Thought #1

Dwight Howard was fined $35,000 for his blog comments criticizing the officiating during the Magic's first round series against the Bobcats. During the series Dwight picked up 22 fouls over 4 games, which didn't sit well with the big man and even had his teammates giving him the new nickname, "foul on me."

Now whether or not Dwight has actually become the target of the refs is up for debate. Granted if he didn't try to send every shot into the stands, he probably would get to actually finish a game. The real issue here is why worry about this right now in a series against the Cats?

Dwight, you knew this was going to get you in trouble, you knew this would probably get you one of those sweet David Stern "the refs are untouchables" fines. I mean heck, you started the whole thing out by saying you thought it might get you in trouble. I mean that's like when someone starts a comment with "no offense" lord knows something awful is coming next.

So why cash that ticket now? Why worry about the calls against a Bobcats team that had no real business in the playoffs anyway? Why spend 35 grand to prove a point this early in the playoffs?

With the way Stern throws around fines, you only have so many bullets in that gun big guy, so you might want to consider saving them for more crucial situation.

Thought #2

It's one thing when you do something bad and the dork in class calls you out for it, or the holy roller of your peers attempts to convict you, make you cry, and ask forgiveness. Its a completely different thing when whatever you did, or "allegedly" did, earns you a shot from the class drug dealer. You do something that turns his head, and you've really accomplished something.

And welcome to the current world of Ben Roethlisberger, who's latest rip doesn't come from a right wing radio host or a concerned parent, but from a rapper famously known for songs about killing his wife and putting her in a lake.

It was reported today that Eminem is calling him out in his latest album. That's right, Slim Shady got after Big Ben saying,"I'd rather turn this club into a bar room brawl. Get as rowdy as Roethlisberger in a bathroom stall."

Nice. Instant street cred huh Ben?

Listen even if the suspension, the fines, and the press ripping him apart haven't gotten to him yet, this should. Getting called out by this guy is like the worst behaved kid in school shaking his head at how you disrespected the teacher. All I can say is, they can smell their own, and even at that, Shady seems a little disappointed in you Ben.

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