Shark Infested Waters? Or Was It Merely That The Magic Forgot How To Play And Were Frightened?

Well we've all no doubt come to our own conclusions as to why the Orlando Magic  succumbed to the Los Angeles Lakers last night at the Staples Center , in game 1 of the NBA Finals. No doubt the team may well have felt out of their comfort zone in having to play infront of a raucous crowd cheering on their hometown favorites.But in light of that here was a team that'd beaten the Lakers in their two regular season meeting. And they'd done so quite handily in each of the two events. However based on the evidence of last night's game and the 100-75 drubbing that the Magic took at the hands of the Lakers. If these finals are to be anywhere as competitve as we'd all hoped for. Then the Orlando Magic will most definitely have to raise the level of their play for the remainder of this series.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to the convened press at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the game one postgame interview. Bryant would lead all scorers scoring 40 points in the game. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo .......

If nothing else we'd hope that they can avail us all from seeing the Lakers perform a perfunctory sweep of the team. That'd definitely be the last thing that the league's hierarchy would want to bestow upon their fans at this juncture. Not with all of the excitement that the preliminary rounds that the playoffs have provided. And less we forget also the millions of dollars that NBA's patrons have invested in terms of ads and the ABC network itself. Who if anything are counting on these finals to be a ratings' bonanza.

Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic shoots against the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the NBA Finals played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo .......

So what of last night's game one may well be asking ? The Lakers came in with something to prove . And the Magic themselves were looking to prove that they were the worthy opponents of their West Coast adversary having silenced the ambitions of both the Boston Celtics and most notably the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers. That being said the finals ought to be about what is and not what might've been in terms of a worthy adversary for the Lakers.

Pau Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs a defensive rebound during game one of the NBA Finals. The Lakers would go on to defeat the Orlando Magic 100-75 in the game played infront of a sellout crowd in attendance of 18,997 at the Staples Center. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo ........

The first quarter didn't as such really shed any light as to what'd transpire as the game went on. But if anything it did in many ways tell us all that we might've needed to know in terms of both team's persona. The Lakers were free and loose and the Magic looked as though they were somewhat shell shocked to be on this type of stage. And this was borne out as the game was played out on this grand of a stage. The one thing a team can't afford to be in this type of an environment is to have the demeanor of being scared to perform much less show their competitive prowess. And this was most clearly the case for the Magic last night. And as we all know as the Dwight Howard goes , so does this Magic team.

Dwight Howard conducts his postgame interview with the convened press at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Howard would have something of a disappointing game by his own lofty standards. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo ...........

If the Magic are prove themselves to be the Lakers' equal then a performance such as this has to be an aberration. And it cannot be repeated in any of the ensuing games. He has to be more productive in terms of his offensive output. And if anything he has to be more aggressive in his play around the boards and his decision making when it comes to decision making in terms of his shot productivity. The box scores clearly bears this out as not only his productivity. But that too of his teammates as well. The triumvirate of Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Rafer Alston did little to suggest that they might have what it takes to bring the team back into the game last night. Together the three could only muster a combined 27 points between the three of them.

Kobe Bryant shoots against the Magic with the ensuing defensive play of Dwight Howard in pursuit. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Mark Rowlands ....

The Los Angeles Lakers and their fans must now be drooling at the thought of how easy on appearance this first game was won. But at the same time their coach Phil Jackson won't be lulled into a false sense of security that this may well be the best that the Magic will have to offer as the series proceeds forward. If anything he knows that his counterterpart Stan Van Gundy will be far from happy with his team's performance. And that he well go about making the necessary changes as he sees fit in order to negate the overall play of the Lakers.

Hedo Turkoglu of the Magic goes for the layup whilst looking to evade the defensive play of the Lakers' Pau Gasol. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo........

What also noticeable about this game and that if anything came down to experience more than nothing else. It was the mere fact that Jackson felt at home with regard to his circumstances. Whereas for Van Gundy he must've felt like a fish out of water.

Making his twelfth appearance as a coach in the NBA Finals and seeking tenth title as a coach. Jackson showed with great authority why it is that he may well be viewed as the best coach of his era and perhaps the best NBA coach of alltime. At no time did he appear visibly concerned as to how this game was progressing. He watched his team meticulously exploited a Magic team that seemed all too afraid to perform at their best. And it merely then became an exhibition as the Lakers put the game beyond the Magic's reach. All that Jackson asked of his team it would seem is to keep up the pressure that was brought to bear on Orlando. And not to make any stupid mistakes.

Pau Gasol and teammate Lamar Odom speak to the convened press during their postgame interview. Both played a big part in insuring the Lakers' 100-75 triumph over the Orlando Magic in game one of the NBA Finals. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jon Soohoo .......

Orlando for its part as alluded to earlier had a night that they well want to forget. Clearly not playing at their best and with the Lakers all but circling them like a school of sharks surrounding its prey. On this night it was the Lakers who were the hunters and the Magic who ended up being the prey. And this wasn't clearly how the Magic wanted to be viewed last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Lakers' Lamar Odom and the Magic's Marcin Gortat look to contest a loose ball in last night's game. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jeb Jacobsohn .....

With game two beckoning on Sunday , it is hoped that the Magic will be able to better acquit themselves. Albeit that the surroundings will remain the same. Going down 2-0 and this team will be hard pressed to completely resurrect this series at all. Especially if they allow the Lakers to play as well as they did last night. If nothing else it portends to the fact that they would have given up hope of trying to put themselves back into this series.

Familiar faces in the crowd are actor Denzel Washington seated alongside actor/singer Tyrese Gibson. Normally this is the customary scene at a Lakers' home game that's littered with A list celebrities . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jeb Jacobsohn .............

Come what may if this series is indicative of last night's performance as it progresses. Then quite possibly by the time game four comes around there might not be many viewers tuning in nationally to see how this series pans out. I think it's safe to say that we'd all rather see a competitive series. Rather than see a complete blowout.

What  can   Charlize  Theron   do   for   you  ?  I'd   say  a  hell  of     lot  at  this   juncture  as  she's   definitely  hot !!

So  by way  of  a  couple  of   pictures  let's  see  what   this   South African  beauty  has  to  offer.

A  sultry  looking   and  wonderful  actress  what    Theron   brings to  the  screen  has  to  be  admired.

And  if anything   it has  to  be said that  Theron's  beauty   only   gets  better  as  she   ages   gracefully.

The  thirty three  year old   beauty   has been  nominated   three  times   for  an  Oscar  in  the  Best  Actress  category .  And   was  a  surprising    winner   for   her   portrayal   of   famed  serial   Aileen  Wuornos  in the   " Monster".   

I'm  never  scared   of seeing   a  delectable   beauty   such  as  Theron   showing  off   her  wares.

And  those  wares  are rather  than  staggering   to say the  very least.

Now comes  the   hard  part for  Theron.  As  she's  accepted   by  her  peers  within  Hollywood  .  It's   now about adding   legitimacy  to  her already  strong   resume'  .

And it  may   well  come  from  a  mixture  of  comedic  as  well  as   more   dramatic roles.   But  there's  no  denying     Theron's   beauty  at all  !  

An   always   sultry     Charlize   works  her   charm  oh  so  well.

Come,  come,     now   Charlize  please   don't  be   such  a  tease  ?

So there   you  have  it.  I hope that  the  content   matter   will  be  to   your   liking  ?    And   as  always   your  comments  are  more  than  welcomed.    Thanks  as  always  !

  It's Just Class That's All Few Have It But Those That Do Conduct Themselves The Right Way ..................  

In high school I loved track and field . The one sport where at times I felt at ease with myself. However once I got bitten by the martial art's bug . That was it I was smitten. Track and fied though was the regimen that gave me strength and power to build my body. OK so there are some who'll say lifting weights'll go a long way as well . And I for one wouldn't disagree with that at all.

Moses is congratulated by teammate Michael Shine having won the silver medal to Moses' gold in the event at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. picture appears courtesy of corbis @ all rights reserved. .............

But of all the track athletes I've seen over the years . And it's been a considerable number even given the exploits of Usain Bolt at the Beijing Olympics. Where it can be said even though he was overshadowed by the exploits of Michael Phelps there in Beijing. Phelps' own shortcomings since then has been tabloid fodder for the dailies acrosss the world. Somewhat ironic given the fact that Bolt as a Jamaican would be the one you would consider more likely to be taking a hit from a bong. But there again it's somewhat disdainful to tar everyone with the same brush. No not really as Phelps was being an a#s#s to begin with !

Moses seen here competing in the men's 400m hurdles at the Los Angeles Olympics. Moses would win the second of his two medals in the event having first won a gold in the event at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. picture appears courtesy afp/ Jack Wilson ................

Back to the point of this piece. As alluded to track and field is a sport that I love tremendously and still do. However the sport itself here isn't given the coverage that it's normally accustomed to getting in Europe and in the Far East and on the African continent. Here however you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who could tell you the name of the members of the US men's relay team on the 4x100m team in Beijing. As I said the sport isn't really given any due attention until the Olympics . And even then it's got to be because there's a chance that there's a competitor and contender that the country actually cares about. US Track & Field (USATF) does a poor job in getting the sport connected to the public at large. And the coverage the sport gets is merely a passing one here in the US.

Moses and gymnast Mary Lou Retton seen here on the cover of SI . They were voted the respective Sportsnman and Sportswoman of the Year for 1984. picture appears courtesy of si.com/Steven Matthews ......................

At the collegiate level is primarily where the sport garners much of the attention and the interests of the public be enlarge. To say nothing of which many of those athletes are looking to take it to the next level on the professional circuit. Top track stars can make quite a decent living but when measured against that of the more high profiled sports . It pales into insignificance. However the likes of Bolt can make a decent sum when measured the added benefits of appearance money for certain high profiled track meets and the attaining of records. But it's the off track earnings that can be enormous. And Bolt having garnered three gold medals in Beijing including the sprint double of the 100m and 200m in world record times made a name for himself around the globe. The third was added in the men's 4x 100m again in world record time. And if anything he's now the most recognized track athlete in the world. Something of a great accomplishment considering that before Beijing he wasn't that widely known within the sport at the international level.

Of all the track athletes that I've come to admire from afar. It was Edwin Moses who first caught my eye as a youngster. He was a supremely gifted athlete and his success in the sport is the stuff that legends are made of. Three time Olympic medalist at the 400m hurdles. The event itself is still to this day considered to be the man killler in terms of the energy and athletic prowess and endeavor needed in the event. A flat out sprint over twelve obstacles for one complete circuit of the track . What Moses did in the event was to reinvent it all together. And his technique to this day has yet to be replicated. Having won the gold medal in the event in Montreal (1976) , he again would repeat the feat in Los Angeles (1984) and added the bronze to his tally in Seoul , Korea in 1988. He would also become a two time world champion in the event in 1983 and 1987 in Helsinki and Rome respectively.

 Moses seen here  are the  pre-ceremony   luncheon  for  the  Laureus  World  Sports  & Media  Awards.  Moses   has  been  a  winner  of  the  top  honor   awarded   each   year .  And  that  is  for   the   Sportsman  of  The  Year.   He's  also   the  recipient  of the  foundation's  highest   award  , which  is  their   Lifetime  Achievement  Award.    He   now  sits  on the  board  and  heads up  the   foundation's   philanthropical  efforts.   The  Laureus  Foundation  over  the  years  has  donated   in  excess  of   $150m  promoting   sports  and   education  amongst   poverty   stricken  children  across   the  globe.      picture   appears   courtesy  of   getty  images/ Ryan  Pierse  .................

We tend to laud the more high profiled stars of the sport at the time such as Carl Lewis , Florence Grffiths-Joyner and Mike Powell. But when it's all said and done though the triumvirate mentioned are all noteworthy . It has been Moses if anything who's carried himself with a great deal of decorum both on and off in his chosen field of endeavor. He's been recognized for his athletic achievements worldwide. And his civic and philanthropic efforts have been well chronicled. And again more accolades have come his way in this regard.

Moses still active gets in a training session . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Clive Rose ........

We don't always recognize the achievement of athletes such as Moses. But when it's warranted I do believe that individuals such Edwin Moses should not only be recognized but commended on what they've done not just for their own sport. But for sport in general and how they're viewed if anything by the kids who look up to stars such as this particular individual. He was never tainted by the controversy of drug use to enhance his athletic achievements. And if anything Moses was one of the first athletes to bring it to our attention as to the malfeasance that was to soon become rampant and widespread within track and field.

Records they say are meant to be broken and when they are, it's meant to be appreciated. In the annals of sport people tend to talk about Di Maggio's   hit streak in baseball (56 games). Cal Ripken's consecutive game streak in baseball and Brett Favre's consecutive streak in the NFL. By my way of thinking they're all considerable and commendable feats of endurance athleticism. But Moses' win streak of of 122 consecutive races over the space of nine years isn't given the due recognition it deserves. The streak lasted over nine years , whereafter his defeat by German Harald Schmidt he would go unbeaten as mentioned for an unprecedented streak . It wasn't until in 1987 when his defeat by fellow American Danny Harris at a track meeting Madrid that Moses would taste defeat again. Over that span Moses would lower his world record of   47.64 which he attained when winning the Olympic medal in Montreal. Of the 100 fastest times in the event Moses still holds 26 of them to this day. Quite staggering when one considers that he retired from the sport well over a decade ago. His stranglehold on the event while he competed was simply staggering.

A sport's man in the true sense of the word who was recognized by his peers as one of the modern alltime greats in track and field athletics. A tremendous athlete but above all a tremendous human being !

nb..  Moses   also    contributes  to   the  coverage   of  track  and  field   on  Yahoo Sports......

Things   That  Go  Bump  In The  Night  And  Then  There's  Sofia  Vergara  .

This   very  hot  Latina   has   got  everyone   wishing   that  they  were  able to   get  up  close and  personal.  And   it's  very   easy   to  understand    the   reason why.    This     buxom   beauty   is   the  latest   in a  long   line   of   very   sexy    hot   Latina   actresses   or   models  that've   made   big    in  the   United  States  and   is   looking  to  maximize their    exposure  not   just   here   but  across  the   globe.   

So  without   further  ado   let's    just  see  what  the  delectable  Sofia  Vergara  is  all  about.   Born  in  Barranquilla ,  Colombia   in  July  of   1972.  This   beauty   has  lit  up    the  screen   with   overt  sexuality  and  the   erotica   that   she   brings  to    a  role  .    She's  become  a  staple   not    just   on the  big   screen   but   also  within  the   print  magazine   world.    And   I'm   not   about   to  complain   in   whatever   medium   that  we   tend   to   find   her in.  It's  all  good   in  the      neighborhood    !

Sofia Vergara the hot Latina actress and model from Colombia ..................

What    Vergara   brings  within   our   midst   let   no man   seek  to   put  asunder .   It'll  pale  into  insignificance   no  matter   what    we  might  think.

And that ass looks good enough to squeeze if not take a bite out of it altogether ..............            The body that is Sofia Vergara ..................

The  body that is  Sofia  Vergara  and  the  ass  that's  a blast   from the  past  that   goes  with  it  all  definitely   is  worth  watching.

 And   with  a  body   like   Sofia's   is  there  anything  that's   not  worth  looking  at  ?

Ooh  la  lah   mi amore'  . 

If  You  Are What You Say  You  Are  Then Have  No  Fear ..................

Well  the  hyperbole  of  the  Alex  Rodriguez  press  conference  in  Tampa  came  and   went.    And   at the  end   of   it  all   absolutely   nothing  was  achieved.    Rodriguez  for his  part   answered   very  few   questions   and    his responses  were very  carefully   orchestrated. So much  so   that I  for   one thought    that   he   was  actually   going  to   run    for  legislative   office .

Rodriguez along PR Media Director Jason Zillo arrive at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fl. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jason Robles .............

Not  much  of  what he   had  to  say   actually  made  any  sense.  And   no   doubt the   convened   press  somehow  must've   been  mystified  by it  all.   Rodriguez   has   hired  a  high priced  legal   team  as  well  as   a  renowned   PR firm.  What    they   actually achieved   for  him  as   far anything  tangible   after this  charade   is   questionable  at best.

Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettite , team captain Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada all seated listen to Rodriguez's statement to the press. picture appears courtesy opf getty images/ Jason Robles ...........

Rodriguez  feels that  this'll   go a  long   way   in   placating  the  fans  and   press  alike.  But  it  does  leave  a  lot  of  unanswered   questions.  But   at  this   juncture  I   don't   feel   anyone  is too   overly  concerned.   If  nothing  else   we'll want  to  see     how   he  starts  of  the   regular   season  in  baseball  and   whether  or    he'll    live  up   to  his   exorbitant  contract.

Manager Joe Girardi seated far left and team GM Brian Cashman listen as Alex Rodriguez reads his prewritten statement to the press concerning his steroids use. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jason Robles .................

The  pressure   is  upon  the  New  York Yankees this   season.   And having  spent  in  excess  of   $420m   on  new  players.  It   has   to  be  said   that   they    can't   make   any excuses  whatsoever   should  they  fail  in their  endeavors.   We're  forever hearing  the  bitching  and  whining  of their  ownership  as  to   the  unfairness  of   it  all  concerning them   not  making  the  playoffs last   season .    But   if  Hank  Steinbrenner   had  looked  within   the  organization  he'd   have  realized  that   the   problems  are   from  within  and   not  outside   of   the New  York  Yankees'  team.   They   placed  too  much  emphasis  on   a  young and  inexperienced   pitching  staff .  And  at the  same  time   the   so  called   leaders   on   this    teams   at times   were  nowhere to  be  seen.

A pensive Alex Rodriguez looks outward towards the convened press in attendance at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fl . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Jason Robles .................

When   we talk  about  the  New  York  Yankees   were   talking  about  the  transcendent     professional   sport's  franchise   in the  country.  Their  history  is  littered  with   success   and   the  same time  a  great  deal  of   controversy.    But  after   yesterday's   press  conference  by   Alex   Rodriguez . I'm  now  beginning  to  wonder   if   we  can   take   them  seriously  any   longer.  For  three   straight  years  in  succession  they've    had  to   deal    with  situations  whereby   a  trusted   player  within  their   organization   has  either  ran  afoul   of  the  rules   of  the  game   and   lied  about  it. In  the  end    what     should   that   tell   us  about  the  organization  as   a  whole  ?     They're  not   really   any   different   from  the  other   numerous   franchises    that   run  the   gamut   of  professional   sports.  Especially   when  it  comes  to  their   highly    overpaid stars  and   their   narcissistic   behavior.   And   Rodriguez  for    his  part  has   just  proven   that   with the  veracity   of  his  argument    that he  and  only  he  knows  what's  best  for  him.  Rather  than  what's   best  for   the  game   as  a  whole  !

 How  Can   It   Have  All   Spiraled   Out  Of  Control   Like  This   ? 

With  the  abrupt   firing  and  departure    of  Terry Porter  from  the  Phoenix  Suns.  It  can  be  said  that   fallout  from it  all   has  been  staggering.    Never  mind  the  fact  that  it'd  been   rumored  that   the  franchise   was  prepared  to   trade their   All  Star  forward  with a  view   to changing  the  whole  identity  of the  team. 

Alvin Gentry (foreground) and GM Steve Kerr have some fun whilst awaiting questions from the convened press. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ David D Garrabant .............

This  season   the  team   has  not   so  much  stumbled  but   merely    fell   out  of   starting   gate.  And   they've    yet  to   show  any  glimpse  as  to  what   had   made  them  so  successful   under  their  former  coach  Mike  D'Antoni.    General  Manager  Steve Kerr  has  bungled  his   way   through   transactions  that   they  weren't  exactly   of   benefit  to  the  team  overall.     Since   the  trade   of   the   Shawn  Marion  and  Marcus  Banks   whereby  in   return   they  obtained   15  time  All  Star  center  Shaquille  O'Neal from  the  Miami Heat.   The  team  has   really   struggled    to show   some   semblance    of  consistency.   And    even   with  the   acquisition  also  of  Jason  Richardson     things   have  somewhat   gotten  back  on  an even  keel.    But  the   player  himself   has   proven  what   those   within  the  league   have   known all   along.  He's   something   of  a  knucklehead.    He's   been   suspended   for   one   game     by the  team  after a  traffic  incident  that's  somewhat   disturbing.

Suns' cheerleaders perform at the 2009 All Star Game at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Az. picture appeaers courtesy of ap/photo/ Dennis Brunton ..............

They're  still  the   same   offensive  minded   team   and   albeit  that  Porter   was  brought  in  to   put  some  defensive  toughness   into the   team.   The  same   old  persona   remains  on  a  team  that's   still   trying  to   find  a  new  identity.   Kerr  for  his   part   hasn't   really provided the   fans   with a  sound  explanation   as  to the   travails   of  the  team.  But   one   would   dare   believe that   the  fans  themselves   must've  been   baying   for  his   blood upon  the  announcement   that   Terry Porter  had  been   fired.  Never   mind  the   fact  that  he's   offered   no  specifics  other  than to   suggest   that   the  team  is   now going   in  another   direction.    As  to   what  direction  might  be   is  open   to  a   great   deal  of  debate  and   conjecture.

Interim coach Alvin Gentry takes questions from the attending press having just been introduced as the Suns' new coach by GM Steve Kerr . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Dennis Brunton ................

Porter  in  the  meantime   has   been  replaced   by  Alvin   Gentry    as  the   team's  coach  on  an  interim   basis.   It's   hard  to  see    how  he'll   succeed   in  light  of  the  failure   of  Porter.   And   though   Gentry   , himself   has  coached   within  the league  before.   His    successes   aren't   exactly   highlighted   by   anything   tangible.    Though  he's    respected    by  the  players   it's   hard  to  see  what   he'll   do  differently    from  his    predecessor.    The  inexplicable   has  happened   under  the   tenure   of  Kerr  as  GM    the  team   has   regressed    rather  than  improved.     And sad   as  it   is  to  say    since   Jerry  Colangelo    relinquished  control   of  the   team.   Things   haven't   been  the   same   since.     And   although   his   son   Bryan   Colangelo   remained    behind   for  a  brief   stint  .    Once   he'd    had    enough  and   the  sale   of   the  franchise  was  made  to   entrepreneur   Robert  Sarver.    Things    just   seemed  to  have   spiraled  completely     out   of   control. 

And  as  knowledgeable   as  it was   believed   Kerr  might've been . His   credentials  as  an   executive  does   leave   a  lot  to  be  desired.   It were  as if the  mistakes   made    by  his    former   teammate   with  the  Chicago Bulls   in    Michael  Jordan    were   indeed   something  of    template   for  what  would   follow   with  the  Suns.   Jordan's   fluffs   as  a  front   office   executive    with   the  Washington  Wizards   and   Charlotte  Bobcats  are the  stuff    that   legends   are  made  of.     Though    in  Jordan's  case   already  being   a  legend  on  the  court   just   didn't  seem  to  be  enough   for  him.   He  became  the   laughing   stock   around  the  league.    Though  it  has  to  be   said  that   there   are  other    candidates  within  the NBA  who   can   attest  to  the  fact that  they've  done   just   as  damning   a  job  in  their    respective   front  offices.   You  can  ponder  the   names  of  those   individuals   for    yourselves.

Suns' center Shaquille O'Neal in the locker room at the interval of the All Star Game held in Phoenix, Arizona,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul Attwood ............

With  little   more  than  thirty   games   remaining   in  the  regular   season   the   team  will    have  to  play   at  a   clip   above  .500  or  better   if  they're  to  be  in  with a  realistic  chance  of  making  the  playoffs.   They   sit  some  13 ½   games   behind  the   division  leading   Los  Angeles  Lakers (42-10)  in  the Pacific  Standings.    And  with  the  Lakers   seemingly   on  a   charge  to  make   it  back  to  the  Western  Conference  Finals.  You'd  be  hard  pressed  to   think   that   the  Phoenix  Suns   would  indeed   have  what  it   takes   to post  a  serious   challenge to   the  men  in   purple  and  gold.

The Suns'  record   of  (28-23) places  them    ninth   amongst  the   teams  in  the  playoff   chase   in  the  Western  Conference.  And   they   merely   sit a  game   behind  the  eighth  place   Utah Jazz (30-23).   The   struggles   of  the  Suns  haven't   been   lost  on  their   fans.  And   though   there've    yet   to  have   been   any  vocal   demonstrations  against   the   franchise.   It  was   to be  said  that   their    displeasure   has   to be   now   fomenting  to   a  boiling  point.   The   core   of  the   team   isn't   getting  any   younger   and   the  window  of   opportunity   for the  team   is   quickly  closing     shut.  Albeit   that    the  hinges  on the   door  aren't   yet   squeaking.    It  also   hasn't    help   the  situation   with   no  doubt   tensions   rising  as to  the  what   might've   been   viewed  as the  impending   trade   of   power  forward  Amar'e   Stoudemire.    The   player  was  said   to  be   somewhat    disgruntled   and   had   plainly  made   his  wishes    felt   to  whomever  was   prepared  to  listen.     With   the  change    in  coaching   duties  with  the   promotion  of  Gentry  from  an  assistant  to   coach  on   an   interim  basis.   It   is  now   not   only   Gentry   and    the   franchise's   livelihood  that'll  be  on  the  line.  But  also   that   of   Steve  Kerr's   as  well.   He  was  the   original   architect  of   this   all.   And   if anything    it   ought  to  be   his   head     that's     placed    on  the  chopping   block   ,  should    the    team   fail   to  make  the  postseason   and   beyond.

Porter (left) seen here alongside Gentry in a game played against the Detroit Pistons at the Palace Of Auburn Hills, Mi,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Neal Thorpe ....................

There's   only  so   much  that   can  be  expected    from   point  guard  Steve  Nash  as   a  player   and  last  I  looked  he  wasn't   viewed  as  a  miracle   worker.  Despite  what  many  of   us   had  been  led   to believe.  It  may   not  bode  well   for   the   franchise  at  this   juncture    but   it'll  be    very   interesting  and   intriguing   to  see     how   they'll    fare   over the  remainder  of  the  season.    Kerr   and   the  franchise  will   have  to  sink   or   swim    with  the    decisions   made.

It Never Rains In Southern California  ............. 

Well  after  last  night's  euphoric   victory by the  Los Angeles  Lakers over their   fiercest  rivals   for  NBA supremacy  in the Boston Celtics. There'll   now  be  many  amongst  telling us  that  the  Lakers  are  now  indeed  the  best  team  in the NBA. Record wise  and   statistically  that'd  prove  to be  the  case.    But the argument  does   continue  even  amongst  the  most   discerning  of  fans  of  not  just  the  NBA  but  amongst   both  teams' legions   of  fans. 

Bryant and Garnett acknowledge each other by shaking hands prior to the game played last night at the TD Banknorth Center played in Boston , Mass,. ...............

Bryant  and Garnett  shake  hands   prior  to  the  game  played  last  night  at the TD Banknorth Center in Boston , Mass. ...........

But  as  the  title  of  this  piece  reads  and   it  can  be  attributed  to the  neo-soul  r&b  group Tony, Toni , Tone !  One of the  premiere  r&b groups  of the  late 80's  and  early  90s, fronted  by  Raphael Saadiq.  An  accomplished   musician and  producer  in  his  own  right.

The game  itself  though  not overly suspenseful  did   pit   two  teams  who  as  of  late have been  playing  some  excellent  basketball. And  if  nothing  else  the   hierarchy  of the NBA  has  to  be  pleased with the way   the  season  seems  to  be  turning  out  thus  far.   We've seen  the  consistency  of  one   of  its  brightest  stars  in LeBron James  of  the  Cleveland  Cavaliers. Who's  now  leading  them  to  great  heights   this season.  He's  ably  abetted  by the  likes  of   Anderson Varejao, Mo Williams  and  others.   

Celtics' Kevin Garnett looks to make a move against the Lakers' Pau Gasol ............

Kevin Garnett  of  the  Celtics  looks  to  make  a  move   against the  Lakers' Pau  Gasol.

But  it  is the  Lakers  and  Celtics    whom  the  league appears  to live and  die  by  when  it  comes  to  equating   its   success.  Especially   on the   business  side   of the  equation.  Anyone  who'd  think otherwise  clearly  hasn't  seen  the  sort   product that the  two   teams  move   in  terms  of  merchandising,  not  only  domestically  but  also  internationally.  And  for  a  sport  that  now  generates  in  excess of  $8.5bn  annually  in  revenues.  One can  only   think  that this   brings a  smile  to  the  face  of  Commissioner  David  Stern  when  both  teams are  successful  and  sit  atop  of  the game.

Jordand Farmar of the Lakers and the Celtics' Paul Pierce (seated) contest a loose ball during the game........

Jordan Famar of  the Lakers  and  the  Celtics' Ray  Allen  contest  a  loose  ball   during  the  game .  ...............

The  Lakers  visited  the  TD Banknorth  Center  in Boston  ,  home  to the  Celtics   not long  after  having   slayed  the New York Knicks.   Kobe  Bryant  was  coming  off  a  highly  impressive  game  where  he'd  scored  61 points   against the  woefully  inept   Knicks. And  the  Celtics , themselves  prior  to last  night's  overtime  loss  has  strung  together  an  impressive  win  streak.   Good  enough  to abate  those  who may  felt  that  they  were   going  on a  downward  slide.   But  as  evidenced  by last  night's  meeting  this    game  meant  something  to both   teams.  Be it  psychological  or  otherwise.   Whoever  held   the   upper  hand  could  be   viewed  as  the  presumptive  favorites  now  to  win  it  all.   A  far   reaching  statement  when  one   bears  in  mind  an  injury  can  all  too   quickly   derail   the aspirations  of  either   team. As  it  is  the  Lakers  were  playing   without   center Andrew Bynum.    He's  believe  to  be   out  of the  Lakers'  lineup  for   at  least  two  to  three  months   minimum.   His   play  of  late  had  given  everyone  reason to  believe   that the  team  would   be  good  enough   to  avenge   last  season's  series  loss to the Celtics in the  NBA  Finals.

But  last  night  Bynum  was  not  on  view  but  the  skills  of   Pau  Gasol  were.  He   was  the  foil   for  Bryant  as  they  withstood   and   then  outplayed  the Celtics in  order  to win the  game  in  overtime  110-109.  Bryant  ,  Gasol  and  Lamar  Odom  led  the  Lakers  in scoring  by  chipping  in 26, 24 and  20  points   respectively.  And  their   bench  which  is  viewed  upon  by many  as  having   more  depth  than  most. They  also  played  their  part  in   this   victory.    But  one  could   surmise that  had   not  Kevin  Garnett of  the Celtics  let  his   emotions   get the  better  of   him   by   fouling  out.  We  might  well  have  been  talking   about  this  being  a  Celtics'  victory  instead  of  the  Lakers    being  triumphant.  But  ifs and  buts  can't  make  up  for  an  irrational   moment   by   a  player.   The  game  is  won   by those  who    choose  to  play  the  game  to  it  culmination.    And  that's  something  that  Garnett  should've  really  thought  about at the  time. 

Bryant celebrates with his teammates after their victory over the Celtics in overtime on their homecourt in Boston, Mass., ...............

Boston celebrates with  his  teammates  after their  victory over  the  Celtics in overtime  on their  homecourt in Boston, Mass,.  .............

His team  looks to  him   for their  emotional   ,  vocal and  physical leadership.   But somehow  he   forgot   about that and   let  them   down.   I  know  also that   fans  there  in  Boston   are  also   questioning  the    officiating that  took  place    last  night.  But  in all   reality  when  have we  ever  known  there  no to  be  any   form  of  controversy   when   two   highly   competitive  and  physical   teams   meet   in the  NBA ?     The  officials  themselves  rather  than   adjudicating  a  game   tend to   interject themselves   into   the  event   far  more  than  is  really   necessary.  Perhaps  this  is merely  a  reflection  of  their  persona  as they  surrounded   by  highly   paid  athletes  that  they  may  some  feel in  awe  of.  Or  the  very  fact  that they're the   ones  who  feel that  they  ought   to be  in charge  and   the  center  of  attention  at all  times. 

Byrant of the Lakers eagerly awaits the play of the Celtics' Paul Pierce whilst playing defense ..............

Byrant of the Lakers eagerly awaits the play of  the Celitcs' Paul Pierce  whilst  playing   defense. .......

The  game  in the end   may  have  met   everyone's   expectation.  But  on the  other   it  may well  have  not.  On  this  all  it merely  proved    was  that t he Lakers   were   merely  up  to  the  task  of  beating  the  Celtics  on their   homecourt.  It  may  well  bode   well   for  the  future  should   they  meet  in  the  Finals.  But  that'd   be   predicated  upon   both   teams   making  to  their   respective   conference  finals and   winning   through.   But  for  now  the  Lakers' fans   can   bask  in  the  limelight   and  feel  good.  Just  like the  song  written  by   Raphael Saadiq  would   suggest  .....It  Never Rains  In  Southern  California .

pictures  appears  courtesy  of  nbae/getty  images / Brian  Babineau  ..................

One Isn't Quite  The Loneliest Number  .............

It probably hasn't  gone  unnoticed  by  many of  you. But  recently  the  Lady  Vols of  Tennessee  and  their   coach  Pat  Summitt  sits on  the  cusp  of  winning  1,000  games  in women's   collegiate  basketball.  Summitt  easily the  most  successful  coach  in  women's college  basketball . In the women's   game  she  has  been  the  quintessential  individual  who  everyone else  is  judged by when it  comes  to  the  game.   

A disheartened Summitt looks deep in thought after her team's loss 80-70 to Oaklahoma in Oaklahoma City , OK. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Sue Ogrocki ..............

A disheartened  Summitt  looks  deep in thought after  her  team's  loss 80-70  to Oaklahoma  in Oklahoma  City, OK.  picture appears  courtesy of ap/photo/Sue Ogrocki .............

We've  had  John Wooden the  coach of  the  heralded  UCLA  Bruins  whose  records  bear  no  introduction.  The  program is  the  pedestal against  which  all  in men's  basketball  hopes  to  aspire  to.  However when  it  comes to  the  women's  game.  It  has  to  be  said  the  achievements  of  Summitt  and  the  University  of   Tennessee  is  simply  astonishing.  No  other  program  even  comes  close  .  OK so  Geno  Auriemma  and  the University of  Connecticut  (Huskies)  may   well  think  that   his  program  is  equal  to  that  of  the  Vols.  But when  I  look  at  Auriemma   I  tend  to  see  a  guy  who  thinks  so  highly  of  himself   that  he  tends to  forget   where  comes  from. 

Sooners' fans acknowledge Summitt's attempt at making history but they also acknowledge Sooners' coach Sherri Coales' attempt at winning her 273 rd game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Sue Ogrocki ......

Sooners' fans  acknowledge  Summitt's attempt at  making  history  but they also  acknowledge  Sooners' coach  Sherri Coales'  attempt

at  winning her  273rd game . picture  appears  courtesy of  ap/photo/Sue Ogrocki .............. 

His  Huskies  have  been  very   good  over  the  time  of  his  tenure. But  he's  yet  to  reach  the  heights  that  Summitt  has  reached. He  may  well  bark  louder than  most.  But  his   bite  has  been nothing  more than   that  of  a  puppy.  

For  Summitt  this'll  be  an  extraordinary   achievement   when  she  reaches  that  unprecedented  height.  No  other  coach  within the  collegiate  game  has ever won  1,000  games.   Not  only  does  it   say  something   about   longevity  but  also  the  very   fact  that  much  of  this   has  been  achieved   with  the  Volunteers'   program.   She  may  well have  failed  when   the Lady  Vols   succumbed  to  Oklahoma.   But   there's   every   reason  to  believe  that  when they  face  Georgia  tonight.  This   may  well  be  the  game  where   this  magnificent  achievement   will  take  place.    

It has  been  said  that  were   Summitt  a  male  she'd  be  coaching   in  the  men's   ranks.  That  may  well  be  the  case.   But  with the  glass  ceiling   still  in  existence . It's unlikely  that  we'd  ever  come to see the  day  where  a  female   will  be  coaching  a  men's  team  at  the  collegiate  level  much  less  in the  NBA.  And   that's   not   said  as  a  disservice to the  abilities  of  Pat  Summitt.  But   I  for  one   believe    the   NCAA  much  less the  NBA  is yet   ready   for   such  a  distinction.   It's  still   the  old  boys'  network    in   many   a  case. And   they  make   what has  taken  place  when  it  came  to  minorities  within  their   midst   either   as  players   or   coaches    much  more  than an  egregious  error.  Hell  were  it  not   for  UTEP's  victory over  Kentucky   in the  mid  sixties   the  face  of college  basketball  much  less  the  NBA   wouldn't  have  seen  such  a  seismic  shift.

But  it's as   they say   good  things'll  come  to  those  who   wait.   I  know that   we   now  have   the   existence  of  the  WNBA    as  a  basis  for  the   professional   game   for  women.  But  as  to  its  competitive   nature   it  pales  into   significance  when  measured  against   that  of  the  NBA.

As  for  Summitt  the  road  traveled   for   her  has  been  one  filled  with  success.  And   much  of  it  has  been  appreciated   by  the  alumni , fans,  and  the  public  in  general.  They've  seen  the  highs  and  lows  with the  program   and  its  teams.   Thankfully  their  highs  have   far   exceeded  the  lows   under   Summitt's   tenure.  The  eight  national  championships  won  under  her  tenure  are  a  record.  With  her  closest  rival  being  the  five  won  by  Auriemma  with the  Connecticut   Huskies.   Obviously  atop of  all  this   in  collegiate   basketball  world  stands  John  Wooden's  10  titles  won over  his  tenure  with  the  storied UCLA  Bruins.   John Wooden  is   still   beloved  by  all  and  his  significance  to the  men's   game  is without  doubt  indelible.  The   same   can  be said  of   Summitt's  mark   on  the  women's   game  as  well.

This   year  it  may  well  be  viewed  that  there's  a  chink  in  the  program's  armour  as  they've  struggled  somewhat  to   avail  themselves  of  wins.  But within  the  SEC  they sit  at  (5-2) fifth  within the  conference  and  17-5  overall with a  number  17  ranking  nationally.  You'd be  somewhat   foolish  to  think  that  the  program  is  declining.  If  nothing else   it's  that   we   know that Pat Summitt  knows  how  to   motivate  her  players  and  bring   out  the  best  in them.    They  may  well  struggle  this  season   but  it  won't  be   for  the  lack of   effort  on their   part   or   that  of  their   coach.  Her   determination  is  that  of  her  players    and  they'll  reciprocate  accordingly  with  their   effort  on the  court.

So  as  we  await   this   landmark  that  will  probably  remain  unbroken.  It  says  much  as  to the  esteem with   which   Pat  Summit  is  held  with  the  collegiate  game  of   basketball.  No one  else  has  perhaps  personified  what  the   game   has  been  about    better  than  her   when  it  comes  to  women's   basketball.    A  feeling   long  held   by  many.  

Kobe'll  Get His No Matter  What  .........

OK  so  Kobe Bryant  has  proved  once  again  why he  might  just  be  the  greatest  offensive presence  there  is in the NBA today.  Not  only  has  he  lived up  to the  expectations  one  believed  his  talents   belied.  But  the  euphoria  over the player   now  borders  on  a  God like  status and  adoration of the  player. 

But  there  are  opponents  of  this  view   who  see  and   feel that   LeBron James  of  the Cleveland  Cavaliers may  well  be  the  better   player  at  this   juncture  in their  careers.  Well  last  night  night  Bryant   took  it  upon  himself   to  drop   61  points   on the  lamentable  New  York Knicks.  Whose   defense   shall  we  say  is   about  as  notable   as  that  of   the  Trojans'  defense  of  Troy  when  they   came   under  the  attack  from  the  Greeks.  Suffice  to  say there   was  no  wooden  horse  needed   here  to  break   down  the  Knicks'  defense   at Madison Square  Gardens  last  night. Bryant  and  the  Los Angeles   Lakers   had  their   way  with the  team. 

Wilson Chandler of the Knicks tries to defend the Lakers' Kobe Bryant. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Doug Watts ..........

 Wilson Chandler  of  the  Knicks tries  to  defend  the  Lakers' Kobe  Bryant.  picture  appears  courtesy of  nbae/getty images/ Doug Watts ............

Defense at   times   doesn't appear  to  a  part   of   the  Knicks'  culture   under  the  Mike  D'Antoni tome  when  it comes  to coaching.   And  when  it   does   happen  it's  something  of a  rarity   to  those  who   follow  the  game  as  well  as  the  Knicks  as  a  whole. Now  far be  it  for  me  to  say  that  the  expectations  perceived   when   D'Antoni   took  over  from the  woefully  inept  Isaiah  Thomas  would  be  high.  But  the  mere   fact   that   at this   point  of the season they're close  to  exceeding  last  year's  win  total  of  23  games.  That   does indeed  tell  you  how  far they've  come.  At  21-26  they  stand  a  full  18  games  behind the  Atlantic  Division leading  Boston Celtics(40-9).  But  there's  hope  amongst their   most  ardent   of  fans  that  this'll  be   the year  that  we'll  see   a  turnaround  from  the  team.   They've  been  playing   well  but  not  consistently  well  enough   for  one  to  believe  that  they  can  make  the  playoffs.  The   jury  is  still   out  on  that  at this  juncture.

Last  night's   game   however   was  a   thrill  a   minute   in  terms of the offense   that  was  on  display.   The  result  itself   speaks   for  itself   whereby  the  Lakers  won  the  game 126-117 with  Pau  Gasol   ably   supporting  Bryant   by  throwing   in  31 points  himself.  The   Lakers'  bench  combined  for  19  points ,  leaving   the  starters   to  produce  the majority  of  the  scoring  on the  night.  Through  each of  the  four   quarters  the  scoring  was   somewhat  even. But  it  was   Bryant's  display ,  range  and   wide   variety   of  shot  making  that  had  the  fans  beguiled  and  no  doubt  the   viewing  audience  and analysts   alike   searching   for  the right  words   to  describe  the  player's  feat. 

Duhon of the Knicks tries to drive the lane under the defensive and watchful eye of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images / Doug Watts .............

Duhon   of  the  Knicks   tries to  drive  the  lane  under  the  watchful and  defensive  eye  of the Lakers'  Kobe  Bryant.   picture  appears  courtesy  of  nbae/getty images/ Doug  Watts  ............. 

With  Bynum   going  down  injured  and   the  play  of Lamar Odom bordering on  being  nauseous  to say the least. It'll  now be  down  to Bryant  and   whoever  is  prepared  to  step  and  take on  the  mantle  in adding  some added   offensive  and  rebounding  presence    on this   team .   Gasol   has  proven  that  he  can  do it.  But  nowhere  near  the   consistency   that  coach   Phil  Jackson  requires.  As  to  who  of  their   bench  players   would  be  capable  of  assuming  this  mantle.  The one  player   who  I  feel   might  be  well   suited  to   this  may  well  be  Trevor  Ariza. He's  certainly   tenacious  enough  and   possesses  that  desire  and  will   to   succeed.   But  it'd  be  far  fetched  to  believe  that  he'll  be  the  cure to   what  ails  the  Lakers  with  the  loss  of  Andrew  Bynum  for  an  indeterminable  period  of  time. But  if  nothing  else  it's better to  have  Ariza   on  the court  than  anyone  else  on  their bench.

Wilson Chandler and David Lee look to sandwich Bryant who's in pursuit of the loose ball. picture appears courtesy of nabe/getty images/ Doug Watts ............

Wilson Chandler  and  David  Lee  look  to  sandwich  Bryant  of the  Lakers  who's   in pursuit of  the loose ball.  picture appears  courtesy  of  nbae/getty  images/  Doug  Watts   ................

As  to  Bryant , last  night's offensive  output   was  a  record  for  a  game  played  between the two  teams.  And  it  certainly  now  adds  fuel  to the  fire  as  to  who  is  playing   the more  consistently   of  the  two, between  Bryant  and  James.  Both  players  have their   own  legion  of  fans.  And   both  are   equally  aplomb   of  showing   off   their   skills  as  and  when  they  wish. They've  both  taken  on the  leadership   mantle  for  their   respective   teams  and  if  nothing  else   this  may  well  be  down  to  the  fact  of  the  Olympic   experience  of  Beijing.  If  anything  the  influence  of  Mike  Krzyzewski   and  his    coaching  seems  to   have  rubbed  off   on  both  players. 

Ariza of the Lakers shoots against the Knicks while his teammate Lamar Odom looks on. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Doug Watts ................

Ariza of  the Lakers  shoots  against the  Knicks  with  teammate  Lamar Odom looking  on.  picture  appears  courtesy  of  nbae/getty images/ Doug Watts ......

Over the  next  few   months  it  will   however be  interesting  to  see   how  the  Lakers  will  fare.  The  loss  of  Bynum  while  significant  oughtn't  to  waylay   the  Lakers'  chances  of  making  the  playoffs.  However  it  does  make  them  somewhat  more   vulnerable.  And  no  doubt  many  of  their   Western  Conference   foes  will  look   upon  the  situation  to  inflict    further  pain  and  suffering   upon  the  team  if  they  can.  The San  Antonio  Spurs   seem to have   found their  footing. And though   Tim  Duncan  and  his   teammates  aren't  viewed  as the    team  to  beat.  They've a  way   of  appearing   ominously   dangerous to   those  who'll  view  them  as  nothing  more  than  a  team whose window  of  opportunity  has come  and  gone. It'd  be   foolish  to write  them  off  as  they've   seen  it  all  before   and  have   acquitted  themselves  well  as  and  when  needed.  But  after  last   year's   bitter  loss  in the  conference  finals   to the  Lakers.  Nothing  would  be  sweeter  for them  than  to  exact    revenge   on the  team  deemed   everyone's   favorites to win  it  all   in  the  West.

Gasol of the Lakers pulls down a defensive rebound with the Knicks' David Lee looking on. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Doug Watts ..............

Gasol of   the Lakers  pulls  down a  defensive   rebound  with  the  Knicks'  David  Lee  looking  on .  picture  appears  courtesy  of  nbae/getty  images/Doug Watts........

So as  we're  close  to  reaching  the  halfway   point of  the  season. What  seemed  to have  been  ordained   might   just   be  turning  out  to  be   something  of  a  thrilling   event  for  those  who'd   care  to  watch    what  will  happen  in the  ensuing  months.  Can  the Lakers   succeed  or  will  they   fall  because merely   because  of  the absence  of  Andrew  Bynum ?  He  was  sorely  missed  last  year.  And   no   doubt  this  time around  there's  that  feeling  of   déjà-vu  once  again.   The  irony  isn't  lost  on their   fans  or  the    organization  as  a  whole.

If  there  was  any  doubt that  George  St Pierre  has finally  proved  himself   the  better  of   B J Penn. We  now  know  that   Penn  has  been  more  talk  than  anything  else.    So  much   trash  talking   and  at   the  end  of  the  day   he  just   didn't  have  what  it   takes   to  defeat    his   Canadian  nemesis.  

George St Pierre seated at the press conference publicizing his bout with BJ Penn picture appears courtesy of ap/Brian Boscoe ................

George St  Pierre  seated  at the press conference publicizing his  bout with  BJ Penn .  picture appears  courtesy  of   ap/Brian  Boscoe ...............

If there  was  disappointment  then  it   had  to  be  amongst   Penn's   fans. If  nothing  else this  trilogy  of   fights  within   the  UFC  genre  has  made  the  fans  all  the  more  affixed  as  to  the  rivalry  between  the  two.  It's  these   sort  of  rivalries  that  make   the  sport  the   thriving  and  driving   force  it  is.     

Penn takes a right hand from St Pierre . picture appears courtesy of mma.com/ Paul Whitfield ..................

Penn takes  a  right hand  from  St Pierre .  picture appears  courtesy of  mma.com/ Paul  Whitfield ......................

No  longer  viewed  as  the  back  street  bullies  of  brawling   as   the  sport  has  been  portrayed  by  certain  legislators and   law   enforcement   officials.  The  genre  that  is  known  as mixed  martial  arts   has  now  become  a  multi million   dollar  business.   And  the  king  of  the  hill  is the  entity  UFC  which  is  a  wholly  owned  entity  of  Zuffa LLC.  

That  being  said   the   fight  card   put  together   UFC  94  by  UFC  had  St  Pierre  and  Penn  as  the   headliners.  The   undercard  itself  wasn't   too  shabby   either.

The  fighters   were  very  much a  who's  who  of  the  MMA  world  in  other weight categories.  Lyoto  Machida   versus Thiago  Silva,   Stephan Bonnar  versus Jon Jones  , Karo Parisyan  versus  Dong Hyun Kim and  Nate  Diaz  versus  Clay  Guida. The  gate  itself  was  one  of  the   highest   gated  revenues   for  an  MMA  event.  The  box  office   revenues  were   in  excess   of  $4.35m   and   had  over   13,000  people   in  attendance.

St Pierre the victor after his bout against BJ Penn . picture appears courtesy of ap/Brian Boscoe .................

St Pierre the  victor  after  his  bout  against  B J Penn .  picture appears  courtesy  of   ap/ Brian Boscoe .............

If  Penn  had  anything  to  prove   to  his  fans  and  to   St  Pierre  in  particular .  It   was  he  was  the  better    of   the   two   practitioners  in  the  genre.  It has  been   greatly   debated  by    many   as  to   who  really   is   better  of   the  two   fighters.  And   if  nothing  else  all  the  sniping   between  the   two  has  added   nothing   but  disdain  for  each  other  between  the  two.    And   this  is   the  thing  if  any   that  UFC  CEO  loves  to  see   amongst  his  stable  of   fighters.   Create  the   atmosphere  of  animosity  that  the   fans  will  love.  And  then   you've   got  them  hook  line  and   sinker   in   terms  of   fans  for  the  bouts  or   attendees  for  an  event.  Be  it  there   live   or   via   PPV.     And   PPV  is   the   cash   cow  for   UFC.  In  2007   the  revenues   for    all   UFC   events   combined    were   in   excess  of  $275m .  And  when  you  consider   that   boxing   was  only  marginally   lower   than  that   in  terms  of  its  overall   revenues   via  pay  for  view. 

Penn and St Pierre in the octagon. picture apears courtesy of ap/Brian Boscoe ...............

Penn and  St Pierre  in the octagon .   picture appears  courtesy of  ap/Brian  Boscoe ............................

But  now   the  new  kid  on  the  block   is   MMA  with   UFC  as  its  proprietor.  Never  let  it  be  said  that   Dana   White   doesn't  know   how  sell   his   product.  He's   the   Don  King    for  the  new  millennia.  Such  has  been  his   acumen   in  making   MMA  what  it  is .  That  he   now  rules  the   roost   like a megalomaniacal   despotic  ruler.  He's   the  final   arbiter  of  everything  to  do  with   the  sport.  Though   he  states   that  it's  a  collective   that   actually   is  a  part of  the  decision  making.  But   his  intent   is  now  on  world  domination  when  it  comes  to  the  sport  and   nothing  , absolutely  nothing  will  stand  in  his  way.

St Pierr and BJ Penn side by side to publicize their upcoming bout at UFC 94 ...............

 St Pierre and  Penn  side  by  side   publicizing  their   bout  at  the UFC 94 press conference. picture appears  courtesy  of  ap/Phil Wainwright .............  

The  bout   between   Penn and  St  Pierre  would  last   for   five  grueling   rounds.  But  it  was  St  Pierre  who  got  the  better   of   Penn  of  for  much  of  this   bout.  Penn  was  the  offensive  for  much  of the  fight  but   it  was  St  Pierre  who   was   the  better   practitioner.  He   punished   Penn    with   severe  brutality  and   it  was  clear  that  the   referee   had   no  choice   but   to  stop  the  bout  when  he  did.

So  now  we   must   ask   what's  next    for   St  Pierre  in  the  welterweight  division  ?  For  Penn  he'll  have   to   rethink   his   future   quite  possibly as  to  whether  it's  better  for  him  to   fight  as  a  welterweight  or  lightweight.  It  has  to  be  said   that  at  this   juncture   it'll  be  interesting  to  see  what'll  materialize   down  the  road  for   both   fighters.