14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers players subpoenaed in steroid probe March 14 2005

Investigators probing an alternative medicine doctor want to speak to at least 9 current or former members of the Carolina Panthers about possible illegal steroid prescriptions, according to The State - a Columbia, SC newspaper. Dr. James Shortt, a West Columbia physician, is under investigation for allegedly prescribing steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, said the local paper Sunday's published editions. The newspaper based its story on court records and sources speaking on condition of anonymity. Federal agents subpoenaed the Panthers forDenver Broncos jersey
the addresses and contact information of several players as part of the probe. Sources familiar with the investigation told the newspaper that some of the players were on the Panthers team that competed in the 2004 Super Bowl. Neither the paper nor Hurney revealed the identities of the players. The newspaper said a sworn statement from Dave Lawrence, a State Law Enforcement Division agent, said Shortt has been under investigation since May 2004 when a Columbia bodybuilder told the Drug Enforcement Administration that Shortt had a reputation for readily prescribing steroids for patients in exchange for $1,000.

13 Jan 11 Derrick Rose, an All Star?

Has Derrick Rose turned a corner after his rough start to the year? During the first month of the season, Rose was averaging roughly 16 ppg, 5 apg and 3 rpg on 46% shooting. But how has he done lately? In Rose's last 12 games, he has put up some staggering numbers. Over that span, Rose has averaged 22.8 ppg, 7.0 apg, 4.3 rpg on 49.8% shooting from the field. In addition, his true shooting percentage over that span is 53.9%. So after that rough start, he's been able to pull his averages up to 18.5 ppg, 5.9 apg, 3.5 rpg on 45.7% shooting. That's a major leap from Philadelphia Eagles jersey
his earlier averages. His jump shot looks much improved and his speed is seemingly back. So this begs the question, with his current popularity and his improvement in play, does Derrick Rose have a chance at making his first all-star appearance this season? It'll be difficult for him because of his rough start, that's for sure. But assuming that Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson get voted in as starters and Iverson is injured come the all-star game, that would mean that Vince Carter would get the other starting nod by the fans. After that Rose's competition boils down to Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson and Mo Williams. Arenas is most likely out of the running due to his recent incident involving guns. And while Joe Johnson is probably a lock for one of the reserve spots, the rest is a bit of a crap shoot. Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
Rajon Rondo probably deserves the nod over his teammate, Ray Allen. But because both players are playing for a contender, an argument can be made that the presence of the other holds back each player's individual statistics. Even so, Allen seemingly has lost a step the past couple of seasons. And as for Mo Williams, he might San Diego Chargers jersey
get the nod only because he's playing for a good team. But his numbers really don't support another all-star nod. So is it possible that Rose gets picked by the coaches and players? Sure. Is it likely? It's hard to say at this point. But if he keeps up his current level of play, he definitely has a legitimate shot. However, Rose's teammate, Joakim Noah, also might have a shot if he is picked by the coaches. And if Noah makes it in, Rose's chances are diminished quite a bit.

12 Jan 11 NBA All-Star Game Reserves Announced

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesMoments ago, the NBA announced the reserve selections for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. They are as followed:*notes as first All-Star Game appearance .Eastern ConferenceG-Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls*G-Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics*G-Joe Johnson, Atlanta HawksF-Paul Pierce, Boston CelticsF-Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats*F/C-Chris Bosh, Toronto RaptorsF/C-Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks*They will be joined by the already announced starting lineup of Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, and Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
Dwight Howard.Western ConferenceG-Chris Paul, New Orleans HornetsG-Deron Williams, Utah Jazz*G-Brandon Roy, Portland TrailblazersF-Pau Gasol, Los Angeles LakersF-Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas MavericksF-Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder*F-Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies*Alongside them is the perennial lineup of Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan, and Amar'e Stoudemire.The game will be held on February 14 at Dallas Cowboys Stadium. It is reported that the event has sold over 85,000 tickets already, which would be the largest crowd ever at a basketball event.

12 Jan 11 Atlanta Hawks Look To Sweep Boston Celtics Tonight

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesAtlanta, GA.At the start of the season there were only three elite eastern teams; nobody would think these teams would get swept. But, a new team has risen to take on the elites and become one of them. The Hawks are now widely considered an elite team.If I were to tell you the Hawks Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
would sweep the Celtics in the regular season before this season started you would call me a liar and have no sense of basketball. While that has not happened yet it just may happen tonight. Atlanta is coming off a tough loss to the Spurs from Wednesday and the Celtics are coming off an even tougher loss last night to the Magic.At the start of the series Boston hosted the Hawks where Atlanta had never won in a long time. The Hawks beat and embarrassed the Celtics at home 97-86. One month later Boston came to Phillips Arena and got kicked out of the Arena 93-85. Just 17 days ago Atlanta went back to the Garden and again stuck it to Boston 102-96.Boston is getting closer to topping the Hawks for the first time this season but still can't find a way to win. This game now has to be considered a big game and a rivalry. In 2007 the Hawks took the Celtics to seven games in the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics would go on to win the NBA title.Last year the Hawks got better, making it into the second round of the playoffs but they still could not beat Boston at Boston.Now they know they can and they know they can play ball with the best teams in the league. Atlanta has their sights set on their first division title since '93, and the first East title since ever. The last time the Hawks played in the NBA Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
championship game was 1961 and that was in the western conference at that time.But before they try to get all of that, Atlanta will look to take down an NBA giant. This sweep would certainly give the Hawks confidence going into later games knowing that they swept an elite team.

10 Jan 11 Shaq vs. Dwight Howard: Who is the Real Superman?

Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesEver since the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic in the last game before the All-Star Break, media coverage has been centered, among many things, on the nickname battle between Shaq and Dwight Howard.Everyone has their opinions. Either Shaq is being too rash Cleveland Browns jersey
and is being petty, or that he is the original NBA Superman. However, nobody has analyzed, as far as I know, the two players against the Superman persona.So without further ado, I would like to make a final ruling over the nickname battle between the two dominating big men. Superhuman StrengthBoth of these men are ridiculously strong. Howard seems to look stronger because his is more fit and toned, while Shaq, it seems, is just fat. However, when you watch the two play, it is evident that Shaq is the stronger man.When Shaq plays he imposes his will upon other the players trying to defend him, and, as he said, doesn't double-team anybody.Howard, while still one of the strongest players in the league, does not live up to Shaq's level. He can use his body, but doesn't always throw it around like a big man of his stature should.Superman Score: Shaq 1, Howard 0 Super SpeedThis one is a no-brainer. Shaq is old and slow, Howard is young and fast (for a big man that is).Superman Score: Shaq 1, Howard 1 Superstrong SkinSuperman's skin can stop bullets. Dwight Howard's skin can't even take it when Shaq is angry at him.After Shaq's outburst following the Cavalier-Magic game last week, Howard's response was less than inspiring. When he could have, and maybe should have, stood up and proclaimed the Dallas Cowboys jersey
name for himself, he backed down. Howard downplayed the whole thing, and to me came off as upset that one of his childhood heroes was angry at him.Howard had the opportunity to stand up to Shaq's bullying, yet he recoiled and relinquished the nickname that he is obviously fond of.Superman Score: Shaq 2, Howard 1 FlyingWe all saw Dwight Howard's explosive performance at the dunk contest in the past few years. Anyone is crazy to think that Shaq, at any point in his career, could jump as far as Howard did in his second dunk at the 2008 dunk contest (one that I have dubbed "The Thrunk" )Superman Score: Shaq 2, Howard 2 Interplanetary TravelAs far as I know, there is only one player in the history of the NBA that was ever capable of traveling to other planets (whether it be real or fake) and that is Darryl Dawkins. Denver Broncos jersey
No points awarded for this round.So, as you can see, this is even more convoluted as before. So as a tiebreaker, we will have to look at head-to-head match-ups. Since Howard entered the league in 2004, Shaq has won eight games where both centers played, Howard has won six.So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado I pronounce Shaq your NBA Superman, at least for now.

9 Jan 11 Breakdown of a Bad Break: Cavaliers Adjust to the Loss of Shaquille O'Neal

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesThe news reverberated not only in Northeast Ohio Sunday, but throughout the NBA.Shaquille ONeal right thumb injury isn just significant, as TNT David Aldridge so accurately reported just minutes after it happened Thursday night in Boston. It seriousas in requiring surgery, and a lengthy recuperation period of six to nine weeks.With seven weeks remaining in the regular season, it means the Cleveland Cavaliers will finish the year without their starting center. Hell likely make it back in time for the playoffs, but an exact timetable won be known Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
until after the surgery.Combined with the Cavs' recent trade that leaves them, at least for now, without Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the impact is even more significant.Anderson Varejao, most comfortable as a supersub power forward, slides into the pivot to assume ONeal role in the middle.How the loss of ONeal will affect the Cavaliers, pro and con, won immediately be known. Here are some of the potential positives and negatives that could result from Shaq pending absence from the lineup.Con: The Cavaliers suddenly have a void in the middle that will be difficult to offset.In just two weeks, Cleveland has gone from one of the biggest teams in the league to one of the smallest. For a time, it leaves them vulnerable against more powerful centersbut really, how many of those are there?They play Boston twice more, but have shown they can handle the Celtics without Shaq (or Ilgauskas). Andrew Bogut of the Bucks is a skilled big man. Brook Lopez of New Jersey continues to improve, but is a rookie.Dwight Howard and the Magic don reappear on the Cavs schedule until the next-to-last game of the season. By then, Shaq and Ilgauskas may be back.Pro: Varejao will gain valuable experience as a starting center.There no question he is most comfortable coming off the bench as the supersub at power forward. Varejao often catches teams napping with his constant hustle at both ends of the floor.It the only way he knows how to play, so that will continue. But hell also have to adjust to the nuances of the center position and learn to bang bodies with the best the league has to offer.Not only will this help the Cavaliers this year and in the playoffs, it will prove valuable in future seasons when the era of Shaq and Z is over in Cleveland.Con: Shaq injury may disrupt the team established chemistry.As the season has progressed, so has ONeal. Early returns on his presence in the Cavs lineup weren favorable, but Shaq gradually proved doubters wrong.He contributed solid numbers and an even more solid defensive presence in the middle, typically playing about half of each game.Of equal importance, however, was the way his teammates had adjusted to his style of play.Similar adjustments wererequired after Ilgauskas departure. The team lost three in a row before winning their last three.It will take a few games to see how the Cavaliers handle not having a pure center on the floor. If Ilgauskas chooses to return in March, the Cavs still have 11 games to play before he is available.Critics of the Ilgauskas trade pointed to the Cavaliers remarkable team chemistry as a reason to Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
have left well enough alone. With Shaq now sidelined as well, the team resiliency will be put to the test.Pro: The Cavs will test-drive a smaller, faster lineup.The Shaq doubters will have their day in courtor at least, on itas Cleveland will be forced to play small.ONeal was obtained primarily to offset the bigger, more physical teams who might give the Cavs trouble in the playoffs. Size isn always the issue, however. Still, when you have experienced big men like Shaq and Ilgauskas in your lineup, you play to their strengths.Now, with neither of them there for the time being, there nothing to prevent Mike Brown from running an up-tempo offense.Charles Barkley has called Brown out many times on TNT, questioning why the Cavaliers don run more. He claims it the best approach when you have a player like LeBron James on your team.Now, well see. If the smaller, faster Cavs perform well, Brown will have discovered yet another weapon to throw at opponents in the postseason.Con: Conditioning could be a problem for the Cavaliers come playoff time.With ONeal out for an extended period, will he remain in shape? Much was made of his playing condition at the start of the season, andShaq himself said he had worked during the offseason to be ready for the rigors of 82 games and the playoffs.Brown had been careful all season with ONeal minutes, and the system seemed to be working. However, six weeks or more of recuperation time will require an ongoing conditioning program if ONeal is to be game-ready come April.The same is true for Ilgauskas. Should he choose to return to the Cavs, hell have been idle for a month. Conditioning while they wait will be of utmost importance to both players effectiveness once they return to action.Pro: Dividing playing time just got easier for Mike Brown.One of the real concerns for the Cavs coach has been finding enough minutes to go around, particularly at the power forward position.J.J. Hickson had been the starter most of the season, with Varejao coming off the bench. The presence of Jamison has sent Hickson to the bench. With the recent activation of Leon Powe from the injured list, the Cavs had a glut of power forwards.However, with Varejao at center, Brown will use a rotation of his big men to fill both positions. He views them as interchangeable in Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
the Cavaliers offense. This will be a good test of that theory.Seldom-used Darnell Jackson may find his status changing as Brown looks to fill the void left by ONeal and Ilgauskas.Injuries are a fact of life in professional sports. Theyre also the variable that can completely alter a season.The Cavaliers proved earlier this year that they could make the necessary adjustments when Mo Williams, Delonte West and Jamario Moon missed significant amounts of playing time.Now theyand the rest of the NBAwill see if theyre able to do the same while ONeal is on the mend.

8 Jan 11 2010 NBA Playoffs: Can Charlotte Defeat the East's Top Three Teams?

Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesI will be the first to admit, the idea of the Charlotte Bobcats qualifying for the 2010 NBA postseason was a foreign one to me, and even though I felt the Bobcats had taken positive steps, the playoffs still seemed like a long shot.Hiring Larry Brown as coach was the first step, and acquiring Stephen Jackson has proved to be the move which has spurred Charlotte from the throes of mediocrity to the cusp of their first NBA playoff berth in team history.The young, athletic Bobcats have bought into Brown's Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
defensive philosophy, and the level of discipline the team displays is also a reflection of their coach and his rigid standards on the court.Brown doesn't mind if a player has baggage in his personal life, because he feels if discipline is learned on the basketball court, then it might seep over into a player's personal life.Brown's approach has had varying degrees of success, but he has always established open lines of communication with his team, and is not afraid to both encourage and admonish a player for his performance.He is the ultimate teacher and the Bobcats have grown into apt pupils, grasping onto Brown's instruction and riding it to the sixth position in the Eastern Conference.With only a few weeks left in the regular season people in Charlotte are now speaking as if the Bobcats' path to the postseason is sealed, and the only question now is, how far can they go once they get there.This may be a presumptuous line of thought, but considering how the teams beneath Charlotte in the standings are actually regressing, it iseasy to see why people in the Queen City are excited about their basketball team.If the season ended today Charlotte's first round opponent would be the Atlanta Hawks, a team with a very similar roster to the Bobcats'.Both teams have superior shooting guards in Jackson and Atlanta's Joe Johnson, while Charlotte's Gerald Wallace and the Hawks' Josh Smith are both players whose impact can be felt in nearly every category in the stat book.Mike Bibby has an experience advantage over Raymond Felton at the point guard position, but Felton is athletically superior, a better defender, and is quicker than Bibby.Both rosters are deep with talented players like Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Jamal Crawford for Atlanta, and Boris Diaw, Tyrus Thomas, and Tyson Chandler for Charlotte.Crawford is the one player Charlotte cannot match in terms of point production from the bench, and although Crawford may give the Hawks a scoring edge, the Bobcats' discipline could be the determining factor in a playoff series.Atlanta is notorious for their inconsistency on both ends of the floor and their tendency to make bad decisions in pressure-filled moments, which are found in abundance in the postseason.I would be inclined to take the steady leadership of Brown over the playoff Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
experience of Atlanta, because in a close series, the composure and discipline Brown brings to his team will win out.If Charlotte were to defeat Atlanta, Orlando would likely be their next opponent, and the Magic cause the same type of match-up problems for the Bobcats as they did for the Cleveland Cavaliers in last year's postseason.The Orlando scheme is simple, but effective. Place Dwight Howard in the paint, and surround him on the perimeter with jump shooters who have a particular taste for the three-point shot.Having four perimeter players on the court makes it hard to double Howard in the paint, and the fact that all of those players are actually good scorers mean there is little chance to slide down or even offer token assistance against Howard.The only chance Charlotte would have against Orlando would be to offer strong resistance on Howard with one player and tighten up the perimeter on everyone else.This strategy worked in a recent game between the two teams, and while Howard did have a monster game with 27 points and 17 rebounds, Charlotte's defense on the rest of theMagic was effective enough to prevent anyone else from hurting them.I'm not sure this would work over the duration of a seven game series, but it does represent Charlotte's best chance for success against a seasoned Orlando team, seeking consecutive NBA Finals appearances.If the Bobcats could make the Magic disappear, the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers would be next in Charlotte's path, and you could pretty much throw out Charlotte's victory in the regular season series.Like the recent victory over Orlando, Charlotte has a blueprint for how to defeat LeBron and his Cavaliers, but making that strategy hold up over the course of a seven game series is an entirely different task.Cleveland lost last season's 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, and the experience has made them hungry for a chance to return to that stage and redeem themselves.The Cavaliers also have the game's most complete player in James, and he embraces pressure moments on the big stage, while the Bobcats would be new to the whole playoff phenomenon.If Charlotte were able to somehow defeat Orlando and Atlanta, this is the point that their hypothetical journey would likely end, because the Cavaliers' combination of experience and James would be too much to overcome.In all honesty, it is doubtful Charlotte would be able to surpass Orlando, and if they did defeat Atlanta that feat would leave them ill-prepared for the tasks ahead, because they would likely become trappedReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
in the moment.Charlotte hasn't had an NBA playoff game in years, and this Bobcats' team has given the city hope that a future postseason game is in the near future.Under those circumstances one can be forgiven for dreaming a little when it comes to postseason upsets, and who knows, once the playoffs begin anything is possible, right?