The Morning Wood - 12/14/06

Stud: Lamar Hunt
The pioneering Kansas City Chiefs owner died last night of cancer at the age of 74. Here's what makes one a stud:

- Lamar Hunt has been inducted into eight different Halls of fame
- Founder of the AFL and one of the key figures contributing to the merger of the AFL and NFL
- Credited with coining the term Super Bowl
- Founder of MLS (this is where Americans try to play soccer, but it hasnt quite materialized)
- Founding partner of the Chicago Bulls
- Founder of the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs)

Dud: Billy King
This has nothing to do with any recent developments, it has more to do with the fact that this seriously incompetent GM is bungling yet another personnel decision with the 76ers. Why haven't the 76ers won with Allen Iverson? Well maybe it's because the best player that's been on his team was probably a young Jerry Stackhouse or former Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo. Billy King has consistently brought in overpriced and underperforming talent (Chris Webber, Keith Van Horn, etc.), done little to better the personnel and now finds himself inevitably getting less in return for what he's giving up. And instead of making this decision now, would it have been so hard to trade him during the offseason, preventing turmoil within the locker which has unsurprisingly coincided with a 9-game losing streak (and counting)? People that have half a brain, would think so. Love AI. Hate Billy King.

Talk Around The Cooler:
In news that ESPN hasn't covered at all this week, it's official that Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox have come to an agreement. Lost in all of this is that the Red Sox somehow thwarted Scott Boras' attempts to create an international incident. A few things about this situation. Don't call him a fucking "ace," don't say the deal was a "bargain", don't say the Sox "did it their way" in coming to this deal. The fucking coverage and incessant hyperbole surrounding every aspect of situation is sickening. This fucker hasn't done one thing yet, so don't fucking ascribe value to his deal until he actually does something on the field and has an opportunity to make a decision on his own. Meaning, when he's not taking advice the devil peering over his shoulder.

In news that's bittersweet, the sexy Lindsay Davenport has stated she has "no plans to play again" following the birth of her first child. Sweet: no more Lindsay Davenport on my TV screen. Bitter: Davenport's bringing another mutant into the world. God bless the father of that thing. Love truly knows no bounds.

If you're Vernon Wells, you have a big decision to make. Do you take a fair offer from the Blue Jays for a contract extension, thereby showing your commitment to the team or do you take your services to a team that can actually compete in its division? And where people outside of AL East fans and Toronto will know about you. Being the consummate professional that I am, I'd suggest Vernon say "fuck you, eh!" to the Blue Jays and take his services elswhere.

Quick Hits:
I'm there if this happens. Just imagine all the "talent" that will be "on the field of play" (that was so corny). The Duke case never ends - nor will my hatred of that school, especially their undertalented/overrated "great white hopes."