There Are More Questions Than Answers In Adrian Peterson’s Arrest

On Saturday, July 7th news broke that Minnesota Vikings all everything running back Adrian Peterson was arrested in Houston, Texas for resisting arrest. Allegedly Peterson, his girlfriend and his family were asked to leave a night club twice by an off duty police officer (doing security for the club) only to have Peterson say that the group “had heard him the first time” then pushed the officer in the shoulder, causing the officer to stumble. It is also alleged that Peterson was visibly intoxicated and it took 3 police officers to detain him. The whole incident is on video, yet the version I watched on TMZ.com shows a club with patrons still lingering around and 3 policemen and I plain clothed officer holding Peterson trying to “escort” him out.

(photo courtesy of Necessary Exposure)

 

Before any rival NFC North fans start cracking (another) a joke about the Vikings and Peterson’s arrest, I caution that there may be more to this story. Peterson has never had any run-in’s or off the field incidents (other then a speeding ticket) during his time in the NFL. Furthermore this seems so far from his personality that it is a real head scratcher to most covering the NFL and those that know him personally. Lastly Houston Police Department is known in the entertainment and athletic circles for harassing African American and Hispanic athletes and entertainers.

 

I was told by a source that was there that Peterson wanted to get a glass of water before he left and was told by the off-duty officer that they had to leave immediately. That is when Peterson said that “they heard him the first time” and other words were exchanged between Peterson, his party and the officer. My source told me that Peterson was apparently (slowly) walking to the door when three other officers “ran up on him from behind and tried to detain him.” He went on to say “one police officer jumped on his back and tried to take him down but he couldn’t, so two more came to help try and bring him down. After that the remaining people in the club were all tripp’in out and it started to get crazy.”

(photo courtesy of Necessary Exposure)

 

It is fairly common for nightclubs and bars to hire off-duty police to run their security. A lot of the times the establishments will allow the security to have a drink or two (should they want one) throughout the night and allow certain people stay for “after hours” which is when the bar is closed to the public but the select few can stay and drink (normally for free) until the owner/manager decides to go home. From my experience most “celebrities” stay longer (if they do not have a security team with them) so they won’t get hassled by fans looking for an autograph or pictures.

 

But I digress. In Peterson’s case, from the video clip I watched, there were plenty of people in the club just hanging out. I question why Peterson was the person that officer targeted. Was it because Peterson allegedly said “that they heard him the first time”? From my experience (and I have said the same thing) if I am in a conversation about where we are going to next to eat or trying to round up my group it may take a couple minutes to get everyone together, the security would give us a minute or two then come back & insruct us to leave immediately. Why would an officer jump on his back when Peterson wasn’t expecting it? If he was slowly walking towards the door was it necessary for three police officers and an off-duty officer to bring him down and detain him? Wouldn’t Peterson walking towards the door be considered “complying”?

Photo courtesy of Necessary Exposure

 

I’ve worked in the entertainment industry and the club scene long before and while I was in radio. I have been in plenty of bars and clubs and the security is less than polite trying to get patrons to leave and can have a short fuse, rude and have no problem getting physical with whomever doesn’t obey their commands. Before this incident happened on July 7th it is well known that the H.P.D. is a Police Department that had “Hip Hop Police” (or a police department targeted minorities that drove expensive cars or had money). The stories I was told (over the years) by friends that are in the industry had me questioning why no one has filed a complaint or went public with any claims of racial profiling against the department. After Peterson’s arrest the first thing I thought was there had to be more to this story then what is being reported, partly because of who it was being arrested and mostly because who was arresting him.

 

Here are a few instances of the Houston police department and their run-in’s with athletes over the years:

 

In 1987 when two Seattle SuperSonics players, Dale Ellis and Kevin Williams, were arrested after an altercation with the assistant manager and two Houston police officers. The owner of the club said Williams had been blocking an aisle at a waitress station, and assistant manager Scott Shelton asked him to move. When he refused, a waitress told Houston police Officers who work off-duty security jobs at the club. As they were approaching, the two officers said they saw Williams punch Shelton in the face.

 

The off-duty police officers asked Williams to go outside with them, but when Williams refused, they told him he was under arrest and tried to take him to a club office.They had a hard time trying to handcuff him so Ellis came over and asked if there was another way to resolve the issue. As the officers took the players back to the club office, they found out that they were members of the Sonics and told the players they could call their coach to inform him of the arrest.

 

Then Houston Rockets Coach Bill Fitch joked  “They were arrested for what? Spitting on the sidewalk or beating us yesterday afternoon?”

 

This incident happened less then a year after New York Mets players Ron Darling, Bob Ojeda, Rick Aguilera and second baseman Tim Teufel were arrested outside a bar, after Teufel got into a scuffle with police when he was told he could not take a drink out of the building. Darling and Teufel were fined $200 and served a month of their one-year probation before it was dismissed. Misdemeanor hindering arrest charges against Ojeda and Aguilera were dismissed.

 

This past June three Toronto TC (MLS) players were arrested for public intoxication after being involved with a fight at a club in Houston. The Houston Police spokesman told reporters “Our officers tried to disperse the fight at which time they refused to leave and then began to have verbal altercations with the officers. One of them ran and so the officer ran and the officer took him into custody.”

 

On Saturday July 7th, I tweed current Green Bay Packers Senior Personnel Executive and former University of Miami &  Houston Oilers running back Alonzo Highsmith about Peterson’s arrest and the H.P.D. being “dirty” and he replied back with the following tweet:

Alonzo Highsmith@alonzohighsmith

@joearrigo remember when me and three friends pulled over with guns drawn! Report of 3 African Americans looking suspicious!! WTF

 

The Showtime Lakers teams were also effected by the H.P.D. James Worthy, their Hall of Fame forward, was arrested by Houston vice officers in 1990 on two counts of solicitation of prostitution and was jailed hours before the team’s game against the Rockets. Worthy was released on $500 bail and arrived in the second quarter of the Lakers/Rockets game.

 

Sgt. Ross Gonzales, the H.P.D. spokesperson at that time said that “At approximately 2:30 or 3 o’clock, he (Worthy) was arrested by undercover vice officers on two counts of solicitation of prostitution.” He went on to say  “Our understanding is that he contacted an escort service that we monitor. Two of our vice officers responded to the request he made. He arranged a transaction, at which time they made an arrest.”

 

Worthy had not been in any trouble off the court before or after this situation.

 

The alleged racial profiling of the Houston PD reaches into the world of Hip Hop as well.  A multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award winning rapper Chamillionaire wrote the song (which won the Grammy for  Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group) “Ridin (Dirty)’” about the corrupt Houston PD.

 

If the player (or person) that was arrested were a player (or person) with a history of violence or poor off-the field behavior it wouldn’t raise as many questions. But we are talking about the best running back in football that has only had one blemish on his off-the field history, a speeding ticket in 2009. He’s a person that takes being a role model to heart, does a lot for the communities he lives in and takes his off-the field image very seriously.

 

While I would dare to say Peterson would take back a few things that may have been said or how he handled the situation on July 7th, I can’t fault him for how he handled it. He wanted a glass of water and was trying to gather his group together to leave.  he was walking slowly towards the door when the police tried to take him down from behind. The off-duty police officer should have granted him a couple minutes to do get his water and party together, it’s not like Peterson or his party were causing issues throughout the night.

(photo courtesy of Necessary Exposure)

 

Until all the facts come out in this case, I caution all to reserve judgement, including NFL fans, reporters and most importantly NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. With his track record (something Goodell always takes into consideration) Peterson deserves to have due process and the presumption of being innocent until proven guilty. Especially with the the reputation and track record of the Houston P.D.

Average Joe Arrigo

 

You can listen to The Average Joe Show with Joe Arrigo and Joe Pacheco every Tuesday at 8pm pst.

 

Follow The Average Joe’s Twitter: @joearrigo  @joepacheco4  @theavgjoeshow

Friend The Average Joe’s on Facebook: TheAverage Joe Show

Email the Joe’s at : averagejoeshow@hotmail.com

 

The Average Joe Show and The Average Joe Show blog are products of the MAB Sports Network

Do The Los Angeles Lakers Need Dwight Howard?

Dwight Howard is the big fish in the pond, err, I mean Magical Kingdom, but he wants to leave for Brooklyn. While the Nets would LOVE to team him with Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Gerald Wallace to form a “Big 4″, they may not have the assets to land him. The Magic would LOVE to have a package centered around Los Angeles Lakers 24 year old All Star center Andrew Bynum, and the Lakers would like Howard, but he says he doesn’t want to go to L.A. and follow in Shaquile O’Neal’s footsteps. Howard also says wont sign a long term deal with any other team then the Nets. There is also the fact that the Lakers have trepidation with Howard because he recently had back surgery and it is reportedly “healing slow.”

 

One theroy of  the Lakers not making a deal for Howard is Bynum is 2 years younger, a better offensive player and while he is immature, he doesn’t have the baggage Howard has. If I had my way you would see a trade (that has been talked about according to my NBA sources) sending power forward Pau Gasol to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Derrick Williams, swingman Wesley Johnson and a first round pick. The T-Wolves covet Gasol (to team with fellow countryman Ricky Rubio) and love what he would bring to their team. The Lakers  would add the type of power forward (Williams) that fits the Lakers offense, being able to play outside the key and freeing Bynum up underneath.  Johnson is a swingman that can spread the floor (who also happens to work out with Kobe Bryant in the off season) and he can play the 2 or the 3 while bringing some much needed athleticism to the Lakers starting line-up. It would also free up roughly $24 million dollars for the Lakers as well.

 

While Howard is a force on the defensive side of the ball and known as the best center in the NBA right now, but Bynum isn’t that far behind and I could make the argument that Bynum is a better offensive player right now. Where Howard would really help out the Lakers is on the defensive side of the ball where his tough interior defense would be a welcome sight for Lakers fans everywhere and would clean up on the boards on a nightly basis. But Bynum has a better offensive repertoire and can hit free throws and knows how to play with Kobe, which is something that has to be considered as well.

 

The thought of Howard in a Lakers uniform is one that most Lakers fans have long wished for. But after Howard’s year long “indecision” on where he wants to play, asking for the Magic to fire head coach Stan Van Gundy (and later GM Otis Smith), unwillingness to sign long term with anyone he is traded to other then the Nets and the alleged off the court “irresponsibility” with women not to mention a surgery on a bulging disc in his back, the Lakers have concerns (from what I was told). They want to make sure his back is alright first. If it is then that is a relief and they feel that since they will have his “Bird rights” (meaning that they can sign him for more money then any other team) they would be able to get him to commit long term. I was told that Howard is intrigued by playing with Kobe and newly acquired 2-time MVP Steve Nash. But is that enough to change his mind, a mind that has changed time and time again?

 

What should the Magic do if they can’t deal him to Brooklyn, his desired destination? Should they hold onto him or deal him to another team? What they need to do is  make a decision that is best for their franchise in the short and long term and if that means deal him to L.A., Golden State, Houston or any other team that is willing to pay the piper then do it. Players don’t control where they go unless they are Free Agents and that is exactly what Howard is trying to do behind the scenes. Howard is the one who signed an agreement to “opt into” his contract last year prior to the trade deadline (after the team told him to wait until his agent was around but HE declined to do so) and now he wants out (again). It’s time for the Magic to make a move regardless of how Howard feels about it. He is gone in a year, so why let him walk and get nothing in return? He has already napalmed his bridges in Orlando and is the most “hated man in the NBA” by the way he has (mis)handled this situation. It’s time they get him out of there and get that franchise moving forward.

 

For the Lakers they are in a “win now” state of mind and that is evident by the addition of Nash. If they do deal for Howard they would have a center that can be a force on the defensive side of the ball and help create easy baskets by blocking shots and starting the fast break with Nash leading the way. But is the risk of obtaining Howard (both locking him up long term and his back) worth the risk? Jim Buss has been reluctant to deal Bynum for Howard (they had a deal in place last year but the Magic pulled out because Howard “opted in”) and the flashes of dominance Bynum has showed makes it a tough decision for Buss and GM Mitch Kupchak. They both know with Kobe, Nash, Howard and Gasol they have the look of a title contending team and that might be to great to pass up.

 

Everything I have been told is that a deal for Howard is not eminent. The Nets want to get a deal done by the end of next week and are trying to add a third team to the deal, otherwise they will wait until December when they can trade some of the newly signed players to the Magic. The Lakers on the other hand have reportedly told an unidentified player to be prepared to be moved in a possible Howard deal and seem to be playing it cool, not trying to make a brash move. The Magic also want to make sure they can lock Bynum up long term (which I was told wouldn’t be a problem).

 

Would Dwight Howard be a very good pick up for the Lakers (or any other team)? Yes. But the question is will he be the same player he has been on the court for the Magic for the past 9 years? Will be be the dominant defensive player that pulls down rebounds and dunks over any player in the NBA or will be the player that “shut it down” at the end of last years shortened season and is he worth that gamble? Dr. Jerry Buss is a gambling man and I think he would be willing to take that gamble. He’ll rely on the Lakers rich tradition of winning titles, the super star players who turn into icons, the L.A. skyline, beaches and Hollywood A-Lister’s that fill the Staples Center nightly with the beckoning calls of movie & T.V. roles in the offseason.

 

This is one decision I go back and forth with. But then again, so does Dwight Howard. I can’t imagine what he is going through and the emotions he is dealing with. I am going through them and I am just an “Average Joe”, not the person who’s livelihood everyone is talking about.

 

Average Joe Arrigo

 

You can listen to The Average Joe Show with Joe Arrigo and Joe Pacheco every Tuesday at 8pm pst.

Follow The Average Joe’s Twitter: @joearrigo  @joepacheco4  @theavgjoeshow

Friend The Average Joe’s on Facebook: TheAverage Joe Show

Email the Joe’s at : averagejoeshow@hotmail.com

The Average Joe Show and The Average Joe Show blog are products of the MAB Sports Network

Joe Arrigo: O.T.S. Sports Rumors 6-30-12

It’s late June which means it’s the dog days of summer.  The rumors are starting to really heat up around Major League Baseball with the trade deadline quickly approaching and the NBA free agent frenzy is set to begin. We also all know that the NFL getting ready to start training camp in a few weeks so there is some scuttle bug around the gridiron as well.

 

Before I get to the rumors, I want to wish my “little brother” Tyron “Bossy” Brackenridge a happy birthday. He gave himself an early birthday present last night (which just happens to be our Grandma, Carol Arrigo’s birthday) with an interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Saskatchewan Roughriders 43-16 win in the CFL opener. I’m proud of you on and off the field bro and keep doing what you doing!!

 

             RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

Inside Pitch MLB Rumors:

The Dodgers and Astros have agreed to a deal that would send OF/1B Carlos Lee and cash to Los Angeles for Double A pitcher Garrett Gould. The deal is not a given since Lee has a limited no trade clause (to 14 teams) and really doesn’t want to leave the Houston area because he runs an extremely lucrative cattle ranch there. Lee is in the last year of a 6 year $100 million dollar deal and would give the Dodgers some needed some pop in their line-up with Matt Kemp on the DL and Andre Ethier out (with a muscle strain). As I write this (at 5:15pm pst) Lee is still considering the deal, but reports are it doesn’t look as if he will accept it. I was told by a perosn close to the situation that if a deal doesn’t happen involving Lee that they would turn their attention to another player because “something else will come up, it always does this time of the year.” It was reported by Fox’s Ken Rosenthal that Lee would like to have a decision by Sunday.

 

The Orioles and Phillies agreed to a deal that send DH/1B Jim Thome to Baltimore for class-a pitcher Kyle Simon and minor-league catcher Gabriel Lino. A deal was announced after each team played Saturday. This could be a sign that the Phillies are going to be sellers at the deadline, or they could be starting to move some salary to try and resign some of their own player (Cole Hamels or Shane Victorino).

 

The Dodgers also made huge waves this past week when they signed Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig (pronounced Pah-eeg) to a 7 year $42 million dollar deal. The 21 year old, 6’2, 215 pound outfield has been compared to Matt Kemp or Vlad Guerrero. The baseball scouting community varies on their opinions of Puig, who is considered a 5 tool prospect. Some think he is the real deal and should make in impact in the Majors either later this year or next season. Other scouts feel he is overrated and the Dodgers over spent to land him.  From what I have seen Puig looks like the real deal (although he needs to go the other way more) and will give the Dodgers one of the most dynamic outfields in baseball. One thing is for certain, the new Dodgers ownership is not shying away from spending on players they feel can have an impact on the field for the Dodgers in hopes of bringing a World Series title back to LA for the first time since 1988.

 

With the signing of Puig the Dodgers have tied up $278 million dollars in their outfield (of Kemp, Athier & Puig) and look to spend more at the deadline and in the off season.  I have heard that the Dodgers are in on pitchers Francisco Liriano of the Twins, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza of the Cubs, Zack Greinke of the Brewers  and should he be available, Cole Hamels of the Phillies. They also have a high interest in 3B Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays, who will be made available should the Blue Jays fade out of contention.

 

The Yankees have had internal discussions about Zack Greinke and Francisco Liriano since they lost Andy Pettitte for 6 weeks and CC Sabathia for 2 starts. While no deal is likely, from what I was told it is a sign that Brian Cashman is softening his stance about not dealing for starting pitching.

 

I was told that the Rangers have scouted Brewers starter Zack Greinke and that the Brewers would want shortstop Jurickson Profar, the Rangers top prospect, in return as part of a bigger package for Greinke. The Dodgers, Yankees, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves also have scouted Greinke and had internal discussions about the talented Brewers pitcher. The Rangers also are scouting Cole Hamels of the Phillies.

 

On The Sideline NFL Rumors:

This is more of a thought then a rumor and it centers around Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. For 16 years the Packers fans loved Favre and he could do no wrong. He was one of 5 central figures (Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf, Mike Holmgren and the late Reggie White) that led the Packers turn around from doormats to the most stable franchise in the NFL. Up until recently Favre was hadn’t had any kind words for NFL MVP and former understudy Aaron Rodgers. Favre recently told Deion Sanders ” Aaron Rodgers, I knew when I left, this guy has all the tools,”Favre said. “He can beat you with his feet. He’s got a great arm, extremely accurate, handles the cast around him perfect.” Those may be the start of the fence mending and in my opinion it is about time.

While Favre left the Packers no choice but to deal him and both sides took things personal and handled the situation like Jr. High school kids fighting, it’s time for both to “kiss and make-up.” Favre’s place in Packers history is either at or near the top (depending on who you talk to) and he needs to be recognized as such. Ted Thompson would privately tell you that  he wished he handled the situation better as Favre probably would too. It’s time for the future Hall of Famer and one of the most storied teams in NFL history to get together and welcome each other back into each others lives.

As for the fans, we (and I include myself and other family members in this) and the Favre supporters need to realize that the NFL is a business and no matter how painful the final outcome maybe for one party or the other. To take things personal and hold grudges that help no one and only divide an icon from the team he will forever be associated with and it’s fan base (and vice versa). For Favre to not give Rodgers credit until now was childish, but that being said, he has and it’s better late then never. Now the team needs to retire Favre’s number and once he is elected into the NFL Hall of Fame, include his name in their “Ring of Honor” with the likes of White, Lombardi, Starr and Lambeau.

 

The Crossover NBA Rumors:

The rumors are running rapid about the Lakers making a couple big deals this offseason. The first rumor has the Lakers sending Pau Gasol to Atlanta for Josh Smith and a “filler” player. On the surface some would wonder why the Lakers would make this deal and the reasoning is Smith is close to Dwight Howard and the hope for the Lakers is if they add Smith, LA would look more attractive to Howard. Which leads to the next Lakers rumor: Andrew Bynum & a “filler” player for Dwight Howard. Should the Lakers add Smith, Howard’s interest would go up in joining the Lakers. Any deal would be made after July 1st.

 

A player that is going to draw interest from a few teams is former Grizzlies point guard OJ Mayo. Mayo wasn’t tendered a contract in part because the Grizz couldn’t afford him and the $8.5 mill tender. The Lakers have a definite interest in Mayo, who already has a good relationship with Kobe Bryant dating back to Mayo’s days at USC, and are expected to pursue him. The Lakers won’t be the only team in on Mayo with the Pacers, Clippers, Celtics and T-Wolves all having interest.

 

The hot rumor going around NBA circles is Deron Williams and Jason Kidd are a packaged deal and they will both end up with the Nets. They are hanging out together in the Hamptons this weekend and will meet with the Nets and Mavs Monday. There is ramped speculation that their minds are made up and will end in Brooklyn.

 

I am hearing that the Lakers are leaning towards amnestying Metta World Peace (Ron Artest). The Lakers are a team that has interest in Rashard Lewis (who was released today) and want to free up cash in the short and long term. They tried to move MWP during the draft but had no takers. Lewis, like Josh Smith, is also a close friend of Dwight Howard and from what I hear the Lakers are trying to make LA as attractive and familiar as possible to Howard as possible

 

The Rockets were the most active team leading up to the draft and look to be the same way during free agency. They want to move Scola, Martin, Lowery and ANY OTHER player on their current roster. They hope to acquire a big name big man to build around.

 

 

Tune into The Average Joe Show every Tuesday night at 8pm pst for the latest talk in the world of MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAFB & much more! The Average Joe Show

Follow us on twitter!! @theavgjoeshow

Friend us on FB! TheAverage Joe Show

The new site is coming soon so get ready for MABSportsNetwork.com!!

Joe Arrigo’s O.T.S. (On The Sidelines) Sports Rumors Report

I have decided to expand the O.T.S. rumors report into an all sports rumors segment.

RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

 

:

The Los Angeles Dodgers were in on Kevin Youkilis until Sunday afternoon when the Chicago White Sox agreed to send a second player in exchange for the Boston Red Sox eating $5.5 million of Youkilis’ salary. I was told that the Dodgers now are turning their focus to Josh Willingham of the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers need to add another power bat to their line-up and Willingham could be that guy that could play first base and hit 5th in their line-up. It comes down to what the Twins are asking for and if they want to deal him.

 

The Dodgers and Twins also have talked in recent weeks about a deal that could send Francisco Liriano to L.A. for a couple prospects. Liriano hasn’t pitched bad since being brought back into the rotation after being demoted to the bullpen. Liriano would give the Dodgers another strong arm to go with reigning Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw and the surprising Chris Capuano.

 

A name to watch in either deal with the Twins (or anyone other Dodgers deal) could be Chad Billingsley. I was told that the organization is growing frustrated with Billingsley and feel that a change of scenery may be need for both him and the team.

 

I am hearing a name that is available and could be had for a reasonable price is Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro. He is not having the type of year we are accustomed to Ichiro having, but teams in need of offense like the Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Giants and even the Yankees all have an interest. Given his age (38), ownerships lack of willingness to deal him and he would have to approve any deal makes it tough for the Mariners. But Ichiro wants to win a World Series and he could welcome a chance to play for a contender, increase his marketability in free agency (should he play well) and most importantly wanting to continue playing and reach 3,000 hits.

 

 

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a stretch which will decide whether they will be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. They have a huge chip in starting pitcher Zack Greinke and could fetch a young arm and positional player in any deal. A source who is tied into MLB circles has told me that they have talked to the Dodgers, Rangers, Pirates, Tigers and Nationals all have spoke to the Brewers. The Dodgers and Rangers have some pieces that fit what the Brewers would be looking for in return. I was told that the mentioned teams are not worried about his anxiety issues.

 

I spoke to a former MLB scout and asked him about Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and the Angels Mike Trout. He said that Trout is “Dale Murphy while Harper is Pete Rose”.  He said “They are the real deal and have all the tools you look for in players. They have each have hell of future and should become the faces of MLB.” He said that the thing that separates Harper from Trout “is Harper’s power & arm” while he says Trout has “way better speed.”

 

 

:

The NBA Draft is on Thursday and I have heard that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade back into the first round for a Point Guard. A couple names I hear the PG’s they like include Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten and Tyshawn Taylor. The rumor making the rounds has the Lakers and Heat talking about a deal (at #27).

 

I have also heard that the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have talked about a deal that would send last years #2 overall pick power forward (and L.A. native) Derrick Williams, the #18 overall pick and Wesley Johnson to L.A. for power forward/center Pau Gasol. I was told that that Lakers feel they need a PF that can shoot and play away from the basket to free up Andrew Bynum, which Williams can do. The players I hear the Lakers like at that pick include PF Perry Jones III (Baylor) and Quincy Miller (Baylor). Gasol and Ricky Rubio (the Wolves PG) play together for the Spain National team and Gasol would add leadership to the young Minnesota team.

 

I am hearing that the Bobcats are targeting North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes and would like to move back a few slots to select him. He worked out for them this past week and “wowed” the Bobcats upper management. I was also told that former Tar Heel and NBA great (the Bobcats owner) Michael Jordan has signed off on drafting him if GM Rich Cho chooses to do so.

 

I hear to small forwards will be on the move draft day, the Bulls Luol Deng and the 76ers Andre Iguodala. Word is Golden State and the Bulls are talking about Deng, while the Lakers, Clippers and Raptors are in on Iguodala. If the Lakers deal for Iguodala it would include Pau Gasol.

 

 

 

Join me on The Average Joe Show this Tuesday at 8pm pst time. Joe Pacheco and myself will be joined by former NBA All Star Kenny Anderson  as we talk about the NBA Finals, LeBron James, Heat, Lakers and the NBA Draft. We will be taking calls and answering YOUR questions. Join us at http://blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show.

Follow us on twitter @theavgjoeshow and friend us on facebook (TheAverage Joe Show).

Tonight 8pm pst-The Debut Of The Average Joe Show

We would like to invite everyone  to check out our new pod cast tonight. We’ll be doing a 30 minute “preview show” for The Average Joe Show tonight at 8pm pst. We hope you’ll be gracious enough to check it out and continue to listen to it. The 8pm pst time is NOT going to be the actual time slot, but it will be just for tonight’s preview show.

Please click on the link http://blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show . We’ll be talking sports and what features will be on the show. You can be a part of the show by calling in and taking part in a chat that will also be going on during the show! The guest Call-in number is (347) 996-5184 and the chat will open when the show does.

We hope you enjoy the preview show and thanks in advance for taking the time to listen in and reading our blogs.

Joe Arrigo & Joe Pacheco

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 60 other followers