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RIP: George Michael
Dec 25, 2016
Published in
Not in Hall of Fame News
This is not how we wanted to celebrate Christmas Day.
It has been reported that George Michael has died today at the age of 53. As of this writing, no cause has been given, only that he died peacefully at his home.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in London, England, George Michael first found success as one half of Wham! With Andrew Ridgeley. They would reach the charts in England in 1983 with their first album, “Fantastic”, which yielded hits like “Club Tropicana” and the “Wham Rap”, but it was in 1985 that true international stardom would come calling when their album, “Make It Big” became a chart topper across the globe. That album had the smash hits, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Careless Whisper”, “Freedom” and “Everything She Wants”. Following a farewell single, “The Edge of Heaven”, the band disbanded and George Michael embarked on a solo career, which would eclipse that of his previous one with Ridgeley.
Michael would release “Faith” in 1987 and as expected it was a huge hit everywhere. Aside from the album’s title track, the record released the then controversial single, “I Want Your Sex”, which due to the song’s suggestive lyrics was banned on some radio stations. Despite this, it was a critically beloved album and massive seller worldwide.
He would follow up with the album, “Listen Without Prejudice” gave us a more socially conscious artist, though one that would also be successful commercially. “Freedom 90’” and “Praying for Time” were number one hits from this album and this would essentially conclude the apex of his career as he would produce music far less frequently.
Notably, in 1998, Michael was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a bathroom as part of a sting operation. It was revealed that it was with another man, basically outing the singer, though that had been suspected for some time. Regardless of his orientation, George Michael pushed the boundaries of sexuality with his music and was a bona fide sex symbol for men and women for well over a decade.
His health has been in decline for awhile, and it is not a day to speculate as to why.
Today, we have lost a great singer, a great musician and for some of us, a part of teen years.
We here at Notoinalloffame.com extend our condolences to the friends and family of George Michael at this time.
It has been reported that George Michael has died today at the age of 53. As of this writing, no cause has been given, only that he died peacefully at his home.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in London, England, George Michael first found success as one half of Wham! With Andrew Ridgeley. They would reach the charts in England in 1983 with their first album, “Fantastic”, which yielded hits like “Club Tropicana” and the “Wham Rap”, but it was in 1985 that true international stardom would come calling when their album, “Make It Big” became a chart topper across the globe. That album had the smash hits, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Careless Whisper”, “Freedom” and “Everything She Wants”. Following a farewell single, “The Edge of Heaven”, the band disbanded and George Michael embarked on a solo career, which would eclipse that of his previous one with Ridgeley.
Michael would release “Faith” in 1987 and as expected it was a huge hit everywhere. Aside from the album’s title track, the record released the then controversial single, “I Want Your Sex”, which due to the song’s suggestive lyrics was banned on some radio stations. Despite this, it was a critically beloved album and massive seller worldwide.
He would follow up with the album, “Listen Without Prejudice” gave us a more socially conscious artist, though one that would also be successful commercially. “Freedom 90’” and “Praying for Time” were number one hits from this album and this would essentially conclude the apex of his career as he would produce music far less frequently.
Notably, in 1998, Michael was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a bathroom as part of a sting operation. It was revealed that it was with another man, basically outing the singer, though that had been suspected for some time. Regardless of his orientation, George Michael pushed the boundaries of sexuality with his music and was a bona fide sex symbol for men and women for well over a decade.
His health has been in decline for awhile, and it is not a day to speculate as to why.
Today, we have lost a great singer, a great musician and for some of us, a part of teen years.
We here at Notoinalloffame.com extend our condolences to the friends and family of George Michael at this time.
Dave Abbruzzese talks about his omission from the RRHOF
Dec 23, 2016
Published in
Not in Hall of Fame News
As you all know Pearl Jam expectedly entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the first ballot. You might also know that Dave Abbruzzese, their former drummer will not be joining the band as he was not named amongst the members whom the Rock Hall deemed relevant enough to be inducted.
Of the five drummers that Pearl Jam had, the original, Dave Krusen and current drummer, Matt Cameron are being inducted. Krusen was let go from the band in 1991 following problems with alcohol but he was the drummer on their breakthrough album, Ten. Cameron joined the band in 1998 after performing for another potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Soundgarden, who he also returned to drum for.
Abbruzzese joined in 1991 and was with the band until he was let go in 1994. He played on Vs. and Vitalogy, two very successful albums for the band.
He had the following to say on his Facebook page:
“So… Rock & Roll Hall of F**ktardia. Ergh. It makes absolutely zero sense to me… As the original ballot is created, the members of each eligible band are determined by largely who was present and active during the most influential recording years. I'm not sure how 275+ live shows and 38% of record sales doesn't fit their criteria…
The qualifications required for me to have been inducted with my former band mates certainly have been met. I challenge anyone to justify why I am not worthy of a place in the history of Pearl Jam. The official reason given from the RRHOF makes it bullshit. It makes my years of hard work appear to be worthless towards the success born of the formative years of Pearl Jam. This is simply not the case.”
Just what influence each inducted band has in regards to which members get in is certainly up for debate. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame itself.
Either way, it would not be a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class without a bit of controversy would it?
Of the five drummers that Pearl Jam had, the original, Dave Krusen and current drummer, Matt Cameron are being inducted. Krusen was let go from the band in 1991 following problems with alcohol but he was the drummer on their breakthrough album, Ten. Cameron joined the band in 1998 after performing for another potential Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Soundgarden, who he also returned to drum for.
Abbruzzese joined in 1991 and was with the band until he was let go in 1994. He played on Vs. and Vitalogy, two very successful albums for the band.
He had the following to say on his Facebook page:
“So… Rock & Roll Hall of F**ktardia. Ergh. It makes absolutely zero sense to me… As the original ballot is created, the members of each eligible band are determined by largely who was present and active during the most influential recording years. I'm not sure how 275+ live shows and 38% of record sales doesn't fit their criteria…
The qualifications required for me to have been inducted with my former band mates certainly have been met. I challenge anyone to justify why I am not worthy of a place in the history of Pearl Jam. The official reason given from the RRHOF makes it bullshit. It makes my years of hard work appear to be worthless towards the success born of the formative years of Pearl Jam. This is simply not the case.”
Just what influence each inducted band has in regards to which members get in is certainly up for debate. Ultimately, the decision lies with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame itself.
Either way, it would not be a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class without a bit of controversy would it?
The Miami Heat retire Shaquille O'Neal's number
Dec 23, 2016
Published in
Not in Hall of Fame News
Yes, again we know this process is a long one!
Those who visit us on a regular basis know that we are methodically adding the Top 50 Players for every North American Team (NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB) and after that the intent is to look at how each team honors their former players and executives by way of Rings of Honor, Franchise Halls of Fame and Retired Numbers.
As such, it is news to us that the Miami Heat have retired the #32 of Shaquille O’Neal, making him the third player in team history to earn such an honor.
When Shaq arrived in Miami, he was ushered in an 18 wheeler with “Shaq Diesel” written on the side of it. For this ceremony he was presented by a miniature replica of that beast of a vehicle, though this time it was driven by his mother.
O’Neal was traded to Miami in 2004 after the Lakers controversially lost the Finals to the Detroit Pistons, a series that on paper that Los Angeles had no business to lose. The stories of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s inability to get along are now NBA folklore, and one of them had to go. It was Shaquille who would leave, though he would take his scoring and rebounding skills with him.
It would be a good fit in Miami as he would now be paired with the young Shooting Guard, Dwyane Wade. Together, in 2006 they would win the NBA Championship, the first in Miami Heat history.
In the three and a half seasons that Shaquille O’Neal spent in Miami he had a 23.9 PER and averaged 22.6 Points, 10.5 Points and 2.2 Blocks per Game.
O’Neal joins Alonzo Mourning (#33) and Tim Hardaway (#10).
Notably, this is the second NBA team to retire his number as the Los Angeles Lakers did the same last year.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Shaquille O’Neal for yet another post career accolade.
Those who visit us on a regular basis know that we are methodically adding the Top 50 Players for every North American Team (NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB) and after that the intent is to look at how each team honors their former players and executives by way of Rings of Honor, Franchise Halls of Fame and Retired Numbers.
As such, it is news to us that the Miami Heat have retired the #32 of Shaquille O’Neal, making him the third player in team history to earn such an honor.
When Shaq arrived in Miami, he was ushered in an 18 wheeler with “Shaq Diesel” written on the side of it. For this ceremony he was presented by a miniature replica of that beast of a vehicle, though this time it was driven by his mother.
O’Neal was traded to Miami in 2004 after the Lakers controversially lost the Finals to the Detroit Pistons, a series that on paper that Los Angeles had no business to lose. The stories of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s inability to get along are now NBA folklore, and one of them had to go. It was Shaquille who would leave, though he would take his scoring and rebounding skills with him.
It would be a good fit in Miami as he would now be paired with the young Shooting Guard, Dwyane Wade. Together, in 2006 they would win the NBA Championship, the first in Miami Heat history.
In the three and a half seasons that Shaquille O’Neal spent in Miami he had a 23.9 PER and averaged 22.6 Points, 10.5 Points and 2.2 Blocks per Game.
O’Neal joins Alonzo Mourning (#33) and Tim Hardaway (#10).
Notably, this is the second NBA team to retire his number as the Los Angeles Lakers did the same last year.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Shaquille O’Neal for yet another post career accolade.
Nominees Announced for the Basketball HOF
Dec 23, 2016
Published in
Not in Hall of Fame News
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is continuing in on the fun in this “Hall of Fame” Season.
The following have been named as Finalists for the Class of 2017.
Mark Aguire. A three time All Star and two time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons. He is a former #1 Pick out of DePaul. Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gesse Ausbie. A former Harlem Globetrotter for twenty-five years (1961-1985).
Bill Bertha. A former Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Executive for the New Orleans Jazz.
Muggsy Bogues. A former pint sized Point Guard who may have been the smallest on the court but was a popular player and excellent one at that.
Junior Bridgeman. A two-time MVC Player of the Year and twelve year NBA veteran, predominantly with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Irv Brown, a longtime referee and broadcaster.
Maurice Cheeks. A Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers and 4 time All Star known for his defensive acumen. Cheeks also had success as a coach in the NBA. Ranked #14 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Terry Cummings. A former NBA Rookie of the Year who was chosen for two post season All-NBA Teams. Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Lefty Drissell. A former NCAA Coach with a record of 786 and 394. He is most known for his 18 seasons as the head coach of Maryland.
Hugh Evans. A former NBA Referee from 1972 to 2001.
Bill Fitch. A long time NBA Coach who won the NBA Title with the Boston Celtics in 1981 and was named the NBA Coach of the Year twice.
Cotton Fitzsimmons. A two time NBA Coach of the Year who helmed the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Kansas City Kings and the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim Hardaway. A former Point Guard who went to five All Star Games and was named to five All-NBA Teams. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Del Harris. A former NBA Head Coach who was named Coach of the Year in 1995. He had the coaching duties of the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Robert Hughes. A former High School Head Coach who has the most wins in High School Basketball history.
Kevin Johnson. A former five time post season All-NBA Selection and three time All Star. Ranked #11 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Marques Johnson. A former star at UCLA and former five time All Star. Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Bobby Jones. A former four time All-Star and NBA Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jerry Jones. A long time women’s basketball coach.
Gene Keady. A former college coach mostly known for his twenty-five year run with Purdue. Keady is a seven time Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Rollie Massimino. A college coach who won the NCAA Title with Villanova in 1985.
Tracy McGrady. A former Shooting Guard who went to seven All Star Games and was named to seven post season All-NBA teams. Ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gary McKnight. Another successful High School Basketball Coach.
Danny Miles. The Coach of Oregon Tech from 1971 to 2016. Miles has over 1,000 Wins and three Division II Championships.
Sidney Moncreif. A former two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and five time NBA All Star. Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dick Motta. A successful Head Coach who was a former NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Champion with the Washington Bullets.
Swen Nater. The only player to have led both the ABA and NBA in Rebounds. Nater is a former ABA Rookie of the Year and two time NCAA Champion with UCLA.
Jake O’Donnell. A former NBA referee for twenty-eight seasons.
Jim Phelan. The Head Coach for Mount St. Mary’s from 1954 to 2003. He took them to a NCAA Division II Title in 1962.
Mark Price. A four time All Star and four time post season All-NBA Selection. Ranked #27 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jere Quinn. A Head Coach for thirty-eight years at St. Thomas More Prep.
Glenn Robinson. The current Head Coach at Franklin & Marshall since 1971 and the all-time leader in wins in Division III.
Lee Rose. A former Head Coach in College (UNC Charlotte, Purdue and South Florida) and an Assistant Coach in the NBA.
Bo Ryan. A four time NCAA Division III Champion at Wisconsin-Platteville who also took The University of Wisconsin to two Final Fours.
Bob Saulsbury. A former Head Coach at Wilbur Cross Prep.
Bill Self. The current Head Coach of the Kansas Jayhawks and NCAA winner in 2008.
Jack Sikma. A seven time All Star who won the NBA Championship with the Seattle SuperSonics. Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Steve Smith. The Head Coach at Oak Hill Academy and four time USA Today Coach of the Year.
Fred Snowden. The first African American Head Coach at a major University (Arizona) and a former WAC Coach of the Year.
Harry Statham. The Head Coach for McKendrie University since 1966. He has over 1,100 Wins.
Eddie Sutton. A former NCAA College Coach with over 800 Wins. Sutton most notably coached for Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State and is a two time NCAA Coach of the Year.
Rudy Tomjanovich. A two time NBA Championship Coach with the Houston Rockets and nominated as a Coach. As a player (where he is ranked by us) he is a five time NBA All Star. Ranked #32 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ben Wallace. A four time All Star and four time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who also helped the Detroit Pistons win the NBA Title in 2004. Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Webber. A former star at the University of Michigan who would win the NBA Rookie of the Year and go to five All Star Games and earn five post season All-NBA Teams. Ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Paul Westphal. A former five time All Star who won a NBA Title with the Boston Celtics. Ranked #15 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Note that the Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list only ranks players.
This list will be paired down to a much smaller number of Finalists, which will be announced early next year.
The following have been named as Finalists for the Class of 2017.
Mark Aguire. A three time All Star and two time NBA Champion with the Detroit Pistons. He is a former #1 Pick out of DePaul. Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gesse Ausbie. A former Harlem Globetrotter for twenty-five years (1961-1985).
Bill Bertha. A former Assistant Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers and Executive for the New Orleans Jazz.
Muggsy Bogues. A former pint sized Point Guard who may have been the smallest on the court but was a popular player and excellent one at that.
Junior Bridgeman. A two-time MVC Player of the Year and twelve year NBA veteran, predominantly with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Irv Brown, a longtime referee and broadcaster.
Maurice Cheeks. A Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers and 4 time All Star known for his defensive acumen. Cheeks also had success as a coach in the NBA. Ranked #14 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Terry Cummings. A former NBA Rookie of the Year who was chosen for two post season All-NBA Teams. Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Lefty Drissell. A former NCAA Coach with a record of 786 and 394. He is most known for his 18 seasons as the head coach of Maryland.
Hugh Evans. A former NBA Referee from 1972 to 2001.
Bill Fitch. A long time NBA Coach who won the NBA Title with the Boston Celtics in 1981 and was named the NBA Coach of the Year twice.
Cotton Fitzsimmons. A two time NBA Coach of the Year who helmed the Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Kansas City Kings and the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim Hardaway. A former Point Guard who went to five All Star Games and was named to five All-NBA Teams. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Del Harris. A former NBA Head Coach who was named Coach of the Year in 1995. He had the coaching duties of the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Robert Hughes. A former High School Head Coach who has the most wins in High School Basketball history.
Kevin Johnson. A former five time post season All-NBA Selection and three time All Star. Ranked #11 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Marques Johnson. A former star at UCLA and former five time All Star. Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Bobby Jones. A former four time All-Star and NBA Champion with the Philadelphia 76ers. Ranked #24 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jerry Jones. A long time women’s basketball coach.
Gene Keady. A former college coach mostly known for his twenty-five year run with Purdue. Keady is a seven time Big Ten Coach of the Year.
Rollie Massimino. A college coach who won the NCAA Title with Villanova in 1985.
Tracy McGrady. A former Shooting Guard who went to seven All Star Games and was named to seven post season All-NBA teams. Ranked #2 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gary McKnight. Another successful High School Basketball Coach.
Danny Miles. The Coach of Oregon Tech from 1971 to 2016. Miles has over 1,000 Wins and three Division II Championships.
Sidney Moncreif. A former two time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and five time NBA All Star. Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Dick Motta. A successful Head Coach who was a former NBA Coach of the Year and NBA Champion with the Washington Bullets.
Swen Nater. The only player to have led both the ABA and NBA in Rebounds. Nater is a former ABA Rookie of the Year and two time NCAA Champion with UCLA.
Jake O’Donnell. A former NBA referee for twenty-eight seasons.
Jim Phelan. The Head Coach for Mount St. Mary’s from 1954 to 2003. He took them to a NCAA Division II Title in 1962.
Mark Price. A four time All Star and four time post season All-NBA Selection. Ranked #27 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jere Quinn. A Head Coach for thirty-eight years at St. Thomas More Prep.
Glenn Robinson. The current Head Coach at Franklin & Marshall since 1971 and the all-time leader in wins in Division III.
Lee Rose. A former Head Coach in College (UNC Charlotte, Purdue and South Florida) and an Assistant Coach in the NBA.
Bo Ryan. A four time NCAA Division III Champion at Wisconsin-Platteville who also took The University of Wisconsin to two Final Fours.
Bob Saulsbury. A former Head Coach at Wilbur Cross Prep.
Bill Self. The current Head Coach of the Kansas Jayhawks and NCAA winner in 2008.
Jack Sikma. A seven time All Star who won the NBA Championship with the Seattle SuperSonics. Ranked #4 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Steve Smith. The Head Coach at Oak Hill Academy and four time USA Today Coach of the Year.
Fred Snowden. The first African American Head Coach at a major University (Arizona) and a former WAC Coach of the Year.
Harry Statham. The Head Coach for McKendrie University since 1966. He has over 1,100 Wins.
Eddie Sutton. A former NCAA College Coach with over 800 Wins. Sutton most notably coached for Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma State and is a two time NCAA Coach of the Year.
Rudy Tomjanovich. A two time NBA Championship Coach with the Houston Rockets and nominated as a Coach. As a player (where he is ranked by us) he is a five time NBA All Star. Ranked #32 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ben Wallace. A four time All Star and four time NBA Defensive Player of the Year who also helped the Detroit Pistons win the NBA Title in 2004. Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Webber. A former star at the University of Michigan who would win the NBA Rookie of the Year and go to five All Star Games and earn five post season All-NBA Teams. Ranked #1 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Paul Westphal. A former five time All Star who won a NBA Title with the Boston Celtics. Ranked #15 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Note that the Notinhalloffame.com Basketball list only ranks players.
This list will be paired down to a much smaller number of Finalists, which will be announced early next year.