- Billie Jean King, a champion of change in her own time, was honored last evening with the re-naming of the National Tennis Center.
- At age 36, tennis superstar Andre Agassi is retiring from the sport.
- Jimmy Connors has returned to the sport after an extended absence -- as Andy Roddick's coach.
- Instant replay is making its debut at this year's tournament.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Changing Times in Tennis
As I read some of the story lines coming out of the U.S. Open Tennis tournament, I am reminded of how much has changed in the sport. The players I grew up watching have changed roles in the tennis world, and the 2006 U.S. Open showcases those new roles.
Monday, August 28, 2006
A. J. Pierzinski: Public Enemy No. 1
It seems that no matter where Sox catcher A.J. Pierzinski goes, crowds boo him. But he doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he relishes the role of the “evil one.”
During the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins, Pierzinski found a way to aggravate his former teammates, probably more than usual considering he spent three years in a Twins uniform.
First, the Sox catcher flipped his bat in the air toward the Twins dugout after homering Friday night. On Saturday after Jermaine Dye homered, he shouted a few words toward the Twins dugout. Your guess is as good as mine what he said. In any case, by Sunday, Pierzinski might as well have had a bulls-eye on his back because Twins pitcher Carlos Silva drilled him in the behind. Pierzinski didn't even flinch. He knew it was coming. Calmly he walked to first base.
His next time up to the plate, A.J. got his revenge and hit a two-run homerun that put the Sox ahead, 4-1. The Sox went on to win the game.
Minnesota Star Tribune writer Jim Souhan described Pierzinski best. "A.J. is the arsonist running with the burnt match in his hand claiming the smoldering building must have been struck by lightning."
During the weekend series against the Minnesota Twins, Pierzinski found a way to aggravate his former teammates, probably more than usual considering he spent three years in a Twins uniform.
First, the Sox catcher flipped his bat in the air toward the Twins dugout after homering Friday night. On Saturday after Jermaine Dye homered, he shouted a few words toward the Twins dugout. Your guess is as good as mine what he said. In any case, by Sunday, Pierzinski might as well have had a bulls-eye on his back because Twins pitcher Carlos Silva drilled him in the behind. Pierzinski didn't even flinch. He knew it was coming. Calmly he walked to first base.
His next time up to the plate, A.J. got his revenge and hit a two-run homerun that put the Sox ahead, 4-1. The Sox went on to win the game.
Minnesota Star Tribune writer Jim Souhan described Pierzinski best. "A.J. is the arsonist running with the burnt match in his hand claiming the smoldering building must have been struck by lightning."
A Love Match for Roddick and Sharapova
Move aside Jen and Vince. Go away Katie and Tom. Say good-bye Angelina and Brad. There’s a new hot couple in the news.
The tennis world is all abuzz with the news that Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova are a couple. Insiders have suspected the two tennis stars have been a couple for close to a year as the two have been in close company at several public events. The couple has kept the news under wraps because of Sharapova’s age. She’s 19 and he’s is 21.
This should generate lively discussions among tennis fans and news columnists as the U.S. Open Tennis tournament begins this week. It’s probably the most romantic story to rock the tennis world since Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff became a couple.
More about this story
The tennis world is all abuzz with the news that Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova are a couple. Insiders have suspected the two tennis stars have been a couple for close to a year as the two have been in close company at several public events. The couple has kept the news under wraps because of Sharapova’s age. She’s 19 and he’s is 21.
This should generate lively discussions among tennis fans and news columnists as the U.S. Open Tennis tournament begins this week. It’s probably the most romantic story to rock the tennis world since Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff became a couple.
More about this story
The Perils of Being a Reporter
Being a reporter has many perks, but it comes with a few potential risks too, as Access Hollywood correspondent Maria Menounos discovered last week.
Menounos and her assistant were at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., waiting for New England quarterback Tom Brady to arrive for an interview. They started tossing a football back and forth when the reporter suddenly screamed. She had jammed her index finger and needed to have it iced for a half-hour. By that time, Brady had arrived and the interview went on without a hitch.
And I thought paper cuts were the most painful injury to occur on the job.
Menounos and her assistant were at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., waiting for New England quarterback Tom Brady to arrive for an interview. They started tossing a football back and forth when the reporter suddenly screamed. She had jammed her index finger and needed to have it iced for a half-hour. By that time, Brady had arrived and the interview went on without a hitch.
And I thought paper cuts were the most painful injury to occur on the job.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Cubs' Trivia Question
The Chicago Cubs have started eight rookie pitchers this season. Can you name all of them? (Or at least three of them?)
I can think of six of them: Rich Hill, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Ryan O'Malley, Les Walrond, Juan Mateo.
Makes a good trivia questions, doesn't it?
I can think of six of them: Rich Hill, Carlos Marmol, Sean Marshall, Ryan O'Malley, Les Walrond, Juan Mateo.
Makes a good trivia questions, doesn't it?
Are the Twins for Real?
And the White Sox thought they had only to worry about the Tigers.....
With a little more than a month to go in the baseball season, the race for the American League Central division is getting a little tighter, thanks to an impressive surge by the Minnesota Twins. The "Twinkies" got off to a slow start and were picked by most baseball experts to finish behind the Sox and the Cleveland Indians. While the Tigers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, it's the Twins that have had the best record in the majors since early June.
After this weekend's games, the Tigers still lead the division, but the Twins have creeped to within five games and the Sox are five-and-a-half games back. Can the Twins keep it up? History tells us teams can stay hot only for so long. Eventually they do cool off. The Indians found that out last year. After getting hot in August and September, the Tribe cooled off during the last week of the season and lost the chance to make the playoffs.
Will the Twins suffer the same fate? They have a pesky group of hitters, solid defense, a good manager, and one of the best pitching staffs in the majors, led by Cy Young winner Johan Santana. But they may be facing a few challenges in the weeks ahead. Pitcher Brad Radke has been trying to pitch through a partially torn rotator cuff in his shoulder and may go on the disabled list. He would join Francisco Liriano, who has had shoulder problems and may not return to pitch this season. Without two key starters, the Twins could be in trouble for the stretch run.
Look for this division race to get even closer by the end of this week. The Sox square off this week with Tampa Bay, a team that could give the Sox problems if they're not careful. The Twins face Kansas City, another last place team like Tampa. Meanwhile, the Tigers will have their hands full with the Yankees.
With a little more than a month to go in the baseball season, the race for the American League Central division is getting a little tighter, thanks to an impressive surge by the Minnesota Twins. The "Twinkies" got off to a slow start and were picked by most baseball experts to finish behind the Sox and the Cleveland Indians. While the Tigers have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, it's the Twins that have had the best record in the majors since early June.
After this weekend's games, the Tigers still lead the division, but the Twins have creeped to within five games and the Sox are five-and-a-half games back. Can the Twins keep it up? History tells us teams can stay hot only for so long. Eventually they do cool off. The Indians found that out last year. After getting hot in August and September, the Tribe cooled off during the last week of the season and lost the chance to make the playoffs.
Will the Twins suffer the same fate? They have a pesky group of hitters, solid defense, a good manager, and one of the best pitching staffs in the majors, led by Cy Young winner Johan Santana. But they may be facing a few challenges in the weeks ahead. Pitcher Brad Radke has been trying to pitch through a partially torn rotator cuff in his shoulder and may go on the disabled list. He would join Francisco Liriano, who has had shoulder problems and may not return to pitch this season. Without two key starters, the Twins could be in trouble for the stretch run.
Look for this division race to get even closer by the end of this week. The Sox square off this week with Tampa Bay, a team that could give the Sox problems if they're not careful. The Twins face Kansas City, another last place team like Tampa. Meanwhile, the Tigers will have their hands full with the Yankees.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Bears Players Learn How to Behave
There are some actions in the sports world that are absolute no-no's. For example, an athlete who leaves the sidelines during a football game is often viewed as being disrespectful to their teammates.
Bears running back Cedric Benson was guilty of doing that last Friday during a pre-season game against San Diego at Soldier Field. Benson has since apologized to his teammates.
Maybe Benson missed the training sessions that a local firm conducts with Bears players on how to behave on and off the field. In today's Chicago Tribune, columnist Fred Mitchell wrote about a local communications firm, The Speaking Specialists, which holds sessions with Bears players every year to remind them how to conduct themselves with the media, fans, coaches and players. Bears brass want to avoid public displays of immature behavior, or at the very least, nip it in the bud. Emotions do run high, they explain, and sometimes it can be tough to maintain composure during the heat of competition.
In a way, it's sad that professional sports teams have to bring in a consulting firm to train players how to act properly. If they're professional athletes, shouldn't they be acting professionally at all times?
Bears running back Cedric Benson was guilty of doing that last Friday during a pre-season game against San Diego at Soldier Field. Benson has since apologized to his teammates.
Maybe Benson missed the training sessions that a local firm conducts with Bears players on how to behave on and off the field. In today's Chicago Tribune, columnist Fred Mitchell wrote about a local communications firm, The Speaking Specialists, which holds sessions with Bears players every year to remind them how to conduct themselves with the media, fans, coaches and players. Bears brass want to avoid public displays of immature behavior, or at the very least, nip it in the bud. Emotions do run high, they explain, and sometimes it can be tough to maintain composure during the heat of competition.
In a way, it's sad that professional sports teams have to bring in a consulting firm to train players how to act properly. If they're professional athletes, shouldn't they be acting professionally at all times?
Dye for MVP?
After trouncing the Detroit Tigers today 10-0, the White Sox escaped the Motor City with a split of the four-game series that keeps them 5 1/2 games behind the division-leading Tigers.On paper, the series was a wash. But the Sox must be relieved to come out of it with a split after losing the first two games. As far as I'm concerned, they still have a chance to win the division.
Outfielder Jermaine Dye led the Sox power surge today, hitting two home runs, driving in three runs and scoring three. Dye is having his best season as a pro, hitting .325 with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs. Sports writers really need to take a closer look at Dye as a possible MVP candidate along with David Ortiz of the Red Sox and Derek Jeter of the Yankees.
Where would the White Sox be without Dye, who has had so many clutch hits this season? Konerko has struggled at times and Thome is out with a hamstring injury. In their absence, Dye has emerged as the go-to guy when the Sox really need a big play offensively.
If the Sox do make the post-season -- and Ortiz and the Red Sox don't -- it'll be because Dye's quiet leadership and offensive power got them there.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Those Fightin' Jays
It seems the Boston Red Sox aren't the only AL East team self-destructing under pressure these days. The Toronto Blue Jays seem more interested in fighting among themselves than they do fighting on the field for a playoff spot. Someone needs to tell the Jays that the enemy is the team in the other dugout.
The original Jays troublemaker, Shea Hillenbrand, was traded to San Francisco several weeks ago. You would think that things would settle down on the team. But after last night's confrontation between pitcher Ted Lilly and manager John Gibbons, after which Gibbons suffered a bloody nose, I have to wonder who the real troublemaker is.
Gibbons needs to show more restraint and set a more positive example. He is the manager, but he's not doing a good job of managing this team. Challenging his players to fights does not unify a team. The Jays are in turmoil. When trouble brews, usually the manager is the one to go. That might not be a bad idea at this point. Add Gibbons' name to a growing list of managers who will be fired at the end of this season.
The original Jays troublemaker, Shea Hillenbrand, was traded to San Francisco several weeks ago. You would think that things would settle down on the team. But after last night's confrontation between pitcher Ted Lilly and manager John Gibbons, after which Gibbons suffered a bloody nose, I have to wonder who the real troublemaker is.
Gibbons needs to show more restraint and set a more positive example. He is the manager, but he's not doing a good job of managing this team. Challenging his players to fights does not unify a team. The Jays are in turmoil. When trouble brews, usually the manager is the one to go. That might not be a bad idea at this point. Add Gibbons' name to a growing list of managers who will be fired at the end of this season.
More Problems for Track and Field
The doping issues plaguing track and field have taken a couple more hits this week, so to speak.
First, Marion Jones tested positive for doping after a competition a few months ago. Jones says she was shocked by the results, but then all athletes say that. What else is new?
Now U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin has agreed to an eight-year ban from the sport after he tested positive for doping for the second time earlier this year. He avoids a lifetime ban and forfeits the 100 meter world record. In exchange, he has agreed to cooperate the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's investigation.
Some people would accuse the agency of making a deal. Others would say that Gatlin got off easy. But at age 24, an eight-year ban effectively ends his track career. Give Gatlin credit for accepting the ban and not coming up with empty excuses.
First, Marion Jones tested positive for doping after a competition a few months ago. Jones says she was shocked by the results, but then all athletes say that. What else is new?
Now U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin has agreed to an eight-year ban from the sport after he tested positive for doping for the second time earlier this year. He avoids a lifetime ban and forfeits the 100 meter world record. In exchange, he has agreed to cooperate the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's investigation.
Some people would accuse the agency of making a deal. Others would say that Gatlin got off easy. But at age 24, an eight-year ban effectively ends his track career. Give Gatlin credit for accepting the ban and not coming up with empty excuses.
Where's the (White Sox) Fire?
Anyone got a match? The White Sox sure could use something to light their fire.
After they pulled off a remarkable three-game sweep of the division-leading Tigers a few weeks ago, I thought this team had finally turned a corner and were on their way to an extensive winning streak.
False alarm.
Instead, they split a four-game series with the last-place Kansas City Royals, then lost two of three to the Minnesota Twins. Granted, the Sox were playing in the Metro Dome in Minneapolis where the Twins have the best home record in the major leagues. Now they have lost the first game of a critical four-game series against the Tigers and are being shut out in the second game tonight.
It's maddening to watch the Sox play this season. They have played like World Champs at times, and other times, they have looked like World Chumps. How is it possible to be so good, yet play so inconsistently? Argggghhhh!
I suppose things could be worse. At least these Sox aren't of the red variety that may have dropped out of the AL East race after losing a five-game series to the Yankees.
After they pulled off a remarkable three-game sweep of the division-leading Tigers a few weeks ago, I thought this team had finally turned a corner and were on their way to an extensive winning streak.
False alarm.
Instead, they split a four-game series with the last-place Kansas City Royals, then lost two of three to the Minnesota Twins. Granted, the Sox were playing in the Metro Dome in Minneapolis where the Twins have the best home record in the major leagues. Now they have lost the first game of a critical four-game series against the Tigers and are being shut out in the second game tonight.
It's maddening to watch the Sox play this season. They have played like World Champs at times, and other times, they have looked like World Chumps. How is it possible to be so good, yet play so inconsistently? Argggghhhh!
I suppose things could be worse. At least these Sox aren't of the red variety that may have dropped out of the AL East race after losing a five-game series to the Yankees.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
QB Controversy in Chicago?
After the Chicago Bears split their first two pre-season games, it seems Chicago football fans insist on creating a quarterback controversy, even when there isn't one. I'm not convinced that there is a controversy -- yet. I prefer to wait until the regular season begins before I decide a QB controversy exists.
Bears QB Rex Grossman played better Friday night than the previous week, but fans still are not comfortable with his level of play. By his own admission, Grossman says he could play better, and there are still two more games to go before the regular season begins. So yes, there is still time for Grossman to improve.
On the other hand, Bears backup Brian Griese played well in both pre-season games, but is it enough to name him the number one QB for the season? Griese is an insurance policy in case Grossman goes down with an injury again.
Really, when you think about it, we have two quality quarterbacks who can start for the Bears. And seriously, isn't that a nice problem to have?
Bears QB Rex Grossman played better Friday night than the previous week, but fans still are not comfortable with his level of play. By his own admission, Grossman says he could play better, and there are still two more games to go before the regular season begins. So yes, there is still time for Grossman to improve.
On the other hand, Bears backup Brian Griese played well in both pre-season games, but is it enough to name him the number one QB for the season? Griese is an insurance policy in case Grossman goes down with an injury again.
Really, when you think about it, we have two quality quarterbacks who can start for the Bears. And seriously, isn't that a nice problem to have?
Tiger Proves He's Still the Best
It's not how you start, but how you finish. Just ask Tiger Woods.
He played well in the opening round of the PGA Tournament on Thursday, but was seven strokes behind the leaders at the end of the day. Woods, who LOVES playing in the Chicago area, was progressively stronger in each round. Today, he captured his 12th major tournament title in his career, finishing five strokes ahead of the rest of the field.
Congratulations also to Luke Donald, the Northwestern University grad who played well in this tournament. Being teamed up with Tiger for the last round did not unnerve Donald as it has other golfers in the past. Donald finished tied for third.
He played well in the opening round of the PGA Tournament on Thursday, but was seven strokes behind the leaders at the end of the day. Woods, who LOVES playing in the Chicago area, was progressively stronger in each round. Today, he captured his 12th major tournament title in his career, finishing five strokes ahead of the rest of the field.
Congratulations also to Luke Donald, the Northwestern University grad who played well in this tournament. Being teamed up with Tiger for the last round did not unnerve Donald as it has other golfers in the past. Donald finished tied for third.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
The Rise and Fall of an American Cyclist
One of the joys of being a sports fan is watching some unknown athlete rise to the top of his sport. But just as agonizing is to watch that same athlete fall from the heights of success.
Like many fans, I've been following the sudden rise and fall of cyclist Floyd Landis over the past few weeks. And like many fans, I am just as stunned and saddened by the news of his failed drug test after Stage 17 of the Tour de France when he had made such a remarkable comeback. Here at last, I thought, was an athlete we could all believe in. I wasn't alone in embracing the cyclist as the new American sports hero.
As I waited for the results of his B sample, I secretly hoped that this was all one big misunderstanding, that there was some reasonable explanation that Landis' testosterone level was so high, producing a positive result when all his previous test results were normal. But when the B sample results not only confirmed the results of the A sample, but showed evidence of a synthetic form of testosterone, let's just say, the bloom fell off the rose. Those are facts you can't ignore. I hate to admit I was wrong about this guy, but it is obvious he was caught cheating. Question is, why wasn't it found out with the previous tests taken earlier in the Tour de France?
Landis does have 10 days to respond to the second positive result to the World Anit-Doping Agency. If his explanation is not accepted, Landis will likely lose the Tour de France title and face a possible ban from the sport. He will be the first cyclist to lose the Tour de France because of doping.
It is ironic that Landis' situation occurred the same week as story of sprinter Justin Gatlin, which only suggests how widespread doping may be in the sports world. The implications of this cannot be overlooked. Yes, Landis will suffer a setback professionally. It also shows that the sport of cycling has some more house cleaning to do.
But even more troublesome is the worldwide view of American sports. This makes us look really, really bad. Can any athlete or coach be trusted?
Like many fans, I've been following the sudden rise and fall of cyclist Floyd Landis over the past few weeks. And like many fans, I am just as stunned and saddened by the news of his failed drug test after Stage 17 of the Tour de France when he had made such a remarkable comeback. Here at last, I thought, was an athlete we could all believe in. I wasn't alone in embracing the cyclist as the new American sports hero.
As I waited for the results of his B sample, I secretly hoped that this was all one big misunderstanding, that there was some reasonable explanation that Landis' testosterone level was so high, producing a positive result when all his previous test results were normal. But when the B sample results not only confirmed the results of the A sample, but showed evidence of a synthetic form of testosterone, let's just say, the bloom fell off the rose. Those are facts you can't ignore. I hate to admit I was wrong about this guy, but it is obvious he was caught cheating. Question is, why wasn't it found out with the previous tests taken earlier in the Tour de France?
Landis does have 10 days to respond to the second positive result to the World Anit-Doping Agency. If his explanation is not accepted, Landis will likely lose the Tour de France title and face a possible ban from the sport. He will be the first cyclist to lose the Tour de France because of doping.
It is ironic that Landis' situation occurred the same week as story of sprinter Justin Gatlin, which only suggests how widespread doping may be in the sports world. The implications of this cannot be overlooked. Yes, Landis will suffer a setback professionally. It also shows that the sport of cycling has some more house cleaning to do.
But even more troublesome is the worldwide view of American sports. This makes us look really, really bad. Can any athlete or coach be trusted?
Bengals Introduce "Jerk" Hotline
It's going to be a lot tougher to be a football fan in Cincinnati this season.
Fans attending a Bengals game can call a "Jerk" hotline from their cell phone to report bad behaviour by other fans. They can call 513-381-JERK to report foul language, fights and drunkenness.
Are things that bad in Cincinnati? When you attend a sporting event, you expect some unruly behavior, especially when people are drinking. I admit I get a bit annoyed with other fans who can't handle their liquor and get abusive. But I don't think a hotline will solve the problem.
If that kind of behavior really bothers you, you're better off staying home.
Fans attending a Bengals game can call a "Jerk" hotline from their cell phone to report bad behaviour by other fans. They can call 513-381-JERK to report foul language, fights and drunkenness.
Are things that bad in Cincinnati? When you attend a sporting event, you expect some unruly behavior, especially when people are drinking. I admit I get a bit annoyed with other fans who can't handle their liquor and get abusive. But I don't think a hotline will solve the problem.
If that kind of behavior really bothers you, you're better off staying home.
No Tipping, Please
Open message to White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle: Please stop tipping your pitches to opposing teams. They're feasting on your changeup and parking it in the seats.
Overheard on the el train Monday night after the White Sox loss to the LA Angels: "If the Sox keep playing like they did tonight, they're not going to make the postseason."
Has fatalism hit the South Side? As the Sox continue to play sloppy baseball, their fans are seeing their dream of a repeat divisional title slowly slipping away. Is the wild card the only hope?
Overheard on the el train Monday night after the White Sox loss to the LA Angels: "If the Sox keep playing like they did tonight, they're not going to make the postseason."
Has fatalism hit the South Side? As the Sox continue to play sloppy baseball, their fans are seeing their dream of a repeat divisional title slowly slipping away. Is the wild card the only hope?
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Women Athletes of X Games to Earn More Prize Money
Apparently, women skateboarders have some bold moves away from competition as well as during it.
The X Games are taking place this weekend in Los Angeles. But despite its "cool" image, these Games may still be a bit behind the times. A Chicago Tribune article suggests that some of the women's events are lagging behind men in both prize money and TV coverage.
But thanks to a group of women skateboarders, that may change. After meeting with John Skipper, an EVP with ESPN, the winnings for women's skateboarding events, Street and Vert, were increased to $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second and $5,000 for third. The women's events may also get more TV coverage during next year's X Games.
The X Games have only been around 12 years or so and are geared toward a young, hip audience. You would think that equality issues would be less of a problem than other events that have been around much longer, such as Wimbledon.
Maybe it's their youth, or maybe it's the type of sport they're in, but I think the women athletes of the X Games are more likely to challenge conventional rules in the event and demand greater equality. If so, we can expect to see more changes like this in the future.
The X Games are taking place this weekend in Los Angeles. But despite its "cool" image, these Games may still be a bit behind the times. A Chicago Tribune article suggests that some of the women's events are lagging behind men in both prize money and TV coverage.
But thanks to a group of women skateboarders, that may change. After meeting with John Skipper, an EVP with ESPN, the winnings for women's skateboarding events, Street and Vert, were increased to $15,000 for first place, $10,000 for second and $5,000 for third. The women's events may also get more TV coverage during next year's X Games.
The X Games have only been around 12 years or so and are geared toward a young, hip audience. You would think that equality issues would be less of a problem than other events that have been around much longer, such as Wimbledon.
Maybe it's their youth, or maybe it's the type of sport they're in, but I think the women athletes of the X Games are more likely to challenge conventional rules in the event and demand greater equality. If so, we can expect to see more changes like this in the future.
USTA Honors Billie Jean King
Tennis icon Billie Jean King has done so much for the sport of tennis and for women's sports over the years. Now, the U.S. Tennis Association has recognized her contributions with a unique honor: renaming the National Tennis Center, the world's largest tennis park and home of the U.S. Open, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The official renaming ceremony will take place August 28th, opening night of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
King is credited with spearheading the women's movement in tennis. She has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 13 U.S. Open campionships. She is probably best remembered for her victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes."
In an age when corporations can purchase naming rights for sports facilities (e.g., U.S. Cellular Field, the United Center, etc.), it would have been very tempting for the U.S. Tennis Association to sell the naming rights to a sponsor like Wilson or Nike. But to its credit, it did not. Rather, it chose to honor one of its own.
The official renaming ceremony will take place August 28th, opening night of the U.S. Open tennis tournament.
King is credited with spearheading the women's movement in tennis. She has won 39 Grand Slam titles, including 13 U.S. Open campionships. She is probably best remembered for her victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes."
In an age when corporations can purchase naming rights for sports facilities (e.g., U.S. Cellular Field, the United Center, etc.), it would have been very tempting for the U.S. Tennis Association to sell the naming rights to a sponsor like Wilson or Nike. But to its credit, it did not. Rather, it chose to honor one of its own.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Another World -- in Track and Field
Forget daytime dramas. If you really want to follow a good soap opera, all you have to do is watch our own wonderful world of sports.
Take the story of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who is facing a lifetime ban from track and field after testing positive for doping after a competition last April. Gatlin denies knowingly taking the substance, and his coach Trevor Graham has accused a masseuse, Christopher Whetstine, of rubbing testosterone-laced cream on the athlete's legs after the race, which caused the positive test result. Doping experts aren't buying that argument.
If Graham's name is familiar, it's because he's been closely associated witht he BALCO drug investigation. From 1997 to 2002, he also trained track star Marion Jones, who was implicated in the BALCO scandal, but never charged. At least seven athletes who have trained with Graham have tested positive for doping. Graham seems like a shady character to say the least, more interested in pointing fingers at other people, so he doesn't have to take any responsibility for his role in this matter.
Sounds like a good old-fashioned daytime drama. But wait, there's more.
To make matters more interesting, the masseuse in this story line, Christopher Whetstine has a felony drug conviction from 1993, and in 2003, was disciplined by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists for "engaging in conduct that could endanger the health or safety of a client or the public." Basically, he was using techniques on clients that he was not licensed to practice.
If you're Justin Gatlin, or any athlete for that matter, why are you hanging around with these "dopes" (pun intended)? They're both bad news in my book.
Gatlin may be facing the lifetime ban, and maybe he deserves it regardless if he knowingly took testosterone or not. Whetstine should be investigated too; he has enough questionable issues in his background that I doubt his innocence in this case.
Graham has been on the hot seat for several years, and I think U.S. track and field officials are onto him, but have yet to prove that he has done anything illegal. So far, Graham has been banned only from U.S. training facilities, which is silly, considering his athletes don't train at those facilities anyway. But maybe that's a start. Next step is to ban him from the sport altogether and keep him away from the athletes.
This is just one example of the doping issues that have plagued track and field for years. Now we understand why the sport is in so much trouble.
U.S. Track and Field
Take the story of American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who is facing a lifetime ban from track and field after testing positive for doping after a competition last April. Gatlin denies knowingly taking the substance, and his coach Trevor Graham has accused a masseuse, Christopher Whetstine, of rubbing testosterone-laced cream on the athlete's legs after the race, which caused the positive test result. Doping experts aren't buying that argument.
If Graham's name is familiar, it's because he's been closely associated witht he BALCO drug investigation. From 1997 to 2002, he also trained track star Marion Jones, who was implicated in the BALCO scandal, but never charged. At least seven athletes who have trained with Graham have tested positive for doping. Graham seems like a shady character to say the least, more interested in pointing fingers at other people, so he doesn't have to take any responsibility for his role in this matter.
Sounds like a good old-fashioned daytime drama. But wait, there's more.
To make matters more interesting, the masseuse in this story line, Christopher Whetstine has a felony drug conviction from 1993, and in 2003, was disciplined by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists for "engaging in conduct that could endanger the health or safety of a client or the public." Basically, he was using techniques on clients that he was not licensed to practice.
If you're Justin Gatlin, or any athlete for that matter, why are you hanging around with these "dopes" (pun intended)? They're both bad news in my book.
Gatlin may be facing the lifetime ban, and maybe he deserves it regardless if he knowingly took testosterone or not. Whetstine should be investigated too; he has enough questionable issues in his background that I doubt his innocence in this case.
Graham has been on the hot seat for several years, and I think U.S. track and field officials are onto him, but have yet to prove that he has done anything illegal. So far, Graham has been banned only from U.S. training facilities, which is silly, considering his athletes don't train at those facilities anyway. But maybe that's a start. Next step is to ban him from the sport altogether and keep him away from the athletes.
This is just one example of the doping issues that have plagued track and field for years. Now we understand why the sport is in so much trouble.
U.S. Track and Field
Bulls to Have Scary Start to Their Season
With the recent acquisition of Ben Wallace, P.J. Brown and Adrian Griffin, Bulls fans have plenty to look forward to in the upcoming 2006-07 season. Now that the league has released the new season schedule, it's never too early to plan ahead. Bulls home games are sure to sell quickly.
The team begins their toughest challenge on Halloween night on the road against the NBA champion Miami Heat, the team that eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs.
One advantage of adding a major star to your team is the increased national exposure. The Bulls will appear on national TV 30 times, including the season opener. Four games will appear on ABC, eight on ESPN, nine on NBA TV and nine on TNT.
You can find the complete schedule at http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/schedule_0607.pdf.
The team begins their toughest challenge on Halloween night on the road against the NBA champion Miami Heat, the team that eliminated the Bulls from the playoffs.
One advantage of adding a major star to your team is the increased national exposure. The Bulls will appear on national TV 30 times, including the season opener. Four games will appear on ABC, eight on ESPN, nine on NBA TV and nine on TNT.
You can find the complete schedule at http://www.nba.com/media/bulls/schedule_0607.pdf.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Chicago Named Best Sports City
In this week's issue of the Sporting News, the city of Chicago was named as the best sports city, thanks to the playoff appearances of the Bears and Bulls and the championships of the Rush and White Sox. Miami, Dallas, Detroit and New York City made up the top five.
Chicago wasn't chosen simply because of their winning teams. The editors of the sports magazine also considered attendance and fan support, even when teams were not performing well (e.g., the Cubs). What really put the city over the top was the White Sox World Series championship.
Thank you, White Sox.
Chicago wasn't chosen simply because of their winning teams. The editors of the sports magazine also considered attendance and fan support, even when teams were not performing well (e.g., the Cubs). What really put the city over the top was the White Sox World Series championship.
Thank you, White Sox.
Cubs Bid Farewell to Maddux, Walker
As expected, the Cubs said good-bye to two of their veteran players, pitcher Greg Maddux and second baseman Todd Walker on Monday. Maddux was sent to the L.A. Dodgers for All-star shortstop Cesar Itzuris (who seems to be doing just fine in the field in tonight's game at Wrigley Field). Walker went to San Diego for a minor league pitcher.
It's been known for several weeks that both players were on the trading block. In fact, to hear Maddux talk to the media over the weekend, he seemed resigned to the idea that he would be finishing the season with another team. The fans at Wrigley acknowledged Maddux's contributions and gave him a standing ovation as he left the field for the last time on Saturday.
As much as many sports fans hate to see Maddux go, it brings a solid defensive infielder to the North Side. Itzuris brings a lot of range and skill that the Cubs desperately needed. Walker, as good as a hitter as he is, was a defensive liability and Ronny Cedeno is still learning his position.
On paper at least, the Cubs have made a good acquisition. And the Dodgers and Padres are getting solid veteran players who can help them down the playoff stretch run.
It's been known for several weeks that both players were on the trading block. In fact, to hear Maddux talk to the media over the weekend, he seemed resigned to the idea that he would be finishing the season with another team. The fans at Wrigley acknowledged Maddux's contributions and gave him a standing ovation as he left the field for the last time on Saturday.
As much as many sports fans hate to see Maddux go, it brings a solid defensive infielder to the North Side. Itzuris brings a lot of range and skill that the Cubs desperately needed. Walker, as good as a hitter as he is, was a defensive liability and Ronny Cedeno is still learning his position.
On paper at least, the Cubs have made a good acquisition. And the Dodgers and Padres are getting solid veteran players who can help them down the playoff stretch run.
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