Texas Rangers are really Nolan Ryan's team now

By STEPHEN HAWKINS
AP Sports Writer

Nolan Ryan went to the Texas Rangers planning to pitch one more year to end his Hall of Fame career. That turned into five seasons on the mound, and so much more.

When Ryan finally retired in 1993 after the last two of his seven no-hitters, his 300th victory and 5,000th strikeout — plus that pummeling he gave Robin Ventura — the Rangers no longer were a faceless franchise known for, if anything, inventing ballpark nachos and scoreboard dot races.

"The Rangers gained legitimacy as a major league franchise the day they signed Nolan Ryan, and particularly when he showed that he wasn't washed up," said radio play-by-play man Eric Nadel, part of Texas broadcasts for 32 seasons. "That was crucial in the history of this franchise."

Now with Ryan as their president and part-owner, the Rangers are AL West champions and in the playoffs for only the fourth time.

Ryan never led the Rangers to the postseason as a pitcher, but they built a new ballpark thanks to the goodwill he generated. The added cash flow from that helped lead to three AL West titles from 1996-99, though the New York Yankees beat them in the first round each time on way to World Series titles.

Texas bottomed out again in the 2000s, until the Ryan Express roared in again.

Everything good the Rangers have ever been and everything great they could become — starting with Game 1 of the division series Wednesday at Tampa Bay — all trace back to Ryan.

"When he came here as a player, he brought instant credibility," said Steve Busby, the former Kansas City pitcher with two no-hitters who is part of Rangers broadcasts. "When he came back as president, he brought that same credibility."

Especially since Texas was mired in a string of losing seasons when Ryan became team president in February 2008.

"When I reflect back to how it was in 2008, when I was here and how painful and embarrassing at times it was to sit down there, it's been so much improvement," said Ryan, a regular fixture in the front-row seats by the Rangers dugout. "It doesn't seem like the same situation."

Largely because of the influence of Ryan, whose most significant victory for Texas came in a federal bankruptcy court this summer when his group outbid Dallas Mavericks billionaire owner Mark Cuban in an unusual auction for the team.

Major League Baseball owners quickly and unanimously approved the sale, making Ryan the first Hall of Fame player since Hank Greenberg a half-century ago to be an owner.

"Nolan's inclusion in this group, I would not only say is important, I'd say extremely important, and is very beneficial not only for Major League Baseball but for the Texas Rangers," commissioner Bud Selig said last week in Texas. "Nolan's presence is not to be taken lightly."

Ryan and Chuck Greenberg had an agreement in January to buy the team, but the sale became a drawn-out mess when creditors of former owner Tom Hicks balked at a prepackaged bankruptcy plan.

The Aug. 4 auction came 17 years to the day after Ryan, then a 46-year-old in one of his last games as a pitcher, got the 26-year-old Ventura in a headlock and landed several punches on the youngster who had charged the mound after getting hit.

After his last game, Ryan fulfilled a 10-year personal services contract with Texas while also pursuing profitable ventures in banking, ranching and owning two minor-league baseball franchises. He then spent four years in a similar role in Houston, where he pitched nine seasons.

Hicks enticed him back to revitalize the Rangers, who then had only one winning season since their first three division titles. They are still the only current major league franchise that hasn't won a playoff series.

"Obviously we haven't accomplished that much on the winning side, but I think that we've positioned ourselves to do that," Ryan said. "The organization is probably on better sound footing than it's ever been."

The season attendance of 2.5 million was the highest since 2005 at Rangers Ballpark, where a larger-than-life bronze statue of Ryan is prominent in center field and one of the main roads to get there is Nolan Ryan Expressway.

Ryan made no immediate wholesale changes in 2008, when general manager Jon Daniels was working on a plan to build from a minor league system considered among the best in baseball.

But the former pitcher known for toughness and an unmatched work ethic during his record 27 seasons emphasized pitchers being in better shape to throw longer. That went for youngsters in the low minors to veterans in the major league rotation.

When the postseason became a distinct possibility this summer, Texas had stocked its system with enough talent to use prospects in midseason deals for ace left-hander Cliff Lee, Jorge Cantu and Bengie Molina.

Even with batting champion Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero in the middle of the lineup, Texas is no longer known only for slugging.

The Rangers led the majors with a .276 average, but the 162 home runs were their lowest total since 1992. They had fewer than 1,000 strikeouts for the first time since 2000.

More telling of Ryan's influence is the team ERA of 3.93, the lowest since 1990. Along with a Rangers-record 1,181 strikeouts.

Texas unseated the Angels, AL West champs five of the last six seasons. Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia, who as a player faced only seven pitchers more than Ryan, sees the obvious difference the pitcher-turned-president has made for the Rangers.

"A lot of that is down to Nolan's influence on the franchise in everything they do," Scioscia said. "There's definitely been some impact from Nolan on a lot of parts of that team."

___
AP Sports Writers Jaime Aron in Dallas and Greg Beacham in Anaheim, Calif., contributed to this report.

Chicago Bulls (0-1) at Dallas Mavericks (0-1)

Ah, Preseason. The Mavericks haven't really played the rotation, but are honestly evaluating who stays and who goes. The Bulls, well, I think they are doing the same. So, who's reserves are better? Who is better off the bench, 'cause that's who will be getting the most time.

And really, why play out this season? Why don't we just give the trophy to Miami and save everybody some time. Anyway, if you think I am bitter, that's because I am.

Forecast: Mavs win this one, I guess, with a score of, let's say, 98-92.

Tom Hicks to Sell Stars

By CBC Sports

Tom Hicks is on the verge of selling the Dallas Stars and his 50 per cent stake in the American Airlines Center for nearly $300 million US, reports Forbes.

This will allow creditors of Hicks Sports Group to get back close to $200 million, in addition to what they will receive in the sale of the Texas Rangers, according to Forbes.

While there was no mention of a potential buyer, there have been reports that suggest Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who showed interest in purchasing the Pittsburgh Penguins at one point, would at least make an inquiry into buying the Stars.

Mavs News Alert - Da Maniacs are on America's Got Talent Tonight!

Top 10 Athletes' Beers To Be Made

By Ross Lipschultz

What’s the number one sports drink in the world?

Gatorade? Yeah, right.

Powerade? Think again.

Vitamin Water? Not even close.

The real man’s answer? Beer.

That’s right, those frosty cool suds are what makes sports go round. Sports fans everywhere guzzle down beer like it’s coming from their mother’s teet.

Which would make her the world’s best mom.

But after a Cleveland Brewery released a LeBron James inspired brew recently, the sports world had a new marketing method. Thirty gallons of the beer, appropriately named “Quitness,” sold out in three hours during it’s original release.

The inspiration, however, was not a good thing. “Quitness” is a dry-hopped pale ale with a notably bitter aftertaste, which parallels the feeling of Cav's fans everywhere.

Imagine the drink they’d make if the Browns left again.

Beer is such a profitable market in sports, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if more athletes got a cool one named after them.

Whether out of admiration or spite, some stars just deserve it more than others.

Guess who they are!

10. Manny Ramirez

The Name: Manny Being Drunky

Whether you love him or hate him, everyone knows Manny Ramirez is one of the better hitters of the past decade.

However, he only plays every once in a while as of late, so he’s not exactly reliable year round.

Can you say “Holiday Beer?”

Manny’s brew would only be available during the months of the year he decides to play. It could be one, it could be the whole season.

Who doesn’t love surprises?

Low on hops due to his lackluster speed, the MBD has a grainy and oxidized taste due to his overexposure during aging.

Fans might call it yeasty as well, considering the beer has definitely been sitting too long on sediment.

Sounds like Manny to me.

9. Venus and Serena Williams

The Name: Shwasted Sisters

Venus and Serena have been on top of the tennis world for quite some time.

Frankly, having so many good genes in one family is just so unfair.

So why not spread the love, and bottle some greatness?

Just like the ladies, the beer would have a full body with a shelf-life for ages.

However, Serena’s would have a sweet finish, while Venus’ would be sour, making going halfsies on each with a friend a perfect way to spend a summer day.

And for a limited time only, when you twist off the top, the beer grunts at you.

8. Helio Castroneves

The Name: Speed Brewer

The only way to make Helio Castroneves look tall is to take a picture at this very angle.

And ask him to leave his part-time job as a Smurf chauffeur.

So he’s a perfect sponsor for a light beer!

The driver’s wheat beer would be perfect for taste buds all over.

He’s pale in color, and so is his beverage of choice. His tongue is acidic, and so is his brew.

Sadly, the nose of the beer would not be so pleasant, so it’s only for Helio die-hards.

When he gets out of his car, his head smells like a used diaper full of Thai food, so his beer will have an equally dank scent.

But it sure has plenty of hops!

7. Lou Pinella

The Name: Ol’ Reliable

Maybe Lou’s not an athlete anymore, as walking to the mound requires him to grab an oxygen tank.

Back in the day, he was quite the ball player, so his beer is going to reflect all of his achievements.

First off, it only comes in a keg, which makes it perfect for parties.

The hang of the drink is notoriously harsh, which is required for anyone who wants to be just like Lou.

Although, I’m sure that list shortened after his time with the Cubs.

Second, this beer would be an India Pale Ale due to it’s high level of hops.

Since hopping and screaming at umps are all Lou can do lately, his astringent ale will have you puckering your scowl at any one who dares take a sip.

6. Dirk Nowitzki

The Name: Ich Bin Ein Tasty

Seriously, it’s unbelievable he doesn’t have a beer to his name already. The Western hemisphere may drink less than Dirk’s homeland.

So this one’s getting heavy.

Nowitzki’s lager will have you face down on a floor somewhere in no time.

While it will go down silky smooth like his jumper, the beer’s, as well as Dirk’s, lack of hops will leave a tangy impression in the mouth.

Why? Because just like Dirk’s Mavericks, it can never be perfect.

The beer, however, will look just like any top of the line ale, and it’s crisp, golden color matches its inspiration’s locks.

5. Chris Johnson

The Name: Dreads’ Delight

Chris Johnson is smooth, fast, light on his feet and oh so sassy with the press.

Now, you can get all that in your beer for free!

As long as you follow him on Twitter.

Vitamin C.J. gets his own black malt, and he couldn’t be happier. The creamy concoction out of Tennessee has the brightness of a black hole, but unquestionable sweetness due to its mash.

Also, he will hand deliver it to you, since it takes him under 10 seconds to run anywhere on Earth.

The beer also comes in a gold bottle, which Johnson hand-crafted himself. He has experience building shiny teeth and he decided to take his talents into brewery.

At least he didn’t take them to South Beach.

4. Charles Barkley

The Name: Turrible Trasendence

If Barkley is willing to support Taco Bell, a company that sells one thing in hundreds of shapes, there’s no way he’d turn down marketing his own beer.

And he wouldn’t have to share the spotlight with Lamar Odom!

Chuck’s brew would only come in cans, seeing as he was never the full size of most power forwards.

But his caramel bouquet would be ridiculously irresistible, despite its alcohol content guaranteeing that you pass out within an hour of consumption.

Well at least you’d slur your words. Like Barkley on TNT.

The one feature delight of the Round Mound’s ale is that the ester would range from fruity to spicy, covering his wide array of emotions.

It’s like a mood ring, but in a can!

3. John Daly

The Name: Public Enemy

John Daly is known for his unconventional behavior and clothing.

He loves a good cigar on the first tee, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he put it out on the tablecloth he decided to wear as pants.

That’s why Daly’s beer is only for the most refined palate.

Only true legends of drinking will appreciate this fruity malt liquor, just like only true golf fans will appreciate what Daly has done for the sport.

Everyone else wonders when he’s going to rehab.

The golfer’s ale would be known for it’s chill haze, which makes the beer cloudier than everything except Daly’s mind. The smell of the beer changes depending on the temperature going from clove-like to vinous.

Sadly, that part is unlike Daly’s golf game, which hasn’t adjusted in years.

2. Ben Roethlisberger

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback has had his off the field issues with alcohol in the past.

Which makes him off limits for his own beer, right?

Wrong!

It’s time to get fratty!

Instead of being embarrassed of going after 20-year-olds, this beer is all about embracing it.

While the pale amber may appear light to the untrained babe, the heavy level of hops and barley make this bad boy thick.

Insert sexual pun here.

Sadly, it would be a limited time offer. Only alcohol providers within 15 miles of a college campus are allowed to sell it, and only during the games Big Ben plays this year.

You might think that’s bad, but this beer is one that people will flock to the stores just to wiff the bouquet.

The beer is so dry, it finishes sharp in the mouth, just like Roethlisberger.

What, too soon?

1. Ron Artest

The Name: Showtime Stopper

Some may think this is a hometown pick, but let’s be honest here.

Artest is so eccentric, if someone could manage to put all his qualities into a bottle, it would probably taste like heaven.

With a slight hint of Hennessey.

Ron-Ron’s beer would be a premium stout with caramel sugar, making the drink a dark brown hue, slightly burnt (like his reputation in Detroit), and with a full body.

No more poppin’ champagne after championships. It’s all about Stopper!

All Lakers fans over 21 will have a chance to get a free cup of the beverage after the game if L.A. holds its opponent to under 100 points.

It’s either that, or two tacos at Jack-In-The-Box.

But let’s not ignore this dream drinks’ flavor. With a perfect balance of a crisp, nutty and hoppy nose to its sweet, yet tart, bouquet, Artest’s beer will have you stocking your fridge in no time.

However, all purchases must be made while wearing a Lakers jersey. Even if your going to the club after, you must obey that rule.

Because we know Ron would.

Rangers Auction Will Proceed Despite Higher Offer

By Angela K. Brown (AP)

FORT WORTH, Texas — A bankruptcy judge Friday rejected a last-minute higher bid on the Texas Rangers from Major League Baseball's preferred buyer, a deal that would have canceled next week's auction.

Since U.S. Bankruptcy Judge D. Michael Lynn said Wednesday's auction will proceed as planned, the higher bid from a group led by Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan and Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg is now off the table. That means the starting price at the auction will still be $306.7 million, which is the cash portion of Greenberg-Ryan's $520 million bid for the team. The group's total offer includes an additional $55 million or so for parking lots.

The court-appointed restructuring officer, William Snyder, had asked the judge to forgo an auction. He said the Greenberg-Ryan group had substantially increased its offer and removed "stinky" side deals considered favorable to team owner Tom Hicks.

The new bid was filed under seal, but an attorney for the team, Ronit Berkovich, indicated in court that it was $40 million higher.

Lynn said Friday that he did not believe creditors' claims that Snyder was trying to make "an end run" to sell the team to Greenberg-Ryan's group, which was chosen as the buyer after the team's original bidding process last year.

Creditors who have blocked that deal, saying the group's bid was not the highest, urged the judge Friday to proceed with the auction.

Lynn made his decision after lawyers for Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane said their clients were preparing to bid at the auction.

Cuban is reviewing documents, and the auction date and bidding procedures are not a problem for him, said his lawyer, Clifton Jessup.

Now, the initial Greenberg-Ryan bid — which includes legal costs and damages if Hicks is sued after the sale, an office building lease and $9 million in adviser fees — will be submitted at the auction.

The Greenberg-Ryan group has been under fire from creditors because those items were transferred to the Rangers from Hicks' other companies that are not part of the bankruptcy case. But the Greenberg-Ryan group may choose to sweeten its bid during the auction by removing those items, which won't be in other parties' bids.

The bid also includes the Rangers Ballpark lease, which JP Morgan Chase, a creditor, is trying to sever from the team's sale. The judge will not decide that issue until next year.

Does Mark Cuban Have a Chance?

Mark Cuban might not even get to the plate in his potential attempt to buy the Texas Rangers.

It was announced in court on Friday that chief restructuring officer William K. Snyder had worked out a "substantially enhanced" offer for the team from Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg and Rangers president Nolan Ryan, according to multiple reports.

The deal means that next Wednesday's auction for the team may be off, leaving potential bidders like Dallas Mavericks owner Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane on the sidelines.

Snyder eliminated all side deals in the Greenberg-Ryan bid. Arrangements had originally been made in which owner Tom Hicks could sell parking lots and a building at Rangers Park to the group and pocket nearly $70 million, even while creditors clamor for their money from the bankrupt team.

Those deals are out, and the new bid from Greenberg-Ryan is reportedly about $40 million higher than the original cash price of about $310 million.

Still, Cuban's attorney, Clifton Jessup, attacked the backroom deal, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He said that Cuban could have beaten other bidders if the auction had gone off as planned.

Crane's attorney said his client had found new investors and could have also made a solid bid, either with Cuban or alone.

On Wednesday, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez filed an objection to auctioning off the team, raising concerns about whether he would receive the $24.9 million he's owed in deferred compensation.

Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association and the team's lenders also filed objections to the plan.

Other current and former players listed as creditors include Rangers third baseman Michael Young ($4 million), Kevin Millwood ($12.9 million), Vicente Padilla ($1.7 million), Mickey Tettleton ($1.4 million) and Mark McLemore ($970,051.97).

Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com

Warriors' Lin Hopes to Beat Harvard Stereotypes

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — The first Taiwanese-American signed by an NBA team hopes to overcome the negative stereotype of playing college basketball at Harvard and plans on eventually becoming a minister in an inner-city neighborhood.

Jeremy Lin, a 6-foot-3 undrafted point guard, signed last week with the Golden State Warriors after impressing coaches at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

In five outings with the Dallas Mavericks, the soft-spoken 21-year-old native of Palo Alto, Calif., averaged 9.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Lin arrived in Taipei early Wednesday to appear at a charity event with other NBA players and Taiwanese celebrities.

At a downtown press conference he acknowledged that his NBA career path was far from common, but insisted he could still succeed.

"Coming out of college into the draft, being Asian-American and being from Harvard, that's not going to be an advantage because of stereotypes," he said.

He told reporters that religion is a major part of his life and where he saw his eventual destiny.

"I still want to be a pastor somewhere down the line, that is something that is definitely on my radar," he said. "I have an economics degree with a minor in sociology. The reason I have that is because I want to do a ministry in urban areas and help with underprivileged kids."

Lin said his family supported his passion for basketball despite receiving criticism from some Asian-Americans that he didn't study enough.

"My dad was the one who really loved basketball and he was the one that put the basketball in my hands, and my mom was 'Team Mom' of all my teams," he said. "I used to play for three or four teams at once and she would just spend her entire afternoon driving me from practice to practice to practice."

Josh Howard to Get 1-yr Deal with Wizards

By JOSEPH WHITE (AP)

WASHINGTON — A person familiar with the deal says Josh Howard has agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Washington Wizards.

The person told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Howard is set to come back after playing only four games with the team last season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been signed.

Howard was acquired in a seven-player trade with the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 13, but he tore a ligament in his left knee on Feb. 22. The Wizards declined to pick up their option on his contract at the end of the season but left open the possibility of re-signing him.

Howard had surgery in mid-March, with an expected recovery time of six to eight months. He has averaged 15.3 points over seven NBA seasons.

25 Sports Celebrities Better for Survivor Than Jimmy Johnson

Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current FOX host Jimmy Johnson recently announced that he will join the new cast of CBS' long-running reality series "Survivor". Johnson's season will take place in Guatemala and reportedly not interfere with his current FOX schedule.

Johnson has long been known for his boisterous and out-going personality which should fit very well on the show that demands unique characters (or caricatures).

While Johnson should be an entertaining choice nonetheless, there are still 25 other sports figures who could take Johnson's spot and bring much more to the show.

Terrell Owens. The biggest mouthpiece in the NFL over the last decade would sure add a spicy element to the Survivor cast. Owens can be confrontational and emotional. He often speaks without a filter and has a difficulty working well with others. The perfect formula for a reality show contestant.

It would never happen in a million years, but hey this whole list is hypothetical right? Well, nothing says entertaining like watching a spoiled celebrity be landed into a Guatemalan jungle where she will have roll in the dirt, eat bugs and deal with people she otherwise would care if they existed or not.

The ultimate self-promoter, Chad Ochocinco has to be right in there with T.O. Ochocinco loves the camera and the camera loves him. He already tested his reality show wits with his appearance on Dancing With the Stars where it looked like no competition was to difficult for the Bengals wide receiver. Anything where Ochocinco gets to be himself usually turns to TV gold.

Michael Strahan is a loud, out-going character who is excellent in front of a camera. He has a sense of humor but has a suaveness about him that is a great fit for a competitive television atmosphere.

Milton Bradley. Why not? Every reality show needs a contestant that is possible of melting down at any given moment. Bradley could be that proverbial roommate, or in this case jungle-mate, that everyone walks on egg shells around only to have him erupt when he realizes he hates his surroundings.

Erin Andrews has been through a lot in her personal life over the last year, so why not send her to Guatemala where she can down in the mud in as little clothes as possible? Maybe help her release some of that pent up anger and shows us an EA we haven't seen before--personality that is.

You NEVER know what you're going to get out of Ron Artest which makes him so darn perfect for this situation. Put the always-quirky Artest around a bunch of conniving strangers who are constantly trying to one-up him and his eventual reaction will be great television.

The guy is all over the map at any given moment. Why not drop him on Survivor Island and watch him make a bunch of random people go nuts.

Hey, if Jimmy Johnson is going to do it, why not Ditka? Hurricane Ditka would slam Guatemala with his trademark scowl and moustache and infuse fear in all that laid in its way. Yes, Ditka is older than Johnson, but seeing Ditka get riled up with lazy cast member is worth a ticket to the show.

Oh this would be so rich if Saban had to go deal with a bunch of people he would no doubt look down his nose at. Saban would be cut from entirely different cloth than the rest of the cast, but you could see how he'd try to justify any behavior and simply play mind games with his castmates.

Forget just replacing Jimmy Johnson, put Urban Meyer and Nick Saban on the same cast. You know what, forget that, just put Saban and Meyer on an island together and let fate sort it out. It would be great viewing.

A-Rod would be a very entertaining fit only to see his prima donna appearance and aura be shot down by a cast of people willing to eat bugs, fight in the dirt, jump off cliffs and do whatever else Survivor contestants do. A-Rod probably showers in Poland Spring Bottled Water. Could he fathom not showering for weeks on end?

Deion, much like Jimmy Johnson, would bring a boisterous and entertaining personality to a show that is usually filled with bark-eating, boring people. Deion's entire rhythm and flair would be a far cry from anyone that's been on the show. Now, could Deion live a few weeks without his flashy fashion sense and live outdoors? Finding the answer would make it all that much more entertaining.

Charles Barkley is a walking comedy act. He is in many ways the caricature for the retired athlete. He says virtually what he wants, when he wants and does so in such a unique way that people can't help but be drawn to him.

Tiger could return from his recent recluse behavior and become the alpha male on Survivor. His sheer presence would leave other contestants unsure of what to do or how to even approach Tiger. Tiger has always been very careful about how he approaches the public and the words he uses publicly, but seeing him go toe-to-toe with some Survivor contestant would be a Tiger with all new stripes, although part of me wonders if he could handle that kind of heat again.

Talk about the alpha male in a group. Jordan could still be the same always-imposing presence on the set of Survivor even when he's away from his $100,000 craps tables, Gulfstream and fine cigars. Jordan, the ultra-competitor, could probably outlast any island crawler on Survivor.

John Daly may not be as wild as he was a few years back, but placing him in a rare place with strangers and no means to cigarettes and booze could be a recipe for an absolute tire fire on the set of Survivor. Reality shows bring the worst out of people. It could do the same for Daly which would be bad for him, but a score in the ratings department for the show.

So far, all the males on this list have been of a dominating figure. Not so much with the squirrely and somewhat bizarre Van Gundy. Many NBA fans have grown frustrated with his shtick and his persona on the air. Would they oppose to seeing him treated like the class nerd on an island of people willing to do just about anything?

Many have knocked LeBron James for taking the easy way out when it comes to his professional career. So, let's see what LeBron is made of by making it very hard on him. Stick him on island where nothing will come easy, including meals, and let's see what kind of competitor LeBron truly is.

Lane Kiffin's life over the last few years has seemed like one non-stop reality show, so why going on Survivor be any different? From fighting with an old Al Davis, to leaving Tennessee in the lurch to his perceived sliminess makes Kiffin just prime for this kind of situation. Watching Kiffin have to worm his way out of heated Survivor fights would be rich.

Al Davis couldn't do much on Survivor, but one thing he wouldn't do is play by the rules. Al Davis would lord over that island with his jungle throne as he commands the rest of the Survivor cast to serve as his minions. Throw him off the island will you? Well, he'll just call a press conference, take out an overhead projector and tell you all the reasons why you're a liar and you should be kicked off.

Mark Cuban too is like a walking reality show. The Mavericks owner has little in the way of a filter for his often combative personality and is ripe for a reality show where everyone is as cutthroat as can be. In all seriousness, let's not give Cuban any ideas.

Tebow is no stranger to being in the wild, living off the land and spending time in the outdoors. Tebow would be the complete opposite of the standard, expected crazed reality show member. However, seeing how much another cast member could push his buttons and if Tebow would blow up in a fit of genuine rage would be something to see.

Perhaps if Shaquille O'Neal can't find another team to play for this upcoming season, he could just go on a reality show circuit. His immense presence would certainly draw ratings and his personality and sense of humor, which made him the most entertaining soundbite in sports, will worth watching every week. Maybe they could name that season 'Shaq VS Survivor'...

You want to install a little fear and intimidation on the set of Survivor? Swap Jimmy Johnson for Chuck Liddell. Nothing says pending drama like an MMA fight with a short fuse just waiting to go off on some unsuspecting cast member.

Why Jose? Because it appears the guy will do just about anything to earn a paycheck nowadays. This is a guy who fought a 60-year-old local high school coach at a minor league game in Arkansas for a minimal appearance fee. Canseco is a walking train wreck. Why not put that on Survivor and see how it far it takes him?

Judge Keeps August 4th Auction for Texas Rangers

By Angela K. Brown (AP)

Fort Worth, TX — The Texas Rangers' auction is on.

A federal bankruptcy judge decided Thursday to keep the Aug. 4 date to auction off the team, rejecting requests to delay it nearly two months so bidders could line up financing. And Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a billionaire businessman, may be among those bidding on the Rangers.

"It's real simple: We're going to get it done Aug. 4 and 5," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge D. Michael Lynn said after a three-day hearing that included plenty of squabbling among attorneys involved in the long-delayed sale.

The court-appointed restructuring officer and angry creditors had argued that potential buyers would not have enough time to secure the millions needed to buy the Rangers and suggested a Sept. 30 auction. But the team countered that at least two potential bidders, Houston businessman Jim Crane and Dallas investor Jeff Beck, had time to review the deal and line up financing since they were part of the original bidding process last year.

Cuban's attorney, Clifton Jessup, said he was "under the gun" to review terms of the sale in less than two weeks. Cuban, recently qualified by Major League Baseball to participate in the auction, has not decided whether to bid but hopes to make an offer on his own rather than join an existing group, Jessup said.

Cuban, one of the most visible and colorful owners in pro sports, expressed an interest last year in buying the Chicago Cubs. The team was purchased instead by the Ricketts family from Tribune Co. following a bankruptcy filing.

"This is a brand new opportunity," Jessup said after the hearing. "We believe that the court has made a level playing field and that Major League Baseball will operate in good faith."

MLB has long endorsed a group led by Hall of Fame pitcher and Rangers president Nolan Ryan and attorney Chuck Greenberg as its preferred buyer.

Rangers' manager Ron Washington, called by the judge to testify Thursday, said players' morale was "unbelievably good" but would turn to worry if the sale was delayed. Ryan told the judge this week that to ensure the team's financial resources to keep star players and acquire new talent, the auction should proceed so the Rangers can get out of bankruptcy.

Lynn said the bankruptcy — no matter how long it took or who ended up as the owner — would not affect team operations. He said players should stay focused on making a run for the American League West title and a postseason berth for the first time since 1999.

"You are going to get what you need," Lynn told Washington, adding that players' travel would not change "from a jet to a school bus."

"(Tell the players) that everybody is behind them. ... We want this team to succeed."

The auction has been one of many unexpected twists for the team after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May.

The team submitted a plan to repay creditors $75 million and sell the ballclub to the Greenberg-Ryan group, chosen by the team after the last year's bidding process. The team said going to bankruptcy court was the only way to push through the Greenberg-Ryan sale, stalled for months by creditors concerned about team owner Tom Hicks' financial woes.

But the Rangers ended up embracing an auction after the Greenberg-Ryan group agreed to waive its exclusivity rights and have bidding procedures heavily controlled by Major League Baseball. The Greenberg-Ryan group didn't want the auction delayed because its financing guarantee is to expire Aug. 12.

Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, who's been leading the majors in batting average, said he will be "praying a lot" for the Greenberg-Ryan group to become the team's owner.

"He's a former player. He (Ryan) knows what it takes to go out and play the game on an everyday basis. You want to have a guy like that, who's been through it," Hamilton said before Thursday's game against the Angels.

Hamilton also said Cuban is a very involved owner "like a Jerry Jones is with his (Dallas Cowboys) team. It's all about the wins and losses and how we're going to get it done and yelling at your players and that sort of thing. It's different between the two groups. ... Personalities clash. I hope we get the right personalities we need to make this thing work."

Under the procedures set last week, starting bids for the Rangers must be at least $15 million higher than $306.7 million, which is the cash portion of Greenberg-Ryan group's offer. As the process continues, each bid must go up at least $2 million.

The Greenberg-Ryan bid totals about $575 million and includes paying the full $204 million owed to unsecured creditors. Topping the list of unsecured creditors is New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez, who is owed $24.9 million in deferred compensation six years after he was traded.

The Greenberg-Ryan bid also includes legal costs and damages if Hicks is sued after the sale — which creditors have threatened to do in order to recoup the full $525 million in loans that Hicks Sports Group defaulted on last year. That group's bid also includes the Rangers Ballpark lease, which was transferred from another Hicks' company to the team before the bankruptcy filing.

The judge has not yet ruled on a lawsuit filed by JP Morgan Chase, a creditor, seeking to sever the stadium lease from the sale. The bank contends that it did not consent to the transfer, as required in its loan agreement, so the ballpark lease is not the team's property.

AP freelance writer Ken Sins contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Bobcats send Chandler to Dallas in five-player deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats completed a wild 24 hours of trade discussions with a deal on Tuesday that does include center Tyson Chandler after all.

He's just not heading to the team he thought a day earlier.

After a potential trade with Toronto fell apart, the Bobcats sent Chandler and fellow center Alexis Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks for center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, shooting guard Matt Carroll and cash considerations.

The 7-foot-1 Chandler, acquired from New Orleans for Emeka Okafor last season, spent one injury-riddled season in Charlotte.

"We could not be more excited to add Tyson Chandler," said Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson. "He is one of the most versatile big men in the league today. He gives our front line a defensive, shot-blocking, athletic punch we haven't had here in awhile. Alexis Ajinca is a fine young center with significant upside."

It's possible the trade is simply a salary dump for Charlotte. Dampier's $13 million salary for next season is not guaranteed and he could be waived. Chandler is due $12.7 million next season.

The Bobcats were only about $3 million shy of the reaching the luxury tax threshold, a payroll figure owner Michael Jordan said they wouldn't exceed.

"Our main goal this offseason was finding a way to reshape this roster and continue the momentum we have established," Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said in a statement. "While it's always difficult to give up key pieces of your team, we believe this deal will give financial flexibility and the ability to improve our team at the same time."

The Bobcats had been closing in on a deal that would've sent Chandler and Boris Diaw to Toronto for Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans. Chandler was told he was being sent to the Raptors by his agent, but the deal dissolved.

It marked the second time in less than two years Chandler had an apparent trade stopped. Oklahoma City rescinded a deal with the Hornets in 2009 when Chandler failed a physical.

It leaves the Bobcats still searching for a point guard to replace departed free agent Raymond Felton, but more financial flexibility if Dampier doesn't end up in Charlotte.

It marks Carroll's second stint in Charlotte, and he'll face stiff competition for playing time behind Stephen Jackson and Gerald Henderson.

Orlando's New Arena Lands 2012 NBA All-Star Game

By ANTONIO GONZALEZ Associated Press Writer

The NBA All-Star game is getting another Magic infusion.

Twenty years after hosting one of the most memorable moments in its history, the league's All-Star game and weeklong festivities will return to Orlando in 2012 at the Magic's new arena, NBA commissioner David Stern announced Tuesday.

Orlando also held the All-Star game in 1992, when Magic Johnson returned to basketball to win the Most Valuable Player award after his stunning retirement and acknowledgment he was HIV positive.

"It was an extraordinary and emotional time," Stern said. "To be able to hug him in front of a global audience and congratulate him, it was extraordinary."

The NBA clearly likes to take its midwinter break in sunshine.

Phoenix had the All-Star game last year, Dallas was this season's host — even though there was a large snowfall — and Los Angeles gets the game a record fifth time in 2011. New Orleans, Las Vegas and Houston had the game before that.

Rumours of Nash's Demise Greatly Exaggerated

By Michael Grange

Like a lot of folks of a certain age, Steve Nash has been having trouble with his hip.

But a little rest in the dry desert heat can do wonders for a point guard of his vintage, apparently.

Nash proved that rumours of his playoff demise - stemming as much from his limpy outing in the Phoenix Suns' ouster of the injury depleted Portland Trail Blazers in the first round as from the Suns' second-round meeting with the San Antonio Spurs, the team that has eliminated Nash and the Suns in three of their last four postseason appearances - have been greatly exaggerated.

With three days of rest between series, Nash looked like a floppy-haired pup as he bounded through the Spurs' defence to post 33 points and 10 assists in leading Phoenix to a 111-102 win and a 1-0 lead in their second-round series on Monday night, with Game 2 set for Wednesday night in Phoenix.

"I was fortunate to get some opportunities early to be aggressive and try to put some life into the building," Nash said. "You never know what the game is going to present."

The only thing basketball was supposed to be presenting Nash at this stage was a gold watch and an armchair.

Even his believers doubted Nash would be dictating the flow of a playoff game at age 36. In a league full of players badly overpaid based on what they might achieve, Nash has always been paid as if he had an expiration date.

AP Source: Hornets Interview Fratello

By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer

A person familiar with the meeting says the New Orleans Hornets have interviewed Mike Fratello, the third candidate to meet with the club about its vacant head coaching job.

Hornets executives met with Fratello in Cleveland on Wednesday, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the club has not officially announced interviewing Fratello.

Fratello has coached the equivalent of about 15 seasons with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Memphis Grizzlies. His last coaching stint was in Memphis from 2004 to 2006.

On Tuesday, Hornets executives were in Texas interviewing former Dallas coach Avery Johnson and current Mavericks assistant Dwane Casey.

Cuban's HDNet Partnering with Girls Gone Wild

(AP) Mark Cuban's HDNet television network is teaming up with "Girls Gone Wild" on a reality show.

The outspoken owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks said this week that the show would be a behind-the-scenes look at the Girls Gone Wild brand, known for young women exposing themselves on camera.

The series is titled "Girls Gone Wild Presents: Search for the Hottest Girl in America." It will run for 12 weeks starting next week as part of HDNet's "Guys Night in" lineup.

Johnson to talk with 76ers, Hornets next week

By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer

Former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson is scheduled to talk to the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Hornets next week about their coaching vacancies.

Johnson said he will meet with the Sixers on Monday and Hornets on Tuesday in Texas. He has been working as a TV analyst for ESPN, which first reported his plans.

Hornets spokesman Harold Kaufman said the team has no comment and the 76ers said they do not comment on coaching searches.

Nowitzki To Keep Options Open This Summer

By JAIME ARON AP Sports Writer

Dirk Nowitzki has always said wearing anything but a Mavericks jersey would be strange, and that winning a title anywhere but Dallas wouldn't be the same.

Now, he's not so sure.

San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks - Round 1, Game 5

The Spurs lead the series, 2-1. If the Mavericks lose game 4, consider the series OVER. And because of that, this game is a must win. Pure and simple. Will the Mavs step up? They have done that in the past... with the right leadership. This doesn't have ANYTHING to do with the players on the court. It has EVERYTHING to do with who is calling the overall shots. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. This is a make or break came in my mind for him.

If the Mavs win, it is because of him.


If the Mavs lose, ditto.

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs - Round 1, Game 4

The Spurs lead the series, 2-1. If the Mavericks lose game 4, consider the series OVER. And because of that, this game is a must win. Pure and simple. Will the Mavs step up? They have done that in the past... with the right leadership. This doesn't have ANYTHING to do with the players on the court. It has EVERYTHING to do with who is calling the overall shots. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle. This is a make or break came in my mind for him.

If the Mavs win, it is because of him.