Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Affluenza



Definition

"a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debtanxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more."[3]The term "affluenza" has also been used to refer to an inability to understand the consequences of one's actions because of financial privilege, notably in the case of Ethan Couch.[4]


Now just Wait a damn minute; if wealthy individuals can contract a disease that impairs understanding the consequences of their actions because of financial privilege, is not the equivalent of such a condition the inability of impoverished individuals to understand the consequences of their actions because of financial poverty?

In the case of Ethan Couch, who was sentenced to ten years probation on December 2013 by Texas presiding judge Jean Hudson Boyd, wealth is governed by a different set of laws and subject to leniency from the courts and those magistrates trusted to interpret the law.

One must question not only who's interpreting the laws of the land these days, but also who's getting paid to twist medical semantics to allow a murderer, who caused the death of four innocent persons, to be on the loose and unaccounted for.

Texas judge Jean Hudson Boyd, now retired, and Psychologist G. Dick Miller are the who's who of this Affluenza farce.  Only in Texas; no strike that. Only in America where money can buy you any Word you want to lessen the blow of legal accountability and punishment.

God Bless Mexico, who along with U.S. Marshals, FBI and other agencies, hunted down Couch, a fugitive from justice after violating probation, and detained him in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Maybe now Mexico can assist in doing what the U.S. justice system failed to do the first time; not allow financial privilege to influence judgement and punishment of a criminal.

I'm sure Mexico and Canada both think all U.S. citizens suffer from Affluenza; "a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debtanxiety, and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more." Sure sounds like the symptoms of an STD doesn't it!

Why mention this tidbit of news on a sports blog you might ask.  Because I truly believe the American legal system, in cahoots with a deceptively bogus medical diagnosis, have wronged the families of four victims of Ethan Couch's recklessness.  Prayers for all; the victims, all families affected, Couch and his family, the American justice system, medical psychology, all victims of DUI offenders.

Get MADD - Don't let others drive drunk


Ethan Couch’s victims, from left: Brian Jennings, Breanna Mitchell, Hollie Boyles, Shelby Boyles.

Crash

On Saturday, June 15, 2013, according to authorities and trial testimony, Couch was witnessed on surveillance video stealing two cases of beer from a Walmart store, driving with seven passengers in his father's Ford F-350 pickup truck, and speeding (70 miles per hour (110 km/h) in a designated 40 miles per hour (64 km/h) zone). Three hours after the incident, he had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, three times the legal limit for adult drivers in Texas,[7] and tested positive for Valium.[4]

Monday, December 28, 2015

Gray Ghost & Greed



A fan gives her opinion on the Oakland Coliseum and it's fun, comfortably inviting venue. After reading her "letter to the editor" I had to agree that the Coliseum needs little renovation if any to accommodate the needs of today's fans.

Oakland A's and Raiders fans come to watch their teams simply because they love the sport and are loyal to their teams. If Raiders games were played at the nearest high school football field fans would line up three days before just to get good general admission seating.  

Oakland Coliseum visitors need only edible meat on a bun and a stout grog to wash it all down.  Marketing of any other foods or products are luxuries the real fans can do without.

Granted, the new high definition screens are most welcome by fans, but it didn't take a new stadium budget to get those in. Coliseum fans enjoy some of the best ticket pricing in professional sports and as blue collar fans wouldn't trade that for all the wine and cheese in Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium.

So it begs the question, who's needs are really being fulfilled if and/or when a new stadium is built?  Anne Sullivan, of Santa Rosa writes a revealing letter that sounds closer to the truth than anything I've heard coming from owners or the leagues (NFL/MLB).



Embrace Oakland’s ‘gray ghost’
As a lifelong Oakland A’s fan, and former Oakland Raiders fan, I have to strongly object to the depiction of their home stadium as a 50-year-old, crumbling Coliseum (“A great, gray ghost of sports memories,” Dec. 24).
I find the Coliseum to be fun, comfortable and inviting.
Although I have had to navigate water on the bathroom floors on occasion, I have never once worried about a piece of concrete crashing down upon my head.
I very much enjoy tailgating in the spacious parking lot before A’s games and also enjoy the affordable ticket prices and fast-food concessions. (I don’t miss quiche and sushi at baseball games!)
The notion that the Coliseum is beyond repair is a billionaire owner’s perspective. There was nothing wrong with the Coliseum before Mount Davis was erected! It was a spacious stadium with great sight lines (which are still better than the new Giants stadium) and views of the East Bay Hills. I have become accustomed to the changes made to accommodate the Raiders’ return.
Why is it that this great, gray ghost is not good enough for the A’s and Raiders, if it is good enough for their fans?
Why is it that Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, which opened in 1923, is salvageable, safe and a great experience for 63,000 fans, and the Coliseum, which opened in 1966, is not?
One need look no further than Santa Clara for the answer: a horrible new edifice which is a cash cow at the public’s expense for billionaire owners!
I am appalled at the greed and disingenuousness of the major league sports. Long live the Great Gray Ghost: the last of the people’s sports venues!

Anne Sullivan, Santa Rosa

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Santa Delivers Raiders OT Victory



It weren't pretty and damn near ended in a loss, but Christmas Eve in Oaktown was silver, black and beautiful as the Raiders beat the San Diego Chargers in overtime 23-20.

More of the same style of play by the Raiders where the offense struggles, punter Marquette King pins the opponent deep and the defense makes plays that changes game momentum.  This time it was a forced fumble by LB Malcolm Smith that was picked out of the air by DE Benson Mayowa and returned to the 3 yd line for a first and goal Raiders. 

San Diego was leading 17-12 and driving with 5:00 minutes left in regulation. The play caused an eruption out of the Raider Nation that had to be felt in the North Pole. It was the gift that would lead to a 20-17 Raiders lead and a game sealing Sebastian Janikowski field goal in overtime.

MayOWA might not realize it, but his recovery and rumble jolted life into the team and the fans like nothing else could have.  The Raiders looked dead in the water. Nothing was working.  Meanwhile, Chargers QB Philip Rivers was looking Peyton Manningesque throughout most of the night. I'm sure he thought they had the win tucked away in the old christmas bag and was simply running time off the clock.  I thought I once saw a big, fluorescent green, grinch-smile beaming through his face mask.
Then a six foot three inch savior wearing a Black jersey with the silver numerals 95 went slicing through both Chargers and Raiders with the pigskin tucked securely under his arm.  The recovery and sprint began so fast that it took fans and players alike time to react to MayOWa in action.  

By the time players fully realized, MayOWa was full steam ahead, pushing anyone between himself and the goal line out of the way, including some of his own teammates. He was not gonna be denied. 41 yards later MayOWa lay sprawled out at about the three yard line, catching his breath and being hailed a hero.

Up to that point it had been an ugly, sloppy game that favored the Chargers. After that play, the Raiders just looked as if the full moon had shifted ever so slightly to a position in the sky that let it shine exclusively down on the Raiders sideline.  When the Raiders won the overtime coin flip you knew the football God's had answered Raider Nation's prayers and would deliver a win for Charles Woodson's final game at the coliseum.  What a game, what a win.

I remember having my little heart broken by my cousin when told there was no Santa Claus.  Well cousin, after seeing my Raiders come from behind and deliver an incredible effort to win the nationally televised Thursday night game, I not only believe in the Jolly, bearded man who bears gifts, I saw him make a delivery to my home team.  Oh yeah, and he was dressed in Silver and Black.



Chargers 20
Raiders 23

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Raiders Play Xmas Eve Game (Humbug)

Los Angeles Chargers vs Los Angeles Raiders (pick'em)
You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.  

With the Raiders hosting a Thursday night, nationally televised Christmas Eve game, Holiday spirits in Oakland are anything but cheerful. 

Why?

Because this past Sunday the Green Bay Packers dashed any hope of Santa Claus delivering a Raiders ticket to the postseason.  The Packers left the Oakland Coliseum with a 30-20 victory, officially eliminating the Raiders from the postseason hunt. We knew the playoffs were a long shot, but at least let us dream the dreams that Santa Claus and Christmas are supposed to bring. No, Virginia, there is no Santa Claus.


This coming Xmas Eve game at home against the dreadful San Diego Chargers means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of the playoffs.  No need looking for Santa Claus to deliver any gifts for this game. Both teams have played their way out of the playoff picture. Ironically, both teams are vying for playing future games in the Los Angeles area.

The Raiders are an improved football team. They show future promise and have lived up to all that potential talk. But how sweet would it have been if this game, possibly their last in Oakland, had meaning and purpose. Sports can sometimes be so cruel to fans.  What's the point of a Raiders Christmas Eve game without the chance of keeping playoff and super bowl hopes alive.

You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch!

It's as if the football Gods set the Raiders up to be teased, ridiculed and pitied on the one night of the year that's supposed to be spiritually joyous and full of hope. Instead of receiving an NFL Xmas gift, Raiders fans will be saying goodbye to all-pro cornerback Charles Woodson, who announced his plan to retire at the end of this season. Though we appreciate the chance to honor Cwood, his leaving is more of a loss to our team than any promising gift.

Yes, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch!

The Raiders will play their last home game of the season tomorrow night, Xmas Eve.  Raider Nation will be there to say goodbye to a season that gave us so much, but in the end delivered the same old gut wrenching feeling of not being good enough. We'll return next season, that is, if our team returns to Oaktown.  The potential team move to L.A. is also one of those Grinch stealing xmas downers Raiders fans are facing this Holiday season.

A win on Xmas Eve puts the Raiders record at 7-8 with one road game left in Kansas City.  Don't be surprised if the Grinch doesn't try to sabotage the Raiders chances of ending the season with an 8-8 record. After all, the Grinch is a vile, monstrous, red clad Chiefs fan.

You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a heel.
You're as cuddly as a cactus,
You're as charming as an eel,
Mr. Grinch!
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel.

You're a monster, Mr. Grinch.
Your heart's an empty hole.
Your brain is full of spiders,
You've got garlic in your soul,
Mr. Grinch!
I wouldn't touch you with a 
Thirty-nine and a half foot pole.

You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch.
You have termites in your smile.
You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile,
Mr. Grinch!
Given the choice between the two of you
I'd take the seasick crocodile.

You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch.
You're a nasty, wasty skunk.
Your heart is full of unwashed socks,
Your soul is full of gunk,
Mr. Grinch!
The three-words that best describe you
Are as follows, and I quote,
"Stink, stank, stunk!"


Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Pete Rose Is No Shoeless Joe



You've got to know when to hold'em
Know when to fold'em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
Lyrics from song "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers


Rose had every opportunity to be forgiven in the past 26 years, every opportunity to get back into the sport. But Rose was out of baseball because he bet on baseball, and lied about it for years afterward, and he continues to bet on baseball, as he acknowledged to the commissioner -- only after first saying he doesn't bet on baseball. Really, he gave no choice to Manfred, who has made what likely will be the final decision from Major League Baseball on Rose in his lifetime.  

Why major league baseball can continue to ban former player Pete Rose from entering their hall of fame? Integrity!  Integrity!  Integrity!

Pete Rose, after all these years, still wants to be reinstated and forgiven for his "crime" of betting on baseball while a player and manager of the Cincinnati Reds.  As with most addicts, until they've thrown the monkey off their back, denial and avoidance of confronting their addiction are excuses used to enable their continued engagement in the activity.  

If Pete Rose wants so bad to be reinstated, how is it that he continues to engage in the activity that caused him to be banned in the first place?  Time has not been kind to Mr. Rose.  Over time, most people grow wiser and are humbled by life through their experiences. 

Mr. Rose does not appear to be like most people; he continues to selfishly think of himself first and foremost, with little room for repentance. He wants others to change the way they view him when he hasn't changed the way he views his criminal actions nor others and their rules. He feels entitled to a reward after throwing aside the rules that such an award is based on.

The gambling sickness calls for it's addicts to be bold, unyielding and uncompromising in their commitment to betting. There is no room for humbleness or compassion when gambling. Sounds like the same principles needed to compete in sports at a high level, as long as one follows the rules. 

Unfortunately Mr. Rose, to his detriment and that of baseball fans, broke the rules of baseball. He lied about it for years and yet continues his plea for MLB reinstatement with no effort on his part to disengage from gambling and seek help for his addiction. That's why gambling addiction is a sickness; the victim is the last to admit to it and take responsibility toward addressing the problems it causes in one's life.

A rehabilitated Pete could possibly do wonders for many an addicted gambler, especially those professional athletes who continue to bet on sports. And we know they're out there. How MLB allows Pete to work as a sports analyst when the man still admits to gambling is beyond me. The sick leading the sick I suppose. Or more like money leading the sick, a case and point when it comes to gambling.

At some point Mr. Rose will need to take a good, long look in the mirror and admit that his gambling ways has cost him more than just major league baseball hall of fame recognition; it's cost him his integrity and character as a man.

I'd probably be more in Pete's corner if he just accepted who he has chosen to be and not try to force MLB into a position of honoring him.  Be a man Pete and just walk away from baseball with your arrogance and selfishness. You'll be remembered as a great major league baseball player. The honor of being called a Hall of Fame baseball player is reserved nowadays for those who gave without trying to selfishly take away from the integrity of the game. 

Wanna see what a guy who deserves reinstatement and voted into the MLB Hall of Fame looks like?

Look no further than Shoeless Joe Jackson. Joe, from what I'm lead to believe, admitted to taking the money and painfully accepted the consequences of breaking the rules of major league baseball. Even if Joe didn't take the money and a shady lawyer coerced him into making a self incriminating statement, he lived by his word. His word was "bond."

Sorry Pete, you're no Shoeless Joe

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Raiders & Broncos - It Never Get's Old

Khalil Mack Day, All Day In Denver


The Oakland Raiders went into Denver and rode their defense to a comeback win over the Broncos.  #52 Khalil Mack was the defensive star that led the Raiders with five sacks, one of which caused a safety (huge play).  As coach Del Rio stated in the post-game, the pass coverage gets credit for forcing Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler to hold the ball longer, giving the pass rush time to get to the quarterback. 

I think once Del Rio sees game tape he'll agree that Mack's relentless attack made the pass coverage job easier. Either way, the Raiders defense did a fantastic job of keeping the Broncos out of the endzone all day and rattling the home team offense. They also caused game changing fumbles. 

Bonus: There was a TJ Carrie sighting when on a Broncos third down pass late in the game he lit up Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders resulting in a no catch out of bounds ruling.  Carrie's big sideline hit kept Sanders feet from landing in bounds nullifying what would have been a first down catch.

Sure, the Broncos dominated the first half.  Sure we're left still wondering what has happened to the once top ranked Raiders offense starring WR Amari Cooper. Coop was targeted eight times and had zero catches. Gotta give QB Derek Carr and the passing game some credit for scoring two touchdowns in the second half after being down 12-0 at halftime. An impressive task when your running game is non-existent.  


#10 Seth Roberts Touchdown 

Precise route running resulted in beautiful touchdown catches by Mychal Rivera and Seth Roberts, giving us glimpses of the the Raiders early season offensive explosiveness; different receivers, same results. They'll need to find ways to get Coop and Crabtree touches as well as running backs out of the backfield.  The Latavius Murray up the middle has proven it's mostly good for running time off the play clock. The rushing stats are........abysmal

Denver did come into the game leading the league in overall defense, maybe that was the reason for a mostly conservative game plan. Also, Derek Carr coming off last week's ugly three interception loss might've dictated the play calling.  Today Carr was 12 for 29 for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns. No turnovers by interception or fumble.

Also deserving credit is punter Marquette King for placing five of his ten punts inside the 20 yard line. One of King's punts was mishandled by the Broncos return man resulting in a fumble recovery by the Raiders.

It was a frustrating game to watch as a Raiders fan, but the ugly win on the road in Denver was the most rewarding victory for the silver & black in years; definitely the best win for new coach Jack Del Rio and his staff. Raiders hadn't won in Denver since 2011. Imagine how the now 10-3 Broncos fans must feel after losing to the silver & black.

Congratulations Raiders on a huge step taken toward being a great team once again.  

Final Score
Raiders 15
Broncos 12

Mile High Maniac's Take On The Game

Raider Central Mikey Raider Postgame (Game Over)

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Oklahoma Cop Guilty Of Rape(s)

Oklahoma City Police Officer Daniel Holtzclaw

(sexual predator/serial rapist)

A white police officer has been found guilty by an all white jury on 5 counts of rape and 13 counts of sexual assault. All 13 of his victims are black women ranging in age from 17-57 at the time the cop abused them. 

Their courage to end their silence and come forward to testify against police officer Daniel Holtzclaw is a victory for all women and all victims of violent assaults. No man is above the truth.  He's just a man. One voice of truth can ignite a firestorm to burn down violence and deceit.  Abuse in any form by anyone for any reason is wrong. And criminal laws are written to judge and punish such wrongs and abuse.

The name Daniel Holtzclaw should be highlighted by all news organizations today. Police nationally should show nothing but anger and disgrace toward their fellow officer for using his position of civic trust to victimize civilians he swore to protect. He has smeared the badge and honor of his police department.

At 6'2, 220 pounds, a former college football linebacker, Officer Holtzclaw is guilty of more than just being a predator who profiled black women as prey for his sexual assaults; he is guilty of breaking a law enforcement oath to protect and serve the community; the Entire community, not just one sector. 

If Officer Holtzclaw did harbor some warped, supremacist idea that only a certain sector of the community was deserving of his protection and services, he had no right to victimize and abuse any other sector of the community. He's a sick man armed with weapons, a badge and the privilege of race. Praise the jury for hearing the evidence and not getting blinded by the uniform or race of the accused. This is what Justice should look like.

Take race out of the equation and you have this international headline:
THIRTEEN KNOWN WOMEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED BY THE SAME POLICE OFFICER IN AN AMERICAN CITY


Multiple Women assaulted and victimized at different times by one police officer because he believed he was above the law and could get away with it. One bad apple picked out of the bunch and exposed as a perpetrator. 

Doesn't mean their aren't more bad apples in the barrel, not by a long shot. A year long Associated Press investigation illuminated the problem of rape and sexual misconduct committed by law officers in the United States, uncovering about 1,000 officers who lost their licenses from 2009-2014 for such incidents.  

But we should be very careful not to indict all police officers on the reprehensible record of this guilty one and/or the others like him. A conservative count of all sworn law enforcement officers in the U.S. in 2014 was 900,000.  

Just as Mr. Trump's fear of all muslims being potential terrorists is a dangerous phobia to spread, so to the accusation of all police being rapists, all blacks being criminals, all jews being money hungry, all italians being mobsters, all irish being drunks, all anybodies being anything. It's both inaccurate and dangerous to generalize/profile any group of peoples based solely on race, religion, color or duty.

Hopefully the prosecution and conviction of Officer Daniel Holtzclaw sheds light on one reason minority communities are reluctant to partner with police departments to help rid their neighborhoods of vice and crime; that reason being trust. More times than not, it's the minority neighborhoods who can spot a 'bad apple' best. It's time police and other civic leaders listen to them and others who've been silenced by threats and retaliations.  


It's these same bullying tactics used by police officer Daniel Holtclaw, soon to be inmate ######, that have turned many citizens, both law-abiding and non-law-abiding, against trusting police officers in these United States. Unfortunately, one bad apple can rotten the reputation of the whole bunch.




One woman alleged that she was handcuffed to a hospital bed, high on PCP, when Holtzclaw forced her to perform oral sex on him. Another woman testified that Holtzclaw ran her name and found out she had city warrants, and then drove her to an abandoned school and raped her.
Another victim explained to the court that she didn’t tell anyone about Holtzclaw's alleged abuse because she’d "never been on the right side of the law." The last woman to testify, who was only 17 at the time of her alleged rape, summarized the group sentiment with one salient and heartbreaking question: "What kind of police do you call on the police?"



The most horricic cop rap case you've never heard of - 12/10/2015

How the rapist cop was caught - 9/05/2015

Wednesday, December 09, 2015

Crabtree Gets 4-Year Contract Extension

The Oakland Raiders have given wide receiver Michael Crabtree a four year contract extension. The extension is well deserved as Crabtree has been the go to receiver this season. He'd come over from the 49ers on a one year deal.

The signing puts to bed any talk of losing QB Derek Carr's top target.  The team can now focus on other needs that will bring them to the next level.  It's a great signing and it comes with five games still left to play in the 2015 regular season.

Yes Raider Nation, the man with the hands ain't going nowhere.  

Sunday, December 06, 2015

QB Derek Carr Has A Bad Day

'Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile, and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down, and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Oakland Raiders second year quarterback Derek Carr simply had a bad outing today.  The surging Kansas City Chiefs were in town and the Raiders had outplayed them into the third quarter.  

With the Raiders leading in the third quarter 20-14 and driving toward a score at the Chiefs 35 yard line, QB Derek Carr over threw a wide open Michael Crabtree for what would've been a huge gain if not a touchdown.  On the next play Carr tried to make up for it, held onto the ball too long and was hit as he threw.  The ball went directly to a Chiefs defender who ran it back 65 yards to the 2 yard line.  It was the beginning of the end for the home team.

The Chiefs would score to tie the game and Derek Carr would completely transform into the laughable Jamarcus Russell, a player the Raiders wished into the cornfield five years ago.

Granted the Raiders offensive play calling (OC Bill Musgrave) was skittish and questionable throughout most of the game.  But it was the poor decision making of Derek Carr that gave this game to the Chiefs. With three interceptions leading to 20 points, Carr was the goat of the day in a game the Raiders coulda, shoulda had. Derek, You had a bad day.

Growing Pangs!

Final Score
Chiefs 34
Raiders 20

Golden State Warriors beat Bklyn Nets, go to 22-0  

Friday, December 04, 2015

Harp & Cello Football



I know the setting is straight out of a Beatrix Potter book, but the music is excellent.  It's the old saying of not confusing the message with the messenger.  This video is about music and the human emotions it can stir up inside individuals. Not everyone spends Sundays in front of a television set watching sports. Seriously.

In the video above the dual sound of harp and cello is simply blissful. It's a back and forth sound that's harmonic and soothing to the soul; like a waterfall. You can close your eyes and place yourself anywhere on earth; a mountaintop, an ocean cruise, a battlefield, a birth. No matter where you go there it is, hidden in the sounds, revealed in the stillness. The you that is you is always watching and observing the waves of life.

I once used this Adagio in G minor by Albinoni to illustrate the emotional roller coaster of being a football fan. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat ring true throughout this musical masterpiece. There's buildup, anticipation, eruption, conflict and the inevitable final conclusion to the event that is music to our ears. 

It's also true of Sunday football.  Win, lose or tie, you're completely invested in your team before, during and after it's Sunday showdown against an opponent.  You're likely to experience every emotion imaginable within the course of a football game. Sometimes, slowing down your game day excitement and actions can reveal the beauty of all that goes into a full day of Sunday football. 

It's enough to bring tears of joy or sorrow to a grown man's eyes.  

NFL Gameday; It's a sports fans masterpiece.


blog post inspired by reading the book "The Cellist of Sarajevo" by Steven Galloway

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Dell Curry Honored, Steph Curry Immortalized



On a night that the Charlotte Hornets planned to honor former player and current color commentary tv analyst Dell Curry for his outstanding contributions to the team and community, his NBA all-star son Steph would do him the biggest honor as he put on a basketball show that could only bring tears of pride to a father's face.

I'm sure the Hornets plans for Dell did not include his son's solo shooting clinic act, but what did they expect when inviting the NBA champion Golden State Warriors to town on a night they dubbed "Curry Night" at their arena.



Dell was presented with a key to "Buzz City" at half-time. Afterwards his son came out in the third quarter and scored 28 Warriors points, 24 of them in a row, for a total of 40 points in three quarters.  



Steph simply could not keep with his father's "do not ruin my night" request. He couldn't contain his enthusiastic urge to honor his father in a way that only he could.  Steph not only single-handedly brought down the Charlotte Hornets, he brought down the house as his hometown fans raved and cheered their prodigal son's return. 

Undefeated Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was also on hand, wearing a #30 Dell Curry Hornets jersey, to witness the amazing father and son moment.

So what else is a son with extraordinary basketball powers to do when the spotlight is on him and his family. 

Flame On!
Final Score
Warriors 116
Hornets 99

Curry Scores 40, Leads Warriors to 20th Straight Win