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NBA: Monta Ellis' Dallas Ties

by Rodney Fisher

Monta Ellis of the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks introduced their new and improved roster to season ticket holders and media. After fielding a few questions and making statements, we learned that the team's biggest free agent aquisition of the offseason, Monta Ellis, has deep Dallas ties.

by Matt Silverston

The good news for Pau Gasol is that its already halfway through August, and the Lakers haven't started shopping him around the league yet (at least not openly).

The bad news for Pau is that the keyword in the previous phrase was "yet."

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: TE

by Rodney Fisher

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings TE. Photo credit NFL

The tight end position has become the secret weapon for fantasy league winners. The players at the position have become more versatile with the routes that they can run. If you get a TE that gets a lot of targets from the quarterback against the right defense, you can get an easy "W" in a head-to-head league. Look for red zone threats when you make your selection in the draft.

Here is our rankings for TE:

Brian Mcann will be one of many 2014 free agents. Photo credit MLB

by Chad Jones

An inside look at the upcoming free agent market for catchers.

Brian McCann -30- Atlanta Braves
Enters Free Agency relatively young with durability issues. In many ways represents a link to the old Braves, starting his career as John Smoltz's personal catcher. Moving forward, the Braves have Evan Gattis & highly touted prospect Christian Betancourt in the pipeline.

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: QB

by Rodney Fisher

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings: QB. Photo credit NFL

Quarterbacks seem to wake up and throw 4,000 yards in a season. The difference between each will be the amount of touchdowns they can score. When you add in the duel threat athletes like RGIII or Colin Kaepernick, the position on your fantasy team can be critical to finishing first or worst.

Here is our rankings for QBs:

RG3 and Kirk Cousins. Photo credit NFL

by Chad Jones

Two years into a 5 Year $ 35 Million deal, Mike Shanahan's Redskins accumulated 11 Wins & 21 Losses. At 2011's conclusion, fans were frustrated, and many lobbied for Owner Daniel Snyder to cut the cord. Exercising restraint, Shanahan was retained into year 3 of the seismic rebuild.

Shanahan consummated a trade, moving from 6th to 2nd overall in the 2012 Draft to select Robert Griffin III.

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings WR. Photo credit NFL

by Rodney Fisher

The wide receiver position is deep this season. There are always going to be the big names at the top of the list, but don't be surprised if there are some sleepers. The NFL has become a more pass oriented league and most defenses lack a good secondary.

This year we took a close look at the WRs that finished the season well and stand to benefit from stabilty in the offensive huddle. Here are the top WRs:

NY Jets Rex Ryan on the hot seat. Photo credit NFL

by Chad Jones

Enter Rex Ryan's world, the gregarious Coach enters his 5th season in New York, overseeing an organizational transition, what most would call a rebuild. Owner Woody Johnson fired General Manager Mike Tannenbaum of a disappointing 6-10 campaign. The proverbial scapegoat, Johnson searched for the next GM with one caveat- Rex Ryan would be retained as Head Coach in 2013.

After high profile candidates turned down Johnson's overtures & generous offers, John Idzik Jr was hired to lead a, "Collaborative Consensus-Building Process." In many ways, Idzik represents a shift in NFL Circles, not your prototypical 'Football Guy', Idzik is deeply analytical & well-spoken. Idzik graduated Magna Cum Laude & Phi Betta Keppa from Dartmouth College with a degree in Mathematics. He later earned a Masters Degree from Duke University. He chooses his words carefully, and weighs decisions from a cost-benefit vantage point, not coming across as affable or endearing, but rather as a capable professional.

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - RBs. Photo credit NFL

by Rodney Fisher

NFL fantasy football has become the game within the game for sports fans. We get to not only root for our teams, but we spend our Sunday's flipping to every other game or, if you are more advanced, your watching multiple games at once. As leagues and fantasy GMs become more complex in preparation for the upcoming season we felt we needed to play our part.

Our annual fantasy football rankings report is ready to go. We start off with the most important position in this year's fantasy football draft, running back.

Follow LaDell Williams as he rises through the boxing ranks to get a title shot. This new webisode series will chronicle want it takes outside of the ring to be a champion.

Video after jump

NCAA: Johnny Manziel - Rolexes, Mercedes and Ego

by Chad Jones

Johnny Manziel living large. Photo credit @jmanziel2

Envy is the worst of the deadliest sins, as it doesn't even feel good temporarily. I don't criticize Johnny Manziel because of resentment, I do so to juxtapose Johnny's recent transgressions with prior athletes.

Three weeks after receiving the Heisman, Johnny Manziel & sister Mari received Rolex watches for Christmas. Mari Manziel Tweeted: Matching Watches @jmanziel2 #Twinsies with an Instagram Photo attached.

In reality they weren't matching, Johnny got gold & Mari diamonds. The younger Manziel was flabbergasted when twitter followers berated her about the opulent display, replying via Twitter:

By Joe Parello @HerewegoJoe

Offense is king in America's heartland, and the Big 12 features some of America's most explosive attacks.

Seven of the conference's 10 teams (Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia) ranked in the top-25 nationally for scoring offense, but does anybody play enough defense to win a national championship?

That will certainly be the big question for conference contenders this season, and with quarterback questions at Oklahoma, WVU and Kansas State, several offenses could take steps back as well. The conference may not have a bona-fide national favorite, but only Kansas looks like a lost cause, with nine teams all chasing a bowl game.

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NBA: Greg Oden is back, Miami Heat have a new big man!

by J.T.

Greg Oden Returns With The Heat. Photo credit NBA

Former 1st pick of the 2007 Greg Oden has finally returned to the NBA and he will be taking his talents down to South Beach.

Oden hasn't played since the 2009-10 season, so a lot of people are curious to see if Oden's body can hold up during a NBA season and to see how effective he can be on the court on both ends.

LeBron James NBAPA President? Photo credit NBA

by Rodney Fisher

LeBron James has recently mentioned that he would be interested in becoming the next president of the NBA Players Association. Should LeBron take on the task of representing every NBA player and this point in his career?

We are currently looking to hire a sports news editor. Applicant must be familiar with basic blogging software and have the ability to write interesting sports content. This is a paid position.

If interested please send a writing sample to rfsportsradio@gmail.com and use "Editor" in your subject line. Thanks

Boxing: Knockout Kings II

by Kendrick Johnson

Knockout Kings 2 Event. Photo credit Kendrick Johnson

“Knockout Kings II” was an excellent seven-fight card at AT&T Center presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija-Battah Promotions. Very rarely in the sport of boxing these days does a card deliver from top to bottom like the one put on by Golden Boy and Leija-Battah.

The Showtime television portion of the show kicked off with up and coming and undefeated welterweight prospect, Keith “One Time” Thurman, fighting for his career’s first interim world title. Thurman (21-0, 19 KOs) faced off against a fellow undefeated warrior Argentine Diego Chaves (22-0, 18 KOs), who unlike most of Thurman’s opponents to this point, was a game fighter who didn’t back down from the heavy hitting Thurman.

NBA: Beat The Heat - Chasing The Formula

by Matt Silverston

The Miami Heat obviously have a lot to be happy about. Three straight years of Eastern conference dominance coupled with two titles alongside two MVP trophies proves that Miami is the cream of the NBA's crop, and rightfully so, analysts and critics can't talk NBA without talking Heat basketball.

Mike Miller returns. Photo credit NBA

by J.T.

Mike Miller fresh off of being amnestied by the Miami Heat, he has returned to familiar pastures as he has comeback to the Memphis Grizzlies for his 2nd run.

New Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick took to twitter defend himself against an article posted by MediaTakeOut.com.

Here is what he had to say via @JJRedick

NCAA: Kliff Kingsbury the King of Lubbock

by Kendrick Johnson

Kliff Kingsbury returns to Texas Tech. Photo credit Kendrick Johnson

With a fractured fan base thanks to the controversial exit of Mike Leach and the unconventional hiring of Tommy Tuberville, the powers that be at Texas Tech had no choice but to swing for the fences when deciding on their next football coach. Mad fans in Raider Nation have been upset over the last couple of years in part, due to seeing the Red Raiders go from being consistent Big 12 championship contenders to falling to three year in a row of sub .500 football in conference play.

NBA: Top 10 Dunks from Summer League Las Vegas

by Rodney Fisher

Ben McLemore dunk in Summer League play. Photo credit NBA

I think dunks are always in season, so here are the top 10 dunks from the NBA Summer League this year.

Miami Dolphins training camp.Photo credit NFL

by Chad Jones

Ryan Tannehill is oozing with talent & upside, and displayed tremendous feel in the pocket & arm talent in year 1. The issue was consistency, which could be expected given his relative inexperience. Remember, Tannehill started 20 games in his Collegiate Career after converting from Wide Receiver, where he spent his early years in College Station.

Tannehill is truly the 'Other Quarterback', sitting in Miami listening to the national media wax poetically about fellow 2012 Rookies Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III & Russell Wilson. The Dolphins are committed to taking the next step as an organization, and it starts with Tannehill. He has the talent, and is now surrounded by a mix of weapons to catalyze the process.

NFL Training Camp: Dallas Cowboys Offensive Preview

by Chad Jones

Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant and Tony Romo

A year from today, Gavin Escobar will be appearing on national television shows to preview Cowboys Camp, and will be considered a matchup nightmare across the NFL. His value won't be exclusively in production, but in his ability to transform the Cowboys offense into a dynamic attack. Jason Garrett is an adept schemer that has learned from some of the brightest minds in football. While he won't be responsible for play calling, he will be integral to preparing the offense for each opponent.

NBA: Nate Robinson To The Denver Nuggets

by Rodney Fisher

Nate Robinson will join the Denver Nuggets. Photo credit NBA

Our number rated NBA unrestricted free agent left without a team is now reportedly joining the Denver Nuggets. Based on recent reports, Nate Robinson will be joining the Mile High team for the next two years for $4.1 million.

NBA: New Rules

by Rodney Fisher

The NBA Board of Governors have now approved five new rule changes for the upcoming 2013-14 season. Three rules will add more instant replay review, while the other two give clearer interpretation of existing rules.

NBA: MarShon Brooks has finally been freed

by J.T.

MarShon Brooks will get his chance in Boston. Photo credit NBA

The Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics made a blockbuster deal during the 2013 NBA Draft. Which the last few transactions the Celtics have been a part of we know they are in pure rebuild mode, which happens when your best players age it's apart of the game.

Aaron Rodgers ranks 2nd on NFL Fantasy QB Rankings. Photo credit NFL

by Arif Hasan

Quarterback is the most prolific position in fantasy football, although likely not the most important. Even so, having a mediocre quarterback can ruin many fantasy football seasons, especially if he's drafted too early.

With quarterbacks being drafted higher than ever, it's critical that fantasy football owners understand how to rank their quarterbacks and what produces the best results.

After spending hours constructing expected point values for the top quarterbacks in the league, it's easier to rely on expert opinions than it is to construct the tables yourself.

Don't Kill My Vibe: I'm excited for the "New" Lakers

by Matt Silverston

It's been a long time since the Lakers were the clear losers in ANY free agency battle, but that is the reality in Tinseltown as we speak.

For the first time in decades, critics are seriously debating whether the 2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers squad will even make the postseason, a feat that they've accomplished 18 out of the last 20 NBA seasons.

Oh boy, let me pour a glass of wine for this one.

NBA: Top 10 Free Agents Still Available (Unrestricted)

by Rodney Fisher

Nate Robinson is still available. Photo credit NBA

Teams in the NBA have all made the majority of their moves in free agency, but the is still some good players left to fill out the roster. Let's take a look at the top 10 players still available in free agency.

NCAA: Let Johnny Football Be Johnny Football

by Kendrick Johnson

Johnny Manziel is doing things his way. Photo credit TAMU

When a throng of 1,200 media types await your arrival and watch your every movement, no matter how big or small, you are definitely not the regular “Joe Some.” Welcome to the life of Texas A&M quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.

NBA Jersey Burning: Shameful Fandom

by Matt Silverston

I will never ever be ashamed to say that I love the Los Angeles Lakers.

I've proclaimed my love through the championships, the trades, the coaching malfunctions, and the superstar experiments, and I've celebrated the ups and downs alongside the rest of Lakersnation with pride.

I showed Laker pride despite that fact that my fellow Laker brethren shamefully rioted and destroyed the city I love following the crowning of dynasties and the numerous trophy ceremonies.

I've been critical of every player from Elden Campbell to Kobe Bryant, but if you wore that purple and gold I supported you and your game.

Sure, I might've sounded off a fair number of criticisms over Pau Gasol over the years and yes, I was perplexed at Howard's overall season last year, but at the end of the day I am what I am: a Lakers lover.

by Chad Jones

A summary of the first half of the MLB season for the AL West teams. Does your team have a chance?

by Chad Jones

An inside look at the first half of the MLB season for the AL Central teams. What does your team need to do to improve?

MLB: Chicago White Sox Fire Sale

by Chad Jones

Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox.

Rick Hahn & Kenny Williams were extended this offseason, inheriting a roster with overpaid Free Agents, virtually no farm system & failed draft selections. The White Sox are one of the loan Front Offices that continues to besmirch advanced statistics. Basically, Money Ball represented a new way of thinking, an analytic process that has further evolved, and engulfed 28 other Front Offices. Building an MLB Roster now requires statistical reverence, albeit it's applied to varying degrees across baseball. But not for the Chicago White Sox, who are traditionalists in the truest sense.

by J.T.

The New York Knicks signed Twitter's favorite tweeter Metta World Peace to a 2 year deal worth 3.2 million dollars. World Peace has a player option for the 2nd year of the deal. This is a solid signing for the Knicks because it isn't much financial strain for a team with a big payroll.

by Chad Jones

An inside look at the teams in the AL East at the All-Star break. What has your team done?

Matt Ryan, franchise tag?

by Chad Jones

With the drama of Franchise Tags nearing the July 15th Deadline, we take a look ahead to next offseasons potential Franchise Tagged Players.

NFL Agents loathe the Franchise Tag, a Tender teams reserve the right to utilize on their own Free Agents. The tender can be applied 2 times on one player, and has been utilized in consecutive years recently (Redskins Fred Davis & Cowboys Anthony Spencer). While it pays among the upper echelon at their position, it makes garnering a longterm commitment outside the realm of possibility with another club. It creates drama, as the two sides must broker an extension prior to a set July 15th Deadline. Holdouts have occurred, because the NFL is a Business. It hurts the longterm finances of players & is thus vehemently detested. Let's take a look at 2014 Franchise Tag Possibilities.

by Rodney Fisher

Monta Ellis and the Dallas Mavericks have agreed on a three year deal worth a minimum of $25 million and potential $30 million after incentives. The Mavericks needed an upgrade a guard and another scorer to complement Dirk Nowitzki, but Monta Ellis represents a bigger need for the franchise.

Jay Cutler on your Fantasy Football roster?

by Arif Hasan

The most consistent and potent position in any fantasy roster is the quarterback. While the quarterback might not be the most important position you’ll end up drafting, screwing up your starting quarterback situation will come back to haunt you.

Many fantasy owners decide to wait until the fifth or sixth round until they consider a quarterback. That has merit—fifth overall scoring quarterback Peyton Manning was selected in the fifth round on average, and starting quality quarterbacks Tony Romo and Ben Roethlisberger were drafted later.

NFL Under-Rated Draft Prospect: Francisco Llanos, Southern Mississippi

by Derrik Klassen

Francisco Llanos

Heading into his Senior year at Southern Mississippi, Francisco Llanos could be the nation’s ultimate sleeper at Wide Receiver. Due to lack of QB talent, and quite frankly a lack of overall offensive talent, Llanos is being restricted and flying under the radar. Last season, he racked up 226 yards on 20 receptions despite awful QB play.

Larry Fitzgerald Set The Model for $100 Million

by Chad Jones

2004 3rd Overall Selection Larry Fitzgerald entered the NFL at 19 Years Old, and created the model for earning millions.

Fitzgerald signed a 6 Year 40.0 Million Rookie Deal (20.0 Million of Escalators Available & $ 20.0 M Guaranteed) What Fitzgerald said to the Cards was if I don't pan out, the ramifications on the Franchise will not be overwhelming. But if I become an elite player, I'll earn millions. In reality, it was Agent Eugene Parker (Also represents Ndamukong Suh & Jairus Byrd on current deals) that showed unrivaled business acumen.

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NFL: Buffalo Bills and Jairus Byrd Negotiation Analysis

by Chad Jones

Will the Buffalo Bills sign Jairus Byrd?

The 2009 2nd Rounder is one of the premier safeties in the league. At 26, he's entering his Prime and looking to be paid accordingly. The Bills applied the One Year Franchise Tag, which will pay $ 6.92 Million for the 2013 season. All longterm extension talks have stagnated, with both sides far apart. It appears on the surface to be a money issue, but it's related to a multitude of other factors.

Victor Cruz Signs New Deal with New York Giants

by Rodney Fisher

"I don't want to play anywhere else and financially my family is set for the rest of my life, " says Victor Cruz after signing a six-year contract extension with the New York Giants worth $46 million, $15.625 million guaranteed.

Chris Kaman headed back to L.A.

by Rodney Fisher

As the NBA free agency period enters it's second week, teams begin the tedious process of filling out rosters with remaining talent.

Chris Kaman, former Dallas Mavericks experiement, agrees to a one year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for the mid-level exception right under $3.2 million. Kaman is no stranger to LA after spending his first eight seasons in the league with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Andre Iguodala's move to the Golden State Warriors has been finalized with a sign-and-trade involving the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz along with the Warriors. The Nuggets get Randy Foye from the Jazz and the Warriors get to ship $24 million in salary (Richard Jefferson, Andris Bierdins, Brandon Rush, and future draft picks) to the Jazz.

NBA: Brad Stevens takes his talents to the NBA

by J.T.

Brad Stevens is head coach for the Boston Celtics

I’m still shocked that Brad Stevens has left Butler, maybe I’m the only one after all of those big time programs tried to pry away Stevens to their prestigious programs I thought he was about to be the modern day Coach K. I don’t think I was crazy to think that but boy was I wrong.

The Boston Celtics signed Brad Stevens to a 6 year 22 million dollar deal to become their new head coach. Stevens is the youngest coach in the NBA at 36 years old. With the Celtics rebuilding this proves they are really starting from the bottom.

NBA: Howard dips on the Lakers

by J.T.

Dwight Howard now a Houston Rocket

The Indecision 2013 came to a head last night as Dwight Howard chose to sign with the Houston Rockets. Howard took a 4 year 88 million dollar max deal to head to Texas. He left an extra year and 30 million on the table by bolting.

The Indecision didn’t come without some indecision after multiple sources stating that Howard would be signing with the Rockets, we got a report that it wasn’t final yet and that it was 50/50 between the Lakers and Rockets. Which later we found out was just Dwight being Dwight I guess.

Boxing: Floyd Mayweather vs Canelo Alvarez Press Tour "The One"

by Kendrick Johnson

Triple digit temperatures in Houston, Texas couldn’t keep an overflowing crowd of about 30,000 from showing up to Union Station at Minute Maid Park to see the Floyd Mayweather/Canelo Alvarez press tour up close in personal. There were so many fans not all in attendance where allow into the station, something not taken for granted by the pound-for-pound king.

NFL: Big Trouble in Patriotland

by J.T.

Can Tom Brady and Bill Belichick get a handle on things?

If you know me, I take little digs here and there on the Pats but in this post I'll not going to be bias because what has happened in the last few weeks were out of their control. So, Patriot Nation I'm giving you a G pass this time, just this time, count this as an aberration.

When the off season began one position besides quarterback that everyone and their momma thought was stable was tight end. Who could blame every one for their assumptions? The statement, "Nothing is guaranteed" couldn't be more true in context of this situation.

Ozzie Newsome is top GM in the NFL

by Chad Jones

We rank the top 32 NFL GMs in the league. How does your team's GM rank?

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