damn, this got to be suck for the blazers

Well, recall last season, Les BouleS lost to the Blazers even w/o Zach Randolph in the lineup. Now without Oden, they still have a good chance against Les BouleS!

DC, your post doesn't really make much sense.

"What I predicted was that he has health issues. He's been hurt a long time, I think since his playing days at OSU.

Posted by: DC Man88"

Since his days, earlier this year at OSU...
Remember so so so long ago in march?
That is just funny. I think he is young, injury prone? tough to say yet. I think if he has another injury in the knee then you can say that.

"there hasn't been much good news to report"

Um ... Kevin Garnett & Ray Allen to the Celtics?

"DC, your post doesn't really make much sense.

Posted by: greg | September 13, 2007 06:53 PM "

True, Michael started 2 blogs topics, both on Oden, I guess my comment should have been posted on that other blog b/c of this:

"Sucks for them! Go Wiz!

Posted by: Soup's Uncle | September 13, 2007 02:50 PM "

If anyone can recall, last season during that ill fated 1-4 west coast strip, the blazers were without Zach Randolph, but they still beat Les BouleS. Now, without Oden, the gloating "sucks for them" doesn't mean they still can't beat the wiz.

Of course, the whole situation sucks for the fans, for the Blazers, for the league, and for Oden most of all, but this is life man. I think we all need to take a step back after this summer in sports and re-evaluate the whole shabangabang. Vick gets caught fighting dogs and people want to castrate him? Bonds breaks the HR record (regardless of whats been proven on his juicing) and the celebration is lackluster at best? Refs cheating, slurping on Beckham like he's going to make soccer the most popular sport in America, etc. etc. Are sports really this important? I mean I enjoy watching and playing sports- and following teams, stats, players, whatever, but in the end, its just a bunch of morons chasing a ball around. On top of that, people feel like these players owe us something. If they get hurt for a whole season or retire early or make a dumb comment/decision, then we almost feel betrayed now. I don't like that its like that either. The game will go on, so move on. Someone is still getting rich off this. If not the players, then ESPN 1-4, owners, agents, apparel companies. I think we need to stop worshiping these pros and remember that they are human- no matter how high they jump or how fast they run.

Ah,the ill fated West Coast trip! that's he's goin to do it! he's so clever and crafty. OMG, I called it again!

http://draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2225
Getting To Know: DeVon Hardin

I'm glad you remembered that ill fated west coast trip too. It was so funny. Before the trip, everyone had a doom and gloom tone like there's no way they shouldn't come out of it with at least 4-1. How bad it would be if they didn't at least get that even though Caron couldn't make it with his bad back. Then to come back with their tails between their legs at 1-4. So funny!

This is unfortunate. Rip City's comeback will have to wait one more year. I just hope Oden can comeback like Amare did, because when he produces on the floor, Oden will become a breath of fresh air for the NBA.

Etan would like it in Portland.

When Oden was at OSU, I was very shocked at how easily he seemed to lose his breadth and didn't have much stamina. Sure, he was injured early in the season, but he had a WRIST injury.

Oden is a really good player, but I saw how easily Hibbert took it took him during tourney time. Oden's got a lot to do to make it at this level and live up to the #1 position, especially in light of the other players that were drafted behind him. At least he wasn't drafted by Boston who wanted to move up to get him. People in Boston would be jumping out windows right about now.

Lots of nice cafes in Seattle, too.

It is terrible news to hear that Oden is out for the year. I don't think anyone can say, "Gee, I better not injure my wrist or Knee today at the game". Things just happen that is out of anyone's control. I hope that he can have a good recovery and resume a promising career a year from now.

Microfracture surgery to repair a tear in cartilage has been much more effective than the earlier use of the procedure when it was used as a last resort for guys who's knees were basiclly worn out.
As I'm reading it, the decision to go the Microfracture route with Oden is more linked to trying to avoid a chronic bad knee than this being a severe injury now.
It sure looks like they are being very careful with Oden and his knee. I'm not sure that Durant wasn't going to have a bigger impact this year anyway. Weather or not Oden is best pick probably will take about 5 yeras to determine.
When a team takes a defensive minded center at the top of the draft it normally takes that long to figure out if he's going to be a top NBA center. In the long term scheme of things this is a big setback and disappointing for the league, Oden, and the Trailblazers. But it's really early to be declaring this pick a mistake.

It's a setback in the short term, we still haven't figured out what this means for his long term development. And to me it looks more like his exhaustion issues have to do with him being a 7'0" freshman center. Of all the top college center prospects since 1980 (Sampson, Olajuwon, Ewing, Daugherty, Robinson, Mourning, O'Neal, and Duncan) Sampson and Duncan were the only two to average more minutes a game, and that was only by about a minute (and Duncan wasn't nearly as productive as Oden was his freshman year). As it was said earlier, this looks more like preventive surgery than something being seriously wrong with his knee now.

Steve, I'm not his orthopedic surgeon, but I am in the medical field and have spoken to a couple of sports medicine people. NOBODY has this surgery for "preventive" reasons. The only indication for this surgery is eroded cartilage and exposed bone. Unfortunately, this is a bad sign for this kid.

He's still 19 and centers who enter the league late, like David Robinson, Alonzo Mourning, and Tim Duncan seem to have no problem.

"the untimely death of Eddie Griffin"

Is any death timely?

Another big game for D-Song at the FIBA-Europe Championship. 20 points and 7 boards in 24 minutes on 7-10 shooting. Lithuania is still undefeated and has moved to the semi-finals.

http://www.eurobasket2007.org/en/cid_BqypGFJPHy-Nw4lwIAq,v3.gameID_5172-46-A-1.compID_qMRZdYCZI6EoANOrUf9le2.season_2007.roundID_5172.teamID_.html

Thanks for the Darius update PK1. For me the important point is not so much that Darius is being productive, but that he's obviously feeling better and in good playing shape. So it is very good news.

Mitch

I agree. As noted in Tim Warren's article in the print edition earlier this week, Darius has been averaging about 20 mpg which should be good enough to help him get back in shape but not so much as to have him come into the pre-season tired out. Also, he has been shooting at a very high percentage and has been productive on the boards as well. As GM and others have noted, I think that he will be a good influence on O-Pech and Blatche. Like others, I wish we had been able to upgrade at the 5 spot during this offseason (or at least to have solved the Etan/BTH problem) but all in all I think that the outlook for the upcoming season should be positive, barring injury to one of the big 3.

DSong is probably the only guy on this team (he's white) who understands the criticality of passing, playing team D, and taking smart shots. It's too bad he can't crack the starting lineup and be a quasi "point forward" and be a poor man's L.Bird or L.James.

It's too bad he can't crack the starting lineup and be a quasi "point forward" and be a poor man's L.Bird or L.James.

WHAT?!?!...thats the most retarded comment to date...where do u even get close to saying he's a poor mans lJ or LB...his game is no where near those...he has a good jumper for a forward but not one of the best in the league...bird had the best in the game...LJ is athletic and can actually handle the ball much better than dsong...dont get me wrong...i like him a lot...but he is not either of those two...the chris webber comparison is better.

It probably was overstated to say that DSong was even a poor man's LB or LJ, but not retarded.

Just what and the hell does being white have to do with passing, defense and shot selection?
You've been vulgar and unbearable here, but that statement was down righ racist! And on top of that one of the stupidest things I've ever seen anybody post.

"Just what and the hell does being white have to do with passing, defense and shot selection?
You've been vulgar and unbearable here, but that statement was down righ racist! And on top of that one of the stupidest things I've ever seen anybody post.

Posted by: GM | September 15, 2007 02:02 PM "

Oh yeah, and just as racist as saying "white men can't jump" although Brent Barry has won the dunk contest before and Rex Chapman was a prolific dunker early in his career. Brent Barry did the MJ dunk from the FT line, but must be the most undercelebrated dunk champs of all time.

The NBA is about 95% black and not even the whites that make it into the NBA can be known more for their skills, nevermind athletic, besides being the token white boy shooting the set 3.

"WHAT?!?!...thats the most retarded comment to date...where do u even get close to saying he's a poor mans lJ or LB...his game is no where near those...he has a good jumper for a forward but not one of the best in the league...bird had the best in the game...LJ is athletic and can actually handle the ball much better than dsong...dont get me wrong...i like him a lot...but he is not either of those two...the chris webber comparison is better.

Posted by: | September 15, 2007 11:35 AM "

Saying DSong can be a poor man's L.Bird or L.James is not a crime. DSong understands the game and is good at passing and setting guys up. That's what a point forward does. A point forward does not bring the ball up the court or break people's ankles with a move. Please note the words "can be a poor man's." In case you didn't see last season, the offense ran more smoothly with DSong in the game, and there was sure as heck more hustle on D.

DCMan88 is stupid, retarded, and ignorant. All of that with a very low basketball IQ. Enough said.

Bwahahahahahahahah!!!

But at least I'm not retarded like you!

It is ignorant to apply race to specific basketball skills. There are plenty of white players that are a lot more than the 3-point shooters of stereotype. Steve Nash and Manu Ginobili jump to mind. And some of the best passers the game has ever seen were/are African Americans: Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson.

Stereotyping in sports (and in life) perpetuates ignorance and re-enforces limitations. We make it harder to find the Tigers and Serenas of the world when we treat tennis and golf as a white man's game.

Let's not make it harder to find the next Larry Bird by treating basketball as a black man's game and telling little white kids to concentrate on 3-point shooting.

Remember the comment back in the mid-80s by that idiot -- was he the EVP of the LA Dodgers? -- that black people don't excel at swimming because they "aren't buoyant"?

DCMan, that would have been before you were born. I'm not judging you or attacking you, because I'm sure plenty of ignorant sh*t spilled out of my mouth at age 19. But I do hope your views evolve as you grow older, or at least that you learn not to perpetuate those views that don't.

Prazak, you need to accept the fact that stereotypes exist in basketball, and stop turning a blind eye. I'm just pointing out what the stereotypes are, whether they are right or wrong. What did people call Yao Ming when he first entered the league? A 7-6 stick figure. Didn't everyone say it was a joke to give Nash the MVP when he won it the first year until he proved himself again the second year?

Also, I'm not 19, and if you did your math correctly, saying something happened in the mid 80's was before my time, that would make me 22 right now if your assumptions were correct. So please, don't try to be cute.

Getting back to the point of this post, Les BouleS ran a disorganized offense last year. They couldn't decide if they wanted to run the Princeton or helter skelter, so they ran helter skelter for the most part. Only when DSong got into the game was when there was some semblance to organization.

It was perpetuated recently with the article about DSong's euro team and how fluid they were in running an offense by passing, looking for the open man, and taking smart shots. None of that happened last season for DSong for the most part.

Oh yeah, by the way, don't put Serena on any pedestal. Henin beat her fat and lazy butt 3 times recently and she showed no grace nor sportsmanship, giving no credit to someone who worked their behind off to succeed.

DCMan, I didn't deny that stereotypes in sport exist. On the contrary, I said they're limiting and they're ignorant, and I cited an extreme example from the 80s. How is that "turning a blind eye"?

Your comment about Songaila sounded as if you were subscribing to a stereotype, not pointing one out as part of a brave exercise in truth-telling to us blind-eyes. Perhaps we misunderstood your post and you don't believe Songaila's basketball skills relate to the color of his skin...

As for my math, it's just fine: any event from the mid-80s would have occurred before any current 19-year-old were born. Check your premise.

Oh, and as for Serena, I didn't put her on a pedestal, or say anything positive or negative about her game. I only suggested that she represents a welcome overturning of a stereotype in another sport.

But since you trashed her, I will say that she and Venus are widely regarded as among the top ten (and I would argue top five and six) all-time great women's players. Her recent lapses of grace and fitness don't change what she's accomplished as a tennis champion. I'll leave it at that since this isn't a tennis blog.

Unless you point out differences in opinions, with stereotypes potentially on the far edge, and discuss them, you don't see the big picture and another person's viewpoint. That's why a lot of hero worshipers here worship Gilby as the best thing since sliced bread, but don't even acknowledge his many faults. I of course become the bad guy by pointing out these faults, and I have no reservation in pointing out his pluses.

Your reference to me with your analogy about a 19 year old was the real error in your premise.

If Serena, and Venus for that matter, continues to yap her mouth the way she has and not give proper respect to the opponents that beat her, then regardless of how many trophies she's won, it will surely tarnish her legacy. Same goes with Gibbs and Belchick. Also, I didn't trash her. She trashed herself.

DSong is probably the only guy on this team (he's white) who understands the criticality of passing, playing team D, and taking smart shots.

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 15, 2007 09:27 AM

What is the point of pointing out his race? DC Boy88 /Clewiston88 /ClueLessOne, everyone here now wonders if you are a racist. Are you implying that the reason Songaila understands the importance of "passing, playing team D, and taking smart shots" is because he's "white"? You wore out your welcome long ago on the ESPN Wizards board where you get no respect at all, and now you have crossed the line here, too. You may have had a few strange buddies here on the Post board in the past, but no one here will ever feel anything towards you from now on but disgust.

Oh my! DC whatever must have finally turned 20! But he is still a KID!

Bwahahahaha!!!

It looks like I made your day. Maybe your life, since you and your anonymous buddies seem to love to give me attention.

Whether you think I'm a racist or not, I don't give a crap. Someone here chimed in awhile ago saying the "88" signifies Nazism. Know what I said? I said I don't give a crap either.

Keep chiming in once in awhile with your hairbrained accusation that I'm associated with whomever on ESPN blog. It just makes you look as retarded as your other anonymous friends, including this certain someone who loved to blog here in the past but probably does so anonymously now, that dumb c#nt.

Whether you think I'm a racist or not, I don't give a crap. Someone here chimed in awhile ago saying the "88" signifies Nazism. Know what I said? I said I don't give a crap either.

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 16, 2007 12:15 AM

You still don't get it. We don't care what YOU think. What is important is what we think, including the fact that we all now realize that you are a racist fool. The only reason anyone will ever refer to you in the future will be to point out what a racist fool you are.

I agree with DC that Darius helps with the Wiz' ball movement by playing a point-forward role at times. And he has the fundamental game associated with foreign players (regardless of race). I'd like to see him assert himself more this year and have more of an impact.

It's funny how arguments get distorted when race issues get raised. For example, I don't see any useful comparison between the Williams sisters and black basketball players. The latter are known world-over for playing basketball with great style. The Williams sisters basically play tennis with no style at all, bashing their opponents into submission with a succession of unconventional, ugly but effective shots. So fundamentally speaking the Williams sisters are the exact opposite of their black counterparts in basketball.

Mitch, I brought up the old stereotype in tennis (that it's a white man's game) by way of comparison to the stereotype DCMan touched on in basketball (that it's a black man's game). It was a comparison of stereotypes, not of styles.

But on fundamentals I think you're wrong. Venus is one of the best players at net the women's game has ever known, with a finesse and touch on volley that belies your point. And Serena has a full arsenal of shots, just as Justine does. Both Williams sisters do much more than robotically bludgeon the ball from the baseline the way, say, Ivan Lendl and Jim Courier made their marks in the men's game.

And as for style, is there a player in the game, men or women's, who ever played with more style than Serena (at least since Agassi got a hair cut)?

We define style differently, so we'll just have to agree to disagree:)

I shouldn't have used the word "bashing" because it's not accurate and not what I really meant. The shots are all there and they often work, they're just not done with what I'd call "style." Of course the money they earn when they win is just as green:)

"You still don't get it. We don't care what YOU think. What is important is what we think, including the fact that we all now realize that you are a racist fool. The only reason anyone will ever refer to you in the future will be to point out what a racist fool you are.

Posted by: | September 16, 2007 03:47 AM "

For someone (including other anonymous people) who doesn't care what I think, you spend a lot of time reading what I write, spend time dissecting what I write, and then spend time writing a response to me.

Why don't you spend some time figuring out why the NBA is 95% black and why the EEOC isn't spending time trying to make owners make their teams reflect the US population percentages a bit better.

"The Williams sisters basically play tennis with no style at all, bashing their opponents into submission with a succession of unconventional, ugly but effective shots. So fundamentally speaking the Williams sisters are the exact opposite of their black counterparts in basketball.

Posted by: Mitch | September 16, 2007 07:14 AM "

The Williams sisters are so gracious when they win, and are despicable when they lose, and they've been losing a lot lately. When Serena is complaining about a bad quad, it's probably b/c she's fat, overweight, and generally out of shape which caused he to get injured in the first place.

"I agree with DC that Darius helps with the Wiz' ball movement by playing a point-forward role at times. And he has the fundamental game associated with foreign players (regardless of race). I'd like to see him assert himself more this year and have more of an impact.

Posted by: Mitch | September 16, 2007 07:14 AM "

It's pretty obvious how DSong (and CBut to a degree) is probably the only fundamentally sound player on this team, and he barely handles the ball or even plays for that matter. They are the only players on this team with some decent college pedigree and focus on team. AJ has good pedigree, but he's not as team oriented.

DSong learned his craft from Europe and from graduating out of college, and Les BouleS are lucky to have him on the team. It's too bad Grunfeld chose DS over JCN, as DS has absolutely no skills besides being able to hit the open 3 once in awhile.

If EJ wants to run the princeton, he either needs to get EG to bring in more fundamentally sound players, or bring in players that are naturally team oriented and look to pass first. Not guys out of HS (AB and DS) or dudes with one and done college careers. Otherwise, EJ will be trying to pound a square peg into a round hole when he preaches the Princeton Offense, never mind defense.

DCMan88 is stupid, retarded, and ignorant. Gee ... he is also a racist.

Bless you....

Please EVERYONE - just ignore that FOOL DC Whatever he/she is. He loves the attention - just like a tempermental CHILD.

"Please EVERYONE - just ignore that FOOL DC Whatever he/she is. He loves the attention - just like a tempermental CHILD.

Posted by: | September 16, 2007 04:40 PM "

You can't seem to practice what you preach. Bless you though.

Where and when race is concerned you see what you wants to see... The comments regarding Darius Songaila simply give voice to what many very good people feel--or feel they have observed. Is their some issues of prejudice involved, perhaps, probably... Fact of live for folks of color, including superior athletes, is that they will never get respect for their intellect, thus; simply move on instead of begging a jealous individual such as DCwoman for anything. Learn to ignore him...

It's funny how people like to change my name around by using "woman" in a weak attempt to bash me. I guess these same people who disagree with me attempt to degrade me by calling me a woman.

It was pretty obvious with Skeef's comments above where he talks about "issues of prejudice" and "respect for their intellect..." but then try to degrade me by associating me with women.

They probably arrived at that based on how their mommas impacted their lives. Probably a lot of people here had the same kind of momma Gilby had.

DCMan88 is clearly a complete tool (skirting with douchebag territory), but he does have a point about the white man in the NBA.

Most white guys really CAN'T jump, so the only way they can make it in the league is to have exceptional skill.

Which isn't to say that there aren't plenty of black players who also make it in the NBA based on skill, only that there aren't many white dudes making a living by playing above the rim or having a wicked first step--so by extension its a safe bet that most white NBA ballers probably excel in other parts of the game like passing and/or shooting the long ball.

"Tool and douchebag." Woofy, I guess you'd have to be one in order to see the same characteristics in someone else.

I don't know, woof. Doesn't it seem as if over the past few years a disproportionate percentage of NBA players with white skin come from outside the USA? Why is that?

I can't help but think it's because the stereotype you and others are perpetuating here -- that white men can't jump -- has taken hold here in the States. I watch my son and his buddies buy into those limitations and start from an early age to focus on other sports.

Does it mean European white guys are better at hoops than American white guys? Are African Americans better at hoops than Africans? Are white people better at hockey than black people? I don't think so. I think it's all socialization, and if we keep up the "white men can't jump" and "black people aren't buoyant" crap we're saddling our kids with stupid limitations.

Well said... I cannot look within the hearts of posters on this board, however; I know prejudice when I see. Deep down, I am pretty sure a certain individual is not a racist...he is to busy feeling inferior to Gilbert Arenas and I am supposed the people of color he comes in contact with. He clearly feels Gilbert does not deserve what he receives. Needless to say, we should not play into these stereotypes (Williams sister do not use strategy, Tiger's power is the basis of his wins, etc.), which is not say there are very valid criticisms that many if not all persons of color deserve just like everyone else.

"Why don't you spend some time figuring out why the NBA is 95% black and why the EEOC isn't spending time trying to make owners make their teams reflect the US population percentages a bit better."

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 16, 2007 11:12 AM

"DSong is probably the only guy on this team (he's white) who understands the criticality of passing, playing team D, and taking smart shots."

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 15, 2007 09:27 AM

AND you bash the Williams sisters!

DC Boy88, the more you keep spewing your ignorant racist views, the more everyone can see what a racist fool you are. See what I mean? No one will ever engage in a debate with you about anything regarding basketball. All we will ever do from now on is point our what a racist fool you are. Of course, that isn't even necessary -- we can see it in your posts.

Wizards are bringin Pops to camp

Boooorrrring........keep saying you're ignoring me and won't debate me, but keep putting up a response to my posts.

"Wizards are bringin Pops to camp

Posted by: Darnell | September 17, 2007 02:06 AM"

I called it.

Please do not respond at all to DCboy/man/woman88. No one hates to talk to himself. Let him post what he wants and say what stupid crap he wants to say and if by chance he says something intelligent or to the issue, still, DO NOT RESPOND! It is obvious he gets his jollies by getting everyone ramped up posts. This used to be a great place to hang out with Wizards/and other basketball fans but he continues to kill this posts with his acerbic ramblings. So for the love all that is good, leave this poster to his own devices and respond to other posts but not his/hers.

I think you guys should go back to the idea someone tried to put forth awhile ago which was to put a header and footer on your comments reminding people to ignore me. That practice kind of died out, but can be revisited if you guys think it's necessary.

Darnell - where did you hear that Pops would be in training camp?

Yeah, I was just looking for the news myself, I don't see it.

On the "5" issue, it's interesting that everyone looks at AB/Pech/DS as potential centers when there are already two experienced centers with decent mobility and defensive capacity. I still remember Yao's favorable comments about Poet and BH last season, ie., that they were both tough to play against.

The overall issue to me with the Wiz is that since "time immemorial," ie., even before the EJ era :)) the Wiz have been getting out-executed by the opponent. Due to sloppy offense and defensive breakdowns, the opponent is usually getting a higher percentage shot than the "good guys." I'm not sure what the answer to this is but it keeps me restrained in my optimism about the coming season. Barring major injuries, my crystal ball has the Wiz winning 42 games.

DCMan, you said you were 19 in one of your posts. And that made sense if the '88 in your handle were your year of birth (and fits with your sophomoric way of interacting with other people).

Serena and Venus haven't played a lot of tennis since the death of their sister. And yet even without being at the top of their games Serena won the Australian Open this year and Venus won Wimbledon (and Venus was very gracious in defeat to Justine in the U.S. Open semis). That's not "losing a lot lately".

And if you play serious tennis you know that professional tennis players are among the best conditioned athletes in sport, and even if Serena is heavier than her ideal weight she is still a phenomenal athlete. She'd have no problem running a basketball court for 36 game minutes, for example, which is more than can be said for many professional basketball players. Calling her fat is just ignorant.

Do you want to clear up what you meant by referring to Songaila's race, or do just want to be someone nobody takes seriously? Cause if it's just you dissin' Gilbert for the sport of provoking Wiz fans, that's juvenile but no big deal. But if it's you dissin' African Americans, then you've crossed over into the crackpot zone.

I'm not 19 and if you were somehow associating the 88 with my year of birth, then that's a real stretch for you.

Henin has beaten Serena 3 times in a row and Serena has shown no graciousness whatsoever. She's clearly overweight and even questioned whether she wanted to get back into tennis to begin with since both of them quoted that they were too busy with their other interests like fashion. She may be a "phenomenal athlete," but he injuries have a direct link to her being out of shape.

With regard to my statement about DSong, you and everyone else can take it as you like. There's no point in me explaining myself b/c it won't be taken seriously anyway, so why should I bother?

BTW, I'm not dissing Gilby for the sport of it. I'm pointing out things that people turn a blind eye to, and people think I"m pouring it on him by being so repetitive, but I seem repetitive b/c every new person coming onto this blog is a star struck Gilby fan needing to be brought down to earth. Any positive thing I have to say about him is considered an unworthy crumb to their god. Fine with me!

Is Gilbert as good as MJ? No. Will he ever be as good as MJ? Probably not, but who is.

What he is is a young improving player who has not reached his full potential yet. Without him (or any of the big three), the Wiz would not have made the playoffs the last three years.

He also has been an NBA all star and second or third tean NBA the last three years. He is probably one of the 10-20 best NBA players right now.

And from all indications EG will extend to Gilbert the franchise max salary after next season.

So whatever anyone else wants to say, Gilbert is already recognized as a very good player who has yet to reach his maximum potential.

You said you were 19, DCMan, so the only stretch was believing you.

Serena's latest injury was to her left thumb. How is that related to her weight?

Professional tennis players suffer sprains, strains, and pulls in their career. It's an extraordinarily demanding sport, physically and mentally, and it's understood that minor injuries go with the territory. But when it happens to Serena people pounce.

I'm sure that has nothing at all to do with race...

Boggles the mind why you all keep responding to the jerk DCWhatever. Even when you agree with him/her, he comes back with an insult. It is evident what is wrong with him. He has no friends and can only get attention by coming on this blog and insulting people..such as this remark:

"Keep chiming in once in awhile with your hairbrained accusation that I'm associated with whomever on ESPN blog. It just makes you look as retarded as your other anonymous friends, including this certain someone who loved to blog here in the past but probably does so anonymously now, that dumb c#nt."

That last sentence alone shows he has never got "IT" (the last word in his sentence) and the way he is going he never will.

Did Ivan ever get back from vacation?

I mean is he on maternity leave or something???

"You said you were 19, DCMan, so the only stretch was believing you.

Serena's latest injury was to her left thumb. How is that related to her weight?

Professional tennis players suffer sprains, strains, and pulls in their career. It's an extraordinarily demanding sport, physically and mentally, and it's understood that minor injuries go with the territory. But when it happens to Serena people pounce.

I'm sure that has nothing at all to do with race....

Posted by: Prazak | September 17, 2007 04:51 PM"

How old are you Prazak? Do you believe everything you read off the net?

Serena is still suffering from that quad injury that she suffered and limped her way through wimbledon. She didn't lose to Henin only b/c of her thumb. Maybe her thumb got hurt from picking up too many pieces of food.

People "pounce" on Serena b/c she's about 20 lbs heavier than when she was younger and hungrier (no pun intended). She's got to be the heaviest woman on the tour. That HGH wears your bones down too!

"

Boggles the mind why you all keep responding to the jerk DCWhatever. Even when you agree with him/her, he comes back with an insult. It is evident what is wrong with him. He has no friends and can only get attention by coming on this blog and insulting people..such as this remark:

"Keep chiming in once in awhile with your hairbrained accusation that I'm associated with whomever on ESPN blog. It just makes you look as retarded as your other anonymous friends, including this certain someone who loved to blog here in the past but probably does so anonymously now, that dumb c#nt."

That last sentence alone shows he has never got "IT" (the last word in his sentence) and the way he is going he never will.

Posted by: Shiloh | September 17, 2007 04:56 PM "

Just another instance of someone posting here telling others to ignore me while their own post is full of quotes and comments from my comments. Hilarious!

This has always been a fun place to talk about the Wizards in particular and the NBA in general. Good news is that Songalia made it through the Euro Championships in good shape and playing great basketball.
Bad news is the resident bigoted, sexiest poster is still hanging out here. His life's purpose is to take on every new poster and let them know of his hate of Gilbert Arenas, whom he says is everyone's God. When God misses a couple of free throws and blows a playoff game to Cleveland and costs you your ride and a car plus $7000.00, I guess you're ready to go over to the dark side.
As much fun as he says he has getting on Wizards fans, you can't imagine me chuckling at my good fortune to have been on line the night he was "crying in his beer" and expecting everyone should hate Arenas as much as he for costing him $7000.00 and his girl friend.
So the quest to destroy Gilbert continues, but every time he brings it up again just makes me wonder, what kind of fool bets $7,000.00 on an NBA playoff game when it sure appears he doesn't have a job?

GM, your wife is lefty's dirty wh#re. Dirty meaning she's a skank, not even worth 7K or a car.

DCMan, you obviously don't know what you're talking about, first with your comments about the Princeton offense and now your comments regarding tennis. It's been a thumb injury that's bothered Serena since Wimbledon, last year it was a strained abdomen, and the two years before that ankle and knee problems. Lindsay Davenport had knee problems, and at over 6' and stocky probably weighed more than Serena (who is nowhere near 20 lbs overweight).

I'm taking Shiloh's advice: no more wasting time responding to a Gilbert-obsessed,juvenile, bigoted, idiot.

Wow GM, I think you hit a nerve.

Prazak, I guess you missed Wimbledon where Serena had her quad wrapped up as she limped from set to set. Oh yeah, I guess ankle and knee problems have nothing to do with extra weight on her stocky frame.

"Wow GM, I think you hit a nerve.

Posted by: | September 17, 2007 10:28 PM "

In case you didn't notice, GM's rehashed and tired diatribe came out of nowhere, so out of courtesy to him and his wife, I responded promptly.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

"Do you want to clear up what you meant by referring to Songaila's race, or do just want to be someone nobody takes seriously? Cause if it's just you dissin' Gilbert for the sport of provoking Wiz fans, that's juvenile but no big deal. But if it's you dissin' African Americans, then you've crossed over into the crackpot zone.

Posted by: Prazak | September 17, 2007 02:19 PM "

"I'm taking Shiloh's advice: no more wasting time responding to a Gilbert-obsessed,juvenile, bigoted, idiot.

Posted by: Prazak | September 17, 2007 10:11 PM "

Oh yeah, BTW, thanks. I'm glad you finally realized it. I owe you no explanation for anything, so don't waste your time asking for clarification.

Racist, sexist, vulgar, unemployed, and stupid, and like the one legged man in an ass kicking contest you're still flailing away and hitting nothing but your own ass!
My young friend give it a rest, you're only making yourself look like a bigger and bigger fool that's suffering a bad case of Gilbert envy. Get a job, even at fast food wages you'll make the $7000.00 back in a few short months. Might even have a few bucks to catch a game at the Phone Booth this year, come out and cheer the guys on with the rest of us.
I'm not a betting man, but take the over on the over/under on Wizards victories this year. Might be able to earn a few dollars back there, just don't bet momma's rent money.
Me, I'm going to bed with a smile on my face, the Redskins beat the Eagles on the road. Me and the wife enjoyed the game. You and your girl, get a good night's sleep, oops... I'm sorry! She dumped your sorry ass. I guess that's why you have so much time for the quest. That, and you seem to lack transportation to get out and do something besides post here 24/7.
Go ahead, respond with a typically vulgar post, I'm going to bed with my wife. After all these years I feel lucky to have her. What a worthless peice of crap has to say on the internet couldn't bother me any less.

Good god! Let's talk about the wizards please? Is DSong the only topic on the table?? What's up w/ dbrick's shooting-while-i-was-sleeping incident???? Caron's rehab????

This blog needs more B-Ball for gods sake!!!!!! enough b%$@#*it!!!!!

"Why don't you spend some time figuring out why the NBA is 95% black and why the EEOC isn't spending time trying to make owners make their teams reflect the US population percentages a bit better."

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 16, 2007 11:12 AM

"DSong is probably the only guy on this team (he's white) who understands the criticality of passing, playing team D, and taking smart shots."

Posted by: DC Man88 | September 15, 2007 09:27 AM

Hey DC, how bout you and a bunch of us get together at a bar in Southeast?

http://www.rivals.com/rfFan.asp?User=238612&Post=

That's DC Boy88's website. It has his sorry photo, too.

"Hey DC, How about you and a bunch of us get together at a bar in Southeast?"
Hey, I got two sons, 26 and 23, who'd both like to join you guys. They'd love to talk about the old skank(their mother) that 88 keeps saying all the nice things about.
Maybe we could forward some of DC's more vulgar posts to the Maryland Basketball Team. I bet Chuck might stop by and discuss old dad too. A few guys around the played for Lefty over the years that might love to get in on that party. First one to find him just let the rest of us know when and where this affair is being held.
I second the motion about getting back to basketball, but this cyber bully has been totally out of control here. As soon as he decides to quit attacking other posters on a daily basis maybe we can.
In the old days, before the internet, people used to mind their manners. Because when they said something they could be held accountable for it. If some would remember that we could use this site for basketball and can the crap.

GM is a huge cyber bully. Out of nowhere, he starts up again with the same old story about some Gilby bet targeted against me, but then is now upset b/c I had the courtesy to send him a kind reply.

The only bet I know is that GM's wife had a funny smell on her lips after her barn visits, courtesy of Lefty. It came full circle recently when GM's wife noticed the same smell on GM's lips after GM went to a Les BouleS game and had locker room access for private time with Gilby. GM had a heckuva time puckering up, apparently.

GM, I totally agree with you. That was one heck of a Redskins victory. Poll question though, which play caused the most people to throw their remotes at the tv?

a. Cooley dropping that long pass early in the game, or

b. Jason overthrowing a wide open Santana Moss late in the game, or

c. Multiple penalties by #69 late in the game near the goal line?

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I encourage everyone to cut and paste the above text, especially after DC MAN88 posts a message. The only way this person will stop is if he's ignored.

If you look at his past history on this blog, you'll notice he disappears for a while after being ignored. He then resurfaces after posting a legitimate thought or question but then reverts back to his rude and obnoxious manner.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Let's get back to talking about the Wizards and basketball - opening night is just six weeks away!

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Actually, you're wrong. I don't disappear just b/c I'm not posting a comment. You and others here are spending and wasting too much time overanalyzing what I do and what I write, and are wrong 99.9% of the time.

I actually requested that you and others use this header and footer again earlier on this thread. Thanks for bringing it back.

Focus on Les BouleS and keep it at that.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

YOU SHOULD ADD: THAT HE'S A RACIST SEXIST FOOL TO THE DISCLAIMER. THEN THAT WOULD ABOUT COVER IT.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Takes one to know one.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Songalia made it through the Euro Championships healthy and playing reallly good ball. Darnell reported here that Pops was coming to camp, but I've not seen it anywhere else. Has anyone else seen that?
Last week Ruffin was trying out for the Suns, did anyone see if he signed? Reston91 also asked about the shooting outside Deshawn's house, as far as I've seen that died because there was no one that saw a thing. That's how things go when people play with guns sometimes.
From things that I've read and heard, sounds like Gilbert has been looking sharp in some pick-up games and more and more of the guys are in town working out and getting some court time together.
Jason Campbell is really beginning to flash some talent and an understanding of the Redskins offense. Could be entering into an interesting era in DC sports with a group of young stars and team leaders emerging. Campbell, Ovechkin, Zimmerman and Arenas are all young guys with a bright future that are becoming the faces of their teams.
If the Redskins can keep Campbell healthy, he's got a bright future in this offense. 2008 could be pretty fun around here if the Skins and Caps could join the Wizards in the playoffs. The Nationals could be awhile yet, but they've played better than expected and will have a splashy new home next year.

I agree it's time for a Wizards topic, but for the sake of accuracy to the other readers, I did watch that Wimbledon match (against Hantuchova, I think it was), and Serena had a muscle cramp to her calf, not a "quad injury", and managed despite the cramp to win against a top 10 player. The injury that knocked her out of the four tournaments following Wimbledon (the US Open series where players get ready for a hard-court Slam) was her thumb. Because of that she showed up at the US Open without having played competitive tennis since Wimbledon and without competing on hard courts since the Australian.

She had ankle and knee injuries even during a time in which she was in peak condition. Yeah, her stocky frame makes her more prone to such injuries, but then again, so do the builds of many tennis players (and basketball players). She's still a phenomenal athelete and even disengaged is one of the top 5 women tennis players in history.

Great post GM. I just love Zimmerman, Gil, Ovy and last but defintely not least,JC. I try to catch them all in a game or two whenever possible.

The Williams sisters like Tiger Woods have changed their sport by raising the bar and setting a new standard for all others to reach for.
It's tough to perform at a top level in those sports for year after year because the seasons go on forever and the worldwide travel in tennis is a killer. I'm not a big tennis or golf fan, but you have to respect excellence where ever you see it.
The Williams sisters have faded in recent years from their former domination. but that doesn't take away from what they've done.

"Yeah, her stocky frame makes her more prone to such injuries, but then again, so do the builds of many tennis players (and basketball players). She's still a phenomenal athelete and even disengaged is one of the top 5 women tennis players in history.

Posted by: Prazak | September 18, 2007 11:31 AM"

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

Stocky frame doesn't mean she's at a disadvantage. Now, being fat and stocky, that will make you more prone to injuries.

As many reporters have said, if these two sisters want to do fashion and other things, go do them, but if they think they can do this part time and show up fat and out of condition (Serena), then don't be surprised if you lose.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

The Williams sisters each won a major tournament this year, but since they're black I'm gonna talk trash about them, call them lazy and fat.

Songaila was injured most of last year, but since he's the one white player on the Wizards he's the only guy with sound fundamentals and good judgment.

I'll trash Gilbert Arenas at every opportunity, though, because he's too uppity and it's fun to make everyone upset with me. It's the only attention I get in my sad little life, even if it is all negative.

When I'm not on this site I'm surfing for porn and masturbating compulsively. I hope my mom doesn't walk in and catch me again.

I'll make lots of points I think are right and then keep making them even when they're proven dead wrong, because I'm self-righteous and not very smart.

It's a pathetic life but it's all I have. At least on this one web site I feel like a big man. People remember my name.

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I'm so glad some sorry individual took the time out of their life to make this posting above and pretend they are me. It clearly shows that as much as people love to bash me, they can't stop paying attention to me. Now who's the sorry one?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I'm such a hero when I say things that offend people and cause them to respond. I need whatever morsel of attention I can get in this empty life I lead, even if it's abuse coming from people I've offended.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.

I'm so glad some sorry individual got offended enough and took the time out of their life to make this posting above and pretend they are me. It clearly shows that as much as people love to bash me, they can't stop paying attention to me. Now who's the sorry one?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

PLEASE IGNORE DC MAN88. DO NOT RESPOND TO HIM OR ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. HE IS RUDE, VULGAR, AND HIS POSTS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THIS BLOG.