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Limbaugh right, wrong about Rams bid rejection
I want to quote the oft-misquoted Rush Limbaugh.
“Believe me, the hatred that exists in this is found in the sports writer community, it’s found in the news business, it’s found in the race hustler business.”
I certainly can’t say this is true across the board - and unlike the over-the-top radio personalities like Limbaugh, Keith Olbermann, Glenn Beck, Chris Matthews and Bill O’Reilly, I won’t paint an entire group of people with broad strokes - but from what I’ve seen, sports media (at least in print) are generally conservative. That isn’t to say they all are, but certainly moreso than the rest of the media as a whole.
Not that Rush is necessarily wrong about the reasoning about getting dropped from the bid to buy the St. Louis Rams. It’s not like he would have any decision making abilities for the team if he did own a small portion of the club.
Unfortunately, the NFL owners were afraid he would become the league’s Marge Schott, despite the fact he would be nowhere near a majority owner.
This is a microcosm of the U.S. The country has become a place where political correctness has run rampant. Now, it affects the sports world beyond Title IX.
Limbaugh will turn out benefiting from this setback. He will always have an audience with the anyone from the mid-to-far right. Now, he will gain support from right-leaning moderates and people in the middle, too. I would expect that his listenership jumps in the aftermath of this. Anytime the sale of the Rams comes up, people will associated Limbaugh. Like him or not, the rejection will only benefit him.
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Not so terrible after all
Earlier today, I saw the piece that ran on ESPN Sportscenter on the Terrible Towel. There is a similar article on the Web here.
I am a Cincinnati Bengal fan, so I have absolutely no love of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But after seeing that piece and learning the history of it, and where the profits go, I might just have to buy one of them one of these days.
Of course, I would have to give the darn thing away. I wonder if LenDale White would like a Christmas present.
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Mayfield situation is embarrassing
I get a funny feeling about the whole Jeremy Mayfield-NASCAR saga going on right now. Why do both sides seem dirty? For Mayfield to fail more than one drug test seems funny, but the whole he said-she said thing with him and his step-mother is just kind of goofy. I would like to think Mayfield is in the right, mainly because I hate how secretive NASCAR has been about the whole incident. But he certainly looks guilty.
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What did the Confederations Cup mean for U.S. soccer?
Short answer — nothing.
Had the U.S. won, what would it have meant? Essentially, nothing.
Of course, the soccer fan would have taken it to mean the U.S. has arrived on the world stage. Some may think that after the Americans beat Spain.
But in reality, soccer fanatics have pointed to several things over the years that were supposed to signal soccer as becoming a major sport in the U.S. — Pele coming to the NASL, The World Cup coming to the U.S., Beckham joining the MLS. None of those things have had a lasting impact. A Confederations Cup win would have had no more value than any of those events to the casual fan and certainly not to the non-soccer fan.
It would have been nice, but I don’t think anything short of a World Cup will put soccer up there even with hockey, much less basketball or baseball.
Honestly, I don’t think winning the World Cup would do it.
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Enough is enough with MJ
One of the shows I try to watch whenever I can is Pardon the Interruption. The show is funny most of the time and the hosts are very good at what they do.
Today, however, the PTI guys went over the line when they used a segment of the show to talk about Michael Jackson. Yeah, I know, Kornheiser often talks about American Idol or some other random thing, but this was a whole segment dedicated to Michael Jackson. If they are going to talk about an MJ that much, it should be Jordan, not Jackson.
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Passing the torch?
Seeing a 21-year-old Sidney Crosby skate around the ice with the Stanley Cup held over his head gave me goosebumps - not only because I am a fan of the Penguins, but because it looks like the torch may be passing.
Detroit is the old guard of the NHL. Pittsburgh is the new kids on the block. The invincible juggernaut from the Motor City found itself humbled Friday night by a bunch of young bucks.
This could be the start of a new era of hockey - one without the NHL’s version of the New York Yankees. Or maybe, that mantle has just moved east.
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Stanley Cup just got interesting
I should have had a lot of interest in the Stanley Cup from the beginning. I have been a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, rooting for them from the early days of Mario Lemieux. And I hate the Detroit Red Wings with a passion, I mean, they are the New York Yankees of the NHL … what’s not to hate? Nevermind the team is based in Michigan.
Still, I have had only a passing interest in the series. I have been too caught up in personal matters and work to actually sit down and watch any of the games.
Until last night.
While I was online, a friend of mine I was chatting with was feverishly rooting for the Wings. I turned the game on myself. I got caught up in it. During the first intermission, I made a bet on the series with my friend (no, it wasn’t involving money), despite Pittsburgh needing to win two straight, I felt comfortable the Penguins would pull through.
They did that night, scoring a minute into the second period, then holding off Detroit when the Wings pulled the goalie for an extra attacker in the last 1:20 or so to win 2-1.
Yes, Pittsburgh still needs to go to Detroit and win. But I have a renewed interest in the series now - both from the bet and watching Game 6. Unfortunately, I probably won’t get to see a lot of Game 7 on Friday night. But I will be wearing black and gold, rooting the Pens on against the hated Wings.
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Topsail-Perquimans Game 3 6th inning
Topsail’s James Brandt hits a leadoff homer to left.Dan Redinger draws a one-out walk, then Kyle Toukatly doubles to right, scoring Redinger.Jake Stone grounds out, then Kenny Ratlift doubles, scoring Toukatly.
Perquimans goes down in order, ending the game.
Topsail 17, Perquimans 5
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Topsail-Perquimans Game 3 5th inning
Kyle Toukatly hit a one-out single to right. Jake Stone and Kenny Ratlift followed with walks. Andrew Jacot was relieved by Robert Jacot.Tyler Redinger grounded out,plating one. Kyle Horton singled, scoring two.
John Hunter hit a one-out single for the home team. He steals second, then takes third on a passed ball. Dustin Spruill walks and Andrew Jacot singles, plating Hunter.
Topsail 14, Perquimans 5
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Topsail_Perquimans Game 3 4th inning
Topsail’s Kyle Horton hit a one-out double to center, then goes to third on a ground out. He scores on Keith Gray’s single to left.
Perquimans went down 1-2-3.
Topsail 11, Perquimans 4
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Topsail-Perquimans Game 3 3rd inning
Topsail’s Jake Stone hit a one-out single to center. Tyler Redinger a nd Kyle Horton drew two-out walks. Topsail scores two on a single to right by Keith Gray, who takes second on the throw home. James Brandt reached on a throwing error and two more topsail runs score. Hayne Bigelow hit an infield single to move Brandt to second. Dan Redinger followed with an infield single to load the bases. Kyle Toukatly doubled to clear the bases, then Stone brought him in with a home run to center. Nine runs on six hits, all runs scoring with two out.
John Hunter doubles to center field fence with one out, then steals third. Alex Weaver walks, then steals second.Dustin Spruill singled to short center, plating two.
Topsail 10, Perquimans 4
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Topsail-Perquimans Game 3 2nd inning
Topsail got two-out singles from James Brandt and Haynes Bigelow, but could not score.
Perquimans’ Andrew Jacot singled to right and took second when the ball was misplayed. Brad Miller followed with a double to score Miller.
Perquimans 2, Topsail 1
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Topsail-Perquimans Game 3 1st inning
Both teams score in the first on a hit and an error.
Topsail got a two-out double from Jake Stone, who scored when Kenny Ratlift reached on a throwing error.
Perquimans evened the game when Robert Jacot reached second on a dropped fly ball. He scored on Alex Weaver’s single.
Topsail 1, Perquimans 1
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What a dope!
I got sick yesterday, and that was before I threw up.
Manny Ramirez gets suspended for 50 games. That he is taking a drug associated with steroid use is no surprise to me. Is anyone out there shocked by this?
At least Major League Baseball looks like it is trying to do something about steroids - finally nabbing a star on a big-market team. But it does give MLB another black eye.
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Best girls game yet
The girls’ soccer game I saw last night between Edenton and Currituck was the best one I have seen since I came to the area five years ago. Granted, I don’t get to see all of the games, but usually when I see a game (whether it is girls or boys), one team may play well, but the other lags behind in the skill department. The girls I saw on the field last night can play the game of soccer the way it should be played - not kick the ball down the field and hope someone can chase it down to get a shot. It was a nice change to see two teams that know how to use teamwork. I hope I see more of that in the future.
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Thoughts on the draft
1: It’s good to see some things never change — Carolina trades away their first round pick for the second year in a row to fill a need now. At least it has worked out so far, and with the money the Panthers save without a No. 1, they can get free agents. Cincinnati is also up to its old tricks, drafting players with questionable character. sigh At least the Bengals did not draft Percy Harvin. 2: Note to the New York Jets — Mark Sanchez is not Joe Namath, no matter how much you want him to be. He may have moderate success at first, because the Jets are a pretty good team right now, but he will not last. 3. Is it just me, or did the Lions have a pretty decent draft despite taking Stafford at 1. I hope they can solidify that o-line some more, though.
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Hall class should be exclusive
C. Vivian Stringer should not be going into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Neither should Jerry Sloan or John Stockton or David Robinson.
Not this year.
The year Michael Jordan goes into the Hall, the ceremony should be for him and him alone.No one came close to Jordan during his career, they shouldn’t when he goes into the Hall.
For one, it kind of dilutes his accomplishments. Stockton and Robinson were great players (Robinson was my favorite non-Cavalier in the 90s), but both are totally overshadowed by Jordan. In any other year, either one would be the main attraction of the induction - this year, they are almost an afterthought.
I am no real fan of Jordan. I still remember the last second shot that knocked Cleveland out of the playoffs that time in the late 80s (88 or 89, my memory is kind of fuzzy, I think 89). You know the one I’m talking about - the one on many highlight reals and commercials where he pumps his fist multiple times after sticking the dagger in all Cavs’ fans hearts. I never could bring myself to root for him until his second stint with the Bulls, but I recognize him for the legend he is.
No one could reach the heights His Airness reached during his career. He should get the ultimate honor for that career without peer - just like he played.
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Lots to do …
This sure has been an eventful day.
First, I covered the Fishers of Men Legacy event. I’m sure the top two teams will hold a bit of a surprise to most.
Then, I went to the AYSO Silent Saturday. It was just winding down when I got there, but there really is a bit more to it than keeping parents and coaches quiet — there are some good reasons for it.
Then, after I wrote those two events up and finished my column, I had a little time before I go to the NASF N.C. Bodybuilding Championships.
I just hope I get done there in time to catch a bit of the Carolina game.
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Roy and Coach K playing together?
Yep, it happened … with Guitar Hero.
Roy Williams, Coach K, Rick Pitino and Bobby Knight versus Metallica
This has got to be one of the funniest commercials I’ve seen in a long time. Plus, it’s great that it came out during the NCAA tournament.
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Epic sportsmanship
So a ping pong (it is so not table tennis) player thinks he can dance.
I just hope he helped Pedro win the election.
The funny thing is that the link from Yahoo said he won the game, but look at the scoreboard at the end of the clip.
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Tigers’ injuries may have been a different sort
Officially, the reason St. Paul’s quit in the second game of the doubleheader with ECSU today was injuries. That is what the coach Whittle mentioned when I spoke with him after the game.
Unofficially, many of the Vikings players believe the Tigers quit after getting their heads handed to them in game one. I have to say I agree.
In the late going of the “first” game, a St. Paul’s player took his frustration out on the ECSU dugout, yelling the typical smack at them (though it was a bit atypical, considering the Tigers were getting pounded). Midway through his trash talk, though, he made a comment that he didn’t care if the whole team “jumped” him, suggesting that he had heard a Viking say they would do so. I was right next to the dugout at the time and heard no such comment from the Vikings’ bench. The Vikings were mixed about that comment. Some were amused by it, while others were wondering just what he meant by it, especially since none of the Vikings had said anything of the sort. His rant seemed to come out of nowhere.
After the game, I was on top of the visitors’ dugout and heard members of the team talking to others, asking them if they were giving up. It was obvious one or more Tigers had made up their minds they were not going to play the second game. That came to pass in the middle of the second, when six or seven Tigers took the field, but the others would not leave the dugout.
I feel bad for the St. Paul’s players who are being dragged down by a few who have bad attitudes. Yes, the team is having another lousy season, but if you are not there to play, you shouldn’t be there at all. I also feel bad for the Vikings, who were looking to get some work in before their doubleheader at Virginia State on Friday.
St. Paul’s may have several injured players who didn’t make the trip, causing the team’s numbers to be low — I don’t know. But it seems to me like the only injury the Tigers were suffering Tuesday was wounded pride. And everyone who wanted to play ball suffered because of it.
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Hello just thought I’d say hello, this is my first time using any kind of forum. I’m 25 from Sydney Australia, been training for about 4 years, pretty hard for the past year and a half. I’m about 5’8 and weigh 101kg currently bulking
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Thom,
Biased towards Creswell Thom, maybe so, but I actually had a conversation with Coach Rodgers of Creswell concerning the conference situation a few years ago. His response was that he just wanted a chance to compete week in and week out.
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Congratulations Creswell Tigers I am so proud of you. You deserve your win because you worked hard to get it. To the person who wrote what he did about the Tigers you need to get a real job because you are a disgrace to the real intelligent sport writers?
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The pirates cant even play with williamston and plymouth… Bunch of thugs that just about got the team dismantled for do stupid stuff…. STEALING damn heard about that to your a joke as a sports write what cant get a real job nope guess not!!!!
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