Quick Hits: Barkley, Big Brown, Lottery . . . Oh, And Some Fighting

"Sir Charles" announced on TNT last night that he's through with gambling . . . for now. Barkley wouldn't commit to quitting for life, but said he won't gamble for the next 1-2 years. This came after a controversy surrounding an outstanding casino debt. I've always liked Barkley (especially as a TV personality), but his numerous failed diets have demonstrated his lack of will power, and I don't see how this scenario will end with different results.

Big Brown is one win away from the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. While the tragedy at the Derby put a damper on Big Brown's performance in Kentucky, nothing could detract from his dominating performance at the Preakness.

When Jannero Pargo missed a wide open 3 from the corner with about 1 minute remaining, I could feel the 2008 playoffs losing some if their luster. Sure, the Lakers and Celtics are still alive, and this is seemingly the matchup everyone is pining for. But, on the flip side, there's Detroit and San Antonio. Should the Pistons and Spurs win their series', we will get a rematch of the most boring 7 games in playoff history (also known as the 2005 NBA Finals)

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place tonight (followed by game 1 of the Eastern Finals) @ 7:30 on ESPN. I hear Jay-Z's representing the Nets . . . why should we care?

This Saturday it's a battle pitting Hawaiian Pride vs. 'Roid Rage, as BJ Penn takes on Sean Sherk for the UFC Lightweight Championship. The "Ill Will" card also features Wanderlei Silva squaring off aginst Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida.

Also this Saturday, Ricky Hatton (43-1) returns to action against Juan Lazcano (37-4-1). Lazcano should challenge Hatton, but don't expect any upsets. Lazcano would have to KO Ricky to get a win in the UK, and i don't see that happening. Hatton by TKO Rd. 10.