Some might argue that the Tiger Woods story has officially lost sports relevance and will only be covered by the likes of TMZ in the foreseeable future, but those of us who are golf fans beg to differ.  Golf is a game built on honesty and integrity.  It’s a game where players are responsible for keeping their own scores and calling penalties on themselves.  Just last year a golfer disqualified himself from qualifying for his tour card for an innocent rules violation.

Herein lies the difference between what Tiger is accused of and what Kobe Bryant was accused of.  Kobe’s rape accusation mattered more to his sponsors and public image than it did on the basketball court.  Kobe’s on-court credibility remained untarnished.  A tenacious competitor who if committed a foul or wrongdoing would be whistled by the refs (depending of course on the ref and league agenda at the time.)

While Tiger’s indiscretions matter to his sponsors and public image it may matter more to his competitors and golf enthusiasts.  Tiger plays in a unique sport where his honesty and credibility do matter.  They are the cornerstones of what makes golf great.  Has Tiger ever not called a rules violation on himself when he should have?  Does he take more than one customary mulligan on the first tee?  Has Tiger been using illegal drives in the past?

While the rest of the world wonders what TMZ will dig up next on Tiger, golf enthusiasts hold their collective breaths.  If Tiger is in fact a cheat the golfing memories of many will be forever tarnished.

When Kobe says his guy has 4 rings and they both freeze, that is funny. But the most hilarious line is at the very end.  If you listen closely you can hear Rose’s response: “I didn’t get to the 2nd round, so…”

h/t: NESW Sports

Upon returning to his apartment fresh off advancing to the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant Puppet discovered his roommate and rival, Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James Puppet, lying dead in their bathtub. Los Angeles police officials stated there was no evidence of foul play, as the deep lacerations on James’ felt wrists appeared to be self-inflicted. “I knew he was upset about losing to the [Orlando] Magic, but I never thought he would do something like this,” the shocked and fabric-based representation of Bryant told reporters, his facial expression stoic and his eyes unblinking. “Maybe I should have seen it coming. One minute LeBron was happy and covering the apartment with talcum powder, and the next he was playing video games and not wanting to be disturbed. Maybe it’s my fault for putting my championship rings on display in our apartment.” The puppet LeBron is the fifth roommate of either the puppet or real-life Bryant to commit suicide.

I would say the last line is the funniest, but the whole thing cracks me up.  I have a feeling the NBA will try to build up this matchup for the next few years, so don’t be too worried about LeBron losing. (Yes, I know that last line was to comfort myself as much as all of you, I do love LeBron).

Well in the Rockets-Lakers game last night, a few notable events occurred.  First, the Lakers went to the line whenever a Houston player looked at them funny.  And when you’re dealing with the unique mugs of guys like Scola, Yao, and Artest’s haircut, that happens a lot.  Second, there were a ton of cheap shots.  Kobe has been the ringleader of the dirty play thus far with a cheap shot at Battier in Game 1 and an elbow to Ron Artest’s throat last night.

The pinnacle of entertainment came in the postgame interviews though, when Artest took a trip down memory lane for an anecdote about how he is ready for physical play.  Role that video! **Update: Story Confirmed.

Yeah, go ahead and watch that again.  Seriously, if Kobe tries to throw something through his heart, he’ll be ready.  If Brick wields a trident, Artest will not be phased.  Ron Artest continues to astound America with his ability to shock.  Last night just added another level of depth and a little more insight into the life of Ron.

Moving back to Kobe before we get back to a video of another Artest moment, what an unmitigated jackass this guy continues to be night after night.  After his shots to Battier in Game 1 when Battier was trying to get off the floor, he hits Artest in the throat with an elbow in Game 2, then gets T’d up for taunting Battier shortly thereafter.  Who taunts Shane Battier?  What’s Shane going to say back? “I certainly respect your opinion sir, good luck.”

Talking trash has become part of the game, so it’s hard to be mad at him for that, but when viewers see you shout the same line over and over during the same game, that’s not cool.  At least give us some creativity.  Nothing would make me happier than seeing Houston knock L.A. out of the playoffs.

Anyway, here is a video of Artest after Game 6 of the Rockets first round win.  Also, check out the related video involving Yao and Artest and the club.  That came from the same press conference.  Go in about 0:50 for the good stuff.