TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for July 2, 2010 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
* The Knicks and Nets made their pitches to free agent LeBron James yesterday in Cleveland.
* Phil Jackson will return to coach the Lakers next season.
* Former Tiger and Dodger Kirk Gibson is the new interim manager in Arizona after they fired the manager and general manager.
* Tomorrow's women's final at Wimbledon will feature Serena Williams vs. Vera Zvonareva of Russia.
* In today's World Cup quarterfinal action it's Netherlands vs. Brazil and Uruguay vs. Ghana.
2. Turf War
James Dolan reportedly complained to the NBA about the giant billboard the Nets put up next to Madison Square Garden. The billboard reads "the blueprint for greatness," and features pictures of Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and part owner Jay-Z. The billboard is perceived as trying to lure Knicks fans to the Nets. Knicks fans were surprised to hear that Dolan actually cares about them.
3. Happy Birthday Boss
George Steinbrenner turns the big 8-0 Sunday in Tampa. For the occasion, he released a statement which reads in part, "I want to thank everyone who has sent their good wishes. And I remind everyone that the Fourth of July is also the birthday of our country. We are all lucky to be Americans."
George and the U.S. were both born on the 4th of July. Maybe the birth of the nation is slightly more important. but try telling that to Yankee fans.
Happy 80th, big guy!
4. Friday eMailbag
D.B. has a thought about the cheats on the all time home run list. "Baseball should award Alex Rodriguez and Bobby Bonds a new award called the Asteroid."
Editor's Note: Combining asterisk with steroid. Why didn't I think of that?
Subscriber S.F. isn't a fan of the Kentucky basketball program. He writes, "John Calipari bragging about John Wall having the highest GPA on Kentucky's team is like bragging that you are the best ice fishermen in South Florida!"
Editor's Note: Ouch!
And with reports that Landon Donovan fathered a "love child," M.B. in the fine tradition of soccer announcing asks, "Was it a boy or a GIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRL? "
5. Spanning the World
Driving while on your cellphone will get you a ticket in many states. At Yankee Stadium, talking on your cellphone can get you worse.
Here's the Spanning the World highlight of the week.
Since we don't know for sure, we'll just do what we used to do on TV and make it up: "And nobody got hurt!"
Happy Birthday: The King, driver Richard Petty, who won 200 races. 73.
Bonus Birthday: Actress and tabloid fave Lindsay Lohan. 24.
Today in Sports: Giants pitcher Juan Marichal outduels the Braves Warren Spahn 1-0. Both pitch 16 inning complete games. 1963.
Bonus Event: An el of a day. New York City's first elevated railroad opened for business. 1867.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone. The Top 5 resumes on Tuesday.