Aroldis is Yanked as the closer, Rose accuser Dowd echoes Trump
Yankees remove Aroldis Chapman as closer
Aroldis Chapman is famous at 29 as the hardest-throwing pitcher in baseball. But this season the New York Yankees’ lefthanded reliever has been no mystery to batters. Patience finally ran out with manager Joe Girardi, who pulled him from his closing role when his ERA shot past 4.00. For now the Yanks will have co-closers, righties David Robertson and Dellin Betances.
Between the Lines: Chapman’s velocity remains triple-digit, but his fastball lacks the late movement it had last year. A lowered release point reduced the plunge. He shows the lingering effects of shoulder tendinitis, which landed him on the Disabled List in May.
Rose investigator Dowd e-mails support for white supremacists
John M. Dowd, whose investigation of Pete Rose led to his banishment from Major League Baseball, is now representing President Trump – and echoing some of his most controversial views. Dowd transmitted an e-mail that stated “there is literally no difference” between George Washington, founding father of the USA, and Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Confederate armies who fought to break the country in two. Dowd also claimed that Black Lives Matter has been “totally infiltrated by terrorist groups.” Dowd, who sent the email to former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent and many others, pointed out that Washington and Lee were both slaveowners who rebelled against government. In his opinion, both men “saved America.”
Dear Mr. Dowd: You are famous for standing for truth and justice. Why soil your reputation by siding with hate groups?
LeBron speaks and tweets against President Trump
LeBron James, the biggest basketball star of his era, spoke out against the white supremacists and their allies who decry the removal of statues honoring the Confederacy and its generals. He tweeted: “Hate has always existed in America. Yes we know that, but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again.” Soon joining James in his stand against POTUS was Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (“couldn’t take command of a press conference without seeming to lose his composure”).
Between the Lines: The NBA is far more tolerant than the NFL of athletes speaking out on social issues. Guaranteed contracts may have something to do with it. And a fan base that may lack its fair share of white supremacists.
O’Brien says J.J. Watt will be better than ever
Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien is not known for grandiose statements, but he’s touting J.J. Watt as being good as new following his rehab from a second back operation. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. O’Brien told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King: “I can tell you right now the guy’s going to be at the top of his game. He’s had a great training camp. I think he will be better than he was.”
Dear Coach: You should have learned from your mentor, Bill Belichick, never overpraise your players. You pay in the end
12 Browns players kneel in prayer as the Anthem plays
Players for the Cleveland Browns are expressing concerns about social injustice by kneeling in prayer behind the bench as the national anthem plays. Twelve of them appeared in that pregame formation prior to Cleveland winning its second of two preseason game, this one over the New York Giants. Tight end Seth DeValve, who was the first white player in the NFL to take a knee during the anthem, was an organizer of this latest protest. He said the recent tragedy in Charlottesville, Va., was a factor in the public prayer meeting. DeValve, who’s married to an African-American, Erica, said: “I myself will be raising children that don’t look like me. . . . I wanted to take the opportunity with my teammates during the anthem to pray for my country and also draw attention to the fact that we still have work to do.”
Dear Seth: This could be an effective tactic, attaching Christianity to social protest.
