ROC'S TOP SPORTS TURKEYS
2019
Every week I try to bring you the most outrageous Dumbass of the Week story on our show Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch, weekdays Monday-Friday on Fox Sports 910 & 99.9 HD2 FM or IHeartRadio app (cheap plug). So, before you get your fill of turkey this Thanksgiving, check out my Top Turkeys of 2019.
Top Turkey goes to Antonio Brown:
This was an easy one to pick as he gave us so material at a slow time in sports. I will do my best to breakdown:
We should have saw this on January 3, 2019 as Antonio Brown started The Masked Singer. He competed in the show wearing "The Hippo" costume and sang "My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown before being eliminated in the first episode.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCH_NCZ7Ejs
But where it really turned was when the Pittsburgh Steelers traded AB to the Oakland Raiders (Horrible off season, see later) for a 3rd and 5th round pick in this year’s past draft. Raiders then made him the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7WNiP-7ems
Brown arrived to camp with frostbites to his feet due to not wearing proper footwear during a cryotherapy session. Brown's injury forced him to miss 10 out of 11 training camp practices with the Raiders.
Then there was the issue with his helmet. He filed a grievance to continue wearing his old helmet even though it was banned, threatening to retire from football if he was forced to wear a new helmet. Despite Brown's pleas to continue wearing his old helmet, an arbitrator denied his request. Brown eventually found a replacement for his old helmet, but it also did not meet the NFL's standards. Afterwards, he continued to not practice with the Raiders. Brown filed a second grievance regarding his helmet which he also lost. He finally came around and wore the Xenith Shadow helmet which was approved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCjxXcITww
But it was short-lived, thanks to several off-the-field incidents, including a scuffle with Raiders GM Mike Mayock. It was reported AB called Mayock a “cracker” while his teammates were holding him back (hmmm, one was Vontaze Burfict – he makes my list too). AB was suspended and fined. With the fine, he voided all $29.125 million that Brown was guaranteed. Raiders would later release him, but not after AB going to social media and posting a video recording of him and Coach Gruden. In the matter of days, he went from playing, to suspended, to playing, to cut, to playing, to cut, to signing by the New England Patriots. Raiders got a 3rd and 5th round pick for Brown.
https://twitter.com/fieldyates/status/1170342926431465473?lang=en
- said "I'm here to elevate everything around me. I'm here to just be a surge of energy, of positivity, and good force. A great teammate and to bring out the best of everyone around me cause we all know it's not just about me.”
The Pats then cut him after just one game. AND, currently, the league was investigating sexual assault allegations. He is still denying it all and requesting a jury trial. Now as of November 25th he is countersuing Britney Taylor for defamation and interference with his NFL contracts and endorsements, this according to ESPN reports. There also was a second woman who accused him of sexual misconduct. Pittsburgh-based Dr. Victor Prisk, who Brown worked with while with the Steelers, also sued Brown for $11,500 in unpaid fees.
A couple days before the Raiders were to open the season against the Broncos, Brown showed up at a Raiders' team meeting and made an emotional apology for his actions. Later that day, Brown read a 20-second statement that read "I'm excited to be out here today. I apologized to my teammates and the organization. Enough talk, man. I'm excited to be out here with my teammates. I'm grateful for all the fans. I'm excited to be a part of the Raiders and see you guys soon."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ1rQqWUhs4&t=52s
However, less than a day later September 7, Brown demanded his release from the Raiders after they voided the guaranteed money in his contract. Brown was released by the Raiders later that day, just hours before his 2019 salary would have become guaranteed. Prior to his release, the Raiders fined Brown $215,000 due to his altercation with Mayock.
The New England deal reportedly includes a $9 million signing bonus and could be worth as much as $15 million.
Brown in his lone game with the Patriots on September 7, 2019, the same day he was released by the Raiders, Brown agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, with a $9 million signing bonus. Additionally, on September 9, the Patriots added a second-year option in Brown's contract in which he would receive $20 million if picked up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmAkMF5URa0
Despite allegations of sexual and personal misconduct levied against him, Brown practiced with the Patriots in preparation for his season debut in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Brown officially made his Patriots debut in Week 2, catching 4 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in a 43–0 win.
Thankfully, it was all over on September 20, following further allegations, in addition to allegedly intimidating text messages sent to one of his accusers after going to New England, Brown was cut by the Patriots.
New England Owner Bob Kraft - I guess it’s only natural to continue with something that ties in the New England Patriots:
After the Patriots owner Bob Kraft made two trips to Orchids of Asia Day Spa, where a half-hour “massage” costs $59, he was charged with soliciting a prostitute. What happened next was not what anyone expected. 2019 solicitation charges!
The basic background of the story is that on February 22th, the police chief of Jupiter, Florida, announced that Kraft would face two misdemeanor charges for "soliciting another to commit prostitution", stemming from a human trafficking sweep. Investigators suspected the managers at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, where Kraft was allegedly video recorded in sexual activity, were sex trafficking women, forcing the women to perform sex acts on clients.
Deputies had begun to monitor the day spas and were able to place hidden cameras inside the facility. They claim Kraft was caught on camera "receiving the alleged acts", according to the lead investigator.
Of course, a spokesperson for Kraft issued a statement to "categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity." But three days later the state attorney announced that Kraft was among 25 people facing first-degree misdemeanor charges for soliciting prostitution at the Jupiter day spa. Kraft’s attorney entered a not guilty plea. AND, hired a “dream team” legal team led by Alex Spiro. Spiro has represented artists like Mick Jagger, Jay-Z, as well as athletes such as Ben Gordon, DeMarcus Cousins, Matt Barnes, Charles Oakley, Aaron Hernandez, Julian Edelman, and J. R. Smith.
Sadly, Manuch and I were doing national radio at the time and were told we could poke jokes at the story. This was what most talk show hosts dream of. On March 19, Kraft was arrested and offered a plea deal that would require 100 hours of community service, attending classes concerning the dangers of prostitution, and paying a $5,000 fine for each charge count.
Kraft did issue a statement apologizing the plea deal and on March 26, Kraft's lawyers submitted a court filing, in which he "waives arraignment, pleads not guilty to all charges and requests a jury trial."
On April 2, papers filed by Kraft's attorneys revealed that the hidden video cameras at the day spa had been installed when investigators entered the facility under the guise of a bomb threat in January. Kraft's legal team seeks the video recordings suppressed as evidence. All parties went back and forth for a couple months until a judge further ruled that prosecutors cannot use the videos in their case against Kraft, as detectives "did not do enough to minimize the invasion of privacy of other customers." On October 1, prosecutors submitted a formal appeal of that ruling to suppress video evidence.
For a guy who is worth somewhere around $6.6 Billion dollars, there is no reason to go to a massage parlor. He should have just gone to legal brothel in Nevada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2SJYya3hyc
Cleveland Brown Myles Garrett - During the Browns' November 14 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with eight seconds left in the game, Garrett pulled Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph to the ground and held him there after the latter threw a screen pass to running back Trey Edmunds. While Garrett had him wrapped up on the ground, Rudolph tugged at Garrett's helmet. Getting up, Garrett pulled on Rudolph's facemask, eventually removing his helmet as Steelers offensive linemen Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro tried to push Garrett away. Rudolph then charged at Garrett and Garrett swung Rudolph's helmet at Rudolph, striking him in the head with the underside of the helmet.
A fight followed that resulted in Garrett, Pouncey and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi being ejected; Pouncey both punched and kicked Garrett after the strike, while Ogunjobi pushed a helmetless Rudolph to the ground as he stood watching the fight.
Currently Garrett is suspended indefinitely, and at a minimum is out this season, including playoffs. He did appeal with the NFL claiming that Rudolph directed a racial slur. He is second longest suspension for a player involved in a single in-game incident. Raiders Vontaze Burfict is the other, suspended for the final 12 games of season for a violation of player safety rules. – see him below.
Houston Astros - After years and years of being on top, the New England Patriots get to make room for the Houston Astros Organization, who have earned the Sports Turkey Franchise of the Year
https://twitter.com/Jomboy_/status/1194348775965437952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1194348775965437952&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-37-the-houston-asterisks%2F
- Reports indicate that during the Houston Astros championship season in 2017 they were using a video feed from a center-field camera at Minute Maid Park as a means of stealing the opposing catcher's signs to the pitcher.
Why did it take Fiers two years to come out with this?
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says the league is investigating and has indicated that the punishment levied on them could be severe, depending on the outcome of the alleged cheating investigation.
The Astros were 8–1 at home in the 2017 postseason. But how about these stats: In the 2017 ALCS, Jose Altuve hit .472 at home and .143 on the road. Carlos Correa hit .371 at home and .211 on the road. Brian McCann hit .300 at home and .037 on the road. This could prove nothing and be a huge coincidence, but I believe that was part of the cheating.
MLB is also investigating a directive by the Houston front office to its scouts that encouraged the use of cameras to surveil dugouts of potential playoff opponents as part of the team’s preparation for the 2017 postseason.
This doesn’t just impact the Astros. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Mets manager Carlos Beltran were allegedly involved in the cheating scandal. One was the bench coach and the other was a veteran on the team.
I am very anxious to see how Manfred and MLB handles it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIVRs5QGV90
B. After the Houston Astros eliminated the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the celebration didn’t exactly go as planned. Former assistant general manager Brandon Taubman made a comment he would love to take back, one that ultimately ended his tenure with the Astros.
According to Sports Illustrated, he went around the clubhouse screaming, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f—— glad we got Osuna!” He said this in front of multiple female reporters, one even wearing a domestic violence awareness bracelet.
Osuna was suspended 75 games without pay last year for domestic violence after assaulting a woman in Ontario, Canada. This is the longest suspension given out since the MLB updated their domestic violence policy in 2015.
Another bad part by the Astros was that they immediately tried to deny it and discredit the journalist, Stephanie Apstein from Sports Illustrated who wrote the initial article. They originally released this statement:
This was clearly an attempt to cover their ass and would have never spiraled out of bounds if they had just apologized out of the gate. After an MLB investigation, the Astros finally apologized and fired Taubman.
Karma on all fronts as they lost all their home games in the World Series to the Nationals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRnCDdpzMss
NFL referees - This most likely the worst non-call in NFL Playoff history, and without question the dumbest explanation of a call ever.
With 1:45 left in regulation and the scored tied at 20 the Saints had a third-and-10 from the Rams' 13-yard line. Drew Brees threw to wide receiver Tommylee Lewis. Just before the ball arrived, Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman pummeled, whacked, thumped, walloped, struck, battered Lewis at the 5-yard line in the helmet with his helmet.
No flag was thrown, and there is no review of pass interference.
In fact, even Robey-Coleman admitted it was pass interference against him, and his comments ridiculed the NFL in one of its most embarrassing moments in playoff history.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMIpCXGUIbI
"Ah, hell yeah, that was PI (pass interference)," Robey-Coleman said after watching the play in the locker room on a reporter's phone. "I just got there and whacked his butt. I came to the sidelines, looked up at the football gods and said, 'Thank you.'"
He even went on to say, "I was beat, and I was trying to save the touchdown," he said. "Yes, I got there too early."
The Saints had to kick a 31-yard field goal by Wil Lutz with 1:41 to go in regulation.
Had pass interference been correctly ruled, the Saints would have had a first and goal at the 5-yard line and could have run out most or all the clock before kicking the go-ahead field goal or scoring the go-ahead touchdown. And the Rams would not have had enough time to drive 45 yards in nine plays for the 48-yard field goal with 15 seconds to go that sent the game into OT at 23-23.
The Rams tie it at 23 when Greg Zuerlein kicked a 48-yard field goal with 15 seconds to play that got the game into overtime at 23-23.
The Saints lost the NFC title to the Rams, 26-23 thanks to a 57-yard field goal by Zuerlein. New Orleans won the toss for overtime, but Brees threw an interception as he was hit to Rams' safety John Johnson III at the Rams' 46-yard line to set up the winning field goal.
Kevin Durant
The NBA offseason was a ton of fun with over xxxx transaction. I am so glad I don’t still collect trading cards. So many changes.
Kevin Durant, who is out this year due to injury signed with the Brooklyn Nets. He is known for his online antics and to me his immaturity.
During his first press conference in over a week, Durant pulled the ultimate hypocrite move and told someone else to “grow up”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_ZayLMQQ0g&feature=emb_logo
Harvard vs Yale Football - What a joke! There is time and place to protest. Halftime at annual Harvard-Yale football game is not. Hundreds of climate change protesters swarmed the field during halftime on November 23rd, delaying the action for nearly an hour as students chanted “OK boomer” and as police made arrests and issued summonses for disorderly conduct.
What drove me nuts was that players from both teams joined demonstrators on the field in a showstopping escalation of long-running campaigns for the two schools to stop investing their endowments in fossil fuels and forgive Puerto Rican debt.
Protesters sat at the 50-yard line at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Conn., arms linked and chanting, as banners echoed calls for urgent change championed by lawmakers and activists around the country: “This is an emergency,” one sign read.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7D_jdO8KwA
Cardinal Ritter College Prep – This high school in St. Louis canceled the remainder of their football season and fired the entire coaching staff after it was revealed that a suspended player, running back Bill Jackson suited up in a different uniform and play a game! They were 7-0 at the time and considered one of the premier programs in the country. Crazy story - more here STLhighschoolsports.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=89&v=KoWwT7Q9g4A&feature=emb_logo
Their head coach can be seen here: St. Louis CBS affiliate KMOV
Golden State Warriors part owner Mark Stevens – He was banned for a year and fined $500,000 for shoving Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry in game 3 of the NBA Finals. Lowry dove into the stands to try to save the ball and landed on a few fans in the front row, Stevens took it upon himself to shove Lowry and curse him out.
Toronto Raptors Fans – Fans that cheered when Kevin Durant went down during the NBA Finals. Check out the video:
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1138265381267791872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1138265381267791872&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-23-kevin-durant-the-entire-warriors-training-and-medical-staff%2F
Los Angeles Lakers/Magic Johnson - Johnson resigned from president of basketball operations for the Lakers. But he did it through the media, before talking to Lakers owner Jeanie Buss.
Magic had an all-time quote when he announced his resignation.Magic Johnson: “They talking about next year… and I’m over here saying I’m not gonna be here hahaha”
pic.twitter.com/cOXpwJwczL
The Lakers overall had a horrible 2019…From not making the playoffs for the sixth straight season, President of basketball ops announcing he is quitting to the media, firing their coach after three seasons, they were the laughingstock around the league.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict – Burfict’s season ended after an unnecessary and egregious hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle. He was thrown out of the game. He now has over $5 million in fines for his career. The NFL upheld the season-long suspension.
NFL’s Vice President of Football Operations issued a letter to Burfict when the suspension was handed down.
“There were no mitigating circumstances on this play,” the letter read. “Your contact was unnecessary, flagrant and should have been avoided. You were penalized and disqualified from the game.”
The letter also said that due to Burfict’s repeated offenses, the league warned him another violation would lead to escalated punishments. This is the 13th time in eight seasons that Burfict has been fined or suspended.
HONORABLE MENTION TURKEYS – No order:
Oakland Raider Trent Brown – In October, Brown was sued by his ex-girlfriend for what she says were multiple acts of domestic violence over the past year. According to the lawsuit, Marzette-Sanders accused the 6-foot-8, 380-pound Brown of slapping her, hitting her and choking her at different times and threatening to shoot her in the “head before you walk out that door with my son.” Brown denied the accusations. Two sides to every story. But he makes the list since it was a national story.
Houston University Football- Not sure who didn’t get the word in…Houston ran out of bounds to stop the clock, then the quarterback spiked the ball…to stop the clock again pic.twitter.com/lDvBh3d7oF
Charles Barkley – Charles being Charles – whatever! He told a politics reporter covering the 2020 presidential election, wrote: “Just FYI Charles Barkley told me tonight “I don’t hit women but if I did I would hit you,” and then when I objected to that he told me I “couldn’t take a joke.” She said she had asked Barkley off the record for clarification on which Democratic candidate he supported for president.
He did respond through Turner Sports PR: “My comment was inappropriate and unacceptable,” and “It was an attempted joke that wasn’t funny at all. There’s no excuse for it and I apologize.”
https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1190133077629997056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1190133077629997056&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-35-the-entire-washington-rs-medical-staff%2F
Former Cleveland Brown Jermaine Whitehead - After the Browns lost to the Broncos earlier this season, he was released because he tweeted at a Browns radio host after he called his tackling a “joke.” He went as far as saying: “Come get it in blood b—h made ass lil boy. I’m out there with a broke hand.. don’t get smoked f–k ass cracker.” Then he went after a fan: “Imma kill you b—h.. that’s on blood.” and “80 Lou Groza Blvd Berea Ohio 44017 Any f–kin day of the week??? CRACKER.” Dumbass!
San Jose Shark’s Evander Kane - According to TMZ, he lost over $500,000 gambling and never paid the casino during the Sharks playoff series in Las Vegas this past April. He is being sued and will most likely end up having to pay the money. He signed a huge contract last year, so he shouldn’t have an issue paying it.
New York Knick’s Enes Kanter –Kanter missed multiple games, even practices because of a big stomachache. Why, he chowed down on seven burgers with eggs and other topping plus French Fries? Kanter, who follows a strict diet, gets one cheat day a week. He went overboard! Video courtesy of ESPN Sportscenter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0IVWmKGXvM
Lansing State Journal’s sports columnist and Duke Blue Devil’s hater Graham Couch - Couch for some reason gets to vote for the NCAA College basketball AP Top 25 Poll. In early January, every other writer had Duke in their top 4, except Couch, he didn’t even have them ranked! In December 2018, Duke lost to Gonzaga by two points, a Top 5 team at the time. It was their only loss. According to reports, his defense for not including the Blue Devils was because they hadn’t played a true road game. Hmmmmm, they had already beat Kentucky, Auburn and Texas Tech at neutral sites. Really?
Los Angeles Laker’s Michael Beasley - With his team getting beat by double-digits in the first quarter and looking for a spark off the bench, the Lakers wanted to bring Beasley in off the bench. Only one problem: Beasley was wearing the wrong shorts. As Beasley tore off his warm-up jacket and began to touch his sneakers to the court grip sticky pad as he readied to check in, he looked down to see that he had on black practice shorts, rather than the King’s gold uniform shorts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSkmvD6QSyc
LaVar Ball – Yes is still around and back for 2019 Turkey’s of the Year. For some reason FS1’s Undisputed loves to bring him on. Hours before the NBA trade deadline, LaVar Ball spoke out about rumors involving his son possibly being dealt by the Los Angeles Lakers.
His Big Baller Brand lost out on their main client, Lonzo Ball, after their co-founder allegedly stole over $1.5 million in sales from Ball.
Ball said his son Lonzo Ball is better than LeBron James - see video:
https://twitter.com/undisputed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1093552042340057089&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbleacherreport.com%2Farticles%2F2819790-lavar-ball-lebron-james-lakers-will-never-win-title-if-lonzo-is-traded
Ball (Again)- He made headlines when he made a very insensitive comment to ESPN’s “First Take” Co-Host Molly Qerim. Look:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXqdSE7J0ck
Kyler Murray – This won’t fare well with Arizona Cardinal fans, but Murray turning down a long, long career with the Oakland A’s. Money and health! Photo courtesy of nbcsports.com
The Oakland A’s - For letting their first-round pick go to play football, Kyler Murray.
Bryce Harper – After getting a fat contract by the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training for $330 million, Harper should know or remember the name of the city they play in! Harper said he wants to “bring a title back to D.C.” How ironic the Nat’s won it all in 2019.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1101935026990653442
MMA Fighter/Boxer Conor McGregor – McGregor had a great year out of the Octagon. In March McGregor was caught on video destroying a fan’s phone. He was arrested and charged with strong-armed robbery and criminal mischief. McGregor was held in custody for several hours before being released on a $5,000 bond.
In August, TMZ Sports published a video that appeared to show McGregor punching a man at The Marble Arch Pub in Dublin. The incident happened in April and was originally reported by Irish media, although without the video that showed the attack. McGregor was charged with assault, he pleaded guilty and was fined. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Carolina Hurricanes Owner/Chairman AAF Thomas Dundon – Dundon basically screwed over the Alliance of American Football league for a gambling app. He suspended operations after only 8 weeks out of its inaugural 10 game season. Leaving all the players and staff without jobs. He had no backup plan. The league ran out of money. They still owe me close to $2000! Seriously.
Aaf teams
Former St. John’s Head Coach Chris Mullin – After informing the school athletic heads that he was 100% coming back for next season, until he stepped abruptly, demanded his entire $4 million buyout. AND, he did it over voicemail!? During his last season, 2018-19, his team reached the NCAA tournament as they went 21-13 and reached the First Four. He compiled a 59–73 record in four seasons, including 20–52 in Big East play. Now in his defense, he did cite a "personal loss" which was widely seen as the death of his brother. So maybe he doesn’t deserve to be on this list, but he could have been a pro about it. It was his ala mater. Photo courtesy of Sny.tv
pix
Demaryius Thomas - Denver police say the former Broncos wide receiver was driving over 70 mph in a 30-mph zone with two people inside when he lost control and rolled his car in February. He was either under the influence of something illegal or just in a rush. 70 mph in a 30-mph zone? Thank goodness everyone survived.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNixP0hLNBI
NY Giants GM Dave Gettleman - In the span of less than a week, the Giants parted ways with two of their best players, Landon Collins and Odell Beckham Jr. Collins to division rival Washington Redskins, while Beckman Jr. went to the Cleveland Browns. Boy, was the fan base pissed.
Then they took Duke quarterback Daniel Jones with the 6th pick when not only would he probably be available with their 17th pick, but Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was still available. Some could argue that the numbers showed Haskins was clearly the better pick.
Former Patriot Rob Gronkowski – Gronk being Gronk. He was playing around with the Lombardi Trophy and dented it because he used it as baseball bat. The Patriots tweeted this hilarious video of the incident, including player reactions and Gronk denting the trophy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anTA8JlJZkc
Former Ohio State assistant coach Zach Smith - Smith was arrested after an altercation with his children’s elementary school principle after he violated a civil protection order with his wife, whom he was fired for a domestic violence scandal in 2018. In October a mistrial had been declared in the case of Smith allegedly violating a civil protection order involving his ex-wife Courtney. He still makes the list.
New York Met Yoenis Cespedes – In May, it was announced that Cespedes fractured his right ankle on his ranch and would be out for the season. Cespedes stepped into a hole on ranch and broke multiple bones in his ankle. He didn’t live up to his 4-year, $110 million contract he got after he finished 8th in MVP voting in 2016. Photo courtesy of sportsgrid.com
Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Chad Kelly – 2017’s Mr. Irrelevant. Kelly was suspended for 2 games for a home invasion arrest in October. Kelly was so drunk he walked into someone else’s house. They called the police and he was arrested for misdemeanor second-degree criminal trespassing. He is now on the Colts active roster as of November 9th. Photo courtesy of www.lockportjournal.com
pix
Phoenix Suns Front Office – I could be totally wrong on this one, I hope I am. The Suns draft - Instead of taking a player like Jarrett Culver or Coby White, they traded the pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Dario Saric and the 11th pick. They picked Cam Johnson out of UNC with the 11th pick. Johnson was ranked the 66th best draft prospect this year and he’s already 23 years old. Culver, who was only 20, was taken with the 6th pick by the T-Wolves and basically lead Texas A&M to a National Championship appearance last year.
James Harden – In October, Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey issued a tweet that supported the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Morey's tweet resulted in the Chinese Basketball Association’s suspension of its relationship with the Houston Rockets. Harden later apologized to China, saying: "We apologize. We love China."
In September, he was being sued by the owner of the mansion he recently rented in Beverly Hills. George Santo Pietro, the owner of a 14,500-square-foot estate in the heart of Beverly Hills, said that Harden signed a contract to use his home as a place for vacation and that the NBA star paid $82,000. However, he said that the Rockets superstar lied to him about the use of his property, adding that the former league MVP violated some of the things in their contract — including a rule that states Harden cannot have more than seven adults in the mansion, per TMZ. Photo courtesy of TMZ.com
PIX MANSION
SF Giants CEO Larry Baer - A disturbing video was released by TMZ of a physical altercation between Baer and his wife Pam. In the video, it appeared that Larry shoved Pam causing her to fall back on a chair while he attempted to wrestle away a cellphone. Pam cried for help. TMZ noted that the altercation was eventually broken up by bystanders at the scene. Baer was suspended by MLB.
NY Knicks Owner James Dolan – Dolan threatened a ban towards a fan at MSG Arena after he yelled “sell the team” at Dolan. There were tons of outrage from fans, even t-shirts printed saying “St. Patty Says Ban Dolan” that were handed out during their game in March. Most of the shirts were confiscated. I’m sure they’re now a collector’s item! Photo courtesy of Twitter
Tee pix
University of North Carolina Football - I normally don’t fault teams going for the win, similar to Herm Edwards for going for two against Oregon State. However, the play calling needs to improve. The Tarheels thought it would be a good idea to run a triple option and out-man Clemson was stupid.
https://twitter.com/CBSSportsHQ/status/1178077722368790528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1178077722368790528&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-30-bleacher-report%2F
Kansas University – Here’s a good idea, hire Snoop Dogg for your preseason rally!
https://twitter.com/580Sportstalk/status/1180300630017134593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1180300630017134593&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-31-vontaze-burfict%2F
Kellen Winslow Jr. – According to the San Diego Union-Tribune earlier this month, former NFL tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. accepted a plea deal that spared him from the possibility of a life prison sentence. Per the Union-Tribune, the court agreed to sentence Winslow to between 12 and 18 years in prison for the two charges to which he pleaded guilty.
Winslow pleaded guilty to raping an unconscious teen in 2003 and to sexual battery involving a 54-year-old hitchhiker, while the San Diego County Superior Court agreed to dismiss other felony charges including kidnapping, sodomy, forced oral copulation and two charges of forcible rape.
In June, a jury found Winslow guilty of raping a homeless woman in Encinitas, north of San Diego. Jurors also convicted him of two misdemeanors — indecent exposure and a lewd act in public — involving two other women. Winslow will be sentenced in February 2020.
Anaheim Angels Front Office – IF true after the passing of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs on July 1st, the baseball world was in shock. He was found dead at 27 in his hotel room after swallowing his own vomit.
It was later announced that he died of an opioid overdose. ESPN reported how a team official for the Angels knew about Skaggs’ addiction and even abused the pills with him. Their PR guy, Eric Kay, is the one who received the pills and gave them to Skaggs. He should be in prison.
San Diego Padre Jacob Nix – Nix thought it would be a good idea to break into a house through a doggy door. He was successful! He was tased by the homeowner. He “claimed” that he thought it was his home. I guess no spare key hidden under the rock.
New York Knick Marcus Morris – Surprise! Morris was ejected from his first preseason game this year with the team after doing this:
https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1181370276422049792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1181370276422049792&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-32-the-los-angeles-angels%2F
Former L.A. Sparks General Manager Penny Tolder- Tolder was fired after she admittedly used the N-word in a postgame rant to her team. This is a woman who helped found the WNBA and even scored the first basket in WNBA history. That’s a bad look and a dumbass move.
Former Phoenix Sun Josh Jackson - Jackson was arrested at a Florida music festival after repeatedly trying to enter a restricted area and ignoring officers’ orders. He was told “multiple” times he couldn’t enter the VIP area without the proper pass but continued to try to enter anyway. An officer handcuffed Jackson and took him away from the crowd, but Jackson tried to run away after the officer sat him down on a golf cart. Also a turkey for not showing up to a team autograph event.
https://twitter.com/ginamizell/status/1127986638200512512/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1127986638200512512&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnba.nbcsports.com%2F2019%2F05%2F13%2Fsuns-josh-jackson-charged-with-felony-escape-reportedly-ran-away-while-handcuffed%2F
Guys That Love the Weed:
Here’s a just a handful of players that got themselves in trouble because of WEED. Stephen A Smith: "STAY OFF THE WEED" Collections courtesy of youtube.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cil7tOPh4qM&feature=emb_logo
Then Brooklyn Net D'Angelo Russell – He was cited for marijuana possession at LaGuardia Airport after trying to hide his weed in a fake Arizona Ice Tea can. Green tea???
Randy Gregory - After being a player that some thought of as a top 10 talent, then falling to the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft because of drug problems at Nebraska, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory still can’t stay off the weed. He’s already been suspended four times since 2015 for using weed, including being suspended for more games than he’s been active for over the last four seasons.
Former Phoenix Suns backup center Richaun Holmes - Holmes was booked into a Miami jail in May on a misdemeanor marijuana charge after being pulled over in the Miami area. He was charged with possession of cannabis and posted bond after just a couple hours in jail.
Miami Heat’s Dion Waiters - Waiters’ suffered a panic attack aboard a team flight several weeks ago after consuming THC-edibles on his way to play the Suns. He was suspended 10 games without pay for "conduct detrimental to the team." It was called a “medical emergency” after having a panic attack and a seizure on the team’s plane. Waiters took a THC-infused gummy before boarding the team plane and he didn’t react the way he thought. Oh really? No way he took just one gummy even if it was 20-25mgs! By missing all these games, Waiters lost out a $1.2 million bonus as part of his contract.
Other people’s honorable mention:
Houston Rockets Daryl Morey – In October, Morey used his first amendment right to express how he felt about China in a since-deleted Tweet. He tweeted in support of the Hong Kong protests. The tweet resulted in the Chinese Basketball Association’s suspension of its relationship with the Rockets as well as caused issues with the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the statements were criticized by US politicians, fans and even players. Further fallout even included the China Central Television to cancel broadcasting some NBA games. This is not over and I expect if the suspension and termination of mainland Chinese sponsors of the NBA, look for the league to look elsewhere to grow the sport – Africa or India.
Lebron James - During the Hong Kong protests, James has found himself in public controversy over a statement he made about a now-deleted tweet by Houston Rockets Daryl Morey, in which Morey expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. James said Morey was “misinformed”. James didn’t stand up for free speech and he did the opposite of fighting for social justice. In my opinion, by siding with China, he gave up his ability to be a credible activist. Can’t wait for Space Jam 2!
https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/1183917743680020480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1183917743680020480&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsdumbassoftheweek.com%2Fweek-33-lebron-james%2F
Pix
Lawyer Michael Avenatti – Prosecutors accused Avenatti of threatening to publicize claims that Nike arranged for payments to elite college basketball recruits unless the athletic wear company paid him more than $20 million and hired him to manage an internal probe. It’s an absolute mess!
Avenatti tried to blackmail Nike. He told them if they buy his silence for $22.5 million, plus the $1.5 million for the AAU coach, he would hold a press conference exposing Nike’s wrongdoings and expose some of their players who accepted money from them in college.
Basically, he used a former Nike coach to try to either expose all of Nike’s secrets or have them buy his silence. Photo courtesy of wgme.com