Steve McNair

In the late 90’s Steve McNair was my favorite quarterback because of his toughness and his ability to make the big play. I also respected the fact that although he went to Alcorn State, a school in Division II, he made the best of his opportunity and not only made it to the NFL but shared a piece of the MVP trophy. The nature of his death, being shot twice in the head and twice in the chest, was a total shock because he was never known as a troublemaker on or off the field. He had a legitimate reputation of being a man committed to his family and community. I won’t speculate or pass judgment on the facts surrounding his death, but I will say that his family and supporters are in my thoughts and prayers.

Michael Jackson’s life was a mystery and his death is currently a mystery. It’s hard to believe that he’s dead. At first I though it was an awful joke, but when News Hour with Jim Lehrer confirmed that he was dead, I knew the report was legit. Excluding the crazy behavior and allegations, Jackson’s music and dance moves are legendary. If you don’t believe me, simply listen to the “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” albums and watch his segment at the Motown 25 show were he introduced the moonwalk – simply amazing.

Newest Birds

The NBA Draft was last night and the Atlanta Hawks drafted Wake Forest sophomore point Jeff Teague with the nineteenth pick in the NBA draft. Teague averaged 18.8 points per game during his sophomore campaign, shooting 49% from the field and led the Demon Deacons in assist (110), steals (58), three point percentage (44%) and free throw percentage (82%). Teague is known for his tremendous speed in transition and his ability to create his own shot. He’s a bit undersized for the pro game – 6’1 and 178 pounds, but his 19 years old, so he may grow and definitely bulk up. Additionally, scouts say that Teague is not your "classic" point guard, and I worry his selection will turn into another Acie Law IV who also wasn't a "classic" point guard, but lacked the size and skills to play the two guard. The Hawks also drafted Ukrainian shooting guard Sergiy Gladyr in the second round.

In addition to the above draftees, the Birds traded second year man Acie Law IV and Not-so-Speedy Claxton to the Golden State Warriors for eight year veteran guard Jamal Crawford, who averaged 19.7 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 4.4 APG. The acquisition of Crawford should provide Joe Johnson with some offensive help.

Vick is Free to Move

Late last week the Atlanta Falcons released former quarterback Michael Vick. As a result, the Birds take a $7.1 million salary cap hit but forever free them from the Michael Vick experience. The release allows both Vick and the Falcons an opportunity to move on with their respective lives. Vick can now seek reemployment elsewhere, while Atlanta is free from any and all controversy surrounding Michael Vick. The team did the right thing in cutting him because it was pretty evident that he’d never play for the team again and as long as he’s suspended, no NFL team wants to gamble on a trade for him, especially considering his high salary and baggage.

Vick benefits from the release because now he’s not under contract, so if he wants to play in the Canadian Football League, join the upstart United States Football League, or play the waiting game for an opportunity at NFL reinstatement, he can do so without worrying that the Falcons would prohibit his actions.

Wonder Bread Marries

Dr. Smiles and I travelled up I-85N to the Charlotte, North Carolina for a weekend getaway in the Queen City to witness my former roommate Wonder Bread get married. The entire affair was lovely. We wish Wonder Bread and his bridenothing but continued happiness as they embark on their new life together.

Lake Nottley

In early June Dr. Smiles and I travelled to Lake Nottley with our friends and their family. Lake Nottley is located in north Georgia, and it’s beautifully situated between lush forest and mountains. The water’s warm and everyone seemed friendly. This was my first time staying at a lake house and participating in lake activities. We rode jet skies, went tubing, and went on a sunset dinner cruise. The stay at the lake house was relaxing and refreshing.

Mutual Users

Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society started that his organization will provide Michael Vick with a platform to speak out against dog-fighting. Pacelle stated, “We’re using Mike Vick. We’re both using each other. We have an agenda to eradicate dog-fighting in America. He can be a valuable instrument in that. If he can demonstrate that he’s a changed person, good for him.”

Hopefully, both Vick and the Humane Society will find the relationship mutually beneficial. Vick needs a forum to show that he’s a changed man, while the Humane Society needs a spokesman that connects with individuals who may consider dog-fighting.

Obama Nominates Sotomayor

Earlier today President Barack Obama announced that he will nominated federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United Supreme Court. Obama described Sotomayor as “an inspiring woman” with “a rigorous intellect” and “a mastery of the law.” If the Senate Judiciary Committee confirms Sotomayor, then she will be the first (1st) Hispanic on the high court, and the third (3rd) woman overall.

Sotomayor received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and her law degree from Yale Law School, where she was editor of the Yale Law Journal. She’s worked in the district attorney’s office in New York and has private practice experience. President George H.W. Bush nominated her in 1991 to the federal district court and President Bill Clinton promoted her to the appeals court in 1997.

I’m not familiar with any of Sotomayor’s rulings; however, I agree with former Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, who once stated, “the life of the law has not been logic, it has been experience.” Moreover, I agree with President Obama’s belief that it is important that the Supreme Court Justices know “how the [real] world works, and how ordinary people live.” Throughout law school and private practice, I’ve read enough Supreme Court decisions to realize that sometimes this is not always the case.

No Extension for Woodson

I’ve been a harsh critic of Mike Woodson, the coach of the Atlanta Hawks because I think the Birds have not developed as much as they should have. The team is very inconsistent, especially away from the Highlight Factory and Josh Smith is still as erratic as ever. To Woodson’s credit, he’s coached the team to steady improvement – 13, 26, 30, 37, and 47 respective wins. He’s lead the Birds to the playoffs the past two (2) years and he’s developed Joe Johnson into a repeat all-star. Earlier in the week the Hawks organization decided not to extend Woodson’s contract. As such, he enters next season in the final year of his contract. It’s either sink or swim for Woodson this coming season – coach the team to consistency and develop the players or the organization will be looking for a new coach.

Draft’s Almost Here

The Atlanta Hawks have the nineteenth (19) overall pick in the NBA draft. This is a step up from last season when we didn’t have a first round pick. The Hawks have immediate needs for a point guard and center. Unfortunately, whomever the Hawks pick at nineteen (19) probably will not be an immediate impact player just based on the fact that eighteen (18) other teams passed on him. I hope I’m wrong. Based on the Hawks need, the Birds should consider drafting anyone of the following:

Jeff Teague: 6’2, 180 pounds, 18.8 PPG, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds. Scouts say that Teague is not your “classic” point guard that distributes the ball; he’s a scorer that can create his own shot.

Ty Lawson: 5’11, 195 pounds, 16.6 PPG, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds. Scouts say that Lawson is “classic” point guard who is fast with good ball-handling skills and he’s a proven winner (see 2008-09 national championship).

B.J. Mullens: 7’0, 260 pounds, 8.8 PPG, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 blocks. Scouts say that Mullens is a “true” center with a good combination of size, athleticism, hands and natural instincts.

Jeff Teague: 6’2, 180 pounds, 18.8 PPG, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds. Scouts say that Teague is not your “classic” point guard that distributes the ball; he’s a scorer that can create his own shot.

Atlanta’s ultimate choice will depend on what they do in free agency. As the Birds disparately need a point guard with good vision and the ability to distribute the ball, I’d select Ty Lawson.

Powell's Right, Cheney / Limbaugh Wrong

I’m not a Republican, but I believe there is place in American politics for the Republican Party. America society benefits from the intellectual debates between the Democratic and Republican Parties and the subsequent application of laws and policies that develop from those discussions. I normally don’t follow the internal squabbles of the Republicans, but I think the view of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a more moderate Republican Party, sounds more appealing than Republican Party suggested by former Vice President Dick Cheney and radio personality Rush Limbaugh. The view of Cheney and Limbaugh comes across as offensive to minorities and closed-minded. Not all Muslims are terrorist, not all Hispanics are illegal, and not all Blacks are criminals. Moreover, their personalities and proposed policies are divisive and reckless, especially their comments suggesting that Democrats and supporters of Obama are mindless, ignorant, and un-American. Lastly, just saying "no" and suggesting recycled policies put forward by former President George W. Bush is not a vaiable policy for American success.