We brought on Former Major League baseball player Buddy Biancalana (starting shortstop on the 1985 World Series champion Kansas City Royals squad) and his business partner Steven Yellin of PMPM Sports to provide their insight about motion in sports and zone training on Access Athletes. Be sure to check out their first column. We will be adding several new expert contributors in the coming weeks.
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of having lunch with legendary Baltimore Colts running back Tom Matte. He was voted one of the top-10 most versatile players in NFL history. The guy did everything on the field, including filling in as an emergency quarterback when Johnny Unitas and Gary Cuozzo went down with season-ending injuries. In fact, Colts head coach Don Shula put a list of plays on a wristband that Matte wore during those games, which is now on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was incredible hearing his stories about playing under Woody Hayes at The Ohio State University, as well as his tremendous feats during his 12-year NFL career and two Super Bowl appearances.
Human Relations expert, Dr. Tim Thompson, had an excellent commentary this week about pro athletes and infidelity. We will also be posting a commentary about Cam Newton tomorrow prior to the Heisman Trophy Presentation.
Athlete Development
- Charlotte Bobcats Gerald Wallace questions his teammate D.J. Augustin and his leadership abilities. Calling out your point guard in the media may be motivational, but it also may backfire and result in turmoil. [Key players ask: What saves season?]
- Will Blake Griffin end up being another casualty of the Los Angeles Clippers' dysfunction or will he be the franchise-saving player they have desperately needed for years? [Lakers give Griffin his Clippers initiation]
- As a top athlete, you're always under a microscope and you need to be vigilant of your actions even when you're on the bench. Lesson = Don't laugh when your team is getting killed, especially when you're the leader of the team. If you give them fodder, the media will report it. [Was ESPN fair to Derek Anderson?]
Business
- More on LeBron James' new $9 million, 12,000-square-foot mansion. [LeBron James buys Miami mansion]
- Certain high-profile athletes are trademarking their names, nicknames, and even catchphrases to capitalize on their fame and maximize their earnings during their playing careers. [Sports Stars Seek Profit in Catchphrases]
- The NFLPA and NBPA will have to win the support of a fan base that has grown increasingly tired of their members' so-called plight. [In Trying Times, Sympathy Is a Tough Sell]
- Keith Fitzhugh opts for stable employment as a railroad conductor over an NFL contract. [With his family in mind, safety Keith Fitzhugh turns down Jets]
Human Relations
- Rony Seikaly, who made a name for himself with his low-post moves, is pursuing his passion for underground music and working the crowd. [Former N.B.A. Center Plays to a Different Crowd]
- Great story by ESPN's Dana O'neil about Duke's Kyrie Irving and his friendship with Jeremiah Green as they stand by one another through basketball journeys. [Divergent paths, but a shared journey]
- I'm not sure how much credence you can give to Garnett's latest cancer-related apology. It seems like he may be overcompensating for his earlier run-in with Villanueva. [Kevin Garnett tells George Karl he loves cancer patients]
- Even if you're a McDonald's All-American, you are still accountable for your actions. [JayVaughn Pinkston out for season]
