta Mike Scott (PF) Virginia
14 Detroit Kim English (SG) Missouri
15 Philadelphia  Justin Hamilton (C) LSU
16 New Orleans Darius Miller (SF) Kentucky
17 Utah Kevin Murphy (SF) Tenn Tech
18 New York Kostas Papanikolaou (SF) Greece
19 Orlando Kyle O'Quinn (C) Norfolk St
20 Denver Izzet Turkyilmaz (PF) Turkey
21 Boston Kris Joseph (SF) Syracuse
22 Golden State Ognjen Kuzmic (C) Bosnia
23 LA Clippers Furkan Aldemir (PF) Turkey
24 Philadelphia  Tornike Shengelia (SF) Georgia
25 Dallas  Darius Johnson-Odom (SF) Marquette
26 Toronto Tomislav Zubcic (SF) Croatia
27 Brooklyn Ilkan Karaman (PF) Turkey
28 Minnesota Robbie Hummel (SF) Purdue
29 San Antonio Marcus Denmon (SG) Missouri
30 LA Lakers Robert Sacre (C) Gonzaga

There were quite a few trades and here is a recap of those trades

-Dallas Mavericks agreed to trade guard Kelenna Azubuike and the draft rights to No. 17 pick Tyler Zeller to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cavaliers sent the draft rights to the Nos. 24, 33 and 34 picks to Dallas.
Picking for Dallas at 24, Cleveland drafted Jared Cunningham. Bernard James went at 33rd, and Marquette's Jae Crowder went 34th.

-Sacramento Kings selected Orlando Johnson with the 36th pick and then sent him to the Indiana Pacers for cash considerations.

-Philadelphia 76ers sold their 54th pick to Brooklyn. Picking for the Nets, the Sixers drafted Tornike Shengelia from the country of Georgia.

-Los Angeles Lakers bought the 55th pick from Dallas. Picking for the Lakers. The Mavericks selected Darius Johnson-Odom out of Marquette.

-Brooklyn Nets acquired the draft rights to Tyshawn Taylor after he was selected 41st overall by the Portland Trailblazers

These were all the trades confirmed during the NBA Draft telecast so I am sure their will be more trades in the coming days. Don't forget that NBA free agency begins next week so be sure to check back with news and signings during the NBA off-season. 

NBA Off-Season Moves as of 6/27/2012

With the NBA drive tomorrow there have been a lot of moves that have dramatically changed the landscape of certain teams. Some of these moves took place in during the playoffs and towards the end of the season but it's the off-season and these changes will effect what teams do in the off-season.

-Detroit Pistons traded guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice to the Charlotte Bobcats for guard Corey Maggette
-Minnesota Timberwolves acquired forward Chase Budinger and the rights to forward Lior Eliyahu from the Houston Rockets for the 2012 18th overall draft pick. 

-Atlanta Hawks named Danny Ferry president of basketball operations and general manager.

-New Orleans Hornets traded forward Trevor Ariza and center Emeka Okafor to the Washington Wizards for forward Rashard Lewis and a 2012 second-round draft pick.

-Orlando Magic fired coach Stan Van Gundy and general manager Otis Smith.

-L.A. Clippers exercised the team option for next season on the contract of coach Vinny Del Negro.
-Dallas Mavericks agreed to terms with coach Rick Carlisle on a new contract.
-Philadelphia 76ers named Julius Erving strategic adviser to the CEO and ownership group.

Tomorrow night is the NBA draft so check back in tomorrow for what happens at the NBA Draft. 

The Summer of CM Punk Revisited

Long before June 27, 2011 I was a fan of CM Punk. I remember in the early 2000's when YouTube was getting popular I remember watching matches of this young kid with long bleach blonde hair taking on guys like Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio in IWA-MS and becoming a rising a star in Ring of Honor. I remember in 2006 when debuted on an edition of ECW on SyFy. A friend asked me why I was so excited. Simply put, I told my friend, you're looking at one best wrestlers on the indy scene. Fast forward five years late and his contract was set to expire in July of 2011.

CM Punk felt he was being held back and on the fateful June night he cut that promo the sent shockwaves around the wrestling world. He then went on to leave the WWE on July 17th with the WWE Championship after defeating John Cena in his hometown of Chicago. On July 25th he returned to Monday Night Raw and he began verbally attacking Triple H, John Cena, Kevin Nash and the McMahon family. Even though he lost the title at Summerslam due to Alberto Del Rio cashing in the Money in the Bank he always made you tune to find out what he was going to say. His mic skills were as great as his ring skills and that he was getting to be on top of his game.

A lot of people always wondered why did CM Punk wore a Stone Cold Steve Austin shirt the night of his famous promo? I believe he wore that shirt because he had his Austin 3:16 moment where he finally broke out of his shell and became the performer and wrestler he wanted to be. As most people know Austin was dubbed "The Ringmaster" upon his arrival in the WWE. He hated the character and gimmick so when he had a chance to break out he took his opportunity. CM Punk chose to breakout by cutting the promo. After this promo the fan were solidly behind him as he became one of the most popular WWE Superstars on the roster. He was selling the most merchandise and delivering the best promos and matches.

He regained the WWE Championship at Survivor Series in 2011 and has held the title since. He is the longest reigning WWE Champion in 6 years with over 220 days as champion. As champion he has taken all on all comers but one has to wonder where would CM Punk be if he wouldn't have cut that famous promo on June 27th of 2011. CM Punk was already accomplished before he cut that promo. If you don't believe here is a list of his accomplishments.

-5 time IWA-MS Heavyweight Champion
-2 time IWA-MS Lightweight Champion
-OVW Heavyweight Champion
-OVW Southern Tag Team Champion
-OVW Television Champion
-ROH World Champion
-2 time ROH Tag Team Champion
-ECW Champion
-3 Time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
-2 time WWE World Tag Team Champion
-WWE Intercontinental Champion
-Money in the Bank Winner in 2008 and 2009

He has accomplished so much in his career but the famous Pipe Bomb promo put him over the top. I encourage anyone who reads this to get on YouTube and watch some of Punk's matches from his days in IWA-MS, TNA, and ROH. You will then understand why I was so impressed him before he even started in WWE. When CM Punk says he is the best in the world, he truly means it and feels it. CM Punk is at his peak right now so keep tuning in to watch what he is going to do next.

BCS Goes to Playoffs in 2014

NFL Off-Season Moves as 6/23/2012

It's been awhile since I reported on the off-season moves in the NFL. Mini camps are beginning and teams are getting set for the season to come. Here is a recap of all that's happened in the last month.

-Washington Redskins re-signed RB Tim Hightower.

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed TE Dallas Clark.

-Detroit Lions signed WR Maurice Stovall to a one-year contract.

-Jacksonville Jaguars released DE Aaron Kampman.

-San Diego Chargers agreed to terms with RB Ronnie Brown on a one-year contract.

-Miami Dolphins signed WR Chad Ochocinco.

As you can see the moves are slowing down and teams are getting their teams in shape. Keep checking back for more NFL news as the season gets closer. 

How Wrestling Has Changed...5 Years After the Benoit Tragedy

Memo to the US Government: Quit Wasting Tax Dollars on Sports Trials

In 2005, Jose Canseco, Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and Curt Schilling all testified in Congress.  McGwire, A-Rod, and Palmeiro all said they didn't use steroids but later on admitted that they did use steroids. None of these players went to trial but two players did. Barry Bonds trial was last year after being delayed for two years. He was indicted because of the BALCO investigation and was being charged of indicted on four counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. He was only charged with obstruction of justice and placed under house arrest. Bonds trainer Greg Anderson has spent numerous times in jail for protecting Bonds and also being linked to Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield. Giambi as an admitted steroid user. In the end Barry Bonds holds the record for most home runs in a single season and the most home runs all time.

Roger Clemens has had two trials with the first being in 2011 and the second being this year. He was on trial for  one count of obstruction of Congress, three counts of making false statements and two counts of perjury in connection with his testimony. in February 2008 in front of Congress. The main witnesses in this trial were his former trainer Brian McNamee and Andy Pettitte. McNamee said he supplied Clemens with steroids when his name was mentioned in the Mitchell Report.

The Mitchell Report was released in 2007, two years after the initial congress hearing. Some of the notable names listed in the report include Andy Pettitte,  Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, Juan Gonzales, and Miguel Tejada. The only one who admitted to any steroid use to George Mitchell was Jose Conseco. Conseco wrote the book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big. He listed all the names of people he saw taking steroids or talked about steroids with. This is how this how the whole thing got started in 2005.

Fast forward seven years and what has been accomplished? Absolutely nothing. The United States government has wasted a lot of time and money on these trials and hearings. When it comes right down to it the general public does not care if athletes use steroids. If they cared do you think two jurors in the recent Clemens case would have been dismissed for falling asleep? No but the government continued on until they found Clemens not guilty.

It might be one thing if the government gets involved with player strikes, or major cheating scandals like the Saints Bounty Scandal which people actually care about but no one cares that baseball players took steroids. A lot of people feel that steroids saved the game of baseball after the strike in 94-95. People got interested again when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa started chasing the home run record.

The US government has tried sticking their nose in the NFL, NCAA, NBA, and obviously MLB. None of it by any means has been successful. After the Clemens trial the only trial I want to hear about is the Jerry Sandusky trial. He committed crimes unrelated to sports and that is one that is legitimate. I will be curious to see how involved the US government gets with the New Orleans Saints Bounty Scandal. I believe it will and again millions of tax dollars will get wasted.

Let these professional sports organizations police themselves. All of the commissioners in pro sports in America right now are doing a pretty decent job. Leave the duty up to them. I think some new laws need to put into place. Instead separation of church and state, we need to have separation of sports and state. The government should only get involved in crisis situations. For the time being we have to deal with what is and hope that things change. The Roger Clemens trials need to be a lesson to government. Quit wasting tax dollars on trials with incompetent witnesses who are just trying get fame. Quit wasting your money on trying destroy sports in America. Let the players play the game and let them suffer the consequences of whatever they put in their bodies. In the end, the only ones that will suffer is them.

Interview with Sybil Starr

Since 2004, a beautiful and talent woman has engaged entertained and competed in pro wrestling and mix martial arts. Sybil Starr hails from Chicago Illinois but had made her home in Michigan. She has competed all over the United States, Japan and Greece. If you wanted to describe Sybil in one word you couldn't. She considers herself many thing including Warrior Poet, Actress, Model, Professional MMA fighter, Professional Wrestler, Catfighter, Boxer, Mixed Wrestler,and Oil wrestler.


I first met Sybil Starr in 2005 while at a Price of Glory Wrestling event in Coldwater Michigan. I could tell right away she had talent, skill and class. From that point I knew that Hollywood's World of Sports needed to do a interview or story on here. I got that opportunity and here is what Sybil had to say.


What are your first memories of professional wrestling?
I grew up with Professional Wrestling and I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't a fan (besides maybe college, when WWE pretty much sucked, like it does now)
What made you decide to get into pro wrestling?
I was modeling and Dan Severn's office got a hold of me about doing some promotional modeling of Dan's T-shirts and such. I am a huge fan of Dan Severn and wrestling and fighting, so I came out and shot the pictures. When I got to the Michigan Sports Camp (November 2004) I asked if I could do something with their professional wrestling shows since I was such a fan. They told me that I could be a valet, the pretty girl who walks someone out to the ring, in the tradition of Miss Elizabeth. . .and so it began, I did my first show soon after and made my debut as Desmond Duke's Valet. Soon after, the training facility asked me to come and train in professional wrestling with them.

Who did you train with and how have they helped you in their career?
My trainer at Michigan Sports Camp was mostly Jack Thriller. How did he help with my career? I just think I have had the privilege of working with one of the best! Lately I have also been doing some training with BoneKrushers in Cincinnati, OH with Roger Ruffen also, I have learned a ton from him also, and I am glad that the Starr Girls have had the chance to train with both these great guys!

What made you decide to expand your skills and train in MMA?
Professional wrestling is one of the hardest things I have ever done or attempted to learn. I am not the most graceful of people to start with (don't ask me to dance, I have two left feet!!!) And I was taking training in Brazilian Jujitsu before I started professional wrestling. I really just wanted to expand my skill set and Dan Severn himself used to teach MMA classes during the day at the Michigan Sports Camp, so I was very privileged to get to train with him there. I met some really great fighters and trainers through Dan. I have a passion for wrestling and fighting, but mostly for doing it, not watching it. . .

Who are your five favorite MMA fighters?
Megumi Fuji
Sarah Kaufman
Ronda Rousey
Takayo Hashi
Shayna Baszler

Who are your five favorite pro wrestlers?
Sin-D
Betty Battles
Amanda Ruffen
Lady Victoria
Hollywood


You have met a lot of legends in pro wrestling in you career, who has been your favorite to meet and why?
Roddy Piper. becuase he is awesome and wears a kilt.

If you could wrestle for WWE, TNA, or ROH, which would one would you choose and why?
None becuase I have already chosen. I created venues exclusively for women fighters and pro-wrestlers. I am making a place in the world for women like me.

What is your message to young females who look up to you?
Every girl should take martial arts.

What are some of your future goals?
To go fishing everyday.

Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Please make sure every one checks out our Real Underground Female Fight League and also the Starr Girls Professional Wrestling Association! Thanks!

To find out more about Sybil Starr and where she is competing check out  http://sybilstarr.com

I personally would like to thank Sybil Starr for taking time out of her busy schedule to do an interview with Hollywood's World of Sports. This will not be the last time you hear about Sybil Starr on Hollywood's World of Sports. She has a bright future ahead and expect some big things to come for Sybil. She is truly a star in everything she does.

Recap, Review and Results from WWE No Way Out 2012

Tonight was the return of WWE No Way Out on Pay-Per-View and in my opinion WWE lost their momentum with this PPV. There were no title changes, no shockers and no unpredictability. The opening match between Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship was a really great match and feel that Dolph Ziggler should have been given a test run as champion. The crowd is solidly behind him now which means the fans are telling WWE that this our guy who want to represent the company. Ziggler has a lot Curt Hennig and Shawn Michaels mannerisms about him which make for an all around great performer in the ring. I hope Dolph Ziggler becomes World Champion real soon.

Cody Rhodes and Christian had another great match and I am glad Cody lost because Cody is another one who deserves a chance at the World Heavyweight Title. Christian is really starting to come into his own and he is always performed like a Main Event guy whether Vince likes him or not. I like how he carries Edge and Eddie Guerrero in his heart during his match by using some of their moves. Christian has the potential to make a lot of young guys better and become a legendary performer. I hope his reign continues for awhile.

The matches that had no point to them were Ryback against the jobbers and a tuxedo match between Ricardo and Santino Marella. Santino needs to be defending the United States Title and Ryback needs to start facing guys on the regular WWE roster. The Goldberg chants at Ryback are getting annoying as well but then again when you're not facing real competition that's whats going to happen. The Diva's match was a typical Diva's match in which Layla successfully defended her title against Beth Phoenix.

I liked the fact that WWE is somewhat trying to have a tag team division again. They had a fatal four way tag team match featuring Epic/Primo, The Uso's, Tyson Kidd/Justin Gabriel and the Prime Time Players. The Prime Time Players consist of Titus O'Neill and Darren Young now managed by .A.W. I like this team and feel that they have a future.

The triple threat match between CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Kane was a really good solid match. I really thought Kane should have won because he was way overlooked in the feud but after AJ's interference and Kane carrying her out of the arena I don't this feud between these is over yet. CM Punk has now had a seven month title reign and it's been of the best title reigns that WWE has had in a long time.

For the fourth WWE Pay Per View in a row John Cena was in the main event and it was a non title match. People wonder why there is less interest in WWE these days? That would be the reason. The fans want to see title matches as main events. People don't want to see John Cena in the main event every month. There are guys like Punk, Ziggler, Sheamus, Rhodes, Christian and others who deserve that spot more then Cena does. Cena beat Big Show in a decent steel cage much which saw all the Big Show's victims get involved. At the end of it all Mr. McMahon uttered the words to Big Johnny, "You're Fired!"

Who knows the direction WWE is headed in but if tonight was any indication then it's going to be a long summer. I hope WWE has a good 1000th Raw on July 23rd and a good Summerslam in August.There is one major storyline already set in place for the summer and it's this:

Triple H challenged Brock Lesnar to a fight at Summerslam at No Way Out and this to me should be the selling point of the summer along with Vince being back on TV regularly. WWE needs to have a good summer and tonight was not a good start. Hopefully Money in the Bank,  and the 1000th Raw will give them a ton of momentum headed into Summerslam. At the end of the night No Way Out gets a 4 out of 10 and hopefully WWE delivers a lot better the next time around.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins Quicken Loans 400

After four long years and 143 races without a win Dale Earnhardt Jr wins the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan. Oddly enough it was almost four years to the day at the very same track is where he won his last race. As a Dale Jr fan it has been a roller-coaster ride over the last four years but he's been so close so many times you knew he had to win again. This year's Sprint Cup season has been extraordinary for Dale Jr. In 14 races he now has one win along with 6 top 5's and 12 top 10's. He is currently second in points and running consistently every weekend their is a race. Dale Jr's 2012 Sprint Cup season has been the best he has had in a long time. He's led 218 laps which is almost then the last two years combined.

Dale Earnhardt Jr's win also marks 6th win for Hendrick Motorsports this season. The other wins came from Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne. Hendrick Motorsports has raked in a lot of cash this season with wins and consistent finishes from all four drivers.

For four years there was many times where he came close and Junior Nation suffered heartbreak. The heartbreak is over and the domination could be starting again. This season Dale Jr has put himself in contention for a win every week. He has completed every lap this season and is the only driver to do so. Could 2012 be the year Dale Earnhardt Jr wins a championship? Stay tuned to find out but for now it's time celebrate and rejoice at the fact that Dale Earnhardt Jr is back in Victory Lane once again.

2012 TNA Bound for Glory Series Begins and More

Interview with James Dillinger

From the Marines to Pro Wrestling James Dillinger has traveled all over serving the United States. He spent four years in the military being located at Camp Johnson and Camp Pendleton. I had the opportunity to interview James on his life as a professional wrestler. Here is what I found out about the former Marine

What are your first memories of pro wrestling?Well, my dad was always a huge pro wrestling fans so it was on the TV a lot. When I was a toddler I was a huge Roddy Piper fan, I would carry my big LJN action figure everywhere. The oldest memory I have of watching would be Hulk Hogan vs Randy Savage from Wrestlemania 5. I remember sitting on the floor at my grandpa's house just filled with emotion, and excited to see how it was going to end.

What made you want to be a pro wrestler?

My whole life as far back as I can remember it is something I have always wanted to do. I never really knew how to get into it. I attended an indy wrestling show a few months after I got out of the Marine Corps and I talked to a few guys about it. I decided that day to start training.

Who trained you and how have they helped you since then?

I trained at Eric Freedom's Electric Kompany. Eric has helped me a lot over the years. The biggest thing he did was got me a lot of work when I first started. Down in the Chicago area, southern IL and around Michigan. He's also put me in the ring with a lot of veterans and names, which has helped me learn a tremendous amount.

Who has been your favorite opponent work with so far?

I would have to say Mikey Zeroe. We have worked together a lot. No matter what it was always fun. Right now, my favorite guy to work with is John Campbell. We travel and train together, so we pretty much know each other inside out. Plus, we have pretty go matches together. John is a talented guy and I think a lot of people are starting to see that now.

What is your favorite match that you have been in so far?

I have a lot of them. I also have a lot I hate. But, I'd say my favorite this year would have to my match with David Hokinson up at UWE last month. It was a lot of fun and I think it went pretty well.

If you could wrestle 5 guys past or present who would they be?

Chris Jericho, Scott Hall, Curt Hennig, Mick Foley and Darrel Jackson, I've gotten to work with him in a tag before. I'd really like to work with him in a singles.

If you could choose any type of match to compete in what it would be?

Cage, I've been doing this for a while and haven't gotten the chance. The one time I was supposed to, the show got canceled.

If you could work for WWE, TNA, or ROH which one would you work for any why?

WWE, Money and that is everyone in this business' goal/dream. If they say otherwise they're lying.

Any favorite road stories you’d like to share?

One time, Mikey Zeroe and I told this kid that it was custom that on the first show of the year all rookies have to wear a mask the whole day. So we got this kid to ride like over 4 hours with this mask on. He got to the show and started shaking hands while people just looked at him like he was a moron. Anytime I can get drunk with the Wang Hang Gang and try to see if we can get John Campbell kicked out of a Denny's. The ride home is always fun, especially when John starts to flip out because we are all wasted.

What do you hope to accomplish in pro wrestling?

Just to do this for as long as I can, I'd love to be able to make a living doing this, but right now I am happy just being able too.

What should people know about James Dillinger?Right now, they are seeing me better and more focused. I lost sight of the reason why I wanted to do this in the first place. 2012 has been one of my best years in a long time. I just lost almost sixty pounds. In the past I've been complacent with what I was doing. That type of thinking is in the past. I've been training my ass off, working on my in ring skills, promos and gimmick.

Any final thoughts?I'd like to thank all the guys who have helped me turn this new page in my career. If it wasn't for them I probably wouldn't even be doing this anymore. Adam Reynolds gave me a pretty eye opening talk back in November, which kind of set me on this course. Eric Freedom for always giving me chances when he didn't have too. John Campbell for always being there to push me back on track when I lose focus. Josh Raymond for inspiring text messages. PeteDaddyDolla, for workout advice, he might be a ring announcer, but the guy has one of the best bodies in the state. Also I'd like to thank , Max Morrison, Jimmy Blaze, and Alcatraz for always lending advice. Last but not least my girl for always putting up me, and allowing me to be gone all the time

Previewing the 2012 U.S. Open

By Eric Kammeraad

The Olympic Club in San Francisco, California is a Par 70 golf course(as one Par 5 has been made a Par 4) that can be stretched to almost 7,200 yards from which the Players will be playing this week. This Private Club will be hosting the U.S. Open for the 5th time starting on Thursday. The previous Winners have been Jack Fleck in 1955, Billy Casper in 1966, Scott Simpson in 1987, and most recently Lee Janzen in 1998. And if you know anything about these Players, they don’t hit the ball far off of the tee, have consistent iron play, and they ALL were great putters in their eras.

As we move on to see who has the best chance of winning the 2012 United States Open, let’s first review the biggest discussing point of the week; the Thursday and Friday grouping of Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and the Current Masters Champion and fan favorite Bubba Watson. If you have heard anything on this subject this week, most of the analysts and commentators are basically giving Phil no chance because of the way he is being ‘punished’ by the PGA Tour and getting paired with Tiger Woods and the biggest Gallery on the golf course, and then adding Bubba Watson, who hits it farther than anyone on the PGA Tour and won the most recent Major Championship in Augusta. Who wouldn’t want to see this grouping? Phil Mickelson. Why wouldn’t he want this grouping? Because it was 2 weeks ago that Phil complained to anyone he could talk to in the media about his hatred for the new cell phone camera policy at PGA Tour events. And basically Withdrew from the Memorial Tournament(Jack Nicklaus’ yearly Tournament, yes that Jack Nicklaus!) after the 1st Round of play and shooting a 79. While saying it was from mental and physical fatigue, which is what any player would say after withdrawing due to a personal problem with the PGA Tour and its fans.

Crowd members can now use the camera on their cell phone to take pictures of players during Tournament Play. The PGA Tour says it is to gain more exposure to players, which is ridiculous because crowds cannot go past the ropes to talk to Players, they cannot get access to the Practice Areas before Tee Times, and they certain cannot stop a Player to have a chat before during or after their Round that day. The only true exposure that fans are getting is the exposure that is left on their cell phone camera and the images left in their mind.

From Rory McIlroy to Tiger Woods to Webb Simpson to 14 year old Amateur Andy Zheng, whoever can shoot below Par of 280 after Sunday afternoon will most likely be the 2012 U.S. Open Champion. This is very much a shot maneuvering course that has many ridges and slopes on the generally smaller greens for such a large course. This is most likely not the week for long tee shots and going for the greens in two on Par 5’s. Precise placement and clutch putting will win this year’s U.S. Open.

Players like Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson most likely will try and over power the course, but their strengths are not in putting and that will be their demise. Some Europeans and Top Worldwide Players such a Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, and Martin Kaymer just aren’t plying particularly well recently. Especially McIlroy, as I would not count on him repeating as Champion. Quite a few Australians catch my eye this week though. Jason Day, Aaron Baddeley, and Adam Scott all have the game, confidence, and experience now that one of them could end up winning their first major this weekend. As for other Hot Players to look out for, there is the obvious of Tiger Woods and Luke Donald. But also keep an eye on Jason Dufner, Nick Watney, and Zach Johnson. And back to Phil Mickelson, where no one seems to be giving him a chance, I disagree. If there is anyone besides Tiger out there that can use the negative publicity as motivation, it is most definitely Phil and his caddie ‘Bones’ McKay. While Tiger Woods will be in the hunt too, this is NOT a golf course set up for his game, especially when it still isn’t ‘The Old Tiger’. I believe we will see a lot of big names and high rankings by the weekend, which will make this Major Tournament even more exciting to watch.

As much as I would like to pick Steve Stricker, Matt Kuchar, and Tiger or Phil, this is the time and the place for Luke Donald to end his Major Championship drought with a course suited for his precise swings and dependable putting stroke. His game is on a very high level right now and that is why he will bring home the U.S. Open Trophy and the new Jack Nicklaus Medal back to his hometown in England.

But in all honesty, this is the U.S. Open where tight fairways, menacing greens, and tremendous pressure is only the beginning of winning the United States Open Tournament at the Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday Evening.

What is the WWE Wellness Policy?

Since 2006, you have often noticed a WWE Superstar that might not on TV due to a suspension of violating WWE's Wellness policy. A lot of people always ask what is the policy about. Performers from WWE are prohibited from taking Anabolic Androgenic Steroids, Stimulants, Pseudoephedrine, Narcotic Analgesics, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Diuretics, Muscle Relaxers, Sleep Aids, Anti-Estrogens, Illegal Drugs, Herbal and Dietary Supplements, Prescription Medications, and  Synthetic Drugs. However if you have a prescription from a WWE doctor then the performer is able to take a legal medical drug to help them without whatever they need it for.

WWE has random drug testing and can be administered at anytime however if you have a strike against you under WWE's three strike policy you are subjected for testing up to 12 times a year. The first strike gets a 30 day suspension, the second strike gets a 60 day suspension and the third results in termination for the WWE performer. They can be rehired after one year if they pass all pre-drug testing. The WWE also has provided rehab services for past and present superstars which they completely fund with the companies own money.

Since the inception of the WWE Wellness Policy, 38 wrestlers have been suspended due to violating the policy. Carlito, Test and Umaga were terminated for violating the policy. Shortly after their terminations Test and Umaga passed away. Since 1982, only 5 wrestlers have died while under contract. One of them due to suicide, one due to accident and three of them due to heart disease. The three with heart disease had previously been drug abusers.
The doctors that help with the WWE Wellness Policy include Dr. Joseph Maroon, Dr. David Black, Dr. Mark Lovell,D r. Bryan Donohue, Dr. Vijay K. Bahl, Dr. Tom Sisk, Dr. Mark Unterberg, Dr. Christopher Amann, Dr. Michael Sampson and, Dr. Earl Suttle. Dr. Maroon is the WWE Medical Director who oversees everything in the WWE Wellness Policy while Dr. Black administers all the tests.

So those who say that the policy isn't legitimate, I hope this clarifies any questions or doubts you may have. The policy has been designed to prevent situations like Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Brian Pillman and the countless others who died after their time with the WWE. Since the Benoit tragedy the WWE has been very strict with the policy and nobody gets leniency. Just ask Randy Orton who is serving another suspension because of his violation of the policy. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the WWE Wellness Policy. I hope you can fully understand why it is your favorite performers sometimes do not show up on TV for a period of time. Hopefully the WWE continues to get cleaner and safer so many can enjoy a long life and long career without abusing drugs.

Pacquiao-Bradley Fight Proves Boxing is a Joke

Recap and Results from TNA Slammiversary X

Last night was TNA Slammiversary 10 which marked the 10th year of the TNA Impact Wrestling existence. I thought the pay-per-view was pretty solid and it started off with Austin Aries defending the X Division Title against Samoa Joe. They had a solid opening match and I have to say Austin Aries is on fire right now and coming into this own. It seems like they are making him one of the faces of the company. I do think they need to start utilizing Samoa Joe in a better way because he is one of the most talented wrestlers out there and he deserves the chance to shine one again. It was a good match to open the pay-per-view.

I don't know how the Kid Kash and Hernandez match got made but it was a very solid match. Both men had something to prove because neither of them have been on TV in a long time. Hernandez was being pushed for the longest time as a singles competitor and I think he should be once again. Kid Kash is still a great high flyer and needs to be a mainstay in the X Division. Hernandez wins the match and hopefully gets on a good singles path again.

Robbie E and Robbie T versus Devon and Garrett Bischoff was a typical tag team match that didn't have an epic feel to it. I do like the work of all four competitors and hope Robbie E and Robbie T get more time on TV and get a tag team run. The concept they have for them is good and they need to stick with it. Devon and Garrett win but Robbie E and T need to be a long term investment for TNA.

RVD, Mr. Anderson and Jeff Hardy showed me why I love triple threat matches so much. They had a really great match for the number contender spot to the TNA Heavyweight Champion. I was shocked Mr. Anderson got the win because RVD and Jeff Hardy are on fire and have a bigger crowd reaction then anyone else on the roster right now. If Mr. Anderson is healthy and back on track, they need to start pushing him hard again.

Crimson had an open challenge to anyone out there and or in the back. Out came James Storm who has been away for quite sometime now. He returned to a great ovation and defeated Crimson which ended his undefeated streak. I have nothing but respect for James Storm but it should have been someone different. It should have been an ex-WWE star, or Goldberg like everyone wanted it to be. It was a nice return for James Storm but it should have been done in a different capacity.

Gail Kim who I believe is the best wrestler in the Knockouts Division finally lost to the hometown girl Brooke Tessmacher. Once a WWE developmental wrestler Brooke has come full circle and has become quite a mainstay in the Knockouts Division. I think she has really benefited from her time in TNA Wrestling and she is only going to get better. Congratulation to the Brooke Tessmacher for winning the TNA Knockout's title.

Bully Ray and Joseph Park was so dumb you couldn't help but enjoy it. Everyone knows Joseph Park is Abyss so it made for an entertaining match considering Abyss appeared in the match. Joseph Park won the match but we have seen the return of Abyss and hopefully he remains on consistent performer on TNA programming.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Christian made a surprise appearance talking about his time in TNA and introducing the top moment in TNA history. It was definitely cool to see a WWE performer on a TNA Pay-Per-View. 

The match of the night was AJ Styles and Kurt Angle versus Daniels and Kazarian for the TNA Tag Team Championships. This match was back and forth and all four men should be complimented on the match they had. Kurt Angle made the match flow. His style stood out from the other three and made the match much more interesting. The storyline between AJ, Daniels and Kazarian is really fun to watch and I hope it continues. It's also nice to see Kurt Angle get some gold again because in my opinion he is still the best pure wrestler out there. Kurt Angle and AJ Styles are new tag team champions but this feud is far from over which is a good thing.

Bobby Roode is the longest reigning TNA Heavyweight Champion and he took on Sting. This was a good match which Sting dominated. Sting was on his game but in the end Roode used a beer bottle to retain the title. After the match Sting went on a rampage and he destroyed Roode. I will be interested to see how this plays out in the next few weeks.

Speaking of Sting, he was announced as the first member of TNA's Hall of Fame. He is what everyone says he is. He's an icon, a legend and one of the greatest performers of all time. He has helped TNA become bigger then it probably ever should have been. Sting deserves to be in any wrestling Hall of Fame but it's fitting that he is the first inductee to the TNA Hall of Fame. 

Slammiversary was solid and enjoyable to watch. I can't that about to many TNA Pay-Per-Views. They need to build on this show and start having better live TV shows. They are headed in the right direction but need to make a few more improvements for them to be a solid company. Congratulations to TNA on reaching their 10 year mark.  Like Hulk Hogan said, hopefully the next 10 will be better.

The Historical Occurrences in Pro Wrestling

Flair, Christian, Awesome and Tazz all have
 something in common

At TNA Slammiversary 10, WWE superstar and current Intercontinental Champion Christian appeared on their Pay-Per-View making him the first ever WWE contracted wrestler to appear on TNA programming. However this is not the first time something of this nature has happened in pro wrestling. The first time it happen was in April 2000.

Mike Awesome did while still under contract and was the current ECW Heavyweight Champion. He showed up on WCW Nitro and attacked Kevin Nash. Many days later Mike Awesome defended the ECW Championship against Tazz. At the time Tazz was a contracted WWE superstar and by the time the match took place Mike Awesome was a contracted WCW superstar. It was a WWE wrestler vs. a WCW wrestler for the ECW Championship at a live ECW event. Tazz went on to win the match and title. He then went on to wear the title at a WWE Smackdown show where it was champion vs. champion. ECW Champion Tazz took on WWE Champion Triple H. The match set up for Tazz and Tommy Dreamer for the ECW Championship.

The only other two times I ever saw another promotions belt on another wrestling program is when Alundra Blaze dropped the WWE Women's title in the trash on WCW Nitro as Madusa and the other time is when Ric Flair wore the WCW Championship in his first four months in WWE. WCW had fired Flair and he refused to give the belt back.

Flair has also been apart of these occurrences and created some controversy because of it. Ric Flair is the first contracted TNA superstar to appear on WWE programming when he along with the rest of the Four Horsemen were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the spring of this year. Since then  Flair has been released from TNA which has caused a lot of stir in the wrestling world but Flair being at the Hall of Fame allowed Christian Cage to be at TNA Slammiversary.

These are some of the rarest occurrences in pro wrestling history which don't happen very often. These moments are what makes wrestling interesting, entertaining and fun to watch. Enjoy these moments and remember them because the come few and far between.

Thoughts and Predictions on the 2012 NBA Finals

Thoughts on the 1st Half of the 2012 Sprint Cup Season

Memo to the NBA: Get Rid of the Draft Lottery

I have waited a while to write about this until I had time to observe and listen to what others have been saying. I personally think after last weeks NBA Draft Lottery that it was indeed rigged for the Hornets to win it. If you don't believe me then take a look at the facts. The NBA owned the Hornets for the last couple of years and the NBA fought to try and screw Chris Paul over and keep him there. He was first going to go to the Lakers but it got halted and then he ended up a Clipper. The Clippers benefited from the move but the Hornets have been struggling since then. The Hornets may have struggled but the Hornets did not do as bad as the Bobcats. The Bobcats finished with the worse winning percentage in the history of the NBA. Here is the 2012 Draft order for the first round.

1. New Orleans Hornets
2. Charlotte Bobcats
3. Washington Wizards
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Sacramento Kings
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets)
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Detroit Pistons
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Wolves)
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Milwaukee Bucks
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Houston Rockets
15. Philadelphia 76ers
16. Houston Rockets (from Knicks)
17. Dallas Mavericks
18. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Jazz)
19. Orlando Magic
20. Denver Nuggets
21. Boston Celtics
22. Boston Celtics(from Clippers)
23. Atlanta Hawks
24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Lakers)
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. Indiana Pacers
27. Miami Heat
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
29. Chicago Bulls
30. Golden State Warriors (from Spurs)

I personally think that the NBA draft and all other drafts in sports need to be like the NFL draft. It should be based on winning percentage. I also feel that the draft should be four rounds, not two. Having two rounds does not allow a lot options and doesn't allow teams to gain depth. The NBA has become such a joke and has lost a lot of credibility. This latest conspiracy theory about the draft has made the NBA look even more ridiculous. 

The teams that have multiple picks in the first round have the advantage and those teams are Portland, Boston, Houston, and New Orleans. If I was Michael Jordan I would be livid at the fact that my team does not have multiple picks in the draft and basically got screwed out of the number 1 pick. At this rate MJ mine as well come out of retirement and play again. 

In order for the rigged,  and conspiracy theory talks to stop they need to use the NFL's way of having the draft order. The worst goes first and you save the best for last.  The NBA and David Stern need to wake up. Make some changes fast or keep continuing to be the laughing stock of professional sports. 

Previewing and Predicting TNA Slammiversary 10

This Sunday is TNA Slammiversary 10 which marks the 10 year existence on TNA Impact Wrestling. It started in Nashville and now it's gone global and to live TV. So many names have been in TNA but today you have Sting, Angle, Hardy, RVD, Hogan and many more. This Sunday TNA put a great card together and it should be a show for the ages. Here is the lineup for the show/

This match is really great for business if they keep the title on Bobby Roode. They need to have Roode win this match in order for the company to move forward. Sting is great but he is in the past and his job should be making the younger guys become superstars. With that being said it's going to be Bobby Roode coming out on top.

This is what I call a WWE dream match because this would have been a great WWE match. All three men have been on a roll as of late. I think when it comes down to it, Jeff Hardy will challenWEge the World Heavyweight Champion. The fans still love him and he has totally cleaned up his life for the better. It could go down as one of the best comeback stories of all time. My pick is Jeff Hardy.

Daniels and Kazarian got this hook, line and sinker. AJ Styles is too distracted with all of the Dixie Carter drama and Kurt Angle needs to be a singles competitor. I like the team of Daniels and Kazarian. Both are great wrestlers and their roles in the company are even better right now. I like this newly formed tag team and I hope they are long term. Kaz and Daniels all the way.

We all know this is Abyss. I like the fact that he has different alter ego's but I prefer Abyss over the lawyer.  Bully Ray has really come into his own as a singles heel competitor. I believe at some point before, during or after the match Abyss will come into play. However in the end, I think Bully Ray will win the match and continue his heel ways. I like the direction Bully Ray is headed in.

Crimson is still undefeated and he is calling out anyone, including Goldberg. Many people have speculated that Christian Cage could appear for this or for the TNA Hall of Fame per the agreement WWE and TNA had for allowing Ric Flair to appear at the WWE Hall of Fame. I am not sure who it could be at this point but I have a feeling it could be big since this is the 10 year anniversary.  

Gail Kim is an accomplished wrestler and the heart of the Knockouts division right now. Brooke Tessmacher has worked extremely hard to get where she is at now. I think Gail keeps the title and continues being the heart of the Knockouts division for months to come. 

I am not sure how this match came about because Garrett hasn't been doing much but I am predicting that Robbie E and Robbie T win the match, They have better chemistry and the lack of experience of Garrett Bischoff will come into play. Robbie E and T should be in the hunt for a tag team title shot down the road if they win this match. I think Jersey Shore bad boys are going to be the winners in this match. 

I am not sure how this match was booked but I like it. Both are very accomplished and underused wrestlers.  Hernandez should have been World Champion by now but he hasn't Kid Kash has always been under appreciated so I think both men have a lot prove in the match. I think Hernandez will win this match and start getting pushed heavily again as a singles wrestler. He deserves to be one of the top guys in TNA and hopefully this is what gets him there again.

I am not sure who will be the first inductee into the Hall of Fame in TNA. Many people are saying Christian Cage and I stated that earlier because he is on his way to Dallas for the Slammiversary weekend. If it's not Christian then I am not sure who is. A lot of people say Jeff Jarrett should be because he is the founder along with his dad Jerry Jarrett. I will be curious to see who it is and how the reaction is.

TNA Slammiversary is this Sunday and it is a celebration of 10 years of some pretty great wrestling. It's given people an alternative and a new platform for wrestlers to perform on. For all of the criticism of TNA Wrestling, it has done wrestling a lot of good for it to be around. Hopefully in the next 10 year things will be even better.