Lions coach Matt Patricia faces old accusation of sexual assault
Old news resurfaces: Lions coach Patricia was indicted for sexual assault in 1996
Matt Patricia, newly hired head coach of the Detroit Lions, is now confronted by an embarrassing news story that’s 22 years old. The Detroit News reported last week that when Patricia was a collegian on spring break at South Padre Island, he and a male companion allegedly broke into a Radisson hotel room where a 21-year-old woman was staying. Patricia and his friend, Greg Dietrich, were indicted for aggravated sexual assault, with five witnesses lined up by the prosecution. But the accuser, who was treated for injuries at a hospital, said she did not want the stress of a trial. So the charges were dismissed in January 1997. “It’s frustrating that this story would resurface now with the only purpose being to damage my character and reputation,” said an indignant Patricia in a prepared statement. “I firmly maintain my innocence, as I have always done.” But he provided no details about what actually happened during the night in question. He insisted the issue never emerged in previous job interviews. It’s difficult to believe he has never filled out an application that asked: “Have you ever been arrested for anything other than a minor traffic violation?”
Between the Lines: With all the search-engine technology today, it would not take long for the Lions to research Patricia’s legal records. This story is not going away. Players and coaches have been suspended by the NFL for mistreating women, even when there were no indictments. And what if his accuser joins #MeToo and steps forward?
Broncos coach Joseph says Chad Kelly changed his body — no longer ‘a tubby little kid’
Chad Kelly, quarterback from Mississippi and cousin of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, was Mr. Irrelevant at the end of the 2017 draft. It wasn’t because he lacked arm strength but because of a questionable work ethic: too much partying, not enough conditioning. Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph was not impressed with Kelly as a rookie. “He was a tubby little kid,” Joseph said. Kelly never saw game action, so Joseph treated him like he’s still a rookie and invited him to this year’s rookie camp. But this time it was different. Joseph saw a dedicated athlete with a sculpted body. “He’s really lean now. He’s eating right. He’s working hard.”
Between the Lines: Vance is hugely disappointed with Paxton Lynch, first-round pick in 2016. Kelly is competing with Lynch for the backup role behind Case Keenum.
Eli Manning settles lawsuit over memorabilia fraud
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has enjoyed a spotless public image during his football career. But last year he was accused by memorabilia collectors of selling helmets that were falsely purported to be “game-used.” Manning adamantly denied the allegations, but this week he settled the case, meaning he gave up an undisclosed amount of money to end the embarrassing dispute without acknowledging any wrongdoing.
Dear Eli: You ‘ve never adequately explained an email in which you asked equipment manager Joe Skiba for “2 helmets that can pass as game-used.”
Mets’ DeGrom throws 45 pitches in one inning, without allowing a run
Jacob deGrom, ace of the New York Mets, threw 45 pitches in the first inning of Sunday’s game against the Phillies. He walked the first three batters to load the bases. The Phils fouled off 20 pitches and could not score a run. DeGrom escaped with two strikeouts and a putout at home plate. But manager Mickey Calloway had seen enough. He pulled deGrom, citing the extraordinary pitch count. “We didn’t feel good sending him back out. That’s a lot of pitches for one inning.” Influencing his decision: DeGrom has had two elbow surgeries and was coming off a 10-day stint on the disabled list with a hyperextended right elbow.
Between the Lines: Here is underscored the main problem afflicting baseball. Too much time spent without anything significant happening.
Harvick says Chase Elliott is NASCAR’s ‘next megastar’
Kevin Harvick is NASCAR’s leading driver this year, but he said the sport’s future leader is Chase Elliott, 22-year-old son of one of car racing’s all-time greats, Bill Elliott – “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville.” Harvick said Elliott is one of “only a few guys who come through our sport that have the name, the history, the heritage of that NASCAR family. . . . Chase is one of those guys.” Elliott, who drives a Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, has yet to win on the main stock-car circuit, but he’s often in contention. “He’s a star right now,” Harvick said. “Is he going to win enough to be a megastar? At some point.” In NASCAR there’s more to stardom than success on the track. “He’s done a great job of carrying himself,” Harvick said. “He’s the next Dale (Earnhardt) Jr.”
Between the Lines: Bill Elliott 16 times was voted Most Popular Driver by NASCAR fans, but he was not so beloved by those who worked with him. His son is more popular with those, like Harvick, who know him best.