In a land of forgiveness, we still choose denial

August 2nd, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

In one corner, we have Floyd Landis. The Mennonite from Pennsylvania, a demon on the velo and champion (for now) of the Tour de France. In the other corner is Justin Gatlin. Thick, strong and explosive, he’s arguably the fastest man on the planet.

Both men are at the height of respective sports. And both men are most likely (gasp!) cheaters.

It’s already been pointed out by MJD and Pat Forde that in the cycling world (and one could assume, by extension the land of track and field) drugs, doping and testosterone is all just part of the game. Fair enough. I don’t feel confliction towards the sports when I realize this sad truth, it is what is and I’ll accept it.

But what continually confuses me is why these guys presumably continue to hide behind ill-conceived lies (sabotaging masseuse/alcohol). Now, if I was in a similar situation, I might choose the same sort of tactics.

But if recent history is any indicator, Floyd and Justin should take a page out of the Jason Giambi book.

Let’s take a look at some of the ballplayers entangled in the steroid/HGH baseball circus:

Rafael Palmeiro. Dude went in front of Congress, pointed and said he “never took steroids.” Later that year, he tests positive and tries placing the blame on teammate Miguel Tejada. Public perception on this guy is extremely low.

Same thing with Mark McGwire. Although never testing positive for any steroidal business his “not here to talk about the past” routine in front of Congress dropped him from heralded slugger to whimpering, little girl in the court of public opinion.

Jose Canseco. Say what you will about the guy for a being a snitch, but in my mind he comes out looking a lot smoother than McGwire and Palmeiro.

And lastly, Jason Giambi. Guy admits to a grand jury he knowingly used the cream, the clear etc. etc. does an apology without necessarily implying exactly what he was apologizing for and he went on his merry way.

Now, I’m not saying Jason Giambi is a revered figure across the land, but don’t you think he’s leaps and bounds ahead of guys like McGwire and Palmeiro - character and perception wise?

America is a land of second, third and even forth chances. Why not admit wrongdoing (presuming they are both guilty) in a sport we all know is pretty tainted anyways and save face a bit?

Case of the Mondays: Cubs win! Cubs win!

July 31st, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

Baseball:

We’re not sure how, but the Cubs have flat out dominated the Cardinals at Wrigley Field this season. The club’s four-game sweep of the Birdnals this weekend dropped Pujols and crew to a woeful 0-7 at Wrigley on the year. Hard to believe, no? You know, sort of like Mel Gibson getting a D.U.I. and being an anti-Semite in the process.

The Yankees acquired right fielder Bobby Abreu and pitcher Cory Lidle from the Phillies yesterday. Aging power hitter? Check. Unnecessarily large contract? Check.

Doping:

After Floyd Landis failed a drug test for having a little too much testosterone in his system (it was that sweet, sweet beer, damnit!) sprinter and sole co-world-record holder in the 100 meters, Justin Gatlin, tested positive for testosterone or other steroids from a drug test administered after a race in April. Gatlin’s coach claims he was sabotaged by a massage therapist who rubbed in a testosterone cream without Gatlin’s knowledge. Remember kids, drugs are bad for you.

Snoop Bloggy Blog:

Proof that Lance Armstrong was indeed in Iowa this weekend. E wasn’t making this up, people. [Deadspin]

Chuck Norris, the Combat League Playoffs and you. [Sportsfrog]

Ever wonder what announcers say during commercial breaks? Here’s a video of it. [WBRS Sports Blog]