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Playmaker Round Up: Brandon Jennings, John Vilma, Lolo Jones, Terrelle Pryor and more

Brandon Jennings: As it looks as if the NBA will be in a lockout even into the regular season, Brandon Jennings doesn't let this fact from keeping him away from the court as he hosts a basketball camp for youths.  He even has the time to make a playful jab at Kobe Bryant. 

Lolo Jones: The American track and field athlete recently underwent spinal surgery, and her doctors report that it went perfectly.  Single-lady Jones also talks about a speed-dating episode put on by ESPN, check out the full story here.

Jon Vilma: The recent scandal in the Miami Hurricane football program, revolving around a previous Miami booster Nevin Shapiro, has resulted in a surfacing of a picture of John Vilma with Nevin Shapiro. Shapiro claims he provided Hurricanes players with cash, cars and other gifts.  See how Vilma has responded and why he believes it’s “unnecessary” to go back and forth with someone who is currently incarcerated.

Terrelle Pryor: After an investigation by the NFL into the Ohio States memorabilia-for-cash scandal, 
Pryor will be able to enter the supplemental draft and hopefully achieve his dream in playing in the NFL.  However, the NFL suspended him for the first five games, a move which some NFL players deem unfair.

Ray Lewis: At the age of 36, veteran linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens promises to retire if his team wins the Super Bowl.

Helio Castroneves: Congrats to Castroneves for his 200^th race with team Penske; a ceremony was held last Sunday before racing in the IZOD Indycar series at Hampshire Motor Speedway last Sunday.

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo shrugs off David Stern's warning of impending NBA lockout, Brandon Jennings' Black Ice Shoes by Under Armour debut Saturday, Donovan McNabb to have homecoming this Sunday in Chicago and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: Mike Petraglia of WEEI Sports blog writes that Rajon Rondo did not care much about David Stern's recent comments about the NBA lockout. The Commissioner wants to cut player salaries by 1/3rd to save between $750 million - $800 million. "I'm preparing for like there this is one [lockout]. I'm saving a lot of money this year. I'm saving a lot on my car insurance too, Geico," mentioned Rondo with a smirk. RR can afford to be nonchalant about the possible lockout because he's guaranteed over $9 million this season.

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center is expected to play in today's final pre-season game against the Dallas Mavericks. 

• GREG ODEN: "Broken, not beaten, Oden vows to return strong" via Marc Spears of Yahoo!Sports. Click here to read the article. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: The wait is over---Young Buck's "Black Ice" kicks by Under Armour hits store shelves tomorrow, October 23, 2010. Support Jennings and cop a pair of the Fly, Blur, Lite or Black Ice. Check out pics of the shoes here.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Jason Reid of The Washington Post writes that the Redskin's game against the Bears will be a homecoming for McNabb and Coach Shanahan who both originate from the Chi-town. DM5 played QB at Mount Carmel High School, which is just 5 miles from Soldier Field. "As a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, McNabb played at Soldier Field five times, going 4-1 against the Bears."

• JONATHAN VILMA: Read Jonathan Vilma's Journal about the Saints win over the Tampa Bay Bucs. This Sunday, JV and Company host Rookie QB, Colt McCoy and the Cleveland Browns. 

• OSI UMENYIORA: Thomas George of FanHouse titles his story "More Focused, Determined Osi Umenyiora Lets His Play Do the Talking." Click here to read the article.

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Marshall Pruett of SPEEDTV writes that Castroneves accidently crashed into the wall at turn 11 during practice at Surfer's Paradise. Helio was reported to be OK but a little embarrassed about the crash.

Playmaker Roundup: Ray Lewis dislikes NFL's crackdown on defensive tackling, Osi Umenyiora continues to remain humble regarding seven sacks in three games, Steve Nash and PHX Suns have first losing pre-season since 2003 and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAY LEWIS: Gary Graves of USA Today wrote that Ray Lewis thinks the NFL's crackdown on defensive hits is counter-productive and will cause the League to become diluted with mediocre play. "My opinion is, play the game like the game like it is supposed to be played and whatever happens, happens," Lewis said Wednesday, a day after the NFL fined three players for violent hits, including one by New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather who lit up teammate Todd Heap on Sunday.  If the NFL chooses to ride this slippery slope, highly passionate defensive players like Ray Lewis, who play at 100 % every time will be affected---mostly likely monetarily.  

• OSI UMENYIORA: OU recently told ESPN that nothing has changed about his work ethic and that his surgically repaired knee feels 100% rejuvenated. Umenyiora has amassed over seven tackles in the last three games. Still, Osi isn't gloating over his success. "A sack is nothing but a tackle for a loss," Umenyiora said. "That is all it is, a glorified tackle for a loss. But if you are able to get the ball out and force a turnover, it puts the offense in position to really help the team win, and that is really where my focus is."

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center is still a little concerned about his surgically repaired knee. "It's still a little bit (of a concern for) me, honestly," Yao said. "I get into (physical situations with) a lot of guys in a small area. I'm a little bit afraid people will step on me or I will jump in the air to try to get a rebound and land on somebody. That gives me a little to worry about. That goes slightly away day-by-day."

• RAJON RONDO: Coach Doc Rivers recently stressed the fact this his PG needs to reach the free throw line more---at least 7 to 8 times per game. Rondo shot 2 for 4 from the line against the Knicks last week; and did not shoot any free throws last night in Boston's final pre-season game win against the NJ Nets. Rondo only shot  62% percent from the line last year---a stat he must improve to be considered an all-around PG. 

• STEVE NASH: The PHX Sun's PG dropped 16 points along with Robin Lopez who accounted for 14 points and 10 boards to propel the Suns to a 92-87 win over the Golden State Warriors, Tuesday. The PHX Suns move to (2-5) in pre-season; their first losing pre-season since 2003, according to USA Today.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Milwaukee basketball is back on the map because of the realest PG in the NBA---Brandon Jennings. After starting every game last season, winning Rookie of the Month four times, and becoming the youngest to score more than 50 points, Young Buck is anxious to do work this season. "Last year was amazing," Jennings said. "I worked hard to try to be the best every night. The biggest thing I learned was how to win, and now I want to improve on that." 

• HELIO CASTRONVES: Throwback video---Helio Castroneves wins the 2009 Indy 500; see the Brazilian Spiderman climb the fence. 

 

Playmaker Roundup: Donovan McNabb and Redskins beat Eagles, Osi Umenyiora and Giants' defense overpower the Chicago Bears, Yao Ming is ready for NBA pre-season debut on Tuesday and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 returned to the city that he once played 11 seasons in---Philadelphia, Pennsyvania. In front of 69,144 at Lincoln Financial Field, McNabb and the Eagles grabbed the 'W' to return to 2-2 over the Michael Vick-less Eagles. Eagles' fans chose not to boo McNabb during the player introductions, instead giving him a standing ovation before the game---a touch of class unexpected. McNabb passed for 125 yards, including a 31 yard TD pass to TE, Chris Cooley. McNabb maintained his professionalism during the post-game interview but mentioned that the Eagles' organization made a mistake by trading him prematurely.  The Redskins play the Eagles again on November 15th. Click here to see video of Donovan McNabb's introduction.

• OSI UMENYIORA: OU and the Giants' defense swarmed the Chicago offense all night, as New York beat Chicago Sunday night, 17-3. The Giants' D recored a mind-boggling 10 sacks; Umenyiora had 3 of those sacks making him the team leader with four sacks for the season thus far. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: The New Orleans Saints escaped a close one against the North Carolina Panthers, winning 16 to 14 on Sunday. "It wasn't perfect but it's a good win," mentioned Coach Sean Payton. 

• RAY LEWIS: QB Joe Flacco threw a nice pass to the corner of the end zone to hit WR TJ Houshmandzadeh to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 17-14. Ray Lewis halted any sings of a Steelers comeback late in the fourth by picking off back-up QB Charlie Batch's pass. The Raves improved to 3-1, overall. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Throwback vid---Young Buck shows NBA Fit how he stays in shape during the NBA off season. 

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center expects to play in Tuesday's pre-season opener against the Orlando Magic in Hidalgo, Texas.

• GREG ODEN: The Portland Trailblazer's center doesn't seem to think he's a "bust" just yet. "I've never really had enough time to play and actually improve...But I've prepared myself all summer to be an All Star..." Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk thinks it's too early to call Greg Oden the b-word; I agree.

• STEVE NASH: Matt Janning, a 6-foot-5 guard from Northeastern University is the likely candidate and (fan favorite) to land the back-up guard position on the PHX Suns. Janning is slated to be a great combo-guard; he's put in two impressive seasons in the NBA's Development League. 

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Team Penske's Brazilian driver finished 5th at the IZOD IRL 300 over the weekend. 

Playmaker Roundup: Jonathan Vilma and Saints lose to the ATL Falcons in OT, Greg Oden to miss Blazer's opening game, Brandon Jennings has customized Under Armour cake at his 21st Bday party and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• JONATHAN VILMA: The New Orleans Saints lost their first game in OT against the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, 27-24 @ the Superdome. Despite Saints' kicker, Garret Hartley's missed kick to win, the Falcons were able to keep Drew Brees' offense on the sidelines throughout the game. As a result, Vilma and his Saint's 'D' looked gassed as Matt Ryan was able to air it out---including a TD connect with WR Roddy White; RB Michael Turner also ran for over 111 yards. "We have to improve on our third down stops," mentioned Vilma during the post-game interview. The Saints will be ready for the Falcons again when they meet up for Monday Night Football in December.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 did not look sharp as the Redskins went down in flames to the St. Louis Rams 30-16. The Rams dominated the Redskins' offense as McNabb and Co. were forced into three-and-outs all game long. I'm pretty sure McNabb will be preparing intensely this week as he'll be traveling to Philly to play his former team, Mike Vick's Eagles (who sit atop of the division) this Sunday.

• OSI UMENYIORA: The NY Giants lost an ugly one to the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 29-10 @ the New Meadowland's Stadium. Mike Vaccaro of The NY Post writes that it's ironic that the Giants "gained 200 yards and possessed the ball three minutes longer than the Titans and still manged to lose by two touchdowns, two, two-point conversions, and a field goal." The Giants are currently 1-2 for the season.

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 and Co. snagged the 'W' over the Browns, 27-17 @ home. The win, however, came with the injury of Ravens' RB Ray Rice who has been diagnosed with a contusion to his knee.  Lewis recorded 3 tackles and 4 assisted tackles. The Ravens are 2-1 for the season and play the Steelers next Sunday.

• STEVE NASH: Randy Hill of FoxSports Arizona writes that two-time MVP, Steve Nash, is the PHX Sun's last hope to remain relevant. This upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season will be Nash's 15th year in the League and according to Steve, he "doesn't expect any dip in his performance." PHX Sun's coach, Alvin Gentry, (who recently signed a 1 year contract extension) backs up Nash's claims for consistent play. However, Gentry mentions that the Suns will have to create new ways to grab boards (rebounds) as S.T.A.T. aka Amare Stoudemire now plays for the NY Knicks.

• RAJON RONDO: Jim Fenton of GateHouse News writes that Rajon Rondo looks ready to build on a breakout season. Teammate, Paul Pierce recently mentioned that Rondo's understanding of the game and his ability to run the point is awe-inspiring. Last season, Rondo was voted to his first All Star game, made the League's all defensive first team and was voted fifth for the defensive player of the year. RR's five-year, $55-million dollar contract kicks in this season. With all this hype around the Miami Heat, don't sleep on the Boston Celtics.

• GREG ODEN: The Blazer's center recently told reporters at Portland's media day that he won't be present on opening day and that he's still experiencing pain in his surgically repaired knee. 

• YAO MING: Fran Blinebury of NBA.com writes that time is running out for the Houston Rockets and their playoff hopes as an aging Yao Ming will be limited to 24 minutes per game this season. The Rockets finished a measly 42-40 and missed the playoffs last season. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Trent Kerby of Yahoo! Sports recently wrote that Brandon Jennings' 21st bday party in LA over the weekend popped off. Click here to read the article and view pics of Young Buck's "Black Ice" Under Armour Shoe cake.

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo hosts Red Bull King of the Rock Tournament on Alcatraz, Jonathan Vilma and Saints beat Niners in MNF, Helio Castroneves wins Indy Japan 300 and more...

 

         Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: San Francisco, California: Two full length basketball courts, Alcatraz Island, Red Bull flowin' and one Champion of The Rock crowned...
• No basketball tournament has ever been played on The Rock aka Alcatraz until Saturday, September 18th, 2010. The Red Bull "King of the Rock" Basketball Tournament hosted by the one-and-only Rajon Rondo was a smashing success. Red Bull provided myself and family/friends of the 64 ballers with unlimited Red Bull energy drinks, a brief tour of Alcatraz prison and pure basketball entertainment on The Yard---the infamous hang-out spot reserved only for America's baddest mob bosses. 64 ball players from all over the nation, from NY to SF were represented. 8:30pm, the event kicked off with the first set of 5 minute one-on-one single elimination rounds. Two exciting hours later, 6'3, 25 year-old, Isaiah "Clutch" Bowman lifted up the trophy presented by Rajon Rondo as the Champion of The Rock and $10,000! Look for the Red Bull King of the Rock Tournament next year as the event will be opened up to ballers nationally and internationally. 
• Shout out to Red Bull, BDA Sports, Rajon Rondo and Playmaker Mobile for making this event possible. For more pics from the King of the Rock event check out Rondo's fan page album. Click here.

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• JONATHAN VILMA: The Saints beat the San Fransisco 49ers in a close one, 25-22, spoiling Jerry Rice's homecoming/jersey retirement game in the process. Vilma and the Saints defense pressured Alex Smith all game and were instrumental in making sure he threw two costly picks in the game. Vilma had seven tackles and one QB hit. The Saints move to 2-0 in the quest to make back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. 

• RAY LEWIS: The Ravens received their first 'L' yesterday against the Cincinnati Bengals, 15-10. According to PlayerPress.com, Ray Lewis was vocal about the fact that Quarterbacks in the NFL get too much protection from Refs. Lewis was flagged for a late hit against QB Carson Palmer but replays clearly showed that he tripped into Palmer by accident. Still, the Bengals capitalized on the next drive to secure the win. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 and the Redskins lost a close one to the Texans, 30-27, in a game that racked up over a thousand yards of pure offense. McNabb looked solid as he hit 28 out of 38 passes for 426 yards and 1 TD. 

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: Robinson saw his first action as a Seattle Seahawk, rushing for a limited 15 yards. Seattle did not win against Denver (31-14).

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Helio took first place at the Indy Japan 300, Twin Ring Motegi on Sunday. Castroneves led for an outstanding 153 out 200 laps. This victory marks Helio's third IZOD IndyCar series win.

• STEVE NASH: Mike Schmitz of Valley of the Suns writes that although Nash is one of the best PG's in the NBA he must work on his on-ball defense in order to protect against the dribble-drive. Click here to read more. 

Playmaker Roundup: Saints beat Vikings in 2010 NFL Season Opener, Osi Umenyiora may start in Sunday's game, Jeremy Lin slated to be the next Steve Nash and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• JONATHAN VILMA: In a move many Saints' fans did not expect, JV played significant minutes in the 2010 NFL Season opener against the Vikings. Vilma even intercepted a pass from Brett Favre in the first half of the game. The Saints beat old-man Brett Favre and the Vikings, 14 to 9.

• RAY LEWIS: RL goes in on the Jets and Rex Ryan calling NY the Miami Heat and the Ravens the LA Lakers. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck recently told the media that he wouldn't mind playing with Stephen Curry, Blake Griffin and/or Tyreke Evans in the near future.

• OSI UMENYIORA: There's a 50/50 chance, OU could start in the Giants' game this Sunday.

• STEVE NASH: Casey Mack of DIME Magazine writes that Golden State Warriors' guard, Jeremy Lin is the next Steve Nash.

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: On today's IZOD Blog, Helio Castroneves talks about how he uses the online world, upcoming changes to his site, blooper videos and more.

• GREG ODEN: Jeff Ma, Trail Blazer's consultant and author of his new book, "The House Advantage: Playing the Odds to Win in Big Business" says he wouldn't have drafted Greg Oden. 

• RAJON RONDO: Zach Lowe of the Celtics Hub asks whether Rajon Rondo is the unquestioned MVP of the Boston Celtics.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Truth and Rumors---NFL's Fan Nation ask "Would the Vikings turn to McNabb in 2011?"

Playmaker Roundup: Michael Robinson cut from 49ers and picked up by Seahawks, Lolo Jones takes second at IAAF Championships, Jonathan Vilma named Saints' Captain and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: In case you haven't heard, Michael Robinson did not make the 49ers 53-man roster. Coach Singletary, instead chose to roll with up and coming rookie, Anthony Dixon and newly acquired Brian Westbrook as the backup-backs to Frank Gore. The 49ers signed Robinson in 2006 in the 4th round. Robinson rushed for 289 yards and caught 43 passes. The 49ers will most likely miss his leadership on and off the field.

         *UPDATED: Michael Robinson has been acquired by 49ers' division rival,

          Seattle Seahawks.

 

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: The Brazilian race car driver grabbed first place at the IndyCar Series' Kentucky Indy 300 on Saturday. Somehow, Castroneves managed to run the last 53 laps of the race on one tank of gas. This victory marks Helio's second official victory of the season. 

• LOLO JONES: LJ took second place at the IAAF Championships during the weekend in Croatia. The winner is Australian, Sally Pearson, who posted a time of 12.65 seconds; Jones finished a hair length behind with a time of 12.66 seconds. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV was recently voted Captain by his teammates. Congrats Vilma! The Saints and Vikings meet this Thursday for the NFL's 2010-11 seasoner opener. If you're not a fan of Vilma's Facebook page, click here.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 participated in the Redskin's 20 minute practice today, which was open to the media. McNabb is looking to start against the Cowboys next Sunday. 

• STEVE NASH: Throwback---NBA fans on RealGM.com discuss whether Steve Nash is the greatest shooter of all time.

• YAO MING: Matt Moore of CBS Sports asks whether the Houston Rockets will be able to "jell" as one-unit this upcoming NBA season. Yao Ming will be returning to a Rockets team that is a different look from the 2008 version. 

• RAY LEWIS: According to USA Today, B-More's team leader, Ray Lewis, personally recruited former Seahawk's WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh to the Ravens. Lewis told Houshmandzadeh that if he wanted to compete for a Championship contender, join the Ravens organization---and T.J. did just that, today. QB Joey Flacco now has a great core of WR's to throw to; including, Boldin, Mason and now Houshmandzadeh.

• Contest: Win Saints/Vikings tickets and meet Jon Vilma. Hurry contest ends today, September 6th @ Midnight!

Playmaker Roundup: Donovan McNabb will sit out against Jets, Brandon Jennings makes awesome alley-oop to John Wall, Yao Ming ready to play NBA season and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 will sit out Friday's exhibition game against the New York Jets to rest from his foot injury. McNabb will provide backup QB, Rex Grossman, with play call and Jets defensive analysis from the sidelines.

BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck dished out a nice behind-the-back assist to the NBA's 2010 #1 pick, John Wall, last night in Boost Mobile's Elite 24 midnight run in LA. See the video here.

OSI UMENYIORA: Ralph Vacchiano of the NY Daily News reports that Giants' Defensive Coordinator, Perry Fewell, is currently using defensive packages to get Osi Umenyiora and Mathias Kiwanuka on the field at the same time. You may recall that Osi and Mathias are still competing for the starting spot on D but the Giants' lack of pass-rushing in pre-season has Fewell tinkering with his play book to allow his two stars to play together.

STEVE NASH: Austin Burton of DIME Magazine recently wrote that Arkansas Razorback, Rotnei Clarke, patterns his game after the best PG in the NBA, Steve Nash. Clarke is one of the best outside shooters in the country and he's a candidate for All-SEC.

HELIO CASTRONEVES: Throwback---HC sits down with Forbes.com Jim Clash. See video here.

YAO MING: According to the Associated Press, Yao Ming is confident he will be ready to play this upcoming NBA season. *Cross fingers.*

RAJON RONDO: HoopsVibeNews.com writes that Rondo's 'poor outside range and inconsistent free-throw shooting' would have been a liability for Team USA. Agree or disagree?

GREG ODEN: Same comment, different day. New Trail Blazer's GM, Rich Cho, recently addressed 1080 AM The Fan stating that Greg Oden's knee is making progress, however no timeline is set for his return on the court.

Playmaker Roundup: Earl Boykins rejoins Bucks, Helio Castroneves finishes third in Sonoma, Rajon Rondo sits out during Team USA's win over Spain and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

BRANDON JENNINGS: The Milwaukee Bucks recently signed veteran guard Earl Boykins to a one-year $1.35 million dollar deal. The 5'5 Boykins will join Jennings and Keyon Dooling to form the Bucks' trio at PG. Boykins played with the Bucks during 2006-2007 season.

GREG ODEN: Art Garcia writes that this upcoming season is crucial to Greg Oden in establishing his future in the NBA.

RAY LEWIS: From creating a workout plan to starring on Sports Science, Ray Lewis has done it all. Add real estate guru to that list. Lewis has formed the RL52 Realty company that will be a commercial real estate advisory firm stationed in the South Florida market. 

OSI UMENYIORA: Ernie Polladino questions whether Osi has made the necessary improvements to be an adequate run-stopper and three-down lineman. Umenyiora made a great stop in the first quarter against the Raiders' Rashard Mendenhall in pre-season. 

LOLO JONES: According to DesMoinesRegister.com Jones finished sixth in the Women's 100 meter hurdles in 12.90 seconds at the ISTAF World Challenge in Berlin on Sunday.

RAJON RONDO: RR takes 'em back to school. See Rondo's cameo in the new Foot Locker commercial. In another note, Rondo did not see action in Team USA's thrilling win against Spain, Sunday. Rondo will be alright though; he's earned the trust of Coach K, according to Alan Siegel of The Hub.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: SF Gate writes that Robinson continues to excel. Robinson straight blasted a defender on the opening kickoff and then made a nice tackle along with Reggie Smith on the first punt return. The 49ers beat the Vikings, 15-10, bringing their record to 2-0 in the preseason. 

HELIO CASTRONEVES: Will Powers won the IZOD Grand Prix at Sonoma on Sunday. Castroneves finished in third place.

JONATHAN VILMA: The Saints beat the Texans, 38-20.

DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 wore a walking boot to practice Monday morning after suffering an injury in Sunday's game against the Ravens. McNabb expects to be fine. The Redskins will probably sit him during their next preseason game against the Jets, Friday night.