Happy Tuesday everyone, here's my Top 5 for July 17, 2012 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
- Three men have come forward to say they were sexually abused by Jerry Sandusky in the '70s or '80s.
- Kevin Youkilis receives a hero's welcome as he returned to Fenway Park last night. He went 3-4, but Chicago lost to Boston 5-1.
- The Knicks have until tonight to match Houston's offer for Jeremy Lin.
- Syracuse will pay the Big East $7.5 million and bolt for the ACC in July of 2013.
2. Family Ties
Here's a shocker, the Paterno family doesn't agree with the findings of the "Freeh Report." They are going to launch their own investigation. They said "Our interest has been and remains the uncovering of the truth." Oh really? It's not about Joe Paterno's legacy or his estate's possible liability in law suits? And wouldn't they have been better off saying "Our interest is doing right by the kids?"
3. Bummer
The gloomy British weather forecast means the Olympic beach volleyballers might have to cover up. When the temps fall under 61 degrees, long leggings and long-sleeve tops are worn. There hasn't been a day this month in London above 61 degrees. I think we're about to find out who the real fans of beach volleyball are. Do you tune in for the stellar athletic competition or the skimpy little outfits? You're on the honor system here.
4. Hands Off!
You mean golf isn't like baseball? If the ball goes into the crowd you don't get to keep it? At the John Deere Classic this kid thought nobody was looking when Troy Matteson's tee shot came in his direction. When other spectators told the kid he wasn't allowed to do that, the kid sheepishly dropped the ball and pretended he hadn't picked it up. Matteson made his par forcing a playoff, which he eventually lost to Zach Johnson.
5. The Aints
The St. Paul Saints are known for their wacky promotions. After all Mike Veeck, Bill's son, is a co-owner. Bill of course is the one who brought the world 3'7" Eddie Gaedel for one at bat in 1951. Anyway, next month the Saints are staging a "night of unbelievable fun," sponsored by Minnesota Atheists. No word what the "unbelievable fun" will entail. And for the occasion, the team will wear special uniforms calling themselves the Minnesota Aints. In other words, the Atheists are paying for their special promotion and a temporary name-change. This opens up lots of possibilities. For Benjamin Moore night they could become the "Paints." They could be sponsored by the local hospital and be the "Faints." Or a bunch of people who kvetch a lot could sponsor a night with the St. Paul "Complaints." That's it, I'm done.
Happy Birthday: Islanders great Bryan Trottier. 56.
Bonus Birthday: Actress/Comedienne Phyllis Diller. 95.
Today in Sports: Joe DiMaggio goes hitless in Cleveland ending his record 56 game hitting streak. 1941.
Bonus Event: The Brooklyn Dodgers take the field and for the first time a big league team has a majority of black players. 1954.
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