((HT: KABC-TV))
Well that didn't last long...
This was November 15, 2012 after Mike Brown's 1-4 srtart for the Lakers in the 2012-13 season...
Now, after a really really bad season, vibe (and everything else associated with the current Lakers situation), he is out as head coach in the middle of the rebuild that may (or not) involve a 100-percent fit Kobe Bryant...
According to Ramona Shelburne over at the four-letter, D'Antoni has resigned...
More when we know more...
2130 UPDATE: We know more...
From Marc Spears at Yahoo!Sports from his Twitter
We've hit an insurmountable inpass and Mike will no longer be the Laker coach- mike D'Antoni's agent warren LeGarie tells yahoo
And from the Lakers:
Mike D’Antoni has resigned as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, it was announced today by Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Although no timetable has been established, the search for a replacement will begin immediately.
D’Antoni, who was hired by the Lakers to replace Mike Brown on November 12, 2012, had a 67-87 record in his two seasons with the team. He previously was head coach of the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, and has a career record of 455-426.
“Given the circumstances, I don’t know that anybody could have done a better job than Mike did the past two seasons,” said Kupchak. “On behalf of the Lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck.”
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Ft. Wayne Tincaps Game Stopped When Field Springs a Leak
((ht: wane.com))
Don't ya hate it when a geyser breaks out in the middle of a perfectly good baseball game?
Well, that's exactly what happened Wednesday afternoon at Parkfield Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps who were playing the Great Lakes Loons.
During the top of the 5th inning, TinCaps 1st baseman Fernando Perez appears to catch a cleat in what looks like a sprinkler head.
The chaos then ensued...
The game was delayed 18 minutes while the grounds crew put a cap on it..
The Loons won 15-6
Don't ya hate it when a geyser breaks out in the middle of a perfectly good baseball game?
Well, that's exactly what happened Wednesday afternoon at Parkfield Field, home of the Fort Wayne TinCaps who were playing the Great Lakes Loons.
During the top of the 5th inning, TinCaps 1st baseman Fernando Perez appears to catch a cleat in what looks like a sprinkler head.
The chaos then ensued...
The game was delayed 18 minutes while the grounds crew put a cap on it..
The Loons won 15-6
High Bisque, Low Reward: Winston Suspended From FSU Baseball Team For Food Lift
((HT: WCTV-TV))
The jokes, memes, and stills created out of FSU QB Jameis Winston's crab leg-lifting at a Tallahassee grocery store have led to the usual, tremendous amount of jokes...
Now, the serious part for someone who really should have been keeping his slate clean with everything else swirling around the Tallahassee campus at present...
But, the Leon County (FL) Sheriff's Office held a press conference this afternoon to discuss...
((HT: Tallahassee.com))
Here's the end results for the civil citation for the $32.73 non-purchase: “As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team,” said FSU Baseball Coach Mike Martin. “I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon.” “I fully support Coach Martin’s decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will,” said FSU Football Coach Jimbo Fisher.
He can still practice and compete since it's a violation of the FSU Code of Conduct. But that decision, ultimately, rests with each individual coach.
Winston was not arrested and will not face criminal charges if he completes the terms of the civil diversion program...
Okay, faithful reader...
What's your favorite response/pun/funny today to the Winston fiasco...???
The jokes, memes, and stills created out of FSU QB Jameis Winston's crab leg-lifting at a Tallahassee grocery store have led to the usual, tremendous amount of jokes...
Now, the serious part for someone who really should have been keeping his slate clean with everything else swirling around the Tallahassee campus at present...
But, the Leon County (FL) Sheriff's Office held a press conference this afternoon to discuss...
((HT: Tallahassee.com))
Here's the end results for the civil citation for the $32.73 non-purchase: “As a result of his citation last night, we are suspending Jameis Winston from the baseball team,” said FSU Baseball Coach Mike Martin. “I am confident he will complete his community service obligation and the situation will be resolved soon.” “I fully support Coach Martin’s decision and will also make sure that Jameis meets all obligations, which I know he will,” said FSU Football Coach Jimbo Fisher.
He can still practice and compete since it's a violation of the FSU Code of Conduct. But that decision, ultimately, rests with each individual coach.
Winston was not arrested and will not face criminal charges if he completes the terms of the civil diversion program...
Okay, faithful reader...
What's your favorite response/pun/funny today to the Winston fiasco...???
Keenan Becomes First To Win NHL And KHL Titles
((HT: Sportsnet))
When Mike Keenan and Metallurg Magnitogorsk won the KHL title with a 7-4 win over Lev Praha, he became the first coach to win a championship in both leagues...
Here's the end...
((HT: KHL their own selves))
Keenan took over for Paul Maurice when the latter went to Winnipeg to take over for the fired Claude Noel...
Here's a look at what Keenan has gone through in his transition to the Kontinental way...
Also, Grantland's Katie Baker's piece on Keenan and the KHL earlier this season is required reading as well...
Now, if Keenan can come back for TV duties for the Finals over here...
Or, does he go on a long vacation...???
Well deserved...
When Mike Keenan and Metallurg Magnitogorsk won the KHL title with a 7-4 win over Lev Praha, he became the first coach to win a championship in both leagues...
Here's the end...
((HT: KHL their own selves))
Keenan took over for Paul Maurice when the latter went to Winnipeg to take over for the fired Claude Noel...
Here's a look at what Keenan has gone through in his transition to the Kontinental way...
Also, Grantland's Katie Baker's piece on Keenan and the KHL earlier this season is required reading as well...
Now, if Keenan can come back for TV duties for the Finals over here...
Or, does he go on a long vacation...???
Well deserved...
The Sterling Decision: Impact On Televison
((HT: Awful Announcing/TSN2/NBA))
Admittedly, it is a lot easier for sideline talent to interject themselves into the situations they're reporting on...
Last night, the HQ will admit that is took David Aldridge a lot of guts to talk about how the impact of the Donald Sterling banishment hit his family right in the gut...
Here's his introduction from last night's Clippers-Warriors game...
That's how deep it got for some folks last night, and the NBA is, hopefully, better today than it was the day before...
Admittedly, it is a lot easier for sideline talent to interject themselves into the situations they're reporting on...
Last night, the HQ will admit that is took David Aldridge a lot of guts to talk about how the impact of the Donald Sterling banishment hit his family right in the gut...
Here's his introduction from last night's Clippers-Warriors game...
That's how deep it got for some folks last night, and the NBA is, hopefully, better today than it was the day before...
Stiviano Wants To Be President
((HT: KABC-TV))
And she says that she'll change a lot of legislation...
This stuff writes itself...
She roller skates
She wears welding helmets
And she avoids commenting about the tape that she claims she didn't send out...
And she says that she'll change a lot of legislation...
This stuff writes itself...
She roller skates
She wears welding helmets
And she avoids commenting about the tape that she claims she didn't send out...
Voice Of The Flames Retires After 34 Seasons
((HT: Global Calgary))
Most hockey people know Peter Maher...
The voice of the Calgary flames ever since they left Atlanta, he retired yesterday after calling over 3,100 straight games
Before he went to the Flames, he spent three seasons as the play-by-play in Toronto. And the HQ appreciates his Maple Leafs joke...
He was also inducted into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame as a media honoree in 2006. He also won the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.
Flames president and CEO Ken King said a tribute to Maher is being planned for next season.
As well there should be...
Most hockey people know Peter Maher...
The voice of the Calgary flames ever since they left Atlanta, he retired yesterday after calling over 3,100 straight games
Before he went to the Flames, he spent three seasons as the play-by-play in Toronto. And the HQ appreciates his Maple Leafs joke...
He was also inducted into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame as a media honoree in 2006. He also won the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award.
Flames president and CEO Ken King said a tribute to Maher is being planned for next season.
As well there should be...
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Fernandez Fakes Out The Braves On Way To Win
((HT:MLB.com))
The HQ doesn't quite know what it is about Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and the Atlanta Braves...
He has their number- on the mound, at the plate, and now in the field as he cruised to a 9-0 win last night.
He bluffed the day lights out of Tyler Pastornicky and kept a run from scoring early on...
In two weeks, Fernandez has thrown 17 scoreless innings against the Braves. His scoreless innings streak at home is now at 21 and two-thirds innings and he is now 8-0 in his last nine home starts with an ERA UNDER 0.50
All the Braves have to now is wait for free agency and they'll pick him up...
Or the Yankees will...
The HQ doesn't quite know what it is about Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez and the Atlanta Braves...
He has their number- on the mound, at the plate, and now in the field as he cruised to a 9-0 win last night.
He bluffed the day lights out of Tyler Pastornicky and kept a run from scoring early on...
In two weeks, Fernandez has thrown 17 scoreless innings against the Braves. His scoreless innings streak at home is now at 21 and two-thirds innings and he is now 8-0 in his last nine home starts with an ERA UNDER 0.50
All the Braves have to now is wait for free agency and they'll pick him up...
Or the Yankees will...
Filing: Former Vandy Coach Franklin Talked To Alleged Campus Rape Victim
((HT: WSMV-TV/ESPN-Bennett))
Brian Bennett has news that a new defense filing in the on-campus assault case involving four former Vanderbilt football players from last June details contact between then-head football coach James Franklin and the defendant in the case.
The attorney for Brandon Vandenburg, one of the four former Vanderbilt football players up on rape charges, requested the charge against his client be dismissed because the state failed to preserve evidence.
Tony Gonzalez's article in the Tennessean details it, including:
• the majority of more than 27,000 messages and 220 calls on the alleged victim's phone, of which just 47 calls or texts were provided to the defense;
• text messages between Vandenburg and the alleged victim, as well as between him and former wide receiver Chris Boyd and co-defendant Cory Batey;
• text messages and phone records from three team staff members — former head coach James Franklin, former director of performance enhancement Dwight Galt, and associate director of athletics Kevin Colon;
• texts and social media posts from players and the victim's friends;
• police interview records with a close acquaintance of the alleged victim;
• DNA test results from another man;
• an interview with the girlfriend of former starting quarterback Austyn Carta Samuels; and
• other police notes and medical records.
The new filing says that Franklin and strength coach Dwight Galt also talked to the female four days after the rape.
Bennett's key paragraph (from Gonzalez's article):
Franklin and Galt told the victim "that they cared about her because she assisted them with recruiting," according to the filing. Later, the defense said, "Coach Franklin called her in for a private meeting and told her he wanted her to get 15 pretty girls together and form a team to assist with the recruiting even though he knew it was against the rules. He added that all the other colleges did it."
Franklin and Galt are now both at Penn State and the Nittany Lions head coach didn't want to talk to anyone about the filing.
Here's some background from February where it was thought that Vandenburg was even going as far as saying things against Batey. Batey's attorney claimed the act was to keep Batey from getting a fair trial...
WSMV Channel 4
The case is set to go to trial in August.
Brian Bennett has news that a new defense filing in the on-campus assault case involving four former Vanderbilt football players from last June details contact between then-head football coach James Franklin and the defendant in the case.
The attorney for Brandon Vandenburg, one of the four former Vanderbilt football players up on rape charges, requested the charge against his client be dismissed because the state failed to preserve evidence.
Tony Gonzalez's article in the Tennessean details it, including:
• the majority of more than 27,000 messages and 220 calls on the alleged victim's phone, of which just 47 calls or texts were provided to the defense;
• text messages between Vandenburg and the alleged victim, as well as between him and former wide receiver Chris Boyd and co-defendant Cory Batey;
• text messages and phone records from three team staff members — former head coach James Franklin, former director of performance enhancement Dwight Galt, and associate director of athletics Kevin Colon;
• texts and social media posts from players and the victim's friends;
• police interview records with a close acquaintance of the alleged victim;
• DNA test results from another man;
• an interview with the girlfriend of former starting quarterback Austyn Carta Samuels; and
• other police notes and medical records.
The new filing says that Franklin and strength coach Dwight Galt also talked to the female four days after the rape.
Bennett's key paragraph (from Gonzalez's article):
Franklin and Galt told the victim "that they cared about her because she assisted them with recruiting," according to the filing. Later, the defense said, "Coach Franklin called her in for a private meeting and told her he wanted her to get 15 pretty girls together and form a team to assist with the recruiting even though he knew it was against the rules. He added that all the other colleges did it."
Franklin and Galt are now both at Penn State and the Nittany Lions head coach didn't want to talk to anyone about the filing.
Here's some background from February where it was thought that Vandenburg was even going as far as saying things against Batey. Batey's attorney claimed the act was to keep Batey from getting a fair trial...
WSMV Channel 4
The case is set to go to trial in August.
OSG UEFA: Real Smokes Bayern
((HT: UEFA/Fox Soccer))
Sergio Ramos scored twice in five minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo punched it through twice on his own...
As a matter of fact, the goals by CR7 set a new Champions League record for goals in a campaign- with 16...
The final was 5-0 on aggregate- and it wasn't even that close...
Here's the PK by CR7 to advance to the final for the first time since 2002...
Bayern had never lost by three goals at home in Europe- they lost by four today...
Sergio Ramos scored twice in five minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo punched it through twice on his own...
As a matter of fact, the goals by CR7 set a new Champions League record for goals in a campaign- with 16...
The final was 5-0 on aggregate- and it wasn't even that close...
Here's the PK by CR7 to advance to the final for the first time since 2002...
Bayern had never lost by three goals at home in Europe- they lost by four today...
Sterling: Clips Aren't For Sale... Game On...
((HT: Fox News Channel))
Not shocking the HQ at all is the nugget out of the conversation Jim Gray had before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came to the dais.
The next step is early on, thanks the Big Lead via Mike Sham...
The Big Lead story is hyah...
The HQ has always thought that the current owner of the Clippers wasn't going down without a fight...
And it looks like this attribution, if accurate, is the equivalent of "just bring it..."
Donald Sterling's ego, and it's history, have always been known to want to be in the spotlight.
This will be no different and he will go down in flames...
The Board of Governors will need 22 of the current 30 ownership groups to vote for an ouster. Commissioner Silver feels he'll be getting those votes without much of an issue...
Except, for the owner not wanting to yield...
Not shocking the HQ at all is the nugget out of the conversation Jim Gray had before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came to the dais.
The next step is early on, thanks the Big Lead via Mike Sham...
The Big Lead story is hyah...
The HQ has always thought that the current owner of the Clippers wasn't going down without a fight...
And it looks like this attribution, if accurate, is the equivalent of "just bring it..."
Donald Sterling's ego, and it's history, have always been known to want to be in the spotlight.
This will be no different and he will go down in flames...
The Board of Governors will need 22 of the current 30 ownership groups to vote for an ouster. Commissioner Silver feels he'll be getting those votes without much of an issue...
Except, for the owner not wanting to yield...
Sterling's Next Steps: Banned For Life, Big Fine, No Sale Yet...But Silver Thinks He Can Get The Votes
((HT: TMZ Sports))
According to Harvey Levin, the Clippers owner is indefinitely suspended from his activities as owner of the NBA franchise. He is not being forced to sell the team at present and the fine that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has put forth is $2.5-million. For a man, in Sterling, that is worth almost $2-billion, a $5-million fine is like handing over a few hundred bucks...
Which the HQ feels he may have in between the cushions of the first couch he finds...
The Commish also had a forensic expert review the tapes that included a voice that was confirmed to be Sterling's. Silver offered a follow-up discussion for Sterling, but he backed out.
TMZ also says that Sterling's girlfriend, V. Stiviano, had Sterling's permission to record their conversation.
The best description that has been given to the Sterling situation and its multiple levels was given by Bomani Jones, who EIGHT YEARS AGO, exposed the Clippers owner for who he is. He pipe-bombed him yesterday on the "Dan LeBatatard Show" on ESPN Radio
Current head coach Doc Rivers has said that he will not return next season if Sterling is still around.
The HQ doesn't quite know how an indefinite suspension will play with "still being around."
Silver addressed the large group of assembled media in New York City Tuesday afternoon. Sterling had not been told of his fate before the press conference in midtown Manhattan. The investigation is complete, in Silver's terms, and the voice on the tapes is Sterling's.
Silver called the words on the tape "deeply offensive and harmful" and the fact that they came from an owner "heightened the damage." He apologized on behalf of the league and banned Sterling.
Sterling is barred from Board of Governors meetings and fined $2.5-million- the maximum amount allowed by the NBA Constitution.
Silver will urge the BoG to force a sale of the team... 22 of 30 owners would have to vote for such a transfer.
From the NBA their own self:
As part of the lifetime ban, Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings and participating in any other league activity.
Commissioner Silver also announced that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team.
The discipline issued today is based on the Commissioner’s conclusion that Mr. Sterling violated league rules through his expressions of offensive and hurtful views, the impact of which has been widely felt throughout the league.
According to Harvey Levin, the Clippers owner is indefinitely suspended from his activities as owner of the NBA franchise. He is not being forced to sell the team at present and the fine that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has put forth is $2.5-million. For a man, in Sterling, that is worth almost $2-billion, a $5-million fine is like handing over a few hundred bucks...
Which the HQ feels he may have in between the cushions of the first couch he finds...
The Commish also had a forensic expert review the tapes that included a voice that was confirmed to be Sterling's. Silver offered a follow-up discussion for Sterling, but he backed out.
TMZ also says that Sterling's girlfriend, V. Stiviano, had Sterling's permission to record their conversation.
The best description that has been given to the Sterling situation and its multiple levels was given by Bomani Jones, who EIGHT YEARS AGO, exposed the Clippers owner for who he is. He pipe-bombed him yesterday on the "Dan LeBatatard Show" on ESPN Radio
Current head coach Doc Rivers has said that he will not return next season if Sterling is still around.
The HQ doesn't quite know how an indefinite suspension will play with "still being around."
Silver addressed the large group of assembled media in New York City Tuesday afternoon. Sterling had not been told of his fate before the press conference in midtown Manhattan. The investigation is complete, in Silver's terms, and the voice on the tapes is Sterling's.
Silver called the words on the tape "deeply offensive and harmful" and the fact that they came from an owner "heightened the damage." He apologized on behalf of the league and banned Sterling.
Sterling is barred from Board of Governors meetings and fined $2.5-million- the maximum amount allowed by the NBA Constitution.
Silver will urge the BoG to force a sale of the team... 22 of 30 owners would have to vote for such a transfer.
From the NBA their own self:
As part of the lifetime ban, Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings and participating in any other league activity.
Commissioner Silver also announced that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team.
The discipline issued today is based on the Commissioner’s conclusion that Mr. Sterling violated league rules through his expressions of offensive and hurtful views, the impact of which has been widely felt throughout the league.
Alabama Swimmer Dies In Monday Storms
((HT: ABC3340/Birmingham))
The University of Alabama confirmed that one of the fatalities in the storms that ravaged the southeastern United States yesterday was a member of the swim team.
Junior John Servati was in a friend's basement when a retention wall gave way. He was a Dean's Lister and was on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Servati, from Tupelo, Mississippi, set state records in high school in the 200M freestyle and 100M backstroke.
Here's the story from overnight...
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
Alabama's head swim coach, Dennis Pursley, released a statement through the swim team's Twitter:
"During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts & prayers go out to the Servati family & to all who knew John. John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit. John will forever be in our hearts and a part of the Crimson Tide legacy."
UA's Director of Athletics, Bill Battle and the swim team captain, Phillip Deaton, made statements in a press release from the university's Athletics Department.
"We are all saddened to learn of the untimely death of John Servati," UA Director of Athletics Bill Battle said. "He was a model student-athlete who excelled in his sport of swimming, his pursuit of excellence in academics, and his value as a son, brother, friend and teammate to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends as we grieve his passing."
"John definitely had a genuine heart," Alabama team captain Phillip Deaton said. "He was a carefree guy who always had this huge smile on his face. He was my training partner for three years and I can tell you that while he liked to goof around and have fun, when he stepped up on the block he was intensely focused - he was a competitor and an amazing teammate. As a team, we are doing the best we can right now."
The University of Alabama confirmed that one of the fatalities in the storms that ravaged the southeastern United States yesterday was a member of the swim team.
Junior John Servati was in a friend's basement when a retention wall gave way. He was a Dean's Lister and was on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Servati, from Tupelo, Mississippi, set state records in high school in the 200M freestyle and 100M backstroke.
Here's the story from overnight...
ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports
Alabama's head swim coach, Dennis Pursley, released a statement through the swim team's Twitter:
"During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts & prayers go out to the Servati family & to all who knew John. John Servati was an extraordinary young man of great character and warmth who had a tremendously giving spirit. John will forever be in our hearts and a part of the Crimson Tide legacy."
UA's Director of Athletics, Bill Battle and the swim team captain, Phillip Deaton, made statements in a press release from the university's Athletics Department.
"We are all saddened to learn of the untimely death of John Servati," UA Director of Athletics Bill Battle said. "He was a model student-athlete who excelled in his sport of swimming, his pursuit of excellence in academics, and his value as a son, brother, friend and teammate to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John's family and friends as we grieve his passing."
"John definitely had a genuine heart," Alabama team captain Phillip Deaton said. "He was a carefree guy who always had this huge smile on his face. He was my training partner for three years and I can tell you that while he liked to goof around and have fun, when he stepped up on the block he was intensely focused - he was a competitor and an amazing teammate. As a team, we are doing the best we can right now."
McLellan: "We Got Cheated..." Sending Kings-Sharks To Game 7
((HT: CSN Bay Area))
The San Jose Sharks had one of those epic melt-downs that make this time of year this time of year...
With a game tied at one in the third last night, the Sharks scored three goals in just under three minutes to give the Kings a 4-1 win tying the Western Conference first-rounder at three games a piece with Game 7 coming up Wednesday night.
Here's the evidence of the collapse...
Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, defending his troops, says his team got cheated on the eventual game-winning goal by Justin Williams. Here's his presser that, might, cost him some money...
The Sharks game went downhill from there and got involved in fights with Logan Couture, Raffi Torres, Joe Thornton, Brett Burns, and Andrew Desjardins in a 3:27 span.
Elsewhere, Pittsburgh got a hat trick from Evgeny Malkin and held off Columbus 4-3 while Minnesota forced a Game 7 with Colorado with a win of their own...
The San Jose Sharks had one of those epic melt-downs that make this time of year this time of year...
With a game tied at one in the third last night, the Sharks scored three goals in just under three minutes to give the Kings a 4-1 win tying the Western Conference first-rounder at three games a piece with Game 7 coming up Wednesday night.
Here's the evidence of the collapse...
Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, defending his troops, says his team got cheated on the eventual game-winning goal by Justin Williams. Here's his presser that, might, cost him some money...
The Sharks game went downhill from there and got involved in fights with Logan Couture, Raffi Torres, Joe Thornton, Brett Burns, and Andrew Desjardins in a 3:27 span.
Elsewhere, Pittsburgh got a hat trick from Evgeny Malkin and held off Columbus 4-3 while Minnesota forced a Game 7 with Colorado with a win of their own...
Monday, April 28, 2014
Miami Heat Have A Protest Of Their Own
((HT: NBA on TNT))
As a show of support for the LA Clippers players having to deal with the Donald Sterling mess, the Miami Heat did their own show of support before their game with the Charlotte Bobcats this evening...
The Bobcats were hanging tough with the Heat in Game 4, only being down 4 at the half...
As a show of support for the LA Clippers players having to deal with the Donald Sterling mess, the Miami Heat did their own show of support before their game with the Charlotte Bobcats this evening...
The Bobcats were hanging tough with the Heat in Game 4, only being down 4 at the half...
Mike Keenan Goes All Mike Keenan On KHL Officials
((HT: Sport1))
Keenan took over the Metallurg Magnitogorsk squad in the KHL this season and is one win away from getting a title by beating Lev Praha... the series was 3-2 and Game 6 was in overtime when Keenan went all off on officials when the game was over...
Here's the overtime period...and the nutty is around the 12:30 mark...
What Keenan was so hot about was the non-call behind the Lev goal where it looks like one of his own was pinned down and not allowed to get up and get back in the play. It created a man-advantage and, eventually, the goal that created a Game 7...
"If you're going to call it, call it," Keenan said before his string of imperatives at the men in the zebra shirts...
No truth to the rumor that Game 7 is what President Putin wanted in the first place...
Keenan took over the Metallurg Magnitogorsk squad in the KHL this season and is one win away from getting a title by beating Lev Praha... the series was 3-2 and Game 6 was in overtime when Keenan went all off on officials when the game was over...
Here's the overtime period...and the nutty is around the 12:30 mark...
What Keenan was so hot about was the non-call behind the Lev goal where it looks like one of his own was pinned down and not allowed to get up and get back in the play. It created a man-advantage and, eventually, the goal that created a Game 7...
"If you're going to call it, call it," Keenan said before his string of imperatives at the men in the zebra shirts...
No truth to the rumor that Game 7 is what President Putin wanted in the first place...
Mark Jackson Wouldn't Have People Show Up For Game 5, Sponsors Starting To Leave
((HT: Dan Patrick Show/Youtube))
Golden State head coach Mark Jackson was a guest on the "Dan Patrick Show" this morning- fresh off his 21-point Game 4 win in the firestorm that is now the Clippers-Warriors series...
He played for the Clips for two seasons in the '90s and had an interesting thought on what the proper protest should be for the next home game in Los Angeles...
And now, the corporate sponsors of the Clippers are starting to go:
"CarMax finds the statements attributed to the Clippers' owner completely unacceptable," the company said in a statement through public relations manager Catherine Gryp. "These views directly conflict with CarMax's culture of respect for all individuals. While we have been a proud Clippers sponsor for nine years and support the team, fans and community, these statements necessitate that CarMax end its sponsorship."
State Farm is thinking about it as is Kia and Virgin America and Amtrak are out now as well...
THAT'S where the NBA will take notice from this moment forward. Commissioner Adam Silver is set to have a press conference tomorrow to discuss where the league may go from here...
2PM eastern time...
Golden State head coach Mark Jackson was a guest on the "Dan Patrick Show" this morning- fresh off his 21-point Game 4 win in the firestorm that is now the Clippers-Warriors series...
He played for the Clips for two seasons in the '90s and had an interesting thought on what the proper protest should be for the next home game in Los Angeles...
And now, the corporate sponsors of the Clippers are starting to go:
"CarMax finds the statements attributed to the Clippers' owner completely unacceptable," the company said in a statement through public relations manager Catherine Gryp. "These views directly conflict with CarMax's culture of respect for all individuals. While we have been a proud Clippers sponsor for nine years and support the team, fans and community, these statements necessitate that CarMax end its sponsorship."
State Farm is thinking about it as is Kia and Virgin America and Amtrak are out now as well...
THAT'S where the NBA will take notice from this moment forward. Commissioner Adam Silver is set to have a press conference tomorrow to discuss where the league may go from here...
2PM eastern time...
Sunday, April 27, 2014
THIS Is The Response To Racism In Soccer
((HT: Fox Soccer/Jenky67's Vine))
Barca was having a tough one against Villareal in La Liga today...
The team was still mourning the loss of former coach Tito Villanova in his fight with cancer and Dani Alves, during the match, had a banana thrown at him...
The response was classic...
Barca won in come-from-behind fashion, 3-2, and the HQ hopes that the next game Villareal has at home will have less fans as a result of this stupidity...
Barca was having a tough one against Villareal in La Liga today...
The team was still mourning the loss of former coach Tito Villanova in his fight with cancer and Dani Alves, during the match, had a banana thrown at him...
The response was classic...
Barca won in come-from-behind fashion, 3-2, and the HQ hopes that the next game Villareal has at home will have less fans as a result of this stupidity...
DEVELOPING: Now, THERE'S A Protest... Stiviano Denies Leak...
((HT: ESPN))
"It's just us, only us, we're all we got."
The LA Clippers took off their shooting shirts in pre-game warm-ups and dumped them on the floor- revealing shirts inside-out (presumably, to cover up the Clippers script logo)
From BayAreaNewsGroup's Marcus Thompson via Instagram
And we have some news from the girlfriend...
From Rachel Zarrell at BuzzFeed:
“This office understands that the currently released audio tape of approximately 15 minutes is a portion of approximately one (1) hour of overall audio recording of Mr. Donald T. Sterling and Ms. Stiviano, and is in fact legitimate,” said Mac E. Nehoray of the Nehoray Legal Group.
He added, “Ms. Stiviano did not release the tape(s) to any news media.”
Calling the lawsuit involving Stiviano and Sterling’s wife “absurd,” Nehoray said they have no further comments.
The HQ maintains that anyone else close to the girlfriend could have done the same thing...
Just says "she didn't do it..."
The players, in game have gone to black recognition...
According to the LA Times Bill Plaschke and his Twitter:
Clippers wearing black bands on their left wrist...Chris Paul's sleeves are black...all players's socks are black...
Sterling's nightmare, indeed...
Magic Johnson addressed the situation this afternoon on ESPN
"It's just us, only us, we're all we got."
The LA Clippers took off their shooting shirts in pre-game warm-ups and dumped them on the floor- revealing shirts inside-out (presumably, to cover up the Clippers script logo)
From BayAreaNewsGroup's Marcus Thompson via Instagram
And we have some news from the girlfriend...
From Rachel Zarrell at BuzzFeed:
“This office understands that the currently released audio tape of approximately 15 minutes is a portion of approximately one (1) hour of overall audio recording of Mr. Donald T. Sterling and Ms. Stiviano, and is in fact legitimate,” said Mac E. Nehoray of the Nehoray Legal Group.
He added, “Ms. Stiviano did not release the tape(s) to any news media.”
Calling the lawsuit involving Stiviano and Sterling’s wife “absurd,” Nehoray said they have no further comments.
The HQ maintains that anyone else close to the girlfriend could have done the same thing...
Just says "she didn't do it..."
The players, in game have gone to black recognition...
According to the LA Times Bill Plaschke and his Twitter:
Clippers wearing black bands on their left wrist...Chris Paul's sleeves are black...all players's socks are black...
Sterling's nightmare, indeed...
Magic Johnson addressed the situation this afternoon on ESPN
Jays McGowan's Results Affected By Diabetes
((HT: Sportsnet))
The Toronto Blue Jays Dustin McGowan is a Type 1 diabetic...
To date, he's not going as deep into his starts for the team as he would like. But, in analyzing it, McGowan thinks he needs to improve his conditioning in between starts. In addition, he thinks that (maybe) he'll start wearing an insulin pump in games to keep his levels from getting out of control to see if that will help...
Here's the catching-up on McGowan's season to date...
Recovery for McGowan has always been an issue as well- going from injury to treatment to having to balance the diabetes with all of it. But, he thinks that all of these steps will help out over time...
The Toronto Blue Jays Dustin McGowan is a Type 1 diabetic...
To date, he's not going as deep into his starts for the team as he would like. But, in analyzing it, McGowan thinks he needs to improve his conditioning in between starts. In addition, he thinks that (maybe) he'll start wearing an insulin pump in games to keep his levels from getting out of control to see if that will help...
Here's the catching-up on McGowan's season to date...
Recovery for McGowan has always been an issue as well- going from injury to treatment to having to balance the diabetes with all of it. But, he thinks that all of these steps will help out over time...
OSG Prem: Mourinho Does It Again...Man City Closes The Gap
((HT: NBCSN/BBC/SkySports))
So...
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho poo-pooed his whole week- told his Board he needed to prepare for Champions League play and asked to put a "B" side in against Liverpool... telling everyone the title is Liverpool's (or Man City's)...
Who's the dumb one now...???
After a deadly slip on defense in the first half by Steven Gerrard and a transitional goal in extra time by Willian, Chelsea tightens the race at the top and gives Man City the opening they needed all along...
And Mourinho afterwards was, well, Classic Mourinho...
Elsewhere, Sunderland- behind Connor Wickham again whacked Cardiff to escape the bottom of the table 4-0...
And Manchester City got within three points of Liverpool with a game in hand with their win at Crystal Palace. Dzeko scored in the fourth minute and Yaya Toure went through the Palace defense for the 2-0 lead at the break. They never looked back in the win at Selhurst Park...
Here's the Toure screamer...
So...
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho poo-pooed his whole week- told his Board he needed to prepare for Champions League play and asked to put a "B" side in against Liverpool... telling everyone the title is Liverpool's (or Man City's)...
Who's the dumb one now...???
After a deadly slip on defense in the first half by Steven Gerrard and a transitional goal in extra time by Willian, Chelsea tightens the race at the top and gives Man City the opening they needed all along...
And Mourinho afterwards was, well, Classic Mourinho...
Elsewhere, Sunderland- behind Connor Wickham again whacked Cardiff to escape the bottom of the table 4-0...
And Manchester City got within three points of Liverpool with a game in hand with their win at Crystal Palace. Dzeko scored in the fourth minute and Yaya Toure went through the Palace defense for the 2-0 lead at the break. They never looked back in the win at Selhurst Park...
Here's the Toure screamer...
Donald Sterling Now Has The President Mad
((HT: CNN))
All the way from Malaysia...
It was part of President Barack Obama's tour of southeast Asia. He was set to give his condolences for the families of MH370 as part of his diplomatic mission to Asia Pacific nations.
But the question evolved into affairs back home...
And when you get the President in a lather over basketball, you get moments like that...
All the way from Malaysia...
It was part of President Barack Obama's tour of southeast Asia. He was set to give his condolences for the families of MH370 as part of his diplomatic mission to Asia Pacific nations.
But the question evolved into affairs back home...
And when you get the President in a lather over basketball, you get moments like that...
ICYMI: Vince Carter With the Buzzer Beater for Dallas
Yes, Vince Carter is still in the NBA. And playing significant minutes for the Dallas Mavericks.
The 37-year old Carter, once a Top-10 player in the league, still played a big role for Dallas as a 6th man. And likely he's not made a bigger play than the one he made Saturday night.
Carter drilled a 3-pointer from the left corner at the buzzer, giving Dallas a 109-108 win over the San Antonio Spurs in game 3 of their best-of-7 series. The Mavs now lead that series 2-1.
The shot, which came on a play that began with only 1.7 seconds left on the clock was a counter to the Spurs Manu Ginobili who drilled a runner giving the Spurs a 108-106 lead.
And then Carter performed his magic--
Your highlight, with musical accompaniment from NBA.com:
The 37-year old Carter, once a Top-10 player in the league, still played a big role for Dallas as a 6th man. And likely he's not made a bigger play than the one he made Saturday night.
Carter drilled a 3-pointer from the left corner at the buzzer, giving Dallas a 109-108 win over the San Antonio Spurs in game 3 of their best-of-7 series. The Mavs now lead that series 2-1.
The shot, which came on a play that began with only 1.7 seconds left on the clock was a counter to the Spurs Manu Ginobili who drilled a runner giving the Spurs a 108-106 lead.
And then Carter performed his magic--
Your highlight, with musical accompaniment from NBA.com:
ICYMI: Ryan Braun Knocks Teammate Out of Game
Ooopsie...
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun needs to either (a) pay attention to where he is or (b) think before swinging a bat in the dugout.
Why?
Because Braun for some reason decided to try loosening up before hitting. Not while in the on-deck circle, but while standing on the top step of the dugout.
And he never saw starting shortstop Jean Segura standing behind him. The bat drills Segura upside the head and Segura had to be helped back to the clubhouse.
He didn't return.
Reports say Segura was more stunned than anything else, had a cut near his eye and probably a heck of a headache.
Braun apologized and felt pretty bad about the whole thing.
Your video from MLB.com:
Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun needs to either (a) pay attention to where he is or (b) think before swinging a bat in the dugout.
Why?
Because Braun for some reason decided to try loosening up before hitting. Not while in the on-deck circle, but while standing on the top step of the dugout.
And he never saw starting shortstop Jean Segura standing behind him. The bat drills Segura upside the head and Segura had to be helped back to the clubhouse.
He didn't return.
Reports say Segura was more stunned than anything else, had a cut near his eye and probably a heck of a headache.
Braun apologized and felt pretty bad about the whole thing.
Your video from MLB.com:
Saturday PM Sterling Update: No One Is Happy About It...
((HT: KABC-TV))
And let the spin begin...
The opinion is, from the Sterling camp, is that it is all the fault of Stiviano- who is being charged with embezzling almost $2-million- and that the Clippers owner is not the kind of person portrayed on the tape released to TMZ Sports...
Melissa Macbride is in the Satellite Center to read full screens
Doc Rivers, representing the team, was not pleased...
((HT: ESPN))
Chris Paul, the Executive Director of the NBPA, says the matter is going to be handled by the players in a timely fashion...
"On behalf of the National Basketball Players Association, this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively," it read. "We have asked [Sacramento] Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and a drive to the Finals."
No lie... for this part of irony...
Sterling was to be honored in May with a lifetime achievement award by the NAACP in Los Angeles. The prganization is monitoring the Clippers situation right now as well...
And let the spin begin...
The opinion is, from the Sterling camp, is that it is all the fault of Stiviano- who is being charged with embezzling almost $2-million- and that the Clippers owner is not the kind of person portrayed on the tape released to TMZ Sports...
Melissa Macbride is in the Satellite Center to read full screens
Doc Rivers, representing the team, was not pleased...
((HT: ESPN))
Chris Paul, the Executive Director of the NBPA, says the matter is going to be handled by the players in a timely fashion...
"On behalf of the National Basketball Players Association, this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively," it read. "We have asked [Sacramento] Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and a drive to the Finals."
No lie... for this part of irony...
Sterling was to be honored in May with a lifetime achievement award by the NAACP in Los Angeles. The prganization is monitoring the Clippers situation right now as well...
Astros Video Bomb Each Other With Bobbleheads
((HT: CSN Houston))
The Astros ratings are in the neighborhood of a Blutarski GPA these days...
But that doesn't mean that, when they win, they won't be having fun...
Jason Castro was part of the big 8th inning that gave the Astros a 7-6 win over Oakland on Saturday. All that meant was that Carlos Corporan drops in with a prop for the Castro interview...
Here's your evidence of jockularity
Ah, you wacky Astros...
The Astros ratings are in the neighborhood of a Blutarski GPA these days...
But that doesn't mean that, when they win, they won't be having fun...
Jason Castro was part of the big 8th inning that gave the Astros a 7-6 win over Oakland on Saturday. All that meant was that Carlos Corporan drops in with a prop for the Castro interview...
Here's your evidence of jockularity
Ah, you wacky Astros...
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Marcos Ambrose Should Expect A Trip To The Big Red Truck
((HT: NASCAR on FOX))
Short tracks usually ring out an identical type of temper in NASCAR drivers...
The race at Richmond was no different...
Marcos Ambrose, apparently, caused a three-wide situation late in the race which caused a post-race discussion with the driver of the 13 car- Casey Mears.
And in the middle of the discussion, Ambrose did this to Mears...
Elsewhere, Brad Keselowski was mad at Matt Kenseth after the race was over and the Blue Deuce was not pleased with the #20's efforts
Short tracks usually ring out an identical type of temper in NASCAR drivers...
The race at Richmond was no different...
Marcos Ambrose, apparently, caused a three-wide situation late in the race which caused a post-race discussion with the driver of the 13 car- Casey Mears.
And in the middle of the discussion, Ambrose did this to Mears...
Elsewhere, Brad Keselowski was mad at Matt Kenseth after the race was over and the Blue Deuce was not pleased with the #20's efforts
David Langner Passes From Cancer
((HT: AL.com/Marcello))
Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...
But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))
In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...
"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."
Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...
"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."
As is the HQ's...
Okay, the HQ will yield that you probably don't know Langner by name if you're outside the Ess-E-Cee...
But, if you mention "Punt, Bama, Punt"- you'll probably know what that is all about...
((HT: Auburn University Athletics))
In 1972, Auburn was down 16-3. But Langner was credited with returning two blocked punts for scores at Auburn won 17-16 in one of the most storied games in the Iron Bowl Series...
"David Langner was one of Auburn's greats who will be remembered by generations to come," Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs said in a statement. "He was a fierce competitor who fought cancer as hard as he fought any opponent he faced. I know the entire Auburn family joins me in offering our sympathy and prayers to his family."
Bill Newton blocked both punts with less than six minutes left in regulation and this capped off a year where the group known as the "Amazins" went 10-1...
"I'm saddened by the passing of David Langner, who was not only an Auburn legend but a great man," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said in another statement released by the university. "On behalf of the entire Auburn football program, our thoughts and prayers are with David's family and friends."
As is the HQ's...
Donald Sterling Needs To Stop, Barkley Addresses It...
((HT: TMZ Sports))
Somehow, and the HQ has an idea how, an audio recording surfaced where it appears that (someone who might be) LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling cannot get out of his own way- again...
When he first bought the Clips in 1981, he didn't invest in them and they were an awful franchise...
Then, he invested, and you see how things are when you leave the franchise alone and let people do their job...
But, Sterling just reinforced he is an old, white owner with plantation tendencies...
Here is an exchange with his current girlfriend, V. Stiviano, about her Instagramming habits that included a picture of Magic Johnson. Sterling didn't like Stiviano- who is of mixed race- having blacks on her account...and doesn't want them at HIS games.
There's an obvious background that we all have no idea about that caused "someone" to record the conversation in the first place. But, regardless of the recording surfacing, one person being aware or two (which lends itself to the legality of the recording in some states in the first place)- the content is troubling...
Very troubling... from an older, white gentleman discussing the races...
NBA spokesman Mike Bass had this statement: "We are in the process of conducting a full investigation into the audio recording obtained by TMZ. The remarks heard on the recording are disturbing and offensive, but at this time we have no further information."
Sterling has a history of not playing well with others. In 2006, he was sued by the Justice Department for allegations of housing discrimination in the Koreatown part of Los Angeles. Three years later, he was told to pay almost $3-million to settle the case. And in 2011, he was involved in an age discrimination case with his former GM, Elgin Baylor. Sterling would, eventually, win that case.
Ugh...
Charles Barkley was Charles Barkley and he was 100-percent correct...as were Shaq, Kenny, and EJ...
((HT: Inside The NBA/TNT/youtube))
Somehow, and the HQ has an idea how, an audio recording surfaced where it appears that (someone who might be) LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling cannot get out of his own way- again...
When he first bought the Clips in 1981, he didn't invest in them and they were an awful franchise...
Then, he invested, and you see how things are when you leave the franchise alone and let people do their job...
But, Sterling just reinforced he is an old, white owner with plantation tendencies...
Here is an exchange with his current girlfriend, V. Stiviano, about her Instagramming habits that included a picture of Magic Johnson. Sterling didn't like Stiviano- who is of mixed race- having blacks on her account...and doesn't want them at HIS games.
Clippers Owner Donald Sterling to GF - Don't Bring Black People to My Games, Including Magic Johnson
- Watch More
Celebrity Videos
or
Subscribe
- Watch More
Celebrity Videos
or
Subscribe
There's an obvious background that we all have no idea about that caused "someone" to record the conversation in the first place. But, regardless of the recording surfacing, one person being aware or two (which lends itself to the legality of the recording in some states in the first place)- the content is troubling...
Very troubling... from an older, white gentleman discussing the races...
NBA spokesman Mike Bass had this statement: "We are in the process of conducting a full investigation into the audio recording obtained by TMZ. The remarks heard on the recording are disturbing and offensive, but at this time we have no further information."
Sterling has a history of not playing well with others. In 2006, he was sued by the Justice Department for allegations of housing discrimination in the Koreatown part of Los Angeles. Three years later, he was told to pay almost $3-million to settle the case. And in 2011, he was involved in an age discrimination case with his former GM, Elgin Baylor. Sterling would, eventually, win that case.
Ugh...
Charles Barkley was Charles Barkley and he was 100-percent correct...as were Shaq, Kenny, and EJ...
((HT: Inside The NBA/TNT/youtube))
OSG Prem: The Bottom Tightens Up, Giggs Debuts...
((HT: BPL on NBC/BBC/SkySports))
Norwich ran into a multi-dimensional buzz saw today...
The emotion of a new coach, who was one of the Class of '92 for Manchester United- Ryan Giggs became caretaker manager for the remainder of the Premier League season. He had a couple of teammates come aboard as assistants...
And the emotion of the crowd at Old Trafford going behind a new look Red Devils bunch...
Giggs' entrance...
And the highlights in a 4-0 whitewash that could have been a lot worse...
Elsewhere, Jonjo Shelvey gets a contender for the Goal of the Year for this strike in a 4-1 win over Villa
Southampton got two own goals and beat a flat Everton squad to damage their Champions League hopes, 2-0...
Hull scored two late goals to snatch two points from Fulham for a 2-2 draw...
Danny Rose got the only goal for Spurs in their 1-0 win over Stoke
And West Ham fans are all over Sam Allardyce now- blaming him for their flat performance of late- and West Brom got a huge home win and an ever huger three points in a 1-0 win over the Hammers...
Here's the bottom of the table with Sunderland and Cardiff in a massive 6-pointer tomorrow morning...
Norwich City 36 8 8 20 32
Fulham 36 9 4 23 31
Cardiff City 35 7 9 19 30
Sunderland 34 7 8 19 29
Norwich ran into a multi-dimensional buzz saw today...
The emotion of a new coach, who was one of the Class of '92 for Manchester United- Ryan Giggs became caretaker manager for the remainder of the Premier League season. He had a couple of teammates come aboard as assistants...
And the emotion of the crowd at Old Trafford going behind a new look Red Devils bunch...
Giggs' entrance...
And the highlights in a 4-0 whitewash that could have been a lot worse...
Elsewhere, Jonjo Shelvey gets a contender for the Goal of the Year for this strike in a 4-1 win over Villa
Southampton got two own goals and beat a flat Everton squad to damage their Champions League hopes, 2-0...
Hull scored two late goals to snatch two points from Fulham for a 2-2 draw...
Danny Rose got the only goal for Spurs in their 1-0 win over Stoke
And West Ham fans are all over Sam Allardyce now- blaming him for their flat performance of late- and West Brom got a huge home win and an ever huger three points in a 1-0 win over the Hammers...
Here's the bottom of the table with Sunderland and Cardiff in a massive 6-pointer tomorrow morning...
Norwich City 36 8 8 20 32
Fulham 36 9 4 23 31
Cardiff City 35 7 9 19 30
Sunderland 34 7 8 19 29
DEVELOPING: Washington Capitals Fire Coach and GM
Big changes are afoot for the floundering Washington Capitols hockey team.The Caps, who feature one of hockey best players, Alexander Ovechkin, did not make the playoff this season.
And the casualties for that underachievement, team G.M George McPhee and coach Adam Oates were fired Saturday morning by team owner Ted Leonsis.
McPhee ran the team for 17-years and the team did have some success, winning some conference titles and making the playoffs 10-times.
As for Oates, he coached the team 2-seasons. This year the team was 38-30, but that was only enough to get them to 9th in an 8-team playoff system.
It seems to be the beginning of the new "next round" of changes to benefit Alex Ovechkin and the group of entertaining underachievers. Chuck Gormley and Jill Sorenson discuss the future...
((HT: CSNWashington))
Balotelli Jousts With TV Guys After Sub And Loss
((HT: SkySports Italy))
The HQ warns you, the exchange is in Italian...
But the bottom line is that Mario Balotelli wasn't going to take any criticism lightly...
AC Milan lost to Roma 2-0 and the hosts decided that they were going after Balotelli for lack of movement and pressed on his exchange with manager Clarence Seedorf when he was taken off in the 69th minute...
The translation from the Canadian Press:
Balotelli said: "When Milan wins Mario is great, when it loses Mario is bad."
Told by one studio host that he doesn't move enough on the pitch, Balotelli responded: "You don't know anything about football. Trust me."
Balotelli even took to his 2.5-million Twitter followers to talk about it:
"Mamma mia divido l Italia in 2! Però! Mentre quasi tutto l Estero è unito con me! What a strange game:-)"
("Mamma mia I divide Italy in 2! Wow! While nearly everyone abroad is united with me!")
Nothing changes with enigmas, does it...???
The HQ warns you, the exchange is in Italian...
But the bottom line is that Mario Balotelli wasn't going to take any criticism lightly...
AC Milan lost to Roma 2-0 and the hosts decided that they were going after Balotelli for lack of movement and pressed on his exchange with manager Clarence Seedorf when he was taken off in the 69th minute...
The translation from the Canadian Press:
Balotelli said: "When Milan wins Mario is great, when it loses Mario is bad."
Told by one studio host that he doesn't move enough on the pitch, Balotelli responded: "You don't know anything about football. Trust me."
Balotelli even took to his 2.5-million Twitter followers to talk about it:
"Mamma mia divido l Italia in 2! Però! Mentre quasi tutto l Estero è unito con me! What a strange game:-)"
("Mamma mia I divide Italy in 2! Wow! While nearly everyone abroad is united with me!")
Nothing changes with enigmas, does it...???
Friday Night Walk-Off: Jose Abreu With the Walk-Off Grand Slam
((mlb.com))
Boom!
Rookie Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox has some serious power.
9 Homeruns in his first month with the big club in April.
None bigger than the one he hit Friday night.
Abreu took the plate against Tampa Bay Rays closer Grant Balfour with his team trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded, down in the count with a strike..
MLB.com has the video of the rest...
Boom!
Rookie Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox has some serious power.
9 Homeruns in his first month with the big club in April.
None bigger than the one he hit Friday night.
Abreu took the plate against Tampa Bay Rays closer Grant Balfour with his team trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded, down in the count with a strike..
MLB.com has the video of the rest...
ICYMI: Only a Louisiana Guy Can Poke a Gator at a Golf Tournament
((ht: golfchannel.com))
Seeing an alligator on a golf course? Guaranteed it will make highlights in a televised tournament.
See a gator next to the green on the course during a PGA Tour Event, yep, the video will go viral.
Check out what happened when an alligator tried to move in on James Driscoll's golf ball during the Zurich Classic outside New Orleans.
That's when playing partner and Louisiana native John Peterson stepped in, grabbed a rake from the nearby sand trap and nudged the gator back into the green side lake.
Good TV, not something recommended for the kids at home and a highlight of the day.
Seeing an alligator on a golf course? Guaranteed it will make highlights in a televised tournament.
See a gator next to the green on the course during a PGA Tour Event, yep, the video will go viral.
Check out what happened when an alligator tried to move in on James Driscoll's golf ball during the Zurich Classic outside New Orleans.
That's when playing partner and Louisiana native John Peterson stepped in, grabbed a rake from the nearby sand trap and nudged the gator back into the green side lake.
Good TV, not something recommended for the kids at home and a highlight of the day.
Friday, April 25, 2014
OSG NAIA: Southern Poly's End Of The End...
The HQ does some television programming for the premier conference in the NAIA- the Southern States Athletic Conference...
And, as is the case these days, mergers and acquisitions can't even escape the land of colleges and universities...
The University System of Georgia had a round of mergers and dissolves within the past year that had an effect on two Atlanta-area universities: Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. Southern Poly ranked highly in a lot of categories state-wide including enrollment increases, test scores, and all those academic-type things that keeps you desirable and profitable in a university system.
But, at the end of the day confusing a lot of people, Southern Poly was told THEY were the ones who were going to be merged with Kennesaw and not going to be left to their own devices as a technology university.
That meant one thing- a lot of people were going to lose their jobs...
And even more students were going to be displaced athletically in four sports...
The Hornets have a history: The baseball, soccer, and basketball teams have won conference titles and made plenty of post-season appearances in the NAIA tournaments. This season alone, the women's basketball team under LaQuanda Dawkins won the SSAC Eastern Division title and made an appearance in the NAIA tournament in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Here's that story about leaving a legacy in the "Southern States Showcase" TV program from early March
The segment airs at the 9:45 mark...
((HT: Workhorse Video Productions))
And the baseball team is ranked in the top-20 in the country...
The issue with the transition in the first place is always the "when..."
Initially, the thought was that SPSU players, coaches, and personnel would have another year to figure out their futures. But that idea got squashed and put the slow fade of the Hornets on a fast track. As a result, when teams would lose their last game of the 2013-2014 season, it would be their last loss ever.
Like the last home game for the men's basketball team...
((HT: Taylor McDonald))
And, this weekend, the last home game for regular-season baseball... a three-game, two-day series against the University of Mobile. The two teams split the Thursday double-header which led to Senior Day on Friday.
The outgoing president, Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, was there with her husband and pit bull mix- wearing a Southern Poly hat that was given out to all who wanted one. Her husband, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, had as a condition to them getting married that she had to learn how to score a baseball game.
She can do that, by the way...
The day had more of an Irish wake feel to it than a baseball game if you knew what was going on. People could have lunch, take their picture taken with the Hornets' mascot (who, from the looks of things, was well on his or her way to losing a good ten pounds in water weight), play side-show games, or watch the game itself. And, by the transitory nature of the crowd, it seemed like people would come by. They just couldn't stomach hanging around for the end.
Both literal and figurative...
After the last regular season game with the Rams, all that is left of a six-decade athletics program is the conference tournament and a possible trip to regionals-slash-nationals...
And that's it...
No more nothing... except alums and a Hall of Fame-to be...
And it also makes you wonder... do you claim your alma mater with a sense of pride or hide from it once your school is eaten up in today's view of colleges and universities...??? All the banners in the gym get rolled up. The floor gets put somewhere unless Kennesaw wants to use the facility for intramurals and the same goes for baseball...
All you're left with are memories because you're history...
As both an imperative and an adjective...
UPDATE: So you know, naturally, the last game on campus lasted a while... especially near the end...
Mobile broke out to a 6-0 lead, but Southern Poly scored three in the 7th and 10 in the 8th...
Southern Poly sent 15 hitters to the plate in the 8th inning, scoring 10 runs on six hits after the inning started with a walk, two hit-batsmen, a walk and a grand slam. There were 14 pitchers used in the game, including eight by SPSU. Mobile pitchers issued 18 walks and hit five batters in the game. Southern Poly left 15 runners on base and the Rams nine.
It was Senior Day for Southern Poly’s eight senior players - Chris Dykes, Forrest Garrett, Chad Livingston, Dalton Martinez, Reese Patten, Tyler Roach, Zach Smith and Khirus Ware
Southern Poly finishes their last regular season going 38-16 and will play Wednesday in the conference tournament in Montgomery.
And, as is the case these days, mergers and acquisitions can't even escape the land of colleges and universities...
The University System of Georgia had a round of mergers and dissolves within the past year that had an effect on two Atlanta-area universities: Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. Southern Poly ranked highly in a lot of categories state-wide including enrollment increases, test scores, and all those academic-type things that keeps you desirable and profitable in a university system.
But, at the end of the day confusing a lot of people, Southern Poly was told THEY were the ones who were going to be merged with Kennesaw and not going to be left to their own devices as a technology university.
That meant one thing- a lot of people were going to lose their jobs...
And even more students were going to be displaced athletically in four sports...
The Hornets have a history: The baseball, soccer, and basketball teams have won conference titles and made plenty of post-season appearances in the NAIA tournaments. This season alone, the women's basketball team under LaQuanda Dawkins won the SSAC Eastern Division title and made an appearance in the NAIA tournament in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Here's that story about leaving a legacy in the "Southern States Showcase" TV program from early March
The segment airs at the 9:45 mark...
((HT: Workhorse Video Productions))
And the baseball team is ranked in the top-20 in the country...
The issue with the transition in the first place is always the "when..."
Initially, the thought was that SPSU players, coaches, and personnel would have another year to figure out their futures. But that idea got squashed and put the slow fade of the Hornets on a fast track. As a result, when teams would lose their last game of the 2013-2014 season, it would be their last loss ever.
Like the last home game for the men's basketball team...
((HT: Taylor McDonald))
And, this weekend, the last home game for regular-season baseball... a three-game, two-day series against the University of Mobile. The two teams split the Thursday double-header which led to Senior Day on Friday.
The outgoing president, Dr. Lisa Rossbacher, was there with her husband and pit bull mix- wearing a Southern Poly hat that was given out to all who wanted one. Her husband, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, had as a condition to them getting married that she had to learn how to score a baseball game.
She can do that, by the way...
The day had more of an Irish wake feel to it than a baseball game if you knew what was going on. People could have lunch, take their picture taken with the Hornets' mascot (who, from the looks of things, was well on his or her way to losing a good ten pounds in water weight), play side-show games, or watch the game itself. And, by the transitory nature of the crowd, it seemed like people would come by. They just couldn't stomach hanging around for the end.
Both literal and figurative...
After the last regular season game with the Rams, all that is left of a six-decade athletics program is the conference tournament and a possible trip to regionals-slash-nationals...
And that's it...
No more nothing... except alums and a Hall of Fame-to be...
And it also makes you wonder... do you claim your alma mater with a sense of pride or hide from it once your school is eaten up in today's view of colleges and universities...??? All the banners in the gym get rolled up. The floor gets put somewhere unless Kennesaw wants to use the facility for intramurals and the same goes for baseball...
All you're left with are memories because you're history...
As both an imperative and an adjective...
UPDATE: So you know, naturally, the last game on campus lasted a while... especially near the end...
Mobile broke out to a 6-0 lead, but Southern Poly scored three in the 7th and 10 in the 8th...
Southern Poly sent 15 hitters to the plate in the 8th inning, scoring 10 runs on six hits after the inning started with a walk, two hit-batsmen, a walk and a grand slam. There were 14 pitchers used in the game, including eight by SPSU. Mobile pitchers issued 18 walks and hit five batters in the game. Southern Poly left 15 runners on base and the Rams nine.
It was Senior Day for Southern Poly’s eight senior players - Chris Dykes, Forrest Garrett, Chad Livingston, Dalton Martinez, Reese Patten, Tyler Roach, Zach Smith and Khirus Ware
Southern Poly finishes their last regular season going 38-16 and will play Wednesday in the conference tournament in Montgomery.
Video of the Day: ESPN Staffer Says What Everyone Outside Thinks on an ESPN Show
Hahahahaha!
This is easily the highlight of the day. A great way to wrap up what's otherwise been a crappy week.
We and many, many other blogs have often called out the folks at ESPN for an "East Coast bias" or in some cases just picking favorites or creating stories where stories don't exist.
And guess, what. One of their own called them out on it. On one of their own TV shows.
Watch what happens on the lame ESPN show called "Numbers Never Lie". (Yeah, we've never watched it either)
Anyway, filling in today was ESPN radio host and ESPN Women writer Sarah Spain who was on the panel with Michael Smith and Jorge Something or other.
For some reason, the subject of the show became Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. A team not in the playoffs and who had a crappy season. Yet the two male co-hosts could only talk about what the Knicks could do if they were in the playoffs.
That opening was all Spain had to hear. She tore into the pair and into ESPN's "East Coast Bias" saying they'd rather talk about a New York team out of the playoffs than any of the teams in the playoffs. And that nobody cares about the Knicks right now, we can talk about them when we talk about NEXT season.
And she's right. Nobody outside the Northeastern U.S cares right now. Nobody.
Watch and smile like we did.
This is easily the highlight of the day. A great way to wrap up what's otherwise been a crappy week.
We and many, many other blogs have often called out the folks at ESPN for an "East Coast bias" or in some cases just picking favorites or creating stories where stories don't exist.
And guess, what. One of their own called them out on it. On one of their own TV shows.
Watch what happens on the lame ESPN show called "Numbers Never Lie". (Yeah, we've never watched it either)
Anyway, filling in today was ESPN radio host and ESPN Women writer Sarah Spain who was on the panel with Michael Smith and Jorge Something or other.
For some reason, the subject of the show became Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks. A team not in the playoffs and who had a crappy season. Yet the two male co-hosts could only talk about what the Knicks could do if they were in the playoffs.
That opening was all Spain had to hear. She tore into the pair and into ESPN's "East Coast Bias" saying they'd rather talk about a New York team out of the playoffs than any of the teams in the playoffs. And that nobody cares about the Knicks right now, we can talk about them when we talk about NEXT season.
And she's right. Nobody outside the Northeastern U.S cares right now. Nobody.
Watch and smile like we did.
OSG High DEVELOPING: 3rd Winningest HS FB Coach In US Retires
The HQ has been covering high school sports for the last twenty years now, and today we say good-bye to one of the coolest guys we've ever covered...
Larry Campbell was hired as a baseball coach out of school for the Lincoln County (GA) Red Devils in 1971. He accepted the job on a Delta Air Lines post card on the way to his honeymoon in Florida and has become one of the living legends in high school football in the country.
Today, he hangs up his whistle... for now... because, frankly, the HQ always sees him as a coach- even as we know he wants to spend time with his kids and be a parent and a grandparent...
Here's the top 10 wins list, thanks to FootballFridayNight.com
1 John McKissick 606-150-13
2 John T. Curtis 524-56-6
3 Larry Campbell 477-85-3
4 Mike Smith 440-76-2
5 George Curry 430-95-5
6 Corky Rogers 428-75-1
7 Al Fracassa 424-121-7
8 G. A. Moore 423-97-9
9 Dick Tighe 407-154-8
10 Pete Atkins 405-60-4
Campbell leaves Lincolnton with 11 state titles in his 42 years and also won 44 straight games from 1989 to 1991
Here's a tour Campbell gave of his trophies a year or so ago...
((HT: Augusta Chronicle))
The HQ wishes him and Miss Connie the best as they take the 2014 season off... and thank them for the example they have set over the last four decades...
Here's early returns from Kevin Faigle and WRDW-TV
And work from our friends at WJBF-TV
WJBF-TV ABC 6 Augusta-Aiken News, Weather, Sports
Larry Campbell was hired as a baseball coach out of school for the Lincoln County (GA) Red Devils in 1971. He accepted the job on a Delta Air Lines post card on the way to his honeymoon in Florida and has become one of the living legends in high school football in the country.
Today, he hangs up his whistle... for now... because, frankly, the HQ always sees him as a coach- even as we know he wants to spend time with his kids and be a parent and a grandparent...
Here's the top 10 wins list, thanks to FootballFridayNight.com
1 John McKissick 606-150-13
2 John T. Curtis 524-56-6
3 Larry Campbell 477-85-3
4 Mike Smith 440-76-2
5 George Curry 430-95-5
6 Corky Rogers 428-75-1
7 Al Fracassa 424-121-7
8 G. A. Moore 423-97-9
9 Dick Tighe 407-154-8
10 Pete Atkins 405-60-4
Campbell leaves Lincolnton with 11 state titles in his 42 years and also won 44 straight games from 1989 to 1991
Here's a tour Campbell gave of his trophies a year or so ago...
((HT: Augusta Chronicle))
The HQ wishes him and Miss Connie the best as they take the 2014 season off... and thank them for the example they have set over the last four decades...
Here's early returns from Kevin Faigle and WRDW-TV
And work from our friends at WJBF-TV
WJBF-TV ABC 6 Augusta-Aiken News, Weather, Sports
Northwestern Voting To Unionize Today
((HT: MyFoxChicago))
It all starts today... and goes on all day...
The vote for the Northwestern football players to unionize is going on on campus and the National Labor Relations Board has been asked to certify it. The NLRB will review the ruling, but the results won't be known for some time... and only if the board agrees with the players assessment of their status.
Coaches have campaigned against the idea of a union- openly so... even going as far as distributing "informational material" to explain their point-of-view...
Anita Padilla is outside with Lester Munson
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Northwestern football-playing alums even went as far as sending a letter to the school's Board of Directors supporting Kain Colter and what his fellow players are doing as a talking point for change.
Not necessarily supporting unionization, just talking about change...
From the letter, given to CBSSports:
Collegiate Alumni Athletes for Change believes that as a private NCAA institution, Northwestern University is in a
unique position to lead. The University should begin by making modifications to the governance process to give
players a greater voice and a substantive stake in the creation of policies and regulations that impact their
interests. We believe that a greater voice for players creates an equity that is in both the University's and the
player's interests. It protects and preserves the game that we love, and also initiates a new model and practice for
the business of college sports. It will create an even more intelligent and reasonable model and framework where
schools can substantively address athletically related revenues with the individuals that are largely responsible for
producing those revenues.
And the HQ knows this is just the beginning of a long process- just ask Ed O'Bannon about that...
It all starts today... and goes on all day...
The vote for the Northwestern football players to unionize is going on on campus and the National Labor Relations Board has been asked to certify it. The NLRB will review the ruling, but the results won't be known for some time... and only if the board agrees with the players assessment of their status.
Coaches have campaigned against the idea of a union- openly so... even going as far as distributing "informational material" to explain their point-of-view...
Anita Padilla is outside with Lester Munson
Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News
Northwestern football-playing alums even went as far as sending a letter to the school's Board of Directors supporting Kain Colter and what his fellow players are doing as a talking point for change.
Not necessarily supporting unionization, just talking about change...
From the letter, given to CBSSports:
Collegiate Alumni Athletes for Change believes that as a private NCAA institution, Northwestern University is in a
unique position to lead. The University should begin by making modifications to the governance process to give
players a greater voice and a substantive stake in the creation of policies and regulations that impact their
interests. We believe that a greater voice for players creates an equity that is in both the University's and the
player's interests. It protects and preserves the game that we love, and also initiates a new model and practice for
the business of college sports. It will create an even more intelligent and reasonable model and framework where
schools can substantively address athletically related revenues with the individuals that are largely responsible for
producing those revenues.
And the HQ knows this is just the beginning of a long process- just ask Ed O'Bannon about that...
Braves Getting Lessons From Yankees On New Ballpark
((HT: 11Alive.com))
The Atlanta Braves front office is trying to figure out how best to build (and properly monetize, naturally...) their new ballpark- whether it's Turner Field II is currently unknown...
Our friends at WXIA-TV got to take their behind-the-scenes tour with them to figure out what is needed, how much is needed, and what to cut out as they build...
So, expect less seats for premium effect, not a whole lot of parking, even less public transportation access, and a lot of headaches for the fans as they commute to one of the more-highly trafficked areas in the entire town...
Enjoy...
The Atlanta Braves front office is trying to figure out how best to build (and properly monetize, naturally...) their new ballpark- whether it's Turner Field II is currently unknown...
Our friends at WXIA-TV got to take their behind-the-scenes tour with them to figure out what is needed, how much is needed, and what to cut out as they build...
So, expect less seats for premium effect, not a whole lot of parking, even less public transportation access, and a lot of headaches for the fans as they commute to one of the more-highly trafficked areas in the entire town...
Enjoy...
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Buffalo Cheerleader Operators Suspend Jills Operations
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
Well, that didn't take long...
Only two days after five former Buffalo Bills cheerleaders field suit against the football team in New York Supreme Court over demeaning work conditions and wages that didn't even meet minimum wage guidelines, the group in charge of the Jills has suspended operations of the group...
Here's Scott and Mary Alice again with the details...
Here's the complaint from the former Jills...
And, stating the nature of the lawsuit, the Bills aren't commenting on the Jills situation...
Well, that didn't take long...
Only two days after five former Buffalo Bills cheerleaders field suit against the football team in New York Supreme Court over demeaning work conditions and wages that didn't even meet minimum wage guidelines, the group in charge of the Jills has suspended operations of the group...
Here's Scott and Mary Alice again with the details...
Here's the complaint from the former Jills...
And, stating the nature of the lawsuit, the Bills aren't commenting on the Jills situation...
Littlest Nats Fan Pulls Out A Surprise
((HT: ">Chris Mottram's Vine))
The HQ doesn't know what caused this fan to get THIS busy with her tooth...
The Padres-Nats game was THAT exciting, or she was just really fixated...
The HQ is thinking she was just REALLY focused...
The HQ doesn't know what caused this fan to get THIS busy with her tooth...
The Padres-Nats game was THAT exciting, or she was just really fixated...
The HQ is thinking she was just REALLY focused...
Kosar Bumped From Browns Broadcasts, Blames Concussions
((HT: WKYC-TV))
The Cleveland Browns decided who their broadcast crew was going to be for the pre-season team and it wasn't going to include former QB Bernie Kosar...
Here's the WKYC station release welcoming Solomon Wilcots...
“We welcome Solomon and are excited to look further into additional opportunities to continue to engage Bernie with our fans. We want Browns fans to look forward to seeing and hearing his continued contributions and analysis on not only our preseason telecasts, but also our radio network and ClevelandBrowns.com.”
Bernie Kosar blames concussions he suffered during his career as part of the reason he got bumped from the broadcasts- even after claiming treatment in early 2013 helped him lessen some effects:
((HT: Fox8 Cleveland))
Kosar came out with a statement that said in part, thanks Cleveland.com and Mary Kay Cabot:
"This is very unfortunate, as I believe my football acumen and ability to describe what is happening on the field, has been well received by Cleveland Browns fans. I love to put the personal touch, pride in the Browns, and pride in our Cleveland community into the broadcast."
WKYC issued a statement trying to deflect any possible angle for Kosar to take legal recourse claiming an ADA violation or discrimination case, in part:
“First of all, we love Bernie, and we’re grateful for the role he has played in our broadcasts over the last 8 years,” said WKYC President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. “Nowhere in our discussions with Bernie or the Browns has anything ever been said about his speech impairment due to concussions. That has simply nothing to do with our decision. The Browns are rebuilding their team, and in reviewing our programming we’ve decided to rebuild as well. We felt there was a better role for Bernie than doing just four preseason games and we completely understand Bernie’s iconic status with Browns fans. I know Bernie has made statements that he felt that these moves were due to his speech issues, and I reiterate that is not the case.
Spectorsky wants Kosar to be involved a lot... just not as TV analyst...
KYC claims it wasn't Kosar's health, his drunken driver arrest in October 2013, or the comments from the Rams game last year that got Rams head coach Jeff Fisher all in a lather.
The station claims Wilcots' 6 games around the Browns last season was one of the main determinants.
The HQ can think of other TV elements in play that would make just as much sense...
The Cleveland Browns decided who their broadcast crew was going to be for the pre-season team and it wasn't going to include former QB Bernie Kosar...
Here's the WKYC station release welcoming Solomon Wilcots...
“We welcome Solomon and are excited to look further into additional opportunities to continue to engage Bernie with our fans. We want Browns fans to look forward to seeing and hearing his continued contributions and analysis on not only our preseason telecasts, but also our radio network and ClevelandBrowns.com.”
Bernie Kosar blames concussions he suffered during his career as part of the reason he got bumped from the broadcasts- even after claiming treatment in early 2013 helped him lessen some effects:
((HT: Fox8 Cleveland))
Kosar came out with a statement that said in part, thanks Cleveland.com and Mary Kay Cabot:
"This is very unfortunate, as I believe my football acumen and ability to describe what is happening on the field, has been well received by Cleveland Browns fans. I love to put the personal touch, pride in the Browns, and pride in our Cleveland community into the broadcast."
WKYC issued a statement trying to deflect any possible angle for Kosar to take legal recourse claiming an ADA violation or discrimination case, in part:
“First of all, we love Bernie, and we’re grateful for the role he has played in our broadcasts over the last 8 years,” said WKYC President and General Manager Brooke Spectorsky. “Nowhere in our discussions with Bernie or the Browns has anything ever been said about his speech impairment due to concussions. That has simply nothing to do with our decision. The Browns are rebuilding their team, and in reviewing our programming we’ve decided to rebuild as well. We felt there was a better role for Bernie than doing just four preseason games and we completely understand Bernie’s iconic status with Browns fans. I know Bernie has made statements that he felt that these moves were due to his speech issues, and I reiterate that is not the case.
Spectorsky wants Kosar to be involved a lot... just not as TV analyst...
KYC claims it wasn't Kosar's health, his drunken driver arrest in October 2013, or the comments from the Rams game last year that got Rams head coach Jeff Fisher all in a lather.
The station claims Wilcots' 6 games around the Browns last season was one of the main determinants.
The HQ can think of other TV elements in play that would make just as much sense...
Girardi Defends Moving ESPN Camera
((HT: ESPN))
After the Michael Pineda ejection last night, the cameras decided to get a look at the "after..."
Yanks manager Joe Girardi wanted nothing to do with the after...
And, then, he went after the network and their big-brotherness
"I think MLB's going to have a problem with ESPN going into our tunnel," Girardi said. "I didn't break the camera, all I did was keep it from going into our tunnel. You guys are acting like I ripped it apart. The camera worked the rest of the game, didn't it? All I did was turn it so it was on the field or the dugout."
The HQ sides with Girardi here...
After the Michael Pineda ejection last night, the cameras decided to get a look at the "after..."
Yanks manager Joe Girardi wanted nothing to do with the after...
And, then, he went after the network and their big-brotherness
"I think MLB's going to have a problem with ESPN going into our tunnel," Girardi said. "I didn't break the camera, all I did was keep it from going into our tunnel. You guys are acting like I ripped it apart. The camera worked the rest of the game, didn't it? All I did was turn it so it was on the field or the dugout."
The HQ sides with Girardi here...
Change is Coming: NCAA Board Endorses D-1 Restructuring
((ht: cbssports.com))Get ready for the power conferences and everyone else. And don't say we didn't warn you, because we've reported on this issue multiple times.
The NCAA's Division 1 Board of Directors has endorsed a restructuring process that will change the way College Football...and a few other sports are structured.
The "change" will essentially move the 5 "Power Conferences" to their own grouping and put the smaller Division 1 schools in their own category. So what you'll have is the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12 and SEC on their own, everyone else fighting for sloppy seconds.
The proposal would take the 65 schools that comprise those conferences and allow them to provide stipends to players, pay for family travel and a few other things not currently permitted under NCAA rules. And to be perfectly frank, those schools/conferences can afford it. The TV money alone they get, will take care of the cost with plenty left over.
The other 60 or so schools left would be in their still undetermined sub-category, a step above the current FCS (1-AA), we think, but a step below the power schools.
And no, we don't know what this will mean for the allegedly all-inclusive "College Football Playoff".
Read more from CBSSports.com RIGHT HERE
It's unfortunate, but an inevitable change in structure that if the report is correct, could be approved by August and probably implemented as early as 2015. And while we hate the idea of the "Rich Getting Richer and the Poor Left on Their Own", it had to happen.
If it forces the SEC teams to stop scheduling the Georgia State's or the Wofford's of the world, then it will help. Realistically, does anyone think a Sun Belt or Conference USA or MAC team could win a National Title in Football.
No, neither do we, which is why unfortunately this change will have to happen.
So stay tuned, we're guessing this would allow the Kings of College Football (no, not Chuck Oliver), to re-do their TV deal with ESPN and make a boat load more money.
It also means that unless you've got some regional cable networks where you live, chances are unless you are a fan or graduate of a "Power Conference" school, you'll never see your team on TV ever again.
Here's A Birthday Gift For Mom...
((HT: Fox Sports/MLB/Sportsnet))
It was the birthday for the mother of the Twins' Chris Colabello...
So, what's a good gift during an at-bat where the parents are being interviewed in real time...???
Guess...
How about that...???
It was the birthday for the mother of the Twins' Chris Colabello...
So, what's a good gift during an at-bat where the parents are being interviewed in real time...???
Guess...
How about that...???
What's With All The Unanswered Goals...???
((HT: NHL/NBCSN))
The HQ thought that when the Pittsburgh Penguins had the 3-goal FIRST PERIOD lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide, that it was over and done...
Yeah, so much for that idea...
CBJ scored once in the first, once in the second, and Brandon Dubinsky scored with less than a minute to go in regulation to send the game into overtime...
We all know what happens with momentum by that point...
Ask Nick Foligno...
That series is now tied at two and the Penguins fans are gripping over another post-season performance by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
The other two series that went last night are also tied at two games a piece...
Anaheim had a two-goal lead in Dallas in Dallas, but that didn't last, either...
The Stars scored four in a row and the series between the Ducks and Stars has gotten all serious. There was a a lot of "quien es mas macho" in the last few minutes between the two sides. Play-by-play man Gord Miller had the line describing how the series has gotten all in each other's grills, saying that the two have evolved into hatred...
He's not wrong...
The late game (and "who knew?" right...???) would end up being the Blackhawks and Blues...
It would end shortly before 1AM east coast time, but overtime will do that for you...
Patrick Kane would help us all get to bed earlier than we thought in the third series tied at 2...
Tonight, the Sharks try to knock off the Kings once and for all...
Much to the dismay of the HQ...
The HQ thought that when the Pittsburgh Penguins had the 3-goal FIRST PERIOD lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide, that it was over and done...
Yeah, so much for that idea...
CBJ scored once in the first, once in the second, and Brandon Dubinsky scored with less than a minute to go in regulation to send the game into overtime...
We all know what happens with momentum by that point...
Ask Nick Foligno...
That series is now tied at two and the Penguins fans are gripping over another post-season performance by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
The other two series that went last night are also tied at two games a piece...
Anaheim had a two-goal lead in Dallas in Dallas, but that didn't last, either...
The Stars scored four in a row and the series between the Ducks and Stars has gotten all serious. There was a a lot of "quien es mas macho" in the last few minutes between the two sides. Play-by-play man Gord Miller had the line describing how the series has gotten all in each other's grills, saying that the two have evolved into hatred...
He's not wrong...
The late game (and "who knew?" right...???) would end up being the Blackhawks and Blues...
It would end shortly before 1AM east coast time, but overtime will do that for you...
Patrick Kane would help us all get to bed earlier than we thought in the third series tied at 2...
Tonight, the Sharks try to knock off the Kings once and for all...
Much to the dismay of the HQ...
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Pineda Plus Pine Tar=Ejection (UPDATE: He Admits It)
((HT: MLB/YES/ESPN))
Take you back to April 10...Yankees and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium
Michael Pineda of the Yankees got caught with something dark (and, allegedly sticky) on his hand...
Red Sox manager John Farrell said he had heard about the substance Pineda may or may not have been using, but in between innings whatever was there disappeared...
MLB executive vice president of operations Joe Torre talked to Yankees GM Brian Cashman about what may or may not have happened with Pineda on the mound. The Yanks pitcher did not face any discipline since the Red Sox didn't push the issue.
Pineda said it was dirt:
"I don't use pine tar. It's dirt," Pineda said then. "I'm sweating on my hand too much in-between innings."
Takes you to tonight...
Looks like the dirt was there all over again...
And Pineda got tossed...
The HQ knows that, in the minors, the suspension is 10 games. The suspension might be close in the bigs...
2315 UPDATE: Pineda admits that the substance was, in fact, pine tar...
Pineda says, via ESPN, that "it won't happen again."
Take you back to April 10...Yankees and Red Sox at Yankee Stadium
Michael Pineda of the Yankees got caught with something dark (and, allegedly sticky) on his hand...
Red Sox manager John Farrell said he had heard about the substance Pineda may or may not have been using, but in between innings whatever was there disappeared...
MLB executive vice president of operations Joe Torre talked to Yankees GM Brian Cashman about what may or may not have happened with Pineda on the mound. The Yanks pitcher did not face any discipline since the Red Sox didn't push the issue.
Pineda said it was dirt:
"I don't use pine tar. It's dirt," Pineda said then. "I'm sweating on my hand too much in-between innings."
Takes you to tonight...
Looks like the dirt was there all over again...
And Pineda got tossed...
The HQ knows that, in the minors, the suspension is 10 games. The suspension might be close in the bigs...
2315 UPDATE: Pineda admits that the substance was, in fact, pine tar...
Pineda says, via ESPN, that "it won't happen again."
Swan Racing Blown Up... For Now...
((HT: Swan Racing their own selves))
The HQ has told you about the problems that Swan Racing has had this season in NASCAR and it looks like the team (a small-time, smaller budget group) tried to do too much, too fast...
They admitted that they were undergoing some serious financial problems and were trying to find some solutions as their drivers- Cole Whitt who is 33rd in the points, and Parker Kligerman who is 38th. They've burned through a lot of cars (ten) and don't have a lot to show.
Kligerman has DNF'ed four times this year and his adventures included this at Daytona...
((HT: NASCAR on FOX))
Team owner Brandon Davis issued a statement on the team's Facebook page that read, in part:
“As previously stated, the team is restructuring due to a lack of additional funding. However, over the past couple weeks we worked tirelessly to find an alternative to ending operations. Fortunately, we were able to find a home for the No. 26 team and the No. 30 team thanks to Anthony Marlowe and Jonathan Cohen respectively.
“Swan Racing is exploring any and all options to keep Parker Kligerman on track throughout the season. We are encouraged by the response we have received from interested parties. Parker continues to be one of the most talented young drivers in NASCAR. He brought this racing team one of its strongest results in his first race with us, and we are certain of his success in the future
Driver Parker Kligerman remains under contract with Swan Racing, which will seek to identify options for him to get back on track."
The end results...???
Anthony Marlowe has merged his ownership of the No. 26 team into BK Racing. Cole Whitt stays behind the wheel...
Whitt: “I’m grateful for the opportunity Anthony Marlowe is giving me to continue the NASCAR Sprint Cup season. I want to thank Brandon Davis and everyone at Swan Racing for the opportunity they gave me to race for the team.”
The No. 30 team has been sold to John Cohen of XxxTreme Motorsports, which will have J.J. Yeley driving instead of Kligerman. Stephen “Bones” Lane will serve as crew chief and be joined by several other former Swan Racing crew members.
Kligerman: “Although it's unfortunate we are having to scale back, I look forward to the future and the exciting things that I'm confident we will accomplish at Swan Racing or with another team. I value the relationship that I've had with Brandon Davis and am very grateful for him giving me an opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Whether I continue to race with Brandon and Swan Racing or end up with another team, I will always give it my all on and off track to be the best I can be.”
Yeley failed to qualify at Las Vegas and Texas- the two races he tried to qualify...
The HQ has told you about the problems that Swan Racing has had this season in NASCAR and it looks like the team (a small-time, smaller budget group) tried to do too much, too fast...
They admitted that they were undergoing some serious financial problems and were trying to find some solutions as their drivers- Cole Whitt who is 33rd in the points, and Parker Kligerman who is 38th. They've burned through a lot of cars (ten) and don't have a lot to show.
Kligerman has DNF'ed four times this year and his adventures included this at Daytona...
((HT: NASCAR on FOX))
Team owner Brandon Davis issued a statement on the team's Facebook page that read, in part:
“As previously stated, the team is restructuring due to a lack of additional funding. However, over the past couple weeks we worked tirelessly to find an alternative to ending operations. Fortunately, we were able to find a home for the No. 26 team and the No. 30 team thanks to Anthony Marlowe and Jonathan Cohen respectively.
“Swan Racing is exploring any and all options to keep Parker Kligerman on track throughout the season. We are encouraged by the response we have received from interested parties. Parker continues to be one of the most talented young drivers in NASCAR. He brought this racing team one of its strongest results in his first race with us, and we are certain of his success in the future
Driver Parker Kligerman remains under contract with Swan Racing, which will seek to identify options for him to get back on track."
The end results...???
Anthony Marlowe has merged his ownership of the No. 26 team into BK Racing. Cole Whitt stays behind the wheel...
Whitt: “I’m grateful for the opportunity Anthony Marlowe is giving me to continue the NASCAR Sprint Cup season. I want to thank Brandon Davis and everyone at Swan Racing for the opportunity they gave me to race for the team.”
The No. 30 team has been sold to John Cohen of XxxTreme Motorsports, which will have J.J. Yeley driving instead of Kligerman. Stephen “Bones” Lane will serve as crew chief and be joined by several other former Swan Racing crew members.
Kligerman: “Although it's unfortunate we are having to scale back, I look forward to the future and the exciting things that I'm confident we will accomplish at Swan Racing or with another team. I value the relationship that I've had with Brandon Davis and am very grateful for him giving me an opportunity to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Whether I continue to race with Brandon and Swan Racing or end up with another team, I will always give it my all on and off track to be the best I can be.”
Yeley failed to qualify at Las Vegas and Texas- the two races he tried to qualify...
McGrady Makes Skeeters Roster As Pitcher
((HT: MyFoxHouston))
Tracy McGrady has made the next step in his second career... making the Opening Day roster of the Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters roster...
He had one official appearance in the exhibition season against Alvin (TX) Community College going 1 inning and giving up a run on three hits...
"It's an honor to be a part of this club," McGrady said in a statement. "To be a part of the team means everything to me and it's a dream come true. I look forward to coming to the ballpark not only to play the game, but to be in the clubhouse building camaraderie with these guys. I am excited to start the journey we're going to take this season."
Here's his first workout with the club...
((HT: KBME Radio))
"We are excited about our team this season and having Tracy McGrady as a part of it," Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti said. "We're also excited to see what unique opportunities this could present for us in putting a good product on the field and we look forward to Tracy helping us win some ball games."
The HQ is looking forward to checking in with T-Mac as his adventure continues...
Tracy McGrady has made the next step in his second career... making the Opening Day roster of the Atlantic League's Sugar Land Skeeters roster...
He had one official appearance in the exhibition season against Alvin (TX) Community College going 1 inning and giving up a run on three hits...
"It's an honor to be a part of this club," McGrady said in a statement. "To be a part of the team means everything to me and it's a dream come true. I look forward to coming to the ballpark not only to play the game, but to be in the clubhouse building camaraderie with these guys. I am excited to start the journey we're going to take this season."
Here's his first workout with the club...
((HT: KBME Radio))
"We are excited about our team this season and having Tracy McGrady as a part of it," Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti said. "We're also excited to see what unique opportunities this could present for us in putting a good product on the field and we look forward to Tracy helping us win some ball games."
The HQ is looking forward to checking in with T-Mac as his adventure continues...
Ron MacLean Apologizes For HNIC Comments
((HT: CBC News))
First... tell the HQ what you think about this segment...
Well, if one of the best in the business offended you, Ron MacLean has apologized...
Coming from a referee like MacLean, the remarks were surprising.
And FOSG Elliotte Friedman was on set with him- and disagreed...
The reaction among French-speaking and separatist Canadians was somewhat expected:
An example from the Journal de Montreal op-ed piece by Rejean Tremblay...translated...
Well then, it should be forbidden to have a "Canadian" referee a game Maple Leafs or Canucks? And an American officer should not during a match between a Canadian team to an American team? Or, would be the finest of racial discrimination and prohibit a native referee Minnesota work in a game of Wild? But then, what do we do with an Albertan and Oilers and Flames? You know that in these cases, the question does not arise.
Because for MacLean, the "Canadian" or Ontarian Dave Jackson or even an English Montreal are part of the superior race. They therefore intelligence and control of their emotions that guarantee the quality of their work. While the poor little French, he is subject to the call of the tribe.
And fan mail was somewhat hot in places...from one such letter in the Montreal Gazette:
Ron MacLean’s comments regarding the inappropriate use of French referees in the Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay game was insulting to all Canadians who respect diversity and who live in a country that claims this as a value.
To think our so-called national broadcaster allows such divisive rhetoric is deplorable and just reinforces the fact that the CBC should have its funding cut (even though I do not support the political reasons the government uses to justify its cuts).
So, what say you about the comments... faithful reader...???
Just asking...
First... tell the HQ what you think about this segment...
Well, if one of the best in the business offended you, Ron MacLean has apologized...
Coming from a referee like MacLean, the remarks were surprising.
And FOSG Elliotte Friedman was on set with him- and disagreed...
The reaction among French-speaking and separatist Canadians was somewhat expected:
An example from the Journal de Montreal op-ed piece by Rejean Tremblay...translated...
Well then, it should be forbidden to have a "Canadian" referee a game Maple Leafs or Canucks? And an American officer should not during a match between a Canadian team to an American team? Or, would be the finest of racial discrimination and prohibit a native referee Minnesota work in a game of Wild? But then, what do we do with an Albertan and Oilers and Flames? You know that in these cases, the question does not arise.
Because for MacLean, the "Canadian" or Ontarian Dave Jackson or even an English Montreal are part of the superior race. They therefore intelligence and control of their emotions that guarantee the quality of their work. While the poor little French, he is subject to the call of the tribe.
And fan mail was somewhat hot in places...from one such letter in the Montreal Gazette:
Ron MacLean’s comments regarding the inappropriate use of French referees in the Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay game was insulting to all Canadians who respect diversity and who live in a country that claims this as a value.
To think our so-called national broadcaster allows such divisive rhetoric is deplorable and just reinforces the fact that the CBC should have its funding cut (even though I do not support the political reasons the government uses to justify its cuts).
So, what say you about the comments... faithful reader...???
Just asking...
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
And Now It's The Jills Turn To File Suit
((HT: WGRZ-TV))
We first saw this with the Oakland Raiders and their cheerleaders...
They filed suit claiming that the team failed to pay them in accordance to minimum wage laws and forced them to act in a demeaned manner at times while representing the team. Citing their long hours and averaging out their activities against the hours worked, it was nowhere close in Oak Town and they went to court...
Now, a handful of former Buffalo Bills cheerleaders are following in that activity in state Supreme Court...
And the one thing the HQ knows is not to mess with any woman from western New York State...
Scott and Mary Alice have the details...
Here's the suit as it was filed...
Obviously, the Bills didn't have any kind of "real" comment citing the impending litigation. But it will be interesting to see how the court views the relationship between independent contractors and a monopoly...
We first saw this with the Oakland Raiders and their cheerleaders...
They filed suit claiming that the team failed to pay them in accordance to minimum wage laws and forced them to act in a demeaned manner at times while representing the team. Citing their long hours and averaging out their activities against the hours worked, it was nowhere close in Oak Town and they went to court...
Now, a handful of former Buffalo Bills cheerleaders are following in that activity in state Supreme Court...
And the one thing the HQ knows is not to mess with any woman from western New York State...
Scott and Mary Alice have the details...
Here's the suit as it was filed...
Obviously, the Bills didn't have any kind of "real" comment citing the impending litigation. But it will be interesting to see how the court views the relationship between independent contractors and a monopoly...
Pujols Joins 500HR Club
((HT: MLB.com))
Here's 499 for starters this evening against the Washington Nationals...
He would then hit 500 later in the game and become the first player to hit both HR's 499 and 500 in the same game...
More stats:
Pujols has the fourth highest career batting average in the 500 HR club behind Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx
He is the 4th player to hit 500 HR within first 14 seasons of career joining McGwire, A-Rod, and Willie Mays
Pujols, at the age of 34, is the 3rd youngest to reach 500 home runs, trailing Alex Rodriguez and Jimmie Foxx- both were 32
Pujols also hit his 400th at Nats Park off Jordan Zimmerman
Here's 499 for starters this evening against the Washington Nationals...
He would then hit 500 later in the game and become the first player to hit both HR's 499 and 500 in the same game...
More stats:
Pujols has the fourth highest career batting average in the 500 HR club behind Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx
He is the 4th player to hit 500 HR within first 14 seasons of career joining McGwire, A-Rod, and Willie Mays
Pujols, at the age of 34, is the 3rd youngest to reach 500 home runs, trailing Alex Rodriguez and Jimmie Foxx- both were 32
Pujols also hit his 400th at Nats Park off Jordan Zimmerman
Here's One For You, Seattle... Think 2017...
((HT: Fox6now.com/Milwaukee Business Journal-Kirchen))
The clock is ticking on Milwaukee and the Bucks- whether they know it or not...
According to Fox 6 in Milwaukee, if Senator Herb Kohl and the two hedge fund guys buying the franchise from Kohl can't pony up another $200-million for a new arena, the NBA can buy the team back from whoever the owner is in 2017 for $575-million.
And the HQ is sure the team won't be on the market for long...
Just ask Chris Hansen and the folks in Seattle how interested they'd be in snapping them up if it all falls apart...
Wes Edens and Marc Lasry are supposedly picking up the franchise for $550 million, but the Bradley Center is thought of as "too small" since it was opened in 1988. NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in September 2013 that the league had given Kohl the 2017 deadline...
From Kirchen:
Kohl pledged $100 million and the prospective owners another $100 million toward arena construction. A new arena would cost an estimated $400 million to $500 to build.
Leading arena supporter Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said after the sale announcement he believes public funding will be necessary for a new arena. MMAC also is working to attract additional contributions from private individuals and foundations to minimize public funding.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has even said he would contribute to the process...
Here's the first time of (probably) many the question will be addressed for the next few years...
((HT: WTMJ-TV))
The clock is ticking on Milwaukee and the Bucks- whether they know it or not...
According to Fox 6 in Milwaukee, if Senator Herb Kohl and the two hedge fund guys buying the franchise from Kohl can't pony up another $200-million for a new arena, the NBA can buy the team back from whoever the owner is in 2017 for $575-million.
And the HQ is sure the team won't be on the market for long...
Just ask Chris Hansen and the folks in Seattle how interested they'd be in snapping them up if it all falls apart...
Wes Edens and Marc Lasry are supposedly picking up the franchise for $550 million, but the Bradley Center is thought of as "too small" since it was opened in 1988. NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed in September 2013 that the league had given Kohl the 2017 deadline...
From Kirchen:
Kohl pledged $100 million and the prospective owners another $100 million toward arena construction. A new arena would cost an estimated $400 million to $500 to build.
Leading arena supporter Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, said after the sale announcement he believes public funding will be necessary for a new arena. MMAC also is working to attract additional contributions from private individuals and foundations to minimize public funding.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has even said he would contribute to the process...
Here's the first time of (probably) many the question will be addressed for the next few years...
((HT: WTMJ-TV))
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)