The one-eighty

With the news breaking that Chris Benoit's death turned out to be a double murder-suicide, everyone's stance on the tragic deaths of he and his family has completely reversed. While mourning and sympathy should still be given for his wife and son, none should go towards a man who killed his wife and his own flesh and blood.

The memorial and tribute that was broadcast instead of Monday Night Raw seems preposterous and nearly appalling. A tribute to a murderer? sickening...

I'm just glad to see that WWE has made the decision to strip both its website and its programming of Benoit tributes. It is a very appropriate move considering the monstrosities that were viewed on Monday night. It's a less than shocking move really.

Now, the wait is on for the toxicology reports to come back and see if this horrific event was, as speculated, related to steroids. This can be a very damaging blow to the WWE, who has claimed it tests for the substance and also has a wellness program in place. Criticisms will be laid on heavily if word was to get out that these regulations were shames and that pro wrestlers were still on the juice. They next week will be a tense one for the higher-ups of WWE.

A sad day in the WWE

Yesterday the bodies the of former WWE Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit, his wife and his son were found in the family's home just outside of Atlanta. Benoit, 40, had missed Sunday night's Vengeance pay-per-view event stating "personal reasons." It was also reported that he said his wife and son were coughing up blood at the time. He was slated to compete for the ECW Championship but was replaced by Johnny Nitro, who ended up winning the title from C.M. Punk.

The death of the "The Canadian Crippler" or "Rabid Wolverine" caused the cancellation of last night's Monday Night Raw program and even caused Vince McMahon, who was selling an angle in which he had been incinerated during a limo fire -and shamelessly played off like his real death- to show his face and announce that his "death" was a sham while offering his and the entire company's condolences to start the three-hour memorial show.

Currently, the police are investigating the deaths as a homicide; suggestions have even been made that Benoit had even killed his family and then taken his own life. Results of the autopsies should be announced later today.
It's greatly saddening, especially as someone who grew up on wrestling and still catches the occasional show when I can, to see this passing; especially with the allegations as they currently are. While he wasn't always a favourite of mine, he was immensely talented in the ring. He will surely be missed.

Another sad note

It should have been stated when the news broke on Sunday, or even in yesterday's post, but further sad news will grace this fine blog twice in one day. Former major league closer Rod Beck was found dead in his apartment on Saturday. Beck pitched for the Giants (1991-97), the Chicago Cubs (1998-99) and the Boston Red Sox (1999-2001) before finishing his career with the Padres (2003-04). He saved 286 games over his career.

Beck was well known for his wild style and appearance. He donned a handle-bar moustache and long hair to go with a menacing stare that rivalled the likes of Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn. He once left his team to go to rehab mid-season and, while attempting to make a comeback and working his way through the minors, became a folk legend by living in a Winnebago outside the stadium and sharing beers with fans after games.

There aren't many characters like Beck in today's game, which makes his passing have a greater impact on, at least my memory, a little more significant.

Jay almost tosses no-hitter

It's very easy to imagine that Jeff Baker isn't a very popular person in Toronto this morning. Yesterday, Baker spoiled Dustin McGowan and his hideous sideburn's attempt at a no-hitter with a single to lead off the ninth inning. It would have been only the second no-no in Jays history with Dave Steib holding the other. Is it just me or is this whole "taking-a-no-no-into-the ninth" thing happening more often than usual this season? Or maybe I'm just paying more attention this year...

Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey Jr. both had huge days on the career home runs list yesterday. Thomas inched closer to the illustrious 500-club by knocking out no. 499 during McGowan's performance. Meanwhile, Griffey, facing his former club the Seattle Mariners, slammed two solo shots out of Safeco Field. These put him into seventh on the all-time list at 584. He tied and then passed Mark McGwire. It seems like these milestones are popping up more often too, or again, maybe I'm just paying more attention. It’s funny what writing a blog does to you.