ESPN L.A.'s Mark Saxon reported the Dodgers "have been simmering for a couple of weeks" at the state of MLB's replay rules, but last night's 5-4 loss to the Marlins "turned up the heat." Some inside the Dodgers' clubhouse "have wondered whether umpires are hesitant to overturn close calls because they are protecting their colleagues in the field." Umpires "are penalized and rewarded based on their record of making correct calls." Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, who was ejected last night for arguing a call, "wouldn't go so far as to suggest such a conspiracy when asked about it." Other managers also have "expressed frustration with the current replay system," including the Angels' Mike Scioscia (ESPNLA.com, 5/13).
CHIPPY FOULS: In Chicago, Philip Hersh writes there is "no debate over the dullest two minutes in sports" -- the "end of an NBA playoff game." Hersh: "I still can't endure how long it takes for the NBA to slog through what should be the climactic moments of a game at the high point of the season. They seem to last 100 years. Especially in comparison to the end of NHL games" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/14). Meanwhile, in Minneapolis, Jim Souhan wrote the NHL has become "not only more compelling" than the NBA, it has "somehow become more attractive." Souhan: "The NHL no longer allows players to randomly bump and hug opponents. The NBA seems to be encouraging it" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/13).
AROUSING OPINION: In Vancouver, E. Spencer Kyte wrote there “should have only been one reaction from the MMA world” to UFC fighter Ronda Rousey appearing on the cover of this week’s issue of SI: a "loud, boisterous ovation.” It is “a really, really big deal that should be universally recognized as such.” But social media "lit up with an abundance of criticisms” after the news became public. Landing the SI cover is indicative of the “impact Rousey has made both in the sport and in the mainstream.” She is “crossing over, something fans and media alike have been hoping a UFC athlete would do for years." Kyte: "Now that it appears Rousey is on the verge of making that move, here comes the self-loathing, ‘kill it from within’ MMA world to find ways to diminish what should be held out as an all-out positive for Rousey, the UFC and mixed martial arts as a whole” (THEPROVINCE.com, 5/13).
