Brian Urlacher hangs up his cleats

Wednesday, Brian Urlacher announced that he is retiring from the NFL after a 13-year career.

Urlacher is retiring as a member of the only team he’s ever played for, the Chicago Bears. In March, the Bears opted not to bring Urlacher back for another season, and he lightly tested the market, but ultimately decided to leave the game.

After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,” Urlacher wrote in a statement.

“Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.

When Urlacher states how much he will miss his teammates, coaches and the Bears’ fans, it feels like a tremendous understatement. It is rare now for an athlete to spend their entire career with one team.

When speaking with The Dan Patrick Show about his decision, Urlacher said, “I didn’t want to play for anybody else.”

The attachment he has and will continue to have to the City of Chicago will be lifelong, much in the same vein as one of his most esteemed Bears predecessors, Mike Ditka.

Urlacher’s career stats stand at 180 games started, 1052, tackles, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, and two touchdowns. Outstanding.

The Chicago Bears play their home opener September 8, 2013 against the Cincinnati Bengals and one thing is for sure — a void will be felt across the entire city.

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News

Dan Gilbert’s Cleveland Cavaliers have landed the first pick in the NBA Draft for the second time in three years.

In 2011, they drafted guard Kyrie Irving, a much needed cornerstone piece, after losing the league’s best player, LeBron James to free agency and eventual NBA Championship glory the previous year.

What of sheer luck in the Cavs receiving the No. 1 pick, again? What of the “Cavs red” bow ties Gilbert and his son Nick wore? What of NBA puppeteering?

Either way, Cleveland will get another piece to its rebuilding puzzle. Will it be the torn ACL-recovering Nerlens Noel? Power forward Anthony Bennett? Or, will they trade the pick?

The 2013 NBA Draft is June 27th. Leading up to that date, we will hear all sorts of rumors and scenarios as to how this draft will shake out, but one things for sure — its not star-studded, so like this years unpredictable NFL Draft, anything is possible.

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News

Derrick Rose says he didn’t know folks were mad

While the angry and disenchanted are spending their time criticizing Derrick Rose for sitting on the bench during the Chicago Bulls’ current playoff run, HE is focused on his health and supporting his teammates.

He says he didn’t know y’all were out here talkin’ so recklessly about him.

That’s my first time hearing about it,” Rose said Saturday of the critical fan contingent. “I barely turn on the TV. I’m with my son all day. So that’s about it.

“I’m feeling about the same, still being patient, still trying to take care of my body and just trying to enjoy this time and cheer on my teammates.

On the notion that the Bulls organization, his brother Reggie or others are influencing his decisions…

Who said that? If anything, it’s up to me,” Rose said. “My brother and them can’t tell me what to do with my body. They give me control. I’m in control of the whole process. It’s really all on me.

On his teammates support after criticism from TNT’s Steve Kerr…

“It’s cool, man. It gives me some comfort,” Rose said of his internal support. “They see how hard I’m working in the gym, just putting my all into the game and sacrificing a lot of stuff to be a better player. Whenever I come back, I know I’m going to be way, way better. Just having that time to relax and be patient and fully heal, that’s the big picture right now.”

Again, if your jaws are tight because Mr. Rose is taking his time to return to basketball and the Bulls, this should let you know that your whining is of no use.

Also, its a little disrespectful to the guys that are on the court, putting in work through injuries and illnesses, to extend the season. Focus your energy on them.

Game 7 against the Brooklyn Nets is tonight at 8 ET on TNT. Get your life.

Chicago Tribune

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News

Dwayne Johnson to star in HBO show about retired ball players

Dwayne Johnson, also know as “The Rock,” continues to rack up the gigs. HBO announced that it has cast Johnson in a 30-minute dramedy about the lives of retired athletes who live in Miami.

The untitled series comes from the collaborative efforts of actor/producer Mark Wahlberg and producer Stephen Levinson (Entourage). Johnson will share EP credits, also.

This role should be a breeze for Johnson, who is a natural born athlete, having played Division 1 football (for the Miami Hurricanes, nonetheless) and briefly in the Canadian Football League. A professional wrestling career was next (it ran in the family) and once Johnson hit the WWF, the rest is history.

I can’t wait to see who rounds out the cast. Will there be cameos by the likes of Terrell Owens or Chad Johnson? What Hollywood beauties will be cast as wives or love interests?

The pilot will be filmed this fall.

Hollywood Reporter

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News

CBS Chicago gives fans a forum to go in on Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose has made it expressly clear that he will return to basketball and the Chicago Bulls when HE feels he is ready.

Yet, calls for him to “man up” and “get off the bench” and suit up are becoming increasingly common. The hostility behind it increasing too.

CBS Chicago posted an “Open Letter to Derrick Rose” where it gave fans a chance to sound off on the Bulls star point guard, about their feelings on his absence.

included are a mixture of opinions, of which some are supportive of his decision to sit out…

Don’t let the peps bring you down. You just make sure you’re at 100% next year, because I believe you are the answer to stealing LeBron’s championship goals. There is no need to put yourself in a war in these playoffs because you have not played one game this year. F*** all the Haters!!!! Do what you have to do.
- Ricky, Fort Worth

…while others are downright ignorant and out of line.

How does it actually feel to watch the rest of your team hobble down the court while you wear a suit and tie you silly little b****. Man up.
- Brandon, Chicago

I’d tell you to remain on the bench in the 2nd Round b/c Nasty Nate & Captain Kirk have more heart than you ever will, but I don’t even want to see your stupid face there in your $10,000 suit anymore. Ban Reggie as well.
- Mark, Tinley Park

Go f*** yourself. We don’t need you.
- Tom, Chicago

Its understandable that Bulls/Rose fans want to see him play again. I do too, but at what cost? He is the franchise player. He is the cornerstone, and if you wish to have him lead the team to championship glory in the years ahead, be patient.

Essentially, all the trash talk, name calling and berating of Rose (and his brother, Reggie) will not make him come back any sooner. This is an irresponsible attempt by the media to fuel fire.

If the Bulls advance to Round 2, and Derrick decides to lace ‘em up against the Miami Heat, and they get bounced, will he be blamed?

Calm yourselves.

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News

Damian Lillard receives Rookie of the Year honors

Damian Liilard has been named 2012-13 KIA NBA Rookie of the Year, by unanimous vote.

During the announcement presser, Lillard spoke of his journey to the NBA, including a one-time desire to be a professional wrestler and an initial fear of playing football. Once he became comfortable and good and playing football, he set his sights on the hardwood. He explained that his motivation to be great and to make it to the pros was fueled by his desire to take care of his family.

Despite quiet recruitment and an early foot injury, he overcame criticism and worked extremely hard to prove himself worthy of the opportunities that have come his way.

The Portland Trailblazers drafted Lillard 6th overall out of Weber State in the 2012 draft. He played and started in all 82 games this season, averaging 38.6 MPG (leading all other players in the league), 6.5 APG, and 19 points-per-game.

Of his accomplishment, Lillard said, “I know I put the work in to put myself in this position.”

And, he put everyone on notice when he said, “I expect more next season from myself. Winning this award is just letting me know that everything I did leading up to this point, it paid off. It’s not about collecting some hardware, and the acknowledgement and the attention.”

When asked how he could top winning this award, he answered, “I think the best thing I could do for myself is, take it in today, and then tomorrow I got to let it go.”

He knows there is more work to do, like becoming an All-Star, an MVP, and winning a championship.

I’m pretty sure he is well on his way to accomplishing all his goals and then some.

Only four other players in NBA history received unanimous votes for Rookie of the Year. They are Blake Griffin, Ralph Sampson, and David Robinson.

Former Trailblazers players who received the honor are Geoff Petrie, Sidney Wicks, and Brandon Roy.

Kudos also, to Team Goodwin Sports for all their hard work in helping Lillard realize his dreams.

Ballertainment - Sports Entertainment, Gossip, Lifestyle, and News