Amy Nelson

  (9:59 AM)

Hey everyone we're about to get started here. The Dunk Contest is back in action! We'll be posting those in just a few minutes...what's on your mind?

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

National signing day is always overrated. Notre Dame is always at least in the top 5 for recruiting classes and how are they doing?

Amy Nelson

  (10:02 AM)

Does anyone really care about national signing day? You have to be pretty hard core no?

Chris (Jersey)

the thing with national signing day is that most have never seen these kids play...at least with the nfl draft you can watch all of the kids play

Mike Yass (Waco, TX)

National Signing Day should be up there with Christmas and Thanksgiving: National holidays that allow the Universities to cancel classes for the day.

chaz (sa tx)

heeeerrrrreeeesssss aaaaaaaammmmmmmyyy

Amy Nelson

  (10:04 AM)

what's up ?I'm on four hours of sleep today guys so who knows what will happen...

Dylan Pittsburgh

I dont care bout it

Chris, East Lansing

Shephard is a beast. Put him on LSU with the speed they have at WR and at HB, defenses will never be able to fully commit to anything. It will be scary. At best, they'll have a QB who won't average a pick-six every 4 quarters.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Apparently your employers care, Amy, because you have been unceremoniously dumped from the main chat page.

Amy Nelson

  (10:05 AM)

Nooooooooooooo not again!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

National Signing Day, so what? It shows me that a kid knows how to write his own name. That alone gets you a scholarship to Ohio State.

Jarad (Boston)

I think with all three heisman candidates staying another year it has an effect on the where the QB's sign. If your a top rated QB why would you sign with Florida, Oklahoma, or Texas?

Quentin(Auburn, AL)

Signing Day is overrated. Until the players get on the field and do well none of this matters.

Mixi (Hollywood, CA)

Hopefully we get some good dunks this week. I wasn't impressed with that Jarrett Johnson one the other day.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

Seriously, that was the best?

Vince (AA, Michigan)

Rich Rod can recruit all he wants. I am a Buckeye living in AA and I dont see them getting past the "sweater vest" anytime soon!

chaz (sa tx)

NSD it just too much info for the normal person. the only way i can be or have been excited is when a local kid is going.

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Oh boy, Lebron topic on first take, Skip is going to tell us why Lebron hitting 12,000 points doesn't matter.

Amy Nelson

  (10:08 AM)

Correct...

Chris (Jersey)

amy, so many of these kids signing today will never be heard of again, and if they are heard from it will be 2-3 years down the road and none of us will remember today in that time

Amy Nelson

  (10:09 AM)

Remember the kid who fakes the news conference last year?

Amy Nelson

  (10:11 AM)

I think the kid's name was Kevin Hart...sad story

Artem (Fair Lawn, NJ)

Skip will never respect LeBron until he wins a championship

Willie: (Cleveland, OH)

Yea, I thought that kid was awesome. It was very funny.

Dex. Birmingham, AL

Jemelle. 80% of coaching is recruiting. Ask any successful Coach. For this reason National Signing Day is a 10 on the importance scale. WOW I agreed with Skip!

Amy Nelson

  (10:12 AM)

Here we go, we've got Kobe/Leebron talk next...

Lindo (Detroit, MI)

Dana and Jamelle just hit the signing day frenzy nail on the head. This is the seeds to creating a few overrated pre-madonna's.

Rich, Pawtucket, RI

Good Morning Amy, I can't believe because of National Signing Day we're regulated to second fiddle again.

Chris (Jersey)

Amy, from a kid who was recruited out of high school for small-school football, i am still far more interested in the NFL draft...I disagree with Skip, I might love the NFL draft more than the season, but could care less about today

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

In six years when my daughter is getting an academic scholarship to some university, I wonder if PBS will spend an entire day covering it.

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

I saw the story about the fake news conference, how did no one figure it out sooner? That's a huge lie.

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

It was crazy...

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Yeah, but Hart finally did get his scholarship. I saw the story on Outside the Lines I think. He's having his troubles at a lower level school now. Just goes to show you.

Mixi (Hollywood, CA)

Jemele, are you crazy? National Signing Day is a HUGE deal. These kids lives will change significantly on the College level compared to the High School level. It's a 15/10. Skip is 100% right. Jemele, open your eyes to the Signing Day! :)

Amy Nelson

  (10:13 AM)

Totally disagree (probably because I'm a woman, as Jemele just said). WHO CARES?

Tarelle (Cincinnati, OH)

Amy, please tell Skip that National Signing Day is worthless... you get too many highly touted recruits that came from high school's that haven't lost in 3 or 4 seasons. I.E. Jimmy Clausen... he is largely a product of his high school system and had been called "the best quarterback prospect in the last decade" --Rivals.com.... look at Jimmy Clausen now, he hasn't done anything. Same goes for basketball recruiting. Most of them are overrated except for 3 or 4 guys out of the whole class...

Ethan (Jersey)

Yeah that was actually pretty sad because I saw the OTL report and the kid seemed like the pressure really drove him to stage that conference to make his coaches, family and school proud of him.

Don (Waco, TX)

In honor of national signing day, I'd like to offer any and all accounting firms to fax me a contract for me to sign. I'll sign on national TV, and I promise I won't do any of the "I'm gonna pick KPMG's hat, oh no I got you! PwC it is!"

Mark, nj

Who cares how many pts Kobe or Lebron score on the Knicks. The Knicks are garbage. Jordan put up 60 on a GOOD Knicks team, not this junk team of today.

Amy Nelson

  (10:15 AM)

Mark, Funny I was talking to SHaun King int he green room before the show and he said the EXACT same thing. He said put that up against a stellar defensive team and he'd be more impressed...

Jarad (Boston)

Kobe scores 61 and all of a sudden the game between the Cavs and Knicks is the game of the night? The Cavs would win without Lebron.

matt (East Northport, NY)

who caresssssssssssssssssss its so stupid to make a big deal over meaningless things and things that have no meaning and effect on sports just report dont speculate

Mike (Bethel, CT)

Cavs will walk all over the Knicks tonight....for 3 quarters. In the 4th, the Knicks will come back to win on a last-second shot by David Lee. Then Skip will rip LeBron for lack of defense.

Kent (Macon, GA)

I believe that LeBron would love to break Kobe's record, but he's not going to take a risk of losing if he has someone else open on his team. He's a better team player than Kobe will ever be!

Amy Nelson

  (10:16 AM)

I think Leebron will play his game and not try and one-up Kobe...if it were reverse, I think Kobe would try and bring it. Leebron to me isn't as much of a showman in that way...

Ashley Louisville,KY

I'm a female and I love national signing day and the nfl draft. Anything that has to do with sports I'm on it. It's just something about new prospects and what they are capable of doing at thesed schools that interest me.

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

Cool, Ashely, I think you're in the minority.

Kent: (Macon, GA)

LeBron would love to break Kobe's record at MSG, but he's not going to risk losing the game by taking a bad shot when someone is open! Beware of Mo Williams tonight!!! LeBron is, however, a better team player than Kobe will ever be! What do you think Skip has to say about that?

philadelphia, pa

skip has way to much time on his hands if he keeps up with high school fb. signing day, who cares wake me up in 2-3 years when they actually play.

Chris (Jersey)

why does EVERY nba game matter so much...it is a top3 topic every morning on this show, and its january

Amy Nelson

  (10:17 AM)

Chris, Not much else going on this time of year so what do you expect?

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

LeBron could score 99 points, shoot 15 for 16 from the three, hit 20 of 20 free throws, perform CPR at half time and hit the game winning shot with .002 seconds on the clock and Skip would still say, well Wilt scored 100!!

Artem (Fair Lawn, New Jersey

As good as LeBron James is I don't think he will break Kobes record YET. LeBron is my favorite player, and Skip rips on him way to much. I mean Skip promised to dance on the 1st and 10 table when LeBron hits a game winning buzzer beater and I've yet to see him get up and a week has passed.

Amy Nelson

  (10:18 AM)

Good point, I'll ask Skip in just a bit.

Chris, East Lansing

I hate this storyline, especially since it is completely manufactured. Kobe blew his nose yesterday, will Lebron sneeze twice?

chaz (sa tx)

going to have to second amy's motion about ashley

DI$CO (charleston, SC)

i have to admit, this is annoying to see first take talking about this game, like its a record breaking , title game or something? cavs vs nicks WHO CARES!

Mike (Bethel, CT)

I agree though, LeBron isn't like Kobe. He will pass the ball more than light it up. He's no Kobe B Bryant.

Willie: (Cleveland, OH)

I agree, Lebron just wants to win.

matt (East Northport, NY)

how realistic is it that lebrons guna drop 62 cus kobe dropped 61? its not...

Amy Nelson

  (10:19 AM)

Not at all...

Mixi (California)

Show the dance with Charo again! Too funny!

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

Sorry no dice...

Amy Nelson

  (10:23 AM)

Don;t know how many of you are watching teh show but they are showing the dunks right now....

Amy Nelson

  (10:24 AM)

USC Marcus Johnson over Cal defender who was trying to take a charge Sonners Willie Warren rises and dunks over Iowa St defender Andre Iguadala dunks over Yao Ming

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

You guys need to tell me which one was the best and rate it, and I'll read some on the air and vote in the contest.

Jarad (Boston)

Yao Ming gets dunked on more than my coffee. I think the most comical dunk is the poor defense and Iggy over Yao.

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

Oh, and if you saw a better one in the last week, if enough people are in agreement, we'll add that in.

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

The people's voice!

Jim, Philadelphia, PA

I dont think james gets 61 tonight, but not because he's willing to pass the ball more than KOBE

Jack (Madison WI)

Why does Yao get dunked on so much? He's 20 feet tall!!!

Amy Nelson

  (10:25 AM)

No, you know what...

Nate (Detroit, MI

I like all 3 dunks but that 3rd gets the nod because the guy who got dunked on hit the floor pretty hard, that was kind of funny

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Iguodala happens every night, the other two were the same dunk basically... I guess the last one was best because he took off from farther.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

If LeBron breaks Kobe's MSG record tonight, I just hope he re-breaks it wearing a Knicks' uniform next time.

Chris (Jersey)

Dunk Contest winner is hands down Willie Warren...getting up over the big man

Wainwright

Is it just me, or is Skip starting to kind of slyly shift towards LeBron. At this point last year,actually ALL of last year i dont remember him even being half as nice to LBJ as he has this year. Is it just me or is Lebron actually started to impress Skip.

Chris, East Lansing

I like Willie Warren.

Amy Nelson

  (10:27 AM)

But why? I need details in order to read it on the air...

Carla (Fort Valley, GA)

I'm a female student studying sports journalism and I LOVE following the NFL Draft and National Signing Day. It's exciting to see what these kids can bring to the school's programs that they sign to and I can't wait to see how they will help get their school to the National Championship!

Angelo-Cleveland,Ohio

King James will not try to break Kobe Bryant,s record because he want,s to win the game that,why he will have triple-double

Artem (Fair Lawn, NJ)

I can't believe Skip wimped out. You can't make a statement on television, in front of everyone watching, and just go back on your statement like that. I'm very disappointed in Skip. =[

Amy Nelson

  (10:28 AM)

Hey Artem, At least I got the message. And I agree, total wimp move. I was trying to talk trash back but they cut my mike...

Christopher (San Antonio)

Manu had a vicious dunk in the game against the Hornets on Saturday night, where was that one?

Mixi (California)

Igoudala gets an 8.4 for me. I give Warren an 8.1 and Johnson gets a 8.3 for me. The 76er gets the edge for me

Mixi (California)

Igoudala gets the edge for me because anyone who is able to dunk over Yao really has the skill.

Brandon, MA

How much repetitive NBA can be talked about? Where is the NHL talk? Ovie, Chara, Iginla, Thornton, TIM THOMAS!! Much more Exciting!

Amy Nelson

  (10:29 AM)

oh boy, there's always one.

matt (East Northport, NY)

when do you go back on the air?

Amy Nelson

  (10:30 AM)

Not until some time after 11 ... think the dunk contest is at 11:30 ... no one else writing in on any we missed?

mike greenville sc

think about it ..when mj won the mvp he won the finals ..kobe won the mvp he went down the drain.. mj won nba title by beating a reg season mvp karl malone..paul pierce and kg,ray allen beat kobe mvp for title

Andy (Akron, Ohio)

Dunk number 2 takes it, it looked like he accelerated in mid air! Check him for a jet pack.

TJ ( LONGVIEW, TX )

Andre Iguadala dunks over Yao Ming..Yao 7ft 6in, and he tried to block the dunk enough said.

Lindo (Detroit, MI)

Willie Warren's dunk was THE most impressive. Not only is he a 6ft guard, but to rise over a center/forward and not brake stride even after the dunk is like Nate Robinson blocking Yao. Rare but beauty.

Amy Nelson

  (10:32 AM)

Thought Iguadalas was the worst because after he dunked he even looked like he wasn't impressed.

matt (East Northport, NY)

or maybe lebron will dunk over david lee en route to his 62 points trying to one up kobe

Lindo (Detroit, MI)

Willie Warren's dunk was THE most impressive because a 6ft guard rose over a center/forward without breaking stride. That's like Nate Robinson blocking Yao Ming. Rare, yet still a thing of beauty.

Matt (Rocky Point)

Just because Kobe scored 61 in MSG doesn't mean it compares to Jordan's 55, Jordan did it against a physical, defense-minded Knicks team and Kobe did it againt D'antoni and the 7 seconds or less offense

Wes (Memphis, TN)

Go with Warren. He is shorter than both Iguodola and Johnson. Plus he had less momentum going into his dunk.

Mike (camp Lejeune, NC

You missed out on Lebrons opening alley oop dunk last night when he came chargin from behind the 3 point line and just CRUSHED it

Amy Nelson

  (10:34 AM)

I saw that one, thought it was pretty good.

matt (East Northport, NY)

amy are you just on wed.?

Amy Nelson

  (10:35 AM)

youp...

Denny - Rankin, IL

Willie Warren. It comes down to the two college dunks because they were both on defenders who were trying to take a charge. Warren's defender was bigger and held better position. I'll bet that dunk was a no-call and could've even been ruled a charge counting the basket.

Kent (Macon, GA)

You kind of have to discount the dunk of Yao, I mean doesn't that happen about once a week or something?

Amy Nelson

  (10:36 AM)

agreed...

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Remember Jordan dropped the "double-nickel" on MSG just a few games into his Bulls comeback. Heck, he was still wearing the infamous 45 jersey at the time.

matt (East Northport, NY)

its gotta be iguaddala yeah he didnt look excited but he just kinda hung on yaos back as yao tried to walk away in shame

JASON

I have seen almost every game LeBron has played and there have not been many where he looks to score the whole game. There usually is a 5 or 6 minute period where he tries to set up rather than score.

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Amy, if Bonds is found guilty in his court cases do you think they should strip him of his records and restore Aaron as the true home run king?

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

never will happen. never.

Ashley Louisville,KY

Oh and about the Kevin Hart guy. I don't think it's sad at all. You don't fake a news conference. I don't care how bad you want to impress your parents, that was just stupid, so i think the sympathy for this guy needs to go out the window.

Amy Nelson

  (10:37 AM)

It's sad you want the attention that badly you'd stoop to a stunt like that. That means issues.

Mixi (California)

Mike, you're way too hard on LeBron. Come on man. I predict a 32-14-10-7 effort tonight (the 7 being steals, 10 being assists and 14 being rebounds)

Rod: Madison, FL

Amy...one day a week and you only get 4 hours sleep???? Where's your allegiance to the job?

Amy Nelson

  (10:38 AM)

Obviously you guys! Btw, don;t forget to go to my twitter page ... twitter.com/amyknelson ... i do updates for the show and if you write in there i might use that too...

Lindo (Detroit, MI)

At this point, Yao is a complete poster-child (in the wrong way). Him getting dunked on is no longer an anomaly. By the way that dunk Tyrus Thomas on Jermaine O'Neal last week was so viscious, it need to be mentioned again

Christopher (San Antonio)

As a former Marine who was stationed at Camp Lejeune, Semper Fi to Mike and all other Marines! Thank a service member for their service and allowing us to do the things we do an a daily basis!

mark (manhattan ks)

matt from rocky point needs to get over it. MJ isn't stepping onto any courts these days, nor is anyone going to be able to actually become the "NEXT" jordan. Appreciate what kobe is doing!!!

mark(manhattan ks)

How about Tracy McGrady dunking on Tyrus Thomas....that was sikk

Amy Nelson

  (10:41 AM)

didn't see it...so what's the bset dunk we're missing? has to be from the last week

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Jameer Nelson was really playing well, and Skip is right, the Magic own the Cavs the last couple seasons. The Magic do not have a reliable option now.

Kent (Macon, GA)

I believe the Magic will be just fine without Jameer Nelson. I mean they have Anthony Johnson and don't they have the current ACC scoring leader on their team, what was his name....oh yeah, J.J. Redick! He finally gets a chance to prove himself in the NBA!!! Let's go J.J.!

Otisfeild,Me

Can McGrady get a write in? It was the best of the year. I know Skip would love a write in!

Amy Nelson

  (10:42 AM)

see i'll give points for that...

Chris (Jersey)

That T-Mac dunk was vicious...but its T-Mac, he'll probably be hurt by the time this gets posted

Matt (Rocky Point, NY)

With the loss of Jameer Nelson I expect to see the Magic become a better defensive team and with additional minutes now open for J.J. Reddick there won't be a huge drop in 3-point field goals

Chris, East Lansing

I can't give it to AI because it was an alley-oop, which always looks good but gives the leaper quite an advantage. Willie Warren decided to check that big man for lice after take-off he was up there so long. The motion and force behind the dunk was perfect.

Jason (Dallas, TX)

Kevin Hart is kinda sad. To feel that lonely where you have to hold a press conference to feel like you are someone. People at thier worst is sad and it's ashame no one could see that and help him. It is still his fault and he sould feel like a fool though.

Krissy (Tampa, Fl)

I sent an email in, then found the chat! I am a female way into recruiting for the same reasons Skip mentioned. Its exciting to see who will turn out to be good and who will not. I am the biggest football fan on the planet, probably too obsessed with it! I like seeing the local kids from here in Florida high schools go onto the next level and beyond.

Thomas (Sumner, WA)

I would have to go with McGrady. The stare he gave him after the dunk was chilling. It looked as if he wanted to fight Tyrus Thomas **ANY** If you wanna see the T-Mac dunk. Here is a link to it on youtube.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0c3_mPo8y1I

Otisfeild, Me

Thank u Mark (Ks.) I have been saying the McGrady dunk was by far the best but I cant get my comments on here(Amy).

Amy Nelson

  (10:48 AM)

we'll post it, you guys have ruled and that will be the fourth. but is it better than all the others?

Ashley Louisville,KY

Amy if i were you i would go with the tmac dunk over tyrus. I saw it and was truly something. It was like tmac was saying you're still not ready for me. Now what?

JWing,AZ

untill McCrady can get out of the first round of the play-offs he doesnt deserve a write in.

Otisfield Me

That McGrady dunk was last nite.

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

that's ok

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

I felt very sorry for Hart because of the sociological pressure he felt to fake his recruitment. If you get a chance watch the story Outside the Lines did on it. It really explains a lot. I mean, he was getting Major college looks and that whole community put pressure on the kid and he couldn't handle it. Sure, he's at fault ultimately but something pushed him to the edge.

chaz (sa tx)

ok i am starting to ge the feeling that krissy, ashley and that other girl are the same person. amy am i alone on this?

Amy Nelson

  (10:49 AM)

always a possibility...we don't have many females on this chat.

Mixi (California)

Marcus Johnson of USC's dunk was stylerific and very flashy. I score an 8.3 for his effort because of the creativity of it. He had good timing with it

Paul (Indianapolis, IN)

Amy, is Jay keeping an eye on the national signing day site to see who his buckeyes picked up? Pryor could use some more talent around him.

Amy Nelson

  (10:50 AM)

What do you think? I say yes.

Laron (San Diego, Ca )

Brandon Roy dunks on 7 ft 1in Cheikh Samb. it was bananas.

Charlie (Akron Ohio)

I have a write in for Skip. How about Willie Green's dunk on the wizards, he threw that down with authority!

mike long island

amyyyy !!! whats up

Amy Nelson

  (10:51 AM)

what up!

Wes (Memphis, TN)

There is no way any of these are better than the Willie Warren dunk. Warren took 2 or 3 steps and pretty much jumped right OVER the defender. That guy has got some serious ups!

Chris (Jersey)

The thing that might push T-Mac to the top is the fact that it was left handed! And going over the extremely long (shout out to Jay Bilas lol) Tyrus Thomas...

Chris (Jersey)

Amy, you gotta let Jay know his shirt/tie combo is excellent today...Jay has to be one of, if not, the best dressers on ESPN

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

When do we submit nominees for Best Hockey Goal of the Week, Amy?

Amy Nelson

  (10:55 AM)

cha! don't think that's happening. i'm trying to campaign for doing this for web gems

Jarad (Boston)

They will vote on the best hockey goal of the week when people start watching it agian.

mark(manhattan ks)

if we are talking fashion now then we need to stop the show and go find Steven A. Smith

Mike (LA)

USC baby!!! That dunk will be a poster in Cali next year!!!

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Alley-Oop dunks always get a extra point in my book because of the degree of difficulty. I mean, the dunker doesn't have the ball in his hands until the moment of truth and that's always impressive. However, the Marcus Johnson dunk still gets a higher score of 8.5 from me. T-Mac comes in at 8.0 just based on the fact that he didn't tear a groin or something. That dude has to be the most brittle superstar in NBA history. Has he ever played a full season?

Vince Carter

My dunk in the Olympics over that tall French dude rules over all.

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

totally.

Amy Nelson

  (10:58 AM)

how embarassing is that

Amy Nelson

  (11:00 AM)

After watching them again I think I like Warren's teh best.

mark(manhattan ks)

woooooow, i dind't know there was a T-Mac hater campaign in progress...

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

When you dunk on someone like Marcus Johnson did you take a little piece of that person's manhood with you. Sick.

Matt (Rocky Point, NY)

T-macs dunk was nice but he lacked the elevation Warren got on his, although the look he gave Ty Thomas is almost enough to compensate for that

Chris (Jersey)

1 hour into the show and no Cash for Gold commercials? They must've broke the bank for the MC Hammer one Sunday

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I will always hold the John Starks poster dunk in my heart. It reminds me of better days for the Knicks.

Tim (Merritt Island,FL)

The guy from Oklahoma.That was cool how he just slowly rose up,very smooth.

JWing Scottsdale,AZ

Marcus Johnson vs Cal, Its a better dunk when the defender is actually trying to play defense and get the facial.

Kent (Macon, GA)

I still believe the Magic will be a stellar team without Jameer Nelson, I mean they do have Anthony Johnson and don't they have a guy that currently holds the ACC scoring record, what was his name....oh yeah, that's right, J.J. Redick! I think it's about time he got his playing time! We all know he can play!

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

I'm going with the Oklahoma dunk because it looks like he elevates and then elevates AGAIN in mid air to stuff one on that big dude from Iowa State.

Tim (Luzerne, PA)

I actually think the best dunk wasn't even a nominee. It was last nights mo look alley-oop to LeBron. The fact that it was a no look pass into an alley-oop made it look amazing.

Wes (Memphis, TN)

That Willie Warren dunk might be the best dunk in the past couple years.

Amy Nelson

  (11:05 AM)

What?!

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

I've always been a Magic fan and remember T-Mac carrying them to the playoffs year after year, so I don't hate on T-Mac at all. He just is never on a great team and runs into the best every year.

Tom (Otisfeild,Me)

The T.Mac dunk made the top 10 on espn! no need 2 see it on u tube. I cant get to the poll 2 c if its on 2 vote?

Amy Nelson

  (11:06 AM)

There's no poll, it's just you guys telling me what you think and then I read some comments and vote on the dunk.

chaz (sa tx)

wes = willy warren

Wes (Memphis, TN)

All this dunk talk (Willie Warren is da man!), what about that block LeBron had on Bosh. Now that was SICK!

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

I agree...

Celtic's Fan (Maine-iac)

how come none of my posts are showing up? Is it because I'm a Celts fan? Or is it cause I like Skip?

Amy Nelson

  (11:07 AM)

Skip gets some love on here, from time to time. There was a guy who said he named his kid after Skip and he wasn't joking....

Ashley Louisville,KY

no i do not know this krissy girl, or the other girl. i'm my own person. honest. hey there are a lot more females than you think that are into sports.

Amy Nelson

  (11:09 AM)

Ashley no need to tell me!

Amy Nelson

  (11:11 AM)

hold on one sec guys about to go on the air

JWing Scottsdale,AZ

I think the Bynum injury is more of a blow than the Nelson injury.With this injury is Kobe going to play mvp-Kobe or selfish everyone hates me-Kobe.

Scott Newburn provo utah

"Please read me on the air." After all the hype for national signing day, can we please talk less on golf,basketball, and Micheal Phelps and please focus on college football tallent signing with their school of choice.

chaz (sa tx

ppl need to lay off phelps, atleast he admitted it. he could have gone all barry, rocket and pinocchio.

Amy Nelson

  (11:19 AM)

So here's my take on the Phelps thing...agree with Jemele. I think it's ridiculous that the sherff was going after this just for his 15 minutes.

Jack (Wisconsin)

Phelps should be dropped. There are tons of hard working people losing jobs every day. He has messed up twice and still makes millions of bucks when he is too imuature to be "national hero" and I would hope my kids wouldn't act like him. PS he sucks at acting.

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

Ok agree at the acting part. But I think we are all being a bit too high and mighty. Though, he did get all those millions from sponsors...

Chris (Jersey)

Skip...100% wrong on Phelps and white America...The majority of people that I have talked too think he is a little off, there is just something about him that kind of makes you raise an eyebrow...The DUI, the Bong, and all the ladies he cycles through is too much...Phelps is that kid from high school who all the parents think is great, but the kids know what goes on over the weekend...

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

No offense to South Carolina, but I think they should go after bigger criminals than a photo of Michael Phelps. And I think he's getting a pass because he wasnt convicted of anything and it wasn't a criminal charge, its only a photo.

Amy Nelson

  (11:21 AM)

No proof that there was weed in there, btw...

Andre (college park, md)

I think skip is making a valid point also..if Lebron james was the person that got caught you have a sportscenter special on this all day!and phelps gets a pass?

alonzo (Macon, GA)

Jamelle just made an excellent point. Substitute Lebron for Phelps in that photo and Skip's head would explode. Phelps will get a pass because of his image and his skin color.

Amy Nelson

  (11:23 AM)

I think Jemel's point about Josh HOward was even better. So true, double standard...and Howard was on video just talking about it.

Wayne (Yardley, PA)

The Phelps thing is no big deal. The only reason the media is focusing on this is because of the time of year. If this came out in October no one would care b/c the world series and nfl are going on.

Amy Nelson

  (11:24 AM)

Totally disagree. He's smoking something from a BONG. This was America's hero, Mr. Corporate America. This is a big story.

mark(manhattan ks)

i don't think phelps should be in any legal trouble but i think he needs much more criticism. The reason he isn't being dropped from endorsements is because all the "soccer/swim moms and dads" aren't up in arms about it. If Lebron got caught in that same situation he would be done.

Matt (Rocky Point, NY)

I agree with Jemele too but on her other point, that the sherriff was sufferering from embarrassment. Heres this big national photo of the law being broken in your jurisdiction and you can understand it might be hard to just let it go.

Amy Nelson

  (11:25 AM)

Isn't this the same sherrif who had some sort of TV gig?

Amy Nelson

  (11:26 AM)

Isn't this the same sherrif who had some sort of TV gig?

Andy (Akron, Ohio)

No proof that there was weed in there?! Are you kidding me, what else would it be? Come on Amy.

Chris (Jersey)

The best analogy I can come up with for Michael Phelps is that he is that kid in high school who all the parents and teachers love, but all of the kids know what happens on the weekends, and don't really like him as much as everyone puts on

Aleem Orane NJ

I Would like to say I applaud both Jamelle and Skip for stating the difference of perception between black and white athletes in america

Jeremey(Louisville,KY.)

A backflip on a tricycle, he's nuts.

Christopher (San Antonio)

The tricycle backflip was awesome, and he even nailed the landing! He should try a unicycle next!

Amy Nelson

  (11:29 AM)

Pastrana is insane.

Leonard (Petersburg, VA)

Thank you Jamelle and Skip for saying what many of us of color have been saying amongst ourselves since this story broke. As Whoopi just said on The View, if he wasn't a celebrity that story and picture would probably not have even made the news.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Come on Amy, how can you say we don't know what was in the bong? Common sense rules here. You don't smoke tobacco from a bong. That's the excuse machine cranking up. The dude was smoking weed and he needs to just come out and say it because if he doesn't own up to it what does that say about his integrity?

Amy Nelson

  (11:30 AM)

Ok, I concede it was weed. But again, we don't have PROOF. Remember, you have to have proof in order to charge someone.

Artem (Fair Lawn, NJ)

That back flip takes guts. How do you practice that? That landing had to hurt a coxes bone. Ouch

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

The big question is what is Michael Phelps doing allowing someone to take a photo of him doing that? Even tho you don't have enough sense to not do what he did, don't you think he'd have enough sense to cover his back and not allow someone to opportunity to take a photo of something like that?

Amy Nelson

  (11:31 AM)

um, when you're under the influence perhaps you're not as aware?

Chris (Jersey)

I would like to make it clear that Skip does not speak for all of white America, I am a young, white, upper-middle class man and the majority of people i know think something is up with Phelps, and have for a while

Amy Nelson

  (11:32 AM)

What does that mean, something up?

mark(manhattan ks)

the proof is in the fact he was holding a bong with it pressed to his lips...and he eats like a horse...coincidence?

Ashley Louisville,KY

ok now i'm not seeing any of my posts. what's going on?

Amy Nelson

  (11:33 AM)

Ashley ... not all get in. I choose what's up. btw, you and homegirl krissy got shoutouts on the air.

Matt (Rocky Point, NY)

I might be wrong but I think that photo was taken on a cell phone, and I doubt anybody even Michael Phelps could get away with just asking people to leave their cell phones outside the room. The bigger issue was him doing it in the first place

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

Not sure if we talked about this yet but does anyone think Manny might get black balled like Bonds only for his attitude and the way he left Boston?

Amy Nelson

  (11:33 AM)

He's too good to be blackballed. I refuse to believe that will happen.

Wil (Orlando, Fl)

It seems like Phelps is getting vilified for not being vilified. He's simply a swimmer that the rest of us declared a role model. The problem lies with the racial perceptions of those who report the news and how they report it. Leave Phelps alone and go after those who unfairly treat black athletes for the same actions.

JeremeyLouisville,KY.)

He didn't have to admit that it was him. He really doesn't care, he has his eight gold medals and they can't take them away.

Ricky "Ramblin' Man" Sisk

Not a bad segment on firstdown. It is curious that they took up the racial aspect of the Phelps situation after I sent a few emails on just that to a couple of espn shows. I disagree with you and Jemele on possible charges. Again, feeling sorry for a white athlete. Last I checked drugs are still illegal. Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes and a few other black stars have been charged for weed possession. I did not here those type comments then. Breaking the law is breaking the law and I don't care what race you are.

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

You're right Amy. But, does he have the integrity to step up to a podium and own it? If he denies it, his integrity goes out of the window forever.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Leonard: If you are going to reap the rewards of being a celebrity (endorsement deals, etc.) then you have to be prepared to suffer the consequences when you do something incredibly stupid. Sure the photos wouldn't have been in the news if he wasn't famous but on the other side, I'm not getting paid to eat a certain brand of cereal.

Amy Nelson

  (11:35 AM)

very good point...

Christopher (San Antonio)

Manny quit on the Red Sox in the middle of the season. Why would any team want to risk what happened in Boston during the season, at the outrageous price he's asking?

mark(manhattan ks)

i think the entire league is trying to play chicken with manny. There's no way he could not be signed by midway through spring training. He's too good to leave on the shelf.

Vincent (Orlando, Fl)

The headline for 1st and 10 should have been is Michael Phelps getting a puff puff pass.

Aleem Orange NJ

When are these sports heros going to realize that the only thing private in their lives happens at their homes

Chris (Port Orchard, Wa)

I can't stand how up tight people get when there celebs get caught doing something wrong. People need to take it a little easier.

Eric Sacramento, Ca

I'm not sure that Phelps is getting a pass on this. The media is covering it. I don't think you can compare Phelps with Lebron because of the sports that they compete in. Lebron is in the media everyday, and Michael is getting attention for a couple of weeks every four years. Does anyone really care about swimming? I don't.

Andy (Akron)

Manny is garbage. He should have taken the one year deal, shut his mouth and played hard (most likely impossible). But if he actually did this, he would make his 25 mil. and then get another 1 year deal next season for 25 mil. more.

Chris (Port Orchard, Wa)

Aleem, I don't think that is even private anymore.

Amy Nelson

  (11:39 AM)

Perhaps, not.

Celtic's Fan (Maine-iac)

Marijuana is pretty benign and IMHO Lebron would get a parade if he had a pic of him surface with a bong. I mean if Kobe can have "an affair" and then last year be the MVP and have everyone love him so much then having a pic surface of Phelps is nothing.

Tim (Luzerne, PA)

Not even that is private Aleem. Everything gets out about these athletes. EVERYTHING.

Bo (Tampa, Fl)

Teams should want Manny because even Manny "quitting" was the best hitter on the Red Sox.

Ashley Louisville,KY

even that's not private aleem. look at michael vick.

Thomas (Sumner, WA)

Shaun White! What a joke! half the field had better runs and tricks than him but he got the golds anyway. That's the reason I hate watching Winter X Games. It all seems predetermined unless someone falls too often

Dan (amherst, WI)

I'm so tired of hearing about manny. It seems like every year he's whining about something, money, contract or whatever. He may be one of the best, but I'm tired of him.

Chris (Port Orchard, Wa)

Manny is probably the best hitter of his generation if he isn't probably top 3. That is the opposite of garbage.

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

I think he was referring to garbage in his attitude and what he did...

Ross (Tampa)

the reason the Phelps thing is such a story is because no one can do what he does. No one ever. last year a similar, not the same but similar, thing happened to Matt Leinhart, it got a little publicity but he could be replaced. No one is stepping up behind Phelps and taking his 8 gold metals.

Amy Nelson

  (11:41 AM)

Guys i'm going out for the dunk contest now. Will be back after that ... will read your comnments on the air and add the Mcgrady dunk

Amy Nelson

  (11:50 AM)

Sorry guys we ran out of time to add in T-Macs dunk

Ashley Louisville,KY

they didn't let you add the mcgrady dunk. boo

Amy Nelson

  (11:51 AM)

Nope, we were running out of time.

Tim (Luzerne, PA)

You showed them who is boss Amy! You destroyed Skip and Andy on this one!

Thomas (Sumner, WA)

Amy?! No love for T-Mac?! You should have brought it up on set.

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

Sorry guys they're yelling in our ear that we have to go...

Tim (Luzerne, PA)

Amy I think you could take skip in a dunk contest. What do you say? Live on FT next Wednesday?

Amy Nelson

  (11:52 AM)

Yes, totally.

Patrick (Harmony TN)

you told me you didn't take breaks amy.

Amy Nelson

  (11:53 AM)

Well when we do this new segment I've got to go out there, and btw, that aint a break!

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

I'll admit, when I played basketball in High School I got posterized on a dunk where I tried to take the charge. I still think about it to this day.

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

No offense Amy, but I want to see Skip take "LeBrick" on in a game of HORSE and play offense and defense on TO and see who catches more TD's

Amy Nelson

  (11:55 AM)

i think we know that's a wrap

Alonzo (Macon, GA)

Getting posterized has a traumatizing effect on the "postee"..take it from me.

Amy Nelson

  (11:56 AM)

So it seems a lot of you don't use twitter but I'm trying to build up a base on it and I'll be updating it more frequently...

Amy Nelson

  (11:57 AM)

So hit me up in twitter.com/amyknelson

Dan (amherst, WI)

Maybe Matt Millen can call a game, but his ability to breakdown talent and talk about it as credible I would have a hard time to take him seriously

JWing Scottsdale,AZ

I think NY players will treat Lebron like the way we treat our food with MSG not in our diet today. 25 or fewer points for Lebron.The Knicks players maybe embarassed enough about KB24's performance to allow an encore tonight.

Tim (Luzerne, PA)

I think the Detroit news segment went too far with that. Yes, they all hate him in Detroit, but that is horrible and juvenile to do. How will the Lions improve if they can't even support their own team?

Jeremey(Louisville, KY.)

Amy twitter is sooo boring, how much are they paying u.

Amy Nelson

  (11:58 AM)

Nada, but I see it works really well on Rick Sacnhez's show on CNN and figured a lot of people were on it. Perhaps not?

Brian (Michigan)

Facebook, Amy. Facebook. It's all about Facebook.

Amy Nelson

  (12:00 PM)

I'm on it, but I don't approve ppl I don't know. Sorry.

Thomas (Sumner, WA)

Amy, you could probably get more people if you started a Facebook page or something to that effect. Stay away from Myspace though

Amy Nelson

  (12:00 PM)

Been thinking about doing a facebook page for this show...not sure if enough people would join it?

Andy (Akron)

Amy, you need to get the people at ESPN to make this into more of a chat room so we dont have to keep refreshing the page.

Amy Nelson

  (12:01 PM)

Well there are two interfaces, one on the sportsnation home page where you don't have to refresh and then one on the main page of espn.com where you have to refresh

Amy Nelson

  (12:02 PM)

so guys we should be wrapping this up. I'll be back next week thank you all for your comments...

Ryan (Pittsburgh)

ANOTHER LIVE HOUR OF FIRST TAKE?! Obama's in the White House, Steeler's just won the Super Bowl, and now this?! Only thing that could be better is if First Take had a facebook page! ;)

Amy Nelson

  (12:03 PM)

nope guys not a whole nother hour live, just the first few minutes. we do that sometimes when there's breaking news

Thomas (Sumner, WA)

You would have a TON more people join if you had a Facebook compared to twitter. It's a larger engine that let's you do more with less. It's also user friendly and that's why people use it a lot more.

Amy Nelson

  (12:04 PM)

Ok maybe we'll start one up...