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Playmaker Round Up: Rajon Rondo, Osi Umenyiora, Gretchen Bleiler and Donovan McNabb

Rajon Rondo: Has recently helped to raise $76,500 to improving basketball courts in Boston.  Through a Red Bull sponsorship, in which $500 was donated every time Rondo made a steal last season, Rondo was able to give some city kids a place to play some basketball so they can learn to be as tough as he is on the court.

Osi Umenyiora: Recently underwent orthoscopic surgery on his right knee which will bench the two time pro bowler for 4-6 weeks.  The Giants were ranked 29^th in defense last year and after weeks of disputing over contract the Giants must be relieved as one of the best defensive ends in Umenyiora wishes to “complete” the season with the organization.

Gretchen Bleiler: Good luck to Olympic silver medalist Gretchen Bleiler as she heads to congress with other snowboarders to lobby for the Clean Air Act in September.  If you wish to help Bleiler and her efforts you can get involved with signing a petition here.

Donavan McNabb: Even though the Vikings took a loss to the Tennessee Titans in a pre-season game, McNabb still hopeful about the offensive.  However without many playmaker receivers and hoping that Adrian Peterson stays healthy the offensive situation for the Vikings will definetly be interesting this upcoming season.

 

Playmaker Round Up - Yao Ming, Aaron Rodgers, Women's World Cup and more

Yao Ming: The eight time all-star is set to retire. Although he’s only been in 5 games since the 2008-2009 season, almost no one has been a greater symbol to the NBA as Yao Ming has.  Check out a look back at his decorated career.

Manny Pacquiao: Congrats to Manny Pacquiao for being named the best fighter of 2011 at the nineteenth edition of the ESPY’s.  Pacquiao received the same honor in 2011. He beat other boxing greats such as Bernard Hopkins, Sergio Martinez and others to win his second award in this category. 

Aaron Rodgers:  Was able to beat out the likes of Steelers safety Trou Palamalu, Texans running back Arian Foster, and teammate linebacker Clay Matthews, for the best NFL player of the 2010-2011 season at the ESPY’s. Check out some pictures of the Green Bay Packers as they took the red carpet.  

Women's World Cup: Although the U.S. women’s loss to Japan in Germany was disappointing there is still much to be optimistic about. Lauren Cheney, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe proved that they could compete on the world stage.  Also don’t forget there’s still the 2012 summer Olympics in London.

Rajon Rondo: Talks about his dislocated shoulder and the possibility of playing overseas as the NBA lockout seems imminent. Rondo says, “It’s the worst pain I’ve ever been in playing ball” which was caused by his injury in game three against the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

Ray Lewis: Former teammate, Lorenzo Neal, says that Lewis will retire soon. Neal states that it’s not Lewis’ athletic ability but rather his off the field peperation that has allowed him to continue since “He studies enough film to get to play.”  However Neal says even Lewis isn’t “crazy” enough not to recognize that age is catching up to him.

Playmaker Roundup: Steve Nash passes Gary Payton for 7th on all-time assists list, Rondo looking forward to All-Star Weekend, Ray Lewis stars in commercial with Drew Brees and more...

          Louis Ceaser IV, Playmaker Intern

• STEVE NASH: Congratulations to PHX point guard, Steve Nash, who just passed Gary Payton for # 7 on the all-time career assists list during the Sun's win over the Jazz, 102-101. Nash now has over 8,972 career assists. Post-game, Nash spoke to SB Nation about his admiration and respect for "The Glove," Gary Payton. 

• BRANDON JENNINGS: The Bucks put a hurting on the Clippers, winning 102-78 on Valentine's Day. Jennings recorded 20 points, including 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Follow Young Buck on Twitter @BLKICE3.

• RAJON RONDO: RR and Kevin Garnett aren't picking sides when it comes to the upcoming NBA All-Star Three Point Competition. Both Paul Pierce and Ray Allen (NBA all-time three-point leader) will be participating along with Kevin Durant, Daniel Gibson, James Jones and Dorell Wright. Paul Pierce is the defending champ. 

• RAY LEWIS: RL52 may be a future movie star...real talk. On the field, Lewis is one of the most intimating middle linebackers ever; off the field he's covered in soap suds and blowing up things in Old Spice commercials. This time, Lewis teams up with New Orleans' Saints QB, Drew Brees in a two-minute commercial for Pepsi Maxx titled "The Bottle Attacks." Click here to see the video.

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: 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 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!