When is enough going to be enough? Everybody in this world wants more for themselves, and professional sports figures are no different, as we see their salaries escalate at an alarming rate right across the board. NHL Free Agent frenzy is pretty much over for another year and once again money is being thrown around by owners and GM's, like confetti at a wedding. Many free agents; like Kevin Shattenkirk (NYR $26 mil over four), Karl Alzner (MTL $23 mil over five), Alexander Radulov (Dal $32 mil over five), Justin Williams (CAR $9 mil over two), Patrick Marleau (TOR $18 mil over three), and especially Joe Thornton (SJS $8 mil, one year, that's a million dollars a goal) are smiling from ear to ear.
But all of this pales in comparison when we bring in NBA salaries, talk about a payday that's “out of this world” KD (Kevin Durant), MVP of this year's playoffs, just signed a “home town discount” contract for only $26 mil season, because he didn't want to break up the team due to financial constraints. His teammate, Steph Curry, former NBA MVP, two- time World Champion and the driving force, not to mention the brains behind the Golden State Warriors, also just signed. But, now get this, it's mindboggling, record setting five year, $201 (US) million contract, (270 Canadian). Yes, you heard that right. Let's break it down, that's about $650,000 a game. When will this insanity stop.
Canadian Eugenie Bouchard should spend more time on practicing, improving her skills and less time worrying about doing commercials as she continues to struggle to find her game; bowing out once again in the first round of s major, this time at prestigious Wimbledon. Her steady downward spiral from being ranked no. five on the WTA Tour only three years ago to no. 61 today, has been nothing short of amazing, and it all began when she suffered that concussion at the US Open.
I know we don't watch a lot of football (soccer) in this country, it's not exactly our favourite national past-time, even though it is becoming more popular. But after watching the top 50 plays from the Europe League, I was simply blown away by how talented these players really are. Everything from long range 30-40 yard laser kicks to the top corner, to remarkable footwork (dribbling) leading to ridiculous goals, to behind the back leg kicks and deflections, to unbelievable scissor kicks that resulted in “bar down” snipes, and much, much more, it was one sensational play after another. You had to see it to believe it.
The Blue Jays are in a terrible tailspin (2-10), all facets of their game are suffering and if they don't snap out of it soon, not only will their season be lost, but some players and manager John “Penguin” Gibbons will be looking for work. I'm not optimistic.
I failed to mention last week about another new team, Sandy Bay, that will join the high school hockey league. The WHSHL is really taking off but it must be careful not to expand too far, geographically. For obvious reasons Commissioner Doug Roach will have his hands full when he makes up the schedule come fall as I'm sure every team will have numerous special requests when it comes time to hosting league games.
So sad to hear about the passing of two-time Stanley Cup winner Dave Semenko (59) from pancreatic and liver cancer, who rode shot gun (bodyguard) for no. 99 for so many seasons. The gentle giant from Winnipeg who played for the Brandon Wheat Kings and scored the last WHA goal in history, terrorized the WHL, WHA, and the NHL with his fists of steel; but he had a heart of gold, he was truly one of a kind. Trivia time, besides the Oilers, name the two other NHL teams he played for?
The Virden Oilers begin defence of their SWBL title tonight when they host the Hamiota Red Sox in game one of their best of three quarter finals. In the other three series, the Hartney Hoppers take on the Deloraine Royals, the Rivers Comets play the Oak River Dodgers (North Division winners) while the Boissevain Centenniels (South Division winners) will tangle with the Wawanesa Brewers.
Trivia answer, the Hartford Whalers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Until next time....
