Yao Ming is China's peace and love ambassador though basketball - Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA photo

Michael Jordan is now behind the NBA's 8 ball - Steve Lipofsky Basketballphoto.com photo

Sports Notes - THE (YAO) MING DYNASTY IS OVER

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

With his warm persona and basketball skills Yao Ming brought people around the world together and helped remove racial barriers much like Michael Jackson did through his music - NBA SET MICHAEL JORDAN FREE - How Kobe Bryant acquired his name - DID YOU KNOW

Saturday July 16, 2011

YAO MING's THE THING

The (Yao) Ming dynasty NBA era is over as he announced his retirement from the league. Ming did for the world what politicians couldn't through peace and not war by his outstanding play in the league and more importantly how he conducted himself with his humility, kindness and a warm personality that endured him to NBA fans.

Ming was selected to the NBA All-Star game every year he was in the league. With his presence and conduct he brought people around the world together via their appreciation of his talent. His performance and conduct resulted in tearing down prejudice and racial barriers towards China. His representation of China brought people together much like Michael Jackson did through his music.

Ming is the owner of the Shanghai Sharks professional team and that will be part of his future. He remains an icon in China and will be an important spokesman for commercial products. Although he will officially announce his retirement July 20th in Shanghai, China the coach of the Chinese National team is not removing Yao from the roster. He's on a wait and see basis in hopes that Ming will continue playing for the national squad.

Though gone from the NBA he most certainly will not be forgotten.

OHH PLEASE - NBA SET MICHAEL JORDAN FREE

In the old days when an employee retires after serving years of meritorious service they were given a gold watch as appreciation for the employee's contributions to the company. Now Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is in a position where the NBA may fine him one million dollars for his participation in the charity American Century Classic golf tournament.

The competition also involves other NBA players Ray Allen, Shane Battier, Jason Kidd, Deron Williams and recently drafted Jimmer Fredette. The NBA is currently involved in a labor dispute lockout and if you're involved with the NBA as a player or owner you are considered an NBA employee.

Agree or not when it comes to charity the NBA should take CNN founder Ted Turner advice of LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY. In this case the GET OUT OF THE WAY applies.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We received the following email from an NR reader regarding the NBA Trivia column that we wrote which mentioned LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant and how he acquired his name. From our experience we first heard the name when we traveled to Japan and KOBE beef was on the hotel menu. Christian Subashi then sent us this email in which he gave us a greater insight to how Bryant acquired his name. I came across this sight on Google and thought I would correct the author.

My uncle, Chris Dhimitri owned a Japanese Restaurant in the Philly area, (King of Prussia) in the 70's called Kobe. It was a popular hang out for many of the Sixers of that era including Joe Bryant. My uncle became good friends with some of them (Joe Bryant included) and "Jelly Bean" as he was called liked the name of the place so he named his kid Kobe.

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