As if I didn’t dislike you enough, Kyle Busch

You go taking swipes at Dale, Jr. Not ok, buddy. Although if you are looking to dethrone your brother Kurt as the most hated driver in Nascar, well then this is an excellent start, or finish depending on how you look at things.

Busch had this to say about the golden boy:

“It's never Junior; it's always the crew chief,” in reference to Tony Eury, Jr.’s firing, “And if Junior doesn't run well, then he [McGrew] is going to be the 'problem' again.”

Damn skippy, kid. Junior is the face of Nascar, the star, the aw shucks Opie of the gang. And so what? Thanks to him, you make a hell of a lot of money from sponsorship dollars that come from the heightened awareness of your sport. An awareness that grows due to the performance of superstars like Junior, Jeff Gordon and to a lesser extent Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne. Yeah, you’ve performed very well, and I still believe you were totally robbed of your first Championship last season thanks to that crazy Chase format. But whatever, just get in your car, drive your race and keep your big mouth shut. Your wit has not even begun to come close to the likes of Tony Stewart, who at least makes you laugh as he insults your intelligence and abilities as a human being.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Friday Funnies

LeBron brought out his peeps

In 2007, as the Indians were battling the Yankees in the ALDS, it was well documented that LeBron James, star of the Cleveland Caveliers and an Ohio native was seated in the stands at Progressive Field rocking a Yankees hat. Turns out James is a huge fan of the team. So much so, he even designed a shoe to pay tribute to the Bombers.

Well things didn’t turn out so well for the Yanks, as they fell to the Tribe in four games. But it seems they aren’t holding any grudges against him as they turned out to cheer on the Cavs to a 112-102 victory over the Magic which forced a game six.

Chief among the Bombers in attendance were slugger Alex Rodriguez and pitchers CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera.

The Yankees were in town a day early to being a four game set with the suddenly red hot Tribe beginning on Friday.
(Photos: AP)





UPDATE: Looks like Joba Chamberlain was also in attendance. Along with rapper Jay-Z, Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas and the Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger. Gee Ben has been at a lot of sporting events lately. In amazing seats may I add. My kind of guy!
(Photo: Getty Images)

Really? You're throwing me out of the Game? Seriously?

Baseball: So I was a bit premature in calling the Indians sweep of the Rays yesterday, but hey, I may have been a day off, but the results were still the same...In the battle of the Randys at Wrigley, Wolf nipped Wells in the Dodgers 2-1 victory over the Cubs...Carlos Zambrano received a six game suspension for his little tantrum on Wednesday...Jason Varitek homered twice in a wild 3-1 win for the Red Sox. Both managers, Terry Francona and Ron Gardenhire as well as both catchers Mike Redmond and Varitek were tossed during the game...Also belting two was the Orioles Luke Scott who helped lead Baltimore past the Tigers, 5-1...The Braves continued their slide, falling to the Diamondbacks, 5-2. That makes in four in a row. Well at least they aren't the Blue Jays...Meanwhile Tom Glavine tossed five shut-out innings in a start for AAA-Gwinnett. Glavine is attempting to come back from shoulder surgery...Speaking of comebacks, the Yankees will get Jorge Posada back on Friday, while the Mets are going to have to continue to wait on Carlos Delgado...Same goes for the Phillies after RHP Brett Myers underwent an MRI. The news was not so good...Chicago White Sox SS Alexi Ramirez is being sued for $20 million for allegedly violating a contract he signed with local Dominican talent scouts before signing with the White Sox.

Basketball: LeBron James took control, forcing a game six between the Cavs and Magic with Cleveland's 112-102 victory...Meanwhile, the Nuggets think the Lakers purchased a win. $50,000 is hardly enough payoff money in my mind. I think the millions of dollars the leauge would make if the Lakers advanced to the NBA Finals is more around the correct payoff mark...Mark Cuban sued the SEC for access to documents pertaining to his insider trading case.

Football: The NFL Players Union has asked a court to hold off suspensions levied against five players while a case over the use of a banned substance is appealed...The Chargers have decided against a $1 billion new stadium. Yeah because the $1.5 billion mecca in New York turned out to be such a great choice!...While were on the subject of overpriced stadiums, the Cowboys have opened their $1.15 billion stadium in Texas...In the grand tradition of NFL coaches kids, Bill Belichick's son Brian was arrested in Foxboro, MA for underaged drinking. Well at least it didn't involve drugs. Watch out Brian, because the popo are on your tail!...Finally, in probably none of our business news, Gisele Bundchen is not pregnant with Tom Brady's kid...yet!

Hockey: The Wings are hoping defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will be back for game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Saturday...Meanwhile, Marion Hossa is hoping not to end up on the losing side of the Finals for the second straight year...The Flyers forward Simon Gagne will have surgery to remove a bone spur in his right hip...Score one for hockey, the Winter Classic was named the sporting event of the year by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily...Tom Hicks is willing to sell a controlling interest in the Texas Rangers but not in the Dallas Stars.

Nascar: The Cup Series rolls into one of my favorite tracks this weekend, Dover. The Monster Mile as it is affectionately called, delivers high speeds a major pile-ups that could derail any contenders march to the Chase. Tune into Fox's final race of the season at 1:30 PM/est on Sunday.

Best of the Rest: Ana Ivanovic dominated another opponent at the French Open. Could she be idling for a repeat?...Not so fast Billy Gillispie, Kentucky is filing a counter suit to your $6 million suit!...Talk about senseless and stupid, a Manchester United fan killed four people when he plowed his buss into a crowd celebrating Barcelona's victory...There was some good news for the Mickelson family, wife Amy's breast cancer was discovered in the early stages and they are very optimistic about her treatment...Congratulations to Kavya Shivashankar on willing the nation's spelling bee.

Check this Out: If you’re as big a fan of baseball like I am and tend to read a lot baseball books, you know that sometimes good reads are very hard to find. And while not new by any stretch of the imagination (it was originally printed around 1964) I suggest getting your hands on a copy of “Veeck as in Wreck” written by the incomparable Bill Veeck (owner of the Indians in 1948 when they won the World Series and White Sox in 1959 when they won the pennant). It’s a great look at the operator’s side of baseball and is filled with tons of funny stories like the time he had a midget (his description) bat when he was owner of the St. Louis Browns. The book also details the expansion meetings which brought us the Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets among others.

Eury’s Out

Rick Hendrick has decided the slumping #88 car cannot continue on autopilot, especially not while the most popular driver in the sport is sitting 19th in the standings, 203 points out of the final Chase spot and certainly not after a 40th place finish at the Coca-Cola 600, the team’s third straight finish of 27th or worse. Unfortunately for crew chief Tony Eury, Jr., that means his services will no longer be needed as Lance McGrew will be seated at the top of the pit box starting June 7th at Pocono.

Team manager Brian Whitesell will serve as crew chief for the #88 car this weekend at Dover.

The two cousins have been firmly entwined since Earnhardt’s rookie season in the Cup Series in 1999. Since then Eury has been a member of Junior’s crew for all but part of one season, when he was crew chief for Michael Waltrip.

I hate to see them break up like this, but Junior is a better driver than his current points position reads. And on the up side, maybe these two can learn to communicate a little better at family barbeques or on the go cart track at Junior’s house.
(Photo: Getty Images; Source)

Haunted Hotel?

If you’re headed to Milwaukee, you may want to steer clear of the Pfister Hotel because apparently it’s haunted! (Unless you're into such things and in that case you can book your trip here) Thank goodness I didn’t book that place for my summer trip to Wisconsin. Turns out the hotel, which is usually the landing spot for many baseball and basketball teams who are in town for a game or series, has scared even the toughest of players.

“A player for the Dodgers has been known to sleep with a baseball bat for protection after hearing odd noises. And two pairs of Florida Marlins players reportedly demand to share a room when they're in Milwaukee because they're afraid of ghosts.”

Many guests have reported seeing hotel founder Charles Pfister looking over the lobby from atop the grand staircases. Good to know he is still concerned with his hotel even though he lying horizontally in a casket six feet under.

According to the hotel manager, the 100 year old building certainly suffers from the usual squeaks and creaks but after a multimillion dollar renovation, the hotel does not appear to have any signs of spirits floating around. You can’t just get rid of them with a carpet to ceiling remodel. You need an exorcist.
(Photo: AP; Source)

No, You're Out!

Baseball: Carlos Zambrano will probably be missing a game or some money after his ejection during the Cubs 5-2 win over the Pirates. Big Z was not a fan of umpire Mark Carlson's call at the plate and let him know it...Speaking of wild pitches, Dice-K tied a franchsie record with four in the Red Sox 4-2 loss to the Twins. Boston's pitching staff combined for six wild pitches on the night...With Boston's loss, the Yankees took full advantage with their 9-2 drilling of the Rangers. The Yanks are now tied for the lead in the AL East...Meanwhile the Cardinals retook the lead in the NL Central after edging the Brew Crew, 3-2...Congrats to Randy Johnson who picked up career win 299. Too bad it came against the Braves who were swept by the Giants after sweeping the Blue Jays over the weekend....The Blue Jays continue to tumble, dropping their ninth straight in a 12-10 loss to the Orioles...Both the Mets and the Indians completed sweeps...Get well wishes go out to Indians owner Larry Dolan who suffered a mild heart attack...Manny Ramirez will head to the minors for a week to 10 days as a part of a rehab assignment following his 50 day suspension...Also it seems Manny still has a lot of fans, because he's sittting in fourth in All-Star balloting...Scott Schoeneweis made his first trip to Chase Field since the death of his wife last week...A grand jury has indicted Andrew Gallo of killing Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart in April...Meanwhile the Angels rolled to a 3-1 victory over the ChiSox...A Florida man admits to selling steriods to members of the Nationals and Capitals. If this is how the Nats play on the juice, I don't even want to think of how God awful they must be off.
(Photo: AP)

Basketball: The NBA has rescinded Magic Center Dwight Howard's technical foul in game four. A big thing considering he was just one tech from an automatic suspension...The Lakers move to one game away from going to the NBA Finals for the second year in a row. LA blew away Denver with a third period run that extended in the fourth of their 103-94 victory...Following an arrest in North Carolina, prosecutors are asking a judge to finally sentence former Net Jayson Williams.

Football: Disgruntled Jet Thomas Jones showed up for voluntary workouts.



Hockey: It will be a repeat of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals after the Red Wings eliminated the Blackhawks, 2-1 in OT. The Wings face off against the Pens starting on May 30th...Patrick Roy has turned down an opportunity to coach the Avs...The Canadiens signed forward Mikael Johansson to a one year contract...The Bruins are expecting the 2010 Winter Classic to take place at Fenway.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: Nascar has suspended a crew member for Truck Series driver Chad McCumbee for failing a random drug test. Look who is getting all tough and stuff...Robby Gordon was docked 50 points by Nascar for failing inspection after the Coca-Cola 600. It was his best finish in almost four years. And now we know why.

Best of the Rest: Rafael Nadal remains a perfect 30-0 at the French Open...Also advancing are Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovic...Well it's a good thing John Calipari got out when he did because the NCAA is investigating Memphis for violations...Although things in Kentucky aren't quite rosey. Former head coach Billy Gillispie is suing the school for $6 million...Congratulations to Barcelona for beating Manchester United, 2-0, winning the Champions League Final.

Check this out: I am going to try to mix up this little sector of the daily crawl to include not just websites, but also music, books, movies and more. Today's first pick to the revamped Check this Out, Miranda Lambert's beautiful new sinlge "Dead Flowers." It's been on repeat on my iPod for the past week. Click here to hear it.

Hump Day Hair

I hope Cristiano isn’t planning on snipping off teammate Anderson’s braids, because they are too beautiful for words.
(Photo: AP)

Identical Cousins

Now that the Pens have taken care of the Hurricanes with a four game sweep, maybe I’ll get that stupid “Identical Cousins” (theme song to the Patty Duke Show) song out of my head. Thank you Pens coach Dan Bylsma and Canes coach Paul Maurice for your freakishly similar appearance and love of matching eye wear, you’ve only had me humming that song for like the past week and half!
(Photos: AP; Getty Images)

Plaxico Burress says he’s interested in playing for the Dolphins.

Read: Plaxico Burress is interested in playing for any team that is willing to sign him to a deal. I mean seriously, with gun charges hanging over your head that could have you locked up for three years, beggers can’t be choosers, right?
(Photo: AP; source)

keeping it under wraps

Baseball: Zach Greinke strikes again, tossing his fifth complete game and giving the Royals a 6-1 victory over the Tigers...The Mets sent Jose Reyes and Ryan Church to the DL and then rattle the Nats, 6-1...In other injury news, Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was hit by a pitch on the wrist. X-rays were negative, luckily, but I think that will definitely leave a mark...Kind of like the 8-1 shelling Braun's teammates indured during their loss to the Cards...Carlos Quentin could be heading to the DL as well after undering going tests on his left foot. Seriously am I the only one not injured?...While Quentin was undergoing tests, the ChiSox were taking care of the Angels, 4-2...Carl Pavano won his fifth game in six starts as the Tribe cruised to a 5-1 defeat of the Rays. Did I just write that?...The D'Backs edged the Padres, 6-5 to snap San Diego's 10 game win streak...The Giants blanked the Braves, 4-0. Tim Lincecum got his first victory since May 5th...Good news for Astros pitcher Brandon Backe, he was not indicted by a grand jury for a post-wedding party that went awry.

Basketball: In my self-enduced vacation from blogging, I have to admit I fell a little behind on the NBA playoffs. But here's my best recap: The Magic are sitting one win away from the NBA finals after holding off the Cavs, 116-114 in OT...The NBA has upgraded Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones' foul on Kobe Bryant to a flagrant foul...Can you put a price on free speech? Yes, yes you can. That will be $25,000 Phil Jackson...Pau Gasol wants the ball more...This Dirk Nowitzki thing just gets creepier and creepier. Turns out crazy lady is pregnant.

Football: Tom Brady took the field for the first time since injuring his knee, marrying a supermodel, and then doing it again in Costa Rica, heading up to Vancouver, and whatever else he's done in the past few months. (At some point, I just stopped stalking.)...If Peyton Manning ruled the world, he'd make some major changes with the Colts coaching staff.

Hockey: The Penguins completed a four game sweep of the Hurricanes, 4-1...The Red Wings try to wrap things up tonight against the Hawks...The Oilers have hired Pat Quinn...Bobby Holik is set to retire. But at least I'll always have this...Jim Balsillie's attempt to buy the Coyotes and move them to southern Ontario now has a deadline...Sad news, former NHLer Peter Zezel has died at the age of 44.

(photo: ap)

Nascar: Congrats to David Reutimann on winning his first ever Cup race on Monday...For complete results click here...And for updated standings click here...Nascar randomly tested 10 crew members from 10 different teams during the Coca-Cola 600 rain delay. Well that's using your time wisely I guess...What is Rick Hendrick going to do about that 88 car?...Nascar held two town hall meetings. And sadly they did not take questions via text or email!

Best of the Rest: From almost drink milk with your cellmates to drinking milk at the Brickyard, quite a busy five weeks, huh Helio?...Vitor Meira could be out for four months after breaking two vertebrae during the Indy 500...James Blake got bounced from the French Open. This concludes my French Open coverage...Fine Dinara Safina and Andy Murray have advanced...Very sad news, Mike Tyson's four year old daughter has died.

(photo: getty images)

My Boys Tuesday

Separated at Birth:

Wow can you believe we’re already at the season finale? It seems like just yesterday we were finding out if Bobby was going to get married to Elsa and now we’re at spring training.

Click here for some spoilerish secrets from P.J. herself (Jordana Spiro) on tonight’s season finale!

And don’t forget to tune onto TBS at 10:30 PM!

Shockey Down

For the love of humanity, we have one Memorial Day weekend casualty and it was none other than Jeremy Shockey. The Saints TE was taken to the hospital for “dehydration” after making rather merry around the pool at the "Rehab" party at the Hard Rock Cafe Casino in Las Vegas.

First of all, why was I not invited? I am sure I could have taken time out of my busy schedule of going to Yankee Stadium and watching Brad Lidge suck AGAIN and then enjoy bbq at Virgils (ok well that part is negotiable) to rock my one piece around the pool, making fun of all the half dressed ladies and then calling 911 when Shockey goes down for the count.

And second of all, the guy plays in New Orleans, went to the U, shouldn’t he know his tolerance level by now? And if not, shouldn’t he know to alternate between beer and water when it’s really hot? Apparently not!

Well, get well Shockey, it would be nice if you stepped up your game for the 09-10 season. I want the Giants to start to regret trading you to New Orleans at some point so people won’t make fun of my ESPN the Magazine cover hanging on my wall.
(Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images; source)

UPDATE: As I was flipping channels late last night what should I come upon? “Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel” which just so happens to take place at the same joint Shockey went down on Sunday. I pray that there is video and that it makes it onto Season 2 (or 3 or whatever the next season is.)

UPDATE 2: Oh in somewhat related news, Shockey is staying with agent Drew Rosenhaus. The same cannot be said for Anquan Boldin. I guess this news isn't totally a surprise.

UPDATE 3: More good news, via his agent Drew Rosenhaus, Shockey will be healthy enough to attend mandatory minicamp for veteran players beginning on Monday. A little IV fluids and it seems he’s good to go!

UPDATE 4: I promise this will be my last update, because as it turns out there is video and photos from the incident. Just click here.

Onward and Upward

Baseball: David Wright's four steals were a part of a Mets club record seven steals in their 7-4 victory over the Giants...The Brewers continue to roll, besting the Marlins, 5-3...Meanwhile the Division rivals Cubs pummeled the Padres, 11-3...Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley had his suspension reduced from two games to one. He's still not happy though...The Angels outlasted the Red Sox, 5-4 in twelve innings while Boston slugger David Ortiz went 0-for-7, stranding 12 runners...Jonathan Broxton gave up two runs to the Phillies in the ninth, but Matt Kemp bailed him out with an RBI double in the 10th that gave the Dodgers a 5-3 win...Wandy Rodriguez struck out 11 as the Astros nipped the Rockies, 5-3...Joe Crede plays hero again in the Twins come from behind 6-5 victory over the Tigers...Umpire Paul Schrieber is sorry for touching Magglio Ordonez...The Yankees edged the Blue Jays, 3-2...Pete Rose thinks Bombers third baseman Alex Rodriguez should go to the Hall of Fame...And former Yankees catcher Jim Leyritz was hospitalized because of stress. Or was it a suicide threat? Leyritz is facing DUI manslaughter charges.


Basketball: Dwight Howard's 23 points and 22 rebounds night helped the Magic to deliever a 83-75 victory over the Celtics to force a game seven...Also going the distance are the Lakers and Rockets after Houston dominated LA, 95-80...Commissioner David Stern wants instant replay, but he doesn't think the owners will go for it...Grizzles forward Darius Miles was busted for pot possesion. Watch out Darius because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images)

Football: Bills RB Marshawn Lynch is appealing his three game suspension...Brett Favre has reportedly consulted with orthepedist to the stars Dr. James Andrews. Really? Is this to make sure you can play golf because I am hoping it's not to prove you can go back to football. STAY RETIRED!...HBO will feature the Cincinnati Bengals in "Hard Knocks." I think a better title would have been "Arrested" but hard knocks works as well...Speaking of Cinci, the former Chad Johnson will finally get Ochocinco on his jersey.

Hockey: The Red Wings advanced to the conference final, eliminating the Ducks, 4-3. They'll play the Chicago Blackhawks...The Bruins lost a heartbreaker in OT when Scott Walker beat Tim Thomas to score the game winning goal. Walker, you may remember punched Aaron Ward, fracturing his orbital bone. The Bruins thought Walker should have been suspended, instead he turned into the deciding factor in the Hurricanes victory. Carolina will play Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference Final. All hail the Staal Bowl? The Staal Cup? I am going to have to work on a catchy name for that...The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Stever Bernier to a two year, $ million contract...Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes told the NHL in October he was broke and done funding the team. That's not good.

Nascar: Congratulations to Jeff Burton's pit crew who won the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge on Thursday...Jeremy Mayfield was not suspended because of steriods. Well that's good to now. This just leaves prescription drugs or a controlled substance. Please let it be crack!...Speaking of drug tests, Nascar drivers would like a list of banned substances. Yeah, wouldn't that be paramount to having a fair drug testing system? Silly Nascar, at some point you have to become more transparent!

Best of the Rest: Former Duke point guard Greg Paulus will play quarterback at Syracuse. Nothing like extending college, especially in this economy!...Get well wishes go out to BC LB Mark Herzlich who was diagnosed with cancer. Herzlich was named ACC defensive player of the year.

Separated at Birth

It was a good night for Matt Cooke and the Penguins who demolished the Capitals, 6-2 to advance to the Conference Finals. And who knows, by the end of next weekend, things could end up being very good for Dixon, the reigning Indy 500 winner.

New Jersey: More than just the Housewives

While many have you have gotten a peak into the lifestyles of New Jersey residents with the latest installment of the Bravo series The Real Housewives it’s important to point out (and rather obvious at that) that not all people from New Jersey act like those ladies. And it’s neither a dig nor out of jealousy that I made that statement, but rather fact. Take for example Jersey City, a very far cry from the suburban sprawl of Franklin Lakes, Montville and Wayne where the show is taped. Instead, the city is filled with gangs and poverty as well as million dollar high rises on the water front. It is with that economic dichotomy where a small catholic high school is located.

Over the past 35 years or so St. Anthony’s has become an institution in New Jersey basketball. There have been countless articles and even a book written about the school and its basketball coach Bob Hurley, who was recently a finalist to join the Basketball Hall of Fame. So it comes as no surprise that a film called The Streets Stop Here was recently produced, highlighting Coach Hurley and his young players. First Cuts has all of the scoop here.

All for a week’s pay?

Craig Coakley is facing some jail time after hoping over a fence at Citi Field and streaking, covering his special area with a stuffed monkey, during the Mets and Braves game on Tuesday. Coakley said he was doing it for a bet with his boss who said he’d pay him a week’s pay if he did it. Well I think well all know where that week’s pay is going to, his lawyer Peter Tommaso and probably an additional fee to the State of New York.

Coakley was charged with interfering with a professional sporting event and criminal trespassing. He posted $1,000 bail is scheduled to return to court on June 11th.

The 38-year-old plumber allegedly violated a law that was passed by the City after designer Calvin Klein stepped onto the court to discuss things with Latrell Sprewell during a 2003 Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

A year later, 38-year-old John McCathy of Clifton, NJ was the first person charged under the new law after running onto the field at Shea Stadium with a sign that read “Howard Stern: Here’s Johnny.” He was sentenced to eight weekends in jail and fined $2,000. What is it with Mets games and 38-year-old men running onto the field? Is it because at 38 they feel like they are the perfect age to join the club? I mean this isn’t the Yankees.

Watch out Craig, because the popo are on your tail!
(source)

Wrapped up with a pretty bow

Baseball: Both the Nationals and Ryan Zimmerman ended streaks on Wednesday. Zimmerman haulted a 30 game hit streak by going 0-for-3, while the Nats stopped their three game slide, doubling up the Giants, 6-3...With Derek Jeter and Hideki Matsui out of the Yankees lineup, the Bombers upended the Blue Jays, 8-2...The Braves outlasted the Mets, 8-7, in a marathon 12 inning game...If Carlos Delgado doesn't feel better by Friday, the Mets will place him on the DL...In other bonus baseball news, Joe Crede pounded a walk-off grand slam in the 13th inning to give the White Sox the 14-10 advantage over the Twins...Hank Blalock's 11th inning RBI double pushed the Rangers past the Mariners, 6-5...Adam LaRoche's homerun may have been overturned by instant replay but that didn't stop the Pirates from beating the Cardinals, 5-2...St. Louis placed outfielder Ryan Ludwick on the DL with a hamstring injury...Alfonso Soriano hit his 53rd career lead-off homerun as the Cubs held off the Padres, 6-4 in a rain shortened game...Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and seems to be on track for a rehab start this weekend...The Angels got a major boast with the announcement of the return of both John Lackey and Ervin Sanatana this week...They also topped the Red Sox, 8-4.

(Photo: Reuters)

Basketball: The Nuggets elminated the Mavs, 124-110...Dwight Howard apologized to coach Stan Van Gundy for his comments following the Magic's loss on Tuesday...Congratulations to LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Co on being named first team All-NBA. Second team and third team were also announced...I think it's best to steer clear of O.J. Mayo right now because everyone he's associated with seems to be in very hot water...Congratulations to WNBA reigning MVP Candace Parker and her husband rookie of the year Sheldon Williams on the birth of their daughter.

Football: After a year away, Jason Taylor is returning to the Dolphins after signing a one year, $1.5 million contract...Is Tampa Bay ready to get rid of Brian Griese?...Michael Vick just wants one more chance...Andy Reid's oldest son Garrett is heading back to prison. Does he want a fifth chance?

Hockey: There were two teams on the ice but it appeared that only one came to play in the Penguins 6-2 rout of the Capitals. The Pens await the winner of the Bruins/Hurricanes series which wraps up tonight...Mark Savard is expected to play for the Bruins in game 7.

(Photo: Reuters)

Nascar: Shana Mayfield's name maybe listed as the owner of the #41 car, but it looks like recently suspended Jeremy Mayfield will still be involved...International Speedway Corp has partnered with InStadiumSolutions to implement a text-message system which allows fans to alert racetrack workers of an emergency.
Best of the Rest: Justine Henin is very happy to be retired. Yeah if I was 25 and retired I'd be pretty happy as well...Add Renault to the growing list of unhappy teams in Formula1...Rachel Alexandra is the early Preakness favorite at 8-5.

Check this Out: Maxim released their top 100 with House's Olivia Wilde taking the top spot and Jennifer Love Hewitt somehow making the top 10. Click here to see the rest of the top 10.

Hump Day Hair

While I was watching the Cubs and Brewers game last Friday (yeah it’s been a busy week) the announcers made mention to Brewers outfielder Corey Hart’s new hair color. I guess Corey was over not being taken seriously because of his blonde hair and decided to go with a more mature dark brown color. I think I like the blonde better, but you decide.
(Photos: AP)

Lucky Sevens

Baseball: Ryan Zimmerman's hit streak is at 30...While the Nats streak is at three, as in three straight losses...Josh Hamilton, fresh off the DL, hit a go-ahead homerun in the sixth that helped vault the Rangers to a 7-1 victory over the Mariners. That's the eighth win for Texas in their last 10 games...The Red Sox edged the Angels, 4-3...Boston placed first baseman Kevin Youkilis on the DL with an oblique strain...And former Boston infielder Lou Merloni opened his mouth a little too wide for the organizations liking...Speaking of the DL, is Mets 1B Carlos Delgado heading there?...All it took was a bases loaded walk for the Mets to overtake the Braves, 4-3 in 10. That's the third game this season the Braves have issued a bases loaded walk...Rockies owner Dick Monfort remains behind manager Clint Hurdle. And that's a good thing after Colorado shelled Houston, 12-1...Jim Thome hit two homers as the White Sox popped the Indians, 7-4...ChiSox pitcher Bobby Jenks was fined $750 by MLB for his warning pitch. What did Bud Selig really want a commemerative Yankee Stadium seat?...Joe Mauer remains read hot since coming off the DL, adding a homerun in the Twins 6-2 win over the Tigers...Detroit activated Dontrelle Willis. I wish that game was nationally televised tonight if only so I could see how many times they mentioned Xanax in a nine inning game...Roy Halladay outpitched his former teammate A.J. Burnett as the Jays cuffed the Yankees, 5-1...The Brewers hit four homeruns as they double upped the Marlins, 6-3...In other news involving the number 4, Jason Werth had four steals as the Phillies nipped the slumping Dodgers, 5-3. Three of Werth's steals came in the seventh inning...Good news, Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson says he has been successfully treated for prostate cancer.
(Photo: AP)

Basketball: The Lakers embarassed the Rockets, 118-78 to take the lead in the series, 3-2...Dwight Howard openly criticized his coach following a fourth quarter meltdown in the Magic's 92-88 loss to the Celtics...Congratulations to Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger on being named the NBA's Most Improve Player. He beat out the Nets Devin Harris who came in second...Doug Collins denies reports he has talked to the 76ers about their open coaching position.

Football: The NFL is considering adding two overseas games for 2010...Terrell Owens will have VH1 cameras following him when he arrives at mini camp in Buffalo. This is going to be so much better than Rock of Love Bus and that's saying something...According to former Raiders receiver Tim Brown, Raiders owner Al Davis does not like black athletes from Notre Dame. Well that's specific.

Hockey: The Ducks nipped the Red Wing, 2-1 to force a game seven...Over in the other conference, the Bruins proved they are not ready to give up, topping the Canes, 4-2 to push their series to a game seven...And tonight the Penguins and Capitals finish off their series with a winner take all game seven. That's three sevens which would win you a jackpot at any slot machine...The Pens defenseman Sergei Gonchar practiced on Wednesday for the first time since his unfortunate collison with Alex Ovechkin. He will be a game time decision.

Nascar: After a five week absence, Hendrick team owner Rick Hendrick will be back at the track this weekend. Hendrick was sidelined with a fast-spreading sinus infection.

Best of the Rest: According to a report on Yahoo! Sports, USC coach Tim Floyd paid a man who helped get O.J. May to play for the Trojans. That's not good...Also not good, the estranged wife of a longtime aide to Rick Pitino was indicted on federal charges of trying to extort money. Watch out Karen Cunagin Sypher, because the popo are on your tail!...Yesterday I told you about Toyota's threats to Formula1 and now Ferrari is joining in saying they will leave in 2010 unless the governing body revokes its new budget cap.

Check this Out: Prince Harry is coming to America! He'll be participating in the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic in New York. Hmmm Saturday May 30th, I think I maybe free to run over to the Governor's Island to catch a polo match. I mean I do love polo. Well, I've never actually seen a polo match, but I think I could learn to love it.

Another Manners Lesson by PIMC

Dear: PIMC
I recently insulted a woman’s son. I did not mean the words that I said, but I was angry and frustrated and I took it out on a poor unsuspecting woman wearing a Nuggets jersey. Is it ok if I apologize via my wildly popular blog, www.blogmavericks.com?

Signed,
Confused Billionaire

Dear Confused Billionaire:

Apologizing via your blog should be reserved for things like; I am sorry America for forcing you to watch me shake what my mamma gave me on “Dancing with the Stars.” Or sorry for insisting on wearing sleavless shirts without selling tickets to my gun show. My wife told me it was in-style, but upon further review I looked like a knock-off Mac from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

It is not; however, appropriate to apologize via your blog after you’ve insulted someone’s child. In that case a phone call or a face-to-face apology is necessary. And no a text message or a wall post on their facebook page does not count either.

Signed,
PIMC
(source)

Yeah, but what can I get for $5?

How about nothing. But for a mere $1,499 you can get a pair of seats from the Old Yankee Stadium. Want a specific seat of seats, well that will cost you $500 more. What about sod you may ask. Well a 2 x 2 foot sod package will run you $749. (1 x1 foot is only $120) And freeze dried grass? That’s a bargain at $80. All of this and more can be yours if you know the right price and the right website (http://auctions.steinersports.com) after the Yankees announced they will be auctioning off every inch of the Old Yankee Stadium that is not essential to holding the almost centuries old ballpark together.

And just think for $1,250 you get a luxury seat at the new Yankee Stadium and you don’t even get to unbolt it an bring it home with you after the game.
(Photo: AP; source)

My Boys Tuesday

On tonight’s all new episode of My Boys, the gang discusses the pros and cons of facebook. Pro, you can get back in touch with all those friends you haven’t talked to since camp, high school or college. Cons, you get harassed by all those people you had no desire to stay in touch with since camp, high school or college. Or is that just me?

Don’t forget to tune into an all new episode of My Boys, tonight at 10:30 PM/est on TBS! And if you can’t wait until tonight, click here for a sneak peak.
(Photo: TBS)

Hat Mess

Baseball: The Braves ended the Mets win streak at seven with a 8-3 rout. Turns out that Mets bullpen is not as solid as their off season spending may have indicated...Carlos Delgado and Chipper Jones both missed the game with injury...Speaking of ending streaks, Carl Pavano pitched the Indians to a 9-4 victory over the White Sox, which ended their slide at four games...White Sox pitcher Bobby Jenks is being investigated by MLB for his warning pitch to the Rangers Ian Kinsler...In other Texas news, Josh Hamilton is ready to rejoin the team for their series against the Mariners on Tuesday...While the Nats may not be winning, Ryan Zimmerman continues his hit streak...Randy Johnson picked up his 298th career victory in the Giants win...The Reds pounded the Diamondbacks, 13-5...The Yankees are giving the City of New York $11.5 million to purchase rights to the Old Yankee Stadium. With the rights, the Yanks will be able to sell seats, sod, dirt and anything else that isn't bolted down...Was Aubrey Huff mocking Joba Chamberlain with his fist pump or every person that is a regular at a Jersey club?...Get well wishes go out to Astros hitting coach Sean Berry who had surgery to remove a cancerous kidney.

Basketball: The Cavs finish off yet another sweep, 84-74...Dallas held off a sweep, edging the Nuggets, 119-117...K-Mart does not like people disrespecting his mother, got that Mark...The father of the 12 year old that was bumped by Glen "Big Baby" Davis during Sunday's game wants an apology. I want an apology from the Orlando Magic for allowing such a moron like you to have court side seats...Lakers forward Lamar Odom is iffy for game 5...The Warriors are not renewing GM Chris Mullin's contract...Tony DiLeo will move back to the front office, giving up his interim coach role with the 76ers.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Football: The Vikings are still interested in Brett Favre. In related news I am no longer interested in this story...NFL receiver Reggie Williams got two years of probation for cocaine possession. I wonder if he's friends with Richard Gasquet? Watch out Reggie, because the popo are on your tail!

Hockey: A back and forth battle between the Capitals and the Penguins ended with David Steckel's overtime goal that allowed the Capitals to stave off elimination and force a game seven...The Blackhawks took care of the Canucks, 7-5. Chicago is advancing to the conference final for the first time since 1995...The NHL has fined Canes forward Scott Walker $2,500 but has not suspended him for his punch on Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward...The Thrashers are not moving...And neither is Rick Tocchet, who just signed a three year deal to coach the Tampa Bay Lightning...Or Mike Madano, who says he's coming back next season.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: Who is taking over for Jeremy Mayfield in the #41 car? Well if you know, you can tell me, I can keep a secret.

Best of the Rest: President Obama hosted the UNC Men's Basketball team on Monday...Toyota is threatening to leave Formula1 in 2010.

Check this out: Have you noticed anything different at the pump? Like much higher gas prices. Well you're not alone. Gas has risen 20 cents in the last two weeks and summer prices are just around the corner.

Richard, is that White Powder on your nose or you just happy to see me?

On the heels of Manny Ramirez's and Nascar driver Jeremy Mayfield’s failed drug tests, tennis has joined the mix after French tennis star Richard Gasquet was suspended by the International Tennis Federation following a positive test for cocaine. Not exactly as embarrassing as having lady drugs in your system but a violation all the same. The results were found in a urine sample taken at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, FL in March. If found guilty he could face a two year ban, but for now, he will be ineligible to play both Wimbledon and the French Open until a hearing is completed.

This is just another misstep in what was believed to be a very promising career that reached a pinnacle when in 2005 Gasquet beat Roger Federer at Monte Carlo. At his peak, Richard was ranked #7 in the world but is currently seated at #21, although I am not sure how your ranking is affected by ITF imposed vacations.

If I’ve learned anything from that so-so Bob Klapicsh book about Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, it’s that cocaine stays in your system longer than you expect. And that Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden loved the cocaine. Although I guess I couldn’t say I learned that they loved it, more like the extent in which they loved it. I am also thinking that Richard has learned that very same lesson about drugs staying your system. At least I hope he has, otherwise he's going to have to pull a Martina Hingis and retire.

Watch out Richard, because the popo are on your tail!

(Photo: AP; source)

Last Second Stunner

Baseball: Jason Bay's RBI double in the eighth was the difference in the Red Sox 4-3 victory over the Rays...Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia left the game early with a groin injury...This is beginning to seem like a pattern, Yanks starter Joba Chamerlain has shaky first inning before shutting down his opponent. In this case, the Yankees were able to overcome the Orioles 3 run first with a Johnny Damon 3 run homer to go onto a 5-3 victory...Neither the Red Sox, Rays, Yankees or Orioles have been able to keep pace with the Jays, who blanked the A's 5-0 for the best record in the AL...Albert Pujols hit a solo homer which allowed the Cards to top the Reds, 8-7 in 10...Also going into extras were the Giants and Dodgers. San Francisco's Randy Winn broke up a five all tie with a two run single in the 13th to give the Giants the win....The Mets hit seven straight wins as they double upped the Pirates, 8-4...Meanwhile the Mariners ended their six game slide holding off the Twins, 5-3...Seattle placed Carlos Silva on the DL with right shoulder inflammation.



Basketball: The Rockets evened their series with the Lakers, 99-87 without the aid of Yao Ming...Big Baby's 21-foot jumper pushed the Celtics past the Magic, 95-94 to pull Boston even with Orlando in their series...Mark Cuban does not know how to celebrate Mother's Day...Although it may have something to do with that missed call...Sad news, former Pistons and US Olympic team coach Chuck Daly has passed away at the age of 78.
(Photo: AP)

Football: The Rams have cut linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Hockey: The Wings are done toying with the Ducks. Case in point their 4-1 rout to take a 3-2 lead in their series...Boston held off elimination, 4-0...Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward may have a broken orbital bone after he was punched by Cane's Scott Walker.

Nascar: Congrats to Mark Martin on winning the Southern 500 on Saturday...Click here for full results...And here for updated standings...Jeremy Mayfield's explanation of his failed drug test is almost as bad as Manny Ramirez.

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Henrik Stenson on winning the Player's Championship...In other golf news, John Daly finished second at the Italian Open. I can't wait till he brings his tour back to the US and of course that bright yellow outfit!..Raphael Matos lead the way on the second day of qualifying for the Indy 500. Despite the change in weather, on one came close to the speeds put up by pole winner Helio Castroneves.

Check this out: EW.com is giving you 15 things you must see this week. Click here to see the must not miss list.

Friday Funnies

Anybody have something to put in the bucket? I mean anything, bats, balls, gloves, a little kid. It all fits in here.
(Photo: AP)

It’s getting crazy in Phoenix

This whole Phoenix Coyotes mess is getting more insane by the day. According to the latest developments the NHL was signed over control by owner Jerry Moyes in November, making Moyes’s recent bankruptcy filing moot. Well that’s if the court sides with the NHL. The bankruptcy led to rumors that Blackberry CEO Jim Balsillie would purchase the team for $212.5 million and move it to southern Ontario, something the League and the city of Glendale, AZ is vehemently against.

The city is asserting that whomever the owner of the Coyotes ends up being would have to pay them $750 million to get out of their current lease.

Similarly, the NHL wants the team to stay put and would be more than happy if a group lead by Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf – who owns a home in Arizona – purchased the team. But that’s not a done deal either.

What is known is that the Coyotes are bleeding money; $73 million loss over the last three years and a turn around does not seem imminent.
(Photo: Reuters; source)

Even the Queen’s Horse is doping

You’d think that there would be a limit to who is doping these days. Obviously Manny Ramirez, Barry Bonds, A-Rod and Roger Clemens could be excluded from this conversation, but the Queen of England? I didn’t expect to see her name involved in a performance-enhancing drug scandal. But yet here I sit, typing about the latest positive test and it involved one of Queen Elizabeth II’s race horses.

Six-year old Moonlit Path tested positive for a banned substance, tranexamic acid, which prevents hemorrhaging following her sixth place debut in February at Huntingdon. Moonlit’s trainer Nicky Henderson has subsequently been charged with breaching two rules by the British Horseracing Authority.

Henderson, who has a hearing set in June, admits he did administer the banned substance but not to help with its performance.

"The substance concerned was administered by my vet entirely in the interests of the horse's welfare, which is always paramount," Henderson said. "There was no intention to enhance performance and it is worth pointing out that we won the race in question with the odds-on Ravello Bay."

The Queen has been notified of the positive test.

Watch out Nicky, because the British horse racing popo are on your tail!

(Photo: AP; source)

Brand New Day

Baseball: Yesterday when I boldly predicted the Dodgers would go 14-0 after dusting off the Nationals, I was missing one small piece of information, Manny Ramirez's 50 game suspension. So I can't be blamed if the Dodgers home win streak ended at 13 after a 11-9 loss to the Nationals...The Yankees succumbed to the Rays, 8-6...Luckily for the Yankees, they get back third baseman Alex Rodriguez on Friday...Speaking of comebacks, the Tigers will get Dontrelle Willis back on Wednesday for their game against the Twins. I guess that means the anxiety meds have kicked in...But frankly, things couldn't get much worse than their 6-0 loss to the White Sox...The Diamondbacks are hoping the worst is over after canning thier manager Doug Melvin. A.J. Hinch, former VP of Player Development for the team, will take over for Melvin...The Mets chased Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer pretty early with their three homeruns in the first two innings of their 7-5 victory...Sad news, former Phillies manager Danny Ozark passed away at the age of 85...The Red Sox crushed the Indians, 13-3. Boston scored 12 runs in the sixth inning alone...Sad news, former BoSox Dom DiMaggio has died. He was 92. God bless, 92 sounds like a good number to me...Brian Bannister tossed six shut-out innings for the Royals as they topped the Mariners, 3-1 for their sixth straight win...The Cardinals squeezed past the Pirates, 5-2...And then placed outfielder Rick Ankiel on the DL after his scary meeting with the outfield fence on Monday.

Basketball: The Cavs remain unbeaten in the playoffs after taking down the Hawks, 105-85...The NBA has suspended the Lakers's Derek Fisher and the Magic's Rafer Alston one game for their game two transgressions...In a vote of confidence, the Hornets have decided to keep coach Byron Scott despite a first round exit in the playoffs...Rick Pitino could be the next coach of the Sacramento Kings. When is he going to learn, he's better as a college basketball coach?...Steve Mills, the man responsible for hiring Isiah Thomas as the Knicks head coach will be leaving MSG in June...Antoine Larkins has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for robbing NBA star Antoine Walker and another 21 years for holding up Eddie Curry. Watch out Antoine, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Brett Favre is staying retired, or at least he's not going to the Vikings, but it's only May so who knows what the next few months will bring us...The Dolphins are renaming their stadium Landshark Stadium in conjunction with their partnership with singer Jimmy Buffett. I would have preferred Cheeseburger in Paraside Stadium, but what can you do?..On the heels of Derek Fisher's and Dirk Nowitzki's respective stalkers comes word of Philadelphia Eagles QB A.J. Feely's stalker troubles. Out of those three, Feely would probably be the one I could spend some time stalking, but let it be know, I am not his alleged stalker.

Hockey: The Wings double upped the Ducks, 6-3 to tie the series at two a piece...Speaking of ties, the Blackhawks edged the Canucks, 2-1 in overtime to even the series at 2-2...Someone wanted to kill Alexander Ovechkin? And was not in the Russian mob? Crazy Penguins fans.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: Darlington's Sprint Cup sellout streak could be jeopardy. Uh-oh, everyone get in their cars and drive down to South Carolina pronto. I don't want this to be used by the France family as a reason to move their race to another track!

Best of the Rest: David Beckham really wants to stay with AC Milan.

Check this Out: The latest edition of the Star Trek franchise opens this weekend and it's coming out to great reviews. Click here for a rundown and here for the trailer.

(Photo: Reuters)