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8.30.2003
My US Open Debut: I went to the US Open today - the first time I'd ever been to a Major tennis tournament.
Strangely, it felt a lot like a baseball game. The matches - being the second round of the men's draw and the third round of the women's - seemed to lack the drama that a finals would have. We spent most of the time in the stands talking (softly, of course) about the people around us and gossipping about the players. I imagine the later rounds - when you have two seeded players going at it - could be fun and dramatic. But, watching Mark Philippoussis beat up on Anthony Dupuis was lacking (though, several of Philippoussis' serves garned oohs and aahs from the crowd - he's still got it).
The highlights of the day for me were threefold: 1) seeing my good friend Aldene, who works for the USTA, in her element - it's always neat seeing an event like that through the eyes of an insider; 2) seeing my great friend, Chris, a longtime tennis nut, experience his first major - like watching a diehard NFL fan walk through the Hall of Fame for the first time; 3) watching Amelie Mauresmo.
Mauresmo may not be flashy, but she's all the gays and lesbians have right now in pro tennis; and, she's surely the best openly gay athlete in the entire world right now. The woman is stunning - today in a great red onepiece that contoured her every curve. It was particularly cool to watch one obviously gay man holler out from the crowd (between points, of course), "go Amelie." You wonder why this Web site at times "clamors" for an athlete to come out - this guy, obviously finding so much pride in a great professional athlete who is comfortable with her homosexuality - is my exhibit A. -Cyd Zeigler
8.29.2003
Big College Upset: The college football season is not even a week old and we already have a major upset, with Northern Illinois shocking #15 Maryland, 20-13, in overtime. The Huskies scored first in OT to take a seven-point lead and iced the game when Randee Drew snagged an interception in the end zone on a ball that bounced off a teammate. ''Everything was in slow motion,'' Drew said. ''One of them fell and kicked the ball and it came right to me. I guess (they) just put me in the right spot at the right time.''
Form Holds at the Open: The U.S. Open continues to play to form. Of the 11 highest-seeded players (men?s and women?s) who took to the court on Thursday, all 11 won.
8.29.2003
My US Open Debut: I went to the US Open today - the first time I'd ever been to a Major tennis tournament.
Strangely, it felt a lot like a baseball game. The matches - being the second round of the men's draw and the third round of the women's - seemed to lack the drama that a finals would have. We spent most of the time in the stands talking (softly, of course) about the people around us and gossipping about the players. I imagine the later rounds - when you have two seeded players going at it - could be fun and dramatic. But, watching Mark Philippoussis beat up on Anthony Dupuis was lacking (though, several of Philippoussis' serves garned oohs and aahs from the crowd - he's still got it).
The highlights of the day for me were threefold: 1) seeing my good friend Aldene, who works for the USTA, in her element - it's always neat seeing an event like that through the eyes of an insider; 2) seeing my great friend, Chris, a longtime tennis nut, experience his first major - like watching a diehard NFL fan walk through the Hall of Fame for the first time; 3) watching Amelie Mauresmo.
Mauresmo may not be flashy, but she's all the gays and lesbians have right now in pro tennis; and, she's surely the best openly gay athlete in the entire world right now. The woman is stunning - today in a great red onepiece that contoured her every curve. It was particularly cool to watch one obviously gay man holler out from the crowd (between points, of course), "go Amelie." You wonder why this Web site at times "clamors" for an athlete to come out - this guy, obviously finding so much pride in a great professional athlete who is comfortable with her homosexuality - is my exhibit A. -Cyd Zeigler
8.28.2003
Gay in the NFL: There are 100 to 200 gay or bisexuals playing in the NFL, a closeted player tells the author of a new book.
In ?Bloody Sundays? by Mike Freeman of the New York Times, the player (given the pseudonym Steven Thompson) says there?s no way he would consider coming out given the homophobic nature of the NFL. According to review of the book in Sports Illustrated, Thompson (given an entire chapter) once considered telling a teammate he was gay but reconsider after hearing the teammate say about a gay couple: ?Somebody should kill those fucking faggots.?
Thompson dates women to throw teammates off the scent, though he tells Freeman he dated a player on another team for a year. This player, according to the SI review, told Thompson he had dated four other players.
Freeman considers the estimate of 100-200 gay players to be high, though it?s not clear how he would know. There are more than 1,500 active players and if 10% were gay that would equal 150. Even at 1%, there would be 15 gay NFL players and if that many ever came out imagine the shock it would cause.
Thompson?s story rings true. We?ve heard from at least two partners of NFL players (both said to be high profile) who describe how hard it would be for the players to come out. These partners were even too nervous to let us tell their story, even anonymously. When it comes to being out in pro team sports, there?s still a depressingly long way to go. (Jim Buzinski)
8.27.2003
Another Tennis Retirement: A day after Pete Sampras? stirring retirement ceremony at the U.S. Open, another tennis star has called it quits. Michael Chang, who never reached the dominating heights of tennis yet still had a fine career, retired after losing his opening round match at the U.S. Open. Both Chang and Sampras were classy individuals whose cared about the sport and they will be missed.
Romo Apologizes: Oakland Raider linebacker Bill Romanowski, who once caused a racial incident by spitting in the face of a black player on national TV, has apologized after seriously battering teammate Marcus Williams during a fight in practice on Sunday.
?I hold myself accountable,? Romanowski said. ?It was a classless move by me.?
?Classless? is not the word to describe how Romanowski ripped the helmet off of Williams then punched him, breaking his eye socket and ending his season. In the real world, the Raider thug would be looking at charges for assault. Williams has hired an attorney and is considering suing Romanowski.
In an example of the macho mentality that dominates pro football, linebacker Eric Johnson was blas￩. ?I don't see it as a big problem. It's just something that happened. Bill is a part of the family, and so is Marcus. Brothers fight all the time.?
8.26.2003
Tie in the West: The Oakland A?s have been a predictable team the past few seasons?they start slow, pick up steam in midsummer then kick it in as September rolls around. This baseball season is no different. By beating Toronto, 8-6, behind the bat of Miguel Tejada, the A?s have tied Seattle for the lead in the American League West, the first time since May 15 they?ve been in first. Seattle has cooperated by losing six straight. The race in the West and for the wild card (Boston is in the thick of it) will be something to watch.
No Longer the Fastest: A streak ended in Paris as American sprinter Maurice Greene?s reign as the world?s sprint champ came to an end. Greene pulled a quad muscle in his semifinal heat at the world championships in Paris and finished next to last. The U.S., a traditional power in the 100 meters, was shut out. The gold went to Kim Collins of St. Kitts and Nevis (a Caribbean island), the silver to Darrel Brown of Trinidad & Tobago and the bronze to Darren Campbell of Britain.
8.25.2003
Tokyo Wins (Yawn): Everybody is supposed to love the Little League World Series. But, have you watched a Little League game? They're terrible. Boring as can be. And the level of play is, obviously, lower than low. Watching kids showboat around the bases, parading like they just closed the gap between themselves and Hank Aaron - it's absurd.
In the last (thank God) Little League game of the year, Tokyo knocked out Florida to win the Little League World Series, 10-1 (yawn), their third title in five years. Now, we don't have to see these 12-year-olds playing on ESPN again for another year. Hip hip hooray!
Clarett Back - in October: Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett, seemingly associated with a dozen infractions, got Jim Brown to throw his weight around and, instead of missing the entire college football season, will be back in mid-October. Clarett will be forced to miss Ohio State's first six games this season - just enough to keep them well out of National Championship contention.
8.24.2003
Footballers Keep Falling: A second starting quarterback in the National Football League will miss his opening game due to a preseason injury. The New York Jets' Chad Pennington fractured his non-throwing wrist against the New York Giants on Saturday. He had immediate surgery and it is not yet known how long he will be out. Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Mike Vick will miss the first month of the regular season after an injury last weekend against the Baltimore Ravens.
8.23.2003
Venus Williams Out: CBS executives must be bummed today after hearing that Venus Williams will not play in the U.S. Open due to a strained abdominal muscle. She joins sister Serena (bad knee) on the sidelines for the event. Because of the rise of the Williams? sisters, CBS had in recent years shown the women?s final in prime time. Now, the network may face the grim prospect (from the perspective of a U.S. network) of a Kim Clijsters and Justin Henin-Hardenne final. That may excite true tennis fans but not casual ones who often tune in to see the Williams sisters.
Almost a No-No: Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs came to within one disputed call from tossing a no-hitter at the Arizona Diamondbacks. Zambrano wound up with a one-hitter, allowing an infield single to Shea Hillenbrand with two outs in the ninth. Replays show that the play at first base was extremely close, but it did appear that Hillenbrand was out.
''I was real, real sad about that play,'' Zambrano said. ''Four more outs to throw a no-hitter ... I was really sad. I saw the play on the field and thought he was out. But he's human and anybody can make a mistake.'' Said first-base umpire Bill Miller: ?I had the play safe. I saw a replay -- it was a point where [first baseman ] Randall [Simon] made a great stretch, made a great play. I have to go with what I had on the field.'' Translation? I probably blew it but too bad; what?s called is called.
8.22.2003
Gold for Hamm: American Paul Hamm made history Thursday by becoming the first male U.S. gymnast to win the all-around title at the World Championships.
Hamm, 20, executed a near-perfect high bar routine to barely defeat China?s Yang Wei. Hamm was no doubt stoked by the fact that the event is being held in Anaheim, Calif., before a wildly cheering pro-American crowd.
?It feels incredible,? Hamm said. ?It was obviously a dream of mine since I was a little kid. World champion is as high as you can get, except for maybe Olympic champion. To be that for the rest of your life is such an incredible thing.?
8.21.2003
Baylor Gets Kiss Of Death: The entire Baylor basketball program is in jeopardy after the NCAA ruled any player transferring from the school because of Baylor's self-imposed probation will not have to sit out a year. The probation came after the school uncovered intrateam wrongdoing involving then-head-coach Dave Bliss and athletic director Tom Stanton, who both resigned August 8. With the team on probation, and the door wide open, all of the team's top talent is expected to exit the program in the coming weeks. It started Tuesday, when junior forward Kenny Taylor announced he would transfer to Texas.
USA Has Something to Prove: Led by 17 points from both Tim Duncan and Elton Brand, the United States took care of Brazil in their first Olympic qualifying match, 110-76. In other news, Karl Malone said he would not be rejoining the team because of the death of his mother. Kenyon Martin was chosen as his replacement.
8.20.2003
Gouging the Fans: The New York Jets have stooped to a new low in pro sports corporate greed?charging people on the season-ticket waiting list for the privilege.
The 20,000 on the list for Jets tickets have until Sept. 15 to fork over $50 to stay on the list; so far, 10% of them have. Jets president Jay Cross defended the fee saying it was a way to keep those on the waiting lisy ?in the family" and a way to "treat them like valued customers, even though they're in waiting."
Replied an indignant Phil Mushnick of the New York Post: ?Stop, Jay, you're killing us! To what family might Cross be referring? The Manson Family or the Gambino Crime Family? What value lies in paying $50 a year for the right to pay a fortune sometime - if ever - down the road? If these are, in fact, Cross' family values, I can't imagine what he charges his kin for a cup of coffee, let alone the right to stand in line to purchase one. ? Don't tell us that you're ripping off people to show them that you love them.?
It?s amazing what schemes businesses will come up with to justify taking more money from people?s pockets, but this one defies all logic and sense of fairness. The 10% who have already forked over the extortion money should have their heads examined.
8.19.2003
Mavs Add Another Gun: The high-scoring Dallas Mavericks added yet another weapon to their arsenal on Monday, getting Antawn Jamison as part of a nine-player trade with the Golden State Warriors. The Mavs also got some help defensively, adding rebounding powerhouse Danny Fortson to their mix. Lost to the Warriors was Nick Van Exel; but, let's face it: he'll be 32 in November and the guy's only got so many more cuts left in him. The Mavs made out big in the trade as they try to keep pace with the added firepower of the other big guns in the Western Conference.
Warner Just Might Be Back: He didn't look so hot against the Oakland Raiders in the Rams' first preseason game; at home against the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he looked like the guy who won a Super Bowl and League MVP Award. Warner was 7/7 for 55 yards in the two drives he orchestrated on Monday. More imporantly, his passes were crisp, accurate, and his timing was perfect. Backup QB Marc Bulger just might be warming that bench longer than he had anticipated.
8.18.2003
Another Unknown Wins a Major: Shaun Micheel became the fourth person this season to win their first of the major golf tournament, joining Mike Weir (Masters), Jim Furyk (U.S. Open) and Ben Curtis (British Open). It is the first time since 1969 that all four majors were won by first-timers. Micheel hit a terrific shot on 18 from 175 yards away that landed 2 inches from the cup, giving him an easy putt for a birdie and a 1-shot win over Chad Campbell, another unknown. Micheel reflected on how far he has come so fast: ``I was trying to win the B.C. Open a year ago this time,'' Micheel said. ``A month or two ago, I was trying to keep my [pro] card. To have my name on that trophy, I don't know what I'm thinking right now.''
Bad Break for Falcons: The NFL is still reeling from the news that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick will miss at least four games with a broken lower leg he suffered Saturday in an exhibition game. Vick is one of the game?s most dynamic players and his loss will be missed by fans and by players in fantasy football leagues.
NASCAR Fight Investigated: They went to a car race and a boxing match broke out. Weird sports story of the day from Associated Press:
NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer could face assault charges after allegedly attacking fellow competitor Kurt Busch following Sunday's GFS Marketplace 400. As the drivers came into the garage area at Michigan International Speedway following the checkered flag, Spencer drove into the rear of Busch's car and spun it around.
Witnesses said Spencer then got out of his car, raced up to Busch's car and punched Busch several times in the face. Sheriff's deputies pulled Spencer away and took him to the NASCAR hauler. Local police are investigating. This is the latest episode in a feud that was sparked when Busch bumped past Spencer in March 2002 at Bristol Motor Speedway to get his first Winston Cup victory, AP said.
8.16.2003
NFL Romance: CBS NFL analyst (and former New York Giants quarterback) Phil Simms is kidded a lot by us for his frequent homoerotic comments during games. This is the guy who raves about the biceps of referee Ed Hochuli and once said that then-Miami running back Lamar Smith ?doesn't look like much in his underwear.?
He was back in form Friday night in his first NFL broadcast of the season. Play-by-play announcer Greg Gumbel was discussing their experience with the blackout in Cleveland and said, ?I haven?t seen that much candlelight since I was an altar boy.? Replied Simms: ?It was kind of romantic, wasn?t it?? After a pause, he then said, ?Maybe not.? Nice try covering for yourself, Phil.
8.15.2003
Tiger?s Woes: We have become so accustomed to Tiger Woods dominating, that it?s hard to realize he?s in a slump. In the first round of golf?s PGA (the last of this year?s majors), Woods shot a four-over-par 74 that included five bogeys. Woods is eight shots back of the leaders.
?It didn?t matter what club I hit off the tee,? Woods said. ?I couldn?t keep it in play.? He denies he?s in a slump, having won four tour events in 2003. But he?s 0 for 3 in majors, where greatness is measured, and showed how frustrated he was Thursday by slamming his driver to the ground and throwing his wedge.
8.14.2003
A Streak Continues and a Star Is Back: Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals may be the best player in baseball this season, and he showing why with a 27-game hitting streak, the longest in the bigs this season. He?s batting .370 this season and his three-run home run Wednesday (his 34th) kept his streak alive.
Mike ?I Like Women? Piazza is back in the New York Mets lineup after being out three months following a groin injury. He returned with a vengeance, hitting a home run and driving in five runs. ``I'm glad I kind of downplayed everything and told them not to expect too much,'' Piazza said. ``It feels like spring training. I'm excited to be back.'' So are the Mets and their fans.
8.13.2003
Gay Day With the Phillies: We had a rarity Tuesday night at Vets Stadium in Philadelphia--an openly gay man throw a pitch from the mound. It wasn?t a Phillie or one of the opposition Milwaukee Brewers, but rather Larry ?Scottie? Felzer, a local attorney responsible for the first Gay Day with the Phillies. It was a smashing success, with more than 650 tickets sold for the event. And Felzer, a regular on the Outsports message board, was given the honor of throwing out the first ball. Click the link for a cool Associated Press photo of Scottie getting ready to take the mound. Alas, for the home fans, the Brewers scored four runs in the first to go on for a 6-4 win. We applaud the Phillies for treating the gay and lesbian group like any other that sold a certain number of tickets. But we especially honor Scottie and all those who helped make it happen. We are indeed everywhere.
8.12.2003
Herb Brooks Dies: For American sports fans of a certain age, they will always remember where they were when the heard about the ?Miracle on Ice,? the stunning ice hockey win over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. The win propelled the U.S. to the gold medal two days later at the Games in Lake Placid. It was the ?Do You Believe in Miracles? Yes!? game and the team?s coach was Herb Brooks. It was against that backdrop that it was sad to hear the news of the death of Brooks, 66, in an auto accident in Minnesota.
Washington Post columnist Tony Kornheiser summed up how Brooks will be remembered: ?It doesn't matter where else Herb Brooks coached. It doesn't matter if his teams, whether they were national teams, college teams or pro teams, won or lost titles. It doesn't matter that Herb Brooks succeeded anywhere else and failed anywhere else. What matters most about Herb Brooks is the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.?
8.11.2003
Geriatrics on the Mound: When fortysomething pitchers Roger Clemens of the New York Yankees and Jamie Moyer of the Seattle Mariners took the mound Sunday, it was the first time in a decade that pitchers that old had faced each other. But the matchup never really amounted to much as each lasted six innings and were long gone when the Mariners rallied for an 8-6 win.
Same Old Bungals: It?s only exhibition, but the Cincinnati Bengals began the coach Marvin Lewis era in familiar style, losing 28-13 to the New York Jets. Heisman Trophy winner and top pick Carson Palmer had a bad start as Cincinnati?s quarterback, as two of his interceptions were returned for touchdowns. When asked what he needed to improve, Palmer said succinctly: ?Everything.? On the other hand, Palmer and his mates can only get better.
8.10.2003
Shockey's Fantasies: The sexual fantasies of New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, who twice in the past year has made anti-gay comments, can now be revealed.
"A threesome with a mother and her two twins. That'd be the best!" Shockey tells Maxim in its upcoming edition, according to the New York Daily News. He went on to describe his sex life: "I've had sex with a few people who are famous, but I can't kiss and tell. I'm a true gentleman, so if you're out there and listening, you can have sex with me and I obviously won't tell anybody--except my buddies."
The second-year tight end also said he "definitely" picks up women on the road. "A lot of guys have a girl in Dallas. They've got a girl in Arizona. A girl in Washington. I don't have any girls anywhere, so if you you're hot ... and you want to get with me on the road, just send your letters to Maxim or the Giants with a picture."
The Maxim comments are the latest to get Shockey in trouble. On Saturday, he issued a statement apologizing for calling Dallas Cowboys Coach Bill Parcells a ?homo? (see Jock Talk Aug. 8) in the upcoming edition of New York magazine. ?Several of my comments have been thoughtless, immature and made with a total disregard for those around me and for any possible consequences,? Shockey said in a statement released by the team. ?I have disrespected myself, my coach, my family and my teammates, and once again, I would like to apologize. ... My mother taught me better than this, and my recent actions have shown a complete disregard for that upbringing.?
A day earlier, Giants Coach Jim Fassel criticized his star. "I won't tolerate anybody?anybody--making disrespectful comments about people, whether it's about race, religion, sexual preference, whatever it is," Fassel said yesterday. "That's just not acceptable. We don't do that."
There was no indication that the Giants planned any disciplinary action against Shockey.
8.9.2003
The Funniest E-mail: We get plenty of e-mail at Outsports.com, most of which is from gay sports fans and athletes getting involved. We also get e-mail from 'straight' people telling us how horrible we are. We got a great one today.
A reader in Colfax, Calif., sent us this to brighten our day: "I went to the UH [University of Hawaii] website to find some football information and came across the article regarding the changing of the team name. The UH Rainbow Warrior name and logo has been around for YEARS! If the gay community wants to use a logo, that's fine. However, if they want to use SOMEONE ELSE's, then they should have to buy the rights from the school to do so and then the school can decide whether they want to sell it or KEEP THE TRADITION GOING... this country's freedoms was earned because we were able to FIGHT FOR OUR FREEDOM. The University of Hawaii should FIGHT FOR IT'S LOGO!! This diversity and so-called 'political correctness' crap is going WAY TOO FAR....so far that eventually, some religious wacko is going to claim that the devil and God should not be be so diverse either...DON'T FREAKIN' LAUGH>>>>IT JUST MIGHT HAPPEN! I wish the RAINBOW WARRIORS the best in what THEY want...and not some outside groups...and I really don't give a rat's patoot who I offend with this opinion!!!!"
Not quite understanding what he was talking about, we asked him - to which he clarified with this: "ANYONE who wanted to use the rainbow logo should have had the courtesy to ask them to do so. There is too much of the 'tail wagging the dog' going on and the dog takes the easy way out."
It seems that our newest reader in Colfax thinks that gay people took the rainbow that has been used as a symbol of the community for over two decades from the University of Hawaii. I wonder if Mother Nature pays UH a license fee every time she creates a rainbow.
8.8.2003
Shockey Returns: Got a phone call today from a reporter with the New York Daily News. It seems that the over-hyped tight end for the New York Giants, Jeremy Shockey, calls Bill Parcells a "homo" in an upcoming issue of New York Magazine. Apparently, Parcells, now coach of the Dallas Cowboys, had some criticism of Shockey last year as a television commentator, and Shockey didn't like it.
Why does Shockey have a bug up his butt about gays? Whether it's saying that he doesn't want to play with gay men last year, or calling one of the greatest football coaches of all time a "homo," Shockey just can't seem to get gay men off his mind.
Now, of course, he's become the media darling of the sports publications: ESPN the Magazine, Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Weekly are all featuring him on their covers within a one-month span. The press just eats up his brash personality.
Predictably, the second-year tight end is denying he ever used the "h" word. This time the reporter, a 15-year veteran, says he has the quote on tape. Also predictably, the Giants are distancing themselves as far as they can from Shockey's comment. It'd be nice if, for once, they'd take responsibility for one of their players shootin off their mouth and try to DO something about it.
What's most troubling is that Shockey hasn't learned and has made it clear he doesn't want to learn. And, the NFL doesn't want to teach him.
Hmmm, let's see here: farm boy who hates his father, has lived in Miami and Manhattan, is constantly putting on this "tough guy" veneer, thrusting himself into one the toughest sports, has a different girl on his arm at every event and won't stop making anti-gay comments. I don't know Jeremy Shockey's sexuality--but, I'm beginning to wonder if he isn't stuck amongst my hanging shirts . . . -Cyd Zeigler Jr.
8.7.2003
Maurice Who? Ohio State, the defending college football champion, is preparing for life without star running back Maurice Clarett. A spot for Clarett was not held in the Buckeyes? team picture and coach Jim Tressel said he had two good running backs already, barely mentioning Clarett?s name.
The school is looking into charges that Clarett got improper help in passing a course. The NCAA, which governs college sports, is also checking into a report Clarett made to police that inflated the value of cash and electronic equipment were stolen from a car he was driving from a local dealer. Just one more day in the corrupt land of big-time collegiate athletics.
8.6.2003
Cuban Tells It Like It Is: The NBA is pissed (again) at maverick Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban who said that the league would benefit financially from the sexual assault case against Los Angeles Laker star Kobe Bryant.
?From a business perspective, the UNFORTUNATE REALITY is that in this country notoriety sells. You only need to look at Mike Tyson as the #1 draw in boxing as proof,'' Cuban wrote in an article for the Associated Press. ?I went back and tried to find examples in the entertainment business where it hurt. I couldn't.''
?It will draw viewers,'' Cuban wrote of the Bryant case. ``I'm not saying this a good thing. I'm not saying it's a positive reflection of who we are as a country. It's just reality. It sells papers, it increases TV ratings. The NBA will benefit from that.''
Commissioner David Stern was not happy with Cuban. ?Any suggestion that there will be some economic or promotional benefit to the NBA arising from the charge pending against Kobe Bryant is both misinformed and unseemly,'' Stern said in a statement.
We?re sorry, commish, but Cuban was speaking the truth. He did not condone what Bryant may have done, but was simply reflecting the reality in our culture?controversy (especially when it involves sex) sells. The media and sports leagues, which are basically entertainment companies, have a symbiotic relationship and one hand will feed the other while each sheds crocodile tears over the attention the issue gets. (Jim Buzinski)
That's a Big Wallet: St. Louis Blues forward Pavol Demitra will make a cool $6.5 million next season. He was awarded the second-largest NHL arbitration payout on Monday.
Demitra's previous contract was also awarded through a 2001 arbitration hearing, and earned him $3.7 million in 200 and $3.975 million last season. The Slovakia native scored 36 goals with 57 assists in 78 games for the Blues last season. (--Chuck Hagel)
8.5.2003
Back to the Future: The Los Angeles Clippers, perhaps the worst franchise in U.S. team sports, made a move Monday that was very Clipper-like. The Clippers, who have let several good young players leave in recent years, signed 38-year-old Olden Polynice, who last played two years ago. Last year in Utah, he was fined $450 and ordered to get anger management therapy for yelling obscenities at a prosecutor who had gotten him convicted for a fight on a golf course. Given how bad the Clippers are, let?s hope the therapy worked.
Football Rainout: The NFL Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs was called off with 5:49 to go in the third quarter because of dangerous lightning. It was a wise decision both for fan safety (the game is just an exhibition) and for entertainment value. The Chiefs led, 9-0, in a game that was a snoozer. ABC then showed ?The Best Commercials You?ve Never Seen.? They?re still never seen by us since we switched to ?The Simpsons.?
8.4.2003
Olympic Logo Unveiled: China unveiled the official logo for the 2008 Summer Olympics (left) and it looks both traditional and modern. Dubbed ?Dancing Beijing,? the logo plays off a Chinese custom of using a red seal with Chinese writing. The winning entry was chosen from among 1,985.
Furyk Denies Tiger Again: Jim Furyk kept up his odd habit of denying Tiger Woods title defenses. Furyk shot a 68 on Sunday to win the Buick Open, preventing Woods from repeating at the event. His last four wins have come at events where Woods was the defending champion.
Tejeda Does It Again: For the second time in the series, the Oakland A?s Miguel Tejada won a game over the New York Yankees in the last inning. On Sunday, Tejada?s two-run double in the ninth inning off ace Mariano Rivera lifted the A?s to a 2-1 win, spoiling a pitching gem by Andy Pettite, who left the game after eight shutout innings where he allowed only one hit.
8.3.2003
Bucs & Jets Pick Up Where they Left Off: The NFL saw its first game of the 2003 preseason in the American Bowl in Japan as the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the New York Jets, 30-14.
The first two drives of the game were the only action for the starting quarterbacks of each team, as Chad Pennington led the New York Jets to a touchdown in 10 plays on 4/4 passing. Running back Curtis Martin did not play.
Tampa Bay quarterback Brad Johnson threw for 45 yards on 4/8 passing in leading the Bucs to a Martin Gramatica field goal in the first quarter. Shaun King and Chris Simms combined for 19/25 passing in relief of Johnson.
Maybe Phil was Right: It wasn't long ago that Phil Mickelson was claiming that Tiger Woods' Nike equipment was inferior. Tiger seems to agree. After struggling in the Major tournaments over the last 14 months, Woods has ditched his Nike driver in favor of his 6-year-old Titleist driver for the Buick Open this weekend. Woods is among the leaders going into the final day at the Buick.
8.2.2003
Serena Out of the Open: Serena Williams underwent knee surgery on Friday and will not be able to defend her title at the U.S. Open. The surgery was to fix a partially torn tendon in her left knee. She will be on the shelf for six to eight weeks. While this is bad news for Williams, it does mean the women?s bracket looks to be somewhat wide open. The eventual winner, though, may never know how she would have done had Serena been healthy.
High Drama in Oakland: August started with a bang for the Oakland A?s, as 2002 American League MVP Miguel Tejada blasted a two-out home run in the 10th inning as the A?s rallied to beat the New York Yankees, 3-2. Oakland moved within one-half game of Boston in the race for the wild card.
8.1.2003
Let?s Make a Deal: The consensus among many baseball people is that the Boston Red Sox really helped themselves in the final days before baseball?s trading deadline.
The Sox, chasing the New York Yankees in the American League East, acquired left-hander Scott Sauerbeck and right-hander Scott Williamson for their bullpen, and Pittsburgh right-hander Jeff Suppan as a starter. The Yanks, despite getting All-Star third baseman Aaron Boone, are still missing a reliable right-fielder.
?I really think the Red Sox did great,? an American League scout told the Los Angeles Times. ?They got another solid starter, they got help in the bullpen. I still feel the Yankees? biggest problem is right field. Karim Garcia is not going to get it done. That?s their weakness. Both teams have helped themselves but I think the Red Sox really helped themselves. I would say they might have the edge.?
Food for the Birds: The Philadelphia Eagles pissed off a lot of people when the changed policy and were set to prohibit fans from bringing in outside food to their new stadium. A public outcry caused the Eagles to drop this plan, and now fans can bring in small amounts of food in clear plastic bags.
The Eagles said that old standby, ?security,? was the reason for the ban. But fans almost certainly were correct in thinking the policy was designed to force fans to fork over $6.50 for a cheesteak, $6.25 for sandwiches and $6 for beer.
7.31.2003
Rookie Outduels The Unit: When rookie pitching sensation Dontrelle Willis took the mound against Arizona ace Randy Johnson, the Florida Marlins experienced something unique: a crowd.
The Marlins had their largest turnout in more than two years (37,735) as Willis, the 21-year-old with the odd-looking delivery, bested Johnson and the D'Backs, 3-1, on an errant throw that allowed in two runs. Florida, a definite playoff contender, won its sixth game in a row.
Higher Education: Another black eye for a university athletic department, this time San Diego State. ?An investigation into San Diego State's athletic department found alcohol in the equipment room and a Polaroid photo of the school's equipment manager and two student assistants with a topless dancer,? according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The newspaper received details of the investigation, that included this letter from a onetime student equipment manager, John Spriet:
"My first three years I was not 21," Spriet wrote. "Every trip we traveled on the road we would visit a gentleman's club. I attended most of these activities. It was in the presence of [equipment manager Steve] Bartel and many boosters. ? [The] boosters and Bartel would sneak us in or talk our way in ... If not in a gentleman's club, it was in a bar in which we were provided with large amounts of alcohol. Most of the people including myself were not of age."
7.30.2003
A Grand Night: Bill Mueller of the Boston Red Sox did something Tuesday night never before accomplished: He became the first player in major league history to hit grand slams from both sides of the plate in a game. In total, Mueller had three home runs as the Red Sox doubled the Texas Rangers, 14-7.
?You never come to the ballpark thinking you're going to do anything like this,'' Mueller said. ``It didn't turn out like an ordinary night. I'm very humbled by this.'' Before his explosion, Mueller had only 10 home runs this season.
7.29.2003
Sehorn on the Shelf: Defensive back and 2Xist model Jason Sehorn will be sidelined for 10 weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken foot. This will leave Sehorn on the bench for the St. Louis Rams for the first five or six games of the NFL season. Sehorn, signed by the Rams after being released by the New York Giants, was expected to earn a starting spot at safety.
7.28.2003
One for the Thumb: It may be old hat, but Lance Armstrong?s fifth consecutive Tour de France win makes him one of the special athletes of all time. Put aside his courageous comeback from cancer; winning the Tour once is a grand feat. Winning it five times in a row is mythic and he becomes only the second man to do it.
Armstrong struggled more than in the past, but he was still able to overcome all the obstacles and hold off a spirited challenge from Jan Ullrich. "I feel like I dodged a lot of bullets," said Armstrongr. "This Tour took a lot out of me. I was not on top of my game. Sometimes you have to survive in order to win, and I was able to do that." Bravo.
15 and Counting: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay started the season 0-2. After Sunday?s 10-1 win over Baltimore, Halladay has now won 15 games in a row. The major league record is 19 wins in a row, last set in 1912.
7.27.2003
Two Bodies Found: Two bodies found in Texas and California marked chapters in the cases ofthe passing of two young athletes.
In Waco, Texas, the family of missing Baylor basketball player Patrick Dennehy is awaiting the identification of a body found at a rock quarry Friday night. The body was too decomposed to immediately identify if it is indeed Dennehy, who disappeared six weeks ago. His former teammate, Carlton Dotson, has been charged with his murder.
In Huntington Beach, Calif., the body of 18-year-old Drean Rucker, a prep All-American linebacker who was headed to USC this fall, was found in the surfline early Saturday morning. Drean was last seen charging into the water when a lifeguard was not on duty.
7.26.2003
New Pool Shark: American Michael Phelps has managed to steal the swimming spotlight from Australian Ian Thorpe, not as easy thing to do.
Phelps, 18, did something at the world championships in Barcelona on Friday that was unprecedented for a male swimmer--he broke two world records on the same day in different individual events. He accomplished this in the semifinals of the 100-meter butterfly (51.47 seconds) and then in the final of the 200 individual medley (1:56.04). He beat Thorpe in the latter race.
Phelps now holds the world record in four events--100 and 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 individual medley. Only Mark Spitz and Michael Gross have accomplished this feat.
Millen Is Fined: In will be a while before an NFL team fails to interview a minority candidate for a head coaching job. NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue fined Detroit Lions President Matt Millen $200,000 for failing to interview such candidates. The Lions hired Steve Mariucci, who is white. Under NFL rules, Millen?not the Lions?must pay the fine.
Kellen Winslow, the Hall of Fame tight end who serves as the head of a group formed to ensure more minority hiring in the league, applauded the fine.
?We?re happy that the league has decided to put some bite into? its policy, Winslow told the Washington Post. ?I don?t care how much money you make ? $200,000 is a lot of money.?
7.25.2003
Bonds Market Strong: No matter what one thinks of Barry Bonds as a person, there?s no denying his abilities as a baseball player. This was borne out Thursday as Bonds made two plays that led the San Francisco Giants over Arizona, 3-2, for their eighth straight win.
In the top of the ninth, Bonds threw out the D?Backs? Craig Counsell at home. Then, Bonds led off the bottom of the ninth inning with his 646th career home run to give the Giants the win. It was his 33rd home run of the season and came on his 39th birthday. A repeat visit to the World Series for the Giants is definitely a possibility.
7.24.2003
Zito and Sex Before a Game: In the age of cookie-cutter jocks, Oakland A?s pitcher Barry Zito, 24, stands out. An iconoclast, he doesn?t fit the mold of most ballplayers. He?s not into hunting or fishing and would rather hang out with musicians, skaters and stoners. He?s also not afraid to say what?s on his mind. In an interview with Playboy, Zito discusses his pregame sexual ritual.
Playboy: What?s your stance on the age-old question about sex before a game--yes or no?
Barry Zito: I never have sex before the game -- at least not with another person. It would weaken my legs and my hips tend to get tight following sex. The release is key for me preceding performance, because I have to be as relaxed as possible. The competition is very intense and it is good to be as mellow as possible.
PB: So quality time with yourself is OK before a game?
BZ: Yeah, it relaxes anyone as much as sex would. It's a release.
He also says that ?I never even got laid in high school.? How many jocks would admit to that?
