Who is he:

The name Bob Knight is synonymous with the greatest basketball coach ever and also the most controversial basketball coach ever.  He started his coaching career at West Point as an assistant and eventually was promoted to Head Coach.  He then moved on to Indiana University, compiling a 662-239 record and so began his coaching legacy.   His accomplishments include 871 career wins as of November 14, 2006, trailing Dean Smith by only nine victories for best all time.  With four National Coach of the Year awards and three National Championships, Knight’s resume speaks for itself.  Unfortunately, his accomplishments as a coach could be tainted by numerous altercations on and off the court.  On September 10, 2000, Knight was sent packing from Indiana after an off field incident involving a fan.  Yes, an Indiana fan.  He is currently coaching at Texas Tech, bringing a winning mentality to a historically terrible basketball program.

February 4, 2008

Bob Knight, the winningest NCAA men's division I basketball coach of all-time, retired as Texas Tech's coach. Knight, age 67, won his 902nd game Saturday when his Red Raiders beat Oklahoma State.

Bob Knight won three national titles as the head coach of Indiana - in 1976, 1981 and 1987. He led the Hoosiers to 24 NCAA tournament appearances and made it to the Final Four two other times. He was fired at Indiana on Sept. 10, 2000, by then president Myles Brand due to a pattern of "defiant and hostile" behavior.

Knight was 138-82 with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He took the Red Raiders to the NCAA Tournament in 4 out of 6 seasons. He will be replaced by his son, Pat, for the remainder of Texas Tech's season. Knight's graduation rate for his four-year players was around  98 percent, incredible.

Get some rest Bob, 902 wins is a worthy milestone and your status as a legendary coach is well-deserved.

November 13, 2006

Bob Knight made contact with one of his players chin while berating him.  It appeared that the player, Michael Prince, started to lower his head and Knight furiously popped his chin up to scold him for not looking at him while he was screaming at the player.  Prince apparently was called for a foul and a timeout was called prior to the incident.  It was obvious that Knight lost his cool and could not control his emotions.  This is one of numerous incidents Knight has had with players, fans, family member, referees etc…Knight was not confronted during a post game news conference about the controversial scolding.  Every sports media outlet analyzed the incident the following morning, showing it numerous times.   

 Reasons to fire:

1. 1970- Reacting to a negative news release, Knight “choked and punched” Indiana’s sports director, Kit Klingelhofer.
2. 1985- Indiana v. Purdue.  After arguing a call, Knight was assessed a technical foul.  He then grabbed a chair and threw it across the court towards media members and fans.  He was then charged a second technical and ejected soon there after. 
3. 1993- Knight is booed by fans after kicking a chair.  What’s wrong with that?  His son, Patrick, was sitting in the chair.  Patrick was a player at the time and was visibly shaken after the kick.  As fans booed Knight, he screamed obscenities towards them.
4. 1995- Fined $30k for scolding an NCAA volunteer. 
5. 1998- Paid $10k fine for making derogatory remarks to an NCAA official.
6. 2000- The year that made him legendary.
• Former IU player, Neil Reed, releases a 1997 video showing Knight choking him during practice. 
• Knight’s former boss, Clarence Doninger, felt physically threatened following a confrontation.
• Physically and emotionally intimidated a secretary.  During the tirade he threw a potted plant that caused glass and debris to hit the secretary.
• Threw an assistant coach out of his chair after overhearing him speaking negatively about the program on the phone.
• After issuing an apology to the secretary, Knight is issued a “zero tolerance” policy by the board.
• September 8, 2000 “The straw that broke the camels back” Kent Harvey, Indiana freshman, alleges Knight violently grabbed his arm and scolded him.  What caused Knight to almost come to blows with a kid?  “Hey, what’s up, Knight?”  WHOA.  Hold up.  What’s up?  He said “what’s up?” and Coach gets this worked up. Time to get...
7. Fired!  Brand finally fires Knight on September 10, 2000.  See ya Knight.
8. September 12, 2000- Berates ESPN representative, Jeremy Schaap, during an interview for interrupting him on national television.  Schaap was there to give Knight a chance to speak his side and he shows his true self for everyone to see.
9. November 13, 2006- After six quiet years, the snake sheds his skin.  Knight is shown reprimanding a player violently as he is merely looking at the ground.  The player involved Michael Prince, his parents and Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers have come forward to say that Knight did nothing wrong and that the coach was trying to get his player's attention.  Does physical contact such as slapping a chin need to occur, I'm sure Bob  Knight has a very commanding voice/presence.

After getting fired Bob Knight should:

Play Ted Knight’s character in a “Too Close for Comfort” movie.  They have the same last name and blazing silver hair.  Do you remember Ted Knight’s tantrums when Monroe Ficus messed up, reminds me of Bobby.  You’ve used up your apologies Knight, you’ve been fired. 

FYI, Too Close for Comfort was one of the greatest sitcoms ever.  Ted Knight was a comical genius.  Second to…Three’s Company of course.  Jack Tripper is the greatest. 

Who is he:

Michael Vick is a three-time pro bowl quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons with exceptional speed and arm strength.  He is attributed with reinventing the quarterback position with unheard of athleticism.  Acclaimed by many as the most exciting player in the NFL, Vick has received praise and adulation from fans, peers and media members. 

As a redshirt freshman in 1999, Vick led the Virginia Tech Hokies to an improbable 11-0 season and the national championship game versus the Florida State Seminoles.  Even though the Hokies lost, Vick produced a heroic type performance that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in college football history.  He finished third in the Heisman Trophy race and won the ESPY as the nation’s best collegiate athlete.  After an outstanding sophomore season, he entered the 2001 NFL Draft. 

The Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Vick as the number one overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, where he was expected to transcend not only the quarterback position but the game as well.  Never had we seen a quarterback with such speed, arm strength and elusiveness.  Vick’s athletic ability brought praise and three pro bowls (2003, 2005, 2006) as well as numerous playoff appearances.  Just as his athletic ability caused headaches for frustrated Defensive Coordinators, his deficiencies have been exposed as well.  The lack of throwing accuracy, height and the ability to read a Defense became well known and  doubts were cast whether he could lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl trophy.  Quoted as being a “coach killer” by his previous coach’s father, this will be his fourth head coach in seven years.  Note: Wade Phillips three game tenure was a result of Dan Reeve’s firing.

January 7, 2008: 

Vick was transferred to a Kansas prison where he is to enter a drug treatment program, this move could reduce the former NFL star's 23-month sentence. Nonviolent offenders can receive up to one year of early release upon completing the Bureau of Prisons drug treatment program.

December 10, 2007: 

Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. Judge Henry E. Hudson stated he was "convinced that it was not a momentary lack of judgment" on Vick's role and Vick was a "full partner" in the dogfighting ring.

November 20, 2007: 

Michael Vick turned himself in to US marshals in Richmond, Va., yesterday.  Vick will stay in jail until his sentencing  in three weeks for dogfighting. There are no benefits to be gained from early incarceration, it's believed that Vick knew he would be serving time and hoped to return to football sooner.  

September 30, 2007:

Vick tested positive for marijuana during a random drug test that was a violation of his release conditions while awaiting sentencing in federal court. Vick's urine sample that tested positive was submitted September 13, 2007, according to a filing by a probation officer.

September 25, 2007: 

Vick was  indicted by the State of Virginia on two class 6 felonies, which carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment for conviction on each charge.

August 8, 2007:

Tony Taylor, one of the founders of the dog kennel and ex-friend of Vick, signed a summary of facts supporting a plea agreement with the federal government.  The summary of facts describes Michael Vick as the financier for almost all gambling and operation funds.  I'd say that the dog just bit Mike in the butt.

Rawlings, a sporting goods company, drops Michael Vick as a sponsor.  ESPN.com also reports:  Last week, Nike suspended a lucrative contract with Vick, and Reebok stopped sales of his No. 7 jersey. Upper Deck removed all Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and said it was removing Vick trading cards from NFL sets to be released in October.  Come on Atlanta Falcons, follow suit and get rid of this scum bag.

On July 17, 2007, Michael Vick and three others were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with "competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting and conducting the enterprise across state lines."  The 19 page federal indictment stated the organizaton operated under the name Bad Newz Kennels. On Vick's kennel website, his place of birth is listed as Newport News aka BadNews.  The indictment alleges the 27-year-old Vick and his co-defendants started the dogfighting operation in 2001, Vick's rookie year with the Atlanta Falcons. All defendants could be sentenced up to six years in prison, restitution and $350,000 (US) fines.

The indictment also states the gruesome details of execution for underperforming dogs.  If losers did not die in the pit, they were subjected to death by hanging, drowning, electrocution, shooting and even by slamming them to the ground.  INHUMANE. A powerful new law enacted two months ago under the name HR 137 makes organizing dogfights a felony.  The feds, humane societies and local police departments are pursuing cases across the nation related to dogfights.  

Let's hope the feds have enough to put Vick behind bars because Mike Vick and the Atlanta Falcons will hire the best attorneys and PR possible. I had to pet my three dogs and give them extra treats, after reading this story.  

May 31, 2007:

Michael Vick’s Smithfield, Virginia property, resided by a nephew, was recently raided for a drug investigation.  Reports said they found over 60 pit bulls as well as numerous dogfighting paraphernalia in the home.  Vick is a registered dog breeder and is licensed to run a kennel.  Among other dogfighting evidence retrieved, a pry bar to open a dog’s mouth and blood spattered carpet were allegedly found on the property.  The outhouses and fence in the rear of the house were painted a pitch black.  This began a firestorm of controversy and media mayhem.  Vick claims no responsibility or knowledge with the on goings of the property and blamed relatives and friends for “taking advantage” and stated he would change the company he keeps.  With little sympathy from the media and fans, the Falcons star has taken a huge blow to his already controversial public image and persona.  Arthur Blank has said that Vick is now on a “short leash” but still backs his cash cow pending the investigation. 

Recently, unnamed “informants” have come forward and called Michael Vick a “heavyweight” in the dogfighting industry.  Allegedly, he bets up to $40,000 and is well known and established in the dogfighting circles. 

Reasons to Fire:

Let me preface this section with my opinion on dogfighting and the people who support it.  This is a despicable, disgusting and inhumane story and I hope that all parties involved will be prosecuted to the maximum penalty allowed by law.  In my opinion, incarceration is not a fit punishment but that is what the legal system in our government enforces and I will just have to settle with that.  As an owner of three dogs, I cannot see how you can raise and train puppies to fight to their death. 

There are people who argue that Mixed Martial Arts Fighting is just as brutal and my response is:  MMA FIGHTERS HAVE A CHOICE!  They are not fighting to the death and there is a referee to prevent maiming or killing.  People who make this comparison are ignorant and they’re reaching… reaching for an excuse to justify this irreprehensible act performed by people (did I say people, I meant animals) with no moral conscience.  I also heard from my favorite writer, Scoop Jackson (VERY SARCASTIC), on Outside The Lines that it could be attributed to culture.  Dogfighting is a felony in every US state except Wyoming and Idaho.  It’s a felony to be a part of this “culture” in Virginia.

Let’s get to firing Michael Vick:

1. Allegedly, he financially supports and runs a dogfighting ring.  Allegedly, he bets up to $40,000 and is well known and established in the dogfighting circles. 
2. In January 2007, Miami International Airport confiscated a water bottle with a hidden compartment that allegedly smelled of marijuana.  He later said it was used to hide “jewelry”.  The videotape of the incident was eventually erased.  Are you serious Vick, do you expect us to believe this baloney?  This guy walks around with diamond studs Zsa Zsa would be jealous of and he needs a “secret compartment” to hide jewelry, and it happens to be odiferous like mary jane? 
3. In April 2007, Vick missed a scheduled appointment to help after-school programs on Capitol Hill.  Supposedly, Vick was at a charity event and missed a connector flight but a later flight was booked so he could make it to the appointment…he never boarded the plane.  This guy is such a great role model for kids. 
4. In November 2006, Vick flicked off jeering fans as he walked off the field following a loss to the New Orleans Saints.  Those Saints fanatics can be real tough to opposing players.  WRONG!  It was in the Georgia Dome, Atlanta Falcons home field, and he flicked off his own fans.  He later apologized. 
5. In March 2005, Sonya Elliott sued Vick for allegedly infecting her with genital herpes and not disclosing to her that he had the disease.  Allegedly, he knew of the condition and received treatments under the name “Ron Mexico”.  The matter was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.  HAHAHAHAHAHA…hold on…HAHAHAHAHA…one more second…HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Being a part of the Michael Vick experience was hazardous to this woman’s health.
6. Donates $10,000 to the Virginia Tech massacre.  Michael Vick is the biggest person to ever come out of Virginia Tech and is looked to as an iconic figure around campus and by alums around the country.  That’s a reason to fire?  He’s donating to a great cause and charity, so what’s wrong with that firethisperson.com?  See reason 7, below.
7. In December 2004, Vick signed a 10 year contract for $130 million which included a $37 million signing bonus.  He reached 33^rd in 2005 Forbes Celebrities edition with his football salary and multiple endorsement deals. Let me say this, donating anything to the tragic event should be commended but doesn’t it just seem weird, someone who allegedly bets $40,000 on a dog fight donates a fraction of that for a terrible tragedy.  He probably pays that much a month in dog food and training for the sixty plus pit bulls he allegedly uses for dogfighting. 

Related Articles

PETA - Tell the Atlanta Falcons to Punt Animal Abusers off the Team!
The Humane Society - http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/recent_activities/vick_indicted.html
Michael Vick's Indictment Papers- http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/vick20070717-2.pdf

After being fired, Michael Vick should:

Inject lead, steroids and other drugs into his veins to turn himself into a deranged fighting machine.  Then get in an enclosed ring and fight Clinton Portis, of the Washington R*dsk*ns, to the death to see who the bigger “dog” is.  That would make for a great Pay-Per-View.

In response to Clinton Portis' statements of "it's his property, his dog, if that's what he wants to do, do it";  we live in a more civil society. 142 years ago, slave owner's in Dixie had the same mindset regarding slaves and a right to do as they pleased with them.  Dogfighting, like slavery, is an unnecessary evil; don't encourage, support or make excuses for the "culture" of dogfighting.

Who is he:

Barry Lamar Bonds, born July 24, 1964, is a professional baseball player for the San Francisco Giants.  Barry's roots are a who's who of Hall of Fame Baseball.  His pedigree includes being the son of All-Star Bobby Bonds, cousin of all-time great Reggie Jackson and godson of legendary Willie Mays. 

Bonds was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985.  After accumulating several MVP's and tons of homeruns, he moved on to a lucrative contract with the San Francisco Giants.  Year after year, Bonds was putting up huge personal statistical numbers but he could never win the World Series. 

As a seven time MVP, Bonds was recently selected to his 14th career All-Star Game in July.  Arguably, one of the best players, if not the very best, Bonds has been viewed as a prototype hitter with the physical gifts that other players dream of.  With a swing as pretty as Ken Griffey Jr., power of a juiced Mark McGwire and hand eye coordination of Tony Gwynn, Barry Bonds is unquestionably the most gifted baseball player to ever play the game. 

He personally holds the record for homeruns in a season, slugging percentage, on base percentage and walks. 

With all the god given ability Barry Bonds possesses, could you imagine him complimenting that with steroids?  Barry Bonds has never been convicted of possession or usage of performance enhancing drugs but the numbers suggest otherwise.  When most sluggers are steadily declining in performance, Barry was breaking homerun records.  In his late thirties, Barry broke Mark McGwires homerun record raising eyebrows and many doubts.  When an athlete is supposed to be in a performance decline, how can he break one of the most incredible records in baseball?  

In 2006, a tell all book, Game of Shadows, about Barry and steroids was released.  The book describes the different steroids Bonds took from unidentified sources.  Barry was never a media favorite, but this book was the cherry on top of an already juiced up cake for the press.

November 17, 2007:

TNT NBA Analyst and NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley said he's "deeply disturbed. … Our job on television, because people believe what we say, is to be fair and honest. This has been a witch hunt from the beginning. If they are going to get one guy, you have to get them all.  Barkley also said that he is a "friend" of Barry Bonds.

Bonds was subponaed to testify in front of a federal grand jury because he had been linked to BALCO, the company at the center of the performance-enhancing drug scandal.  Bonds was given immunity to tell the truth, under oath, instead Bonds decided to tell the federal grand jury the he did not use performance-enhancing drugs. The federal government is not doing a "witch hunt" of Barry Bonds, you can't lie to a federal grand jury and impede its investigation without consequences.

There is no doubt, Barry is one of the greatest baseball players of all-time but that doesn't give you the right to lie under oath.

November 15, 2007:

Barry Bonds has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of perjury and  one obstruction of justice, these felony charges could result in a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts. Many analysts predict Bonds will only receive 1 to 2 years, if convicted, as Bonds has a clean criminal record. The 10-page indictment consists mostly of Bonds' December 2003 testimony before a grand jury investigating the BALCO drug scandal. Bonds is to appear at a hearing in U.S. District Court in San Francisco on Dec. 7. This indictment is the fruit of a four-year investigation into steroid use in sports.

Bonds' personal trainer and longtime buddy, Greg Anderson, will be released after spending most of the past year in jail for failing to testify against Bonds.

Consider Barry's baseball career over, as he will be too busy fighting government lawyers and trying to reduce prison time. Bonds was too caught up in the pursuit of legendary records to tell government investigator's the truth, even challenging the feds to indict him.  I can't help but think there are an untold number of athletes sleeping uncomfortably, wondering if their records and legacy are next.

September 21, 2007:

Barry Bonds will be looking for a new team after 15 memorable seasons with the San Francisco Giants, including 5 MVP awards, 586 home runs and breaking the ultimate baseball record.  The team informed Barry on Friday that they will not be bringing him back for the 2008 season.  "There is more baseball in me and I plan on continuing my career. My quest for a World Series ring continues," wrote Barry Bonds  on his website  Shadowed by rumors of steroid use for the past few years, Bonds has hit 28 homers this season, increasing his career total to 762.  Allegedly, the San Francisco Giants planned a youth movement that did not include the 43-year old Bonds, who's 2007 base salary was $15.8 million.

"Anybody who knows him knows that he's all about winning and being a good teammate. That's it," said Jeff Borris, Barry's agent.  It doesn't seem that Barry is the best of teammates on  the field and has a lot of baggage off the field.  Barry's career isn't over yet, as teams looking for a DH will have to consider his .570 slugging percentage.  Let's see if he signs for less money with a club that actually has a chance in the playoffs.

September 19, 2007: 

Fashion designer Mark Ecko won the winning bid for Bonds' 756th home run ball on Saturday for $752,467.   Ecko, 35, set up a web site http://www.vote756.com that lets visitors vote on options for what will happen to the ball: donate it to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, brand it with an asterisk before giving it to the Hall or send it into space on a rocket ship. "He's stupid. He's an idiot," quoted Bonds.  I went for branding it with an asterisk as the ball is a significant piece of memorabilia in baseball's steroid era.

August 7, 2007:

On August 7, 2007, Barry breaks all-time homerun record with his 756th homerun.  Washington Nationals pitcher, Mike Bacsik, feeds Barry with an 84 mph full count pitch in the fifth inning.  The rest is steroids history...with an asterisk.

On July 27, 2007, Barry hit his 754th homerun.  He is now one away from the all-time homerun record.

On July 19, 2007, Barry Bonds hit two homeruns in a loss to the Chicago Cubs.  Bonds hit 752 and 753 homers all-time, trailing the hallowed record, held by Hank Aaron, by two.  Selig has decided to attend the Bonds chase in respect to the "tradition" of the game. 

The Latest:

Barry Bonds is currently chasing the most storied and coveted baseball record of all time.  This record is held by Henry 'Hank' Aaron with 755 homeruns all time, Bonds has 751.  Aaron broke the record in a time when racial tension was fierce.  As an African American, Aaron was not only breaking the holy record of the great Babe Ruth, but color barriers as well.  Death threats were common and for security reasons, ushers were even asked to look into the crowd when Aaron batted. 

Because of the steroid controversy, many people believe Barry achieved many of his homeruns by an unnatural method and his achievements should be noted with an asterisk.  Jack Pinkslipper agrees.  When your head is as big as an oversized watermelon and you're breaking every record imaginable, you and the sport are tainted.

The problem for me is this, if you're such a dignified man why would you disrespect Hank Aaron and all that the record stands for by cheating.  The racism Aaron had to face was disgusting and he represents all that is right.  They say Michael Jordan transcended basketball, I say Henry Aaron transcended sports.  By the way, Henry Aaron has said that he will not be present when Barry Bonds breaks the record.  Hmmm...damn Barry, you get as much respect as Osama Bin Laden.  Let's fire this record-breaking, baseball player who passed all his drug tests just like every WWE wrestler has passed their tests and fallen over dead before age 40.

If the MLB was willing to give a lifetime ban to Pete Rose for gambling, why don't they ban players who are obviously abusing their bodies and shattering hallowed records.  Record breaking players and exciting numbers mean more to the MLB than the honor of the game.  Baseball is in decline and it takes juiced up players to put the MLB back on the front page, it seems.

Reasons to Fire:  Barry Bonds has given so many reasons to fire him that I'm sure I'm going to leave something out. 

1. Since 2003, Bonds has been linked to BALCO (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BALCO) and performance enhancing drugs.  He is on pace to break monumental records that stand for more than just a statistical achievement, Aaron's record stands for doing it the right way amid turbulent racial tensions.  Bonds claims that Greg Anderson, Bonds' personal trainer, gave him a clear substance and a cream that Bonds thought was arthritis medicine and flaxseed oil.  Bonds subsequently blasted more homeruns in his declining years.  Barry quick question, when you took the cream, didn't you notice your head growing bigger than a pumpkin? 
2. Allowed his friend and trainer, Greg Anderson, to sit in jail to avoid perjury accusations.  Greg Anderson was the key witness in finding Bonds guilty of lying during his grand jury testimony.  Anderson refused to testify and despite numerous appeals, he's still in the slammer.  Barry, your buddy is rotting his life away in jail for you and your conscience is totally fine?   Great friend.
3. Investigated for tax evasion.  Surprised?  
4. Fought with teammate Jeff Kent in dugout during a game. Mucho roid rage?
5. Fought with an unnamed teammate in clubhouse.
6. Former major league player, Ron Kittle, quoted in his book, Tales from the White Sox Dugout, as Bonds saying, "I don't sign autographs for white people."  Kittle was merely asking him to sign a jersey for a cancer charity not the Klu Klux Klan.
7. Declined to participate in the 2007 Homerun Derby.  What's wrong with that Jack Pinkslipper?  It was in San Francisco, his home field, and the fans voted him into the All-Star game despite his poor numbers. Supposedly, San Francisco fans, the only fans that cheer for Barry in the entire world, were pleading to the media and the world to have their hometown hero participate.  Sorry guys, Barry had a date with the shrink.  Not to get pyschiatric help, to shrink his humongous steroid induced head. 
8. Outright nasty and cold to the media.  Too many questions for Barry.
9. Hank Aaron decided not to be present when Barry breaks the hallowed record and Aaron was quoted as saying, "Let me say this. Any way you look at it, it's wrong" in response to drugs, home runs and recuperation.
10. Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball, is waffling whether or not he will follow Barry around till he breaks the record. 
11. Quoted as saying, "I'm not worried about the Hall."  The "Hall" he is referring to is the Hall of Fame.  Also quoted as saying, "I take care of me."  You know when you have "I" and "me" in one sentence that consists of five total words there is something majorly wrong. 
12. Having a biography written about you titled, "Love me, Hate me:  Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero". 
13. From the book, Love me, Hate me, Barry's college teammates voted 22-2 against him returning to the team after the manager suspended him for team violations.  Apparently, the manager did not expect this vote when he set it up and overruled the team.  WHAT THE F@##!!  Your teammates voted in favor of you not returning to the team?  Barry, you're officially the most hated man in professional sports. 

After being fired, Barry Bonds should:

Have his head measured by Guinness Book of World Records to see if he can break a few more records.