6-26-11: Bird Droppings - Tickets For Politicians?

First off, I'd like to mention that Jason Wright has a Twitter account now, and when I found out about it by a post Jay Feely put up last night he also described Wright as a former Cardinal so it looks like he is going to retire like we have been hearing he would.

Today, we look at a new report saying that the Cardinals gave free tickets to lawmakers, there is also something from Somers on how difficult the Lockout will make everything on the Cardinals while they are getting ready for the Season.

Arizona Cardinals gave lawmakers tickets
It's not often that the Arizona Cardinals will admit to following the Fiesta Bowl's lead. But when it comes to courting politicians, the Cardinals stole a page from their longtime adversary's playbook.

Arizona Cardinals better be ready to get busy in a hurry
There are strong indications the NFL is close to resolving its labor issues, which means members of the Cardinals front office had better make a mental imprint of their last few days of vacation. They might have to go to that Happy Place when they are working nearly around the clock in the weeks after a collective-bargaining agreement is reached. No other NFL team faces a bigger challenge once the league season starts.

Free tickets helped Cardinals build relationships with Arizona legislators | ProFootballTalk
The Arizona Cardinals’ stadium was built with nearly $350 million from taxpayers, which means the state legislature gets to make some of the decisions about how the stadium is used. The Cardinals haven’t always liked the decisions that legislators have made. So in an effort to get the legislature to to go along with the team’s wishes, the Cardinals have given legislators free tickets.

Cardinals stadium to host high school football showdown - ArizonaSports.com
The NFL may be in the middle of a lockout, but football will still be played at the University of Phoenix stadium this fall.

Arizona Sports News:

Justin Verlander, Tigers shut down Diamondbacks
Gerardo Parra was perhaps the only hitter in the Diamondbacks' heretofore potent lineup to take many good swings on Saturday night, but he didn't hesitate to call it like he sees it with Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander. "He's nasty," Parra said after Verlander dominated the Diamondbacks in a 6-0 win at Comerica Park. "He's got everything. And in the eighth inning he threw 100 (mph) and 98 and 99. I think he's the best pitcher in baseball right now." Not many would disagree. Verlander struck out a career high 14 in throwing eight shutout innings, helping to spoil Michigan native Josh Collmenter's homecoming.

Arizona Rattlers rally for one-point win vs. Philadelphia Soul
The National Conference-leading Rattlers (13-2) proved their dominance by outscoring the Philadelphia Soul (5-10) 21-7 in the final quarter for a 55-54 victory at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Phoenix Mercury roll past Chicago Sky for fourth straight win
Diana Taurasi scored 23 points and Penny Taylor added 19 as the Phoenix Mercury beat the Chicago Sky 86-78 on Saturday for their fourth straight win.

Phoenix Suns' inexperienced management can't afford to shoot blanks
The Suns did nothing special in the NBA draft. They stood pat. They debunked trade rumors. They made a safe, smart choice on a power forward that will bring much-needed toughness. Yet, after their debut draft performance, their unconventional management team seemed overly pleased. Lon Babby raved about Lance Blanks, who then gushed over John Treloar. Collectively, they sounded like a relieved teenager who returned the family car without hitting a tree. Sorry, but trust will require more than words and slaps on the back.