With the news of Lance Armstrong dropping his suit, and the idiocracy of a governing body that has no jurisdiction over the event he dominated for a decade, it begged the question as to what in the world of sports would actually shock us as individuals. After the Penn State scandal, there are very few things. However, I think these could make us drop our jaw for a moment.
5. Fishy Phelps
Imagine that the greatest Olympian of all-time is charged, and convicted, with blood doping or some other form of PED's? For the last 12 years, the Baltimore, Md. native has wowed us with dominating victories and last second finishes. But if we found out that he actually was cheating during any point, especially in 2008, it would seriously alter the world's perspective on not only him but American athletes as a whole. How would we look back at Jason Lezak's dash to the wall in Beijing to preserve Phelps' perfect Olympiad? How would time remember one of the more impressive careers ever seen? You want to see a polarizing debate? If this happens you will.
4. Duke and/or UNC Basketball Violations
As a fan who hates both the Blue Devils and the Tarhells, there is no doubt the two most respectable coaches in the game are Roy Williams and Mike Krzyzewski. Both have not only produced dominating basketball teams, but have also produced impressive young men. What I've always been impressed about is the graduation rates of these two programs. In a time where the "one-and-done" has swallowed college basketball, countless student-athletes finish their careers not only with Championship rings, but Degrees as well. If it turned out that either of these men pulled a John Calipari, a Jim Calhoun, or God forbid Calvin Sampson, the way we look at arguably the two best college coaches would be seriously changed.
3. The Night the Lights Went Out at Camden
Having gone to middle school and high school south of Baltimore, there was one hero: Cal Ripken, Jr. To this day I consider his consecutive games streak to be the greatest record in baseball. One that will never be broken or even challenged. But there is still a small cloud around this amazing accomplishment. On August 14, 1997 (long after the record was already broken), the light mysteriously went out down the left field line and the game against Seattle was cancelled. Some say it is because Ripken discovered actor Kevin Costner, who was staying at his following the shooting of his movie "The Postman", in bed with his wife and a domestic dispute ensued. Though paper reports prove Ripken was in the ballpark, some still believe the power outage was made to allow the Ironman's streak to continue. If it was, it may not be a total loss considering the record was already broken but it would seriously damage the reputation Cal and the Orioles organization built.
2. Notre Dame's "Penn State"
When the news of Penn State hit, it struck not just the sports world, but the country as a whole. One of the premier institutions (not just football programs) the nation has ever seen committing such a heinous series of crimes shook us all to our very core. Now imagine if something similar to that happened at a Catholic college like Notre Dame? The media firestorm seen at Beaver Stadium would be looked at as a press conference for a local politician announcing his candidacy for dog catcher. Even more so it would disgust all of us to the point where our sanity, and our hope, would completely vanish.
1. Jeter Juiced
It is very rare that Red Sox fan will put any Yankee on top of a list not titled "Guys I Hate" or "Guys I'd Love to See Suffer a Career Ending Injury" but Derek Jeter is this generation's face of baseball. His level of play, and respect for every person across the field is unparalleled in this day and age. Somehow he never misses a beat at the plate and every now and again he shows off that old Jeter flare at short. A guy I admire and respect a hell of a lot would honestly devastate me if it turned out he was cheating. I really believe that this guy, with as good a player and person he is, could not be lumped in with the likes of Barry Bonds, Andy Pettite or Roger Clemens. Anyone else wouldn't shock us, Derek Jeter would sadden everyone.
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