Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1248 of 1503)

Odell Thurman in trouble again?

June 2, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

Odell Thurman is a smart, smart man. According to a story by SI.com, Thurman (who was released by the Bengals recently) has apparently violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy and will be suspended again.

As a second-round draft choice in 2005, Thurman led the Bengals with 148 tackles, four forced fumbles and five interceptions. He was suspended by the league for four games in July 2006 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The suspension was extended for the rest of the year after Thurman was arrested Sept. 25 for drunk driving. He later admitted in court that he is an alcoholic.
Thurman applied for reinstatement before the 2007 season, but his appeal was denied. Commissioner Roger Goodell lifted the suspension April 21, 2008, but the Bengals waived him last month when he failed to show up for offseason workouts, citing the death of his grandmother.

If it wasn’t clear by the way no teams took a flyer on him after the Bengals cut him – he’s done. It never ceases to amaze me how a player can continuously find trouble, even knowing they’re running out of chances. I wonder if these guys seriously think that opportunities like playing in the NFL are given to everybody. And if you screw up, the opportunity will still be waiting for you. The NFL should suspend him indefinitely and call it a day.

NFL

One-legged boy fulfilling love of playing baseball

June 2, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

The Kentucky Herald-Leader posted a fantastic story about an 8-year-old boy Adam Bender, who plays catcher for his little league baseball team – on one leg. Young Adam lost his leg to cancer when he was 1, but that hasn’t stopped him from playing the game he loves.

Adam shyly deflects question about himself. He admits that he “loves baseball” and “loves catching,” but he doesn’t think he’s doing anything out of the ordinary.
Astros coach Dan Wyse said he went out of his way to get Adam on his team “because he’s a good kid, a good catcher, and what he brings attitude-wise, he’s an inspiration to everybody.”
Michelle Bender appreciates the effect her son has on people young and old.
“Adam has helped other kids see that a person with a disability can be fun to hang out with, and play with, and they can still be a part of a community or part of a team. It’s developed the kids’ compassion.
“And if he can inspire even one family to allow their kid to try something they normally might not try, that’s great.”
Adam tried using a prosthesis but didn’t like it because he felt it slowed him down. He is adamant about not using a wheelchair.
“He wants to play ball like everybody else,” Michelle said. “He’s always had that ‘nobody’s going to stop me’ attitude.”

Do yourself a favor and read the entire article and watch the video clip of Adam playing. With all the garbage going on in sports these days, this young man is a total inspiration and a reminder not to hold anything back in life.

General Sports

Broncos release Travis “the baby maker” Henry

June 2, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

The Denver Broncos released running back Travis Henry on Monday. Selvin Young will open training camp as the Broncos’ No. 1 back.

“We did not feel his commitment to the Broncos was enough to warrant a spot on this football team,” coach Mike Shanahan said in a written statement.
“Although Travis has the ability to be one of the top running backs in the NFL, we have to make decisions that are in the best interests of our organization and its goal of winning a Super Bowl,” Shanahan said.

Now that Henry will have more free time on his hands, he can get back to doing what he does best: making babies.

JP’s Fantasy Spin: With Henry surprisingly out of the picture, the next guy in line is probably Selvin Young, who showed some serious flashes in his rookie season. He rushed for 729 yards (5.2 ypc) and caught 35 passes for another 231 yards. Also, keep an eye on where Henry lands. Skeletor is right, he’s a talented back, but he doesn’t seem to have his head on straight. If he lands in the right spot, he could be a good #2 fantasy back.

Fantasy Football

Highlights from the Sunday that was

June 2, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

The Lakers are gearing up for their NBA Finals series with the Celtics and ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has the preview. Hey, who doesn’t love what Stephen A. Smith brings to the table? His shtick isn’t played out or anything.

MLB Musings:

Cubs 5, Rockies 3. The Cubs are ridiculously hot right now. How hot? Jim-Edmonds-is-actually-producing-hot. That’s how hot.

Red Sox 9, Orioles 4. Bartolo Colon is now 3-0 on the season after allowing four runs in six innings Sunday and while his ERA is a bit high at 3.50, he’s quietly becoming a nice offseason signing by the Red Sox.

Rays 4, White Sox 3. Gabe Gross (who?) tripled home two runs in the fifth inning and then hit a walk off dinger in the 10th to beat the Chi Sox. Ozzie ain’t happy.

“There’s only one message I’m going to send. Just get ready because I expect movement on Tuesday.”

“I expect [general manager] Kenny [Williams] to do something Tuesday. Because if we don’t do anything Tuesday, there’s [going to be] a lot of change in the lineup. That’s all I’m going to say about the offense,” said Guillen, whose comments were spiced with an occasional expletive.

But the manager wasn’t finished.

“It could be me. It could be [hitting coach] Greg Walker, the players, anybody,” Guillen said. “I’m sick and tired watching this for a year and a half. I’m not protecting anybody anymore.”

General Sports, MLB, NFL