By Greg Wyshynski
That New York Rangers winger Sean Avery(notes) is an advocate for gay rights isn't news. When asked earlier this year about a gay player coming out in the NHL, Avery said "I'll stand beside him in the dressing room while he tells his teammates he is gay. Maybe if Sean Avery is there, they would have less of a problem with it."
That New York Rangers winger Sean Avery has politicized that advocacy is news. Because no matter how outspoken a professional hockey player is, they rarely give voice to an issue in a formal campaign.
Yet here's Avery, in an endorsement ad for Human Rights Campaign's "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign" that was released this week. And hockey's better for it.
The ad:
According to HRC strategist Brian Ellner, Avery is the first professional athlete in New York to "publicly support marriage equality."
His decision has become national news in the gay community. Avery, to the New York Times, on his decision to join the campaign:
"The places I've played and lived the longest have been in West Hollywood, Calif., when I played for the L.A. Kings, and when I moved to New York, I lived in Chelsea for the first four years," Avery said in a phone interview. "I certainly have been surrounded by the gay community. And living in New York and when you live in L.A., you certainly have a lot of gay friends."
Avery, who lives in the SoHo section of Manhattan and keeps a home in Los Angeles, said some of those friends had wanted to marry, and he saw no reason they should not.
"I'm certainly open to it," he said. "Maybe I can help, and I jumped at this opportunity."
Now, Avery is one of the most divisive players in the NHL because of his antics, and frequently called on its most hated players. Rangers blog Blue Line Station worries that Avery's endorsement will somehow be used against him by critics: "You can bank on other fans trying to find a way to make this an example of him being 'classless.'" But that's a stretch.
First off, his is not the dissenting opinion nationally. The latest polls show a majority of Americans in favor of same-sex marriage, and that momentum has been building for the last year. It's also a winning issue in New York: HRC cites a Siena Research Institute poll finding 58-percent support for same-sex marriage, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo expects a bill that legalizes it to pass.
Secondly, it's inspiring to see an NHL player have an actual on-the-record opinion on something beyond frivolity. Hate the player, hate his politics … how many fans are going to sit there and condemn Avery for doing this? For speaking out? Isn't it nice to know at least some of these guys give a damn about something?
Granted, this is good business for Avery, too. They're his politics, but they're also part of his brand: Fashion, restaurants, whatever sort of commentary he enters into after his playing days. To say something off the cuff is different than a calculated effort to endorse a movement, at least for someone as well-known as Avery.
Obviously, you can't mention a hockey player and homosexual rights without evoking Brendan Burke and what his legacy inspired. The levels of compassion and understanding that followed his coming out, and the actions of his father Brian Burke after Brendan's death, laid a foundation for players like Avery to not seem entirely out of step with hockey's current social norms.
You also can't mention Sean Avery in support of gays without recalling the problems the New York Rangers have had with that community in years past, with gay fans claiming MSG was a cesspool of homophobia. Having Avery, in his Rangers sweater, in these ads can only be a good thing image-wise and for building stronger bonds with that community.
Avery doesn't speak for hockey, but he speaks as a hockey player, and that's important.
Sean Avery can generate positive PR for an organization? Even through terrible fashion glasses, yes he can.
Related: Sean Avery, New York Rangers, Stanley Cup Playoffs
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki sacrifice max deals to stay with teams …
There will be no parade down Causeway Street in Boston or rally in front of the American Airlines Center in Dallas. There will be no self-aggrandizing announcements on still-under-construction Web sites, nor will the mayors of those two cities be tapped to deliver any moving speeches.
Excerpt found on sportsillustrated.cnn.com
No, when Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki officially sign their names to four-year deals on Thursday — Pierce for $61 million with the Celtics and Nowitzki for $80 million with the Mavericks — the only acknowledgement will likely be a smattering of local reporters stuffed in a small room at a hastily scheduled press conference.
For Pierce and Nowitzki, the deals represent security, which, with a lockout looming after this upcoming season, is something every player is taking seriously (for instance, just look at Richard Jefferson, who, despite coming off a disappointing season with San Antonio, opted out of $15.2 million on the final year of his deal in hopes of negotiating a long-term contract). Sure, $21.5 million, as both Nowitzki and Pierce were scheduled to make next season before opting out, is nothing to sniff at. But by becoming free agents and accepting a reduced salary, Pierce and Nowitzki guaranteed themselves a healthy paycheck into their NBA golden years.
Nowitzki, 32, was eligible to receive a maximum $96 million offer. But by agreeing to a cut rate with the only team he’s ever played for, the former MVP allowed Mark Cuban to use the $16 million in savings not only for luxury-tax payments but also for potential signings (like Dallas’ bid to keep its unrestricted free-agent center, Brendan Haywood) and possible sign-and-trade deals, the only way for the capped-out Mavericks to land another top-tier free agent this offseason.
Excerpt found on sportsillustrated.cnn.com
No, when Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitzki officially sign their names to four-year deals on Thursday — Pierce for $61 million with the Celtics and Nowitzki for $80 million with the Mavericks — the only acknowledgement will likely be a smattering of local reporters stuffed in a small room at a hastily scheduled press conference.
For Pierce and Nowitzki, the deals represent security, which, with a lockout looming after this upcoming season, is something every player is taking seriously (for instance, just look at Richard Jefferson, who, despite coming off a disappointing season with San Antonio, opted out of $15.2 million on the final year of his deal in hopes of negotiating a long-term contract). Sure, $21.5 million, as both Nowitzki and Pierce were scheduled to make next season before opting out, is nothing to sniff at. But by becoming free agents and accepting a reduced salary, Pierce and Nowitzki guaranteed themselves a healthy paycheck into their NBA golden years.
Nowitzki, 32, was eligible to receive a maximum $96 million offer. But by agreeing to a cut rate with the only team he’s ever played for, the former MVP allowed Mark Cuban to use the $16 million in savings not only for luxury-tax payments but also for potential signings (like Dallas’ bid to keep its unrestricted free-agent center, Brendan Haywood) and possible sign-and-trade deals, the only way for the capped-out Mavericks to land another top-tier free agent this offseason.
Dirk Nowitzki NBA Season
Born on June 19, 1979, Dirk Nowitzki is a native of Germany and currently plays for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. After applying early for entry into the 1998 NBA Draft, Nowitzki was selected ninth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was immediately traded, however, to the Dallas Mavericks. He struggled during his early career, as many athletes do, but has since risen to become one of the top players in the league.
During his NBA rookie season, Dirk Nowitzki averaged 8.2 points per game. The following year, during the 1999-2000 season, found Dirk finishing second in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting. That season, he played in each of the 82 regular season games and averaged 17.5 points per game, which was more than double his average for the previous season.
By the time the 2000-2001 season rolled around, Dirk Nowitzki became the first player in team history to be selected to the All-NBA team. At that time, he became the team’s leading scorer with an average of 21.8 points per game. In the 2001-2002 season, Nowitzki’s success continued to grow as he averaged 23.4 points per game. During a bout of misfortune, Dirk Nowitzki suffered an injury to his left ankle that kept him from participating in six games. This marked the first time he had ever missed a game due to injuries.
During the 2002-2003 NBA season, Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high average of 25.1 points per game. In addition, he averaged career-high assists and steals. In December 2002, Nowitzki missed two games due to yet another ankle injury. This one, however, affected the right ankle, which was sprained during a December 10 game against the Clippers. When the 2003-2004 season was underway, Dirk Nowitzki was averaging 21.8 points per game. During a November competition, a right ankle sprain took him out of the game after only seven minutes of play. This injury led to five games being missed.
Today, Dirk Nowitzki averages 26.6 points per game, stands 7′ tall and weighs 245 lbs. He is a forward that can often be intimidating to opponents as he not only has the height to earn points, but to rebound with ease. Away from the court, Dirk Nowitzki enjoys reading and playing the saxophone. His mother and father, both skilled in sports, have two children. Dirk’s sister, Silke, works for the NBA in International TV. His father, Joerg, played handball and his mother, Helen, was a star player for the German women’s national basketball team. Just before joining the NBA, Dirk Nowitzki served a mandatory term with the German Army from September 1997 through June 1998.
Fans who would like to request a signed photo or simply send Dirk Nowitzki their best wishes are urged to do so in care of his NBA franchise team. If you are requesting an autograph, be sure to include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with your request. It is recommended that fans not send an item that they could not afford to lose, such as prized possessions or limited edition collectibles. There is never a guarantee that an athlete will be able to accommodate every autograph request, which is why the most common items to send include a blank index card, trading card and/or photo. Letters and requests should be mailed to:
Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks
The Pavilion
2909 Taylor St.
Dallas, TX 75226
Read Dirk Nowitzki biography or see some great Dirk Nowitzki pictures and many other fan resources on http://www.dirknowitzki.us
Article from articlesbase.com
During his NBA rookie season, Dirk Nowitzki averaged 8.2 points per game. The following year, during the 1999-2000 season, found Dirk finishing second in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting. That season, he played in each of the 82 regular season games and averaged 17.5 points per game, which was more than double his average for the previous season.
By the time the 2000-2001 season rolled around, Dirk Nowitzki became the first player in team history to be selected to the All-NBA team. At that time, he became the team’s leading scorer with an average of 21.8 points per game. In the 2001-2002 season, Nowitzki’s success continued to grow as he averaged 23.4 points per game. During a bout of misfortune, Dirk Nowitzki suffered an injury to his left ankle that kept him from participating in six games. This marked the first time he had ever missed a game due to injuries.
During the 2002-2003 NBA season, Dirk Nowitzki scored a team-high average of 25.1 points per game. In addition, he averaged career-high assists and steals. In December 2002, Nowitzki missed two games due to yet another ankle injury. This one, however, affected the right ankle, which was sprained during a December 10 game against the Clippers. When the 2003-2004 season was underway, Dirk Nowitzki was averaging 21.8 points per game. During a November competition, a right ankle sprain took him out of the game after only seven minutes of play. This injury led to five games being missed.
Today, Dirk Nowitzki averages 26.6 points per game, stands 7′ tall and weighs 245 lbs. He is a forward that can often be intimidating to opponents as he not only has the height to earn points, but to rebound with ease. Away from the court, Dirk Nowitzki enjoys reading and playing the saxophone. His mother and father, both skilled in sports, have two children. Dirk’s sister, Silke, works for the NBA in International TV. His father, Joerg, played handball and his mother, Helen, was a star player for the German women’s national basketball team. Just before joining the NBA, Dirk Nowitzki served a mandatory term with the German Army from September 1997 through June 1998.
Fans who would like to request a signed photo or simply send Dirk Nowitzki their best wishes are urged to do so in care of his NBA franchise team. If you are requesting an autograph, be sure to include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) along with your request. It is recommended that fans not send an item that they could not afford to lose, such as prized possessions or limited edition collectibles. There is never a guarantee that an athlete will be able to accommodate every autograph request, which is why the most common items to send include a blank index card, trading card and/or photo. Letters and requests should be mailed to:
Dirk Nowitzki
Dallas Mavericks
The Pavilion
2909 Taylor St.
Dallas, TX 75226
Read Dirk Nowitzki biography or see some great Dirk Nowitzki pictures and many other fan resources on http://www.dirknowitzki.us
Article from articlesbase.com
Dirk Nowitzki Leads Mavericks
DALLAS — Kobe Bryant knows the deal. His Los Angeles Lakers are down 0-3 to the Dallas Mavericks and none of the 98 NBA teams facing that deficit have ever come back to win a series.
Yet Bryant also knows his team has won the last two championships, and reached the finals three straight years. And that his soon-to-be-retired coach has won a record 11 championships and has never been swept in his 20 years on the sideline.
Bryant also realizes how close his team is to leading this series 2-1. They blew a 16-point lead in the opener, losing only in the final seconds, and on Friday night they fell apart down the stretch again on the way to a 98-92 loss.
So, with all that in mind, he made this declaration following the Game 3 defeat: "I think we're still going to win the series."
Confidence, eh? Well, he also prefaced that line by laughing and saying, "I might be sick in the head or crazy."
The Lakers have mostly themselves to blame for being in this predicament. Leading by seven with 5:05 left, and having controlled the game throughout the second half, they got sloppy on defense. They gave Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic wide open shots, and that turned things around in a hurry.
A 20-7 closing run jump-started by 3s from Nowitzki and Stojakovic put the Mavericks on the verge of not only winning this series, but pulling off a sweep. Dallas can move to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2006 with a victory at home on Sunday.
"We're not good enough to relax or take the pedal off the metal," Nowitzki said. "You don't want to ever give a champion life, so hopefully we can have the same effort and the same crowd and a great game on Sunday."
The Mavericks scored 32 points in the fourth quarter, the most by either team in any period this series. Bryant said the Lakers helped by making "some of the dumbest defensive mistakes I've seen us make all year."
Yet Bryant also knows his team has won the last two championships, and reached the finals three straight years. And that his soon-to-be-retired coach has won a record 11 championships and has never been swept in his 20 years on the sideline.
Bryant also realizes how close his team is to leading this series 2-1. They blew a 16-point lead in the opener, losing only in the final seconds, and on Friday night they fell apart down the stretch again on the way to a 98-92 loss.
So, with all that in mind, he made this declaration following the Game 3 defeat: "I think we're still going to win the series."
Confidence, eh? Well, he also prefaced that line by laughing and saying, "I might be sick in the head or crazy."
The Lakers have mostly themselves to blame for being in this predicament. Leading by seven with 5:05 left, and having controlled the game throughout the second half, they got sloppy on defense. They gave Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Peja Stojakovic wide open shots, and that turned things around in a hurry.
A 20-7 closing run jump-started by 3s from Nowitzki and Stojakovic put the Mavericks on the verge of not only winning this series, but pulling off a sweep. Dallas can move to the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2006 with a victory at home on Sunday.
"We're not good enough to relax or take the pedal off the metal," Nowitzki said. "You don't want to ever give a champion life, so hopefully we can have the same effort and the same crowd and a great game on Sunday."
The Mavericks scored 32 points in the fourth quarter, the most by either team in any period this series. Bryant said the Lakers helped by making "some of the dumbest defensive mistakes I've seen us make all year."
Lakers Vs. Mavericks Score: Dirk Nowitzki Gives Dallas Early Lead
Lakers Vs. Mavericks Score: Dirk Nowitzki Gives Dallas Early Lead
May
06
10:15p
by Brian Floyd
On the same day our own Mike Prada wrote an excellent feature on Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks' center came firing out of the gates in an attempt to bury the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty in their NBA playoff matchup. Nowitzki scored 11 points in the first quarter, hitting 4-6 shots and both of his three-point attempts, as the Mavs inched-out to a two-point lead, 29-27.
Kobe Bryant was hardly a factor in the early-going, taking just one shot and scoring two points. Andrew Bynum led the Lakers with 10 first quarter points as they attempted to keep pace with Nowitzki and the Mavs. Lamar Odom had six points and Pau Gasol had five points.
Jason Kidd added five points and three assists for Dallas in the first quarter. Bench stud Jason Terry had three points in the first quarter, with Peja Stojakovic chipping in four.
Be sure to check out our Lakers vs. Mavericks hub for full series coverage. For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen And Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.
May
06
10:15p
by Brian Floyd
On the same day our own Mike Prada wrote an excellent feature on Dirk Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks' center came firing out of the gates in an attempt to bury the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty in their NBA playoff matchup. Nowitzki scored 11 points in the first quarter, hitting 4-6 shots and both of his three-point attempts, as the Mavs inched-out to a two-point lead, 29-27.
Kobe Bryant was hardly a factor in the early-going, taking just one shot and scoring two points. Andrew Bynum led the Lakers with 10 first quarter points as they attempted to keep pace with Nowitzki and the Mavs. Lamar Odom had six points and Pau Gasol had five points.
Jason Kidd added five points and three assists for Dallas in the first quarter. Bench stud Jason Terry had three points in the first quarter, with Peja Stojakovic chipping in four.
Be sure to check out our Lakers vs. Mavericks hub for full series coverage. For more on the Lakers, visit Silver Screen And Roll and SB Nation Los Angeles. For more on the Mavericks, visit Mavs Moneyball and SB Nation Dallas.
Dirk Nowitzki
, 05 May 2011 07:45:10 GMT – Dirk Nowitzki leads Dallas with 15 points and 4 rebounds so far. Shawn Marion is next with 9 points while Jason Kidd added 7 points and 4 assists. Nowitzki scored the last basket of the half to give the.
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