Jason Whitlock’s “The Explanation”
Jason Whitlock gave his teary side of his public divorce from the Kansas City Star Friday afternoon on Nick Wright’s 610 sportstalk show, which was simulcasted on MetroSports. Titled “The Explanation,” the first hour was spent with Whitlock giving commentary on his whole life story.
The highlights of the show were Jason getting the live feed pulled on him as he described a night out with the editor of the Kansas City Star, Mike Fannin, which involved some man-on-man kissing. Whitlock making public what many in the Kansas City area knew, Mike Fannin’s relationship with sports editor Holly Lawton. Whitlock couldn’t stand the unethical environment in which the Star was being operated, and decided after the KU Ticket Scandal in which Fannin wouldn’t let Whitlock quote a columnist from Yahoo! Sports, he was leaving the paper. This wasn’t the first incident in which Whitlock was involved in during his 16 years at the Star, but this is what drove him over the edge. He describes an “Award Culture” at the Star and alleges the Star’s pursuit of top Journalism Awards, at the expense of covering hot topics to hold businesses and people within the community accountable. The second hour Nick Wright asks a few questions about his gig at Yahoo! where he will be a columnist. He revealed he’ll have a salary of $2 million over a span of 3 years, in which he will split time between his residence in LA and KC. He said he really enjoyed his time in Kansas City and it will always hold a special place in his heart. He started to get emotional as he described the disappointment which he brought on himself by not completing the things which he set out to due in the newspaper industry. He said he will probably never write for another newspaper, but will be active with his Twitter account and with is column on Yahoo!.
Clemens Indicted on Perjury Charges
Hall of Fame pitcher Roger Clemens was indicted on felony perjury charges for allegedly lying to Congress under oath last December. As you recall, his slightly publicized hearing in front of Congress over his alleged steroid use took place a little over 8 months ago in which The Rocket denied the claims feverishly. Clemens used PED, in the form of at least HGH, and has lied about it ever since, even claiming his former trainer injected his wife with HGH and that one of his biggest admires/best friends in the game, Andy Pettitte misremembered Clemens telling him he used HGH. This is getting real ugly for Roger, real fast and he needs to just admit his part in the storied “Steroid Years” of Major League Baseball. Everyone knows that everyone else was using them and that’s just the way it was. It was accepted within the clubhouse and looked upon in a “dont-ask dont-tell” light. Many other players accused of using steroids have been able to move on and try to salvage their reputation/place in MLB history (looking at you Mr. A-Rod). Hopefully he realizes this before his court date and accepts this plea bargain. We all know Clemens isn’t the prize everyone on the steroid witch-hunt is looking to expose, that honor belongs to you Mr. Barry Bonds.
The Old Gunslinger Returns to Minnesota to “Finish What He Started.”
Brett Favre returned to Minnesota Tuesday, August 17th, on the practice field Wednesday, and suiting up as the starting signal caller for the Vikings in their second preseason game Sunday night in San Fransisco. This is becoming an annual thing with Favre and I think everyone in the sports world is better off now that he has quit holding everyone hostage. Favre looked rusty, as expected, in his 1 possession in the game Sunday taking a big sack from 49er LB Patrick Willis. I think Favre still has enough in the tank to make things happen with a strong supporting cast in Minnesota. This team must stay healthy, something that can be said of all NFL teams, and will have to deal with a reloaded GB Packers team in the NFC North. However, I’m not ready to anoint them the favorites in the NFC. The defending champs, NO Saints, are from the NFC and they have a huge showdown with the Vikes to kick off MNF on Sept. 13.
Team USA defeats Spain in Exhibition Game before FIBA Worlds
What a game. Team USA jumps out to a huge lead, only to let the Spaniards back in the game, and eventually take the lead with just over 2 minutes remaining in the game. After a strong left handed layup by Derrick Rose, followed by 2 free throws, USA regains the lead, 86-85, with 16 seconds remaining. Team USA makes a great strategic move and comes out of the timeout in a 2-3 zone, call name “Orange”, named after assistant coach/head coach of Syracuse, Jim Boeheim. The move paid off and Kevin Durant is able to block Rudy Fernandez’s last second shot to preserve the US victory. Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose led the way for the Stars and Stripes in a game where Coach K relied heavily on his starters. Russell Westbrook also had a productive game and looks to have solidified his spot on the team. Team USA was without the services of Rondo, Granger, and Love during Sunday’s game, none of the 3 logging any minutes. Juan Carlos Navarro led the way for Spain, who was energized greatly by young point guard Ricky Rubio. Spain was unable to stop the USA’s strong guards. USA is going to live and die by the play of their perimeter players, as they only have three true big men. They will face tons of zone when the Worlds begin next weekend and will have to show the ability to knock down the open shot. It should be a great chance for the younger stars in the NBA to showcase their talents. It will be an exciting tournament, and will help bridge the gap to college football and the start of the NFL season.
