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Playmaker Roundup Super Bowl XLV Edition: Kevin Love replaces Yao Ming in 2011 NBA All-Star game, Steve Nash snubbed as All-Star, Osi Umenyiora talks Super Bowl weekend and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• Don't forget to watch Super Bowl XLV, this Sunday, 6:30 pm EST on FOX. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers. EA Sports/Madden 2011 is picking the Steelers. Who are you picking? Should be a great game!

• YAO MING: NBA Commissioner David Stern selected Minnesota Timberwolves' forward Kevin Love as Yao Ming's replacement in the 2011 NBA All-Star game. Love is currently leading the League in rebounds, averaging 15.5. boards per game. 

• STEVE NASH: The PHX Sun's PG did not make the 2011 NBA All-Star roster. Instead, Russel Westbrook of the OKC Thunder will be making his first appearance in the star-studded game. Even though Nash is the leading scorer on his team, the Sun's overall record blocked Nash's chances of making it to L.A. 

• RAJON RONDO: Ross Coleman of Bleacher Report has Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo and the Top 25 Dimes of the Season so far. Meanwhile, the C's fell to Dallas, 101 to 97. RR recorded 12 assists, including 4 steals and a turnover. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck made the starting rotation on Thursday against the Warriors but failed to make an impact in only 24 minutes of playing time. Jennings went 1 for 6 of shooting for two points and 6 assists. The Bucks lost to Golden State, 100 to 94.

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV wrote on his Facebook that he's in Florida for SuperBowl weekend; choosing to by-pass all the cold weather in Texas. Wish I could venture out to Florida but California has nice weather too, so can't complain.

• RAY LEWIS: According to Raven's Insider there is no truth to the rumor about Baltimore offering Lewis a financial package to bring forth retirement. RL52, has already mentioned that he will be back for another season.

• OSI UMENYIORA: O.U.  was featured on ESPN discussing this weekend's SuperBowl and the Giants' 2010-11 season. Click here to view the video.

• HELIO CASTRONEVES: Penske racing recently announced the extension of a multi-year partnership with PPG Industries and Guidepoint Systems. Both companies will serve as primary and associate sponsors on the cars driven by Castroneves and teammate Ryan Briscoe. 

Playmaker Roundup: Brandon Jennings voted to the 2011 NBA Frosh/Soph game, E.J. Henderson and Jonathan Vilma have mix-up at the Pro-Bowl, Rondo and C's barely escape the Sacramento Kings and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck returned to action over the weekend; Sekou Smith of NBA Hang Time blog writes that Jennings is not satisfied with his current playing time. Jennings is on limited playing time (11 to 20 minutes) because the Bucks want to make sure their star player remains healthy. On top of that, Earl Boykins and Dooling have been doing a decent job at point; coach Scott Skiles doesn't want to rush things.
• On another note, congratulations to Jennings who was voted to the 2011 NBA Frosh/Soph game. Last year, B.J. recorded 22 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.

• STEVE NASH: Steve Hawkins of Bleacher Report writes that if Carmelo Anthony stays with Denver, then Nash could be the next big-name free agent that is traded. The PHX Suns probably won't make the playoffs and are in the re-building stage, so keeping Nash does not make any sense. Steve Nash turns 37 years old in five days and wants to play on a championship contender; LA or Miami may be interested. We'll keep you up-to-date.

• YAO MING: Jessey Dorsey of Bleacher Report has the top 10 Players who should replace the Rocket's center in the 2011 NBA All Star game. Hey Mr. Stern...how about subbing in Blake Griffin? Click here to read the article.

• RAJON RONDO: RR and the Celtics almost lost to one of the weakest teams in the NBA, the Sacramento Kings, yesterday. Rondo did his part however; scored 17 points, including 10 assists, and 4 steals. The Celtics squeezed out of Sac with a 95-90 victory. 

• YAO MING: Jessey Dorsey of Bleacher Report has the top 10 Players who should replace the Rocket's center in the 2011 NBA All Star game. Hey Mr. Stern...how about subbing in Blake Griffin? Click here to read the article.

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 wants the NFL Pro-Bowl to remain in Hawaii. The Pro-Bowl will be hosted in Hawaii in 2012; beyond that, remains to unanswered.

• JONATHAN VILMA: The Viking's E.J. Henderson was given a paycheck and free travel to Hawaii to ride the bench at the Pro-Bowl after New Orleans Saints' Jonathan Vilma confirmed he couldn't attend due to personal issues. JV ended up playing in the Pro-Bowl, as the replacement, Henderson looked on from the sidelines. But don't get too sad for Henderson, who recently received a $45,000 check, a sum alloted to the winning team. The NFC beat up on the AFC with the final score of 55-41.

• OSI UMENYIORA: Throwback video of O.U. working out with the legendary and comedic Chuck Smith. Click here to view the video.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 will be providing ESPN with a guest analysis this week. McNabb took the time to address the media, stating that he's still a Redskin and will be working out extra hard this off-season to become a starter. 

Playmaker Roundup: Tyson Chandler has no compassion for Yao Ming, Brandon Jennings' return is pushed back, Ray Lewis and Jonathan Vilma prepare for the NFL Pro Bowl and more...

           Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• YAO MING: Star-Telegram recently interviewed Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler who showed no compassion towards Yao Ming and his injured foot. Chandler stated that he'll miss going toe-to-toe with the Rocket's center (who is out for the season) with a stress fracture in his left ankle. Yao has already missed 133 games over the past four seasons. The Rockets (22-25) play the Mavs (29-15), Thursday night.

• STEVE NASH: The Sun's PG recorded 27 points, 5 rebounds, 15 assists, 1 steal and 4 three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to the Bobcats, 114-107. The Suns are a dismal 20-24 overall.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck is still recovering from his foot injury. According to team doctors, Jennings is likely to play next Monday; it's been exactly 6 weeks since he went down. Keyon Dooling will continue to play the point. Wednesday, Milwaukee lost a close one falling to the Bulls, 98-90. The Bucks are 17-26 overall.

• RAJON RONDO: Greg Payne of ESPN Boston writes that Rondo is essential to the Celtic's plan for a return to the NBA Championship game. RR currently leads the League in assists, averaging 12.9 per game. The Celtics stand atop of their division with a record of 34-10 for the season.

• GREG ODEN: Oden comes in at #9 for NESN's "Top 10 Injury Prone Big Men in NBA History." 

• OSI UMENYIORA: Chris Snee, Justin Tuck and OU were recently voted as second-team selections for the Associated Press 2010 NFL All-Pro Team.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Adam Lazarus of Bleacher Report writes an article titled "10 Reasons Retirement Is His Best Option." Click here to read the article. Personally, McNabb is far from done. Hey McNabb, the Niners are looking for a QB...interested?

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 is relaxing in Honolulu, awaiting the NFL Pro Browl. Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald writes an interesting piece about Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo and Ray Lewis. Mayo (who is making his first Pro Bowl appearance) is eager to meet the most dominant MLB in the League in Ray Lewis. Click here to read the article.

• JONATHAN VILMA: Like Ray Lewis, JV is kicking back on the beaches in Hawaii, until the start of the Pro Bowl, which begins this Sunday. Vilma was voted into the Pro Bowl to replace MLB Patrick Willis who is out with injury. 

Playmaker Roundup---Post Thanksgiving Edition: Umenyiora and Tuck motivate the Giants with half-time speech, Ray Lewis hands out over 800 turkeys to B-more families, Jennings drops 27 points against the Jazz in loss and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• OSI UMENYIORA: According to The Trentonian Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora gave their team a emotionally-charged pep talk during half-time that sparked the Defense, who eventually plugged the the Jaguars' offensive assault for the 'W' (24-20). The win gave the G-Men control of their own play-off destiny, as they now share first place in the NFC East with the Eagles. 

• RAY LEWIS: The Baltimore Sun recently wrote that RL52 helped families in need by personally handing out 800 turkeys for Thanksgiving in West Baltimore. Much respect. On another note, Lewis recorded 12 tackles on Sunday as the Ravens beat the Tampa Bay Bucs, 17-10 for their eight straight home win. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: The Minnesota Vikings gave interim coach Leslie Frazier his first win as his team held McNabb to 211 yards passing and sacked him four times.

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV recorded 11 tackles in the Saints' Thanksgiving day victory over the struggling Dallas Cowboys, 30-27.

• RAJON RONDO: RR plans to play as many minutes as coach Doc Rivers will allow. Rondo is currently dealing with Plantar Fascilitis ( a chronic foot condition) and recovering from a left hamstring injury. The Celtics (12-4) play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. 

• YAO MING: According to Hoopsworld.com, Yao looks ready to return to the court. Ming sustained another foot injury only 5 games into the season. The Rockets will need his help in challenging the Lakers for Western conference supremacy. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck dropped a nice 27 points along with two rebounds, four assists and three steals in Milwaukee's lost to the Utah Jazz, 109-88. On another note, check out Jennings' new signature watch made by Meister. 

• STEVE NASH: According to FanHouse Nash is not concerned about the trade talks and just wants to win. The Suns lost again...this time to the Nuggets 138-133 on Monday, dropping them to a dismal 8-9, overall. 

• LOLO JONES: Throwback Video---Lolo Jones blowing away the competition during the Women's 100 meter hurdles Finals at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Click here.

Playmaker Roundup---Q&A---VILMA EDITION: #51 is ready for some R&R before putting the hurt on the Seahawks and more...

• Interview conducted by Dewey Hammond, Playmaker Correspondent
• Written by Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

Tuesday, November 9, 2010: PlaymakerMobile.com talked with middle line backer and Saints’ defensive leader, Jonathan Vilma, to ask about his vacation plans for bye week, Saints defensive domination over the Panthers, and the upcoming game against Pete Carrol, Matt Hasselbeck, Marshwan Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks. 

Playmaker: I know you’re excited for your bye week; I know you’re a Miami guy, so my first question is not about football but basketball. Everybody thought Lebron and the Heat would just roll over everybody this season and it’s your New Orleans Hornets that are sitting at (7-0), while the Heat are at (5-3), barely above .500. Are you surprised that Lebron didn’t come out with a better initial showing in his new hometown?

Vilma: You know what…I can’t say yes or no; just the fact that you have three really talented players on that young team. At the end of the day, the NBA is full of talent and full of competitors, so each night they’re going to have to go out and prove themselves. No one’s going to bow down to them or concede victory for them; they’re going to have to go out there and prove it. Being a professional athlete, you have to get your mind right every time you step on the field and the court---so that’s what the Heat are going to have to do.

Playmaker: I know that you’re so busy with your own team; given that you’re so busy watching film you normally don’t get a chance to watch a lot of other teams in the NFL. It is your bye week and your division rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, are playing Baltimore tomorrow night. It ATL loses that game you’ll be tied for first place. Is that a game that you’ll watch?

Vilma: I guess I would tune in. I didn’t even know they were playing tomorrow night but thanks for telling me. Yea, I’ll definitely tune-in to watch. I love watching my Miami guys, so I’ll watch Ed, Willis McGahee and Ray Lewis. I’m a football fan at heart, so I like watching big games.

Playmaker: You know when people think of “The U” they think of guys like you and the three you’ve just mentioned: Ed Reed, Willis McGahee and of course Ray Lewis but there’s another guy from “The U” that joined your team this year, rookie tight end, Jimmy Graham, that got his first NFL touchdown following Jeremy Shockey’s rib injury. What did you say to Jimmy after he got his first score?

Vilma: I congratulated him; he deserved it. He’s been working hard. It was a matter of time; you can’t hide talent. He’s a confident guy and he’s going to make more and more touchdowns.

Playmaker: And it was also a matter of time since your defense scored its first touchdown of the season; you had five of them last year. This past Sunday you guys scored your first touchdown on defense. Did you guys feel a little bit of relief?

Vilma: Well you know the turnovers are helping. We’re starting to get the turnovers in bunches; that’s what really felt good---the touchdown was icing on the cake. We just got to keep getting turnovers every game; we had two the last game, we just got to keep it going…

Playmaker: Now games like you said regarding the NBA are not won on paper, they’re not won on paper in the NFL or any professional sport. Statistics really don’t mean that much. They don’t matter in the playoffs; they’re not going to get you a ring but it would have to feel pretty good knowing that the New Orleans Saints have the number one pass defense in the NFL.

Vilma: Well, it does feel good but as you said statistics never really get you anywhere because you have to show up on Sundays. What it does do is let other teams and your team know that you are doing something right. If your number one in the League, your number one for a reason. We are number one for a reason; it didn’t happen by chance or luck. At the same time, we understand that each week they’re going to test that to see if we deserve to be number one and we have to be ready for it.

Playmaker: Now you’ve got the bye week coming up this week; what are your plans for the bye week? Anything cool?

Vilma: Nope. A lot of rest and a lot of relaxation. It’s been a long-long week since the start of the season and so I’ve got to get mentally and physically ready for the back-stretch.

Playmaker: So you’re going to be playing the Seattle Seahawks at home; Pete Caroll’s team. You know Pete Caroll is obviously coming from USC. I worked with a couple linebackers from USC over the past few years and they like to call themselves “LBU” for “Linebacker University.” I know you and I discussed this before and you’ve taken issue with it but is it going to feel extra good coming out of that Seattle game with a victory knowing Pete Caroll and USC are over there on the sideline?

Vilma: No…I won’t take it that far. I don’t really know the guy or his guys that dub themselves “Linebacker University” over at USC. I guess when I go up there, I’ll let ‘em know what a real linebacker is down here in Miami. But going against Seattle will be an important game for us to get a win in the NFC.

Playmaker: Well, once you get through Seattle, once you get through Dallas, you’ll get the chance to go up against Keith Rivers at Cincinnati, but sticking to Seattle what do you see in that offense? Do you see anything in that offense that threatens you? Statistically, they’ve struggled this season.

Vilma: No, I haven’t seen anything; haven’t watched them yet---couldn’t tell you.

Playmaker: Statistically when I look at their offense, from an avid fan’s point-of-view, I see Matt Hasselbeck and he scares me slightly more than his wife does on “The View," but he’s been in the League forever; he doesn’t seem like he has too many years left. One guy that is kind of interesting though is Marshawn Lynch. He had a really rough start in Buffalo both off the field and on the field, he’s suffered some injuries. Of course when Fred Jackson started to produce and they got C.J. Spiller they dumped him off to Seattle. You’ve had a great career in New York but you know what it’s like to sort of switch scenery and what that can do for your mindset. So a guy like Lynch who was a bit of an outcast in Buffalo, didn’t necessarily live up to the promise of a top 15 draft pick. Now he has that change of scenery; what does it do to your mindset as an NFL player?

Vilma: It allows you to basically start over and re-focus yourself; get your priorities in order. It can go one or two ways. You can be the same-old you or you can be angry and upset you got traded; or you can you use it as motivation. You tell yourself that this is my time to really go hard; I start fresh and come ready to work. Hopefully, Marshawn sees this as a fresh start and will lead to him playing good ball.

Playmaker Roundup: Brandon Jennings thinks Charlie Villanueva's text was inappropriate, Ray Lewis dislikes Thursday NFL games, Steve Nash trade rumors heat up and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck, Coach Doc Rivers, Jeff Van Gundy and others think that Charlie Villlanueva's tweets should have been kept in-house. Apparently, Charlie V. mis-read Kevin Garnett's post-game comments about him being "cancerous" on the floor. Villanueva then took the mis-read comments to Twitter, notifying his followers that KG called him a "cancer patient." Whatever the case may be, cancer is no laughing matter and should never be exploited on such mediums as Twitter. Whatever happens on the court, needs to stay on the court. Period.

• RAJON RONDO: Paul Watcher of AOL News writes that Rondo played super-extra hard last night as Boston defeated the OKC Thunder last night, 92-83. You may recall that RR was left off Team USA's roster during the Summer in place of OKC's starting PG, Russell Westbrook. Rondo, recorded a double-double; 10 points and 10 rebounds, marking 82 assists in just 5 games! That's crazy good!

• GREG ODEN: The Trailblazers recently signed big-man Sean Marks to back-up Marcus Camby, while Oden and Joel Przybilla continue to heal from their injuries. 

• YAO MING: According to USAToday, should Yao Ming get off the clock? The Rockets are currently a dismal 0-4 as Ming is only allowed to play in 6 to 7 minute spurts. 

• STEVE NASH: According to Valley of the Suns blog, rumors are swirling that Nash may be traded soon. Mr. Nash is set to make a cool $22 mill; release of him would make room for the new era of Goran Dragic and Robin Lopez. We'll keep you updated. Meanwhile the added 19 points to the PHX Sun's win over the Hawks, 118-114 on Sunday.

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 recently mentioned to the Ravens Insider that he thinks 99% of NFL players dislike Thursday games. Baltimore plays their first Thursday night game against the Falcons this week; just four days after B-More's win against the Miami Dolphins. Many comments on the Ravens Insider blog affirm Lewis' opinion. The Ravens are favored over Atlanta but the Georgia Dome is always a hostile place to play---we'll see.

• JONATHAN VILMA: Panthers who? JV recorded 5 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles as the Saints routed North Carolina, 33-3 on Sunday. The win feels good for the Saints, who are on a 2-game winning streak, heading into the bye week.  If everything goes according to Coach Sean Payton's plans, we could see the return of Reggie Bush, Chris Ivory, Malcolm Jenkins and Darren Sharper, two weeks from now. We'll get Jonathan Vilma's thoughts, concerns and post-game analysis in the next few days.

• OSI UMENYIORA: According to The Wall Street Journal, Giants' DE, Osi Umenyiora was named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October. OU recorded off-the-chart numbers, including 18 tackles and seven sacks. Umenyiora is the first Giant DE to win this award since Michael Strahan back in 2001. OU downplayed his award, stating that it's all about teamwork; individual awards are secondary. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Things are still very 'icy' in DC between McNabb and coach Shanahan---who decided to bench Donovan in last week's loss to the Lions. Monday, DM5 did not speak to reporters but seemed visibly irked by the situation. McNabb, however, is looking to put things in the rear view mirror for now, as he prepares to host his former team, the Eagles this Sunday. The Redskins stand at 4-4 and are looking at a must-win to stay alive in their division.

Playmaker Q&A with Jonathan Vilma RE: Win against the Steelers, upcoming Panthers game, running back Chris Ivory, schedule preparation and more...

 

• Interview conducted by Dewey Hammond, Playmaker Correspondent
• Written by Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

Tuesday, November 02, 2010: PlaymakerMobile.com talked with middle line backer and Saints’ defensive leader, Jonathan Vilma, to ask about the Steelers game, upcoming Panthers game, Chris Ivory and more... 

• Playmaker: So how does the win feel against the Steelers? Tell me a little bit about the game against Pittsburgh.

• Vilma: That game was less about Pittsburg and more about us and getting back to what we do as a team. You know playing good defense, playing solid offense, protecting the football, getting turnovers is the goal. Regardless of whom the opponent is we thought we could get out there and play Saints football. It’ll be a challenge for anybody to play us; I thought we did a good job of that on Sunday. We were playing a very good opponent in the Steelers but we did a good job to get the victory.

• Playmaker: You’re in the top three in the League in passing defense---obviously very strong numbers. As the leader of that defense Jon have you continued to adjust throughout the season?

• Vilma:  Well we never rest on our past accomplishments. What we do is try to find ways to get to that number one spot. Not only get there but stay at that number one spot. We really take a hard look at ourselves. On the plays we don’t do so well during the game we find ways to practice them so that we can get better.

• Playmaker: Now you have one more game before the bye week playing the Carolina Panthers who are sitting at (1-6). Of course I don’t have to tell you that (1-6) is still a dangerous team because there are no bad teams in the NFL.  Carolina doesn’t pose much of a challenge as Pittsburg; however, what are you looking for regarding the Panther’s offense?

• Vilma: I’m looking for a very strong running game. Very explosive receiver in Steve smith; just a matter of giving him the ball to make plays. So it’s going to be another good but tough matchup because they’re in our division. They know us and we know them. Every time we play them it’s a close game, so we don’t expect a blow-out at all. We expect a tough game, a tough opponent and a tough out on Sunday.

• Playmaker: Now after the Carolina game you guys get a breather during your bye week. Do you have any plans for the bye week? Going anywhere special for vacation?

• Vilma: Naw, I think I’m just going to stay here. Relax and take a mental break; mental relaxation.

• Playmaker: When you get back from the bye week you have seven games remaining; three at home and four on the road. When you look at that schedule it seems pretty balanced between road and home games but when you look at your opponents, you have Seattle, St. Louis and Tampa bay at home; Dallas, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Atlanta on the road. I would be a little nervous going on the road. When you look at your schedule at the very beginning of the season do you look at how tough your road games are going to be towards the latter part of the season or is it something you don’t worry about?

• Vilma: No, to be honest, the only game I really look at when I start the season is that very first game to see who we’re playing in order to get prepared for them during the last two weeks of training camp. But I don’t really look at the schedule. Every time you go on the road it’s a tough out. You just got to lock in and do what we do.  I just worry about winning these games.

• Playmaker: You guys have had some injuries in the running game. You had a guy who has stepped it up, Chris Ivory--- not a house-hold name like Reggie Bush. But tell me about Ivory and what he brings to your offense.

• Vilma:  Chris brings a great balance of speed and power. When he gets in there he’s going to run hard. He likes to deliver the blows. I know he could break away from you. He had a great 76 yard touchdown pass just on a simple swing play that he broke for a long run so the guy is very dynamic in regards to his athleticism, speed and power. He’s pretty good.

• Playmaker: Now I haven’t followed the Panthers closely this season. Jonathan, is Jimmy Clausen still their starting QB?

• Vilma: No, I think they’re going back to Matt Moore. I’m assuming Clausen has been struggling. I don’t really know, haven’t watched too much film on him yet. 

• Playmaker: Now going out there with two quarterbacks, that can’t be good for team chemistry. You guys on the other hand have Drew Brees every week and I saw on your Twitter feed this week your response to the benching of Drew Brees in the Fantasy League. And when you look at the statistics and matchups on paper, Carolina doesn’t have the best pass defense. Do you put Brees back on your Fantasy starting roster this week?

• Vilma: Well, I’m not going to tell them anything because they didn’t listen to me last week. And so they’re definitely not going to listen to me this week…so that’s on them. I think you keep Brees up the whole season because any quarterback is going to go through rough patches and regardless of what it looks like on paper you got to play the game. I ‘m always going to be real confident that he’s going to get it done every week. So, if they bench him then that’s tough love. I’m not really talking to you.

• Playmaker: You have three losses on the season, halfway way through the season but you guys are only half a game out of first place. Those teams ahead of you, Atlanta and Tampa Bay have played one fewer game so you could argue you’re dead even for first place, despite your early struggles. Going into the second-half of the season it’s obviously a different mindset than last year with 4 or 5 games left in the season you knew you were going to be in the playoffs ---a certain sense of comfort. It’s a neck-and-neck race for the NFC South. How does that change your mindset going into the second-half of the season?

• Vilma: It doesn’t really change it too much because last year the only comfort was knowing that we were in the playoffs but at the same time we had a lot of pressure to go out and win because we were competing with Minnesota for that top spot. So you know there’s always pressure from different ways. Right now we can’t worry about being top seed, we’re not in that position but we’re working hard to get into that position.

• Playmaker: Jon you had a great against the Steelers. Any final words for Saints’ fans out there?

• Vilma: No, the play on the field says it all.

Playmaker Roundup: Brandon Jennings and Rajon Rondo go head-to-head as C's beat Bucks in OT, Ray Lewis offers encouraging words to Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma has successful fundraiser dinner and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: The battle of the two best NBA PG's went down today as BRANDON JENNINGS and RR went head-to-head. Milwaukee gave the Boston Celtics their money's worth but lost to the C's in OT, 105-102. According to Robbie Donoghue of Bleacher Report, both PG's struggled with turnovers in the first quarter; Rondo alone, had 6 turnovers. Nonetheless, Rajon Rondo put on a respectable fantasy basketball performnace, recording 17 points with 15 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Jennings finished the game with 13 points, including 4 assists and 3 rebounds despite being 5-13 shooting from the field. The C's are now (4-1) overall; the Bucks are now sitting at a disappointing (1-4). Looks like Rondo wins round 1.

• GREG ODEN: Mitch Lawrence of NewYorkDailyNews.com writes about the degrees of separation that lie between former Ohio State University teammates, Greg Oden and Mike Conley Jr. Conley, who has been virtually unstoppable this season, just received a $40 million dollar extension with Memphis. Meanwhile, the contract extension never came for Oden, who has been plagued by injuries. Oden has yet to play this season and no time table has been set for his return. 

• STEVE NASH: According to CBS5.com, media sites were buzzing as a story was leaked explaining that Nash was leaving the NBA for politics in Canada. Well, we can confirm with you that the story was a hoax. *Sigh of relief.*

• YAO MING: The Houston Rocket's center has a new teammate, veteran NBA baller, Eric Dampier to a one-year, $2 million dollar contract.

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV's fundraiser dinner for Haiti was a smashing success! Here's the update that Vilma posted on his Facebook on Tuesday:

• Jonathan Vilma i want to personally thank everyone who attended my fundraiser last night. it was a HUGE success as we raised almost $200,000!!! i can't say enough of how much it means to me to be a part of such a generous community and next year will be even better... Who Dat Baby!!

• OSI UMENYIORA: Benjamin C. Klein writes that the NY Giants should consider playing rookie DE, Jason Pierre-Paul more than Osi Umenyiora in order to preserve OU's effectiveness in the playoffs. Click here to read the rest of the article.

• RAY LEWIS: The Raven's MLB, recently offered some encouraging words to new Buffalo Bill's linebacker, Shawne Merriman, who was waived by the Chargers. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Larry Michael of The Washington Post writes that the media has over-hyped the benching of Donovan McNabb and it isn't that big of a deal. Click here to form your thoughts about his article.

Playmaker Roundup: Donovan McNabb benched in Redskin's lost to Detroit, Jonathan Vilma shuts it down in Saints' win over Steelers, Rajon Rondo wins Eastern Conference Player of the Week and more...

 

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Coach Mike Shanahan benched DM5 Sunday in the second half of the game due to "McNabb's weak cardiovascular system," when the Redskins were down by 6, late with two-minutes to go. Back-up, QB Rex Grossman was not effective; the Redskins lost to the Detroit Lions, 37-25. Michael Wilbon of ESPN and The Washington Post wrote that Coach Shanahan has so far publicly berated both his starting quarterback and defensive lineman in just a matter of months.

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV and the Saints answered Jerome Bettis's criticism Sunday, beating the Steelers, 20-10. Vilma recorded 8 combined tackles, including 2 assists and a 1 sack. Saints QB, had a great game as well, connecting for 20 of 22 passes in the 2nd half; complete with two fourth quarter touchdowns. After securing a much needed win, the Saints look to pounce on the one-win Panthers this Sunday. 

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: According to Rotoworld, M-Rob was inactive for Seattle's game against the Raiders. Seattle lost to the Raiders 33-3.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Milwaukee snagged their first win of the season, beating the Charlotte Bobcats, 98-80 on Saturday. Jennings recorded 20 points, including 10 rebounds and10 assists.  

• RAJON RONDO: Mike Petraglia of WEEI writes that Rajon Rondo won Eastern Player of the Week and the Celtic's Halloween costume contest. RR dressed up as Tiger Woods. LOL.

• YAO MING: Moisekapenda Bower of FoxSportsHouston.com writes that the Houston Rockets are still getting used to Yao's limited minutes. Yao got a thunderous applause from Rocket fans; a thank you for a healthy return. Unfortunately, Yao's homecoming was eventually spoiled as the Rockets lost to the Nuggets, 107-94.

• STEVE NASH: The Suns couldn't beat the defending World Champs on the road and lost to LA, 114-106 on Friday. It was a hush-hush night for Nash who recorded only 8 points, 9 assists, 1 steal and 2 rebounds. 

• GREG ODEN: The Trailblazer's center took a walk for Maurice Lucas in Chicago today to honor his mentor's request. Lucas, who is a former Blazer legend and assistant coach, mentored Oden up to his passing from cancer.

• Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants, 2010 Word Series Champions!

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo drops triple-double in Celtics win vs. Knicks, Yao Ming excited to make home debut Saturday, Jonathan Vilma to host charitable dinner to help Haiti and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: The Celtic's star PG recorded a triple-double, taking the Knicks to school in Boston's 105-101 win @ the Garden. RR, recorded 10 points, 24 assists (second-most in the C's history) and 10 rebounds."We expect Rondo night in and night out to get guys involved, and he pretty much got everybody involved," Pierce said. "He got the popcorn man involved, he got the announcer involved, he got everybody involved tonight and it was beautiful to watch."The Celtics move to (2-1) overall.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel wrote that Jennings is determined to avoid the infamous sophomore slump this season. Young Buck stated that he wants to improve his assist totals, percentage from the field and carry his team deeper into the playoffs. *UPDATED: The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 93-80. Jennings recorded 14 points, including, 7 assists and 3 rebounds.

• STEVE NASH: Surprisingly, the Suns beat the Utah Jazz in their building yesterday, 110-94. Jerychaser.com wrote that the duo of "Steve Nash and Jason Richardson combined for 34 points on 13-24 shooting, while holding their Jazz counterparts to only 20 points on 6-24 from the field." Hakim Warrick, Amare Stoudemire's replacement, even posted a solid night with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Click here to read more of Jerseychaser's article.

• YAO MING: The Rocket's center is excited about his team's home debut on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. Yao did not play in Houston's loss to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. The Rockets are looking to avoid their first 0-3 start since '99. 

• JONATHAN VILMA: JV, Darren Sharper, Will Smith and other Saints teammates will be serving patrons dinner this Monday, November 1st @ Morton's. All benefits will go towards a charter school to help rebuild Haiti, via The Jonathan Vilma Foundation. RSVP here. Watch Vilma on the WDSUTV News network talking about this upcoming benefit dinner; click here. Be sure to watch the Saints vs. Steelers game this Sunday before going trick-or-treating.

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 recently was revealed as the 18th greatest player in NFL history. The rankings come from the NFL Network's show titled "The Top 100," for the greatest 100 players in League history. Lewis is an 11-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the MVP of Superbowl of XXXV. Some fans on the Dan Kolko blog argue that Lewis deserves to be in the top ten. I agree.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg, Redskin's LaVar Arrington and others discuss the win over the Bears and Donovan McNabb's sub-par performance on Football's Insider Live webcast. Click here to view the Insider.