They went on to claim that the different rates at which fouls are called "is large enough that the probability of a team winning is noticeably affected by the racial composition of the refereeing crew assigned to the game."

This makes me happy, because as someone who lobbied vociferously against the Celtics' attempts to trade for Allen Iverson, I find it fitting that Iverson's shooting touch has been hovering around 40 percent. Denver's point guard looks like a guy who only knows how to do one thing: dominate the ball. You all thought Iverson and Pierce together would bear major playoff fruit. Tell that to Carmelo Anthony. He and AI are one game away from a first-round exit.

Remember, too, the only way Iverson was ever coming here was if the Celtics parted with Al Jefferson. The more time I spend around Big Al, the more I entrench myself in his camp. He is candid about his previous shortcomings, including his lack of understanding of the work ethic required to excel. He's motivated, wants to be here, and yearns to be a leader. I like this kid, and not just because he's watching old tapes of Hakeem Olajuwon.