May 18, 2012, 10:53 am
Umpire Bob Davidson suspended one game for poor ‘situation handling’
Big League Stew (Yahoo! Sports: Blogs)

For those who are breathing fire and out for blood regarding Major League Baseball umpires who don't perform and get out of line, here's some red meat, courtesy of MLB's home office: Umpire Bob Davidson has received a one-game suspension for his repeated violations of the Office of the Commissioner's standards for situation handling, Major League Baseball announced today. (The what? "The Office of the Commissioner's standards for ... situation handling"? Is that also the standard by which the trophy for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence is handed out?) The suspension starts on Friday night, when Davidson's crew (including a call-up from the minors to replace Davidson) will work the opener of the Minnesota Twins-Milwaukee Brewers series at Miller Park. As the Unified Sycophantic Defenders of Brett Lawrie would tell you, it's about time baseball did something about some of these umpires. I agree with them on that. No, Davidson was not the ump when Toronto's Lawrie threw down his helmet (that was Bill Miller). But Davidson did mess up the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week when he inadvertently obstructed the attempt of catcher Brian Schneider to reach a dropped third strike, then yelled at Manuel on the bench because he understandably complained. Manuel was suspended as well for his part in the Davidson argument. But that's Davidson's act: He messes up and then acts untouchable. It turns out he's not. Also known as "Balkin' Bob" for his propensity to call balks no other umpire would, Davidson is mostly known for his short temper and poor attitude among players. He's the kind of umpire who thinks fans pay admission to watch him. He gets lots of complaints. Look here, too. Or over here. Only Joe West, seemingly, is disliked more among umpires. This is the first time MLB suspended an ump since Brian Runge was docked a game in 2008. The previous September, Mike Winters was suspended for the rest of the season after goading Milton Bradley into an

 

May 18, 2012, 1:49 pm
Bucs’ Brian Price hospitalized after sister dies in auto accident
Shutdown Corner (Yahoo! Sports: Blogs)

I remember interviewing then-UCLA defensive lineman Brian Price before the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was taken in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I remember thinking that this kid from the mean streets of Los Angeles had everything it took to succeed in the NFL -- talent, work ethic, and great intangibles. What Price hasn't had through his NFL career is good luck of any kind. He's suffered many different injuries in the last three seasons, had a revolutionary surgery in which both of his hamstrings were re-attached to his pelvis, and has played in just 20 of a possible 32 games. But last season, he played 15 games, starting 14, and racked up three quarterback sacks. Price's personal life has been even more difficult. He had previously lost two brothers to shootings, and last week, his 30-year-old sister Bridget was killed in an auto accident in Inglewood, Ca. Price was so distressed, he eventually had to be hospitalized for dehydration. "He physically broke down," his agent, Chuck Price (no relation), told the Los Angeles Times. "He had a high fever, was dehydrated, and couldn't hold anything down. That stress just plays a wicked role." Price, who took his sister's 7- and 9-year-old children to a Dodgers game the night before their mother was killed, now plans to adopt the children. Through all the difficulties of his life, Price has persisted and tried his best to get back in the game -- now, he has even more inspiration to do so. "This guy has been in pain for literally a year," Buccaneers trainer Todd Toriscelli said in September of 2011, as Price tried to find his way back after injuries so severe, he couldn't put on his shoes by homself. "I'm not talking about just mild discomfort. I'm talking about driving home he's got to sit on those bones, laying in bed, you just can't get away from it. Certainly trying to play professional football … it's just an absolutely remarkable thing, and a compliment to his drive and motivation. He is a very special

 

May 18, 2012, 3:25 pm
NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein brings GQ into his basketball world
Ball Don't Lie (Yahoo! Sports: Blogs)

On Thursday, we noted that Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown called on fashionable NBA superfan Jimmy Goldstein to ask a question during his Game 3 post-game press conference. Goldstein declined, of course, because it's not his job. It was notable, though, because a man who we don't usually hear from was given a chance to speak. He didn't, but the opportunity made many of us wonder what he might have asked. However, it turns out that we were about to learn a whole lot about Goldstein even without a press conference appearance. On GQ.com, Myles Brown spoke with Goldstein about his fandom, his connections around the league, and just how he ends up attending so many big games. Here are a few highlights: I fly coach. It's bad enough that I spend a couple thousand dollars a night on playoff tickets by trying to get the best available, so I usually try to save on travel expenses as much as I can. Sometimes people come up to me and say, 'Are you a rock star?' or that kind of thing. More often people will come up to me and recognize me from the games and say 'What game are you going to tonight?" [...] I bring dates to games, but not always. I'd say maybe fifty percent of the time this year, previous years. Probably not as high. I have several girls that I take regularly that all love the game and sometimes they request a certain nights. More often, I just ask them. They're all models. [...] I have a terrific relationship with the entire Spurs organization. Peter Holt on down to everyone who works for the team to the players to the people in San Antonio. I've been going there for many years. In San Antonio, they set up a special seat for me whenever I go to the games there that doesn't exist the rest of the season. [...] Every now and then Kobe surprises me by walking up to me shaking hands and giving me a nice smile. But for the most part, he ignores me. He doesn't look at me and even went to the extent of telling Pau Gasol not to say hello to me. He's never explained why

 

May 18, 2012, 3:14 pm
Patrick Warburton is a Kings fan; will David Puddy cheer against the Devils?
Puck Daddy (Yahoo! Sports: Blogs)

Patrick Warburton has breathed life into some cult roles over his 25-year career as a character actor -- Kronk in The Emperor's New Groove, the title role in the live-action version of The Tick, Newsradio's Johnny Johnson -- but perhaps no character has been as iconic as Elaine's sometimes boyfriend David Puddy, a mysophobic, Arby's-loving, diehard New Jersey Devils fan. Anybody that watched classic Seinfeld episode "The Face Painter" will no doubt remember Puddy's devotion: Also awesome: when he hissed at a minister. But, while David Puddy is a diehard Devils fan, Warburton, who grew up in Huntington Beach, Calif., is a Los Angeles Kings fan. With both teams in contention for a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, he runs the risk of being at odds with ... himself. From the Wall Street Journal: He still feels a fond connection to Jersey's hockey franchise. Warburton has noticed that the Los Angeles Kings may be on their way to this season's Stanley Cup; as a kid, he attended a bunch of Kings games. But rooting against the Devils would be tough, he admitted. "Yes, it will certainly tear at my allegiances," Warburton said. He wondered out loud if he could get away with painting his face half Devils red, half Kings black. "Can you do that?" Warburton asked. He decided he could not. Puddy would never face paint like that. It's wrong. You know, support the team. Glad to see Warburton employing the common sense. Franken-facepaint is a face foul. If the Devils and the Kings meet in the Stanley Cup Final, things could get very interesting. Through the Puddy character, Warburton has become a Devils icon. The Devils have been using Seinfeld video clips as part of their in-arena entertainment for nearly 20 years. Warburton was invited to drop the puck at the Devils' banner raising in 1995, leading to one of the awesomest moments in the history of ceremonial puck drops in New Jersey. From the NY Times in Oct. 1995: Moments after the banner was raised, Patrick Warburton, the act

 

May 18, 2012, 1:38 am
Chelsea better off without Terry
Early Doors (Yahoo! Eurosport)

Roy Hodgson names his England squad today after less than three days in the job full-time, proving beyond all doubt that international management is a doddle. Actually, it's only a doddle if you've got the players to carry you serenely … Continue reading →

 

May 18, 2012, 12:16 pm
Chelsea cannot win on penalties
Paul Parker (Yahoo! Eurosport)

Sir Alex Ferguson has gone big on the 'mind games' ahead of the Premier League finale tomorrow, but I do not think his comments will have any effect on Manchester City or QPR. He has effectively tried to deliver Mark … Continue reading →

 

May 18, 2012, 6:00 am
Di Matteo’s last hurrah
Jim White (Yahoo! Eurosport)

With the kind of timing publishers must dread, this month sees the release of Colin Shindler's latest memoir. The author sold an awful lot of copies of his earlier tale, "Manchester United Ruined My Life", which was released well over … Continue reading →

 

May 12, 2010, 8:53 am
The biggest game of my life
Danny Murphy (Yahoo! Eurosport)

I have played domestic and European finals for Liverpool, I have represented my country and been involved in a relegation dogfight, but tonight's Europa League final is the biggest game of my career.It is certainly the biggest in the club's history, and I am extremely proud to be leading out the lads in Hamburg. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously and I relish the role of Fulham captain. ...