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A-Rod brings a little controversy to camp

February 21, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

When discussing baseball’s drug-testing policy Wednesday at Yankees’ spring training camp, third basemen Alex Rodriguez raised some eyebrows after saying he was tested “9 or 10 times” last year.

A-Rod said he understood all of this, and made the point by noting that he was drug-tested “nine or 10 times” last season. It seemed to be his way of putting the situation in context, noting that he had to be clean because of what he called baseball’s “very strict (drug-testing) policy.”
The problem is that apparently no player would be tested that many times in a season unless he had tested positive for amphetamines or otherwise given MLB reason to target him.

A-Rod seems to be the kind of guy who says thinks at times just to hear himself talk. He doesn’t really think before he makes comments and therefore leaves himself open for criticism. If he were to just take a moment to think about what’s coming out of his mouth, I’m willing to bet the media would get off his back.

MLB

Memphis “America’s Team”

February 20, 2008 / Coach Z

Last week John Calipari said his Memphis team is the closest college team to being “America’s Team.” This week he is complaining that the media is picking on them. ” We feel like the media doesn’t think we should lose a game in Conference USA, while no one criticizes Duke for losing to Wake Forest.”

If you don’t want the heat then keep your mouth shut. I like John Calipari. He is a terrific coach and a great promoter. He has the opportunity to do at Memphis what Tark did at UNLV. However, he needs to win and win big if he is going to be so outspoken. Furthermore, we’re still waiting for a decision on one of his player’s striking a fan after the UAB game. I guess that one punch is ok for a member of America’s Team.

Meanwhile his team will be tested with a road game against Tulane and then the toughest game left on his schedule, #2 Tennessee. It is a game that matches two of the best in the business. Should be a great game.

Down on Tobacco Road, Coach K stirred things up with Roy Williams on his weekly press conference. When asked about injuries he stated “that we don’t talk about injuries as an excuse like some teams and coaches do.” When Williams heard this he snapped back and added fuel to the fire. I can’t wait for the rematch.

Speaking of coaches sounding off, Kansas State Coach Frank Martin was a little defensive when asked about the chance of Michael Beasley being named Player of the Year. “If Michael played at one of those basketball schools, this wouldn’t even be a discussion.” I couldn’t agree more! His numbers don’t lie. To say that Tyler Hansborough or Kevin Love deserve it is ludicrous. He leads the country in rebounding and is fourth in scoring. He shoots a higher percentage from the field and three than either of the other two. Additionally, his supporting cast isn’t as good as the ones at UCLA and North Carolina.

Beasley wins hands down!!!

College Basketball

Top 10 Sports Rituals

February 20, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

FOX Sports’ FunHouse lists the Top 10 Sports Rituals.

9. Chicago Bulls’ opening introductions
The Bulls were quite the spectacle during the 1990s, winning six NBA championships in a period of eight years. And on their home court, the show started before the opening tip-off. The Bulls were the first NBA team to dim the arena lights during the introduction of the starting lineup and a spotlight was used to illuminate each player as he stepped onto the planks. When the team moved to the United Center, it added laser lights and fireworks to the pre-game festivities. Bulls players took the court in the following order: small forward, power forward, center, point guard, and shooting guard. Scottie Pippen would be the first player introduced, while Michael Jordan was last. Other teams were quick to follow suit, shutting off the house lights for the opening introductions.

Great opening. And how about the Worm in a Bulls’ uni, huh?

General Sports

NFL Offseason Odds & Ends: 2/20/08

February 20, 2008 / Anthony Stalter

– Browns’ GM Phil Savage says the team is closing in on a new three-year contract with quarterback Derek Anderson. D.A. originally stated that he was looking for a contract in the six to seven-year range.

– The Falcons are reportedly gauging other teams’ interest in cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Hall will become a free agent in 2009.

– The Panthers tagged offensive tackle Jordan Gross, who was supposed to garner plenty of interest on the free agent market.

– The Colts franchise tagged tight end Dallas Clark. There were some rumblings that Indy might go after recently released Alge Crumpler, but that doesn’t make much sense now that they’ve tagged Clark.

– Dallas will reportedly allow left tackle Flozell Adams to hit the free agent market, which would leave Pat McQuistan and James Battle to protect Tony Romo’s blindside.

NFL

Roller Coaster Continues For Sampson

February 19, 2008 / Coach Z

Coach Kelvin Sampson has had a great week on the court. Tonight his Hoosiers beat Purdue, 77-68, to move into a first place tie in the Big Ten. This comes on the heels of their thrashing of Michigan State this weekend. DJ White continued to stake his claim on the player of the year award in the Big 10. He scored 19 points and added 12 rebounds, while freshman Eric Gordon contributed 22 points.

Menawhile Indiana AD Greenspan continues his investigation. In other words he is waiting for the lawyers to get back with him to see if Indiana can dismiss Sampson without any monetary setbacks.

Watching the student body at the game it was clear they are behind Sampson. Holding signs listing all of Bob Knight’s transgressions (choking players, throwing chairs and just plain rude behavior) it seems strange that Sampson will be dismissed for making a couple of extra phone calls. Ask any coach in America and they will tell you off the record that this rule is broken by everybody. Oh and by the way, the NCAA has made text messaging illegal. Since that is the most common way for young people to communicate it only makes sense that the NCAA would prohibit it. Personally, I would like to see the budget and salaries for all of the policy wonks at the NCAA.