Water Cooler – February 2nd, 2011
Here we go with today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
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Today’s Sports News – NBA news: Mavericks want to rent Carmelo Anthony? Ron Artest wants out of Los Angeles?
Mark Cuban had to be careful – to avoid tampering – but he implied yesterday that his Dallas Mavericks would be interested in “renting” Carmelo Anthony with a pre-deadline trade.
He couldn’t directly say that he wanted Melo but he said that he’d be interested in adding a player of Anthony’s caliber “in a heartbeat. “
Does Ron Artest want a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers? ESPN reported yesterday that Artest requested a trade out of Los Angeles so he could “have fun again.” His relationship with coach Phil Jackson is rocky. However, Artest’s agent said later that day that Artest has not requested a trade.
NFL news: Bill Belichick named Coach of the Year; Big Ben parties it up; James Harrison rips on NFL
For the third time, Bill Belichick is the NFL’s Coach of the Year. He led the New England Patriots to a 14-2 record this season. He ran away with the vote, getting 60 per cent while runner up Raheem Morris of Tampa got 23 per cent of the vote. Only Don Shula has more Coach of the Year Awards with four.
Is Big Ben ready for Super Bowl XLV? He reportedly hit up Pete’s Duelling Piano Bar in Fort Worth Tuesday night and was “singing his face off” to Billy Joel’s Piano Man. He reportedly picked up the $800 bar tab and was throwing back rum and Cokes all night. Think Aaron Rodgers has the same pre-game rituals?
James Harrison continues to land himself in the NFL’s doghouse. Earlier this week, he sarcastically suggested using a pillow to soften the hits he delivers to opposing players. Then, on Wednesday, he ripped on the NFL’s push for an 18-game schedule.
“It’s not about player safety,” he said. “It’s about them making money. “
MLB news: Roger Clemens waives conflict of interest on Andy Pettitte lawyer issue
Roger Clemens appeared in federal court yesterday and claimed he will waive any conflict of interest between his own lawyer, Rusty Hardin, and Andy Pettitte. Hardin formerly also represented Pettitte. This summer, Pettitte is expected to testify against Clemens in the HGH trial, as Pettitte has admitted to using and Clemens hasn’t. Hardin may cross-examine Pettitte.
NHL news: Tomas Kaberle open to a trade; Forsberg doubtful about comeback; Rick DiPietro hurt in one-punch fight
Stop the presses. Hell is freezing over. Tomas Kaberle may finally be open to waiving his no-trade clause and accepting a deal out of Toronto.
He said this week that he’s open to discussing trades “if something comes up.” There are also conflicting rumors that Kaberle’s agent, Rick Curran, plans to meet with Brian Burke soon and present him with a list of acceptable destinations. Curran earlier denied that there was a list, so we’ll see how things play out.
Peter Forsberg’s comeback dream isn’t working out so well. While he hasn’t specifically listed his problematic foot as the problem while he practices with the Colorado Avalanche, the game may be too fast for him now. He said he wasn’t feeling positive because the “pace was quick.” He won’t give up yet but he’s not optimistic.
New York Islanders netminder Rick DiPietro had quite the Wednesday night. After he clipped Pittsburgh’s Matt Cooke, Penguins goalie Brent Johnson took exception and dropped DiPietro with a single punch. An MRI on his undisclosed injury showed no structural damage. It appears he’s hurt but not injured.
