Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sporting Rants and Raves: July 25, 2009

Happy Birthday to Aunt Ruth...

Congratulations to Jeff on his wedding day...

And Happy 46th Birthday to Mr. Julian Hodgson, the "Grandmaster of Disaster". Mr. Hodgson, a particularly relentless chess player has earned many awards and accolades including International Master and Grandmaster in 1983 and 1988 respectively.

Big Ben accuser could get settlement
When I first read the article about Roethlisberger's alleged rape of a 31 year-old employee at a Lake Tahoe hotel, I immediately jumped to the conclusion that yet another football icon had fallen. Then I read a few more stories and wondered if this woman who had waited for a year was just trying to get some money and her five minutes of fame. My final thought on the topic... Is the money worth the fame? For some young athletes who earn far too much for playing a game, the money convinces them that they are all-powerful; and they act as such. See any of a number of professional athletes including a significant portion of the Cincinnati Bengals. For those athletes who don't consider themselves all-powerful, there is the risk that some crazy fan will create some ridiculous story that destroys that athlete's credibility not only with a fan base but also potentially with friends and family. So, again, I ask you; is it worth it? Doesn't seem so...

Joba leads Yanks to eighth straight win
Yes, I know. The Yanks are losing to Oakland 6-1 at the time this blog is being written. And yet, the Yankees have suddenly decided to play the game of baseball. Perhaps they can't beat teams in the West all too often. And perhaps they can't beat Boston either. But they can beat everyone else...

LeBron admits smoking pot in high school
Why is this the headline that results from the soon-to-be-released book written by James and co-author Buzz Bissinger (also author of Friday Night Lights)? Why is this a headline that causes so much buzz? Because marijuana is a drug? Because James is supposed to be a role model? Because the media wants to show that James is a repentant athlete? So what? Big deal! He smoked pot. He drank alcohol. He had sex with more than one girl. All in high school. Like half the other high school students.

Vick meets with NFL chief Goodell
Everyone has an opinion. Yes, that includes me. If I consider why the likes of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose were expelled from baseball, I must suggest that Michael Vick deserves another shot at football. He didn't harm the game of football with his actions; his choices did not causes severe harm to the league. Instead, his actions revealed his stupidity and insensitivity. Let's see if he learned anything from the time he did...

Contador on verge of Tour de France win
Mr. Alberto Contador has only a flat road to France between him and victory. As for Lance, well, I'd say third place after a 3.5 year retirement ain't half bad. I think we take it for granted, but he's really that good.

And now, on this very warm day in Seattle, I'm off to get a haircut. And then perhaps to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Until next I write, happy sporting...

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