Thanks Aggieman and Ben...but please don't forget that having (perhaps) two of the top teams in the nation reside in a specific conference doesn't make that conference deep. The Big East may not have any of the single best teams, but by the measure of quality teams - which would be a more accurate one - the Big East remains the nation's best conference from top to bottom. Walker had to face really tough opposition almost every night out. Marquette and UConn were in the middle of the pack in the Big East, and have managed to still be dancing. Right now, it all becomes a one-and-done deal...and to some degree, that's why they call it March Madness.

They each got $2 million per year short of max money...so roughly about $14 million per season...

Iconic / Legendary Status - He's going to Miami with the preface that he's going to win titles. But his value in the eyes of longtime hoops followers may be tarnished because he left his original franchise to do it. He'll also be complemented by Bosh and Wade, and they'll combine to have three of the top four players from one of the best drafts in NBA history (2003).

Ego - From the looks of LeBron's organization of "The Decision," his ego appeared to be out of control - although it's quite possible that he used the media's coverage of his free agency to benefit children with the proceeds from the event (thus using his media power for the good of others). Nevertheless, I have expressed to many Cleveland natives that he has just as much - if not more - ego than Kobe Bryant. After all, who allows themsleves to be posted on a mural with his arms stretched out as if he were Jesus - with a tagline saying "we are all witnesses." Not Kobe Bryant. But his move to South Beach shows that he doesn't have to be "the man."

On another note - - it'll be interesting to see what the city of Cleveland does with his mural...

Hey Tony...in my estimation, "everything else" would include (but not be limited to):

Money - he's leaving millions on the table to go to Miami to play ball. He'll still have a truckload of millions in his bank account, but in the end the Cavs still could have given him a lot more.

Statistical Domination - Playing alongside D-Wade and Bosh will keep him from being the statistical giant that he has been over the past few years. Drafting LeBron on your fantasy team has traditionally led to victory (depending upon your league scoring system, of course).

Remember that Jordan was there before Scottie. Scottie was drafted, came there and - I think sometime in 87-88 - became the first Bull not named Jordan to lead the team in scoring in MJ's era. It was a shock to many at the time, and people were scrambling to know what bush he came from underneath.

And you're right...his all-around contributions wouldn't have garnered as much respect if he were on his own...or even playing with Ewing or Drexler instead of Jordan.

But make no mistake about it - if you're comparing the parts between the current Cavs and the first edition of the championship Bulls - Scottie Pippen is clearly the third best player (behind Jordan and James) in the discussion. And in the prime of his career, who thinks that he wouldn't have given James a run for his money?

From the look on Tebow's face when he received the call, it surprised him, too...

Hey FraNz 41,

My argument has nothing to do with Johnson's skill in his sport, but has to do with people labeling him as today's top athlete. I didn't say that racing is "easy." The only racing that I have ever done is on foot.

The bottom line is that he's not the best athlete...and even the big name basketball and football players may not be the best pure athletes (there's always players that have more true athleticism than the headline players).

And that is coming from an unbiased point of view.

Thanks Dan - I'm just getting back to replying to this. Much respect for your comments.

I have played baseball and as a position player, it is not physically challenging at all. Perhaps (a very long and drawn out "perhaps"), I can see your point there.

But I can tell you this - I have played basketball and football, and I can guarantee you that driving a car (no matter how aggressive or vigorous you think it is) will never physically challenge me as much as playing either of those sports.

There's a reason that basketball and football headline sports coverage. It is because even with the proper training, there's a very small amount of people who can adequately perform at that level. Much of their ability is God-given, and then honed through training.

Thanks for your comment - and I hope you can enjoy more of our non-NASCAR content!

The Skins were probably happy that he was available because he's (still) a relatively mobile QB. He's somewhat accustomed to extending plays with his escapability.

Yeah - Dahntay Jones could definitely be on this list. Sideshow Bob (A.K.A. Carrot Top, A.K.A. Justin Guarini - from the first American Idol) is indeed nerve wracking.