One drunken idiot throws a beer at Ron Artest, and the fan experience changes forever. You thought players were out of reach before? Don’t be surprised if they put up 40-foot-high netting around the court after this debacle. Players should not be going into the stands; it’s that simple. Suspend Ron Artest for 35 games and see if that sends a message. Artest had every reason to become enraged, but he’s the one making millions. On this night, he’s the employee, the one people are paying to see. Somehow, some way, he needs to stop himself from going after the guy. ... full post »

When fellow blogger Matt Paulson went off on Tiger’s caddy, I initially thought it was a low blow. Isn’t picking on a caddy sort of like railing against the house help? But then I learned more about Steve Williams, who is now promoting his book, “Hitting the Zone.” Apparently the book is written in the third person, which is only the most annoying literary device imaginable. In the book -which, honestly, I haven’t read and have no desire to read - Williams explains why being a caddy isn’t for everyone: “It’s very difficult to explain to somebody what a ... full post »

Fantasy golf players - all five of them - are buzzing this week with the news that Padraig Harrington plans to play 16 to 18 PGA Tour tournaments next year (he only entered four regular Tour events this year). Can’t say I’ve ever played fantasy golf, but I can understand the excitement. Don’t be surprised if Harrington has a huge 2005, assuming the travel back and forth to Dublin doesn’t wear on him. Don’t worry that he hasn’t won in the United States yet; that’ll change in a big way next year. full post »

Tuesday marked the opening of another NBA season, but it’s nice to see several stars in midseason form, starting with Minnesota’s overrated Latrell Sprewell. The T-Wolves’ current contract offer is three years at $27 million, so you can understand why Spree would be offended. “If they don’t want to sign me, I want to go somewhere else,” Sprewell told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Why would I want to help [the Timberwolves] win a title? They’re not doing anything for me. I’ve got a lot at risk here. I’ve got my family to feed.” Are you kidding me? Could ... full post »