Killer Turf, Spring Football, Smashing Recruit & MLB Gets "A" - Apr 17, 2008
- Artificial turf could kill you (or at least cause severe neurological problems). Two football fields in New Jersey, The College of New Jersey's Lions' Stadium Field in Ewing and Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, were closed this week because health officials found dangerous levels of lead in the turf fibers. Seriously, lead. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating the problem, but according a trade group there are more than 3,500 synthetic fields across the country. You can reduce the risk, officials say, by wetting the fields to reduce the amount of lead dust, which could be fatal if inhaled.
- Georgia State will add more women's sports, a football team and a marching band in 2010.
- The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency has launched a voluntary pilot program to test the body chemistry of elite athletes. The program requires regular measurement of the athlete's blood and urine. Twelve athletes are currently enrolled in the program. "I'm anxious to let people know 'Hey, look, I'm clean. I'm the athlete you should be behind,'" track athlete and pilot member Bryan Clay said.
- A recruit at the University of Florida broke the school's crystal BCS trophy, while snapping photos of Tim Tebow's Heisman. No word if Ohio State is also considering the high school senior, who was described by his high school coach as a "bull in a china shop."
- Major League Baseball received an "A" for its record of diversity hiring. The grade was the highest ever awarded to the league, but it hasn't come without controversy. According to the report, the amount of black players has decreased to its lowest point in two decades. The drop prompted comment from Jackie Robinson's widow. "I'm very disappointed by that fact," said Rachel Robinson. "Competition from other sports is certainly a big factor, but there are many factors. We've got to work on it in terms of getting younger children playing, into the game, and getting communities behind the programs, like the RBI programs and the academies."
- Spring football has reached its highest point ever, according to an annual survey of the 66 Bowl Championship Series-affiliated schools conducted by USA Today. The survey found that 105 high school athletes entered early, up from 69 last year. While the NCAA does not have any legislation preventing the practice, NCAA Vice President for Membership Services Kevin Lennon says the 16 core course rule, which goes into action in August, could prompt many high school athletes to plan ahead. "So now you're talking about having to take 16 core courses in seven semesters, so if you're considering (leaving early), it's clear you have to start (the process) when you're a freshman," said Kevin Lennon, NCAA vice president for membership services. "I don't have a sense if fewer students will do it with the change to 16, but you've got to start early."
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Sox-Yankees happens 18 times a year; this is Figgy's second major league start in four years. Always take the chance to see something you've never seen before.
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