NBA GONE WYLDE

A couple years ago, we were freaked out to see NBA's All-Star game feature like three country bands as half-time entertainment. Apparently, the NBA's focus group sessions have yielded them data implying that red state, tucked-in shirt types are intimidated by 10 towering non-whites throwing elbows. So it's unsurprising to see the trend continue as for some reason a self-styled redneck played the national anthem last week preceding a Western Conference Finals game in Denver. Ironically, it's the best thing Zakk Wylde's played on in a decade. Check out all the names they have to drop to interest the understandably nervous Denver crowd, including Wylde's "established rock band" Black Label Society. So why didn't Brandy do the honors at Churchill Downs?