Howard Lincoln goes all Nixon on us [Seattle Times]: Prepare for a terrifying glimpse inside the addled mind of Mariners president Howard Lincoln, who sounds like he’s progressing right along on his enemies list. Sayeth he: “If it seems to you like the local media is going out of its way to trash the Mariners, well, you’re right, they are!” The letter, obtained by the Times’ Geoff Baker, was sent after Baker interviewed Lincoln and Armstrong about the Josh Lueke trade but before Baker’s piece on the trade appeared. It would seem that Lincoln is no fan of Baker. Read the whole email for some choice madness.
Huskies lose their punter [GoHuskies] Will Mahan’s out for the year with a torn ACL and MCL. Ouch. The three worst injuries a college football team can suffer probably go like this: Quarterback, kicker, punter. Why kicker and punter? Because you only have one of each on scholarship. This isn’t the NFL, where you can just go out and sign a new specialist. You’ll rely on whatever walk-on you’ve deemed as your backup. In the Dawgs’ case that’s Nathan Hale product Kiel Rasp, possessor of a strong but inaccurate leg.
Mariners lose [MLB] One day after scoring 7 runs, the M’s were back to their impotent ways. They had just three runs (all on homers–a two-run shot by Branyan and a solo by Tui) and Luke French takes a loss. Adam Moore, batting .187, was 5th in the lineup. Yikes. Mariners 55-85. Next game Friday @ L.A. Angels.
What they’re saying…
“I understand football. I haven’t been around here six years because I look good and I dress good.” — Jordan Babineaux, on being cut, then resigned. [Seattle Times]
“It’s stunning to think the Seahawks released their leading receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, at least in part because they felt better about (Mike) Williams lining up at the “X” position. Williams is bigger, taller and faster than Houshmandzadeh.” — Mike Sando [ESPN]
“It wasn’t that hard to abstain from sex.” — Justin Forsett, who saved it for marriage (which happened in June) [Seattle Times]
In other news…
How bad are our local pro sports teams? Companies would rather use roller derby athletes in their ads. The days of “it’s a light bat” are long gone.
Tacoma won Game 1 of their best-of-5 playoff series against Sacramento, battling back from an early deficit to take a lead in the 9th on Brad Nelson’s 2-RBI double. Scott Patterson got the win in relief with two scoreless innings.
Pete Carroll kept calling potential starting LT Tyler Polumbus “Troy” during his press conference yesterday.
Rainier Beach High will retire Nate Robinson’s jersey at a ceremony on Friday.
James Riley won’t play tonight for the Sounders, he’s recovering from an ankle sprain and could be out as much as three weeks. Blaise Nkufo saw a specialist about his knee, he probably won’t play either.
Sanna Nyassi is back from his spell with the Gambian National Team. Nyassi did not play.
A scouting report on the Atlanta Dream, the Storm’s WNBA Finals opponent (Game 1 is Sunday).
Justin Forsett will start at RB and return punts for the Hawks on Sunday. Leon Washington will return kicks. David Hawthorne may start at linebacker, unclear whether his hip has healed enough to permit that. If not, Will Herring gets the start.
The Seattle Times Seahawks Preview is out today.
Today’s action
Russia vs. USA, FIBA World Championship Quarterfinal, 8 a.m. (ESPN)
Minnesota @ New Orleans, NFL Opener, 5 p.m. (NBC/KING-5)
Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake @ Qwest, 8 p.m. (ESPN2)