Davis, Kidd-Gilchrist Picked 1 & 2 In NBA Draft

The New Orleans Hornets chose Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis with the #1 NBA draft pick. Fellow Kentucky freshman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was picked #2 by the Charlotte Bobcats.

How Shaquille O'Neal Changed The Game

Image via Wikipedia

By Marcus Vanderberg

For 19 seasons, Shaquille O'Neal did it his way -- right down to the retirement announcement.

The 7-foot-1, 325-pound (on a good day) center retired Wednesday via Tout, a new video social media platform.

"We did it, 19 years baby," said O'Neal. "I want to thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first, I'm about to retire. Love ya, talk to you soon."

It's only fitting that the athlete with the most Twitter followers would break the news of his retirement via the Internet. Then again, nothing that the larger-than-life center does should surprise us when you look back at O'Neal's career.

After three years of dominating the Southeastern Conference at LSU, the Orlando Magic selected O'Neal with the top overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. CONTINUE....

Is Race A Factor In LeBron vs. Dirk Face Off?

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

By Ron Glover

Nearly one year ago LeBron James told the world after shunning the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat that he would accept the role of villain that has been placed upon him, courtesy of an ad by Nike.

As the NBA Finals begin tonight, millions will gather around their televisions in anticipation of seeing James and his posse get what's coming to them. James along with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have dealt with the upstart 76ers, the aging Celtics and MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls in that order. In order to win his first NBA title James must get past the Dallas Mavericks led by sharpshooter Dirk Nowitzki whose performances in these playoffs has evoked the memory of Larry Bird given Nowitzki exceptional shooting ability.

So what angle will the mainstream media seek out in this series? CONTINUE....

Laurel J. Richie Named WNBA President

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Veteran marketing executive, Laurel J. Richie, who brings more than three decades of experience in consumer marketing, corporate branding, public relations and corporate management, has been appointed President of the WNBA, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced today.

Richie will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the world’s premier women’s sports league, which tips off its historic 15th season this summer. She will assume her new role on May 16, 2011, reporting to NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Adam Silver.

With a long track record of developing award-winning campaigns that transform brands and drive business results, Richie served most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Girl Scouts of the USA. She was responsible for the organization’s brand, communications, publishing, marketing and web-based initiatives, and was the driving force behind the recent brand revitalization of this well-loved American icon. “Laurel combines extraordinary marketing and brand management skills, with a tremendous enthusiasm to help evolve young women into leaders,” said Stern. “She joins the WNBA at such an exciting time in its history and we know her expertise will be key to continuing the growth and success of the league.”

JAY-Z WANTS ARENA NAMED AFTER ROCAWEAR

Jay-Z is hoping to step up his mogul game by winning naming rights to New Jersey's 26-year-old Meadowlands arena, which is currently held by Continental Airlines.


According to the Bergen County Record, the Def Jam president is currently in negotiations to rename the venue after his Rocawear clothing line. Other clothing brands seeking naming rights include Izod and Southpole.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), which overseas bids for the naming rights, said a decision could come as early as Oct. 4.

"We're looking forward to presentations by bidders next week, and then we'll get into the process of evaluation," said a rep for the agency. "I'm optimistic that we'll be able to overachieve the current financial deal that we [had] with Continental."


Continental paid $600,000 a year for the naming rights to the arena. NJSEA officials expect to double that figure with the new naming-rights holder, who will be offered a deal through 2009.