FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Is anyone tired of the Lebron James 2010 sweepstakes? He's not going to be a free agent until the middle of the year after next. I think we can wait 18-plus months before engaging in this any further. You would figure that King James himself would be tired of all the future-speak, since the same kind of debacle occurred in high school. Don't the Knicks have enough drama with the Isiah alleged OD, and the Marbury fiasco? I guess not, since they practically raised number 23's banner to the rafters of MSG before the Cavs beat New York last night. If Lebron is genuinely honest and holds true to saying that he'll go to the team with the best chance of winning a Championship, he won't be shopping on 5^th Avenue anytime soon.

What is taking so long for the major MLB free agents to sign with new teams? The Big Three are definitely waiting this one out. Sabathia, Teixeira, and Ramirez, are all holding off making commitments, as they speculate where the playing field is the greenest. Considering their situations differ so greatly, one a pitcher and the other two positional players with varying marquee value, they might be waiting forever (yea, right). CC and Manny already snubbed their noses at gigantic financial packages consisting of more cash than the federal buyout. Given that Double-C hasn't officially said "no thanks" to the Jankees, the Steinbrenner's are unquestionably preparing to withdraw the offer, slam him in the media, and give the money to Carl Pavano-ish AJ Burnett - possibly in the next few days.

A smile is worth a thousand words. By following ESPN.com's Streak for the Ca$h game, I was able to witness a touching moment (yes, I did just say that). The New Orleans / Green Bay match up was intriguing, as I historically Iove watching "The Pack fall back to the back of the pack" (yours truly, circa 1984). In what seemed to be a routine run off-tackle, Deuce McAllister set the record for most rushing yardage by a New Orleans Saint. After the carry, an announcement led to fans cheers, and a high-five or two from his teammates. No game stoppage or Super Dome handshaking tour occurred; his humbling display of pride over the achievement dwarfed other players' celebratory antics following everyday plays. He subsequently knelt on one knee alone on the sideline, with an ear-to-ear smile across his face. The delight was contagious, as everyone who witnessed the smile sensed a touch of satisfaction and pleasure in his accomplishment. Deuce has flown below the radar since he came out of Mississippi in 2001. Remarkably, except for the two years his knee ripped apart, he tore up defenses for at least 10 large a season. Over his career that included two rehab stints, McAllister displayed the determination of working as hard as humanly possible. Good things happen to strong-minded people.

Learn by example. During this years Thanksgiving festivities, reflect on experiences that left you with unconditional pride in yourself, and apply that emotion to the present. I guess that's really 4 for Friday (Wednesday)!