Spellman's Scorecard: Braun, Marshall and more
OK, I just had some cream and a lozenge, so this should be a heck of a Scorecard.
Ha:Like that's ever gonna happen.Fun with words:The best part of Ryan Braun's explanation was his use of the word lozenge.There's a word you don't hear nearly enough these days, joining shenanigans, rumpus room and Mrs. Grundy in that department.And now back to sports:Yeah, I'll admit it: This Brandon Marshall mini soap opera has me a little concerned. Not over-the-top concerned, but a little worried nonetheless.He was so good on and off the field last year that when camp started this season and you didn't hear much from him, I began to wonder.And then there was that Raiders game.And then his comments the other day.And then the four-day #8220;planned#8221; weekend away.Hope I'm wrong to be concerned.That's it for Bears talk here:You'll get more than enough of it over the next 10 days.Sign of the times:Johnny Football will be suspended for a half #8230; against Rice.Growing up, I wish I had been suspended for a half every time we had Brussels sprouts.Never liked those things.Although Belgium is lovely.What?NFL reaches concussion settlement:Yeah, for now, but #8230;Bring on the good:Concussions, steroids, NCAA violations, oh my.How about some good news, some things to look forward to this Labor Day weekend?Here are three:#376;High school football.#376;The top three contenders for Player of the Year #8212; Tiger, Phil and Adam Scott #8212; grouped together Friday at the Deutsche Bank Championship.#376;Wilcox Inn, Mister Mardi Gras and four others duking it out in Saturday's running of the Grade III $150,000 Washington Park Handicap at Arlington.Can't keep 'em out:What does it say about Blackhawks fans that the Predators and the Blues will potentially sacrifice gate receipts just to keep all those red jerseys out of their buildings?Um, it says they're awesome #8230; and loud, and willing to travel to see their guys in action, wherever and whenever.Other teams can only dream of having that kind of support.Lets hear it for the kids:In a sport with an aging demographic roaming the grandstands (i.e. middle-aged guys in T-shirts, jorts and extendo socks), it's refreshing when the next generation in the horse racing game sparkles.Like Arlington's Brian Spencer, recently named racing analyst for the upcoming Fairgrounds meet.I've only known him for a few years, but this guy absolutely knows his horses and no doubt will succeed in whatever role he has in the game.News/not news:Item: Jim Cornelison will sing the national anthem before the upcoming Nationwide race at Chicagoland Speedway.Reaction: Haven't we reached the point where it's only news when Cornelison doesn't sing the anthem at a major local event?What a combo:Does it get any better than dogs and Frisbees?I don't think so.If you agree, the Riverwalk in Naperville is the place to be Sunday and Monday for the Windy City K9 Classic.Kudos:To apprentice jockey Heidi Rose, a longtime assistant to trainer Louie Roussel, who picked up career victory No. 1 in just 10 tries while aboard Silver Prince in the first race Thursday at Arlington.And finally:Whatever your plans, make it a great Labor Day weekend.mspellman@dailyherald.com