College Football: The top three teams in college football — Florida, Alabama and Texas — made it through the weekend unscathed and remain control of their destiny. If they win out, they will be in the BCS National Championship game. The emerging story, though, is the rise of TCU. Another lopsided victory at the expense of San Diego State has them No. 4 in the latest BCS poll and a potential BCS buster come bowl time. They are joined by No. 5 Cincinnati and No. 6 Boise State, who are both 9-0 along with TCU, as teams that could potentially cause controversy when it comes time to crown a national college football champion.

NBA: In what comes as no surprise to anyone outside of the Memphis Grizzlies management team, newly signed Allen Iverson is already disgruntled with his role on the team. He was allowed to return home over the weekend to attend to a personal matter, but many with insight into the NBA are predicting that we may have already seen Iverson in a Grizzlies’ jersey for the last time. ESPN’s Chad Ford summed it up best when he quoted an unnamed NBA general manager: “He’s finished in the NBA. He can go hang out with Stephon Marbury.”

NFL: While it is still much too early to start dreaming about the perfect season, there are still two teams that have an unblemished record. The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts both won on Sunday in games that were much closer than anyone expected and moved to 8-0 for the season. Perhaps the most interesting news of weekend, however, came from former Colts coach Tony Dungy. He said that Michael Vick, whom he has mentored since Vick’s incarceration, could end up quarterbacking for the Buffalo Bills. The Bills reportedly had interest in Vick prior to him signing with the Philadelphia Eagles and are currently struggling with the injured Trent Edwards and underwhelming Ryan Fitzpatrick.

WSOP: If it seems like the WSOP has been on hiatus for eternity, that is because it has. On break since the end of summer, the November Nine resumed action on Friday and played until the wee hours of the morning. The field has been whittled down to the final two players, who will square off for the WSOP Main Event bracelet tonight at 10pm PT. I won’t say who the final two are out of consideration for those waiting to catch action Tuesday night on ESPN, but you can get a full recap here on ESPN’s Poker Blog.

MLS: The Chicago Fire, Los Angeles Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and Real Salt Lake are Major League Soccer’s final four teams following an intense weekend of play. The Western Conference finals kick off on Friday at the Home Depot Center at 8pm PT and can be seen on ESPN 2. The Eastern Conference finals will take place in Chicago on Saturday at 5pm PT and can be seen on the Fox Soccer Channel.

Image Source: TCU Athletics

With that in mind, last week I pointed out five players that were readily available in standard leagues that I believed were going to be key contributors for the foreseeable future. It is just as important, though, to identify players that are not likely to perform at a high level over the long haul that may have found their way on to your roster. We are specifically looking to identify two types of players:

1) A player that has started off better than expected and is unlikely to keep up that production.

2) A player that was drafted with potential that doesn’t look like he will live up to it.

Identifying these players is important because it will allow you to make better trades and avoid picking up flash-in-the-pan players after single-game breakouts. For instance, if you own a player that is playing above expectations but for whatever reason cannot be reasonably expected to continue to do so, you can trade him at his peak value for a player you believe will help your team more for the rest of the year.

Now that you have a better understanding of what we are looking for, here are a few players that you should either sell high on or avoid picking up on the waiver wire.

G Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (Drafted in 45.8 percent of ESPN leagues): Evans was drafted by a lot of people (including myself in one league) as a rookie point guard with a lot of potential to play big minutes on a team that lacks a lot of talent. How foolish we all were. While Evans may have a bright future ahead of him, he is a rookie playing the most difficult position to learn in the NBA and, as a result, will struggle at times. From a fantasy perspective, owners can look forward to a lot of turnovers, nights of poor shooting, and fewer assists than you would like because the Kings are by far the worst team in the still brutal Western Conference.

F Channing Frye, Phoenix Suns (Drafted in 5.9 percent of ESPN leagues): Frye had back-to-back games in which he hit an impressive six 3-pointers and saw his ownership rise all the way up to 50.1 percent. While those two outings were indeed great from a fantasy perspective, there is absolutely no reason to think he can have that type of production from here on out. Frye has shot 35 percent from behind the arc for his career and offers little else in terms of fantasy production. I would not drop a more reliable big to pick him up unless you feel you can parlay him in a trade for a better talent.

C Brad Miller, Chicago Bulls (Drafted in 78.9 percent of ESPN leagues): His ownership has already dropped to 68.1 percent, so the window of opportunity for savvy owners to trade him for another big man is closing fast. There are many reasons to not like him from a fantasy perspective — he plays under 25 minutes a game, doesn’t get enough rebounds or blocks for his position, and isn’t on the floor enough for his solid field goal and free throw percentage to make an impact on your team. My advice is to trade him while it is still possible or consider dropping him for a less heralded center like Roy Hibbert.

Image Source: Yahoo! Sports

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No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. During a home game for the Spurs on Monday night there was an interruption to the game because of a bat that was flying around the court. Ginobli, who apparently is a man who likes to take matters into his own hands, swatted the bat in midair instead of waiting for arena personal to take care of the matter. After he struck the bat he proceeded to pick it up off of the floor and carried it over to the nearest arena attendant.

All good, right?

Wrong!

As a quick look (and common sense) over at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website will tell you, a small percentage of bats carry the rabies virus. And since the bat was not available for testing, Ginobli had to receive four shots on Monday and is scheduled for four more sessions in the next month.

The moral of the story: while it might be fun to play Batman, animal extermination is best left to the pros (not the NBA variety).

An NBA season is a grueling, 82 game marathon. And while most fantasy drafts have already been completed, fantasy basketball, perhaps more so than any other fantasy sport, is all about picking up free agents early in the season. During the early parts of a season head coaches are experimenting with different lineups and figuring out how to best utilize new players. As a result, you will see certain players surprise you with great production and others disappoint you with poor production.

The key to winning in fantasy basketball is determining early on which players off to a hot start are for real and which ones are imposters. Conversely, it is just as important to figure out which players off to slow starts are most likely to turn it around. This week we will take a look at players off to a hot start that should continue to make a positive impact on your fantasy team.

As always, the players recommended here are available in a majority of leagues because you do not need me to tell you that Lebron James is going to have a good fantasy season.

PG Randy Foye, Washington Wizards (Owned in 27.4 percent of ESPN leagues): Foye is technically a combo guard, but he is eligible to start in fantasy at both guard positions. A good sign for Foye is that in the Wizards’ first game of the season — a game in which Foye came off the bench — he logged more minutes (30) than starting shooting guard Mike Miller (22). Although he isn’t quite the three-point threat that Miller is, the fact that he can take over point guard duty for Gilbert Arenas makes me believe that he will continue to log more minutes than Miller this year. Plus, with Arenas’ laundry list of injuries, it is not absurd to assume that Foye will find himself as the starting point guard sometime this season.

SG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (Owned in 64.8 percent of ESPN leagues): Yes, I am well aware of head coach Don Nelson’s propensity for switching lineups more often than he does underwear, but Stephen Curry is too good to keep off of the floor. The rookie has a deadly outside shot and is somehow already more dependable than teammates Monta Ellis and Stephen Jackson, the latter of which is being actively shopped around the league.

SF Shane Battier, Houston Rockets (Owned in 54 percent of ESPN leagues): The fact that Battier is not owned in all but the shallowest of leagues is mind boggling. The Rockets are without their two biggest scoring threats (Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady), playing with a relatively inexperienced point guard (Aaron Brooks), and an offensively irrelevant center (Chuck Hayes). Someone has to put up fantasy points and they won’t all be coming from new teammate Trevor Ariza.

PF Yi Jianlian, New Jersey Nets (Owned in 5.3 percent of ESPN leagues): I’ll admit that he has been a mild disappointment thus far in his career, but let me remind you that he is only 22 years old and still learning the nuances of the NBA. He opened with a very strong game against the Minnesota Timberwolves (17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks), and while it may be unrealistic to expect that level of production all season, I see him as a legit fantasy contributor in 12-team fantasy leagues.

C Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies (Owned in 16.3 percent of ESPN leagues): The center position is arguably the toughest to fill in fantasy basketball, and this is especially true for leagues that require you start two of them. Gasol may not be as good of a scorer as Al Horford or the dominant shot blocker that Dwight Howard is, but he his above average in both and also grabs a lot of rebounds. The Grizzlies also have a lot of players that like to jack up a lot of bad shots early in the shot clock (Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph), so if your fantasy league counts offensive rebounds as a category Gasol is even more valuable.

And what better way to kick off the new season than with some fresh NBA gear and goodies. Whether you are looking to pick up a new jersey from a star that has changed teams (like Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, or Ben Gordon) or want to relive the season through an officially licensed NBA DVD, there are plenty of awesome NBA related items to check out.

Here are a few discounts from the NBA Store to help you get ready for the season:

While today may mark the start of a new season, there are still plenty of reasons to sport a Lakers’ championship t-shirt from last season. This “NBA Exclusive Collection Los Angeles Lakers “Got Rings?” T-Shirt proudly shows off the Lakers 15 championship titles and is currently on sale for $19.99.

Of all players that changed addresses this off-season, Shaq is literally the biggest. Some day he will end up in the hall of fame and be recognized as one of the best big men the game has ever seen, but this season all anybody will care about is whether or not he can help King James bring a title to Cleveland. Whether you are a fan of the Big Aristotle or the Cavs, make sure to grab his jersey while it is still on sale for $44.99.

One of the more memorable NBA stories of the summer was the induction of Michael Jordan into the basketball hall of fame. He is arguably the greatest player in NBA history and provided numerous breathtaking moments for fans throughout the years. Celebrate his greatness with the “NBA Ultimate Jordan: 20th Anniversary Collector’s Edition DVD” ( and see how one of the greatest of the past generation stacks up against players from the current one.

Shop for discount NBA gear at Smarter.com.

When the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Rubio with the 5th overall pick in this years draft they had to be expecting this. Why else would they draft another point guard (Jonny Flynn) with the very next pick 6th overall. On Tuesday, the 19-year old Rubio said that a move to the NBA would be too risky and complicate his life, so he wants to keep playing in Spain for a couple more years. Another big factor was a 5 million dollar buyout clause in his contract with his current team, DKV Joventut. NBA guidelines limit the amount of money Minnesota could have contributed to Rubio’s buyout at $500,000. That means that Rubio would have had to pay the rest in his own money, something that he was hesitant to do. “They could only put half a million into it, and I think that the deal with Minnesota had too many obstacles,” Rubio said.

David Kahn, Timberwolves president, said a package of endorsement deals and sponsorships had helped make the NBA deal attractive enough for Rubio and Joventut to enter into an agreement on Saturday, but in the end it just wasn’t enough. Kahn was in Spain on three occasions trying to make a deal that would work for all parties and though he had figured one out before Rubio made up his mind. Rubio said, “Going to Minnesota would have just complicated my life a lot. It was a risk and I didn’t see it so clearly. My priority was the NBA and it was impossible for the Minnesota Timberwolves to pay my buyout clause, so I wanted to stay home.” He does still plan on going to the NBA in a couple years and a trade to the Spanish side Barcelona, who paid the $5 million buyout, will make it a lot easier in the future. Under his new contract with Barcelona he can leave for the NBA after two years with no buyout. He’ll still be only 21-years-old by then and probably a more well rounded player. The Timberwolves don’t really need him this year anyway and he will still be young when he does come, so I don’t know if they are too disappointed.

Image source: AP

Quote source: Yahoo sports

I don’t know what the producers or Shaq were thinking, since when is Shaq the greatest athlete in the world.  Shaq is long past his prime and even when he was could not compete in these sports.  Depending on how they set up the vs. matches I don’t see him winning any of these.  I mean Shaq playing baseball?  Are you serious?  The ball would be like a golf ball to his hands and I doubt he can hit anything over 70 mph.  Pujols would have to be blindfolded for him to even have a chance.  Now I think Shaq would be able to play football, but in this show he is going against a quarterback not a linemen like he should, meaning he is probably going to have to throw the ball.  Again, don’t see him beating a pro bowl QB in that unless there are rules helping him.  Shaq swimming against Phelps?  They better give him a big lead in a short race.  About the only sport I could see him winning on the show is beach volleyball.  I mean he towers over the net and can easily just spike the ball down or block them at the net.  I assuming here he gets a teammate.

Boxing is another one he should win just because of his size. If he did lose to De La Hoya, then he would lose all his credibility to fight, recently said he wanted to fight Brock Lesnar and Hong Man Choi in MMA.  Overall I might watch some episodes just to see how the setup of the show is.  I can see ABC throwing in plenty of rules so Shaq could actually compete with these athletes.  I mean they can’t just have him getting beat every week.  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Image Source:  AP Photo

Today NBA free agents can officially sign with a team.  After a week of being able to shop around, most know where they are going or have agreed to verbal agreements already.  For the most part all the big names have already stated where they are going, but until it’s official, anything can happen.  The NBA has already announced that the salary cap will be lowered for next year.  This will affect effect teams decision to sign a big free agent that will put them over the cap and force them to pay a tax.  With the economy the way it is I think teams will be less willing to go over this year.  We’ll just have to see what happens.  Here is a list of some free agents that have already gave their verbal decision.

Ron Artest, SF - Signed with Lakers

Good signing as both sides have been wanting to join forces for a while.  This gives the Lakers some much needed toughness and allows Kobe to get rest on defense as Artest can shut down the other teams best player.  The only bad thing is they lose fan favorite Trevor Ariza.

Trevor Ariza, SF - Signed with Rockets

This is pretty much like a trade for Ron Artest as they will trade places.  I think that Ariza will be kicking himself for years after he tried to hard ball the Lakers for more money, then accepting the same deal in Houston.  He was great for the Lakers but that was only for a year.  He needs to prove he can do it for longer.

Shannon Brown , G - Re-signed with Lakers
In keeping Brown, the Lakers will pretty much have the same team, assuming Lamar Odom signs, as last year and might even be better will Artest.  Brown gives energy off the bench and he is very athletic.  I see a repeat coming!

Rasheed Wallace, C - Signed with Celtics

This signing makes the Celtics the team to beat in the east again.  Although he is older now, teaming him with KG will be deadly in the middle.  I see another Lakers-Celtics Finals.

Jason Kidd, G - Re-signed with Mavs

There was some temptation to join the Knicks, but in the end the Mavs could offer more money and wanted him the most.  Though they still cant compete with the elite teams, this signing will at least keep them competitive for the fans.

Ben Gordon, G - Signed with Pistons

Good signing for the Pistons as Ben is a good player, but it still doesn’t make them better than the big three in the east (Magic, Celtics, Cavs).  The fact is that the Pistons want a shot at Lebron next year and having Ben might help.  We’ll see.

Hedo Turkolgu, F - Signed with Raptors

After having a great playoffs, Hedo wanted to cash in as he’s not getting any younger.  And, that he did getting almost $10 million a year from the Raptors.  I guess winning a championship isn’t that important to him.

Image Source: Getty Images

It was a very busy weekend full of fireworks all over the sports world.  We’ll start with tennis: Roger Federer and American Andy Roddick played one of the best matches in the history of Wimbledon.  Tied at 2 sets apiece going into the final set, both players played an epic 5th set that was the longest in Wimbledon history.  It was back and forth all the way until Federer finally got the win in the set 16-14.  With this win Federer became the greatest champion in tennis history as he passed Pete Sampras for first all-time Grand Slam victories at 15.  Even Pete, who was on hand to watch, had to give him props saying,” I have to give it to him. He’s won all the majors.  He’s won 15 now.  He’s going to win a few more here.  So in my book he is (the greatest).”  I would have to agree.  On the women’s side Serena made quick work of her sister Venus.  The win gave her three of the four major tournament wins this year.  Even with that she was still disappointed that she couldn’t win them all saying, “I’m really disappointed because I think this is the year I could have done it.  And I didn’t.”

In baseball, He’s BACK!!!!  Manny Ramirez returned to the Dodgers to a cores of both cheers and boos.  Though he was quiet for most of his at-bats, he did go deep in one bringing the crowd up to make noise.  It’s safe to say that its going to be a circus every time he comes up for the rest of the season, especially on the road.  Also the All-Star team rosters were announced on Sunday with the fans getting the starters right for the most part.  I don’t see how Josh Hamilton was an all-star this season, I’m sure fans voted for him based on his Homerun Derby performance last year.  Even he didn’t agree with the selection saying, “I don’t feel I personally deserve to go, but at the same time the fans voted me in so I’m more than happy about that.”  Overall that was the only questionable starter so that was good and it should be an excellent game.  Notably Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, caught up in steroid stories, were not among the selected.  For more on the rosters go here.

In the NBA, free agents were on the move.  With Friday being the first day to meet with teams.  The biggest splash so far is by the Lakers as they picked up Ron Artest.  Some thing that both sides have wanted for a while.  This move and keeping Lamar Odom will make the Lakers a heavy favorite to repeat.  While gaining Artest they did have to part ways with a very key contributor Trevor Ariza.  Ariza’s agent tried to play hardball with the Lakers to get more money and it back fired.  He ended up taking the same deal with Rockets, trading places with Artest, that the Lakers offered to him.  I have a feeling he will be kicking himself for years after this.  Other free agents will be making their choices this week so keep watch.

Image Source: AP Photo

Kobe Bryant will be doing work in Los Angeles for at least two more seasons, as he decided not to use an opt out clause in his contract that would allow him to become a free agent.  Kobe will turn 31 next month and there is talk that he will sign an extension that will keep him in Los Angles for even more years.  The Times reported Bryant would make a guaranteed $47.8 million over the next two years with his current contract and could earn another $86 million to $91 million with the extension, depending on NBA salary-cap figures to be determined in 2011.  If he signs the extension its safe to say that Kobe will be a Laker for the rest of his career, the way it should be.  This news comes as no surprise to me.  After the Finals, when asked if he would opt out of his contract early in interviews, Kobe has said things like: ”L.A. is home”, “where else am I going to go” and “why would I want to leave?”  L.A. is now Kobe’s city after winning the Title.  It’s amazing to see the love and support that all the Laker fans are giving him and the rest of the Lakers.  If Kobe wanted to run for mayor of L.A. he would win in a landslide.  The city just belongs to him, and I know he is enjoying all the love.

Not having to worry about Kobe, the Lakers could now focus on resigning Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, two big contributors to the Title run.  They have both expressed their interest to stay in L.A. and defend the Title, but know that it is not up to them.  The only question is if the Lakers can afford them both with other teams bidding up their price.  That question will be answered very soon as free agency begins today.  My hope is the Lakers do resign them both so that they can repeat next year.  This team has good chemistry so they should keep it together and win more Championships.

Image Source: AP Photo