Critics keep hands off U.S. women

Maybe the media feels guilt over its relative lack of coverage of women's sports, leading to hesitance to criticize female athletes -- even when the situation screams for it.

The situation cried for it in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday after the U.S. handed the victory to Japan, which won on penalty kicks.

The Americans had the match won twice and never should've let it go to extra time. It reached that point because Rachel Buehler and, especially, Ali Krieger, failed to clear the ball that led directly to Japan's tying goal in the 81st minute.

Had the Keystone Kops routine not occurred, the U.S. would be celebrating its third World Cup title.

Yet, media criticism was not merely restrained, it was nearly nonexistent.

"Maybe the Krieger (reaction) will come later in the week," TheBigLead.com wrote. "How did Krieger ... who had enjoyed a brilliant World Cup run to this point (she was the one, remember, who punched in the decisive penalty kick against Brazil), handle being the Scott Norwood/Bill Buckner/Ralph Terry of this World Cup?"

■ STIFF-ARMING THE HEISMAN -- Taking the Heisman Trophy away from Reggie Bush's family will be as difficult as it was to tackle the elusive back during his memorable 2005 season when he won the award.

The Heisman Trust vacated the honor for that year after Bush was accused by the NCAA of receiving improper benefits while starring at Southern California.

Bush said he would agree to give up the title as Heisman winner, but never said he would return the trophy, which was shipped to his parents Friday after being displayed at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

The Heisman Trust, according to danpatrick.com, requested the trophy be given back. Bush nor his parents are talking publicly, however, so their intentions are unknown.

Their actions suggest that trophy isn't leaving California.

■ NO FIELD OF DREAMS -- Qumar Zaman, announcer for the independent Lake County Fielders near Chicago, quit on the air after a recent game.

"I got sick of having to witness the coaches take money out of their pocket to give me and the players money for food or for airplane baggage fees," Zaman said. "I got sick of having to see these players have their hopes and dreamed dashed because they weren't paid in a timely manner for doing their job. I got sick of having to see the group of players that I grew to become great friends with have to split up because ownership was stringing us along while on the road."

The Kevin Costner-owned Fielders are a wreck even Crash Davis can't save.

Manager Tim Johnson resigned before a game July 9, and 11 players refused to play that night. Hitting coach Pete LaCock took over, and then proceeded to put pitchers in the field and fielders on the mound.

Jose Canseco, player/manager for the Yuma Scorpions, put himself on the mound and pitched his team to an 8-3 victory over Lake County.

The Fielders responded by trading nine players and releasing 14 others.

Maybe Frank McCourt should buy the team. On credit, of course.

COMPILED BY MARK ANDERSON
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL