Friday Water Cooler – June 11th, 2010
Here we go with today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
Enjoy!
The World Cup is officially underway – but with a bittersweet tone as we open Friday’s news.
World Cup 2010 news: Mandela loses a family member
Yes South Africa just tied Mexico 1-1 in the opening game of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, but it was still a sad day in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela was slated to appear at South Africa’s opening match today but it was not to be. Tragically, his great granddaughter was killed in a car crash heading home from the kickoff concert last night. Our hearts go out to the Mandela family.
The First goal scorer of World Cup 2010 was Siphiwe Tshabalala, who made it 1-0 for the hosts, but in the 79th minute Mexico hit a deserved equaliser when a cross from the left was floated in and Mokoena kept three forwards onside, allowing Rafael Marquez time and space to fire a shot between the near post and goalkeeper Khune. 1-1 Final.
NBA news: Avery Johnson agrees to coach Nets; Andrew Bynum hobbled again
Step one of the New Jersey Nets’ rebirth appears to have arrived. Former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, also an NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs as a player, has agreed in principle to coach New Jersey next season.
Johnson had a 194-70 record as coach of the Mavs and a 23-24 playoff record. He took Dallas to the NBA Finals in 2006. He will reunite with All-Star guard Devin Harris, whom he coached on the Mavericks before the Jason Kidd trade.
Boston big man Glen “Big Baby” Davis was a huge factor in the Celtics’ Game 4 victory over Los Angeles in the NBA Finals, scoring 18 points and nine in the fourth quarter, and a big reason for his success was the absence of Andrew Bynum in the middle for L.A. The big center played just 13 minutes and sat out the second half as his ailing knee continued to bother him.
NCAA football news: Could Reggie Bush be stripped of his Heisman trophy?
You can’t change the past…or can you? The NCAA will determine that shortly. It announced yesterday that it had officially determined Reggie Bush was ineligible during USC’s 2005 season. He committed multiple violations that year, accepting cash, gifts and other favors. If he was ineligible, it could very well mean he’ll be stripped of his Heisman Trophy in the very near future.
Let’s just be thankful USC didn’t win the national title that year. Who knows what can of worms that would’ve opened up?
MLB news: Ozzie Guillen incensed over late drafting of son; almost fights general manager
Ozzie Guillen is angry. In other news, the sun rose today. The latest incident with the fiery White Sox manager involves his son. Ozney. The young Guillen was taken in the 22nd round of this week’s MLB Draft by daddy’s team – the White Sox.
Ozzie was incensed at his son being drafted so late – so much that he said “I’d give my kid 50 grand just to go to school [at the University of South Florida rather than sign with the Sox].” Chicago general manager Kenny Williams reportedly confronted Ozzie after those comments and the two men almost came to blows.
So…what happens if Ozney signs but Ozzie gets fired? Awkward.
NHL news: Tomas Kaberle back on the trading block
Now that the 2009-10 NHL season is over and the draft is just a couple of weeks away, GMs are already preparing their moves for next season. Tomas Kaberle’s no-trade clause lifts on draft day (June 25) and the Toronto Maple Leafs are definitely looking to move him. Reportedly, they’re seeking a mid-level first-round pick and/or a top six forward under 25 years old.
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