Saint Matthew's

Just a couple of things on the sports world as I break for lunch:

1. Does anyone think that Patriot’s coach Bill Belichick is going to pay that hefty $500,000 fine all by himself? Don’t you think that the owner of the team is going to slip him a few bucks to help cover the fine for cheating?

2. Scott Gomez of the New York Rangers signed with the Blue Shirts in the off-season. Last season, he played for the New Jersey Devils (and while I get weary of any signings of Devils’ players – read Bobby Holik - I am still happy he’s playing on Broadway instead of Newark). But his living arrangements have changed – he has now moved from New Jersey to Manhattan. While most people won’t bat an eyelash at this move, I do — this is a big move, even though he’s only moved a few miles. Living in New Jersey is a little easier, more laid back. You can relax with the family much easier than in the Big City. Manhattan never stops. I hope he’s ready for it when hockey season kicks off at the end of the month. Hopefully the clubs won’t be “calling” him too much.

3. Phil Hughes of the New York Yankees grew up a Red Sox fan. He’s all excited about going to Fenway Park this weekend and going inside the Green Monster. Please. Don’t get too excited, Phil. Just beat Boston. I really didn’t need the reminder of Hughes’ growing up fandom of our enemies this Friday morning when the Yankees are preparing to play the Sawx up there in Beantown.

4. The Isiah Thomas trial is getting ugly. It all started when Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury was dragged into admitting an affair with a former intern (and a former student at my alma mater, Saint John’s University) and now, they want to drag this woman into court to testify.  Ugh. But now, the New York Rangers are being pulled into this suit. Apparently some on the team weren’t very nice when it came to talking about the women who skate around during time outs during games. And there is a “book” that details these “thoughts.” Double ugh!!

The plaintiff, Anucha Browne Sanders, who claims that Thomas sexually harassed her, wants $10 Million and to be rehired by Madison Square Garden! Why would you want to go back there? No one is going to like you after digging up all this dirt. The only reason to go back is to try and get another big payday. If you win, Anucha, take the money and run.

The Yankees … 14 and half games out of first place. Which, of course, is a funny statement in itself. Why? They’re in last place.

They lose last night to Toronto. Oh, they lose badly, once again. They get terrific pitching from Andy Petitite and they squander it again. I don’t know if Roger can help pull this team out of the depths.

Maybe they need to play out that scene from “The Natural” where the psychologist came and spoke to Robert Redford’s team that was in the midst of a terrible losing streak: “Losing is a disease…”

And A-Rod may be in some hot water with his wife.

At least the Mets are having fun. They’re in first place. Plus, they beat those former New York Giants, now of San Francisco, last night at Shea.