Moments Social Networking Missed: Olympic Edition

The Olympics have been broadcast in tape-delay form for as long as they have been going on. There is no way to show everything that is happening live. This has not been a problem until this year's Olympiad. With  Facebook and Twitter being bigger factor in life than it was four years ago, it has been hard to avoid results of events to be shown later that night. This has led me to my second installment of "Moments Social Networking Missed". These are moments that would have shut down the internet if social networking was available when they happened. Come with me on this trip down memory lane.

The Dream Team- As we all know, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the greatest team ever assembled. The Dream Team had 11 Hall-Of-Fame players on it. They absolutely destroyed every team that was in their way. While the games weren't competitive, social networking would have had a field day talking about the exploits, and dominance of this team.

Highway Robbery- Before Roy Jones, Jr. became one of the best boxers of our generation, before he told us "Y'all musta Forgot", before he dropped gems as a commentator on HBO, he was part of the worst decision in Olympic boxing history. He absolutely destroyed his opponent, a Korean fighting on his home turf, who was in the final based on a couple of dubious decisions. This article talks about the corruption surrounding the fight and that still exists in Olympic boxing. Roy gives his take, and explains why he still doesn't watch it. Imagine the uproar once this story broke during the Olympics if social networking was around in 88.

Vince Over Weis- No need for a fancy title. Simply put, this is the best in-game dunk in basketball history. Vince Carter was at the height of his "Half-Man Half-Amazing" abilities during the 2000 Olympics. This play typifies that. Twitter explodes when Blake Griffin does his thing, but I think the server would have been shot for hours after this piece of destruction by V.C. Enjoy.

Golden Shoes- Michael Johnson came into the 1996 Olympics looking to make history. He wanted to be the first man to ever win the 200 and 400 meter races in the same year. Not only did he do that, he did it in spectacular fashion. He won the 400 by a full second ahead of the Silver medalist. Three days later, he won the 200 in World Record time, and dominated the field in that as well. He did this all while wearing golden shoes. Usain Bolt always has social networking talking during his events, and Michael Johnson would have too.

So, there you have it. A few moments that weren't destroyed hours in advance by Facebook and Twitter. My best advice, and a familiar refrain from these games is to stay off those sites if you don't want to know what happened. I know it may be tough for some to do, but from here on out, that is the only way that great Olympic moments shown in tape-delay, will seem fresh and new to you when you watch them. Thanks for your time, and be on the look out for the next edition of Moments Social Networking Missed.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.   

You Know It's Fake Right??

This past Monday the WWE celebrated their 1000th episode of Raw. As someone who watched many of those shows through my years as a fan, I was excited for the show. They were planning of bringing back a lot of the wrestlers that had me watching every Monday night when I was younger. So, I had to tune in. Usually when I'm excited about something that's coming on, I post something about it on Facebook. Yet with this, I found myself hesitating for the first time. Somewhere in my mind I thought, they might clown me for being hyped to watch Raw. After about two seconds of that I posted this status: Jimmy Wilson Jr. will be watching the 1000th Raw tonight. Judge me if you want, but if you're geeked to watch Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta you're no better than me. I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I'll expound on this message later... Let me expound on that now.


For as long as I can remember I've had this conversation when it comes to wrestling: 
Person: "You know wrestling is fake right?" 
Me: "Yep". 
Person: "Then why do you watch it?" 
Me: "Because it is entertaining, and I like to watch it". 
I think I would be well within my rights to ask that same question to someone who watches what is called Reality TV nowadays. There is absolutely no difference between that and what I watch on the WWE. They are both scripted by writers who pit "good vs. bad" and have them meet in places to settle their differences. They both have actors and actresses who are over the top in their behavior. They both have backstabbing and double-crosses. They are the same exact thing. I'm sure some of y'all aren't feeling me, so let me give an example. 


One day I was sitting with my lady, and we found ourselves watching Love And Hip-Hop Atlanta(an exercise that stopped that day). Joseline had an issue with one of the other women on the show and wanted to confront her. So, Joseline showed up to the workout facility that the woman was at and confronted her. My question is, how in the world did she know that her enemy would be at the workout facility at that time? They hardly knew each other, so I'm certain that she doesn't know her schedule to know she was there. Yet, she was able to show up there, find her nemesis, and have a screaming match. Tell me that's not something that was set up by writers and producers. Tell me that's not like something that would happen in wrestling.

That same practice happens on pretty much every Reality TV show that is on. Whether they are sending sworn enemies on vacation together, having them meet at parties, or going shopping, the writers are pulling the strings, and have their desired end in mind. That is to have those enemies have some sort of altercation be it physical or verbal. Sounds a lot like wrestling to me.

So, to all my Reality TV watchers out there, I have to ask you the same question you ask me, you know Reality TV is fake right? For those who don't, I hope that I've shed some light, and helped you understand that it is. Next time you turn your nose, or laugh at someone who watches wrestling, remember that episode of "The Real Housewives of NJ/ATL", "Mob Wives", "Jersey Shore", or any other Reality TV show that you just watched. The creator of those shows are Vince McMahon, the cast are the wrestlers, and you are me, watching because it is entertaining and you like to watch it. Fake or not.

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message. 

My Three Girls

For as long as I can remember I have been juggling three different relationships. These relationships started when I was a child, and the love has grown as I've gotten older. I love them all, but one is my "main girl", one is my "side piece", and the other is the "one I need to leave alone, but can't". When I was little, they were tough to manage, but as I've matured, and learned the game, I've figured out how to balance the three. So, let me tell you a little about my three girls.

"The Main Girl"- This relationship started when I was a baby in a walker. There are pictures of me sleeping with this girl when I was one year old. It was pretty much love at first sight honestly. As I got older, I began spending all types of time with her. Watching her on TV as much as I could. Taking trips all over the city, state, and country to spend time with her. Her and I going in the backyard or park to spend time together whenever I was down, or needed to think. She has always been there for me. There were definitely a lot of ups and downs, wins and losses, and I almost left her for good during college. Through it all, my love for her hasn't changed. I am even coaching youngsters about her ways now. Hopefully, they'll learn to love her as much as I do.

"The Side Piece"- This relationship started pretty young too. However, the attraction wasn't as strong as it was for the main girl. You see, I enjoyed watching her on TV. Playing with her for fun with my boys in the street. However, I never fully pursued her. This is one slight regret I have about my childhood. Part of me feels her and I would have been pretty good together, but my love for her wasn't strong enough to find out. I didn't want to lose my main girl for her, so I stayed away. She is still a dear friend though. I spend a lot of time with her during weekends in the Fall. Matter of fact, I'm counting down the weeks until she comes back to visit. She'll be here real soon. 

"The One I Need to Leave Alone, But Can't"- This girl right here has been a trip to deal with. You see, she is the one that has almost phased herself out of my life on her own. She has been very frustrating to watch. Yet, whenever I claim I'm done with her, she gives me a reason to come back. She has the most personality of the three, yet she doesn't come around as often as I like. A lot of people I know dis her and ask, why I still deal with her? What they don't know is, I don't just spend time with her on the important times, I spend time with her on random Tuesday's, and Friday's. I have done this since I was a child. So, as much as her and the decisions she makes annoy me at times, I just can't leave her alone. 

So, that's the story of me and my three girls. As most of you know, we as men talk about inanimate objects like they are women. Songs like "Me and My Girlfriend", "Brown Sugar", and "I Used To Love H.E.R." are prime examples of that. Looking at the titles, one would think it they were about a woman. However, they were used to describe different objects. That is the approach I chose to use when telling you all about how I feel about basketball, football, and boxing. Those are the "Main Chick, the "Side Piece", and "The One I Need To Leave Alone, But Can't". These are relationships that I don't see going anywhere, anytime soon. People who know me, know I love talking about them. My goal is to make them entertaining, and give you all some insight into why I feel how I feel about them.  I hope you all enjoy as I share my thoughts and feelings on them in these pages. 

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message. 

NBA's New Public Enemy # 1

On July 8, 2010 at approximately 9:30 p.m., LeBron James uttered the words "I'll be taking my talents to South Beach" on his ESPN special called "The Decision". Those eight words took LeBron from media darling, and fan favorite into NBA Public Enemy # 1. People treated him like they did Hulk Hogan when he leg dropped Macho Man, and joined the NWO . They burned his jersey in the street, cursed his name, and even the Cavs owner dropped an open letter to LeBron where he sounded like a jilted sophomore in high school who's boyfriend left her.This was all for a man who simply played out his contract, and decided to leave in free agency for another team. Granted, the TV special was over the top, but other than that, he did nothing wrong. My question is, if "The Decision" merited that, what does Dwight Howard's indecision earn him?

Dwight Howard has had the world at his fingertips since entering the NBA in 2004. He has been on multiple All-Star, All-NBA First, and All-NBA Defensive teams. He won the dunk contest in 2008, and NBA Defensive Player of the year in 2009-2011. He is widely regarded at the best center and one of the top 10 players in the world. While he still has improvements to his game to make, there isn't much disputing that fact. The problem now is his behavior off the court, and in the locker room. That has been beyond questionable.

During this last season, he has went back and forth about whether or not he wanted to stay in Orlando. He spent the first portion of the season letting it be known that didn't want to re-sign with the Magic, and would go join the (then)New Jersey Nets as a free agent. That wouldn't have been bad at all, except on the day of the trading deadline, he waived his right to opt out of his contract and signed to stay with Orlando for one more season. This move was baffling because of all the dust he kicked up about leaving earlier in the season. Still, Orlando's organization seemed to be willing to do whatever it took to keep him. Part of that was firing Stan Van Gundy.

Howard and Van Gundy always had a contentious relationship. It was more obvious than ever last season. Between rumors of Howard going to Magic mangagement with an ultimatium of Van Gundy or him. To the absolutely awkward interview where Van Gundy informed the media that he was told Howard wanted him gone, and Howard came over like everything was cool, it was a cluster of immaturity and weak power moves by both guys. Finally, the Magic in an effort to appease Dwight Howard fired both Van Gundy, and general manager Otis Smith. That should have been good enough to keep Dwight Howard happy right?


Well it was not, because not long after the Free Agency period started, Howard let the Magic know that he wanted to be traded to the now Brooklyn Nets. He accused the Magic of "blackmailing" him into opting into his contract for one more year. He has since denied that statement, but with his history of flip flopping statements, I tend to believe he made it. He wants out of Orlando, but teams are afraid to pull the trigger on a trade because he has made it known that he will only sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Personally, I say the teams who are hesitant, are better off for it. 


As great as Dwight Howard has been on the court, he is a huge headache off of it now. On top of that, he is coming off of a back surgery that may keep him out of action for a portion of the season. There is no telling what the injury will do to his athleticism, and how he plays the game. So, is he really worth the potiential headache that could come if things go wrong? I'm not sure of that at all. 


As I take my seat, Dwight Howard's behavior has been far worse that LeBron's. He has held an organization hostage with his childish behavior. Orlando pulled the trigger on moves that they shouldn't if they were going to lose Howard anyway. They have pacified, and babied him for far too long. He has proven to be a waffler, flip-flopper, and done it all while the season was going on. As bad as LeBron's show was for his look, it wasn't anything that took away from, or distracted his team in season. 


With LeBron winning a Championship, and the tide turning back to people beginning to like him again, it's time for Dwight Howard to take his seat on the throne as NBA Public Enemy #1. He can recover, but it will take a lot of work, and some serious winning for him to do so. For now though, he's Hulk Hogan leg dropping an entire organization, and keeping many teams and players in limbo. Good luck making things right big fella. We'll be watching. 


I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message. 

Random Thoughts: NBA Offseason Edition Vol.1

We are in the midst of what I like to call the dog days of summer. Basketball season is over. Football season is so close, yet so far. The Olympics are coming, but I only watch a few sports in that. Being one that isn't a big fan of baseball, I usually don't watch much ESPN during this time of the year. Thankfully, the NBA free agent season has been very active and entertaining. Big names like Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Jason Terry have made moves that will impact the league. Here are my thoughts on those moves.

Fools (Purple and) Gold: Steve Nash being sent to the Lakers in a sign and trade by the Suns was one of the first big dominoes to fall. To say this move is an upgrade to the point guard position for the Lakers is offensive to the word upgrade. He instantly makes Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol better on offense. He also will give them a deadly shooter on the perimeter if teams try to double Kobe or the aforementioned players. What it didn't cover though is the defensive liability that has been the Lakers point guard position. The Western Conference is home to some of the best point guards in the league. Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, and Chris Paul all reside in that conference. Those are players that Nash will have to guard, and try to contain in order for the Lakers to cash in on this move. Before he was saddled with back injuries, this was a tall task. With all of these guys in their prime, and him dealing with chronic back pain, coupled with his lack of defensive prowess, I don't think this move will get the Lakeshow past OKC or the Spurs. He will create a lot more highlights, and add to the buzz that is the Lakers, but I don't think it will be enough to get them out of the Western conference and into the Finals. 

Heat Stroke: Ray Allen set off a storm with his decision to join the Miami Heat. There were a lot of people who were upset with him "not being loyal" to the Celtics. That is something I don't agree with. He played his contract out with the C's, and as a free agent had the ability to go where he wanted. They are saying he and Rondo didn't get along, and the Celtics were actively shopping him around during the season. Where is the loyalty in that? He did nothing wrong, and I think the people that are salty about that are just nervous that the Heat will win another championship. Personally, I don't think that is a foregone conclusion yet. Just like Nash, he is a huge upgrade to the team he is going to. Yet, he alone doesn't get rid of some of the flaws that still plague the Heat. We don't know how effective Dwyane Wade will be coming off of injury. There is a need to add better inside players. Also, how much can we truly count on "the others" to play the way they did in the Finals? Adding Jesus Shuttlesworth was a monster move, and I look forward to seeing how he's integrated into what the Heat do, and if he will help them repeat as NBA Champions. 

Jetting to Boston: The Boston Celtics are a team that has been quietly making moves to set themselves up as the chief rivals to the Heat again. They have added some good youth in Jared Sullinger, and Fab Melo. They re-signed Jeff Green(here's hoping he can recover from his heart ailment that sidelined him last year). They also brought in noted Miami Heat killer Jason Terry. Bringing Terry in will soften the blow that was caused by Ray Allen jumping ship to the Heat. While Terry is a lot more of a streak shooter than the ever consistent Allen, he will provide a scoring spark that the Celtics haven't had off the bench in years. He also is a fearless player who won't shy away from big games or moments. The popular thought is that Miami is a shoo-in to win the Eastern Conference. Please let me caution you that they are probably in for another seven game battle with the Celtics, and I would not be surprised if it goes to the C's this time around. 

So there you have a few of my thoughts on the offseason so far. There are more to come, including a blog devoted to the only player that can be accused of being disloyal, one Dwight Howard. Anyone that has a problem with Ray Allen, or Steve Nash, or had one with LeBron, but doesn't have one with Dwight Howard should take a moment to smack themselves. I will get to him soon. Feel free to leave any feedback, comments, or thoughts on this one. Thank you for your time, and I'll talk to y'all soon. 

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message. 

Fear In The Beard

Countless times during the playoffs we have seen shirts in Oklahoma City that say "Fear the Beard". These shirts of course are in reference to the afro that sits on the face of Thunder guard James Harden. After his performance in three of the first four Finals games, I think they need to change that to "Fear In The Beard". 

Harden has looked like a timid Freshman that is playing with the Varsity team for the first time. He has zero confidence in his shot, he is driving to the basket with no plan on what to do when he gets there, and hasn't show much energy or emotion in these games. His role is to come off the bench and provide an immediate spark. This is a guy who has averaged 16.2 points per game in the NBA Playoffs. During the finals, he has scored 5,21, 9, and 8. In games where the Thunder have loss by 6 points or less, a regular contribution from him would have the Thunder ahead 3-1 in the series.

Watching him during these Finals has confused me beyond belief. This is a guy who has played supremely confident throughout his short career. He's going to be a free agent after this year, and people were talking about him getting a massive contract. If I were the GM of a team, his Finals performance thus far would give me pause. There is an old cliche that big time players step up in big time games. He has been the complete opposite of that. 

In game 4, he had a couple of opportunites in the fourth quarter to make plays to either tie or give the Thunder the lead. There was a play with the Thunder down by three, he drove to the basket and pretty much handed the ball to the Heat. Then, he made a steal with the Heat leading by one. He pushed the ball up the floor, got to the rim, and completely blew the layup. Could a foul have been called? Yes, but as an NBA player, you have to finish that regardless of the contact. Especially as the Sixth Man of the Year, and a player that has scored with more contact than that in the past. Finally, he got a pass kicked to him, wide open behind the three-point line, and wanted to do anything but shoot the ball. When he released the shot, the only question was how bad would he miss it. It was really sad to see. 

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant have done all that they could to keep the Thunder in games. What was expected to be the Thunder's big advantage in the series, has let them down. Anyone who knows basketball, expected Harden and the others to perform well enough to push OKC past Miami. Yet, he has been outplayed, and badly by guys like Shane Battier, Mario Chalmers, and even Norris "Big Daddy Kane" Cole. Thus the Heat sit on the verge of winning the ring.

So, for all the talk of bad officiating(it has been very questionable), David Stern wanting the Heat to win, and any other conspiracy theory you can conjure up. Please remember that these games have all come down to the waning seconds. Had James Harden played anywhere close to the level he had during the regular season, and early in the Playoffs, the Thunder would be a game away from hoisting the trophy. 

I don't want to declare the series over, because I picked OKC to win, and I'm not ready for the NBA season to end. Yet, if Harden can't pull some magic out of his beard for Game 5, we will be watching the end of the 2011-12 season, and wondering what's next for OKC. Hopefully, we'll see "Fear the Beard" Harden, and not "Fear In The Beard" Harden tomorrow and see what that will do for the Thunder. 

I'm Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message 

Father's Day Salute

Title: Father's Day Salute

One of the strongest bonds between a Father and Son is sports. From the Father teaching the son how to play a sport, to just spending time to watching games together, sports are a big dynamic in this relationship. With Father's Day approaching, I decided to reach out to a few friends of mine who played high school sports in the Lansing area and give them the opportunity to salute their Father. Here are their words:

Mark Watts, Everett Basketball, Class of 84: "If I have one word to describe my father it would be INCREDIBLE. He taught me to pray, to respect women and others and to be HUMBLE. This is from a five-time Golden Glove champion and Boxing Legend who ALWAYS praised the Lord. He raised 4 children and stayed married to his Wife (our mother) 50 years till the Lord called him home. I'd ALWAYS tell my father "Dad I wanna be JUST like you when I grow up and he'd say, NO, be BETTER than ME!" He's my SUPERHERO!!!!! and DAD, I could NEVER be better than you for you are Truly THE GREATEST!!! Love u 4ever, your son Marky.

Nathan Duncan-Waverly Basketball, Class of 2004: My dad influenced me through sports early on in the driveway, watching the NBA's best in the 90's and taking me to my first Michigan State Men's Basketball game. Being a coaches kid was a big influence as well, as my brothers and I would go to practices when he was an assistant at Everett. He always allowed and made us work on our games. He made me pay attention to how players got themselves open, played defense, and even talked on the court which made my love for the game stronger.

Eventually becoming one of his players for 2 or 3 years as a member of the Lansing Warriors, was probably the biggest influence through the game of basketball for me. I went home with my head coach after every practice and every game; so he constantly stayed in my ear. Whether it was things I did wrong and needed to improve on, he was continuosly telling me to work harder. He also pointed out things I was doing right and should keep doing. That was probably the best influence I as a player could have because I continously got coached even after practices and games. I couldn't see it then but looking back on it, it was great, appreciated and needed.

In regards to influencing me as a Young man through basketball, he taught me about accountability, hard work, paying attention to detail, being passionate about what I do. He taught me that hard work pays off, to never give up and have fun while doing it all. He has influenced me to pursue coaching down the road. I love my dad for teaching me and showing me all these values through the game we both love! Because my dad exposed me to the game in the way that he did, I am who I am today!

Paul Van Dyke, Everett Basketball, Class of 99 : Growing up my dad wanted me and my brother to play different sports to encourage teamwork, toughness, and discipline. I always remember my dad being there after each game telling me good job no matter if i played terrible or if i did a great job. My dads encouragement in sports has been a essential foundation to my adult life.

Jimmy Wilson, Jr. Everett Basketball Class of 2000: My Dad was my biggest influence when it came to sports. His favorite sport was basketball, so naturally, that became mine. We spent countless hours shooting around, playing horse, and one on one. We even took something simple as throwing paper towel in the trash and turned that into a shooting contest. No matter how tired he was after work, he'd come to the backyard with me while I shot around. As a youngster I just thought it was part of him being Dad, but now having worked at GM like he did, and knowing the toll that can take physically, I have a true appreciation for it.

He also is the main reason you're reading my thoughts on sports right now. When he worked nights, he would ask me about who won the games while he was at work. I would run it down play by play, until he fell asleep on me. When we watched games together, I would be giving my thoughts, he would give his, and it would turn into a "Pardon The Interruption" type debate. When the debate was done he would say, "you should be a commentator or sports writer". He planted a seed that is continuing to grow, and I truly love, thank, and appreciate him for it.

Those are just the thoughts of a few. There are many Father's in the Lansing Area past and present, that should be saluted for coaching, supporting, and influencing their children through sports. I would name you one by one, but I don't want to forget any. Just know that it was truly appreciated, and never to be forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done. Happy Father's Day!!!