January 3, 2008
2007 had its fair share of outstanding sports moments, but there are other occasions many people would like to forget. Here are a few of those moments:
•The New York Mets’ collapse: On Sept. 12, the Mets found themselves ahead of the second-place Phillies by seven games. In a span of less than a month, the lead evaporated, giving Philadelphia its first division title since 1993 and sending Philadelphia into a frenzy.
•Chris Simon’s two counts of hockey assault: New York Islander winger Simon got his fair share of assault with hockey equipment in 2007, costing him a combined 55 games (on just two incidents). On March 8, after taking a hit from Ranger Ryan Hollweg, he then spotted Hollweg and slashed him across the face with his stick, which landed him a 25-game suspension. As if this were not enough, on Dec. 14, Simon met up with Penguin tough guy Jarkko Ruutu. During a physical confrontation, Simon tripped Ruutu with his skate and then proceeded to step on the back of his leg and skate. Once again, he received a match penalty, and this one netted him a 30-game suspension, which he continues to serve. The Islanders have since given him time to seek therapy.
•Isaiah Thomas’ never-ending controversy in New York: New York Knicks coach Thomas got far more than he bargained for in 2007. A sexual harassment case brought up by a Madison Square Garden employee saw its trial commence, while on the court, star guard Stephon Marbury found himself barking with Thomas all year, eventually leading to Marbury’s absence in practices. Factor this with Knick fans chanting "Fire Isaiah" at home games, and it is pretty clear that Thomas had as tumultuous a 2007 year as anybody.
•Don Imus’ racial slur: When Rutgers University’s womens basketball team reached the Final Four in the NCAA tournament, nobody expected a talk show host to dampen spirit. However, Imus’ "nappy-headed hos" comments toward the team forever hurt the image of this year’s NCAA tournament. Somehow, Imus got himself back on the airwaves.
•Deaths Of NFL's Sean Taylor and Darrent Williams: Just hours into 2007, Darrent Williams, a 24-year-old solid cornerback for the Denver Broncos, was killed in a drive-by shooting, which the Broncos still have not effectively recovered from, as they suffered through an atrocious season. Sadly, this was not the lone case. On Nov. 27, Sean Taylor, a Pro Bowl safety for the Redskins, died from complications of a gunshot wound to his leg during a burglary at his home in Florida. As a sign of respect, the Redskins played with 10 men on the defense for one play in the game following Taylor's death, and all teams in the NFL now don a 21 on their helmets. Taylor also has been voted posthumously to his second Pro Bowl.
For Nick Tamburini's take on the year in sports, check out this article.
