Popo in my crib

Fans of the Week

2009-12-21T13:11:00.001-05:00

These guys, for making Ron Artests trip into the stands at the Palace at Auburn Hills a much more enjoyable (see: not arrest worthy) than the last time he was there.
(Photo: Getty Images)

snow! snoW! snOW! sNOW! SNOW!

2009-12-21T08:59:00.008-05:00

Baseball: The Cubs have sent Milton Bradley to the Mariners for -- who cares? They've gotten rid of a big problem, if they got an Ichiroll back in the deal they would come out ahead...In other Seattle news, they signed outfielder and former Baby Brave Ryan Langerhans to a one year, $525,000 contract. Yeah Ryan!...The Yankees brought back Nick Johnson. Johnny Damon, it's now time for you to look elsewhere...The Reds have restructured Scott Rolen's contract, giving him two extra years...The A's are close to signing outfielder Coco Crisp...While the Rangers are close to bringing back reliever Darren Oliver...The Orioles signed former Braves closer Mike Gonzalez to a two year, $12 million contract. Well at least the Braves have Billy Wanger. I think I just threw up a little in my mouth!...Surprise, surprise, the Phillies picked up Jimmy Rollins $8.5 million contract for 2011...Mike Lowell's wonky thumb will undergo surgery. Note he's still with the Red Sox.

Basketball: The Mavs rolled over the Cavs, 102-95 without the help of Dirk Nowitzki...The Mavericks have officially filed a n appeal of their Friday overtime loss to the Rockets...The Lakers cruised to a 93-81 victory over the Pistons...Carmelo Anthony's 41 points were not enough as the Nuggets edged out the Grizzles, 102-96...The Knicks held off the Bobcats, 98-94...Is Nate Robinson heading out of New York? Not Kryptonate!

College Basketball: Florida State ended Georgia Tech's 17 game win streak, 66-59...Meanwhile UCONN narrowly escaped an upset bid by UCF, 60-51...Connecticut and Jim Calhoun are working on an extension...Iowa's Anthony Tucker, 20 has been suspended for one game after being arrested for public intoxication. Shouldn't he also get hit up with some sort of underage drinking charge as well? Watch out Anthony, because the popo are on your tail!...Duke's backup forward Olek Czyz is planning on transferring...Kentucky is sitting one win away from 2,000. I hope the pressure doesn't get to you!

College Football: This seems a bit fishy, an SUV being driven by USC running back Joe McKnight was reportedly purchased for his girlfriend as a favor. Johana Michelle Beltran does make the payments for the Land Rover. What junior in college needs a Land Rover?...Cincinnati's interim head coach Jeff Quinn has been hired as the new head coach of Buffalo. He will coach the Bearcats in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Good idea, because at this rate they'll have to use a super Senior to coach...Dwight Dasher rushed for 201 yards, the most by a quarterback in a Bowl game, as Middle Tennessee topped Southern Miss, 42-32.

Football: With heavy hearts, the Bengals took the field only to fall to the Chargers, 27-24. San Diego clinched a playoff spot with the win...Chad Ochocinco stuck with #85 even though there was some thought that he would wear #15 to honor the late Chris Henry...Despite being spanked by the Panthers, 26-7, the Vikings still wrapped up the Division after the Packers fell to the Steelers, 37-36...Although the loss did put a bit of a strain on Brett Favre and Brad Childress' relationship...Also clinching their division were the Cardinals who stunned the Lions, 31-24. Who am I kidding, it's the Lions, they'd probably be more stunned if they didn't lose a game in the closing two minutes...The Eagles are heading back to the playoffs after stomping over the 49ers, 27-13...The Bears stumbled to a 31-7 loss to the Ravens, making Lovie Smith's stay in Chicago very questionable...For more of Sunday's scores click here.
(Photo: Reuters)

Hockey: The hits just keep coming for the Red Wings, if it's not losing Henrik Zetterberg for two weeks, it's being blanked by the Hawks, 3-0...David Backes scored two goals in the Blues 3-1 win over the Canucks...The Rangers doubled up the Flyers, 2-1. What does this mean they've actually won two in a row?...The Montreal Canadiens got to discover the beauty of Long Island for one extra day thanks to that crappy winter storm over the weekend. This of course came after they shut out the Isles, 3-0. So not all was lost...The NHL wants to expand to two Winter Classics next season.

Best of the Rest: Danica Patrick turned her first laps in a stock car at Daytona...CJM Racing has suspended operation...While the Milwaukee Mile has announced it will not host any racing events in 2010.

Check this Out: EW looks at the Best and worst of TV for 2009.

Separated at Birth

2009-12-16T14:17:00.004-05:00

Not only are these guys young, talented and rich, but I have literally babysat people who are now older than both Michael Del Zotto and Sidney Crosby. Now all Sid has to do is grow out his horrible haircut and they’ll be twins once again.

Something Randy Moss could get behind

2009-12-16T14:05:00.004-05:00

A little late on this one, but I thought it deserved to be mentioned

A man who works as Pat Patriot, the mascot for the New England Patriots, was arrested in a prostitution sting in Rhode Island over the weekend after a new law went into effect that closed a loophole that had allowed indoor prostitution. Way to take all the fun out of Rhode Island. What are you going to do next? Close the casinos? Turn the smallest state in the country into one large dry county?

Robert Sormanti of Warwick was among the 14 people busted in an undercover sting held at a local hotel, hopefully somewhere classy like a Motel 6.

Not surprisingly, Sormanti has been suspended by the team. But don’t worry Pats fans, he is just one of the many people who play Pat Patriot from time to time. Oh, no did I just have a “no Santa Claus” type slip?

Watch out Robby, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: AP; source)

Hump Day Hair

2009-12-16T13:57:00.003-05:00

Brett Favre sees his future and it’s awesome!
(Photo: AP)

Job Well Done

2009-12-16T08:38:00.006-05:00

Baseball: The Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre to the White Sox for two minor leaguers...The Phillies have reportedly reached a deal with Roy Halladay...And Cliff Lee would like everyone to know he did not ask to be traded out of Philly...Mets GM Omar Minaya is on the hot seat and I don't know the signing of Japanese set-up man Ryota Igarashi is going to change anything...Congrats to the Blue Jays A dam Lind on winning the Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH Award...Tony LaRussa and Joe Torre are just two of the 14 members of a "special committee for on-field matters"....An ownership group which includes Nolan Ryan are talking with Rangers owner Tom Hicks about purchasing the team...Sad news, Cal State Long Beach player James Wernke was found dead in a rain-swollen creek near where he was last seen walking his girlfriend's dog. He was just 21 years old.

Basketball: In his first game back, Tracy McGrady was a little rusty, scoring only three points as the Rockets ended the Pistons five game win streak, 107-96. Well that ends the debate about voting someone to the All-Star team who hasn't played...Kobe Bryant scored 42 points with a broken finger as the Lakers sunk the Bulls, 96-87...The Cavs beat up the Nets, 99-89. Not that that is a very difficult feat...Seriously, yesterday I was flipping between the Knicks game and the Pens/Flyers rumble and I swear I turned the Knicks games off in the middle of the fourth quarter confident they'd wrapped up a victory and I flipped back with 6 seconds to go and they were losing 94-87. What the hell happened? A 15-2 run would be what happened. Oh and shout outs to Nascar driver Denny Hamlin who looked to have very nice courtside seats for the game...Ron Artest called Tiger Woods the perfect rol e model. Well if you mean in terms of sleeping with a vast amount of women and not getting anyone but your wife pregnant then yes, he is the perfect role model.

College Basketball: Jon Scheyer had a career high 36 points as Duke trampled Gardner-Webb, 113-68...Tennessee outlasted Wyoming, 77-58...Arkansas self-reported a secondary voilation concerning its athletes and the use of their photos...I know I said I was bored yesterday after looking at the AP Poll which had Kansas and Texas at the top again, but that's nothing compared to the Women's which features UCONN in the number spot for the 30th straight week.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: After having six players named All-Americans, it's easy to see why Alabama is fighting for the National title this year...Two Ohio State players have been ruled ineligible for the Rose Bowl...Cincinnati is looking at Central Michigan coach Butch Jones as a replacement for Brian Kelly...Not everyone is happy about Mack Brown's $2 million raise...Congrats to TCU's Gary Petterso n on being named Sporting News Coach of the Year...Keith Easterwood will not be talking to the NCAA about Tennessee's hostesses...The Big ten could expand by two. So that would make it the Big 12?

Football: Watch out Eric Mangini, the Browns are continuing to talk with Mike Holmgren...Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has a sprained knee...Clinton Portis' concussion does not seem career ending. But will it end his time in DC?...Someone may want to put a muzzle on Cowboys receiver Roy Williams. Just saying, it's probably not a good idea to provoke a team that is 13-0...The Rams have released Richie Incognito after his spat with coach Steve Spagnuolo. Clearly he was not being a good Incognito...Vikings back-up linebacker Erin (spelt the girl's way) Henderson was suspended four games for violating the League's PED rule...Just in case you were wondering, the NFL has ruled the Redskins did not tamper with Albert Haynesworth.

Hockey: Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists as the Penguins punched out the Flyers, 6-1. Can't wait for Thursday when these two go at it again...Speaking of the Kid, he was named the top athlete in Canada for 2009...Also winning big were the Caps who shelled the Avs, 6-1...The Kings nipped the Oilers, 3-2 to take over the top spot in the West...It was fun night in St. Louis. They retired Brett Hull's #16 and then edged the Flames, 4-3...New day, same old Rick DiPietro, the man made of glass.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Look at that, Yanina Wickmayer will be allowed to play tennis after all...Kurt Busch didn't have to look far for his new crew chief, he just took the one his brother gave up. Steve Addington should change his business card to include "The Official Crew Chief of the Busch Brothers."...There will be one less week of festivities for the Indy 500 this year.

Check this Out: The Camel totally steals the show in this clip.

Drunken Birds

2009-12-15T10:34:00.004-05:00

I think the Cardinals may need to change their logo to include bars after a third member of their organization was busted for DUI over the weekend. Rookie third baseman David Freese was stopped for a traffic offense in suburban St. Louis when the Maryland Heights popo decided to give him a sobriety test. Guess who failed?

Freese was booked and released. A date has not been set for his court appearance.

David’s agent released a statement along the lines of his client is very remorseful, but glad he wasn’t the only member of the team to throw caution to the wind and drive drunk. He also mentioned that at least he didn’t fall asleep at the wheel, something I am sure Tony LaRussa appreciated.

This was the fourth alcohol and driving related incident for the team since 2007. In that year Tony LaRussa was busted at a stop light and then a few months later reliever Josh Hannock was killed when his car plowed into a tow truck parked on Interstate 64 near St. Louis. It was later discovered that Hannock was speeding and talking on his cell phone when the incident happened. A year later, the always reliable Scott Spezio was arrested in California after a car accident.

Watch out Cardinals, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Lesson Learn #819

2009-12-15T10:09:00.003-05:00

Swinging an elbow like you're five and someone stole your cookie will get you a one game suspension, Trevor Ariza.
(via The Baseline)

Blockbuster

2009-12-15T08:26:00.004-05:00

Baseball: It's far from official, but it's looking like the Phillies have won the Roy Halladay sweepstakes, although it's coming at a big price. Philadelphia would have to trade Cliff Lee to the Mariners as part of this three team trade...Also winning big is John Lackey who is reportedly signing with the Red Sox for $85 million...Boston is also close to signing outfielder Mike Cameron...Oh and the BoSox have offered Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman $15.5 million. This is a nice pre-Christmas shopping spree Theo, I hope you got your wife and kid a bunch of goodies as well...The Angels may have lost Chone Figgins and John Lackey, but they could end up with Hideki Matsui. Hey he was World Series MVP...The Cardinals are really trying to bring back Matt Holliday...The Brewers finalized their contract with Randy Wolf and also re-signed Craig Counsell...Guess who will be opening up the baseball season on my lovely birthday/Easter -- the Yankees and Red Sox. I would have so rathered the Braves, but what can you do?

Basketball: The Celtics are red hot after notching their 11th straight win, 110-105...The 76ers ended a 12 game lossing streak, dropping the Warriors, 117-101...Kevin Durant may have topped Carmelo Anthony is the points column, but it still wasn't enough for the Thunder to take out the Nuggets...Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman is not thrilled with the Rockets "ridiculous schedule." I guess not thrilled would be putting it mildly.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: It's starting to get very boring looking at the new polls and seeing Kansas and Texas still sitting at the top...UPENN coach Glen Miller has been given his walking papers. Jerome Allen will take over as interim head coach...Meanwhile South Carolina coach Darrin Horn was given a two year extension.

College Football: Jake Locker must really love college life because he's staying at Washington...Probably because unlike at USF, he doesn't get hit by his coach (Allegedly -- of course)...Kansas State kick returner Brandon Banks was arrested on charges of battery and unlawful possession of a stimulant early Sunday morning. Watch out Brandon, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Do you want the bad news or the other bad news Cardinals fans? Well with the 24-9 loss to the Niners, Arizona was unable to clinch the NFC West...Oh and Larry Fitzgerald got injured. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer..Like any good coach and QB, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are defending Randy Moss...DeMarcus Ware could play on Saturday against the Saints...And Bengals QB Carson Palmer says his elbow is 101 percent...Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski is iffy for Sunday's game, but instead of going to JaMarcus Russel, will Oakland turn to Charlie Frye?...Get excited Jaguars fans, because for the first time all season, their game will not be blacked out!

Hockey: The Thrashers bested the Rangers, 3-2 (SO). Well at least the Rangers got a point in Brandon Dubinsky's first game back from injury. Who am I kidding, this is getting to be very difficult to watch...The Sabres held off the Canadiens, 4-3 for their fourth straight victory...Just when you think the Islanders are improving they get their asses handed to them 7-1 style by the Panthers...Steve Sullivan scored a hat trick as the Predators beat the Blue Jackets, 5-3...The Red Wings stopped the Coyotes, 3-2 but lost Jonathan Ericsson in the process...After putting Andrew Ebbett on IR, the Wild have now lost four players to concussions.
(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Just when you think the worst is behind you, your doctor becomes involved in a performance enhancing drug probe. Oh well, Tiger at least you have your millions to buy a private island and never have to worry about dealing with people ever again...The International Tennis Federation does not play around. They will not allow Yanina Wickmayer to play despite a court injunction that supsended her one-year ban for violating anti-doping rules.

Check this Out: The Golden Globe nominations are in, so click here for movies and here for TV. Yeah Glee!!

Fan of the Week

2009-12-14T15:51:00.001-05:00

“It’s cold, a man has got to do something to keep warm” – Drunk Santa in Miracle on 34th Street

(Photo: AP)

Incognito

2009-12-14T08:33:00.004-05:00

Baseball: Jason Bay is reportedly moving on from the Red Sox...Atlanta has re-signed Matt Diaz and cut Ryan Church and Kelly Johnson...The Nats have reportedly locked up Scott "Tazzy McSusan" Olsen for one year...The Blue J ays signed catcher John Buck to a one year, $2 million contract...Buck was not re-signed by the Royals who gave catcher Jason Kendall a two year, $6 million contract...Kansas City also reached one-year deals with Brian Bannister and Kyle Davies...Kevin Correia is sticking with the Padres...The Rangers have put their trade for Mike Lowell on hold as they evaluate his thumb...The Reds cut outfielder Johnny Gomes...While the Mets have let Tim Redding, Jeremy Reed and Cory Sullivan go...And the Rockies have parted with Garrett Atkins...Chien-Ming Wang is a free agent.

Basketball: LeBron James seemed like he just couldn't miss as he accumulated 44 points in the Cavs 102-89 knock out of the Thunder...Not to be outdone, Rudy Gay put up a career high 41 points as the Grizzles stiffled the Heat, 118-90...Things were going so well for the Nets, they won two games and then they go and get crushed by the Hawks, 130-107...New Jersey is awaiting the results from an MRI on Chris Douglas-Robert's knee...After three years away from the NBA, the Knicks have signed forward Jonathan Bender.

College Basketball: Juan Fernandez drained seven three pointers as Temple upset Villanova, 75-65...Also winning in stunning fashion was Xavier who outlasted Cincinnati 83-79 in double OT...You may want to avoid heckling UNC when Roy Williams is around.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Congrats to Mark Ingram on winning the Heisman Trophy. He is the first player from Alabama to garner that honor...Kansas announced their hiring of Turner Gill as their new head coach...With Turner leaving, Buffalo named Danny Barrett as their interim head coach as they begin their search.

Football: The Colts clinched home field advantage throughout the playoffs with their 28-16 win over the Broncos. The win also kept them undefeated...Kind of like the Saints who held off the Falcons, 26-23. The win allowed New Orleans to clinch a bye...Broncos WR Brandon Marshall had a record 21 receptions in the loss to the Colts...With Dallas falling to the Chargers, 20-17, the Eagles took advantage with a wild 45-38 victory over the Giants to take sole possession of first place in the NFC East. PS if I have to hear that lame E-A-G-L-E-S chant one more time in the New York area I am going to go postal (and remember that term came from my hometown)...The Patriots doubled up the Panthers, 20-10 but it's Randy Moss' attitude that is making all the noise...For all of Sunday's scores, click here...Good news, Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware was "aware and alert with full movement and strength in his extremities" after leaving the field on a stretcher on Sunday. Ware was diagnosised with a sprained neck.

(Photo: AP)

Hockey: The Avalanche edged the Flames, 3-2 to take the Northwest lead...Antti Niemi got his third shutout in seven starts as the Blackhawks blanked the Lightning, 4-0...Alex Kovalev scored his 400th career goal on a night where he picked up a hat trick for the Senators who topped the Canes, 4-2...Are the Coyotes close to being sold?...Can you believe it's only 18 days until the Winter Classic? As such, the Flyers and Bruins got their first look at Fenway.

Best of the Rest: Milka Duno will try her hand at stockcar racing. Good, because the IndyCar career went so well...An appeals court has rejected a claim that International Speedway Corp has violated federal antitrust laws. Yeah, because it's not like the people who run ISC also run Nascar. Wait a second -- ...Felipe Massa could drive a Formula 1 car in the "next few days." Excellent news for a guy who suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash in July...Could Michael Schumacher be headed back to F1?

Check this Out: I may have to take a trip to Vegas soon, especially after Garth Brooks kicked off what could turn into a five year run at the Wynn this weekend. For details, click here.

Friday Funnies

2009-12-11T16:37:00.001-05:00

(Photo:AP)

I think I have Tom Coughlin face, thank you old man winter!

2009-12-11T08:26:00.007-05:00

Baseball: The Mets are emerging as a big bidder for Jason Bay. Why this isn't the Braves when they apparently had $7 million to spend of Billy Wagner, I don't know...The Yankees and Johnny Damon are talking...The Astros continue their busy offseason by signing Pedro Feliz to a one year, $4.5 million contract...The Pirates gave Bobby Crosby a one year, $1 million contract. Wow, even $1 million couldn't get me in a Pirates uniform...The Twins traded Boof Bonser to the Red Sox for a player to be named later...The City of Oakland unveiled three possible sites for the new A's Stadium.

Basketball: The Celtics streak is up to nine after edging the Wizards, 104-102...Meanwhile the Magic is gone for Orlando who fell to Utah, 120-111...The Wizards will wear a patch to honor their late owner Abe Pollin...The Pistons topped the Nuggets, 101-99 despite Carmelo Anthony's 40 point performance...Robin Lopez is very -- ah -- passionate about basketball...Ever wonder why people don't really trust the fans to vote for important things? Well take for example the NBA All-Star voting which could send the injured Tracy McGrady to the Western Conference's starting line-up. Seriously people he hasn't even played a game yet. This isn't a lifetime acheivement award!
(Photo: Reuters)

College Basketball: Syracuse remains undefeated after downing Florida, 85-73...Draymond Green had a career high 19 points as Michigan State hammered Oakland, 88-57...The NCAA is discussin g expanding the Tournament past the current 65 teams. I think 65 is just fine. Remember, not everyone deserves to make the tourny!

College Football: Notre Dame has a new head coach and his name is Brian Kelly...Lane Kiffin is claiming Tennessee didn't do anything wrong...Colt McCoy has racked up the Awards, but is a Heisman in his future?

Football: It's getting really bad for the Steelers who fell to the Browns (yeah that Browns team), 13-7. Cleveland picked up their first rushing touchdown of the season and it only took them 14 weeks to do it!...Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas was not happy about being sent home early on Wednesday...Tom Brady is falling apart at the seems. If it's not his finger, it's now his rib...Vince Young had to ice his knee. What is this world coming to?...Wilhelmina modeling agency has signed Terrell Owens. Well at least he has something to fall back on as his career winds down...A woman is suing Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs for $70 million claiming he fathered her child and also abused her. Who has two thumbs and is looking for a payday? Candace Williams! (Assuming she has two thumbs)
(Photo: Getty Images)

Hockey: Mark Recchi scored twice in the final three minutes to help the Bruins hold off the Maple Leafs, 5-2...Pascal Dupuis' third period goal handed the Penguins a 3-2 win over the Canadiens...Justin Williams' goal in the eighth round of the shootout allowed the Kings to end the Coyotes five game win streak, 3-2 (SO)...The Senators blanked the Flyers, 2-0...Daniel Sedin outscored the Thrashers all by himself with his three goals in the Canucks' 4-2 victory...Wings forward Dan Cleary will miss a month with a separated shoulder...Lightning forwards Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone are listed as day-to-day...The Rangers have sent Matt Gilroy to the minors. A little suprised about this move. Although it is nice to hear that Brandon Dubinsky is skating even if a return date is not set. When you lose five out of your last six, you need to look for the silver lining!

Best of the Rest: Dinara Safina has withdrawn from next month's Brisbane International...Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario has been ordered to pay 3.5 million euros in unpaid income tax...Is Real Madrid star Raul headed to the MLS?

Check this Out: Jenny Sanford, the wife of disgraced South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has filed for divorce. What took you so long?

Fans of the Week

2009-12-10T13:48:00.005-05:00

This week's fans of the week goes to these two cool guys who could not hide their awesomeness behind the glass.

Exhibit A:

Now that Movenber has ended, I hope he doesn't decide to get rid of that awesome mustache.

Exhibit B:

Laugh all you want about that hat, but he seems to have scored himself a very lovely female companion.

(Photos: Getty Images & AP)

It's Always Sunny on Thursdays

2009-12-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

It’s the final episode of the season tonight on FX at 10 PM/est, but don’t get too down, because you can spend the Holiday’s with the gang by picking up It’s Always Sunny Christmas DVD (here).

Meanwhile, in tonight’s episode the gang tries to regain their flip cup glory after being banned from Flipadelphia for the last 10 years. This should be very interesting.

Overmatched?

2009-12-10T08:30:00.008-05:00

Baseball: Well it's official, Curtis Granderson is a Yankee and as such, unfortunately, now I am going to have to hate you. You understand right? If not talk to Nick Swisher. He was in a similar situation last year...The Yankees also signed Andy Pettitte to a one year, $11.75 million contract...The Rangers became very active players on Wednesday, acquiring Mike Lowell from the Red Sox and sending Kevin Millwood to the Orioles...They also signed Rich Harden to a one year, $7.5 million contract...The Brewers signed Randy Wolf to a three year, $28 million deal...The Astros picked up reliever Matt Lindstrom from the Marlins and also signed relief pitcher Brandon Lyon to a three year, $15 million deal...The Phillies padded their bench by picking up Ross Gload...Did the Braves trade Rafael Soriano to the Rays? Does this have to do with Billy Wagner, if so I am not ok with this...With no interest in sight, Barry Bonds' agent acknowledges the slugger's career is over.

Basketball: The Lakers outscored the Jazz 28-6 in the fourth quarter on their way to their 10th straight victory, 101-77...The 76ers have yet to get a victory with Allen Iverson in the line-up after falling to the Pistons, 90-86...Vinny Del Negro is very confident about his job despite yet another blow-out loss for the Bulls...Chris Paul's last second lay-up delievered the 97-96 win for the Hornets...Aaron Brooks had 27 points and Trevor Ariza added 26 as the Rockets stiffled the Cavs, 95-85...No suprise here, the Lakers were named the most valuable franchise by Forbes...In other Lakers' news, injured forward Luke Walton will fill in for radio color commentator Mychal Thompson on Friday for LA's game against Minnesota. Look who's continously following in his father's footsteps.

College Basketball: Kentucky freshman phenom John Wall made his presence felt in their 64-61 win over UCONN. The Wildcats have not gotten off to this good of a start since Adolph Rupp was literally coaching the team. So it's been a while...If Wisconsin-Green Bay could beat Wisconsin, 88-84, why couldn't Duke?...Kansas continues to prove why they are number 1 after trouncing Radford, 99-64. We get it, you're good.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Looks like Notre Dame's coaching search isn't as cut and dry as originally thought, the Irish reportedly have a mutual interest in UCONN coach Randy Edsall...The NCAA investigation of Tennessee's recruiting methods center around "hostesses". Like the ones at Hooters?...Texas coach Mack Brown will earn $5 million a year for the life of his contract. I'll take it!...In isn't there something more important you should be spending your time on news, a House subcomittee has voted to pass a college football bill to end the BSC Bowl system. This is a complete waste of tax payer money. On par with the bridges to nowhere in Alaska...Congrats to Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh on winning the Rotary Lombardi Award for the nation's top lineman.

Football: Snow was no excuse for the four players including Randy Moss who were tossed from the Patriots team meeting and practice on Wednesday for showing up late. Hey, if Tom Brady could get there on time after his wife gave birth, than anybody should. Oh and congrats to Tom and Gisele on the birth of their son (name still not chosen)...Kellen Clemens will start in place of the injured Mark Sanchez for the Jets this weekend...Another starting QB who will be on the sidelines is the Lion's Matthew Stafford. Daunte Culpepper will start instead...A $30,000 will not deter Chad Ochocinco from giving the fans more of what they want.

Hockey: The Rangers lost their fifth game in their last six after falling to the Blackhawks, 2-1 in OT...The Sabres blanked the Capitals, 3-0. It was Ryan Miller's 16th career shutout...The Thrashers snuffed the Flames, 3-1...The Devils doubled up the Hurricanes, 4-2 as Andy Greene had his first two goal game in the NHL...Ty Conklin stopped 42 shots on the Blues' way to a 1-0 shutout of the Red Wings...Mark Messier has been named the GM for team Canada...Former NHL star Slava Fetisov will suit up for CSKA Moscow at the tender age of 51.

(Photo: Reuters)

Best of the Rest: Kim Clijsters beat Venus Williams 6-1, 7-5 in a Diamond Games exhibition match...Could Landon Donovan be heading to Europe on loan?

Check this Out: Sandra Bullock is on the cover of this week's Entertainment Weekly. Click here to get a preview of the Blind Side star's cover.

Hump Day Hair

2009-12-09T16:37:00.001-05:00

Sergio Rodriguez proves it’s not about the amount of hair you have, but rather what you do with the hair you’ve got.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Lesson Learned #345

2009-12-09T10:28:00.001-05:00

If you wear a sombrero on the sidelines, your wallet will be $30,000 lighter. And no the NFL does not care if you’ve changed your name to reflect your love for the Spanish culture – or lack there of since you’ve gone with Ochocinco instead of Ochenta y cinco. But it’s close enough right?

The Broken Umbrella Edition

2009-12-09T08:31:00.005-05:00

Baseball: We maybe on the verge of the biggest deal of the Winter Meetings, as the Yankees are reportedly super close to acquiring Curtis Granderson in a three team deal that also includes the Tigers and Diamondbacks...The White Sox signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million contract...The Braves have waived Ryan Church to make room for Rafael Soriano...While the Twins have cut Boof Bonser to make space for Carl Pavano...A Wisconsin court has upheld a ruling that bans Ann Ladd from attending any Major League Baseball game where Bob Uecker is announcing. I love Uecker but who knew he had such power over the ladies?...Peter Gammons has announced he will be leaving ESPN after 20 years with the network.

Basketball: The Cavs fell to the Grizzles, 111-109 in OT for their first loss to a Western Conference team this season. Well, it was bound to happen, I just didn't think it would be to the Grizzles...The Celtics won their eighth straight after topping the Bucks, 98-89...The Mavs edged the Suns, 102-101 in Josh Howard's first game back...The Nets collected their second win in three games after nipping the Bulls, 103-101. Now that's something to dance about!
(Photo: Getty Images)
College Basketball: Greg Monroe's 24 points and 15 rebounds helped power Georgetown over Butler, 72-65...Illinois downed Vandy, 79-68...Indiana's 74-64 win over Pitt gave Hoosiers coach Tom Crean his 200th victory...Good news, Iowa coach Todd Lickliter is out of an Iowa City hospital after undergoing surgery for a tear in his carotid artery.

College Football: Brian Kelly is looking more and more likely to be the newest Notre Dame coach...Louisville is close to hiring Florida's defensive coordinator Charlie Strong as their next head coach...Don't expect Bobby Bowden to help raise money for Florida State...NCAA is investigating Tennessee's football recruiting practices.

Football: The Eagles have given coach Andy Reid a three year extension...Bad news Steelers fans, Troy Polamalu may not return this season...Redskins RB Clinton Portis was placed on IR making him wonder about life after football...In other Skins news, Washington has cut kicker Shuan Suisham after he missed a 23 yard field goal in their loss to the Saints. They have picked up Graham Gano as his replacement...Flozell Adams will be fined $50,000 for actions during the Girls' loss to the G-Men...Former Giants WR Plaxico Burress' work release request is likely to be denied.

Hockey: The Flyers hammered the Islanders, 6-2 for coach Peter Laviolette's first win as their head coach...It was not all good news for Philly, goalie Ray Emery will undergo surgery to repair a torn muscle in his lower abdomen which will keep him out for six weeks...The Ducks rallied from a 3-0 hole to beat the Stars, 4-3 in OT...Martin Erat netted a hat trick as the Predators doubled up the Canucks, 4-2...Canadiens forward Ryan White was ruled ineligible and was removed in the first period of Montreal's 4-1 win over the Senators. White was recalled from Hamilton of the AHL but the team neglected to tell the NHL of the roster move...The Hurricanes have activated goalie Cam Ward...The NHL is looking into Marc Savard's extension with the Bruins.

Best of the Rest: A Pacific storm is making surfers in Hawaii very very happy!...Kyle Busch is working on his new truck series team which could have a stable of three trucks.

Check this Out: A frightening thought, Eminen and the Beatles sold the most albums in the 2000s. Sadly I never bought a cd from either but I definitely have Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney ablum floating around.

Talk About a Tough Guy

2009-12-08T15:12:00.003-05:00

Islanders’ defenseman Brendan Witt was struck by a car in Philadelphia on his way to getting his morning cup of Joe at Starbucks. The veteran was walking across Arch Street when “a gold Yukon made an illegal turn,” hitting Witt. The scrap didn’t stop him from attending the morning skate and will also not prevent him from playing against the Flyers tonight.

To be honest, I could actually see myself getting hit by a car, heading over to Starbucks to get my daily frappacino and then going to the hospital, but in no part of this scenario would I also be stopping by the local rink to partake in some hockey.

Watch out guy in the gold Yukon, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Reuters; source via Puck Daddy)

A familiar face

2009-12-08T08:22:00.004-05:00

Baseball: With the Winter Meetings in full swing, there were a couple of key signings like the Cardinals locking up Brad Penny to a one year, $7.5 million contract...Ivan Rodriguez is moving to the Nation's capital after signing a two year, $6 million deal with the Nats...The Brewers picked up Gregg Zaun...Adam Everett re-signed with the Tigers...Andy Pettitte will likely return for his 16th season...Carl Pavano, Rafael Soriano and Rafael Betancourt have all accepted arbitration...The Yankees have sent reliever Brian Bruney to the Nationals for a player to be named later...Ryne Sandberg has been named the Manager of the Cubs Triple-A Affiliate in Iowa...Congratulations to Whitey Herzog and Doug Harvey for being named to the Hall of Fame.

Basketball: Allen Iverson had 11 points in his first game back with Philadelphia, but it wasn't enough as the Nuggets eclipsed the 76ers, 93-83...The Jazz downed the Spurs, 104-101...The Knicks got their third straight victory, 93-84...In other Knicks news, they'll reportedly be heading to Italy to play at least one game against Milan next year...In what seems like a yearly occurrence Greg Oden's year has come to a very early close after the big man broke his left kneecap...Nets forward Yi Jianlian needed 50 stitches after catching an elbow during a 3-on-3...Hold your overly expensive hats kids, because VH1 is scheduled to air a new series that focuses on the wives of NBA players.
(Photo: AP)

College Basketball: Kansas, Texas and Villanova remain 1,2,3 for the second straight week...Michigan State held off the Citadel, 69-56...Duke guard Andre Dawkins has left the team to be with his family following the death of his sister over the weekend.

College Football: The Heisman Trophy finalists were announced. They are Colt McCoy, Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart, Ndamukong Suh and Tim Tebow...Jimmy Calusen and Golden Tate are jumping to the NFL...In other Notre Dame news, Cincinnati's Brian Kelly is meeting with Irish brass to discuss their current opening.

Football: The Packers topped the Ravens, 27-14 to keep their playoff hopes alive...Also holding onto their's were the Giants who demolished the Cowboys, 31-24...Flozell Adams less than sportmans like push of the Giants Justin Tuck at the end of the first half will probably cost him a few pennies and maybe a game or two...For the rest of Sunday's scores, click here...Hines Ward may not be able to play on Thursday...Chad Ochocinco has been a bad boy according to Daimler Chrysler Financial Services who claim he has defaulted on his car loan...The NFL has nixed an idea that would have seen Bears and Blackhawks stars in a little cross promotion.

Hockey: Marty Broduer tied Terry Sawchuk with his 103rd shutout after the Devils blanked the Sabres, 3-0...The Capitals dominated the Lightning, 3-0 as Alexander Ovechkin scored two goals in his first game back from suspension...The Hurricanes edged the Penguins, 3-2...Despite a new head coach, the Flyers could not come away with a win, falling to the Canadiens, 3-2...Darren McCarty has announced his retirement after 15 seasons in the NHL...Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro is on the comeback trail...Brian Burke is expected to announce the member of the team US's Olympic roster next week.

Best of the Rest: Danica Patrick will race in the Nationwide Series for 2010 driving a car out of the JR Motorsports stable. Looks like this was right...In Christmas gifts 2010 news, John Daly has lost 115 pounds and plans to pen a book which he hopes will then turn into a movie...Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero honored Spain's Davis Cup-winning team on Monday.

Check this Out: Very sad news, Bryant Gumbel has revealed he has lung cancer. Our well wishes go out to the former Today Show host.

Finally!!!!

2009-12-04T23:50:00.003-05:00

You can remove those bags from your heads Nets fans, because New Jersey has finally broken their 18 game slide with a victory over the Bobcats. Although Bobcats fans, you can just take those garbage bags and put them on your heads.

(Photo: Reuters)

Friday Funnies

2009-12-04T14:25:00.003-05:00

So this is an interesting position for Jay McKee to be in.

(Photo: AP)

D-E-F-E-N-S-E!

2009-12-04T08:30:00.008-05:00

Baseball: The Braves took another step in building up their bullpen by signing almost 40 year old Takashi Saito. Great so now that you've cornered the market in elderly relievers, can you turn to finding a power hitting outfielder now?...Meanwhile the Red Sox signed shortstop Marco Scutaro to a two year deal, with an option for a third...The Mets signed two back-up catchers, Chris Coste (the former 33-year-old Rookie) and Henry Blanco...The Cubs have traded Aaron Miles and Jake Fox to Oakland for RHP Jeff Gray and two minor leaugers Ronny Morla and Matt Spencer...George Steinbrenner is apparently well enough to take part in Yankee team meetings. Good the original is always better than the remakes!

Basketball: Kevin Garnett scored 20 points in the Celtics 90-83 victory over the Spurs...Dwyane Wade remains winless in Denver after the Nuggets dismantled the Heat, 114-96...The Rockets' Aaron Brooks' free throw with 2.1 seconds burried the Warriors, 111-109 in Don Nelson's first game back from pneumonia...Allen Iverson is really glad to be back in Philadelphia...The interview we've all been waiting for, Tim Donaghy is talking with "60 Minutes." And when I say we, I mean all refs who are planning on not getting caught throwing games.

College Basketball: A new Knight is making a ton of noise, Pat Knight coached Texas Tech to a 99-92 overtime win over #12 Washington to push the team to a 8-0 record, the best start for the school since 1929...#2 Texas handled USC, 69-50...South Florida guard Anthony Crater has been suspended after failing his second drug test.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Oregon is headed to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1994 after they nipped in-state rival Oregon State, 37-33...Kansas head coach Mark Mangino has decided to step down...After 69 years, Hofstra is cutting it's football program.

Football: In an epic clash of running games, the Jets topped the Bills, 19-13...But all Jets coach Rex Ryan could talk about was Mark Sanchez's head first slide. I feel like I am watching a Mets game and Keith Hernandez is waxing on poetically about the dangers using your head and not your feet...The Cowboys are not happy Eli Manning wrote on the visiting locker room after the Giants win in September. Eli's repsonse "Get over it [Cowgirls]" See and when Doc Gooden did that at Citi Field, they cut it off the wall and put it in a display case. Wow this is the 1986 flashback post huh?...In other Cowboy Stadium news, two workers were injured when they fell from the roof of the stadium. Neither are believed to have incurred life-threatening injuries...Steven Jackson has been fined $5,000 for throwing a ball into the stands.

Hockey: Roberto Luongo is on a roll, stopping 38 shots as the Canucks blanked the Flyers, 3-0...Also remaining hot is the Kid who had three points, including two goals, as the Pens out did the Avs, 4-1. It's nice to see that Sidney isn't just into beating up the Rangers...Matt Moulson's hat trick was all the Islanders needed to knock off the Trashers, 4-1...Alexander Semin lead the Ovechkin-less Capitals past the Panthers, 6-2...The Leafs Jonas Gustavsson will undergo his second heart procedure in less than three months...The Blackhawks have re-signed Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane for the very forseeable future. Both Kane and Toews got five year extensions that will net them more than $6 million a season while Keith signed a monster 13 year, $72 deal. Oh to be 20 and making $6 million a year!

Best of the Rest: Kyle Petty will join Charles Barkley and Dennis Eckersley in a new one-hour special on Headline News TV network...Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is very confident that Danica Patrick will be driving stock cars...David Beckham has acknowledged he has been suffering from asthma for several years. Nice to know I am not the only one!...In other soccer news, the World Cup draw will take place today.

Check this Out: I don't want to pannick anybody, but there are just 21 days until Christmas. So if you're looking for a great gift under $50, click here for some ideas from In Style.

Catch him if you Can

2009-12-03T16:26:00.001-05:00

Running down a football field isn’t the only thing Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson does fast…he also likes to drive fast. The star running back was clocked going 109 mph in a 55 mph zone on a suburban Minneapolis highway over the weekend and was given a speeding ticket. Oh and cop in South Carolina, like I was driving too fast!

Peterson was pulled over by the popo around 8:30 PM on Saturday while cruising in his BMW on Highway 62 on his way to a downtown hotel where the team stays before game day. “[I] got a little speeding ticket. I need to be more aware of the speed I was going and not let it happen again."

The traffic stop caused Peterson to be late, but after his 85 yard performance during the Viking’s 36-10 victory over the Bears probably made up for it.

Watch out Adrian, because the popo are on your tail!
(Source; Photo: Reuters)