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Naughty and nice in sports

James Harrison landed on Santa Roger Goodell’s naughty list again.

Apparently smashing someone in the face with the crown of your helmet is grounds to get coal in your stocking for Christmas.

Shame.

The Steelers’ star isn’t the only one to land on the naughty list this year.

It seems Goodell, the heavy-handed NFL commissioner is one-part Scrooge and another one Grinch.

Sure, there are sports figures who land on the nice list, too. I’m sure Santa is going to give Tim Tebow lots of love this holiday.

Goodell very well may fine Tebow for being too darn good.

You’re a mean one, Mr. Goodell.

Here is a list of sports figures who will land on the naughty and nice lists this holiday season.

Naughty

•

Ndamukong Suh.

Why so naughty: Excessive personal fouls. Stomping on an opponent. Being generally mean.Suh, the second-year Detroit Lions defensive tackle is getting the reputation as a dirty player because of his vicious hits that walk the line between legal and illegal. He really cemented his spot on the list by stomping on a Green Bay offensive lineman on Thanksgiving Day and then not owning up to his obvious mistake in the postgame presser.

In his stocking: An NFL rule book and an enrollment into an anger management class.•

James Harrison.

Why so naughty: Helmet-to-helmet hits. General surliness.Like Suh, Harrison has a reputation for breaking the rules, whatever those are.He nearly retired last season because he felt picked on. This week, he became the first player to be suspended for an illegal hit.

In his stocking: The book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”•

David Stern.

Why so naughty: The whole NBA thing.It’s hard to find anyone who actually likes the NBA commissioner. He nearly wrecked the NBA season with his negotiation tactics, then once the lockout was over, is rushing the start of the season.His handling of the Chris Paul trade(s) has given him another black eye.How many eyes does this guy have?

In his stocking: A nasty email from Cavs’ owner Dan Gilbert — the gift that keeps on giving.Nice•

Tim TebowWhy so nice: He’s Tim Tebow.

In his stocking: World peace and a Steve Young’s throwing motion.•

Albert Pujols

Why so nice: He’s the best baseball player on the planet.He hit .299 with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs and it was a “down

year.”

In his stocking: About $250 million.•

Robert Griffin III.

Why so nice: He’s humble, well spoken and delivers a killer Top Ten list.

In his stocking: The Heisman Trophy.Merry Christmas.Mike Kilroy is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.

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