You local hoopaholics know what I’m talking about. With less than a shot clock to play, the Cardinals have the ball, game tied or one down. Four guys clear out, allowing Edgar or Russ or Peyton or Reece to tom tom the ball until there are about 6 or 7 ticks left, then they might drive, perhaps dish, or, more often than one might expect, stop and pop a long range jumper.

Sometimes it works. Like the time, Louisville tried to blow a UK game, but Sosa had his One Shining Moment as a Card. Often it does not.

It always causes consideration — Why don’t they run a regular play? — and too often, consternation. Especially when it fails. Like in all those OTs at South Bend.

Well, yesterday, proved it’s not just Cardinal fans forced to endure these half- and game-ending moments.

Mark Jackson went there with his Golden State squad in Game #4 of that NBA Western Division first round series with the Spurs.

The last time I considered Jarrett Jack, he was a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and Francisco Garcia and gang were eviscerating the Rambling Wreck in a 2d round NC2A game in Nashville. And here he was years later for the resurgent Warriors, tom toming the ball, score tied, with a chance to even the series against favorite San Antonio.

He jacked up that Sosa-ish threeball. (Pun absolutely intended.) Missed it. Overtime.

All’s well that ends well, one must suppose. The team from Cali ruled the extra time, evening up the most entertaining of the first round NBA playoff matchups.

* * * * *

Just when sitting at home on a beautiful if brisk late Sunday afternoon seemed justified, just when Johnny Miller was starting to salivate in the TV booth over the prospects of a scintillating mano a mano finish to the Players Championship, Sergio the Lesser (always the lesser) with a chance to grab Tiger by the tail, got in touch with his inner Roy McAvoy. (You remember, Kevin Costner in “Tin Cup.”)

At the world’s most famous golf hole, the 17th, he dropped his tee shot in the drink.

Then did it again.

Jeff Maggert got the wobbles.

David Lingmerth couldn’t drain a 150 footer on the 72d.

Meaning Tiger Woods and that blonde ski bunny of his had reason to celebrate last night.

Lachlan MaClean’s show ought to be interesting tonight.

* * * * *

Because I stayed up until 1:00 in the a.m., watching 7th seeded Detroit master the Mighty Ducks in a first round Game #7 on the ice in Disneyland, I feel compelled to mention it here.

So I have. Next up, the Black Hawks.

Have I mentioned before how Stanley Cup hockey is arguably, game in and game out, the most exciting of the professional post seasons? Yes, I have.

* * * * *

I have one suggestion for the Big Blue Nation today.

Breathe.

I know that Wiggins kid has announced that he will announce tomorrow where he’ll be matriculating academically next school year, where he’ll be taking his considerable basketball talents. He’ll do it at a “private ceremony.” Fellow students, family and but one media representative as a pool reporter.

I mean, really, why don’t these kids simply say where they’re going, then pick up their dates and go to the prom?

Breathe, BBN, breathe.

– Seedy K

College football, and soon thereafter the game played by the play for more pay guys, are bout to kickoff. Not soon enough if you ask me. (Though my Tigers are neck and neck with the ChiSox for the AL Central title. So I’ll be keeping an eye on the “national pastime.”)

So let me get a few things off my chest, so we can put the brats on the grill.

* * * * *

My pal David, who apparently is avoiding real life as much as possible these days, called yesterday all excited.

“Are you watching the Little League World Series?”

“Uh, no.”

“Well, going into the last inning, Tennessee was up 15-5 and California scored ten to tie it . . . “

“Well . . . “

“You should be watching.”

“Well . . . I could care less.”

“Really, turn it on. Goodbye.”

I understand that as a sports fan, I’m supposed to do what the World Wide Leader tells me to do. But . . . I don’t do Little League on the telly. I played Little League. I loved it. Every game day I’d wake up and pray it didn’t rain. I still remember specific game situations.

Heck, my dad was the Commissioner of the League.

But those kids shouldn’t be playing on national television.

Period.

* * * * *

A few thoughts on Lance Armstrong.

I think if the guy wasn’t such an asshole, the organizations that say they run international cycling wouldn’t be so adamant about bringing down the multi-time Tour de France winner. The guy’s a putz. Nobody much likes him. Ask Sheryl Crow.

That said, as much as I dislike the use of performance enhancing drugs — Lord, I hate the visions of Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire hitting cheap chemically induced taters — I could care less if Armstrong was on steroids or not. For one, everybody was apparently doing it at the time. (Maybe still.) And, I’ve been watching a lot of the Tour the last couple of years, and that sport is so arduous, it wouldn’t matter to me if he had a motor implanted in his legs.

Fifteen mile climbs at a 12% grade. Let ‘em put whatever they want in their systems.

* * * * *

Tiger choked it up again yesterday.

All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

* * * * *

Speaking of the World Wide Leader, ESPN ranked the Top 50 college hoops programs of the past 50 years.

Caveat: Before I continue watch out for flying objects and enraged fans wearing a dark shade of blue.

Kentucky only came in 3d. Behind Carolina and UCLA in that order.

Remember Cats fans, I’m only the messenger, I didn’t do the rankings.

I like that Louisville was ranked 6th, one spot ahead of the Hoosiers.

Three of the top 7 within miles of each other. That’s why any claims that Tobacco Road is the epicenter of college basketball is bogus at best, fraudulent at worst. Hoopsylvania uber alles.

* * * * *

Coming Soon to a computer near you: Round Uno of Seedy K’s Pithy Pigskin Prognostications 2012.

– Seedy K

Unfortunately for members of the English Speaking Union, those who long for the days of guys in khaki in charge in India and a vast empire, Adam Scott spit out the bit in “The Open.” Which is the euphemism for the British Open Golf tournament.

But Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish and Christopher Froome conquered Gaul in unprecedented fashion in the Tour de France.

The Open. Ernie Els shot 2 under and overcame a seemingly insurmountable 6 stroke deficit to capture the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham.

Adam Scott lost it really. Choked to be honest. He bogeyed the final four holes with a four stroke lead. Didn’t even make it to a playoff.

Could it have been that bad Stevie Williams karma? Perhaps.

Though Williams former boss fared even worse. He Who Would Be Tiger was only 5 back as he teed off for the final round. But he was three over for the day, including a devastating triple bogey 7 at the 6th. All together now . . . Awwwwwwwww!

While the Aussie Scott was proving he’s not ready for prime time, Els fired a 4 under 32 on the back nine. Including a bold, go for broke birdie putt on the 72d to steal the deal.

What I loved about today’s TV coverage was the absence of those smug homie announcers, whose fawning makes Jim Nantz sound positively objective.

The Tour. Unlike, of course, Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin, the Brits who do such a splendid job describing the world’s most arduous sports event.

Bradley Wiggins is the first Brit to win the Tour de France. Christopher Froome, also from that island just a chunnel’s ride a way, finished second. They both ride for the same team, Sky Procycling. I believe it’s the first time that teammates have finished first and second in the race. Plus teammate Mark Cavendish, a/k/a The Missle, won three stages. Including today’s finale along the Champs Élysées for the fourth time . . . in four attempts.

Sky dominated the three week race, but technically lost the team title to RadioShack Nissan. Even though that squad lost its two stars during the race. Frank Schleck was sent home for doping violations. Fabian Cancellara went home for dope violations. He started the Tour even though his wife was seriously preggers, and dropped out to be with her only after he faltered in the race and it became apparent he wasn’t going to contend.

Meanwhile in State College . . . JoPa’s statue is coming down. It’s the right thing to do. The former Nittany Lion coach did a lot of things right during his career, but, when faced with a situation that sets apart those with true character from those without, he failed miserably.

And, if today’s reports are correct, the NCAA is going to turn its attention tomorrow from the heinous situation at Cal Tech, to level “corrective and punitive measures” against Penn State. The word is: No Death Penalty. Though the carcass is likely to be drawn and quartered and left by the side of the road for the vultures to descend.

. . . and in Chapel Hill . . . there is more trouble brewing. Seems as if this ACC power has been keeping jocks eligible with dummy courses. Like courses with no classroom meetings, and only jock enrollees.

Stay tuned you Tar Heel bashers, big smiles are on the horizon, but . . .

. . . Fans of Other Schools best not Look in the Mirror. Bunny courses to keep athletes eligible have been part of the scene since before Bo McMillan and a bunch of mercenaries went C6-H0.

When I was at U of L, one favored class was Athletic Training, taught by a football assistant. In which, attendees had to design a training room for the final. Then there was Trees and Shrubs, where the class studied flora along Eastern Parkway.

Much has been made through the years of the decline of Louisville’s basketball program in Denny Crum’s final years. A lot of the blame has been directed toward the institution of the three point shot, which Crum didn’t embrace soon enough or heartily enough. Or, so the argument goes.

Another major factor, rarely mentioned, was the demise of University College. It was essentially a night school program with easier profs and classes, in which a lot of premier athletes were enrolled.

Which is to say, no school’s fans should ever feel pleased with themselves. It’s everywhere, it’s everywhere.

– Seedy K

Golfer Webb Simpson.

The reigning U.S. Open champ, at the height of his career, is passing on the British Open at Royal Lytham. Seems his bride is in the family way, expected to come to term in a couple of weeks. Instead of heading across the sea, hiring a jet to be at the ready if he needed to return, he’s being a good husband.

It seems like a no-brainer, right? Yeah, but it’s far from a given.

The most recent example of the usual sports-first-family-second mindset is Fabian Cancellara. The Swiss bicyclist wore the yellow jersey for a few days at the beginning of this year’s Tour de France. Then, before Stage 11, he abandoned his quest.

Because, well, his wife is pregnant. And, well, because he was out of the chase to win the sport’s premier event.

Cancellara’s statement: “I am also a husband and father with another baby on the way. It is my personal wish to be present when my wife Stefanie gives birth to our second child. I already need to thank my wife for her patience with me during the last month in her pregnancy that has been difficult at times. The least I can do is to assist her in these difficult days.”

Uh, yeah, Fabian, I’d say so.

* * * * *

The NCAA is an easy target, so many are the mistakes of the collegiate sports ruling body.

But it may have topped itself this week. Were it not the truth, I’d swear the announcement was written by Firesign Theater. (Too young to understand the reference, ask your older brother.)

Seems the ever meddlesome NC2A (except when it’s a matter of significant import) has handed down strongly for penalty and repentance, a “lack of institutional control” for “academics” citation to  . . . Division III California Institue of Technology.

Cal Tech’s family has won 32 Nobel Prizes.

Among the glossy records of its athletic teams, according to the New York Times, is a 227 game losing streak by its baseball team. A women’s volleyball program that has lost all 168 of its conference games. The water polo team had a 7 year losing streak, finally snapped in ’11. And, at one time, the b-ball squad had a 310 game league losing skein.

Apparently the sanctions have something to do with the premier institution’s academic system. Which, one would suppose, the NC2A might have considered before acting the fool.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the sporting spectrum, life goes on as usual as Alabama and Auburn alums battle over the hearts of the next great D lineman.

* * * * *

Apparently Jared Swopshire is dazzling future Northwestern teammates and coach Bill Carmody with his talent, leadership qualities and work ethic.

Imagine our surprise?

How cool would it be for the former Cardinal, were he to lead the Wildcats next season to their first ever NCAA tourney birth?

Way cool.

* * * * *

If only U of L’s basketball team had as many national titles as it has fan web sites following its fortunes. The trophy collection has stood at two since ’86.

Now with a reshuffling, there are three major sites — and I’m sure several more — specifically dedicated to following and fawning over the Cardinals.

There’s Card Chronicle. And the old/new Inside The Ville, where recruting maven Jody Demling now resides. And super sleuth Mike Hughes has a new site, apparently also known as Inside The Ville.

Being a lifelong fan of U of L’s Cards, I also weigh in often on the state of the school’s teams. But, being old and lazy and not nearly as “connected” as any of the folks who run those sites, I rarely break the kind of scoops they can. Which doesn’t mean I don’t skulk around their places, picking up scraps of info I’ll pass on. With impunity. But also with attribution.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/07/15/sundays-sports-slog-simpson-swop-silliness/feed/ 0 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/07/06/fridays-fahrenheit-fishing-federer-folderol/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/07/06/fridays-fahrenheit-fishing-federer-folderol/#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2012 20:37:18 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7694 There are sports I watch where my allegiances are firm and of long standing. I don’t root against my Louisville Cardinals. Or the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings or Pistons. Or Barcelona. Or the Hotspur. Or Kobayashi. Or Miss Madison.

Then there are those competitions when none of the above are involved and I pick and choose. Anybody who can fell Tiger will always have my rooting interest.

Usually I go for the underdogs.

Which is why Breakfast at Wimbledon is going to be a tough one.

Normally I’d be pulling for Rule Britannia. Andy Murray is the first Brit to be wearing the all whites in the Wimbledon Final since Bunny Austin in ’38. The last homie to win was two years earlier. That side of the bracket opened up wide when Nadal went down early and Murray hit the hole, barreling through like Barry Sanders.

So, yeah, under normal circumstances, I’d brew the coffee, grab my cereal bowl and give a big hip hip for the guy crying when they play God Save The Queen.

Except that Murray’s foe is the eminently decent, soft spoken, gentleman’s champion, Roger Federer. He’ll be aiming for his seventh title on the fabled grass in a record-tying eight attempts. He earned the spot by catching the world’s current best, Novak Djokovich, early in today’s semi-final and keeping him measured.

I normally loathe cheering for the overdog — unless it’s one of my teams — but Federer plays so quietly and elegantly, and acts the same off the court, it’s impossible to stir up some faux dislike.

I guess in the end I’d like to see Murray win a little more than Roger. Give the country something to root for besides Prince William’s new sister-in-law.

* * * * *

I’m wondering if the latest sport sanctioned by the KHSAA — that would be the Kentucky High School Athletic Association — is the one where my alma mammy, J M Atherton High School, will find its niche.

It’s sure not football where the Rebels have traditionally trolled the crawlspace of the Litratings. Nor hoops where there are but a couple state tourney appearances in the sport that reared future U of L stars Charlie Tyra and Rick Wilson.

But . . . Bass Fishing just might be the niche the Rebels are looking for. The Dundee Road campus is big enough for the school to dig a practice pond on the property. The first season will start next February, running through the middle of April. The state title will be contested at the National Recreation Area of Land Between the Lakes.

Hoping a future Bill Dance is matriculating at JMA, I cheer, “Gimme an R . . . gimme an E . . .

* * * * *

The NFL which sanctions America’s most popular sport, is famous for knowing how to keep things competitive. New contenders seem to crop up every year, despite the periodic dynasties. It’s not like the other teams shiver from fear when facing the New York Football Giants, even though they’ve won a couple Super Bowls in the last few seasons.

Which I mention as a prelude to talking about the lopsided divisional results so far this year in the CFL. That would be the Canadian Football League, eh?

So far the Eastern Division is winless. Hamilton, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg have failed to post a W. Whilc B.C., Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatchewan are undefeated.

Yeah, okay, they’ve only played one game each, but still . . .

Which little, totally meaningless shtick is a sure sign of how my thought processes are more than a little fried and crisper than Kettle Chips around the edges.

At least the AC is working, which is more than I could say last weekend when this whole triple digit thing started.

– Seedy K

(Seedy Slog Note, pre-posting: I planned on having this up before noon, this Independence Day. Well, you can tell I didn’t make it. Sooooo, from the get go, I can report that Joey Chestnut repeated at Coney Island and is now six time champ. But I’ll post this as if it didn’t happen . . . yet.)

Have to wonder if my interest in THE sporting event of Independence Day in recent years has waned?

ESPN’s infatuation certainly has lessened. The Worldwide Leader is televising some twee tennis tourney from Wimbledon live instead of Joey Chestnut @ noon defending his Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Championship from Coney Island. You can catch all the wiener action live on ESPN3, but it’s certainly a blow to the prestige of the event that it’s not being televised live on one of the network’s 114 stations, like, say, ESPNFood.

Frankly, the contest lost its luster for me when, a couple years back, Major League Eating — the sanctioning organization for such affairs — banned Takeru Kobayashi, the groundbreaking Babe Ruth of the “sport.”

* * * * *

Speaking of sports that have lost luster, let me broach the topic of horse racing for a moment.

A fan of this blog recently asked my opinion on the debate over the use of lasix for thoroughbreds? At which point, I asked if he had me confused with my compatriot, for whom such matters are a concern, Bill Doolittle?

“You write a sports blog, don’t you?”

“Well, yes,” I responded, “but I really could care less about the ponies. I haven’t been in town for the Derby in years.”

Which disinterest shall not prevent me from commenting on Jennie Rees’s Churchill Downs Spring Meet wrap up in this morning’s C-J.

Essentially she said there were more worthless nags racing on Central Ave this year than in the last three decades she’s been covering the Sport of Kings. (Most excellently covering it, I might add.)

If the purses were higher consistently on a daily basis, there would obviously be more of the better stables and horses on the grounds for the entire meet. Instead, they’ve journied to those tracks where the pots are bigger.

This is obviously an issue for the inveterate horse player. Short fields. Inconsistent talent. Speed ratings that induce yawns. Makes betting less fun. Or, so I’m advised.

I’m wondering though whether it matters to the casual player, to the folks who show up on Tuesday afternoon when the boss says “Let’s take off and go to the track for a couple races.” To the hotties who dress Kardashian on Friday nights, and the fellows who show up to ogle and flirt.

I guess the folks at the Downs have to look at the bottom line and have a business conundrum. Which is that if they raise the purses with the commensurate upgrade of quality of horse flesh that would follow, will it increase attendance and betting enough to make it financially feasible?

So far, they’ve opted out.

I’m reminded of hockey in Louisville. The era of the Louisville Blades and Louisville Rebels and Louisville Shooting Stars ended when JFK took office. The sport returned in ’90 with the Icehawks then Riverfrogs, both of the lowest minors, the East Coast Hockey League. They skated at Broadbent before loyal, enthusiastic, small but apparently financially sustaining crowds. It was fun. The locals, experts in college hoops but relatively ignorant about back checking, didn’t care about such as quality of play.

Then the Florida NHL franchise made a bold but really stupid move, putting their AAA American League team in Freedom Hall, where the same small rowds showed up. For awhile anyway, since it was more expensive. The locals could have cared less that the hockey was significantly of a higher quality.

That, one guy’s opinion, is an analagous situation to the decision Churchill faces. More or less. Except for the presence of that event on May’s first Saturday.

* * * * *

As I write, British favorite son, Andy Murray, is not looking good. The 4th seeded homie is down to #7 seed, David Ferrer. It would be a pity if he lost without making it to Sunday for a shot at winning the championship. A Brit hasn’t won at Wimbledon since just after the Norman Conquest.

His path is relatively clear, meaning he wouldn’t have to beat Raffie Nadal to make it to Breakfast at Wimbledon on Sunday. Of course, all the others on that side of the bracket — Ferrer, Tsonga and Kohlschrieber — are thinking the same thing.

What I find fascinating is how they seeded the players this year. On the other side, #3 Roger Federer is facing #1 Novak Dkjokovic in the semis. Which means they seeded the top players 1 vs. 3 and 2 vs. 4 instead of the more common 1/4 and 2/3.

If there’s some tennis follower more knowledgeable than me out there who can explain that, please feel free to post a comment.

* * * * *

Tiger Woods.

* * * * *

Have I mentioned how much I love watching the Tour de France, even though I know little of the subtleties of big time bicycle road racing. (Nor do I understand why in track racing, the competitors often ride as slowly as possible. But that’s a discussion for my Olympics coverage next month.)

Luxembourg’s Fabian Cancellara still wears the yellow jersey, won on the first day’s time trials.

I’m fascinated by the strategies employed in different stages of the three week competition. There are always three or four or several guys who speed out from the peloton and get a five minutes or more advantage. Early in the race, the field reels them in. Later on, teams and individuals get more defensive. If the break out riders have no chance of gaining on the race leaders, the peloton lets them go. Or, so I would observe.

I trust if I’m wrong I’ll hear from one of my readers who knows a lot more than I do.

I really love watching the stages each morning, especially the sprints and the mountain stages when stamina rules.

– Seedy K

While the word is a perfect combo of sports and blog — you know, a descriptor of what I try to do here — I didn’t want to bear the wrath of systemic watchdogs throughout the cybergalaxy. So, “slog” (the “p” is not only silent, but not there at all) is what I shall call this, “slogging” if verbacized.

* * * * *

Which brings us this Tuesday afternoon to Wimbledon, where it is, of course, raining.

* * * * *

Anthony Davis has apparently done something to an ankle, dashing the US of A’s Olympic Gold Medal hopes.

Or, so are the reports coming out of Maysville.

And Caneyville.

And Hoptown.

And Paducah.

And . . . well, you catch my drift. The Big Blue Nation.

So, I’m flying my Cat flag at half mast.

After all, it’s the least I can do for this long time, dearly beloved Wildcat basketballer.

* * * * *

Is Dwight Howard the new Brett Favre, or what?

* * * * *

So, what else of interest sportswise around here, is going on today, Independence Day Eve.

Well, it’s two months until U of L and UK kickoff.

* * * * *

Louisville hoops fans are already frothing at the mouth in anticipation of next season, when the Cards will be a legit national contender for the first time since . . . ’86 realistically, the early 90s theoretically.

That anxiousness is all appropriate, but remember this. You gotta have a decent backup PG to run the show. If Terry Rozier doesn’t make his grades, or, Russ Smith doesn’t mature enough to play point in a pinch, all that beastiness underneath shan’t matter. You gotta be able to get the ball up court and get the offense started.

* * * * *

I must admit. Lochte vs. Thorpe might actually get me to watch the first week of the Olympics, which is always too much swimming too much of the time.

* * * * *

Boise State is considered a possible savior of stature for Big East football.

Remember back in ’04 when football wags were saying that the Liberty Bowl between upstart Louisville and upstart Boise State would be the best game of the post season. (Which it was, a 44-40 U of L W.)

The Cards were -10 heading into the game. Boise State’s biggest claim to fame at the time was it’s obnoxious blue field.

Now the two are destined to become the big Big East rivalry, annually fighting it out to see which team will win and become most disappointed when the BCS playoff committee chooses a two loss SEC squad over the Big East champ for the 4th playoff spot.

* * * * *

The Courier-Journal hasn’t exactly rushed right in to replace Eric Crawford and Rick Bozich.

* * * * *

While hindsight is always 20/20, it always seemed like Joe Paterno was a might too self righteous.

* * * * *

Tiger Woods.

* * * * *

Did you happen to see the PTI interview last week with Mike Tyson?

The former champ, former prison inmate, former cannibal was pretty funny. And most of all, very self effacing.

His memory of being hot for some action with his then wife Robin Givens, who then shows up at their house with Brad Pitt, is priceless.

* * * * *

I love watching the Tour de France on TV with my cereal.

* * * * *

Acknowledging that it’s far more fun to watch NFL on TV, where at least you can kick back during the interminable timeouts — 5 minutes alone around a kickoff — the poobahs in charge have changed the blackout rule.

Now a game can be shown in a home market if 85% of the tickets are sold. They used to have to be sellouts.

There is not TV package in any sport as righteous as NFL RedZone. It was $20 for all of last season, sure to be more this one. No commercials. Every important play in every game and they do all the clicking.

* * * * *

ACC signed a dozen year contract for its football champ to play in the Orange Bowl.

Wonder where the Big East champ will land?

– Seedy K

Among the random shots I fired and which failed to even come close to hitting their marks were these:

1. Johnny Miller and his announcing pals, working the US Open telecast from Olympic, would mention Tiger Woods name more than the contenders, even if The Anointed One bogeyed his way out of the tourney during his first few holes.

Well, proving there is a just deity on high, Woods started bogey, bogey, double bogey, bogey, or something like that, and was blissfully never a factor. And, I’ll be damned if TV didn’t simply ignore him for the rest of the day. A gratuitous shot of him coming to the 18th, and a couple more mentions and, well, that was it.

My bad. Let me offer my serious apologies for any inconvenience my ranting on this matter may have caused you.

2. The too cool for school Miami Heat fans, always a stylin’ bunch, would thwart any effort to make them wear matching telegenic t-shirts in the stands during last night’s Game 3.

Well, turns out I was seriously wrong about this. While the stands weren’t quite as uniform as those in OKC, the vast majority of attendees covered their spangle and bling with Miami whities.

I am still awaiting a concise and legitimate explanation for this odd phenomenon that everybody attending a basketball game should wear the same shirt.

At any rate, my bad. Let me offer my serious apologies for any inconvenience my ranting on this matter may have caused you.

3. Beau Hossler would be the next national craze.

The amateur high school linkster was in contention at Olympic, heading into the final round. Then played his age on such a big stage, and didn’t even finish as low amateur, which title was captured by a future Texas Longhorn teammate, Jordan Spieth. (Does that golf coach in Austin know how to recruit, or what?)

Which is offer yet again, my bad. Let me offer my serious apologies for any inconvenience my ranting on this matter may have caused you.

So, there ya go.

* * * * *

I was correct about Stony Brook though.

The America East upstart was two and done in the College World Series.

Kent State’s flirtation with baseball fame will surely end today against the mighty mighty Florida Gators, who had the misfortune of meeting league rival, will they ever lose South Carolina, in their opener.

* * * * *

Is it my imagination, or has all the cacophony about conference realignment died down? Way way down? From a scream to less than a whisper?

* * * * *

Am I the only one who has bookmarked wdrb.com to read Louisville’s leading sports columnists, Rich Bozich and Eric Crawford?

I doubt it.

And, is it my imagination, or, all of a sudden, is there a lot more horse racing and recruiting news in what’s left of the Courier-Journal’s sports pages?

Makes sense. After all, Jennie Rees and Jody Demling are the only stars left.

* * * * *

My Detroit Tigers have won 2 in a row, and 7 of their last 10. Hopefully the gang is back on course.

The Reds have captured 6 in a row, to widen their NL Central lead over the surprising upstart Pittsburgh. (I know 2 guys who are flyin’ high. Sports wag Rick Cushing and my pal JGJ, both long time inveterate Pirate fans.)

A Detroit/ Cincy series would be the bomb.

* * * * *

Dale Jr. won yesterday’s NASCAR race in Michigan. Apparently that’s a pretty big thing among those who follow stock car racing.

* * * * *

Only 16 days until Joey Chestnut defends his Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating crown on Coney Island.

– Seedy K

]]> http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/06/18/mea-culpa-monday-much-much-more/feed/ 2 http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/06/17/seedy-ks-sports-sunday-snippets-sniper-shots/ http://score.leoweekly.com/2012/06/17/seedy-ks-sports-sunday-snippets-sniper-shots/#comments Sun, 17 Jun 2012 17:49:30 +0000 c d kaplan http://score.leoweekly.com/?p=7667 I’m sssssssssssssizzlin’ already. Lets’ get this party started.

Ready, aim . . .

Name Game. Let’s do Tiger.

Tiger, Tiger bo biger bonana fana fo figer/ Fe fi mo figer, Tiger

The telecast of the US Open’s final round is just hours away. And I’m looking for some help here.

My supposition is that Tiger Wood’s name will be mentioned by the announcers more than any other golfer, regardless of whether he’s in legit contention or goes bogey, bogey, bogey to start the day and shoots himself out of contention immediately.

The only one who has a chance of being talked about more is that Beau Hossler kid. You know, the new fave of parrotheads and, well, everybody else, the rising senior at Santa Margarita (Calf.) High School. He’s tied for 8th at +3. If his post round interview yesterday is a legit indication, the kid is mature beyond his years. Even with braces on his teeth that he did his best to try to hide. 

But, should he fade, as is likely despite his preternatural talent, it will be all Tiger TV, all the time, no matter who is atop the leaderboard.

(If anybody wants to help me out, and has one of those little counter thingies that pitching coaches use, please keep track of Tiger mentions and report in. Thanks.)

Ah, celebrity sports. Which means I’m shifting my aim to . . .

Name Game, Part Deux. The LeBron Show returns to Miami tonight for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. I daresay the crowd shall not be quite as color coordinated as those in Okie City. The stylin’ South Beachers will be less inclined to cover their slick threads with made for TV t-shirts, than those folks from Oooooooooooooooooooklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.

If that Durant fellow’s name were as resonant as He Who Would Be King, he would have gotten the call with :07 left in Game 2, when You Know Who mugged him on that baseline jumper that could have tied the tilt had it gone down.

Ship’s Ahoy. The trending topic on Twitter, at least among hoopaholics, is all those made for gangplank games coming next season in college hoops. Let’s hope the country isn’t engaged in any naval war, or they might have to call off the season. (Or, the war, depending on which Big TV is more willing to give up.)

Every available battleship, aircraft carrier and tugboat shall host a game. Or, so it seems.

So, I’m wondering, where’s Tom Jurich’s creative marketing mind these days? How about the Cards playing a game on the Belle of Louisville? Keep it local: “Ballin’ on the Belle vs. Bellarmine.” Has a nice ring to it.

That inside area where they hold dances and such is plenty big enough for a court. Wouldn’t leave much room for seating after you put the cameras in, but that would allow U of L to charge really really super premium prices for the privilege of courtside attendance.

That’s Why They’re Called Underdogs. Stony Brook and Kent State both took it on the chin in their CWS openers.

Maybe after they’re eliminated by the Big Boys, they could play a rubber match in the Old Rosenblatt Stadium for the old timers.

Give Him The Guillotine. As a former prosecutor, I know I should let the system play out, and allow Jerry Sandusky’s jury of his peers decide his fate. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut . . .

. . . I think, despite my aversion for watching violence, real of faux, I’d pay to see him drawn and quartered.

House Hunters. Wonder whose lavish abode will sell first, Bobby Petrino’s in Fayetteville, or Rick Pitino’s in Mockingbird Gardens?

The Playoff Payoff. Mr. and Ms. College University Presidents (Not you UVa’s Theresa Sullivan, you’ve been canned), think outside the box on this college football playoff.

16 teams, at least. Mo’ money. Mo’ interest. Mo’ on field action.

And, Mike Slive, only a marginally less chance that one of your SEC schools will about every year.

– Seedy K

And you, if you’re reading this, survived Derby and have enough faculties left to remember how to surf over here to Score.

So, like, you know, what’s been happenin?

Well, Luke Hancock proved himself worthy of his designation as U of L team co-captain. He hurt his shoulder and required surgery, but won’t miss a beat come the start of practice in the autumn. Or, so sayeth The Rick.

The ever inept John Marinatto is out as Big East commish. Imagine our surprise? If given the opportunity, U of L’s exit from the Big East will happen with such speed it will make Art Modell’s getaway from Cleveland look like travel by wagon train.

Another run o’ the pasture horse with the speed and stamina to survive the Derby cavalry charge won the “classic.” Of course, as happens all too often lately, the thoroughbred has a name worthy of show money in a $3000 claiming race on Tuesday at Turfway.

Roger Clements is on trial.

Tiger Woods missed another cut.

The Bats are in last place.

The defending champion Mavs were swept in 4 games.

The Bulls spit out the bit when Derrick Rose went down. (And, to be fair, suffered a couple other injuries.)

In New Orleans, all sports fans are talking about is how the Saints got jobbed by the NFL. Yawn.

Coach Cal, now a with a title on his resume, proved he’s really not ready to play anybody, anywhere, anytime.

John L. Smith has ‘em laughing in the weight room in Fayetteville, if not at Weber State.

Babe Ruth’s home has a For Sale sign on the lawn.

The BCS has determined a 4 team playoff would be in the best interests of the student athletes at LSU, Alabama, Ohio State and one other school.

Hubert Davis jumped from the TV booth to the Carolina bench. Damn, I’m going to miss his laugh, which would burst forth with impunity whenever Digger said something stupid. Which was and shall continue to be — sadly — often. Maybe some school could hire Phelps? I’m in for a hundred toward his signing bonus.

Dale Jr. in 3d place has ‘em slobbering in the infields of NASCAR.

Texas Arlington didn’t get the bid from the Big East they were hoping for, so the school joined the Sun Belt.

But, like, other than that, wazzup?

– Seedy K