For the Love of God please let this be true: Two groups have interest in buying Thrashers, Hawks, and Philips Arena

If you aren't familiar with the ownership group of the Atlanta Spirit then you are one of the lucky ones. The Atlanta Spitir is a group of douchebags who own the Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers, and Philips Arena. Here is some video for reference:



As you can see they would rather piss on themselves then put out a good product. They bitch and moan about fans not showing up but if they actually tried to put a quality product on the ice in case of the Thrashers people will show up. The one season when the Thrashers made the playoffs they averaged over 17,000 in attendance. The problem is they have only had one playoff season in over 12 years of existence. The Atlanta Spirit has been trying to sell the Thrashers since 2005. They are a group of idiots who have no fucking clue what they are doing. Thankfully all could be saved if Arthur Blank, Ted Turner, or some other rich dude came in and bought them out.

Well those prayers might be answered according to the AJC.com...

There are two prospective investment groups inquiring about purchasing the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena, according to several people familiar with the situation. Both groups plan to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

A deal is not close in either case as proper paperwork has not been filed to begin serious negotiations. However, at least one group has met with the officials from the NBA and the NHL.

With the group that has met with league officials, including the NHL on Thursday, there is one main investor with others in the group, some of whom are from Atlanta. The group is not only interested in purchasing the three properties but there is a “development element” to the deal, possibly involving the area around the arena.

The Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena, owned by the Atlanta Spirit, have been for sale and groups have expressed interest in buying the Thrashers and moving them to another city. Canadian cities Winnipeg, Quebec and Hamilton have long been rumored to be a possible destination.

Atlanta Spirit co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. recently told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that there is a “sense of urgency” to find a buyer or additional investors to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.

According to those familiar with the situation, it would take at least a month to complete due diligence on a proposal and at least another month to complete negotiations.

The two interested parties do not include Atlanta native Stephen Rollins, who has publicly stated a desire for his multi-city investment group to purchase the Thrashers. That group is said to still be interested but a formal bid has not been made at this point.

At this point I would take anybody as an owner as long as the name Peter Angelos isn't attached to it. This looks like potentially great news in keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. They need to stay because people will support the team if you look like you actually care about putting the best product on the ice. No more nickel and dime bull shit. No more letting your star players leave (Heatley, Kovy, Hossa, and Savard).

And while we are at it no more Hawks giving Joe Johnson max contracts when they should be giving stars like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul those type of contracts. Right now I really wish the Hawks could somehow dump Johnson and his massive contract and go full tilt for Howard and Paul in 2012.

Kyle Rudolph Notre Dame Game Used Home Navy Jersey for sale

This is yet another game used Notre Dame football jersey we got in from Steiner Sports. This is from the 2008 season and it was worn by Kyle Rudolph. It has some heavy scuff marks around the collar on the front and you can tell Rudolph went to war with this jersey in Notre Dame Stadium. This is his home navy jersey from his freshman season. There is only one available so it's first come first serve. This is your chance to own a piece of Notre Dame history. Rudolph is projected to be the top tight end taken in this year's NFL Draft.

Kyle Rudolph Game Used Notre Dame Home Jersey

MLB.COM'S Top 50 Prospects

I watched the MLB Network last night reveal their top 50 prospects in the game and was surprised by some of the rankings. First off I was almost positive Bryce Harper would be #1. How could he not be? The kid tore it up at junior college ball when he should have still been in high school and he played above and beyond in the Arizona Fall League. He should be the #1 prospect but what the hell do I know? Last year the #1 prospect was some guy named Jason Heyward. He lost the ROY to Buster Posey who was ranked #4. The #10 guy was Madison Bumgarner who won huge games for the Giants in the playoffs. If you are in the top 10 of this list the chances are you could be making an impact at the Major League level this year. So here is the list with some quick thoughts on the player.

1. Mike Trout, Angels-Trout wasn't even a top 50 prospect (#85) last year but after a stellar 2010 the future corner outfielder is a speedy, get on-base guy with a little bit of pop in his bat. Not a big guy but he reminds me of a white version of Rickey Henderson.
2. Jeremy Hellickson, Rays-The Rays will look to replace Garza with Hellickson. Similar makeup to Greg Maddux.
3. Bryce Harper, Nationals-He's on the 40 man roster but won't make the team out of camp. He could get a late season call-up for the struggling Nationals to sell some tickets.
4. Domonic Brown, Phillies-Kind of overrated in my opinion. The heir apparent to Jayson Werth.
5. Dustin Ackley, Mariners-Struggled in his first minor league season out of college but tore it up in the Arizona Fall League. Should be up in the majors soon.
6. Aroldis Chapman, Reds-The Cuban Missile throws 105 mph. Already up with the big league team he should be a future closer.
7. Mike Moustakas, Royals-The first of many Royals on this list, Moustakas hopefully will become the next George Brett and not the next Alex Gordon.
8. Eric Hosmer, Royals-I think he should be a top 5 prospect. Hosmer is going to be a superstar. Reminds me of Joey Votto.
9. Jesus Montero, Yankees-Extremely overrated catcher and of course he is put in the top 10 because he is in the Yankees organization. Terrible arm, decent bat.
10. Julio Teheran, Braves-Drawing comparisons to Pedro Martinez because of his size and his lively arm. Has a chance to grab the #5 spot in the rotations with a great spring.
11. Desmond Jennings, Rays-Do or die time for Jennings. A lot of hype but has yet to impress at the big league level. Carl Crawford's replacement.
12. Kyle Drabek, Blue Jays-Great minor league numbers but has yet to show anything in the majors. Could develop over time.
13. Michael Pineda, Mariners-Big, strong righty who can bring it.
14. Mike Montgomery, Royals-The top lefty prospect in the game, Montgomery has a plus fastball and curve to go along with a good change.
15. Jacob Turner, Tigers-The Tigers have found another great young starter in Turner. He should be up by 2012.
16. Wil Myers, Royals-He's the best hitting catcher in the minors in my opinion. Could be switched to outfield and be up in KC by the end of this season.
17. Freddie Freeman, Braves-He's been handed the 1st base job for the Bravos. Has a chance to shine after slugging a massive HR off Roy Halladay during his brief call-up last season.
18. Jameson Taillon, Pirates-Josh Beckett-like stuff with more control. Jameson will be a future ace.
19. Zach Britton, Orioles-Draws some comparisons to former Orioles farmhand Erik Bedard. He has great off speed stuff that creates a lot of groundballs. Has a chance to make the Orioles rotation by 2012.
20. Shelby Miller, Cardinals-Has great stuff he just needs to improve his control.
21. Mike Minor, Braves-Will be the #5 starter for the Braves this year. Doesn't have great stuff but he gets outs and knows how to pitch.
22. Casey Kelly, Padres-A solid righty obtained in the Adrian Gonzalez deal, he should start in AA in his third season as a pitcher after moving from shortstop.
23. Martin Perez, Rangers-Just 19 years old, he struggled last season but this lefty has a mid 90's fastball with a devastating curve.
24. Manny Machado, Orioles-The #1 shortstop prospect should probably be rated a little higher. Think more future Tulo than A-Rod.
25. Chris Sale, White Sox-Already a reliever with the big league club, the White Sox should give him a shot for their rotation this season.
26. Brandon Belt, Giants-Absolutely tore it up last year on three levels and is the future 1b for the Giants.
27. Matt Moore, Rays-Another southpaw in the Rays organization who led all of the minor leagues last year in K's. He should start in AA this season.
28. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays-A tad overrated in my opinion he was acquired in the Shaun Marcum trade. Should start in AAA this season.
29. Jarrod Parker, D-backs-Still rebounding from Tommy John surgery he will probably be in AA to start with a fast promotion to possible the bigs if he produces.
30. Jonathan Singleton, Phillies-
31. Jordan Lyles, Astros |
32. Gary Sanchez, Yankees |
33. Tyler Matzek, Rockies-I really wish the Orioles would have drafted this kid in 2009 instead of Matt Hobgood. Has some issues with command but he is a lefty who is a strikeout machine.
34. John Lamb, Royals |
35. Manny Banuelos, Yankees |
36. Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians |
37. Jake Odorizzi, Royals |
38. Nick Franklin, Mariners |
39. Aaron Hicks, Twins |
40. Kyle Gibson, Twins |
41. Wilin Rosario, Rockies |
42. Jose Iglesias, Red Sox |
43. Tanner Scheppers, Rangers |
44. Dee Gordon, Dodgers |
45. Devin Mesoraco, Reds |
46. Brett Jackson, Cubs |
47. Chris Archer, Rays |
48. J.P. Arencibia, Blue Jays |
49. Yonder Alonso, Reds-Trade bait for the Reds since Alonso is blocked by Joey Votto.
50. Christian Friedrich, Rockies |

FOR THE HELL OF IT: KATE UPTON

Kate Upton is the newest SI Swimsuit "it" girl. And by "it" I mean she has a really great pair of ankles. Damn those ankles are fucking hot.