600

Baseball: A week late, but congrats to Albert Pujols on claiming his second straight NL MVP award...Derek Jeter has been named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated...Andruw Jones signed a one year, $500,000 contract with the White Sox...Shortstop Alex Gonzalez has landed with the Blue Jays...Two time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum is looking for a one year deal from the Giants when he heads to arbitration...Get well wishes go out to Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer was admitted to a Philadelphia area hospital...Former Major Leaguer Sammy Sosa has been sued for $203,000 by a Dominican Republic bussinessman...The Crime Dog Fred McGriff is among the 15 first-time candidates added to the Hall of Fame ballot...Bob Sheppard is retiring from his longtime job as the Yankees public address announcer...Is Bud Selig retiring?

Basketball: The winless Nets fired head coach Lawrence Frank hours before dropping their 17th game of the season...Minnesota bested Denver, 106-100 to end their 15 game slide...The Clippers beat up the Grizzles, 98-88 to earn head coach Mike Dunleavy his 600th career win...Rasheed Wallace was fined $30,000 for his postgame remarks.

College Basketball: North Carolina held off Nevada, 80-73 for Roy Williams 600th career victory...Alabama nipped Michigan, 68-66 for the Wolverines second loss of the season.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Looks like it's down to Florida and Alabama for a spot in the BSC Championship game...BYU was acting very unmoron like and they are sorry for that...Al Groh has been fired as Virginia's head coach...Sad news, East Illinois assistant coach Jeff Hoover was killed in a car accident.

Football: The Colts clinched the NFC South after rallying in the fourth quarter for a 35-27 win over the Texans...I don't think Matt Leinart will want to play against Vince Young again after Young once again lead his team to a late game winning TD...For a third string QB Dennis Dixon did pretty well, but it still wasn't good enough as the Ravens escaped with a 20-17 OT win...The Bengals meanwhile, finished up their AFC North sweep after burrying the Browns, 16-7...Both Matt Ryan and Michael Turner left the Falcons' 20-17 win over the Bucs early with injury...For the rest of Sunday's scores, click here...Eli Manning's foot is not getting any better. In fact his plantar fascilitis has turned into a fractured right foot.

Hockey: The Penguins Matt Cooke was suspended two games for his hit on the Rangers Artem Anisimov during Saturday's 8-3 victory...Also riding the pine is the Sabres Patrick Kaleta who was suspended two games for his hit on Flyers forward Jared Ross...The Sharks doubled up the Canucks, 4-2...The Coyotes slid past the Ducks, 3-2 on Jim Vandermeer's OT goal...Markus Naslund has come out of retirement to join his friend Peter Forsberg for hometown team Modo in the Swedish league.
(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Best of the Rest: Serena Williams was fined $82,500 for her US Open outburst and could miss the tournament entirely if she has another "major offense." Something tells me, she's learned her lesson...Congrats to Nikolay Davydenko who beat US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro to capture the ATP World Tour Finals...Did you happen to hear about Tiger Woods' car accident during the Thanksgiving weekend? No, well then you must have been making very merry because it's everywhere!...Ireland is asking for an additional spot in the World Cup after Frances' controversial tie...The Canadian Grand Prix is returning to Montreal...Turns out if you win a fourth consecutive Cup title, the City of New York will give you your own day. Congrats Jimmie Johnson!

Check this Out: Now that Thanksgiving is over, that only means one thing, Holiday themed movie marathons for the next 26 days. EW breaks down the best and brightest here.

Splitsville

Please note Nascar news has now been moved to "Best of the Rest."

Baseball: Congrats to the Twins' Joe Mauer on being a near unanimous pick for the AL MVP...For winning the award, Mauer received a $100,000 bonus, although Miguel Cabrera who finished fourth received a $200,000 bonus. I think I'll take Miggy's contract...Omar Vizquel is officially with the White Sox...Ken Griffey, Jr. could earn up to $3.9 million with incentives...Demarlo Hale has been promoted to Red Sox bench Coach.

Basketball: Greg Oden had a career high 24 points as Portland flattened Chicago, 122-98...The Spurs beat the Bucks, 112-98 to push them to .500...Don Nelson will miss the Warriors' Texas trip with pneumonia...Tracy McGrady practiced for the first time in nine months. Did he also birth a baby as well?

College Basketball: After falling to Syracuse on Friday, UNC has dropped to #12 in ESPN's latest rankings (#11 in the AP Poll). As for the Orangemen, they moved up to #9...Purdue edged Tennessee, 73-72 to take the Paradise Jam Classic. Why don't I ever get to go to St. Thomas for work?

College Football: Rich Rodriguez's job at Michigan appears to be safe for now...Although apparently it's not safe for Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen to go out after he got punched in the face by an upset fan. It's probably a better idea to go after Clausen than say Charlie Weis who will throw you in the fryer with his Thanksgiving turkey and eat you smother in gravy and covered with stuffing...Urban Meyers is not taking the Notre Dame job. Yeah, because wouldn't that be a downgrade from coaching Florida? And let's remember this is the Notre Dame of the 2000s, their best days are well behind them...Les Miles is taking the blame for LSU's loss...Cincinnati will likely go back to Tony Pike at QB.

Football: The Titans held off the Texans, 20-17. Tennessee is now 4-0 since Vince Young took over as QB...The infighting has begun in Denver. Something about losing four games in a row could do that to a team...The Rams will be without QB Marc Bulger for 3-6 weeks with a fractured leg...With an injured shoulder, Lions QB Matt Stafford may miss Thursday's game against the Packers...Also missing from that game will be Green Bay's cornerback Al Harris and linebacker Aaron Kampman...The Bills reportedly reached out to Bill Cowher who declined their offer. Something tells me that was a good decision...The 49ers have dropped their tampering charge against the Jets...But the Jets aren't jumping for joy, coach Rex Ryan thinks the team was disrespected by the Pats.

Hockey: Sean Avery had two goals in less than a minute as the Rangers hammered the Blue Jackets, 7-4. Boy did the Rangers need that win...Sidney Crosby scored the game winner in OT for the Pens who slid past the Panthers, 3-2...Dwayne Roloson made 58 saves as the Islanders clipped the Maple Leafs, 4-3 OT...The Oilers scored twice in seven seconds on their way to blanking the Coyotes, 4-0...The NHL has suspended Georges Laraque five games for his hit on Niklas Kronwall...In other Habs news, they acquired Benoit Pouliot from the Wild for Guillaume Latendresse.

(Photo: AP)

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Lorena Ochoa who was named the LPGA player of the year for the fourth straight time...Rafael Nadal lost to Robin Soderling for the second straight time...Former USTA CEO Arlen Kantarian made more than $9 million in 2008...Jimmie Johnson and Johnny Damon are teaming up for an event at the Empire State Building on Tuesday.

Check this Out: Regis Philbin announced he will be taking a leave of absence from "Live with Regis and Kelly" to recover from hip surgery. Say it ain't so!

Concussed

Baseball: Roy Halladay is not re-signing to Toronto. Can you blame him?...Josh Johnson and the Marlins are having trouble seeing eye to eye...The Pirates have designated Jeff Karstens for assignment...The Cubs signed John Grabow to a two year, $7.5 million contract...This year's #1 pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocated knee that does not need surgery...Will the Mets play regular season games in Puerto Rico?...Having trouble finding your loved one the perfect holiday gift? Well for just $2,229, you can purchase a 20-DVD World Series film set.

Basketball: Kobe Bryants behind the backboard shot highlighted the Lakers easy 101-85 win over the Thunder...Kevin Garnett nailed the game winning bucket to allow the Celtics to edge the Knicks, 107-105...The Magic cruised to their fifth straight win.

College Basketball: Villanova captured the Peurto Rico Tip-Off with their 79-67 victory over Ole Miss...Kansas State upended Dayton, 83-75.

College Football: Top 7 in the BSC remain the same...After losing to UCONN in double OT, 33-30, the Fighting Irish have fallen to 6-5, which coach Charlie Weis says is not acceptable...Northeastern is getting rid of its football team.

Football: The Colts remain unbeaten after surviving the Raves, 17-15...Meanwhile the Saints moved to 10-0 with their rout of the Bucs, 38-7...The Giants held off the Falcons, 34-31 in OT...And the Chiefs stunned the Steelers, 27-24...Does anyone want to be the quarterback of the Steelers? Because both Ben Roethlisberger and Charlie Batch are hurt...In other upset news the Bengals fell to the Raiders, 20-17...Turns out all those fans that had the Browns/Lions game blacked out missed out on a really good game after Matthew Stafford, busted shoulder and all, threw a one yard touchdown pass to Brandon Pettigrew which tied the game and Jason Hanson kicked the extra point to give Detroit the 38-37 win...For the rest of Sunday's scores click here...The Redskins back-up running back Ladell Betts has two torn ligaments in his knee and will miss the rest of the season.
(Photo: AP)

Hockey: Bryan Bickell's first goal of the season could not have come at a better time for the Hawks who blanked the Canucks, 1-0...Steven Stamkos' 15th goal of the season gave the Lightning the 4-3 advantage over the Trashers...The Red Wings lost defenseman Niklas Kronwall for at least a month with a sprained ligament in his left knee...The Devils placed Dainius Zubrus on IR with a fractured knee cap.

Nascar: Congrats to Jimmie Johnson on winning his fourth straight Cup Championship...Click here for updated standings...Congrats also go out to Denny Hamlin on winning the Ford 400...For complete results click here...Kyle Busch is your 2009 Nationwide Series Champion. This totally makes me wish it was still called the Busch Series.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Best of the Rest: Congrats to Real Salt Lake City who beat the Galaxy, 5-4 in a penalty shootout to capture the MLS Cup.

Check this Out: People.com is asking you to vote on who had the better fall at the American Music Awards last night, Jennifer Lopez or Adam Lambert.

Friday Funnies

Even though this clip was making the rounds earlier this week, I had to save it for Friday. It will surely put a smile on your face as the weekend closes in.

It's Just One Thing

Baseball: Congrats to Tim Lincecum who won his second straight NL Cy Young Award...The White Sox maybe close to signing Omar Vizquel to a one year deal...The Cubs have traded reliever Aaron Heilman to the D'Backs for prospects Scott Maine and Ryne White...Add Andy Pettitte and Fernando Tatis to that list of free agents...Some teams lost money in 2009. Hey Bud, you don't say.

Basketball: The Knicks are not going after Allen Iverson. We'll call that progress...Kobe Bryant's 21 points in the Lakers 108-93 victory helped him leap frog over Kareem Abdul Jabbar on the Lakers' all time scoring list...The Jazz got their first regular season win in San Antonio since 1999...Who would mess with Marv Albert and his vampire like teeth? They are sharp and he is not afraid to use them.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: Syracuse rolled over Cal, 95-73...While North Carolina held off a surging Ohio State, 77-73. (Reminder: I have photos and more from last night's exciting game. So check back!)...Thanks to Isaiah Armwood's last second three, Villanova was able to sink George Mason, 69-68.

College Football: Sad news, Stefanie Spielman, the wife of NFL and Ohio State star Chris Spielman has lost her battle with breast cancer. She was just 42 years old...This is kind of bad follow up, but also in sad news, Uga VII, mascot for the University of Georgia football team passed away due to a heart related cause...Kansas coach Mark Mangino is blaming his recent bad press on bitter players and their parents. Oh yeah, that's a way to stop this dead in its tracks...In third string quarterbacks need love too news, Brandon Weeden lead #12 Oklahoma State to a 31-28 victory over Colorado.

Football: Ricky Williams scored three TDs as Miami busted up the Panthers, 24-17...Browns reciever Josh Cribbs is expected to play on Sunday against Detroit...While Bears running back Garrett Wolfe is out for the season with a lacerated kidney...Troy Polamalu will not play on Sunday...Since I visited the Metrodome this summer, I can safely say, the Vikings leaving isn't the worst thing ever.

Hockey: The Bruins held off the Trashers, 4-3 (SO)...While the Hurricanes nipped the Maple Leafs, 6-5 (SO)...And the Predators topped the Devils, 3-2 (SO)...The Senators roughed up the Pens, 6-2...The Blue Jackets literally fought off the Stars, 4-1...The KHL is expanding to Sweden?...It's just a hockey stick kids! No need to beat each other up over it. In related news, I am going to guess that's the last time Scott Niedermayer gives away his stick after a game. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: On the start of the final weekend of the season, Hendrick Motorsports has announced it has extended Jimmie Johnson's contract through 2015. Seems like a good idea considering they are less than 72 hours away from likely their fourth straight title...Oh and some guy named Jeff Gordon will be driving at least through 2013...Nascar's season ending banquet is moving to Las Vegas.

Best of the Rest: Thierry Henry may want a replay, but FIFA is saying France's controversial tie is standing...Manny Pacquiao's 12th round TKO of Miguel Cotto scored 1.25 million pay-per-view viewers which generated $70 million.

Check this Out: Apparently there is some movie about Vampires opening up this weekend. Which is fine by me, gives me some extra room in the theater as I watch The Blind Side. (Which also opens this weekend)

It’s Always Sunny on Thursdays

We are down to our final two episodes of the season and this week’s has Dennis teaching the gang a few lessons about love. As if his erotic memoirs weren’t enough.

In other Sunny news, Caitlin Olson (Dee) is in a brand new movie, Leap Year, featuring Matthew Goode (Chasing Liberty) and Amy Adams (Julie & Julia). Click here to catch the recently released trailer.

And don’t forget to tune into FX at 10 PM/est of this week’s all new episode.

Scared Straight?

University of Cincinnati quarterback Zach Collaros got a quite the ultimatum on Thursday, enroll in a diversion program or spend Bowl Season in jail.

Collaros was sited for using a fake ID to enter a bar off campus earlier this fall and had been ordered to participate in a diversionary program which centered on the dangers of underage drinking on October 5th. Since then, he has only taken over the Bearcats offense as Tony Pike recovered from injury. But his busy schedule was no excuse as Judge Bernie Bouchard made it very clear “You’re not going to get another chance,” he warned Collaros.

The QB has until December 7th to being the program or he will be sent to jail. If only they could do that with Lindsay Lohan and that girl from The Hills.

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

You Can't Do That in Football

Baseball: Congrats to Mike Scioscia and Jim Tracy on being named the Manager of the Year for their respective leagues...With that little title in hand Jim Tracy got a three year extension with the Rockies...Jason Bay has turned down the Red Sox intial offer of 4 years, $60 million. Let it be known that if someone offers me an equal contract, I will not turn it down!...Now that the Braves have locked up Tim Hudson, they seem likely to deal one of their pitchers. Why is Kenshin Kawakami not on the list?...Jason Schmidt is probably retiring...Mike Lowell realizes his days in Boston are numbered...MLB may get rid of a few off days during the playoffs. Sure, compartively to the NBA or NHL their postseason isn't that long but eight games in 20 days seems a little excessive.

Basketball: LeBron James hurt his wrist nailing a dunk and the Cavs lost? Well that sounds like one crappy night...Kind of like the night the Pacers had where they accumulated a 19 point second half lead only to fall to the Knicks, 110-103. Yeah, the same Knicks team that came in with a gaudy 1-9 record...Oh and the Nets still have not won a game. Come on Jersey!...Former Net Jayson Williams has reportedly struck a plea agreement in connection with a 2002 shooting in Williams' New Jersey mansion that killed a man. About time!

College Basketball: Texas torched Western Carolina, 73-41...Shawn Kemp, Jr. has signed with Auburn. Thank goodness he got a scholarship because I don't know how much money Kemp, Sr. has with all of those child support payments. I would not be surprised if one of these days he pulls a Travis Henry...Looks like the University of Southern Florida has violated a couple of rules.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Football: Browns QB Brady Quinn was fined $10,000 for his chop-block on the Raven's Terrell Suggs that resulted in a sprained MCL for Suggs...The Dolphins have placed Ronnie Brown on IR with a right foot injury...JaMarcus Russell is out and Bruce Gradokowski is in for the Raiders...The Bills also made a QB switch. Say hello to Ryan Fitzpatrick everybody...Is Mike Shanahan heading to Buffalo?...Jeremy Shockey is not buying LeBron James: The football player.

Hockey: The Stars topped the Red Wings, 3-1...Brian Boucher made 37 saves as the Flyers edged the Kings, 3-2...The Panthers broke it open with four goals in the final period to hammer the Sabres, 6-2...Good news bad news for the Pens who recently seem to have more injured players than healthy ones. Defenseman Jay McKee has an infected finger that will keep him out two to four weeks. BUT Sergei Gonchar and Max Talbot could be back very soon...An upper body injury will keep Kings winger Ryan Smith off the ice for up to a month...The Blue Jackets activated forward Raffi Torres for their game against Dallas...While Capitals winger Quintin Laing will miss six weeks with a broken jaw and winger Alexander Semin is questionable with a right wrist injury. I guess he won't be playing the bongos for a bit. How did this turn into the injury report section of the day?

Nascar: Sterling Marlin is not retiring. Or at least just not yet...Advertisers are missing the mark. The real fans stick around well in football season.

Best of the Rest: Everyone in Ireland is calling for replay after France's Thierry Henry used his hand to help guide the ball to his foot and then his teammate William Gallas who scored the game winning goal. The win allowed France to advance to the World Cup next year...South African runner Caster Semenya's gender test will be kept confidential.
(Photo: AFP)

Check this Out: According to Forbes and their crack staff, Will Ferrell is the most overpaid star.

Hump Day Hair

Anderson Varejao is rapidly becoming my favorite player in the NBA and it has a lot to do with that amazing set of curls.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Separated at Birth

Things are looking up for both Sam and Ed. Querrey began practicing for the first time since his run-in (more like fell-in) with a glass table in Thailand while Helms was named one of GQ’s Funnymen of the Year (along with co-stars Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis).
(Photo: AP)

Ovie-It

Baseball: Congrats to the Royals' Zach Greinke on being named AL Cy Young Award winner...The Yankees have declined a $1.25 million option on pitcher Sergio Mitre. Well they need to save some money somewhere...John Smoltz has a couple of suitors it seems...The Indians have named Sandy Alomar Jr as their new bench coach...The Mets are expected to announce Dave Jauss as their new bench coach...MLB is reportedly awarding Kansas City the 2012 All-Star Game. They do have that pretty renovated Stadium to show off.

Basketball: Kobe Bryant scored 40 points as the Lakers avoided a three game losing streak, 106-93...The Nets remain winless on the season after falling to the Pacers, 91-83. It's not really fair they are lucky when they dress eight players...In that's a disaster news, the Knicks are looking into the newly available Allen Iverson. Because Stephon Marbury's tenure in New York wasn't a big enough lesson...Is LeBron James looking to bring his magic to the Cleveland Browns? They could surely use it!

College Basketball: Kansas narrowly escaped a major upset by Memphis, 57-55...Also involved in an exciting game was Michigan State who held off Gonazaga, 75-71...And Connecticut who rallied from a late game deficit to top Hofstra, 76-67...Of course Duke didn't need any last second heroics to bury Charlotte, 101-59...Bruce Pearl scored his 100th win as a head coach as the Volunteers routed NC-Asheville, 124-49. Did Asheville only play hitchhikers they picked up during the bus ride from NC to Tennesssee?...Isiah Thomas locked up his first win as Florida International's head coach.
(Photo: AP)

College Football: Charlie Weis thinks he still has a chance to keep his job at Notre Dame. As Natalie Portman said on Top Chef, "What is he on and can I get the number of his dealer?"...Kansas' football team is not enjoying the same success as their basketball team after it was announced an investigation of an unspecified personnel issue involving coach Mark Mangino is underway...Tennessee is really getting acquainted with the legal system these days. Less than a two weeks after three players were charged with attempted armed robbery, a fourth player, Nyshier Oliver, is looking at shoplifting charges. Well at least this one didn't involve a gun. Watch out Nyshier, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: The Bills have fired Dick Jauron. Buffalo has named defensive coordinator Perry Fewell as interim head coach...Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games by the league for violating the NFL's PEDs policy...Larry Johnson officially signed with the Bengals. Gee, I did not know that was going to happen!...Troy Polamalu is questionable for the Steelers game against the Chiefs.

Hockey: Brendan Shanahan has announced his retirement after 21 seasons...The Capitals doubled up the Rangers, 4-2 in Alexander Ovechkin's first game back from injury...The Avs edged the Flames, 3-2...Mike Fisher scored twice as the Senators nipped the Maple Leafs, 3-2...The Canadiens Maxim Lapierre scored the game winner in a shootout against the Hurricanes, 3-2...The Blue Jackets have loaned Nikita Filatov to the CSKA of the KHL for the remainder of the 2009-10 season.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: No matter what happens, Mark Martin believes 2009 was the best year of his career. That's kind of an un-Mark Martin like thing to say...Looks like Jamie McMurray's move to Ganassi for 2010 is just an official announcement away. McMurray began his Cup career racing for Ganassi in the #42 car before moving to Roush.

Best of the Rest: Formula One champ Jensen Button has signed a multiyear contract with McLaren to form an all-British lineup with former F1 Champ Lewis Hamilton...The LPGA is expected to have just 23 events in 2010...Andy Roddick has pulled out of the season-ending ATP World Finals with a knee injury. He will be replaced by Robin Soderling...Sam Querrey has started practicing for the first time since he cut two muscles in his right forearm when he sat on a glass table that broke in Thailand...I really had no idea girls soccer was so physical. I think New Mexico's Elizabeth Lambert would be proud of the way these ladies handled themselves.

Check this Out: Johnny Depp has been named People's Sexiest Man Alive. I would have gone chosen Chris Pine myself, with his break out role in Star Trek and all, but Johnny Depp is always a fine choice!

Lesson Learned

Lesson Learned #84: Flipping off Bills fans will cost you $250,000. Thanks Bud Adams!

Getting Sassy

Baseball: Congrats to the Marlins Chris Coghlan and the A's Andrew Bailey on being named Rookie of the Year for their respective league...The Reds have signed catcher Ramon Hernandez to a one year, $3 million contract after declining his $8 million option...Pedro Martinez absolutely wants to pitch in 2010...Eric Bruntlett is a free agent...The Red Sox will raise ticket prices in certain sections for 2010...Mike Scioscia is guaranteeing the Angels will beat the Yankees.

Basketball: The Grizzles and Allen Iverson have agreed to part ways...Dirk Nowitzki had 32 points, but it was his final two that were most important in the Mavs 115-113 win over the Bucks...The Hawks extinguished the Trail Blazers, 99-95 in OT...Former NBA player Dennis Rodman was briefly detained in Germany after a hotel said he failed to pay his $5,100 bill.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Basketball: It's always a little weird to wake up to college basketball at 6 AM in the morning, but it also reminds me that the season is starting!...John Wall hit a late game jumper to allow Kentucky to escape Miami (OH), 72-70...Duke demolished Coastal Carolina, 74-49...Cal-Fullerton knocked off UCLA, 68-65 in double OT.

College Football: Tennessee has dismissed Nu'Keese Richardson and Mike Edwards after their recent arrest for attmpted armed robbery...Tiger Woods will be an honorary captain when Standford takes on Cal on Saturday.

Football: The Ravens broke up a scoreless tie with 16 points in the third on their way to a 16-0 victory over the lowly Browns...As if their anemic offense wasn't already bad, Browns WR Josh Cribbs was carted off the field after the final play duirng Monday's game...The NFLPA is looking into complaints against Browns coach Eric Mangini.



Hockey: The Devils unbeaten streak on the road ended with a 3-2 loss to the Flyers...The Kings rallied from a two point deficit to beat the Panthers, 4-3 (SO)...Vinny Lecavalier had two goals in the Lightning's 4-1 shelling of the Coyotes, 4-1...The Pens polished off the Ducks, 5-2...Add Alex Goligoski to the Penguins walking wounded. The defenseman is out for two weeks with a lower body injury...Alexander Ovechkin may make his return on Tuesday against the Rangers. Why does everyone want to make their return from injury against the Rangers?...And is possible for the old Sean Avery to make a comeback soon. Because I miss him...Canucks GM Mike Gillis says Peter Forsberg is staying in Sweden this season.
(Photos: Getty Images)

Nascar: Juan Pablo Montoya warned Brad Keselowski's crew chief about the young rookie. Apparently he's going to get his ass handed to him sometime very soon. Well, Happy Thanksgiving to you too!...Tony Stewart thinks his first year as an owner was a success. I'd have to agree with that assessment.

Best of the Rest: Mercedes will take over Brawn GP in Formula 1 racing under its own name for the first time in 55 years...Get well wishes go out to UFC fighter Brock Lesnar who is recoving from a bacterial infection in his instestinal tract.

Check this Out: Get well wishes go out to Microsoft co-founder and owner of the Seattle Seahawks and Portland Trail Blazers as well as a part owner of the Seattle Sounders Paul Allen who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Allen had been treated for Hodgkin's disease over 25 years ago.

Hot Mess

I hinted at in today’s daily crawl and now you get to decide who the hotter mess is:

Bill Belichick and his cut off denim shorts or this lovely lady covered in silver and sporting some interesting hair. Go Eagles indeed.
(Photos: AP & Getty Images)

Sleepy Times

Baseball: The Brewers have declined pitcher Braden Looper's $6.5 million option...Speaking of former Brewers pitchers, Ben Sheets agent says he's going to be 100% by spring, if you're interested in acquiring his services...The Mariners have locked up shortstop Jack Wilson for the next two years...The Rockies declined reliever Rafael Betancourt's $5 million option...Blue Jays centerfielder Veron Wells underwent wrist surgery...Operation Panda is in full effect...With the murder charges hanging around him, Giants prospect Pablo Peguero has lost his visa...It looks like Curtis Granderson could be a hot commodity. He would look so good in a Braves uniform. I am just saying...Wally Backman will manage the Mets farm team, the Brooklyn Cyclones...The Louisville Slugger Museum and factory will present Hank Aaron with its 2009 Living Legend Award.

Basketball: Stephen Jackson is now the Bobcats problem after the Warriors traded the troubled forward and guard Acie Law to Charlotte in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic...Aaron Brooks collected a career high 33 points as the Rockets took out the Lakers, 101-91...Amare Stoudemire celebrated his 27th birthday with 30 points and the Suns' 101-100 win over the Raptors...The Hornets are one hot mess after Chris Paul's ankle injury. Although they stilll don't compare to Lindsay Lohan but that's for another post of who is the hotter mess...With Allen Iverson's future in limbo, the Grizzles have signed Jamaal Tinsley.

College Basketball: UNC held off upstart Valparaiso, 88-77 to move to 3-0 on the season. Hey UNC fans, I'll be heading to the 2K Sports Coaches v. Cancer on Thursday so check back on Friday for a recap of the event. (Syracuse, Cal and Ohio State fans don't feel left out, your schools will be included too!)

College Football: The University of Michigan has admitted to failing to file mandatory monthly logs that track how much players work out and practice...USC fell to No. 22 in the AP Poll after losing to Stanford...Meanwhile the top 8 remain the same in the BSC Poll...UNLV has fired coach Mike Sanford after five losing seasons and a 15-43 record. Yeah that decision seems about right.

Football: Last night wasn't the best night for Bill Belichick and the Pats, with them losing to the Colts in the final minutes and all. On the upside, I enjoyed watching the game...In other blow it in the fourth quarter news, the Jets lost to the Jaguars, 24-22 with a 21-yard field goal in the closing second of the game...And the Saints were thisclose to blowing their undefeated status...Titans owner Bud Adams was so excited that the Titans beat the Bills, he flipped everyone the bird while celebrating...The Bengals limited the Steelers to just field goals in Cincinnati's 18-12 victory. Now that' s a score you don't see too often...For the rest of Sunday's scores click here...Former Kansas City running back Larry Johnson is reportedly expected to sign with the Bengals...John Grudden is sticking with Monday Night Football...The Supreme Court will not hear an appeal on the Redskins' name. Finally a govermental decision I can get behind.

(Photo: Reuters)

Hockey: 15 proved to be the lucky number as the Hurricanes finally ended their 14 game losing streak, edging the Wild, 5-4...Slava Kozlov's first goal of the season could not come at a better time as it pushed the Thrashers past the Oilers, 3-2...Brent Seabrook's OT goal gave the Blackhawks the 4-3 advantage...Capitals winger Mike Knuble broke his finger and will be out three to four weeks...Canucks forward Darcy Hordichuk will miss a game after being suspended for his involvement in a fight during Tuesday's loss. Coach Alain Vigneault received a $10,000 fine...Apparently the Devils are going for some sort of road wins record tonight.

Nascar: Apparently Homestead is just a formality for Jimmie Johnson who all but locked up his fourth straight title with his victory at Phoenix. Talk about always being the Bridesmaid Mark Martin...Click here for full results...And here for the updated standings...Brad Keselowski had a closed door meeting with Nascar prior to Sunday's race...Toyota and Michael Waltrip Racing are teaming up through 2012...Congrats to Ron Hornaday on winning his fourth Truck Series title. At 51, he became the oldest driver to win a major Nascar Championship.

Best of the Rest: Rafael Nadal will play for Spain in next month's Davis Cup final against the Czech Republic...Congrats to Michelle Wie who won her first ever LPGA tournament...Said news, Hall of Fame Trainer Bobby Frankel has passed away at the age of 68.

Check this Out: People.com gives you the top 15 trends for winter.

Friday Funnies

This week we ask, which would you rather? World Champion Derek Jeter or homeless Derek Jeter?

FYI - Jeter is filming a new movie with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

(Photos: Getty Images and Splash)

Is it time for Rock of Love 4 already?

Baseball: Congrats to Albert Pujols, Brian McCann, Derek Jeter and the rest of the players who were awarded silver sluggers...Great news, Tim Hudson has signed a three year, $28 million contract to stay with the Atlanta Braves. The Bravos now have six starters which means someone is getting traded. Who wants a Japanese pitcher?...Get well wishes go out to former All-Star closer John Wetteland who was hospitalized with an elevated heart rate...Watching a clip of Brooke Hundley's interview on Good Morning America proves Steve Phillips is a terrible decision maker. As if his time with the Mets wasn't a big enough heads up for you.

Basketball: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade definitely stepped up their game with Michael Jordan in attendance, but in th end it was the Cavs out doing the Heat, 111-104...LeBron is going to ditch his #23 uniform next season and he hopes other players will too to honor Michael Jordan...The Suns streak came to a screeching hault after they were pounded by the Lakers, 121-102...Al Jefferson will miss two games to deal with a family illness...After 10 games, we've got our first pink slip in the NBA. Former Coach of the Year, Byron Scott has been let go by the New Orleans Hornets. He will be replaced by GM Jeff Bower.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Football: It was all Rutgers as they pummeled South Florida, 31-0...Talk about loyalty, Idaho athletic director Rob Spear refused to ride on a plane because it had the Boise State logo. Now if he decided to walk back home in protest I'd be even more impressed...Former Nebraska running back Thunder Collins will spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in a September 2008 shooting that killed one man and injured another. Watch out Thunder, because the popo are on your tail!

Football: Jay Cutler threw five interceptions as the 49ers held off the Bears, 10-6. I thought you weren't going to have anymore of these types of performances Jay. At least that's what you promised...Clinton Portis will not play for the Redskins on Sunday...In other Redskins news, Falcons head coach Mike Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for his part in the sideline fracas between his and Redskins players last weekend...In case you were wondering, Larry Johnson will not be playing in week 10...Hall of Famer Joe Namath's 6 year old lab has been declared dangerous. A lab, aren't they supposed to be the sweet dogs?...Are The Who performing during halftime of this year's Super Bowl?

(Photo: Getty Images)

Hockey: The good news, Sidney Crosby ended his pointless streak, the bad news, the Devils scored four times on the way to their ninth straight road victory...After last night's Rangers 5-3 loss to the Thrashers, I have to wonder about Ilya Kovalchuk's to return to the ice on Thursday. Couldn't he have waited until tonight to make his comeback?...Former Senator Mike Emery made 22 saves as the Flyers blasted Ottawa, 5-1...The Lightning rallied to beat the Wild, 4-3 (SO)...Ducks owner Henry Samueli has been reinstated by the NHL...The NHLPA has enlisted the help of outgoing baseball union head Donald Fehr in their search for an executive director.

Best of the Rest: Mike Tyson could be heading to jail if his photographer gaffe is deemed a violation of his probation...Doug Barron, who became the first player suspended as a result of drug testing, has filed a suit against the PGA...I hope this isn't a sign of things to come, Duke forward Mason Plumlee will be out for a while after breaking his wrist in practice.

Check this Out: Mark your calendars, December 3rd this amazing series will permiere on MTV and your lives will forever be changed. (Warning many cans of aquanet were harmed in the making of this TV show.)

Blackeyed Pretty

Baseball: Teammates Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino were among the NL Gold Glove winners...Ken Griffey, Jr. will be playing for at least one more year after he signed a contract with the Mariners...I wrongly mentioned a couple of days that Jason Varitek's time in Boston was done. The catcher exercised his $3 million option...Cubs infielder Mike Fontenot earned the last arbitration spot...Congrats go out to Jim Riggleman who was named the Nats manager for 2010 earsing the interim tag from his title. Although I don't know if managing the Nationals is really a treat or a trick...Good news, former MLB pitcher Victor Zambrano's mother has been rescued.

Basketball: LeBron James is over talking about 2010. Instead he took the court to help the Cavs avenge their Eastern Conference elimination by beating the Magic, 102-93...The Spurs topped the Mavs, 92-83...Brandon Jennings scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quareter of the Nuggets 108-102 defeat of the Nuggets...Greg Oden had 18 points and 11 boards to help lift the Blazers past the Wolves, 107-84 for their best start since 1999...Just in case you were wondering, Pau Gasol remains day to day...The Wizards have signed Earl Boykins and waived Paul Davis.

College Football: Three Tennessee football players were arrested and charged with attempted armed robbery. They include safety Janzen Jackson, receiver Nu'Keese Richardson and defensive back Mike Edwards. Watch out Janzen, Nu'Keese and Mike because the popo are on your tail!...Notre Dame assistant Corwin Brown is not loving Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo's post game remarks.

Football: Reminder - The first Thursday NFL game begins tonight as the Bears take on the 49ers...In other Bears news, their game against the Vikings on November 29th has been moved to 4:15 PM...The Giants' Aaron Ross took to the practice field for the first time since August...Ochocinco is not allowed to send mustard to the Steelers. Too bad, now what are they going to put on their hot dogs?

Hockey: The Devils handled the Ducks, 3-1, for their sixth straight win...The Wings demolished the Blue Jackets, 9-1...The Capitals edged the Islanders, 5-4 in an eleven round shootout. Something tells me I should have watched that game instead of the Devils...Also winning in a shootout were the Blackhawks who nipped the Avs, 3-2...The Hurricanes winless streak has hit an unlucky 13...NHL GMs are looking into ways to end blindsided headshots...Despite being pretty terrible this season, the Maple Leafs are still the most valuable team in the NHL.
(Photo: AP)

Nascar: Kyle Busch has been docked 25 points and his crew chief Jason Ratcliff fined $5,000 after the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota failed post race inspection last week at Texas...My dreams have come true, Starbucks will make its Nascar debut this weekend at Phoenix as an associate sponsor of Martin Truex, Jr.'s No. 1 car. Starbucks and Truex, it doesn't get much better than that!

Best of the Rest: Mike Tyson was detained after an scuffle with a paparazzo. Well if you got a real job, then maybe you wouldn't have to worry about being beat up by a former heavy-weight champ!..UNC embarassed North Carolina Central, 89-42...Former No. 1 tennis player Marat Safin ended his career with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 loss to Juan Martin Del Potro in the second round of the Paris Masters...We'll have to wait until December to learn if someone else bought the Richard Gasquet cocaine laced kiss excuse.

Check this Out: Congrats to Taylor Swift on being the youngest person ever named CMA Entertainer of the Year! The 19 year old looked lovely in her gold gown, but she wasn't the only one looking amazing on the red carpet. Click here for a complete fashion run down.

Are you hiding something?

Baseball: The first postseason awards were handed out on Tuesday. Congrats to Torii Hunter, Joe Mauer, Evan Longoria and the rest of this year's AL Gold Glove winners...The Tigers are reportedly open to trading All-Star pitcher Edwin Jackson...Everyone take note: John Smoltz wants to pitch in 2010. And frankly for my grand plan to work he needs to throw basically an inning so that he can go to the Hall of Fame with Chipper Jones and Bobby Cox...MLB GMs did not discuss instant replay. Right now I am invisioning Bud Selig doing his happy dance and it kind of reminds me of Tom Delay on Dancing with the Stars...The Veterans Committee will vote for the next round of Hall of Famers on Decmeber 6th. Among those on the list are Billy Martin and Whitey Herzog...The McCourts marital diaster could be Mark Cuban's gain...In other Dodger news, Vin Scully will continue to call games in 2010...Sammy Sosa is blaming skin cream for my recurring nightmare, aka this photo.

Basketball: After a 10 minute review, the Nuggets were handed the 90-89 victory over the Bulls to end their mini-slide...Dwyane Wade had 41 as the Heat burned the Wizards, 90-76....The Magic outscored the Bobcats, 93-81...Orlando center Dwight Howard was fined $15,000 by the NBA after he publicly criticized the refs on his blog. Blogs are still no where near as bad as twitter, although I could be biased on that point...Sad news, it appears Shaq and his wife are heading towards splitsville.
(Photo: Getty Images)

College Football: Cincinnati will start Zach Callaros against West Virginia on Friday. But Tony Pike will likely get a few reps as well...Iowa QB Kirk Ferentz is very doubtful for the final two games after injuring his ankle duirng Iowa's 17-10 loss to Northwestern over the weekend...A judge has temporarily stopped the University of North Dakota from changing their current nickname the Fighting Sioux. Thank goodness, a judge with a backbone.

Football: Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was not claimed off waviers...The Browns will likely start Brady Quinn for Monday's game, which there are - by the way - seats still available for. In case you were the mood for a comedy show...A court has ruled that Michael Vick will be allowed to keep $16 million in bonuses...So this made me spit out my cheerios this morning.

Hockey: The Bruins shut out the slumping Penguins, 3-0. Sidney Crosby has now failed to get a point in five straight games...Jarome Iginla's goal was the difference maker in the Flames, 1-0 victory over the Canadiens...Dan Boyle scored with a minute left to lift the Sharks past the Predators, 4-3...Jason Spezza scored the game winning goal in the shootout to give the Senators the 4-3 victory over the Oilers...The Wild hammered the Maple Leafs, 5-2. Toronto lost Mike Komisarek with a lower body injury in the first period...Blackhawks center Dave Bolland will miss three to four months after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back...Veteran Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastein Giguere says he'd rather retire than be a back-up. So that means you'd like to be traded?

Nascar: Martin Truex, Jr. and Eanhardt Ganassi Racing were docked 50 points after the #1 car was deemed too low in post race inspection. Crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 and remains on probation until December 31, 2009...In other EGR news, Aric Almirola has filed a suit against Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. claiming they have breached their contract with him.

Best of the Rest: Sad news, Hannover and Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke was killed after he was struck by a train in an apparent suicide on Tuesday. He was just 32 years old...In more positive news, US forward Charlie Davies has been released from the hospital almost a month after he was involved in a single-car accident in which a fellow passenger was killed...Arkansas has suspended five athletes after their were indentified in a rape complaint that did not result in charges. The players include guards Courtney Fortson and Stefan Welsch who were suspended indefinitely, guard Marcus Britt who will miss six games, forward Glenn Bryant who is out for two and walk-on guard Nick Mason who will not dress for the fall semester.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Check this Out: With the CMA Awards on ABC tonight, EW looks at the 25 country albums you must listen to. Click here to see who made the list.

Top of the Pops

Baseball: The Rays have exercised Carl Crawford's $10 million option but declined those of Brian Shouse and Gregg Zaun...With the Red Sox keeping C/1B Victor Martinez it should come as no suprise that they declined Jason Variteke's option...The Dodgers declined Will Ohman's $2.2 million option...They also announced they are keeping their entire coaching staff for 2010...Mike Cameron was among five Brewers who filed for free agency. Good idea considering Milwaukee just traded for a young centerfielder...Are the Yankees looking at adding John Lackey?...With the GMs meeting in Chicago, the rumor mill is a buzz..."The list" as it has come to be known may not see the light of day until at least 2011...Giants prospect Angel Villalona has been freed on bond after the family of the man he is accused of killing asked a judge to drop the case. Que interesante!

Basketball: Get well wishes go out to legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who announced he is battling a rare form of leukemia...The Suns topped the 76ers, 119-115, to win their third straight...With the injured Tim Duncan and Tony Parker on the bench, the Spurs were still able to beat the Raptors, 131-124...The Jazz edged the Knicks, 95-93, to get their first win at MSG in five years. That's crazy considering the rag tag group of guys the Knicks have been putting the floor for the past five years.

(Photo: AP)

College Football: Oregon has reinstated their running back LeGarrette Blount after he famously punched a Boise State player...Michigan athletic director Bill Martin has some explaining to do after he pushed a student and grabbed the wind breaker of another during two football games. Once is bad enough but twice should result in your firing or at least that anger management program Sean Avery went through.

Football: The Steelers knocked out the Broncos, 28-10...The Chiefs have officially dumped Larry Johnson...The Bills are mixed on the prospect of acquiring Michael Vick...Meanwhile current Bills QB Trent Edwards says he's ready to go...The Vince Lombardi story is coming to Broadway. Finally something I'd be willing to go see.

Hockey: The newest members of the Hockey Hall of Fame were inducted on Monday in Toronto...The Blackhawks routed the Kings, 4-1 in captain Jonathan Toews' first game back from injury...Flames forward Curtis Glenross was supsended three games by the NHL for his dirty hit on Rangers forward Chris Drury. Thank goodness!...In other concussion news, the Wild's Petr Sykora is out indefinitely after sustaining the head injury in Saturday's win over the Dallas Stars...The Canes signed veteran goalie Manny Legace while Cam Ward is on the mend...Get well wishes go out to Penguins president David Morehouse who is recovering from a heart attack suffered in San Jose, CA.
(Photo: Getty Images)

Nascar: Carl Edwards is sitting on a big fat zero in the win column for 2009 after winning nine races in 2008...Happy Thanksgiving Richard Petty Motorsports employees. You've just been fired. But on the upside you won't have to worry about getting the Friday after Thanksgiving off.
Best of the Rest: Congrats to Jim Boeheim who captured his 800th career coaching victory as Syracuse annihilated Albany, 75-43...UNC spoiled Isiah Thomas' coaching debut with a 88-72 win...Former No.1-ranked tennis player Marat Safin thinks Andre Agassi should give his tennis titles back after confessing he tested positive for a banned substance. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here...Michael Phelps failed to make 2-out-of-3 finals at a World Cup short-course meet. Is it the suit?...Congrats to Joe Cada of Shelby Township, MI on winning the World Series of Poker. The 21-year-old walked away with $8.55 million.

Check this Out: ABC has decided not to order anymore episodes of Eastwick, but if you're a fan of the forgotten, there is some good news, the network has decided to give it five more episodes.