NFL POLICE BLOTTER NEWS:
These are serious charges of sexual assault vs Steelers' starting QB Ben Roethlisberger.
That having been said, though, there seem to be serious holes in the woman's story--why has she never filed a criminal complaint? Why wait until now to come forward with this? And of course anyone accused must be presumed innocent.
Watch very closely what Roger Goodell and the NFL office does with this. They're investigating; if there's anything to it, they'll give a sign of some kind. And if there's anything to it, this would have the chance to shake things up this year in the NFL just as, last year, Tom Brady's season-ending injury did just that.
IS THE GOP/CONSERVATISM DEAD? DEPT:
Not in Pennsylvania, where the conservative Pat Toomey, the almost-certain Republican candidate for senator next year to run against the execrable Arlen Specter, is looking better and better:
"Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter’s 2010 reelection lead over Republican challenger Pat Toomey has shrunk to a tie with 45 percent for Specter and 44 percent for Toomey, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. And voters say 49 – 40 percent that Sen. Specter does not deserve reelection."
And for more good news, see--honest!--Adam Nagourney of the NY Times today, who says Republicans have a good shot at gaining big-time in governor's races next year:
"...there is the potential for some tangible good news for Republicans just over the horizon: the 2010 elections for governor. For a variety of reasons, like the economic problems crushing governors across the country and term-limit laws forcing out otherwise formidable Democratic incumbents, Republicans have a good shot at making gains in what is shaping up as a free-for-all for 39 governors’ seats next year. And 2010 is not just any election year: it is crucial given that this class of governors will be in charge as their states draw Congressional and state legislative districts as part of the reapportionment process after the next census. And given historical trends in midterm elections and the lopsided majority Democrats enjoy in Congress, the possibility that Republicans could make gains in House races next year could give the party a psychological boost at the halfway point of Mr. Obama’s term. That would certainly offer a welcome break for Republicans after the resignation of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska and the marital difficulties of Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina. “When I start looking at this chart, in some ways I’d sure rather be a Republican than a Democrat next year,” said Jennifer Duffy, who tracks governors’ races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report."
BASEBALL DIARY: the Tigers got a win they needed last night, winning at home over Seattle 9-7. The Tigers are 13-2 in their last 15 games at home. It was a sloppy win; maybe the best sign (I hope) to come out of it is that the slumping Magglio Ordonez hit a grand-slam home run. The Tigers need to see more of that. With the White Sox losing last night, the Tigers now lead the division by 2 games.
The Cubs though lost in 13 innings to Philadelphia, 4-1. They got a second consecutive solid start from Rich Harden--that's the good news. The bad news is that again they're not hitting--only 5 hits last night in 13 innings.
But look at the Texas Rangers--they beat Boston again last night, 4-2, for their 3rd straight win and second in a row over the tough Red Sox. Again, Rangers pitching sparkled--this time the youngster Tommie Hunter did the honors, and the bullpen again shut down the opposition. The question is, will the Angels run and hide--they swept a doubleheader yesterday, leaving the Rangers 3 games back.
