Posted on 11/25/2005 5:20:26 AM PST by billorites
NEW YORK The draft was controversial in the 1960s, but four decades later it is now proving troublesome for New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. The Albuquerque Journal has determined that the governor has lied about his draft status--baseball draft that is.
Richardson has long maintained he was drafted as a pitcher in 1966 by the Kansas City (now Oakland) Athletics. The media, including The New York Times and Associated Press, have gone along with this.
Richardson alluded to it in a brief biography released when he ran for Congress in 1982, and the Clinton White House mentioned it in a 1997 release when Richardson was about to be named U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
But an Albuquerque Journal probe has found no record of Richardson being drafted by the A's, or any other team. In today's paper tthe governor acknowledged the error.
"After being notified of the situation and after researching the matter. ... I came to the conclusion that I was not drafted by the A's," Richardson said.
He explained that he was, indeed, a star pitcher in high school and played at Tufts University, and was "scouted by several major league teams."
Richardson later developed arm trouble, ending any possible pro career. Before that, he said scouts had told him he "would or could" be drafted. "In my mind, that meant I had been drafted," Richardson said.
If a casino tells you that you "would or could be a winner" does that mean, governor, that you struck it big in Las Vegas?
Great remembering... I can't remember if was related to this or some other incident that Richardson was dragged before a Senate committtee and he was slammed by, of all people, Senator Robert KKK Byrd. I remember Byrd reaming Richardson, saying "you've lost all credibility; you'll never be trusted;" etc. etc. Meanwhile, Richardson is sitting there taking it, sucking on his little finger. Wonderful videotape that I'm sure is being saved for when this guy "throws his hat into the ring" in 2008.
Democrats are the worst liars -- I just can't figure out how Republicans keep looking so foolish and clueless.
"Sounds like he manipulated and cherry-picked the scouting reports. There ought to be a congressional investigation and possibly an impeachment."
His troubles aren't over. He was on the Board of Directors of Peregrine Systems out here in San Diego, the company that was all over the news in 2003 for financial fraud. Some buddies of mine on the inside said he was definitely not clean. More to come.
A lie is a lie unless told by a democrat. Then it is "I came to the conclusion ...". What a joke.
...heh...reminds me of my days as a 'utility infielder' with the Tewksbury Fruitflies in the old Florida Citrus League
How can you tell when a Democrat is lying?
Their lips move.
And a simple, who knew, will appease their minions.
thank goodness monica kept the blue dress, I shudder to think of what mountain slick willey would perched on; without the seman deposit we would still be hearing about the mean,spiteful vengeful VRWC
No wonder Governor Richardson got along so well with the Clintons.
"In fact, I was drafted by the A's before I wasn't drafted by the A's."
For leftists, believing is seeing. So, without any of those stubborn facts, they make it up as they go along.
He's a Democrat, though, so he'll get a pass for being a liar.
Seriously, if someone tells you he had been drafted by a major league team, the place to check is: www.thebaseballcube.com/draftsearch.asp. There is an actual syndrome for this type of behavior (telling someone of an athletic accomplishment where there is none) but I don't recall the name of it. I may have it written on the bottom of my NL MVP trophy.
I heard the tail end of this 'story' yesterday and naturally when I heard the word "draft" I thought another Vietnam story, then I heard KC and baseball and my mind went W H A T???
So what now, does he have the documents or NOT? I am sure '60' Minutes will be airing the evidence post haste.
Richardson's justification is straight from Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado"
For if the Great Mikado says something is or should be done--well it is as good as done. Right?
Glad to see O'l Bill is carrying on the great tradition associated with the Clinton Adminisitration. A penchant for lying.
Good to know. He would be trouble in the VP slot. He could do some damage in N.M, Co., Az., and Nv.
A real spit bawler. Send him to the showers.
This is absolutely Clintonian..... "in my mind" I came to a conclusion that was demonstrably contrary to fact..... that explains my self-aggrandizing behavior and excuses my lies over many years. Not to mention that Richardson was Clinton's go-to guy in trying to dispose of his "intern problem" with Monicagate..... YUP, Bill Richardson has a real future as a Clintonian presidential candidate.
Richardson: "You may not believe this, but I was actually not drafted before I was drafted."
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.