Quick Hits: Barkley, Big Brown, Lottery . . . Oh, And Some Fighting

"Sir Charles" announced on TNT last night that he's through with gambling . . . for now. Barkley wouldn't commit to quitting for life, but said he won't gamble for the next 1-2 years. This came after a controversy surrounding an outstanding casino debt. I've always liked Barkley (especially as a TV personality), but his numerous failed diets have demonstrated his lack of will power, and I don't see how this scenario will end with different results.

Big Brown is one win away from the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. While the tragedy at the Derby put a damper on Big Brown's performance in Kentucky, nothing could detract from his dominating performance at the Preakness.

When Jannero Pargo missed a wide open 3 from the corner with about 1 minute remaining, I could feel the 2008 playoffs losing some if their luster. Sure, the Lakers and Celtics are still alive, and this is seemingly the matchup everyone is pining for. But, on the flip side, there's Detroit and San Antonio. Should the Pistons and Spurs win their series', we will get a rematch of the most boring 7 games in playoff history (also known as the 2005 NBA Finals)

The NBA Draft Lottery takes place tonight (followed by game 1 of the Eastern Finals) @ 7:30 on ESPN. I hear Jay-Z's representing the Nets . . . why should we care?

This Saturday it's a battle pitting Hawaiian Pride vs. 'Roid Rage, as BJ Penn takes on Sean Sherk for the UFC Lightweight Championship. The "Ill Will" card also features Wanderlei Silva squaring off aginst Keith Jardine, and Tito Ortiz vs. Lyoto Machida.

Also this Saturday, Ricky Hatton (43-1) returns to action against Juan Lazcano (37-4-1). Lazcano should challenge Hatton, but don't expect any upsets. Lazcano would have to KO Ricky to get a win in the UK, and i don't see that happening. Hatton by TKO Rd. 10.

Derby Turns Tragic - But, Do We Really Care?

My grandfather took bets at a race track for 30 years. I've been to the big races and to the Thursday matinee, where only the most die hard gamblers make a showing. I am not naive to the goings on at horse tracks around the country. I understand the money, the corruption, and the greed that drives the sport. But, there is undeniably something beautiful, about seeing a pack of thoroughbreds round the stretch. Only in horse racing can this beauty be tarnished by a brutal reality in the blink of an eye.

On Saturday we turned a blind eye to tragedy. This is the only sport where the winners weep with joy, while a competitor's horse lie dying on the track. The viewing audience got very little coverage on Eight Belles' tragic death. Instead we saw the victors celebrating, in a moment that was more fit for mourning.

Could you imagine a professional fighter posturing and preening for the crowd if his opponent had just died in the ring? Do you see NBA players celebrating when an opposing team's star player goes down with a serious injury? When a football player goes down, you often see opposing players kneeling in prayer. But, this is horse racing, where the lives of these animals mean nothing, other than dollar signs.

20 horses in a race is dangerous, but it makes for an exciting stampede when they break the gates. The crowd roars it's approval, while the horse's safety (and for that matter the jockey's) is given very little consideration. In the end, to most Americans, they are just horses. While we (and congress) focus on Roger Clemens' alleged steroid use and his past affair with a 15 year old girl, this Derby tragedy will be swept under the rug. There will be no discussions on the safety of the horses, and there will be no outcry from the public, calling for tighter regulation and smaller race fields (15 max).

There will be no demand for change, because after all, they are only animals.

Daily Bodog Pick

bodog.com Pick of the Day
Friday, March 9
NBA Basketball: L.A. Lakers (-1.5) @ Philadelphia 76ers
7:05 PM ET

Overall Record Against the Spread (3-5)

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