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Just found this great article and i thought this is worth a share. So here it is. Enjoy!

Michael Jordan may not spend most of his time on the basketball court anymore, but he’s still answering prayers as the clock winds down. This time, His Airness is coming to the rescue of middle-school sports in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system, donating $250,000 to keep the county’s middle-school sports programs from being chopped out of existence in a single drastic budget cut.

According to the Associated Press and Charlotte Observer, the city cut $1.25 million — the entire budget for middle-school sports — in an effort to get the school district’s funding in line with budget projections. The public school district also instituted new rules that call for middle-school students to pay $50 to participate in each school sports and high school athletes to pay $100 to play. The Observer reported that those fees would be waived for students who participate in the free or reduced-cost lunch programs, a group that comprises more than half of the students attending Charlotte public schools. From The Observer:

“We investigated the situation. We looked for ways to help middle schools and this was one of the options presented to us. We took it because of the impact on middle schools and giving them the opportunity to play sports and as motivation for education as well,” Jordan said.

Jordan and his Charlotte Bobcats aren’t the only donor to step forward and help CMS middle-school sports, but he’s by far the largest. By comparison, the Charlotte Touchdown Club, an organization that included funding from the Carolina Panthers and the NFL Players Association in its pledge, donated $56,000.

read the full article here

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Stefon Johnson | Running Back-Tennessee Titans

Stafon Johnson, the Tennessee Titans rookie who was badly injured in a weightlifting accident at USC last year, suffered a major ankle injury Saturday night in his first NFL preseason game.

Johnson was carted off the field in Seattle with a dislocated right ankle and is likely to miss the entire 2010 season.

“Bouncing back from trials and tribulations, this is just a bump in the road,” Johnson said after the game. “God has brought me back this far, and it felt good to be where I’d gotten to. This is minimum compared to what I have been through, really.”

In September Johnson dropped a barbell on his throat while bench pressing in the USC weight room, causing him to be hospitalized for three weeks. The injury ended his college football career, but he signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent.

Now the ankle injury will apparently end his rookie year. Johnson’s Titans teammates gathered around him as he was being attended to on the field, and both Titans coach Jeff Fisher and Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who coached Johnson at USC, spoke of him in glowing terms after the game, saying that if anyone can come back from a setback like this, it’s Johnson.

“I appreciate the love and support,” Johnson said. “I am just a regular guy trying to make it like everybody else. I’m just going to try and get back as soon as I can.’

Stafon Johnson | Running Back

Titans rookie RB Stafon Johnson was carted off the field late in Saturday’s preseason opener with what is believed to be a dislocated right ankle.

Johnson got up from a tackle only to see his foot twisted to the wrong side of his body. He’s the USC RB that battled back from a life-threatening weight room accident last season. His former coach Pete Carroll joined him at the cart in a touching moment before he was taken to the locker room. The hard-luck rookie’s season is undoubtedly over.

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Red Wings-Tigers owner Ilitch wants to buy Pistons

Mike Modano, left, shakes hands with Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch

DETROIT – Mike Ilitch, the Little Caesars pizza mogul who already owns the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, said Monday that he wants to buy the Detroit Pistons in part to make sure another buyer doesn’t move the NBA franchise out of town.

The Pistons declined to comment on Ilitch’s interest in the team, which Forbes valued at $479 million last year.

Pistons owner Karen Davidson has said she’s considering a sale of the team by itself or as part of a package with Palace Sports and Entertainment, which includes The Palace of Auburn Hills, DTE Energy Music Theatre and Meadow Brook Music Festival.

Her husband, Bill Davidson, died last year. The late owner known as “Mr. D” helped the Pistons win NBA titles in 1989, 1990 and 2004. Karen Davidson has said she expects the deal to be done by the opening game in late October.

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‘King James’ thanks Cleveland fans in homecoming

LeBron James, pictured in July 2010, thanked his fans in Cleveland for their support on Saturday

LeBron James thanked his fans in Cleveland for their support on Saturday at a charity cycling event in his hometown, his first area visit since dumping the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

Hundreds of people attended the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player’s “King for Kids” celebration, which came a week after James was criticized for a newspaper ad thanking Akron backers but not mentioning fans in Cleveland.

“To the city of Cleveland, my fans in Cleveland, my fans in northeast Ohio, I want to say thank you for the last seven years and the years that continue to go in the future,” James said.

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Nebraska WR Paul regrets underage drinking ticket

Nebraska wide receiver Niles Paul catches the ball during the first day of NCAA college football practice

Paul, one of the Big 12′s top threats as a receiver and return man, was sentenced to community service for his conviction for underage drinking. Paul pleaded guilty to being a minor in possession of alcohol. A charge of public urination from the May 28 encounter was dropped. A breath test measured his blood-alcohol at .104.

The senior from Omaha was suspended for the balance of spring practice in April 2009 following his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. He was not charged with DUI. He pleaded guilty to reckless driving and being a minor in possession of alcohol.

“No matter what everybody believes, I don’t drink a lot,” Paul said in his first public comments about the May incident. “That night, guys convinced me, ‘Let’s go out.’ I let that get to me. I went somewhere I wasn’t supposed to be. I went down there, got into some trouble, and the hardest thing was apologizing to my teammates, coaches and my dad. You feel like you let them down.”

Paul said his teammates have been supportive. Coach Bo Pelini did not announce any disciplinary action against Paul.

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Michael Vick is on probation after serving an 18-month federal prison

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick runs the option during the morning session of NFL football

Michael Vick – The most famous student of the mentor Tony Dungy and the  Philadelphia Eagles quarterback is on probation after serving an 18-month federal prison sentence that ended in May 2009 for dogfighting.

Vick hosted a birthday party that ended with a shooting June 25 in Virginia Beach, Va.

According to police in Virginia Beach, Vick was not present when a person was shot. Vick’s attorney, Larry Woodward, identified the victim as Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in the dogfighting ring.

“Tony Dungy can go somewhere and if something happens, I’m not going to get singled out,” Dungy said. “Michael Vick goes some place and the same thing happens, and you’re the center of attention. You’re the focus. Now is it fair? Who knows?

“But that’s the bed you’ve made and you’ve got to sleep in it and be prepared for that. That’s the lesson he’s learned.”

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Cushing blames positive test on overtraining

Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing adjusting his chinstrap

The Houston Texans asked the NFL to reduce or rescind the four-game suspension given to star linebacker Brian Cushing on Monday, saying he has a unique medical condition stemming from something called overtrained athlete syndrome.

Cushing described the condition after Monday morning’s practice. He said the syndrome can trigger hormonal spikes after breaks in training, explaining why he would have tested positive for a fertility drug last September — a drug he said he never took.

“I think that’s the final diagnosis we came up with,” he said, “and a lot of doctors have supported why this has happened.”

Texans owner Bob McNair met with commissioner Roger Goodell in New York to plead his case. The league denied Cushing’s appeal of the suspension in February.

“I did meet with Bob at his request,” Goodell said Monday during a previously scheduled conference call with Texans season ticket holders. “I’m trying to get all the facts correct, so we make sure we are making the right decision.”

Read full story

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PGA Championship 2010 Schedule, Odds and Updates at Whistling Straits – A big question still awaits to be answered in every golf tournament he appeared in.

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Sportsniper Team can’t think of something to blog at this moment so we decided to pick out the 20 hottest babes in sports. Each of us rated this ladies on a scale of 1 to 10 and our number “one” got a total score of 37 points.  And here’s the 20 Hottest Females in the World of Sports as we see it.

We know that you all have your preferences so let us know what you think or post your own list of 20 Hottest Babes in Sports here. Happy swinging to all male sports fan out there.

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Brett Favre Retired

You know that this Favre story isn’t close to going away. If you have watched ESPN between July and August the past four years, you’ve seen “Favre Watch.”

Sure, as of now he’s retired. But that has happened a few times before. In fact, the past four years, he has all but come out and said that. But he came back every time.

If he returns, the Vikings are the number one or two team in the NFC. He has a great offensive line, the best running back in the NFL, and even an improved defense. He’ll be on the best team he’s ever played, and he was one win away last year from being in the Super Bowl.

Brett Lorenzo Favre is an American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Minnesota Vikings.

It’s been a busy month on the college football recruiting trail and, as a result, there’s been quite a bit of shifting in the rankings as some teams have been climbing and others have been left in the dust. Be sure to check out Bryan Kelly’s July rankings for an alternative perspective as well as the Mid-June rankings to give you a better idea of where things stand and how they came to be.

The nation is still chasing after the Longhorns for the No. 1 spot, but the gap is closing and several programs have already made their mark on the recruiting landscape. Plenty of talent has been added in the last few weeks and we may yet see some unexpected twists and turns.

Check out the latest 2011 recruiting rankings, and as always, when teams are in a virtual tie the advantage goes to the program with the best individual prospect.

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl - Florida State v West Virginia

16. FSU
17. Texas Tech
18. Pittsburgh
19. Mississippi State
20. Ole Miss
21. Arkansas
22. Washington
23. Oregon
24. Missouri
25. Michigan

5-star left tackle Kiaro Holts

5-Star Commitments: 1
4-Star Commitments: 4
3-Star Commitments: 9
Best Individual Prospect: Kiaro Holts, OT

The Tar Heels are known for their defense, but in 2011 they’re bringing a strong offensive class to the table, headlined by 5-star left tackle Kiaro Holts. Holts is one of the top-rated offensive lineman in the country and should develop into a staple of North Carolina’s offensive line.

He’s joined by a top 10 ranked offensive guard in Landon Turner, another solid offensive tackle in Jamar Lewter, and two very talented and promising quarterbacks in Marquise Williams and Everett Golson.

Those are the names to pay the most attention to when considering North Carolina’s recruiting class, but don’t discount the potential of a long list of 3-star talent.

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No. 14: Nebraska

4-star quarterback Bubba Starling

5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 6
3-Star Commitments: 4
Best Individual Prospect: Bubba Starling, QB

Nebraska might not have the bulk of North Carolina’s class, but while the Tar Heels seem to be rounding out their 2011 class, the Cornhuskers are just getting started.

And when it comes to top talent, some experts rate 4-star quarterback Bubba Starling as higher than North Carolina’s Kiaro Holts; myself being among them.

Nebraska has a solid bunch of offensive lineman lined up with Ryne Reeves at center, Tyler Moore at tackle and Ryan Klachko at guard; all three of them are rated in the top 10 at their respective positions.

Add in Starling and fellow 4-star quarterback Jamal Turner and the Cornhuskers have some solid offensive pieces.

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No. 13: Florida

5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 4
Best Individual Prospect: Jeoffrey Pagan, DE

The Gators have been picking up steam recently, collecting eight commitments in the last two months. Before then, Florida had only four names on the books for their 2011 class. Two of those names were Pagan and quarterback Jeff Driskel though; both of whom appear in my latest top 50 recruits list.

Pagan is one of the most intriguing prospects in the country as he’s only played one year on defense and has a very, very high ceiling.

With Driskel, as well as a diverse class of solid talent on both sides of the ball, Florida is setting themselves up for great 2011 class. It may not be up to their usual standards over the last few years, but it’s still one of the top classes in the country.

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No. 12: Auburn

quarterback Kiehl Frazier

5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 5
3-Star Commitments: 8
Best Individual Prospect: Kiehl Frazier, QB

Auburn doesn’t have the numbers that some of the schools behind them have, but what they do have is one of the best playmakers in the country in quarterback Kiehl Frazier.

He’s one of the most underrated players in the country. I myself have probably undervalued him a bit as well in the latest rankings. Frazier is a born winner and if the Tigers fail to gain a single further commitment they’ll still be winners with him on board.

Add in center Reese Dismukes, rated top 5 at his position, and tight end C.J. Uzomah, who has the potential to be the best tight end of the 2011 class, and Frazier looks like he has some good building blocks.

On the defensive side of the ball, Auburn has two big boys for their defensive line with tackle Angelo Blackson and end Jabrian Niles; both rated top 25 at their respective positions.

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No. 11: Oklahoma State

running back Hershel Sims

5-Star Commitments: 1
4-Star Commitments: 6
3-Star Commitments: 9
Best Individual Prospect: Herschel Sims, RB

Oklahoma State is quietly putting together one of the top classes in the country and it begins with their star running back Hershel Sims. Sims is a highlight just waiting to happen and a player who thrives in big games and saves his best for clutch moments. He’ll be a thorn in the side of the entire Big 12 for years.

The Cowboys also have J.W. Walsh at quarterback, rated top 10 at his position, one of the best offensive guards in the country in Travis Cross, and a high-upside receiver Desmond Roland.

On defense, Oklahoma State balances out their class with 4-star safety Lyndell Johnson, 4-star defensive end Jimmy Bean, and 4-star cornerback Mikeatavius Jones; all of whom are rated top 25 at their position.

With nine 3-star commitments on the books as well, the Cowboys might not be adding too many more players, but there’s a lot of talent on the table and the makings of a top 10 class.

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No. 10: Stanford

middle linebacker James Vaughters

5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 9
3-Star Commitments: 11
Best Individual Prospect: James Vaughters, LB

Stanford has 20 commitments to this point, which is one of the highest totals in the country. They may not have any 5-star talent on the books, but the Cardinal are buying in bulk and the quantity makes up for the slight lack of quality.

James Vaughters headlines the class and is one of the top middle linebacker in the country; with a solid senior year he’ll emerge as a 5-star talent.

Stanford also has Evan Crower at quarterback, rated top 10 at his position, tight end Charlie Hopkins, offensive tackle Brendon Austin, receiver Ty Montgomery and running backs Amir Carlisle, Remound Wright, and Kelsey Young; all 4-star talents.

For a team that relies on their offense, the Cardinal should be delivering more of the same in 2011.

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No. 9: Clemson

Mike Bellamy, RB

5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 2
3-Star Commitments: 9
Best Individual Prospect: Mike Bellamy, RB

Clemson doesn’t have a whole lot of top-end talent, but the pieces they do have are all some of the best out there. The Tigers have one of the best playmakers in the country in Mike Bellamy as well as 5-star rated receiver Charone Peake.

Bellamy is one of the fastest, most electric prospects in the country and Peake complements his skill set perfectly with a deadly set of hands.

With Eric Maclin, ranked as the No. 3 tight end on Rivals and running back Marlin Lane, another top back, the Tigers have four of the best offensive weapons in the country and players who complement each others skill sets to a tee.

Sometimes it’s not just about how highly rated a class is, but whether it meshes. And this one meshes.

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No. 8: Notre Dame

Ben Koyack, TE

5-Star Commitments: 1
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 7
Best Individual Prospect: Ben Koyack, TE

Notre Dame has been busy the last few days, with four commitments over the last week, including 4-star running back Justice Hayes, rated as the No. 3 APB on Rivals, as well as 4-star defensive end Aaron Lynch, rated top 10 at his position.

Expect the Irish to continue to rack in the talent and don’t be surprised if they end up as a top 5 rated class when it’s all said and done.

They’re one of the finalists for Kasen Williams, the No. 1 receiver in the country, and have a shot to bring in a few other 5-star talents as well.

Considering Notre Dame already has Ben Koyack, a top three tight end, as well as three offensive lineman rated in the top 10 at their positions, this is shaping up to be a very strong class down in South Bend.

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No. 7: Georgia

Christian LeMay, QB

5-Star Commitments: 1
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 6
Best Individual Prospect: Christian LeMay, QB

Christian LeMay, who’s currently a soft verbal to Georgia, can literally make or break the Bulldogs recruiting class. He’s rumored to be leaning toward switching his allegiance to Clemson, which would set them up for a really stellar offensive class.

Assuming he stays put though, LeMay has the chance to be the next great quarterback for Georgia. He’s a gamer and one of the best leaders you’ll find at the high school level anywhere. LeMay doesn’t get frazzled, plays better under pressure, and isn’t afraid to go for the big play.

In a tight race with Notre Dame, he’s the difference. Both schools have very good, well-rounded classes, but when it’s close it comes down to the top dog. And LeMay is the top dog in this debate.

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No. 6: USC

De'Anthony Thomas, RB/CB

5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 5
3-Star Commitments: 2
Best Individual Prospect: De’Anthony Thomas, RB/CB

Sanctions or no sanctions, USC is still recruiting well. Their 2011 class is headlined by De’Anthony Thomas, who would likely be the top prospect in the country if he wasn’t listed a 5’9″ and 165 lbs.

Thomas lines up at running back and cornerback and aspires to continue doing this at the college level on his way to a Heisman. He’s joined by two of the best quarterbacks in the class in Cody Kessler and Max Wittek, as well as an electric 4-star receiver by the name of Victor Blackwell.

With two defensive lineman rated top 10 at their position in Jalen Grimble and Antwaun Woods at defensive end and tackle respectively, the Trojans might not have too many names committed, but they certainly have some serious talent.

If they land 5-star receiver George Farmer as expected this should turn out to be a top five to 10 class.

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No. 5: Oklahoma

Brandon Williams, RB

5-Star Commitments: 0
4-Star Commitments: 10
3-Star Commitments: 8
Best Individual Prospect: Brandon Williams, RB

Oklahoma might not have any 5-star prospects on the books, but in running back Brandon Williams and wide receiver Trey Metoyer they have two 4-star recruits who definitely deserve a higher rating.

Both are ranked in the latest B/R Top 50 and have extremely high ceilings. With quarterback Kendal Thompson, ranked top 15 at his position, tight end Max Stevenson and running back Danzel Williams the offensive weapons should be strong for the Sooners.

On the defensive side of the ball, Oklahoma has three 4-star defensive tackles, and top 25 talent at defensive end, safety, and linebacker.

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No. 4: Alabama

Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S

5-Star Commitments: 3
4-Star Commitments: 7
3-Star Commitments: 6
Best Individual Prospect: Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, S

Alabama fans will not like to see themselves at No. 4, but that’s probably a good thing if you’re complaining about being snubbed for the top three. The Tide bolstered an already strong class with another 5-star addition last week with linebacker Trey DePriest.

He joins linebacker Brent Calloway and safety Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix as the headliners for the Crimson Tide’s 2011 recruitment campaign.

It’s a very close call between Alabama, Ohio State and LSU, but for the moment the Tide come in third out of the group.

That could change in a heartbeat though. The No. 1 rated recruit in the country, Jadeveon Clowney, and the No. 2 running back Isaiah Crowell are both considered Alabama leans and will likely commit to the Crimson Tide.

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No. 3: LSU

La'El Collins, OT

5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 4
3-Star Commitments: 6
Best Individual Prospect: La’El Collins, OT

LSU really should have five 5-star talents because receiver Jarvis Landry, running back Kenny Hilliard, and outside linebacker Trevon Randle are straight disrespected by not receiving another star.

Landry might be a little small and not as fast as some of the other receivers in the country, but he might go down as the best in the bunch. They guy just gets in done regardless of the situation and definitely puts together the most impressive highlight reel.

Hilliard and Randle are of the same mold. They’re gamers and will shine at the next level regardless of the flaws some scouts are pointing out.

WIth La’El Collins, who’s at worst the second best offensive tackle in class, and defensive tackle Anthony Johnson, rated top five at his position, the Tigers have the makings of a very well-rounded and extremely high-potential class.

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No. 2: Ohio State

Braxton Miller, QB

5-Star Commitments: 2
4-Star Commitments: 10
3-Star Commitments: 5
Best Individual Prospect: Braxton Miller, QB

Ohio State should be in good shape at the quarterback position for years to come thanks to Braxton Miller committing to follow in Terrelle Pryer’s footsteps.

Miller is one of the top overall prospects in the country and hands down the top quarterback of the 2011 class. He’s a dangerous dual-threat passer who can dismantle a defense in any number of ways. It all comes down to how the defense wants to lose.

He’s joined by a stacked class of talent that includes defensive end Steve Miller, ranked top 5 at his position, the No. 1 center in the country in Brian Bobek, two of the best defensive tackles in the country in Michael Bennett and Chase Farris, as well as their newest addition safety Ron Tanner, ranked top 10 at his position.

That’s just naming the headliners too. The rest of the class is pretty darn good as well.

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No. 1: Texas

Christian Westerman, OT

5-Star Commitments: 7
4-Star Commitments: 9
3-Star Commitments: 6
Best Individual Prospect: Christian Westerman, OT

If you’ve been following recruiting to this point, then you know that Texas is putting together an epic recruiting class. If they don’t land even one more prospect, this will will still be a top two to three class.

Just look at these names: Christian Westerman (OT), Desmond Jackson (DT), Sheroid Evans (S), Garrett Greenlea (OT), Leroy Scott (CB), Steve Edmond (LB), Josh Turner (CB), Sedrick Flowers (OG), Quincy Russell (DT), Quandre Diggs (CB), and Cedric Reed (DE).

What do all these players have in common? They’re all ranked in the top eight at their respective positions.

That’s just a scary number of talent. Now all the Longhorns have to do is secure a commitment from running back Malcolm Brown (ranked No. 1 at his position) and they’re good to go.

Lorenzen Wright Found Dead After Long Search

‘Lorenzen Wright found dead’ reports first sprung up yesterday. With Lorenzen Wright found dead, it brings the worst end to the Wright search. Before being found dead, the former NBA veteran had been declared missing for 10 days. The search ended in southeast Memphis, when a body was found behind an apartment building. After his family came to see it, they officially declared that Lorenzen Wright was found dead, although there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

Wright first made a name for himself as a college star in Memphis, before playing nearly 800 games for five teams in the NBA. Despite average numbers, he still made millions and was very well-liked in the basketball community. But, with Lorenzen Wright found dead, it brings a tragic and bizarre end to his life.

The retired player was last seen on July 18 in Memphis, as word was he was going to head out soon. But when he left no word for four days, his family filed a missing persons report on July 22. Six days later, police finally found his body in southeast Memphis.

Not only was Wright found dead, he was found with several gunshot wounds. According to MyEyewitnessNewsin Memphis, local authorities have found a recording from Wright’s cell phone, on the night he may have been killed.

The call allegedly takes place at 1 a.m. on July 19, the day after Wright was last seen. The caller “sounded scared” and yelled out two curse words, then nothing but gunshots are heard. Why he was shot dead, and who would want to kill him, are the obvious unsolved questions from this story.

Having Lorenzen Wright found dead may be considered more of a big deal because he played basketball. He was never a big star, although he was the seventh overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Clippers. After three years, he got a substantial deal from the Hawks, but wound up spending most of his career in his home town of Memphis.

After playing five years with the Grizzles, he finished his career with the Hawks, Kings and Cavaliers before retiring in 2009. In his personal life, he had six kids, but lost a seventh at a young age, and had a father who was paralyzed by a gunshot wound. Source: associatedcontent.com