Some recent NFL signings have made me look back at how many times a sports franchise has made a dumb move by signing a player to a high-priced, long-term contract.  Whether the player was getting up there in age, hadn’t proved themself (really), or was just being paid on their historical performance, the teams that signed the players were affected in the long-term financially and took losses on the player.  Sure, the right signing can carry a franchise (e.g. Shaq, Manny Ramirez, Drew Brees), but the wrong signing can set …

In an effort to support the cause(s) in Darfur, the Rockets’ (as of this writing) Tracy McGrady will be changing his jersey number from #1 to #3.

The Utah Jazz are looking to move Carlos Boozer soon and reports are that 2 other teams are involved in a possible trade that would help each team.  Both the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls are rumored to be in on the deal, along w/ the Jazz and at least 4 players would change teams if everything goes through.

Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls – Chicago needs a post presence and Boozer would help provide it.  He plays decent defense and can hit the spot up shot w/ pretty …

Football News from NFL.com
Fans wanting to pay their respects to former NFL quarterback Steve McNair can do so at the stadium where he created so many memories. The Tennessee Titans are opening LP Field on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., so fans can honor McNair.   Continue reading on NFL.com

Hockey News from NHL.com
July 5 – Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration.
July 6 – Deadline for club-elected salary arbitration.
July 10 – Deadline for eligible players to elect Group 5 free agency.
July 20-Aug. 4 – Salary arbitration hearings held.
Continue reading this story on NHL.com

Baseball News from L.A. Times
They are the only Angels on the roster now, but Chone Figgins is in the running for a spot in an Internet vote.  Center fielder Torii Hunter and closer Brian Fuentes were the only Angels named to the American League All-Star team today, but third baseman Chone Figgins is one of five candidates for the final roster spot, which will be determined by an Internet vote of fans.  Continue reading on L.A. Times

One of the true NFL tough guys over the past 20 yrs, quarterback Steve McNair led a successful 15-yr football career.  As member of the Tennessee Titans, McNair led his team to a Super Bowl, falling just short of a championship against the Rams.
Steve McNair, the NFL’s co-MVP in 2003, has been found dead according to the Nashville police. An unidentified woman was also found dead at the scene.   Continue reading on NFL.com
From all accounts, McNair was a player’s quarterback – everyone loved him.  The Titans, Baltimore Ravens and …

Football News from NFL.com
The NFL suspended New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace for four games without pay Thursday for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Pace will miss the Jets’ first four games of the 2009 season and is eligible to return for their Oct. 12 game at Miami.   Continue reading on NFL.com

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Shaquille O’Neal showcased the new jerseys that Shaq will be wearing this season (open to see photos).  The photos look great and O’Neal will be a very popular jersey this upcoming season.  Coupled w/ LeBron James existing popularity, I would not be terribly surprised to see the Cavaliers lead the league next year in NBA jersey sales.
Shaquille O’Neal Cavaliers Jerseys

For those who would like to remember Shaq by his other NBA stops, see a full listing of all Shaq jerseys here.

Really good mix video for Kobe Bryant/Terminator Salvation.  Voiceover of Christian Bale, featuring highlights of the LA Lakers‘ Kobe Bryant. Sweet vid. Shout to @SLAMonline for posting about it 1st.

Hockey News from NHL.com
DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche have signed free agent goalie Craig Anderson to a two-year contract.  Anderson, who agreed to terms Wednesday, spent the past three seasons with the Florida Panthers. The 28-year-old Anderson ranked third in…   Continue reading this story on NHL.com

Some statistics are deceiving, including the 3-3 record the Dodgers‘ Randy Wolf has attained to start the 2009 season.  Wolf is playing very well for LA, but just can’t get the run support needed to entertain achieving actual wins.  Despite the lack of wins he has accrued, Wolf is a solid fantasy baseball starter as a #3-4 option – possibly even a #2.  The wins do hold him back slightly, but his strikeouts and innings pitched are an asset to most fantasy rosters.
In 17 starts, the veteran left-hander has 11 …