THEME: phrases containing names of sports separated by the middle letters of the phrases; hence, at the extremes of the phrases
GOOD ONES: X games activities {& theme} EXTREME-SPORTS
Acapulco gold ORO [type of marijuana]
Pro pitcher? SALESMAN
BTW: As much as I don't like POR-EJEMPLO, it is a perfect fit for this theme.
The SLA was a lunatic radical group of disturbed youth which sadly lives on in Xwords. [Simbionese Liberation Army]
Blended beverage SMOOTHIE [I'd have loved to see it clued, "You're and Old ____": pop song.]
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun