Training Camp Report: Claiborne and Carr Battle It Out (Video)

Dallas Cowboys defensive backs Brandon Carr and Maurice Claiborne battle for the starting position.

Training Camp Report: Dak Prescott and Jamill Showers Get Reps (Video)

Training Camp Report: Cowboys Considering Manziel for Backup?

At the end of the first week of Dallas Cowboys training camp, things seem to have started where they left off at the quarterback position. Tony Romo is not on the field. The projected backup quarterback, Kellen Moore, is out for most of the season. And an untested rookie QB, Dak Prescott, is taking reps with the first team. The uncertainty under center remains a constant.

Plan A was to acquire Nick Foles, but he shunned "offensive guru" Jason Garrett to play under the coach that drafted him, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs. For a player that forced his way out of the LA Rams because he wants to be a long-term starter, backing up the injury prone Romo would seem to be the better option. But playing in cold KC behind a younger Alex Smith appeared better.

Plan B? Sources within the organization have told us that they are "considering many options." When asked directly if those options including a Dallas resident, former Heisman winner quarterback with a fondness for the dramatic named Johnny Manziel, the reply was "we are considering it."

Truth be told, the Cowboys will need to wait until the NFL finally deals out the expected suspension to Manziel for his off the field criminal behavior. Once that is handed down, do not be surprised to see Johnny Football throwing the ball with the second team.

New Updates:

Stephen Jones has denied that Johnny Manziel will be an option for the Cowboys.

Manziel has been spotting in Los Angeles this week. A few miles south of training camp in Oxnard, California.

We are also being told that the $2 million fine from the NFL for the Cowboys having three current players suspended may deter them from pursuing Manziel.


Stay tuned...

Game Time: High School Football Preview Show - Sunday 5PM CST

Join our NTXGame high school football experts Willie P, Coach Rob, and Casey Jackson as they break down the start of the North Texas High School Football season.

SWAC 2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M

Courtesy: Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M View Photo

2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy SWAC.org

Fri, July 15, 2016

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference officially opened the 2016 football season with its annual SWAC Football Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama at the Birmingham Marriott.

The event featured several workings including the All-SWAC Preseason Team announcement with a live video and radio broadcast stream.  A series of special guest included LT. COL Keith Bland of the Air Force Reserve, ESPN’s  John Grant, Executive Director of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, Mark Wright from The Undefeated, Jay Walker ESPN College Football Analyst and Shack Harris from the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Head coaches from all 10 schools accompanied with two players each were in attendance.  Over 130 media members were credentialed for this year’s gathering.
The SWAC released a pair of public service initiatives to highlight the conference member institutions, promote the upcoming 2016 Toyota SWAC Football Championship in Houston, Texas on December 3.
The SWAC released its 2016 SWAC Preseason Teams with Southern running back Lenard Tillery and Alabama State linebacker Kourtney Berry being tabbed for individual honors.
Two-time defending champion Alcorn State totaled 44 votes points as it was named the preseason favorite out of the East Division. Alabama State followed with 35 points, Jackson State received 28 points, followed by Alabama A&M (16) and Mississippi Valley State (12).

Out in the West Division, Prairie View A&M was chosen as the division favorite after amassing 41 points in the voting. Grambling State followed with 35 points, and Southern received 32 points. Texas Southern (16) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (11) rounded out the order of predicted finish.

Wings Fall Short To Lynx 98-97

The Wings fall short to Lynx

by Willie Pointer

The Dallas Wings went into last night contest riding a 3 game losing streak but coach Williams and his troops look very impressive early as they battle a strong Minnesota Lynx squad that has all the tools to win it all once again in the WNBA. 

Dallas' Glory Johnson was out for the contest due to a broken toe that will keep her out for at least another month, this injury hurst the Wings as a team but coach Williams has made some adjustments that will keep his team afloat until Glory returns.

Lynx' Rebekkah Brunson had an impressive first quarter for Minnesota scoring 9pts, Dallas Karima Christmas had herself a first quarter pumping in 10pts for the wings and leading 29-27 after the first quarter.

Maya Moore came out the start of the second quarter scoring the Lynx first 6pts pushing their lead out to opts 34-29 with 8:25 left ion the period. Plenette Pierson and the wings put together a 6-0 run to cut the Lynx lead 50-46 with two minutes reamaing in the first half.

Maya Moore lead all scores in the first half with 14pts as the Lynx went into halftime leading the Wings 55-50. Both teams shot over 55% from the field in the first half.

Wings' Odyssey Sims goes down from a incidental elbow from Lynx Sylvia Fowles early in the third quarter, Skylar Diggins pick up the scoring load scoring the Wings next 6 points as sims recovered from her injury.

The combination of Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore of the Lynx gave the Wings fitz throughout the third quarter. With only a little over two minutes left in the third the Lynx regain control of the game going on a 8-0 run to push their lead to 72-61 over the Wings.

Courtney Paris of the Wings put back a a 5ft shot to close out the third quarter with the Wings trailing 76-63. The Wings were totally outplayed by the Lynx through three quarters.

Rookie Aerial Powers has had her moments this season for the Wings and along with her teammate Odyssey Sims both will be on team USA for the Olympics.

Powers and Sims sparked the late 4th quarter run for the Wings combining for 10pts to pull the wings to within four points  86-82  with 2:32 left in the game.

Plenette Pierson three point basket tied the game at 86-86 with 1:50 to play, but Seimone Augustus knocked down a corner three to put the Lynx back up by three with 34.7 left in the contest.

Sims gets fouled on three point shot by Lindsay Whalen of the Lynx with 6.0 second left to play, Sims knock down all three free throws to force overtime.

In overtime it was Karima Christmas huge three point basket with 1:21 in overtime that put the Wings ahead 97-94, Christmas finished with 20pts in the contest.

Lindsay Whalen pulled the Lynx to within 1point with two free throws, only 50:1 remaining in overtime, Sims committed a huge turnover with 24.7, Seimone Augustus capitalized on the wings turnover by connecting on a 15ft jumper to put the Lynx back ontop 98-97 with 15.3 left in overtime.

Rookie Aerial Powers could not get off a good look late in overtime as the Lynx prevail 98-97 lead by Allstar Maya Moore 20pts

Dallas Wings Survive Stars In OT

Dallas Wings player Odyssey Sims and San Antonio Stars player Moriah Jefferson. Photo credit MySanAntonio 

Wings survive the Stars in OT

by Willie Pointer


Plenette Pierson came out on fire for the Dallas Wings going 3-3 from the field against the San Antonio Stars Thursday night , but Kayla McBride has matched Peirsons effort making two quick three pointers to put the stars up 16-8 midway through the first quarter.

Karima Christmas gets into the scoring action scoring 5 quick points late in the first to pull the Wings to within 2pts of the stars, Christmas had an outstanding floor game Tuesday night against the Phoenix Mercury scoring 9pts and pulling down 5 rebounds but it was her defense on all-star Diana was a big key for the Wings.

Glory Johnson came off the bench and gave the wings some good minutes connecting on 2 of 3 shots to put the wings ahead at the end of the 1st period 22-19.

Theresa Plaisance has played well since returning from her lower leg injury, she gives the Wings another energy player off the bench and she also can stretch the floor with her 3point shooting.

Jordan Hooper has been on a tear for the wings as she went 4-for-4 in her last game and tonight she has come in midway through the second and pick up were she left off drilling her first shot from 3point land and putting the wings up 32-21 over the Stars.

Mcbride has kept the stars close nailing yet another sweet three pointer giving her 9pts early in the first half of the contest. The Stars come into the game with a 2-10 record on the season, they have really played hard but find themselves down way to much early in games in which they tend to lose.

The Wings go on a 6-0 run to close out the first half leading the Stars 50-34 behind a big first half from Plenette Pierson.

Dallas came out flat in the first four minutes of the second half and the Stars Dearica Hammy took full advantage of it cutting the Wings lead to single digits forcing coach Williams to call a time out. Odyssey Sims convert on a 15ft jumper to push the Wings lead back to double digit in the third quarter.

San Antonio has not look like a 2-10 team tonight as they have fought very hard in the contest, Coach Williams and the Wings have yet to match the energy of the Stars in the second half as they cut the Wings lead to 7pts with two minutes left in the third.

At the end of three quarters the Stars had cut the Wings lead down to 5pts and had all the momentum as they looked to keep the pressure up on the Wings. Mariah Jefferson and Sydney Colson gave the Stars an advantage in the backcourt in the second half with their speed and ball handling.

Kayla Alexander gave the Stars their first lead of the night 67-66 as she split two free throws  with 8min left in the 4th. The Wings leaned on all-star Skylar Diggins and she answered scoring a quick 5points to put the wings up by two points 71-69 at the 7:30 mark.

Plenette Pierson had a chance to end it in regulation but her attempt fell short as the Stars push it to overtime. 

Sims and the Wings went on a 6-0 run to start overtime and the stars couldn’t keep up as they fall 97-90

Wings Cool The Mercury 100-90, Push Win Streak To 3

Wings Outduel The Mercury For The 3rd Consecutive Win

by Willie Pointer


The wings got on the board first with a sweet put back by Plenette Pierson and she followed that up with a three pointer from the top of the key, Wings jump out to a quick 7-0 lead with 7:22 left in the first quarter, Sonja Petrovic gets the mercury on the board with a deep three from the corner.

Skylar Diggins knocks down a 15ft jumper in the lane for her first points in the contest, she is coming off a 24pt outing in her last game against the Phoenix Mercury. Griner connects on another turnaround jumper to extend the Mercury lead to 5pts with seconds remaining in the first. Erin Phillis gets into the action knocking down 2 free throws to end the quarter with the wings trailing by opts.

Jordan Hooper gets the second quarter scoring started with a Patten three-pointer from the top of the key, Jordan has really shot the ball extremely well in her last 2 games. Midway through the second Diggins picks up her second foul and she had to sit the for the remaining of the period.

Hooper has made the last 4 field goals for the wings including three straight three-pointers, Sims has chimed in on the action going coast to coast for her second made basket of the game, Wings push their lead to 6pts leading 40-34 with 2:45 left in the first half action.

Taurus of the Mercury cruises in for another easy layup to cut the Wings lead down to 4pts, Griner and Taurasi have managed to keep their team in striking distance as the quarter closes with the wings up 48-44 at the half.

The Mercury got off to a hot start in the second half scoring the first 4pts to tie the game but Skylar Diggins had an answer with 6pts of her own including a 4point play for the Wings, Glory Johnson has made her presence felt as she has covered her last 3 field goals in the paint to push the wings lead to 8 pts with 2minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Karima Christmas had a huge block of Brittany Griner that was called a foul, Griner split the free throws, late in the third quarter Diggins nails a three to put the wings up by 11 with :45seconds left. Rookie Aerial Powers fouls DeWanna Bonner on a three point shot were she makes 2 of 3 for the Mercury to end the quarter.

The wings took a double digit lead into the 4th were they look to build on and keep the momentum going. Powers made a big bucket in the paint to stop the Mercury run and push the lead back out to 10 pts early in the 4th.

Bonner has single handed kept the Mercury in the game knocking down consecutive three pointers to cut the wings lead to opts with 46.4 seconds left but it was too much Glory Johnson down the stretch as she powers the wings past the mercury for a 100-90 win.

One For The 'Land

Lebron James makes good on his promise to Northeast Ohio and delivers an NBA Championship to Cleveland. The Cavaliers come back from 3-1 to win Game 7 on the road. James is named MVP.

82 Points: Watch Kyrie Irving and Lebron James Make History

In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Lebron James and Kyrie Irving make history by becoming the first duo to both score 40+ points in the same Finals game. They both went for 41 each to take the series back to Cleveland 3-2.

L.A Sparks Torch Wings To Improve To 9-0

Nneke Ogqumike scored 32 points as the Dallas Wings fall to the LA Sparks 97-73. Candace Parker and the Sparks
remain undefeated this season. Photo credit: LA Times 

L.A Sparks torch the Wings to improve to 9-0

by Willie Pointer
L A Sparks jumps out with a 6-0 led by Candice Parker and Nneka Ogwumike, Courtney Paris get the wings on the board with a driving layup, but Parker knocks down a deep corner two to put the sparks up by nine points with 7:36 remaining.

Skylar Diggins comes in and hits a big three from the left corner to cut into the Sparks lead, but it’s has been to much of #30 for the wings as she continues her dominance inside the paint.

Aerial Powers wrestles the ball away from an Sparks defender and scores, #42 hit a 10ft jumper as the sparks end the quarter up 26-11. Skylar gave the wings some very good minutes in the first quarter in her first game back in action since the home opener.

Powers has given life to the Wings as she has scored the last six points and cut the Sparks lead to 15pts with 7min to go in the second quarter. Kristin Toliver nails a corner three to put the sparks up by 18pts in the contest.

Glory Johnson gets a huge block against Alana Beard of the sparks and the wings get a run out basket by Sims to cut LA lead to 14pts with 2min remaining in the half. Powers has yet again come off the bench and has been the spark the wings have needed scoring 10pts in the second.

Nneka Ogwumike has been too much inside  scoring 15 pts in the first half for the Sparks as she bangs in another three point play. LA heads into the locker room up 50-32.

Sims got the Wings third quarter scoring started as she drove the basket for a layup and cut the sparks lead to 14, Parker knocks down a couple of free throws to put the sparks back up by double digits, the wings have come out the second half with alot of energy as they go on a 6-0 run to cut the lead down to 12pts with 6:19 in the third

Glory Johnson splits a pair of free throws to draw the wings within 14 with  5 min left in the third quarter, Skylar Diggins gets a layup assisted by Karma Christmas to pull the wings to within 12pts after a Sparks turnover, Kristin Toliver gets a driving layup with the foul against wings Odyssey sims she misses the free throw.

Diggins has made her last 4 free throws to daw the wings to within 12pts with 1 min remainng in the third, Erin Phillips makes a deep corner 2 for the wings, but the Sparks take a double digit lead into the 4th quarter.

Sparks Toliver has answered the bell for her team as she knocks down another dagger three for LA, Sims turnover leads to another layup by Ogwumike for the sparks. Jantel Lavender hits a short jumper in the lane to put the Sparks up by 23pts midway through the 4th quarter.

Chelsea Gray makes a driving layup as the Sparks have blown the game wide open and lead by 28pts late in the quarter, the wings will yet again fall short as the lose to the Sparks 97-73. The win improves the Sparks to 9-0 on the season and the Wings fall to 3-6 on the season.

NBA Finals: Game 4 Adjustments

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have a hill to climb to even the series with the Golden State Warriors.

by Rodney Fisher

Golden State Warriors

Matching Intensity

The Warriors allowed the Cavaliers to feed off their home crowd in the first quarter of Game 3. It is not that they were caught off guard, they know to expect the Cavs to come out swinging in their first home game of the series, but they normally match the intensity with a deadly three-pointer or block at the rim. In Game 4, the Golden Boys need to bring their own fight early.

Lineup Change

This is simple...If Kevin Love starts, so does Andrew Bogut. If Coach Lue keeps Richard Jefferson in the the starting five, then you make the move to start last year's NBA Finals MVP Andre Iguodala.

Make Free Throws

We all know the Warriors need to shoot better, but 17-26 from the charity stripe needs to improve. Free throw shooting on the road is all about nerves. It is one of the best indicators to see the mindset of the road team in the playoffs. Klay Thompson was 1-3 from the free throw line. Draymond Green was 2-4.

Make the Cavs Run Half-court Sets

This has been cryptonite for the Cavs offense. When they have to run plays the settle for jumpshots, and in Game 3 they made them. That is risk you are willing to take with you have a more superior shooting team overall. The Cavs looked their best on the break in Game 3, but Lebron could not finish at the rim in with the half-court offense.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Don't Get Cute Lue

Coach does not need to make the rookie mistake of thinking that not having Kevin Love in the starting lineup is the right move. If Love is cleared to play, you have to let him start regardless of what fans, media, or Lebron has to say. If you lose Game 4 and don't start Love even though he is ready to play, the decision may cost you more than a trophy. Richard Jefferson is available to come in at anytime, he does not have to start.

Run, Run, Run

Play like your hair is on fire! Start Game 4 just like Game 3 without slowing down in the second quarter. Running will get the Cavs easy points in the paint or free throw attempts. The Cavs outscored the Warriors 15-8 on fast break points.

Lebron Needs 40

James does not need to let his foot off the gas now that Kyrie Irving, Tristan Thompson, and J.R. Smith have decided to show up to The Finals for only one game. He has way more at stake in this series than any other player on the team. He has to play like a man possessed. Yes Lebron, you have to channel the legends of the game like Jordan, Magic, Kobe, Shaq, Olajuwon, Jabar, and others to take over.

The Wings Run Out Of Gas Against The Mystic; Lose 4 Straight

Dallas Wings' Gloria Johnson positions for the rebound as her team falls to the Mystic 87-79. Photo credit: W3LiveNews 

The Wings Run Out Of Gas Against The Mystic

by Willie Pointer

Erin Phillips got the wings scoring started with a deep corner three with 7:50 seconds left in the first quarter. The Mystics jump out really on the wings to lead by 5pts, Courtney Paris was tagged with 2 quick fouls and she had to sit the rest of the quarter.

Glory Johnson entered the game with 5:45 remaining and she made an immediate impact scoring on driving layup, Mystics center Stefanie Dolson makes the wings pay as she connects on a short jumper in the paint.

Jordan hooper drops a corner three assisted by sims sweet pass from the top of the key,  Bria Hartley puts the Mystics back up 19-17 with 2min remain in the first quarter. Glory Johnson scores and pull the wings to within one point to end the quarter with the mystic leading 22-21

Ivory Latta makes a three point basket to extend the Mystic lead to opts with 9minutes remaining, Ruth Hamblin makes a turnaround jumper for the wings, Mystics Kia Vaughn hit a driving layup for her only opts in the half.

The Wings have their outside game working as Jordan Hooper and Karima Christmas both have knock down huge three’s in the 2nd Quarter to pull the wings within one point with 3min remaining. Glory Johnson was hit with a flagrant 1 foul with :10 left in the half. Washington took the lead into halftime 40-37
 

Sims got the second half scoring started for the wings with a short jumper from the wing to cut the lead 40-39 but the mystics pushed back and have since went on a quick 7-0 spurt to lead 47-39 with 5:48 left in the frame.

Washington leads by 10, 51-41 with 4:22 seconds left in the 3rd. Aerial Powers makes a couple of free throws to cut into the mystics lead, but Ivory Latta makes the wings pay with a deep three from the corner.

Coach Williams gets tossed after a horrible call from the referee, it puts the mystic up by 11 with 3min to go in the quarter. Aerial powers has scored back to back baskets to cut into the mystics lead, at the end of three the mystics lead 68-53.

Karima Christmas hits a big three to cut the lead down to 12 with 9min to play, the bigs for the wings haven’t played well at all tonight as the wings find themselves down 17pts with 6min left in the game.

With 4:45 left in the contest the wings make a push to cut the lead down to 10 behind some key free throws from Glory Johnson, Courtney Paris commits her 5th foul as the wings are down by 11 with 2:36 remaining

The Wings drop another game as the fall to the Washington Mystic tonight 87-79, next home game is saturday 7:30 against the LA Sparks. 

Muhammad Ali: Remembering The Greatest

Rest In Heaven Ali. 

The Willie P Show Episode 3: Western Conference Finals

The Willie P Show Episode 3: Western Conference Finals

Chicago Sky Beat Dallas Wings 92-87

Chicago Sky Beat Dallas Wings 92-87. D210TV has all the highlights...

Wings Fall to Atlanta 102-93

Coach Fred Williams addresses the team as the Dallas Wings fall to the Atlanta Dream 102-93. Wings are now 3-2 on the season. Photo credit: Layne Murdoch

The Wings Fall to the Atlanta Dream 102-93

by Willie Pointer

 Atlanta Dream player Angel McCoughtry got the scoring started in the game with a drive to the hole in which she was foul by Erin Phillips of the Wings. The wings get on the board with 8:30 left in the quarter from two free throws by Erin Phillips. Courtney Paris fouls Elizabeth Williams  for a three point play with 7:45 left in the quarter. McCoughtry cans another jumper to put the dream up by seven midway through the period.

      

 Sims and the wings have turn the ball over three times in the first six min of the game, while the dream have capitalized off the wings miscues. Dreams Angel McCoughtry dazzles the crowd with one of her signature moves as she blow past sims to put the dream up by eight with 2:25 left in the first period. 

      

 Aerial Powers has come off the bench and put in 4 straight points, but McCoughtry has punished the wings this quarter with 13pts. Plenette makes two free throws to pull the wings within six points to end the first quarter.

     

Early in the second quarter Coutney Paris split a pair of free throws to make it a seven point game, McCoughtry continues her dominance in the second as she nails a deep three to put the dream back up by eight points with 5:56 left in the quarter. Pierson gets hit with her third foul of the half with 3:50, Plenette bangs in a corner three to tie the game at 38-38 for the wings with 2:52 left in the quarter.

      

Ruth Hamblin gives the Wings their first lead of the game as she knocks down two free throws with 2:26 to play. Pierson picks up her fourth foul of the half and has to sit late in the period. Jordan Hooper scores five straight points for the wings as they extend their lead to four points. Tiffany Hayes of the Dream splits a pair of free throws to end the half with the wings leading 49-48

Early in the third Tiffany Hayes puts the dream back up by three points with a steal on the inbound play. Paris gets the wings on the board with a driving layup and cuts the lead to one point with 8:40 remaining in the third. Hayes makes another driving layup off a wings turnover to put the dream up 63-57 with 4:31 left in the 3rd.

   

Powers connected on a short jumper in the lane to pull the wings within three points with three minutes left in the game. Atlanta’s Hayes knocks down yet another big three to extend the Dreams lead with two minutes remaining in the quarter. Phillips scores a quick four points off the bench and  blocks an attempt by Meighan Simmons of the dream to end the quarter, but Atlanta leads by four going into the fourth quarter.

    

 Aerial Powers picks up two quick fouls to start the quarter for the wings, McCoughtry pick up where she left off in the third by knocking down another jumper in the lane as the Dream pushes their lead to four points. Jordan Hooper has been big for the wings dropping another big three from deep in the corner to tie the game at 80-80 with 6:30 left in the game.

     

McCoughtry misses two huge free throws with five minutes left in the game, but the Dream's Elizabeth Williams get the offensive rebound and draws the foul. with the game in the balance wings Odyssey Sims connects on a big three basket to tie the game at 87-87 with 2:45, 

   

Atlanta’s Tiffany Hayes makes a driving layup to put the dream up by opts with 1:45 remaining, Powers foul out the game with 1:35and sends Sancho Little to the line and she makes both free throws to put Atlanta up by six points.

Layshia Clarendon scores 4 quick points to put the dream ahead by seven points with 48:2 seconds left in the game. Simms misses a driving layup that could have cut the lead to four. Tonight just wasn’t the wings night as they fall to dream 102-93

Dallas Cowboys Start OTAs: Inside Look

Tony Romo hands off to his new running back Ezekiel Elliott as OTAs begin at Valley Ranch. Photo credit Star-Telegram 

D210TV takes you behind the scenes as the Dallas Cowboys start OTAs before training camp begins.

The Willie P Show Episode 2: Cavs and Raptors Series

The Willie P Show Episode 2: Cavs and Raptors Series

Join basketball analyst Willie P as he breaks down the NBA Playoff series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors.

Brought to you by NTXGame.com

The Willie P Show: Conference Finals 5.21.2016

Join basketball analyst Willie P as he dives deep into the NBA Conference Finals.

Dallas Wings Win Home Opener

Odyssey Sims leads the Dallas Wings to a Win in Home Opener. 

The Wings Prevail in the Home Opener over the San Antonio Stars 82-77. Irving's own Odyssey Sims finished with a game high 23 points.

by Willie Pointer

Tonight is opening night here in Arlington, TX for the WNBA Dallas wings. The Wings are coming off a road win over the Washington Mystics this week and they are looking to come out strong in their home opener against the San Antonio Stars.

Odyssey Sims got the wings scoring started with  two free throws to start the game as she was very aggressive early, Plenette Pierson added a small jumper in the lane for two of her first quarter points as the wings take an early first quarter lead.

Hometown player Sims put the wings up by two with seven minutes left in the first quarter and Karma Christmas put the Wings up by eight with a three point play in the lane late in the opening quarter. Sims would knock down another big three and the wings end the first quarter with a seven point lead over San Antonio Stars.

The second quarter got off to a rocky start for the Wings as their lead was cut to only five points early in the quarter. Sydney Colson draws the San Antonio Stars closer with a three point play with five minutes left in the half. The games got a little chippy when Kayla Alexander of the Stars commits an offensive foul in the second quarter which sending her to the bench with three early fouls. Rookie Ariel Powers gave the Wings a spark off the bench with 10 tough points in the first half to give Dallas a eight point lead at the half. 42-34.

 The second half got started like the first half did with Sims connecting on a pair of free throws giving her 14 points so far in the contest. Dallas pushed the lead out to 13 behind Plenette Piersons layup. Both teams traded baskets as they battled through some tough calls from the officials. Meanwhile the third quarter ends with Sims making a strong move in the paint to score her game high 18 points through three quarters.

 Erin Phillips and the Wings started fast in the fourth quarter to push the lead out to 17 points with eight minutes remaining, but the Stars kept fighting. Pierson made a huge basket with four minutes to push the lead to double digits. Kayla McBride connected on a big three for the stars to cut the lead to six points with 3:02 left. Sims connected on a 15ft jumper to put the wings ahead by  four with 1:45 left. San Antonio turned the ball over with 4.2 seconds left in the game and the Wings hold on to win 82-77 in their first game in Arlington. Odyssey Sims had a game high 23 points. 

Jerry Jones Ready To Embrace Life After Romo

Jason Garrett, Charlotte Jones, Jerry Jones, and Stephen Jones discuss the 2016 NFL Draft picks. 

Jerry Jones has always stated that Tony Romo will be his quarterback for the next few years, but the recent draft shows his acceptance to prepare to move on.

by Rodney Fisher

The Dallas Cowboys started the draft with two main goals:

1. Take Ezekiel Elliott with the 4th pick.
2. Trade back into the first round and take quarterback Paxton Lynch.

After a proposed trade with the Seattle Seahawks was trumped by the Denver Broncos to draft Lynch with the 26th overall pick, the Cowboys set their sites on Michigan State QB Connor Cook or Mississippi State QB Dak Prescott. The selected Prescott in the fourth round.

When contemplating how to select the potential Romo-replacement, they sought the advice of legend Roger Staubach. His advice was to focus on the intangibles like leadership and self-confidence. Prescott was a team captain for the Bulldogs since he showed up on campus.

Jerry, the ultimate oil wildcatter, has made his bet. Even if Prescott turns out not to be the heir apparent, Jones has committed to begin the search. Romo's multiple injuries took their toll on the entire fan base last year, including the Jones family. The countless camera shots of a depressed luxury box started the process to think about the future.

The belief that Romo will return to action 100% should be taken with a grain of salt. Jones draft choice of Elliott with the 4th pick over Florida State safety Jalen Ramsay signifies that Romo needs help in the backfield. With DeMarco Murray leading the NFL rushing, Romo was able to audible out of the blitz more to protect his fragile frame. The hodge-podge mixture of running backs last year let him over exposed and his injury was inevitable.

Jones openness about pushing hard to get Paxton Lynch and drafting Prescott is the fresh thinking that fans have been craving. The Romo era is almost over.

Breaking News: Dirk Nowitzki Opts-Out of Final Contract Year With Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki is now a free agent. 

The rebuilding process for the Dallas Mavericks 2016-17 NBA season will start with Dirk Nowitzki not officially on the roster.

by Rodney Fisher

In an interview with Dallas radio station 1310 AM/ 96.7 FM The Ticket, Dirk said the following:

"We're going to sit with Mark and Donnie obviously over the next few weeks and figure out how to improve this franchise again. Ever since after the championship, we've been basically a first-round exit. We've been a seven, eight seed. We've only won a few playoff games, and obviously the goal was to compete at the highest level in my last couple of years, so there is some moving to do, some thinking, some putting our heads together the next few weeks heading into free agency, heading into the draft. So this is just one move that hopefully starts a chain reaction for us to get better again, to compete really at a high level. We'll see how it goes."

Dirk took a giant pay cut two years ago to allow the franchise to be a big player in free agency, but they have not been able to secure a marquee player. Many fans have always just assumed that he would always be a Dallas Maverick based on his own words. He also been adamant that he wants to be as competitive as possible in his last two years of his career.

This news comes on the heels of Deron Williams electing to opt-out of his player option year for next season with the Mavs also.

Trading Justin Anderson is Dirk's Best Hope

Could trading Justin Anderson be the key to winning another championship? 

Dirk’s Hope For Another Ring Here is Anderson

by Daniel A. Nash (@dfwsportshub)

I will be accused of being a schizophrenic fan; and it will be on good grounds.  Not too long ago, before the Mavs were .01 seconds from being swept by the Thunder in the first round, I wrote a blog on how they need to cut Dirk loose in order to accelerate the rebuilding process and allow him to play out his days with a legitimate contender.  Reviews were mixed.  I also criticized the Mavs for mortgaging the future by shipping away picks and young talent in short-sighted trades.  While watching Westbrook and Durant put the final nail in the 2016 coffin a few nights ago, I must say, I saw a glimmer of hope–not as much for the Mavs, but for Dirk.

Rick Carlisle is notorious for waiting too long to develop young talent.  He makes guys sit on the bench and watch when everyone thinks they should be taking reps.  It’s probably his biggest criticism as a coach.  Throughout the season, fans and media alike were clamoring to see more of Justin Anderson, the powerful, athletic wing we drafted in the first round last summer.  It wasn’t until Chandler Parsons went down for the season that Anderson got any real attention from his coach.  By the time Dallas clinched a playoff spot, he had solidified a role on the team (many argue it should have been larger), and he used this playoff series as a coming-out party to the rest of the NBA.  Catching oops, hitting 3’s, earning trips to the line, blocking shots, soaring for boards, doggedly defending offensive stars, diving head-first (elbow-first at times) into scrums for a loose ball, Justin showed everything you want to see from a developing baller.

If they hadn’t already, front office execs and coaches across the league took notice of Anderson and are now curious about what he can become.  For Mavs fans, he’s brought excitement and hope for the future of the franchise.  So, if you’re one who wants to ride it out with the Big German and try to build a contender around #41, it’s time to take trade calls for Justin.  I know…fellow MFFLs…you’re disgusted.  “He’s one of the only young, dynamic players we have.  He may be the future of the franchise.  How can you talk about trading him?!”  I don’t think we should trade him.  My thoughts on what the Mavs should do are well documented in my last post.  But if you’re going to acquire a polished veteran who can help Dirk make another push to the finals, the time is now (before next season starts), and Justin must be a part of the deal.  His stock has never been higher.

In the 09-10 season, the Mavs had a promising rookie named Rodrigue Beaubois.  He had point guard height, with the wing span of a small forward.  He had quicks, hops, and handles–potential in spades.  On March 27, 2010, Roddy burst on the scene with a 40 pt game against the Golden State Warriors.  Fans and media alike went wild!  Despite that performance, Avery Johnson, another rookie-averse coach, kept a tight leash on Roddy B, limiting his minutes and benching him at crucial points in ball games.  An underground movement dubbed “Free Roddy B” swelled among the the Mavs faithful lobbying for a larger role for the rook–with impressive t-shirt and merch sales, I must say.

Even the king fanatic, Mark Cuban, fell in love with Beaubois’ upside.  So much so that when the Indiana Pacers offered their first round pick in 2010 for Beaubois, Cuban said “thanks but no thanks.”  That pick wound up being Paul George, who is now a perennial all-star.  Meanwhile, Roddy hasn’t played in the NBA since 2013.

Of course, hind-sight is 20/20, and we now know that was a terrible decision by the front office.  So what should the Mavs learn from this mistake?  Trust your coach, and don’t overvalue potential.  In basketball, there are three roles that are essential to a contender: the star player, the floor general, and the above-average big man.  Sometimes these overlap, meaning one player serves multiple roles, but all three must be represented.  The star player is self-explanatory.  Practically speaking, they’re the best player on their team.  LeBron, Steph Curry, Durant, Leonard, Dirk…the value of these players is undeniable.  The floor general is a facilitator, with great court vision, making split-second decisions that put his team in the best position to score.  He knows where his guys’ “spots” are and gets them the rock where they like it.  He runs the offense.  Chris Paul, Kyrie Irving, Rajon Rondo…these are floor generals on their squads.  Steph Curry and Damian Lilliard are examples of players filling both the floor general and star player roles.

Then there’s the above-average big man.  I would prefer to say “excellent”, or “superior”, but in this increasingly guard-driven league, above-average bigs are nearly as useful as their elite counterparts.  This guy’s job is to protect the rim, grab rebounds, and score from time to time.  Andre Drummond, Hassan Whiteside, DeAndre Jordan–great examples of this role.  In Boogie Cousins and Anthony Davis you again find the dual role.  When all three are represented, a team is ready to do work and chase a ring.  If you don’t have these in place, you either need to develop them or trade for them.  Back to Justin Anderson.  Can he fit into one of these roles?  He’s not tall enough to be a big, although he plays “big” for his height.  He is a decent ball-handler, and his passing will improve with time, but he doesn’t appear to have the skill-set necessary for a floor general.  So, can he be a star player?  He is obviously talented, able to finish at the rim with authority or hit from beyond the arc—but can he develop into a Paul George, James Harden, or even Klay Thompson?  I’m inclined to say “no.”  He could become an exceptional role player, like Jimmy Butler or C.J. McCollum; but I don’t think he has the talent to be anything beyond that.  And there’s nothing wrong with that.  Players like that are necessary to fill out the roster of a contender; but they’re readily available throughout the league.

If, in fact, Justin doesn’t fill an essential role on the team, and the front office is intent on keeping Dirk and chasing a title, Anderson has to be at the center of trade talks.  After high-flying for boards and buckets, frustrating Durant, and fronting Westbrook this last series, his star shines as bright as ever.  If he is traded, it needs to be in a deal that brings a floor general, an above-average big, or a potential star.  If he isn’t, and Dirk finishes his years in Dallas, get ready for more futility and frustration; just start designing the “Free Justin Anderson” gear now.

Follow Daniel A. Nash on Twitter @DFWSportsHub

Is Ezekiel Elliott the New Emmitt Smith?

Ezekiel Elliott joins a unique hall-of-fame class of top five running back picks by the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Dallas Cowboys selected Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Now, the comparisons to other first round running back draft picks begin...

by Rodney Fisher

The Dallas Cowboys have only drafted a running back with within the first 5 picks twice: Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith.

Although Elliott is bigger, faster, and stronger than Smith was coming out of Florida, many fans believe that he will be the needed "triplet" piece to return the franchise to 90's dominance standards. More impressive than his stats is his leadership ability on a high ego team like Ohio State. When he did not feel he was being utilized enough on offense he spoke up. When the team needed someone to carry the load on or off the field, Zeke raised his hand first.That quality alone makes him more Emmitt-like than DeMarco Murray was.

NTXGame Podcast Network Hosts Needed

We are proud to announce our new NTXGame Podcast Network debuting this summer. Podcasts will be team/sport specific to North Texas.

We are currently looking for podcast hosts to add to our growing network. Please send all inquires by email to rfsportsradio@gmail.com

2016-17 NTXGame Podcast Lineup

• The Late Shift (Dallas Mavericks/NBA)
• Silver and Blue Nation (Dallas Cowboys/NFL) 
• The Ballpark (Texas Rangers/MLB)
• Stars on Ice (Dallas Stars/NHL)
• NTXGame Weekly (North Texas High School Sports)
• Football Club (FC Dallas/MLS)
• Wings Over Dallas (Dallas Wings/WNBA)

Maverick Fans Do Not Want Chandler Parsons

Chandler Parsons is not a fan favorite right now, but what injured player is. 

Regardless of what Mark Cuban and Chandler Parsons may say about his status with the team long-term, in a social media poll 73% of fans do not want him to stay with the team.

by Rodney Fisher

Human beings tend to live in the moment. MFFLs seem to be no different. In a poll conducting on social media this week 73% of 1,218 Mavs fans surveyed say they do not want to see Chandler Parsons remain with the team after this season for various reasons.

This comes off the heels of Mark Cuban's impromptu pregame press conference saying he wants Parsons to be here a long time if healthy.

"Everything presumes that he's healthy, and that's going to depend on his recovery and what the doctors say. I want him to be a long, long, long, long part of the franchise."

Parsons also joined the broadcast team during their home victory over the New York Knicks to proclaim the same, somewhat.

"I love Dallas...we will see this summer."

Chandler coming to Dallas over the summer of 2014 signified the turning point for the Mavericks franchise with signing free agents. Since winning the championship in 2011, the team had not been able to woe any notable free agents to join Dirk and the roster. Getting Chandler was supposed to open the gates for other young talent to come to Dallas.

Many Mavs fans that took our poll commented on the unwillingness of free agent DeAndre Jordan to join Parsons last summer as a bad omen for keeping him with the team.

"He can't bring anyone to play with him here. Look what happened to DeAndre Jordan changing his mind at the last minute."

Seems to be a stretch to blame Parsons for everything that happened with that deal, but fans have their own recollection of events.

The biggest reason fans give for not wanting Parsons is the money. If he opts-in to his last year of his current deal, the Mavs will have to pay him $19 million for next season. If he opts-out, he wants a max deal at 4 years $96 million which is doable because of the salary cap increase to $92 million net year $102 million the following year. All the while Dirk Nowitzki, still the team's best player, is making a paltry $8 million per season.

"He has to go. He is not worth the money! No player should make $19 million and never been an All-Star"

"Parsons can go. With where this team is (nowhere near contention), he's not worth that kind of over payment. Regardless of the impending salary cap increase, the state of the team and franchise don't warrant having him for that price."

The money is the hardest part to overcome when you talk about Chandler Parsons relative to Dirk Nowitzki. Fans could care less about the impending increase of money that all free agents will be making. They only see Dirk making peanuts and Parsons making steak.

His injury history was cited in the poll also. Parsons has had to end his season early this year due to a knee injury as well as last season after one playoff game. Dallas fans are accustomed to playoff basketball and he has not been apart of it since joining the team.

Wes Matthews has come back from a devastating Achilles injury to led the Mavs in total minutes this season. Fans see that and wonder why Parsons can not stay healthy.

"That doesn't mean he's worth it though this is two years in a row he's been hurt for the playoffs he's not worth it he didn't do anything in Houston"

Even though 73% or fans do not want him, nobody had a good plan if he was not with the team next year.

"For anyone that doesn't want him, the question is who can the Mavs actually get to replace him? No one ever wants to come to Dallas, sadly."

The Mavs have disguised signing hapless veterans to join Dirk for one last push as rebuilding. Other teams with hall-of-famers approaching the end of their careers like Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade are all playing with young talent found in the draft. Their commitment to Dirk to build a championship caliber team gave them the leverage to have money to spend, but the current strategy is not working. With no draft pick in the first round due to the Rondo trade, this does not seem to be the offseason to change course.

If I am 27 year old Chandler Parsons then I definitely opt-out of the deal and get the Mavs to resign me for the max contract. He has already been promised a max deal from his hometown Orlando Magic. You take the guranteed money when you can.

As I mentioned, humans are creatures of the moment. It may hurt to see your team struggling to make the playoffs while Parsons sits on the bench with a designer leg brace on, but you have to continue to look big picture. One more year to evaluate the player and the league is the best option.

Barea Leads Mavs To Win Over Knicks 91-89 To Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

J.J. Barea to the rescue for the Mavs. 

J.J. Barea's 26 points on 10-18 shooting from the field to pull out a tough win over the New York Knicks.

by Rodney Fisher

Justin Anderson and Dwight Powell got the start for the second straight game looking to build off of their performance from Sunday's win over Denver. The night belonged to J.J. Barea again coming off the bench to score 26 points, his sixth 20+ game this season.

The Mavs will hit the road again to face the Detroit Pistons on Friday, but their next home game against the Houston Rockets may make or break their playoff hopes.

Mavs Youth Secure Big Win over Denver 97-88

Dwight Powell had a career-high 16 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a much needed victory. 

Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson lead the Dallas Mavericks to a critical win over the Denver Nuggets.

by Rodney Fisher

After losing 10 of the their last 12 games, the Mavs needed a big spark from someone. Coach Rick Carlisle has been going deep into his bench looking for someone to step up and provide the needed energy to get this team a win. Tonight, their youngest players on the roster in Dwight Powell and Justin Anderson delivered.

Anderson came alive in the third quarter with key defensive plays and shots on his way to 11 points shooting 5-8 from the floor. Powell put the game away in the fourth quarter going 5-5 on his way to a career-high 16 points. Both young players got the start tonight.

Dwight Powell on his career night:

"You got to always stay ready because opportunity is always around the corner...The guys keep telling me to keep shooting my shots and I did."

J.J. Barea led the team in scoring with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Deron Williams missed another game due to back soreness and David Lee played on 3:52 total.

"Both did a great job. Both grinding on defense and played within themselves. I felt that right now we had to make the point that anything other than your best energy or best effort will not be tolerated" - Rick Carlisle

Key State: Dallas tied a franchise record for turnovers with only four.

With the win the Mavericks move into the 8th and final playoff spot tied with the Houston Rockets who play the Cleveland Cavaliers tomorrow without Lebron James.

The Mavs will come back home to Dallas to face the New York Knicks in another must win game.