Each week I talk about the world of sports…
•The Wimbledon men's singles final will be talked about for years to come. Roger Federer made history, passing Pete Sampras on the all-time Grand Slam singles title list with his 15th. It was quite a battle, going well over four hours, 16-14 in the fifth set. It took Federer's first break of Roddick's serve to lock up the match. It was incredible to see the talent there to witness the showdown, guys like Bjorn Borg, Rod Laver, Ilie Nastase and yes, Pete Sampras flew in from California to see history, too. I felt for Roddick, who played his heart out and had his chances. He may be thinking about the second set tiebreaker, which he led 6-2 before dropping six straight points, for a long time.
•How about a salute to the Williams sisters? Isn't it amazing that one of the two sisters has won Wimbledon in eight of the last 10 years? Serena beat Venus is straight sets on Saturday, and it was a good match. It is incredible to think about what they have accomplished over the years. From the courts in Compton, California to winning a total of 18 Grand Slam singles championships between them. Their mother and father have to be proud of those marks. It is one of the greatest achievements in the world of sports. What they have done is as good as any record out there.
•The shooting of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair is a terrible tragedy. It is a sad story, and unfortunately in the world of sports these things are making headlines too often.
•I am tired of the lovefest between the fans and Manny Ramirez. Are you kidding me? Here is a guy who did something wrong and sat out 50 games during a suspension and fans are acting like he is an angel. How about a lovefest for Derek Jeter, David Wright, Derrek Lee, Jamie Moyer … they are good people. Come on, what do they have to do, something wrong to get treated the way Dodger fans are taking care of Ramirez. Also, think about the way guys like Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds are looked at by the media, and they have never been found guilty of anything, yet Ramirez is being treated like a hero. When it comes time for the Hall of Fame voting, will Manny be given that kind of treatment after failing a test and serving a 50-game suspension?
•Speaking of Moyer, he won his seventh game of the season, and third in a row. He is currently second among active pitchers in wins, behind only Randy Johnson. My friends, how many people realize what he has done over his career? Plus, he is a class act off the field, with his Moyer Foundation doing great charity work.
•Congratulations to Tiger Woods on winning his own tournament down at the AT&T National. He held off a great round by Hunter Mahan to get to the winner's circle. That event also showcases good work to raise money for a variety of charities. It looks like Tiger is getting ready to make another run at the British Open in a couple of weeks.
•Coach K's announcement that he is not interested in going to the Lakers (and now Phil Jackson has said he is coming back) is the right way to handle the rumor mill. That is the way to handle it, and some coaches just run around and say you never know, leaving the door open to speculation because of ego.