NBA Premiere Week

On Tuesday, October 28, the NBA officially opens its 2014-2015 season with three games: the Orlando Magic vs. the New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks vs. the defending world champion San Antonio Spurs, and the Houston Rockets vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

Some of the bigger story lines heading into the season opener don't necessarily revolve around these teams playing on Opening Day. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who are one of the favorites to dethrone the Spurs, are gearing up with their revamped roster, which includes former Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Kevin Love, and other forward Lebron James, who left the Miami Heat after being humbled by the Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals to come back to his former team and hometown of Cleveland. James returning made shock waves around the NBA world, considering his rocky departure from the Cavaliers, where many claimed he "underachieved" by not winning any championships in his 6 years with the team, being humiliated in the playoffs year after year. Not too many expected him to return, but "The King" is motivated more than ever to finally bring a championship to his hometown.

Another team making news is the Los Angeles Lakers. With Kobe Bryant finally healed from his Achilles' and knee injuries, he is hopeful to make an impact on a Lakers team with a questionable future. The team let go of all star center Pau Gasol in the offseason, and head coach Mike D'antoni resigned as well. It took into June for the team to find his replacement in Byron Scott, who recently coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and was let go after an abysmal 61 wins in three season. Coach Scott is expected to bring a more defensive mindset to a team that was ranked second to last in opponents points per game. The team brought in savvy veterans in Carlos Boozer, formerly of the Chicago Bulls, and Jeremy Lin, formerly of the Houston Rockets, to provide more offense.

Other interesting teams include the Spurs, which will test the league and see if they can sip from the fountain of youth once again and win it all again, the Clippers, who have one of the league's best rosters with Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, and Blake Griffin, and with the hype from having a new owner, will see if they can make a deep run into the playoffs this year, the Pelicans, with future star Anthony Davis ready to progress and make some noise, and the Heat, and how they will do without King James departing from the "Big Three" leaving guard Dwyane Wade and center Chris Bosh.

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It sure looks like this NBA season will be another exciting one.

-JC

NFL Today

On October 18, 2014, the New York Jets shocked the NFL world when they officially announced the acquirement of former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin through a trade.  Harvin, an integral part of the Seahawks’ offense, became expendable after the team drafted two wide receivers in the recent NFL draft. Back in February, the Seahawks went on to become Superbowl champions after defeating the Broncos 43-8, with Percy Harvin scoring one touchdown during that game.

Although the Seahawks considered Percy Harvin as a valuable player, they decided to trade him due to “anger management issues.” Reports stated Harvin was involved in multiple physical altercations with teammates prior to Super Bowl XLVIII. One such report by FOX Sports indicated, “Harvin and Seattle receiver Doug Baldwin were involved in a pre-season incident in August that ended with a cut on Baldwin’s chin.”

Although Percy Harvin possesses a remarkable talent, his behavior was undoubtedly unacceptable. Will the Seattle Seahawks regret their decision to get rid of a valuable player, or will the team perform better without him? On the other hand, will Percy Harvin become a burden to the Jets, or will the Jets be able to use him to their advantage?

Just how good is Percy Harvin? Watch and find out.

Sources: http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/super-bowl-hero-percy-harvin-officially-traded-to-new-york-jets/story-e6frf56c-1227095115412?nk=1f726e730a319d80887082041b12b98a
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24757473/jets-officially-announce-percy-harvin-trade-seahawks-wish-him-well

NFL Today

On September 15, 2014 Ray Rice was kicked off the Ravens and suspended from the NFL indefinitely after a shocking surveillance video surfaced, which showed him punching and knocking out his fiancee, Janay Palmer. Rice, 27, says he is in "high hopes" in regard to his appeal requesting to be permitted to play again in the future.

(Left to Right: Rayven, Janay Palmer, Ray Rice)

Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, has recently been asked to voluntarily testify in Rice's case by the NFLPA (National Football League Players Association). However, as of today, Adam Schefter of ESPN claims that the NFL has denied the NFLPA's request for Goodell to testify.

While not surprising, this shielding of Goodell is occurring during a time when the league suggested its hopes to show transparency in its disciplinary procedures is not good for the NFL. The NFL's unwillingness to testify can potentially be overruled, however. Judge Barbara S. Jones has the ability to order Goodell to testify. Should this happen, it certainly won't help the NFL and Goodell's already crippled public opinion.

TMZ reports on Rice's assault charges along with the footage of the assault in the above video:

-Eric Morris

Sources: http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/08/us/ray-rice-new-video/
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24749494/report-nfl-denies-nflpa-request-to-interview-goodell-in-rice-appeal
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/12/nfl-wants-to-shield-goodell-from-testifying-in-rice-appeal-hearing/
http://www.blackpressusa.com/2014/02/court-summons-says-ray-rice-struck-j-palmer-rendering-her-unconscious/
http://www.thenation.com/sites/default/files/ray_rice_ap_img.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbwTMJroTbI

NBA Today

As of October 3rd, Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young torn a ligament in his right thumb.  Renowned as Laker's leading scorer last season, averaging 17.9 points per game, entertained Laker fans during their worst season in a while.  He signed a 4-year contract with the Lakers for 21.5 mil in July.

While injured, Young still participated in practices but only worked on legs.  His coach, Byron Scott said, "When you hurt your hand, your feet are still okay and your legs are okay. He can still do all the stuff we can do conditioning wise. It doesn’t have anything to do with a basketball in his hand."

Young is scheduled to have surgery on his thumb Monday.  He injured his thumb trying to steal the ball from Kobe Bryant during a practice. 

Young was expected to play a big part in this season, but with Nick Young on the bench, who would step up as the season approaches? Newly signed Jeremy Lin or 36 years old Kobe Bryant?

-Brandon Liau

Source: http://www.lakersnation.com/byron-scott-made-nick-young-practice-after-injury/2014/10/05/

http://www.nba.com/2014/news/10/03/nick-young-injury/index.html