Each week I'll talk about different topics involving the world of sports:

• Can you believe Pacman Jones is in trouble with the law again? It is going to be tough to deal with the legal troubles in Las Vegas as those charges are serious, man. Then, I ask, what was he doing in Atlanta at three in the morning? I am not indicting him here, because word was he wasn't involved in wrongdoing in Atlanta. Still, he was with a bunch of characters and that is when problems happen. Will he ever get it?

• Good things don't happen when you put yourself in a bad position. Tank Johnson of the Bears is already suspended for half a season, and now he is back in the headlines too. Some guys just flat out don't get it.

• Speaking of not getting it, how many chances have the Tampa Bay Devil Rays given outfielder Elijah Dukes? They have sort of cut ties with him by shipping him to the minors for now. Hopefully he will get some counseling and get his life in the right direction. The Devil Rays have tried to be so patient with this guy. After a while, you simply run out of chances.

• Earlier this week, the Yankees went into Colorado with their swagger back, winning 11 out of 12 games. Now, after visiting the Mile High city and the city by the bay, the Bronx Bombers have lost a bit of that edge. First came a sweep at Colorado, which was surprising considering the rotation was set up with Mussina, Pettitte and Clemens. My friends, the Rockies swept the Yankees and knocked the swagger down a notch. You have give the young and talented Colorado club some credit. Then the Yankees dropped two out of three to a Giants team that was really struggling. Wow, Joe Torre and company have to regroup. I bet the team is happy interleague play is over.

• Speaking of the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez would get the nod for AL MVP. I know there are those who are screaming, what about Magglio Ordonez of the Tigers! A. Rod has done it with the bat, the glove, and he has come through in clutch situations. Both players have had super seasons but when it is all said and done, I think Rodriguez will earn the nod.

• Congratulations to Sammy Sosa on his 600th home run, the fifth player to accomplish that feat -- joining Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. My friends, think about that type of company! For all of those critics who bring up the word steroids, you've got to prove it beyond a doubt. I definitely think he will make it to Cooperstown. It may not be on the first ballot, but he will get there.

• Speaking of power hitters, I was happy to see Ken Griffey Jr. hit two home runs to pass Mark McGwire for seventh on the all-time list. It was especially great to see him do it in Seattle, where he began his great career. He is having a solid season for the Reds.

• Sad to hear the news of the passing of former major league reliever Rod Beck. He was just 38 years old. I love seeing his wild hair flying when he pitched for the Giants.

• Look for big changes in Chicago. The White Sox have really hit the skids, winning just five times in their last 26 outings and GM Ken Williams says it is time to shake things up. The Sox were swept by the cross-town rival Cubbies, scoring just three runs in three games against Lou Piniella's team. Will Mark Buehrle be the first Sox player to go?

• I know that come Thursday, there will be a big-time celebration in Portland when the Blazers get the number one pick. Let me assure you, there will be a celebration in Seattle too. The Sonics are in a no-lose situation. I still feel Greg Oden of Ohio State will go number one to Portland, but something tells me Kevin Durant is going to be special in Seattle. The Sonics will love the choice, and it will be the easiest one in the world because there really is no decision. Either Oden or Durant will go to Portland, and Seattle will just wait for the pick and go from there.

• In the world of hockey, big news for American fans of the NHL. For the first time ever, two American-born players were picked 1-2 in the draft. Patrick Kane (first to Chicago) and James van Riemsdyk (second to Philadelphia) made big news. It tells me that it is a big plus for American hockey and could be a positive selling point for the league.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send him a question for possible use on ESPNEWS.