How can you like this guy?

I don't think that anyone is inherently a bad person. Recently that theory has been tested. Pac-Man Jones, Tim Donaghy, Lindsey Lohan, all come to mind.

For the most part, those people have self destructed. Pac-Man put himself in a bad situation, and as a result people around him were severely hurt. Tim Donaghy had a gambling problem and got involved with the mob, but apparently in this country gambling can be deemed a disease. Lindsey Lohan...well she's just an idiot.

But Michael Vick needs his own category. Yes, there's a small chance that he will be innocent. I was present at Hassan Adams DUI trial where he was acquitted. Let me assure you from the evidence that was presented, he was not "innocent."

Even if Vick is acquitted as well, the accusations against him, the drowning, hanging, electrocuting, and further torture and killing of dogs will not go away. And they shouldn't. Being involved in any of those actions makes me want to change my initial thinking.
Michael Vick is simply not a good person.

This from former Green Bay safety LeRoy Butler, in an interview with Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel puts it best:

"My 7-year-old [Danielle] loves animals. We were out shopping for a dog. We were in the car, and I can't listen to sports radio anymore because she heard how they drowned and electrocuted some animals. I looked back there at a red light and she had tears in her eyes. She said, 'I don't understand why somebody would drown a dog.' Now I had to explain it as a parent. I said that sometimes people do stuff that is so terrible that you've got to offset that guy by doing something good. She just kept wiping her tears. She was really bothered by it. It's a stupid thing to do, obviously. But these guys get so arrogant, they don't think about it. You got $30 million, $40 million in the bank, they're on top of the world, no remorse and no one can stop them.''

Random thoughts and ramblings

• Today I realized I’m part of two of the most hated professions: I’m a member of the media and a part time referee. I think the next step is to become the President of the United States, or a coach/manager in Philadelphia.

• I heard that Javaris Crittenton may be ahead of Jordan Farmar on the depth chart next year, and if the Lakers sign a veteran pg, Farmar would fall down to third.

• My reaction, if statement is true: That’s preposterous. Let’s take a guy who played well in the playoffs and knows the triangle offense as good as anyone, plus plays with passion, and let’s replace him with a guy who had a good summer league game.

• On top of that, Phil already has trouble playing rookies, so I don’t think Crittenton will see too much time on the floor.

• Just for the hell of it: Toby Bailey played 31 minutes for the Warriors: 14 points and six rebounds

• Greg Oden is NOT a bust. But his lack of offensive skills are becoming apparent.

• Kevin Durant is NOT a bust. But his poor shot selection and tendency to hang around the perimeter are becoming apparent.
• And the award for coolest name goes to:

5. LeBryan Nash 6’7’’ 210 Dallas Lincoln HS (Cedar Hill, TX)

Nash didn’t dominate the camp, but no one really expected an 8th grader to work wonders against players three years older. That’s right, Nash, a 6’7’’ small forward with good athleticism and a solid build, is not slated to graduate high school until 2011. Because he can physically dominate games against players his age, Nash’s skills are not very well developed, but he certainly has a ton of potential and is worth keeping an eye on.

-- NBAdraft.net

A combination of Kobe, Lebron, and Steve Nash. Brilliant!

• Placido Polanco has the biggest and most strange looking head I have ever seen

• What does it say about the state of second baseman in the AL when Placido Polanco is the starting second baseman

• I like the All Star Game format, it adds a little bit of spice. It’d be nice to see the NL win one though, especially if LA wants to host the first game of the World Series

• Trying to make himself be a feel good story: Barry Bonds

• Actual feel good story: Cancer survivor and Lakers guard Coby Karl

And finally: If Mark Stein is right and Derek Fisher returns to the Lakers, some of the ridiculousness and incompetence of the Laker offseason will be forgotten. And I will buy the Derek Fisher jersey I’ve wanted but couldn’t buy until D Fish retired.