by Jim LitkeAssociated Press Writer (AP)—Why stop with “Los Suns?” For all the marketing schemes pro sports leagues have tried to woo Latinos in recent years, none probably resonated more powerfully with the target audience than the Phoenix Suns’ decision to wear their “Los Suns” jerseys for Game 2 of their NBA playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs last week. The Suns have won six playoff games in a row, a franchise record, dispatching their longtime nemesis San Antonio with a four-game sweep to advance to the Western Conference finals. UPSTART SUNS—Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire (1) wears a “Los Suns” jersey during the first quarter of Game 2 of their NBA second-round playoff basketball series against the San Antonio Spurs May 5, in Phoenix.
by Tim DahlbergAssociated Press Writer (AP)—Manny Pacquiao was counting votes early Tuesday, and seemed happy. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was counting money, and had to be equally happy. “There’s a reason they call him Money Mayweather,” Mayweather’s manager, Leonard Ellerbe, said. “He’s winding up making $40 million for his night’s work.” Indeed, Mayweather’s mood was brightened by the unofficial tally showing 1.4 million people paid to watch him dominate Shane Mosley, which Ellerbe said meant his payday would be almost double the $22.5 million he was guaranteed for the fight.
In the not too distant past, newly hired Rutgers basketball coach Mike Rice (formerly of Robert Morris) and current Michigan football coach Rich Rodriguez (formerly of the West Virginia University Mountaineers), left their universities holding the bag. To say that these men exemplify the legal jargon “breach of contract” would be quite an understatement. Both coaches bolted with quickness from their schools, players and fans without any true remorse or emotion. There were also no discernible penalties assessed on either coach by the NCAA. Is that a tad weird or what? If coaches are permitted to do what is best for their families and their careers then why are student-athletes competing under the umbrella of the NCAA forced to sit out a year if they decide to transfer to another school.
A recent study was done on the disparities of girls’ sports in the city so we asked Pittsburghers what they thought. Here’s what you said. No. Even when I was in school uniforms weren’t updated as often. The games weren’t put in the same type of facilities, smaller, less costly facilities. People need to speak up about it. I think it’s probably gone on since the ’50s when maybe there weren’t as many women playing sports. ”Erica PicketPoint BreezeOutreach worker Erica Picket, Ashtin Harris, Jamar Reeves
by Tom WithersAssociated Press Writer CLEVELAND (AP)—NBA commissioner David Stern knows Cleveland fans are anxious about this summer and LeBron James’ pending free agency. He is rooting for the same outcome as Cavaliers fans. “Hopefully he’ll stay,” Stern said May 3 before Game 2 between Cleveland and Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals. “That’s the way the system is designed.” Stern helped negotiate the current collective bargaining agreement, which provides teams the ability to pay more and add an extra year for their own free agents. Stern is hopeful that will allow teams such as Cleveland to retain its stars. TWO IN A ROW—NBA Commissioner David Stern, left, presents the NBA MVP trophy to Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James before Game 2 against the Boston Celtics in the second round of an NBA basketball playoff series May 3, in Cleveland.
by Tim DahlbergAssociate Press Writer LAS VEGAS (AP)—Floyd Mayweather Jr. is usually content to just win a fight. This time, though, Money Mayweather wanted to earn his cash. Fighting more aggressively than usual, Mayweather overcame a near knockdown in the second round Saturday night to dominate the rest of the way and win a lopsided 12-round decision over Shane Mosley in their welterweight showdown. “I wanted to give the fans what they wanted to see, a toe-to-toe battle,” Mayweather said. “It wasn’t the same style for me but I wanted to be aggressive and I knew I could do it.” MASTERFUL PERFORMANCE—“Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather Jr., right, connects against “Sugar” Shane Mosley during their WBA welterweight boxing match May 1, in Las Vegas.
Come and listen to my story ’bout a man named Jed, poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed, then one day he was shootin’ at some food and up through the ground came a bubbling crude oil, that is, Texas tea, black gold. First thing you know, old Jed’s a millionaire, friends said, Jed, move away from here. Said that California was the place he ought to be. So he loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly, Hills, that is, swimming pools and movie stars. (Lyrics the theme from ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’) There are many words that have been written about the “bad conduct” of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Even though the conduct of Roethlisberger should not be recommended to any young athlete or non-athlete, his alleged misdeeds were not life-threatening to Big Ben or those who were allegedly victimized by him.
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Eminem mentions Ben Roethlisberger in his latest song: “Despicable.” The million-selling rapper refers to the Steelers’ troubled quarterback in explicit lyrics and with the lines, “I’d rather turn this club into a bar room brawl. Get as rowdy as Roethlisberger in a bathroom stall.”
An off season that began with the Steelers missing the playoffs. Trading Super Bowl MVP receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets and franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger getting suspended for six games by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Many fans could understand why the Steelers were looking forward to pouncing on this year’s draft. ANTONIO BROWN The Steelers entered the draft needing help on the offensive line. A line that had allowed nearly 150 quarterback sacks over the last three seasons. Filling their most pressing need, the Steelers selected center/guard LaShawn Maurkice Pouncey, who is 6-5, 305 pounds, from Florida with the 18th pick overall. Pouncey earned All-American honors and also won the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation’s top center.
“Ace” is the name that he most answers to but his full name is Averill Pippens. However, he is recognized by numerous other titles. Son, dad, brother, coach…Now that includes football coach Ace, basketball coach Ace, baseball coach Ace, and AAU Coach Ace…well, you get my point. ‘ACE’ PIPPENS But let’s start at the beginning. An Oliver High School grad and star triple-threat athlete in football, basketball and baseball he was a star in track too, but it sounds so much cooler when you say triple-threat. Pippens was named to the All-City Baseball Team, Kenny Durrett High School All-Star Basketball Classic and received the Distinguished Athlete of the Year award from the U.S. Marine Corps., among many other awards.
