League upping the ante on illegal hits
With a rash of dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits this weekend in the NFL, the league has decided to impose a more stringent penalty regarding flagrant hits. Previously, the league would fine or eject players that used an illegal hit on a particular player. Now, the league will begin suspending players. Over the weekend, three separate incidents sparked this extremely contentious debate among league executives. The Eagles’ DeSean Jackson and Dunta Robinson of the Falcons both suffered concussions after Robinson dangerously went for a tackle. The Patriots’ own Brandon Meriweather landed an extremely dangerous helmet shot on Ravens’ tight end Todd Heap, and Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison sidelined two Browns players with over-the-top blows.
Cubs find managerial successor in Quade
The Chicago Cubs announced the name of their next head coach on Tuesday, hoping to jumpstart a fresh start for the much-maligned organization. Mike Quade, who had previously served as the interim coach for Lou Piniella, will look to guide the organization back to prominence. Many people expected that Cubs’ Hall of Fame second baseman and current Triple-A Iowa manager Ryne Sandberg to take the top spot. However, Quade proved in a short period of time that he could manage at the big-league level, compiling a 24-13 record. He took over for Piniella on Aug. 23, and is already being praised by some current Cubs players as a good fit. Having been with the Cubs for nine seasons, he most certainly understands the need to win right away. The long-time minor league manager will take over a Cubs team in transition, but should have the pieces to comepte in the future.
Lee continues postseason dominance
Cliff Lee continued to dominate in postseason play in Game 3 of the ALCS, holding the Yankees to just two hits over eight innings, all while securing an important win for the Texas Rangers. Lee is now only the fourth pitcher in the history of the game to strike out at least 13 batters while allowing two hits or fewer. Amazingly, he is now 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight career postseason starts. (Three of his eight wins have come against the power-hitting Yankees.) Lee now has 67 strikeouts to only seven walks in the postseason, having shown amazing control and poise on the mound. Lee, a free-agent this offseason, will most certainly garner a humongous contract. It will be interesting to see if the Rangers can lock him up long-term, or if the team he just beat, the New York Yankees, can swoop in and claim him for good.
Rooney poised to leave Manchester United
Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, considered one of the best players in the world, has reportedly denied an opportunity to sign an extension with the team. The 24-year-old European was reportedly happy with his situation on the team just a few months ago, but now things have changed. This decision came as a surprise to the team’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney, who is the reigning soccer player of the year, would join Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez as the newest example of a high-profile player departing the organization. Although his play has diminished as of late, he is still considered one of the best in the world, so his departure could be a serious blow to the team’s long-term future.
