Now:

AI: Damn man, I'd rather be talkin bout practice.

Back in 1996, in the good old days of middle school, some 6-foot-nothin guard emerged from Georgetown. Dude went by the name of Allen Iverson. He turned into – without question – my favorite player on the planet to watch play basketball. Keep in mind Michael Jordan was still playing, and not with the Wizards.

I miss those good old days, when Iverson was still “The Answer” – and not a just a toned down and more talented Stephon Marbury. AI still has a little game left, but when you are a free agent in November and the hapless New York Knicks are your best “fit” — life isn’t what it used to be… not even close.

I felt compelled to look up some old Iverson highlights – back when he was still The Answer. He was twice as quick as anyone on the court. He could pull up and shoot from anywhere on the floor. He was all over the place, stealing passes and picking the pockets of overmatched point guards. No matter what the opposing team threw his way. Allen Iverson had  The Answer.

Side note: There were some better, shorter highlight reels out there, but none of them had the added bonus of seeing the old-school ESPN2 logo (you know, back when it was the cool and hip version of ESPN, aka “The Deuce”?). This was way back when Charlotte was still the Hornets and Cleveland just got the Browns taken away –  I wonder if Cleveland would still want them back if they knew what was coming. Hmm. OK, back to AI…

I almost, kind of, sort of hope Iverson does sign with the Knicks and he flourishes in D’Antoni’s system. But I feel like that’s false fan optimism waiting to get chewed up and spit out. It’s the same reason no one was that happy for Blake Griffin after he was draft No. 1 overall to the Clippers. Yeah, he was the first overall pick, and could really help that franchise – but that franchise is the Clippers. Good things just don’t happen to people who wear Clippers jerseys.

Can Iverson revert back into flying up-and-down the court, making plays and scoring buckets if given the opportunity for minutes and shots wearing a Knicks jersey? I wish the best for him, but no, probably not.

Sorry AI, I wish I had a better answer.

 -Tidbit

JaMarcus: Damn, these teams are tougher than Louisiana-Lafayette.

Former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell will be benched for Bruce Gradkowski this week. Let’s review: A former No. 1 overall pick is being benched for BRUCE GRADKOWSKI!?!?!

Gradkowski’s career stats: 53.1 completion percentage, 9 TD, 15 INT, 58.7 QB rating in 22 games.

Gradkowski’s 2009 stats: 17-for-30, 163 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT.

Not exactly a guy who played his way into the starting lineup. Russell — despite his hefty paycheck and “franchise quarterback” status — played his way out.

Russell impressed scouts after out-performing Brady Quinn during the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame in the finale of the 2006 season. But considering the ineptitude demonstrated by Charlie Weis’ Fighting Irish in big games since then, it’s no wonder Russell lit it up. He preyed on inferior competition all-season long, while top-tier programs made the LSU star look average.

Raiders owner Al Davis fell in love with Russell’s superior physique and arm strength and selected the former Tiger at the top of the 2007 draft class, while paying no attention to the fact that despite being physically gifted, he had a long way to go before being a legitimate NFL quarterback. Throw in Oakland’s revolving door at head coach and lack of stability at the offensive line — you’ve got the perfect recipe for a bust.

In Russell’s final season at LSU, he threw for 20 touchdowns and just one interception, leading the LSU offense to 40.6 points per game and an 8-0 record  – against teams that finished outside of the AP Top 25 (Louisiana-Lafayette, Arizona, Tulane, Mississippi State, Kentucky, Fresno State, Pre-Saban Alabama, and Ole Miss).

However, in the five games against solid competition, LSU went 3-2, while the “phenom” threw just eight scores, and tossed seven interceptions. Toss out the Sugar Bowl, and that puts the Tigers at 2-2, 15.8 ppg; and Russell at 6 TD and 6 INT against the likes of No. 1 Florida, No. 9 Auburn, No. 15 Arkansas and No. 25 Tennessee.

Russell was simply never that good. Al Davis just fell in love with the guy’s physical attributes, rather than his ability to play quarterback against the best competition — just another reason Oakland is among the saddest franchises in the NFL.

Maybe even worse than Detroit and Cleveland… maybe.

-Tidbit

Associated Press:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams apologized Monday for making an obscene hand gesture while celebrating his team’s 41-17 win over Buffalo.

The 86-year-old Adams was seen throwing an emphatic series of middle fingers from a luxury suite at LP Field in Nashville, Tenn., after the Titans (3-6) had secured the blowout over the Buffalo Bills (3-6), which included 24 straight points in the fourth quarter.

Adams apologized in a statement, saying: “I need to apologize for my actions yesterday near the end of the game. I got caught up in the excitement of a great day, but I do realize that those types of things shouldn’t happen. I need to specifically apologize to the Bills, their fans, our fans and the NFL.

“I obviously have a great deal of respect for [Bills owner] Ralph Wilson and the history we have shared. I also understand there will probably be league discipline for my actions and I will accept those.”

It’s too bad Adams was forced to give an apology due to his stature.

I bet if he were to release an honest statement, it’d read more like this:

“I was drunk and my team has won three straight games since I called for Vince Young to start at quarterback. And the fact that we were kicking the crap out of Ralph’s Bills made it even better. Especially since he signed that jerk off T.O. So eff off everyone — I’m 86, which makes me way too old to give a damn what anyone thinks.”

Mr. Adams — you are Kinda Fantastic. Keep those fingers flying.

-Tidbit

Belichick's gamble will be widely criticized, but it is defensible.

 Call me crazy — but I don’t hate Bill Belichick’s call to go for it on fourth-and-2, on his own 28-yard line, up by six points. The percentages probably add up.

The chances of the New England offense picking up 2 yards on a play, was probably more likely than a wilting defense stopping the Indianapolis offense in two minutes. Two of the three previous drives by the Colts were quick scoring strikes: A five-play, 79-yard drive in 2:04; along with a six-play, 79-yard drive in 1:49.

The possession in between? An interception thanks to miscommunication between Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. Good luck if you’re counting on that to happen again.

Because Kevin Faulk momentarily bobbled the ball, Belichick looks like a bumbling fool. However, he had the stones to make that call, when nobody else in the league would have considered it — not because it didn’t make sense by the percentages — but because they’d be crucified by the media for going against the “safe” play. I can assure you there’s nothing “safe” about giving Manning the ball with average field position (at worst) with 2 minutes on the clock and I can promise you Belichick doesn’t give a damn what Trent Dilfer and Mark Schlereth think of his decision making. He’s going to do what he thinks gives the Patriots the best opportunity to win. In this case, he lost, by a half yard.

Belichick did mismanage his timeouts, but that gets swept under the rug if the Pats come up with a first down on third or fourth down. The Colts defense stepped up and made plays — that’s what great teams do — it’s the same reason Belichick expected his team to convert on fourth down.

-Tidbit

Side note: Tom Brady actually outplayed Peyton Manning tonight. I’ll still take Manning in my huddle over Brady any day of the week, but it’s a good example of how teams win games — not quarterbacks.

Seeing Alex Rodriguez hold a championship trophy just seems unnatural.

On Wednesday, November 4th of 2009, Alex Rodriguez became a World Champion and a proven postseason performer.

Soon after, my brain began to bleed and I slipped into an A-Rod-was-actually-clutch caused coma for nine days. I have since recovered, but my baseball-morale is at a decade low. Ever since Luis Gonzalez slapped a ground ball up the middle to score Craig Counsell in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, I haven’t had to see the Yankees be the best at anything — barring their ability to disappoint the most obnoxious city this country has to offer. I enjoyed that, it genuinely made my life a little easier to live.

However, I’ve realized this: If the Yankees have been crowned World Series champs just once for the better part of a decade, I have to chalk that up as a ‘W’.

Considering the amount of money they spend to field a championship-caliber squad, it’s bound to work out once every eight years or so. It doesn’t matter if New York signs inferior players to bloated contracts – the Yankees have the assets to cover their mistakes with more cash.

Does Boston possess the same advatage over the average franchise? Yes, but to a much lesser degree.

The Yankees — and the Yankees alone — have the ability to assure they’ll have a cast All-Stars on the diamond on each and every opening day. Sooner or later, a team of overpaid talent is going to break through.

It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. Which is why nearly every fan of every other franchise in baseball tends to dislike (at minimum) the Yankees. It hurts the game when some World Series winners’ faces paint the picture of relief (Jorge Posada in particular), rather than the giddy excitement you’d expect to see from a Little Leaguer.

When any other franchise wins a World Series, it’s pure bliss for that city and their fans. When New York wins, it gives back an arrogant fan base their sense of entitlement to a World Series parade every year.

There’s nothing worse than an obnoxious, arrogant New York Yankees fan. For convenience sake, let’s call this particular type of fan “Frankie B.” — doesn’t the name just scream douche bag?

“Frankie B.” sincerely believes he is God’s gift to Earth. He is the best, his teams are the best — and he’s certainly going to let you know it. Anyone that disagrees? They’re bias or jealous or both. We all know a “Frankie B.” and most of us would tremble at the thought of being trapped in a room for more than 18 minutes with a person like this.

Mind you, although there are some respectable Yankee fans. “Frankie B.” is not one of them.

It’s the “Frankie B.’s” of the world that make a New York championship so intolerable — even more than A-Rod coming along for the ride.

-Tidbit

Associated Press:

NEW YORK — Of the many countries participating at the Vancouver Olympics, add Colbert Nation to the list.

On Monday’s “The Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert announced his show has become the primary sponsor of the U.S. Speedskating team. The team’s largest annual cash sponsor, DSB Bank NV, left the team in the lurch after it declared bankruptcy in October.

The name “Colbert Nation” — the catchall for the legion of ardent fans of the satirical Comedy Central program — will be emblazoned on the team’s uniforms.

“On their enormous, billboard thighs, it will say, ‘Colbert Nation,”‘ Colbert said in an interview before Monday evening’s taping. “Be looking for that logo as it comes around the final turn. It will be easy to see because it will be in first place.”

Well played Mr. Colbert, you succussfully added intrigue to the sport of speedskating. I wasn’t convinced that was possible. Imagine what he could do for the WNBA.

-Tidbit

I don't know why. I don't know how. But Alex Rodriguez is coming through in the postseason -- and I'm sincerely flabbergasted.

I was skeptical of A-Fraud, even after his .455-2-6 performance in the ALDS against a tired Twins team. However, after hitting .375 with three homers and five RBI through four games in the ALCS — I can’t really deny it. The oh-so-fragile Alex Rodriguez is actually producing in big moments, rather than crumbling like in past postseasons.

Maybe he never felt comfortable with Joe Torre. Rodriguez never posted bad numbers when he made the playoffs with Seattle. Only under Torre has he been the biggest under-producer since Ryan Leaf in the NFL.

Maybe it’s Kate Hudson’s fault. I mean the dude was rumored to be with Madonna a while ago – he’s clearly moving up in the world. Hudson — who has taken a steep fall down my list of attractive celebrities — might have A-Rod’s easily-shaken confidence at a sky-high level. I mean really, you’re the richest baseball player on the planet, and you go after Madonna? I could see that if you’re an up-and-coming rockstar who sports a jean jacket and a mean mullet — but not if you’re Alex Rodriguez.

Almost equally as shocking as A-Rod’s offensive explosion has been CC Sabathia’s near-flawless pitching. Historically, he has always fallen apart in the playoffs. What makes this season different? The Pinstripes? I know he was worked hard down the stretch with Milwaukee and Cleveland finds ways to lose in everything — but does being a Yankee really make that sort of difference?

In any situation, I’m looking forward to him outweighing his bloated contract in a few years. He’s surprisingly worth the money right now, but I can assure you he won’t be hurling at this level in 2012 and beyond.

Let’s just hope the two former choke artists rekindle their playoff ineptitude quickly. I’m not really prepared for Title No. 27.

-Tidbit

Tom Brady exploded for six touchdowns on Sunday -- against a team that gave up on its season three weeks ago.

 For anyone who thinks Tom Brady has returned to his 2007 form after a brilliant performance against the Tennessee Titans — you’re wrong.

Brady — and perhaps no other quarterback — will have the success he enjoyed in 2007.

It was the perfect storm: An undersized and underrated Wes Welker was out to prove he was a legitimate NFL receiver. An underachieving Randy Moss was motivated to produce after those dismal years in Oakland. And Bill Belichick was pissed off at the world because of the Spy Gate controversy and wanted to stick it to every team on the schedule. The stars were aligned for the Patriots to wreak havoc on the league.

By some, Brady was crowned as the greatest quarterback to ever grace an NFL field. Garbage.

Brady’s 2007 campaign was an illusion. It created a false perception that he was a guy that dominates a football game and puts up mind-blowing stats. It happened once. Every other season, statistically, he’s simply been an above average quarterback. Only twice before 2007 did Brady boast a QB rating better than 90 (92.6 in 2004, 92.3 in 2005) and never did he exceed 28 touchdowns before he blew up for 50 in ’07.

Everyone fell in love with Brady from 2001-04 because of three Super Bowls in four years. Some anointed him as the best QB in the league. This was a huge misconception. He was a great game manager, who had a great offensive line and a great defense — and don’t forget about that Adam Vinatieri guy.

He’s improved tremendously since then. His arm has become much stronger, although the deep ball is still the biggest weakness in his game. However, despite his growth as a quarterback, the Patriots stopped winning Super Bowls. That proves quarterback play doesn’t automatically translate to team success and Brady was just a part of the Patriots triumphs — not the reason for them.

Brady is a top 10 quarterback in this league. But just because he threw for six scores against a team who gave up on their season after Week 3 doesn’t mean he’s about to dominate the league. Hell, the Tennessee secondary is so beat up, some college teams could pass all over them.

I’ve always maintained New England’s success over the past eight years has had more to do with Belichick’s gameplans than Brady’s arm. This year will be no different.

-Tidbit

This dude kicks a football for a living

Associated Press:

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed has been cited by city police for public intoxication and disorderly conduct outside a bar a couple of blocks from where the team beat the Cleveland Browns a few hours earlier.

Police say Reed was cited outside McFadden’s Bar about 9 p.m. Sunday.

Reed kicked two field goals in the 27-14 victory.

This is Reed’s second brush with the law this year.

He paid $543 in fines and restitution after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct and criminal mischief for damaging a paper towel dispenser in a convenience store bathroom in New Alexandria in February.

Team spokesman Dave Lockett says the team is still gathering information and has no comment.

Police say Reed will be mailed a summons to appear in city court.

Talk about living the dream.

Reed went to college at UNC, where he undoubtedly picked up his party hard habits in a sick college atmosphere where no one really cares about football. Remember, this was before Butch Davis took over the program and transformed the Heels into a respectable football team.

He’s now been in the NFL for eight years and has been one of the more reliable kickers in the league (82 percent for his career).

He’s also a ridiculous drunk (I’m pretty sure he’s wearing a “I <3 Jack”  bib in that picture), who makes more than a $1 million per year.

True story: I was working with a girl last spring who goes to college at Pitt and told me Jeff Reed was hitting on her, and basically anything else with two legs at a bar.

This makes so much more sense now. Dude beat up a paper towel dispenser on a random February night… and now by 9 p.m. he was drunk enough to have the police ignore his semi-celebrity status and arrest him for being an ass.

Jeff Reed clearly does three things with his life: Kicks footballs, makes money and parties harder than any human being rightfully should.

God bless him.

-Tidbit

Pedro's jheri curl is one of many reasons to root for the future Hall of Famer.

Simply put, Pedro is the man. Always has been, always will be.

Martinez is probably my favorite Red Sox player of all-time. He’s a bulldog on the mound and hilarious off the field. He was a big part of Boston evolving from a lovable loser to a franchise that’s consistently contending for a World Series championship. He’s scheduled to start Game 2 for the Phillies this afternoon and here are the top-five reasons to root him on:

5.  The jheri curl (yes that’s how you spell it). There aren’t many human beings on Earth who can pull off this look, especially two decades after it was in style. Pedro does it — with ease.

4. Continuing a postseason legacy. In his career, Pedro has posted a 6-2 record with a 3.40 ERA in 11 starts and two heroic relief appearances. The numbers aren’t among the best of all-time, but they’re still pretty damn solid.

3. Three Cy Young Awards, along with two runner-ups. Pedro doesn’t possess the stuff he had 10 years ago, but he was nearly untouchable back in the day. In 1999, he went 23-4 with a 2.07 ERA and 313 K’s. Even as a pitcher, he finished second in the MVP voting. Dude was a beast.

2. Revenge factor. I don’t have anything against the Dodgers. I like Manny, respect Torre and the rest of their squad is a good mix of veterans and talented youngsters. However, Pedro started his career in LA and was shipped off to Montreal in 1994 because Tommy Lasorda didn’t think Pedro could make it as a starter. Good call, Tommy. You better believe Pedro remembers that and would love to stick it to Lasorda 15 years later.

1.

This moment was beyond Kinda Fantastic.

The moment Zimmer charged Pedro like a raging 117-year old bull and the 3-time Cy Young winner politely tossed him to the ground, I started laughing for a good three weeks straight — and that might not even be an exaggeration.

It was probably the fourth-best moment of my Red Sox fanhood, behind winning the ’04 World Series, ’04 ALCS and ’07 World Series. As soon as Zimmer’s face hit the grass, it cemented Pedro’s legacy as one of my favorite players ever.

I have two words for him as he prepares to try and give his team a 2-0 lead in the NLCS:

Go Pedro.

-Tidbit