Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Years, Kids!

Have a very happy, healthy and safe New Year's kids. And remember to watch out for the popo. Be back on Friday, but until then, enjoy this wonderful post by Stephon Marbury, yes the Stephon Marbury!
(thx Howard for the link)

Things I Learned at the Rockhoppers Game

For those who believe Popo in my Crib does not support New Jersey hockey, let this little post be a lesson to you, we totally support New Jersey MINOR league hockey and fans of that NHL team in Newark.

Rockhoppers 2, Mad Hatters 4
1) If you have a powerpoint presentation playing on the jumbotron, it is
a blatant mis-use of a jumbotron.

2) Playing MP3's of organ music when you have an actual organ is hockey
faux-paus.

3) There are skanks attending hockey at all levels of play.

4) When the youth team has better uniforms than the pro team, that's an
issue.

5) People are not as excited when they win free pizza as they should be.
Of course, perhaps they know something about the pizza that I do not.

6) The other three teams are doing better revenue wise than the
Rockhoppers. In an unrelated note, the other teams serve beer and the
Rockhoppers do not.

7) Jacking up the concessions prices for Rockhoppers game does not mean
the quality of the food has been jacked up as well.

8) It's pretty cool dodging hockey players on the way to the mens room
(no, I did not have to go on the ice to get to the mens room!)

9) Someone in a Maple Leafs sweater wearing a Rangers hat is confused.
It was a Tie Domi sweater but he could have gotten a Rangers one!

10) Teague Willets-Kelley is my favorite Rockhopper because he is the
first one I saw get in a fight.

One Thing I Learned Before Going to a Rockhoppers Game:
1) Most of the players and coaches are on Facebook!

For Confusingous's full review of the game click here.
(Thanks Howard!)

Now that’s teeeerrible!

Charles Barkely was arrested on suspicion of DWI early Wednesday morning in Scottsdale, AZ after he failed to yield at a stop sign. The NBA analyst declined a breath test at the scene and was later given a blood test. Learn from Shannon Doghtery's mistakes, always take the breath test at the scene, your blood alcohol levels only increase as time passes! Barkley was released pending the results of his blood test, which should take about a week.

But Sir Charles wasn’t the only celeb getting pulled over by the popo on Wednesday morning. Trading Spaces designer Doug Wilson was also arrested for DUI after failing to yield to an emergency vehicle in Decatur, Ill while Matt Dillon was pulled over in Vermont going 106 in a 65 mph zone. Dillon was driving a rented 2009 Chevy Impala at the time of his arrest. Maybe he didn't want others to be jealous of his kick ass ride. Or maybe he didn’t want everyone to know that he was also involved in the Madoff scandal. Take that Kevin Bacon!

Watch out Charles, Doug and Matt, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; source via DListed)

2008 refuses to go quietly

Baseball: The Rays signed right handed reliever Joe Nelson to a one year, $1.3 million...The D'Backs have signed catcher Chris Snyder to a $14.5 million, 3 year contract...The Cubs and Rockies are nearing a deal that would send Jason Marquis to Colorado for Luis Vizcaino...The Mets have reportedly offered Derek Lowe a 3 year, $36 million deal.


Basketball: Even though the Heat overtook the Cavs, 104-95, I still think it's a better birthday for LeBron than last year's when he got the speeding ticket...The Celtics continue to slide, falling to the Blazers, 91-86...The Mavericks overcame a 29 point deficit to beat the T'Wolves, 107-100. I would not want to be in Minnesota's locker room after that game!...Nenad Krstic will join the Thunder after the Nets failed to match Oklahoma City's offer...Carlos Boozer will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
(Photo: AP)

College Basketball: It was not a good night to be a top ten team as #4 Oklahoma lost to Arkansas, 96-88...And #9 Purdue was outdueled by Illinois, 71-67 in OT.

College Football: Oregon outscored Oklahoma State, 42-31 to win the Hokiday Bowl...Miami QB Robert Marve has decided to leave South Beach for greener pastures.

Football: After 14 seasons and two super bowl wins, Mike Shanahan is out of Denver...Speaking of firings, the 49ers have let go Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz...Bill Cowher does not want to coach the Jets... Brett Favre's pain stems from a torn bicep and not the Jets's craptacular December...Congrats to Altanta's Matt Ryan on being named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year...And the Pats Jerod Mayo on being named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Hockey: Zach Parise scored twice as the Devils hexed the Blues, 4-3...The Wings blanked the Blackhawks, 4-0. Hopefully Thursday's game will be little less onesided...The Bruins took out the Penguins, 5-2 to make it nine straight wins...The Sentors broke up thier road losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Oilers.

Best of the Rest: Looks like those merger rumors may become a reality. Word on the street is that Petty will close its doors and merge with GEM. This rumor has been going around for over a month now, so frankly I'm in the I'll believe it when I see it mode.

Check this out: Tomorrow is the Winter Classic, so don't forget to tune into NBC at 1 PM/est to catch the Blackhawks taking on the Red Wings. For more Classic news and video, click here.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Vote for Steph?


The Bergen Record is doing their best to get Stephon Marbury into the All-Star game, by asking readers to vote for him for 2009. Apparently the disgruntled Knicks employee’s name is on the ballot. But why should Steph be the only headline grabbing athlete to make the All-Star game on pure bad press alone? Here are few other names that should join Starbury in the crazy voting category.


Sean Avery
Well, if Stephon can make the list and he hasn’t even played since November, then why not Sean Avery, who hit the pine in December? I mean, if only to give Gary Bettman an aneurism. (Vote here if you're so inclined)
(Photo: Getty Images)

Pacman Jones
Sure he had a league enforced vacation mid-season. And so what if he only returned 21 punts for a total of 95 yards this season? He had 26 tackles and one forced fumble in just nine games. And he’s not had a run in with the popo since October, so really it’s like giving him something for good behavior. And who cares, it's only the Pro Bowl?
(Photo: AP)

Barry Bonds
Well if no team will hire him, why not let the fans do the work? I guess there is one minor problem in electing him to the All-Star team in 2009; since he’s not actually on a roster, I don’t think he’s allowed to play in the game. Homerun Derby, anyone? Fine, well then why not give it to fellow Giant Barry Zito based solely on his successful duping of the Giants out of over $100 million.
(Photo: Getty Images)

(Marbury Photo: Reuters; source)

Separated at Birth


Patrick busted for Speeding



Indy Car driver Danica Patrick was busted for speeding in Scottsdale, AZ. According to reports she was caught going 19 MPH above the speed limit. This was her second moving violation. Please, 19 MPH, that’s like pretend, just ask the popo in South Carolina who pulled me over circa 2004.

Give me Al Unser, Jr. any day of the week. His run-ins with the popo are way more amusing. Whether it’s DUI, domestic battery, his love of the Bunny Ranch knock-off, Unser is always good for a laugh, although I’m assuming it’s more unintentional than anything else.

Watch out Danica and Little Al, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Pink Letter Day

Ok, so I lied. I wasn’t able to post yesterday. But I am totally blaming it on the large quantities of Robitussin have been ingesting over the last 48 hours. Onto the news:

Baseball: The Giants have signed Randy Johnson to a one year contract...The Red Sox may have lost out on Mark Teixeira, but they aren't wallowing after signing Brad Penny...Willy Taveras is a Red...Nats and Daniel Cabrera agreed to a one year, $2.6 million deal...Could Andruw Jones be headed to Queens?...Could Adam Dunn become a Dodger?

Basketball: Shaq's 28 points moved him into 9th all time in scoring as the Suns beat the Thunder, 110-102...Steve Nash left early with back spasms...The Pistons put an end to the Magic's seven game win streak with a 88-82 victory...Home is not a happy place for the Nets as they dropped to 5-12 at the Izod Center with their 100-87 loss to the Bulls.

College Basketball: Georgetown upended UCONN, 63-74...Arizona State decimated Central Connecticut State, 84-47.

College Football: Missouri edged Northwestern, 30-23 (OT) to atke the Valero Alamo Bowl...Rutgers topped North Carolina State, 29-23 in the Papajohns.com Bowl...Alabama All-American tackle Andre Smith has been suspended for the Sugar Bowl.

Football: Updating Sunday's scores in 15 words or less, the Lions are horrible but at least they showed up for their game, Dallas. Click here to see which teams are in and which teams are out...The Jets have fired the Mangenius...The Lions have fired Rod Marinelli after going 0-16 this year...The Browns have given the pink slip to Romeo Crennel...The Titans are talking long term deal with Albert Haynesworth...The odds for the Giants are good according to Vegas...The Pro Bowl is moving in 2010.



Hockey: The Rangers snapped their three game losing streak with a 5-4 win over the Islanders. The Isle remain winless in the month of December and goalie Rick DiPietro remains made of glass...Maxim Lapierre scored a hat trick as the Canadiens topped the Panthers 5-2. The win was the franchises 3,000th...Evgeni Nabokov picked up his 20th win this season, stopping 28 shots as the Sharks cruised to a 3-1 win over the Stars...Blue Jackets blanked the Kings, 2-0...Paul Kariya will likely undergo hip surgery in the next few weeks...US Junior Team beat the Czech Republic, 4-3.
(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Best of the Rest: A.J. Allmedinger will reportedly replace Elliott Sadler in the #19 GEM Dodge. I feel back for the way Allmendinger was forced out at Red Bull, but getting rid of Sadler is not a good call.

Check this out: Entertainment Weekly looks back at the year that was 2008. Click here for the highlights.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Minor Delay

I am a bit wrapped up this morning, but I will post sometime around lunch. So check back. And until then, you can discuss the Cowgirls horrible performance yesterday!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Friday Funnies


Well if that whole hockey in Phoenix thing doesn't work out, there's always minor league soccer?
(Photo: Doug Pensinger/AP)

Is there anybody left to play?



Miami has suspended its fifth player for Saturday’s Emerald Bowl against California. Long snapper Chris Ivory was left out after he violated an unspecified team rule. I hate that they leave it so vague. I want to know what incredibly stupid thing this kid did to miss his second game of the season. (He was also suspended for the season opener.) He’ll be joining tight ends Richard Gordon and Tervaris Johnson, linebacker Jordan Futch and QB Robert Marve in the commons room watching the game on TV.

The loss of players has sent the team scrambling. Jake Byrne, who already handles the snap for field goals, will take over for Ivory on long snaps and has become the back up QB behind Jacory Harris who is taking over for Marve. At this point, I think the team may start holding tryouts for walk-ons to fill the holes.
(source)

The Boxing Day Edition

Sorry for the late post, but I had to make a quick stop at Bloomingdale's.

Baseball: Sammy Sosa wants everyone to know he is available...The Yankees have signed former Red Sox catcher Kevin Cash to a minor league deal...The suit against Padres outfielder Brian Giles is all about the money, or at least so says Brian Giles...Brewers owner Mark Attanasio thinks it maybe time for baseball to get a salary cap...South Carolina loves its Gamecocks baseball team.

Basketball: 19 and done for the Celtics who fell to the Lakers, 92-83...Dirk Nowitzki had a monster first half, scoring 24 of his 30 points before halftime in the Mavs, 102-94 win over the Blazers...I am not sure if the Hornets realized they had to actually play basketball on Christmas, because they didn't really show up in their 88-68 loss to the Magic...Speaking of the Magic, Dwight Howard will try to defend his title in the slam dunk contest...In true Christmas spirit, Dwayne Wade presented a house to a South Florida family, who had lost their home in fire.

College Basketball: This one's for you mom, your Arizona Wildcats took down Kansas, 84-67 on Tuesday night.



College Football: For Christmas the Motor City Bowl asked Santa for plenty of offense and Santa obliged with Central Michigan falling to Eastern Michigan, 56-52...Who knew all Notre Dame had to do to snap their bowl losing streak was to play a mediocre team in a mediocre bowl. I bet the Fighting Irish will request the Hawaii Bowl from here on out after their 49-21 victory...Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops will get a $250,000 bonus if his team can beat Florida in the BCS.
(Photo: AP)

Football: The 49ers are reportedly removing the interim from head coach Mike Singeltary's title...Tony Romo made an appearance in Cowboys practice on Thursdsay...The Boys gave right tackle Marc Colombo a four year contract extension...Tampa Bay Bucs have announced Raheem Morris will become their new defensive coordinator...Could this be the last game for Duece McAllister in a Saints uniform?...If the Jets don't make the playoffs will Brett Favre comeback? Wake me up in September, so I don't have to listen to the will he or won't he commentary this year...Donovan McNabb wants to stay with the Eagles.

Hockey: Christmas is over, but frankly there wasn't much hockey news, so to fill this section I give you this thrilling version of Jingle Bells sung by the San Jose Sharks.

Check this out: Click here for some of the best deals on this fine Boxing Day.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays



Well kids I’m off to enjoy my day and a half of holiday celebrations. I hope that you have a wonderful holiday and come back on Friday for some more great sports scoop and hopefully a good arrest story that in no way involves me!
(Photo: AP)

Hump Day Hair


Henrik Lundqvist maybe the primary goalie for the Rangers, but Steve Valequette’s hair is stealing the show. While I am preferring the side part look Henrik has been partial to as of late, it doesn’t even come close to Valley’s gorgeous blonde locks.


(Photos: Getty Images)

If they mated


If Michael Rooker (Eight Men Out) and Anne Ramsey (The Goonies) mated, I think their kid would look something like Bobby Holik (New Jersey Devils):
(Photo: Getty Images)

not a happy holiday for the Burress Clan

It keeps getting worse for the Giant’s embattled wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Authorities have seized weapons and ammunition from his Totowa, NJ home after a recent search of the place turned up the goodies. The New York Post has reported the popo took a 9-mm handgun, a rifle and ammunition for three other guns, but Burress’s attorney Benjamin Brafman has only copped to the rifle.

While it is not illegal to own a registered gun in New Jersey, it would be a bit of a problem if they were not.

"I believe it was registered, but we're looking into that now," Brafman said. "I'm not informed at this time that he is facing additional charges."

Yeah, you may want to check up on that. And by the way, where is Antonio Pierce? Hasn’t he become the official caretaker of Burress’s weapons collection? Plus, if you were just arrested on a weapon’s related offense, wouldn’t you want to get rid of any other incriminating evidence before the popo knocks on your door with a warrant? I mean when you have a house full of drugs you flush it down the toliet before you open the door, right?

Also found in the popo sweep was a suitcase full of cash. So with the guns, ammunition and cash, was Plax planning on taking a permanent vacation somewhere? Or was he just preparing his family for his court ordered trip to a very special Holiday Inn?

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

the emergency breaks edition

Early Christmas wishes to the lovely person who pulled the emergency break on the subway just inches from the next stop this morning. Because who doesn't love sitting on a subway car for an extra 30 minutes? But I digress, onto today's news:

Baseball: Mark Teixeira is a Yankee. Blah. Blah. Blah. You may have purchased yourselves the four highest paid players in baseball, New York Yankees, but I still don't think you should start making those World Series rings quite yet. There a few teams out there that even better on paper...Click here for my reaction to the news from yesterday...The Angels are not interested in going after Manny Ramirez...Japan here he comes. Former Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Mench has joined the Hashin Tigers.



Basketball: Number 19 may have been a breeze for the Celtics as they pounded the 76ers, 110-91 but how about #20 on Christmas day...Speaking of rolling, the Cavs remain unbeaten at home after taking out the Rockets, 99-90...With their 96-88 win over the Warriors, the heat have now matched their win total from last season...Congrats to Candace Parker on being named the AP Female Athlete of the Year.
(Photo: Reuters)

College Basketball: Not a good week for Gonzaga who fell to unranked Portland State, 77-70...Speaking of upsets, unranked Bulter defeated #7 Xavier, 74-65.

College Football: TCU edged Bosie State, 17-16...Miami (Ohio) has hired Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood...Alabama's Nick Saban was voted Coach of the Year.

Football: Note to players, no matter how obnoxious fans maybe, you may want to hold off from throwing snowballs at them otherwise you'll get hit with a $10,000 fine like the Jets Shaun Ellis. Although when you're making millions of dollars, it maybe worth it...Mike Tomlin is over fake Santa. And you can see the video right here...FedEX has announced it will not be advertising during the Super Bowl this season.

Hockey: Alexander Ovechkin had two goals as the Capitals rallied from a 4-0 deficit to beat the Rangers, 5-4. I am pretty sure that wasn't exactly the birthday present Scott Gomez was hoping for...It wasn't a better night for any of the other NY local teams as the Islanders fell to Thrashers, 4-2 and the Devils were blanked by the Bruins, 2-0...Ryan Malone enjoyed the outcome of his first trip back to the igloo as the Lightning shutout the Penguins, 2-0...The Sharks pummeled Canucks, 5-0...The scoring eruption the Maple Leafs had over the last two games came to end on Tuesday as they were destroyed by the Stars, 8-2. James Neal recorded his first ever hat trick in the win...The future is not looking good for the Coyotes.

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Michael Phelps who was named AP Athlete of the Year...Congrats also go out to Lance Armstrong who announced he and his girlfriend Anna Hansen are expecting their first child together.

Check this out: Christmas is just one day away and if you're still searching for the perfect gift, click here for some of Hollywood's best bargains.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Yankees giving a new definition to turn back the clock night



The first game played at Yankee Stadium could cost you as little as 25 cents if you don’t mind sitting in the bleachers; and only $1.10 if you go for upper deck seats. No you’re not reading this wrong, the Yankees are turning back the clock to 1923 to celebrate the grand opening of their “New” Yankee Stadium across the street. What’s the catch you may ask? Well the tickets are for the Yankees exhibition games against the Chicago Cubs on April 3rd and 4th.

In addition to the discounted bleacher and nose bleed seats, the Yanks are only charging between $45–50 for field level, $20-45 for main level and $20-45 for terrace level. And best of all, season ticket holders will get in free with partial season ticket holders having access to an exclusive pre-sale. I am sure there are some Jets and Giants season ticket holders that were wishing exhibition games were free.

So how does this compare to a normal game at Yankee Stadium? Those $50 field level seats would go for $2,500 if you were to buy tickets for the Yankees season opener against the Indians two weeks later. A bargain indeed!
(Photo: AP; source)

Movember skates into December for 49ers



It's not even Wednesday and I've already found a great hair story. The 49ers have decided to grow mustaches to accompany their throwback jerseys for their final game of the season. The new facial hair is supposed to honor some of the greats that wore the Niner jersey. The San Francisco Chronicle (via ESPN) is all over this story. And I'll try to update with photos if I find any good ones.

At least it's giving them one more reason to get up and play this weekend.
(Photo: Getty Images)
UPDATE: I totally didn't realize the Ottawa Senators were still rocking the look. This if from their game against the Devils on Friday:

And while I am sure he is not the first, I will continue to blame Jason Giambi for the resurgence of the mustache in sports.
(Photo: Reuters; source)

You need insurance now too?



Plaxico Burress is being sued in a Florida court after he rear ended a woman with his $140,000 Mercedes in May. Apparently, Plax forgot to pay his premium and his Allstate insurance was three days lapsed when the accident occurred. I wouldn’t start treating my expensive Mercedes like tissues, we all now what happened to Michael Vick after he got sentenced. Bankruptcy may not suit you well. But then again an orange jumpsuit isn’t exactly a great color for you either but you seemed to throw that thought out the window, huh?

The suit is on top of Burress’s mounting legal woes which include an illegal weapons possession charge after his Friday night gun show in November.
(Photo: Getty Images; source)

Michigan and Michigan State's new in school rivalry

Two Michigan State football players have been charged in connection with a house party beat down in October. Freshman tailback Glenn Winston was hit with three counts of misdemeanor aggravated assault for his participation in the scrum while his buddy Mitchell White only faces a charge of misdemeanor assault and battery.

According to reports, the fight took place off campus in a home occupied by many Spartan hockey players and involved several people, although A.J. Sturges was the only person sent to the hospital. He sustained a head injury and has thus far been unable to play for the team.

There were between 50-60 people in Center Street, yelling at each other between 12:30 a.m. and about 1:15 to 1:30 a.m., said Aly Moore, a dietetics junior who lives on Center Street and watched the night’s events from her window.

“There was name calling, people hitting each other and then people would go away,” she said. “Then they would come back — on and off for about an hour.”

Moore’s roommate, elementary education junior Alyse Pallas, heard the incident from her second-floor bedroom.

“You could tell there were two sides versus each other,” Pallas said.

So far, neither Winston nor White have no been kicked off the team, in fact football coach Mark Dantonio hasn’t even decided if they will have to miss their next game. Come on coach, assault, battery, if ever there were grounds for suspension or explosion, those would be it.

Alas, this little game of football players versus hockey players has spread to cross state rivals Michigan. Walk-on football player Mike Milano reportedly slammed star hockey player Steve Kampfer so hard into the sidewalk that he fractured his skull and now Milano is facing two charges of assault that carry up to 11 years of prison if he is convicted. And this allegedly all over a girl? Please, walk-on football player versus hockey stud who was drafted by the Ducks, the choice seems pretty easy to me. I mean can you blame her?

Watch out Glenn, Mitch and Mike, because the popo are on your tail!
(Photo: AP; source)

brotherly love

Baseball: The Yankees have signed Chien Ming Wang to a one year, $5 million contract...They have also not signed Manny Ramirez or Mark Teixeira...Speaking of Tex, he loves LAA...The Bombers and the Tigers paid up their luxury taxes. Funny the two teams to qualify didn't even make the playoffs. Kind of makes you think twice about buying a ring...And in my final Yankees news piece of this morning, NY minor league catcher Damian Taveras and Orioles pitcher Ambiorix Suero were suspended 50 games after testing postive for banned performance-enhancing drugs...New Jersey's own Mark DeRosa has accepted an offer to play for the US in the World Baseball Classic. He is joined by David Wright, Grady Sizemore, Ryan Braun, Brian McCann and Chipper Jones who have all been previously announced.



Basketball: The Lakers came out on top 105-96 in the battle of the Gasol brothers...Carmelo Anthony may have been out with a sore elbow, but that didn't stop the Nuggets from rolling over Portland, 97-89...Yao Ming had 24 points and 16 rebounds in the Rockets 114-91 victory over the Nets.
(Photo: Reuters)

College Basketball: Wake Forest demolished East Carolina, 95-54 to get off to their best start in five years...Oklahoma stays perfect with their 70-58 defeat of Rice.

College Football: The AP has voted Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford the Football Player of the Year.

Football: The Bears keep their playoff hopes alive thanks to Robbie Gould's 38 yard field goal in OT to send Chicago past Green Bay, 20-17...Can I just give a shout-out to all the fans that stayed till the bitter end in -0 degree weather? You are a much better fan than I. I have a strict no under 30 policy...Speaking of fans, this guy was not too smart when he tried to tackle Junior Seau during the Pat's game on Sunday...You could say the Browns are glad the season's almost over. Especially with everything that has been going down lately. I mean you don't punch Brady Quinn in the face. He's far too pretty for that, punch him the stomach fine, but not the face...Jay Zygmunt has resigned as the Rams President.

Hockey: Sidney Crosby bunted in an Evgeni Malkin shot for the game winning goal, breaking a nine game goaless streak, as the Penguins beat the Sabres, 4-3 (OT)...The Canucks scored twice on the power play, rallying past the Ducks, 4-3...The Maple Leafs have been scoring big as of late, including Monday's 6-2 beat down of the Thrashers...Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano netted a power play goal a piece as the Oilers outscored the Coyotes, 4-2...Blue Jackets rookie Berick Brassard will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a dislocated shoulder.

Best of the Rest: Bill Davis has sold the majority of his ownership in his race team and engine company to California businessman Mike Held and executive Marty Gaunt.

Check this out: Well, better late than never I always say, especially when it pertains to these photos of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte from GQ

Monday, December 22, 2008

Separated at Birth



I’m sure both of these guys have had better weeks. Fleury allowed 5 goals in his second game back from injury on Saturday while *SPOILER ALERT* Amedori may want to look for another job because according to E!'s Kristin Dos Santos we have seen the last of his character Aaron on Gossip Girl. Thank goodness, now if they could just get rid of Vanessa.
(Photo: Reuters and The CW)

Not a Norwegian



I am so upset right now. A Norwegian rider Tony Andre Hansen had his bronze medal striped after it was discovered his horse had been doping. I cannot believe a Norwegian could do such a thing, we should hold ourselves above such lowly forms of cheating. (If you didn’t pick that up, I am Norwegian.) Because of his actions, the Norwegian team did not have enough points to earn a bronze, giving it over to team Switzerland. The Swiss? What the frick?!?!?!

Along with letting his team down, the 29 year old rider has been banned by the sport for 4 ½ months. But Hansen is not the first rider to try and pump up his horse using the performance-enhancing drug capsaicin. Three others including Germany’s Christian Ahlmann, Brazil’s Bernardo Alves and Ireland’s Denis Lynch were all suspended between 3 and 4 months for their actions.

Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa, who received the gold medal in 2004, was also disqualified when his horse tested positive for nonivamide and suspended for 4 ½ months while American Courtney King was suspended for one month because her horse tested positive for felbinac.

This whole thing is like an episode of Pysch without the murder part, but I could totally see Shawn and Gus investigating this stuff.
(Photo: TRYGVE INDRELID; source)

HIMYM takes on the Olympics

With everyone doing a rewind of the year that was 2008 (nine days left and counting) EW did a cute spin with the cast of How I Met Your Mother, my show to watch for spring 2008.



Tonight will not be an all new episode :( but even re-runs of this show are hilarious. So don't forget to check it out tonight at 8:30 PM/est.

For the rest of the gallery, click here. And to catch old episodes and clips click here.
(Photo: WILLIAMS + HIRAKAWA)

The Ouchy Edition

Baseball: The Angels are pulling out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes...The Pirates have signed catcher Ryan Doumit to a three year deal...The Nationals have signed Daniel Cabrera to a one year deal worth, $2.6 million...The Marlins and Josh Johnson have agreed to a one year, $1.4 million contract...CC Sabathia got a nice Christmas bonus, $9.5 million from the Yankees before he even takes the mound...Phillies stars Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge have stated they will not play in the World Baseball Classic...The Chiba Lotte Marines have decided not to extend former Mets manager Bobby Valentine's contract past 2009...Sad news, former major league pitcher Dock Ellis has passed away at the age of 63...And former Negro League pitcher Carlos Manuel Santiago has also died. He was 82.

Basketball: Can anyone beat the Celtics? Apparently not the Knicks, who fell 124-105. Boston's win streak is now at 18...There was so bad news for for the C's. Forward Glen Davis was involved in a car accident as he was heading to the game on Sunday. He suffered a concussion and whiplash but has been released from the hospital. Get well soon!

College Basketball: Pitt canned Florida State, 56-48...The Dukies had Xavier in hand by the end of the first half, taking them out, 82-64...UCONN was able to hold off Gonzaga with a 88-83 win in OT.

College Football: Bowl games have begun. Michael McGee blocked a field goal in OT as Southern Miss edged Troy 30-27 for the New Orleans Bowl victory. There was one casualty in Southern Miss's win, receiver DeAndre Brown who fractured his leg...Eastern Michigan has hired Ron English as their new head coach.



Football: Hopefully their 34-28 OT win over Carolina will be enough of a kick in the ass to get the Giants going on their run through the playoffs...Meanwhile the Titans roughed up the Steelers, 31-14 to clinch the number one spot in the AFC...The Falcons punched their first playoff ticket since 2004 with a 24-17 victory over the Vikings...The Lions continue to boggle fans minds with their sucking after falling to 0-15 with their 42-7 loss to the Saints. Isn't the auto industry causing enough pain for the Detroit area?...With the Charges' 41-24 victory over the Bucs and Denver's 30-23 loss to the Bills, this weekend's match up between the two teams will decide who is going to the playoffs and who is going to the golf course...For more scores from this weekend, Click Here.
(Photo: AP)

Hockey: Sidney Crosby has passed Jaromir Jagr's all-star voting record. Of course, there has been some voting issues this year, so take it as you will...Much better news for Crosby after the Maple Leafs embarassed the Pens, 7-3 on Saturday...Travis Zajac scored the winning goal in a shootout as the Devils beat the Flyers, 3-2...Temmu Selanne will be out 4-6 weeks after a freak accident during the Ducks 3-2 win over the Oilers on Friday...Boston Bruin Patrice Bergeron has been released from the hospital after suffering a concussion during the Bruins game against the Hurricanes on Saturday. He has been placed on injured reserve...Speaking of the Bruins, they rolled past the Blues, 6-3.

Check this out: Tonight is the season finale of The Hills (10 PM/est on MTV). If you've missed anything this season or in season's past, click here for a scandals wrap up.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Friday Funnies



Apparently they had a little problem unloading the zamboni at Wrigley.

(thanks Howard)

there is no "i" in team but there is a me

Baseball: I think everyone would look at Rafael Furcal's disastrous negotiations and learn what not to do if you want more free agent bucks. Of course, that fact maybe lost on Mark Teixeira and maybe Manny Ramirez. Let's see, what do these two players have in common?...Oh and by the way Raffy and especially your agent Paul Kinzer, the Braves are pissed...The Tigers have signed former Marlins catcher Matt Treanor...Aaron Boone has signed with the Astros...The Brewers have signed outfielder Trot Nixon to a minor league deal..Click here if you have a question for Twins catcher Joe Mauer.

Basketball: Brandon Roy scored 52 as the Trail Blazers beat the Suns, 124-119...Elton Brand will miss a month with a dislocated shoulder...Dwight Howard had 14 points and 13 rebounds after missing two games with a sore knee and Jameer Nelson sank in 24 points as the Magic handled the Spurs, 90-78...Carlos Boozer, who was saying how he was planning on opting out of his contract, may want to hold off until he figures out what's up with his quadriceps tendon...Stephon Marbury paid $2,600 for the court side seats he used to watch the Knicks fall to the Lakers. That is like pocket change when you're making $21.9 million.

College Basketball: Congrats to Tyler Hansborough on becoming UNC's leading scoring with his 20 point effort during the Tar Heels 91-73 win over Evansville...Ole Miss's coach Adam Kennedy had a very interesting night...And followed it up with a loss as the Rebels fell to Cincinnati, 77-68. A difficult 24 hours indeed.

College Football: Miami QB Robert Marve will miss the Ermerald Bowl because of an academic violation. Apparently he was late for class because he was talking with a teacher. Something sounds very fishy about this whole thing.


Football: Peyton Manning completed 29 of 34 passes as he helped drive the Colts to a 31-24 victory over the Jaguars, ensuring themselves a spot in the playoffs...Speaking of the Manning clan, Eli Manning was named The Sporting News Pro Athlete of the Year....The Vikings are going with Tarvaris Jackson on Sunday.
(Photo: AP)

Hockey: News Flash, Mats Sundin has made a decision, he's signing with the Canucks...Who is the best in the west? Well just going off of Thursday night's performance, I'd have to go with the Red Wings who whipped the Sharks, 6-0...David Krejci notched his first hat trick as the Bruins took out the Maple Leafs, 8-5...And for a team that has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, the Stars finally have something nice to talk about, like Loui Eriksson's first ever hat trick. And their 6-5 victory over the Blue Jackets...In his first game back, Marc Andre Fleury stopped 28 shots while Evgeni Malkin tallied four points as the Penguins defeated the Thrashers, 6-3.

Best of the Rest: Ok all of you boxing fans, get excited because the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton match is almost a done deal...Mike "Mad Dog" Bell, a former wrestler who had been featured in a dcoumentary "Bigger, Stronger, Faster" has died at the age of 37...Nascar has settled a $225 million sexual harassment law suit...Citing the poor economy, Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix has been canceled.

Check this out: Congrats to Angie Harmon and her former Giant hubby Jason Sehorn on the birth of their third child Emery Hope Sehorn. I have to say, they have given their kids the best names (Finley Faith and Avery Grace). Not your normal run of the mill names, but not those over the top crazy out their celeb names like Pilot Inspektor and Audio Science. Click here for the details. Kind of a best of both worlds.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

It’s the economy stupid!

If you haven’t heard, Chrysler is having some major issues. (And by the way, if you haven’t heard, where the frick have you been?) They plan on shutting down all of their plants for an entire month as they continue to beg congress for a bailout. With the financial upheaval, Chrysler has announced it will cut its Nascar budget by more than 30 percent in 2009. The reduction is due in part to Ganassi’s recent merger with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., which forced them to move over to Chevy. Robby Gordon Racing is also leaving Chrysler for the greener pastures of Toyota.

But it’s not just its factory support that will be absent; they plan on lessening their sponsorships, cutting back on “at-track car displays, track sponsorships and promotions.”

However, don’t start to freak out now, Penske, Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises (if it still exists by Speedweeks 2009) fans, the company does plan on continuing to field cars in Nascars three major Series. They just have to look at things more realistically. I guess this recession is making us all do that. I mean, I’ve totally cut down on my spending at Starbucks and J.Crew by at least 5% (mostly because everything is on sale.)

Chaos at Indiana continues



Former Indiana basketball star Eric Gordon decided to get something big off his chest. Gordon, who is now with the Los Angeles Clippers, said there was some major dissension in Bloomington and it was based around drugs.

"It was a well-known fact that it was displayed, guys using drugs and things like that. I really wasn't really worried about it, I was just worried about playing."

He also went onto to say that then coach Kelvin Sampson knew about the drug use but decided to concentrate on winning instead of doing what was truly best for the team.

Well this Kelvin Sampson fellow turned out to be a real class act. The best thing the school did was get rid of him. While I am not surprised that college kids are using or just dabbling with drugs, I am upset that the coach knew what was going on and did nothing about it. Just sat idly by, texting away while his own team was crumbling around him. Shame on him. And shame on the University. This type of behavior should not be condoned, especially in an atmosphere that is supposed to nurture its student body. A coach doesn’t have to be your best friend, but when he knows about a situation like this, he should discipline his players, either benching them or kicking them off the team. Winning is great, it brings in lots of money, I get it. In the end, if you put money in front of the students's well being then you are blatantly going against any University’s mission statement and that cannot be tolerated.
(Photo: Darron Cummings/AP; source)

Poor Mike Pelfrey…


He’s not even a rookie anymore but still he has to wear the Santa suit.
(Photo: Mike Stoble/Getty Images)

depressing start to the day

Baseball: Rafael Furcal has decided...to stay with the Dodgers. That was a heck of a lot of back-and-forth for you just to stay in LA...Apparently the Red Sox have limits Mark Teixeira, so don't push it...Don't worry the Mets finances are fine. They can still pay their payroll. Now that big building across from Shea, they're not opposed to getting a $450 million handout from the City of New York. Common on, they've just been swindled...The Mike Cameron deal is dead...Joba Chamberlain's DUI hearing has been postponed...Sad news, Astros all-star closer Dave Smith has died. He was 53.

Basketball: The Celtics rolled to their 16th straight victory, 88-85...The T'Wolves losing streak hit 11 after falling to the Cavs, 93-70...Elton Brand injured his shoulder during the 76ers, 93-88 win over the Bucks...It was a double win for the Hornets, as Chris Paul broke the consecutive steals record with a steal in his 106th straight game while New Orleans rallied to beat the Kings, 90-83.

College Basketball: Duke mixed things up, but the results were same, routing North Carolina-Asheville, 99-56...Oh and if you're interested, the Blue Devils basketball team has their own website...Ohio State got a wake-up call after letting an 18 point lead almost slip away in their eventual, 81-68 win over Jacksonville...Pittsburgh rolled passed Siena, 79-66.

College Football: Tim Tebow will test his draft options.

Football: Sad news, Sammy Baugh has passed away. He was 94...So much for career ending injury, Pacman Jones was back at Cowboys practice...Reggie Bush will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury...The economy is in shambles, so who could blame Alex Smith for being ok with taking a pay cut to stay with the 49ers?...The NFL owners have OKed a restructing plan that will allow the Rooneys to remain owners of the Steelers.



Hockey: Michal Rozsival scored twice including the game winner in OT as the Rangers escaped the Kings, 3-2...Speaking of two goal games, Daniel Sedin knocked it in twice as the Canucks buried the Oilers, 4-2. Well at leas they didn't give up nine this time...The Flames turned out the lights in Minnesota, ruining Marian Gaborik's return to the ice with a 3-2 victory...The Devils bounced back from a disappointing loss on Tuesday with a well balanced 5-3 victory over the Sabres...Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to return on Thursday.
(Photo: Darryl Dyck/AP)

Best of the Rest: Matt Kenseth has a new crew chief...again...Mansfield Motorsports Park has called it quits. Iowa Speedway will make up the race scheduled for Mansfield in September...Good news, Tiger Woods is ahead of schedule. Because at this point, would you expect anything less from him?...MMA fighter Justin Levens and his wife Sarah McLean-Levens were found shot to death in an apparent murder-suicide. So sad.

Check this out: Click here to see some of the best and worst tattoos from the NBA.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Goodnight to you Sir

So before I head out the door, I figured I'd post this hysterical video. I'm sure by now you've all seen it, but it just can across my desk this afternoon. So for those you haven’t seen it, and for those who have but need a good laugh to end their day, I give you Plaxico Burress’s PSA on hand gun safety.

Plaxico Burress' PSA on Gun Safety

(via Badjocks.com)

Hump Day Hair

I am all for not shaving or cutting your hair regularly during hockey season. But some of these guys are getting dangerously close to To Catch a Predator territory.

Ryan Hollweg (Maple Leafs)
A fan favorite while he was in New York, it's nice to see he's allowed his locks to flow in Toronto, although maybe he could ligthen up on the mustache.
(Photo: Reuters)

Ian White (third from the right)
It's all about the creepy facial hair.
(Photo: AP)
Zack Stortini (Oilers)
He may not have the facial hair like Whitey above, but the long hair and the missing tooth were enough to put him on this list.
(Photo: AP)


Scott Hartnell and Riley Cote
I am fully aware that my more careful readers will remember I've already used this picture for a hump day hair special. But I am sorry, it was too good to pass up.
(Photo: Getty)

George Parros
He's known as a tough guy on the ice and frankly if I ever saw him off the ice I'd be pretty freaked out that he would kill me with a homemade weapon or something.
(Photos: AP)
Brendan Bell (Senators)
He's only a day or two away from looking like that guy in your neighborhood who shows up on the "special list."
(Photo: Reuters)

The Deal is Off

After waxing poetically about the loss of Petty Enterprises, it turns out I spoke too soon, well rather I wrote too soon. A deal that would have merged Petty and Gillett Evenham Motorsports and basically wipe Petty off the Nascar map is reportedly off. And the news at GEM isn’t getting any better. The team is planning its own set of layoffs which could include up to 50 employees. In addition they will cut their Nationwide Series program with the #10 piloted by Reed Sorenson to just a partial schedule in 2009.

With all of the reduced schedules and cutting of Nationwide Series programs entirely, next year’s races will feature like 10 cars. Nascar could be in some serious trouble if they don’t come together as a sanctioning body and start figuring some things out. And that means more than just banning testing and creating less cost consuming cars. There are some fundamental issues that must be addressed.
(source)

Derrick Coleman is not Poor



For all of you out there thinking about scrounging your pennies and sending them Derrick Coleman’s way you can stop your couch cushion search. He’s not in a “financial freefall.” Quite the opposite according to his wife Gina. The couple did indeed have an estate sale (which by the way, I thought meant you were selling the things of a dead person but whatever) and they did slash their prices on items like furniture by 75%, but that’s only because these items were taking up storage space. The couple had sold their home in Franklin Lakes, NJ and had been keeping the furnishings in storage, but they decided the additional money needed to house these items could be better spent on updating one of their other two homes. So basically, he’s not poor, but as his wife said, “They could be doing better.” Well in this economy who couldn’t be doing better. So send those pennies my way or you know to a charity because it’s the holidays and my cold black heart only melts for so long before it freezes up come January 1st.
(source)

view from the stands

Baseball: In the eyes of GM, the Mets are where the money is at, not the Yankess...Jake Peavy will stay in San Diego unless another team approaches them with a trade opportunity...Chris Capuano agreed to a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers...Brian Giles former girlfriend is claiming the outfielder beat her while she was pregnant causing her to miscarry. She's also suing him for $10 million.


Basketball: Guess who showed up to see the Knicks fall to the Lakers, 116-114? Stephon Marbury. He's earning his money by not working. I wish I could say the same...Tracy McGrady scored a triple double as the Rockets tripped up the Nuggets, 108-96...Chris Paul tied an NBA record with his 105th consecutive game with a steal as the Hornets beat the Grizzles, 91-84.
(Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

College Basketball: Wayne Chism had 21 points in the second half as Tennessee rolled past Marquette, 80-68...Clemson stayed perfect with their 76-36 smashing of North Florida.

College Football: Joe Paterno got a 3 year extension to remain as head coach at Penn State. Let it be known, I do not want to be working when I'm 85. I want to be on an island somewhere drinking beverages made with pineapple or coconuts, doing very little and enjoying my hard earned pension...Oklahoma will be without RB DeMarco Murray for the National Title game...Speaking of the National Title game, Florida coach Urban Meyer said newly hired Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen will stay with the Gators and call the offensvie plays as Florida battles Oklahoma...Scott Shafer has resigned as defensive coordinator at Michigan...Sam Bradford leads the names selected as AP All-Americans.

Football: Well wishes go out to Saints owner Tom Benson who is recovering from cancer surgery...Manning Bowl II - The Pro Bowl Edition...The Colts are hoping to get Bob Sanders and Joseph Addai back for Thursday's game...Michael Vick could be out of a federal prison and in a halfway house by January 20th.

Hockey: Alexander Ovechkin scored with less than 11 seconds remaining in OT to give the Capitals a 5-4 win over the Isles...The Blackhawks "humiliated" the Oilers, 9-2...The Flyers beat the Avalanche, 5-2, grabbing their fifth straight win...It's down to two teams for Mats Sundin. He's expected to announce his decision on Thursday...Speaking of the Rangers, Nigel Dawes scored the eventual game winner as the Blueshirts defeated the Ducks, 3-1. I swear Dawes only scores when I'm not watching...Jarome Iginla racked up four points as the Flames burned the Blues, 4-2...Marian Gaborik plans on playing on Wednesday. Well that was a nice little self imposed vacation.

Best of the Rest: Wimbledon's new retractable roof will debut on May 17, 2009.

Check this out: The Gap maybe known better today for their creative advertisements than their khakis. And frankly they've done it again. Click here to see some very funny Merry Mix-its! (via GMMR)