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Monday, October 5, 2015

Booze vs. Baseball: #Sabathia checks into rehab

Booze vs. Baseball: #Sabathia checks into rehab

It’ about #CC Sabathia now and not baseball

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- This is not about baseball when it comes to the situation regarding Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia. 

Of course it is about the person, his family, and hopes that this talented and giving athlete will recover from his battle of alcohol abuse. As Sabathia said, “I don’t want to run and hide,” and that speaks volumes.

Because we as a society tend to bypass that the world of sports called “fun and games” is supposed to be a diversion of the everyday difficulties, the latest setback to CC Sabathia does hold significance. And as much as Sabathia’s teammates look to continue their season tomorrow night in the Bronx with an elimination baseball game, what is more important is Sabathia is in rehab and will recover.

The game or the individual?  For Sabathia, obvious the game means nothing at this point and for that there can only be hope that this shocking revelation of alcohol abuse will be overcome and lead to continued success for CC Sabathia.

This is not about baseball. And it has nothing to do with rooting against the Yankees and the anti Yankees fans, as they said on social media, “Good for the Yankees. Good it was them and not us.” No, the proper attitude at this point is that CC Sabathia gets through this and overcomes the adversity.

From a baseball perspective, and for the Yankees and their loyal fans, this one stings. If the Yankees advance in their Al wild card elimination game against the Houston Astros tomorrow night in the Bronx, Sabathia was in the plan to get the start in game two of the ALDS. He has been pitching like the ace again in his past four starts with an improved and well structured knee brace.

And through all of this, as we know now, Sabathia has been battling a bigger fight with his addiction to alcohol. In that Yankees locker room playoff spot celebration this past Thursday night, Sabathia was the first to speak. He was one of the first to pour the bubbly over the heads of jubilant teammates, the first to have a sip of one or more beers that were a part of the entire post game victory party.

But that is always a part of a Major League Baseball team victory celebration, the bubbly and the beer, except this revelation by Sabathia Monday afternoon brings up a question. Coincidence, or was CC Sabathia during a time of his addiction out of line? That is a matter of Sabathia answering for himself, and for the time being he only asks that we all respect the privacy of himself, and his family as Sabathia’s biggest victory is yet to come.

Overcoming his addiction is far more important right now than throwing a shutout on the mound or helping lead his team to another championship.

“We will miss him of course but this is more important,” GM Brian Cashman said to the media Monday afternoon. There was concern etched on his face and it had nothing to do with a big game against the Astros Tuesday night.

We forget that the manager, Joe Girardi has to deal with more adversity. Never mind the significance of that game tomorrow night or that Sabathia would not be available for the postseason should the Yankees advance. Girardi has a challenge ahead, but CC Sabathia has a bigger one.

“He came to me before the game yesterday and said he needed help,” Girardi said. Those words were coming from a pitcher with a multi million dollar contract who was crying for help, and not about an important game. Girardi knew it was more important than Sabathia once again trying to become the ace if this postseason has a long life.

But it is the life after baseball for CC Sabathia, and not the goal of winning another championship now for the New York Yankees. As difficult as that may sound, it is that old and same story about these mega million ballplayers fighting the same demons that are an unfortunate part of society.

“Give him credit,” Girardi said. “I give him like I said a lot of courage to step up when he did. He knew his family and his children were first. When he came in yesterday I was no longer a manager. I wanted to make sure the first core of action was taken.”

That was yesterday as the Yankees finished their season on a losing note. This was the last thing Girardi or his team wanted to hear, but those who have been through the adversity of a friend, family member or colleague dealing with this addiction can understand the emotions that are going on with Girardi and the Yankees.

They are a family, as every baseball team seems to know through February until the games are over.

“I love baseball and I love my teammates,” Sabathia said in a statement. “And I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series.”   Now that push will be for the full recovery of CC Sabathia.

Girardi said, “We have a wonderful clubhouse. Everyone loves CC like a brother. We call ourselves a family. Players have other distractions… I tell players to deal with them and CC did.” And he said, CC has always been a competitor as we are all aware. 

Yes this is another distraction for the Yankees, in a season of many. More so a baseball game tomorrow night does not seem as important and the consensus is those teammates of Sabathia have a similar feeling.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Twitter@Ring786  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

#CCSabathia #Rehab #Yankees #Bronx #New York #Bronx News

BRONX NEWS: Nabe on Edge Following #Legionnaires Meeting

BRONX NEWS: Nabe on Edge Following #Legionnaires Meeting: Nabe on Edge Following #Legionnaires Meeting Few Fears Calmed By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Few fears were eased during l...

Nabe on Edge Following #Legionnaires Meeting

Nabe on Edge Following #Legionnaires Meeting
Few Fears Calmed


By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Few fears were eased during last week’s emergency meeting on the outbreak of Legionnaires in Morris Park which has claimed one life. In fact the revelation that the infected towers were cleaned after the South Bronx outbreak and apparently had the bacteria now has many concerned.

The revelation came during the Health Department’s presentation on the latest outbreak to strike the Bronx. The towers in this latest outbreak had been cleaned after the South Bronx outbreak in the summer. Yet recent testing discovered the bacteria in the cooling towers throughout Morris Park and parts of Pelham Bay including Lehman High School.

So far in this cluster 13 total cases have been diagnosed with one fatality. Four people have been discharged and eight are still hospitalized

In addition to Lehman High School, the following locations also tested positive for the disease: the Chase bank at 2725 East Tremont; Calvary Hospital at 1740 Eastchester Rd.; Lehman High School at 2964 East Tremont; Bronx State Psychiatric at 1500 Waters Pl.; Einstein College at 1199 Sacket Ave., 1845 Eastchester Rd., and 1301 Morris Park Ave.

“I question the inspection process. We were told the tanks are clean and they passed inspection and here we are again,” said Councilman James Vacca. “What we need is an explanation as to how this occurs. It’s the same problem.”

“Here we are once again,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “We need to know what’s going on.”

In Morris Park, residents are on edge. The neighborhood has been decorated for the upcoming Bronx Columbus Day Parade yet all anyone is talking about is the outbreak. The local supermarket has a sign in its window stating that it does not have a cooling tower. This is a reference to the cooling towers in large buildings where the disease has been detected.

“We need answers. This is something that is unheard of in this day and age,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “We need to make sure that we’re safe and secure.”

“Legionnaires is a very treatable disease,” said Dr. Mary Bassett.

The city Health Commissioner said they recently noticed a group of people being diagnosed with Legionnaires living in the Morris Park community. Health officials then went to inspect the cooling towers in Morris Park and discovered the cluster.

So far no other cases have discovered of people who have been diagnosed no later than September 21.

“We’re not worried about Legionnaires being in the water,” Bassett said. “Our water is completely safe.”

The Health Commissioner said the water was safe to drink and to bathe in. 

Legionnaires is present in our environment all the time. People cannot contract it from person to person. People contract the disease from water droplets or mist in which the bacteria is present. People contract the disease two to 10 days after ingesting the tainted droplets.

Right now Bassett said health officials have to wait to see if any new cases are diagnosed after the September 21st date. 

“This is a bacteria that takes time to grow and Mother Nature can’t speed that up,” Bassett said. “Because we’re better at diagnosing it we see more cases of Legionnaires Disease.”
The infected usually have compromised health systems such as the elderly, smokers and those with respiratory problems.

The latest Legionnaires outbreak comes on the heals of an outbreak in the South Bronx which claimed the lives of 12 people and infected 120. There the Opera House Hotel was determined to be the cause of the outbreak.

In January, the first outbreak of Legionnaires occurred in Co-op City. Three people have already filed lawsuits against the management company that runs Co-op City for failing to maintain the cooling towers which they claim resulted in them contracting Legionnaires. 

The outbreaks in such diverse neighborhoods have residents scratching their heads as to what is causing the outbreaks.

In August, Mayor deBasio and health officials declared an end to the outbreak after no new cases were discovered in the South Bronx.

Such pronouncements that the outbreaks were over by the mayor and health officials have led residents to question whether they were downplaying the outbreaks. 

“I told the News that we were going to get another case and another,” said Frank Belcher.

The former Riverbay board member had been trying to get more information when the first outbreak occurred in Co-op City last winter. The outspoken critic attended the town hall meeting at Maestros’ and told the News that he heard the same official line when the Co-op City outbreak occurred. Belcher, like others question whether the water towers are the source of the contamination regardless of what health officials say.

“They keep talking about water towers. It can’t be the water towers,” Belcher said. “They tell you the water coming into the building is fine and then they tell you to clean the shower heads.”


#Legionnaires #Outbreak #Morris Park #Bronx #New York #Bronx News, 

BRONX NEWS: CC Checks into Rehab

BRONX NEWS: CC Checks into Rehab: CC Checks into Rehab STATEMENT FROM CC #SABATHIA: “Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive ...

CC Checks into Rehab

CC Checks into Rehab


STATEMENT FROM CC #SABATHIA:

“Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease.

“I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series. It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player.

“I want to thank the New York Yankees organization for their encouragement and understanding. Their support gives me great strength and has allowed me to move forward with this decision with a clear mind.

“As difficult as this decision is to share publicly, I don’t want to run and hide. But for now please respect my family’s need for privacy as we work through this challenge together.

“Being an adult means being accountable. Being a baseball player means that others look up to you. I want my kids — and others who may have become fans of mine over the years — to know that I am not too big of a man to ask for help. I want to hold my head up high, have a full heart and be the type of person again that I can be proud of. And that’s exactly what I am going to do.

“I am looking forward to being out on the field with my team next season playing the game that brings me so much happiness.”

#CCSabathia #Rehab #Alcohol #Yankees #Bronx #New York #Sports #Bronx News



BRONX NEWS: #Fordham Wins Keep Rolling On

BRONX NEWS: #Fordham Wins Keep Rolling On: #Fordham Wins Keep Rolling On Football Opens Patriot League Slate with 35‐7 Win at Lafayette Chase Edmonds runs for 234 yards, two scores ...

#Fordham Wins Keep Rolling On

#Fordham Wins Keep Rolling On

Football Opens Patriot League Slate with 35‐7 Win at Lafayette Chase Edmonds runs for 234 yards, two scores

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- One thing is for sure of the 2015 Fordham University football Rams. They are multi‐faceted. 

Chase Edmonds rushed for 234 yards and two scores to lead a potent offense. The defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and five sacks in holding Lafayette to just 62 net rushing yards and the special teams unit blocked a pair of field goal attempts as the Rams opened defense of their Patriot League title with a 35‐7 win at Fisher Stadium on Saturday night.

With the win, Fordham improves to 4‐1 overall, 1‐0 in the Patriot League, while Lafayette falls to 1‐4 overall, 0‐1 in the league.

The win was the first for the Rams in Easton since 2007, snapping a streak of three straight losses to Lafayette in Fisher Stadium.

The 234 rushing yards was a career‐high for Edmonds, who notched his third career 200‐yard game, while quarterback Kevin Anderson, who threw five touchdowns passes in each of the previous two games, completed ten of 20 passes for 149 yards and two scores.

Defensively, Fordham held Lafayette to 287 yards of total offense with Stephen Hodge leading the way, recording a team‐high eight tackles, five solo, while also blocking one of the field goal attempts. Marcus Fulmore added six tackles for the Rams while also breaking up two passes while Lourenzo Smith and Noah Fitzgerald each picked off a pass for Fordham.

Things got off on the wrong foot for the Rams as Jihaad Pretlow fielded the opening kickoff and then attempted a lateral to Kendall Pearcey but the toss was short and Lafayette took over on the Fordham 10. One play later, the Leopards took a 7‐0 lead on a DeSean Brown touchdown run.

Later in the first, Lafayette moved to the Fordham 18 but a third down pass was incomplete and the Leopards lined up for a 35‐yard field goal attempt. But Hodge broke through the line and blocked the kick, which was picked up by George Dawson, who returned it to the Lafayette five.

On the next play, Kevin Anderson found Phazahn Odom for the score to knot the game at seven.

The Fordham defense buckled down, trapping the Leopards back on their own 15 with six seconds left in the first. A Lafayette punt and an illegal block call on the Rams put the ball on the Fordham 43 with no time left on the clock but the period wasn’t over as Fordham had one untimed play left. Another penalty on the Rams moved the ball back to the 33 and on the final play of the first, Edmonds took it around the right side and to the end zone for a 67‐yard rushing touchdown and a 14‐7 Fordham lead after one.

The Fordham defense gave no quarter on Lafayette’s first possession on the second quarter and the Rams took over at midfield following a punt. After Anderson hit Jonathan Lumley for a three‐yard gain, three straight Edmonds rushes picked up 31 yards, placing the ball on the Lafayette 16. Kendall Pearcey came on and covered the final 16 yards, the last five with defenders draped over him, to give Fordham a 21‐7 lead four minutes into the second quarter.

The Leopards threatened on the ensuing possession, moving to the Fordham 40 but a deep Drew Brown pass was intercepted by Smith on the Fordham five.

Lafayette also had a chance for a score on the final play of the half but JQ Bowers blocked a 34‐yard field goal attempt as the Rams took a 21‐7 lead into the break.

The Fordham defense held Lafayette to a three and out on the first possession of the second half and the Rams made quick work on offense as Anderson found a wide open Cory Caddle with a 71‐yard touchdown pass to put Fordham up 28‐7 early in the third quarter.

Later in the third, Anderson moved the Rams from their own 45 to the Lafayette one where Edmonds scored his second rushing touchdown of the game.

The Leopards had a scoring opportunity early in the fourth but a Lafayette pass from inside the Fordham ten into the end zone was tipped and intercepted by Noah Fitzgerald for the Rams.

Caddle, Odom, Austin Longi, Jonathan Lumley and Jordan Allen each had a pair of catches for the Rams.

Fordham returns to action next Saturday, October 10, as the Rams travel to Philadelphia, Pa., to face the University of Pennsylvania Quakers on Franklin Field at 1:00 p.m.

Edmonds’ 234 rushing yards brings his career total to 2,492, moving him into sixth place on the Fordham career rushing list while his two touchdown runs give him 30 all‐time, moving him into third on the career rushing touchdown list, just one behind Rick Hollawell for second.

Edmonds’ previous career rushing high was 231 yards, set against Rhode Island last year. Fordham controlled the ball for almost eleven minutes in the final quarter (10:57).

The Rams were a perfect 3‐for‐3 in the red zone with all three scores being touchdowns while Lafayette was only 1‐for‐ 5.

Fordham now leads the Patriot League with seven interceptions and 14 sacks on the year. The Rams are also a league‐ best +4 in turnover margin.

Fordham is now 12‐1 against Patriot League opponents over the past three years (the Rams were a perfect 6‐0 last fall and 5‐1 in 2013, though the games in 2013 did not count in the league standings).


The Rams have now won 33 games since 2012, the most wins for any New York City area football team. The win was only Fordham’s sixth at Lafayette in 20 tries.

#Fordham #Rams #Football #Bronx #New York #Sports #Bronx News