NFL

LeSean McCoy

The biggest story out of the NFL this week centers on Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy and the allegations his ex-girlfriend Delicia Cordon made that McCoy organized an assault against her.

The 911 tape, released by the Milford Georgia police department last night, is the fourth incident between the two that required police involvement. This is the first incident that, according to the Milford police, has been physical.

There are plenty of moving parts to this story as it develops, but one thing is clear in my mind, McCoy’s career is undoubtedly over in the NFL. There’s no way he will be able to participate in league activities during the investigation, and whether it is determined that he is responsible or innocent of this horrible action, the damage to his reputation is done.

T.O.

Terrell Owens has always been a selfish, egotistical, self-centered player who made every effort during his NFL career to let people know that the team is not nearly as important as the player, and he is the ONLY player that matters. So it shouldn’t have surprised anyone that after the HOF did not vote him into Canton on his first year of eligibility, Owens was going to have a temper tantrum.

After being informed that he had been selected for induction into the HOF, Owens made the unprecedented move to forego the ceremony in Canton, and instead have a private ceremony at his Alma Matter, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

What happened next has renewed my faith in the NFL. The HOF committee has decided that if T.O. isn’t there for the induction, they are going to completely ignore that he is part of the class and not recognize him individually during the festivities.

In fact, they aren’t even going to allow him to properly host his ceremony in Tenn. The HOF will not make time for his speech, they will not announce his name during the ceremony, and (this is easily my favorite part) they will mail his jacket the day after the ceremony.

Owens induction into the hall is a perfect embodiment of his career. Selfishness ultimately stops him from getting the respect he probably deserves.

MLB

Homerun Derby

There is only one reason the MLB All-Star celebrations are worth watching, and it’s the Home Run Derby. Unlike the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the Derby actually has stars that participate. This year’s event is going to be awesome!

The 2018 Home Run Derby Bracket is set.

Who will be the winner?

Find out Monday on @ESPN! pic.twitter.com/A5DG6QpqM7

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 12, 2018

Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Jesus Aguilar headline the event and I couldn’t be more excited to see these guys completely smash the ball in D.C.

Make sure you follow ShellBack Sports on Facebook (@ShellBackSports) and Twitter (@ShellBackSports) as we enjoy the most American of competitions.

Orioles (26-68)

Not sure how it’s possible, but I actually saw the Orioles beat an American League team this week. TWICE! The Birds split this week’s home series against the Yanks, managing to maintain a .500 record against the AL East rivals. Against the AL, there are only two teams the O’s don’t have a losing record against. The Yankees (5-5) and the Royals (2-1). Technically the O’s aren’t losing to the Rangers either, but that’s because they play their first series against each other this weekend.

O’s fans also had a mild panic attack earlier this week as it became apparent that the Yankees had become suitors in the race for All-Star SS/3B Manny Machado.

The Los Angeles #Dodgers, Milwaukee #Brewers and New York #Yankees have separated themselves from the pack of teams who have inquired about #Orioles All-Star shortstop Manny Machado, with no clear-cut favorite at the moment.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 12, 2018

Given the current state of the Orioles fan base, I don’t know that there wouldn’t have been complete anarchy if the Yank’s had made the trade during the series and debuted him in Camden Yards. We’re still not sure what the offers have been from either team, but I worry that the Yankees have made the best offer and the Orioles are reluctant to give them the edge in the pending free agency bonanza that is going to happen this winter.

Nationals (47-46)

After Washington held its “players only meeting” a week ago, the team came out with an energy that made you believe that they were turning over a new leaf. They made historic comebacks, Reynolds had a heroic night followed by a career game.

That stint led to Reynolds being named the MLB NL Player of the Week.

Mark Reynolds hit a PH walk-off HR.
Mark Reynolds hit 2 HRs in a game.
Mark Reynolds recorded 10 RBIs in a game.
Mark Reynolds hit .625/.684/1.313 in 7 games.

Mark Reynolds has been named @MLB's NL Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/iHi4ik8Dlt

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 9, 2018

Then, the Nat’s dropped 2 of 3 to the 44-49 Pirates. Unfortunate, but Washington is still 5-3 in their last 8 games since the meeting and is treading water at one-game over .500.

World Cup

It’s been a month of exciting (I guess) World Cup soccer, and we finally have our final two teams. France will face Croatia in the final match on Sunday.

…Cool

Categories: Featured, Nationals, Orioles

Tags: All-Star Game, Baltimore Orioles, Croatia, Football, France, Hall Of Fame, Home Run Derby, LeSean McCoy, NFL, Terrell Owens, Washington Nationals, World Cup