** The Ryan Braun story won't stop. Braun is now basically saying that his sample was "tampered with." He is in effect accusing Dino Laurenzi, Jr., who's had years of experience handling the drug testing for athletes in 3 sports, of tampering. Braun has even suggested that he might sue someone. That would be interesting, since Braun would have to come up with actual evidence of tampering.
** In a related story, Michael Smith, of ESPN, stated today on the "Sports Reporters," that he absolutely believes that Braun is completely innocent. When asked why, he said the commission exonerated him. Bob Ryan couldn't sit till while claiming loudly, "They just overturned the suspension. They didn't exonerate him. He's still guilty in the court of public opinion." Smith said, "The court of public opinion doesn't mean anything." "It means a lot, said Ryan, but Smith obviously didn't understand.
** Bobby Valentine and the Red Sox have ruled that beer will not be allowed in the clubhouse this year. When asked, the players supposedly said, "So what? They didn't say anything about the dugout."
** A-Rod does not want to be just a DH. He says he can still be a factor at third base. Well, that's true, but the Yankee front office feels that playing in the field increases his chances of getting hurt. They want his bat, not his glove.
** Keep your eye on a 20-year old outfielder who will probably be playing centerfield in triple A Scranton this year. His name is Mason Williams and he is being touted by scouts as the best prospect in the Yankee system and is mentioned in every trade talk by opposing teams, even though he's only gotten as high as Single A so far. The Yanks will have none of it.
** Here's a bit of good news for the fans. The Mets are reducing the price of the Subway $5 footlongs in the stadium from $14 to $11.50. Wow! I'll take two.
** Also on the "Sports Reporters," Bob Ryan said for fans not to wait for March Madness, some of the best games of the year are being played right now. Teams are fighting to get into the 'Big Dance,' and they are going all out. Michael Smith, who had already distinguished himself as having no understanding of sports, immediately disagreed, saying the only thing that counts was trying to win the championship in the tournament. Ryan tried again to explain: "I'm talking about sport - competition - effort. Don't you see, that that is what athletics is all about?" Yes the NCAA's are important, but the games that are being played now are just as much of a showcase of the sport as any that are played all year." Smith still had no idea. Hopefully, this will be his last appearance.
** The Oakland A's are still waiting for a ruling on their proposed move to San Jose. It's being held up by the San Francisco Giants, who are claiming 'territorial rights' to the San Jose area. Now let me get this straight. Oakland is located about 12 mile from the center of San Fran, right across the bay. San Jose is some 40 miles south of San Fran and Oakland. How is this worse for the Giants? 'Bungling Bud' Selig hasn't been able to resolve this in two years. The A's suffer from playing in the worst baseball park in America, including Fort Ontario in my hometown of Oswego, NY. Do something, Bud.
** This story tickled me. AJ Burnett has said he wants to be "unstoppable" this year. You were unstoppable last year, AJ. You led the majors in wild pitches with 25, your third time leading the league. I'm sure all three Yankee catchers thought you were unstoppable.
** The latest quote from Josh Hamilton is "My loyalty is here." His last quote was, "The Rangers will get no home town discount during free agency." Apparently, this is what passes for loyalty these days.
***THEY SAID IT***
"Allen Iverson has been offered a contract to play indoor soccer. Considering how Iverson feels about defense, look for the first 39-2 soccer score." -- Brad Dickson
"The reason behind actress Reese Witherspoon's visit to the Bronx Bombers' spring-training camp: "The Yankees are taking a look at her as a possible Alex Rodriguez girlfriend." -- David Letterman
"Police in Taiwan arrested seven people for allegedly kidnapping dozens of race pigeons — a popular pastime for gamblers there — and holding them for ransom. Unfortunately for the perps, they didn't snatch the stool pigeon." -- Dwight Perry
"Danica Patrick says the problem with her $200,000 Lamborghini is it has no cup holders. There's a cautionary tale for the millions of us one paycheque away from sleeping in a refrigerator box under a bridge." -- RJ Currie
[CP's note: Danica Patrick has been described as racing's answer to tennis' Anna Kornikova - known more for celebrity than ability. She had better win something soon or her 'celebrity will get old fast.]
"With Manny Ramirez back in baseball with the A's, are some sports fans going from Linsanity to Manny-ic Depression?" -- Janice Hough
"Massachusetts police arrested a motorist for throwing a handful of pennies at a driver in the car next to him at a red light. He's been charged with assault and impersonating a CFL general manager." -- RJ Currie
"New Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has completed his 21-member coaching staff: Miami is the only team with an assistant coach in charge of counting other assistant coaches." -- Greg Cote
"8 million dead people are still on voter-registration rolls. And 12 of them are on the roster of the Charlotte Bobcats." -- Mike Bianchi
CP-
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