Jon Pessah

Thoughts after another bad week for America and Alex Rodriguez

1. Am I the only one who thinks the sudden A-Rod hip injury sounds a lot like Michael Jordan’s sudden desire to play baseball back in the early ’90s? Something doesn’t add up here. I’m hearing there’s another big A-Rod story that hasn’t yet hit. Prediction: A-Rod will be sidelined for several months while another scandal rocks the sport. Question: Are we really supposed to believe the Yankees never looked into an injury to their highest paid player they learned about last October?

2. Lawyers and prosecutors in the Bonds case have until July’s All-Star break to file arguments in the government’s request to include alleged Bonds’ positive drug tests as evidence. Balco judge Susan Illston ruled the tests inadmissible unless Greg Anderson agrees to testify, which will not happen. Ever. One former Justice Department official told me to expect the government to push for an earlier date. I disagree. Prediction: This case will never go to trial. Question: When do we stop wasting taxpayer money here?

3. Barry Bonds’ agent is looking for employment for the 45-year-old outfielder. Baseball owners beware. The Union says it has evidence the owners colluded when they turned their backs on Bonds in unison last season. The Union’s record in collusion suits: 3-0, including the 1985-87 suit that cost the owners $280 million and inevitably led to Bud Selig’s 1994 shutdown. Prediction: Barry won’t find work, but will get millions to in collusion damages. Question: Will the owners ever learn?

4. Still hearing that Clemens will be indicted, probably sometime in the spring. This case is being run out of D.C., not San Francisco. Again, is this the way we want to spend taxpayer money during this economic meltdown? And please, don’t tell me that a baseball player lying to Congress is a threat to democracy, not after the parade of Bush Administration liars and thieves through Congress the last eight years. Prediction: Congress will throw Karl Rove and Harriet Miers a few softballs and thank them for coming in. Question: If the ritual humiliation of professional athletes is vital to setting a good example for our kids, shouldn’t  we apply the same standard to our corporate and government leaders?