* Nebraska State HS Soccer Championship Marred By Racist “Green Card” Stunt. The Nebraska state high school soccer championship between Lincoln East and Omaha South was mired in a bit of political controversy this week, leading to the suspension of students from Lincoln East. As fans of East celebrated the state title over South, dozens of green paper rectangles were thrown into the air as part of the celebration. Confetti? No. The pieces of paper were made by East students to mimic “green cards” as the Omaha South team is made up of primarily Latino players. [The Sporting Blog]
* BLS photo: Theo Epstein wearing a disguise at the Pearl Jam show. Mrs. Epstein sure seems to be onto our paparazzo, but you can’t say the same for the lost Allman brother over on the right. Either Epstein is just a little too into his 738th time hearing Yellow Ledbetter or he’s just sneaking a nap during one of his only down moments this year. [Big League Stew]
* Favre Finding New Ways To Make a Big Deal of Himself. The Mississippi boy has seemingly found a way to kill two birds with one stone this time — motivate the Southern Miss baseball team to succeed while placing yet another stipulation on his return to football. Favre reportedly told the Golden Eagles on Thursday that if they reach the College World Series — which would be an impressive feat considering they are currently 30-20 and in danger of missing the postseason — he will return to play for the Vikings next season. [Larry Brown Sports]
* Strasburg odds, and fan reactions. Before this season, online sports odds hub Bodog listed Stephen Strasburg at 100-1 to win the NL Cy Young, the best odds for any Nats pitcher. His odds of that would seem pretty slim, but Bodog now has odds for some other Jeeezusian accomplishments. [DC Sports Bog]
* St. Louis Cardinals Fan Sporting a Parole Tracker Anklet at Busch Stadium. Nice. Pre or post-incarceration, best fans in baseball, baby. [Joe Sports Fan]
* Worst fan group of all time? I get the whole “smurf-Werth” slant-rhyme thing, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. And c’mon guys, wear the right Smurfin’ hats, for Smurf’s sake. Being a smurf is more than skin color – it’s a way of smurfing life. [The Fightin's]
* Also for your dining and dancing pleasure: Hey look, more enormous helmets! … NBA vet Chris Dudley won Oregon’s Republican gubernatorial primary … Huggies Jeans Diapers … Giants Stadium press box demolished, causing many to shed a tear … On the whole, Frenchmen would rather not be in Philadelphia … sure sign you’re getting old: you cannot recall the last time you purchased a fitted cap.
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Contact Rick Chandler at rickchand@gmail.com.
