UCLA football: Jerzy Siewierski out indefinitely

UCLA defensive tackle Jerzy Siewierski is out indefinitely with plantar fasciitis in his right foot.

Siewierski, who has started every game, was injured during practice Wednesday and left the field on crutches. Senior Jess Ward is expected to start at defensive tackle when the Bruins face Oregon State on Saturday.

Siewierski, considered one of the best all-around athletes on the team, has 26 tackles this season, second among defensive linemen.

Coach Rick Neuheisel said he was unsure how long Siewierski would be out.

-- Chris Foster

Andrew Kamenetzky: Manny Ramirez talks about his game-winning grand slam

Bottom of the sixth inning. One out. Bases loaded.  Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds tied at two runs apiece. Manny Ramirez, to this point, seated on the bench, having suffered a hand injury during the previous night's contest. Before the game, Joe Torre informed us that, unless circumstances dictated a pressing need, No. 99 would be given a breather to heal his paw, despite it being Manny Ramirez bobblehead night. These being circumstances that could be described as "pressing," however, Torre elected to send out his biggest bat.

The crowd was immediately buzzing, and I turned to another reporter.  "Manny is already a rock star in this town as it is. Think what happens if he comes through here." And by "comes through," I was thinking something along the lines of an RBI-single. Maybe even a double to clear the base paths. Basically, breaking the knot in favor of the Blue. Well, Manny had other plans.

Without the benefit of batting practice or even a session off a tee, dude rakes the first offering from newly inserted reliever Nick Masset (a 96-mph fastball) into the "Mannywood" section of left field. Grand slam. Dodger Stadium is louder than I've ever heard the place. Manny takes two curtain calls, then plays real-life bobblehead by briefly bouncing his head up and down to the amusement of his teammates.

As I noted to Ramirez after the game, it's almost ridiculous that so many circumstances would collide to create one of the coolest athletic achievements I've ever witnessed. You just can't make this stuff up, in large part because you'd feel stupid even trying. To say the least, this cat is worth the price of admission.

Here's what Manny said about a moment he described as "one of the best moments in my career."

-- Andrew Kamenetzky

Andrew Kamenetzky: Manny's return is a distraction and admitting so is half the battle

In the world of sports, whenever a team faces a bump in the road ranging from "smallish" to "batten down the hatches and hang on for dear life" happens, we are typically guaranteed two responses.

1) Athletes will be asked by a gaggle of writers if said event is a "distraction."

2) Said athletes will do their best to insist said event is not a "distraction."

There are, however, cases big enough in which the rules' exceptions are observed.  For example, Manny Ramirez returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers from a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a female fertility drug that is banned by baseball. It's impossible to pretend the impending media circus taking its big top to San Diego for a series against the Padres won't be in the back, front and every corner of the team's collective heads. Thus, I was glad Joe Torre and several Dodgers didn't pretend otherwise.

Andrew Kamenetzky: Blake Griffin news conference video

Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin was officially introduced to the media on Monday at the LAC training center in Playa Vista.   The rookie from Oklahoma (the state and University) was the #1 overall choice in this season's draft, the consensus no-brainer after snagging the 2009 Naismith, Wooden, AP and National Player of the Year Awards.  Basically, every honor except an Oscar (and the reasons he didn't even get nominated -- in my humble opinion -- were nothing short of political).

But is Griffin, who fell into the Clippers' lap after besting the 17.7% odds, capable of jump-starting this comically downtrodden franchise?  That remains to be seen, but for what it's worth, fans can breathe easy knowing the kid smacks not even a hint of the last dude plucked at the same position eleven years ago.  Beyond likely possessing more skill than Michael Olowokandi as we speak, Griffin is clearly more professional, hard working and motivated.  The Kandi Man never seemed concerned about his performance unless it was a contract year.  If Griffin washes out, I'd be stunned if apathy was the culprit.  Take that for what it's worth as you watch the videos below

Mike Dunleavy doesn't exactly have a "player's coach" rep, instead known for being extraordinarily hands one and none too fond of latitude.  That shouldn't be a problem for Griffin, since he's already survived a stint with one hombre of a coach, who also happens to double as his father.  "I'm scared of my dad," smiled Griffin, who then praise the example set by both of his parents.

Andrew Kamenetzky: Vin Scully, on the passing of Harry Kalas

Before today's home opener at Dodger Stadium, Vin Scully spoke briefly with a few reporters about the passing of a fellow icon, Harry Kalas. The longtime Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster/NFL Films voice collapsed in the Nationals Park booth before a Phillies-Nationals game. As is often the case, Scully found some nice words in praising his colleague.

"He had World Series rings, a Hall of Fame announcer, but he was a wonderful guy. Everybody loved Harry. I would think, of all the people in baseball to grieve, I might guess that Mike Schmidt, the Hall of Fame third baseman (would the most). I know how much he admired Harry and I know how much Harry thought of him. I think Mike, along with many other people (will be mourning). And I'm sure the city of Philadelphia has been just decimated, because they did love him completely."

On Kalas dying while preparing to call a baseball game.
"He did leave us doing what he loved to do: getting ready to do another ballgame."

On Kalas as a person
"Above all, yeah, he was a wonderful talent, but he really was a delightful guy. First and foremost."

-- Andrew Kamenetzky

In this July 2, 2002 file photo, Philadelphia Phillies announcer Harry Kalas looks out over Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia before the start of the New York Mets-Phillies game. Kalas, who punctuated innumerable home runs with his "Outta Here!" call, died Monday, April 13, 2009 after being found in the broadcast booth before a game against the Washington Nationals. He was 73. (AP Photo/George Widman)

Andrew Kamenetzky: John McCain seeks posthumous pardon for Jack Johnson

Arizona Sen. John McCain is lobbying to get a posthumous pardon for boxing legend Jack Johnson.  The former heavyweight champ was convicted in 1913 for violating the Mann Act, which outlawed the transportation of women across state lines for immoral purposes. By all accounts, Johnson was mostly "guilty" of being involved with a white woman, and the charges, along with his 10-month jail stint, were shamefully and transparently motivated by racism.

"When we couldn't beat him in the ring, the white power establishment decided to beat him in the courts," Ken Burns told the Associated Press in a telephone interview. Burns' 2005 documentary, "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson," examined Johnson's case and the sentencing judge's admitted desire to "send a message" to black men about relationships with white women.

Ugly times, for sure. 

Johnson's attempt to resurrect his career after prison was unsuccessful, and he eventually died in a 1946 car crash at 68. 

Andrew Kamenetzky: The Milwaukee Bucks locker room is a "No Twitter" zone

So learned Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva after it came to light that recent halftime Gatorade and orange slices also included some down low Twitter action.  During the intermission of an eventual 86-77 win over the Boston Celtics last Sunday, CV slipped away to deliver the following message to the devotees of his "CV31" ID.

"In da locker room, snuck to post with my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up."

While some might consider it admirable that Villanueva took the initiative to channel his inner- and cyber- "Knute Rockne", Coach Scott Skiles wasn't digging it, and put the kibosh on any further in-game "tweets."  Personally, I think the larger point is being missed.   

The Bucks are jockeying for the eighth spot in the East without the services of stars Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut.  They had lost seven of their previous 10 before beating Boston, who aren't just the defending champs, but the first squad over .500 the Bucks downed since a Feb. 22 win over the Nuggets.  Why on Earth would you change anything that helped create a positive trend?  Were I Skiles, I'd not only let Villanueva -- who led the team with 19 points -- tweet at halftime until his thumbs bled, I'd make the entire team do it.  Redd, Bogut and anyone else in street clothes would be doing Twitter play-by-play accounts of the game from the sidelines.  Hell, Damon Jones could record his DNP-CDs with a freakin' desktop computer in his lap for all I'd care.  But Scott, my man, don't abandon what's working, because frankly, so little else has. 

If the Bucks wrap up the regular season on the outside of the postseason looking in, I think fans of CV31 should send some sternly worded tweets to the Bucks front office. 

AK

Andrew Kamenetzky: When mascots and mustaches go bad

There is a large cross-section of sports fans that aren't big on mascots. There's an even larger cross-section of sports fans -- and in this case, by "sports fans," I mean, "the general population" -- that aren't big on mustaches, unless they're above the lip of an NFL football coach, motorcycle cop or Burt Reynolds. (Not that Jeff Kent gives a hoot.) Thus, given the negative vibes that accompany both mascots and mustaches, it should come as no surprise that bad things would occur upon their worlds colliding.

Case in point, last night's Western Athletic Conference tournament semifinal match between the Utah State Aggies and New Mexico State Aggies.  "Big Blue" the Bull, the USU mascot, ended up in a brouhaha with "Pistol Pete," a cowboy mascoting for the opponent.  Why did this happen?  Because the bull ripped the mustache off the cowpoke.  Pete can't help but react, attempting to tackle and choke Blue before cooler heads finally prevailed.

What on earth was Blue thinking, you may ask?  Well, some wise apple in the crowd offered him a C-Note to swipe Pete's 'stache.  Apparently, he didn't think Pete Maravich's namesake would react so angrily.  I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict the said money man didn't give the potential consequences quite enough thought.  I mean, if you're the type who bothers putting in the effort needed to grow a full caterpillar on your face, you better believe exception will be taken upon thievery of it. If that means violence, then put up the dukes.  You'll even take a bullet for that mustache.  Hopefully, Pete netted a hundred bucks for his troubles as well.

WAC Commissioner Karl Benson was at the event but didn't see the incident.  I'm guessing he was too busy combing out his mustache to pay attention.

Photo: New Mexico State mascot Pistol Pete, left, chokes Utah State mascot Big Blue after he had his mustache ripped off by Big Blue during a timeout in an NCAA college semifinal basketball game of the Western Athletic Conference men's tournament in Reno on Friday.

Credit: Eli Lucero/The Herald Journal

Andrew Kamenetzky: Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake bobbleheads alert

In today's lean economic times, every day is an exercise in deciding when, where and how you should spend your hard-earned dollars. And for Dodger fans desiring to see their beloved Blue in person, plunking down cheddar for tickets is no exception. Unless you can afford to spend like Krusty the Clown (and without either getting into trouble with mob or opening a clown college), spots must be picked. 

Thus, I'm gonna pass along a tip that not only helps create a wise choice, but also is one that actually gives back a little. If you're able to attend just two contests at the Ravine in '09, hit the games on May 20 against the New York Mets and July 22 against the Cincinnati Reds.  Why?  Because on the former date, you get a Casey Blake bobblehead and on the latter, a bobble bearing the likeness of Manny Ramirez.  Ceramic beards and dreadlocks, people!

Believe me, you'll be the envy of friends, enemies and the most casual of acquaintances.  I've got Joes Beimel and Torre from last season in my living room, and more than a few folks thought they were the bees' knees.  There's just something about inexpensively manufactured figurines that tickles our nation's collective fancy.  I'm guessing it's the adorable and continually moving heads. Or them being "free." Just make sure you're among the first 50,000 at the the park. It's a bummer to be 50,001 with nothing in hand but a ticket stub. 

If a third game is within the budget, there will also be a third bobblehead given out on Aug. 19 in the game against the St. Louis Cardinals, with a player apparently yet to be selected. The second I finish typing this, it's all about the campaign for Mark Loretta.

Andrew Kamenetzky: After signing contract, Manny pays it forward to fans

Well, kinda. He's not giving away any of that dough. But his presence in L.A. could help fans keep a little in their pockets. To celebrate Manny Ramirez's second go-round in Dodger Blue, Jet Blue is offering a $99 "Manny Fare" from Long Beach and Burbank airports to Ramirez's native New York (JFK) and the Boston town (from Long Beach only) that sent him packing. That Manny was willing to include Beantown in the mix after the contentious split means that he's sincere in a desire to treat problems with the Red Sox as being "in the past." And it's just one more reason to be happy Team McCourt and Team "Borirez" were able to shake hands and ink a contract. 

Said Ramirez of the deal, "I'm happy to be back in Southern California and hope Dodger fans will take advantage of the generous $99 Manny Fares from my friends at JetBlue." 

Dude's just friends with everybody these days.

There is, however, one catch. The offer is only good on flights from now until May 21, not including Friday to Sunday travel, and flights must be booked by this weekend.  But if you can work within the criteria and need to travel East, I'd jump on this. Given our current state of economic affairs -- for those who didn't get the memo, we're currently in the dumper -- I figured everyone could benefit from this heads up.   

The official press release from the Dodgers is below the jump.