Top 50 Sports Jerks, the Sequel: Pity these fools
The Jerk Store called Mike Freeman, and it's ... well, it's in no danger of running out of you, Brett Favre. Or Manny Ramirez. Or Roger Clemens. With that, we not-so-proudly present our second Top 50 Sports Jerks.  

Patriots camp tour: Belichick company line adopted instantly
Yes, they were this close to closing one incredible season. But that's all forgotten, right? Mike Freeman says the Patriots are insisting on it before launching what could be another monster season. 

Soldiers respond when duty calls -- no exceptions
The Army said Caleb Campbell could pursue an NFL career. Then the Army changed the rules. You know what? That's what the Army does -- especially in a time of war. Campbell has responded by being stoic and strong; the critics and armchair generals should take a lesson, Mike Freeman says.  

Vai gains hero status by dropping 'hema on Canseco
Celebrity boxing is a joke, a farce not worth watching. That was until ex-NFL player Vai Sikahema whupped Jose Canseco in no time flat. Mike Freeman came away thrilled -- and with a new hero. 

Wie's misstep -- and possible path -- a crying shame
Yes, it was an innocent mistake. But it is difficult not to feel for Michelle Wie -- even shed a tear -- after her scorecard blunder. Mike Freeman hopes this is not a sign of things to come. 

Oden anxious to get Blazers career under way
The wait is almost over. After sitting out 2007-08 with an injury, last year's No. 1 pick Greg Oden is gearing up for his Blazers debut. The 7-footer may be tall, but he's down to Earth with big dreams, Mike Freeman says.  

High hopes: Healthy Ronnie, sober Ricky give Dolphins a chance
Torn ACL. Something no running back wants to hear. But with Ronnie Brown making progress in rehabbing his knee, the much-maligned Dolphins might surprise some people this season, Mike Freeman says. 

Hey, I'm Brett Favre, and it's always all about ME
You think he's worried about clipboard boy Aaron Rodgers, the Packers or the fans? No, Brett Favre is only worried about Brett Favre, Mike Freeman says. 

PR junket or not, let's applaud NFL trio's trip to Iraq
You might be cynical. Mike Freeman is a renowned cynic. But even he can't help giving credit where it's due -- to Roger Goodell, Drew Brees and Osi Umenyiora -- in the wake of their journey to Iraq. Stow it, skeptics. 

Only A-Rod need reply ... seriously, guys, give it a rest ...
Been with Madonna? Let's see ... Who hasn't? Or maybe, 'Hasn't everyone?' All in good fun, Mike Freeman says, until every celebrity with a pulse -- and some without -- decide to weigh in. 

Golf's greatest -- Tiger -- can't match Phelps as an athlete
Tiger Woods' U.S. Open victory will go down in history. But don't confuse it with an athletic feat. That distinction belongs to Michael Phelps, who next month will go to Beijing seeking to create a legend, Mike Freeman says. 

With Manny being horse's fanny, let's end his singular double-standard
Manny Ramirez has long gotten a pass for being a flake, but now he has allegedly shoved a team employee. So when should the 'Manny being Manny' double-standard end? Mike Freeman has a suggestion. Right now. 

One and Dunn? Warrick ready for classy last hurrah
He's a throwback to a different time, when NFL players respected predecessors and weren't walking rap sheets. As Warrick Dunn returns to Tampa as a new member of the Humanitarian Hall of Fame, Mike Freeman wishes more modern athletes would take lessons from the prolific running back. 

Amid draft wheeling and dealing, NBA is youth gone wild
This is historic. Freshmen go 1-2-3 in the NBA Draft. Derrick Rose gets a Chicago homecoming, Michael Beasley heads to Miami and O.J. Mayo goes third before being traded to Memphis in a blockbuster deal. Mike Freeman says the league is getting younger, but necessarily for the better. 

Might as well pick Beasley in draft worth dodging
This is no Oden-or-Durant debate. Mike Freeman wants to make that clear. But if forced to name the player he'd take with the No. 1 pick in a ho-hum NBA Draft, Freeman will pick Michael Beasley over Derrick 'Glass Jaw' Rose. 

Bash Ko-Me? Fine, but Shaq's language is an N-no
What's the worst part of Shaq's ridiculous freestyle rap show? Not bashing Ko-Me Bryant or the fact O'Neal has recorded seven albums (how?). No, Mike Freeman says Shaq steps into Uncle Tom territory with his public use of the N-word, an inexcusable offense for a modern athlete. 

The Big Three 2.0: Bigger, faster -- and better
The 22-year drought in Boston is over, thanks to the Big Three redux. Watching Pierce, Garnett and Allen team up for the NBA title, the comparisons to the dynastic Celtics immediately come. For Mike Freeman, it's no contest. He's taking today's trio in a flash. 

Veteran Allen focuses with family issue on mind
Ray Allen ties a Finals record with seven 3-pointers, finishing with 26 points in the Celtics' 131-92 clinching Finals victory over the Lakers. But the past few days, the veteran had more important things to focus on, being his hospitalized son, Mike Freeman says. 

Long wait is over for well-deserving MVP Pierce
Can you count to 17 championships? Boston finally can. The Celtics put some more distance between themselves and the Lakers, embarrassing L.A. 131-92 in Game 6 at the Garden. It's a great title for MVP Paul Pierce, who goes about being a pro the right way, Mike Freeman says. 

Hurt or not, Rondo must step up for Celtics
Sorry, but three points in 14 minutes of Game 5 isn't good enough for Rajon Rondo. True, the second-year guard is somewhat hobbled and the Lakers are doing a number on him, but Boston needs Rondo to be more aggressive, especially with Ray Allen's situation in limbo, Mike Freeman says. 

Lakers survive Game 5 using much-needed physicality
The Lakers aren't ready for vacation just yet. Despite a less than perfect showing, the Lakers hold off the rallying Celtics 103-98 in Game 5. It's about time the Lakers show some toughness, Mike Freeman says. 

Take five steps, Commish, to defuse Tim's not-so-tiny threat
Is Tim Donaghy full of truth or full of, um, it? We don't know, but his accusations created the perception that the NBA might have a problem here. David Stern should take five specific steps to meet this challenge, Mike Freeman says, starting with the commission of a Giuliani Report. 

Celtics' D, physical tactics have Kobe all balled up
There's no getting around it, Mike Freeman says. The Celtics are in Kobe Bryant's head. It's time for Phil Jackson -- hello, Zen Master? -- to help his frustrated star beat his Boston demons. 

Pretty win? Maybe in the eye of the be-choker
Stinky Lakers play and gift-wrapped free throws, yet the Celtics almost lose a huge lead and have to scramble for a 108-102 Game 2 win. Mike Freeman credits Boston, but this near choke is definitely disturbing. 

Celtics, Powe laugh their way to victory bank
The Zen Master likes to tease, but he has no punchline for the Celtics in Game 2. From Paul Pierce shrugging off his injury to Leon Powe turning into a Finals beast, Boston has a nice mix on the court, Mike Freeman says.  

Kobe's fired up, ergo his ego won't let him fail again
He's angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry. That's right: Celtics may wear green, but it's Kobe Bryant -- seething over his dud in the Finals opener -- who will Hulk out in Game 2 on Sunday, Mike Freeman says. 

Who needs it more, Kobe or K.G.? That is the question
Great. The word fits Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett. But each star could use a title this month to cement his status. Mike Freeman says the Finals is bigger for K.G., who needs the ring to upgrade his Hall wing. 

Pierce showed guts, but will he survive Finals?
Boston's fans had the green scared out of them. After seeing Celtics captain Paul Pierce wheeled off the court, hopes seemed to fade. Then, like out of a movie, Pierce returns and helps Boston earn a 98-91 victory over the Lakers in Game 1 of the Finals. But, as Mike Freeman says, this may be the last we see of Pierce.  

Boston attacks Lakers on offense -- and defense
The Celtics are a physical team and Kobe Bryant and the Lakers found that out in Boston's Game 1 victory. If the constant beating continues on both ends, the Lakers won't sniff a Finals victory, Mike Freeman says.  

Lakers primed to shoo Celtics, K.G. out of Finals
Celtics fans can't contain their excitement over being back in the Finals. Celtics players can't contain -- or keep up with -- Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. L.A. will win the title, Mike Freeman says. 

Fisher is dedicated pop who's tough to stop
Obscured by NBA Finals star power and storylines is Derek Fisher, a champ who is cool in the clutch. Don't be stunned if he hits a winner or two -- then rushes to his daughter's side, Mike Freeman says. 

Jackson's greatest gift? Being gifted with great players
Hook up with rosters that include all-time great players (including THE greatest). Win titles. Be applauded as a legendary coach. That's Phil Jackson's path to immortality, and Mike Freeman just wants to know one thing -- where can he sign up? 

The NBA Finals come down to L.A. mean vs. Boston clean
The Celtics are all charm. The Lakers exude smarm. It's all nice guys and class in green. The yellow and purple crew is hard to stomach. Mike Freeman says the NBA Finals lines are clearly drawn as good vs. evil, clean vs. mean. 

Is NBA officiating bad? You're (expletive) right it is
He'll agree with Bleep, er, 'Sheed Wallace, though with much less profanity: Based on what he has seen in the East finals, and the '08 playoffs in general, NBA officiating is consistently inconsistent. 

Read it and weep, Detroit: Boston's 29-0 when leading 3-2
Numbers don't lie. With its 106-102 Game 5 victory over Detroit, Boston is bound for Finals. Why? The Celtics are 29-0 in series when leading 3-2. Mike Freeman doesn't see why Boston's glorious history wouldn't rub off on this team. 

If surrender is an option, you can't roll with Dice
If Antonio McDyess didn't give up on his injury-ravaged career, do you think he'll let Detroit nonchalantly bow out to Boston? No. And now you know why the East finals are tied again, Mike Freeman says. 

Celtics still lacking a killer instinct
The Celtics knew they could have put a stranglehold on this series. Instead, their 32 percent shooting let the Pistons regain some momentum in a topsy-turvy series that seems destined to go seven games, says Mike Freeman. 

Take 10: Nine Celtics-Pistons questions, and one other mystery
Mike Freeman has a lot of things on his mind. One is the mystery of chick magnet Flavor Flav, but of more concern to NBA fans are nine questions about the way the Celtics-Pistons series is unfolding. 

Boston's road warrior status is back in style
Many have wilted in the Palace throughout the years, but not this Celtics team. Totally forgetting about their road woes, Boston pushed around and beats Detroit 94-80. Consider this one huge hurdle cleared, Mike Freeman says. 

Credit check shows Rivers, Saunders don't receive enough
Ignore the nicknames for a bit and take Doc and Flip seriously. Yes, the East finals coaches have loaded rosters. But just because you can't teach talent doesn't mean you can't masterfully manage it, Mike Freeman says.