There were a lot of questions about Michael Beasley's character heading into the 2008 NBA Draft. Does he take the game seriously? Will he be one of those guys who spends more time smoking blunts than shooting jumpers? Does he have the necessary level of maturity to succeed?

In the end, it didn't affect his draft stock, seeing as he went #2 behind Derrick Rose, and Rose was certainly a worthy #1 pick. And the fact that the Miami Heat, who have South Beach at their disposal, were the ones who drafted Beasley suggests that they believe Beasley can make it.

Well, they may be less sure about that today.

It seems that Darrell Arthur and Mario Chalmers, the two Kansas teammates and dumbasses who decided to smoke weed and bring women up to their hotel room during the NBA rookie camp (that specifically teaches you how to avoid those two things) also had another friend in the room with them.

Michael Beasley.

Interestingly, a story today in the Kansas City Star says that ESPN originally reported that Beasley was in the room, but then pulled his name from their article. Because obviously Beasley was just minding his own business in a room full of women and weed. Tucked away in the back corner, no doubt. Right.

Or, as The Big Lead informs us, Beasley locked himself inside the bathroom and kept flushing the toilet while refusing to let police open the door. Hey, whatever works. Either way, Beasley hasn't gotten in any trouble for this.

Although, I think the worst thing is that the first time I heard there was potentially a third player in the room with Arthur and Chalmers, I instantly thought of Beasley.

Good luck Miami Heat. He's a hell of talent, but man oh man, would I ever be worried.

And by the way, why exactly did ESPN pull Beasley's name from the article? I'd love to hear their explanation on that one.

KU's Chalmers, Arthur booted from NBA program after marijuana found [Kansas City Star]
So ESPN, was Michael Beasley in the room or not? [The Big Lead]

As someone with a background in journalism, I am well aware that that it isn't easy to be live on the air. You'll occasionally spit out things you know you shouldn't be saying, but you just have to roll with it because if you stop you'll be in even more trouble. Emmitt Smith knows this all too well.

My guess is this is also what happens to Mike Patrick every Saturday, except he's better with the English language. Or who knows, maybe Patrick just doesn't care what the hell anyone thinks.

Anyway, lost in UCLA's big win last weekend over Tennessee was this gem of a moment by Patrick above. He informs us that Tennessee running back Arian Foster is a philosophy major. Which is great. Patrick then proceeds to tell us that Foster plans on opening a philosophy store after graduating...and proceeds to leave us all hanging.

I Kant (sorry, couldn't resist) be the only one that's wondering what in the hell you'd sell at a philosophy store. Socrates hemlock punch? Plato commemorative plates?

I guess it's possible that Foster really does want to open a philosophy store, and Patrick did nothing wrong. But given Patrick's background for going off the deep end, I'm going to give Foster the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps we'll get an update on Britney Spears this weekend.




A philosophy store? [Boulder Debate]  via [Deadspin]

Forgive me for being a little too excited by a Vanderbilt victory, but I like it when the smart guys actually win.

South Carolina came into last night's game ranked 24th, largely on the heels of playing on national television last week and running over a really bad N.C. State team. The Gamecocks defense is top notch, but I also think pollsters are quick to rank USC because the guy on the sideline wearing a visor and headsets.

Steve Spurrier gets far more attention than Bobby Johnson, but it's the latter who's been doing most of the inspiring coaching of late. Last year Vandy went down to Columbia and upset the then No. 6 team in the country. A lot of the Gamecocks playing did some talking after that loss, upset with the fact they'd lost to "really bad football team."

With revenge on their minds, South Carolina got pushed around a fair amount on the line of scrimmage, but mostly the game was lost with special teams and turnovers. Chris Smelley didn't match his second half performance last week, throwing two interceptions, but also tossed two touchdown passes and 233 yards.

However, the upset was mostly fueled by special teams. Vandy caught a break when a punt bounced off the heel of South Carolina's Addison Williams, setting up a game tying touchdown pass from Chris Nickson. The Commodores would add two more consecutive scores, thanks to a blocked field goal attempt and return into Gamecocks territory and then another missed field goal attempt later in the 4th.

South Carolina outgained the Commodores by 100-plus, but we know the advantage in SAT scores goes the Vandy by several hundred in the other direction. Nice to see them score a big win at home and start out 2-0.

Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina 17

Jesse Litsch pitched a complete game 4-hit shutout against the Minnesota Twins, helping the Blue Jays to a 9-0 victory. After sweeping the Twins, the Jays have now won 5 straight, and are only 1.5 games behind the Yankees for 3rd place in the AL East. Everyone is making a big deal about the Yankees missing the playoffs... what if they finish 4th in their division?

The offense came up big in Toronto, as every single Blue Jays hitter had at least one hit. Adam Lind and Travis Snider each had 3 hits, and Snider, Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Joe Inglett each had 2 RBI.


----- Other MLB Games -----
AL:
Angels 7, Tigers 1 - The highlight of this game was definitely Mark Teixeira almost pulling a Vince Coleman. One more victim of the tarp would NOT have made Angels fans very happy.
Royals 5, Athletics 4 (game 1 of a doubleheader) - Congratulations to Billy Beane and the A's, who are now 1 loss away from playoff elimination. How's that whole Moneyball thing working out for you? I'm a big fan of his methods... up until where he trades his elite young pitchers for nothing. Therein the problem lies.
Royals 9, Athletics 6 (Game 2) - Someday, Billy Butler will be one of the best hitters in baseball. By that, I mean once he's a free agent, he'll be replacing an aging Jason Giambi as the Yankees' first baseman.
Rays 7, Yankees 5 - Just another exclamation point on a very dismal Yankees season, and a very exciting Rays season. Maybe when the playoffs roll around, people will actually start going to the games.

NL:
Reds 8, Pirates 6 - Joey Votto is ridiculous. If it weren't for Geovany Soto being MORE ridiculous, Votto would be a great ROY candidate.
Braves 2, Nationals 0 - Are the Nationals the worst team ever? If not for their recent 7-game winning streak, they would be strong contenders. Now, they're just another mediocre team with no future.
Padres 5, Brewers 2 - The Brewers have lost 4 straight. That's the bad news, along with the fact that they are 5 games behind the Cubs. The good news: They still have a 4 game lead in the wild card race, and CC Sabathia is still super-human... and is starting today. There goes the losing streak.


----- MLB News/Notes -----

Manny Ramirez reminds us why we fell in love with him in Boston. Well... he's also decent at the plate, I suppose.

The MLB screwed CC Sabathia. And now they're trying to cover it up.

Remember the Spiderman 2 ads on the bases? The MLB is at it again... sort of.

Gooden and Strawberry contemplating a relapse comeback?



Streakers - In case any team tries to make history, I'm going to list the teams with the longest active winning and losing streaks. Today's streakers:
Astros: 8 wins
Orioles: 6 losses

Week 1 in the NFL just started. That means Week 1 of the fantasy football season just started. People from all over the place are posting their teams, and we'll be hearing who to sit, who to start, and all kinds of other fantasy football-related news and information from so-called experts.

Starting today, I'm going to post a tittillating fantasy football matchup every week. Some will be from leagues that I am in, some will be gathered from other people on the internet, and if you have a great matchup in YOUR fantasy football league, then feel free to get in touch with me, and maybe we can discuss your team's matchup.

Without further ado, I bring you (courtesy of The Big Picture), The Pink Tacos vs Daddy's Got a Zikpah:


Yahoo projects this one to be a close game. Plaxico Burress has already played this week, and skewed things slightly in favor of DGAZ, as he racked up 13 points by Yahoo's standard scoring system.

With that in mind, I think that DGAZ has a definite advantage at QB. I know Peyton is hurt, but I'm not completely sold on Derek Anderson, especially against a defense like the Cowboys, who have an excellent pass rush and an equally superb secondary.

Frankly, I think that Pink Tacos only position of strength in this matchup is at the flex position. Reggie Bush may not live up to the hype this year, but he WILL be featured back in New Orleans, and that alone will get him some decent all-purpose numbers. I don't have a lot of confidence in DeAngelo Williams' playing time in Carolina, with a guy like Jonathon Stewart waiting in the wings. I also feel that Kellen Winslow could easily be the best fantasy TE in football. Anderson will especially have to look for him against the 'Boys, since he might be the only one in that offense who is capable of creating problems for the defense, in terms of matchups.

I'm saying Daddy's Got A Zikpah wins this week in a landslide. What's your prediction? Stay tuned next week, for the results, and another exciting matchup.


Source: (The Big Picture)