TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for July 29, 2011 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
- Former Yankee pitcher Hideki Irabu is found dead in L.A. Suicide is suspected. He was 42.
- Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome heads to Cleveland.
- Reports have Chad Ochocinco going to the Patriots. Unless he gets #85, which is currently taken, is a name change in order?
- Former Tennessee quarterback Vince Young reportedly goes to Philadelphia to backup Michael Vick.
- U.S.A. soccer coach Bob Bradley is fired.
- Tiger Woods will return next week at the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron. High school buddy Bryon Bell will be his caddy.
2. DJ 3000
I have to admit I was a bit puzzled when Derek Jeter agreed to be the focus of an HBO special surrounding his 3,000th hit. It aired last night. As someone who has interviewed Jeter many times over the years, getting him to open up is like pulling teeth. It seemed so out of character for him to agree to a behind the scenes look. But as with everything he does, he pulled it off with ease, humility and class. Not surprising.
3. Food Fight
One good thing about Twitter, it puts some great sniping out in the open for all to enjoy. U.S. Open champ Rory McIlroy stumbled on the last hole in the first round of the Irish Open. A double bogey. BBC radio commentator Jay Townsend tweeted, "McIlroy's course management was shocking. Some of the worst course management I have ever seen beyond under-10 boys' golf competition." Ouch. McIlroy tweeted in response, "Shut up ... you're a commentator and a failed golfer, your opinion means nothing!" Double ouch.
4. Friday eMailbag
When I suggested that baseball production would drop even further once they have testing for HGH, R.M. made a good point, "You don't suppose any of the MLB pitchers are using HGH?"
As for caddie Steve Williams teeing off on Tiger Woods after he was fired, T.R. writes, "Oh, and he's 'wasted' the past two years? Come on! Nothing like wasting away on your private ranch Down Under that you'd never have been able to afford if it weren't for Woods."
When I asked on Facebook at "Len Berman's Top 5" if Williams is the most famous caddie on earth? J.P. responded, "THE most famous caddie on earth in my humble opinion has been since like 1982 and still is today---DANNY NOONAN."
Editor's Note: Another Caddyshack fan is heard from. BTW, 1980.
And on the facetious list of who should light the flame at the 2012 London Olympics, J.L. votes for "Elizabeth Hurley." But C.A. writes, "There is only one living man or woman who should light the Olympic flame for Great Britain. That would be Roger Bannister."
Editor's Note: Don't forget about Daley Thompson, the two-time decathlon gold medal winner.
5. Spanning the World
This week's Spanning the World highlight comes from Australian Rules Football. This isn't a legal catch in American football. Maybe it should be.
My next Spanning the World appearance on NBC's Today Show will be Wednesday August 10th in the 8:30 am half hour.
Happy Birthday: Bowling legend Don Carter. 85.
Bonus Birthday: Patti Scialfa, Mrs. Bruce Springsteen. 58.
Today in Sports: The USFL wins its antitrust suit against the NFL. They are awarded $1. And under antitrust law it was tripled, so they got three whole bucks. 1986.
Bonus Event: I kid you not. Jack Paar took over as host of the Tonight Show. 1957.
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