Dennis Rodman Visits North Korea: Diplomacy or Recklessness?

In a trip not exactly endorsed by U.S. government, former Chicago Bulls player Dennis Rodman, nose rings and all, traveled to communist North Korea to meet dictator Kim Jong Un and watch a basketball game with him.

“Maybe I’ll run into the Gangnam Style dude while I’m here” Rodman posted online, likely not even fully aware of where he was going.

North Korea, if you are not aware, is a closed communist country that has declared the United States its mortal enemy, a place whose unauthorized nuclear tests have the entire United Nations worried. A third of the children in the country suffer malnutrition, and in the 1990s over a million citizens died from famine. The country regularly threatens war and forces many of its citizens to spend their lives in death camps similar to those used in the Holocaust. The man at the helm of all this is Kim Jong Un.

When Rodman, known for his flashy dressing style, multicolored hair and overall reckless behavior returned to the States he called North Korea’s dictator a “dear leader.”

“I love him. The guy is awesome. He is so honest,” Rodman claimed. The former NBA player called him “a friend for life.”

Rodman dismissed the prison camps and mass murder of North Korean citizens as “just politics.”

There are multiple perspectives regarding Rodman’s trip. People have praised him for doing more than any diplomat has been able to accomplish. He likely knows more about the dictator than anyone else in the United States, and returned from North Korea with the message that all Kim wants is a call from President Barack Obama (an offer that will not be granted). 

But of course, one has to question Rodman’s moral judgment (something not usually associated with him) in simply dismissing the civil rights claims. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos interviewed the former NBA player, and was right to hand him a copy of the Human Rights Watch report on North Korea when Rodman stated his intentions to return.

Rodman’s trip was blatantly irresponsible: North Korea has no free press, and therefore his visit will be used to portray Kim as a respected leader. It saps the citizens’ hope that the outside world understands what their government is making them suffer through, and leads to loss of hope. Rodman accomplishes this all while glorifying himself.

By visiting North Korea, having a beer with Kim and later going back to his mansion for a party, Rodman missed the big picture. He didn’t seem to win the United States much North Korean support, as they continue to discuss ways to strike Washington with nuclear missiles.

Maybe NBA players should simply stay away from political affairs.

NBA Players Who Deserve More Playing Time

Some of these guys are in the opening stage of their careers, so more playing time will come. Others are just flat out not used enough by their coaches. Below are the players who should be on the hardwood more and the pine less.

1) Andre Drummond, C, Detroit Pistons

Since being selected ninth overall in this past year's draft, Drummond has flown under the radar, mainly because Lawrence Frank has only allowed him twenty minutes of floor time a night. With that time, he's averaging 7.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, and 1.6 bpg. He's shooting 61% from the field, leading to an astronomical 22.78 PER, which is higher than that of Dwight Howard and about the same as Dwyane Wade's. So what, or who, is holding Drummond off of the court? Greg Monroe, the Pistons' starting center, is establishing himself as one of the best big men in the league. Playing him along with Drummond doesn't work very well, as both are true centers. Until they are no longer on the same team, Drummond will be limited.


2) MarShon Brooks, SG, Brooklyn Nets

I haven't watched a ton of Nets games this year so maybe some of their fans would disagree with me that he's worthy of some more time. While there's a lot to be desired from Brooks as a defender, at times he could flat out score as a rookie. He showed potential to be able to develop into a key player, though of course Joe Johnson's acquisition would take some of his playing time. But I still thought he'd see more than the 11.6 minutes he's getting. The real surprise is he's losing them to not just Johnson, but Jerry Stackhouse's corpse (14.4 mpg) and Keith Bogans (17.8 mpg).


3) Marcus Thornton, SG, Sacramento Kings

It's a difficult situation in Sacramento, where Thornton is backing up Tyreke Evans at shooting guard. To get starter's minutes, Thornton would need to switch to forward; he is 6'4". But being undersized may well be worth it for a struggling Kings team; John Salmons is no longer worthy of being an NBA starter, and as it stands the team is 17-32. Thornton is a guy who two years ago averaged 21.3 ppg with starter's minutes. The Kings, soon to be Sonics, could use that boost.


4) Eric Bledsoe, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

Obviously he's not going to play much because he's behind Chris Paul, but this 23-year-old out of Kentucky is ready to start in the NBA. His stats aren't quite there yet due to just twenty minutes a night, but he has an impressive 18.29 PER. He's averaging 1.6 spg in the limited time. With Paul injured, as week speak he has twenty and ten assists against the Celtics on eight of twelve shooting. Perhaps staying at Kentucky another year could have helped him arrive with more of a bang, but now he's ready.

Today in Sports

Mark McMorris off the Money Booter in X Games Aspen 2013

These are just some of my thoughts on the happenings in the sports world right now, nothing more.

1) Stephen Curry getting snubbed from the All-Star Game

Yeah, Curry not going to New Orleans looks bad. He's averaging 21 ppg, 6.5 apg, and 4 rpg. He's shooting 45% from beyond the arc. Normally, Warriors players' stats are bloated because of the up-tempo, little-to-no defense system Don Nelson used to run. But under Mark Jackson, they're playing defense and Curry has led them to an impressive 26-16 record that no one saw coming.

The big question is, though, who's place should he have taken to be on the team? Every reserve All-Star is usually deserving; the starters are the ones who often don't deserve a spot on the team because of the casual fan. Would you replace Tony Parker for Curry? They have comparable numbers, and in my mind it's basically a toss-up. You can't take Zach Randolph out for him; the Grizzlies needed a representative, and the Warriors already have one in David Lee. So should Curry be in instead of Lee? Warriors fans would probably tell you that Curry is the team's leader, not Lee, although the big man has been incredibly efficient and is deserving of a spot.


2) The X Games

I'm an extremely casual fan of action sports; in fact, I only watch them when the X Games are on. I've watched the X Games for the past five years or so, and they're extraordinarily entertaining.

What I can't stand, though, is that longtime host Sal Masekela stepped down and was replaced by a fine dame with an Australian accent. Masekela, a genuine fan of the Games, really brought personality and enthusiasm to the broadcast. While Ramona Bruland is a pleasure to look at, she's incredibly dull to listen to and seems like she hardly wants to be there.

Mark McMorris, a 19-year-old who could someday take Shaun White's place as the face of the sport of snowboarding, defended his gold in Slopestyle. White was off his game; he finished fifth.

If you haven't watched at all yet, at least tune in tomorrow for the Snowboard SuperPipe final. I sound like I'm running an advertisement but you'll be impressed.


3) College basketball: no one wants to be number one

Duke became number one for the second time after Louisville and Indiana faltered, then proceeded to get walloped by 27 by the Miami Hurricanes. Villanova's knocked off two top five teams this week, as they beat No. 3 Syracuse today, and Louisville a few days ago. Louisville is starting to fall out of the contending picture as they've lost three straight. Michigan or Kansas is going to be the team to take the crack at No. 1, and see if the target isn't too big for them.


4)  Gregg Williams hire

Word's just come out that the Titans hired Gregg Williams to be an assistant head coach. You know him as the guy behind the Saints bounty scandal. My question is, why? The Saints' D was never very good with him, and he brings bad publicity.


5) Manti Te'o story

Just kidding. I wouldn't to that to you.


6) Los Angeles Lakers

Wouldn't do that either.

Rare Leaked Footage!!

There have been a lot of Manti Te'o jokes hurled around the past few days. This one is my favorite. If you watched the Republican National Convention, you'll really appreciate it.

Pictured below is a rare look at Clint Eastwood conversing with Te'o's girl.

And although I of course abstain from posting nudity on this blog, when it's Te'o's girlfriend, I just can't resist this photo of her that's been circulating around the Web:

Thoughts From the Ravens - Broncos Double OT Thriller

1) I'm sure you've heard it already - the Ray Lewis legend lives on, largely in part to himself. He far and away led everyone with seventeen tackles in the 77-minute slugfest. He could hardly put words together in his post game interview; the 37-year-old left everything he had out on the field.

2) Watching Torrey Smith repeatedly scamper right past Champ Bailey made me think of my Eagles and the way highly esteemed corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie got torched umpteen times a game. Bailey, the fourteen-time Pro Bowler and eventual Hall of Famer, showed his age against the younger, speedier Smith. On switching to safety in the future, Bailey recently said he didn't think he'd want to do that. But it may be able to extend his career.

3) Though of course hundreds of factors contributed, one could argue the brutal blown coverage on the 70-yard game-tying TD by Jacoby Jones, which sent the game to overtime, cost the Broncos a place in the AFC Championship. The pass came with 31 seconds remaining, on a desperation heave by Joe Flacco aided by a terrible route taken to the ball by the talented 22-year-old safety Rahim Moore. "The loss, it was my fault," Moore said. "I got a little too happy. It was pathetic. My fault. Next time I'll make that play." He was on the verge of tears after the game. The worst part of these epic contests is the heartbreak that comes with nearly every one.

4) Since no on in any analysis ever seems to praise the offensive linemen, let's give them some props. The Ravens only allowed Joe Flacco to be sacked once by a vaunted Broncos pass rush featuring Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos allowed just three, but there was also a crucial fumble by Peyton Manning. 

5) The Ravens will have to address their special teams for next week, whether they get the Patriots or the Texans. They allowed Trindon Holliday to return a punt for 90 and a kickoff for 104 (both TDs). On the day, he had 248 return yards, a playoff record.

6) This has been so far and probably go on to be the best postseason game this year.

7) How about John Harbaugh's confidence in his talented rookie kicker Justin Tucker? After getting to the Denver 34, he didn't even bother trying to get any closer, instead being content with a 47-yarder to win the game. Tucker, who had been hitting from 67 in his warmup, proved him right.

8) Though he's still not quite there, Joe Flacco's performance moved him closer to that stupid elite quarterback club thing.

9) Corey Graham's huge overtime interception (his second of the game) came on the most un-Payton Manning-like play by Peyton Manning imaginable. He tried to throw on the move across the field, his only weakness if he has one, and Graham read Brandon Stokely's curl route beautifully.

10) Quote of the postseason, from Ravens coach John Harbaugh: "This football game, did football proud."

The Worst Guys in the NBA

6'11", 253 lb. Kevin Garnett really letting the 6'3, 211 lb. Jose Calderon have it

Many of my blog posts lately have had a negative connotation overall. I'm somewhat of a cynic but it's unintentional. But after reading something about Kevin Garnett today I'm obliged to write this post.

I don't know any of these athletes personally of course, but from being a sports fan you kind of get an idea of who the good guys are. There's also guys in sports who, if you played a game of pick-up ball at the Y with them, you'd probably want to pop them in the face.

Call me a "hater" if you want. These players are pretty well known and may just be your favorite, likely only for their play on the court and not the way they conduct themselves. I'm sorry if that is so. Maybe send him a letter telling him to be a better person or something.

I like to keep the language clean on my blog so I'm not going to say anything worse than "jerk." 

1) Kevin Garnett

He's got quite the reputation as being one of the biggest jerks around. He's the biggest fake tough guy in the league. He's obnoxious. Everyone knows this about KG. He'd be proud to admit it, I'm sure. I don't really care about that, though. Trash talking is fine if he can back it up, and he does with his play. But he takes it too far. It's not all in good fun. He's called Charlie Villanueva (who suffers from alopecia universalis, a medical condition that results in hair loss) a cancer patient. Garnett didn't even own up to that, saying what he meant was Villanueva is cancerous to the league. But that's not even the worst. When Tim Duncan about to shoot a free throw, Garnett allegedly yelled "Happy Mother's Day, mother------!" Duncan's mother famously died of breast cancer when he was fourteen.


2) LeBron James

LeBron isn't a terrible person, but he's everything I can't stand about the NBA. I'm all about athletes being humble, which is why I, along with the city of Cleveland, still haven't gotten over that decision thing on ESPN. Why couldn't he have just gone and signed a contract? Because he's full of himself. I know he's the best basketball player in the world, however much preferential treatment he may get.  He's just unbelievably ignorant. From those comments he made about how his life is so much better than the fans to being a Yankees and Cowboys fan, to the type of fans he attracts (snapback and Beats wearing bandwagoning kids who just bought AJ McCarron jerseys), I just can't stand the guy. His excessive whining, flopping, and traveling is incredibly annoying also. He's not a jerk like Garnett, but I'll never bring myself to be a fan of the King of Traveling.


3) Josh Howard

The NBA is full of wannabe thugs. And who am I to judge them? I shouldn't, but you be the judge of Howard at a celebrity flag football game in 2008, when he said on camera: "The Star Spangled Banner's going on right now and I don't celebrate that s***." He's the kind of guy that had someone take his SAT for him to qualify for college.


4) Stephen Jackson

"Somebody tell serg Abaka. He aint bout dis life. Next time he run up on me im goin in his mouth. That's a promise. He doin 2 much." What the heck is that? Is Ibaka supposed to be scared? Again, why can't basketball players just play the game of basketball? I wish you could just take all the firefighters or volunteer workers in the world and just make them good at sports to replace athletes like Jackson. Sheesh. 


5) Every player with enough of an ego to get a coach fired


6) Latrell Sprewell

He's retired, but he had to be included. Look him up if you don't remember this guy.