11th Annual Pump Foundation Awards - By Nick Hamilton

LOS ANGELES - Under the festive lights of the Red Carpet in Century City, CA athletes, entertainers, and various on-air personalities attended the 11th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Awards on Wednesday night.
The star studded Red Carpet affair was graced by MLB legend Ozzie Smith who stopped by to share his thoughts on the Pump Awards " Its a great cause and what they [Dana & David Pump] are doing. Its a cause that touches all of us at some point and time in our lives, and this is cause we need to get behind and fight until there is a cure". The greatest wide receiver to play the game of football NFL's Jerry Rice talked about recent retired wide receiver Randy Moss being a first ballot hall of famer "I think Randy is about 160 TD's or more and the impact he had on the game, I would say he's a first ballot. I'm also here to support the Pump Foundation, its a great cause to raise money and awareness for a cure for cancer, they've supported me for many years and I just want to give back. Absolutely love David and Dana for they are doing."

NFL great Marcus Allen (photo by EW Gems)

NFL great running back Marcus Allen who talked about his involvement with the Pump Foundation and what that meant to him specifically "I'm to help raise many for the most important cause for cancer research and hopefully will save many, many lives. The Pump Brothers have done a fantastic job in their efforts and you can see the results of it tonight." Allen also spoke of some the NFL running backs he follows "LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, I like them all, but" as he was ready to elaborate boxing great Mike Tyson joked around with Allen as he passed by "I like LaDainian he's a good guy, knows the game, and we're good friends as well".

Many others flooded the Red Carpet such as actor/ director Alfonso Ribeiro, baseball greats Pete Rose, Hall Of Famer Rollie Fingers, Anthony Munoz, Magic Johnson, Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, the talented and former Miss America now CEO Kenya Moore, talk show host giant Larry King, Tim Brown, and Los Angeles Sparks star Candace Parker who also spoke on why she attended the Pump Awards "I'm here to lend my support, this is my first year and look forward to being apart of this great foundation for many years to come." She also informed everyone that he rehab assignment is going really well and she looks forward to returning to the court very soon.
Comedian /Actor Alex Thomas stopped by to speak about his involvement with the Pump Foundation " had a great golf tournament and now here at the awards learning how its done, and developing my own foundation. Alex Thomas Foundation and joining the fight against this terrible disease."
Lakers legend and Hall of Famer "Big Game" James Worthy spoke with with me about the importance of him being there for this foundation "I'm here to lend my support, I love what they are doing, the research that's new and cunning edge to defeat cancer for so many people, its a great cause." Worthy also seemed hopeful that fans would have an NBA season next year, however he reminded me that in this business you never know, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Kenny Lofton, David Justice, Entourage's Jeremy Pivens, boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard, NBA player John Wall, top selling author and motivational speaker Ingrid Katal, Hall Of Fame running back Marshall Faulk, "The Playmaker" Michael Irving, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Jim Brown, reporter Jim Grey, actress Holly Robinson-Peete  was in attendance.

NFL Network Analyst Warren Sapp also stopped by to talk about what it meant to him to see two of his friends and collegues go into the Hall Of Fame in Deion "Primetime" Sanders and Marshall Faulk "its very fulfilling when they recognize a friend(s) and those who you competed against. Its always great to see Deion, another Florida man in there, its a great honor. Deion was an icon, and Marshall was a beast who redefined the position." When I asked Sapp about the Pump Foundation he responded "anytime the Pump brothers ask to me do something, I make sure I'm there, I'll always be available for them, its a great cause."

And speaking with another NFL great Gayle Sayers and listening to how much he embraces and respects the foundation is amazing, " Its great to see how many people have been & will be helped as a result of the Pump brothers and the Pump Foundation, there is no organization like it." Sayers also seemed to be very enthused that NFL is back and the players will return to the field this season.

The gala was lead by master of ceremonies comedian Cedric The Entertainer. Marcus Allen and NBA legend Jerry West were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Also honored were legendary boxer and now promoter Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, and Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn.

It was great so see so many athletes and celebrities mingle having a great time. Also most importantly come together for a great cause by making such a huge statement by showing up in support of Dana and David Pump for the Pump Foundation. In its 11 years the foundation has raised over $5 million and donates all its funds to the Northridge Hospital Cancer Center.  It was definitely a great night to remember.

For more information on the Harold Pump Foundation visit www.doublepump.com

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The Shocker At Staples - By Nick Hamilton

LOS ANGELES - After an undefeated start on the road for new head coach Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, the Los Angeles Sparks (6-6) seemed to be focused once again on the winning track and their quest for a WNBA Title as they return home to face a dismal (2-10) Washington Mystics team. To make matters worse for the Mystics, they are without their star Alana Beard who's out due to a severe left foot injury. So here's another opportunity for the Sparks to get a victory and maintain their home court dominance.

Sunday night would prove to be one of those interesting nights. The Sparks came out on fire, attacking in the first half, led by the charge of Tina Thompson who had 9 points and Kristi Toliver with 7 points, helped to creat a huge lead for the Sparks at halftime 47-25.

This game proved to be a tale of two halves, as Sparks guard Kristi Toliver who was 6 for 7 shooting had 21 points, and gave the team their largest lead in the third quarter, 51-27. The Mystics began to trim the lead down to 14 points by the end of the 3rd quarter, thanks to their secure defense and capitalizing on sloppy turnovers by the Sparks.

In the fourth quarter the Mystics began a 9-0 run to cut the lead down to a 6 point margin, and then ended up scoring 10 unanswered points to tie the game at 70-70. The Mystics battled back behind the sharp court play of Crystal Longhorne and a clutch 3-pointer by Marissa Coleman to take their first lead of the game 73-70.

Sparks guard Ticha Penicheiro made a spectacular steal and was then fouled on the play. Penicheiro made two key free throws with 24 seconds to go to give the Sparks the 77-75 lead. Mystics guard Matee Ajavon worked the clock in her favor and was fouled on a jumper with about 3 seconds left in the fourth quarter. She made both free throws to the tie the game once again.

The Sparks had an excellent opportunity to snatch the victory, but Tina Thompson was unable to make a much needed lay-up which then allowed the game to go into overtime. The Mystics scored an amazing 29 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Overtime proved to be no advantage for the Sparks as they were outplayed down the stretch, thanks to outstanding play of Crystal Longhorne who had a double-double 24 points, 14 rebounds, Matee Ajavon lead all scorers with 29 points, and Marissa Coleman who lead the charge with a huge 10 points and 9 rebounds game to beat the Sparks at home in an impressive come from behind victory in front of a shocked crowd at Staples Center, 89-85.

The Mystics set a new come from behind record as it was held previously the Detroit Shock who came back from a 21 point deficit twice in WNBA history.

A shocked and disappointed Sparks guard Kristi Toliver who scored 21 points along with 7 assist talked about the weird turn of events in this game "The second half, we started playing slower and they [Mystics] were really aggressive. You know it's extremely disappointing for us to just give the game away like this." 
Tina Thompson finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds and rookie Jantel Lavender also finished with 13 points and 3 rebounds.

This victory by the Mystics snapped a five game losing skid and gave them just their third victory on the season.

"With this team, I'm not surprised by anything at all. It just shows how much heart we have as a team. We're always going to fight back." says an elated Crystal Longhorne about the victory.

This is the first loss for head coach Joe Bryant, and he spoke about the second half meltdown "You have to make lay-ups and not turn the ball over. That's not going to get it done in this league. You have to protect the ball and play defense. But bottom line, you have to make your lay-ups and shots."

The Sparks will try to regroup as they try to turn the page and focus on their next Western Conference opponent Becky Hammond and the San Antonio Silver Stars on Monday night.

L.A. Galaxy Would Not Be Denied By FC Dallas - By Nick Hamilton

CARSON, CA - On a cool breezy night at Home Depot Center, the Los Angeles Galaxy had an opportunity to avoid a sweep by FC Dallas by either getting a victory or a tie.
In the beginning of the first half, it looked as though this would be FC Dallas' night to shine as the team clicked on all cylinders with Maicon Santos who was confronted by a Galaxy defense, who allowed Santos to kick the ball of to an open Marvin Chavez. Chavez did the superstar play and kicked the ball with much determination to score the first goal, which he kicked about 20 yards in the direction of Galaxy goal keeper Josh Saunders. Unfortunately for the Galaxy, the ball went flying over Saunders head, bounced off the cross bar and landed in the back of the net. FC Dallas lead 1-0 so far in the game.

Galaxy had to regroup quickly, with some much on the line to play for in the Western Conference. Thanks to oblivious play of Dallas goal keeper Kevin Hartman who came out to roll the ball back into play, Galaxy player Omar Gonzalez seized an opportunity to put his team a position to score. About a few yards away from the uncontested net, Gonzalez scored an amazing much needed goal to tie the game up at 1-1, and that's how the first half would end.
In the second half the Galaxy were determined to be in the drivers seat, and with the momentum in their favor, there was truly no stopping them. Thanks to a free kick that was earned near the corner, David Beckham seemed to confused his opponents with his kick delivery to fellow teammate Gregg Berhalter who almost blew the opportunity to score. There to clean up the mess was Juninho who kicked quickly pass Dallas' Hartman to give the Galaxy the 2-1 lead.

The Galaxy weren't finished, to help themselves even further, Mike McGhee thanks to a fantastic assist by David Beckham scored another goal to give the Galaxy a 3-1 advantage. With time winding down and the hearts of FC Dallas seeming to be crushed, they had no answer to powerful Galaxy.
The Galaxy held on to win 3-1 and create more distance in the Western Conference as they maintain their first place lead in the conference, in front of an excited and relived crowd.

Ducks Observe Players At Prospect Scrimmage - Nick Hamilton

ANAHEIM - I arrived at the Anaheim Ice rink, looking forward to seeing the talent pool that the Anaheim Ducks were displaying today. Although last Thursday began a six day camp which had invited players to showcase their skills to the Ducks staff, media, and fans, we were all treated to a great exhibition competition.

It was an awesome shootout, a basic 4-on-4 river hockey style game that resulted in a 9-6 finish. The goals were scored by Chris Wagner who had 4, Emerson Etem, Joseph Cramarossa, Devante Smith-Pelly who each had 2 goals, and Andy Welinski, Tim Heed, Andreas Dahlstrom, Brett Perlini and Radoslav Illo who had 1 goal each.

One of the most impressive players on the ice was Chris Wagner who was a 2010 fifth round pick, played with alot of intensity and determination to show the Ducks just what he was bringing as a player. He worked hard scoring his goals, and has shown he has very good hands, control, and a defensive mind state.

Long Beach native Emerson Etem was fantastic, with his ice vision improved, along with his skill set on the ice. Etem has also improved on his body strength. He should definitely make the team for this coming season. Etem talked about what his goals were and the upcoming season "Just to fit in the top six, I bring more of a defensive set, I scored 9 short handed goals last year for my team in the Western Hockey League. I'm going to play at whatever position they put me in and do my best at it."

On the other hand, Devante Smith-Pelly who scored 2 goals, looked a bit out of shape during the scrimmage. If he wants to make a solid push to make an NHL team this year, he's definitely going to have to work on himself getting into better hockey shape. "I need it to be at an elite level. All last summer I worked very hard at it." If Smith-Pelly is able to get into better shape, look out because this 2010 2nd round pick has some very serious skills and would be a fantastic edition to any NHL team.

It was a great opportunity to witness this young players showcase their talents and be able to not only stay in shape during the off season, but make the Ducks and their fans aware of whats to come possible for the 2011-2012 NHL season. Etem, Wagner, Smith-Pelly are going to be future superstars in this league, can't wait for them to hit the ice during the regular season.

Sparks Shut Down Taurasi & Mercury - By Nick Hamilton

LOS ANGELES - Coming off of a terrible loss in Minnesota, the Los Angeles Sparks were happy to be back home and eagerly awaiting their next challenge, getting a much needed win from the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix who last year won four out of five meetings against the Sparks, looked to gain another victory in Staples Center. However this Sparks team was a different team with a new focus, championship or bust.

In the opening half, the Sparks started off a little slow as they battled with the Mercury back and forth. Mercury guard Diana Taurasi scored six points from three point range and forward Penny Taylor contributed with six points, keeping the Mercury ahead. After a time out, the Sparks immediately turned up the energy and began to play solid on offense and defense. Delisha Milton Jones set off their offense with 14 points closing the quarter with a one point lead.

In the second quarter Sparks guard Kristi Toliver exploded with 11 points, as the Sparks began to dominate the Mercury. Starting off slow on 2 for 7 shooting, with 7 points, 4 assist Candace Parker became facilitator. The Sparks went on a 14-7 run with Kristi Toliver hit three crucial 3 pointers, in the last three minutes. With her shots not falling Diana Taurasi looked out of sync. With 9 turnovers the Mercury ended the first half down 54-40.

In the second half the Mercury seemed to get it together as Candace Dupree, Penny Taylor, and Temeka Johnson stepped up to make a run against the Sparks. Although, Candace Parker and Tina Thompson found their rhythm, the Mercury managed to cut the lead down to 9, outscoring the Sparks 27-22 by the end of the 3rd quarter.

The final quarter belonged to Los Angeles. The Sparks swarmed and frustrated Taurasi, who was 0 for 5 from the field, causing her to draw a technical foul mid way through the fourth quarter. The biggest play of the night went to Candace Parker who put a monster block on Mercury guard Marie Ferdinand-Harris, causing the home crowd to erupt in cheer. The Mercury had no answer for the 1-2 combo of Tina Thompson and Candace Parker who finished with 21 and 22 points respectfully. The Sparks defeated the Mercury 98-84 at Staples Center.

The Sparks defense held Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi to a season low 9 points. When asked how they were able to contain Taurasi, Sparks reserve guard Kristi Toliver said "We were just trying to keep her frustrated. We were throwing different looks at her. We've got a lot of big bodies on this team." Kristi Toliver finished with 17 points, 3 assist and Delisha Milton-Jones also finished with an impressive 18 points.

The Sparks shot an impressive 13 for 23 from the 3 point line, making that the second-most in franchise history.

Diana Taurasi was asked about the Mercury's shooting in the second half "Sometimes they go in and sometimes they don't. I think defensively we didn't do some things and that lead to us not getting a rhythm going on the other side of the ball."
Candace Parker explained the slow start in the first half saying "We were a little sluggish on transition defense and we adjusted that in the second quarter. I knew for me I just needed to relax, and if my shots weren't falling, then I knew my teammates would contribute on open shots and looks."

Make no mistake, this Diana Taurasi will not be seen again. Dynamic players always make significant adjustments, so don't be surprised if we see a more aggressive, high scoring Taurasi by their next game, and next time they face the Sparks. With that being said, this game belonged to the Sparks superb defense.

NFL 101 Access Back In L.A - By Nick Hamilton

LOS ANGELES – on a warm summer Monday afternoon at the historic L.A. Coliseum, the NFL 101 Access event scores big with fans, current and former players, coaches, and various media outlets. Its a once in a lifetime event that gives fans a complete NFL experience.

I entered a football paradise, greeted by the President of the LASEC (Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Convention) Kathryn Schloessman who welcomed all to the 9th Annual event.
There were several booths from major corporation in attendance were fans and media were allowed to enjoy. Representatives from the Oakland Raiders, the famous cheerleaders “The Raiderettes”, also former Los Angeles Raider Greg Townsend was there signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans.

I had an opportunity to speak Greg in regards to what his current plans are “Well I’m helping my son [Greg Townsend Jr.] get ready for this upcoming season at USC. then looking to get a job with this organization or some team in the NFL soon.”
With the current status of the NFL hanging in the wind due to the current lockout, that didn’t stop AEG form promoting their idea of the new Downtown L.a. Stadium know as Farmers Field. Complete with a video, cheerleaders and offering fans an opportunity to take photos with cheerleaders and signing a support measure to get the stadium done.

However a few booths down, Ed Roski and his Majestic Group who also have a bid for an NFL stadium showed off the model, and handed out brochures regarding the idea for his stadium.

Also represented were the San Diego Chargers with their cheerleaders, the Arizona Cardinals with cheerleaders, and their mascot, along with the San Francisco 49ers as they unveiled their brand new state of the art stadium scheduled to open in 2014.

There was also a great opportunity for fans to try their luck at the quarterback accuracy challenge, and give them an idea of what it’s like to throw short and long passes on an NFL field. Giving advice to fans was none other than Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. Swarmed by media, he later spoke about the lockout, “I was always optimistic about it, getting a new collective bargaining agreement done and put in place. I just didn’t think it would take this long, but it hopefully its coming to an end. I know the players want to play and the coaches and everyone is eager to get back at it.”

Fans were also able to try on actual equipment and see what an NFL locker room is really like, along with trying on the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl ring from Packers equipment manager Gordon Batty.

The first great panel which was moderated by event emcee and NBC Sports Reporter Andrea Kremer, consisted of Arizona Cardinals President Michael Bidwell, Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask, and San Francisco 49ers President Jed York. They discussed everything from the current lockout to having football back in Los Angeles. all the panelist agreed that it would be greatly beneficial to have the NFL back not just for the league, in addition more attention would be placed possibly on the NFC & AFC West divisions.

Super Bowl Champion Clay Matthews from the Green Bay Packers stopped to greet fans and address the media on the field, I asked Clay how does it feel to return to the place where it all started, “its feels great, this is my first time back to the Coliseum. I was taking pictures, and its just a special place, and just moving on to Green Bay, you know never forgot where I came from.”
Every kid and some adult fans rushed at the opportunity to meet Clay Matthews and get various programs and jerseys signed by the rising star.

The evening was capped off by a great 2nd panel that consisted of Coach Marvin Lewis, former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, Super Bowl champion & NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner, Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated Peter King, Green Bay Champion Clay Matthews, and NFL Rules Analyst for FOX Sports Mike Pereira shared their exclusive insight and knowledge on the NFL, their experiences, and what’s happening with the game.

Clay Matthews discussed about how players are getting ready for this coming season and how they are very optimistic that this season will be played, however he seemed a little concerned about players being injured at different points in the upcoming season, due to the long lay off.
Peter King made a bold prediction about who he picked as the teams to meet in next year’s Super Bowl, “there is so much going on right now. for example if you put Nnamdi Asomugha [Free Agent Safety] on a team like the Texans, they’d be a top contender.” Some of the fans didn’t react to kindly to that statement. King went on to say “but if I have to pick, I’d say the Indianapolis Colts to represent the AFC and the Philadelphia Eagles to represent the NFC.” Fans along with some media were shocked at such a bold prediction.

The NFL 101 Access was an outstanding event, and those who were in attendance to experience it, will remember this for a lifetime.

Angels Shut Down King Felix And Mariners - By Nick Hamilton

ANAHEIM - On a warm sunny Sunday in Southern California, a great day for baseball and a great opportunity for the L.A. Angels to finish up strong right before the All-Star break. Standing in their way is 2010 Cy Young award winner Felix Hernandez (3.22 ERA) and the Seattle Mariners.

Angels pitcher Dan Haren (2.64 ERA) gave up a base hit to the Mariners' Brenden Ryan in the first inning. Ryan then goes on to steals second base which allowed runners in scoring position at second and third base. Next at bat was Adam Kennedy who hit a two run single allowed Seattle to take the lead 2-0.

The Angels continued to put themselves in scoring positions but were unable to capitalize on it thanks the no holds barred pitching of Hernandez and the defense of the Mariners.
The Angels played solid defense themselves in the third inning thanks to a spectacular dive and catch by center fielder Torii Hunter to end the inning.

In the fourth inning the momentum shifted the Angels way as first baseman Mark Trumbo off the first pitch hit a two run homer to tie the game 2-2.

After a great pitchers duel, Hernandez was pulled in the seventh inning on 109 pitches, and 6 strike outs by manager Eric Wedge. He was replaced by reliever David Pauley who allowed the Angels a great opportunity in the eight inning as Hunter and first time all-star Howie Kendrick were on first and second base. Alberto Callaspo hits a double in the center gap that scored Hunter and Kendrick to take the lead 4-2.

Haren was prepared to go the distance in the ninth inning, as he struck out Justin Smaok, forced a pop up by Adam Kennedy to bring the Angels within one out of the victory. As the crowd of 39, 505 cheered and stood on their feet, manager Mike Scioscia walked to mound, and that would be the last we would see of Haren for the afternoon. He left with 8 strike outs, on 113 pitches.
Haren was replaced by closer Jordan Walden (who is also headed to All-Star Game in place of Yankees Mariano Rivera). Walden struck out Franklin Gutierrez on nine pitches for his 20th save, giving the Angels the win. The Angels have won 11 out of their last 13 games and are red hot heading into the All-Star break.

Haren gets the victory and goes to (10-5), while David Pauley get the loss and drops to (5-3) on the year.

"It's very disappointing. That homer was a mistake that I made, and they [Angels] made me pay. They're playing good baseball right now." as a disgusted Felix Hernandez talked about the loss.
Despite the loss Seattle manager Eric Wedge spoke about Hernandez' effort "I thought Felix was good. He let one get away from him, but overall I thought he had good stuff today."

Dan Haren was asked about how much he wanted to complete the game "any pitcher wants to finish. But I respect the manager's decision and its not a bad option to go to. I mean I'm off of about 120 pitches or something, so we can go to Walden who's fresh and throwing a hundred mph balls. So we got the win, and I'm happy about it."

An upbeat and joking Torii Hunter described how he made that spectacular catch in the third inning " that was just stupid man, I'm just competitive. I saw the ball coming over my head, and I dove for it. I'm just glad that fence wasn't there."

As we approach the All-Star break as manager Mike Scioscia describes as "it couldn't have come at a better time", the Angels have something to look forward to and build on going into the second half of the season. Angels trail Texas by just 1 game in the AL West.

*It was announced on Sunday just a few hours before game time, that All-Star Game pitcher Jared Weaver would be the American League starter. Weaver who has an outstanding 1.86 ERA and an impressive (11-4) record.

*Bobby Abreu got his 1400th walk on Sunday along with Mark Trumbo who recorded his 17th HR so far this season.

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