Much Needed Rest

PGA Tour golfer Dustin Johnson suddenly announced an indefinite leave of absence from golf, including next month's Ryder Cup. Tiger Woods expressed disappointed surprise and he and Johnson will not be Ryder Cup teammates this year. Johnson will also miss the PGA Championship. Johnson did not elaborate, but it is all the cause I need to make his fiancee, Paulina Gretzky, the subject of today's Chick Pic.

Reported on The Jim Rome Show, golf.com reports that it was revealed that Johnson is serving a six month suspension after testing positive for cocaine. He has reportedly failed PGA drug tests for marijuana in the past. Also in the report, Johnson was alleged to have had inappropriate interactions with the wife of at least one other Tour player.

Given a choice between hanging out with her or hanging out with a bunch of dudes swinging a metal stick, I could understand his mindset. 1

Paulina is a team player. Johnson went the other direction regarding the Cup. Opposites attract. 2

Perhaps the man just needed a vacation. 3

Or needed some sun.... 4

Or a frolic in the pool.... 5

She may have needed some sun and a snack too! 6

She could be on a remake of Baywatch. 7

Swimming is great cardio! 8

1) Image from www.ahaonline.cz
2) Image from www.lockerdome.com
3) Image from www.huffingtonpost.ca
4) Image from www.myhottattoo.com
5) Image from www.non-stop-people.com
6) Image from Complex via http://o.canada.com
7) Image from www.rantlifestyle.com
8) Image from FameFlynet Pictures via www.thebiglead.com

Shake or Bake?

Baltimore Ravens star running back Ray Rice was suspended for the first two games of the 2014 NFL season by Commissioner Roger Goodell for violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy. Earlier this year, Rice was seen on video at an Atlantic City hotel dragging his fiancée (to whom he is now married) by her hair from an elevator after knocking her unconscious. In contrast, Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon of the Cleveland Browns was recently suspended for a year for a repeat offense for the league's substance abuse policy after recently testing positive of marijuana. The NFL's has its crimes and punishments out of whack.

Unless they were planning an extreme sports honeymoon, I don't think Ray Rice wife thought she was signing up for the WWE treatment caught on the video above. 1

CHOKE, DON'T TOKE!

I understand that application of the Personal Conduct Policy is ultimately at the discretion of the Commissioner while the Substance Abuse Policy is written out as part of the players' collective bargaining agreement with the league. But to ding Rice for two games for cracking his lady upside the head and knocking her out like Bones Jones and to throw the book at Gordon for doing something that is legal in two states and a slap-on-the-wrist or less elsewhere seems out of alignment to me.

I'll keep this rant short, because I think it warrants little explanation. Gordon did something that's completely legal in two states, partially legal in about a dozen, decriminalized in about half, and less serious than a DUI or driving on a suspended license, in most states, if you get caught. Ray Rice could have easily done time on his first offense for knocking her out, potentially a felony. The NFL is out of whack with the rest of the country on that one. The message sent by this set of incidents is the wrong one.
   

Josh Gordon wears his intention to bake on his sleeve (and his back), unlike Mr. Rice, who wore Mrs. Rice's grill on the back of his hand. 2

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

1) Image from www.blackmediascoop.com
2) Image from www.deadspin.com

Retweet of the Day - April 17, 2014

As Holy Week nears its conclusion, much of the nation prepares for a weekend of family, friends, and celebration. Also, this weekend marks the beginning of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. It's a weekend full of something for everyone!

Not lost on those in the Twittersphere is that Easter Sunday falls on April 20th. Abbreviated, it's on 4/20...yes...as in that "420", the pot smokers' Christmas, New Year's, and Fourth of July rolled into one (pun intended). Today's retweet is from Based Dandy (‏@NeezGod):

"420, NBA Playoffs, and Easter on the same day doesnt get any better"

I'll bet Blake Griffin is chiefin' right now!

Image from www.twitter.com