Welcome bact to an all new edition of my world famous “This and That” column.  There is a lot to get into and some breaking news, so let’s jump right in. 

All Bets Are Off–Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is being accused by Federal authorities of bank fraud for stealing 16mil over 2 years from Ohtani.  The Feds say he pretended to be Ohtani over the phone and even changed the details of Ohtani’s bank accounts to his contact information.  One would think this clears Ohtani of any possible wrongdoing.  However,  there is one text chain in which the bookie says he realizes it’s a cover-up.  Mizuhara then says he was technically stealing.  That’s a little interesting, to say the least.  The complaint says Shohei is a victim and has cooperated fully.  It also says that it appears none of the bets have been made on baseball.  This is a dream come true for MLB.  Assuming it ends here. 

No Touching–The Celtics set an unbreakable record Tuesday night against the Bucks.  They were the first team in NBA history to play a full game and not attempt a single free throw.  The two teams also combined to only shoot 2 free throws, which is also an NBA record.  The Celtics not playing hard enough on offense to get fouled or hard enough on defense to foul anyone tells you just how little they cared about the outcome of that meaningless game.  But hey, they made history.

We’ll Be Cena You–John Cena has said he wants to have one more run in WWE.  I guess seeing how well it went for the Rock must have inspired him.  He is targeting the beginning of next year after he shoots the second season of Peacemaker.  (Yea, we’re getting a second season of Peacemaker!)  That would put him in line for a Rumble appearance and a Mania match. 

Gotta Have Hart–David Pastrnak should be the Hart Trophy (MVP) winner this season.  He means more to the Bruins than the other guys at the top of the leader board mean to their teams.  The four guys ahead of him on the points list all have multiple teammates in the top 50 in scoring.  Pastrnak’s next highest teammate is Marchand at 54.  His next teammate is. Coyle at 88.  He is the only guy on the team whom the opponent has to be worried about heading into the game.  My guess is that Mathews gets it, especially if he gets to 70 goals, but if they go by value to the teams ability to win games, Pastrnak should be the guy.  he Hart Trophy (MVP) winner this season.  He means more to the Bruins than the other guys at the top of the leader board mean to their teams.  The four guys ahead of him on the points list all have multiple teammates in the top 50 in scoring.  Pastrnak’s next highest teammate is Marchand at 54.  His next teammate is. Coyle at 88.  He is the only guy on the team whom the opponent has to be worried about heading into the game.  My guess is that Mathews gets it, especially if he gets to 70 goals, but if they go by value to the teams ability to win games, Pastrnak should be the guy. 

Vacation Canceled–The Celtics signed Jrue Holiday to a 4 year extension.  I believe the 4th year is a player option.  The deal saves them a good chunk of change next year and locks up another part of their core for the future.  Jrue has fit in perfectly with the Celtics. He gives them great defense every night and gives them what they need on offense.  His play-off experience and leadership should be very valuable.  The Jays are locked up.  Porzingas is locked up.  And now Holiday is locked up.  Only White remains to be locked up.  He is extension eligible after this season. Hopefully he is next on the Brad Stevens extension tour.  However, the way the NBA works, it is going to be more valuable for him to hit free agency after next season.  That doesn’t mean he won’t sign with the Cs. It just means it will cost more.

Not What It Sounds Like–The WWE began showing its WWE Speed tournament on Twitter (I refuse to call it X).  I didn’t think I would like it, but it works.  They post it on Wednesdays at noon, and it’s a quick little watch.   The perfect thing to watch on your phone.  It’s entertaining, and the matches have been good, which you wouldn’t expect from 3 minute matches. 

That about covers it for now.   Until next time…