2.27.2011

Candy of The Day....WWE Diva Layla El


Whether she's in the ring or cutting a promo backstage, Layla El makes Monday Night Raw must see tv every week!

Around The Links with Hines Ward, Brandon Rios, Jeremy Shockey, Rip Hamilton, and Channing Frye's Buzzer Beater

While you're either watching the Academy Awards or the New York Knicks versus the Miami Heat, I'm slaving at work with these crazy ass hours. I'm not complaining, because I'm definitely blessed to even have a gig.

Here are a few links to keep ya busy during those commercial breaks.

ESPN's Howard Bryant Arrested and Charged with Domestic Assault, Elbowing a Police Officer - The Big Lead

Video: Columbus no-goal controversy exposes NHL review flaws - Puck Daddy

Could Hines Ward Be The Next NFL Player on Dancing With The Stars? - Steelers Depot

Brandon Rios Digs Deep To Become A World Champion! - HaleStorm Sports Network

Shockey Wants to Be a Panther - Panthers Report

Scout Finds Legal Issues at Combine - Kegs 'N Eggs

Rip Hamilton Yelled at John Kuester in Practice, Called Him a Failure - Hardcourt Mayhem

NBA Video Video: Andre Iguodala's Tip Dunk Over Christian Eyenga (10-27-2011)

If all Andre Iguodala had to do was dunk, he'd be an NBA all-star year after year. Unfortunately for him, that's just a small part of the game.


Hat tip to GetBangedOn.

NBA Video: A Double Dose of Shaun Livingston Against Orlando (2/27/2011)

His was a career many thought was over after a horrible knee injury, but Shaun Livingston has rebounded well and is a healthy contributor for Michael Jordan's Charlotte Bobcats.

Check him out here delivering the goods in Orlando.





There are just some things that make you feel good, and for hardcore NBA fans, seeing Livingston doing well is one of those.

AP Video: MLB Hall of Famer Duke Snider Passes Away

NBA Video: Nick Young Makes Ridiculous 360 Reverse Layup

The boy Nick Young can fill it up, and has quickly become one of the most exciting young scoring guards in the NBA.

Check him out here with the amazing 360 reverse layup over and around Tyson Chandler and Shawn Marion.



That was straight ill! The degree of difficulty was off the chart on that play. You may not see a more unique display of athleticism the rest of the year. Rock on Nick!

2.24.2011

NBA Video: Chauney Billups Dribbles Between Carlos Delfino's Legs in MSG Debut

Wednesday night's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks was all about Carmelo Anthony's debut in MSG, but he wasn't the only new guy on the block. His point guard and fellow trade-mate Chauncey Billups also suited up for the first time in The Garden.

While all the fanfare was for Anthony, Billups did what he normally does, make plays. Check him out here giving Carlos Delfino a lesson in ball handling.



Delfino is becoming a regular here. He found his way to the blog back on the 14th of February when Blake Griffin posterized him.

Video: Charles Barkley with "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It"

I thought this was cool. Meant to post it last week when I first saw it, but it's better late than never.

Here is "The Mouth of TNT" himself, Sir Charles Barkley with a catchy little tune entitled, "I May Be Wrong, But I Doubt It".

Eat your heart out Justin Bieber.

R.I.P. Utah Jazz: Death of a Franchise

In Utah it was all good just a few weeks ago. The team was playing decent basketball and in a contention for a playoff spot. Then came the resignation of Jerry Sloan, a man who had been on the bench longer than the average age of the NBA players he was coaching. His longtime assistant Phil Johnson went with him. More than 40 years of coaching experience walked out the door the same day.

On Wednesday, the Jazz parted ways with the guy who I believe is the best point guard in the game. Deron Williams is packing his bags and heading to New Jersey to play for a Russian billionaire who failed to lure Carmelo Anthony to town despite his best efforts. Anthony was traded the day before to the cross-town rival Knickerbockers. Williams, who is the last link to that great pick & role system run in Utah, will now be under the watchful eye of "The Little General" Avery Johnson. And with that, the Utah Jazz as we know it passed away. R.I.P.

Jerry Sloan oversaw one of the most successful offenses in basketball for the better part of two decades. We all can attest to how effective John Stockton and Karl Malone were in Sloan's system. If you're someone that can't relate, check out basketball-reference.com and take a look at the numbers they posted. I'm sure you'll change your stance.

When the "Mailman" and Stockton moved on Sloan forged ahead, still running things his way, doing what he felt was best for the team. The Jazz had some struggles, but they always remained competitive. The team still had grit and toughness, but they were know longer amongst the elite teams in the NBA.

With some good fortune the pieces fell in place again with the acquisition of Williams and Boozer. Once again Sloan had the ability to run his offense at a high level with two outstanding young players. The remarkable thing about it was that Booz and D-Will didn't miss a beat from what Stockton and Malone had been able to accomplish years prior. All was grand in Salt Lake.

Today, the fans will wake up to the true end of the Sloan era. Deron Williams' departure closes the door on history. There will never be another non-championship dynasty like the one we had a chance to see there. They were consistent year in and year out, and whether you liked them or not you had to respect what they brought to the game on a nightly basis.

The simple pick and roll offense was executed to perfection on one end, and the team played rough and rugged defense on the other. They were winners for so long that people overlooked their maintained brilliance. The Jazz made beautiful music on the court, and set an example for how good basketball should be played.

It really doesn't feel like it's been that long since Sloan and the Jazz lost back-to-back finals to the Chicago Bulls, and it feels like just yesterday that they challenged the Lakers in the western conference finals, but for fans who pack Energy Solutions Arena, it will soon feel like eons ago.

Now I'm not trying to take anything away from Tyrone Corbin, because I'm happy he was given the chance to be a head coach in the NBA after paying his dues as an assistant, but he ain't no Jerry Sloan. Earl Watson certainly isn't of the same calibur as Deron Williams either.

I see dark days ahead in Salt Lake City as that organization tries to find its new identity and bury its old one. It won't be easy to replace what they had, and in all honesty I doubt they will ever be able to have the type of run they did over the last 20+ years again.


2.23.2011

Fresh Foot Work....Nike Zoom Kobe VI


This is the Nike Zoom Kobe VI and according to MarqueeSole, Bryant will be wearing these when the playoffs get rolling. More pics available over at sneakerfiles.com.

NBA Video: Ed Davis Dunks on Nazr Mohammed and Gerald Wallace

Somebody should have told Nazr Mohammed and Gerald Wallace that Ed Davis had some serious hops. Who's doing the scouting reports these days Stevie Wonder? Damn!



Hat tip to getbangedon.

2.22.2011

Candy of The Day....Fitness Model and Former WWE Diva Search Winner Jaime Koeppe

We like our eye candy to be in shape here at Sports with Mr. Factoid, so I give you an uber sexy fitness model to drool over today. This is Jaime Koeppe, who WWE fans may remember as the winner of the initial diva search way back in 2003.

NBA Video: Blake Griffin 360 Baseline Layup Against OKC

I was really trying not to post a Blake Griffin highlight tonight, but the kid leaves me little choice in the matter. All he seems to do is make amazing play after amazing play.



That was just raw athleticism there. I would sell my soul and my left testicle to be able to pull off half the stuff BG has this year.

NBA Video: DJ Steve Porter's Blake Griffin Mix

Somehow I managed to miss DJ Steve Porter and his Blake Griffin mix last week. You may have already seen it, but just in case you missed it too, here it is for you viewing pleasure.

Fresh Foot Work...Nike Sportswear Hachi

These depressing winter months will be behind us soon, so it's time to make sure your shoe game is in order for the spring and summer. The ladies will be checking to see who's footwear game is the best, so don't get played by rocking those old dusty Air Force 1's. Trust me fellas, she won't give you the time of day if your kicks are rusty.



This is the soon to be released Nike Hachi. It's a mix of the Nike Match Classic and Sting. You can look for this colorway and another to hit stores around April.

Hat tip to SneakerFiles.

Hitting the Links with The Glove, George Karl, Strikeforce, and a Shirtless Steve Spurrier

I haven't dropped any links in a minute, hell I haven't posted in about a week. I've been really focused on the new Sports with Mr. Factoid podcast that airs live on Blog Talk Radio each and every Monday night at 5 p.m. If you haven't checked out the new show, then follow the link at the top right side of the blog to get a taste of Factoid on radio, or just check out the embedded show below!

Listen to internet radio with Eallen on Blog Talk Radio


Here are a few links to get you through your Tuesday night! Enjoy.

Payton Really Likes D. Rose - Hooped Up

George Karl: Ty Lawson Will Start Over Raymond Felton --For Now - FANHOUSE

Strikeforce HWGP: What's Next? - The Big Lead

16-year-old Lexi Thompson humbles entire male population, wins mini-tour event - Devil Ball

Montiel to be back in action by the summer - Boxing News

Photo: Shirtless Spurrier Killin' a Coors at Daytona - Sports by Brooks

Did Blake Griffin get the idea to dunk over a car from a fan? Ball Don't Lie

2.17.2011

NBA Video: Blake Griffin Hits His Head on Backboard

I've been waiting for this since Griffin almost hit his head catching an alley-oop a few weeks back. Glad Blake didn't make me wait very long for the blooper.



Hat tip to BlakeGriffinChannel on youtube.

2.16.2011

Candy of The Day....UFC Ring Girl Arianny Celeste


This isn't her first appearance on Sports with Mr. Factoid, and somehow I doubt it will be her last. Arianny Celeste is fine as May wine!

NBA Video: D-Wade Throws 90 Foot Alley-Oop to LeBron James

NBA Video: Lou Williams Dunks on Z-Bo



Lou glided through the air and finished over Mr. Randolph with relative ease. Makes me wanna go do some calf raises so I can grab the rim again!

2.15.2011

NBA Video: Blake Griffin's New Poster Featuring Carlos Delfino (2/14/2011)

I think it may be time to give Blake Griffin his own personal wing here on Sports with Mr. Factoid. The highlights just keep coming.



Despite Delfino's unfortunate incident, he led the Bucks to the win and had a great game posting 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists.

NBA Video: Nicolas Batum Dunks on Darko Milicic (2/14/2011)

I'm always looking to pile on the punishment when it comes to Darko Milicic. I'm really not sure why though because he seems like a really nice guy. Maybe it's because his hype was overwhelming and the product has been bitterly underwhelming.



Nice job Nicolas Batum! You just made my day.

Pro Wrestling Video: The Rock Returns to Monday Night Raw (2/14/2011

There may not be a wrestler in history that can match "The Rock" when it comes to crowd control. He has an aura unlike any other WWE Superstar who has ever stepped inside the squared circle. Wrestling fans have been collectively salivating at the thought of his return for years. On Monday night, that long wait came to an end.





That's what I call a return! The crowd was eating out of his hand in Anaheim, and I bet the folks watching at home were doing the same. Some guys just have that "it factor", and there's no question The Rock has that with the wrestling public.

Hat tip to BSO.

2.12.2011

Video: BasketBrawl in Israeli Cup Final (2011)

You see more basketball fights overseas then you do in the NBA. Maybe it's because the fines are lighter over there, or because NBA players fear the wrath of David Stern. Either way it goes, the brawls give the game a black eye. No pun intended.

Hat tip to Bob'sBlitz.com

Candy of The Day....Leila Shennib (WAG of Jose Canseco)


When I was a kid I thought Jose Canseco was great. Now that I'm a man, I think Jose Canseco is a self-centered, ego maniacal jackass. My how times change! Good thing for us is that his girlfriend is hot! Say hello to Leila Shennib. As you drool over her, feel free to google her. There are some smoking pics out there. Jose can't be hittin that right.

Thoughts and Video: LeBron James Confronts Heckling Fan

When you pay your money for a ticket to a sporting event you have the right to say just about anything that you please. LeBron James clearly doesn't feel that way.

In the following clip you can hear James tell a fan that they can say anything about him that they want, but not to be disrespectful. I read somewhere (ESPN) that the fan LeBron confronted had some choice words about his mom.

Take a listen for yourself.



Now I'm going to be honest with you here, and this is a touchy subject depending on perspective. I personally don't care what the fan said about LeBron or his mother. James' doesn't have the right to threaten fans just because he doesn't like being heckled.

Fans being douchebags didn't happen overnight and it's not like players haven't been verbally abused before.

I recall an interview with the great Oscar Robertson. He openly discussed some of the racial slurs fans hit him with while he was playing, and believe me they were far worse than some drunk fan saying LeBron's mom is a prostitute for sleeping with Delonte West.

LeBron is a physical specimen unlike any other, but he's emotionally fragile at times. I suggest you leave the fans alone, regardless of what they say, and focus on just playing basketball.

NBA Video: Sam Young Baseline Dunk over Andrew Bogut

Sam Young looks like he's been in the NBA for about 10 years. He's got that old man face like Greg Oden. Unfortunately for Andrew Bogut, Young doesn't have old man legs or past due hops.



The best part about the clip is how Bogut moves on like it never happened. He turns and jogs down the court like Young only made a jumper on him or something. That's how you play off getting posterized like a true vet!

Video: Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser in Action at Verizon Center

Ok, so this is quite possibly the coolest thing that I've ever had the privilege to lay my eyes on. A beer dispenser that fills your cup from bottom to top recently debuted via food service giant Aramark at the Verizon Center.



Can you imagine how big a hit the home version could be around the holidays? This guarantees the perfect pour each and every time. It's a guys dream. Hooray beer!

2.11.2011

Boxing Video: Usman Ahmed Dances His Way to a Vicious KO Loss

Fighters who dance on the way to the ring don't generally have a great deal of success. As a native St. Louisan, I'm very familiar with the art of entrance-dancing thanks to Cory "The Next Generation" Spinks. Feel free to YouTube him.

I've never heard of Usman Ahmed, and after getting put down in the first round of this bout, you probably won't either. So if he's a nobody in the making, then why would I waste my time posting this video you ask? Well, take a look at the clip and I'll let you decide whether I did the right thing or not.



So does he have a chance on "Dancing with The Stars" or "So You Think You Can Dance"? While I doubt the casting directors of those shows are blowing up his Blackberry, I am pretty sure that his boxing career is all but over.

NBA Video: Andre Iguodala's Fast Break Windmill Dunk Fail

We are now going to examine what not to do on the fast break. Our instructor is a well respected high riser who just....



lost his concentration. He's made tons of dunks like that before. It's not like any of us can really jump that high. The hell with whether he made the dunk. It was gonna be impressive and now I'm left pondering what if.

Hat tip to BareKnucks.com.

Hitting The Links with Erik Morales, Dan Snyder, Amir Kahn and BlogTalk Radio

I just recorded the first episode of "Sports with Mr. Factoid" over on Blogtalk Radio. Really excited about it. Follow that big link at the top left of the page to check out my thoughts on Jerry Sloan, Barry Bonds, Michael Jordan, Marcus Maidana, Alber Pujols and much, much more. Or you can just listen below.




Listen to internet radio with Eallen on Blog Talk Radio



The show is a work in progress and will likely have many format changes over the next few months, so please stick with me. You can catch me live every Monday at 5 p.m. on Blogtalkradio.com talking sports and a lot of BS.

Now that you're up to date, here are those links I promised.

The Week Ender: Where Has She Been? - The Hater Nation

McCloskey's trainer says Khan is weak if hit on the side of the head - Boxing News 24

The Stange Case of Dan Snyder's Lawsuit
- 202 Sports Blog

Erik Morales v. Macus Maidana Set For Aril 9 - Round 1


WIZARDS OF GORE: TV Boxing That Drips Blood - Bad Left Hook

Jordan Brand Commercial : Record Breaking Ray Allen

I didn't see this ad during the game or even after it went off. Maybe I missed it when I ran to McDonalds. Damn chicken nuggets were calling my name.

Anyway, here is the new three point shooting king in an interview about breaking the record, the secret about his sweet stroke, and his place among the great shooters in NBA history.

Ray Allen Stands Alone As Three Point King

The man has arguably the sweetest stroke in the history of basketball, and on Thursday night Ray Allen took his place at the top of the three point field goals made list by passing Reggie Miller.



Allen now stands alone at the top of the list with 2,561 treys made during his career.

Eye Candy...NFL WAG Edition (Meagan Good)


I'm not a fan of the television program "The Game" or Chiefs running back Thomas Jones, but I am a HUGE fan of one of the shows stars and his girlfriend, Meagan Good. She's as bad as they come anywhere. She even looks good with the short hair she's rocking now. BADD!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Factoid...You're Two Years Old

I can't believe that I've been wasting my time with this blog for two years. All the time I've spent with these posts and videos could have been spent drinking more beer and watching episodes of 40 ounce bounce. Hell, or maybe I could have gotten my lazy ass back in the gym. I haven't shot the rock in months.

I guess we're now in our "terrible 2's", if that even applies to sports blogs. Means this shit is gonna get worse before it get better people, so buckle up for some real nonsense in 2011.

Seriously though, I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to click on a post, leave a comment, or just stop by. I really appreciate the support. Sports with Mr. Factoid can't get any smaller, so thanks for making it big to me!

2.07.2011

NBA Video: Dwight Howard Makes Shot From Behind The Backboard

Dwight Howard isn't known for his soft touch around the basket, but even the sun shines on a dogs ass somedays.



Dwight may work on trick shots everday in practice, but I would be willing to bet big money that he couldn't make that shot again if he had 10 attempts. I'm just saying.

Kim Kardashian's Sketchers Commercial From Super Bowl XLV

I think we all know what Kim K is known for, and it's not her on screen talents, well that depends if you've seen her old sex tape. The vivacious Kardashian debuted her Sketchers Shape Up's ad last night during Super Bowl XLV, and while it's not a cinematic masterpiece, I haven't heard any guys complaining about it yet.

2.03.2011

Making The Rounds: Super Bowl XLV Thoughts, Pujols Could Fly The Coop, and Michael Cole is The Man

I'm back with the second installment of "Making The Rounds". If you missed the original post, feel free to go back and delve into it's madness.

Super Bowl XLV - I don't think we could have asked for a better matchup this year. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers represent football in my opinion. They had great coaches, great players, and even greater fans It's hard to say that growing up a 49ers fan, but it's true. Both possess a long and storied history of excellence, and when kickoff goes down this Sunday I think it's very safe to say that we're all in for a real treat.

So who am I going with? I would love to see Aaron Rodgers and Charles Woodson walk away with the Lombardi trophy. The Packers are damn good, but if I was betting on the game, which I haven't yet, I would take the Steelers. Final score will be 24-17.

Albert Pujols - "Fat Albert" and the St. Louis Cardinals are at a crossroads. Free agency is looming and a deal has yet to get done.

Unless you've been camping out under a rock all offseason, you're fully aware that this is the last season on Pujols' contract and he isn't willing to negotiate terms of a new deal once spring training begins in just a few weeks. The Cardinals front office had years to get something done, but have lolly gagged more than Randy Moss when the ball ain't thrown his way. Sorry Randy, but it's true.

If the Cardinals let the games best player skip town, it will be the biggest baseball blunder since the Red Sox sold the rights to George Herman Ruth over to the Yankees. As a St. Louisan, I'm optimistic that a deal will be reached, but the closer we get to spring training, the less likely it becomes that Albert will be in a Cardinals uniform in 2012. I just hope it isn't Yankee pinstripes.

Boston Celtics - The boys from Beantown are rolling. This past Sunday they put a legit thumping on the Lakers, and clearly demonstrated that they are primed for another trip to the NBA Finals. Current record is 37-11, second best in the L.

I've heard the age argument already, and I agree the collective in Boston is older than the oldest dirt, but they are very deep, especially in the front court, and have more than enough bodies to wear teams down. If nothing else they've got a ton of fouls to give.

The "Big 3" are healthy and playing some very efficient basketball thus far. Ray Allen is in the midst of the best statistical campaign of his illustrious career, and "The Truth" is still just that. They've battled and won despite injuries to Rondo, KG, Delonte West, and Shaq. Guys like Glen Davis, Nate Robinson, and even Semih Erden have made successful contributions. The minutes those guys are playing now will only help the team come playoff time, something that Doc Rivers clearly understands.

It's still early, but I like Boston to make it back to the finals. My hope is that the Spurs won't fade away the second half of the season. I called for a Spurs/Celtics championship final two years ago, so if that can somehow materialize itself this season I would be in hoops heaven.

Michael Cole - For the pro wrestling fans out there I wonder how you feel about Michael Cole, the "voice" of the WWE? Are you a Cole Miner? I know I am!

He's got a great thing going right now from where I'm sitting. He has a heel persona that has been building since NXT Season 1, which I think is great. He verbally abuses co-announcers' Jerry Lawler, Josh Matthews, and Matt Striker every week. He commentates on every program, and actually plays favorites. He worships the Miz and actually jumps up and down while calling his matches. I've never seen that type of emotional attachment to a wrestler before from a commentator. Well, J.R. was quite fond of Dr. Death Steve Williams, but it wasn't close to Cole's infatuation.

The crowds hate the anonymous GM on Raw (hell, I hate the anonymous GM on Raw), and it's Cole that gets to deliver the message each and every Monday night. The "And I Quote" line is something I actually get geeked to hear. Some like it, some don't, but it's better than all those garbage guest hosts that were on the show.

In the 25 or so years I've been watching professional wrestling I can't recall an announcer playing the role that Michael Cole is right currently. I give a lot of credit to the writers for getting something right for once, and taking a chance on something a little different. It's refreshing to see new characters and "makeovers" happen. He's over big time right now.

NBA Video: Josh Smith Dunks on Toronto's Ed Davis

It's always a good day when a Tarheel gets dunked on. Thank you Ed Davis for making this one of those days!

NBA Video: Blake Griffin Alley-Oop SLAM Over Kyle Korver

Has Kyle Korver ever been known for his vertical leap? Has Kyle Korver ever been known as a high riser or even a defensive stopper? Has Kyle Korver ever blocked an alley-oop dunk before?

I could go on and on with these "Has Kyle Korver even" questions, but the answer to all of them is absolutely not!



The thing I would like to ask Korver is if he's heard of Blake Griffin, because trying to contest on this play was simply astronomically idiotic. Welcome to Blake's rookie highlight package Kyle.

2.01.2011

NFL Video:SuperBowl Media Day Mix Courtesy of DJ Steve Porter

NBA Video: LeBron James Dunks on J.J. Hickson and Christian Eyenga

There isn't much to be said about the following dunk, other than OUCH!



The man that James blew past was Christian Eyenga, and the fella who challenged at the rim was the one and only J. J. Hickson.

The Cavaliers lost yet again, and have now dropped 21 straight games. Their record is 8-40.

NBA Video: Blake Griffin's Windmill Slam Against Milwaukee

Blake Griffin has already be crowned the dunk contest champion and we haven't even reached the break. His raw power has been on display throughout the season and it's a forgone conclusion that he will win the slam dunk title.



I'm sorry to say that I wasn't really impressed with the windmill. It was average at best. I think dunk contest fans have seen far better. Hell, I've seen better in-game windmills than that. The hope is that this uncontested finish was merely just a glimpse of what Blake will really do come all-star weekend.

Here's a man that knew how to windmill.

NBA Video: DeAndre Jordan Dunks on Andrew Bogut

The Clippers are more than just BG & B-Diddy. Those two are a fabulous new duo, but they've got a guy by the name of DeAndre Jordan on the roster who isn't half bad either.



The Clippers beat the Bucks 105-98. Jordan finished the game with 16 points, seven rebounds, and a game high five blocks. Oh yeah, he was 7-8 from the floor. Not a bad night to be a hype man!