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  1. French Runner Shoves Teen Mascot

    July 3, 2012 by editor

    Um, I’m sorry, but did anybody else see the video of the French runner shoving the pint-sized mascot at the end of his race? Holy moly. It seriously reminded me of something out of a Sasha Baron Cohen movie.  It is worth noting that inside of the mascot was a 14-year old girl, by the way. The whole thing is pretty wacky. The saying goes that there is no such thing as bad press, but I can tell you that this guy isn’t boosting his reputation by shoving teenaged-mascots on the racetrack. If you haven’t yet seen the bizarre “victory moves” of this French athlete, feast  your eyes on this crazy video:

    ABC News reported today,

    “A French Olympic runner has developed a reputation for the way he marks the end of his races.

    Instead of throwing up his hands in a victory sign or congratulating his fellow competitors on a race well run, Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad has taken to attacking mascots.

    After winning the 3,000-meter steeplechase race at the European Athletic Championships in Helsinki Friday, the Algerian-born runner, 27, went straight from the finish line to a  teenage girl dressed as the championship’s mascot, “Appy,” knocked a gift bag out of her hands and shoved her.

    The entire episode was captured on camera as it unfolded before thousands of shocked fans.

    The girl, 14, suffered no injuries from the attack but Mekhissi-Benabbad might suffer some consequences from his sport.”

    Click here to read about the repercussions Mekhissi-Benabbad could face for his unruly behavior. 

    The good news is that the mascot is fine, and suffered no injuries from the “attack.” And now Mekhissi-Benabbad will be forced to wear a mascot costume of the girl’s choosing, and will get pushed around the track to see how he likes it. Totally kidding with that one. But I’m still waiting to see what the consequences will be for the talented–but apparently somewhat violent–Frenchie.

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  2. Triple Crown Contender Pulled from Belmont Stakes

    June 8, 2012 by editor

    The Triple Crown is a big, big deal. I’m definitely not the biggest horse racing fan out there, and even I know how huge it is for a horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes and secure a Triple Crown under its belt. I also know that the feat has not been achieved in 34 years, and that Thoroughbred I’ll Have Another could have secured it this year. He won’t get the chance to try, as he has been scratched from the Belmont Stakes just the day before. His trainer Doug O’Neill said that the horse is showing signs of tendonitis and might actually need to be retired. Richard Rosenblatt of the Associated Press reported,

    “I’ll Have Another’s bid for the first Triple Crown in 34 years ended shockingly in the barn and not on the racetrack Friday when the colt was scratched the day before the Belmont Stakes and retired with a swollen tendon.

    “It’s been an incredible ride, an incredible run,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “It’s a bummer. It’s not tragic, but it’s a huge disappointment.”

    I’ll Have Another, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes with stirring stretch drives, was the 4-5 favorite to win the Belmont and become the 12th Triple Crown winner and first since 1978.

    Instead, he becomes the 12th horse since Affirmed, the last Triple champion, to win the first two legs but not the Belmont.

    The scratch marks the first time since Bold Venture in 1936 that the Derby and Preakness winner didn’t run in the Belmont. Burgoo King skipped the race in 1932.”

    Click here to read more about why I’ll Have Another has been scratched from the Belmont Stakes.

    It seems that many people are wary of O’Neill’s decision to pull I’ll Have Another from tomorrow’s race, but I think that it’s a wise decision that shows he’s keeping the horse’s best interest in mind. It’s disappointing that he will not have a shot at being the first Triple Crown winner in 34 years, but it would be downright tragic if he won it at a horrible expense.

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  3. Dario Franchitti Wins his Third Indy 500

    May 28, 2012 by editor

    Hats off to racer Dario Franchitti for becoming only the seventh driver in history to claim the first-place title at three different Indy 500 races. He won yesterday’s race in record-hot heat, a scorching 91 degrees. And to cap it off, Franchitti went on to win despite E.J. Viso’s car slamming into him on Lap 15, damaging Franchitti’s car and sending him into last place. What a victory! Bruce Martin of Sports Illustrated reported,

    “Before the start of Sunday’s 96th Indianapolis 500, Dario Franchitti stood under an umbrella held by his wife — actress Ashley Judd — to shield himself from the scorching sun. He then leaned against the left-front tire to steal a moment of solitude amid a crowd of 350,000 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Judd’s last words to her husband were, “I’ll see you in Victory Lane.”

    Franchitti kept his date with his wife, driving into the history books with his third career Indianapolis 500 victory. He is just the seventh driver to complete that feat, and he did so in one of the most competitive Indy 500s in history.

    There were 17 cars on the lead lap with a record 35 lead changes between 10 different drivers. The race was contested in 91-degree heat, which fell one degree shy of the all-time record (92 degrees) set in 1937.”

    Click here to read about Franchitti’s wild ride and how he secured the 1st place slot at Sunday’s Indy 500. 

    That is some impressive racing, guys. I’ll be the first to tell you that professional car racing is not my all-time favorite sport, but I can’t ignore talent like Franchitti’s. His name will now bookend that of the late Dan Wheldon, who won last year’s Indy 500 but died in October 2011 in a crash, on the BorgWarner Trophy. (Franchitti won in 2010 as well.) Great story, great driving, and I’m very pleased that everybody stayed safe and came out healthy this year.

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  4. Miami Heat’s Chris Bosh out “Indefinitely”

    May 14, 2012 by editor

    The Miami Heat defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 on Sunday, but there’s no telling how the Heat will fare in the remainder of the playoff series against the Pacers without forward Chris Bosh. True, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade are regarded as the superstars of the team, but it’s not without some serious backup from Bosh. Fox Sports reported that an MRI exam on Monday confirmed that Bosh did in fact strain a lower abdominal muscle on Sunday night, and will be out “indefinitely,” meaning at the very least that he won’t be playing in Tuesday night’s Game 2. Fox Sports reported,

    “Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat were relieved by the diagnosis. It’s the prognosis – or lack of one – that’s a source of worry now.

    And suddenly, the Indiana Pacers may be even more of a threat.

    Bosh strained a lower abdominal muscle in Game 1 of the teams’ Eastern Conference semifinal series, that original diagnosis confirmed Monday after an MRI exam. The team said Bosh is out ”indefinitely,” though coach Erik Spoelstra and others say the injury could have been worse.

    Either way, Bosh is out for Game 2 on Tuesday, and sounds like he probably won’t play again in this series.

    ”This season has to be extended for me to play again,” Bosh said. ”So that’s what’s on my mind.”

    Bosh was hurt late in the first half as he drove for a dunk and got fouled by Indiana’s Roy Hibbert. The foul almost certainly played no role in the injury, as Bosh fell forward to his hands and knees after landing and stayed down for a few seconds. He got up and made his free throw, but dropped to the court again on the ensuing possession, leaving the game for evaluation.”

    To read about what Heat teammates and the Pacers competition has to say about Bosh’s injury, click here.

    I hate to see any player go down for the count in the middle of the Playoffs. For right now, it seems that only time will tell how severe Bosh’s injury is, and whether or not he’ll be back during this Playoff series as the Heat continue to battle the Pacers.

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  5. Rangers Josh Hamilton Hits 4 Homers in One Game

    May 9, 2012 by editor

    Alright, sports fans, here comes a positive Josh Hamilton story. I put the spotlight on the Texas Rangers outfielder back in February when he had an alcohol relapse at a Dallas bar. The latest story on Hamilton however shows that his head is back in the game, and is evidence to why he won MVP two years ago. Hamilton became only the 16th professional baseball player to ever hit four home-runs in one game when the Rangers played the Baltimore Orioles tonight.CBS News reports,

    “Moments before he made history with his final swing in an incredible four-homer performance, Josh Hamilton stepped to the plate in the eighth inning with a surprising sense of calm.

    The Texas Rangers slugger had never before hit more than two home runs in a game, and he already had three. So as he took his place in the batter’s box against Baltimore right-hander Darren O’Day, Hamilton already had a feeling of accomplishment.

    “I just went up like it was any other at-bat because if I don’t hit one,” Hamilton reasoned, “I’ve still had a really good night.”

    It turned out to be unforgettable.

    Hamilton became the 16th player to hit four home runs in a game, launching a quartet of two-run drives against three different pitchers to carry the Rangers to a 10-3 victory Tuesday.”

    To read what Hamilton’s teammates had to say about the historical homer, click here.

    There’s not really much more I need to add to this impressive story. That’s how it’s done, Hamilton. Atta boy.

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  6. Derrick Rose Out for Playoffs with Torn ACL

    April 29, 2012 by editor

    Now I never said I was a Bulls fan, but any true basketball fan hates to see a star player go out the way Derrick Rose did yesterday in the Bulls/76ers first matchup in the Playoffs. This is the guy who was named MVP of the season last year, and is highly regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA. Ironically enough, he missed 27 of the 66 games this season due to other sorts of injuries–lower back spasms, groin injury, his ankle. So for him to come out and blow his ACL, along with any chance of playing in the rest of the playoff series, in the last minute and a half of the game was pretty tragic. Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times reports,

    “Just when Derrick Rose was on the brink of alleviating fears that he would be unable to fully recover from a nagging ankle injury, he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

    Rose landed awkwardly after a jump stop and fell to the floor with 80 seconds left in the Bulls’ 103-91 victory over the Philadelpha 76ers in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series at the United Center. The team later announced that Rose had torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. It’s the sixth different injury Rose has suffered this season.

    “It’s the saddest win,” Kyle Korver said. “But we have to pick ourselves up. We’ve played a lot of games without him. Maybe it was just getting us ready for this.”

    To read the rest of the article detailing Rose’s injury and statements from his teammates click here.

    The thing is, in those 27 games that Rose missed in the regular season, the Bulls still played great. They still made it to the playoffs, and I think they’ve done a good job of learning to play without Rose, unfortunate as it is. So in my opinion, the season is still not over for the Bulls, not even close. I do wish Rose a speedy recovery, and hope the Bulls play well to make him proud.

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  7. Lakers Metta World Peace Ejected for Vicious Elbow

    April 23, 2012 by editor

    I find it incredibly ironic that a guy who intentionally changed his last name to “World Peace” is in trouble with the NBA (not for the first time, either,) for a very rough elbow to OKC forward James Harden’s head. He claims that the blow was unintentional, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a suspension result from that little maneuver. C’mon, Metta–you just slam dunked. You should be throwing high fives, not elbows. Not very sportsman like. Mark Medina of the LA Times reported on the game,

    “In sheer emotion and rage, Lakers forward Metta World Peace swung his arms violently.

    He had just thrown down his third dunk of the game late in the first half, and the 18,997 fans at Staples Center erupted with joy. No one looked more elated than World Peace, who pounded his right fist on his chest. He then cocked his arm back and swung an elbow at Oklahoma City forward James Harden.

    Harden fell to the ground clutching his ear. Thunder forward Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka went toward World Peace, who squared up and appeared ready to defend himself. After both teams separated each other, World Peace pleaded his case toreferee Gary Zielisnki, using body language to suggest it was an accident. 

    It did’t work.  The incident earned World Peace a flagrant foul type 2, an immediate ejection and a likely suspension.

    “During that play, I just dunked on Durant and Ibaka. I got real emotional, real excited,” World Peace said after the Lakers’ 114-106 double overtime victory Sunday over the Oklahoma City Thunder. “It’s unfortunate that James had to get hit with an unintentional elbow. I hope he’s OK. The Thunder. they’re playing for a championship this year. I really hope he’s OK and I apologize to the Thunder and to James Harden. It was such a great game. It was unfortunate so much emotion was going on at that time. That’s it for today.”

    To read what Metta Tweeted on the subject and see pictures, click here.

    I do hope that Harden is okay, and I hope this is the last we’ll see of the inappropriate on and off-court antics by Metta. Otherwise, I’m gonna call that dude up and have a little chat about good sportsmanship. Oh, and politely request that he change his last name if he’s not planning on setting a good example!

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  8. Kenyans Win at the 116th Boston Marathon

    April 16, 2012 by editor

    I want to send out MAJOR props to whoever ran, walked, wheeled, or crawled the Boston Marathon this year. Running 26.2 miles is one hell of a feat, something that all participants should be crazy proud of. That’s not to mention the stifling 80-degree temps in Boston that marathoners competed in yesterday. I’ll say again, major props to everyone! The Kenyans proved victorious this year in both the men’s and women’s races. Wesley Korir took first place in the men’s race, and Sharon Cherop of Kenya won the women’s race. Chad Finn of Boston.com reported of the wins,

    “Wesley Korir’s bona fides as an elite distance runner were well-established before he made his Boston Marathon debut Monday. But it was some common sense and adherence to the day’s conventional wisdom that helped the two-time Los Angeles Marathon champ add Boston to his list of conquests.

    “It was very important to me to take water, to take fluids, to hydrate as often as possible, even if it led to falling off the pace at times,” said Korir after winning the 116th Boston Marathon with a time of 2 hours 12 minutes and 40 seconds.

    Then, the affable Kenyan and graduate of the University of Louisville added with a smile, “It’s hot. Too hot. In case you don’t know that.”

    Concerns about the 80-degree temperatures led to more than 4,000 runners deferring their entries until next year. There were 26,716 entrants this year, but just 22,426 started the race.”

    To get the rest of the Boston Marathon’s stats and read more on the winners, click here.

    Very impressive Kenyans! Congrats again to the winners and to everyone who participated in this year’s Boston Marathon.

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  9. Masters 2012 Coming Up: High Expectations from Mickelson, Woods, McIlroy

    April 5, 2012 by editor

    Let’s just step aside from the huge debate roaring around Augusta National over the golf course opening up it’s “all boys club” to women for a second. I want to actually take a look at the golf greats who will grace the course of this year’s Masters: Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy should make for one hell of a competitive tournament. Not to that mention Georgia was just hit with a massive storm a couple nights ago, changing the elements of the course drastically. Talk about an excitement builder! Rex Hoggard of the Golf Channel reports for the Huffington Post,

    “The storm late Tuesday that felled trees and swamped bunkers across Augusta National was either prologue or postmortem for the week to come.

    Pyrotechnics have become a Masters specialty with last year’s frantic final nine holes the undisputed category leader. The final two hours of last year’s tournament included an eclectic mix of eight different players who held at least a share of the lead, a monumental collapse, an historic finish and more pine-rattling roars than one should honestly expect, even at the year’s first major.

    So the question remains, can the venerable layout produce another “instant classic,” as club chairman Billy Payne called the 2011 finale, or will Tuesday’s storm be the week’s most spectacular show?

    Given recent history safe money is on Augusta National’s side.”

    To read the rest of Hoggard’s article about this year’s Masters favorites Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Rory McIlroy, click here.

    Talk to me, guys. Who is your pick for this year’s Masters? 4 time champ Tiger, who just pulled off winning his first Arnold Palmer tourny in the past 30 months? Phil “Lefty” Mickelson, who will play in his 20th Masters this year and has only finished outside the top 10 twice? Or Rory McIlroy who made history at last year’s Masters when he led by a 4-stroke lead only to blast the ball 50 yards off the green?

     

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  10. NBA Great Dennis Rodman Faces Jail Time over Child Support

    March 28, 2012 by editor

    Dennis Rodman, the NBA Hall of Famer who is best known for keeping everybody guessing as to which hair color he will sport next, is in some trouble. Apparently he owes over $850,000 to his ex-wife in both child and spousal support. Rodman used to be on top of the world, in his swanky Newport Beach pad on the ocean, with his endorsements and his championship-winning NBA team. Now, his lawyers are saying he only made $8,000 so far this year. Rodman, what happened to you man? Lauren Williams of the Daily Pilot reported,

    “Former NBA star Dennis Rodman faces up to 20 days in jail Tuesday for failure to pay spousal and child support, according to an attorney for his ex-wife.

    The Hall of Fame player, whose years as a West Newport resident drew the ire of neighbors and the attention of police, is scheduled to appear at a contempt of court hearing Tuesday in Orange.

    As of March 1, Rodman, 50, owed $808,935 in back child support for the 9- and 10-year-old children that he had with his third wife, Michelle Rodman, said her attorney, Jack Kayajanian, in court documents.

    An earlier version incorrectly said Dennis Rodman is 51. He is 50.
    Rodman also owed $51,441 through March 1 in back spousal support, Kayajanian alleged in court documents.

    Michelle Rodman, identified in court papers as a Costa Mesa resident, is also requesting attorneys’ fees.”

    To read the rest of the the Daily Pilot’s article to find out why Rodman hasn’t been paying, click here.

    It seems that Rodman’s party-boy ways have caught up to him and are biting him in the ass. This guy was one hell of a basketball player, and I’m sorry to hear of his struggles. When I think of Dennis Rodman, I prefer to picture his cheetah-colored hair and Bulls-jersey clad body darting in for a rebound in happier times. Oh, the good old days.

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