Here’s what went down Friday on Gambo & Ash…
Blame Game…The Lakers are on the verge of another NBA title thanks to some late-game heroics from Derek Fisher and mental lapses from Stan Van Gundy’s team. Gambo thinks a bigger issue lies with superstar Dwight Howard, who snagged 21 rebounds and added 9 blocks, but missed two big free throws down the stretch which would have put the game out of reach. John thinks the superstar center should take sole responsibility for costing the Magic a chance to even the series. Superman never did in the post-game press conference. Ash agrees with Gambo and wonders how the series would look with a made free throw, a couple defensive stops, and a Courtney Lee made lay-up. One player, Derek Fisher, won the game for his team. The other, Dwight Howard, lost it for his.
Thorny Rose…A picture of Bulls Rookie of the Year Derek Rose recently surfaced on the Internet with Rose flashing a gang sign in the photo. How should David Stern react to seeing possibly a future face of the NBA in party pictures flashing gang signs? The guys have mixed feelings on this. Gambo is willing to give Rose a break on this. Ash is fearful if there’s a real story behind all this. What if Rose is running with gang members and he denounced his gang affiliation? Gambo is amazed how trouble always seems to find high-profile athletes. The guys compared this to the Matt Leinart hot-tub/beer bong fiasco from last year.
(Practice) Jersey Sales…Last week the Phoenix Mercury sold their namesake on their home and road jerseys to Lifelock and now, to a lesser extent, the NFL is following suit. The Denver Broncos are exploring various ways to allow sponsors to have their logos on practice jerseys. Reports say the Houston Texans could be just behind the Broncos - trying to find ways to generate more advertising dollars. Ash is fine with this - as long as it stays on the practice jerseys, not the game uniforms. Gambo feels, unfortunately, we’re on a path to seeing sponsor patches all over game-worn jerseys. As an advertiser, what gets you more “bang for yer buck?” Practice jerseys on an NFL team or WNBA game jerseys? The guys debated and took calls. The Cowboys and Jerry Jones could be the next involved with big-time advertising, likely with the Texas State Lottery.
Game 7…Pens-Red Wings Friday for all the marbles in Detroit. Lord Stanley’s Cup will be hoisted high above heads and skated around the ice following the conclusion of the game in Hockeytown, U.S.A. G&A feel this is the time for the NHL to shine in with no NBA game Friday and the College World Series not starting on the ESPN networks until Saturday morning. Gambo loves playoff hockey and expects a great game. Ash loves the sportsmanship where the losing team must stay on the ice and watch the Stanley Cup champs celebrate before the traditional handshakes. Gambo feels NHL players who win a Stanley Cup take greater appreciation in their accomplishments than in other sports. G&A agree the Stanley Cup is the most sacred trophy in all sports because when you win, every player’s name will appear on the trophy for as long as the Cup exists.
Moving On…The Falcons parted ways with suspended quarterback Michael Vick Friday. Vick has garnered interest from several teams, but Atlanta cut him after no trade could be completed. A one-time franchise quarterback, Ron Mexico has lost close to $100 million since being busted and jailed for dog fighting. The guys know NFL teams want him, but will Roger Goodell lift his suspension? Should he? Ash has confidence Goodell will make the right decision regarding Vick’s future and knows teams must be careful of, from a PR standpoint, what Vick might bring. Gambo thinks Vick is a despicable person, but did pay his dept to society. The guys agree Vick lying to Goodell during the 2007 draft didn’t sit well with the Commissioner.
We caught up with our NBA analyst TIM LEGLER from ESPN. “Legs” shared his thoughts on the Lakers big Game 3 overtime win Thursday night in Orlando, Derek Fisher’s clutch 3-pointer, Dwight Howard’s struggles last night, and said Cavs’ coach Mike Brown might be in trouble-even after being winning The Coach of the Year Award.
“Tribute Band”…Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Morrissey called Lakers star Kobe Bryant a “tribute band” when comparing the “Black Mamba” to the great Michael Jordan. Ash agrees with Morrissey 100% saying Bryant does everything MJ did-from the way he walks to his shaved head, to his killer demeanor on the court with the game on the line. Gambo doesn’t see it. Mark is convinced Kobe shadows Jordan in everything - including the way he addresses the media. John doesn’t think so. Gambo took the “Kobe Challenge” (blindly identify a sound byte from each) and passed. As Kobe closes in on another ring, the two are being drawn into the same spotlight once again.
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