With the latest Clemens revelations in mind, let's review how Roger has addressed the allegations about his involvement with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) as compared to Barry Bonds.
Roger has, until recently anyway, been non-yielding and confrontational concerning his potential use of PEDs. Where has this gotten him? While Clemens has adamantly denied over and over again any use of PEDs, on national television and in front of a U.S. Congressional hearing, we've learned that Roger's wife has taken PEDs (to enhance her looks?), and then it appears Roger wasn't forthcoming (lied?)about partying with Jose Canseco. Roger's attorney comes off as a pompous little man as he tries to defend his client. Next Clemens went so far as to file a defamation of character lawsuit against his accuser. This lawsuit is now clearly responsible for a new allegation that simply reeks as the case threw open a whole new playing field. Many people have stepped forward to defend Roger Clemens...
Barry has taken a different tack. He has remained aloof with the media, not addressing any questions concerning his possible use of PEDs. Bonds has stuck to his guns through what has become years of allegations that continue to this day to be unsubstantiated. People have actually spent time in jail rather than implicate Barry (is he still there?). What has this gotten Barry? He is awaiting trial for perjury and obstruction of justice and he is not allowed to play the game that he loves because no one will hire him. Barry remains an island...
The question begs to be asked, in their defense, which one of baseball's biggest stars is now held in the higher regard?
Citing all the recent predictions fhat have pushed the Detroit Tigers ahead of the Indians as the favored team in the AL Central, Cleveland's general manager, Mark Shapiro, took steps he claims will insure the Tribe will not only be in the playoffs, but should make them the eventual World Series Champions in 2008!
Indians' brain trust, GM Mark Shapiro and Manager Eric Wedge
"After much deliberation and soul searching, we have come to the conclusion that it is in the best interests of the Cleveland Indian organization and it's fans to sign Barry Bonds to a three year contract. We feel his bat and leadership will become recognized as the capstone to this team and we are confident Barry will take us to the promised land!"
A smiling Barry Bonds as he confirms the deal.
Bonds stated that he was very appreciative of the Indians' offer and will strive to do his utmost to fulfill the team's high expectations and to be a good team player. In a Q and A session after Bonds issued his statement confirming the deal, he was asked how he thought he'd like hitting in the Jake (Cleveland's home ball park, Jacobs Field). Barry thought for a moment and then a big smile spread across his face, "That right field foul pole is what... 325 feet? I think I'm going to like it just fine!"
Jacobs Field Layout - 325' down each foul line.
Stay tuned for any repercussions this revelation may create!
Here are some of the stories found around the country's sports pages today.
Tom Osborne Accepts the Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award
University of Nebraska Athletic Director, former State of Nebraska Representative to the United States Congress and former Head Football Coach with the Cornhuskers, Tom Osborne was given the Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award last Friday evening at a banquet in Houston, Texas. Cathy Schembechler, the widow of former Michigan Head Coach Bo Schembechler, who was awarded the honor posthumously last year, made the presentation while being aided by twelve of Osborne’s former players at Nebraska.
Norm Chow a Bruin!
Norm Chow has accepted the position of offensive coordinator with UCLA. Now both sides of the ball for the Bruins will be coached up by former USC coordinators as Chow will be joining DeWayne Walker, UCLA's defensive coordinator, who decided to stay on with new Head Coach Rick Neuheisel. UCLA seems to be following the USC blue print to success.
Bills DE Hargrove Suspended for a Full Year!
The Buffalo Bills defensive end, Anthony Hargrove has been suspended for the entire 2008 NFL football season after violating the leagues substance abuse policy for a third time which triggers the automatic one year suspension without pay. Here's hoping this young man can get his life back on track.
There’s a lesson here MLB…
Seahawks Assistant Head Coach Jim Mora to Stay On
New Seahawk Head Coach?
Jim Mora, fresh from being interviewed for the open Washington Redskins head coaching position, has announced he has decided to stay on with the Seattle Seahawks citing the importance of his family living in their home area. With Head Coach Mike Holmgren currently vacationing in Arizona where he is said to be contemplating whether to fulfill the remaining year of his contract with the Seahawks, this could possibly be a sign of Holmgren’s decision.
Star Quarterback Recruit Terrelle Pryor Remains on Fence
Jeannette, Pennsylvania’s nationally rated number one high school football prospect, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, remains firmly entrenched in indecision concerning which school to attend. Big Ten powers Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State all claim to be in the running while Oregon, Florida and new-comer LSU also are vying for the young man’s attention. Pryor’s high school quarterback coach described him as flustered and not sure which recruiter to trust… Maybe he should Duck the issue and go to Oregon!
Selig Considers Punishing S.F. Giants’ Owner?
An article in the San Francisco Chronicle claims that MLB Commissioner is contemplating punishing the Giants owner Peter Magonwan for his allegedly willful refusal to deal with Barry Bonds’ former trainer Greg Anderson. What exactly Mr. Selig might do about this is up to discussion but some believe the punishment may come in the form of awarding the San Jose south bay area, what has always been considered Giants territory to the Oakland Athletics as they continue to look for a new stadium site. I guess there's more than one way to skin an owner!
Paula Abdul to Perform at Super Bowl XLII!
American Idol judge and singer Paula Abdul will perform a new song produced by fellow judge Randy Jackson at some currently unknown point during the Fox telecast of Super Bowl XLII, February 3rd. Paula will be joining American Idol’s most recent winner Jordon Sparks who will sing the National Anthem as well as the rock groups Counting Crows and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Here’s hoping Paula doesn’t pull a Janet Jackson stunt…
NFL Announces the Finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
Jason Taylor Hines Ward
The only NFL award that recognizes a players off the field contributions to society, The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, will be awarded to one of the following four finalists announced Sunday, January 20th: Jason Taylor, DE, Miami Dolphins, Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers, Brian Waters, OG, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys. The winner will be announced during the Super Bowl Pregame show on February 3rd.
After a four year investigation... Now get that straight, FOUR YEARS! There is now a Federal indictment against Barry Bonds? What in the hell is going on here? This is the worst witch hunt imaginable. What about Rafael Palmeiro? Mark McGuire? Jason Giambi? ad nausea. These people and many more are right in there if Barry actually is proven to have used these performance enhancing drugs. Don't forget, he has never been tested positive for these drugs. Now, at this late date comes a claim that he has tested positive? Why now?
This is a terrible move.
Arguably the greatest player ever...
7 time MVP, Career Home Run Record.
Barry became the poster boy for the steriod era thanks to his attitude when it comes to the media. I'm sorry, you Barry haters can make your case over and over again, but just bear in mind it has been fueled by the pundits we all are compelled to listen to.
These people have the power to make or break you!
This is the type of treatment you get for not acting like the media thinks you should.
What about these top players?
Rafael Palmeiro pledging to tell the truth.
McGuire during Federal Investigation Hearing. Wouldn't answer questions.
Giambi cut a deal.
Who is next now? I've heard as many as 85% of all the players at the MLB level were taking performance enhancing drugs during the 90's.
Why hasn't this hunt taken in the full scope of what was happening? They've got who they want, that's why. The Media is having a field day...
I'm a sports fanatic living on the west coast of Florida. I'm a rare bird that moved here from the left coast a couple of years ago. I advocate an even playing field in all of life's endeavors.
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prospect, quarterback Terrelle Pryor, remains firmly entrenched in indecision concerning which school to attend. Big Ten powers Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State all claim to be in the running while Oregon, Florida and new-comer LSU also are vying for the young man’s attention. Pryor’s high school quarterback coach described him as flustered and not sure which recruiter to trust… Maybe he should Duck the issue and go to Oregon! 
