God Bless the Golden State Warriors

A tear is running down my face. I don't know if I have ever been so happy about a team winning a series, when it wasn't one of "my teams" winning, as I was when Golden State knocked off the Mavericks. When a team like the Warriors can pull off the biggest upset in NBA history by playing a running, chaotic style, they can be a serious agent for change league-wide. This sends an incredible message that can be even bigger than the whole "well you cannot win a championship playing that style" argument. Only one team wins a championship, but what is providing us with winning playoff teams? Basketball was a victim of terrorism when the clutching, grabbing, walk the ball up the court style of basketball was producing winning playoff teams. Now we have a situation where running basketball is producing winning playoff teams. In fact, it produced the biggest upset the league has ever seen. A team that was one of the most dominant regular season teams in league history was taken down by a team that with a few weeks left in the season appeared to have no chance at making the playoffs. When analyzing the series, and in the process winning three lunches off Eric Hasseltine with my pick, I said that there is no other person in the nation not involved with the Mavericks that you would want to write up your Mavs scouting report other than Don Nelson. That certainly played a massive role in the Warriors pulling it off, but the style of play is a major factor that could resonate throughout the NBA. I love it. The greatest athletes in the world being given the freedom to do what they do best... play basketball the way it should be played. That was an absolute beat down. Dirk is a chump. If you do not like watching the Warriors, you should never be allowed to watch basketball again. The NBA is changing, let's all hope the Grizzlies follow suit and join the future of the NBA. Slow down basketball becoming a thing of the past, big men are becoming less important, and the world's greatest athletes are allowed to look like the world's greatest athletes. God bless you Golden State Warriors. Now go knock off Utah or Houston and continue the assault on what the NBA had become.

This is where the power lies!

Hulkamania may be running wild on the 730 ESPN studios tomorrow afternoon. We will absolutely have some of the legends of wrestling in with us, and maybe even the biggest legend of all. This is where the power lies!!!!!!

Jeremy Schaap, Doug and Jackie Christie, and now today...

We have had quite a few guests this week, but today might top them all. As many of you know, I freely admit that I watch and enjoy American Idol. That said, American Idol Tonight Host (TV Guide channel) and Season 1 runner-up Justin Guarini will be on the show today. I just had to make it happen. Sorry, I simply could not pass up the opportunity to get one of the stars of "From Justin to Kelly" on the air. What a classic picture.

Larry Brown? Oh, please no.

I have seen enough boring basketball for the rest of my life. Larry Brown is a guy that you hand a ready-made team to and you let him take you over the top. In the column in the Commercial Appeal it was mentioned that there would be no one better to teach the young players. Really? You want Larry Brown coaching a young team? Larry Brown is a winner. That is nice. Mike Fratello wins games too. That was a lot of fun, right? The one thing that is promising is that I guarantee that he would hate Pau, and they would have no choice but to move him eventually. Unfortunately, I also think he could be a psyche killer for the young guys. Do you think that Brown will be willing to make investments in the young players in order for it to pay off later, or will he want to win immediately? You have to have patience will this group. This team is not ready to win big... and that is when you hire Larrry Brown. You hire that guy to take you over the top. Please Michael Heisley, don't spend a ton of money to get this guy. Hiring Larry Brown is the surest bet to have boring games. That is what I care about. Tell me the last time that you had fun watching a Larry Brown team play? It is absolute torture. I watched him coach in a playoff game that was won 69-65. It is burned in my head. I really hope this idea goes nowhere.

John Paxon is a genius I suppose

Just got done watching Heat v. Bulls. Pau for Deng straight-up would look like a bad deal for the Bulls now.

Paralysis by analysis (NFL Draft)

Paralysis by analysis is the motto of the draft every year it seems. I just watched an interview with Brady Quinn on ESPN where he said that the Raiders had been talking to his agent. No surprise there, considering you would expect them to talk to everyone that they would consider with the number 1 pick, and who knows, maybe the Raiders will be smart and take Quinn after all. What did surprise me is that after they get done interviewing Quinn, they bring on Chris Mortensen and he says that there is an issue with his accuracy. REALLY? The guy has been a 60% passer with 69 TDs and 14 INT's in the last two seasons. What are these guys looking at? A workout? Certainly not statistics or film. The guy threw 55 more TD's than he did interceptions in the last two seasons. Give me a break. Are you just trying to come up with some kind of problem? At least say he struggled against LSU or something that could at least be construed as legit.

Be happy if your team snags one of the following players...

Guys that I believe are undervalued from all of the mocks I have looked at include Georgia DE Quentin Moses (projected 3rd Rd guy, way too low for this guy). Had bad workouts evidently. So what. If a team stands him up in a 3-4 and lets him rush, he will be awesome.

Sidney Rice (WR from S Carolina) is projected as a 2nd Rd pick and I have always liked this guy. 6'4", fast, can catch in traffic and never had a good QB but was wildly productive in the SEC. He will be better than WR's taken before him.

The last guy I will mention is Sam Olajabutu. This guy was a dominant SEC player for Arkansas and I cannot believe that he is projected to be a 7th Rd. pick. He probably got injured too much but grab a tape and watch it. This guy is not real big, but he is a baller. Someone will get a huge steal that late and at the very least have one of the best special teams players in the league. Criminally underrated. Again, he dominated games in the SEC when he was not hurt.

For your Saturday viewing pleasure

These guys clowning on David Blaine is a riot, followed by the worst name ever, followed by Pau's greatness

David Blaine Street Magic Part 2 - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Love Connection: Worst Name Ever - Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Brady Quinn should be the #1 pick

It is simply insane to me that any team in the NFL would consider taking JaMarcus Russell over Brady Quinn. Before the Sugar Bowl if you would have asked anyone with a brain, they would have said Quinn is the guy. Well, Russell and LSU (probably the team with the most future NFL players in the nation) beat Notre Dame (average talent, coached extremely well) and all of the sudden Russell is the second coming. But what is he the second coming of? Evidence revealed by the Football Outsiders suggests that drafting Russell over Quinn would be a big mistake (something I believed before I read this tremendous analysis). HERE IS THE ARTICLE we talked about on the show today.

Jerry West leaving July 1st

Jerry West gave what seemed a lot like a goodbye speech today at the Forum when he met with the media. I will have the full audio for you to hear today on the show. He talks about a lot of different subjects concerning himself and the Grizzlies.

Grizzlies Rundown

Michael Heisley met with the media last night before the game, and Jerry West will meet with the media this morning. I will have a rundown for the site and the show later today. Go Vote for the Show on the M Awards in the meantime if you have not.

I just had to do it

I opened up the sports section of the CA this morning and had to laugh when I read the article about Jerry West wanting Marc Iavaroni. Just a refresher... cvernon.com blog post date-- Nov 14th, 2006. I have to go rest my brain.

"Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility; I chose honest arrogance and have seen no occasion to change." --Frank Lloyd Wright

"Nobody likes a know-it-all." -- some idiot

Memphis Sport Magazine Awards

Go vote for the show in the M Awards. Click here for the ballot, we are on it. I have little faith in the voting process of things like this after the Flyer put me in a tie because of personal relationships of powerful people and business interests, while not allowing a positive article about the show to run in the "Best of" issue because of those relationships. Like Kanye, I will probably whine about that forever. Anyway, here is another outlet that is doing a group of awards, and I am being proactive with this one. A weekly appearance and a relationship with the other station does us no favors, so we have to rock the vote on this one. We will truly have to make it totally undeniable and it will take some stones to give us the award, even if we have the most votes. If you dig the show, go vote for it. Thank you as always for listening to the show, you guys make it happen. If just a small percentage of the people that visit this site everyday vote, it will be undeniable.

Here we go... By the way, I love you Memphis Sport magazine and really respect what you are doing. I would say that you produce the best sports magazine that has ever come out in Memphis, and possibly in the world. I apologize in advance if this works and we put you in a weird spot.

Some things from the Wednesday Show

Here is the article we discussed that was written by Jason Whitlock concerning the Don Imus controversy. Imus isn't the real bad guy

Here is the article we referenced that described the characters you will find at your local gym
Surviving the Gym: A Beginner's Guide

Robert, our insane e-mailer, came on the air and argued that Pac Man Jones is being suspended because he is a black man, not because he is a criminal. Callers called in and challenged Robert on his crazy logic. Here is the segment... ROBERT ON PAC-MAN

In case you missed it...

Yesterday we had Pat Summitt, Bruce Pearl, Phil Fulmer, and Mike Hamilton all on the show live at the Hilton (Big Orange Caravan). All of them were incredibly gracious with their time. They all have different personalities, but are all equally personable and humble. I would argue that as a group of three, that UT would have the 3 most high profile coaches in the nation as a group (obviously Summitt would be the reason). It was nice to catch up with all of them and if you missed it, or want to hear it back, here is the audio...

Pat Summitt on the 7th National Championship, how bball has changed, and what she is like off the court

Bruce Pearl on the season , the Ohio State game, Dane Bradshaw, and the Oden/ Durant debate

Phil Fulmer on the off-season, expectations at UT, and Peyton winning the Super Bowl

Today on the show...

I will be broadcasting live at the Hilton for the Big Orange Caravan. Today we are scheduled to have Phil Fulmer, Bruce Pearl, Pat Summit (fresh off 7th national championship), A.D. Mike Hamilton and others on the show. If you are going to be at the caravan, come by and say hello.

Good hire by Arkansas, Ingram Hill Audio, and Alanis Morissette is hysterical

I really like the hire of John Pelphrey at Arkansas. Lucky for them, Dana Altman bailed. Pelphrey is a pressing, up-tempo style coach (which I am admittedly totally biased towards because they are saving bball from the egomanical, get credit for everything, slow down basketball terrorists dressed as coaches). In addition to that, he has recruited at the highest level (which was a major reason that I panned the Altman hire). I think this is a really good hire. In terms of guys that don't have the big name, I like the Pelphrey as the best fit for the Hogs. Now watch him have a press conference and leave after he hears Broyles call the hogs.

INGRAM HILL was in studio last week and played what will be their first single off of the new record that comes out July 24th. The song is called Four Letter Word. Also, they did in fact write a song for the show (for the bandwagon segment no less). HERE IS THE AUDIO OF THE 2 SONGS.

Lastly... I am pretty sure that I am late on this one, but Alanis Morissette slayed me with this video and cover of My Humps by the Black Eyed Peas. The girl has a great sense of humor.

Michael Beasley on the show today

Beasley was the McDonalds Game MVP and is a part of Team USA for the Hoops Summit this weekend. More importantly than that, he is in a bit of a fix. He signed to play with Bob Huggins and now Huggins is going to Morgantown. K State seems to be set on not granting Beasley a release from his commitment. Today, Beasley is on the show and we will talk to him about the Hoops Summit and how he sees this all playing out.

This is Beasley in action...

Derrick Rose and Ingram Hill in studio on Thursday

Celebrated Tiger recruit Derrick Rose will be in studio for the show. The Nike Hoops Summit is on Saturday at the Forum and Rose will be on Thursday and UCLA recruit Kevin Love will be on the show on Friday.
Rock superstars Ingram Hill are playing the first Peabody rooftop party of the year on Thurs night and they will be in studio to play some songs. Also, they will tell us about the upcoming album release and how they will become extremely famous and never talk to us again. They tell me they have a song written for the show... we will see.
I leave you with Derrick Rose, he is much better than Marc Gasol...

Florida wins the National Championship and Noah makes sense

It really looks to me like Donavan (or Dunnavan as Billy Packer calls him) is trying to move the mic away from Noah when he starts talkin crazy.

Calipari talking to Ark, seriously?

I am on record as saying that Arkansas is a great job to take over at this point, but Cal in Arkansas is hysterical to me. If people thought Cal in Memphis was a bit unnatural, imagine Cal in Fayetteville. I would never miss a coaches show, I promise you that. He is gonna leave Memphis at some point, lets just hope its a place as funny as Ark. I cannot think of anything more polar opposite, and it would be great theatre.

I had no idea that Pau was so tough

It was unintentional, but check out this elbow he caught Kobe with last night. I wonder if he will get suspended like Bryant has for actions like these.

Bob Dylan wrote every popular song, Karaoke Contest tonight at Coaches

These guys put together a great mockumentary about the Dylan influence on music. I watch all of those music shows on the VH1 channels, and this is perfect. Enjoy. Thanks to Kevin for the heads up. Be careful if you are gonna watch this at work.



Come and hang out with Me, Gary, Roser, and other listeners tonight at COACHES SPORTS BAR for our 730 Idol contest. Huge prizes for the winner, $100, a Gibson guitar, singing the anthem at a Grizzly game, etc. 6164 Hacks Cross, where Hacks Cross meets Goodman Rd. Please get out there.

Dave Winfield on the show today

HOF baseball player Dave Winfield will join us on the show today at 3:20. When I was growing up in New York, the Mets were the team to root for. It is strange to think about it now, considering how the Mets are almost second class citizens now in New York. The Mets had almost all of the beloved players. Lenny Dykstra, Hernandez, Strawberry, Gooden, etc. The Yankees had Mattingly and Winfield, and they never won a thing. Dave Winfield is one of the best all-around athletes in the history of sports. The guy was drafted by four different leagues. In fact, the only guy ever to be drafted by four leagues. The Vikings drafted him and he didn't even play college football. Anyway, I am glad to have him on the show today. Check it out.

Also, I need to mention that we are having our huge karaoke contest at Coaches Sports Bar at Goodman Rd and Hacks Cross tomorrow night. Please get out there if you can. Gary Parrish and I will be two of the judges for the contest. The winner will win $100, a new Gibson guitar, and a chance to sing the anthem at a Grizz game in a few weeks. GET TO COACHES. Tomorrow night @ 6:30 (after the show). Tomorrow night. Hacks Cross and Goodman Rd. Win the 730 ESPN Karaoke Idol.

Tigers in the Final Four? That is my bet.

Memphis was incredible against Texas A&M. They had clutch plays, did a great job on A.C. Law, and played an overall great game. This is second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight for the Tigers. They proved not only that they can compete with top level competition, they can beat top level competition. I like the match up with Ohio State. Memphis is going to the Final Four. This team has already exceeded expectations, now everything is lining up perfectly. I thought A&M was a worse match up for Memphis than Ohio State would be, and they got past them.

Ohio State has played two down to the wire games in the last 2 rounds now. You have to give them credit for gutting those out, but it also makes them look vulnerable.

Quick analyseez on Memphis vs. Ohio State. Against Ohio State, people always want to bring up Greg Oden. He is not going to kill you on offense. He has not killed anyone. Lewis and Conley Jr. can, but I like what Memphis can throw at those guys defensively. You have to do a better job than Tennessee did of keeping Conley out of the lane. You have to guard Lewis 30 feet away from the basket. I think Memphis is equipped to do these things. Drive the ball into Oden like Xavier and Tennessee have and get him in trouble. Offensively, Ohio State has been better with Oden not in the game. Defensively, you want him out of the game esp. when so much of the Tiger offense is based on penetration. I like the match up against Ohio State and think Memphis will be in the Final Four. Unreal. I will be honest and tell you that I never thought I would write the words "Memphis will be in the Final Four" this year. Next year, yes. But this team just may screw around and get to Atlanta.

I picked Tennessee to beat Ohio State and felt really good about the pick... and then they played the second half. I think I can count on my hand the number of stops that the Vols got in the second half. No stops leads to no running. It killed them and their offense. They simply got no stops and therefore could not get in transition, could not score, and then could not set up a press. Memphis can get stops. You have to give it up to Ohio State. That was a serious comeback. How do you not get the ball to Lofton with the game on the line? Hey I have an idea... how about you drive it into Oden. Really? Is that what he did?

If you have thoughts... leave them in the comments section.

p.s. Kobe threw 60 on the Grizz.

Why Memphis fans should root against Tennessee

Yesterday on the show we goofed on the idea of Memphis fans singing Rocky Top in San Antonio. John Calipari said that Memphis fans should root for UT, and vice versa. He said that it is a "state thing." Cal has spent 7 years jabbing at SEC fans and SEC fans have spent 7 years hating Cal, so now lets have everyone get in a circle, hold hands, and sing Kumbaya. Ha! Beyond the idea of how hard it would be for a Tiger fan to root for UT, there is a better reason not to root for Tennessee if you are a Memphis fan.... You want to go to the Final Four.

I know what happens when Tennessee matches up with Memphis. Memphis loses. I saw how that story plays out. Before you say it, let me go through a few things about that game. I know Cooper and Mack were not contributors, I know Dorsey got a tech, I know that Lofton went crazy (he does that a lot if you have not noticed), and I know that the game was in Knoxville. There, have we gotten all of the excuses out of the way?

The fact of the matter is that Tennessee is a bad match-up for Memphis. It would be easier to be objective as a fan if UT was in a different jersey, and I understand that. Now, lets get to the analysis.

Tennessee is a bad match-up because of their tireless press. Remember how UAB was always the toughest match up for Memphis under Mike Anderson? Think UAB, only with much more talent. They do not get tired and fatigued like the normal team. UT can expose a few of the Tiger weaknesses (probably the only Tiger weaknesses). Those weaknesses include having a lack of really good ball-handlers, making good decisions in a transition game, and the ability to stop the dribble-drive.

Memphis likes to play fast. Tennessee likes to play fast. Tennessee is better at it.

Ohio State will walk the ball up the court and the game turns into a battle. Memphis can play like that. Memphis will have an advantage when the tempo speeds up against Ohio State, they will not against Tennessee. Memphis can drive the ball into Oden 500 times and get him in foul trouble. The advantage for Memphis many times is there style of play and their ability to tire their opposition out. That helps them against a team like Ohio St., it does not against UT.

Its all about how you match-up. The Tigers match-up better against Ohio State.

If Memphis fans want the Tigers to go to the Final Four, they better root for Ohio State. The Tigers could beat Ohio State, but they cannot beat Tennessee.

What I Got... (COME TO GILL'S ON HIGHLAND TODAY FROM 3-6)

I am not gonna go through the whole bracket, but this is what I have from the Sweet 16 down.

Sweet 16 Teams-- Florida, Maryland, ND, G Tech, Kansas, S. Illinois, Duke, UCLA, UNC, Tex, Vandy, GTown, Xavier, Tenn, Tex A&M, Memphis.

Elite 8-- Florida, ND, Kansas, Duke, UNC, GTown, Tenn, Tex A&M

Final 4-- Florida, Kansas, Georgtown, Tex A&M

Finals-- Kansas over Texas A&M

My bracket will be ripped up by tonight I am sure.

TODAY I AM AT GILL'S ON HIGHLAND FROM 3-6 PM. TOMORROW I WILL BE BROADCASTING FROM PAT OBRIENS IN THE FRENCH QUARTER LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS. IF YOU ARE IN NOLA, COME BY FROM 4-6.

How flattering (CV Show Fan Network?)

One of our listeners, Ryan, has put together a website for fans of the show. It looks pretty cool considering it is about me. The fact that there is a message board is cool because, as many of you know, that is something I lost when I changed over from a website to a blog. You can meet other people that dig the show at chrisvernon.ning.com/. Go check it out and sign up if you like. And a big thanks to Ryan for the flattering gesture. If 5 people admit they listen I will be thrilled (and Ryan will know he is not the only one that listens, shhhhhh). Anyway, you might meet some cool people of like-mind, and thanks.

I am out for Monday, Eric Hasseltine (voice of Grizz) will fill in. Call in and send him some emails and make it easier on him than you do me.

Great Parody of New Nike Ad Campaign

R.C. Johnson on the show (3-5-07)

Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson was on the show today. R.C. was on for quite a long time and answered every question that we threw at him. There was good information about football scheduling, the CUSA tournament, the possibility of Memphis moving to a different conference, etc. A good portion of the questions were about the stadium issue (and Harold Byrd's stance on the issue). I am confident that there will be a lot of different opinions about R.C.'s stance. Gary and I attempted to ask the questions that people would want answered and hopefully we did. Here is the full interview...

(R.C. Johnson on The Chris Vernon Show 3-5-07)

Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson Today @ 5

R.C. Johnson is scheduled to be on with Gary Parrish and me at 5pm today. RC will bust Gary up for his rankings and where he has the Tigers. We will also talk about the CUSA tournament, the football schedule, and the highly controversial stadium issue. Should be interesting. If you have questions that you would like to hear RC asked... email me at verno@730espn.com.

In other news... The most embarrassing dunk contest attempt of all time. European dunk contests are awesome. I have always said that someone should dunk on someone in a dunk contest, but not a girl. It is ridiculous how funny/ uncomfortable this is. This dude is not even close...

What a day, what a day

Craig Brewer (Director of Hustle and Flow) joined us in studio for over an hour on the day of the nationwide release of his new movie Black Snake Moan. We talked about the movie itself, the movie business, Hustle and Flow, and then got into a conversation of movies to rent. This guy could not have been more cool or down to earth. This was one of the greatest thrills for me and if you did not catch it, I think you will dig it. Its so long, we had to break it up. I got my tickets online to go see the movie tonight. Go see the movie and support a Memphis filmmaker and great guy.

Here is the interview

In Studio with Craig Brewer Part 1

In Studio with Craig Brewer Part 2

MEMPHIS DIRECTOR CRAIG BREWER IN STUDIO TODAY

Director Craig Brewer, whose new film Black Snake Moan opens in theatres nationwide today, will be joining us in studio at 3 pm. I loved Hustle and Flow and cannot wait to go see this movie this weekend. I must be livin right for something like this to work out. Here is the trailer if you have not seen it yet.

The best moment of the college basketball season

I would take Kevin Durant #1 if for only one reason. The best moment of the college basketball season happened during this game on Wed. night. The game is in the balance and Texas A&M is locking down Texas until the Longhorns find their big white guy (Connor Atchley) at the free-throw line for an open shot, which he shoots and he air-balls. After the play, they show Durant walk over to him and slap him upside the head as if to say "you big white dummy, give me the ball." A real slap to the back of the dudes head. Atchley was taken out of the game, and as I am on the phone with Gary, we both start dying. I don't know if I have ever seen a player slapped upside the head for a dumb shot by a teammate. Please let Durant end up in Memphis so he can slap a certain someone upside the head. It was priceless.

On another note, Acie Law IV (and I love that he is the IV, its regal) is ridiculous. Who could be more clutch than that guy was?

Watch out for that Tennesee team (and what happened to Joakim Noah?)

As you know, I have been on this Tennessee team all season. Outside of the inexplicable loss at South Carolina, when they have Lofton healthy, they are a team to beat. Before you jump on their SEC road record, realize that outside of the S. Carolina game, they haven't lost to a bad team (if you take into consideration the Lofton injury, which in my opinion kept them from winning @ Ole Miss and @ Auburn). Style, Style, Style. I suppose that the reason that most teams do not play the organized chaos style is that coaches have to coach less in a game. Basketball on all levels is plagued with over-coaching. Playing the style that the Vols play provides you with a distinct advantage over other teams when you get into tournament play. Much like a team like West Virginia, you simply don't play against anyone like that the rest of the year. Last night, if they do not take the foot off the gas, they would have beaten Florida by 25. Tennessee is much more difficult to prepare for, especially in a short prep period. Tennessee will make a run in the tournament. They will be in the sweet 16 (at minimum) in my bracket. I would imagine that they will probably be a 6 or 7, dependent on what they do in the SEC tourney, and shock someone in the second round. Just you watch. Don't sleep on that team this year. I am trying to help you here.

On another note, what happened to Joakim Noah? He always struck me as a mentally tough player that has that special something. The guy wanted the ball, he tried to dunk on everyones head, and played with great intelligence. Then I saw Dane Bradshaw pushing the guy around last night and found myself totally confused. What happened to this guy? In the last few weeks he has looked like a guy you would not want to touch in the draft. I guess his coach was right, Horford is the guy to take.

Update: For more on this and a response, click on comments. Feel free to comment and give your opinion.

Dick Vitale has got some 'splainin to do (Pinched)

Vitale was on a Knoxville radio station on Monday morning and it could probably not have turned out worse for ole Dick. The hosts go to Vitale and he has his phone down on the table or something and does not realize that he is on the air. What transpires is legendary radio. Vitale is telling someone that Billy Donovan told him in confidence that NBA scouts are making a mistake if they take Horford over Noah, and that Noah can't shoot. I think the exact quote is that Donovan said "no way he would take Noah over Horford." The hosts asking him about who he likes between Horford and Noah later when he realizes he is on is great too. Later, Vitale calls back in after he is told that what he said was on the air, and has to come up with some kind of excuse, which is equally funny. This will soon be all over the internet. Big ups to Gary Parrish for the heads up. He has it on his sportsline blog.

Here is the link to the story and the Audio.

Kentucky loses to Vandy, Katman2000 reacts (Reality TV at its finest)

I love Katman 2000. It is one thing to get on a message board or call into a talk show and bag on your team or your coach. It is taken to another level when you put it on video. Maybe you have seen this guy before, but until listener and Vandy student William sent it my way, I had not. This is an older Kentucky fan (Katman 2000)with his thoughts after the Wildcats lost to Vandy on Sunday. I will warn you that he does use profanity. I could not stop watching this and laughing along. I think what I love the most is that this is reality TV at its finest. The name he refers to Tubby Smith as, his thoughts on Senior night coming up, and the song at the end are all classic. This is my new favorite TV Show, I have to go back and watch the previous episodes. Enjoy.

Update: Katman2000 taken off of youtube. HERE IS THE NEW LINK

You cannot be serious. It's been one of those weeks.

I stayed up last night writing my Grizzlies Opus. I woke up this morning and it is gone. Completely gone. I left it pulled up on blogger, went to bed, and then when I get up this morning its gone. No recovery options, nothing. No internet explorer windows even open. I think I am gonna throw up. I will re-write it this weekend and have it up for Monday. If I ever off myself, it will be a reaction to a computer.

Maybe a few of you came to read the masterpiece, and I apologize.

For this morning, I will comment on something else on my mind. Yesterday I talked about how all I have heard for the past 3 years is "if you don't think Gasol is worth a max-deal, put him on the market and there will be 29 other teams that would love to take it on." Chris Herrington took exception to me saying that not being able to deal Gasol speaks to what other teams think about him. He says (and then others repeat on their own shows) that stars are not traded for value. Is it an indictment of Allen Iverson or Vince Carter, etc? Good point... and worth examination.

First things first... we know what was declined (from reports) for Gasol. A possible Boston deal and a possible Chicago deal were pretty well documented. So yes, if those teams were not willing to lose players like Al Jefferson or Luol Deng, along with some cap relief and a pick, I think that speaks to what Gasol is worth to another team. So its a little different with this situation because we knew of some of the possible deals, and that the other teams were the ones that said no... not the Grizzlies (according to Rick Bucher report). If Gasol is so great, why would teams not be willing to do these deals? Last year I heard "the columnist" (he won't acknowledge me and the numerous things he hears on my show, so I will not acknowledge him.. hahaha) say that there were not 10 guys in the league he would trade for Pau. So I will tell you that I admittedly probably take the other side in an exaggerated fashion to combat this type of nonsense from the Pau fan club.

I decided that I was going to investigate what good players were traded for (instead of just accepting the blanket statement that it is hard to get value). I at least wanted to find out. The exact players brought up were Carter and Iverson and was it an indictment of them that teams did not give "equal value" for them? It needs to be mentioned that both Carter and Iverson demanded trades. Demanded. The teams had to deal them (you can say that they did not, but come on). Those teams were put in a bad spot by these players and the league knew the deal with these guys, so you get what you can. There is a difference to me. But who cares, lets just look at good players that were traded and what they were traded for. Let's see if you can get value for a "star".

Vince Carter was traded for Alonzo Mourning (cap), Aaron Williams, and 2 first rd picks. (Cap relief and draft picks for the future)

Allen Iverson was traded for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and 2 first rd picks.

Elton Brand was traded for Brian Skinner and the draft rights to Tyson Chandler.

Shaquille ONeal was traded for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, and a 1st Rd pick. (Geez, looks better now that Butler is awesome)

Joe Johnson was traded for Boris Diaw and 2 first Rd picks (yikes).

Ray Allen was traded with Flip Murray, Kevin Olie, and conditional pick, for Gary Payton (expiring deal) and Desmond Mason

Tracy McGrady was traded with Tyrone Lue and Juwan Howard for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato

Shareef Abdur Rahim was traded for the rights to Pau Gasol, Brevin Knight, and Lorenzen Wright.

Peja Stojakivic (requested trade) was traded for Ron Artest.

Eddie Curry was traded with contract of Antonio Davis for Tim Thomas, Mike Sweetney, 2 first rd picks, and two second round picks.

Richard Hamilton was traded with Hubert Davis and Bobby Simmons for Jerry Stackhouse, Brian Cardinal (haaha), and Ratko Varda (who?)

Chris Webber was traded to Sixers with Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley for Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson, and Brian Skinner (how many deals has this guy been in, geez)

Those are some of the trades where really good/ great players have been traded. I would not say that most of these are ridiculous (total rip-offs), but that is me. After looking at these trades, I don't think you can say that you cannot get something good in return for an elite player. Equal value? Maybe not. But I don't think the Grizzlies could even get close to some of these deals for Gasol. You tell me. Even times where a guy absolutely had to be moved, teams made some sense in getting what they got in terms of gettin cap relief and multiple picks.

If you have taken the time to read this, I would love to hear your thoughts on whether it is an indictment of Gasol because the Grizzlies could not get close to fair value (unless you are from Spain , and then I don't give a damn what you think). You look at Iverson and Carter (which were the two brought up), and even the Joe Johnson deal, and you realize that even though the fantastic player was traded, the team that traded them netted themselves at least 2 first rd picks each (with either cap relief or a player).

I would have done some of the deals above and some of them I would not have done (but they, in my opinion, are not overwhelming stupid deals).

"29 teams would love to have Gasol." Well, not enough to make a rational deal for him. I think we learned that while the deals listed here were not all good deals, it is not always ridiculous to think you can get something decent in return. It is not unrealistic to think you can get some good pieces, picks, and cap relief for a "star" player. The fact that most offered deals for Gasol were categorized as "ridiculous" tells me something. Again, if he is so great, why could the team not get close to value? Are stars always traded for great value... no, but it happens. My opinion is that Pau is overvalued by the Pau-lovers, possibly overvalued by the team, but not by the "29 teams that would love to have Gasol." They don't love the idea enough to give anything reasonable to get him. Not enough to lose Luol Deng or Al Jefferson. If you cannot get something even reasonable for Pau, is it an indictment of him and his value? My mind has not changed Pau fan club.

Check Mate.

Love,

Chris Vernon

The State of the Grizzlies

After the deadline, and we know who is still on the Grizzlies, I will have a complete analysis of the team and the future. This will most likely be the longest post ever on the site. My plan is to have it up by tomorrow morning. I'll play GM and build the Grizzlies... including the draft (who to take with each pick possible and analyze some of the players coming out), management and coaches, and the entire roster. Thank you for listening to the show and coming to the site. Suggestions for the column are welcome... email me at verno@730espn.com.

New Tigers Def Coordinator (CVERNON.COM EXCLUSIVE)

There is a press conference at the University of Memphis on Thursday where they will announce who Tommy West has hired to be the new defensive coordinator. CVERNON.COM has learned that the man that will be introduced is Rick Kravitz, who was at NC State as the safties and special teams coach under Chuck Amato.

Kravitz is well-respected and seemingly has ties in the important state of Florida (formerly at USF), but he is not young (which does not take away from the hire at all, just not what we thought was going to happen).

Rick Kravitz will be the new defensive coordinator at Memphis. Announcement tomorrow.

cvernon.com... where news breaks first every once in a while.

Some recent un-posted audio from the show

Dirk Goldschapp was in Las Vegas for the All-Star Game and got the inside scoop as always

Song released on the behalf of Pau Gasol (because we are fair and balanced) ... Boo Me

The origin of Taco Meat

The man that has dominated the haters, and turned it into an art form, joined us in studio on Friday. Taco Meat is our official Life Analyst on the show. This is a man with a wisdom and a wealth of life experiences that we can all learn from. In what was possibly my favorite show moment ever, we learn where this mysterious man's name came from. Click on the link...

THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME... TACO MEAT

Gary Parrish, internet TV Star

Gary is doing a Top Tourney Moments bit for sportsline.com. Most serious I have ever known him to be. Watch your back Seth Davis. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Vegas is sleeping on Mike Miller, etc.

The 3 pt contest is this weekend and Vegas is sleeping on our boy Mike Miller. He is one of the real longshots to win the contest (+550). The only one less likely (according to Vegas) to win the contest is Jason Terry. PROP OF THE YEAR! hahahaha. I love Miller's chances to win this thing. Here are the odds for everything on all-star weekend. Arenas would be my choice to win without homerism, but I am rooting for a Grizzly to win something this year.

Scottie Pippen says he wants to come back and jump on board with a contender. He seems like a Spur to me, but I really could care less. He needs to sign with an athletic team where team speed is not the problem (remember how slow Dallas made the Spurs look last year). The Spurs don't need him, but it seems like the kind of guy they would sign if they think he could play. Maybe Philly J would grab him in LA? I guess being a horrific analyst did not work out for Pippen.

I don't agree with Tim Hardaway that the majority of players agree with him. I don't think the majority of players hate gay people, but I do think the majority of players would be very uncomfortable with a gay player on their team.

Dick Bavetta is going to demoralize Charles Barkley when they race on Sat. night.

Memphis playing @ Gonzaga is the most excited I have been to watch a game since Duke/ Carolina. I love the guard Pargo (reminds me of Kyle Lowry) from Gonzaga and think he could be a big problem with dribble drive and grabbing boards. Pargo is the guy to watch for Gonzaga. The funniest thing I hear is that "they are a wounded animal, so watch out." With Heytvelt they are pretty good, without him, not so much. Memphis should win this game if they are a top 10 team. They need this game. I think it could be a 2 seed swing dependent on the outcome.

Have a good weekend.

Elite XC Event @ DeSoto Civic Center (A Visual History)

The event Saturday night was incredible. The Godfather Kelly Armstrong, 730 ESPN, and the boys from KDX put together a party that included free food and drinks for everyone, a suite where many of the listeners were able to come and hang out, and a night that ended with hanging out with freaking Bill Goldberg. Thank you to all of you that came out. That was serious. Jimmy Kimmell and Dax Sheppard from Punk'd were at the event. Here is the visual history of the night. Don't miss the next one we throw.

Roser, Gary, and listeners Hank and Stephanie at the pre-party all stick their necks out to make Gary feel better about his lack of one...

Listeners were out in full force at the pre-party. Rockin the Big Time Cash necklace was a must...

King of the C block, Hillbilly J, is totally out of his league with this one, but he would have stopped you...

Roser will not remember this picture being taken, bet...

These girls really love sportline.com and were thrilled to meet Gary Parrish...

Gina Carano was one of the fighters and she is a killer. Never cheat on her. Her hand looked like it has been broken 1000 times. She loves the Chris Vernon Show...

Goldberg came to the post party to hang out, not as huge as I imagined...

These are just some of the pictures from the night that was. Again, thank you to all of you that came out to the event (way too many for me to ever remember and name). I hope you had a great time. Keep a look out for when we are going to do this again. Thanks for listening to the show. If you have pics, send them to me. verno@730espn.com

DeSoto Civic Center ELITE XC Event

The response to acquire tickets for the event Saturday night was the greatest I have seen for anything I have given away since I have been in Memphis. Calls, emails, and personal phone calls for the last 3 weeks have been totally overwhelming. It has continued into tonight. If you have not gotten tickets yet, you still can. DeSoto Civic Center @ 5 oclock is when the party jumps off-- get there early if you can. We will have music, free food, free drinks (kegs), ESPN girls, more girls, and a lot of the people you hear on the show regularly will be in attendance. You have to be there or you will regret it forever. I will take pictures so it can be rubbed in later. Showtime is coming to the party and looking for good looking people to sit up front for the cameras. Get dressed up and maybe you can score some tix for free. Otherwise, buy some. My whole crew will be in one of the suites, come find me and I will let you know so any of you can stop by. This is gonna be wild. I cannot wait to watch guys punch each other in the face. DeSoto Civic Center - Starts at 5-- do it, do it.

The Best Recruiting Analyst in the Biz (Tim Clemming)

Tim Clemming from Arch Rival Magazine joined us on signing day and took calls from the listeners. His legitimacy was called into question. HERE IS THE SEGMENT.

What it is

My final Super Bowl thoughts are as follows...

The Prince halftime show was the most overrated performance in the history of performances. The gushing over this performance that has followed is not in direct proportion to how good it was. It was fine, it was hardly great. An honest analyseez of the performance is that he sang a ton of covers (including a lame Proud Mary, butchering All Along the Watchtower and Best of You by Foo Fighters), a song that is so authentically 80's (Let's Go Crazy), and then Purple Rain was great (because it was raining). Not to mention, a sheer doo-rag that is tied in the front crosses the line from rockin to fruity. Totally ridiculous and unacceptable apparel. Even for Prince.

Grossman lost the game for the Bears. 22-17, 12 min, he throws a pick-6 to a guy I still have never heard of (Kelvin Hayden). There is a premium now in the NFL on QB's that will not get you beat, and he got them beat.

Manning is now in the conversation of greatest ever. That is what a ring does.

The commercials were awful. 2.7 million for those?

Mash is the most overrated TV show of all-time. It's not funny. I will not debate this. It does not hold up.

Cirque de Soliel (or whatever, I tried) is horrid. I have come to the conclusion that it can only serve as a deal closer. That is the only reason ever to endure that bologna.

On to Pau...

So there has been stuff going on for two years that you do not want to talk about? Then shut up. Don't even bring up the behind the scenes crap to support your feelings if you are not willing to tell us. He is trying to flip the script on the Grizzlies and it will not work. This mealy-mouthed, veiled attempt to explain his feelings was laughable at best.

Durant...

I am secretly wishing the Grizzlies get the second pick and they get Durant. He will be infinitely more fun to watch for the next 10 years than Oden will be. Perimeter players are more fun by nature, and he is a bonafide superstar.

Holler.

My new Spanish Friends (How ya like me now Spain?)

Ramon Fuentes and his crew from Tele Cinco (Channel 5) Madrid came in today before the show. They could not have been nicer, even though I thought they may have been coming to kill me. Ramon told me he interviewed Pau and Pau told him that his time in Memphis was over and he would be moving to a different team. Overall, the language barrier was tough, but they were great. Spanish reporters are nicer than Spanish blog commenters. I was given a Twizzler as a peace offering, is that a Spanish thing? If so, we should start doing that in America also.

Nantzism contest today! Get them ready to go.

One of our favorite traditions on the show. You can call or email me the line that Jim Nantz will use at the end of the Super Bowl. Like... "We shall be Freeney, Indy wins SB XLI" If you nail it, you will win a huge prize pack.
Will Leitch is the editor of deadspin.com and he will be on the show today.

Jimmy Denunzio 2-1-07 (Season Ending Performance)

Possibly the most incredible handicapping performance of this generation. Virtuoso. Please email this to anyone you know that may wager on the Super Bowl or any of the props, it could really be useful. Without further ado, here is the link
The World's Greatest Handicapper, Jimmy Denunzio.

Jerry West house on the market

a source within the real estate industry has let me know that Jerry West is selling his Southwind home. Make of it what you will. Herrington has it broken down with pics-- click on his link on the right.

Gary Parrish watches game film with Ben Howland

Here is the Column. It think our boy Gary is getting a little too famous for my taste. Next thing we know, Dianna Ross is gonna stop a concert and make him take a bow. Some of you understand. Note to Spain: This has nothing to do with Pau or the Grizzlies.

NFL SUPER-INSIDER DIRK GOLDSCHAPP

Joined us on the show on Wednesday live from Miami and broke some incredible news. AUDIO HERE

Chris Herrington's New Article on the Grizzlies

Tillery’s “31 Point Analysis” — A Little Off

34, 8, 8

Here is your Pau post for the day. Why is it such a surprise that he had a big game? Is that not what is expected from "the best player in the world" as he has been called many times on this blog. Is it a surprise when Dirk, or KG, or LeBron has a big game? I never said that Gasol was not the best player the Grizzlies have (which says virtually nothing). The problem lies in the fact that all of you that are going crazy over this must understand that what happened against Sacramento is not a regular occurence. If so, why such a big response? He is a good basketball player, he just is not loyal to the team that made their biggest commitment to him. Understand?

Tommy West Interview

On Randy Fichtner leaving, Clay Helton being promoted, recruiting, and the state of the Tigers

http://www.zshare.net/audio/tommywest1-29-07-mp3.html

Update on the show

on Monday--- guests will include Tiger Head Coach Tommy West and Goldberg--- yes, wrestler Bill Goldberg. Tell your gran-mammy.

Update: Clay Helton to be OC at Memphis

OFFICIAL: Randy Fichtner leaving Tigers for Steelers (CVERNON.COM EXCLUSIVE)

I just got off the phone with Randy and he wanted to express his apologies for not being able to say anything about leaving when I asked him at the end of the week. But Fichtner is, in fact, leaving the University of Memphis. He will be on the show tomorrow barring a problem with the time of his meetings.

He is going to be the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. As many of you know, he told me at the end of the week that there was nothing going on (coaches will do this, even to friends). He was still recruiting for the school and nothing was concrete, therefore, he wanted nothing said. He set the record straight tonight. When he denied it, he was looking out for the best interest of Tommy and the team.

I appreciate him calling me and telling me. He was in the airport headed to Pittsburgh tonight and he meets with the Rooney's tomorrow to sign a contract. He expresses deep gratitude to Tommy West and everyone at Memphis, and told me that he thought the recruiting class was really good and he was proud of it. It is official though, Fichtner is leaving.

I wish him all of the luck in the world. Randy was good for the Tigers in 2 differents stints, and I for one, will miss him being here. Now the Tigers need 2 coordinators.

Interesting article from NY Times about West and Grizzlies

Good read for today. HERE IS THE LINK. Interesting quote...
"If West trades Gasol before the Feb. 22 deadline, he will most likely not receive a player to satisfy the Grizzlies’ goal: “We have to find a star here who will attract people,” West said.

Also, the Denver Post reports that Boston is the front-runner for Gasol, offering Al Jefferson and several draft picks.

I was just wondering...

What does Spain think about the game vs. Portland? Zach Randolph plays like an all-star, Pau plays like a... How many points did Randolph have in the 4th quarter and the overtimes? How many did Pau have? I was just wondering. This is what we in America call karma. How does the "best player in the world" get trashed by Zach Randolph when it matters most?

Jerry West Speaks

Jerry talks to Chad Ford about the Pau situation, draft, NBA (Audio)

Fox 13 Story (Video)

HERE IS THE LINK IF YOU MISSED IT

My petition to Spain through song

I LOVE SPAIN click for the song

Soy España apesadumbrada. Estoy apesadumbrado que usted no puede tomar una broma. Te quiero España.

I am sorry Spain. I am sorry you cannot take a joke. I love you Spain.

Spain can be funny...

These guys are photo-shopping the picture from the blog and they are hysterical. It is the Spanish forum on the Grizzlies message board. Now that is the way to react. That's funny.
http://grizzlies.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/480609274/m/3901043481

For my Spanish Fans, Welcome (I love Spain, Part 3)

See how much I love you... I will speak Spanish (Americans, use this)
Also, you can use the translator for the link to a new article today "Massive Answer to Vernon from Spain" in the Spanish paper. Here is another one. Also, Pau was not even named best Euro player today. What about this Spain? I thought he was the best in the world?

Pau no es el mejor jugador del mundo. Él no es uniforme cerca del mejor jugador. Estoy alegre él gané una medalla, incluso si él no jugó en el juego del campeonato. ¿Si América es tan mala, por qué Pau tuvo que venir aquí hacer baloncesto del dinero y del juego? ¿Si España es tan buena en el baloncesto, por qué él no justo permanecía en España? América entiende dureza. Pau permite más puntos que él anota. Hay dos extremos de la corte. En Memphis somos ventiladores de Grizzly, ventiladores no justos de Pau. ¿Cómo usted se sentiría si uno de sus mejores jugadores del fútbol deseó ser negociado? Pau no merece usar Memphis en su camisa. Amo España. Desea América viva el hermoso!

This is out of control (I love Spain, Part 2)

Between the posts on here and the emails I have gotten, this is crazy. It is a song. Pau is a basketball player. He asked to be traded. Then he said he loved Memphis and wanted to be here. Do you see how people would be upset? You either want to be traded or you do not, right? The people from Spain that have posted on here take Pau, basketball, and jokes waaaaaaaay too seriously. You should be ashamed. It is embarrassing and shows that you cannot take a joke. Fire away with more insults and threats, and then please go get a life. Why can you not laugh at yourselves? You see, in America, we joke around. It is not meant to insult all of Spain. It is goofing on a situation that happens to involve someone from Spain. We joke about Americans too. The Spanish reaction has been embarrassing and childish. I don't expect you to like the song, but stop taking things so seriously. Also, why does Pau always check for blood? Is that a Spanish thing?

I love Spain

Wow, Spain has a great sense of humor

Thank you for all of the kind comments Spain. A price on my head? Persona non grata? I guess you guys do not like the song? I will tell you that I wish I could understand all of the posts, but of the ones I could understand... I like the ones that call me mf and I like the guy that says I have fleas. Does fleas mean the same thing in Spain? If so, dig that. I love you Spain. (Scroll down to read the comments, that song must have been in the spanish paper today)

ROSER ON AMERICAN IDOL ONLINE! HYSTERICAL!

There was a bit of dissapointment when Roser was not shown on Idol last night. Then, I find that he was the official americanidol.com pick to win this year. hahahahahaha. My producer, Jon Roser, went over to the Forum when Idol came here and got himself interviewed during the tryouts and makes the most of it. He is the last one interviewed, the one that says he is the "most electrifying performer since Axl Rose." Jon Roser= The MAN. This is the best representation of him and the show ever. Thanks to all the listeners that encouraged this. He pulled it off. Absolutely classic. "I own you Taylor." World domination, it's how we roll.

http://www.americanidol.com/videos/view/?vid=498

New Song-- Worldwide release

ODE TO PAU click on the link here for the song.

Worldwide Release of a new song today...

The show will include the release of the new original cvernon production...
"Who wants a Crying Spaniard?" It happens today, do not miss it.

As you know, this whole situation is like Christmas for me. Calkins turns on Pau today, and the fan club is completely disintegrating. This is the best.

Pau can be had...

Peter Vescey in New York gets the huge Grizzlies story...

GASOL, ONCE UNTOUCHABLE, CAN SUDDENLY BE HAD. We have talked about on the show that he looks like he wants to be traded. Don't kill the messenger on this, Vescey, instead focus on the message. I love it when people say that Vescey never gets anything right and forget who broke the Iverson being traded story, etc, etc. Again, you don't become Peter Vescey by getting everything wrong. I absolutely believe this. Make it happen Jerry. Vescey writes...

January 21, 2007 -- EARLIER this season, I revealed Boston had offered Memphis its choice of any combination of Celtics for Pau Gasol. Michael Heisley, a lame-duck owner at the time whose pending sale of the team recently ruptured, responded by anointing the franchise forward "untouchable."
Well, guess what, Heisley's uncompromising stance has been rewritten on dust in the wind.

Sources throughout the NBA disclose the 7-foot Gasol, an elite post-up performer, as tough a cover as there is within 15 feet of the rim, suddenly is eminently obtainable. Distressed at management's rebuilding-with-adolescence mood, the 271/2-year-old has asked to be traded to a playoff-positioned ensemble that, of course, would be instantly transformed into a legit title contender.
The offended Grizzlies aim to oblige.

I put this out there with utter certainty. Infallible informers report Grizzlies president Jerry West has explored prospective trade arrangements with at least three teams regarding Gasol. In order to protect my sources, the only one I'm willing to identify for the time being is the Bulls.

That may be enough. Obviously, Gasol's low-dock dealing (averaged 18.5 points on 50.5 field-goal accuracy his first five seasons as a pro before missing most of this season due to foot surgery) is what Chicago's off-shore drilling outfit needs.
The Bulls also own what Memphis wants, namely Luol Deng ($2.6 million) and Ben Gordon ($3.86M). In order to satisfy salary/transaction specs, Chicago would have to include P.J. Brown ($8.56M).

I'm told the Grizzlies are prepared to add Hakim Warrick ($1.2M) to a pot that so far does not include draft picks; Gasol currently is on the books for $12.8M and is owed $63M over the next four seasons.
That's as far as the exchange of ideas has progressed, so I'm told. As enthralled as Bulls vice president John Paxson surely must be by the opportunity to fill his team's lone conspicuous cavity, people in the organization claim he won't pull that particular trigger.

"Giving up Gordon and Deng would be very difficult," a Bulls insider insisted. "John will never go there. Not even if Scott Skiles and the rest of the coaching staff is beating on him to make that swap, which isn't the case."
As rapper DMX woofs, "Bad decisions lead to last decisions." Parting with the pair might prove to be just that bad, the same Bulls insider feels.

"Does Pau get you to the promised land minus both those players? We doubt it. He's an All-Star-caliber player, no question. But we're not sure he can be the best player on a playoff team expected to accomplish something significant," the insider said.

If the Bulls go strictly by what the Grizzlies failed to accomplish (0-12) in three straight playoff trips with Gasol as their leading scorer (20 ppg), I suppose that answers that. Rather than surrender both Gordon and Deng, I suspect Paxson prefers to roll the dice and hope inside force Tyrus Thomas matures faster than your average NBA toddler.

But don't misunderstand; this negotiation is only in its infancy. What's more, now that Gasol's availability is public, the bidding for his services figures to take a quantum leap.

Oh, I cannot wait. How funny that we find out in the NY Post.

This is the best news I have heard in a long time.

If you have not read Gary's column from Thursday...

It's a must for anyone. Big ups to G Peezy for a great, great article about this kid at Ark Little Rock. http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9939146

Step your game up Coach O.

Thanks to Parrish for the link. Bruce Pearl is the incredible hulk. Get your joint on youtube Orgeron, Pearl has stolen your gig. I had no idea. The only thing is that I cannot help but like the guy because he does not take himself too seriously.

Losing Shane Battier

When the trade for Rudy Gay on draft day was made, I was for it. Losing Shane Battier for the chance at a possible superstar was worth it. I will not rush to judgement on Rudy Gay, but if I was a betting man, I would say he will never be a superstar. There are not a ton of superstars in the league. Let me go with this criteria... "a guy you can build a team around." That is what I do not think Rudy will ever be.

I was also alone in feeling that the team needed to recieve a legimate star in return for Battier. I understand what Shane means to a team. Many people do not. Numbers will never guage that guy and what he means to your team winning games. How many points does a guy keep off the board by deflections, taking charges, blocks, etc? Maybe if that added that to your ppg people would get it. Many will look at Battier's numbers and refer to him as mediocre, or average, and will never understand the impact.

I watched last night's Phoenix game and could not help but have full realization of what Battier meant. Gasol and Miller might lead the league in offensive ability/ defensive ability disparity. They are horrendous defensively, just awful. Battier always covered for these guys. He is not there, and he has not been replaced.

Can you build around the guy? No. Will having him translate to playoff wins? Obviously not. But he plays a huge role in making a team a winner. From Elton Brand, to Kevin Garnett, to Lebron James... in the 4th qtr. Battier was guarding them. He is also, if not the best, one of the top 3 "help" defenders in the league. Having the guy on the team made up for a multitude of defensive sins. You only have 5 players on the court, and when 2, or maybe more, of them are horrid defenders, you need a Battier to cover for them.

This team had to do something to shake things up. Battier had value. I understand that. But what I know is that I don't think many realize yet, or ever will, how important he was to making this team a winner at all. Here is what his new coach, Jeff Van Gundy, said about him...

Before Shane Battier took a last-minute charge for the second consecutive game, before he needed eight stitches to close the wound left by that charge, Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy offered high praise. "He's the finest competitor I've coached in my 16 years in the NBA," Van Gundy said. "I've been fortunate. I've been around a lot of great competitors. I've never been around a competitor that plays every play, every day like he does. "The ability to sustain your concentration and your intensity and your focus every play, every day, every practice, every game, it's a unique talent that very few value. But that does have a huge impact on whether you are able to maximize your ability as a team."

People scoffed at losing the guy. People still say, "we only lost Battier." My point is that what the Grizzlies lost was their best post defender and perimiter defender, all in one guy. When people complain about the defense, realize that what is primarily complained about is what was covered up for the last few years by Shane Battier.

How about this? Battier meant more to making the Grizzlies a winning team than people will ever want to admit. Maybe he meant more than any Grizzly in terms of making them winners.

Vote or Die (isn't that what P Diddy said?)

Go Vote for the blog. You can find other nominees and VOTE HERE. If I don't win this thing after over a quarter million downloads of "Colonel Reb is Crying" I am gonna kick a cat. Actually, the cat that is on top of my car right now outside. Come to think of it, I am gonna kick that cat either way for tracking all over my car, but vote for me anyway or else I may do something else.
If you vote for me, I will come over to your house and kick the cat of your choice.

Also: Wright Thompson from www.espn.com just sent me his breaking news about Jerrell Powe re-signing with Ole Miss . I was always confused with this story. Why did his Mom say he could not read if he could? And how is he getting into school now? I bet he has been listening to the Chris Vernon Show and got a lot smarter very quickly.

A little off subject, but if you have not seen this...

Paula Abdul did an interview with a Seattle TV station and I have no clue as to what she is on. If you want to guess, let me know. There will be a story about what is wrong with her soon, that is for sure.

Can anything better happen?

Yesterday when we got a call from Andy Wise out of nowhere, and we knew we had it workin. Andy Wise from channel 3, one of the show favorites, calls in and I thought I should just retire. I should just walk away. I thought nothing better could ever happen... until today.

Cory B. Trotz called in out of nowhere. The man. Cory B. Trotz. The Heavy Hitter. Holler at your boy. I have no idea what could happen that would be better, what could be any funnier? Any suggestions as to what could possibly be more impressive? I cannot think of anything. What can possibly happen next? I should probably quit. I have reached the pinnacle of broadcasting in Memphis. The Chris Vernon Show-- what the stars are listening to. Cory B, Andy Wise, and you. Represent.

WOODY-- the listener that claims that Mark McGwire got snubbed by the HOF voters because he has an impressive physique and writers are jealous of great bodies was on the show and debated with the callers. It is broken into two parts. This guy is great. Enjoy.

Woody Segment Part 1

Woody Segment Part 2

Florida 41 Ohio St. 14

I thought that Florida would keep the game close, and said I would not be surprised if they won the game, but that was bananas. Seriously, I thought it would be a matter of Chris Leak. Troy Smith is now a joke of a Heisman winner. He goes down like Jason White. I got a text message from a friend when the Gators were up 14-7 that said that the BCS should know better than to let the SEC into a title game... it went on to say, what would Auburn have done? Makes you think. This certainly gives credence to the "tested more" argument. Also, Florida looked about 300 times faster than Ohio St. Chris Leak... what a story. Wrong team favored.

Our bandwagon segment is on today...

and NFL.COM has endorsed bandwagon fans just like the show. This is great. Ladies and gentleman... the nfl.com "which playoff bandwagon to get on" generator. If you do it, comment below and tell us who you got.

when i want to forget about what happened this weekend...

I do what I did when I was a child... I find refuge in the Hulkster. The end of this is my favorite end of an interview of all-time.

Feelings through art (season ending edition)

Learn to talk cool

Gary and I were joined by Taco Meat and a succession of callers in a quest to become cooler by learning black slang. We are doing are part in ending a racial divide in Memphis. Here is the audio of the segments. Learn to talk cool.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/how-to-talk-cool-taco-meat-mp3.html

http://www.zshare.net/audio/how-to-talk-cool-part-2-calls-mp3.html

Hope you liked that over in the Grizz game. If you don't have a million dollars by now, and you listen to the show, that is on you playa. I have beaten the brakes off Vegas.

Verno

I just saw the number posted for tonight's game

Grizzlies/ Boston over under set at 213. Vegas thinks the last game was about Golden State. This should be easy money on the over. You are welcome if it works out like I think, if not, I never said it. I do not condone gambling, I am just doing some philanthropy.

Grizz Coach Tony Barone interview from the show (1-4-07)

http://www.zshare.net/audio/tonybarone1-4-07-mp3.html I love listening to this guy, and I love what he has done with the team so far. Great to talk to him after a historic game (highest scoring regulation game since 1992). That's ballin.