NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 10 11/07-10-11/2024

For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT).  The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game.  EXAMPLE:  Say this week we have 16 games.  The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1.   You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score.  We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER.  The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring  described above.  Or, the optional method.  A  negative score for missed games.  We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions.  EXAMPLE:   if you scored     1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have  1 pt. 1.  HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look;  My pick will be in bold Capital letters.  you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting.  I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday.  Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use.  Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL  FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: BROWNS   PACKERS   RAIDERS   SEAHAWKS  TRIVIA TIME:    Who was the first African American quarterback to start in a Super Bowl?       Answer below pick sheet   All Times EST GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 11/07/24 20:15 1 PRIME VIDEO Bengals (4–5) @ Ravens (6–3) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 09:30 2 NFL Giants (2–7) Panthers (2–7) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 13:00 3 FOX Patriots (2–7) @ Bears (4–4) / 4 CBS Bills (7–2) @ Colts (4–5) / 5 FOX Vikings (6–2) @ Jaguars (2–7) / 6 CBS Broncos (5–4) @ Chiefs (8–0) / 7 FOX Falcons (6–3) @ Saints (2–7) / 8 FOX 49’ers (4–4) @ Buccaneers (4–5) / 9 FOX Steelers (6–2) @ Commanders (7–2) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 16:05 10 FOX  Titans (2–6) @ Chargers (5–3) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 16:25 11 CBS Jets (3–6) @ Cardinals (5–4) / 13 CBS Eagles (6–2) @ Cowboys (3–5) /   SUNDAY 11/10/24 20:15 13 NBC Lions (7–1) @ Texans (6–3) / MONDAY 11/11/24 20:15 14 ESPN  Dolphins (2–6) @ Rams (4–4) / GAMES  Points Possible 105 Tie Break (Total score last game) 35 Total Points off – TRIVIA ANSWER Doug Williams, Washington Redskins in 1988 Post Views: 12

A SHORT HISTORY OF NFL FOOTBALL

Ah, the storied rivalries of the NFL—where helmets clash, fans roar, and allegiances run deeper than a well-dug end zone. Buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to dive into some gridiron history that’ll make your heart race faster than a wide receiver sprinting for the goal line! The Birth of the NFL: From APFA to Gridiron Glory The Roaring Twenties and the APFA 🏈The NFL’s roots trace back to the early 1920s when professional football was a scrappy, regional affair. In 1920, a group of team owners met in Canton, Ohio, and formed the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Ten teams from four states—Ohio, Indiana,(the team from Indiana played in 1919, with a record of 4-1-1).  Unfortunately the OHIO representatives wanted to form a new professional league.  The Indiana team played only one game losing to the Illinois Rock Island Independents 45-0.  This game and the Columbus Panhandles – Dayton Triangles, were the first two games played in the new league.  As for the Flyers, they were relegated to playing local teams.  The Ohio teams refused to play them with the excuse they wanted to play “better teams” and cancelled all games with the Flyers.   NO player from the Flyers were were listed on the 1920 “All Star” and no player has been enshrined in the Hall Of Fame.  INJUSTICE! I think so, and this should be rectified for no other reason than being the FIRST PRO team to play the game.  (Just for your information the Flyers HC: was KEN HUFFMAN Home Field was WALNUT STREET STADIUM. The other team; not previously mentioned were the Cleveland Tigers. Teams making up the league were from Ohio were Akron, Cleveland,Canton, and Dayton. Indiana were the Muncie Flyers, Hammond Pros.  New York Jeffersons.  Illinois Rock Island Independents,  Decatur Staleys, and Racine Cardinals. On September 17, 1920 the The Ohio group re-organized. Illinois, and New York—joined forces. Jim Thorpe, the legendary athlete, served as the league’s first president The Birth of a Pigskin Empire The Roaring Twenties and the NFL’s Humble Beginnings Back in the 1920s, when flappers were flapping and jazz was jazzing, a group of football enthusiasts decided it was high time to organize professional football. They gathered in a Hupmobile dealership (yes, you read that right) in Canton, Ohio, and thus, the NFL was born. It was like the Big Bang, but with more shoulder pads and fewer cosmic rays. The original teams were a colorful bunch: the Akron Pros, the Decatur Staleys (who later became the Chicago Bears), and the Dayton Triangles (because nothing says “football” like geometry). These early squads played in cow pastures, city parks, and any patch of grass large enough to accommodate a scrum. Imagine a bunch of burly dudes chasing a leather ball while dodging cows. It was like a real-life version of “Madden NFL: Barnyard Edition.” The Name Change and the NFL Emerges Two years later, in 1922, the APFA rebranded itself as the National Football League (NFL). The name change reflected the league’s growing ambition and national reach. The NFL aimed to establish itself as the premier professional football organization in the United States. The original teams included familiar names like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants. The Early Years: Leather Helmets and Grit The NFL’s early years were marked by gritty games played on muddy fields. Leather helmets, woolen uniforms, and a no-nonsense attitude defined the era. Teams crisscrossed the country, playing in small stadiums and sometimes even on baseball fields. The league faced financial challenges, but it persevered. The Rise of the NFL Championship Game In 1933, the NFL introduced the playoff system, culminating in the NFL Championship Game. This annual showdown determined the league champion. The Chicago Bears, led by the legendary George Halas, dominated the early years, winning several titles. The Green Bay Packers, with their iconic coach Vince Lombardi, also left an indelible mark on NFL history. The Merger with the AFL The 1960s brought significant changes. The American Football League (AFL) emerged as a rival to the NFL. The two leagues engaged in fierce competition for players and fans. However, in 1966, they decided to merge, creating the modern NFL. The Super Bowl, which pits the champions of each conference against each other, became the pinnacle of professional football. The Super Bowl Era and Beyond The Super Bowl transformed the NFL into a cultural phenomenon. From Joe Namath’s guarantee in Super Bowl III to Tom Brady’s multiple championships, the game became a spectacle watched by millions worldwide. The league expanded, adding new teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Innovations like instant replay and free agency shaped the game. Today: A Global Sporting Empire Fast-forward to today, and the NFL stands as a global sporting empire. The league boasts 32 teams, each with its passionate fan base. Stars like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, and Lamar Jackson electrify stadiums and screens. The NFL’s commitment to social justice initiatives, player safety, and community engagement continues to evolve. The Great Depression and the NFL’s Survival Dance The 1930s weren’t all moonshine and swing music. The Great Depression hit the NFL harder than a linebacker blitz. Teams folded faster than origami cranes in a windstorm. But a few resilient franchises soldiered on. The Green Bay Packers, led by the legendary Curly Lambeau, kept the flame alive. Meanwhile, the New York Giants were like the Gatsby of football, throwing extravagant parties (and passes) in the Big Apple. World War II and the NFL’s Patriotic Huddle When World War II rolled around, the NFL faced a dilemma: Should they keep playing while the world was at war? The answer was a resounding “Yes!” Football became a symbol of American resilience. Players traded their helmets for helmets (the military kind) and went off to fight. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles, presumably to catch some rays and work on their tan lines between games. The Swinging Sixties and the NFL’s Pop Culture Blitz… Continue reading A SHORT HISTORY OF NFL FOOTBALL

NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 9 10-30/11-03/04/2024

For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT).  The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game.  EXAMPLE:  Say this week we have 16 games.  The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1.   You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score.  We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER.  The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring  described above.  Or, the optional method.  A  negative score for missed games.  We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions.  EXAMPLE:   if you scored     1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have  1 pt. 1.  HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look;  My pick will be in bold Capital letters.  you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting.  I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday.  Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use.  Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL  FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES:    49’ers   Steelers  TRIVIA TIME:  Have NFL players always been required to wear a helmet?        Answer below pick sheet   Thursday EDT Sunday/Monday is EST (As You all know EDT is really AST [Atlantic Standard Time. ] Politicians just don’t know how to tell the truth. GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 10/30/24 20:15 1 PRIME VIDEO Texans (6–2) 13 @ JETS(2–6) 21 4 4/4 SUNDAY 11/03/24 13:00 10 2 FOX Cowboys (3–4) 21 @ FALCONS(5–3) 27 6 10/10 3 CBS Broncos (5–3) 10 @ RAVENS (5–3) 41 15 25/25 4 CBS Dolphins  (2–5) 27 @ BILLS(6–2) 30 10 35/35 5 CBS SAINTS (2–6) 22 @ Panthers (1–7) 23 12 35/23 6 FOX Raiders (2–6) 24 @ BENGALS (3–5) 41 11 46/34 7 CBS CHARGERS(4–3) 27 @ Browns (2–6) 10 3 49/37 8 CBS Jaguars (2–6) 23 @ EAGLES (5–2) 28 13 62/50 9 FOX COMMANDERS(6–2) 27 @ Giants (2–6) 22     8 70/58 10 FOX Patriots (2-6) 17 @ TITANS (1–6) 20(0T) 7 77/65 SUNDAY 11/03/24 16:05 11 CBS Bears (4–3) 9 @ CARDINALS (4–4) 29 1 78/66 SUNDAY 11/03/24 16:25 12 FOX LIONS(3–4) 24 @ Packers (4–4) 14 5 83/61 13 FOX RAMS(3–4) 26 @ Seahawks (4–4) 20 (OT) 2 85/63   SUNDAY 11/03/24 20:15 14 NBC Colts (4–4) 13 @ VIKINGS(5–2) 21   9 94/72 MONDAY 11/04/24 20:15 15 ESPN Buccaneers (4–4) 24 @ CHIEFS (7–0) 30 (OT) 14 108/96 GAMES  14/1 93%/7% Points Possible 120 90%/80% Tie Break (Total score last game) 53 Total 54 Points off   -1 TRIVIA ANSWER No, helmets were not required until 1943 Post Views: 29

The Death of Pat Tillman: A Hero’s Tragic and Controversial End

Pat Tillman was a man of immense courage, both on the football field and the battlefield. Known for his selflessness, Tillman walked away from a successful NFL career to serve in the U.S. Army following the attacks on September 11, 2001. His decision shocked the sports world, as he turned down millions to follow a higher calling. Tragically, Tillman’s life was cut short in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan. What followed his death was a series of misreports and accusations of a military cover-up, sparking one of the most controversial military cases in modern U.S. history. Pat Tillman’s Path from NFL Star to Army Ranger Tillman was a rising star in the NFL, playing safety for the Arizona Cardinals. He was known for his relentless work ethic and fierce determination. In 2002, after completing the NFL season, Tillman made a life-altering decision. Deeply affected by the events of 9/11, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, leaving behind his NFL career to serve his country. Tillman joined the elite Army Rangers and served tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His decision to enlist in the military at the height of his career earned him admiration from fans, players, and the American public. He became a symbol of sacrifice and service. However, his journey took a tragic turn on April 22, 2004, when he was killed in a firefight while on patrol in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Initial Reports and the Tragic Friendly Fire Incident When news of Pat Tillman’s death first broke, it was reported that he had died heroically in a firefight with enemy forces. The U.S. military initially described his death as the result of an ambush by Taliban insurgents. Tillman’s story became a rallying cry for patriotism, and his sacrifice was celebrated nationwide. However, within weeks of his death, disturbing details began to surface that challenged the initial reports. It was revealed that Tillman had not been killed by enemy fire but by “friendly fire”—a devastating revelation that sent shockwaves through his family and the public. The term “friendly fire” refers to a situation in which soldiers are accidentally shot by their own forces, and this was the grim reality of Tillman’s final moments. Tillman had been accidentally shot by fellow U.S. soldiers in the confusion of battle, when his platoon was split during an engagement with enemy forces. In the chaos, Tillman was struck by three bullets to the head, fired from a fellow soldier’s rifle. The soldiers involved were reportedly unaware of their mistake until it was too late. The Cover-Up and Misreporting The controversy surrounding Pat Tillman’s death stems not only from the friendly fire incident itself but also from how the U.S. military handled the situation. For weeks, the military continued to promote the narrative that Tillman had been killed by enemy forces, even as evidence of friendly fire became clear to those on the ground. This led to accusations that the military had deliberately concealed the truth in order to preserve Tillman’s image as a war hero. Tillman’s family was devastated when they learned the truth about how he had died. They became outspoken critics of the military’s handling of his death, accusing the government of using Pat’s death as a propaganda tool to rally public support for the war. The family felt that the initial misreporting of his death was not merely an error but part of a calculated cover-up to hide the uncomfortable reality of friendly fire. The Official Investigation The controversy surrounding Tillman’s death eventually led to multiple investigations by the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense, and Congress. The Army conducted a formal inquiry into the incident, which confirmed that Tillman’s death was indeed the result of friendly fire. The report also noted that there had been a failure to report the details of the incident accurately and promptly. However, the investigation into whether there was an intentional cover-up remained contentious. Testimonies from soldiers who were with Tillman during the firefight revealed that the military had been aware early on that Tillman was likely killed by friendly fire. Yet, despite this knowledge, it took weeks for the truth to be disclosed to Tillman’s family and the public. Congressional hearings were held in 2007, during which military officials were questioned about the delayed and misleading reports. Army officials admitted that the initial account of Tillman’s death was wrong but denied any deliberate attempt to cover up the truth. The hearings left many questions unanswered, and the Tillman family continued to believe that there had been an effort to mislead them and the public. Lingering Controversies and Theories Despite the official investigations, controversy still surrounds the handling of Pat Tillman’s death. The central question remains: Was the initial misreporting a result of confusion and poor communication, or was it a deliberate attempt to manipulate the story of Tillman’s death for political purposes? The Role of Leadership: – Some critics argue that military leadership, particularly at higher levels, may have intentionally delayed the truth about Tillman’s death to avoid public relations fallout. At the time of his death, Tillman had become a national symbol, and revealing that he had died by friendly fire might have undermined his legacy and damaged morale among U.S. forces and the American public. Political Motivations: – There is also speculation that Tillman’s death was manipulated to serve as a patriotic rallying point during a period when public support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was wavering. Tillman’s death, as initially reported, was seen as a heroic sacrifice, and some believe this narrative was maintained for political purposes. The Question of Accountability: – While investigations confirmed friendly fire as the cause of death, many believe that those responsible for the delay in revealing the truth have not been held accountable. The Tillman family, in particular, has sought greater transparency and justice in the handling of Pat’s case. Conclusion: A Complex and Tragic Story Pat Tillman’s death is a story of both heroism and heartbreak. His… Continue reading The Death of Pat Tillman: A Hero’s Tragic and Controversial End

Children Sports Burn Out

  Yes, too much of one sport can indeed lead to burnout in children. Burnout usually results from chronic stress and might manifest as physical or emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, feelings of cynicism or detachment, and a lack of accomplishment. Although it varies from child to child, typically, playing multiple games a week, and adding in practices as well as travel for tournaments on weekends can become overwhelming. This intense schedule can cause physical fatigue and mental stress. To avoid burnout: 1. Variety: Encourage your child to play different sports. This can help them develop diverse skills and prevent overuse injuries. 2. Breaks: Ensure that your child takes breaks during the season and has an off-season when they do not play any organized sport. 3. Balance: Balance their sports activities with other things they enjoy like hanging out with friends, hobbies or family time. 4. Limitation: A common recommendation is that children should not spend more hours a week than their age playing sports. For example, a 10-year-old should play no more than 10 hours per week. 5. Listen: Pay attention to your child’s feelings about their sport commitment – if they’re consistently feeling too tired or unmotivated to participate, it may be time to reduce the intensity of involvement. 6. Fun element: It’s important that playing sports remains fun for your child rather than being perceived as a chore or job. 7. Professional guidance: Seek advice from a coach or pediatrician if you worry about burnout or over-exercise. It’s important to remember that every child is unique – one size does not fit all when it comes to an appropriate schedule for sports participation. Post Views: 23

NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 8 10/24-27-28/2024

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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 7 10/17-20-21/2024

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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 6 10/10-13-14/2024

What can I say about last week “DISASTEROUS” Going back to my spreadsheet and see if I can find something that changed.  So many bad picks in last couple of weeks.  Sure hope I find a problem there.   We think we found the problem.  Some how one column had a multiplier missing.  Not all rows were affected but most were.  Don’t know how that happened.   So with that being said LET US see if we can be back on track this week.  For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT).  The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game.  EXAMPLE:  Say this week we have 16 games.  The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1.   You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score.  We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER.  The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring  described above.  Or, the optional method.  A  negative score for missed games.  We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions.  EXAMPLE:   if you scored     1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have  1 pt. 1.  HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look;  My pick will be in bold Capital letters.  you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting.  I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday.  Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use.  Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL  FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: CHIEFS     DOLPHINS   RAMS   VIKINGS  TRIVIA TIME:   Which NFL team had the most wins in the 2000s?       Answer below pick sheet   All Times EDT (As You all know EDT is really AST [Atlantic Standard Time. ] Politicians just don’t know how to tell the truth. GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 10/10/24 20:15 1 PRIME VIDEO 49’ERS (2–3) 36 Seahawks (3–2) 24 7 7/7 SUNDAY 10/13/24 09:30 2 NFL  Jaguars (1–4) 16 @ BEARS (3–2) 35 1 8/8 SUNDAY 10/13/24 13:00 3 CBS Commanders (4–1) 23 @ RAVENS (3-2) 30 12 20/20 4 FOX Cardinals (2–3) 13 @ PACKERS (3–2) 34 10   30/30 5 CBS TEXANS (4–1) 41 @ Patriots (1–4) 21 13 43/43 6 FOX BUCCANEERS (3–2) 51 @ Saints (2–3) 27 9 52/52 7 FOX Browns (1–4) 16 @ EAGLES(2–2) 20 14 66/66 8 CBS Colts (2–3) 20 @ TITANS (1–3) 17 3 66/63 SUNDAY 10/13/24 16:05 9 CBS CHARGERS (2–3) 23 @ Broncos (3-2) 16 4 70/67 10 CBS STEELERS (3–2) 32 @ Raiders (2–3) 13 6 76/73 SUNDAY 10/13/24 16:25 11 FOX FALCONS (3–2) 38 @ Panthers (1–4) 20 20 87/84 12 FOX LIONS (3–1) 47 @ Cowboys (3–2) 9 5 92/89 SUNDAY 10/13/24 20:20 13 NBC BENGALS (1–4) 17 @ Giants (2–3) 7 8 100/97   MONDAY 10/14/24 20:15 14 ESPN BILLS (3–2) 23 @ Jets (2–2) 20 2 102/99 97%/97% 13/1 93%/7%   GAMES  Points Possible 105 Tie Break (Total score last game) 43 Total 43 Points off 00 TRIVIA ANSWER The Indianapolis Colts Post Views: 49

Lifetime Bans in Baseball: A Closer Look at the Scandals that Shook the Sport

IN MEMORY OF PETE ROSE (April 14, 1941-September 30, 2024) NOTE: The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an independent, nonprofit educational institution.  That being said it seems the MLB bans of any player is not binding!!!  So why have players like Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson not been enshrined in the hall of fame.  There records speak for their for them.  (Anyone from the Baseball Hall of Fame care to respond). Now to our story. Though not an actual mystery, this article goes into detail about lifetime bans in Baseball and gives you a greater look into these bans and their outcomes. Baseball holds a special place in American culture, and with that comes a strong commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. When these values are compromised, Major League Baseball (MLB) does not hesitate to impose its harshest penalty—a lifetime ban. This punishment has been used sparingly throughout the history of the game but always for actions that threaten its integrity. Let’s take a deeper look into the most infamous lifetime bans in baseball history, the events leading to them, and their lasting impact. Pete Rose: The Gambling Scandal that Rocked Baseball Pete Rose, known as “Charlie Hustle,” is one of the most controversial figures in baseball. Over a 24-year career, he set the record for most hits (4,256), earning accolades and a reputation as one of the greatest players in history. However, Rose’s fall from grace came in 1989 when it was revealed that he had bet on baseball games, including those involving the Cincinnati Reds, a team he both played for and managed.  (It is said he only bet FOR his team to win). An investigation led by MLB Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti concluded that Rose had placed bets on numerous baseball games from 1985 to 1987, including his own team’s games, though no evidence suggested he bet against the Reds. In a deal to avoid further legal action, Rose accepted a lifetime ban from baseball on August 24, 1989, without admitting to or denying the allegations. Rose’s ban barred him from managing, coaching, or holding any official role within MLB, and he became ineligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. Over the years, Rose has made several appeals for reinstatement, expressing remorse for his actions and eventually admitting in 2004 that he had bet on baseball. Despite his pleas, MLB has held firm, citing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game. The impact of Rose’s ban continues to be debated. Many fans believe his on-field accomplishments should be enough to warrant Hall of Fame induction, while others argue that his gambling offenses tarnish his legacy irreparably. The Rose case serves as a stark reminder of baseball’s strict no-tolerance policy toward gambling. The Black Sox Scandal: A World Series Tainted by Greed In 1919, baseball was rocked by one of its greatest scandals when eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of conspiring with gamblers to throw the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. The players involved, including legendary outfielder **Shoeless Joe Jackson**, accepted bribes from gamblers in exchange for underperforming in key moments of the series. The scandal came to light after rumors of the fix spread throughout the season, leading to an investigation. The eight players, known as the “Black Sox,” were indicted by a grand jury in 1920, though they were acquitted of criminal charges. However, MLB’s newly appointed Commissioner, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, was determined to restore the public’s faith in the game and permanently banned all eight players from baseball, regardless of the court’s decision. Shoeless Joe Jackson’s involvement remains a subject of controversy. Despite his incredible .375 batting average during the series and his claims of innocence, Jackson was still banned for life. Many believe Jackson was not fully complicit in the plot and was manipulated by his teammates and the gamblers. Still, Landis’ decision to ban him solidified Jackson’s exclusion from baseball history, including the Hall of Fame. The Black Sox Scandal is often seen as a turning point for MLB. It led to the establishment of the Commissioner’s Office, created to protect the integrity of the game. The scandal also fueled a more stringent approach to gambling and a zero-tolerance policy toward any behavior that could compromise the fairness of competition. Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): A Modern-Day Scourge The following bans I agree with 100%, and should be MLB Lifetime, because they were out and out CHEATING. While the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) became a major issue in baseball in the 1990s and 2000s, MLB’s policies regarding drug violations were initially less stringent. However, after repeated scandals involving high-profile players, the league adopted a tough stance that includes the possibility of lifetime bans for multiple offenses. The MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program mandates increasing punishments for players caught using PEDs. A first offense results in an 80-game suspension, a second offense leads to a 162-game suspension (a full season), and a third offense results in a lifetime ban. Although no player has yet been banned after three offenses, the threat of permanent exclusion serves as a strong deterrent. Some of the most famous players involved in PED scandals include Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds. Rodriguez was suspended for the entire 2014 season due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, but he narrowly avoided a lifetime ban. Bonds, though never banned, faced legal challenges and public scrutiny due to allegations of steroid use during his career. The legacy of PED use in baseball has left a cloud over an entire generation of players, some of whom would have been Hall of Fame candidates if not for their association with drugs. MLB’s aggressive anti-drug policies reflect its commitment to maintaining a level playing field, and while lifetime bans for PEDs are rare, the policy underscores the seriousness with which the league treats drug violations. Assault and Misconduct: Off-the-Field Actions with On-the-Field Consequences While gambling and PEDs are more common reasons… Continue reading Lifetime Bans in Baseball: A Closer Look at the Scandals that Shook the Sport

NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 5 10/03-06-07/2024

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