The Godfathers Irvin And Sanders Have Their Hands Full With The Gotti-esque Owens

It took only one season with "The Player" for Bill Parcells to effectively end his reign as head boss of the Dallas Cowboys. It looked like just a simple waiting period for Terrell Owens.

Sure, Wade Phillips was hired as Bill Parcells replacement and is the new head coach in Dallas. But this is clearly Terrell Owens’ team from a locker room stand point.

"TO" was particular favorite of owner of the Dallas Cowboys Organization Jerry Jones. But as much as Jones liked Owens, former head coach Bill Parcells hated him, or more accurately feared him; which in the Mafia automatically breeds hatred.

From the shadows of their retirement; former Cowboys greats Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders have both outspokenly supported the controversial star player.

You can actually make the argument that Michael Irvin was very much instrumental in bringing "TO" to Dallas; due to his close-knit ties to the Jones Family.

One could also argue that Irvin might have served a similar roll in bringing Sanders to the "Big D" as well.

Strange enough, "Prime Time's" path to Dallas is a lot similar to Owens. Both players made Super Bowl appearances within two years prior to their arrival to the Lone Star State.

Sanders had perhaps his best season in 1994 before signing with Dallas. One in which he was voted the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year and help led the San Francisco 49ers to a 49-26 win over the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX.

Terrell Owens so far has had his best single season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005 before arriving in Dallas less then two years after his release from the team. Owens was receiving MVP considerations before a severe leg injury ended his chances of winning. However, it did not prevent him from displaying a heroic performance just six and a half weeks after ankle surgery, defying his doctor's advice.

But perhaps Irvin and Sanders see a lot of themselves in the young capo Owens. With Parcells now out of the way; like it or not, "TO" is now top dog for America's Team.

Irvin and Sanders are two made-men that are considered one of the best to ever play their position. Terrell Owens has every bit the opportunity of becoming one of the best wide receivers to ever play in the NFL.

There's no question; Deion Sanders is clearly the best cornerback in NFL history. If I, or anyone else for this matter, were going to create a NFL Defensive All-Time Greats List; “Prime Time" is on that list ---if he isn't the first defensive back chosen. Past or present, there is no question about it.

The L-O-C-K D-O-W-N cover corner description was created because of Deion Sanders. Even today, I've never seen a cornerback neutralize one side of the field the way "Prime Time" did.

But it's the flashy flamboyant image that fans will always remember about Irvin and Sanders.

Owens watched and learned from the two future Hall Of Famers, rather abundantly perhaps, but it provided Owens an avenue to promote himself like a movie star. Similar to "Broadway Joe" Namath if you will.

If Joe Namath is the first official super star to ever break a NFL huddle; then Irvin and Sanders are the league's first fashion icons. That's if you like recommending tangerine or hot pink to your tailor for color palettes on your suits.

Sanders signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995 and showed up at the press conference in a blue and silver pen-striped suit. Five years later, he makes another Deion-esque appearance to sign a multi-million dollar contract with the Washington Redskins wearing a burgundy and gold suit.

Who can forget Michael Irvin’s multiple run-ins with the law and even showing up for court like Nino Brown wearing a full mink coat and dark shades.

Perhaps it’s Irvin that relates most of all with Terrell Owens. Quite frankly, you can argue that Irvin could easily have become a "TO" if it hadn't been for the addition of Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith to the Dallas Cowboys Franchise.

All and all, the old dons definitely have their hands full with their attempts to contain "TO" in Dallas.

After a year and a half feud in Philadelphia which led to his mid-season release from the team over a contract dispute; Owens beat the rap by signing with Dallas for basically the same amount of money he was requesting from the Eagles.

But "TO" is no "Teflon Don" by no means. His days in Dallas and the National Football League could be still numbered.

There's no doubt about it, "TO's" wise guy antics definitely make him a marked man in the NFL.

Irvin and Sanders will have a much better opportunity to reach out to Owens now that the security gate created by the Parcells' Regime has been removed. Coach Parcells restricted past players from visiting and being hands-on during Cowboy practice sessions. However, new head coach Wade Phillips has welcomed the two former Cowboys with open arms.

So with year number two well under way for Owens and "The Boys"; let's hope the Godfathers can help "TO" keep a quiet discretion and not embarrass himself and the entire Cowboy Organization.

Adam, The "PAC" has got to go man.

With Terry "Tank" Johnson out of service after being released from his defensive tackle duties for the Chicago Bears; will "Pac Man" soon become a thing of the past like the classic 80s arcade phenomenon?

Some will call the (1) year suspension issued by NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell a slap on the wrist; while others will call it too harsh.

The fact still remains that "Pac Man" is still generating negative press for the NFL by having his name or should I say his nickname surface in random bar fights around the country.

He's obviously the most popular player in the NFL to have yet to play a single down in the Pro Bowl.

Although this is bad publicity for the NFL and its players; it would be great press for "Pac Man" if were a rap star.

Negative press adds instant street credibility for a rap entertainer such as "50 cent". While "50 Cent" can go into the studio and write a song about his arrest at a strip club in Miami, Florida; the single will more than likely debut #1 on the Billboard charts.

That controversy will create a buzz throughout the music industry generating a boost in record sales for "50 Cent".

In a nutshell, it's the image that sells records for the rap artist "50 Cent", and not so much the craft of his music.

Unfortunately for Adam "Pac Man" Jones the National Football League is not out to sell records, nor are they trying to attract Hip Hop fans.

The NFL will sell a season ticket to any kid with a doo-rag, tattoos, and britches down to his ankles, but it won't get the attention of corporate sponsors if its representatives are ex-felons.

Professional athletes from the inner-city have got to realize that it’s an honor and a privilege to make it to the top. Many of them are blessed with the ability to support their friends and family with their God given abilities, but they struggle making the transition from amateur to pro.

Many former athletes like me would die to have an opportunity to play in the NFL. There are garbage men and janitors that would give up their 9 to 5 just to wear a uniform and sprint down on a kick-off for free.

When I signed a rookie free-agent contract with the New York Giants in 1997; I thought my dreams had finally come true. To my surprise I went undrafted, yet I was given a higher contract than any rookie free agent on the roster that year. It was pure royalty for me. From the time I arrived at my hotel and being able to tip the cabdriver fifty dollars; to having our own personal chef for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during training camp; until the first class seat home after my release from the team.

I was surprised to learn that the majority of the guys in camp or on the roster that were religious at some capacity were undrafted free agents or late round draftees.

It wasn't that they were deeply religious individuals; they just believed it took a special higher power to help get them there, and not just their athletic ability. Plus, they were all praying to keep their spot on the team because they could be cut at anytime.

However, in "Pac Man’s” defense; he's one not to be given up on. He's obviously a special talent or the Tennessee Titans would not have made him the first defensive player taken in the 2005 NFL Draft. They would have also cut ties with him a long time ago if they weren't interested in his enormous potential.

So there is still hope for him to still salvage his career.

Jones took that first step by cutting his dreadlocks. It wasn't that the dreads had anything to do with his persona. There are many intelligent and professional individuals who wear dreadlocks. But Jones had to remove the dreads to make that first step towards cleaning his image.

His very next step – the most important move - has to be towards his own entourage. Adam "Pac Man" Jones has not been found guilty of any of the allegations he's recently been accused of; which means that some of the individuals in his party are possibly the ones that are causing trouble.

A lot of young athletes from the inner-city believe that once they've made it to the NFL, NBA, or in any professional sport; they're obligated to bring their entire neighborhood with them. The family and friends from the projects were with them before the fortune and fame. Therefore, they feel the need to share the benefits of their success with them.

It's a very courteous outlook on giving back to their communities, but quite frankly it's impossible.

A star athlete such as Adam "Pac Man" Jones has to be more selective of the individuals he employs, as well as the company he keeps when he goes out in public. Or he's going to find himself catching cases in Tibet.

"Pac Man" should sit down and have a conversation with Allen Iverson. Allen Iverson wrote the blue-print for star athletes on how to manage friends and family from the neighborhood; when either they accompany you out or they become a part of your organization.

Iverson made headlines as both a star high school football and basketball player from the state of Virginia. But "AI" was forced to sign with a probation officer instead of a college letter of intent due to a fight in a bowling alley which led to his arrest and 4 months in jail.

I can remember back during my sophomore year in college, my roommate's uncle would fly out to Oregon to visit us during football season from Virginia. He would often brag about a guy called "Bubba Chuck" who was apparently incarcerated at the time. My roommate's uncle would warn that when "Bubba Chuck" gets out of jail he's going to take the sports world by storm. "Bubba Chuck" would later get released from jail and immediately sign on with Coach John Thompson to play basketball at Georgetown. Then after 2 years at Georgetown he became the number 1 overall pick by The Philadelphia 76ers and the rest is history.

Needless to say, Iverson did not carry the childhood name into the limelight with him; and rightfully so.

I always felt that childhood nicknames which were created by peers should be left back in the neighborhoods they originated from. They're legendary names and well respected better in the territories that created them. Not in the media where they can be misconstrued.

All in all, if Allen hadn't found "The Answer" to what was destroying his image early in his career, he might have become the wrong answer for Reebok.

Right now, Adam "Pac Man" Jones couldn't get an endorsement deal from Softly Ultra toilet paper. Not to mention, a lucrative shoe contract from the likes of NIKE or Adidas.

While Jones has been generously suspended from playing in the NFL for (1) year and not banned for good; there's still hope for him to come out of this on top. He owes it to his family, his fans, and the rest of the NFL players (past, future, and present). But most of all, he owes it to himself.

Kobe Bryant's Offseason To Do List

1) GET A HOBBY!!!

Seriously, someone needs to help find Kobe Bryant a hobby. While he's spending his off-season whining on his website and ranting on You Tube about the Lakers front office woes; he should be some place playing golf on some secluded island drinking margaritas and utilizing the short time he has to free his mind from this past season.

I understand that as the face of a basketball franchise, there is an entire city counting on you to get it done. "It", meaning getting the Lakers organization back to the promise land; and do so without the "Big Aristotle", Shaquille O’neal. But with 4 years and almost 100 million dollars left on his contract; he's stuck in LA for at least another season.

It wasn't like the Lakers completely stunk up the NBA this past season. If so, KB would actually have a legitimate argument. But in the 3 years of Shaq's absence; the Lakers have made the playoffs twice. Only to be eliminated by the Phoenix Suns both times. Now granted, the Lakers did take a step backwards this year by getting swept 3-0 in the 1st round of the playoffs by Phoenix after winning the first 2 games against The Suns in the 2006 NBA playoffs.

So I sort of understand Kobe's frustration, or should I say his envy towards LeBron James and his spectacular playoff run. With the exception of his finals performance against the San Antonio Spurs. We all know how that turned out. You think Kobe was thinking to himself and cursing the entire Lakers organization; players and all for not giving him that same support the young King James had this season in Cleveland.

But let’s face it "Kobe B"; No one including you expected LeBron and the Cavaliers to make it all the way to the finals. More or less, get past Detroit.

Quite frankly, Kobe Bryant’s' motivation to get past the suns should have been the same as LeBron's motivation to get past Detroit. A healthy Laker team with a half decent front court could have helped Kobe's championship campaign as well.

In actuality, Kobe's only a mediocre big man or a second fiddle super star away. So what is Lamar Odom then?

Injuries, they can send an organization "boo-hooing" like a kid in a candy store with no money.

But if Kobe wants out of LA, he's going about it the wrong way. He's got to wait this one out for at least another season. You can't wait until you sign a long-term contract with an organization then jump ship half-way into your contract. It almost always fails. I don't know about you, but this sounds awfully T.O.-ish to me.

If he's going to voice his opinion, do it behind closed doors. Not in a blog on your website where the media can get access to it. And for crying out loud, not on a fan's personal camcorder in some department store so they can post it on You Tube or their MySpace profile. Heck, he might as well go live on ESPN. I guess you can't be mad at him for being fan-friendly, but that was stupid.

But like the old saying goes, "You make the bed, you lay in".

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting exactly what they invested in when they acquired a young Shaquille O’neal from Orlando and later drafted Kobe Bryant right out of high school. They were able to ride the Diesel for (3) championships; until at least one of the wheels came off before selling him to Miami. Now the Lakers are finding that the Porsche-made Kobe is quite a unique automobile and truly one of a kind.

It's amazing how the Jordan mystique has to be boiling inside Kobe. First, he got Phil Jackson all to himself. Then, there was the number change from number (8) to (24). Now, there's speculation about him actually trying to get to Chicago - which is where he was actually looking at houses before he signed the new deal with the Lakers.

All in all, whether the damage is done remains to be seen. The NBA season has concluded so he doesn't have to watch LeBron make him look bad anymore. The Los Angeles Lakers have some extra things to evaluate for next season; as well as their future. A blockbuster trade with Bryant could be very fruitful for the Laker Organization. It could be also painful if it's not managed properly.

In the meantime, Kobe has to find a better way to occupy his time in the off-season. There will be a better time and place to voice his Laker franchise frustrations.

I understand that there are only so many golf balls you can hit. So much deep sea fishing you can do. There are even so many charity events you can attend during the off season before preseason rolls around.

Kobe is approaching his 30s - which are the "Golden Years" in professional sports. With (3) NBA titles already under his belt, there's no guarantee he'll make it back. Besides, his body will appreciate all the rest it can get as he gets older.

But I guess you can't totally blame the man for calling out the Lakers front office, in particular General Manager Mitch Kupchak. The Laker Organization is partly responsible for not getting the best player on the planet enough quality support in order for them to be more competitive in the Western Conference.

In the meantime, let's hope that Kobe can spend some extra time this summer in Tijuana and less time in the Laker front office.


Here are a few suggestions for Kobe's 2007 off-season
To do list:

1) Play Golf with MJ
Since Kobe wants to be like “His Airness” (Jordan) so bad; perhaps Mike can help him with his golf game.

2) Restructure that hideous shoe deal with NIKE

LeBron James is NIKE's #1 guy in basketball. But Kobe Bryant is the best player in the NBA, right? So why is it that you can easily find LeBron (KING) James shoes & apparel next to Jordan's; and Kobe Bryant's shoes are on the back rack of the NIKE Outlet stores?

Can someone get Reebok on the phone?

3) Host Saturday Night Live

There's no question that Kobe's lost half his fan base over the last (6) years. From sex scandal to feuds with Shaquille O’neal that some would say eventually broke up a Laker Dynasty. How could the best player in the world be one of the most hated players in the NBA.

What a better way to bring some sense of humor to all this negativity than to host "Saturday Night Live".

Hey it worked for Al Gore.