By George!

Mayweather's mouth can be own worst enemy

September 04, 2010 , ι BY GEORGE WILLIS

Floyd Mayweather likes to view himself in grandiose terms: as a boxer, as a businessman and even as a humanitarian. He wonders why people don't talk more about him feeding and clothing the homeless... Read on

Floyd Mayweather likes to view himself in grandiose terms: as a boxer, as a businessman and even as a humanitarian. He wonders why people don't talk more about him feeding and clothing the homeless in Las Vegas or his efforts to aide at-risk children in his community.
	 
The problem is when it comes to building an image that can be admired Mayweather can be his own worst enemy. Such was the case this week with an Ustream rant in which Mayweather called Manny Pacquiao "a yellow chump," and said he would force Pacquiao to "make some sushi rolls and cook some rice," before "we're going to cook him with some cats and dogs."
	 
It was needless, classless, ignorant, and racist. It made him sound like a buffoonish clown, a 33-year-old multi-millionaire acting like an uneducated punk with no sense. It is disappointing Mayweather, one of the best fighters to ever put on gloves, would use his ability to connect with fans through a world-wide medium to spew such nonsense.
	 
Mayweather tried to apologize, but his attempt only underscored he has no sense of the impact his words can have. "I want to apologize to everybody because everybody thought that it was a racist comment that I said. I don't have a racist bone in my body," Mayweather said. Later he added, "If anybody was affected from what I said the other day, I apologize as a man. I was just having fun."
	 
That tells me Mayweather has no clue how offensive he was, and that's sad. As an African-American he should understand how divisive derogatory stereotypes and racially motivated comments can be.
	 
Mayweather has the potential to be not just a great athlete, but a great role model; a global ambassador for boxing; who actually could bring different nationalities and races together. Instead, too often he comes off as another self-absorbed athlete with no care for anyone but himself.
	 
I understand the head games boxers play, the mental gamesmanship and trash talk at all. But Mayweather comes off looking foolish talking about what he's going to do when he beats Pacquiao, a Filipino, when for one reason after another the fight hasn't been made.
	 
Mayweather said, "I apologize as a man." But a real man doesn't have fun by demeaning others. In fact, it makes you less of a man. You would think Mayweather would have learned that by now.

AFP/Getty ImagesFloyd Mayweather Jr.: Working on his image, but his mouth gets in the way.

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Furyk booted from Barclays after oversleeping Pro-Am

August 25, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

Jim Furyk, the No.3 ranked player in the FedEx Cup points standings, was disqualified from The Barclays on Wednesday when he missed his 7:30 tee-time for the pro-am at Ridgewood Country Club.Furyk... Read on

Jim Furyk, the No.3 ranked player in the FedEx Cup points standings, was disqualified from The Barclays on Wednesday when he missed his 7:30 tee-time for the pro-am at Ridgewood Country Club.
	 
Furyk said the alarm on his cell phone didn't ring because it was out of power. He said he woke up at 7:23 and rushed to the golf course, arriving at 7:35. By then it was too late.
	 
"I ran from my car through the locker room and saw no official," Furyk said. "I'd assume someone would be waiting at my locker or waiting in the parking lot or something."
	 
It was Slugger White, the PGA Tour's vice president of rules and competition, who told Furyk he was disqualified. In a way, White and Furyk's caddie Fluff Cowan were relieved to see Furyk was just late. Cowan and White had tried to ring Furyk's cell phone, but because it was dead it went straight to voice mail
	 
"When things like that happen sometimes you think the worst," White said, "worried some stuff happened on the road. Thank goodness that wasn't what it was. We kept looking and kept trying to call. I didn't know where he was staying, but it would have been too late."
	 
Furyk wasn't very happy. He'll miss the entire Barclays and drop in the points standings, but can still compete in Boston next week. "I'd always be upset no matter what tournament it was," he said. "I'm more upset because it's this one. We're here at the end of the deal. It's special."
	 
Meanwhile Tiger Woods did make his pro-am tee-time and was out on the course playing in a steady drizzle followed by a small gallery.

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Adamek defeats Grant at Prudential Center

August 22, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

It was a typical Tomasz Adamek night at the Prudential Center Saturday night. The house was packed with 10,972 red-wearing fans; the action was virtually non-stop and Adamek earned yet another... Read on

It was a typical Tomasz Adamek night at the Prudential Center Saturday night. The house was packed with 10,972 red-wearing fans; the action was virtually non-stop and Adamek earned yet another victory.
	 
Despite giving away five inches in height and about 44 pounds in weight, Adamek captured a 12-round unanimous decision over Michael Grant of Philadelphia to continue his quest toward a heavyweight title shot.
	 
The judges had Adamek, a native of Poland based in Jersey City, an easy winner: 118-110, 118-111 and 117-111.
	 
At 6-7, 261 pounds, Grant towered over the smaller Adamek (6-2, 217). But Adamek (42-1, 27 KOs) used his foot movement and quick combinations to tag the bigger Grant, who did little more than occasionally flick a long left jab.
	 
Grant's best chance was to make Adamek feel his power, but his power punch, his right-hand, was tucked under his chin for much of the fight as he kept trying to size up Adamek with his left jab.
	 
"This was the first time for me fighting a light heavyweight and I had to get used to his movement," said Grant (46-4, 34 KOs), who saw an eight-fight winning streak end.
	 
Grant's best punch came when he finally landed a hard right-hand at the bell to end the sixth round. Adamek went wobbling back to his stool and looked like he might be in trouble.
	 
If Adamek was hurt, he didn't show it as the seventh round started. He got back on his toes and kept Grant off-balance by lunging in with quick combinations that started at the body and ended with a left hook to the head.
	 
Grant's jab did inflict some damage, opening a cut over the corner of Adamek's left eye in the seventh round. But the blood was stopped between rounds and never became a problem.
	 
As the fight entered the later rounds, all Adamek had to do was stay on his feet to win. He barely made it. Grant tried with all he had to catch Adamek with a punch that would get him a knockout. But Adamek was too crafty, ducking, running, punching and tying up the bigger man every time it got dangerous.
	 
Adamek has already been approached about a potential fight with heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. But Adamek is waiting for the right opportunity.
	 
In preliminary bouts, Brooklyn's Sadam Ali improved to 9-0, stopping Lenin Arroyo of Costa Rica with a body shot at 2:46 of the fifth round. It was the fifth knockout for Ali, who dominated the bout from the start. Joel Julio of Colombia improved to 36-4 with a 10-round decision over Jamaal Davis of Philadelphia (12-7, 6 KOs).

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HBO: 'Hard Knocks' f-bombs part of football life

August 21, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

The president of HBO Sports says "Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the New York Jets," is a reality show and that's what viewers are getting: reality. That includes the "F-bombs" frequently dropped by... Read on

The president of HBO Sports says "Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the New York Jets," is a reality show and that's what viewers are getting: reality. That includes the "F-bombs" frequently dropped by coaches and players.
	 
"That's how most football coaches speak," Ross Greenburg said. "If we're going to do a reality show, we can't sanitize it. That's not HBO."
	 
Tony Dungy has accepted an invitation to spend a day with head coach Rex Ryan and the Jets after Dungy was critical of Ryan's flying F-bombs during the first episode of "Hard Knocks." Dungy said he was "disappointed in the profanity," and Ryan countered that he was "unfairly judged."
	 
Greenburg said the topic of profanity was first discussed by HBO and NFL Films when the series began 10 years. It was decided then reality means reality. "You don’t have to cut it, (and) you don't have to edit it," Greenburg said. "In order for it to feel real we have to have that in. This isn't a tea party. This is an NFL locker room."
	 
During Dungy's rebuke the former Bucs and Colts coach suggested he would not hire someone who talks the way Ryan does. But Greenburg says the one thing that strikes him after being around the Jets is the players' devotion to Ryan.
	 
"I anticipated that Rex would be the dominant personality and control the fun-loving philosophy," Greenburg said. "But what surprised me is the depth to which these guys love their head football coach. I knew he was respected and liked. I didn't realize how hard these guys want to play for this guy. I’m talking veterans and rookies alike and that surprises me."

APNew York Jets head coach Rex Ryan talks with defensive back Antonio Cromartie as "Hard Knocks" cameras roll.

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Juanma-Marquez postponed

August 21, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

One of boxing's most anticipated bouts of the fall will have to wait a few more weeks. A featherweight showdown between Juan Manuel Lopez and Rafael Marquez scheduled for Sept. 18 at the MGM Grand in... Read on

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Margarito denied boxing license in California

August 18, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

The California State Athletic Commission voted 5-1 on Wednesday to deny Antonio Margarito a license to fight in its state.Margarito, 32, appeared before the board hoping to get its blessing to fight... Read on

The California State Athletic Commission voted 5-1 on Wednesday to deny Antonio Margarito a license to fight in its state.
	 
Margarito, 32, appeared before the board hoping to get its blessing to fight again after being suspended in February 2009 for having an illegal substance in his wraps before his January 2009 bout against Sugar Shane Mosley at Staples Center.
	 
The illegal substance was discovered after Mosley's trainer Naazim Richardson felt Margarito's wraps during a prefight inspection and demanded they be cut off and examined. After the hardened wraps were removed, Margarito lost his welterweight title to Mosley that night and was suspended for a year by the CSAC. Such suspensions are traditionally honored throughout the United States.
	 
A native of Tijuana, Margarito fought last May in Mexico and is trying to land a Nov. 13 fight with Manny Pacquiao either in Las Vegas or Texas. When Margarito first sought to get licensed by Nevada, the commission there told him to go back to California for approval.
	 
That hearing was held yesterday and the commissioners didn't think Margarito had accepted enough responsibility for what happened. The disgraced boxer continued to claim he didn't know his then trainer Javier Capetillo was fitting him with illegal wraps.
	 
At one point Margarito was asked if he had ever apologized for his actions.
	 
"No," he said speaking through an interpreter. "That's what I am here for. I'm here to answer any of the questions. And I'm here to make an apology, not only to the commission but the entire world for not knowing what was in those wrappings."
	 
It was discovered during questioning that Margarito has been sparring in Oxnard, Calif., without a sparring license, which is illegal. Margarito said he was unaware of the law. He claimed to be unaware of a lot of things regarding his case, which didn't sit well with commissioners.
	 
"You can delegate authority but not responsibility," one commissioner said in scolding Margarito.
	 
Having been rebuffed by Nevada and California, Margarito will attempt to get licensed in Texas in time for a Nov. 13 fight against Pacquiao.
	 
"We're very optimistic Texas will grant the license," said Margarito's promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. "But that is up to them.

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Tiger works with swing coach again

August 13, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

KOHLER, Wis. -- It looks like Tiger Woods has found his swing coach. After a shooting 1-under par in Thursday's opening round, Woods was seen at the driving range working with Sean Foley. Again.There... Read on

KOHLER, Wis. -- It looks like Tiger Woods has found his swing coach. After a shooting 1-under par in Thursday's opening round, Woods was seen at the driving range working with Sean Foley. Again.
	 
There's been no formal announcement yet, but it figures Woods wouldn't be so public about working with Foley if he wasn't contemplating a more formal arrangement. Orlando-based Foley is the swing coach for Hunter Mahan, Sean O'Hair, Justin Rose and others. During a practice round on Tuesday when Woods, Mahan and O'Hair were the playing threesome, Woods asked Foley to videotape his swing and offer feedback.
	 
Woods later said Foley was among several candidates he was considering. Working mostly with caddie Steve Williams, Woods had three days of intense practice sessions leading up to Thursday's opening round. He got off to a fast start with birdies on three of the first four holes, but had to grind his way in with a birdie on the final hole of his round. It was his second round under par since his 66 in the third round of the U.S. Open.

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Pavin, Gray nearly fight over Woods story

August 11, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

KOHLER, Wis. — U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin and Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray got into a heated exchange in the Media Center at Whistling Straits today over a story Gray reported Tuesday night... Read on

KOHLER, Wis. — U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin and Golf Channel reporter Jim Gray got into a heated exchange in the Media Center at Whistling Straits today over a story Gray reported Tuesday night saying Pavin would select Tiger Woods for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
	 
Jim Gray quoted Pavin as saying, "Of course I'm going to (pick him). He's the best player in the world."
	 
But during a press conference Wednesday, Pavin said, "That's an incorrect quote," adding he's still considering up to 20 players for the four at-large spots and wouldn't disrespect anyone under consideration by committing a spot to Woods right now.
	 
Gray confronted Pavin after the press conference, calling him "a liar" and adding "You're going down." Pavin kept insisting he was misquoted and their conversation Tuesday had been "misinterpreted."
	 
Gray stands by his story, and Pavin insists he won't finalize his four at-large picks until time for them to be announced Sept. 7 in New York City.
	 
"There's nobody that's promised any picks right now," Pavin said. "It would be disrespectful to everybody that's trying to make the team. I've got quite a few people I'm looking at. I would not disrespect any of the players that are potential players on the team and obviously there was a misinterpretation of what I said, and that's an incorrect quote."
	 
The top eight players in the Ryder Cup points standings at the end of this weekend's PGA Championship will automatically qualify to represent the U.S. squad at the Matches Oct. 1-3 in Wales. Woods stands in 10th place, but could get into the top eight with a high finish at Whistling Straits.
	 
"I would love to see him play his way on the roster obviously," Pavin said. "He's the No. 1 player in the world. I believe he's still ranked No. 1. He's a hell of a player and I would like him to play well this week and make the top eight. That would be fantastic."
	 
Woods said Tuesday he would accept an at-large invitation if he didn't automatically qualify for the squad.

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Barkley can't get in touch with Woods

August 10, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

Charles Barkley said he wants to give Tiger Woods a hug, but hasn't spoken to his one-time good friend since the golfer was exposed as a serial adulterer. "He's not talked to a single one of us since... Read on

Charles Barkley said he wants to give Tiger Woods a hug, but hasn't spoken to his one-time good friend since the golfer was exposed as a serial adulterer.
	 
"He's not talked to a single one of us since this thing happened," Barkley said. "We're just sitting back watching like everybody else."
	 
The NBA Hall of Famer said he has tried to reach out to Woods, but telephone numbers have changed.
	 
"We don’t' have any numbers," Barkley said. "But it's not like our numbers have changed. He's obviously not reaching out. All you can do is keep pulling for him. I just feel bad that he's cut everybody out of his life."
	 
What would he tell Woods if they spoke?
	 
"The thing I've said from the beginning is I just want him to know that there's people out there who care about you and love you," Barkley said. "I just want him to know that."
	 
Barkley, who has endured his own missteps, said he watched Woods perform at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational last weekend where the world's No. 1 golfer had the highest four-round score of his career at 18-over par including a 77 on Sunday.
	 
"That's the first time I really felt sorry for him," Barkley said. "He just looked defeated. He's not playing well. Sometimes when you have adversity in your life, you can't wait to escape by getting on the court or the course. But it ain't going to click that quickly."
	 
Woods is competing in the 92nd PGA Championship this week. During his press conference Tuesday, Woods said he has grown more as a person than a golfer this year.
	 
"I learned an awful lot about my true friends in life and people that I know will in my life forever," he said.

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Khan Wants 140-Pound Tourney

May 16, 2010 , ι By GEORGE WILLIS

Amir Khan would like to see the 140-pound division have a quick tournament to decide the undisputed champion. Moments after successfully defending his WBA super lightweight title with an 11th-round... Read on

Amir Khan would like to see the 140-pound division have a quick tournament to decide the undisputed champion. Moments after successfully defending his WBA super lightweight title with an 11th-round stoppage of Paulie Malignaggi Saturday night at the Garden Theater, Khan suggested a final four playoff of sorts. It would include himself, WBO champion Timothy Bradley, WBC/IBF champion Devon Alexander and top contender Marcos Maidana.

"Let's do this," Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) suggested. "I'll fight Maidana next and let Devon Alexander fight Timothy Bradley and the winner fight the winner. I'd love to do that just to prove who the best is in the division. I know I've got the speed, power and I've got the right camp to do that. I'm not big headed, but I think I'm the better fighter."

Khan, born to Pakistani parents and raised in England, has no doubts he'll be a big star in America. "I've got the style that is going to make all the fans love me," he said. "I'm explosive; I'm exciting to watch; I've got speed; I've got power. I think I've sent a statement and there's going to be more people interested in me."

Khan isn't about to abandon the UK even though he quickly expressed an interest in fighting in Las Vegas. "It's the best feeling fighting in America," he said.

**

"Vicious?" Victor Ortiz delivered a solid if underwhelming performance in earning a 12-round victory over former lightweight champ Nate Campbell in Saturday's co-main event. Ortiz, 23, may have given Campbell too much respect, bouncing around the ring and boxing more than he needed. But it was a workmanlike victory against Campbell, who is looking every bit of his 38 years of age. Campbell could be shot, but Ortiz needed the win to add distance from his 6th round TKO loss to Maidana four fights ago.

**

Unbeaten Brooklyn middleweight Danny Jacobs didn’t' have much competition against Juan Astorga of Texas, who couldn't take a body punch. It would have been nice to see more of Jacobs, but the hometown crowd watching him for the first time since 2008 didn't seem to mind. Jacobs (20-0, 17 KOs) believes his next fight at the Garden will be for a title. "Did you see what I did to this guy at home," Jacobs said. "I can't wait to do it here for a title."

**

Great work turned in by referee Steve Smoger in Saturday's main event. He gave Malignaggi enough time to prove his courage without exposing him to unnecessary danger. Also, good job by referee Earl Brown in the co-main event, cautioning fighters without making a big deal of it. Both refs did themselves proud on a boxing card dedicated to the memory of legendary referee Arthur Mercante.

**

Wonder what Bernard Hopkins was saying as he talked Richard Schaefer's ear off during Khan-Malignaggi. Hopkins, a partner in Golden Boy Promotions (for now), was MIA at Mayweather-Mosley and is reportedly miffed that his company won't support his quest to fight heavyweight champion David Haye. What could he have been telling Schaefer, GB's CEO. "I'm leaving Golden Boy?" "Why can't I fight David Haye?" "How come you love Floyd more than me?"

**

Jet general manager Mike Tannenbaum is getting to be a ringside regular these days.

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