Why?

The question of the day is “Why?”

When athletes retain legal counsel to assist in defending themselves against charges brought forth against them – Why is it that they invariably issue a public statement, through their attorneys of course, proclaiming their innocence?

One would think they would figured out by now that 99% of the time charges have been laid because there is an overwhelming amount of evidence against them. We say 99% of the time because we remember what happened with three members of Duke’s Lacrosse team who had charges of rape and kidnapping dismissed after it was learned that the Durham District Attorney ignored evidence that pointed to the players being innocent.

Michael Vick’s attorney appeared before the media shortly after Vick was charged to tell America that Michael looked forward to defending himself against the charges to “clear his good name.”

Four months later, Vick’s attorney issues a statement from Vick: “Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made. Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter".

What’s in a “good name” when you can always turn to Ron Mexico – now THERE is a good name huh?

In the case of former NHLer Rick Tocchet, who was charged in 2006 with financing a sports gambling ring, his lawyer took the same “pro-active” steps that any good defense attorney would have taken. In February of 2006, Tocchet’s attorney appeared before the media to make a statement on behalf of his client.

“The allegation that Rick Tocchet financed an illegal gambling operation with organized crime is categorically false and irresponsible. We deeply regret the attorney-general's precipitous charges and are appalled by the media frenzy. Mr. Tocchet will fight the false charges with the same grit and resolve he displayed during his illustrious playing career."

Fast forward to August 2007, and conviction in his attorney’s voice and the voracity with which he pledged to defend his client had changed – maybe it had something to do with Tocchet finally cluing in that his buddies had rolled on him and the authorities had him dead to rights. Here’s what Tocchet’s attorney had to say after “Red-Hot” pleaded guility.

“Mr. Tocchet is extremely pleased with this result and very happy to have this matter behind him.”

Why wouldn’t he be pleased? His co-conspirators got jail time and he walks away with probation and hopes of being reinstated into the NHL.

A few things strike us here:

1) The newest explanation/excuse/angle being put forth by “media insiders” is that the NFL is going to come down hard on Vick – over and above his sentencing – for “lying” to Commissioner Roger Goddell. Imagine that, Vick didn’t confess and will now be punished. While some claim Goddell has a God-complex – we look at him more like a Catholic priest in confessional. No jokes please – we’re Portuguese Roman Catholic…we are a little hyper sensitive to those jokes.

2) Tocchet’s attorney was referred to as a “prominent Newark, New Jersey lawyer” – a few more instances like this where he comes off looking as foolish as he does right now and the adjective “prominent” might turn into “infamous” – not that it matters to attorneys…as long as the cash keeps rolling in.

3) Who would have ever thought we’d be applauding the Cincinnati Bengals? Well after watching the Tocchet proceeding and the Vick affair – we have to hand it to those bad boys in Cincy. They know when they’re busted – no press conferences or other foolish things to announce their innocence…they just take it like men. Which Mike Vick will learn to and Rick Tocchet will be happy he won’t have to.


MONDAY’S THREE STARS
As mentioned this morning, Atlanta Braves 1B Mark Texeira hit two home runs last night for the second consecutive night to lead the Braves to a 14-6 pounding of Cincinnati. Texeira drove in six runs last night.

Boston Red Sox P Tim Wakefield improved his career record against Tampa Bay to 19-2 with a 6-0 win over the DRays. Wakefield gave up four hits and a walk while striking out five in seven innings of work.

Milwaukee Brewers 1B Prince Fielder had a home run and drove in four runs to lead the Brewers to a 9-0 win over the Dbacks – so you know we are lovin’ the big guy today.


TUESDAY THREE PLAY
Its been a while – we should have checked in on Sunday because we were dead on; just ask the Ontario Lottery Corporation. Nonetheless, we finished last week at + $240, bringing the total for the year down t0 -$1,400. We still think we can get it back to even by Week 1 of the NFL – marking one full year of three play picks. Today’s suggestions:

Baltimore over Texas – local boy Eric Bedard is making a case for a Cy Young – it gets stronger tonight against the road wimp Rangers. Lay $100 on the O’s - $260.

Houston over Washington – for as bad as Astros P Wandy Rodriguez has been on the road, he makes up for it at home where he is almost unbeatable (6-2 , 1.65 ERA). The Astros got smoked yesterday by Wily Mo Pena (that’s for Sparky) and the Nats – they’ll return the favour tonight. Lay $100 on the Astros - $145.

St. Louis over Florida – we like Adam Wainwright (actually Albert Pujols) over Marlins rookie Daniel Barone, making his third career start. Lay $100 on the Cards - $180.

That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

We’re Out.