In one of the more bizarre cases I've seen in the years of reporting out weird crap, the South African runner whose gender identity has been the subject of much speculation has apparently reached a deal wherein she* will retain her gold medal and cash winnings for her* first place finish in August, and the South African sports ministry will not report the results of the, um, "po-po" test.  However, it's not entirely clear as to whether or not she* will continue to compete in women's events.  I do have to say, this is one of my favorite sporting stories,  not because it's kind of weird to have a hermaphrodite competing in sports, but just the incredible discomfort the whole situation has created.  I mean, hermaphrodites are rock stars, why not track stars?  Now, I think it's safe to say that the loyal Gab readers aren't much into track and field, but it really has tossed the definition of male vs. female sports into quite the conundrum.  In the end analysis, haven't we kind of reached a point in competitive sports that if you can perform to a certain level, does it really matter which gender you're identified as being?  I know I don't much care who is kicking the field goal at the end of the game as long as it's straight and true for the 3-points and the win.  Then again, "straight" and "true" does connote a certain meaning in this conversation now doesn't it?

 

Uga VII - the Georgia Bulldogs mascot - has passed away.  Poor Uga VII.  Besides having one of the worst names ever, he lasted only a year as mascot before meeting his demise and he followed up his dad, Uga VI - the schools winningest mascot with a 9-year reign.  Uga will be recognized on Saturday in a wreath ceremony at his sideline doghouse when Georgia takes on Kentucky.  He was 16-7 and was the shortest reigning of the Ugas.  Burial details aren't yet available.

 

One of the things I like about current day baseball is the ability to slap Bud Selig around.  He's quoted on MLB.com as being "grateful for baseball's popularity."  Grateful?  Really?  This is a game that has outlasted incompetence of owners, labor problems, betting scandals, and the rise of other major sports and he's "grateful"?  I'm simply flabbergasted.  I'm astounded.  Baseball could, and should, be so much more than it is were it not for the unmitigated gluttony of all heretofore involved in the game - this includes the trolls like the unlikeable Scott Boras and Marvin Miller, to the idiocy of owners like Henry Frazee and Marge Schottenheimer, and the misdoings of the Black Sox and Charlie Hustle.   We are fans despite the personalities, despite the business model, and he's "grateful" that we've remained interested in the game that for over 100 years, owners and players and anyone else in the game have tried in some form or fashion to destroy.   Despite historically high attendance- 5th highest ever - there are apparently teams that have "lost money," an assertion of some debate, and revenues are down.  Utterly ridiculous - we're asked to pay more to get into a game, because owners continually fail to reject players obscene demands, and they lose money?  Not completely unlike General Motors or Chrysler, I guess.  Good luck with being "grateful," Bud.  

 

Another complete "DB" has to be Bud Adams.  Bud is the 86-year old owner of the Tennessee Titans, you know, the team that the Patriots beat down 59-0 not a couple of weeks ago?  Well, the Titans put a beat down on the Bills last Sunday - a beat down that cost coach Dick Juron his job in Orchard Park - and to celebrate geezer Adams decided it was a good time to flip the Bills' crowd more than a few middle fingers.  I can only say, "Stay Classy, Nashville."  Seriously, as this goat was that excited that his team has rebounded from the abysmal season in the making 2009 has been, the Commish was busy noshing with him before the game, splitting before the goat did his thing.  You have to imagine Chief Goodell is busy trying to figure out how that $250,000 fine will make a statement and not alienate a boss.  That's a buck-twenty-five for each bird.  Cripes - my morning commute could cost me an entire condo-complex each morning if the Commish had anything to say about it.

 

Last, but not least, an NFL owner who should really be a baseball owner given his acute sporting acumen - Daniel Snyder.  The Washington Redskins have been allowed to keep their trademark, even though some Native Americans find it offensive.  Now, this isn't as big a victory for The 'Skins as it may appear - it seems that the Supreme Court ruled that because the offended party waited 8-years after coming of age to join the lawsuit, they refused to overturn the Appeals court decision that they were simply too late.  Essentially, at the time the Trademark was issued, this person was a year old, but by the time they moved to have the trademark nullified, they had waited too long.  This decision allows yet another case to move forward.  Seriously, last time I checked offensive speech was still protected speech.  

 

Congratulations again to the Gab on it's first anniversary and to a great second year of gabbing.  Have a great week ahead - when next we gather here at the Tavern it will be Black Friday.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving if our paths do not again cross before then.  Peace.