Sports Hag

He Joe What Do Ya Know?

2008-10-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

He knows that he's on his way to the World Series and the Yankees didn't even make the playoffs! The LA Dodgers are on their way to the 2008 World Series after a sweep of the Chicago Cubs. I guess that Ol Yankee Money isn't as good as it used to be!

Roddick Rebound

2008-10-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

American Andy Roddick won the China Open on Sunday, ending the dream run of unseeded Israeli Dudi Sela with a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 victory.

Hang in there Andy! We're still rootn for ya! You got another major in Ya!

Weekly Upsets!!

2008-10-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here are your weekly upsets...

13 Auburn falls to 19 Vanderbilt
22 Fresno state takes it on the chin from unranked Hawaii in overtime
Unranked N Carolina takes it to Connecticut in a 26 point route!!!

Just Because!!!

2008-10-05T09:40:00.001-07:00

Tiger Boogie

2008-10-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

I want to take a minute to give a shout out to the Missouri Tigers, in particular Mom and Alice. Having a killer season behind the strength of quarterback and 2007 Heisman Trophy finalist Chase Daniel who threw three touchdown passes, and runningback Derrick Washington who ran for 139 yards and scored three times.

The fourth-ranked Tigers beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday night for their first win in Lincoln since 1978.

Horns Stampede the Rockies to Hook Buffs

2008-10-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Texas, behind the leadership of Colt Mccoy and Chris Ogbonnaya, took down CU 38-14 yesterday in Colorado. Colt had 2 TD passes which pushed him past Ricky "can't get much higher" Williams in Longhorn's all time list for touchdowns.

At the end of the game, the chant," Beat OU" could be heard from the crowd of Longhorn Loyals that made the trek to Boulder.And now let the stomach churning begin!!

What Goes Around Comes Around!!!

2008-10-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

My grandmother would not be happy. She was a strong believer that OJ was innocent. Of course her reasoning won't be shared out loud.

The law finally caught up with the guy in the strangest of places. It just seems odd, or eerily poetic, that the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL star would be brought down in Sin City. The jury convicted him on all counts of kidnapping and robbery.

Well Juice, 13 years after you got off on murder charges, you were eventually convicted.
Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Long Time Gone!!!

2008-10-04T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the large time gap. Too much traveling and moving over the last 3 months but Im back. And just in time....

Doubln' Down

2008-08-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

So the toughest double of the meet is set-up for tomorrow. Ryan "lover" Lochte will compete in the men's 200 backstroke and 200 IM tomorrow and go for gold. Standing in his way are Aaron Peirsol and Michael Phelps respectively.

I think he would go faster if he swam naked!

Another Triumph for Relay Star!!!

2008-08-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Jason Lezak, who swam the fastest anchor leg in history on the end of the 4 x 100 free relay, is able to capture his first individual Olympic medal!

Lezak tied for Bronze in the men's 100 freestyle! Congratulations to the old man! (he's 33)

Ready To Face Off

2008-08-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

In a rematch of the World Championships and the US Olympic Trials, co-world record holders in the 200 backstroke Aaron Peirsol and Ryan (sigh!) Lochte are headed into tomorrows final seeded 1-2.

Lover, I mean Lohte, has a very difficult double. After the finals of the 200 back he has one race until the final of the 200 IM where Michaels Phelps will be going for another win.

Good Luck baby!!! Youre gonna need it!

Still Talking Too Much!!

2008-08-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Rowdy Gaines just wont shut up!!! During the prelims of the 200 IM Gaines was still saying how all these races are probably taking a toll on Phelps. Gaines still doubts that Phelps can win 8. Im not guaranteeing that Phelps will win the 8 golds, but give me a better argument than, he's not prepared or getting tired!! So, here are my issues with this...
- This is the same person that said there is no way that the US could come back during the relay.
- This is the same person that thought Phelps was frustrated at how "hard the 200 fly hurt him" when in actuality he had water in his goggles.
- Giving advice on how Phelps should be swimming his races.

His ridiculous analysis isn't contained just to Phelps. He had moronic, insignificant, call outs about Aaron Peirsol and Natalie Coughlin as well. I notice he hasn't had much to say about Katie Hoff though.

If anyone knows how to contact NBC , let me know!!!

Yeah! More Diving

2008-08-13T17:24:00.000-07:00

Since my favorite Russian diver isn't participating in the 3m springboard synchronized diving, Ill take an opportunity to expand your interest and knowledge in the world of diving.

Meet Alexander Despatie of Canada. He's competing in the 3m springboard synchronized diving competition with his "best friend" whom he hand picked. I bet!

How's The Hoff??

2008-08-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Beijing is proving to be a much better hunting ground for world record holder Katie Hoff. Of her four events thus far, Hoff has collected Bronze in the 400 IM and Silver in the 400 free. In addition she just missed the podium in the 200 IM and 200 Freestyle, with teammate Natalie Caughlin collecting Bronze in the 200 IM.

Congratulations are certainly in order! But is Hoff happy with her performance so far? As the former world record holder in the 400 IM, if she had done her best time she wouldn't have beaten Aussie Stephanie Rice who bettered Hoffs World Record by over a second. In the 400 Freestyle however, Hoff was just touched out for the Gold Medal. If she had gone her best time, she would have been on top of the medal stand.

Then there is the 200 distances, both competed on the same day. After an American record in the 200 freestyle that lead to a 4th place finish, Hoff returned to the pool an hour later to compete in the 200 IM finishing 4th.

Though she has not yet struck gold, Hoff is still posting strong times and winning medals.. Hoff still has the 200 freestyle relay and the 800 freestyle to compete in. While her disappointment in not winning gold is evident on her face after each race, hopefully she will focus on her accomplishments rather than her lack of hardware.

I Told You So!!!!

2008-08-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

Im not one to say I told you so, but I think Rowdy needs help. Perhaps the Sportshag should be in the booth to be the voice of reason and the drama meter...since Im clearly more in tune to whats really happening.

Phelps verified that he swam the final of the 200 butterfly blind. On th start, Phelps goggles filled with water and he said that he could hardly see.

Hey Rowdy, youre such a drama queen. What the hell are you gonna do when those daughters of yours start dating? Youre gonna end up pulling those last two hairs out of your head.

And Of Course, Just Because!!!!!

2008-08-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

For Those Unfamiliar With Mr Berens

2008-08-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Thought you might like to know...

Pardon Me, I Mean 11

2008-08-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

Phelps and company take Gold in the 4x200 Free Relay. They broke the World Record by over 4 seconds and become the first ever to go under 7 minutes.

Joining Phelps in the final were Ryan "lots of love" Lochte, Longhorn Ricky Berens and Peter "PVK" Vanderkaay.

This is just unbelieveable! I mean the records are great but the photo op is priceless. It's like the GQ relay!

Iis Official!!!

2008-08-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Michael Phelps is officially the greatest Olympian of all time. He moved ahead of the likes of Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz with his win in the 200 meter Butterfly and hye broke his own world record by a .03.

He was not happy however. He hit the wall and immediately ripped off his goggles and cap and I noticed he was rubbing his eyes a bit. Rowdy Gaines commented that he thinks Michael was unhappy about how hard the race was to swim. That perhaps Phelps was unprepared for the toll that race and would take.on his body.

Are you on crack???? Michael Phelps not prepared for something? What rock did you crawl out from under? Will the real Rowdy Gaines please stand up?

Now I have no proof of this and Im just speculating, but I think Phelps swam that race with water in his goggles. For swimmers, thats the equivalent of swimming with one arm behind your back and he still kicked everyone's ass!!!

Congratulations Michael, the GREATEST OLYMPIAN IN HISTORY!!!

Momma's Boy

2008-08-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Debbie Phelps is AWESOME!!!! I say this because Ive seen what the parents of talented athletes can be like. What Olympic athlete is more gifted and / or a bigger star than Michael Phelps?

For as cool as the champion is before, during and after his races; it's great to see how nervous, excited and ultimately overjoyed his mother is for every race. Mom watches every race like it was his first age group meet. While the outcome of his races is all but decided before Michael even hits the water, his Mom watches as if each was his first...that the record setting 10 other Olympic Golds were nonexistent.

Mrs Phelps, you have done an amazing job!!! You're the only thing that could get the camera crew to take the cameras off the pool as your son sets yet another world record and earns another gold medal. Congratulations to you and your son on all of your collective achievements!!

More Credit!!

2008-08-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Credit Where Credit Is Due

2008-08-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

After the US mens ridiculous comeback in the 4x100 Free Relay, all the talk was about Michael Phelps. Yes Michael broke the American record on the leadoff leg, but the team wasn't ahead going into the last leg. They were in second by 2 body lengths the the French.

What is constantly missing from all the acclaim is the name Jason Lezak. You know, the one who anchored the relay and gunned down Frenchman Alain Bernard the former World Record holder. Oh and did I mention the fact that Lezak had the fastest relay split of all time.

Michael, you are the best swimmer in history but you can thank Lezak for keeping the hopes of 8 gold medals alive!

A Little Introduction To Russian Culture

2008-08-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Id like to introduce you to Gleb Alperin. Hes a member of the Russian diving team. I don't think that there is really much else I need to say.

Diving or Something

2008-08-12T17:05:00.000-07:00

So thats Sascha Klein. Hes a Diver from Germany who dove in the Men's Synchronized Diving in Beijing. I think he won a medal but Im not sure. Does it really matter? I mean honestly!

Just Because!!!

2008-08-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Diggin Deep In The Cradel

2008-08-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

The US Men's (and I use that term loosely) Gymnastics Team limped onto the podium for the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics. The ragtag group of alternates pulled off some of the best performances of their (very) young lives!! And I don't think any of them missed nap time either!

Phelps & Caughlin & Peirsol Oh My!!!!

2008-08-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Gold Medals, World Records and Olympic firsts were abound last night. First, of course Michael Phelps won the Gold in the Men's 200 Freestyle in World Record fashion. Peter Vanderkaay also was able to power home to take the Bronze. As a result of his win, Phelps is tied with Other Olympic greats such as Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz for the most Olympic gold medals by a single individual.

Longhorn Aaron Peirsol backed up his 2004 gold medal with a win and world record in the Men's 100 Backstroke. Peirsol held the previous record and has broken the World Record 5 times now. Fellow American Matt Grevers, all 6'8" of him :) raced home for the silver. It's the first race of the meet that the Americans have gone 1,2.

Natalie Caughlin is the first woman ever to win back to back (no pun intended) gold medals in the Women's 100 Backstroke. She did so in less than 59 seconds. This is the second time Caughlin has broken the 59 second barrier. Of course there is a little unfinished business.

Until the semis of the event, Caughlin held the World Record. Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe (and Longhorn Aquatics) broke the record.in her heat of the 100 back. Although she won the gold, Caughlin didn't get the record back. Of course, there is the lead off leg of the Medley Relay to consider. You think maybe Natalie has thought of that?

Shut The FUCK UP!!!!!

2008-08-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of Rowdy Gaines commentary of swimming events. Im not sure what his problem is but he is soooooooooo negative!!!! During the prelims of the mens 400 IM he was knocking Michael Phelps for swimming too hard and wasting energy, saying Phelps may pull out a 4:05 in the final. Instead, Phelps blew everyone out of the water and awent 4:03 and some change. Now, he's all over Brendan Hanson saying that he's not having a good meet. Um, last time U checked, the only time that matters is the one in the finals. Previously Gaines has seemed like an encyclopedia of swimming but it almost seems like he has lost his grip. I understand that when he competed, 24 YEARS AGO, that things were different and he seemed to be keeping up. Now, however, I would say that he's lost his edge and ability to understand what a toll a prelim, semi, and final schedule can take both physically and mentally. As a result, new tatics and strategies are taken. Hey Rowdy, lighten up!!! It's only the first day and we have 4 medals already! Jack Ass!!

Just Because!!!

2008-08-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

And They're Off

2008-08-09T09:15:00.001-07:00

American swimming golden boy Michael Phelps and sportshag's favorite swimming hotty Ryan Lochte are through to the final of the men's 400IM

In addition, Larson Gensen broke the American record in the 400 free during his preliminary race.

I feel some World Records coming on. This is gonna be some fast shit tonight!!!!!

SWEEP!!

2008-08-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Not only did the US Women's Fencing Team take the first US gold of the games, they thought they would just go ahead and take silver and bronze as well.

Mariel Zagunis lead the American sweep Women's Saber Fencing. Zagunis was the gold medalist from Athens as well.

Gettin Up On A Tough Day

2008-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

On a sad day for the US Volleyball community and the US Olympic Team in general, the US Women's Volleyball Team had to go out and take on a strong Japanese Team.

Playing with no doubt quite a bit of emotion, the women came through and beat the Japanese 2 games to 1.

Im glad I wasn't on the receiving end of some of that American power. Those bitches were CRUSHING that ball!!

This Is Not What This Is Supposed To Be About!!

2008-08-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

The father of former U.S. Olympian Elisabeth Bachman and her husband, U.S. men's volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon, was the victim of a deadly stabbing attack at a tourist site in Beijing on the first day of the Olympic Games.

Todd Bachman of Lakeville, Minn. was killed while his wife, Barbara, suffered "serious and life-threatening" injuries.

A Chinese woman serving as a tour guide with the Americans was also injured. The attacker then committed suicide by throwing himself off a 130-foot-high balcony of the ancient landmark the Americans were visiting.

Im Sure Tara Feels MUCH Better

2008-08-08T13:24:00.000-07:00

The Following Is An Open Letter from Chuck Wielgus in Response to the Jessica Hardy/Tara Kirk Situation (8/7/2008) that was posted on usaswimming.org

There is a great deal of misinformation being circulated about the situation regarding Tara Kirk. What has transpired over the past two weeks is incredibly unfortunate, and we must carefully evaluate what has happened to see what can be done to keep anything like this from happening again in the future.

For now, though, I'd like to try and set the record straight on a few items. First, none of this would have ever happened if Jessica Hardy had not tested positive for a banned substance. However, even when Jessica did test positive and was formally charged by USADA with a doping offense, she had the right to defend herself against this charge; remember, ours is a system in which you are innocent until proven guilty. Even after being charged, and throughout the time of her appeals process, Jessica retained her position on the Olympic Team. Subsequently, Ms. Hardy's hearing took place on July 31 and on August 1 she withdrew from the team.

Many people have suggested that at the time we knew that Jessica tested positive that we should have added alternates (including Tara Kirk) to the team. Unfortunately, the team selection procedures do not allow for the discretionary addition of alternates. If the procedures did permit this we would have immediately added Scott Usher (who finished in 3rd place at the Trials) as an alternate in the Men's 200 Meter breaststroke event in case it became necessary for Eric Shanteau to withdraw from the team and seek treatment for his cancer. As it was, and under the selection procedures, we were unable to add Scott as an alternate.

The procedures also clearly state that we were to submit our entries to the USOC by July 21 and that after July 21 no new swimmers could be added to the team. Furthermore, the procedures are very clear about what happens if an athlete withdraws from the team after July 21. If this happens, then a new swimmer is not added to the team, rather a member of the existing team is moved into that vacant event position and the selection of that athlete is based on which team member had the fastest time in that event between January, 2006 and July 6, 2008. So, if Eric Shanteau had to withdraw from the team after July 21 then Scott Usher could not be added to the team and instead the event position would have gone to Brendan Hansen, who finished 4th at the Trials, but who had the fastest time within the previously noted timeframe.

This example I have used is practically identical to the situation we faced with Jessica Hardy and Tara Kirk. In this latter case, however, two things have inflamed the issue: (1) Jessica's Hardy's positive test and the disrepute this brought to the sport; and (2) the notion that in our sport "the wall decides" and that if one of the top two finishers becomes ineligible then the vacated spot should go to the 3rd place finisher. As noted, however, Ms. Hardy did not become ineligible until August 1 and being that this was past the July 21 deadline there was no choice but to go to the "replacement" procedures to determine who would swim in the 100 Meter Breaststroke; and this was Rebecca Soni.

I hope this explanation is helpful. I realize that many people are very upset about this situation, but I also hope that those who are upset will try to understand the position that USA Swimming was in. While many people have suggested that I or others should have intervened and usurped the rules, this would have been completely unjustified and inappropriate. I have no doubt that we will be carefully re-evaluating the selection procedures following these Olympic Games and looking to make changes that will seek to eliminate similar problems in the future.

Another One Bites The Dust

2008-08-08T13:17:00.000-07:00

Maria Sharipova will miss not only the Olympic Games due to a shoulder injury, but she has pulled out of the U.S. Open as well. This will be the first major championship she'll miss since her first Grand Slam in 2003.

In a posting on her Web site Friday she said that she probably won't need surgery and could be ready to play in two to three months.

"It hurts me so much to miss the Olympics and the U.S. Open, you have no idea," she said. "Just to type those words hurt!!"

Well at least the tournament will go faster this year and it should be a little quieter.

Strong Gene Pool

2008-08-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dinara Safina of Russia easily handled unseeded Dominika Sebulkova of Slovakia in a 6-2, 6-1 victory at Uniprix Stadium on Sunday to win the Rogers Cup.

Sound familiar? Dinara is the sister of super tennis hotty Marat Safin. Or is it just Marat is drag? Perhaps this brother and sister pair are too much alike. Sweet baby.

Just Because!!!

2008-08-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

And The Winner Is...

2008-08-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Former No. 1 Marat Safin ontinued his slow climb back toward the top of the rankings with a 6-3, 6-4 win over John Isner in the first round of the Countrywide Classic on Tuesday afternoon.

Clearly you can see why it was important to post this information.

Hope He's Not Fibbing

2008-08-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

Since signing Brett Favre, the New York Jets released former starter Chad Pennington to clear salary-cap space for the former Packer superstar. Dont fret for Penny though.

According to ESPN.com. about half a dozen teams already have contacted Pennington's agent to express interest in signing the eight-year NFL veteran.

But does anyone really believe an agent? Wasn't Penny out for most of last season with a shoulder injury? Im just sayn'.

Tonights The Night!!!

2008-08-08T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics are tonight!!!!!!!

Just Because!!!

2008-08-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Time Goes By, So Slowly

2008-08-07T05:49:00.000-07:00

23 hours left until the Opening Ceremonies. For those of you who have always wanted to see me cry, this may be your chance. The Olympics is my one weakness!! But Im not promising anything.

Im Leavn' On A JET Plane

2008-08-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

Favre has been traded to the New York Jets. F**k Green Bay. Now I can go see him play. Im sure the cost of tickets has skyrocketed with this news.

2 Of A Kind

2008-08-07T05:27:00.000-07:00

Well, they aren't twins for nothing. Like his twin brother Paul, Morgan Hamm has pulled out of the Olympics with an ankle injury.

“I have been dealing with this for the last year, and it recently has gotten worse here in Beijing,” Hamm said in a statement. “Right now I am unable to perform my tumbling skills at the level that I need to. This has an impact on my ability to contribute to the team’s goals, and I believe by continuing I would be putting myself at further risk. There are two very capable athletes who can step in and help this team more than I can right now.”

Boy they're dropping like flys. Of course if it was Kerry Strug she would be performing on one foot.

Heart Break

2008-08-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

It looks like the challenge is over. Jessica Hardy has withdrawn from the 2008 US Olympic Women's Swim Team due to her positive drug results from the Olympic Trials. Hardy still plans to challenge the result but more study of the samples is going to need to take place for her to refute the charges.

This just sucks all the way around! It sucks for her (as I said Im considering her innocent until proven guilty). It sucks for the girls that placed third in her races because it is too late for them to be added to the team roster. And it sucks for the US! The relays will be weakened by her absence. Im not sure who to be mad at but I sure am disappointed!

Git A Rope!

2008-08-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

This makes me sick! Due to Antonio Pettigrews doping scandal and resulting admission, the International Olympic Committee has stripped gold medals from the U.S. men's 1,600-meter relay team that competed at the 2000 Olympics.

This man should be on his way to the nearest tall bridge. I can only imagine the disappointment the other members of this team must feel.

Just Because!!!

2008-07-31T18:13:00.001-07:00

Is Nadal Ready?

2008-07-31T16:27:00.000-07:00

After Roger Federer's loss today in the Round of 16 at the Cincinnati Masters Tennis Tournament, Rafa Nadal can take the number 1 spot away from Federer for the first time in 4 years. All he has to do is win the title.

Sounds daunting until you realize that Nadal has won the last 5 tournaments he has played in, including Wimbledon and the French Open. While I hate to see Federer's record run at number 1 end, it seems only right for Nadal to be at 1.

Of course, pressure and the likes of Andy Roddick and Novak Djokavic may have something to say about it. Maybe if he gets the number 1 spot he'll quit wearing those stupid cropped pants

Watch Out For The Curves on Mullholland

2008-07-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

All the talk finally came to fruition. Former Red Sox slugger Manny "Just Being Manny" Ramirez has finally been traded. His new home? Los Angeles, Ca.

There has been talk for the past few years with Manny having no qualms taking his issues to the media. This year the team had finally had enough. The deal was a three team arrangement between LA, Boston, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

You gotta wonder what was going on for him to be so unhappy and for the Sox to let the MVP of the 2004 World Series go. Perhaps someone should send Red Sox upper management a copy of "Who Moved My Cheese?"

Adding To The Star Wattage

2008-07-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

The Yankees are at it again. Last night they acquired catcher and 14 time All-Star is batting .295 this season with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 82 games. In 18 seasons with the Rangers, Marlins and Tigers, he's hit .302 with 293 homers and 1,214 RBIs.

Currently the Yankees are in 3rd place behind the Red Sox and Tampa Bay. I can't figure it out. They haven't been able to buy a World Championship, yet they continue to try. Of course, maybe they realize they aren't getting any better and they hope that by buying up all the good players that everyone else will just get worse.

Of course this is a match made in heaven, Pudge does have a statue of himself in his yard at home.

.

Can I Borrow Some Pee?

2008-07-31T06:23:00.000-07:00

A major doping scandal involving the Russian track and field team came to light Thursday. Track and field's governing body provisionally suspending six Russian athletes after a long-running investigation.

Among those suspended is 25-year-old Yelena Soboleva, the world indoor record holder in the 1500 meters. The athletes are accused of fraudulently substituting urine.

Officials deliberately stored and then re-tested samples using "comparative DNA techniques" -- the suggestion being that the samples contained shared DNA, an obvious impossibility.

The IAAF carried out what it called a "specific investigation" for more than a year.

I love that they got busted!! Not only are they cheaters, but they are piss smugglers too!!

Oakland To Cooper's Town

2008-07-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Brad Ziegler set the major league record for scoreless innings to start a career. Ziegler gave up two singles in two innings to extend his scoreless streak to 27 and break a record that had stood since 1907.

Afterward, the 28-year-old kept two balls from his outing but planned to send the rest -- along with a pair of his shoes and a hat -- to the Hall of Fame."I don't know if that's something I'd ever thought I'd have to do as long as it wasn't a real embarrassing moment or someone else's highlight, but it's pretty incredible," Ziegler said. "It's real special. I feel like I've worked real hard to get here. Thankfully it's not over yet. Hopefully we can keep it going."

Man on a Mission

2008-07-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal beat Nicolas Kiefer 6-3, 6-2 on Sunday to win the Rogers Cup, his fifth straight tournament victory.

Plus, it gives me another reason to put up a pic of this man

Just Because!!!

2008-07-28T10:35:00.001-07:00

Blow to US Men's Gymnastics

2008-07-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

U.S. gymnast Paul Hamm announced on Monday he was withdrawing from the U.S. team because his broken right hand was not sufficiently healthy enough in addition to hurting his rotator cuff in his accelerated recovery effort.

"I have put my heart and soul into my comeback and done everything I could to get ready in time to compete in Beijing," Hamm said in a statement. "At this point in time, the success of the team and fairness to the team, and the alternates, is most important. While I am very disappointed, I feel I can wait no longer to make this decision."

This was surely a tough decision for the Mousekateer (if youve ever heard him speak you know what I mean) and we wish him the best and admire his sportsmanship in making this difficult decision. M-I-C "see you real soon..."

Once concelation for the Hamm family is that identical twin Morgan will still compete for team USA

Looking Good!!

2008-07-27T17:42:00.000-07:00

Now that the team has been selected and they have completed their first of 2 pre-Beijing camps, the coaches are ready to update us.

http://usaswimming.org/usasweb/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=80&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&ItemId=2135&mid=1707

Manny Being Manny

2008-07-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

So, another year and another Manny Ramirez trade rumor. If anything REALLY happens...

Just Because!!!

2008-07-25T19:55:00.001-07:00

Ha! Ha!

2008-07-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

Guess who gets to go to a game in Yankee Stadium?
Thanks Yvonne!!!

Hang In There

2008-07-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Olympic Phenom Dara Torres' coach, Michael Lohberg, was stricken with a rare, potentially fatal blood disorder that has left his star swimmer devastated and prone to crying jags two weeks before the Beijing Games.

"It's just been an emotional roller coaster. I'm in total shock," Torres told The Associated Press by phone Friday from the U.S. team's training camp in Palo Alto, Calif. "I cry a lot and get very emotional."

Torres found out Tuesday before practice that Lohberg has aplastic anemia, in which the bone marrow doesn't produce enough new cells, leading to fatigue, increased risk of infection and uncontrolled bleeding. Treatment can involve blood transfusions or a bone marrow transplant.

Best wishes to Michael and his Family.

Now Who Should Be Tested For Drugs

2008-07-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

A minor league pitcher, who was accused of throwing a ball that hit a fan during a bench-clearing brawl, was arraigned Friday on a felonious assault charge via video from the Montgomery County jail and ordered held on $50,000 bond.

Yes, thats right. He threw a ball at a fan. Not one of the other players, not another coach, but a fan in the bleachers.

Really???

The fan, who remains unidentified, was treated at Miami Valley Hospital and released, said hospital spokeswoman Nancy Thickel. She didn't know the extent of the fan's injuries. If convicted, Castillo would face up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

IDIOT!!!!

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

2008-07-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Normally I look at Athletes accused of doping and frown. Well, not so much with a frown as with total and complete disgust. As everyone knows now, Jessica Hardy of the United States women's Swim Team has been accused of using a performance enhancing substance. We were initially lead to believe that the two viles of blood that were drawn During the Olympic Trials came back with a large amount of a performance enhancing substance. Now more information is coming to light.

NBCOlympics.com is reporting that there were more than just two tests done on Hardy. According to her attorney, Hardy was tested three times during the trials in Omaha, Neb. The results were negative for the samples taken on July 1, after she won the 100-meter breaststroke, and on July 6, shortly after she claimed another individual spot on the team by finishing second to Dara Torres in the 50 freestyle.

But Hardy's ``A'' and backup ``B'' samples both came back positive - for what her attorney said was low amounts of the drug Clenbuterol - from a test on July 4, when she finished fourth in the 100 freestyle.

If she did do this, I hope that she understands that she screwed other girls out of their dreams who worked very hard and made tremendous sacrifices only to be fucked by a cheater.

That being said, if it is proven that the 2 positive tests could be tainted, I will be behind her 100% because I know that in alot of people's minds, there will always be a question mark by her name.

Check Please!!

2008-07-23T20:29:00.001-07:00

In his first tournament since Wimbledon, world #1 Roger Federer goes down in the 2nd round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The giant slayer is Gilles Simon of France.

"The problem was my game today," Federer said. "As the match went on I struggled a little bit to put the forehands away," Federer said. "He's a good baseliner. We saw that today. He moves well. He's deceiving because he's kind of thin and tall but moves really well for his height, you know. He flicks a lot of balls with his backhand as well, so when you come in you can't see where he plays."

Come on Rog! The Wimbledon final was amazing and everything, but I really liked it alot more when you won everything. Of course, Im not a fair weather fan, just don't push it.

Dirty Girl

2008-07-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Swimmer Jessica Hardy has tested positive for a banned substance. Hardy, 21, was tested at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Both her A and B samples have come back positive.

Arbitration proceedings have been expedited to resolve whether she will remain eligible for the 2008 Olympics.

I hope there is a good explanation for this. Of course Im not sure what it would be.

Just Because!!!

2008-07-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

How Dare They Try and Keep Him From Us!!

2008-07-23T17:57:00.001-07:00

From Yahoo Sports: Caleb Campbell will not get a chance to play for the Detroit Lions because of a change in military policy.

Campbell was a seventh-round draft pick for the Lions in April. At the time, Army policy would have allowed the West Point graduate to serve as a recruiter if he made the team.

But a subsequent Department of Defense policy has superseded the 2005 Army policy.

In a letter to Lions president Matt Millen dated Wednesday, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Liba wrote that Campbell has been ordered to give up professional football for “full-time traditional military duties.”

Liba wrote that 2nd Lt. Campbell may ask to be released from his active duty obligations in May 2010.

Liba said Campbell was allowed to enter the draft “in good faith.”

I LOVE Surfing!!

2008-07-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Kelly Slater won the 2008 Billabong Pro-Jay Bay surf competition. With this win, those in the know are saying that he has solidified himself as the best surfer of all time.

And now I get to post a picture of him :-) Im gonna start watching the surf reports more closely!

Building-up to the Open

2008-07-23T16:08:00.000-07:00

Andy Roddick won his second-round match in Toronto at the Rogers Cup tennis tournament Tuesday.
Roddick needed just 28 minutes to take both the first and third sets. Roddick was especially strong in the third, hitting six of his 18 aces in the final nine games and going 15-for-15 in first serve points won.

And now we get to post another picture of him...

Home Run Sizemore

2008-07-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

The Indians are losing to the Angels 14-8 in the top of the 8th but Grady Sizemore just hit a solo homerun. I think thats plenty of reason to post a picture of him don't you?

Yoo Betta' Recanize!!

2008-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

The University of Texas will retire the Jerseys of 2 of their most popular athletes of the new decade. Basketball player Kevin Durant and Vince Young, Quarterback of the National Champion Longhorn football team Vince Young will be honored by the University in the 2008-09 school year. Durant is currently playing hoops for the Seattle Supersonics while Young is the QB for the Tennessee Titans. Young was also listed on the ESPN 25 greatest college football players of all time.

Hook 'Em Horns!!

Good To Go

2008-07-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Eric Shanteau, who was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer 1 week before the Olympic Trials, has been cleared to head to Beijing with the rest of the U.S. swim team.

Eddie Reese, the Men's Olympic Team Coach, said Wednesday that Shanteau just got the results of his final blood tests at the team's training camp in Palo Alto, Calif. They showed no spread of the cancer. "The bloodwork says he is ready to go straight through Beijing," Reese said.

As If This Really Needed Explaining

2008-07-23T12:30:00.001-07:00

Melvin Stewart, Olympic Gold Medalist and Former World Record Holder, penned a great article on the sex appeal of swimmers for swimnetwork.com. http://swimnetwork.com/articles/article/news/20080721/gold_medal_mel__swimming_s_sex_appeal-15410.html

Personally I always thought this was implied but apparently he received some flack after addressing the sex appeal of Michael Phelps in a previous article. Take a gander it's a great read.

Just Because!!!

2008-07-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

Finally!! This Should Help Ratings!!

2008-07-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Go to the link below to see the WNBA finally attempt a ratings hike!

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3501154&categoryId=3414465

Spartacus, 2008

2008-07-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

A-Rod signs another major contract this season. This one was penned by the William Morris Agency in an attempt to extend the slugger's brand beyond the baseball diamond.

“Partnering with William Morris will enable me to broaden the scope of my career in creative and innovative ways,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I’m excited to see what we will be able to accomplish together, both domestically and abroad.”

Personally I believe he should just dive right in and take a bite out of something that will really challenge him. Something that is thought provoking, requires him to really tap into his emotions, and requires a number of nude scenes!

How Bout Some New Adds While We Wait?

2008-07-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Tony Dungy said he was optimistic Peyton Manning's valuable knee issue could be resolved quicker than most people expect. Dungy fully expects Manning to be ready week 1 and says that there is even the possibility Manning may play in the pre-season.

"I have talked to Peyton and we're just following the doctors instructions right now," Dungy said. "I'm hoping for four weeks, but if he's truly out six weeks, I think it will be hard to keep him out. However it goes, he'll be ready when he comes back."

Manning had surgery last week to remove an infected bursa sac, a procedure doctors said would require four to six weeks to heal

VERY! VERY! Sad News

2008-07-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

While I reserve this site for mostly sports news, this woman's work on one of my favorite TV shows brought me as much happiness as any sport.

Golden Girl Estelle Getty passed away this morning at the age of 84. While she will be missed dearly by her family, we know that she is in a better place. Best wishes to her family and friends.

Very Big News!

2008-07-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Tommy Haas advanced to the second round of the Rogers Cup with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Carlos Moya on Tuesday.

No real reason to report this other than it gives me a reason to post a picture of Tommy Haas

Just Because!!!

2008-07-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

Brian Urlahhhhhhhcher

2008-07-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Blah! Blah! Blah! Chicago Bears
Blah! Blah! Blah! Re-negotiate
Blah! Blah! Blah! Millions of Dollars
Just look at him. Thats worth a million right there!!!

Shock to the Saints

2008-07-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

Former NY football Giants TE Jeremy Shockey has been traded to the New Orleans Saints. A member of the 2008 World Championship Team may be just the key that the Saints have been missing to finally make a run deep into the playoffs and possibly to the Super Bowl.

As for the Giants, the retirement of Michael Strahan and now the loss of Shockey may leave too big a hole for the Giants to fill.

Good Luck...I guess

2008-07-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

Andy Roddick has decided to skip the Beijing Olympics to focus on the US Open. "I'll be a huge fan watching it [the Games] from home. [My decision] had to do more with at the end of my career I want to have been making runs in Slams. … I didn't feel like a trip to Beijing, followed by playing a first-round match five days later at the U.S. Open was the best preparation for Flushing." says Roddick.

I gotta say, I am an Olympic freak. I don't think that there is anything more prestigious than being able to say that you were an Olympian, moreover an Olympic medalist. But, Im also a big Roddick fan and wish him the best at the Open. Perhaps he can get past the 3rd round this year.

That's Not Very Lady Like!!

2008-07-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

The buzz Saturday in Lexington, Ohio was around the confrontation between Danica Patrick and Fellow female driver Milka Duno.

After finishing a practice run, Patrick quickly argued with the less experienced driver about getting in her way several times.

The altercation lasted only about a minute, but witnesses said it grew heated and that Duno flung a towel in Patrick's direction at one point.

MEOW!!! I can hear the men in pit row now, :" Anyone got some mud?"

And yes I am very aware that the picture I posted has nothing to do with racing. But hey, she posed for it.

Timberlake Hits It Out!!!!!

2008-07-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have been a fan of Justin Timberlake's music since back in the N'Sync days. I have all his CD's and my ears perk up anytime I hear that he has had a hand in co-writing or producing somebody's work.

Last night though, I became a true JT fan. He was the host of the ESPN, ESPY awards and I mean to tell ya, he really did an amaing job!!! If you didn't get a chance to see it, Im sure that there are clips on youtube and of course ESPN will probably run it a few more times.

He was an absolute natural. He was hilarious and didn't miss a beat! And for such a big star, he really seemed like a kid in a candy store around all the athletes. I hope that the producers of the show realize what an amazing addition he was and have had the foresight to book him for next year.

Anyone Think Gina Was There?

2008-07-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday on an American Airlines flight from Boston to LA, there was a little issue. A man in his 20's (name was not released) caused a lttle scene by stripping naked and subsequently triying to jump out of the plane.

Luckily, Members of the New England Revolution, a Major League Soccer Team, were among those who grabbed the passenger near an exit door. They held the guy down while a flight attendant fastened tie wraps on the man. The plane made an emergency landing in Oklahoma City where the man was taken into custody and placed under psychiatric evaluation.

PLEASE let there be a follow-up report on her... I mean this article.

Just Because!!!

2008-07-16T12:26:00.001-07:00

Holes In The Story

2008-07-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this on ESPN.com this morning I really went back and forth on whether or not to post it. I REALLY want to believe Clemens on this deal and at first is looked like the magic bullet, or needle, that was gonna bury him, or just puncture him. Now this chapter has gotten a little more interesting.

Convicted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski told ESPN.com that while he was moving a broken television off a dresser in the bedroom of his Long Island home last Sunday night, he found a shipping receipt for Human Growth Hormone that he claims to have sent to Clemens' Houston home in 2002 or 2003. Radomski said he found that receipt, along with "seven or eight others" for shipments to other baseball players, under the TV.

Now, Im no genius, but here are a few things to think about...
1) Did he really put HGH on the shipping receipt and wouldn't Fed-Ex or UPS have a copy of this?
2) As a controlled substance wouldn't there be a red flag since our buddy Kirk isn't a doctor?
3) Under the TV? Really? I mean, maybe a fire poof safe that the TV was sitting on. But just under the TV? Who is advising this guy?
4) 2002 or 2003? Again, the receipt. What kinda "receipt" doesn't have a place for the date on it? was this on a "while you were out" telephone message pad?
5) 7 or 8 other receipts. Should we really give up on a future hall of famer for a guy who can't count past 6?

Is anyone with me on this?

Duh? the Sky Is Blue Too

2008-07-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

The NFL has hired experts to study game footage to determine whether players are displaying gang signals as part of their on-field celebrations, the Los Angeles Times reports. "There have been some suspected things we've seen," said Milt Ahlerich, the league's VP of Security, according to the Times' report. "When we see it, we quietly jump on it immediately, directly with the team and the player or employee involved to cease and desist.
Period."

"We were always suspicious that this might be happening," said Mike Pereira, the NFL's VP of Officiating, according to the report.

So, does this mean that along with the NFL's "don't ask don't tell" steroid policy, they are going to initiate some sort of "backgraound check" too?

Gang signs in pro sports gained a higher profile during the NBA playoffs, when Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics was fined $25,000 for making "menacing gestures" toward the Atlanta bench..

Great! when the FCC gets ahold of this, everyone on TV will be forced to stand around with their hands behind their back; with all gesturing coming from their heads. I hope the American Epileptic Society doesn't get upset!

Rats!!!

2008-07-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Bottom of the 15th, bases loaded, Lights Out Lidge on the mound, the Texans' Michael Young at the plate...

Pop-up to right field...

Home-Run Derby Champ, Morneau tags up...

AL wins 4 - 3.

No Reason Needed

2008-07-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Im still and NL fan, but I was kinda' hoping that Grady Sizemore was gonna be the hero for the AL in the 10th so that I could post his picture.

But Honestly, with a mug like that do I really need a reason?

Extra Innings!!!

2008-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

At the end of 9, the NL and AL are tied at 3. In extra-inning games, the NL is 9-0-1
WOO-HOO
Go NL

Josh "Stretch" Grobin

2008-07-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Not to jinx it, but in what is turning out to be a tight pitchers duel, the National League is leading the American League 2 - 0 at the 7th inning stretch of the MLB All-Star Game.

Josh Grobin just sang God Bless America. Amazing!!! Of course, perhaps he should have been the starter. Cheryl Crow sang the National Anthem at the outset of the game. Now, Im a fan of Cheryl Crow she is great at the folksy, rock/country thing that she does.

But, this is Yankee Stadium, New York City, and the All Star Game. I need to be blown through the back of my couch by some Diva with a face full of makeup, belting out a National Anthem with a run at the end that will make the hair on my ass stand up! Hell, prop Whitney up out there on a gurney. Bitch still has the best voice on the planet!

Johnny Be Good

2008-07-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Johnny Damon, eligible to be activated from the DL on Sunday, continues to have soreness in his injured left shoulder, and won't likely start hitting off a tee until at least late this week. He only took treatment on Tuesday.

This is Damon's first time ever on the DL. He sprained and bruised his left shoulder when he crashed into the left-field fence trying for a leaping catch against Boston

"It feels a little better today," Damon said. "It still feels horrible waking up. I'm still kind of down because I know [Yankees manager Joe] Girardi wants to put me in the lineup on Sunday and I'm not sure we can do that."

I wonder if he's letting his hair grow back out a little while he's on the DL. Or do the Yankees not allow that either?

Manning on the Mend

2008-07-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning had a medical procedure Monday to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee.

A Bursa (not to be confused with the Hermes Birkin) is a small fluid-filled sac made of white fibrous tissue and lined with synovial membrane. It provides a cushion between bones and tendons and/or muscles around a joint. Bursae are found around almost every major joint of the body; when they become inflamed, the condition is called bursitis.

The Colts medical staff expects Manning to have "a full and complete return to action" in four to six weeks. Colts training camp begins July 25.

It Aint A Sprint

2008-07-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Josh Hamilton may have had the biggest first round and the 3 longest shots, but he couldnt bring it home in the end.

Enter Justin Morneau. With a restart after the first round, the Minnesota Twins 1st baseman edged out the Texas slugger for the title.

Things Are Bigger In Texas

2008-07-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Josh Hamilton just set a new All-Star Home Run Derby record for the number of homeruns in the 1st round. The new record is 28. My newest crush is Josh Hamilton. Its ok Lochte, you and Beckham are still at the top of the list.

Now more importantly, Josh plays for the Texas Rangers. As soon as I hit send on this post, Im finding out when the Rangers are coming to LA.

Did somebody say something about the lack of Yankees in the Derby line-up? Scared of a little competition, in more than one department.

Ummm, Yeah, Ana Kornawho?

2008-07-14T17:38:00.001-07:00

This is the #1 ranked women's tennis player in the world. Her name is Ana Ivanovic. She is from Serbia. She has a killer forehand.

I cant' imagine why the women's tennis TV ratings are so high

Can I Get The Purchasers Number?

2008-07-14T16:55:00.000-07:00

A baseball cap worn by NY Yankees slugger Babe Ruth has been auctioned for a record $328,000 on Monday. The sweat-stained cap from around the 1920s sold at an auction of Yankees memorabilia in New York.

Now, look, did anyone do a DNA test on this? I mean, Ive got some sweaty caps that, if DNA tests aren't used, could very well be Nolan Ryan's from his days with the Astros. Do I hear $20? How about $30? I got rent to pay. I don't think that the dues on Babe's plot will suck up that money. Of course, his food bill might still be quite high. Im just sayn'

Barry, You Watchn? Take Notes!!

2008-07-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

A- Rod didn't flinch when the first Madonna reference came about 10 minutes into the media session today. He answered with the same relaxed expression and casual tone he used to describe the honor of playing in the final All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

"You have to take the good with the bad and not take yourself too seriously," he explained later. "I think that's the one thing that over the first four or five years [in New York] i learned."

"Look, everyone has distractions," Rodriguez replied. "Everyone goes through personal issues. Mine are on the front page of the papers. I'm fine with it. ... You have to deal with that, challenging times."

It bares repeating, Barry you listening and taking notes?

Things That Make Me Smile!!!

2008-07-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Frustrated by the baseballwide lack of interest in his client, Agent Jeff Borris said Monday that he has all but given up hope of finding a job for the home run king in 2008.

Borris said he recently offered Bonds' services to "numerous" clubs for the major league-minimum salary of $390,000. When Borris couldn't find a taker, he concluded that Bonds will not be playing in the big leagues this season.

Ok first of all. my issue with Bonds isn't the steroid thing. Until they can prove he did steroids I simply dislike him for his attitude. If the minimum salary for MLB is almost $400k, there is a whole lot that I could put up with for that. And so could alot of people. Meanwhile, his attitude and ego during this whole thing are why the story of nobody wanting him makes me smile.