B Flynn. (Tama, Iowa)

Lakers-Rockets series reminds me of how the Pistons and Knicks used to try and rough up MJ and the Bulls...but I dont think its going to work, lots of talking as well just like MJ and Starks back in the day

david (charlotte,nc)

dwight howard throwing bows.... rafer alston slapping heads... ron ron getting in kobe's "grill"... these are all reasons why the nba playoffs are wayyy more entertaining than march madness... forget "where amazing happens"... the slogan should be changed to "where the big boys play"... the ONE thing that your typical sports fan actually enjoys about hockey is is the fighting and physicality... nascar it's the big crashes and altercations we see on sports center... as long as these nba "fights" don't turn into brawls and end up in the stands, BRING IT ON!!!

Moderator

  (9:48 AM)

sounds like we want to see blood this morning

Moderator

  (9:50 AM)

who should get suspended, and why, out of last nights Rockets/Lakers scrum?

andre in portland

your show is basically the only one showing the nuggets any kind of love, thats ok after watching every game since melo was drafted if they play like this we will be in the championship series

Alexander Supertramp Anytown, USA

BOOK IT! Replays hide absolutely NADA...everything is exposed. And whether you love him or hate him, Kobe is gone for game 3! Compelling opportunity to perhaps push it to 7 games.........

Moderator

  (9:52 AM)

how good are the Dodgers right now, guys?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Will it be rulebook or ratings in the Kobe Suspension saga? Kobe should miss Game 3 for an elbow above the neck. Stern has got to be sweating today.

NAIM CHESTER P.A

Im glad artest didnt punch on kobe because david stern what have threw ron out tha nba 4 good

Umor (detroit mi)

Kobe elbow was incidental. He's not gonna get suspended. Artest shouldn't been Kick out of that game for a tech foul.

Kerry (Cleveland, O)

I am going to Kidnap Bernard Berrian so we don't have to talk about Favre again today. He won't be hurt and will be returned after First Take is done at noon.

Kerry (Cleveland, O)

Who should be suspended? Definitely NOT ARTESTS. I think he was well self restrained. The 2nd T was not warranted.

Will (WV)

There should be a zero tolerance rule regardless..playoff or regular season. If it looks intentional....bye bye!

Kerry (Cleveland, O)

Hey MOD, won't be posting much today, got too much work to do, will be watching though... Have a good show guys...

Moderator

  (10:02 AM)

no note from doctor needed, Kerry..you're good to go

Ray (VA)

Bryant didn't throw the elbow above the neck, so no suspension. Artest is very physical and seemed to me like he was goating Kobe during that play

Miy (CA)

Both Laker plays were basketball plays. Rondo and Keynon Martin were retaliation plays, and neither was called a flagrant 2. I'm confused, and so are the officials.

Moderator

  (10:04 AM)

Derek Fisher's play was a basketball play?

Ian Atlanta, GA

The elbow by Kobe was delibrate. He meant to throw it and tried to act like he didn't do anything. Kobe will be fined but not suspended.

christopher Ukiah CA

all mourning i have been hearing about how kobe didnt do any thing wrong and shouldnt be suspended. artest got a raw deal and didnt do anything wrong. kobe should of been ejected last night. artest got a bum deal because hes artest.

Patrick (WV)

Kobe Bryan is the sneakiest dirty player in basketball in John Stockton. Both are fan favorites, so they get away with things that would get Artest or Rodman tossed.

Javier Richmond VA

I am a Magic fan....but i think alston will def have to be suspended, also, derek fisher also needs to be suspended. no other players need to worry.

Brandon (Houston, TX)

Artest shouldn't have been thrown out at all! Lakers' are playing a dirty game and the Rockets are responding. Fisher needs to be suspended. Rockets in 6!!

Ed (TN)

Eddie House tossed a little elbow at Austin but that slap by Austin was classic and he will be sitting in the next game

Phil (Dekalb, IL)

Is Paul Pierce resting himself for the conference finals? Where has he been? He looks like he is just saving himself.

brad massillon, Ohio

I dont understand why Kobe gets away with whatever he does. But Ron Artest would get suspended if he did what Kobe did. I'm not a fan of either team but the NBA should suspend Kobe!!!

Aaron (Denver)

Kobe did hide the "intent" portion of his elbow. Although, Skip makes a great point, "letter of the law"....GUILTY!

Gary(vernon hils. Il

Fischer gets susspended and Artest and kobe get fines!!

Andy (Akron)

Artest gave the throat slash motion, it seems like sports are totally agaisnt that. They were right to toss him

Ian (Atlanta, GA)

Fisher saw Scola coming and decided to put something extra on that blow. The play occurred right after Scola and Walton were jawing. He wanted to send a message.

Adam (Columbus, OH)

At this point I want to see a Boston/Houston finals. Can you imagine the fights in THAT series?

Dana Jacobson

  (10:15 AM)

morning guys! will catch up with you in a bit

Steven (Philadelphia, PA)

OHHHH, NOOOOOO! Not another Brett Favre topic.......*running from the room screaming*

Dana Jacobson

  (10:16 AM)

steven, come back!!!!!

Umor (detroit mi)

slap to the back of the head. He's a 3 Stooges fan, come on.

Andy (Akron)

BOOOOOOOO NO FARVE!!!!!!!!

Miy (CA)

"Sneakiness" to Kobe's game?... See the Jordan handbook. As a Laker fan I was happy to see the Lakers getting chippy and standing up to anybody.

jay crawford

  (10:18 AM)

hey room! what's up???

Andrae (Spring Lake, NC)

Derek Fisher got to be suspended cause he turned around and saw Scola coming and threw the elbow, and if he is not suspended, then the league can not suspend anyone for throwing an elbow.

Andy (Akron)

Does anyone care about the Farve mess anymore?? Someone tell him he is way past his prime.

Nick (Severna Park, MD)

How come on First And 10, UEFA League Soccer and College lacrosse never really get talked about? Those 2 Sports are an absolute blast to watch, very engaging and entertaining, non-stop action and excitement

Drew, from Buffalo

I don't have a problem with Kobe not being punished for what he did. But I hate to think what if it wasArtest, what would happen? Honestly!

Jeremy (New Orleans, LA)

he if your going to boo the man spell his name right. You hater BF4

mason-columbus, ohio

i am a long time vikings fan, and have grown to HATE brett farve. i typically don't hate people but i have made an acception. if he goes to minnesota i will...... What am i supposed to do?

jay crawford

  (10:19 AM)

there was a bump! threw a left shoulder/elbow...very subtle but it was there.

Tom (River North)

Here are the stories that make me change the channel: Favre, TO, Bonds, ARod, and Ocho Cinco...

Samuel Queens ny

how bout those DODGERS!

Moderator

  (10:19 AM)

yes, tom, but will you still chat with us?

Rick Detroit Mi

muting the tv...brett is tired bit!

jay crawford

  (10:19 AM)

pretty impressive!

Javier Richmond VA

plllllllllllllllllllllllllz stop talkin about will brett favre come back.....if or when he does THEN tlak about him, until then talk about nba playoffs, mlb, nhl playoffs, but stop talking about brett.....its so old news

Ian (Atlanta)

As a lifelong Packer fan, I hope Favre comes back to the Vikings. He can finally show that the Packers made the right decision by letting him go and the Vikings can set their franchise back 3 years.

Peter (Indianapolis)

Childress and the Vikings should meet with Michael Vick. He'd be a better QB for them than Favre.

Dave (C'dale, IL)

Love Tap, Skip? The head band physically moved on the man's head. He needs to be gone and fined whatever the salary is for one game.

Peter (Indianapolis)

Woah Andy. Artest was motioning to the ref that Kobe elbowed him. NO WAY should have Artest been tossed. People need to quit looking at Artest as the bad boy he was 2-3 years ago. Since he's been with the Rockets he's toned down his 'tude quite a lot. He's still emotional and vocal but he's not a bad guy.

Will (WV)

Skip and Howard are making me sick! Why protect Kobe? Let the Lakers loose! The league did not protect the Magic and suspended howard! Rules are rules!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:23 AM)

Will, you want the best players playing. i see whta they're saying BUT if you follow the rules, kobe should be gone...skip did admit that

Ed (TN)

No Brett No Brett

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

When are these GMs going to come to their senses and realize Farve is OLD!!!

Manny Ramirez, Hollywood, California

Trade Brett Favre to the LA Dodgers.... I want to play QB for Minnesota

gbenga(houston, tx)

favre has earned every right to play whenever he wants to as long as he is able to

Chris, Michigan

Why is it that Rondo can slap Brad Miller, maliciously throw Hinrich, Kobe can elbow Artest in the neck, and Alston will get tossed for a smack, after being elbowed? Help me understand what's going on!

Dana Jacobson

  (10:23 AM)

Chris what's done while the ball is in play in the heat of competition gets more leway than running up the court no ball around.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:24 AM)

Chris and the elbow is simply a rule, why howard got tossed

Aaron (Denver)

Berrian knows a great QB when he sees one. Tavaris and Ferrotte last year with the Vikes and Rex Grossman with the Bears. The man's credentials speak for themselvs.

Darick (hyattsville, md)

Wale is gonna be on the show! Kool, much love from a fan here in the DMV(DC-MD-VA)

Dana Jacobson

  (10:24 AM)

darick hour number 2

Nathan (Daytona Beach,Fl)

Chris b/c the NBA is a Joke!!!

Andy (Akron)

Peter, I think Artest's signal could be seen as a slash. I've seen it a few times now and he is looking right at Kobe when he does it.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:25 AM)

chris, apparently nathan doesn't see it like I do

rick detroit,mi

brett favre!!!!!!!! grrrrrrrrrrr... whats next madden comes out of retirement? lololol

Antonio (Lakeland Fl.)

Dodgers are great, thanks to Torre. It will probably fizzle away as the season goes on. Yankees, well, all those high priced players signed in the off-season turned out to be duds. That new stadium was a waste, my 8yr old son can hit a homerun in the new stadium LOL.

david (charlotte,nc)

the dodgers are solid... their starting pitching needs to prove it can get through an entire season playing at this level... they have the best hitter in the division and probably the 2nd best hitter in the NL next to albert... torre is the best manager in the NL, if not all of baseball... but can you say a team is already "there" when if their guy, "mr. mannywood" goes down with an injury, or decides to "be manny", they are done! they were mediocre at best without manny....

Tom (River North)

So let me get this straight. Instead of going after Matt Cassel or Jay Cutler, the Vikings go after...Favre?

James Denver

I agree as a fan I would rayher see Vick on my team then Favre.

Mark Columbus, OH

I am a Celtics fan and don't like either team in the West. from all the replays it appears that Kobe's elbow hit Artest in the chest and only his arm hit above the shoulder as he went for the ball. I don't think either Artest or Kobe should be susppended.

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Sorry Dana. I agree with Will. At some point you have to draw a line in the sand for the integrity of the game. Otherwise, you're skirting on the edge of manipulating a game. And they definitely don't want to go there.

Michael (Jackson, MS)

Peter, as someone who watched Vick play in person a couple times a year, even though he is an unbelievable athlete, have you lost your mind? He is one of the worst passers in the NFL.

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Bernard just said a great player, but farve is NOT a great player anymore. People need to wake up and realize it isn't 1996.

Adam (Dayton, Ohio)

There is so much actual sports action going on (a la Champions League soccer yesterday and college LAX) and yet here we are chatting about what-ifs and all kinds of non-sense that has nothing to do with athletic competition...what is the world coming to

James Denver

Im glad my cable is still out I dont have to hear Favre talk 2 days in a row. My own pedsonal Favre talk holiday.

Samuel Queens ny

If farve goes to the vikings that would be a bad decision because their will be no chemistry between farve and the wide recievers didnt everyone learn from the jets last year!

Tom (River North)

I will stay on the chat, but I might not read the comments about those items...

Dana Jacobson

  (10:27 AM)

Jonathan, I'm saying he should be suspended. BUT that no one should really want him too...you want him playing. It makes for better basketball. I'm not talking about the lesson, i'm talking about seeing the best game..

Moderator

  (10:27 AM)

thats fair, Tom

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

Dana, there are always elbows flying around during the course of the game. There is a big gray area in the rules. Kobe's elbow wasn't above the shoulder and wasn't malitious, thus no suspension.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:27 AM)

Marvin, id have to see it again.

Wayne (Virginia)

Peter is right. He was merely trying to articulate the elbow Kobe threw. According to Stu Jackson, an elbow thrown above the shoulders is automatic ejection. The rule book says nothing about "deliberate".

Aj Charleston

This playoff season has been a nightmare for the refs and David Stern. How you can honestly call the Rondo slap a basketball play, and everything else not is splitting hairs. Fisher, gone, Kobe, gone, Alston, gone, Artest already did his time.

gbenga(houston, tx)

hey jay...kobe should be suspended..if it was ron artest throwing d elbow, am sure he will be suspended

Jeremy (New Orleans, LA)

Ok that's it I'm tired of you people bad mouthing Brett. I love to see Brett playing football how many guys do you see play the game for fun? Brett plays the game for fun not for a pay check not for the fame but for the love of the game. If Brett wants to retire and come out of retirement I don't care because he plays the game right and with passion to me Brett can retire and unretire until the end of time. The league needs more players like Brett Favre and we should embrace him for as long as he is still under center.

Jay Crawford

  (10:28 AM)

youre right on artest. the league has a long memory.

gbenga(houston, tx)

no wayy!!! favre is still a better passer than vick will ever be

ken knoxville

tell me when farve is off my tv and maybe i'll tune back in

Jay Crawford

  (10:29 AM)

sorry ken...its safe to view again. we are favre free for a while...

Samuel Queens ny

the viking season will end up like the jets season last year SHORT! no playoff

Elisse (Michigan)

I agree with Mark from Columbus on the Kobe situation. I have no horse in this race either. Both guys shouldn't be suspended at all. I could see a fine for Kobe. His elbow landed in the chest area.

Chad (Georgia)

Why does everyone start talking about the Dodgers in these chat things?? last time i looked in the stands at dodger stadium there were mostly empty!! Start going to the games dodger fans before you talk

Jay Crawford

  (10:31 AM)

they;re doing ok in the att. column, but it isnt east coast fever either.

Jay(phillypa)

if kobe isnt suspended then it is a joke

david (charlotte,nc)

anybody who is bashing the vikes for thinking about bringing favre is, is either a fan of a team that has a solid qb, or is a fan of a team that has no qb... put it this way... ask dana or jay if they'd rather have favre under center next year, or culpepper/stafford, anderson/quinn

kyle evansville Indiana

elbows get threw on every play kobe was just boxing out and artest caught it in the chest noway kobe will be fined or suspended

David Deluth, MN

Jeremy, unless you personally know Brett, it would be hard to say how he feels. There are some sports entities that just can't give it up.

Adam G. (Tampa, FL)

Jay was the Kobe elbow intentional in your eyes?

dooge (utica ny)

Its funny how Kobe won't get suspended when his elbow had more force and contact then dwight Howards on samuel dalembert......i guess its the Stern Rule where anybody name kobe or lebron are untouchable

jay crawford

  (10:34 AM)

i had no problem with kobes elbow or artests reaction to it. its hard, playoff basketball....

Aj Charleston

Dooge, when have you seen Lebron put himself in a situation to warrent suspension?

Miy (CA)

Kobe was hit with worse elbows by Shaq... in practice. That's how the big boys play. Let it go.

Aaron (Denver)

Why does Izzo still have hair? The man needs to pay up on his bounty to the team?

jay crawford

  (10:35 AM)

great point...dana's asking...

Aaron (Denver)

I love Izzo, but "Broadway Show" has nothing on Bruce Pearl's Rap!

gbenga(houston, tx)

but jay..way was ur position on howard's elbow d other day?

jay crawford

  (10:36 AM)

there's a line that;s crossed...you know it when you see it. derek fishers ejection was warranted. artests was not.

Jason (PA)

unbelieveable kobe should b gone its that simple

Isaiah (Louisville, KY)

The refs missed it last nite Kobe should have gotten a technical for the elbow to Artest and Artest shouldnt have been thrown out he reacted jut like anybody else would have in that situation.

Adam (Columbus, OH)

Aaron, Izzo had to be in a musical, I'm sure the producers didn't want a bald Izzo on stage.

Cody(shaftsbury, vt)

Jay and Dana, Any chance Mike Golic gets on here to debate skip someday? I think that would be fun to watch.

jay crawford

  (10:37 AM)

it would be! we'll look into it. he has a long day already that starts at 6 am on the air...

david (charlotte,nc)

jay...by the way i formally challenged you to a pitching duel months back... but about my comment a few mins ago... if you're the browns gm... you want a competition between anderson and quinn, or brett favre? i understand the browns aren't exactly a brett favre away from a title, but purely from a fans standpoint, don't you want the big name superstar, even if he's at the end of his career?

Moderator

  (10:38 AM)

Aaron, coach Izzo just gave you the answer...

rick detroit,mi

Izzo class act all the way! Hey Tom run for governor!

Eloy (San Antonio, TX)

Izzo is a stand up guy. I was very lucky to meet the man last year during the Final Four weekend here in Texas. Really, great for basketball.

jay crawford

  (10:39 AM)

no. i want a qb for the future. gb made the right move last year. football isnt a career you can be wishy washy about. youre either all in, or youre out. i never would want favre unless he was 100 percent in, and he clearly is not. as for the pitching dual. a torn mcl in my right elbow will prevent that from happening...sadly

Joe (Philly)

Let's face it Kobe should receive at least a 1 game suspension, but in the NBA Kobe is above the law. Ron Artest will most likely receive a 1 game suspension for retaliating against Kobe

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

David, I'm a 49er fan and I think signing Brett is just a bad move for any team that doesn't have a young inexperienced QB waiting to step in. That's not the Vikings

Ed (TN)

I would like to see Golic go at "chip" as well

jay crawford

  (10:39 AM)

nice ed!!!!!

Chad (Georgia)

That a boy Tom!! Way to be a man and keep your word and also for the money you raise!!

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Question for you Dana & Jay. Do you think the Hawks are going to pull the oke-doke on the Cavs like they did to the Celtics last year and take them to seven games?

jay crawford

  (10:39 AM)

jonathon....no

Wayne (Virginia)

Might be awhile to get Golic on. After his procedure, he'll be busy eating for a week.

Aaron (Denver)

Adam, a bet is a bet...and Izzo with a shaved head would have been huge for the ratings.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:40 AM)

you all must try to see this musical if you get a chance...very very funny and well done

Chaz ( SanDiego )

There's no such thing embarresment when it's for a good cause... Good for Izzo I respect that!

Aaron (Denver)

Izzo...Great guy, great Voach, and a Great interview...I still think the recruits and their parents would love the bald head conversation.

Rob (Indiana)

If the roles were switched, and it was Artest that threw the elbow at Kobe, would Artest be suspended ? Like it or not, You gotta love NBA Playoff Basketball.

Rick (Jackpot, NV.)

If the Boston player gets ejected for slapping back of a players head then Kobe should also be ejected for his elbow.

Adam (Columbus, OH)

The Vikings already have an aw-shucks QB with the mediocre skills to boot in Rosenfels, no need to pay for Favre

Dana Jacobson

  (10:41 AM)

Rick, i think they're different but if kobe's was over the shoulder than yes both should be

Peter (Indianapolis)

Michael Jordan never played for the Wizards. Karl Malone never played for the Lakers, and Shaq never made Kazaam. I've blocked stuff like that from my memory.

Will (WV)

You gotta love it when coaches like Izzo and Pearl draw students' attention like that!

david (charlotte,nc)

the shwaub needs to sit across from skip! he is supposed to be the sports guru... let's get it on!

Moderator

  (10:42 AM)

can ARod be the Yankees savior when he comes back this week?

Elisse (Michigan)

Dooge, I think that is off base. Howard's elbow was excessive and during a dead ball. Artest and Kobe were going at it during a live ball in what was already a physical exchange. No comparison. Izzo in a musical?? This is too funny.

James Denver

Of course Dana and Jay would agrre they would rather have Favre. They work for collect pay checks from the problem. The Brett Favre hype machine ESPN. They would be fired or banished to ESPN NEWS if they dissed Favre.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:45 AM)

James, ummm i was all over this board yesterday saying how sick of the favre stuff I was. come on...you all know we can say what we want, as we do on this chat. get a better argument

Will (WV)

What will happen if A-Rod gets off to a slow start? WHat do the Yankees do then?

Ed (TN)

no way A frod saves the Yanks

Will (WV)

Not ARod.....the Yankees need a full starting rotation, new front office, and a softer division in order to survive!

Andy (Akron)

Anyone up for a petition to put 'Brett Favre' on the list of FCC television banned words???

Rob (Indiana)

Someone please put a fork in Farve. He's done.

jay (PA)

Dana or JAY explain how its fair that howard was gone but u want kobe to play cuz u want the best players in

jay philly

of course arod will save them that line up is sick with him in it as much as i hate it its true

Peter (Indianapolis)

ARod coming back will not help the Yankees. They currently seem to have a problem gelling. ARod may slug a few dingers and help them win a few games, but they can't seriously threaten to win their division until the team comes together. Right now the Yankees are just a bunch of 'good on paper' talent.

Dana Jacobson

  (10:47 AM)

jay i didn't want howard suspended either. you're not following what i'm saying at least. those guys should be suspended based on rules, but i never WANT to see an athlete suspended who is playing an integral role in a series

Antonio (Lakeland Fl.)

It will take more than just ARod coming back, all that will do is fill the seats of a new empty stadium. The Yankees need an effort from the whole TEAM to make a come-back. ARod is a huge piece of the puzzle, but the Yankees need more from everyone.

Elisse (Michigan)

Listening to sports radio yesterday and for the text n vote, most people said they were tired of hearing about Favre, yet most callers were talking about Favre. It's just one of those things, I guess...

dooge (utica ny)

How can a-rod save the yankees when they have boston and tb in their division. i said it after boston came back from 0-3 that the yanks would be in a drought of at least 10 years......just watch

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

EA announces a new video game, "John Madden presents Bret Farve Retires 2009 2010, 2011......."

Samuel Queens ny

Fisher and Kobe should get suspended and IF any dissaplen action has to be taken on artest it should just be a fine that will get appealed

Adam (Columbus, OH)

Yankee fans just need to get over themselves. You just don't have a good pitching rotation, you have a hitters park, and there are at least 3 teams better than you in your own division. Just wait until next year like the rest of us fans do.

Dan (Rochester, NY)

Can we PLEASE not talk about Favre??? What is this, the 5th straight offseason where we have to hear debates about whether Favre is going to play or not? Enough already! When he makes a decision, then tell us. Until then, I don't want to hear about it anymore!

jay crawford

  (10:50 AM)

i want to see the stars play. with kobe and artest on the bench in street clothes, whoi cares?? no punches were thrown. let 'em play.

Jeff, SF

How agout shipping ARod to LA to the Dodgers for young arms?

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Wow poeple hate arod. If you don't think him coming back is going to make a big difference your and idiot. I'm not saying it will solve everything but him and bruney is a huge start.

Samuel Queens ny

Tell skip i have one name for him manny ramierez and because of him the dodgers will go to the world seires

Ed (TN)

as Madden would say Brett Favre is well Brett Favre

Elias (Jamaica)

I think this is the perfect time for A-frod to come back....silence some critics with the bat. Or make his critics start talkin about his error, yea the actual errors on the field!

david (charlotte,nc)

everyone is jumping on the dodger bandwagon.... let's remember the marlins started off 11-1...who's talking about them now, 2 weeks later?

Ian (Atlanta)

The Yankees are setting it up for A-Rod to play the role of savior. He could use some positive news.

Demarquis (Lakeland, Fl)

I Feel Like The Dodgers Is The Best Team In Baseball Right Now!

Chad (Georgia)

Howard hit it on the head, "there a hot team" not a good team!! Play someone over 500!

Aaron (Denver)

The NL West is a disaster. The health of the pitching staff will be the big question for the Dodgers

Will (WV)

Hey CHIP....here is an onion bag for ya!

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Peter, you are right, what the Yankees need to save their season is better pitching. Let's hope they don't get it.

Rick (Jackpot, NV.)

Wow, I finally got on this chat board and had a response from my comment...sweeeeeeeeeet...lol!

jay crawford

  (10:52 AM)

you made it again!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I'm thinking Yankee fans are OK with all the Brett Favre talk. It takes away from their ridiculous ticket prices, the new HR haven of a stadium, the largest payroll in the game playing mediocre baseball... Should I continue?

Aaron (Denver)

A-rod and Texiera will be a nightmare for opposing pitchers

dooge (utica ny)

Hey Jay, I agree but they didnt let Howard play so they can't let Kobe play...but we all know they will.

jay crawford

  (10:53 AM)

i know. they need to be more consistent. they are still fearful of a repeat from the brawl at the palace.

DaShogun: Coastal ,Tx.

Face it guys they(the NBA Powers That Be)want to see the Lakers-Cavs in the Finals.For rating and marketing intentions.

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Wow, skip and I agree for a change. CC the pitching Arod. Good on Skip

Miy (CA)

Completely agree Jay... By the way, are the Lakers still soft?

John, Austin

I can't take the Brett Favre saga anymore!!! I'm changing the channel to MASH re-runs.

jay crawford

  (10:54 AM)

love hawkeye!!!

Aaron (Denver)

C C is having a very similar start this year in comparison to last year...patience is a virtue

Moderator

  (10:55 AM)

3rd down topics: Kobe scored 40 last night, can he keep it up through the playoffs? Magic had a chance to go up 2-0 on the Celtics, who do you blame? Thoughts on Caps/Pens OT game last night

jay crawford

  (10:55 AM)

god pt aaron. he'll still get 15-18 wins and throw a million innings. but also, if october happens, he'll fail there again too.

Wayne Virginia)

The Yankees have a solid rotation. Just off to a slow start. Sabathia always starts slow. Their middle relief isn't helping. Teixiera is a notorious slow start and if anybody thinks A-Rod won't help in front or behind him won't help, they're nuts.

Adam (Columbus, OH)

Hey Jay, when are you going to get some topics about our boy Pryor on 1st and 10? Or at the very least the joke that is Michigan's QB situation?

Entire City of Cleveland

NY hope you're liking Choke.Choke. Sabathia. All the regular season wins in the world won't mean a thing when he blows a chance for that ring.

jay crawford

  (10:56 AM)

ha! wait til sept. he'll be big news!

dooge (utica ny)

Miy, yes they are soft. Pau, Odom, Kobe, Farmar, Walton!!!!!!!!! hahaha thats a tuff bunch. Your welcome Jay, i took this one.

jay crawford

  (10:56 AM)

thanks dooge!

Will (WV)

GO BUCKEYES!

jay crawford

  (10:56 AM)

atta boy will!

Jason Houston,TX

I love that 3rd down on 1st and 10 is if Kobe can keep up his intensity through June....Boy are yall gonna be shocked when Kobe is on vacation in 2 weeks. Yall really dont think houston has a chance obviously. Do yall watch basketball? We took their best punch last night...well maybe best elbow...and they won by 13 but if you watched the game wasnt a 13 point game. Cant wait to hear the excuses when houston pulls this out.

david (charlotte,nc)

i say the nba changes it's policy to an 18+ rule for attending games... let the players really get at it... i want to see more blood... let's go jackie moon on the nba!

Jonathan (Atlanta, GA)

Hey Jay, watch and see.....the Cavs in seven games against the Hawks. Wanna put a friendly wager on this?

jay crawford

  (10:58 AM)

sure jonathon... if the hawks take the cavs to 7 i'll wear a hawks hat on tv the day of game 7... im not worried.

John, Austin

cheap way to get on the chat Will. Colt McCoy can't wait to pad his stats against you again.

jay crawford

  (10:58 AM)

hey john, whatever works right?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

What happened to the chat?

jay crawford

  (11:09 AM)

sorry johhny. had to do my day job...lol this is tricky business....chatting and doing a live tv show at the same time.

Manny Ramirez, (LA)

Hello Mr. Crawford can I come debate Skip, he's hating on my team. My cousin Adam told me about the show seems pretty cool.

jay crawford

  (11:10 AM)

manny, er rrr, adam, sure. bring the dreads!

Adam G. Tampa, FL

BARRY BARRY BARRY BARRY

david (charlotte..yankee fan)

everyone hates on the yankees so much it's hilarious... jealous much? it's like when you have a toyota in your driveway, and you look next door and your neighbor has a bently in his driveway... you envy him and the car... you wish it was yours...but when the car breaks down or needs a tune up, you laugh at the guy and tell him his car suck..... C.C. and the yanks will have the last laugh at your toyota!

Trevor (Beaver Dam, WI)

Im I in the twlight zone here? What is Brett "I can't retire" Farve doing to us Packer Fans....its becoming a sick joke gone wrong

Rick (Atlanta)

If the Dodgers are so good why all the empty seats at home games? There fans don't even believe in them.

jay crawford

  (11:11 AM)

heavy is the head that wears 26 crowns david. rub it in when you win, take it like a man when you lose...

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

WE ARE....

jay crawford

  (11:11 AM)

OVER RATED!

Moderator

  (11:11 AM)

there are empty seats everywhere Rick, tough economy, remember?

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Jay, when you guys are changing seats or areas do you carry the laptop with you? You should do a behind-the-scenes take with Dana and you running around.

jay crawford

  (11:12 AM)

ha! nope. i just keep it open on the desk.

Craig W. Texas

jason from Houston i know the air quality is bad in h-town but didnt know it affected ur thinkn 2 series is goin 6 games lakers will win.

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

13-6

jay crawford

  (11:12 AM)

true..but if not for the pryor fumble, its a different game. hats off to you though...we'll get you this year...

Chad (Georgia)

look at that "the mullet" AKA BERRY already at work! He might make hockey popular again!!!!

Bill (NY)

For a perspective on the Yankees take any team and take away their best 2 middle relievers (Marte, Brunney), starting pitcher (Wang), their catcher (Posada), 2 starting outfielders (Matsui, Nady), and arguably the best player in baseball and his backup (A-rod, Ransom), and let's see them play .500 baseball.

Michael Kim

  (11:14 AM)

Good morning, Sportsnation... Are the Vikings fans present getting ready to see Brett Favre lead your team to the NFC Championship Game?

jay crawford

  (11:14 AM)

chad, it will take a tv contract to make that happen...sadly, according to our own extensive research, it ranks 20th among sports fans follow with passion..

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Just messing with you Jay. You're a good sport!

Craig W. Texas

Kobe showed why he is the best in the game with that mj like move in the 4th qtr.

Scott (Colorado Springs)

When Dirk says the Nuggets have too many weapons, shouldn't all teams be worried?

jay crawford

  (11:14 AM)

thanks mike! i went to happy valley 2 years ago, the fans gave it to me hard, but in a fun way. i,m going back this year.

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Jay, lacrosse tournament starts this weekend and all first round games are televised. When are you going have a guest on to talk about it? I'm still waiting for Skip's Final 4 picks.

Tom (River North)

Barry's suits aren't as crazy as they used to be. Go back to NHL2Night and he would give Don Cherry a run.

jay crawford

  (11:15 AM)

maybe on saturdays show...

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Barry should use the "Onion Bag" reference when there is a nice goal in hockey.

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Melrose nailed about the wash/ pitt. game last night. Pittsburgh outplayed Washington in all aspects of the game.

david (charlotte,nc)

jay....really? you don't at all agree that the majority of the fans bashing the yanks are just slightly jealous that they don't have the superstars? i know you're an indians fan, so i understand why you might secretly enjoy seeing C.C. fail in pinstripes so far, but as a sports fan, you must see where i'm coming from with my "toyota vs bently" comparison...

jay crawford

  (11:15 AM)

scott, you're right! that was great last week

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Hey Michael! As a Vikes fan, I'm not sure how I feel. It would be great to have Favre win as a Viking but I really would feel dirty about it. The champagne shower would help though.

Ed (TN)

I can't beleive anyone watches hockey on TV its great in person but a bore on the tube

Dana Jacobson

  (11:16 AM)

Ed I promise I was watching last night.

jay crawford

  (11:16 AM)

oh no, i see it. it makes perfect sense. im just saying, the rest of the baseball nation loves it when the yankees fail. you have 26 banners. its like all the girls in school hating the beauty queen. they want what you have, so let the hate begin. and i like cc personally, great guy. want him to suceed, just not against the tribe.

dooge (utica ny)

scott, denver is scary right now. they are playing the best of all playoff teams with cleveland right behind them.

Michael Kim

  (11:17 AM)

No need to feel dirty. This is the National Football League. They play for money and they play for keeps. Believe me, the team won't feel dirty. Neither should you.

Wayne (Virginia)

If Skip has 7% body fat, it's because the other 93% is located in his head..

jay crawford

  (11:17 AM)

lol

Rick (Atlanta)

Why would an Indians fan like to see C.C. fail? He had a good run in Cleveland is was going to demand too much money to stay.

Isaiah (Louisville, KY)

The Yankees will be fine they will put it together in June and July and be right in the race at seasons end

Tom (River North)

People dislike the Yankees more because their fans are off the charts obnoxious...

Mitty (Minnesota)

Brett will be a Viking. Whether anyone likes it or not, if you got offered a cush job to hand the ball off to AP, you would do it too.

Will (WV)

Michael Kim is in the house!

Aj Charleston

Why does anyone think that Brett can still win? What has he shown us lately to make anyone think that?

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Jay, the brawl at the Palace was started by fans not players. How is ejecting players going to keep fans from going crazy again?

Michael Kim

  (11:18 AM)

Will in WV... You're like a Brett Favre or A-Rod story... You're never too far from here.

jay crawford

  (11:18 AM)

doesnt matter. a player hit a fan! and one of the players at the center of it is still heavily scrutinized for it.

Trenty (colorado)

Does Kobe's past elbow moves on artest matter in this case. I have seen kobe live in denver and he always taunt's players its sicking to watch espn

Travis (Columbus, OH)

Michael, it'll be poetry in motion as Favre throws a pick 6 to Al Harris to knock the Vikes out of the playoffs.

j-dizzle OREGON

i just like to say thanks you to skip because thats the guy who i can trust for some intelligent sport knowledge!

david (charlotte,nc)

bill in NY.... you got it! they are the yankees... not the "superman squad"... they may have a huge payroll, but if half of that payroll is hurt, can you really expect to see the real product until they are healthy? i was born in NY...lived in ft. lauderdale for 20 years... i'm 24 by the way... but i'm also a marlins fan... it has nothing to do with the numbers the guys get paid...in the end, it's who is healthy and who has IT

Chad (Georgia)

C'mon Skip!! This is KOBE BRYANT the greatest player ever!! He simply amazing he's able to score 40 + any night

Noah (Sharon Hill,PA)

Do you think Kobe should br suspended for GM 3

jay crawford

  (11:19 AM)

no

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Tom, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. I bet you like the sox? And I guess there are ZERO obnoxious sox fans?

Michael Kim

  (11:20 AM)

Travis... you may be right. The Vikings have to remember they're not getting the Brett Favre they used to see twice a year. They're getting one with a lot of worn tires.

John (Austin)

This whole Brett Favre to the Vikings thing has been in the works for a long time. It had to be. The Vikings could have had several other free agent and I find it hard to believe that they think Sage Rosenfels was the answer to the Super Bowl. Brett and Vikes had a plan all along.

jay crawford

  (11:20 AM)

hey...play nice boys, both of your teams are pretty

Manny Ramirez (LA)

Let Skip know not to call me Ramirez anymore either, Gracias!.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

there is no way kobe can keep it up w/ performances like that,or else it'll be like last yr,where the lakers gave up(exhausted-wise) in the finals

Aj Charleston

Chad get it right, he is FORCED to score 40+ right now for his team to stay alive!

Isaiah (Louisville, KY)

Kobe is the best in the game but he will not be able to keep up scoring 40 every nite in the playoffs. If they beat the Rockets he will be worn down from that series and wont be able to keep up that level of play

Jeff (Ohio)

Allow me to answer Rick's question Jay... because he's a Yankee. Glad we got LaPorta though, he straight mashed one for his first major-league hit.

Craig W. Texas

As far as the dodgers are concerned its only the ist week of may come on peeps champs have to win on the road.

Michael Kim

  (11:21 AM)

John, both sides would have done it last year if they could have -- Packers wouldn't allow it.

Aaron (Denver)

Why does everyone hate the Yankees...? Their front running fans, who always turn to "How many rings you got?" argument when they are down. For the record I have zero rings just like every one of you.

Will (WV)

Thanks Michael! I will keep the fried twinkies coming! Let Jay know that!

J (Ohio)

Yankees fans, AND Red Sox fans, need to grow up and realize that fans of other teams truly do not care about either of your teams. The world doesn't revolve around you.

Michael Kim

  (11:21 AM)

Fried twinkies? DId I miss something?

Will (WV)

Hey Jay....how big is Skips humorous side?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

But Michael, Favre never had a RB like AP behind him. He won't have to put the team entirely on his shoulders in Minnesota.

jay crawford

  (11:22 AM)

actually skip is very funny.

Trenty (colorado)

Think skip could ride Kobe for being a poor sport over king james for his pre-game

Demarquis (Lakeland, Fl)

So Skip Say The Lakers Are Down To There Five Best Players, So How Do He Expect Dem To Keep Up With Nuggets Who Seven or Eight Players Deep In A Seven Game Series?

Jeff (Ohio)

Kobe can't even drive to the basket anymore.

Chris (Milwaukee)

one more elbow to the throat of Ron Artest an there will be a brawl in Houston

Michael Kim

  (11:23 AM)

Excellent point, Johnny. John Elway was able to pick his spots with Terrell Davis on the scene. But can Favre envision NOT being the man in his own offense?

Chad (Georgia

Aj The Lakers and Phil jackson forced Kobe to score 40 + by not starting Andrew Brynum

Adam (Columbus, OH)

How come Skip can Twitter, but can't hop on the chat when Jay and Dana are doing a million more things during a show than him?

jay crawford

  (11:23 AM)

cuz we got skillz! lol

Mike (Mobile,AL)

I cannot believe it I actually agree with everything that Skip has said today

Matt(New Britain,CT)

go home skip

jay crawford

  (11:24 AM)

lol

Aaron (Denver)

Chad so you have one pick to win a game you're taking Kobe over Jordan...c'mon

Mitty (Minnesota)

A worn Brett Favre that only has the throw 25 times per games is better than a Tavaris Jackson who throws 0 times a game!

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

You can have your fried twinkies. I'll take some good kettle corn every time.

John (Austin)

None of the Lakers talk really matters, the Nuggets and Cavs are going to the finals, they are the two best teams playing the best at the right time.

Aj Charleston

Do you know why Kobe scored 40? Artest was gone, you know why he threw that elbow, to make Artest gone. Simple, and Kobe is no longer the best in the game Lebron has TAKEN that title.

Dewitt (Silver Spring, MD)

Suspend Kobe for elbow

Jeff (Ohio)

It didn't matter what RB Favre had when his broken-down, noodle-arm was ruining the Jets playoff chances. He's OLD. He's going to get hurt. Vikings can win without him.

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Jay, skip is funny, everyday with this arguments

jay crawford

  (11:25 AM)

exactly.

jay crawford

  (11:25 AM)

exactly.

Will (WV)

Michael...Jay knows about the Fried Twinkies! He is the only one who appreciates them.

Aj Charleston

And Kobe doesnt have another game like that in him this series, the Rockets pressure him too well, hence the frustration and the sneaky elbow to the throat. Kobe knew how Ron would react, dont think for a minute that is was an accident.

jay crawford

  (11:25 AM)

i had them when we were cold pizza in ny. did a whole segment on tailgating...they are heaven and a heart attack waiting to hapen...

Michael Kim

  (11:25 AM)

AJ -- Kobe proved my point from Monday, Lebron is the MVP but Kobe can take over a game anytime, anywhere.

John (New York)

Tell skip to stick to basketball or something because crosby and alex are the greatest sports match up since larry bird and magic johnson, and they even surpass them...alex and crosby have more skill in their sports than skip has a analyst by far...learn to appreciate the intensity of playoff hockey

Trenty (colorado)

hey Jay you think you could maybe get someone that thinks what Kobe did is more than playing hard. Oh ya your ESPN.

jay crawford

  (11:26 AM)

it was playing hard. man up! this is the playoffs.

Tom (River North)

Jay, have you ever had the fried oreos? I had them once when I was in Texas. I'm pretty sure my heart stopped for a minute.

Mike (Mobile,AL)

Exactly Michael Kim

jay crawford

  (11:27 AM)

no..sounds good.

Craig W.

hockey will never be a beloved sport like football baseball basketball. No matter what they try to do. just not goin to happen.

Blake (Winona,MN)

this is a bad time to have finals with all the exciting news in the sports world. I can't pick studying over ESPN

Dana Jacobson

  (11:27 AM)

Blake espn never goes away use it as study breaks!

Michael Kim

  (11:28 AM)

I once had a fried peanut butter sandwich. Actually, pretty tasty.

Moderator

  (11:28 AM)

is Pujols the best hitter in baseball?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Don't forget that Favre will also play nine home games in domed environments with the Vikes. He can get away with a little more when there isn't wind to contend with. Also remember that before he got hurt, the Jets were 8-3.

Manny Ramirez ( LA)

Albert Pujols has the best eye in the majors, but I drive the ball to all fields like no other righty in history period.

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Ichiro is the most feared hitter in baseball because he can hit any pitch thrown at him and he has different swings for different situations.

Craig W. Texas

Bynum's brain is still at the playboy mansion still

Michael (Jackson, MS)

Anybody who thinks ANY hockey matchup is equivalent to bird vs magic should be banned from the chat.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:29 AM)

michael howard was saying the nhl needs this to be their version...not that it is bird v magic.

Michael Kim

  (11:29 AM)

Calvin... Ichiro may be the best contact hitter but I don't know about "feared" hitter. I think Pujols -- maybe Carlos Pena of TB -- right now.

Billy Mays (Your home)

Billy Mays here! Stop the studying Blake! ESPN 360 is all the material you need to to graduate from the school of watching sports all day, every day!

Michael Kim

  (11:30 AM)

Hey Billy... Good of you to join us. Why aren't you chatting in CAPS?

John (Austin)

Albert Pujols has avoided all of the steriod controversy so far but he's kind stacked for a baseball player. I'm surprised he hasn't been accused yet.

Tom (River North)

If people would just go to hockey games, it would completely change their opinion of it. I was lucky enough to get my hockey experience at Yost Ice Arena and I was hooked. Joe Louis is also a great place to watch a game.

Aj Charleston

AHHHHHHHHHH WHO SHOWED THAT CLIP, IT HURTS, IT HURTS JAY!

Jeff (Ohio)

The question should be: Is Pujols the best hitter of all-time? Right now, it's no contest. 9 straight seasons of near .330/40/120 tend to settle things quickly.

Michael (Jackson, MS)

Moderator, in reference to Pujols, I can't imagine anyone having a legitimate argument for anyone else. I'm open to other options, but I don't think anyone else is in the same league.

Aaron (Denver)

Moderator...are we really supposed to argue the contrary...this is a no brainer. As a Cub fan it pained me to write that.

Michael Kim

  (11:32 AM)

Jeff... I'm a lifelong Cardinals fan but I won't say best hitter of alltime -- yet. He's certainly putting his name in the conversation. Another three years like that may do it, though.

Jeff (Ohio)

Michael seriously? Carlos Pena? I know he leads the league in HR RIGHT NOW, but come on, you're better than that. He doesn't even belong in the same ballpark as Pujols, let along the same sentence.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

I think Pujols can eventually be the best hitter in baseball. For right now, I think Manny gets that honor.

Michael (Jackson, MS)

Dana, I was referring that comment to John in NY.

Michael Kim

  (11:34 AM)

Talking FEARED - right now. He's a slugger in a tiny park. He's incredibly hot right now. Ask an AL pitcher if he's not feeling some fear when Pena steps up to the plate.

Kim

  (11:34 AM)

Talking FEARED - right now. He's a slugger in a tiny park. He's incredibly hot right now. Ask an AL pitcher if he's not feeling some fear when Pena steps up to the plate.

John (Austin)

Hey Michael, I've always wondered, is your wife's first name Kim?

Michael Kim

  (11:34 AM)

No, John. But her last name is Michael, go figure.

J (Ohio)

Jeff from Ohio, you must be young. Greatest hitter of all time is Ted Williams. End of discussion.

Mike (Mobile,AL)

Thanks Jay

Kim

  (11:36 AM)

you bet.

Mike (Happy Valley, Pa)

Jay, you should look me up when you come to town. I'll be the guy sitting in section WA wearing the white jersey.

jay crawford

  (11:37 AM)

ha! you and 110,000 of your closest friends!

Tommy (Lexington KY)

The sad thing is that Carlos Pena wont even be starting in the all star game..despite the fact he may end up deserving to..I guarantee Teixeira and Youkilis will both receive more votes than him.

Will (WV)

Michael..that is funny about your wife's last name!

Craig W. Texas

If it's not the Cubs crying it's Cleveland i'm a red sox fan and i never played the curse of the bambino card face it teams just not getting it done.

Michael Kim

  (11:37 AM)

Here's something else to consider... Albert Pujols may not be the best hitter in Cardinals history when all is said and done. There's a guy named Stan Musial who wore the birds and bat. Great stat: Musial had 1815 hits at home. 1815 hits on the road. Consistency.

jay crawford

  (11:38 AM)

craig, how soon you forget. red sox fans cried as loud as any for 86 years of losing.

Miy (CA)

Hey Michael Kim, would you be nervous if Artest ran up on you? Some of his "stories" in his interviews are pretty wild.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Cool, Jay knows the phrase on the PSU t-shirt. Not bad for a THE Ohio State guy.

Rob (Indiana)

I thought the greatest hitter of all time was Pete Rose

jay crawford

  (11:38 AM)

rob, he was right there, as far as contact goes.

Isaiah (Louisville, KY)

There was a guy named Tony Gywn that was a pretty good hitter in his day

jay crawford

  (11:38 AM)

he wasnt bad either. teddy ballgame may have been the best ever though.

Michael Kim

  (11:39 AM)

Miy, Artest is funny. He's crazy but he's funny. He's also a nice guy in the few times I've spoken to him. Soft-spoken off the court.

Will (WV)

KFC has gone grilled! The Cubs will win it this year!

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Michael Kim: Bases loaded, two outs, one run wins the game. Who would you rather have up Pujols or Ichiro?

jay crawford

  (11:39 AM)

ha!

Aaron (Denver)

Craig where is this blast coming from?

josh (baltimore)

jay is your room covered in lebron worship

Michael Kim

  (11:39 AM)

I'll go Pujols.

jay crawford

  (11:39 AM)

no. but my sons is.

Rob (Indiana)

Jay, Wanna bet?

jay crawford

  (11:39 AM)

sure

Bryan M. (Mesa, Az)

Steroids or not Bonds Bonds Bonds

Jeff (Ohio)

Give Pujols another 10 years, as long as his name stays clean, and he'll be comparable to Teddy Ballgame. Besides Ted Williams was playing against part-time players who had night jobs. These guys whole life is baseball now. Tougher to hit now than back then.

J (Ohio)

Can we just get a rule that you're not allowed to talk about anyone as possibly the greatest of all time until 5 years after they retire?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Ty Cobb could swing a stick. Oh and he was a pretty good hitter too.

elvis heaven [via mobile]

Did someone say fried PBJ? Food be always on my mind food be always on my mind tell me tell me you wont eat thbt last french fry

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, just not power hitters

Craig W. Texas

i hope Lebron makes it to the finals to redeem his spurs debacle. i know he was young but a great competitor will want that redemption.

Michael Kim

  (11:40 AM)

Jeff, he won't need ten more years. If he does this ten more years, there will be NO QUESTION he's the greatest hitter of alltime.

Skyler (Wilmington, NC)

Do you think Pujols will play out the remainder of his career with the Cards?

Miy (CA)

Michael Kim, Until you make him angry... you wouldn't like him when he's angry.

Jay Crawford

  (11:41 AM)

yes!

Todd Pa

Jay, I'm a crazy die hard Pittsburgh fan and I still want to see the cavs win it all....you cleveland fans need something

Michael Kim

  (11:41 AM)

Miy... Sounds like a line from the Incredible Hulk: "You wouldn't like me if I got angry."

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

todd...much love! i always respect pittsburgh fans. they cheered the browns when they played their last game in pittsburgh before the move to balt.

Jay Crawford

  (11:43 AM)

breaking news. manny ramirez tests positive for steroids... 50 game suspension

Miy (CA)

Michael, no one would of been surprised if Artest had ripped his jersey off and started screaming. That's why the refs had such a quick whistle.

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Wale! Is that the guy from the Disney movie with the same name.

Manny Ramirez (LA)

This guy sounds like Adam G.

david (charlotte,nc)

michael kim.... big historical guy as far as sports, and specifically baseball... but the reality is we can't compare musial to someone of this generation... to be completely honest, and i'm curious to hear jays take on this, i truly believe that if i had grown up say 50 years prior to when i did, i could have been a great left handed pitcher in the bigs... the talent level might be similar as far as comparing generations, but the physical attributes aren't even close... look at a guy even like mike schmidt...500+ hr... what player in this era, with that body type will ever come close to 500? maybe its roids...maybe not... but the only guy i can think of is ryan braun...

josh (baltimore)

6'8 250 facilitating scorer, lebron... kobe 6'6 220 scoring facilitator

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Jay and Dana, Check your email.

Jay Crawford

  (11:46 AM)

i check it often

Kerry (Cleveland, O)

Come on MANNY...

Demetric (Orlando)

I'm back....just flew in from Cleveland the other night and saw my Hawks lose, but tonite will be our night if Woodson would play our bench

Craig W. Texas

No et tu Manny? Steriods

ME (Houston)

OH Manny, no! Say it aint so!

Michael (Jackson, MS)

There goes the Dodgers...too bad for my boy Manny

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Happiest guy around is Jose Canseco. He stated his suspicions and got attacked for them. Jose was right again.

Cody (shaftsbury, vt)

Schilling is next. Like he said suspiscion of 30 and up, best years of schilling's career he was 30 years or older!

Dana Jacobson

  (11:52 AM)

cody he's done playing, he'll never get tested again.

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

Dana do you find it funny that only the superstars names have come out from this list of players who tested positive for steroids?

Dana Jacobson

  (11:53 AM)

paul minor leaguers and lesser names have come out in the past - they just don't get this attention. we'll report it in an update and that's it.

Michael (Jackson, MS)

I hope Buster's wrong. It would be a crying shame if Bonds, Manny, and Clemens were kept out of the HOF. The old school voters need to turn in their walking canes and join the new world. Everyone was doing it, so they were still the best. And in case everyone has forgotten...almost twice as many pitchers over position players have tested positive.

Kamaal Lindsey (NJ)

WOW! WOW! I GUESS THAT SAYS IT ALL...MANNY PLEASE SAY ITS NOT TRUE....(JETER JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS)

Michael Kim

  (11:56 AM)

Barring injury, I don't see how Albert Pujols doesnt hit 500+ homers.

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

Dana, not really. superstars sell, so those are the names people look for. They jump of the screen during the games they play and they jump off the paper when named in reports.

Dana Jacobson

  (11:57 AM)

Marvin wasn't that what i was saying. We report the others but no one cares

Miy (CA)

That's one way for the Dodgers to get their money back. Sorry but Pujols is next.

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

No surprise about Manny, if the drugs are there, athletes will use them and try to get away with it. If DiMaggio was playing in the 90's he would have used them. Same with the other greats

John (Austin)

Jay...you're kidding right?

Jay Crawford

  (11:58 AM)

about what?

Jay Crawford

  (11:58 AM)

manny....nope!

Demarquis (Lakeland, Fl)

Now Manny! This is a Big Surprise! Who's Next...Derek Jeter????

Umor (detroit mi)

See Barry Bonds goes to the hall of fame. they all were doing something during the steriod era.

Kerry (Cleveland, O)

Barring a POSITIVE DRUG TEST Michael, not Injury...

AROD (NY)

MANNY THANKS I OWE YOU ONE PAL

Billy (NYC)

First A-rod, now Manny? Could it get worse for baseball?

Will (WV)

Pujols is a true baller! He will retire as the best if not one of the best hitters ever to play. And he will retire in Cardinal red!

christian (boiling springs, pa)

manny being manny... doper

John (Austin)

Wow, I've got to be honest, I'm kinda glad Manny tested positive. Now we can stop talking about Brett Favre for a while.

Peter (Indianapolis)

Put a plaque at the entrance of the Baseball HOF and note the Steroids Era and the effect that it may have to any numbers, records, and member of the HOF that played during that time.

Miy (CA)

Michael, unless Pujols is NEXT. As in the next to get caught on steroids.

Jordan (Peoria)

Michael (Jackson, MS) Manny did it now when there are clear rules against it.

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Sorry, Jay, the scrutiny might have been started 10 years ago but according to Canseco, who has been proven correct, steroid use started at least 25 years ago in the 80's

Jay Crawford

  (12:01 PM)

i meant the war on steroids in baseball not use. there's some evidence of use going all the way back to the 70s

Will (WV)

John....thank you! This Manny talk will overtake Favre talk! Thank God!

ROGER (austin TX)

JUST TELL THEM THE TRUTH MAN

Gino (Scranton)

No, we'll keep talking about Favre. Favre is much more popular than a guy who nobody really likes

david (charlotte,nc)

just called my dad to tell him about manny....he says "sure seems to follow torre around"

josh (baltimore)

jay people care, but just because its a relief pitcher or a backup doesnt mean people dont care especially if its an big peice the there team

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Scott Boras just can't seen to get away from trouble, can he?

Michael N. (Philadelphia)

A-Rod is happy gets the people off his back for a little while.

larry w (LBC, CA)

I think Manny is on speed, not roids

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

I can see a reporter talking to Joe Torre in the next hour or so and a little boy in the backround saying SAY IT AIN'T SO JOE, SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Maybe they should have a special section in the HOF for all the coke-nuts, drug adicts, gamblers, and the like..... Pete Rose and Barry Bonds can be the first ones in

juan pierre (los angeles)

woohoo. i am relevant again!

Will (WV)

I cant wait to see what Selig has to say about this one now!

Bryan M (Mesa, Az)

you Pujols haters need to reed the S.I artical on Pujols

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Dana, the fact that Schilling is done playing doesn't mean that someone cannot write a book and said he took steroids. If he could put ketchup on a sock, he definitely could have done steroids. Also, did Bonds and Clemens ever fail a test?

Danny (Tonasket, Wa.)

Good point Kerry

Will (WV)

Dana/Michael/Jay....great show once again! Enjoy your day!

Michael Kim

  (12:06 PM)

Where are you going, Will? Manny is keeping us live...

Paul (West Palm Beach Fl.)

How can Kevin Baxter say that the team is going to rally around Manny? What is there to rally around. Are they going to be happy he got caught doing steroids?

Mike (Mobile,Al)

Not neccesarily Danny

EDB(Seattle)

If Bonds gets kept out for roids isn't hypocritical? Players where constantly cheating in the past, just in different ways.

Mike Moriarty (Washington, D.C)

Is anyone talking about Cal Berkley, losing the College Rugby Championship to BYU? People should be

Jay Crawford

  (12:08 PM)

ummmm. you are mike,

Josh (Texas)

How many fantasy baseball teams are screwed because of this?

Kevin (New York)

Hey Jay how does this Manny thing not taint all the red sox's latest world series???

Kevin (New York)

Hey Jay how does this Manny thing not taint all the red sox's latest world series???

Jay Crawford

  (12:16 PM)

so many were using...

Calvin W (Clearwater, FL)

Jay, why are you such a hater on sports like lacrosse and rugby? They are sports and you cover sports.

tom nj [via mobile]

Are they sure it wasnt heroin or another performamce disenhancing drug!

Kevin (New York)

Hey everyone at first take big fan of the show but how does this Manny thing not taint all the red sox's latest world series???

Jason (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

It is getting ridiculous that athletes who test positive for "performance enhancing" drugs continue to use the, "It was prescribed by a doctor" alibi. Do these athlets really think the american public is dumb enough to believe that someone with millions of dollars couldn't have anything they wanted prescribed by a doctor?

Scott (Colorado Spring)

Did the Dodgers have a PED/Steriods Clause? I hope they aren't paying him during these 50 games!

Brian (Indiana)

Honestly is there anyone that is surprised by this, I mean it is very dumb for him to hav gotten caught after everything but I'm not surprised.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

because manny was just 1 player on those teams,he wasn't the sole reason they won

HDAUG(ALABAMA)

THATS WHY I HATE BASEBALL ITS THE MOST REDICULOUS THING EVER TEST THEM ALL WHEN DOES FOOTBALL SEASON START? RTR SOS RAMMER JAMMER

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

Manny's been cheating since Boston I bet. Boston - The City That Cheats.

Jovani ( Puerto Rico)

Wow, Now I'm 100% sure that David Ortiz was using performance enhancers with Manny in Boston. At least he wasn't dumb enough to keep using them like Manny did.

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

Steve Mason just said it, it's up to the athletes to control what goes in their body. I'm willing to be a little lenient, but when you have so many people on your own personal payroll, soomeone should be checking and double checking (Scott Boris maybe)what's in everything you take. So for professional athletes i have no sympothy if the substance was taken unknowingly

Kevin (New York)

Hey Jay how does this Manny thing not taint all the red sox's latest world series???

Michael Kim

  (12:23 PM)

Kevin, it's a legit question.

Rob (Tallahassee, Fla.)

Well........I guess it answers the question of why it took so long for the Dodgers to "negotiate" a deal with Manny this spring.....

Michael Kim

  (12:26 PM)

Rob, I'm fairly confident the Dodgers wouldn't knowingly sign him to a deal -- let alone give him a player option for a second year.

Michael Kim

  (12:30 PM)

Matt... It taints everything -- maybe not completely but it's not a "clean" championship. But it's not just the Red Sox.

Kevin (New York)

Hey everyone at first take big fan of the show but how does this Manny thing not taint all the red sox's latest world series???

david (charlotte....yankee fan)

could this be any better timing for the yankees and a-rod? he's due back tomorrow, and we all know the media attention that he is still going to get...but manny testing positive will SERIOUSLY dilute the a-rod drama...so as a yankee fan, THANK YOU MANNY!!!

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Don't worry Boston. Your titles are tainted now too.

Aaron (Denver)

That player option for a second year is looking pretty good about now.

Aaron (Denver)

Is the chat still up

Jay Crawford

  (12:35 PM)

yep

HDAUG(ALABAMA)

wake up people your fav pro athlete is on this stuff

James Denver

The more names that come out the better. I wish they would release the entire A Rod list still. The more names that come out we will realize how wide spread use was and get over it.

david (charlotte,nc)

so what do the dodgers do now about their newly created "mannywood" in left field... can you go to disney world and have them tell you that mickey mouse is on a 50 day suspension?

Aaron Ca [via mobile]

Is it me or is Gammons and MLB trying to down play Manny dirty test to try tosave face for baseball?

rerun (su)

also a legit question is how has senator mitchell been invloved in protecting the red sox? maybe we need a mitchell report on senator mitchell.

Aaron (Denver)

How do you not appeal if this was an accident...I smell a rat.

Michael Kim

  (12:36 PM)

Aaron, my sentiments exactly. I think it's another piece of evidence (along with Mannywood promotion) that the Dodgers were completely blindsided by this.

rerun (su)

just "boli" being "boli"...

Demetric (Orlando, Fl)

It's really sad that an entire era which by the way save MLB is... tanted. The heroes of my youth were cheaters and that hurt, even for an adult.

Jake (Syracuse)

There's no way it came from a doctor, thats just a bad excuse. Take the blame, it was your fault Manny. Maybe he'll get his wish to play in Cleveland again.

Evan (missoula,mt)

can we get over this? i'm pretty sure that other things are going on in the sports world

Tanner (Oklahoma City, OK)

How true are the reports that a medicine that a doctor gave him triggered the positive test?

Jay Crawford

  (12:39 PM)

it is possible tanner. not sure how likely, but certainly possible. i can tell you this. if im a mlb player, i never put anything in my body unless im absolutely certain is legal.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

hmmm,manny quote sounds interesting. i think its too early to speculate whether this is the truth or not,with him waiving the appeal. could manny be telling the truth?

david (charlotte,nc)

so what do the dodgers do now? they just created "mannywood" in left field... only problem is there's no manny... it's like going to disney world and they tell you micky mouse is on vacation...

Jay Crawford

  (12:40 PM)

funny david! refunds may be in order.

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Is it possible because Manny is so gullible and aloof he just believes he did something wrong because of whatever condition he wants to keep secret and doesn't feel like drawing a lot of attention to him and the team by having a long drawn out appeal? If he has that appeal last too long he gets to play now by fighting but then he would be sitting the stretch run. So, I agree with taking the suspension now and miss May and June versus the end of the season. And i'm a Braves fan, so I can't believe i'm arguing for a Dodger player

Jay Crawford

  (12:40 PM)

cool adam.

rerun (su)

no way, this is too much fun for the yankee fans here...

rerun (su)

a doctor sure...Dr. Yuri Sucart

Evan ( Missoula )

can we talk about anything else, i mean this is important but it has over taken the networks it?s annoying

Jay Crawford

  (12:42 PM)

sorry evan. its kind of a big deal. maybe not in missoula, but elsewhere.

Jeffy D (Feeding Hills MA)

Truth in Manny's story is irrelevant- they are just trying to avoid the word steroids being tied to Manny to minimize damage to his rep.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

yankee fans can't forget chuck knobloch allegedly tested positive,lets question all their titles in the 90s now,fair is fair

Evan (missoula)

this is the same old played out story, the fact is that cheating has happen in sports and it's going to keep on happening.

Vernon (GA)

Evans I AGREE!!!

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

It shouldn't matter what it was or if it was actually prescribed. He (Manny) took it and now he's paying the price. serve his 50 games then he'll be back smashing balls to Mannywood, Hope Michael Vick has an equally easy return

James Denver

Jake buddy that is who prescribes stereroids legally a Doctor. Doctors get involved with athletes all the time and give them illegal perscriptions. Look at Bill Romanowski in Denver in late 90s.

Jeffy D (Feeding Hills MA)

Banned substances- stroids or not- illegally obtained or not warrant a suspension, even if its an "accident" Period.

rerun (su)

i may have missed this one, but when manny tests positive, is it "manny peeing manny"?...thanks, i'm here all day...

Jake (Syracuse)

James, whoever this doctor is that supposably gave him this medicine, dont you think he might get some flack over this. He is Manny Ramirez's doctor, he should have a list of banned substances from MLB w him when he treats him.

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Once again Manny trying upstage Brett Favre in the media publicity.

Matt(New Britain,CT)

lets not bring up the tainted championships argument here,he was just 1 player,plus in '04 papi was a bigger contributor,along w/ schilling and the rest of the pitching staff. if were going down that road,chuck knowbloche tested posiive,lets question all those yankees titles now

Adam G Tampa, FL

Thanks Manny for keeping the chat alive today, now I can talk to the real people I look up to.

Jay Crawford

  (12:49 PM)

lol! thanks adam

Scott (Colorado Springs)

First Take have a great day and I am sure it will be busy now! I guess Manny can be thanked for one thing. Keeping you employed. Jay go ahead and cancel that tee time you had today. :-)

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

Sorry Jake, but no the doctor shouldn't have a list, Manny or someone on his staff should have a list and check it with the doctor. It isn't and shouldn't be the Doctor's responsibility

Vernon (GA)

what is going on. y does the the negative things in sports always over shadow the positive. I mean we got the nba playoff heating up, baseball and alot of none hype team in 1st place right now, the nhl playoff, and as always brett farve..

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Palmiero had the same defense he first came out too.

Jay Crawford

  (12:52 PM)

no tom, he said he was taking b12 shots given to him by miggy. the guy rolled on a teammate.

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

So Manny gets a 2-month layoff, big deal. Let MLB implement WADA standards and I might actually care about this. Manny should be out for a year.......minimum!

Vernon (GA)

Matt how do you know that papi and schilling weren't using too? NO ONE IS A SURE THING TO NOT HAVE USED ANYMORE.

Moderator

  (12:54 PM)

OK, break it up...lets let the dust clear and we'll get at it tomorrow...thanks gang

shyne(tampa,FL)

Come On Fellas i think manny is tell the truth.One thing u can say about manny he has always been real with use rather than the other players

James Denver

No actually you are wrong this isnt a court of law Major League sports have drug policies and in these drug plolocies it states you cant test posative for a banned substance legally ubtained or illegally obtained you cant take banned substances no matter what. It a employers drug policy they can set any rules.

rerun (su)

did someone just compare Manny Ramirez to Chuck Knoblach?

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Possible list of Manny's doctors: *Dr. Nick Rivera from Springfield *Dr. Pepper *Dr. Detroit *Dr. Johnny Fever (this is the strongest candidate)

Shyne

I Think Manny Is Telling the truth Come on fellas why manny wont lie.The Diffirence between Alex And manny is alex is just all about his self and as u can see manny has always been really with the sportsnation

Evan (missoula)

jay...what do you think about the chance for ether the Lakers or the Rockets? Do you like or dislike the physicality in the series????.honestly I love it. It shows how much each team wants it.

Moderator

  (12:56 PM)

i like it physical. its the playoffs...

Steven (Philadelphia, PA)

Whoa......I leave for a few minutes, & Manny gets suspended. So I guess it's all my fault that he got suspended, huh? (*LOL*)

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Skip will hate this, but the guy benefiting the most from Favre, Manny, Lakers-Rockets, and Flagrant fouls is one King James. He and his team have been able to go out and play loose under the radar without a lot media scrutiny because of everything going on elsewhere. If they waltz to the Finals and play Denver or Houston who likes to ugly it up and get physical they will go down. Charles Barkley might be right

Jake (Syracuse)

I meant Manny and his staff should work together w the doctor, not the full responsibility of the doctor. They should work as a team, he cost himself over 7 million dollars w this mistake.

James Denver

That would be Mannys responsibility to give banned substance list to doctor not doctors responsibility. Not every proffesion revolves around pro sports pro athletes doctors are buisy Im sure Manny isnt his only patient. Its Manny and his peoples responsability.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Jay is still chatting. Must be nearing contract negotiating time and he's trying to impress the suits.

Jay Crawford

  (12:58 PM)

lol! nope...just passing the time. we're here till 4. im not sure if the suits even know we chat. im a man of the people. love the fans!!!

rerun (su)

speaking of king james, what is the nba's steroid policy?

Matt(New Britain,CT)

no i wasn't,just saying a member of the yankee championships teams allegedly tested positive

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Since Manny made a reference to his drug testing. I have a question. Did he fail some pass five years? Why would he only make a reference to the pass 5 years?

Michael Kim

  (1:08 PM)

Scott, MLB has only been testing in those years. I doubt he would have tested on his own.

Evan (missoula)

you have to love manny............hes just a real dude. i don't care if he did or he didn't as long as he hits it to me in the seats. lol

rerun (su)

im starting to think the bloody sock was from a steroid injection...

rerun (su)

it's not negative overshadowing positive...it is BREAKING NEWS. it is important to the sanctity of the game that is our national pastime.

Johnny (Scranton, PA)

Thanks for hanging with us for a bit, Jay and Michael. I guess, "Manny being Manny," isn't the excuse that will get him out of this one.

Vernon (GA)

Can we get back to the other LA team??? Go LAKERS!!!!!!

rerun (su)

dr. canseco...paging dr. canseco...

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Maybe Big Papi was on to something when he went on his rant about steroids and PED's last year, saying kick these guys out of the game

Dana Jacobson

  (1:15 PM)

helllo all. sorry been gone if anyone is still there its bonus chat i guess

Cedric (Memphis TN)

I gotta admit, i'm usually upset with you guys when you have continuous coverage of a situation like the Manny, Favre, and Kobe situations, but today I'm glued to the tv and I think you guys and gals are doing great jobs on these ongoing stories.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:16 PM)

cedric thanks, we know it gets old for some folks but some people are just tuning in...it is a big enough name to warrant some extended coverage

david (charlotte,nc)

jay.... you being a former player... you know just as well as anyone else with a true grasp on reality that you dont test positive unless you mess up... whether he messed up by taking the drugs, or whether he messed up by getting caught... i've had 3 separate knee surgeries... doctors gave me plenty of meds, plenty of treatments... and they offered a treatment which included a steroid... although i may regret not taking it now, i had the choice... i chose to get healthy on my own

Jay Crawford

  (1:18 PM)

true david. i think we have to take a wait and see here. lets find out what the positive test was from. deca, test, equipoise (sp) not buying it....something else, we'll see. if it never comes out, in my mind, it was something serious....

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

you can't kick someone out of the game for taking something their doctor prescribed, but you can suspend them for 50 games. The punishment has to fit the crime

Scott (Colorado Springs)

Dang it Michael Kim I thought I had caught something in his statement. Thanks for setting me straight. :-)

Todd Dallas, TX

Any chance an E.D. treatment would cause a positive drug test. They did say it was a "private" health issue.

Jay Crawford

  (1:18 PM)

that is true, and possible i imagine. we'll find out.

Daryl Union, SC

So how long is Arod and Farve gonna take a back seat to Manny on ESPN?

Tony(Orlando,Fl)

That Guy debating With Skip is a really hater WOOOOOW!!!

Adam G. Tampa, fL

Yes it will Skip I'm done with baseball.

Jay Crawford

  (1:19 PM)

no youre not adam!

Cedric (Memphis TN)

For the record, i'm one of those fans that doesn't care if these guys are on steroids/PED's. As long as they keep playing great and keep it entertaining who cares? What I have a problem with are the guys that use them and still suck at their respective sport!

rob redondo beach ca

thats great u guys interact with ur fans the suits should know that and also great diversity among people on your show!

Matt(New Britain,CT)

oh come on rerun,schilling has been critical on steroids,calling out people. get real

Dana Jacobson

  (1:20 PM)

rob thanks

Daryl Union, SC

Does the Manny situation makes Canseco out to be "I told you so" type of guy.

rerun (su)

dana, what does your gut say? do you think he took it unwittingly?

Jay Crawford

  (1:20 PM)

yep... he said arod, and manny both... remember though, he said he had no idea clemens was using...

Matt(New Britain,CT)

maybe boston knew something last year,reason they traded him?

Vernon (GA)

For some reason i actually think manny might be the 1st one to actually be telling the truth. And hope they do bring out the doctor and show the prescription to what he was taking.

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Woohoo! Dana's back

Matt(New Britain,CT)

idk,knowing manny's personality,maybe he wasn't thinking,i have to disagree with 1st&10,i think we have to wait and see what he tested for

A-Rod

No Manny, i didn't literally mean those were tic-tacs!!!

rob redondo beach ca

manny say it anit so

Daryl Union, SC

This my first time here chatting. Does this page refresh itself.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:21 PM)

rerun, i have always found it hard to believe that at that level in baseball you dont send your chewing gum for someone to check. you know? a drug you didn't think was banned. get over embarassment if that's it...i'd call my agent if i wasn't certain.

Alex (Ankeny, Iowa)

Bonds will always be the bad guy of the steroid era. It has been a while since one player has been hated/booed so much by fans of baseball. And the fact that bonds' body got so big from what it use to be doesn't help his cause. By the end of his career he was more of a freak show then anything.

JD (Boston)

Both NBA and NHL have had surprisingly low amounts of Steriod issues in the current climate. Either players are on board and complying or testing needs to be overhauled.

Michael Lindsey, Sunny CALI

this is for the nba! Fisher should be gone for game three if Howard was suspended why not Fishe! Fisher looked back saw Scola coming and threw a Elbow at him! KObe shoul;d be suspended but we all know the NBA does not want that at least fine him! if Martin can get a fine after all the things rondo did last series and nothing happend why did Martin get suspended> i feel Stu Jackson picks who he wants to suspend by what team they play for and its not right at all.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

Makes you wonder now what Kevin Millar was really putting in those pre-game shots.

Quintin (Tuscaloosa,AL)

rerun....i don't care too much for James but i don't think he is on steroids

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

What did Mr. Gammons expect the Red Sox to say? Manny was using when he was here and we knew about it.

Vernon (GA)

So Mr. Crawford, how is it 'really' working with skip?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:23 PM)

JD i think some of it is what the steroid can do for them. the endurance for nba and nhl seem to trump strength

Michael Kim

  (1:23 PM)

What did I miss? Are you guys still discussing UEFA Champions League soccer?

Jay Crawford

  (1:24 PM)

im not a skip hater at all. i appreciate his passion for sports and overall knowledge of all sports. his arguements some days just make me laugh though!

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Man, whoever Jose Canseco has connections to should just retire because eventually he will out you. I think it's funny how he just randomly was asked about Manny earlier this year and now this comes out. wink wink

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

Even though I don't believe manny's excuse, I understand him not wanting to disclose what his condition is or what he was prescirbed. I bleieve he loves his image and if it's some imbarising condition (E.D) that'll last linger then the stigma of being a user

Cedric (Memphis TN)

Well for the sanity of all the kids in the world and Cleveland fans alike, even you Jay, let's just hope nothing ever comes out about a certain star NBA player being on steroids/PED's. That one might destroy the game and the internet

Michael Kim

  (1:26 PM)

He wasn't completely sure about Manny -- admitting that during the USC forum... Too bad his career on-base percentage wasn't as good.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:27 PM)

Marvin, wasn't palmeiro a spokesman for viagra? I think sadly with this news unless manny says exactly what it is doubeters will not be satisfied

blake chicago il

anyone saying that they didn't know they took a drug or it was an accident is obviously lying. These players have so many doctors and trainers advising them on what they can and can't eat,drink,ingest in any way. SO I just find it hard to believe that they could take something accidentally.

derrick (iowa)

what do you think of the big ten adding another team?? how about Norte Dame?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:28 PM)

derrick from what i read, no shot, not going to happen - another team

Rob (Indiana)

Like him or not, if you listen to what Skip says and predicts, most of the time he's right.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:30 PM)

Rob in fairness, it's like 50-50. he does get a lot right but he's not always right. he just doesn't always admit it

jake g chicago IL

I would say the dodgers are an average to below average team now. I would say 21 wins in the 50 without Manny. It will take them time to adjust playing without him so I would say 7 out of first 10 games are losses. It doesnt help matters any that they play the Mets and Phillies both in those first 10 games.

Alex Rodriguez (Tampa, FL)

Hmmmm, it's so nice to see someone else under the microscope for a change. So this means I'm off the hook, right?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:35 PM)

no alex you just have company

Vernon (GA)

Hey jose canseco is looking credible right now, huh?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:35 PM)

vernon, jose looked credible back around balco and esepcially with the mitchell report

james elgin iL

Notre Dame would never join the Big 10. They wouldn't want to be locked into a schedule where they would have to play a possibly tough confrence schedule. They prefer to schedule there guaranteed victory games, which haven't been so guranteed lately! One good thing would be they might not have to get crushed by USC every year if they did join the Big 10

Jay Crawford

  (1:36 PM)

heres something interesting jake. a service called accuscore has run an average of 10,000 season simulations per NL team to measure the impact Manny's suspension would have on the Dodgers' season. Their chances of making the postseason dropped from 71% to 66% and winning the division from 65% to 61%. For the season, they are now projected to finish with 3 fewer wins, which would still be the most in the NL

Daryl Union, SC

I wonder what other hitters Skip has his doubts about?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:36 PM)

James, i dont think its the schedule as much as not wanting to give up some of the tv deals they have and the flexibility in scheduling. they haven't needed to be a part of a conference why change?

blake chicago il

I have to agree with Dana. I have seen Skip make some good picks. But I have also seen him be completely wrong, and whether he admits it or not he does flip flop once in a while. I'm sure there is plenty of video evidence to prove my point.

i don't have this problem, but...

...i know it isn't viagra, but bear with me. there is another ED drug that they advertise that shows the couple sitting in seperate bath tubs (why, i still can't figure taht out). Anyway, now picture that with A-Rod and Manny and try not to laugh.

Jay Crawford

  (1:36 PM)

daryl, you'll have to keep wondering. he wont, and shouldnt cast doubt without proof.

Marvin (Camden, NJ)

I love Skip. In my eyes he's always right, acept when he's tlking about Lebron James, Terrel Owens, or grading dunks

James (Suffolk, VA)

Dana....how was the trip to see the friends in GA a couple weeks ago?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:38 PM)

James it was awesome. The inman park festival for atlanta folks. It was great. Thahks for asking

Rob (Indiana)

The big ten is bad enough without adding ND. I'm a big ten guy but it seems that the pac 10,sec,big 12,ect. always has our number.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:39 PM)

rob i think it goes in phases..

Will (WV)

Dana...is your dog behaving?

Dana Jacobson

  (1:40 PM)

will she only gets supervised trips to the backyard now. i'll spend the weekend putting up lattice on the bottom of my shed

james elgin IL

They never needed to be part of a confrence before, but there program has never struggled like this before either. Maybe if they became part of Big 10, it could help recruiting. You don't really hear top football recruits say that they are dyeing to go to Notre Dame like it was in years past. Maybe it is time for a change.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:41 PM)

james its peaks and valleys when you rebuild. if they get a bowl season this year, and next...they'll start building again. the powers in cfb have shifted..it happens. when i was in skl it was miami, nebraska, michigan, nd...florida state. its just a shift. being a part of a conference won't matter - they have the ND mystique

James (Suffolk, VA)

To agree with some of the other posts on here, it does appear that Canseco was not out just to sell a book...it seems that the biggest majority of his claims have been accurate.

Dana Jacobson

  (1:42 PM)

well james, i think he just wanted to sell a book, he just was justified in that his info was good. jose is all about the money and himself....

JD (Boston)

I dream of being 50% right in my wife's eyes!

Matt(New Britain,CT)

look at skip and the spurs and hornets,how'd that work out

JD (Boston)

Names will keep trickling out 1 by one, and we will only care about the superstars. "John Doe shortstop from last place team" will not cause a major stir- even if he juiced on purpose and tried to hide it.

dirk (c.r. iowa)

hey Jay, good thing the dodgers didnt put up "Mannywood" in left field bleachers!

Jay Crawford

  (1:47 PM)

they did!

Daryl Union, SC

Jay i understand totally.

rob redondo beach ca

ronaldinho will tear beckham up ,mike kim

Jay Crawford

  (1:49 PM)

no question!

Adam G. Tampa, fL

Jose Canseco for President.

Will (WV)

As sad as it may sound...Conseco has been right the whole time! Its a shame though that he has intentionally ruined the careers of his peers! Money talks i guess.

Willie Mac, Houston

Who cares about dogs and trips. Come on people

blake chicago Il

To say that this would put the 04 championship in boston in question is ridiculous. Just because he gets caught using steriods, doesn't mean that much to me. How many players do you think are using and don't get caught. It is all just part of the game these days. And of course it is a bigger story when Manny gets caught using than it would be if a back up 2nd baseman gets caught. But it is the news media that really decides how big the story is..

Craig (PA)

Manny's image won't be tarnished. I believe his excuse because he wouldn't put his legacy on the line, especially with all the steroid issues. He has nothing left to prove, he is a sure bet HOF. The test was recent, so it's not like it was older tests like other players. I just hate how we're going to have to hear about this situation for a long time, overshadowing NBA/NHL playoffs.

Willie Mac, Houston

Will, Jose did not ruin careers - All those players had choices - Come on now they are men - Jose got black-balled and took a few with him. They all knew as did MLB what he knew!!

Patrick (Agawam MA)

Without Jose the scandal would have been 10 times worse 10 years from now when it would have come out eventually. He did the game a favor even though that was not his intention.

Willie Mac, Houston

Oh man HGC there it is

Dana Jacobson

  (2:01 PM)

Willie mac on that note we say goodbye. talk to you folks tomorrow