Sports Pros(e)

Source: Hedo Turkoglu to the Toronto Raptors

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:41:59 -0600

Heavily courted free agent Hedo Turkoglu has apparently backed out of his commitment to the Portland Trail Blazers and intends on signing with the Toronto Raptors, a source told Yahoo! Sports.

Turkoglu, who shined for the Orlando Magic during the NBA playoffs, had agreed to a five-year, $50 million deal with Portland but has broken off talks with the franchise.

A source says Turkoglu's wife wanted badly to live in Toronto, a far more European-style city, and that's where it appears the Turkish native is headed. The Raptors have embraced the Euro game under GM Bryan Colangelo, building a roster that includes Euro talents Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani.

Source: Turkoglu changes mind on Blazers (Yahoo!)

Elephants will always get the better of humans in an eating contest

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:46:27 -0600

Because we live in America --and more importantly -- because someone signed off on the whole idea, three elephants were pitted against three human beings in a bun-eating competition today at Brooklyn's Coney Island.

As you'd expect, the elephants crushed their competition, collectively eating 505 hot dog buns in six minutes compared to a palty 143 total racked up by the homo sapiens.

While this event lacks the gravitas of tomorrow's human vs. human competition, it did make for some compelling, if not slightly awkward footage on the local news.

A cursory tale of the tape seems to suggest that this wasn't really a fair fight at all.

Ringling Bros. Animal Stewardship Director Janice Aria says the elephants enjoy bread and can eat a foot-long loaf in 1.6 seconds.

Organizers say the humans weighed about 500 pounds combined, the Asian elephants about 9 tons combined.

Elephants outdo humans in NYC bun-eating contest (AP)

Is it possible that Stephen Strasburg could end up playing in Japan?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:46:20 -0600

Agent to the stars Scott Boras is at it again.

The high-profile representative who has a long history of creative maneuvering when it comes to the MLB draft, is floating the possibility that wunderkind and top overall pick Stephen Strasburg could play professionally in Japan if he's not paid in line with what Boras thinks he's worth.

His asking price is believed to be around $50 million -- as opposed to within the parameters of the current system, in which no player has ever received more than $10.5 million.

Even before talks began with the Washington Nationals, who made Strasburg the first overall pick June 9, Boras was dropping hints privately that he is preparing to explore a new frontier in his ongoing draft-busting crusade: Japan.

Such a ploy, were Boras to go in that direction, could involve a variety of issues, from the complex relationship between Major League Baseball and Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, the residency requirements of both countries and, of course, the Major League Rules.

The Washington Post article examines some of the gray areas of the rule book that are being tested by Boras and Major League Baseball's reaction to it. Definitly a worthwhile read if you're interested in baseball and law and money and international intrigue -- which I think deep down, we all are.

Boras May Explore Japan for Strasburg (Washington Post)

Crazy Legs Conti talks about the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:05:22 -0600

Competitive eater Crazy Legs Conti is talking to me about complexities surrounding the sports. He's telling me how heat and humidity can cause a hot dog frank to expand and contract. He's describing how not everyone's mandibles work in the same way and comparing the competitive eating circuit to Jack Kerouac's "On the Road."

He's telling me about how there are spots open to amateurs at any of the events sponsored by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. And I'm beginning to think that this face-stuffing jamboree is something I could do.

Then, he starts throwing otherworldly numbers out there that bringing me back to Earth.

Phoenix Mercury's Diana Taurasi cited for drunken driving

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:43:09 -0600

Say what you want about the WNBA, but it's uniquely absent of high-profile cases of its athletes becoming embroiled in legal troubles.

Well, usually.

Phoenix Mercury guard and UCONN great Diana Taurasi was cited for drunk driving early this morning, just hours after her team took it to the Seattle Storm.

Phoenix police spokesman Luis Samudio says an officer stopped Taurasi at about 2:30 Thursday morning for allegedly speeding. A police statement says the officer smelled alcohol and gave her several field sobriety tests.

Taurasi was then driven to a mobile DUI van where she gave a blood sample, then was cited and released. Authorities did not know her blood alcohol content.

Taurasi is the leading vote-getter in WNBA All-Star voting.

Phoenix police: Mercury's Taurasi cited for DUI (AP)

Landon Donovan lashes out at David Beckham

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:58:38 -0600

(AP Photo)

Landon Donovan, who captained the United States men's national soccer team to a respectable finish in the Confederations Cup, is lashing out at his LA Galexy teammate David Beckham.

In a new book titled "The Beckham Experiement" Donovan calls out Beckham, who has been on a five-month loan with Bayern Munich, for what he sees as lack of commitment.

For starters, Sam Fuld is getting off on the right foot

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:39:42 -0600

Sam Fuld was right in the middle of the Cubs' offensive attack on Thursday night. (AP)

Cub manager Lou Piniella's decision to give left fielder Alfonso Soriano a rest for the second straight night may have raised a few eyebrows before Thursday's game, but the man who replaced him in the order may have raised even more with his stellar play.

Sam Fuld, the 27-year-old outfielder who collected his first two major-league hits on Wednesday night, kick-started the Cubs offense on Thursday by working a nine-pitch walk off of Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Seth McClung. Ryan Theriot followed with a single and Derrek Lee and Jake Fox each connected on tape-measure home runs to the left-field bleachers, giving the hosts quick 4-0 lead in the first of four crucial games at home against NL Central leaders.

"It's pretty simple," Fuld said before the game when asked about his role as leadoff hitter. "Get on base. I'm not trying to hit too many home runs. I just try to set the table for the middle of the order and [get on base] however I can."

Jim Hendry: The most optimistic man in Wrigleyville

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:11:22 -0600

The up and down 2009 season has certainly taken its toll on Cubs fans, but Jim Hendry remains the duck that appears to swim gracefully above water while paddling like hell beneath the surface.

The Cubs general manager talked to reporters before Thursday night's game, and remained steadfast in his role as eternal optimist heading into this pivotal homestand. Hendry brushed off the thought of any criticism fans might have of the job he's done or the team's sub-.500 showing so far this season.

"I spent most of my life in baseball and you take the good with the bad," said Hendry. "I've heard a lot of great things said about me and written that I didn't quite believe."

That said, Henry also admitted that if things aren't going well on the field, any criticism "ought to start with me."

NFL suspends Jets LB Calvin Pace 4 games for violating performance-enhancing substance policy

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:04:42 -0600

New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace has been suspended four games by the NFL for violating the NFL Policy on Performing Enhancing Substances.

Pace is still eligible to practice with his teammates and play in pre-season games, but won't be allowed to play in a regular-season game until after Oct. 4.

The 6-foot-4, 270 pounder racked up a career-high seven sacks last season and had this to say about his current situation:

"This is a situation that resulted from an over-the-counter dietary supplement that contained a substance that I did not know violated the league's policy," Pace said in a statement. "I am responsible for what I put into my body and I should have paid closer attention to the league's guidelines. I regret that this has happened and apologize to my teammates, the entire Jets organization as well as the fans. Hopefully, this does not distract from our ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl."

NFL Suspends LB Calvin Pace for 4 Games (New York Jets)

Danny Ferry learns meaning of 'Shaq being Shaq'

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:47:46 -0600

(AP Photo)

Shaquille O'Neal, the man whose shoulders now share the weight of the Cleveland Cavaliers championship hopes, was introduced as the team's newest member Thursday. By all accounts, it was not your average, boring presser.

O'Neal unveiled his "Win a ring for the King" motto for this season and even brought a visual aid with him -- proof that he and general manager Danny Ferry are previously acquainted:

If today's press conference is any indication, it promises to be an extremely entertaining tenure in Cleveland for the big man.

Shaquille O'Neal hints that his fun with the Cleveland Cavaliers could last beyond the 2009-10 season [Cleveland Plain Dealer]

Arland Bruce's TD celebration aimed to honor Michael Jackson ... by pretending to be buried

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:14:39 -0600

Toronto Argonauts coach Bart Andrus told wide receiver Arland Bruce's before the season that once he got into the end zone, he didn't care what the former Minnesota Gopher did.

He's probably regretting that decision right about now.

From the Toronto Star:

After scoring on a 21-yard pass from Kerry Joseph to put Toronto ahead 6-0, Bruce removed his helmet, shoulder pads and uniform top and laid down in the end zone. Bruce said he was simply honouring the memory of Michael Jackson by pretending to be buried.

And here's the video proof:

And note at the end of the clip an appearance by friend of the blog Jarrett Payton, son of Walter, who's playing running back and apparently kicking for the Argos this season.

Bruce was assessed two objectionable conduct penalties -- which I believe is Canadian for unsportsmanlike conduct. The CFL is reviewing the TD celebration.

Andrus told the Canadian Press after the game: "I think next time around he will celebrate in an appropriate manner."

Jim Leyritz facing domestic battery charges after allegedly punching ex-wife

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:21:27 -0600

Former Yankees player Jim Leyritz is again in trouble with the law, this time for allegedly punching his ex-wife.

Leyritz has been charged with domestic battery after police responded to his Davie home early this morning after receiving reports he had allegedly battered ex-wife Karrie, according to a police report from the Broward County Sheriff's Office.

According to the report, Leyritz attacked Karrie after the two had a dispute over money related to child support.

Leyritz denies attacking his ex-wife, instead claiming that she intentionally injured herself to blame it on him.

The former utility man is awaiting trial on DUI manslaughter charges stemming from a fatal 2007 crash in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Ex-Yankees Slugger Allegedly Takes Swing at Ex-Wife (NBC Miami)

Ben Gordon has Detroit journos feeling optimisitic

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:01:06 -0600

With the acquisition of former Bulls guard Ben Gordon and his UConn teammate Charlie Villanueva, there's a bit of optimism growing in Pistonville.

At least one Detroit journalist thinks Gordon is among the pieces needed for the franchise to return to championship form. Free Press columnist Michael Rosenberg writes: "Their arrivals put the Pistons back in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, and they allow Dumars to keep maneuvering until he has all the right pieces. Remember, he didn't add the final starter on the 2004 champs, Rasheed Wallace, until February of that season."

Detroit News journalist Chris McCosky praised Gordon as well: "But in Gordon, 26, they have a bona fide scorer, one who can get his shot off anytime, anywhere and one completely unafraid to take big shots in big spots. He silenced all critics with his performance in the playoffs last season (24 ppg)."

If anything, Gordon's performance in the playoffs exposed his greatest weakness and showed him to be -- as another former Chicago athlete was described -- a mental midget.

Sources: Donte' Stallworth had marijuana in his blood at time of fatal crash

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:55:39 -0600

Donte' Stallworth, who is currently serving his 30-day sentence for DUI manslaughter, apparently also tested positive for marijuana use after the crash that killed Mario Reyes in March 14.

The wide receiver's blood-alcohol level was .126, well above the legal limit.

Stallworth's test results, which have yet to be released, showed traces of marijuana, according to sources with knowledge of the results.
In 2007, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Stallworth was in the NFL's substance abuse program for an unspecified reason.

Donte' Stallworth had marijuana in blood, sources say (Miami Herald)

Football coach, principal under fire after Sacha Baron Cohen's Bruno poses with football team

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:19:23 -0600

It seems that everywhere comedian Sacha Baron Cohen goes, controversy soon follows. The latest episode finds a Los Angeles football coach and principal being disciplined after allowing Cohen to pose for photos that appear in GQ magazine with the school's football team.

Los Angeles Unified School District Supt. Ramon C. Cortines has been incensed by a photo shoot of Cohen, in his role as gay Austrian fashionista "Bruno," that appeared in the latest issue of GQ magazine and on its website. It showed the scantily clad comedian in poses with the Birmingham football team, including one on top of a player on the ground.

"I don't believe that there is a place on any high school in America, including Los Angeles, for photos such as these," Cortines said in a news release issued by his office.

Cohen, perhaps best known for his portrayal of the wide-eyed Kazakhstan hero Borat, is hoping for similar success with his Bruno character. Bruno already caused a stir at the MTV Movie Awards when Cohen's bare buttocks descended on rapper Eminem in pre-planned stunt.