Popeye Jones son is No. 1 hockey prospect
Future
When Jay-Z sits courtside at Brooklyn Nets games, he is only a few feet away from Popeye Jones. Now comes word that the two could get closer. Seth Jones, Popeye’s hockey-playing son, is the latest high-profile athlete that Jay-Z would like to sign for Roc Nation Sports.
Seth is certainly a top prize. He is enormously athletic and skilled and is likely the overall #1 pick in the NHL Draft on June 30 at the Prudential Center in Newark. He could also become hockey’s first African-American “crossover star” and with some careful marketing and promotion lead to a new audience for the sport. As one writer noted, the combination could make hockey “cool” again after its season was devastated by a long lockout.
All three of Jones sons took up hockey when he was playing for the Nuggets and the family lived in the Denver suburbs.
“All of the kids played street hockey. When it got cold, all the kids said they were going inside to play ice hockey,” the dad said. “Just being a sports guy, growing up playing basketball, football and baseball, it didn’t matter what sport they played. Sports are meant to be fun. Kids learn camaraderie and teamwork and stuff like that.”
It helped that the Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche shared a weight room, and the elder Jones received advice from Avalanche captain Joe Sakic. Seth quickly became a standout. This season, he led the United States to the World Junior Championship in Russia was officially named the No. 1 North American prospect for the National Hockey League
Jay-Z has already signed Robinson Cano and has been linked to Victor Cruz, Nerlens Noel and now Jones.
Stephen Curry confronts fan after game
Stephen Curry confronted a fan following the Golden State Warriors 107-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Curry had a poor shooting night going 7-for-19 and 1-of-7 on threes, giving him 15 points in the loss.
Nuggets mascot Rocky gets revenge on Russell Westbrook
Block This
Back on January 20, we posted the report of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook blocking Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky’s half court shot twice to rob fans queso and burrito. The Thunder returned to Denver and Rocky took precautionary measures to prevent the incident from a repeat. In order to remove Russell from the premises while Rocky takes his shot, the mascot barricaded half of the basketball court with security guards and children.
Russell Westbrook blocks Denver Nuggets mascot
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard went up and grabbed both of Denver Nuggets mascot Rocky’s half-court heaves during a timeout in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. This is a huge problem because fans apparently get free queso from burrito chain Qdoba when Rocky makes a shot. The Nuggets prevailed 121-118 in overtime, even as Russell Westbrook finished with 36 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
Kobe Bryant High Fives Justin Timberlake
After hitting the game-clinching shot in game seven of the Los Angeles Lakers-Denver Nuggets playoff series, Kobe Bryant decided to high-five singer/actor Justin Timberlake who returns the favor.
Chris Andersen’s Home Searched For Internet Crimes Against Children
Tool
Denver Nuggets reserve center Chris “Birdman” Andersen has been excused indefinitely from all team-related activities after Douglas County sheriff’s deputies searched his home Thursday as part of an investigation by the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children unit.
The team issued a statement saying Andersen has been “excused from all team-related activities indefinitely as he deals with the reported investigation” and declined further comment.
Sheriff’s spokesman Ron Hanavan confirmed that the search took place Thursday. Andersen has not been arrested. The department began investigating Andersen in February after receiving information from a law enforcement agency in California.
“He did cooperate. He spoke with deputies,” sheriff’s spokesperson said.
The unit investigating Andersen investigates child porn, Internet luring, child predators and child pornography.
The sheriff’s office said it recovered property from Andersen’s home that investigators believe is connected with the case. Sherman said items typically seized by the unit include computers, hard drives, and thumb drives, though she said she could not provide details on what items were seized from Andersen’s home, citing the ongoing investigation.
Deputies requested that the search warrant application filed in court be sealed because of the ongoing investigation.
“For me right now, I think I’m at a stage where I don’t know enough information,” Nuggets coach George Karl said before Thursday night’s game. “I think we all were advised probably not to talk about it until we know the information. The only thing I will say is I trust Chris. In my years with him, he’s been fantastic. I think he’s really grown as a person. We’re going to support him and stand by him.”
Los Angeles Lakers Upset Denver Nuggets Used Laptop During Timeout
Keep Jeremiah Masoli Away
The typical image associated with a huddle as fewer than 20 seconds remain on the clock includes a coach laying out the framework for the next few possessions on a dry-erase board.
In their series-extending 102-99 Game 5 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, it was assumed the Denver Nuggets took that idea and made it more modern by using an assistant’s laptop as they clung to a 99-96 lead with 19.9 seconds left.
The Lakers are upset with the Nuggets use of a laptop in the huddle, the Los Angeles Times reports. Nuggets coach George Karl said the team did not use a laptop in their Tuesday win. However, he did say his staff keeps a computer on hand.
“We have all of their end-of-game plays on a laptop,” Karl said. “Now, we didn’t use it last night. But you’re allowed to have a laptop, according to what our memo said. You’re allowed to bring scouting preparation information on a laptop.”
A Los Angeles Times report said the Nuggets could receive a fine up to $250,000 for the action.
Jordan Hill Charged With Felony Assault
Doesn't Sound Good
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill has been charged with felony assault for allegedly choking Darlene Luna, a former girlfriend, back on February 29, Lakers acquired Hill from the Houston Rockets in a trade for Derek Fisher on March 15. If convicted, Hill could be sentenced for up to 10 years in prison.
The charge was filed by the Harris County District Attorney in Houston. Court documents say Hill had paid the woman’s airfare to come to Houston from Florida. According to an interview she did with an investigator, she said the two were sitting on a couch “discussing their future and then they argued.”
“She stated she threw the defendant’s two cell phones to the floor and defendant became angry and began to strike her in the legs with his fists.”
“Then the defendant grabbed her and pulled her off the couch and dragged her over to where the phones were and threw her against a wall,” the complaint says. “He demanded that she pick up his phones and then pulled her up by her right arm, argued and while she was turned away from him, he reached around her neck from behind and pulled her up and into his body. She stated that the defendant put her into a choke hold and her neck was in the bend of his elbow and the defendant’s action caused restriction to her breathing causing her to gasp for air.”
She said she told Hill she wanted to go home and he booked a flight on his computer and told her if she wanted to go, to hit “enter.” She did.
The complaint says a friend picked her up and noticed bruises, and photos show bruises to the legs.
Hill played a limited role in seven regular-season games since being traded to the Lakers, averaging 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds over 11.7 minutes per game. But he played a big part in the L.A.’s Game 1 win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, going 24 minutes for 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks.
George Karl Wears FC Barcelona Jersey In Tribute To Ricky Rubio
If It Ain't A Lionel Messi, You Ain't Rockin It Right
Minnesota Timberwolves lost guard and Spain sensation Ricky Rubio for the season when he collided knees with Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant causing him to tear an ACL. The league knowing how good of a player he is took to Twitter to wish for a speedy recovery and best wishes in rehab.
Everyone from Dwyane Wade, Stephen Curry, Pau Gasol, Kevin Love sent out wishes and now Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl decided to meet with reporters donning an FC Barcelona jersey to show his support for Rubio.
The injury also hinders any serious chance Rubio to play for Spain in the 2012 London Olympics.
Portland Trail Blazers Players Want Nate McMillan Fired
Outlook Not Good
Reports out of Portland is that players on the Trail Blazers roster are in a mini revolt because they want head coach Nate McMillan fired. Their recent performance against the Boston Celtics in which they were losing by 37 points at halftime.
Sources close to the situation say that McMillan has lost the locker room. According to one source, there’s a growing number of players who would like to see McMillan fired, with assistant coach Bernie Bickerstaff taking over as interim head coach. Bickerstaff has coached the Seattle SuperSonics, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards and Charlotte Bobcats, accumulating 414 wins throughout his career.
The players aren’t the only ones who are questioning McMillan. Sources within the organization have criticized the coach’s rotations and in-game adjustments.
Kyrie Irving Goes Coast To Coast For Game Winner
Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving went coast to coast to hit a driving layup with four seconds left to cap a seesaw battle with the Denver Nuggets to beat them 100-99 on Wednesday night.
Irving scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, all in the last 2:36 of the game, and Antawn Jamison had 33 to help the Cavaliers snap a six-game skid.
Tim Duncan Forever Links Birdman
Denver Nuggets Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen is absolutely one of the worst players in the NBA but that didn’t stop San Antonio Spurs Tim Duncan from turning back the clock and utterly embarrassing the Pigeon.
Blake Griffin Flys Over The Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, reigning Sprite Slam Dunk champion, decided to give the NBA a dunk a to talk about heading into the festivities. Griffin flew over half of the Denver Nuggets in the middle of the third quarter.
Funny that Timofey Mozgov was in the house.
Kenyon Martin Says George Karl Needs To Shut His Mouth
What's Nene Lips Doing On Your Neck
The NBA careers of Kenyon Martin and Tracy McGrady are on the downside. But while the two no longer can dominate a game they still know how to rip a coach.
Martin, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, is angry with his former Denver Nuggets coach, George Karl. Martin, just back from a stint in China, says Karl has continued to unfairly characterize Carmelo Anthony as being a selfish player while he was in Denver.
Said Martin to SI.com:
“Man, listen, George needs to keep his mouth shut, first and foremost. Melo don’t play there no more. So Karl shouldn’t be commenting on Melo. If George was such a great coach, then Melo would want to stay. He wouldn’t want to leave.
“If the organization was ran right, he wouldn’t want to leave, so it ain’t Melo. With Melo, not one time when he was there did he bring that in the locker room when all that stuff was going on. Not one day. Everybody made it a bigger deal than it had to be. That’s a good kid.
“They act like this kid was a cancer, like he came in there and destroyed the locker room and made everybody hate him. No, it wasn’t nothing like that man. And it bothers me for people to be talking about how he’s a selfish player and he has to defend himself.”
After playing sparingly in a Saturday loss to Portland Trail Blazers, McGrady’s issue is with his current coach, Atlanta Hawks Larry Drew.
In profanity-laced comments to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, McGrady said he was fed up with being left on the bench.
“I’m tired of this shit,” McGrady said. “You can put that in the paper, I don’t give a fuck.”
The two-time NBA scoring champion and seven-time All-Star added that: “If you don’t feel I can help, come tell me that . . . He ain’t told me nothing. I just want to help these guys win, man, which I know I can. But, damn, four minutes?”
JR Smith’s Sister In Second Altercation In China
Check Yourself Before Your Wreck Yourself
Former Denver Nuggets J.R. Smith, who is currently in China playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, has more issues involving his sister, Stephanie Smith. The shooting guard’s sister was reportedly involved in another altercation involving Chinese fans during one of his games.
J.R.’s team faced off against the Tianjin Ronggang Golden Lions, fans were allegedly heckling the New Jersey native as he shot free throws. Along with the heckling, Thunderstix were reportedly thrown onto the court, which led to J.R.’s girlfriend Britanie Girard getting into a shoving match with Tianjin fans, while J’R's sister showed them the middle finger.
She’s no stranger to conflict regarding Chinese onlookers, in a previous situation which we posted on January 12, his sister threw a bottle onto the court, then proceeded to choke a woman, and shove an 80 year old man.
J.R. Smith’s Sister Chokes A Woman During Game In China
Choke That Witch
Details are still sketchy, but it appears that Stephanie Smith, the sister of former Denver Nugget, J.R. Smith choked a woman and shoved an 80-year old man during Smith’s game. J.R.’s team, the Zhejiang Golden Bulls,were playing against the Bayi Rockets and Smith was fouled but didn’t get the call, his sister flew into a rage and threw a bottle onto the court.
From there, things are unclear but photos show his sister in some sort of altercation with a woman in the stands. A few upset Bayi fans also interfered with Smith’s team ability to depart following the incident, demanding an apology from the Smith family.
Bayi Rockets is the same team that had a brawl last summer with the Georgetown University basketball team.
Denver Nuggets Kenneth Faried Gets First NBA Points In Style
Denver Nuggets rookie Kenneth Faried got his first NBA points in style last night, finishing the globetrotters like over the back lob from Rudy Fernandez in the team’s 100-83 drubbing of the Sacramento Kings.
Sean Williams Pukes On Himself
Dallas Mavericks forward Sean Williams has spent the last two years away from the NBA in the D-League and got his first minutes of action last night against the Denver Nuggets. Williams scored 12 points but also puked on himself.
Chris Andersen Joins PETA’S Ink Not Mink Campaign
Tool
Denver Nuggets forward Chris ‘The Birdman’ Andersen has hopped on the anti-fur campaign, joining up with the PETA folks for their ‘Ink Not Mink’ campaign. He joins tattooed professional athletes from around the country who have joined the movement: ‘Be Comfortable in Your Own Skin, and Let Animals Keep Theirs.’
“‘Be aware of what was really going on behind the scenes, and tell your friends and your family members … not to purchase fur, says Anderson.”
Andersen visited a Denver area homeless shelter to distribute donated fur coats to the homeless, which a PETA news release argues are “the only people who have any excuse for wearing fur.”
MillerCoors Tells NBA Teams No Play, No Pay
Piss Poor Beer Anyway
The NBA and its players have reached a tentative deal to end the lockout. But team sponsors aren’t ready to pony up quite yet. Despite the deal, MillerCoors is still withholding payments from 11 NBA teams it sponsors, including the world champion Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, says spokesman Pete Marino.
The maker of beers such as Miller Lite and Coors Light has sponsorship deals in place with 11 NBA clubs. They are: the Mavs; Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Orleans Hornets; Atlanta Hawks; Memphis Grizzlies; Portland Trail Blazers; Indianapolis Pacers; Utah Jazz; Denver Nuggets; and Golden State Warriors.
Like everybody else involved with the NBA, MillerCoors is thrilled basketball appears to be coming back, Marino says. But it’s still not paying up.
“We are in discussions with all of our partners on our marketing plans. We’ll begin making payments — as soon as a lot of details get ironed out,” Marino says.
Here’s another issue. The tentative deal calls for a shortened 66-game NBA season starting Christmas Day. That’s 16 fewer games than the normal 82 games and 8 fewer home games. Is MillerCoors telling NBA clubs it wants a discount from clubs that will end up playing 20% fewer games this season?
“Perhaps. Not necessarily,” answers Marino. “This is all fresh information. We’re looking to get to the table and talk to these teams. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll start putting pen to paper and get our plans ironed out.”
MillerCoors is exclusive beer sponsor of the Milwaukee Bucks. Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel broke the news before the tentative deal ending the lockout was announced that MillerCoors was withholding payments to the Bucks.
So how much money are we talking? That depends on the team, the city and whether or not it’s an exclusive sponsorship. MillerCoors is only exclusive with the Bucks. It shares beers sponsorships on the 10 other clubs. So figure its withholding anywhere from a couple of hundred thousand dollars to to a few million dollars — from its 11 partners.
Here’s how these sponsorship deals typically work. The corporate sponsor contractually agrees to fork over a certain amount of sponsorship money per season. Most of it is advertising on the team’s local TV/radio game telecasts.
In return, the NBA club gives the corporate sponsor the rights to use its trademark in advertising, promotion and retails displays. They also usually gets a luxury box at home games. The deals are typically multi-year contracts.
Rajon Rondo Explains One Of The Greatest Alley-Oops
Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo talked to GQ recently to explain what he was thinking during his incredible blind alley-oop pass to Denver Nuggets draft pick Kenneth Faried during an exhibition game.
GQ: Tell me about how the play developed. Have you been surprised by how much attention it’s gotten?
“I was just playing. I didn’t even know (Faried) could jump like that. But the first couple games he was doing a couple of windmills….He told me throw it up, throw that lob. I was trying something that time. I had a feel for it. He put it up and I threw it.”
Yi Jianlian Signs Deal To Play In China
Union Strong
Yi Jianlian has signed a contract with the Chinese Basketball Association’s Guangdong Southern Tigers, the team with which his pro career started, but unlike fellow NBA players deals with Chinese teams, Yi’s includes an out-clause allowing him to return to the U.S. upon settlement of the lockout since he’s a Chinese national.
Three Denver Nuggets Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have all signed deals in China, and will not be able to return until the season is over under the league’s no-out provision. However Orlando Magic Earl Clark was granted an exception to be let out of his deal for “personal reasons” if he needs to return since his girlfriend is pregnant.
CBA teams are not allowed to sign players under NBA contracts Yi will be an unrestricted free agent, as the Washington Wizards declined to extend his $5.4 million qualifying offer. Yi played for the Tigers from 2002-07, before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks. He struggled in Washington last year, but won MVP of the FIBA Asian Basketball Championship, averaging 16.6 points and 10.8 rebounds, in leading China to the title and an automatic berth in next summer’s London Olympics.
Kenyon Martin Headed To China
Whats Nene Lips Doing On Your Neck
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin will sign a contract without an out clause to play in China to play with Xingiang Guanghui in the Chinese Basketball Association.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to stay in shape and stay fresh,” Andy Miller, Martin’s agent told the Denver Post. “And it also gives him an opportunity to expand his name globally.”
The league ends February 16 but the playoffs could last through March. Martin’s one-year deal will pay him $2.65 million for the season.
This isn’t the first loss for the Nuggets during the lockout as Wilson Chandler and J.R. Smith have also signed on with Chinese teams.
Live Like Kenyon Martin For $2.6 Milli
Turns out Denver Nuggets Kenyon Martin plays hard and lives exquisitely. For the bargain basement price of $2.6 million, you to can live like K-Mart too as the YouTube ad states.
This exquisite Greenwood Village Estate is located on 2.39 acres and features gorgeous unobstructed views of the snow capped Rocky Mountains. The elegant floor plan flows perfectly and lends itself to entertaining with the finest of finishes. Offered at 2.6 million,what are you waiting for, it’s all right here!
