Its a mad, mad, mad, mad, world.

Over the last few days we have seen two major brawls in the world of sports. The WNBA brawl was fairly fascinating to watch. The biggest story to come out of it was the fact the WNBA was getting publicity, granted it was not good publicity. Telelvision host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night show even went so far to replay the tape with a different announcer voiceover saying "Oh my God! This is the most action in a game in WNBA history! Why isn't anybody watching this right now?"

The question I pose from this is: Is any publicity really good publicity?
I would in this case have to vote yes. The WNBA is in desparate need of publicity, and the way the fight went it almost seemed as if it was staged. I am not saying it was, but it was a great marketing ploy because all over the internet people have actually been googling the WNBA. It gives the exposure out of a popular sport in a not so popular league. Sure, the fight might have not been a great thing to happen but it is getting the WNBA out there more. This is probably the most SportsCenter has covered the league since its inception in 1997.

The brawl that was in the minor leagues the other night was just your typical baseball brawl, with just one twist. Julio Castillo decided it would be a great idea to hurl a baseball at full speed into the opposing team's dugout. Well, one thing Julio didn't take into play was his accuracy and he unfortunately beaned a fan who had to be taken out on a stretcher. This incident will most likely mean an immediate end to Castillo's career but the trouble doesn't end there. He was arrested after the game and is due in court this morning to face charges of assault. What a way to go out there pal, the Illinois Penal League awaits!


In other news,
Kudos to Padraig Harrington on winning his second straight British Open. It was a great day for the Irish once again, but it was also great to see Greg Norman playing well again. He said that Chris Evert has really inspired him to start playing more competitvely. Perhaps this marriage will mean that we will see Chris Evert make a dramatic run at the US Open next month in Flushing. Hey stranger things have happened.

Jets training camp has opened, and the early word is that Chad Pennington is ahead of Kellen Clemens in the race for the starting quarterback position. I like Chad, but remember he is 32 years old. People should not be waiting to 'see what he's got' at that age. This is Chad's last stand. If he does not win his job back from Clemens, its safe to say his career with the Jets does not stand to have much of a lifespan left.

Thanks again for visiting The Conzz's Sports Lounge, we look forward to seeing you again.

Cheers,
The Conzz

Keith: Alright we got Tom from Staten Island on the phone; Me: Keith, let me give you some thoughts on the call-in idea SNY has.

Alright, I have been meaning to comment on this for over a week.  Last week I was out eating dinner with my family, and there were two games on.  Obviously, one was the Yankees and the other was the Mets.  Even though I am a die hard Yankee fan, I could not keep my eyes off of SNY.  The reason why:  SNY is allowing fans to call into the booth to talk to the commentators.  Do I like this idea?  Actually, I think its great.  It gives the Mets the feel of a small market ball club (which compared to the Yankees they practically are) and at the same time gives fans a chance to be like "this franchise is terrible (turrible for you Charles Barkley fans)".  If you are so far off the mark with your franchise and television coverage that you need fans to call in and voice their opinions.  I can only imagine it now:

Caller: This Mets team is pissing me off.

Keith: Well,, derrrr ughhh derrrrr (glug)

Caller: What?

Keith: Im Keith Hernandez, I don't need to respond.

Frankly, I give SNY props for being innovative, but you would never see Michael Kay talk to viewers during a broadcast...Thank God for the callers.

Other than that, had the chance to meet Dan Patrick and Keith Olberman the other day.  The 'Big Show' returns from Sportscenter's hayday to NBC's Football Night in America this fall.  Should be a lot of fun, just judging how these two guys interact on a personal basis.  Not just good anchors, but good friends as well.  Potential for some great chemistry.

Things are looking up, and my pick for television this weekend:  The American Century Championship on NBC.  A fun tournament with celebrities ranging in skill from Rick Rhoden (a semi-professional pro golfer now) to who else but...Charles Barkley (just turrible...what a knucklehead...is he in your five?)  Look forward to having more good times with you all next week. For now I leave you.

Peace be with y'all,

The Conzz