Water Cooler – October 28th, 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 Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
Enjoy!
There’s a lot going on in the sports world but first there’s some sad news out of Notre Dame to discuss today.
NCAA football news: Notre Dame student dies after practice tower falls
Declan Sullivan, a 20-year-old Notre Dame student, died in a tragic accident yesterday. He was filming the Fighting Irish’s practice when heavy winds, gusting up to 51 miles an hour, knocked down the video tower on which he was standing. He was transported to hospital after his fall but his injuries were too severe. Our hearts go out to the Sullivan family.
NFL news: NFL investigates ex-Bengal for defrauding rookies; Troy Smith to start for 49ers; Moss sharing Patriots’ signals with Vikings?
Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Horace Smith is under investigation by the NFL for a fraud case. Allegedly, Smith defrauded three rookies – Raiders defensive tackle Lamarr Houston, Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington and Broncos cornerback Perish Cox. He reportedly took out loans under the players names “in excess of $350,000” without their knowledge. He also allegedly offered the players custom jewelry at nearly double the appraised value – though the players didn’t purchase it at the inflated prices.
Former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith is about to make his first NFL start. The ex-Ohio State standout will fill in for injured Alex Smith, who is out with a separated shoulder. San Francisco faces Denver at London’s Wembley Stadium this week.
Randy Moss’ knowledge of the New England Patriots’ offense could come in handy this week when he faces his former team as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Tom Brady suggested that Moss will probably tell the Vikings the plays, as he “knows the signals and stuff,” but that the Patriots may change things up to fake the Vikings out.
MLB news: C.C. Sabathia requires surgery on torn meniscus; Yankees extend Joe Girardi
The New York Yankees are licking their wounds after last week’s playoff exit – and going under the knife in some cases. C.C. Sabathia was diagnosed with a torn right meniscus and will have surgery some time in the next few days. He should be fine for spring training.
The Yankees will keep manager Joe Girardi around for a while longer. They re-signed their skipper to a three-year, $9 million deal. He has a 287-199 record (.591) since taking over the Bronx Bombers.
NBA news: Carmelo Anthony confirms he won’t sign Nuggets’ offer
For any Denver Nuggets fans holding out hope that Carmelo Anthony will stay, look no further than his latest quotes and you’ll understand that it just ain’t happening. He said he doesn’t intend to sign Denver’s three-year, $84-million offer and that “for me, I feel like it’s time for a change. “
Denver hasn’t made any real progress in trade talks. The Bulls won’t part with Joakim Noah in a deal and the Knicks reportedly don’t have the pieces Denver wants.
NHL news: Sex offender Graham James faces nine new charges
Graham James, the infamous coach turned sex offender who terrorized Canadian junior hockey players, is in more big trouble. He pleaded guilty in 1997 to assaulting two teenage players, including NHLer Sheldon Kennedy. Later, Theo Fleury revealed himself as one of Graham James’ victims.
It looks like James is heading back to prison. He’s been slapped with nine new charges, including sexual exploitation, sexual assault and gross indecency. There’s no word yet on whether he will seek bail but his lawyer had the case put over until Monday.
Comments are welcome below!
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