Nicole Bobek in Her Own Words

Wow...just wow.

 

Off Easy?

This past week Nicole Bobek was sentenced to a five year probation and community service for her involvement in a meth ring that was busted over a year ago.

"I’ve been given this opportunity to make a change and also prove to myself that I can come out of the hole I dug myself into. I’m given this chance to make a difference, and hopefully help others who suffer from addiction problems; do benefits, get back on the ice, and continue with my treatment and do everything I need to do to change my life around," Nicole told NBC's Matt Lauer.

But now there is some push back that she got off way too easy for her involvement in the meth ring. Prosecutors had sought a one year jail sentence but the judge opted instead for probation and community service. She was charged with selling meth to Edward Cruz Jr. who was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Over the course of the probation she is required to continue in a drug rehab program and must pass random drug screenings. Failure to comply will land her behind bars for 10 years.

Many pundits feel her celebrity helped her a little here. She had support from many including Jo Jo Starbuck. Too easy for the former skating sweetheart?

The Globe Trot

Some interesting things happening in the world of figure skating.

First to Korea where it appears Kim Yu-Na invited Michelle Kwan to skate in the All-Stars 2009 Tour...and Michelle said yes! "Michelle has turned down other invitations, but she and Yu-na have a mutual admiration society going. Michelle is feeling healthy and has her abilities up to the standards she sets for herself, which are very high standards" said Shep Goldberg, Michelle's agent. Might Michelle drop a return-to-skating bomb in skating crazy Korea...stay tuned.

Lots happening here in the U.S. First, Carolina Kostner will be staying in L.A. and training with Frank Carroll and Christa Fassi. The moves comes after a disastrous showing at Worlds (ironically) in L.A. and the dismissal of her former coach Michael Huth. The big news is of course the tragic arrest of Nicole Bobek on charges to distribute Meth. She's plead not guilty and has been released on $200,000 bond. Jenny Kirk is getting positive press for releasing details of her eating disorder while she was competing. An important issue, to be sure, that needs more attention. The USOC and Comcast have teamed up to bring forth a new network devoted to Olympic coverage. Sorry if you don't have Comcast. Finally, reigning World Champ Evan Lysacek will be part of the marketing campaign for Ralph Lauren's 2010 Olympic Gear. "Having worn Ralph Lauren clothing for years, I am really excited to partner with Polo Ralph Lauren for their Olympic campaign," said Evan.

The German magazine Pirouette recently did an interview with Stéphane Lambiel and he just will not close the door on a possible competitive return, however, he states that it's not on his top list of priorities. "It is not 100% out of question but it is not my plan yet. I don’t want to disappoint the fans. For me it’s important that I’ve ended my career and I am happy with that, what I have achieved. If something will change on with physical conditions, then I will think about it.”

Who am I following on Twitter? There's an extensive list over on my right side bar but new to my followings are Madison Hubbell, Daisuke Murakami, and Fedor Andreev.

You may have noticed I changed the name of the spot from Around the World to The Globe Trot...thanks to my readers for the feedback and suggestion.

Pic of the Week

What a great vacation I had. I make a point to tune out the world when I'm on Vacation but when I return I'm like a mad man with a mouse in my hand.

I log in only to see that poor Nicole Bobek, 1995 U.S. National Champ, is been arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute Meth...tragic!

Even more tragic is this mugshot...scary!

Apparently, she was quite the big wig in this Northern Jersey drug ring. Bobek was arrested along with twenty other individuals involved in the drug ring...talk about a crackdown!

Gosh, rewind back to her 1995 Nationals win. She was such a joy to watch on the ice, bouncing around with such eppervessance. My favorite performance is her 1997 U.S. Nationals Free Skate (seen below), nobody cared her jump content was watered down because it was still so good!

She always was a free spirit and a bit of a drama queen. How many coaches did she go through? Didn't she have plans to become a pairs skater? Did she ever perform a triple jump as a professional?

To be so talented and sink to such a low place...really I just pity her. Such unfulfilled possibility there.