Britt or Bryant? That is the question

He's an explosive young wide receiver with freakish speed, power, and athleticism. He's a late first round draft pick with top five talent. His electrifying play making ability will leave you pumping your fist, and his lack of good judgement off the field will leave you scratching your head. People in the great state of Texas will immediately think I'm speaking about their second year wonder Dez Bryant. Others in the Music City will think I'm speaking of Tennessee's Kenny Britt. They're both right.

Dez Bryant of the Cowboys and Kenny Britt of the Titans are at a crossroads. Both had memorable moments on the field in 2010 and forgettable moments during the 4 1/2 month lockout. Britt and Bryant (ironically sounds like a law firm) combined for 15 touchdowns and at least six run ins with either metro police, mall security, or the DA's office. The 15 touchdowns are even more impressive when you consider that neither player even sniffed a full 16 game season. Their respective nagging injuries were attributed to coming into camp out of shape last year.

OK, even if we do chalk up the lack of conditioning and off field issues to young men attempting to find their way in life, what cannot be excused is their lack of focus when it comes to preparation. Bryant was often fined for being late, and was even caught on occasion "sleeping on the job". Britt often displayed an aloof attitude that told the Titans brass that he could care less about becoming the best player on the field, let alone the best player in the league. What frustrates the heck out of everyone is that Britt and Bryant have the physical tools to become the Rice / Irving of their generation. That is, if someone can get them to care. This season will be vital for both as veteran receivers on their respective teams were sent packing to make way for these two budding stars to shine. How bright or long that shine lasts is totally up to them.

Pay C.J.

The Tennessee Titans are probably the happiest team in the league to see the nfl resume business. The term "rebuilding mode" is an understatement for a team that has a new head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and starting quarterback. Who that quarterback is remains a mystery after first round draft pick Jake Locker was brought in to replace first round draft bust Vince Young. Incumbent backup Kerry Collins chose to retire, and third stringer Rusty Smith is just plain terrible. You would think the Titans most pressing issue would be to bring in a veteran backup right? Wrong.

The Titans have a major problem on their hands if they do not take care of their dread head highlight reel Chris Johnson. Johnson held out last year for more money and the Titans applied a band aid. This time Johnson has all the leverage, and will have every reason to hold out. CJ to this point is very fortunate to have avoided the major injury that could set a career back. He has the most rushing yards since entering the league, and has proved durable in the Titans run first system. Johnson should look no further than Green Bay's Javon Walker, who reported to work against his better judgement while negotiating an extension. Walker suffered a major knee injury and soon faded from memory all together. Johnson also knows the Titans must spend more money under the new CBA. And let's be honest, nobody has mistaken the Titans for being Nostradamus when it comes to evaluating first round talent. Pac Man Jones, Vince Young, Kenny Britt? Two of the players are no longer on the team and Britt has one cleat out of the door. The Titans are not putting away cap room for another blockbuster deal anytime soon.

Look CJ, the time is now to get your money. What are the chances of another 300 plus attempt season with no injuries. Regardless of the quarterback (an over the hill veteran or inexperienced rookie) the offense will do nothing without you in the lineup. The fans will quickly lose interest as you are now the sole bankable commodity. The time is now. The Titans must pay CJ.

King James: Most hated role model

I was listening to the Stephen A. Smith show today and he was talking about the Miami Heat's big three and their defensive dominance in their game 1 victory over Dallas. During the rant Mr. Smith referred to the big three as role models. It immediately hit me wrong, but why? Upon further review I completely agree with Stephen A's assessment. If you look beyond the surface the Miami Heat, and LeBron James in particular, are role models. That makes King James one of the most hated role model in the world.

LeBron James is the most polarizing figure in sports. Either you love him or you hate him. Let's not fool ourselves, people do not hate the Heat. They hate the King! And King James has flourished under the the pressure all year . I agree with the masses that LeBron should have handled "The Decision" better, but his actions since then are deserving of role model status. We all praise people who say "there is no I in team, and "all these athletes do now a days is chase the money". LeBron did neither, choosing to take less money for a chance to win multiple championships. Dan Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers owner, took several personal shots at LeBron upon his free agency exit. King James took the high road and turned the other cheek. LeBron faced questions about his loyalty and character off the court, and his failure to close out close games on the court. As the season progressed we witnessed LeBron James fight through adversity, become a go to guy, and lead his team to the NBA finals. All with the entire world rooting against him. I would love for my children to fight through adversity, turn the other cheek, put goals before money, and to do it even if only a few want them to succeed. I am rooting for King James to win now, I root for role models.

De ja vu for Thunder

Stop me if you've heard this. Oklahoma City blew a double digit forth quarter lead to lose in overtime. For those that were not fortunate enough to closely follow the Thunder's series with the Grizzlies, please do not be stunned by last night's meltdown. In game three of the Western Conference semi-finals against Memphis, Oklahoma City lost in the exact same fashion. The Thunder dominated the first three quarters, leading by 13 heading into the fourth. The Grizzlies outscored Oklahoma City 23-10 to force overtime and 15-7 to close it out. The Grizzlies' "stunning" comeback was aided by an overly aggressive Russell Westbrook and overly timid Kevin Durant. Westbrook continually dribbled the air out of the ball, forcing tough shots against a collapsing defense. Durant never asserted himself, settling for "cop out" three point attempts that failed miserably.

So last night when the Mavs went on their first 7-0 run late in the fouth, I got thatfunny feeling that Okc was going to lose. The normally rowdy crowd at Oklahoma City Arena must have felt it too, because their collective nervous energy shot through my screen like a missile. Durant was aggressive and confident for the first thirty six minutes of last night's game, and Westbrook was calm and wise with his decision making. Then came the fourth quarter. Once Dirk started to get things rolling, it seemed as though the budding super stars for the Thunder reverted to old bad habits. Westbrook went back to his school yard one on one mentality, while Durant timidly hid behind the three point line, hoping to reap the scraps rather than attack as he did all game. The Thunder will not lose this series to the Mavericks because of talent, that's a good thing. They will lose because of immaturity. Time and experience will cure that.

Moon should blame Young, not racism

When I read Warren Moon's allegations of racism toward Cam Newton, I had mixed emotions. On one hand I do feel that Cam Newton is being unfairly critisized, but not because of race. It's because of Vince Young, and Young just happens to be black. It's human nature to draw on past experiences when judging anything or any one, and Cam Newton looks and sounds exactly like Young did a few years ago. The similarites do not stop there. Young, like Newton, came out of nowhere in 2005 to lead the Texas Longhorns to an undefeated season and national championship. Young was the centerpiece of a high powered spread offense, shattering records on his way to becoming the Davey O'Brian Award winner and heisman trophy runner up. Young was an electrifying runner with a cannon for an arm and a million dollar smile. Young was drafted number three to the Tennessee Titans and quickly flamed out. Young's on and off field behavior showed an imature young man that was given way to much to soon. For all of Young's talent and charisma, he could never lead his team in the playoffs. When I personally look at Cam Newton, I see Vince Young reincarnated. As I Titans fan that traslates to red flags and alarms going off in my head. Whether the critisim is Vince Young based or racially based it's still unfortunate. Hopefully Cam Newton will land in the right situation and blossom into a franchise quarterback and face of the nfl. If nothing else, he has the smile.

VCU vindicates Selection Committee

Last Sunday I wondered who felt worse. Colorado, Virginia Tech, or Virginia Commonwealth? The annual unveiling of the ncaa championship tournament was met with harsh criticism when the selection committee awarded VCU a tournament bid over their better known bubble counter parts. Experts from every national media outlet blasted the committee, some even called for a complete overhaul of it's members. Six days and two VCU wins later the committee must be smiling, even if only to themselves.

Virginia Commonwealth just put the finishing touches on a second round thumping of Georgetown, handing the Hoyas their worst tournament loss in fifteen years. Two days earlier VCU knocked off another "big conference" school when they beat USC in the first round. The committee's first and second round pairings have lead to numerous buzzer beaters and another memorable tournament run so far. No one could blame the selection committee for feeling like telling the world "I told you so". Luckily for them, VCU did it for them.

Michigan's Q rating soars

Remember the University of Michigan? You know, the team from up north with the rich tradition in academics and athletics? The big school with the big stadium from the big ten has roamed the college landscape in obscurity the past several years. Gone were the Lloyd Carr's, Charles Woodson's, and Chris Weber's of the world. Gone were the championship runs, let alone championship titles. And gone was the national interest in the football and basketball program. The maize and blue M was fading, a loss to Appalachian State was the last national image of the casual fan. Michigan was just another team in college sports, until a documentary put them back in the spotlight.

ESPN aired the movie Fab Five last Sunday, the story of five talented freshmen basketball players for the University of Michigan in the early 90's. Fab five guard and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose did a brilliant job with the piece, and his controversial comments about then Duke player Grant Hill set off a media firestorm. The timing could not have been better. The premier aired on Selection Sunday, the highly watched unveiling of the annual tournament bracket. A few hours earlier, Michigan received an improbable tournament bid. Most experts had Michigan picked to finish last in the big ten this year, primarily because of their youth. Michigan's young and talented team had other plans. The Wolverines followed a week in the public spotlight with an impressive 30 point beat down of Tennessee in the second round of the ncaa tournament, and once again the timing could not have been better.

Up next is Duke, and the ghosts of the Fab Five will once again resurface. Michigan looks to knock off another talented and favored Duke team with their own inexperienced and talented team on Sunday. A victory would surely put Michigan back on the public tongue, but merely being a participant is great for the fans, alumni, and recruiting. Regardless of the score, Michigan's Q rating is sure to win.