My Take: Break the Addiction

This is my response to "Josh Howard Lies Less Than Other Pot Smokers" on ESPN.com by Henry Abbott
These drugs are illegal. It does not matter if "everyone else is doing it" in the NBA .However, in reality, every body's not doing it. Athletes that do drugs(and drink alcohol) are bad examples for younger athletes in high school and college who are pressured by smoking everyday. They say no to it because it will effect there grades, quicks, memory, heart, lungs, and there own credibility to themselves. Others fall into it because they don't want to feel like a looser, a square, or outcast.But in reality the ones who say no, quit using it, or never put themselves in a position to use it are the true succers. Howard's statement imply that he believes that it is perfectly fine, but it is not. Howard makes smoking a every day, OK thing, but it is not. We know that most NBA athletes grew up around drugs. Falling into that life style of drinking alcohol and abusing drugs puts a person into a category of weak minded, selfish, insecure, and depressed about something that that person did not get over in there life. Having those drugs even in the same room that you are in can get you behind bars. But some looked at athletes as the ones who overcame street life and forsook all that they thought they loved. I just hope and pray that Howard changes his mind about drugs before it is too late. I don't want to judge him, but I do hope that he and others can come out of there drug addiction to be example for kids in the streets, in the city, and in the field. In closing, the love for the game will cause you to let that kind of life go. By the way, not every body's doing it.




So ask yourself, "How do I break the addiction?" Well there's only one answer, JESUS. Ask Jesus to save you and change you today because tomorrow's not promised! Turn your life to CHRIST today! Watch HIM work(cleanse you) and fight your battles so you don't have to!

Transaction Please

In the blink of an eye it seemed that Pau Gasol went from a Grizzlie to a Laker. Blink again and Shaq will be gone to Phoenix. What do these trades mean? For the Lakers it means Kobe's staying even though Bynum isn't playing. It also means they become an automatic title contender. For the Grizzlies the story is not so sweet. With Pau gone, this cleared space for a possible sell of the franchise. Sure they get Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, and the rights to Pau Gasol's little brother, Marc Gasol. But these players are less than all stars and the trade looked to be one sided. Even now the Grizz continues to clear space. Memphis traded Stromile Swift for Nets Jason Collins (again one sided). Also, the Grizz just let Damon Stoudamire go with no exchange or trade.
The other huge transaction rumor is that the Diesel is leaving on a mid night plane to Arizona. In return, the Heat will gain Marcus Banks and thought to be forever in the Sun Shaun Marion. O’Neal will add a defensive presence to the non defensive Phoenix Suns. Wow is all that can be said at this point. Pau getting it done as a Laker, his brother Marc coming back to Memphis (or going to Oklahoma), and Shaq playing with Steve Nash in the regular season is all nothing short of amazing.

Back to School Again?

This is the start of something new . Today I would like to congratulate the NBA prospects that decided

to go back to school. Those were some sweet choices. But the biggest story for the number one person who needs to come back to college basketball is Dominic James. Dominic James was named freshman of the year and rookie of the year in the 2005-06 season. With his spectacular athleticism and spunk , in mock NBA drafts, he was rank 15 -20.

Unfortunately, Dominic James could not keep that up for the 2006-07 season. He started out with a bang , but soon turned for the worst. From being booed by MU students to disturbing leg cramps. This has been a trying year for James. He went to draft camps in hopes to becoming the next best PG, but James had trouble getting invited to draft camps. Even in all of that James still has basketball dreams fueled by the successes of other athletes and his ambitions of greatness.
"Dominic James, I am begging you. If you have not already, go back to college. You are way too talented to be taking this abuse. James, McNeal, and Matthews can be the big three for college basketball. Then, after your Senior year go to the draft. You will be 110% better, trust me.You are a great player just get your head on straight and practice hard don't be arrogant, as some have called you, but walk with humility .Don't take this as a set back, but take this as a learning experience and practice for the next season and the next time you enter the draft. The road to success takes a lot of off season practice and hard work. Your work ethic must improve if you want to play on the next level. It is going to take studying Steve Nash, Tony Parker, Jason Kidd, T.J. Ford, and even New Jersey's Marcus Williams. When people talk about Tiny Archibald or Earl the Pearl Monroe listen up and take notes. You must get mentally tough and make up in your mind that you are going to score when its needed. Don't just watch an NBA game, study it. Look at the spacing and the way good point guards breakdown defenses. Also look for new ways to get your shot off. You know what you have to work on so work on it so that I can see you in the NBA one day and say 'he's a hard worker' . Don't ever slack off in practice. Hustle on every level is rewarded and can compensate for your weaknesses. I am looking forward to seeing you in the MU gold and blue! Remember what one former MU player turn Finals MVP says, 'hard work pays off.' Get connected with JESUS. Accept HIM a just see where HE will take you. Dedicate your life to HIM today . Let HIM cleanse you from everything you have done wrong. I did and I will never be the same! 'For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4.'For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believeth in HIM should no perish but have everlasting life ! 'John 3:16 " says one anonymous fan of Dominic James.After listening to Stu Jackson, his decision may be to go back to school again.