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Allen Iverson needs a true friend and not just another burden

Johnny Benjamin MD — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:06:00 GMT

Allen Iverson (aka AI to many and 'Bubba Chuck' to a few) is going through it right now. My heart aches for him.

I, apparently unlike many, derive absolutely no satisfaction in watching someone hurt.

I've been around him on many occasions and he can be a handful; there is no doubt about that. But if the eyes are truly a window to a person's soul, he has needed a real friend for quite some time.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

The pressures and expectations that Iverson has and continues to endure are more than most anyone can imagine and far greater than most of us will ever experience. Fans only appreciate the privileges of super stardom but rarely consider the pain and loneliness of the constant glare of the spotlight.

Like many star athletes a group of people begin to cling and intertwine their lives and livelihood with yours. All of a sudden their issues become yours. Family, friends, homeboys, women, unofficial agents, middlemen and people that you are not sure why they are around are all now in the business of 'you'.

My favorite is the 'buddy hustler'. This is a person that is close to the star that the star thinks has their best interest in mind.
Unfortunately, in reality the buddy hustler is looking for any and every possible way to profit off the relationship, usually without the knowledge of the star.

They will cut side deals for themselves and 'commit' the star to all sorts of engagements, without their knowledge and approval. You own or manage a night club or casino and want a star to come to by but don't want to pay the official fee? Talk to his man and cut a side deal. He will arrange it and pocket the proceeds.

Allen is not a bad person and has a heart the size of Hampton, Virginia. What he truly needs is a friend that can offer some perspective, guidance and support all free of charge.

Tainted Canadian Doctor linked to more star athletes

Johnny Benjamin MD — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:04:00 GMT

The more I read about Dr. Anthony Galea and his ties to professional athletes the less I believe that this story will end well for all those even tangentially related to this physician. After his arrest on Oct. 15th, Dr. Galea has been under intense scrutiny by law enforcement for his involvement with performance enhancing drugs (PED).

Dr. Galea is a Canadian family-practice trained physician that has re-branded himself as a sports medicine guru. Dr. Galea openly discusses his personal use of human growth hormone and has been a physician for who’s who list of professional and Olympic athletes that have gone on to fail performance enhancing drug tests. He has also admitted to traveling to the United States to perform medical procedures, which is illegal for a gentleman that is not licensed to practice medicine in the US.

Galea said the story of his case is being hyped up because some in the U.S. are resentful that a Canadian doctor is treating such high-profile athletes in Canada.

"There's reasons people put legs on it. Obama's trying to bring in a health care system like ours and the private sector is trying to say it's a lousy system. It doesn't look good if the icons of sports are coming up to a Canadian health care system," Galea said.
"They want a story and they got it," he said. "They already destroyed and embarrassed my children, embarrassed me." –Associated Press

None of his reasoning makes any sense. Why would superstar athletes go to Canada to have legitimate medical procedures or drugs administered? What legal drug or procedure do they have in Canada that cannot be found in virtually every major US city? They have a legal drug, therapy or procedure in Canada that doesn’t exist in NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, LA, Houston or with Dr. Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama? Really?

Did the good doctor supply or administer PED’s to any individuals on the ever growing list of his professional or Olympic athlete patients? I have no idea and fortunately in America you are supposed to be assumed innocent until proven guilty.
But a word to the wise.

If you are a professional athlete and have had relationship with Dr. Galea and he goes down for this, you should be very, very afraid. Physicians historically don’t man up and handle the weight. They don’t do time well and quickly broker a deal to lessen their punishment. Unfortunately, that deal invariably requires them to tell on you. They may have been lousy and unethical doctors but they make great witnesses for the prosecution.

You’ve been warned. Again

Everything is wide open after WEC 47

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:27:00 GMT

Who saw this coming? Seriously.

Neither of the marquee fights was particularly competitive. Miguel Torres on the losing end of a lopsided affair? Two stoppages in a row...with Torres being the fighter getting stopped both times? I know Joe Benavidez is a tough and talented kid and Urijah Faber is his head cheerleader but...Damn!

Brian Bowles shocks the world dethroning the unbeatable Miguel Torres then promptly gets his butt kicked by Dom Cruz...Whoa!!

Looks like 'Sac' town is on the come up. Urijah Faber and Joe Benavidez both look like potential title holders...but if you're smart, don't listen to me!

Poor Jens Pulver. 1-7 in his last 8 fights! He's not so 'evil' anymore.

March Madness is coming...can you feel it?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:40:00 GMT

I know that many will consider it heresy but I believe that the NCAA basketball tourney is the best annual sporting event in the world for the fan. I must admit that I have very little exposure to what most of the world calls football (soccer) and the World Cup is not an annual event so I'll stand by March Madness.

65 teams get a trip to the big dance. It doesn't matter the size of the school, where it's located, what they did last year, who their father is and how much he earns, who they know, the color of the jersey or the color of anything else for that matter. If you're good enough you're in and have an equal opportunity for glory.

Office pools (there still legal...right?), upsets, bracketology, Cinderellas, buzzer beaters, mascots that you've never heard of, water cooler experts, picking teams by the color of their jerseys, future NBA superstars and future church league phenoms...I love it all.

The only thing that truly matters is the content/quality of your team...And a little luck never hurts.

Now that's my dream of a 'more perfect union'.

James Toney gets a UFC contract...???

Johnny Benjamin MD — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:23:00 GMT

The UFC (Dana White) talked about Kimbo Slice and his promoter like a dog then they signed him. The Iceman is on the web with a naked workout video. And now James Toney, without a single professional MMA contest under his belt, has signed a UFC contract.
But the UFC is "not turning into a freak show"...Right.

Toney was a champion boxer known for his slick style, equally slick mouth and poor work habit. Toney made a habit of showing up for weigh-ins looking like he trained at Tastee Kreme dough nuts. He began his pro boxing career as a 160 lb. middleweight and ate his way to a 5' 10" 237 lb. heavyweight.

Weight gain was not James Toney's only issue during his championship pro boxing career. He also had more than one suspension for anabolic steroid (PED) use.

Now at 41 years young apparently it is time to give MMA a try and in the UFC no less.

Why would anyone try to resurrect Pro Elite XC?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:19:00 GMT

I continue to read articles about the rebirth of ProElite XC as an MMA promotional company. All that I can say is Why?

It's not like the world needs another MMA promoter; believe me there are plenty...remember Affliction?

Strikeforce purchased away virtually all of ProElite's fighter contracts and their video library. What's left? The name? How valuable can that be going forward?

Fortunately, in America a person is free to lose as much money as their bank account and ability to get credit will allow.

Thank goodness for that!

I thought the Olympics were supposed to be about the joy of competition?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:43:00 GMT

I'm not a huge fan of the Winter Olympics. Maybe growing up in Houston had something to do with my lack of appreciation of the intricacies and nuances of curling. But I did learn to ski when I was 30 yo and truly love it.

My brother organized ski trips every year for a group of guys and we had so much fun. We all looked forward to those yearly trips with great anticipation. I don't get to ski as much as I would like anymore and my brother now has a wife and 2 small children; so the yearly boy's ski trips are a thing of the past.

In a way, I think that is what the Winter Olympics is missing...love of the game. The only thing that seems to matter is the medal count. My country beat your country. The Russians were denied! The Canadians got beat on their own ice! The Koreans fell and 'We' took their medals!

Unfortunately, it really isn't about the thrill of the games or the passion of doing one's best for the world to see. It isn't even about the best of amateur athletics, camaraderie or sportsmanship.

I loved those ski trips with my little brother; it wasn't the location, quality of the powder or who got down the fastest. It was 2 brothers from Houston enjoying life, together.

Maybe that's what the winter games are missing.

Frank Mir should be punished for his comments

Johnny Benjamin MD — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:35:00 GMT

Frank Mir is definitely a talented fighter and not a bad TV commentator but that doesn't give him a pass when it comes to his choice of words.

Frank stated (WXDX-FM radio interview) that he hopes current UFC HW-champ Brock Lesnar will be "the first person that dies due to octagon-related injuries."

All hell broke loose. Then, he apologized. Dana White made excuses for him...and that's that.

Poor response.

As a TV commentator, Frank should loose his gig permanently as a WEC co-host.

As a fighter, well I think Brock Lesnar should be given a chance to address that in the octagon.

Tony Kornheiser's remarks lacked civility.

Johnny Benjamin MD — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:18:00 GMT

Tony Kornheiser has always struck me as that nerdy kid that by dumb luck, one time in his life made a funny comment that made everyone laugh and now he can't stop trying to regain that fleeting glory. He tries to be cool, funny, hip or something and he's not...never was...never will be.

So here's his latest attempt:

"Hannah Storm in a horrifying, horrifying outfit today," Kornheiser said. "She’s got on red go-go boots and a catholic school plaid skirt … way too short for somebody in her 40s or maybe early 50s by now.

"She’s got on her typically very, very tight shirt. She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body … I know she’s very good, and I’m not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won’t … but Hannah Storm … come on now! Stop! What are you doing?"

Stop Tony!! What are you doing?!? Wrecking your career is the answer.

ESPN promptly suspended the PTI co-host 2 weeks for his foolish comments.

Does Hannah Storm wear provocative clothing? Yup.

Is Kornheiser within his constitutional rights by offering his opinion? Yup.

Was it inappropriate? Yup.

Was it worth it? You'd have to ask Mr. Funny Guy that one.

UFC 110: Cain Velasqeuz is the real deal and the Axe Murderer isn't finished yet

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:00:00 GMT

UFC 110 may not have had any championship fights or current superstars but it was very well received in Sydney, Australia and it had interesting match-ups. All in all, I got my money's worth.

What did I learn?

At 185 lbs. Wandy Silva is still relevant.

Michael Bisping is talented but...

The Aussie George Sotiropoulos is a beast on the ground. His BJJ is nice.

Ryan Bader is one tough individual but I hope that his BJJ is as good as his striking and his wrestling because he's moving into the 205 lb. deep water now.

Cain Velásquez is something serious...just ask Big Nog. Before last night, I thought Cain was a bit over- hyped but I stand corrected. He made a legend look old and slow...point blank...period.

The Australians are respectful and knowledgeable fight fans. Much respect!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!!!

Danica Patrick is a P-I-M-P

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:06:00 GMT

I'm not much of a racing fan, though I do think Formula-1 is cool. It is as amazing and sexy as it comes but NASCAR not so much.

I'm not a NASCAR fan but I certainly respect their business.

Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart are NASCAR royalty...even I know that. But currently the biggest thing in racing is a driver with NO real stock car experience and only 1 win (yup you read it right) in their 5-year professional experience. The only victory came in Indy car in 2008.

Danica Patrick has left open wheel racing for the potential pay day of the good ol' boy circuit and all left hand turns. She has chosen to capitalize on her racing ability, the marketing potential of sexuality and gender.

She hasn't won a thing on a NASCAR track or anywhere else for the most part but she is getting paid like the big boys. In the streets, it's known as 'pimping the game' and I'm not mad at her; no more so than I'm upset with Kimbo Slice.

The business of sports monetizes the athletes (talent) and if the talent is smart they will figure out how to return the favor.

Some people will read this article and conclude that I am being misogynistic and/or critical of Danica but quite to the contrary. If NASCAR nation is gullible enough to fill the coffers of an unproven driver just because of sexuality and gender...shame on them and good for her.

Tiger Woods doesn't owe me anything

Johnny Benjamin MD — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:02:00 GMT

Today the entire universe (with the exception of me) will be glued to their TV's to catch a glimpse of Tiger Woods. At 11 am EST the entire free world will grind to a halt just to hear what Tiger has to say.

Then the pundits will way in. He didn't seem sincere. He wasn't remorseful enough. Where was Elin? I didn't see a wedding band. Didn't his butt look big?

Sorry, but I'm just not that into it. Tiger has marital problems. Therefore, for once he is not so unlike most Americans.

I'll be the outcast and say it. Tiger doesn't owe me, you or golf an apology or an explanation; no more than any other person having marital discord does.

He doesn't owe me jack.

He doesn't know you; so you deserve what I'm getting. Nada.

And as for the game of golf, he has always given 100% effort, never openly used a foot wedge in competition and aboded by the rules of the game as best anyone can tell.

I'm not giving him a pass. I'm just not giving him anything. Who am I to judge his personal life? We will all pay for our sins. I'm just not the debt collector.

Winter Olympics: In 1 day Vonn, Davis and White all claimed Gold...but only 2 will cash in.

Johnny Benjamin MD — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:05:00 GMT

The US team had a big day with 3 Gold medals in one historic day. Lindsey Vonn, the SI cover girl, overcame injury to win the women's downhill. Shaun White did a 'McTwisty' (whatever that is) to rule the snowboard half-pipe. Shani Davis repeated by taking the 1,000 meter speed skating crown.

Congratulations to all. Job well done!! Your country is proud.

The sad reality is that 2 of the 3 amazing Olympians will be afforded many opportunities to parlay their glory into millions of dollars and one will fade back into obscurity and a 9 to 5.

And sadder still...we all know which unfortunate person that is.

What do the Winter Olympics, Dave Chapelle, Gina Carano and Tiger Woods all have in common?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:36:00 GMT

I often wake up with thoughts on my mind for reasons that defy me.  I think calling them random is far too generous but I have them none the less.

Is anyone really watching the Winter Olympics? or the NBA for that matter?

Am I the only one who thinks that men's figure skating is just wrong?

Would you accept a suit case to take on an international flight from a guy you met in a bar in Amsterdam (like the people on 'Locked up abroad' always do)? Then would you be surprised when it all goes to hell?

Does the yoked-up 6'4" 240lb LA Crip gang banger that does 10,000 push ups a day in the prison yard at Fulsom penitentiary think it's a little strange to be on cable TV (Nat Geo documentary)having his hair braided by another inmate?

Where's Dave Chapelle?

Am I the only one who thinks that the E-Trade talking baby commercials are hilarious?

Am I the only one that thinks that Nike's Kobe & Lebron puppet commercials are stupid? Who was in on that meeting and said "I love it...pure genius"?

Is anyone watching the PGA tour on TV since Tiger caught a 9-iron in the mouth?

What happened to Gina Carano?

What's the fascination with the 'Jersey Shore' on MTV...never been to Jersey before?

As you can see I don't sleep well at night!!!

Tom Brady & Peyton Manning: What does the NFL Combine tell us that we already didn't know?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:32:00 GMT

In this age of cell phone video cameras, DVD, youtube, satellite radio, tweets and 50 channels of 24/7 sports, what can you possibly learn at the NFL Combine about a college player that you didn't already know.

Let's be honest. Isn't the best way to assess a guy's ability to play football to watch him play football in the conditions of a real game?

Clearly, the standing broad jump and the cone shuttle are vital bits of football information that tells you if a corner back will run up in there and take on a lineman to tackle...right?

Seeing Tom Brady with no shirt on at the NFL combine obviously helped some scout draft him early in the 6th round as the 199th pick at the 2000 draft.

And no one suspected that Peyton Manning would be a pretty good NFL QB before he worked out at the combine. Whew...Glad he went!!

What's your Wonderlic score?

Olympics, Lindsey Vonn and the amazing anti-inflammatory cheese

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:16:00 GMT

The Winter Olympics have started and the bizarre prevails.

Vancouver is in the midst of a heat wave with more rain than snow. Asia is in a furor because a 21 yo Japanese snow boarder with dreadlocks wore his pants sagging and shirt untucked...Say it ain't so!! Tragically a young man lost his life on a high-speed luge sled during a freak training accident. May God rest his soul.

But the biggest story so far seems to be cover girl and US skier Lindsey Vonn's curious use of dairy products.

As the entire world knows, the media darling has a nasty injury to her shin acquired during a training crash just several days prior to the opening of the Games. Apparently, she is doing all of the usual home remedy and physical therapy modalities but that's where the story takes a hard left.

Somewhere she heard that a 'special' yogurt-like, fermented Austrian cheese, topfen curd, when applied to injuries has unique medicinal powers. She apparently hopes that topfen cheese will speed her recovery and allow her to cash in on potential Olympic gold.

I did a bit of research on the medicinal value of topfen cheese and if she is counting on this Austrian wonder cheese she better go see a doctor.

MMA should pounce on this lull in the action

Johnny Benjamin MD — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:42:00 GMT

The Saint's won the Super Bowl. Major league baseball won't start in earnest until May and the NBA is not really relevant until play-off time. Yes this year has the winter Olympics but without snow in Vancouver it won't last long.

This is what I call the sporting doldrums.

This lack of quality sports programming provides a huge opportunity for network, mainstream, free MMA. A major, credible promotional company could gain significant exposure and market share with a barrage of well conceived shows. The next 3 months or so is an excellent window of limited competition to get your message across.

Other than the NHL, whose the potential competition for sports hungry viewers? (no disrespect intended towards hockey fans but the NHL does a terrible job promoting its' product).

Are you listening CBS and Strikeforce?

When will sports stars ever learn? Nothing is free

Johnny Benjamin MD — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:40:00 GMT

Every time there is a big event in the sporting or entertainment world I worry about the aftermath for young men with celebrity, a ton of money and far too much free time... otherwise known as pro athletes.

When will they ever learn?

Too much partying + alcohol + women that you barely know but are willing to know you much better... tonight = very expensive and embarrassing teachable moment

After a while it is difficult to continue to feel sorry for them but I do. I hate to see young people that have come from difficult circumstances throw it all away.

I also hate to see legions of beautiful young women demean and degrade themselves only find that they should have purchased their own drinks.

UFC 109: Randy Couture proves that UFC is star driven

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:39:00 GMT

UFC 109 had no championship belts on the line, zero of the top 10 fighters in the world (as ranked by yahoo.com) and was held on Super Bowl weekend, all issues that on paper look like the foreshadowing of a train wreck. But never, ever underestimate the drawing power of Captain America and the savvy-ness of Dana White.

Randy Couture is an UFC and MMA pillar. He has a loyal fan base and is uniformly respected as an MMA icon. He continues to compete at a high level despite the date on his birth certificate; a fact that endures him to every weekend warrior and over-the-hill ex-jock on the planet. And as I can attest, he is one of the nicest and most humble people that you may ever have the good fortune of meeting. He is an excellent ambassador of the sport.

Dana White, despite what you may think of him personally (I happen to admire his accomplishments), knew what he was doing with UFC 109. He recognized that Super Bowl weekend would provide the necessary back drop for a successful fight weekend.

The big game would draw a large number of gamblers to Sin City to party and bet on the game. These same individuals would likely be receptive to a great party starter like an UFC event. Dana just piggy backed off the Super Bowl hype/crowds and parlayed it into the 10th all-time Mandalay Bay UFC gate.

It will be interesting to hear the estimate of the almighty ppv numbers (It will have to be an estimate because the UFC never releases official ppv numbers).

How do you make a fortune in MMA with no championship fights and no top 10 fighters?

Just ask Dana White.

That's big pimpin' right there!!

Super Bowl 44...Who's your pick?

Johnny Benjamin MD — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:55:00 GMT

I live a couple of hours north of Miami. So needless to say, it's all Super Bowl all the time in my neck of the woods.

I'd love to see the fantasy end on a happy note and the lowly Saints go marching home. That franchise has been so pitiful for so long they are easy to cheer for. The city of New Orleans has endured so much both before and after hurricane Katrina, It's hard to not pull for the Big Easy. And who in their right mind doesn't love a hot beignet at Cafe DuMonde? But unfortunately, I don't think that's going to be enough.

My pick is Indy...and I don't think it will be particularly close.