Wizbang Sports: January 2008 Archives

Are the Giants Better Without Shockey?

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 31, 2008 · Comments (1)

In a word, yes. At least according to former Giant back-up quarterback Tim Hasselbeck. "I've been there, I've been in that locker room, I know how guys feel, I know how people in that organization feel," Tim Hasselbeck, a Giants backup quarterback in 2005 and 2006, said yesterday on the... [Full Story]

Rating: 4/5 (4 votes cast)

Peter Forsberg wants to play in the NHL again

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 31, 2008

The one-time NHL MVP has been playing in his native Sweden of late. From AP- STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Peter Forsberg has decided not to play for his hometown team Modo this season, instead setting his sights on a return to the NHL. Forsberg made the announcement to Modo hours before... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Super Sunday Food

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 31, 2008 · Comments (3)

The Super Bowl. Beer. Food. This is a football fan's trifecta of happiness. For me, the Super Bowl is a Holy Day for Sinful Food. I shamelessly stuff my face with fatty, cheesy, dippy, oozy, completely bad for me food that would make my cardiologist's head spin off. And if... [Full Story]

Rating: 3/5 (1 votes cast)

Ottawa Senators to fine Goalie Ray Emery up to $14,700

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 31, 2008

For being late to practice the team's General Manager says UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Ottawa Senators goalie Ray Emery will be "fined substantially" by the team after arriving late for a team skate a day after the All-Star Game. Emery's explanation for being four minutes late was that he went to... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Jordin Tootoo gets new deal from Nashville Predators

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 31, 2008

I guess a low scoring thug even deserves to make nearly one million a year in the NHL. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Nashville Predators signed forward Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuit to play in the NHL, to a two-year contract extension. General Manager David Poile announced the deal worth $1.95... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Format changes to 2008 Ryder Cup matches announced

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 31, 2008 · Comments (1)

This seems comprable to re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic to me Paul Azinger has already introduced sweeping changes to the U.S. Ryder Cup team selection process. Now he has altered the format of the tournament. The U.S. captain announced Wednesday that the order of the team matches on... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Celtics Don't Need Big 3 to Beat Heat

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 30, 2008

The Boston Celtics played the Miami Heat without Ray Allen or Kevin Garnett, and still won the game by 30. The Celtics' leading scorer was Leon Powe who came off the bench for 25. Their second-leading scorer was Rajon Rondo who poured in 23; their third-leading scorers were the other... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Plaxico's Prediction is No Big Thing

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 30, 2008 · Comments (1)

The yearly dumb player Super Bowl victory prediction has been made. Predictably, it came from the Giants' Plaxico Burress, who said the Giants would beat the Patriots 23-17. Tom Brady laughed it off when asked about it. "We're only going to score 17 points?" Brady joked. "OK. Is Plax playing... [Full Story]

Rating: 4/5 (2 votes cast)

Post NHL All-Star game playoff assessment- Western Conference

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 30, 2008

From top to bottom, the standings Detroit Red Wings 51-37-10-4-78 San Jose Sharks 50-28-15-7-63 Dallas Stars 54-29-20-5-63 Anaheim Ducks 53-27 20-6-60 Minnesota Wild 50-28-19-3-59 Calgary Flames 50-25-17-8-58 Vancouver Canucks 51-26-20-5-57 Colorado Avalanche 50-26-20-4-56 Phoenix Coyotes 50-27-21-2-56 Columbus Blue Jackets 52-25-21-6-56 Nashville Predators 51-25-21-5-55 St Louis Blues 49-23-19-7-53 Edmonton Oilers 53-23-25-5-51... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Post NHL All-Star game playoff assessment- Eastern Conference

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 30, 2008

From top to bottom, the standings Ottawa Senators 51 32-15-4-68 Montréal Canadiens 50-27-15-8-62 Philadelphia Flyers 49-28-16-5-61 Pittsburgh Penguins 50 28-18-4-60 New Jersey Devils 50-28-19-3-59 Boston Bruins 50-26-19-5-57 New York Islanders 51-24-21-6-54 New York Rangers 52-24-22-6- 54 Carolina Hurricanes 53-25-24-4-54 Washington Capitals 51-23-23-5-51 Atlanta Thrashers 52-23-25-4-50 Buffalo Sabres 49-22-21-6-50 Florida Panthers... [Full Story]

Rating: 4/5 (2 votes cast)

Super Prediction*

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 29, 2008 · Comments (2)

OK, so it's not the Packers vs. the Patriots, the game America really wanted. That's OK. Super Bowl XLII promises to be a really, really good game. (Yes, even better than the commercials, I promise.) It may even be historic. So let's get to a little analysis. ... [Full Story]

Rating: 2/5 (1 votes cast)

T.O. Ordered to Pay Eagles

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 29, 2008

The last bit of lingering business between the Philadelphia Eagles and their former star receiver Terrell Owens was cleared up today when an arbitrator ordered Owens to pay the team $769,120 of the $1.725 million they were trying to recover from the $2.3 million signing bonus they gave him in... [Full Story]

Rating: 4.5/5 (2 votes cast)

Santana Finally Moved

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 29, 2008

Johan Santana is finally being traded, but not to the Yankees or Red Sox. In something of a coup, the New York Mets have leapt in at the last minute and swung a deal with the Twins for their former Cy Young winning left-hander. The trade is not yet official.... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Wanna Hook Up With Brady Anderson? Apparently it's Not too Hard.

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 29, 2008

Brady texted her a pic of his abs. He would've sent her a pic of his junk but he didn't have his electron microscope hooked up to his phone (you know, the steroids and all). ... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Jason Kidd Wants to Be Traded...Wait, No He Doesn't

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 28, 2008

Jason Kidd's agent Jeff Schwartz was reported the other day to have told New Jersey Nets management that his client wanted to be traded. Now, of course, Jason Kidd is denying that he has demanded to be moved. "Yeah, I want to be here," Kidd said, according to the New... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Clemens Gets Wonky in Rebutting Steroid Allegations

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 28, 2008 · Comments (1)

Roger Clemens's defense of himself against steroid allegations has been an all-out multimedia assault featuring video, press conferences, a high-profile television interview and numerous written and spoken statements. Now Clemens and his agent Andy Hendricks have taken their case to the web by releasing an 18,000-word statistical report that they... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Bedard to Mariners?

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 28, 2008

Details are still a little sketchy, but it appears that left-handed Baltimore Oriole pitching ace Eric Bedard is headed to the Seattle Mariners. Bedard was 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 2007 before being sidelined with arm trouble. The Hot Stove heater talk about Bedard being dealt... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

It takes a retreat- Miami Heat break 15-game losing streak

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 28, 2008

Was it just coincidence the Heat win while I was away on a Catholic retreat with 10 other men from the church I attend this weekend? Winning for the first time since Dec. 22, the Heat snapped its 15-game losing streak Saturday when Dwyane Wade finally ran into an opponent... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

NHL Players complain about European games

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 28, 2008

This season's opener was played in London. On Saturday, the NHL announced its intention to play two games in Europe to open the 2008-09 season. From AP- ATLANTA - Basking in the spotlight of its All-Star game, the NHL decided Saturday was the perfect time to unveil a big announcement... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Washington Redskins fire coaches Gregg Williams, Al Saunders

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 28, 2008 · Comments (1)

So much for them being considered candidates to replace Joe Gibbs. From AP- WASHINGTON - The Washington Redskins seem to have a whole lot of their coaching staff in place for next season -- except for the head coach. And that head coach won't be Gregg Williams. Or Al Saunders.... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

MLB Catcher Mike Lieberthal retires

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 27, 2008

The Dodgers recently declined to pick up the option they had on the long-time catcher. From AP- LOS ANGELES -- Catcher Mike Lieberthal has decided to retire after a 14-year big league career with the Phillies and Dodgers. "I'm done," Lieberthal said on Saturday. "I decided a couple weeks after... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Tiger Woods wins Buick Invitational; ties Arnold Palmer on all-time win list

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 27, 2008 · Comments (3)

Twenty one wins and counting till Tiger breaks the all-time PGA career win record held by Sammy Snead. From AP- SAN DIEGO - Tiger Woods joined the King, and left everyone else at the Buick Invitational feeling like paupers. In his most dominant start to a season, Woods built an... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Say Hello to Arena Football

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 27, 2008

I said before the Sugar Bowl that Hawaii would get destroyed and though I received a bunch of hate mail, I was right. Brennan was, as I predicted, simply outclassed by far superior athletes. I also said after that game that Brennan would not go to the NFL in the... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Al Davis is the One Who Needs to Resign

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 25, 2008 · Comments (1)

Al Davis is doing his maverick thing again. The feisty old Raiders owner, who's made a career out of wacky moves (like moving the franchise twice), has just unleashed one of his better ones: He's asked head coach Lane Kiffin to resign after just one year at the helm. Kiffin,... [Full Story]

Rating: 3/5 (1 votes cast)

Michelle Wie to start '08 at LPGA Fields Open

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008 · Comments (1)

It will be her first professional event since October 2007. From Golf Week- Michelle Wie will make her 2008 LPGA debut at the Fields Open in Hawaii, according to a report in the Honolulu Advertiser. The Fields, the second LPGA event of the season, will be held Feb. 21-23 at... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Former Dolphin Head Coach Cam Cameron to be Off Coordinator for Baltimore

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008

It took Cameron almost precisely three weeks to find new employment in the NFL. Cam Cameron was named Ravens offensive coordinator yesterday, becoming new coach John Harbaugh's first and perhaps most important hire. If Harbaugh wants to turn around the Ravens in the 2008 season, he'll need Cameron to revitalize... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Banging my head against the wall- Florida blows 3-1 lead and loses to Edmonton

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008

Another late game loss by the Panthers. SUNRISE, Fla. - Jarret Stoll scored twice in the final 1:23 of regulation to force overtime and help the Edmonton Oilers beat Florida 4-3 in a shootout Thursday. Shawn Horcoff scored the only goal in the shootout, and Oilers goalie Mathieu Baron stopped... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rory Sabbatini gives $170,000 to US military charity

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008 · Comments (1)

Before we get to that, we have to hear about the Tiger Woods-Rory feud. The weather at Torrey Pines was unseasonably cold during Thursday's first round of the Buick Invitational, but things got even chillier in the press room when Rory Sabbatini and Tiger Woods walked past each other after... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (4 votes cast)

Ottawa Senator Daniel Alfredsson scores 7 pts in win over Tampa Bay

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008

And you were worried the defending Eastern Conference Champ may miss Deny Heatley. From AP- TAMPA, Fla. - Daniel Alfredsson had three goals and four assists for an Ottawa-record seven points, leading the struggling Senators to an 8-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Alfredsson and Jason... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Tampa Bay Buc FB Mike Alstott announces his retirement

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 25, 2008

He was a throwback to the days when fullbacks actually ran the ball. From the Orlando Sentinel- Fullback Mike Alstott, maybe the most beloved player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, announced his retirement after 12 record-breaking seasons during an emotional morning news conference at team headquarters. "Mentally, I feel like... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Jose Canseco: Slugger, Author, Extortionist

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 24, 2008

Jose Canseco is a slime - let's get that out of the way right off the bat. Even before he was run out of the bigs, everyone knew the man was low-rent. His rap-sheet: Convicted of assault in '92 for intentionally crashing into his wife's car; convicted of beating his... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Miracle in Minneapolis- Timberwolves beat Suns 117-107

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 24, 2008

The wolves have won two in a row now. From AP- MINNEAPOLIS - Al Jefferson and the Minnesota Timberwolves believe they're headed for better days. Beating the Phoenix Suns -- again -- is surely a decent sign of progress. Jefferson had a career-high 39 points and 15 rebounds, and the... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Atlanta Falcons hire Mike Smith to be head Coach

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 24, 2008

He had been defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars since 2003. From AP- ATLANTA - The Atlanta Falcons' new rookie coach already is sounding like the veteran who took the team to its only Super Bowl. Mike Smith, the former Jacksonville defensive coordinator hired by the Falcons on Wednesday night,... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Super Bowl Fever - Is There An Antidote?

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 23, 2008 · Comments (2)

It's Wednesday of week one, and I am already sick of the Super Bowl hype. Would it be possible, I wonder, to petition the NFL to have the game moved up? Say to tomorrow? Yes, I know...logistical issues. Kind of hard to set all that up on such short notice.... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Phil Mickelson undergoes a gender change

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 23, 2008 · Comments (1)

If you don't believe me, check out the screen capture or go vist Golfweek's website and see what is listed under LPGA news. Believe me now? The careless golf media has struck again. Maybe the magazine needs to do something outlandish every week. First it was a noose, now Phil... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Ilya Bryzgalov signs 3-year contract extension with Phoenix Coyotes

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 22, 2008

The Russian born goalie was put on waivers by Anaheim barely two months ago. From AP- PHOENIX -- Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov has signed a three-year contract extension with the Phoenix Coyotes, the young team he has helped become a winner this season. A league source, speaking on the condition of... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Denver Nuggets' Nene has testicular cancer

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 22, 2008 · Comments (1)

He had a tumor removed on January 14th. From AP- DENVER - A testicular tumor removed from Denver Nuggets forward Nene was malignant. The team said Tuesday the tumor was discovered early, and tests showed the cancer was isolated. "The recovery rate is extremely high," the Nuggets said in a... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Freehold Raceway cuts purses, Meadowlands could be next

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 22, 2008

Just more proof that horse racing in the United States can't survive economically today. Freehold Raceway has released a reduced purse structure and the Meadowlands is expected to follow with drastic purse cuts if the New Jersey legislature does not quickly fulfill promises to provide a purse supplement. Freehold issued... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

The Miami Dolphins want Trent Green back at QB?

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 22, 2008 · Comments (1)

The two-time Pro Bowler has suffered serious concussions the last two seasons. From the Palm Beach Post- The new Dolphins front office wants concussion-prone quarterback Trent Green to come back for 2008. Dolphins football operations chief Bill Parcells and General Manager Jeff Ireland have reached out to Green to express... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Al Sharpton, Are You Listening? (Doubtful.)

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 22, 2008

Like was said here at Sports and on the Main Page umpteen million times, Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman didn't really mean it when she said that other players should "Lynch him (Tiger Woods) in a back alley." From ... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Philip Rivers is Also a Man

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 21, 2008 · Comments (3)

Tom Coughlin was a man for standing on the sideline of the whole Packers/Giants game with nothing covering his face (which he peeled off after the game, signed and gave to charity). But Philip Rivers was an even bigger man on Sunday - for playing an entire game at QB... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Favre Folded; Eli Arrived

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 21, 2008 · Comments (1)

What good is getting a home game in the playoffs if you don't take advantage of your advantage? The Packers did not look happy to be playing in that cold yesterday, and Brett Favre looked the most miserable of all. Favre and the offense did nothing whatsoever in the second... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Oregon St. fires basketball coach Jay John

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 21, 2008

The school gave him a contract extension three years ago. From AP- CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State fired basketball coach Jay John, whose team is 6-12 this season and winless in the Pac-10. Attendance is reaching record lows at Gill Coliseum and the school has had only one winning season... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Florida Panther Coach Jacques Martin gets his 500th victory

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 21, 2008

He is only one of 10 NHL coaches to win that many games. From AP- NEWARK, N.J.-- Jacques Martin joined a club so exclusive, its members numbered in the single digits. Until he joined, anyway. Martin became the 10th NHL coach with 500 wins after Radek Dvorak and David Booth... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Harness horse driver Wally Hennessey gets his 7000th career win

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 21, 2008

The Hall of Fame driver has won at least 200 races for 17 straight years. From Harnessracing.com- Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey became the 22nd driver in harness racing history to reach the 7,000-win plateau on Wednesday when guiding Blessed Victory through the wire first in the 11th race at... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Philippines wins Women's World Cup Golf Title

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 21, 2008

They edged the favored South Korean team. SUN CITY, South Africa (AP) -- Jennifer Rosales and Dorothy Delasin of the Philippines shot a 7-under 65 Sunday to beat South Korea by two strokes at the Women's World Cup of Golf. Ji-Yai Shin and Eun-Hee Ji were comfortably in the lead... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

The Giants Beat The Pack (Um, yeah, woo-hoo)

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (6)

Is there anybody outside of northern New Jersey and the Five Boroughs that really wanted to see the New York Giants beat Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Um, no. Yeah, the Giants played the New England Patriots tough in Week 16, nearly knocking them off. So it should... [Full Story]

Rating: 3/5 (2 votes cast)

Green Bay and New York Grind at Lambeau

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (2)

The first half was not a thing of beauty. Save for a 90 yard touchdown pass from Favre to Driver, it could have been a 6-3 halftime score. Green Bay has all but given up the running game and the Giants seem content with field goals. My prediction is major... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Tom Coughlin is a Man

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 20, 2008

Tom Coughlin is standing on the sidelines in below-0 weather with nothing covering his face. That is not going to feel good when it finally warms up. The Packers would be in a spot of trouble right now if not for Donald Driver breaking that one. The problem for them... [Full Story]

Rating: 1/5 (1 votes cast)

Running Backs Propel Pats to Victory

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (1)

The Patriots' quarterback and receivers get all the hype, but today their running backs were the ones who led them to victory. In the first half it was Kevin Faulk, and in the second half, Bill Belichick said the hell with passing and put the game on the back of... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Chargers Have No Answer For...Kevin Faulk?

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (1)

I know Kevin Faulk has been getting the ball a lot lately for New England, but this is ridiculous. Guy has basically become their top offensive weapon. San Diego is all over the Patriots' receivers - not just Moss but Stallworth and Welker too. Quentin Jammer is playing a great... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Patriots Will Win

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (2)

The Patriots will not be distracted by the Randy Moss controversy. It's likely that Randy himself will be a non-factor in this game again - the Chargers will probably blanket him like the Jags did, leaving them vulnerable to that death by a thousand cuts approach Tom Brady and Bill... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

A Report From the Buttcrack of Hell

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 20, 2008 · Comments (1)

It is currently 15 below here in wilds of Northern Wisconsin. It is not that cold in Green Bay though - there it's only 8 below. That's practically tropical. The high down there is supposed to be 3 above. The game is at 5:30 local time, so I'm guessing by... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby out with ankle injury

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 19, 2008

It is uncertain how long last season's leading scorer will be out for. From AP- PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby badly sprained an ankle while ramming into the boards in the first period, and the Andre Roy-led Tampa Bay Lightning took advantage of his absence for a 3-0 victory... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rivers May Not Play

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 18, 2008 · Comments (2)

Really bad news for San Diego Chargers fans - QB Philip Rivers is listed as doubtful for Sunday's AFC Championship Game at New England. Rivers, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune, has a partially torn ACL in his right knee to go with a sprained MCL. If Rivers can't go (and... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Holliday, Teixeira Ink Deals

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 18, 2008

The Colorado Rockies and outfielder Matt Holliday agreed to a 2-year, $23 million deal today. The 2007 National League MVP runner up hit .340 with 36 homers and 137 RBI, and helped lead the Rockies to the first ever World Series appearance. First baseman Mark Teixeira and the Atlanta Braves... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Favre Is All Man

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 18, 2008

And I mean that in a non-gay kind of way. ("Not there's anything wrong with it...") Witness: The forecast high temperature in Green Bay on Sunday is for a balmy 4º. And probably colder by game time when night begins to fall. And what does Green Bay QB and uber-legend... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Twins Give Morneau One-Year Deal

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 18, 2008 · Comments (1)

The Twins avoided going to arbitration with first baseman Justin Morneau by signing him to a one-year, $7.4 million deal. Morneau hit .271 this past year with 31 homers and 111 RBI. This after winning the AL MVP in 2006 with a .321 average, 34 homers and 130 RBI. Morneau... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Caldwell to Succeed Dungy - Eventually

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 18, 2008

Tony Dungy hasn't officially retired yet, but when he does, Indy will promote assistant Jim Caldwell to the head coaching spot. Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Caldwell's status as coach-in-waiting while at a party in New York on Thursday. The party was being thrown, by the way, because Caldwell is... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Be a Patriot

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 18, 2008 · Comments (2)

Bill Belichick pictured with devil horns. Tom Brady portrayed as arrogant and self-absorbed. The entire team described as a rolling, heartless machine. These are just some of the things we've read or heard about the New England Patriots over the last several months. Look, I totally get it. I'm a... [Full Story]

Rating: 3/5 (4 votes cast)

Ex Pittsburgh Steeler defensive lineman Ernie Holmes dead at 59

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 18, 2008

He was a member of the famed Steel curtain in the 1970'ss. While I was a heavy football watcher in those days, what I remember Holmes best from was from a ABC show Superteams.(A spinoff of the show, Superstars) They matched up ten or 12 members of the last Super... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Golfweek noose elicits strong reaction

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 18, 2008 · Comments (1)

Who thought snafus by the golf media would grab so much attention in 2008? The editor of Golfweek magazine said he was overwhelmed by negative reaction to the photo of a noose on the cover of this week's issue, illustrating a story about the suspension of a Golf Channel anchor... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Miguel Tejada's immigration status could be in trouble

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 18, 2008

Who thought immigration would become a sports issue. From the Houston Chronicle- Miguel Tejada's immigration status could be in peril in light of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee's decision to ask the Department of Justice to investigate whether the new Astros shortstop lied to federal investigators in 2005.... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

NFL returning to Britain in 2008

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 17, 2008

It will be the second year in a row a regular season game was played there. From AP- The league, which held its first regular season game outside North America in London last October, said Thursday it would come back again in 2008. The teams, date and venue will be... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Cardinals Looking at Juan Gonzalez?

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 17, 2008 · Comments (2)

Juan Gonzalez is 38 years-old (maybe), and 3 years removed from his last major league plate appearance. Despite these grim realities, the St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly mulling giving the former Texas Rangers slugger and suspected steroid user an invitation to spring training. The Cardinals have apparently been impressed by... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Rodriguez Calls Accusers Liars

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 17, 2008

Rich Rodriguez is firing back at those accusing him of destroying records from his years as coach of West Virginia. "The things they are saying are not true," Rodriguez said. "It's a lie. How can you put out lies and think it's OK? They don't care what the truth is,... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Man Jailed for Taping Packers Jersey to Son

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 17, 2008 · Comments (1)

I've heard of duct-taping geeks to goalposts, but taping a Packer jersey to your son? That's what some Wisconsin doofus did, and he got thrown in jail for it. The idiot, Mathew Kowald of Pardeeville, claims he was only messing around when he restrained his 7-year-old son, then used adhesives... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Buffalo Sabres lose 10th game in a row

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 17, 2008 · Comments (1)

A year ago they reached the conference finals. From AP- NEW YORK-- The setting was the regular season instead of the postseason, but the stakes seemed nearly as high for the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres. Not since the second round of last year's playoffs had the Rangers faced... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Dumberer and Dumberer(er)

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 16, 2008

Today I did something I really shouldn't do. I "borrowed" the USA Today's sports section from the company cafeteria thus depriving some poor co-worker of his/her sports during lunch. And I haven't returned it yet. But what I read was so preposterously stupid, so boneheaded that it nearly made me... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Joakim Noah - The World's Yappiest Mediocre Rookie

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 16, 2008

Joakim Noah was a charismatic star at Florida. Then he got drafted by the Chicago Bulls, a team that was supposed to be pretty good but is actually pretty dreadful. Noah has responded to the adversity of playing on such a cruddy pro team by turning into a yappy little... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Moss Troubles

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 16, 2008

Randy Moss is in trouble again - no surprise to people who followed his career in Minnesota, a checkered tenure that included the wideout running over a meter-maid and fake-mooning the fans at Lambeau. The new trouble is potentially more serious than any of the stuff Randy got into in... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Reports say Miami Dolphins have hired Tony Sparano to be head coach

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 16, 2008

All three South Florida newspapers, The Palm Beach Post, Sun-Sentinel, and Miami Herald are reporting Sparano has been hired. None quotes a Dolphin source, named or unnamed. Still I think the news is true. From the Miami Herald- The worst-kept secret in South Florida became official today as the Dolphins... [Full Story]

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Former MLB pitcher Steve Ridzik dead at 78

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 16, 2008

A journeyman pitcher with a career record of 39-38, his career spanned sixteen years, with a 6 year span in the middle where Ridzik pitched 29 innings or less of ML ball or was out of the league entirely. He was a VERY small part(3 innings pitched) of the 1950... [Full Story]

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LPGA announces new event in Mobile Alabama

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 15, 2008

The event will be played on the course that hosted the Mitchell Co. Tournament of Champions from 1999. From Golf Week- The LPGA announced Thursday the creation of the Bell Micro LPGA Classic, to be played Sept. 8-14 on the Crossings Course at Magnolia Plantation on the Robert Trent Jones... [Full Story]

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Pacman Jones is All Class

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 15, 2008

Pacman Jones can't stay out of trouble worth a damn. The latest accusation against the rainmaking NFL star: A woman claims he punched her in a strip joint. "I was sitting in the office and he lunged at me numerous times in an effort to do grave bodily harm," reads... [Full Story]

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Rich Rodriguez is One Weird Cat

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 15, 2008

New Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is being accused of destroying records from his 7 years as head man at West Virginia, including "all or most of the paperwork filed relating to every player on the Mountaineer roster and virtually all of the activities conducted by the programs over the past... [Full Story]

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FSU's Xavier Lee to Join NFL Draft

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 14, 2008

I think this young man has a much higher view of himself that is healthy. The tumultuous Xavier Lee era -- at most times baffling and in rare moments brilliant -- is over at Florida State. Lee, the former quarterback at Daytona Beach Seabreeze High who became one of the... [Full Story]

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What's the Funniest Part of the T.O. Crying Video?

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 14, 2008 · Comments (1)

I'll tell you the funniest part - it's when he says Tony Romo is "his teammate, his quarterback." Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia watched that and thought, "Really? Wasn't I your teammate, your quarterback too once? And what did you do to me? You sure as hell didn't cry... [Full Story]

Rating: 4/5 (3 votes cast)

Should NBC Sports fire George O'Leary Johnny Miller?

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 14, 2008 · Comments (2)

If anyone doesn't recall who George O'Leary is, here is a reminder. In 2001, O'Leary left Georgia Tech to take over as the head coach for the University of Notre Dame. Five days later, O'Leary resigned after he was discovered to have lied on his resume. On the resume, O'Leary... [Full Story]

Rating: 2/5 (1 votes cast)

Let the Tony Sparano/Miami Dolphin watch begin

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 14, 2008

The speculation about Sparano being the Dolphins' next head football coach began even before the Dallas Cowboys loss to the Giants was final. From the Palm Beach Post- IRVING, TEXAS -- Tony Sparano wasn't ready to contemplate his future yet. Those interviews to become head coach of the Dolphins or... [Full Story]

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KJ Choi wins the 'Hawaiian' Sony Open

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 14, 2008

The South Korean's victory coming one week after he finished dead last in the Tournament of Champions. HONOLULU - K.J. Choi had to work harder than he imagined to become the Sony Open champion everyone expected. Equipped with a four-shot lead, Choi struggled in blustery conditions Sunday at Waialae Country... [Full Story]

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Ottawa's Deny Heatley may miss six weeks due to shoulder injury

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 14, 2008

Heatley was the Senators' second leadin scorer at the time of his injury. From AP- OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators' Dany Heatley will be sidelined up to six weeks because of a separated right shoulder. He'll miss Sunday's game against the New York Islanders, ending a streak of 205 straight... [Full Story]

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Former Brooklyn Dodger Johnny Podres dead at 75

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 14, 2008

He was the winning pitcher in game 7 of the 1955 World Series. That was the year the Bums finally won it all after 5 postseason losses to the Yankees in the previous 14 years. Afterwards Podres stayed around MLB for almost another 14 years as a player, and more... [Full Story]

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Another Sign of the Apocalypse?

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 13, 2008

How in the hell did the NY Giants come in to Dallas and complete only 12 passes for 163 yards and rush for an anemic 90 total yards and win? Which was the bigger disappointment to their fans; the Colts or the Cowboys? Dallas had 8 more first downs, 64... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Patriots Keep Rolling

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 13, 2008

Tom Brady was almost perfect Saturday night against Jacksonville going 26-28 for 262 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. In spite of Brady's heroics and a fairly comfortable win 31-20; this game was actually much closer. In fact, the Jags led total yardage at halftime 200-166 with the score tied... [Full Story]

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Chargers Stun Colts

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 13, 2008 · Comments (2)

Count me among the millions of people who are shocked at the result of today's San Diego-Indianapolis playoff tilt. I thought there was no way - no way - San Diego could go into Indy and pull off that upset. Not with the way Indy played down the stretch, and... [Full Story]

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Pickin' The Playoffs: N.Y. Giants @ Dallas; San Diego @ Indianapolis

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 13, 2008 · Comments (1)

Yesterday's two convincing victories by higher-seeded, well-rested, home-standing teams would seem to bode ill for the Giants and Chargers. So will the trend continue into today's match-ups, or do we have at least one upset in the offing? I think we can forget about an upset in the Chargers-Colts game.... [Full Story]

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Louisville Had a Linebacker? Who Knew?

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 12, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Louisville linebacker Lamar Myles will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Myles led the Cardinals with 128 tackles during his junior year and was a second-team All-Big East selection, one of the few standouts on a defense that struggled during a disappointing 6-6... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Green Bay Throttles Seattle 42-20

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 12, 2008 · Comments (3)

Talk about one for the legend of Lambeau Field! Texas A&M and Seattle were in a court fight earlier this year over the ownership of the term "12th man". The Aggies have used it for years but apparently the Seahawks claimed it as well. Does a "12th Man" even matter?... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Pickin' the Playoffs: Jags @ Patriots

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 12, 2008

The Jags are the physical team that's supposed to be able to go into New England and give the Patriots a game of it. New England is coming off a bye which means they're rested and Bill Belichick has had extra preparation time. Weather should not be a factor. The... [Full Story]

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New PGA Tour cut rule riles some players

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 12, 2008 · Comments (2)

Traditionally PGA tournaments are cut to the low 70 and ties after 36 holes. Last November a new rule was instituted and this weekend's Sony Open saw it first take affect. The government pays farmers not to grow crops and, now, the PGA Tour has begun to pay its players... [Full Story]

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The USC Train Wreck Gains Speed

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 11, 2008

The rumors and innuendo around whether or not former USC running back and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush was complicit in taking money from sports agents while he was still an "amateur" are starting to gain significant momentum. Here are the documents that seriously implicate Reggie Bush and his father.... [Full Story]

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Seahawks vs. Packers Preview

Posted by Peter F. · Published: January 11, 2008

7.5 point underdogs? Really? Yes, the Seattle Seahawks are nearly 8-point dogs to the Green Bay Packers in tomorrow's NFC Divisional Playoff game. I repeat, really? ... [Full Story]

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NBA calls for do-over in Atlanta Hawks- Miami Heat game

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 11, 2008

First time I ever recall the finale of a sports event having to be re-done since than the famous Pine tar game. From AP- ATLANTA - The Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat must replay the final 51.9 seconds of their game last month because the NBA said the official scorer... [Full Story]

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T.O. Won't Talk to Reporters - Unless They're Hot, Female and English is Their Second Language

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 11, 2008 · Comments (1)

... [Full Story]

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Knoblauch is Bitter

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 11, 2008

Chuck Knoblauch has crawled out of whatever hole he's been living in for the past few years to answer questions about his naming in the Mitchell Report and his subsequent invitation to sit before a Congressional committee investigating steroids in baseball. Chuck, suffice it to say, seems more than a... [Full Story]

Rating: 4.5/5 (2 votes cast)

Alex Ovechkin signs 13-year contract with the Washington Capitals

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 11, 2008

It is Hockey's first 9 digit contract. WASHINGTON (AP) -- Alexander the Great has a contract worthy of his nickname -- the first $100 million deal in NHL history. Alex Ovechkin signed a $124 million, 13-year contract extension Thursday with the Washington Capitals, a handsome reward for the charismatic Russian... [Full Story]

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Vancouver Canuck Goalie Roberto Luongo to miss All-Star game

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 10, 2008

The former Florida Panther goaltender wants to spend time with his pregnant wife. From the Canadian Press- VANCOUVER - Roberto Luongo announced Wednesday he will skip the Jan. 27 NHL all-star game in Atlanta. The Vancouver Canucks star goaltender, voted in by fans as the starting goalie for the Western... [Full Story]

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Florida Panthers acquire 34-year-old rookie defensemen

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 10, 2008

Don't laugh. The cats need help at the position. From the Miami Herald- ATLANTA -- The Panthers' banged-up defense got some help Thursday as Florida swung a deal for Chicago's Magnus Johansson. Florida surrendered a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft for Johansson, a 34-year-old rookie. Until joining the... [Full Story]

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Riley: Will He Stay Or Will He Go?

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 10, 2008 · Comments (2)

The Miami Heat are terrible, which naturally leads to speculation that Pat Riley is planning to jump ship on them again, the same way he did years back when they were struggling (before they got Shaq, and Riley threw Stan Van Gundy overboard so he could have the glory of... [Full Story]

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Favre Leaning Toward Returning, But Still Won't Say For Sure

Posted by Dan Zinski · Published: January 10, 2008

Brett Favre could spare us another off-season of "will he return or won't he" talk, but instead he's elected to play coy again. Although this time his coyness leans a little more toward a definitive answer than last year when he left the issue completely up in the air (and... [Full Story]

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Falcons Pursuing Pete Carroll?

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 9, 2008

The latest buzz from Atlanta is that the Falcons and Pete Carroll are looking longingly at each other. Late Tuesday night, ESPN.com, citing multiple sources, reported that Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is pursuing USC coach Pete Carroll according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. According to the story,... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)

Detroit Red Wings sign Chris Osgood to 3-year contract

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 9, 2008

He is the third winningest active goalie in hockey today. From AP- DETROIT - Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood, off to a fast start this season, has signed a three-year extension with the team. The 35-year-old Osgood leads the NHL in both goals-against average (1.68) and save percentage (.932), and... [Full Story]

Rating: 0/5 (0 votes cast)

Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman suggests young golfers lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley

Posted by Bill Jempty · Published: January 9, 2008 · Comments (2)

Call this the 'Sports Knucklehead of the Day'. Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman has apologized after saying during Friday's telecast of the PGA Tour's opening event that today's young players should "lynch Tiger Woods in a back alley." In a statement issued Monday, Tilghman said: "On Friday during our golf... [Full Story]

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Did the BCS Blowout Ignite Serious Discussion of a Playoff?

Posted by Danny Strickland · Published: January 8, 2008 · Comments (3)

Dan Wetzel, writing for Yahoo Sports, has an interesting reaction by some of the power players in college football in the wake of last night's blowout BCS Championship game. NEW ORLEANS - It was another listless BCS mismatch, Louisiana State not even needing a truly great performance to beat Ohio... [Full Story]

Rating: 5/5 (1 votes cast)