From the Boston Globe: ``Cincinnati Bengals running back Michael Basnight went to the Over-the-Rhine section of Cincinnati
when he heard racial riots had broken out there. Basnight, an African-American who lives in northern Kentucky but spends time in the neighborhood recording music and visiting friends, was urging looters and rioters to stop the demonstrations that
followed the shooting of an unarmed black man by police officers April 7.
``Basnight puts much time and energy into social issues, donating 10% of his earnings to a foundation that supports historically black colleges. He has also authored a book of poetry that was recently published. The NFL needs more guys like Michael Basnight.''
BOTTOM OF THE WEEK
THE SHERIFF IS RUN OUT OF TOWN
Now-former Los Angeles Dodger GM Kevin Malone simply crossed the wrong guy at the wrong time. At a game in San Diego a few days ago, Malone verbally assaulted a Padres fan and challenged him to a fight. This was simply the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Despite one of the highest payrolls in baseball, Malone has been unable to lead the Dodgers into the postseason his first two years as GM. Known for a quick
temper, Malone (who said ``There's a new sheriff in town'' when
hired) also caused controversy last year when he phoned a potential UCLA basketball recruit in violation of NCAA rules.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
A HOT WEEK IN BASEBALL
If it's spring, then baseball is in the air. The season has started with some promise that we may be in for some surprises. Some highlights from the week:
Barry Bonds became only the 17th man to hit 500 home runs in Major League Baseball history on April 17, belting one out of the park in the eighth inning of a 3-2 Giants victory over the Dodgers. With only one other active player in the 500+ list, it's quite possible that Bonds could move into the Top 5 all time on the list. He'll need to get to 587 to do that.
The Minnesota Twins are on a tear. Despite one of the lowest payrolls, they are shocking the sport, having set a record for best 11-game start in franchise history (9-2) and building a 3 1/2-game lead in the AL Central. At 11-3, the Twins are the early feel good team of the season.
Alex Rodriguez, the Texas Rangers' $252 million man, went back to play in Seattle for the first time since signing his contract. And M's fans were ready: The combined 120,000 fans for three games booed him lustily every time he came to bat, and they showered him with fake money thrown from the stands. It had an affect: He had as many errors (two) as hits and the Rangers lost 2 of 3.
``"It's been an emotional time here," he told the Seattle Times. "It's been more than I anticipated." A-Rod didn't help matters when he signed a public letter urging Boeing to move to the Dallas area. The aerospace giant caused consternation in the Northwest when it announced it was moving its company headquarters from Seattle. Rodriguez said he regretted signing the letter and did it after being asked by Texas owner Tom Hicks, whose signature on those massive checks means the most to the shortstop.
NHL
Four games later, two NHL teams have already advanced to Round 2. The most surprising of which are the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were seeded No. 7 and swept the No. 2 Ottawa Senators. In the West, it was the Colorado Avalanche sweeping the Vancouver Canucks, winning on the road Wednesday, 4-1.
The LA Kings had lost 14 straight playoff game dating back to 1993. But they're tied with banged-up Detroit, 2-2, after a stirring OT win in Game 4 that saw the Kings score three goals in the third period to tie the score.
NFL DRAFT Yes, Michael Vick is talented. Blah blah blah. But, do you know how many passes he's thrown in the NFL? None. You know how many yards he's rushed in the NFL? None. So, why are he and his two agents, Andre Colona and Michael Sullivan, demanding a $15 million signing bonus in his negotiations with the San Diego Chargers? Greed. A lot of good it did the Chargers'
last quarterback they drafted. That was Ryan Leaf. The Chargers are now having second thoughts about signing Vick.