Dangerous A

While a lot of people say Dallas has improved defensively, I don't really see it. I've seen them collapse and while they do well in the regular season, I don't think they're a good adjustment team, which is crucial when facing the same team 4-7 times in a series. I will say if SA falls early, Dallas does become the favorite in the West because they are deep and killers on offense with the exception of a serious post threat. Dirk is too much in love with the perimeter and no one else has a good back to the basket game on the Mavs.

Empowered by a replay of the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter Season 3, the final Saturday edition of TNA Impact shot up to a 1.0 rating. Impact garnered an average audience of 1.1 million viewers and record numbers in Male demographics as they scored a 1.1 among Males 18-49 and 1.2 among Males 18-34.

It can be a good match, but it depends more on Steiner than Styles. Styles is good, but he's not at that technician level to where he can take his game down a notch to cater to his opponent, yet not lose a lot in match quality. Styles can make himself look great and can keep up with a good/great worker, but he's not at "good match with a broomstick" level yet and that is what working with Steiner will be like. If Steiner is game and can rein Styles in a bit, it can be good. Chances of that are not good though.

Actually, they held some TUF audience, but not all but.2 See, the average rating for TNA is a loyal .8 on rare occasions it dips to 7 or up to 9. Figure that part of the 1.1 is the .8 that watches no matter what. What you end up with is .3, maybe .4 of TUF people who stick around to watch or just don't bother to turn the channel. Even still, there is a problem. If it's UFC fans that are sticking around checking TNA out, are they being convinced to buy PPV's? They are probrably buying UFC PPV's. TNA is getting an average of about 30,000 buys since coming to Spike. Their audience is about 1,000,000 viewers. How do you convince UFC fans to part with their UFC PPV money in favor of a TNA PPV? Even though you've got more eyeballs watching your product, a certain number of the people attatched to those eyeballs money goes to UFC. It is extremely rare that fans have enough disposable income to watch both. This is why I think TNA needs to scale back the number of PPV's it does. The market is saturated with PPV right now.

I think you'll see the NBA playoffs amended here soon. It doesn't take much really. I think you need to reward teams for having good regular seasons and at the same time, make winning the division worth something, just not worth a better seeding. You basically have it where all divisional winners are guaranteed a playoff spot, but regular season record determines where you are seeded. You'll find there won't be scenarios where a division winner has a worse record than 8 other teams from the conference. That's the best I can think of right now under the new divisional structure of the NBA.

Well, there ya go Rip. A gift from the Kings to you. The Lakers and the 7th seed. Send thank you cards and gifts to... Kings Offense Disappearance Rd. Sacramento, CA 95610 Well, Suns made a statement there that they can take one in Arco if need be. Listening to Artest and other Kings post game comments, it's nice to know they know they still aren't a shoo-in for the playoffs yet. Too bad they didn't play that way tonight.

No

Actually, I've watched just about every Kings game since Artest has come aboard and he is starting to kill teams on the block. I'm not saying he's Duncan on the blocks or anything like that, but it's becoming an every game thing now, especially in the fourth. The Kings have reversed things where Artest and Wells have become the post threats while Miller, Thomas, and Abdur-Rahim have become more mid range perimeter threats. (although Shareef still does a lot of low post work)

Actually, Rip is correct to worry more about Brad Miller since he is a true center who actually does more damage from the perimeter than in the paint. Since the playoffs tend to slow down more into a halfcourt game, with Kurt Thomas still on the shelf, he becomes more of a factor than before. Plus, Artest excels defensively against guys who can go one on one and get their own shots. Marion, who Artest would primarily guard, isn't the greatest one on one guy. Not saying he's garbage one on one, but Marion's game is in the open floor and in transition. One thing the Suns would have to watch for is Artest's steadily improving back to the basket post up game.

This was my pick as well, as hot a crowd as you'll ever see. Thirded. I've only seen the majority of this match, as the word is the whole match is not available. I'm very curious if the crowd was just great that day or what these guys did before hand to heat the crowd up.

Here is a great Q&A session with ESPN Legal Analyst Roger Cossack... Brian (Philadelphia): What else can the woman possibly use now to show by a "preponderance of the evidence" that she was in fact raped by the lacross players, if she doesn't have a positive DNA test on any of them? Outside of eyewitnesses stepping forward out of the blue, what else does she really have on these guys outside of circumstantial evidence? Roger Cossack: It's my understanding that she went to the hospital and had an examination done with a "rape kit." Someone who is trained in these things determined that she was sexually assaulted. We don't know what condition she was in and we don't know what the DA knows and what he will take into consideration. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ben(Asheville NC): Will the DNA results alone prove that the Duke lacrosse players are innocent? Roger Cossack: It certainly goes to help them, but it depends on if the prosecutors have any other evidence that helps prove their guilt. We don't know that yet. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brian (Pittsburgh): Even before guilty/not guilty, there is something I've never understood. The alleged victim (key word alleged) get anonymity under rape shield laws, and rightfully so. However, the alleged criminal (key word alleged) does not receive the same benefit. Innocent until proven guilty, no? Even if the entire team is exonerated, they've still been branded for life. Why the discrepancy? Thanks. Roger Cossack: That's a good question and many people have asked that question. In this case, they haven't identified any members by name of the Duke team. But in other cases, people who are alleged to have committed a crime are identified. Another reason is the sixth amendment guarantees every defendant a public trial. That comes from the constitution because the founding fathers did not want to allow the government to hold secret trials. The notion to making a defendant's name public comes from that amendment in that nothing should be hidden. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill (Florida): Roger, when a DNA test comes back negative, what does that mean? That there definitely isn't a match? That the test is inconclusive? If DNA samples were mixed together, would that create a negative test? Roger Cossack: It means that there is no match between the evidence that was gathered and the people that was measured against. The samples were from the Duke lacrosse team and any evidence from the alleged victim. It means what it says is there is no match. Whether there was any samples were contaminated is another story. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John (NYC, NY): If they eventually find that the complaining women was in fact frabricating her story or was not telling the truth, could she face some kind of charge? The lives of these boys, even if they are innocent, have been changed for the worse, forever. Roger Cossack: If they find out that she lied to the police is a crime and she could be prosecuted for that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave (Fremont CA): Do you think the DA is dragging this issue out (or decides to press charges) because he is running for re-election soon. Also, assumming no charges are filed (or get dropped) or if the players are found not guilty, any chance the players counter-sue or decide to sue Duke ? Roger Cossack: I don't know why the DA is doing this other than I would hope that he thinks he has enough evidence to prosecute on. I think we should all be reminded that no charges have been filed as of yet. As far as the players suing Duke, I don't think they would have the opportunity to do that. Roger Cossack: No one has the right to live in university home and have underage drinking and highers strippers, which everyone agrees, happened. At the very least if that is all that happened, the university is not going to be liable for cancelling the season. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taylor Cannon Raleigh North Carolina: Is there anyway to get a conviction without DNA Evidence? Roger Cossack: Yeah. If the jury believes beyond a reasonable doubt the victim's statement and they believe her, they could convict. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric (Notre Dame, IN): With the way the team was drug through the mud after only an allegation it might as well be guilty until proven innocent. What do you think the events of this case will have on future occurrences such as this one, if any? Roger Cossack: I think we have to reserve our judgement until the end of this case. While the lack of DNA is a good thing for the defense, there is no conclusion from the prosecution of whether they're proceeding. But I think we'll have to wait until the conclusion of this case before we figure out the lessons from it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Greenville,SC: How much does race have to do with this case? Roger Cossack: I can't tell you that without more facts. I would hope that race would not play a part in this case, but we don't know what happened. But it's clear that there are issues in Durham that Duke is an area of an expensive university and that brings up issues of race, class and privilege. I think the average income of Durham is $40,000 and that's what it costs to go to Duke for a year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anthony (NYC): What's your general opinion on how the DA has handled this case so far? As the evidence develops it certainly seems like he spoke too prematurely regarding the certainty of the rape. Roger Cossack: I'm the believer that prosecutors should not discuss the case anywhere else but the court room. I'm critical of prosecutors that talk about the case in the media. Anything out of the court room is improper. What it leads to is the defense feeling like it needs to catch up and talking to the press and releasing evidence. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alan (Phoenix, AZ): Roger, I'm sorry, but is there any recourse if a defense attorney makes misleading statements to the press? What, if anything, can the DA do to compel innocent party attendees to come forward with information? Roger Cossack: The DA could subpoena everyone at the party to the grand jury and put them under oath. Most likely anyone who that happened to would invoke their fifth ammendment rights to keep silent. Then the DA would have to decide if he wants to give immunity to people. Usually, that's only done if the DA think the witness has information that they really needs. They can compel them to come to the grand jury, but not necessarily to testify. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rick (Cleveland, OH): How does the inflammatory email ( written by one of the Duke lacrosse players hours after the party), affect the investigation? Or is it simply a poor choice that has no legal ramifications? Roger Cossack: I don't think it does have legal ramifications. It's certainly hateful and should be condemned, but in this country there's no law that we have to like everyone. But as to the relevance in the court room unless there is a connection between the person that wrote that e-mail and the alleged victim, I don't think there's relevance in the e-mail. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sam, Chicago: Do you feel that Nifong will destroy his reputation / credibility by continuing to prosecute this case given the recent DNA results? Roger Cossack: I don't think you can answer that question until you know what other evidence if any the prosecution has. If he has other evidence that he has an obligation to move forward. If he doesn't have any and does continue, then he will face critcism. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David (Boston): What are examples of other types of evidence that the DA might have to counter the DNA evidence? I realize no charges have been filed, but is it common to see a guilty verdict in a case such as this one when the DNA evidence is negative? Roger Cossack: Well, it does depend on what other evidence is available. I have no information on what evidence exists, but examples are, if someone heard the alleged victim screaming, if the alleged victim was beaten and had cuts, if someone made a statement to the police that corresponds to what the alleged victim said. We don't know what they are. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael (Richmond, VA): Hi Roger. I'm no expert, but if a rape occurred, wouldnt there have been some kind of DNA left behind? Roger Cossack: Michael, you don't have to be an expert to conclude what you have. I think there should be. In my opinion, I think it's highly unusual that there isn't. Now, no one's said there wasn't any DNA, they just said it didn't match any suspects. Roger Cossack: Thanks for having me on. I just want to say this before I go. This case is not yet come to conclusion and therefore we have to keep an open mind. If anything this case shows us to be open when we hear prosecutors and defense lawyers talk about it and let the evidence come to light before we make up our minds on the case.

I hated that Christian caused the non finish in AJ/Abyss. Those 2 just have a great big/small man chemistry about them. I give TNA permission to do an AJ/Abyss feud that lasts 6 months, if not longer.

Ditto for me as well. However I also have "The Best Around" from Karate Kid that is in my top 25 most played playlist.

News from the Observer says that the VP of Spike has said that if TNA can score good ratings @ 11pm on thursdays, they would consider putting TNA on @ 9pm on thursdays once TUF 3 ends.

I find it eerie that it was Proof who was portrayed as being murdered in the "Like Toy Soldiers" music video. I really hope this was local beef bullshit. The last thing I want to hear is this was some Benzino/Murder Inc Henchmen conspiracy.

Stephen Jackson isn't absolute shit or anything. I've seen him have some pretty good games, but he definitely isn't worth the money he received. I think he's still pouting about losing Artest.

Incoming results lifted from PWTorch message boards (a little more detail)... TNA iMPACT! airs this Thursday April the 13th Samoa Joe def. Christopher Daniels to win back the X Division title via a top rope Island Driver. The match went about 13 minutes. Daniels was a bloody mess. Sting cut a promo and said he will announce his team for Lockdown later in the show. Team 3D vs AMW ended in a no contest. Gail Kim and Jackie had a cat fight during the match. Team Canada ran in but Spike Dudley made his TNA debut making the save for Team 3D. Sting defeated Eric Young The match was around 8 minutes long. Sting took a hard bump against the guardrail, and he did plancha dive out of the ring onto Alex Shelley and Eric Young. Sting won with a Scorpion Deathlock. Shelley attacked Sting after the match, but Shelley got put into the Scorpion Deathlock. Jarrett then came out and tried to hit Sting with a guitar, Sting used his bat to block the guitar shot. AMW then came out, followed by Scott Steiner and they beat up Sting. AJ Styles, Rhino and Ron Killings came out for the save, and they will be Sting's partners at Lockdown TNA iMPACT! airs next Thursday April the 20th Christian Cage cut a promo on Abyss to start the show. James Mitchell inturrupted Christian via the videoscreen, and distracted Christian so that Abyss could attack him. Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam on Cage and then he grabbed his chains and started to choke him. Abyss then picked up the title and held it in Christian's face, and Abyss' music hit. AJ Styles, Rhino & Ron "The Truth" Killings defeated The Diamonds In The Rough when Truth hit the Axe Kick on Skipper. It went 6 minutes and was not a very good match at all. Referee Marc Johnson went up to Zbysco backstage and said that Raven mailed him something and he handed it to Larry. Team Canada defeated Team USA (Sonjay Dutt, Alex Shelley, Jay Lethal, Chris Sabin) , it was a regular match, it is not apart of the World X Cup, at least according to David Penzer. Alex Shelley refused to tag in throughout the match, but then when they didn't tag him in he said "Why didn't you tag me in?" A1 pinned Jay Lethal when Lethal miscommunicated with Shelley. Jeff Jarrett & AMW vs. Team 3D & Spike is going on.

Agreed. I wonder if in her report she stated whether or not the guy/guys wore condoms or something. Still, this has to hurt her credibility, at least on the surface. Perhaps she's covering for a boyfriend or ex boyfriend who got rough with her. As you said Ripper, weird.

The WWE style can probrably hide a lot of Singh's natural shittiness. However, he should NEVER do any form of powerbomb type maneuvers. I've seen him damn near kill many a man in NJPW rings trying to do a powerbomb. He flat out isn't going to get that. Just see if he can get the basics like worked punches and kicks down. If he can get that, then perhaps a throw or two.

It's not so much he rips them off it's that he low balls the fuck out of them. For all the money the shows make, the fighters get dick for it.

Mostly had to do with contract/money. As bad as pro wrestlers get fucked over with the "independent contractor" stuff, MMA fighters, at least in the US, get fucked 30 times worse. Tito is kind of outspoken towards things like that.

I fucking love this show. My wife thinks it's so off and evil, that only Satan could inspire it. This totally eclipsed the Andy Milonakis show for MTV weird shit.

Methinks this UFC/Ultimate Fighter gig has legs to it UFC and Spike is just a marriage made in heaven. I believe they are married for another 2 years. Oh, and the Tito/Shamrock dynamic. Don't ever let them tell you hatred doesn't sell. While everyone LIKES it if two guys who are slated to fight respect each other, but everyone LOVES when two guys slated to fight can't stand each other. That said, I'm looking more forward to Tito's fight with Griffin than with Shamrock.

Observer site is reporting the debut of TUF 3 did a 2.0 rating, making it the highest rated original series debut in the history of Spike. Ultimate Fight Night that preceded did a 1.6.

Paging Madonna and Gweneth Paltrow.