Ortiz's Juice Taints Red Sox as Scandal is Limbo

We can just image how a nation of Red Sox devotees feels hearing about the latest steroid fraud. Pathetically, it is sicken and confounded of a player's name to be linked to a list of juicers. And it is misleading to a town that pledges most of its time to cherish Fenway Park, one of the world’s finest venues, where a multitude of fans crowds the Monster Seats to witness a wonderful overlook onto the field from above the well-known Green Monster.

They are inspired to arrive and crowd the place in a streak that is everlasting. Even on frigid nights, the proud fans are full of joy and spirit, most of them wearing red jerseys and cheers for the Red Sox.

For now, there’s nothing to cheer or be proud about the beloved team, in a town that has always been committed to baseball. Although, the Boston Celtics and the Boston Three Party brought triumph to a motionless town a year ago, and a robust Tom Brady is set to return to New England in the upcoming season, pursuing to strive and amass another title. But there’s not one professional team that can top the likable Red Sox.

But if a player test positive for using any banned substances, fans will became disappointed and speechless. They will become perturbed to grasp an understanding on conquests in recent years. Faced with dismay is Red Sox Nation, observing a dispirited nation unfortunately plunge into a downfall, which arrived unexpectedly and molded a tainted nature among a slight dynasty. David Ortiz was the last purist hitter standing in the game, a cure of all humanity, a cure on integrity and a cure on the game, until it crumpled in the latest name unveiled from the list.

Yes, Big Papi is now a Big Fraud. His name uncovered by testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs in 2003, and is now considered the biggest scandal in baseball. So like the rest of the juicers who have joined the Juicer Club, have tarnished their Hall of Fame legacies. Failing to realize the jeopardy of dismissing natural capabilities to fuel a system with trickery juice, proves lack of optimism and integrity on a game they are supposed to play with a zealous attitude, not an impersonal demeanor.

Ortiz has disappointed his family, a game that has already relapsed into a darken shadow of poisonous uproars as a steroid crisis has exposed a stain that will probably never be removed. But in the Steroid Era, amid a series of steroid scandals, Big Papi isn’t a nickname, disappointing, upsetting, misleading and shattering the hearts in Boston, where he was the most likable slugger to illustrate tremendous joy.

And he flourished into the primary slugger in the Red Sox championship runs, hard driven and batted with productive power. But none of that matters at all, and we can assume Boston’s 2004 and 2007 World Series titles were a con, tainted of juicing calamity.

Maybe the Red Sox were cursed after all in ’04, the year they snapped a curse that never ended. The curse of the Bambino still exists, haunted spirits that propelled 86 years of misery. But there is mind-blowing sorrow creating a national disturbance and formulating disgruntled fans.

At the very least, they reckoned the two miracle races were legitimate, not another trick that caught Major League Baseball by surprise. Oh, but it shouldn’t. Often this year, the wonderful season is interrupted and partly dismantled with the steroid trilogy revealed. Thus far, the ‘09 season has revolved around nothing but juicing the system and violating baseball’s law. This has overshadowed players with successful seasons.

For instance, St. Louis’ slugging first baseman Albert Pujols can make history books with perfect numbers, on pace to conquer a remarkable milestone. Good citizens are well aware and have followed Pujols’ Triple Crown status. Well, a possible Crown watch is an outcast of performance-enhancing drug debacles that have lasted longer than a decade, brainwashing our positive morale.

In this era, performance-enhancers have reduced our trust level, which has condensed spirit and initiative among the game. If you have brain cells and are rational about the infamous scandals that have sabotaged the 09 season, you are resentful, dreary and forlorn. It is deceptiveness and betrayal whenever players settle to pump bodies with juice, revealing a loss of confidence, of which they espouse drug use. So, average players decline to showcase their natural capabilities of swinging without a banned substance.

This year has focused in on steroid busts, interrupting the glorious game with hazy clouds covering baseball’s beautiful landscape. In a year that has produce more revelations than RBIs, homers, triples, doubles and singles, Alex Rodriguez unveiled from the list, Manny Ramirez’s name unmasked from a drug prevention policy and Sammy Sosa failed the test as well, following the so-called Big Papi, who cheated just like the rest.

For more than a decade, he fooled us with a phenomenal slugging percentage, belting power shots and was recently the dangerous hitter in baseball that most pitchers walked and never took a risk of allowing him to knock one out. In what seems to be a fraud, pitchers should now be more lustful throwing a hard pitch down the middle.

No longer can Ortiz intimidate anyone, nor can he hit as potent, obviously needing juice to drive his mighty shots over the Green Monster or even onto the streets behind the hideous wall in left field. Ortiz and Ramirez are the latest names from the list, so we can assume the Red Sox were tainted. They sabotaged the glorious and extraordinary moments of Curt Schilling’s heroics in Game Six of the ALCS, when he pitched with a bloody sock to bolster the Red Sox to historical comeback in major league history, after trailing 3-0 against the New York Yankees in major league history.

Now all the home runs are called into question, including the walk-off shots Ortiz and Ramirez belted to shatter the hearts of fans across the nation, but exhilarating the hearts of Red Sox Nation, who are now stunned of the revelations, convinced it was done legitimately. They are obligated to an explanation, of which Ortiz should address the media and give a sincere apology to fans that trusted in his game.

They were convinced it was artistically done as well as owner John Henry and general manager Theo Epstein. That is why they shipped off Ramirez to avoid distraction and psychological disturbance, as chemistry gradually dwindled. Basically, Ramirez was a cancer and abandoned the Red Sox in each game by switching into an indolent outfielder, refusing to retrieve groundballs or give chase to ones that rolled to the wall in left field. But in Ortiz’s ordeal, getting busted for steroids is a distraction that will form media frenzies, questioning the Big Fraud to deliver specifics. In mere moments, Ortiz’s legacy is battered and will never be the same, failing to realize a drug bust diminish credibility and the way fans brace his game.

Fact is that his legacy is tainted, but some fans will support the guy they refer to as Big Papi, when they really shouldn’t after a bust just changed the entire season for the Red Sox. Let’s assume the Red Sox were on the verge of entering a World Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And let’s assume Ramirez will be able to seek vengeance against his former club in a championship series that will produce much hype.

Point to the matter is that it will consist of Ramirez and Ortiz, MANNY BEING A DOPE IN MANNYWOOD vs. BIG FRAUD OF BEATOWN. What a series that should be, right? Yes, a series of frauds who disappointed us all, by taking advantage of the game in their foolish acts. One good thing is that both helped the Red Sox win a World Series in an erroneously of course, two big criminals who ruined Boston’s prosperous pursuit.

Now the town is stuck in a tainted crisis, and is identified as baseball’s most tainted team in major league history, all because of two dense and wannabe sluggers. Now it is appealing to see if Ortiz receives as much adulation as Manny in a naïve town called Mannywood. Normally, Ortiz receives cheers from fans before every at-bat and if he drills a homer to delight ecstatic fans at a night at Fenway.

I’m not sure if the Red Sox are convinced their titles are tainted with juice stains.

And I’m not sure, if the Red Sox are cursed or not. But their titles are tainted with poisonous syringes from the biggest dopes, Ortiz and Ramirez.

That’s just pathetic.

Minaya Is To Blame, Cast Dismal Scene On Mets

It seems things can collapse fast; in fact just as fast as a seven game collapse, suffered two years ago over a course of seventeen days. It is a team that comes with mortals, baggage, and intense drama.

Fingers are always pointing in several directions, looking to blame anyone else for the faltering mortification. The Mets are nuts, as the new colossal stadium, Citi Field, in which they invested an enormous price, has suddenly turned into a dysfunctional environment.


Fast to ridicule interstate rivals of unbearable tumultuous, it’s very noticeable that the Mets are New York’s dysfunctional team, toppling into foolish disturbance that could have been avoided. They can very easily be mocked as imbeciles, as most of their issues were minor troubles that suddenly turned into critical problems.

None of the pathetic mess correlates with steroids or players violating a drug test. But in recent memory, poor management associates to a repulsive juncture that has inserted tension and blame.

Sure, ownership can blame a reporter of debacles. Sure, ownership can point fingers at someone else affiliated with the media. But meanwhile, losing control of the Mets is general manager Omar Minaya's fault.

He allowed downcast issues to divide a team and hinder a potential playoff appearance. By sanctioning too much latitude to ownership and player personnel, Minaya abandoned them and never demanded serve criteria to maintain a certain respect level among players and managerial personnel.

Instead, he is busy pointing fingers, trying to find a valid excuse. Assuming that fans are mentally tired of Minaya having the authority to make personnel decisions, it shall employ Fred Wilpon to terminate the mayhem.

Otherwise, disastrous entities can amplify into serious self-distractions. The Mets are angling closer to annihilation and are on brink of more hassles. Blinded by sturdy finances and injuries that have delayed felicity, including off-and-on episodes within the front office, Wilpon shouldn’t hesitate.

Minaya has crossed the line. He is the problem.

Instead of becoming a brilliant architect, he has dismantled a promising team, and could have been known as the cleverest architect in baseball. He aggressively pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire top-profile ace Johan Santana from the Minnesota Twins and agreed on a contract extension worth $137.5 million, making him the richest pitcher in major league history. But not long after, Minaya’s guise stumbled when he cowardly fired former manager Willie Randolph during a West Coast trip at three in the morning.

Immediately, the first thing that came to mind was Minaya’s out-of-class oddity. Not only was it a faulty move, but it was mishandled unprofessionally. If Minaya had planned to fire Randolph, then why not wait until late morning or mid-afternoon? Not to mention he could have waited to get back on the east coast instead of the wee hours of the morning.

I lost respect for Minaya because of the way he strangely handled issues in the wrong way. And now, I have a different attitude towards Minaya in a press conference that took an abnormal twist.

The idea of the conference was to inform us on the dismissal of vice president of player personnel and longtime friend Tony Bernazard, who foolishly removed his shirt in a heated confrontation with All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez, challenging minor leaguers to a fight and scolding an employee for a seating misunderstanding.

A Mets executive acknowledged Tuesday that Minaya offered a misconception by attacking Mets beat reporter, Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News in a conference, which heated an altercation.

Rubin confronted Minaya when his name was singled out, questioning him of critical stories that were written of Bernazard. The fact is, Rubin identified Bernazard as a hot-headed bully, as to which Minaya said he had “lobbied” for a job in the Mets’ player-development department.

Even if Rubin lobbied for a job, he is still not the problem. Minaya is.

The Mets must face the truth and realize they are dysfunctional. Lately, they have been compared to teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees. If you're wondering why Minaya is still around, after making poor decisions with inexcusable methods, it just shows how long the Mets will tolerate fragile nonsense and how long they will defend Minaya.

After all, they are a baseball team, not public defenders. And, well, Minaya doesn’t know what the hell he is doing. Currently, he’s putting them in a deeper hole, and championship dreams in the backburner. Winning a pennant is prolonged until Minaya either steps down or gets fired. If he has pride, he will step down to avoid further criticism and collapses that has been his trademark since stepping in as a dubious voice maker.

With Minaya around, exceptional talent hazes into the background. The Mets were expected to dominant the NL East and were divisional favorites. But having flaws in the front office just invokes equivocal repercussions and destroys chemistry to throw out exceptional competence.

Along with injuries of dominant star players Jose Reyes, Carlos Delgado, Gary Sheffield and Carlos Beltran, all spent time on the disabled list, Jerry Manuel has been forced to juggle the lineup and left field assignments.

But it isn’t their faults, nor is it Manuel’s fault.

The man to blame is Minaya.

We jumped to conclusion too quickly, giving praise to him for his charismatic and confident personality, something Bernazard didn’t have. He was frustrated with the team's failures and was probably stressed from all the pressure building in the front office.

But if there’s one executive pressured, it is Minaya.

Favre Retires Eternally: Too Wishy-Washy; Don't Count On It

For a decade, Brett Favre has insisted in retiring, un-retiring, retiring, un-retiring, and now retiring. Many should be optimistic of Favre staying away, right?

Well, you never know what to expect from Favre, whose wishy-washy mind in the past years have made us weary, annoyed, and encouraging him to end a relentless career. Even though he insists that he will stay retired, don’t count on it.


Tomorrow is a different day, which means there could be a different result, but hopefully not. In the next 24 hours, Favre might have an itch to make another comeback to erupt a long-lasting saga that has become obsolete. Perhaps our nation has moved forward, putting the Favre story to rest.

A year ago, Favre was the worldwide leader in annoyance, hijacking every segment on Sportscenter, which suddenly converted into FavreCenter.

It was a summer of hell for most Green Bay Packers fans, as a long-lasting saga revolved strictly around the legendary Favre. Maybe it can happen tomorrow, next week or next month, whenever the sudden rash returns, giving him an itch to play.

That is how it sounded a year ago when Favre had the itch, desiring to come back and appeased the Cheeseheads for another season. The future Hall of Famer, honestly felt the Packers would accept back his astonishing legacy that will never be forgotten at Lambeau Field.

Upon fame and a legendary tenured, Favre’s cast a self-centered essence that winning revolved around him in Green Bay.

All of the commotion came after he announced his retirement at an emotional press conference a few months in advance, changing his mind on a possible return.

In some way, he misled the Packers, making it clear to them that he was officially removed from the game. With Favre giving notice, they were forced to move forward and seek other options to replace a legend as invaluable.

The Packers promised the future to Aaron Rodgers, who is currently the starting quarterback, with tremendous promise.

When the loyal fans started becoming attached and satisfied with Rodgers, Favre cried out a comeback. At first, fans were filled with joy and anxious to welcome him back.

As perplexing as it seemed, the Packers fans were bracing and seizing every moment. But a few weeks later, fans started to became weary of the entire disturbance that suddenly turned training camp into a media frenzy and pointless disarray.

Although some of the fans were advocating the return, general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy was reluctant. They had already moved on, and made it clear that they were propelling in a new direction.

So, this year wasn’t nearly comparable to last year. In fact, Favre has being less of a distraction. Maybe less are paying attention, omitting the irritating hoopla. Or maybe it hasn’t involved the Packers, where Favre mounted an enduring legacy that can last eternally.

But he can’t persist controlling the regimen, eventually he has to leave the game behind in which we are praying that’s the path he suggests, rather than ruining his estate that almost relapsed a year ago.

Settling for a trade to the New York Jets, after the Packers refused to permit a release he requested, Favre almost rejuvenated a town from misery and coach Eric Mangini’s status. Unfortunately, the Jets finished the season with an 8-3 record, missing the playoffs after collapses late in the season.

Along with Favre’s league-leading 22 interceptions, they suffered four losses in five games that diminished the Man-Genius era, cutting Mangini’s tenured short as a dismantled team found itself in the midst of disorientation.

Immediately following, Favre departed and once again deliberated, until he pronounced that he wasn’t returning to New York.

Needless to say, it was a team Favre never had intentions playing on. From the start, he desired playing for the Vikings, the Packers’ NFC North divisional rivals. Yet again, I’m not counting it out. But Favre was inclined to seize vengeance against his former team, after they rebuffed interest.

He deemed there was still much to prove to the Packers as a team, and even Rodgers who has taken the snaps ever since Favre was purged. Clearly they had enough of the deceptiveness and perplexing uncertainty, which was weary and discouraging.

The Packers were nice enough and too carefree, bending over backwards and supporting him on every decision carefully appointed.

Try to envision the hype it would expose when they meet twice a year. Imagine Favre hurling powerful downfield passes through a Packers defense, profoundly breaking hearts and agonizing souls.

To see Favre in purple, on the opposite side of Green Bay, will be funny and peculiar.

Most of all, the masses were familiarized with praising him as the memorable PACKER FOR LIFE, not the boy who strolled to the Vikings.

If he does still sign with them in the upcoming weeks, and only if the 39-year old changes his enigma mind, it will end up abashing the hearts of devoted Packers fans.

Over the years, fans have applauded the beloved quarterback, if not the most-beloved player of the league. Although Favre has driven folks' minds crazy with his back and forth, can’t-make-up-my-mind approach, mostly everyone still idolizes him.

And the league will absolutely miss Favre, a quarterback who played the game with passion, avoiding ego manipulation and other commodities that were never important to him.

Just the excitement alone inspired him to amaze us by lofting downfield passes and scrambling to buy time to set up a brilliant play. He was savvy and talented to earn as much spotlight and records, damn-near setting singular milestones as NFL’s preeminent quarterback.

That’s much to accomplish in a 17-year career, and now he can stay in a rural town in Mississippi to reside and mow grass. Away from the game, the farm lifestyle suits Favre, where he can jump onto his tractor to do laborious work.

Good luck. Favre says he can’t mentally and physically play the game. Um! I believe it when I see it. And many of you should feel the same way.

In this case, Favre will have to prove to us that he can last long enough without alleging he’s leaning towards a return.

We have seen enough of Favre, and it was electrifying to witness a quarterback as gratifying.

But informing the Minnesota Vikings that he’ll stay retired was the best selection. Now maybe this time he’ll keep his word, never announcing another potential return.

Meanwhile Favre was ready to play after he had undergone shoulder surgery in May. Not long ago, he threw with sturdy shoulder stamina for the Vikings, impressing coach Brad Childress to consider signing and naming Favre as their next quarterback.

It made logic sense, only because they have quarterback deficiencies that has hindered eminence. Inconsistency at the quarterback position is a problem, of which they were in an everlasting pursuit to obtain and name Favre the starter in the upcoming season.

But now that he has changed his mind about coming back, the Vikings are once again stuck in an ambiguous quarterback battle with Tarvaris Jackson, whose feeble performance led to a playoff loss in the first round, and Sage Rosenfels, who might be more consistent with quality throws if he is named the starter by the season-opener.

Aiming to comeback was Favre, disturbing us for two years, hijacking the NFL and turning it into a Favre Football League. But he finally called it quits, of which he can become a television analyst or a positive role model for children. Leaving the game, will preserve a legacy and will secure glorious consciousness of arguably portraying him as the greatest quarterback of all-time.

Meanwhile, Favre misled the Vikings, too. He was getting back into form to engineer a team with struggling potential, anxious of his possible arrival to fix quarterback relapses.

They believed. They were confident. And they wanted him.

A few players were sending text messages, begging Favre to reach a terminal with the Vikings to capitalize on a remarkable career.

His presence certainly would have guaranteed a playoff berth. But advancing to the Super Bowl was still a question as Favre approaches 40 years of age.

Concerns of a weaken shoulder has raised some eyebrows, wondering how much longer can it uphold, and how much longer can he continue hurling mind-blowing passes.

One good development, if Favre would have signed, much pressure wouldn’t have troubled a steadfast performance level. There were reliable instrumental pieces surrounding him, so there would have been less pressure.

He was aided by an explosive rush attack in Adrian Peterson and a boisterous defense that would have punched a ticket to the playoffs, converting into a NFC Super Bowl favorite.

The Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian was waiting to receive robust passes from Favre and probably creates a quarterback and receiver combination that features a mortal threat.

So who’s missing out, Favre or the Vikings? Either one will tell us they’re missing out on a valuable benefit, but it is apparent that he must retire for his own sake. And not just to keep legacy intact, but to avoid a life-threatening injury.

And there isn’t much left to accomplish, after closing out an extraordinary career that drew our attention, exhilarating us to admire the beloved superstar.

Favre promised the Vikings to some extent, confirming that he strongly considered playing for the Vikings next fall when he appeared on HBO’s Joe Buck Live, well still a return is possible.

Favre has several personalities, and can decide to return instantly if he gets an itch.

Still, Favre might linger on deciding if he wants to stay retired or un-retired. Just make up your damn mind and please don’t take us through a long-lasting saga again.

Just stay retired, so we can remember the good moments, not poor performances that diminish a legacy. Farewell to Favre: we will miss you.

Roger Goodell Allows Vick's Renaissance, Blind of Horrific Crime

When we thought the NFL had just seen the sternest and intolerant commissioner who constituted the powerful player conduct policy in ages to get rid of despicable behavior, it’s now apparent that he’s not the strictest or law enforcer who sets all the rules.


Lately, Michael Vick sets the laws, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell allows any principles to pass legalization.

Well, the conduct policy was developed to establish peace on earth, kindness among peers, and most importantly keep players from committing foolish transgressions. By now, we have heard of Vick’s hideous dogfighting scandal that left behind marks and sabotaged his reputation.

Because of the gruesome crimes, citizens perceive him as a murderer who cowardly killed dogs and sadly lost everything that was offered. But now, Goodell is willing to give back his possesses and emancipation to play in the NFL next season.


Some believe Vick has paid debts to society, as well as Goodell. On Monday afternoon, he ventured and was portrayed as a confounded daredevil by conditionally reinstating Vick. Judging that the commissioner didn’t forget too quickly, Vick senselessly and brutally tortured dogs by beating them, drowning them, electrocuting them, and hanging them.

It was a disturbing situation that a blind man could take into liability, and refuse an ill-player in attempt of erasing a mortal description. Truth is, it will be hard for Vick to rehabilitate a ruptured legacy, and earn back the description as a positive role model on children.

Much of that trust is gone, after lying to Goodell and Atlanta’s owner Arthur Blank, denying that he had ever killed impeccable creatures.

After Vick lied directly to Goodell of his involvement in a dogfighting ring, it should have taken some deliberating before rushing back the preeminent trademark of the NFL a few years ago.

Perhaps, that was before we found out about his disturbing secret of cruelly fighting dogs, which somberly shocked an entire society. A downcast town turned dole as misery embedded unhappiness in Atlanta.

For some time, fans hearts were shattered, children cried and Atlanta as a community was, well, just stunned to hear the disgraceful news of their quarterback diverging into a fallen star.

That was good enough to declare Vick as the biggest disappointment in all of sports, especially learning that he had a thrill killing animals. With all of this occurring, Goodell has failed to take it into examination.

He allowed the most horrible dog killer of all-time to return, confident that he can recompense by inspiring fans and exhilarating the league. If we just take a few moments to understand that the NFL is full of talented stars, then Vick should be the last player you are interested in accepting back so quickly.

From our understanding, Goodell isn’t desperate of beautifying the game for top-notch marketing among sports. Maybe he just believes Vick is regretful and deserves a second chance.

Personally, I dare say, he doesn’t deserve a second chance. For most people, he’s committed a devilish crime, which shouldn’t ever allow him the privilege of playing another season. For some people, and since it’s a forgiven country, they feel a second chance is the only way he can prove to society he’s merciful.

Of course, this is what Goodell was paying attention to, not his abhorrent scandal. There are even the harsh and bitter populaces who will always disagree with Goodell’s decision. There are some rationalizing that he should have waited until next season, or had not even reinstated Vick.

A prepared statement by Goodell, symbolized remorse and reverence. But it also presented a different side of Goodell. Beyond granting Vick with a positive pledge, it can provoke problems in the long run. Let’s assume PETA protesters will heckle not only Vick, but whichever team decides to sign him.

All teams interested in Vick must realize there are disgruntled animal lovers who will harass and annoy training camp facilities and stadiums. That’s a huge burden for any team to face in the long run, and even it can affect Goodell’s reputation.

Welcoming back Vick, installs a renaissance that will never measure up to the early part of the decade in which he brought thrills to the game.

He electrified us, able to outran and explode through a defense with his unstoppable speed and muscular strength to stay on his quick feet. He was very mobile and poised enough as everyone embraced.

But suddenly, he turned into a dogfighting criminal that immediately perturbed our senses and how we felt about Vick. Sure, Goodell is willing to give him an opportunity, but are the masses willing to accept him back?

Absolutely!

Players are forgiven if they are able to win, produce and more importantly, hijack our minds by captivating devoted fans. Having those ingredients can make the masses forget about the dogfighting scandal, as Vick’s credibility might rejuvenate, particularly if he can revamp a town of grievance.

But there will always be critics who will downgrade the all-time rushing quarterback, disputing against Goodell on allowing the quarterback a chance to repent from the horrific stain that remains within the hearts of dispirited people who are bitter about animal cruelty.

Vick’s presence can muster controversy and animosity, blaming Goodell for ignoring a crime that wasn’t a minor crime. Perhaps it was the most ghastly crime committed by a NFL superstar. Just to remind those who forgot instantly, Vick barely was released from federal custody for his disturbing behavior that forced him to pay consequences.

Sinfully, Vick’s freedom was deprived 23-months, serving 18 months in prison and spent the final two in home confinement. Those are perfect examples that the commissioner didn’t act on the protocol accordingly or pondered enough.

Rather than evaluating his status more thoroughly and taking all counts into accountability, Goodell trust he has changed. Yet, he ignores all the transgressions, along with the hecklers from PETA, which all can unhinge distractions and problems entering next season.

Goodell suggests that a federal conviction and prison sentence was a good enough punishment, including a four game suspension by the league for which Vick is likely to make a return in Week Four.

For a player who faced much disadvantages by losing money and serving time in prison, Vick is grateful to return to the league, thanking Goodell for giving him another chance. Since stepping in as commissioner, Goodell failed to punish him harshly, sympathetic of his livelihood, rather than his sanctions.

For once, he failed to take stricter measures, regarding Vick’s crime.

Knowing that he has done the time and paid the crime, I cannot get over the infractions and will not buy into Vick’s rebirth.

NBA Talk: How the Okafor-Chandler Trade Benefits Both NBA Franchises

With the recent trade of Emeka Okafor going to the New Orleans Hornets to play with Chris Paul and Tyson Chandler going to the Charlotte Bobcats to play with Gerald Wallace, I think it was a pretty good trade for both of these NBA franchises.

But there is always a winner of some trade, and I believe the Hornets are the ones who got the best deal. Not only did they get an NBA player with a great career ahead in his path, Okafor will also save the Hornets $1.1M in salary, and another $1.1M in luxury tax, says John Hollinger of ESPN.com. So that means, however, that the Hornets save more money while the Bobcats waste more.

But both of these teams have good quality power forwards/centers, don't you agree? Although this trade isn't creating a lot of buzz, it makes a difference for both teams. I am going to break down of how plans change with both teams in this trade. You all know what this is, it is the world-famous NBA Talk!

So you guys know the trade, right? Yeah, I thought so, or else I guess you haven't been reading the news lately. Oh well, now that I guess you know, let's start with Emeka Okafor with Nawlins. With Okafor there, the depth chart will most probably look like this:

PG: Chris Paul
SG: James Posey/Morris Peterson/Devin Brown
SF: Peja Stojakovic/Rasual Butler
PF: David West
C: Emeka Okafor

I think that is pretty reasonable. Comment below if you disagree.

We all know how Chris Paul does. CP3 is unstoppable and everyone knows it. James Posey, who played a key role with the Boston Celtics in the 2007-08 season, will be playing this year after his surgery a couple of months ago on his cartilage tear. Morris Peterson, a good veteran player who'll be playing a role, and Devin Brown who will receive more playing time this year.

Then there is Peja Stojakovic, who is a superior three-point shooter. Then there is Rasual Butler, who had many career-highs last year in the 2008-09 season. David West has been very impressive in his last five years of playing, averaging no lower than 15.4 points per game and seven rebounds.

And here is Emeka. Okafor is a better player than Chandler, and it's great that the Hornets somehow picked them up as they traded a more bottom-out player. Okafor is a great post-scorer and he is a guy you can count on for making the shots, as he is very successful in banking them. Okafor is also improving more and more each season, as Hollinger says he averages five points more per game, every 40 minutes. Dang, that's gratifying.

On the NBA Trade Machine game on ESPN.com, I tried out the Chandler-Okafor trade. It's actually very beneficial for New Orleans as they have a predicted five more wins. Don't believe me, try out for yourself. Nah, I know you won't, so why don't you click here and see for yourself?

I think the Hornets are going to be real happy with this acquisition.


Now let's move to Charlotte. With the Tyson Chandler trade, I think the Bobcats depth chart will most probably have a lineup like this:

PG: Raymond Felton/D.J. Augustin
SG: Raja Bell/Gerald Henderson
SF: Gerald Wallace/Vladimir Randmanovic
PF: Boris Diaw/Nazr Mohammed
C: Tyson Chandler/DeSagana Diop

With a good one-two punch of Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin, I think the point guard spot is all covered. It is the same with the shooting guard spot. Actually, there are one-two punches in each category. Raja Bell, he is a good shooter from behind-the-arc, as far as I have observed. Watch out for Gerald Henderson, he'll be a surprise rookie coming into the 2009-10 season.

Gerald Wallace, he's the face of the franchise. Vladimir Randmanovic continues to arouse me, and I like how he works. Boris Diaw just had his best year last year, and coming into this year, he looks to blow fans in Charlotte away. Although Nazr Mohammed is a center, I think it'd be smart to move him to power forward, which would make that spot at power forward more tough.

DeSagana Diop is mostly known as a good backup center. And I know some of you may comment that he is a bust. Yes, I know, but let's make the most of him because he is good at being a backup center. At least he is no Kwame Brown or Darko. And also, you have to respect Diop's blocking ability, and a song that was a diss to Kris Kross.

And now to Tyson Chandler. It is actually very questionable why the Bobcats would receive to get him. They were the 27th worst offensive team, according to Hollinger, and Chandler is now even good at offense as he isn't a dominate scorer, not even in the post despite his big size. The only thing Chandler is good at his getting dunks in on the pick-and-rolls, which won't fit well with the 'Cats. And according to NBA Trade Machine, the Bobcats are predicted to lose six more games with this addition. Hhm, not so smart now, Charlotte, aren' you? But now that Michael Jordan is going to be the owner, things might switch around a little.

But Chandler will play a big role for Charlotte with the boards, and that's what Charlotte needs because they already have some pretty good scorers on the squad already.

Conclusion: Why the Hornets win this trade

Well, first of all, the Hornets are predicted to win five more games this season while Charlotte is predicted to lose six more games, as ESPN NBA Trade Machine analyzed with the data. Emeka Okafor is also a much better offensive scorer than Chandler as he has more ways to score like on banks shots, dunks, and pick-and-rolls. Chandler is one of the worst scorers offensively as his only scoring option is dunking off pick-and-rolls, like I said a few paragraphs ago.

The only thing the Bobcats could be better in is that their rebounding team will improve much more as Chandler averages about ten-to-twelve rebounds per game. The Hornets are going to be a very strong team this year, the Bobcats are going to be questionable despite their scorers. It's going to be an interesting year, with so many tasks going on this off-season, I can't imagine what the 2010 off-season will be like with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Yao Ming, and other big stars entering free agency.

So many transactions have been made, more are here to come.

If Ryan Leaf Was Drafted By The Colts, Wouldn't He Be More Successful?

The word that involves four letters (and sometimes five, if you add an “s” at the end) that is called “bust,” always comes up when you hear the name of Ryan Leaf. It really fits actually. Let’s compare the analogies with the quarterback picked before Leaf in the 1998 NFL Draft:

Peyton Manning is to superstar while Ryan Leaf is to ____? What? I’ll tell you what, here’s the answer, teacher: Ryan Leaf is to bust. But seriously, I have to say, I really don’t think it could be entirely Leaf’s fault. The biggest buzz was running around of who the Indianapolis Colts would pick.

Ryan Leaf or Peyton Manning?

Of course, we all know the Colts drafted Peyton Manning, and everyone is surely proud that they didn’t acquire Ryan Leaf. But hey, what if Ryan Leaf was drafted by the Colts? Sure, I know, Todd Fleming did a fabulous piece of that, but it was a humor piece.

My piece, it’s real.

I’ll analyze the data as my stats will be observed from ProFootballReference.com. Although I won’t be the complicated data-mastered genius like Zach Fein in his amazing articles, I’ll try my best. To all of you who are reading this, I hope you will be impressed as I dig deep.

First, let me tell you what I’ll be doing. I’ll analyze the stats from year-to-year for each quarterbacks. I’ll start with Ryan Leaf, and talk about the stats some of his teammates had around him, and I’ll do the same with Manning.

So let’s do this people.

If Ryan Leaf was drafted by the Colts in 1998, would he have more success?

Let’s find out.

1998

Ryan Leaf

Ryan Leaf started only nine games in his first season as starter for the San Diego Chargers. In his first game, he was impressive like Peyton Manning in his first game. But after the first game, things got a little shaky for Leaf as he had truly one of the worst statistical seasons I have ever seen for a quarterback.

He passed for 1,289 yards along with two touchdowns and 15 interceptions with a 39.0 quarterback rating. Yes, that is very bad. The Chargers also went 5-11 that year, surprisingly better than Manning’s Colts who went 3-13, although Manning had the better year.

But with Leaf’s poor performance, what about his supporting cast. Did they help him out at all? The Charger’s leading rusher was Natrone Means with 883 rushing yards and five touchdowns including a 4.2 yards per carry average.

Well, that was okay, but what about the receiving cast? His leading receiver Charlie Jones with 699 receiving yards for three touchdowns. His second leading receiver was Freddie Jones with 602 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

There really wasn’t a strong supporting cast, not at all. Their defense wasn’t that strong as well as none of their players reached the 100 or even the 95-tackle mark. The leading tackler was Junior Seau with 92, with Rodney Harrison at second with 89. Third? 59 tackles for Charles Dimry.

Their defense allowed 342 points that year, too, while their offense produced 239. It truly wasn’t a good supporting cast that Ryan Leaf had in mind, so wouldn’t Ryan Leaf be better off with Manning’s cast? Let’s take a look at number 18’s.

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning played all 16 games, unlike Ryan Leaf, who played seven games less. Although Manning and his Colts went 3-13, worse than the worse quarterback’s team a 5-11 record, Manning still played well that year. He passed for 3,739 with 26 touchdowns and 28 interceptions, including a 71.2 quarterback rating.

But even though Manning had a very impressive 26 touchdowns, the 28 interceptions affected him. But he’ll improve. But despite the impressive rookie year, did his supporting cast live up to expectations to help their new face of the franchise? Let’s take a look.

Their leading rusher was Marshall Faulk, who was in his last year with the Colts, who had 1,319 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and a 4.1 yard per carry average. Pretty impressive, huh? Yes, I thought so.

But what about the receivers? I was about go to that, but good question. Manning’s leading receiver was, well, Marshall Faulk, who had 86 receptions for 908 yards and four touchdowns. Wow, that is great for a running back, don’t you think? Their second leading receiver for Manning was Marvin Harrison with 59 grabs for 776 yards and seven touchdowns.

Manning did have a pretty good supporting cast with the receiving, surely better than the San Diego Chargers cast. But even though Manning’s cast beat out Leaf’s cast in those categories, Leaf did beat Manning in the defensive supporting cast.

The Colts leading tackler was Jason Belser with 76 tackles, Jeff Burris at second with 57, and Robert Blackmon with 52. So although Manning’s cast did somewhat worse than Leaf’s cast on defense, Manning’s team was overall better.

Let’s check out comparisons from the year of 1998:

It’s a good review of the year of 1998, let’s move on to 1999.

1999

Due to Ryan Leaf not playing during the 1999 season, there is no need for a comparison here. Let’s move on to the year of 2000.

2000

Ryan Leaf

Ah, the new millennium. Those Y2K parties feel like yesterday, don’t they? This was Ryan Leaf’s best season in his wasteful career in the National Football League.

Leaf had thrown for 1,883 yards with eleven touchdowns and 18 interceptions, including a 56.2 quarterback rating. I see why the word “bust” always comes up when his name is mentioned. Leaf also started another nine games for the second time. Let’s see what his supporting cast has in store for him.

His Chargers also went 1-15, unlike the Manning’s Colts and their 10-6 record.

Their leading rusher was Terrell Fletcher, who ran for 384 rushing yards, three touchdowns, a 3.3 yards per carry average. I have to say that is just plain horrible. It’s just inexcusable. This is not what you want out of your leading rusher.

Let’s go and see what the receivers have.

Their leading receiver was Jeff Graham, who had caught 55 receptions for 907 yards and four touchdowns. Their second leader was Freddie Jones, who had caught 71 catches for 766 yards and five touchdowns.

That was pretty impressive, surely much better than what we compared in 1998. The defense somewhat improved as well as Junior Seau was the leader with 103 tackles along with Rodney Harrison at 101 tackles. Third is Mike Dumas with 64 tackles. That was an improvement, greatly, and Seau and Harrison still held the lead in the Top Two.

Leaf’s supporting cast did improve, but let’s see how Manning’s cast did. And speaking of Peyton, where the heck is he? Oh right:

Peyton Manning

Manning did outstanding for the Colts in 2000, throwing for 4,413 yards with 33 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, including a 94.7 quarterback rating. Manning was very impressive as he was evolving into an NFL icon, and one for hometown of Indianapolis.

With Manning’s thrilling performance that year, let’s see how his supporting cast played out with the deal.

Their leading rusher was Edgerrin James, who had ran for 1,709 yards with 13 touchdowns and a 4.4 yards per carry average. James surely had a Pro Bowl invite and was outstanding that year. He ran 1,400 yards more than little old Terrell Fletcher. Man man man, it’s clear that the Colts rushing performance was better than Leaf’s cast.

How about the receiving cast? Their leading receiver was Marvin Harrison with 102 catches for 1,413 and 14 touchdowns. Looks like there’s another man joining the trio of Pro Bowl invitees. Their second leading receiver was Jerome Pathon, who had caught 50 catches for 646 yards with three touchdowns. Nice! Overall, the receiving cast of Manning’s Colts was better than Leaf’s Chargers.

The defense somewhat faired evenly as their leading tackler was Mike Peterson with 104, then Jason Belser with 80, and lastly Jeff Burris with 69. It’s kind of fair actually, but I think the Chargers defense was slightly better.

Okay, so now we know how about of these casts play out. Manning’s cast was certainly much better than Leaf’s again, so let’s take a look at the comparisons chart:

Sorry about the no room guys, but I think you know what the defensive stats are. And also, sorry about the error in the chart as well, I accidentally mixed up the receiving cast parts, but I think you guys will pick that up quickly and know what happened!

Now you know 2000, let’s move to our final year of 2001.

2001

Ryan Leaf

This was Ryan Leaf’s last year in the NFL. After that, we’ll break down if Leaf could have succeeded better with the Colts’ cast.

Ryan Leaf was with a new team now, the Dallas Cowboys. He was involved in a horrible rotation, and yes, he was horrible too. Leaf threw for 494 passing yards along with one touchdown and three interceptions including a 57.7 quarterback rating, a career-high. Leaf had career-lows in touchdowns, interceptions, and passing yards. He had a career-high in passing rating, which is very bad because it is 57.7 for God’s sake.

Let’s see how his supporting cast did, if they even supported him at all even.

Their leading rusher was Emmitt Smith with 1,021 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and a 3.9 yards per carry average. I think that faired out good as it was Leaf’s first 1,000-yard rusher that supported him in his career. How about them receiving boys?

Well, boy, their receiving leader was Rocket Ismail with 53 catches for 834 yards and two touchdowns. Ismail is truly just one heck of a beast player, so don’t blame him for his performance because he was amazing for his entire career. We then move to Joey Galloway, who had caught 52 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns. Good job Joey!

The receiving was good for Leaf as he had superstars, but he didn’t use them properly and he failed with them. How about his cast with defense?

Their leading tackler was Dan Nyugen with 91 tackles, Dexter Coakley with 72, and Darren Woodson with 71. It wasn’t good for Leaf as his 2000 team defense was much better than this. Looks like Leaf wasted his time in big D, and he wasn’t wanted after the season.

Let’s see how NFL icon Manning played out in 2001.

Peyton Manning

Manning had an okay year, with 4,131 yards, 26 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, and a 84.1 quarterback rating. It was a downgrade for Manning because 2000 was so much better. Hey, at least it was better than Ryan Leaf, who would probably die for those statistics.

But even though with those Ryan-Leaf-would-die-for-stats, let’s see how the supporting cast did with those.

Their leading rusher was Dominic Rhodes with 1,104 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and a 4.7 yards per carry average. Very impressive for a guy who had to fill in some shoes for an all-star running back who went down with an injury. Very nice, very nice indeed.

The rushing cast was good, what about Manning’s receiving cast? I was just getting to that, thank you very much. Their leading receiver was Marvin Harrison with 109 catches for 1,524 yards and 15 touchdowns. Man oh man, another fabulous season for the future-Hall-of-Famer, who would have a league-record, 143 receptions in 2002. Their second leading receiver was Marcus Pollard with 47 receptions for 739 yards and eight touchdowns. Nice for a tight end, don’t you think? I think so, and dude, you should too.

Very impressive overall, all better than the Cowboys. How about that defense? Well, no, Dallas beat them to it as Indy’s leading tackler was Rob Morris with 84, Marcus Washington with 74, and Chad Cota with 73. Not what I would expect, but overall, the Colts won the battle.

2001 was surely better than the Cowboys overall, and right now, I don’t think there is no need for a chart right now. I think I have had it with them. Let’s conclude this because this article is getting too long. It’s already passed the 2,000 word milestone, so yeah, you know it’s long.

Thank god for Ryan Leaf only playing three years in the NFL, or else I would have a 5,000 word article and no one in hell would read this.

If you want to continue reading this article, click here as you finish it at NFL Touchdown!

Tebow Is a Virgin: As Usual, He Answers Things with Dignity

Sometimes journalist can ask some of the weirdest things, expecting sports figures to respond to outlandish queries and put them on the spot to wait for responses to build upon a headline.

This gives journalism a bad name, at times, corrupting mainstream media from the unordinary comments made during press conferences. Before, the media was more private and courteous of athletes, asking merely legit questions on adjustments, tactics and statics.

Perhaps, we tend to take matters too far, immersing into their private lives and forgetting about what happens in the game or preparations for the upcoming season. Recently, at SEC media day, Tim Tebow became a victim of inappropriate questioning about virginity when a Fanhouse reporter, Clay Travis, impetuously asked a contentious question and stunned Tebow with a surprise.

Assuming he wouldn’t be offended by publicly been implored to reveal his sexual culture, the reporter still should have had inkling to understand it could have affronted his religious principles or even insulted his pride.

Was it inappropriate?

Absolutely!

And now that the entire world knows Tebow is a virgin and will save his virginity for marriage, nobody cared, until a curious reporter decided to ask. By now, people know Tebow as a religious citizen, whose spiritual faith is more prioritized than football, girls and sexual activity.

Tebow doesn’t go a day without sending thanks to the dear lord by pointing to the sky and worshiping the lord in interviews.

Guess, Tebow set a historic mark, and it wasn’t by hurling an erratic jump pass for an extraordinary game-winning catch, but it was from getting hit with eccentric interrogation to be put in a tough predicament that was inevitable of answering.

Quite often, players are caught in a dilemma that is hard avoiding, rather if that is replying to a commit or heavy criticism.

But, in recent memory, nothing this abnormal has been publicized, of which Tebow became the first college athlete in the country who was obliged to succumb to a secretive concept.

Alright, so he’s a virgin, and so what. I’m sure in our country a 40-year virgin exists, neither which foreshadows that Tebow isn’t alone nor the youngest to be characterized as a virgin.

Some things just aren’t anyone’s business, and in this case, Tebow refusing any sexual intercourse is precise. A great aspect about our country is liberty. Only if he abides by the law, Tebow can study any religious practice and wait eternally for sexual connections.

Still, each time, he is maturing into a brilliant and generous gentleman, able to handle plights with sophisticated dignity.

There are players who are speechless and startled, whenever a journalist utters something insipid or perplexing to react on. Your typical athlete, particularly on the college level normally, shies away from or asks to move forward in media sessions, irritating them when confronted on secluded issues.

Given his experience and development, Tebow is polite and respects the media, referring to reporters as “sir” and “ma’am” and closes with “please” and “thank you.” Just to be a bit more specific, he says god bless to everyone sitting in the press room.

So when, the reporter asked him to elaborate about his virginity, Tebow approached the challenging realm with class and dignity. Similar to when he took accountability with a sincere speech as tears rolled down his face, emotionally apology to Gators fans on the disappointing and embarrassing letdown against Mississippi.

Aside from his astounding passes and explosive stamina to bulldoze defenders standing in his way, Tebow touches people’s hearts all over, defining humanity. Basically he has become a good role model, in fact the best role model in all of sports.

He’s a valuable and positive influence in our society, someone you wouldn’t mind having your children around. He ecstatic people differently, but either way, Tebow always put smiles on faces. Children and troubled inmates who are in despair, in hospitals and prisons, he opens the bible and prays with inmates and circumcises children in the Philippines.

To consider Tebow the biggest role model in sports, an immaculate team leader and charitable worker who is trying to make a change in all parts of the world, pretty much describes a virtuous mentor. He’s the greatest player to come along and make a name in the sports world.

If there is a player who can cure society and sports, it is Tebow. If there is one player who can erase horrific scandals in baseball, involving Alex Rodriguez appearing on a list of 104 players to test positive for steroids and Manny Ramirez failing baseball’s drug policy from using a fertility drug to produce testosterone, it is Tebow.

If there is one player who can cure the NFL of players who are liable while driving drunk or even place grotesque dog fighting shame in the back of our minds, it is Tebow.

Since he has stayed away from legal documents, police officers and prison cells, Tebow has never done anything foolish or allowed negative behavior to publicly make it onto airwaves. Clearly, he has stepped up as a role model, when most of us were conceived that Michael Vick, who funded a football camp for children, was an epitome.

No, he brutally murder dogs.

Most of us felt the same about Alex Rodriguez, who was an idol to many children. Incorrect, he created an anonymous story and was caught using performance enhancers, something called boili. What?

Most of us imagined Manny Ramirez was the world’s biggest role model, until his name was released and became the biggest scandal in sports.

By going to college in Gainesville, FL you will find an innocent paragon who plays the game with integrity and respects everyone as normal people and praises the lord.

Notice Tebow is a matured citizen and discussed the latest question thrown at him as a professional, responding to something many players wouldn’t had known how to explain or avoid statements at a press conference.

He always divulges a genuine attitude and wears a smile, sharing sensible gratitude with our society. Tebow is immensely committed to Christianity, humbled, inspired and beloved by many from all over the world.

In which, it wasn’t as much of public matter, when many admires and respects him. But it was a bad question in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

Personally, this is Tebow’s business if he plans on saving himself until marriage. Not our personal concern on how he accepts to live and personal beliefs he practices. Just know it was erroneous to ask about someone’s personal awareness.

Now unimportantly, we know Tebow is a virgin when it really isn’t our concern.

LaRoche Is Gone, But Pittsburgh Still Have Promising Stars

By Josh Dhani

On July 22, 2009, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded one of their promising stars in Adam LaRoche to the Boston Red Sox. What did Pittsburgh get out of this deal? A minor-leaguer named Argenis Diaz.

The Pirates were looking for some “young” talent, and I believe a minor-leaguer was what they were looking for. But come on, trading a star for a player of skills we don’t how good they are.

But although LaRoche is gone, the Pirates still have some promising young stars on the squad. Yes yes, I absolutely know that the Pirates record isn’t promising, not at all, but hey, although we are looking at another losing season for like the 20th time in a row, there is a bright side looking into next year.

Pittsburgh recently brought Andrew McCutchen, their 2005 MLB first round draft pick, to the majors. And on eveybody’s face when they see McCutchen, there isn’t a frown, but a smile of a clown (okay, no, that’s scary). McCutchen has proved he can hit, has the speed, and he is a good outfielder.

But besides those three things where he masters at, there are many other categories he literally just pwns. For those of you who have not heard of this word “pwn,” as always, let Nigahiga explain to all of you:

McCutchen has proved he will be a promising young star for years to come on the Pirates. Hopefully, Pittsburgh won’t ship him off, because if they do, a fanbase will be rotting. As of right now, he is the future.

We then have Andy LaRoche. LaRoche is improving. After, in what I would call a not so good year for LaRoche in 2008, 2009 is an improving year. LaRoche, so far, has been hitting .264 with four homers, and 37 RBI. Although he probably is going to miss his brother, he’s going to have to step it up a notch these next couple of years.

And right now, he kind of is. He’s improving as well and you may need to watch out for him.

Now here is Garrett Jones. I swear, this kid is a stud. He has a lot of criminal records…on pitchers. He’s truly just an amazing athlete after he had a four-game streak of homers. He hit five of them in his last four games. The streak ended on July 19, 2009.

But although the streak has ended, Jones has proved that he can be a star. He has been getting featured in a lot of waiver wires lately, and I already got him on my fantasy baseball team. Even ESPN is looking out for him now. Jones, right now, hasn’t let anyone down and when he is playing, surely there will never be a frown.

Yes, although the Pirates have lost Adam LaRoche, it doesn’t mean they are screwed, because trust me, they aren’t. With three promising young athletes on the squad, the Pirates can have a winning season before you know it. This season may have already been over, and there were many downs in the path with Nate McLouth and Adam LaRoche gone.

But it brings a new dynasty for the Pirates, with Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, and Andy LaRoche still on the team, there was light in that 2009 season. There was a spark that lit up that year.

And coming in 2010, the Pirates may be a team to look out for.

So, yeah, I admit, LaRoche leaving Pittsburgh isn’t that big of a deal. We have three athletes who are going to shine. So watch out Pittsburgh, prepare to be entertained soon.

From Dodgertown to Mannywood: That's Absurd Ignominy

At Dodgertown, a naïve crowd is obsessed with Dodger Dogs, concession-stand dreadlocks, the expensive taste of beer and Manny Ramirez. On an amiable playground that assessed a new name, Mannywood, courtesy of the obnoxious and inattentive crowd, endures Ramirez’s cartoonish frolics and generates absurd adulation.


Since returning from a 50-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug policy, Ramirez has been praised as an innocent celebrity. The Dodgers decided to reopen the Mannywood section, to produce in marketing after fans continuously bothered the organization with nagging e-mails and phone calls to re-establish the overly ecstatic section.


Giving glorious receptions and respect to Ramirez, who lied, cheated, laughed at us and took a fertility drug to produce artificial testosterones, revealed his deceitful demeanor. Like the indomitable crowd cares, still wearing No. 99 jerseys, dreadlocks and hoisting signs proudly in support of Ramirez.

And myriad of residence in Mannywood downplays the shameful crime, refusing to realize he is considered the biggest juicer in the game and the revelations were described as the most-apparent scandal in baseball.

Most important, the Dodgers can win without Ramirez. As the fans omit players such as outfielders Juan Pierre, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, Orlando Hudson and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley, the crowd praises as if it's a one-man team.

When Ramirez was in the slammer, the Dodgers managed to stay atop the National League standings, so clearly they don’t need a fraud.

Pathetically, the fans are just as big of dopes as Manny.

It’s a damn shame.

Athletes Labeled as Sexual Predators, Big Ben, Too

Either way you envision sports athletes, sometimes we tend to ignore that they are vulnerable of being accused as sexual predators. Over the years, professional players in general have abruptly ended up being censured and liable for sexual assault.


Anytime fame and money is involved, sports figures will attract some of the freakiest and sickest women who are just out to force athletes into sexual fantasies, which usually leads to troubling accusations of sexual assault.

As we live in a time when finances are fragile, people will try anything if money is involved. And in this age, professional athletes are primary targets of robbery and murders. But in this decade, athletic superstars have being accused of rape charges, attracting misleading women who flirt with players and pressure them into sexual activities.

Suddenly, a one-night stand turns into a nightmarish crime scene and allegations, increasingly derailing a superstar's reputation. Then, a player’s tension rises, once a court date is set. The player then appears in front of a district attorney and judge, which ignites a case of oblivious attack. This has been a problem among athletes for a long time, and it's not uncommon to hear of athletes' problems with other women.

For women who are looking to have a good time, athletes are sometimes effortless in their manipulation while traveling or staying in suites. A few years back, Kobe Bryant had to appear in a Colorado courtroom on sexual assault charges. He allegedly raped a 20-year old woman and employee at a Vail resort where he stayed at the time.

By apologizing and admitting that their fling was consensual, the rape charges were dismissed when his accuser was reluctant to engage in a criminal trail.

Bryant was an example for other athletes to utilize smarter judgment and rebuff interest of weird vibes that might come back to sabotage someone’s life. He was a prime example that athletes have to be aware of their surroundings and the women they associate with. That’s why the Bryant case is similar to the latest allegations that have appeared on our websites, televisions and newspapers.

Shamelessly, players are still getting caught in the same unlawful attributes. But it doesn’t mean they are sexual predators, however these athletes aren’t careful of their surroundings. They choose to attach to partners who falsify the night as a nightmarish affliction.

Next thing you know, the disturbed woman is screaming RAPE!

Now, it is Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who is bothered with outrageous allegations. A 31-year old woman of Nevada filed a civil lawsuit alleging that the two-time Super Bowl champ raped her in a hotel penthouse last year when she was working as a VIP casino host at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe.

Now, Big Ben is considered as a Big Bungle, assuming the woman’s allegations are true of his indiscretions.

Big Ben is still one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, described as a fierce competitor.

As bravery reveals the true sides of Roethlisberger, he is the one superstar on Sundays who can bounce back from brutal concussions and take hard hits. It is enough information to describe him as an insane daredevil who applies a winning attitude.

Since emerging into a noticeable and lovable icon in Pittsburgh, there’s not a moment that passes without the sturdy leader building upon his legacy. Besides ascending a legacy, there’s not a minute that goes by without the explosive and mobile leader taking blows from the media, who are annoyed by his reckless troubles such as the recent lawsuit.

Despite an astonishing career with the Steelers, Roethlisberger has suffered from disastrous ramifications. At one point, he was venturous and lacked common sense, when he wasn’t wearing a helmet in a severe motorcycle wreck that damn-near cost him his life. Ever since, Roethlisberger’s health hasn’t being the same.

He became a victim of concussions, sustaining three blows to the head in three years. Still, he has grown into the epicenter in Pittsburgh, engineering them to two Super Bowl championships this decade. And he became the team leader, vowing to veteran running back Jerome Betts that he was seeking to win a title for Bettis to depart on top.

The Steelers won the title that year, as he stayed true to his words, engineering them to greater things in a new era. Just recently, Roethlisberger sustained his second title in five years on one play that changed dynamics instantly, when he hurled an astonishing pass to Super Bowl hero and prolific wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who made the most spectacular catch arguably in NFL history, managing to drag his toes inside to complete the remarkable game-winning touchdown.

Thus, Roethlisberger delivers in the clutch and translated into a late-game hero. Unlawful troubles are taunting him in the background and drawing distractions among the Steelers, who are seeking to move forward. They are preparing for training camp, and focused on the upcoming season.

Although the Steelers are amid hiatus, they are equipped to win it again, with a solid and tenacious defensive unit and a prolific offensive squad. The last thing the Steelers can't afford, are distractions to cloud up a potential run to the Super Bowl. Which is why, Roethlisberger should remain quiet after addressing the issue sincerely.

As daunting as it sounds, Roethlisberger took a stance, just as he has on the field. He took the accountability on the alleged assault in his first public comments on the dismal lawsuit at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

At the Steelers practice facility, Roethlisberger wore a brown pinstriped suit and read a prepared statement to clear his name, absolving guilt at least until further details are gathered on the “outrageous allegations”.

Sadly, in the upcoming weeks, he doesn’t know what to expect as he will ignore any comments. The lawsuit seeks a staggering $440,000 from Roethlisberger and Harrah’s seeks about $500,000. Right now, he is focusing on football and preparing for next season.

“The allegations against me are reckless and false,” he said softly. “As much as I’d like to answer everyone’s questions I’m going to respect the legal process and I’m confident that the truth will prevail.”

Good thing he is optimistic, which gives us enough sense to believe this was strictly about money. Then again, we don’t know until the truth surfaces. But now, Roethlisberger should allow his attorney and ESPN’s legal analyst, David Cornwell to communicate.

This is a moment when Roethlisberger has to remain silent, insisting that the allegations aren’t accurate. All he needed to be was concise to give us a better understanding of the weird accusations, so it wouldn’t add more distractions to a team that may be on verge of good things. With their experienced veterans and charismatic leader, the Steelers will need his tough-minded leadership and poise.

Earlier in the year when the Steelers won its sixth Super Bowl title, more than any team in the league, it was marked as one of the greatest historical accomplishments in the NFL.

On Thursday, coach Mike Tomlin was somber about the sudden allegations, which are increasingly obstructing the surrounding training camp. These allegations create a media circus, as the Steelers are seeking to make another run at a title.

And if expected to win, Roethlisberger will have to play as efficiently as he did in last season. But with all the turbulence circulating, to invoke stress is more problematic than taking severe abuse to the head. A life in jeopardy is more of a severe threat, if he is found guilty.

On the same day, Roethlisberger met with Shaquille O’Neal and ABC producers for a new reality show, which he is expected to co-host. The reality is he’ll probably be just fine, which can only make him famous and appreciated. It is a bit surreal, and might just be a setup by women absorbing his fame and riches.

The Steelers didn’t just sign him to an eight-year, $102 million deal. They signed him to a long-term deal because his trust level is reliable.

And in Steelers Country, he’ll get cheered.

National Outrage Remains a Problem For Vick

Anyone can deny the truth, warming to a quarterback who absorbed national attention. At one point, we all idolized Michael Vick, as children styled No. 7 jerseys and imitated his explosive athleticism—as he eluded pressure and scrambled into the end zone.

Of course, those were the days when Vick was as clean as his stylish cleats. Now allegations and federal charges distort the way people perceive him. Viewing him as a disturbed individual, rather than an athlete.

Rather than cementing himself as one of the best rushing quarterback of all-time. He killed innocent creatures in a myriad of despicable ways; slamming them to the ground, shooting them with a pistol, electrocuting them, drowning them, even tying some to cords and hanging them from trees—leaving them to die of suffocation.

Gazing at Vick on Sundays, he was the premier and most potent quarterback of this era, if not all-time. But once the revelations surfaced his status diminished rapidly. He was belittled, insulted and heckled by PETA protesters and the general populous.

Now, the law enforcer and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will have to make a decision, based on Vick’s remorse, as to whether he should be allowed to play in the league again.

Already, many are convinced he has paid his debt to society.

If he is given another chance to showcase his talent, lingering questions will remain. He will never be the same superstar again. The question remains: How long it will take Vick to overcome rust and redevelop into an elite rusher and a dangerous threat?

Before we find out if he is still as dominant and hallowed, he must present a positive image, responding to Goodell as a sincere citizen and give a clear explanation as to why he deserves another shot.

Clearly, Vick knows if he’s not honest and apologetic, his NFL career would be over.

But there are other options open to Vick. The UFL, a new football league, is willing to give him a chance to erase those ghastly memories. The UFL wouldn’t care as much about Vick misgivings because he would be a big lure, potentially attracting a large fan base to its product.

This is last thing on Vick’s mind. Clearly, he wants to return to the NFL, but he could decide to rebuild his image in the UFL before returning to the NFL.

Regardless, Vick has shattered a dream of developing into the greatest quarterback of all-time. At one point Vick rushed for more than 1,000 yards, captivating fans in the process. Vick was the star and the symbol of the future.

Now he is in debt, making $9 per hour at the Boys and Girls Club in Virginia while paying back his debt to society.

Today, he is emancipated from the isolated cells. Many felt serving time for the crime was a significant punishment. But there are still many who believe Vick doesn’t deserve a second chance.

Demonstrations from PETA are almost inevitable. If Vick returns to the league, not only will they harass a much-matured Vick, but they’ll also attack Goodell. Earlier in the year, members of PETA sent a letter to the commissioner, pleading with him to not reinstate Vick.



Considering that training camps are ready to resume, Vick will have to join a team quickly to learn the playbook and get back into shape in time for the season. But the commissioner and stern judge of the NFL has the final word on if he can return next fall.

Either way, it will cause controversy.

And here’s why: First and foremost, there are many dog owners and people who love animals. Secondly, many are upset with Vick for espousing a bad example when he was idolised by children. And thirdly, the people of PETA will harass and criticize Goodell.

Reinstating Vick would harm Goodell’s reputation among players and people in general. As strict as he is with the rigorous conduct policy he established, Goodell should measure Vick’s status carefully before granting him a chance to return to the game.

Even if he proves he is a changed man, Goodell must not deny the truth and understand that Vick’s charges were worse than animal cruelty.

Would it appease Vick or boost attendance at venues? Probably not, as football has developed over the years. People here are football crazy. We embrace the game, respect the game, and wait anxiously each year for the Super Bowl.



This year has been devastating for the NFL, we have seen death and DUI’s and other troubles cast a dark shadow. For a start, the commissioner has punished players who violated the conduct policy. Recently, Steve McNair was found dead with two gunshot wounds in the chest, and one in the head. Police in Nashville classified his death as a murder-suicide, when a pistol was found lying next to his girlfriend.

Goodell took stricter accountability on Donte’ Stallworth than the justice system in Florida. By enforcing the law, he suspended the Cleveland Browns wideout indefinitely, refusing to dismiss punishing Stallworth for foolish behavior.

The NFL is now looking to move forward, removing disturbing conduct and portraying next season as a positive one. Of course, if the commissioner reinstates Vick, negativity will prevail in the league that has already endured much turmoil this year.

Vick will just add to a tumultuous year that has had Goodell’s head spinning, stressed and flustered in perturbed times.

As I mentioned in my column a few days ago, Goodell must be smart and say no to Vick.

Edwards Ready to Roll at Brickyard

From the end of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season to the time leading up to this weeks Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Carl Edwards has gone through a wild ride for the last eight months.

Between getting lost in the New York subway system during NASCAR’s season ending award ceremonies, planning a wedding, actually going through with the wedding, honeymooning in Thailand, or cycling through the thousands of Thai commuters on bikes, it’s been wild year. And the season hasn’t even started yet.

But why not take things up a notch? Edwards just came off a remarkable season and there was no reason to think that 2009 would be any different. He had the most dominant car for the entire season capturing mores wins, top-fives, and top-10s than anyone else.

He started the 2008 chase first in points and maintained it through the first two races. He even had more top-five finishes in the chase than anyone with eight.

His only slip in the chase happened in back to back races at Talladega and Charlotte with an average finish of 31st in both which were his only non top-fives in the chase. Eventual Chase winner Jimmie Johnson only had six top-fives, but won because his worst finish was 15th.

Prior to the 2009 season the entire pool of National NASCAR writers voted by a two to one margin that Edwards would capture the 2009 Championship. That is a lot pressure to put on his shoulders, but he did it to himself.

He raised the bar so high and performed at such a high level of excellence in the series that going up is the natural progression. Maybe not in wins because nine is such a high number, but definitely a driver that look like a Cup Champion.

Fast forward to this week leading into the Brickyard 400 and reality has surpassed the expectations with 19 races run in the 36-race season. Edwards currently sits a respectable sixth in points, but the most shocking surprise of the season is that he doesn’t have any wins.

At no time in NASCAR history has any driver had as many as nine wins in a season and not win in their next season while running every race. Not the type of dubious honor Edwards wants, but the physically fit, self motivated Edwards knows his time will come.

“I feel like we could’ve won, maybe should’ve won at Texas, and we had a little trouble at Talledega, we were a couple of hundred yards from winning, Edwards said. Martinsville, had an extremely fast car. So, I’m not too worried about that fact that we haven’t won, because I feel like we’ve performed well enough to have won two or three different races.”

A little trouble at Talladega? That’s putting it mildly, however spectacular the wreck was down the stretch, Edwards was just being Edwards in one of the classic NASCAR moments when jumped out of his mangled car and jogged to the finish line in an impromptu re-make of the Talladega Nights movie.

He’s always thinking about fitness even in the most dire moments.

His 2009 campaign is very similar to his 2006 season in regards to expectations. Following his first full season of 2005 when he captured fans everywhere doing his trademarked flips following a win three times ultimately finishing third in points, 2006 was supposed to be his year. Instead, he went winless the entire season finishing 12th in points.

“What happened in ‘06, with huge expectations after ‘05, and we just didn’t have a stellar year at all in ‘06, and I learned right there that hey, this is a tough sport, Edwards said. You can’t rest on anything you’ve done. You have to keep going and working. Last year, at the beginning of the year, we set out to win 10 races and the championship.

"That was our goal amongst myself and my crew chief. We won nine and finished second, so we were close. This year, the goal is simply to win the championship. So, whatever happens, happens. I guess expectation is what it is. Nobody has higher expectations than I do, on myself. That’s how it’s always been.”

So when will Edwards get that first elusive win of 2009? If all things were equal from last year, it would be easy to suggest one of the high banked 1.5-mile tracks of Atlanta, Charlotte, or Texas.

But things aren’t equal by any means, and that goes for the entire Fenway-Roush organization who thrived on those type of tracks. Following back to back season opening wins by Matt Kenseth, the entire organization has gone winless.

The one bright spot on Edwards season was his best finish of the year at Pocono where he was second. Of all the races run this year, Pocono’s finish was the only one of 2009 that was equal, or on par with 2008 on similar tracks. He led the most laps in that race last month and almost got fuel mileage win ahead of Tony Stewart who crossed on fumes.

Last season, Edwards finished ninth and first in the two Pocono races, sandwiched in between a second place finish at the Brickyard. Because of the long straightaways and tight, flat turns, Indy and Pocono are very similar in regards to set-up. Throughout the history of Brickyard races, drivers who do well on one always do well on the other.

From 2008 through 2009 when combining all Pocono and Indy finishes, only two drivers have finished in the top-10 in all four races. It’s little surprise that the two are Edwards and Johnson.
Last season, Kasey Kahne finished in the top-10 of all three of those races run. Edwards, Johnson, and Kahne each got a win in one of those races.

If there is any week that points to Edwards getting his first win based on what he’s done this season as a link to 2008, it’s this weeks race at the storied grounds of the Brickyard.
“I can’t wait,’’ he said. “It’s going to feel good when we get a win.’’

After he gets past any of the possible anxieties that go along with not meeting expectations by finally getting that win, he can attempt to get fully geared and focused for the Chase to the Championship.

In an entire seasons span he could go from being the overwhelming favorite to win it all, to not meeting expectations, and then finally being called the improbable winner.

Now that is one heck of a ride.

David Beckham Scram: You Are America's Most Unwanted

They were long past the lovable and sympathetic reactions, refusing to greet the celeb/soccer guru once admired all over the entire world and was a main attraction that drew attention in America.


But our country will always describe soccer as a condemned sport, and we will always neglect futbol to keep track of our football, leading up to our national holiday, which is the Super Bowl.

When David Beckham arrived here, pampered and anointed by the fans as if he was the greatest celeb, red carpets were laid out and local paparazzi were constantly heckling to take the best snapshots of Beckham and his famous wife. But the arrival even indicated higher marketing and captivation among fans that were careless of the sport.

As usual, arriving to America prompted fans to purchase merchandise and sell out the Home Depot Center to witness one of the world’s highest profile star athletes. Much of it comes from Beckham’s celeb personality and gorgeous features that has enabled him to stand out as one of the world’s sexiest athletes.

Sure enough, Beckham migrating to Europe is the preferred alternative, when taunting gestures and boos indicated he isn’t wanted in America.

No thanks.


Now, he is abused by disgruntled and perturbed fans for leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy to sign a half-season deal with a potent AC Milan. For doing such a thing, it invoked criticism and caused fans to erupt into bitter feelings, as Beckham is now described as a trader and backstabber.

Either way you vision this absurd annoyance and complication, Beckham only came here for publicity and money, influencing the MLS to go out of there way in expenses to pacify his wishes of playing in America. It was a waste of publicity and hype that took spotlight away from Kobe Bryant, in a town fans wear purple and gold to salute the Lakers and celebrate champs.

Welcoming in Beckham started as a lovable Hollywood tale, and an America soccer tale. He was the country’s strategy for fixating an unpopular sport, and came here to elevate the game to a different level by captivating our interest. Still, he never really grasped our attention, and instead affirmed how fast things can alter in two years.

From glory to agony and from tribute to humiliation, Beckham saw his acceptance and athletic adoration frail. In fact, at one point, he was at the top of the world in marketing by promoting his cologne in department stores, and even posed in photos while wearing underwear to advertise his products.

Finally, it has reached the last of Beckham and fame has obliterated. Citizens of America, no longer cares where Beckham leaves to as long as he wave goodbye to our land of the free.

In other words, barbaric fans in attendance delivered examples on Sunday night in his home debut. On a daunting night, they booed him badly, weaving bleak banners and kissing goodbye, insults that divulges we don't care. It sort of felt as if a minor riot transpired into a dismal scene, when fans stormed onto the field to harass Beckham.


No longer treated as a global soccer star or engrossed as the game’s premier free kicker, he was perplex and obviously was scrutinized as a selfish sham. Security had to move swiftly to forestall altercations from escalating into a melee, and to protect Beckham from any harmful antics.

All this developed, simply for Beckham’s selfish and egocentric ways. As time advanced, gradually, his image and loyalty diminished and he became futile and a disappointment to the Galaxy, which heated up a feud among Beckham and his predominant and U.S. national star, Landon Donovan as the outspoken criticism led to friction in a new book called The Beckham Experiment.

See, right now isn’t a good time for him to be standing on our soil or living the Hollywood lifestyle. More scrutiny and criticism is heard by fans and players, pleading for Beckham to leave and stay in Europe where he feels more committed than in the MLS.

For a player who hasn’t been committed, Beckham was earning exceptional profit. In any other country a contract worth $32.5 million, not including that he could have easily made up to $250 million over five years isn’t as luxurious or blessing as coming to America.

Yes, we are in an economic crisis. But Beckham had it made and fans supported him as if he was the biggest hero to travel into our patriotic world.

Wondering about his professionalism and class as a sports figure, he illustrated it when he walked out and quit on the Galaxy. You can compare Beckham to Manny Ramirez a bit, for when he quit playing efficiently with Boston.

With a self-centered attitude about winning, finances or even fame, creates baggage and ruins chemistry, just as he has done to the Galaxy. This sabotage spirit and makes people here dislike soccer even more than before.

As we know it, Beckham needs to leave. There’s no better time than now, after he was been mistreated and giving hints that it's time to return to Europe and finish off his career. Just like he doesn’t care, we don’t either, trying to grasp a solution to avoid Beckham’s annoyance that was blown out of proportion ever since he arrived.

When he first came, he was elated, but he is not disappointed as he mentioned after the game that he expected unpleasant greetings by discontent fans. It is also obvious Donovan was discontent of Beckham and the two was feuding, of which neither were speaking.

Their problems continued to divide them, when Beckham felt miserable playing on the team and alongside Donovan. As you know, he never was anxious about returning to Los Angeles, willing to letdown the people who anxiously credited him as the greatest soccer players.

Rather than applauding, the taunting crowd provoked Beckham to retaliate, frustrating him when he hurled a corner kick that created the tying goal to even the score at 2-2 all. Instead of celebrating and leaving the corner, he started taunting the fans and exchanged a few words in an altercation.

He still believes that he has never done anything wrong, when a blind person can tell the different. He was only making excuses, to give us a different perspective.

Beckham thinks since he promoted the sport that he lifted soccer in America. Oh, really? Well if he believes the sport is more interesting, I guess he can leave.