Beyond The Stripes

Post Pattern Dumps Coaching Career

2012-02-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

School Superintendent Rick Colpitts accepted former Oxford Hills football coach Paul Withee's resignation yesterday after learning that a posted Facebook photo Withee intended to share with a personal friend was inadvertently posted to his general Facebook profile, where it could be seen by anyone. Colpitts confirmed to the Sun Journal of Lewiston, Maine and WMTW-TV that the coach's nude photo, brought to his attention by a concerned parent, was online for about 10 minutes before it was removed. Although the district allows teachers to be "friends" with students on Facebook, Withee said his Facebook page was not available to the public and none of his "friends" were students. Guess the old media guide isn't such a bad idea.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2011-09-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

Leaping 6.90 meters on her third attempt, Belarusian long jumper Nastassia Mironchyk-Ivanova missed out on winning by a hair at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea. The effort was good for first place, but when her pony tail touched the sand, it left her with a mark of only 6.74 meters. The winner, American Brittney Reese, jumped 6.82 meters... with her hair up in a bun. The wayward locks not only cost Mironchyk-Ivanova the gold medal, but also $60,000 in prize money. A new style is likely before the next race, but only her hairdresser will know for sure.

NCAA Uniforms Anything But Uniform

2011-09-06T23:31:00.001-07:00

Maryland’s 32-24 victory over Miami (FL) in its season opener was expected to be a great early-season match-up between two ACC rivals, but the real story of the game focused on their Under Armor-provided uniforms. The Terps raised eyebrows last month when they previewed a plethora of new designs including a turtle-shell helmet. Monday night’s attire featured an asymmetrical look with each side of the helmet and the sleeves displaying parts of the Maryland state flag: a gold and black checkerboard-like design (the coat of arms of state “founder” George Calvert) and a red and white cross bottony (the coat of arms of the Crosslands, the family of Calvert’s mother). Georgia, Boise State and Oregon, among others, also trotted out new eye-popping gear sure to be a hit with video-game aficinados. NCAA, there's a Mr. Blackwell on line two...

Golf, Unexpected

2011-09-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

After a tale of terror that left golfers and the Scottish rugby union team hopping mad, a rogue kangaroo was shot with a tranquillzer dart by a contracted veterinarian at Sanctuary Cove, a top-end private resort course on the Gold Coast of Australia. Golfers pay up to $6,400 (U.S.) a year for the privilege of playing on immaculately groomed fairways, but the Club's course guide fails to list maniac marsupials under its list of hazards. Word to the wise.

Snakes on a Brain

2011-08-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Between two-a-days, learning the playbook and the sweltering Arkansas heat, it can be difficult to keep track of what is happening around you. Gravette High School senior Darrick Strzelecki felt a strange lump in his helmet during practice last week and simply chalked it up to a tangled lock of hair. When the team took a rest break, Strzelecki removed his helmet and found what he initially thought was a rubber snake planted as a prank. Turns out the 10-12 inch snake was not rubber after all. Whatever happened to heat balm?

Coach Facing First and Long

2011-07-26T12:41:00.001-07:00

South Carolina third-year quarterbacks coach, G.A. Mangus, 42, attending a meeting of state high school coaches, was charged with nuisance conduct after officers saw him urinating on a downtown Greenville street. Mangus appeared "unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his person," according to Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jason Rampey. He has been released from jail and will face a $470 fine if convicted. Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier, in keeping with team policy, wasted no time in suspending Mangus following his arrest. According to the report, officers also noted that the aspiring head coach "was uncooperative in providing straight answers to questions." Perhaps merely a prelude to SEC Media Days.

Center of Attention

2011-07-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Baltimore Raven's quarterback Joe Flacco exchanged vows -- and signals -- with Dana Grady recently and wedding photographer Jason Prezant was on hand to capture all the action and excitement. Prezant spent the special day with the couple as they made visits to a local movie theater as well as the high school the two attended, where they lined up on the site of Flacco's former football field. With the NFL lockout still in place, this impromptu workout should be an encouragement to Ravens fans hoping their QB is staying in shape.

Only One Carry-on Allowed

2011-07-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Leaping hurdles and negotiating a challenging water pool, Taisto Miettinen, a 46-year-old lawyer, and Kristiina Haapanen successfully defended their title in Sonkajarvi, Finland's annual wife-carrying competition in front of 6,500 enthusiastic spectators. With his partner's legs wrapped around his head, Miettinen sprinted 830 feet, less than a second ahead of Estonian rivals Alar Voogla and Kristi Viltrop, to defeat 46 other couples from ten different countries, including Israel, Russia and the United States, and win for the third straight time in the event's storied 16-year history. The competition has its roots in the legend of Herkko Rosvo-Ronkainen, a local 19th-century bandit who lived in the forest and stole food -- and sometimes girls -- from nearby villages. Those were the days.

Give World Peace a Chance

2011-06-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest, 31, filed paperwork yesterday in Los Angeles County Superior Court to legally change his name to Metta World Peace. "Metta" is a Buddhist term defined as "a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others." In 2004, Artest, then a member of the Indiana Pacers, was an instigator in the infamous "Palace Brawl," but has worked to polish his image in recent years, receiving the NBA's citizenship award for the 2010-11 season, as determined by pro basketball media members. The more things change...

Fifty by Sixty

2011-06-19T07:01:00.001-07:00

Gloria Linares, a 60-year-old retired Long Island manicurist and grandmother of six, achieved something that not many people can boast — finishing a marathon in every state. Since arriving from Colombia as a single mother thirty years ago, the 5'1" distance runner has completed 1,310 miles in the US, getting her first finish in the New York Marathon in 1978. She completed Number 50 in Anchorage, Alaska in four hours and twenty minutes, and was surprised to find herself surrounded by her four adult children who flew in unannounced to run part of the race with their mother. Linares' new goal is to run on all seven continents and she has already conquered both North and South America and Europe. Next up: Antarctica in 2015. Hats off to a woman who knows both how -- and when -- to cross a line.

Sheen Just a Bit Outside

2011-04-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Former "Two and A Half Men" star Charlie Sheen has delivered plenty of hits via Twitter and YouTube during the past few months. This week, the actor joined Georgia Tech's baseball practice in Atlanta, taking some ground balls, shagging a few flies and driving about a half-dozen balls to the Russ Chandler Stadium warning track. Afterward, he received treatment from Yellow Jackets trainer Walt Smith for his "dead ulnar tendon" in what Sheen later tweeted as an "epic day at the yard." Sheen's film credits include two turns as pitcher Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn in the "Major League" movies, so maybe he does know something about "duh... winning."

Do You Know the Way, Jose?

2011-04-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

The North American League's Yuma Scorpions today announced that Jose Canseco, 46, will join the team as player/manager in the coming season, suiting up alongside his twin brother, Ozzie, who serves as a player/coach. Canseco is anxious to manage a club in professional baseball and begin the career transition of helping younger players and giving back to the game. The twins are penciled in to bat third and fourth in the Scorpions' lineup, with Jose expected to play first base and designated hitter. The independent league launches its inaugural season May 24, but has no affiliation with major league baseball. Team drills are expected to include sessions on testifying to Congress, creative writing, celebrity boxing and using your head in pressure situations.

Tube B or Not Tube B

2011-03-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

The Pennsylvania-based Consumer Product Safety Commission apparently never rests. In a statement released this week by the CPSC, almost 230,000 fitness Resistance Tubes sold by Dick's Sporting Goods in late 2009/early 2010 are being recalled voluntarily for contusion, abrasion and laceration hazards. In four such incidents, the plastic clip that attaches the resistance tube to the handle broke during use, causing the device to strike the user. It has long been said... no pain, no gain... and now you know why.

Yes, They Call it The Streak

2011-02-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

Records were made to be broken and, after 26 years, the frustration of losing repeatedly is finally over for Caltech. The Beavers, members of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, ended a run of 310 consecutive losses Tuesday night with a 46-45 victory over Occidental in their season finale at the Braun Athletic Center. The streak started on January 23, 1985, with a 48-47 loss to La Verne and came to an end when Occidental missed a desperation shot at the buzzer. Coach Oliver Eslinger's team finished with a 5-20 mark, their best campaign in the past 15, after winning no more than one game per year during the past eight seasons. Division III Caltech does, however, lead the country in another more impressive statistic -- 31 alumni and faculty have won the Nobel Prize.

She Throws Like a Girl

2011-02-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

A Cleveland native, Justine Siegal, 36, became the first woman to pitch batting practice in a major league spring training camp when she threw to the Cleveland Indians, wearing a patch to honor nine-year-old Christina Taylor, the granddaughter of former major league manager Dallas Green, who was killed in last month's shootings in Tucson. Siegal was the first woman to coach in men's professional baseball for the Brockton (Mass.) Rox, an independent league team, in 2009, and spent three years as the only female college baseball coach in the country at Springfield College (Mass.) from 2007-10. Perhaps the Tribe has finally found a reliable starter for its rotation.

How About Something for the Effort?

2011-02-15T01:17:00.000-08:00

PGA pro D.A. Points won for the first time on the PGA Tour, but wasn't the biggest star in his own Pebble Beach National Pro-Am twosome. Points grew up idolizing Bill Murray, whose iconic role in the golf comedy cult classic "Caddyshack" as Carl Spackler, Bushwood's beloved assistant greenskeeper, made having the actor as an amateur partner a true "Cinderella" story. When Points holed out from 100 yards for eagle on the 14th to grab the lead, it carried him to a 5-under 67 and a two-shot victory. Making it even sweeter, the unlikely pair won the pro-am title, a first for Murray, who now gets his own name on the wall below the first tee. It's not always easy playing with Murray, who routinely engages the gallery, bought ice cream bars for them on the back nine, and a few years ago enraged PGA Tour officials after flinging an elderly woman into a nearby bunker. Points first win in 128 starts earned him $1.134 million -- more than he had made in four previous tour seasons -- a two-year exemption and his first trip to Augusta. You can almost hear Carl's voice on the call: "Here's D.A., out of nowhere, about to become Masters' champion."

Breed All About It

2011-02-12T09:43:00.000-08:00

An Icelandic sheepdog, the Leonberger, the Boykin spaniel, the cane corso, the bluetick coonhound and the redbone coonhound were officially introduced Thursday in a New York hotel penthouse, right across the street from where they'll compete this week at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show at Madison Square Garden. There are 179 breeds and varieties entered in America's most prestigious canine competition and several million pet lovers are expected to catch the coverage on USA Network and CNBC. One of the new breeds, the bluetick coonhound, is very familiar to college football and basketball fans as the longtime mascot for the University of Tennessee. Ironically, ring steward Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine (whose grandfather Arthur Turnbull was the first Packers team president) was one of 400 ticketholders turned away from Super Bowl XLV when temporary seating at Cowboys Stadium was declared unsafe. She watched from a stadium bar as Green Bay beat Pittsburgh 31-25. No doubt she'll be in the front row for the upcoming "super bowl" of dog shows.

Not Ready for Prime Time

2011-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Citing an unnamed source, the Chicago Sun-Times reported yesterday that New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez went "ballistic" after cameras caught the slugger being hand-fed popcorn by actress Cameron Diaz between plays during Super Bowl XLV. The source claims A-Rod was reportedly given a guarantee that he would not be televised to the 111 million Super Bowl viewers again, but the practice has been around broadcasting for years. Does Jack Nicholson object to being shown attending Lakers games? Does Spike Lee fret sitting courtside at Knicks' contests? How many times did Fox Sports show us President Bush and wife, Laura, John Madden, Sylvester Stallone or Condolezza Rice in Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones' box? Before popping off over popcorn protocol, perhaps Rodriguez should ponder the plausable possibility of the producer's preference for blondes.

Trip of a Lifetime

2011-02-01T06:52:00.000-08:00

Initially suspended without pay for the remainder of the season and fined $25,000 by the New York Jets for sticking out his knee to disrupt Miami's Nolan Carroll during a Dec. 12 game at Meadowlands Stadium, strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi resigned yesterday, less than two months after he was caught tripping an opposing player during a punt return. Alosi acknowledged he ordered players to form a wall along the sideline in post-incident discussions with team officals and Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum determined that "it is best for him to tender his resignation." With several staff positions open around the NFL, Alosi should fare well securing another job. Besides, he already has a leg up on his competition.

I Paid for My Opinion

2011-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

Robert Burton, CEO of Greenwich, CT-based Burton Capital Management and a major benefactor to the University of Connecticut, wants his money back. In a letter to UConn athletic director Jeff Hathaway, Burton (shown, at right) claimed his opinions were ignored and that he did not approve of the way Paul Pasqualoni was recently selected to replace departing coach, Randy Edsall, asking the school to return $3 million in donations and remove his family name from its football complex. He called the flawed search process "a slap in the face and embarrassment to my family," and said he planned "to let the correct people know that you did not listen to your number one football donor." A college player at Murray State and a 19th round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 1962, Burton said although he was not seeking veto power in the hiring, he "earned my voice on this subject" as the program's top donor. UConn granted Burton an honorary doctorate degree in 2000 and his family has given more than $7 million in donations for scholarships and other programs to UConn, including $2.5 million in 2002 to kick off construction of the football complex. Apparently, love may be the only thing money can buy.

Ready for His Close-Up

2011-01-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

Joining notable actors Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, John Wayne, Will Smith and now California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is set to become the first athlete to have his hand and foot imprinted in a ceremony next month at the world-renowned Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. Also taking a turn at acting in a soon-to-be released Robert Rodriguez mini-movie in conjunction with Nike and the NBA All-Star Game, Bryant stated that the recognition is quite and honor and induction ceremony "cool," though he has yet to even visit the theater as a tourist since moving to Los Angeles in 1996. For those who would debate whether Bryant's game-day performances on the Staples Center stage are truly "acting" or just "Kobe being Kobe," the (foul) line has been crossed.

Dude, Where's My Car?

2011-01-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

The often-misguided notion that pro athletes are intellectually challenged took another step toward legitimacy this week, thanks to English Premier League star Jermaine Pennant. Pennant, 28, who joined Arsenal by signing a $3.19 million contract as a 15-year-old, has a collection of sports cars, and apparently forgot he owned a Porsche, leaving the luxury car at a train station in Spain for six months. Questioned by authorities, it was unclear when or even whether he would be reclaiming the vehicle. Makes you wonder where he kept his keys.

It's Getting Hot in Here

2011-01-16T20:33:00.000-08:00

The National Lacrosse League’s Boston Blazers president and general manager Doug Reffue promised there would be changes to its halftime entertainment after fans became enraged at seeing the team's mascot, Scorch, receiving lap dances near midfield from three women, reportedly not affiliated with the team, at the indoor lacrosse team’s home opener Saturday night. The women did not actually remove their clothes, but the antics emulated the sort of moves commonly associated with strip clubs. "The halftime act... was clearly not executed according to plan,” Reffue wrote on Facebook, saying there would be no repeat performances. Let's hope not.

Bells Will Be Ringing

2011-01-15T00:04:00.000-08:00

Perhaps success isn't the only thing that may be going to Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby's head. Coach Dan Bylsma said that although he was progressing, Crosby will miss his fifth consecutive game this weekend in Boston because of a concussion and not be allowed to return to the rink until he is symptom-free. Crosby was sidelined after taking hits to the head in games against the Washington Capitals in the Winter Classic on January 1 and against the Tampa Bay Lightning four days later. Although a female fan in full bridal attire just last night professed her undying love publicly in Calgary, the only bells Sid the Kid may still be hearing right now are the loud ones ringing between his ears.

Hoops, Interrupted

2011-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

At least two people were taken to the hospital and dozens of fans screened by emergency responders after a foul odor from a ventilation unit sickened several players and spectators at three-year-old Ridgeland (SC) High School. No serious injuries were reported and foul play was not suspected, according to Mayor Gary Hodges. Between 200 and 300 people were at the game when the unit kicked on, sickening a basketball player and then others, with illnesses ranging from nausea and vomiting to skin irritation. Maybe people will start paying more attention during those halftime interviews the next time a coach says, "we're really stinking it up out there tonight."

Gee Whiz: A Sign for the Times

2011-01-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

Just days after the feel-good story of the year involving Ted Williams broke in Ohio(see post below), multiple billboards appeared in Columbus congratulating TCU on its Rose Bowl defeat of Wisconsin, 21-19. The not-so-veiled message poked Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee for his less-than-flattering comments in late November about the quality of non-automatic qualifying schools such as TCU and Boise State and their schedules. "I do know, having been both a Southeastern Conference president and a Big Ten president, that it's like murderer's row every week for these schools," Gee said. "We do not play the Little Sisters of the Poor. We play very fine schools on any given day. So I think until a university runs through that gauntlet that there's some reason to believe that they may not be the best teams to [be] in the big ballgame." The power of outdoor advertising at its finest.

Back to you, Ted

2011-01-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

Homeless after a life and career marred by drug and alcohol abuse, Ted Williams, 53, has been offered a job by the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers after his tale, revealed by local media, became an overnight Internet sensation. Gifted with a deep and emotive voice, the ex-radio announcer and father of nine is getting a second chance, a two-year contract, housing and living expenses from the Cavs who were touched by Williams' ordeal, said Tracy Marek, the team's senior vice president of marketing. NFL Films, which has chronicled pro football for nearly 50 years, also wants to contact Williams, the golden-throat recently living in a tent on the streets of Columbus. Stay tuned, we'll be right back with more after these messages from your local sponsor.

The Old End Around

2010-09-27T12:19:00.001-07:00

The football coaching profession is nothing if not stressful. During a game this past weekend, Boys and Girls High School volunteer assistant coach William Miller exposed his rear end to opposing fans, according to school officials, and was terminated by principal Bernard Gassaway after the incident. The altercation occurred following a controversial call late in the fourth quarter of Boys and Girls' 16-6 loss to Campus Magnet in a Public Schools Athletic League game in Queens, New York. Coaches became enraged with referees and tensions eventually escalated, whereupon Miller, a first-year assistant, approached Campus Magnet fans behind a fence on the side of the field, dropped his shorts and revealed his rear end. The refs eventually called the game, awarding Campus Magnet the victory with 3:49 remaining. Given his over-reaction to the call, it appears Miller could use a time-out himself.

Mascot Mauled in Midwest Melee

2010-09-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

Fans attending an intrastate rivalry last Saturday witnessed unbridled "animal-osity" prior to the opening whistle. Brandon Hanning, the 19-year-old inside "Rufus," the Ohio University Bobcat mascot, wrestled Ohio State's "Brutus" to the end zone turf before the first flag was thrown in an eventual OSU 43-7 victory. Reports claim that Hanning tried out for the job with the express goal of tackling the Buckeye at Ohio Stadium. The pre-meditated tussle led to an apology from Ohio University and the banning of Hanning from further affiliation with the athletic department, which regretted the negative impact such unprovoked action had on the relationship between the two schools. The ban shouldn't be a problem as Hanning now attends nearby Hocking College... which only offers its students intramural and club sports.

"Fire in the Hole" in One

2010-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the PGA should spend more time focusing on public layouts... the action is much hotter. Last Saturday, an unidentified weekend golfer at the Shady Canyon Golf Course in Irvine, California, placed an errant tee shot into the rough, attracting good-natured ribbing from his playing partners. His second swing, however, attracted 150 firefighters to the scene when his club snagged a rock, igniting a spark that torched a 12-acre patch of vegetation over two parched, brushy hillsides. Sure gives new meaning to the term, "match play."

Whatever Happened to Wake-Up Calls?

2010-08-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

When his cell phone lost power Wednesday night and its alarm failed to go off causing him to miss his pro-am tee time at Ridgewood Country Club, two-time 2010 tour winner Jim Furyk gave PGA officials no choice but to make him ineligible for The Barclays, the first of four FedEx Cup playoff events in which Furyk is currently No. 3 in pursuit of a $10 million prize. Furyk was scheduled to start on the 11th hole in a shotgun that began at 7:30 a.m., but awoke at 7:23 a.m. to discover the predicament. Throwing on some clothes and shoes, but bypassing belt and socks, he bolted out of his hotel room and rushed to Ridgewood, arriving at 7:35 a.m. Unfortunately, the race to the course proved to be his best -- and only -- drive of a lost weekend opportunity.

The "King James" Rules

2010-07-09T06:57:00.000-07:00

My late father, a very knowledgeable baseball purist, often prefaced sentences with the expression, "back in the day." I'm clearly growing more like him. Once upon a time, athletes were drafted, and then signed, by a pro team and seemed delighted, even honored, to represent their respective sport. Physically gifted beyond belief and showered with adoration by fans, the player would then spend the bulk of his career working hard at his chosen craft, enjoying the game itself, earning accolades along the way and perhaps reaching the pinnacle of his profession (i.e. the Hall). In an age of astronomical contracts and blatant media manipulation, the LeBron James spectacle is only the beginning of the tail now wagging the dog. Whose "show" is going to be next in the surreal reality lineup? ESPN, willingly complicit in this over-hyped extravaganza, got huge ratings, Commissioner David Stern had his product front and center (overshadowing even the World Cup) for a solid month, LaBron et al, grabbed even more spotlight. The droning debate over the merits of the move will rage on, each Heat game endlessly dissected, every Erik Spoelstra coaching move questioned and second-guessed. Maybe this puts more pressure on the players to perform. Maybe it doesn't really matter. Welcome to the new world of sports, where individual players, albeit ridiculously talented ones, are now beginning to control and dictate how the game "behind the game" is played, managing not only the public relations machine, but also their merchandising, promotion, image and personal brand, for better or worse. As Dad, and Bob Dylan, would have observed, times they are indeed a'changing, perhaps irrevocably, but it's not a pretty picture.

Man Bites Dog, Indeed

2010-07-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

For the fourth year in a row, Joey "Jaws" Chestnut has captured the 2010 Famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, downing 54 dogs in ten minutes. Yet, the event was not without controversy (and why wouldn't it be?). Japanese eating champion Takeru Kobayashi, who jumped onstage at the Coney Island competition which he sat out due to a sponsor contract dispute, was freed after spending a night in a New York jail. Wearing a black T-shirt bearing the message "Free Kobi," he pleaded not guilty in Brooklyn to charges of obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct after rushing the podium to the encouraging chants of fans. Chestnut, to his credit, refused comment -- his mother admonishing him to not speak with his mouth full.

Walk, Then Run

2010-06-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

When 69-year-old Anthony Gaskell crossed the finish line during the London Marathon in record time, you almost knew there would be questions. Gaskell completed the April 25 event in 3 hours, 5 minutes -- the fastest time ever recorded in the over-65 age group. He was later disqualified when organizers determined that he dropped out in the middle of the race because of injury and walked to the finish, cutting out almost ten miles of the course. In response, Gaskell said he never claimed to have won the age-group race and didn't check the results on the website. Following the competition, he reportedly told Mrs. Gaskell that he had to run to the store, but should be back shortly.

It's A Numbers Game

2010-05-05T13:41:00.001-07:00

The Denver Broncos are already seeing benefits from the recent drafting of ex-Florida Gator all-everything quarterback, Tim Tebow, in last week's NFL draft: jersey sales. Tebow's No. 15 was by far the most popular on the NFL's website for April and his celebrity clearly trumps the debate over whether he'll ever make it as an NFL quarterback after winning the Heisman Trophy and two national championships. April's second-best seller was the Washington Redskins jersey of Donovan McNabb, while his Philadelphia Eagles' replacement, Kevin Kolb, jumped into the rankings at No. 12. Meanwhile, suspended Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger dropped out of the top 25 after ranking 11th in jersey sales for the year ending March 31. Who says numbers never lie?

Phillies Fan Spews Forth

2010-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

Matthew Clemmens, 21, of Cherry Hill, N.J., was charged with assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and related offenses after intentionally vomiting on an 11-year-old girl and her father during a recent Philadelphia Phillies-Washington Nationals game. Held on $36,000 bail, authorities say Clemmens made himself vomit on an off-duty police captain and one of his daughters after Clemmens' companion was kicked out of Citizens Bank Park for unruly behavior, which included cursing, spitting and spilling beer by Clemmens and a friend. Philadelphia fans have been known for unruly behavior (tales of the 700 Level at Veterans Stadium come to mind), but this is enough to make you sick.

Tech Tames Tech Talk

2010-03-18T00:08:00.000-07:00

March Madness finds coaches and players trying almost anything to get a leg up on their competition for a national title. Just as they did before last week's Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, Coach Paul Hewitt's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (22-12) plan to give up their personal cell phones in hopes of making a run to the Final Four. Players were initially skeptical, but their ACC tourney success made believers out of them, including Senior D'Andre Bell, who said the move helped the team become closer. The Jackets will test their new-found approach again this week as they open the NCAA tournament in Milwaukee, facing off against Oklahoma State, without any technological distractions. "It definitely makes you hang around each other, because we're the only people we can talk to," noted guard Iman Shumpert. Operator, can you hold our calls?

The Focus of Attention

2010-03-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Michael David Barrett, 48, the Illinois insurance executive who pleaded guilty in December to interstate stalking after prosecutors accused him of following ESPN reporter Erin Andrews to at least three cities and shooting nude videos of the sportscaster through hotel peepholes, was sentenced to 2½ years in prison -- the maximum allowed by law -- after giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim. Barrett admitted renting hotel rooms next to Andrews three times and shooting two videos of her while she was naked and was accused of posting the videos online, trying to sell them to Los Angeles-based celebrity gossip site TMZ last year. Barrett's lawyer, David Willingham, said his client is undergoing psychological treatment and "has sought the path of redemption." Although federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have agreed not to pursue further charges, he could face criminal action in different states stemming from similar videos he allegedly shot of other unsuspecting nude women. Andrews has agreed to appear on the new season of ABC-TV's "Dancing with the Stars" - an offer ABC made before the stalking allegations. Any press is still good press, right?

Room for One More on the Dance Floor?

2010-03-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

With this year's NCAA Men's Division 1 Tournament seeding completed and brackets published for all to see, the annual discussion of "who's in, who's out" in college basketball takes priority around water coolers everywhere. March Madness is officially upon us, so let the insanity of inclusion run amok... Bubbles will burst, sweet 16s will get kissed off and three of the final four will fail. Step aside, Clyde -- Hoopapalooza is happening!

Wayward Weiner Watch

2010-02-24T07:20:00.000-08:00

Few things in life are more American than baseball and hot dogs, yet occasionally, the two make news for the wrong reasons. John Coomer has recently filed a lawsuit against the Kansas City Royals seeking more than $25,000 for injuries he sustained (including a detached retina and the development of cataracts) last September 8 when his left eye engaged a hot dog chucked by Sluggerr, the team's mascot. The Royals declined comment on the legal action, but the team is looking for someone new to wear the large lion costume, a development which spokesman Toby Cook says has "no connection" with the food fracas. Ducking foul balls may be nothing new for fans, but dodging flying frankfurters makes the game a contact sport. Could someone pass the relish?

Does Your Team Have a Shooter?

2010-01-01T22:35:00.000-08:00

An investigation by local and fedeal authorities has begun into a dispute that began on the Washington Wizards' team plane between guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton. According to multiple sources, an argument commenced during a card game on the team's overnight flight back to Washington from Phoenix on Dec. 19 and escalated into a heated exchange, resuming after an off-day, in the team's locker room on a practice day. The New York Post, quoting league security sources, reported that Arenas and Crittenton pulled guns on each other over a gambling debt during the pre-practice confrontation at the Verizon Center. The team has publicly confirmed that Arenas had stored three guns in a locked box in his locker and that the firearms were unloaded. NBA commissioner David Stern, given his distaste for any hint of violence in the league, is expected to wait and see whether charges are filed before determining the scale of potential punishments. In an ironic twist, it was the Wizards' late owner and Stern's close friend, Abe Pollin who, perhaps prophetically, changed the team's nickname in 1997. They had been known as the Bullets.

Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing

2009-12-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

Pitting Florida and Cincinnati, the Allstate Sugar Bowl is this season's recipient of the "College Coaching Carousel" award. Bearcat program architect Brian Kelly was a local legend, right until he left for Notre Dame. Interim coach Jeff Quinn, who will lead the team this week, is bound for Buffalo once the whistle blows. Butch Jones, the Central Michigan transplant hired to replace Kelly, will watch the game, but isn't coaching, just hovering. Meanwhile, Florida's Urban Meyer announced his resignation last Saturday, then un-resigned Sunday, adrift in a vaguely defined leave of absence. Gator interim coach Steve Addazio will call the shots, but who knows how long he'll be doing so. It's also the final hurrah for UF defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, whose bags are packed for the head job at Louisville. Both Meyer and Kelly have dominant personalities and hands-on approaches, so we'll soon see which team is best able to approximate business as usual. And it used to be you couldn't tell the players without a scorecard.

All Those Bowls and a Bag of Chips

2009-12-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

With college football's seemingly bottomless bowl season filling countless hours of television time, a Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey released this morning shows 63 percent favor getting rid of the current Bowl Championship Series and replacing it with a playoff system similar to college basketball's March Madness tournament. Only 26 percent want to keep the BCS, but the majority of almost 2,000 polled don't want to see Congress get involved. Earlier this month, a House subcommittee approved legislation that would make it illegal to promote a national championship game "or make a similar representation," unless it results from a playoff. While there is no Senate version of the bill, President Obama has voiced his support on the campaign trail. Setting aside health-care, global warming, the economy, national defense, environmental issues, foreign trade and immigration for a moment, a politically-correct solution is certainly just around the corner.

Tennis Ace Serves Two Queens

2009-12-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

After seven months without a title, a five-set finals defeat at the Australian Open to rival Rafael Nadal, and an angry racket-breaking incident in Miami, the seas have once again calmed in the world of Roger Federer. The 28-year-old Swiss tennis phenom finished as the tour's Number 1-ranked player following the year-end championships in London last week and exuded a regal air of serenity as he clasped the glass trophy for the fifth time in his illustrious career. Federer has now been ranked Number 1 for 259 weeks, trailing only Pete Sampras (286), Ivan Lendl (270) and Jimmy Connors (268) on the all-time list. In less than a two month span earlier this season, Federer captured the only major title to elude him, the French Open, took down Andy Roddick in an unforgettable fifth set at Wimbledon that required thirty games, broke Sampras' record for Grand Slam singles titles, and became a father to twin daughters. With the girls' arrival, expect the singles king to be playing plenty of doubles.

Head Games

2009-11-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

In today's National Football League, the game has become faster and quicker, the players bigger and stronger. Thus, when irrestible force now meets immovable object, the resulting collision can leave one dazed and confused, to say the least. With the number of concussions increasing this season -- as evidenced by hits on the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, the Cardinals' Kurt Warner and the Eagles' Brian Westbrook -- the NFL and NFL Players Association are working diligently to finalize a policy that would effectively prohibit a player from re-entering a game that he exits with a concussion-related injury. In addition, Commissioner Roger Goodell is also considering a policy that would arbitrarily prohibit a player from playing the subsequent week after suffering a concussion. To prepare competitively with knowledge they would be missing a player as opposed to awaiting any post-concussion symptoms late in a week, teams will petition the league competition committee to allow an expansion of game-day rosters beyond the current 45 available players and more significantly, assign neurologists to each team so that player safety remains priority one. Is there a doctor in the locker room?

One Irish Eye Ain't Smilin'

2009-11-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

Losing a close game in what has become a difficult season is tough on any player, but insult to injury made for an even more painful experience involving Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen early Sunday morning. Enjoying a post-game meal with parents, family members and other Fighting Irish upperclassmen following a disappointing loss to Connecticut on Senior Day, Clausen was "sucker-punched" by a fan outside a South Bend restaurant after something was said either to Clausen and/or a female acquaintance, according to witnesses. No police report was filed and the swollen eye is not expected to keep Clausen from playing this weekend against Stanford. Until the Irish resume their winning ways, however, Jimmy may wish to consider using the drive-thru.

Is This Thing On?

2009-11-21T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Fox Sports Prime Ticket cable network had little choice but to suspend Los Angeles Clippers longtime play-by-play announcer Ralph Lawler and color analyst Michael Smith for one game following Wednesday's contest against the Grizzlies after their on-air comments about Memphis center Hamed Haddidi offended a viewer who e-mailed Fox to complain. The duo did not work Friday's night telecast against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center as Michael Eaves and Don MacLean, who regularly serve as halftime and postgame analysts on Clippers telecasts, filled in courtside. According to the team website, Lawler, 71, has covered over 2,400 LAC games in his 31 seasons and Smith is now in his 12th. In a statement, Fox said "While we believe that Michael and Ralph did not intend their exchange to be offensive, the comments were inappropriate. We extend our apologies to Hamed Haddadi (the first Iranian to play in the NBA) and to anyone who was offended." The late-game exchange referenced Haddidi's home country by mispronounciation, included a resemblance reference to movie character "Borat" actor Sasha Baron Cohen, and a comment on his ball-handling skills. Ad-libs have always added an entertainment value to a broadcast, but given the delicate sensitivities of today's geo-political climate, the league may wish to consider adding international diplomacy to its on-air team's skill set.

Foul Finger Forces Fine

2009-11-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

While celebrating Tennessee's 41-17 victory over Buffalo, Titans owner Bud Adams flashed the one-finger salute to Bills fans, forcing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to levy a $250,000 fine for conduct detrimental to the NFL. Adams, 86, seen making the obscene gesture while in his luxury suite and again on the field, is not the only one to face such a financial football fate. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 for the recent Spygate scandal and New York Jets former coach Eric Mangini was tagged $125,000 for violating league rules on injury reporting. Ironically, Adams hosted Goodell at a breakfast prior to the game. Although not certain who picked up the check, it's easy to see who's Number 1 in Nashville.

When Wie Wins, We Win

2009-11-15T19:56:00.000-08:00

After all the near misses, high expectations, competitive disappointments and physical challenges, 20-year-old Michelle Wie tapped in Sunday with a 3-under 69 for a two-stroke victory over Paula Creamer to capture her first LPGA Tour title in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. Her parents, dad B.J. and mom Bo, were there, too, for an embrace as the 6-foot Wie collected a check for $220,000 to push her season winnings just over $900,000. The victory at the Guadalajara Country Club came in her 65th pro tourament and ten years after she first qualified for a USGA event. Battered by economic troubles and the forced resignation of its commissioner this summer, Wie's star power and her resurgence couldn't be coming at a better time for the beleaguered LPGA.

Ebony or Ivory - Why Not Both?

2009-11-14T11:13:00.000-08:00

Recent sport celebrity sightings have people asking, "Is Sammy Sosa trying to look white?" When questioned, Sosa says that his drastically lightened skin is merely the result of a skin rejuvenation process and an illusion caused by bright TV lights at an awards show. Slammin' Sammy certainly isn't the first sports figure to use cosmetic assistance (Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comes to mind), but when a dark-skinned man from the Dominican Republic lightens his look and wears green contact lenses, it might suggest an underlying issue that is more than skin deep.

Hello, Kettle? This is Pot.

2009-11-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Carrying a camera is not a passivist pasttime. Mike Tyson, the 43-year-old former heavyweight boxing champion, and freelance photographer, Tony Echeverria, made citizens' arrests of each other following a confrontation on Wednesday afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport with each man claiming the other struck him. Tyson, having stopped at LAX while traveling from Europe to Las Vegas with his wife and 10-month old son, felt the shutterbug had refused to comply with airport officials who had asked him to leave the family alone. A push here, a shove there, a trip, a stumble, a fall, a cut over one eye... The city attorney is still deciding whether to file criminal charges, claiming the case remains in "investigation mode." On probation after pleading guilty in Arizona to cocaine possession and driving under the influence in 2007, Tyson could be sent to jail if he's found in violation of the judgment. Claiming self-defense, Iron Mike said that Echeverria, in full papparazzi pursuit of pictures, acted over-aggressively. Given his own personal history, which includes accusations of domestic violence and rape, along with a very public biting of Evander Holyfield's ear, Tyson -- of all people -- should know a thing or two about over-aggression.

Heroes On and Off The Field

2009-11-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

Great athletes excel on the field, but exceptional athletes excel off it. In recognition of Veterans Day, consider these heroes who also served their country during times of war. On furlough from the Army, heavyweight boxing champion and Pvt. Joe Louis donated proceeds of his March 1942 bout with Abe Simon at Madison Square Garden to the Army Emergency Fund. Army Spc. Pat Tillman played safety for the Arizona Cardinals for four seasons before enlisting after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and was subsequently killed in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan in 2004. Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams received his wings and commission in the Marine Corps and upon being recalled during the Korean War, flew 37 missions and received the Air Medal and two gold stars for meritorious achievement. New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio served three years in the Army before helping the Boys from the Bronx capture four World Series titles. Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller became the first major league player to enlist in the military a day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and became a Navy Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS Alabama. Rocky Bleier, who suffered shrapnel wounds to the back, hips and legs in the Vietnam War, was drafted into the Army in 1968 and won a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in 1969. He returned to the Steelers in 1972 and helped them to four Super Bowl victories. Before breaking major league baseball's color barrier in 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers legend and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson was a second lieutenant in the Army. Heisman trophy winner and Dallas Cowboy football great Roger Staubach attended the Naval Academy and served the Navy, including a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam as a supply officer. Boxer Gene Tunney joined the Marine Corps and was discharged in July 1919 as a private with an excellent character of service. He would later defeat Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight boxing championship. Fellow fighter Ken Norton, also a Marine, was a two-time heavyweight champion. NBA great David Robinson, a Naval Academy grad, wore the uniform of the Navy as did Yankees backstop Yogi Berra. Not only did players contribute to the cause, as evidenced by Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry, a U.S. Army Air Force B-17 bomber co-pilot who flew 30 missions in Europe during World War II. To these and many others, thank you for your service and for the memories.

Pick a Card -- Any Card

2009-11-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

Poker professional Joe Cada, who put cards before college, turned over a pair of nines early after rival 46-year old Darvin Moon called his all-in wager with a suited queen-jack, but a board of two sevens, a king, an eight and a deuce didn't connect with either player's hand, giving Cada the victory in front of 1,500 screaming fans in the World Series of Poker held at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Winning $8.55 million, the 21-year-old from Shelby Township, Michigan, bested a field that began with 6,494 players in July to become the youngest winner in the tournament's 40-year history. For his effort, runner-up Moon, who has never played a single hand of online poker, pocketed $5.18 million. A beaming Cada posed for photographers with his mother, Ann, a dealer at MotorCity Casino Hotel in downtown Detroit, proving that the ability to keep a straight face runs in the family.

Plays Poorly With Others

2009-11-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Every day, thousands of little girls play soccer in this country in organized leagues to learn about teamwork, commitment and dedication. Some will grow up with a love for the game, perfect their skills and compete at the collegiate level. In the Lobos' 1-0 loss to BYU in the Mountain West Conference semifinals, New Mexico women's soccer defender Elizabeth Lambert engaged in a series of excessively rough play -- including punching, shoving, kicking, tackling and, in one instance, hauling BYU forward Kassidy Shumway to the ground by her pony tail -- clearly crossing the line of fair play and sportsmanship. Game officials assessed a yellow card in the game's 76th minute for tripping and afterwards, coach Kit Vela announced that Lambert has been prohibited from taking part in practices, games and conditioning. Lambert apologized for her actions, saying she was "deeply and wholeheartedly regretful," that "I let my emotions get the best of me in a heated situation," and that "I take full responsibility for my actions and accept any punishment felt necessary." Conference officals have endorsed New Mexico's discipline and said an internal review of "the overall dynamic involved in the match" would be conducted. Looks like someone needs a time-out... and a session in anger management.

Paper or Plastic?

2009-11-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

The NY Yankees collected their 27th World Series championship this week, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies, last season's winner in baseball's Fall Classic, four games to two. The ensuing victory celebration in Manhattan proved more interesting than usual during yesterday morning's parade up Broadway as office workers, unable to put their hands on any confetti, began tossing actual files from their skyscraper windows. Personal financial documents, bank statements, trust fund details, pay stubs, law firm memos and court papers filled the air during the euphoric jubilation that followed the Bronx Bombers' first title since 2000. Ticker-tape parades may be a New York tradition, but actual ticker-tape hasn't been used in decades. The city's Downtown Alliance, applauded for its recent attempts to save money, may wish to reconsider bringing back the shredded recycled paper it has furnished during previous festivities. Sure, the clean-up is a nightmare, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about identity theft.

More News is Good News

2009-11-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

Boise-based PR firm Scott Peyron & Associates was put on a monthly retainer earlier this summer to promote Boise State in its quest for a BCS bowl. Last year, the Broncos were undefeated during the regular season and ranked No. 9, but Utah was ranked higher and earned the guaranteed bowl spot. Facing a similar situation this season, Boise State is currently ranked No. 7, one slot behind TCU. Both teams are unbeaten, but under the current BCS rules only the highest-ranked team is certain of a BCS bowl berth while the other is available for an improbable at-large bid and likely to be shut out altogether. Other schools have tried similar approaches and tireless self-promotion of potential Heisman candidates has been taken to new heights by aggressive SIDs. With all this commercialization in the sport, can team marketing sponsorships, complete with logo uniforms, be far behind? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today's game between the McDonald's Mustangs of SMU and the Burger King Beavers of Oregon State...

Anyone Seen My Pumps?

2009-11-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

This season, college football fans have grown accustomed to the "what's it gonna be this week?" world of Nike haberdashery that is the Oregon football program, which at last count featured 80 different uniform combinations for any given Saturday. The Ducks aren't alone, however, in attempting to put the phrase "wardrobe malfunction" back into the collegiate lexicon. In the ACC, North Carolina broke out its "blue-on-blue" look last month and Virginia Tech premiered a "maroon and orange-on-maroon" fashion faux pas. Further south and with a nod to Halloween night, Georgia went one better with its black pants-black helmet combination, while fellow SEC East rival Tennessee scared the Neyland Stadium faithful in black jerseys. Suddenly, equipment managers around the country who can accessorize find themselves in great demand.

Must Not Be In The Front Row

2009-11-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

You may occasionally take the game out of a player, but you can't always take the player out of the game. Former NY Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury, who went all summer unsigned, showed up for his ex-team's home opener and promptly took a seat in the front row. Only one problem -- he wasn't supposed to be sitting there. If that wasn't enough, Marbury pulled out a video camera, stood up and began shooting the game action, thus blocking the view of fans seated behind him. Drawing a chorus of vocal unpleasantries, an examination of his ticket by ushers revealed he was seated in the wrong spot. Rather than suffer the indiginity of relocating, he left the arena before the end of the first quarter. Marbury has stated that he intends to sit out this season before staging a comeback next year, but if his basketball career is over, perhaps he can find work as a cameraman.

IM Recrutn U

2009-10-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

Recruiting is a way of life in both business and sports, but its more art than science. Companies must find experienced employees, the military services seek dedicated and committed freedom fighters, network marketing organizations desire the energetic and enthusiastic. So it is also in college football when it comes to uncovering the next great prospect for a program who can make the difference between champion and also-ran. With increasing pressure to win at all levels, faculty, alumni, coaches, players and students themselves are getting into the act, using social media to phone, "tweet" and text potential signees. As the lines of contact blur, incidents of impropriety are likely to increase, thus drawing the NCAA into even more rigorous policing of its policies and practices. Whatever happened to the good old days when kids went to nearby State U. and played simply for the love of the game?

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

2009-10-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

After spraining the AC joint in his shoulder during the Sooner's season-opening loss to BYU and then aggravating the injury against arch-rival Texas, Oklahoma's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford had surgery today on his right shoulder, thus bringing his senior season to a premature close. Dr. James Andrews informed Kent Bradford his son's thirty-five minute procedure went "just as we expected" and that the patient was experiencing some soreness but otherwise resting comfortably. The talented signal caller, who chose to forego the NFL draft as a consensus top ten pick and return for one more year on campus, has said he plans to declare for the coming draft if his expected four to six month recovery goes as planned. Given that his potential position in the annual talent pool may dip accordingly, the decision to stick around Norman could indeed prove to be an expensive one. Maybe hindsight should be factored into quarterback ratings.

Can I Get A Witless?

2009-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips, the former NY Met GM, was fired less than a week after admitting to having an affair with 22-year-old production assistant Brooke Hundley and has entered a treatment facility to address his problems. Ms. Hundley has also been terminated by ESPN, continuing a practice by the network to reprimand its employees for inappropriate behaviors or ill-timed comments. The growing list includes suspended anchors Scott Van Pelt (who criticized MLB commissioner Bud Selig's $18.5 million compensation) and Dana Jacobson (who made inappropriate comments about Notre Dame during a roast for ESPN radio co-hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic), along with broadcaster Bob Griese (who made an on-air, racist joke about Columbian NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya during Saturday's Ohio State-Minnesota football game). Suddenly, being in the booth/studio has become just as interesting, and only slightly less dangerous -- but not by much, than playing on the field.

What A Racket

2009-10-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

One could assume that tennis fans at the Venetian Macao, the southern Chinese gambling mecca, may not have a deep appreciation for the sports' history, but it must have been interesting to turn back the clock this past week and watch Pete Sampras edge Andre Agassi in three sets to revisit one of the sport's greatest rivalries. The two, who captivated fans a decade ago with their competitive flair and contrasting styles, had not played since Sampras won in the 2002 U.S. Open final for his then-record 14th Grand Slam. The fast indoor surface favored Sampras' attacking style and Agassi came out strong, showing no signs of a bad back that required injections during the 2006 U.S. Open. Perhaps the success of this event will begin a wave of nostalgia matches where the once mighty who's who's may more likely resemble the now who's he's.

Danica's Double Dip

2009-10-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

IndyCar Series driver Danica Patrick has recently signaled her intention to run a few Nationwide races next year and give NASCAR a try, hoping to ink a deal soon with JR Motorsports. The road between the two circuits, though not well-traveled, has seen some success, including Tony Stewart, who ran nine Nationwide races in 1996 and five more in 1997 when he won the IRL championship. The following year, Stewart raced 22 Nationwide events for Joe Gibbs Racing while completing the full IRL schedule before moving to Cup in 1999. Say what you will about her abilities, but she's sure to bring even more attention to the sport. Move over, boys. Lady coming through.

Thar He Blows

2009-10-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

Following an unexpected meeting in New York yesterday headlined by NBA commissioner David Stern and Lamell McMorris of the NBA's referees' union, it appears a tentative labor agreement "in principal" has been reached, with a vote scheduled Friday. Given that Opening Night is just a week away, and veteran officials were facing joblessness during a rough national economy, the timing for resolution couldn't be more appropriate. With paychecks (and the holidays) right around the corner, those wearing the stripes will once again be able to swallow more than just their whistles.

Grassy Knoll Indeed

2009-10-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

As Major League Baseball launches its two respective League Championship Series, the Yankees and Angels square off for the American title, while the Phillies and Dodgers go at it for the National crown. Say what you will about the quality of play and the fiscal inequities in today's game, but it's not lost on anyone that four major market teams once again stand to gain the most from a bi-coastal World Series. Just more fuel for the conspiracy theorists who believe the final outcome was pre-destined long ago in a boardroom on Park Avenue.

BCS Brew-Ha-Ha

2009-10-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

Texas Congressman Joe Barton (R-Ennis) continues his apparent football fascination, recently filing legislation to have the Bowl Championship Series dissolved in favor of a college football playoff. Forcing the issue into the court system should make sports fans cringe. After all, who better than the federal government to divise an equitable system in which everyone wins?