What should be done about cheating in the World Cup?

Apparently there's this sport called "football" in which the players don't wear helmets and they actually use their feet to move the ball around the field. And currently these athletes are holding their semi-regular qualifying tournament whose winners are allowed entry into the main event that they boldly call the World Cup. 

Controversy struck when Ireland squared off against France today in northern Paris when a gentleman from the home team used his hands, allegedly, to help his team get the ball into the gigantic net. Seems that in this version of football using your hands in such a matter is a no-no.

The Fabulous Forum blog is no stranger to this unusual and curious game, and when the L.A.Times soccer, er, football writer, Grahame L. Jones, showed the video above to his readers and asked them if France's Thierry Henry cheated to get his nation into this World Cup, over 100 readers commented to the affirmative. Read their takes after the jump.

High-profile outbursts from Kanye West, Serena Williams, Rep. Joe Wilson: Do they show a decline in our civility?

A spate of recent outbursts from high-profile people -- from rapper Kanye West (whose bizarre appearance at MTV's Video Music Awards, in which he snatched the microphone from pop-country singer Taylor Swift as she accepted her award for Best Female Video and announced that the award should have gone to Beyoncé instead, has made headlines all week and even inspired a much-talked-about response from President Obama) to tennis star Serena Williams (whose very public tirade against a lineswoman earned her a $10,500 fine) to Republican politician Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina (whose now-famous shout of "You lie!" during President Obama's healthcare address to Congress led to a House resolution chastising him) -- have led many across the country to speculate about what's wrong with our collective impulse control.

The Times' Robin Abcarian examines the many theories posed by experts about what's behind all the public outbursts in a story published today.  Abcarian writes:

Some say it reflects a general collapse of manners, rooted in the anti-authoritarian strains of the late 1960s. Some offer a psychological explanation: Such outbursts reveal the person beneath the mask of a public persona. Some see an element of racial animus at work.

And one etiquette authority offered an uncomplicated explanation, in particular for West: He just wanted attention.

What do you think -- has civility really declined in America?  And if so, why?  Share your thoughts here.

Photo: Kanye West takes the microphone from Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards.  Credit: Jason DeCrow / Associated Press

Did Y.E. Yang win, or did Tiger Woods choke?

Although nothing can be taken away from Y.E. Yang, the South Korean underdog who shot a two-under-par 70 in the final round of the PGA Championship yesterday; the question is: Did Yang win the classic tournament, or did Tiger Woods choke?

No athlete can win every event, but going into yesterday's round, Woods had previously won all 14 majors when he had a lead going into the final round. Sunday, he started the day with a two-stroke lead over Yang.

Tribune sports writer Teddy Greenstein said that Yangwoke up Sunday as "a 20-1 underdog, according to an online sports wagering site. Woods was a 2-9 favorite, roughly the same as Secretariat in his prime against your pet cocker spaniel." But after Tiger bogeyed five times (including on the 17th and 18th) and birdied only twice, the match was Yang's. 

Even though Yang deserves much credit for Sunday's two-under-par round because it was accomplished literally in Woods' shadow (the two were paired up for the dramatic final 18), it appeared that Woods was the one who cracked under the pressure, which is the opposite of what normally happens when Tiger dons his Sunday red polo.

Still, because Yang was such an underdog, and even though he had that miraculous eagle on the 14th hole, he only had two birdies to go with his two boogies; thus did Yang really win, or did Tiger let his prey slip away?

Your comments and insights are welcome in the box below.

-- Tony Pierce

Y.E. Yang of South Korea, who was paired with Tiger Woods, celebrates after sinking his putt to win the 91st PGA Championship at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. (Robin Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

Michael Vick's return to football divides animal lovers

Convicted animal abuser Michael Vick returned to the football field today with a new team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

No one has watched his comeback closer and with a more skeptical eye here than the animal blog, Unleashed. The readers of the pro-pet blog are split. Some feel the talented quarterback has paid his price (millions of dollars lost from his football contract when he was sent to prison), and to society when he spent a year and a half at a federal prison in Kansas.

D Peterson wrote in to say: "As long as Micheal Vick is playing football I will be at every game humanly possible to protest. And I will never buy another PEPSI product as long as I live and that is a promise."

However Chubby saluted the Eagles: "I commend the Philadelphia Eagle for signing Michael Vick to the team roster. what he has done is shameful and disgraceful. Michael was wrong for engaging in dog fighting. He deserves an opportunity to earn a decent living. Go Michael. We love you. Life is worth living and forgiveness is the beauty of love. "

Gerald Butler said that the controversy has actually made him support Vick that much more:

I was not a fan of Michael Vick, however, I am more and more in his corner because I dislike bullying and jumping on a guy with both feet when he is down. I applaud the Eagles for having the courage to give him a chance. The emotion that surrounds anything with dogs makes this absurd in comparison with crimes against persons (e.g. Lewis, Stallworth). Last I checked, cockfighting was still allowed in Louisianna and no one is boycotting that state, nor the Saints.
Gerald Bowman,
Dog owner

So what are your thoughts? Was losing millions of dollars, being publicly ridiculed and despised, and spending a year and a half in a federal prison enough punishment for the crime? Or should animal life be held at a higher level with much longer jail terms for cruelty and death?

-- Tony Pierce

Philadelphia Eagles new quarterback Michael Vick during his first practice at Eagles training camp in the NovaCare Complex of Philadelphia. (Barbara Johnston / US Presswire)

Should Pete Rose be allowed into the Hall of Fame?

Pete Rose -- baseball's all-time hits leader who received a lifetime ban from the sport -- may finally get a chance to enter the Hall of Fame

According to several reports, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is considering reinstating the former All-Star, who was banned from baseball nearly 20 years ago after it was found that he bet on the Cincinnati Reds to win while he was manager of the team. 

If Rose' ban were lifted, he would officially be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame.  Rose has already received support from several current members of the Hall, including home-run king Hank Aaron.

“I would certainly like to see him in,” Aaron said Saturday. “He belongs in, really.”

Still, Rose's reinstatement is far from certain, and there's no shortage of players and fans who think Rose's ban should be respected.

"These guys aren't considering what's best for baseball. They are trying to help out a guy they like. The Hall of Fame shouldn't be just about being a great player; integrity, sportsmanship and character are specifically given as qualifications," wrote ESPN blogger Ed Price.

Proposed $2-million Lakers parade draws controversy

Sunday night's Lakers victory was well received in a city that hasn't had much to celebrate as of late.  Even though Game 5 was held in Orlando, millions of Lakers fans gathered at homes and bars to watch the game unfold on television. After the buzzer sounded, crowds poured into the streets as Lakers fans from across Los Angeles came together in a grand display of pride and unity that quickly devolved into destructive rioting.

After setting a few police cars on fire and doing a bit of looting, the crowds dispersed and the revelers went home.     

The rioting, which caused significant monetary damage, has had quite an effect on the growing debate over Wednesday's proposed $2-million Laker parade. Many feel that the parade -- for which the city would pay half -- is inappropriate at a time when the city is struggling to resolve severe budget shortfalls.  Sunday night's rioting only added to the list of concerns held by many Los Angeles residents. 

"The Lakes deserve every recognition winning the championship. However, in these difficult times for the city and Laker fans, a parade/rally is insensitive and hurtful; I'll send the organization an e-card instead. If the city can afford a parade, the taxpayers of Los Angeles are then obviously being lied to by civic leaders regarding a fiscal crisis," said ELizabeth.

"Does that fee include the cost to clean up after all these hoodlums who have already rioted and caused damage throughout the city, including injuries to eight police officers? Huge huge HUGE waste of money," added MB.

More after the jump...

Does the threat of violence stop you from going to Dodger Stadium?

L.A. Times reporter Andrew Blankstein reported last month that a man was stabbed multiple times during the Dodgers home opener against the San Francisco Giants. Blankstein followed up today with a report that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the assault.

This is not the first time that violence has been committed at the stadium. Back in 2003, a West Covina man leaving the stadium got into an argument with a group of men, which resulted in his death by shooting.

Right after the recent stabbing, our readers expressed concern about attending Dodgers games at Chavez Ravine.

"I have to say, the games have gotten worse. All these people do is ruin it for the true fans. We go and spend good money and the last thing that I want is: having to worry about my kids having things thrown at them. I had to tell my 4 year old, that the fool next to me was yelling, “dirty socks”, rather then “Giant Suck”. There needs to be a no tolerance rule with all of this fools who think, getting drunk and going to a public place is cool." - Rafa 

Dodger Stadium can bring chaotic fans, but that can happen anywhere in LA. People get unruly and they fight. Only COWARDS pull out knives and guns. What happened to fighting one on one and whoever wins, wins! That's it.  - Gina

Time to bring back those middle aged ushers with straw hats to kick butt and take names. - dodger tony

On the other hand....

Angelenos left out of NFL free agency excitement

The sports world is abuzz today with news of multiple high-profile trades in the first full day of NFL free agency. This type of off-season jockeying excites many fans across the nation, but leaves Angelenos with the familiar sense of longing for a professional team. 

Perennial Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins will make the move from Philadelphia to mile-high Denver.

Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow will join the Bucs in Tampa Bay in exchange for draft picks to Cleveland. 

Three-time Super Bowl champ Mike Vrabel will end his successful tenure in New England and join former Patriot player personnel director Scott Pioli, who is now general manager of the Chiefs.

It's been 14 years since Los Angeles has had a pro football team when the Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995.  Isn't it time L.A. had another football team -- existing or new? Aren't you sick of being left out of all the exciting news of off-season trades and playoff hunts?  Or are you resigned to the fact and follow either the Trojans or Bruins, or another pro team? Maybe you don't mind the extra free time on Sunday and relish a break from the tube.

Share your thoughts.

-- Kenan Frager

Photo: Aerial shot of the Los Angeles Coliseum. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Who should the Lakers start at small forward?

Phil Jackson's decision to start Luke Walton Wednesday night has sparked a small forward debate among Lakers blog readers. Walton started his 11th game for the Lakers this year on Wednesday, replacing Vlad Radmanovic, who had started the previous eight games and 28 of the Lakers' 41 games in total. Walton also started Thursday night against the Wizards. Trevor Ariza started one contest for the Lakers but is logging nearly 25 minutes per night, more than Radmanovic or Walton.

Numerous posters support the move to start Walton at the three.

Lakers World said:

This was a good game for Luke, regardless of past and present criticisms. Hopefully he can keep it up.

If one's got to guess why Phil put Luke in the starting line up it's because Phil's loyalty to veterans. It's not really that fair to blame a guy for being hurt and busting his butt off to get healthy. So, Phil, knowing a thing or two about honor, regardless of if he shows it, gave Luke an opportunity that he would most definitely have if not for his injuries. Plus, a built in veteran system that I'm assuming Phil's using, coupled with a measure for performance, makes it easier for everyone to understand things that are going on.

PsychedLakerGirl said:

I feel like VladRad is on the trading block. Say what you wish folks but at this point I think he is done as a Laker. The poor attitude, lack of defense and especially lack of staying within the triangle pretty much means insubordination and people get fired for that.

So, I think we have Luke as our starting forward along with a deep bench of LO, Ariza, Powell, Mbenga, Mihm and whoever they acquire. Luke plays the way PJ wants him to play and didn't complain when benched - he kept up his hard work at practice and showed good attitude. Vlad complained, was sour and the boss (coach/ego guy) doesn't like that. I see any trade would clearly be for a defensive piece at this position - it's our weakest or most instable/inconsistent area.

kobeblitz said:

Luke gives more passing inside for Pau/Bynum and even to Kobe. And no team can realistically defend 100% the inside. A great passing team will tear that defense apart. The Showtime Lakers would have served the Celtics of 2007-2008. Luke is okay on long distance shooting (not what LTLF says about him which I disagree on him about) and certainly not on par with Vlad Rad (when he is shooting well). But when Vlad Rad is shooting ice cold (like Sasha last night) what else could Vlad Rad do offensively? He may get into the hole but those times are rare.

A few others disagree with Jackson's decision and think the Lakers would be ...

Philly fans boo Palin, Fabulous Forum readers get angry

This past Saturday, our friends at the Fabulous Forum blog reported that Gov. Sarah Palin was booed by fans as she dropped the ceremonial first puck at a Philadelphia Flyers hockey game.  And Forum readers had a lot to say about the brouhaha!

A lot of you pointed out Philadelphia fans' propensity for booing.  Reader atlpaddy said: "What I want to know, is what genius thought it would be a good idea to submit Palin to Philly fans?!? Those folks will boo anybody and do, including Santa Claus, Mike Schmidt, and a handicap kid who bounced a ceremonial first pitch! It could have been George Washington and Mother Theresa (which God knows Palin ain't) and they would have booed. I would have been more shocked if they didn't boo."

And Peg chimed in: "Nobody dumped beer or threw batteries on Palin in Philadelphia. They exercised their 1st Amendment rights, and told Snider exactly how happy they were to have their hockey game turned into a campaign stop for the vicious, opportunistic McCain-Palin hate campaign. You don't want to receive Philadelphian's personal opinions, you don't get in their faces with your politics."

Several readers just found the whole thing tacky.  Jay said: "Regardless of your liking of Palin, this was truly classless and the amount of people responding and supporting this makes my stomache ache for this country. We have truly become a "me first/everything goes" country and have no standards for conduct and morality."

Jeff S agreed: "The lack of civility in politics, in sports, and in our society is disgusting. I think Palin is a horrible choice as a VP and would never support her in this election but that is hardly the point.The biggest problem in politics is the utter lack of respect either party has for the other."

Some, like Damon, thought the Philadelphia booers got it right: "It's all very clear. Hockey is cool, Sarah Palin is not. Hockey is not near as dangerous as Palin, either."

KOD echoed that sentiment: "As the Mom of three hockey playing daughters, the wife of a hockey-playing husband and coach and a lifelong hockey (and Bruins) fan, I couldn't have been happier than seeing this woman get the greeting she deserves. You go, Philly!"

Deborah Watson thought the incident had been overplayed: "As someone who was there and saw and heard everything firsthand, I am amazed at the spin in the press. The sound of the video here evidences both cheers and boos, and aside from the Obama Biden sign seen held by one fan, you also see several applauding...within my section, I did hear both cheers and jeers."

Grace, apparently a Palin supporter, thought the Governor should head down to Anaheim: "She should have come out to see the Ducks as we have more class! BTW- you'd never see Obama at a hockey game because that's just beneath him."

Finally, Al's comment was short and sweet (sweet if you're not from Philadelphia, that is):

"Philadelphia is irrelevant."

Philly fans, are you going to take that?!  Chime in here.

--Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Getty Images

L.A. Times Olympics Blog: Readers debate age of Chinese gymnasts

The idea of a 70-pound post-pubescent girl usually brings scary images of strung-out and starving celebrities to mind. But Deng Linlin, the Chinese  gymnast who stands at 4-feet-6 and weighs 68 pounds, looked like a healthy child on the TV screen, and therein lies the controversy. According to the athletes' passports, all of the Chinese gymnasts were at least 16 years old, the minimum age required to participate in Olympic gymnastics. The girls could be unusually late bloomers, but some readers of the L.A. Times Olympics blog were suspicious of passport fraud.

WOW wrote: "when i look at the chinese women gymnast i was convinced that they were 10 or 12."

Harv Alan made a more practical comment: "If you are beaten by 12-year-olds; I wouldn't  be making a big deal of it."

After viewing this chart, mom of 5 wrote: "Deng LinLin is not only the same size as my eight year old, when she smiles she shows a lost tooth in the same position as my 10 year old recently lost."

Others thought that the doubtful Americans were just acting like sore losers.   After Randy Harvey  reported that the U.S. women's team would have to settle for the silver, Jon wrote: "Before people come to a conclusion that the Chinese team is underage, go visit China first and take a look at what a typical Chinese middle and high school student looks like. You will see Chinese teenagers look a few years younger than the American teenagers when they are at the same age." 

uhhh wrote: "It's just hilarious how no one brings up a single other gymnast outside of China simply because:
             1. China won and the US fell short. If the US won gold, no one would care.
             2. China is a  Communist nation
             3. Anti-Chinese sentiment due to American narrow mindedness"

Diane Pucin reported that NBC commentator Bela Karolyi invented a new slur for children, calling the gymnasts in question "half-people."  Many readers thought that Karolyi was expressing anti-Chinese sentiment in particular.   

beccabecca wrote: "to call the Chinese girls half people is wrong on so many levels. Not to mention the fact that none of those girls are 12."

bela needs to go wrote: "He mocks their heights for being under 5 feet and their slight weights. How many elite gymnasts on the world stage stand above 5 feet? ...Does Shawn Johnson really look 16? How about Ksenia Semenova? The non stop bashing of the Chinese gymnasts really needs to stop and Bela needs to go back to his ranch."

But Ella remains unconvinced: "At first, I thought the girls just looked young, but after researching it a bit, I believe that at least one of them is under age...even the coach for the Chinese team talked about He Kexin last year as being 13 years old, and now she is magically 16...?"

Is this an obvious case of underage gymnastics, or are Americans just bad at accepting defeat?  Share your thoughts here or on the Olympics blog's gymnastics coverage!

-- Amy Silverstein

Photo credit: Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images

Manny just being Manny

The L.A. Dodgers acquired Boston Red Sox powerhouse hitter Manny Ramirez today in a trade. The three-way exchange, also involving the Pittsburgh Pirates, means the Dodgers lose minor league third baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris. Our story brought in all kinds of heavily opinionated fans -- Sox, Dodgers and Angel fanatics alike. Some celebrated the new talent while others lamented Ramirez's high maintenance.

BOSTON, obviously a Red Sox fan, wrote:

Good luck LA. If there's anything worse than an overpaid sports player, it's an overpriced, whiney, immature, conceited, uneducated jock. We are glad to see him go!!

Withadee wrote:

As a sox fan I'm sure Manny will have a monster 2 months for LA. And he will behave himself to assure a good free agent off season. But really, the Sox did the right thing and got a good bat to take his place. He had become poison in the Sox clubhouse. So maybe this is a win/win deal!

Rat wrote:

If the Dodgers don't have a tam psychologist, they'd better get one. Fast.

J2ThaRome joked:

Part of the compensation for losing to the Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Red Sox Fan wrote:

Tell the clubhouse boy to have Manny's diapers and pacifier ready for him.

Dodger Dog wrote:

Manny Ramirez (0 Dollars). Finally getting some Power (0 Dollars). Finally being able to cut Andrew Jones (. . . Priceles), well actually 36.2 million dollars, but worth every penny.. If I never have to watch Andrew Jones strike out again, this is the best day in the world to be a Dodger fan.

Are you concerned Manny will poison the Dodgers' chemistry by "being Manny," or will he behave -- and, more important, be a batting behemoth?

-- Mark Milian

Photo credit: Elise Amendola / Associated Press

WNBA fans fight online about fight on court

Male or female, it is never a wise idea to mess with professional athletes. This week, the Los Angeles Sparks have been making headlines after five players, four of whom are starters, were suspended by the WNBA.  The Sparks aren't the only team to suffer, as five women from the Detroit Shock are getting the same punishment after players from the two teams shoved, punched, and hit each other during last Tuesday's game. Dan Arritt's article,  "Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie suspended after WNBA fight," gives a play-by-play description, in words and photographs, of the "physical game that was poorly controlled by the officials."

Columnist Helene Elliot wrote that the fight began when Detroit's Plenette Pierson and Los Angeles' Candace Parker "jostled for position for a potential rebound ... Pierson rose, threw Parker down and walked up to her aggressively."  It wasn't long before other teammates from both sides got involved, including assistant coach Rick Mahorn, who appeared to push Sparks player Lisa Leslie to the floor. While there is a debate among WNBA fans as to whether his push was intentional, readers were quick to form their own judgments. 

Michael decided that "Mahorn should wear a dress if he's going to fight women."

Will B placed the blame on Leslie: "Lisa Leslie is just an awkward idiot who hammed it up to get Mahorn in trouble. All the man did was try to separate a brawl, an opinion shared by nearly all that were courtside."

tree52 had a similar sentiment: "With the elbows LL throws during any game she plays, I'm surprised that she is making such a big deal over a little shove! Detriot is known for being rather agressive as well! Maybe the game was called so loose, because the refs realize these are teams that play a very agressive and physical game."

wnbafan probably would have liked to participate in the fight herself: "Candace Parker is lucky she didn't get a beat down. Her cocky little attitude needed to be put in check."

To which Colleen responded: "no the whole thing is piersons fault.shes just hating on parker because parkers better than she is.then nolan came and was on top of parker."

jb seems to have a strong fear of so-called feminists: "265 pound Rick Mahorn pushes a tall but slender woman to the floor. Consequences? I'm pretty sure the league will opt for castration. Suspension will not be anywhere near enough punishment in these times viewed thru the lenses of the feminist perspective."

And in case the players thought that the brawl would at least lead to a ratings boost, JohnD is "still not interested enough to watch a game."

For readers who are interested, share your own interpretation of the violent events. Or, if you prefer dude fights over chick fights, check out our gallery of other Noteworthy sports brawls.

-- Amy Silverstein

Photo: Jerry S. Mendoza / AP   

Is the season already over for the Clippers?

Leave it to the Clippers to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Wasn't it just a few days ago that eyebrows were raised and hopes were lifted upon hearing the news that all-star point guard Baron Davis was going to leave Golden State and star in the Clip Show? Quicker than one could say "a pair of season tickets, please" came the just-as-shocking news that two of the best Clippers were setting sail elsewhere: Elton Brand to the 76ers and Corey Maggette to the Warriors.

How could this happen so quickly? Will Davis live up to his commitment to come to L.A.? Did Brand and Maggette make the right moves by leaving a Clipper team that, if they had stayed, would have been truly competitive with young center Chris Kaman? But the real question is, is it already over for the Clippers before it even started? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

-- Tony Pierce
   
Photo of Corey Maggette and Elton Brand by Anacleto Rapping / Los Angeles Times

Shaq disses Kobe...in a rap

On Sunday, Shaq rapped some lyrics that have spread around the web faster than Phoenix got bumped out of the playoffs. "You know how I be. Last week Kobe couldn't do without me." TMZ had the video, the newspapers had copy, and even we here at the L.A. Times had a story. Here's an excerpt:

Here's another snippet of what he said Sunday, in which he suggests Bryant's comments were a factor in O'Neal's separating from his wife, Shaunie: "I'm a horse. Kobe ratted me out. That's why I'm getting divorced. He said Shaq gave a [woman] a mil[lion dollars]. I don't do that 'cause my name's Shaquille."

Apparently Shaq is still thinking about Kobe and smarting from their breakup. Not only that, but he's blaming the MVP for his divorce.

Do you think Shaq has an argument or is he giving Kobe a bad rap?

-- Tony Pierce

Photo: Los Angeles Times file