We all know Chris Webber is one of our favorites here at The Starting Five, so I wanted to give you a brief explanation why. Webb gives back. We all go through things when we are in our twenties, but he still took the time out to establish the Chris Webber Foundation with solid support from his family. I’ve met his parents and I have to tell you they are amazing people. His Dad is like every father should be: strong, supportive, funny, experienced and hard working. His Mother is what society’s vision of a mother is not, but should be: very intelligent, reticent in public until respectfully addressed, while definitely being infallible to anything seeking to tear her family down.

Read more »

The sweetest swing ever heads back to the American League(?)

I didn’t want to post this yet until the trade was finalized (players to be named as well), but if Junior accepts the trade (he had questions, but has since agreed) he’ll get his wish and play for a contender.

Read more »

One of the most misunderstood athletes of all time gives some words to our friend, Dave Zirin.

Washington’s talent was very unappreciated because of “the punch“

Former National Basketball Association player Kermit Washington has never asked for redemption. He’s lived it. It’s a tragedy of history that Washington is best known for what will forever be known as “the
punch.” On December 9 1977, the LA Lakers played the Houston Rockets. Washington, engaged in an on-court fracas, heard footsteps, turned, and threw a roundhouse fist. It connected with Rudy Tomjanovich, fracturing his face about 1/3 of an inch away from his skull and leaving the Rocket All-Star passed out in a pool of blood by half court.

Read more »

Most thought Ron would land with the Lakers

Our boy Ron Artest is getting his wish and is on the move:

The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey declined to comment.

Rookie forward Donte Greene, whom the Rockets acquired in a series of draft-night trades, will be included in the trade and is considered a key to the deal for the Kings. But because Greene signed July 14, he cannot be traded until Aug. 14 and the deal cannot be finalized or discussed publicly by team officials until Aug. 14.

The Rockets are also expected to acquire rookies Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary another player or players in the deal to make the money match, but both have partially guaranteed contracts and are likely to be released. The Rockets will also send the Kings roughly $1 million.

The Rockets had previously signed guard Brent Barry this month and are in talks to keep free agents Dikembe Mutombo and Carl Landry.

I think this trade should put to rest questions about Tracey McGrady being shipped elsewhere and is exactly what Houston needs.

There’s no question there’s been a soft as tissue paper element in Houston. They’ve had too much talent lately to get bounced so quickly in the playoffs. 20+ straight means nothing if you can’t do shit in the playoffs.

I still question the draft day trade a couple of years back that sent Shane Battier to Houston for Rudy Gay, but maybe this deal reconciles any questions of toughness.

Missed you at Webb’s this year Bobby Jax. Good luck to you brotha. You glad to go back home?

I might have a few minutes with Ron forthcoming…we’ll see.

All Day’s time to shine in Minny Nice

The Minnesota Vikings have alot to look forward to this year.

The NFC North (Norse, I love Chris Berman) Division is wide open and along with being the chic pick to shake up the league I really think we have a good team this year.

Let’s look at the division first:

Read more »

The biggest surprise of the Eagles training camp isn’t Lito Shephard and Brian Westbrook showing up despite their contract squabbles, but who isn’t there.

Offensive lineman Shawn Andrews has been a no-show at camp for “personal reasons” that have not been disclosed by Andrews or his agent. The Eagles can fine Andrews up to $15,000 for each day he misses. As of this moment, no fines have been issued.

Read more »

Welcome back to the position-by-position breakdown of the 2008 Philadelphia Eagles. Today we look at the Birds running game heading into the 2008 season.

Read more »