It's legal; just don't get caught

News item: Former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh said in an interview last week that he knew at the time it was wrong to covertly videotape opposing teams' signals for New England coach Bill Belichick.

My take: Hence the term "covertly." If Belichick really thought it was within the rules, Walsh correctly pointed out, why did the Patriots go to such lengths to cover up what they were doing?

News item: Sen. Arlen Specter has called on the NFL to institute an independent investigation into the Patriots' Spygate scandal, perhaps something like the one former Sen. George Mitchell undertook to get to the bottom of major league baseball's performance-enhancing drug problem.

My take: Great idea. I'm pretty sure there's a retired senator out there who wouldn't mind making a few extra million dredging up all the NFL's dirty secrets, but I'm guessing commissioner Roger Goodell is too smart to let this situation get out of his office.

News item: New York Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner publicly lashed out at the team Wednesday for its subpar performance through the first quarter of the schedule, hinting at a front-office shake-up if things don't improve soon.

My take: This guy must have the shortest memory on Earth. The Yankees have gotten off to much slower starts than this and ended up in the postseason. The rest of the American League East can only hope he panics and starts getting rid of the people who actually know what they're doing.

Bonus take: This was the point last year when Joe Torre calmly guided the Yankees back from a horrible start, but that steadiness was perceived by the Steinbrenner clan as lacking the passion for the job.

News item: Former basketball star Charles Barkley could face prosecution if he doesn't pay a $400,000 gambling debt to the Wynn casino in Las Vegas. Barkley now says he'll repay the four $100,000 markers.

My take: He's lucky he's Charles Barkley. If I owed an arm and a leg to Vegas gamblers, I'd be leaning hard to the left by now.

News item: Basketball star O.J. Mayo continues to deny he received improper benefits during his high school career and single season at Southern California.

My take: Have to believe the part about USC. If the Trojans were actively flouting NCAA rules, you would think the basketball program would have won something during my lifetime.

News item: Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera delivered another solid performance Wednesday to defeat the Boston Red Sox and improve his record to 4-1.

My take: This is getting embarrassing. Do you think anyone would believe me if I said I was just trying to motivate Cabrera when I wrote him off this spring?

News item: Manny Ramirez actually leaped and high-fived a Red Sox fan in the bleachers at Camden Yards in between a great running catch and a relay to first to complete a double play Wednesday.

My take: I'm still not sure what to think of Manny, but that was one of the most entertaining moments I've ever had at a baseball game.

News item: The Chicago Cubs signed 37-year-old outfielder Jim Edmonds on Wednesday, less than a week after he was released by the San Diego Padres.

My take: Just more evidence of a baseball-wide conspiracy against Barry Bonds. Edmonds is only 6 years younger and slightly more mobile in the outfield, but the Cubs could have used those 130 walks.

News item: Cleveland Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera turned the 14th unassisted triple play in major league history Monday night.

My take: I don't care. I'd still rather be named Peter Schmuck than Asdrubal anything.

peter.schmuck@baltsun.com

Related topic galleries: Major League Baseball, Jim Edmonds, Cleveland Indians, Drug Trafficking, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Barry Bonds

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