Time to talk a little draft...and tourney.

Today the mock draft has Portland picking up 2 Illinois guys, Deron Williams at #9 and Luther Head at #39. First of all I think they are nuts thinking that Luther Head won't go MUCH higher than 39! I like both players (of course) and I am thrilled at the prospect.

Both Deron and Luther would be great choices for Portland. We need shooters and these two guys can certainly do that. 2 out of 3 heads of the "three headed monster"would certainly be a coup for the Blazers. Heck, maybe next year they can snag the third-Dee Brown.

OK OK...since I am on the subject I am going to take this opportunity to TOOT THE ILLINI HORN again. 2 games to go and they will have cleaned the table. I can't wait for the tourney!

I will be blogging the Illini's run at the championship. Here is a bit of history on the NCAA brackets. Get your pencils ready!

Missed a few days...

I am still in the midst of moving. It has been hard to keep up. I didn't get to go to the Hawk game but I did make it to the T-Wolves game. I hate to say it but I think the realization that the playoffs are not likely is beginning to have an affect. Focus is lacking. I can understand why. It is hard as a fan to see your team begin to crumble around the edges. I hope they can buck up and decide to make the best of what is left. The Blazers are a resilient bunch. I think we will see some good basketball with glimpses of the future in weeks to come.

I did get some decent shots at the Minny game but have been unable to upload them. My picture program has gone haywire and I am panic stricken thinking I may have lost pictures. I use Picasa. If anyone is familiar with the program and has experienced having all your pictures turn into tiny thumbnails that only show half of the picture while not letting you access them please let me know! It lets me see them in a slideshow and that is all! I do not know what to do!. I must save my pictures!

Blazers versus Atlanta Hawks.

If the Blazer's can not beat a Walker-less Atlanta, at home, then there truly is no hope. There is simply no reason or excuse available to even think that the Balzers won't get the win tonight. HOWEVER, if they go into the game with this same attitude, they could get a suprise. I really don't think they will. Gary Payton is not expected to be there. It seems he will be waived and likely end up in Miami. (Beware, Miami is building a sweet little team under the radar-they are also snagging Steve Smith)

*Josh Smith will be in the house. He is this year's slam dunk winner.

I am not going to tonight's game so there will be no pictures from me this time.

Game Preview

Time's Up!

The Blazers have stood pat. No trades. Reef is still a Blazer. Damon too. I am very glad. I didn't like any trade I had heard about. I would have loved to see us get Redd but not at the expense of losing Reef. I will hold on to my hope that Zach and Miles can be moved during the summer and we can make use of expiring contracts.

Here are the transactions that did take place. It is updating still.

Blazers versus Los Angeles Lakers

Tonight would normally be one of those games that you lose sleep over the night before, not this time. The Blazer/Laker rivalry has lost it's lustre. Even so, it is a game the Blazers have to win to have even a remote shot at the playoffs. The Lakers are not the powerhouse they have been in years past but neither are the Blazers. Still, this is the Lakers and they must be beaten!

Tonight will be an interesting game in that it will be Reef's first game back. Unfortunately, he has trade rumors hanging over him. It was said that SAR would be starting at the point in place of NVE. Since NVE will be playing (it was thought he'd miss due to a family problem), I do not expect to see that. What I expect is to see both Zach and SAR coming off the bench. I am looking forward to seeing Ruben "stop" Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers are looking for their first 3 game winning streak this season. The Blazers are simply looking for a win. I'd say the Blazers are in a good position to get this win. I think they will get it done. I really do! Our shooting will be better than last time. No "o-fers" tonight!

As before, here is Forum Blue and Gold's take. LINK
Game Preview

UPDATE: Man, this one is simply tuff. Missed free throws. Kobe getting away with r...oh, I mean murder. I'm in a really bad mood over this one. I hate it when the game is RIGHT THERE! How I wish Reef would have nailed that final shot. Great try by Damon. Darius 0 for 6? His shirt was untucked 12 of his 13 minutes. I will leave the hair alone, that is not a big deal to me. BOX SCORE

Here are some pictures:

My hair is better than your hair!

Guarding Reef.

Getting to the rim.

It goes.

Killa' congratulating Damon after a big 3.

Sizzle fizzle.

Reef activated, DA placed in IL.

"The Portland Trail Blazers have activated forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim from the Injured List and placed guard Derek Anderson on the Injured List with back spasms."
Source: Blazers.com

We knew Reef was going to be activated but I hadn't heard of DA going on the IL. I'd say that this is positioning for a trade.

Local radio reporting...Blazer/Buck trade imminent.

Shareef Abdur Rahim & Travis Outlaw plus 3 mil for Redd and Van Horn.
Redd is great. VanHorn is a total dweeb. It could be worse. I guess if this is how it has to be, so be it.
tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock tick tock....

Zach nearing 100%

According to today's Oregonian Zach Randolph's knee is at least nearing 100%.
"...The Blazers figure they have a better chance at winning after watching Randolph tear up Tuesday's practice while showing no signs of pain in his right knee, which has forced him to miss nine games this season.

"It was like the old Zach out there today," Cheeks said. "It was like there was nothing wrong with his knee. It's been a while since I have seen him like that. I mean, today he just stood out so much, running the floor, offensive rebounding, jab stepping, going to the rim against people . . . he hasn't done that in a long time. So it makes us feel good when we see him doing that stuff..."
However, Zach says he still feels pain when he comes down from a jump. Perhaps it is wishful thinking on the part of the team and cautious optimism on Zach's part.
...Randolph, who didn't play in the Blazers' final two games before the All-Star break to rest the knee, said he didn't exert himself during the four-day break before the team resumed practice Monday. And even though he said he is better, he wouldn't give himself a clean bill of health because he said there still is pain in the right knee when he comes down after jumping.

"It feels better, but I don't want to say 100 percent," Randolph said. "It is what it is. I just know I have to start playing at a higher level to help these guys win. I know they need me..."
I hope the team is right and Zach is back to 100%. I also hope that there are ZERO trades. I want to see what this team can do as a whole. I want to see if a balance can be found and who is willing to do what it takes and accept their given role and who is not. By season's end I'd like to see a clear picture of who should stay and who should go. It will also give us a chance to see what pieces we truly need and those we do not. Then in the off season perhaps John Nash can make wiser decisions about what to do.

There seems to be a push to follow a "youth movement". I am not completely for this. I like seeing veterans on the floor. I think the "youth" in the league today are too immature to do it on their own. I would want at least Shareef or Damon to stay around. Building around Zach and Darius is a risky move at best, especially when good behavior is expected. With Telfair I do not see a problem.
"...If the Blazers don't make a trade and choose not to re-sign any of the three players with expiring contracts, their payroll would be around $54 million next season. That also would signal the franchise's intention of following its youth movement blueprint, which figures to be centered on forwards Zach Randolph and Darius Miles and point guard Sebastian Telfair..."
(all quotes from Oregonlive.com)

Reef is back, but for how long?

Will Wednesday night be SAR's "swan song" as a Blazer? It could be. Shareef will be activated Wednesday and available to play against the Lakers. This also makes him tradable. The trade deadline is noon Thursday. I am hoping we do not lose SAR. I haven't heard of any player we would get in return that I would want any more than Reef.

The two most scary names I have heard are Keith Van Horn (along with Redd) and Wally of Minny. I can't stand either of these guys! Redd would be great but I still prefer SAR. It sounds like Reef wants to not only remain a Blazer but is also considering re-signing. Reef is a great player and a great person. (check Blazerblog for rumors)

"...Abdur-Rahim said it is his expectation to come off the bench.
"I haven't talked to Mo about it, but from what I have read, I think he is satisfied with the play of everyone in the starting lineup. So that is what I would anticipate," Abdur-Rahim said...

"Now I would like to stay the rest of the year," Abdur-Rahim said. "I don't have a problem with Portland, or the organization, and I would be open to (re-signing). But ultimately, I have to look out for what's best for me, and that's the thing, the decision will be in my hands." Source: Oregonlive.com

Here we have a guy who is quite capable of being a starter but is very willing to do what is best for the team. These guys are NOT a dime a dozen. Reef is a keeper. I guess we will have to hold our breath until 12:01 PM Thursday. The only player I won't be upset to see go is Darius Miles.

A new view.

We spent yesterday loading and unloading a U-Haul. I am feeling every muscle I have this morning, and then some! Today will be more of the same. This is our new view. I think it will be worth it. It sure beats where we were! Tomorrow it will be bask to basketball. The Lakers are in town Wednesday.

Morning has broken.

A new day in Depot Bay.

Lifesaver.

Yaquina Head lighthouse. Newport, Oregon.
I'm proud of this one. I love it!

Caption this picture.

Your guess is as good as mine.

Catching some rays.

Downtown Newport, Oregon.

Crabby life.

It's a "crabby" life. Yaquina Bay, Newport, Oregon.

Catching a wave.

Agate Beach, Oregon (Newport)

Ocean Spray.

Agate Beach at Yaquina Head (Newport, Or.)

Day's end, Newport, Oregon.

The end of another day, Newport, Oregon.
*hint* always look to the horizon.

Too stupid to post, but just in case...

I had some time to kill before we head out and about. I ran across this story from Minnesota that is literally too stupid to post, at least for Blazer fans. Let me answer Charley Walters for ALL BLAZER FANS:

IN YOUR DREAMS!

This guy is dazed and confused if he thinks we would even think about this.

"...In Portland's loss at Indiana on Wednesday, the 7-foot-1 260-pound-er, who is only 25 years old, recorded his seventh double-double of the season. He scored 18 points and had 17 rebounds and six blocked shots.
Projected on playing a full game (48 minutes), Przybilla's rebounding output would rank No. 6 in the NBA on a per-game average. With new Timberwolves coach Kevin McHale's ability to teach pivot players, Przybilla would seem worth trying to acquire before next Thursday's NBA trading deadline as part of a package that might include Shareef Abdur-Rahim, whose salary is $14.6 million, the same as that of the Wolves' Latrell Sprewell. Both can become free agents at season's end.
Przybilla is signed for $1.6 million this season, $1.76 million for next season.
Pssst: The Wolves could take Abdur-Rahim for Sprewell, but the Blazers probably wouldn't part with Przybilla..". (like DUH! Spreewell the strangler?) Source: TwinCities.com

Pssst...That's "KILLA" and don't you forget it!

More morning visitors.

Incoming!

Morning visitor.

Good morning!

RUMOR: Zach Randolph out for season, knee surgery.

I am on vacation and unable to keep tabs but this is sounding to be real. Zach Randolph's knee injury may require surgery and I am hearing that he will undergo a procedure in 2 weeks. This will cause him to miss the rest of the season.

This is bad for Zach but I know that there are Reef fans that will be jumping for joy at the idea of SAR taking over the PF spot without having to share with Zach. It was reported on Courtside earlier this week that SAR will likely return to action when the Blazers play the Lakers on 2/23. This could bring about a very interesting situation for Mr. Nash. If this is true I beet Nash is thanking his lucky stars he didn't trade Reef.

THIS IS A RUMOR!

A neat shot from the Astoria docks.

Just a shot I thought was neat. 

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon.

More from the Oregon coast.

Castle Rock, just south of Canon Beach, Oregon and Haystack Rock.

Greetings from Depot Bay, Oregon.

Call me crazy but I missed everyone so I am sharing a picture from my vacation.

Sunset at Depot Bay 2/17/05

Longview, Washington

Longview, Wa. with Mt. St. Helen's in the background. You may recognize this view if you watched the movie Men of Honor.

Think your tattoo belongs to you? Think again.

"A Portland man who put a tattoo on the right arm of former Trail Blazer Rasheed Wallace is suing to stop the forward from displaying the work in ads for Nike basketball shoes...

The tattoo is one of the more distinctive in the NBA. Sports Illustrated for Kids used it in a feature asking readers to match each tattoo with the NBA player who wears it.

But last year, Reed claims he became aware of a Nike ad that centers on the tattoo and its creation. Reed claims the ad violates the copyright he holds to "the Egyptian Family Pencil Drawing..."
Source: KGW.com

I think the operative word here is $NIKE$.

Why the secrecy?

I have a question. If Blazer management has been so offended by the Oregonian reporting that they pulled their advertising, why is it being kept a secret? There is only one place that I know of that this has been reported and that is at Hoopsworld. Honestly, I am beginning to doubt it is true. One would think that Steve Patterson would have mentioned this tidbit in his speech the other night. He didn't. Something doesn't seem right. It seems more logical that this would be the new Blazer mantra.

If any of you know any more about this, please comment. Thanks.

Let me outta here!

I am simply out of sorts today. I am finding it hard to even give a hoot about Blazer things today. Part of it is being fed up. I think the rest is that I am going on a short vacation to the coast these next few days for a much needed break. I think my thoughts are there and not here.
It is always a bit of a crap shoot when you go the coast in the northwest. You plan your trip and then hope you are one of the lucky ones to get a sunny day. Usually the coast is cloudy and gray. I like it that way too but when the sun is out, there is nothing like the Oregon coast!

The northwest is truly a beautiful place. Today Mt. St. Helen's is glistening in the sun like a jewel. I should tell you that I work in a basement with no windows. Most of the time I do not see daylight until I leave. On days like today I just want to run down the hall screaming
LET ME OUTTA HERE!

Click here to see: VolcanoCam (the picture is too big to post)

Blazers ready to make worst mistake they possibly could?

This is my title for Chad Ford's article Wolves, Blazers ready to make a deal? Talk of the trade can be seen at the Blazer blog.

Let me get straight to the point. Trading Ruben Patterson would be absolutely the worst move John Nash could do. Even thinking about it should be considered a sin. The Blazers need Ruben more than any other player. Ruben is our best player! Ruben has a checkered past but come on, how long do you hold things against people after they have truly repented and changed their ways? Again the Blazers must look to their 25 Point Pledge. Ruben, as Damon, has stepped up in his life and in his game. How on earth could John Nash even consider rewarding him with a trade? I hope Chad Ford is hallucinating.

If anything Ruben Patterson should be this year's Blazer MVP. He should be considered for 6th man of the year for coming off the bench and taking over a starting role. I think losing Ruben on top of all the garbage that has been happening in Portland will drive me far enough away that I may have to look to Seattle for my basketball fix.

Sorry seems to be the hardest word-revisited.

OK-it has been changed mildly but here it is-by request.

One simple, sincere word could have easily put this whole ordeal to rest. The word is "sorry". For some reason this word has been lost in Blazerland. The Blazer organization has instead chosen words such as "25 Point Pledge", "business as usual", "vendetta", and my favorite, "deeply disturbed".

Yesterday during half time of the Blazer/Houston game, Blazer's president Steve Patterson chose to give a television statement regarding the recent disclosure that he had been involved in working out a deal to reimburse Darius Miles the money he lost due to a suspension for telling off coach Maurice Cheeks. Patterson freely admits that this is "business as usual" but is also quick to say that it should remain private.True enough, but it didn't. I don't know about you but this sure has got me wondering what else has been kept private? I suddenly feel that I can not trust Blazer management on any level. Keeping something like this out of the public eye does not make it any more right.

When this story first came out all Steve Patterson had to do was apologize for vearing off course. I would have accepted that and probably be doing battle for the Blazer organization right now as I have fiercely in the past. Instead Patterson decided to deny the deal. He blamed John Canzano for reporting it. He cried foul. He acted as if he had been wronged. He acted self righteous. Worst of all he blamed everyone around him. Is this the behavior of an honest man? Mr. Patterson, do you really expect me to believe you?

The simplest resolution is always a sincere apology and an honest answer. It is a sentiment that allows and invites healing. It is a very simple concept. Children learn at a very early age that saying "sorry" avoids trouble and brings reward.

If Rasheed Wallace and Bonzi Wells had sincerely apologized, they would probably still be Blazers. When the local media "went after" these two, Blazer management did little to protect them. They certainly did not make television statements about how they were being misrepresented in the press. I know because at the time I was blaming the media for all of their troubles. I have since come to realize that I was wrong. Rasheed and Bonzi never apologized and they did behave badly, all the media did was report it.

Damon Stoudamire also did his fair share of misbehaving. The BIG difference is that he apologized and his actions have proven his sincerity. Steve Patterson certainly had a hand in this but Damon gets all the credit. It bothers me that Mr. Patterson is using Damon's circumstances as an excuse to make his actions with Darius acceptable. It's apples and oranges. It is also quite clear that Darius is not in the least bit sorry. Had Darius given a sincere apology to Maurice Cheeks and to the fans when this all started, I wouldn't be typing this today.

Again, the word sorry was lost.

Before this season Blazer management sent roses to ex-season ticket holders and rocky road candy to current ones as an attempt to bring healing and contract renewals. I got a box of rocky road candy with a note thanking me for sticking with them while they were on a "rocky road". I thought it was pretty corny and had a good laugh. In light of the current situation it paints a sad picture. Even then a simple sincere apology would have sufficed. Candy and flowers are often vain attempts to fix a much deeper problem, ask any woman.

Again, the word sorry was lost.

During Steve Patterson's statement last night I found myself shaking my head as I realized that this simple concept is absolutely not part of this man's modes operandi. This means it is not part of the Blazer organization's mode operandi either. It's all about public relations. Placating the public. Why can't they just be real? All I have seen is denial and crocodile tears. It's a shame. The players do not deserve this. The fans do not deserve this. We deserve a sincere apology. All Patterson did last night was make it clear that we will not be hearing that any time soon. Not from Darius and not from Patterson.

Blazer management is killing what's left of Blazer pride. They brought back "Rip City" alright, they just changed the spelling to "R.I.P. City". This is one season ticket holder that has decided to not renew their contract. I never thought I'd come to this decision based on a complete lack of trust for management. I love the Blazer TEAM and will remain a fan but I can not in good faith support their management. For this, I am sincerely sorry, or should I say "deeply disturbed"?

All I want to do is be a Blazer fan. All Blazer management does is push me away. Why does it matter so much? I'm not sure. I know that being a season ticket holder has a way of drawing a person in. My family talks about the Blazers everytime we are together, it is a part of us. We love the game and we love the team. Call me crazy but the game is supposed to be on the floor, not behind closed doors. It seems sometimes that the Blazers are "family" too. I don't like Darius being able to get away with telling off the coach. This is the crux of it. Darius needed to be dealt with harshly. He wasn't. Even thinking that he could possibly be rewarded for his outburst sickens me. Darius has yet to show remorse of any sort. Damon was fined for his transgressions and that money ended up with charity. Darius lost PAY and he gets offered a bonus (interest)?

Eh, it is too much. I'm glad the all star break is coming up. I'm awfully tired of all of this.

Blazers versus Charlotte Bobcats

The Blazers are coming off of a really harsh loss to Houston. The Blazers deserved to win the game, but that is how it goes. Tonight's opponent is certainly beatable and I am sure the Blazers are more than aware that they can not go in with the attitude that because the Bobcats are 10-38 that they will be an assured win. It is in these situations that the Blazers have been stung. Need I mention New Orleans? I hope that the Blazers go into tonight's game with the same emotion they would if it were LA. The Blazers have lost 3 in a row and desperately need a win.
It sounds like Okafor will not be playing tonight.
Game time is 4PM PST. Radio only as far as I know.
Game Preview

UPDATE: BLAZERS WIN! I can think of 4 words to describe this game: 1. PRYZBILLA! 2. RUBEN! 3. NVE! (clutch) 4. LUCK. I know it was not a game to be excited about. It should have been a blow out. I'm just glad the guys got the win. I saw footage of them after Nick's shot went in and it was good to see them happy.
BOX SCORE

GO BLAZERS!

Blazer versus Houston Rockets

I know it is over but I wanted to post this for the record. I was unable to blog last night at all. I was a bit suprised at how stressed that made me!

Anyway...we lost. We could have pulled it out if Darius didn't get dinged with a technical for holding the rim. Replays showed he didn't hold the rim. Damon nearly pulled off the miracle win with a 3 at the buzzer but he didn't get the bounce.
Box Score

Major blog troubles.

I haven't been able to publish a post from home for days. I will try and keep things going but if I disappear please know that it is due to some problem that I can't control. It seems to be server related.

Blazers versus Memphis Grizzlies

I couldn't more glad that the Blazers are on the road. My hope is that they are focused and oblivious to the chaos going on in Portland.

Tonight the Blazers face our old friend Bonzi Wells. The last time we played Memphis, Bonzi went off for 25 points. I have no doubt he has similar plans tonight. On the other hand Ruben Patterson may have his own plans for Bonzi.

Memphis has been playing well and are coming off of one of their best January's ever (12-3) and have started Feb. 3-1. The Blazers have lost 5 straight on the road and are coming off of an embarrassing loss to New Orleans. If they are distracted by Blazergate, I expect them give a great effort to get this win. Everyone is going to have to show up tonight, not just Damon. I think Ruben will be especially fired up after his oddball ejection Wednesday. We can not afford for that to happen, we need Ruben.

Game time is 5PM PST and it's on FSN.
Game Preview

UPDATE: Blazers lose a tough one. Turnovers Turnovers Turnovers. With 22 the Blazers could open a bakery. There were far too many hurry up shots. Damon's free throw streak is still alive at 51.
Box Score

GO BLAZERS!

Is advanced technology biting Blazer Management in the behind?

I found an article today that tells how technically advanced the Blazers were back in 1998. This is absolutely due to Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. What it brought to my mind is the idea that the Miles document could have been created at the top levels, in a home, in an office, at a coffee shop, literally anywhere yet still be accessible to One Center Court.

I know this is not a new revelation because the technology available now is so much more than it ever was then and I am sure that the Blazers are still ahead of the curve. I guess it just never occurred to me until now how far reaching this could be and how high up it could go and still be accessible from "below". It could be something. It could be nothing. I just thought I'd share the link for you all to take a gander.

I also learned that the Blazers were the first NBA team to have a website.

Blazergate update.

I think I have at least an idea what bloggers such as Hugh Hewitt , Powerline, and Captain's Quarters went through when "Rathergate" and "memogate" hit the news! That was pretty crazy. I applaud their efforts. It is hard to keep up with this stuff! It changes quickly.

Anyway, today the Portland Tribune chimed in about as on the fence as one would expect. Hey, there are advertising dollars to be snagged! They placated the Blazer management just enough to avoid controversy but left a door open in case they need a quick get away. Basically they are reporting that Steve Patterson is saying that the document in question was drafted by Darius Mile's agent, Jeff Weschler.

"...Blazer President Steve Patterson claims the document pertaining to Miles was merely a proposal drawn up by Wechsler..."

Also, Patterson says, pretty much, that the punishment could only be one that would be OK with the NBA.

"...A two-game suspension probably would get an arbitrator's approval, management was told. Three games, probably not. (Cheeks wanted more) After some discussion, two games it was...Blazer management says its intention was to devise a plan by which Miles would agree to a high standard of deportment with the coach and in the community over a period of time. The next incident would result in a five-game suspension; a third would get 10 games. At some point, with no incidents, Miles would have an opportunity to clear his name and put his money toward a charitable cause, much as Stoudamire did"

...Were the Blazers considering agreeing to it? I'm not going to talk about something that is being represented as the whole relationship between the franchise and the player, Patterson says. The (Oregonian) article and its allegations are unfair, not true and miscast the relationship between the franchise and one of our employees. We are going to hold everybody accountable for their actions.

What gets me is that we have a MAJOR discrepancy here. Both Patterson and Canzano can not be right. Somebody is lying. Did Weschler write that document or did someone with the Blazers.

Let's take a look at what John Canzano is saying today. In his blog, Canzano says his source is solid. He claims that it was NOT written by Weschler but by someone inside the Blazer organization at One Center Court. He also adds that one of the assistant coaches actually thanked him for getting the "truth" out.

"...Don't let the Blazers brass fool you, the source of the document was not Darius Miles' agent, it came from the Blazers.Actions speak loudly.Miles agent probably liked the idea, and may have even proposed it, but the document was drawn up on a computer at One Center Court, which means the team, at least, seriously considered this one. And might have even been ready to sign.
One Blazers assistant coach approached me at the home game the other night, grabbed me by the shirt, pulled me aside and thanked The Oregonian for getting the truth to the public..."
If one of the assistant coaches really did this it is the bombshell that will likely bust this thing wide open. We will know who it was or wasn't soon enough I expect.

Two completely different stories and two people that are standing by their guns. Meanwhile, the team has a game to play in Memphis. Think they will be distracted?

Personally I am beginning to really think that Canzano is the one telling the truth here. It's just a gut feeling. If you knew me you would not believe this.

Blazers Management versus the Oregonian

Things are really getting dumb in Portland. Now the Blazer management is at war with the local newspaper, the Oregonian. The "O" is affectionately known by locals as the "Daily "O", the "Fishwrapper", "Daily Zip", The "Snoregonian", and the "Gory Onion". I just wanted to post a few thoughts before I go to work and read the paper etc. Maybe there is a headline, I don't know.

Yesterday it was reported by Hoopsworld that the Blazers had decided to pull their ads from the paper in response to an article by John Canzano that exposed an under the table proposal/deal to possibly pay Darius Mile's back for two games that he was suspended for, plus interest.
This deal would then prevent being sued by Darius Miles.

There seems to be a split happening. Some fans are siding with the paper and others with the Blazers management. I must specify management because NOBODY is upset with the team. Thank goodness they are on the road right now and away from all this garbage.

I think the best thing the Oregonian can do is nothing. If they just go about their business and do not have morning headlines about this mess, it will look much better for them and make the Blazer management look even more foolish than they do now. Blazer management got caught being bad and now they are acting like children. They too should have gone on about their business.

Is the Oregonian wrong to print what it sees fit to print? The Blazers made a pledge to be good, not the Oregonian. Seriously, who cares what they write? There are people screaming about how bad the "O" is, yet they know everything that has been written. You hear "I'm cancelling my subscription". What good does that do when you find a copy to read anyway? I could go on and on but I have to get to work. What doesn't seem to be clear is the fact that a LOT of people read the Oregonian whether they like it or not. Their stories get out there. It isn't missing ads that are the issue. It may hurt financially but I doubt that much. The "O" is in a position to gain as this story builds. The Blazer management will have to spend even more money on damage control. It is all really stupid and as a Blazer fan that is VERY PROUD of my tream, I am very embarrassed. In the midst of it all, the team will suffer even more negative PR both local and nationally. ESPN and TNT watchers know what I mean.

I wish that Blazer management would grow up like the team has. I wish the Oregonian would chill a bit, but who can blame them when Blazer management keeps handing them fuel for the fire? All this is going to do is further alienate the very people they have been trying to reach. Smooth move Steve. Is this an indication why so many other of Paul Allen's business ventures have flopped?

I gotta go....

The plot thickens. The Portland Trailblazers have pulled advertising from the Oregonian.

Last night the Portland Trail Blazers made the decision to pull all of their advertising from the local media outlet TheOregonian. According to a source from the Blazers, "The decision was reached due to a multitude of factors and we alerted the Oregonian closeto end of business yesterday." Source: Hoopsworld.com

My guess is that this is the Blazers way to smoke out a rat. Canzano has yet to reveal his source.
More later I am sure!

"Kiss Me" fiasco-she said NO!

Let's forget Blazergate for a moment. I want tell you what happened at the Blazer game last night. I think all guys who want to plan a special public marriage proposal should listen up.

At basketball games they do a thing called "kiss me". They put the camera on two people and show them up on the big screen. There they are framed in a heart with the words "kiss me" flashing as the song "Kiss Me" plays. Most times it is all in fun and as you can see below in the Blazer/Hornet game post, most people are good sports about it. In the picture you see the Blazer courtside announcers Wheels and Rice having fun with it. Sometimes, the words "kiss me" are replaced with "will you marry me?". This was the case last night. Usually the gal is surprised and she says yes and everyone says a collective "awwwwwwwwwwe"as the song "Kiss me" is replaced with the wedding music.

However, last night, the gal was not only surprised, she was mad. She dumped her tub of popcorn all over her stunned boyfriend. She grabbed the flowers he had and flinged those at him too. She got up and ran up the stairs and out of view, he quickly went after her. Meanwhile Blaze the mascot was left picking up flowers and passing what was left of them to people nearby. The crowd hushed and a lot of mumbling and "ut oh's" permeated the building.

Word to the wise. If you are going to propose in a public place like a sporting event, you had better be darn sure it is going to be OK or you too may find yourself in the same position that poor guy did last night. I'd love to hear how it eventually turned out.

Did Darius know about the deal? Did Paul Allen?

Darius Miles is denying any knowledge of the alleged deal to reimburse his 150K plus interest.
This is what Nate Bishop of Hoopsworld says Darius told him last night:

"...I don't know anything about an agreement. I didn't even know about the situation until this morning until I got here," said Miles. "One of the (papers) reporters asked me a question yesterday about it and I told him the truth. He evidently wrote what he wanted to write." So what exactly is the truth? "I don't know anything about it. I got a letter that said I got fined for missing practice and missing the games. So, I don't know..."

Actually, I am inclined to believe him. The problem is, it makes no difference. He still owes the coach and the fans a proper apology. He still needs to learn to understand how wrong what he did was. He still has no reason to think for a second that a 2 game suspension was uncalled for. He needs to learn to understand that he should be thanking his lucky stars that he didn't get the 10 game suspension he should have. He got off very easy and he needs to realize it.

This "deal" is on Steve Patterson and there is due reason to suspect Paul Allen. For now, I am willing to cut John Nash a BIT of slack, but he is the GM and he should be well aware of such things. If he didn't know, he may as well consider packing his bags and heading down the road with Maurice Cheeks. A person can not survive in a work environment like that.

I bring up Paul Allen because it is well known that signing Darius made him about as excited as Ralphie was when he finally got his Red Rider Carbin Action 200 Range Air Rifle with a compass and a stock. Many people felt that way. Could it be that Paul Allen himself was simply making sure that his guy was taken care of?

From John Canzano's blog:
There's a little confusion and there shouldn't be. I honestly think Miles had no knowledge of the settlement proposal and this discussion was going down at a high, high, high level between his agent and possibly only Blazers president Steve Patterson or a team attorney or possibly ownership.One NBA agent called me during Wednesday's game to suggest that the reason the Blazers wanted to make this deal was, "Because Darius is Paul Allen's guy, always has been."That's a tidy explanation, but possibly a valid one.

Now, you may be one of the folks that is steaming mad at Canzano, but nobody would dispute that this is a very real possibility. Special treatment for the "teacher's pet"? Is this something new? No. It is as common as the cold. We all know it. If this is the case then I say it is time for Paul Allen to sell the team and move on.

I have to say that back when I blamed local media for riding Rasheed Wallace out of town on a rail, I was pretty much tarred and feathered. Now those same people are freaking out and on a full scale mission to destroy the very media they so adamently defended in the Sheed days. I am finding this quite humorous. Sorry guys, I'm with the "O" on this one.

If the Blazer management would keep their noses as clean as they demand the players to, there would be no story to report. By living up to their own demands, this whole fiasco could have been avoided.

Memogate? Again?

"Blazergate" has now become "memogate". A PDF of the "Blazergate" memo has been posted online. You can view it HERE. I printed this out and I have to say, it is quite sloppy. I am guessing it is a copy of a copy of a copy. It doesn't appear to be professional and that concerns me. I am not saying that John Canzano made this up but I am saying that I now question the origin of the memo. It looks like an inter-office joke email to me. However, I have had lawyers do paperwork for me that I ended up doing myself because theirs looked so bad. So, it is certainly possible that this memo is sloppy but legit.

Still the question has to be asked. Has John Canzano been duped like Dan Rather? I guess the big question that must be answered is who gave Canzano the memo? Who typed it? This is all sounding way too familiar!

This story is not going to go away easily. To be continued...

Blazers versus New Orleans Hornets.

What a day in Blazerland! I almost wish there wasn't a game tonight, but there is. Tonight the Blazers take on the Hornets. This would normally be an "easy win" for Portland, but we have all learned that there really is no such thing. The Hornets beat the Blazers January 14th in spite of Damon scoring 54 points. What was more suprising that night was Dan Dickau.

I am not going to hope for a repeat of the New Orleans shooting fest. I just want a win. I believe the Blazers will take care of business tonight. We have a full roster and the team has been playing very well. I hope that today's fiasco with Darius and management is not too much of a distraction. The team has played far too well and far too hard for that. They do not deserve it. I am going and will support them. I don't think I'll be clapping for Darius though. I'll let you all know if I see Steve Patterson or not. It could prove to be a very interesting evening. I wonder if Canzano will there too?
Game Preview

UPDATE: Blazers lose a really bad one. With all that has happened I just don't have much to say. Here are a few pics from tonight.

UPDATE: Boy is my face red! How long have the Hornets been in New Orleans now?
Box Score

Ruben's reverse jam.

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Kiss me!

Telfair driving on Dickau.

fizzle fizzle

Hustle?

This is really bad.

This is worse.

GO BLAZERS!