Just when you thought the Elijah Dukes story had run its course and was finally under the radar…Along comes the 2007 Sportshuman of the Year (SHOTY) Tournament. For the second consecutive year, Deadspin is holding a tournament-style bracket featuring 16 of the most entertaining sports personalities of 2007. In an ironic twist, Barbaro was named the 2006 Sportshuman of the Year.
OK, folks … it’s time for the voting to begin. Let’s all give big-up to the genius that is Jim Cooke for his official SHOTY graphic. The 2007 SHOTY voting will run every Tuesday and Thursday until, well, 2008 probably. We love Kige there.
Voting will remain open until the end of the first round … so let’s get started. It’s No. 4 seed Elijah Dukes vs. No. 13 Jeff Reed. A look at the nominees:
Elijah Dukes garners a #4 seed based on such accomplishments as threatening his wife and kids with a picture of a gun, impregnating LOTS of women, including a foster child, and was accused in court of using drugs and steroids.
Jeff Reed, on the other hand, is the #13 seed because he…ummm…he likes to…well…how do we put this gently?…He likes to take “pictures” of himself.
Dukes is heavily favored because nobody wants to see naked pictures of kickers. Quarterbacks? That’s a different story.
In April we envisioned Mr. Dukes making a run at Rookie of the Year. By the end of May we wondered if he would ever play for the Rays again. In November we get a chance to honor the 2007 accomplishments of the Mischievous Little Badger.
So let’s Rock the Vote! And show Elijah how much we love him.
SHOTY First Round: Elijah Dukes Vs. Jeff Reed [Deadspin]
Your 2006 SHOTY Winner: Barbaro [Deadspin]
An Open Letter To Elijah Dukes [Rays Index]
Another Open Letter To Elijah Dukes [Rays Index]
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