By Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel4:26 p.m. EST, May 24, 2012Shaquille O'Neal's flirtation with the Orlando Magic's front office opening didn't last long.O'Neal released a statement Thursday afternoon in which he said he will not pursue the job."When I first heard about the vacancy for the Orlando Magic general manager position, I was clearly intrigued," O'Neal said in his statement. "I was drafted by the Magic, I have a great love for the franchise, and I have made the city of Orlando my home. Additionally, I have great admiration and respect for the DeVos family. Continue reading →

By Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel9:18 p.m. EST, May 23, 2012 Shaquille O'Neal added the designations "Dr." and "Ph.D." to his name when he received his doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Barry University earlier this month. Now, he might be seeking an additional title: GM.ESPN reported Wednesday night that O'Neal will meet with Orlando Magic officials next week to discuss the team's vacant general manager job. A Magic spokesman would not comment. Team officials, including CEO Alex Martins, who is heading the search for Otis Smith's replacement, have said they will not address any rumors, whether those rumors are true or false. O'Neal could not immediately be reached for comment. The notion of O'Neal as the Magic's general manager seems absurd at first blush. ... Continue reading →

5:45 p.m. EST, May 23, 2012|George Diaz, COMMENTARYThe Orlando Magic are missing a great marketing opportunity: Reality TV, in all its dysfunctional glory. You've got people sniping and stabbing each other in the back. You've got good relationships gone bad. Liars, pettiness, egos and big money. What's not to like? First a disclaimer: There are a lot of good people in the Magic organization and owner Rich DeVos has been truly philanthropic to this community. That said, the organization has wallowed in too much silliness and shenanigans involving the Dwight Howard Indecision 2012. Which stock took a greater hit this week — Facebook or the Orlando Magic brand? The Magic have supplanted the Los Angeles Clippers as the NBA's most screwy franchise. Even the Washington ... Continue reading →

George Diaz, COMMENTARY6:23 p.m. EST, May 22, 2012 NASCAR began its season on fire, literally, and continues to leave a blistering trail across America. IndyCar Racing is a hot mess, with a chill of indifference. The comparisons between the two brands of racing is obvious. It's Chardonnay and Gouda cheese vs. Budweiser and Cheez-Its . Polo shirts vs. tank tops. French accents vs. Southern twangs. But if you look beyond the stereotypes, you will also see why NASCAR is a better brand for the American masses. It is why Danica Patrick will race in this weekend's Coke 600 in Charlotte and not the Indianapolis 500. It's why some of her open-wheel teammates like Sam Hornish and Juan Pablo Montoya bolted before she did. The Indy ... Continue reading →

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George Diaz, COMMENTARY5:53 p.m. EST, May 21, 2012 It's time to be creative, Orlando Magic. It's time to dare to be different. It's time not to stick your hand in the recycle bin and spiff up somebody else's trash. For too many years, too many times, this franchise has made some dubious choices in selecting its management team. And despite such very good success, there's been too many whiffs. John Weisbrod, a hockey guy, as general manager. Doing a re-do with Brian Hill, complete with the "Welcome Back Kotter" soundtrack. Hiring Billy Donovan, who lasted a couple of cups of coffee before he the caffeine buzz wore off and he resigned. That led them to Stan Van Gundy, who led Orlando to five postseason berths, ... Continue reading →