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

The nba's second season: what to look for

The nba all star game is now in the review mirror, so let's look toward the second half of the season. With a condensed schedule, each game from here on out takes on added importance. With the exception of Miami, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio, everyone is pretty much even. Evidenced by the log jam in the standings for the remaining 12 playoff spots. Keep an eye on these developing story lines...they could have an impact on who this year's champion will be.

Everything starts with the trade deadline on March 15, and all eyes are on Orlando's Dwight Howard. The conference that lands the services of Howard will win it all this year. If he stays in the east then he probably goes to New Jersey. Even with Deron Williams, it won't be enough to dethrone Miami in the east. The Heat would be poised to win it all. If Howard lands in the west then he probably signed with Dallas or the Lakers. Either team would be favored to beat the Heat should they meet up in the finals with Howard roaming the middle.

A far less talked about story line is the return of Memphis' Zach Randolph. Z-Bo finished last season as one of the league's top power forwards, and was also the mvp of the Grizzlies historic playoff run. Due back in a few days, Randolph returns to a team that's quietly seventh in the west. Getting Zach Randolph back puts 20 points and 10 rebounds back in the Grizzlies starting lineup. I'm not saying the Grizzlies will win the west...but they could knock off a one or two seed again this year with a healthy Randolph. The Thunder and Spurs are curently 1 and 2 in the west. After last year's playoffs, I am sure that neither team wants any part of the Grizzlies in a first round match up this year. Remember....Memphis "tanked" games late in the season to draw the Spurs last year, and was a triple overtime loss away from knocking off the Thunder.

The Boston Celtics are now shopping all star point guard Rajon Rondo. The Lakers are looking for a point guard after having CP3 stolen from them. Could two of sports most bitter rivals strike a deal?The New York Knicks should be fun to watch. If they can find a way to mesh all of their newly acquired talent then the Knicks could be a problem...even for Miami. And speaking of the Heat, we're all praying they make it back to the finals. The fourth quarter of game 1 would be a ratings bonanza with King James on the court. follow @plcolter

The slam dunk contest has two choices

The nba all star game was great, but the slam dunk contest was the worst ever. I mean...worse than the ones that were so bad we don't even remember them. Not only did we not know the participants (the winner averages 1 point and 1 rebound for Utah)....it's become like pro wrestling with all of the props and theatrics. From capes to cars...from men to motorcycles. And I still cant figure out how that choir aided Blake Griffin's dunk last year. Bottom line, the slam dunk contest needs one thing that won't happen..participation from it's superstars. So the nba is faced with two choices, revamp the slam dunk contest or retire it once and for all. There is a compromise though...

Why not have the slam dunk contest play out during the actual all star game? There were several highlight reel dunks from several superstars last night. Plenty of alley oops and displays of supreme athleticism. Why not use those dunks as the contestants? And let the fans vote for their favorite throughout the game. The dunk with the most votes will be that year's dunk champion. It would be light hearted and fun for the superstar players, who will feel less pressure to lose or save face. It would also be fun for the fans because it will be completely unscripted. The fans at home would stay interested too in the even that the game was a blowout. Something to think about nba. follow @plcolter.

When keeping it real goes wrong

There is a huge difference between speaking your mind...and speaking too much. Saying the wrong thing in the society we live in today could cost you your reputation, your endorsements, and your job. All of which affect your bottom line...your earning potential. Sometimes it's best to just lay low, especially if you're in the midst of controversy. We have all been exposed to the countless parables regarding talking too much. "Think before you speak...if you do not have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.....we have two ears and one mouth for a reason." The list goes on and on. In three bizarre cases last week, the athlete involved apparently did not get the memo. And it might cost them millions in the end.

Former American League mvp and current Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton caused quite a stir at his spring training debut. Hamilton, with bible in hand, opened the press conference with a verse on humility. When asked if the Rangers would get a hometown discount to resign him, Josh sounded anything but. He stated that he loved the fans, but did not owe the Rangers anything. Um Josh...that might be the last thing you want to be saying right now bruh....especially since your latest relapse has already cost you millions. But that's just plain ole common sense. That applies to every profession. If your actions away from work bring negative publicity to your employer and they decide not to fire you....you may not want to talk performance review for a while. Hey Josh...just lay low and play.

Reigning National League mvp Ryan Braun made unique history, becoming the first player to successfully appeal a positive mlb drug test. From all accounts, it appears the ruling was overturned not because of the urine sample, but the handling of it. If you are acquitted of a crime on a technicality...you take off your shoes and quietly tip toe to the nearest exit right? Not if your Ryan Braun...who immediately went on the offensive. He even went as far as to call the mlb testing process fatally flawed. In the words of my mother..."Hey Ryan...go somewhere and sit down". Until you are ready to address the 20% increase of testosterone in your urine then shut the bleep up and play. You got lucky dude. And why antagonize the very system with the resources to make your life a living hell? Just ask Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Hey Ryan...just lay low and play.

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton was released from jail after being arrested Wednesday for speeding and obstructing a police officer. Apparently Crittenton was going 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. When pulled over, Javaris refused to get out of his Porsche and became verbally abusive toward the officer. Whats bizarre about this story? Crittenton is already out on bond for murder charges! Who in the world gets out on bond for a murder charge? The city of Atlanta gets a C'MON MAN!!! And to Mr.Crittenton, forget about basketball...you need to lay low and pray. follow @plcolter

Knuck if you Chuck: Oakley vs Barkley

It seems as if retired nba star Charles Oakley is still hitting people with hard fouls. On the Jim Rome show he racked up more than a few technicals....going ham on a few players. He saved his best for Charles Barkley. Direct quote from Oakley.....

“Barkley, for his size, was a good player but he’s a coward,” Oakley continued. “He was a good player for his size, but he wasn’t a leader and wasn’t a role model.

But wait...Oakley wasn't through.....

“Now he talks so bad about younger guys. I don’t respect that from him. He’s a fraud. He can criticize all the younger kids and if he got something to say, call them and talk to them before you just blast them. He’s wants to be funny, that whole TNT thing and all that, they’re like some clowns on that show”

Um...why do I get the feeling there will be no fake apology this time? Barkley, shockingly, took the high road in his response. He basically asked Oakley to let go of any past "on court" beef. Why shouldn't he? Barkley is the most recognizable (and probably highest paid) nba analysis in the game right now.

But it does beg this question. Which Charles would you take in a fist fight...Oakley or Barkley? Let's check the tale of the tape.

Charles Oakley: 6'9 245lbs. Hails from Cleveland, Ohio. In his hay day with the Knicks, Oakley was as tough as the come on a team full of tough guys. Oakley was an enforcer, and forget about backing down from a fight....Oakley was looking for one. Best known for slapping a grown ass man in a casino while their entourage watched in freight...and did nothing.

Charles Barkley: 6'6 252 lbs. Hails from Leeds, Alabama. Barkley was no chump in his hay day either. Sir Charles put the power in the power forward position. He was tough as nails....looking and acting like a pit bull on the court. Best known for throwing a grown ass man through a glass window.

Both Charles and Charles are pushing 50 now, so a physical altercation is unlikely. Unless...that is...they run into each other in Orlando (All Star Game) this weekend. I'm just sayin. follow @plcolter

Apology not accepted Brady Quinn

Yesterday I had the pleasure of reading an article where Denver Broncos backup qb Brady Quinn was big time hatin on Tim Tebow. He said the fans were the only reason that Tebow played in the first place, chanting his name as the losses piled up. Quinn also said the Broncos were lucky last year more than anything else....and even took a jab at the man's faith....or lack thereof. Direct quote from Quinn in reference to Tebow...

"If you look at it as a whole, there's a lot of things that just don't seem very humble to me," he said. "When I get that opportunity, I'll continue to lead not necessarily by trying to get in front of the camera and praying but by praying with my teammates, you know."

Yep...he went there.

It was refreshing to hear someone keep it real for a change, but when I finished the article I knew it was coming....the fake public apology. Quinn started backpedalling like Deion in his prime when the buzz grew....and nope...I ain't accepting no apology! You meant what you said and had every right to feel that way. Anyone would.

Let's say that you're next in line for a promotion on your job. A new, hot shot, charismatic employee comes in and blows everyone away with their personality.....not their production mind you...their personality. He has management and colleagues eating out the palm of his hands...and he (or she) knows it. You've proven that you are more accurate and refined, but when promotion time comes you're passed over for Mr. Hot Shot. You would be saltier than a gallon of ocean water....and so was Quinn. He had to have been at least a little jealous of Tebow...a little resentful. It's ok Quinn...we all go through it. Keep the apology. Keep keepin it real. Follow @plcolter

Deja vu aids streaky Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are officially the streakiest team in the nba. When they're hot...they're hot. When they're not...well...let's just say they can build temples with all the bricks they put up. Memphis opened the season losing three of their first four games. In January the Grizzlies rattled off seven wins in a row, then lost seven of nine. Right now Memphis is on a three game winning streak...it seems the only consistent thing about this team is it's inconsistency. One eerily consistent thing was the way the Grizzlies won their last two.....can you say...deja vu?

Friday night Memphis opened up an early 21 point lead over the Denver Nuggets, only to be rallied on in the second half. Memphis found themselves down by one...and with the ball in the closing seconds. Rudy Gay missed the shot, and Dante Cunningham tipped it in to seal a one point victory. Twenty four hours later the Grizzlies opened up an early 18 point lead over the Golden State Warriors, only to be rallied on in the second half. The Grizzlies once again found themselves down by one...and with the ball in the closing seconds. Rudy Gay missed the game winning shot (again) but this time it was Tony Allen crashing the board for the game winning tip in. Talk about deja vu!!!

It remains to be seen how long the Grizzlies current streak will last, but those two games this weekend could loom large if the Grizzlies get things rolling again. All everything power forward Zack Randolph should return in a couple of weeks. The Grizzlies will be finally be at full strength...but will it be too late? Every game the Grizzlies can steal until his return could be the difference in another playoff run or not. follow @plcolter