FOOTBALL

In a new addition to the Manti Te’o drama in which he was duped into thinking his long-time, long distance girlfriend was real, Dr. Phil scored the first interview with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo (the guy who was behind the entire charade).  And according to Dr. Phil’s analysis, Tuiasosopo was apparently actually in love with Te’o.  So it was less like a prank and more like a crush obsession Tuiasosopo had on Te’o.  Dr. Phil also asked if Ronaiah was gay, and Ronaiah said when it was phrased like that (meaning that he did have an obsession with Te’o) then he would have to say yes he is.  This story just keeps getting more interesting, and sheds light on a possible growing subculture of people occupying false identities on line for things besides financial fraud.  It’s a different world now.

And in the NFL, 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver is in hot water.  During media day, Culliver made some derogatory homophobic remarks, saying that “the Niners don’t have any gay players and if they do, they gotta get up outta here”.  Culliver also said that gay players should stay in the closet.  The 49ers organization is furious about his comments, and yesterday Culliver issued a public apology, saying, “The derogatory comments I made yesterday were a reflection of thoughts in my head, but they are not how I feel. It has taken me seeing them in print to realize that they are hurtful and ugly. Those discriminating feelings are truly not in my heart. Further, I apologize to those who I have hurt and offended, and I pledge to learn and grow from this experience.”  Why can’t certain athletes just perform on the field and keep their mouths shut.

BASKETBALL

Finally, in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies are trying to assemble a championship team over the coming years.  However, they thought that one of their star players, Rudy Gay, was expendable.  They didn’t want to pay him his hefty contract and decided to ship him out of town.  He’s headed for the Toronto Raptors, who will use him as a scoring threat.  The Raptors sent back Jose Calderon, Ed Davis, and a 2nd round pick.  However, the Grizzlies sent Calderon to Detroit in exchange for long-time Piston Tayshaun Prince and an up-and-comer in Austin Daye.  Having Prince will give Memphis a solid defensive player come playoff time.  But it will be interesting to see how they structure their team this off-season, because it looks like they will likely be a 2nd round exit in the playoffs.