Venus Williams sent packing in first round at Wimbledon
32 year old Venus Williams saw her time at Wimbledon cut short yesterday as she fell to Elena Vesnina in the first round. It was her earliest departure since her first appearance 15 years ago. An overall rough day for the star, who is drawing closer to the end of her great career. Williams however still believes she has more gas in the tank and will be back. "I feel like I'm a great player....I am a great player. I'm up for the challenge, I have great tennis in me. I just need the opportunity. There is no way I'm going to sit down and give up just because I have had a hard time the first five or six freakin' tournaments back. You know, that's just not me" Her age as well as Sjogren's syndrome is wearing on her and the energetic Williams was sluggish in her play, not something we are used to seeing from her. But for those that believe this is the last time we will see her at Wimbledon she responded with "I'm planning on it" when asked if she will return for next year's tournament.
Ray Allen headed to South Beach? 
Word on the street this morning is that Ray Allen and the Miami Heat are sharing "mutual interest" in each other. Allen is hoping to join the Big 3 so he can win one last Championship before he retries. I, for one pray that this doesn't happen. I've had quite a few discussions this morning about it but if this trade goes through I'm boycotting the NBA. Not too long ago, Stern rejected the big time trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers yet he's allowed James and Bosh to join Wade down in South Beach. If he allows Allen to join them as well, what message is that sending? It would seem VERY suspect if this trade is granted. Not really sure if it happens, though. For one, it just doesn't seem right. Especially for my generation. All I've ever really known is Ray Allen in that #20 Celtics jersey. Seeing him wearing anything else would be strange. Like Kobe wearing something other than Gold and Purple, or when MJ was in Washington....it just didn't look right. Ray Allen has NOTHING left to prove in his career, though you can't blame him for wanting another ring. Boston is one solid trade or addition to their roster away from being able to win the East and play for another NBA championship. However, I'm not sure if Ray is willing to wait that long. A move to Miami would just about unofficially give Miami their 2nd straight title. I expect there to be quite a bit of significant movement on rosters this off-season and it will be interesting to see who ends up where. But even as a Lakers fan, I wish him nothing but the best. He is one of, if not the best, shooters to play the game. A class act who gives 100% every time he steps on the court. Best of Luck, Ray Allen!
Larry Bird steps down as Pacers President
There will be a new face around the Pacers organization next season as Larry Bird announced he will not return as president next year. The 55 year old has operated under a yearly handshake agreement as he did not want to commit to a long term deal. After much speculation on when Bird would call it quits, he confirmed that he will no longer serve as president and is "100% sure" that his departure from Indiana is the real deal. Bird is currently battling health issues and will likely take time for himself to relax and decide what the next step will be. The Pacers, meanwhile will keep moving forward. Last season was their first playoff appearance since 2006 and this year they took a 2-1 lead against the Heat in the Eastern semi-finals before losing in six games to the eventual champions. The program is headed in the right direction and hopefully they can keep moving forward.
Arizona sweeps South Carolina in College World Series Championship, wins first title since 1986
The magical run for the Gamecocks (49-20) came to an end last night as the Arizona Wildcats (48-17) defeated South Carolina in game two by a score of 4-1 to clinch the 2012 NCAA title. The Wildcats held Carolina to only 2 runs in two games. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Gamecocks who battled throughout the entire tournament and clawed their way back to their 3rd straight finals appearance. They have left a mark on Omaha and will likely be back again next year, though they will be without their beloved pitchers Roth and Price among others. Congrats to both on a heck of a season and and a special kudos to Arizona on winning the College World Series.
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