Shorty after the Clippers traded him to the Knicks in 2008, doctors discovered that Cuttino Mobley’s heart problem was more severe than he initially thought.  After that, he alleges in a new lawsuit, his new team pressured him to retire in an effort to save approximately $19 million.

From ESPN New York:

The lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York contends the Knicks knew of Mobley’s condition but pushed to make the trade anyway, then sent him to specialists they knew would oppose him playing, so insurance could pay his contract and it wouldn’t count against the luxury tax.  More...

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The gist: Andrei Kirilenko is one of the most versatile players the NBA has ever seen. In his heyday, the 6-foot-9, 220 lb. Russian sensation popularized the 5×5, accumulating at least 5 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 5 blocks over a handful of times. His unique combination of exquisite passing, ball-handling, finishing and shot-blocking skills make him a difficult match-up at either forward position and a valuable commodity in the right system. He’s been a staple in Utah over the past 10 years, but it seems it’s time for a change.  More...

The NBPA has rejected the NBA’s offer, deciding to dissolve the union and take the matter to court, thus putting a 2011-12 season in serious doubt. ESPN.com has the story:

The NBA Players Association has rejected the owners’ most recent collective bargaining proposal and will instead seek to disband the union, a move that likely jeopardizes the 2011-12 season.

The union, whose members have been locked out since July 1st, also plans to pursue an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA.  More...

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The gist:  Like fellow Dukie and Ultimate Glue Guy, Shane Battier, Grant Hill plays the small forward position and will also be a free agent when the league resumes operation.  He’s a seven-time All-Star and made plenty of money and playing basketball, meaning that he’s likely to decide where to play based on his chances of winning a championship.  He could be a perfect fit for the Clippers, but he could also be a great value for a more established contender.  More...

If the Rich — this One Percent that we’re hearing about lately, this tiny Elite that is the only sliver of American society that has improved its fortune since Reagan — are different from you and me, then so are Elite Athletes (AthElites?).

Kid sports have changed radically, like everything else, with Club teams and trainers. Regular kids no longer hang out and play pick up games, and “playdates” — a term we never had — need to be supervised just to prevent them devolving into separate but equal handheld gaming, simple proximity without interaction.  More...