There's no I in JET

The Dallas Mavericks scored a big win last night in Orlando. A much needed win. Jason Terry's "They don't really care about ME" world tour is not needed, especially for a team that's trying to defend their title. There is no I in team, and there is no I in JET (there isn't even an I in Jason Terry but you get the picture). The Mavericks need their vocal leader to lead right now, and not think about himself.

Last year the Mavs won it all because they played as a team and had unbelievable chemistry. Jason Terry was a huge part of that. I also liked they way he called out the Heat, and backed it up. He used his gift of gab to unite and motivate his team. That was then. Now he's becoming a distraction by whining and complaining about his contract...HIS contract. When I heard him say that we would love to play for Miami just prior to their game against the Heat, I immediately thought of one thing. That girl (or guy) that dates your friend or cousin after you dump them. So obvious and cliche. Terry was reaching on that one, and went out and stunk up the joint that night.

I get it Jet, I would be upset too if the team that I poured blood, sweat, and tears out for could look the other way when it came time to take care of me and my family. I totally get it. I even agree that he should be upset. I completely disagree with the tactics though, especially during a playoff run. Let's not forget the Mavericks are STILL the champs until someone knocks them off, anything can happen.

Turning the attention to your contract status at this important time is selfish and disrespectful to the other teammates that may face similar uncertainty this summer. It could be worse Jet, you could have been traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. At least you can call your own shot as a free agent. I am also sure that Roddy B would trade places with Jet's contract situation to have his father back...but I digress. follow @plcolter

What's a tuna to do?

I was water coolin' it with a colleague (we'll just call him Nick for story telling purposes) about the New Orleans Saints and their soon to be vacant head coaching job. Sean Payton has reached out to retired legend Bill Parcells to man the ship this year. Should the tuna take the Saints up on their offer? A debate ensued.

I said absolutely not. My sole premise being Parcell's age (71) and what that would do to his hall of fame aspirations. If Parcells returns then he will delay his hall of fame eligibility another five years minimum. Is it worth it to baby sit a coaching staff that will more than likely keep their own system in place? Is the nfl grind worth the time and the headache at his age? I say no.

Nick said that Bill Parcells should definitely do it. It's just for a season and he has a chance to steal a super bowl with Drew Brees and that high powered offense. The Saints were a couple of bad bounces away from hosting the nfc championship game last year, and the core group remains in tact. Plus there's always the money aspect. He is sure that Parcells would be handsomely compensated. When asked to refute the tuna's age Nick responded..."He's not gonna die...he made it this far". On that we agree. What say you? follow @plcolter

No Cinderella at this ball

The final four is set, and Cinderella is staying home for the first time in forever. I for one, could not be happier. Upsets in the ncaa tournament are only fun in the first round. The joy of watching David knock off Goliath will temporarily blind you to the fact that you're headed for a "who cares" game the next round. No disrespect to Norfolk State or South Florida, but nobody wants to see you play Kentucky in the final four. We haven't watched you play all year, and you probably busted our bracket. We don't want to see Butler...they played in two of the worst title games in recent history. We want to see the power conference teams, we want to see the star players. We get that this year...and I'm pumped.

Kentucky, Ohio State, Louisville, and Kansas. Now that's a final four. Great teams, great players, great coaches, and great story lines.....

Kentucky and Louisville battle for not only a birth in the title game, but also state supremacy. Basketball is king in the state of Kentucky, and the Wildcats and Cardinals are rolling. Rick Petino and John Calipari are... lets just say...not exactly busom buddies, and both teams are rich in tradition. Kentucky is by far the most talented team, so can John Calipari finally get that long awaited championship? Can Petino's Cardinals continue to lock teams down in the second half?

Ohio State and Kansas have played well all year, and especially well in the tournament. Both teams won at least a share of their conference title, and deserve to be here. Kansas beat Ohio State earlier this season, but the Jayhawks have not seen Jared Sullinger. The Buckeyes All American missed the Kansas game with back spasms, but has dominated so far in the tournament. He will definitely be the x-factor....one way or another. This is a final four that die hard fans of all teams can appreciate. Four worthy candidates with names that you know. The way March Madness intended it. follow @plcolter

Smart move for Tebow...not the Jets

Most people, myself included, thought Tim Tebow would have preferred to play in his home state of Florida. I believe the Broncos allowed Tebow's input in this trade, and picking the Jets over his hometown Jaguars was a brilliant move. Tebow is not just an athlete, he is a brand now. He has a pristine reputation, and a legion of loyal followers. New York is the number one media market in the world. That's a match made in Madison Avenue heaven. Sponsors are already lining up to throw endorsement money his way. New York makes sense for Tim on the field, too. Incumbent starting qb Mark Sanchez is wounded, and Tebow can smell the blood in the water. The Jets have already said that Tebow will play right away (in certain packages), and with Sanchez's recent struggles it won't be long at all before Tebow time turns full time.

On the other hand...the trade makes absolutely no sense to the Jets, and I can't believe or see why they did it. Wait...I take that back. Yes I do. It's the latest in a long string of "look at me now" moments for the Jets under head coach Rex Ryan. First it was the profanity filled hard knocks persona. Then it was the super bowl guarantee. Then it was the public taunting of the cross town Giants, who responded by knocking the Jets out of the playoffs on their way to another title. And if this Tebow move backfires, it could cost Rex his job.

The move sends two different messages to your already divisive locker room. A locker room where anonymous quotes fly around like mosquitoes in the south. The season ended for the Jets with players questioning Sanchez's commitment and mental toughness. So what do the Jets do? They extend Sanchez in a vote of confidence that he is the future. Less than a month later, they trade for a "backup" qb that just happened to start and win an nfl playoff game a year ago. Huh? And you expect this move to not affect Sanchez?

Everyone knows the media coverage that accompanies Tebow, and players are already popping off and taking sides. If Santonio Holmes was frustrated with Sanchez, then how many 8 completion Tebow performances will it take before he stops playing nice. Nothing can derail a season like a qb controversy. Trust me, I'm a Titans fan. The risk reward factor for New York is not on equal footing. At best, Tebow plays well in spurts and the Jets make the playoffs. They will need more than Tebow to dethrone the afc's elite. At worst, heads will roll. And it won't be Tebow's, so good move for him. Bad move for the Jets. follow @plcolter

Tebow gets to test humility

Unless you've been hiding in a cave the past 48 hours, you already know that Peyton Manning will be the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos this season. What we don't know is the immediate future of now ex-starter Tim Tebow. I am less concerned with what team Tebow plays for, than with the attitude he brings to his new team. We all know Tim Tebow to be a devout Christian who says and does all of the right things. He has a large following of believers as a result. He has also won at every level, and has always been accepted as a winner. As we all know in life, it's easy to be humble when everything is going right. It's far more difficult under uncertainty and rejection. Tebow gets a chance to put his character where his mouth is.

There aren't many backup qb jobs open right now, let alone starting qb jobs. The last few scraps have just been vulture'd up and I seriously doubt that Indy or Washington would be interested in Tebow. Tim's best approach would be the humble one. If a team only wants you in on goal line plays? Fine. If they want to make you a wildcat specialist? Fine. If they want you to be the holder on point after attempts then be the best one in the league.

And if Tebow were smart, he'd put a lid on the Tebowmania stuff at his next stop. Not in a disrespectful way, but if the crowd starts chanting your name after a few bad plays try this approach at your post game press conference.....

"I appreciate all of my fans and all of my supporters, but right now I need you all to be chanting the team's name. We're a team and we're in this together. Whatever they need me to do, I'll do. If and when I get another shot....I'll be ready. Boom....no more controversy.

In the nfl, a quarterback that starts every game is a rarity. Tebow will get his shot again. How he acts in the meantime will weigh far more than a Tebowing pose. follow @plcolter

Titans were too desperate for Manning

It's just something about it that turns you off. You can feel it, sometimes you can even see it. Desperation. It's that energy that tells your inner gut to run....and it ran Peyton Manning out of Tennessee. Bud Adams did the Titans no favors by coming out publicly with his "retirement plans" for Peyton Manning, going as far as to offer a lifetime contract. A what? What exactly is that anyway? I'm sure Peyton Manning was like...oh...k...that's a little weird.

It's no different than the girl that fell in love with you after only one date...and her actions started to creep you out. How can you offer a lifetime contract when Manning hasn't played a meaningful game in over a year? He may be washed up. We don't know for sure yet. Bud Adams was like...I'll pay you whatever you want. You can stay as long as you want. Just please please please come play with us. Did I say please? Geez....no wonder why Manning was like thanks but no thanks.

Denver never appeared desperate at all. The Broncos seemed poised, confident, and consistent in their courtship with Manning. It obviously worked. That's how it works in real life. follow @plcolter

Maybe it's Melo

New York Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni "resigned" today amidst an embarrassing string of losses. With the talent they have the Knicks have no doubt underachieved, and D'Antoni was smart to walk. He was about to be the scapegoat when the real problem is Carmelo Anthony....and it didn't start this season. You will not win a title with Carmelo Anthony as your star player.

Before you say that Melo won a national championship at Syracuse let me remind you that was almost a decade ago. Melo didn't win in Denver, and it wasn't his fault there either. They bring in Allen Iverson and....nothing. They trade for Chauncy Billups (who was a finals mvp in Detroit) and....nada. Ok it's not the teammates, it's the organization.

So Carmelo forces a trade to New York for a bunch of young pieces. A bunch of young pieces that were playing quite well for the Knicks at that time. They were winning games and there was optimism in Madison Square Garden again. Melo gets there in a mid season trade and the Knicks are swept out of the first round by an old Boston Celtics team.

This year the Knicks have struggled...at least when Carmelo is on the floor. Their only seven game win streak came while Anthony was injured. In fact, that was the best the Knicks have looked in years. Melo returns to the lineup and what do you know? The Knicks go on a six game losing streak, fall to ninth place in the eastern conference, and lose their coach. Hey New York...maybe it's Melo. follow @plcolter

Mixed emotions on Titans, Manning talk

A co-worker of mine told me this morning that my beloved Titans want in on the Manning sweepstakes. I immediately thought...why? I thought Jake Locker did a great job in limited time last season. I was actually looking forward to him starting this year. But then I thought....Manning and CJ?!?...oooooh-wee! Wide receiver Kenny Britt will be back, and he is an absolute beast. And Peyton made a living off of some average receivers in Indy. Ok...now I'm on board with Peyton.

On my break I jumped on tennessean.com and saw that Bud Adams went 06' on us and demanded that his staff be on board with this. His direct quote...

" I am 650 miles away (in Houston), but (they) will do what I say to do because that’s the guy I want and I am going to make the decision."

Sounds like Vince Young all over again. Last year the Titans enjoyed their first locker room drama free season in years. The team looked and played better. If you throw Manning on a staff that's not completely on board then you're gonna recreate the same mess we just got out of. Ok...now I don't want Manning. But...

Then I see Adam's quote... "I think he could play for two or three years. I think he’s the guy that could come in and turn this around for us. Followed by....“I want him (Manning) to be with me the rest of his working period of his life, even when he doesn’t want to play anymore,” he said. “I want him to come to work for us as long as he lives.”

Bud Adams is a billionaire who's accomplished everything in life but a super bowl victory. He is also close to 90 years old. Why not take a once in a lifetime chance to attach yourself and your brand to Peyton Manning? He is a champion and the epitome of class. Ok...now I'm back on board with Peyton. follow@plcolter

Peyton's release made one team's day

By now you've all heard the news, Peyton Manning is no longer an Indianapolis Colt. To his credit, Manning took the high road. Class personified. There were several teams that were delighted by today's news...but the team that was the happiest doesn't even need a quarterback. It's the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints, at least for a day, was not the topic of conversation. Just when their scandal was gaining steam.....BAM....pushed aside for a much more compelling story. I listened to sports radio the entire day and did not hear a word about "bounty gate". The Manning story is just getting started. We have free agency...the speculation...his signing...and all of the fan fair that would accompany it. Peyton Manning will be the front page topic for a while, and the Saints could not be happier. Their punishment will only make a splash...a ripple if you will. From here on out it's Manning, Manning, Manning. You can lay low for now New Orleans. follow @plcolter

Memphis Grizzlies: keepin it 100

Don't look now, but the Memphis Grizzlies have quietly won 10 of their last 12 games and are currently a half game behind the Lakers for fourth place in the west. Fifth place in the west with no Z-Bo? The Grizzlies are also 11-0 this season when scoring 100 points or more. Why could this spell trouble for the Western Conference? Three reasons.

One...Memphis is one of the best defensive teams in the league for a second year in a row. The Grizzlies lead the nba in steals and turnovers. They play physical, and do not care about this player or that player getting their "touches". They show up night in and night out with one goal in mind....to outlast their opponent by wearing them down.

Two...scoring is at an all time low in the nba. In fact, some of the scores look like college scores with teams barely breaking 80 points some nights. That plays right into Grizzlies hands. If opponents are not making their shots and turning the ball over, they will have their hands full with the Grizzlies.

Third and most importantly....the loss of their best player was a blessing in disguise. Zach Randolph tore his mcl on New Years day and has not seen action since. This actually helped the Grizzlies, who in turn had to trade for Marreese Speights and give backup Dante Cunningham extended minutes. Both are playing well and will add quality front court depth once Z-Bo returns. Remember, Memphis lost their best big man off the bench in Darrell Arthur to a season ending injury.

Not to mention the fact that Z-bo, a career 20 point per game player himself, will only add to an offense that has found it's groove behind leading scorer Rudy Gay. With 29 games left in the regular season, it looks like the Grizzlies are hitting their stride. If Memphis continues to keep it 100, they can be a real problem come May. Could be another exciting spring in Tennessee. follow @plcolter.

A Michigan fan's aweful dilema

What a wild and wacky last day of the Big Ten regular season. And a particularly awkward one for Wolverine fans. After Michigan took care of business against Penn State on Sunday, they had to sit...and wait...and worst of all...root for Ohio State of all people. The Buckeyes were up next, and Michigan needed them to beat Michigan State to get a share of their first Big Ten regular season title in 25 years. The irony of it all could make Bo Schembechler roll over in his grave.

The basketball gods must have a sense of humor, because the nature of the game made it even more excruciating. The Buckeyes were down big early, and being completely dominated by Michigan State in the first half. Every Michigan fan was saying the same thing..."those @#$& Buckeyes...they are good for absolutely nothing!" Out of nowhere the Buckeyes stormed back...and each basket was like torture. When Ohio State made that game winning shot...I ain't gonna lie....I jumped up and yelled. I still don't know how I feel about that. Oh well. Go Blue!! follow @plcolter

Kardashian curse strikes again

First it was the Sports Illustrated cover. Then came the Madden cover. Now there's a new jinx in sports...and it's crippling athletes upon contact. It's the Kardashians! In fact, dating a Kardashian has moved ahead of acl injuries as the most damaging thing to an athlete's career.

Reggie Bush was one of the best and most celebrated college football players of all time. He was drafted with the number two pick in the 2006 draft. In his rookie season the Saint's went to their first nfc championship game in 40 years. Reggie was headed for professional stardom....then he met Kim Kardashian. Their relationship just happened to occur during the worst stretch of his football career. He was injured most of the time and ineffective when he did play. After ending his relationship with Kim, Reggie Bush's career suddenly rejuvenated. He was healthy and very productive for the Dolphins last season.

Meanwhile, an unknown reserve wide receiver by the name of Miles Austin was about to make his first start in place of injured Roy Williams. Not only did Austin break a Cowboys record with 250 yards receiving, he also went on to back to back pro bowls. Then he met Kim Kardashian. Not long after, Austin started having hamstring problems and has not been the same since. Miles hasn't sniffed a 250 yard game or pro bowl since.

Then came Kris Humphries. The man was boo'd in Madison Square Garden for goodness sakes. Who gets boo'd in The Garden for who they marry? A man that marries Kim Kardashian!

I dismissed these incidents as coincidence until I saw nba star Lamar Odom meltdown right in front of our very eyes. Odom was a two time champion and sixth man of the year. Then he met Khloe Kardashian. What is it about those Kardashian women? It's got to be in the dna. Now this brotha (Odom) is a shell of himself. He seems that he's depressed for being traded from LA to Dallas, and playing like it too.

I'm sure that Kim and Khloe Kardashian are great women....just not for athletes. follow@plcolter