Athlete Weekly Rundown: Renardo Sidney in shape?, the taxman will be looking for Cliff Lee & Kevin Durant's humble nature

by Matthew Allinson 12-17-2010 08:21 PM

It was an exciting week. I interviewed former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker LaVar Arrington over the weekend. He is one of few former athletes who has his own radio and tv show, as well as his own newspaper column. He is cerebral, articulate, and incredibly engaging. During the in-depth interview at his house, we talked about his new sports apparel company, XTREME PROCISION, as well as his experiences in the NFL. He talked very openly with me about some of the mistakes he made and also shared a lot of wisdom about how the younger players can best make the transition to the League. I will be working on the first segment of the interview this weekend and hope to publish it soon.

I was also very pleased to bring on another new contributor this week. Sports attorney and adjunct professor Justin Sievert will be covering issues relating to NCAA student-athletes, in addition to providing commentary on general sports law issues. Check out his first column about Cam Newton and whether the NCAA got it right.

I am eager to see the one-of-a-kind talent and fellow Baltimore native Josh Selby in uniform tomorrow as he makes his collegiate debut for Kansas.

Athlete Development

Calling out the owner and your entire coaching staff is not advisable, at least if you want to return the next season. [Terrell Owens blames Bengals coaches]

I can't help but feel sad for Yao, as his career may be in jeopardy and he hasn't even had the opportunity to realize his full potential on the court. [Yao out for season with stress fracture]

Using motivational tactics to incentivize defense (i.e. free reign on offense) has sparked the most dominant winning streak in the Miami Heat's franchise history. [Heat Coach Fills Defense With Incentives]

It's scary to think that we probably still haven't seen Usain Bolt run his fastest yet. [Usain Bolt's coach believes sprinter could peak in 2012]

No wonder Jordan Hamilton is on a tear for the Longhorns. He spent the summer working out with Ron Artest and Lamar Odom. [Jordan Hamilton Q + A]

Do you think the Mississippi State strength and conditioning coaches will have Renardo Sidney in shape and ready to go for his collegiate debut? I sure hope so with all the hype. [All about the SEC: Sidney’s start]

Business

More CBA talks and comments from Stern and Hunter about the two sides being on a crash-collision course. [No Overlap in Labor Talks Spells Trouble for N.B.A.]

"The List" that contains the names of roughly 100 MLB players who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003 will finally be destroyed. [After Six Years, Union Prevails in Battle Over Seized Drug Tests]
The tax implications of Cliff Lee's new mega-deal. [Taxman Will Be Big Fan of Lee]

More on Cliff Lee's deal and the $30 million he left on the table. [Big deal: Cliff Lee says $120 million was enough]

Human Relations

Will Villanova’s Matt Szczur opt to play professional baseball or football? What a great problem to have! But his selfless act to donate his bone-marrow to a 13-month-old-girl with childhood leukemia far outweighs this two-sport athlete's feats on the diamond and field. [Two Sports, One Big Choice]
Another incredible story. Rowen University senior defensive end Warren Matt Hoffman donated his stem cells to save a 59-year-old cancer patient's life. [Lineman Steps Out of the Trenches to Save a Stranger’s Life]
Kevin Durant is not only a superstar, but he is one of the most humble pro athletes out there. [Kevin Durant Named USA Basketball Male Athlete Of The Year]

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