Mets’ Closer K-Rod Done for Season – May Be Out $11.5M

After a highly publicized domestic incident with his girlfriend’s father, it appears that Fransisco Rodriguez – more commonly known as “K-Rod” – is out for the rest of the season after sustaining a torn ligament in the thumb of his throwing hand.

After a 2-game suspension following the attack, Rodriguez returned to the mound Saturday pitching with some discomfort in his throwing hand which he reported to the team on Sunday. The star pitcher underwent an examination at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City where it was discovered he had torn a ligament; no surgery has been scheduled yet.

‘Obviously I’m disappointed, discouraged, frustrated,’ Mets manager Jerry Manuel said. ‘When you get this kind of news it’s … we’ve just been through a lot. We seem to continue to have difficulties keeping things from — having these type of injuries or these type of setbacks. Every year it seems like we get a little something here or there.’

To add insult to K-Rod’s obvious injury is the fact that he may now have to forfeit his contract, or at least the remainder of this season’s contract because the injury occurred during a non-baseball event. According to ESPN.com “Rodriguez is owed $11.5 million in 2011 and has a vesting option for 2012 at $17.5 million that will kick in if he finishes 55 games next season and is healthy as the guaranteed portion of the contract concludes.” It’s rumored that the Mets organization is exploring all of its options.

While the temper flare isn’t the first in Rodriguez’s history with the Mets, nor the first on his rap-sheet, it is the first time that he’s been formally charged since coming to Flushing. During the 2009 season, K-Rod was in several altercations both in and outside of the clubhouse – first with a former executive on a team bus, then again with a bullpen coach and also with Yankees pitcher Bruney during warm-ups last June.

Rodriguez is due back in court for the 3rd degree domestic charge. Because it is considered a “domestic violence” case, the New York District Attorney will have to process this case regardless of whether or not the father-in-law decides to press charges.

USC To Return Reggie Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy + O.J. Mayo Jersey – Remove Memorabilia

After years of investigation and scandal surrounding the Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo eras at the school, the University of Southern California has chosen to return Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy as well as other memorabilia from the 2 stars:

The Trojan family honors and respects the USC sporting careers of those persons whose actions did not compromise their athletic program or the opportunities of future USC student-athletes. Accordingly, I have instructed the senior vice president for administration to remove athletic jerseys and murals displayed in recognition of O.J. Mayo and Reggie Bush by mid-August — before the incoming class of students moves on campus — from Heritage Hall, the Galen Center and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The university also will return Mr. Bush’s 2005 Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in August.

Chicago Cubs Manager Lou Piniella to Retire at End of Season

Lou Piniella (NBCSports.com)

According to ESPN.com …

CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the season, ending a storied and often colorful career that included 18 years in the majors as a player and another 22 as a manager.

The 66-year-old Piniella said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family.

“I’ve grown to love the city and the fans but at my age it will be time to enter a new phase in my life,” Piniella said in a statement released by the team.

Announcing his retirement now, Piniella added, gives the team time to find a replacement.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments during my time here and this will be a perfect way for me to end my career,” he said. “But let me make one thing perfectly clear: our work is far from over. I want to keep the momentum going more than anything else and win as many games as we can to get back in this pennant race.”

The Cubs said Piniella will retire as the 14th-winningest manager in major league history.

Piniella is in the fourth and final year of his contract with the Cubs. After leading the Cubs to consecutive NL Central titles in 2007-08, Piniella and his team missed the playoffs last year and have struggled again this season with a new owner, the Ricketts family, in charge. The Cubs have gone 102 years without a World Series title.

Piniella led the New York Yankees (1986-88), Cincinnati (1990-92), Seattle (1993-2002) and Tampa Bay (2003-05) before arriving in Chicago. He won the World Series as a manager with Cincinnati after winning two as a player (1977-78, Yankees).

A right-handed outfielder, Piniella was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1969 after batting .282, 11 home runs and 68 RBIs with the Royals. He was traded to the Yankees in 1973 and ended his playing career with New York in 1984.

Piniella trails only Tony La Russa, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre in victories among active managers. His World Series title with the Reds in 1990 was the first for the team since 1976. Piniella was at perhaps his most successful as manager of the Mariners, piling up 840 wins and four postseason appearances in 10 years

… Read the full story here

World Cup: Christiano Rinaldo Single Dad and Loving It

Christiano Rinaldo

International soccer star and sex symbol Christiano Rinaldo announced yesterday via Facebook that he is the proud father of a baby boy born to an American surrogate mother who has chosen to remain anonymous. He wrote:

“It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy. As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship.

“No further information will be provided on this subject and I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are.”

The Portugal team captain is currently dating Russian model Irina Shayk, who reacted on her Facebook page: “My boyfriend is now father of a boy.”

Irina Shayk

NBA Free Agency Update

Chris Bosh, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade

2 major pieces of the NBA free agency puzzle will be joining together in South Beach as both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have agreed to play for the Miami Heat. While contract details have not become public, ESPN.com is reporting:

Both players are expected to get the maximum amount allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement, though the addition of James could change the players’ salaries. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 8.

It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.

The hunt for Lebron James’ next home is still underway and going strong as the highly sought after free agent is expected to make an official announcement on during a 1-hour event on ESPN Thursday night at 9pm. Although the details have yet to be released, it has been suggested that James’ camp is looking to sell sponsorships during the 1 hour live event with all proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

NY Giants’ Rookie Listed in Critical Condition Following Car Accident

ESPN.com is reporting that Giants’ 3rd round draft pick and former LSU star Chad Jones has been involved in a car crash and is listed in critical condition.

According to New Orleans’ CBS affiliate WWL-TV, Jones, 21, suffered “a fractured left leg and had arteries and nerves exposed.” The station reports that Jones was listed in critical condition and was in surgery at 10:15 a.m. The accident has been reported to have occurred between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Jones was well known in collegiate sports and was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 13th round coming out of high school. He played outfield and reliever for the LSU Tigers’ nationally ranked baseball team as well as safety for the football team. He is one of only 2 players in NCAA history to win collegiate championships for both Football and Baseball.

World Cup: France Coach Raymond Domenech Refuses To Shake South African Coach’s Hand

World Cup: Landon Donovan’s Game Winner Against Algeria

In the 91st minute of Team USA’s battle with Algeria, American star Landon Donovan scored the game’s only goal to put his squad into the Round of 16. Also advancing from Group C was England who beat Slovenia 1-0.

It was an incredibly dramatic game only to be capped off with the incredible goal in stoppage time after having a goal from Dempsey called off earlier in the match. The emotional roller coaster of a WC can be wrapped up in Donovan’s post-game tears:

World Cup: USA’s Altidore Misses Practice with Stomach Ailment, Expected to Play Wednesday

ESPN.com reporting:

Jozy Altidore missed the first part of the U.S. team’s training Tuesday because he was suffering from a stomach ailment, the team announced.

Altidore missed the stretch during the workout at Eersterust Stadium, where practice was moved because FIFA wanted to preserve the condition of the field as Loftus Versfeld, the site of Wednesday’s game. He joined his teammates on the field just before practice was closed to reporters.

“Jozy just wasn’t feeling well, but he’ll be fine for [Wednesday’s game versus Algeria],” U.S. coach Bob Bradley said later during a news conference at Loftus Versfeld.

World Cup: South Africa 1st Team to Ever Be Knocked Out in Qualifiers While Hosting

Facing a French team filled with turmoil, South Africa’s team took to the field to win 2-1 in what would be their final World Cup match in 2010. Despite ending with a win, Bafana Bafana became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage as both Uruguay and Mexico advanced from the Group A bracket.

Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela scored first-half goals and French substitute Florent Malouda scored for in the 70th minute.

Despite disappointment in being knocked out, the Bafana Bafana team felt a deep sense of pride having won over a team ranked 9th in the world and runner-up in the previous World Cup.

The turmoil inside the French locker room hasn’t been a secret to anyone and looks to be the final match for manager and coach Raymond Domenech. French striker Nicolas Anelka was sent home after refusing to apologize for a curse-filled rant during halftime of the France-Mexico match last week and a fitness coach quit after an argument with capatin Patrice Evra caught on video:

ESPN.com is reporting that the issue and shame for France grew to be so great that:

…French sports minister Roselyne Bachelot on the eve of the match could inspire Les Bleus. Bachelot called an emergency meeting Monday to tell the players they had let the country down and had one last chance to redeem themselves.

It seems to have done little to curb the issues that have plagued the French national team since they arrived in South Africa.