***Man, it’s not been a good July for boxing and football. First, Nicaraguan boxing legend Alexis Arguello allegedly commits suicide and then former Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was violently slain in his home.

Arguello: Prolific punching power

Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello, 57, was a former WBA Featherweight, WBC Super Featherweight and WBC Lightweight champion won between 1974 and 1983. He was considered to be pound for pound one of the most vicious fighters of his time , ranked 20th in Ring Magazine’s top 100 punchers of all time.

An extremely popular athlete who helped stabilize the Titans organization, Steve McNair had a solid career leading the Titans within whiskers (literally one yard) of sending the 2000 Super Bowl into overtime in what is perhaps one of the most painfully memorable “coming up short” moment in football (even sports) history. The famous play took place with 48 seconds left to play when McNair threw a complete pass to Kevin Dyson who was tackled just short of the end zone. The St.Louis Rams prevailed in that game 23-16.

In his career, McNair through for 31 304 yards, 174 TD’s and 119 interceptions with a 82.8 QB rating. He was also a co-MVP winner in 2003. McNair was 36.

Sad stuff.

*** Let’s see. Oh, Roger Federer won his 15th Grand Slam and 6th Wimbledon title after an epic five-set, four-plus marathon against Andy Roddick. Federer finally broke Roddick in the final set winning it 16-14. With his 15th title, Federer surpasses Peter Sampras on the all-time list. We can leave “who’s the greatest ever” debate for another time.

What a weirdo and creep

***Bernie Eccelstone is a douche. Here, read this. And come back here. What a prize, right? And these guys make so much money. How in this world anyone on any intellectual or spiritual level can cite Hitler and Hussein as “getting things done” or being able “to control” is beyond me. Very disturbing that a person in his position can think this way. If you think this way, you’re a douche as well. More sad stuff indeed.

F1 got rid of one idiot and now needs to purge itself of another.

***Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley is a douche as well - albeit a far less reprehensible one in comparison to Eccelstone. Heatley decided he wanted to be traded. It was going to be hard to move his fat contract but the Edmonton Oilers came knocking. It seemed like a win-win situation until Heatley refused to waive his no-trade clause. Let me see if I get this straight Dany boy, you ask to be traded and then nix it because you don’t like the destination? bent. I don’t mean to remind you since it’s a painful memory, but you do realize you’re lucky to be playing hockey, right?

*** La Tour de France is under way. Of course, coming into the race, all eyes and eyes were focused on Lance Armstrong. Armstrong, who finished 53rd at the Giro d’Italia, currently sits in 10 spot overall after two stages. Fabian Cancellara is the yellow jersey holder. Re Armstrong, will the French doping authorities leave him alone?

***Rob Hughes weighs in with this piece about Italy’s early exit at the Confederations Cup (Confederawhat to some) tournament. The United States provided the biggest shock after they beat Spain 2-0 thus ending Spain’s 35 game unbeaten streak. Both Italy and the U.S. should have a sense of what their teams are like in preperation for the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. Italy coach Marcello Lippi must make some adjustments (Sebastian Giovinco, Mario Balotelli and Robert Aquafresca each impressed at the U-21 UEFA championships and most certainly deserve a fair shot at the senior national team).

Giovinco: He belongs.

The Americans always knew they had character. It’s just that they never could convert it to wins against heavyweight soccer powers. After the Spain win, they took a stunning 2-0 lead into the second half in the final against mighty Brazil. That lead soon evaporated as Brazil scored three unanswered goals for a 3-2 victory. If anything, the Americans need to learn how to hold on to leads. Landon Donovan in particular played excellent-ly and even mustered enough chutzpah to blast David Beckham in his book. Poor David Posh, all marketing and no heart.

As for Spain and Brazil, I wouldn’t worry if I were Spain. And I would be cautious in anointing Brazil as the main favorites in 2010. Quite frankly, any number of nations are legitimate contenders but one still has to put Spain ahead based on recent form. But a lot can happen until the World Cup.

The Confederations Cup is a minor tournament but a good one to use as preperation for nations. Enjoy it for what it is.