The 5th All-Around Game Run n Gun Basketball Camp review

I had the pleasure of attending the 5th Annual All-Around Run n Gun Basketball Camp and covering it was a blast. I met with several of the camp leaders and got their various opinions on how camp was going and some other issues about the state of basketball in middle Tennessee. I was impressed the most about the method of teaching that the camp directors used as they were very hand on and spoke directly to the camp attendees.

I didn’t know that All-Around Game was an organization and was surprised to see how well run the camp was. This year was special as Brian “Penny” Collins Run N Gun camp combined forces with The All-Around Game founder Spencer Richardson to make this the premier basketball camp in all of middle Tennessee. The camp attendants were overjoyed with the presence of such notable former local stars including former Brentwood Academy standout Brandon Wright, former Antioch High School and Vanderbilt star Mario Moore, former Whites Creek High School and Vanderbilt player Jamie Graham and Jamal Richardson former Maplewood standout and Auburn University player.

It was refreshing to see how the kids responded to the life lessons that they were learning. Although the camp leaders were very straightforward in speaking them, most of the young men seemed to enjoy their realistic approach. To get a better understanding of the camp leaders I sat down with each one individually.

The Sportaholic crew was also able to take photos of the various highlights of camp and have videos coming soon. This was a grand occasion and something that every up and coming basketball player in the mid state should take notice of. Special thanks to David Farrell for his photography and Ashley Danielle, who interviewed a few players as well.

I asked each member a few quick questions and here are the highlights of those interviews:

Spencer Richardson of Nashville, TN Founder of All-Around Game Organization and former star shooting guard of Maplewood Panthers.

Sportaholic: What is your best quality that you feel you can teach the kids?

Richardson: Teaching kids to be confident. I like keeping it simple and just let them know that you get out it what you put into it.

Sportaholic: From the inner circles outside the state of Tennessee, I hear a lot about how middle Tennessee basketball is not that good. What do you think can be done to increase our talent pool in the area and sustain it?

Richardson: Yeah I definitely think Mid-TN basketball is down. We are not producing enough athletes. I think one of the problems is that kids around our community are playing four different sports at once and not focusing on one.

Sportaholic: What do you feel was your best moment as an athlete?

Richardson: I remember the year we played Jamont Gordon and the Glencliff Colts. There was a lot of hype surrounding Jamont who was one of the top players in city as a freshman. I dropped 38 points on them, not just Jamont because he wasn’t guarding me, but it felt great to have a highly anticipated game to be able to perform to the best of my abilities.

Jamie Graham Nashville, TN native former Whites Creek Cobras and Vanderbilt Commodores star

Sportaholic: What do you feel is your best quality that you can teach the kids?

Graham: Just the experience that I have. I have played a lot of basketball including going to the state finals 05-07 with Whites Creek. I also played at Vandy for a short time so I think my experience goes a long way.

Sportaholic: On that note what do you feel is the best you can give them going forward with their basketball aspirations?

Graham: Just to work hard everyday and improve your craft. Never take time off because while taking time the others players are getting better.

Sportaholic: What do you think we can do to improve the talent pool here in middle Tennessee?

Graham: I think we have to put more time and effort into our youth. This is the reason I respect Penny (Brian Collins) so much because he puts so much time and effort back into the community.

Sportaholic: What is the best athletic achievement you ever had?

Graham: Playing at Vanderbilt and being key member of the team that won the Music City bowl, ending a 53-year drought for my school. I have done a lot of things in sports but this I believe is my crowing achievement.

Mario Moore Nashville, TN native former Antioch Bears and Vanderbilt Commodores star point guard.

Sportaholic: What do you feel is your best quality that you can teach the kids?

Moore: My experience of playing and being able to give them what I went through playing in the NCAA. I also think my passion is what I give to the players.



Sportaholic: On that note what do you feel is the best you can give them going forward with their basketball aspirations?

Moore: I always tell the kids to work on their fundamentals and footwork. Those are two things that can take you a long way. I also tell them to make sure that they respect the game. Be willing to work hard and take progressive steps to become better.

Sportaholic: What do you think we can do to improve the talent pool here in middle Tennessee?

Moore: Us as coaches and former players need to reach out to the neighborhoods and communities and get these players involved. Kids should know the fundamentals, the entire community has to become involved because all about the kids. The All-Around Game and Run N Gun foundation will go anywhere and we can make this a movement. We are all educated young men with the experience of playing big time basketball so I believe we can change the perception of middle Tennessee basketball.

Sportaholic: What is the best athletic achievement you ever had?

Moore: I would have to say obtaining a scholarship to play at Vanderbilt. My mother didn’t have the necessary means to send me to college so that was a blessing in itself. If I had to think of a single athletic accomplishment, I would say making six 3-pointers and scoring 26 points against Western Michigan in the NCAA tournament. That may have been my best game as a Commodore.

Brandon Lockridge Nashville, TN native former MLK and Tennessee State University star Assistant coach of MLK.

Sportaholic: What do you feel is your best quality that you can teach the kids?

Lockridge: Having experience and being so close in age to the camp’s participants. Kids in this generation have to see you perform before they believe in you and the good thing about this camp is that most of us have played in Nashville not too long ago.

Sportaholic: What do you think we can do to improve the talent pool here in middle Tennessee?

Lockridge: Just continue to have different camps and teaching the fundamentals. Players are seeing too many things on T.V. and have got away from the basics here in Nashville. I think the city needs to have more accessible gyms. You go to other cities and they have 24 hour gyms that players can go to and we just don’t have that here.

Sportaholic: On that note what do you feel is the best you can give them going forward with their basketball aspirations?

Lockridge: To just never stop working. You are either getting better or getting worse. Everybody is good in college, so you have to put in hard work and use proper time management. You’re an athlete and you have to be dedicated to your craft. Watch the situations you put yourself in because as an athlete you are also a target.

Sportaholic: What is the best athletic achievement you ever had?

Lockridge: (Laughs) if I had to pick one I would say it was the time I made six 3-pointers in the second half against the Ohio State Buckeyes. I didn’t get the start that game but I came in and performed when asked of me in the second half. It was a lot of politics after coach Nolan Richardson III left the TSU program and I didn’t get the same opportunities I received our new coach. But I think I made the best out of a bad situation.

Jasmine Ellis Memphis, TN native former Christian Brothers High School star

Sportaholic: What do you feel is your best quality that you can teach the kids?

Ellis: I think I bring a voice of diversity for the players. I have been the star, the role player and came off the bench at various points in my career. Everybody has a different role that they have to play to make a team good. I also emphasize defense so I think the players respond to me in that regard.

Sportaholic: What do you think we can do to improve the talent pool here in middle Tennessee?

Ellis: I think we have the athletes but we don’t have the resources. I think we should have these types of camps and programs all year round. You see players that are stars in high school here in Tennessee but they don’t seem to pan out.

Sportaholic: On that note what do you feel is the best you can give them going forward with their basketball aspirations?

Ellis: To always remember why coaches recruited you in the first place. Don’t get away from makes you successful in the first place. Make sure your foundation and fundamentals are strong and have a strong mind.

Sportaholic: What is the best athletic achievement you ever had?

Ellis: I can remember a particular game where I wasn’t playing my best. I think I had 5 or 6 points and had missed so many shots it wasn’t even funny. The game was in the balance in the final seconds and I had the ball. I missed a lay-up that would have put us up by three and maybe sealed the game. The other team’s star player came down the court and tried to put a lay-up of her own, but I was able to get my hand in the air and block the shot. It was just so great to have a bad game but to be able to still help my team get the victory even if it wasn’t by my scoring.

Standout player of camp:


Darius Thompson age 16 Blackman High School Point Guard



Sportaholic: What do you like best about the camp?



Thompson: Getting training from so great players in our community and getting to play with my friends.



Sportaholic: What have you learned the most since the beginning of camp?

Thompson: The camp leaders are always telling us to play hard everyday and to take no breaks. I think I have taken that to heart. The camp shows you life values and how basketball can set you up in many different ways in life.

Sportaholic: What one of the area of improvement you think you need in you game:



Thompson: I want to improve my ball-handling and shooting.



Sportaholic: Who is the player you think you most want to patent your game from?

Thompson: Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors is the players I most patent my game from. I try to look a lot of different players as well and take something from what they do.

Sportaholic: What has been your best athletic achievement so far in your life?

Thompson: I have a tie. I remember making six 3-pointers against Riverdale my sophomore year and also my first dunk on someone when I played against Lavergne.

That wraps it up for the Sportaholic's team coverage of the 5th All-Around Run N Gun Basketball Camp. Special thanks to Brian "Penny" Collins and Spencer Richardson for allowing us to cover this event and hopefully we will return next year.

Camp Photos (By David Farrell):

Bummer of a Summer 2011 edition

                

I I posted my very first article last year entitled “Summer of Bummers” as I featured a summer full of scandals that were rampant this time last year. If you can remember way back when to 2010, we had the “luxury” of witnessing the annual Brett Favre watch, Lebron-a-thon, Albert Haynesworth’s fall from grace in DC, Ben Roethlisberger’s late night romp, and Tiger was still recovering from his own scandal from which he has seemingly never has fully recovered. To avoid confusion, I decided to call this issue, “Bummer of a Summer”. To be sure, this summer has seen it’s own share of scandals as well: as we have Frank McCourt running the once proud Los Angeles Dodgers organization into the ground; College Football is in shambles from its own self inflicted wounds; and Alberto Contador is looking to win his 4th tour de France with the biggest cloud of suspicion (yeah I watch a little cycling, don’t judge me) hovering over him. But worse than all of the scandals, are the crazy NBA and NFL lockouts, which make for a different set of circumstances of which most sport fans aren’t accustomed. The summer months of sports are usually dull in my humble opinion. Baseball, Tennis, and Golf just doesn’t stir up the same type of emotions for me as Football and Basketball. As bad as the summer of 2010 was, at least it was entertaining and we knew we could look forward to seeing Football and Basketball in the Fall.

As a matter of fact, looking back at last year’s summer to the summer of 2011 it makes one long for Big Al coming to camp overweight and uninspired in Washington, the annual Brett Favre watch, and even that stupid decision fracas Lebron and co put together. It at least gave us something to talk about until the season started. The NFL and now the NBA are in full-blown lockout mode and both have put their respective upcoming seasons in jeopardy. This is unprecedented as the two of top sports leagues in our country will be taking a hiatus for an unforeseen amount of time. On some levels I can definitely understand the owners of the NBA locking out their players. A report from SI.com stated that 22 of the leagues 30 teams are operating in the negative. The players’ salaries are bloated and the current model of the NBA is broken, there is just no way around it. But no one made the owners pay guys like Rahsard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas over 100 million dollars in the first place. The NFL’s situation is different as the owners and the players can’t figure out how split 9 billion dollars worth of revenue among the two parties. The NFL system is not broken but neither side seems to want to concede any type of concessions that could possibly push the sides closer.

As it is now, neither situation makes us fans happy. We want the business side of things to work themselves out so we can see our sports heroes do what they do best. We expect for Roger Goddell, David Stern, DeMaurice Smith, Billy Hunter and all of the lawyers involved to find a way to get deals in place, because quite frankly it’s their job to do so. The dialogue from both leagues is what scares me as a fan the most. You have Charles Barkley saying that the current labor situation in the NBA could possibly swallow up the entire year and Kevin Durant saying that the players are ready to go all the way until some concessions are made on the side of the owners. In other words, this one is going to be a dogfight just like the NFL’s and maybe even worse. The NFL has had its share of tough talk as players as prominent as Adrian Peterson have stuck their own foots in their mouths. DeMaruice Smith has made some statements that have made me think that this labor thing may never end.

The lockouts will destroy all the positive momentum both leagues had going for them. The NBA just had its best ratings since “His Airness” Michael Jordan roamed the court in 1998 (how awkward is it that he is now on the owners’ side of things instead of the players). Lebron’s decision last year, whether you liked it or not, has brought about a ratings boom for the league as it gave fans a team to hate and despise in Miami. The NFL just had one its flagship franchises in Green Bay win the Super Bowl. It’s the number one sport in America and still hasn’t reached its ceiling. Most fans understand that the owners and players will always have a certain level of distrust with one another. That is just the nature of these types of relationships. But to possibly take away an entire season from the fans in the name of greed for both sides is definitely a turn off to us fans. Real fans support their teams no matter what, when it comes to the product on the field or the hardwood. I am a Dallas Cowboys fan and last year, as everyone knows, was possibly the most painful season I have endured. But I still brought my Cowboy gear, watched the games, and if I could have given my right arm I would have just to travel to Jerry’s world in Dallas to watch and cover a game. I’m sure those who are reading this did mostly the same during the course of the NFL season. So when the league decides that it’s best for them to cancel everything until further notice it just doesn’t sit well with us. What would they do if we all decided to strike and refused to buy tickets and fill the stadiums?

This year’s “Bummer of a Summer” has taking on an entire different meaning from last years. The bummer is that two of top sports league’s in the world that feature some of the greatest athletes that have ever been produced, can’t come to an agreement, so that everyone in sports world can get on with their sports lives as usual. Writers and bloggers won’t have anything to write about, reporters won’t have anything to report about and fans won’t have anything to cheer about. And there is nothing that any of us can do about this but watch and wait. This summer has definitely become the the mother of all sports bummers.

Tuesday Report From The 5th Annual All-Around Game Run n Gun Basketball Camp

Here’s an update from Ashley Danielle from the 5th Annual All-Around Game Run n Gun:




David Farrell (the videographer) and I spoke with Brandan Wright for most of the time. David got a lot of footage. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hold any interviews because most of the players have yet to arrive. So far most of the staff includes local Nashville high school stars like Spencer Richardson of Maplewood, Jamal Richardson of Maplewood, Jamie Graham of Whites Creek.



The kids were broken into middle school and high school groups. They were working on individual drills when I arrived. They would stay at a particular station for 8 minutes and move to the next. Tuesday brought on more kids than Monday, which has brought the camp to about 100 kids. The total already tops last year’s attendance numbers and is the most ever in the history of the camp. I plan on interviewing a few of the kids and getting their opinions on how the camp is going so far.



Thursday will be media day and Ed Davis, Wayne Ellington, Gerald Robinson, Tony Jones, and the rest of our featured guests should be in attendance. I will definitely interview those named and hopefully many more.

The camp itself was very organized and looked as if the kids would learn a lot. I did ask about a few stand-outs out the crowd from the camp directors and they gave me some to keep in mind.

Cheers!

What Have The Sportaholic's Been Up To You Ask?

Hey guys, sorry I haven’t been posting this week. I am helping conduct the Run N Gun basketball camp as well as the Elite 3 football camp. Ashley and I are administering interviews and writing articles about each. We will have a full out spread about both coming soon. Ashley wants to thank Jim, Collin, Mike K, and The Sports Cubicle for all of the compliments and promises to surprise all the fellas with her sports knowledge. I have been giving her a hard time telling her it’s going to be hard to top her initial post but she says she is game. Ashley and I will be hosting our own radio show on beatknockin radio each on Saturday’s from 10 am to 12 pm. Beatknocking radio (I know it sounds crazy) is an online radio station, so make sure you tune if you guys get a chance. Here is the link by the way: http://beatknockin.com/

I have had time to notice that Terrell Owens is probably done after blowing his ACL in a workout or his VH1 show. What ever the case may be on how he sustained the injury, it’s going to be hard for a 37-year old receiver to come back from such a severe injury. Granted, T.O. is a freak of nature and isn’t your normal human being when it comes to physical condition but I just don’t see him making an impact anymore after such a severe detriment to his knee.



I will be writing a featured post on this Summer of Bummer that the NFL and NBA have put us through. Can you believe both leagues have let the business side of their respective leagues deteriorate to this point? The summer already sucks in terms of what we have to watch. I love baseball, golf and all the other summer sports but ESPN has turned into CSNBC with all of the legal litigation it’s showing these days. The fans deserve better than this.

I just want to thank all my fellow bloggers for all their support as well. You guys are great and if you ever need anything for me feel free to ask. Hope everyone has a great week and look to forward to some new posts from Ashley and I later this week.

The Sportaholic 2011 NBA draft spectacular

Just like the general managers whose team are near the top of the draft, I have played it close to the vest on the draft this year. This was billed as the weakest draft class since the 2006 draft, that featured the Andrea Bargnani led class of a debacle. That class only saw two eventual all-stars (Rajon Rondo and Brandon Roy) and plenty of busts (Adam Morrison #3, Shelden Williams #5, and Patrick O’Bryant #9 sheesh those were some stinkers). This was definitely a down year in terms American born talent and was supposedly going to have a lot of international flavor. That notion held true to form as four of the lottery picks came from overseas, breaking an NBA record. Most teams had a plan and worked it to perfection but some failed miserably (I just don’t understand for the life of me why GM David Kahn of Minnesota still has his job.)

The Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving with the number one pick which wasn’t really a surprise but their number 4 pick Tristan Thompson was. The Cavs have now created the new foundation for there future. The Jimmer was drafted by the Bucks but will take his talents to the Kings (He looked awkward in that Bucks hat with everyone knowing he was going to Sacramento). The Jimmer seems to be the most marketable player in this year draft as a Jimmer Jam was held in Glen Falls, NY in hopes that he would land with the Knicks, but to no avail. Speaking of trades, the flurry of established players moving was the biggest story this year’s aside from the foreign players’ takeover. It was too many trades to go over so I will list them at the bottom of this article.

Now for the biggest winners, losers, surprises and best laughs of the 2011 NBA draft:

Biggest Winners:

Washington Wizards: I am surprised to say the Washington Wizards had the best draft in the NBA this year. They drafted the freakishly athletic Jan Vessly at number 6 (Who has a very nice taste in women as ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla properly put it.) He will combine with John Wall and Javale McGee to form a devastating fast break for the Wiz. Washington selected defensive specialist Chris Singleton next with the 18th pick. Flip Saunders probably ran to get the pick in to David Stern and for good reason, Singleton was the highest rated defensive perimeter player in the entire draft this year. He is a pit-bull on defense and has a long wingspan (That Jay Bilas would not let us forget about, but more on that later) that should make him a pest on the wing for the Wizards for years to come. To put the cherry on top of their haul, the Wizards selected former Butler star Shelvin Mack. Mack may not be the most athletic or have the most upside but he will give John Wall a decent spell of the bench and run the second unit for Washington. Damn good draft by the Wizards

Sacramento Kings: With all the turmoil the organization is facing with the on again off again relocation talks, the Kings needed a star that could come in and make an immediate impact for them and they got one. As I stated earlier the most marketable player in the draft was Jimmer Fredette. The Jimmer is a one-man train of publicity and he already has an established fan base out west from playing at BYU. Fredette will move Tyreke Evans off the ball as he takes over at the point which I think he can excel at. He will have some problems defending but he will be ok. The Kings have a chance to become an offensive juggernaut with Fredette, Evans, Demarcus Cousins, Marcus Thornton and the recently acquired John Salmons. The relocation talk may never come to fruition with the Jimmer in town. (Now if they can only get a new arena but that’s another subject for another day)

Biggest Losers:

New York Knicks: I know the Knicks usually boo their picks every year because lets face it; it’s the thing to do as fans for this once proud franchise. But they may have a valid point this year with the Knicks selecting Iman Shumpert from Georgia Tech. Shumpert has all the measurables, jumps out the gym and seems like a nice guy but that’s not what New York needed. They could have went in so many different directions and they had so many needs that Shumpert doesn’t fit. Kenneth Faried and Chris Singleton were still on the board and both would have met an immediate need for the Knicks. They already have a guy in Landry Fields that does the things Shumpert does well. I was booing just like you New York fans as this was just an all around bad pick.

Minnesota Timberwolves: If anybody could explain to me what the hell is going on up there with general manager David Kahn then I would really appreciate it. They continued to stockpile young front court players and future draft picks but they don’t seem to have a concrete plan on what to do with them. Drafting Derrick Williams at #2 was no-brainer since they couldn’t move the pick in a trade but now that gives them Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson and now Williams as combo fowards. Don’t forget they have Ricky Rubio also as he finally agreed to come over and play which adds to the chaos that is Minnesota’s locker room. They did trade former first round pick Jonny Flynn and the 20th pick Donatas Motiejunas to the Rockets for Brad Miller and some draft picks but I just don’t get a sense of direction from the front office. They have some talented players but you have to settle on a core and let them develop. And to top everything off, they have an uncertain coaching situation as Kurt Rambis remains in limbo. It’s just a mess in Minne these days. I have to admit that I do like Kevin Love’s “Love in the shower” Old-Spice commercials though.

Biggest Surprise:

Tristan Thompson goes 4th: I could go a lot of different direction here including Markeiff Morris being drafted ahead of his more polished brother Marcus, or the fact that Michael Jordan and the Bobcats had a pretty good draft but it has the to be the selection of Tristan Thompson at the #4 slot. There were rumors swirling that the Cavs were enamored with the former Texas star, who is a bit undersized at 6’8 for power forward and doesn’t have the offensive game to match his rebounding and defensive talents just yet. They had to hope that Enes Kanter, the big man from Turkey would be there at #4 but of course he wasn’t as the Jazz took him at 3. Thompson will pair with the #1 pick Irving and provide a new era for the Cavs but I know they are somewhat disappointed they couldn’t turn this pick into a trade or draft a more skilled big man to compliment Irving.

Best Moments:

Morris twins go 13th and 14th: It’s almost as if all that were watching last night was duped by the producers at ESPN. First, Markieff is drafted and cameras instantly pan to older brother Marcus. He delivered to as he had one of the best lines of the night when asked what it will be like not to play with his twin whom he has played with his entire life. I mean, I'll send him flowers or some fruit. It'll be good." Said Marcus. And right after little brother is picked by the Suns 13th, the Rockets select big brother at 14. If they couldn’t play together I guess the next best thing was being picked one after the other. I posted on twitter (@thesportaholic) that I would wager anyone that the Morris twins would have better careers than the Collins and Lopez twins but no one took me up on the offer. I wonder why not?

Kenneth Faried gets his due: This was sentimental for me as I am friend of Demonte Harper who is the best of pals with Faried. He has come a long way and endured many things that I wouldn’t wish on anybody but he now can say he is a NBA player. It was even more special that the draft was in Faried’s hometown of Newark and his entire family was in attendance. I had the pleasure of interviewing Faired and Harper at a local college basketball all-star game and you could see the hunger and determination in his eyes.(http://sportaholic2112.blogspot.com/2011/04/highlights-and-interviews-from-4th.html) He is a guy that plays with his emotions on his sleeve and that reverberates with fans. The standing ovation he received was well deserved and from me personally Kenny, I hope you have a long and productive career.

Worst Moments:

Jay Bilas’s description of players: Bilas must have been under the impression that we don’t know these guys have long arms because he gave us the wingspan of seemingly every player drafted. I like Bilas’s commentary on ESPN but maybe he could get a little more creative in the player description field.

Jonas Valanciunas’s interviewing skills: I know this kid is just becoming accustomed to speaking English but lord have mercy that was a terrible interview he had after being drafted 5th by the Toronto Raptors. His English was limited at best and he seemed to have a hard time understanding what ESPN analyst Mark Jones was saying to him. Even Jones himself had to acknowledge that Valaniciunas was still learning his way around the language. It was painfully comically to watch.



That does it for my NBA draft spectacular. And to think I got through this entire article without mentioning Lebron James. Wait… ok so now I just did. Hopefully the NBA doesn’t go down the lockout road as the NFL but all signs point in that direction. So this may the last actual basketball related talk we have for a long time. As they say always hope for the best but always expect the worst.

Introducing Sportaholic's latest addition: Ashley Danielle

Ashley Danielle is a former NFL cheerleader for the Tennessee Titans and an avid sports fanatic. She now teaches dance and gymnastics along with yoga and strength training at different locations which you can find through her website NashvilleStiletto.com. Not only does she teach just about every style of dance and fitness but she also has her own Burlesque/Cabaret company called Neon Kisses in Nashville and Atlanta. It is my pleasure to welcome her to the Sportaholic staff as a writer and interviewer. She will present to us the woman’s perspective on sports topics along with that much needed allure. As a former NFL cheerleader and networking extraordinaire, she has connections inside the locker room and keen insight from first-hand experience. She will be working with the Sportaholic on future articles and interviews. Everyone welcome Ashley with open arms, as she is a very accomplished woman in her own right and will help take the Sportaholic  sports coverage to the next level.















To introduce Ashley to everyone, we have a few quick questions to pick her brain and get the thoughts of a woman on sports:






1. Tell us a little about yourself and your favorite players in various sports.



First and foremost, I'd like to say thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts at Sportaholic. I won't let your fans down! Well to get on with the question, I'm born and raised in the fabulous Music City, USA. I'm what you call a jack of all trades. Not only do I teach dance and have my own dance company, I am a fashion designer, singer/songwriter, musician and mother. Oh and I'm smart too. Graduated Valedictorian from high school and Summa Cum Laude from college. I am a nerd but who doesn't love an intelligent woman....I'm just saying! ;-)






As far as my favorite players, I could go on and on. And to all of you out there that think I'm basing my favorite athletes off of looks should be ashamed of themselves. In football, my top 2 current NFL players are Michael Vick and Troy Polamalu. Vick has great accuracy and is a hell of a runner. All around top tier athlete and I love that he advanced his team to the playoffs despite his demise a few years ago. Now for Troy....I don't have much else to say other than WOW! I followed him when he went to USC. I've never seen a defensive player like him. His tenacity and drive is like no other. Not to mention, he's a great family man. What's not to love?




Ok now basketball....my top 2 favorite current players are Rajon Rondo and Blake Griffin. Yes, I know sports guys! Two excellent players that are at the top of my list. Blake's power is uncanny and I was glad to see him named Rookie of the Year. Rajon is an excellent ball handler but there are many in the NBA that I can name. Just my opinion though.



To round out some of my other favorites I pick Tiger Woods for golf with Jack Nicholson in a close second. Serena Williams in tennis, A-Rod for baseball and Usain Bolt for track and field. Not saying that I don't watch other sports. I just don't have a favorite athlete but I'll root for the team.






2. Did you participate in any sports while you attended school?



I dabbled in sports growing up but my passion ended up being more focused on the arts. I played softball and tennis in high school but I never turned down a flag football game or a game of H.O.R.S.E.





3. Who is the best female athlete in your opinion?



Best female athlete would be my favorite tennis star, Serena Williams. That woman is a beast and I mean that in the most classiest of ways! She devours her opponents and has sustained a career that many can only dream of. Not to mention, she has a great body and as a fitness instructor many women aspire to have muscle definition like hers.




4. Do you think there is a bias to women reporting in the sports field

Great question! I do believe that there is a bias to women reporting but it's not as uncommon to see females reporting sports as if it were 30 years ago. Women have made lots of strides in the sports world, especially as journalists. You see a sparingly, increased amount of females that know more about sports. Now ask me if you think that women and men will be equals when it comes to reporting in the sports field. The answer is hell no!

5. Anything else you would like to tell the audience about yourself



Hmmm....I will say that I'm a little ball of fire. I get into heated debates because men act like all women are oblivious to sports. I plan on surprising you all with my knowledge. Tootles....haha

Follow me on Twitter: @_ashleydanielle

Another day in the Summer of Misfortune for Kenny Britt

I’m never one to pile on a person but sometimes that person just makes it easy for you. The latest in Kenny Britt summer tour of misfortune now finds our Mr. Britt on facebook, slandering and outright cursing the commissioner Roger Goddell. As first reported by Pro football talk, NJ.com<, and Slam! Sports, Britt’s updated his status with the following:



"Retiring From the NFL. F*** You Goddell."


"Change of HEart.. My family is always here for me. I made mistakes and i am sorry i am going to change and become a better person and mentor for all my young fans.. I will accept any penalty like a man.. The road beings Sept 11 in Jacksonville.. ill be ready!!!"


"my facebook was hacked with those past 2 status's.. i am not retiring and do not have any hate toward the commissioner."

So it first appeared that Britt was going all Cee-lo on the commish but he later retracted those statements with his last status update. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Britt just does stupid things or supposedly has them happen to him. To his defense, it’s fairly easy to hack someone’s account (especially when you password IS password as according to some reports it was) but these type of incidents are happening way too much to the 2nd year pro. Now the grammar errors are another subject. I know this an updated facebook status but sheesh! Between the capitalization errors and the misspellings, it makes you wonder what they are giving out at Rutgers these days as far as degrees. Again, I’m not here to kick a dog when he is down but this is just ridiculous.

Let’s hope this is just a minor incident because as we all know, social media can destroy people’s lives these days (Ex. Anthony Weiner, Rashard Mendenhall etc.)

As much as I love the traffic you generate for my site Kenny, this is getting out of hand. From the high-speed chases to the smoking weed in public and now this facebook post, I don’t know what it will take for you to get it. And for him to say he will be ready Sept 11 is not well thought out on his part because it’s a 97% chance that Mr. Goddell will be ringing his phone as soon as the labor strife is over.

I genuinely hope this is the last negative post we have on Sportaholic about Kenny Britt. But if we haven learned anything so far about the Kenny Britt ‘s summer tour of misfortune, we know to always expect the unexpected with him.