Thursday’s Water Cooler – January 7, 2010
Here we go with today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter topics…well, the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
Enjoy!
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Today’s news focuses on “what could have been.” The fight of the millennium is suddenly a figment of our imagination and one of the best second basemen of all time just got the Pete Rose treatment.
Boxing news: Mayweather/Pacquiao off “on principle”
The superfight – ultrafight? – between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao is officially off. It would’ve been the richest bout in boxing history, with both fighters earning at least $40 million with pay-per-view buys factored in. It also would’ve determined the unquestioned pound-for-pound king.
It seems the Mayweather camp’s strategy of getting under Pacquiao’s skin with calls for random blood tests worked too well.
Pacquiao sued for defamation and turned down the fight – and a pay day that would make Montgomery Burns jealous – on principle. Damn you, principle, for preventing the biggest fight since Mike Tyson’s ear-bitin’ glory days!
MLB news: Cooperstown welcomes Dawson, shuns Alomar
OK – so Roberto Alomar didn’t literally get the Pete Rose treatment. He’s not banned from the Hall-of-Fame ballot or sitting grumpily in a chair selling autographed photos for $80 at the Forum Shops in Caesar’s Palace (seriously, I witnessed this event). But few people would deny that Robbie’s own notoriety – stemming from the infamous ump-spitting incident – delayed his induction by at least a year. Instead, Andre Dawson got the call. With respect to Dawson – he didn’t have 3,000 hits or 500 homers; he was a great defender with a big, heavy swing.
In other words, he was like a rich man’s Jermaine Dye minus the World Series ring (as a player).
Is that Hall-of-Fame material?
It’s only a matter of time before Robbie gets in. A 12-time All-Star, 10-time Gold Glover, four-time Silver Slugger and two-time World Series champion, his track record runs laps around Dawson’s. But hey – Dawson’s a great guy and nice guys finish first at Cooperstown.
NBA news: Stern suspends Arenas
Commissioner David Stern decided enough was enough and suspended Gilbert Arenas indefinitely for the locker-room-gun incident you’ve read about dozens of times by now. Interestingly enough, Javaris Crittenton, the “victim” of the situation, has gotten off Scot-free so far despite being the one with the loaded weapon.
Reportedly, Arenas placed four unloaded firearms in Crittenton’s cubicle with a note reading “Pick one.” Crittenton’s response: why call the police when you can pop a clip in your own hand cannon and cock the weapon? Don’t be surprised if Crittenton gets an equally harsh punishment soon.
NFL news: Hardware and rumors galore
The NFL’s award season started this week; speedy Vikings receiver and return man Percy Harvin won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award after setting a team record for all-purpose yardage (2,081). Does this mean the Florida receiver curse is over? Travis Taylor and Chad Jackson – rejoice!
USC alum Brian Cushing, one of the only Houston Texans who plays good defense on purpose, took home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors this week. Tom Brady nabbed the Comeback Player of the Year Award after returning from ACL surgery. No love for Cedric Benson? Well, I suppose a “comeback” implies that you were good in the past. Success in the NFL is very new for Cedric.
According to the rumor mill, the Kansas City Chiefs are eyeing Charlie Weis for the offensive co-ordinator job. With Matt Cassel and Scott Pioli already on board, why not gradually shepherd the Patriots dynasty over to K.C.? Problem – I heard Arrowhead Stadium has some mighty fine tailgating. The Chiefs may have trouble prying Weis away from the Hibachi before game time.
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Shea Matthews lives and breathes sports. He made the transition from athlete to sports journalist at a young age, writing in TV & national newspapers. He now applies his knowledge to sports betting and handicapping every day, and shares his winning picks with the world.
