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Not the usual outcome of an errant golf shot.
A Wildcreek golfer who hit a bad shot this evening started a brush fire that consumed 15-20 acres northeast of the golf course, fire officials said.
The golfer had knocked his ball into the grass beyond the course off the 3500 block of Sullivan Lane. When he tried to play back to the fairway, his club struck something that created a spark that started the fire.
“He was totally honest about it,†Reno Battalion Chief Curtis Johnson said, adding he didn’t know if the golfer turned in the alarm.
Reno and Sparks fire engines with 45-50 people swarmed the area and were mopping up about 8:30 p.m. A 12-person crew from the Sierra Front Forest Service was to be at the fire site until at least midnight.
Some Florida official will read this story and want to regulate golf shots from the rough. I just know it. We’re in the middle of a drought down here and can’t be having golfers starting brushfires. There has to be a law.(Sarcastic laughter time)
From AP-
PROVO, Utah – For a star runner at Brigham Young, this was hardly a clean getaway.
Kyle Perry was arrested last week after getting out of his car and striking a pedestrian — with a mop.
Perry’s vehicle apparently got too close to the man, who was pushing a bucket with mops across a street June 14, witnesses told police.
“Angry words were exchanged,” Provo police Capt. Cliff Argyle said. “Mr. Perry exited his vehicle and grabbed a mop out of the pedestrian’s mop bucket and started to strike the pedestrian.
“The pedestrian grabbed another mop and used it to defend himself,” he said. “Eventually the pedestrian was shoved over a planter box and fell onto his back.”
The man, who had a bump on his head, blocked Perry’s car until police arrived and arrested the track star for aggravated assault, Argyle said. Any legal action from the mop fight is up to prosecutors.
In 2006, Perry won the Mountain West Conference title in the 1,500-meter run. He finished 12th in the same event at the NCAA track championship. His performances were limited this year by injuries.
I’ll leave readers to make the appropriate wisecracks. Right now I can’t think of anything. Maybe Mr. Perry can pitch long…..err mopup relief.
She was scheduled to play the PGA Tour event July 12-15.
Unable to break par against the women, Michelle Wie is taking a break from competing against the men. Wie decided Tuesday to withdraw from the John Deere Classic as she tries to return from wrist injuries that have sent the 17-year-old from Hawaii into a deep slump of high scores and shrinking confidence.
“While my rehabilitation is on schedule, I do not have all of my strength back yet,” Wie said in a statement. “The TPC Deere Run course is obviously very long, and I just don’t have the length to play there right now.”
Wie said she still plans to play next week in the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles, and she said she would keep playing the rest of the summer as she tries to regain strength in her wrists.
Wie has played the John Deere Classic the last two years on sponsor exemptions, nearly making the cut as a 15-year-old in 2005 with a performance that made her a celebrity with the community. She was one shot below the cut line until a double bogey and a bogey late in her round, missing by two shots with rounds of 70-71.
She opened with a 77 last year, then withdrew midway through the second round with what was said to be heat exhaustion. Wie was taken from the course on a stretcher.
I agree with Golf World’s Ron Sirak, who says this was the first common sense move by the Wie camp in some time. So far as Michelle playing the LPGA, I’d think it would be wiser for her to take an extended rest to allow her wrists to heal properly.
A very weird incident took place in the world of New Zealand harness racing last week.
A decision about charges being laid over a horse mix-up could be made by the end of the week, says Harness Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell.
At a Forbury Park meeting in Dunedin last week a pacer ran in a race for trotters after being confused with another horse.
For those not knowledgable about harness racing, here is how to tell the difference.
Pacers move both legs on the same side forward in unison. Most wear hopples – straps connecting front and rear legs on the same side. Hopples help the horse keep stride without limiting speed. Trotters move left front and right rear legs forward almost simultaneously, then follow suit with right front and left rear.
Usually trotters do not wear hopples, so tend to go off stride in inexperienced or trying to trot too fast. This is called ‘breaking.’
My father owned harness horses off and on for thirty years. Most were Pacers. The only trotter I remember Dad owning was one named Charlie Zam. He raced in the early 70′s at tracks like Freehold(NJ), Atlantic City and Brandywine(DE).
The two horses were from the Canterbury stable of Murray Edmonds and it wasn’t until after the pacer ran in the trotting race that the error was realised.
Edmonds did not attend the meeting himself and left the horses in the care of fellow trainer Darryn Simpson.
One report said the identities were switched when the horse covers, which carried the horses’ names, were placed on the wrong horses by the driver of the truck that had transported them to Dunedin. In the race itself, the pacer refused to trot and was pulled up soon after the start.
The trotter that was meant to have run in the race was reasonably well supported to be the seventh favourite in a field of 14.
Rennell said investigations were under way and a decision would be made in a few days.
AdvertisementIt appears there was nothing sinister in the mix-up and Rennell said it was unlikely any charges would be in the category of serious, which would attract a very heavy penalty.
I’m, pardon the pun, betting there was nothing sinister in what happened. The other drivers probably said nothing because it meant one less competitor to beat.(The pacer would have been disqualified if he hadn’t been pulled up.) Why the pacer’s driver didn’t notice, is a whole other matter. I’ve never been in a sulky for a race, but I was around horses often enough when age 10 or 11 to see the obvious difference. Was the driver inebriated or daydreaming?
As to the bettors, were their tickets refunded? If I had to make a guess, I’d say no.
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| Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |
It seems every night I see the New York Yankees on ESPN, ugghh. MLB, please install a salary cap! I have had enough, and here they come to invade the Colorado Rockies and Coors Field.
Nearly every series preview has everything to do with them Yanks, sportsnet. What about the Rocks? Maybe its the forgotten time zone? Whatever it may be, the Colorado Rockies have been playing at the same level as the NY Yankees. But, fly under the radar. Maybe, I shouldn’t complain about the lack of coverage. But, the Rockies are playing great ball.
Colorado (35-34) scored 19 runs in its two victories at Fenway Park and continued its hot hitting against the Devil Rays, totaling 22 runs in taking the first two games of the series. They failed to complete the sweep Sunday, falling 7-4.
This is why they are the Evil Empire
The Yankees began this season with a $195 million payroll. That’s $52 million more than the nearest team, the Red Sox. The Rockies ranked 25th in baseball with a $54 million opening-day payroll.
He was the Hoosiers head coach for two years and before that coached Miami of Ohio.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana football coach Terry Hoeppner died Tuesday of complications from a brain tumor, a university spokesman said. He was 59.
Hoeppner, who had two brain surgeries in the past 18 months, missed nearly four months on medical leave. He died at 6:50 a.m. at Bloomington Hospital, said J.D. Campbell, the school’s sports information director.
Late last week, the school said assistant Bill Lynch would replace him as coach for the 2007 season.
Hoeppner, who went 9-14 in two seasons as Indiana’s coach, had taken three medical leaves since December 2005. He hadn’t been seen publicly since late February.
Very sad. RIP.
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| Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |
Think you have what it takes to cover your favorite sports team? Of course you do. Anybody can write about sports, right?
Guess again. A column that recently appeared in central Maine’s Sun Journal illustrates how hard it is to cover sports. In addition it also demonstrates that one has to work really, really hard to be this foolish. Let’s go to the blockquoted text:
Just like Curt Schilling’s near no-hitter, the Red Sox will need some help if they hope to complete a perfect season.
The team they have in place right now is obviously pretty good.
But, the bullpen is shaky at best, the back-end of the rotation is suspect and the bench could use a clutch bat or two.
First off, the Red Sox bullpen, far from being shaky is actually one of the best in the league. Their ERA of 3.03 is the best in the American League. Toronto’s Bullpen ERA is second at 3.21. The American League combined bullpen ERA is 4.22. Hideki Okajima is proving lights out in his first year. Jonathan Papelbon has had a few knuckles int he stream, but by and large has been excellent closing out games. There have been shaky performances, but, more often than not, the bulpen has been sparkling good.
Every bench is in need of a good clutch bat. So that point is irrelevant. What team doesn’t want the luxury of having an all-star coming off the bench.
As for the back of the rotation, plenty of teams would like a pair of starting pitchers with five hundred records and ERAs of 4.18 and 4.97 at the back of the rotation. Tim Wakefield has remarkably allowed two runs or less in six of his fourteen starts. He has been torched by the Yankees (17 ER in 14 IP). Remove the Yankee games from his season stat line and Wakefield’s ERA goes from 4.18 to 2.91. There is nothing suspect about that. Julian Tavarez, meanwhile has faced Johan Santana, Roy Halladay (twice) Chien-Ming Wang, Barry Zito, Mike Mussina and Danny Haren among a few lesser lights. And in spite of allowing 1.4 baserunners an inning, Tavarez has kept the ball on the ground, gotten double plays and generally landed on his feet. The Red Sox meanwhile are 7-5 in his 12 starts. Having a fifty-fifty shot of winning on days when your worst starter is on the hill is something every team wants.
Well, there are worse ways to make a point than using vacuous rhetorical argument devoid of nettlesome things like facts. Like what, you ask?
Trade #3: Cardinals trade Jim Edmonds and Anthony Reyes for Coco Crisp, Kason Gabbard, Craig Hansen and a first-round draft pick. Edmonds is nearing the end of his career, but he can still play great defense and has some pop left in his bat. I think all Sox fans would admit that Crisp has been bit of a disappointment, but he still has market value. St. Louis will need to look at rebuilding and a speedy centerfielder that is built more for the National League (bunting, sacrificing, stealing bases) could be appealing. Reyes helps replace the loss of Lester/Buchholz in terms of future power arms. Also, the Sox may not have to give up Gabbard and Hansen. Realistic: Actually, this one could happen.(Emphasis mine -E.P.)
Maybe we shouldn’t let him know that Major League Baseball Teams cannot trade draft picks.
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| Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |
Tiger Woods announced the birth of a baby girl, Sam Alexis Woods on his website. Both Mom and Daughter are doing well and resting peacefully. Congratulations to Tiger, Elin, and their family.
I think Michelle Wie’s days are numbered. haha
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| Tuesday, June 19, 2007 |
It looks as if other’s are just as anxious for this coming season as I am. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Anyway, Mr Dumas over at 411mania, put out his version of NFL Power Rankings.
Here is his Top 10.
1. Indianapolis Colts-Defending Super Bowl Champs, ‘nuff said.
2. New England Patriots- Made it to the AFC title game last year and added some key players. Randy Moss was a good move but adding the do-it-all defenseman Adalius Thomas is where the Pats will get the most bang for their buck.
3. Baltimore Ravens- Losing the aforementioned Thomas hurts, but defense is still the premier unit in the NFL. Adding Willis McGahee will take pressure off their aging QB Steve McNair. Look for this team to give the Pats and Colts all they can handle in the chase for the Lamar Hunt trophy.
4. Chicago Bears- Defending NFC Champs. Assuming LB Lance Briggs plays, DT Tommie Harris stays healthy, and QB Rex Grossman learned from last season’s rollercoaster ride, this team will once again represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
5. San Diego Chargers- Best RB in the NFL—check. Best TE in the NFL—check. Young, efficient QB—check. Starting the season against the Bears and Patriots might have them off to a slow start, though. If new coach Norv Turner doesn’t screw things up and somehow gets the secondary to make some plays, the Chargers will be right back in the thick of things.
6. New Orleans Saints- QB Drew Brees is a proven passer (4,418 yds, 26 tds in ’06) and RB/WR/KR/PR Reggie Bush showed flashes of what he’s capable of doing in the near future. If defense can continue it’s better than average play (13th in points allowed per game), this team has a shot at revenge against the Bears.
7. Denver Broncos- It was the best offseason, it was the worst offseason. Worst because the team saw two players meet untimely deaths (CB Darrent Williams and RB Damien Nash), the best because they cleaned up in the free agent market. CB Dre’ Bly, RB Travis Henry and TE Daniel Graham will all contribute. Former Florida pass rusher Jarvis Moss will help immediately. Inexperienced QB Jay Cutler only question mark.
8. Philadelphia Eagles- QB Donovan McNabb was on his way to an MVP season before he got hurt. He’ll be healthy and playing with a chip on his shoulder. RB Brian Westbrook will have another superb year and the defense might surprise people with the addition of LB Takeo Spikes. This team will be in the playoffs.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Squeaked into the playoffs in ’06 but ’07 depends on QB Tony Romo. He plays well, this team goes far. He doesn’t, they don’t. RB tandem Marion Barber and Julius Jones will be tough to stop and defensive-minded new head coach Wade Phillips will use his talented personnel wisely.
10. Cincinnati Bengals- QB Carson Palmer and WR Chad Johnson are the best big-play duo in the NFL. Off-the-field issues ruined everyone’s Super Bowl pick last year but look for the opportunistic defense to put Palmer and Co. in position to put up some serious points in ’07.
I can’t say I agree with the placement of the Denver Broncos. I don’t think they should be any lower than 4, and certainly not behind any NFC team. Denver has had some very key additions this off-season. The gaps in last years team seem to have been filled. With such players as Dre Bly, Travis Henry, Daniel Graham, Sam Adams, Jimmy Kennedy, Brandon Stokley, among others. NFL.com has a good list of the additions and subtractions.
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| Monday, June 18, 2007 |
LaVar Arrington has been hurt in motorcycle accident.
Former Washington Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington broke his arm and three bones in his leg in a motorcycle accident this afternoon in Prince George’s County, but he did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, according to his agent, Carl Poston.
The single-vehicle accident occurred near the intersection of Route 50 and the Capital Beltway, according to police. Arrington crashed his motorcycle around 1 p.m. while heading west on Route 50 near Exit 7, according to Maryland State Police spokesman First Sgt. Russell Newell. Arrington was taken by ambulance to Prince George’s Hospital Center. No one else was injured in the crash.
Arrington, who will turn 29 Wednesday, and the Redskins parted ways in March 2006 after six seasons. After lengthy negotiations, the team allowed the former Pro Bowl linebacker to become a free agent. In return, he agreed to forfeit millions of dollars in unpaid bonus money.
Arrington, a Pittsburgh native, maintained a home in Annapolis and said repeatedly over the years that he would make this area his home even after his playing days concluded.
He became the face of the Redskins after being selected second overall in the 2000 NFL draft, but his relationship with the franchise soured. A three-time Pro Bowler, he was benched for much of the early part of the 2005 season, engaged in a lengthy feud with team owner Daniel Snyder over a $6.5-million bonus payment he said was due to him and clashed with the organization over the handling of various injuries.
It’s good to hear Arrington will recover.
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