Playmaker Mobile

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!

Celtics defeat Miami Heat on opening day; lose to Cavs on Wednesday, Lions coach doesn't respect McNabb, Jonathan Vilma and PAC donate over $600,000 to lawmakers and more...

          Louis Ceaser Iv, Playmaker Intern

• RAJON RONDO: Round 1 goes to the Boston Celtics. RR, who played without his signature upside down headband due to the NBA's new rules, led the C's to an 88-80 victory over the Miami Heat on opening day at the Garden. Rondo recorded 4 points, 2 steals 17 assists, and 5 rebounds in the game. LA Times reports that the Celtics V. Heat opening game ranked as "the most-watched regular-season NBA game in cable history." TNT averaged between 5.4 to 7.4 million viewers. *UPDATE: Boston played Lebron's former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday, losing 95-87. The C's play the NY Knicks on Friday; they move to (1-1), overall.

• YAO MING: According to Rotoworld.com, the Rocket's center almost recorded a double-double against the defending World Champion, Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Yao accounted for 9 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks in only 24 minutes of playing time. *UPDATE: Yao Ming sat out Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets lost a close one to the Warriors, 132-128, as Monta Ellis scored 46 points. Houston plays the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Milwaukee's star PG scored a double-double as the Bucks lost their season-opener to New Orleans Hornets, 95-91. Jennings recorded 15 points, 10 assists, two 3-pointers, and 1 steal. The Bucks play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

• STEVE NASH: The PHX Sun's PG scored 26 points, including 6 assists, 1 steal, 4 rebounds, in 35 minutes of PT, as the Suns lost to the Portland Trailblazers 106-92 , opening day. The Suns play another tough game against the Jazz, Thursday in Utah.

• GREG ODEN: According to Jeff Rabjohns of IndyStar.com, Greg Oden expects to become a restricted free agent soon. Oden's agent, Mike Conley Sr., recently stated that it's unlikely his client will sign an extension by Monday's deadline. Oden is only 22, and is set to make about $6.8 million this season. The #1 pick of 2007, has been hampered by knee injuries. GO has yet to play this season, as no timeline for his return has been set.

• JONATHAN VILMA: The NFL's PAC (Player Action Committee) "recently donated over $600,000 in its rookie election cycle, building goodwill among lawmakers that could come in handy in the even of a lockout next season." Records show that Jonathan Vilma, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Julius Peppers and Jason Taylor, made their own private donations as well. 

• DONOVAN MCNABB: Dave Birkett of Freep.com writes that Detroit Lions coach, Jim Schwartz is still wary of McNabb's big-play ability. The Redskins (4-3) play the Lions (1-5), this Sunday. 

• OSI UMENYIORA: The NY Giants are on a bye week, which gives the G-Men's star playmaker, OU, the chance to rest his sore knees and hip. "I need it [rest], no question about it," mentioned Umenyiora; via Tony Rock of Newsday.

• RAY LEWIS: Mike Vensel of Virtual Vensanity recently wrote that Ray Lewis is currently the NFL's 5th best defender. Agree or disagree? Click here to read more.

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: The Seattle Seahawks recently re-acquired fullback Quinton Ganther due to the uncertainty of Michael Robinson's hamstring injury. We'll keep you updated about M-Rob's status. 

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.

****                                                                   ****                                                                      

• 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: Ray Lewis and the Ravens win against Jets on Monday Night, Donovan McNabb and Redskins beat Cowboys, Michael Robinson-less 49ers lose against Seahawks and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• RAY LEWIS: The Baltimore Ravens grabbed their first 'W' this season, winning Monday night 10-9 against the Jets. Ray Lewis blasted various Jets players all game and stopped a pivotal drive by Mark Sanchez late in the game to secure the victory.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 wasn't spectacular in his debut win against the Dallas Cowboys but he got the job done. McNabb made 32 passes, with 0 interceptions. The Redskins won 13-7. Meanwhile, Kevin Kolb had a rough debut as he suffered a concussion early in the game. The Eagles lost 27-20 to the Green Bay Packers. 

• OSI UMENYIORA: Here's a picture of OU sacking Panther's QB Matt Moore during the 4th quarter of the Giants' Sunday win (31-18) against North Carolina. Moore was taken to the hospital after suffering a concussion from Umenyiora's' hit. 

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: The Michael Robinson-less 49ers went down in flames to the Seattle Seahawks, 31-6 at Q-West Field, Sunday. Robinson did not see any action.

• RAJON RONDO: Here's a quick look at the Zoom Hyperfuse kicks that Nike recently shipped to Deron Williams, Brandon Roy and Rajon Rondo. Right now it's unclear whether these shoes will hit store shelves. 

• STEVE NASH: Into the Wind, a documentary produced by Steve Nash about Canadian cancer activist, Terry Fox, will premiere in the United States on September 28th.

• GREG ODEN: According to Trail Blazers' GM Rich Cho, Greg Oden will not participate in the team's informal scrimmage sessions this week. Blazer fans are questioning if Oden will be ready to play opening day, which is on October 5th against the LA Clippers.

• YAO MING: Has the NBA found its next Yao Ming? Click here to see the 14-year old, 7'6, 250 pound kid from India.

Playmaker Roundup: 2010-2011 NFL Season opens tomorrow with Saints vs. Vikings, Donovan McNabb is ready to play Cowboys Sunday, 49er's Coach Singletary speaks fondly of Michael Robinson and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• JONATHAN VILMA: According to Coach Sean Payton, Jonathan Vilma is listed as 'probable' and 'limited' on the Saints' final pre-game injury report. The Saints open up the 2010-2011 NFL Season against the Vikings in NOLA. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!!

• MICHAEL ROBINSON: 49er's Coach Mike Singletary recently conducted a 10-minute conference call with the Seattle-area media regarding his former player, Michael Robinson; newest member of the Seattle Seahawks organization. Singletary called Michael "one of the classiest individuals ever" and that his presence on the 49ers will be missed "tremendously."

• OSI UMENYIORA: Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York writes that Umenyiora is anxious to make Giants' fans forget about the 2009 NFL Season; the Giants finished with a measly 8-8 record. OU says that the G-Men must play "nasty,physical and dominant Defense" this season in order to come out on top. 

• RAY LEWIS: Has Ray Lewis replaced the Old Spice Man? Check out RL in action as he flies on a raven and blows up Saturn in this latest Old Spice body wash commercial. Click here.

• DONOVAN MCNABB: According to Coach Mike Shanahan, McNabb is ready to play in Sunday's opener against the Cowboys. McNabb missed the final two pre-season games and two weeks of practice but McNabb says he's just "going to be himself" and play to the best of his ability.

• BRANDON JENNINGS: Check out BrandonJennings.net to get the latest information about Young Buck. 

• STEVE NASH: Steve Buffery of The Toronto Sun writes that Steve Nash gets off too easy for electing not to play basketball for Team Canada. 

• GREG ODEN: Blazer's center, Greg Oden, recently chatted with Oregon Live while hosting a charity event in Vancouver as part of Oregon Mentors and Team Oden. Greg is currently splitting his knee rehabilitation time between Portland and his hometown in Indianapolis. 

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: Lolo Jones wins 1st place @ the IAAF in Zagreb, Osi Umenyiora apologizes to Giants' fans, Delonte West may become the newest Celtic and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

LOLO JONES: LJ took first place @ the IAAF World Challenge in Zagreb, Croatia in the Women's 100 meter hurdles, today. Jones posted a finishing time of 12.87 seconds. The Diamond League Finale is this Friday.

OSI UMENYIORA: Call OU 'The Riddler,' this according to Ed Valentine of SB Nation. Osi recently apologized to fans for the Giants' lackluster performance last season. Umenyiora said mediocrity will not be the Giants' theme for this upcoming 2010-2011 NFL season. 

STEVE NASH: Bruce Constantineau of the Edmonton Journal wrote that Steve Nash is all business off the court. Outside of basketball, Nash is involved with his charity foundation, social media business, MLS soccer team, and studying to become a Venture Capitalist.

GREG ODEN: IAMTraiBlazersFan.com hosts a poll to gage where NBA fans think Greg Oden ranks among the NBA's best Centers. 

MICHAEL ROBINSON: Matt Maiocco of CSNbayarea.com writes that Michael Robinson's job is secure with the 49ers.

RAJON RONDO: RR may have a new teammate soon. According to Rob Mahoney of NBC Sports, Delonte West is scheduled to sign with the Boston Celtics soon. We'll keep you updated.

JONATHAN VILMA: Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune questions if Jonathan Vilma will be ready to go for the season opener against the Vikings. According to the comments on Nola.com, Saints' fans don't want to rush him back to the field prematurely.

DONOVAN MCNABB: Jason Reid of The Washington Post writes that DM5 still feels uncomfortable in the Redskins' offense and that his injury will not help in easing his learning curve. Many of McNabb's teammates say Donovan will be ready by the start of the of season but Reid questions whether he'll be ready to go by then.

BRANDON JENNINGS: Click here to see video highlights of Brandon Jennings and other up and coming NBA starters from the Nike Championship Run pickup game in LA.   

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

Playmaker Roundup: Stoudemire determined to star in New York without Nash, Brandon Jennings debuts kicks with SLAM Magazine, Osi & Giants' Defense look to dominate again and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

STEVE NASH: Dan Miranda of The Knicks Fan blog asks "Is Steve Nash Essential to Amare's success?" Miranda claims NBA fans are in for a rude awakening, in that, Stoudemire will be a beast in NY without having Nash at PG. We'll see if he's right in a few months.

BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck debuts his new Under Armour sneakers on the cover of SLAM magazine.  The Black Ice line hits store shelves this November. 

RAY LEWIS: FanLine followers discuss "Who's better, Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu?"

OSI UMENYIORA: Mike Silver of Yahoo Sports writes that the Giants' defense hopes to become bullies again. Osi and Justin Tuck combined for 13 sacks last year. 

GREG ODEN: Sean Meagher of OregonLive caught up with Oden earlier this month for an interview. According to Meagher, Oden is close to being 'in-shape' and ready to go for the upcoming NBA season. 

HELIO CASTRONEVES: HC signed up to participate in the Gold Coast 600 series which starts this October.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: The 49ers FB called Glen Coffee his 'brother' and was sad to see him retire.

JONATHAN VILMA: JV talked to members of the media yesterday after practice and mentioned that his Saints' defense must be versatile and healthy in order to continue to dominate. See video of the interview here.

DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 is feeling Washington, DC. And according to Donovan, he'll be with the Redskins for years to come. 

RAJON RONDO: RR talks about shoes and rap as he kicks it with the folks at 6Magazine during the Nike World Basketball Festival.

Playmaker Roundup: Team USA wins against France in New York, Steve Nash putting in work directing a documentary, Michael Robinson and Niners beat the Colts and more...

Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

RAJON RONDO: Team USA beat France 88 to 65 Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York.  For most players on the squad this game marked their first international experience. Coach K. went with Billups, Durant, Chandler, Rondo, and Iguodala as the starting squad. Rondo dropped six points and six assists. Team USA's next opponent is Lithuania in Madrid, Spain, next Saturday. 

RAY LEWIS: RL mentioned to James Walker on the Morning Take that he's pumped to play in the most intense season-opener against the Jets.

MICHAEL ROBINSON: The Niners beat the Indianapolis Colts in pre-season, 37 to 17 on Sunday. Even though fumbling on the 49ers first play, Robinson managed to score a touchdown on a 3-yard run in the second quarter. Coach Mike Singletary mentioned that his team did a "good job.

STEVE NASH: Canada's own, Steve Nash, is directing a short documentary about famous runner Terry Fox, titled Into the Wind. Nash's documentary has been selected by the Toronto International Film Festival.

DONOVAN MCNABB: DM5 enjoyed a nice pre-season debut Friday night as the Redskins routed the Bills 42-17. McNabb completed five of eight passes for 58 yards and TD connect with WR, Anthony Armstrong. 

BRANDON JENNINGS: According to Basketball Fiend, Young Money plans to win at least 50 games this season, pass the first round of the playoffs and make the starting squad for the All-star game this upcoming NBA season; all goals that are quite possible. 

LOLO JONES: Women's 100 meters hurdler, Jones, came in third place in London at the World Championships on Saturday with a time of 12.66 seconds.

JONATHAN VILMA: The Saints lost a close one to the Patriots on Thursday, 27 to 24. Coach Payton mentioned that his team played "sloppy." Vilma has already shaken off the loss, stating that his Saints will be ready for the next game against the Houston Texans.

OSI UMENYIORA: According to Mike Garafolo, OU is determined to rebuild his reputation as a top defensive end.

GREG ODEN: Scott Carefoot of the Blazersedge tells basketball fans not to sleep on Greg Oden this upcoming season. 

Big 10 Football Season Preview

San Francisco 49ers veteran RB and former Penn State QB Michael Robinson previews his alma mater's conference. He seems to think PSU will win it all. Big surprise. Most of the media disagrees.

- Dewey Hammond