Leon Saffelle

Hey, Dan Snyder: Here's your sign

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." — The Declaration of Independence There's a revolution brewing and it was only strengthened by an "apology" from Redskins owner Dan Snyder. Redskins fans are mad and nothing less than a proven playoff contender will quell this rebellion, which is gathering strength by the day. In Tuesday's "apology," Snyder used the term "we" a lot. Cheers & Jeers thinks this apology was...

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Following up Russell can't be that hard ... right?

Sizzle Mark Sanchez » Had a solid game against Oakland on Sunday — only needing to throw 15 passes. But after getting caught eating a hot dog during the game, he donated 500 hot dogs and 500 hamburgers (and buns and rolls) to a New Jersey soup kitchen. Michael Beasley » The second-year forward has unseated the Heat’s 5-year starter at power forward, Udonis Haslem. The 6-foot-10 Bowie High product was Miami’s second-leading scorer last season (13.9 points in 24.8 minutes). Fizzle JaMarcus Russell » The Raiders QB was the yin to Sanchez’s yang on Sunday. The Raiders keep showing signs of life despite Russell having games like he did against...

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Former National Sledge flourishes in Japan

Sizzle Carmelo Anthony » The Baltimore native is tearing up the NBA preseason. OK, it’s only preseason, but the Denver forward is averaging a point per minute — a league-leading 22.8 points per game over six games. Terrmel Sledge » When we last saw Sledge in 2005, he was part of the deal that brought Alfonso Soriano to D.C. from the Rangers. Now, with the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Japanese Pacific League, Sledge hit a walk-off grand slam Wednesday in the first game of the championship series. Fizzle Manny Ramirez » Took hitting the showers to a whole new level Monday night when he was getting sudsy during the 9th inning of Jonathan Broxton’s...

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Seau pulls a Favre and unretires ... again

Sizzle Junior Seau » The former All-Pro linebacker picked an earlier time than expected for his annual unretirement, returning to the Patriots earlier this week. The Patriots are lucky to have someone willing to play for them, unlike a certain football team in town. Gilbert Arenas » $25K fine? That’s fine. The time off has done Agent Zero good, showing he can shoot when needed and dish the rock when he wants to. Fizzle Stephen Jackson » No longer captain of the Warriors. The rift with the management is growing -- maybe time for a trade. Who do we know that needs a defensive 2-guard that can score? Rush Limbaugh » Apparently too much of a lightning rod...

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MacDougal has surgery

According to The Associated Press, Nats closer Mike MacDougal had hip surgery on Tuesday. The procedure was arthroscopic and his right hip is expected to be ready to go by spring training. MacDougal was solid for the Nats (1-1, 20 saves, 3.60 ERA), but wouldn't be surprised if there was some competition coming for him by February. Between the farm and the anticipated offseason moves, the Nats should be looking for a better option. MacDougal would be best utilized as a setup man for 2010 in an ideal world....

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Fearless Forecast for week of 9/20/09

EVENTS TO WATCH MLB » Dodgers at Nationals, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., MASN HD Nats have an outside shot at continuing a dubious streak. Each of last two seasons the Phillies have clinched an NL East division title vs. Washington. Even with nine games left after leaving the District, Joe Torre’s Dodgers could also be in position to clinch N.L. West by the series finale. NFL » Giants at Cowboys, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC Lots of big story lines in Big D, but the biggest is the coming out party for new Cowboys Stadium. It’s so big it could have its own zip code. We also hear it has a pretty nice television set. NCAA men’s soccer » North Carolina at Maryland,...

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Fearless Forecast for week of 9/14/09

EVENTS TO WATCH NFL » Ravens at Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 20, 4:15 p.m., CBS The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. The second-best scoring offense of 2008 (Chargers) will face the defense that gave up the second-fewest yards (Ravens). The edge will likely lie with Norv’s Chargers who don’t have the long plane ride — but you can never count out Ray Lewis and the boys from Charm City. MLB » Angels at Red Sox, Wednesday, 7:10 p.m., ESPN This Tuesday-Thursday series of postseason archrivals, puts the Halos in an interesting predicament. The Sawx are in a stiff Wild Card fight with the Texas Rangers — whom the Angels hold a solid, but...

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Fearless Forecast, 9/6/09

Events to watch MLB » Braves at Cardinals, Saturday, Fox, 4 p.m. Maybe the two best pitching staffs in MLB. Tim Hudson’s return from Tommy John surgery gives Atlanta yet another quality arm. Meanwhile, Joel Pineiro (3.19 ERA) has been excellent — even if teammates Adam Wainwright (2.47) and Chris Carpenter (2.28) have been better. NCAA Football » USC at Ohio State, Saturday, ESPN, 8 p.m. A rematch of last year’s early-season game in Los Angeles. It was no contest then as the Pac 10’s best ripped Ohio State, 35-3. Maybe the Buckeyes can earn some revenge at home. USC will start true freshman Matt Barkley at quarterback. MLB » Dodgers at...

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Fearless Forecast 08/23/09

Events to Watch Little League World Series » Saturday, ABC, 3 p.m. OK, it’s become over-commercialized, and over-analyzed, but it’s still fun. Turn on ESPN any time this week and you’ll likely catch a dose of the 16-team extravaganza. Thankfully, the title game is still Saturday afternoon from Lamade Stadium on network TV. Golf » Solheim Cup » Sunday, Golf Channel, 11 a.m. Can the U.S. women make it three straight in their biennial Ryder Cup-style competition with Europe? Sunday singles matches should hold some intrigue with players such as Michelle Wie, Natalie Gulbis and Suzann Pettersen under the gun. NFL preseason » Patriots at Redskins...

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Strasburg introduced to Nats fans

The biggest day in the history of Washington baseball, since 2005 at least, was witnessed by about 200 people and members of the media. On the stage in shallow left field was No. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg. The pitcher on whom many fans pin the future of the Nationals ball club, though newly named GM Mike Rizzo says he's not the savior of the franchise. One reporter even went as far as to ask the young hurler what is was like to be the "face of the franchise." That tag has been downplayed by most members of the management as unfair to bestow upon a player. From my standpoint, until Strasburg proves his worth, Ryan Zimmerman will carry that mantle — and I'm not...

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Fearless Forecast 08/16/09

Events to watch MLS » Los Angeles Galaxy at D.C. United Saturday, 7:30 p.m. The controversy surrounding David Beckham’s return to Major League Soccer may have simmered down. But his presence on the field overshadows the fact that the Galaxy had already turned things under head coach Bruce Arena and with or without Beckham are well on their way to returning to the playoffs for the first time since winning MLS Cup in 2005. 2009 Little League Baseball World Series Aug. 21-30, ESPN For the third consecutive year, the entire Little League World Series is scheduled to be televised by the ESPN family of networks, giving young players from all over the country and world a chance...

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Fearless Forecast 08/09/09

Events to watch NFL Preseason » Redskins at Ravens, Thursday, 7:30 p.m., CSN/NBC 4 Move along, not much to see here — really. The starters may play a series. But it is preseason football and sports fans love it. Be sure to stand back — what is now a slow burning love affair by Redskins fans with backup QB Colt Brennan will surely grow to a blazing fire as he takes the field against the Ravens’ backups. MLB » Astros at Brewers, Fri. (FSN-HD, 6:05 p.m.), Sat. (FSN, 5:05 p.m.), Sun. (FSN-HD, 12:05 p.m.) The NL Central is all tied up near the top, with the Cardinals and Cubs as likely choices to take the division crown. Lurking just a few games back are the...

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Fearless Forecast 07/19/09

Events to Watch MLB » Red Sox at Rangers, Wednesday, ESPN, 8:05 p.m. Combining for over 100 wins before the All-Star break, these playoff contenders could make a big statement here with a series win — or sweep. A hitters’ park will see some of Boston’s big-name hurlers in John Smoltz, Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield (who takes the mound in the series finale on ESPN). Tour de France, Stage 20, Montélimar to Mont Ventoux, Saturday, Versus, 7 a.m. The organizers of the world’s biggest bicycle race wanted drama on the final days, and they’ll get it, with the penultimate stage featuring the third mountaintop finish of this year’s tour. The last...

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Fearless Forecast for week of 7/5/09

EVENTS TO WATCH Golf » U.S. Women's OpenThu.-Fri. (ESPN, 2-6 p.m.), Sat.-Sun. (NBC, 3-6 p.m.) Inbee Park will try to defend her 2008 sophomore-year title against the world's best at Saucon Valley Country Club. Paula Creamer skipped this past week's tourney to rest her injured thumb to vie for her first LPGA major title. CONCACAF Gold Cup, U.S. vs. HondurasWednesday, 9, Fox Soccer Channel/Telefutura The men's national team rolls into RFK Stadium -- technically, a home venue -- to meet one of Central America's toughest sides for the second time in a month, having beaten the Hondurans, 2-1, in Chicago on June 6. It is also a rematch of a historic RFK encounter on Sep. 1, 2001,...

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Nats release travel advisory for Tuesday's game

Just got this in the e-mail box. In the wake of yesterday's tragedy, the Nats are advising extra travel time for tonight's game vs. the BoSox. Apparently, there are some tickets still available — including some SRO in case of a sellout. *************************** The Washington Nationals express their deepest sympathies to those affected by yesterday’s Metrorail tragedy on the Red Line. A moment of silence will take place before this evening’s game vs. the Boston Red Sox in honor of the victims. Metro has advised all customers to plan for extra travel time both on metro and the roads due to yesterday’s accident. All Nationals fans attending tonight’s...

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