Tuesday, May 15, 2007
It’s Miller’s Time
Former World Cup Ski Champion and world-renowned boozer Bode Miller quit the U.S. Ski team last week after a meeting with team officials, a team representative told Reuters. For the last few seasons, Miller has been increasingly critical of the team’s restrictions, including one that required Miller to stay in hotels with his teammates rather than in his mobile home. But the 30-year-old skier may pay a hefty price for his freedom. Without support from the U.S. ski team, Miller will have to pay for his own training and racing expenses. No word yet on how he plans to do that. Hopefully, it won’t have anything to do with all-night drinking.
Coaching Changes for Federer, Hewitt
With the French Open set to begin in less than two weeks, world number one Roger Federer announced on his Web site that he split with his part-time coach Tony Roche, citing communication problems. The decision follows several weeks of poor play by the Swiss champion who has participated in four tournaments without winning a title.
For the time being, Federer says he plans to go it alone at the French Open and Wimbledon. “I’m not going to take a coach because I know what it takes to win,” he said. “I don’t want anyone interfering with my preparation.”
In the meantime, Roche may soon land himself another coaching job, this time with former world number one and fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt, according to Hewitt’s manager, David Drysdale in a Reuters’ article. Hewitt has been without a coach since Roger Rasheed quit in January before the Australian Open. He has struggled with his form this season and is recovering from a back injury. Hewitt, who was the world number one for 80 weeks from 2001 to 2003 has not won a grand slam title in five years and is currently ranked 22nd.
For the time being, Federer says he plans to go it alone at the French Open and Wimbledon. “I’m not going to take a coach because I know what it takes to win,” he said. “I don’t want anyone interfering with my preparation.”
In the meantime, Roche may soon land himself another coaching job, this time with former world number one and fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt, according to Hewitt’s manager, David Drysdale in a Reuters’ article. Hewitt has been without a coach since Roger Rasheed quit in January before the Australian Open. He has struggled with his form this season and is recovering from a back injury. Hewitt, who was the world number one for 80 weeks from 2001 to 2003 has not won a grand slam title in five years and is currently ranked 22nd.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Bulls Overmatched by Pistons
So the Chicago Bulls lost again to the Detroit Pistons Thursday night at the United Center and are now poised to be eliminated when the two teams square off in Game 4 Sunday. I don’t think there’s a single fan in Chicago who expected this team to play as poorly as they have in this series — two blowout losses to Detroit by 26 and 21 points respectively and a loss last night after blowing a 19-point lead early in the third quarter.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
It seemed the Pistons were toying with the Bulls during the first half last night before flipping a switch on their zone defense halfway through the third quarter. In a blink of an eye, the Pistons closed to a one-point deficit at the end of the quarter. The Bulls have no answer for Detroit’s zone defense, and obviously, the Pistons see some weakness in the Bulls that they are easily exploiting. At this point, a series loss is inevitable and disappointing considering how well the Bulls played against the Miami Heat in the first round.
In a post two weeks ago, I suggested that the Bulls might have put forth more energy into defeating the Heat and may not have much left for the Pistons. Apparently I was right because the Bulls just have been overmatched by the Pistons in just about every phase of the game. Just as last year’s brief playoff run gave the Bulls the incentive to beat the Miami Heat this year, this series against Detroit may be the very thing the Bulls need to push themselves further next season.
Is Televised MLB Draft Worth Watching?
ESPN recently announced that it will be televising the baseball entry draft on ESPN2 on Thursday, June 7th beginning at 2 p.m. The NFL and NBA have had live draft coverage on ESPN for years with much success. But can MLB match that success? Are baseball fans willing to sit around for four hours watching each team make their first-round selections?
According to ESPN SportsNation poll, nearly 80 percent of fans said they would not watch the MLB draft. It seems to me that fans have better things to do with their time than to watch the draft live — like watch an actual game.
According to ESPN SportsNation poll, nearly 80 percent of fans said they would not watch the MLB draft. It seems to me that fans have better things to do with their time than to watch the draft live — like watch an actual game.
Is Schilling’s Apology Necessary?
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling got himself into hot water Tuesday when he criticized Barry Bonds during his weekly spot on WEEI-850 AM in Boston. During the interview, Schilling said that Bonds “didn’t deserve to break Hank Aaron’s home run record,” among other things. In fact, it makes you wonder how many other MLB players and coaches share Schilling’s feelings.
Certainly his comments made a lot of people uncomfortable, including Red Sox manager Terry Francona who discussed the matter privately with his ace before Tuesday’s game.
Schilling apologized to Bonds through his blog, 38pitches.com, saying “The question I was asked and the answer I gave yesterday affected a lot more people than he [Bonds] and I.” He also indicated that he would not apologize to the Giants’ slugger directly.
It seems a shame that Schilling has to apologize at all. The opinions he expressed during the radio show are probably no worse than what fans have been thinking all along: that Bonds is a cheat. And Bonds isn’t exactly the type of guy who gets hung up on what anyone else thinks of him. People are entitled to their opinions, just as Schilling has a right to his. Since when do people have to apologize for being honest?
Certainly his comments made a lot of people uncomfortable, including Red Sox manager Terry Francona who discussed the matter privately with his ace before Tuesday’s game.
Schilling apologized to Bonds through his blog, 38pitches.com, saying “The question I was asked and the answer I gave yesterday affected a lot more people than he [Bonds] and I.” He also indicated that he would not apologize to the Giants’ slugger directly.
It seems a shame that Schilling has to apologize at all. The opinions he expressed during the radio show are probably no worse than what fans have been thinking all along: that Bonds is a cheat. And Bonds isn’t exactly the type of guy who gets hung up on what anyone else thinks of him. People are entitled to their opinions, just as Schilling has a right to his. Since when do people have to apologize for being honest?
NFL Considering 17- Game Schedule
The NFL says it is considering adding one more week to its already lengthy regular-season schedule, bringing the total number of games to 17, according to the Associated Press. The extra game, which would replace a preseason game, would be played outside the United States either in England, Germany, Mexico or Canada. Every team will play one game abroad without affecting its regular home/away schedule.
While one game is already set for the 2007 season — Miami vs. the New York Giants at London’s Wembley Stadium -- the new schedule won’t go into effect until 2009 or 2010. The scheduling logistics could be affected in one of three ways:
1) Open the season on Labor Day weekend, which for some reason, the league has avoided in recent years.
2) Push the Superbowl to the second week of February.
3) Keep the Superbowl in its regular place in the schedule but eliminate the week between the conference title games and the Superbowl.
Interesting concept. The NFL has been considering international expansion for several years, but I worry that the season is already too long. On the other hand, it makes sense to eliminate one of the preseason games though. By the fourth preseason game, the players are anxious to start playing games for real and the coaches have a good idea which players will be on their squads. I say start the games Labor Day weekend and take advantage of the warmer weather.
While one game is already set for the 2007 season — Miami vs. the New York Giants at London’s Wembley Stadium -- the new schedule won’t go into effect until 2009 or 2010. The scheduling logistics could be affected in one of three ways:
1) Open the season on Labor Day weekend, which for some reason, the league has avoided in recent years.
2) Push the Superbowl to the second week of February.
3) Keep the Superbowl in its regular place in the schedule but eliminate the week between the conference title games and the Superbowl.
Interesting concept. The NFL has been considering international expansion for several years, but I worry that the season is already too long. On the other hand, it makes sense to eliminate one of the preseason games though. By the fourth preseason game, the players are anxious to start playing games for real and the coaches have a good idea which players will be on their squads. I say start the games Labor Day weekend and take advantage of the warmer weather.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
MLB “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer”
Once again, Major League Baseball and its 30 clubs are teaming up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to raise funds and public awareness to fight breast cancer. The initiative begins this Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day) and continues through May 19, and incorporates several activities on and off the field for fans and players alike.
Some of the highlights:
Fans can make monetary donations by logging onto www.komen.org/mlb at five different levels: Single ($25), Double ($50), Triple ($75), Home run ($100) and Grand Slam ($250). MLB Charities will also commit an additional $50,000 donation.
More than 200 players will use a pink bats during their games on Mother’s Day, more than twice the number of players who participated last year. The pink bats will be autographed and auctioned on MLB.com at a later date, with proceeds going to the Komen organization.
During the games, players will also wear pink wristbands and ribbons on their uniforms. Pink ribbon logos will be displayed on the base pads.
A special Komen for the Cure public service announcement will run on the scoreboards and on the PA systems at all the ball parks.
For more information, visit www.komen.org/mlb.
Some of the highlights:
Fans can make monetary donations by logging onto www.komen.org/mlb at five different levels: Single ($25), Double ($50), Triple ($75), Home run ($100) and Grand Slam ($250). MLB Charities will also commit an additional $50,000 donation.
More than 200 players will use a pink bats during their games on Mother’s Day, more than twice the number of players who participated last year. The pink bats will be autographed and auctioned on MLB.com at a later date, with proceeds going to the Komen organization.
During the games, players will also wear pink wristbands and ribbons on their uniforms. Pink ribbon logos will be displayed on the base pads.
A special Komen for the Cure public service announcement will run on the scoreboards and on the PA systems at all the ball parks.
For more information, visit www.komen.org/mlb.
The Pressure Is On for Patrick
After making a splash at the Indianapolis 500 two years ago when she became the first woman to lead the race and wound up finishing fourth, racer Danica Patrick is feeling some pressure to win more races, according to an Associated Press story. Since 2005, Patrick has never finished better than fourth despite winning three poles during her rookie season. She is currently eighth in IRL points this season and had her best finish of seventh at the Kansas Speedway a few weeks ago.
No one expects more of Danica Patrick than Patrick herself. Often we are our own worst critics. It must be difficult to try to live up to the initial hype as well as perform up to the level you know you’re capable of. Add being an attractive woman in the public eye, and the scrutiny must be downright harsh sometimes. But Patrick is not making any excuses. She knows what she is up against as she prepares for the Indy 500 later this month.
No one expects more of Danica Patrick than Patrick herself. Often we are our own worst critics. It must be difficult to try to live up to the initial hype as well as perform up to the level you know you’re capable of. Add being an attractive woman in the public eye, and the scrutiny must be downright harsh sometimes. But Patrick is not making any excuses. She knows what she is up against as she prepares for the Indy 500 later this month.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Few Fans Support Bonds’ HR Chase
I guess I’m not the only one who isn’t too excited about Barry Bonds’ quest to break Hank Aaron’s homerun record. It seems more than half of baseball fans don’t really care either.
In a poll by ABC News and ESPN, only 37 percent of baseball fans said they hoped Bonds does break the record, while 52 percent hope he fails while 11 percent had no opinion. Three-quarters said they think the Giants’ slugger knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs, which he has repeatedly denied. Of those who think he took steroids, two-thirds said that made him a cheater. Yet despite all these negative opinions, six out of 10 believe he should be elected to the Hall of Fame. Bonds has 744 home runs lifetime, 11 shy of Aaron’s record.
In a poll by ABC News and ESPN, only 37 percent of baseball fans said they hoped Bonds does break the record, while 52 percent hope he fails while 11 percent had no opinion. Three-quarters said they think the Giants’ slugger knowingly took performance-enhancing drugs, which he has repeatedly denied. Of those who think he took steroids, two-thirds said that made him a cheater. Yet despite all these negative opinions, six out of 10 believe he should be elected to the Hall of Fame. Bonds has 744 home runs lifetime, 11 shy of Aaron’s record.
The Rocket Rejoins the Bronx Bombers
Future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens announced he is returning to his former team, the New York Yankees, for the remainder of this season. The 44-year-old ace made the announcement to a crowd of more than 52,000 fans at Yankee Stadium Sunday during the seventh inning stretch. After spending a few weeks training and getting into pitching shape, Clemens is expected to join the team sometime in early June. He will earn $28 million, or $4.5 million per month through the rest of this season.
The acquisition of Clemens is a huge shot in the arm for the Yankees, who clearly were desperate for starting pitching. Whether or not that boost lasts through the season and helps manager Joe Torre keep his job remains to be seen. It’s not good news for the AL Central either where many figured one of the four top teams -- the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox – could win the Wild Card. That may not be the case anymore. If both the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs, the AL Central – arguably the best division in baseball -- would only have one team going the playoffs. And that means a more intense fight to the finish.
The acquisition of Clemens is a huge shot in the arm for the Yankees, who clearly were desperate for starting pitching. Whether or not that boost lasts through the season and helps manager Joe Torre keep his job remains to be seen. It’s not good news for the AL Central either where many figured one of the four top teams -- the Tigers, Twins, Indians and White Sox – could win the Wild Card. That may not be the case anymore. If both the Yankees and Red Sox make the playoffs, the AL Central – arguably the best division in baseball -- would only have one team going the playoffs. And that means a more intense fight to the finish.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
NBC Deal Promises Fresh Start for Figure Skating
I was thrilled to learn that the U.S. Figure Skating Association signed a three-year deal with NBC to broadcast the national championships and Skate America competition beginning October 2007, with much of the finals broadcast live during primetime. In a Woman’s Eye post several months ago, I wrote that the USFSA would be better off working out a deal with another network or forgoing a deal altogether rather than renew their arrangement with ABC/ESPN. In recent years, TV viewership for the sport had declined and ABC was clearly lacking any kind of commitment or motivation to promote the sport on its network. ESPN serves a predominantly male audience while figure skating’s largely female fan base was ignored. Programming also suffered as the network resorted to fluff stories and overhyped dramas to appeal to viewers. Even long-time announcers Dick Button and Peggy Fleming seemed old and tired at times. It was clear that it was time for a change.
Figure skating is a natural fit for NBC. The three-year deal will conclude with the 2010 national championships and will serve as a promotional lead-in for NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The network’s cable outlet, USA Network, its local affiliates and online resources open up bigger and better promotional opportunities for the sport.
The deal is a testing ground for both parties. NBC can help figure skating rebuild its fan base, and the sport can help the network refine its programming capabilities of Olympic sports in preparation for its coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The only remaining question is who will be in the broadcast booth. I can see Dick Button doing occasional commentary for the broadcasts, but frankly, I think his days in the broadcast booth are over. A fresh opportunity like this deserves fresh faces, and the team of Paul Wylie and Suzie Wynn would be a great asset to NBC. They have done a terrific job as the secondary broadcast team on ESPN, covering the Four Continents and the Grand Prix events. They’re professional, unbiased and knowledgeable, and they refrain from “cheerleading” the skaters the way some of their colleagues at ABC/ESPN are guilty of doing.
ABC has been the broadcast home to figure skating for 43 years and still has rights to the international events, such as the World Championships, through 2008. After so long on one network, many fans may have a hard time adjusting to NBC as the new network for figure skating. But in this case, the change was not only good, it was necessary.
Figure skating is a natural fit for NBC. The three-year deal will conclude with the 2010 national championships and will serve as a promotional lead-in for NBC’s coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The network’s cable outlet, USA Network, its local affiliates and online resources open up bigger and better promotional opportunities for the sport.
The deal is a testing ground for both parties. NBC can help figure skating rebuild its fan base, and the sport can help the network refine its programming capabilities of Olympic sports in preparation for its coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
The only remaining question is who will be in the broadcast booth. I can see Dick Button doing occasional commentary for the broadcasts, but frankly, I think his days in the broadcast booth are over. A fresh opportunity like this deserves fresh faces, and the team of Paul Wylie and Suzie Wynn would be a great asset to NBC. They have done a terrific job as the secondary broadcast team on ESPN, covering the Four Continents and the Grand Prix events. They’re professional, unbiased and knowledgeable, and they refrain from “cheerleading” the skaters the way some of their colleagues at ABC/ESPN are guilty of doing.
ABC has been the broadcast home to figure skating for 43 years and still has rights to the international events, such as the World Championships, through 2008. After so long on one network, many fans may have a hard time adjusting to NBC as the new network for figure skating. But in this case, the change was not only good, it was necessary.
Moral of Josh Hancock’s Story: Don’t Drink and Drive
File this story under “What was he thinking?”
The Medical Examiner determined that Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk with an alcohol level twice Missouri’s legal limit, according to the Associated Press. Cell phone records also showed that he was talking on his cell phone at the time of the collision. Authorities also say Hancock was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and was not wearing a seat belt. Marijuana was found in the SUV he was driving, but it is still unknown if any was in his bloodstream and toxicology results will not be known for several days. Witnesses told police that Hancock was at a local restaurant from about 8:30 p.m. until midnight last Saturday. A news report earlier this week mentioned that the hostess offered to call a cab for him, but he declined. With so many errors in judgment, it’s no wonder Hancock didn’t survive. One wonders if he had a secret death wish.
The Medical Examiner determined that Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk with an alcohol level twice Missouri’s legal limit, according to the Associated Press. Cell phone records also showed that he was talking on his cell phone at the time of the collision. Authorities also say Hancock was driving 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and was not wearing a seat belt. Marijuana was found in the SUV he was driving, but it is still unknown if any was in his bloodstream and toxicology results will not be known for several days. Witnesses told police that Hancock was at a local restaurant from about 8:30 p.m. until midnight last Saturday. A news report earlier this week mentioned that the hostess offered to call a cab for him, but he declined. With so many errors in judgment, it’s no wonder Hancock didn’t survive. One wonders if he had a secret death wish.
Surprise! Derby Horses Tested for Drugs
It's interesting to see how the alleged doping scandals in baseball and track and field are affecting other sports that you wouldn't think would be affected, such as horse racing. For the first time in the 133-year history of the Kentucky Derby, all 20 horses were given surprise pre-race tests for performance-enhancing drugs on Thursday, according to the Associated Press. The decision to test the horses was made to ensure that the state’s medication rules were being followed, not because there was any suspicion of wrongdoing, said Mark York of the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet in the article. Certain blood-doping agents such as EPO (erythropoietin) and darbepoietin are illegal because they increase the number of oxygen-carrying red-blood cells and boost a horse’s endurance. In some cases, these drugs can kill the animals. A positive test could result in disqualification. Test results will not be revealed until after Saturday’s race.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Bias in the NBA?
An academic study by a University of Pennsylvania professor and a grad student from Cornell University suggests that racial bias exists on the basketball court as well as in our society. According to the New York Times, the two researchers reviewed 13 seasons worth of NBA games, from 1991 through 2004, and concluded that white referees called fouls against black players more often than they did against white players.
Interesting conclusion considering there are more black players in the league than white players.
The Times also reports that the NBA did its own study in March and concluded that there is no racial bias. Three independent experts reviewed the results of both studies and concluded that the academic study was more sound.
While I do think the Bulls’ Kirk Hinrich gets a lot of nit-picky fouls called against him, I don’t think it’s a racial issue. I think that has more to do with the referees keeping control of the game,
Really, all this academic research is silly. If players commit a foul, it’s because they violated a rule, not because they're black or white. Fans too are more concerned about which player is getting into foul trouble and how that might affect the outcome of the game. Racial bias has nothing to do with it.
Interesting conclusion considering there are more black players in the league than white players.
The Times also reports that the NBA did its own study in March and concluded that there is no racial bias. Three independent experts reviewed the results of both studies and concluded that the academic study was more sound.
While I do think the Bulls’ Kirk Hinrich gets a lot of nit-picky fouls called against him, I don’t think it’s a racial issue. I think that has more to do with the referees keeping control of the game,
Really, all this academic research is silly. If players commit a foul, it’s because they violated a rule, not because they're black or white. Fans too are more concerned about which player is getting into foul trouble and how that might affect the outcome of the game. Racial bias has nothing to do with it.
Kenyan Marathon Champion Seeks Compensation
Robert Cheruiyot, the Kenyan athlete who won the Chicago marathon last fall, plans to seek compensation for a nasty spill he took just as he crossed the finish line at the end of the race. The champion runner was taken to a nearby hospital after he hit his head on the pavement, and was released the next day with no serious injury. But he told Reuters that he has been suffering from headaches ever since. Race officials attribute the accident to slippery pavement from a painted logo on the street.
The 28-year-old Cheruiyot plans to participate in the 2007 Chicago Marathon to defend his title next October. “I will run because they want me back, being the title holder, but I will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion,” he told Reuters.
The 28-year-old Cheruiyot plans to participate in the 2007 Chicago Marathon to defend his title next October. “I will run because they want me back, being the title holder, but I will pursue the matter to its logical conclusion,” he told Reuters.
Monday, April 30, 2007
“No Chance” for Mercy for Reporter
Even before Sunday night’s game between the Cubs and Cardinals was postponed due to the death of Cardinals’ pitcher Josh Hancock, the series had gotten off to a rocky start as early as Friday morning. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch article poked fun at the Cubs’ history of futility and declared that they had “no chance” of ever winning the World Series. Cardinals’ manager Tony LaRussa took exception to the article and refused to answer any questions from the Post-Dispatch reporters during a press briefing later that afternoon. During the war of words that followed, the P-D writer denied any wrongdoing, and instead, put all the blame on his editor. “I don’t assign the stories,” he said. “I’m only doing my job.”
First of all, slamming any team, even if it is meant to be light-hearted fun, is poor judgment. Both the writer and his editor should take responsibility for that. But what bothered me more was the reporter’s snotty and arrogant attitude during the press briefing. I have some words of advice for this guy: As long as your byline appears in the column, you are responsible for everything you write. Wiping your hands clean and putting all the blame on your boss or editor is irresponsible.
Sports reporting is a tough job. So just do what your mom told you to: play nice.
First of all, slamming any team, even if it is meant to be light-hearted fun, is poor judgment. Both the writer and his editor should take responsibility for that. But what bothered me more was the reporter’s snotty and arrogant attitude during the press briefing. I have some words of advice for this guy: As long as your byline appears in the column, you are responsible for everything you write. Wiping your hands clean and putting all the blame on your boss or editor is irresponsible.
Sports reporting is a tough job. So just do what your mom told you to: play nice.
Sky’s Jackson Arrested in Israel
Chicago Sky player Deanna Jackson spent the winter playing basketball for the Israeli league. She’ll have to extend her visit just a little longer while she appears in court on assault charges later this week, according to the Associated Press.
The 27-year-old Jackson was arrested after punching an opposing player in a parking lot following the league’s championship game, and she won’t be able to leave the country until at least this Thursday when she has a date in court. That will mean she will miss the Sky’s preseason opener this Wednesday, but that’s just for starters. Jackson had her passport confiscated by Israeli authorities, and she was suspended indefinitely by the Chicago Sky. Jackson also faces a lawsuit filed by the other player, Ina Gourevitch, whose nose was broken in the attack and is seeking $20,000 in damages.
Now that’s one very expensive trip.
The 27-year-old Jackson was arrested after punching an opposing player in a parking lot following the league’s championship game, and she won’t be able to leave the country until at least this Thursday when she has a date in court. That will mean she will miss the Sky’s preseason opener this Wednesday, but that’s just for starters. Jackson had her passport confiscated by Israeli authorities, and she was suspended indefinitely by the Chicago Sky. Jackson also faces a lawsuit filed by the other player, Ina Gourevitch, whose nose was broken in the attack and is seeking $20,000 in damages.
Now that’s one very expensive trip.
MLB Steroids Scandal Heats Up
Major League Baseball’s steroids storyline may be about to explode.
Kirk Radomski, a 37-year-old former employee of the New York Mets, pleaded guilty in federal court last Friday to charges he distributed performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of MLB players between 1995 and 2005, according to MLB.com. He will be sentenced in September, but could face up to 25 years in prison and fines of $500,000. “During my past employment in Major League Baseball, I developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom I subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs,” Radomski said in his plea agreement.
While Radomski did not provide names in his plea agreement, he has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators. That spells bad news for MLB. Because Radomski was never a player and is no longer associated with any of the teams, you can bet he will have few reservations about sharing his little black book of names. When he does, you can bet this entire drug scandal will be blown wide open.
Kirk Radomski, a 37-year-old former employee of the New York Mets, pleaded guilty in federal court last Friday to charges he distributed performance-enhancing drugs to dozens of MLB players between 1995 and 2005, according to MLB.com. He will be sentenced in September, but could face up to 25 years in prison and fines of $500,000. “During my past employment in Major League Baseball, I developed contacts with Major League Baseball players throughout the country to whom I subsequently distributed anabolic steroids and athletic performance-enhancing drugs,” Radomski said in his plea agreement.
While Radomski did not provide names in his plea agreement, he has agreed to cooperate with federal investigators. That spells bad news for MLB. Because Radomski was never a player and is no longer associated with any of the teams, you can bet he will have few reservations about sharing his little black book of names. When he does, you can bet this entire drug scandal will be blown wide open.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Hancock Death Postpones Cubs-Cardinals Game
It was not a good day for world champions. Not only were the defending NBA champion Heat eliminated from the playoffs, the 2006 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals had their own tragedy to deal with.
Middle reliever Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning when his Ford Explorer crashed into a tow truck that had stopped on the side of the road to assist another driver. Sunday’s night game between the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch Stadium was postponed while the Cardinals team deals with the tragedy.
Five years ago, a Cubs-Cardinals game was also postponed when Cardinals’ pitcher Darryl Kyle was found dead in his hotel room here in Chicago. It seems odd that these tragedies would link these two teams, not once, but twice. Add the Sammy Sosa-Mark McGuire homerun chase in 1998, and I begin to wonder if there is some karmic lesson to be learned.
Middle reliever Josh Hancock was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning when his Ford Explorer crashed into a tow truck that had stopped on the side of the road to assist another driver. Sunday’s night game between the Cardinals and Cubs at Busch Stadium was postponed while the Cardinals team deals with the tragedy.
Five years ago, a Cubs-Cardinals game was also postponed when Cardinals’ pitcher Darryl Kyle was found dead in his hotel room here in Chicago. It seems odd that these tragedies would link these two teams, not once, but twice. Add the Sammy Sosa-Mark McGuire homerun chase in 1998, and I begin to wonder if there is some karmic lesson to be learned.
No More Baby Bulls
It’s been a long time since I felt so much excitement about the Bulls in the postseason, about nine years in fact. While the Bulls have made the postseason the last two years, they did not make it out of the first round. Today, they took a big step forward by sweeping the defending champion Miami Heat during the first round of the NBA playoffs.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
Today’s 92-79 victory was not their best outing in the series. The Bulls shot only 34 percent from the field, but shot well from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, had only five turnovers and dominated defensively down the stretch to earn a meeting with the Detroit Pistons.
Watching today’s game, I could see a hunger and confidence in this Bulls’ team that I did not see last year in the playoffs. They are a more complete team, with a good, healthy balance of experience and youth. This team played with a chip on its shoulder, challenging the Heat to keep pace with them.
But did they leave everything they had on the basketball court in this series? Will they have anything left for the next series? Will they be prepared to battle the more powerful and experienced Pistons team, which won the NBA title two years ago?
The Bulls passed an important test today. The next test will begin next weekend in Detroit.
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