Hottest QBs in the League

MSN.com has compiled a list of the hottest QBs of all time. Now we won't argue with the inclusions of Joe Namath or Johnny Unitus but what is Matt Hasselbeck doing on the list? Did his sister in law Elizabeth have anything to do with it? And Doug Flutie? Is it because you enjoyed the taste of Flutie Flakes? We think that there were a couple people over-looked and before you say anything, the list included Matt Leinart, so we think back up QBs are fair game!

Steve Young

Steve Young has a Super Bowl ring and 7 Pro Bowl selections to go along with his boyish good looks. Oh, wait and he's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So to you Ms. Spalkhaver, our sixth grade english teacher, who loved Mr. Young for his mormon values, we're putting him on our list.

(Photo: BYU)

AJ Feeley

With Donovan McNabb's future with Philly in quesiton, why not jump aboard the AJ Feeley ship. He's cute, he's talented and did we mention he's cute? Seriously, there are so few requirements to this list, how could he not meet them with a smile like that?

Jesse Palmer

He may not be playing football anymore, but we still get to view him on ESPN as a college football analyst. And frankly, we're all for it. Way more non-helemted shots make our hearts more a flutter than those girls on "The Bachelor."

Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman is one of those guys that gets more attractive when you add three Super Bowl rings to his resume. Much like Tony Romo (who is included on msn.com's list) his star rose to fame as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. And like Romo, Aikman's features more quarky good looks than say Steve Young. But his charm is probably what got country star Lorrie Morgan on his arm in the 90s. Are you sensing the Romo/Aikman pattern here?

David Carr

He started out his career as a starter in Houston before being dropped in 2007. He landed with the Carolina Panthers, moving him closer to his high school teammate Nascar driver Casey Mears. But with a lack luster season in a Panthers uniform and the emergence of Matt Moore, Carr maybe looking for a new place to land in 2008. Luckily for him, he always has his looks to fall back on.

(Photo: James Neilsen/Chronicle)

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Have Flu Bug will Travel

The Bergen Record is reporting a massive flu outbreak in the Northern New Jersey area. In the article, it noted the areas worst hit included Paterson and Englewood/Teaneck. But it isn’t just us regular folk who are suffering from a nasty stomach virus that is causing residents to spend far too much time in the bathroom puking their guts out. Oh no, athletes are getting into the mix as well, including the Giants, whose well documented delay out of Newark Liberty International Airport was sparked by Aaron Ross’ mistimed vomit fest. Two other players were said to feeling the vapors upon arrival in Arizona.

You can also add the Knicks, who on Wednesday night during their 100-89 loss to the Jazz, saw Eddie Curry and Quentin Richardson fail to make it passed the first quarter because of flu-like symptoms. Oh, and don't forget the Islanders. They were without Andy Sutton and Ruslan Fedotenko during Tuesday's loss to the Senators and were missing five guys during practice on Wednesday including goal tender Rick DiPietro.

Of course the most well documented flu ridden team of the past month has to be the Carolina Hurricanes. Did they start the trend that’s seemed to make its way up the coast when they hosted the New Jersey Devils on January 10th? Or is the tri-state just lucky to become victims of this nasty flu. Well, tri-state look at this way, after spending the last 48 hours voliently ill, you could probably slide into those skinny jeans again!

UPDATE: Add the Rangers Marc Staal to the list of flu-stricken NY athletes. During the Rangers game, it was announced that he had missed practice on Wednesday and was being monitored during but did play in the Blueshirts 4-0 win over the Flyers on Thursday. The Rangers played against the Hurricanes on Tuesday. Am I sensing a patern?

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

3 more days to the Super Bowl, Can you feel it?

Super Bowl Update:
Tom Brady doesn't believe in predicitions, but if he did, he'd guess the Patriots would score way more than 17 points, got that Plaxico?

Click here to read why Rodney Harrison is so "special."

If the Pats win the Super Bowl, it could be thanks to a "not terribly big" and "not terribly talented" group of offensive lineman that has allowed only 21 sacks this season.

There are apparently a lot of things I don't know about Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, like his brothers in jail. Oh, and he really doesn't feel any urgency about kicking a field goal until overtime. Oh wait, learned that during the Green Bay game. Oh, Larry, you're just full of surprises.

Speaking of brothers, get to know Cooper Manning here.

Does it get lovelier the second time around? Michael Straham and Amani Toomer sure hope so.

And Tom Couglin, if you're wondering, apparently Tiki Barber saved your job. What a great guy, it's almost as if he alone was able to propel this crazy team right into the Super Bowl from his cushy seat in the broadcast booth.

If you check the sidelines at this year's Super Bowl contest, you'll notice something you've never seen before, his name is Mike Carey and he'll become the first black official to ever referee the big game.

Football Update:
Are you ready for some will he or won't he action? Brett Farve isn't sure if wants to come back in 2008.

Turns out LaDainian Tomlinson's injury was a little worse than first reported. Tomlinson's agent Tom Condon told ESPN's Chris Mortinson he was suffering from a second degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament. The injury is expected to take an additional 6 weeks to heal.

With Tomlinson nursing that knee, Willis McGahee will take his spot in the Pro Bowl.

The Cincinnati Bengals signed Jordan Palmer, yes that Jordan Palmer, brother of Bengals' QB Carson Palmer, to a two year deal. It just proves nepotism will get you anywhere!

The Buffalo Bills are expected to get the OK from commissioner Roger Goodell to play an annual game in Toronto. I'm pretty sure Canadians already know that the NFL is far superior to the CFL, they don't need to be reminded.

Coaching Round Up: The St. Louis Rams hired All Saunders as offensive coordinator...The San Francisco 49ers named Ted Tollner their new quarterbacks coach...The Tennessee Titans signed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to a two year extension.

Baseball Update:
Now that the Twins have dealt Santana (pending a physical and contract extension) the baseball world turns its attention to Erik Bedard who is either going to be shipped out or in a Orioles uniform for a long time to come.

Speaking of the Mets, they picked another arm, Ruddy Lugo, this time off waivers.

The Royals signed reserve infielder Esteban German to a one year, $1 million deal. This is getting crazy, I'd happily sit in the Royals dugout for a year if it meant I'd collect a cool million dollars.

If the World Umpires Association accusations are correct, maybe these "secret police" should have tried to scope out steriods in baseball instead of conducting stake outs in an umpire's neighborhood. To be fair, MLB is calling the claims inaccurate. Oh well, and I totally had this vision of Bud Selig in night goggles!

C.C. Sabathia is totally fine with extra drug testing. Everyone is fine with extra testing, extra cops on the road, extra fries with the burger, until they caught...or have a heart attack...which ever comes first.

Virginia congressman Tom Davis, who was a member of the House committee involved in the 2005 MLB hearings will not seek re-election.

Braves Update:
The Braves rotation will have a mix of veterans like Tim Hudson, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine (Sorry, I don't count Mike Hampton until he actually takes the mound in a regular season game) and young guys like Chuck James, JoJo Reyes, Jeff Bennett and Jair Jurrjens. Ironically, it looks like Glavine and Hampton will have something to prove since both players haven't been playing in a Braves uniform in what seems like forever. The team will also look to soldify the back of the rotation with some young blood.

Click here to get to know the Braves and their NL East competition better.

Don't forget in just 14 days, the Pitchers and Catchers will report for duty and we'll unleash our new Braves Blog!

Popo in my crib News:
Guess who's back in court? If you went with Adam "Pacman" Jones you'd be right. Although that was kind of like a no brainer. He maybe the only person who has visited a courtroom more than Eagles coach Andy Reid in the past 18 months. Anyway, Jones was invited back to a Rutherford County courtroom to discuss an August 2006 arrest on charges on public intoxication and disorderly conduct. In January 2007, the Judge said he'd throw out the charges if Jones stayed clean, but wouldn't you know it, a whole month later Jones was back in trouble thanks to a little strip club incident we've all come to know way too well. But the court, stood on good faith awaiting the outcome of the Las Vegas trial, which Jones later pleaded guilty to, thus voilating the terms of his Tennessee case. So here we are back in Tennessee. Got it? Thanks to Pacman, I'm learning all sorts of new things about the law! Watch out Pacman, because the popo are on your tail!

UPDATE: According to this article, the charges against Pacman have been dropped because "he's been punished enough this year." I know, with the whole suspension thing and the strip club incident, he must be spending his days at home sulking in his bedroom with the curtians drawn so he cannot distiguish day from night. Oh wait, he's still at the strip club getting in trouble. Send him jail, teach him a lesson!

The Motreal popo have put out an arrest warrent on Guy Lafleur claiming he gave conflicting testimony at his son, Mark Lafleur's bail hearing. Marky is facing more than 20 criminal charges stemming from incidents between 2004 and 2007. Goodness, I take it back, I thik Guy Lafleur has attended more court hearing than Andy Reid! Watch out Guy, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: You maybe wondering, who is Lorrie Fair, well she's the first American woman signed to Chelsea who play inthe Women's Premier League in England...Ever since Jason Kidd demanded a trade from the New Jersey Nets, rumors have been floating as to where Kidd will land. LeBron James is begging for him to come to Cleveland and the Mavs are working a three player deal...San Antonio, are you ready for Damion Stoudamire?...The Hornet's streak has stopped at 9 after falling to the Warriors 116-103...Memphis' 89-77 win over Houston keeps them as the lone unbeaten after Kansas's 84-75 loss to Kansas State...The Atlanta Thrashers 4-1 win the Peguins may have come at a huge cost after Ilya Kovalchuk went down with a knee injury...over the Sad news, James Easter Heathman has died at the age of 90. Heathman became famous as the teenage boy who witnessed the plane crash that killed Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne...After a four year absence, Gil de Ferran wants back in.

Check this out: Click here for the craziest questions in Media Day history.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Media Day and Stuff

No, we weren't in Arizona yesterday to participate in media, but thanks to the photo wire on Yahoo! Sports, we felt like we were. Here's a story of our journey through Media Day photos.

(Michael Heiman/Getty Images)
Here's a shot of the whole scene during the Giants chat time. We were so nervous. How would we ever be able to get through the throngs of people to get an interview? Should we try a gimmick?


(Scott Helleran/Getty Images)
Nah, we wanted to be taken seriously. I mean we have important business to discuss with these football players. So we walked around waiting for our moment and then pounce on the lucky player that allowed us to interview him. Suddenly our chance arrived...


(Scott Helleran/Getty Images)
...until we got tricked by a carney. Darn those short people and their ability to look like a ten year old kid. Oh wait, there's Michael Straham...


(Julie Jacobson/AP Photo)
...Gross, that cologne smells horrible. Maybe that's what he uses to take down quarterbacks.

So our chance at a Giants interview fell a part. Onto the Pats...

(Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
So we met this guy in a psychic costume and he told us if we followed him, we'd totally get an interview. Man was he annoying, he just kept saying, "I see something in my crystal ball." You can imagine how the rest of that line went. And then, when our chance came to get an interview and he said, "I see something in my crystal ball. You're going to trip over a reporter tying his shoe lace." And we totally did, although he failed to mention we were going to trip after he pushed us out of the way. Damn you psychicman!

(Julie Jacobson/AP Photo)

And of course they saw the whole thing and totally made fun of us. Well, you're wearing glasses and we're in doors, who are you Corey Hart? Oh snap, did someone just say Tom Brady...

(Charlie Riedel/AP Photo)

Man, once again beaten to the punch. There was no way we were getting through that maze of reporters. Wait did he just answer a question from that lady in the wedding dress? Fine we admit it, we totally would have worn it, if we would have thought of it. So then we decided to go up into the stands and sulk...

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

But don't worry we made a couple of friends who knew what it was like to be ignored.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Fiesty

Super Bowl Round Up:


Tuesday was media for the Patriots and Giants. Highlights or maybe in this case lowlights included a woman dressed up in a wedding gown who asked both Pats and Giants QBs Tom Brady and Eli Manning if they'd marry her. They both turned her down. Then there was Plaxico Burress reiterating his statement that the Giants are going to win or at least they came to win. Click here for a summary of the days events and for photos click here and here.

Kellie Pickler has magical ways with athletes. On Tuesday she was able to get Giants fullback Madison Hedgecock to wear red high heels. Although remember he was battling a case of the flu and Kellie's very purdy, so you can't fault his actions. (scroll down to see the photo)

As the Patriots head into the Super Bowl they will be without Joe Andruzzi, a former Patriots lineman who was a member of the team during their 2001, 2003 and 2004 Super Bowl run. Andruzzi instead is facing an even bigger battle than the Giants, a battle against cancer. Click here for the full story.

The Patriots will have to wait until after the Super Bowl to sign WR Randy Moss to a long term deal.

The day after the Super Bowl maybe an even more imporant day for Pats guard Logan Mankins and his wife because it is the day that Logan finally gets to shave off his nasty looking beard.

Indianapolis isn't just looking to be in the Super Bowl in 2012, they'd also like to host it.

Football Update:
Coaching roundup: Dave Campo is returning the Cowboys head coaching staff as a secondary coach...The Redskins are still looking for a head coach (they interviewed Ron Meeks again on Tuesday) but have filled their Defensive line coach position by hiring Larry Brooks.

Linebacker Greg Ellis' admission into the Pro Bowl puts the Cowboys at lucky number 13...And the Chargers left tackle Marcus McNeill will be heading to Hawaii replacing both Jason Peters and Jonathan Ogden.

The Buffalo Bills signed tight end Teyo Johnson.

Baseball Update:
As reported yesterday, the Twins have traded Johan Santana to the Mets for four prospects.

Sad news, following this year's San Diego Padres v. Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame game, the Cooperstown classic will cease to exist.

Uh-oh Roger, when you sell your friends up the river, they tend to conspire to screw you over too. At least that's what reports are saying. Andy Pettitte is expected to tell congress that he did in fact discuss HGH with Roger Clemens. Of course, he's not saying Clemens used them, but he's also not saying he didn't.

The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Damaso Marte was involved in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. Marte did not sustain any serious injury.

Braves Update:
The Braves are not too thrilled with the prospect of Johan Santana playing in their division.

Popo in my crib News:
Former NFL player Alonzo Spellman was hanging out in a Tulsa jail early Tuesday morning after he was unable to make his $10,700 bail. Spellman had spent Monday afternoon cruising around Tulsa with the popo hot on his tail, after they were called to a convenience store following a disturbance. The popo shot out three of the tires on Spellman's Chrysler Pacifica and waited 20 more minutes until he got of the car. Of course they also shot pepper bullets into the car which helped him make his decision to get out of the car a little faster. Spellman was charged with eluding, assault with a deadly weapon on a popo officer, resisting arrest and driving without a license. Watch out Allie, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: The Nets losing streak ended at 9 after beating the Bucks 87-80...And people in New Jersey actually cheered for Jason Kidd, because who could blame him for wanting to get out of New Jersey. And no I didn't mean the state, I meant the team...The Spurs roadtrip isn't going as planned after falling to the Sonics 88-85...No Garnett, no problem for the Celtics who dominated the Heat 117-87...The Grizzles suspended forward Stomile Swift for one game citing "conduct detrimental to the team." Way to steal one from Nascar...The Vancouver Canucks announced defenseman Willie Mitchell will be out with a fractured vertebra in his back. Ouch!...The Rangers 3-1 loss to the Hurricanes can be summed up in one word, fiesty. The first period alone accounted for 66 penality minutes...NBC has opted not to air the February 10th Peguins/Flyers game instead opting for the Ducks/Red Wings game...Oregon's AD Pat Kilkenny apologized to UCLA on behalf of the Ducks rowdy student section who booed freshman Kevin Love all night long...On Monday, I posted about injured Missouri star Stefhon Hannah. Hannah broke his jaw in a bar fight over the weekend. Well, the school is none too thrilled with the whole situation and has suspended five players indefinitely...The WVU Rich Rodriguez scandal continues. This time Rodriguez says he's willing to pay $1.5 of the $4 million buyout the school is demanding...Juan Pablo Montoya was fastest in the second day of Las Vegas testing. The Cup boys have a day off before opening up two days of testing in California.

Check this out: John McCain is gaining momentum after capturing the Florida Republican primary. With Rudy Guiliani coming in a distant second, he is expected to announce he's out of the race. And John Edwards is expected to announce he's stepping down. Click here more details.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Santana Traded to New York

The Minnesota Twins have reportedly traded ace Johan Santana to the New York Mets for OF Carlos Gomez and RHPs Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey. The trade hinges on the Mets ability to lock Santana into a long term deal, somewhere in the 6 year, $150 million range.

One has to wonder what might have been for the Twins. At one point they had the Yankees offering up Melky Cabrera and one of the magnificent three, Ian Kennedy or Phil Hughes and Boston willing to give up either Buckholz or Jacoby Ellsbury instead they've got Carlos Gomez who played only 58 games in 2007, Phil Humber who made a horrible start down the stretch for the Metsies last season and Mulvey and Guerra who along with never making a Major League star are not projected to have the impact of a Hughes, Kennedy or Bucholz. But at least the Twins have Liriano coming back, right?
(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

PGA is going to Jersey

For once, New Jersey can confidently say it was picked over New York thanks to the PGA’s decision to move The Barclays to Ridgewood Country Club in 2008. The event, which was originally scheduled to be held at Westchester Country Club, will mark the first time in 40 years that the Westchester club has failed to host a PGA event.

Prior to the decision to move The Barclays, the PGA had decided to hold the 2009 event at the Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ. It will then move back to Westchester Country Club one more time in 2010, 2011 or 2012.

It’s always nice to see the hometown golf course (actually located in Paramus, NJ) get the national notoriety it deserves. The 27 hole course previously played host to the 2001 Senior PGA Championship, the 1990 U.S. Senior Open and the 1935 Ryder Cup. Let’s hope the weather stays nice, August in New Jersey is definitely hit or miss.
(source via The Ridgewood Blog)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Junior vs. DEI: The Saga Continues

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. told reporters on Monday, that he was in fact upset that DEI had removed his memorabilia from their facility. Media members, who attended a luncheon at DEI during Wednesday’s media blitz, noticed the absence of Junior collectibles and informed Earnhardt of the revelation. At the time, he seemed not to care but over the course of the week he had a change of heart.

"It sort of hurt my feelings that it's sort of a hack at even the guys that are still there and have worked on that car," Earnhardt said. "To not see the accolades or any sort of appreciation for the work that they did, and they're still there."

However, DEI president Max Siegel has a different explanation for the missing relics of DEI’s past, saying that items were moved to accommodate the luncheon.

"There seems to be some confusion over memorabilia and merchandise," Siegel said. "We no longer have a relationship with Dale Jr. or Budweiser, so we have no license, agreement or business reason to sell any of that merchandise in our gift shop. But as far as memorabilia, more than half of the showroom floor is dedicated to Dale Jr.'s history here."

Let me get this straight, It just so happened that all of his stuff was removed for the luncheon. Hmm, I understand that Dale, Jr. is no longer a paid employee of Dale Earnhardt, Inc and that during a press conference announcing a new Junior-less lineup, it would be in the company’s best interest to tone down any references to their past (which includes Dale, Jr.) to focus on the company’s future. But you’re also dealing with reporters who get paid to sniff out a story even when there isn’t one, so you had to know a complete absence of Junior collectibles would get a reporters fingers busy writing up a story to give to their editor.

(Photo: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for Nascar; Source)

UPDATE: Junior updated his site on Wednesday posting this:

"There is no anger or ill-feeling towards DEI, period," Earnhardt wrote Wednesday on his Web site. "Nearly half the cars that were moved out of the showroom to accommodate the media tour consist of cars I've won races and championships with, and any fan of mine who wants a glimpse of my past can still and always will find it at DEI. I know that DEI is proud of its past."

Seriously, who's ready for the season to begin so Junior and Junior nation can finally move on!

(source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

The Roger Clemens guide to pro-rated salaries

Super Bowl Round Up:



The Giants have arrived in Arizona but not without a little delay. The plane had an hour delay out of Newark Liberty International Airport after cornerback Aaron Ross got sick on the plane. Ross along with teammates Maidson Hedgecock, Michael Johnson and Manny Wright are all battling a flu bug but according to Micahel Straham "It's not a sign" of things to come. I hope this isn't like the bug that was passed around the Carolina Hurricanes locker room.

Click here for ESPN.com profile of Giant Chris Snee.

Computers are predicting the Patriots will win the Super Bowl while a Camel in NJ and Mets 3rd baseman David Wright have their eyes on the Giants.

Tom Brady made his way onto the practice field for the Pats. I guess that mysterous ankle injury has finally heeled.

As far as the NFL is concerned, the Patriots have been good boys about that whole not spying thing.

Just because there have not been any direct threats to the Super Bowl doesn't mean the Arizona popo won't have increased security around the event.

Click here for more Super Bowl news & notes.

Football Update:
The Ravens have rehired and promoted defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

Reports have Browns head coach Romeo Crennel thisclose to a two year extension that would keep in Cleveland through 2011.

The Eagles have hired Sean McDermott as a secondary coach while the Houston Texans have hired Ray Rhodes as the assistant defensive backs coach.

Denver Broncos safety John Lynch is pondering retirement.

Baseball Update:
Bet you didn't see this coming, the Orioles Erik Bedard trade to the Mariners is being held up by owner Peter Angelos. Of course the Orioles are denying the trade rumors altogether so who knows.

The Red Sox picked up right hander David Aardsma from the White Sox fro Willy Mota and Miguel Socolovich.

The Phillies have a new third basemand, pending a physical, Pedro Feliz will call Philadelphia home for the next two seasons.

Todd Wellemeyer and the Cardinals have agreed to a one year, $1 million contract, avoiding arbitration.

With Paul Lo Duca on IR for the next 4-6 weeks, the Nationals look to sign veteran catcher Johnny Estrada. The Nats claim they made the move because they are heavy with righties, but you can't help but refer to Pauly's injury. Lo Duca and Estrada do have something in common, they both were dropped by the Mets in 2007.

Joba Chamberlain could begin his first full season in pinstripes coming out of the bull pen before moving into the starting rotation.

Brandon Inge is still frustrated with the Tigers for picking up Miguel Cabrera over two months ago. He continues to hope that Detroit will find a trading partner, but is preparing himself for heading to spring training in a Tigers uniform.

Nolan Ryan could become the Rangers new President. Hey, I wonder how he feels about becoming the US's new President. I'm still so undecided about who to vote for.

The Reds could join the Dodgers in moving their spring training facility to Arizona.

The Little League World Series is doing a little tweaking. Click here for details.

Popo in my crib News:
A temporary restraining order issued against Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss has been extended to March 28th. Moss' longtime friend Rachelle Washington filed the intial order following a January 6th incident in which she claims Moss injured her. Moss has denied the incident and no charges have been filed. Watch out Randy, because the popo are on your tail!

Steelers wide reciever Cedrick Wilson withdrew a restraining order against his ex-girlfriend Lindsay Paulat after the two agreed "to have no contact with each other and share custody of their 1-year-old daughter." Paulat was involved in a standoff with the popo last week and faces aggravated assault and reckless endangerment charges. Watch out Lindsay, because the popo are on your tail!

T.O. has $800,000 reasons less to live after an arbitrator ruled in the Eagles favor. Owens will have to give back $800,000 in signing bonuses to the team. Watch out Terrell, because the popo are on your tail!

University of Illinois linebacker Erique Robertson has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon following an at a Champaign bar where Robertson allegedly fired a gun. Seriously kid, you fire a gun at a strip club not a Champaign bar. Keep it classy. Watch out Erique, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: Jason Kidd is ready to high tail it out of New Jersey. And who could blame him, he's getting older and he wants a championship. Judging from the Nets current 9 game slide, he probably won't get a ring in New Jersey...Meanwhile Chris Webber says his move to Golden State is a "done deal"...The Grizzles waived veteran guard Damon Stoudamire...The Utah Jazz add to their current win streak with a 97-91 win over the Spurs...The Hornets buzzed passed a Carmelo less Nuggets, 117-93...Teemu Selanne is taking a page out of Roger Clemens notebook by agreeing to return to the Ducks mid-way through the NHL season. Selanne signed a one year deal and is planning on joining the team on Tuesday...Memphis remains #1 in the coaching poll...After suspending Jerome Dyson and Doug Wiggins for an alcohol related incident, Connecticut has won their second straight, this time a 69-67 victory over Louisville...Kansas football coach Mark Mangino underwent unknown tests before planning to return to work on Tuesday...Sad news, former USC and Arizona head coach Larry Smith has died. He was only 68...After the first day of Las Vegas testing, Toyota is looking strong for 2008...They say winning makes everything better, but we're pretty sure there's more to Dario Franchitti and Juan Pablo Montoya's friendship than their Rolex 24 victory on Sunday.

Check this out: Click here to see fans showing their extreme fandom.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Missouri's leading scorer out with a broken jaw

Missouri will be without guard Stefhon Hannah after he was injured in a bar fight following the Tigers' 66-62 victory over Colorado over the weekend. Hannah was at Athena nightclub when, according to a police report, he was hit by an unknown object thrown by an unknown person. Hannah will miss at least 4-6 weeks with a broken jaw, possibly putting an end to the season for Mizzou’s leading scorer.

The Tigers are no stranger to breaking the law, since head coach Mike Anderson took over the team almost two years ago, no less than five players have been involved in off the court incidents including reserve forward Darryl Butterfield’s October arrest on domestic assault charges.

Even coach Anderson’s relatives have gotten in on the act. His son, Mike Anderson, Jr. was suspended from the team for a drunk-driving arrest (he has since been reinstated) and Anderson’s nephew DeMarre Carroll was shot outside of a Columbia nightclub. He was considered a bystander in the incident and therefore not suspended.

Anderson’s no-tolerance policy, issued after Carroll’s incident, seems to be a glowing success. Watch out Tigers, because the popo are on your tail!
(source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Testing continues for Nascar

Testing rages on for Nascar this week which began on Monday with difficult conditions at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The track had already received rain on Sunday before high winds formed a bigger concern for drivers who were getting acquainted with the banked track.

"It's gusting so much and so high, it just makes the car do things it normally wouldn't do," David Reutimann said. "Especially when the wind is blowing across the track.”

Tuesday’s forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures in the 40s which should give teams a better feel for what the car will do when they come back in early March.

On Thursday teams will move onto California Speedway for a two day test. Unlike Las Vegas, which was banked prior to 2007’s race, California remains a 2 mile flat track. Data discovered in Fontana can help at tracks like Kansas Speedway and Chicagoland as well as its sister track in Michigan. Lucky for the Cup teams, bad weather doesn't look like it will follow them west, with the forcast calling for temperatures in the 60s and clear skies.

(Photo: Getty Images for Nascar; source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Things I learned while watching the NHL All-Star Game

Since the writers are on strike screwing up my normal TV viewing, I've found myself watching more hockey than I care to admit. So this year, I decided to forego viewing the SAG Awards and actually watch the NHL All-Star game. For my first time viewing, this is what I learned.


East All-Stars 8, West All-Stars 7

1. Garth Brooks is a hockey fan. First he does the whole spring training thing, then I see him at Nascar's media day and last night I watched him being interviewed in Atlanta in the stands at the All-Star game. Gosh this guy gets around.

2. Hockey has slutty dancers too. I guess it's not a real sport unless you have scantily clad women shaking what their momma gave them in outfits that would make their fathers cringe.

3. It is probably not a good idea to talk to Rick DiPietro while he's tending goal. So the NHL had this brilliant idea of micing the goaltenders during the game. Their first trial was with Islanders' goalie Rick DiPietro (who really should never be forced to wear a goalie mask with a face like that). DiPietro was chatting along with the color commentators when Rick Nash scored his first of three goals in the game. Ricky, as they called him, did, on the other hand, stop the next 12 shots fired at him. So maybe he just needed to get adjusted.

4. Hockey players clean up very, very nicely. I'm not one to gawk, ok, that's a lie, but I have to admit those hockey players sure looked purdy without those pesky helmets getting in the way.

5. Having all of your teeth is not a requirement but rather a bonus for hockey players. I'd imagine missing a few front teeth is more of badge of honor than a hygiene issue for these guys. And besides, if you fixed the problem, you'd probably lose another tooth a couple games later, so it's better to save cosmetic dentistry until after you're finished playing the game.

6. The All-Star game may have more commercials than a Nascar race. Everyone complains about the over abundance of commercials during a Nascar race, but it seemed like every two minutes Versus would break away for a commercial. I get the fact that advertising is the way channels make their money, but it was almost ridiculous.

7. It is not real hockey without some checking. I get that in general All-star games are a tamer version of the real thing. People usually don't slide hard during the baseball All-Star game, basketball players play far less defense than they do during a regular game (if that is at all possible) and the Pro Bowl is just painful to watch. But hockey, for me, needs the spice of slamming someone into the boards, and that was sorely missing during this exhibition.

8. Jerseys look better untucked. I think if you're going to a business meeting, or you're having a press conference (Dale, Jr.) you should tuck that shirt right in. But on the ice, it looks much better to see the end of that jersey hanging loose than the top of your pants sticking out. Sometimes guys, it is fashion over function!

9. The NHL's musical interlude between the second and third periods made the Super Bowl halftime show seem almost enjoyable. I mean what was with the drumline and the reject Knick City Dancers? And what was Ne-Yo doing there? Couldn't get anything better? An ice-skater who jumps over flames would have been better.

10. Don't get it twisted, it's not just fun and games for these guys, they really do want to win the game. Did you see the final 90 seconds? There was checking and players scrambling for the puck. These guys really did want supremacy, even if it didn't decide who got home ice advantage for the Stanley Cup Finals.
(Photo: Getty Images)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Bootless and fancy-free

Super Bowl Round Up:
The Patriots have arrived in Arizona. Tom Brady told reporters, yes, he hurt his foot during the AFC title game; no, he doesn't know when Gisele is arriving and yes, he'll be able to play in the Super Bowl. If only other quarterbacks were able to shake off personal questions like that. Then maybe we'd have a little less news on Jessica Simpson and a little more news about the actual game of football. One can only dream.

While the Patriots look forward to winning a fourth Super Bowl in this decade, they also mourn the passing of former coach Mike Holovak who died at the age of 88.

In other Pats news, their defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was fined for the fourth time by the NFL for unnecessary roughness during the AFC title game.

If you're what it would be like to rank all 106 men playing in this year's Super Bowl, wonder no more. Click here to see who's number one and who is number 106.

And if you were to ask Giants WR Plaxico Burress how the Giants match up to the Patriots, he'd tell you "just fine, thank you."

While Giants chairman Steve Tisch would tell you that not only would the Giants match up well against the Patriots, they're good enough to beat them. Although he's a little blurry about the score.

Meanwhile, the Giants held their final practice in New Jersey on Saturday before boarding a flight to Arizona on Monday.

If you haven't gotten your Super Bowl tickets yet it's going to cost you, like an average of $4,300. Super Bowl tickets were originally listed between $700 and $900.

Football Update:
Late Friday afternoon, the internet was a buzz with the story that the Oakland Raiders were hoping coach Lane Kiffin would resign prior to the start of the 2008 season. For Kiffin's part, he hopes to stay on the Raider sideline for his second season as head coach.

The NFL has cleared Cincinnati linebacker Odell Thurman to workout with the team. Thurman is currently in the midst of serving a two year sentence.

The NFL is expected to announce that the Chargers and Saints will be packing their bags for a game in London in 2008.

Baseball Update:
Click here for the latest craziness in the Clemens saga.

Clemens can count A's DH Jack Cust as one of the few people who took longer than him to deny Mitchell Report accusations.

Chuck Knoblauch is still waiting for that little subpoena the federal government was supposed to serve the former major leaguer.

The Twins announced on Friday afternoon that they had signed 2006 MVP Justin Morneau to the largest contract in Minnesota history, 6 years, $80 million. They also announced the signing of outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a three year, $24 million deal.

In other Twins news, pitcher Francisco Liriano says he's good to go after taking a year off to recover from Tommy John surgery.

Looks like the Erik Bedard trade to the Mariners trade may become a reality after Seattle outfielder Adam Jones was asked to leave his Venezuelan Winter Ball team. Jones is reportedly a part of the trade package to get Bedard.

Former Phillies and Dodger catcher Mike Lieberthal is calling it a career.

In other catchers news, apparently that small knee injury Paul Lo Duca sustained while working out, is a little bigger than his people first let on. Lo Duca is scheduled for surgery on his left knee to repair a minor meniscus tear. He will, however, be expected to recover in time for Opening Day.

Derek Jeter pulled out the stops for his fifth annual Derek Jeter Celebrity Golf Classic which benefits his Turn 2 Foundation.

Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon was honored at the 85th annual New York baseball writers' dinner for his work with wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Popo in my crib News:
NFL Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon is expected to enter a plea in his drunk driving case on Febraury 5th. Moon was arrested on December 28th in Seattle after the popo noticed expired registration tabs. When Moon showed the popo his valid Texas driver's license then noticed his driving privileges in Washington had been revoked. They brought him to the Kirkland popo station where he was booked and released. Watch out Warren, because the popo are on your tail!

Babe Ruth's nephew George Herman Ruth along with his buddy Robert Pilkey were convicted of defrauding the IRS of about $360,000 in false income tax returns. The defrauding reportedly took place while the two were inmates at the Fort Dix Federal Correctional Instiution from January 2003 to December 2004. Sentencing was scheduled for May 4th. Watch out Georgie and Robby, because the popo are on your tail!

Reginald Riddle who had pleaded guilty to murdering Cincinnati Reds prospect Dernell Stenson in 2003 was sentenced to life in prison. He would eligible for parole after 25 years. Watch out Reggie, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: LeBron James rained 41 points on the Lakers in the Cavs 98-95 win...The Cavs did lose forward Anderson Varejao in the third quarter with an injured left ankle...In other 3 point news, the Orlando Magics' Hedo Turkoglu rocketed a 3 point buzzer beater to take out the Kevin Garnett-less Celtics, 96-93...Not only did the Warriors beat the Knicks 106-104, but they are also rumored to be comtemplating signing Chris Webber...Duke rallied from a nine point half time defecit to beat Maryland 93-84...Florida easily man-handled number 14 Vandy 86-64...Rick Nash may have gotten the hat trick, but it was Marc Savard who sealed a win for the East All-Stars with a last second goal in the 8-7 win in the NHL All-Star game...Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes was named the game's MVP...Shaun White nailed a 1260 at the X-Games to bring home the gold. Click here for the video...Congratulations to Tiger Woods on winning his 62nd career victory, the Buick invitational, tying him with Arnold Palmer for fourth all-time...Congratulations to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates on winning its third straight Rolex 24 hour race at Daytona. This years crew featured Dario Franchitti, Juan Pablo Montoya, Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas...Congrats go out to Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova on winning the mens and womens title at the Aussie Open.

Check this out: Hollywood was actually able to host an award show on Sunday, the SAG Awards. Click here for a list of winners.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Isiah Thomas got mo problems, yo!

Isiah Thomas has to deal with another mess but this time it has nothing to do with the Knicks. Thomas' son, Joshua Thomas, a 19 year old freshman at Indiana University, was sporting a swollen eye after being involved in a fight at a local Bloomington, IN bar. Thomas was arrested after he became fiesty with the popo who described him as "extremely intoxicated."

Oh but the story gets better, seems Josh does not know how to hold his liquor. The freshman "vomited and passed out in the police car on the way to jail." He was released on $500 bail after being charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, illegal consumption of alcohol and being a minor in a tavern.

I bet Thomas longs for the days when he only had to deal with Stephon Marbury, an intern and the backseat of a pick-up truck.

Watch out Josh, because the popo are on your tail!
(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Rangers raise #2 to the rafters

Last night the Rangers retired the #2 made famous by Brian Leetch. In a near 45 minute ceremony which featured a speech from long time friend and teammate Mark Messier, Leetch thanked various teammates, associates including Jim Dolan (which drew the ire of fans who sprinkled the arena with loud boos), the city of New York and the Ranger fans.

But another announcement made by Leetch drew the surprise of former teammate Adam Graves, when Brian told the crowd the Rangers were going to retire Graves' number 9 at a later date.

The night did, however, belong to number 2, and just to make it a little more exciting, the Rangers defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 2-1 in a shootout.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Friday Night Lights Friday

Hey all you big FNL fans, click here to bid on props from the set including your very own Dillon Panthers championship ring. And don't forget to tune into tonight's all new episode at 9 PM/est on NBC.

Click here to catch up on every episode from seasons 1 & 2.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Friday Funnies

Click here to see Ron Artest get tossed from host spot Villa nightclub.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Former "Gladiator" in hot water

With the success of NBC's new "American Gladiators" and the extended re-runs of the older version of ESPN Classic, it's hard to forget the amazingness that is steroids laced athletes kicking the butts of us regular joes.

But one such former Gladiator Lace has found herself in a little bit of hot water. According to a report on the website tmz.com, Lace aka Marisa Pare was arrested at around 1:15 PM after the popo found drug paraphernaila on her person. She was taken to Van Nuys jail were she was booked for possession of narcotic paraphernailia and is being held on $250 bail. Surely a girl who starred on a hit show like "Gladiators" from 1989 to 1992 couldn't have blown all of her dough on some special sauce or could she? Watch out Lace, because the popo are on your tail!

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

NBA to play outdoors

Who would ever think that the NBA would take a page out of the NHL's playbook but that's just what would happen if the Phoenix Sun's planned outdoor game becomes a reality in October. In response to the NHL's popular Winter Classic, which this year featured the Sabres and Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, the Suns are hoping to stage their own game at the Indian Wells (Calif.) Tennis garden, a 16,100 seat stadium.

Suns part owner Dick Heckermann got the idea from a local parks manager. Heckermann then brought the idea to Suns President and CEO Rick Welts. The idea has gotten such good feedback that they laid a basketball court on the surface and sent GM Steve Kerr over to make a special visit. The plans are expected to be formally announced next month and according to Welts, "It's going to be incredibly cool." Let's hope so.
(source via USAToday's SportsScope)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Don't go steeling my rolex!

Football Update:
Former president Bill Clinton has chosen the New York Giants as his team in the Super Bowl. Although, if the Pats win, he'll probably claim he was rooting for them all along, but didn't want to upset his wife, New York Senator Hillary Clinton during this stressful time.

Coaching round up: The Falcons hired Brian VanGorder as their defensive coordinator, a day after officially announcing that Mike Smith would be their new head coach...Former Dolphins coach Cam Cameron wasn't unemployed for long after signing on to become the Ravens new Offesnive Coordinator...Speak of the Dolphins, their new wide recievers coach is former UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell...Ollie Wilson has reunited with the Chargers as their running backs coach...Todd Grantham is the Cowboys new defensive line coach.

Super Bowl news: The Pats remain mum on Tom Brady's foot but they did place back up safety Mel Mitchell on IR...The Giants are the biggest underdogs in the Super Bowl since the Patriots in 2001. Hey, how'd that turn out?...In other Giants news, Rich Seubert who is suffering from a sprained right knee vowed he'll be in the starting lineup for the Super Bowl.

You can add Bills defesnive end Aaron Schobel, Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett, Eagles defensive end Trent Cole and Redskins long snapper Ethan Albright to the list of this years Pro Bowlers.

In honor of their fallen teammate Sean Taylor, who became the first player voted into the Pro Bowl posthumously, Redskins Chris Cooley and Chris Samuels have announced they will wear the #21 in the game.

Tennessee Titan Albert Haynesworth wanted to show how much the Titans fans mean to him by inviting them to meet him on Thursday.

Titans wide reciever David Givens has undergone his third knee surgery since injurying it 14 months ago.

Six time Pro Bowl fullback Mike Alstott has announced his retirement.

While Alstott announced his retirement, Panthers defesnive end Mike Rucker is still mulling over the idea.

Baseball Update:
Second baseman Robinson Cano may get his wish granted if rumors of a four year, $30 million extension with the Yankees are true. Cano made it no secret he wants to stay in the Bronx for years to come.

C.C. Sabathia would like to make Cleveland home for the next few years, if he, his agent and the Indians can come to terms on a new long term deal.

The Blue Jays have signed catcher Rod Barajas to a one year, $1.2 million deal.

The Twins signed right hander Matt Guerrier to a one year, $950,000 contract.

The Pirates signed Jaret Wright, Hector Carrasco and Casey Fossum to minor league contracts.

Jose Vizcaino was hired as a special assistant to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Red Sox and A's aren't the only teams heading East in March, the Dodgers and Padres will play two exhibition games in China on March 15th and 16th.

The Yankees 2007 payroll of $218,311,394 was a new record and over $60 million more than the second place Red Sox with their payroll of $155,402,595. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who came in third with $125,581,316 were the highest in the National League.

David Wright thinks any player that has used steriods or human growth hormones in the past deserve "a hard penalty" even if that player happens to be his buddy Paul Lo Duca. Wright then added his secret to staying in tip top shape is vitamin water, the only suppliment he needs to play at his best.

Braves Update:
The Braves signed reliever Rafael Soriano to two year, $9 million deal, avoiding arbitration. I'm so excited, we've got our bullpen set, a great 1-2-3 punch in the starting rotation, Tex at first, an actual CF who has played higher than A ball and some young hitters like Francoeur and Brian McCann. Look out NL East, the Braves are coming!

As if you need any incentive to go out and support the Braves, but all season ticket plans purchased between now and February 4th get an exclusive presale for Kenny Chesney's latest concert. Click here for more info.

And if you're planning on coming out to the ballpark, take note of the new start times. All Monday-Thursday games will be played at 7:10 PM/est while Friday games will remain at 7:35 PM/est. Sunday games will now start at 1:35 PM/est instead of the usual 1:05 PM/est start times. And unless, Saturday's game is picked up by FOX, all games will be played at 7:10 PM/est.

Reminder just 21 days until pitchers and catchers report and Popo in my Crib has a big suprise for all you Braves fans out there!

Popo in my crib News:
Randy Moss will not be a Florida court room next week when a hearing will be held for Rachelle Washington who is seeking a perminant restraining order against the wide receiver following a January 6th incident. Moss will instead be with his team in Arizona preparing for the Super Bowl. And no, the Giants had nothing to do with it. The allegations came out before the Pats game against the Jaguars who happen to play in Florida, so talk to them. Watch out Randy, because the popo are on your tail!

Barry Bonds has asked a federal judge to drop the perjury charges levied against the baseball slugger. Bonds was formerly charged in November with lying under oath about his performance enhancing drug use. Watch out Barry, because the popo are on your tail!

The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that investigators can continue to use both the names and urine samples of those players who have tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Watch out cheaters, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: The Mens finals at the Aussie Open will be void of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer after Federer got bounced by Novak Djokovic...USC coach Tim Floyd has taken the blame for the OJ Mayo ticket scandal. Mayo, who accepted two tickets to a Nuggets game given to him by Carmelo Anthony, may have violated a rule that athletes aren't allowed to accept special favors. The tickets were valued at $230 each...Mommy will be happy after her Arizona Wildcats upset Washington State, 76-64...While UCLA avoided an upset holding onto a 80-75 victory over Oregon...And Duke easily beat Virginia Tech, 81-64...Arizona State topped the baseball coaches poll...The NBA All-Star starters were named. Among the voted in players were Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd...Shaq is not happy with reports that he's retiring...It was an outcome the Heat are getting very very familiar with after dropping their 15th straight game this time to the Spurs, 90-89...Another team on the slide is the New Jersey Nets who lost their 7th straight, 121-119 to the Golden State Warriors...Daniel Alfredsson collected 7 points in the Senators 8-4 win over Tampa Bay...14 year old figure skater Mirai Nagasu's may be the US's next big thing...Don't forget this weekend is the 24 hours at Daytona. Coverage begins on FOX at 1 PM/est before switching over to Speed at 2:30 PM/est. For more info click here.

Check this out: This weekend the NHL celebrates its biggest and brightest stars with their All-Star weekend. Click here for a preview of the weekend's biggest storylines. And don't forget to tune into Versus on Saturday at 7 PM/est for the YoungStars game and Sunday at 6 PM/est for the All-Star game.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

oy!

Hey guys, I have a pretty crazy morning so check back for updates. Until then click here to see how Jose Conseco tried to blackmail Magglio Ordonez.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

ESPN unaware of what a roast is

ESPN has suspended "First Take" co-host Dana Jacobson after demeaning her remarks during Mike and Mike's roast to be "inappropriate." The comments were made about the Notre Dame football program which Mike Golic is an almunus of. Apparently these remarks did not sit well with the Catholics who are all in tizzing forcing ESPN to take action against Jacobson...

...Except, the mere point of a roast is to say inappropriate things about the people being roasted and the things they love. And that if someone has made the catholics upset, they probably did a good job roasting, because people are supposed to be offended. If everyone laughed and had a good time, then it's more like a Victoria Secret Super Bowl party than a roast. If ESPN wanted a politically correct roast that would have made Mickey happy than they should have wrote the script, analyzed it, sent it to their lawyers, and then maybe have some minorities take a look at it to make sure that nobody's feelings got hurt and called it Mike and Mike's family fun roast. Maybe it could have been hawaiian themed, I'd say they should have a pig roast, but PETA would have come after them. Instead they decided to go edgy. Make those 18-34 males laugh their asses off and get their two friends to start listening in because, "those guys are way funny." And then those two guys get two guys and all of sudden ratings have gone up. Well look where that got them. A suspended co-worker and some pissed off catholics. Congrats ESPN on another horrible idea. Can we just have plain old sporting events and highlights now?

(source)

Click here for an overview of the roast. Click here to hear exactly what she said.

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Sports on TV: The Round Up

Today apparently was a big day for TV announcements so here are the big ones:

Versus has re-upped with the NHL through 2010-11 season. The network which currently pays $72.5 million for the right to broadcast games, will increase their payments over the next three seasons. Versus has sustained a 50% increase in NHL viewers over this time last year and has increased subscribership by 10 million viewers since it acquired rigths to air the NHL following the 2004-05 lock out season.

As mentioned in our daily crawl, Rusty Wallace will be replaced by Dale Jarrett in the ESPN booth during races. Wallace will be moved over to the pre-race show where he'll serve as lead analyst. ESPN also announced Allen Bestwick will become the new studio host replacing Brent Musburger and Suzy Kolber, while Shannon Spake will replace Bestwick on pit road. Let's hope ESPN is also willing to part with their wind technology during this year's broadcasts.

We're a little late on this, but David Justice will not continue as a studio analyst for the YES network this season. Instead, Justice will write columns and participate in online chats on YES' website. Justice, who's home burned during the San Diego fire in 2007, cited family, not the Mitchell Report, as his reason for changing his role with the network.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

LeBron James celebrates his love of the Yankees in shoe form

Remember last year, when the world seemed to come down on LeBron James when he rocked that Yankee hat at Jacob’s Field during game 1 of the ALDS between the Bombers and his hometown club the Cleveland Indians. We all thought the Cleveland fans got the last laugh when their team gave the Yankees an early vacation with their 3-1 series win. Upon further review, maybe its James who’ll laugh last, or at least his beloved Yankees who according to James’ new shoes will be “Fresh for ’08 Suckers!”

James has partnered with Nike to create the Air LeBron V shoe which "features New York's famed pinstripes as well as James' No. 23" that shows even famous basketball players are just fans underneath it all. Along with the pinstripes, "Le-Bron Ja-Mes. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap Clap Clap" is written under the tongue, a nod to the role call performed by the bleacher creatures that populate Yankee Stadium. I wonder if he'll have to contastanly turn around and acknowledge his fans everytime they yell "Le-Bron Ja-Mes" in Cleveland or will he only do that when he's in New York. I can hear the phone lines ringing in Cleveland now, as fans once again berate their all-star forward.
(Photo: AP; source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Do the coaching shuffle

Football Update:
Lots of coaching news: Mike Holmgren is staying with the Seahawks for another game...The Bucs gave coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen three year extensions that will keep them with the team through 2011...Sources have Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith becoming the Atlanta Falcons new head coach...The Chargers have fired James Lofton, their wide receiver's coach...Jim Fassel seems to be on the top of the Redskins' list to replace Joe Gibbs...Whenever Tony Dungy decides to leave the Colts, Jim Caldwell could become the perfect replacement.

Denver Broncos safety John Lynch was named to his ninth pro bowl after replacing injured Colt Bob Sanders.

As far as Jerry Jones is concerned, Terrell Owens with be back with the Boys for 2008 after giving the WR a $3 million roster bonus.

...In other Cowboys news, WR Terry Glenn will undergo microfracture surgery on his knee after having arthoscopic surgery on the same knee last season. He's expected to need a year to recover from the microfacture surgery.

Well wishes go out to former Tennessee Titan defensive tackel Rien Long who is in critical condition at a Nashville area hospital after crashing his Ford Mustang into a rock wall.

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Ron Springs' wife is suing two doctors for allegedly letting her husband slip into a coma following surgery in October.

Baseball Update:
Chuck Knoblauch politely declined a chance to speak to a Congressional Committee so they subpoenaed him. Like I said, you don't mess with the government.

The San Diego Padres have given GM Kevin Towers a two year extension that will keep him with the Club through 2010.

Donny baseball has moved from being the Dodgers batting coach to become a major league special assignment coach citing family priorities.

The Mets re-signed Endy Chavez to a two year, $3.85 million deal. Goodness, the Mets are going to be old and really screwed for 2008.

The Red Sox signed Dan Kolb and Dan Miceli to minor league contracts.

The Rays are thisclose to signing James Shields to a long term contract.

The Phillies are hoping that they can get a deal struck between themselves and first baseman Ryan Howard without the help of an arbitor. According to the AP, the Phils and Howard are a staggering $3 million a part. Howard made only $900,000 in 2007 but is hoping to get a bump to $10 million for 2008.

Second baseman Adam Kennedy skipped out on the Cardinals FanFest and manager Tony LaRussa is not happy. Seems like he's losing his grip on the team, huh?

The National Center for Drug Free Sport was chosen to be the official drug tester of Texas' high school steriods testing program. The NCDFS will have to test between 40,000 and 50,000 public school athletes by the end of the 2008-09 school year.

I know you were all nervous that after Jose Conseco got dropped from his first publisher that we'd never be able to read the sequel to "Juiced", but it seems Jose picked up a new publisher allowing his new book "Vindicated" to stay on track for its March 31st release date.

Popo in my crib News:
We don't like to judge, ok we love to judge, but we're thinking that Steelers receiver Cedrick Wilson may want to drop his crazy girlfriend Lindsey Paulat who fired two shots in his home on Monday and caused a standoff with the popo. While Ms. Paulat is in custody somewhere, Wilson decided to go for a proctection-from-abuse order against Lindz. Good move, good move. Cedrick, you may want to talk to Andre Rison, he's got experience with a crazy girlfriend who burned his house down. Watch out Lindsey, because the popo are on your tail!

Following the Titans successful request to be dropped from a lawsuit stemming from a February strip club shooting in Las Vegas, the NFL has petitioned the court to be dropped out of the suit as well. Tommy URbanski had filed a suit against the Titans, the NFL and Pacman Jones holding the parties responsible for a shooting which wounded him. Watch out people, because the popo are on your tail!

News & Notes: The Knicks continue to take a beating, this time at the hands of their former coach Larry Brown who claims in an article running in the February issue of "Philadelphia" magazine that the Knicks had spies all throughout the arena...In other Knicks news, Stephon Marbury is undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from his ankle...Well wishes go out to Denver Nuggets forward Nene after news broke that the testicular tumor removed was in fact malignant...This just in, Sidney Crosby is still injured. Here's a question, who has gotten more press for their injury, Sid the Kid or Tom Brady...The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired their GM John Ferguson...Sad News, extreme skier Billy Poole died on Tuesday after jumping off a cliff for a scene for a documentary. He was 28...Kentucky managed a 72-66 upset of Tennessee. Kentucky is 8-9, while the Vols were 16-2...Roger Federer rolled passed American James Blake in the Aussie Open...Sad news, former Indy 500 announcer Lou Plamer died. He was 75...Get well wishes go out to Jacques Villeneuve, Sr., the uncle of Nascar driver Jacques Villenueve, who was released from the hospital after breaking his pelvis in the 45th World Championship Snowmobile Derby...So we kind of reported this story prematurely in OCTOBER, but Dale Jarrett will replace Rusty Wallace in the booth for ESPN's coverage of Nascar this season!!!!!!!!!! Rusty will remain with the ESPN crew as lead analyst in their studio programs.

Check this out: Click here to read a story about how Whole Foods is going green.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate