2009-04-26 ~ Sport Syndicate

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Ex-NASCAR Driver Apparently Commits Suicide

Virginia police say former NASCAR driver Kevin Grubb died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Henrico County Police spokesman Lt. Doug Perry said Thursday that Grubb’s body was found by personnel at the Richmond-area Alpine Motel on Wednesday.

Perry said they found no indication of any drug use inside the room, but toxicology results may not be available for up to six weeks.

The 31-year-old was suspended from NASCAR indefinitely in 2006 because he refused to submit to a random drug test following the Busch Series race at Richmond International Raceway.

The Mechanicsville native was previously suspended in March 2004 for failing a drug test. But he agreed to random testing as part of his reinstatement. Grubb’s career began with NASCAR’s lower-tier series in 1997.

Manny Being Manny on Steroids

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez will be suspended for up to 50 games following a positive performance-enhancing drug test, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The suspension begins today, according to the newspaper.

The Dodgers told Class AAA outfielder Xavier Paul this morning that he was being promoted to Los Angeles, the Times reports.

Ramirez is expected to blame the positive test result on medication he was prescribed by a doctor for a personal medical issue, the newspaper reports.

Ramirez would be the biggest name in baseball to be linked to performance-enhancing drugs since Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez admitted earlier this year that he used steroids between 2001 and 2003 -- before MLB banned the use of PEDs.

As rumors of the positive test spread through the Dodgers' clubhouse on Wednesday night, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti and Manager Joe Torre told the newspaper they were unaware of any failed test or pending suspension. Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, had no comment on Wednesday.

Muscle & Fitness Training Tip of the Month

Weight-training is for gaining mass; diet and cardio bring out details. Don't confuse the two. Even if doing so-called "shaping" exercises, like cable crossovers or leg raises, your focus should be on muscle growth with those movements.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Chicago Bear Mayor Jim Schwantz

A former Chicago Bears player has been sworn in as the mayor of the Chicago suburb of Palatine.

Cameras flashed as Jim Schwantz was sworn in by Cook County Circuit Court Judge James Etchingham Monday in front of a crowd of onlookers. The 39-year-old played pro football from 1992 to 1998.

Schwantz says he faces a steep learning curve in governing the village of 70,000. But he says he has people to lean on until he's ready to start on his own path.

Schwantz says he'll work to draw businesses to the village and wants to end the "theater of politics" at council meetings.

He replaces five-term Mayor Rita Mullins. Schwantz collected about 42 percent of the vote to defeat her and two other candidates in an election last month.

Notre Dame Starts Out Ranked #24 by Athlon Sports

There are more and more signs pointing to a resurgence for the Notre Dame football team, starting in 2009. Athlon Sports is only helping that notion along.

The nation's most sold college football publication has picked the Irish as #24 for their preseason publication due out June 2.

The following is from Athlon Sports Editor Mitch Light: "It's been a slower process than Notre Dame fans would have preferred, but the Irish are clearly getting better. The passing attack figures to be outstanding this season, and the defense, especially in the back seven, should be solid. Add in a relatively kind schedule, and the Irish could flirt with a 10-win season."

Monday, May 4, 2009

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Blackhawks to Pass Out Playoff Towels to Fans at Game 3 vs Vancouver

The Blackhawks continue their quest for the Stanley Cup at the United Center Tuesday, May 5 vs. the Vancouver Canucks (7 pm). The game will be broadcast on Comcast SportsNet and WIND 560 AM.

The first 20,000 fans to enter the United Center will receive a Blackhawks Stanley Cup Playoff Towel courtesy of Harry Caray's Tavern.