TITLES

What is a title and why is it important? The American Heritage Dictionary defines title as "an identifying name given to a book, film or other work" as it's initial meaning. But that's not what I want to delve in, nor do I want to talk about a legal document that binds possession or control to an owner. No, I want to talk about the other usage of the word as it pertains to "a formal appellation, as a rank or office."

I don't come from a predominantly military household, but the importance of recognizing and respecting a peking order or chain of command was highly emphasized and stressed. From the home I was taught that the element that allowed family structure to flourish was the adherence to a precedented blueprint from the family members. The precedented blueprint was quite simple: Respect your elders.

The presence of Grandmother/Grandfather was prevalent from both sides of my family, and I'm lucky for that. When it came to family issues, delegation was always administered from up top, and trickled down to the bottom….bottom meaning the young "churen's" and if you don't abide by rules and regulations, you're getting beat down by anything handy ( i.e. hanger, belt, brush, phone chord, etc.---this mentality came b4 the "wussification of America" as PA Governor Ed Rendell so aptly and recently said following the cancellation of an Eagles game due to snow).

Once the patriarch/matriarch presence of the grandparents were fizzling (only b/c of age), it was up to the parents, uncles, and aunties to steer and guide the family. If you come from a cool family like me, you call your uncles and aunts by their government name. Only special uncles/aunts were addressed with that title. On my mother's side, the Aunti(ie) moniker was reserved for my mom's sister Valda. Conversely on my dad's side (who has no sisters), that honor was left to my Uncle Everett.

Internally, I did notice but never questioned that I reserved these "titles" for certain family members and not all of them, fair or not. That subconsciously taught me the importance of titles. Because I did address them with those titles, Auntie Val never physically disciplined me and showed me much favor. The same for Uncle E. In my dad's absence (school, work), Uncle E schooled me to the streets and supported my sports career….Who knows, maybe they were fueled to go extra hard because of the responsibility their title entailed….

Which leads me to my last and main point: If you have a title, do your best to live up to and represent that title. Not the titles that are gained from reputations and rumor (though that can lead to your title at times), but the title you work hard for. When my dad got his PH. D from Princeton, he told me to always address my school professor as "Doctor" as an acknowledgement of respect and that professor's hard work. He also said if "you're going to be a janitor, be the best janitor ever." No, no one wants to aspire to be a janitor, but if that's your title, take pride and own those janitorial duties ( One of Morehouses' greatest figures, Benjamin E. May's, said, and I'm paraphrasing : "if you do a job, do it so well that no man before you, alive, or after you can do it better.")

Sometimes our titles conflict with our dreams and our delusional perceptions we have of ourselves. So we run from our reality and to a certain degree, our identity. Whatever your title is, embrace it and be the best _______ you are. And remember, only YOU and God can come up with your title.

VICK-tim of the Moment

Earlier in the NFL season, specifically when Philly played Washington on national TV, the world probably bore witness to the greatest singular exhibition and execution of quarterback play when Mike Vick dismantled the Redskins. After 6 total touchdowns , 300+ yards passing and 80 on the ground, it was hard to argue for another qb having a better game then that, past or present.

Of course in this knee-jerk reaction nation we live in, people were (as ESPN's Skip Bayless coins it) "prisoners of the moment" and already crowned Vick as the MVP of the NFL. If there are 3 things this country has subconsciously taught me, it's this: always separate business from pleasure, separate church from state, and America loves a great comeback story.

And that's exactly what that game versus Washington represented to me: the finality and manifestation of a great comeback. I thought his performance on the field was a mere reflection of the man's life coming full circle and how he transformed. In his professional career, he's always been a bird (Falcon, Eagle) so it was poetic justice that he became another bird in front of us: the rising phoenix.

Well several weeks down the road, the wins for Philly keep coming and Mike Vick's play has been stable and consistent. Now I'm realizing the things we're seeing right in front of us is history in the making. He's already the only qb in NFL history with a 1000 yards rushing in a season, but this year he's on pace to be the only player in league history with: 3000+ yards passing, 20+ td passes, 700+ yards rushing, and 10 rushing touchdowns in one season.

Now his #1 competitor for MVP Tom Brady is no slouch or foreigner to big numbers either. The Michigan alum won the MVP in 2007 back as he eclipsed Peyton Mannings record for most touchdown passes in a season at 50. This year seems to be a continuation of that season statistically (30+ touchdowns, 4 interceptions, no interceptions in over 300 passes, best record in the AFC), but the once exception (an exception that may enhance his season in most people's eyes) for him this year is that Brady is doing it without a "household" name wide receiver as future Hall of Famer receiver Randy Moss was shipped earlier this season. Brady's main receivers (wes welker, danny moorehead and deign branch) maybe shorter then your little brother.

So what's the factor(s) that's going to decide who's going to win the award this year? Since their numbers cancel each other out mostly, I'm relegated to use the aforementioned Skip Bayless' "eye test." When you look at Tom Brady, he's physically the prototype specimen for qb: tall (6'5"), traditional pocket passer, and leader. But when you look at Vick, week in and week out, he's the best player on the field! Physically he's average (6'0'', 185 pounds), yet he's anything but average on gameday. Continually outrunning would-be defenders, zipping the ball 70 yards in the air in an effortless flick of the wrist motion, or precise, lob touch passes, he has the complete arsenal.

And besides, in the 3.5 games Vick has missed this year, the Eagles look like a different team. Their offensive scoring and yardage average drops tremendously when he isn't behind center, and their body language looks listless if not lethargic with Kevin Kolb at the helm, not to mention their .500 record. Mike has led them to a winning record and a division title that was favored to be won by the NY Giants. That's no knock to Kevin Kolb (McNabb's initial successor), that's just a reflection of the electricity of Vick and the confidence he instill's in teammates.

At the very least Vick is a pro-bowler and the leagues comeback player of the year, but don't be surprised if he walks away with one of the leagues most prestigious awards.

THE BREAKS

"These Are The Breaks" was a song that Kurtis Blow made in the early '80s, and almost as soon as that song became popular, sports fans in Detroit have been craving for said breaks. Even though the meaning for "breaks" in Kurtis' opus implied a negative connotation, the "breaks" Detroit fans desire are those plays or situations that occur in a game that drastically change the outcome of not only one game in particular, but for a city's legacy and identity.

Like most midwestern blue-collar cities, sports in Detroit is received passionately and is closer to a pseudo-religion (imagine a mega-church cult following on steroids) than a past-time recreation. Detroiters are as competitive, proud and loyal for their teams as any fan-base across the nation. People from Detroit take pride in themselves for having the ability to take control of situations and resolve problems accordingly. So when it comes to sports let-downs its especially disappointing because as a fan, you secretly feel there was something you could've done to aid your team. "Yo Chris, we have no time-outs…make a play." Or "Zeke, settle down. Don't rush, Bird is creeping." But I dream. In fact I'll do more then dream. I'll chronologically cite transgressions, tersely examine plays, and lament over repressed (biased)memories that absolutely make Detroit the epitome of a city/team consistently getting the short end of the stick.

Circa 1980 is when Kurtis Blow dropped his afore-mentioned classic and that was also the same year the U.S.A (led by Ronald Reagan) withdrew themselves from Olympic competition. A young guard from Indiana University (coming off a national championship) was picked as a starter for that Olympic team but didn't get a chance to win gold. Instead he entered the 1981 NBA Draft and was selected with the second pick to the Detroit Pistons. Of course that young player was the greatest point guard not named "Magic". His name was Isiah Thomas aka " Zeke."

Fast -forward six years and the same downtrodden Pistons team Isiah was drafted to lead out of the abyss found themselves on the brink of going to their first NBA Finals. It was Game 6 of the 1987 Eastern Conference Finals versus the Boston Celtics at Boston. With less than 5 seconds to go and the Pistons clinging to a one point lead AND possession of the ball, Detroit seemed to have the game in the bag. The only thing the up and coming Pistons team had to do was cleanly inbounds the ball and the game was over. Thats when Larry Bird decided to add another highlight to his legendary resume by stealing the ball and passing to Dennis Johnson who scored the series-winning basket.

Hard knocks were still to be endured in subsequent years for the Pistons and mainly Isiah. The year after the Boston debacle the Pistons found themselves in the NBA Finals, this time against Magic Johnson and the mighty Lakers. Despite having a career defining performance by scoring 25 points in the third quarter of Game 6, Isiah badly sprained his ankle and the Pistons lost by one point. Showing affects from the Game 6 injury, Isiah wasn't quite the same explosive player and the Pistons lost the championship in 7 games. Of course Isiah would eventually overcome the hurdle and win two championships; but if Zeke doesn't inbound the pass to Bird in 87 or doesn't sprain his ankle in '88, who knows if the Pistons would've won 4 titles in a row. Yes 4!

They say you don't make a lot of friends on your ascension to the top and that couldn't be more true for Isiah. During his run to the top Isiah happened to inherit the leagues brightest star, Michael Jordan, as an adversary. Dating back to All-Star Games and alleged "freeze-outs" to Civil-War-esque playoff battles between Chicago and Detroit (If you're from the Chi or the D and witnessed that era, you know how heated that rival was), there was always tension between Mike and Isiah. When it came to selecting the initial NBA featured Olympic Team in 1992 aka the "Dream Team", it was almost a cinch that Isiah would make the cut. But bad blood with the leagues "Golden Boy" wasn't a good PR move for Isiah, and he was coldly left off the greatest basketball team ever assembled.

Bad luck in hoops didn't stop there. If UM's Fab-Five would've won the title their Freshman year of 1992 or at least the following "Time-Out" year, they would've been mentioned amongst UNLV and other teams as the greatest college team of all-time. (One of those greatest teams were the Duke Blue-Devils of the '90s led by Grant Hill. Once maligned as a villain, Hill was embraced as a hero playing for the Pistons but he even broke hearts when he decided to leave via free agency). On the football side, UM had many of blue chip athletes to make plays at "The Big House" in the '90s. Names such as Tim Biakabutuku, Tyrone Wheatley, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, and Ty Law come to mind. With all that talent, Michigan only won one title in the '90s? In that era, perennial powerhouses such as Miami, Florida, Florida State and Nebraska were dominating collegiate football. So if you were a top team in contention and suffered an early season loss, you were pretty much done. No early season loss was more memorable then Kordell Stewart's heartbreaking last second Hail Mary that theoretically ended the Wolverines season and title aspirations. And if you want to add an "insult to injury" highlight for Big Blue, they were the first BCS team to lose to a SubDivision team in Appalachian State University 2005.

Michigan Wolverine Football is a big deal in Detroit. If they're not doing well, then it's not going to be a good or happy football season in the city because when Barry Sanders left (i'm still waiting for a comeback or apology to fans from Mr. Sanders) the Lions, it's been one horrible season after another. But when one speaks of Michigan Football, you have to trace their successful roots to a coach named Bo Shembechler. Bo installed a mentality, way of winning and tradition that endured to his last day, which was November 17, 2006. That same weekend a top-ranked and undefeated UM team were scheduled to play equally undefeated and 2nd ranked Ohio State University at Columbus. In a story-book ending, the Wolves beat their arch-rivals and win the championship in honor of Bo. Instead reality dictated we lose the game and get a new coach (Rich Rodriguez) who cluelessly and arrogantly changed generations worth of tradition that have resulted in 3 losing seasons. And my superficial side is still upset he switched our endorsement contracts from Nike to Adidas. What a failure (I'm a firm proponent in 'When you look good, you play good').

And most recently the baseball team has gone thru a rough patch. After failing to win the World Series in 2006 and imploding in an unprecedented way last year by losing the division title on the last day of the season to the Minnesota Twins, the Tigers bad luck would be summed up in one play. Of course that play would be the missed call by the Umpire to grant Tigers pitcher Andres Galarragga baseball's 20th perfect game in history. I guess the umpire of that game sent a memo to the ref of this years Lions-Bears game to screw the Lions, because the outcome of that game was tragic. There has to be a way where the NFL can employ a rule that allows common sense to supersede the letter of the law. Anyone with eyes saw that wide receiver Calvin Johnson caught the potential winning touchdown, broke the plane and secured possession. As soon as he broke the plane with possession of the ball, it should've been a touchdown! All of that "you must finish the catch" mess is BS especially when the ground can't cause a fumble. But I digress.

I don't want to come across as Detroit campaigning for a pity-party. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. But if a team called the "Patriots" can win a Super-Bowl out of nowhere following '9/11', why can't Detroiters expect the Spartans to win the championship during the first year of the Recession? That's because we don't get breaks. And it makes Detroit fans numb now. It's sad, but when bad things happen to Detroit sports teams, it's almost expected and uneventful. How many times have you seen the sports hilightes tapes, and the victim of someone's good game represented Detroit? Hell, Larry Bird's top ranked play was the "steal", the Kordell Stewart Hail Mary always ranks in top 10 Lists, and every other Mike Jordan highlight (or any NBA star) is against the Pistons.

But just as Detroit was once known as a prominent automobile industry, its sports teams will be just as flourishing. A vital part of an automobile are the "brakes." And once we use our "brakes" to put a stop to the bad luck , then we will see signs of us getting the "breaks."

MO and KITA

First off let me start by saying I had no mental or physical outline for this blog. This was more of an obligation to aid 2 of my sisters at a time when their names are being driven under the bus. This bus is marred with criticism, assumptions and speculation and the driver(s) rotating shifts for this bus are mostly a collection of black women.

And not just the typical black woman who's getting her pedicure while gossiping with her girlfriends and talking about everybody who passes her by. These are your rational, just, fair, ethical, and sensible black women (and not to say they're not gossiping and clowning folks neither-just on a classier, higher level lol).

I acknowledge this distinction because most times superficial and judgmental women will criticize and deconstruct any little thing or flaw. So it was to my surprise that a bulk of the criticism aimed at Mo and Kita weren't materialistic or anything to do with some bad yakki (weave my brother, weave).

To paraphrase the sentiment from my female friends at Mo and Kita is as follows: "I can't stand them; they annoy me....I can't watch a show seeing two girls obsess over a man who clearly hates himself.....they're so unprofessional." That's just a smidgin of the shots fired at the controversial publicity firm duo.

Now don't get it twist, Dice is the first person to call someone out and respond to things objectively. But something doesn't sit well with me taking shots at my sisters publically, especially when they haven't done anything to me that warrants this type of response.

What I have seen is two sisters defy the odds and become successful in a male-driven entertainment society. Yeah their methods are unconventional, but are they as wild as the Kardashians when it comes to taking care of business? You can say what the Kardashians do and what Mo/Kita do are different, but at the end of the day it's publicity, and any publicity is good publicity. With that said, they've done a good job of maintaining a professional image.

If anything they're doing damage control. Terrell Owens was once a lightning rod of controversy and suffered miserably to stabilize a consistent team (or advertisements) because Corportate America was scared to touch him. Thanks to Mo and Kita, they've helped TO become approachable and pleasant; to the point a friend of mine said "he has no personality" (ask Dallas about his personality in 2000 when he disrespectfully spiked the ball midfield on their logo, or Donovan Mc Nabb when they publically feuded).

'Who are their other clients?' is a half sarcastic question they ask? I'm sure they do have other clients, but obviously TO is their biggest one. Sure there were other artists on the Roc in '96, but who do you think Dame Dash was pushing the most? And lastly, before I get off my soapbox, I want to point something else out. Despite all the criticism they receive, you would think they'd be heroes amongst black women for riding TO for not preferring sisters and advocating he become more active in his children's lives. Though they support a colorblind love, there's been numerous times I've heard them clown TO for loving the "Beckies" or say something like ..."I just won't stand here and let him not be in his son's life." That's courageous and admirable for them to publicly take on those stances. I can't forget to mention also their selection of an assistant for him. They didn't get the hot modelesque chick (that I'd prefer). Instead they chose an older woman who has TO's best interests. And in regards to how they are perceived to be kissing TO's butt or seducing him, that's part of what the job entails.

Hell I'm nobody in the big picture, but I still like to be coddled a little here and there. You've seen Jerry Maguire and all the ass-kissing he did. That's just how it is with the client-agent/manager/publicist relationship. Sometimes I need some love from my Facebook constituents to keep it moving; even if it's condescending or pacifying! lol There's nothing evident or suggests that TO smashed any of the homies. I just see 3 people who have fun at what they do, and have fun doing it together because they know, love, and trust each other platonically. My only concern was with Mo's husband appearing to be soft and always emasculated.

Like why does your wife seem more concerned about TO then you? Or why is he doing LaMas class with your pregnant wife? But that's probably another topic of male/female roles in relationships...and that can probably be summarized as this: The Bread Winner calls the shots. Love it or Leave it.

There you have it Mo and Kita. I salute what ya'll doing. You guys are keeping it professional while still being yourselves and bringing flavor to the show. I ain't mad at ya'll!

Top Teams to NEVER Win a Championship (#6)

2003-2004 LA Lakers

"Uneasy lies the Head that wears the Crown" is one of my favorite Shakespeare quotes of all-time. For my constituents that don't easily understand what the bard is saying, it's this: When you're the King, sh#t is very stressful! Just think of BIG "mo money mo problems" and you get the jest.

The Kobe-Shaq led Lakers dynasty probably comprehend that quote better than anyone. Coming off a 3rd straight championship in '02, they automatically thought they'd win a ring every year; you probably did too. It appeared as if Shaq thought that as well. Obviously adhering to the cliche of just showing up would equivocate to wins, O'Neal came into the 2002-03 season out of shape and uninspired. If it wasn't for Kobe averaging 40/game in the month of February (*wearing Air Jordans) and playing like the REAL MVP of 02-03 (sorry eventual champ Timmy D), Los Angeles would've been hard-pressed to make the playoffs.

Well they did make the playoffs, even appearing in the conference Finals vs San Antonio. Shaq's lack of conditioning was exposed by Tim Duncan and the last you saw of the 02-03 Lakers was a crying, shocked, and dejected Kobe on the sideline. You knew the brass of LA's organization, spoiled by rings, were going to undergo major plastic surgery on the team during the summer.

Enter the leagues 2nd leading career scorer in power forward Karl "Mailman" Malone and Gary "the Glove" Payton. On paper, the Lakers seemed to be indestructible. When was the last time an NBA team had 4 Hall of Famers playing on the same team at the same time? But what the Lakers didn't know was that Payton was closer to "the Mitten" and the "Mailman"'s delivery schedule drastically changed.

But that didn't affect them during the regular season, or even the first leg of the playoffs for that matter. The individually laden stars of TinselTown ran out of gas versus the Detroit Pistons team in the 04 Finals. Despite having home court advantage and being overwhelming favorites to win it all, the Lakers lost in 5 games and in effect, ending the Kobe/Shaq dynasty.

top Teams To NEVER Win A Championship (#7)

#7 1992 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

I'll never forget that cold snowy night in the winter of Detroit, 1991. It was January and of course that meant playoff football season. I forget what movie it was, but I was offered to go see a movie with some neighborhood friends at either Fairlane Mall or the Americana. The catch was that the movie was on the weekend and it coincided with the game.

Of course when I say "game" we weren't talking about the Lions. Even though the home team suffered though another miserable season, the true sports fan in me wanted to stay home and watch a great game, even if Barry Sanders wasn't playing in it.

That "game" so happened to be the NFC Championship Game between the SF49ers and NY Giants. Throughout the season both teams appeared to be on a collision course after annihilating every opponent who stood way of a Super Bowl.

Deep down I knew no matter how good the game would be, the 9ers would figure out a way to pull a victory. They always did. They, the Lakers, the Celtics. It seemed like those teams always won Championships in that era. And besides, Joe Cool was in his prime, Jerry Rice was scratching the surface, Roger Craig was still high-stepping and Ronnie Lott was cracking heads as normal.

"But no so fast my friend!" as Lee Corso would say. Leonard Marshall knocked Joe Montana out the game; and in essence ending his era as a San Fran deity as well. San Fran lost 15-12, and the 9ers as we grew to know and love would never be again.

Fast Forward to the same Championship Game, this time two years later. The 9ers underwent massive change and transformation. The year before they struggled to identify themselves without Joe, and fell out the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

But in the '92 season they found they're magic again…and also another Hall of Fame quarterback in Steve Young. Young led the league in passing, Ricky Watters emerged as more then a capable replacement for Roger Craig, and Jerry Rice was the same ole Jerry Rice. The 9ers led the league in victories and seemed as if the year before was only a hiccup. And like 1991, their opponent came from the NFC East.

Unlike '91, it wasn't an over the hill team they were playing. This time they were playing an up and coming "America's Team" in the Dallas Cowboys. Led by Ken Norton and the league's #1 defense, the Cowboys were the only team capable to hold the San Fran's explosive fire power. Oh, and they had a little fire power of their own with #1 pick Troy Aikman, league rushing champ Emmitt Smith, and the mercurial wide receiver Michael Irvin.

The game was close, but the Cowboys proved to be much in the end as Troy Aikman found Alvin Harper for a 70 yard post that led to the eventual back breaking touchdown. Dallas 30, Sf 20. In hindsight, it's hard to say that the 3 time Super Bowl winning Cowboys actually "upset" a team; but the 1992 49ers were primed and ready for another Bowl. Just didn't get 'er done. How bout them Cowboys?

HONORABLE MENTION: '94 COWBOYS

Top Teams To NEVER Win A Championship (#8)

#8 1996-97 NEW YORK KNICKS

June 1996: the New York Knicks watch their arch-nemesis Mike Jordan and the Bulls drink champagne as they celebrated a 4th title on Father's Day. Suddenly a franchise (who's soul was taken and left on Houston's arena in game 7of the finals just two years before) in despair felt some sense of hope of life and resurrection.

If this team, a team they just beat in the playoffs two years before (sans a baseball playing MJ) can rise from the ashes, why couldn't they? One big omission for the Knick's scenario is that their Phoenix didn't wear a red 23 jersey. But they were able to rejuvenate their city and fanbase with moves, in retrospect, that parallel and pre-quel the free-agent fever of 2010.

Playing the parts of "big name players" acquired were a young sharp-shooting Allan Houston from Detroit, 'flavor of the week' (and of later 2-piece Kobe combo infamy) pg Chris Childs, and everyone's favorite 'Grand-ma-maw' Larry Johnson. They complemented a veteran yet still in their prime combo of Pat Ewing and Charles Oakley. Veterans Buck Williams and John Starks came off the bench to provide toughness and leadership while Charlie Ward and John Wallace sparked them with youth. The rejuvenated Knicks coasted through the season and finished #3 in the East with a 57-25 record behind the Miami Heat (61-21) and the 72-10 Bulls.

Fast forward to the 97 playoffs and the pseudo-prelude to the "puppets" matchup of the Bulls and Knicks seemed all but inevitable. It was just a matter of time. The Bulls took care of business and were awaiting the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Because of their matchups, intense rivalry and history, it appeared as if the only team who could beat that '96 Bulls team were the Knicks.

New York was all but there to make that happen, commanding a 3 games to 1 lead to their new up and coming rival, the Miami Heat (Tim Hardaway was All NBA 1st team, Alonzo had a big first year in Miami). Then Chinua Achebe and Black Thought came to Game 5, and things fell apart for the Knicks. I'll let Wiki-pedia finish that story:

The Heat won Game 5 although the game was remembered for P.J. Brown fighting with Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward.[1] The Knicks players came off the bench and earned an automatic suspension. The Heat stayed on the bench and would gain an advantage for the rest of the series. The Heat would eliminate the undermanned Knicks in 7 games and one of the most heated rivalries in the NBA would be born.[1] Despite qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat would be vanquished by the eventual world champion Chicago Bulls in 5 games

HONORABLE MENTION: 1993-94 KNICKS

Top Teams To NEVER Win A Championship (#9)

#9--- 1994-95 ORLANDO MAGIC

In the beginning of the NBA's 1994-95 season, Michael Jordan was still playing baseball for the Birmingham Barons and the natural successor for the Bulls dominance, the New York Knicks were coming off a finals loss. Translation? it was time for the Orlando Magic to ascend to the top of the NBA.

Combining youth with talent, the Magic were the sexiest pick to win the title that year. The aforementioned Knicks appeared to be getting older and unable to win the ring and even the reigning champs (Houston Rockets) appeared to be inferior to Orlando on paper.

Penny Hardaway was the en vogue "next Jordan/Magic" at the time and Shaq was establishing himself as the leagues most unstoppable player. The Magic coasted throughout the season with the leagues best record, and even beat the "back from baseball Jordan" in the playoffs.

But everything that glitters isn't gold. Admittedly giving Hakeem Olajuwon too much respect in the finals, the Rockets went on to prevail over the Magic and killing any dreams of a real life "Blue Chips" dynasty for Penny and Shaq.

Top Teams To NEVER Win A Championship

"Nobody remembers who finishes second" is a well-known cliche that has no merit or relevance today. While I do advocate excellence and define success for a sports team as that team to hold up a trophy at the end of their season, sometimes the teams that leave the most impression don't get a chance to do so.

In honor of all the greatest teams that either came into their season with a lot of pre-season hype, hoopla, dominated and even coasted throughout the year only to fall short in the end, we will examine them in a top 10, ten day series. And now, the #10 team(s):

10. BASEBALL TEAMS of the 1990s

1995/1997 CLEVLAND INDIANS

-boasting teams that fielded future hall of famers Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Eddie Murray, Omar Vizquel, Dave Winfield and everyday legends such as Kenny Lofton, Albert Belle, Matt Williams, Orel Hershiser, Sandy Alomar, and Marquis Grisson, the Indians never won a World Series in appearances in 95, 97 to the Braves and expansion Florida Marlins respectively.

1997/2001 SEATTLE MARINERS

-in 1997 the Mariners had a solid year that would eventually have them bowing out to the Orioles in the playoff's. But anytime you have a young A-Rod, Ken Griffey Jr in his prime, Jay Buhner, arguably one of the greatest DH's in Edgar Martinez, a "young" Jamie Moyer, and the intimidating Randy Johnson, you've got more than enough to win rings or a ring. Never happened.

-the 2001 Mariners were a lot less sexier then the Mariners we came to know and love, with the 3 biggest names to make an exodus (Griffey, Johnson, and A-Rod), but while the names changed, the numbers really didn't. In a career year Brett Boone hit over .330, knocked 37 dingers, Jamie Moyer assumed the ace role, and they were led by some rookie sensation who went on to win the Rookie of the Year: Ichiro Suzuki. They won an AL record 116 games that year only to fizzle fast in the playoffs.

2001 New York Yankees

-you really can't knock a team vie'ing for a 4th consecutive World Series Title, but when you're playing for a city and country on your backs post 9/11, it was a little disappointing when they didn't come through. Thanks Roger Clemens.

1993 Atlanta Braves

-with the Braves, it's basically take your pick or choose the year (sans '95 of course)of the '90s to be identified as the best team to not win a ring. We'll go with the 1993 team that inevitably lost to the Phillies in the playoffs.

Chasing the Barry Bonds led Giants the whole season, the Braves finally won their division on the last day with a year that earned them 104 victories. This would come to be the last year of the Braves that were introduced to the world in '92 (former MVP Terry Pendleton, Otis Nixon, Ron Gant, and of course the Big 3 Pitchers that included a forgotten Steve Avery).

JESSE

Soon after Dan Gilbert unleashed his venomous wrath upon Lebron James in a media tirade last month, many people were quick to criticize the Cavs owner. Among them were former players, the commissioner (*I find it somewhat troubling that David Stern only fined Gilbert $100k for his outburst yet threatened to fine several teams $5 mill for possible tampering infractions)current players, and even figures outside of the NBA. Most notably was the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

You're familiar with his comments. To paraphrase, he likened the Dan Gilbert/Lebron dynamic to that of a relationship between slave/slave-owner. If you read my blog following the situation, you'd know I share the same sentiment. When I saw the Reverend voice his opinion on television, I felt proud. It was empowering to know that a figure of Jesse Jackson's magnitude shared my vision while simultaneously re-assuring that my militant-minded, civil rights and justice radar was up to speed.

That personal sense of fulfillment quickly turned to me pessimistically re-evaluating the worth of said Jesse Jackson pride, if not from a national lens of the civil rights leader. Throughout the years it seems as if aligning yourself with the Jesse Jackson movement was like rocking with Puffy during the "shiny suit-man" era or bumping Hammer post-mansion eviction era.

Then the next question that arose from my train of thought was 'Why is this?' From a national standpoint, I examined his most recent transgressions that put him in hot water. Of course there's the infamous "Ambitions to Castrate Obama" fiasco. And before that he caught flack for a baby scandal.

When I listen to the people, the criticism is even pettier. Friends of mine say he's verbose when I believe he's outspoken and passionate. They say he's always fighting for the spotlight and jealous of his peers. But to combat both perceptions (National and Neighborhood) of the Reverend, it's easy.

For the most part people are probably just tired of seeing him. He's endured and made himself relevant for so long, that sometimes people just want a change of scenery and voice. But all that Jesse Jackson has done his career is help people and manifest service. Besides walking and being a right-hand man to the great Dr. King, Jesse has a very impressive and extensive resume.

Would President Obama be in office if there wasn't precedence of a black man being so audacious to run and campaign? Before your liberal and progressive minded white friends were chanting "Yes We Can," their parents were chanting "Keep Hope Alive" in the '80s. Well maybe not, but the point is Jackson warmed white America to the idea of a black President.

And despite having a strained relationship with the American Government, who went into foreign land a few years back to successfully bring American hostages back home? Rhetorical question but let's shift the focus back to sports. Besides the Lebron issue, when Terrell Owens was ostracized by the Philadelphia Eagles and was suspended by the NFL, Jackson quickly supported him. His range of help is very available to all and any who are underprivileged or mis-treated.

Yet he continues to persevere and do what comes natural: stay active in the issues of the world and the country. Obviously he isn't doing this to be popular. In no way am I trying to convert any anti-Jesse Jackson people or critics, I just hate when people don't get a fair rap. If there's one thing that irritates me, it's when people are treated unfairly. One of the biggest formulas for injustice is hypocrisy and inconsistencies. And because I've had a chance to be around the man for an elongated amount of time, I believe the man to be genuine.

My father and I was fortunate enough to have been invited by the Jackson family to spend time with them in the summer of 1990. The plan was for my dad to co-write a project with the Reverend that ended up being scrapped. For up to three weeks all I recall was this man waking up living, breathing, and manifesting plans of action. His mentality was that of a leader and he took it very serious. Every problem he mentioned had nothing to do with him, but rather the problems of America and the underprivileged. Every story he reminisced at the dinner table or philosophical point he made was accompanied by a sense of history being made. Those scenes were definitely out of a movie, and you definitely felt the tension and pressure he had to deal with.

Considering this isn't that project my old man was working on and in fact my blog, I'll end now. I just felt compelled to shout out and recognize a person who I felt is unfairly vilified. One of my favorite lines from a movie comes from Christian Bale in "Batman Begins." He says, "It's not who I am but what I do that defines me." If we apply that quote to the Reverend, then he would be defined as a man of action and results.

THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: I DON'T NEED YOUR LOVE

By now I'm sure you're aware of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilberts diatribe following Lebron James announcement that he's going to play for the Miami Heat.

On surface level it may appear as courageous and honorable for those who advocated for Lebron to remain in Northeast Ohio. But if you step back and deconstruct the incendiary remarks made upon the hometown hero, it's nothing short of a borderline racist tantrum.

I could examine every line in Gilbert's statement and extrapolate venomous racist sentiment and undertoned suggestions. And before I note certain things that contradict Gilbert's enabling accusations, let's look at the facts.

From the moment Lebron commenced his professional career 7 yrs ago, James has been the ideal superstar. Not once has this young man (with all the weight of the world on his back and undeserved pressure) been involved in any nefarious behavior, actions or been arrested. If you want to be technical, the one little occurence James managed to get in was an indirect scuffle involving a friend of his and a jealous , former Cleveland Brown (Braylon Edwards).

Before he was drafted, I must admit that I pre-judged Lebron and wrote him off as a posse-having, Hip-Hop jersey wearing thug who could play ball. But those assumptions were short-lived and based on a then high-school kid who was just perpetuating trends (the jersey incident) and wanted to have a car just as nice as the rich kids who came from opulent households (the Hummer).

Ever since David Stern called his name to the stage as the first pick, and he stood before the world in a classy all-white suit, James has continued to do things the right and professional way despite encompassing mountain tops of scrutiny and pressure. From his first game against Sacramento when he put up veteran numbers (25/7/7), he was dubbed as "The Chosen One." And how prophetic that title would come to fruition, as all he did for 7 years was heal basketball fans in Cleveland that were starved for a winner, and then crucify him in the end.

Playing the part of Pontius Pilate of course is Dan Gilbert. Almost as soon as Lebron announced to the world his intent, Gilbert was on a mission to assasinate this man's character.To me, that's a direct indication that it was pre-meditated and a sneaky form of damage control. Naturally if one felt scorned by the decision, Gilbert took on the position as spokesman for the fans. But is it really that, or was he deflecting responsibility and blame for dropping the ball in keeping the city's Savior home?

If he was so critical and opinionated with Lebron's transgressions and behavior patterns (specifically "giving up in games 2,5,6") then why wasn't he more vulciferous during the playoff season? Gilbert sounds like a scorned lover and better yet a slave owner. A slave owner who lost his most profitable slave and his dramatic monologue was a national bounty. In my head, this was the implied meaning: "Dear bounty hunters, my best slave has escaped. I don't know what to do, but I want him back. Dead or Alive."

I believe it's partially that and genuine disappointment. But instead of taking the high road and saying something along the lines of "We tried our best to keep Lebron, but it didn't happen. We want to take this time right now to thank Lebron for all the years of service, memories, and economical contributions. We wish him the best." No, he sounded like a guy who had a wife that was out of his league, and when she decided to leave him, he was incensed because he knew inside he would never have a girl as fine, smart and sexy.

Gilberts words and actions did NOT come from a space of love. It came from a space of ownership, because if it came from love, you'd want that person to be happy even if it wasn't with you. But Gilbert isn't the only one to blame. Just like the original Pontius Pilate, he was pressured by the people.

And to blame the Cleveland fans as those "people" would be wrong. The "people" in this case is the national media, specifically ESPN. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm the ultimate Skip Bayless fan. I may not always agree with the man (but I do 80% of the time), but I always respect his angle because he has a method to his madness. But when I caught him and noted journalist Jackie McMullin slam Lebron on "1st and 10", I took it personally. Why? Because I'm intolerant of injustice, inconsistency and blatant contradiction.

The blatant contradiction in this case concerns all the pageantry surrounding Lebron's decision making process and the route he took. The route he took was to broadcast his decision via ESPN on primetime. How can you criticize this man for making his announcement in an unprecedented way when ESPN were the perpetrators and offered to pay this man to make said announcement? Hey Skip, criticize your boss (ESPN)!

It's like the movie "Little Shop of Horrors" starring Rick Moranis. In case you're not familiar, in this movie Moranis stumbled upon and decided to take care of a peculiar alien plant who could talk and eat. But the plant's hunger wasn't for insects or water, it was for human blood. Moranis knew murdering and feeding the plant Seamore was wrong, but he continued to do it anyway. Then one day the plant got to big for Moranis to control and even attempted to eat him. That's what were witnessing with the Lebron situation. Lebron started out as a small plant in 2008, and by the time 2010 came, this whole media frenzy concerning his decision became out of control.

I've heard so many things as Lebron being narcissitic and callous with his actions, but what was he supposed to do. The Baltimore Colts are infamous for packing up their belongings and sneaking off in the night of a Mayflower truck and Cleveland's own Art Modell left the city in a disloyal manner. At least Lebron had the decency and courtesy to be a man and announce his decision to the world. He didn't run!

Speaking of running, when the Cav's had their press conference to talk about Lebron's departure, the GM showed up as well as new coach Byron Scott. Most noticeably missing was the man who spewed so much venom on the man the night before. Say what you say about Lebron, but you can't say he isn't a standup guy. He ain't never scared! Mr. Gilbert, you said Lebron cowardly left town. I saw Lebron last night and today at Miami's player welcoming. I've got a blackberry, but like Boost-Mobile would ask, "Where you at?"

Decision Making Process

As time approaches for Lebron James to finally make a decision for which NBA's team he will commit his services, one can't help but get swept away in the unprecedented amount of media attention and hoopla surrounding this free-agent.

From a fan's stand-point, you get the feeling that you're witnessing history in the making. You sense that in 4-5 years you'll be asking your friend "Do you remember where you were when Lebron signed to----?" in either a proud or regretful tone. To his credit, ever since he entered the league the only thing Lebron has done is exceed expectations and conduct himself professionally. So why should this be any different? Most sports networks news have been dominated if not infatuated with Lebron conjecture. We're all witnesses, but what exactly is this 'history in the making' that were witnessing?

In a generation that is enjoying the pinnacle of an information age couple with the country's addiction to drama and theatre, Lebron came at the right time. America isn't a stranger to celebrating and putting celebrities on a pedestal, but these recent transgressions have become climatic.

Not since Michael Jordan was winning championships in Chicago have we seen an NBA stars' moves been this closely monitored. Granted MJ didn't live in the black and white television era and made one or two SportsCenter highlights, but even when Jordan signed those 1 year/$35 million contracts, it wasn't an event.

And tonight at 9 pm, that's clearly what it will be: an event. You can't be mad at Lebron for his off-court business savvy. The young man is very aware of his image and his brand. It's as if he mirrored the off-court moves of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan as well flashing images of them when he throw's a no-look pass or soars through the air for a punishing dunk. With alliances and partnerships with big corporations such as Nike, Vitamin Water, and State Farm to name a few, his brand will have no choice but to grow.

But imagine how global and opulent he could be with the on-court success. If you really trace the history of Magic and Mike, their off-the court success paralleled their success on the court. It seems like most athletes today (and rappers for the most part) are looking for gold the opposite way. They're "selling the sizzle and not the steak." Sometimes that smell can be too tempting and entices patrons to bite-pun intended.

Specifically, who are these patrons? You. Me. ESPN. The whole country for that matter. We're all trying to get a bite of that Lebron steak (*pause). We're hungry and demand to see what's next. Lebron has the supply and thus the control. The balls in his court and we're on his terms. You can't be mad at the player, only the game.