Second Thoughts: How about Duvall vs. Frazier in HR Derby?


Knucklehead of the Week

Lionel Messi, a big soccer star in Europe, is appealing a Spanish court decision that found him and his father guilty of tax fraud. Messi’s lawyers say that a “corrective payment” made after charges were filed should be considered. I guess Messi figured writing a big check after he got caught would make the legal world swoon at his generosity. Messi and his dad were fined a few million dollars and sentenced to 21 months in prison. They’ll likely just get probation because sports stars and politicians neraly always wiggle out of these messes.

So Kevin Durant is joining the Warriors, taking the “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach in favor of rolling up his sleeves. Good thing the Cavaliers rallied to win the NBA title this year, because they might be one and done. In other news, Wayne and Centerville will combine their football teams, just to make sure they win the GWOC title this fall.

The Reds are going for two straight Home Run Derby titles Monday night, their hopes resting on upstart Adam Duvall. I always want to type "Robert Duvall" instead of Adam Duvall, which makes me want to watch "Lonesome Dove." C'mon, focus.

Duvall is young, energetic and wide-eyed, so he has a chance. He also had 22 home runs heading into the weekend. Duvall could face former Red and defending champ Todd Frazier in the second round. That could be as dramatic as it gets for Reds fans this season.

Dwyane Wade shocked what Miami Heat fans remain when he bolted for his hometown of Chicago last week. If the Bulls had a big man they'd be dangerous. Wade can't have much left in the tank, which probably is why the Heat low-balled him. Thirteen years ago, Wade put up 29 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists to help Marquette knock off top-seeded Kentucky 83-69 in an NCAA regional final. One of the best individual performances I can recall.

It didn't take long for the former St. Louis Rams to get acclimated in Los Angeles. Some of the L.A. Rams players will star in a reality show called "Hollywood & Football." It will air on the E! network, which will have to carve out time in between clips of pampered movie stars struggling to stay under 120 pounds. Video of the Rams stuck in traffic will be fascinating.

Trending up: Clayton Murphy, Dirk Nowitzki, Brian Bell. Murphy, who graduated from Tri-Village High School, used a great kick to win the 800-meter finals at the U.S. Olympic Trials. The New Madison native might be the fastest thing in Darke County this side of Eldora Speedway. Murphy announced last week that he will turn pro and sign with Nike, meaning he will get paid and get a sweet wardrobe with plenty of swooshes.

Trending down: Tyson Fury, Zack Greinke, Christian Laettner. Fury — is that his real name? — was supposed to defend his heavyweight championship belt against Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night. Instead, he pulled out of the fight citing an ankle injury. Some insiders called BS on that. Fury also denies reports that he tested positive for a banned substance. The fight has been rescheduled for Oct. 29. Hey, it's boxing.

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