There have been great rivals in pro sports, but none compares to the championship confrontations between the Celtics and Lakers.

Since the first finals in 1947, when the Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Chicago Stags, there have been 61 NBA champions. The Celtics and Lakers have combined to win 30 of those titles – with the Celtics owning 16 and the Lakers 14, including 5 as the Minneapolis Lakers. It will soon be 31 championships.

As a reminder, the Lakers moved to Los Angeles in 1960. Prior to their move, the Minneapolis Lakers won 5 championships in 6-years from 1949-1954. They were led by the great George Mikan. The 6′10″ Mikan was voted one of the 50-greatest NBA players of all-time in 1996. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959.

Since 1959, the Celtics-Lakers have played against each other in the finals 10-times, with the Celtics winning 8. The dominance of the Celtics began during the Russell-era when, from 1957-1969, Boston won 11 Championships in 13-years. Seven of those titles were versus the Lakers.

In the 70’s, the Celtics and Lakers played in the Finals 5-times (none versus each other). The Lakers played in 3 – winning once (’72), while the Celtics won both of their appearances (’74 and ‘76).

However, it was their dominance of the 1980’s that is best remembered by most. Those Bird-Magic years were unforgettable. During that decade, the Lakers appeared in 8 Finals – winning 4. The Celtics played 5 – winning 3. They each played in 4 finals in-a-row; the Lakers’82 –’85, and the Celtics ‘84 – ‘87. Their head-to-head battles were legendary. The Celtics won in ‘84, and the Lakers in ‘85 and ‘87. And, if not for the crazy shot LA fans will never forget – by Houston’s Ralph Sampson, they would have also played in 1986, which was won by the Celtics over the Rockets.

So here we are … Celtics versus Lakers one more time. It may not be Bird, McHale and Parish versus Magic, Kareem and Worthy… but there are plenty of stars to satisfy the NBA marketing team.

I can already hear the Celtics’ fans chanting … “BEAT LA”.

Posted by Don Gilbert

Who will win the NBA title? Vote now at www.HOFN.com.

Whether “Conviction” or “Crush,” the brawn and beauty that is Gina Carano will be in more than a few living rooms these next few days and breaking down barriers while she’s there.

Having already been featured recently on ESPN’s E:60 show and having come away victorious in the first-ever women’s mixed-martial arts fight on Showtime, Carano is a star attraction Saturday as the burgeoning sport of MMA finds out just how mainstream it is. Then, two nights later, she’ll settle back into her roll as the most popular American Gladiator since Zap or Nitro.

So, in three nights’ time she’ll be featured on both CBS and NBC, not a bad run.

Elite XC, likely the No. 2 mixed martial company behind the Ultimate Fighting Championship, will make history on Saturday when it airs live on CBS - the first MMA brand to appear live on network television. Making history right along with the show will be Carano, 5-0 in MMA competition, and opponent Kaitlin Young, who will continue to grow women’s MMA competition when they become the first two ladies to showcase their talents on network TV. That’s the “Conviction” part, her MMA nickname.

Then there’s “Crush.” “They call me Crush, because America has a crush on me and I crush people,” she told viewers during the aforementioned ESPN spot. She prefaced the line by adding just how “cheesy” it was, letting everyone like her even more after seeing her embarrassed, crooked smile and bitten-lip charm.

While the second season of American Gladiators has fallen upon reported ratings hardship, it’s done nothing to lessen Carano’s star power.

Of course, neither has her stunning beauty. Along with an entertaining stand-up fighting style, Carano’s good looks and charisma have no doubt made her the brightest star in women’s MMA. Insiders will say someone like Megumi Fujii or Tara LaRosa or Yuka Tsuji - all names you probably haven’t heard - are likely the best. But Carano’s no Mia St. John or Anna Kournikova, either. She trains at Xtreme Couture - UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture’s camp - and has a successful Muay Thai background, as well.

Make no mistake, whether it’s as an American Gladiator with a jousting lance in a Burbank television studio or a modern-day gladiator with gloves wrapped around her hands inside a cage, Carano is pretty damn good at what she does. It’s all the extras that, indeed, make her an “it girl,” in the public eye.

And even still, as a vocal champion of the sport of mixed martial arts, I wonder if the mainstream is ready to see ladies beat each other up. Some may see it as sexist, but I was always the guy in high school trying to break up a girl fight, while all the other guys were cussing at me to the let them go. “It’s natural for guys to get in the fight get a little blood here and here. My daughter Gina’s a beautiful young woman, I really don’t like seeing people trying to mess that up,” Glenn Carano, Gina’s father said on ESPN.

Perhaps that’s a better explanation. Nevertheless, in a few nights, we’ll get to see if the mainstream American television audience is ready to watch a night of mixed martial arts - I think the numbers for UFC on Spike TV, say it will. Will also find out if the mainstream is ready to watch the ladies duke it out - I’ll be watching through my fingers to tell you the truth, but, like just about everyone else I think, I’ll be watching. Then again, myself and Mr. Carano are guys, the target demographic for MMA. Who knows where the ladies can take the sport?

If nothing less, sex and violence certainly sell. If nothing more, Gina Carano is a star on the rise - somebody I think everybody will be watching.

With Memorial Day upon us, we all need to take a moment and reflect.

As a Baby Boomer, I’m fortunate to have been born from parents of “The Greatest Generation.” For those unknowing, the Greatest Generation is a term used for Americans born from about 1911 to 1924. Americans who lived through the Great Depression, served in World War II and some the Korean War, and rebuilt the world’s industries.

Since my father served in World War II and received the Purple Heart (he lost an eye during the Normandy invasion), I have always had a great understanding of Memorial Day. Like many WW II Veterans, my father would never speak about the war, his injuries, or loss of comrades. However, as a child, I leaned of his experiences from a family member. While my Dad was never pleased that I gained this personal information, I will always be grateful to my Uncle for sharing what he knew about my father with me. You see, my Dad was a true hero – and knowing of his experiences helped shape my life and gave me an ever greater appreciation and love of him, as I grew from a child to a man.

So come Memorial Day, I always take time to reflect on its meaning. However, since the National Holiday Act of 1971, I fear most think of it as just another 3-day weekend. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is supposed to be a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Unfortunately, over time, I fear its tradition has been ignored and neglected.

With most of the Greatest Generation deceased, it’s our generation’s responsibility to keep the true meaning of America’s greatest holiday alive. Maybe we should begin by pushing for recognition of a Senator Daniel Inouye bill. On January 19, 1999 Senator Inouye introduced bill S 189 to the Senate which proposes to restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day back to May 30th instead of “the last Monday in May” – and not allow it as part of the Holiday Act and a 3-day weekend. By the way, Senator Inouye is not only a member of the Greatest Generation, but also the recipient of America’s highest military accolade – the Medal of Honor.

If nothing else, let’s start by recognizing the resolution, “National Moment of Remembrance,” passed in December 2000. In short, the resolution asks that at 3pm on Memorial Day, we voluntarily observe (in our own way) a Moment of remembrance and respect.

Thanks Dad.

It takes a lot to get me to the keyboard these days, however no one can do it quicker than Myles Brand, President of the NCAA. All he has to do is open his mouth.

His latest are quotes relative to the NCAA’s seeming inability to protect itself from young high schoolers forced to play in limbo for a year masquerading as college “student athletes.”

Here’s what Brand had to say on Tuesday.

“The NCAA has no ability to influence, in any way, the age rule,” he said. “So any age limitation rules, the 19-year-olds who are so-called ‘one and done,’ are the result of bargaining negotiation between the NBA and the players’ association. The NCAA was not involved in any way in that bargaining in setting up the rule. Only the NBA management and the players association set those rules.”

While Brand is technically correct, the NCAA could do things to ensure that America’s colleges and universities didn’t become holding tanks for the likes of Kevin Love, OJ Mayo and the countless others who pretend to attend college for the purpose of aging a year.

If Brand and the NCAA presidents weren’t such hypocrites, they would look internally at NCAA baseball, for example, where players who are starting college are required to stay in there three years before they are drafted.

But they are hypocrites. Carmello Anthony was a “one and done,” but he won Syracuse a National Championship, and Jim Boeheim and those trustees will dine out on that National Title for years to come.

Kevin Durant, Greg Oden and Michael Beasley are good for business. It’s not secret. But so is Tyler Hansbrough, who decided to hang around for another year at North Carolina. There are plenty of players around willing to stay in college for four years. Why do you think schools like Gonzaga and Davidson can make runs. Their kids stay together.

The NCAA could put an end to “one and done” if they wanted. The truth is, they don’t want to. Brand can whine about the NBA age rule, but all the NCAA has done is create a situation that fuels fiascos like the one facing USC over OJ Mayo. Let’s see how often Tim Floyd and the USC trustees dine out on that one.

Even in the case of USC, Brand will fall back on his tired old, “it’s the University’s job to make sure situations like OJ Mayo are avoided.”

Despite his protestations to the contrary, Brand (and the NCAA) do have the ability to influence the NBA age rule, but it will never happen.

He remains the pip squeak bureaucrat he has always been.

NCAA Basketball is an absolute mess. Clean it up already.

I don’t know why the national media are afraid to say it. Okay, so it has something to do with television contracts, but where are the print media? All these questions as to why there’s a major advantage for NBA home teams in the playoffs is quite simple…it’s partly due to referees’ “home calls.”

Forget the fans who always blame officials for their favorite team’s loss. That has been happening since Naismith invented the game. However, watch games in which you don’t care who wins. Are there not obvious home-town calls that are infuriating?

To be honest, I don’t know what a foul is anymore. I see players mauled in the low post – then a foul is called on a ticky-tack hand-check. How about a player driving to the hole? I know the playoffs are at a higher intensity level than regular season games, but this isn’t rugby. No, I don’t want the game played at the foul line, but there needs to be more consistency with calls.

Everyone (but the NBA) admits to “star calls” and “rookie calls.” It has been happening since black and white television, but appears more obvious today. You can’t tell me Kobe and LeBron don’t get most of the calls at home. If the NBA wants to protect the stars to keep them in the game, change the foul rule and give players 7 or 8 fouls. Hell, why have a foul limit at all? Just give the opponent 3 foul shots, or two foul shots and the ball, if fouled by anyone playing with six or more fouls.

Also, the “hack-a-Shaq” foul strategy, which is now used on any player with a foul shot percentage ala Shaq, is a disgrace to the game. For non-basketball fans, a “hack-a-Shaq” is a foul committed away from the ball on anyone who doesn’t shoot foul shots well – enabling the fouling team a possible possession advantage. Any rule giving a fouling team an advantage needs to be changed.

Here are a few more things the NBA should consider:
• Add an extra foot at each end of the floor. Between the size and athleticism of today’s great players, they need more room under the basket.
• Take away the three-pointer from the corner – it’s too close.
• Go back to two officials. That’s one fewer person on the floor feeling a need to justify a job.
• Allow replay on any play/shot ending a quarter.
• Call traveling and palming the ball – as the rule reads.

The Hall Of Fame Network www.HOFn.com has a poll asking: Which major pro league has the best officiating? I’m not sure which is best, but I do know which is worst.

The ongoing commercialization of holidays has ruined the true meaning of most. However, as capitalists, that’s something we’ve come to expect and accept. It remains with each family as to how a holiday is celebrated.

Mother’s Day in America was originally intended as a call to unite women against war after the American Civil War. President Woodrow Wilson declared the first national Mother’s Day in 1914, as a day to honor mothers of sons who had died in war. Obviously, today’s meaning of Mother’s Day has changed – and, it, too, has become subject to commercialization. Restaurateurs love it, as it’s the most popular day of the year to dine out at restaurants in America.

Personally, Mother’s Day has always been special. I was blessed with a mother who was loving, caring, giving, and understanding. She had a heart of gold. She mothered two sons, but was a “second Mom” to numerous friends. Her life was dedicated to her three men … my father, brother, and me.

As a child, I thought all families were close and loving. Needless to say, I was naive. As I grew older, I became more and more aware and thankful for my upbringing and, especially, my mother’s effort to ensure our family values. While my father was indeed the head of our family, it became very clear to me at an early age that Mom was the glue.

As I grew into manhood, she became more than my mother – she was my best friend. I remember countless times we sat alone at the kitchen table discussing life. I could talk with her about anything. She was the best listener and most understanding person I’ve ever met. Every day was Mother’s Day for me.

So as Mother’s Day approaches, be sure to make an extra effort to reach out to your mother – be she alive or gone – and tell her of your appreciation and love.

When my father passed away, our family traditions died with him. When my mother died…a piece of me died with her.

Mothers are forever.

The Texas Con Man was a name given to Roger Clemens during his tenure with the Boston Red Sox by the late, great Boston Globe sportswriter William “Will” McDonough. Will took much grief from Sox fans and some media colleagues for what many thought a harsh title for one of the Red Sox all-time greats. Little did we know the true wisdom of Will.

Unfortunately, McDonough passed away on January 9, 2003 at the tender age of 67. However, I’m sure those who knew him – or was occasionally in his company at sporting events, as was I – know that Will has a huge grin on his face today. How right he was.

I was a huge Clemens fan. I remember the skinny kid’s debut with the Red Sox in May of 1984. I watched him pitch many times at Fenway Park and saw every one of his 20-strikeouts in the historical game versus the Seattle Mariners in April 1986. It was a masterpiece – and, to this day, probably one of the great pitching performances of all-time. I also recall numerous arguments with a New Jersey friend – a Mets’ fan, regarding who was better; Clemens or Dwight Gooden. That argument faded after the 1986 season when Clemens posted a 24-4 record and won both the CY Young and MVP awards.

For many Sox fans, McDonough’s The Texas Con Man name began gaining popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as Clemens’ words became more confounding and nonsensical. But, little did we know how much real truth there was to Will’s insightful nickname.

Has any sports hero fallen from grace as quickly as Roger Clemens? In 2006, a poll of 32 ESPN analysts voted Clemens the greatest living pitcher – and many considered him the greatest pitcher of all-time, or at least of the modern game. However, in a matter of a few months, Clemens has been accused of possible steroid use, potential infidelity, a questionable relationship with an under-age girl, and only God (and the New York Daily News) knows what’s next.

Clemens has gone from Cooperstown to OJ-town … the town of non-desirables.

My apology to Will McDonough. You were accurate from the beginning.

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Would you vote Roger Clemens into the Baseball Hall of Fame? Cast your vote on The Hall Of Fame Network poll: www.HOFN.com.

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