Yes, I'm still on vacation. But I'm not sipping drinks garnished with little umbrellas on some island and I'm certainly not hiking any mountain. I'm home. And I'm aware.
And I'm keenly aware many of you are wondering if the Dolphins are going to show interest in wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who was released Tuesday from prison after serving 21 months for a gun crime related to his blowing a couple of holes in his leg at a nightclub in 2008.
Burress, 34 when the NFL season eventually begins, may be an interesting topic. But I am told by a reliable source the Dolphins are "absolutely not" interested in Burress.
So much for that rumor.
I happen to agree the Dolphins should have zero business interest in Burress, despite the fact he is a South Florida resident. Why?
Did I mention he'll be 34 in August?
Did I mention he just spent 21 months in jail?
Did you know he has not played NFL football since 2008?
Did you know it is now 2011?
Maybe none of that bothers you. Maybe you think Burress can be the next coming of Michael Vick. And perhaps he can weave a tale of redemption and resurrect his fading career. I hope he does.
But Michael Vick was 28 years old when he returned to the NFL, not 34. And it still took him a year to get up to speed again.
Sorry, but the odds are against Burress. And it simply doesn't make sense for Miami to take that gamble.
Burress, in his prime, was an imposing 6-foot-5 target who combined that great size with very good speed and an increasing experience of defenses that made him very dangerous. But even in 2008, following his grand 2007 performance that helped the Giants win the Super Bowl, Burress was a troubled dude.
He was missing practices and was late to team meetings and was something of an enigma in the Giants locker room. He was also apparently in decline. After catching 70 passes for 1,025 yards in 2007, Burress had only 35 catches in 10 games in 2008. His average per catch was the lowest since his rookie year and the lowest in what was a steady four-year decline from 19.9 in 2004 to 16.0 in 2005 to 15.7 in 2006 to 14.6 in 2007 to 13.0 in 2008.
And you expect it will go up after not playing since the winter of 2008 and spending 21 months in jail?
Here's another thought for you to consider:
If the Dolphins decide they want a receiver to help Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess and the rest of the receiver corps in 2011, they aren't going to chase a 34-year-old guy. They're going to chase someone in his prime.
Did you know Santonio Holmes is a free agent? He's 27 years old. And fast. And hasn't been in jail the past two years. He played football last year ... and the year before. And putting him out there with Brandon Marshall would turn just about any QB into a playmaker. And it would be a blow to the Jets to lose him.
Did you know Braylon Edwards is a free agent? He's 28 years old. And his yards per reception number last year was 17.1. He also was a Michigan teammate of Chad Henne's and the two had good chemistry together. And yes, he drops passes, but he caught 53 last year for 904 yards and seven touchdowns.
And seven TDs is only one fewer than Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess had combined in 2010.
I am not saying the Dolphins will be interested in either Edwards or Holmes. But I am using them to illustrate the point that if Miami were to dip into the free agent WR market, there would be several players that make much more sense than Plaxico Burress.
Think on that.
So back to vacation I go. Please follow me on twitter as I am on there regularly and you can interact with me while I'm on this great vacation I'm on -- thinking about football.
CAN OF PAINT,,,, I AM THE REAL ALoco not the fake one you talked TO LAST 2 DAYS,,, I DON'T SPEAK THAT WAY ,YOUR DIRTY WAY ...THANKS .
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 10:56 PM
ALoco
I am a boy - why don't you like me?
Posted by: can of paint | June 12, 2011 at 10:57 PM
One of those big Three appears not to have too bright a Bulb. Guess? It's not the tallest but also not the shortest, and has amazing quantities of $. More?
Posted by: oscar canosa | June 12, 2011 at 11:01 PM
YES IT'S A GREAT NITE.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:02 PM
WHO SAYS YOU NEED THREE STARS TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP????????????????????
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:03 PM
EVEN IDIOTS LIKE ME HAVE GREAT NITES.
Posted by: CRETIN JUSTSOMEBULL | June 12, 2011 at 11:04 PM
WHO SAYS YOU NEED AN IQ OF THREE TO BE AN IDIOY?
Posted by: CRETIN JUSTSOMEBULL | June 12, 2011 at 11:05 PM
JUSTIN,
YOU SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED FOR CALLING IT FOR THE HEAT ...BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR ...............................................................................................................
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:06 PM
We played like a scared team tonight and the comedy of errors was finally to much to overcome. Breed I also didn`t expect to be in the Finals this season but it still hurts when you analyze the fact we blew game 2 and were in game 4 till the end and lost that one on some errors as well.
rgb, I think you can`t falt some of the efforts we saw out there but when your supposed best player is looking to dish the assist instead of shoot your pretty doomed and it would only get worse as he fouls Barea in the low post when you know 10 out of 10 times he normally schools him to the hoop.
I`m a big boy and can admit it they may not have the star power associated with the HEAT but proved that it`s a team game and they were the better team this series. In hindsight the game two collapse was the start of an avalanche in a series were the HEAT never relly looked in sink for 48 minutes of any game after.
Posted by: fin4life | June 12, 2011 at 11:07 PM
The criticism of James as a basketball player is unfair.
I guarantee every team that faces the Heat worries and strategizes 1st about James.
The team needs a better point and center.
If you get that then the team will be very tough to beat.
Posted by: Oregon Dolphin fan | June 12, 2011 at 11:08 PM
JUSTIN
CAN WE GO OUT I LIKE BOYS NOT CAN OF PANTE HES TO MUCH MANN FOR ME
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:08 PM
GOOD THING THEY HAD THIER PARADE BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:08 PM
...It is hard to feel sorry for the Heat. I do for the fans of the team. But even Heat fans must aknowledge that this isn't a team that is very likeable outside of the fanbase. They set themselves up for a big fall. This I'm sure will be a lesson in some humility. Something this team desperatley needed. Hopefully for Heat fans and players this will humble them moving forward. And next year they can actually earn a ring before throwing the celebration..
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | June 12, 2011 at 11:09 PM
GOOD THING I FOUND A BOYFRIEND BEFORE ALOCO ASKED ME OUT.
Posted by: CRETIN JUSTSOMEBULL | June 12, 2011 at 11:10 PM
NOT 1 NOT 2 NOT 3 OR 4 OR 5 OR 6
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:11 PM
JUSTIN ... BE AWARE OF DB FAKING MY NAME TO GET BOTH OF US FIGHTING ......
DD/FIN4LIFE.......... I SALUTE BOTH OF YOU FOR STANDING BY YOUR OVER PAID TEAM .
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Announcers made a very interesting point. Maybe Heat should get in play for Dwight Howard. I would trade Lebron for Dwight Howard right now anyday.
If we had Wade, Howard, and Bosh right now we win this series. Chandler is zero match for Howard.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 12, 2011 at 11:13 PM
I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR THE FANS.
THEY WERE AS COCKY AS JETS FANS.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:14 PM
Listen, if you can't concentrate in such a game as this, then there is something wrong with you, and it's usually mental.
Posted by: oscar canosa | June 12, 2011 at 11:15 PM
ALoco,
I havent even been talking to you under my own handle. So makes you think I would even consider wasting thought on you under another name. You've been doing all in your power to get me to respond to you.
Geesh, you arent tired yet idiot? LOL...........
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 12, 2011 at 11:15 PM
DB............ PLEASE GO TO SLEEP ...YOU HAVE NO SHAME ......NOW YOU ARE TALKING HOWARD ?
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:17 PM
ALoco..Not a Heat fan..Just nuetral. I just don't like to spew hate on a team that I only watched in the playoffs.
I wonder who is happier tonight? Dan Gilbert, or Mark Cuban?
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | June 12, 2011 at 11:17 PM
DIRK IS THE BEST PLAYER TO EVER WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.
THIS MAVS TEAM CAN'T MATCH UP WITH AND CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM I CAN THINK OF.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:19 PM
I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR THE FANS.
THEY WERE AS COCKY AS JETS FANS.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:14 PM
I LIKE SAYING THE WORD COCKY - KNOW WHAT I MEAN?
Posted by: CRETIN JUSTSOMEBULL | June 12, 2011 at 11:20 PM
JUSTIN I LIKE COCKY TO ((((YOU AND MEE)))) ARE OKAY
CALL ME
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:22 PM
I DO FEEL BAD FOR WADE.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Dying Breed..I don't think a player like Howard puts the Heat over the top..A point guard that distributes the ball would be a better addition.IMO
Posted by: Darryl Dunphy | June 12, 2011 at 11:23 PM
ME JUSTIN AND TORCHURED HAVE THREE WAY YES?
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:23 PM
GO PATRIOTS
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:24 PM
FAKE ALOCO
THEN YOU AND NO NAME SHOULD HOOK UP AND DO IT ON THE RAINBOW FLAG
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:25 PM
GO BRUINS .....TOMORROWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW............
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:25 PM
I DO FEEL BAD FOR WADE.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:22 PM
BECAUSE I DIDN'T GET TO DO HIM LIKE WANT (COCKY)
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:26 PM
I HSATE MIAMI
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:27 PM
I HATE MIAMI AS WELL
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:28 PM
DD,
I FORGIVE YOU FOR CHEERING FOR THE HEAT .........
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:28 PM
IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME IF YOU USE MY NAME I COULD CARELESS WHAT ANYBODY UP HERE THINKS.
IF THAT'S FUN FOR YOU HAVE FUN.
YOU GOTTA DO BETTER THAN THAT.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:29 PM
GO JETS
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:30 PM
FAKE JUSTIN AT 11:29
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:31 PM
ANY NEEGS WANNA PLAY?
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:32 PM
THE FAKE GUY DB GOING NUTS B/C HIS HEAT WENT HOME LOSERS ...HE'S FAKING ME,AND NOW HE'S FAKING JUSTIN ..............
GOOD NIGHT TO ALL ..................
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:32 PM
THAT JETS THING IS F.U.C.K.E.D UP.
I DID NOTHING TO DESERVE THAT.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:33 PM
JUSTIN.... DB IS GOING NUTS,HE HATES PEOPLE ....I AM OUT .
Posted by: ALoco | June 12, 2011 at 11:33 PM
LOL.
AT FAKE JUSTIN CALLING ME FAKE
PEACE TO ALL
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | June 12, 2011 at 11:35 PM
Darryl Dunphy,
IMO, Chalmers is good enough. The Heat dont need a great point guard just an efficient one.
My friend, Im sure you saw the wall to wall offensive rebounds the Heat gave up to the Mavs this series. With a player like Howard that doesnt happen.
Plus, because the Heat didnt have a low post big man for Chandler to be concerned abotu, he was on numerous double teams. With Howard he wouldnt have been able to do this or Howard would have had free dunks all series long.
Yes my friend, Combine Howard, D-Wade, and Bosh. They are a much better team than with Lebron and the other two. Howard would also make it much easier for Bosh to score in the lowest post too because he would rarely see a double team in the low post because no one wants to give up easy uncontested dunks to Howard.
Howard has also become the best low post scoring and defensive center in the game. The Heat would have been much better off in this series with Howard over Lebron.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 12, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Lebron was pathetic. He will never live this down.
Posted by: trade lebron | June 12, 2011 at 11:47 PM
While everyone's busy trying to skew Lebron I'll defend him a little bit.
When playing a team that plays great team defense Lebron will struggle at times. What even some of the experts dont seem to realize is Lebron isnt a quick player, he's a fast player.
He isnt going to blow by very many players starting from a standstill with the ball in his hands. Even Dirk has better quickness than Lebron. Its a different story when you get the ball into Lebron's hands while he's on the move. Then his superior footspeed comes into play.
The Mavs very rarely allowed LeBron to use his power playing one on one basketball. There was almost always a double team coming at him. LeBron didnt truly shrink, the Mavs played great team defense against him.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 12, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Another great myth about Lebron is that he is a great playmaker. Actually he's a great passer but average at best playmaker.
Spoelstra made a grave error in predominantly allowing Lebron to be the facilitator of the offense the 1st 4 games. The result was scoring under 100pts the 1st 4 games.
Even though the Heat eventually lost. They scored 100pts or more the final two games with Chalmers predominantly playing point or facilitator. Those final two losses were a result of poor free throw shooting and allowing far two many offensive rebounds to the Mavs when it mattered most.
The Mavs just have too many great offensive shooters to give them 3 and 4 consecutive possessions on the offensive end to your one.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 12:02 AM
Anybody has any news about the 8th(9th?) District Court ordering the players and owners to solve their differences, now?
Posted by: oscar canosa | June 13, 2011 at 12:07 AM
Labron isn`t going to be traded anywere he`s here to stay, so I suggest everybody get used to that. We coudn`t afford to sign D.Howard at this point unless the NBA looking at there own lockout decide to sctratch there Salary Cap and that ain`t gonna happen because that league really does have alot teams in the red as it is.
The guy in my opinion who has alot of explaining to do and will be unmercifully crucified everywere given his inability to adjust to anything before during or after games is Spolstra. By the way am I the only one who thought his pre-game speeches to the team were weak as hell. I think he maybe survives because of Riley but Pat will feel the Heat, no pun intended, to say the very least and people thinking big man next year don`t forget Nene in Denver as a possability.
Posted by: fin4life | June 13, 2011 at 12:10 AM
The level of hate directed at the Heat is almost comically juvenile.
Yeah, "The Decision" was a debacle that never should have happened...and one for which James has APOLOGIZED for, for crissakes.
But you'd think this guy was some kind of jihadist terrorist or baby killer given the level of moronic vitriol directed at him.
Want a GENUINELY bad guy in sports? How about a creep like Michael Vick that killed dogs for sport? How about all the muscle-head idiots that beat their wives or girlfriends?
But, no, LeBron James is clearly just some evil, evil man who represents the downfall of Western Civilization.
Yeah, he probably still has some growing up to do.
But so do a lot of his most frothing and hysterical critics.
Posted by: dan | June 13, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Canosa,
Word is, and it also happens to be what I believed most, the earliest we'll see anything settled between players and owners is around mid July.
So thats why Im not even concerned about about the happenings between now and next 30 days unless an earth shattering announcement is made we now have football. Dont even expect to hear anything game changing for at least 30 days or more.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 12:15 AM
fin4life,
If imminent the Magic will lose Howard, dont rule out a deal that could land Howard here and Bosh in Orlando. Howard could accept Bosh-Wade-James type money to come play for championships, so a sign and trade isnt entirely impossible.
Bosh doesnt have a no trade clause either. Not saying these things will definitely occur. But the door is indeed open to it. Riley loves dominant big men. He had Kareem in LA and Ewing in NY. Plus he signed shaq and won the Heat's only NBA championship.
So dont totally rule it out with Pat Riley around.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 12:21 AM
Dan @12:11,
So very true!!!
Posted by: fin4life | June 13, 2011 at 12:22 AM
DB @ 12:21,
Good point, also remembering his 1st order of business arriving at Miami was trading for Zo but don`t you think he made a commitment to these 3 to give it a go for a few before making a move that could end up irrtating Wade, given he was really the go between that put it together ?
Posted by: fin4life | June 13, 2011 at 12:27 AM
fin4life,
You have to realize this also a business. Every player realize this, even its greatest stars. The "TRUE" committment is to winning championships, not appeasing individual players.
One of the biggest keys to this series was that the Mavs did have a key big man(center) in Chandler. The Heat did not and it took its toll on the offensive boards. The Heat have had this problem all season long not being able to consistently defensive rebound.
It wont go away until they get a legit big man. Its has also forced Wade and James to focus more at rebounding too. Landing a dominant guy like Howard would end this.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 12:56 AM
Haslem and Anthony are power forwards at best. Still admire the courage and fight they tried to put up against much bigger nba centers. Still this trend cant continue. The Heat must land a quality center in 2011-12 to become sue-ins to win a NBA championship.
More than anything else, this series shows they are still incomplete.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Lotus blossom fall from sky
Scent of jasmine and green tea hang in mist
In the garden, grandmother hums by pond
Posted by: Hiro Matsushima | June 13, 2011 at 01:54 AM
Big problem Heat fans. Lebron and Wade are both Capricorns. They are both naturlly great leaders, but it also makes for a huge personality clash.
As Capricorns both are dictatorial, distrusting and unimaginative by astrological nature. Distructing is huge because by nature Capricorns rarely trust others to finish details. This can be likened to who's the official team closer.
On the bright side, Dwayne wasnt the only single Capricorn that brought a championship title to Miaimi. The other Capricorn that did this was Don Shula. However could you imagine Don Shula having an offensive coordinator exactly like himself. Its highly doubtful the two would have coexisted and also doubtful Wade and james will sucessfully coexist in the longterm either.
Pat Riley call up Orlando about theprospects of a sign and trade deal with Dwight Howard for Lebron James now. Howard is a Sagittarius, Wade a Capricorn, and Bosh is an Aries. This Big 3 will be a great and very compatible force together in pursuit of future multiple championships. Astrologically Wade and James cancel eachother out. Still making the big 3 a big two.
This was so exposed vs the Mavs.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 03:17 AM
I AM MAKEING A POO POO NOW.
Posted by: ALoco | June 13, 2011 at 03:19 AM
Also the Mavs thoroughly uncovered the greatest weaknesses in Lebron's offensive game. He has absolute zero post up game and he has a hot and cold jump shot.
To become a truly great championship closer Lebron has to be better than streaky with his outside shot and develop a staple post up game he can go to. These are the two primary reasons he struggled so badly to score down crucial stretches in the 4th qtr.
He has the speed to go by defenders if he gets the ball while already on the move. But be realistic people, Lebron has very limited quickness to blow by defenders from a standstill position with the ball in his hands. Thats why he relies so much on his streaky jumper in these situations. Especially against teams that play great team defense.
Posted by: DyingBreed | June 13, 2011 at 03:30 AM