Dog Fight-aholic?

Even though it seems every angle has been wrung out the Michael Vick story that can be, there actually is one that's being missed; the nature of addiction. Setting aside (just briefly), the horrific nature of what is going on...studies of addiction...even those that don't involve substance abuse...show a change in brain cells. It's basic. We're wired to attach to pleasure and avoid pain. Over time, the mind adjusts to the high (gambling, etc) to the point that withdrawal is as painful as drugs. Vick admits he has been following dog fights since he was nine years old. That's a long time for the pleasure to become ingrained. He has gotten a rush from it through his formative teen years and all his adult years.

So the argument isn't is he sincere when he says he will never do anything like this again. All addicts say it and mean it. But we all know of people, perhaps intimately, who had every reason to quit...it was ruining their lives....and yet they couldn't. An example is Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. A man who became a folk hero for overcoming terrible addiction. throwing away a multi-million dollar career...then getting it back. Only to be at a bar in January, get drunk with pictures that make the internet. It's a slip. Not the end of his recovery. And not to suggest Michael Vick can't make a recovery from his addiction. But just making a conscious decision to change; even recognizing what's at stake isn't enough. If it were....there would be no need for 12 step meetings. If Vick isn't being couseled as an addict...the lust will still be there. A part of him can see the error of his ways...even sympathize with the animals. But a more powerful part of him still has lust for "the game". He may avoid it until his playing career is over. But it will never fully go away. Knowing you have a problem is indeed half the battle. If you know and accept exactly what that problem is.

The Fickle Finger

Never an off season for news about the Lakers.

Pau Gasol suffered a broken left middle finger practicing with the Spanish National Team. He's had surgery and is out for three weeks.

That's his non-shooting hand. And, except for walking around New York, you can get by without the use of your middle finger.

Jose Cuervo, You Were a Friend of Mine

Titans running back LenDale White dropped 30 pounds in the off season. And he did it with the "Tequila Diet". Now before you get your hopes up...he QUIT drinking Tequila. The former USC star admits he loved slam 'em down but went on the wagon and is now a svelte 229 pounds.

When you are drinking so much tequila that it adds thirty pounds to your frame...your problem might not be diet.

Oh Roy, Oh Roy. Are You The Answer

With the bidding reaching stimulus proportions for Toronto pitcher Roy Halliday...just one thing that hasn't been talked about. We know he's a great pitcher in the regular season. But what if he's not one in the post season? Lots of Hall of Famers couldn't duplicate their success in the post season.

Not saying he would be a bust. But there is no way to tell if he is one of those who raises his game along with everyone else. He's never pitched in the post season. And being the star pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays is practically baseball's equivilent of the witness protection program. What if a team mortgages the future for "Doc" and it turns out he doesn't flourish under the microscope of the big games?

Just wondering.

Remember The Alamo (City)

While the eyes of the Lakers Nation have been soley fixed on the Lamar Odom-Lakers impassee, the Spurs have been quietly putting together a team for one last hurrah. They did make some news with the trade for free agent small forward Richard Jefferson. He's a multi talented, inside-outside threat. Althought he made more news for leaving his fiancee at the altar on their wedding day. But he is a significant upgrade on a team that still boasts three superstars...when healthy. (Just get him to the game on time).

They did have to give up two back up big men and Bruce Bowen, a guard who has given Kobe Bryant more problems than most. But in the last few weeks, they have acquired Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff. No longer elite big men but still an upgrade that can counter the Lakers' depth with Lamar. Without him...they are better. And the word is the Bucks will cut Bowen in training camp in a salary cap move and he will be back in San Antone. Throw in Roger Mason who was acquired last year. And who turned out to be instant offense off the bench..(something the Lakers thought they had in Sasha Vujacic but didn't) and the Spurs only worry is the health of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli. With word Lamar is leaning toward the Heat and Lakers owner Jerry Buss stubornly refuses to negotiate with Odom beause he dared to examine other offers... and the Lakers new dynasty could be one and done.

Ooops

One of the most dramatic home runs in Dodgers' history. But a lot of TV viewers apparently missed it. Reports that the Time Warner broadcast on the West Side and in the Valley had a major glitch. With Manny Ramirez coming to plate to pinch hit in the sixth....bases loaded....2-2 tie with the Reds....the picture froze. They cut to commercial. And came back for the celebration of Manny's grand slam home run.

We are efforting a reaction from the cable company.

They said they would call us back sometime today between nine and five. But we have to stay right by the phone.

Welcome Back

Mark Madsen... a popular Laker earlier in this decade...is coming home. But to the Clippers. Madsen one of three Minnesota players sent to the Clips for guard Quentin Richardson.
But look on the bright side, Mark. You'll never have to worry about embarrassing your self again in a championship celebration with a goofy dance.