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Playmaker Roundup: Top 25 college football teams, Eagles "Dream Team", McIlroy calls out Tiger and more...

NFL:  Everyone can take a sigh of relief as the NFL lockout has come to an end. However this summer has seen some of the biggest names in football re-sign with a different team. The Patriots once again look like the team to beat with the acquisition of All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and WR Chad Ochocinco. Also, the Philadelphia Eagles have put together what some believe could be Super Bowl contenders; see if you believe the hype of the Eagles “dream team.”

NCAAF:  The USA Today’s panel of coaches have chosen the Top 25 preseason teams. The Oklahoma Sooners have received the honor for being selected atop the list at number one. Oklahoma’s head coach Bob Stoops commented saying that “preseason ranking means very little compared with what it will mean months from now”; which is why some believe that Oklahoma won’t be in the BCS title game, and check out the other 25 teams that won’t win it all

Brett Favre: Has had a history with returning to the NFL. In 2008 he retired from the Green Bay Packers and then played with the Jets. In 2009 he retired with the Jets to play for the Minnesota Vikings. In 2010 his teammates in Minnesota convinced him to stay another year. In 2011 he has retired… and may play for the Miami Dolphins!? See how Bret Favre may return to the same offensive coordinator he had in New York.

Serena Williams: Congratulations to Serena Williams for winning the 2011 Bank of the West Classic. Read the full story here and how Williams hopes this win will jump start a comeback.

NBA Lockout: As the NFL lockout has come to an end the NBA lockout looks even worse.  Following one of the most exciting years in the history of the NBA with a new MVP out of Chicago, the underdog Dallas Mavericks beating the star studded Miami Heat, and a very talented rookie of the year in Blake Griffin; it appears this year there won’t be any professional basketball as the owners claim the NBA is losing money.

Tiger Woods: Has returned to Golf at the Firestone Country Club. Rory McIlroy stated, “No one expects [Woods] to come out and play well.” Woods came up with a one-over 71 this Friday. It looks like McIlroy was correct as even Woods comments on his struggles, "Here this week, it's been getting the ball the right number [distance-wise]."

Proper Shooting Form: Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose is about as comfortable in the spotlight as you probably are with your jump shot. You can't help him with the spotlight, but he can help you with your jump shot.

- Dewey Hammond

Rajon Rondo: Celtics resign backup PG Nate Robinson

Rajon Rondo may be better at basketball than Nate Robinson, but Nate Robinson is better at being short. The Celtics resigned their backup PG, and Rajon Rondo is excited and looking forward to avenging their Finals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and that dude named Kobe something or other.

- Dewey Hammond

 

Playmaker Roundup: Rajon Rondo to Team USA, Lolo Jones wins on Saturday, Terrell Owens still wants to play with Donovan Mcnabb and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Correspondent

RAJON RONDO: The C's leader is expected to play for the 2010 USA World Championships Team. However, nothing's set in stone as Rondo will have to compete for the position with other great NBA PG's including: Derek Rose, Stephen Curry and Chauncey Billups. Training camp begins July 20th and runs until the 24th. We'll keep you posted on Rondo's progress. 

LOLO JONES: Another 'W' in the bank for Miss Jones. Lolo took first place in the 100M Women Hurdles Saturday at IAAF Diamond League-Aviva British Grand Prix at Gateshead, England. Jones posted a time of 12.79. Congrats Lolo; keep the wins coming. Check out video of the race here.

GREG ODEN: Blazersedge reported that Oden had a fresh new haircut and pep in his step as he worked out in his team's weight room. A healthy and confident Greg Oden, means the Blazers should be pretty relevant next season. 

STEVE NASH: With the World Cup officially over Nash is back in the US, for the time being. Nash, who is part owner of the Vancouver Wildcats soccer team, sung Stoudemire's praises to the media at halftime of the Redbulls MLS game in Harrison, New Jersey. Steve mentioned Amar'e won't be intimidated by the spotlight that comes with playing in New York. Nash also included a jab to the new Big Three of the Miami Heat, mentioning that titles are won by good teams not just superstars.

RAY LEWIS: According to Ravens Gab via The Baltimore Sun, the LB spot next to Ray Lewis on B-More's 3-4 defense remains open. The Ravens begin training camp July 26th. Look for competition to heat up between Dannell Ellerbe and Tavares Gooden, two linebackers vying for the open spot. 

DONOVAN MCNABB: ESPN's NFC East Blog states that unsigned free agent, Terrell Owens, is still open to reuniting with McNabb in Washington, DC.  

OSI UMENYIORA: Ken Palmer of the The Giant Insider believes that Osi Umenyiora should regain his starting spot soon and that he should have a break-out year.

JONATHAN VILMA: Jonathan Vilma chats with Stacey Dales of the NFL Network about how life's changed after winning the Super Bowl and if the Saints can repeat next season.

*Enter to win a chance to meet New Orleans Saints Champ Jonathan Vilma! Hurry contest ends soon! Click here for more information.

Playmaker Roundup: Osi Umenyiora the greatest to wear #72, Lolo Jones prepares for Saturday's race, Yao Ming still thinks Rockets are relevant and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Correspondent

OSI UMENYIORA: Ed Valentine of Big Blue View names Osi Umenyiora as the greatest player to wear the number 72.

STEVE NASH: Throwback video---Delivering Steve Nash to the world cup.

RAJON RONDO: Celtics Town blog thinks that Rondo's agent should be fired for not getting him a max contract deal. 

YAO MING: Believes that GM Daryl Morey will continue to bring in great talent to the Rockets.Yao of course wanted Chris Bosh to come to Houston, however, that deal didn't happen.

LOLO JONES: Will she continue to win? Lolo Jones is getting ready to race tomorrow in the Diamond League British Grand Prix in Gateshead, England. Check out the rest of the Track & Field Schedule here.

DONOVAN MCNABB: If you saw Lebron's Decision Show on ESPN last night you probably saw the short clip narrated by Rachel Nichols about the importance of James to the city of Cleveland. Well, in that video, Philadelphia was mentioned as one of the cities that turned their back on superstar Donovan McNabb. Interesting. Can't wait to see Cleveland/Philly fans reactions to their former stars playing on new teams.

HELIO CASTRONEVES: A recent video of Helio rooting for his home soccer team, Brazil, and using that infamous Vuvuzela. Everyone thought Brazil was going all the way, too.

Playmaker Roundup: Boston Celtics' four reunited, Stoudemire wants to play with Luke Ridnour aka "Nash-lite," Greg Oden rocks that flat-top cut and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Correspondent

RAJON RONDO: The Big Four remains in tact as of today. Ray Allen reportedly agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension to remain in Boston. With coach Rivers heading back to the bench, both Rondo and Allen are eyeing another Championship run. Now we all await LeBron's decision, thus putting an end to the most ever hyped free agency of NBA history.

LOLO JONES: Maria Sharapova may be the loudest woman in sports, however, USA Track Champion Tyson Gay thinks Hurdler Lolo Jones is much louder.

STEVE NASH: Former teammate, Amar'e Stoudemire recently mentioned that he'd like to run the pick-and-roll with Milwaukee Bucks' Luke Ridnour. Stoudemire thinks Ridnour's game resembles that of a "Nash-lite," a PG who can run the pick, pass and shoot from outside. Steve Nash recently tweeted Stoudemire to congratulate him on his new home.

YAO MING: The folks over at RealGM basketball discuss the question: "When healthy, who's better, Yao Ming or Dwight Howard?" That's a good debate. 

OSI UMENYIORA: Osi will be joining Gerris Wilkinson to YES Escape in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday. The charity event benefits YES (Youth Enhancement Services), an organization that benefits children and families throughout the Atlanta area.

BRANDON JENNINGS: The Bucks reportedly agreed to bring back guard John Salmons. Milwaukee signed Salmons to a 5-year, $40 million deal. The Bucks starting rotation most likely will consist of: Jennings, Salmons, Maggette, Gooden and Bogut.

DONOVAN MCNABB: Philly.com recently caught up with NBC's Chris Collinsworth. Chris has some interesting thoughts on McNabb, pointing out that one of Donovan's strengths is his charisma.

GREG ODEN: Looks like Oden is on that Brandon Jennings/80's flat-top look. Check out his recent pic here. Would you rock that cut?

Where in the world is Brandon Jennings?

Can you guess what country this is? I'll give you a hint: It's one of the three countries remaining in the World Cup. Summer vacation for an NBA star looks kinda nice.

- Dewey Hammond

   

Playmaker Roundup: Portland may extend Greg Oden's contract, Andy Reid still receives questions about Donovan McNabb, Yao Ming tweets for Chris Bosh and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Correspondent

GREG ODEN: The Oregonian raises an interesting question worth asking---just how much should the Portland Trailblazers pay Greg Oden? Portland has until October 31st to sign Oden to an extension or he becomes a restricted free agent. Blazer fans are split down the middle on this issue. Stay tuned. 

LOLO JONES: A couple days ago Flotrack caught up with Lolo for a quick interview. Jones talks about the ups and downs of last year after the 100H final 2010 USATF Championships.

STEVE NASH: Blogger, Catherine Forsythe, writes that the person Amar'e Stoudemire will miss the most is Mr. Point Guard aka Steve Nash. Agree or disagree?

DONOVAN MCNABB: Andy Reid was recently asked on his trip to visit USA troops in Afghanistan why the Philadelphia Eagles traded McNabb. We'll see if Eagles' management made the right or wrong decision in a couple of months.

YAO MING: The Rocket's center is not giving up on landing a big-name free agent. Yao has been tweeting Chris Bosh, pleading him to come to the H-Town. However, Chris Bosh is expected to sign with the Miami Heat today.

RAY LEWIS: Texans' DE Mario Williams and Ravens' LB Ray Lewis recently presented some high school football kids with an early copy of that Madden NFL 2011. Can I get copy too, Ray?

BRANDON JENNINGS: Throwback video---Brandon Jennings' 5 minutes with ESPN's PTI.

Playmaker Roundup: Steve Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire are now former teammates, one-year since Ray Lewis spoke at Steve McNair's funeral, Helio Castroneves finishes in top ten at Watkins and more...

Louis Ceaser, Playmaker Correspondent

STEVE NASH: Steve is still having fun covering the World Cup in South Africa, however he's probably a little salty that the PHX Suns didn't try to keep his go-to-guy, Amar'e Stoudemire. Amar'e recently signed with the NY Knicks for 5-years, $100 million. The Knicks' newest member will be trying to recruit Lebron and Wade to join him in the Big Apple. 

LOLO JONES: Runner's Digest is making a regular column for Lolo's entertaining Tweets with "Lolo Jones Tweet of the week."

RAY LEWIS: It's been a year since "Air McNAir" passed away; feels like it was yesterday seeing the pictures of Ray Lewis and other NFL players grieving at Steve's funeral. Fanhouse discuses whether Steve McNair deserves a statue.

BRANDON JENNINGS: Young Buck has another new teammate and his name is Drew Gooden. Milwaukee signed Gooden to a 5-year, $32 million deal last Thursday. 

DONOVAN MCNABB: Jeff Howe of Nesn.com analyzes the Washington Redskins including Donovan McNabb and other key additions and key losses.

RAJON RONDO: Writer Evans Clinchy thinks Rajon Rondo has the potential to be the best point guard in the NBA. Agree or Disagree? 

GREG ODEN: Some video highlights of the Trailblazers' center via YouTube titled, Greg Oden's Mix. Can't wait to see this guy back in action.

HELIO CASTRONEVES: Helio finished a disappointing 9th place at the 2010 Watkins Glen IRL IndyCar Race over the weekend. Castroneves remains third overall in the IndyCar rankings.  

Yao Ming recruits Chris Bosh

Yao is healthy or at least healthier, and guess who he wants to run alongside him? Yep. CB4. Chris Bosh is one of the biggest names in the most talented free agent class in NBA history. You've got him, Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, and some other guy whose name I forget.

- Dewey Hammond