Friday May 25 8 PM
Still three days away from the start of the stanley cup final...does anybody outside of Ottawa & Anaheim still care?...Has Ray Emery had to come out and play yet? I'll be convinced when he holds the Cup...just want to see good hockey with better officiating...
Anaheim in seven
Conference Finals Predictions: 1-1
Total Playoff Predictions: 13-2
CBC has added Greg Millen to the booth in an effort to save Bob Cole & Harry Neale. That's a lost cause...Make sure you listen to The Team 990 instead with Sam Rosen & Darren Pang...Not everybody liked Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football on ABC in the 70's (I did) so they used to turn the sound down and listen to the CBS radio feed with Jack Buck and Hank Stram...I often turn the sound down on pro sports events and listen to music...I have found very few people outside of Pierre McGuire who can tell me something about an event/athlete that I didn't already know. And unless someone has reached Harry Carey status, out and out cheerleading during a broadcast turns me off quicker than a visual of Rosanne Barr mud wrestling Rosie O'Donnell.
http://www.powermaxconsulting.com/HarrySounds.htm
My favorite baseball broadcasting team is Duane Kiper and Mike Krukow with the San Fransisco Giants. Both former players consistently deliver the goods: Informative, entertaining, soothing and colorful without being intrusive. And they never seem to clash... It's a delicate balancing act but these guys have pulled it off for nearly 20 years.
http://www.knbr.com/giants/krukKuip.html
I also liked The Expos english radio broadcasts from olympic Stadium during the final two years of the franchise...those guys were pretty good...
Now that the San Antonio Spurs and David Stern have helped eliminate Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns from the post season I have little interest left in the NBA playoffs...and it's not just "the Canadian factor"...I'd love to see a run 'n gun offense like the Suns win a championship, especially with so many basketball "experts" (Charles Barkley among them) who don't believe it can be done...
Stern effectively squashed any hopes of a "7 seconds or less" team winning it all when he suspended Amore Stoudamire and Boris Diaw for game five of the western semifinal for stepping onto the court...Diaw has never received a technical foul in his career, yet the all-knowing Stern assumed he was going to start throwing punches?...like George Steinbrenner, Al Davis and yes, even Harry Caray, Stern is guilty of, if nothing else, overstaying his welcome...and a once impenetrable public facade is crumbling quickly with more and more calls for his resignation...
http://onmilwaukee.com/sports/articles/davidsternmustgo.html
http://www.amazon.com/Seven-Seconds-Less-Season-Phoenix/dp/074329811X
Long suffering Van Morrison fans in Montreal finally got their wish today when tickets when on sale for Van's first Montreal concert in over 20 years...I couldn't wait that long so a couple of years back I headed to Boston over St.Patrick's week to catch Van the Man at the Orphium, a small Theatre St. Denis-like venue across from Boston Common...I paid the equivalent of $400 Cdn for a 5th row center seat, the most I've ever paid to see anybody at any venue....tickets read 7:30 SHARP...I was in the washroom at 7:25 when the crowd went nuts.... stuck at a urinal while Van sang "Into The Mystic"...finally making it into my seat in time for the second tune, most of which Van spent playing his saxophone...in fact, it seemed like he played the sax more often than he sang...he was done, with no encore, by 8:55...I'm glad I finally caught him but vowed never to pay to see him again..assuming that he would keep his promise from 1986 when he vowed never to play Montreal again following some boos for his opening act Mose Allison...so now I'm kind of torn, especially after the release of his first country album, "Pay The Devil" and recent appearance on Austin City Limits which featured him in good spirits, even taking requests!...
http://www.vanmorrison.co.uk/
http://www.moseallison.net/
More Music:
The Allman Brothers Band: Hittin' The Note **** Released in 2003 I only got to it this year, stunned by how good Gregg Allman sounds with Warren Haynes' guitar coming out of the left speaker and Derek Trucks' work pouring out of the right...many songs seem to be about the then recently fired Dickie Betts
Joe Bonamassa: You & Me *** Blues based work from young virtuoso discovered by the late Tom Dowd...Jason Bonham on drums
www.jbonamassa.com
Ry Cooder: My Name Is Buddy ***1/2 Don't be fooled by the cover or text..this is not a kids album...serious american roots music by a seriously good musician and his friends
http://www.nonesuch.com/Hi_Band/index_frameset2.cfm?pointer=cooder.gif
Drive-By Truckers: A Blessing and A Curse ***1/2 My favorite American rock band...Three main songwriters all with considerable depth...four vocalists...might be the best band around since...The Band
www.drivebytruckers.com
Van Morrison: Pay The Devil *** Van as cowboy
Willie Nelson:
Countryman *** Willie as reggae master...he be groovin... about time, huh?
You Don't Know Me (The songs of Cindy Walker) ****1/2 Can't beat combo
Songbird ***1/2 Willie gets added muscle from Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
www.willienelson.com
Old Crow Medicine Show: Big Iron World *** New wave bluegrass, even better live
www.crowmedicine.com
Tom Russell: Love & Fear *** Gifted songwriter tackles love, fear and growing old
www.tomrussell.com
Steve Wynn&theMiracle3: ...tick...tick...tick *** Former Dream Syndicate frontman has been making great music with his new friends for about five years...
www.stevewynn.net
Favorite American Bands(Current):
1. Drive-By Truckers
2. White Stripes
3. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
4. Wilco
5. Kings Of Leon
6. My Morning Jacket
7. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
8. New York Dolls
9. Iggy & The Stooges
10 Raconteurs
And this just in: NBC admits to true meaning behind it's call letters...
No Body Cares
Friday, May 25, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Bud Selig is an Idiot
Friday May 18 8:00 PM
I enjoy watching Bud Selig squirm. The mlb comissioner's facetious response to Barry Bonds record home run chase, "Oh, is he approaching a record?" reveals far more of this man with the snake oil in his veins (and hair) than any speech from a podium might do. On the surface he might appear pleasant, even charming. But make no mistake. There's a darkness lurking.
The fact that he doesn't like answering questions about Bonds, never mind that he apparently doesn't know if he'll be in attendance when Hank Aaron's all time home run mark is eclipsed, is a delicious irony for those of us who have followed him closely since he helped knock Fay Vincent out of the park.
Selig was merely the "interim" comissioner at the time. Playing the "Aw shucks, I don't really want the job" routine as believably as his fellow owners who feigned admiration for Vincent. Just the beginning of a pack of lies. And always unbelievable performances. Oh, let me count some of the ways:
It "pained" Selig "terribly" to cancel the rest of the 1994 season.
It "saddened" him to announce the contraction of Montreal and Minnesota.
He lied to Congress during anti-trust exemption hearings in 2001 before being verbally body-slammed by Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.
He lied on The Team 990 during an in-game conversation with Elliott Price (Remember the Expos-tied for the lead in the NL wild card race-were not allowed to expand their roster on september 1st? "First I hear of this" Said Selig to Elliott.)
Montreal is "the last residue of contraction"'
"We want to get rid of them" (The Expos); "We need to get rid of them"
Declaring the All Star game a tie; subsequently awarding the winner home field advantage in the World Series.
Claimed he wasn't aware of rampant steroid use in baseball; before BALCO.
Claimed he wasn't aware of rampant steroid use in baseball; after BALCO
Continues to refer to current state of baseball as "A Renaissance"; 2006 World Series TV ratings hit a record low
I need to head home for the weekend or I'd go on all night. Put it this way. Bud Selig makes Gary Bettman look like Pete Rozelle.
Selig is clearly fucked on the Bonds issue. May he squirm forever.
I think Jeff Blair has been around the baseball beat long enough to earn a "Well, Jeff..." reply from Selig. I know Blair has reached the rarefied air status of "insider" with "access" directly to the comissioner's office, a must for anyone with a baseball column. So while he regularly lets the high & mighty off the hook he hasn't lost his ability to dish it out. Only now his cutting sarcasm (no, let's make that sardonic humour) is directed mostly at players and fans. But it's only rock 'n roll. And I love it:
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070518.wsptblair18/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home
Another sports blogger who always gets me going-and who, like Blair-is always a terrific radio guest is Sportsnet's Jim Kelley:
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/jim_kelley/2007/05/18/end_of_days/
Nice moment at last saturday's Norah Jones concert at Theatre St. Denis. During her second encore (Tom Waits' "Long Way Home") a gentleman in the front row dropped to his knees while presenting an engagement ring to his girlfriend. She squeeled, accepted his invitation, then kissed and hugged him while a smattering of applause could be heard from some of us seated in the same section. The couple continued to embrace and slow dance while the ravishing Miss Jones and her band (including boyfriend and bass player Lee Alexander) looked on somewhat bemused.
Beats the proposal- via- sports- scoreboard route.
Jones makes her big screen debut in a movie that opened this week at Cannes. It's called "My Blueberry Nights". She plays a woman who tries to mend her broken heart by taking a cross-country road trip. She's sure to light up the screen. But I'm not as sure she'll equal the screen debuts of a couple of other beauties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BylTBPNu7cU
and 50 years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAp-wd3Yf60&mode=related&search=
Pamela Anderson couldn't hold their g-strings.
Happy Victoria Day.
Montreal Expos 8, New York Mets 4
Day
Game Played on Monday, May 18, 1970 (D) at Parc Jarry
NY N 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 - 4 9 0
MON N 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 - 8 12 1
Time of Game: 3:10 Attendance: 31004
Starting Lineups:
New York Mets Montreal Expos
1. Agee cf Staehle 2b
2. Harrelson ss Jones lf
3. Jones lf Staub rf
4. Shamsky 1b Fairly 1b
5. Boswell 2b Fairey cf
6. Marshall rf Laboy 3b
7. Foy 3b Bateman c
8. Grote c Wine ss
9. Gentry p Stoneman p
METS 1ST: Agee was called out on strikes; Harrelson walked;
Harrelson was picked off and caught stealing second (pitcher to
first to shortstop); Jones popped to catcher in foul territory;
0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 0.
EXPOS 1ST: Staehle flied to center; Jones doubled to left; Staub
walked; Fairly walked [Jones to third, Staub to second]; Fairey
grounded into a double play (shortstop to second to first)
[Fairly out at second]; 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 0.
METS 2ND: Shamsky struck out; Boswell grounded out (second to
first); Marshall popped to first; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0,
Expos 0.
EXPOS 2ND: Laboy struck out; Bateman singled to left; Wine
singled to center [Bateman to second]; Stoneman struck out;
Staehle singled to right [Wine to third, Bateman scored, Staehle
to second (on throw)]; Jones was hit by a pitch; Staub popped to
third in foul territory; 1 R, 3 H, 0 E, 3 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
METS 3RD: Foy grounded out (pitcher to first); Grote walked;
Gentry struck out; Agee singled to right [Grote to third];
Harrelson walked [Agee to second]; Jones struck out; 0 R, 1 H, 0
E, 3 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
EXPOS 3RD: Fairly flied to center; Fairey lined to center; Laboy
struck out; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
METS 4TH: Shamsky lined to center; Boswell singled to right;
Marshall doubled to center [Boswell scored, Marshall out at
third (center to shortstop to third)]; Foy walked; Foy stole
second; Grote grounded out (shortstop to first); 1 R, 2 H, 0 E,
1 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 4TH: Bateman was called out on strikes; Wine grounded out
(second to first); On a bunt Stoneman singled; Staehle struck
out; 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 5TH: Gentry struck out; Agee reached on an error by
Staehle; Harrelson singled to center [Agee to second]; Jones
forced Harrelson (second to shortstop) [Agee to third]; Shamsky
popped to shortstop; 0 R, 1 H, 1 E, 2 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 5TH: Jones struck out; Staub flied to right; Fairly struck
out; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 6TH: Boswell singled to right; Marshall flied to left; Foy
singled to left [Boswell to second]; Grote flied to left; Gentry
struck out; 0 R, 2 H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 6TH: Fairey struck out; Laboy flied to left; Bateman
grounded out (third to first); 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1,
Expos 1.
METS 7TH: Agee was called out on strikes; Harrelson grounded out
(first unassisted); Jones popped to second; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0
LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 7TH: Wine grounded out (pitcher to first); Stoneman
grounded out (catcher to first); Staehle grounded out (first
unassisted); 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 8TH: Shamsky flied to center; Boswell walked; Boswell was
caught stealing second (catcher to shortstop); Marshall homered;
Foy homered; Grote homered; RAYMOND REPLACED STONEMAN
(PITCHING); Gentry struck out; 3 R, 3 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 4,
Expos 1.
EXPOS 8TH: JORGENSEN REPLACED SHAMSKY (PLAYING 1B); SWOBODA
REPLACED MARSHALL (PLAYING RF); Jones was called out on strikes;
Staub singled to right; Fairly singled to right [Staub to
second]; Fairey singled to left [Fairly to second, Staub
scored]; TAYLOR REPLACED GENTRY (PITCHING); Laboy struck out;
Bateman singled to center [Fairey to third, Fairly scored]; DAY
BATTED FOR WINE; Day popped to third in foul territory; 2 R, 4
H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 4, Expos 3.
METS 9TH: SUTHERLAND REPLACED DAY (PLAYING SS); Agee popped to
first; Harrelson flied to left; Jones was called out on strikes;
0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 4, Expos 3.
EXPOS 9TH: BRAND BATTED FOR RAYMOND; Brand singled to center;
MCGRAW REPLACED TAYLOR (PITCHING); Staehle forced Brand (catcher
to shortstop); PHILLIPS BATTED FOR JONES; Phillips walked
[Staehle to second]; Staub doubled to center [Phillips to third,
Staehle scored]; Fairly was walked intentionally; BAILEY BATTED
FOR FAIREY; KOONCE REPLACED MCGRAW (PITCHING); Bailey homered
[Phillips scored, Staub scored, Fairly scored]; 5 R, 3 H, 0 E, 0
LOB. Mets 4, Expos 8.
Final Totals
Mets 4 9 0 8
Expos 8 12 1 8
Read Me
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bailebo01.shtml
I enjoy watching Bud Selig squirm. The mlb comissioner's facetious response to Barry Bonds record home run chase, "Oh, is he approaching a record?" reveals far more of this man with the snake oil in his veins (and hair) than any speech from a podium might do. On the surface he might appear pleasant, even charming. But make no mistake. There's a darkness lurking.
The fact that he doesn't like answering questions about Bonds, never mind that he apparently doesn't know if he'll be in attendance when Hank Aaron's all time home run mark is eclipsed, is a delicious irony for those of us who have followed him closely since he helped knock Fay Vincent out of the park.
Selig was merely the "interim" comissioner at the time. Playing the "Aw shucks, I don't really want the job" routine as believably as his fellow owners who feigned admiration for Vincent. Just the beginning of a pack of lies. And always unbelievable performances. Oh, let me count some of the ways:
It "pained" Selig "terribly" to cancel the rest of the 1994 season.
It "saddened" him to announce the contraction of Montreal and Minnesota.
He lied to Congress during anti-trust exemption hearings in 2001 before being verbally body-slammed by Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.
He lied on The Team 990 during an in-game conversation with Elliott Price (Remember the Expos-tied for the lead in the NL wild card race-were not allowed to expand their roster on september 1st? "First I hear of this" Said Selig to Elliott.)
Montreal is "the last residue of contraction"'
"We want to get rid of them" (The Expos); "We need to get rid of them"
Declaring the All Star game a tie; subsequently awarding the winner home field advantage in the World Series.
Claimed he wasn't aware of rampant steroid use in baseball; before BALCO.
Claimed he wasn't aware of rampant steroid use in baseball; after BALCO
Continues to refer to current state of baseball as "A Renaissance"; 2006 World Series TV ratings hit a record low
I need to head home for the weekend or I'd go on all night. Put it this way. Bud Selig makes Gary Bettman look like Pete Rozelle.
Selig is clearly fucked on the Bonds issue. May he squirm forever.
I think Jeff Blair has been around the baseball beat long enough to earn a "Well, Jeff..." reply from Selig. I know Blair has reached the rarefied air status of "insider" with "access" directly to the comissioner's office, a must for anyone with a baseball column. So while he regularly lets the high & mighty off the hook he hasn't lost his ability to dish it out. Only now his cutting sarcasm (no, let's make that sardonic humour) is directed mostly at players and fans. But it's only rock 'n roll. And I love it:
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070518.wsptblair18/GSStory/GlobeSportsBaseball/home
Another sports blogger who always gets me going-and who, like Blair-is always a terrific radio guest is Sportsnet's Jim Kelley:
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/jim_kelley/2007/05/18/end_of_days/
Nice moment at last saturday's Norah Jones concert at Theatre St. Denis. During her second encore (Tom Waits' "Long Way Home") a gentleman in the front row dropped to his knees while presenting an engagement ring to his girlfriend. She squeeled, accepted his invitation, then kissed and hugged him while a smattering of applause could be heard from some of us seated in the same section. The couple continued to embrace and slow dance while the ravishing Miss Jones and her band (including boyfriend and bass player Lee Alexander) looked on somewhat bemused.
Beats the proposal- via- sports- scoreboard route.
Jones makes her big screen debut in a movie that opened this week at Cannes. It's called "My Blueberry Nights". She plays a woman who tries to mend her broken heart by taking a cross-country road trip. She's sure to light up the screen. But I'm not as sure she'll equal the screen debuts of a couple of other beauties:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BylTBPNu7cU
and 50 years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAp-wd3Yf60&mode=related&search=
Pamela Anderson couldn't hold their g-strings.
Happy Victoria Day.
Montreal Expos 8, New York Mets 4
Day
Game Played on Monday, May 18, 1970 (D) at Parc Jarry
NY N 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 - 4 9 0
MON N 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 - 8 12 1
Time of Game: 3:10 Attendance: 31004
Starting Lineups:
New York Mets Montreal Expos
1. Agee cf Staehle 2b
2. Harrelson ss Jones lf
3. Jones lf Staub rf
4. Shamsky 1b Fairly 1b
5. Boswell 2b Fairey cf
6. Marshall rf Laboy 3b
7. Foy 3b Bateman c
8. Grote c Wine ss
9. Gentry p Stoneman p
METS 1ST: Agee was called out on strikes; Harrelson walked;
Harrelson was picked off and caught stealing second (pitcher to
first to shortstop); Jones popped to catcher in foul territory;
0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 0.
EXPOS 1ST: Staehle flied to center; Jones doubled to left; Staub
walked; Fairly walked [Jones to third, Staub to second]; Fairey
grounded into a double play (shortstop to second to first)
[Fairly out at second]; 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 0.
METS 2ND: Shamsky struck out; Boswell grounded out (second to
first); Marshall popped to first; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0,
Expos 0.
EXPOS 2ND: Laboy struck out; Bateman singled to left; Wine
singled to center [Bateman to second]; Stoneman struck out;
Staehle singled to right [Wine to third, Bateman scored, Staehle
to second (on throw)]; Jones was hit by a pitch; Staub popped to
third in foul territory; 1 R, 3 H, 0 E, 3 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
METS 3RD: Foy grounded out (pitcher to first); Grote walked;
Gentry struck out; Agee singled to right [Grote to third];
Harrelson walked [Agee to second]; Jones struck out; 0 R, 1 H, 0
E, 3 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
EXPOS 3RD: Fairly flied to center; Fairey lined to center; Laboy
struck out; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 0, Expos 1.
METS 4TH: Shamsky lined to center; Boswell singled to right;
Marshall doubled to center [Boswell scored, Marshall out at
third (center to shortstop to third)]; Foy walked; Foy stole
second; Grote grounded out (shortstop to first); 1 R, 2 H, 0 E,
1 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 4TH: Bateman was called out on strikes; Wine grounded out
(second to first); On a bunt Stoneman singled; Staehle struck
out; 0 R, 1 H, 0 E, 1 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 5TH: Gentry struck out; Agee reached on an error by
Staehle; Harrelson singled to center [Agee to second]; Jones
forced Harrelson (second to shortstop) [Agee to third]; Shamsky
popped to shortstop; 0 R, 1 H, 1 E, 2 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 5TH: Jones struck out; Staub flied to right; Fairly struck
out; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 6TH: Boswell singled to right; Marshall flied to left; Foy
singled to left [Boswell to second]; Grote flied to left; Gentry
struck out; 0 R, 2 H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 6TH: Fairey struck out; Laboy flied to left; Bateman
grounded out (third to first); 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1,
Expos 1.
METS 7TH: Agee was called out on strikes; Harrelson grounded out
(first unassisted); Jones popped to second; 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0
LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
EXPOS 7TH: Wine grounded out (pitcher to first); Stoneman
grounded out (catcher to first); Staehle grounded out (first
unassisted); 0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 1, Expos 1.
METS 8TH: Shamsky flied to center; Boswell walked; Boswell was
caught stealing second (catcher to shortstop); Marshall homered;
Foy homered; Grote homered; RAYMOND REPLACED STONEMAN
(PITCHING); Gentry struck out; 3 R, 3 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 4,
Expos 1.
EXPOS 8TH: JORGENSEN REPLACED SHAMSKY (PLAYING 1B); SWOBODA
REPLACED MARSHALL (PLAYING RF); Jones was called out on strikes;
Staub singled to right; Fairly singled to right [Staub to
second]; Fairey singled to left [Fairly to second, Staub
scored]; TAYLOR REPLACED GENTRY (PITCHING); Laboy struck out;
Bateman singled to center [Fairey to third, Fairly scored]; DAY
BATTED FOR WINE; Day popped to third in foul territory; 2 R, 4
H, 0 E, 2 LOB. Mets 4, Expos 3.
METS 9TH: SUTHERLAND REPLACED DAY (PLAYING SS); Agee popped to
first; Harrelson flied to left; Jones was called out on strikes;
0 R, 0 H, 0 E, 0 LOB. Mets 4, Expos 3.
EXPOS 9TH: BRAND BATTED FOR RAYMOND; Brand singled to center;
MCGRAW REPLACED TAYLOR (PITCHING); Staehle forced Brand (catcher
to shortstop); PHILLIPS BATTED FOR JONES; Phillips walked
[Staehle to second]; Staub doubled to center [Phillips to third,
Staehle scored]; Fairly was walked intentionally; BAILEY BATTED
FOR FAIREY; KOONCE REPLACED MCGRAW (PITCHING); Bailey homered
[Phillips scored, Staub scored, Fairly scored]; 5 R, 3 H, 0 E, 0
LOB. Mets 4, Expos 8.
Final Totals
Mets 4 9 0 8
Expos 8 12 1 8
Read Me
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bailebo01.shtml
Friday, May 11, 2007
Playoffs & Payoffs
Friday May 11 7:39 PM
Were the Buffalo Sabres really that bad on home ice last night? Were (are) the Ottawa Senators really that good? One of the reasons I picked Buffalo to win the series is because they have yet to perform they way they did during the regular season. Perhaps by the time it's over, we'll still be waiting.
Another reason I like the Sabres is Ryan Miller. I think he'll be better than Ray Emery. Emery is much improved from a year ago but I still can't root for a guy who idolizes Mike Tyson. A grown man who thinks so highly of Tyson that he'd put the fighter on his mask has issues.
Sabres in seven.
Something is definately wrong in San Jose. I say that not as someone who picked the Sharks to beat Detroit but someone who has seen a team quit on its coach. Ron Wilson literally has the NHL in his blood (father Larry and uncle Johnny both won Stanley Cups for Detroit) but his handling of Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton tells me he's gone, or they are; and we know Thornton isn't going anywhere. I know the Sharks power play was pitiful in the playoffs but not starting Thornton to begin the third period while on the PP reminded me of Guy Carbonneau nailing Alex Kovalev to the bench in the dying minute of the regular season finale in Toronto. Pass the buck. Find the scapegoat. Call it whatever. It worked for Carbonneau. Most members of the local media took his cue and pounded Kovalev. It won't work for Wilson.
Anaheim vs Detroit feaures a first: All three nominees for the Norris Trophy in the same series.
It also features a 45 year old playing like a 25 year old. Two goaltenders who have already won a Cup(Hasek) and a Conn Smythe Trophy(Giguere); one of whom is 10-1 in 11 overtimes games (it's not Hasek).
The series also spotlights a team that fights the most vs a team that fights the least.
I think the injury to Mathieu Schneider is critical for the Wings. They're also missing Niklas Kromwell. I believe the well rested, disgustingly healthy Ducks will eventually wear down the Red Wings.
Anaheim in six
I'd like to see the Sabres win. Buffalo fans have waited 37 years. If not, I'd like to see Ottawa win. They've had to wait since 1992. Enough already. Fact is any of the four remaining teams would be a worthy Stanley Cup Champion. Hopefully the games will result in the kind of sustained action the "My New NHL" is all about. And at least silence the what-have-I-got-to-complain-about-next critics who want to see more goals.
Round Two Predictions: 3-1
Total Playoff Predictions: 11-1
I didn't like Ted Saskin from the moment I heard him on the air during the lockout at The Fan 590 in Toronto when he called in during a segment to belittle 70-something Stan Fischler. Saskin sounded like a smarmy, insecure little man. Good for Chris Chelios, Trent Klatt and Dwayne Roloson for sniffing out a rat.
The Calgary Flames looking to trade Matthew Lombardi? Bring him home:
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/05/11/goodbye_lombardi_hello_grit/
Catching up on music: If you missed the Anjani show at Cabaret you missed a special treat. Leonard Cohen appeared on stage with her for three songs, including an encore. Magical.
Kings of Leon keep getting better. These sons (and one cousin) of a preacher play filthy guitar driven rock 'n roll with the best of them. "Black Thumbnail" is as good a rock song I've heard this year.
www.kingsofleon.com
While I'm in a groove, here's more:
Arcade Fire: Neon Bible **** As good as advertised. Especially "Antichrist Televsion Blues"
www.arcadefire.com
Bright Eyes: Casadega *** Not the new Dylan. But better than the new Paul Simon
www.saddle-creek.com
Solomon Burke: Nashville *** Soul great puts on a cowboy hat
www.thekingsolomonburke.com
JJ Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road To Escondido ***1/2 As familiar and smooth as your favorite single malt. And effective. Epitome of the term professional musicianship
http://www.rosebudus.com/cale/
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint: The River In Reverse **** Speaking of musicianship...
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/product.aspx?ob=prd&src=exp&pid=11509
Jet: Shine On *** Not just rip 'n roll; melodies too
www.jettheband.com
Norah Jones: Not Too Late ***1/2 Now she's writing too. I'm in love. Again
www.norahjones.com
Jesse Malin: Glitter in the Gutter *** Paul Westerberg for the 21st century
www.jessemalin.com
Amos Lee: Supply and Demand *** James Taylor-with an edge-for the 21st century
www.amoslee.com
Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing **** Rock 'n Roll party album of the year
www.jerryleelewis.com
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard & Ray Price: Last of the Breed **** Classic country at it's finest
www.losthighwayrecords.com
Aaron Neville: The Soul Classics **1/2 The big man never sounded sweeter
www.AaronNeville.com
New York Dolls: One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This **** Comeback of the year
www.nydolls.org
Graham Parker: Don't Tell Columbus *** Literate rock by born again American
www.grahamparker.net www.bloodshotrecords.com
Cat Power: The Greatest **** Yes, it is that good
www.catpowerthegreatest.com
Dan Reeder: Sweetheart *** John Prine discovery; modern Leon Redbone
www.danreeder.com
Patti Smith: Twelve **1/2 Hit & miss covers
www.pattismith.net
Todd Snider: The Devil You Know *** Perceptive, thoughtful, funny songwriter. One of my favorites
www.toddsnider.net
Mavis Staples: We'll Never Turn Back *** Mostly Civil Rights era Gospel classics; If you don't wake up sunday morning to The Velvet Underground, wake up to this
www.mavisstaples.com
The Stooges: The Weirdness *** How about a Stooges/Dolls doubleheader?
www.iggypop.com
Lucinda Williams: West *** The best female songwriter on the planet but something's missing on this one
www.LucindaWilliams.com
Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall 1971 ****1/2 Long bootlegged masterpiece
www.neilyoung.com
Happy Birthday to Ryan Adams who was 34 today.
Favorite Ryan Adms songs:
1. New York, New York
2. Starting To Hurt
3. A Kiss Before I Go
4. Hotel Chelsea Nights
5. English Girls Approximately
6. Beautiful Sorta
7. To Be Young (is to be sad, is to be high)
8. Peaceful Valley
9. When Will You Come Back Home
10.Love Is Hell
www.ryan-adams.com
Were the Buffalo Sabres really that bad on home ice last night? Were (are) the Ottawa Senators really that good? One of the reasons I picked Buffalo to win the series is because they have yet to perform they way they did during the regular season. Perhaps by the time it's over, we'll still be waiting.
Another reason I like the Sabres is Ryan Miller. I think he'll be better than Ray Emery. Emery is much improved from a year ago but I still can't root for a guy who idolizes Mike Tyson. A grown man who thinks so highly of Tyson that he'd put the fighter on his mask has issues.
Sabres in seven.
Something is definately wrong in San Jose. I say that not as someone who picked the Sharks to beat Detroit but someone who has seen a team quit on its coach. Ron Wilson literally has the NHL in his blood (father Larry and uncle Johnny both won Stanley Cups for Detroit) but his handling of Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton tells me he's gone, or they are; and we know Thornton isn't going anywhere. I know the Sharks power play was pitiful in the playoffs but not starting Thornton to begin the third period while on the PP reminded me of Guy Carbonneau nailing Alex Kovalev to the bench in the dying minute of the regular season finale in Toronto. Pass the buck. Find the scapegoat. Call it whatever. It worked for Carbonneau. Most members of the local media took his cue and pounded Kovalev. It won't work for Wilson.
Anaheim vs Detroit feaures a first: All three nominees for the Norris Trophy in the same series.
It also features a 45 year old playing like a 25 year old. Two goaltenders who have already won a Cup(Hasek) and a Conn Smythe Trophy(Giguere); one of whom is 10-1 in 11 overtimes games (it's not Hasek).
The series also spotlights a team that fights the most vs a team that fights the least.
I think the injury to Mathieu Schneider is critical for the Wings. They're also missing Niklas Kromwell. I believe the well rested, disgustingly healthy Ducks will eventually wear down the Red Wings.
Anaheim in six
I'd like to see the Sabres win. Buffalo fans have waited 37 years. If not, I'd like to see Ottawa win. They've had to wait since 1992. Enough already. Fact is any of the four remaining teams would be a worthy Stanley Cup Champion. Hopefully the games will result in the kind of sustained action the "My New NHL" is all about. And at least silence the what-have-I-got-to-complain-about-next critics who want to see more goals.
Round Two Predictions: 3-1
Total Playoff Predictions: 11-1
I didn't like Ted Saskin from the moment I heard him on the air during the lockout at The Fan 590 in Toronto when he called in during a segment to belittle 70-something Stan Fischler. Saskin sounded like a smarmy, insecure little man. Good for Chris Chelios, Trent Klatt and Dwayne Roloson for sniffing out a rat.
The Calgary Flames looking to trade Matthew Lombardi? Bring him home:
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/05/11/goodbye_lombardi_hello_grit/
Catching up on music: If you missed the Anjani show at Cabaret you missed a special treat. Leonard Cohen appeared on stage with her for three songs, including an encore. Magical.
Kings of Leon keep getting better. These sons (and one cousin) of a preacher play filthy guitar driven rock 'n roll with the best of them. "Black Thumbnail" is as good a rock song I've heard this year.
www.kingsofleon.com
While I'm in a groove, here's more:
Arcade Fire: Neon Bible **** As good as advertised. Especially "Antichrist Televsion Blues"
www.arcadefire.com
Bright Eyes: Casadega *** Not the new Dylan. But better than the new Paul Simon
www.saddle-creek.com
Solomon Burke: Nashville *** Soul great puts on a cowboy hat
www.thekingsolomonburke.com
JJ Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road To Escondido ***1/2 As familiar and smooth as your favorite single malt. And effective. Epitome of the term professional musicianship
http://www.rosebudus.com/cale/
Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint: The River In Reverse **** Speaking of musicianship...
http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/product.aspx?ob=prd&src=exp&pid=11509
Jet: Shine On *** Not just rip 'n roll; melodies too
www.jettheband.com
Norah Jones: Not Too Late ***1/2 Now she's writing too. I'm in love. Again
www.norahjones.com
Jesse Malin: Glitter in the Gutter *** Paul Westerberg for the 21st century
www.jessemalin.com
Amos Lee: Supply and Demand *** James Taylor-with an edge-for the 21st century
www.amoslee.com
Jerry Lee Lewis: Last Man Standing **** Rock 'n Roll party album of the year
www.jerryleelewis.com
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard & Ray Price: Last of the Breed **** Classic country at it's finest
www.losthighwayrecords.com
Aaron Neville: The Soul Classics **1/2 The big man never sounded sweeter
www.AaronNeville.com
New York Dolls: One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This **** Comeback of the year
www.nydolls.org
Graham Parker: Don't Tell Columbus *** Literate rock by born again American
www.grahamparker.net www.bloodshotrecords.com
Cat Power: The Greatest **** Yes, it is that good
www.catpowerthegreatest.com
Dan Reeder: Sweetheart *** John Prine discovery; modern Leon Redbone
www.danreeder.com
Patti Smith: Twelve **1/2 Hit & miss covers
www.pattismith.net
Todd Snider: The Devil You Know *** Perceptive, thoughtful, funny songwriter. One of my favorites
www.toddsnider.net
Mavis Staples: We'll Never Turn Back *** Mostly Civil Rights era Gospel classics; If you don't wake up sunday morning to The Velvet Underground, wake up to this
www.mavisstaples.com
The Stooges: The Weirdness *** How about a Stooges/Dolls doubleheader?
www.iggypop.com
Lucinda Williams: West *** The best female songwriter on the planet but something's missing on this one
www.LucindaWilliams.com
Neil Young: Live at Massey Hall 1971 ****1/2 Long bootlegged masterpiece
www.neilyoung.com
Happy Birthday to Ryan Adams who was 34 today.
Favorite Ryan Adms songs:
1. New York, New York
2. Starting To Hurt
3. A Kiss Before I Go
4. Hotel Chelsea Nights
5. English Girls Approximately
6. Beautiful Sorta
7. To Be Young (is to be sad, is to be high)
8. Peaceful Valley
9. When Will You Come Back Home
10.Love Is Hell
www.ryan-adams.com
Monday, May 7, 2007
"Shane, You're Hurt!"
Monday May 7 7:45 PM
For a guy who never swears Shane Doan sure performed a spot-on impression of Pierre Trudeau last friday when he scored three goals in less than seven minutes for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship in Russia. Vintage Trudeau in fact. In both official languages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZRxyK2YMg
In dragging Doan through the political process the seperatists ran into their toughest opponent since Trudeau. Tough but clean. Who knew an NHL captain never swears, or even says fuddle duddle for that matter? I'm a proud Canadian but watching some of the gutless pukes who run this country try to turn Doan into Canada's version of David Duke was embarassing. The fact that Doan was the first to launch a lawsuit (against the lying, blowhard of a former sports minister Denis Coderre) should have sent a loud and clear signal that this former first round draft pick is not your typical NHL player. I keep reading about how "frivolous" the suit is(Coderre counter-sued). But how would you react if a federal minister accused you of uttering a racial slur if it never happened? I liken it to the Jose Canseco book. For all the denials about steroid use that Canseco alleged , from Rafael Palmeiro to Juan Gonzalez to Ivan Rodriguez to Mark McGwire, among many others, there wasn't a single lawsuit launched. Now if a best selling book claimed you were juicing when in fact the only juice you consumed was orange, wouldn't you want to sue Canseco's bulky ass?
Next time you watch a tape of the incident watch everybody on the ice.
Carefully.
One of the referees delivers a friendly pat to Doan's hip. The same ref takes off in a hurry as soon as Cormier sticks his finger in Doan's face. Doan reacts as if he can't believe what he's been told. Cormier, who's likely heard enough all night, almost sprints to the officials room. Doan is escorted off the ice.
Fast forward two years. Most of the french media is relentless in slagging Doan after he is named captain of Team Canada. What do they know about him? That he's a unilingual anglo from Alberta. Enough to convict. People who know Doan and claim he could not have uttered a slur are completely dismissed. The fact that Colin Campbell and the NHL cleared Doan is also seen as meaningless because it's just the NHL trying to cover up. Politicians from all parties are quick to condemn. Jack Layton says Doan's captaincy will "overshadow" Team Canada. But as the tide begins to turn, and it becomes more and more clear that Doan might in fact be the cleanest captain in the history of sports, Hockey Canada gets slagged for not having a single francophone player on Team Canada, as if Vincent Lecavalier wasn't invited (so were seven other french players who declined). Denis Gauthier tells Denis Casavant that Doan, one of his best friends, did not say what he's accused of saying. Daniel Briere in Buffalo concurs. Layton, giving new meaning to wishy-washy and weak kneed, reverses himself and leaves a voice mail apology on Doan's phone.
It's a belly full of laughs, for Jacques Parizeau. Until Doan scores the hat trick.
Terry Ryan had the best line of the week. Speaking from St. John's during his weekly monday chat Ryan, selected by the Canadiens right after Winnipeg picked Doan in 1995, said there are more strong leaders on Team Canada than on Parliament Hill.
I have two incredible daughters. If one of them had been a son we would have named him Shane. I can't help but wonder if Bernie & Bernice Doan named their son for the same reason. (A) Character:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvVbXkgVUVw
Still with character, I think NFL comissioner Roger Goodell might be close to suspending Michael Vick. Especially after this letter from the Humane Society of the United States reaches his desk:
May 3, 2007
Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Dear Mr. Goodell:
On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS), the nation’s largest
animal protection organization, I am writing to you regarding recent dog fighting
allegations against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. In light of these serious
allegations and other incidents of illegal animal fighting involving NFL players, The
HSUS is calling upon the NFL to collaborate with us in an organized effort to eradicate
animal cruelty and illegal animal fighting activity from the ranks of the NFL.
As you and most of the public are keenly aware of by now, Michael Vick is the subject of
an ongoing investigation into allegations that he operated an illegal dog fighting operation
out of his Virginia home. During a drug-related raid on the home, authorities found over
fifty pit bulls, all of whom were in various stages of physical deterioration, locked inside
concrete kennels behind the home. Also found was an inventory of instruments specific to
organized dog fighting operations. Confidential informants of The Humane Society of the
United States have provided us with prior intelligence about Mr. Vick’s participation in
this practice.
We believe that the current situation involving Michael Vick is indicative of a larger
subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and other forms of violence against animals.
Indeed, dogfighters do not typically stage fights between two animals they own. Rather,
they fight their dogs against the dogs of other aficionados. The HSUS tracks 10
underground dog fighting magazines and a laundry list of web sites, and we can assure you
that this is a major underground criminal industry. You may be aware that former NFL
player LeShon Johnson was recently convicted of illegal dog fighting after a raid in
Oklahoma in which 141 fighting dogs were seized.
Likewise former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton was once arrested at a dog fight,
and former Oakland Raider Tyrone Wheatley, a former pit-bull breeder, once glorified pit
bull fighting by describing it as “instinctive” and “motivational” in a 2001 Sports
Illustrated interview. Wheatley also reportedly even once bragged about having sold dogs
for fighting.
Page 2
More recently, in February 2007, Atlanta Falcons Jonathan Babineaux was charged with
animal cruelty for allegedly beating to death of his girlfriend’s pit bull. Charges against
Babineaux are still pending, but the case, like all of the aforementioned cases, underscores
the need for the NFL to undertake a truly aggressive outreach program targeting the issue
of illegal animal fighting and animal cruelty among its players.
The problem of illegal animal fighting and other forms of animal cruelty is widespread, but
they have a particular significance where high-profile sports personalities are concerned
because of the influence the behavior and habits of these athletes have over fans. As you
yourself stated in announcing the NFL’s recently-amended Personal Conduct Policy, “It is
important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great
football players, coaches, and staff."
Dog fighting is a serious crime, not only causing appalling animal cruelty, but also often
associated with other criminal activity, such as narcotics traffic, illegal gambling, and
human violence. All 50 states ban dog fighting, and it is a felony in 48 states. The
Congress just passed legislation making it a federal felony to move fighting dogs across
state lines, with penalties per violation of 3 years in jail and fines up to $250,000.
We invite you to join with The HSUS in crafting the guidelines for an effective, zerotolerance
policy for NFL players and staff regarding animal cruelty and illegal animal
fighting. We feel such a partnership has the potential to positively impact millions of
young people in communities who look up to NFL athletes as role models. Additionally, a
partnership between the HSUS and the NFL will help support the NFL’s stated goal of
holding its employees to a higher standard and will help the NFL maintain its integrity in
the face of increasing concerns over the conduct of its players.
Finally, we hope you will collaborate with The HSUS to combat animal cruelty and animal
fighting in order to send a clear message to the public that the NFL does indeed intend to
hold its players to the highest standards. By setting an example of compassion for the
public, the NFL has the chance to tackle the problem of animal cruelty and animal fighting
from the top down and to truly make a difference for our communities.
I would certainly be willing to meet with you at your earliest convenience to develop the
elements of a pro-active plan to address this problem. Thank you for your attention to this
matter, and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/wires/05/03/2020.ap.fbn.falcons.vick.0629/index.html
I'd pay to see Vick run. From a pack of hungry dogs.
Dogs as pets through the years:
Jocko (Black poodle)
Hobo (German Sheppard)
Sam (Sheepdog)
Candy (Mutt)
Teddy (Chesapeake Bay retriever)
Tom Tom (mini toy white poodle)
For a guy who never swears Shane Doan sure performed a spot-on impression of Pierre Trudeau last friday when he scored three goals in less than seven minutes for Team Canada at the World Hockey Championship in Russia. Vintage Trudeau in fact. In both official languages.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZRxyK2YMg
In dragging Doan through the political process the seperatists ran into their toughest opponent since Trudeau. Tough but clean. Who knew an NHL captain never swears, or even says fuddle duddle for that matter? I'm a proud Canadian but watching some of the gutless pukes who run this country try to turn Doan into Canada's version of David Duke was embarassing. The fact that Doan was the first to launch a lawsuit (against the lying, blowhard of a former sports minister Denis Coderre) should have sent a loud and clear signal that this former first round draft pick is not your typical NHL player. I keep reading about how "frivolous" the suit is(Coderre counter-sued). But how would you react if a federal minister accused you of uttering a racial slur if it never happened? I liken it to the Jose Canseco book. For all the denials about steroid use that Canseco alleged , from Rafael Palmeiro to Juan Gonzalez to Ivan Rodriguez to Mark McGwire, among many others, there wasn't a single lawsuit launched. Now if a best selling book claimed you were juicing when in fact the only juice you consumed was orange, wouldn't you want to sue Canseco's bulky ass?
Next time you watch a tape of the incident watch everybody on the ice.
Carefully.
One of the referees delivers a friendly pat to Doan's hip. The same ref takes off in a hurry as soon as Cormier sticks his finger in Doan's face. Doan reacts as if he can't believe what he's been told. Cormier, who's likely heard enough all night, almost sprints to the officials room. Doan is escorted off the ice.
Fast forward two years. Most of the french media is relentless in slagging Doan after he is named captain of Team Canada. What do they know about him? That he's a unilingual anglo from Alberta. Enough to convict. People who know Doan and claim he could not have uttered a slur are completely dismissed. The fact that Colin Campbell and the NHL cleared Doan is also seen as meaningless because it's just the NHL trying to cover up. Politicians from all parties are quick to condemn. Jack Layton says Doan's captaincy will "overshadow" Team Canada. But as the tide begins to turn, and it becomes more and more clear that Doan might in fact be the cleanest captain in the history of sports, Hockey Canada gets slagged for not having a single francophone player on Team Canada, as if Vincent Lecavalier wasn't invited (so were seven other french players who declined). Denis Gauthier tells Denis Casavant that Doan, one of his best friends, did not say what he's accused of saying. Daniel Briere in Buffalo concurs. Layton, giving new meaning to wishy-washy and weak kneed, reverses himself and leaves a voice mail apology on Doan's phone.
It's a belly full of laughs, for Jacques Parizeau. Until Doan scores the hat trick.
Terry Ryan had the best line of the week. Speaking from St. John's during his weekly monday chat Ryan, selected by the Canadiens right after Winnipeg picked Doan in 1995, said there are more strong leaders on Team Canada than on Parliament Hill.
I have two incredible daughters. If one of them had been a son we would have named him Shane. I can't help but wonder if Bernie & Bernice Doan named their son for the same reason. (A) Character:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvVbXkgVUVw
Still with character, I think NFL comissioner Roger Goodell might be close to suspending Michael Vick. Especially after this letter from the Humane Society of the United States reaches his desk:
May 3, 2007
Roger Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Dear Mr. Goodell:
On behalf of The Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS), the nation’s largest
animal protection organization, I am writing to you regarding recent dog fighting
allegations against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. In light of these serious
allegations and other incidents of illegal animal fighting involving NFL players, The
HSUS is calling upon the NFL to collaborate with us in an organized effort to eradicate
animal cruelty and illegal animal fighting activity from the ranks of the NFL.
As you and most of the public are keenly aware of by now, Michael Vick is the subject of
an ongoing investigation into allegations that he operated an illegal dog fighting operation
out of his Virginia home. During a drug-related raid on the home, authorities found over
fifty pit bulls, all of whom were in various stages of physical deterioration, locked inside
concrete kennels behind the home. Also found was an inventory of instruments specific to
organized dog fighting operations. Confidential informants of The Humane Society of the
United States have provided us with prior intelligence about Mr. Vick’s participation in
this practice.
We believe that the current situation involving Michael Vick is indicative of a larger
subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and other forms of violence against animals.
Indeed, dogfighters do not typically stage fights between two animals they own. Rather,
they fight their dogs against the dogs of other aficionados. The HSUS tracks 10
underground dog fighting magazines and a laundry list of web sites, and we can assure you
that this is a major underground criminal industry. You may be aware that former NFL
player LeShon Johnson was recently convicted of illegal dog fighting after a raid in
Oklahoma in which 141 fighting dogs were seized.
Likewise former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton was once arrested at a dog fight,
and former Oakland Raider Tyrone Wheatley, a former pit-bull breeder, once glorified pit
bull fighting by describing it as “instinctive” and “motivational” in a 2001 Sports
Illustrated interview. Wheatley also reportedly even once bragged about having sold dogs
for fighting.
Page 2
More recently, in February 2007, Atlanta Falcons Jonathan Babineaux was charged with
animal cruelty for allegedly beating to death of his girlfriend’s pit bull. Charges against
Babineaux are still pending, but the case, like all of the aforementioned cases, underscores
the need for the NFL to undertake a truly aggressive outreach program targeting the issue
of illegal animal fighting and animal cruelty among its players.
The problem of illegal animal fighting and other forms of animal cruelty is widespread, but
they have a particular significance where high-profile sports personalities are concerned
because of the influence the behavior and habits of these athletes have over fans. As you
yourself stated in announcing the NFL’s recently-amended Personal Conduct Policy, “It is
important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great
football players, coaches, and staff."
Dog fighting is a serious crime, not only causing appalling animal cruelty, but also often
associated with other criminal activity, such as narcotics traffic, illegal gambling, and
human violence. All 50 states ban dog fighting, and it is a felony in 48 states. The
Congress just passed legislation making it a federal felony to move fighting dogs across
state lines, with penalties per violation of 3 years in jail and fines up to $250,000.
We invite you to join with The HSUS in crafting the guidelines for an effective, zerotolerance
policy for NFL players and staff regarding animal cruelty and illegal animal
fighting. We feel such a partnership has the potential to positively impact millions of
young people in communities who look up to NFL athletes as role models. Additionally, a
partnership between the HSUS and the NFL will help support the NFL’s stated goal of
holding its employees to a higher standard and will help the NFL maintain its integrity in
the face of increasing concerns over the conduct of its players.
Finally, we hope you will collaborate with The HSUS to combat animal cruelty and animal
fighting in order to send a clear message to the public that the NFL does indeed intend to
hold its players to the highest standards. By setting an example of compassion for the
public, the NFL has the chance to tackle the problem of animal cruelty and animal fighting
from the top down and to truly make a difference for our communities.
I would certainly be willing to meet with you at your earliest convenience to develop the
elements of a pro-active plan to address this problem. Thank you for your attention to this
matter, and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/wires/05/03/2020.ap.fbn.falcons.vick.0629/index.html
I'd pay to see Vick run. From a pack of hungry dogs.
Dogs as pets through the years:
Jocko (Black poodle)
Hobo (German Sheppard)
Sam (Sheepdog)
Candy (Mutt)
Teddy (Chesapeake Bay retriever)
Tom Tom (mini toy white poodle)
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