If you've been living on the planet earth for the last 24 hours, chances are good you've seen the video. But for those that have just returned from the planet Ork to pay homage to the late Robin Williams -- this is what happened.....
On a casino elevator in Atlantic City, his then fiance (now wife) got up in his face and former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocked her flat out cold with a Mike Tyson-esque left hook. Upon seeing the video from inside the elevator, the Ravens immediately terminated Rice's contract and the NFL suspended him indefinitely. All that is pretty much common knowledge at this point and the talking heads are doing what they do. Rehashing the same news over and over and over again.
But here's what they're NOT talking about. There's another dark side to this story.
The original incident occurred way back in February. Over six months ago. Until today, both the Ravens and the NFL have maintained they never saw the video before. It has been reported that Roger Goodell and company requested the video all along, but were denied. So in fairness to Goodell, he acted upon the information he DID have and originally suspended Rice for 2 games.
Is Rice at fault? Absolutely. But there are shadowy others that should share major culpability as well in this fiasco. Namely the cops and prosecutors. Though officially unknown, there's an extremely high probability the cops obtained that video within a day or two of the original incident. Typically, whatever evidence the cops have, the prosecutors get within a few days.
Which basically means both the cops and prosecutors sat on this recently released video for months, refusing to release it. Why it finally came out would seem to be a good question. The better question is -- why would they hold it back for 6 months? By doing so, neither the Ravens nor the NFL knew exactly what had happened in that elevator, which allowed a process flawed at its core to play out for those same 6 months.
Goodell was operating semi-blind, and no way were the Ravens going to dump their star running back without a REALLY good reason. They didn't have one.
Consider --- though originally charged with aggravated felonious assault, the prosecutors were content with letting Rice enter a "diversion" program. No trial, let alone possible jail time. If he kept his nose clean, even THIS incident would have been expunged from his record like it never happened. That agreement is still in effect.
From the Ravens point of view at the time, they certainly had no reason to come down hard on Rice, given the authorities themselves were treating it like a parking ticket.
Of course, the recent video changed all that in a big way. Rice's career as an NFL player might very well be over. Sure, even if his NFL suspension is ever lifted -- no given -- other teams will suffer injuries at the running back positions and be looking around for replacements. Few would doubt Ray Rice, at age 27, remains a Top 10 NFL running back. But can you imagine the bad publicity and outcry from various folks that would come along with any other team signing him? Desperate for a running back, would an NFL GM dare bring in Rice, even if playoff implications were involved? Unknown. That left hook may have sealed the deal on him ever wearing an NFL uniform again. Right or wrong, some things just don't go away.
Naturally, there's always the hypocrisy factor. Former Raven, and one time teammate of Rice, Ray Lewis has come out with a public statement on the matter. He takes it personally. Remember, Lewis himself was once up to his eyeballs in a double murder investigation. Two guys got stabbed to death. Lots of blood. The white suit Lewis was wearing at the time while at the scene of the crime was never found. By attempting to turn state's evidence on his alleged accomplices (who were subsequently acquitted), Lewis walked with only a minor obstruction of justice charge. In the end, the two victims are still quite dead, but nobody was ever convicted of their murders. Lewis went on to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame and is currently a talking head on football programs himself. But he takes this Rice incident personally. Right, but excuse me for thinking something is wrong with this picture.
Thing is, even given the recent video, the prosecutors can't go back and recharge Rice with a more serious offense. They already cut their slap on the wrist deal with him. Why they would have done so in the first place, when they were aware of the video all along is the question reporters should unmercifully hound them about until ALL the truth comes out. But they won't. They're too busy focusing on the obvious. And in a week or so, if not less, another "big" story will come along, and they'll go chasing the latest scoop. The Rice matter will quickly fade away in their rear view mirror. And the cops and prosecutors that truly obstructed justice for over 6 months will never be held accountable.
Ray Rice is only a football player. He just got banged, at least career-wise. Cops will forever hide behind their blue wall of silence and prosecutors have immunity for their misdeeds.
And the beat goes on, but that doesn't make it right......
Monday, September 8, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
A headline and the Detroit Tigers
Interesting headline seen recently -- Truancy Task Force says (school) attendance is key to achievement (of their goal).
Well, butter my butt and call me the world's ugliest biscuit. These people are GENIUSES to come up with such a brilliant solution. And for the small fee of 50 bucks, they'll allow you to listen in on one of their brainstorming sessions. One word -- puh-leeze.
But back to sports. Don't look now Detroit Tiger fans, but that ticking you hear getting louder in the background is the playoff clock winding down on your team. They were supposed to win the AL Central Division going away -- remember? With about only 20 games remaining, they find themselves 2 behind the KC Royals, who have a very favorable remaining schedule, and in a virtual tie with the Seattle Mariners for the second/last wild card spot.
After all the hoopla about the Tigers having the best starting pitching rotation in all of baseball, and adding David Price to boot, things don't seem to be working out.
Former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander is a journeymanesque 12-12, with an ERA approaching 5.
Fellow former Cyster Price is only 13-11, and has gone 2-3 since he joined the Tigers. This wasn't supposed to happen to a couple "aces", but it has. Anabel Sanchez remains on the shelf with an injury, and whether he can return or not this year is unknown. Even if he can, how effective would he be after such a long lay-off?
Relative (25) youngster Rick Porcello has pitched fairly well over the season. He was considered a good pitcher, but after starting out hot, he's come back to earth with a 15-10 record. Lately, Ricky P has been shelled here and there. Perhaps the long season is finally taking its toll on him.
Max Scherzer has followed up a Cy Young year with yet another stellar campaign (15-5). But here's the thing about Scherzer ---- after this season -- color him gone from the Tigers.
Before this season started, Scherzer turned down a whopping $140 million dollar long term contract extension to stay with Detroit. Even given his continued excellence, it's certainly debatable whether another team will offer him more next year. Turning down $140M guaranteed might not have been the smartest of moves. With that amount of dough a person can live in the lap of luxury for life. Does the name Juan Gonzalez ring a bell? Bet he still wishes he could have a mulligan on that decision back in 2000. Regardless, chances are mighty slim Scherzer will be wearing a Tiger uniform next year. Hey, he was born and bred in Missouri, even originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Maybe he'll pull a Lebron, sans the championship rings, and go back home for less money.
Hitting-wise, slugger Miguel Cabrera's numbers have come down a bit. Much has been made about him having a lingering sore ankle. That may be, but it's unrealistic to expect even Cabrera to put up outrageous Triple Crown numbers every year.
The Tigers signed perennial All-Star free agent Ian Kinsler away from Texas. He's been OK, but nothing terrific. Better than what they had before at second base, which was basically a ham sandwich with a glove.
On the positive side, Victor Martinez has been having a monster year. Yes, he's a good player, but few would have foreseen the success he has had this year with the bat. Along the same line, nobody, repeat NOBODY saw J.D. Martinez banging the ball all over the park the way he has this year for the Tigers.
So in the end, things sort of balance out. Some players perform better than expected, and others not as well. Ya win some -- ya lose some. And injuries are a crap shoot. Ya never know what the next pitch, swing, or play in the field will bring.
As mentioned above, KC plays the majority of its remaining games against sub- .500 teams. Meanwhile, the Tigers have a home-friendly (13 home, 6 away) schedule for the final three weeks. Normally, that would be considered an advantage, but the Tigers have actually been a better team on the road this year than in the friendly confines of Comerica Park. At home, they're a pedestrian 36-32. On the road, they're 42-33.
Nevertheless, it's 143 down and 19 to go for the Tigers. Currently, they find themselves totally out of the playoffs. This was.... not..... supposed..... to..... happen.
And their handsome, suave, debonaire, rookie manager Brad Ausmus seems to spitting a lot more these days, not to mention going gray up top faster than Obama. Tough jobs.
But the countdown continues. Tick, tick, tick......
Well, butter my butt and call me the world's ugliest biscuit. These people are GENIUSES to come up with such a brilliant solution. And for the small fee of 50 bucks, they'll allow you to listen in on one of their brainstorming sessions. One word -- puh-leeze.
But back to sports. Don't look now Detroit Tiger fans, but that ticking you hear getting louder in the background is the playoff clock winding down on your team. They were supposed to win the AL Central Division going away -- remember? With about only 20 games remaining, they find themselves 2 behind the KC Royals, who have a very favorable remaining schedule, and in a virtual tie with the Seattle Mariners for the second/last wild card spot.
After all the hoopla about the Tigers having the best starting pitching rotation in all of baseball, and adding David Price to boot, things don't seem to be working out.
Former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander is a journeymanesque 12-12, with an ERA approaching 5.
Fellow former Cyster Price is only 13-11, and has gone 2-3 since he joined the Tigers. This wasn't supposed to happen to a couple "aces", but it has. Anabel Sanchez remains on the shelf with an injury, and whether he can return or not this year is unknown. Even if he can, how effective would he be after such a long lay-off?
Relative (25) youngster Rick Porcello has pitched fairly well over the season. He was considered a good pitcher, but after starting out hot, he's come back to earth with a 15-10 record. Lately, Ricky P has been shelled here and there. Perhaps the long season is finally taking its toll on him.
Max Scherzer has followed up a Cy Young year with yet another stellar campaign (15-5). But here's the thing about Scherzer ---- after this season -- color him gone from the Tigers.
Before this season started, Scherzer turned down a whopping $140 million dollar long term contract extension to stay with Detroit. Even given his continued excellence, it's certainly debatable whether another team will offer him more next year. Turning down $140M guaranteed might not have been the smartest of moves. With that amount of dough a person can live in the lap of luxury for life. Does the name Juan Gonzalez ring a bell? Bet he still wishes he could have a mulligan on that decision back in 2000. Regardless, chances are mighty slim Scherzer will be wearing a Tiger uniform next year. Hey, he was born and bred in Missouri, even originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. Maybe he'll pull a Lebron, sans the championship rings, and go back home for less money.
Hitting-wise, slugger Miguel Cabrera's numbers have come down a bit. Much has been made about him having a lingering sore ankle. That may be, but it's unrealistic to expect even Cabrera to put up outrageous Triple Crown numbers every year.
The Tigers signed perennial All-Star free agent Ian Kinsler away from Texas. He's been OK, but nothing terrific. Better than what they had before at second base, which was basically a ham sandwich with a glove.
On the positive side, Victor Martinez has been having a monster year. Yes, he's a good player, but few would have foreseen the success he has had this year with the bat. Along the same line, nobody, repeat NOBODY saw J.D. Martinez banging the ball all over the park the way he has this year for the Tigers.
So in the end, things sort of balance out. Some players perform better than expected, and others not as well. Ya win some -- ya lose some. And injuries are a crap shoot. Ya never know what the next pitch, swing, or play in the field will bring.
As mentioned above, KC plays the majority of its remaining games against sub- .500 teams. Meanwhile, the Tigers have a home-friendly (13 home, 6 away) schedule for the final three weeks. Normally, that would be considered an advantage, but the Tigers have actually been a better team on the road this year than in the friendly confines of Comerica Park. At home, they're a pedestrian 36-32. On the road, they're 42-33.
Nevertheless, it's 143 down and 19 to go for the Tigers. Currently, they find themselves totally out of the playoffs. This was.... not..... supposed..... to..... happen.
And their handsome, suave, debonaire, rookie manager Brad Ausmus seems to spitting a lot more these days, not to mention going gray up top faster than Obama. Tough jobs.
But the countdown continues. Tick, tick, tick......
Saturday, September 6, 2014
A day that shall live in infamy
The #7 ranked Michigan State Spartans were certainly impressive. They methodically ground down the #3 speedy Oregon Ducks. Surely, the Spartans will zoom up in the polls.
Wait a second.... Say what? That was only for the first half? Trailing by 6 at halftime, the Ducks came back to blister the Spartans by a 28-3 margin in the second half to win by a whopping 19 points, 46-27?
Well then. Nevermind. Despite their recent successes -- Big 10 championship, Rose Bowl victory, etc., it appears Mark Dantonio's boys aren't quite ready for prime time just yet. A nineteen point loss, even on the road to a good team, is a serious thumping. For one half, the Spartans were going up in the polls, but in the end they'll likely tumble several spots after such a spanking. But that's not nearly as bad as what happened to.....
The University of Michigan. Playing their last game, at least for the foreseeable future, against Notre Dame on the road, the Wolverines not only got spanked -- they got their Maize and Blue stepchild heads marched off to the woodshed and flogged for 3 hours. That's a lot of lashes.
31-0 isn't just a convincing victory. It's a beatdown, a total rout. In little league or softball, they would have invoked the "mercy" rule. Actually, at the end of the game, they did. As time was running out, Notre Dame intercepted a Michigan pass and ran it back for yet another touchdown. The final slap in the face to UM. But it was negated on a very questionable call. The score likely should have been 38-0.
Remember UM head coach Brady Hoke flapping his gums over ND opting out of future games? He called them "chickens". When UM prevailed at home last year against ND, the stadium speakers blared "the chicken song". A very low class, not to mention arrogant thing to do. Turned out, ND had committed to playing 5 games a year in the ACC. There's only so many weeks on the schedule. Some of their usual annual games had to go. UM didn't make the cut, and they didn't like it. How DARE somebody relegate them to second class citizens? Harummph.
That's one way of looking at it. Given what just happened in South Bend, an argument could be made the Fighting Irish wanted tougher competition than what the Wolverines have to offer.
But it appears second class citizens are exactly what the Wolverines have become under Brady Hoke. Watching Hoke himself, be it in press conferences or on the sidelines, is certainly enough to make one wonder about a couple things. When being interviewed, Hoke is all about rah-rah. We are Michigan. We are great. We are proud. Sounds more like a cheerleader than a head coach.
During the games, Hoke is the only head coach yours truly can think of that doesn't wear a headset. In other words, he has no idea what plays/formations, both offensively and defensively, are being called by his coordinators and other coaches. More than once during the Notre Dame game, Hoke could be seen on the sidelines yelling LET'S GO. Excuse me, but that doesn't exactly sound like a strategic approach in modern day football.
Idle thought: Given Brady Hoke's seat as a head coach was already warm after last year -- following the debacle at Notre Dame, it heated up several more degrees.
It would be no great surprise if the powers that be at Michigan weren't soon quietly seeking out their next coach, because Hoke is clearly not the answer to what ails them. And they have to play @MSU in a few weeks, with likely another beatdown in store. The "big brother, little sister" argument is over. We have a clear winner, and it's in East Lansing -- not Ann Arbor. To boot, UM has to play their typical last regular season game on the road @ Ohio State. Yes, their star QB Braxton Miller is lost for the season, and they appear to be struggling without him. But give head coach Urban Meyer a couple months to bring along a "new guy" and it would also come as no surprise if the Buckeyes weren't ready to take the Wolverines to the woodshed again towards the end of November. Meyer's track record speaks for itself. Where he goes, adjustments are made quickly and his teams win. If they smoke the Wolvernes, Brady can kiss his maize and blue butt goodbye -- if the handwriting isn't already on the wall.
Combined, the two major football programs in Michigan lost by a whopping 50 points.
Detroit's still bankrupt, the roads remain the worst in the entire country, and the Tigers lost again. Once thought to be shoo-ins as division champs, the Tigers are in a dogfight to merely MAKE the playoffs as a wildcard.
All in all, a dark day indeed for the mitten state......
Wait a second.... Say what? That was only for the first half? Trailing by 6 at halftime, the Ducks came back to blister the Spartans by a 28-3 margin in the second half to win by a whopping 19 points, 46-27?
Well then. Nevermind. Despite their recent successes -- Big 10 championship, Rose Bowl victory, etc., it appears Mark Dantonio's boys aren't quite ready for prime time just yet. A nineteen point loss, even on the road to a good team, is a serious thumping. For one half, the Spartans were going up in the polls, but in the end they'll likely tumble several spots after such a spanking. But that's not nearly as bad as what happened to.....
The University of Michigan. Playing their last game, at least for the foreseeable future, against Notre Dame on the road, the Wolverines not only got spanked -- they got their Maize and Blue stepchild heads marched off to the woodshed and flogged for 3 hours. That's a lot of lashes.
31-0 isn't just a convincing victory. It's a beatdown, a total rout. In little league or softball, they would have invoked the "mercy" rule. Actually, at the end of the game, they did. As time was running out, Notre Dame intercepted a Michigan pass and ran it back for yet another touchdown. The final slap in the face to UM. But it was negated on a very questionable call. The score likely should have been 38-0.
Remember UM head coach Brady Hoke flapping his gums over ND opting out of future games? He called them "chickens". When UM prevailed at home last year against ND, the stadium speakers blared "the chicken song". A very low class, not to mention arrogant thing to do. Turned out, ND had committed to playing 5 games a year in the ACC. There's only so many weeks on the schedule. Some of their usual annual games had to go. UM didn't make the cut, and they didn't like it. How DARE somebody relegate them to second class citizens? Harummph.
That's one way of looking at it. Given what just happened in South Bend, an argument could be made the Fighting Irish wanted tougher competition than what the Wolverines have to offer.
But it appears second class citizens are exactly what the Wolverines have become under Brady Hoke. Watching Hoke himself, be it in press conferences or on the sidelines, is certainly enough to make one wonder about a couple things. When being interviewed, Hoke is all about rah-rah. We are Michigan. We are great. We are proud. Sounds more like a cheerleader than a head coach.
During the games, Hoke is the only head coach yours truly can think of that doesn't wear a headset. In other words, he has no idea what plays/formations, both offensively and defensively, are being called by his coordinators and other coaches. More than once during the Notre Dame game, Hoke could be seen on the sidelines yelling LET'S GO. Excuse me, but that doesn't exactly sound like a strategic approach in modern day football.
Idle thought: Given Brady Hoke's seat as a head coach was already warm after last year -- following the debacle at Notre Dame, it heated up several more degrees.
It would be no great surprise if the powers that be at Michigan weren't soon quietly seeking out their next coach, because Hoke is clearly not the answer to what ails them. And they have to play @MSU in a few weeks, with likely another beatdown in store. The "big brother, little sister" argument is over. We have a clear winner, and it's in East Lansing -- not Ann Arbor. To boot, UM has to play their typical last regular season game on the road @ Ohio State. Yes, their star QB Braxton Miller is lost for the season, and they appear to be struggling without him. But give head coach Urban Meyer a couple months to bring along a "new guy" and it would also come as no surprise if the Buckeyes weren't ready to take the Wolverines to the woodshed again towards the end of November. Meyer's track record speaks for itself. Where he goes, adjustments are made quickly and his teams win. If they smoke the Wolvernes, Brady can kiss his maize and blue butt goodbye -- if the handwriting isn't already on the wall.
Combined, the two major football programs in Michigan lost by a whopping 50 points.
Detroit's still bankrupt, the roads remain the worst in the entire country, and the Tigers lost again. Once thought to be shoo-ins as division champs, the Tigers are in a dogfight to merely MAKE the playoffs as a wildcard.
All in all, a dark day indeed for the mitten state......
Caroline, Rory, Serena, and the US Open
Remember not long ago when Caroline Wozniacki of tennis and Rory McIlroy of golf were the hot item in sports? A handsome young Irish lad and a beautiful blonde Danish damsel who were world-class players in their respective sports hooking up? Movies have been made about stuff like that. The Rocky Horror Picture Show comes to mind for some reason. Sorry.
Alas, while the dynamic duo was enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, their professional games seemed to go into the dumpster. Neither one could win squat. Then Rory gave Caroline the heave-ho, as in I'm outta here, and look at what has happened since.
McIlroy roared back to #1 in the world, including winning back-to-back majors. Caroline finds herself in the finals of the US Open tennis championship. It appears that at the highest levels, golf, tennis, and "serious" relationships don't mix well, at least with 20-somethings. Tiger Woods found that out. Just about the time Elin captured his attention, his once renowned golfing prowess took a serious turn south. Poor Eldrick has been on the ropes ever since. Good grief, not yet 40, Tiger can't even seem to stay healthy playing golf, a game where a caddie does all the heavy lifting. Private jets, limos, strolling the grounds of posh country clubs and swinging a golf club every 5 minutes or so in a tournament seem to be too much for him these days. Truly a sorry state of affairs, but I'm guessing he won't get much sympathy from your average NFL or NHL player.
Nevertheless, #10 seed Ms. Wozniacki will face #1 seed Serena Williams in the final. Things couldn't have worked out better for the younger Williams sister. It's pretty much been a cakewalk at the US Open. Seeds 2-9 were all eliminated in earlier rounds, without Serena having to face any of them. The only way Serena loses against Caroline is if one of her past maladies rears its ugly head once again. You know -- like cramps, a mysterious illness never before diagnosed, an allergy flaring up, or solar flares that only affect her. The usual when she gets beat. Though a great player, far be it from Serena to ever admit her opponent was just better that day.
On the men's side, Serb Novac Djokovic will square off against long time Swiss legend Roger Federer. It's probably a pretty safe assumption to say most will be rooting for Federer. No knock on Novac, but Roger's been a class guy forever. Whether in victory or defeat -- and he's racked up a lot of victories over the years -- Federer remains a humble sort of guy. Like Sara Lee, nobody doesn't like Roger Federer.
And he's beat the odds. Federer settled down a while back with a lady that remains pretty much anonymous -- also a class act -- and is now the proud father of two sets of twins. But he's still a formidable opponent on the tennis court.
Yours truly hopes he defeats Djokovic as well to win another US Open title, and that would be a terrific story -- but I don't think it's going to happen. The Serb is at the top of his game as well, and is #1 in the world for a reason. Not counting clay courts, where (currently injured) Spaniard Rafael continues to reign supreme, Djokovic is a cut above everybody else. Federer was a great champion and remains a top 3-4 player in the world, but this is the Serb's time. Like Federer, he has the whole package, including mental toughness to dig down deep when things get rough, but Djokovic has two other advantages.
First is the age factor. If it boils down to a long, grueling match, I'm taking 27 over 34 every time.
More importantly, Djokovic hasn't settled down yet. He's still partying with the pretty girls in his homeland (and likely elsewhere) when he's not plying his trade on the tennis courts. That might just be why he remains on top. The bimbos (both male and female) are fun, but they're throwaways. Here today, gone tomorrow. On the other hand, a significant other comes with responsibilities. And plans for this and plans for that, and what are we going to do about children, houses, vacations spots, and no doubt a few arguments along the way.
All of which detracts from the concentration required of a world class player to reach the pinnacle of their profession -- let alone stay there.
Idle thought: Seeing as how they both appear to be available,wouldn't it be something if Serena cougared Rory into a relationship? Not sure how their kids would turn out, but I see balls in their future.
Begorra......
Alas, while the dynamic duo was enjoying the pleasures of the flesh, their professional games seemed to go into the dumpster. Neither one could win squat. Then Rory gave Caroline the heave-ho, as in I'm outta here, and look at what has happened since.
McIlroy roared back to #1 in the world, including winning back-to-back majors. Caroline finds herself in the finals of the US Open tennis championship. It appears that at the highest levels, golf, tennis, and "serious" relationships don't mix well, at least with 20-somethings. Tiger Woods found that out. Just about the time Elin captured his attention, his once renowned golfing prowess took a serious turn south. Poor Eldrick has been on the ropes ever since. Good grief, not yet 40, Tiger can't even seem to stay healthy playing golf, a game where a caddie does all the heavy lifting. Private jets, limos, strolling the grounds of posh country clubs and swinging a golf club every 5 minutes or so in a tournament seem to be too much for him these days. Truly a sorry state of affairs, but I'm guessing he won't get much sympathy from your average NFL or NHL player.
Nevertheless, #10 seed Ms. Wozniacki will face #1 seed Serena Williams in the final. Things couldn't have worked out better for the younger Williams sister. It's pretty much been a cakewalk at the US Open. Seeds 2-9 were all eliminated in earlier rounds, without Serena having to face any of them. The only way Serena loses against Caroline is if one of her past maladies rears its ugly head once again. You know -- like cramps, a mysterious illness never before diagnosed, an allergy flaring up, or solar flares that only affect her. The usual when she gets beat. Though a great player, far be it from Serena to ever admit her opponent was just better that day.
On the men's side, Serb Novac Djokovic will square off against long time Swiss legend Roger Federer. It's probably a pretty safe assumption to say most will be rooting for Federer. No knock on Novac, but Roger's been a class guy forever. Whether in victory or defeat -- and he's racked up a lot of victories over the years -- Federer remains a humble sort of guy. Like Sara Lee, nobody doesn't like Roger Federer.
And he's beat the odds. Federer settled down a while back with a lady that remains pretty much anonymous -- also a class act -- and is now the proud father of two sets of twins. But he's still a formidable opponent on the tennis court.
Yours truly hopes he defeats Djokovic as well to win another US Open title, and that would be a terrific story -- but I don't think it's going to happen. The Serb is at the top of his game as well, and is #1 in the world for a reason. Not counting clay courts, where (currently injured) Spaniard Rafael continues to reign supreme, Djokovic is a cut above everybody else. Federer was a great champion and remains a top 3-4 player in the world, but this is the Serb's time. Like Federer, he has the whole package, including mental toughness to dig down deep when things get rough, but Djokovic has two other advantages.
First is the age factor. If it boils down to a long, grueling match, I'm taking 27 over 34 every time.
More importantly, Djokovic hasn't settled down yet. He's still partying with the pretty girls in his homeland (and likely elsewhere) when he's not plying his trade on the tennis courts. That might just be why he remains on top. The bimbos (both male and female) are fun, but they're throwaways. Here today, gone tomorrow. On the other hand, a significant other comes with responsibilities. And plans for this and plans for that, and what are we going to do about children, houses, vacations spots, and no doubt a few arguments along the way.
All of which detracts from the concentration required of a world class player to reach the pinnacle of their profession -- let alone stay there.
Idle thought: Seeing as how they both appear to be available,wouldn't it be something if Serena cougared Rory into a relationship? Not sure how their kids would turn out, but I see balls in their future.
Begorra......
Thursday, September 4, 2014
The Jim Irsay case
As most NFL fans know, Jim Irsay is the sole owner of the Indianapolis Colts. Before him, his father owned the team for many years. After a protracted legal battle with his step-mother upon his dad's passing over ownership of the team, Jim came out on top. He runs the show.
But Irsay has been in the news lately for not-so-good reasons. A few months ago, he was accused of DUI and drug possession. Felonies were involved. Fast forward to the recent past, and his case was plea-bargained down to one simple misdemeanor. He pled guilty and received a year's probation. Such are the luxuries that come with being ultra-rich. It's nothing new.
Why do things like this happen when the average John or Jane working stiff would be ground under the wheels of justice -- perhaps even imprisoned for the same offenses? A theory.
Jim Irsay is a billionaire, reputedly worth 1.6. Though the term "billion" has become thought of as chump change in government circles -- it's still an incredible amount of money for one individual to possess. Most folks could and would make do very nicely, thank you, on one simple million. But a billion is a thousand millions. A mind-boggling amount of money.
Let's say you were the prosecutor in the Jim Irsay case. What do you do? You know a billionaire can easily afford to hire an entire army of top-flight attorneys to represent him. So what if it costs him a few million in legal fees? Chump change. And his accountants might find a way to write it off on his taxes to boot -- if he pays any in the first place. Going to trial to prove a point could get mighty expensive for your office, which is funded by taxpayer dollars. And even if you win, there would be endless appeals that could drag on for years. Do you really want to devote that much time, energy, and money into a non-violent case, where the optimum scenario is sending the defendant off to a country-club "facility" for a short while? And God help your career if you pursue this all the way to the end and lose, having spent countless millions of the above-mentioned tax-payer dollars.
So yeah. Right or wrong, it's understandable why prosecutors take what they can get when a billionaire is the defendant. If they can get a conviction -- any conviction -- they'll chalk it up as a win.
Yet that wasn't the end of the Jim Irsay case. Enter the NFL. The league suspended Irsay for the first 6 games of the 2014 season and fined him $500,000. And the plot thickens.
The players say it's not enough. A half a million bucks to a guy worth $1.6 billion is only about 1/3000th of his total bankroll. Put another way, let's say your total worth, house, furniture, car, the works, is $160,000. Irsay's NFL fine would roughly equate to you getting a $50 traffic ticket. A nuisance to be sure, but hardly something to worry about. In that respect, the players have a point.
To boot, Irsay getting suspended for 6 games is a total joke. Just because he can't sit in his luxury box at the stadium until the middle of October doesn't mean he won't continue to rake in the money that comes with owning the team. Even Roger Goodell and the mighty NFL can't deny Irsay the profits his team will generate in the meantime. No court in the land would uphold such a ruling.
Though the Colts open the season on Sunday night, Sept. 7, on the road against the Denver Broncos, with revenue sharing, that $500,000 fine will pay itself after Game 1, and then some. A minor hiccup in the world of a billionaire.
But on a smaller scale, the players themselves are edging very close to hypocrisy when they beef about Irsay's fine.
There are those in the NFL that have been fined for various infractions. Yes, when they rise to the level of suspensions, unlike Irsay, the players forfeit game checks for those weeks. But other player fines over the last few years have become a joke as well. Particularly amongst repeat offenders. Pick your goon that has a history of dirty play (see late hits and other personal fouls), but happens to be making a salary of $10-15 million a year because he is a "disruptive force". Fining him 10-15 grand, merely 1/1000th of a year's salary, is a joke as well. A parking ticket, and hardly a deterrent to future mayhem.
The difference between Irsay and dirty players? Besides a few decimal points in the money column, Irsay didn't intend to hurt anybody while driving his vehicle. And he didn't. On the other hand, the obvious intent of some of the goon players is to inflict great bodily harm on an opponent. Neither was/is cool, but there's a big difference.
Besides, without the billionaire owners, there wouldn't BE any multi-millionaire players. They'd still be selling used cars or moonlighting elsewhere in the off season to make ends meet. And let's face it. It's not like a high percentage of NFL players are Mensa members. They play football because that's ALL they can do. Who's kidding who?
Though yours truly has long been a "union" guy, there are times when some people need to realize just how fortunate they are to 1) be in this country, and 2) make an obscene amount of money for playing a game.
Hey, it's America. Owners are owners and players are players. Then there's the schmucks like you and me that wind up paying for it all.
Is this a great country or what?
But Irsay has been in the news lately for not-so-good reasons. A few months ago, he was accused of DUI and drug possession. Felonies were involved. Fast forward to the recent past, and his case was plea-bargained down to one simple misdemeanor. He pled guilty and received a year's probation. Such are the luxuries that come with being ultra-rich. It's nothing new.
Why do things like this happen when the average John or Jane working stiff would be ground under the wheels of justice -- perhaps even imprisoned for the same offenses? A theory.
Jim Irsay is a billionaire, reputedly worth 1.6. Though the term "billion" has become thought of as chump change in government circles -- it's still an incredible amount of money for one individual to possess. Most folks could and would make do very nicely, thank you, on one simple million. But a billion is a thousand millions. A mind-boggling amount of money.
Let's say you were the prosecutor in the Jim Irsay case. What do you do? You know a billionaire can easily afford to hire an entire army of top-flight attorneys to represent him. So what if it costs him a few million in legal fees? Chump change. And his accountants might find a way to write it off on his taxes to boot -- if he pays any in the first place. Going to trial to prove a point could get mighty expensive for your office, which is funded by taxpayer dollars. And even if you win, there would be endless appeals that could drag on for years. Do you really want to devote that much time, energy, and money into a non-violent case, where the optimum scenario is sending the defendant off to a country-club "facility" for a short while? And God help your career if you pursue this all the way to the end and lose, having spent countless millions of the above-mentioned tax-payer dollars.
So yeah. Right or wrong, it's understandable why prosecutors take what they can get when a billionaire is the defendant. If they can get a conviction -- any conviction -- they'll chalk it up as a win.
Yet that wasn't the end of the Jim Irsay case. Enter the NFL. The league suspended Irsay for the first 6 games of the 2014 season and fined him $500,000. And the plot thickens.
The players say it's not enough. A half a million bucks to a guy worth $1.6 billion is only about 1/3000th of his total bankroll. Put another way, let's say your total worth, house, furniture, car, the works, is $160,000. Irsay's NFL fine would roughly equate to you getting a $50 traffic ticket. A nuisance to be sure, but hardly something to worry about. In that respect, the players have a point.
To boot, Irsay getting suspended for 6 games is a total joke. Just because he can't sit in his luxury box at the stadium until the middle of October doesn't mean he won't continue to rake in the money that comes with owning the team. Even Roger Goodell and the mighty NFL can't deny Irsay the profits his team will generate in the meantime. No court in the land would uphold such a ruling.
Though the Colts open the season on Sunday night, Sept. 7, on the road against the Denver Broncos, with revenue sharing, that $500,000 fine will pay itself after Game 1, and then some. A minor hiccup in the world of a billionaire.
But on a smaller scale, the players themselves are edging very close to hypocrisy when they beef about Irsay's fine.
There are those in the NFL that have been fined for various infractions. Yes, when they rise to the level of suspensions, unlike Irsay, the players forfeit game checks for those weeks. But other player fines over the last few years have become a joke as well. Particularly amongst repeat offenders. Pick your goon that has a history of dirty play (see late hits and other personal fouls), but happens to be making a salary of $10-15 million a year because he is a "disruptive force". Fining him 10-15 grand, merely 1/1000th of a year's salary, is a joke as well. A parking ticket, and hardly a deterrent to future mayhem.
The difference between Irsay and dirty players? Besides a few decimal points in the money column, Irsay didn't intend to hurt anybody while driving his vehicle. And he didn't. On the other hand, the obvious intent of some of the goon players is to inflict great bodily harm on an opponent. Neither was/is cool, but there's a big difference.
Besides, without the billionaire owners, there wouldn't BE any multi-millionaire players. They'd still be selling used cars or moonlighting elsewhere in the off season to make ends meet. And let's face it. It's not like a high percentage of NFL players are Mensa members. They play football because that's ALL they can do. Who's kidding who?
Though yours truly has long been a "union" guy, there are times when some people need to realize just how fortunate they are to 1) be in this country, and 2) make an obscene amount of money for playing a game.
Hey, it's America. Owners are owners and players are players. Then there's the schmucks like you and me that wind up paying for it all.
Is this a great country or what?
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Detroit Tigers. Playoffs or bust?
With about two dozen games left in the regular season, the Detroit Tigers find themselves in a precarious position. Though most thought they would easily run away with the American League central division -- it hasn't worked out that way. Currently, they're a game and a half behind the somewhat surprising KC Royals, with the Cleveland Indians only 3 games back.
Let's take a bigger view of the American League. In the east, the Baltimore Orioles are on cruise control for the division title. It's not impossible, but blowing a 9 game lead with 20-some to go is highly unlikely.
In the west, the LA Angels have finally opened up some breathing room between themselves and the Oakland As. Barring a collapse of their own, also unlikely, the Halos are all but a lock to finish on top.
But the wild card scenario is where things get really interesting -- and dicey. Remember, only 2 teams will qualify as wild cards. Then the team with the better record hosts the other for a one game knockout. Pretty much a coin flip. In major league baseball, anybody can beat anybody else on any given day, at home or on the road.
There's potentially up to 6 teams that could wind up as wild cards. The Tigers or the Royals depending on which wins their division. The Seattle Mariners currently lurk only a game or two behind both. Once thought to be a lock for at least a playoff spot -- if the Oakland As continue their current slide for much longer, they could be in danger of missing the postseason. As mentioned above, the Tribe, and even the Yankees are also still very much in the running.
Not to belabor the obvious, but it all depends on what happens in the next three weeks or so. If any of these teams get "hot" and go, say, 18-6, they're likely in. Conversely, a team that experiences a slump and goes, say, 9-15, will likely find themselves sitting home in October. It could happen -- either way -- to any of the teams.
How this will all turn out is anybody's guess, and yours truly definitely looks forward to watching it. Except on Sundays. And Monday nights. And Thursday nights too. Baseball may be the "national pastime", but the gorilla in the room with the initials NFL is back and set to kick off another season.
Like so many others this time of year, yours truly will watch baseball only if it doesn't conflict with an NFL game. Actually, it's kind of silly when one thinks about it. The NFL season is just starting, and it's crunch time in MLB. Nevertheless, it is what it is, and has been for a long time. Come September, and on until the Super Bowl in February, the NFL rules the roost in American professional sports. The ratings and revenues don't lie. NASCAR, even with their "chase", is a distant second.
If MLB wanted to be smart about it, they'd only schedule games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Doubleheaders if need be to get the regular season in before it turns cold in northern cities. Good grief, all the teams have expanded their rosters from 25 to 40 players with the September "call-ups". Everybody's in the same boat, and it's not like they don't have enough bodies to accommodate such an altered schedule.
But back to the baseball playoffs. Will the Tigers make it? Yea. They've got more assets than liabilities. Once there, will they get bounced quickly or maybe go far -- perhaps even reaching the World Series?
Helliphino. Nobody does. Come playoff time, every team is good or they wouldn't be there.
Thing is, MLB isn't crazy enough to bump heads with the NFL on Monday night, even with their World Series. They should stay away from Sundays too. Thursdays are a maybe.....
Let's take a bigger view of the American League. In the east, the Baltimore Orioles are on cruise control for the division title. It's not impossible, but blowing a 9 game lead with 20-some to go is highly unlikely.
In the west, the LA Angels have finally opened up some breathing room between themselves and the Oakland As. Barring a collapse of their own, also unlikely, the Halos are all but a lock to finish on top.
But the wild card scenario is where things get really interesting -- and dicey. Remember, only 2 teams will qualify as wild cards. Then the team with the better record hosts the other for a one game knockout. Pretty much a coin flip. In major league baseball, anybody can beat anybody else on any given day, at home or on the road.
There's potentially up to 6 teams that could wind up as wild cards. The Tigers or the Royals depending on which wins their division. The Seattle Mariners currently lurk only a game or two behind both. Once thought to be a lock for at least a playoff spot -- if the Oakland As continue their current slide for much longer, they could be in danger of missing the postseason. As mentioned above, the Tribe, and even the Yankees are also still very much in the running.
Not to belabor the obvious, but it all depends on what happens in the next three weeks or so. If any of these teams get "hot" and go, say, 18-6, they're likely in. Conversely, a team that experiences a slump and goes, say, 9-15, will likely find themselves sitting home in October. It could happen -- either way -- to any of the teams.
How this will all turn out is anybody's guess, and yours truly definitely looks forward to watching it. Except on Sundays. And Monday nights. And Thursday nights too. Baseball may be the "national pastime", but the gorilla in the room with the initials NFL is back and set to kick off another season.
Like so many others this time of year, yours truly will watch baseball only if it doesn't conflict with an NFL game. Actually, it's kind of silly when one thinks about it. The NFL season is just starting, and it's crunch time in MLB. Nevertheless, it is what it is, and has been for a long time. Come September, and on until the Super Bowl in February, the NFL rules the roost in American professional sports. The ratings and revenues don't lie. NASCAR, even with their "chase", is a distant second.
If MLB wanted to be smart about it, they'd only schedule games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Doubleheaders if need be to get the regular season in before it turns cold in northern cities. Good grief, all the teams have expanded their rosters from 25 to 40 players with the September "call-ups". Everybody's in the same boat, and it's not like they don't have enough bodies to accommodate such an altered schedule.
But back to the baseball playoffs. Will the Tigers make it? Yea. They've got more assets than liabilities. Once there, will they get bounced quickly or maybe go far -- perhaps even reaching the World Series?
Helliphino. Nobody does. Come playoff time, every team is good or they wouldn't be there.
Thing is, MLB isn't crazy enough to bump heads with the NFL on Monday night, even with their World Series. They should stay away from Sundays too. Thursdays are a maybe.....
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Washington Redskins. More PC nonsense
In spite of public opinion overwhelmingly against them, it's like they just won't give up. No, this isn't about ISIS or even the tea-partiers. It concerns a growing, if misguided, army of extremists that continue to threaten our way of life. Indeed, they have already changed it in many ways. Even the very language we speak has been altered. There are no bald, fat, or short people anymore. They are follicly, dietarily, or altitudinally challenged, respectively. And forget the ethnic "tags" that used to be everywhere. They have been abolished, though this honkie has a question. I have a long time friend of Italian heritage that has proudly called himself Dago for decades. Is he still allowed to do that? Will somebody sue him for defamation of his own character? Beats me, but that brings me to....
The politically correct zealots, particularly those that are offended by the name of the NFL football franchise located in our nation's capital. The Washington Redskins.
Once again, with the media gladly pouring fuel on a few embers hoping to turn it into a full-blown national forest fire (see hot story), a small group of PC radicals has made their way back into the news. They want the name changed because they find it offensive. So the question becomes, what percentage of people think the name Washington Redskins is truly offensive?
Turns out, not many. Poll after poll have shown overwhelming support for the Skins to keep their name as is. And that's not just amongst the old-schoolers. It's across the board. It would appear the PCers have several problems to overcome.
First, owner Daniel Snyder has vowed not to change the name. Further, there's likely little the NFL itself could do to force him to do it. When presented with the question, the almighty himself, commissioner Roger GOoDell admitted that of all the polls he had seen, none had come in at less than 79% supportive of the Redskins retaining their name. As polls go, 79% is beyond a landslide. Few, if any, politicians or causes come anywhere near garnering that sort of support.
Further yet, Snyder has been pro-active and surveyed various native American tribes around the country asking them what they thought of his team's name. Somewhat surprisingly, the vast majority of them support it as well. Like Snyder maintains, the indigenous peoples also consider it a badge of honor.
So if 4 out of 5 people agree, including the very people the name Washington Redskins is supposed to offend the most -- then what exactly is the problem?
The only way that name changes is for Daniel Snyder to do it -- and that's not going to happen. Even if all the other NFL franchise owners ganged up on him with the support of Goodell, it's still unclear if they could force him to do it. It's his team. He shelled out big bucks for it. At that, they've been called the Washington Redskins since the 1930's.
Ah, but there might be a loophole for the PCers in the future to continue their quest. There are rumblings that Snyder wants a new stadium built to house his Redskins. If he wants to keep up with the Jones's, particularly his yee-hah rival down in Big D, the cost of such a new stadium would likely approach $2 billion dollars. But Snyder can't, or more properly put, won't cut that check all by himself. He would need/want public support -- as in government funds/taxpayer money to build such a palace.
And if/when the politicians get involved in such an undertaking -- good luck guessing what kind of rules and mandates they may hand down as conditions to cough up serious bucks for a new stadium.
Pressured by the PCers (and the media would be in warp drive covering the story), one of them might well be changing the team's name. That would put Daniel Snyder in a bit of a dilemma. Would he bail on his principles (and overwhelming public opinion) to get the dough? Or would he stand fast against the minority of zealots that keep trying to have their way and be content to have his team keep playing in the same stadium? It's not like it's going to fall down any year soon but, still, billionaires have a way of wanting to keep up with their competition when it comes to showing off their goodies. Especially when the public has to pick up a large share of the tab.
The name Washington Redskins will likely stay for the next few years. As well it should. 79% approval is 79% approval. Case closed. But if and when a new stadium, the PC radicals, and politicians get involved -- fueled again by the media -- it's probably a fair statement to say there will be sequels to this movie.
Who will win the final battle remains to be seen.......
The politically correct zealots, particularly those that are offended by the name of the NFL football franchise located in our nation's capital. The Washington Redskins.
Once again, with the media gladly pouring fuel on a few embers hoping to turn it into a full-blown national forest fire (see hot story), a small group of PC radicals has made their way back into the news. They want the name changed because they find it offensive. So the question becomes, what percentage of people think the name Washington Redskins is truly offensive?
Turns out, not many. Poll after poll have shown overwhelming support for the Skins to keep their name as is. And that's not just amongst the old-schoolers. It's across the board. It would appear the PCers have several problems to overcome.
First, owner Daniel Snyder has vowed not to change the name. Further, there's likely little the NFL itself could do to force him to do it. When presented with the question, the almighty himself, commissioner Roger GOoDell admitted that of all the polls he had seen, none had come in at less than 79% supportive of the Redskins retaining their name. As polls go, 79% is beyond a landslide. Few, if any, politicians or causes come anywhere near garnering that sort of support.
Further yet, Snyder has been pro-active and surveyed various native American tribes around the country asking them what they thought of his team's name. Somewhat surprisingly, the vast majority of them support it as well. Like Snyder maintains, the indigenous peoples also consider it a badge of honor.
So if 4 out of 5 people agree, including the very people the name Washington Redskins is supposed to offend the most -- then what exactly is the problem?
The only way that name changes is for Daniel Snyder to do it -- and that's not going to happen. Even if all the other NFL franchise owners ganged up on him with the support of Goodell, it's still unclear if they could force him to do it. It's his team. He shelled out big bucks for it. At that, they've been called the Washington Redskins since the 1930's.
Ah, but there might be a loophole for the PCers in the future to continue their quest. There are rumblings that Snyder wants a new stadium built to house his Redskins. If he wants to keep up with the Jones's, particularly his yee-hah rival down in Big D, the cost of such a new stadium would likely approach $2 billion dollars. But Snyder can't, or more properly put, won't cut that check all by himself. He would need/want public support -- as in government funds/taxpayer money to build such a palace.
And if/when the politicians get involved in such an undertaking -- good luck guessing what kind of rules and mandates they may hand down as conditions to cough up serious bucks for a new stadium.
Pressured by the PCers (and the media would be in warp drive covering the story), one of them might well be changing the team's name. That would put Daniel Snyder in a bit of a dilemma. Would he bail on his principles (and overwhelming public opinion) to get the dough? Or would he stand fast against the minority of zealots that keep trying to have their way and be content to have his team keep playing in the same stadium? It's not like it's going to fall down any year soon but, still, billionaires have a way of wanting to keep up with their competition when it comes to showing off their goodies. Especially when the public has to pick up a large share of the tab.
The name Washington Redskins will likely stay for the next few years. As well it should. 79% approval is 79% approval. Case closed. But if and when a new stadium, the PC radicals, and politicians get involved -- fueled again by the media -- it's probably a fair statement to say there will be sequels to this movie.
Who will win the final battle remains to be seen.......
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