Intentional Foul» The NFL Loves James Harrison’s Wallet

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Who likes what more? Does James Harrison like hitting quarterbacks (and other offensive players) more than the NFL likes hitting Harrison’s wallet or is it the other way around? Whatever the case, it certainly looks like the two entities have a symbiotic relationship. Harrison provides the NFL with highlight material, and make no mistake about the NFL’s hypocrisy when it comes to using hard hits in their promotional materials, and they, in turn, love taking money from Harrison with the same vigor he hits defenseless receivers with.

For the 2010 season, Harrison has already totaled$125,000 worth of fines, all of which came from questionable hits.

His latest fine comes from the hit he laid on Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, a blast that cost Harrison $25 grand. PFT has itemized the others:

{Harrison} previously has been fined $75,000 for a hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, $20,000 for a hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees and $5,000 for a hit on Titans quarterback Vince Young.

The funny thing is how much these fines vary. It also makes me wonder how the NFL determines their punishments. Where, exactly, was the $50,000 difference between the hit on Fitzpatrick and the hit on Massaquoi? Further, I thought repeat offenders were punished more severely if their behavior continues. Judging by the NFL’s fine scale for James Harrison, that is apparently false.

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Intentional Foul» White Guys Dunking Is Always Fun

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Maybe I watched too many Wesley Snipes/Woody Harrelson movies when I was younger, but for some reason, I just love it when white guys get a good dunk in. It’s almost becomes a red-letter day, because it’s just such a rarity. Sure,there are exceptions, but day-to-day, it’s not a regular occurrence; and no, I’m not talking about a two-handed, fast break finish from Dirk Nowitzki, either.

I’m talking a highlight reel-quality dunk, and thanks to Kris Humphries, that little hole in my life was again filled.

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Intentional Foul» Brandon Paul Wrecks Southern Illinois

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This little ditty got lost in the football shuffle over the weekend, but that shouldn’t reduce your enjoyment. What we have is Illinois sophomore guard Brandon Paul dunking all over Carlton Fay (6-4 over 6-8) during the Fighting Illini’s 85-63 win. While the result was an expected outcome, Paul’s nasty dunk provided a nice cherry on top of the in-state beatdown.

For his efforts, Paul finished with 9 points; none more memorable than the emphatic two he flushed over the late-rotating Fay. Although, considering how much higher Paul was, I’m not sure any rotation from Fay would’ve made much of a difference.

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Intentional Foul» Shelden Williams Must Be Happy Duke is Playing

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…Because I’m not sure what else got into him on that dunk he threw down over Ronny Turiaf. It’s not like Williams has the safety net of gaudyNBA productionto call on, or well, something— anything— to indicate he will attack the rim in such fashion.

Or if he’s even interested in doing so.

That being said, Williams is averaging almost seven points and eight rebounds for the Denver Nuggets, so there is some evidence of production. Still, it’s surprising to see Williams dunk so authoritatively, which leads to the belief he was just happy his Blue Devils were back in action, and were looking good in the process. I like to think Williams yelled“Seth Curry On A Bitch” when he threw it through.

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Intentional Foul» DC Comics Does College Basketball

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Click for bigger image
Much like theNBA/Marvel Comics(the NHL, too) collaboration, the folks over at DC Comics have jumped in on the fun, partnering with Sports Illustrated to bring us their rendition of popular college basketball players. Thanks toBryan Graham’s Twitpic account, we have a preview of DC is offering.

The first three comics focus on Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen (Beardman), Villanova’s Corey Fisher (Streetball Legend) and BYU’s Jimmer Fredette (Jimmertime), and they all feature a super hero origin story/introduction to the featured player.

Check it out. Pullen’s at the top:

Click images for bigger versions
While I’m partial to the NBA/Marvel versions— What can I say? I grew up as a Marvel fanboy…— I like the origin stories DC’s going with. Instead of trying to connect the players to existing heroes, ala, Marvel and the NBA, DC instead is making each player into their own hero, and the early returns are enjoyable.

Suggestions for future issues:

Jared Sullinger as The Immovable Object

Harrison Barnes as The Premature All American

Brandon Knight as The Basketball Brainiac

Kyle Singler as The Ghost Assassin

Markieff and Marcus Morris as The Smash Brothers

Rotnei Clarke as The Unexpected Marksman Who Will Shoot Your Entire Team Down

I partial to Clarke’s, in case you couldn’t tell. Any suggestions are welcome below. Hell, we encourage it.H/t to the Beadlemaniacsfor the find.

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Intentional Foul» The Kansas State Dancing Machines

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What we have here are the Kansas State Wildcats in their tunnel, getting ready to take the floor before their game against Virginia Tech. Needless to say, they danced during their wait, and I’m pretty sure it was a derivative of the ubiquitous“Dougie” that’s sweeping the nation, no matter how hard I try to be the force against it.

Clearly, I’m not influential enough to effect any kind of change, but man, I’d much prefer a return to the“Cabbage Patch,”“the Prep,” and the“Reebok.”Or something like this. Anyway, digression aside, here are the K-State Wildcats having some fun before going out on the floor:

It’s oddly hypnotic
And these, folks, are your 2010-11 Kansas State Wildcats.

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Intentional Foul» Hawkeyes or Heartbreakers

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***Intentional Foul would like to welcome Nate Westre, one of our new sports writers. Stay tuned as he’ll be a regular writer full of opinions, wit, and a ridiculous amount of sports knowledge! Thanks Nate!– Chris***

Thanksgiving is knocking at our doors, and the rules say we’re supposed to be thankful right? Being stuck here in central Iowa has me a little sportily-challenged at the moment so I apologize if I’m not thankful for the less-than-stellar performance from the favorite local university.

TheIowa Hawkeyes footballteam wasranked #9in the preseason with a sleeper’s chance at a national title. Fast forward to week 3 and a trip to Arizona. Keep in mind the Hawks hadn’t won in the Pacific time zone since 1987. You can imagine the result, a loss to the Wildcats on a huge TD drive in the 4th quarter. Hey, one loss won’t kill the season. TheRose Bowlis still an option.

Fast forward to October 23 when Wisconsin visits Iowa City. Another defensive laspe leads to a late TD by the Badgers and drops the Hawks out of first place in the Big Ten. But still, one loss in the conference isn’t the end of the world. There are a bunch of tie breakers, and the Hawks can still come out on top.

Iowa obliterates #5 Michigan Stateand squeaks out a win against a hapless Indiana team. The Hawks travel to face an overmatched Northwestern team, yet another late defensive brain fart leads to the winning touchdown for the Wildcats. Goodbye Big Ten championship, goodbye possibleBCS bowl.

So let’s play spoiler. Let’s ruin another season. Let’s make Ohio State feel the same pain we feel. Or instead let’s have a Groundhog’s Day moment and give up yet another 4th quarter TD to lose the game. Another conference game. At home. This isn’t supposed to happen.

So here we are. One last game against Minnesota. Does it really matter at this point? How thankful can I be for theOutback Bowl?

At least we have these…

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Intentional Foul» White Guys Dunking Are Always Fun

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Maybe I watched too many Wesley Snipes/Woody Harrelson movies when I was younger, but for some reason, I just love it when white guys get a good dunk in. It’s almost becomes a red-letter day, because it’s just such a rarity. Sure,there are exceptions, but day-to-day, it’s not a regular occurrence; and no, I’m not talking about a two-handed, fast break finish from Dirk Nowitzki, either.

I’m talking a highlight reel-quality dunk, and thanks to Kris Humphries, that little hole in my life was again filled.

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Intentional Foul» Andray Blatche Does A Great Albert Haynesworth

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Against the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards forward Andray Blatche demonstrated the absolute perfect way to absolutely not play pick-and-roll defense. It was so bad, in fact, it reminded me of masterful demonstration of effort and perseverance Albert Haynesworth displayed against the Philadelphia Eagles.

That is to say,none.

While Blatche’s defense (or complete and utter lack thereof) didn’t include him laying on the ground while the play went on around him, it might as well have. To say that was“Ole’ Defense” is an insult to bullfighters across the globe. In fact, calling whatever that was“defense” is an insult to anyone that’s shown one ounce of effort on a basketball court.

At any point in their lives.

I guess it’s no coincidence they both play for Washington DC franchises.

Lastly, if I were a coach— at any level, of any sport— I’d use Blatche’s demonstration as a video tutorial of How to Participate Ineffectively. I’m screening potential investors as we speak if you’d like to get in on the ground floor. One more thing: How in the hell did Rondo miss that layup? Was he so astonished by Blatche’s effort he laughed so hard, it caused him to beef the runner?

H/t to TBJfor the video of Blatche’s greatness.

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Intentional Foul» Kemba Walker’s“Michael Jordan Flu”Game

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One of Michael Jordan’s most famous performances came during the“Flu Game” in Game 5 of 1997 Finals. In it, a virus-ridden, dehydrated Jordan scored whopping 38 points, while having to be carried off the court. It was a transcendent performance that only solidified Jordan’s position in the pantheon of NBA greatness. Fast forward to 2010 and the Connecticut Huskies have a performance to add to their program’s lore.

While it won’t be universally recognized like Jordan’s flu game, it was an impressive performance nonetheless.

During the Huskies’ 89-73 win over Vermont, Kemba Walker dropped 42 points (21 points in each half. Synergy!!!), all while battling stomach issues. Walker’s scoring barrage came from an efficient shooting evening (15-24, 4-9 from 3, 8-10 from the line). The guard also tallied eight rebounds and three assists, and without his outburst, UConn struggles to beat the Catamounts. Keep in mind, Walker posted those numbers while battling stomach issues.

Now, as you can see in the lead photo, Walker didn’t appear like he needed Scottie Pippen to carry him off the court like Jordan did, but that doesn’t mean his performance was any less impressive, or any less valuable.

In fact, Walker himself realizedhis scoring outburst was needed:

“I just had to take matters into my own hands,” said the 6-foot-1 junior.“{Other} guys didn’t want to shoot. That’s what it looked like.“

More on that in a moment, but first, highlights of Walker’s 40th point, courtesy of a smooth-looking 3-pointer:

As for Walker’s post game comments, if UConn wants to avoid a repeat trip to the postseason NIT, his teammates might want to do something about their reluctance to shoot, and well, contribute. Besides Walker, there were only two other Huskies to reach double-digits in scoring. As for attacking the glass, Walker’s 8 rebounds represented the team-high, too. Considering he’s a 6-1 guard and UConn features four players (that get minutes) who are 6-7 or taller, that’s pretty weak play from his supporting cast.

How about at least matching the rebounding energy of your 6-1 lead guard, guys?

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Intentional Foul» Nike’s Concept or Really Good Photoshop?

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Portions of the Internet are buzzing about some images of Nike’s concept for NFL uniforms, which the company get the rights to producein 2012. Thanks toa postin The Baltimore Sun’s forum, there’s beenalotofreaction, and the question is, are folks reacting to Nike’s work or the work of some enterprising Photoshoppers.

If other forums are to be believed, again, this is the Internet we’re talking about, these“concept car” uniforms are Photoshop reproductions, variants of existing designs, andthis postover at a FootballsFuture.com forum is supposedly ground zero, courtesy of poster“El ramster.”

My friends made these! just a concept more to come later

Considering the NFL’s draconian approach to the uniforms and theassociated rules, it’s hard to see Nike getting so much leeway to completely alter the look of so many teams. That being said, some of the concepts, which are based on Nike’s Pro Combat series, are pretty cool. Some, on the other hand are not. Here are a couple of hits and a couple of misses, too:

Hits:

Misses:

Click images for bigger version
I’m not sure what the hell is going on with the Bengals concept, although, the helmet is growing on me. Of course, considering these uniforms will doubtfully ever see the light of day, I probably shouldn’t spend any energy on it. That being said, the Steelers concept looks like the designer didn’t like Pittsburgh’s team and designed theirs to be a little, well, gay.

H/t to my man Jimfor pointing the FF forum.

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Intentional Foul» C.J. Wilkerson Absolutely Smashes Oklahoma

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C.J. Wilkerson plays for North Carolina Central University, which shares space with a more famous school in Durham, North Carolina. While they may not be the program their same-town brothers are, in Wilkerson, NCCU has a dunker who’s every bit as explosive as his Duke counterparts. While his Eagles wound up losing to Oklahoma—they made the Sooners earn it, however, 71-63— Wilkerson’s dunk needs to be acknowledged along with all the the other early-season smashes that are beingravedover.

I’ll wait patiently until a Duke player dunks over someone like in a game. Until that time, the title goes to a member of Durham’s“other” team. As for contenders for Wilkerson’s crown, my money’s onNolan Smith.

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Intentional Foul» Blake Griffin: Still Dunking

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While his Los Angeles Clippers continue to lose (1-11), their prized rookie continues to do what he does best: dunk on anyone silly enough to get in his way. His latest victim? Anthony Tolliver, center for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Before Griffin’s career is all said and done, I honestly think Blake Griffin will have dunked on every living member residing in the United States.

You. Me. My mom. Your mom. Obama. His successor. All of us.

And we’d all be better for it, too.

Considering the struggles Griffin is facing as a Clipper, one wonders if he’ll opt for the LeBron/Dwyane Wade style of restricted free agent extension instead of signing for the max? That way, he’ll be able to get away from that moribund franchise and do something good with his basketball ability. Of course, Griffin could be a glutton for punishment and feel that he, along with Erics Gordon and Bledsoe, can change the fortunes of LA’s second basketball team.

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Intentional Foul» Jim Boeheim Isn’t Convinced His Team Can Shoot

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Jim Boeheim’s Syracuse Orange got in the orgy of college basketball yesterday, and while they came away with a win over the Detroit Titans (previously, Detroit Mercy), 66-55, the head coach wasn’t very impressed with the shooting prowess of his team, and, well, not much else either. Judging byvariousreports, Boeheim had reason to feel the way he did. The Orange played a lackluster first half and were down three at the break. Yes, they turned it on the second half, scoring 41 points, but it certainly wasn’t good offensive basketball.

The subject of his ire, besides his team’s overall play, specifically targets the shooters he’s supposed to have on his roster:

“Everyone told me what great shooters we have? Well, the two great shooters are 2 for 22. Will you please explain to me how they’re great shooters? And I don’t want to hear,‘Well, they make them in practice.’ I make them in practice. If no one guards me, I can make them.”

H/t to The Daggerfor the transcription.

Boeheim went on to discuss how his Orange essentially dodged a bullet, but if they continue to play/shoot like this, they’ll eventually play a team that makes shots— unlike the Titans, who shot 35 percent from the field, 25 percent from downtown and an ugly 58 percent at the free throw line (amazingly, the Orange shot worse from behind the arc and from the free throw line, 23 and 52 percent, respectively)— and Syracuse will lose.

And these are the joys of November basketball. The overall product hurts as teams find their way/groove/what have you, and after less than a month (or right at) of organized practice before the games start, it’s pretty easy to see why.

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Intentional Foul» DeSean Jackson Absolutely Smoked LaRon Landry

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Memo to LaRon Landry: If you’re going to do a little pregame trash talking that leads to a friendlyget-togetherbetween teams, you might not want to get your ass absolutely busted on the your very first defensive shift of the game. This little fact of life is only magnified when the player who abused you is the same one you started in on during the pregame fun.

This, of course, was only the beginning of the Michael Vick-powered touchdown avalanche that left the Washington Redskins broken and bruised, all while players from other teamstook shotsat Donovan McNabb’s new contract.

While the Redskins would go on to give up an additional 52 points, but that’s no way to set a tone, right LaRon? Especially when you talked miles and miles of cash-money trash before the game. I guess you could call Jackson’s touchdown a little bit of karma that knocked Landry on his ass.

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Intentional Foul» LeGarrette Blount = Human Helicopter

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I’ll say this about LeGarrette Blount, since he’s appeared on my horizon on that fateful night in Boise, Idaho, there’s never a dull moment. Whether he’sknocking opposing playerson their asses orsalvaging a professional careerthat looked very much in doubt at one point, the odyssey of LeGarrette Blount is not a boring one. Now there’s another entry into the captivating life of Blount: he’s also a human helicopter.

Don’t believe me? Ask Charles Godfrey of the Carolina Panthers:

I’m afraid to speculate what’s next for Blount, because I’m sure it would fall short. In other news, just how good are the Tampa Buccaneers?

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Intentional Foul» Tom Hodges is a Bigger Pimp Than You

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That, friends, is Tom Hodges, head coach of the Morehead State women’s basketball team, and judging by his incredible argyle suit, Hodges is an absolute pimp. I’m talking to the nth degree, here. The suit is so incredible, I’m almost at a loss for words. Perhaps they should’ve sent a poet to describe the Hodges suit phenomenon, because I’m not sure I’m capable of doing such an amazing suit the justice it deserves.

Whatever the correct words are, Hodges owes a little bit of his swaggerto John Daly’s Loudmouth Golf clothing company:

On a whim, Hodges sent an e-mail to Daly’s PGA Tour clothing sponsor, LoudMouth Golf, and told the company their idea.

“I was never expecting to get anything back,” said Hodges, 28.“Within two minutes, President Larry Jackson called me.”

They told Hodges if the coaches were willing to wear their clothes line, LoudMouth was willing to supply them with their odd brand of haute couture.

Hodges partnering with Daly makes sense because pimps stick together, and make no mistake about it, Daly is indeed a first-class pimp (see number six).

H/t to John Clayfor pointing this out, and to Hodges for wearing such incredible clothing.

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Intentional Foul» South Park Answers LeBron James

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Coon vs. Coon& Friends
Tags:SOUTH
PARKEric Cartman,Bradley Biggle,more…

During the South Park’s three-episode arc featuring Coon and Friends, theyparodiedLeBron James’“What Should I Do” commercials, which generated a lot of blogosphere buzz. In the finale of trilogy, the South Park creators answered LeBron’s question:

“You should f**k off, that’s what you should do.”

So yeah, I think Cleveland Cavaliers fans would agree with that sentiment, wholeheartedly.

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Intentional Foul» Roddy White is A Subtle Beast

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The word“beast” in relation to sports, especially football, is quite the compliment. It usually means“powerful” or“can’t be stopped,” and in relation to Roddy White, the word“beast,” qualified with the world“subtle” is a perfect description. White is a beast because anyone that puts up these numbers against a defense like Baltimore’s is a true beast: 12 catches (none bigger than his last one), 138 yards and two touchdowns.

There isn’t a wide receiver in the NFL who wouldn’t want those numbers, nor a coach or quarterback who wouldn’t want that kind of production.

The reason the word“subtle” works as an adjective has to do with the nice, littlepush offWhite executed to free himself up for the game-winning catch and score. Furthermore, he copped to it as well:

They were double covering him. It left me wide open, with one-on-one coverage. He tried to grab me, and I just pushed him down.

And the officials watching the play did absolutely nothing about it. Perhaps they didn’t see White extend his arm, or perhaps they overlooking the contact between White and Josh Wilson, because both players used their arms.

It’s just that White got the better of the exchange and turned the space he created into the game-winner. So yeah,“subtle” is a word that fits just fine, because the officials acted like they didn’t even see the exchange.

In other news, how good are the Atlanta Falcons? Do they remind anyone of a Super Bowl contender?

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Intentional Foul» The First Buzzer-Beater of the Season

The College of Charleston has always been a thorn in the side of big-time basketball programs. Whether it’s upsets— they have a few— or simply playing bigger schools incredibly tough, the Cougars will make your bigger school earn it. Just ask Maryland. The Terps had to earn their win over College of Charleston, and if not for a buzzer-beater from freshman Pe’Shon Howard, this post would be all about Charleston’s sweet early-season upset.

Alas, Howard helped Maryland avoid such a distinction.

That’s, friends, is only a taste of what’s to come now that the grasp of college basketball is upon us. Granted, next Monday’s 24-hours of college basketball celebration on ESPN will be the“official” beginning of the season, at least to the general public.

Fortunately for us, Charleston and Maryland didn’t get that message.

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Intentional Foul» Paul Millsap = 3-Point Bomber?

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Last night, Paul Millsap showed off his previously-unknown perimeter shooting stroke, while scoring 11 points in 28 seconds to power his Utah Jazz to an overtime victory over the Miami Big Three. Millsap was 3-3 from behind the arc during this explosion, after going 2-20 during the rest of his NBA career. So yeah: Paul Millsap, 3-point bomber.

Who knew?

Certainly not the Miami Heat, who surrendered what was, at one point, a 22-point lead to the Jazz and lost in overtime. Oh, the Jazz got the winning-time job done with their franchise point guard on bench due to fouling out. Not only did Millsap’s newfound outside shooting touch get the Jazz back in the game, his last-second tip-in sent the game to overtime. Needless to say, his 46-point (the most by a Jazz playersince Karl Malonedelivered the mail) 9-rebound game was indeed beast-like.

There are highlights of Millsap’s awesome finish, which is just one of the reason I love the Internet:

Does Millsap’s performance lead credence toJason Whitlock’s articleabout Chris Bosh being soft? Considering the results-based business sports is, I’m sure Whitlock thanks it is, but how many times did Bosh actually man up on Millsap?

He certainly wasn’t guarding him on the perimeter when Millsap turned into Jeff Hornacek. That was Udonis Haslem, for two of them anyway. Bosh flew out at him during the second three-point bomb, but that has as much to do with Deron Williams drawing Miami’s perimeter defense and pitching it to Millsap. The other two were directly on Haslem, as was the weak box-out attempt on Millsap’s tip-in that sent the game to overtime.

While Bosh might not be the rebounding beast, ala Dennis Rodman, to Wade and LeBron’s“Jordan and Pippen” act, he’s not the only source of the Heat’s weak inside play. Haslem deserves as much scrutiny here as anyone on the Heat’s roster.

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Intentional Foul» The Return of College Basketball

While we’re in the firm grasp of football season, there’s another minor sport making its official debut tonight ascollege basketball returns. Yes, football is the preferred drug/sport of choice for the populace, but some of us like college basketball more. Sure, the slate isn’t as beefy as other, non-college basketball opening days, but some is a lot better than none.Friday’s schedulehas much more to offer, with 17 of the Top 25 in action, but again, there’s college freaking basketball tonight.

I’m not complaining.

The action is“headlined” by the fact three ranked teams, Pittsburgh (4th), Illinois (16th) and Texas are taking their respective court for the Coaches vs. Cancer round-robin get-together. All of their games are expected to be of the tune-up type, although, Pitt will can’t overlook their opponent, the Rhode Island Rams, who finished their 2009/10 campaign with a 23-9 record and have talent returning.

The Pitt and the Texas games are on ESPNU.

Some primers for the upcoming season:Storylines to watch.68 predictions.John Feinstein, on why college basketball is still worth watchingwhile he still takes shots at Kentucky. Oh, and we’re still quasi-postingat Storming the Floor, which is always cool.

Just because:

Another reason to be happy about college basketball being back? Travis Leslie is still at Georgia:

Oh, and if you’re confused by the whole“Free Enes” thing going on,familiarize yourself here, because it’s going to be one of the bigger stories of the year, regardless of what the NCAA decides.

Duke repeatingwill be too, as isRobbie Hummel’s knee. Keep an eye out for newcomers like Fab Melo and Brandon Knight, as well as other freshmen like Harrison Barnes, Kyrie Irving and Terrence Jones.

What the hell, one more awesome dunk:

That’s Errick McCollum from Goshen College, an NAIA school in Indiana. Hey, college basketball is college basketball and it’s all good. Especially the dunks that result from it.

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Intentional Foul» Kevin Garnett Dunks, Elbows and Clarifies

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Clearly, Kevin Garnett is a lightning rod. Whether it his gesticulations and jawing after, well, anything good for the Celtics happens, or his desire to get under the opponent’s skin, KG is obviously no longer the gentle giant he was portrayed to be while in Minnesota. Furthermore, he seems to embrace this new“bad guy” persona, and he never misses a chance to try and get under the skin of whichever opponent he’s around.

Just ask Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva for the most current confirmation. Garnett dunked in Bogut’s general vicinity and decided to pop his elbow out, and into Bogut’s chest after he landed. Bogut was none-to-pleased and let KG know about it:

Love him or hate him, Garnett knows what he’s doing.

As for theVillanueva/cancer patient situation, Garnett clarified his remarks, saying he told Villanueva, who suffers from alopecia, he did not call him a cancer patient. Instead, Garnett offered this version of what went down:

“My comment to Charlie Villanueva was in fact‘You are cancerous to your team and our league.’ I would never be insensitive to the brave struggle that cancer patients endure. I have lost loved ones to this deadly disease and have a family member currently undergoing treatment. I would never say anything that distasteful. The game of life is far bigger than the game of basketball.”

Damn, dude. That’s a pretty insulting bit of trash-talking to drop on somebody, so bad, in fact, that it has to go past a simple trash-talking back-and-forth.

It sounds like there’s some personal dislike going on between the two.

Of course, with Detroit struggling mightily since the season opened, and the Celtics looking like one of the best teams in the East, Garnett probably doesn’t give much of a damn about Villanueva or his Pistons.

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Intentional Foul» Kobe Lets His Inner Solider Out

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Kobe Bryant is part of the new Call of Duty: Black Ops marketing blitz, and their newest commercial is pretty damn cool. The idea is, of course, these are game-players, seeing themselves in their avatar’s skin, running around trying to frag other noobs, and it’s executed brilliantly.

However, considering the fact Kobe’s brandishing military armament, affectionately named“Mamba,” there’s alreadysome backlash, or the fear thereof.

Folks, it’s an M-rated game and Kobe is over 18.

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Intentional Foul» Cleveland’s Response To LeBron

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It’s safe to say the city of Cleveland hasn’t forgiven LeBron James, witty Nike commercial or not. Even further, a number of Cavaliers fans responded to the oft-discussed ad, and the results are about what you’d expect.

“Traitors don’t leave legacies.” and“Boston. Game 5. We watched. You quit.”

Ouch.

Yeah, forgiveness will be a slow-going process. In other news,December 2ndis going to be an absolute treat.

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Intentional Foul» Blake Griffin Dunks on Everybody

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Blake Griffin’s mission in life is to dunk on every living being on the planet. Well, maybe not, but he certainly plays like it. Granted, he’s only been in the league for five official games, but he’s already got a list of“I just crushed your face” victims. The latest being Nenad Krstic of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

I guess you could say Krstic got thunder-struck. Yeah, I went there.

Bad puns aside, Griffin had two highlight-worthy dunks against the Thunder, and as a bonus, they came in the Clippers’ first win of the season:

And (courtesy of an effective Eric Bledsoe):

In other news, while Griffin continues his assault on the Rookie of the Year campaign, the reason the Thunder lost was due to Kevin Durant’s shooting. Anytime your superstar shoots 6-24 from the field (0-10 from behind the arc), your team is going to struggle, even to the Clippers.

One more tidbit about Griffin: He’s leading the league in dunks with 11, a category that’s been dominated by Dwight Howard the past few seasons. Currently, Howard has three, but then again, the Magic have only played three games so far. This should be an interesting“race” as the season progresses. My money’s on Griffin.

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Intentional Foul» John Wall’s Awesome Home Debut

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While a lot of folks are concentrating on John Wall doing“the Dougie” during his introduction—So. Many. Videos.— he also had a stupendous debut for the Washington Wizards crowd: 29 points, 13 assists (although, he did have eight turnovers), and a whopping nine steals, one of which is below:

Kevin Pelton of Basketball Prospectusoffers his critique of Wall’s steal/dunk:

During the third quarter, Wall made one play that I’m not sure anyone else in the league is capable of completing in total. He leaped to deflect a Jrue Holiday pass near half court, managed to secure the loose ball and then darted to the rim to finish with a powerful slam dunk. Cue the“Where Amazing Happens” commercial.

That’s some heady, heady praise, especially when you consider how respected the source is.

While Wall’s turnovers are a little troubling, he is only a rookie who plays at a blur’s pace and has the ball in his hand a great deal. If, three or four seasons down the line, Wall is still turning it over eight-plus times a game, then there’s cause for concern. As it stands, his eye-popping speed and athleticism, coupled with his lack of NBA experience, lends itself to more turnovers.

You have to take the good with the bad, and at this point, Wall’s good— as well as his potential to be great— outweighs whatever carelessness he’s working out.

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Intentional Foul» A Smokin’Celebration?

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Just in time for the Prop19 vote, too! After clinching the World Series Championship last night, following justa gemof a pitching performance, Tim Lincecumoffered these thoughts:

Asked after the clincher how he hopes San Francisco would be celebrating he answered“Just a lot of craziness I’m hoping. Lot of beer flowing…smoke in the air I’m hoping…”

Judging by the great screenshot (courtesy of 30fps, of course), it looks like the celebration started in the dugout a little earlier.

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Intentional Foul» No More Randy Moss in Minnesota

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The Minnesota Vikings waived temperamental receiver Randy Moss today, according to reports at NFL.com and, well, just aboutall of Twitter. According to Michael Lombardi, who broke the story,and his Twitter account, the team was informed by Brad Childress:

Childress told the team in meeting they waived Moss as Moss did not go back with the team to Minnesota. Moss was not in the meeting.

I’m curious what Brett Favre thinks about that, although, considering Moss’ lack of production these last two weeks (four receptions for 38 yards; one touchdown), perhaps the writing was on the wall. Perhaps even more surprising was the lack of news on Sidney Rice’s hip, because even if Moss wasn’t has productive, he still represents a threat all defenses have to prepare for.

If the Rice isn’t going to be available for a few more weeks—according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Rice isn’t expected to be available in Week 9— are Percy Harvin’s shoulders broad enough to carry the load for a passing offense that looks more and more anemic?

ConsideringMoss’ kind wordsfor everything New England Patriots yesterday, it’s not hard to imagine him on the phone right now with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, asking for his old job back.

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Intentional Foul» The World Series of Weed?

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California, for all intents and purposes, is the marijuana capitol of the United States. WithProp 19and the relaxed attitude towards medicinal pot, among other qualifications, the title’s clearly earned. There’s also a pretty heavy weed/drug connection tothe World Seriesas well, and not just because the San Francisco Giants, featuring everybody’s favorite pot-smoking athlete, Tim Lincecum, are involved, either.

There are connections to be made on both sides, whether it’s Ron Washington’s travails or Josh Hamilton’s journey, but thanks to the first two games being played in San Francisco— a city witha very relaxed approachto marijuana— you get the feeling the game is being played under a cloud of pot smoke.

Whether it’s Josh Hamiltongetting a contact highfrom fans in Pac Bell Park’s center field section, a local dispensaryrewarding their“patients” for Giants’ home runs, or the discoveries of Dallas/Fort Worth reporter, California’s pot revolution has a strong presence at the 2010 World Series. Granted, this will change when Games 3, 4, and 5 move to Arlington, but there’s always a chance it could be revisited in Games 6 or 7 (if necessary).

As indicated, an on-locationreporter from DFW was on-hand, and he also discovered things are a little different in California, especially when marijuana is involved:

So yeah, grab your munchies because the World Series is (or was, anyway) in California and the Prop19 supporters clearly love their Giants. Of course, with the Giants winning Games 1 and 2, they have plenty of reason to cheer.

Oh, and party, evidently.

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