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And I don’t care.

In fact, I am actually kinda pumped about it, which surprises me.

At the bottom of it, is an appreciation that Mike Brown, who I have rightfully pilloried in this space in the last seven years, has finally gone “all in”. Right or wrong, I don’t have any doubt that the Bengals owner/GM is going for it in 2010. In my lifetime, which spans 30 full years, that is the first time I have ever felt that about my football team.

So, yeah, start the circus. And the complaining following games when either Owens or Johnson don’t get the ball enough. Start the inevitable sideline blow-up. I don’t care. Because I think there is plenty of on-field benefits to this that may make it all worth it. No more doubling Johnson without teams paying for it. Between Owens, 1st round TE Jermaine Gresham, and whatever Antonio Bryant has left in his knee, added to Johnson, along with rookie WR Jordan Shipley, they have an instant passing game again to match their running game and defense.

So, I am signed up. Why the fuck not? If it implodes, it implodes, but at least they are putting it out there for 2010.

Multiple sources now saying that the Yankees owner has passed away following a massive heart attack in Tampa.

From the perspective of this fan of a “smallish market team”, baseball loses the type of owner that you wish your franchise could have. No one ever accused Steinbrenner of not caring. Or not doing everything possible to try and help his team win. It may have been a circus from time to time, but, man, you always knew the Yankees were trying to be as good as they possibly could be.

And now he gets to hire and fire and re-hire and re-fire Billy Martin again in perpetuity.

No, these aren’t very funny. But they are the result of my own World Cup withdrawal, so deal with it.

10. You took John Harkes’ name in vain today when someone cut you off in traffic.

9. You’re confused when Karl Ravech refers to “the pitch” as “the field”.

8. You’ve started speaking in a very poor English accent.

7. You’ve asked to be referred to as YourFirstName-inho.

6. You’re scouring the internet for MLS box scores.

5. When you stub your toe, you drop to the ground and writhe in pain, screaming “Bring me the magic spray!”

4. You and your spouse use penalty kicks to decide whose turn is it to get up in the middle of the night and put the baby back to sleep.

3. You write inspirational messages on your undershirt in case you have occasion to rip off your shirt in celebration.

2. You just found out LeBron James signed in Miami.

1. In a meeting today, you spontaneously started screaming BBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Hey. Sorry for the extended absence. Looking back:

—I have not seen a “brand” go on such a disastrous updated rollout since New Coke. What in the name of G-d was Lebron James and whoever is advising him thinking this last two months? Or four years? Or however long he has been hellbent on turning heel?

The things that I find curious:

—He will never be THE GUY in Miami in terms of legacy, even if Miami wins the next five titles. In terms of NBA history and “the pantheon”, I can’t think of another up there who has appeared so cowardly. Cowardly in how he did the Cavaliers fans. If he really had decided months (or even years) ago to leave (and I think he did), fine, but don’t string Cleveland along like they have a chance. I don’t know that Cleveland could have gotten anyone else in there with the money that was not to be spent on James, but they at least deserved the chance to try. Cowardly in not going somewhere where he could be THE man. If not staying in Cleveland, then go to New York and make it happen. Embrace the expectations and the chance of failure and actually overcome that and be great. Before a fanbase that actually loves the game. Or, go to Miami, and play for fakes and frauds in the stands as second fiddle to Dwyane Wade. Yeah, I get that the weather is nice in the winter. That’s a reason old people move there to retire. I get there are hot and loose women to hump. But I am pretty damn sure that’s the case no matter where he goes. So, Miami. Eh. As underserving a fanbase for this as I can think of. Congrats.

—Speaking of hurting brands, what the fuck, ESPN? Not that we don’t know that you as a network is into self-abuse, but, still. Damn. If there were a support group for networks, you would be in the room with NBC and CNN discussing amongst yourselves why you engage in cutting. To allow James and his ego to rent an hour for a self-aggrandizing infomercial and then offer up your own to pretend it is on the up and up in that bullshit display, well, even for you, it was breathtaking in its cynicism. And, Michael Wilbon? Shame on you. I don’t expect better from Stuart Scott, but you? Shameful.

—The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut? Really Lebron? Was the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs not available?

—Yes, I am offended by Omar Infante’s selection to the NL All-Star team. More than I should be. Charlie Manuel is a strange man.

—The NFL Sunday Ticket commercial with Troy Barkman makes me laugh.

—Lost in the Lebron shenanigans, that shrewd deal by the Knicks sending David Lee to Golden State for Anthony Randolph. Randolph in Dantoni’s system? Yes please.

—Did I “Vote Votto”? Well, yeah.

Four and a half hours to go.

I don’t want this ride to end.

Wahl with your primer.

You’ve come this far, US, why not go ahead and win some more?

Dsafe says:

Once again, I will attempt to make the Sports Frog like most every other blog in the world, posting an NBA mock draft. Hopefully, something something something… better than getting four right like I did last year… you should probably tune out now.

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall, PG, Kentucky

Why waste time analyzing this pick? Dynamic point guards and wings make the NBA go ‘round, and Wall fits the bill. Also, at 6’4” with a 6’9” wingspan, Wall has enough size to try to hang defensively with two-guards, so he can work with Gilbert Arenas on the defensive end. (Ha, I implied Gilbert Arenas works on defense.) It remains to be seen with the two of them on the offensive end as ball-dominating players. Perhaps Arenas resuscitates his image and game long enough next season for another team to take a shot on him and the keys to be given to Wall.

2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State

Last week, the Sixers’ website had a little graphic up last week that suggesting they were taking him and Doug Collins did not take the reins to go through a teardown and rebuild. While he is the best player here, it gives the Sixers the challenge of wedging four players (Brand, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, and Turner) into three lineup slots. Turner committed too many turnovers to play the point in the NBA, the team is sorely lacking enough three-point shooting with those four on the floor, and Brand has size and athleticism issues that keep him from playing at center.

3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech

Favors would give the Nets a strong tandem in the low post. Brook Lopez would get the bulk of the offensive opportunities while Favors can focus on rebounding (the Nets were -4.3 boards per game last season) and shotblocking as a he develops his offense. It would also be nice to have their two big men have future contract renewals staggered by a couple years.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wes Johnson, SF, Syracuse

There is strong speculation that Al Jefferson is on the move for Minnesota, as he and Kevin Love provide a combination of good offense and very limited defense, to move up to get Turner. However, Jefferson has never shown any great skill beyond his low-post scoring and rebounding, so he doesn’t seem to be a highly-desired quantity unless he was to be teamed with an excellent defensive center. Wes Johnson gives them a polished, athletic three who can add perimeter shooting, finishing strong in transition, and an active presence on defense.

5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins, PF, Kentucky

Cousins is a monster down low and an excellent offensive rebounder. The recently-acquired Samuel Dalembert comes off the books in a year, so Cousins gets a year to get into shape and learn the league with limited pressure. He should combine with Jason Thompson into a solid (or better) frontline tandem for a decade. Cousins reportedly does not want to go to Sactown, but it remains to be seen what reaction comes from that, especially knowing Cousins’ rep as the biggest head case in the draft. He’s a risk, but one worth taking.

6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe, C, Georgetown

Monroe is the best passing big man to hit the NBA in a very long time. His skill set would be a nice compliment to Andris Biedrins, who is more of an energy style post player with very little offensive polish. With the Warriors getting sold in the near future and Don Nelson about ready to sip mai tais full-time, moving away from what the Warriors have done in the past bodes well to getting a more conventional coach as a replacement. After all, the Warriors roster for the 2011-2012 season looks like Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Biedrins, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright, and maybe Rony Turiaf. Monroe would be a nice big man complement.

7. Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina

The Pistons’ roster is lacking a defensive and rebounding presence down low and Davis would supply that. While still limited offensively, going to a team with many options on that end like Detroit would allow him to focus on being a deterrent at the rim while developing his all-around game.

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Paul George, SF, Fresno State

With lots of cap space and lots of roster spots to fill behind lineup locks (Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, and Chris Kaman), grabbing a small forward is an easy pick for the Clips. George is 6’9”, athletic, can shoot from deep, and gets compared to Tracy McGrady. Why not take a 20-year-old who turns it over too much, has a question about his motor, and is inconsistent? While the Clippers look to make a splash in free agency due to their cap space, drafting George and signing someone for a couple years to play in front of him makes sense.

9. Utah Jazz – Al-Farouq Aminu, PF, Wake Forest

With this pick, the Jazz bid Carlos Boozer adieu and install Paul Millsap into the starting lineup. Aminu comes in behind Millsap as an athletic player with time to fill out his frame. With a wingspan over 7’3”, Aminu was a fantastic rebounder as a Demon Deacon, particularly on the offensive end. The Jazz can use his injection of athleticism as a reason to give him minutes while he develops a more diverse offensive game.

10. Indiana Pacers – Ekpe Udoh, PF/C, Baylor

There will be some whining when hometown boy Gordon Hayward does not go to the Pacers, but they don’t need another Mike Dunleavy, Jr. Instead, they take an athletic big man who can complement the bulky Roy Hibbert down low. Udoh is known more for his defensive contributions as an athletic shotblocker, but has an assortment of skills on offense, including averaging 2.7 assists per game last season. At age 23, he doesn’t have the extra years of promise that make the teenagers so appealing, but Udoh should be able to contribute as a rookie, something many of those teens cannot do.

11. New Orleans Hornets – Xavier Henry, SG/SF, Kansas

With the twin albatrosses of Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson coming off the books after this coming season and James Posey a year after that, the Hornets need to find a wingman who can step in with the promise of being a longterm starter. Henry is an accomplished deep shooter who should be able to contribute as a rookie in a similar way to how James Harden did for Oklahoma City this past year. One major knock is that Henry does not have NBA-level quickness, which will limit his ability to slash to the bucket, as well as force him to likely give up height while checking small forwards.

12. Memphis Grizzlies – Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky

The Grizz have three draft picks, so they can add depth to their young stars. Randolph is under contract for one more year, so replacing him with someone who can replace him and work well with Marc Gasol makes sense. Patterson developed college three-point range (41 percent as a junior), which will give him good range for an NBA four and was a very good rebounder before Cousins joined him at Kentucky. He doesn’t have elite athleticism, so he will have some issues checking the more athletic power forwards in the NBA. His high floor and strong work ethic/intangibles suggest that he will be a solid starter for a long time, which is great value at this point of the draft.

13. Toronto Raptors – Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

With that, Chris Bosh walks out the door. The Raptors will try to replace him, but Aldrich is more a role player than an elite post man. An excellent rebounder and shotblocker in college, Aldrich will be a solid rotation player and compliment to Andrea Bargnani for the Raptors.

14. Houston Rockets – Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada

Babbitt is an offensively skilled player with a high motor who needs to work on his strength and athleticism, but was rather productive as a sophomore (21.9 points, 8.9 rebounds per game). While the WAC is nowhere near the NCAA elites, Babbitt has a diverse game and excellent shooting stroke, as evidenced by his surpassing 50-40-90 shooting percentages last season. He seems just nontraditional, yet productive enough for Daryl Morey to snap him up.

15. Milwaukee Bucks – Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler

Hayward’s freefall stops in Milwaukee, as he lands with a team that needs a three and some additional perimeter punch. The recently acquired Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts offer different skill sets than Hayward and Michael Redd’s presence for one more year allows Hayward to bulk up and adjust to the NBA with less pressure. Hayward rode a wave of momentum from Butler’s charge into the national championship game into the draft in spite of a several major knocks on him – his perimeter shot was broken after an excellent freshman season, his athleticism and strength are lacking, and he lacks the defensive ability to check NBA wings. Hayward is a smart, skilled player, though, as well as a winner. At worst, he should be a role player off the bench in an NBA rotation, but his diverse abilities and strong attitude should help him claim a starting spot as a sophomore in the league.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State

Two shotblocking projects are available and the Wolves will jump on the bigger one. Alabi is 7’1” with a 7’5” wingspan and should be a roadblock in the lane. Alabi is limited offensively, but if Al Jefferson and Kevin Love both stay in town, he should provide a nice complement on the defensive end, at least in short bursts. Alabi is a tough on-ball defender in the post, but commits mistakes by trying to do too much. With time and effort, he should develop into a potential starter, but not a strong offensive player.

17. Chicago Bulls – Dominique Jones, SG, South Florida

With so much riding on what the Bulls can accomplish in free agency, it’s hard to put a bead on what they will do in the draft. The gaping hole on their roster as it is currently constructed is at two-guard and a pair of prospects are available. Jones has good size and backs it up with solid strength. He is a quality scorer and can get to the rim at will, as well as absorb contact and finish. Jones can also handle himself well on the defensive end, especially on the ball.

18. Oklahoma City Thunder – Damion James, F, Texas Sam Presti will find the pickings a little slimmer than what he has become accustomed to when he finally gets on the clock nearly two-thirds of the way through the round, but he will still manage to select someone who fits the Thunder profile. James’ toughness and all-around solid game make him a good fit for a team with a strong defensive presence. A solid offensive player with a strong willingness to work hard on both ends, James’ work ethic should make him fit in well with a group with high expectations. Maybe Kevin Durant even put in a good word for his college teammate.

19. Boston Celtics – James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State

With their third pick in the first round, the Wolves opt to add some punch to their bench by taking a player who averaged 22.3 points per game last year. Anderson has a solid jump shot with three-point range,and a strong ability to get to the rim and draw fouls. He is not, however, a good defensive player, but should fill in as a bench scorer.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State

Brackins is a power forward with a diverse offensive game, but a need to improve his defensive work. With shooting range out to 20 feet, Brackins can help make space in the post for the Spurs’ low post bigs, most importantly Tim Duncan. Brackins does need to work on his effort and skills on defense, but the Spurs’ coaching staff should be able to bring that out of him.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Avery Bradley, PG/SG, Texas

Bradley can do a little of everything, but still needs to develop his ability to set up his teammates. His defense is solid and enhanced by his 6’7” wingspan. His athleticism allows him to get his shot as he desires, particularly in running the pick-and-roll. The Thunder have an assortment of good young guards on their roster, but Bradley can develop into a combo guard to play off the bench.

22. Portland Trail Blazers – Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky

With Joel Przybilla having only one year left on his contract and Greg Oden’s injury history since being drafted, the Blazers will opt to take a young big man to throw in the mix. Orton does not have top-end height, but his solid athleticism makes up for it. He is raw on offense, but with the aforementioned bigs and LaMarcus Aldrdge around, he can develop at a more relaxed pace.

23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier

He’s not just the guy who dunked on LeBron James at a camp last summer. Crawford is likely the top shooter in the draft, as well as a very good athlete who can drive to the bucket. While he lacks ideal size for an NBA two-guard, the bigger concern is his indifference to defense. Crawford could end up a taller Ben Gordon, which is a chance Minnesota should be willing to take.

24. Atlanta Hawks – Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington

While not ready as a three-point shooter, Pondexter has an effective offensive game that gets him compared to Brandon Roy. The comparison to Roy is due to their link to playing at the same university more than anything else. Pondexter is not the ballhandler or passer that Roy is, but in his favor is that his defense is accomplished with his brain as well as with his generous athletic gifts. His effort is also very good, which suggests future improvement due to his own work ethic. Pondexter should help cushion the blow when Joe Johnson leaves town.

25. Memphis Grizzlies – Eric Bledsoe, PG, Kentucky

With Mike Conley possibly not the answer at the point for the Grizzlies, taking a young point guard with limitless potential is an easy decision. Bledsoe is a blur in the open court and can get to the rim, but needs major work on his shot. His defense is further along than his offense at this juncture and his work on the ball is very good. While undersized at 6’1”, his 6’7” wingspan will help him compensate.

26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Seraphin, PF, France

Seraphin is a project, but he compares to Serge Ibaka, who played very well for the Thunder this year. He’s better on defense than offense right now and can remain in Europe and develop, if the Thunder desire. In any case, having a deep well of defensive big men is always welcome in the NBA.

27. New Jersey Nets – Eliot Williams, SG, Memphis

While still raw and needing to work on going to his right, Williams is a good project for the Nets to take a flyer on. He can play both guard positions, but needs some time to develop his point guard skills. An effective driver going to his left, Williams will need some time to work on his weak hand, as well as his ability to set up his teammates. Fortunately, going to a team with Devin Harris should enable him to see minimal minutes at the point while playing a bench offense/energy role for the Nets at first. On defense, Williams needs to add some bulk to his thin frame (6’4”, 175 pounds) to complement his ability to play the passing lanes.

28. Memphis Grizzlies – Devin Ebanks, SF/PF, West Virginia

Ebanks is probably the worst shooter among all the non-big men to go in the draft, but he still has excellent value. At 6’8” with a 7’0” wingspan, Ebanks is an excellent defender, including hounding ballhandlers. Ebanks is also a gifted offensive rebounder and solid ballhandler for his size. He does, however, need to bulk up and does have some character questions. At worst, though, Ebanks should be a defensive specialist and energy player in the NBA.

29. Orlando Magic – Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada

Johnson is a little more of a combo guard at this time than a true point guard (and Jameer Nelson has not exactly hurt the Magic at the point), but he has nice size (6’3” with a 6’8” wingspan) and excellent speed. He can create his own shot, but that speed allows him to penetrate the lane, which should allow him to find the many Orlando three-point specialists on kickouts. Stan Van Gundy will have his work cut out getting him to improve his defense, but the tools are there.

30. Washington Wizards – Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall

Standing just under seven feet in shoes with a 7’7” wingspan, it’s easy to understand how Whiteside averaged 5.4 blocked shots per game last season, tops in the NCAA. Whiteside is a stringbean and raw offensively, but shows good mechanics in his shot, which leads to promise. He needs to bulk up badly, but in the mean time, plays with good effort. Whiteside has maturity issues, but his potential is worth spending the final pick in the first round.

Overcome a bad call? Check.

Overcome bad luck? Check.

Overcome an inability to finish? Check.

Overcome some shaky defense? Check.

Put home a glorious winner one minute into stoppage time to propel the US to first in the Group and into the knockout state of the World Cup? A big ol’ CHECK.

Landon Donovan, wearing the 10 proudly, gets the US through.

So, the US has never won a game three in the group stage in the World Cup? Past time for that oddity to end.

If the US is what they are supposed to be, then they take care of business against Algeria. It sure would be nice if they would go ahead and score first for a change. Grant Wahl as usual with your must read primer.

At the least, FIFA has sent a veteran ref to this one, lessening the chance that another all-time bad call might rook the US. So we got that going for us.

The French meltdown continues to be just delightful, with the latest being a team walkout on their practice session yesterday. I agree with whichever twitter feed suggested over the weekend that perhaps Ireland could be flown in to play France’s last game in that group.

Meanwhile, the English are having issues. A team that was fairly widely considered a favorite to make at least the quarter-finals is in genuine danger of not getting out of the so-called EASY group. What to do? Players meeting with now embattled coach? Check. Squash rumors of a mutiny? They can try.

This may not have been the most artful World Cup in terms of on-field play this time around, but it sure as hell has been the most memorable in terms of off-field goodness.

The third set of games this week are going to come with some high drama.