Mike's father is saying Mike actually ran a fight or two out of their home in VA sometime in 2001.

He wants people to stop sugarcoating the story because "It's Mike's thing...he has the capital to set up something like that"

Now, I guess Vick and his mother don't really talk to the guy anymore, so this could be some sort of revenge plot on his son...but it still could be true.

I just wish the story would go away.

I was kind of upset at the coverage Barry Bonds got after hitting #756. Many websites (CBSSportsline, SI, Yahoo) had images of Bonds hitting the homer with some form of asterik (*) on the website. SI replaced the o in 'Bonds' to 'B*nds'.

I can understand a colmunist doing something like this, but when the event happens, that's what is reported? Kind of weak if you ask me.

Here are some of the images:

SI.com: http://i10.tinypic.com/67sjhht.jpg

Yahoo!: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/Reycito218/BARROID.jpg

CBS Sportsline: http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/baseball/mlb/img10285545.jpg

Daunte Culpepper has signed a one year deal with the Oakland Raiders.

After being courted by the Raiders, and after a workout today, Culpepper signed a one year deal. He is slotted to be the starting quarterback, as JaMarcus Russell has failed to sign a rookie contract. JaMarcus is still a rookie holdout.

There were reports the Jacksonville Jaguars offered Culpepper a 3yr/15million dollar deal, but Culpepper turned that down. Culpepper is most likely looking to be successful this upcoming season, then securing another long-term deal down the road, with a franchise that can promise him a starting posistion.

The Oakland Raiders visit the Minnesota Vikings on November 18th this upcoming season. It will be the first time Daunte plays against his former teammates at home. Daunte was inactive when the Miami Dolphins played the Vikings this past season.

As a Timberwolves fan, the last two days have been a hard pill to swallow. It's been hard to listen to the rumors resurface, and then seeing KG at the press conference holding up Boston green. It will be harder to see him take the court wearing his new #5 Boston Celtic jersey.

But, with the trade of Garnett, the Timberwolves now have some young assets to work with. It's going to be interesting to see what players are still with the teams, and who starts where. While it's not time for training camp yet, there are positives to look forward too in the T-Wolves immediate future.

1) The Youth Movement-This deal brings much youth for the Timberwolves. Along with Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer and Craig Smith being the core of the team before the KG trade, Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes and Sebastian Telfair give this team one of the youngest cores of the NBA. All of them come cheap and with the trade Minnesota will have the cap room to keep the players that pan out in the future. It will be exciting to see what develops this upcoming season, as all of these players will be 'testing out the waters' and developing chemistry with each other.

2) Who will remain?-With all of these young players, and certaintly the struggles that come with them, few veterans will remain on the team. Ricky Davis only has one year left on this contract and is certain to be traded before the season starts. Troy Hudson was bought out today. Marko Jaric is an undesirable contract, but a good fit for this squad. Mark Blount and Trenton Hassell are two other names that could move. During the struggles, the 'Wolves organization is sure to want to give minutes to their youger guys so they can go through their 'growing pains'. They wont lose 50 games and continue to play veteran guys who end up hampering the development of the young guns. Expect some, if not most, of these players to be wearing different uniforms as the 07-08 season tips off.

3) Any FA's?-While the T-Wolves got their biggest contract in franchise history off the books, they still had to take in a decent amount of salary to make the trade work. Fortunately, both Theo Ratliff and Sebastain Telfair come off the books in 2008, and Juwan Howard holds a 7 million dollar player option he will likely not pick up. In 08-09 they only have 37 million dollars commited in player salaries, and the 2008 free agency class might be one of the most promising the NBA has ever seen. With the young talent, the Wolves might be able to lure a big name to step in and take the Wolves to the playoffs.

While times look low right now, the future does look bright for the T-Wolves. With the array of young talent, and the cap space that come along with it, things might be rough early, but the 'Wolves could start making noise in the Western Conference as soon as the 08-09 season.

Curt Schilling has come out and said that due to the fact Bonds and McGwire have failed to sue anyone for the stories and comments made about their steriod use, that they are actually admitting they took steriods.

Appearing on Bob Costas's program "Costas Now" on HBO, Shilling says that Rafael Palmiero's stats from his last season, 2005-2006, should be wiped out, elimiating his 3,000 hit milestone reached during that season. Palmiero tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs that season, and earned himself a suspension.

Schilling also says Jose Canseco's whole career should be wiped out, and that his MVP should go to the runner up.

Many more quotes from the link below.

Warrick Dunn had surgery on a herniated disk on Wednesday, and he is most likely to miss all of training camp, as recovery time is 6 weeks.

He had a career high 286 carries last year, and will probably be depended on more this upcoming season due to Michael Vick being in the legal troubles that he is in.

Dunn had surgery on his shoulder in January to fix a problem he had been having last season.

Adjust your fantasy running back rankings accordingly.

Patrick Arnold, the chemist who created "The Clear" has come out and said Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield have taken the substance.

Unfortunately for any Bonds/Sheffield bashers out there, he said that he never met either of them, or saw them take it no less. But, Arnold claims that Victor Conte, the man behind BALCO, said that it was working great for Bonds.

Victor is denying these claims.

You can take this story either way. Bonds/Sheffield supporters will note that there is no evidence that Arnold saw these athletes take the substance and that it is speculation by his part. Bonds/Sheffield bashers will pile this on with the other long list of evidence that should send the two athletes to baseball hell.

Either way, until one of these athletes fail a drug test, or there is some unreleased photo/video of them doing some performance-enhancing substance that finds its way into the press's hands, we will never know for sure.

Through the first 9 rounds of the fight, it seemed to be Winky Wright's night. After moving up in weight class to challenge Bernard Hopkins, the 42 year old light-heavyweight champion from Philly, Wright was ready to prove his doubters once again that he belonged in the conversation for 'best pound-for-pound fighter in the world'.

Then, after three sluggish rounds, things looked like a draw at worst for Winky.

The judges failed to agree with the opinion of Wright, however, as they scored the fight heavily in favor for Hopkins. All three cards had Hopkins winning, two of the judges scored the bout 117-111, while the other scored it 116-112.

A controversial scoring, considering the fact Hopkins was in argument with referee Robert Byrd for grabbing onto Wright, and the use of his own head.

Hopkins was happy with the results, and is welcoming all comers for his next fight. While Hopkins might be an old 42, he still feels he has what it takes to be a dominant fighter at the light-heavyweight division.

Wright will likely move back down in weight class. The loss was his 1st since 1999.

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The more entertaining fight of the night was on one of the undercards. Michael Katsidis from Austrailia defeated Czar Amonsot from the Philippines in the lightweight division with a unanimous decision. After Katsidis knocked Czar down in the 2nd, he kept punching away after seriously swelling up his left eye later in the round.

He had multiple cuts around his left eye, and another gash on his left cheek, but continuted to stay agressive as he knocked down Czar again in the 10th. After the entertaining 12 round bout, people will be checking out Katsidis's next fight.

The Phoenix Suns sent F/C Kurt Thomas to Seattle on Friday. Thomas and the Suns 1st round draft picks in 2008 and 2010 were traded to Seattle for a future 2nd round pick, and an 8 million dollar trade exemption.

Phoenix will probably not use that trade exemption, however. They have been trying to get under the luxury tax threshold for weeks now, and their payroll was one of the main holdups in trying to acquire Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves. After this trade, they will most likely stand pat on their roster.

The trade will bring Phoenix's payroll down from 76 million dollars down to 68 million.

Seattle improves their frontcourt depth while gaining a valuable trading chip at this years trading deadline. Thomas's contract only has 1 year/8 million dollars remaining. They could try to move his contract to bring in a veteran if Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are enough to get them in the mix of things as far as a playoff spot is concerned. Picking up two first round draft picks can only be viewed as positives for the franchise as well.

With NBA's summer league and high-profile free agent signings coming to a close, attention now turns to the USA Men's Senior National Team. With a mini-camp slated to start this Friday, 17 players are fighting for 12 slots. According to SI, Duke and USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups, Jason Kidd, Amare Stoudemire, and Chris Bosh are virtual locks for the team. Here are the final 12 players competing for a spot on the team (in alaphabetical order), and the chances of them wearing the Red, White, and Blue this upcoming August. The final roster will be announced sometime Monday, July 23rd.

Carmelo Anthony-Carmelo was one of the three captains from last years 2006 World Championship squad, and fit the role nicely. Carmelo arguably played the best last summer, stepping up and hitting big shots when Team USA needed too. Carmelo should make this team, although he might not start this time around with the addition of Bryant.

Shane Battier-Played solid defense during the tournament last year, and is a threat on the perimeter to hit the open three. With shooting options Bryant and potentially Michael Redd coming into the picture this year, he is less valuable to the team, and it is most likely between Shane and Tayshaun Prince for a roster spot.

Tyson Chandler-Tyson has stuggled offensively during his career in the NBA, but could be a vital defensive asset in the paint. He effectively alters shots in the paint. The problem may lie in him coming outside to guard any big men who might have an outside jumper. With the lack of big men in this camp, though, Chandler could earn a spot with a solid mini-camp.

Kevin Durant-Durant is probably in Las Vegas this time around to get a feel for the program. While he has an excellent jump shot, he might not be ready for international play just yet. Expect him to suit up at the 2010 World Championships (and beyond).

Kirk Hinrich-Kirk was an excellent defender during the 2006 World Championships, causing problems in the backcourt for opposing guards. Realistically, he only has chance for one slot on the team, if Kidd and Billups are locks for the team as Coach K has stated. The tighest race in this camp will probably be the roster spot him and Deron Williams will be playing for.

Dwight Howard-Dwight could be a force this year. His size, athleticism, and work ethic should shine while he's in mini-camp. Although he doesn't have the jumper that fans might want to see in an international setting, he should be a banger down low and be a monster on the glass. He could possibily start alongside Amare if Coach K decides to start a big lineup.

LeBron James-One of the three captain's from the 2006 squad, LeBron is almost a virtual lock. His versatility as a scorer and a passer should cause havock for opposing defenders. His outside shooting still needs work, but did improve as the season went on in his last NBA campaign. Possibly a starter at the 3 spot.

Mike Miller-The USA needs outside shooting, but that seems to be all that Miller could bring to this squad. He could be an asset in international play, which is why he is here, but the USA Coaches might think he's too one-diminensonal to earn a spot on the roster. Expect him to be cut.

Tayshaun Prince-Similar player to Shane Battier. Solid defender and 3 point shooter. It could be Prince vs. Battier for a roster spot. Prince is a little younger, and might be hurt because Battier has more experience in international play. Prince will most likely be cut.

Michael Redd-Team USA was excited to get his 3 year agreement to the program last summer, but his previous wedding plans put his Team USA debut on hold. Redd is now a welcome addition to the roster, a deadly 3 point shooter and all-around player who will be one of Team USA's biggest assets. Redd is a near-lock to make this team.

J.J. Redick-J.J. is the most likely on this list to get cut. Great 3 point shooter, but combine the lack of creating his own shot with the fact that he hasn't exactly been tearing up the league with his defense, and he is the most unlikely player to make the squad. If he develops his game, he could be a possible 2010 addition, but he wont sniff a roster spot this year.

Deron Williams-It will probably be Williams vs. Hinrich for the final point guard slot. Deron had a breakthough season this year with the Jazz, after being considered a dissapointment by some of his critics his rookie season. Heinrich and Williams are similar players, hard-nosed on-ball defenders who will hit the open shot and get the ball where it's suppost to be on the floor. But, based on last year's performance, Hinrich will probably be a preferred addition over Deron. A team with Williams/Redick/Durant/Howard/Oden doesn't sound bad in 2012, though.

With those projections, the lineup should look like this:

PG-Kidd/Billups/Hinrich

SG-Bryant/Redd

SF-James/Anthony/Battier

PF-Bosh/Howard

C-Amare/Chandler

Keep in mind, when Team USA conducts their training camp in August, Greg Oden will be in camp. If he is recovered from his tonsillectomy in time, Oden could take a spot from Chandler (if Team USA only wants 4 big men), or Battier (if they want 5)

Finally, a contract this NBA offseason that makes sense.

Loyality to the Swoosh cost Durant 10 million dollars in endorsement deals, and cost him 2 million dollars up front. adidas offered Durant 70 million dollars, and offered to pay him 12 million dollars up front, compaired to Nike's 10 million. Neverthless, Durant has agreed to sign with Nike for 7 years, worth 60 million dollars.

The contract signed with Nike is the 2nd highest given to a rookie in basketball ever. It fails to reach the contract value of LeBron James (7 years/95 million), but Durant will probably be able to sleep at night.

There were rumors earlier this week that Durant's agent, Aaron Goodwin, only received commission on the contract if it was in excess of 40 million dollars. Goodwin trying to drive up Durant's value was allegadly the holdup in the negotiation process.

With his release earlier this week, Daunte Culpepper is now looking for a job before training camps start all across the NFL. Culpepper claims to be (finally) 100% recovered from his knee injury. Before the injury, he had an outstanding 2004 campaign, and executives around the league don't believe the skills he showed back then have disapeared. Here, in alaphabetical order, are the 5 teams that make the most sense for Culpepper:

Atlanta Falcons-With the Michael Vick inditement on Tuesday, there is now question pertaining to any dicipline Vick will face from Roger Goodell. While the NFL hasn't suspended Vick yet, it is possible they could suspend him before the season begins. After trading Matt Schaub, the Falcons did sign Joey Harrington, but he also struggled down the stretch in Miami. If Culpepper's mobility is regained, he could be a good fit in first year coach Bob Petrino's offense.

Green Bay Packers-With Brett Favre turning the pages on the last chapters of his career, Culpepper could rise above quarterback Aaron Rodgers and be the #1 guy in 2008. This would also be a good opporotunity for him to get back at his first employer, the Minnesota Vikings, for trading him in the first place. Playing in the NFC North with the Packers would give Culpepper two chances a year to gain revenge against his old team.

Jacksonville Jaguars-The only team to express interest publically, the Jags might be looking for a starter in 2008, thanks to the expiring contract of Byron Leftwich. Fans feel Byron may not be the guy to lead the Jags to the Super Bowl, and could turn to Culpepper to get them over the hump. David Garrard faded down the stretch last year, as he doesn't seem to be the answer at quarterback either. Mike Tice, Minnesota's former head coach, is an offensive assistant on Jack Del Rio's staff.

Oakland Raiders-The Raiders could be the only team that could potentially give him an opening day job this year, but Daunte wouldn't have any long term plans with the franchise. After drafting Jamarcus Russell with the #1 overall pick, Al Davis and the Raiders might want to give him a year to develop before giving him the chance to start. If Culpepper signs here, expect a one-year deal.

St. Louis Rams-The Rams possibly don't want to give Mark Bulger a huge contract extension after this season, and Culpepper could fit the bill in a St. Louis uniform. Scott Linehan, Culpepper's old offensive coordinator in Minnesota, is now the head coach for the Rams. It would give Culpepper a quick learning curve in the Rams offense, and may also give the organization an advantage in talks with Bulger.

With news today that Yi Jianlian's Chinese Basketball Association's club would block a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, there is definite potential that this could look bad for the NBA. This is the most publicized trade demand coming from a prospect since Steve Francis demanded to be traded from Vancouver. However, in the long run, this could end up hurting Yi's fan base and marketability in the United States.

The contract situation certaintly isin't helping Yi's image in America. Not many people knew about him going into the 2007 NBA Draft. The reaction to the pick in Milwaukee was mixed. Questions about his actual age, talent, and experience still linger. With his unimpressive debut in the Vegas Summer League, people wont be warming up to him if his name is called during the 2008 NBA Draft, either.

It seems that the CBA hasn't really given a valid reason for him to not come to Milwaukee. Suggesting that Milwaukee has "too many tall players like Yi", Chien Haitio, the owner of the CBA's Guangdong Tigers (Yi's former team), doesn;t make much sense to fans around the league.

Looking at the Milwaukee Bucks roster on paper, a starting squad of...

1-Mo Williams

2- Michael Redd

3- Bobby Simmons

4- Charlie Villanueva

5- Andrew Bogut

with Yi coming off the bench looks very promising for the future. The Bucks just re-signed Williams to a 6-year deal at the start of free agency, and have Redd locked up in the long-term, as well. Looking at the roster, if they were to add one or two veterans, it's not crazy to think they could be in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference come playoff time.

But, until Yi's contract is settled, Milwaukee fans will have to wait to see if Yi comes aboard, or if they can use his rights to bring in other young talent with managable contracts. They cannot let the worst case scenario, losing his rights in the 2008 NBA Draft, to come to fruition. It is just a matter of who blinks first at this point.

While I was in Las Vegas, I was able to catch a few of the Minnesota Timberwolves basketball games. During the games, nobody was more up and down then Rashad McCants, who by his performance still left questions of uncertainty reguarding his micofractured right knee.

In the first game, Rashad started at shooting guard against the New Orleans Hornets. McCants looked poised and ready to go, but didn't play that way. Undiciplined shots led to a dreadful 1-11 shooting performance from the field. Pairing that with 3 turnovers and 0 assists made it an effort to forget. Some questioned the fact that his knee might not be fully healed, as he seemed to be short on many of his attempts from the field.

The second contest, though, showed signs of the player McCants was at UNC. He used his elusiveness around the basket to create open shots for himself. He used his bulked up frame to get into the post and back down his defender. He tallied 17 points on 5-9 shooting, and got to the line to convert all six of his free throw shots. The T-Wolves took that game from the Spurs, looking impressive getting up and down the court.

Unfortunately, his inconsistenty showed the third game against the Clippers. Along with going 1-12 from the field was the fact that he took wild shots and complained the whole 4th quarter. He didn't hustle on defense, and his 7 personal fouls reflected that fact. Being the fact that he was a 3rd year player, you would expect more maturity from McCants, because he has been in this situation before. The player that was "Born to be hated & Dying to be loved" showed no reason to get hugs and handpounds after his performance in the 4th quarter.

After another iffy performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, he showed his versatility against the Phoenix Suns. While shooting 8-16 from the field, he got to the free throw line an outstanding 19 times, hitting 15 of his shots and finishing the day with 32 points. For a team that finished dead last in points in the paint, the ability for McCants to get into the paint and draw free throw attemps had to impress the coaching staff of the Timberwolves.

So, which player will we see this season? McCants played up to his potential in some games, and looked lost in others. The Timberwolves need another scoring option to step up to help KG and Ricky Davis, and based on these games, McCants has shown the ability to be that 3rd player, espically around the perimeter. The lack of consistency, though, has been on the minds of Timberwolves fans across the nation. While he had issues shooting the basketball, some wonder if his knee has played a major factor in his struggles. Hopefully, Rashad takes the necessary steps to strengthen his knee, and his overall game, to be an impact player for the T-Wolves this upcoming season.