Christmas comes early

Football Update:
Following Bobby Petrino's abrupt departure, the Atlanta Falcons have promoted Emmitt Thomas to interim head coach for the final three games of the season.

Petrino was kind enough to leave his players a hand typed note which was addressed to Atlanta Falcon players (mail merge anyone?) and signed sincerely. I think peace out bitch would have been better, but I guess it wasn't seemly.

In other coaching news, UCLA has reportedly contacted Tennessee Titans coordinator Norm Chow about their vacant head coaching position.

The Saints are not ready to put Reggis Bush on IR just yet even though he tore his pcl in November and continued to play ineffectively for the Saints until last week. Bush believes he may be able to come back before the end of the season.

With Alex Smith out for the rest of the season, the 49ers have signed Chris Weinke.


T.O. is back, thank goodness. The laminated note, the TO towel, they were flashes of the old T.O. but his war of words with former Dallas Cowboy and current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson is what we've all waited for. And way better than the press conference on his driveway. Oh, new old T.O. we're loving the style.

Baseball Update:
At 2 PM Thursday, the Mitchell Report will be released and according to reports it will include both MVPs and All-Stars, lots of Yankees but no current Mets, it will not include players who have publically tested positive to have illegal substances in their system and will center around the Mets clubhouse attendant. The evidence is shakey and the lack of player participation will bring this report into question.

Oh, And Bud Selig is having a press conference at 4:30 PM/est to discuss the Report. So that's not a good sign.

UPDATE: Mlb.com will have live video of the Mitchell Press Conference at 2.

Aaron Rowand signed a 5 year, $60 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. As my brother said, he must be opposed to both winning and making the playoffs. Yeah, that about sums it up.

Looks like the Giants deal with the Blue Jays is not happening as they've affirmed their desire to keep right hander Tim Lincecum.

Speaking of the Blue Jays, they may be close to signing shortstop David Eckstein.

Mark Prior's time with the Cubs has come to a close as the team failed to tender him a contract by Wednesday's deadline of 11 PM.

The Texas Rangers acquired first baseman Ben Broussard from the Seattle Mariners for minor leaguer Tug Hulett.

The Padres and Pirates are in talks to send outfielder Jason Bay to San Diego. The Padres were losers in the Andruw Jones and Kosuke Fukudome sweepstakes.

Mark Prior's time with the Cubs has come to a close as the team failed to tender him a contract by Wednesday's deadline of 11 PM.

News & Notes: A chipped tooth could not stop Steve Nash and the Suns from beating the Jazz 103-98...The Knicks got their buts kicked by a Rookie in their 117-110 loss to the SuperSonices. Kevin Durant had 30 in the win...Toronto Raptors PG T.J. Ford was released from an Atlanta area hospital after a scary fall during the Raptors win over the Hawks on Tuesday...Ottawa roasted Carolina in their 6-0 win...Ryan Pemberton has left Dale Earnhardt, Inc. He will be replaced by Doug Richert...Trouble in paradise for newlyweds Eva Longoria and Spur Tony Parker? They say no.

Check this out: SI has compiled a list of must get gifts here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate