Obama's Point Guard Problem?

Is Sacramento Mayor and former NBA all-star Kevin Johnson about to derail Obama's presidency? I doubt it. There's barely any smoke, let alone fire. I'm still trying to get my head around the controversy, but, from what I've read this morning, here's the nuts-and-bolts of what went down: According to various sources, Johnson reportedly misused federal funds for ST. HOPE Public Schools, a nonprofit education education program he established in 2001. After an extensive investigation, federal prosecutors ordered Johnson to return one-half of the original grant, approximately $400,000, to AmeriCorps, the federal agency that initially gave Johnson the money. Johnson complied. Case closed, right? Hardly. Here's where it gets a little sticky. 

Gerald Walpin, the inspector general for the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service, which runs the AmeriCorps program, said Johnson got off easy, because he's Obama guy. He wrote as much to Congress, asking the legislative body review the case. In turn, acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence Brown requested the federal counsel of inspector generals review Walpin's performance, arguing that Walpin's conclusions in the Johnson investigation seemed overstated and, ultimately, biased. Last week, President Obama fired Walpin, saying he had lost confidence in the national service agency's inspector general. 

Again, this all seems, more or less, aboveboard. Obama is within his legal rights to terminate Walpin, and both Alan Solomont, chairman of the government-run Corporation for National and Community Service, and Stephen Goldsmith, a Republican and the board's vice chair, have said they backed the president's decision to can Walpin, a 2007 George W. Bush appointee. This hasn't stopped Senator Chuck Grassley from calling for an investigation.  Grassley seems to think Michelle Obama's behind all this, because her former chief of staff, Jackie Norris, is scheduled to join the Corporation for National and Community Service next week. That's quite a leap there, Senator Grassley. Even more impressive than this. 

I honestly don't think President Obama has anything to worry about; this is, after all, Johnson's problem, and a minor one at that. The Sacramento Bee isn't exactly calling for Johnson's head. I doubt very much, though, that Obama wants to get dragged into this squabble as he prepares to revamp the country's health care system.  

Ortiz, Cheney Live!

Less than 24 hours after David Ortiz hit his first home run in 149 at-bats dating back to last season, Dick Cheney delivered a self-aggrandizing national security speech to the uber-conservative American Enterprise Institute. Coincidence? I don't think so. In recent years, Big Papi and Big Dick-y have been, at least to me, the root of all evil. I don't know this for certain, but I'm pretty sure neither man can be stopped without the aid of a wooden spike.  

Everything Is Illuminated

Via RAB, a shot of the Bronx Boondoggle. 

Even though I still don’t think the Yankees need a new stadium, I have to admit: it does look pretty good, particularly with CC and A.J. in it. 

I’m always amazed about how quickly I get behind the Yankees’ personnel decisions, at least after they're consecrated. I wasn’t particularly crazy about signing CC or A.J., but both are Yankees now. I’m looking forward to them anchoring a rotation that includes Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain and, most likely, Andy Pettitte, with Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Al Aceves waiting in the wings.

Even today, with rumors of Manny’s homecoming still swirling around 161 st Street, I’m less than thrilled about the possibility of watching a very special Bronx episode of “Manny Being Manny.”

If he signs before Christmas, though, you know I’ll honestly consider buying his No. 24 Yankees jersey.

And Yankees fans aren’t the only one guilty of such hypocrisy. Don’t think for a second half of Boston isn’t ready to tell Mark Teixeira to get bent. Until, of course, they sign him this weekend.

We all just root for the laundry now. 

Little Pisser

Steven Lipski, a Jersey City councilman and executive director of a popular charter school in the city, was arrested Friday evening for allegedly urinating from a second-floor balcony at Washington, D.C.’s 9:30 Club.

Lipski, who was reportedly in town to see a Grateful Dead cover band, told reporters outside his Jersey City home that he was immediately giving up the drink following his embarrassing weekend.

No word yet on whether or not he plans on also swearing off Grateful Dead cover bands.

Lipski’s alcohol-related problems come in the wake of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy’s arrest and pepper spraying outside his sister’s Bradley Beach bar two summers ago, after tussling with local cops. Healy, who won a special mayoral election following the sudden death of incumbent Glen D. Cunningham, was eventually found guilty of obstructing justice in June 2007.

This isn't the first time Lipski has caused a scene at the club either. According to one source, who gave the following whopper of a quote, Lipski's been at it for some time.   

“We’ve dealt with this man before,” the source said. “He’s never peed on anybody, but he gets really belligerent and drunk.” 

UPDATE: In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I once interviewed Lipski about his charter school. Public urination never came up.