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.

Interview w/ Legendary ABC College Football Broadcaster KEITH JACKSON

LAUNFD Game Interviews w/ Baron Davis, Nick Young, Tina Thompson, Demar ...

JAX Gives Del Rio The AX - By Nick Hamilton

A season that has the Jacksonville Jaguars with a pathetic 3-8 record, team owner Wayne Weaver no longer retained the coaching services of head coach Jack Del Rio. Spending nine seasons with the team, the former USC Trojan defense great, never won any AFC South titles with a 1-2 playoff record, along with a 69-73 coaching record. Weaver gave Del Rio a $21 million, four year coaching extension back in 2007 after winning a huge playoff game. In 2008 the team struggled to make it a 5-11 record.

Since 2010 Del Rio has been on the hot seat, even thought Weaver revamped the roster and surprisingly kept Del Rio on board. Weaver decided not to fire Del Rio due to the uncertainty of the NFL lockout at the time. After struggling attendance, and a loss to AFC south division rival Houston Texans, the time had come for Del Rio to get the axe.

Del Rio had a reputation of throwing players and assistants under the bus constantly. He also made terrible quarterback decisions regarding Mark Brunell & Byron Leftwich back in 2003, and then with Byron Leftwich and David Garrard. Del Rio also was responsible for releasing QB David Garrard just five days before the season opener. which later put an enormous amount of pressure on rookie Blaine Gabbert who has struggled to keep up with the speed of the NFL.
The jaguar still owe Del Rio a reported $5.6 million.

Possibilities for Del Rio to turn up could be a defense coordinator for another NFL team like the Philadelphia Eagles, since the team has the defensive talent, and Del Rio is a defensive minded coach. Another place he could turn up could be at his old stomping grounds of USC on the defensive side of the ball, or he may sit out a year and become an analyst for a major sports network.

Wherever his future may take him, one things for sure, Jack Del Rio had nine seasons to get it right, hopefully if he's given a second head coaching opportunity, he'll remember he's no longer playing football, but coaching it.

Soon after the firing, Wayne Weaver also sold the team to 61 year old Illinois businessman Shahid Khan. Khan has promised for now to keep the team in Jacksonville. Since there is nothing written that Khan has to keep the team in Jacksonville, even their lease runs through the 2029 season. Let's be honest he'll keep the team there until Farmers Field is built in Los Angeles by 2015, then we'll see if Khan is dedicated to keeping Jaguars in Florida.
The sale of the Jaguars still subject to NFL approval, and if the owners vote to ratify the deal on December 14th, then by January 4th the sale will be official.

To the Jacksonville fans enjoy your team now, because they could be gone in the blink of an eye or by a moving truck in the middle of the night to Southern California.

LA GALAXY Interviews w/ DAVID BECKHAM, LANDON DONOVAN & MORE...

CANDACE PARKER: GOLDEN STATE BALLER - By Nick Hamilton

Candace Parker has so far had a career of many highs and a few lows especially in the 2011 season, yet she remains one of the most gifted, dynamic players we’ve seen in basketball. She’s been a collegian champion at the University of Tennessee, number one pick selected in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, gold medalist, and still striving for that first WNBA championship.

"I think she is already there; she's just had a few freak injuries that have temporarily halted her progress. But the great thing about Candace Parker is that she comes back a better player every time. Her work ethic is like nothing I've ever seen. She can change the game.” -Ben York (WNBA Columnist for SLAM Magazine)

This season was not the storybook ending she along with teammates, coaches, and fans, envisioned at the start of the season, however through injury Parker battled back to make a successful return for that playoff push. Unfortunately the Los Angeles Sparks were unsuccessful in going to the post season. I often wondered what made Candace such a special player, and how she owned the court from the moment she set foot on it, until she finishes the game.

“I would say the thing that makes Candace elite is the ability for her to play all five positions, you can't put her in a box. She can bring the ball up the court, shoot the 3, take it to the hole, or post up. - Justine Brown (Sports Journalist)

Parker is developing even more before our eyes as a complete game changer and leader on and off the court.

“What Parker can do on the court, at her size is just unbelievable. She's a nightmare for defenses because she can shoot from anywhere on the court. I think her leadership is going to develop even more and you will be able to see that in her play on the court." -Courtney Jones (Fox Sports West Reporter)

Not only did I have a an opportunity to have a great discussion with these outstanding journalist, Ben York, Courtney Jones, and Justine Brown, but also had the opportunity to sit down and speak with the Sparks superstar herself, Candace Parker at the Sparks training facility in sunny Southern California.

Nick Hamilton (NH): What are your thought on this 2011 season reflecting back?

Candace Parker (CP): I think we’ve started off well, we had our ups and downs on the road this season. Obviously not good enough to win and get in, we just have to continue to get better.

NH: I’ve noticed you have really good footwork on the court, where did that come from?

CP: Actually from playing soccer, that was my number one love. I didn’t want to play basketball at all to be honest. I picked up ball, coming from a big basketball family, my dad played at Iowa a 4 letter winner, my brother [Cavs Guard/Forward Anthony Parker] who still plays in the NBA. The fact that I was always around it , being dragged to the gym, early morning practices, it was embedded in me.

NH: I noticed you’ve been more instrumental this season, taking a bigger leadership role. With you being the leader of this team, how has that helped you overall?

CP: It’s something I’ve developed, you come in the league picking up things over the years from veteran players like Lisa [Leslie], Tina [Thompson]. So now I have that opportunity to share that wisdom with younger players like the vets did with me.

NH: Here’s a two-part question, if your team had won the WNBA title this season, do you think that would’ve silenced your critics & takes some pressure off of you? And if a team like the Minnesota Lynx with Maya Moore win the title, does that add more pressure to you, being that you were in the league longer?

CP: To answer your first question, when you win the first one it’s always special. I think alot of people can win one championship, but not everyone can win two or more. I remember something Michael Jordan said, basically come and holla at me when you win another one. I understand you have to win a couple of championships to begin a championship legacy which I aspire to do!
On your second question, the WNBA is tough. My rookie year could’ve gone either way. We could’ve been in the finals, we were one shot away from that. So if Minnesota wins it or any other team wins it, it doesn’t add any more pressure, the pressure is already there. Bringing a championship to this team and city is what it’s all about, raising that banner.

NH: I saw a quote by Sparks co-owner and your former teammate Lisa Leslie basically saying how she was glad to see the future of WNBA is in great hands which was a caption under a picture with her and Maya Moore, are you the face of the WNBA?

CP: It doesn’t matter, I’m trying to play the best basketball and let everyone else talk about that and sort it out. That’s the job of the media, fans, to discuss who’s the best and who’s not. Obviously I just got on the court and show my skills.

NH: Do you feel playing in the WNBA and playing overseas may be to strenuous on your bodies, perhaps causing injuries?

CP: Some people look at us playing overseas as our side job and its not! I love playing for our fans in the WNBA, I wouldn’t change it for the world. As an athlete you have to be wise, know your body, when to rest, etc. Some players have to make certain financial and career decisions, so I hope I don’t ever have to make that choice between playing in the WNBA and playing overseas. I hope and plan on my body holding up, staying strong, and not having any more injuries.

NH: I’ve heard you’ve spread your wings into acting, have you caught the acting bug?

CP: (laughing) I’m very excited about that, I was asked to appear on “Love That Girl” [TV One show executive produced by Martin Lawrence] I got into wardrobe, make up and learned my lines. It was extremely fun, I love that atmosphere. I don’t want to seem Hollywood, because everyone who moves out to L.A. says there some type of model or actor. No I’m not, I play basketball...well.

NH: Will we see you in other film and television roles possibly?

CP: If it’s the right role, right fit, yeah I would love to do it. I think I did pretty well on “Love That Girl”. It was my first time, pretty nervous, but had alot of fun. I have ultimate respect for actors, they are truly talented.

NH: That's great to hear. What are you plans now that the Sparks season has ended?

CP: I’m playing in Russia in mid-October. It’s my first time going over there this early, normally I go in January. It’s going to be great playing with my teammates and reconnecting over there.

NH: Last question, after many years of course, what type of legacy would you like to leave on the WNBA and the game of basketball itself?

CP: The type of legacy I’d like to leave would be a positive one, one that produced results, championships. I want to be known for my character, facing adversity and overcoming it. In 20 years or so, still seeing young girls and boys wearing my jersey, knowing my name and how I played on the court. Know my style, my signature move(s). Having people say hey that's my Candace Parker shot. And maybe have a dunk or two more in me.

NH: Thank you much, good luck and in Russia, and we look forward to seeing you next WNBA season

CP: You got it, thank you....

With the talent of Candace Parker, there is no question in my mind she and the Los Angeles Sparks will soon be champions. With a gleam in her eyes and a outstanding focus, she is that elite player with her sights set on nothing but championships and expanding her brand. The team management must surround her with sufficient talent and help, to stay competitive in this ever growing, tough WNBA league.