By MICHAEL ROSNER
Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night for center Ben Wallace, guard Sasha Pavlovic and a second-round draft pick (No. 46 overall in Thursday's draft).
Phoenix looking to rebuild will probably buy out one if not both contracts. This is the perfect situation for Shaq who is looking for one more ring. He be a big help to Lebron James as teams in the East still have to respect the big guy. This move will help them against Orlando and Boston who have two of the premier big men in the league.
The Cavs still need one more shooter/athlete to help James and Shaq.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Top Ten Prospects In 2009 NBA Draft
By MICHAEL ROSNER
With the NBA draft only two days away the players that will have the brightest future are:
#1 Blake Griffin
Has the size, hustle and athleticism to be a very good NBA player for a long time. He is the #1 pick in the draft and will be playing for the Clippers.
#2 Hasheem Thabeet
He has more potential than anyone in the draft. He can get up and down the court, block shots and change the game on defense. He will also get garbage points and probably average 10-11 pts/gm. He has only been playing basketball for six years and his offensive game will get much better over the next couple of years.
#3 Stephen Curry
Curry is the purest shooter in the draft. He reminds me a lot of a smaller Reggie Miller the way he can get open without the ball. He can play point, but needs a little work on his handle. Will be a good one.
#4 DeJuan Blair
He is a poor mans Charles Barkley. As long as he stays healthy and keeps his weight down he is a can't miss. He will help a team immediately and add toughness where ever he goes. He will be good for a long time.
#5 Brandon Jennings
This guy is instant offense. If he was allowed to enter the draft last year he would have been a lottery pick. The upside is tremendous.
#6 Johnny Flynn
Good things come in small packages. This guy is a leader on the court, who can make all the plays. He has a big heart and a never say die attitude.
#7 Tyreke Evans
Has size and athletic ability. After a great season at Memphis he enters the draft. He needs work on his ball handling and his shot. If he improves his jumper he will be a star.
#8 James Harden
Harden is a lock down defender and know how to get to the free throw line. If he is in the right situation he can be an asset this year. Needs to work on his shooting.
#9 Ricky Rubio
I have not seen enough of Rubio. Every team needs a true point guard, someone that loves to get everyone involved. He is only 18 years old and has been playing with international professionals for almost five years. From what I hear he needs to work on his shooting and finishing at the basket.
#10 Jordan Hill
With only a few big man in this class Hill will go much earlier than a typical draft.
He has been playing organized basketball for four years and improving every year. He has some skill, a nice jumper from 15 feet and has a feel for offensive rebounds. Needs to put on weight and get stronger.
With the NBA draft only two days away the players that will have the brightest future are:
#1 Blake Griffin
Has the size, hustle and athleticism to be a very good NBA player for a long time. He is the #1 pick in the draft and will be playing for the Clippers.
#2 Hasheem Thabeet
He has more potential than anyone in the draft. He can get up and down the court, block shots and change the game on defense. He will also get garbage points and probably average 10-11 pts/gm. He has only been playing basketball for six years and his offensive game will get much better over the next couple of years.
#3 Stephen Curry
Curry is the purest shooter in the draft. He reminds me a lot of a smaller Reggie Miller the way he can get open without the ball. He can play point, but needs a little work on his handle. Will be a good one.
#4 DeJuan Blair
He is a poor mans Charles Barkley. As long as he stays healthy and keeps his weight down he is a can't miss. He will help a team immediately and add toughness where ever he goes. He will be good for a long time.
#5 Brandon Jennings
This guy is instant offense. If he was allowed to enter the draft last year he would have been a lottery pick. The upside is tremendous.
#6 Johnny Flynn
Good things come in small packages. This guy is a leader on the court, who can make all the plays. He has a big heart and a never say die attitude.
#7 Tyreke Evans
Has size and athletic ability. After a great season at Memphis he enters the draft. He needs work on his ball handling and his shot. If he improves his jumper he will be a star.
#8 James Harden
Harden is a lock down defender and know how to get to the free throw line. If he is in the right situation he can be an asset this year. Needs to work on his shooting.
#9 Ricky Rubio
I have not seen enough of Rubio. Every team needs a true point guard, someone that loves to get everyone involved. He is only 18 years old and has been playing with international professionals for almost five years. From what I hear he needs to work on his shooting and finishing at the basket.
#10 Jordan Hill
With only a few big man in this class Hill will go much earlier than a typical draft.
He has been playing organized basketball for four years and improving every year. He has some skill, a nice jumper from 15 feet and has a feel for offensive rebounds. Needs to put on weight and get stronger.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Michael Jordan Was The Greatest Player, But The Worst GM/Owner
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player in NBA history, but maybe the worst GM and owner. Since his retirement MJ has not made one good move in the front office. He traded All-Star Rip Hamilton for an overrated Jerry Stackhouse. Jordan drafted Kwame Brown #1 and Adam Morrison #2 in two different drafts. They both turned out to be busts. He selected Raymond Felton and Sean May out of North Carolina in the same draft, two more busts. He traded for J. Richardson a great athlete, but a hog which he got rid of a year later. It looks like he is at it again. Charlotte which owns the 12th pick in the 2009 NBA draft has its heart set on Gerald Henderson out of Duke. I like Henderson and I believe he will be a good pro, but that is it. He is a good defender and athlete, however he needs a lot of work on his handle and outside shooting. If Henderson is not available they are leaning towards Terrence Williams a shooting guard from Louisville, who has bust written all over him. The only way the Bobcats are ever going to improve as a franchise is to keep Michael Jordan away from player personal moves.
Michael Jordan was the greatest basketball player in NBA history, but maybe the worst GM and owner. Since his retirement MJ has not made one good move in the front office. He traded All-Star Rip Hamilton for an overrated Jerry Stackhouse. Jordan drafted Kwame Brown #1 and Adam Morrison #2 in two different drafts. They both turned out to be busts. He selected Raymond Felton and Sean May out of North Carolina in the same draft, two more busts. He traded for J. Richardson a great athlete, but a hog which he got rid of a year later. It looks like he is at it again. Charlotte which owns the 12th pick in the 2009 NBA draft has its heart set on Gerald Henderson out of Duke. I like Henderson and I believe he will be a good pro, but that is it. He is a good defender and athlete, however he needs a lot of work on his handle and outside shooting. If Henderson is not available they are leaning towards Terrence Williams a shooting guard from Louisville, who has bust written all over him. The only way the Bobcats are ever going to improve as a franchise is to keep Michael Jordan away from player personal moves.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Diego Corrales Vs Jose Luis Castillo Round 10
By MICHAEL ROSNER
This is one of the greatest rounds in the history of boxing, if not the greatest.
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This is one of the greatest rounds in the history of boxing, if not the greatest.
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Pujols 2 Home Runs Lead Cards Past Tribe 3-1
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Albert Pujols hit two home runs and Brad Thompson pitched six shutout innings to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Saturday. Pujols The two time MVP has 22 home runs to lead the majors. He is also third in the national league in RBI's and is sitting in fifth place with a .329 average.
Albert Pujols hit two home runs and Brad Thompson pitched six shutout innings to lead the St. Louis Cardinals past the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Saturday. Pujols The two time MVP has 22 home runs to lead the majors. He is also third in the national league in RBI's and is sitting in fifth place with a .329 average.
Yank's Beat Met's On Castillo's 2 Out Error In Ninth
By MICHAEL ROSNER
With the score tied at 7-7 in the Eighth-inning, David Wright doubled off Mariano Rivera to score Carlos Beltran and put the Mets ahead 8-7. Francisco Rodriguez the best closer in the game, took the mound for the Mets to close out game one of the subway series.
K-Rod (1-1) appeared to escape a ninth inning jam on the pop up by Alex Rodriguez, but Mets second baseman Luis Castillo dropped A-Rod's two-out pop giving the Yankees a crazy 9-8 victory.
Castillo a three time gold glove winner, dropped a routine fly ball and the Mets found another way to lose. What else can go wrong for The New York Mets?
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With the score tied at 7-7 in the Eighth-inning, David Wright doubled off Mariano Rivera to score Carlos Beltran and put the Mets ahead 8-7. Francisco Rodriguez the best closer in the game, took the mound for the Mets to close out game one of the subway series.
K-Rod (1-1) appeared to escape a ninth inning jam on the pop up by Alex Rodriguez, but Mets second baseman Luis Castillo dropped A-Rod's two-out pop giving the Yankees a crazy 9-8 victory.
Castillo a three time gold glove winner, dropped a routine fly ball and the Mets found another way to lose. What else can go wrong for The New York Mets?
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Subway Series Starts Tonight In The Bronx
By MICHAEL ROSNER
The New York Yankees are looking for revenge against their cross town rivals The New York Mets after being swept at home last year. Both teams are coming into the game on losing streaks at the hands of their division rivals, The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
The pitching match-up for the opener will be Joba Chamberlain 3-1 for the Yankees vs. Livan Hernandez 5-1 for the Mets. Both teams start the subway series second place in their divisions. The big question for the Mets who have 37 home runs last in the majors, can they score with the potent lineup of the Yankees. There have been a 105 homers hit in Yankee Stadium this year, tops in baseball.
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The New York Yankees are looking for revenge against their cross town rivals The New York Mets after being swept at home last year. Both teams are coming into the game on losing streaks at the hands of their division rivals, The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.
The pitching match-up for the opener will be Joba Chamberlain 3-1 for the Yankees vs. Livan Hernandez 5-1 for the Mets. Both teams start the subway series second place in their divisions. The big question for the Mets who have 37 home runs last in the majors, can they score with the potent lineup of the Yankees. There have been a 105 homers hit in Yankee Stadium this year, tops in baseball.
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The Hangover One Of The Funniest Movies Ever
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Two days before getting married Doug (Justin Bartha) joined by his two best friends, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis), who will soon be Doug's brother-in-law, head to Las Vegas for a memorable and classic bachelor party.
When they arrive in Vegas the guys check into a ridiculous suite and that's where the fun begins. Three guys wake up in a their trashed suite. They remember shots of Jager on the roof of the hotel and why they were in Las Vegas, to party with Doug who was getting married. That's it.
Phil, Alan and Stu wake up and no one can remember what happened. Except there is a Tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet and Doug is missing. Their search for Doug and their memory of the night is on, along with 100 minutes of laughs.
While on their journey to uncover the mystery of the night, they run into Mike Tyson, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) a Chinese gangster, a drug dealer (Mike Epps), stun gun happy cops and Jade (Heather Graham) a beautiful escort.
From the director of Old School, Starsky and Hutch and Road Trip, Todd Phillips delivers in a big way!
I loved this movie. It has been years since I’ve laughed so hard! One of the best comedies ever! The cast was halarious. Oh and the ending montage was genius.
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Two days before getting married Doug (Justin Bartha) joined by his two best friends, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Alan (Zach Galifianakis), who will soon be Doug's brother-in-law, head to Las Vegas for a memorable and classic bachelor party.
When they arrive in Vegas the guys check into a ridiculous suite and that's where the fun begins. Three guys wake up in a their trashed suite. They remember shots of Jager on the roof of the hotel and why they were in Las Vegas, to party with Doug who was getting married. That's it.
Phil, Alan and Stu wake up and no one can remember what happened. Except there is a Tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet and Doug is missing. Their search for Doug and their memory of the night is on, along with 100 minutes of laughs.
While on their journey to uncover the mystery of the night, they run into Mike Tyson, Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) a Chinese gangster, a drug dealer (Mike Epps), stun gun happy cops and Jade (Heather Graham) a beautiful escort.
From the director of Old School, Starsky and Hutch and Road Trip, Todd Phillips delivers in a big way!
I loved this movie. It has been years since I’ve laughed so hard! One of the best comedies ever! The cast was halarious. Oh and the ending montage was genius.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Phillies Beat The Mets In The 10th On Ibanez's Home Run
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Raul Ibanez's 3 run homer with two outs in the 10th inning gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-3 victory over the New York Mets. It was the second night in a row that Philly came from behind to beat their division rival. Another difficult loss for the Mets puts them four games behind Philadelphia in the NL East.
Raul Ibanez's 3 run homer with two outs in the 10th inning gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-3 victory over the New York Mets. It was the second night in a row that Philly came from behind to beat their division rival. Another difficult loss for the Mets puts them four games behind Philadelphia in the NL East.
Red Sox Win 4-3, Sweep Series From The Yankees
By MICHAEL ROSNER
The Boston Red Sox rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to beat their long time rivals 4-3. The Sox are now 8-0 against the Bronx Bombers on the season, their best start against the Yankees since 1912. Brad Penny pitched 6 scoreless innings and David "Big Papi" Ortiz hit his 3rd HR in 5 games to pace Boston. Takashi Saito pitched 1 1/3 innings to earn the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect 9th to earn his 16th save.
The Boston Red Sox rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to beat their long time rivals 4-3. The Sox are now 8-0 against the Bronx Bombers on the season, their best start against the Yankees since 1912. Brad Penny pitched 6 scoreless innings and David "Big Papi" Ortiz hit his 3rd HR in 5 games to pace Boston. Takashi Saito pitched 1 1/3 innings to earn the win and Jonathan Papelbon pitched a perfect 9th to earn his 16th save.
Magic Choke Lose In OT 99-91
By MICHAEL ROSNER
The Orlando Magic lost a heart breaking game 5 at home tonight to trail the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals 3-1. Dwight Howard on the line for two free throws with an 87-84 lead and 11.5 seconds remaining on the game clock, it was all but over. Howard who struggled from the line all night only needed to hit one and the game was over, he missed them both. After the Lakers called a timeout Derek "Big Game" Fisher like he has done so many times drilled a 3 pointer with 4.6 seconds to send the game into overtime. In OT with the score tied at 91-91 and a little under a minute left, Fisher hits another huge 3 pointer to seal the game for L.A. as they go on to win 99-91. Kobe led the scoring with 31 points, but was only 11-31 form the field. Gasol and Ariza chipped in with 16 a piece and Fisher who saved his best for late in the game ended up with 12. Turkoglu led Orlando with 25 points and Howard add 15 points 21 Rebounds and an NBA finals record 9 blocks and Pietrus added 15 off the bench. The Magic lost this game at the line where they shot 22-37 and also committed 17 turnovers. Game 5 returns to the Amway arena on Saturday Night.
The Orlando Magic lost a heart breaking game 5 at home tonight to trail the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals 3-1. Dwight Howard on the line for two free throws with an 87-84 lead and 11.5 seconds remaining on the game clock, it was all but over. Howard who struggled from the line all night only needed to hit one and the game was over, he missed them both. After the Lakers called a timeout Derek "Big Game" Fisher like he has done so many times drilled a 3 pointer with 4.6 seconds to send the game into overtime. In OT with the score tied at 91-91 and a little under a minute left, Fisher hits another huge 3 pointer to seal the game for L.A. as they go on to win 99-91. Kobe led the scoring with 31 points, but was only 11-31 form the field. Gasol and Ariza chipped in with 16 a piece and Fisher who saved his best for late in the game ended up with 12. Turkoglu led Orlando with 25 points and Howard add 15 points 21 Rebounds and an NBA finals record 9 blocks and Pietrus added 15 off the bench. The Magic lost this game at the line where they shot 22-37 and also committed 17 turnovers. Game 5 returns to the Amway arena on Saturday Night.
Feds Freeze Poker Champ's Winnings
By RUSSELL GOLDMAN
June 11, 2009—
Feds Freeze Poker Champ's Winnings
Federal Officials Order Banks to Freeze Millions in Online Poker Winnings
On the Sunday before Memorial Day, David made the big time.
Winning $10,000 in an online poker tournament made him eligible for the upcoming World Series of Poker, the game's premier event, where hundreds of players -- amateur and professional -- descend on Las Vegas from around the world to play for a multimillion-dollar pot.
To register, he simply had to cash a check cut by a company that processed payments for the poker Web site Pokerstars.com and use the $10,000 to buy into the series.
When he went to cash the check from Account Services Wednesday, it bounced, he said.
What David, a 41-year-old from Virginia who spoke on the condition that ABC News use only his first name, initially thought was a glitch turned out to be part of an unprecedented government crackdown on online poker that affected some 27,000 people.
Late last week, the federal government ordered five banks to freeze a total of $30 million in payments owed to the players from companies that process payments from two offshore gambling sites, according to the Poker Players Alliance, a group that represents the interests of the companies and players.
"It's not like the government went after money that the site made, instead they seized money that belonged to me," David said. "There is no law that restricts citizens from recovering money."
According to the alliance, federal prosecutors working out of New York's Southern District ordered Citibank, Wells Fargo and three smaller banks to freeze funds in accounts belonging to Allied Systems and Account Services, companies that process funds for the poker sites.
Some affected players who gamble at the popular sites FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com first realized they could not access funds in their accounts over the weekend when checks issued from the companies bounced.
Online poker, a $9 billion to $12 billion a year industry, is legally a gray area, experts told ABCNews.com. Washington is the only state with a law on its books that bans residents from playing on the Internet. The sites themselves, however, are not allowed to operate in the United States and are all registered overseas.
Online Poker Players Alliance Criticizes Freezing of Accounts
"There is no legal precedent for what the government is doing," said John Pappas, executive director of the alliance.
"We contend playing online poker is not unlawful. The government is going after the players' money, not the sites'. The fact is, there is no federal law against playing online poker," he said.
Though the government maintains that online gambling is illegal, the U.S. attorney's office in New York would not comment on the case or confirm an investigation was under way.
According to federal documents obtained by The Associated Press, a judge in the Southern District of New York issued a seizure warrant last week for an account at a Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco. The AP reported that the documents also showed that a federal prosecutor told a bank in Arizona to freeze an account.
In a letter dated Friday and faxed to Alliance Bank of Arizona, Arlo Devlin-Brown, the assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York said that accounts held by payment processor Allied Systems Inc. are subject to seizure and forfeiture "because they constitute property involved in money laundering transactions and illegal gambling offenses," according to the AP.
In another letter, Devlin-Brown asks that the bank treat the funds "as legally seized" by the FBI, saying that the government has probable cause that the gambling payments of U.S. residents had been directed to offshore illegal Internet gambling businesses, the AP reported.
A source at Citgroup familiar with the government request, however, confirmed the "bank has been contacted and is cooperating" with the authorities.
According to the alliance, the laws cited by prosecutors "appear to allege violations of the Wire Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act" and not to a more recent piece of legislation on online gaming called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Another player, Sam Friedman, a 24-year-old accountant in New York City who plays every night in tournaments on FullTiltPoker.com, said he realized the company had last week removed an option to deposit winnings directly into his Citibank account.
Internet Poker Players Say Feds Are 'Reaching Into People's Bank Accounts'
"There are lots of ways to deposit and withdraw money and payment options are always disappearing, but something didn't seem right," Friedman said.
"I can't believe the government is reaching into people's bank accounts like this," he said. "For a lot of serious players this is their lifeblood. This is how they make ends meet."
Both FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com have reimbursed players who tried to cash out and were unable to.
"In light of recent events involving the freezing of certain accounts, Full Tilt Poker would like to assure all players that their funds remain safe and secure," spokeswoman Michelle Clayborn said in a statement.
"All players who were affected by the current situation have had their funds returned to their accounts," the statement said. David, the World Series hopeful, said he had been reimbursed by PokerStars and given an additional 10 percent credit.
He used his own savings to buy into the World Series and will use the winnings from his championship game online to pay himself back as soon as he gets them, he said.
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures
June 11, 2009—
Feds Freeze Poker Champ's Winnings
Federal Officials Order Banks to Freeze Millions in Online Poker Winnings
On the Sunday before Memorial Day, David made the big time.
Winning $10,000 in an online poker tournament made him eligible for the upcoming World Series of Poker, the game's premier event, where hundreds of players -- amateur and professional -- descend on Las Vegas from around the world to play for a multimillion-dollar pot.
To register, he simply had to cash a check cut by a company that processed payments for the poker Web site Pokerstars.com and use the $10,000 to buy into the series.
When he went to cash the check from Account Services Wednesday, it bounced, he said.
What David, a 41-year-old from Virginia who spoke on the condition that ABC News use only his first name, initially thought was a glitch turned out to be part of an unprecedented government crackdown on online poker that affected some 27,000 people.
Late last week, the federal government ordered five banks to freeze a total of $30 million in payments owed to the players from companies that process payments from two offshore gambling sites, according to the Poker Players Alliance, a group that represents the interests of the companies and players.
"It's not like the government went after money that the site made, instead they seized money that belonged to me," David said. "There is no law that restricts citizens from recovering money."
According to the alliance, federal prosecutors working out of New York's Southern District ordered Citibank, Wells Fargo and three smaller banks to freeze funds in accounts belonging to Allied Systems and Account Services, companies that process funds for the poker sites.
Some affected players who gamble at the popular sites FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com first realized they could not access funds in their accounts over the weekend when checks issued from the companies bounced.
Online poker, a $9 billion to $12 billion a year industry, is legally a gray area, experts told ABCNews.com. Washington is the only state with a law on its books that bans residents from playing on the Internet. The sites themselves, however, are not allowed to operate in the United States and are all registered overseas.
Online Poker Players Alliance Criticizes Freezing of Accounts
"There is no legal precedent for what the government is doing," said John Pappas, executive director of the alliance.
"We contend playing online poker is not unlawful. The government is going after the players' money, not the sites'. The fact is, there is no federal law against playing online poker," he said.
Though the government maintains that online gambling is illegal, the U.S. attorney's office in New York would not comment on the case or confirm an investigation was under way.
According to federal documents obtained by The Associated Press, a judge in the Southern District of New York issued a seizure warrant last week for an account at a Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco. The AP reported that the documents also showed that a federal prosecutor told a bank in Arizona to freeze an account.
In a letter dated Friday and faxed to Alliance Bank of Arizona, Arlo Devlin-Brown, the assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York said that accounts held by payment processor Allied Systems Inc. are subject to seizure and forfeiture "because they constitute property involved in money laundering transactions and illegal gambling offenses," according to the AP.
In another letter, Devlin-Brown asks that the bank treat the funds "as legally seized" by the FBI, saying that the government has probable cause that the gambling payments of U.S. residents had been directed to offshore illegal Internet gambling businesses, the AP reported.
A source at Citgroup familiar with the government request, however, confirmed the "bank has been contacted and is cooperating" with the authorities.
According to the alliance, the laws cited by prosecutors "appear to allege violations of the Wire Act and the Illegal Gambling Business Act" and not to a more recent piece of legislation on online gaming called the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
Another player, Sam Friedman, a 24-year-old accountant in New York City who plays every night in tournaments on FullTiltPoker.com, said he realized the company had last week removed an option to deposit winnings directly into his Citibank account.
Internet Poker Players Say Feds Are 'Reaching Into People's Bank Accounts'
"There are lots of ways to deposit and withdraw money and payment options are always disappearing, but something didn't seem right," Friedman said.
"I can't believe the government is reaching into people's bank accounts like this," he said. "For a lot of serious players this is their lifeblood. This is how they make ends meet."
Both FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com have reimbursed players who tried to cash out and were unable to.
"In light of recent events involving the freezing of certain accounts, Full Tilt Poker would like to assure all players that their funds remain safe and secure," spokeswoman Michelle Clayborn said in a statement.
"All players who were affected by the current situation have had their funds returned to their accounts," the statement said. David, the World Series hopeful, said he had been reimbursed by PokerStars and given an additional 10 percent credit.
He used his own savings to buy into the World Series and will use the winnings from his championship game online to pay himself back as soon as he gets them, he said.
Copyright © 2009 ABC News Internet Ventures
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
U.S. Deals Blow To Online-Poker Players
By TAMARA AUDI
In an apparent crackdown on Internet gambling, federal authorities in New York have frozen or seized bank accounts worth $34 million belonging to 27,000 online poker players, according to representatives for the players and account holders.
In an operation that began last week, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York froze or issued seizure orders for bank accounts in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Arizona held at Wells Fargo, Citibank, Goldwater Bank and Alliance Bank of Arizona.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office had no comment.
The accounts are managed by Allied Systems Inc., and Account Services, which handle cash for popular online poker sites, including Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker. Though the money belongs to the poker players, it is held for them in accounts managed by the two service companies.
Account Services, which had an account worth $15 million frozen in its San Francisco bank, doesn't accept deposits, but writes checks to players who are cashing out, said lawyer for the company, Jeff Ifrah. As a result, thousands of players receiving checks from the company won't be able to cash them, he said.
The seizures come as a debate over Internet gambling heats up in Washington. Last month, U.S. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D., Mass.) introduced a bill that would legalize and regulate Internet gambling.
Federal authorities say online gambling is illegal, but Internet-gambling advocates say it is a gray legal area. In 2006, Congress passed a law making it illegal for banks to processing payments for unlawful Internet gambling. Critics say the law is unclear.
Poker players don't consider poker a game of chance, but a game of skill, and argue that poker shouldn't be lumped in with sports betting, for example.
The government has prosecuted Internet gambling in the past, including sites that allow users to bet on sports and play poker. The massive seizure by the U.S. attorney is the first time federal authorities have targeted online poker accounts, according the Poker Players Alliance, a Washington-based lobbying group for online poker players.
The Alliance said there are 10 million Americans who play online poker for money, and estimated the market at $6 billion.
The Alliance "is disappointed that this unprecedented action has been commenced against law abiding poker players," said former U.S. Senator and Alliance Chairman Alfonse D'Amato in a written statement.
Write to Tamara Audi at tammy.audi@wsj.com
In an apparent crackdown on Internet gambling, federal authorities in New York have frozen or seized bank accounts worth $34 million belonging to 27,000 online poker players, according to representatives for the players and account holders.
In an operation that began last week, the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York froze or issued seizure orders for bank accounts in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Arizona held at Wells Fargo, Citibank, Goldwater Bank and Alliance Bank of Arizona.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office had no comment.
The accounts are managed by Allied Systems Inc., and Account Services, which handle cash for popular online poker sites, including Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker. Though the money belongs to the poker players, it is held for them in accounts managed by the two service companies.
Account Services, which had an account worth $15 million frozen in its San Francisco bank, doesn't accept deposits, but writes checks to players who are cashing out, said lawyer for the company, Jeff Ifrah. As a result, thousands of players receiving checks from the company won't be able to cash them, he said.
The seizures come as a debate over Internet gambling heats up in Washington. Last month, U.S. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D., Mass.) introduced a bill that would legalize and regulate Internet gambling.
Federal authorities say online gambling is illegal, but Internet-gambling advocates say it is a gray legal area. In 2006, Congress passed a law making it illegal for banks to processing payments for unlawful Internet gambling. Critics say the law is unclear.
Poker players don't consider poker a game of chance, but a game of skill, and argue that poker shouldn't be lumped in with sports betting, for example.
The government has prosecuted Internet gambling in the past, including sites that allow users to bet on sports and play poker. The massive seizure by the U.S. attorney is the first time federal authorities have targeted online poker accounts, according the Poker Players Alliance, a Washington-based lobbying group for online poker players.
The Alliance said there are 10 million Americans who play online poker for money, and estimated the market at $6 billion.
The Alliance "is disappointed that this unprecedented action has been commenced against law abiding poker players," said former U.S. Senator and Alliance Chairman Alfonse D'Amato in a written statement.
Write to Tamara Audi at tammy.audi@wsj.com
Albert Pujols Streak Ends
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Albert Pujols streak of games in which he reached base at least twice ended at 15 games. It ties him with Keith Hernandez and trails only Stan "The Man" Musial who had 16 consecutive games as the longest streak in St. Louis Cardinals history since 1954.
During the streak Pujols was 19-44 .431 avg, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 19 Walks.
Albert Pujols streak of games in which he reached base at least twice ended at 15 games. It ties him with Keith Hernandez and trails only Stan "The Man" Musial who had 16 consecutive games as the longest streak in St. Louis Cardinals history since 1954.
During the streak Pujols was 19-44 .431 avg, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, 19 Walks.
Orlando Shoots Lights Out Takes Game 3 108-104
By MICHAEL ROSNER
The Orlando Magic desperate for a victory come through with a 108-104 win over the Los AngelesLakers to climb back into the series and pull within 2-1. The Magic shot an amazing 63% from the field last night, led by Howard and Lewis with 21 a piece and Alston's 20. Orlando had a balanced scoring effort with 5 players scoring between 18 and 21 points. The Lakers took an early lead led by Kobe Bryant's 17 first quarter points. but was held in check the rest of the way finishing with 31 points on 11-25 shooting and missing a rare 5 free throw attempts. Late in the forth the Magic up 102-101 Rashard Lewis hit a huge basket which was originally called a 3, but after review showed his right foot on the line Orlando was up 104-101. Howard makes a big defensive play on Kobe, Pietrus knocks down 2 ft's and The Orlando Magic get their first finals win in franchise history.
The Orlando Magic desperate for a victory come through with a 108-104 win over the Los AngelesLakers to climb back into the series and pull within 2-1. The Magic shot an amazing 63% from the field last night, led by Howard and Lewis with 21 a piece and Alston's 20. Orlando had a balanced scoring effort with 5 players scoring between 18 and 21 points. The Lakers took an early lead led by Kobe Bryant's 17 first quarter points. but was held in check the rest of the way finishing with 31 points on 11-25 shooting and missing a rare 5 free throw attempts. Late in the forth the Magic up 102-101 Rashard Lewis hit a huge basket which was originally called a 3, but after review showed his right foot on the line Orlando was up 104-101. Howard makes a big defensive play on Kobe, Pietrus knocks down 2 ft's and The Orlando Magic get their first finals win in franchise history.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Lebron Fined $25,000
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Lebron James was fined $25k for his lack of class after the Cavs lost to the Magic in the eastern conference finals. I can understand not talking to the media, but not congratulating your opponents on a job well done? What about fellow dream teamer Dwight Howard? James is a tremendous competitor, but that is no excuse. Lebron who happens to be a great role model in an era where many of the athletes are getting into trouble, over paid and are just plan spoiled. We will let you slide on this one, because your track record both on and off the court is quite an accomplishment. At 24 years old "King" James has a tremendous amount of responsibility and pressure as a spokesman for a billion dollar brand (NBA). You had a great year, an MVP campaign and I look forward to watching you compete next year.
Lebron James was fined $25k for his lack of class after the Cavs lost to the Magic in the eastern conference finals. I can understand not talking to the media, but not congratulating your opponents on a job well done? What about fellow dream teamer Dwight Howard? James is a tremendous competitor, but that is no excuse. Lebron who happens to be a great role model in an era where many of the athletes are getting into trouble, over paid and are just plan spoiled. We will let you slide on this one, because your track record both on and off the court is quite an accomplishment. At 24 years old "King" James has a tremendous amount of responsibility and pressure as a spokesman for a billion dollar brand (NBA). You had a great year, an MVP campaign and I look forward to watching you compete next year.
Top 15 NBA Players
By MICHAEL ROSNER
#1 Kobe Bryant
#2 Lebron James
#3 Dwyane Wade
#4 Dwight Howard
#5 Carmelo Anthony
#6 Kevin Garnett
#7 Tim Duncan
#8 Chris Paul
#9 Deron Williams
#10 Dirk Nowitzki
#11 Yao Ming
#12 Brandon Roy
#13 Amar'e Stoudemire
#14 Paul Pierce
#15 Kevin Durant
#1 Kobe Bryant
#2 Lebron James
#3 Dwyane Wade
#4 Dwight Howard
#5 Carmelo Anthony
#6 Kevin Garnett
#7 Tim Duncan
#8 Chris Paul
#9 Deron Williams
#10 Dirk Nowitzki
#11 Yao Ming
#12 Brandon Roy
#13 Amar'e Stoudemire
#14 Paul Pierce
#15 Kevin Durant
10 Most Dangerous Hitters In Baseball
By MICHAEL ROSNER
#1 Albert Pujols
#2 Alex Rodriguez
#3 Ryan Howard
#4 Miguel Cabrera
#5 Ryan Braun
#6 Prince Fielder
#7 Hanley Ramirez
#8 Justin Morneau
#9 Chase Utley
#10 Carlos Beltran
Please note as soon as Manny Ramirez comes back from suspension he automatically makes this list
#1 Albert Pujols
#2 Alex Rodriguez
#3 Ryan Howard
#4 Miguel Cabrera
#5 Ryan Braun
#6 Prince Fielder
#7 Hanley Ramirez
#8 Justin Morneau
#9 Chase Utley
#10 Carlos Beltran
Please note as soon as Manny Ramirez comes back from suspension he automatically makes this list
Calipari Accepts Kentucky Job, Leaves Just In Time
By MICHAEL ROSNER
John Calipari becomes the highest paid coach in college basketball after accepting an 8 year $31.65 million contract by the Kentucky Wildcats. In 9 incredible seasons at the University of Memphis, Calipari compiled 253 wins, 9 consecutive 20+ win seasons and 9 straight tournaments (6 NCAA and 3 NIT bids).
Coach Cal takes over one of the most prestigious college programs in Kentucky. He takes over a team that is loaded with returning players and blue chip prospects. My early favorite to win the SEC Conference. What is disturbing is the mess that is left behind in Memphis. There are a few serious allegations regarding players grades and SAT scores. The NCAA says Calipari, who coached the Memphis Tigers during the season in question, isn't considered "at risk" in the probe. It really just makes you wonder. These were his players, his recruits and coach Cal jumps the ship just before it sinks.
John Calipari becomes the highest paid coach in college basketball after accepting an 8 year $31.65 million contract by the Kentucky Wildcats. In 9 incredible seasons at the University of Memphis, Calipari compiled 253 wins, 9 consecutive 20+ win seasons and 9 straight tournaments (6 NCAA and 3 NIT bids).
Coach Cal takes over one of the most prestigious college programs in Kentucky. He takes over a team that is loaded with returning players and blue chip prospects. My early favorite to win the SEC Conference. What is disturbing is the mess that is left behind in Memphis. There are a few serious allegations regarding players grades and SAT scores. The NCAA says Calipari, who coached the Memphis Tigers during the season in question, isn't considered "at risk" in the probe. It really just makes you wonder. These were his players, his recruits and coach Cal jumps the ship just before it sinks.
Big Unit Gets 300th Victory
By MICHAEL ROSNER
Randy Johnson notches his 300th win. He is the 24th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish this feat. With almost 5,000 strikeouts and 5 Cy Young awards, The Big Unit goes down as one of the greatest pitchers of all-time.
Randy Johnson notches his 300th win. He is the 24th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish this feat. With almost 5,000 strikeouts and 5 Cy Young awards, The Big Unit goes down as one of the greatest pitchers of all-time.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tribute To Howard Cosell
By MICHAEL ROSNER
My favorite journalist was Howard Cosell. He was the most controversial broadcaster of all time. You either loved him or hated him. I loved him. The man was extremely knowledgeable on all subjects. From law to economics and of course sports. The interviews with Muhammad Ali were legendary. Monday Night Football has never been the same without Cosell. He told it like it is, a lost art in modern day journalism. I remember the last time Cosell announced a fight. It was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes against Tex Cobb. Holmes beat Cobbs to a bloody pulp for 15 rounds. Cosell said "I am tired of the hypocrisy and sleaziness of the boxing scene," and he never announced another fight again. Howard Cosell you were an original, an artist and will never be forgotten.
My favorite journalist was Howard Cosell. He was the most controversial broadcaster of all time. You either loved him or hated him. I loved him. The man was extremely knowledgeable on all subjects. From law to economics and of course sports. The interviews with Muhammad Ali were legendary. Monday Night Football has never been the same without Cosell. He told it like it is, a lost art in modern day journalism. I remember the last time Cosell announced a fight. It was heavyweight champion Larry Holmes against Tex Cobb. Holmes beat Cobbs to a bloody pulp for 15 rounds. Cosell said "I am tired of the hypocrisy and sleaziness of the boxing scene," and he never announced another fight again. Howard Cosell you were an original, an artist and will never be forgotten.
Summer Time Is All About Baseball
By MICHAEL ROSNER
With the NBA finals coming to a close 2-0 Lakers, we look ahead to baseball. The usual suspects are at it again. The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry continues as both teams sit in 1st and 2nd place. The Phillies and Mets are also in 1st and 2nd place. If you remember the last two years have come down to the last game, the Mets choking on both occasions. In the NL Central it's a three team race early again between the Brewers, Cardinals and Cubs. The Dodgers are running away with the NL West. Some surprise teams 60 games in are the Tigers, Rangers, Giants, Reds and Blue Jays. I look forward to our national past time sport, and a fantastic season.
With the NBA finals coming to a close 2-0 Lakers, we look ahead to baseball. The usual suspects are at it again. The Yankees and Red Sox rivalry continues as both teams sit in 1st and 2nd place. The Phillies and Mets are also in 1st and 2nd place. If you remember the last two years have come down to the last game, the Mets choking on both occasions. In the NL Central it's a three team race early again between the Brewers, Cardinals and Cubs. The Dodgers are running away with the NL West. Some surprise teams 60 games in are the Tigers, Rangers, Giants, Reds and Blue Jays. I look forward to our national past time sport, and a fantastic season.
Tiger Wins Memorial
By MICHAEL ROSNER
What a memorable tournament led by Tiger Woods 65 on the final day. He was firing on all cylinders, including a sensational eagle early in the day. Woods finished with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to ensure himself a victory. It was the 4th time Woods has won the Memorial. It looks like he is warming up just in time for the open.
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What a memorable tournament led by Tiger Woods 65 on the final day. He was firing on all cylinders, including a sensational eagle early in the day. Woods finished with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes to ensure himself a victory. It was the 4th time Woods has won the Memorial. It looks like he is warming up just in time for the open.
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Boxings Fresh New Face
By MICHAEL ROSNER
I know it is only his first fight, but is anyone else excited about a new heavyweight fighter named Foreman? George "Monk" Foreman III standing 6'5" and 235 lbs, trained by his father George, former heavyweight champ. This is exactly what boxing needs a fresh face in the heavyweight division with a well known name. Boxing has missed an exciting contender in the division since every ones favorite, Iron Mike Tyson. This will be very good for the sport and take some fans back from the MMA. By the way he won his first fight with a knockout to the body in the first round.
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I know it is only his first fight, but is anyone else excited about a new heavyweight fighter named Foreman? George "Monk" Foreman III standing 6'5" and 235 lbs, trained by his father George, former heavyweight champ. This is exactly what boxing needs a fresh face in the heavyweight division with a well known name. Boxing has missed an exciting contender in the division since every ones favorite, Iron Mike Tyson. This will be very good for the sport and take some fans back from the MMA. By the way he won his first fight with a knockout to the body in the first round.
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