*For the second year running, Forbes has named NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson as “America’s Most Influential Athlete.” Second was Tim Tebow. Also making the top 10: boxer Manny Pacquiao, NBA rookie Jeremy Lin, NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.
The Forbes rankings are compiled by public opinion polling. One obvious flaw: NASCAR drivers are not athletes.
*Not that the Rays owed us any more explanations, but it was reinforced again last weekend why management traded the talented, overall number one draft choice Delmon Young a few years back. No, Joe Maddon wouldn’t put up with guys not always running hard to first. But beyond that and some anger-management issues, you don’t establish a culture of class and camaraderie with renegade exceptions in the mix. If you’re going to lose while you’re building a winner, you don’t have to lose with punks.
Young was arrested last Friday in New York and charged with second-degree aggravated harassment. Police are calling it a drunken altercation with a (anti-Semitic) hate-crime component. He remains under suspension.