Morning Jolt: NBA pioneer: LeBron's 'a genius'
Monday, July 12
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NBA pioneer: LeBron's 'a genius'
According to former Bull Chet Walker, King James made a brilliant play, while Dan Gilbert is an "ungrateful ... idiot." James last week used his free agency to defect from his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers to the Miami Heat and join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. "James is a genius for what he engineered with Wade and Bosh," Walker said. "For the first time in league history, players themselves, not an owner or general manager, put together a championship team." (Chicago Sun-Times)Comment
The Patriots aren't alone in hoping to generate a pass rush. Teams like the Colts, Saints and Dolphins could count the time their passers had with a sundial last year in wins over New England. ... Tully Banta-Cain returns after registering 10 sacks last year, as does fellow veteran Derrick Burgess. Rob Ninkovich and Pierre Woods will also be part of the mix, while it's hard to expect much from Shawn Crable at this juncture. The problem: All of those guys are complementary rushers, and none are the kind of threats that force a team to tilt its protection or keep an extra guy in to chip or double-team. (The Boston Globe)Comment
Allen's mom calls signing 'unfortunate'
Tony Allen's departure from the Celtics caught his mother, along with Celtics fans who appreciated his defense, by surprise. "It's very unfortunate, him leaving, because I thought he would stay," said Ella Allen. "I am very surprised, but my son makes his own decisions, and I support him 100 percent. He is definitely going to miss the Celtics -- it's a great team with great people," she said. "I know he is going to miss his friends. He really liked those guys. I'm sure he hates to leave." (Boston Herald)Comment
Must-See Photo
Star striker David Villa celebrates Spain's first ever World Cup title. (Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
No. 1 pick John Wall makes his debut for the Wizards, racking up 24 points, eight assists and eight turnovers.
Event To Watch
MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: Babe Ruth
This Day in Sports
- 1901 -- Cy Young wins his 300th game.
- 1914 -- Babe Ruth makes his baseball debut, pitches for Red Sox.
- 1949 -- Baseball owners agree to erect warning tracks before each fence.
- 1979 -- "Disco Demolition Night" at Comiskey Park, causes fans to go wild & causes White Sox to forfeit second game of a doubleheader.
- 1996 -- Michael Jordan signs one-year contract for $25 million.
