David Ortiz/ Kevin Gregg Suspended 4 games

Well both Ortiz and Gregg were suspended 4 games for fighting and Mike Gonzalez was suspended for 3.

I'm fine with all of them to be honest, you have to keep your cool if your David Ortiz, Kevin Gregg deserved it for instigating and Mike Gonzalez blatantly tried hitting Ortiz.

I'm sure Papi will appeal and get the suspension delayed until after the Rays series in which David Price and James Shields will pitch.

Papelbon Suspended 3 Games... Eventually

Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been suspended for three games and fined an undisclosed amount in the aftermath of Saturday's ejection by plate umpire Tony Randazzo. Not really all that shocking, since he did kind of bump the umpire. The league has to suspended him for that, so I am fine with it. Saying that, this umpire was asking for it. Papelbon was frustrated by his strike zone, and was showing it on the mound, but this umpire made the situation worse when he walked out from behind the plate and called him out. There is no reason for that, and he should know better then to antagonize the situation.

Papelbon is appealing the suspension, but he won't win. He'll just wait till they are playing some shitty team before dropping it.

Here's A Quick Way To Get Fired

"Justin Quinn, 33, of Fresno said he was in the stands at AT&T Park in San Francisco during pregame batting practice with his wife and 9-year-old twin daughters when he noticed Roger McDowell (Atlanta Braves pitching coach) hectoring three men and asking them, "Are you guys a homo couple or a threesome?"

Quinn said McDowell proceeded to make crude sexual gestures with his hips and a bat.

Quinn, who was down in front of the field, then shouted, "Hey, there are kids out here," he said during a news conference at the Los Angeles office of noted attorney Gloria Allred.

Quinn alleged that the coach replied that kids don't belong at a baseball park, picked up a bat, walked up to Quinn and asked him, "How much are your teeth worth (ESPN)?"

Wow. I mean there is dumb, and then there is this. Did he really think that no one would complain about him making these remarks and gestures? Then on top of that say you are going to knock a fans teeth out that is at the game with his kids. Jesus, this guy had to been drunk or something. Either way, he should probably be suspended for the rest of the season, because that is so way over the line that I just don't see how he could ever justify it. The league shouldn't even have to step in here, the Braves should get rid of him ASAP, because this is a black eye to the entire organization.

"How much are your teeth worth" is a great line though...

Ference To Be Suspended? (UPDATED)

"Defenseman Andrew Ference of the Boston Bruins could face supplemental discipline from the NHL following contact with Montreal Canadiens forward Jeff Halpern during Wednesday's Game 7. Nick Kypreos of Rogers Sportsnet:

"Word out of beantown is Bruins Ference blindside hit on Canadiens Halpern will lead to a suspension. NHL hearing is scheduled for Thurs."

The disciplinary hearing via phone is set for 11am. And although Bob McKenzie doesn't like the hit, the TSN analyst concedes the Bruins d-man does have an argument:

"Would imagine Ference's defence will be he never saw Halpern. Hearing doesn't guarantee suspension but league obviously didn't like it (ESPN)."

I go back and forth on this. I have watched the hit a couple times and I think I've decided he went to do it, but I also think Halpern embellished the shit out of the hit. I mean he acted like he got hit by freight train, and yet was on the ice only a couple mins later. I don't think Ference should be suspended, but I do think he should get yet another fine (the first one for flipping off the Habs' fans). I could also see him getting 1 game, because of his general douchebaggery during the series.

***UPDATE***

"Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told reporters Thursday that defenseman Andrew Ference will not be suspended for his collision with Canadiens forward Jeff Halpern in the third period of Boston's 4-3 overtime win over Montreal Wednesday (WEEI)."

Good.

South Carolina Suspends Stephen Garcia

South Carolina's Stephen Garcia was suspended indefinitely from the football program, less than two weeks after the quarterback guaranteed he would not get in trouble again. Athletic director Eric Hyman announced the suspension Wednesday.

"Stephen has exhibited behavior that is unacceptable for one of our student-athletes," he said. "Therefore, he has forfeited the privilege to participate in any football related activity until further notice."

Coach Steve Spurrier would not go into details of what caused Garcia's fifth suspension -- and second this spring -- since he arrived on campus in January 2007 (ESPN).

This kid has been giving way too many chance, and although he is decent he isn't anything special (20 TDs 14 INTs). The problem for South Carolina is that they are going to have to rely on backup Connor Shaw who has only thrown 33 passes in his career.

It really sounds like Garcia needs some help, because if you're showing up to team meetings drunk, one would think you have a serious drinking problem.

Johnny Jolly Arrested Again

"According to police in Houston, the defensive end (Johnny Jolly) was arrested Friday morning after police officers found 600 grams of codeine in his car during a traffic stop. The substance is the main ingredient in a narcotic known as purple drank, and the charge is similar to the one that ultimately got Jolly suspended for the 2010 season (ESPN)."

This all but ends Jolly's career in the NFL. It is really too bad he a force when he plays, and the Packers were actually looking forward to having him back next season, especially with Cullen Jenkins almost definitely leaving. I just don't see Goodell letting him back into the NFL anytime soon, even when he gets out of jail.

Jolly is only 28 years old, but he has basically ruined his life/career already.

Matt Cooke Finally Gets What He Deserves

"The oft-penalized Cooke received the stiffest sentence yet in his 12-season NHL career when he was suspended Monday by the league for the remainder of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs for elbowing defenseman Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers in the head one day earlier (ESPN)."

It is about time the NHL finally did something about this guy. He has out of control. Rob wrote about it yesterday and there is really no one else in the NHL that is as bad as Cooke. This is the same guy that basically ended Savard's career, and really should've been suspended about 8 other times. Hopefully this sends a message that these kinds of hits have no place in hockey.

What I really want to see is Mario Lemieux try to void this guys contract. Mario came out earlier this season and wanted stiffer penalties for head shots. Well, Mr. Lemieux here is you chance. Do the right thing and kick this bum off your team!

About Time Jim Tressel Got Into Trouble

Wearing a sweater vest doesn't make you an honorable person...

"According to a report by Dan Wetzel and Charlie Robinson of Yahoo! Sports, “coach Jim Tressel was informed that several Buckeyes players were selling memorabilia more than eight months before the school claims it was made aware of the scheme.” That startling accusation stems from a two-month investigation by the website (NBC Sports)."

The NCAA tried to protect Ohio State giving the players that cushy suspension, and not letting them play in a Bowl game, but if this report is true they HAVE TO go after Ohio St/Tressel. If he knew this stuff was going on, and knew if was against the rules then he should've suspended these guys. I know, easier said then done, but now things could get a lot worse in a hurry. Not just from the NCAA, but from Ohio State itself, as it is in his contract that he if he knows of rules violations he is to report to the AD.

Ohio State is one of the schools that the NCAA will do anything to protect, but if this is true then it is time for them to send a message. That message should be that Tressel be suspended for just as long as his players are (5 games).

Wow, BYU Doesn't Mess Around (UPDATED)

"BYU's potential Final Four chances were dealt a significant blow when starting forward Brandon Davies was dismissed Tuesday from the team for the remainder of the season for a violation of the school's honor code (ESPN)."

This kid isn't some scrub at the end of the bench he is BYU's leading rebounder and 3rd on the team in scoring. This is a team that is looking to get a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and now he is gone for the rest of the year. We have no idea for what. Maybe it was something serious, but with BYU they have so many rules it could've easily been something like sleeping with his girlfriend, or drinking.

I guess you got to respect that they really stick to their guns no matter what, and don't have any exceptions. Still, if this turns out to be something stupid I would be pissed if I was a student. If I was him I would totally transfer.


***UPDATED***

"Brandon Davies was dismissed from BYU's basketball team after he admitted to having sexual relations with his girlfriend, the Salt Lake Tribune reported Wednesday. BYU's honor code forbids students from having premarital sex and instructs them to "live a chaste and virtuous life (ESPN)."

Wow, I mean it sounds crazy, but the kid did know the rules, and from what I am reading it sounds like she is pregnant, so it's not like the school could just cover it up. As one of the people who commented earlier said, he knew the rules, so you can't get too heated when they back them up.

OJ Mayo Suspended For 10 Games

OJ Mayo has had a pretty tough year, 1st he gets moved to be a 6th man, then Tony Allen whoops his ass, and now he's suspended for steroids.

He claims that it's an over the counter drug and that what tested positive, but I don't get that. How as a professional athlete do you not do research in what you are putting into your body. I know the Grizzlies are getting sick of the former 3rd overall pick, so you have to wonder if those trade whispers will get louder as the deadline approaches.

Spartans Are Sinking Fast

In the beginning of the year I thought Michigan State would be challenging for the the NCAA title. Yet, they have already lost 7 games this season and have sunk to #25 in the nation according to the AP poll. On top of that they are riding a 2 game losing steak, and have to deal with this...

"Michigan State announced Tuesday night that it has dismissed junior guard Korie Lucious for the rest of the season.

"Unfortunately, Korie Lucious displayed conduct detrimental to the program," Spartans coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. "My focus is on this team for the remainder of the season."

"I didn't live up to the standards of the program," Lucious said in his own statement. "Unfortunately, I let my teammates, my coaches, and myself down, and wish them the best for the rest of the season."

Neither Izzo nor Lucious elaborated on what may have led to the guard's dismissal from the Spartans (ESPN)."

I have been trying to find out exactly what he did, but so far have been unsuccessful. This isn't the first time Lucious has been in trouble though, he was suspended for a game last season for missing class. Then he pleaded guilty in September to misdemeanor reckless driving and was suspended again for the season opener against Eastern Michigan. So, it sounds like this was the final straw, and I'm not surprised because Izzo usually runs a tight ship.

Lucious doesn't light up the state sheet (6.5 pts 4.1 asts), but he has been a big part of this team in the past when made a game-winning 3 against Maryland in the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament last season.

Michigan State still has Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers, and Draymond Green but they are going to have a really hard time getting back to the Final Four, which is too bad, because like I said before, going into this season I would have had them as a lock for the Final Four.

Breaking News: Redskins Suspend Haynesworth

"The Washington Redskins have suspended Albert Haynesworth without pay for the team's next four games for "conduct detrimental to the club," the team said Tuesday (ESPN)."

I really can't believe they didn't just cut him, but I guess that could have to do with his contract. Maybe it is a lot cheaper to do it in the offseason. Either way, Haynesworth deserves this. There are reports that he showed up to a practice hungover. He has denied them, but either way he even admitted he had a terrible practice and followed it up by being late and then going home early the next day. This guy has been acting like a piece of shit all year, and it's really just another case of the Redskins dishing out money without doing their homework.

Tanard Jackson Kills Career

One of the better young safeties in the NFL has completely destroyed his career. Starting Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson was hit with his third violation of the league's substance abuse policy Wednesday, which means that the earliest he'll be eligible to play is September 22, 2011. It's really sad to see a kid with this much talent throw his career away. There is no word on what he was taking, but it doesn't sound like it was steroids. This leaves the Bucs is a terrible position since the other safeties on the roster are Sabby Piscitelli, Cody Grimm and Corey Lynch. None of them figure to be anything special.

They could go out and sign recently released Ken Hamlin, but either way it has to be a sad day for the Tampa Bay franchise.

Vikings Asking Too Much For Jackson

The Chargers have till 4pm today to trade Vincent Jackson, so that his suspension will drop to 4 games. It doesn't sounds like it is going to happen. The Chargers want a 2011 second- and third-round pick in exchange for Jackson, which to be honest doesn't sounds like too much, but it was enough to scare away the Rams and the Vikings.

Reportedly, Minnesota has reached a deal with Jackson's camp that would pay him $6 million in 2010. The problem is that Minnesota doesn't want to give the package the Chargers want. Instead, they are rumored to want to give up just a second-rounder.

I think a deal will get done, but just not in time to save him from being out the first 6 weeks. We will keep you updated till the 4pm deadline if anything changes.

Vicent Jackson Rumors Heating Up

Vincent Jackson's suspension could go down to 5 games if he is traded by Wednesday. With that in mind, rumors are all over the place. There are a couple that really make sense to me.

The one that seems to make the most sense is the Vikings trading for Jackson. They are need of a replacement with Sidney Rice out for at least 8 weeks, Harvin still dealing with headaches, and Bernard Berrian looking more and more like he is just never going to catch on. The Vikings know this is their last year with Favre, and after they are most likely going to have to start over, so it would make sense to make a deal for a guy who can help them win this year. Jackson could be a huge difference maker.

Other teams that are being rumored are the Seahawks, Browns, Redskins, and Rams.

12 UNC Players Suspended

"Six North Carolina starters -- defensive tackle Marvin Austin, cornerback Charles Brown, cornerback Kendric Burney, wide receiver Greg Little, defensive end Michael McAdoo and defensive end Robert Quinn -- have been declared ineligible for Saturday's season-opening game against No. 21 LSU for "violating school and/or NCAA rules," the university announced Friday.

Six other players also will be withheld from the game while the NCAA's two-pronged investigation continues. Those six are: tailback Shaun Draughn, defensive end Linwan Euwell, safety Brian Gupton, tailback Ryan Houston, safety Da'Norris Searcy and safety Jonathan Smith.

The total number of games those 12 players are expected to miss has not yet been determined, as the NCAA investigates possible improper contact with agents, along with allegations of academic misconduct (ESPN)."

Sucks for UNC they have a really good team, but it looks like this could be a lost season. I am really pissed I couldn't get money on this game. I was staring at the line yesterday when it was sitting at -7 1/2 for LSU. I tried to put a bet in but by the time I did the line was gone. Sucks, because that would've been easy money. Anyways, LSU is going to take no mercy and kick the shit out of this UNC team.

Roethlisburger Wants Suspension To Be Reduced

Ben Roethlisburger is meeting with Commissioner Goodell friday and wants his suspension to be reduced from 6 games to 3 and you know what, he should. Ben Roethlisburger from a legal standpoint did nothing wrong. He did put himself in an awkward situation which he can take blame for, but was never charged with anything nor was there any evidence beyond speculation that he did.

I know Goodell is trying to make a statement, but c'mon. A 1 game suspension is even too much for this, he's gone through the motions, he hasn't done anything bad since the incident and just wants to play football. Nothing wrong with that, no reason for costing the Steelers 4+ games for something he was never convicted for because Hoes Be Trippin.

Ben is still the third best qb in the league, and since the NFL cares so much about money they should let him play and gain the revenue from the people who want to watch him play. He may not be perfect, and no one is, but from a legal standpoint anything more than a slap on the wrist is excessive.

Mets Witholding K-Rod's Salary

"The New York Mets are withholding injured closer Francisco Rodriguez's salary while he's sidelined, and the team wants to convert his contract to a non-guaranteed deal. The moves could be a prelude to the Mets releasing the star closer without paying most of his 2011 salary (CBS)."

Good for the Mets. They had to do this. This guy is completely out of control, and he doesn't deserve to make a penny from the contract he signed. The Union is obviously go to fight this, but I actually think the Mets have a decent shot at being able to at the very least get some money back. K-Rod got hurt in an off the field problem, and with the fight being involved in an MLB stadium I would think that they would want to send a message. Regardless of the outcome the Mets had to do this.

Cushing: No Steroids Just Overtrained

The Houston Texans asked the NFL to reduce or rescind the four-game suspension given to star linebacker Brian Cushing on Monday, saying he has a unique medical condition stemming from something called overtrained athlete syndrome. Cushing described the condition after Monday morning's practice. He said the syndrome can trigger hormonal spikes after breaks in training, explaining why he would have tested positive for a fertility drug last September -- a drug he said he never took.

"I think that's the final diagnosis we came up with," he said, "and a lot of doctors have supported why this has happened (CBS)."

I have a hard time believing this, because I really don't think that can happen that dramatically, but then again I'm no doctor. I actually think that this is going to somewhat work. The suspension will not be rescinded, but I think they will reduce it. I think the owner sticking up for him will put a lot of weight behind this, but I'm really interested to know if this is what actually happened. We will probably never know, which is too bad.

Just Another Classy Bengal

Cincinnati Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face nearly a month ago.

Another day, another Bengal on the wrong side of the law. The NFL will probably suspended him a couple games, but at this point what else can they do. It seems like every year the NFL is getting worse and worse with these kinds of stories. I mean just the Bengals alone are a black eye to the NFL. It is a joke that it is that hard for these guys to not be fuck-ups, but I guess that'll never change.