That is why it is so surprising that his soon to be released book, “Open: An Autobiography,” reveals that he used crystal meth during his playing career. The details of his use — like how much he used, how frequently he used and if he ever played while under the influence — are still unknown to the public but the fact that he has admitted to using the illegal drug is nothing short of shocking.

Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised to learn that another athlete has used drugs, but this case is a bit different than usual. Known performance enhancing drugs are often illegal and usually banned from professional sports, but at least they are used by athletes with the intent to enhance their game. While that doesn’t make it right to use them, it certainly has a different feel from a fan’s standpoint than an athlete using a recreational drug like crystal meth.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the book’s November 9 release date to find out more information. Until then, we are left with only questions about the latest athlete to fall from grace.

What do you think about the news? Is it better or worse than being caught for using performance enhancing drugs? Should an athletes personal life matter to fans?

FISCHER — Strike TI Racquets - $74.99 retailed at $119.99

Head MicroGel 2 Performance Tennis Racquet (Pre-Strung) - $79.99 (Sports Authority coupon $15 off purchase over $75)

Wilson (K)Factor (K)Sting 105 - $74.95 retailed at $160.00

Prince Thunder Rip - $72.95 retailed at $200.00

Shop for more affordable tennis racquets at Smarter.com.

It was a very busy weekend full of fireworks all over the sports world.  We’ll start with tennis: Roger Federer and American Andy Roddick played one of the best matches in the history of Wimbledon.  Tied at 2 sets apiece going into the final set, both players played an epic 5th set that was the longest in Wimbledon history.  It was back and forth all the way until Federer finally got the win in the set 16-14.  With this win Federer became the greatest champion in tennis history as he passed Pete Sampras for first all-time Grand Slam victories at 15.  Even Pete, who was on hand to watch, had to give him props saying,” I have to give it to him. He’s won all the majors.  He’s won 15 now.  He’s going to win a few more here.  So in my book he is (the greatest).”  I would have to agree.  On the women’s side Serena made quick work of her sister Venus.  The win gave her three of the four major tournament wins this year.  Even with that she was still disappointed that she couldn’t win them all saying, “I’m really disappointed because I think this is the year I could have done it.  And I didn’t.”

In baseball, He’s BACK!!!!  Manny Ramirez returned to the Dodgers to a cores of both cheers and boos.  Though he was quiet for most of his at-bats, he did go deep in one bringing the crowd up to make noise.  It’s safe to say that its going to be a circus every time he comes up for the rest of the season, especially on the road.  Also the All-Star team rosters were announced on Sunday with the fans getting the starters right for the most part.  I don’t see how Josh Hamilton was an all-star this season, I’m sure fans voted for him based on his Homerun Derby performance last year.  Even he didn’t agree with the selection saying, “I don’t feel I personally deserve to go, but at the same time the fans voted me in so I’m more than happy about that.”  Overall that was the only questionable starter so that was good and it should be an excellent game.  Notably Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez, caught up in steroid stories, were not among the selected.  For more on the rosters go here.

In the NBA, free agents were on the move.  With Friday being the first day to meet with teams.  The biggest splash so far is by the Lakers as they picked up Ron Artest.  Some thing that both sides have wanted for a while.  This move and keeping Lamar Odom will make the Lakers a heavy favorite to repeat.  While gaining Artest they did have to part ways with a very key contributor Trevor Ariza.  Ariza’s agent tried to play hardball with the Lakers to get more money and it back fired.  He ended up taking the same deal with Rockets, trading places with Artest, that the Lakers offered to him.  I have a feeling he will be kicking himself for years after this.  Other free agents will be making their choices this week so keep watch.

Image Source: AP Photo

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

Photo Source.

Tennis Equipment  Tennis Balls

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

Photo Source.

Tennis Equipment  Tennis Racquets

What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

Photo Source.

“We both owned Alaska at one point.”

- Russian tennis player Dmitry Tursunov on the similarities between mother Russia and the U.S.

Source: Sports Illustrated

Photo Source.

I’m not gonna lie. I’m a little scared.