With the NBA and NHL seasons winding down, let the blockbusters of June begin.

In the next month, all the stars will come out onto the red carpet for the Stanley Cup and NBA finals, golf’s U.S. Opens, Wimbledon and for all you animal lovers, the final leg of the Triple Crown.

Still, there are some people who don’t think the powers that be are looking out for their best interests.

Big Basketball is Watching

The Eastern Conference Finals lived up to its dramatic billing.

Allen Iverson’s tailbone, Dikembe Mutombo’s game five buzzer-block, and Ray Allen’s heroic efforts in games two and six all made the series memorable.

But what will live on from this series are Allen’s comments about a conspiracy wanting Philadelphia in the Finals. Does the Bucks guard have any clout?

-Philadelphia is larger in population, which means more tickets sales.

-They have a lovable, nutty owner in Pat Croce.

-They have the league’s MVP, Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

You know, Ray might be right about this whole `The man is keeping us down’ campaign.

Nah, don’t think so.

Here’s my synopsis.

The Bucks barely won game three with Iverson on the bench, lost a 16-point lead in game five and won game six by 10 after leading by 33. And you want me to believe that a conspiracy is the reason for it all?

Fat chance.

Milwaukee could very well have been playing for the trophy, but they didn’t show up at crucial points in the series.

The Bucks reminded me at times of another disappointment during this playoff season, the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings had the talent to take at least two games from the Lakers, but who wins when Chris Webber and Predrag Stojakovic don’t move into the lane and try to create points?

The Bucks, like the Kings, weren’t motivated enough to go into war with their opponent.

Ray, you’re an outstanding player, but those comments have ultimately caused you to sit in timeout with no allowance. Worst part, you can’t leave the corner until November.

Ladies, Start Your Drivers

I’m not the first person to run to for advice on fashion sense, seeing how I don’t have any. However, something disgusted me while watching the US Women’s Open.

While most golfers had trouble figuring out a golf course like Pine Needles, some had even a harder time avoiding fashion faux pas.

I first noticed this “emergency” watching former Open champ Juli Inkster. At first glance, her shirt appeared like any other. But if you saw her sleeve, you would notice a rather large patch for Ritz crackers.

Now, I know that sponsorship ain’t what it is on the men’s tour, but this is a no-no on the runway. And Inkster wasn’t the only one donning tacky gear. At least two other players wore labels for Cheerios under their front collars.

So the logical question is, what’s next? Putters with Coca-Cola taped across the face? Rain slickers with Chico’s Bail Bonds across the front? Even, heaven forbid, carts that look more like Winston Cup cars?

There is a difference between sporting a logo from the company that made the shirt and having a sponsor label tattooed across your clothing so large that even I notice.

Next year, I hope to be watching an exciting back nine finish, not another episode of “As the Sponsors Sashay”.

Absurd Predictions

First, let me thank the 76ers for making me look like a moron. That’s the great thing about sports, they usually can’t be predicted.

Anyway, on to my next pick, The Triple Crown.

Today, I’ll be gambling my money on the ponies attending Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.

At the Kentucky Derby, favorite Point Given choked under pressure and Monarchos surprised the field to win. The Derby winner never found a good stride at the Preakness, finishing well back. Meanwhile, Point Given went on to take jewel number two.

Who wins the grudge match? Neither. The Triple Crown is one of the toughest events to predict in the history of sports. However, I’ll take a stab at a trifecta.

1) AP Valentine. Ran well in Derby and Preakness.

2) Point Given. Will get edged out.

3) Buckle Down Ben. A D. Wayne Lukas horse, won his last start.

I know I’m asking for trouble, but at least betting with Monopoly money won’t get my kneecaps busted later on.

Jonathan Lowe is a senior in meterology from Kansas City, M.O.