Miami Heat Hoodie Photo

Miami Heat Hoodie Photo, We live in polarizing political times when so many people crave affirmation rather than information. Fox News or MSNBC? Rush Limbaugh or Ed Schultz?

The fallout for being on the “wrong side” of an issue is far more punitive than two decades ago when NBA superstar and Nike pitchman Michael Jordan refused to an endorse a Democrat’s senate campaign because “Republicans wear sneakers, too.”

So, it’s surprising and refreshing to see some NBA players, including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, take such strong stands in the Trayvon Martin slaying. The shooting death of an unarmed black teen in suburban Orlando at the hands of a neighborhood crime-watch volunteer has sparked reaction from the corner tavern to the White House.

The decision of the Miami Heat to pose for a picture showing players wearing hoodies, their heads bowed, is one of the most arresting images of the Martin saga. The youngster was killed while wearing a similar garment.

Offering opinions on such social issues as race and gun control comes with the territory for legislators and political commentators. Entertainers also have a long history of joining the dialogue. But over the last 30 to 40 years, athletic superstars have evolved into human bar codes and they have been reticent to speak out on anything outside their arenas of expertise.

Yes, the Scott Fujitas and Anthony Parkers are willing to tackle sensitive subjects, but their words don’t carry the weight of a Wade or James.

“If I say something, is it really going to make national news?” said Parker, who has been critical of the authorities’ handling of the Martin case. The Cavaliers shooting guard is thrilled two of the NBA’s biggest stars have used their platforms to inject themselves into the controversy.

James linked the picture of the Heat in hoodies to his Twitter account. Another tweet included the phrases: #WeAreTrayvonMartin, #Hoodies, #Stereotyped, #WeWantJustice. James scrawled similar messages on his Nikes during Friday’s game against Detroit.

He has angered many for his decision to leave Cleveland in 2010 and his attention-seeking ways. He is part basketball player, part Kardashian. But this was an entirely different display. Good for James and good for any star athlete willing to incur public scorn to express an opinion, regardless of what side of the political aisle it falls.

Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee:As originally reported by Joel Sherman, and confirmed by most others, the Mariners are close to the negotiations Cliff Lee to the Yankees for a package of prospects headed by Jesus Montero. The Mariners, this is the type of agreement, simply could not miss.

Once the team fell out of the race in May, Lee trade became inevitable. Its value as the best pitcher in the American League ensures that the team would trade much of him to let him walk and take the draft picks. The only questions were when Lee moved, where he would go, and what the team will get in return. The answers appear to be today, New York, a lot.

Montero is a raw prospect whose value comes from having one of the best offensive profiles of any 20 year old on the planet. For a team that is last in the league in scoring runs, it has an obvious appeal. Considering the problems the team behind the plate in recent years, the fact that it is ostensibly a receiver also adds to its value, although I am one of the unbelievers who do not think I’m there.

The rest of the offer is reported that 23-year-old infielder David Adams and a third man. I’ll let our resident gurus perspective into his future, but suffice it to say that there are pieces Montero quality. He is entering into this agreement.

So, how do the Mariners in this agreement? Better than expected, I guess. If the project launcher for a premium holiday the deadline was the trade of CC Sabathia two years ago, think the M is getting a little more than Cleveland did. Matt LaPorta was a very good prospect, but probably a good step behind what Jesus Montero is now. When Lee was originally purchased, the idea that they could get a quality perspective Montero seemed unlikely.

And of course there is the reality of what the Mariners gave up to get Cliff Lee in the first place. Moving from Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, and JC Ramírez Montero (and other things) is a substantial improvement in terms of future value. The Mariners are increasingly in the transaction that gave up, although this is largely a function of how badly Ruben Amaro agreement made this winter.

Above all, this has to be seen as a victory from the perspective of the Mariners. Lee rented, saw its value, and then turned to more than what they paid originally. The rest of the season has not worked well, but this series of transactions is a net positive for the Mariners.

Travis Outlaw

Travis Outlaw:EAST RUTS-EX-RFORD, NJ – New Jersey Nets have reached an agreement in principle with free agent forward Travis Outlaw on Thursday.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that Outlaw got a five-year contract worth $ 35 million. The person requested anonymity because the financial terms were not disclosed.

Outlaw played 34 games with the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers last season. He averaged 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds for the Trail Blazers and 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds for the Clippers.

The agreement was the Nets for the first time since free agency began last week, and is not even close to being a New Jersey that would excite fans after winning just 12 games last season.

The list of wishes for the new owner, Mikhail Prokhorov and the president and general manager Rod Thorn, including LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade with Rudy Gay at the head of the fallback position.

Gay re-signed with Memphis. Wade stayed in Miami, and Bosh is to join him there.

All that remains between the franchise player is James, and the Nets are not the favorites to get the MVP on two occasions when he announces his future plans on TV on Thursday night.

The Nets also courted by Utah forward Carlos Boozer, but was divided by the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

That left the Nets with 30 million U.S. dollars to spend on free agents, and began to go through to get Outlaw to come to New Jersey.

“We are very pleased to add Travis to our list,” said Thorn. “He’s a young, athletic fit very well with the style of game that Avery has settled.”

A seven-year veteran, Outlaw of Portland was the first-round draft pick (No. 23 overall) in 2003. He has played in 400 career games, averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22 minutes while shooting .441 from the field and .363 from 3-point line. In six career games of the playoffs, he averaged nine points and three rebounds.

His best season was 2007-08 when he averaged 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds.

Anthony Randolph

Anthony Randolph:Anthony Randolph is a star basketball player playing in the pivot position in the Golden State Warriors team. Latest news on this great basketball player is that he is going to be exchanged with David Lee of the New York Knicks. This trade agreement is not confirmed by any team official, but rumors have spread that negotiated Golden Warriors Ronny Turiaf, Brandon, Kelenna Azubuike and Anthony Randolph to the Knicks player. The Warriors are negotiating a better player than Anthony on your computer to balance their strength in the coming NBA titles. Another rumor also spread among fans that if Lebron James to join the Knicks for the exchange agreement between David Lee will not occur.

Anthony Randolph is an expert player. Anthony started playing basketball during his high school days. He does not have much experience but is capable of playing great basketball against all who would face in the future. After graduating from high school, did not attend the university for a long time and has participated in the NBA draft in 2008 .. Randolph had begun his career with his first team as the Golden State Warriors. After playing a bad season in 2008 Anthony Randolph began training himself with heavy training loads in order to be perfectly able to play next season. So far he has made a great record of playing basketball in his career and his contract with the Warriors has also been extended until 2011.Randolph will be presenting good games in future seasons.

Bastille Days Milwaukee

Bastille Days Milwaukee:Bastille day festival in Milwaukee has started today and runs through Sunday. This is the largest French-themed festival in the country, so if you’re near Milwaukee should not miss!

According to the official festival website. It was created to “Celebrate the Independence Day of France with a variety of entertainment options, roaming jugglers, children’s activities, good food and much more!

They have posted a virtual brochure you can read here. http://www.easttown.com/media/mediafile_attachments/01/91-bastillebrochure2010.pdf

Milwaukee’s Bastille Days festival will open at 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm, except Sundays, when the festival closes at 9:00 pm.

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