1. Quick Hits
- The Denver Post reports that Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen is giving up control of the team as he battles Alzheimer’s disease.
- Tony Dungy attempted to “clarify” his remarks about gay football player Michael Sam. In a recent newspaper article Dungy said he wouldn’t draft him because there would be a “lot to deal with.” Yesterday Dungy said Sam deserves the chance to play in the NFL.
- You go to a baseball game and a soccer game breaks out. Texas and the Yankees were “nil-nil” (sorry about that) after regulation time. The Yankees won 2-1 in 14 when the newest Yankee Chase Headley had the game winning hit.
- There must be a punch line in here somewhere. One of the Queen of England’s winning racehorses has tested positive for morphine.
2. Yankee Pride
Is everyone trying to cash in on the Derek Jeter retirement story? A strip club in Queens wants to honor Derek the same day the Yankees are doing it on September 7th. Any Yankee who shows up at the club gets free admission and two free lap dances. The dancers will be wearing nothing but painted Yankee pinstripes. And if Derek himself shows up he’ll get unlimited lap dances and free food. If I were you, I wouldn’t hang out at the club that night expecting to get any autographs.
3. Good Advice
A couple of Top 5 subscribers came up with a terrific solution to one of the mini-controversies at the All-Star Game. Many fans were upset that Tony Gwynn’s passing wasn’t noted in any fashion. Steve F. And Vince V. suggested that baseball should follow the lead of the Oscars and do “In Memoriam.” Bingo. Play a low-key version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while images of Gwynn, Don Zimmer and Ralph Kiner among others are shown during the 7th inning stretch. Perfect!
4. Arsenal Are Going To New York
London’s famed Arsenal Football Club is traveling to the states for the first time in a quarter century. They’ll be playing the New York Red Bulls this coming weekend. To get ready for the trip to “New York” they worked on their lingo.
Does anyone have the heart to tell them the Red Bulls play in New Jersey?
5. Spanning the World
This week’s Spanning the World highlight comes from the pro tennis tour in Bogota, Colombia. If you’re 5’9″ and you lose to a guy who is 6’10″ and you want to give him a hug at the net, bring props.
Spanning the World airs monthly on NBC’s Today Show. Next up: Friday, August 15th.
Birthdays: A couple of late great Dodgers Hall of Famers were both born on this date, Pee Wee Reese and Don Drysdale.
Bonus Birthday: Monica Lewinsky. 41.
Today in Sports: Lou Gehrig hits his first grand slam homer. He went on to hit 22 more. 1925.
Bonus Event: The Hale-Bopp comet was discovered, coincidentally, by two guys named Hale and Bopp. 1995.
All-American: In addition to places like Austria, Hungary and New Zealand, the Top 5 was opened in every one of the 50 states yesterday!
The Top 5 will resume Thursday, July 31st.
Need a gift for that young sports fan in your life? Check out my books. And if you’d like a personally autographed copy contact the Dolphin Bookshop at 516-767-2650.
