Standing O’s and Heck No’s
Published On June 3, 2013 |
Another week of sports, another week of praiseworthy actions from some and regrettable choices by others. Here’s what we loved and hated in sports this week:
Standing O:
- Boston fans, rejoice: the Red Sox pulled off a series win over the New York Yankees this weekend, expanding their lead in the AL East standings to 2.5 games and pushing the Yankees into third place. Saturday’s win was an offensive explosion, in which Mike Napoli’s grand slam propelled Boston to an 11-1 victory.
- Two NBA stars, Grant Hill and Jason Kidd, announced their retirement this past week. Though incessant injuries marred much of his potential, Hill averaged 16.7 points per game and 6.0 rebounds per game in his career, and earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 1996 Olympics. Kidd finishes his NBA career averaging 12.6 points per game and 8.7 assists per game, and is second only behind John Stockton all-time in total assists and steals. Hats off to these two men for two incredible careers.
- David Wright hugged a New York Mets fan following the Mets’ 2-1 comeback win over the Yankees Monday after the fan, Max Rubin, told him to hit a home run while Wright was in the on-deck circle. With the Mets trailing 1-0, Wright did just that, giving the Mets the 2-1 edge. Awww.
- Normally someone running on the field during a baseball game would be irritating. But during the second inning of an NCAA tournament game between Cal State Fullerton and Arizona State, a husky somehow made his way onto the field. Several players in the field attempted to control the dog but the dog had no intentions of stopping. Cutest game delay ever? Yes, cutest game delay ever. At the very least, it’s always nice to see nervous athletes get a laugh or two mid-game.
Heck No:
- Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert used some less-than-acceptable language in a post-game press conference following Indiana’s Game 6 victory over the Miami Heat, including the phrase “no homo.” I’m sorry, if you think that clarifying your sexuality is necessary and appropriate in this situation and in such an immature fashion, then we’ve got an issue. The $75,000 fine slapped on him by the NBA was definitely well-deserved. Hibbert later apologized for his comments.
- A Yankees fan was severely beaten by two Orioles fans for wearing a Yankees hat at an Orioles-Washington Nationals game at Camden Yards Wednesday. The two Orioles fans heckled the Yankee fan for about an hour before cups of beer and punches were thrown and the Yankees fan was sent over the railing and nearly killed. The Yankees fan was supposedly on a date and was supposed to start a new job Monday but was sent to a trauma center with severe head trauma and a skull fracture. The Orioles fans were charged and released on $50,000 bond Friday. We get that the Yankees aren’t well-loved, but you’re going to push someone to the brink of death because of a logo on his hat? Ugh.
- The NCAA has some … questionable rules, shall we say, and they added to the list Thursday as a University of Portland golfer was penalized for — wait for it — washing her car on campus. It was classified as an “extra benefits violation,” as the hose she used was not available to other students. So scandalous, this one, trying to use her status as a varsity athlete as an advantage. Okay, but seriously?
