- Publish date:
For the Record
Closed
Without charges being filed, the case against Tank Johnson stemming from atraffic stop last month in Arizona. On June 22, Johnson was pulled over forspeeding; police released him but sent a blood sample out for testing. TheBears then released the troubled defensive lineman, who had already beensuspended for the first half of the 2007 season for violating the league'spersonal conduct policy. Last week the tests came back and revealed thatJohnson had a blood-alcohol content of .072, just under the legal limit of .08.Police said Johnson will not face any charges. "I am not surprised by thisdecision, but I am relieved," Johnson, 25, said in a statement.
Died
Of lung cancer at age 63, Jimmy Walker, who led the nation in scoring atProvidence in 1967. A 6'3" guard, Walker averaged 30.4 points for theFriars and, following the season, was selected by the Pistons in the firstround of the NBA draft. In a nine-year NBA career Walker (right) averaged 16.7points and was twice an All-Star. He was the father of longtime NBA playerJalen Rose but had virtually no contact with Rose.
Died
In what police are calling a suspicious death, former Florida football playerAvery Atkins, 20. Atkins was found dead in a car in the garage at his aunt'shome last Thursday. A cornerback, Atkins was released from the Gators by coachUrban Meyer last summer after his arrest for domestic battery. He brieflyplayed at Bethune-Cookman before paying his own way at Florida and attemptingto rejoin the team this spring. (Meyer would not take him back.) Atkins wasarrested on July 2 and charged with possession of crack, his third arrest sinceMay.
Snapped
By Funny Cide, a six-race losing streak that dated to last June. The 2003Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner (below) took the Wadsworth MemorialHandicap at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, N.Y., on July 4, before acrowd of more than 12,000, the track's biggest in 45 years. Most horses withFunny Cide's credentials would have been put out to stud by now, but since he'sa gelding, he is the first Derby winner in nearly 50 years to race as a7-year-old. "He loves running," said assistant trainer Robin Smullen."He's healthy and happy, so let's have at it."
Suspended
For violating baseball's new ban on stimulants, Tigers infielder Neifi Perez.The 25-game ban will cost Perez approximately $400,000 in lost wages. Perez,who is hitting just .172, received little compassion from his team. "Therules are in the books," said shortstop Carlos Guillen. Added Tigersmanager Jim Leyland, "I'd be stretching it if I said [the loss of Perez]was major."
Arrested
On drugs and weapons charges, former defensive tackle and NFL broadcaster BillMaas. The two-time All-Pro with the Chiefs was pulled over in Peoria, Ill. Asearch of his vehicle turned up a handgun and what police suspect aremarijuana, cocaine and Ecstasy. Maas, who began broadcasting for Fox in 1996,will not return to the network this season.
Arrested
After authorities discovered what they believe to be heroin in his SUV, NASCARdriver Aaron Fike. Police said they observed the 24-year-old, who is currentlyeighth in the Craftsman Truck Series standings, behaving in a suspicious mannerin an amusement park parking lot outside Cincinnati last Saturday. A searchturned up the substance, which was sent out for tests. NASCAR, which has shownlittle leniency in drug-related matters, had yet to act as of Monday.
Busted
Out of the World Series of Poker Main Event on the first day, Jose Canseco andboxer Antonio Tarver. Canseco (right) doubled up early on but was quickly sentpacking. Tarver, who is being mentored by pro Phil Ivey, lost when his pocketsixes were beaten by three kings. The first day wasn't cruel to allcelebrities; at one point Montel Williams was the chip leader.
Searched
By federal agents investigating illegal dog fighting, property belonging toFalcons quarterback Michael Vick. Court documents filed last week allege thatproperty in Surry, Va., owned by Vick was used for housing and trainingfighting pit bulls. Vick is not named in the documents, and he is not expectedto be indicted. Seven dog carcasses were reportedly discovered in shallowgraves during a June search. An April raid yielded more than 50 living dogs aswell as a "rape stand" (a device that holds aggressive dogs in placeduring breeding), syringes and injectable diuretics and nutritional supplementscommonly given to fighting dogs (SI, June 4).
Scrapped
Following the IndyCar Watkins Glen Grand Prix, driver Tony Kanaan and thefather of driver Sam Hornish Jr. During the race, which was won by Scott Dixon,Kanaan and Hornish bumped. As Kanaan exited his car, Hornish Sr. shoved him andthen was pushed to the ground by members of Kanaan's team. "He needs hisdad to defend him, which I think is totally wrong," said Kanaan. "Whathappened on the track, we need to sort it out between me and him. I was notgoing to fight. That's why dads should be in the grandstands."
They Said It
JIM BOWDEN
Nationals G.M., on the surgical procedure Washington pitcher Jesus Colome(below) underwent to have an abscess removed from his backside:
"It was a serious situation. I pray for his buttocks and hisfamily."
Go Figure
2 Cleveland pitchers with double-digit win totals:C.C. Sabathia (12--3) and Fausto Carmona (10--4).
51 Years since the Indians last had two 10-gamewinners at the All-Star break; Early Wynn and Bob Lemon had 10 victories apiecein 1956.
51 Years since a team swept two New York teams in thesame season; the Rockies have swept a series from the Mets and the Yankees thisyear.
11 Fans' marriage proposals flashed on the scoreboardat home games of the Double A Trenton Thunder so far this year; all have beenaccepted.
0 Japanese players who have appeared in an NFL game;last week the Falcons signed receiver--kick returner Noriaki Kinoshita from NFLEuropa.
9 Consecutive top three finishes for F/1 rookie LewisHamilton, the third driver (Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso are theothers) to amass at least nine straight podium finishes.
SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE
The Yankees' starting pitcher lastSaturday—44-year-old Roger Clemens—was older than five of the honorees in thatafternoon's Old-Timers' Game.
PHOTO
KEVIN RIVOLI/AP (FUNNY CIDE)
PHOTO
GEORGE LONG/WIREIMAGE.COM (WALKER)
PHOTO
TOMMI KORPIHALLA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES (PICTURE THIS)
PICTURE THIS JULY 7 Wife-Carrying World Championships, Sonkajärvi, Finland.
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JOE GIRON/IMPDI (CANSECO)
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JAMES LANG/US PRESSWIRE (COLOME)
