Ruben Rivera's greedy thievery and Jeff Kent's stupid fibbery make them two of baseball's biggest zeros.
Ruben Rivera
Ruben was getting paid over one million dollars a year playing outfield for the New York Yankees. But that wasn't enough money for Ruben. After a 2002 spring training game, Ruben stole teammate Derek Jeter's bat and glove from his locker. He then sold the bat and glove to an auction dealer for a couple of thousand dollars.
It's pretty sleazy to steal a teammate's bat and glove and sell them. It's super sleazy when you're already a millionaire and don't really need the money. After the Yankees found out that Ruben was a thief, the team voted to get rid of him. Ruben Rivera is still looking for a team that will take him.
Jeff Kent
In early March of 2002, San Francisco Giants' all-star second baseman, Jeff Kent, broke his wrist. He told the team he broke it when he fell while washing his truck. Even major klutzes don't break bones while washing a truck, so a few people on the team questioned Jeff's story. It was discovered that Jeff actually broke his wrist while popping wheelies on his motorbike in a parking lot. He made up the story about washing his truck because his six-million dollar a year contract says he's not allowed to ride motorcycles. The team is now deciding whether to fine Jeff or take money off his contract.
There are three lessons to be learned here:
1. Don't lie.
2. If you are going to lie, tell a lie that someone might actually believe. "I broke my wrist while washing my truck" is about as believable as "My dog ate my homework," or "The check's in the mail."
3. Don't pop wheelies while riding a motorbike.
Do you know of someone who you think is a hero or a zero? your stories of heroism and zeroism.
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