OHL Suspends Two For 15 Games Over Tinder Rant

((HT: The Score))

Let's work backwards...

From the Ontario Hockey League offices this afternoon:

The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Greg Betzold of the Peterborough Petes and Jake Marchment of the Belleville Bulls have each been suspended for 15 games. These suspensions follow recent social networking activity that has come to the League’s attention. This most inappropriate and concerning activity contravenes the League’s social networking policy and a number of other policies including Respect in Sport (Harassment and Abuse) and diversity.

The OHL takes issues related to respect, diversity and harassment very seriously. The social networking conduct displayed by these players goes against what the League stands for and serves to highlight a sense of entitlement that we, as a League, have worked hard to try to eliminate. We believe these suspensions, going forward, will reinforce to our players that all activity, be it in person, on the ice or online, must be in keeping with our policies. These events further illustrate that the League and our teams must continually work with our players to ensure they understand and appreciate our social networking policy. The League will also look to our current programs, outlined in our Players First Guide, to see where improvements may be made in terms of communications and respect for others.

Jake Marchment and Greg Betzold were wanting to have relations with women and were not being very kind in their words on Tinder- using the c-word in discussing perspective exploits and choosing their dates.

Both teams claim that they are taking care of the situation internally- which really didn't go over well with the league.

Thus, the suspension...

Here's Petes GM Mike Oke discussing their actions and not the league's...
((HT: CHEX-TV Peterborough, Ontario))


Lesson for young athletes... and, all of us, really...

Anything you print can be reproduced...

Op-Ed: Brother J-Hart Discusses Todd Gurley

((HT: WJBF-TV))

FOSG John Hart is a sports guy-turned news anchor in Augusta, Georgia...

And, as part of La Familia, the HQ runs a public service for those of you who miss it when he revs up the opinion section of his newscast...

He did... and discussed his alma mater and their troubled running back...

Post by John Hart.

Frankly, we feel the same way about Jameis Winston- except that he is far more out of control than Gurley, Newton, or Manziel...

And the HQ wishes that he was nowhere within 500 miles of our school- personally or professionally...
But we doubt that will ever happen...

So, Now We Know A Guy Who Had Gurley Sign Stuff And Then Narc'ed (UPDATED: Gone For The Season?)

((HT: SBNation/Hall, Godfrey))

In the land of college football here in the south, the HQ knows a few things from all of our years of covering it.

1) People are insane when it comes to their teams
2) People are insane when it comes to narcing out other teams to the NCAA
3) People are just flat out insane when it comes to their support of their teams and equally vitriolic in their hatred of others

Because, as we have always known and said: What is the word "fan" short for...???

Fanatic...

And another thing that people are fanatic about is the memorabilia industry and the almighty Yankee dollar- catch the flash-in-the-pan, buy low, sell high, grab material in bulk and try to corner the market.

Which, apparently, one gentleman tried to do with Georgia running back Todd Gurley and then turned heel on him in the middle of the ring in front of God and country.

Kinda like this


So, apparently, a memorabilia dealer sent an e-mail to Hall in late September

I have video of Todd Gurley doing a private autograph signing ***. He has been paid thousands of dollars for his stuff over the last 18 months. I personally paid him for this signing on the video. I have bought and sold game used equipment from him.

I want no compensation. Just want someone to leak this story that's deserving. If you have any interest, give me a call or email. I attached a photo of him in my car signing a mini helmet that I just sold last week on my eBay store.

All I ask is some privacy until we can touch base.

I live on Georgia and would crucified if my name was released.

The video is about 5 minutes long but doesn't show the money exchange.

My cell is **********

I believe this would be the lead story on sports center if ESPN got their hands on this. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hall wanted nothing to do with this since, like most folks think these days, the rule for athletes not being in control of their own person is out-of-date, arcane, and completely unrealistic.

Over $400 and 80 items, this dealer decided to narc on Gurley and is now in hiding.

Andy Staples over at SI has more details:

A check of the James Spence Authentication database revealed 90 consecutively numbered pieces of Gurley-signed memorabilia (J19709-J19799), as well as another lot of 20 consecutively numbered pieces (H85318-H85338) of Gurley-signed memorabilia. JSA is one of the leading autograph authentication services. Consecutive authentication numbers suggest all the items were submitted at once following a large-scale signing.

Athens is up in arms over it- and the HQ isn't just talking about the school.

Yes, the Manziel comparisons will return.
Yes, the Northwestern union discussion will return.
Yes, the O'Bannon case discussion will return.

But, until, and not a moment before the rule makers change their own rules- and only forced to by someone else's hand- because you know the power brokers were only brought into the light kicking and screaming will this change...

And that won't be soon...

PM UPDATE: Looks like the violation may keep Gurley out for the season...

From the AJC and Chip Towers, the news isn't good if you're a Bulldogs fan:

It’s a “significant” case of the sale of memorabilia and there is a possibility that Gurley may not be cleared to return to the field this season.

Other sources familiar with the investigation say a determination of punishment should be made by early next week.

Towers also quotes from the NCAA rule book about how the suspension could play out

NCAA Bylaw 12.1.2.1.6 sets specific guidelines for such penalties:
1. Value of the benefit ranges from greater than $100 to $400 = withholding of 10 percent (of games) and repayment;
2. Value of the benefit ranges from greater than $400 to $700 = withholding of 20 percent (of games) and repayment;
3. Value of benefit ranges greater than $700 = withholding of 30 percent (of games) and repayment.

Now, we all get to figure out what the definition of "significant" is as we all move forward...

OSG High: Sayreville High FB Season Cancelled Amid Bullying Scandal

((HT: NJ.com/Stanmyre))

The HQ is (at the same time) disgusted, not surprised, and pretty pissed at what seems to be going down at Sayreville High In New Jersey at present.

The football team has won three titles in the last four years- but they won't win one this season since the school superintendent suspended the rest of their schedule (and the schedules of the middle school and junior varsity squads as well) after an investigation found:

"there was enough evidence to substantiate there were incidents of harassment, intimidation and bullying that took place on a pervasive level, on a wide-scale level, and at a level in which the players knew, tolerated and in general accepted."

Here's the latest from the high school


So we have alleged hazing that was out of control and, in a separate investigation, a coach resigned amid allegations of steroid possession.

Nice...

The investigation is ongoing and Sayreville's coaches and other school personnel are being told not to comment on a matter that is under review.

ESPN: Rice Told Goodell He Hit Fiancee In June

((HT: ESPN))

Which would immediately contradict the interview he gave Norah O'Donnell Tuesday night for CBS.

Which would NOT be good...

Here's Don Van Natta with John Anderson


Former FBI chief Robert Mueller is now leading an independent inquiry of how the Rice situation has been handled to date overseen by New York Giants owner John Mara and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney.

No word on a timetable for the investigation to be completed, but it does appear that Ray Rice is going to appeal his suspension early next week. The HQ figures that Rice's legal team will argue that the suspension is a direct violation of the NFL by-laws that state the Commissioner can not suspend someone for the same violation twice.

Meanwhile, CBS Sports James Brown got to ask Ravens owner Steve Biscioti about the surveillance tape as well...

DEVELOPING: Ray Rice Waived And Suspended After Video Release (UPDATED W/Fan Reax)

((HT: TMZ Sports))

Yeah, okay, it was as bad as we all thought...

After the Sunday Night football game, TMZ Sports released the Ray Rice video and it's pretty graphic...

Ray Rice -- ELEVATOR KNOCKOUT ... Fiancee Takes Crushing Punch [Video]
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The NFL league office claimed that they had not seen the elevator video where Rice had allegedly assaulted his then fiancee, but then it was released. The league wasted no time in suspending him indefinitely after the Ravens waived him.

Simply put by the Ravens on their Twitter:

The Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.

The Shield followed up with, on their Twitter through spokesman Greg Aiello:

Roger Goodell has announced that based on new video evidence that became available today he has
indefinitely suspended Ray Rice.

A lot of different media sources are calling "shenanigans" that the league didn't know this was what was on the tape. But Jay Glazer had maintained from the beginning that this was the case and, thus, the two-game punishment.

Now, the Ravens will have to retool their offense for an entire season and, possibly, hit the market looking for a tailback that can get quality yards...

CBS Baltimore's Mike Hellgren has fan reaction from the town

OSG High: Disabled Kids Taken Off DC High School Roster

((HT: WUSA-TV))

There are always rules and regulations when it comes to eligbility for high school students playing athletics.

Two developmentally-disabled students who attend a private school in DC, it appears, were traditionally steered to play football at another school. But that idea has gotten the public school in some hot water and the kids on the sidelines.

Here's the story out of DC

The hook in all of this seems to be that, if the two were attending the public school in the first place, their eligibility wouldn't be in question. There are other states that allow home-schooled athletes to pair themselves with schools in their district.

But the comeback would be that those two may not have had that option to continue their schooling with their disabilities in the public school that may not have been properly prepared for their schooling.

The HQ doesn't see this as "over" for a while...

DEVELOPING: Irsay Fined $500K, Suspended 6 Games

((HT: WISH-TV))

As an after-effect of his plea bargain that led to one misdemeanor count of operating while intoxicated, the National Football League has suspended Indianpolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for six games and fined him half-a-million dollars- the maximum amount under league rules.

Irsay sent out the following statement shortly after the announcement of his suspension:

I acknowledge the mistake I made last March and stand responsible for the consequences of that mistake, for which I sincerely apologize to our community and to Colts fans everywhere. Even more importantly, though, I am committed to do everything in my power to turn this whole experience into a positive event for myself, my family, and the community. In retrospect, I now know that the incident opened my eyes to issues in my life that needed addressing and helped put me on the path to regain my health. I truly hope and pray that my episode will help in some small measure to diminish the stigma surrounding our country’s terrible and deadly problem of addiction. It is a disease like other progressive, terminal diseases—one that can only be successfully treated by understanding, committed hard work, and spiritual growth. I am deeply grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during these past few months from my family, friends, care-givers, and our great community. Please know I am firmly committed to staying on my path to good health and I look forward to a great season.

Here's the latest after the arraignment in Indianapolis


Irsay cannot be present at the Colts facility, practices, or games. He cannot be at any league or league committee meetings- or anything involving any other team for that matter. He also cannot do media interviews or say anything team-related on any form of social media... something he always was fond of doing on his Twitter feed.

He will also be subject to treatment, counseling, and testing during his suspension.

DEVELOPING: Notre Dame Maintains Football Suspensions for Now

((HT: WNDU-TV))

The investigation alleging academic fraud on the Notre Dame campus is taking on a life of its own at the moment.

Various media outlets are reporting everything from just suspension to expulsion as the investigation ensues.

The afternoon lent itself to a press conference where university President, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., and AD Jack Swarbrick tried to get out in front of the situation.

Reverend Jenkins looked uncomfortable discussing the violations of the student code and the unknown after-effects while Swarbrick was barely asked any questions- save the relaying that head football coach Brian Kelly was just as shocked as everyone else and that he wants the on-campus process to take its course.

Here's the early evening coverage from South Bend


Reverend Jenkins did, however, say that the school will forfeit wins if the school is found to have used ineligible players- dating back however many seasons would apply.

The South Bend Tribune's Notre Dame insider Bob Wieneke discusses the four players as well
The folks over at Campus Insiders discuss the roster losses at present as well...

Dustin Johnson Suspended 6 Months For Positive Drug Test (UPDATED)

((HT: Golf.com/Bamberger, Walker))

Now, we know...

Yesterday, PGA Tour pro Dustin Johnson was stepping away to take some time and seek "professional help" for some issues that he was going through at present.

Bamberger and Walker may now have the answer as to what those issues are: testing positive for cocaine.

The article also sheds some light on what could be some very serious allegations on Johnson's behavior while he has been on tour the last few seasons.

The background to this suspension from the Golf.com article:

Johnson has failed three drug tests: one for marijuana in 2009 and two for cocaine, in 2012 and 2014. He was previously suspended for the 2012 failed test, but that suspension was never made public. Under the PGA Tour’s drug-testing policies, the Tour is not required to announce any disciplinary actions against players who test positive for recreational drugs.

His past is somewhat checkered with the tour and includes an alleged indiscretion with another player's wife.

Johnson's "management team" released this statement yesterday:

“I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced,” he said in a statement issued by his management company. “By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion.”

Here's a feature the tour put together on Johnson on him when he returns to his home town- Jupiter, Florida


The HQ hopes he gets the help he needs...

1900 UPDATE: The tour is saying he is not suspended...

Executive vice president Ty Votaw says the leave is voluntary.

"With regard to media reports that Dustin Johnson has been suspended by the PGA Tour, this is to clarify that Mr. Johnson has taken a voluntary leave of absence and is not under a suspension from the PGA Tour," Votaw said in a statement.

Goodell Defends League Stance On Ray Rice

((HT: NFL/ESPN))

The Commissioner of the National Football League was pinned into a scrum at the NFL Hall of Fame weekend and was asked about the action the league took involving the 2-game suspension of Ravens running back Ray Rice.

See if you believe his answer


So, dear reader/watcher/listener...

What say you...???
Do you agree or disagree with the Commish...???

Ray Rice Had A Presser: Believe At Your Own Peril, Deford Goes After Goodell's Handling Of It

((HT: CSNBaltimore.com))

Here's his sound bite on how he will be an advocate on domestic violence issues with his wife, Janay...


If this had come sooner, and not in the pee-ahr dumpster fire that is the Baltimore Ravens, there might be a little more credibility here. But the HQ is not really holding its breath on this one...

The greatest hits:

He apologized to his wife

He claimed that he did not have a domestic violence issue before February

He would not go into detail as to what actually went down in the elevator in the moments before the security camera video picks up the two of them pouring out of the elevator

He apologized to any woman who has faced a violent situation

He would not have appealed the suspension- no matter how long it was

But Frank Deford of NPR's "Morning Edition" brought up an interesting tack on the future of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell- basically asking for his head- in his Wednesday commentary.

In part:

Goodell's sideswipe of a punishment to Ray Rice indicates, if nothing else, a cultural ignorance on his part. Remember, this is the businessman who is widely compared to a tobacco executive for so long procrastinating, denying the effects of obvious occupational concussions, a promoter who hanged a good health of his fungible players, even now wants more Thursday games and a longer regular-season schedule. But the NFL is the biggest boon this side of the Internet, so Goodell is cocooned by his ever-richer owners and a phalanx of admiring football reporters. The networks, his breathless partners, are simply bootlickers. The exalted NFL so needs a rector, a magistrate who comes to the game, not from within it. It needs a leader of grace and vision. More and more, Roger Goodell just looks like a slick, selling us 76 trombones.

Listen to it all here

John Harbaugh Stands Behind Ray Rice

((HT: CSN Washington))

Here's the sound bite in full where the Ravens head coach says he stands behind his running back in light of the two game suspension the NFL gave Ray Rice after his violation of the league conduct policy.


Rice and his then-fiancee/now wife, Janay, were involved in a physical altercation February 15th at an Atlantic City casino. Rice was shown on surveillance tape from inside the casino physically assaulting Janay and dragging her out of an elevator by her hair.

Rice was charged with aggravated felony assault, but avoided jail time by doing a pre-trial diversion program.
They both met NFL commissioner Roger Goodell four months later at the league office in New York City.

Good to know that you can either smoke something or take something illegal and get a longer suspension than smacking your significant other around and having it seen on video tape.

Fantastic standards to work by...

Jimbo Thinks Jameis Has Suffered Enough

((HT: ESPN/ACCDN))

The explanation defies description...

Because he was suspended once already and he's really a good kid...

That's the reason that FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher gave at ACC Media Daze for not suspending (or giving any other kind of discipline for that matter) to QB Jameis Winston for his escapade at the Tallahassee Publix...

Jim Basquil and Jared Shanker discuss


Really...??? Really...???!!!

That's a fine example, sir...

The HQ's over-under for Winston getting into trouble in 2014 is Game 5- since Winston's own father has been asking for the equivalent of 24/7 supervision of HIS KID since he can't do it himself...

And, when Winston leaves FSU, it won't be soon enough...

FIFA Says Suarez Banned, Uruguay Fed Plans Appeal

((HT: FIFA/ESPN))

Of course, they do...

For the record, here's FIFA's statement:

"The player Luis Suarez is to be suspended for nine official matches. The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming [round of 16] FIFA World Cup fixture between Colombia and Uruguay.

"The remaining match suspensions shall be served in Uruguay's next FIFA World Cup matches, as long as the team qualifies, and/or in the representative team's subsequent official matches.

"The player is banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity -- administrative, sports or any other -- for a period of four months. A stadium ban is pronounced against Luis Suarez, who is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium during the period of the ban."

It would mean that in addition to his time in Rio, you can possibly adding missing nine Premier League games, Champions League and Capital One Cup matches before the end of October. This, of course, is if Suarez even gets to stay at Liverpool. The first time he bit another player he was booted from his Dutch side.

Uruguay FA President Wilmar Valdez is appealing and he has three days to get his defense together.

ESPN dispatched Wright Thompson to Montevideo for reaction. Max Bretos tracked him down

Just How Hard Should FIFA Come Down On Suarez...??/

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

Luis Suarez says things like what happened today in the Uruguay-Italy match "happen..."

Sure they do...

"These are just things that happen out on the pitch," Suarez said. "It was just the two of us inside the area and he bumped into me with his shoulder, and that's how my eye got like this as well. There are things that happen on the pitch and you should not make such a big deal out of them."

The bitten in this case, Chiellini, thinks nothing will happen and he told Sky Sports Italia just as much:

"It's a disgrace. The referee decided this game. If either team should have gone through, then it was us.

"Giving a red card to Marchisio and no red to Suarez decided the game. There was a different treatment for both sides and that decided the game and decided who went through.

"When we had 11 men, they weren't a threat at all and we were in perfect control, but then in the end, [the red card] was decisive.

"But then Suarez gets away with whatever he wants because FIFA want the top players involved. He bit me, and the sign is there. Now [FIFA] have got to have the courage to take action."

The guys at ESPN discuss


Thoughts are coming down on Suarez that include everything from a lifetime ban (not just internationally) to expelling Uruguay from the knockout stage and giving their slot to the next man up in their Group.

What say you, faithful reader...??/

Uruguay's Advancement Overshadowed By Another Biting...???

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

This is Group of Champions and it appears that Luis Suarez is a chump- again...

Costa Rica and Uruguay advance to the knockout stages leaving Italy and England behind. But the larger issue is the apparent taking a chunk out of Chiellini's shoulder by striker Luis Suarez.

80th minute- a minute before Godin's goal against 10-man Forza- Suarez is in the box and jostling..


This is the third incident like this with Suarez. He received a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in 2013.
((HT: BPL))


Luis Suarez apologized at the time:

“I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea.

“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanović to speak to him personally. I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down.”

In November 2010, Suárez, playing for Ajax Amsterdam, was suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal during a Dutch league game.
((HT: Football))


Suárez never played for Ajax again after the first biting incident; the club sold him to Liverpool during that winter’s January transfer window.

And the next question is: Does Suarez get suspended and do Uruguay keep him around for international play after...??/

And what does Liverpool do now...??? Pull the contract on the table...???

Machado Suspended For Five Games For Bat Toss

((HT: MLB.com/MASN))

Major League Baseball announced that Orioles 3B Manny Machado got a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for his bat toss in the team's 11-1 loss Sunday.

He felt that he had been thrown at on a previous pitch and tried to exact some kind of revenge on Oakland reliever Fernando Abad.

Gary Thorne's analysis was pretty spot on...


Abad got a fine and no suspension...

OSG High: Cigars Get Mass. Lacrosse Players Kicked Off Team

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

A few days before their state title game and after graduation...

Thus, the rub in the whole thing...

A couple of graduating seniors at Beverly (MA) High School had their picture taken smoking cigars at their graduation ceremony. Since they are 18, they're not breaking any state laws. But the governing body of high school sports in Massachusetts, the MIAA, says its a violation of their drug and alcohol policy.

And two careers are over because of it...
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

John Moore May Not Be Around For A While

((HT: CBC/NHL))

For this...


The HQ gives PK Subban credit for steering Dale Weise back to the bench since he, probably, couldn't even remember what day of the week it was after the shot to the head...

But John Moore's Dory Funk, Junior impression should get him, at least, a 2-game sit...

What say you...???