Nike Galaxy Foamposite Release Causing Havoc

Christmas Season 2011 sneaker heads had marked on their calenders. The release of the retro Air Jordan XI Concord was coming. Friday December 24Th would be the release date. Many collectors camped out around the country at malls and other stores that were selling the shoe Jordan wore during the 72 win 1995-96 season. Unfortunately around the country the $180 - $200 shoe that had not come out since 2000, caused havoc. Police and security needed to be called in to stop the madness. Store front glass windows being broke, fans running into stores and people being robbed of their shoes. Fast forward 3 months later the $220 Nike Galaxy Foamposites from the Penny Hardway collection were being released Friday February 24Th, 2012. The sneaker is a special model that was made because NBA All Star Weekend 2012 returns to Orlando for 1st time in 20 years a place Hardaway used to call home while starting is pro career with the Magic. However in Orlando at the Florida Mall and around the country people lined up waiting for stores to open. Not everyone was on their best behavior, riot like activity took place again. Those actions caused some stores around the country to stop selling the sneaker, basically putting it on pause to rethink the process in which they will be sold.

Red Wings Set NHL Record 23 Straight Home Wins

Detroit, Michigan has been labeled HockeyTown. Joe Louis Arena has always been a tough place for Red Wings opponents to play. During the current 2011-12 NHL regular season Detroit has set a record in that building. Prior to Vancouver coming in on Thursday and leaving out with a shoot out victory, the Red Wings won 23 consecutive games at home an NHL record. Now the streak will probably be renamed. Meaning the Red Wings haven't loss a home game in regulation in 23 or 24 games. Nevertheless it's a great accomplishment and let's see how far the Red Wings can go this season and possibly come out the Western Conference to make a Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

Note To Flyers : Bryzgalov Or Bobrovsky

Let's see the Philadelphia Flyers over the past 20 years have been looking and searching for consistent goal tending. Philadelphia won the Stanley Cup in 1973 & 1974 with the great goalie Bernie Parent. Unforuntately, the Flyers have not drank from the cup since then. Even Ron Hextall a great goalie in this own right got them to a Stanley Cup Final in 1987 vs. Edmonton. Philadelphia made a Cup run in 2010 however fell short in 6 games to the Chicago Blackhawks, even during the run Philadelphia utilized 3 goal tenders, none of those players are still in a Flyers uniform. The organization thought when they traded for Bryz from Phoenix during the offseason while signing him to a 9 year contract, their issues would be solved. On to winning the Stanley Cup they would go, pause...wait a minute not so fast. Bryz was a star on HBO 24/7 Winter Classic preview with his unique quotes and interviews. His inconsistent on the ice play caused coach Peter Laviolette to start the kid Bob. Philadelphia started the 2011-12 season on a roll, lately they have slid to 5th place in the East and are double digit points behind the Rangers in the Atlantic Division. New York is undefeated vs. Philadelphia this season and net minding has been the difference and the Rangers biggest advantage. Peter will have to find out which net minder really want's to be number one and try to ride them into the spring during the postseason. That very imporant decision could sink or swim Philadelphia's Stanley Cup hopes.

Orlando Host NBA All Star Weekend 2012 20th Anniversary Of Magic Johnson Winning MVP In Orlando

November 7Th, 1991 Ervin 'Magic' Johnson was set to hold a press conference in Inglewood, California at the Great Western Forum. Johnson would go on to shock the world, not just the NBA with his announcement. Magic would be retiring from the NBA and the Los Angeles Lakers because he had HIV. Less then 3 months later he would be selected by fans to play in the 1992 NBA All Star Game in Orlando, Florida. Now 20 years later NBA All Star Weekend returns to Orlando. Back then it was played at the Orlando Arena, now the game will take place at the new Amway Arena. Many players were afraid to play against Ervin thinking they could get the virus. The All Star Game proved that was not the case. It also proved Magic still could play the game. Golden State Warriors point guard Tim Hardaway even gave Magic his starting position. Johnson won the 1992 NBA All Star Game MVP award. 5 months later Magic would help lead the Dream Team to a gold medal at the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Prince Fielder Expected To Add Power To Tigers Offense

Like father, like son in the early 90's Cecil Fielder played for the Detroit Tigers, he utilized Tiger Stadium as his power hitting play ground. Now his son Prince Fielder will attempt to do the same in Comerica Park. Detroit made a late, but big splash in free agency, dishing out over $200 million. Prince was loured in from the Milwaukee Brewers. Detroit will look to repeat their regular season success from a season ago, by once again winning the AL Central. The team will look to advance further in the postseason. The Tigers were eliminated in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Albert Pujols Expected To Lead Anaheim To Promise Land In 2012

Albert Pujols and C.J Wilson met last October in the World Series. Pujols was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, while C.J Wilson was a starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. The Cardinals would go on to defeat the Rangers in a seven game series 4-3. Albert won his 2ND World Series, C.J lost his 2ND straight Fall Classic. Both players were free agents and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed both players. Now the Angels expect Pujols to lead the team to a World Series title in 2012. Wilson will join a staff led by Jared Weaver. This team probably will be favorite not only to win the AL West, but more importantly represent the AL in the World Series. However in the competitive American League the task will be difficult.

Spike Mike Nike Sneakers

Spike Lee has always made excellent films. Spike also through the years has always laced up great kicks. Those sneakers were several pair of Air Jordans and Nikes. Lee seems to have an awesome, matter of fact dope collection. Spike Lee is always front and center at Madison Square Garden for New York Knicks game. On a nightly basis it's not hard to see the latest kicks he's rocking. Spike developed a relationship with Nike in the late 80's. Mars Blackmon a character in the film 'She Gotta Have It' became famous in Air Jordan commercials. Mars famously nicknamed Jordan 'Money' in those 30 second commercials. Now the Jordan Brand has given Lee his own themed Jordans.
On a nightly basis you could see Spike with Nike Barkley's or Nike Penny's or Nike Training shoes.

Air Jordan IV Do The Right Thing 'Buggin Out' Release Week Away

23 years ago, director Spike Lee released the movie 'Do The Right Thing'. Lee also played Mookie in the movie. Mookie was employed at Sal's Famous Pizzeria and one of his close friends was Buggin Out played by actor Giancarlo Esposito. Buggin Out rocked those fresh cement / grey versions of the Air Jordan IV, how ironic in the movie his kicks were rolled over by a white biker with a green Larry Bird Celtics shirt. The guy tells Buggin Out I'm not even from Boston, I'm from right here in Brooklyn ! The Air Jordan IV cement / grey were orginally retroed in 1999, now 13 years later they'll return February 18Th.

Kentucky Wildcats NCAA Tournament Favorites However Field Is Wide Open

Head Coach John Calipari has another #1 ranked team. His University of Kentucky Wildcats are filled with youth and athleticism. Freshman shot blocker Anthony Davis and freshman wingman Michael Kidd Gilchrist lead the way, with veteran help from senior Darius Miller and sophomore Terrance Jones. This squad will try to lead Kentucky to their first National Championship since 1998. However as March approaches even as tournament favorites, their are no guarantees. Syracuse with Scoop Jardine, Dion Waiters, Kris Joseph are loaded with a supporting cast. Missouri Kansas and Baylor will be dangerous out of the Big 12. Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State etc...will make their presence felt from the Big 10. Duke, UNC out of the ACC along with fellow SEC members like Florida will be heard from as well. The race to New Orleans and the Final Four will began shortly, let's not forget about Mid Majors either as Butler and VCU made the Final Four a season ago.

Jeremy Lin Helping Knicks Win Win Win

Saturday February 4Th, New York entered their game against New Jersey with an 8-15 record. Carmelo was injured and Amare was dealing with a death in the family. Jeremy Lin an undrafted rookie free agent from Harvard, was nearly released by New York. The Knicks have had point guard troubles all season. Prior to arriving in New York, Lin was released by Houston and Golden State. Jeremy was sleeping on his brother couch in Manhattan since his NBA contract wasn't guaranteed. Lin would go on to led the Knicks to a win vs. the Nets, a win vs. Utah, a win vs. Washington, a win vs. Los Angeles Lakers & a win vs. Minnesota. Since Lin has made his debut the Knickerboxers have won 5 straight games to bring their record to 13-15. Many wonder how Lin will mesh with Carmelo and Amare once they return to action. Lin has been an Internet social media and television sensation. He's always kept it about the team regardless how well he has played vs. Deron Williams, Devin Harris, John Wall, Kobe Bryant and Ricky Rubio. Actually out scoring Bryant 38-34 during a victory at Madison Square Garden. How did the kid from Harvard slip through the cracks, he led them to the NCAA Tournament as Ivy League champions. During the NBA camps he appeared in, he's showed what everyone now is seeing : the ability to find open teammates with the pass, willingness to play defense, explosive first step, range on the jump shot, able to finish in transition. Lin(sanity) within a week has turned many doubters into believers, while inspiring people on so many levels. Let's see what the remainder of the season has in store for Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks.

Tom & Bill Haven't Won A Title Since Spygate Lose Superbowl To The Giants Yet Again

From 2002 - 2005, Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots won 3 Superbowl titles in 4 years vs. St. Louis, Carolina and Philadelphia. Each victory was by 3 points. Now for the 2ND time in 4 seasons the Patriots walk off the field as Superbowl losers to the Giants. Maybe it's a coincidence maybe not, that New England has not won a title since those alleged Spygate reports. Spygate rumors consisted of suggesting the Patriots were recording opponents practice and walk through. For the 2ND time in 4 years the Patriots has suffered 3 and 4 point defeats to the Giants, 17-14 and 21-17 respectively. Until winning a pair of playoff games vs. Denver and Baltimore, New England had not won a postseason game since their undefeated 18-0 record during the 2007 season.

Eli Elite Wins 2nd Superbowl & 2nd Superbowl MVP

Eli Manning, for the second time in 4 seasons has led the New York Giants to a Superbowl victory. New York initially defeated New England during Superbowl XLII, now history has repeated itself in Superbowl XLVI. Manning led his team down the field in Glendale, AZ for a game winning touchdown. Manning found Plaxico Burress for a touchdown pass. Eli found Mario Manningham on a deep sideline throw on the Giants final possession which ended in a Bradshaw touchdown run. During the first Superbowl the Giants entered with a 10-6 regular season record, this season they came in 9-7, while the Patriots were 18-0 and 13-3 respectively. Big Ben and Eli Manning were apart of the 2004 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks each have a pair of Superbowl titles.

Better Nike Kicks : Lebron or Kobe

Three similarities come to mind about Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. First, both players came to the NBA directly from high school. Bryant was the 13th selection during the 1996 NBA Draft, while James was the 1st selection during the 2003 NBA Draft. Second, both players have their own signature line from Nike. 3rd both players share a puppet commericial, each character represents Kobe and Lebron. With Nike ever expanding technology each players signature shoe has improved. Lebron shoe was originally apart of the Nike Zoom Air line, prior to leaving Cleveland for Miami, James shoe is now part of the Air Max Basketball line featuring more cushion. Kobe has gone from high tops to low tops recently. When you look around the NBA you see plenty of players wearing Nike ID versions of Kobe signature shoe, likewise in college basketball by Nike sponsored schools. Lebron signature shoe is worn by several Nike sponsored schools in college basketball. Lebron's home state of Ohio, the Buckeyes wear LBJ23's. The debate of which player is better now can be taken to the sneaker game as well.

Nike Air Penny Line Ranks Right There With Nike Air Jordan Line

Anfernee 'Penny' Hardaway, was the number 3 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Chris Webber was selected 1st by Orlando, Philadelphia selected Shawn Bradley 2ND & Golden State would select Penny next from Memphis State. However Hardaway would land in Orlando as he was traded on draft night for Webber. The 6'7 point guard prior to injuries especially his knee, could do it all on the basketball court. Unfortunately injuries shortened a promising career. Penny teamed with Shaq and the likes of Dennis Scott and Nick Anderson to lead the Orlando Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals vs. Houston. Anferenee Hardaway could pass, shoot, post up, rebound and defend. He would later play for teams such as New York, Miami and Phoenix nevertheless fans will always remember him in Orlando. Nike ran great ads for the young Hardaway, introducing the character in their commercials named Little Penny. Little Penny voice over was done by Chris Rock and even starred super model Tyra Banks. During the 1990's and early 2000's the success of the Penny Hardaway line was just below Air Jordan. Many sneaker fans can't wait for Air Penny's to be released regardless of which Penny shoe they are. A personal favorite of mine are the Nike Foamposite, originally released in 1997 for $200. Hardaway to this day still has a great working relationship with the Swoosh company as they continue to add to the ever growing Penny collection.