Golf's double standard

To the sports media covering this week's British Open, shame on you.

You're the writers and columnists who took a jab at Tiger Woods when the opportunity arose, and continue to do so whenever he puts up a number above par. To you, Tiger Woods is the enemy after his "indiscretions" sidetracked his career and assault on Jack Nicklaus' record for major championships. Personally, I got sick of reading this drivel week in and week out, mostly because Tiger's personal affairs belonged only to Tiger.

But after Thursday's first round, there were no bullets in your gun. The world's No. 1 golfer carded a 5-under-par 67 and put himself in great position, rendering you defenseless.

Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, struggled through his first round and was tied for 74th after a 1-over 73. Ranked No. 2 in the world - and although he keeps knocking at the door, he can seem to find the knob - Mickelson skipped out on reporters following his round.

Had Woods put up such a number and failed to talk to the media afterward, you would have had a field day. You would have said this round is just a continuation of Tiger's fall from grace and Jack's record is safe. Because he's the bad guy. Because he cheated on his wife.

No such words were written about Mickelson, who's been America's darling since he won the Masters. It's a double standard, and it's a bit troublesome. Tiger faces unfair criticism week in and week out, while Phil just coasts along without the fear of a scathing column.

There's a good chance Phil won't make the cut and will be home watching Tiger and company compete for the Claret Jug this weekend. And while Tiger might come up short, and he might self-destruct, giving you more fodder for your columns, at least he'll be playing.

The lovefest for Mickelson, however, will go on. Shame on you.

Local Little Leaguers have plenty of game

As the summer wears on, it’s getting to be about that time when Little Leaguers take center stage in states across America. The good news is that Aquidneck Island has two very good teams who will be vying for a spot in the state’s final four, then perhaps a trip to Bristol, Conn., for the New England Regional.

The bad news is, only one of those teams will have a chance to make it. The 11-12-year-old All-Stars from Portsmouth and Middletown will meet tonight at 5:45 at the Aquidneck School Field in a District 2 winners’ bracket game.

Additionally, the Middletown 11-12 All-Stars have already won the District 2 title, beating Barrington 14-7 in the final, and begins the state tournament, which pits the four district teams against one another, on Saturday in Westerly. In Portsmouth, the 9-10 softball team hosts East Providence tonight for the District 2 crown.

Good luck to all the teams as they progress through their respective tournaments.

Speaking of Little League, the Fifth Ward Little League will host the national youth team from Ireland on July 24 at 11 a.m., at King’s Park in Newport. The game is in conjunction with the country’s national team playing the Sunset League All-Stars later in the day at Cardines Field.

The Irish national team is playing a number of games in New England, beginning on Sunday in Boston. The youth team is staying in Rhode Island, playing most of its games at Wilson Park in North Kingstown.

A couple of baseball notes

- It is being reported that George Steinbrenner, the longtime owner of the New York Yankees and the emperor of the Evil Empire, has died after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80.

It's no secret the health of Steinbrenner has been in decline the last few years. Yes, I'm a Red Sox, but I think George Steinbrenner is one of the most fascinating people in baseball history. His sons, Hank and Hal, have taken over the day-to-day operations of the team, but when that duty belonged to George, every day was an adventure.

From his hiring-and-firing fiascoes with Billy Martin to Don Mattingly's hair to butting heads with Reggie Jackson, Steinbrenner did things his way, and that was the only way. He was a man who had plenty of ego, he loved spending his money and he love winning. And above all else, he loved owning the most popular franchise in American sports.

- The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the highlights of All-Star Weekend, but it's become a bit ridiculous. Chris Berman, who does the play by play for the event, is downright excruciating to listen to. His "Back, back, back ... " call is more than 20 years old and it's got to go.

Berman, who was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier in the day Monday, has become a bit stale as a whole. I understand that he's not going to reinvent himself, but let somebody else have a shot at calling the home run derby - as long as it's not Stuart Scott.

I'm all for raising money for good causes, but now the Home Run Derby is filled with sponsors, from insurance companies to Century 21. I guess that's just a sign of the times.

- Speaking of the Home Run Derby, it'll be interesting to see how David Ortiz responds for the second half of the season. Historically, the winner of the event struggles in the second half, and I'm sure the brass of the Red Sox are on pins and needles after watching him win it.

I remember a few years ago Bobby Abreu had an outstanding first round, won the event and was never the same player.