This past Friday, Arizona's governor signed a law that would require all immigrants to carry documents that would prove their legal status in the United States of America. Police in Arizona may also stop anyone that reasonably and suspiciously looks illegal.
The law has already started to go under fire and criticized by law officials and common people of the United States. Many will agree that this sets the United States government a few steps behind in their work for immigration stability.
Baseball is a sport dominated by talent from foreign countries. The Arizona Diamondbacks host a team filled with Hispanic talent, headlined by Miguel Montero, Tony Abreu, Rodrigo Lopez, Juan Gutierrez, and others. Now what happens to these Hispanic ball players?
Lets say, Miguel Montero hits a walk-off home run broadcast across the world. He's Arizona's hero for the night. The team decides to celebrate and hit a bar afterwards. Montero is not in his baseball uniform and is stopped by police and asked for papers.
What has this country come to where Latinos and other notable immigrants are racially profiled in order to track down illegal immigrants? Montero was just on television as a baseball player and hero, the next second he is stopped for ID and papers! That was just an example of how out of hand this law could get.
It seems like every foreign athlete that has Arizona on their schedule will have to pack up more than just his uniform and equipment, but also throw in the legal documents stating their fine to stay in the United States.
The Phoenix Suns have Robin Lopez on their team. Sure, he was born in the United States and his family is American, but he looks Hispanic. If he's discriminated and is asked for papers, don't you think it would be insulting? Lopez was born in Hollywood, California and is being mistaken for an illegal immigrant. The same goes for common legal people that will be stopped in Arizona. There will be an insult behind the discrimination.
You may say that all sports stars are familiar to people, but it is not the public that will be stopping the "suspiciously looking illegal immigrant." The police force has been bestowed with that task and who knows what that police officer may or may not know about sports.
Sports stars have families too. Some like Jose Contreras in the past, bring their families to the United States. Contreras' family arrived at U.S. shores in 2004 and were dreaming of a better life. What would happen if this law gets out of hand and expands to other states? Contreras probably has his family nearby in the United States, what if Philadelphia puts this law into effect. Contreras' family might be sent back to Cuba. Imagine that. Families are going to be torn apart by this law.
What this law is doing is creating fear. People currently fear going to Arizona and asked for papers and not having anything to show. You may not believe you look like an illegal immigrant, but a policeman there might. So you don't know whether or not to carry such papers.
America has established a profile for what an illegal immigrant looks like. The only problem is that in order to know what this illegal looks like you have to discriminate and make sometimes false accusations.
What does this illegal immigrant look like? Does it look like Miguel Montero? What about Robin Lopez? We do not know. But apparently the lawmakers in Arizona know what this illegal immigrant looks like.
The following is a statement released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday afternoon from Ben Roethlisberger:
“The Commissioner’s decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family. I will not appeal the suspension and will comply with what is asked of me— and more.
“Missing games will be devastating for me. I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again.
“I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given in my life and will make the necessary improvements.”
The written statement by Roethlisberger was not much different than the statement he read to the media a couple of weeks ago.
Roethlisberger stated:
“I'm truly sorry for the disappointment and negative attention I brought to my family, my teammates, coaches, the Rooneys and the NFL. I understand that the opportunities I have been blessed with are a privilege, and much is expected of me as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I absolutely want to be the leader this team deserves, valued in the community and a role model to kids. I have much work to do to earn this trust. And I'm committed to improving and showing everyone my true values.
“I am excited to get back to work with my teammates, and I'm more determined than ever to have a great season. I intend to make my family, friends and Steeler nation proud on all fronts. Thank you. God bless.”
Last July, Roethlisberger was in another situation where he had to issue a statement regarding a civil lawsuit relating to a sexual assault case:
“I have an obligation to our fans, to my teammates, to my coaches and everyone in the organization to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers and I will do that.”
If you are keeping score at home, from 2004 to 2008, Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings.
From 2008 to today, Roethlisberger has three prepared statements relating to issues in which he brought negative attention to himself and the Steelers organization.
The latest statement is focused on his six game suspension. Did he even say much?
No, and it should not be expected that Roethlisberger could say much. He is not in position to discuss any details. This statement was simple. He was stating that his actions are not to the standard of the Steelers or of the NFL.
The concern is that he had two incidents in less than a year when he was going to “remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
From a fan's perspective, the most important parts of his statement were that he let the fan base down and that he will not put himself in that kind of situation again.
Roethlisberger has to repair his public image. He has turned off many fans to the point where they think he should be traded or even released. How he conducts himself in public, his interaction with fans, and community service could go a long way.
For much of the fan base, though, Roethlisberger rejoining the lineup and leading the team to wins is all that it will take. Winning cures all.
And winning is what the organization will be looking for as well. There is no doubt that had to be in the back of Kevin Colbert's (Director of Football Operations) mind when he supported Roethlisberger.
“We can’t defend the behavior or the actions… But we do defend his opportunity to make right. And I think that’s the right thing to do. This guy has helped us win two championships and he’s made some mistakes, but he also deserves the opportunity to rectify those mistakes. I know we stand behind his opportunity to do that.”
As long as Roethlisberger has the support of the Steelers, he will have every opportunity to make right with the team and their fan base. However, he has to be prepared to have every move he makes scrutinized.
It is time for Roethlisberger to make the most of his second chance and to regain the respect of his owners, coaches, teammates, and fans.
Monday should be the last day that we hear from Roethlisberger until training camp. Apologies mean nothing at this point. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”
It is time that Roethlisberger lets his actions do the talking.
It seemed like just yesterday that Tiger Woods was the gold standard for excellence. In a sport that didn't exactly personify excitement, Tiger's scintillating approach to the game of golf captivated viewers and fans from all over the world.
Tiger's wins were punctuated by enthusiastic fist pumps. His struggles, accompanied by curse words and frustrating gestures that would sometimes leave his trusted clubs in shambles.
Before November 2009, it was nearly impossible to dispute the sheer (or near) perfection that was Tiger Woods. He was Hulk Hogan without the aging. Babe Ruth with the athleticism. Michael Jordan, without the indiscretions.
Or so we thought.
On Nov. 27, 2009, on Thanksgiving weekend and during a time for family, Tiger Woods' personal problems came to a head.
In a much-publicized fight with his wife, Elin Nordegren, Tiger Woods' perceived perfection literally came to a crashing halt. It started out with Tiger's Escalade backing into a fire hydrant.
Then all Hell broke loose.
Mistresses came out of the woodwork. Perko's waitresses appeared on the Today show. Even shady HGH doctors linked to Tiger Woods were thrust into the spotlight.
The ensuing media backlash rivaled every major scandal in the past 10 years combined. Tiger's delayed response to all this madness eventually came in the form of a written statement. The statement outed the one-time role model as a chronic adulterer.
"I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone. " [Tigerwoods.com ]
On Dec. 2, 2009, Tiger Woods turned heel.
In present day, the name Tiger Woods evokes a wide range of emotion from anybody within earshot of such a polarizing term.
These are the perfect qualities for a heel character who could make ridiculous money for himself and any promoter willing to sign him.
Tiger Woods: Tale of the Heel
Height: 6 ft. 1 in
Weight: 185 lb.
Real Life Accolades: 97 PGA Tour Wins, 14 Major wins (Ranks 2nd all-time)
Turned Heel: Dec. 2, 2009 when a suspicious car accident degenerated into realizations of multiple affairs.
Heel Heat Type: Hybrid Heat aka Cena Heat (A strong mix between boos and cheers)
Tiger Woods' Heel Background
Despite, at one time, being the most revered athlete in the entire world, Tiger Woods possesses many built-in traits that scream heel. The simple fact that Woods has seemingly 'betrayed' all of his loyal fans with his recent transgressions is a start.
However before his first mistress even came into the public eye, Tiger has always come under criticism for one reason or another.
One of the prevailing criticisms of Tiger Woods throughout his career has been directed at his robotic nature. Many of his comments, during conversations with the media, are seen as fake and disingenuous.
During his firestorm of publicity at the end of 2009, Tiger didn't do any favors for his PR. Any apology or statement from Tiger Woods, regarding his transgressions, came in the form of a written transcript either read by him or conspicuously placed on his website.
Tiger also often comes under fire for his behavior on the golf course. He has been known to audibly curse after shots gone array, and has even gone as far as to make threats to members of the gallery who make noise during his swing.
"The next time a photographer shoots a f****** picture on my backswing I'm going to break his f****** neck " [Actual Quote by Tiger Woods, provided by The Scotsman ]
Before making his much anticipated return to the golf course, this behavior was pinpointed by Tiger Woods himself as something in which he vowed to change.
Yet just a few days into his return to Golf at The Master's Tournament, Tiger was once again heard cursing after a difficult shot at Augusta.
All of Tiger Woods' heelish characteristics, many of which have contributed to making him the greatest golfer of all time, could easily be combined to manufacture Tiger Woods into the single greatest heel of all time.
Tiger Woods' Heel Booking
Tiger Woods' introduction to wrestling fans could come in the form of weekly television vignettes. Leading up to his debut, Tiger would be at various press conferences telling members of the press that 'he is back' and that he plans on making his return as a role model who your kids can look up to.
All of Tiger's statements during his vignettes, of course, would be written statements read by Tiger himself.
When Tiger Woods is eventually introduced in front of a live crowd he would initially be accompanied by a beautiful, blond golf caddy resembling his wife. However week after week, Tiger would come out with a different attractive, female golf caddy.
Before his first match, Tiger could read a written statement to the live crowd as to why he is here, and what his intentions are (winning championships, being a good role model).
"I would like to start out by thanking all the fans for allowing me to return. I apologize for my past transgressions, and I can assure you a new Tiger Woods has emerged. I hope to write a new chapter in my life that includes professional success as well as religious enlightenment.
"My goal is to succeed in the wrestling business while displaying characteristics of a role model that everybody can look up to. Thank you for your time."
However during his initial match, Tiger Woods would grow increasingly frustrated after failed attempts to put his opponent away.
With every nearfall, Tiger would grow more and more impatient as he shouts at the referee and drops non-PG expletives in which the commentators would have to apologize for.
Woods would snap at fans who tried to touch him when he took the fight to the outside.
Tiger would then go on to lose his first match.
In a fit of rage and poor sportsmanship, Tiger would be booked to attack his opponent after taking a loss.
Woods would punctuate this brutal beatdown by asking his hot caddy for a specific golf club, and then going to town on the opposition to the boos of the crowd.
One week later, Tiger would be booked in yet another match. Before this particular match, Tiger would read yet another written apology to the, now incredulous, live crowd.
After losing again, another post-match beat down would be delivered by Tiger Woods (golf clubs and all) despite his previous apologies.
Tiger would repeat this process, of adulterer/apologist turned sore loser, for about a month. A promotion, such as the WWE, could run wild with this character.
During the obligatory plug for WWE.com on RAW broadcasts, you can already hear Michael Cole's Tiger Woods shoutout before segueing into the next Tiger segment:
Michael Cole: Ladies and gentlemen, right now on WWE.com, you can read Tiger Woods' latest apology to his fans for his post-match transgressions last week!
Jerry Lawler: And, while you're there, you can also take a look at a photo gallery of Rachel, that hot caddy who was at ringside!
By using dirty tactics, like striking his opponent with a golf club he obtained from under the ring while the ref was distracted by his hot caddy, Tiger Woods would eventually begin to win his matches. From week to week, his pre-match apologies would slowly begin to sound mean-spirited.
"Before this next match, I would like to issue a written statement. I would like to apologize to the families in this crowd, namely the children. I would like to apologize that your parents have failed you, and now they must depend on people like me to raise their kids.
"I'd like to apologize that my transgressions have polluted the children in this audience, because their parents couldn't get the job done when they were given the chance.
"I hope you are able to look past my past transgressions as I attempt to become your role model, and more importantly, as I attempt to become the parent that you should have had. Thank you for your time."
If booked correctly, Tiger's written statements, poor ring etiquette, and implied adultery would garner enough heel heat to shoot him to top of the food chain.
Woods would eventually find himself in familiar territory as the champion of a given promotion. As champion, Tiger would eventually reject any notion of that he is a role model.
As the top heel champion, Tiger's increasingly heelish tactics and lack of family values in the PG era would drive many to the television set just to see him lose.
Tiger Woods, and his signature red polo in any wrestling promotion, could spell green for the promoter. Recently, there has been talk of the WWE trying to get Tiger Woods to guest host an upcoming episode of RAW in Florida .
While that would likely never happen, should Vince McMahon get Tiger Woods in the door, he would be wise to use every persuasive tactic at his disposal to get Woods to enter professional wrestling as the new face of the heel athlete. One could only dream of the possibilities.
Hidden beneath the veil of fame and fortune, under the cloak of glitz and glamor, and buried underneath the pinnacle of greatness, there is a loud exclamation. A bitter story of small proportions bearing colossal significance.
For this edition of Boxing in Particular, I'd like to thank Mark Lorenzona of Pinoy Fight Scribe for such a brilliant post that inspired this piece. Thanks! So on with this.
The Price of Prizefighting
"He just wants to earn money to support his family." Short yet sacred. It was a phrase that resembles noble desires.
No, it wasn't a phrase. It was a cry—a subtle cry coming from within the inner precept of humanity.
Yes, it was a cry. A cry of indignation, a cry that transcends abysmal sorrow and immeasurable sufferings.
Lito Sisnorio is a boxer—er—he was a boxer.
Yes, he was a boxer and of course he was a dreamer. However, he dreamt of triumphs and victories not just inside the squared circle.
He dreamt of winning yet it wasn't similar to the Pacquiaos, Cottos, or Mosleys.
It wasn't a dream to permanently etch his name atop the fortress of boxing immortality nor was it a dream to surpass the all-time greats of the sport.
What's his dream?
A decent living, enough food for the family, good education for the children, and a house that can be called a home.
It was a dream much like mine, much like yours. A dream that he pursued everyday of his life. A dream that he keeps on chasing.
It was just a dream.
Indeed, Lito Sisnorio is a boxer—er—he was a boxer.
Yes, he was a boxer and of course he had a fist. A fist he used inside the squared circle.
He had a fist yet it wasn't similar to the Pacquiaos, Cottos, or Mosleys.
It wasn't a powerful fist that can crush the opposition in just a blink of an eye nor was it a vicious fist that lands perfectly-timed combinations.
What's his fist?
Nothing special, nothing spectacular. A fist that conquered 10 opponents, three of which were stopped.
It was just a fist much like mine, much like yours. A fist used for everyday labor. A fist used to put food on the family's table.
It was just a fist.
As a matter of fact, Lito Sisnorio is a boxer—er—he was a boxer.
Yes, he was a boxer and of course he fought inside the squared circle. He's a pretty decent boxer.
He fought yet his fights weren't similar to those of Pacquiaos, Cottos, or Mosleys.
They weren't as exciting, they weren't available on Pay-Per-View, nor did they draw a lot of attention.
What's his fight?
They were just bouts in small clubs and flee markets. They were practically held in small un-air conditioned gymnasiums.
It was just a fight.
Our boxer—er—our once boxer entered the not-so-sweet science armed with just a dream and a fist.
He started his career in 2003, winning nine of his first 10 bouts.
In 2006, he won the WBC youth world flyweight title.
Shortly, in 2007 he got his biggest break. A bout against seasoned veteran Chatchai Sasakul, a respected name within the boxing circles.
Sasakul had fought and stood his ground against the best fighters of his era. He had fought the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Christian Mijares.
Our once boxer on the other hand, had fought the likes of Panomroongklek Kratingdaenggym and Fahpetchanoi Sor Chitpatana—names you probably never heard of and just thought of as a tongue twister.
Nevertheless, it was the opportunity that our once boxer eagerly awaited months and years for.
It was his biggest break—a make-or-break situation. It did break.
Armed with just a dream and a fist, our once boxer entered the squared circle against a feared regional champion.
Fifteen minutes later he left the ring with shattered hopes. Our once boxer lost against a stronger opposition.
Hours later he left...
Undeniably, Lito Sisnorio is a boxer—er—he was a boxer.
Yes, he was a boxer and the onset of his rise to stardom was inside the squared circle.
He rose to stardom yet it wasn't similar to the Pacquiaos, Cottos, or Mosleys.
It wasn't a meteoric rise fueled by successive wins against boxing legends nor was it through a victory that shook the foundations of the sport.
How's his stardom?
He reached the headlines of prime-time news and his story was used as an instrument for change—to legislate stricter guidelines and prevent further tragedies.
It was quite a paradox that the beginning is the end, the end, the beginning.
Our once boxer was able to achieve his dream. He gave his family a decent living through his efforts inside the squared circle.
It was the beginning of his fame yet it was the end of something dearer, something more precious and vital.
It was the end of his story.
Sad enough, Lito Sisnorio is a boxer—er—he was a boxer.
True enough, Lito Sisnorio is a fighter and he will always remain one.
For our once boxer the price of prizefighting was his life.
There were several unsuspecting talents who received their pink slips on April 22, 2020.
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the releases of the following superstars:
Shelton Benjamin 2000-2010
Kung Fu Naki 1998-2010
Katie Lea Burchill 2008-2010
Mickie James 2005-2010
Mike Knox 2005-2010
Slam Master J 2007-2010
Jimmy Wang Yang 2003-2005 and 2006-2010
Jimmy Wang Commented on His Release Via Twitter
"3 strike and your out i hear florida is a nice place to visit."
Mickie James Commented on His Release Via Twitter
"Awe... Thank you James Gang! I just want to say its been a beautiful journey... Wwe has been a childhood dream come true & I have loved every step... There is not a moment I would change for the world... It breaks my heart but the world doesn't stop turning.. I'm grateful for all my friends, family, loved ones, and fans who have supported me along this wonderful ride. To all the guys and gals I've had the pleasure of sharing the ring with... We made some magic! History... Memories to last a lifetime... Thank you... I love you all with all my heart! Every chapter has its close... The next one Is only gonna get better... I promise you that! =) One truly never knows what tomorrow may hold... That's why we embrace every moment... In love & joy! The James Gang Rides! Even stronger than before.... To Victory! Haha.... On ward & upward! Much Love.... Muah! JG4L...... MJ"
Shannon Moore Posted a Comment Via Twitter
"It sucks to hear that people lost jobs today. From what I hear that place is a black hole anyway. A lot of peeps are miserable going to work. They don’t understand what talent is. They would rather hire a jackass that don't know nothing about the biz rather than someone that loves it and pay pennies on the dollar to get someone to sign their life away. I think that the talent should think about making the jump. I thank god everyday for my chance to be family with TNA. From the office to talent in TNA it's nothing but fun. All I can say is @tnadixie thank you for bringing me into the family. I love going to work. Hogan F'N rocks. I wear TNA colors with pride and will bust my ass to better the company. TNA TNA TNA TNA."
Mike Knox, Jimmy Wang, Grand Master J, Kung Fu Naki, and Burchill are big surprises as they have been hardly used on television as of late.
The releases of Shelton Benjamin and Mickie James will not be well received by the WWE Universe.
Benjamin has always displayed a high level of athleticism.
Benjamin scored a pin fall on Dolph Ziggler just before Wrestlemania.
“The Gold Standard” was recently a participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania. The decision to release Benjamin appears to have not been planned.
Mickie James was recently the Women’s Champion until losing it to Michelle McCool.
We have all heard of her aspirations to start singing professionally so this isn’t as big a surprise as Benjamin.
Like Maria, she bought her pink slip with her mouth.
WWE Pink Slips: Mickie James, Jimmy Wang Comment About Their Release
April 24th, 2010There were several unsuspecting talents who received their pink slips on April 22, 2020.
World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the releases of the following superstars:
Shelton Benjamin 2000-2010
Kung Fu Naki 1998-2010
Katie Lea Burchill 2008-2010
Mickie James 2005-2010
Mike Knox 2005-2010
Slam Master J 2007-2010
Jimmy Wang Yang 2003-2005 and 2006-2010
Jimmy Wang Commented on His Release Via Twitter
"3 strike and your out i hear florida is a nice place to visit."
Mickie James Commented on His Release Via Twitter
"Awe... Thank you James Gang! I just want to say its been a beautiful journey... Wwe has been a childhood dream come true & I have loved every step... There is not a moment I would change for the world... It breaks my heart but the world doesn't stop turning.. I'm grateful for all my friends, family, loved ones, and fans who have supported me along this wonderful ride. To all the guys and gals I've had the pleasure of sharing the ring with... We made some magic! History... Memories to last a lifetime... Thank you... I love you all with all my heart! Every chapter has its close... The next one Is only gonna get better... I promise you that! =) One truly never knows what tomorrow may hold... That's why we embrace every moment... In love & joy! The James Gang Rides! Even stronger than before.... To Victory! Haha.... On ward & upward! Much Love.... Muah! JG4L...... MJ"
Shannon Moore Posted a Comment Via Twitter
"It sucks to hear that people lost jobs today. From what I hear that place is a black hole anyway. A lot of peeps are miserable going to work. They don’t understand what talent is. They would rather hire a jackass that don't know nothing about the biz rather than someone that loves it and pay pennies on the dollar to get someone to sign their life away. I think that the talent should think about making the jump. I thank god everyday for my chance to be family with TNA. From the office to talent in TNA it's nothing but fun. All I can say is @tnadixie thank you for bringing me into the family. I love going to work. Hogan F'N rocks. I wear TNA colors with pride and will bust my ass to better the company. TNA TNA TNA TNA."
Mike Knox, Jimmy Wang, Grand Master J, Kung Fu Naki, and Burchill are big surprises as they have been hardly used on television as of late.
The releases of Shelton Benjamin and Mickie James will not be well received by the WWE Universe.
Benjamin has always displayed a high level of athleticism.
Benjamin scored a pin fall on Dolph Ziggler just before Wrestlemania.
“The Gold Standard” was recently a participant in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at Wrestlemania. The decision to release Benjamin appears to have not been planned.
Mickie James was recently the Women’s Champion until losing it to Michelle McCool.
We have all heard of her aspirations to start singing professionally so this isn’t as big a surprise as Benjamin.
Like Maria, she bought her pink slip with her mouth.
So as we approach the WWE Draft, “Who’s Next?”
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Posted in Breaking News, Mickie James, Pro Wrestling, Shelton Benjamin, WWE, WWE Raw, WWE Smackdown, Wrestling
Tags: amp Benjamin burchill childhood dream Dolph Ziggler F'N family James James Commented James Gang Jimmy Wang jimmy wang yang Katie Lea Burchill memories to last a lifetime Michelle McCool Mickie Mike Knox nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp pink slips rsquo Shannon shannon moore Shelton Benjamin TNA Twitter Via World world wrestling entertainment WWE Yang