Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Uh oh...Indians Chris Perez vs. A's fan on Video (NSFW)

((ht: larrybrownsports.com))

Wow! 

Let's just say before we get into this story, we aren't defending either side in this one, because they were both wrong.

Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez had a rather NSFW "discussion" with an Oakland A's fan who, according to our friends at Larry Brown Sports, had been harassing him for years.

This time, the fan went to find Perez again, and brought a friend, with a cellphone camera which just reeks of "Set-Up". But...that being said, Perez should never have walked over and confronted the guy, especially if he'd seen someone standing there with a camera recording it.

Check out the whole story from Larry Brown Sports RIGHT HERE

Wow!

There is really not much to say here. Like we said earlier, it's hard to believe the A's fan is such a DOUCHE that he felt compelled to entrap Perez. It's even harder to believe Perez fell into his trap. And while it might have been Karma if Perez kicked the crap out of the dumb-ass fan, unfortunately, you can't do that.

What do you do here? Can you stop fans from being incredible DICKS? How many times can you tell players ignore the fans?

Since the video kinda speaks for itself, check it out:


Monday, August 20, 2012

Rory McIlroy + Yale Bowl= Target Practice

((HT: NewHavenOpenTennis))

This is what happens when your girlfriend is a very good tennis player...
You get dragged to try the occasional stunt for her upcoming tournament

Rory McIlroy was taken to Yale Bowl to see if he could knock tennis balls out of the light rough and send them out of the stadium...

Hilarity ensues...


Guess he got it out of the tunnel...

Mike Danton Denied VISA To Play Hockey In England...

((HT: ESPN))

It was one of the weirder stories the HQ has ever covered...

The murder-for-hire scheme concocted by former NHL'er Mike Danton to try and kill his then-agent, David Frost, his 5-plus years in prison when convicted in its failure, his return to pro hockey in Europe after becoming an All-Academic player in college hockey two years ago...

We could go on...

But, first, your recap of what in the hell went on...


Danton's criminal record prevents him from coming into the United States to have any kind of job (Danton's end goal is to return to the NHL for his career), but he can continue to apply for a VISA to play for Coventry in the EIHL...

Here's what else is trending...
((HT: Sportsnet.ca))

50-Year-Old Roger Clemens In Independent Leagues

((HT: ABC13 Houston))

He's not taking a job from another kid trying to make it to the major leagues... at least, we think he's not for now...

But after throwing for Sugar Land Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti in the high-80's... Roger Clemens is suiting up at the age of 50 for the Independent Atlantic League franchise in Sugar Land, Texas...

Here's the story... in all it's PED-less glory...


And here's what the locals think about it...


The HQ doesn't really have an opinion on it...
We dig the independent leagues and understand the idea that it's all about marketing and putting butts in seats...

And it's no real skin for Clemens except the whole ego thing...
Which is what it's all about in the end...

DEVELOPING: Augusta Admits First Two Women Members

The Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters golf tournament, has admitted its first 2 women members: Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore.

Moore is the vice president of Rainwater, Incorporated, a private investment company and is involved in non-profit work in the state of South Carolina as well...

Augusta national chair Billy Payne issued a statement that read in part:

"This is a joyous occasion as we enthusiastically welcome Secretary Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore as members of Augusta National Golf Club. We are fortunate to consider many qualified candidates for membership at Augusta National. Consideration with regard to any candidate is deliberate, held in strict confidence and always takes place over an extended period of time. The process for Condoleezza and Darla was no different.

"These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their Green Jackets when the Club opens this fall.

"This is a significant and positive time in our Club's history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family."


Here's early returns from our friends at WRDW-TV in Augusta


More when we know more...

Sunday, August 19, 2012

OSG Previews the SEC East because we can

Not a ton of things going on...or to do on a pleasant weekend at OSG Global HQ. So we decided "Better late then never" and will give you are 2 1/2 cents on everyone's favorite College Football conference, the SEC.

We'll list the contenders by division, starting with the East...and where we think they'll finish.

SEC East--

1. Georgia 10-2 overall, 5-2 in conference.

Overview: Everyone looks and says "Soft Schedule" and well, they aren't wrong. This however is a very talented, though not very deep team that could be very, very good.

Offense: With Aaron Murray and a deep bunch of Receivers led by Tavarres King, they'll be a tough out for anyone. We'd like them more if they had Malcolm Mitchell the whole season, but they won't. The Running Backs are young, but could be very, very good. Watch out for true freshman Todd Gurley.

The line is a big question, though they are very big and athletic. How they go will determine how this offense goes.

Defense: This should, once the suspension season ends, be one of the best "D's" in the country. They are big, fast and deep everywhere except maybe defensive back where they will not have at least two starters the first couple games.

Jarvis Jones is an All-World Linebacker and John Jenkins and Cornelius Washington are pretty darn good on the line. Shawn Williams and Baccari Rambo are All-American level safeties.

Our thoughts: Anything less then the SEC Championship game for them will be a letdown. And it should be. This is one of the better groups Coach Mark Richt has had in awhile, let's see if they for once can live up to expectations.


2. Florida  9-3 overall, 4-3 in confernce

Overview: Year 2 of Coach Boom and the natives are already restless. The natives have no idea how bare Urban Meyer left the cupboard.

Offense: Jeff Driskell seems to have the QB job...for now. Mike Gillislee gives them the 1st "Power" back they've had in a long time. But who is going to catch it? The O-Line is solid and there is a lot of buzz about new coordinator Brent Pease's offense. Can they deliver?

Defense: Big, strong and pretty deep. This will be the Florida calling card in 2012. Dominique Easley and Shariff Floyd anchor the line, Jon Bostic at Linebacker and Marcus Roberson at Cornerback all have All-American potential.

Our thoughts: They'll be better. Particularly if they can score. The defense is very good, the offense has a ton of questions. Only time will tell if they'll be answered.

3. South Carolina 9-3 overall, 4-3 in conference.

Overview: With the return of Marcus Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney, they'll be a tough out for anyone. Though we aren't sold on Connor Shaw.

Offense: All things go through the QB. Shaw stepped up last year, but was really inconsistent. He'll have to be really good for the 'Cocks (I said Cock) to be elite. Marcus Lattimore returns with a new knee and a lot to prove. Does he have it in him? Who will step up and replace Alshon Jefferey?

Defense: They lost a lot of guys here. Clowney returns, but all the other headliners graduated. Someone at linebacker and in the defensive backfield will have to step up. We don't see a lot of low scoring games for this team.

Our thoughts: Good, not great. We don't buy these guys as heavily as some others. They'll be able to outscore some people, but we think the biggest loss they had may be former D-Coordinator Ellis Johnson.

4. Missouri 8-4, 3-4 in conference

Overview: They should be a solid addition at least to this division of the SEC. There is some talent here, but there's going to be a learning curve for their new home. No way around it.

Offense: It will all starts with QB James Franklin. As he goes, the team will go and he's pretty solid. A good runner/passer who should fit right in with the big boys of the SEC. Henry Josey and T.J Moe make for some good support.

Defense: That's the question. There is some concern this isn't an elite SEC level defense. We should find out pretty fast. A lot of solid contributors, but no standouts in this unit.

Our thoughts: The Tigers will be competitive in their new home. They aren't far away from elite level, the defense will hold them back. Franklin should be one of the best QB's in the whole conference, at least on paper.

5. Tennessee 6-6, 2-5 in the conference

Overview: This is a make or break season for coach Derek Dooley whether he likes it or not. The natives are VERY restless in Knoxville. And this should be a decent team who may scare some folks, but we don't believe they are quite as good as the teams in front of them.

Offense: Tyler Bray should be healthy. And if he is, the Vols will throw the ball. A lot. There is experience on the offensive line. The skill positions will be tended to by committee which is why we aren't naming many names.

Defense: Defensive End Jacques Smith and LB A.J Johnson will make sure the defense is solid. There is some other talent here, but it's again a mish-mash of guys and the main reason we don't rank them higher.

Our Thoughts: They will be a dangerous out, but there still aren't the horses here to run with the big boys. Bray is excellent, Smith and Johnson are awfully good, the rest...are role players. And that is the difference between this and UT teams from years gone by.

We don't dislike Derrick Dooley, even though this will be an improved team, we're afraid anything less than 8 wins and he won't keep his job.

6. Vanderbilt 6-6. 2-5 in the conference.

Overview: We want to like this team. Really we do. And they are everyone's darlings. Coach James Franklin made a BIG impact with this bunch, within the SEC and especially in the Nashville area. He has them heading in the right direction.

Offense:  Zac Stacy is a very good running back. Jordan Rodgers played well the 2nd half of last season, but is being challenged in camp. That may or may not be good. Wesley Johnson anchors a deep, experienced line. 

Defense: They lost a lot of experience. Depth will be an issue on what is probably the weak link on this team. Walker May is the only headliner here, someone or several someone's are going to have to step up for them to keep pace.

Our Thoughts: The defense is an issue. It's why we don't think they'll make the big leap...this year. The 'Dores are still a program on the rise and for the first time in decades, there is some excitement surrounding them. There are less likely to be issues here as the fanbase traditionally doesn't expect much.

7. Kentucky 4-8, 1-7 in the conference

Overview: Something is missing here and we, nor anyone else can put their fingers on it. They should be better, though playing in the SEC probably doesn't help. Joker Phillips may be in trouble without a winning season too.

Offense: Max Smith was solid the 2nd half of last season, the question is can he continue to improve. WR La'rod King leads a group of solid backs that should contribute. With 3 starters gone on the line however, the question is who will be able to block for these guys?

Defense: Also a lot of holes here. Six to be exact. Donte Rumph and Mister Cobble (yes, that's his name) are the only starters of note to return. There isn't enough depth here to keep these guys competitive for long.

Our Thoughts: It's going to be a long year in Lexington. They aren't horrible, but in the SEC they are. Without much on defense, it doesn't matter what else they do because the offense isn't better than anyone they play.

Division MVP: Aaron Murray, UGA

Best Offensive Player: James Franklin, Missouri

Best Defensive Player: Jarvis Jones, UGA

Best Coach: Steve Spurrier, South Carolina





Cabrera Tried Fake Website To Distract PED Investigation (Really...???)

Apparently, so...

In an investigation by the New York Daily News, it was discovered that disgraced San Francisco Giants OF Melky Cabrera tried to create an artificial website describing a fake product in line with his intake...

Didn't work...and now Jeff Novitzky is looking into everything and everyone in Cabrera's past...

From the article:

Cabrera associate Juan Nunez, described by the player’s agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, as a “paid consultant” of their firm but not an “employee,” is alleged to have paid $10,000 to acquire the phony website. The idea, apparently, was to lay a trail of digital breadcrumbs suggesting Cabrera had ordered a supplement that ended up causing the positive test, and to rely on a clause in the collectively bargained drug program that allows a player who has tested positive to attempt to prove he ingested a banned substance through no fault of his own.

“There was a product they said caused this positive,” one source familiar with the case said of Cabrera’s scheme. “Baseball figured out the ruse pretty quickly.”


Here's KGO-TV's coverage when Cabrera got busted...


Nunez is falling on the sword where the website is concerned and is saying that Cabrera's agents have nothing to do with anything...

But the HQ thinks that this is barely beginning...