A cloud hovers above the sports world this week.
Yesterday, both the NFL and NBA commissioners held press conferences that were carried live by CNN. MLB commissioner Bud Selig was dodging questions about whether he would attend the breaking of a sacred baseball record by a player who may be tainted, but has since resolved his problem.
Scandals, scandals and more scandals
NBA commissioner David Stern blamed a "rogue, isolated criminal" for the betting scandal that could severely cripple the league's credibility. Veteran referee Tim Donaghy is facing a federal investigation that he bet on basketball games over the past two seasons, including games he officiated.
That is relatively tame compared to the public relations nightmare happening in Atlanta. Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick is bogged down amid dogfighting allegations and emotional protests from PETA and the Humane Society of the United States. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell barred Vick from attending Falcons training camp which opens tomorrow. Vick's days in Atlanta could easily be numbered.
Overseas, allegations and suspicions are running rampant as the premier cycling race continues in France. Doping is overshadowing this month's Tour de France.
Italian rider Cristian Moreni tested positive for testosterone, which prompted his withdrawal from the race one day after star rider Alexandre Vinokourov and his entire Astana were sent home after a positive test for blood doping.
Adding fuel to the fire, embattled Dane and Tour leader Michael Rasmussen was sent home for violating a team rule after he won Wednesday's 16th stage. Doping suspicions have followed Rasmussen around this year as the Danish cycling union dropped him from the national team.
Of all the current scandals, the NBA has the most to lose. Cycling's reputation has been in slow decline for a long time and Michael Vick's alleged transgressions affect himself and his Atlanta team, not much more. If the impending basketball investigation finds out that the gambling scandal is not an isolated, irreparable damage will be done.
It's far too early to say how everything will shake out, but the past few weeks are shows sports has a dark side too.
2 comments:
The only reason we care about the whole Vick deal is because it is so unusual. I believe it is minor compared to the gambling allegations on the NBA official. Gambling tears at the thread of any game, just look at Pete Rose and the Black Sox! I hope the NBA can do some damage control and maybe send out Carmelo, Iverson and Nate Robinson to "bust a cap" in some Italian gangsta butt. They'd do it if Stern asked.
Another dark moment in sports took place today: The father of the West Coast Offense, Bill Walsh died. I am saddened because he was the builder of the SF 49ers dynasty of the 1980's and one of the best coaches of all time. Here is my ode to a genius: Bill, I will miss your sassy sideline ways. You picked Ronny Lott and you turned Joe Montana into the best 4th quarter player of all time. Jerry Rice became a man among boys under your watchful eye. You were second to none Bill. In my heart you will always remain. *tear*
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