Report: Marlins under investigation for business practices

((ht: yahoo sports))

Miami Marlins

All we'll say before getting into this and it isn't directed specifically at the Marlins but rather pro sports in general is--"It's about time!".

Yahoo Sports reporter Jeff Passan says the Security and Exchange Commission has opened an investigation to the team...and Major League Baseball's dealings with the local government in Miami in regards to building the teams new stadium.

Among the concerns voiced: How and why the city never asked to look at the teams finances before agreeing to fund 80% of the $600 million stadium. Especially since the team was citing financial ruin, when in fact they were flush in profits. The report also voiced concerns that team owner Jeffery Loria was funneling money to a separate corporation and not reporting it.

And yes, there are serious implications of bribery and/or deception here. If it can be proven, it will get ugly. Very ugly.

Read the entire Yahoo story RIGHT HERE

This story bring up two HUGE issues with professional sports and the blackmail-like hold they seem to hold over cities and the general public.

Cities around the country are having major financial issues and yet are asked on a regular basis to either fork over money to build a stadium to keep their team or to continue to pay millions to cover the debt on stadiums for fear of repercussions. And yes ticket buyer and taxpayer, ultimately that cost is passed on to you.

It is a never-ending cycle of building the newest facilities with the latest amenities to attract the ultimate Luxury Suite buyer, not you. Who do you think the Minnesota legislature is going to pass the cost of a new Vikings stadium (should it be built) on to? Sure the team will contribute a little, but ultimately you, Minnesota resident will pay for it.

As for this story in Florida, yeah, it is pretty amazing that the city and/or county seemed to be able to secure an immense amount of financing for the Marlins despite the eroding city and county infrastructure. Never mind the fact the Marlins have been of the, if not the worst drawing team in Major League Baseball for years. We don't believe a new stadium will fix that. And as for Loria having the money to pay more for it. Sure he should have, but it would appear on the surface at least that the politicians who should have asked him to do it, never thought it would be an appropriate question.

Is the Norv Turner era nearing an end in San Diego

((ht: signonsandiego.com))

Norv Turner

According to a report by the San Diego Tribune Friday afternoon, the San Diego Chargers are heading towards a major shake-up at the end of the season.

Chargers writer Kevin Acee says that team president Dean Spano is telling people that he's going to need to make a head coaching change, which of course would mean that the current coach--Norv Turner, will be fired.

Acee also mentions that G.M A.J Smith may be on the hot seat as well.

Read the whole story RIGHT HERE

None of this would be a huge surprise as the Chargers have been unable to get past the early rounds of the playoffs for years--despite being considered one of the best teams in the league. And this year it's been worse.

The Chargers are 4-7 and on the road this week to face the Jacksonville Jaguars. And while that may be a "Winnable" game, unless the Chargers run the table, it may be too late. They aren't likely to make the playoffs and the "Franchise" QB, Philip Rivers has struggled all year.

No, the coaching carousel has not visited San Diego in several years, but if we were placing bets, we're guessing it will be making a stop sometime around the 1st week of January. Turner is considered one of the best offensive coaches in the game and has been for some time, he'll land more work, it may just not be as a head coach.

Sandusky speaks again: This time to NY Times

((ht: nytimes.com))

Jerry Sandusky

Well, this certainly seems to be a somewhat unique way of defending ones self when it comes to some life-altering accusations.

Embattled and accused child molester and former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky gave another interview this week. This one to the New York Times and reporter Jo Becker...on video.

In the wide ranging, long interview, Sandusky said Joe Paterno never said anything to him about suspected misconduct with minors and the Second Mile charity he founded never restricted his access to children until he was mentioned as a subject of a criminal investigation in 2008.

Sandusky apparently tells Becker he never sexually abused a child BUT...he confirms many of the details of events prosecutors used in charging him with molestation. She says he agreed to the interview because he wanted to clear the air about his work with children.

Read the text version of the Times story (fascinating) RIGHT HERE

We don't quite understand why Sandusky's lawyer, Joe Amendola is doing by allowing Sandusky to continue to be vague in stating his case. After the report earlier this week by the Harrisburg Patriot-News that Amendola was considering telling his client to "Plea" we are wondering if this is all a set-up to make Amendola look like some sort of genius lawyer.

The P.R attempt at making Sandusky a "Sympathetic" and "Misunderstood" person is not coming off well. In fact it appears to make him seem even more creepier. Combine this with the Bob Costas/NBC phone interview from a couple of weeks ago and this just continues getting uglier.

There's a preliminary hearing for Sandusky the week after next. We may learn a little more about what actually did happen, we certainly will know when, where and how this case will continue to proceed.

Here is the video interview (Courtesy: New York Times) link RIGHT HERE

Kingvision2000 has decided to test the ire of the Times and have it up on the interwebs...

Boeheim Apologizes For Early Remarks

((HT: WSYR-TV))

Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim came out in his postgame presser and apologized for early remarks in the Bernie Fine investigation after the Orangemen's 72-68 win over Florida.

"I believe I misspoke very badly in my response to the allegations that have been made. I shouldn't have questioned what the accusers expressed or their motives. I am really sorry that I did that, and I regret any harm that I caused," he said.

"It was insensitive for the individuals involved and especially to the overall issue of child abuse."

A lot of advocacy groups have called for Boeheim's head on a platter after his early defense of Fine and disparaging remarks of accusors...

Here's the coverage from Syracuse...


The folks from outside the Syracuse program may still get their wish, eventually, depending on the outcome...

Old Jets Lose To New Jets (or "Stick It, Phoenix...")

((HT: TSN/youtube))

It was old school and new school last night in Winnipeg as the old tenants in town, the current Phoenix Coyotes, took on the new Winnipeg Jets.

Ondrej Pavelec got his second shutout of the year and the Coyotes got booed every time they touched the puck...

Here's Dennis Beyak and Brian Engblom...


1-0 wins are 1-0 wins, but this win was a little more important than most...

"It was a game we needed," said head coach Claude Noel. "We were better with our discipline and were on top of things for 60 minutes. These players care about winning. They were as unhappy with Tuesday's loss as I was."

DEVELOPING: TAMU Fires Sherman

This is what happens when you're 11-1 at halftime, but 6-6 when the game is over...

Texas A&M has let head coach Mike Sherman go as they head into the Ess-E-Cee...

Houston's Kevin Sumlin has headed to the top of the charts when it comes to possible successors...

Here's the statement from TAMU AD Bill Byrne...

Ahem...

"Mike Sherman has operated our football program with the highest levels of character and integrity over the past four seasons and has served as a great ambassador for Texas A&M University. Mike has always put the welfare of the student-athlete and Texas A&M first.

“I appreciate Coach Sherman’s selfless service to Texas A&M as our head football coach and his tireless efforts in building leaders of character. He is truly one of the great offensive minds in football, both collegiate and professional, and I know that he has much to offer the game of football in the future.

“After discussions with our coaches, we will decide who will be the interim coach of the Aggies in our upcoming bowl game. We will meet with the team and assistant coaches as soon as possible, probably tomorrow.”

As a flashback, the HQ gives you highlights of their half-time lead and eventual loss to Texas... staying completely in character...
((HT: KBTX-TV))


More when we know more...

Raiders LB Arrested in Alabama at shooting scene

Rolando McClain/Ctsy: Decatur Police/Al.com

((ht: al.com))

This is an odd story that apparently isn't so odd to the police department in Decatur, Alabama.

Current Oakland Raider and former Alabama LB Rolando McClain was apparently arrested late Wednesday after being accused of putting a gun to a man's head, forcing him to the ground and shooting a bullet near him.

McClain is facing a variety of misdemeanor charges and as of this afternoon, was still in jail.

Read the strange events from Al.com RIGHT HERE

That apparently wasn't McClain's first brush with the law in Decatur, but is certainly a strange one. We'll start the questions with this: What was he doing in Alabama on a game-week Wednesday? We're guessing the Raiders are wondering the same thing.

**We just found the answer to our question. It appears young Mr. McClain was in Decatur for a relatives funeral.**---And no, that doesn't excuse any of this.