Penn State, Syracuse & Now the Red Sox

We've all heard about the Penn State and Syracuse sex scandals over the past few weeks, but another case has been rekindled. The Red Sox sexual abuse case from the 1990s is resurfacing.  In August of 1991, then clubhouse manager Donald Fitzpatrick asked 16 year-old, summer worker, Charles Crawford to report early to the park. It was then, Crawford alleges, Fitzpatrick sexually assaulted the boy in the clubhouse restroom. Another incident happened involving the same kind of assault of a second victim, another teenage clubhouse attendant.

The two victims notified the Red Sox executives last week and they are seeking $5 million each.  They say there were no witnesses to the alleged abuse and did not discuss it with each other until recently. Fitzpatrick died in 2005, and Crawford is claiming that the Sox were at fault for allowing the abuse to take place. In 2003, the team settled a $3.15 million lawsuit with seven Florida men who alleged Fitzpatrick molested them in during spring training in the early 1970s.

With this new abuse case arising in the wake of the Sandusky and Fine cases, do you think that this case is as strong? Or do you think this case will get as much media attention? The accusations are not supported with the same amount of evidence as these other scandals.Do you think that because other cases against Fitzpatrick have won, Crawford and the other victim will win?

Edelman Does It All

Julian Edelman has recently made headlines for a recent arrest, now he is making headlines for his talent on the field. New England has been struck with many injuries on their defense this season and Belichick has been running out of replacements. That's where Julian Edelman comes in.

During the Patriots-Eagles game November 27, 2011, Edelman was on the field as a wide receiver, kick returner, and a defensive back. He is stepping up and doing whatever is asked of him. Edelman is surfacing as the Patriots' utility man, working hard and spending extra time with Josh Boyer, the defensive backs coach, to understand what he needs to do. In the game on Sunday, Edelman made some crucial tackles, including one tackle on Vince Young to save a touchdown.

Edelman is making quite the impact for the Patriots this season, it will be interesting to see how his versatility progresses.

Revolution Announce New Coach

The New England Revolution soccer team has held a press conference to introduce their new coach, Jay Heaps. The organization stands by their decision to name Heaps the new head coach, while many fans questions the decision. Heaps is a man with no prior coaching experience, what some find to be a gamble, others think its an excellent move.

The organization is confident in their selection and stand by their coach. Heaps played 9 seasons with the Revolution and highly recommended.

Is it in the best interest to hire and support a new rookie coach? Or should New England have decided on a more experienced individual?

Red Sox Interviews

The Red Sox interview Sandy Alomar Jr. who brings a unique quality to the table, he's never has never managed before. Alomar retired as a player in 2007 with the goal of becoming a manager. He prepared himself for this position by coaching in the majors. He has been considered for the position with the Blue Jays last fall and this year both the Red Sox and the Cubs are considering him.

The Red Sox have already interviewed several other candidates including the Phillies bench coach, Pete Mackanin, and the Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum. Tomorrow, 11/11/11, the Sox will be interviewing the  Blue Jays first base coach, Torey Lovullo, the former Pawtucket manager, and the Detroit third base coach, Gene Lamont on Saturday.

Its a short list of candidates for the Red Sox position. Who do you think would fit best in the Red Sox organization and lead the team to victory?

Edelman Charged

New England Patriot wide receiver Julian Edelman was charged indecent assault and battery at a Boston Nightclub at 1:30 am, November 1, 2011. Edelman was reportedly in the Nightclub for Halloween, when he reached underneath a woman's costume and groped her below the waist. A man came to defend the woman and all three were escorted out of the club. After the man and woman positively identified Edelman, he was arrested. Edelman was taken into custody where he later posted bail and was released.  It is well known that the New England Patriots have a strict policy regarding how their players act off the field.

How do you think the Patriots will handle this situation with Julian Edelman?

Red Sox Begin to Interview

The Red Sox are starting their search to replace Terry Francona. Pete Mackanin, currently the Phillies bench coach, is the first of a small group of candidates that will be up for consideration. Later this week Dale Sveum, currently the Brewers hitting coach, will be interviewed for the same position. Pete Mackanin, 60, has the most experience, and many believe he could be right for the job. However, Dale Sveum, 48, has previously working with the Red Sox from 2004-05 as the third base coach. Both have could be a great fit for the position, but the other candidates that may be considered have yet to be released.

Who do you think should replace Terry Francona?

New England Revolution Leaving Gillette

Progress is being made on plans to create an official New England Revolution soccer stadium. The organization claims getting the Revs into their own stadium is one of their top priorities. Several locations, including the MBTA's Green Line maintenance facility in Somerville, are being studied to determine whether the area is suitable for a soccer stadium. Three sites in Boston's metro core have been studied to the potential to join into the heart of the sport city. The Revs organization has invested over a million dollars on this project to date, and is committed to creating the urban soccer stadium environment in New England.

Is it worth spending the money when they have a home at Gillette? Or do you think its time for the New England Revolution to branch off on their own and develop a soccer stadium?

Under Investigation

Recent stories have been spread about the Boston Red Sox drinking during games in the clubhouse this season.

Yesterday, October 23, the Major League Baseball executive vice president of baseball operations, Joe Torre, announced his office would be investigating the drinking accusation.

Two players, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, have admitted to drinking during games. They also stated they drank with Josh Beckett and John Lackey. Neither Beckett or Lackey have admitted to drinking; they have however admitted to making unspecified mistakes.

The players deny drinking in the dugout during the games, only admitting to drinking in the clubhouse. The Red Sox owner and team president have plans to look into the matter, but no consequences have been released. The MLB's investigation has not been released in detail, so it is unknown what will unfold as the investigation proceeds.

What's your opinion? What do you think should be done to the players that drank during the games?

Ring in the New Season

The Boston Bruins received their Stanley Cup rings before the new season officially starts. The Bruins showed off their new accessory at a special team dinner at the Boston Harbor Hotel, complete with red carpet entrance. The dinner was an unveiling of the ring design and ceremony to give each player who participated in the playoffs and final their ring.

With their new rings on their fingers, what is to be expected for the upcoming season?
Should Boston fans expect another run for the Cup?  

Not Meeting Expectations

The Red Sox preseason expectations led fans to believe they were heading straight for the World Series.

As the season is coming down to the playoffs, the Red Sox are not meeting their expectations. They lost their division lead to the Yankees back in August, and now they struggle to capture the Wild Card. The last few games have been nothing but an embarrassment to Sox fans. This downfall will be the worst collapse in franchise history, according to the Boston Globe.

If the Red Sox don't get their act together and start playing like the "dream team" they were projected to be, the World Series dream is crushed.

Hernandez out, Ochocinco in

Aaron Hernandez, tight end, helped lead the Patriots to victory Sunday night against the Chargers. Brady has displayed a little bit of favoritism towards Hernandez the past two games, making him a frequent target. With recent reports stating Hernandez will be out for two weeks with a MCL sprain, the Patriots offense is about to shake up. Several Patriot players suffered injuries from Sunday's game, but Hernandez might be considered to have the most impact of the team for the next game.





With Hernandez out, Ochocinco is more likely to see the ball from Brady. Hernandez frequently goes out wide, in the slot, or in the back field - all spots Ochocinco is itching to be in.

This injury could change up the way the Pats charge their way into the end zone. If Brady starts throwing to Ochocinco, and becomes comfortable, Hernandez might lose out his current spot as one of Brady's favorites.



Galaxy beat out Revolution for Keane

Interest rumors have been passed around for some time about the potential of Irish national team's all-time leading scorer, Robbie Keane, would sign to a MLS team. Unfortunately, he was acquired by the LA Galaxy, home of other big name soccer stars like David Beckham. The reasoning behind the Revolution losing out on the Keane opportunity could have been a matter of funding. The Revs did not have the budget to afford the 3.5 million euros the Galaxy offered Keane. Most of the Revs budget is being spent on their Argentine striker, Milton Caraglio.  The LA Galaxy keeps pushing the limits of salary restrictions and capitalizing on opportunities for foreign talent. The Boston Globe stated the Revolution was never in the running to obtain Keane. Why? Was it because of the lower salary offer? Or was it the influence of foreign stars like David Beckham? 

One things for sure, the Revolution missed out on one amazing opportunity to enhance their roster. 

Randy Moss

On September 5, 2011, reports were made rumoring Randy Moss' return to the NFL. NBC Sports reports that Moss regrets leaving the Patriots in 2010, and would only consider coming out of retirement if there was an offer from New England. The question now is, do the Patriots want Moss back? Tom Brady was quoted via the Boston Herald stating, "I love Randy Moss, he's one of the greatest receivers in the history of the game, one of the greatest players I've had a chance to play with. But unfortunately, I don't make personnel decisions." It's clear that Brady would not mind seeing Moss back in a Patriots jersey, but does Bill Belichick feel the same way? If the Patriots did not want Moss in 2010, why would they want him in 2011?

Personally, I am not a fan of athletes coming out of retirement shortly after they announced their retirement. Randy Moss coming back to the game would start a retirement cycle like Brett Favre. Should Moss stay retired or consider playing for the Patriots if the opportunity presented itself?

Introduction

Hello Everyone!

My name is Renee Dubuc and I am currently a sophomore at Slippery Rock University. My major at SRU is Sport Management. After graduating from SRU, I wish to work within intercollegiate athletics, either as an Athletic Director or a Sports Information Director.

I am from Saunderstown, Rhode Island and graduated from North Kingstown High School. Coming from New England, I am a big Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins fan. Therefore, I will most likely be posting about those teams.