Nick and I start the show with a conversation about Allen Iverson’s leave of absence from the Sixers to be by his four-year old daughter’s side. She’s sick. They aren’t sure what it is. Iverson could be done with the Sixers, and in theory, with the NBA if nobody else picks him up.

First and foremost, we wish his daughter a speedy recovery. Being a parent of a child around that age, you spend every minute of every day thinking and worrying about their safety. Second, Nick points out that Iverson’s career may end with a whimper, like most stars that shine bright…then burn out. But if he leaves the game to be with his family, doesn’t that illustrate that Iverson has his priorities straight. That a player everyone called selfish is hanging it up so he can take care of his kids? It’s bittersweet, perhaps.

CURLING:

Josh Zerkle joins the show to promote our curling tournament tonight. There may or may not be spots left, so email me if you’re interested. And we talk about curling in the Olympics, and if it will actually spill over to become a recreational sport in America, not as popular as bowling, but somewhere higher than crab soccer. What, you’ve never played crab soccer with your friends on a nice summer afternoon? You’re not livin…

Court Report:

The BIG EAST is just too deep for its own good. I make the case for 10 teams getting into the tournament. It won’t happen, but if things fall right, it could (and should). No wonder Jim Boeheim wants 96 teams in the darn thing…half will be from his conference.

Housekeeping:

Ice dancers skating to Schindler’s List? And LaDainian Tomlinson got cut by the Chargers. Is he a Hall of Famer? His numbers might get him there, but does he feel like a Hall of Fame player? Maybe its the helmet and the overall surly demeanor when things don’t go well, or the fact that he hasn’t won anything in the playoffs and whenever his team has done well, he’s been stuck in street clothes. What say you? Is he in?

Oh, and more curling. Thanks for listening.

Tags: Allen Iverson, Big East, Curling, Olympics