Sports With Brandon: August 2012

Sunday, August 26, 2012

T.O. released top 10 worst career endings

Seattle, Wa -- The Seattle Seahawks have released Terrell Owens today. Owens, 38, is in the midst of a comeback after missing the 2011 season nursing a ACL injury; this move pretty muchs spells the end of Terrell Owens career in the NFL. One of the best WR's in recent history, Owens career had its ups and downs. A controversial teammate known for his unprofessional behavior and run-ins with management his later life has impacted his achievements on the field in many ways. Yes, Owens was selfish and at times not a team player but his stats has a track record that can speak for its self. He is tied for 2nd with Randy Moss for all-time touchdown receptions, second all time in receiving yards, and 3rd with TD reception with over 150 and 1400 reception yrds, now that's impressive. Not to mention being a 6 time pro-bowler and 5 time all-pro team Owens have the stats to get into Canton. I believe he will get in first ballot but I hate to see the way this man's career ending. I still think he has a good season or two left him but I think he has ran out of chances. I think its the end of the road for T.O. his controversial past makes owners think twice about taking a gamble on him and his selfish behavior from years earlier may have caught up with him now. I hate to see him go out like this but hey, its the way the sports god scripted it.

This brings me to the top 10 worst career exits of all time

10. Charles Barkley

The undersized but yet powerful Barkley was a force to wreckoned with on the court and sometimes off of it LOL. He would tell you his view without no censor and that made him a fan favorite among millions of TV viewers. The former MVP and 11 time all-star was one of the greats but a devastating injury in 1999 forced Barkley to retire. He came back for 1 final game to erase the image of that eventful December night and he retired directly after the game.

10. Isiah Thomas

The Pistons legend Zeke was a dazzling pg with great ball-handling and the ability to get to the rim Isiah was one of the best. One of the elite players throughout the 80's and 90's, Thomas continued to produce at a high level until 1994 when he ruptured his achilles tending forcing the 12 time all-star into a early retirement.

8. Joe Theismann

The former QB for the Redskins was one of the best quarterbacks in the 70's and early 80's leading the Skins to 2 superbowl appearances and winning in 83, Theismann became one of the best in the business. In the latter stages of his career he started to wane and his career came to an abrupt end in 1985. During a game against the Giants, Theismann was sacked by LB Lawrence Taylor breaking his leg and leaving viewers with a gruesome image of the result. Talk about painful .

7. Mike Tyson

Iron Mike was the youngest champion in the history of boxing to win the belt. After his bought with Buster Douglas in 1990 Tyson's rep as a feared man in boxing was all but over. His controversy began as well. He served a prison sentence in 91, bit Holyfield in 97, and touched off a weigh in brawl with Lennox Lewis camp in 2002, Mike Tyson's act damaged his career more than repaired it. After losing a few matches in 04-05 Tyson called it quits ending the reign of the Iron man himself

6. Manny Ramirez

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Despite all the steroid claims Manny was my favorite players in the early 2000's with the Red Sox. Hitting more than 30 + homeruns in 12 of 19 seasons Manny was on top as one of baseball's best hitters buuuut a failed drug test in 2009 killed his career and after numerous unsuccessful comebacks it marks the end of Manny being Manny. Sucks to go out like this

5. Shaquille O'Neal

One of the best big man to ever step foot on the court Shaq was one athletic big man who revived the center position from the mid-90's until 2006. The 15 time all-star had a remarkable run winning 4 NBA championships and becoming the top 50 greats to play the game of basketball. In his last year with the Celtics Shaq was a image of his former self failing to run the court or score like he did years earlier Shaq retired after a knee injury that bothered him over the past 3 yrs. I hated to see him go out like that but he had a good run.

4. Brett Favre

One of the greatest QB's in NFL history Brett Favre was one memorable QB for the ages. The iron man 1 time superbowl winner and 11 time pro-bowl attendee has an impressive track record throughout his career and most notably his comeback run in 2010 made Favre a legend in my book. Sadly, the 2011 season was not kind to him the Vikes had a losing record, Favre's streak of 297 consecutive starts was broken and his personal life began to have a deal with controversy seemed to put Favre in a standstill. He retired after that season which remains a rough way to end a hall of fame career,

3. Lance Armstrong

One of the best cyclists in history has dealt with a crushing blow in wake of the steroid era that plagued sports in the late 90's and early 2000's. Armstrong, a cancer survivor has now been overshadowed by accusations of cheating than his survival story of beating cancer and coming back from that to compete. This is a gut wrenching ending to a remarkable story for Armstrong

2. Michael Jordan

MJ. The greatest hands down. The 6 time NBA champion has defined his mark in NBA history. The 2nd comeback out of retirement ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh all I'm going to say is this man looked like Michael Jackson the third go around with the Wizards. Missing the playoffs both times in DC, MJ retired for the 3rd and final time thank god. But he still the best ever though.

1. Muhammad Ali

The greatest athlete in sports history heavyweight champ and social icon of the 60's and 70's Ali was on top of the work. His battles with Frazier, Foreman, Spinks and Norton were some of boxing's memorable matches but the end of Ali's career was one to forget. After losing to Trevor Berbick and Larry Holmes in the early 80's Ali retired for good. Ending the career of the greatest man to ever step foot into the ring.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Lance Armstrong, LA Blockbuster, MLB news, Sizzurp ,

Live and Let Lance

After years of federal doping allegations, the seven time Tour de France winner and medal holder finally gave in. Armstrong didn't confess, nor any positive test came up he just simply said "I am tired of talking about it". In return for that statement the USADA stripped Armstrong from all of his achievements and banned him for life from competing in any U.S. cycling tournaments. That was pretty harsh, but then again the circumstances of doping has became one of the U.S biggest controversy in regards to bringing such cases to the supreme court. Its tough on Lance I imagine just by looking back on what he overcame. Being a cancer survivor is a big challenge and a hard fight won by an individual and at the end of the day the biggest winner out of all of this Lance. Not a so-called winner by cycling but a winner in life. He overcame cancer which takes thousands of lives each year, and he beat the odds. Its sad this has to happen to him but that's the harsh reality of cheating. A reputation tarnished being the model of cancer and a fundraiser coordinator to a man who lost everything in suspicion of cheating. Its rough but I guess that's how many American's will view Lance Armstrong from here on out. Stay strong

MLB

Beltre's magical week

Texas Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is having the best week of his career. Earlier during the week Beltre became the 5th player to hit 3 homeruns in 1 game both regular season and playoffs in a feat he did last yr. And also he became the 2nd player in history to hit 3 homeruns and hit for the cycle in the same week, talk about impressive. It pretty rare for a player to achieve those feats in sports and I wish him nothing but the best. He's having a good year while the Rangers are battling for playoff positions. He'll finish the season off strong and is in quest for capturing that world series ring.

Dodger Rules

The LA Dodgers has had a busy season both on the field and off the field, after acquiring Joe Blanton and Hanley Ramirez the LA Dodgers were not quite finished. Today it became official that the LA Dodgers completed a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox acquiring P Josh Beckett, INF Nick Punto, OF Carl Crawford and 1B Adrian Gonzalez. The Dodgers have instantly became favorites to win the West. The move was prompted by the dismal season of the Red Sox constant bickering amongst management and players there was a change needed. Boston has spent nearly a quarter of a billion dollars on Crawford, Gonzalez and Beckett combined. Now with the underachieving Crawford who failed to reach expectations can now have a fresh start. The Red Sox got 3 prospects in return and looking to rebuild to contend with the Yankees, Rays and Orioles for the AL West. Its a win-win for both teams as of now. The Sox has shed 90 million off their payroll and in return get three promising prospects to help build around Ellsbury, Pedroia and Lester. For the Dodgers, you have a team that can make a strong push for the NL west in a seesaw battle with the Giants. This move bolsters LA's depth around the line-up adding power with Gonzalez and a strong pitcher with Beckett to give you quality starts if healthy. I like the Dodgers winning the NL and advancing to the world series. Bold prediction but I'm sticking to my guns.

NBA news

The Washington Wizards signed Martell Webster if anybody cares (Shrugs)

NFL
Davin Joseph pro bowl guard for the Buccaneers has been placed on IR is will miss the 2012 NFL season with a patella injury. This is devastating news for the Bucs who had a great off-season acquiring pieces in their rebuilding process. I wish him nothing but the best.

Interesting story.

Former Packers DT Johnny Jolly was originally slated to serve a 6 yr prison was recently released under shock provision after serving 5 months. Jolly who has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for his arrest for having a controlled substance not once, but twice. He was found guilty both times of possessing and distributing codeine which is a prescribed cough syrup which is commonly used for recreational drug use which is known as "purple drank". This substance is not anything new. The drink has been popularized by rap in the late 90's has had a epidemic that led to fatalities. Rappers DJ Screw and Pimp C both died of codeine overdoses and former NFL players JaMarcus Russell and Terrence Kiel both were arrested for trafficking the parcels and dealt with the consequences harshly. Russell a former number 1 draft pick was busted for codeine possession and has not had a job ever since on the other hand Terrence Kiel dealt with worse issues. In 2006, Kiel who was with the Chargers was arrested at practice after police linked his name to a FedEx truck that was shipping the codeine throughout Texas. He was charged with distributing a controlled substance although he avoided jail time. A promising talent, Kiel was released by the Chargers and never played a down in the NFL again. Less than 2 years later Kiel died in a car accident at the age of 28. I hope Jolly is given another chance. It would be a feel good story that a man who blew everything can come back and produce at a high level. Although its unlikely he should be able to find work in the AFL or the CFL, anyways I would like to see him back.

Terrence Kiel

Johnny Jolly

JaMarcus Russell

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

PED's. NBA, MJD top 10 Rivalries

NFL

Pay me or Trade me
Maurice Jones-Drew - Green Bay Packers v Jacksonville Jaguars

Unhappy with the Jaguars organization about restructuring his contract, the 27 year old running back is open to the trade market if Jacksonville is willing to part ways with Jones-Drew. MJD rushed for a career high of 1,600+ yrds last season and is a vital piece to the Jaguars offense. With 2 years remaining on his contract Jones-Drew is scheduled to earn nearly 9 million dollars total. Obviously this isn't the contract a premiere running back wants but note that the contract was signed before he started to break out. Is MJD worth the money? or should the Jags fill his commands and trade him away? If the Jags do decide to trade Jones-Drew they will lose a big chunk of their offense. With Jones-Drew on the field the Jags offense average nearly 3 yards more per play than when he is on the sideline. Also, the Jags have more leverage to work with on the field when MJD is in the huddle. The Jags account for successful scoring drives while he is on the field serving as a beneficiary in the backfield as a RB who can catch the ball and move for yards. He is a great back and is number 1 in the NFL for total yrds for RB's with Rushing yrds and receiving yards combined. Talk about valuable asset. But lets assume that the Jags do trade him, what would be the the potential landing spots for Maurice Jones-Drew?

The New England Patriots recently lost BenJarvus Green-Ellis could MJD be a fill in? Danny Woodhead does not have the explosiveness as Jones-Drew, nor does Shane Vereeen. This would be a complementary piece to Tom Brady and the Patriots offense.

The Washington Redskins are in dyer need of a RB. Just last season they rotated a core of RB's for the starting line up. Most successful out of the bunch...... Roy Helu. With the Redskins drafting Robert Griffin III the Redskins are looking in a whole new direction. With the wide variety of WR's and no full-time starter at RB would Maurice Jones-Drew make Washington thee premiere team in the NFC East? Maybe

The Detroit Lions were ranked nearly dead last in the NFL in rushing. Jahvid Best has dealt with serious post-concussion symptoms, Jerome Harrison was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and Mikell Leshoure missed his rookie season with a ruptured achilles; that was triple trouble for the Lions offense last season. With the emergence of Matt Stafford the Lions need some assurance at the RB position and Jones-Drew would be shoe-in for the Lions offense. Detroit would the best landing spot for MJD because 1. He doesn't have to get over-worked like he is in Jacksonville and 2. The Lions have a better offensive line and 3. He would work in a all-around offense that doesn't require him to account for over 75% of the teams yards.

The Jags won't trade him he may hold out until week 2 and sign a deal. He's not going anywhere. Just a story to entertain football fans for the upcoming season.

PED's in Baseball

Just last week San Francisco Giants OF Melky Cabrera was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for PEDs. Today Oakland Athletics P Bartolo Colon became latest victim. Here's my stance on PED's in baseball, yes, its wrong but I find the game more interesting when the MLB was in the "Steroid Era" then the game today. From the early 90's to 2006 the game of baseball was a powerhouse. There were numerous players knocking 40+ homers a year and there were home run races just about every year. The Sosa and McGwire friendly rival has been tainted by their allegations of steroid abuse. The all-time HR king Barry Bonds has been forgotten because of his federal issues in regards to lying to the grand jury about steroid abuse. But look at the picture here. Since the Mitchell Report was released in 2007 the number of HR's decline greatly and the homer game became a pitchers game since. We have seen numerous no-hitters thrown and less guys going for power. But, does the crackdown on steroids and PED's harmed the game of baseball? I would think so, I still watch and love the game but it is not as exciting as it used to be. Now with the awareness of steroids and other supplements rumors can began to swirl about guys hitting 35 HR's plus. Take Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. I never heard of this man and he came out the blue and hit for 54 home runs in 2010. I started to say "Is he on roids" ? The last person to hit 50+ was Alex Rodriguez and he too tested positive for PED's in the early 2000's. There isn't any clear evidence that Bautista is on something, but that can raise a few eyebrows. I like the home run game but the sport has been forever tainted. There can't be any accomplishments without subject to question with hitters today. Like millions of baseball fans I wouldn't be surprised if big name players such as Pujols, Cano, Granderson, Reynolds and Kemp test positive for PED's. I just look at it as a player who tries to become an elite. Former Phillies 3B Mike Schmidt once said "If many players in the league were using steroids in my era no doubt I would do the same" I would argue the same too. I know I would have used some type of substance to enhance my ability, but at the end of the day I'm wrong for cheating. You have to give the fans what they came here for. A home run derby beats a traditional game of baseball in my view any day. Its sad the game is like this now, but the steroid era was one of the best periods in Baseball history. Long live the Sosa's, Bonds and the McGwire's :(

NBA

The NBA season tips little more than 2 months from now and I cannot wait. If the basketball gods permit, it would be a great match up between the leagues two best players in LeBron James and Kobe Bryant . The series would be the tale of 2 star lit cities Miami and Los Angeles and can be any greater. I would like to see Kobe get that 6th ring to tie MJ but my gut feeling is that LeBron and company. They will repeat and be the 2013 NBA champs once again and Kobe will fall just short. Maybe in 2014 Kobe can get that ring, as of now with the Heat acquiring Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis it makes their odds favorable to repeat. We are in for a entertaining season. Get those League Passes ready.

Interesting story.

If you haven't been on ESPN.com in the last 2 days check out the story of Greg Halman, a promising prospect for the Seattle Mariners who was stabbed to death by his brother this past winter. It was a touching story and must read even if you are not a fan of baseball. I feel for the Halman family who had been torn apart by mental illness and jealous. Sad story but worth reading. Check it out.

Top 10.

What is your favorite sports rivalry? As a sports fan growing up in metro Detroit I was always fascinated with the U of M vs O-State football rivalry. Im a Wolverines fan and its a joy to see my collegiate squad take down our bitter rivals. Its out of good nature so I picked my top 10 rivalry in all sports that some of you might agree with.

10. Dallas Cowboys vs Washington Redskins.
Since 1960, the battle of the prestigious franchises has been a lifelong bitter rivalry. The epic battles of the 80's and 90's where both franchises were winning was an elite match up. Since then both franchises went down hill and had moderate seasons but their match up are still entertaining enough for a Monday Night Football slot.

9. 1990's Bulls and Knicks
Constantly embarrassed by MJ at the Garden the NBA's hard knock rivalry of the Bulls and Knicks were very intense. Marred by a few on-court brawls and MJ and Starks bitter encounters the Knicks and Bulls playoff series were always unpredictable. My favorite moment of the rivalry would be MJ constantly dunking on Ewing. The 94 playoff brawl between JoJo English and Derek Harper was a headliner that made the rivalry more intense until the mid 90's. I wish NBA basketball goes back to those hard fought days.

8. Pittsburg Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
One of the bitterest rivals of all of NFL history dates back to the late 60's. The Turnpike series many call it has produced some good single game football action all of these years and I always look forward to their two games each year. Although I don't like none of them.

7. Nebraska vs Oklahoma
Lord knows I'm gonna miss this rivalry. Since 1912 the two colleges had a tough rivalry that gave NCAA football fans memories of great games. The last game played was one for the ages with Nebraska beating Oklahoma 23-20. With Nebraska leaving for the Big Ten it ended the epic rivalry, hopefully the rivalry can be renewed as a non-conference scheduled game in the future.

6. Auburn vs Alabama
The Iron Bowl is one of college best rivalries. Going strong since the late 1800's the yearly rivalry can be entertaining at times but then again blowouts. I don't know the full scoop of the rivalry being that I'm not from Alabama but from the look of things its close to to U of M and O-State rivalry.

5. NY Knicks vs Heat
From 1995-1997, the Knicks and Heat was a very intense rivalry. There were close games, critical playoff series and a brawl every time the two took the court. If you liked the tough style of basketball watch these two play on youtube and NBATV they have what you are looking for. The most known incident of this rivalty is Jeff Van Gundy clinching on Alonzo Mourning's leg after his scuffle with Larry Johnson.... Good ole memories of the two.

4. Lakers vs Celtics
Dating back to the late 50's the Celtics and Lakers have met in the NBA finals 12 times with the Celtics winning 9 of those 12 battles. The friendly rivalry of Bird and Magic was one of sports greatest rivalries giving you a show in the NBA finals in the mid 80's just about every year. The rivalry rekindled in the late 2000's meeting in the finals in 08 and 10 and both series were great. The rivalry continues to this day and they are one of the most watched games of the NBA season when these two meet.

3. Bulls and Pistons
This rivalry started in 87, where Michael Jordan torched my beloved Pistons for 59 points. This made our coach Chuck Daly hot and he vowed MJ would never embarrass the Pistons like that again. From that point on the promise stuck with Piston players flagrant fouling MJ every time he drove the lane. It worked from 87- 90 where the Pistons eliminated Chicago from the playoffs every year. Until 1991, Jordan was more skilled and had a better cast was able to knock off Detroit and face LAL to win their first title. Great rivalry

2. Red Sox and Yankees.
Bitter rivalry between 2 teams who strongly don't like each other. This rivalry goes back to the early 1900's and continue to be one of sports best rivalries to this day. Bench clearing brawls, the walk off homer of 2003 and the epic comeback of the Red Sox being down 0-3 and winning the series have put a stamp on the rivalry. 2nd best ever

1. U of M vs Ohio State
No Need to explain myself. Watch the last November game each year and you will get a clue.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

NBA news. Notre Dame Uni's Domestic Violence in sports

NBA

Calm & Melo

This off-season proved to be one of the most busiest out of all NBA off-seasons in recent years. The Heat, Lakers, Celtics and Suns made the most moves out of all but my eyes are set on the New York Knicks, why? Because I have been critical of Carmelo Anthony since 2010 and this year he has to prove not only to me but other critics that he can help the New York Knicks get out of the 1st round. Melo, who is going into his 10th year in the NBA has had little to moderate success in the playoffs reaching the NBA playoffs 9 times and advancing past round 1 only once. Is Carmelo a good player? Yes, but to me he is not one of the elites. I like Melo but his leadership can come into question. There were some reports that he clashed heads with George Karl in Denver and D' Antoni in New York. He is a good player but in order to be an elite he has to prove to me 2 things 1. Make it out the 1st round of the NBA playoffs and second at least make the 2nd team all NBA defensive squad. His defense is average and in order to be at the top play some above the average defense. At 28, he is in the prime of his career. Yes, he will get over 20,000 points and be a Naismith inductee, but he has to learn all the intangibles of the game. Its is clear you can't win with Melo on the team, look at Amar'e Stoudemire. Since Carmelo was acquired by New York in February of 2011, Amar'e's production declined in all categories. In 2011, Amar'e was ranked 5th in the NBA in scoring, when the Denver and NY swapped players we saw a small decline in Stoudemire's numbers. When the 2011 playoffs came around Amar'e averaged 22 pts a game during his playoff appearances. That year he averaged 14 a game while Melo averaged 26. Now can these 2 co-exist with another? Look at their stats this past season. Melo averaged 22 a game and Amar'e averaged career low's since his rookie season of 17 points. Beside's Amare's playoff rant that injured his hand and caused him to miss game 3 also had career low's in his playoff appearance as well. I like Melo but there is no way you can win with the man on your team. When he was hurt the Knicks turned their season around and were able to push for a 7th seed in the playoffs while Melo was in the line-up there were constant struggles of piecing together a winning streak to keep their playoff hopes alive. This past off-season the Knicks acquired Jason Kidd, who also had career low's in every department to run point, Ronnie Brewer, James White, and Raymond Felton. It will be an interesting rotation for the Knicks but can this cast for Melo be enough to help Melo advance to the 2nd round? I don't know the East became an powerhouse conference and it will be hard for me to say what can happen. Maybe with the full season blooming ahead and with training camp coming up soon maybe Melo can gell with the Knicks and they can come up with some type of strategic way of having a strong season. Note Melo was acquired mid-season and the NBA lockout these two players had not been giving the chance to work together. I hope they have a successful season but having a banner raised at MSG is looooong in the future. My projections of the 12-13 NY Knicks 47-35, 4th seed in the East 5th seed Brooklyn Nets, interesting series.

NFL.

Meaningless Football and replacement refs catch me when it most matters week 1. But I like to say them Cleveland Browns been looking good soooo far. Beating the Lions last Friday and beating up on the Packers Thursday night gave Cleveland fans something to cheer about for once. I do not believe that they will have a successful year with their difficult schedule, but I think they'll have a bright future in the next 30 years LOL. But this year it will be a long season at the good ole dawg pound

Lions

The Lions off-season has been one to forget. Multiple arrests by 6 players, 1 player released and several players facing suspensions by the front office mainly with DT Nick Fairley who was arrested twice in 1 month for marijuana possession the first time and the second time DUI and eluding the police. Fairley faces misdemeanor charges faces a stiff suspension by Roger Goodell, who has been very tough on off-the field issues. The Lions have improved over the past 2 years but their success can be overshadowed by their off-the field issues. I think the Lions will be just fine on the field once the situation is settled and I look forward to them duplicating their 2011 success and I believe it is possible, if Stafford stays healthy and the rest of the players stay level-headed they can be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.

Nick Fairley Mikel LeShoure

My surprise team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The acquisition of Vincent Jackson and guard Carl Nicks made the offensive side of TB stronger, but my main concern is for quarterback Josh Freeman. After a stellar 2010 campaign his status took a step back from throwing 6 ints to 22 the year ago and his passing rating dropped 20 points in the process. Being only 24 years Freeman can't help but to get better with a improved line and a core of WR's to throw to Freeman should be able to have a good season and lead Tampa Bay to the playoffs. It can be done, they improved on both sides of the field they should contend if everyone stays healthy. I expect a 10-6 season from TB. Although the NFC south's a strong division, I believe New Orleans will drop off this season leaving TB to conquer the division in a dogfight with the Falcons. It will be interesting I maybe wrong but my gut feeling is TB as a sleeper in the NFC.

NCAA.
The new Picasso Notre Dame Uniforms are nice and I kind of like the new look for the Notre Dame jersey's away with the old traditional uni's and in with the new. They are no Oregon or Maryland but the new jerseys have that little appeal to them. Although I hate ND I'll give them their props for losing the old jerseys but they still get no love from me until they join the Big 10.

New ND's

MLB

The pennant races are on and the season is winding down. My Tigers are will in the race with a month and a half to go there can be a lot of jumps within the AL wildcard and the AL Central and West division standings. I like my Tigers to win the AL central and the Rangers to get wildcard. The Oakland A's made the race more interesting coming out of nowhere and fighting for a playoff spot. I don't think they'll get in with their lack of pitching but who knows, I've seen some interesting things in the past like the Tampa Rays in 2008. The NL Centrals race between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates are one for the ages. I would think people would root for the Pirates, being that they haven't been in the postseason since 1992. It would be a great Cinderella story for the game of baseball that and the Washington Nationals if one thing doesn't hold them back......................................

Stras-Tastic

Prized Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been pitching unbelievably well this season coming off of Tommy John surgery. Currently Strasburgh is ranked 5th in the league in strikeouts with 173 and 7th in wins with 12, is facing a tough decision with the Washington Nationals competing for a NL pennant, Buuuuuuuuut, there could be a pivotal decision that can cost Washington a 1st place bid and a shot at the WS. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo stated during the season that they will closely monitor Stephen Strasburg's limit on innings pitch. He later concluded that the best decision in Strasburg's well being and the Nationals organization is that they shutdown Stephen once he pitches his 200th inning. That raised ire among the National players and fans who are hoping for a division clincher since 1933. Strasburg hasn't complained about elbow problems this year and he is currently off of his first all-star appearance. It would be devastating to do so if they are in the middle of the pennant race. I'd say let him pitch. As a team the Nationals have 4 aces that are in the top 10 in the league in strikeouts, ERA, and as a starting rotation has allowed the fewest runs in quality starts. That's very impressive and by looking at the stats they can be a favorite to represent in the NL in the World Series. It would be awesome to see the Nats contend because their franchise has done so well adding pieces to compliment the talents of Strasburg and Zimmerman it would be crucial to the Nats and their fans to see their star not helping them pitch into the playoffs. Stras has 139 innings pitched so far in order for the Nats to avoid this situation they would have to consider skipping a start allowing Stras to pitch once every 12 day. Or limit Strasburg to 5 innings a start. The Nats have one of the best bullpens in baseball can relieve Stephen of his duties and pitch them in to the closing latter of the game. You don't want to burn out your bullpen but this is one of the situations they'll encounter once September comes around. Myself, along with thousands of Nats fans don't agree with Rizzo, but we do understand, then again who knows if the Nats will be in this position again. Its safe to say Straburg hasn't had any re-occuring elbow trouble since last season so let him pitch. Lets Go Nationals.

Domestic Violence in sports.

Almost 150 athletes in various sports gets arrested for domestic violence each year. Yes, violence against women is wrong but the severity of the crime is not as serious as other charges like felony assault, gun crimes and etc. Recently free-agent WR Chad Johnson was arrested on domestic violence and this blew up media outlets being that Johnson's friendly personality and being the court jester out the bunch would commit such crime. It is not that serious. His actions doesn't warrant this negative impact and there isn't any proof that he actually head butted Evelyn Lozada. There isn't any photos to support the claim and its all based off of he say-she say. But there are severe acts of domestic violence that have hit the sports world hard. Even a few fatal incidents. Here is a list of notable domestic disputes involving sports players and women that involved serious and fatal endings.

1976, Philadelphia Eagles DE Blenda Gay was stabbed to death by his wife after claims she was abused by her husband for domestic violence.

1988, former middleweight champion Carlos Monzon killed his wife after he had thrown her off a balcony after an argument. Monzon had a history of violent behavior and domestic violence was no stranger to Monzon. He plead guilty to his wife's death and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Monzon passed away in 1995 from injuries sustained in a car accident when he was out on furlough.

1994, The infamous O.J. Simpson case has changed American's justice system forever. Although acquitted the motion of DV against women stiffened as jail sentences for repeated offenders increased. This incident also raised awareness for violence against women in which we see on TV today. Domestic Abuse hotlines and support groups are currently active today. And with the laws passed in different states ensure stricter sentences for men who act violently towards women.

2000, Carolina Panthers RB Fred Lane was gunned down by his wife during a domestic dispute. The Panthers at the time had parted ways with WR Rae Carruth after he plead guilty to conspiracy to commit murder after the death of his son's mother in a shooting in late 1999. The Lane's have had past cases of domestic violence and the last encounter was a fatal one. In result Fred Lane's wife Deidra was sentenced to 9 years in prison.

2001, The late boxing champ Diego Corrales was sentenced to 14 months in prison for beating his pregnant wife in late 2000. He was the first well known athlete to sentenced under the new DV law in California. After his release in 2003, Corrales continued boxing until his death in May of 2007.

Most interesting story.

The shortest baseball player to ever suit up for a game was a dward from Chicago by the name of Eddie Gaedel. He stood around 3 ft 7 inches tall and weighed about 65 pounds. The story about Gaedel signing with the St Louis Browns in 1951 was quite a story. Bill Veeck, who was GM of the Browns at the time was known for his outrageous publicity stunts. Well, lets just say this is one of the biggest stunts ever pulled off in sports history. Anyways, Veeck met with Gaedel who did between the inning routines at the stadium was pulled aside by Veeck about possibly playing for the St Louis Browns. Obviously there was an agreement and Gaedel suited up for the Browns and made his debut on August 19th, 1951. That day the Browns hosted the Detroit Tigers and Gaedel made his appearance in the bottom of the 1st inning as a pinch hitter. Wearing the jersey 1/2, the pint-sized Gaedel was walked on 4 pitches and was subbed out for a pinch runner. After he left the game the crowd gave Gaedel a standing ovation and his career was all but over. With a 100% career on base percentage Gaedel is best known for being the smallest player to officially play the game of baseball.