NBA Lockout Drags On. War On Labor Unions Stops Now!

I've had enough! David Stern and the NBA ought to be very ashamed of themselves.. 


Once again labor is needlessly under attack. 


First, Republican governors are trying to break the unions back by cutting collective bargaining rights. Second the NFL locked out the players union and almost jeopardized their season. Now the NBA lockout has caused training camps, the entire preseason and the first two weeks of the regular season to be cancelled. What's with all the attacks on labor and unions?


The reason for the NBA lockout according to many was the NBA claimed it was losing money, and wanted to reduce players salaries by 40% and a salary cap at $45 million. The owners also claimed that majority of teams lost money.  How come the NBA is saying they lost money when many consider the NBA had a good year?


Look, the bad economy is hurting everyone. Many families who would normally could afford to go to some games don't have the luxury of having that option. Having a lockout won't solve issues.


First it won't be good P.R. for team owners. Fans will turn away from basketball because of the lockout.  Second, the lockout won't help our economy, it will make it worse. Many make their money from game revenues.  Besides if there are no games, won't the team owners lose more money. Isn't money the real issue of the lockout. 


It's not just players and owners who have a stake in games. There are janitors that clean the stadiums, food vendors, coaches, trainers, security, office staff, ushers, and many others who will be out of work because of the lockout. When it comes down to it, many will lose out if there is no games. Who wants to put more strain on our fragile economy. 


The bottom line is when there is a attack on labor, it affects everyone. When it comes down whether we belong to a union or not, we are all labor.  Whether you're a team owner, player, team president, coach, stadium staff, fan or even a writer, we all deserve respect and a decent wage for our labor. 


Quit acting like a bunch of whiny,spoiled rotten, selfish brats and solve the issues like adults. Let's get back to basketball. 

Prayers for Dan Wheldon

Prayers,  thoughts go out to the loved ones of Dan Wheldon. 


Wheldon a two time Indy 500 winner, left us Sunday when his car crashed into a fence after being caught up in a 15 car pileup durig a race in Las Vegas. Wheldon was 33.


May his legacy endure.

THEN, NOW, ALWAYS, GO TIGERS!

Ok Tigers, this is it. 


You're 1 possible win away from going to the A. L. Championship series. No matter the outcome Detroiters are proud of you!


GO TIGERS!

Join The Team Against Hunger

Wanna make a difference?

When most of us get hungry, all we have to do is go to the kitchen to get something to eat, Those who are unfortunate around the world, they don't have or can't afford that luxury.  Whether hunger is taking place halfway around the world or on the same block, it affects everyone.  

One the side of this site, under "Pay it forward to Team Players in Life" are links to organizations that are working to eradicating hunger. By getting involved you are helping others and maybe someone you know.
 

Thank you for making a difference!

Motownkittys Turns 5. Thank You Readers

My, how time flies.

This post is a extra special one. Motownkittys turns 5.

Thank you readers for allowing me to share my thoughts regarding sports and the sport of life. Thank you to my dad for his suggestion to do this blog.  Thank you to Ellen for your support. Thank you to Bill for feedback on the layout of this site. 


Thank you athletes, coaches,  team presidents, owners, their loved ones for making your fellow Michiganders and Michiganders at heart proud of you. 


Whether you live in the L. P.  or U. P.,  Acme to Zilwaukee and every city, we love our teams.  May we be reminded we belong to the same team, the state of Michigan. 


Now on to the next 5 years!

Barry Bonds Goes On Trial, Why Were Steroids Tolerated?

This week marks the opening of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.


For many Americans it's time to root for their favorite teams and their baseball heroes to break records.  For one record breakers Barry Bonds, it's just another week in his trial for perjury.

Bonds who broke the all time home run record in 2007 is accused of lying about an alleged steroids use and obstruction of justice. Bonds testified before a grand jury, saying he was never aware or used performance enhancing drugs. 


The evidence according to many may prove otherwise. Fellow players Jason Giambi, Randy Velarde, associates and Bonds' ex-mistress Kimberly Bell testified they knew about Bonds steroids use. While the prosecution and the defense spar back and forth in court over evidence and perjury counts,  what's the point of this trial?


Is it that Bonds lied, or that steroids were used? Why were P.E.D s ever allowed to be an issue in baseball? Did Bud Selig have any idea of what was going on in the league? Did the league care?


If steroid use was no big deal then, why is there such a fuss about who used now. And if athletes did cheat, does that mean that glory and big bucks are more important than the integrity of the game? Does it mean liars win and that it doesn't pay to be honest?


Nobody but Barry Bonds will ever really know if he used or not. If Bonds did use, then he should he honest about it. If he can't do that, maybe he doesn't deserve any of the records that he holds. 


Do the right thing Barry, tell the truth. Your public awaits.

Japan Still Needs Your Help

Once again a natural disaster is a reminder that life is fragile. No matter where disaster strikes, it affects us all.


Even though the Japan earthquake occurred days ago, help is still needed. On the side of this site under Pay It Forward To Teammates In Life are links to some organization that are involved in the Japanese relief effort.  By getting involved, you can have an impact on someones' life. 


Thank you for making a difference.

Prayers For The Loved Ones Of Wes Leonard

Prayers go out to the loved ones and classmates of Wes Leonard.

The Fennville High student passed away Thursday from an apparent enlarged heart. Leonard collapsed after making the winning basket to give his team a 57-55 victory over Bridgman High. What should have been a joyous victory to cement a perfect season for the Black hawks turned into a tragedy that many will never forget. 


Wes Leonard will be dearly missed. 

Did Lance Armstrong Cheat?

Once again another athlete is accused of using steroids. 


This time Lance Armstrong, the Tour De France winner is accused of using a performance enhancing steroid called HemAssist.  The allegations centered around a Sports Illustrated report that Armstrong took steroids while competing in the Tour De France. He won the Tour De France from 1999-2005.  


Regardless whether these accusation are true, why was doping even allowed to begin with? Will this tarnish Lance Armstrong's reputation as a role model? If he's found guilty,  should his victories be erased?


What does this say about sports, that winning is more important than integrity? Will any sport ever be considered clean? Is he innocent as he proclaims? 


Only time will tell if Lance Armstrong is vindicated. Even if he is cleared of these charges,  there will always be a question of doubt. Only Lance knows what really happened.  Let's hope he tells the truth.