Gary Parrish broke the story on CBS Sports, and he joined Hartman and Myers on Fox Sports Radio to talk about the incident. Parrish told the show LeBron was willing to talk about the dunk last night, but Nike Basketball Senior Director Lynn Merritt came over and said LeBron will be answering no questions. Why the cover up?

Here’s Nike’s new “We Won’t Allow Witnesses” commercial:

This goes without saying but I need to see the video before I can say LeBron got dunked on. Things have changed over the years and what I consider dunking on (chest-to-chest, physical contact) has turned into basketball’s version of baseball’s “In the Neighborhood” rule. A dude didn’t get dunked on if he didn’t jump and happens to be within two feet of the dunker. If he’s trying to draw a charge, then that’s getting dunked on.

Take this video as an example. Shaq dunks on Andrew Bynum, and then Bynum jukes, shakes, or serves Shaq but DOES NOT dunk on him.

I’m not sure why Nike’s trying to hide the video. I guess they’re embarrassed that a college player threw down on their guy. One of the hazards of playing basketball will excellent athletes is getting dunked on. It happens. And, this isn’t the first time LeBron’s been dunked on. Yao Ming banged on him this past season, and The Big Lead has a few more videos of the King getting crowned.

Yao Ming dunks on LeBron James:

Nike does not want you to see that dunk [CBS Sports]

The special edition Nike Kobe Zoom IVs are for Rice High School, who just happens to be sponsored by the Mamba. The Los Angeles Lakers received bad news with Andrew Bynum being out for 8-12 weeks, but Kobe seems to be making the best of the bad situation. First he helped out a high school, then he helped himself to the Madison Square Garden scoring record. Enjoy it now 24 because with games against Boston and Cleveland coming up the good times are coming to an end.

When it comes to exclusive Air Jordans, this hits the mark. Eminem has collaborated with Jordan Brand on the Air Jordan 2, which is entitled “The Way I Am” after his Eminem’s book that is releasing October 21st. We have caught wind that 313 pairs of this Air Jordan 2 will release as a online exclusive. 313 also represents Marshall Mather’s area code in Detroit. Proceeds will go to the Marshall Mathers Foundation. Thanks to Sneaker Files.

Miami Heat rookie Michael Beasley hasn’t played an official NBA game yet, but he’s making headlines like he’s been in the league for years. He’s already fired an agent, and he was fined 50k by the league for partying at rookie camp.

Beasley signed with sneaker company Adidas yesterday and even that has turned into a mini-drama for the rook. His business manager, Steven Reed, was obviously glad he pulled off the deal which led him spit the following words:

“Mike has agreed enthusiastically to endorse adidas and wear the shoe as he has done his whole playing life.”‘

Beasley has worn Adidas “his whole playing life.” Sweet. Wait.. What’s that? Beasley wore Jordans while playing at Kansas State? I wonder what Michael has to say about that..

From Sports Biz with Darren Rovell:

So we were sure that if Beasley made any comment about adidas it surely wouldn’t be that he’s been wearing the brand forever. But that didn’t happen.

“I’ve been playing in adidas since I was 13 years old,” Beasley told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel tonight.

That’s a true statement, technically. But you also loved your Jordans.

Michael Beasley hasn’t done anything to earn it, but I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt. He probably meant he has played in Adidas along with Nike and other brands, not that he has only played in Adidas. Because if he’s saying that, as Rovell pointed out, it would be a lie.

This video is from Serena’s visit to Nike’s World Headquarters, and I’m glad to see the Swoosh keeping it gangsta with the unedited version of Soulja Boy’s song. They probably got away with it because Phil Knight and company can’t understand the music and don’t know that they’re blasting “Superman that Hoe” with children present.

LeBron James revealed the pair of shoes he was seen wearing at several USA Basketball practices in Beijing are indeed the Nike Zoom LeBron VI. He let the word out at a press conference last week, as well as showcasing a specially made pair inspired by USA Basketball colors in the Gold Medal game. One of the highlights of the new shoe is Nike’s claim that this is the lightest LeBron signature shoe in the line.

Post contributed by Kicks on Fire

LeBron James, Zoom VI, Nike, pictures

From OregonLive.com:

“It’s called “Ballers Network and the program allows basketballers to organize, find and track pickup basketball games and leagues just about anywhere. Digital agency R/GA helped Nike develop the application.”

They’re tracking pickup basketball games? I hope that doesn’t mean dudes will be able to put their “stats” online. That’s a bad idea. Guys already think playing once week is a step away from the League, and the last thing they need is an outlet for their weekend Golden State warrior routine.

Nike, Facebook, Ballers Network, basketball

I have to admit upfront that I didn’t see Tiger Woods’ comeback live. I gave up on waiting for Woods to make something happen right after he teed off on 13. He was already at +1 when the ball landed near a concession tent. Tiger was looking for a place to drop and I figured Saturday just wasn’t his day. I found out four hours later he turned knee pain and a five shot deficit into 3-under-par with a one shot lead after 54 holes. One of those Tiger Woods moments and I missed it by seconds.

Earl Woods speaks about Tiger’s mental toughness in the new Nike ad below. On Saturday, it was the combination of his son’s mental and physical toughness that brought us a classic performance.

Tiger Woods, U.S. Open, 3rd Round, Earl Woods, commercial , Torrey Pines, video, youtube

The Penny Hardaway-Shaquille O’Neal reunion that Pat Riley tried failed miserably and it looks like Lil Penny is taking it the hardest. He’s working an office job, and he’s turned to drugs and alcohol to help him deal with the pain of blowing his Nike commercial money. With the amount of dope he’s doing, and his “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, it won’t be long until Lil Penny’s dead or in jail. What a tragic story.

Lil Penny, Penny Hardaway, NIKE, video