Visiting Team Getting to Lambeau Field Now More Complicated

When visiting football teams play the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field they stay at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, WI roughly 30 miles away. For years the Brown County Sheriff's Department escorted the teams' buses to Green Bay. The practice of them stopping traffic outside their jurisdiction (Appleton is in neighboring Outagamie County) may shake up visiting teams' travel plans to the consternation of an Appleton hotel manager:

[Brown County Sheriff's Capt. Randy] Schultz said he plans to ask the state Legislature to allow the escorts much as funeral processions now are permitted. And he also said he has asked two hotels in the Green Bay area if they would house visiting teams and "both are substantially interested."

This is no solution to Jay Schumerth, manager of the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, who notes all NFL teams contract to stay at the hotel and have done so since it opened in 1982.

"We've spent a lot of years building up our reputation, and then you hear something like this and it's like a kick in the teeth," Schumerth said.

According to Nancy Peterson-Bekx a former district attorney the escorts the sherff's department is doing violates Wisconsin state law:

Peterson-Bekx said Tuesday she was unaware of the stir caused by an opinion she has aired several times over her career as a police trainer. "The problem is the law is very clear on what an authorized emergency vehicle can do," she said. "And escorting a bus for an NFL team is not one of those circumstances.

"The potential problem, of course, is that if someone is going with the green light and plows into them, that caravan is entirely in the wrong from a legal point of view. The civil liability would be incredible."

Law enforcement officers may violate traffic laws only in an emergency situation, according to state law.

I'd like to think that since the escort has been occurring since 1982 that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but we live in a litigious society with people suing for much less than a car accident from an improper police escort.

"Forget the Police Escort"

Report: Terrell Owen Tried Suicide

A Dallas television station reports Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens is in the hospital because of an attempted suicide:

Flamboyant Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens attempted suicide by overdosing on pain medication, even putting two more pills into his mouth after fire rescue personnel arrived, The Associated Press reported Wednesday citing a police report.

A Dallas police report released Wednesday morning said Owens told rescue workers "that he was depressed." The report was first released by WFAA-TV.

The rescue worker "noticed that [his] prescription pain medication was empty and observed [Owens] putting two pills in his mouth,'' the police report said.

The worker attempted to pry them out with her fingers, then was told by Owens that before this incident he'd taken only five of the 40 pain pills in the bottle he'd emptied. The worker then asked Owens "if he was attempting to harm himself, at which time [he] stated, 'Yes.'"

If true it shows that even superstars with money and fame can have a hole in their soul.

In the same ESPN story is an odd Bill Parcell's quote about injured wideout Terry Glenn:

On Tuesday, the Cowboys also practiced without tight end Jason Witten, whose wife was having a baby. Wide receiver Terry Glenn practiced, albeit with several stitches in his thumb.

"He was trying to cut some tape off his uniform," Parcells said. "He had his hand down in his pants and he missed. Fortunately he cut his hand."

Was this another example of Parcell's sarcasm? What a strange detail to reveal. Late night comedians will have a field day with this.

"Police Report: Owens Hospitalized after Suicide Attempt"

UPDATE: I guess T.O. wasn't feeling too down in the dumps. He says his painkilers combined with suplaments caused a bad reaction:

As if to prove he's doing fine, Owens went from the hospital to catching passes from quarterback Drew Bledsoe within two hours, then proclaimed himself "very capable of going out there and playing on Sunday" — despite whatever happened Tuesday night and a broken right hand.

Owens said the confusion likely stemmed from an empty bottle of pain medication found by his publicist, who was with him at the time and called 911. He said the rest of the pills were in a drawer.

"I was non-responsive when she made that call," Owens said. "She made the call out of her judgment for my well-being."

Owens said he was "kind of out of it" which would explain his behavior in the police report.

But then we have T.O.'s publicist who turns the incident into an attack on the football player:

Etheredge also appeared at Owens' news conference, saying she "did not take anything out of his mouth" and that it was unfair for anyone to think Owens would kill himself.

"Terrell has 25 million reasons why he should be alive," she said, referring to the $25 million, three-year contract he signed in March with the Cowboys.

"I'm just upset," Etheredge added. "I feel they take advantage of Terrell. Had this been someone else, this may not have happened."

Wrong, Ms. Etheredge. When the media gets a police report that says an NFL player attempted suicide that's news. If the report had been about the third-string Dallas wide receiver instead of Owens it would have been news. Since Owens is one of the most colorful characters in the NFL that makes it a story Drudge links to and ESPN puts on their front page. And really, T.O. doesn't shy away from attention. He would have felt insulted if he was taken to the emergency ward and no one reported on it.

"Owens Denies He Tried to Kill Himself"

Gammons Returns to Work

Three months after suffering a brain aneurysm ESPN baseball know-it-all Peter Gammons will cover tomorrow night's Boston-Minnesota game at Fenway Park.

"Gammons to Return to Work"

Reggie Bush: On the Take While at USC

We now have a non-football-related answer to why the Houston Texans chose Mario Williams over Reggie Bush. The Yahoo! Sports reporting doesn't change my mind that the Packers should have tried to draft him. I would have picked him #1 and watched him like a hawk to make sure he didn't treat NFL rules as cavalierly as he did NCAA rules.

"Cash and Carry"

Packers Trade Gado and Other Ted Thompson Moves

Ted Thompson continues to shake up the Green Bay Packers line up trading last year's surprise star Samkon Gado to the Houston Texans for running back Vernand Morency. The Packers get a speedier running back but give up a proven run producer. Starter Ahman Green had a major injury last season. Although he ran well against the Chicago Bears Sunday quality depth is important.

In a questionable move yesterday, the Packers cut fullback Vonte Leach. That leaves William Henderson as their sole fullback. The guy's not getting younger, and Leach had a good game. Coach Mike McCarthy must be planning to use more two tight end formations which would mean fewer plays for a fullback.

As for signing Koren Robinson I think part of it was a salary cap play as well as a realization that getting good field position on punt and kickoff returns might put the offense in better situations to make plays and reduce mistakes.

"Texans Trade Morency to Packers for Gado"

Better Luck Next Week

It's not a great start for me in the Webloggers League when my bench players score more than my starters. But that's why they play the whole season.

Quit While You're Ahead

Kevin Kouzmanoff, the baseball gods have spoken. On your first ever major league pitch you hit a grand slam. It won't get any better than that. Retire now.

Let's Play Some Fantasy Football

I have three spots open in my fantasy football league. We have a corps of regulars, most are veteran webloggers. Most of us at least pretend to know what we are doing, and the league winner gets bragging rights in the blogosphere. [Audience ooos and ahhhhs.] Although few have ever bragged about their championship. (That's because I've never won.) I run the league through NFL.com. It's free and has live scoring so you can get a steady stream of heroin stats while watching the games on Sunday. The live draft is 7:45 pm EDT Tuesday night. Being there isn't required. You can simply rank your players and hope for the best. If you're interested send me an e-mail (sean--at--theamericanmind--dot--com) or leave a comment so I can send you an invite.

Landis' Father-in-Law Dies

When it rains it pours. Tour de France winner Floyd Landis will soon deal with hip replacement surgery. Then he'll fight doping charges. Now, he also has to deal with the loss of a close relative:

David Witt, the 57-year-old father-in-law of embattled Tour de France winner Floyd Landis has died, authorities said Wednesday.
Witt was found dead in his car Tuesday afternoon in a North Park parking garage, according to his friends.

...

Witt and Landis first became friends when they used the same cycling coach and became roommates in 1998 shortly after Landis moved to San Diego.

The two later became related after Witt introduced Landis to his girlfriend Rose's daughter from a previous marriage, Amber Basile. The two couples married, and the former roommates were best men in each other's weddings.

It might have been a suicide which puts even more stress on Landis and his family.

"Cyclist Landis' Father-in-Law Dies"

Did the NFL Ban the Spike?

Scout.com's article on new NFL rule changes has to be wrong. According to their interpretation the league banned the post-touchdown spike [emphasis mine]:

Individual players are prohibited from using foreign objects or the football while celebrating. They are also prohibited from engaging in any celebrations while on the ground. A celebration shall be deemed excessive or prolonged if a player continues to celebrate after a warning from an official. Previously, players were not prohibited from using props or celebrating on the ground.
Reason for the change: Promotes sportsmanship.

Taking the football and slamming it into ground looks like a violation of the rule to me.

A Hampton Roads (Virginia) Daily Press story puts the rule change this way [again emphasis mine]:

Another rules change will prohibit an individual player, not just two or more, from engaging in prolonged, excessive or "premeditated" celebrations. Players also cannot use a prop, such as the ball, to celebrate - a point illustrated in the video shown Thursday at Redskins Park by Washington running back Clinton Portis' resuscitation of the pigskin last season.

As a response to Chad Johnson's hijinks this is quite extreme. What next, banning the Lambeau Leap?

"NFL Rule Changes for 2006"

Packers Dismal Pre-season Opener

For those, mostly Packers die-hards, the first pre-season game against San Diego was a bust. The offense couldn't do anything and the defense looked out of position all game. People may start getting worried about first-round draft pick A.J. Hawk. At times he looked overwhelmed by the Chargers' veterans. But he still ended up with five tackles, two solo and three assisted. That's better than number one pick Mario Williams' debut.

But oh do I wish Reggie Bush was wearing green and gold.

Armstrong to Landis: You Talk Too Much

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong told Floyd Landis to keep his mouth shut and stop publically defending himself against doping charges:

"In this day and age, you're not going to get a fair shake in the media," said Armstrong, who rode his bike for charity Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"And the more you get out there and talk about it, I have to talk about it. The best is just to let the process play out and get out of the media. ... I would have encouraged him just to lay low."

Unfortunately for Landis this process could take months. After his hip surgery Landis will undergo tests and evidence will be gathered so his doctors and lawyers can mount a defense for why foreign testosterone was found in his system. Hearings and appeals will take a long time. Even if Landis is cleared he may never get out of his cloud of scandal.

"Armstrong Urges Landis to Lay Low"

Landis Taking Testosterone Doesn't Make Sense

Floyd Landis' publicized urine tests are very damaging. It will be hard enough for him and his experts to explain why his body had such a large ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone. It will be harder to explain why tests showed some of the testosterone wasn't made by Landis' body.

What has me scratching my head is why the ratio was too high after his legendary/infamous stage climb in the Alps that brought Landis back into Tour de France contention. I've read nothing that taking in testosterone before a race would benefit a cyclist. If he wanted a boost he should have taken amphetamines yet he didn't test positive for them. Testosterone is used over weeks and months to build up muscle. We haven't heard Landis testing positive after previous stages.

Here are a couple possibilities:

• After falling apart on stage 16 he figured his chance at winning the race was finished. So he started his doping program early. But then he won the stage the next day and got back into contention. At that point he had to be crossing his fingers hoping he'd avoid any positive tests.

• Landis is dumb. Maybe one of his teammates or coaches told him a testosterone injection or patch would give him a boost the next day. Phonak has a history of riders doping. However, Landis has been studying his body for years looking at how best to deal with his injured hip. It seems unlikely he'd take someone's word without looking into it.

• Conspiracy. Maybe French cycle officials have had enough of Americans winning their race. After Landis' amazing stage 17 someone wanted to take him and American cycling down a notch and tampered with his urine samples.

I'm an Occam's Razor guy so I usually avoid conspiracy theories. So I have to go with the notion Landis cheated. I just can't figure out why when what the evidence we has says wouldn't help him.

Landis' Second Sample Forces Disciplinary Procedure

Floyd Landis' "B" sample was found to have an outlawed ratio of testosterone to epitetestosterone. It was also confirmed that testosterone not produced by Landis' body was found in the "B" sample. The results confirm the original findings from a French laboratory.

Landis was fired from his Phonak team, his case has been referred to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for investigation, but he still retains the Tour de France championship even though "Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the UCI."

Landis continues to claim he has never doped, but it's up to him, his lawyers, and doctors to explain his test results.

"Landis's Second Sample Confirms Original Finding"

Landis' Second Sample Results to be Released Saturday

The results of Tour de Franch winner Floyd Landis' "B" urine sample will be announced by a French lab tomorrow morning. It's expected that sample will show a ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone higher than cycling rules allow. If that happens Landis could be stripped of his Tour title, fired from his team, and banned from cycling for two years. However, this is a process that will involve doctors and lawyers so it will take time:

Assuming that Landis's case is not resolved by a "savior ‘B' sample," it could be several months before the case is ultimately resolved, although there is considerable pressure from both sides to move the matter through the system as quickly as possible.

According to sources at the UCI, the entire process could take several months, with the final CAS appeal not likely to be concluded "until sometime this autumn."

But if an unnamed six-time major race winner is telling an Italian paper the truth, "No one can win [a major cycling race] without doping."

"The Landis Case: Savior 'B' Samples a Rarity"

"Mum's the Word on Test of Landis"

"Landis Awaits Backup Sample Result"

Top Wisconsin Sports City

Milwaukee beats Madison as the top Wisconsin sports city according to The Sporting News.

"Best Sports Cities 2006: Who, Where and How" [via Netscape]

NFL Refs Get New Uniforms

It must be the season of new, ugly sports stuff. First, we had the Milwaukee Admirals' new logo of a skull that should make Disney and Johnny Depp's lawyers cry foul. Then Brian Fraley found NFL referees will ditch decades of tradition to look like jockeys.

"Fashion Statement: NFL Refs to Sport New Uniforms"

Outside Testosterone Found in Landis' Urine

A test to determine whether testosterone found in Tour de France winner Floyd Landis' urine was synthetic found some of it wasn't produced by his Landis' body:

The French national antidoping laboratory in Châtenay-Malabry performed a carbon isotope ratio test on the first of Landis’s two urine samples provided after Stage 17, the person, who is in the cycling union’s antidoping department, said in an interview yesterday.

That test, which differentiates between natural and synthetic testosterone, was done after Landis’s ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone was found to be more than twice what is allowed under World Anti-Doping Agency rules, the person said. Regulations limit the ratio to four to one. The range for an average person is between one to one and two to one.

Landis' doctor Brent Kay hoped this latest test was a false positive. About the testosterone to epitestosterone ratio that put Landis in this situation Kay said, "Although Floyd’s was elevated, it’s not off the chart or anything." That's not reassuring to Landis' fans. Now, with evidence of outside testosterone Landis and his medical and legal team will have even more explaining to do.

"New Finding Challenges Tour Champ’s Claim"

Landis Dump

Here are some stories on Floyd Landis' doping charges with commentary later tonight:

• LeMond: Landis Could Be 'Symbol of Change'"

  "Landis Turned the Race on its Head. But Don’t Ask Me to Cheer for Him"

  "Landis May be Last Straw for German Network"

Floyd Landis Defends Himself

Tour de France winner Floyd Landis says he will work with doctors to show he has an abnormal level of testosterone in his body. Anti-doping officials determined there was an unusual ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone in the urine sample Landis gave after winning stage 17 in the Alps.

Landis was a guest on Larry King Live Friday night. Not the most eloquent speaker he told the audience he has never used any banned performance-enhancing substances, but saved many medical questions for his doctor who was also a guest.

Seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong was a guest via telephone. He supported Landis and mentioned the same lab that tested Landis sample was the one that supposedly found an old sample of Armstrong's that showed he cheated. Neither Armstrong nor Landis would come out and claim an anti-American conspiracy among French anti-doping officials.

C.W. Nevius writes that Landis' and his doctors' work "will not be easy:"

"What he is going to have to do,'' says Testa, who is working with Heiden to start up the new Orthopedic Specialty Hospital in Murray, Utah, "is get into an excellent hospital that has no connection to the Tour with a good department of endocrinology that has a name. Then they need to study him as a subject to prove that something physiologically changed under the stress.''

The problem is, that could take a long time, long enough that even if Landis proves his point, it may be long after the average fan has already given up on him as yet another drug cheater in sports.

"Floyd Landis Proclaims His Innocence"

Floyd Landis' Positive Test Taints Tour de France Victory

Tour de France winner Floyd Landis is in sports purgatory. One of his tests found too much testosterone in his system. Landis denies cheating, but has been suspended by his Phonak team while a second sample is being tested. But with the poor reputation surrounding the sport--the Tour started with many big names bounced from doping charges it will be hard for Landis to shake cheating charges even if future tests don't prove he blood doped or used performance-enhancing drugs. Landis' legendary turn-round in the Alps that took him from wearing the yellow jersey to being eight minutes behind the leader to only 30 seconds will have cycling skeptics wondering what he injected.

Landis understands this:

"Unfortunately, I don't think it's ever going to go away no matter what happens next," Landis said during a teleconference Thursday, hours after his Tour de France victory was thrown into question by a positive test for high testosterone following his gritty performance in stage 17 of the race.

"My immediate reaction was to look for the alcohol bottle," joked Landis, who's known to enjoy a beer while on the Tour and said he drank some whiskey with teammates the night before he staked his stunning comeback in the Alps.

The Phonak team suspended Landis, pending results from a backup sample. If found guilty, Landis could be stripped of the Tour title and fired from the team.

"At the exact moment I was told, every single scenario went through my head about what was going to happen," he said. "There was no way for me to tell myself that this wasn't going to be a disaster."

...

"I think there's a good possibility I'll clear my name," Landis said. "Regardless of whether this happens or not, I don't know if this will ever go away."

A member of the World Anti-Doping Agency Dr. Gary Wadler said if Landis was cheating with testosterone it would take weeks of use to have an effect. Earlier tests would show signs of such use.

We're at the early stage of the investigation. Tests will be done, and people will talk. What once was a special Tour de France could have a disasterous ending.

"Landis Denies Cheating After Positive Test"

[Added to OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam.]

Brewers' New Racing Sausage

Chorizo will be the newest addition to the Milwaukee Brewers' racing sausages. Both Jessica McBride and Peter DiGaudio think it's the result of political correctness.

You can't call it "pandering" unless trying to get more paying customers to come to the ballpark is pandering. The Brewers have a simple equation: more fans at the ballpark means bigger budgets to spend on better players who will hopefully bring more wins and championships. Brewers owner Mark Attanasio is a very rich man, but he won't bankroll a team unless it makes good business sense. Hispanic American money does just as good a job paying Ben Sheets' salary as German American money.

Adding another ethnic sausage accepts the reality of Milwaukee's growing Latin American community. With Brewers radio announcer Bob Uecker heavily pitching this weekend's Germanfest the team certainly isn't sacrificing one ethnic group for another. Once upon a time Italians and Poles were Milwaukee newcomers. Klements is smart to make chorizo, the Brewers are smart to tap an untapped market, and I'm hoping they sell chorizo at Miller Park so I can down one or two in between brats.

"¡Hola, Chorizo!"

Americans Conquer Europe

Tiger Woods wins the British Open, and Floyd Landis wins the Tour de France.

"Another Claret Jug for Woods"

"Landis Continues American Dominance at Tour"

With Time Trial, Landis Claims Yellow Jersey

No one has asked Floyd Landis what beer he drinks. Someone should because we all want to know his secret from collapsing at one stage of the Tour de France only to destroy his competition the next day. And Landis being the presumptive Tour winner could have a fat endorsement check coming his way.

It would have been a shame for Landis to have had his now legendary stage 17 comeback wasted had he not won the Tour. Instead of becoming merely a bit of cycling trivia Landis' performance amounts to one of the most amazing moments in American sports history. That's regardless of the lack of public attention now that Lance Armstrong is racing no longer.

With Landis' upcoming victory--the final stage into Paris is ceremonial--he can go into hip replacement surgery with a huge grin knowing he answered Daniel Coyle's question, "Is is possible for someone with a ruined hip to win the Tour de France?"

"Landis Claims Yellow Jersey, all but Assuring Tour Victory"

"C'est Impossible?"

Landis' Legendary Leap

American cyclist Floyd Landis did something yesterday that is not suppose to happen. Wednesday, Landis cracked on the final climb of stage 16 giving up his yellow jersey and falling over eight minutes behind the leader. That looked to be the end of his Tour de France title chances. No one thought after his body gave out that Landis could overcome such a lead not even Landis. He told reporters, "I don't expect to win the Tour at this point. It's not easy to get back 8 minutes." All he was thinking about after Wednesday's ride was to "drink some beer."

I want to know what beer he drank because, on stage 17 "Lazarus" Landis conquered the final climbs in the Alps, destroyed the competition, and put himself into position to win the Tour de France. From the first climb Landis launched himself ahead of Tour contenders Oscar Pereiro and Carlos Sastre and never looked back. Riders in the peloton asked Landis to take things easy in the heat. He replied, "Go drink some Coke because we're leaving on the first climb if you want to come along."

Here's what William Fotheringham wrote for the Guardian:

On the Saisies his team-mates had set the early pace, one of them - Miguel Angel Martín Perdiguero - with such gusto that he was unable to complete the stage. Landis disappeared as if the finish was around the corner, sprinting up the gutter alongside the lead riders in the string. Ahead was a group of 10; by the ski lifts at the summit he had halved their six-minute lead. On the day's second major mountain, the Colombiere, he was alone, pouring vast amounts of water into his helmet every few minutes to counter the 30C heat, and on the descent his advantage reached nine minutes - enough to make him the race leader on the road.

Eurosport called it "one of the greatest [performances] in the history of the Tour de France." Injured American cyclist Bobby Julich called it "a miracle in cycling."

When stage 17 was through Landis beat Sastre by over five minutes putting him in third place only 30 seconds behind Pereiro. Saturday's time trial, Landis' specialty, will decide the winner of the Tour and if the yellow jersey stays on the body of an American cyclist.

"How Landis Delivered a Ride for the Ages"

Stuff the Ballot for Capuano

Milwaukee Brewers' pitcher Chris Capuano is in the running for one of the final spots on the All-Star Game roster. Fans vote for the final spots so I'm telling all my readers who are Milwaukee Brewers fans to vote early and often.

Ford Traded for Villanueva

The Milwaukee Bucks traded point guard T.J. Ford to the Toronto Raptors for all-rookie team power forward Charlie Villanueva.

Villanueva can score, as shown with his 48-point game against the Bucks in March. I saw it live. He was hot, hot, hot. But I don't know how well the power forward plays defense. A jump shooting team needs good defense for the times when they get cold.

The Bucks must feel Mo Williams is capable physically to go an entire season at point guard. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, "Villanueva is expected to move right into the starting lineup at power forward, which will allow Bogut to slide over to center." That means center Jamal Magloire will probably be traded. To whom and for what is to be determined. Maybe a back-up point guard.

"Forward Progress"

New Bucks Colors and Logo

The Bucks do a sort-of blast from the past by bringing red back into the team's colors. Long-time fans will recall Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robertson winning a championship wearing red and green. The only new aspect to the logo is the team font. This wasn't a radical alteration.

The new uniforms, to be revealed in September, better emphasize the green and use the silver and red for accents. They're the Milwaukee Bucks not the Chicago Bulls. Or else we can re-name them the "Milwaukee Tomatoes." What they should steal from their Illinois rivals is the simple design of the jerseys. The new Bucks logo would work well for that.

"Bucks Unveil Updated Logo, New Color Scheme"

Soccer: Perfect for the Post-Modern World

Frank Cannon & Richard Lessner declared soccer "truly Seinfeldesque, a game about nothing, sport as sensation." It represents the "nihilism, existentialism, and anomie that have overtaken Europe." And soccer is against human nature for its emphasis on the use of one's head and the illegal use of one's hands.

"Nil, Nil"

UPDATE: I've been a little behind in writing about soccer. Betsy Newmark has links and thoughts.

Coming Soon: New Milwaukee Bucks' Colors and Logo

At 7:30 CDT the Milwaukee Bucks will unveil their new team logo and colors.

As for the draft the Toronto Raptors picked Andrea Bargnani, some Italian I've never heard of, as the #1 pick.

UPDATE: It's 7:35 and no news yet. Herb's team isn't too prompt.

UPDATE II: It's 7:45 and on the Bucks' website they've replaced purple with Ohio State red. That should make Michael Redd happy. The logo is still the same.

Few Americans Watching World Cup

ESPN can hype it all it wants with commercials filled with action, rock music, and passionate fans but people aren't watching the World Cup:

Despite a high level of media coverage for the World Cup soccer tournament, three-fourths of Americans (78%) are not following the action very closely if at all. A Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 adults found that just 6% are following the tournament very closely.

Since Pele in the 70s soccer fanatics thought the day would come when the sport would catch on in the United States. The U.S. team now makes regular World Cup apperances, there's a professional soccer league, and English player David Beckam is recognizable here, but the sport still hasn't caught on.

It can't be a lack of scoring. 1-0 games in baseball are some of the most exciting, nailbiting affairs in that sport. Soccer's lack of American popularity has to do with the game itself. Playing it is enjoyable. Players run around trying to fine open spaces to receive a pass then do some fancy footwork to try to break for the goal. The feeling of kicking is similar to swinging a baseball bat. The full range of motion and the connection between body and object ignites the senses.

However, from a fan's perspective soccer amounts to 20 men running around a huge piece of grass kicking a ball and occasionally putting it into the net. There's flow to the game, but it's nothing like a series of passes around the basket in an NBA game where teammates find someone cutting to the hoop for a layup. Other than penalty kicks soccer doesn't have that one-on-one moment like a pitcher facing a batter with two outs and the bases loaded. Soccer doesn't possess the power and beautiful violence of Walter Payton taking a hit from a middle linebacker, bouncing off him, then delivering a punishing shoulder shot to an on-coming safety.

To be blunt American's don't watch soccer because they have other, better sports to watch. For us non-fans we'll ignore the hype and consume our soccer dosage as SportsCenter highlights.

"World Cup Scores Only Small Audience"

Iran Eliminated from World Cup

The World Cup is already a success in my eyes: Iran was eliminated with their 2-0 loss to Portugal:

While Portugal were celebrating a second straight win in Group D - and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's ninth in succession overall in FIFA World Cups™ - Iran were left to reflect on what went wrong after their second defeat confirmed their elimination. After a goalless first half in Frankfurt, Deco broke the deadlock with a long-distance strike in the 63rd minute and Ronaldo sealed the victory from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining.

"Portugal 2-0 Iran"

Hooray for Mexico

I care little about the World Cup. Yes, I'm a typical America. But I like two things: 1. an American win; and 2. an Iranian loss.

"Mexico 3-1 Iran"

Pujols Linked to Grimsley Report

Deadspin thinks one of the names blacked out in the Jason Grimsley report (PDF) is Chris Mihlfeld. Chris Mihlfeld? Who's he? As Deadspin puts it he "has been Albert Pujols’ personal trainer since before Pujols was drafted by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the 1999 draft." That's not to say Pujols is accused of getting performance-enchancing drugs from Mihlfeld. The report says only that the trainer referred Grimsley to a source of "amphetamines, anabolic steroids and human growth hormone."

"So ... We've Got Some Affidavit Names"

No US Open for Michelle Wie

Michelle Wie's attempt at qualifying for the men's U.S. Open fell short:

Three consecutive bogeys sent her to a three-over 75 and into the middle of the qualifying pack at Summit, New Jersey today (AEST).

Wie opened with a 68 on the easier South course, and still had a chance to get one of 18 spots available to the 153-player field at Canoe Brook when she strode confidently to the back nine.

Needing at least one birdie to have a chance, her inability to master the greens finally caught up with her.

She finished at one-over 143 and ultimately didn't come close.

The girl's only 16. She'll make it one of these years.

"Michelle's US Open Bid Fails"

Albert Pujols Could Miss Six Weeks

In this year of Barry Bonds passing Babe Ruth on the all-time home runs list we could have been witness to Albert Pujols putting together one of the greatest offensive performances in baseball history. Too bad for us he hurt himself going after a foul ball:

Pujols, who leads the major leagues with 25 home runs and 65 RBIs after winning the NL MVP award last year, will be re-evaluated on Sunday but is expected to go on the DL.

"Obviously, we have significant concerns about the severity," team physician Dr. George Paletta said. "This injury can put you out for weeks."

Paletta said Pujols, who pulled up and grabbed his right side while chasing a foul pop by Ramirez in the second, could be out for as long as six weeks.

"If you told me right now he'd be out two weeks, that's a lot better than the rest of the year," manager Tony La Russa said. "I just don't think after talking to Dr. Paletta that two weeks from now, Albert will be ready to go."

No one's accused Pujols of using steroids. Having him chase after Bonds' single-season home run mark would have returned some gloss to that record.

Rockies' Religious Revival

The Colorado Rockies are using Christianity to improve the clubhouse and their performance on the baseball field.

On the field, the Rockies are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons and only the second time in their 14-year history. Behind the scenes, they quietly have become an organization guided by Christianity — open to other religious beliefs but embracing a Christian-based code of conduct they believe will bring them focus and success.

From ownership on down, it's an approach the Rockies are proud of — and something they are wary about publicizing. "We're nervous, to be honest with you," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd says. "It's the first time we ever talked about these issues publicly. The last thing we want to do is offend anyone because of our beliefs."

The clubhouse lacks the rowdiness typical of other baseball teams. After eight seasons of losing baseball and an embarassing incident with Denny Neagel management infused the team with a Christian approach. There doesn't appear to be any feeling of forced faith but that could be due to the team's selection process.

The Rockies' success may not be due to what prayer sessions or bible studies as much as the professional attitude displayed. A good work ethic means being serious about one's job, being prepared, and taking the job seriously. The Rockies are using Christianity and good character to do that.

"Baseball's Rockies Seek Revival on Two Levels" [via Michelle Malkin]

UPDATE: Rockies players say USA Today put too much emphasis on Christianity. Jason Jennings said, "You don't have to be a Christian to have good character. They can be separate. It was misleading."

It may be misleading. It also maybe Rockies players don't want to be labled "goody-goodies" by their peers.

Jeb Bush as NFL Commissioner

The possibilty of Jeb Bush replacing Paul Tagliabue as NFL commissioner "was broached during a recent meeting with Patrick Rooney Sr., owner of the Palm Beach Kennel Club." Rooney is the brother of Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh Steelers owner. Bush said, "I met with Mr. Rooney and I said I'm doing my job until I'm finished and then I'm going to consider other things. But I'm not going to do anything until I finish." Tagliabue intends to leave in July. Bush's term as Florida governor ends in January 2007. If Tagliabue stays past July then the Jeb Bush buzz will really strengthen. I have a feeling team owners won't want to wait until next year for a new leader. I also don't think they'll want someone who has the real potential to leave to run for President. Tagliabue has served about 16 years. Before him, Pete Rozelle served 29. They'll want someone with a long-term committment.

"Gov. Bush Quietly Approached to Become Next NFL Commissioner"

Smith-La Russa: Not on Each Other's Christmas Lists

There's bad blood in St. Louis. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith are taking it out on each other in the newspapers.

Ozzie is still bummed La Russa didn't play him enough in his last season. La Russa has publically disinvited him to spring training. La Russa went farther and said, "I won't ever be around when he's around. Cardinals fans can embrace him all they want to, and it won't be uncomfortable because I won't be there."

"Tony La Russa on Ozzie Smith: 'He's Not Welcome'"

Gatlin Now Shares World Record

Sprinter Justin Gatlin really hates rounding errors:

Gatlin was timed at 9.76secs at an IAAF GP meeting in Doha on May 12, a mark one-hundredths of a second faster than the existing best set by Asafa Powell in 2005.

But the IAAF said the actual timing for the American was 9.766 seconds which should have been rounded up to 9.77 - meaning he shares the record.

"Therefore, Gatlin's time will now be adjusted to 9.77, and pending ratification, will equal the previous 100m world record of Asafa Powell set in 2005," the IAAF said in a statement.

"Gatlin Loses His 100 Meters Record"

New Bucks Uniforms Next Season

Rumor has it the Milwaukee Bucks will be getting new uniforms next season and going retro. I liked the purple but don't mind the colors from the days when Sidney Moncrief and company dominated the Central Division. I hope they keep the fierce-looking buck in the team logo. Even as a kid I wasn't fond of the cartoon Bango.

"Bucks Will Attempt to Change their Luck Next Season by Changing Uniforms"

Stick It to the World

Chris at Spotted Horse will be really cheering on the U.S. during next month's World Cup for one big, no huge, reason:

I really hope the US team can win it for one reason. It will drive the rest of the World insane because the American General Public WONT CARE. To have the rest of the World have to suffer 4 years of the Cup being in the not caring hands of the evil Americas would be a taste sweeter than wine.

I've started my chant. USA! USA! USA!

"My 2006 FIFA World Cup Dream"

Good Wisconsin Sports Weekend

The Packers didn't screw up the draft, the Bucks showed they still had some life by smacking the Detroit Pistons, and the Brewers decided it was baby seal hunting season by clubbing the Chicago Cubs today and yesterday.

I'm Just Happy to Be Here. Can't You Tell

"Hi, I'm Jason Spitz, third round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers. Ever since my parents put a few thousand dollars in orthodonture work I can't help but show it off to every camera that comes near me.

"I want to succeed and help my new team win lots of games, but if I get too good lots of people will want to take my picture. I don't think my jaw could take that."