Happy Thursday everyone, here's my Top 5 for December 8, 2011 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
- The Miami Marlins continue their shopping spree signing White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.
- Departed shortstop Jose Reyes says the Mets never made him an offer. They either didn't want him or knew they couldn't afford him.
- Star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish is making himself available to the Major Leagues.
- Jerry Sandusky is jailed when he fails to post bail. He was arrested on new sexual abuse charges.
- The District Attorney says the accusers are "credible" but no state charges can be filed against former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine because the statute of limitations has expired. Federal charges are still possible.
- The New York Post reports the Knicks are close to signing 39-year old Grant Hill.
- Game on. New Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine says "I hate the Yankees."
2. Behind Bars
Jerry Sandusky is finally behind bars. Of course you can argue that he should have been there all along. But two new accusers came forward leading to new charges and bail of $250 thousand which he couldn't afford. So now there are ten alleged victims. One of the new ones claims that his screams went unheeded from Sandusky's basement. Maybe now Sandusky will stop giving interviews.
3. Dissed
In the latest Boston Celtics promo they take shots at the Lakers and Heat.
Hey what about that little team on 33rd Street in New York City? The late Red Auerbach used to say that the Knicks ruled the NBA. Whatever they wanted, they got. Apparently the Knicks aren't relevant in Boston anymore. Sad.
4. Typo
I think they need to redo that Rodgers and Hammerstein lyric from Oklahoma. It now needs to go, "O-A-K-L-A-H-O-M-A." That's what sporting goods stores across the country are offering. I remember years ago they painted the end zone at the L.A. Coliseum, "U-C-S." Instead of USC. Doesn't spelling count in college any more?
5. Ernie Davis
Tomorrow night at the New-York Historical Society they'll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Syracuse's Ernie Davis becoming the first African-American Heisman winner. I'll be moderating a panel discussion. Some of those on who will be on hand include Vice President Biden, Detroit Mayor and Syracuse basketball great Dave Bing, and the #44 who followed Ernie at Syracuse, Floyd Little. Ernie Davis was a wonderful athlete and human being who was portrayed in the movie The Express. He sadly died of leukemia before he could make his mark in the NFL. I'll be proud to help keep his memory alive. As "Spanmaster" commented at Syracuse.com, "Thinking about Ernie Davis might make you forget, just for a minute, how corrupt and rotten college sports have become. I am forever grateful that I was able to see him play and once, as a second grader, got to shake his hand." Ernie Davis was special indeed.
Happy Birthday: Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard. 26.
Bonus Birthday: Actress Kim Basinger. 58.
Today in Sports: The most lopsided game in NFL history. The Chicago Bears shut out Washington 73-0 in the NFL Championship Game. 1940.
Bonus Event: A dark day in New York City as John Lennon is shot. 1980.
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