Ray Rice should never be allowed near the NFL again

Earlier today leaked video, provided by TMZ,  showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then fiancé in the face until she lost consciousness and then proceeded to drag her out of the elevator.  What the video showed was utterly disgusting and made me cringe down to my core.  The fact is clear and simple and how Roger Goodell handled the situation in July was pitiful. It's obvious what needs to happen here; Ray Rice should never ever be allowed to be apart of the NFL or anything that associates with the NFL and his ex-wife needs to press charges as soon as she can.  Anyone who has been involved in a long term relationship knows that your significant other can push you to the absolute edge, but there is one thing that is never tolerated and what Ray Rice did was the least professional action anyone in that kind of public spotlight could do.  Being someone who loves sports, especially football as much as I do, it saddens me to see the blatant disrespect that Ray Rice, Roger Goodell and by default the NFL displayed towards women throughout this entire process.
-Derick

NBA All Time Greatest

While watching ESPN and other Sports Stations I noticed a trend. Their discussion on Best Player only included players from the 80's, 90's & Modern era. Which inspired me to create a real Best Player list that included all decades and a current best player list.

Also I wanted to leave my comments to why different decades were ignored. Well without much thought the average analyst is going to highlight only a few from a decade. As well they're going to focus on the players that were the top when they were in college/ starting their career. Which explains why Magic and MJ are as far back as analyst will cover. Plus ESPN was created in 1978.

As for my List here it is

1- Kareem Abdul Jabbar

The all time leading scorer, top 5 in various other stats with 5 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 19 All Star appearances and 6 Championships. No matter if your a stat guy, awards guy or championship guy; Kareem is the top or near the top in everything. That's why he's the greatest all time.

2- Wilt Chamberlain

Not the all time scorer but he would have if he played a few more seasons. He was and still is the most dominant athlete in sports history. As a single player he was the closest to a "win a title by yourself" player. He could lead the league in every stat but free throws if he wanted including assist where he average over 8 in one of his last years active. No one can guard him. Period.

3- Bill Russell

The greatest champion of all time. I know it's hard to believe someone winning more rings than Jordan but Russell nearly doubled Jordan with 11 championships. The most shocking part was he only played 13 years!

4- Larry Bird

The definition of a fighter. Larry Bird was the original killer. Yes he won championships, awards and had the best stats for his position of small forward ever but his best qualification was how serious he took the game. While others quit competing after the game Bird didn't. Magic Johnson got 2 more rings than Bird during the 80's but if Bird had Kareem I'm certain Magic would have never won a single ring. Oh and just for a bonus Jordan never beat Bird while Bird was playing healthy. So I guess you could say Bird kept  "Air Jordan" grounded.

5- Oscar Robertson

The best all around guard ever to play. He could do what LeBron does in the modern era plus some. Oh and he was only 6 foot 5!

6- Kobe Bryant *    7- Micheal Jordan

I'm not going to describe every player on this list but I will explain why I put Kobe in front of Jordan.

Kobe and Jordan play the exact same way but there is a difference to them. Jordan had a consistent up bringing in America, played college ball, had a consistent supporting cast and once he had Phil he won every year in the 90's. ( Every year he played with Phil that is. And neither Kobe or Jordan has won without him.) Kobe who has had no consistency with Phil, supporting cast, college ball or growing up in the same place he has performed at nearly an identical level as Jordan. Plus he has outperformed Jordan with longevity and shooting ability. If Kobe had the same consistency as Jordan Kobe may have 8 plus titles, 35 thousand points and all the bragging rights that go with saying your GOAT.

8- John Stockon

The best point guard to ever play. Period.

9- Karl Malone

Second on the all time scoring this. Enough said.

10- Jerry West

If the 3 point shot was around when the Logo was playing all of the records would say Jerry West number one.

11- Julius Erving

12- Magic Johnson

13- Hakeem Olajuwon

14- Elgin Baylor 

15- Bob Cousy

16- George Miken

17- Shaquille O'Neal

18-  Moses Malone 

19- Elvin Hayes

20- Kevin Garnett 

21- Robert Parrish 

22- Nate Thurmond 

23- Lebron James  *

24-Tim Duncan *

25- Scottie Pippen

* indicates best current players

-Chris Schlierman

4 Corners Sports Official NBA Mock Draft

First Round Only

These picks are not in order of best players rather best fit scenarios for the teams and players.

I would like to add my hope that Isaiah Austin gets drafted in the second round and gets a rookie contract.


Cavs- Wiggins

Bucks- Parker
76ers- Warren
Magic- Vonleh
Jazz- Exum
Celtics- Embiid
Lakers- Gordon
Kings- Hood
Hornets- Smart
76ers-Thames
Nuggets- Levine
Magic- Trade
Wolves- Randle
Suns- McDerrmott
Hawks- Robinson
Bulls- Anderson
Celtics- Adams

Suns- Young
Bulls- Smith
Raptors- Ennis
Thunder- Harris
Grizzles- Early
Jazz- McGary
Hornets- Grant
Rockets- Stauskas
Heat- Wilcox
Suns- Clarkson
Clippers- Payne
Thunder- Napier
Spurs- Saric

Melo's Best Fit

With Carmelo announcing over the weekend that he officially opted out of his contract this becomes a major step for him and his career.  Melo, who has yet to win or even contend in a very weak and dismal Eastern Conference has a pretty simple decision when it comes to winning. With the acquisition of Phil Jackson in March and Derek Fisher being added as the head coach, the Knick’s showed some life in trying to keep the 11 year veteran.  However with his decision to depart over the weekend there are a few questions that go unanswered. What is it Melo really wants? Money? A championship? One of the leagues best all time scorers? Whatever the answer is, these questions will determine where he ultimately ends up.

Chicago looks to be the early front runners for Carmelo and in terms of winning right now there is no better fit for him. He would have a fantastic point guard in Derrick Rose as well as some of the best defenders in the NBA with Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson (if the bulls can hold onto Taj).  The Bulls are desperate for a true scorer and if Derrick Rose can stay healthy they will be an immediate title contender in the Eastern Conference next season.  However, at 30 years of age this is likely Carmelo’s last significant move in the NBA and he must evaluate his career up to this point. 

Melo could stay in New York with players like Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith and Andrea Bargnani and also make a lot of money doing it (129 million dollars) but why would he want to?  He and the Knick's both have proven that this relationship will never work other than for money.  The Knicks have done nothing the past three seasons since Anthony has dominated on offense and in the cap space.  With Anthony posting some of the best numbers of his career this past season, the Knicks as a whole failed to do the same finishing ninth in a weak Eastern Conference with next season looking dim as well. No first round pick, no cap room and players that are a half step away from free agency give little hope to a squad in 2014-15.  If Melo returns to the Knicks it will be for one reason and one reason only: the money. Now is the time for Carmelo to figure out his priorities and the choice is clear; he needs to chose legacy over money because if he were to retire now he would only be remembered as a scorer and not one of the games elite.

Carmelo should explore his options especially with teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers getting thrown into the mix. Let's see if he truly wants to contend for an NBA Championship.

-Derick Riggs

WORLD CUP 2014 - Predictions

And so it begins, the 2014 World Cup has finally come. Almost a week into the cup all eyes are intently watching each group as they fight for the coveted top two spots to advance to the knockout rounds. We have only just begun yet the cup has already shown exhilaration, fright, triumph, courage, resentment, frustration, and pride. This will surely be a cup to remember.

Robben led his nation to a clearly stated notion of dominates over the defending cup champions Spain 5 to 1. The German’s destroyed Portugal from the second the whistle started the match. Of course, Neymar had a few beliefs of his own as he scored two of his own leading Brazil, the host nation, to a victory in the cup opener against Croatia. Thus far the cup has been nothing short of astounding football.

Who will win? This is the question we all have asked. I like most sports fans enjoy making a prediction or two. Below I have my predictions for the 2014 World Cup.

GROUP A  

1 – Brazil              
2 – Mexico            

GROUP B
1 – Netherlands
2 – Spain

GROUP C

1 – Columbia

2 – Cote d’Ivoire

GROUP D
1 – Italy
2 – Costa Rica

GROUP E

1 – France
2 – Switzerland

GROUP F
1 – Argentina
2 – Bosnia

GROUP G

1 – Germany

2 – USA

GROUP H

1 – Belgium

2 – Korea

ROUND of 16

Brazil VS Spain - Winner: Brazil

Columbia VS Costa Rica - Winner: Columbia

France VS Bosnia-Herzegovina - Winner: France

Germany VS Korea Republic - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Mexico - Winner: Netherlands

Italy VS Cote d'Ivoire - Winner: Italy

Argentina VS Switzerland - Winner: Argentina

Belgium VS USA - Winner: USA

Quarter Finals

Brazil VS Columbia - Winner: Brazil

France VS Germany - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Italy - Winner: Netherlands

Argentina VS USA - Winner: Argentina 

Semi Finals

Brazil VS Germany - Winner: Germany

Netherlands VS Argentina - Winner: Netherlands

Finals

Germany VS Netherlands

World Cup Champions

NETHERLANDS

- Eddie Schlierman

World Cup Preview: Brazil

“Football its hurts and humbles. For every winner, a loser. For every triumph, a defeat. But on the horizon awaits a new season a new opportunity for redemption, for glory, for immortality. The brave will take to the pitch as warriors to battle, shoulder to shoulders face to face. The hunger, the determination to push limits. To fight, to run, to tackle, to defend, to score and celebrate….” – Patrick Stewart (FIFA 14)

In six days the world will stand still as the tournament of all tournament begins in Brazil. Four years ago Spain conquered and took home the honor of the sacred title, World Cup champion. As the cup travels to Brazil for what is expect to be a fantastic display of football all eyes are on the host nation. Brazil, hoping to return to their glory can only look back upon their last taste from the cup in 1998.

Neymar, the youthful talent waiting for his moment to shine on the largest stage football has. Compared to many of the greatest to grace the pitch, yet, will Neymar march his way through the cup and not only bring great honor to his nation but leave his name permently stamped in history? This summer another chapter will be told. Brazil, will be clearly looking to be remembered for more then just hosting.

Stay tuned for more coverage on the World Cup. A preview of the Donovan-less United States and more countries coming soon.


- Eddie Schlierman

Stanley Cup Finals Preview and Prediction

After what seems to be the greatest month in hockey playoff history has now come down to the final series. The battle for Lord Stanley’s Cup begins Wednesday at 5:00PM PT.  

Now for a preview and prediction:

If you follow either one of these teams then you will know that both Los Angeles and New York live and die with their goaltenders.  New York has called upon their goalie multiple times during the post-season and every time he has come through with flying colors. Lundqvist held the Pens to a combined 3 goals in the final 3 games of the first round and then blanked Montreal in order to make the Cup Finals. However there is not much else the Rangers have to rely on when it comes to matching up with the Kings depth.

Quick on the other hand, has not been so dominant throughout the playoffs, but the gap between these two goalies will be minimal throughout the series. Drew Doughty will have to continue to play as well as he has in order for the Kings to win the series. Doughty looked worn and tired at the end of the Western Conference Finals and appeared to injure his shoulder in Game 7. Piling up heavy minutes in every game of the playoffs will finally catch up with the 24 year old.

Although I feel that the Rangers are being written off way too early, the Kings will ultimately walk away with their second Stanley Cup in three years just because of their depth and rough play. I pick the Kings in six with them possibly doing it in five if Quick is on his game.