MLB suspended Mariner’s first baseman Richie Sexson six games for “violent or aggressive actions” after he charged the mound against Texas Rangers’ pitcher Kason Gabbard. The suspension should have been longer.
First, this pitch was nowhere near him. It was high, but it was also over the plate. Had he not moved his head, there was still a foot between his face and the ball. He had no legitimate gripe. His mound charge was a nuisance.
Second, he used his helmet as a weapon. It is one thing to charge the mound, but another to hurl a projectile at someone in the process. The helmet could have seriously injured him. It was a violation of etiquette and a serious injury threat. And, with his enormous size advantage (6′8″ 237 lbs), throwing the helmet was unmanly.
Richie Sexson had no reason to charge the mound. When he did, he did so in an ungentlemanly fashion which could have seriously injured Gabbard. He responded to a situation where no one was in danger by creating a situation where every player was in danger.
He was lucky to get a mere six games, and should have received more. Unfortunately, baseball cannot add to a penalty for frivolous appeal.
Any Boston Team: Since there has been a New England, it has been universally disliked. People have an active hatred for the education, the conceit and the image of the snobbish Boston Brahmin. There has been an upsurge of disquietude with Boston teams since they’ve been successful. The Red Sox have a large payroll. The Patriots have Bill Belichick and Spygate. But the hatred of Boston teams is time and success specific, not a general trait.
New York Yankees: This one requires no thought. Every casual fan not of Yankee ilk hates the Yankees. True baseball fans hate them even more passionately.
Los Angeles Lakers: People do despise the Lakers. They are successful. They are from Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant eludes likability for numerous reasons. But it is a passive rather than an active hatred. When thrust into their face, people root against them. But no one actively checks scores and cheers when the Lakers lose.
Ohio State Unviersity: Ohio State does not belong on this list, and this is coming from a Michigan fan. They aren’t the most hated school regionally, Notre Dame. Michigan are more maligned in the Big Ten (see the 1973 Big Ten Title Decision). Notre Dame football and Duke basketball are far more universally disliked.
Chelsea: Chelsea is an incongruous choice because they are English-based. English fans dislike the arrogance, the money, the knuckle dragging football and the baby Bentley sense of entitlement. But, I am not sure the hatred is really of the same magnitude as in American sports. Chelsea doesn’t have a major rival. The other successful clubs Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal also have their detractors. There are also clubs like Newcastle and Leeds that are often maligned. It just seems out of place.
Omissions: I mentioned two before, Duke Basketball and Notre Dame football. I would throw the Dallas Cowboys in there as well. My general critique is that there should be a tradition of hatred and it should transcend rivalry. Only the Yankees, the Cowboys, Duke and Notre Dame really fulfill that.
USA Baseball GM Bob Watson confirmed that he will not select Roger Clemens for the 2008 U.S. Olympic squad, according to Captain Obvious the Associated Press
Clemens’ agent Randy Hendricks stated that the Olympics were “something to consider” last November. A month before the Mitchell Report, the fatuous congressional hearing and the exposure of his extra-marital sex life.
The family man would have been eligible, as he is not on a 25-man major league roster.
Barcelona have announced that manager Frank Rijkaard will not return as manager next season.
Rijkaard, 45, led Barca to consecutive Spanish titles in 2005 and 2006, as well as a Champions League victory in 2006. He is also the only Barcelona manager to beat Real Madrid twice at the Santiago Bernabeu. At his peak Barcelona were the best club in the world, though internal discord and a dearth of silverware scarred his last two seasons.
Barcelona will replace Rijkaard with former Barca star Josep Guardiola, who managed the B squad last season.
After the profound disappointment, a Rijkaard divorce made the most sense for Barca. The club needs a clear-out. Rijkaard’s relationships with the board and players are strained. A fresh gaffer was needed to gut and construct anew.
Barca’s hiring of Guardiola, however, arouses curiosity. Pep possesses only a single year of lower league managerial experience. Barcelona grabbed a three year-old with a kickboard and tossed him into a tumultuous undertow. Even if he is a precocious three year-old, it is not a safe bet.
The club needs a stern presence to nullify their nattering nancies. One wonders if a rookie manager can handle such a task.
But, then again, he has worked in the Barcelona system all year. They appointed him immediately. Maybe the see something to which the rest of us aren’t privy. At the very least, we hope he forgoes the tight pants during his tenure–the gratuitous Rijkaard crotch shots during matches were not pleasant.
Charlie Weis has been feeling a bit chesty, not a surprise considering his ample one.
The Notre Dame head coach through down a gauntlet ahead of their meeting with Michigan on Sept. 13.
“We’ll listen to Michigan have all their excuses as they come running in,” Weis said, “saying how they have a new coaching staff and those changes. To hell with Michigan.”
Apparently, the Dana Jacobson rules don’t apply to those affiliated with Notre Dame.
Notre Dame fans will admire the enthusiasm–having been mauled 85-21 in their past two Michigan matchups–but would probably rather have him manifest it on the field, where the Irish went just 3-9 last season.
