Amy Nelson

  (9:10 AM)

Hey Guys, We're back this week and we'll get it started at 10 am. I'm sure there will be plenty of Celtics and leftover Willie/Omar talk. Send in your comments or questions and I'll see if I can read a few on the air.

Amy Nelson

  (9:27 AM)

We'll also be talking a lot of Kobe, please send in any thoughts about him, too.

Amy Nelson

  (10:03 AM)

Ok guys we;re ready to get started, sorry about not being here last week. THey decided to scrap the segment since the Eurocup cut into the show...

Colin (Madison, WI)

The entire NBA Finals Kobe played with no passion. Look at Kevin Garnett you always see emotion from him. Look who won the Finals. It's like Kobe doesn't even care.

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

First of all, I am a certified, card carrying Kobe hater. However, I must say I felt sorry for the dude last night as we saw his so-called legacy die a ignominious death on the parquet floor. Players of his stature, no matter who they have playing with them, should lose a closeout game by 39 points. The entire Laker team, Kobe and Phil Jackson included, simply gave up in the 2nd half and that was atrocious. The NBA and the Laker faithful deserved better than that. That never would have happened with Jordan.

Chad (Savannah, GA)

Kobe is pathetic. He whines when he think his team isn't going to be good enough then does a 180 when they start to compete in the West. I feel sorry for kids who look up to a whining, cheater as their role model.

Tom (DC)

The Lakers would have won if Bynum were healthy. It's too bad that the Finals were decided on one key players' injury. Let's see if the Celtics would have won if KG or Ray-Ray or Pierce were injured.

Bevan (Utah)

The Lakers will be a very good team next season with Andrew Bynum patrolling the middle. Gasol and Odom are finesse players who couldn't handle the physical nature of the Celtics in the paint. It'll be interesting to see if they Lakers trade Odom in the offseason.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Hey Amy, You probably don't remember but a few weeks ago I was complaining about the MLB Draft being on ESPN. Well, I thought I'd let you know that I watched it. It wasn't all that bad, either.

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

I think it's good for the sport, it's not the easiest event to televise but thought espn did a good job...

Wes (Raleigh)

Kobe said second place is just the first loser. They definitely looked like the NBA's first loser with that uninspired performance last night. I can understand losing, but how do you put up such an egg with a title on the line?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'm thinking the entire city of Denver is rejoicing this morning Amy. I really dislike both the Lakers and Celtics but was happy to see some good guys win while a bad guy and teammate like Kobe lost.

Mike (Connecticut)

It was the worst game the Lakers ever played, but I can't put all the blame on him. Gasol, Odom, Fisher, they're all at fault too

sting (boston)

funny to see kobe telling the boston crowd, NOT TONIGHT, then going scoreless for about 30 minutes

Kev (NYC)

Everyone's going to hate on Kobe, rightfully so. It just proves that to most who care, this what more about Kobe losing and not the Celtics winning. That's added to the fact that the Celtics built a team in one year and didn't develop home-grown drafted players. (Remember Pierce's trade demand?) The fact that one team can make a bogus trade and win a championship after losing 60 games a year prior is bad news for NBA economics.

Kobe (L.A)

We are going to be in the hunt next season you can count on that?

Tom (Chicago)

Can we put to rest all the talk of how the Western Conference is so superior to the east? Yes it was only one series, but the Lakers had to work much harder to score against Boston than they did against any of the WC teams they played.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

Tom, good point, one angle that was played over and over again thoughout the season, but seemingly forgotten about this postseason...

Ray (Baltimore,MD)

Kobe was fine, I think the problem was the rest of the team. They played with no passion or determination. And Pau Gasol needs to get tough, he has no intensity.

Mike (Flushing MI)

Enough of the Celtics already. I guess you can buy a championship in the NBA...

Mike (Baytown)

Ray Allen is a class act. He should be in the NBA front office one day.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

Yes i wonder what he will do after he retires...

Graham (Pennsylvania)

I am glad everyone was taking the Lakers in the beginning of the finals, it just made the win last night even sweeter

Joe (Dallas)

I'm so happy for KG, Pierce, and Ray because they have had GREAT careers and now they finally get their championship. Another thing is everyone stop making these ridiculous MJ vs. Kobe comparision.

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

I jsut want to add how happy I was for Paul Pierce last night. I covered him for a few years and saw how much he gave to that franchise (and was there when he was stabbed, too -- something i think most interviewers forgot about, except Stephen A.) ... and you could see the relief on his face last night.

Mike (Connecticut)

I agree Ray. It's discouraging to some people who picked the Lakers after seeing the Game 6 beatdown

Joe (Dallas)

Lakers stunk up the garden and made the Western Conference look terrible.

aaron (pittsford,ny)

they lost because of atrocious perimeter D

Ryan(Maine)

I got something for Kobe, The Lakers are gonna compete for what a Conference title?! As long as the Celtics are together they will win again!!

Wayne (Magnolia, DE)

Let's stop with all the cheering up and being happy that Boston won the NBA title. This is the worst thing to happen to the NBA. That is because they went out and was able to buy the championship. Now wait and see how many teams will try to get all these big names players on their team to form a great trio and buy the title. I think if it was next year I would not be that upset, but having it happen this year is a crime, no dought about it.

Michael (MN)

I like the way that KG mentioned Minnesota in his post game speech.

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

thought that was classy...

Ray (Baltimore,MD)

Great point Tom, last five championships have had 3 different EC teams, where as the WC only had the Spurs. If the Buffalo Bills had won one of those championships would we have said the AFC was the better conference?

Josh (Texas)

No more MJ/Kobe comparions. It was stupid then, it's stupid now, and it'll be stupid in the future.

Jack (Chicago)

No one in Boston watched the Celtics last year and now they are diehard fans again...wow. Just shows the bandwagon jumping, much like after the 2004 Red Sox won. What a joke.

Jake (Syracuse)

Paul Pierce is a beast and he played like one, no one gave him a chance in the series and he proved his worth.

Steiny (NYC)

I was wondering if Kobe was going to pull a Keith Hernandez and go into the lockeroom and smoke and have a beer just like Keith after the second out in top of the 9th inning in game 6 of the 1986 World Series.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

So, then Amy, if you were covering Paul Pierce back then, can you back me up when I say that "good" team from 2001-2002 was anything but "good"? Just because they got to the Eastern Finals doesn't mean a thing!

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

they were not that good...they had heart (with toine and pierce) but they were not that good. jim o'brien got a lot out of that crew

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

Its funny how everyone, media, fans etc. were kicking dirt on Doc River's grave at this time last year and now he's championship coach. During the finals I've heard the term "masterful" to describe his coaching abilities. Just goes to show how the vast majority of people are such prisoners of the moment.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

i'd agree with that...

Adam (syracuse,ny)

Celtics may have "bought" this title, but it wouldn't be possible were it not for Allen and KG's willingness to take a pay cut for the good of the team. If other NBA teams can find 3 other superstars to play together and but their own selfish needs in the back seat, by all means, I hope they do it. But try finding 3 superstars who are willing to take a paycut.

Mike (Baytown)

Fair weather Paul Pierce fans!

Chris (East Lansing)

I don't understand this concept of buying a championship. You're allowed to make trades right? That's still legal? At least they GAVE something to get KG and Ray Allen. They mortgaged their youth. They didn't STEAL Pau Gasol like the Lakers. The Celtics didn't BUY anything.

Joe (Dallas)

People stop hating on the Celtics and saying they bought a championship. The truth is that team molded together in ONE season, which is IMPOSSIBLE to do in one season.

Mike (Connecticut)

Kobe's legacy is tarnished unfortunately

Mike (Flushing MI)

I was in Boston last year (2007) from Jan to Jul and all I heard was how bad Rivers was and the Celtics are bad. Now they have bought a championship and those same fans are now "loyal" fans and have been there all the time. What a bunch of hooey!!

Mike (Baytown)

Don't hold this against Kobe... trade him to Boston... Doc can handle him!

Ryan(Maine)

I second that Josh...Kobe is no Jordan!! Jordan woulnt have blown a 24 point lead, and wouldnt let his team get buried in a finals game!

Mike (Baytown)

Jalen needs to quit agreeing with Skip about the Lakers quitting. The Lakers didn't quit; they were outplayed.

Alex (SD)

I am officially Bostoned out.

Ralph (New Jersey)

This is cray, just crazy. How does a team go 7 games in the first two rounds and THEN turn it on? Have we ever seen a team that looked so bad before looking so good in the same playoff season?

Ryan(Maine)

Making trades is not BUYING!

Jack (pa)

when is ESPN going to stop all the hype over the boring, mostly meaningless NBA finals just because they cover it on ABC? enough already

mike from cincinnati

to answer Skip's ? No Kobe will never win without shaq or someone of his capabilities and talent in the paint.

Joe (Dallas)

Kobe is and probably forever be a guy that is too selfish or unselfish to win a 4th championship.

Jake (Syracuse)

Kobe will win another title in the future, remember they didnt have Bynum at the ened of the year.

Arland (Missouri)

Please tell Skip the Kobe is the closest thing to MJ ever but you never here him compare himself with MJ. Its the media. Comparing Kobe and Shaqs championship teams and MJs championship team with whats happening now is not right. The biggest difference is that teams can play zone now. If MJ faced a defense like Kobe just did he wouldn't have as many titles.

cory smith garner north carolina

my comment is this why did everybody jump on the lakers bannwagon for the finals i been a celtics fan since 1981 we was the best team all year and we went out and proof why did people think that the series would be diffrent i want to give a big shout out to everybody who took the lakers defense win championship

Chris (East Lansing)

If the Lakers didn't quit, then why was Ray Allen wide open for 3 pointers every play in the 4th quarter? How does BOSTON score 131 points?

Michael (Minnesota)

You think the lakers didn't quit? Look at how open Allen was ALL the time

Rob New York

Jordan also had Pippen to back him up, who did Kobe have?

Keith (Trinidad)

If M.J played with this cast in L.A he would have won the NBA Title hands down

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I remember when people were saying that getting Pau Gasol for basically nothing clinched the title for the Lakers. Now all of a sudden the Celtics bought a title in a salary cap league. Just accept the results, acknowledge that the better team won, and move on everyone.

John (NY)

it was great to see Kobe, on the bench with 10min in the 4th, wondering if Shaq was going to come-out of the tunnel and lead the Lakers to a win......

Ron (New England)

The problem with Boston is that if the coach does not make it to the playoffs every year, they blame him. Danny Ainge came out and said he was sorry for not giving Doc and Paul the tools he needed to make something of this team. I only wish the Bruins had that kind of mentality. It's tough seeing them go so far and losing it to Montreal.

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

The NBA is far different than MLB, it could be argued that the Yankees bought soem championships, or the Red Sox for that matter...though even in that box, that's no technically accurate since both franchises also used talent from the farm. The Celtics just got an assist from McHale, that's all...

Chris (East Lansing)

I think a major point we are overlooking today is how poorly Pau Gasol played. Had he given any consistent effort at all, the paint would have been slightly more open for Kobe to get off. Kobe can get his shot anytime he wants, but not when any of the 5 green shirts can come out to double him. We saw Garnett and Perkins helping out on Kobe throughout the series, not respecting Gasol at all.

john (el paso)

Doc and his coaching staff need to get some props. I can't remember a defense being this dominant and I'm a Spurs fan!

David M. Indy IN

Hey Amy, just wanted to remind Jalen that there is a reason fans kind of look down on Kobes champs with Shaq and that is because most of us still believe that he is a big reason for breaking up the Shaq/Kobe regime. Kobe has put all this pressure on himself to win one by himself, and for me personally, i love watching him come up short, because he did it all to himself.

Joe (Dallas)

That was the worst perfromance by any Finals team I have ever seen.

speedy - New York

As a long suffering Celtic fan I am at a loss for words when it comes to winning it all - from the maturation of rondo to the big three and the bench help it was truly a joy to see the dismantling of the Kobe-led Lakers. Thank you Celtics for proving me right - you are World champs once again!!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

speedy...i think some other fans might have a problem with your characteriztion as "a long-suffering celtics fan"

Kyrone (Boston)

I knew where i stood before the celtics became the champions of the basketball world, i thought paul pierce was a hall of famer but other could aruge. With this ring do we agree pierce is a lock to get in

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

Hey Arland in Missouri, Jordan faced much tougher defense during his run in the league, especially in the late 89's early 90's. He would get mauled by the Pistons and Knicks. Flagrant fouls weren't called as much and neither was the ticky-tack fouls you see called nowadays. If MJ played against a zone he would have been just as effective due to his ability to penetrate and create in the paint.

bob mckinney (dayton,ohio)

amy,nobody ever gave boston a chance in the finals,saying its the kobe show.well how we showed them because ill take the big 3 over the mvp anyday.GO GREEN!!!!!!!!!!

Billy (Albuquerque)

This is a response to Jalen Rose in 1st & 10. He mentioned that Bird and Magic never have to defend winning their championships with their fellow HOF teammates like Kobe does with Shaq. The reason for that is that Bird didn't try to run Chief out of Boston and Magic didn't run Worthy out of LA. Kobe gets the bad rep he does because his actions were the equivalent of Pippen trying to get MJ traded. He is going to have to try real hard to live that down.

Calvin (SC)

I like how KG mentioned South Carolina in his post game cheer. He said "South Kak" haha. I'm from the same city in SC as Kevin and its cool to see a fellow Greenville native win a major championship, especially after what he's been through in his career.

Hutch (Htfd)

No offense, but somewhere in the 90's when tickets started costing almost a weeks salary as opposed to 20 or so bucks for bad seats, the term bandwagon stopped applying.

mike from cincinnati

Bynum is no Shaq-fu. So just keep telling yourself Kobe can win with him.

Ryan (California)

If I have to hear again that Kobe Bryant is the undisputed best basketball player in the world I'm going to scream in frustration. LeBron James took a squad of worst players to seven games against this same Celtic squad. By the way The King didn't go quietly into the night he at least dropped 45 in a last gasp effort. This proving one thing....Kobe is no LeBron.

Rob (New York)

speedy are you kidding me, I'm a Knicks fan unfortunately don't even talk about suffering

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think the Celtics just hit another three.

Joe (Dallas)

Before you say the Lakers will win it next year. Don't forget about the Celtics again, or the Portland Trail Blazers with Oden and Roy.

Amy Nelson

  (10:33 AM)

should pierce have been the MVP?

Dalton (florida)

Ive always questioned phil jackson coaching skills and sure enough it finally prove that he sucks. Its clear that he alwawys ended up with some good players this time he only had one please Amy tell phil to leave it alone

henry (connecticut)

I agree with rob. knicks fans have been beat up ever since pat riley left....

Ken (Elyria Ohio)

Can we please quit annointing Kobe the best player in the world. Lebron is not as good as a shooter YET, but is already years ahead when it comes to leadership. While neither will probably reach MJ's status, 20 years from now people will be asking who will be the next Lebron not the next Kobe.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Rob, I bet you can assemble a team at Rucker Park that could beat the Knicks in a game.

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

or west 4th st..

Ray (Baltimore,MD)

Why aren't we asking what this does to Phil's legacy.

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

i like how chris sheridan wrote this morning how red must have been smiling up above since phil was denied his 10th ... keep's red's spot safe for now...

Billy (Albuquerque)

Absolutely. Pierce is the man for his points, leadership and him guarding KObe much of the series.

Chris (East Lansing)

What is it with New York franchises these days? Can anybody get it right? The Knicks and Mets front office in shambles. Hank is a poor (crazy) man's version of his father. I think the pressure has finally cooked everyone.

john (el paso)

should have been a share between Paul and Ray

Ron (New England)

Yes, Pierce deserved the MVP. He was more instrumental not in scoring but in all other aspects as well.

Joe (Dallas)

YES!!!! He was the leader of that team in the playoffs!!

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

YES AMY. He dominated on both ends of the floor!

Shane (Iowa)

Puuuuu-leeeze Bob!! "NOBODY" gave Boston a chance?!!! THEY HAD THE BEST RECORD IN THE LEAGUE!!!!

Josh (Texas)

Phony Phil Jackson is phony. I've been saying that for years. What more proof do you need. Saying just ley Kobe shoot is not coaching.

Michael (Minnesota)

Pierce was a good choice for MVP he played great all playoffs and was a huge force. He was also the most consistent player of them all.

Chris (East Lansing)

Ray, because it does nothing to Phil's legacy. 9 titles. He coached MJ. He didn't quite, Kobe did. Phil is fine.

Keith (Trinidad and Tobago)

Hands down. He contributed all over the place, ofence , defence, inspiring, toughness and enthusiasm. Ray Allen had a phenomenal series as well

Shane (Iowa)

Phil already has a legacy. I guess 9 NBA titles aren't enough?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Pierce won the MVP in Game 1 thanks to some Hollywood drama. The Celtics win was a total team effort but he's the sentimental choice being the senior member of the team. No issues at all with his getting the award.

henry (connecticut)

It should have been KG simply because he did everything humanly possible to make sure that his team was in every game in this series

john (el paso)

Phil struggles with defensive minded teams, look at when they lost to Larry Brown and Detroit, now Doc and Boston.

Graham (Pennsylvania)

I agree Paul deserved the Finals MVP he out played the whole Lakers team

Shaun (New York)

Amy, Why doesnt anyone (in the media or in general) call out Phil Jackson for what he is? Overated!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:39 AM)

Shaun, With all do resepct, how can 9 titles make your overrated? Jalen jsut told me no way, he's greatest modern era coach...

Jake (Syracuse)

Pierce is the only Celtic that constantly drives to the basket. it was a total team effort though in them winning the title, they deserved to win the title.

Hutch (Htfd)

As a KNicks fan, I gotta say that somewhere the 90's when tickets started costing almost a weeks salary as opposed to 20 or so bucks for bad seats, the term bandwagon lost its relevance.

Harold (Detroit)

Mchale helped his old friend ainge out by giving the celtics garnett! i bet he knew they would be trading for Allen

Amy Nelson

  (10:40 AM)

harold ...seems like a stretch.

Shawn (Kansas)

Ray Allen should have at least been considered for co-MVP....he was Bostons most consistent player in the finals

Andy (West Lafayette, IN)

All I know is that if Kobe would have went down screaming about his knee and got carried off the court - the media would have jumped down his throat about "faking it" or "acting" for a month. But if Pierce does it, it's inspiring. Hmm.

Harold (Detroit)

Yes Pierce was the difference. they could not keep him out of the paint which opened things up for Allen

Jordan(Jonesboro)

I'm ready to talk about the Willie thing.That's got me mad!

Lake (Atlanta)

overrate? How? hes got a ring for all fingers but one you fool!

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

The broadcasters were pretty quick to say Paul Pierce now is going to have his number 34 up in the rafters with the other Celtics greats. Does this title really put him in the class of other Celtics greats?

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

jalen made the point that they retire numbers off statistics...not just championships, he feels his number would be retired before this win.

eddie (mass)

I just want to say that paul ,ray,and kevin all played for bad teams in the past but have never seen them quit like kobe quit last night

Jake (Syracuse)

Phil Jackson is not overrated at all. Look what he did with this team, he led them to the Finals, they didnt have Bynum and Gasol for a good period of time at the end of the year, he did an amazing job. Shaun, dont hate on him because he used your Knicks as a sweat towel while he was the Bulls coach.

Michael (MN)

There is no way u can say the allen was the most consistent in the playoffs. Did u not see pierce play at all? Granted allen came up with some key baskets but pierce was the most clutch.

John (NY)

i still cant belive how the Mets treated randolph, it was so dirty to do what they did to him, its not his fault that his players cant catch a fly ball or that the new ace is more of a joke then anythin, he put them in the postions to win but they cant find a way, he doesnt swing the bats or miss ground balls that are hit right at him, if anything its more of the players fault

Chris (NY)

Phil Jackson overrated? You can say that either, he may be blessed with good teams but even good teams lose... The Coach may sometimes take too much credit but now you're not giving him any... Bulls hadn't won until Phil took over and the Lakers hadn't won until Phil took over... It's not all Phil but it is due, in part, to his leadership of those teams.

Dusty (Philly, PA)

Pierce deserved MVP. He stepped up when they needed him and besides, he has been with the team for 10 years of horrific play. He deserved it for his loyalty.

Joe (Dallas)

Ray just did his job on a consistent pace. Pierce did everything and he SHUT DOWN Kobe!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:44 AM)

but pierce wasn't guarding kobe the entire series...

Calvin (SC)

People seem to forget that Kevin Garnett was the defensive player of the year. Defensive Player of the Year + Defensive wins championships = MVP? KG was the missing piece to the Celtics. Lets not forget that Paul and the Celtics made the playoffs before KG and Allen got there. But in the playoffs, you need a strong defense to win it all and KG provided the missing link.

Amy Nelson

  (10:44 AM)

yeah but we know you're biased calvin, it's a south carolina thing...

Jake (Syracuse)

As a Mets fan, i am embarrassed the way they handled the firing of Randolph. They could have told him not to travel with the team and fired him Monday early in the day. I can understand not firing him on Father's day, but don't make him fly cross country just to let him go, stupidity is the perfect word to describe there actions.

Amy Nelson

  (10:46 AM)

you know, espnthemag.com had a piece yesterday where they interviewed "the ethicist" a guy who writes a regular column for the NYTimes magazine. it was all about whether the firing of willie was ethical...good read. nice to have a fresh perspective

Harold (Detroit)

Paul Pierce is the single most dominant force in Celtics history after Larry Bird! I just think that when the chips are or he doesnt have two hall of famers next to him he isnt as motivated

Jerry (NY)

Last nights win lessens the pain from the past. The unexpected deaths of Len Bias, and Reggie Lewis. Then there was the Pitino era which were some of the worst times ever bein g a Celtics fan.

Victor Rivera Los Angeles, CA

How about the Celtics' sixth man, the Crowd?!? They didn't let up last night. I could hear them from Boston! And please don't say "If we had Bynum, we would have won." We smoked the Lakers both times this year when Bynum was in.

Ryan(Maine)

I must add that Ray Allen should of got the MVP! Paul Pierce took a couple games off, Ray was huge all series!

Kenny K. From:Elyria,Ohio

Amy, If the tribe is going to trade C.C. Sabathia whould the yankees offer be reasonable because of Wang now out for 6-8 week or do you see a senairo that the tribe offers C.C. one last offer to re-sign with the indians?

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

no way c.c. stays in cleveland, no. way.

Jordan again(Jonesboro,Arkansas)

Would you fire Willie Randolph after a win and a trip like that?(If you were in Mets manangement)

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

no i would have pulled trigger long time ago, but that would make too much sense.

Jake (Syracuse)

The Mets should clean house and start fresh next year, cut Delgado and go after Tex next year.

Mark (NJ)

Statistically Allen WAS the most consistant. But Pierce won it because of his clutch performances, his D on Kobe, and his critical shots in the series. Also he was the go to guy. Either one of them could have won it.

Dwayne (dallas)

ray allen consistent thats a joke. he sucked through the first two series. the lakers could not match up with the big three that does not make them unstoppable

Amy Nelson

  (10:47 AM)

it's mvp of the finals, not the playoffs

Batch (Boston, MA)

Has this really sunk in for people already? I mean my team won 24 games last year, that is TWENTY FOUR, and now 66-16 on the way to the championship? This season has redefined how people will remember PP, Allen and KG

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

If it is true that Willie Randolph asked Omar Minaya to not let him get on the plane if he was going to fire him. The Mets are scum and the only reason they would make him and his coaches fly 3000 miles before getting the axe is because they did not want to face the NY media. When Omar gets fired (and trust me, he will) I hope they do the same to him. The Mets have the right to fire anyone at any time but Willie deserved better. Its human decency.

Carl (Texas)

Actally Chris that arugment could be turned the other way because Phil didn't win until he was with the Bulls and the Lakers already won title before he got there.

Chris (Detroit)

Oh enough, Please stop with the Finally Boston. You hav 17 Championships.

john (el paso)

id much rather have a finals mvp than the regular season mvp

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

good point

Andy (West Lafayette, IN)

The Mets missed their chance when they let Joe Torre go to the Dodgers. Hiring Torre would have given the Mets to play inspired baseball once again. What could be more inspiring than having the chance to stick it to the Yankees?

Gray (Chicago)

Why don't the Cubs take a page from the Cardinals book, trade for CC to give him a taste of Wrigley, the best ballpark and fans in MLB and maybe he will consider at least negotiating with them first.

Michael (MN)

Amy, Do you see the New York Yankees going after C.C. by the trade deadline?

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

i don't, but i know he'd go there.

Carl (Texas)

The Mets in baseball are an example of what happens when you try to buy a title. I hope the Celtics don't end up like them. Better yet I hope they don't end up like the Heat.

Harold (Detroit)

They should have fired Randolph before he got to the West Coast. If you dying to get rid of the guy why just not do it on friday. just plain rude and i would not want to play or pay to see or for the Mets!!!

Joe (Dallas)

IT IS FINALS MVP!!! NOT PLAYOFFS MVP!!! Ray was the most consistant in the FINALS!!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I remember when some of the so-called experts had already shined & polished the WS trophy for Flushing with the signing of Johan. I guess they forgot about the several other bad pickups and poor ownership already in place in Flushing.

Ryan (Califonia )

I enjoy the fact that we were even skeptical that a team made up of three superstars would win the finals...it was kind of obvious, wasn't it?

Lake (Atlanta)

the braves sure could use CC!!!

Joe (DC)

There is no human decency in the business world of any sport. Its a cut throat business.

Christopher (San Antonio)

I'm curious to see if Ray and KG coming together with Pierce will affect the upcoming NBA free agent period. I know they became Celtics via trades, but I'd like to see if any star players take less money to sign with a team with other star players to compete for a championship or just trying to sign a "max" contract.

Amy Nelson

  (10:52 AM)

Christopher, great question, something i often wonder myself ... the problem is (especially in baseball) the union puts so much pressure on these guys to sign maz money, it's often hard to sacrifice...i dont know the NBA salary system all that well, so im not sure how the union would affect signings like that...

Lake (Atlanta)

Christopher it happens every year but mostly with older players

Matt B. (Peekskill, NY)

The season for the Mets is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets better. I just hope this isnt become a Knicks like fiasco, and the gut the team asap. Because all the people who were associated with the collapse last year have not gotten over it.

Josh (Texas)

Good luck finding useful free agents that will take a pay cut for a ring. That's almost impossible because it rarely works.

Gray (Chicago)

Jose Reyes's reaction to Manuel last night, not a good thing from one of your stars.

Amy Nelson

  (10:56 AM)

he apologized afterwards, though

Jack (Chicago)

Any chance we can figure out a way not to give Sam Cassel a ring? He doesn't deserve it.

Keith ( Trinidad and Tobago)

Rajan Rondo's story this year is worthy of a Dreamworks movie making project. WOW!Talk about the underdog coming out on top!!!!!!!!

Lake (Atlanta)

Plenty of people have taken pay cuts for a ring. Gary Peyton Karl Malone and PJ Brown are a few that come right off of my head.

Andy (West Lafayette, IN)

The Mets are done. They might as well keep themselves in the media by signing Barry Bonds. Heck, maybe they'll sell some tickets that way.

Josh (Asheville, NC)

Yeah, plenty of NBA will take a pay cut to win a ring, but I believe the Celtics don't have that much room under the cap.

Amy Nelson

  (11:01 AM)

i think it's a very intersting theory ... jalen just told me that there isnlt as much pressure as if there was in baseball...that it's much more doable...

Jack (Chicago)

How can you forget Bison Dele aka Brian Williams? He took a paycut to ride MJ's coattails to a title. I just wanted to type Bison Dele.

Chris (East Lansing)

Lake, except that Payton and Malone didn't succeed

Christopher (San Antonio)

Amy, would you ask Jalen what the players in the league felt about how Karl Malone ended his career by trying to ride Shaq and Kobe for a ring in 04 and coming back midseason in 05? Curious

Amy Nelson

  (11:04 AM)

Jalen's going to talk about your question next he loved it...

Lake (Atlanta)

But the point is players still do it. Didnt Morning take a cut on that Miami team too?

Harold (Detroit)

Amy can you tell Jalen that i love the way he and jemele Hill represent the city of detroit! Even though he didnt win a title he is a champion for how he has always presented the city and people of detroit in a postive light.

John (NY)

Amy do you think the yanks are goin to re-sign Giambi before the end of the season

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

no

Rob (New York)

Payton in Miami, so that worked he even hit the game winning shot in game 3 that year

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Amy, I don't really watch the Cubs that much. Are they as good as their record shows?

Amy Nelson

  (11:06 AM)

i havent seen them latelty, but yes, they are good. (we'll see if my ws pick will hold up, though...)

Jim (Cleveland)

So the Red Sox beat my Indians in the ALCS and then the Celtics destroyed my Cavaliers....the Cleveland/Boston rivalry is on!!!!

Ryan(Maine)

I'm tired of people talking about how great Phil Jackson is! His teams have all been LOADED with talent! Jordan and Shaq got his titles for him!!!

Marko Virginia Beach

9 Titles that just about any other coach could have won with the talent on those teams. When he wins 1 with limited talent then I will be impressed, but he hasn't even been close yet.

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Amy, as a journalist, I would like to know a simple question always asked in post-season press conferences. Do reporters truly believe they'll ever get an answer from anything when they ask about a team in the next year right after the last game of the season?

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

giovanni, not sure exactly but i do think it's ill-timed...it's for the next day

Carl (Texas)

Amy what do you think about replay in baseball? I say that they should do it but they should do it in the beginning of next season.

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

i think for home-run calls only

Chris (Detroit)

Is it really a rivalry when one team /city always wins?

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

Speaking of Bonds, could you imagine him in the middle of the Rays lineup right now? He wouldn't have cost THAT much either.

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

would have been intersting....

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Amy: Mark Teixiera in Yankee pinstripes before next season or over the Winter?

Amy Nelson

  (11:08 AM)

next winter.

Calvin (SC)

Amy, whats your ws pick?

Amy Nelson

  (11:09 AM)

i picked cubs over indians

Chris (East Lansing)

Lake, players do it. But as Amy pointed out, they do it after they have fallen off a bit. They do it in the last year of their ability. I think we're talking about players that can lead their teams coming together like the big 3 here. Not Payton being the 3-4th option on that Miami team, or Malone or Zo being role players on the Lakers and Heat respectively. Let's see Lebron or Melo take a pay cut to go play with Dwight Howard.

oz (md)

fresno state will win the college world series because they don't put pressure on themselves. UNC has to win it this year and they played last night like they feel that pressure

Harold (Detroit)

tigers and cubs in the World Series!

Lake (Atlanta)

Rays are a young team. They dont need a personality like Bonds screwing up the minds of all those youngins. Theyre good right where they are.

Chris (Detroit)

To all the Phil bashers. Has there ever been a coach who has won a championship with limited talent? Maybe Brown with Detroit in 04.

Rob (New York)

When has any team in the NBA won with limited talent, playoff runs yes, but limited talent, I want to see any coach win with a roster like that

rick (chico)

did anyone ask Phil in postgame if the Lakers quit?

Amy Nelson

  (11:10 AM)

good question and have no idea...

Matt B. (Peekskill, NY)

Enough with the Phil Jackson!! Doc Rivers has won one championship with a team loaded with talent. If Phil Jackson is an overrated coach, the coaching as a whole is overemphisized, because Phil jackson is one of the greatest coaches of all time. period.

Ryan(Maine)

I'm still burning that Pierce got the MVP! Ray Allen woke up and shot unreal in the finals! 21 3 pointers made in the finals, thats a record!! Plus he also gaurded Kobe and did a fine job! It was givin to Pierce as a lifetime achivement award for bieng on the team the longest!

Joe (Dallas)

Texas Rangers will be a sleeper pick and Josh Hamilton will be MVP and Milton Bradley will be Comeback Player of the Year!!

Kev (NYC)

Yankees over DBacks to revenge an 01 upset

Jim (Cleveland)

Chris...it's more of a vendetta and less of a rivalry...but a guy can dream.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think it's time for college baseball to eliminate the metal bats. Wood is safer, makes the games more true to baseball, and gives scouts a better feel for which kids have the potential to play in the Majors. Thoughts Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (11:13 AM)

will never happen. i dont think. there's a huge aluminum bat lobbying group

Batch (Boston)

This idea that a coach should be discredited because he has talent is ridiculous ... marginal teams don't win, of course Phil had talent! Red had a bit of talent too didn't he? Anyone want to offer that he was overrated?

oz (md)

the white sox are overachieving. By september it will be a tight race between the indians and tigers.

Rob (New York)

So than what is the point of being young and playing the sport you love if your just going to run to others for help. Everybody's got an ego factor where they want to have their own legacy, as they get older they get smarter, let the youngins be selfish while they can and make their millions

Mark (NJ)

Who wouldnt quit when they r getting their heads bashed in the whole game.

Amy Nelson

  (11:14 AM)

guys according to the golf channel, tiger woods is out for the rest of the year...that just broke, we'll see what happens.

Amy Nelson

  (11:14 AM)

wow, that's a big blow to the PGA is true...

Tim (NH)

it has nothing to do with the lobbying...it is too expensive to carry wood bats.

Amy Nelson

  (11:15 AM)

that too...

Chris (East Lansing)

Wow, Tiger out for the year? More surgery? Remember when we were talking about a sweep of the majors? Will that ever be possible again?

Andy (West Lafayette, IN)

TIGER IS OUT FOR THE YEAR? Just when you think Golf is about to explode in popularity - the worst possible thing happens.

Joe (Dallas)

At least he got a major when he was somewhat healthy!!

Amy Nelson

  (11:16 AM)

i dont know if that's the point ... if he needs microfracture surgery (which is just speculation at this point) that could be really bad. some people dont come back from that...

Josh (Texas)

NOOOOOO!! Tiger's gone. Well that's the last time I watch golf for a long time.

oz (md)

This injury may plague him for the rest of his career

Alex (Boston,MA)

Woods is young, fit and only 32!!! he could play untill hes 50.

Jerry (LA)

The Rangers pitching staff is equivalent to most teams triple A pitching staffs, that team is going nowhere

Jordan(Jonesboro)

Tiger Woods U.S. Open win is HUGE!H-U-G-E!

Jake (Syracuse)

Tiger is done for the year, thats terrible

Amy Nelson

  (11:17 AM)

again, ESPN has not confirmed this independetly, but that's what the gold channel is reporting...

Jake (Syracuse)

The best thing is rest after surgery, looks like he cameback a little to soon.

Tim (NH)

I think he was in serious pain and is fearful of doing permanent damage...this is probably good move for him. Bad short term, good long term

Ryan (California )

Tiger Woods....out for the rest of the year!?!? Well the PGA as a whole might as well hang it up for the year.....

Chris (NY)

For Tiger, this is a good thing, spend time with your relatively new wife and infant child... He'll still break the golf numbers he needs to surpass Nicklaus... This is good for health and well being of Tiger, get well soon but take all the time you need, Tiger...

rick (chico)

quitting is never OK especially when you're getting big money to play 48 minutes. These guys barely gave the ABC, NBA and the fans 24.

Matt B. (Peekskill, NY)

Hilarious that 46% of sportsnation thought that Woods would have won the British Open and the PGA Championships. I guess that means that the PGA can expect 46% less viewership. Ouch.

Batch (Boston)

If his injury has gotten so bad he is out for the year, does this further increase the incrediblness of what he just did?!?!

Andy (West Lafayette, IN)

Tiger should pass the torch and give Rocco the tiger headcover for the British Open! See you in the Masters, Tiger. *tear*

Chris (East Lansing)

This will probably be bad for golf, but, at the same time, it allows other golfers to sort themselves out. Let's see who rises to the occasion in the majors and tournaments. Perhaps we can discover some new names to root for against Tiger when he comes back. I'm sick of Tiger v. Phil,when Phil is too fragile to even count.

alan (fayetteville,nc)

HEy, Whats up with Tiger being out for the year. It is reminding me of the year Grant Hill came back to early and it ruined the next few years.(Or career depending on how you look at it.)

Mike (Athens, Ga)

the PGA Tour will be fine without Tiger Woods

Amy Nelson

  (11:19 AM)

really? not the ratings...

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Jalen is crazy! You don't give the Finals MVP to three people! I hate the "sentimental co-MVP" award. Just like the Curt Schilling/Randy Johnson MVP in 2001. Give it to one or the other!

Calvin (SC)

Tiger is too mentally tough and too much of a competitor to let a surgery destroy his career.

Chris (NY)

Yeah, Tiger's out, the PGA should shut it down like the Lakers did

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Mike (Athens): No, the PGA won't be fine without Tiger. The competition might be solid but you will see TV ratings plummet and that means drops in sponsorship with tournaments being cancelled, in some cases permanently. There isn't a pro athlete out there now with as much influence in his sport as Tiger Woods.

Josh (Texas)

Jalen is out of his mind. Phony Phil Jackson is a caretaker not a coach.

john (el paso)

now we can leave this MJ talk alone. anyone who watched the bulls know they were disciplined. starting with point guards bj armstrong and ron harper. farmer and fisher and arriza. not the same.

Mark (Huntington, WV)

The real Finals MVP is....Danny Ainge. The award could have went to any of the "Big 3" or even Doc Rivers (if thats possible). But who kept Doc around when NO ONE in Boston wanted him back? And who went out and made moves on draft day when he could have sat back and drafted a rookie, continuing his quest of mediocraty? Danny Ainge for MVP!

Giovanni (Boston, MA)

Which sport loses most if they are without its face? Golf - Tiger BBall - LeBron Hockey - Sidney Crosby Baseball - A-Rod Football - Peyton Manning

Corey (Philadelphia)

Tiger should just sit home and rest until the Brittish Open. I mean he can obviously win a major without much practice, and why would you wanna leave that sweet mansion?

Amy Nelson

  (11:27 AM)

corey the report said he's done for the year. that's more than just sitting home til the bristish open

Ray Campbell (Indianapolis)

It's a bummer. If he did not have the knee injury, this could have been his best year ever. Even better than his 2000 year.

oz (md)

utley or berkman for nl mvp

Amy Nelson

  (11:28 AM)

right now utley

Chris (East Lansing)

Giovanni: Obviously Golf. All of those other sports have at least 3-4 other stars to carry the leagues. Maybe not Hockey.

Phil Mickelson (San Diego)

Tiger's out for the year? Sweet!!!

Corey (Philadelphia)

The CWS > The NBA Finals by far. Professional athletics will never overtake college becasue of 3 things: heart, passion, and love for the game. Pros lose sight of that as soon as they make it big it seems like.

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

i hear that arguemnt a lot, but look at last nigth id say there was a lot of heart with those guys.

Carl (Texas)

Chipper for NL MVP!!!! :)

josh (tx)

I bet this pleases Phil

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

clearly it does

Chris (Detroit)

I would say hockey. They need all the help they can get right now.

Calvin (SC)

I would be upset if Chipper finised the season hitting .400 and loses the MVP award to Utlety. I'm still upset that Chipper lost the Rookie of the Year award to Hideki Nomo. Where is Nomo, by the way?

Jay (Orlando)

if anyone bats .400 they better be the mvp

Corey (Philadelphia)

2006- Howard, 2007- Rollins, 2008- Utley, 2009- Pedro Feliz?? I guess thats wishful thinking, but how about a 4 year MVP infield, wow.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

The Mets' owners are not very smart business people. They gave Santana seven years and have made themselves look bad with the Willie thing a year before they open their new park (which is happening in the same year that the premier New York team opens their park). The franchise has just become even more insignificant that it already was.

Matt B. (Peekskill, NY)

Who ever called people prisoners of the moment was dead right. People calling for Docs head last year, and now he's the toast of the town. Kobe wins the MVP of the regular season, has a bad game, and now hes overrated.

Evan(San Antonio,TX)

I love Paul Pierce as an NBA player but lets face it. Last night's MVP was a token of appreciation from the league just as Kobe Bryant's regular season MVP. Ray Ray was clearly the finals MVP!

Jason (Tampa, FL)

Good morning Amy. What did you think of the rays win against the cubs last night?

Amy Nelson

  (11:36 AM)

thought it was exciting, though they barely won, what a play by longoria.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Why should .400 give you MVP? If you just bat .400 and dont do much more to help your team to win, how does that make you the most valuable player?

Chris (NY)

Amy, what is your favorite sport? And what have you played?

Amy Nelson

  (11:36 AM)

i cover baseball, so i'm biased there. lacrosse was my sport. (i miss it!)

Batch (Boston)

.400? its laughable right now still ... talk to me after they have played 120 games if he is still hitting .400

Jay (Long Island, NY)

Hey Orlando Jay; ever hear of Ted Williams?? He hit .400 and lost out to some jerk with a 56 game hitting streak!!

Amy Nelson

  (11:38 AM)

wow, mark canizzaro said tiger found out two weeks before the open he had a stress fracture in his leg. now he says that he'll have ACL surgery.

Jay (Orlando)

Tiger Woods is the most important single athlete to their sport probably ever...all other sports and eras had at least another superstar or dominant player(s)...the closest may be MJ after Bird and Magic left....or possibly Gretzky

Carl (Texas)

Corey I agree with everything you said about college vs pros expect for college football. Until they actually decide their champion on the field, they will never be better than pro football.

alan (fayetteville,nc)

We also do not know what type of plans Tiger had behind the scenes all along. Maybe he had the "cleaning out"surgery as Skip calls it, just to allow him the chance to play with pain at Torrie Pines. He KNEW he was going to have the major surgery after he won and created this superhuman story.

Chris (Detroit)

Tiger: You're my hero.

Calvin (SC)

Okay, so IF he is hitting .400 at the end of the season, do you think he should be the MVP?

Amy Nelson

  (11:40 AM)

more variables than hitting .400 but obviously would be considered...

Dwayne Harris (Jamaica)

congrats to Kevin, Paul and Ray Ray in winning their first NBA title, you guys deserve this moment and it will never depart. Please repeat

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Thanks for the Tiger update Amy. I guess this kind of dispells the thoughts that golfers are all soft and not real athletes, doesn't it?

Amy Nelson

  (11:40 AM)

again, a lot of information flying around so we should be careful in saying exactly what's the truth, but i wanted to pass along what's being said on-air.

Jay (Long Island, NY)

Baseball & football players come back after ACL surgeries and I think Tiger is tougher than most of them. Put him down for 1 major win in 2009!

Mark (NJ)

Golfers are not atheletes. Also, Golf is not a sport.

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

hah .. im sure that will elicit some opinions.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Come on...dont go overboard on Tiger. Look what TO did for the Eagles a few years ago in the superbowl. Tiger just hit a golf ball....

Alonzo (Macon, Ga)

Golf is definitely a sport. One of the toughest. I felt that it wasn't until I tried it. Its mentally and physically taxing.

Gray (Chicago)

Idiots who say golf is not a sport don't play or never have.

Dwayne (Jamaica)

Amy, do you think Paul was deserving of the NBA Finals MVP?

Amy Nelson

  (11:45 AM)

yes absolutely

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

I am not saying it is not a sport, but it isnt the level of NFL, NHL or NBA where playing with an injury is much tougher...Golf is a sport...just not as admirable playing through an injury...

Dictionary.com (internet)

Defintion of sport: 1.an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, GOLF, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.

mike (athens)

Hitting a golf ball is harder than you, Steve, give credit. Can you hit a golfball 360 yds and land it in 20 yard square?

Chris (NY)

Swinging a golf club is no different than swinging a bat, the only difference is no one has to run and no one tries to catch the golf ball, but golf is a still a sport of talent, physical and mental challenge.

Jeff (Iowa)

You're right, Mark. Baseball players like David Ortiz and David Wells are CLEARLY more athletic than Tiger Woods.

Jeremiah (Bolivar)

I bashed TIger about whincing on bad shots and looking fine on good ones. Guess I owe him and his fans an apoligy. SORRY

Rob (New York)

I'm not a big fan of golf, but a sport is defined as an activity with a group of rules n customs played competitively, and tiger made wat 5 million this year apart from sponsorships if golfs not a sport than i wish i was a premier golfer over a bench warmer in any other sport

Mark (NJ)

When has an overweight gutbusting smoker ever won a NBA/MLB/NFL MVP? Only in Golf can someone do that. IE: Angel Cabrerra or John Daily

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

To me, golf is more of a sport than NASCAR but I understand that drivers are now taking better care of themselves.

Chris (Detroit)

Is golf a sport? Yes. Does it take as much athletic skill as other sports? Most likely no. But just go to your local public course and you can see by the swings who are the athletes and who are not. Typically the athlets are better.

Mark (Huntington, WV)

That dictionary thing had me until it said fishing and hunting

alan (fayetteville,nc)

You know there is a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot

Mark (NJ)

Golfers are athletes the same way Nascar Drivers are atheletes. They Aren't.

Jay (Long Island, NY)

To everyone who questions whether Tiger is an athlete...can YOU bench 450 lbs like he can?

  (11:49 AM)

jay, seriously, are you serious right now? tiger benching 450?

Jeff (Iowa)

But Mark, didn't you say ALL golfers were not athletes? Your argument using Daly and Cabrera does not make sense.

Jeremiah (Bolivar)

darts are huge in england, Is this not a sport If you say no just try to compete w/ PHIL TAYLOR

Jay (Long Island, NY)

Overweight gutbusting superstars= Babe Ruth

Calvin (SC)

hah, I would watch golf over nascar any day of the week and twice on sunday. I just dont see car racing as a sport. Skill? And driving 200 mph around a track just seems idiotic to me. What's a typical workout routine for a nascar driver? I'd like to know.

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

i dont know, but i think those guys (not all, but some) are trying to keep in shape.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

See I wasnt saying Tiger isnt an athlete...I was saying golf is not as physical as the NFL/NBA/NHL...I find it hard pressed for anyone to argue with that....

Ryan (California )

Tiger can not bench that much. Your just telling tales now, my friend....

Hutch (Htfd)

I think golf is a sport, but it does not require much atheliticism on the other hand I belive gymnastics and diving require alot of athleticism but are competitions not sports

Carl (Texas)

To me anything that spurs competiton is a sport. From playing football to playing Connect Four.

Jay (Long Island, NY)

Amy, they said it on the Open broadcast. If Johnny Miller said it, it must be true, right?

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

that seems crazy to me...

Corey (Philadelphia)

Did you see his arms man, Tiger benches Buicks.

Mike (Brooklyn)

I read that Tiger maxes out at 300. Also, who cares how much he benches, honestly. The man is a golfer, not a weighlifter.

john (el paso)

amy do you think this could change el tigre's career? i mean the amount of force and torque that knee goes thru, will it be the same?

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

we dont know the severity of his injury ... is it a stress fracture? torn ACL? but what tiger does have on his side is that he's young (32) and in excellent shape.

Jeff (Iowa)

I guess anyone who thinks golfers aren't athletes probably aren't very athletic.

Ron (New England)

Now you guys are crazy. Yes, there are overweight people in golf like every other sport (with the exception of bb and hockey). But the muscles they use get strained as much in their sport as in any other sport. You just can't look at it the same way. Just because they don't run at each other or move as much as in other sports, you still see the most athletic people winning, hence Tiger being the best.

Chris (NY)

Have you ever tried driving for like 4 hours straight without falling asleep at the wheel, it's tough, it takes a lot of rest in preparation

Amy Nelson

  (11:53 AM)

well i will say with all that heat in the small space and your legs cramped for hours, there must be some sort of conditioning involved...

Jay (Orlando)

Golf takes incredible hand eye coordination...more so than almost anything...possibly hitting a baseball....so if we add running to golf would it then be considered a true sport....come on, it's a sport

Jeff (Iowa)

Tiger will be fine. He's a finely conditioned athlete that is in his prime, with a tremendous work ethic.

Tim (Denver)

Here is another one. I think poker is a sport, although a mental and not a physical one. After all, it is shown on ESPN and the biggest tournament is called the World Series. How can it NOT be a sport?

Jamaal (Queens)

Yea man it is a sport because of the competition and mechanics present

Amy Nelson

  (11:55 AM)

it's definitely a sport, i think people are just in comparing it to the others (NBA and NFL, in particular) it's much mroe of skill, than athleticism.

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

hey guys we've got to wrap it up .thanks to everyone who wrote in (and the regaulars, too!).. we wont be back next week (First Take is off the entire week) but I'll be back in two weeks, and we'll be closer to the All-Star game...see you then and enjoy the rest of your week.