Question of the day: Can cycling recover from all the drug allegations? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

 

Writers from around Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

Phillip Hersh, Chicago Tribune

For a decade, I have seen professional cycling the way most people do a bad highway accident: you know something awful may have happened, but you can’t stop looking.

Cycling’s ''grand tours’’ – especially the Tour de France – offer stunning scenery, and the riders are so technically skilled and fearless I am lured to watch, even if I do it with the same jaundiced eye I focus on other sports (baseball, football, track) because of the doping that has badly undermined the credibility of performances.

Neither the grand jury investigation into the possibility 7-time TdF winner Lance Armstrong doped nor Wednesday’s news that Alberto Contador, TdF winner the past two years, has tested positive will change my view of the sport.

Photo: Lance Armstrong rides past fans during the 20th stage of the Tour de France. Credit: Bernard Papon / Associated Press.

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Angels' 4-2 win over A's is a game of give and take for Peter Bourjos | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Peter Bourjoslost a three-run home run in the seventh inning Tuesday night when instant replay was used to overturn third-base umpireCB Bucknor'sinitial call on Bourjos' fly ball down the left-field line, which was clearly foul.

But the rookie center fielder showed some take-away abilities, as well, diving into the gap in left-center field to robRajai Davisof a potential triple in the third inning and leaping above the wall in straight-away center to robLandon Powellof a two-run homer in the fourth to help the Angels defeat the Oakland Athletics, 4-2, in Angel Stadium.

"He's a tremendous athlete, and this is just the early stages," saidTorii Hunter, a nine-time Gold Glove Award winner who moved from center field to right to make way for Bourjos."Think about when he gets comfortable and he figures out what hitters are doing, how strong they are, where to position himself."

Dan Harengave up two runs and six hits in six innings, striking out five and walking one, to improve to 4-4 with the Angels, but he wouldn't have won without the defensive help of Bourjos.

"The plays he made ... he took away a triple from Davis and a two-run homer from Powell," Haren said."He's amazing out there. The jumps he gets and the ground he covers ... he's special. I didn't think he had a chance on the ball Davis hit, but he closes ground so quickly. If he's close, he usually gets to it."

The speedy Bourjos, who was called up from triple-A Salt Lake on Aug. 3, has been getting good jumps and running good routes in the outfield, but he hesitated for a split second on the ball Powell hit in the fourth.

"At first, I wasn't sure how well he hit it -- it took me a second to realize he crushed it," Bourjos said."Once I realized that, I took off and just tried to find the wall. At the last minute, I looked up and the ball was right there. I jumped up and caught it."

It marked the third time this season that Bourjos has robbed an opponent of a home run, but Hunter called the play on Powell's blast on Tuesday night Bourjos' best effort.

"He gave me goose bumps," Hunter said.

"That's a pretty good compliment," Bourjos said.

--Mike DiGiovanna

Photo: Angels center fielder Peter Bourjos makes the grab on a potential home run off the bat of Oakland's Landon Powell on Tuesday night. Credit: Kirby Lee / US Presswire

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Question of the day: Which NFL quarterback is currently playing the best and will most likely continue playing well? {Updated} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Writers from around Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses, and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune

The safest bet at the quarterback position easily is Peyton Manning. In addition to being the most productive and most valuable passer in the game, he has been the most consistent over a long period of time. 

Manning doesn't go into slumps. He rarely even has bad games. You have to look hard to find bad throws. You have to look harder to find bad decisions. In terms of consistency, he's as close to a machine as there is at the position.

He’s off to another typical start this year. He hasn’t thrown an interception yet. He’s avoided sacks well (three sacks allowed). And he’s completed 69% of his passes. No team in the NFL is more dependent on its quarterback, and no quarterback carries his team on his shoulders better than Manning.

Nick Fierro, the Morning Call

Peyton Manning is playing better -- with nine TD passes, no interceptions and a completion percentage of 69 -- than anyone in the league now and is the quarterback most likely to continue at that level. This question is too easy. I mean, Manning has been doing the same thing for well over a decade, and he plays in a dome -- where he doesn’t have to worry about the weather, like Jay Cutler, Michael Vick and Tom Brady do. And Manning is just flat-out better than Drew Brees.

Manning is not without a meltdown or two in his career, and his playoff record isn’t that spectacular, such as when he lost to Brees in that famous head-to-head battle last February. But nobody in the league is more prepared than Manning every week. Nobody.

{Updated at 1:57 p.m.:

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

It’s funny that only a few years ago we were talking about the quarterback drought, how there weren’t 32 good ones to go around, let alone enough to build any kind of depth at the position. Now, there are so many talented quarterbacks, it’s really hard to pick one. 

Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are the three elite ones -– their leadership and command of their offense, coupled with their accuracy, sets them apart -– but Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers and Tony Romo aren’t too far behind, even though none of them have rings. Matt Schaub and Matt Ryan are budding stars, and Carson Palmer, Jay Cutler and Ben Roethlisberger are sporadically excellent. Brett Favre, of course, belongs in a class of his own, although he’s starting to show real signs of aging.

I guess if I had to pick one, it would be Manning, the NFL’s only four-time MVP, because of what he means to that franchise and how last season he brought along two no-name receivers in Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon and made them legitimate threats.}

Photo: Peyton Manning. Credit: Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

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Ducks make cuts, Kings' Parse bothered by sore toe | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Ducks made an assortment of roster moves that leaves them at 30 players in camp -- 18 forwards, 10 defensemen and two goaltenders.

 CentersTrevor SmithandMacGregor Sharp, goalieTimo Pielmeierand defensemanJake Newtonwere assigned to Syracuse of the American Hockey League. GoalieIgor Bobkovwas returned to his junior team, London of the Ontario Hockey League, and left wingStephane Veilleuxwas released.

Players had Sunday off but are scheduled to return to the ice at the Honda Center on Monday.

The Kings practiced Sunday with little news emerging except forScott Parsemissing the second session, apparently because of a sore foot. He was hit by a teammate’s shot on Wednesday.

The Kings are due back on the ice at 10 a.m. Monday at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. Their next round of cuts is likely to come after their exhibition game against the Ducks on Tuesday at Staples Center.

--Helene Elliott

Photo: Scott Parse of the Kings. Credit: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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UCLA vs. Texas: live in-game updates | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

UCLA 27, Texas 6 (end of third quarter)

UCLA continues to dominate Texas on the ground. The Bruins answered the Longhorns’ field goal with a 50-yard scoring drive, which was set up byJosh Smith’s45-yard kickoff return.

QuarterbackKevin Princesprinted untouched around left end for a 38-yard touchdown run with 46 seconds left in the third quarter.

UCLA 20, Texas 6 (late in third quarter)

Texas scratched out a 47-yard, nine-play drive to set up a field byJustin Tucker.

His 40-yard kick was his second of the game and so far the only points the Longhorns can muster.

UCLA 20, Texas 3 (early in third quarter)

The Bruins just ground the Longhorns under cleat to start the second half to take a 17-point lead.

UCLA went 80 yards, 73 of it on the ground, in eight plays.Johnathan Franklingained 56 of the yards, including an 11-yard touchdown run where he shed two tacklers.

UCLA 13, Texas 3 (halftime)

A sloppy game was titling UCLA’s way at halftime Saturday as the Bruins turned Texas mistakes into points for a 13-3 lead at Memorial Stadium.

The Longhorns turned the ball over four times, three on fumbles. The Bruins were hardly crisp themselves with three fumbles. The difference: They were converting Longhorn mistakes into points.

The Bruins' defense has been stingy, allowing only 129 total yards in the half.

Texas is ranked No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense, giving up only 44 yards a game. ButDerrick Colemanhad 41 yards in seven carries andJohnathan Franklinhad 40 yards in nine carries.

UCLA’s pass protection was poor, as quarterbackKevin Princetwice fumbled when the Longhorns’ pass rush got to him. Prince did connect withRicky Marvrayfor an early score following a Texas turnover.

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Angels youth is not served in 2-1 loss to White Sox | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Seeing Angels youngstersMark TrumboandAndrew Rominemake their first big league starts Friday night stirred some memories for veteran right fielderTorii Hunter, who went 0 for 3 with a strikeout in his first major league start for Minnesota on April 29, 1998. The Twins beat Tampa Bay and left-handerWilson Alvarez, 2-0, in the Metrodome that day.

“I was excited, pumped up, anxious … I wanted to get that first home run out of the way and swung so hard at the first pitch I missed it by about 20 feet,” Hunter said. “I was the leadoff hitter that day. I was 20 pounds lighter. Young Torii could fly.”

Young Torii wasn’t quite as sure of himself then. Four days later, in his third start, Hunter was overmatched in a 2-0 loss to Baltimore aceMike Mussina.

“I looked at Mussina and I was like, ‘Wow,’ ” Hunter said. “I was star-struck, and before you know it, I was 0 for 3.”

Trumbo and Romine know how Hunter must have felt back in 1998. Trumbo went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts, and Romine went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox that officially eliminated the Angels from playoff contention.

--Mike DiGiovanna

Photo: Angels shortstop Andrew Romine tags out the White Sox's Omar Vizquel as hedives back to second base in the ninth inning Friday night. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

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Bob Miller is in the house ... and a new scoreboard too | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Kings announcer Bob Miller, who underwent precautionary surgery less than two weeks ago, was at Staples Center on Thursday night for the Kings' first home exhibition game.

He looks great and said he feels good ... and that he's still targeting the Kings' Oct. 9 regular-season opener for his return to work.This will be his 38th season ... and may there be many more after it.

A new sight was the center-hanging scoreboard, an eight-sided, LED video system that has moving ribbons for advertisements on top and on bottom. It weighs 47,000 pounds and requires 5.2 million LED lights to create the high-definition video displays.

Here's the press release with all the technological details:

The Lakers, Clippers and Kings are not the only L.A. LIVE residents who upgraded their rosters over the summer. Staples Center’s LIVE 4HD, set to debut on Thursday night, Sept. 23, when the Los Angeles Kings take to the ice to play against their NHL rivals, the Phoenix Coyotes, will be just the latest in a series of STAPLES Center additions to enhance fans’ enjoyment. The brand new, state-of-the-art eight-sided, center-hung Panasonic scoreboard and video system will be able to display all the panoramic action taking place on the ice in pristine 720p High Definition.

 

Designed exclusively for STAPLES Center by Panasonic, one of the arena’s founding partners and an acknowledged worldwide leader in digital video systems, the one-of-a-kind comprehensive arena scoreboard and broadcast control room will include what is believed to be the largest indoor center-hung High Definition scoreboard video screen installation in the world. The scoreboard system is expected to serve as a prototype for future venue displays now being developed by Panasonic.

 

Showing crisp high definition video in 16:9 letterbox format on the four Panasonic 22' x 14' 3" LED displays, which are composed of fine pitch 6mm video elements using black SMD 3 in 1 package for additional contrast, the scoreboard and display system will display live HD video action, features and special production pieces in HD quality that will rival home theater screens. With horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 140°/140°, a contrast ratio of 8000:1, and a brightness level for all boards reaching 2000 nits, STAPLES Center’s video screens truly set the new industry standard.

 

The unique element for this display is the addition of four additional 6mm LED displays on the underside of the LED board to allow special viewing for fans with courtside seats who have previously been unable to view replays on the center-hung LED. The sideline displays are nearly 8' x 14" and are capable of displaying both in game and promotional and special content and features during the game.

Four other Panasonic LED video boards composed of 10mm pitch video elements and measuring 13'  9"  by 14'  3"" will keep fans up to date with the latest information on team stats, scores, game clock status and more. The boards are also video-capable, allowing them to be integrated so that programming can appear seamlessly across all eight screens.

 

“We are incredibly excited to unveil the world’s first-ever LIVE 4HD Scoreboard,” said Lee Zeidman Sr., vice president and general manager, STAPLES Center. “It is amazing how far technology has come since we opened STAPLES Center in 1999 and the scoreboard that our partners at Panasonic have designed has created the best arena installation anywhere which undoubtedly will enhance every fan’s experience when they come watch a sporting event at STAPLES Center.”

 

The final two elements of the center-hung display are two 16mm LED“Halos,” encircling both the top and bottom of the scoreboard with the ability to display graphics and integrate into the effects being shown on the other screens. STAPLES Center’s existing two fascia boards, encircling the entire arena between Suite Levels A& B and B& C each measure 475' and 3', will continue to display a full series of graphic and video messages, promotions, game information, and fan entertainment and interactive elements.

 

"Panasonic is proud of our efforts to bring this spectacular new scoreboard to Staples Center,” said James Doyle, President, Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Co. “This amazing example of technology and engineering is a true reflection of our partnership with AEG and STAPLES Center as we work to meet their objectives in bringing innovative concepts to life, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the fan experience. Panasonic worked closely with AEG to design and install an end-to-end system from the control room to the video boards that creates a truly seamless experience. This system adds to the overall STAPLES Center and LA Live experience already powered by Panasonic’s broad range of advanced technology solutions."

 

Panasonic was able to deliver a unique high-quality solution implemented in a short timeline.  Technically, the offering comprised of 14 separate LED products within the center-hung display alone is believed to be one of the most technically sophisticated in the world. 

 

“Having Panasonic’s incredible, new technology and scoreboard on display in STAPLES Center is not only an example of AEG looking for ways to improve the fan experience in our venues but also our collaborative approach to create opportunities for our partners to display their innovative productsthat our guests can interact with when they visit our arenas or our districts like L.A. LIVE where so many of Panasonic’s products are displayed,” said Shervin Mirhashemi, COO, AEG Global Partnerships.

The completely redesigned HD control room, located above the Upper Concourse within the Bob Miller Press Box on the west side of the arena, includes a vast array of best of breed technologies. At the core of the control room are Panasonic’s professional broadcast products combined with a combination of best of breed third-party products from Ross and other premier partners.

 Together, all of the video components and hardware weigh a combined total of 47,000 lbs. and require 5.2 million LED lights to create the incredible high-definition video displays.

-- Helene Elliott

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Ernie Els, George H.W. Bush among inductees to golf hall of fame | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Ernie Els, Jock Hutchison, Doug Ford and former president George H.W. Bush have been selected as the newest inductees to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

A fifth inductee will be announced in October and the class will be inducted May 9 at the World Golf Hall of Fame& Museum near St. Augustine, Fla.

Els made the cut in his first year on the ballot, receiving 66% of the vote from a panel that includes writers, golf officials and other hall of famers. The South African golfer has 18 PGA Tour victories, including the 1994 and 1997 U.S. Open Championships and the 2002 British Open.

Ford and Hutchison were selected through the Veteran's Category. Ford has 19 tour victories, including the 1955 PGA Championship and the 1957 Masters. Hutchison, who died in 1977 at age 93, won 14 PGA events, including the 1920 PGA Championship and the 1921 British Open.

Bush was selected in the Lifetime Achievement Category.According to the PGA website, the 41st U.S. president"helped raise the profile of the sport of golf considerably both during and after his Presidential administration. He has been recognized by the golf community over the years, including receiving the 1997 PGA of America Distinguished Service Award, the USGA’s 2008 Bob Jones Award and the 2009 PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1996, President Bush served as honorary chairman of The Presidents Cup and has since attended every Presidents Cup. He is an honorary member of The PGA of America; honorary chair of the USGA Museum and Archives President’s council and has served as honorary chairman of The First Tee since 1997."

-- Chuck Schilken

Upper photo: Ernie Els. Credit: David Mawell / EPA

Lower photo: George H.W. Bush, right, with George W. Bush in 2002. Credit: Larry Downing / Reuters

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Kendry Morales ahead of schedule in rehab from broken leg | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Kendry Moralesis"a little bit ahead of schedule" in his rehabilitation from a fracture in his lower left leg, and the Angels first basemen, who went down with the season-ending injury on May 29, expects a full recovery for 2011.

"There is no reason to doubt or be preoccupied with not coming back 100%," Morales, speaking through a translator, said Tuesday in his first public comments since the freak injury, which he suffered jumping into home plate after a walk-off home run against the Seattle Mariners."The doctors said everything went well, and they see nothing but good things ahead."

Morales, who hit .306 with 34 home runs and 108 runs batted in last season and was hitting .290 with a team-leading 11 homers and 39 RBIs when he got hurt, spent two months on crutches. He is walking without a limp and undergoing physical therapy six times a week in Orange County, but he is several weeks away from jogging or any baseball activities.

The switch-hitter has watched several replays of the injury.

"I don't remember much," he said."I remember jumping, hitting the ground, looking at my foot and feeling I had broken it. ... I got caught up in the emotion of the game. I think,'What would have happened if I didn't jump?' It was an accident. It happened. What are you going to do?"

The Angels went 20-8 in the 28 games following Morales' injury, but they couldn't compensate for the four-month loss of the slugger--the team's offensive struggles are the primary reason the Angels will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006.

"We talk about Kendry coming back next season," ManagerMike Sciosciasaid."That's the biggest free-agent signing you could make in an off-season."

For more on Morales later this evening, go towww.latimes.com/sports.

--Mike DiGiovanna

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Video: Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin's season over after freak accident with broken bat | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Chicago Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin's season ended Sunday when a shattered bat punctured the player's chest as he was running from third base to home during Sunday's game at Florida.

 

Colvin actually scored on the double by Welington Castillo but was hit in the upper chest by the sharp end of the broken bat, allowing air into his chest and potentially his lungs, a Cubs trainer said.

He was in stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami on Monday but is expected to remain a few more days for observation.

He said in a statement released by the Cubs on Monday:"I want to thank Cubs fans for their support all season, especially right now, and let everyone know that I'm doing OK.

"I also want to thank everyone who has helped take care of me here in Miami -- the Cubs and Marlins training and medical staffs, the EMTs at the ballpark and everyone here at the hospital."

-- Chuck Schilken

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UFC contender Chael Sonnen faces suspension for positive drug test | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Chael Sonnen, the brash Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight contender who nearly defeated championAnderson Silvain August, tested positive for a steroid before the fight in Oakland and faces a year-long suspension, California State Athletic Commission Executive OfficerGeorge Doddsaid Sunday.

Sonnen will have 30 days to appeal his suspension and $2,500 fine, said Dodd, clouding UFC plans for a Sonnen-Silva rematch early next year in Nevada. UFC ownerLorenzo Fertittaand PresidentDana Whitedid not immediately respond to messages left Sunday night by The Times. Dodd said Sonnen received written notification of his positive sample in a letter the athletic commission sent Friday.

Dodd said Sonnen’s positive test emerged from a urine sample he gave before the fight that was processed through the UCLA Olympic drug-testing lab.

Sonnen nearly became the first man to beat Silva since the Brazilian became champion in 2006. Sonnen won all four rounds on the judges scorecards, but then was submitted in the fifth in the fight at Oracle Arena. The talkative Sonnen has drawn attention by ridiculing Silva and UFC heavyweight championBrock Lesnar, and denying a recording in which he was alleged to have said cyclistLance Armstrong“gave himself cancer” by engaging in performance-enhancing drug use.

--Lance Pugmire

Photo: Chael Sonnen pounds away against Anderson Silva during their Aug. 7 bout in Oakland. Credit: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press

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Mosley vs. Mora: live updates from the boxing card at Staples Center | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The Times is ringside tonight at Staples Center, as the pay-per-view undercard to theShane Mosley-Sergio Morajunior-middleweight main event is underway. Here are the results so far:

Mexico’sSaul“Canelo”Alvarezshowed the promise that caused his fans to erupt in applause as he entered the ring by leaving it with an assassin-like sixth-round attack of veteran former world welterweight championCarlos Baldomir.

Alvarez (34-0-1, 26 KOs) belted the 39-year-old Baldomir with a few impressive counter-punches and other selections through five rounds in which the 20-year-old’s former Miss Mexico girlfriend,Marisol Gonzalez, generated more ringside conversation than the fight.

In the sixth, Guadalajara’s Alvarez got everyone’s mind out of the gutter by turning his junior-middleweight bout into a street fight with consecutive overhand rights followed by a hard right that got Baldomir’s attention. Earlier in the bout, Baldomir had tapped on his chin after a clean Alvarez shot to show it couldhandle a pounding.

Alvarez wanted to prove he could handle a former world champ, and he did by delivering a big right and a left hook that might be the sport’s knockout of the year. Baldomir had started throwing a right when struck, and he collapsed to the canvas at the 2:58 mark. Baldomir (45-13-6) hadn’t been knocked out since 1994.

“It’s true that he hits hard … really hard,” Baldomir said. “His power really surprised me. This kid is the real deal and he’s going to be a champion. No one has hit me like this kid hit me.”

That credibility in the U.S. heaps the attention upon Alvarez has in Mexico, where he has packed venues and draws staggering television ratings. He’ll return to the welterweight division next.

“This is for Mexico and all of my fans,” Alvarez said. “He wasn’t very fast. That was a favor for me. I want to be a world champion. I want to be the best in the world.”

-----

Ventura’sVictor Ortizclaimed the sensational victory he needed overVivian Harrisat Staples a year after he wilted in his main-event loss at the arena to junior-welterweightMarcos Maidana.

The 23-year-old Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 knockouts) knocked the veteran Harris (29-5-1) down three times in the second round before dropping him for good with a hard right uppercut 45 seconds into the third round.

In the second round, Ortiz dropped Harris with rapid-fire left hands, then knocked him down again with a right hand to the head. Ortiz tried to finish former world champion with a combination that dropped him, but Harris rose to survive the bell– a moral victory at best.

Ortiz, jeered by fans after his Maidana as not a“real Mexican,” rallied to adoring support after Saturday’s showing, eliciting cheers and ensuring he’ll remain a major player in boxing’s best division: junior-welterweight.

“The fans love me or hate me,” Ortiz said. “Hopefully, they love me now.

“I progressed and learned a lot since the fight with Maidana and I still want him, wherever he is. I’m not dodging anyone. I’m ready for everyone.”

-----

Mexico'sDaniel Ponce De LeonhammeredAntonio Escalantewith a brutal right to the jaw, winning by third-round knockout in an outcome that leaves him poised as the mandatory challenger to world featherweight championJuan Manuel Lopez.

The southpaw Ponce De Leon (40-2, 32 knockouts) usually dismisses foes with his lefts. After landing two clean lefts, he belted Escalante (23-3) with the clean right, sending him to the canvas at the 2:40 mark of the third round.

-----

East Los Angeles'Frankie Gomez, 18, improved to 6-0 with six knockouts with a third-round knockout ofRicardo Calazada.

Mosley and Mora are in the building, and we'll update the action at key points, with The Times'John Cherwaready to file round-by-round updates when Mosley-Mora begins.

--Lance Pugmire

Photo: Victor Ortiz goes on the attack against Vivian Harris on Saturday night at Staples Center. Credit: Harry How / Getty Images

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Second question of the day: Was it OK for Derek Jeter to fake getting hit by a pitch? | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

We decided to mix things up a bit and ask another question of the day. You know the drill; please leave a comment below expressing your opinion. 

Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times

NASCAR is governed by a simple creed:“If you ain’t cheatin, you ain’t tryin.” (They really talk that way in stock-car racing, by the way.)

Baseball lives by a similar code. From the phantom double play and scuffed baseballs to stealing signs and catchers framing pitches in an attempt to steal strikes, baseball players have always bent the rules in an attempt to gain an advantage.

And it’s no different in football, basketball or any other sport. The only illegal plays are the ones you get caught at. You can debate whether that’s moral, but you cannot debate whether that’s reality.

Derek Jeter -- who is the captain of baseball’s premier franchise, don’t forget -- pulled a fast one in order to give his team an advantage in an important game that may wind up deciding the division title. If the umpire doesn’t catch it, consider it a good play.

Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune

Give Derek Jeter an Oscar. And extra MVP consideration.

Jeter was once again instinctively brilliant when he faked getting hit with that Chad Qualls pitch in the seventh inning on Wednesday night in Tampa Bay. It was a case of bad umpiring and very, very smart baseball.

The Yankees were trailing 2-1, so getting on base was Jeter’s priority. When the Qualls pitch hit the knob of his bat, he immediately acted as if the pitch hit him and he was in pain, and umpire Lance Barksdale bought it, sending him to first base.

Never mind that Rays Manager Joe Maddon and everyone nearby except Barksdale heard the ball clunk off the bottom of Jeter’s bat. Barksdale apparently had cotton in his ears and didn’t hear it, so the Yankees had what they wanted – the tying run on first base.

Some people think that a player of Jeter’s stature shouldn’t trick an umpire to get on first base. But it’s exactly because Jeter is so resourceful that he has the stature he does. He knows the right thing to do at the right time every time, and this was just example No. 1,487.

Brilliant player. Smart move. Bad umpiring.

Updated at 1:33 p.m.

Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

Describe this play without mentioning the offending Yankee and nine out of 10 fans guess Alex Rodriguez was the culprit. In no way does this compare to screaming at a fielder while running past him or trying to dislodge a guy’s glove from his hand to avoid a tag. Jeter’s biggest crime was overacting.

He should have trotted to first as soon as home plate umpire Lance Barksdale signaled. Leaping out of the way with a quick shake of the hand and convincing wince was sufficient. Bending at the waist, hands on knees, with a trainer present was overkill.

This is no different than an outfielder trapping a ball and showing the umpire his glove, or a catcher bringing back an outside pitch. If the umpire gets fooled, shame on him.

Photo: Derek Jeter is examined by the team trainer on September 15. Credit: J. Meric / Getty Images.

 

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USC football: Charles White says Bush still part of Heisman fraternity | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Former USC tailbackCharles White, the 1979 Heisman Trophy winner, said Wednesday that he never thought the situation involvingReggie Bushwouldlead to Bush forfeiting the 2005 Heisman.

"He's a grown man and he made his decision," White said."Maybe it was just the guilt or whatever. It was his choice to return it."

White, one of seven Trojans to be recognized as college football's most outstanding player, said he was saddened that USC also returned its copy of Bush's Heisman after NCAA sanctions were announced in June.

Regardless of Bush's decision and the NCAA's mandate that USC erase images of Bush from campus, the Coliseum and the school record book, White said Bush earned the award with his performance on the field and that he was still part of the Heisman fraternity.

"Everyone knows who won that Heisman no matter who has it now or wherever it goes," he said."That man won the trophy. When people say,'Hey, do you remember who won the Heisman in'05? Everyone knows it was Reggie Bush."

-- Gary Klein

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Kings' rookies beat Coyotes' rookies, 5-4, in shootout | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Brandon Kozunscored the only goal in the shootout as the Kings' rookies defeated their Phoenix counterparts, 5-4, at Glendale, Ariz.

Thomas Hickey, Kyle Clifford, Jordan Weal andRobbie Czarnikscored during the game. Clifford, making a serious bid for a starting job this season, also got into a fight.

Martin Joneswas in goal for the Kings' rookies, who face the Coyotes' rookies again Wednesday afternoon in Glendale.

The Kings' main camp will begin this weekend, with players reporting for physicals Friday and starting practices Saturday.

Helene Elliott 

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Question of the day: Who will be the first NFL coach fired this season? {Updated} | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Reporters from around Tribune Co. weigh in on the topic. Check back throughout the day for more responses and feel free to leave a comment of your own.

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

With all the labor uncertainty and the looming possibility of a work stoppage when the CBA expires in March 2011, NFL owners are going to be reticent to lock into long-term deals with coaches. So I think any coach fired this season will be replaced by an interim leader.

That said, Chicago’s Lovie Smith is most likely the first to go. He has been on shaky ground the last couple of seasons, and going by a first glimpse of the Bears, this could be a long one. Chicago survived its opener against Detroit, but only because of a wrong-headed rule about what is a reception and what isn’t.

Smith will be shown the door before Oakland’s Tom Cable or Cleveland’s Eric Mangini or Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio, who need not check their mail slots for pink slips quite yet.

Dan Pompei, Chicago Tribune

We still are 15 games away from the end of the regular season and four months away from firing season, so it’s a little early to be determine whose failures will result in pink slips. But one coach who looks like he has been set up to be fired is Carolina’s John Fox. He is in the last year of his deal, and Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is allowing him to be a lame duck. 

By slashing the player budget, Richardson has made it difficult for Fox to look good this year. Richardson didn’t give Fox enough money to re-sign Julius Peppers, and he also forced Fox to purge other veterans who had been solid contributors, such as Chris Harris, Maake Kemoeatu, Damione Robinson and Keydrick Vincent.

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Haren sharp, Napoli strong as Angels complete sweep of Mariners with 3-0 victory | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Dan Harenallowed only three singles in seven shutout innings, striking out six and walking three, andMike Napolihit his team-leading 24th home run of the season to lead the Angels to a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday.

The Angels extended their win streak to four, their longest since a six-game win streak against Kansas City and Seattle from June 2-7, but they remained 10 games behind Texas in the American League West, because the Rangers extended their win streak to five with Sunday's 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees.

Haren (pictured at right) improved to 3-4 and lowered his earned-run average to 3.04 in 10 starts with the Angels since the right-hander was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 25.

The Mariners' only real threat against him came in the fourth, when they put runners on second and third with no outs, but Haren struck outCasey Kotchman, gotJose Lopezon a ground ball back to the mound, walkedRyan Langerhansto load the bases and retiredJosh Bardon a fly ball to center field.

Jordan Waldenpitched out of a two-on, one-out jam in the eighth, striking outFranklin Gutierrezwith a 95-mph fastball and getting Kotchman to ground out to second.Fernando Rodney, who blew saves Wednesday and Friday, walked the first batter in the ninth but retired the next three for his second save in as many games.

The Angels scored in the first inning when, with the bases loaded, Bard, the Mariners catcher, was cited for catcher's interference, his glove contactingHideki Matsui's bat as the designated hitter fouled off a 1-and-2 pitch.

Napoli doubled with one out in the sixth and scored onJuan Rivera's bloop double to shallow left-center, Napoli making a great read when he broke for third well before the ball dropped just out of the reach of shortstopJosh Wilson.

With one out in the eighth, Napoli crushed a pitch from relieverRyan Rowland-Smithover the wall in left-center for a home run and a 3-0 lead.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

Photo credit: Denis Poroy / Associated Press

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Willie Mitchell, Drew Doughty a pair of eights who could be aces | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

DefensemanWillie Mitchell, who signed a two-year, $7-million contract with the Kings as a free agent, said the prospect of playing for an up-and-coming team factored heavily into his decision to choose the Kings over three other suitors -- reportedly San Jose, Washington and Vancouver.

He also said the notion of playing alongside Norris trophy runnerupDrew Doughtywas"intriguing," and his high regard for Doughty was reinforced when they met recently in Los Angeles.

"I wore No. 8 in Vancouver. The first day he came in he was like,'Willie you can take my number,' and I think that just speaks volumes of him as a kid," Mitchell said.

He declined Doughty's generous offer."I said,'No, you had too good of a year last year. You’ve got to keep rocking that thing,'" Mitchell said, laughing.

"I think that speaks volumes of him. We were on the ice together the other day as a pair. It was fun seeing what he can do, how he reads and feels the game. I look forward to having a chance to play with him."

More from the Kings' Hockey Fest later.

-- Helene Elliott

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Bobby Abreu's aggressive approach pays off for Angels | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

It is rare forBobby Abreuto swing at the first pitch. The Angels' veteran outfielder, known for his plate discipline and patience, swung at the first pitch in only 29 of 595 plate appearances this season before stepping into the batter's box in the 14th inning Friday night.

This time, Abreu took a different tack. With the score tied, he looked for a first-pitch fastball from Seattle relieverBrian Sweeneyand got one, right over the middle of the plate. Abreu smacked it over the center-field wall for his 18th homer of the season to give the Angels a 4-3, walk-off victory over the Mariners and back-to-back victories for the first time since Aug. 10-11 against Kansas City.

"I was looking for a fastball, and he threw it," Abreu said."I was thinking,'Go up there and hack,' and it was worth it. You're not going to see that from me very often, but it worked this time."

It was the third walk-off hit and second walk-off homer of the season for Abreu, and it was the ninth walk-off win of the season for the Angels, who needed 16 innings to beat the Cleveland Indians, 4-3, in their previous game Wednesday.

Friday night's game went so long they sang"Take Me Out to the Ballgame" twice, in the middle of the seventh and 14th innings, and it ended so late the Angels had to postpone their traditional Friday night fireworks show. The team announced that there will be fireworks after Saturday night's game, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Angel Stadium.

--Mike DiGiovanna

Photo: Angels left fielder Bobby Abreu follows through on his home-run swing Friday night against the Mariners. Credit: Alex Gallardo / Reuters

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Video: Sam Farmer's Week 1 NFL picks | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer breaks down the Green Bay-Philadelphia, San Francisco-Seattle and Dallas-Washington matchups for this weekend:

The rest of Farmer's Week 1 picks:

Cleveland 17, Tampa Bay 14

Miami 24, Buffalo 20

Houston 28, Indianapolis 24

Jacksonville 21, Denver 17

Tennessee 24, Oakland 14

Cincinnati 24, New England 21

New York Giants 21, Carolina 13

Atlanta 20, Pittsburgh 17

Chicago 24, Detroit 17

Arizona 17, St. Louis 10

Baltimore 20, New York Jets 17

San Diego 28, Kansas City 13

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Review: Heart for the Fight by Brian Stann | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The sport of mixed martial arts is not for the faint-hearted. With the threat of punches, kicks, elbows, knees and submission holds, MMA fighters need to be prepared for intense physical confrontation. One would expect stories of hand-to-hand combat inside of a cage to serve as some of the more nerve-wracking passages of any autobiography. But inHeart for the Fight, UFC fighterBrian Stann's soon to be released memoir, those stories are strikingly among the book's less harrowing moments.

Stann, an up-and-coming MMA fighter with a 9-3 record, served as a United States Marine before beginning his MMA career. His book recounts his days playing football at the Naval Academy, his service in Iraq, and his fighting career. While his fighting career has not been without drama, those battles pale in comparison to the stories in his book of dramatic firefights with militants in Iraq.

The most gripping stories in Stann's book are his struggles to protect fellow soldiers in combat. Stann was no stranger to dangerous situations and these tales make for a captivating firsthand look at the War in Iraq. Stann was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery commanding an ambushed platoon near Karabilah. He addresses his attitude throughout the endeavor, his concern for his fellow Marines and his perspective on the insurgents he battled.

While the chapters dedicated to Stann's military service are the strongest parts of the book, there are also interesting stories about Stann's childhood and an incident in the military where he was accused of rape.

MMA isn't the primary focus of the book, but Stann does discuss his fights withSteve Cantwelland relationship with MMA trainerGreg Jacksonin depth. His second fight with Cantwell is covered in particular depth. Stann also honestly discusses being bothered by internet criticism of his MMA career, something that most athletes aren't willing to admit to.

The book is well-written, but at times almost too well-written. Co-writerJohn R. Bruningoften uses a pedantic style of writing that doesn't feel authentic to how Stann (or almost anyone) would actually speak. It's a style of writing that would lend itself better to a third-hand account and is at times is distracting for the first-hand narrative.

Brian Stann has a remarkable story to tell andHeart for the Fight is a worthwhile read for those interested in the Iraq War or Stann's MMA career.

--Todd Martin

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Report: Reggie Bush to be stripped of Heisman Trophy | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Former USC running backReggie Bushis expected to be stripped of his 2005 Heisman Trophy,according to a reportfrom Yahoo Sports.

Citing unnamed sources close to the Heisman Trophy Trust, the website reported Tuesday that the organization likely will take the trophy away before the end of September following an investigation into Bush's eligibility during his playing days with the Trojans. The NCAA ruled in June that the New Orleans Saints running back was ineligible to play during the 2005 season because of illegal benefits he received.

In June, the Heisman Trophy Trust declined to comment on the NCAA's findings, saying in a statement it did not have a timetable for a decision on Bush's Heisman.

If Bush loses the trophy, he will become the first player to be stripped of the prestigious award in its 75-year history. USC already has returned its copy of Bush's Heisman that was kept on display in Heritage Hall.

-- Austin Knoblauch

Photo: Reggie Bush with his Heisman Trophy in Dec. 2005. Credit: Julie Jacobson / Associated Press

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UCLA football: QB Brett Hundley picks Bruins | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Prized recruit Brett Hundley has been landed by UCLA.

Hundley, considered one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation, made his announcement at Chandler High School on Monday morning. He had narrowed his choices to UCLA and Washington last month.

The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Hundley is a threat as a runner and passer, giving him the potential to fit neatly into the Bruins“pistol” offense. He threw for 1,517 yards and rushed for 1,208 yards last season.

Hundley’s commitment leaves the future of backup quarterback Richard Brehaut, a sophomore, uncertain.

-- Chris Foster

　

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U.S. Open: Simon's loss is a win for Nadal, who reaches fourth round | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Top-seededRafael Nadal,who has reached the U.S. Open semifinals the last two years but never won a title here, looked stylish in his form-fitting lime green shirt and his game was equally flashy, filled with the grunting power that signifies the 24-year-old Spaniard is in top form.

Nadal easily beat 25-year-oldGilles Simonof France, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2, Sunday in a match that lasted just two hours. The win put Nadal into a quarterfinal quadrant that is all Spanish. Nadal will face 23rd-seededFeliciano Lopez(who had a short day whenSergiy Stakhovskyretired with a right toe infection when he was down, 6-3, 4-0). The winner of Nadal-Lopez will play the winner of another all-Spaniard fourth-round match between 10th-seededDavid Ferrer(who beat yet another Spaniard,Daniel Gimeno-Traver,7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2) or eighth-seededFernando Verdasco(who beat summer sensationDavid Nalbandian, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2).

Simon was possibly the happiest loser of the day. His girlfriend gave birth prematurely last Thursday to a boy (who is doing well), but Simon, who beatPhilipp Kohlschreiberon Friday, decided to stay at the Open until he lost. He plans to head home quickly now. 

-- Diane Pucin reporting from New York

Photo: Rafael Nadal unleashes a big forehand against Gilles Simon on Sunday at the U.S. Open. Credit: Jason Szenes / EPA

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NHL approves Kovalchuk deal after union agrees to change salary cap calculations | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The NHL and the NHL Players' Assn., ending a contract saga that began July 1 and lingered into Labor Day weekend, reached agreement early Saturday morning Eastern time to change the rules governing long-term contracts and how they're valued within the structure of the league's salary cap.

In exchange for this concession by the union -- a change that will expire when the current collective bargaining agreement ends two years from now -- the NHL approvedIlya Kovalchuk's15-year, $100-million contract with the New Jersey Devils. It also agreed to end its investigations of similarly front-loaded contracts signed by Vancouver'sRoberto Luongo, Boston'sMarc Savard, Philadelphia'sChris Prongerand Chicago'sMarian Hossa.

From the NHL's press release:

Under the terms of the agreement, the new rules will apply only to long-term contracts, defined as those with terms of five years or longer, and only to contracts executed after September 4, 2010. The new rules apply to contracts signed between now and the end of the CBA, as well as all contracts signed that begin in the 2012-13 season. The parties have agreed that the new rules do not automatically carry over into a new CBA.

For the purpose of salary cap calculations, any long-term contract that extends past a player’s 41st birthday will be valued and accounted for in two ways: The compensation for all seasons that do not include or succeed the player’s 41st birthday will be totaled and divided by the number of those seasons to determine the annual average value (AAV) charged against the team’s cap for those seasons. In all subsequent seasons, the team’s cap charge will be the actual compensation paid to the player in that season (or seasons, as appropriate).

Additionally, in any long-term contract that averages more than $5.75 million for the three highest-compensation seasons, the following rule shall apply:

Solely to determine its value for purposes of the Salary Cap, a player’s compensation for any season in which he is age 36, 37, 38, 39 and/or 40 shall be valued at a minimum of $1 million.

"We're pleased to be able to establish clearly defined rules for these types of contracts going forward and just as happy we can turn the page on uncertainties relating to several other existing contracts,” NHL Deputy CommissionerBill Dalysaid."From start to finish of this multi-week process we were able to work closely and cooperatively with representatives of the Players' Association, who shared our belief that the creation of definitive rules and guidelines in this area would be beneficial to everyone -- clubs and players alike."

"We are pleased to finalize an agreement which ends the League's circumvention investigations and also establishes rules on long-term contracts that will provide players, their certified agents and general managers clarity for the negotiation of new contracts," saidRoland Lee, Director of Salary Cap/Marketplace& Associate Counsel for the NHLPA."Turning the page on this process is something that will benefit all parties involved."

The NHL rejected Kovalchuk's first agreement with the Devils, which called for him to be paid $102 million over 17 years -- until he was 44. The drop in salary in the later years was very steep, and the NHL's rejection -- later upheld by an arbitrator -- was based on its contention that the salary structure circumvented the salary cap.

The Devils submitted another contract with Kovalchuk to the NHL last Friday. The NHL can take five days to review any contract and did so -- and then requested a two-day extension, which the NHLPA accepted. Several deadlines were broken Friday as lawyers for the league and the union discussed details of the revamped CBA terms.

The new terms aren't likely to affect many players, but the dynamics between the league and the NHLPA, which is still operating without an executive director, offer hints about what their differences might be in negotiating a new labor deal after the current agreement expires in September 2012.

--Helene Elliott

Photo: Ilya Kovalchuk. Credit: Getty Images

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Eric Gordon: Leads Team USA in win over Tunisia | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

Eric Gordon, the Clippers' shooting guard and a reserve on Team USA, is a guest blogger for the Fabulous Forum during the FIBA World Championship tournament. On Thursday the USA overcame a sluggish start to beat Tunisia, 92-57, in their final first-round game. Gordon played 25 minutes, led the team in scoring with 21 points, and hit four of seven three-point shots. Team USA, a top seed, starts the knockout round Monday when it plays fourth-seeded Angola. Here are Gordon’s impressions of the game, plus some other tidbits from the day:

I wasn’t hitting my shots the past couple of days. It was good to get back in rhythm. I knew as I was shooting before the game that I was going to play well. I can tell when I’m in rhythm before a game. Making three-point shots in this tournament has been a little easier. It’s a lot different from the NBA three-point line; it’s a lot shorter. But the other team can have a good chance to get a hand up because the spacing is not as big an NBA three-point shot.

Angola is a really athletic team. We saw them play twice. They are capable of beating of anybody, and they play kind of a similar style to us.

If 10 is a perfect grade, I guess I’d say our team is playing at about an eight. Defense is the No. 1 thing for us. There are still some things we need to work on, cutting turnovers and getting rhythm and more open shots.

We have three days before our next game. Coach(Mike) Krzyzewskisaid to just be prepared. We need to get together for a good hard effort the rest of the way.

With the referees coming from different countries, that’s been one of the interesting things about this whole thing. They probably don’t know what we’re saying on the court and we don’t know what they’re saying. So the best thing is not to even talk after a call. In the NBA we talk to the refs the whole game. It sure is a lot quieter. You really can’t say much.

Tonight I plan to hang out with my teammates a little bit. Tomorrow is an off day before we have practice the next two days. I’ll probably get in a little work, lifting weights, shooting, even a bit of running. It’s been warm every day, with temperatures in the 80s.

I like everything about Istanbul. There’s a lot of historical buildings. I’ve never seen that many out of all the countries I’ve been too. And it’s a really crowded city. You see people packed on the sidewalks everywhere.

Going into the knockout stage, I’m very confident. I think we’re rolling pretty good. We need to use our talent, use it collectively, all together.

The other best teams in the tournament? You can’t ever put anything past Spain -- they’re not an easy team to beat. And looking at Turkey, they’re not an easy team to beat, either. Those two teams, and Serbia, too.

-- Eric Gordon

Photo: Eric Gordon goes to basket against Tunisia's Salah Mejri on Thursday. Credit: Tolga Bozoglu / EPA

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Gruden: Leinart 'hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities' | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

ESPN's Jon Gruden, a Super Bowl-winning coach and quarterback expert, just gave a very blunt assessment of why Matt Leinart hasn't panned out in Arizona. There are multiple reports the Cardinals are actively trying to trade the former USC star, picked 10th in the 2006 draft.

"I just say he hasn't performed," Gruden said Wednesday morning on the network's"Monday Night Football" conference call."He hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities. He's clearly been average. He hasn't been a guy who's really taken control and choked the opportunity that's been given to him, and obviously there's something missing there.

"Ken Whisenhunt has been watching him closely -- a young guy that has been put in place there in the first round to be the future of the franchise, and he hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities with an outstanding supporting cast. And for that reason I believe the Arizona Cardinals are looking to improve the position. It's that simple.

"There's a lot of guys who don't realize their potential. That's not to say he won't in the future. But the people that know him best in Arizona don't believe he can take them where they want to go, and for that reason they're going to try to upgrade the position."

-- Sam Farmer

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It's official: Brigham Young will go independent in football and to WCC in other sports | The Fabulous Forum | Los Angeles Times

The West Coast Conference just issued a release making it official: Brigham Young is going independent in football starting in 2011 and joining the WCC in other sports.

Brigham Young, a Mountain West member, had planned on going independent in football and joining the Western Athletic Conference in others sports, but that plan was foiled when the Mountain West raided the WAC of Fresno State and Nevada.

That will leave the WAC with only six schools after Boise State leaves for the Mountain West next year.

The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that BYU has 12 sports offered by the WCC, and it is unclear what happens to the sports not offered, which include swimming, diving and track.

Here's the Mountain West's response to the news:

“Since its inception, the Mountain West Conference has worked strategically to grow and strengthen the league, in order to position itself at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics,” said MWC CommissionerCraig Thompson.“Our Board of Directors’ diligent exploration of options to advance the membership’s objectives is ongoing. This includes conversations with our television partners to address issues of mutual importance, as well as determining the optimal configuration for the Conference and investigating thepossibility of various collaborative alliances.  We look forward to the future with great excitement– particularly welcoming recent additions Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada into the Mountain West.”

--Chris Dufresne

Photo: BYU Coach Bronco Mendenhall, right, runs onto the field with the Cougars for a game against UCLA in Provo, Utah. Credit: Douglas C. Pizac / Associated Press

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