Mailing It In

ESPN has officially mailed it in on their coverage of Karl Malone's Hall of Fame induction.  How can I tell? This is the picture on the front page of ESPN.com.  
Karl Malone scored 36,928 points and grabbed 14,968 rebounds during his 19-year playing career.

REALLY A LAKERS' Picture.  The Mailman delivered for 18 season with the Jazz & the picture they use is from the Lakers.  It must be a holiday at ESPN, because rain nor sleet nor snow would stop real Mailman coverage. This is not how a network of ESPN's quality should deliver coverage of one of the best players ever.

Ode to Sidekicks!

        

There have been so many great men through out actual history and for that matter fictional history that would have never been quite so great without their SIDEKICK.  Where would Batman be without Robin or Alfred?  Hans Solo without Chewbacca?  In more recent sports reference you had Nate Robinson being Donkey to Glenn Davis' Shrek. All of these are great examples of a sidekick, each worthy of the moniker resembling the great car.

We want to dedicate today to perhaps the greatest Sidekick of all time Scottie Pippen.  Truly he was MJ's Robin.  All the years that he played second fiddle to Michael and was winning all those championships.  We hope that when he is elected to the Hall of Fame that Michael gives Scottie the credit he deserves.  We would also like to suggest to our friends at Suzuki that Scottie would be a great name for a future car model.  They would have to make sure it was loyal, trustworthy, and awesome. 

                                                 

THANK YOU NBA FREE AGENCY

All sports talk radio, SportsCenter, local news, internet blogs, and newspapers (yes they still print those) are focused on the feeding/wooing frenzy that is NBA Free Agency. The hours of hypothesizing & conjecture can make one go crazy and many are complaining.  I however, will be eternally grateful to this years NBA signing period.  No it isn't because I like the excitement or my team has a chance to improve because the Jazz will most likely be substantially worse than last year.  It isn't that I like to see the funny segments about how Chris Rock & Adam Sandler will be able to get Lebron to the Knicks.  I promise that isn't going to help I have seen Sandler's jumper & it is kind of like his golf swing...not pretty.  No the reason I am grateful is because for the first summer in three decades I do not have to hear about whether BRETT FAVRE is coming back.  No back woods reporting from Chris Mortensen stalking Favre in Mississippi.  No asking old teammates if they want him back.  No talking to doctors about whether his bionic arm can throw another 1,000 passes.  No Favre at all.  It is all Lebron, D-Wade, Bosch, and the other 35 free agents superstars.  HALLEJUAH! I love FREE AGENCY!

Friday Farewells for June 25, 2010

This weeks Friday Farewells is brought to you by the Utah Jazz and BP because they are both desperate for some positive PR right about now and we will do anything to make some coin.


Farewell:

Draft Dreams.  After I got word that Gordon Hayward got drafted 9th to the Jazz I had visions of glory.  Described by some "EXPERTS" as a kid who can't jump, shoot, or run.  This lead me to think...THIS IS MY YEAR, I can't do any of those things either.  I went out and bought 30 hats and waited by my webcam for my big debut.  I made sure my phone, my wife's phone, and the house phone were all on chargers within a two foot radius of me and listed my status on Skype as available, very available.  Unfortunately the phones never rang although my Skype instant messenger was ringing off the hook, but a lot of wrong numbers.  Oh well there is always next year.  Tears yeah my hopes were pretty high.  In fairness to Gordon aren't those the same things said about Larry Bird?  


John Isner. Thank you for playing in the longest match in TENNIS HISTORY...now leave.  Really what did we think would happen after playing his first round match for over 11 hours divided over 3 days then make him play the next day in his second round match.  WOW, shocking he lost in straight sets.  I am sure it isn't because he WAS TIRED.  Seriously, Wimbledon is so much based on tradition, schedule, and structure that the guy cannot get the day off.  No hospitality like the British.  Thanks for captivating us for the last three days and give somebody a reason to talk about the first round of Wimbledon even with the World Cup going on here is some crappy food, a nice white sweater, and your ticket back to the States.  Hope you enjoyed your stay.  Tears of PURE ANGER... I mean really delay his match give the guy a day off.


Rasheed Wallace.  The Sheed is no more an NBA star or even player for that matter.  This leaves us wondering where will referees go to fill their technical foul quota for the season.  The NBA is thrilled as it will save a bundle on bleep sound effects and referee technical bonuses.  We will miss Sheed as we do all Tar Heels when they give up the game.  Two T's and then we got ejected.  


Bad Luck & Bad Calls.  These two often go hand in hand so we were glad they left together in the 91st minute of Team USA's game against Algeria.  After two goals called back in two different games and 79 chances that just didn't find the back of the net it finally ended when Landon Donovan's rebound shot found the back of the old onion bag.  Even more miraculously than the goal in stoppage time was the fact that the referee did not call it back.  HALLELUJAH! We are glad this depression duo left or it would have been the US that we bid farewell to today.  Let's hope they stay away as we enter the knockout stage Saturday @ 2:00 PM ET against Ghana on ABC.  It is like voting you must watch.  TEARS OF JOY! USA USA USA! 


16 Teams. The world cup has advanced to the knock-out stage which is interesting since more teams are actually knocked-out during the group stage.  Sixteen teams have headed home and sixteen are left one of which will be left standing as World Cup Champion.  This is one of many phrases I don't understand in soccer, like stoppage time.  Stoppage time is done after the clock should have stopped and no one is quite sure when it ever will stop except the head referee.  Someone please STOP the madness.  Anyway sixteen countries including France & Italy can pick up their teams and souvenirs at baggage claim.  Bon voyage. Chow. Tears only for the South Africans who were so close and it would have meant so much.  


Multiple Run Leads.  The College World Series has been overshadowed by the World Cup, but it has not been outscored.  We like scoring and comebacks in America ask the US soccer team.  The CWS has been filling Rosenblatt Stadium with great games and memories in its last year.  Huge comebacks, late inning heroics and then there were four: TCU, UCLA, Clemson, & South Carolina.  Check them out today and remember in college baseball no lead is safe, just ask Florida State & Oklahoma.  Tears, only because this is the last year in Rosenblatt, what a great place.

If you have the fever and the only cure is Friday Farewells here you go.

Friday Farewells for June 18, 2010

This edition of the Four6Three's Friday Farewells is brought to you by your local World Cup Soccer team, here to help you tie up the competition.  


Farewell:

NBA Season. The Season is over, but it went as long as it possibly could and we are not talking about only game 7 but the six months that are the NBA playoffs.  Seriously the playoffs started April 17th and finished on June 17th.  TWO MONTHS.  Four tears for each year of my life the NBA has taken with its extraordinarily long playoffs. No wonder I don't watch the regular season.

Restraint. Laker fans we get it you hate the Celtics, but booing a 200 year old legend while he is awarding your star the Finals MVP is a little much. I don't care if Bill Russell is your worst enemy you don't boo one of the greatest players ever while he is handing your best player a trophy.  Two tears for the over-exuberance of an entire arena.

Mountain West. University of Utah has left the best Non-BCS conference for the PAC10. The original BCS busters have either Really busted the BCS for good or simply sold out. It makes one wonder if Utah Senator Orin Hatch will continue his crusade against the BCS. Only time will tell. Two sentimental tears for the Utes two BCS victories.

Conference Expansion Rumors. The hottest water cooler or sports radio show topic has been college expansion, but with Itah getting in the Pac-10 all that is behind us right?!? Sure it is unless you are listening to Jerry Jones and the rumors concerning Arkansas & Notre Dame to the Big 12.  So maybe the summer of fun isn't over yet, Arkansas A.D. has said Arkansas is not interested.  Lots of tears. What else am I going to do all summer if the rumors stop, WORK?

Field Goals. In one of the best defensive displays in NBA history or one of the most pathetic offensive performances the Lakers scored 12 out of their last 19 points form the free throw line where even there it looked as though there was a lid on the basket. The Lakers shot 32.5% while the Celtics were on fire shooting 40.8%. Kobe & Ray Allen combined for a 9 for 38 shooting night, which happens to be exactly what I shot at the rec center last week so next week I will be announcing to whoever decides to guard me that I am as good as Allen and Bryant combined. Don't worry I know how peposterous that statement is, my crossover and post game are way better.  Tears YES! I don't mind watching defensive basketball that was fantastic, but somebody mix in a make.  Maybe I am still bitter about the missing years of my life.  


If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to cure your depression from the US tie  click here.

Friday Farewells for June 11, 2010

This almost tear-less edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by the World Cup & South Africa, thanks for inviting us to your party.

Farewell:


Boredom. The powers that be in sports have created the PERFECT STORM of SPORTS this week.  The NHL Stanley Cup was decided this week congrats Blackhawks, the NBA Finals has been terrific, College Baseball Super Regionals start today, NASCAR & MLB continue their seasons, and oh there is this little thing going on in South Africa called the World Cup that happens once every four years.  If you are a sports fan and cannot find anything to watch that you like then you might want to talk to your cable company because whatever your paying is too much.  I will watch some World Cup, College Baseball Super Regionals, & NBA Finals all on the same day. Tears of joy, although by the end of the week they may be tears of pain because my thumb hurts from changing channels so much to catch all the action.  

Big Baby. "I felt like a Beast."  Big Baby Glen Davis is no longer hello Big Beast.  Big Beast & his mini-me Nate Robinson carried the Celtics to a game four NBA Finals victory. Boston's bench outplayed the Laker's starters for almost the entire fourth quarter.  They did it with energy, effort, and emotion.  The latter lead to two technicals, but ultimately neither hurt as the Celtics evened the series.  No Tears. Goodbye Baby, Hello Beast!

Big 12. Colorado and apparently Nebraska will both say so long to the Conference with the most (tied with the SEC) appearances in the BCS Championship Games.  Maybe though Texas getting all the money is no longer tasting as good to these two especially with promises of greener & tastier pastures in the PAC-10 & Big Ten.  Is the Big 12 still salvageable? Absolutely.  If Texas stays it still works.  I know Nebraska is a storied program on the rebound, but they are not what they once were and Colorado has not recovered since the scandals.  Nebraska will be hard to replace, but not irreplaceable.  Tears NOTTA. I have no tears for any BCS conference losing teams or imploding only tears for the WAC losing Boise State.

Indifference.  I have never disliked MLS, but sort of been indifferent to it.  I would watch the occasional game or MLS Cup if nothing else was on.  I attended my first game Wednesday, between Real Salt Lake vs. L.A. Galaxy.  Galaxy were undefeated, notice I said undefeated past tense, thanks to a goal in the 81st minute by Real's Javier Morrales.  The game was about as much fun as a pair of crabs in a bucket (which is a good time trust me).  It was very exciting and the crowd was awesome, not even a 30 minute lightning delay could lower my impression of the what a first rate event the game was.  No tears here only good times and lots of new chants.  

Boise State.  A breaking event the WAC bids farewell to Boise State, which leaves the conference well empty.  The WAC has to be devastated.  It will be interesting to see if Boise State can be as dominant in a far stronger conference.  Tears only a few, because I will have to deal with BYU fans on a consistent basis now, that includes Mark & Martin the Fayetteville Cougars.      

If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to do in between innings of the Super Regional action & halves of World Cup Soccer click here.

Friday Farewells for June 4, 2010

This somber edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by your local rain cloud.

Farewell:

Ken Griffey Jr.  The most talented player of my generation was also the best player I ever saw in person.  He was largely overshadowed by people like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and others.  Griffey, however, is one of the only superstars not to have the cloud of steroid suspicion.  His retirement was once again overshadowed by a scandal, as the Almost Perfect Game was the same night.  Griffey and his 630 career homeruns is now 40 years old.  It is hard to believe that Junior is no longer the Kid running around with his hat on backwards during batting practice.  His career was slowed by injuries, yet he is still a first-ballot Hall of Famer thanks to the sweetest swing I have ever seen.  Tears...of course! Junior was every young player's idol.


Big 12.  The Pac 10 has supposedly interest in 6 members of the Big 12 Conference including: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, & Colorado.  Missouri is as good as gone to the Big Ten and Nebraska is supposedly interested.  Texas A&M is rumored to be interested in the SEC.  What does these all mean?  Well it seems no team, except Missouri, wants to be the first to break the ice, but no one wants to be left should someone break that ice.  The rumors will fly and the schools and conference will deny them, but where there is smoke there is fire and the Big 12 is burning, so it is up to the schools whether they will escape the smoke or wait for the flames.  A single sentimental tear drop and a boat load of excitement because the college conference landscape is about to change.

Solid NBA Announcers.  We thought that ABC/ESPN would learn from other networks mistake and not employ obnoxious announcers.  The Four6Three and basketball fans everywhere rejoiced in the streets when Bill Walton called his last game.  Little did we know Walton would be reincarnated to form two small twins.  Mark Hand Down Man Down Jackson, and Jeff Pogo-Stick VanGundy single handily ruined game one of the NBA Finals and I had to retreat to the confines of the car to listen on ESPN Radio, which was great by the way.  I thought, why would you not take the talent on radio and put it on TV and put the morons on radio.  I came up with one solid reason, car wrecks and possible lawsuits resulting from those wrecks.  Tears yes because my ears hurt, but not as bad as my brain.  


If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to do in between innings of the Razorback game today click here.

Friday Farewells

This weeks Friday Farewells are bought to you by your local shrub.  


Farewell:


Sweep.  The Celtics suddenly went from dominating to filling out applications for the AARP.  Seriously, the Celtics have aged two-years per game in this series and they were not young to begin with.  Combine the onset of osteoporosis with all their injuries and their coach Doc Rivers may have to suit up.  I think he probably still has game.  Three tears for the Celtics because I know how it feels to get old.  


Jobs. Hello prison.  Federal agents are now investigating the Kansas Ticket Scheme.  Maybe, I need to get into ticketing that seems to be where all the money is.  Well the Jayhawk staff will have to do the Jail-House Rock Chalk! Tears only from my bad Rock Chalk Jayhawk Joke.

Cash. Lots of coin was lost this week due to comments made about upcoming free-agents most notably Lebron James.  Lucky for Steve Kerr and Mark Cuban two of the people that lost money the NBA has found it & will take good care of it by donating it to a charity.  Phew catastrophe avoided.  
 
Cloud of Suspicion. Hello Thunderstorm of allegations.  A 15-month investigation has lead the NCAA to allege 8 MAJOR violations against the UConn Huskies Men's Basketball Program.  Farewells in the near future include: Scholarships, Post-Season Play, Allowable Telephone Calls, Recruiting Contacts, Possible TV Games, and HEADS, which will be rolling soon.  Tears, not too many, it hurts to get caught with your hand in the cookie jar.  

Shrub. Need I say more.  Tears, I prefer watering eyes, but yes a few from the pine needles getting me in the eye.




If you are feeling the urge to rip out a shrub or just want some more light reading go here.

Referees Extending Series?

Tim Donaghy yesterday on the Dan Patrick Show stated that officials are told how certain games are to be called & that teams down in a series are given the advavtage. Those of you not familiar with Tim or those of you whohave selectively blocked him from you memory, he is a former NBA official who was guilty of betting on games he officiated.

Now Tim may not be the most credible source, but questions still linger whether the NBA encourages their officials to call things certain ways in order to extend series or worse to determine series winners? Is that the reason the Celtics lost game 4 & Lakers lost game 3 & 4? Is that the reason the Suns have shot twice as many free throws as the Lakers the last two games. Is it just a conspiracy theory from a uncredible source or is it confirmation of something we all have wondered about? Maybe we'll never know or maybe we really don't want to know!

Friday Farewells for May 21, 2010

This edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by our friends, family, and Fayetteville.  We love you all!

Farewell:

Drama. The NBA playoffs are know devoid any drama as both series appear to be blowouts and possibly sweeps.  Phoenix still has a chance to defend home court, but as for Orlando they have renamed Amway Arena the Orlando Garden.  Hopefully if things play out the Celtics can do in the finals what no one since the Thunder have done and that is give the Lakers a fight.  Wake me up when it's over.

Suspicion.  Any suspicion surrounding cyclist Floyd Landis's use of performance enhancers is no longer as he has admitted to using PED's for most of his cycling career.  We appreciate your honesty Floyd.  There is nothing we appreciate more than someone who is 100% honest about cheating almost 100% of the time.  What a conundrum, at this point I am neither sad nor surprised.

Doug Collins. A fantastic NBA announcer will leave TNT to head back to the bench where he is most notably known as the former coach of Michael Jordan.  Doug is a fantastic analyst we hope he is as successful on the sideline.  Mix of joy and sadness.

Joe DeRosa. Say it ain't so Joe.  NBA referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended for throwing a ball at a fan who was heckling him.  Reports vary as to whether the ball was flipped, tossed, thrown, chucked or launched at the fan, regardless what was DeRosa thinking.  Is refereeing a NBA basketball game so easy that you can start refereeing fan behavior? DeRosa has bigger problems than some heckler like why the Magic are livid at how the games have been officiated.  Joe, I am not sure if you know this or not, but there is security at NBA games provided by the arena.  You do your job and they will do their's.  Besides the extra focus might help you do a decent job and then you probably won't get heckled so bad, well until word of this spreads.  Good officials are not noticed, throwing a ball at a fan gets you noticed.  I cry only because I tune in to watch basketball and get to watch people referee instead.


Playing for yourself. Southern Miss is now playing not only for its own post-season hopes, but for Brett Favre's future.  Brett in an attempt to take the pressure off his forty-year-old self, put it where it rightfully belongs on 18-22 year old college baseball players.  Favre has told the Golden Eagles that if they make it back to the College World Series in Omaha he will suit up again for another NFL season.  At least this gives us some sort of timeline for Brett's return even if it is dependent on a college baseball team.  So we will wait to see if the world's greatest flip-flopper will play NFL football or go to his rightful position, politics.  Tears? Yes, because for the 17th straight year I have to listen to the summer long debate about whether Favre will return.     


Fayetteville, U of A, and Friends. On a personal note we have moved to Utah and had to say goodbye to the town we love, the University we graduated from, and the friends we will miss forever.  Tears all the way to Lincoln, Nebraska which probably stopped due to dehydration so whenever we are fully hydrated they will probably continue (in Utah that could be mid-June). 


If you need more Friday Farewells because you to are dehydrated from dessert air and sadness click http://four6three.blogspot.com/search/label/Friday%20Farewells.  

Attention Atlanta Hawks!

Due to the lack of rapid communication in today's society the Atlanta Hawks missed their opening game of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.  In order to prevent a future problem, I am sending them a telegram to inform them about their next game.

Attention Atlanta Hawks Game 2 of your current playoff series is Thursday night in Orlando! -Stop
You are playing a team called the Orlando Magic and they are pretty good so you might want to show up. -Stop
We are sorry we missed you Tuesday night. - Stop
Due to your failure to appear you have spotted the Magic a 1-0 series lead. -Stop
The Magic have some players you might want to guard, including a very tall guy named Dwight. -Stop
If you are unable to attend please send a replacement of professional quality. -Stop
The bums that filled in for you Tuesday were pretty pathetic. -Stop
Good new is you may be only three games away from summer vacation. -Stop
Send me a postcard. -Stop
All the bests, The Four6Three -Stop

I hope they get it on time.  They should, I sent it by two-day pony.  It was cheaper than homing pigeon.

Four6Three Questions of the Week?

It is time for a little reader participation.  We want to know what you think on the following questions so leave us your comments or we will never know.  Comments can be one word or one page, but let us and the rest of the Four6three readership know what you think on this weeks big topics. 

Is Ryan Howard worth $25 million a year for the next 5 years?

Which teams were the NFL draft's biggest winners & losers?

After a week of playoffs what is your NBA Finals matchup?

Answer any or all of them and we will post the answers.  Feel free to debate amongst yourselves too.

Friday Farewells for April 23, 2010

This weeks edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by higher education or lower education depending on where you attend. 

First Round Hopes. Many draftees saw their hopes and dreams of being a first rounder or even a first day draft pick disappear last night.  Among those were quarterbacks Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy, but not Tim Tebow who looked as surprised as everyone else when he was drafted by Denver.  Other notable prospects that were not drafted in the first round this year, ME.  Goodbye Ginormous Signing Bonus! A box of tears for all the stuff I could have bought.

Games.  Big Ben will be missing 6 games with a possibility to have it reduced to 4 while Edison Volquez, pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, will miss 50 games for use of performance enhancing drugs.  The difference between the two suspensions is that Ben will actually miss his games.  Volquez is on the disabled list recovering from surgery and his suspension will be over long before he ever is ready to pitch again.  So if your going to cheat kids, do it while your on the disabled list.  Sad to miss games you won't miss?!? Ben can't complain!

Sweep.  The two number one seeds: the Lakers & Cavs both had hopes of resting up for second round matchups after sweeping the eight seeds, but that was before the Bulls and Thunder came to play.  Can these teams win more than one game and actually make it a series? Time will tell, but my money is on the Thunder to win at least one more game.  As for the Bulls you better enjoy this one.  One tiny tear is forming on the west coast of my face...never mind that is a bead of sweat.

Self Respect. In the middle of the night the Pittsburgh Pirates search for something they never lost something that somebody stole.  That somebody was the Millwaukee Brewers, who beat every ounce of pride out of the Pirates with a 20-0 win (Yes, this is baseball). I know some like to be humble, but there is a difference between being humble and being humiliated.  Sorry this was the latter.  20 tears of pain! 

65.  The NCAA has signed a $10.8 billion contract deal with Turner and CBS to broadcast every Men's Tournament game live.  The Tourney will also likely expand for next year to 68 teams giving us not one, but four play in games.  This expansion is better than the alternative of 96 teams which would have diluted the tournament and killed the NIT.  The 65 format was foolish anyway having one of the one-seeds play a team that already played and the other three not.  It was confusing who played it (it was not always the number one overall seed), when it was (Tuesday night?), and why?  At least this will work equally in all four regions.  A little nervous anytime you mess with perfection.

 

University of Arkansas School of Law.  Third-year law students at this fine institution have attended their last classes EVER.  Congratulations and good luck on Finals and the Bar or whatever else you will be doing! Buckets full of tears of joy, laughter and happiness.

Do you feel about Friday Farewells the way first-year law students do about the law library, cannot get enough? Well we made it easy for you, just click here.

Playoffs? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game.

PLAYOFFS? (Click Playoffs for 20 seconds of fun video that make this post make more sense.)

Yes Jim, the NBA Playoffs are here and the boredom of the first round has officially set in.  Most of these teams just hope they can win a game.  Its hard to talk about playoffs when the NBA makes us suffer through four games of the Cavs vs. Bulls, Magic vs. Bobcats etc.  Yes, all the lower seeds in the Eastern Conference just hope to win a game.   We these first round series were ever expanded from five to seven games is beyond me! Okay so not really, it is all about MONEY-- dilluting down the basketball in order to sell more tickets and more TV games. Thanks again David Stern! Not only have you extended horrible series, you have established rules that make the game less exciting.  The only thing worth watching in the first round thus far was the scuffle at the end of the Celtics vs. Heat Game 1.  Back in the 80's & 90's this was common practice and it added some passion to the PLAYOFFS! Like Jeff Van Gundy riding Alonzo Mourning's leg like a pogo stick at the bottom of a fracas. 

Please take us back to the old school ways so we can once again talk about the PLAYOFFS!

Friday Farewells for April 2, 2010

This Final Four edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by the number 4 & the letter F (I have spent way too much time watching television with my 2 year-old daughter).

Farewell:

Freedom. Cleveland Browns tackle Shaun Rogers attempted to board an airplane, but was arrested. He was not however arrested because he took up two seats, but because his gun and bullets with him apparently did. So in a role reversal the tackle was tackled by airport security. Taking a loaded gun in your bag with you on an airplane produces the same results as a bad roll of the dice in monopoly, both land you directly in jail without passing go. Tears? Oh yes a few tears of laughter at his stupidity & at the thought of twelve TSA officials trying to take down this mammoth of a man.

Mind. Jim Playfair coach for the Abbotsford minor league hockey team bid farewell to his mind and self respect with his tirade.  I can't say more except if you have 53 seconds watch this meltdown. The only tears will come if you attempt to read lips.

John Wall’s Player of the Year Award. The AP apparently didn’t believe all the hype it was responsible for creating and made the correct decision choosing Evan Turner from Ohio State as the AP’s Player of the Year. Some may disagree with this decision, but they are wrong. Hard to feel bad when they got it right.

Privacy. The probe into Santonio Holmes alleged assault of a college student will be reactivated. The difference this time the victim will cooperate. Holmes is said to have thrown a glass at the student, hitting her in the face resulting in a laceration. TMZ has already reserved curbside parking at Holmes’ house along with the rest of the paparazzi. The upside his quarterback Ben knows a good attorney. Innocent until photographed looking guilty.

Championship Hopes. This just in UNC’s championship hopes vanished last night well at least for the NIT. Roy Williams stated what we all knew, that winning the NIT is not in his hopes and dreams. It is not in my hopes and dreams either Roy.

Security Guard. If you want to keep your job at Lucas Oil Arena, you probably should not mistake the coach of the Butler Bulldogs for a player. This is what a security guard did to Coach Brad Stevens on Thursday. Feel bad for the guy, but really Stevens doesn’t look old enough to play he looks like one of the player’s little brother. I feel your pain Brad, I got asked why I was skipping my Junior High Classes last Friday.

Olympic Roster Spot. USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo has informed Dwayne Wade & Lebron James their roster spots for the Olympic Roster is not guaranteed if they skip this summer’s World Championships.  Both have indicated the plan to take this summer off.  No King, No Flash…No Gold Medal?Gulp!?!

Anonymity. Four6Three is no longer unknown as we received a comment from the Famous Dan Brown. No not the author of The DaVinci Code & Angel’s & Demons, but the one who runs podcasts and blogs. Yes Dan you are the famous one in our eyes and we would like to invite you to make a guest appearance on the Four6Three. Ecstatic someone famous is leaving comments, next stop ESPN.

Are you like Jo Dean Gates and can't get enough of Friday Farewells wll then here you go?

Paper or Plastic?

Nets CEO has words with fan wearing a paper bag.


When I saw this headline I wondered three things (1) people still pay to go to Nets games; (2) did that bag have eye-holes; (3) what were those words…

Thanks for still attending even though you’re obviously too embarrassed to still show your face.

Thanks for not choosing plastic attendance has dropped enough.

How would you manage the worst team in sports?

You stoked about our chances of winning the lottery for the #1 draft pick?

I’m sorry.

How many point underdogs would we be if we played UConn’s women?

We almost pulled one of off tonight for you, came just short, only lost by 20.

We are this close to be being bad.

How would you feel about us scheduling local high school teams?

How bad do you think we would lose to local high school teams?

How about local girls high school teams?

You ever play… I mean playground, church, gradeschool, rec league, ever?

You don’t happen to have an extra bag for me?

What size shorts you wear?

Can you shoot with that bag on your head?

Are they selling those in the arena?

Is that an official Net’s bag or a knockoff?

Would you like to go to the locker room and have, well what we call, players sign your bag?

Make sure you come out Friday and see if the Lakers can beat us by 50.

I had a bag too, but got nauseous in the second quarter.

Well if it was something unpleasant I can understand, the CEO I am sure is frustrated and needed to vent and the guy in the bag was probably the only person in the seats.

Friday Farewells for March 5

Friday Farewells for March 5, 2010 brought to you by Joseph Gates. (Come on people the high bid was 2 cents & Gates you better pay up.)

Farewell to:

Allen Iverson.  Iverson will not make a return to the 76ers this year.  Look for him at an And1 tournament near you. Sad to see a great career end like this.

Pinched Nerve in Manning's Neck.  Peyton Manning had a pinched nerve in his neck repaired and should make a full recovery in time to complete all of his off-season commercials.  Phew that was a close one. Good riddance nagging neck injury.

Shaquille O'Neal.  The big aristotle gets the big digit operated on and that is going to cost him and the Cavs BIG TIME.  A little sad because its Shaq, but as long as he comes back for the playoffs the rest will probably do him good.

Self Responsibility.  Why blame yourself when you can blame a whole city? The new Mariner Milton Bradley agrees.  In what has to be the quote of the week Bradley said, "Two years ago, I played, and I was good. I go to Chicago, not good. I've been good my whole career. So, obviously, it was something with Chicago, not me." Obviously, it was all that wind Milton. Bradley hit .257 last year but hit .296 in Chicago.  You will have to find another excuse however for why you played so poorly on the road.  Future quotes, "I only play poorly during day games or under the lights."  Feeling we are just noticing the departure of something that left long ago. 

NFL playing career.  Jacob Hickman has chosen other pursuits over the NFL.  Hmmm priorities and wanting something besides football.  Goodbye NFL, Hello Bright Future.

Number 23.  Lebron James will bid farewell next season to #23 and will introduce #6.  Is this classy or just a Kobe-Cat?  I'm not sure, but I sense the latter. How many times do we say goodbye to this jersey number?

Familiar Faces and Familiar Places.  Half the NHL changed places at the NHL deadline.  Seriously look at this list of people that changed teams.  There were no big names that really jumped out at you, but a lot of movement nonetheless.  Next year the NHL trade deadline should be sponsored by U-Haul.  It is so hard to see you go, what's your name again?

Brittney Griner.  Baylor's Griner through a haymaker to Texas Tech's Jordan Barncastle's face in a women's basketball game.  The Four6Three can also probably kiss Griner's regular season and possibly post-season as well.  Griner is famous for her dunking ability found on youtube.  Congratulations you finally got women's basketball some attention good and bad.  I can't tell whats more disappointing to me the fact that a 6 foot 8 girl clobbered another player or that I haven't seen one article with the title- Griner Cuases Shiner ( The best I've found is Dan Shanoff's "One Shiner Moment"). Brittney are you sure you didn't just transfer to Baylor from New Mexico's women's soccer team? No tears here, unless she hits me in the face YEEOWH!

Jason Terry.  Terry the Mavericks guard will be out a short time after surgery to repair a broken orbital bone in his face.  I know you're both in Texas, but Jason please don't hangout with Griner  Mav's fans hope he is back soon as for me... okay I do too.

Missed last week's farewells..... here you go.

I am Retro?

I apologize to take a break from the Olympic games, but the ice was bumpy and I am having some personal problems that have become distractions. I feel these are affecting my work and I hope to reflect on my problem. Besides if you can wait for a cauldron to come out of the ground you can indulge my quick detour.


Maybe I am having a quarter-life crisis, but I have become very disturbed of late thanks to an NBA team and their jerseys. MLB, NBA, and NFL have always had turn back the clock nights, throwback jerseys, old school uniforms, AFL nights etc. etc. all in the name of paying respect to former teams, players, leagues, and most important the all-mighty dollar. I have always enjoyed these nights and thought it was a nice thought for pro athletes to pay respect to their predecessors and to let fans spend more of their hard earned cash on these oldies, but goodies. However, my opinion of these old-time uniforms changed forever a couple of weeks ago.

While watching a basketball game on TNT, which really means waiting for the half-time show with EJ, Charles, and Kenny, my wife brought me quickly into a state of depression. What transpired has kept me up at nights since. Not only has this moment plagued my sleep, it has lead to poor eating habits and destroyed my desire to exercise. It was so traumatic it is still difficult to discuss, but I will do my best. Some of you are probably asking if it is so painful why do I write. Two reasons really: I hope that my expression will provide some sort of therapy; and I hope that my pain will somehow make others similarly miserable, after all misery loves company.

What happened is this, while enjoying my wait for halftime and watching Vince Carter take a jump shot my wife says, “Hun, who is playing?”.

“Orlando Magic.” I mumbled.

“Really?”

“Yeah, you just don’t recognize them because they are wearing retro jerseys.”

“Retro?”

“Yeah like old jerseys.”

Her retort is the root of most if not all of my psychological problems since, at least that is what the therapist thinks.

“I know what retro jerseys are. I was asking because they look like the ones the magic wore when we were kids.”

This hit me like a box of bricks. She was right. The jerseys were from the early 90’s. How was this possible retro jerseys were being introduced from when I was a kid.

Looking at my face she laughed and said, “I guess you’re retro.”

I am now retro. It is not bad enough to celebrate your ten-year reunion while you are still in school, now teams are wearing OLD jerseys from when I was a kid. I no longer have a feeling of freedom and joy. Like the jersey that represents my era, I am only talked about a few times a year when I am pulled out of the archives, dusted off, and get in the game or in reference to the past.

Those of you touched by this story please make a donation to my retirement or therapy fund, cash, money order, check, or credit cards will be accepted regardless of age. We try not to discriminate. For all of you who are now filling pain, I am truly sorry. I thought this would make me feel better or I would find comradeship in your suffering. I was wrong. If I don’t write tomorrow I hope you will understand.