Pacers' O'Neal Wants Out

While working a summer job to help pay bills and make ends meet, I received an email from the Indiana Pacers' media department quoting the Pacers' Larry Bird regarding Pacers' center Jermaine O'Neal's request to be traded (if not to his first choice -- the Los Angeles Lakers, then the New Jersey Nets).

Here's the link to the article posted on Indy.com; but, here's the complete statement from Larry Bird:

“In response to Jermaine O’Neal’s published comments today regarding a trade, we have stated repeatedly that if we can make our team better through a trade, we will do so. Jermaine has become an All-Star player with the Indiana Pacers and in any discussions regarding him or any of our other players, the expectations for the franchise and our fans is to receive fair market value in return if a trade is to be considered.

“Jermaine has worked out very hard this summer while rehabilitating his knee after surgery. We believe under Jim O’Brien that our team as a whole and Jermaine as a player can be successful. You never know what will happen, but for now Jermaine is an Indiana Pacer.”

I still don't see the Lakers giving up Andrew Bynum in a trade (why the Lakers are so set in keeping Bynum, I have no idea); but, stranger things have happened. However, the part of Bird's statement I find interesting is the ending -- 'but for now Jermaine is an Indiana Pacer.'

Rafer's Statement

In order to be fair and not simply discuss the fact Rockets guard Rafer Alston was arrested early Sunday morning for public intoxication and assault, I'm going to post Rafer's statement which the Rockets released this evening:

"Although I regret what happened - and apologize to my fans, teammates and the organization for any distraction- the accounts of what happened are widely exaggerated by individuals that stand to profit. I am confident that when the full story is reported, I will be vindicated."

Though in society today it's seemingly become "guilty until proven innocent",...

..."Innocent until proven guilty" is the bedrock of America's legal system -- always remember that.

Rockets sked

Today was a good day for fans of the NBA.

The league announced the 2007 - 2008 schedule for all the teams.

The Rockets open the season on the road Tuesday, October 30, versus the Kobes, er, the LA Lakers.

The Rockets will be featured on national television a total of 23 times. TNT will broadcast six Houston games during the season, while ABC will air one contest. In addition, seven Rockets games will be broadcast on ESPN and another nine will air on NBA TV.

During tonight's Sports Rap (KCOH 1430 AM), a few callers were already lamenting the tough start to the Rockets' schedule (at the Lakers; at Utah; home vs. Portland; at Dallas; and home vs. the Spurs).

Blah, blah, blah.

If the Rockets are going to be a legit playoff team, they'll get their job done and take care of business.

I'm glad the league has another bit of good news to discuss rather than the ref garbage.