Dowbiggin ID’s The Media Equivalents Of Dave Semenko

Or more to the point, in the aftermath of Wayne Gretzky bailing on the Phoenix Coyotes last week — with the fiscally challenged franchise about to start the season — the Globe & Mail’s Bruce Dowbiggin points out the Great One received a smidgeon of criticism (most notably from G&M colleague Paul Blair and caring-sharing clotheshorse Don Cherry), no. 99’s iconic status remained secure in several spots.

Gretzky has traditionally received the benefit of the doubt from the mediaSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Texas Rangers Officially Eliminated

The Texas Rangers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention. Early in the season, the Rangers surprised many with their quality play — especially considering the many young players on the roster. However, largely due to injuries and untimely slumps, the Rangers have sputtered to the finish line.

On Tuesday, they were officially eliminated after losing to the Los Angeles Angels by a final count of 5-2. Bobby Abreu homered in the first inning and the Angels never trailed Source: Knuckle Curve RSS Feed

Shocking: Lane Kiffin’s Family Likes Lane Kiffin

Tennessee’s Lane Kiffin currently sports a simple 1-1 career record as a college football head coach, but from everything that’s been written about the guy, it feels like he’s been around a lot longer than that. In his first offseason as coach, he got more than his fair share of headlines — mostly because he is kind of an idiot who can’t keep his mouth shut.

(ALL PRAISE BE TO EDSBS.)

He seems to operate on the premise that any publicity isSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

McKelvin Won’t Prosecute Penis-Drawing Vandals

I’m guessing that there isn’t a lot of serious crime to distract the police in Hamburg, NY, so the miscreants who defaced the front lawn of Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin didn’t stand much of a chance of getting away with it. After an intense investigation (someone called in a tip), the vandals are now in custody.

McKelvin, you may recall, committed a key fumble on a kick return that led the Patriots to a come-from-behind 25-24 win on Monday. Late thatSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

Now Even Swimming Is Bad For Your Kids’ Health

A brief indulgence, if you please; we always wanted to be one of those irritating local news anchors who casually engage in blatant scare tactics and litter puns into their stories for no reason. Okay, here we go: Are swimming pools the greatest scourge to children’s safety in the history of the world? Swimming enthusiasts say that’s nonsense, but some experts agree that new data suggest swimming may leave you out to dry.

(Also, heaven forbid if black kids come toSource: SPORTSbyBROOKS RSS Feed

The New Look Of Your Defending AL Champs

Tampa hurler David Price (above) is just one of the Rays rookies taking part in the club’s annual rookie hazing ritual — apparently, Price was forced to grow a beard and wear sunglasses. The Vanderbilt product’s ensemble is reportedly the handiwork of journeyman catcher Greg Zaun, the former Blue Jay having dropped $1500.00 of his own loot on a selection of dresses. Walkoff Walk’s Rob Ircane writes, “it’s quite obvious that Zaun ‘hung on to the stuff because ofSource: Can't Stop the Bleeding RSS Feed

Naughty Telestrator Pays Homage to Former Buckeye Santonio Holmes

More times than not, the big stage of Saturday night football can usually be counted on for a little something extra.

In last night’s case, it was an ominous yellow dong conveniently making a surprise appearance with Ohio State’s most famous exhibitionist, Santonio Holmes in the house.

Coincidence? Doubtful.

For those of you that were busy doing Guns ‘N Roses karaoke, USC won, 18-15.

[h/t: Mike @ 790 The Ticket]

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

Urijah Faber Went To The Playboy Mansion

Urijah Faber is a big fan of Twitter. He’s also the former WEC Featherweight Champion of the world. Last night there was a fight night at the Playboy Mansion and “The California Kid” went to support one of his buddies. He took some Twitpics which of course meant some scantily-clad bunny-types. After the jump, there is one NSFW image. That NSFW image is due to body paint. You’ve been warned.

Finally, a beautiful tribute to Canada.

Source: The Big Lead RSS Feed

John Lackey Dominates as Angels Win

John Lackey has flown under the radar for a long time. The Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher has been very consistent over the years but doesn’t get an abundance of praise. On Thursday, the Seattle Mariners got a first-hand look at how well Lackey can pitch as he lead the Angels to a 3-0 victory.

Lackey went all nine innings for a five-hit shutout. The win was his tenth of the season and his ERA lowered to 3.53. Lackey now has at least ten victories in each of the last seven

Rain Out

The Rays-Sox game has been postponed and will be made up as part of a double-header on Sunday. The game had actually gotten underway, Lester had thrown 23 pitches and had loaded the bases with only 1 out. Since this was the Ray’s last trip up north, it was decided to try and get the game in, but when the skies opened up, the umpires halted play. After a 2 & ½ hour rain delay, the umpires, Red Sox, and MLB decided to restart the game on Sunday. Both starting pitchers will start the 2nd