Used to be the one thing the United States could count on during the Olympics was a track and field team to brag about.
For every Olga Korbut the Soviets brought and all the Nadia Comanecis we faced, the United States could tout Carl Lewis or Jackie Joyner-Kersee or Bruce Jenner or Michael Johnson or Evelyn Ashford. Thanks to an overzealous governing agency and some questionable leaks, that pride has turned to shame.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency moved last week to ban Tim Montgomery, the world record holder in the 100 meters, and defending world indoor 200 meter champion Michelle Collins for life due to alleged drug violations.
The organization also set its sights on Olympic hopefuls Alvin Harrison and Chryste Gaines and called into question the integrity of Marion Jones.
It would be one thing if the USADA had proof these athletes used the performance enhancing drugs it claims.
The USADA has not independently tested the athletes and is using documents obtained through its investigation to implicate them, including grand jury testimony. The problem is, grand jury testimony is sealed and therefore illegal to release.
Montgomery's lawyer, Howard Jacobs, referred to it as a "McCarthy-like move," and he doesn't seem too far off.
Until the USADA can prove - beyond a shadow of a doubt - that Montgomery, Collins, Harris, Gaines and anyone else used performance enhancing drugs, it needs to be more careful how it conducts its business in the public eye.
The investigation threatens not only the integrity of the individuals but the spirit of a nation.
Rave: It's about time: Fans rally around the Rays
The past six years have been marked by fan indifference, a passel of blue seats serving as the backdrop every time SportsCenter showed a Devil Rays home highlight.
Now people seem to be making good on their promise: Give us something to watch and we'll come.
The Rays have been the best team in baseball the past month.
They returned from Toronto after a Bucs-like 19-13 win in which they set or tied six team records. With a 25-7 record since May 20, they were at the .500 level and five games behind Boston for second in the American League East.
It's exactly what fans have been asking for since Vince Naimoli tossed his players into the fray in 1998, and now they are showing their appreciation.
There was a civic rally Friday afternoon at Baywalk to congratulate a team that, just a month ago, people ignored.
The Marlins are in town and fans attended a fish fry (HA!) in an effort to show support for the home team. The home team they finally pay attention to, that is.
Good for you, Tampa Bay baseball fans.
How many civic rallies for baseball teams can you think of before July 1?
Some people will dismiss this newfound excitement, saying it won't matter unless it lasts. It is, after all, easy to ride the coattails of a successful team.
They're wrong.
You need to start somewhere. And if it takes pep rallies in the heat of a June day and fish fries when a marine-sponsored team shows up to play, so be it.
The Devil Rays deserve it and, for once, so do the fans.
