Amy Nelson

  (7:00 PM)

Hello everyone. I'll be back on Wednesday to chat live from 10am-Noon ET as part of Your Take! Your questions and comments could be used live on-air during First Take on ESPN2!

Amy Nelson

  (9:07 AM)

Hi guys, we'll be starting the chat in about an hour. I'll be here to relay your thoughts to Skip Bayless and Jalen Rose, and also chat with you about anything on your mind. I know topics off the bat will be the Falcons soon-to-be new coach, Mike Smith, who's the NBA MVP right now? And Shaq, the Heat and LeBron's new Yankee sneaker. Some send in questions or thoughts and I'll be back at 10 to start the chat.

Amy Nelson

  (10:01 AM)

I"m here everyone and ready to start the chat...

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I wonder how Mike Smith feels being the 10th choice or so to become the Falcons Head Coach?

Anthony,Newark,DE

first off hi Amy.. now call me crazy but my choice right now for NBA MVP..is Chris Paul look how he is dominating the court right now.. no PG or player for that matter means as much as Paul does to his team right now.. take Paul out of that lineup and they are a lottery team!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:01 AM)

Anthony, Don't think you're crazy .. but no way he gets it.

Tyler Jaocbsen (Nebraska)

Do you think that Shaq should retire after this year?

Amy Nelson

  (10:02 AM)

Tyler, I sort of do. Why keep playing when you have multiple rings, boatloads of money and put your body through that?

Tony, Bronx NY

The NY Giants won Super Bowl 21. 21 Super Bowls later they're competing for it again. Whats also ironic is that Mr. Bill Belichick will make history by helping The Giants win their third Championship as he did previously..( 86', & 90')..... Go Giants!

BIG RON (BROOKLYN N.Y.)

THE GIANT'S WILL SHOCK THE WORLD NO ONE GAVE US A CHANCE AGAINST THE BILLS IN THE SUPERBOWL DEJA VU!

Joe (Quincy, MA)

How amazing is it that Superbowl XLII is not only a rematch of the the regular season's final game, but also a rematch of the final week in the preseason! Certainly remarkable. Who do you all think has the most pressure on them: Patriots or Giants? While the Pats are going for the perfect season, they have numerous veterans who have 'been there' before, knowing how to win a Superbowl, while the Giants do not.

Amy Nelson

  (10:03 AM)

Joe, Patriots, no question...

Anthony (Bentonville, AR)

I think the question is.. I wonder how the Falcons feel after being the 32nd choice for head coaches.

Brent Scott (Gainsville, Florida)

I beg the Giants, please throw everything including the kitchen sink against Brady. If they sit back and try to stop the big play, alla Jacksonville(CURSE YOU Jack Del Rio), It will be a long slow death for the Giants and their fans!

Curran (Chesapeake City Md)

Which is more devasting? Bills losing 4 SB's in a row or the Pats losing this one after going 18-0?

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

I've got to think the four straight superbowls...it's SO hard to get there. And not win each time has got to be awful.

Jeremy Billings, MT

Does the fact that Tom Coughline chose to rip on his kicker after he missed a potential game winning field goal in regulation, rather than pick him up, and tell him to shake it off, considering the fact that he may need him to make one down the line say anything about the type of coach he is? It sure seemed like an amature move to me and now I officially have a "Least Favortie Coach" in the NFL.

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Jerenmy, that was my first reaction when I saw trhat. I was talkign to my friend, AZ, this weekend who's a huge Giants fan and we both felt the same way. Uhhhh, you might need this guy again, Coughlin, maybe you ought not try and show him up...

Ryan (Saint Cloud, FL)

Is there someway NEITHER the Giants Nor the Patriots can win the Super Bowl? I dont Like neither team

Steve (Detroit, Michigan)

Do you think Brady is faking with "The Boot" or did he really get injured?

Amy Nelson

  (10:07 AM)

I dont' think he's faking it. That would be a little extreme...

Cooper (Clarklake, MI)

People seem to be forgetting that a few years ago, the Pats were the underdog going up against "the greatest show on turf" and pulled it out.

Jon (New Hampshire)

What's your take on all the media coverage surrounding Tom Brady's ankle injury? Quite frankly I think they should let it go!

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

Jon, I think in this day and age it's not suprising. I so wish there weren't two weeks in between. Too much time for overanalysis and stuff like this...my friend grew up on the block Gisele lives and i can only imagine what a nightmare it must be living there this week.

PC: Memphis TN

The giants seem to do realy good away from NY....i know NY wants to claim that they have the greatest fans ever...but i have not seen any true sportsmanship out of any of them on any team....its time to move the giants to LA.

Gerson (New Bedford, MA.)

If, and I only say if so I don't count my chickens before they hatch, the patriots win. The will be the greatest team in NFL history. Faster game, free agency, and degrading team loyalty make it all but impossible to do what the patriots have managed to do.

john (peoria il)

man i thought coughlin was going to meet his maker on sunday by the look of his red face, realy worried me

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

JOhn, Frighteneing ... thought it's peel off.

Josh (Huntsville, AL)

why is everyone against the Patriots can't we just enjoy the NFL history we are getting to witness

Zack (Leominster,MA)

I feel like there is a lot of talk about how the Patriots are somehow going to crack under the pressure of the "perfect" season. At their absolute worst the Patriots were able to squeek our victories against PHI and BAL. There is no way they wont go 19-0, Bill has 2 weeks to gameplan for a team he has already beaten in the last month. It may be close but assure yourself it will be #4.

Sammy Gomez (Worcester,MA)

yea the pats had bill bellicheck. the giants have tom coughlin. enough said

Aaron (Union, NJ)

There are no such things as underdogs in professional sports unless you get the Patriots vs. the Falcons

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

Skip is right. the Falcons needed to get a big name coach

Matthew (Mount Pleasant, MI)

I have to agree with Skip here, the Falcons are in a state of disaster, hiring a no name coach will leave him on an even shorter leash that NFL coaches are on right now. How long will Smith be in atlanta plus or minus 2 years?

malc d: (seattle, wa)

can we please not talk about Brady's mild ankle sprain anymore? Getting stories from TMZ is truly sad. Crosby's ankle injury is way more significant.

Justin (Minneapolis)

Come on, we all know the commercials and halftime show are what make the Super Bowl so super.

Brandon (Springboro Ohio)

I can't wait untill this season is over so we can STOP talking about the patriots!

Tim (Bowling Green Ohio)

Yeah his face did not look good at all.... I thought it was about to turn blue

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

people are really making this whole boot issue way to big. I think he has to the boot on to make sure that whatever is hurting will completely recoverd by the super bowl. he isnt taking any chances.

jason: denver, co

i think ted cotrell would be a great fit in atlanta. he is well respected and his defense led the league in turnovers and they always played with passion

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

But Jason, he's black. Apparantly if you are, you can't get a head coaching job in this league anymore...

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

The patriots wont crack under the pressure. most of the guys on the team have been tot he super bowl and most of all there quarterback has been there. thats the difference.

Brandon (Springboro Ohio)

Im SICK of the patriots

Jon (New Hampshire)

Does Eli Manning have any chance on holding up against the pressure of the Super Bowl? I have seen him get real flustered in regular season games when things don't go his way? Will that be his downfall in the BIG GAME???

Amy Nelson

  (10:14 AM)

Jon, I would normally say NO WAY...he's been pretty good recently but here's teh thing...they were hot, but now have to wait two weeks. To me, it's akin to the ROckies this year, hottest team in baseabll then had to sit and wait to play. THey were swept...we'll see with teh Giants.

James Pirone (PA)

Amy, pardon me, but that was just a dumb question. Did you not see Pittsburgh get Tomlin? I think he's black..wait, I'm pretty sure he is and he just got that job a year ago.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

James, I meant this year...seems as though there aren't even any canidates being seriously considered...

joe (wi.)

85 bears best team ever, back to back shut outs and a blow out in super bowl.

Rob...(Wash DC)

Alge Crumplers reaction to the hiring of Smith as head coach....(I Want Outta Here)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael ((Bethel, CT))

Yes Jon, he does.

Ryan (Greensboro, NC)

I feel sorry for Eli Manning, because even though he's getting the praise now - the moment he struggles at all next season the media and NY will be all over him complaining about the old Eli being back... even if its only one game. I think Eli has many more years before he gets to that Brady/Peyton status where he has a bad game and people say "oh well he's bound to have one here and there"

Tim (Bowling Green Ohio)

Agreed Brandon..... Just like the Yanks in baseball.... I hope BB wont mumble this week in the press conf.

kevin (detroit,mi)

kevin garnett is my m.v.p. vote. he is the reason the celtics are threatning the 70 wins mark. take him out of the picture and the celtics do not even make the playoffs and they play in the east.

Michael (Lexington)

eli has had minimal probs during the post season ...hes playing really well

Saul (Ramsey,NJ)

Eli's downfall will be the Patriots' defense...NOT cracking under the pressure.

Sammy Gomez (Worcester,MA)

of course he will fall he is a manning, their are genectic football machines, yet they lack that fire, they concentrate so much on their gameplan. and excution they forget the passion and fire it takes at the end of games. if it was brady on the colts he would have beat the chargers instead of throwing picks in critical times. stinks for eli to have those genes

Mike (Whitehall PA)

The beasts of the East are back. It didn't surprise me at all that the giants are in the Super Bowl. The NFC East, if I'm not miscorrect, was the only division to not have a team under 500 this year.

Heath (Knoxville,Tn)

patriots are going to smack down the giants on the way to a 19-0 season

angelo (Wind Gap PA)

Ive waited for 2 weeks for Eli to throw a game losing pick-6, he's just not turning it over anymore

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

Is that even a fair poll? What is the reason they're in the Super Bowl? How about Tom Brady and his MVP season. Skip's right on that one.

Michael B (Morgantown wv)

terril owens will never win a super bowl with the cowboys , ever where he goes it makes good when they have him but after that he will leave them high and dry and they will stink like the 49ers and eagles have and GO SKIP

Dan ((MA))

Eli is the worst QB to ever play in the superbowl he is just getting lucky i'll say it again Eli is the worst QB in the super bowl of all time.

Patrick (Austin Texas)

Terell Owens is the main target in Dallas but i would worry more about locking up Marion Barber he was better in the clutch than T.O.

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Chris Paul is the league MVP, w/o him his team will be worse than Presbyterian University...one of the league leaders in steals and assist and his team in 2nd place

Chris, (OH)

What does Sidney Crosby's injury mean for the Penguins playoff chances??

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

Chris, I won't pretend to know much about hockey ... but I'd imagine not very good.

Anthony (Bentonville, AR)

MVP comes down to PPG. It'll be Lebron or Kobe.

James Pirone (PA)

It's clear Brady's faking it..He came to NEW YORK purposely, knowing he'd get "caught on tape." He's not stupid; he's just like his coach, a cheater and a scam. It's so pathetic that if they win this season, they will be getting rewarded for getting caught cheating. It makes it look extremely bad for the NFL.

Ryan: Des Moines, IA

SO what do you think Tiki Barber is thinking know about all is obnoxious comments now that the Giants are in the Super Bowl, bet his wishes he didn't wimp out now!

Josh (Grand Rapids)

Patriots will absolutley destroy the gaints there will be nothing left of eli when richard seymour is done.

KD (Oh)

Hey, how come Romo gets slammed for becoming a superstar QB and his girlfriend J.S. are under scrutiny, but Tom Brady has a high profole girlfriend and he is on perfume ads with his shirt popping open being the pretty boy superstar and no one blasts him? Why the double standard?

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

KD, It's a fair question ...not sure why. Maybe it's because Jessica Simpson is more of a target...Gisele has got more going on...

Mike (College Station, TX)

Why is everyone hating on Tom Brady? He is clearly the best QB in the league especially now that he has the weapons around him on offense. Leave the man alone and worry about your own team.

Will (Galion, Oh)

LeBron should be the MVP. Without LBJ the Cavs go no where. He carrys that team on his back every night and when he isn't in the lineup, it shows both on the scoreboard and the way the team plays that night.

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

Will, Jalen is nearby and that's his pick ...

Kyle (Wareham, MA)

The MVP so far in the NBA has to be the Boston Celtics' Kevin.......McHale!

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

Mvp should be kobe no doubt. he scoring like he always does but the difference this year is that the lakers are actually winning as a team this year. didnt they just beat the Spurs.

Kevin(Florida =Best state in the country)

The MVP of the league is Chris Paul. This shouldn't be up for debate. Without Garnett the Celtics would still be good but without paul the hornets would suck as much as the Heat.

louis columbus ,ohio

kobe should be the mvp no one thought he would be a team player and he is having his best year so skip please give kobe some love

Dan (wichita,kansas)

Steve Nash is the mvp, prove to me there should be someone else...he is the best player on the best team.

Terry (Ny)

Another thing about Chris Paul, Have you ever met him? He is the NICEST guy you can meet. Very down to earth.

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

Terry, That may be true, but that won't guarantee you an MVP award...

DyeMund Shel (New York)

Maybe so but LeBron's team should have a better record. If they finish in the top 2 in the East, then he should win the MVP

James (Cleveland, Ohio)

Hey, I just heard Tom Brady bought some Luden's cough drops at a gas station...let's watch Pats Nation freak. Better put him on the PUP list.

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

So, no love for the Australian Open? How about Tsonga's emergence in the men's game?

Amy Nelson

  (10:26 AM)

I love to watch Federer I hope he wins it, I'm rooting for him to eclipse Sampras' mark...

Saul (Ramsey,NJ)

Steve Nash...no one better...

Kelvin Caracas, Venezuela

The nba's MVP of the first half of the season have to be Kevin Garnett, without him the celtics would not be what they have been so far... Skip needs to stop hating on the big ticket, well i dont know if that gonna be possible since his job title on the show is professional supertars hater

Jeff (Michigan)

Kobe and KG can't be the MVP with the way Chris Paul has impacted his team. They are a contender because of his play.

Emilio Hurtado (Brownsville)

All i have to say is that Tom Brady is a great player. What do u think about the injury Amy??

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

Emilio, Think he'll be fine ... as his father pointed out he had an ankle sprain back in 2001 that was far worse, and he played in and won the Super Bowl...

Adam (Baton Rouge, LA)

I like Chris Paul and he is having a carrer year but that dosent mean he is the leauge MVP. He needs to start shooting better than 48% from the field and 36% behind the arch. Kobe Bryant is winning with less talent than the Hornets and Chris Paul.

Mike (Whitehall PA)

What about Dwight Howard in Orlando for MVP? He's the most underrated player in the NBA.

Tom Boston

Eveyone hates a winner! It's become popular to love a team when they win,but win to much and they will turn on you (see jeff Gordon)

Brian (Temecula, CA)

Tsonga is beating Nadal tomorrow, Nadal will not be able to handle him in 5 sets

john (peoria il)

nba ref donahy is still alive? thought the mob got him/

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

John, hmmmmm not sure, Now that you mention it, we haven't heard from him in awhile...Hope he has some police protection...

ROB (Tampa FL)

To James from PA. Your comment about Tom Brady was ignorant and shameful. He is one of the best QB's in the NFL. Sorry that the Steelers and Eagles suck.

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Kobe has Lamar Odon, Jordan Farmar, Andrew Bynum, Luke Walton, besides Kwame brown they should be winning

max (florida)

Amy do you think an American will ever step up and beat Roger Federer?

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

max, NO!

Carl (Texas)

The reason Romo gets harsh treatment is because he has yet to prove anything. All that he proved is that he's overrated (you can thank Dallas fans for that). Brady has 3 rings and maybe a fourth one coming up.

Justin (Minneapolis)

I know he'll get zero MVP consideration, but Dwight Howard has been off the charts this year in leading Orlando back into contention.

Will (Galion, Oh)

Chris Paul is a great player but he has the help around him to get the wins. Chandler and West are becoming solid players. LeBron has what Daniel Gibson who is in his second year and hasn't proven himself. That's it

Matt (Glusac)

So many things to discuss: #1 Romo/Simpson get picked on bc Romo has 0 superbowls, something Brady has in excess. #2Kevin Garnett is good but take him off the Celtics and put back Al Jefferson and Gomes along with Pierce and Allen and they are still a top 4 East team, Lebron is the MVP just over Chris Paul.

Angelo (Wind Gap PA)

What about Chris Kaman for MVP his game has gone through the roof without Elton Brand around

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

Amy: Yes, Federer is very entertaining to watch. I believe he will eclipse Sampras' mark after he wins yet again another Wimbledon. However, I'm interested to see Tsonga vs. Nadal, as Nadal isn't the best on hard court as we know from the past.

DyeMund Shel (New York)

Put it like this...if you're going to consider Chris Paul for MVP because of the impact he has on his team, then you should definitely put Brandon Roy in the MVP discussion as well.

Winston ( Florence, Ky)

Why hasn't anyone said anything about the huge upset win by the UK Wildcats last night, over the "prolific" shooter Chris Lofton who was held scoreless for 13 min in the second half?

dylan (fla)

do u think that la will hang on without bynum for a while

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

Dylan, I think so but it'll b e ineresting to see how they fare in a month ... with Kobe, there's always a chance.

eliot miami fl

all these big names for mvp but where will the blazers be without the play of brandon roy hes young but hes a mvp to come..

Gary Hawkins (Fort Meyers,FL)

Chris Kaman? Umm dont think so

Rob...(Wash DC)

Amy..what about Caron Butler...his stats are comparable with KG and Kobe and his team has beaten KG Twice...where is the love?

jim (pocola ok)

so who is best ever Federer or Samporas Tiger or Jack Pats or Dolphins?

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

Wow, Jim ... that's a good one. Sampras for now, Tiger, and Patriots ... but I'm not big into golf so don't kill me for that pick...

Anthony,Newark,DE

Will???...and LeBron plays in the East while Chris Paul plays in the West...hmmm who has the tougher conference???

Mike (Delaware)

How does wearing a boot make Tom Brady and Bill Belichik a cheat? The Chargers weren't completely upfront about their injuries and nobody was worried about them. I'm not even a New England fan but the more I see the rise of jealousy, and accusations against them the more I like them.

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

Bad day for Skip. First they talk about Terell Owens and now Lebron James? Are they trying to get rid of him?

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

Cody ... good point.

Gary Hawkins (Fort Meyers,FL)

The M.V.P has to be Kobe. He got robbed last year because he wasnt in the top 4 seeds now he has taken the same team and put them as a championship contender

Matt (Indianapolis, IN)

Who is the most dominant player this year? Dwight Howard. But who is most valuable to his team? Kobe. The way he was able to defer more to his teammates has helped Bynum become who he is and his team succeed how they have.

Terry (Fresno California)

Kobe Bryant is the MVP No one has transformed there game like Kobe and has the lakers when at full strength maybe the best team in the East and dont you believe there might have been some words to wake up Andrew Bynum.

Anthony (Bentonville, AR)

Jack right now.

Kevin Orrville, Oh

Federer is the best I have ever seen, along with Jack and the Pats. Tiger has a great chance to beat Jack but he has a long way to go and in sports an injury can happen on one swing.

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Chris Paul's hornets have a better record than SA, DALLAS, LA, DENVER< GS, HOUSTON, PORTALND...not thanks to Jiniero Pargo...and Tyson Chandler is not solid, he gets 4 alley oops a game thanks to the league MVP's pases

Marc (Pittsfield, Me)

They should change MVP to "most valuable person" and give the award to Kevin McCale. No one person has had more effect on the season than him. trading Garnett for a bunch of unproven players??? Come On!

Michael B (Morgantown wv)

steve nash will win the nba mvp hes the most verstal player in the nba

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

are you kidding me. the celtics would be a way different team if they still had al jefferson and not KG. In Minnesota KG pretty much won games on his own. and now in Boston is drawing alot of the double coverages to free up everyone else.

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

I have to say, I was at MSG for Monday's game and watching KG take over that game when Paul Pierce was thrown out was something that made me think he should definitely get consideration. The way he makes those turnaround jumpers, no one can defend him ...

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

And btw best moment of the day is when the Garden started chating "Let's Go Giants!" when memebers of the Giants were announced on the board. THey hate what the Knicks have become...

Pete Sampras, From Retirement

Amy, why are so many people want to see the marks i set fall?.. while i love watching Roger play.. I'm attached to my records i set. i hope he never breaks my records!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

Pete, I'm not sure but I think maybe it's because we want tos ee greatness, and we want to witness it. If Federer eclipses you, that would mean history and our ability to root for it.

Matt (Indianapolis, IN)

I just want to point out that as a Colts fan, I am hope the Patroits win. And then go undefeated until the NEXT time they play the Colts. I want the Colts to be the first team to end this streak.

Karen (Rhode Island)

I love watching Roger Federer play tennis as well and hope he wins the Australian open. However, I think Djokovic is really going to be tough for him. What do you think?

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

Karen, Federer ran through Blake, but he looked human the round before. We'll see...

Michael (Bethel, CT)

LOL Pete. Federer is gonna do it, it's inevitable.

Will (Galion, Oh)

I think the whole country is disappointed with the Knicks. Highest payroll in the NBA and they are THE worst team in the NBA. Its sad to see that franchise go in the direction it has gone

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

Will, It is sad, especially when Jamal Crawford gets the loudest applause.

Michael B (Morgantown wv)

why does everything leborn james is so good he is the most over rated media hype in the nba

Gary (Fort Meyers,FL)

Skip has lost his mind no way they give Steve Nash another MVP he hasnt even made it to the finals. The Suns have more talent then half of the western conf. If they dont make it to the finals Mike Dantoni's job should be on the line!

Mike (Whitehall PA)

Hey Amy do you think Federer would be as good if he played tennis back in the 70's and 80's????

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

Mike, hhhmmmmmmmmm, great question. I think the competition was stiffer back then. Higher quality talent pool, but maybe that's also my nostalgia kicking in. What Federer has is partly because he was born with it. I don't know, but he'd definitely be part of the elite...

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

No, Amy. Isiah Thomas gets the loudest applause.. it just isn't in the form he'd like it to be in.

DyeMund Shel (New York)

Dolan needs to fire Isiah..and hire Mark Jackson...he's a New York City b-ball product and can turn that team around.

Anthony,Newark,DE

Steve Nash for MVP??.. is Skip on something today?.. he has Shaun Marion,Amare,to a lesser extent Diaw,and Barbosa..and Nash is the MVP???..lol Skip has lost his mind!!!!!!

Winston (Florence, Ky)

Amy, you have to have a comment on the UK UT college hoops game last night..

Amy Nelson

  (10:44 AM)

Winston, Saw just the end but I have to say, after reading Tom Friend's story on Tyler Smith in the latest ESPN The Magazine, I know I'm rooting for him. What a great but sad story ...

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

i think the knicks have a better chance. the knicks are younger and as each game goes on they are growing up. the heat are getting older and shaq just doesnt have it any more. he should sit out this year and get healthy and come back next year and see if he can compete. if not well it might be time for him to step down and leave the game.

Nick (Oregon )

Miami Heat are terrible and i believe Dwayne Wade will leave and go to Chicago back home.

Anthony,Newark,DE

hm good question Mike.. i think with the way MEN'S tennis is so much watered down in todays tennis i think Federer would find it hard to win every Slam with the likes of Sampras,and Becker,and Andre in their primes

Brandon (Atlanta)

Can I ask a question? Am I the only person who remebers Steve Nash didn't deserve the first MVP? Maybe that's why some of us are so hesitant to give a record 3rd MVP award to someone who hasn't even been to the finals.

James Warren, MI

Skip, are you nuts, what have the knicks even remotely shown you, to lead you to beleive they would have success. Another thing, how many championships has Isaiah Thomas been to as a head coach 0!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'd rather have Amy talk about the wire than to discuss tennis and the NBA.

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

Johnny, You know me well ... but I have to say, it's been slightly disappointing. I don't like the McNaulty storyline, at all..

Rob...(Wash DC)

Gerald Wallace of the Bobcats has been a beast against the best small fowards in the NBA as well as Caron Butler of the Wizards....when are they going to get their props...night end and night out...they both come up large..

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

I had Wallace on my fantasy team two years ago and he was awesome. So awesome ...

Aaron Pueblo, CO

Hey Amy, Am I in the right place for the live chat with you?

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

yep

Matt (Rocky Point)

How could the NBA MVP be anyone other than Chris Paul, he is leading a mediocre (at best) supporting cast to the second best record in the West

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

hi amy,what do you think about brandon roy for nba mvp?

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

I think there's no way he gets it. Same reason Paul won't ,.. not a big enough profile ...

john ( peoria il)

San Diego Union Tribune reads checklist for Chargers 08-09 season Kicker-check

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Wallace will get some pros when that team starts winning like they should be, Raymond Felton, Emeka Okafor, Gerald Wallce, Jason Richardson...along with the hawks and blazers, should be a top team in no time

Raymond (Baltimore)

Ahh perfect segue. What have you thought of the season so far (Wire) are you watching them ahead of time on demand or waiting until Sunday to watch?

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

I've been watching ahead ... the latest episode is the bset one so far. Nothing, I don't think, can top season 4 for me ...

Craig : Ohio

the past three nba mvp's have been white (nash,nash,dirk). do you think the league is trying to attract new white fans by "giving" this award to them?

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

Craig, Not sure about that, nice conspiracy theory though...

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Why do you need a profile to win MVP...Amy...Chris Pauls Stats speaks for themselves...i recently read on ESPN.com that out of all the little men in hostory Chris Paul has the highest overall statitiscal rating over a certain number of games...even higher than A.I. in 2000

Amy Nelson

  (10:53 AM)

I'm just saying I can't see the writers giving love to the smaller market guys ... that's all.

Ray (Mississippi)

I agree totally with Brandon. Steve Nash was undeserving of the first 2 MVP's. How can a player who plays absolutely no defense even be considered for the MVP. Who on the court can he guard? Every opposing point guard he faces eats his lunch!

Mike (Whitehall PA)

Dallas would be fools to give TO a contract extension. Didn't Jerry learn anything from Tony Romeo.

Rob...(Wash DC)

Mark Jackson has enough sense not to even want the Knicks Job....his taking that Job is like whoever becomes president this year ..the will inherit a complete mess stating @ the top with Dolan who doesn't have a clue....Knicks fans should do like the Charlotte fans when the refused to come watch inferior play and ran George Shinn outa town...

Amy Nelson

  (10:55 AM)

I can't believe Dolan still has a job...

Steve (Detroit, MI)

As of right now, Steve Nash gets the MVP award over Chris Paul. Not only is Nash leading in assists, his team has a better overall record then Chris Paul aswell.

john (peoria il)

i think jerry is still standing on the sidelines in disbelief!

Mike ( Inver grove Heights, MN)

Baseball writers gave the MVP to morneau and few years ago and Minnesota is a very small market. Paul could get it.

Amy Nelson

  (10:56 AM)

Mike, I believe the NBA is more star driven than baseball. So while maybe the baseball writers didn't overlook a smal market team, I'm not sure about the NBA writers. Not trying to hate on the NBA scribes,. i just feel the leagues are very different in that regard.

Marcus (Los Angeles, CA)

if kobe keeps the lakers above .500 while bynum is recovering, this has to be his year, right? does he have to do more?

eliot miami fl

even though i cant stand the guy but tim duncan should be considered every year for mvp without him the spurs are nothing..

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

dallas should give t.o a contract extention because they need him and lets face it terry glenn isnt much of a factor anymore

Erick: Georgia

Hey Amy, I think if you're gonna talk about an NBA MVP thus far, in my opinion you have mention to be Brandon Roy of Portland. Here is a team that lost the #1 pick of the draft in the preseason and has still be very competitive in a very competitve conference. Roy has been the spark on a team filled with a lot of youth and "potential" talent. The team is in 4th place and 5 games out of first place.

Anthony,Newark,DE

the Wir eis great but nothing can top season 1 of the Wire it was awesome

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

Yes, Dolan owns it. Doesn't mean he shouldn't be gone ..

Raymond (Baltimore)

Nash wasn't the most deserving in his MVP years, but he was a nice story and writers like him so he won. But Paul, who I've been touting as the best pure PG in the league before this season can't win b/c he has a hard enough time MAKING HIS FIRST allstar game. So HOW IN THE WORLD can he win MVP??

Jeff (Michigan)

Steve, Nash also has Stoudamire, Diaw, Barbosa, and Marion. Paul has an emerging Chandler and West, who have never been all-stars. Clearly Nash has better talent than Paul does.

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

Btw, did anyone see waht Larry Brown said about the Knicks and the spies? That's what I'm talking about ... the culture at the Garden needs to change. It's like a disease; it keeps spreading.

Lester, Brooklyn NYC

I think the MVP award in the NBA is the most confusing award in sports... For the past three years Kobe Bryant has been "snubbed" out. The two seasons that NAsh won it. It was because he made everyone around him better. Last season Kobe started passing and getting his team involved, and the award changes to the best player on the team with the best record. Personally Dirk was not the best player on that team. But Kobe has been and still is the NBA's MVP

donald (new orleans,la)

I think that mike smith is a terriable hire

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

OK, why?

Anthony (Bentonville, AR)

If I'm Gregg Williams, DC for the Redskins, and I dont get hired. Not only am I resigning my position and signing with an NFC East competitor, but I'm screaming and yelling all over interviews as well.

Amy Nelson

  (11:01 AM)

Larry Brown ... any reaction to that guys?

Carl (Texas)

Mike Smith is not really a def. coordinator. He doesn't make any kind of decisions because Del Rio called the defense. This is a bad hire by the Falcons.

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

I agree with you. There is more wrong with the Knicks than just the Knicks. The whole scandal with the woman and Isiah, all the happenings with Brown and the Garden. Things need to change, and they need to change now.

Jonathan (Hilmar)

Larry Brown knows what's going on around basketball, he is kind of a flake, but he knows his hoops

Mike (Whitehall PA)

Larry Brown is THE REASON the Knicks are so bad.

john (peoria il)

mike smith obviously forgot how to bring pressure when they played new england.

Angelo (Wind Gap PA)

Greg Williams is the man for the job...Ive never been a fan of Jim Fosil

Justin (Minneapolis)

If the Knicks controlled their salary cap the way they do media requests, they might actually be....ok, they'd still suck.

Tom (Massachusetts)

we're here talkig about spies?...about spies...not a game not a game but spies....

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

What's to spy on? Eveyone knows they suck.

Joey (Clemson, SC)

Dolan reminds me of Matt Millen. They both a running the franchises completely into the ground. I'm completely shocked they both still have jobs.

Carl (Texas)

Larry Brown wasn't the reason, the me stars were. Larry Brown got in everyone's face and the divas on the Knicks were mad about it (mainly Marbury). If they're ever gonna get better they need to get rid of Marbury first. They're guarnteed to win 10 more games next season from that move alone.

Heath (Knoxville,Tn)

bill bellicheck has been spyin on the knicks for the celtics they heard he was a good spy

Rob...(Wash DC)

Amy...folks better listen 2 Larry...he is one othe best basketball minds in the game....there are some really weird things goin on @ MSG...he knows what he is talking about...

Peter (Atlanta)

Kobe is not only the best player on the planet right now, he is also the most valuable to his team right now, and should be the MVP this season.

John (Grand Forks, ND)

Larry is on of the greatest coaches of all time, his ability to build up a franchise is remarkable. He knows how to get people to work together and he gets different types of players to mesh. But even could not clean up the mess that new your has created with a roster full of me only players.

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

everyone on the knicks has an ego problem because all of the except a select few have been on winning teams.

Albi (Manhattan)

The Knicks will not the playoffs, again, but somehow they will make sure not to get a good draft pick.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The Knicks need more guys like David Lee on the roster. When the Knicks were playoff contenders, they were workhorses and not prima donnas like they have now.

Aaron (Union, NJ)

Don't blame the knicks for getting overhyped Talent...Zach Randolph was doing well for Portland, Jamaal Crawford ws showing signs for CHicago...the Eddie Curry thing.....and Stephon is an ok guard...just not a leader...dont fault them because any team can make this mistake ((Oakland Raiders))

Angelo (Wind Gap PA)

8 teams? there is no way you should hire larry brown, you run the risk of players not buying into him because he has no stability

Rob...(Wash DC)

wow..its so sad...does any1 remember when the Knicks were...Willis Reed..Dave Debuushere...Walt..Earl..even Phil Jackson...whatever happened that they ended up with the cancer from ownersip to players that has that franchise in such disarray?

Anthony,Newark,DE

Why are some people bashing the Falcons hiring Mike Smith?.. yes everyone else basically turned them down. and yes they are not a very attractive franchise to coach but how do u know he will fail?..give him a chance to show what he can do as a HEAD coach before everyone starts to judge this move

brandon (bronx,ny)

no one should want to clean up that mess in new york, the knicks are officially one of the most disappointing franchises in sports history. from the 80's to the last time they were in the finals, evn during the MJ title runs, they had teams that were supposed to go to the finals. they jus always choke. glad i've always been a bulls fan. they're depressing

Jeff (Michigan)

MSG will only change when the team starts winning, Amy. They won't win with Larry Brown going senile over spies, along with Dolan and Isiah enjoying their losing atmosphere. If Dolan was serious about winning, get a firey coach, and get Isiah out of there!

Brandon (Atlanta, Ga)

Amy, I know it's very unpopular to say, but I think Larry Brown is completely overrated and over praised - mostly because he has a lot of friends in the league and the media.

Anthony (Bentonville, AR)

My reaction.. Go away Larry Brown. Mind your own.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I still consider myself a Knicks fan although I don't really watch the NBA any more. I was think of offering my fandom on EBay to the highest bidder. I don't think I can deal with this version of the Knicks for much longer.

papajack (Buffalo, NY)

Skip doesn't know why the betting line changed so quickly? Because NYGiant fans jumped on a 2-TD spot so quickly (and so heavily?) that Vegas had to move the line to equalize the pool.

Amy Nelson

  (11:19 AM)

The betting line moving two points is pretty big, no?

eliot miami fl

amy is it time for shaq to hang em up and stick to his 24 hour fitness chains?

Justin (Minneapolis)

Unless the Timberwolves are willing to make a deal, the Knicks are pretty much stuck with their mess until the salaries come off the books.

Kyle (Wareham, MA)

The Garden's fine...The C's are kickin some tail.....oh that Garden....I dont know maybe another Wrestlemania will do it or somthin....

sravan, fairfax, va

Has anyone considered bringing in Patick Ewing back to the knicks and possibly coaching. he would at least bring back some credibility to the knicks..after all, when he was traded, that is when the knicks began to freefall...

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

So if you're sick of Knicks talk ... got something else? I thought David Sterling and Mike Dunleavy back and forth was pretty interesting ...

Stack

I am about ready to see Larry Brown in Chicago, we need someone to take the young talent add the missing piece (Kobe Bryant)and bring us to where we should have been at the beginning of the season; Dominating the East

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

no amy its not they have not covered the spread in any game this season

Jason (Las Vegas, NV)

The betting line will change every day here in Vegas

Paxton, Camden Ar

Everyone including Tiger Woods is dismissing the comments of Kelly Tilman just because they think they know her. We only know what people want us to know about them. Im a 35 year old black male and race has never been a major problem in my life either, but I still have a responsibility to make sure that it does not happen to others. Clearly if you are a figure such as Tiger Woods.

Cameron (NYC)

I say we discuss Deion Sanders and his ludacris comments about LT.

Amy Nelson

  (11:22 AM)

I thought they were a little unfair ...but not sure I understand why LT didn't try ti play on it a little more. Easy for me to say, it ain't my body...

Justin (Minneapolis)

The Clippers are ready to implode...Brand and Maggette can opt-out after the season, Livingston's knee is a huge question mark and Cassell's not getting any younger. I feel bad for Chris Kaman.

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

As the week moves along, I think you may see the betting line move again. People are beginning to realize, 'Hey, the Giants are playing really good'. I don't know if they are good enough to be the Patriots, but the two point drop is pretty big regardless.

Corey (Lebanon, Ct)

LT shouldnt have been sitting on the sideline with the visor over his face...made him look like he had no heart

Dave (New York City)

LT shoulda been cheering his teammates on instead of sulking on the bench.

Tyler (MS)

Deion had no right saying that about LT. He is a past MVP. Did Deion ever win MVP? No!

Zack (Louisville, KY)

I wholeheartedly agree with eliot from Miami about Shaq retiring. I grew up with him as my favorite player and it makes me sad to see him decline at such a fast pace. He should have stayed in better shape when he was younger.

Mark (Modesto,CA)

It is his body but LT should have been playing. Rivers played. In a game that leads to the Super Bowl how can you not play. Maybe he was scared to be on the field for a loss.

Mike (Brooklyn)

People should get on LDT because he sulked throughout the entire game like a chump. He's the NFL's answer to Vince Carter. No heart.

Amy Nelson

  (11:25 AM)

Mike, Danm! AS my favorite Cher would say, That's way harsh. I think the man has heart, for sure, it's just the contrast against Rivers that makes him look bad.

Mark (Modesto,CA)

Deion did not win MVP but he did win a ring. Two of them.

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

those comments werent unfair its the afc championship game you win your in,you beat the patriots and then you got two weeks to rest up you got to play no pain no gain.

Mike (Whitehall PA)

LT was scared to play. maybe he watched Will is Magahee in the Fiesta Bowl a few years back.

Joey (Clemson, SC)

The movement in the betting line is a big deal for the Pats. It'll only make the Patriots feel disrespected and give Bill something to motiviate with.

Isaac (Colorado)

LT hasn't had to deal with injury before. I wouldnt play if I was experiencing something new to me.

Cameron (NYC)

Lets see here, it was close to 0 degrees at the game, LT has a banged up knee. If the chargers were to win that game which they should have, I would also prefer LT to sit on the bench in rest it rather then running around on it in that cold weather.

Travis

Deion Sanders comments were not Ludacris, if anything he was easy on LT, LT is the most overrated player in the NFL and I almost throw up everytime I hear a critic talk about how great he is.. he gets all his yards against horrible teams. period. and I dont care if his leg is falling off, its the playoffs get in a wheel chair and show some damn heart

Dave ( Rancho Cucamonga Ca.)

I think the Knicks and Heat should play a 1 game playoff, (because thats all we could stand in futility) and the winner play the winner of a playoff game between Memphis and Kansas.

Jon (Phoenix, AZ)

Deion won 3 rings. 3 rings

Amy Nelson

  (11:28 AM)

Oh i forgot to ask, anyone see that LeBron designed a NY Yankee sneaker?

Kelvin Caracas, Venezuela

Amy what happened with Jalen Rose intent to come back to the nba? I think he was a really good player i used to love watch him when he was hot during a game shaking his head and mean mugging after making a basket after another....

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

Kelvin, Jalen's looking to be a coach or a GM, he's looking ahead!

Aaron (Union, NJ)

The shoe is ugly...only basketball players will wear it so unless it matches your shorts or school colors, shouldnt be a success

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

Yeah, but if you're from Cleveland, aren't you just a BIT irritated?

Mike (Whitehall PA)

The sneaker doesn't even look good. PLUS HOW CAN YOU BETRAY YOUR OWN CITY'S BASEBALL TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cody (Schenectady, NY)

I think they were more irritated that he was wearing a Yankees hat at Cleveland's postseason game, no?

Mike (Raleigh, NC)

LeBron needs to stop helping NYC and start looking at his home there in Cleveland. The Indians could have been a contender last year.

matt (the chi)

aaron is crazy, the shoe is sick, it would be better if it was a chi-sox shoe though

Tyler (MS)

Yea I am a little, but I dont ride LeBron for it

Brendon (Guildelrand NY)

No its a stupid shoe.

Jon S (Mobile,Alabama)

yes amy why not make one for the indians

Mike (Whitehall PA)

It's the equivalent of Derek Jeter wearing a KG jersey at MSG.

john (peoria il)

amy you should be on tv during the week, maybe a10-15 segment. all this lebron new york mess, i say he will leave the cavs and go to a bigger market one day, maybe new york.

Chris (Orlando, FL

Jalen why don't you become the knicks GM or coach. You can tear up that team and show the State of New York that the Knicks deserve some respect.

Mark (Modesto,CA)

Did I miss the memo that says when you play for a team you have to like all the other sports teams for that city?

Amy Nelson

  (11:33 AM)

Mark, No, but he's from there! He's not from the Bronx ... that's the difference!

Dylan, (Pittsburgh):

Why should Lebron care about the Indians. He plays basketball for the Cavs and thats all the Cleveland fans should care about

travis

it doesnt matter Lebron Likes the Yankees, who cares, Im pretty sure Tom Brady is a Yankee fan as well.. hes friends with Jeter and they both went to Michigan

Amy Nelson

  (11:35 AM)

I'm not saying James has to be an Indians fan ... but to blatently display his affection for a NYC team, and them ake money off it...I don't know. The people of Cleveland are helping to pay your salary. I don't think he should sell out if he's always loved the Yankees, but he cuold be a little more demure about it.

Charlie (Fort Lauerdale FL)

Why doesnt Lebron just stick to doin his work in cleveland and stop interfering wit NY unless hes comin to play for the knicks lol

Ange (new york,ny)

i want to be the first one to say it get rid of pat riley. Im not saying hes not a great coach i just think its time for him to step down and lets get some one else in miami and lets start winning

Amy Nelson

  (11:35 AM)

Dont think you're the first one. But today maybe, yes...

DeeNyC76 (NyC)

Lebron is a bandwagon Yankee fan.

Amy Nelson

  (11:36 AM)

I don't think so ... think he's always liked them.

Carl (Texas)

How much does Lebron's new shoe cost, Amy? $250?

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

Don;t know, that's what some people are saying..

Amy Nelson

  (11:37 AM)

Josh Elliott says hello ...

Brendon (Guildelrand NY)

LeBron is smart, he knows he can make more money off a Yankee shoe than an Indians Shoe

matt (the chi)

The yankee logo is not even on the shoe all it has are the pin stripes. Does that mean pin tripe suits are now outlawed from Cleveland? Cavs fans are just upset becasue they no Lebron will not stay there for the rest of his carreer.

Corey (Lebanon, Ct)

Who cares what team LeBron likes...im pretty sure ya'll would design a shoe for your rival team if you saw the dollar signs you'd get from the deal

Bryce (Cleveland)

I think it is silly how much attention it's getting. It is just a shoe....

Mark (Modesto,CA)

What bandwagon?? There is not a Yankee bandwagon anymore. Unless you want to be on a bandwagon of not winning.

Dylan, (Pittsburgh)

Its hard to have a bandwagon fan when they never win anymore haha

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Good for LeBron. Make your money any way you can because your team can turn on you in a heartbeat. He plays hard every night for the Cavs. So what if he's out there making a NY Yankee sneaker? I do have a problem with the $250 price tag but that's a different argument.

DeeNyC76 (NyC)

I have a Pacman Jones Question. Any truth to this quote ? Hopefully I can get out of Tennessee. I want to go up to Dallas," Jones says. "So we"ll see how it goes and I am just going to keep my head up." Any truth to this?

Amy Nelson

  (11:39 AM)

I ahve no idea...

Mike (Carbondale, IL)

Cleveland fans better hope LeBron's shoe costs an arm and a leg. Once Marbury and Ben Wallace put out their $15 shoes their careers went downhill quickly.

Michael (Bethel)

Nobody's mentioned Johan Santana. What's up with him?

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

Michael, Eerily quiet on that front ... that's never good.

Amy Nelson

  (11:44 AM)

I honestly don't believe anyone is telling the truth when it comes to Johan. It seems as though every journlist is being used as spin in negotiations. I do hope, though, that is they trade him they'll trade him before spring training starts.

Chris (Orlando, FL)

I don't think Cleveland fans should be irate over this issue. If he was a die hard Yankees fan before joining the Cavs then theres nothing to be angry about. There are other professional athletes that play for their team and are fans of a different team in a different sport.

Spivey (Coco Beach, FL)

Well, T.O. wore a Cowboysy jersey in the locker room as a member of the Eagles. How'd that work out?

Jake (VA Beach)

'Never good' - as in something might actually happen out of the blue, or that nothing will ever happen and the Twins will screw up again?

Amy Nelson

  (11:45 AM)

never good, as in, he could be on the move. but i just don't know what to believe ... on or off the record.

Michael (Bethel)

I want to say something about the shoe. I would not spend more than $25 on a pair. Even if my favorite singer/tv star (let's say Ashley Tisdale or Daniele Donato for example), a shoe is just a shoe. Besides, I prefer the non-shoelace ones.

Maurice (Fayetteville North Carolina)

I dont Know why america expects Tiger Woods to stand up for any black issues he never has never will, we as in black america dont even see him as being a black man, he doesnt carry himself as a black man, stands up for nothing black, and anytime someone sends any racial black slurs his way he always shrugs them off

San Antonio, TX

There's been a lot of talk about the Spurs slipping recently, and how they should be worried. Well, the fans sure aren't worried. They have the exact same mid-season record they did last year. Where did they end up? Just saying.......

DeeNyC76 (NyC)

I would love to know what skip thinks about my Pacman Jones question. Can you imagine Pacman Jones, T.O., and Tank Johnson on the same team ?

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

We'll be wrapping up the chat in just a few mintues guys...

Dylan, (Pittsburgh)

If Lebron is making a shoe it better be an all White Nike Air Force One. Ill buy that baby for $300+

eliot miami fl

the spurs are flying under the radar and there loving it everyones counting them out.. watch out its going to be a repeat

Mark (Modesto,CA)

Jeez Maurice that is pretty rough on El Tigre.

john (peoria il)

spurs are my favorite team always have been. but they will not repeat this is their off year. unless in the playoffs they suddenly turn it on. but the western conf is stacked boy!

Carl (Texas)

The only thing that repeats for the Spurs is history. As in the history of not winning back to back titles.

Jake (VA Beach)

A shoe is like any other piece of clothing - you pay for what you get. I spend 70-80 usually and the shoe lasts for years, and always fit better/more comfortably. You get a Payless shoe and it lasts one. It's the same as quality jeans, shirts, etc.

Jeff (Michigsn)

Jalen is a gambling man... sounds like he would take the Knicks job if he were offered it.

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

You aren't the first to suggest it!

wyatt (CT)

the GMEN are going to win the super bowl, but why does everyone think that the Giant's are the underddog, they've won the last 3 and they are red hot...

Amy Nelson

  (11:53 AM)

red hot then they have 2 weeks off. i said before, comparable perhaps to the rockies...

Bobby (nj)

Jake your wrong people buy the name, it is a known fact that the nikes for $175-$200 are not that much better then the ones that are $50-$75

Chris (Boiling Springs, SC)

I think there would be a lot more reason for concern in Cleveland if LeBron was a big Knicks fan.

Amy Nelson

  (11:54 AM)

Hah hah! Chris, best point of the day!

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

With that guys, thanks for all of your comments and I'll be back here next Wednesday, and keep a lookout for my 1 pm chat tomorrow about Jose Reyes and Carl Crawford, better base stealer?