Jerry Meals' Bad Call (Video)

The Pirates - Braves game lasted 19 innings, ending on what's being called a "controversial call" at home plate.

In the bottom of the 19th inning of a 3-3 ballgame — just minutes before 2 a.m. EST — Pirates catcher Michael McKenry appeared to clearly swipe the leg of a sliding Julio Lugo at home plate. But umpire Jerry Meals ruled McKenry missed the tag, giving the Braves a 4-3 win and sparking a social media firestorm among those dedicated enough to stick the game out to its conclusion.

I don't think it's appropriate to deem it controversial. There's nothing controversial about it. There can be no disagreement about it.

Clearly, it was a shockingly bad call.

Worst MLB call ever?

Video.

Nick Barnett

Linebacker Nick Barnett is no longer a Packer.

From WBAY:

Among the first Packers to return to Lambeau Field Tuesday morning was Nick Barnett, but he might not be with the Packers for long.

Barnett was well aware that his fate in Green Bay would be determined shortly after the conclusion of the lockout. He and everybody else knew the handwriting was on the wall when both Desmond Bishop and Hawk received large, lucrative contract extensions in the last year.

Barnett did not wait long to find out what the team's plans were for him, being among the first to arrive when facilities opened at 9 A.M.

At that time he was keeping an open mind about his future in Green Bay.

"At this point, all I have heard has come from you guys and no one here. I'm sure they will talk to me or talk to my agent. I am just concentrating on being ready to play and not worry about rumors," he said before the meeting.

Less than an hour later, Barnett left. He did not stop to talk to reporters. He wrote on his Twitter account, "Just talked to Ted. Thanks for the great 8 years. Very blessed to be part of a great tradition and fans.

"Happy I was able to be here for the great (Super Bowl) XLV run. I will always keep a special place in my heart for this team and city."

Barnett says he was told the Packers will try to trade him, but if not, they will release him -- a move that will save the team about $5 million of salary cap space.

Nick Barnett is a class act, expressing thanks to the team and fans at what has to be a difficult time for him.

Packer fans owe Barnett thanks for his contributions to the team.

He won't be forgotten.

Best of luck in the next jungle!

Aaron Rodgers and Obama

Aaron Rodgers tweets:

Watching Obama on tv talking about the debt ceiling, hope he hasn't forgotten about the SB. Still waiting on the invite... #budgetcut??

Super Bowl champs - the Green Bay Packers!

I'm so happy the NFL mess is resolved.
______________________

Video of Charles Woodson's NFC Championship locker room speech here.

WHITE HOUSE!!!

Brett Favre: Philadelphia

He can't be serious!

Unretiring is a sickness with Brett Favre.

Someone stage an intervention. He needs to enter rehab for the affliction.



Eagles may want to sign Brett Favre; Vick would be ‘honored’

Folks, we're really sorry for this. We really are. But it's our duty to keep our Spidey-Senses up for NFL news, and we've caught wind of a … well, we're searching for the right word to describe it … rumor. Howard Eskin of 610 WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia has it out there that the Eagles are interested in possibly procuring the services of ...

Br…

Bre…

Brett Fa…

Oh hell, we can't even write it.

...Right now, this is just Eskin's rumor, though he's fairly dialed in. The Eagles can't talk to free agents or draft picks, but there's nothing in the lockout rules we're aware of preventing them from talking to retired players. If Favre is interested in coming back to a team able to challenge for a Super Bowl, in a media hotbed, behind a vulnerable quarterback, which a staff he knows, and talented targets all over the place … well, there would be few better places for him to go.

Then, there's the intangible argument. The lockout has taken the attention of the NFL media through the spring and summer; very few people have made Favre the primary subject of their attention, and we all know how he reacts to that.

It's tempting to ask the owners and players to put some sort of "Anti-Favre" provision in the new CBA before the NFLPA signs off on it, but we suppose we'll have to see how this plays out.

...UPDATE: Here's Vick's take on the whole thing; he's pretty clearly setting the terms of such a deal by mentioning Favre as a 'backup.'

I can't wait for training camp to begin in Green Bay. I love the atmosphere.

I wonder if Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers would be "honored" to have Favre as his backup.

I crack myself up.

Aaron Rodgers: ESPY Award - Best NFL Player

Congratulations, Aaron Rodgers!

From the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Rodgers was the lone Packer to win an award despite several players making the trip. Rodgers, Matthews, Greg Jennings, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop and Tramon Williams were all filmed in the crowd.

Rodgers won the Best NFL Player award, but that was announced during the “pregame” show on the red carpet and was not shown on stage. The Super Bowl MVP was also nominated for Best Male Athlete, but was beaten by Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Rodgers made his lone televised appearance on stage when he and entertainer Justin Timberlake, who made another Favre reference, to present the Best Male Collegiate Athlete award to BYU point guard Jimmer Fredette.

The Packers were also nominated for the Best Team honor, but were beaten out by the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks.

Singer Justin Timberlake (R) and Green Bay Packers NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers present an award at the 2011 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California, July 13, 2011. (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Seth Meyers Monologue, ESPYs (Video)

SETH MEYERS: The biggest story in football was the Green Bay Packers beating the Steelers 31-25 in the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers became the first team since 1962 to go an entire season without trailing more than 7 points, proving once and for all that not every statistic is interesting.

And finally, give it up for Aaron Rodgers!



Aaron Rodgers, who won the Super Bowl and finally got out of the shadow of Brett Favre, which we learned, thanks to cell phone technology, is not as big a shadow as we originally thought.

David Feherty and Jay Leno

David Feherty of the Golf Channel talks with Jay Leno about Charles Barkley's swing.



Whenever I see Barkley golfing, I can't believe it.

I give Barkley credit for not quitting golf in spite of that horrible swing. His determination is admirable.

Brett Favre: Itch

I hoped we'd be spared the Brett Favre UN-retirement talk this year.

Alas, it was too much to hope for.

From NFL.com:

Almost time to fire up Favre Watch 2011? On one hand, says NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, yes. Then again, Brandt says, NFL teams might not be all that interested.

When asked about a possible return of Brett Favre to Minnesota during his live chat Tuesday, Brandt indicated that he believes the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns is indeed getting back that itch. The only catch is that, while the Vikings put on the full-court press to have Favre return last summer, Brandt doesn’t see Minnesota or any other team sending its private jet down to Hattiesburg, Miss., this summer.

“I do think Favre would be interested in talking to a team about returning,” Brandt said. “But I don’t see a team out there right now that would bring him back as a starter.”

Brandt noted that the Vikings need to get first-round draft pick Christian Ponder in the starting lineup as soon as possible, and Favre isn’t the right QB to be grooming — and giving way to — a young player.

“Brett is still a good quarterback, but I’d consider him a descending quarterback,” Brandt said. “It’s awfully hard for him to go to a team and be a backup. The Vikings must start Christian Ponder this season to get him some experience. And they’re not going to get Favre in there to babysit Ponder.”

After Favre's meltdown last year, on and off the field, wouldn't you think the guy would finally want to step out of the spotlight and stay out?

Favre is a joke.

The "itchy" Favre has made such awful choices.

I hope the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers retire Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers' jersey before Favre gets that honor.

Staff Sergeant Michael Kacer

Staff Sergeant Michael Kacer is a hero.

From the Wayne Independent, June 25, 2008:

Staff Sgt. Michael Kacer (Jr.), a native of Waymart, was seriously injured in a rocket battle in Afghanistan several days ago. Family members reported on Wednesday that Kacer was taken Sunday to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
A soldier with the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry, Pa. National Guard, Kacer is a member of Bravo Company in New Milford.

Several soldiers from the 109th Infantry were wounded in the same attack, although it could not be confirmed by deadline their identities or companies. Captain Corey Angell, a spokesman for the Pa. National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap, stated that there are 700 Pa. National Guard in Afghanistan and some have been wounded in attacks, but could not confirm any details.

An attempt to contact Bravo Company headquarters was unsuccessful.

Sgt. Kacer’s uncle, Frank Kacer, who runs a kielbasa business in Waymart, and his sister Mary Andzulis, of Pittstown, NJ, provided information that had been related to them, from the soldier’s father, Michael Kacer, Sr. of Waymart. The father went to Walter Reed to be near his son. Sgt. Kacer’s mother, Betsey, of Atlanta, Georgia, had also arrived at the hospital.

A message left for Michael Kacer Sr. was yet to be returned.

Apparently, on Wednesday or Thursday of last week, Sgt. Kacer was on a mission assisting another company, and was on foot patrol. He and the about 15 other soldiers had entered a concrete building. A barrage of shoulder-launched RPG missiles rained down on them. Mary related that her nephew pushed one soldier on the floor out of harm’s way and took the brunt of injuries.

He was airlifted to Germany, where his left arm was amputated six inches from the shoulder. The soldier also suffered a severed colon and multiple facial fractures. On Sunday he was flown to Washington, D.C., and admitted to Walter Reed. His Uncle Frank stated that he is expected to be at Walter Reed six to 12 months.

Frank said his nephew, who is 26, was born and raised in Waymart and graduated Western Wayne High School. He joined the National Guard right out of school. He is an assistant manager of Turkey Hill Minut Market in Scranton. In November, Michael married Lauren Marie Worozilcak, prior to Michael’s deployment at the end of the year. They reside in Olyphant.

Michael was on his third deployment, having served in Bosnia and Iraq.

Kacer sacrificed so much for his country.

Life has changed for him since that rocket attack in 2008, but life goes on.

Watch video of Kacer making an incredible catch at Yankee Stadium.

Fantastic!

NBC Cuts 'Under God' from Pledge of Allegiance - U.S. Open

UPDATE, June 21, 2011: NBC's Pledge Controversy Intensifies


____________________

Way to go, NBC!

Way to screw up your coverage of the U.S. Open!

Why remove the words "under God" from the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Did NBC really think no one would notice the omission?

From NewsBusters:

NBC on Sunday decided to cut the words "under God" from the reading of the Pledge of Allegiance that accompanied the beginning of its coverage of the U.S. Open Golf Championship.

In fact, this happened twice during the show's introduction (video follows courtesy Mark Finkelstein with partial transcript):

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, with liberty and justice for all.

Seconds later, the Pledge was repeated with even more words omitted:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, with liberty and justice for all.

According to the Washington Post, NBC responded to criticism for its shameful choice.

NBC apologized for cutting the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its leadup to coverage to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

The move quickly drew criticism Dan Hicks said, during the broadcast of Open action:

“We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital for the third time. Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

What horrible judgment!

That taped segment was meant to be a dramatic, patriotic tribute to our nation's values.

"They are the virtues that have been passed down through generations, that live on in the great halls of this country."

Apparently, NBC decided it would be appropriate to edit "under God" out of those virtues passed down through generations.

TWICE, the Pledge of Allegiance was butchered.

"Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out."

Yeah. Regrettably. It was only regrettable because NBC had to deal with a lot of pissed off people.

"It was not done to upset anyone...."

I think it was done to make the "no God" Leftists at NBC happy.

It wasn't an accident. It was a choice made TWICE.

The liberal network is painfully out of touch with the country and its values.

NBC is certainly clueless when it comes to understanding the demographics of the U.S. Open audience.

Editing the Pledge of Allegiance to omit "under God" TWICE was an incredibly idiotic move!

Stunningly stupid!

In short, very NBC.

Packers: Super Bowl Rings

There has been so much bitterness and divisiveness and general weirdness in Wisconsin for months and months now.

Instead of politics and protests and recalls, it's nice to recall the Packers' Super Bowl victory.

Yesterday was a celebration of that tremendous accomplishment. The team received their Super Bowl XLV championship rings.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"They wanted big and they wanted bling," Packers President Mark Murphy said. "We were successful in that."

Look, I don't know Tiffany the jeweler from Tiffany the singer, so I'll have to take Woodson's word for it when he said, "It's the best ring I've ever seen and I'm not saying it because it's our night. It's an incredible ring."

For the record, I'll quote from the Packers' official release on the monstrosity, even if it does read like a game-show announcer talking about what's behind Door No. 3.

"The crest of the ring features the Green Bay "G" logo crest in 18-karat yellow gold placed on a green stone tablet. Thirteen diamonds are embedded in the logo, each one representing the team's NFL-record 13 championships. The iconic logo is illuminated by round, brilliant-cut diamonds and four marquis-cut diamonds representing the Packers' four Super Bowl triumphs. Surrounding the crest are 92 diamonds which recognize the 92-year history of Green Bay Packers football."

...It's made of platinum, with 18-karat gold. It's got 3.35 carats of diamonds, for all you Kardashian followers out there.

As for the cost, the Packers are standing behind the company line: They say the NFL "pays for up to 150 rings at $5,000 per ring. Further information about the rings was not disclosed."

...[T]he players who got one had their names and numbers engraved. Their numbers were circled, just like on the Green Bay jerseys from the 1929 championship season. The ring also has an engraving of the Lombardi Trophy and Lambeau Field.

The ring has the scores of all four postseason games and the number "1" flanked by the words, "Mind, Goal, Purpose, Heart."

That's pretty cool, because those were Woodson's words to the team just before the Packers took the field against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game.

The Packers deserved to have those words inscribed as much as Woodson deserved to win his first championship.

"It's all about getting the ring," Woodson said. "This seals the deal."

Green Bay Packers' Donald Driver shows off his Super Bowl ring, Thursday, June. 16, 2011, after the Packers ring ceremony at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Super Bowl football championship game Feb. 6. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Very nice.


Video.

Canadians Riot, Stanley Cup Loss (Video)

I don't understand why some sports fans riot.

They riot in celebration.

They riot in defeat.

When the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI and Super Bowl XLV, I didn't riot. When the team lost Super Bowl XXXII, I didn't riot.

It makes absolutely no sense to me. Get a grip!

From the Canadian Press:

Parts of downtown Vancouver erupted in flames, explosive booms thundered through the air and looters smashed windows and ran amok inside department stores Wednesday after the city's Stanley Cup run ended in bitter defeat.

Weeks of well-behaved crowds watching the Vancouver Canucks march toward Game 7 of the NHL final ended abruptly in violence and vandalism that erupted even before the 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins was officially over.

Police said they had reports of four stabbings, though spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness said she couldn't confirm them.

The riot shattered the wholesome legacy of the nightly parties hosted on the same streets during the 2010 Olympics — an experience that had the city's mayor and police chief confidently proclaiming Vancouver had "matured" since similar riots in 1994.

"It's terrible," said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin, shaking his head, in an interview after the game.

"This city and province has a lot to be proud of, the team we have and the guys we have in here. It's too bad."

Police officers from around the region flooded into downtown and Mayor Gregor Robertson said things were getting under control, but the images and atmosphere that lingered late into the night suggested otherwise.

Robertson said there had been no fatalities, though he had to be asked the question twice.

Fights broke out and people were seen falling on broken glass.

At the flagship Bay store, looters jumped inside and were seen grabbing T-shirts and anything else they could get their hands on. Young women were seen escaping with MAC cosmetics. One girl carried out part of a mannequin.

The landmark building was filling with smoke as rioters, their faces covered in bandannas, continued the violence. Almost none were wearing hockey jerseys.

The looters turned their attention next on a Future Shop a few blocks away, smashing windows and flooding up the stairs to the second-floor store, only to turn around quickly. One witness said police were at the top of the stairs.

Sears and Chapters stores were also looted, their glass fronts smashed.

For many, the ugly chaos made the Cup loss an afterthought.

"Tonight, what I've seen is a complete disgrace," said Beth Hope, 28, who is originally from England but has lived in Vancouver for the past two years.

"I'm a Canucks fan but my jersey's in my bag — I'm ashamed to be a fan right now."

She said she saw a parkade on fire, cars ablaze.

"It's insane, it's absolutely insane. What's the point? Our team lost — why destroy your own city? I'm afraid."

It is insane.

I don't believe this sort of rioting is tied to the outcome of the sporting event at all. The rioters are just thugs looking for an excuse to do damage.

Here's video of the insanity:

Tweeting Weiner Boxer Shorts

Do you remember when the St. Paul Saints gave away Larry Craig bobbleheads as a promotion?

Actually, it wasn't really a bobblehead. It was a bobblefoot.



Once again, the Saints are doing a topical promotion.

What has the country talking this summer? Anthony Weiner. Another day, another Weiner photo.

The St. Paul Saints have plans to celebrate National Hot Dog Day with a nod to the infamous Weiner.

I suppose it's fitting that the Saints are doing this promotion.

Following the latest scandal sometimes seems to rival baseball as America's pastime.

The best Wieners in the country are found at ballparks. They have the foot-long Wiener in Los Angeles, sausage race in Milwaukee and some of the juiciest dogs around are in Chicago. The St. Paul Saints will unveil perhaps the most famous Wiener this summer on National Hot Dog Day.

That was a nice shout-out to our Racing Sausages!

On Saturday, July 23 the first 1,501 fans 18 and over in attendance will receive a commemorative pair of Tweeting Wiener Boxer Shorts. The boxers will honor National Hot Dog Day with an image on the front of a blue bird taking a photo of a Wiener with his phone.



The state that has received the biggest coverage, of late, for its Wiener’s is New York. Photographic evidence (and police records) show they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be sent across the world via cell phones and the internet. Of course, we’re referring to the Annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held annually on July 4. Two lucky fans will have a chance to win round trip tickets to the July 4, 2012 contest. In order to win, fans can tweet a photo of their best-looking Wieners (from the grill) to @StPaulSaints. Twitter accounts hacked into will be ineligible initially. On July 23, the photos will be shown on the Saints video board and fans will choose a contest Wiener.

During the evening, the Saints will have their very own Tweeting Wiener, as Master of Ceremonies Joe Wiener (seriously, that’s his name) will send out tweets and twit pics during the night from the top of the third base dugout. It is expected that following the game, Saints fans will encourage Wiener to resign.

The St. Paul Saints are an Independent Baseball Team in the American Association and are owned and operated by the Goldklang Group and Team President Mike Veeck. They are known for such promotions as Bud Selig Seat Cushion Giveaway (2002), Randy Moss Hood Ornament (2003), The Love Boat Giveaway (2006), Bobblefoot (2008) and Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy (2008).

It would be nice for the Saints to send DEMOCRAT Weiner a commemorative pair of the Tweeting Wiener Boxer Shorts, though based on the photos I've seen of Weiner, he's not a boxers kind of guy.

He prefers to wear something a bit more snug, or he wears nothing at all.

Vince Lombardi: 98

Vince Lombardi was born 98 years ago today.

Aaron Rodgers: First Pitch, Miller Park

On Thursday afternoon, Aaron Rodgers went to Twitter to share his plans for Thursday evening:

Check me out on the mound tonight @millerpark and also support the crew

Here's Rodgers on the mound:



Green Bay Packers NFL football quarterback Aaron Rodgers throws out the ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Here's Rodgers and Ryan Braun during batting practice:


Green Bay Packers football quarterback Aaron Rodgers, left, and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun speak during batting practice before their baseball game against the New York Mets, Thursday, June 9, 2011, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

From the Associated Press, via the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers threw out the first pitch at Miller Park before the Milwaukee Brewers took on the New York Mets on Thursday night.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback wore a No. 12 Brewers jersey and toss a perfect pitch to good friend, Ryan Braun.

Rodgers declined to speak to reporters, but the Packers will receive their Super Bowl rings in a private ceremony next Thursday.

Although Rodgers didn't talk to reporters, he was in the booth with Bill Schroeder and Brian Anderson.

From OnMilwaukee:

Rodgers declined the opportunity to talk to reporters but did stop by the FS Wisconsin booth in the fourth inning. Brewers play-by-play announcer Brian Anderson asked whether or not Rodgers had any plans to organize team workouts during the ongoing NFL lockout.

"We're going to put something together here because it looks like it's going to go a little bit longer, so it's going to be important for us to get together," Rodgers told Anderson, adding that he would discuss the matter with teammate Charles Woodson at an upcoming charity event.

"If this lockout persists, we're going to get together. Guys have gotten some great work individually, some have gotten together in groups of two or three," Rodgers said. "There's a lot of guys kind of in the same area working out, but at some point we're going to have to get together."

Jason Wilde writes:

His arm looked to be in good shape Thursday night, when he threw a strike to his good friend Ryan Braun, the Brewers’ all-star left fielder.

“I wanted to throw a four-seamer. When I pitched in high school, I threw a two-seamer. But I had a little too much movement,” Rodgers said. “I haven't pitched in forever, and I was super nervous. I didn't want to bounce it to Braun. He said he wasn't wearing a cup.”

Rodgers said he played a lot of baseball as a kid but didn’t play his first three years of high school before returning to the game as a senior.

“I was actually a pretty good pitcher for a while, then took a break my freshman, sophomore and junior year of high school and played football. That didn't work out, so I decided to play baseball my senior year and was a pitcher and a below-average hitter,” Rodgers said. “You never know about these (radar) guns, but I was told that I hit the low 90s, and I like to run with that. In about 10 years, I'll be saying 95.”

Rodgers said he and Braun became friends “a couple years ago” after he came to a game and met Braun.

“I'm a fan of Wisconsin sports. This is home for me nine months out of the year. I pull for the Brewers and Bucks and Marquette basketball and Wisconsin basketball and UWM basketball,” Rodgers said. “So it's been fun to pull for them and get to know Ryan. He's a California guy like myself. We're two weeks apart. He's two weeks older than I am, and we've really become good friends."

I like the loyalty to Wisconsin exhibited by both Rodgers and Braun.

Here's audio of Rodgers in the booth:



He was nervous to throw out the first pitch?

Super Bowl XLV MVP nervous?

Rodgers is so poised that it's hard to imagine him being nervous about anything, but I understand.

Think of Obama's performance on the mound. Disaster.

Erin McHardie and Bernie Brewer

The uproar over the outcome of the Milwaukee Brewers' "Where's Bernie" promotion is bizarre.

Should we be surprised that there are greedy, selfish people?

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Jeremy Schultz wants everyone to know that he played by the rules in the Milwaukee Brewers' "Where's Bernie" promotion.

He had every opportunity to snatch plenty of Bernie Brewer lawn ornaments as he was delivering the Journal Sentinel to customers early Tuesday on Milwaukee's south side.

Instead, he completed his route and waited for 5 a.m., just as the rules stated.

Schultz got his lawn ornament at Zablocki Park, one of the parks where lawn ornaments were left, according to Sue Black, Milwaukee County parks director. Schultz was able to nab a Bernie, but not without hassling with another man who wanted more than one, he said.

It turns out that Schultz snagged the lucky ornament. He discovered later that he had won the grand prize in the promotion: 20 tickets at a Miller Park suite for a Brewers game.

"There were so many people who were upset that others were grabbing all of the Bernie Brewers," Schultz said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "This puts a positive spin on it.

"I followed the rules. I didn't cheat."

The promotion, done in concert with the Milwaukee County Parks System and in other areas of the state, went awry when some people grabbed dozens of the lawn ornaments hours before the official hunt for the ornaments was supposed to begin. Some of those collectors then apparently tried to resell the suddenly hot items on Craigslist and eBay.

By his own admission, Schultz, 32, has had a rough year. His mother died last year. He has been involved in custody issues involving his ex-wife and their daughter. He was unemployed for a long time.

But Tuesday made things a little bit brighter for Schultz, who has been an independent contractor for Journal Communications for nearly three years.

...Schultz drove to Zablocki Park, near S. 35th St. and S. Loomis Road.

"I went over there and looked in the parking lot. Nobody was there. I'm walking through the park and I didn't see anything. Then I found one behind a tree," Schultz said.

Schultz wasn't alone. Another man apparently saw the same ornament, ran toward the tree, pushed Schultz out of the way and grabbed it.

"There were some expletives," Schultz said. "I said, 'Really? You have to do that?'"

The man ran back to his car and sped away. Schultz headed back to his truck.

Then he saw another Bernie Brewer. And he noticed the same man who had pushed him out of the way for the first one had also spotted the second ornament.

Schultz got there first and had his ornament.

Some people are such jerks!

I'm glad that Schultz won the big prize and the guy who pushed him didn't. Schultz took one lawn ornament, abiding by the rules of the promotion. Good for him. (I wonder if Schultz would have taken another if he had the opportunity. I like to think he wouldn't.)

Some people, like Erin McHardie of St. Francis, were hoarders.


Erin McHardie/Twitter profile photo





McHardie ignored the "one per household" rule.

She decided not to play fair. Then, she was incredibly stupid to post photos of her haul online. She was asking for trouble.

When the Brewers chose to do the promotion, they had to realize that the Erin McHardies of the world and jerks like the guy who shoved Schultz at Zablocki Park were out there. The organization must have known the potential for "complications," that all might not go smoothly.

That was a risk they chose to take.

So what have we from learned?

---Some people are jerks.

---Some people are greedy.

---Some people are really stupid.

---Some people get way too upset over silly things.

Didn't we already know that?

I think it's insane that FOX 6 News considered the Bernie Brewer promotion fiasco worthy of being the night's lead story.

This has really been blown out of proportion.

Who cares?

You didn't get a Bernie. Deal with it.

Here's video from FOX 6:

 

Death threats against McHardie?

If that's true, that's terrible. She didn't do the right thing, but a death threat is not an appropriate response. Good grief.

The promotion was a bad idea.

It was mistake to trust people to play by the rules. It was a mistake to assume that people even knew the rules.

Without question, it was a big mistake.

Lots of people involved used poor judgment and behaved badly.

TMJ4 interviewed McHardie.

She doesn't appear on camera, but you can hear what she has to say.

Erin McHardie is speaking out for the first time, and says she is feeling the heat from Brewer's fans after she posted a picture on twitter of nearly 30 Bernie the Brewer gnomes.

"I can see where people are mad, but it wasn't just me. I didn't take 27 Bernies."

It was supposed to be a fun, promotional scavenger hunt to find 1,400 Bernie the Brewer gnomes in area parks. Even though the Brewer's posted rules saying only one gnome per household, Erin McHardie claims she and her friends took 28 gnomes.

"We didn't keep them all. We were giving them to our family, to people who couldn't make it. Just like anybody else was doing down there."

While McHardie explained that she and a group of friends were going to share the gnomes, she never once apologized, or said that she would return the gnomes.

"Everybody thinks I'm trying to sell them on E-bay. I'm not. There's no profit here. We just wanted them, like anyone else."

But several Bernies did end up on E-bay.

Brewer's fans are taking to social media to lash out against Mchardie. A Facebook page has even been created and more than 700 people have "liked" the page.

“There's no need for these people to attack me personally. Say what you want about me being greedy, but the Facebook page is ridiculous," McHardie said.

Here's a letter McHardie sent to TMJ4's Mick Trevey:

"I am sorry that I missed you this afternoon. I am writing to this to clear the air. I along with four of my friends collected all the Bernies, not just me. Between the five of us we split them to give to our families and friends.

"WE ARE NOT OUT TO SELL THEM ON EBAY OR MAKE A PROFIT OF ANY KIND!!!

"What we saw on Twitter did not say you can only take one, we never saw the official rules page. We are sorry for that misunderstanding.

"I don't wish to be on camera, This is what I am saying about the matter and I hope people can forgive me and my friends.

"We, like many other fans, also were only out to get gnomes for our families who could not come but wanted to have one.

"I just would really like to say that this was mine and my friend's fault and I wish that people would stop harassing my parent's home phone and to please leave them alone.

"Again we are very sorry this happened and I hope that Brewers fans out there can forgive us."

This is lunacy.

There's a Facebook page attacking McHardie: Erin McHardie is a Greedy Bitch.

I think people should take it down a notch.

There were only 1,400 Bernies planted for promotion.

Obviously, the vast majority of people would come away empty-handed.

Another lesson: If you're going to break the rules and tick people off, don't brag about it online. It will not turn out well.

_________________

Watch this video. It's very sweet. I think this is what the Brewers had in mind when they came up with the promotion.

Al Harris, Super Bowl Ring

This makes me happy.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The agent for former Packers cornerback Al Harris confirmed Thursday night that Harris would receive a Super Bowl XLV ring.

Team president Mark Murphy, answering a question from a fan during a stop in Eau Claire on the team's Tailgate Tour, indicated Harris would get a ring, according to a report in the Green Bay Press-Gazette. But he did not elaborate and there was no official confirmation from the team.

However, Harris' agent, Jack Bechta said in a story on National Football Post, of which he is a founder, that Harris "has been told that he would get a ring."

Harris did not play for the Packers last year, but he was on the physically unable to perform list for nine weeks while trying to come back from a devastating knee injury suffered during the 2009 season. Harris was allowed to practice during the final three weeks before the team decided he was not ready to play.

…Soon after being released, Harris paid for an advertisement in the Journal Sentinel thanking fans for their support during his seven-plus seasons with the Packers.

…Many fans were wondering whether Harris would receive the ring he desperately wanted, but it wasn't until Thursday that Murphy let the cat out of the bag.

“I would expect nothing less of the Packers organization," Bechta said. "Al was one of their dedicated warriors for many years and over half of the Super Bowl season.”

Al Harris is a class act.

He deserves that Super Bowl ring.

Phillies Fans Cheer Bin Laden's Death (Video)

Ryan Braun, Aaron Rodgers, and Wisconsin

Ryan Braun said he wanted to spend his entire career as a Milwaukee Brewer.

He will. At least that's the plan.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

The all-star outfielder still had four years remaining beyond the 2011 season on an eight-year, $45 million extension signed after his rookie season, so there certainly was no rush to do another deal. But when a 27-year-old player on Braun's career path says he wants to stay with the club into the next decade, you have to listen.

"Especially a player of his stature, and a player who grew up in southern California," said Attanasio. "It was a very big idea and an enormous commitment. We had to get our heads around that."

Both sides did so, leading to the announcement Thursday that Braun and the club had agreed to a five-year extension worth $105 million, a historic deal in many ways. The extension, which runs from 2016 though 2020, also includes a mutual option for 2021 worth up to $20 million with a $4 million buyout.

As further proof that Braun wants to be a career Brewer, a no-trade provision was included in the deal. To help the club stay competitive and have the financial wherewithal to sign other players, Braun agreed to defer an unspecified amount of the money.

...Braun, whose $45 million extension signed in 2008 already was the biggest contract in franchise history, said there were many reasons for wanting to make the commitment at this early stage of his career. Chief among them, he said, was the tremendous support of Brewers fans.

"I'm proud to be a Milwaukee Brewer, I really am," he said. "I'm going to be for the next 10 years. It's an exciting day for me, my family, the organization. It's like being part of a family.

"It's truly special to me to come to work here every day, and I'm excited about being able to do that for the next 10 years. Thanks to the fans - that was the single biggest reason I wanted to stay here. To be in one of the smallest media markets in baseball and to have 3 million people to come watch us every year is incredibly special.

"The more time we spend in other cities, the more we recognize how special it is here. The fans are the single biggest factor. I'm excited, man, truly excited to be able to say I'm a Milwaukee Brewer from this point forward."

Ryan Braun isn't the only athlete on a Wisconsin team wanting to make his career here.

Aaron Rodgers tweets congratulations to his friend:

Really happy for my buddy braun getting locked up for the next 10 years. Great guy and great player. Hope we are both in WI till then

Rodgers then goes on to say that he wants to retire as a Packer:

I wanna retire as a packer then live in CA RT @G_Caruana1 @AaronRodgers12 do you want to play in cali? Or just go back after your retired?

Sounds good to me!

David Witthoft: The End of the Favre Era

David Witthoft (Photo/AP)


On March 6, 2008, Brett Favre held a press conference, tearfully announcing his retirement from the Green Bay Packers.

Favre commented, "As they say, all good things must come to an end."

True.

Twelve-year-old David Witthoft came to the same conclusion. It was a great run, but now it's over.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Finally, David Witthoft shunned his Brett Favre jersey for the first time in 1,581 days.

The Ridgefield, Conn. boy, 12, wore the No. 4 jersey every day since receiving it as a gift for Christmas in 2003. David's father, Chuck Witthoft, said Monday that his son's last day wearing the jersey was April 23 — his 12th birthday.

It's amazing that David could wear the same jersey all those years.

It must have been large on him when he first got it.

1,581 days -- That's quite a record.

Witthoft conceded his son was starting to become more concerned about his appearance after the jersey barely came down to his belt line.

Time passes. Kids grow. Adults grow older. There's nothing you can do about it.

David couldn't wear it forever.

Witthoft first gained national attention three years ago, and attended his first Packers game in December. He's also planning to attend the Sept. 8 game when the Packers retire Favre's No. 4.

His mother, Carolyn, had washed the jersey every other day and mended it when needed.

Carolyn Witthoft is the ultimate iron woman.

It's not easy to keep a jersey clean and mended and wearable daily for five years.

I guess it was fitting for David to end his Favre jersey streak on his 12th birthday. He's not the little boy he was when he got the jersey for Christmas in 2003; and Favre has retired.

It was time for David to retire the jersey.

All good things must come to an end.