For those of you who read the daily sports page or watch ESPN, one thing is for sure–no it’s not a Boston team winning another title although that was a good guess. It is an athlete in some sport getting into trouble. And some of them are getting into lots of trouble.
Raise your hand if you are tired of it. MY HAND IS RAISED real high. We all know by giving young stars lots of money and fame, bad things will happen to some of them. For me the "some of them" is way too many.
- How do we minimize the trouble that athletes get into?
- How can we educate them better so athletes know the people they should hang out with and the places they should go?
- Where does the responsibility lie? Their parents? Their agent? Their coach? Their spouse? Their friends? Is it all of the above?
Clearly I am not famous, don’t have a multimillion dollar a year contract, don’t have an agent or an entourage. Since I don’t run in those circles, I don’t know what is exactly being done…but whatever it is, it isn’t working.
I wish I had a dollar for every time someone in sports got suspended. If I did, I probably could have retired by now.
What is the answer?
- Do we have mandatory classes that athletes need to attend weekly?
- As part of a contract, the team that signs the player has a right to insert a chip into the athlete so the team knows where the player is at all times?
I know I am very tired of it. Yes athletes are paid a lot of money. But from my standpoint they not only have an obligation to their team on the field or court, they have more of an obligation to the team, themselves and their community off the field or court.
- What are your thoughts?
- Are you as tired of this as I am?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Stephenie Gordon says:
Honestly, there are a lot of trouble makers in society in general; some just happen to be in the spot light more than others. I don’t think it’s the money that gets them in trouble in all cases; however, i do believe it’s their up bringing. If everyone was raised with morals and principles they are more likely to make good decisions at all ages. Maybe they did not have a role model to look up to when they were growing up. Maybe their parents were too busy working and their coach or teacher didn’t take the extra time to point them in the right direction. Yes, it is easy to point at the athletes and actors out there because they have fame and fortune and are thought to be role models for our youth; however, do the athletes and actors look at themselves that way? Some do and some don’t. For some it is an opportunity to make a great deal of money AND give back to the community; for others, it’s just a paycheck.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Another “bad guy” returns to the NFL.
Pacman Jones-DB- Cowboys Nov. 19 – 6:31 pm et
The NFL reinstated Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones from suspension, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones confirmed Wednesday. Jones must sit out two more games before returning.
Roger Goodell was smart not to unwrap Adam Jones for Thanksgiving, but the embattled cornerback will surprisingly begin practicing with the team next week. Critics will chide the Cowboys for taking him back, but he upgrades the roster. Even as a league average starter, Jones can be better than Anthony Henry and rookie Mike Jenkins
Merrill Dubrow says:
Can’t just comment about the bad things in sports – here is a nice gesture by Tony Romo………..
A homeless man who goes by Doc was cashing in change at a Cinemark theater in Dallas when a guy walked up and offered to pay his way into the movie. Doc, who planned to spend his day passing out flyers for a few bucks, accepted a rain check before realizing that he recognized the generous gentleman.
“Was that Tony Romo?” Doc asked the kid behind the counter.
It sure was. Doc hustled across the street to the consignment store that paid him to occasionally pass out flyers and requested the day off. By the time he got back to the theater, “Role Model” had already started.
Romo, who confirmed the story but didn’t want to elaborate, waved Doc over to sit by him and his buddy. Doc sheepishly mentioned that he hadn’t showered in a few days.
“Don’t worry about that,” Romo said. “I’m used to locker rooms.”
And so the $67 million quarterback and a man who doesn’t have $6.70 to his name sat next to each other and shared laughs for 90 minutes or so.
For Romo, who made news by changing a couple’s tire on the side of the road on the way home the night of the season opener, it was just another kind gesture to a random stranger.
It meant the world to Doc. “For me, it was a blessing,” Doc said. “It came at just the right time. It gave me some encouragement and faith in mankind. I just wanted to say thank you.”
Will Morris says:
I too am growing tired of it, especially that which is driven by the careless abuse of money and wealth. Who would have ever thought of “making it rain” with $80,000 of cash in a strip joint?
I do think that it is the money and the power that offends most people, coupled with a disrespect for the game. Two of my heroes as a kid were Mickey Mantle and Paul Hornug – neither one of which were Saints. In the ’50′s and 60′s the athletes even gained some folk hero status for their night life and off the field activity. We marveled at how well they could perform with a hangover. But they also worked average Joe jobs in the off season.
But the abuse of power and money isn’t limited to athletes. Eliot Spitzer thought that $4,800 was a reasonable price for a New York hooker.
I loved the sports of the 1950′s and 1960′s. Do you remember Home Run Derby? The winner received $2,000 and the runner up received $1,000. There was a $500 bonus for hitting three home runs in a row. Hank Aaron set the record by winning $13,500, which he probably needed.
Willie Martin says:
Merrill:
I am about to make a prediction…It will not be much longer before we begin to see an ‘absolute zero tolerance’ rule across the board in all sports where athletic behavior goes. Society will demand it, as will the needs of the people in corporate America who shell out the big bucks for commercials, and tv contracts.
The problem itself stems from youth…Star athlete placed under ‘protective bubble’ by staff, fans, press clippings, family…From high school it continues to college…an alumnus gives envelopes loaded with cash to a star athlete for the sake of working a ‘pseudo’ job…is then told to take this steroid so he can bulk up to 330 and tackle his opponent…make it in the NFL. Many come from lesser means. With an average career of 3.2 years you take the money and run!
I don’t know what that’s like but can only surmise what a full day at Disneyland is like when you enjoy all the rides with no waiting line and answering to no one. To be constantly spoon fed like Mom has not cut off the umbilical cord. To think that Joe Athlete is above it all.
What’s funny too is how sports almost welcomes this sort of behavior…to a point. Rae Carruth went too far. Rasheed Wallace, Allen Iverson, Kobe got villified before settling out of court. Latrell Sprewell choking PJ Carlesimo…Adam Jones is the current poster boy for stupid decision making.
This is almost like talking about sex with your kids. You hope they ‘get it’ without getting into trouble. You hope they make the right decisions for themselves. Sometimes forgetting that what you do reflects on all of your circle and not just yourself.
The problem is parental, cultural, an A.D.D. thinking way of ‘give me mine now’ and to heck with the rest of you.
We don’t complain when Hollywood people command what they get, since they entertain us. No different with athletes. The perception of having it all, the hangers-on, the groupies, the drugs, the temptations, the slippery places…Perception is not reality.
When the NFL goes on strike in 2011 and there is no football and the billion dollar contracts are eaten up, you will hear a mighty ‘THUD” as athletes and fans have to look into that mirror. It will be an ugly reflection.
Take away the beer ads and the car commercials and what do you have?
Good Topic Merrill. This one is not going away…
Merrill Dubrow says:
The NY Giants have to be tired of his act!
Plaxico Burress-WR- Giants Nov. 29 – 11:09 am et
Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reports Plaxico Burress has shot himself in the leg, accidentally. He’s out indefinitely.
ESPN’s John Clayton is reporting the incident took place in a club. Plax was reportedly carrying a loaded gun that went off unexpectedly late Friday night or Saturday morning. He spent the night in the hospital, but the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Seems like the Dallas Stars want nothing to do with Sean Avery – lets see how this one plays out. Another mess in sports.
NEW YORK – Sean Avery can return to the NHL in less than two weeks. The Dallas Stars, however, seem much less forgiving than commissioner Gary Bettman.
Avery drew a six-game ban Friday for a crude comment regarding his ex-girlfriends dating other hockey players. It will take a lot longer to repair the damage he caused to the Stars organization and the coaches and teammates who don’t appear to want him back.
“He’s always on the edge, certainly, on the ice, which no one really has an issue with,” forward Mike Modano said. “But when it becomes public and it becomes off-ice situations, that’s when you have a problem with it.”
Avery already has served two of the six games and will eligible to return Dec. 16 against Phoenix.
“We needed to be clear that this was the type of conduct that we did not view was acceptable and not representative of what our players do,” Bettman said.
Avery, who has twice led the NHL in penalty minutes and is second this season, also agreed to be evaluated for anger management — a requirement for his return. The league cited his “pattern of unacceptable and anti-social behavior.”
“He looked me in the eye and said, ‘I need help,’” Stars general manager Brett Hull said from Dallas. “It was brought up by him.”
This is Avery’s first league suspension in his seven seasons. Stars owner Tom Hicks said he would have banished Avery if the NHL hadn’t.
“You have to move on and start a new chapter, and that’s kind of what we’re planning on doing,” Modano said. “We’ve kind of washed our hands of the situation.”
Bettman deemed Avery’s behavior “detrimental to the league or game of hockey” and said in a statement the 28-year-old player has “expressed remorse.”
“I wanted it to be clear to the fans that this isn’t something that we tolerate — particularly fans with children who might have to explain to them what this statement was,” Bettman said.
The league said Avery’s actions have often been “at odds with the manner in which more than 700 fellow players conduct themselves.”
Bettman said Avery had been close to a suspension many times, but the league couldn’t verify his actions. The commissioner said he warned Avery during the playoffs last year, and the player was also warned by league disciplinarian Colin Campbell.
“I felt we had to punish,” Bettman said.
NHL Players Association executive director Paul Kelly said the union does not condone Avery’s comments, calling them “clearly inappropriate.” He added that the “discipline imposed by the commissioner is unprecedented both in its severity, as well as the process by which it was handed down.”
Kelly said the union will explore legal options should the Stars try to get out of Avery’s contract. Avery signed a four-year, $15.5 million deal with Dallas after leaving the New York Rangers this summer after 1 1/2 seasons.
Avery had been under an indefinite suspension since Tuesday. He spent three hours Thursday at league headquarters in Manhattan for a disciplinary hearing.
“We have to fix him,” Hull said. “There were a lot of words thrown out — anger management, depression. He’s going to use this time to figure things out.”
Hull played with Avery in Detroit and was influential in bringing him to Dallas. The GM insisted that treatment is merely a beginning.
“You don’t go to a retreat for a weekend and it’s fixed,” Hull said. “There will be apologies made, probably more privately.
“Once the suspension is over and once we find out the process he’s trying to go through, as an organization, we’re going to decide as a group what direction we’re going to go. The players will have a chance to give their input.”
So far, it has been mostly negative.
“I could forgive somebody for making a mistake or making a few mistakes, but it goes a lot deeper than that,” goalie Marty Turco said. “I’m pretty sure Brett knows how we feel.”
Avery sat out Dallas’ win at Calgary on Tuesday and again Wednesday when the Stars lost at Edmonton. He was denied by teammates to apologize to them, and his message of contrition Wednesday was distributed by his publicist.
On Tuesday morning, reporters were waiting to speak with Avery about his recent disparaging remarks concerning Flames star Jarome Iginla. Avery asked if a camera was present, and when told there was, said he was “just going to say one thing.”
“I’m really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada,” he said. “I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my (former girlfriends). I don’t know what that’s about, but enjoy the game tonight.” He then walked out.
Avery’s ex-girlfriend, actress Elisha Cuthbert is dating Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf. She also had been romantically linked to Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens. Avery also dated Rachel Hunter, the former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model who is the girlfriend of Los Angeles’ Jarret Stoll.
The Stars entered Friday with the fewest points in the Western Conference. Dallas coach Dave Tippett questioned whether Avery would be welcomed back.
“It’s up to us as a group to decide if that’s possible,” Hull said. “Anybody who uses him as an excuse for their poor play, I’m not sure I want them on my team.”
In 2005, Avery was cited for making derogatory comments about French-Canadian players and apologized after an NHL reprimand. Edmonton’s Georges Laraque, who is black, accused Avery of using a racial slur, which Avery denied. Avery also unleashed a profane tirade at an Anaheim Ducks television commentator.
Last season, Avery was fined $2,500 for two pregame skirmishes. During a playoff game, he face-guarded Devils goalie Martin Brodeur and waved his stick in front of him, prompting the league to outlaw such actions the next day. This season, Avery argued between periods with a cable network reporter at Madison Square Garden.
Merrill Dubrow says:
I wish John Daly could keep himself out of trouble:
Daly smashes camera into a tree
December 10, 2008
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -John Daly smashed a spectator’s camera into a tree while shooting a 6-over 78 in the first round of the Australian Open on Thursday, making it likely he will miss the cut for the third consecutive week Down Under.
After pushing his tee shot wide on the ninth hole – his last – Daly walked into a clump of trees, where spectator Brad Clegg tried to take a picture at close range.
Daly reportedly snatched the camera and smashed it against the nearest tree, telling the man, “You want it back, I’ll buy you a new one.”
Daly released a statement via tournament organizers saying Clegg got too close.
“I was looking to take a drop and a camera was 6 inches away from my face. If I was 10 under, I would have felt the same,” Daly said. “My eyes are still burning from the flash of the camera.
“I feel it was very rude to put a camera that close to somebody’s face in any situation. The guy that had the camera had already taken a dozen shots at close range.”
Asked if he would seek compensation, Clegg told the Australian Associated Press: “I don’t think I’ll be chasing him for the money. He’s a big bloke!”
Daly, who missed the cut at both the Australian Masters and the PGA in the last two weeks and is being paid an appearance fee for his three-tournament trip Down Under, had three double bogeys, three bogeys and four birdies.
Clegg said he didn’t think he provoked Daly by going so close.
“I was bold, but I wasn’t unreasonable,” Clegg said.
Terms and conditions for tickets at the Australian Open prohibit the use of cameras on the course for spectators.
Tournament director Trevor Herden told reporters the episode was “an unfortunate incident,” but Daly would not face sanctions and confirmed the 42-year-old American would tee off in the second round on Friday.
Herden said he spoke to Clegg and the spectator realized he should not have been using the camera without proper accreditation. Organizers offered Clegg tickets for the weekend, but he declined.
Daly is sensitive about cameras on the course, having required surgery earlier this year to fix a torn muscle in his stomach that he said he injured at the Honda Classic in 2007 when he tried to stop his swing after hearing the click of a fan’s camera.
Daly is making his first visit to Australia since 2002, when he left in controversial circumstances.
After taking a triple-bogey 7 on his last hole at the Australian PGA at Coolum that year, Daly threw his putter and ball into a greenside pond and later failed to sign for a 78 on his scorecard, disqualifying himself from a tournament.
Daly was later fined $5,600 by the Australasian PGA Tour and was ordered to write a letter of apology to a tour official he verbally abused, and to Craig Parry and his other playing partner, Greg Norman.
Daly is trying to finish a difficult year on a positive note.
He spent a night in jail on Oct. 27 after being found “extremely intoxicated and uncooperative,” police said, outside a restaurant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Daly hasn’t had a PGA Tour card since 2006, when his two-year exemption expired from his last victory at the Buick Invitational in 2004. He made only five cuts in 17 starts on the PGA Tour this year and earned $56,000.
His only bright spot in the past month was a final-round 62 at the Hong Kong Open en route to a 17th-place tie.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Come on Plaxico – please start doing the right thing…..
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Add this to the growing list of Plaxico Burress’ problems: getting in a car crash and not having insurance on his nearly $140,000 Mercedes-Benz.
The suspended New York Giants wide receiver was sued last week in Florida’s Broward County Circuit Court for rear-ending a woman in May.
Compounding the Super Bowl star’s defense, according to a document provided by the woman’s attorney, is the fact his car insurance lapsed three days before the crash. A letter from Allstate says Burress neglected to pay his premiums.
Burress’ attorney, Adam Swickle, declined comment.
Burress is still serving a team suspension for shooting himself Nov. 29 in a nightclub with an illegally carried handgun. Burress shot himself at the Latin Quarter when he accidentally pulled the trigger on the .40-caliber Glock that was in his pants after fumbling a drink.
Teammate Antonio Pierce took the 31-year-old who caught the winning pass in the Super Bowl to New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment.
Burress pleaded not guilty and was released on $100,000 bail. He is due back in court March 31.
He was placed on the team’s suspended/non-football injury list, and the NFL Players Association filed a grievance. The union said the Giants violated the collective bargaining agreement when they placed Burress on that list, suspended him for the final four games of the regular season and fined him an additional week’s salary for conduct detrimental to the team.
Merrill Dubrow says:
This story keeps getting wors………
Weapons, Ammo, Pants Seized at Burress’ NJ Home
Dec 24, 1:07 PM (ET)
By TOM CANAVAN
A small cache of weapons and ammunition and the pants and sneakers that Plaxico Burress wore when he accidentally shot himself last month have been seized from the home of the New York Giants receiver, police said Wednesday.
A 9-mm handgun, a 30.06-caliber rifle and ammunition, including a clip for a .45 gun, were taken from Burress’ home in Totowa, N.J., by authorities executing a search warrant Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the weapons are registered, so it is unclear whether Burress will face additional charges.
Burress was charged with two felony gun-possession charges following the accidental shooting at a Manhattan nightclub last month.
Benjamin Brafman, the receiver’s criminal attorney, said Wednesday morning that he believed that only a registered rifle was taken from the home. He did not know whether Burress would face additional charges.
“We have not had a chance to review this new information,” Brafman said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday morning. “When we do, we will have additional comment.”
Burress was not at home during the three-hour search by Totowa police, four New York City detectives and a Brafman associate, said Totowa police chief Robert Coyle, adding the player’s wife was present.
Brafman said his client was out of town but did not elaborate.
The New York Post reported that authorities discovered a suitcase full of money, but Coyle said that was not true.
Burress accidentally shot himself in the right thigh at the Latin Quarter nightclub on Nov. 29 when he fumbled with an unlicensed handgun tucked into the waistband of his sweat pants. He checked himself into New York-Cornell Hospital and later turned himself in to police.
The Giants suspended Burress for the rest of the season and also withheld $1 million owed to him as part of his signing bonus.
Burress is due back in court March 31 and faces up to 3½ years in prison on each count.
Burress was also sued last week in Florida’s Broward County Circuit Court for rear-ending a woman in May while driving his nearly $140,000 Mercedes-Benz.
According to a document provided by the woman’s attorney, his car insurance lapsed three days before the crash. A letter from Allstate says Burress neglected to pay his premiums.
Merrill Dubrow says:
John Daly Suspended for 6 Months by PGA Tour
Dec 31, 12:20 PM (ET)
By DOUG FERGUSON John Daly has been suspended for six months by the PGA Tour for conduct that brought unwelcome publicity, including a night in a North Carolina jail to sober up. “Is it fair that I got suspended? It’s not fair in reality, but it’s probably fair in perception,” he told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
This is the second time the tour has suspended the two-time major champion, along with at least two other times he agreed to take time off to get his life in order. The 42-year-old Daly called this the lowest point in his wild 18-year career.
He has not played on the PGA Tour since he missed the cut Oct. 17 in Las Vegas. Ten days later, police in Winston-Salem, N.C., said he appeared intoxicated outside a Hooters restaurant, and he was taken to jail to sleep it off. That led to a photo of Daly in an orange jail suit with his eyes half-open.
PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw declined comment, even though Daly confirmed his suspension, citing the tour’s longtime policy of not discussing fines or suspensions.
Daly decided to go public “to be fair to my fans and tournament organizers” during the first three months of the season when he typically plays on the West Coast and in Florida. His last victory was the Buick Invitational in 2004, and Daly said his five-year exemption as a past champion runs out this year.
He said he would continue playing the European tour, starting with a three-week swing in the United Arab Emirates.
“This is the lowest I’ve ever been,” Daly said. “There’s always light with me. Right now, my home tour is probably Europe. And I love the European tour. I always have. But my home is the United States. That’s where I would rather play.”
Daly isn’t even sure when the suspension began, but he hopes it ends in May. He said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem sent a letter to his agent, Bud Martin of SFX Sports, who passed along the news.
“Tim and his staff have to do what they do,” Daly said. “Truly and honestly, I wish Tim would get to know the facts better before he makes a decision. I would love to sit down and have a nice talk with him, tell him what really happened. But perception is reality in the world, and sometimes they have to do what they have to do.”
Martin would only say the suspension was to end in the spring, adding “it remains confidential with the PGA Tour. He said Daly wants to use 2009 to turn his career around.
“This is the last negative thing that’s been gnawing at him,” Martin said. “We didn’t make any requests for exemptions, and John wanted to be clear with them. He wanted to play in their tournaments, but he can’t. He didn’t want to let his fans down. He wanted them to know the truth.”
Daly said he hopes to play well enough to earn sponsor exemptions on the PGA Tour when the suspension is lifted.
“John’s New Year’s resolution is do everything he can to make positive things happen on the golf course,” Martin said. “I hope he can walk the walk. The talk sounds great. But it’s going to be him working hard and staying out of trouble, and having success on the golf course.”
Daly became an overnight sensation when he won the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick as the ninth alternate, introducing his powerful “grip it and rip it” style to golf. Four years later, he won the British Open at St. Andrews. But his career has been dragged down by two trips to alcohol rehab, four marriages, gambling losses and other off-course episodes that have made him an attraction beyond his prodigious length off the tee.
Asked why he was suspended, Daly pointed to four incidents during the year.
After a rain delay at Innisbrook during the Florida swing, he emerged from a Hooters hospitality tent with Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden as his caddie for the final seven holes of the round, prompting a split with swing coach Butch Harmon.
While promoting a golf course in Missouri, Daly did a regional television interview wearing only blue jeans – no shirt, no shoes – while showing how to play one of the holes. Then at the Buick Open, during a pro-am that featured Kid Rock in overalls, Daly revved up the fans by hitting one drive off the top of a beer can.
He drew the most attention from the night in jail. Daly told the AP that his friends called police when they feared he had passed out, unaware he sleeps with his eyes open when he’s had too much to drink. Daly was not charged, rather put in jail under a state law called “Assistance to Intoxicated Persons.” But his jail photo was an Internet sensation.
“The picture didn’t help,” Daly said. “People think I got arrested when I didn’t get arrested. It is what it is. I’ve got to deal with it and go on. Whatever reason the tour has, maybe a positive will come out of this.”
Daly has not had full status on the PGA Tour the last two years. He finished No. 232 on the money list this year with $56,017 in 17 events, missing the cut 10 times and withdrawing twice.
He has played four times since the PGA Tour suspended him, tying for 17th in the Hong Kong Open and missing the cut at all three tournaments he played in Australia. In the Australian Open, he lost his patience with a fan who put a camera in his face during the round, smashing the camera against a tree.
The publicity cost him his endorsements. Daly said his only deals are with Focus Golf Systems, which signed a 15-year agreement in 2006 to sell his golf clubs and apparel in Wal-Mart stores; and Fly Emirates, part of a deal that will pay his travel expenses when he plays the Abu Dhabi Championship, Qatar Masters and Dubai Desert Classic later this month.
“This has been the worst year,” he said in the New Year’s Eve interview. “One day left.”
Merrill Dubrow says:
RIGHT BEFORE A BIG PLAYOFF GAME – real smart!
Jan 6, 4:23 PM (ET)
SAN DIEGO (AP) -San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of drunken driving.
Jackson failed sobriety tests shortly after 2 a.m. on state Route 52 in San Diego, said California Highway Patrol Officer Ray Scheidnes. He said he didn’t know Jackson’s blood alcohol level.
Jackson was on probation for a previous DUI arrest, Highway Patrol Officer Brad Baehr said. The player was taken to the San Diego County jail and released.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said he was aware of Jackson’s “off-the-field issue.”
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” Smith said. “We take these issues very seriously. Moving forward, we will monitor the situation and have no further comment.”
Merrill Dubrow says:
THERE IS NO PLACE IN THE NFL FOR THIS TYPE OF PERSON!!!!
Pacman Jones-DB- Cowboys Jan. 7 – 8:20 pm et
ESPN’s John Barr reports that Adam “Pacman” Jones was released late Wednesday because the Cowboys had learned of new allegations against him that Jones did not disclose to the team.
Barr, an Outside the Lines reporter, informed the Cowboys that three Atlanta men are accusing Jones of arranging a hit on them two months after his one-year suspension in 2007. The incident also took place after a Las Vegas incident involving Jones that left a security guard paralyzed. Police aren’t actively investigating the new allegations, but the case remains open.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Barkley to Take Leave of Absence
Jan 9, 3:41 PM
By BRIAN MAHONEY
Charles Barkley is taking a leave of absence from the broadcast booth.
The announcement by Turner Sports came Friday, hours after police said the 45-year-old former NBA star was legally drunk when he was arrested Dec. 31 on suspicion of drunken driving in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Test results show Barkley had a blood-alcohol level at .149, nearly twice the legal limit of .08 in Arizona.
Barkley will be off the air for a minimum of several weeks, and no return date has been set, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it.
Barkley was stopped by a Gilbert officer working a regional DUI task force shortly after he left a popular nightclub at about 1:30 a.m. He failed field sobriety tests but was cooperative.
He was booked and released at a field command post and later issued a statement saying he was disappointed he put himself in that situation.
“When I spoke with Charles, he was apologetic for the events that transpired and it was obvious he understood the significance of this situation,” said David Levy, president of Turner Sports, said in a statement. “This is an important time for Charles as he deals with the legal and personal issues that confront him. Charles is a valued part of the Turner Sports organization, and we are concerned for his well-being.”
Barkley’s attorney wasn’t immediately available for comment Friday
Merrill Dubrow says:
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA!
Sanders primed to show hopefuls right way to live
In his life behind the scenes and away from NFL Network cameras, Deion Sanders is also camp director for an operation he calls “Prime U.”
And that job is growing by the day.
The former all-pro cornerback opened a pre-combine camp in Carrollton, Texas, this week for about a dozen NFL draft hopefuls, an extension of camps he has held for NFL veterans and college players for several offseasons.
“We’re up and running,” Sanders said Thursday during a phone interview.
This combine prep school, he insisted, is unique in that it will emphasize managing off-the-field lifestyle issues besides preparing draft-eligibles for the 40-yard run and other tests that await them at the NFL combine.
Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler and South Carolina safety Emanuel Cook are among attendees for a camp that, given Sanders’ background, has added value for defensive backs. Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree is expected among another half-dozen invitees yet to arrive, Sanders said.
“Combine training is easy,” Sanders said. “But to prepare for life, that’s a lot harder. There’s a whole awareness needed for these kids.”
Off-the-field conduct remains an issue in a league that has taken image hits because of misdeeds.
“I love these kids,” Sanders said. “And I’m tired of them making mistakes.”
One of Sanders’ projects, Adam “Pacman” Jones, was released by the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, a month after returning from a six-game suspension stemming from a fight with a team-issued bodyguard. Jones, who was suspended by the NFL in 2007 because of involvement in a shooting at a Las Vegas nightclub, is expected at the camp next week amid allegations from another case that is the basis for an ESPN report scheduled to air Sunday.
“This kid is like a son to me,” Sanders said. “I don’t believe the (new) allegations. Time will tell. I hate it for the kid. … It’s always something.”
Sanders is planning sessions for players’ families and girlfriends, who he contends are also undergoing a lifestyle transition linked to pro football.
Merrill Dubrow says:
WHEN DOES THIS END!
Anthony Spencer arrested
6:41 PM Sun, Jan 11, 2009
Second-year outside linebacker Anthony Spencer was arrested at 3 a.m. Sunday morning for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Indianapolis.
Calls to Spencer and his agent Roosevelt Barnes were not returned.
More details from the Spencer arrest. Off-duty cops told Spencer and his friend Matthew Millhouse to leave the club and were told no. When Spencer was told he was going to get arrested, he said, “who cares, go ahead.”
Spencer used profanity toward police officers as he awaited for a transport wagon to take him to the station house.
Cowboys officials were not available for comment. Spencer’s arrest now subjects him to the NFL’s conduct policy where he could get suspended or fined.
Matthew Millhouse, who is described as Spencer’s agent, is not. He’s a friend. Roosevelt Barnes is Spencer’s agent.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Report: Former Cowboys WR Glenn arrested
Former Cowboys receiver Terry Glenn was reportedly arrested at a hotel last week on charges of marijuana possession and public intoxication.
Arrested in Irving (TX), Glenn also had four outstanding warrants in a nearby county. Police were summoned to the hotel after Glenn was allegedly “roaming the hallways naked.” This likely ends Glenn’s career. He tried to get back in the league last year, but both of his knees are in bad shape.
Feb. 5 – 10:31 am et
Merrill Dubrow says:
Marshawn Lynch-RB – Bills Feb. 15 – 4:01 pm et
Marshawn Lynch was arrested in California last Wednesday night on felony charges of possession of a concealed firearm.
Police in Culver City, CA released a statement confirming the news Sunday. Lynch was found with the loaded weapon when police came across him and two other men in a 2006 Mercedes Benz.
Lynch is currently free on bond, but a charge this serious will give him legal and professional problems for a long, long time.
Like Plaxico Burress’ similar case, there is a chance he could go to jail. This is Lynch’s second run-in with the law as a pro, also putting him at major risk of NFL suspension.
Merrill Dubrow says:
MORE TEAMS WILL SUSPEND PLAYERS BEFORE THELEAGUE TAKES ACTION – THIS WILL BE THE NEW TREND FOR SURE!!
Suns’ Richardson suspended for one game
Jason Richardson has been suspended for one game by the Suns after his arrest for driving 90 miles per hour in a 35 m.p.h. zone with his 3-year-old son unrestrained in the back seat.
He’ll sit out Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, meaning guys like Leandro Barbosa, Grant Hill and even Matt Barnes could have a big line that night. He was also cited for DUI on Dec. 21 Feb. 16 – 8:05 pm et
Merrill Dubrow says:
Another player with a ton of talent gets into too much trouble!
Mar 16, 11:54 AM (ET)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -The Jacksonville Jaguars waived receiver Matt Jones on Monday, parting ways with the former first-round draft pick just days after his latest arrest.
Jones was jailed last week in Arkansas for violating a plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008. The 6-foot-6 Jones, a former star quarterback at Arkansas, is awaiting an April 13 court appearance.
After failing a drug and alcohol screening, Jones told a judge he drank beer while golfing with friends. He assured the judge it wouldn’t happen again.
The Jaguars didn’t want to take a chance.
“All roster moves are decisions we feel are in the best interest of the organization,” Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said. “This decision is a result of our ongoing player and roster evaluations. We expect responsibility and accountability, and those are important qualities as we continue the process of building this team.”
Although Jones was wildly popular in Arkansas, he wasn’t revered nearly as much in Jacksonville. Fans thought his laid-back attitude was a sign he didn’t care about football, and coach Jack Del Rio ripped him at times for his work ethic.
Many thought Jones would be released last year after he was charged with cocaine possession in July. But the 19th overall pick in 2005 had a strong preseason and stuck around despite the arrest.
He responded with the best season of his career, catching 65 passes for 761 yards and two touchdowns. His case, meanwhile, was moved to the drug court, where defendants submit to treatment and other restrictions, with the goal of keeping them from offending again. A defendant can wipe his record clean if the program is completed successfully.
In the plea agreement reached in October, Jones was ordered to participate in NFL-sponsored substance-abuse counseling and undergo random drug testing through the end of the football season. The judge told him to return to Fayetteville after the season to complete the program. Jones remains in the drug court program.
The NFL suspended Jones for the final three games last season for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Jones’ departure leaves Jacksonville with huge holes at the receiver position. The Jaguars released Jerry Porter last month and opted not to re-sign free agent Reggie Williams.
That basically leaves third-year pro Mike Walker and veteran Dennis Northcutt.