All World All Sports
-Digger's Daily-
It's been quite a week in sports. NBA & NHL Playoffs in full swing. There were a couple of memorable series going the distance and great matchups in progress. Tiger roared but missed his birdies at Quail Hollow. Kentucky Derby surprise winner and a few other items highlighted another busy week in sports.
News Makers
Tampa Bay Rays Carl Crawford set a modern day Major League record Sunday with 6 stolen bases vs Boston. So far in '09, he's stolen 17 without getting caught. 100 is set between the crosshairs.
Dallas Cowboys training facility was blown apart by a mini-tornado like strong winds (microbursts) causing injuries during rookie training camp. I'm pretty miffed at how easily this building collapsed in the face of 65 - 70 mph winds. Isn't Dallas/Irvine part of tornado alley? A few serious injuries... including a scout now paralyzed from the waist down and a coach heading in for back surgery. Lucky most escaped without harm. It could have been much worse.
Rumors
Brett Favre a Viking? Rumors are heating up and I think this one will happen. Minnesota will sign free agent retiree #4 to a one or two year deal. Favre had highs and lows for the Jets last year. NY fans had fantasied Super dreams which never materialized. Favre took much of the blame for Jets dismal finish. I lay most of it on the doorstep of lousy playcalling. Favre's arm is still stronger than most and Minnesota is a great fit. He will instantly turn them into contenders. Minnesota has speedy wideouts, a great halfback and a quick young defense which would improve greatly once the offense stays on the field for more than 3 plays before punting. I suspect a deal will be announced by this coming weekend as teams prepare for camp.
Champs
50:1 longshot Mine That Bird wins Kentucky Derby! Let the Triple Crown talk begin. Sean O'Hara survived finishing back-to-back bogies to win the Quail Hollow Championship. For awhile there it looked like Tiger was making another one of his famous late surges. He drove a par 4 tee shot onto the green but missed his short birdie putt for a 3 putt par.
More Chumps
Major League Baseball is investigating Alex Rodriguez. No official word why has been publicly released yet. It might have to do with allegations of steroids/HGH used outside the time frame he's admitted to? It could be from allegations stemming from a new book soon to be released coinciding with ARods return from baseball's disabled list. Sports Illustrated writer Selena Roberts penned "A-Rod" which casts another potentially dark cloud over one of the games biggest statistical giants. He's been accused of tipping off pitches to opposing batters while playing for Texas and juicing up as far back as high school. (Check out my previous blog from 4/30/09 for more). Baseball would love to put the HGH/steroid scandal behind. It'll be around for quite some time as debates will soon start when HOF ballots are counted. Get ready for more boo-birds ARod.
(www.allworldallsports.com)
Showing posts with label ARod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ARod. Show all posts
Monday, May 4, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
New "A-Rod" Book Hammers AFraud!
All World All Sports
-Digger's Daily-
Tne New York Daily News (4/30/09) published excerpts from a new book written by Selena Roberts called "A-Rod".
More steroids talk to haunt ARod. Timing couldn't have been any better for boo-birds as ARod's disabled list stint is about ready to end. "A-Rod", the book, will be released on May 12 filled with plenty of ammunition for naysayers. ARod, the player, will have hundreds of thousands boo-birds hounding him in every baseball city upon being activated from the disabled list (probably the same week). NY fans will let him hear it too if the Yanks faulter.
I've read a few juicy tidbits released in today's Daily News column and listened comments by sports tv personalities. Apparantly, after ARod's press conference where spoke of his experimental time frame... those in the know questioned his accuracy and honesty. Eventually, a select few crossed paths with Roberts providing plenty of details for her "A-Rod" 250 page expose.
I was surprised only by one claim. AFraud was taking 'roids dating back to his high school playing days. If this holds true, then he's a complete fraud who should be denied Hall of Fame status. A handful of sportswriters who double as Hall of Fame voters have already said there's no way they could ever vote for a lifetime user. I hope it stands up when it's time for ballots to be counted. Rodriguez only admitted to experimenting while playing for Texas and stopped using in 2004. The book questions his statements and provides guilty by association blurbs such as ARod keeping company as recently as 2008 with Angel Presinal. Presinal has been banned from major league facilities after a steroids incident in 2001. (BTW, if MLB banned Persinal in 2001... how in the world can they claim, in front of a congressional committee, no one knew players were abusing?????????).
So, just when baseball believed it had successfully put the growth hormone/steroids scandal on the back burner... here comes "A-Rod" filled with more accusations by "unnamed sources". Funny thing about unnamed sources is most times, when relating to politics, I believe it's just a reporters way of injecting personal opinion. However, when it comes to sports reporting, these unnamed sources hit stories out of the park with their accuracy. Remember how Jose Canseco was bashed for writing his book outing players? He was called a money hungry lying thug only looking to promote his book. Until.... one by one outed players who denied (McGwire, Palmeiro) were to be proven liars. Remember during the McGwire/Sosa homer record chase stories questioned their validity? (McGwire was using a supplement at the time). Barry Bonds & BALCO.
I think more people will view the newest revelations as who cares? For sports fans, it confirms what most of us think about ballplayers from the 90's. Large numbers were guilty of using but, everyone was in the know.
Here's a few quotes/recaps of the book pasted from today's Daily News (bold) with my thoughts following:
"-In one shocking disclosure, the book accuses A-Rod of "pitch tipping" when he was with the Rangers - letting a friendly opponent at the plate know which pitch was coming in lopsided games." I'm sure ARod's ex-mates are thrilled to be hearing this one. At what point did AFraud think a game was out of hand to warrant tipping pitches from his teammates to opposing hitters? Especially, when he played for the slugging Texas Rangers who were capable of overcoming big deficits. This is cheating. Next news will accuse him of betting on these games?
"-Rodriguez expected players he helped would do the same for him when he was having an off night and needed to get his batting average up and it wouldn't affect the outcome of the game." I certainly hope there weren't any opposing players tipping off ARod... unless they were trying to trick him. These two allegations will need to be confirmed by reliable sources for me to fully believe. It also deserves attention from MLB investigations. Yet, it doesn't seem too far fetched.
"-The 255-page book also chronicles A-Rod's off-the-field escapades: his poker habit; his divorce from his wife, Cynthia; the relationship with Madonna, and dalliances with out-of-town floozies." This part is the juicy stuff tying everything together including a mention of his me-me-me mentality often spoken about by ex-teamers. It's not anything I care about other than gambling. ARod was heavily chastised for frequenting illegal late night poker games.. often before ball games. Has to make you wonder if he was ever approached to throw a game or two?
ARod will be needing earplugs during the season. All of his stats are now called into question. Not just the Texas years... everything. Roberts seems to be well respected in her field. Sports Illustrated writers have been known for breaking big in depth stories. On the surface, Roberts might be right on target. I think this book will contain plenty of supported truths, references and a few items left to reader's imaginations.
Bonds, McGwire, Canseco, ARod... some of the games biggest bashers of the 90's - 00's... had a little help and were rewarded with truckloads of money. Ah, baseball's HGH/'roids soap opera keeps on trucking. I'm guessing it will for many years. Even though many of us say "who cares" or "tell me something new" on the outside... whenever new allegations surface or sources become confirmed about big name and home town players... we follow the story. Players doping was so widespread the gossip will last for years to come. Surging again when the cheats become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.
Irony. Most of these guys wanted to be so liked. Daydreaming of becoming baseball heroes when they were kids. Heroes who broke records of the games greatest players. Heroes whose names became synonymous with the games greatest. Heroes who won big World Series games. So much for self indulged heroes. Now, many will be remembered via ridicule for generations. Liars, cheaters and dopers. Baseball fans have witnessed tremendous games during the past two decades. It's too bad so many positives will forever be darkened by an forever hanging cloud of artificial influences.
(www.allworldallsports.com)
-Digger's Daily-
Tne New York Daily News (4/30/09) published excerpts from a new book written by Selena Roberts called "A-Rod".
More steroids talk to haunt ARod. Timing couldn't have been any better for boo-birds as ARod's disabled list stint is about ready to end. "A-Rod", the book, will be released on May 12 filled with plenty of ammunition for naysayers. ARod, the player, will have hundreds of thousands boo-birds hounding him in every baseball city upon being activated from the disabled list (probably the same week). NY fans will let him hear it too if the Yanks faulter.
I've read a few juicy tidbits released in today's Daily News column and listened comments by sports tv personalities. Apparantly, after ARod's press conference where spoke of his experimental time frame... those in the know questioned his accuracy and honesty. Eventually, a select few crossed paths with Roberts providing plenty of details for her "A-Rod" 250 page expose.
I was surprised only by one claim. AFraud was taking 'roids dating back to his high school playing days. If this holds true, then he's a complete fraud who should be denied Hall of Fame status. A handful of sportswriters who double as Hall of Fame voters have already said there's no way they could ever vote for a lifetime user. I hope it stands up when it's time for ballots to be counted. Rodriguez only admitted to experimenting while playing for Texas and stopped using in 2004. The book questions his statements and provides guilty by association blurbs such as ARod keeping company as recently as 2008 with Angel Presinal. Presinal has been banned from major league facilities after a steroids incident in 2001. (BTW, if MLB banned Persinal in 2001... how in the world can they claim, in front of a congressional committee, no one knew players were abusing?????????).
So, just when baseball believed it had successfully put the growth hormone/steroids scandal on the back burner... here comes "A-Rod" filled with more accusations by "unnamed sources". Funny thing about unnamed sources is most times, when relating to politics, I believe it's just a reporters way of injecting personal opinion. However, when it comes to sports reporting, these unnamed sources hit stories out of the park with their accuracy. Remember how Jose Canseco was bashed for writing his book outing players? He was called a money hungry lying thug only looking to promote his book. Until.... one by one outed players who denied (McGwire, Palmeiro) were to be proven liars. Remember during the McGwire/Sosa homer record chase stories questioned their validity? (McGwire was using a supplement at the time). Barry Bonds & BALCO.
I think more people will view the newest revelations as who cares? For sports fans, it confirms what most of us think about ballplayers from the 90's. Large numbers were guilty of using but, everyone was in the know.
Here's a few quotes/recaps of the book pasted from today's Daily News (bold) with my thoughts following:
"-In one shocking disclosure, the book accuses A-Rod of "pitch tipping" when he was with the Rangers - letting a friendly opponent at the plate know which pitch was coming in lopsided games." I'm sure ARod's ex-mates are thrilled to be hearing this one. At what point did AFraud think a game was out of hand to warrant tipping pitches from his teammates to opposing hitters? Especially, when he played for the slugging Texas Rangers who were capable of overcoming big deficits. This is cheating. Next news will accuse him of betting on these games?
"-Rodriguez expected players he helped would do the same for him when he was having an off night and needed to get his batting average up and it wouldn't affect the outcome of the game." I certainly hope there weren't any opposing players tipping off ARod... unless they were trying to trick him. These two allegations will need to be confirmed by reliable sources for me to fully believe. It also deserves attention from MLB investigations. Yet, it doesn't seem too far fetched.
"-The 255-page book also chronicles A-Rod's off-the-field escapades: his poker habit; his divorce from his wife, Cynthia; the relationship with Madonna, and dalliances with out-of-town floozies." This part is the juicy stuff tying everything together including a mention of his me-me-me mentality often spoken about by ex-teamers. It's not anything I care about other than gambling. ARod was heavily chastised for frequenting illegal late night poker games.. often before ball games. Has to make you wonder if he was ever approached to throw a game or two?
ARod will be needing earplugs during the season. All of his stats are now called into question. Not just the Texas years... everything. Roberts seems to be well respected in her field. Sports Illustrated writers have been known for breaking big in depth stories. On the surface, Roberts might be right on target. I think this book will contain plenty of supported truths, references and a few items left to reader's imaginations.
Bonds, McGwire, Canseco, ARod... some of the games biggest bashers of the 90's - 00's... had a little help and were rewarded with truckloads of money. Ah, baseball's HGH/'roids soap opera keeps on trucking. I'm guessing it will for many years. Even though many of us say "who cares" or "tell me something new" on the outside... whenever new allegations surface or sources become confirmed about big name and home town players... we follow the story. Players doping was so widespread the gossip will last for years to come. Surging again when the cheats become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.
Irony. Most of these guys wanted to be so liked. Daydreaming of becoming baseball heroes when they were kids. Heroes who broke records of the games greatest players. Heroes whose names became synonymous with the games greatest. Heroes who won big World Series games. So much for self indulged heroes. Now, many will be remembered via ridicule for generations. Liars, cheaters and dopers. Baseball fans have witnessed tremendous games during the past two decades. It's too bad so many positives will forever be darkened by an forever hanging cloud of artificial influences.
(www.allworldallsports.com)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Foul Ball: Rodriguez Press Conference
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by Digger
Baseball's various steroid stories aren't going away time soon. Sports Illustrated reignited this firestorm a couple of weeks ago by naming Alex Rodriguez as a steroid user. ARod then quickly sat down for an interview with ESPN's baseball guru Peter Gammons and admitted previous wrong doing.
Today, Alex was back in front of microphones holding a midday news conference. ARod claimed to be "young and stupid" and not knowing what effect, if any, his wrong doing (steroids) had on his body or performance. ARod is asking to put this all behind him, for a second chance, to be tested at any time etc. Squarely placed blame on himself for past actions. Unfortunately for ARod and baseball, today's latest attempt to right a past wrong was nothing more than a long foul ball opening the door to further questions and disbelief.
Here's my short list of what doesn't fly with ARod's reasoning:
Topping my list... this is not ARod's first interview. A sit down with Katie Couric turned out to be full of non-truths. His sit down with Gammons contained further non-truths. So did today's little circus.
1st, he was clearly implicated in Jose Canseco's book as approaching fellow Texas Rangers players who juiced inquiring of how to's. Today, ARod stated he never saw other players using. This just isn't true. The Rangers were one of baseball's teams where steroid usuage was a common bond. Canseco clearly stated ARod was another teammate using.
2nd, ARod tried to imply when using in years 2001-03 it may or may not have helped performance. He went on record today stating his "best" years were in pre/post using days. Funny how Alex forgot to mention he led baseball in many offensive categories during the years he admits to.
3rd, I just don't buy he quit in 2003. There's no credibility behind many statements being tossed around. He has a history of failing to come clean from his private life to professional life. Since joining the Yankees here's a guy surrounded in steroid controversy, spotted leaving illegal gambling establishments, allegedly caught cheating on his wife with strippers, hookers and Madonna. And now, fresh rounds of coming clean? Cleaner yes, clean no.
4th, if he doesn't think juicing was cheating then why cover it up? Why come clean now? It's part of self denial. I think most players convinced themselves it was ok since no one seemed to care who was or wasn't. Big dollars rewarded the games top slugging juicers. Money money money.
His statements today did contain a bit of denial and plenty of self induced ignorance. I was young and dumb only goes so far. I know he didn't want to rat out former/current teammates he saw or knew of using.. but his flat out denial was lying. This is the problem with throwing yourself a news conference to "come clean" and tell the "truth". In order to tell truth's he injected non-truths. In the process he also admitted to using some sort of over the counter pep pill which was later added to baseball's banned list.
ARod is now the latest poster child for baseball's steroids. I'm in complete disgust with how Commissioner Bud Selig threw Rodriguez under a bus after the ESPN interview. Selig is still in denial and now takes great "offense" to not doing enough to curb performance enhancing drug usage which spread throughout Major League Baseball. Selig has been and remains a central figure covering up this issue. It's been reported an executive officer in MLB has been squarely accused of tipping off players when "random" tests were given. A former NL MVP, the late Ken Caminiti, admitted he used 'roids during his 1996 award winning season. Countless sports reporters wrote articles back in the 1990's suggesing usage was on the rise. Selig and owners turned a blind "public" eye. There's no way they couldn't at least be suspicious of activity. Instead, it's my belief owners and Commissioner's Office all knew and encouraged further usage by doing nothing. Revenues flourished, so there was no reason for any action taken.
Baseball keeps getting self inflicted black eyes. This list is long and dates back over 100 years. Problem is always in how officials attempt to coverup many wrong doings. No exception here. I'm curious as to when there will be perjury investigations of Bud Selig's sworn testimony. Roger Clemens has taken plenty of heat. Why not dig into baseball's $17M front man Bud Selig? It'll never happen since baseball owners are heavy political contributors.
As for ARod, the 2009 baseball season can't come quick enough. He desperately wants everything his past put to rest while focusing on future events. I can't help thinking he's in a lose lose situation for quite some time. Every attempt to come clean invites further scrutiny. He'll be jeered in every city outside of NY. When he slumps, New Yorker's will howl. If he hits 60 homers, reporters will tear him apart and then questions of validity for records broken by juicers comes back into play. This event will haunt ARod for the rest of his playing days.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
News Makers, Rumors, Champs & More Chumps
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by Digger
It's been a wild week in sports news with much to discuss. It's been a week of good, bad and ugly. Let's begin with good stuff today before taking aim at the rest.
Good:College Basketball season is winding down... and what a season! Current #1 is University of Connecticut. Are they here to stay? Apparently so. After taking over as our nations top ranked team UConn is streaking... 12 wins in a row! It's been a team effort (stats) top to bottom spreading the ball around.
NBA All Star Weekend will entertain basketball fans around the world. In my eyes, it's the pre-game festivities which rule the day. Highlighted events include: All Star Celebrity Game, Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, Playstation Competition, 3 Point Shootout, H-O-R-S-E competition, Rookies game and Slam Dunk Contest. Most will be televised by TNT. Then, on Sunday, it's the NBA All Star Game. The skills competitions have been great over the years. Days of old featured tremendous Slam Dunk contests starring the likes of Dr. J, George Gervin & Michael Jordan highlight reel dunks. One of my favorite contests used to be the 3 point shootout. It's a relatively new cast of characters entering this years events ushering in a changing generation of players. It will be fun to watch when I finally get to see it (my viewing time will come via tape delay... it's Valentine's Day Saturday... so NBA will have to take a back seat to my sharing a wonderful night with my special girl).
Celtics vs Lakers rivalry shows no signs of slowing down after a very physical 1 point LA win in Boston. These two teams are my odds on favorites to meet up again in the Finals. Madison Square Garden is still buzzing after back to back stellar performances by LA's Kobe (set MSG scoring record) and Cleveland LeBron James who delighted fans anxiously awaiting is arrival as a NY Knick. NY fans can finally hold their heads high after turbulent years under Isiah. NY is now playing inspired basketball for the first time in years. Amazing how quickly things come around when someone who knows what they are doing is placed in charge of day to day operations.
NHL: NBC will televise NY Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. This is one of the NHL's classic rivalries which is always a heavy hitting game. I used to love going to MSG to see them bloody the ice back in the 70's. Back in the day, the best games in MSG used to be Rangers vs Philly and Rangers vs Boston. Once the Islanders started playing good hockey, NY vs NY was 2nd to none for many years. Heck, in MSG the "Potvin Sucks" chant still echoes from the rafters!
NFL: Retired again... Brett Favre! Is it for real this time? I'm guessing if new Jets coach Ryan wanted Favre, he'd still be a Jet. Favre took most of the heat for NY failing to make the playoffs. While he had ups and downs, Favre was not the problem. Poor coaching and play calling doomed this team. 2009 will have many new faces, perhaps even NFL future HOF LB Ray Lewis?
Rumors: Manny Ramirez is still unsigned! Many of baseball's stars remain unsigned free agents with only 12 days before Spring Training officially begins. Interestingly enough.. not many rumors surrounding who might be pursuing the games greats. The biggest baseball rumor surfaced today. Bud Selig may suspend Alex Rodriguez, might re-crown Hank Aaron as baseball's home run king in the wake of steroids. Steroids issue will not go away. Funny, now Selig says ridding the game of substances has been a top priorty for 10 years. Really? Bull____!
Champs; Sadly, none to report this week.
Chumps: Plenty. Where to begin? Former MLB and famous spitter Roberto Alomar is being sued by his former girlfriend who claims Alomar knowingly had AIDS while they had unprotected sex in spite of his denials. No one said Alomar was a good guy. If these charges hold true, hopefully he'll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Another week filled with negative Alex Rodriguez news. Now he's fessing up to having used steroids. Give him slight credit for owning up (even after years of denials). However, Selig will hang him out to dry... and has all but stated he's about to.
Selig... MLB's most incompetent Commissioner in the history of baseball. Now? he wants to take action against players the league encouraged to continue juicing so he and his boys club of owners could make hundreds of millions of dollars. Selig acts as if widespread usage is new news. I'll be hitting this topic hard again very soon in days leading up to Spring Training.
Olympic swimmer Phelps. Why in the world are local SC authorities wasting so much time investigating whether or not Phelps took a bong hit? He was photographed taking a hit of an illegal substance. While I do not condone his actions one bit the question begs to be asked... who cares? Why waste taxpayers dollars with a full blown investigation? Funny how things work. It's ok not to investigate admitted pot and cocaine users who run for public office but lets attack a 23 year old Olympic hero. Little to no investigation has taken place by public authorities into the validity of our current President being a U.S. citizen... an unvetted leader of the free world... but, hey... lets make life hell for Phelps. Arrests have already been made in this case (not Phelps) as a desperate prosecutor tries making a name for himself.
Stay tuned for next weeks edition of News, Rumors, Champs & Chumps.... plus much more from the world of sports.
by Digger
It's been a wild week in sports news with much to discuss. It's been a week of good, bad and ugly. Let's begin with good stuff today before taking aim at the rest.
Good:College Basketball season is winding down... and what a season! Current #1 is University of Connecticut. Are they here to stay? Apparently so. After taking over as our nations top ranked team UConn is streaking... 12 wins in a row! It's been a team effort (stats) top to bottom spreading the ball around.
NBA All Star Weekend will entertain basketball fans around the world. In my eyes, it's the pre-game festivities which rule the day. Highlighted events include: All Star Celebrity Game, Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, Playstation Competition, 3 Point Shootout, H-O-R-S-E competition, Rookies game and Slam Dunk Contest. Most will be televised by TNT. Then, on Sunday, it's the NBA All Star Game. The skills competitions have been great over the years. Days of old featured tremendous Slam Dunk contests starring the likes of Dr. J, George Gervin & Michael Jordan highlight reel dunks. One of my favorite contests used to be the 3 point shootout. It's a relatively new cast of characters entering this years events ushering in a changing generation of players. It will be fun to watch when I finally get to see it (my viewing time will come via tape delay... it's Valentine's Day Saturday... so NBA will have to take a back seat to my sharing a wonderful night with my special girl).
Celtics vs Lakers rivalry shows no signs of slowing down after a very physical 1 point LA win in Boston. These two teams are my odds on favorites to meet up again in the Finals. Madison Square Garden is still buzzing after back to back stellar performances by LA's Kobe (set MSG scoring record) and Cleveland LeBron James who delighted fans anxiously awaiting is arrival as a NY Knick. NY fans can finally hold their heads high after turbulent years under Isiah. NY is now playing inspired basketball for the first time in years. Amazing how quickly things come around when someone who knows what they are doing is placed in charge of day to day operations.
NHL: NBC will televise NY Rangers vs Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. This is one of the NHL's classic rivalries which is always a heavy hitting game. I used to love going to MSG to see them bloody the ice back in the 70's. Back in the day, the best games in MSG used to be Rangers vs Philly and Rangers vs Boston. Once the Islanders started playing good hockey, NY vs NY was 2nd to none for many years. Heck, in MSG the "Potvin Sucks" chant still echoes from the rafters!
NFL: Retired again... Brett Favre! Is it for real this time? I'm guessing if new Jets coach Ryan wanted Favre, he'd still be a Jet. Favre took most of the heat for NY failing to make the playoffs. While he had ups and downs, Favre was not the problem. Poor coaching and play calling doomed this team. 2009 will have many new faces, perhaps even NFL future HOF LB Ray Lewis?
Rumors: Manny Ramirez is still unsigned! Many of baseball's stars remain unsigned free agents with only 12 days before Spring Training officially begins. Interestingly enough.. not many rumors surrounding who might be pursuing the games greats. The biggest baseball rumor surfaced today. Bud Selig may suspend Alex Rodriguez, might re-crown Hank Aaron as baseball's home run king in the wake of steroids. Steroids issue will not go away. Funny, now Selig says ridding the game of substances has been a top priorty for 10 years. Really? Bull____!
Champs; Sadly, none to report this week.
Chumps: Plenty. Where to begin? Former MLB and famous spitter Roberto Alomar is being sued by his former girlfriend who claims Alomar knowingly had AIDS while they had unprotected sex in spite of his denials. No one said Alomar was a good guy. If these charges hold true, hopefully he'll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Another week filled with negative Alex Rodriguez news. Now he's fessing up to having used steroids. Give him slight credit for owning up (even after years of denials). However, Selig will hang him out to dry... and has all but stated he's about to.
Selig... MLB's most incompetent Commissioner in the history of baseball. Now? he wants to take action against players the league encouraged to continue juicing so he and his boys club of owners could make hundreds of millions of dollars. Selig acts as if widespread usage is new news. I'll be hitting this topic hard again very soon in days leading up to Spring Training.
Olympic swimmer Phelps. Why in the world are local SC authorities wasting so much time investigating whether or not Phelps took a bong hit? He was photographed taking a hit of an illegal substance. While I do not condone his actions one bit the question begs to be asked... who cares? Why waste taxpayers dollars with a full blown investigation? Funny how things work. It's ok not to investigate admitted pot and cocaine users who run for public office but lets attack a 23 year old Olympic hero. Little to no investigation has taken place by public authorities into the validity of our current President being a U.S. citizen... an unvetted leader of the free world... but, hey... lets make life hell for Phelps. Arrests have already been made in this case (not Phelps) as a desperate prosecutor tries making a name for himself.
Stay tuned for next weeks edition of News, Rumors, Champs & Chumps.... plus much more from the world of sports.
Monday, February 9, 2009
ARod, AFraud, ARoid Speaks Up!
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by Digger
Loads of random thoughts surround today's surprise announcement by Alex Rodriguez. ARod sat down for a one on one interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons fessing up to using PED's between 2001-03 before it was a banned substance by MLB. I've written numerous blogs about steroids in baseball and how poorly every aspect has been handled (or not).
Well, today I'll give ARod slight kudos for speaking up. It took a lot of guts for him to step up and tell everyone what we already knew. There was no Rafael Palmeiro type finger waving denials. No McGwire "I'm not here to talk about my past" bs. No Barry Bonds style non-denials. No, no, Canseco chest bashing bragging either. Just a not so simple moment of an icon admitting wrong doing based on Sports Illustrated article stating ARod tested PED positive in 2003.
ARod explained what led him down this path. However, the skeptical side of me will question when he actually stopped. 2003 is hard to believe. One more question is ARod sorry for what he did? Or, for getting caught??
Scratch below the surface of this latest outing of a baseball PED user. So much more to go with many obstacles, disinformation and political style slick deflection of attention still looming. First of all, regardless of anyone's opinion of who did what... (random thoughts)
- this drug test was to be strictly confidential under the safeguards provided by MLB and the Players Association. Why release this news now "6" years later? These documents should have been destroyed. MLBPA fumbled this badly. No, not for failing to cover up... but, for failing to protect the right of privacy. MLBPA is one of our country's strongest and most well disciplined unions.
- 104 players tested positive, why only release ARod's name? What about the other 103? A hole in the dam was just made by releasing ARod's name. Now, it's time to name them all.
- Anyone who thinks only 104 were guilty should remember players were notified testing was to be done. Some quit. Users were tipped off by team officials when they would be tested. Users also tainted results with masking agents. So, 104 will not be an accurate reflection of depths to which this scandals reaches.
- Owners still getting a free pass. Players in the know getting a free pass. Team doctors in the know... General Managers ... it's a pathetic mess.
- Union denies MLBPA Officials tipped off players, namely ARod, on eve of testing.
- The Mitchell Reports was highly biased. Mitchell is part of the Red Sox organization. Most of the players under suspicion in his analysis played in New York. He failed to detail what was happening in every other major league city. Failed to address core of problem = EVERYONE KNEW!
- EVERYONE from Commissioner to Owners to Players knew how widespread this epidemic had become and most are still in denial. Epidemic is incorrect. This was a conspiracy. Conspiracy evolved to protecting players "CONTINUED USAGE". Now, game conspires to deny any knowledge despite repeated articles written dating over 20 years. Denials after former player admissions (NL MVP Ken Caminiti).
- No one really wanted this to stop. Baseball revenues were growing at astronomical rates as players started hitting homers at alarming rates. Gate receipts, marketing revs, tv revs and players contracts all took off.
- MLBPA Executive allegedly kept 2003 records to prove/hope for enough false positive tests so testing would be permanently banned! Included was tipping off players to testing. A charge being denied.
All of this stuff is irritating since I hate cheaters. People will argue until they are blue faced stating it wasn't against the rules since baseball didn't drug test or not part of any league/union agreements. Garbage. Players weren't taking these substances to better their health. Each one shot up, rubbed cream, popped pills for one unified purpose.... to become a better baseball player. Most denied suspicions to hide their actions. Covered their tracks by obtaining steroids from other countries, using designer drugs, BALCO etc. Guilty... PERIOD.
Hank Aaron & Roger Maris endured tremendous hardships when chasing Babe Ruth's home run record. Aaron the subject of racial indecencies and death threats. Maris faced relentless criticism and negative New York press. His record stood at *61 in record books until the asterik was finally removed. Reflecting back a few years to 1998 baseball season now sickens me. Mark McGwire vs Sammy Sosa phony homer show produced by MLB....
1998: McGwire (70) and Sosa (66) went toe to toe most of the year chasing Maris' record. The stomach turning part is how McGwire went out of his way to phony up to the Maris family. I'm sure Mac's emotions were very genuine and heartfelt to a point. He had spent much time with them as Mrs. Maris and kids traveled the country as Mac neared 61. Fans packed stadiums as baseball promoted this event to the hilt. At the time, baseball was recovering from a different black eye... one of the MANY under Bud Selig. Well, guess what? It was all phony. Time and time again McGwire sat a post-game news conferences stating how wonderful it was to be mentioned in the same sentence as Roger Maris. How difficult it was for Maris' family to watch their father's record about to be broken. And, all the while Mac was juicing with a previously unbanned substance. What a ____! Sosa, while never formally proven, was juicing too. Baseball encouraged one of the games greatest records to be shattered by a dirty player. WOW! A couple of years later, Bonds broke McGwire's record. A few years later, Bonds becomes the All Time Home Run King. 1998 was the year covering up steroids in baseball became a conspiracy!
I hope Hall of Fame voters remember these times when casting ballots!
Guess what else baseball? Outing the names of 103 is important if only to reinforce innocense for those suspected who have not ventured into substances. Once this happens ... stop pointing fingers at players! Own up and admit how deep this conspiracy scandal reached. Stop using players names as a distraction away from what was really happening behind the scenes. I mean come on, it's already been proven General Managers discussed juiced players while negotiating trades and contracts.
Funny thing about baseball's image. Over time it's taken hits. Some heavier than others. Yet, time after time baseball bounces back. So, would baseball end if its' Commissioner or owners stepped to the microphone and told the world they had full knowledge steroids became a major problem? Or, that MLB profited from looking the other way?
People forgive mistakes.
We just hate liars and cheats!
by Digger
Loads of random thoughts surround today's surprise announcement by Alex Rodriguez. ARod sat down for a one on one interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons fessing up to using PED's between 2001-03 before it was a banned substance by MLB. I've written numerous blogs about steroids in baseball and how poorly every aspect has been handled (or not).
Well, today I'll give ARod slight kudos for speaking up. It took a lot of guts for him to step up and tell everyone what we already knew. There was no Rafael Palmeiro type finger waving denials. No McGwire "I'm not here to talk about my past" bs. No Barry Bonds style non-denials. No, no, Canseco chest bashing bragging either. Just a not so simple moment of an icon admitting wrong doing based on Sports Illustrated article stating ARod tested PED positive in 2003.
ARod explained what led him down this path. However, the skeptical side of me will question when he actually stopped. 2003 is hard to believe. One more question is ARod sorry for what he did? Or, for getting caught??
Scratch below the surface of this latest outing of a baseball PED user. So much more to go with many obstacles, disinformation and political style slick deflection of attention still looming. First of all, regardless of anyone's opinion of who did what... (random thoughts)
- this drug test was to be strictly confidential under the safeguards provided by MLB and the Players Association. Why release this news now "6" years later? These documents should have been destroyed. MLBPA fumbled this badly. No, not for failing to cover up... but, for failing to protect the right of privacy. MLBPA is one of our country's strongest and most well disciplined unions.
- 104 players tested positive, why only release ARod's name? What about the other 103? A hole in the dam was just made by releasing ARod's name. Now, it's time to name them all.
- Anyone who thinks only 104 were guilty should remember players were notified testing was to be done. Some quit. Users were tipped off by team officials when they would be tested. Users also tainted results with masking agents. So, 104 will not be an accurate reflection of depths to which this scandals reaches.
- Owners still getting a free pass. Players in the know getting a free pass. Team doctors in the know... General Managers ... it's a pathetic mess.
- Union denies MLBPA Officials tipped off players, namely ARod, on eve of testing.
- The Mitchell Reports was highly biased. Mitchell is part of the Red Sox organization. Most of the players under suspicion in his analysis played in New York. He failed to detail what was happening in every other major league city. Failed to address core of problem = EVERYONE KNEW!
- EVERYONE from Commissioner to Owners to Players knew how widespread this epidemic had become and most are still in denial. Epidemic is incorrect. This was a conspiracy. Conspiracy evolved to protecting players "CONTINUED USAGE". Now, game conspires to deny any knowledge despite repeated articles written dating over 20 years. Denials after former player admissions (NL MVP Ken Caminiti).
- No one really wanted this to stop. Baseball revenues were growing at astronomical rates as players started hitting homers at alarming rates. Gate receipts, marketing revs, tv revs and players contracts all took off.
- MLBPA Executive allegedly kept 2003 records to prove/hope for enough false positive tests so testing would be permanently banned! Included was tipping off players to testing. A charge being denied.
All of this stuff is irritating since I hate cheaters. People will argue until they are blue faced stating it wasn't against the rules since baseball didn't drug test or not part of any league/union agreements. Garbage. Players weren't taking these substances to better their health. Each one shot up, rubbed cream, popped pills for one unified purpose.... to become a better baseball player. Most denied suspicions to hide their actions. Covered their tracks by obtaining steroids from other countries, using designer drugs, BALCO etc. Guilty... PERIOD.
Hank Aaron & Roger Maris endured tremendous hardships when chasing Babe Ruth's home run record. Aaron the subject of racial indecencies and death threats. Maris faced relentless criticism and negative New York press. His record stood at *61 in record books until the asterik was finally removed. Reflecting back a few years to 1998 baseball season now sickens me. Mark McGwire vs Sammy Sosa phony homer show produced by MLB....
1998: McGwire (70) and Sosa (66) went toe to toe most of the year chasing Maris' record. The stomach turning part is how McGwire went out of his way to phony up to the Maris family. I'm sure Mac's emotions were very genuine and heartfelt to a point. He had spent much time with them as Mrs. Maris and kids traveled the country as Mac neared 61. Fans packed stadiums as baseball promoted this event to the hilt. At the time, baseball was recovering from a different black eye... one of the MANY under Bud Selig. Well, guess what? It was all phony. Time and time again McGwire sat a post-game news conferences stating how wonderful it was to be mentioned in the same sentence as Roger Maris. How difficult it was for Maris' family to watch their father's record about to be broken. And, all the while Mac was juicing with a previously unbanned substance. What a ____! Sosa, while never formally proven, was juicing too. Baseball encouraged one of the games greatest records to be shattered by a dirty player. WOW! A couple of years later, Bonds broke McGwire's record. A few years later, Bonds becomes the All Time Home Run King. 1998 was the year covering up steroids in baseball became a conspiracy!
I hope Hall of Fame voters remember these times when casting ballots!
Guess what else baseball? Outing the names of 103 is important if only to reinforce innocense for those suspected who have not ventured into substances. Once this happens ... stop pointing fingers at players! Own up and admit how deep this conspiracy scandal reached. Stop using players names as a distraction away from what was really happening behind the scenes. I mean come on, it's already been proven General Managers discussed juiced players while negotiating trades and contracts.
Funny thing about baseball's image. Over time it's taken hits. Some heavier than others. Yet, time after time baseball bounces back. So, would baseball end if its' Commissioner or owners stepped to the microphone and told the world they had full knowledge steroids became a major problem? Or, that MLB profited from looking the other way?
People forgive mistakes.
We just hate liars and cheats!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
"A-Fraud" Tested Positive for 'Roids in '03!
Check out All World All Sports (www.allworldallsports.com)
by Digger
Here we go again. Another big name baseball player who tested positive for either steroids or PED as far back as 2003 has been outed. Alex Rodriguez!
Gee, what a surprise. Another of baseball's biggest names, approaching lengendary status, is implicated for juicing up. ARod was already set up for jeers from thousands of fans thanks to Torre's book referencing "A-Fraud". Well, the stockpile of ammo just doubled with this latest blurb of steroids usage. Deservedly so!
Rodriguez was able to stay out of 'roid talk with most attention focused on Bonds, McGwire and the Mitchell Report. Does anyone remember a scrawny base-stealing Seattle Mariners short stop from not too long ago? After a quick body transformation one off season, ARod returned a power hitter. Right out of the Bonds mold. Too bad 'roids never taught either player to perform well under playoff pressure (choke artists!).
Players have taken some heat for their alleged steroids/PED use. Why have owners, team doctors/trainers, general managers AND MLB Commissioner been given a free pass? This is where I go nuts. Of course owners knew, and I'm certain "encouraged", players to bulk up. Power hitting high scoring games helped to jam stadiums. Sosa vs McGwire reignited a sport reeling from strikes and collusion.
This was also around the same time players (especially pitchers) complained openly about juiced baseballs... charge both league officials and manufacturers vehemently denied. Funny, nowadays bats are creating a stir.
I feel like a broken record repeating how baseball will not be on the level until a true commissioner is put into place. Selig is the former Milwaukee Brewers owner and cannot be relied upon lead impartially. Every action, or lack thereof, have proven this statement true. He's just part of the inner circle boys club owners who sidestep every last ounce of responsibility.
As for AFraud....... have a fun year. You'll be well deserving of tens of thousands of jeers echoing from stadiums nationwide!
by Digger
Here we go again. Another big name baseball player who tested positive for either steroids or PED as far back as 2003 has been outed. Alex Rodriguez!
Gee, what a surprise. Another of baseball's biggest names, approaching lengendary status, is implicated for juicing up. ARod was already set up for jeers from thousands of fans thanks to Torre's book referencing "A-Fraud". Well, the stockpile of ammo just doubled with this latest blurb of steroids usage. Deservedly so!
Rodriguez was able to stay out of 'roid talk with most attention focused on Bonds, McGwire and the Mitchell Report. Does anyone remember a scrawny base-stealing Seattle Mariners short stop from not too long ago? After a quick body transformation one off season, ARod returned a power hitter. Right out of the Bonds mold. Too bad 'roids never taught either player to perform well under playoff pressure (choke artists!).
Players have taken some heat for their alleged steroids/PED use. Why have owners, team doctors/trainers, general managers AND MLB Commissioner been given a free pass? This is where I go nuts. Of course owners knew, and I'm certain "encouraged", players to bulk up. Power hitting high scoring games helped to jam stadiums. Sosa vs McGwire reignited a sport reeling from strikes and collusion.
This was also around the same time players (especially pitchers) complained openly about juiced baseballs... charge both league officials and manufacturers vehemently denied. Funny, nowadays bats are creating a stir.
I feel like a broken record repeating how baseball will not be on the level until a true commissioner is put into place. Selig is the former Milwaukee Brewers owner and cannot be relied upon lead impartially. Every action, or lack thereof, have proven this statement true. He's just part of the inner circle boys club owners who sidestep every last ounce of responsibility.
As for AFraud....... have a fun year. You'll be well deserving of tens of thousands of jeers echoing from stadiums nationwide!
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