#2 LSU Rocks On

Matt Flynn was average in his first game as LSU's No. 1 quarterback. It looked great compared to the way Mississippi State's Michael Henig played Thursday night.

No. 2 LSU 45, Mississippi State 0 New quarterback Matt Flynn was shaky all night, but the Tigers' defense wasn't. LSU picked off five passes as the Tigers crush the Bulldogs.
Craig Steltz grabbed three of Henig's record-tying six interceptions and the second-ranked Tigers rumbled past the Bulldogs as usual 45-0. Flynn and new offensive coordinator Gary Crowton struggled to find a rhythm early, but they received plenty of help from Henig and the Tigers' defense on a rainy night."We knew the plays were going to come," Flynn said. "It was really messy out there. The rain was really coming down out there. It was tough to hang on to the ball, tough to put yards together."Just ask Henig, who practically handed LSU its eighth straight win overall. The Tigers scored points after five of his interceptions and a fumble by backup quarterback Wesley Carroll set up another."I'll be the first to admit he wasn't playing well," Mississippi coach Sylvester Croom said. "There's not a whole lot to say."It was LSU's eighth straight win in the series with the Bulldogs. Since Mississippi State's last win in 1999, LSU has outscored the Bulldogs 340-81, including three shutouts by 42 or more points.Mississippi State has lost 12 straight games to Top 10 opponents and 11 of its last 13 home games.Steltz, Curtis Taylor, Jonathan Zenon and Danny McCray had interceptions in the first half and Steltz added two more in the second half. The Tigers needed the help as a stout Bulldogs defense held them scoreless on every drive but one that wasn't set up by a turnover.Henig also fumbled the snap on a fourth-and-1 attempt after he led the team on a nine-play drive in the first quarter that put the Bulldogs at the Tigers 36. It was one of only two serious forays into LSU territory.Henig tied the school record for interceptions in a game that had stood since 1949, when Max Stainbrook did it against Cincinnati, before giving way to Carroll midway through the fourth quarter. It was Henig's fifth multiple-interception game in 10 career starts and the most picks he's thrown since giving away three passes against Alabama on Nov. 5, 2005, as a freshman.How does a quarterback recover from a six-interception game?"A lot of prayer to clear my head," Henig said. "I know a lot of people will say bad things this week. But I can't pay attention to that."LSU coach Les Miles said he'd never had team pick off six passes in a game."I hope it's not the last," he said.Croom said the turnovers undermined any chance the Bulldogs had."You lose field position, you lose offensive opportunities and the big thing is you can't give the defense a rest," he said.While Henig struggled, Flynn gained confidence as the game progressed. After completing 3 of 7 passes for 23 yards in the first quarter, JaMarcus Russell's replacement zeroed in on Early Doucet. The fifth-year senior QB finished with 128 yards on 12 of 19 passing with two touchdowns and no turnovers in his second career start. Doucet had nine catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.Flynn also ran for 42 yards."Flynn made good plays and was really the key to our efforts on offense," Miles said. "He moved well in the pocket and avoided negative yardage."Jacob Hester gave LSU a boost early and finished with 68 yards rushing on 14 carries. He also served as the lead blocker on two 1-yard TD runs by Keiland Williams that helped the Tigers to a 17-0 halftime lead.While LSU's offense will have to find some consistency as the team prepares for next week's game against No. 9 Virginia Tech, its defense appeared to be as dominating as last year.The Tigers allowed 146 total yards and held the Bulldogs to 10 yards rushing. LSU also had four sacks and a fumble recovery.Mississippi State can take some consolation in keeping the game close in the first half. Last season, the Tigers led 21-0 after the first quarter and 35-3 midway through a 48-17 win.But the result certainly won't take the pressure off Croom, who has lost 26 games in four seasons at Starkville and will be searching for his 10th win when the Bulldogs travel to Tulane on Sept. 8.Croom remains optimistic."I told my football team in the dressing room after that we're going to be a very good team before this season is over," he said.

Beckham Injured in SuperLiga Final

- David Beckham left the field in the 30th minute of Wednesday night's SuperLiga final against Pachuca after spraining his right knee when he fell.

David Beckham sprained his right knee during the Galaxy's SuperLiga final Wednesday night and would not return. The star midfielder sat on the bench to have his right leg taped before he gingerly walked off to the tunnel.

The Los Angeles Galaxy's star midfielder and Pachuca midfielder Fernando Salazar each went after the ball just outside the Mexican club's penalty area. Beckham tripped over the ball and fell. He lay face down on the grass for a few seconds before getting up and hobbling off the field, signaling to the bench he needed to come out.Initially, Beckham's injury was announced as a strain. But after he was examined at halftime, the team said he had a sprain.Salazar left because of a strained right knee. Alan Gordon replaced Beckham in the 33rd minute, triggering massive booing from the crowd of 12,500.Beckham made his way to a wall on the sideline, bent over and held on to it before a Galaxy staff member arrived to help him to the bench. He sat down and had his right leg taped, then buried his head in his hands. At halftime, Beckham gingerly walked across the field to the tunnel.He did not return to the field for the second half.Beckham has had a nagging left ankle injury since before he joined the Galaxy on July 13. It has limited his playing time and caused him to miss games both at home and on the road.The Galaxy's next MLS game is at home Saturday against Real Salt Lake. Beckham was expected to leave Sunday to join England for 10 days to play in two Euro 2008 qualifying matches, but it was not immediately known how his injury might affect those plans.The Galaxy wore black armbands to honor 22-year-old Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta, who died Tuesday after collapsing on the field in Spain.

After the plea: What's next for Vick, Falcons?

Faced with the reality of a Dec. 10 sentencing that could bring him 12-18 months in prison — or more —Michael Vick has made his apologies and pledged to find personal redemption.
"I will redeem myself. I have to," a somber Vick said Monday after entering his guilty plea to a federal dogfighting charge.
But the impact of his personal downfall also touches the Atlanta Falcons team that gave him a rich contract and counted on him as its quarterback for seasons to come, the National Football League that showcased him as a new-wave star and the fans that cheered him.

"This is the most dramatic and rapid fall from grace that I've seen any athlete experience in contemporary American sports," agent Leigh Steinberg, said. "It was only a couple of years ago that Michael Vick was the face of the young National Football League, the most marketable player in the league."
The impact on Vick
In a federal court appearance Monday that lasted less than 20 minutes, Vick entered his plea before Judge Henry E. Hudson.
"What is your plea, sir, guilty or not guilty?" the judge asked in courtroom packed with about 100 media members and spectators.
"Guilty," said Vick, clad in a dark blue suit.
Vick's defense team and prosecutors agreed on a plea deal that recommended a sentencing guideline of 12-18 months in prison. The one-count indictment, hinged on conspiracy to cross states lines to commit unlawful acts, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
"Mr. Vick, I place a lot of weight on the government's recommendations, but I want to make sure you understand I am not bound by this part of the plea agreement," Hudson said.
While Vick's remarks were limited to "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" in court, he spoke later in a hotel ballroom statement to the media.
It was his first public comment on the case since the July 17 indictment stemming from the operation of Bad Newz Kennels on property former owned by Vick in Smithfield, Va. Federal prosecutors alleged dogs that didn't measure up were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning.
"I take this opportunity just to speak from the heart," Vick said.
He began by apologizing to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has suspended him indefinitely, and to the Falcons, including owner Arthur Blank, new coach Bobby Petrino and the players.
"I was not honest and forthright in our discussions (about whether he was involved in dogfighting), and, you know, I was ashamed and totally disappointed in myself to say the least," Vick said.
He made no excuses: "I'm totally responsible, and those things just didn't have to happen … just can't happen. Dogfighting is a terrible thing, and I didn't reject it."
Court spectator Steve Stanaway, 64, of Newport News, Va. (Vick's hometown), wore a T-shirt that read, "My Dog Hates Michael Vick." He said he'd be back for sentencing. "It's not done yet. Dec. 10 it will be done," he said.
Picketers from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) gathered outside the courthouse, but when Vick exited he also was greeted loud chants of, "We love Mike," by supporters from the Tidewater region of eastern Virginia, his home area.
On the sidewalk across from the courthouse, Vick's most vocal supporters were African-American. The group around the PETA protestors was predominantly white.
Dennis Courtland Hayes, interim president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said in an interview last week that he preferred his group focus on the "root causes" of problems affecting minorities. But he also said he understood why African-Americans have supported Vick.
"We all bring baggage to situations," Hayes said. "And maybe the baggage for African-Americans is the history of our dealings with the criminal justice system, which many feel has not been fair, does not care."
The impact on the Falcons
At a news conference in Atlanta, team owner Arthur Blank said the Falcons will "move on" to the season ahead.
"I could not be more proud of our head coach (Petrino)," Blank said. "… He's done an unbelievable job focusing himself, his staff and the players on the responsibility of football."
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But there are ramifications for the Falcons beyond the lineup.
Vick signed a 10-year, $130 million contract in December 2005. While he is suspended, the Falcons won't have to pay the $6 million salary he is due this season.
But they must sort out the details of how to recoup some of the millions they've paid him in bonuses.
In suspending Vick last week, Goodell said the Falcons were "free to assert any claims or remedies available to them" under the league contract with the players union and Vick's individual contract.
The Falcons says they have begun that process, but it gets complex.
"We cannot tell you today that Michael is cut from the team," Blank said. "Cutting him may feel better today emotionally for us and many of our fans, but it is not in the best long-term interest of our franchise."
Steinberg, who has negotiated many big contracts, said the Falcons' best option to recoup as much bonus money as possible and minimize the hit in their salary cap is not to cut Vick immediately.
"What's likely to happen is they will keep him on the roster so they have the right to go against the (bonus) money, and they will not waive him until after June 1 of next year," Steinberg said.
The impact on the league
This coming season will be in the stretch run when Vick is sentenced in December. If he gets a year in prison, that will carry into next season. Goodell has not said whether he might continue Vick's suspension beyond that.
But Vick is 27. Steinberg anticipates he will "most certainly" get a chance to play again in the NFL.
"If he serves time, if he continues to be repentant, … he still will be a young man when he leaves prison. Some team will take a chance on him," Steinberg said.
But will teams still take chances on big contracts?
"It won't affect our approach. We feel like we've been very proactive in what we've done here," said Seattle Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell.
He said the character screening starts when scouts first visit a player on a college campus.
"We don't want to see guys who behave badly and aren't conducive to being a good citizen. … We feel our fans are going to want to like them as people. If you don't have that, then, you're going to have problems," Ruskell said.
San Diego Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said: "I don't know how you can be more diligent. … You look at it (the Vick case) and go, 'Geez, the information we're getting, I hope it's good.' "
While the NFL's image doesn't appear to have suffered, Vick's image has taken the big hit.
"I accepted responsibility for my actions. … Now I have to pay the consequences for it," the quarterback said. "I got a lot to think about in the next year or so."
About Vick's attorney: The Falcons quarterback is not the first high-profile client attorney Billy Martin has represented.
Among the notable figures who have retained the counsel of the former federal prosecutor, a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan who has also been an advisor to the NFL and NBA players associations:
Boxer Riddick Bowe, former Atlanta mayor Bill Campbell, NBA player Allen Iverson, former White House intern Monica Lewinsky, actor Wesley Snipes, former NBA player Jayson Williams and the parents of murdered Congressional intern Chandra Levy.
Looking ahead: When Vick appeared in court in July, his Atlanta Falcons also opened training camp. Vick was in court Monday, and the team had a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Other important dates in Vick's future:
• Dec. 10: Sentencing hearing in federal court in Richmond, Va. The Falcons host the New Orleans Saints.
• June 1, 2008: The first date by which the Falcons can cut Vick and spread out their remaining salary-cap hit across two seasons rather than one.
• Dec. 11, 2008: The earliest Vick could be released from prison if the judge follows the minimum recommendation under suggested guidelines.
Fate of pit bulls to be decided: According to the indictment against Vick, the dogs used in the Virginia-based ring had names such as "Big Boy," "Chico" and "Jane."
The U.S. Attorney's office in Richmond said it would seek a court order this week to declare the U.S. government the owner of about 50 pit bulls taken from Vick's property.
It said in a news release that decisions on what becomes of the dogs — with euthanasia among the options — would be made after they were assessed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
"We anticipate the evaluations will be completed within about three weeks, and the government will thereafter make a recommendation to the court for the dogs' disposition. The public can be assured that careful consideration will be given to the ultimate disposition of the dogs

Ref Bet on Games He Worked

Tim Donaghy started making NBA bets four years ago, and he didn't hesitate to wager on games he worked.

In a New York courthouse Wednesday, ex-referee Tim Donaghy pleads guilty to two felony charges in connection with the NBA betting scandal. Prosecutors said that Donaghy bet on games himself, but that was not part of his plea.

Speaking in code during telephone calls, he tipped off high-stakes gamblers with inside information and recommended which teams to bet on. When his picks hit, he was paid $5,000.The stunning allegations emerged Wednesday as the disgraced former NBA referee pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a scandal that rocked the league and tarnished the integrity of the sport."By having this nonpublic information, I was in a unique position to predict the outcome of NBA games," Donaghy, standing ramrod-straight with his hands clasped in front of him, told the judge in a Brooklyn courtroom.Donaghy, who was released on $250,000 bond, faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 9 for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce. He also must pay a $500,000 fine and at least $30,000 in restitution to the government.Commissioner David Stern said the NBA would "continue with our ongoing and thorough review of the league's officiating program to ensure that the best possible policies and procedures are in place to protect the integrity of our game."Defense attorney John Lauro told The Associated Press that Donaghy was "relieved this part of the proceeding is over and we look forward to completely resolving this matter in the coming months."


"Tim deeply regrets his involvement in this matter and especially the pain it has caused his family, friends and co-workers," Lauro said.The plea had been widely expected in recent weeks, but court documents released Wednesday revealed new details about the depth of the scandal.Court papers say the 40-year-old Donaghy began placing bets on NBA games in 2003. Starting last December, he began giving gambling associates sensitive information, including which crews would officiate games and how the various officials and players interacted.His actions "compromised his objectivity as a referee because of his personal financial interest in the outcome of NBA games," the government said.It was highly lucrative for Donaghy. While in Toronto, Phoenix and Washington, D.C., to referee games earlier this year, Donaghy received thousands of dollars in cash payoffs from the gamblers, authorities said.They did not spell out specific games that Donaghy officiated and placed bets on, nor would they say if he made calls during the game to help a team cover the spread.In one exchange, according to court papers, Donaghy provided a tip about an NBA game on Dec. 13, 2006. That same day, he worked a 76ers game in Philadelphia against the Boston Celtics.The next day, Donaghy met with the gamblers in Pennsylvania and received a cash payment, authorities say. A person close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the case is ongoing, said the payment was for a successful tip on the 76ers-Celtics game.

Tiger Roars to 13th Major Win

The 13th major for Tiger Woods looked like so many others until he finished.


Defending champion Tiger Woods recovered from an early bogey with birdies on 4, 7, 8, and 15, holding off challenges from Ernie Els and Woody Austin.

His father is no longer alive for Woods to walk into his arms. His mother no longer travels to any major but the Masters. He now shares his triumphs with a wife and baby daughter, and the biggest surprise Sunday at the PGA Championship was seeing them when he walked into the scoring trailer to sign for a 69 and a two-shot victory.Naturally, 2-month-old Sam Alexis was decked out in red."It's a feeling I've never had before," Woods said after turning back a brief scare to win the final major of the year. "Having Sam there and having Elin there, it feels a lot more special. And it used to be my mom and dad. And now Elin, and now we have our own daughter. So it's evolved, and this one feels so much more special than the other majors."On the golf course, it was the same old story.With his five-shot lead trimmed to a single stroke, Woods kept his cool in temperatures that reached 102 degrees. He hit 7-iron to 10 feet on the 15th hole for a birdie that gave him some breathing room, and the bold drive on the 16th - Woods twirled the club in his hand when he saw it split the middle - was the sure sign this major was over.Woody Austin (67) and Ernie Els (66) made spirited runs, but that wasn't nearly enough.And so, a season of first-time winners in the majors ended with a most familiar champion. His fourth PGA Championship gave him 13 majors, leaving him only five short of the benchmark set by Jack Nicklaus, and well ahead of the pace set by the Golden Bear.Woods, 31, won his 13th major in his 44th start. Nicklaus was 35 when he won his 13th major in his 53rd try as a pro.He is so dominant in his era that Woods now has more majors (13) then the rest of the top 10 in the world ranking combined (12).He finished at 8-under 272 and won for the fifth time this year.This by far was the biggest, especially after coming in second at the Masters and the U.S. Open.

Tiger in Total Control at PGA

Tiger Woods draped a blue towel over sagging shoulders, looking like a heavyweight who had gone the distance.

Tiger is 12 for 12 in majors when tied or leading through 54 holes.

You should have seen the other guys.Woods set modest goals that led to great expectations Saturday in the PGA Championship, turning in a 1-under 69 in torrid temperatures at Southern Hills to build a three-shot lead over Stephen Ames.He has never lost a major when leading after 36 holes. He has never lost any tournament anywhere in the world when leading by more than one shot going into the final round."I've always enjoyed being out in front," said Woods, who was at 7-under 203. "And hopefully, tomorrow I can go ahead and play the way I've been playing the last few days."No one conceded the final major to the world's No. 1 player.But it sure sounded that way."If you're trying to win a tournament like this, he's the wrong guy to let get out ahead of you," Scott Verplank said after a 74 that made him look more like a bystander than a contender."He knows he's going to win," Arron Oberholser said after an even-par 70 left him seven shots behind. "I think the scary thing is that maybe he knows that you know he's going to win."Saving his best golf for the final major, Woods followed his record-tying score of 63 with a round that wasn't anything special but no less effective. He made 15 pars, two of them with 10-foot putts that kept him in control early, and rarely took on the flags."I accomplished my goal today," Woods said. "My goal was to shoot under par and increase my lead. And I was able to do that."Five players remained under par, and only Ernie Els (69) at 1-under 209 has experience winning a major."The statistics will tell you, yes, it is over," Els said. "But as a competitor, I can't sit there and tell you it's over. I can't ever do that."But if he were watching from his house?

"If I was not a golfer - a fan on the couch - I'd be putting my house on him, yeah," Els said.Woods made it look as though this were a Sunday afternoon and he was protecting his lead, playing away from trouble and rarely having to work too hard for par. He picked up his birdies with a 6-foot putt on No. 4 and a 12-footer on the 12th that stretched his lead to five at one point Saturday.It will be the third time this year Woods plays in the final group of a major. He was trailing at the Masters and U.S. Open and never caught up, but the odds are much higher in his favor of capturing his first major of the year.Ames made a 12-foot birdie on the final hole for a 69 that put him in the final group of a major for the first time. Just his luck he gets Woods, spotting the 12-time major champion a three-shot lead.Ames bristled when his loss to Woods in the Accenture Match Play Championship last year was brought up again. He jokingly said that anything could happen "especially where he's hitting the ball," and Woods went on to a record 9-and-8 victory two days later.This time, Ames figures he has nothing to lose."For me, it's a great opportunity of being in the situation," he said. "Tiger's going for his 13th. I'm looking for my first."Woody Austin lost his chance to be in the final group when he took bogey on the final hole for a 69, leaving him at 207. John Senden had a 69 and was another shot back, followed by Els."You recognize him as the world's No. 1, and him having the lead ... it's a tough ask to go out there and compete with him because you respect how good he is," Senden said. "I have to continue on what I have to do best, and if that's good enough to beat Tiger Woods, well, fantastic."Verplank held his own until a double bogey from the rough and trees on the signature 12th hole, and a three-putt from the back of the 18th green for bogey ended his long day. He was in a large group at even-par 210.For the briefest moment, the former U.S. Amateur champion from Oklahoma State pulled within one shot. Verplank dribbled an 8-foot birdie putt down the hill and into the cup at No. 4 to reach 5 under, only to watch Woods hole a 6-foot putt to match his birdie and restore the margin to two shots.Walking to the fifth tee, Verplank smirked and said, "That guy makes everything."It sure looked that way.


Woods atoned for a poor chip on the third with a 10-foot par save, and saved par from 10 feet again on the eighth after hitting into a bunker. His streak of 24 straight holes without a bogey ended when he hit 6-iron into the bunker on the 14th and missed from 18 feet.He led by as many as five shots on the back nine until that bogey on 14. Even so, it was his largest lead going into the final round of a major since the 2005 Masters, which he won in a playoff over Chris DiMarco.One after another, players finished their rounds, looked at the top of the leaderboard and figured it would require their best round to have any chance of winning. They have seen this before.And so has Woods, even if he won't concede the tournament is over.This is only the fifth time in his career that Woods came to the final major of the year without winning one, although he arrived at Southern Hills fresh off an eight-shot victory at a World Golf Championship.But the work is not done."I've always said in order to have a great year you have to win a major championship," he said. "You can win every tournament, but the majors are where it's at. And this year, I've had some opportunities to deal with this. I haven't done it. I'm in good shape going into tomorrow and hopefully, I can get it done."The only low scores were in the morning, when the greens were still smooth. Boo Weekley had a chance to shoot 63 until he hit his approach on the 18th about 45 feet away and took three putts for a bogey and a 65.Playing with Weekley was Sergio Garcia, but not for long. Weekley marked down a 4 for Garcia on the 17th hole when the Spaniard made 5, and Garcia signed it anyway and was disqualified.Woods looked as though he might come back to the field, but he steadied himself quickly. He saved par twice on the first three holes, then wiggled his way out of trouble on the par-5 fifth when he bounced his third shot out of the rough, under a tree and tumbling up to the green about 35 feet left of the pin.It will be the second straight week that Woods played in the final group against someone whose comments about him got wide publicity. Last week, Woods turned a one-shot victory over Rory Sabbatini - who said earlier this year Woods looked "beatable as ever" into an eight-shot win.This will be the first time since Match Play last year that Woods and Ames have played together.For both, it seemed like a distant memory. More important is the immediate future."I know what I have to do tomorrow," Woods said.

Bonds on Fire, Hits No. 758

Barry Bonds added another home run to his record count Friday night, connecting for No. 758 in the third inning off former teammate Matt Morris of Pittsburgh.

Just a few days into his reign as the home run king, Bonds wastes no time in padding his totals as he blasts a two-run shot off Matt Morris in the third inning for No. 758.
Bonds sent a 3-2 pitch into the right-field arcade for a two-run shot, giving the San Francisco Giants a 3-1 lead over the Pirates. The fan who retrieved the ball was quickly whisked away so the ball could be authenticated.Fans jumped to their feet as Bonds made his third home-run trot this week in the club's waterfront ballpark. He broke Hank Aaron's record with No. 756 on Tuesday, then had a splash-hit homer into McCovey Cove for his 757th the very next night.It was his first career homer off Morris, who became the 448th different pitcher to give up a homer to Bonds. Morris was dealt to the Pirates at the trading deadline.The 43-year-old Bonds received a standing ovation when he came out to play left field in the top of the fourth and he tipped and waved his cap with his left hand.

Barry Bonds..... History Made

So now what? Whether you revile him or admire him, loathe him or love him, Barry Bonds is baseball’s home run king after an exhausting chase for history, and there’s a real sense of relief now that it’s over for almost everyone involved.


There was no drama – save Hank Aaron’s surprise video tribute – but it’s hard to imagine a chase for any all-time record having a lot of sizzle. All of a sudden, there’s a major vacuum in the baseball world. I guess we’ll all have to pay attention to the game on the field. It does go on.The record has fallen and we can’t go back. That’s why, I suspect, Bonds will be met with neither boos nor cheers on his next road trip, but instead something he probably hasn’t felt in many years, indifference.Of course, the controversy around Bonds isn’t going anywhere, not as long as there is a federal grand jury after the slugger. For members of the Bonds-tourage, people that, willingly or not, have been a part of this torturous chase, it’s truly over, though. The 15 minutes of fame are up. Time to move on to a new challenge. Who’s looking for something to do today? Here’s a short list.Pedro GomezGo home, man. Go home. The ESPN reporter has been following Barry Bonds every day from spring training to the end of the season for three years. That’s got to be the most thankless job in America this side of being Britney Spears’ publicist. Gomez isn’t just some television flunky. He’s a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America who has covered baseball since 1990. Hopefully he can find someone a little more cuddly than Bonds to stalk now.Bud SeligThe awkwardness can finally end. No more daily updates on the whereabouts of Major League Baseball's commissioner. No more questions about where he should be. No more questions about how he could celebrate it. And thank god. It’s hard to imagine someone handling the chase worse than Selig. Though we’re told he wants very little to do with Bonds, his constant waffling became a story throughout the pursuit.While Bonds is cast as a divisive figure – either loved or hated – I suspect most baseball fans feel as I do about the slugger – ambivalent. I’m willing to celebrate or at least appreciate his accomplishment, while realizing he probably took performance-enhancing drugs and also realizing that we just don’t have the context or the distance of history to really put his achievement in perspective. Who else cheated, after all?And that’s how Selig should have treated the chase. Celebrate it now and let the lacquer of history decide Bonds’ legacy.

For many fans, everything Barry Bonds does on the field is tainted by long-running suspicions that he has cheated by taking steroids.
The Hammer can go back to being one of the greatest home run hitters in baseball history. People will decide who their home run king is and that was true even before Bonds hit 756. Many still considered Babe Ruth the ultimate slugger when Aaron hit 715. Hank had already moved on anyway. He was in bed by the time his record fell. Nikolai Bonds Seeing him hop over the fence in excitement after his dad’s milestone clout was a nice moment, but he’s a little old to be a batboy isn’t he? By the way, did anyone else think it was odd that Barry didn’t hug his son back at home plate?Giants FansLost in all the Bonds hoopla is that he plays for a really, really bad team with little hope of getting better in the next few seasons. Only three teams in baseball have a worse record than San Francisco. Even the Nationals and Royals are better. AT&T Park is going to be a lot emptier over the next few months.Giants PlayersThe chase is over, now the national media can get out of your clubhouse. That’s a good thing, right? Not so fast. Now the local media can focus on just how lousy you guys are at baseball.The KayakersSorry. You guys are going to actually have to buy a ticket if you want another shot at grabbing history, unless, of course, A-Rod opts out of his contract and signs with the Giants.
I’ll go out on a limb and say giving up No. 756 will be the highlight of Bacsik’s career. He’s 29, he’s made just 30 major league starts, he has a career ERA of 5.21, and before this season his last appearance in the majors was in 2004.Baseball FansThe beauty of baseball is that the game goes on. (The Nationals actually beat the Giants last night!) After weeks of being held hostage by round-the-clock Barry-this-Bud’s-there coverage, the circus disappears and the sport returns.There’s plenty of Barry-free drama to be had in the majors. The NL MVP race is a free-for-all. No first-place team has a lead bigger than five games. More than half of baseball’s 30 clubs are in striking distance of a playoff spot. The Yankees are surging. The Mets and Braves are set to lock horns down the stretch.It’s fun to see history, but it’s also draining. Luckily, there’s plenty of baseball left to revitalize us.

Barry Bond tyes Hank Aaron

With a short swing, a half stare and an emphatic clap of his hands, Barry Bonds rounded the bases. After so many days and so many tries, he had finally caught Hammerin' Hank.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig was a reluctant witness to history. Choosing to overlook the steroid allegations that have dogged the San Francisco slugger, Selig watched Bonds tie Hank Aaron's home run record - his mouth agape, hands stuffed in pockets and nary a cheer on his lips.No. 755 was a strong shot for all the doubters, an opposite-field drive of 382 feet to left-center, moving Bonds within one swing of having baseball's pinnacle of power all to himself. It came on a 2-1, 91 mph fastball.And it was a long time coming.It had been eight days and 28 plate appearances since Bonds hit his 754th home run, and he came out for early batting practice Saturday, hoping to break his slump. He did it quickly, leading off the second inning."No matter what anybody thinks of the controversy surrounding this event, Mr. Bonds' achievement is noteworthy and remarkable," Selig said in a statement.Selig said either he or a representative would attend the Giants' next few games "out of respect for the tradition of the game, the magnitude of the record and the fact that all citizens in this country are innocent until proven guilty."Bonds drew a mixed reaction from the crowd at Petco Park after he homered off Clay Hensley. Several fans held up asterisk signs and the San Francisco slugger was booed as he headed to left field at the end of the inning.Bonds walked his next three times up and left the game in the eighth for a pinch-runner. He raised his helmet with his left hand, then his right, and drew a standing ovation from many fans who chanted his name.The Padres won 3-2 in 12 innings.

Storied Celts Ready to Write New Chapter

With the arrival of NBA superstar Kevin Garnett, the doormat Boston Celtics became the storied Boston Celtics once again.


In Pierce, Garnett and Allen, the Celtics now have a lineup formidable enough to contend with their impressive legacy.
Just a week ago, the Celtics were nothing more than a franchise that had to dust off the history books to brag about their past accomplishments, such as: 16 NBA championships, a legendary coach in Red Auerbach, the greatest defender ever in Bill Russell, and arguably the greatest player ever in Larry Bird. Just a week ago, the Celtics were a question mark in the NBA, and nothing close to what they used to be.But with the addition of Garnett in a blockbuster trade Tuesday, the Celtics can now stand proud again.When I became a big NBA fan in the early 80's it was cool to hate the Celtics. But I couldn't help but respect them, too.I loved watching Bird nail jumpers at any place, at any time, in anyone's eye. Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson and Danny Ainge were stars that sacrificed their games to fit in around Bird and play team basketball that led to title after title. While the Los Angeles Lakers, the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers seemed more fun to watch, basketball was at its best when one of those teams played the Celtics in a dogfight on CBS on Sunday.Yes, I enjoyed rooting against the Celtics, but they often got the last laugh.As an African-American, my forced hatred for the Celtics came to an end as I got older and more educated. How could I dislike a franchise that drafted the first African-American in NBA history in Chuck Cooper? How could I dislike a franchise that showcased the first all-black starting five? How could I dislike a franchise that made Russell the first African-American coach in major American sports history?Considering the Celtics' storied history and the imprint it had on African-American history, it was sad to see them become mortal in recent years.Very mortal.The Celtics haven't been to the Finals in 20 years. The death of No. 1 draft pick Len Bias in 1986 hurt them for the next decade, if not longer. Since K.C. Jones' departure, Boston has had a carousel of coaches including Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford, M.L. Carr, Rick Pitino, Jim O'Brien, John Carroll and now Doc Rivers. The C's have missed the playoffs the last two seasons and eight of the past 12 years. Just last season they endured an embarrassing 18-game losing streak. Their lone and disgruntled star Paul Pierce seemed destined to be an NBA version of Ernie Banks. And despite having the NBA's second worst record, Boston couldn't get lucky enough in the 2007 draft lottery to win the coveted draft rights to Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.A once bright star respectfully known as the Celtics had fallen hard and hadn't shined for years."(Pierce and Rivers) have stood in front of the cameras and in front of (the media) the last two years and have taken some heat, taken some bullets, and had pretty heavy shoes to fill, and had expectations that were probably unrealistic and unfair," said Ainge, now the Celtics' executive director of basketball operations.The creative Celtics' brass, however, worked a miracle this offseason that even quieted talk of referee Tim Donaghy's gambling scandal.
In 12 seasons in Minnesota, Kevin Garnett only made it as far as the Western Conference finals once. Now that he's in Boston, Garnett is sure to face much higher expectations.

Seeing it as going from one rebuilding job to another, Garnett originally turned down an opportunity to leave Minnesota to become a Celtic earlier this summer. Seven-time NBA All-Star Ray Allen, however, took the first leap of faith, as he was dealt to the C's on draft night. With two perennial All-Stars on the roster in Pierce and Allen, it suddenly clicked with Garnett that the Celtics could be an Eastern Conference champion with him. And on July 31, the dog years for the Celtics finally came to an end with the addition of one of the NBA's biggest stars in K.G."On draft night when Boston traded for Ray Allen, that whole situation changed for me," Garnett said. "I actually contemplated and thought about it. I really didn't speak publicly. I really didn't say too much to my friends or any of that. I was really trying to see myself be comfortable in a Celtic jersey."The thought of Garnett wearing that famous green jersey is already having a huge impact on the confidence of his new teammates."(Garnett's arrival) means a lot more wins," said Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo, over the phone. "I don't want to guarantee anything ... We'll take it one step at a time, but we got players in key position to get things."Scoot over Red Sox and Patriots. Move over San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. The Celtics are back where they are supposed to be: an NBA power again. And somewhere in heaven, Red is surely smiling while puffing another victory cigar."The Boston Celtics (are) an elite franchise," Pierce said. "Now that we've made the deals to be at an elite level, that's what this city is all about ... and staying there

Bonds One Away From Homer History

Will this be the night Barry Bonds writes himself into the record books? As Bonds squares off against starting pitcher Mark Hendrickson and the Dodgers tonight, follow the action live from Los Angeles as it happens