2009 March | Jocks And Stiletto Jill // ESPN meets Sex and the City

Archive for March, 2009

Playmate and the Player

March 31st, 2009

Jill

Andrew Bynum was at the Playboy mansion this weekend. SO… AND? Lots of athletes have passed through those walls (and Stiletto Jill had a few visits there too. I was geeked but that’s another story)

I love the Internet with every bit of my fiber but sometimes you have to call bullshit when you see it. He’s not going to rehab 24/7, his team is on a road trip. So what he went out.

Ok maybe he shouldn’t have had Nicole Narin up on his shoulders but that’s a great sign! It means his knee can handle heavy loads! (well not that heavy she looks like she weighs about 115) but you get the point. I’m sure he had to bend down for her to climb up there, flexiblity… CHECK!

One night at the Playboy mansion isn’t going to destroy his knee, hey it may motivate him to polish his game so he never has to deal with what happens when you become the “has been” that can’t get in. Standing outside the gates of the mansion like Eddie Kannng Jr in The Five Heartbeats (yes I know its King but he said it like that and I like it.) Do you young Bynum, as long as you come back in a few weeks ready to bang, what fun is it being an NBA player if you can’t enjoy your perks.

:::Chris Crocker voice::: LEAVE ANDREW ALONE! Now back to your regularly scheduled finals watch!

Posted in Courtside, In the Bleachers

Tags: Andrew Bynum, Lakers, Playboy

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Shaq’s Karma

March 27th, 2009

Jill

Watching last night’s Blazers vs. Suns game was painful towards the end. Gentry finally conceded defeat for the night, pulled his starters out and let the bench handle the crumbs. An interesting dynamic during one of those time outs was watching Shaq get into Robin Lopez’s face (the sensitive twin) about his on court play. It was clear that Shaq was ripping dude a new one.

Funny thing, Shaq bitched his way off of the Heat last year because he was left to play with Chris Quinn and Ricky “Buckets” Davis (not that I can blame him) and had zero shot at making the playoffs. And this year? He’s definitely got a better team but the playoffs don’t look likely. Granted that has to do with Amare’s injury (similar to Dwyane just being broken down last year) but the irony in this is that Shaq is still playing hard! I’ve said before that he’s playing some of the best ball he’s played in the last few years. Even though the writing is on the wall for this season (although they are fighting with Dallas for that final spot and who hasn’t seen them choke when victory is within reach (The finals against the Heat, the playoffs against the #8 Warriors) it says a lot to me that Shaq is still handling it like a true professional.

Last night’s game was a wrap yet there he was, expecting his teammates to play with intensity. The season is almost over, only the 2nd time in his 17 year career that Shaq won’t make the playoffs and he’s still out there going hard. One has to wonder if there was really something more going on in Miami then Shaq simply being The-Big-Lazy-ungrateful-Shaqturus (yep made up my own nickname, he does it!)

Shaq may very well be receiving his karma for his exits from Orlando, L.A. & Miami but he’s handling it well all things considered. There’s a lot that can be said about Shaq but I don’t think anyone should question his love and respect for the game.

Posted in Courtside

Tags: Shaq

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Hostage Negotiations

March 26th, 2009

Jill

This is a quote from Reggie Miller on TNT Tuesday Night about Allen Iverson, “I’ve played a lot of games against Allen Iverson when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever gone against,” Miller said. “But having said that and knowing the information we know, what Arnie Kander is saying, it’s almost like (Iverson) is holding this team hostage because he cannot accept the responsibility of coming off the bench. That’s sad because he is one of the truly great little men we’ve ever had in the game.”

Clearly this phantom back injury has everything in the world to do with what this Piston team NEEDS AI to do in order to stay relevant. They need his punch off the bench. The team simply works better with Rip in the starting unit. I know that’s a hard pill to swallow for someone whose been a star since his day’s at Georgetown ::PAUSE:: can I just say I loved, loved, loved AI when he was with the Hoyas. HE was the reason why I started watching college basketball. He was so quick and so damn cute! Woooo but anyway.

AI you’re still the answer, just not with the starting unit. Maybe it’s just a chemistry thing but whatever the case, it doesn’t take away from who you are and what you bring to the court. And most importantly, you’re still getting a massive check! Your contract is up at season’s end. Its painfully obvious that you and Detroit don’t mix so what’s a few months? Just man up and do your job. Everybody has a part of their job they don’t like even if it’s their dream job. Why revert back to being a cancer.

I think the NBA needs to have mandatory refresher courses for its Vets like they have for the rookies. These cats just don’t seem to get it sometimes. A transition plan is key for everyone. As life evolves how you tackle it will change too. The country is in a recession and you’re 33 years old, things change. Staying ahead of the game means the ebbs and flows won’t be so rough on your psyche. MAN UP AI, you’re the answer but not to the Pistons question.

DAMN. It’s so COLD IN THE D! How the hell you expect peace… (go look that up on youtube for a giggle)

Posted in Courtside

Tags: Allen Iverson

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She trapped me!

March 20th, 2009

Jill

I watched a piece on ESPN the other day about out of wedlock children in the sports world. For most, the topic has been discussed to death. The Sports Illustrated cover story 10 years ago that featured Shawn Kemp was a hot topic for what seemed like months. Fast forward to now and yet again it’s back. I know I’ve been hard on my ladies but it honestly comes from a place of love! So having said that, I’m going to address these athletes.

Why is it that the explanation is always “she trapped me”. How is that possible? You aren’t 2, you know exactly where babies come from. yeah yeah I know you got caught up in the moment. Blame it on the Goose, Blame it on Patron, Blame it on the a-a-a-a-alcohol… Stop it! I honestly think sometimes it’s a power trip. A bit of “me too”. “Oh you got 2 babies’ mamas, I got 4!” Just like they compete on the field or court, outside of the locker rooms the competition lives on with cars, jewelry, video games and women. Sounds silly right? I agree! But it seems like these athletes just need SOMEONE to blame for their stupidity. For as much as these guys talk about people after them because of their status, why not take the steps to protect yourself. Half of these dudes don’t even know how these women feel about pregnancy & kids. Won’t ask because they use going raw as a carrot to make these chicks feel special, dangling the long term future benefits and lifestyle enhancements in their face to get more of what they want. Or (here’s that power thing again) they think they can force the woman to have an abortion by the threat of being cut off! Yeah that works if she just wants to be with YOU but, if all she wants is to have you, SHE WILL. Regardless if you want her to or not.

None of these guys are being forced into these situations. Its time to stop placing fault at the females feet. Man up, You have more control over pregnancy than you do in a lot of other areas of your professional life. After all, bringing home a newborn and shelling out $$ is the better end of that stick! And should you choose not to wrap up, PAY YOUR DAMN CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS! Those kids didn’t ask for that situation, why take it out on them cause you were too stupid to protect your #1 investment, yourself. Its easier to do that than it was to make it to the L, you managed to work that out right!

Here’s the link to the ESPN piece. www.espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3979857

Posted in In the Bleachers

Tags: ESPN

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We’re talking about Twitter!

March 17th, 2009

Jill

Charlie Villanueva sent a tweet at halftime and now the entire Bucks universe has been rocked! Nah not really but he did receive a “warning”. My question is WHY? We’re talking about Twitter ::In my AI voice when he was discussing practice::

I’m sure Scott Skiles isn’t living under a rock, personal connection to fans can only increase support, awareness… revenue! Times have changed, everyone has to evolve. The offending tweet, here it is;

“In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We’re playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up.”

And that’s what he did he led his team with 19 as they knocked off the Celts. I understand they feel it may not look like he’s focused however, anyone that believed that probably isn’t on Twitter to begin with.

Oh yeah, Follow me on Twitter. Twitter.com/stilettoJill

Posted in Courtside, In the Bleachers

Tags: Charlie Villanueva, Twitter

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Kobe Bryant and the Lakers

March 15th, 2009

Jill

Back to this MVP discussion for minute. Its a little ironic that some believe Kobe isn’t as deserving as LeBron. Or by extension, Dwyane Wade. It’s almost as if part of the reason why people don’t want to see him get it is that they believe he has more help surrounding him than the others do.

I don’t agree with that line of thinking. If someone had said 3 years ago Kobe would make it to the NBA finals with Trevor Ariza, Sasha V, L.O. and an aging Derek Fisher, would you have put money on it. Probably not. And yet that’s exactly the position that Kobe is in. Outside of Derek, who has history on his side and Pau, whose always been considered a big talent, who from this squad would you select as your #2 guy? …Yep, that’s what I thought but with Kobe, they look to be headed towards their 2nd straight finals appearance! Currently the Lakers & Cavs are battling it out for the top record in the league this year but L.A. has been comfortably on top for the majority of the season and swept the Cavs in their match ups.

Also, for as much as Kobe has been called a ball hog over the course of his career (especially in the post Shaq era) Kobe & LeBron (who most would never consider a selfish player) averaged about the same assists average, right around 4pg. This season however, LeBron is averaging about 3 more per game.

Kobe is probably the one player that no matter how well he’s producing, people feel obligated to throw a “but” behind any props they have no choice but to concede. If Kobe were playing like Dwyane Wade is now, people would be Crying about selfishness. That’s a textbook example of Basketball irony.

Last word, the NBA sure is crafty with all the St Patricks day fanfare taking place this year. A green Lakers jersey!! Why would the Lakers ever be ok with that. Purple & Gold Kids, even on ST patty’s day. Guess that’s the NBA version of the ides of March LOL. No idea what I’m referring to? Google it.

Posted in Courtside

Tags: Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lebron James

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Mixed bag…

March 11th, 2009

Jill

Preferably a fly clutch that’s sleek yet textured, something with dramatic random contrasts just thrown together like this post tonight:

- This season’s MVP race looks to be between 3 players. Kobe, LeBron & Dwyane. If you really look at it, I think it should go to Dwyane. Take him off his team and they’re back to the tragedy that was last season. Bron is a close second

- Speaking of last season’s dramas, why is Shaq about to bitch his way off of another team. I love Shaq, future hall of famer no doubt, his on court play speaks for itself. He’s Playing like it’s 2002 and he’s still the big dominant but damn can he just relax for a minute. The jokes aren’t as funny anymore, they go on for far to long and it’s same thing new guard/team. Its time to reinvent your game and off court persona. You’re still stuck 6 years ago. You are older, things change. Dwight is the future. Accept it, love it. I really wish he would stop diminishing his legacy.

- See chicks, I told you its getting crucial out there. First the 200 million dollar loan the NBA secured and teams started confirming their participation in that program. Now, agents are telling clients it’s probably a good idea to sign your extension this summer. The salary cap is going down, a lockout is likely in 2011. You know the owners need help getting themselves out of this mess they put themselves into. So, who loses. The player and by extension you. Get your weight up ladies.

- Soooooo I know that in the NBA, on any given night a team can lose. There’s no 82 and 0 season on record. The closest being the Bulls with 72-10. BUT how does a team that’s supposed to be a contender get behind a team that hasn’t put out any effort since 2008? Down by 19 in the 4th to this team? Maybe I need to rethink my MVP rankings.

Posted in Courtside, In the Bleachers, On The Field

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Listen up chicks. It’s a recession for ballers too!

March 7th, 2009

Jill

I hope those females out there who don’t have goals outside of winning the professional athlete lottery are paying attention to how their game is about to suffer. The “wifey kit” is about to go through a massive restructure just like the banking and auto industries. And just like those industries, the first to go will be the “fun stuff”. Discretionary income is just that, optional

You know reducing your stable by a few, those flights and extra hotel rooms don’t seem as interesting now. Trick off $$ on a few “friends”? Or deal with the local chick that doesn’t mind the post road trip run through? And there YOU are left without a plan. You were working so hard on hooking him that you forgot to nurture what fuels you. We won’t even get into the lack of a five year plan once you’ve gotten into the relationship. At some point you really have to consider that if long term financial security is your goal, maybe that mid level -to- practice squad-end -of -the -bench guy isn’t the best move to make. The reality is, everybody can’t have the Franchise player. There could be a time where you’re making more money than he is and he’s expecting you to hold your “husby” (yes I just made that up) down. And if all you have to show for the time you spent in high pursuit are photos on facebook and a 3 seasons ago Gucci then you failed yourself.

Please don’t perceive this as me hating a female that’s “getting it in”. I’m all for getting out of life whatever it is you’re looking for. But having a Plan A is essential. Too many of us are treating our Plan A like its Plan Z.

Posted in In the Bleachers

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