Monday, June 30, 2014

How About A Grand Slam Game-Winner...???

((HT: MLB.com))

Yes, please...

The A's closer Sean Doolittle met the Tigers Rajai Davis

Mike Hessman Is Crash Davis

((HT: MiLB.com))

Mike Hessman can now attach his name to the International League history books with this swing of the bat


Hessman is swinging for the Toledo Mudhens these days. His last cup of coffee in the big leagues was four seasons ago and, in addition to the IL record, he has the active minor league home run record with 403.

Jim Deshaies Still Has It

((HT: CSN Chicago))

The Cubs Darwin Barney hit a foul straight back at Fenway tonight for the Cubs-Red Sox game when this happened


No word on whether Deshaies, like his peer Tom Hamilton, sent the ball back into the stands...

Lutzenkirchen Monday Update: Alcohol Suspected

((HT: OANow.com/Byington))

Sadly, this is not a surprise...

In the Byington article, Georgia state troopers are suspecting that alcohol is involved in the auto accident that killed former Auburn tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and Georgia baseball player Ian Davis.

Blood samples were taken from those two and Troup County (GA) coroner Jeff Davis says that results could take a few weeks to be finalized. The other two passengers are suspected to have alcohol in their system at the time of the crash, but blood has not been drawn.

Our friends at WSFA-TV in Montgomery were at Toomer's Corner to see how the Auburn family was mourning
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Visitation for Lutzenkirchen, his family, and friends will start at 10:30AM Thursday at the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta, Ga. A funeral Mass will follow at 1PM.

According to the Auburn Football Twitter account, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 8PM at Lassiter High School's football stadium in Marietta. Supporters are being asked by the Lutzenkirchen family to wear orange and blue.

Akron Rubber Ducks Adds The "Johnny Footlong" To Their Concession Menu.

[HT: Akron Rubber Ducks]

Johnny Manziel now has a food product named after him.

The "Johnny Footlong" that is being sold at Canal Park in Akron, Ohio

Johnny Footlong sounds like a really bad porn movie. Yes their are some many really bad jokes here that we will let you imagination take over.

If you do decide to eat the "Johnny Footlong" those of us at the OSG HQ recommend you have a bottle of Tums with you.

According to the Rubber Ducks the "Johnny Footlong" is an 8-ounce Five Star hot dog topped with Texas Jack chili, shredded pepper jack cheese and Sriracha sauce.

"Johnny Football mania is in full swing at Canal Park, and we are excited to have a food & beverage offering dedicated to the new Browns Quarterback. It's an exciting time for the Akron and Cleveland area," Rubber Ducks General Manager Jim Pfander said.

No word if Johnny Football himself has enjoyed a "Johnny Footlong".  Then again that would be none of our business.

Monday AM Update: Lutzenkirchen Reaction From The Plains

((HT: WSFA-TV))

It's still very raw for the Plains reacting to the loss to star tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen.

The University is trying to figure out how to properly respect his legacy and make sure #43 won't be forgotten.
It was an act as simple as rolling the trees at Toomer's Corner out of respect in a somber tribute.
It was remembering him through social media, which lit up with praise for a better man than football player.

All this for someone who was 23
WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

More as we know more...

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Sunday From Brazil: Dutch Come Back On El Tri, Ticos Advance to Quarters

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

It will be one of those questions for the Dutch, now, moving forward...

Did it galvanize you or did it take too much out of you...???

Mexico had their way with the Oranje for 80 minutes or so, but head coach Louis Van Gaal made a van Persie substitution count for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for the conversion of a late PK and a 2-1 stoppage time win to advance to the final 8.

And, yes, Arjen Robben flopped for the avail on the penalty kick
Here's the analysis


And it appears that Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera would like to blame the officials for calling the Robben dive


Univision should sign Herrera for the remainder of the tournament as an analyst right now...

In the night cap, Costa Rica had the lead and was fighting off an anemic Greece offense for 20-plus minutes before a late equalizer and penalty kicks themselves. Navas came up big in net and Costa Rica advances to their first quarterfinal ever.

The whole idea of him being off his line is out the window, apparently...
All that effort from Costa Rica as they were a man down...

Auburn Speaks On Lutzenkirchen Tragedy

((HT: Auburn Tigers.com/Goldberg))

The Auburn family has spoken out publicly for the first time since it was released that former tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen was killed in a rollover crash early Sunday morning...

"I’m deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Philip Lutzenkirchen. He was a great young man who touched the lives of everyone he knew in a positive way," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "On the field, Philip was a great player and competitor, but more importantly, he was a great teammate and friend off the field. My thoughts and prayers are with Philip’s parents, Mike and Mary, and all of his family and friends who are grieving his passing. This is a sad day for the entire Auburn family. I find peace knowing that even though Philip was taken from us too soon, that he lived his life to the fullest, leaving a lifetime of great memories for his family and friends to cherish forever."

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs:

"Philip’s death is a devastating tragedy for his family, the Auburn family and his countless friends. Today is also a profoundly sad day for the Auburn Athletics family, who loved and respected Philip not only as a great player but more importantly as a friend and the epitome of an Auburn man.

"I came to know Philip well and I admired everything about who he was and the way he lived his life. He had a strong faith, a big heart and a burning desire to help others. Philip was a bright light this world desperately needed, and his death leaves a void that can’t possibly be filled. My prayers, my thoughts and my heart go out to his wonderful parents, Mike and Mary, their entire family and his many grieving friends.”


Former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik:

"He was compassionate, determined, honorable and full of love, integrity and respect. In 27 years of coaching, I have come across what I would consider to be a few ‘rare’ young men. Phillip was certainly one of those ‘rare’ ones," Chizik said. "He truly, lived his life for other people and always found time to give to others. His family values taught him to be a great friend and teammate of everyone he came in contact with. My deepest sympathy is extended to his parents Mike and Mary, his sisters, and all of his extended family. We should all begin by honoring his life because he lived a life worthy of that. In his 23 short years, he has certainly left an impactful legacy to everyone he touched. I will miss him deeply."

BREAKING: Auburn's Lutzenkirchen, UGA Baseball's Davis Die In Car Accident (CONFIRMED w/Updates)

((HT: Auburn Undercover))

This is straight from them and there aren't may details at the moment"

Philip Lutzenkirchen, a member of the 2010 Auburn national championship team and one of the most popular players in recent Tigers history, died in an automobile accident early Sunday morning, AUC has learned.

He was 23.

At this time, no other details are known.


Lutzenkirchen was a graduate of Lassiter high School in suburban Atlanta and had Hutson Mason as his quarterback with the Trojans. He went to Auburn where he ws one of the most accomplished tight ends in recent decades.

His first flash with fame came in high school with this amazing play


And he was one of the most relied-upon receivers for Cam Newton in his time on the Plains
((HT: SEC on CBS))


More when we know more, but the HQ's thoughts and prayers to the families at Lassiter and Auburn...

UPDATE: The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer's Ryan Black can confirm the passing- having spoken with a state trooper who worked the scene.

The accident happened shortly after 3AM and Black caught up with Master Trooper B.N. Talley...

From Black's piece:

"It happened at the intersection of Upper Big Springs Road and Lower Big Springs Road," Talley said. "The vehicle was a 2006 Chevy Tahoe and the driver missed a stop sign at the intersection of those two roads, which is more or less a 'T-intersection.' They traveled through the intersection off into a churchyard. They were out out of control for about 450 feet."

At that point, Talley said, the vehicle overturned, ejecting all four passengers.

"Philip was one of them," Talley said," and he was killed at the scene."


Bulldawg Illustrated is also reporting that UGA baseball player, Ian Davis, has also passed away in the accident.

Black is also reporting in an update that Lutzenkirchen was not wearing a seat belt.

Bryce Harper Looks Ready To Come Back

((HT: MiLB.com))

The HQ thinks Bryce Harper is ready to come back from his rehab assignment...
He did this last night in his at-bats with Harrisburg against Akron


4-for-5, 3 HR's and 5 RBI...

Eh, that's okay...

No Kidding. Jason Kidd Is Power Hungry. May Bolt Brooklyn For Milwaukee For It.

Will Jason Kidd run the basketball operations for the Milwaukee Bucks?
It's looking like current Brooklyn Nets head coach Jason Kidd is not happy with just coaching the team, he wants to run it too or he will take his ball and head to Milwaukee.

According to the New York Post, Kidd approached Nets ownership with a list of demands including running the basketball operations.

Nets Ownership denied Kidd's request.  According to a NY Post source the franchise did not feel Kidd was ready for that kind of responsibility.

Apparently the Milwaukee Bucks do.  The Nets recently received permission to talk to Kidd about the prospect of hiring him.

On the surface their doesn't seem to be any job openings in Milwaukee.  Head coach Larry Drew has two years remaining on his contract and general manager John Hammond was hired last summer.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel new Bucks owners Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry are interested in adding a president of basketball operations title.

Sounds like that would be perfect position for Kidd, whio appears to be salivating to run his own basketball team.

It appears power plays are nothing new to Jason Kidd. Those examples are displayed in this brilliant column by Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post.

What's making this even more bizarre is that Bucks officials apparently weren't aware of this as reported by CBS Sports.com.

Can this get any more awkward.


Firefighter Hit by Lightning at Columbus Soccer Game

((ht: 10tv.com))

There's a rule that exists among meteorologists and weather folks that says if you can hear thunder, take cover because you could get hit by lightning.

And if you happen to find yourself at a sporting event when a thunderstorm rolls in. Well, you need to take cover, which is easier said than done.

Lt. Stu Tudor of the Columbus (OH) Fire Department is in an area hospital in critical condition after being struck by lightning in the parking lot of a Columbus Crew (MLS) soccer game.

According to WBNS-TV in Columbus, a man who took cover in a nearby portable toilet said he could feel the electricity and it sounded like a bomb going off. The man told the TV station he opened the door and saw Tudor lying on the ground.

The Crew postponed Saturday nights game, delaying it to Sunday afternoon though the forecast for the area says there is a very good chance more thunderstorms will be in the area.

WBNS provides Saturday night's TV report on what happened:

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Troy Smith Having Trouble Adjusting To The CFL,So Is Chad Johnson. Alouettes Pounded By Stamps 29-8

Troy Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2006 at Ohio State but couldn't win a job in the NFL.

Smith is playing in the Canadian Football League as the starting quarterback of the Montreal Alouettes and he had a rough beginning to the 2014 season.

Against the Calgary Stampeders Saturday afternoon at McMahon Stadium Smith completed just 18 of 41 passes for 154 yards, no touchdowns and one interception as the Alouettes were pounded 29-8 by the Stamps.

"I don't feel good at all." Smith said. There's a whole different feel when you leave the field after a week's work of preparation and nothing works."

Bo Levi Mitchell, who as quarterback at Eastern Washington led the Eagles to the 2010 FCS national championship, out shined Smith in this CFL quarterback match-up.  Mitchell final numbers were completing 16 of 25 passed for 313 yards and two touchdowns.

A large chunk of Mitchell's passing yardage came from this 102 yard touchdown pass to Maurice Price in the first quarter.

Click here to see the "Bo to Mo" 102 yard touchdown pass.

Chad Johnson didn't impress either in his first CFL regular season game.  Ocho Cinco caught just two balls for 20 yards, that's it.

"I've got a long way to go man." Johnson told the Calgary Herald. "With this being my first time experiencing a real live game with the bullets flying, the level of competition is really not that far off from the NFL and the speed of the game is equivalent."

A tough day in the Canadian Rockies for the Als especially for Montreal'Marc-Olivier Brouillette who had his world rocked by the Stamps Nik Lewis blocking down field.

Click here to see, it's worth the watch


Twins Escobar Goes Bat Launcher

((HT: MLB.com))

The Twins Eduardo Escobar didn't have enough pine tar on his bat, obviously...


Hopefully, he will have learned from this lesson today and apply more the next time

If Nick Saban Was In Jurgen Klinsmann's Cleats...

((HT: Fox Sports/Mike Romano via Vimeo))

This is what happens when Nick Saban is answering questions as the head coach of the USMNT after Group play...

And Mike, pretty much, nailed it...


No other questions, coach, thanks...

Suarez "Lost His Balance" Uruguay And Chile Lost Their Games

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

Luis Suarez wrote his appeal to FIFA for his four-month, nine-match ban. It said in part:

"After the impact ... I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent," Suarez wrote in his submission to the panel which met Wednesday, one day after Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 in a decisive group-stage match.

"At that moment I hit my face against the player leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong pain in my teeth."


Well okay, then...
FIFA has seven days to hear the appeal from the Uruguayan Football Federation.

Without Suarez, the lack of offense showed in a 2-0 loss where James Rodriguez scored both goals- and, for the record, it's pronounced "Hah-mez..." and he's scored in six straight matches for Colombia...

And James' golazo sent Colombia on their way


And Colombia get Brazil in the next round as they survived their match with Chile- and it took PK's to get there.
The post became Julio Cesar's bet friend in extra time and the shootout...

And American audiences got to hear Ian and Macca call a great one...

When Being Out Of The Baseline Doesn't Mean You're Out

((HT: MLB.com))

The Pittsburgh Pirates Josh Harrison had a full evening last night...

But the biggest part was this activity on the base paths that angered Mets manager Terry Collins before it was over with...


Now, we know that when you run, you can take a little creative license in the base paths...

Here's One Way To Turn Two

((HT: MiLB.com))

Peoria Chiefs and Quad Cities...

Grounder to Mason Katz who involves Richy Pedroza before he's through with the play...


The HQ will admit that we have never been able to turn to straight, out of the glove flip to turn a double play ever...

Phillies Play-By-Play Guy Catches Home Run

((ht: mlb.com))

Apparently he was happy about it, but wasn't allowed to say he was, which made it even funnier.

Check out the reaction of CSN Philly's Tom McCarthy, stationed in Centerfield to do Friday nights Braves vs. Phillies game in Philadelphia. McCarthy, who does play by play, decided to take his glove with him to his station near the bullpen in dead centerfield.

And low and behold as in the first inning, Atlanta's Freddie Freeman hits a monster 3-run homer to deep centerfield. Right where McCarthy and his cohorts were sitting (standing).

McCarthy made the catch, said that he was happy but not happy and proceeded to throw the ball right back on the field.

By the way, the Braves took care of the Phillies 4-2....

Your video from MLB.com:

Mike Trout Hit The Ball Really Far

((HT: MLB.com))

Do not throw a 90-mile-per-hour fastball to Mike Trout or this will happen...


Longest home run of the year to date...

And a bad idea for any starting pitcher

Friday, June 27, 2014

Andrew or Mitchell: The Cavs Introduce the Wrong Wiggins at their Draft Presser

((ht: fansided.com))

Zoinks!

A bit of an oopsie by Cleveland Cavaliers play-by-play guy Fred McLeod Friday afternoon at a press conference introducing their latest 1st pick of the draft Andrew Wiggins now formerly of Kansas.

Listen to the beginning of the statement as McLeod introduces Andrew's dad Mitchell (former NBA/college star) instead of him.

Football Season Has Kicked Off As Slick Willy Bombs Argos

Winnipeg QB Drew Willy
There is nothing like Thursday Night Football in June as the Canadian Football League season opened in Winnipeg as the Blue Bombers took on the Toronto Argonauts.

Drew Willy, who set passing records at the University of Buffalo and had a cup of coffee in the NFL, impressed Blue Bomber fans in his debut.

Willy completed 19 of 27 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns as Winnipeg bombed Toronto 45-21.

"The number one thing quarterbacks have to do, what they are in charge of is winning." Winnipeg head coach Mike O'Shea said.  "He (Willie) went out there and he helped win the game for us."

Willy, a back up quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders the last two seasons, finally has a chance to start and impressed in his opener.

"I kind of thought I could do it but I'm a confident guy," Willy said.. "I knew if I went through my reads and did everything possible things would go right . . . We got off to a good start. It was nice on the first drive to score."

Click on the link to see Aaron Kelly's catch for Winnipeg's first touchdown of the game.  It was a great catch.

Kelly, a former Clemson wide receiver, had a monster game with five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns.  

Kelly held the ACC record for receptions with 232 until Duke's Connor Vernon broke the record in 2012.

"I worked hard to win the starting spot here and just wanted to come out and start fast and help the team win." Kelly said.



Those of us in the OSG HQ are football fans.  NFL, College and yes the CFL.

It's great to be talking football again.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Recardo Wimbush Sought For Child Imprisonment

((HT: WSB-TV))

This story alternates in the HQ's consciousness between classless, weird, and just plain awful.

Former Georgia Tech and NFL linebacker Recardo Wimbush is being sought, along with his wife, on charges that they basically imprisoned their 13-year-old son in their basement for the better part of a year. Police say nine other children were upstairs. The teenage boy was locked in a small room in the basement that had a bucket, a box spring, and a mattress.

The arrest warrant says that Wimbush and his wife told officials that the teenager molested three of his siblings and that was why he was alone downstairs. The child responded that he lied about stealing a DVD player.

Here's FOSG Tony Thomas

The Wimbushes have until Friday to turn themselves in to authorities.

NBA Drafts Baylor's Isaiah Austin

((HT: ESPN/NBA))

The HQ told you that Baylor's Isaiah Austin was diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrome about a week ago. The college star that had built a career after losing the sight in one eye has to stop playing altogether.

In another classy, stand-up move by new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the league did something very special for Austin at this year's NBA Draft.


The HQ thought that the only thing better would have been for the World Champs to pick him up in the Second Round themselves.

But a classy move nonetheless...

Aussie Kyrgios Saves 9 Match Points In Win Over Gasquet

((HT: Wimbledon))

Australia's Nick Kyrgios found quite a way to announce himself as the youngest seed in the Wimbledon fortnight. He ended up saving 9 match points, starting out 2 sets down to 13th-seed Richard Gasquet, to do this at 9-8 in the fifth set.


Here's the post-match Q-and-A session, presumably when he could catch his breath

FIFA Says Suarez Banned, Uruguay Fed Plans Appeal

((HT: FIFA/ESPN))

Of course, they do...

For the record, here's FIFA's statement:

"The player Luis Suarez is to be suspended for nine official matches. The first match of this suspension is to be served in the upcoming [round of 16] FIFA World Cup fixture between Colombia and Uruguay.

"The remaining match suspensions shall be served in Uruguay's next FIFA World Cup matches, as long as the team qualifies, and/or in the representative team's subsequent official matches.

"The player is banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity -- administrative, sports or any other -- for a period of four months. A stadium ban is pronounced against Luis Suarez, who is prohibited from entering the confines of any stadium during the period of the ban."


It would mean that in addition to his time in Rio, you can possibly adding missing nine Premier League games, Champions League and Capital One Cup matches before the end of October. This, of course, is if Suarez even gets to stay at Liverpool. The first time he bit another player he was booted from his Dutch side.

Uruguay FA President Wilmar Valdez is appealing and he has three days to get his defense together.

ESPN dispatched Wright Thompson to Montevideo for reaction. Max Bretos tracked him down

Group of Death Recap: USMNT Can Thank Ronaldo Later (Plus Free Swinging In Ghana)

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

As it turns out, the Germany 4-0 blowout of Portugal was the decider that sent Germany and the United States on and sent Portugal and the Ghanaians home.

This is one of those times that a 1-0 loss is a win as the US moves on to play, probably, Holland


And here's how Ronaldo put the Portuguese in front of Ghana for good...


But, the incident that will make everyone remember that particular match comes from something worse than a cup-check
((HT: Jack Conness' Vine))

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

NPSL South Region Week 9 Review/Preview

South Atlantic Conference

It's Upward Stars on top- five points clear (15) over FC Carolina Discoveries (10). Myrtle Beach and Carolina Railhawks Under-23's have 8 and Gate City have 4.

Upward's loss to Railhawks kept them from getting further ahead. Discoveries had a 4-point week with a win over Gate City and a draw with Myrtle Beach.

This week, Upward hosts Gate City. Myrtle Beach hosts Railhawks and FC Carolina Discoveries has the week off.

The Mutiny are enjoying the tourney in Brazil as much as the next guy
((HT: WMBF-TV))
WMBFNews.com, Myrtle Beach/Florence SC, Weather

South Central Conference

Tulsa Athletics are five points clear of the group (21 points). Oklahoma City and Dallas City are next in line (16 and 15 points). Corinthians and Joplin are 4th and 5th (12 and 10). Then, it's Liverpool Warriors (7 points), the Fort Worth Vaqueros (4 points), and BCS Clash. The Clash have now given up 80 goals in 7 games, only scoring 4.

Tulsa knocked off Corinthians 3-0. Here's the highlights
((HT: Tulsa their own selves))


Dave Saunders is along side Man of the Match, Levi Coleman


Dallas City FC's week included a 3-1 win over Liverpool Warriors
((HT: jacob tuygun))


Joplin put 9 on BCS Clash
((HT: Gabriel Hershewe))


And Fort Worth put 11 on BCS as well for their first win of the year- here's the highlights
((HT: Ft Worth Vaqueros their own selves))


Sarah Bruener caught up with head coach Mark Snell after the game


This week, Tulsa hosts Dallas City. DCFC also plays at Fort Worth. BCS hosts Liverpool and Corinthians also goes to Dallas for the back end of thier weekend home stand.

Southeast Conference

It's two halves...

Chattanooga FC, New Orleans Jesters, Nashville FC, and Silverbacks Reserves are all within three points of each other (17, 17, 15, and 14 points). Rocket City United, the Georgia Revolution, and Knoxville Force are in the bottom half at 5, 4, and 2.

CFC had a 4-point week drawing at Rocket City and winning over Knoxville.
Here's the match against the Force at Finley where CFC won 6-1
((HT: Chattahooligans))


New Orleans also got three points from their match with RCU.
Nashville had their week with the Revs and Rocket City in a 2-0 win
((HT: Williamson Source))


Goalkeeper Stephen Lunney told OSG Sports when asked about the week: "We're looking forward to this weekend's game. It gives us a chance to continue our good run of form and improve our seeding for the playoffs."

Silverbacks reserves shut out Knoxville as well.

This week, it's huge match-ups in the conference. Nashville travels to Silverbacks and Chattanooga hosts New Orleans who also play the Georgia Revs the night before. Rocket City travels to Knoxville before hosting the Silverbacks.

Sunshine Conference

Miami United and Jacksonville United are the class of the conference at 17 points each. Storm FC and Tamps Marauders FC are at 7 points each with Cape Coral at 3 points- still looking for their first win of the year.

Miami drew both matches this past week with Jacksonville and Cape Coral.
Here's the highlights of the Jacksonville match set to music
((HT: Miami United FC their own selves))


Jacksonville also beat Storm FC.
This week, Miami hosts Cape Coral. Jacksonville goes to Tampa. Storm FC gets the week off...

NPSL Week 9 Northeast Region Review/Preview

Keystone Conference

It's GBFC and FC Lehigh Valley U Sonic at the top with 20 points. Then, the group of five underneath is separated by a total of five points- Junior Lone Star have 14, Clarkstown and Buxmont are at 11, and Hershey and Pocono Snow have 9. Electric Shock are at the bottom of the table with 2.

The Thunder had a 9-point week putting 6 on Hershey with wins over Pocono, 1-0
((HT: J. Spike Rogan))


And Junior Lone Star on the second leg of a back-to-back weekend run, 1-0.
Ben Ramin got the game-winner for the Thunder's 4th straight shutout
((HT: WBNG-TV))


The Thunder host Electric City before this week's big conference showdown with FC Lehigh Valley. Sonic had a four-point week with a win over Buxmont and a draw with Junior Lone Star. Junior Lone Star finished their week with a win over Electric City and get Buxmont, Hershey, and Pocono Snow this week as well.

Clarkstown beat Electric City and lost to Hershey at home before their matches this week with Sonic and Buxmont Torch. Last week, Buxmont also has a round with Electric City and Hershey starts their week with Electric City.

Mid-Atlantic Conference

Right now, it's still DCU under-23's and Virginia Beach City FC within two points of each other (20-18)- both still undefeated on the season. RVA FC is third with 12 points. Legacy 76, Chesterfield United, and ASA Charge are the last three and all within three points of each other (5, 4, and 2).

DCU had a 6-point week with wins over ASA and Legacy 76. VBC FC beat Chesterfield, 4-3. RVA had a 6-pointer as well with wins over Legacy and ASA.

Here's the highlights of the 5-0 win over ASA
((HT: Profound Productions))


This week, DCU hosts RVA. VBC FC hosts RVA as well. Chesterfield hosts Legacy and ASA.

North Atlantic Conference

It's still Red Bulls Under-23's and Brooklyn still tied at 24 points. But the Red Bulls gave the Italians their first loss of the year last week 5-1. The Italians rebounded with two wins over Seacoast Phantoms and Rhode Island. The Phantoms are six points clear of fourth at 15 points. Their week was losing two out of three- Greater Lowell was the win, 3-1
((HT: GLUFC their own selves))


Brooklyn and NYAC were the losses. This week, they go to Rhode Island and host Red Bulls.

NYAC and Seacoast Mariners are at 9 and 8 points, respectively. NYAC tied Greater Lowell before the win. This week, they're at Rhode Island and host Brooklyn. The Reds and Greater Lowell are at 5 points and 4.

Greater Lowell caught up with leading scorer Yaw Addow this week as well

Lincecum No-No's Padres Again...

((HT: MLB.com))

It's the third no-hitter of the season and Tim Lincecum becomes the second Giant to no-hit a team more than once- matching Christy Mathewson's feat against did it to the Chicago Cubs four years apart (in 1901 and 1905).

The first no-hitter was a 148-pitch run (148 PITCHES???!!!) almost a year ago.
Today's had 35 less pitches and was in San Francisco

Here's the ending


Lincecum joins Anibal Sanchez and Matt Cain with no-hitters at Candlestick Point.

Atlanta Silverbacks Beat Colorado in USOpen Cup With 8 Men

((HT: Colorado Rapids))

It was, let's face it, a weird night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in suburban Denver last night as the winner prepped for the quarterfinals in the US Open Cup- the United States version of the FA Cup- where any team, regardless of level can have a chance at winning a $250,000 cash prize for their franchise.

And the NASL is making their mark in the tourney. Carolina Railhawks beat the LA Galaxy 1-0, and the Silverbacks knocked off the Rapids 2-1 in a wild game that had weather delays (pictured, scarily right by Kevin Pugh/Colorado Rapids)
and ended up with the Rapids playing with a 10-on-8 advantage after a massive scrum and disagreements that led to five Silverbacks red cards- three to players and two to coaches who left the box and two reds for the Rapids- one player and a coach.

The end result is that it was 10v8 for 35 minutes- the last 25 of regulation and another 10 of stoppage time while everything was being settled on the pitch.

Here's the highlights- skip ahead to the hour mark
((HT: Atlanta Silverbacks/Colorado Rapids))


Rapids defender Drew Moor, the guy at the bottom of the pile and recipient of the cleats to the face said the loss was unacceptable
((HT: Colorado Rapids))


The Silverbacks will play either Columbus or Chicago in July in the Open Quarters. It will be interesting to see what the red card situation is for that match and how it may affect the home team.

NFL And Courts Rescind Max Cap On Concussions Lawsuit, Kevin Turner Present On Capitol Hill

((HT: Kevin Turner Foundation))

The NFL agreed to remove the US$675 million cap on damages in the 20,000 concussion-related claims put forth in a lawsuit against the league since it was widely thought that the money would run out sooner than all affected could receive their part of the settlement.

The settlement is designed to last at least 65 years and cover retired players who develop ALS, dementia or other neurological problems believed to be caused by concussions suffered during their playing days.

The original settlement was:

$675 million for compensatory claims
$75 million for testing and
$10 million for medical research and education.

The NFL would also pay an additional $112 million to the players' lawyers

That cap is gone, but there is a formula that involves math concerning a plaintiff's age and severity of illness.

At the same time in Washington DC, something called the "Senate Aging Committee" met to figure out how to examine the long-term impact of sports-related brain injuries. Former WWE'er Chris Nowinski was scheduled to speak during the hearings.

But he wasn't the only one...

Here's the speech on Capitol Hill by Craig Sanderson- speaking for former Alabama running back Kevin Turner and the Kevin Turner Foundation


Turner was quoted once the settlement was figured out:

"The compensation provided in this settlement will lift a heavy burden off of the men who are suffering," he said in a statement. "I am also personally comforted by the knowledge that this settlement is guaranteed to be there for any retired player who needs it."

Full disclosure: OSG Sports supports the Kevin Turner Foundation and others suffering from ALS

World Cup: Messi Makes Sure Argentina Takes Down Nigeria

Yes, you can argue about a handful of soccer players who depending on the game and day can be christened, "The Greatest in the World".

But Lionel Messi of Argentina is proving it on the field.

Messi had 2 goals to lead Argentina to a 3-2 win over Nigeria Tuesday afternoon, propelling his team to a Group F win.

The Argentinians move on to the next round and Messi leads all players with 4 goals.

However, it must be added that the game was a 2-2 draw until Marcos Rojo scored midway through the 2nd period in what proved to be the game-winner.

And we should add the Nigerians will be moving on as well, courtesy of an Iran loss to Bosnia-Hersogovenia.

ESPN.com provides the highlights:

Crazy Kid: Dancing Marlins Fan Becomes Internet Rage

((ht: mlb.com))

Um...okay. Yeah, sure, it's great to be a kid. To not have a care in the world and to be genuinely be excited when the roving TV Camera finds you between innings at a Major League Baseball game.

Check out this kid at a Florida Marlins game Tuesday night.

To say he's excited...well, that wouldn't really do justice to the term "excited"....

And now, he's quite the rage on these here Interwebs...

Behold---

Jason Kipnis And The Almost Inside-The-Park HR

((HT: MLB/FSAZ))

Cleveland and Arizona played for a while last night- Arizona eventually winning 9-8 in 14 innings.

But the Indians Jason Kipnis almost forced the issue an inning earlier with a shot to center
The D-Backs Didi Gregorius had issue with Kipnis' plans...

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Aaron Hernandez Double Murder Case Has Trial Date

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

A judge has tentatively scheduled the Aaron Hernandez double murder trial to begin in May of 2015. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to the drive-by killing of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado after they met at a suburban Boston nightclub.

The thoughts are that Odin Lloyd may have said "too much" about the dealings of Hernandez to Abreu and Furtado and that the duo rubbed Hernandez the wrong way outside of any conversation Lloyd may have had in the club with them.

Hernandez waited until the two left the nightclub and is to alleged to have shot and killed them the same evening.

Here's FOSG Maria Stephanos and Ted Daniel
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

Hernandez's lawyers also asked Judge Jeffrey Locke to issue a gag order in the case- feeling that Hernandez won't get a fair trial because of the amount of media coverage he has already received in the Lloyd murder case.

Naturally, prosecutors objected and Judge Locke hasn't given a ruling as of yet.

Just How Hard Should FIFA Come Down On Suarez...??/

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

Luis Suarez says things like what happened today in the Uruguay-Italy match "happen..."

Sure they do...

"These are just things that happen out on the pitch," Suarez said. "It was just the two of us inside the area and he bumped into me with his shoulder, and that's how my eye got like this as well. There are things that happen on the pitch and you should not make such a big deal out of them."

The bitten in this case, Chiellini, thinks nothing will happen and he told Sky Sports Italia just as much:

"It's a disgrace. The referee decided this game. If either team should have gone through, then it was us.

"Giving a red card to Marchisio and no red to Suarez decided the game. There was a different treatment for both sides and that decided the game and decided who went through.

"When we had 11 men, they weren't a threat at all and we were in perfect control, but then in the end, [the red card] was decisive.

"But then Suarez gets away with whatever he wants because FIFA want the top players involved. He bit me, and the sign is there. Now [FIFA] have got to have the courage to take action."


The guys at ESPN discuss


Thoughts are coming down on Suarez that include everything from a lifetime ban (not just internationally) to expelling Uruguay from the knockout stage and giving their slot to the next man up in their Group.

What say you, faithful reader...??/

Ivory Coast Was In, Then They Weren't...

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

If the Ivory Coast won with the firepower they had- Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Bony, and Drogba... then it would have been a great offensive show for the knockout round. If only the head coach had gotten his starting line-up right (or just kept it constant). Drogba came in as Super Sub in the 2 previous games, but was started in Game 3.

This kill shot didn't work. But a comeback over Greece almost got them in with the draw...

Yeah, that didn't go well either in stoppage time...
It has to be seen to believed...


So, Greece advances to the knockout stages for the first time with the 2-1 win...

Bully for them...

NPSL Week 9 Midwest Region Review/Preview

Central Conference

The top five teams are only separated by 8 points. Quad Cities are on top with 16 that included a 2-1 win over FC Bordo last week. Madison 56ers are only one point back at 15 after their 2-1 win over Minnesota TwinStars. Minnesota United Reserves are 3rd at 10 after their win over Eau Claire and TwinStars put 7 on Aris the next night- Aris are still winless this season.

This week, Quad Cities hosts United Reserves. TwinStars play at FC Bordo and Quad Cities. Eau Claire have the weekend off.

Great Lakes East Conference

This one is fun...

Four points among four teams...

AFC Cleveland had the week off and the group came back to them. Fort Pitt won two out of three and now have 11 points- beating FC Buffalo and Erie Admirals at home before losing at FC Buffalo in the return. The Wolves are now at 10 points with Erie at 8.

Here's the first half of the 4-0 Fort Pitt win over FCB
((HT: WNYMedia))


Great Lakes West Conference

Another street fight with three teams- Indiana Fire, Detroit City FC, and Lansing United all within three points of each other (18, 17, and 15). The Fire had a four-point weekend- beating DCFC and drawing Lansing United. Cincinnati Saints and Michigan Stars are tied at 4th with 9 points.

Here's the highlights from the 1-1 draw between Indiana and Lansing
((HT: Lansing United))


With postgame from Lansing head coach Eric Rudland


Cincinnati and Michigan had the weekend off...

This weekend, Indiana is on the road at Fort Pit and DCFC. Lansing gets FC Buffalo and Cincinnati hosts Michigan.

NPSL Week 9 West Region Review/Preview

Golden Gates Conference

Three teams for two spots in the playoff picture...

Sonoma County, Sacramento, and CD Aguiluchos are looking to advance with a few weeks left and the margin is 7 among the three (23, 19, and 16). The Sol shut out San Francisco Stompers 4-0 and get Aguiluchos next- as they had the weekend off. Sacramento had Real San Jose on the schedule. Sacramento get San Fran this weekend.

Real San Jose, three points clear of the cellar, have the weekend off.

Northwest Conference

Spartans Futbol Club added another 8 goals to their coffers with an 8-1 win over Inter United FC. Spartans point total is now 31 and the goal difference is plus-34. Gorge FC shocked the conference with a 5-1 win at home against Seattle Sporting FC- good enough for their first win of the season.

This week, Spartans go to Seattle and Gorge host Inter. With another win, Gorge (5 points) can catch Inter United in the ladder.

Here's a look at Sporting's win over Inter United on Father's Day
((HT: Seattle Sporting FC))


Southwest Conference

This is a battle for second...

Looks like FC Force have a chance of finishing with 40 regular season points if they beat San Diego Flash on the road this weekend. FC Hasental held Force to a 1-1 draw to put their point total at 28. Temecula FC tied Flash at threes to keep them at 28 as well.

Temecula host FC Santa Clarita and Del Rey City go to Hasental.

The Quails have been interesting as of late- at 13 points coming into the weekend.
Here's highlights of their 6-1 win over Del Rey City
((HT: Garrett Reese))

Uruguay's Advancement Overshadowed By Another Biting...???

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

This is Group of Champions and it appears that Luis Suarez is a chump- again...

Costa Rica and Uruguay advance to the knockout stages leaving Italy and England behind. But the larger issue is the apparent taking a chunk out of Chiellini's shoulder by striker Luis Suarez.

80th minute- a minute before Godin's goal against 10-man Forza- Suarez is in the box and jostling..


This is the third incident like this with Suarez. He received a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in 2013.
((HT: BPL))


Luis Suarez apologized at the time:

“I am deeply sorry for my inexcusable behaviour earlier today during our match against Chelsea.

“I have issued an apology and have tried to contact Branislav Ivanović to speak to him personally. I apologise also to my manager, playing colleagues and everyone at Liverpool Football Club for letting them down.”


In November 2010, Suárez, playing for Ajax Amsterdam, was suspended for seven games for biting PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal during a Dutch league game.
((HT: Football))


Suárez never played for Ajax again after the first biting incident; the club sold him to Liverpool during that winter’s January transfer window.

And the next question is: Does Suarez get suspended and do Uruguay keep him around for international play after...??/

And what does Liverpool do now...??? Pull the contract on the table...???

That's The Way To Get The Headlines From USMNT And Wimbledon, LeBron...

From Chris Broussard via Twitter:

LeBron James' agent Rich Paul has told Heat LeBron will exercise early termination option

Now, what...???

We go from this...
((HT: Miami Heat))


And this...
((HT: Miami Heat))


To him opting out and sending the entire NBA world in a tizzy of Biblical proportions...

Melo opts out. LeBron opts out. Cleveland could be a destination if you ask LeBron's wife on her Instagram account.
The Bulls, Mavs, Rockets, and Lakers want Melo.

But who can afford The Bron...???

That's the larger question as an unrestricted free agent...

Or is this just the first step to get everyone re-signed at lesser prices to get Melo (or someone else?) in the fold for the next few seasons to keep stocking the Heat roster...???

You're up, Pat Riley...??/

Monday, June 23, 2014

Solo Pleads Not Guilty To Domestic Violence Charge

((HT: KING5-TV))

Hope Solo plead not guilty to two counts of 4th degree assault after her arrest over the weekend. According to court records, Solo came to the home where her half sister lives, because she was "upset about the fact that her husband refused to take her to catch a flight because he was being a jerk."

Her husband is former Seattle Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens.

Allegedly, Solo had drunk a lot of wine and started insulting her nephew. The fight escalated to the point that Solo is accused of striking the nephew multiple times and even struck her half-sister.

From Chris Daniels' article:

The nephew admitted to police that he used a wooden broom and "broke it over her head to get her to stop assaulting" his mother, and at one point even waved an old BB gun in Solo's face to get her to leave the home. He said Solo would not leave and kept "circling like a shark."

Daniels was outside the courtroom for his live shot
Solo's next appearance in court is set for August 11th.

OSG High: Rays Take BP Against Knuckleballer

((HT: MLB.com))

The HQ knows what you're thinking...

So effing what...

Well, the knuckleballer is a 17-year-old high schooler from Plant City, Florida- Chelsea Baker...
Here's her day


Baker throws for her baseball team at Durant High. Rumor has it that Rays manager Joe Maddon was impressed with the movement of Baker's pitches- as is the HQ.

Mexico Advances Over Croatia: Herrera Smash...

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

Mexico has had to do it the hard way for this trip to Brazil. It all started with having to qualify against New Zealand in a home-and-home just to even get in the door.

And the surprise of the tournament- outside of Costa Rica (or CONCACAF in general)- has been El Tri.

They took care of business earlier today- beating Croatia to move to the Knockout stages


But the sight of the day was current head coach Miguel Herrera and his reaction on the sidelines as his team's fate was incrementally sealed...
((HT: Goooooal's Vine))


And here...


But just think if the two calls in the second half that were not called for Mexico led to a loss...

All hell would have broken loose and the stadium would not be standing.

Injured Gold Medal Swimmer Van Dyken-Rouen Standing--With Help

Just wanted to pass along a photo from injured swimming star Amy Van Dyken-Rouen.

You'll recall she was seriously hurt in an ATV accident in Arizona just a couple of weeks ago, severely injuring her spine.

It's great to see she's recovering. And while there's still no word as to whether she will be able to walk on her own again, she posted this Instagram picture today of her rehab, which looks like it is going pretty well.

Best of luck and keep up the hard work.

Of Course... FIFA Dropped The Mexico Gay Slur Case

FIFA's disciplinary panel has decided that they won't take any action against the Mexico football federation after the "investigation" of fans using a chant against the rival team's goalkeeper in previous matches this tournament in Brazil.

The chant, which (once again) the HQ will not print, is used in Mexican leagues as a tradition- calling the keeper (loosely translated) a male whore when he executes a goal kick...

FIFA says the chant "is not considered insulting in this specific context"- whatever in the blue hell that actually means.

The president of the Mexican federation, Hector Gonzalez, was interviewed by ESPN FC's John Sutcliffe who (along with national coach Miguel Herrera) didn't think the chant was all that bad in the first place when the issue first came up...
((HT: ESPN))


The HQ would like to congratulate FIFA in reinforcing who they actually are to the rest of us..

Yeah, Okay... We'll Talk About It, Too...

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

The HQ had the feeling Twitter broke twice in, about, a half an hour Sunday when Clint Dempsey scored and then CR7 assisted in game-tying goal with ten seconds left in the USA-Portugal match for a salvaged 2-2 draw.

Let's relive that hell all over again, shall we...??? With analysis...


So, there's all the talk now of colluding with Germany Thursday so both advance (yeah, that NEVER has happened in the past) and Portugal can go home- which would be the biggest irony of it all.

The back line was a complete breakdown in the last possession and NBCSports analyzes with a Molly Ringwold reference
((HT: Dan Patrick Show/Audience Network))


Yeah, it feels like a loss- and with a country that has increased expectations- it should be...

Now, go and park that bus against Germany!!!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

How About An Inside-The-Park Grand Slam...???

((HT: MiLB.com))

Yes, please...

Justin Higley obliges for the Vermont Lake Monsters when the game was tied at 6 in the 8th inning earlier Sunday.

Sydney Leroux Assists In Her Own Goal

((HT: NWSL Soccer))

This goal was pretty filthy, so check in at the 1:59:00 mark for the decider in the WNY Flash-Seattle Reign match


It's almost like nutmegging someone yourself, working around the pick, and scoring that way...

Only this was over the top... in more ways than one...

Is This The Michelle Wie The US Is Looking For...???

((HT: Golf Channel/USGA))

After a double bogey late in her final round at Pinehurst for the US Women's Open title, a lot of folks thought Stacy Lewis was poised to take advantage of Wie's collapse for either a playoff or a title of her own.

Didn't happen...

A birdie on 17 and a par on 18 sealed it for Michelle Wie for her first major title- and possibly making Annika Sorenstam's point about it being a turning point in Wie career and that of USA golf as we move forward.

Here's the Golf Channel look at where Wie has come from to get to this point in time

Minor League Baseball Team to host Mark Emmert Fan Appreciation Night

((ht: collegefootballtalk.com))

Bwhahahaha! This is fantastic....

The Lake County Captains, the Class A Minor League affiliate for the nearby Cleveland Indians have come up with a wickedly smart promotion that some may not get, but if you know your college sports, you definitely will.

The Captains will hold Mark Emmert Appreciation night on July 2nd.

Yes, that's NCAA President Mark Emmert...

The Captains came up with the idea after Emmert, while testifying in the Ed O'Bannon college athlete trademark case said "We know that in the U.S, minor league sports aren't very successful either for the fan support or for the fan experience.

A link to the Captains press release: RIGHT HERE

Here are your rules:

--All fans who do nothing but stay until the 3rd inning, get credit towards a future game of their choice.
--In honor of the new ruling allowing student-athletes to eat food whenever they want it, 4 college students at the game will get "All-you-can-eat" wristbands and tickets to a future game.
--During the game, fans can move from their ticketed seat location to another seat, subject to a one inning waiting period...if they want a different view.
--Copies of the book "Undue Process--The NCAA's Injustice For All" will be given to lucky attendees.
--Other prizes include: "One and Done" player basketball cards and copies of college football and basketball video games.
--Participants involved in the in-game promotions will NOT be rewarded for their efforts, instead, they will have the satisfaction of just having a chance to participate
--Fans who wear a "Generic" college jersey that may...or may not correspond to a famous athlete who may...or may not attend the same college will be greeted by a Captains Booster who will give them a $100 handshake
--And...the team says they considered offering free tickets to any local student-athlete for the game, but due to regulations, they'll have to show a student I.D to receive a $2 discount.

This folks, is subtle, somewhat passive-aggressive and very sarcastic humor at it's finest. Whomever the Lake County Captains P.R folks are, they should be applauded for this.

Bravo!

Isaiah Austin's Career Over After Marfan Diagnosis... A Team Should Draft Him Anyway

((HT: ESPN))

Isaiah Austin has overcome a lot to be a tremendous college basketball player- losing the sight out of an eye at the age of 8 and having to deal with all the stigma that comes with it. But keeping the loss of sight out of the public discussion until only recently has reinforced the public opinion that the Baylor player really is someone that is to be admired.

After his red-shirt sophomore season, he declared for the NBA Draft. But a diagnosis of Marfan's Syndrome has taken his dream and stopped it four days before the draft.

Here's Holly Rowe's interview with Austin after his mother broke the news to him


The HQ hopes that a franchise will draft Austin in the second round and make him an ambassador of the sport for their franchise.

San Antonio would make a great example of it...

Just thinking out loud...

OSG High: Ed Thomas- Five Years Later

((HT: Des Moines Register))

It's hard to fathom that five years have passed since the senseless shooting of Aplington-Parkersburg (IA) High head football coach Ed Thomas. Thomas took two towns worth of high school football players and turned them into champions more often than not in Iowa football.

He had kids graduate and, eventually, make their way to the National Football League. But one of Thomas' most-recalled tenets is that "if all I did was teach you how to block and tackle, then I have failed as a coach." He was just as proud of all those who left A-P with a diploma and went on to their chosen lives off the football field. But, by all indications, everyone flocked back to him at A-P to seek counsel, guidance, reassurance, and above all to remain a part of the Falcons community.

A former player Mark Becker, diagnosed with mental illness, went into the A-P weight room five years ago early in the morning and shot Thomas multiple times. Becker is serving a life sentence while his mental illness is being treated and has since shown remorse for shooting and killing "his friend." Becker's parents are now public speakers on mental illness and have made sure that Iowa law now alerts communities when patients are released into society.

The Register staff went back to A-P to see how the community is doing and John Naughton's article is the start of a must-read section on it all...

ICYMI: Game Winning Walk Off Infield Hit Sends Vandy to CWS

((ht: espn.com))

Imagine for a minute you play a sport or are part of the athletic department at a major SEC University  and your school has had exactly one appearance in an NCAA title game.

And the sport the title was won in: Bowling.

Now imagine the jubilation on the Nashville campus of Vanderbilt University after their baseball team won a berth in the College World Series baseball finals.

The Commodores punched their ticket with a 4-3 win over Texas Saturday night in 10 innings. The game was decided after Tyler Campbell beat out a bases loaded infield hit with 2 outs in the bottom of the 10th inning.

And the celebrating began...

The win sends Vandy into Monday's Best of 3 series with Virginia and gives the Commodores a shot at their 1st ever major sports National title.

Should make for some fun baseball:

ESPN.com gives us the highlights:




Saturday, June 21, 2014

Civil Suit Filed Against Aaron Hernandez- Kraft Family And Patriots Named As Well...

((HT: MyFoxBoston))

And all of this has to do with the 2012 double murder Hernandez is accused in recently...

A civil wrongful death lawsuit against Hernandez was filed on behalf of Daniel Abreu and Safiro Furtado. Lawyers for the two families are looking to stop the New England Patriots from handing over the signing bonus that the NFLPA is looking to get for him as part of his last contract that he signed. The lawyers are also looking to freeze any assets left from the sale of Hernandez's $5 million suburban Boston home.

The lawyers for Abreu and Furtado want that money for their clients.

Here's the idea from the Hernandez camp
Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

In another move, Hernandez's lawyers are looking to have their client moved to a jail closer to the city of Boston- since they have offices there and Hernandez also feel that their client's life is in danger.

From the motion:

"Surely there is now a reason to be seriously concerned about Hernandez's personal safety while housed at the Bristol County HOC and to question the ability of that facility's staff to treat Hernandez fairly and professionally while he is subject to their total control."

A 3-Run Wild Pitch...??? Yup...

((HT: MLB.com))

The HQ can't recall the last time we saw something like this...

One run, maybe two, but not three on a wild pitch that come around to score...
Evidence below...


So, Rockies pitcher Christian Friedrich threw a wild pitch- run scores
Catcher Michael McKenry throws it past Friedrich on the cover at home- another run scores
The ball rolled all the way to the Brewers dugout, Juan Segura scores...

Wonder what the conversation in the Rockies clubhouse was like after the game..>???

John Daly and Your Pants of the Week

((ht: cbssports.com))

What's that you say? Pants of the week?

Well, yeah, watch the video and it will suddenly all make sense.

Check out PGA Tour Golfer and fashion plate John Daly's pants of choice for Friday's round at The Travelers Championship.

Don't know if he plans to win, but yeah, we'll say it....it looks like he's all about the cash money.

Hahahaha!

Here's your video proof from the PGA Tour as Daly holes out a long eagle putt:


Former Gold Medal Soccer Winner Hope Solo Arrested

((ht: seattletimes.com))

It's never a good thing to have police called to your house to break up what is termed a "Loud Party" and for what ended as a 17-year old and the sister of a soccer star getting beat up.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to Seattle Reign and former women's Olympic soccer team goalie Hope Solo.

Police in Kirkland, Washington were called to a disturbance at a house that Solo and her husband, former NFL player Jerramy Stevens own. When they got there, they found Solo's 17-year old nephew and her sister injured after altercations with what they termed an "Intoxicated" Solo.

Read more from the Seatlle Times RIGHT HERE

Solo was arrested on the scene, booked and charged with 2 counts of Domestic Violence. She's scheduled to have her 1st court appearance on Monday.

And no, it isn't her 1st brush with the law. Her husband, Stevens was initially charged in an altercation with her, just hours before the two were to be married. The charges were dropped and the two wed.

For what it's worth, the Reign haven't publicly commented yet other than to say they were aware of what was going on. The team has a game Sunday afternoon in New York. No official word as to whether Solo will be appearing in that game. (We doubt it)

CNN has your Video Story:


Momma, There Goes That Man Again... Messi For The Win

((HT: ESPN/FIFA/gfutbol32's Vine))

Iran held with the Argentinians for 90-plus minutes, for what would have been their greatest moment ever in the national sport, but it took (naturally) another moment from one of the best in the world for the three points.

See just how ridiculous the game-winner was


And on their way to the knockout stage they go...

Here's the long version

How's This For A 4-6-3 Ground Out...???

((HT: MiLB.com))

Toledo and Charlotte in Charlotte...

And you'd think that a grounder through the pitcher's legs would go for a clean single to center, but you'd be wrong.
Just ask Brandon Douglas and Hernan Perez how to retire Carlos Sanchez...

Doncaster Rovers Heading In One Direction

((HT: BBC))

The HQ will be the first one to say that we have no earthly idea what the attraction is with the pop group One Direction.

Don't like the music. Don't get the music. Not gonna like it. Not gonna get it. Not gonna convert us in any way.

When we think about directions and music, we go here


But, we digress...

Whatever it is that makes the young girls swoon over One Direction has made them millionaires and one of them loves him some futbol. Louis Tomlinson loves him some futbol enough to take some of his discretionary income and be a co-owner in the League 1 side Doncaster Rovers.

The quote released by the team website:

“I want to be involved with things as much as I can.

“One aspect I would like to look into is the Youth side of the club. Doncaster is a very family orientated club and I hope to carry this on.

“I want people to recognise that Doncaster is a great football club, and this starts with the young supporters who come to the games with their mums or dads.

“It would be great to see more kids at the games with their families enjoying a day out at the football. It’s what it’s all about.”


Tomlinson grew up a Doncaster fan and even played in a Rovers Reserves match a while back. Most reserves matches only get a few hundred people to attend, but that night pulled in almost 5,000 fans for the fundraiser.


Will Tomlinson let the football people run the recently-relegated franchise or will the 22-year-old poke his nose in...? That's the 2014-15 season's first question...

Ocho-Cinco Now Quatre-Vingt-Cinq- Makes Als Debut

((HT: TSN/ESPN))

It was the debut where a certain receiver said it was like losing his virginity all over again...

And, for Chad Johnson, it was all about getting his timing down with the Montreal Alouettes QB Troy Smith. Since it's the beginning of the CFL exhibition season, the HQ is going to give the man a little slack.

He was rusty, and the Als were rusty as a group. They were taking on the newest franchise, the Ottawa Redblacks, in an exhibition game- and, to be honest, the HQ can't remember when the Als thought the pre-season actually meant something in terms of wins and losses.

Ottawa won... good for them...



Click here for a post-game 1-on-1 interview with Chad Johnson

Friday, June 20, 2014

George Springer Hit The Ball A Long Way

((HT: MLB.com/CSN Houston))

David Price was throwing pitch 50 of the night to the Astros Rookie of The Year candidate, George Springer, and he absolutely UNLOADED on it...

Evidence below...


Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart, via his Twitter, has the details on the bomb:

Springer's HR hit off the "d-ring" catwalk. It's 23rd time in ballpark history a ball hit off "d-ring." First time since May 30, 2011.

That's really far...

Lucy Li Misses Women's Open Cut: So What...

((HT: Golf Channel/USGA))

SHE'S 11 YEARS OLD!!!

For the record, the youngest player ever to qualify for the US Women's Open shot back-to-back 78's and will watch the weekend like the rest of us from Pinehurst.

But a lot has to be said about how she handled herself in that bull ring for five days.

She caught flak from some professional golfers for being too young to play. But the HQ maintains that, if she went through the Q-process to get there and beat others, then she deserves to be there.

She thought it was cool and handled her self really well.


The HQ looks forward to seeing her game develop over the next four decades or so...

The Kershaw No-Hitter Condensed With Vin Scully's Calls

((HT: MLB.com))

The beauty of Los Angeles Dodgers games is that we get to hear Vin Scully call the games...

So, now here is a condensed version of all 27 outs from the Clayton Kershaw no-hitter with Scully's calls on his 19th no-no

ChiSox Chris Sale Puts Teammate's Phone Number On Hat

((HT: CSN Chicago))

White Sox pitcher Scott Carroll has an interest in a company called doodlehats.com- where, for $19.95, you can buy a hat that has a dry-erase front where you can write any message you want.

Fellow pitcher Chris Sale wore one of the hats to promote Carroll's business during a postgame interview, but Carroll got a surprise with the information- his own cell phone number was being promoted on the front of the lid.


The phone rang until, Carroll says, 3AM with people who would call and then hang up.
And Carroll is now trying to debate revenge on his teammate.

Mexico Futbol Director Defends Indefensible Racist Chants

((HT: ESPN))

Earlier today, ESPN's John Sutcliffe interviewed Team Mexico's Director of National Teams Hector Gonzalez about the FIFA investigation of racist chants raining down from fans of El Tri in the Cameroon match.

The investigation centers around the use of the word "puto" - a gay slur that you'll have to look up yourself.

Gonzalez actually defended its use in stadia


Not to be outdone, team coach Miguel Herrera agreed- to ESPN:

"About the chants, we don't have anything to say, we are going to concentrate in working hard, that is what corresponds to us," Herrera said. "We support our fan base. They just do it to put pressure on the other goalkeeper.

"That chant was invented in the Mexican league by one team and all the Mexican fan base has adopted it, therefore I don't think it is something that serious.

"I think for us there is more important stuff to solve than a chant that is just an expression to put pressure on the other goalkeeper that has been taking place in Mexico since a long time ago."


The Mexican Federation is ultimately responsible for fan behavior and it looks like FIFA may come down hard if they can prove the words were used.

Or, to be more accurate, if FIFA want to find the evidence...

Costa Rica Knocks Off Italy, England Knocked Out

((HT: ESPN/FIFA))

Italy looks like they're another squad that might be in transition (or in need of transition) after the Forza Azzuri's 1-0 loss to Costa Rica Friday. The result puts Italy in an interesting place heading into their third match and knocks England out before their third- against Costa Rica before the knockout stages.

Here's the highlights


The Ticos haven't made the Round of 16 since 1990, but it will be interesting to see how they respond to life in the next round.

And the larger question may be the future of Prandelli and his Italian squad.

Vince Neil Following In Kiss' Footsteps...???

The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that Motley Crue's Vince Neil, minority owner in the Jacksonville Sharks, wants to bring a franchise back to Las Vegas and call them the Las Vegas Outlaws.

Robin Leach (yes, THAT Robin Leach) is reporting that the team should be up and running by the 2015 season and will be the third incarnation of Arenaball in Vegas with the Sting and the Gladiators having been there before.

Two prevailing thoughts:

Here's what the HQ thinks about when we think about the Las Vegas Gladiators
((HT: arenafootballleague))


But, Neil wants the Las Vegas Outlaws and this is what the HQ thinks about that idea...
((HT: XFL Football 2001))


He Hate Me!!!