Sports Idol w/ Justin Myers

How Popular Are The Olympics

2008-08-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

Just how popular are the Olympics? Got this data from Deadspin

Score Board Video

2008-08-07T15:03:00.001-07:00

Here is the link to the video that Rob Moseley put on on his blog.

Rob's Video

Its Over!!! Brett Favre Has Been Traded!!!

2008-08-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

YES CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! BRETT FAVRE HAS BEEN TRADED!!!!

I KNOW I AM TYPING IN CAPS CAUSE I AM TRYING TO SHOW HOW TIRED OF THIS STORY I ACTUALLY AM.

Off the couch and out of the cold, Brett Favre is slipping on a new jersey.

Favre's summertime soap opera ended Wednesday night when the Green Bay Packers traded their iconic quarterback to the New York Jets, who haven't had a star of No. 4's stature since the days Joe Namath was slinging passes and strolling down Broadway.

Brett's a Jet, until the day he retires -- again.

"It's like a marriage that ends," Packers president Mark Murphy said Thursday. "It happens. Neither party is at fault."

Favre, who announced his NFL playing career was over in March, was expected to be introduced at a 6 p.m. news conference at Cleveland Browns Stadium before the Jets played their first exhibition game.

Although Favre still must pass a physical and a run test, the NFL managing council approved the deal Thursday.

The Packers will receive a fourth-round draft pick in 2009 in return for Favre. The selection would turn into a third-rounder if Favre plays in 50 percent of the plays this season, a second-rounder if he plays in 70 percent and the Jets make the playoffs, or a first-round pick if he plays in 80 percent and the Jets make it to the Super Bowl.

Favre Traded

Brett Favre Tracker

2008-08-06T17:42:00.001-07:00

I am going to be honest...I am tired of Brett Favre. I am tired of checking in on the newest details and only find out he sat down with his coach.

So, I am now introducing you to SI.com's Favre Tracker

Enjoy! I know my fingers will!

Your Daily Favre Update

2008-08-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre and his wife left Green Bay on Wednesday afternoon not knowing if his eventual NFL destination is Tampa Bay, New York or somewhere else.

Favre and his wife, Deanna, boarded the private plane that left for Hattiesburg, Miss., at 12:25 p.m. CT, saying that a trade was not yet completed and that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets are both still in the running.

Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, also was aboard the plane that landed two hours later. Favre's family home is near Hattiesburg.

A league source, meanwhile, told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio on Wednesday that the Jets have offered a fourth-round pick to the Packers in exchange for Favre. That offer would be upgraded to a second-round pick based on the 2008 performance of Favre and the team, the source said.

The Packers are reportedly asking the Bucs for a third-round pick and Brian Griese or another another player in trade talks for Favre.

Favre confirmed from Mississippi that he was considering the Buccaneers and Jets.

Favre Update

SI's Top 20 Breakdown of College Football

2008-08-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

SI's Top 20 Scouting Reports

1-Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. USC
4. Missouri
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
7. Auburn
8. Texas Tech
9. LSU
10. Wisconsinhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4289540920208412498
11. Clemson
12. Tennessee
13. Texas
14. West Virginia
15. Kansas
16. Arizona State
17. BYU
18. Oregon State
19. Pittsburgh
20. Oregon

SI.com's top 20

The 20 Worst Football Cliches

2008-08-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

20) “We have to take it one game at a time.”

19) “Crabtree makes a circus catch.”

18) “The other team just wanted it more.”

17) “They left it all on the field.”

16) “He’s deceptively quick.”

15) “McCoy’s going to feel that one in the morning.”

14) “They are better than their record indicates.”

13) “He has a motor that won’t quit.”

12) “He really gives 110 percent.”

11) “There seemed to be a miscommunication on that play.”

10) “We have to play a full 60 minutes.”

No, you have to play like three and half hours minus TV timeouts, halftime, and the occasional stoppage for a drunk skinny naked guy running onto the field who apparently can’t say no to a dare.

9) “Boeckman would like to have that one back.”

Yeah, I have a list of things I’d like to take back as well.

1) Trying baking chocolate thinking it was real chocolate when I was eight.

2) Seeing the movie King Ralph starring John Goodman in the theaters.

3) Three words: convenience store burrito.

I have 94 other ones—how much time does everyone have?

8) “They have to take care of the football.”

It’s true. I’ll never forget the first time a Duke Jr. football followed me home after school one day. I asked my mom if I could keep it. She said yes on the stipulation that I had to take care of it. I did for a while, but honestly, after a few months, my dad ended up feeding it and walking it.

Then about a year later, after an errant pass in a game of three-flies-in, the ball jumped out in front of a car. There was nothing the driver could’ve done.

Soon after, my parents bought me a Voit to help ease the grieving process.

7) “This Mountaineer defense is going to ‘pin their ears back’ on this next play.”

Why would anyone pin their ears back? Is it because they have big ears and they are afraid that they won’t get asked to the Barn Hill Dance? Maybe it’s time to teach that defense about self-esteem and the fact that you just have to be happy with who you are on the inside.

6) “He has a quick first step.”

After that, he stops cold out of sheer terror. He was first team All-Freeze Tag back in third grade.

5) “The Sooner defense bends but doesn’t break.”

I am so guilty of this one. I’ll try to do better. Please offer me alternatives. What about this defense teases but doesn’t put out?

Too racy?

4) “This QB is a real gunslinger.”

I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. Billy Blanks tried that in the beginning of The Last Boy Scout, and even though he scored I’m pretty sure there was a flag or two on the play. Unless, of course, the game was played at Auburn.

3) “Arenas is a downhill runner.”

Now that’s just unfair. What a home field advantage that would be! A stadium with a hill at midfield or at the goal line. Of course, that would justify, ”It’s an uphill battle.”

I would love to see a strong safety get a downhill running start at a WR and knock him 30 yards down an incline. Thank goodness for forward progress, eh?

2) “Sanchez has all day to throw it.”

If the opposing team has all day to throw it, then might I suggest a different defensive strategy? In fact, I think it would be awesome if one day an announcer got very literal with this one.

“Man, Verne, Snead seemed to have like eight seconds in the pocket on that play. Maybe it was closer to seven, but it sure seemed like a long time. Well, not a long time relatively speaking, but in football pocket passing terms a long time.”

My favorite variation of this is, “Stafford has all the time in the world.”

Whoa, is he immortal or something? I’d be texting my friends, “Gary Danielson just said Matthew Stafford is a Highlander.”

1) “That guy’s a throwback.”

Usually referred to when talking about slow white guys who try really hard. You know, the kind of guy that “brings his lunch pail” to work every day.

I promise you, this guy is not a throwback unless he plays without a facemask, protective padding, and with a half-torn ACL. If this guy makes it to the NFL and accepts a 1970s NFL salary, then fine, that guy can be a throwback.

Top 20 Worst Football Cliches

Baddest Men On The College Planet

2008-08-05T16:04:00.000-07:00

Heres a great list from Sports Clips over at SI.com. The best badd*** on the college football field.

8. Greg Hardy, Junior DE, Ole Miss

7. Brandon Spikes, Junior LB, Florida

6. Myron Rolle, Junior DB, Florida State

5. Patrick Chung, Senior “Rover”, Oregon

4. Rey Maualuga, Senior LB, USC

3. Jan Jorgensen, Junior DL, BYU

2. Eric Berry, Sophomore DB, Tennessee

1. James Laurinaitis, Senior LB, Ohio State

The Baddest Men On The Planet

Favre Wants Release

2008-08-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre went into a meeting Tuesday morning acknowledging that he was at a "stalemate" with the team and believed the "best thing for this team is for us to part ways."

Favre left practice shortly before 3 p.m. ET Tuesday, telling ESPN's Wendi Nix that he was not going to practice. He said there would be another meeting with his family and Packers general manager Ted Thompson to discuss trade possibilities, in hope of resolving the situation. That meeting at Favre's house ended at 3:45 p.m. ET.

"We're at a stalemate," Favre said. "Mike and I both agreed last night that me being out there is a distraction and will continue to be a distraction. We all know the reason I'm here is because the commissioner [Roger Goodell] reinstated me so we have a lot of things to figure out. It's simple and complicated, both at the same time."

Favre said the team once again rejected his request to talk to teams about a trade within the NFC North -- preferably to the Minnesota Vikings or possibly the Chicago Bears.

ESPN's Story

(On a side note. I hate this story cause its changing every day and now almost every hour!)

Brett Favre Meets With McCarthy-Nothing New

2008-08-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Well...to this blogger's knowledge is that Packer Head Coach McCarthy and Favre had a meeting for almost 6 hours and well...to my opinion nothings happened.

Justin Myers To KNRQ

2008-08-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Justin Myers, the host of the "Sports Idol" has decided to take a job offer from Sister station KNRQ 97.9 as one of the morning host shows. He will be leaving KCSR 1320 "The Score" effective Friday so make sure to stick to the dial and listen as the shows are numbered.

Steve Tannen the host of "Sports Talk w/Steve Tannen" will be moving into the 3-6pm slot on Monday.

As for the blog...who knows whats going to happen to the blog.

Opening Practice Photos

2008-08-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Paul Pierce Arrested and Released

2008-08-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Police detained NBA star Paul Pierce in handcuffs during a weekend traffic stop on the Las Vegas Strip, but released him without issuing a summons.

Las Vegas police Officer Bill Cassell said Monday that Pierce was handcuffed briefly after emerging "a little agitated" from a vehicle he was driving around 3 a.m. Sunday.

Pierce led the Boston Celtics to the championship this year and was MVP of the Finals.

The 6-foot-7, 235-pound Pierce was given field sobriety tests and a Breathalyzer, which registered below the legal limit. Cassell said Pierce was not arrested.

A valet was called to drive Pierce's car, and Pierce took a cab back to where he was staying.

A spokeswoman for the Celtics said Monday the team and Pierce had no comment.

Cuffed and Released

Favre Officially Back

2008-08-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

There was no parade, no motorcade, and no photo opportunity -- hardly the way you'd expect Brett Favre to return to the Green Bay Packers after spending most of the past month as the league's longest-running daytime drama.

If Favre did report to the Packers as expected Monday, none of the fans and media members staking out several entrances to Lambeau Field managed to catch a glimpse of him.

And while a team security official told a few hundred fans gathered near the entrance to the players' parking lot that Favre already was in the building shortly after he was expected to report at 1 p.m. ET, Packers officials weren't immediately available to confirm that Favre was present.

The team announced Monday afternoon that Favre had been reinstated and returned to the Packers' active roster, as was expected. To make room for Favre, the team placed cornerback Condrew Allen on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Favre Officially Back

First Photos From First Practice

2008-08-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the first group of photos I was able to snag with my PDA. They aren't the best quality but they hopefully will hold over until Joey gets back and we can upload those which he used a better camera.

Here the first group is Nate Costa doing a throwing drill where he simulated getting a shot-gun snap and then droping back and throwing a ball into a large net about 30 yards down field.

Here is the same drill and Nate Costa throwing but from where the net was at.

Skip Carey Dies

2008-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Skip Caray, a voice of the Atlanta Braves for 33 years and part of a family line of baseball broadcasters that included Hall of Famer Harry Caray, died in his sleep at home on Sunday, the team said. He was 68.

The cause of death was not immediately known, but various health problems had limited Caray to calling only Braves home games this season.

"We've all lost a very good friend," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "For me, he was a good buddy -- at the park and away from the park. We always had a lot of great laughs. He will be very sorely missed."

Caray was drawn into broadcasting by his father, Harry, the longtime voice of the Chicago Cubs and a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The family line has continued with two of Skip Caray's sons. Chip Caray is part of the Braves broadcast team and Josh Caray is working on the radio for the Class A Rome Braves.

While his father was known for his declarations of "Holy Cow," Skip Caray was able to declare "Braves Win! Braves Win!" with regularity as the team won 14 consecutive division titles beginning in 1991 and the 1995 World Series.

"Our baseball community has lost a legend today," Braves president John Schuerholz said. "The Braves family and Braves fans everywhere will sadly miss him. Our thoughts are with his wife Paula and his children."

Skip Carey Dies

Danny Way Crash

2008-08-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the video of the gnarly crash during the X-Games Big Air event.

Brett Favre Still On Hold

2008-08-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre's reinstatement to the NFL was held up again Friday as the three-time MVP mulled getting paid not to play through a marketing deal with the Green Bay Packers that could resolve the standoff over his retirement.

The potential agreement, worth a reported $20 million over 10 years, might end Favre's bid to return just months after retiring. It also would likely keep him from reporting to Packers training camp and a team that is not planning to start him at quarterback for the first time since 1992.

After talking to Packers president Mark Murphy about the non-playing marketing deal Wednesday, Favre confirmed he was actively weighing it to ESPN NFL reporter Ed Werder on Thursday.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy made it clear Friday that, from the team's perspective, the agreement would be more than a buyout to make an awkward situation go away.

Brett Favre Still On Hold

Michelle Wie Gets Cut From Men's Tour

2008-08-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Michelle Wie's eight attempt to make a cut on the PGA Tour has come to a halt, again. She didn't make the cut for the Legends Reno-Tahoe Tournament.

Wie shot a second-round 80 in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open to finish at 9 over par through 36 holes. The cut will be at or near even par by the time play ends Friday afternoon.

Wie shot an opening-round 1-over-par 73. But a quintuple-bogey 9 on the eighth hole (her 17th of the day) ended any hopes of Wie surviving to play the weekend at the par-72 Montreux Golf and Country Club.

Wie Swings and Misses

Mavs Josh Howard Arrested

2008-08-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks has been arrested for drag racing.

He is charged with speeding (94 mph in a 55 mph zone), careless and reckless driving, and speed competition. He has been released from the Forsyth County jail on a written promise to appear in court Sept. 23.

Police said an officer saw a black Lexus and a silver Volkswagen speeding along U.S. 421 late Thursday night. The officer stopped the Lexus, and Howard was identified as the driver. Authorities didn't identify the other driver.

Howard Arrested

Fantasy College Football Gets Naming Rights

2008-08-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Major college sports have remained the last in America's sports landscape to find themselves unattached to similarly popular fantasy games. Such games allow fans at home to play simulated games based on the statistics of actual players. But thanks in part to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, CBSSports.com is banking on becoming the first major fantasy provider to enter the industry's last major, unexplored sports frontier.

The Web site, a subsidiary of CBS Corp., announced Tuesday a plan to host a fantasy college football game using the names and statistics of college athletes for the upcoming 2008 season. The Web site also plans to launch a similar college basketball game later this year.

A fantasy college game has never been widely accepted or attempted before because of a reluctance to utilize anything but broad signifiers in identifying college athletes. CBSSports.com had previously developed a game using generic terms including only a team and a position, like "SYRACUSE RB" and "MICHIGAN WR," instead of players' names. But it never caught on with users, due mainly to the disconnect between the robotic names and the fantasy audience, according to senior vice president and general manager Jason Kint.

However, the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door to this college football game with a decision involving fantasy baseball. The Court refused on June 2 to hear a case brought by Major League Baseball Advanced Media against CDM Fantasy Sports Corp., a refusal which essentially said that an entity does not own the rights to statistics and names that are in the public domain. That allowed for other fantasy companies to use real names and statistics without fearing retribution by major sports entities like Major League Baseball or the National Football League. This season, that means turning "FLORIDA QB" into the more familiar Tim Tebow, last year's Heisman Trophy winner as college football's top player.

Fantasy Gets Names

LeBron To Europe? Could Happen

2008-08-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

According to Ian Thomas of Sports Illustrated, LeBron James might be getting an interesting offer from a Greece pro team in 2010 that might be so much King James couldn't refuse the offer.

Here's the buzz I heard Friday: Olympiakos is considering a run at LeBron James when he becomes a free agent in 2010.

This talk was beginning to make its way through the NBA on Friday. I heard it from a reliable league source, who told me that it emanates from Olympiakos.

At first glance it is ludicrous to imagine that the NBA's next big star would move overseas as he's trying to win championships and replace Michael Jordan as a household name globally. But look at it this way: Neither the Euroleague nor Greek league impose any kind of salary cap on its teams, which means there would be no ceiling on an offer that the billionaire ownership of Olympiakos could make to James.

As a free agent in 2010, his new contract in the NBA would start at less than $20 million annually.

What if Olympiakos were to offer him $40 million per year? Or $50 million? Who knows how much the Greeks would be willing to pay? The point is that the limitation on his salary is entirely up to them.

King James To Europe?

FIght In Panthers Training Camp

2008-08-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Panthers wideout Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas got into a fight during practice, causing the starting cornerback to be carted off the field holding an ice pack to his left eye.

Panthers coach John Fox said Smith and Lucas returned to Charlotte after the fight. The team didn't provide an update on the extent of Lucas' injuries and club officials declined to say if the volatile Smith, the team's top receiver, would be suspended.

"We're going to handle this matter internally," general manager Marty Hurney said.

Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

The melee came after both players had taken off their helmets in a break for starters during a special teams drill. It was unclear what provoked the fight. While the two have routinely jawed at each other in practice since Lucas signed with Carolina in 2005, they've never come to blows in view of reporters.

Fight In Panthers Camp

USA Today Top 25

2008-08-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Justin hates them. Justin thinks they are useless. Justin thinks polls shouldn't come out until after September. Justin however went for 20 minutes about the top 25. Here's the list.

1. Georgia (22) 0-0 1438 3
2. USC (14) 0-0 1430 2
3. Ohio State (14) 0-0 1392 4
4. Oklahoma (3) 0-0 1329 8
5. Florida (5) 0-0 1293 16
6. LSU (3) 0-0 1163 1
7. Missouri 0-0 1143 5
8. West Virginia 0-0 1008 6
9. Clemson 0-0 999 22
10. Texas 0-0 979 10
11. Auburn 0-0 888 14
12. Wisconsin 0-0 747 21
13. Kansas 0-0 714 7
14. Texas Tech 0-0 644 23
15. Virginia Tech 0-0 568 9
16. Arizona State 0-0 560 13
17. Brigham Young 0-0 547 14
18. Tennessee 0-0 506 12
19. Illinois 0-0 422 18
20. Oregon 0-0 399 24
21. South Florida 0-0 350 NR
22. Penn State 0-0 313 25
23. Wake Forest 0-0 203 NR
24. Michigan 0-0 112 19
25. Fresno State

Top 25

Top 5 Worst Trades Ever According To SI

2008-07-31T16:55:00.001-07:00

1. Cowboys trade Herschel Walker and 4 draft picks to Vikings for 5 players and 8 draft picks -- Seriously, this really happened, back in 1989. You can read about the particulars here.

2. Falcons trade Brett Favre to Packers for a first round pick -- Of course, the Falcons had no need for Favre, what with Chris Miller dominating the NFL at the time. With the first round pick they received as compensation, Atlanta selected RB Tony Smith, who didn't do much at all. Meanwhile, who'd have thought 15 years later that Favre would still arguably be worth a first-round draft pick in a trade?

3. Mavericks trade Robert "Tractor" Traylor to Milwaukee for Dirk Nowitzki -- This was actually a swap of several draft picks, so the two teams selected for each other. But still, must be haunting for Bucks fans to know that for a few brief moments, they actually had the future MVP instead of a guy called "Tractor."

4. Red Sox trade Jeff Bagwell for Larry Andersen -- As the postseason approached, the Sox wanted to add an arm (and a guy who loved to make quip cute to the press) to their bullpen. Unfortunately, Boston traded away Bagwell, who promptly became one of the best in the game. Andersen left for the Padres soon after.

5. Hawks trade Dominique Wilkins to the Clippers for Danny Manning -- In first place at the time, the Hawks moved their greatest player in franchise history for Manning. They promptly lost in the first round of the Playoffs then failed to re-sign Manning.

Worst Trades Ever

Favree On Holding Pattern

2008-07-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

NFL Commish Roger Goodell is giving the Green Bay Packers one more day to deal with the Brett Favre situation.

t least one more day to resolve their standoff before granting the quarterback his reinstatement.

"The Packers and Brett Favre are continuing their discussions," the league said in a statement. "The commissioner preferred to let those discussions continue rather than act on the reinstatement petition today."

Once Favre is reinstated, the Packers will have 24 hours to decide whether to cut him or restore him to their active roster. By not acting Thursday, Goodell decreased the chances Favre would be present at Packers training camp Friday.

Favre also could be traded -- apparently even to a division rival.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday that Packers officials have had internal discussions about trading Favre to the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears as a "last resort" to resolve the smoldering controversy.

Favre On Hold

Best NBA Video Ever

2008-07-31T16:14:00.001-07:00

This has to be the best comic video that two NBA players have made together. Its classic. My boy Stevie Nash has some moves as well!

Only Soccer Game I Condone

2008-07-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

http://view.break.com/546361 - Watch more free videos

Trades Galore

2008-07-31T15:06:00.000-07:00

Well Trade Deadline came and gone and we got some big time trades to talk about!

Manny has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox will pay the remaining $7 million of Ramirez's contract, ESPN.com's Peter Gammons reported.

"When a player like Manny becomes available, I don't think there's a manager in baseball who wouldn't say they're interested," said Dodgers skipper Joe Torre, whose Yankees teams went toe-to-toe with Ramirez for years. "It was something that happened very quickly, obviously."

Jason Bay will go to the Red Sox and the Pittsburg Pirates get four minor leaguers as part of the three-way deal.

Manny Traded

For the second part of this big post Ken Griffey JR has been traded to the Chi-Sox

Griffey approaved a trade to the Chicago WhiteSox on Thursday, paving the way for the future Hall of Famer to pursue a spot in the World Series for the first time in his career.

The deal was announced officially by the Reds in a news release at 3:30 p.m., a half-hour before the trade deadline.

The Reds will get Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar in return.

Griffy Traded

Before and After Of New Scoreboard

2008-07-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the before and after photos for the new scoreboard thanks to Andy MacNamara and the GoDucks.com football blog.

Wade Scared Of Chinese Barbers

2008-07-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

The reaction to Dwyane Wade's bald head has mostly been negative - if you ask Wade. But he has an explanation for abandoning his low cut for the shiny dome: He's afraid of the barbers in China.

I'm not letting nobody cut my hair overseas. I'm sorry," Wade said. "I don't want to even worry about it. I'm not trying to look pretty. I'm strictly about basketball right now."

I asked Wade if he was going to let his hair grow out in China - like Vince Carter and Gary Payton did in Sydney in 2000. You guys probably don't remember Vince Carter with an Afro, do you? Anyway, Wade said he's going to keep cutting his hair whenever it gets unruly.

"This is my hooping look and anybody that don't like it - I don't care," Wade.

Wade Wont Cut Hair

Top 10 Hate List For All of College Football

2008-07-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the top 10 list of schools that the entire nation hates according to ESPN's Mark Schlabach.

1. Ohio State
Many college football fans are hoping they don't have to watch the Buckeyes lose in the BCS championship game again. Most of those same fans only wish their teams had gotten there the last two seasons.

2. USC
No team has been as dominant during the last decade as the Trojans. A lot of fans wonder why the NCAA hasn't taken a closer look at how USC has done it.

3. Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish used to own the top spot on this list. Notre Dame used to win a lot more games, too.

4. Florida
The Gators don't get opposing fans' blood boiling as much as they used to -- like when former coach Steve Spurrier was taking jabs at many of his team's opponents. But many fans just can't believe quarterback Tim Tebow is really that good.

5. Oklahoma
The Sooners might be Ohio State Lite. Bob Stoops keeps getting his teams to BCS bowl games, but somehow keeps losing them.

6. Michigan
Add another fan base -- West Virginia -- to the growing allegiance of Wolverine haters.

7. Texas
Fans who hate the Longhorns are more envious than anything else. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the recruiting base, coaching salaries and tradition.

8. Alabama
Many college football fans are tired of hearing about Paul "Bear" Bryant. The Crimson Tide will never stop talking about him.

9. Miami
Coach Randy Shannon has gone a long way in cleaning up the Hurricanes' off-field image. Unfortunately, there was two decades' worth of garbage to clean up.

10. Tennessee
Unless you're a Volunteer fan, "Rocky Top" might sound like Sheryl Crow covering Guns N' Roses.

ESPN's Top 10 List

Ron Artest To Houston Rockets In Trade

2008-07-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement to acquire forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name.

Rookie Donte Greene is included in the deal, but since Greene has already signed a rookie contract he cannot currently be traded.

Greene is considered to be key to the trade from the King's perspective, and his status will prevent the deal from going through until August 14, when he becomes eligible to be dealt.

The Rockets also are expected to acquire rookies Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary in the deal to make the money match, but both have partially guaranteed contracts and are likely to be released.

The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.

Via Houston Chronicle

Yankees Trade For Pudge Rodriguez

2008-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

With starter Jorge Posada out for the season with a shoulder injury the New York Yankees have traded for Detroit Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriquez for Brian Farnsworth.

The deal was first reported by ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

"He's hitting over .290 I believe and he's been hot so we're looking forward to having him," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said after New York's 13-3 rout of the Orioles on Wednesday.

Rodriguez, who is in the final year of the contract he signed with the Tigers in 2004 that will ultimately pay him $50 million, waived his no-trade clause to join the Yankees.

"Pudge has always wanted to play in New York and Detroit felt it needed a relief pitcher, so both sides were able to get what they wanted to some degree," Rodriguez's agent Scott Boras told The Associated Press.

Rodriguez is batting .295 this season with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 82 games. In 18 seasons with the Rangers, Marlins and Tigers, he's hit .302 with 293 homers and 1,214 RBIs.

Pudge To Yanks

Ted Miller's Most Hated Teams In Pac-10

2008-07-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

This is from Ted Miller's blog over at ESPN.com.

Pac-10's Most Hated Order:

1. USC
2. UO
3. ASU
4. UCLA
5. Washington
6. Cal
7. OSU
8. Arizona
9. WSU
10. Stanford

Pac-10 Hate

Beavers Bring In New Unis

2008-07-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

The new design has been moved up to this season as part of a first step in a series of upcoming uniform identity plans that will be rolled out over time to visualize the hallmark values of Oregon State Athletics as a tough, hardworking and gritty program. The approach will be classic, simple and innovative.

The Nike designed uniforms will continue to have the latest in technology available including:

**Innovative fit - the new jersey has an updated design and incorporates new performance fabrics producing a tight shrink-wrapped fit. This minimizes grab points.

**Weight reduction - both the jersey and pants are significantly lighter weight. Players are carrying less weight throughout the course of a game.

**Improved moisture management - both jerseys and pants are produced with fabrics that hold far less moisture, thus carrying less weight.

**Increased ventilation - light weight mesh is added in areas traditionally covered by non-breathable fabrics. In the upper back neck and under arms where heat can escape (areas not covered by thick plastic & foam shoulder pads).

New Unis

Rob Mosley's Photo Of New Scoreboard

2008-07-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here is the new photo that Rob over at the Register Guard took of the most recent update on the new video board.

Sports Fashion Show?

2008-07-29T16:07:00.001-07:00

So I saw this on Deadspin about some Club Soccer team over in Europe that hosted a fashion show to show off their new uniforms for their Club Team. (Club team is basically like our MLS teams where its their pro league)

Fcb trikot the musical
by goalbumbum

Mark Teixeira Traded

2008-07-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mark Teixeira is on the move at the trade deadline for a second straight year.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have acquired the slugging first baseman from the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Casey Kotchman and minor league pitcher Stephen Marek. The Angels pulled Kotchman off the field at Fenway Park this afternoon to inform him of the trade.

Atlanta this week decided to trade Teixeira, who can become a free agent at the end of the season, after it became clear to the injury-riddled club that it would not be able to compete for a postseason berth. The Braves acquired Teixeira, 28, from the Texas Rangers last July, hopeful that he would help lead Atlanta to the playoffs in 2007 and 2008. The Braves missed the postseason last year.

The Angels, who lead the American League West by 11 1/2 games and have the best record in baseball, add a much-needed power bat to the middle of their lineup; Teixeira had 20 home runs and 78 RBIs with the Braves this season.

Kotchman, 25, batted .287 with 12 homers and 54 RBIs for the Angels this year. The Braves will control his contractural rights through the 2011 season.

Teixeira Traded

Donaghy Sentenced to 15 Months

2008-07-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

Disgraced ex-NBA official Tim Donaghy admitted that he'd brought shame on his profession Tuesday as a federal judge sentenced him to 15 months behind bars for a gambling scandal that still has the league on the defensive.

U.S. District Judge Carol Amon sentenced Donaghy to prison time plus three years of supervised release, saying he'd let the sport down by taking thousands of dollars from a professional gambler in exchange for inside tips on games -- including ones he refereed.

"The NBA, the players and the fans relied on him to perform his job in an honest manner," Amon said. Donaghy listened with his arms folded but showed no emotion.

He told the judge that "I've brought shame on myself, my family and the profession."

Sent To Jail

Brett Favre Files For Reinstatement

2008-07-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre followed through on his statements that he wanted to come out of retirement by faxing his reinstatement letter to the NFL on Tuesday.

League spokesman Randall Liu confirmed the action after ESPN's Chris Mortensen had reported it earlier.

Favre sent the letter to the league office late Tuesday afternoon and also spoke by phone with commissioner Roger Goodell, who indicated he will not act on Tuesday in hopes the Packers and Favre can reach a resolution during the next 24 hours, the sources said.

Packers general manager Ted Thompson then will be forced to make a decision -- accept Favre back, trade him or release him.

"It's obviously the first step in Brett coming back, but we'll deal with that when Brett is reinstated and have a plan for that when he comes back," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said, adding that the team is still committed to Aaron Rodgers as its starting quarterback.

McCarthy added: "The plan for Brett Favre will be discussed first with Brett Favre and then we'll make the public aware of it."

Favre Files For Reinstatement

Top 20 Party Schools

2008-07-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Princeton Review gave us the top 20 schools dubbed as a "Party School"

1. University of Florida
2. University of Mississippi
3. Penn State University
4. West Virginia University
5. Ohio University
6. Randolph-Macon College (Ashland, Va.)
7. University of Georgia
8. University of Texas
9. University of California Santa Barbara
10. Florida State University
11. University of New Hampshire
12. University of Iowa
13. University of Colorado
14. Indiana University
15. Tulane University
16. University of Illinois
17. Arizona State University
18. University of Tennessee
19. University of Alabama
20. Loyola University New Orleans

Top 20 Party Schools

Manny Ramirez Tells Boston To Trade Him

2008-07-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Manny is Manny and now Manny Ramirez is telling the Red Soxs to trade him but never has he come out and said it publicaly. Ramirez, repeating what he had said earlier in the day, said he would be open to a trade before Thursday's deadline "if both sides are going to be happy." But he said he didn't expect that to happen, saying, "Boston is not stupid. They're not going to do it. They can say whatever they want. But when it comes to make a deal, they're not going to pull the trigger, because they know what they've got here." Asked if he was happy here, Ramirez said: "I'm happy. But enough is enough." Ramirez appears correct about the unlikelihood of a deal. "There's nothing going on," said one industry source close to the situation.

Manny Trade Me

Top 10 List Dump

2008-07-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the Top 10 NBA Champions of all of the NBA from AskMen.com:

Number 10
1961-62 Boston Celtics (65.3%)
The best of Russell’s teams, the 1961-62 Celtics, took seven games to get past Jerry West and the Los Angeles Lakers en route to the franchise’s fourth straight championship. Bill Russell was named league MVP despite scoring just 18.9 points a game. He averaged an astounding 23.6 rebounds a contest that year.

Actual record: 60-20
NBA Finals opponent: Los Angeles Lakers (won in seven games)
Starting five: Bob Cousy, Sam Jones, Tom Sanders, Tommy Heinsohn, Bill Russell

Number 9
1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (66.3%)
A dream team of sorts with Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain, the team actually had to overcome the loss of Baylor after just nine games on its way to winning 69 games, 18 games better than second place in the division.

Actual record: 69-13
NBA Finals opponent: New York Knicks (won in five games)
Starting five: Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Jim McMillan, Happy Hairston, Wilt Chamberlain

Number 8
1982-83 Philadelphia 76ers (66.8%)
“Fo, Fo, Fo” was actually four, five, four in the playoffs, but the team dominated nonetheless.

Actual record: 65-17
NBA Finals opponent: Los Angeles Lakers (won in four games)
Starting five: Maurice Cheeks, Andrew Toney, Julius Erving, Mark Iavaroni, Moses Malone

Number 7
1986-87 Los Angeles Lakers (68.2%)
“Showtime’s” best champion according to the analysis included Magic Johnson in his first MVP season; he set a career high in scoring with 23.7 points a game.

Actual record: 65-17
NBA Finals opponent: Boston Celtics (won in six games)
Starting five: Magic Johnson, Byron Scott, James Worthy, A.C. Green, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Number 6
1991-92 Chicago Bulls (69.3%)
The only pre-“retirement” Bulls team in the top 10, this Bulls team created the prototype for the post-“retirement” champions.

Actual record: 67-15
NBA Finals opponent: Portland Trailblazers (won in six games)
Starting five: John Paxson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright

Number 5
1996-97 Chicago Bulls (72.1%)
We will see this starting five again. Is losing three more games than the year before, despite having almost the same roster, a letdown? The difference between No. 5 and No. 1 on this list is clearly John Salley.

Actual record: 69-13
NBA Finals opponent: Utah Jazz (won in six games)
Starting five: Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Luc Longley

Number 4

1985-86 Boston Celtics (73.6%)

Some Celtics’ fans may actually be surprised at how low this team is, as this was a dominant team with every type of offensive weapon. 1985-86 may be best known as the year Bill Walton won the Sixth Man of the Year award as the best towel-waver in the league.

Actual record: 67-15
NBA Finals opponent: Houston Rockets (won in six games)
Starting five: Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish

Number 3

2007-08 Boston Celtics (73.7%)

Yep. Not only is this year’s champion the greatest Celtics team of all time, it is one of the top three teams in NBA history. They played suffocating defense, could score from anywhere on the court and constructed a bench that had a little bit of everything. With 10 teams at .500 or above, the 2007-08 Western Conference was the greatest conference in NBA history. The Celtics went 29-7 against the West, including 6-2 facing the conference champion Lakers.

Actual record: 66-16
NBA Finals opponent: Los Angeles Lakers (won in six games)
Starting five: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins

Number 2

1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers (74.0%)

This was not the year that Wilt Chamberlain went for 50-plus points a game like in 1961-62 -- he went for just 24 points and 24 rebounds a contest in 1966-67 -- but it was apparently Wilt’s best, most-complete team. Hal Greer and Billy Cunningham are also in the Hall of Fame.

Actual record: 68-13
NBA Finals opponent: San Francisco Warriors (won in six games)
Starting five: Wali Jones, Hal Greer, Chet Walker, Billy Cunningham, Wilt Chamberlain

Number 1

1995-96 Chicago Bulls (77.9%)

The 1995-96 Bulls won the division by 20 games, outscored opponents by 12.3 points a game, had the league leaders by wide margins in scoring and rebounding, and placed three players on the first team NBA All-Defensive Team.

Actual record: 72-10
NBA Finals opponent: Seattle Supersonics (won in six games)
Starting five: Ron Harper, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Luc Longley

Team USA Want's Second Chance

2008-07-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade were more witnesses to USA Basketball's meltdown at the 2004 Olympics than they were participants. The three young stars, fresh off their rookie N.B.A. seasons, barely left the bench as Coach Larry Brown's dysfunctional team spiraled downward to a third-place finish that became the low point for USA Basketball's Olympic performances. "The lowlight was not playing," James said. "We knew we could have helped our team in certain situations throughout the game. Being away from your family for 38 days and not getting a fair opportunity to play, that was a lowlight for us three." Since that embarrassing performance, the entire USA Basketball organization has been rebuilt. The restructured USA Basketball has James, Anthony and Wade as its linchpins.

NBA Trio On Second Chance

Jet's Chad Pennington On Brett Favre Situation

2008-07-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

The New York Jets QB Chad Pennington understands why the Jets front office is interested in Brett Favre, but the Favre Watch is entering Day4 and Pennington wants closure. "The bottom line is this: Sooner or later, the organization has to make a decision, one way or the other, and I hope it's sooner than later," Pennington said Sunday after practice - a surprisingly pointed comment from a player always known as a good company man. "I think for our team to move on and to accomplish the things we want to accomplish, what Coach Mangini and Mike (Tannenbaum) want to get accomplished, we've got to make a decision," he continued. "The sooner the better."

Pennington On Brett Favre

The Goose Inducuted Into Hall

2008-07-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Rich "Goose" Gossage smiled broadly as he held his new Hall of Fame plaque.

It was nine years in the making for the dominant Yankees New York Yankees reliever, but he finally had his day at Cooperstown after coming up short on the ballots in his first eight attempts.

Commissioner Bud Selig ran off the highlights of Gossage's career that included stints with the White Sox, Pirates, Padres, Cubs, Giants, Rangers New York Rangers , Athletics and Mariners.

"This is the most amazing thing outside the birth of my three sons," Gossage said.

Goose Goes To The Hall

RG's Rob Mosley Reports Garrett Suspended

2008-07-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

Garrett, 20, was pulled over Saturday just after 3 a.m. on East 18th Avenue, near Hilyard Street. He was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device, making an improper right turn, driving with a suspended license, driving uninsured and failure to carry registration. He was lodged in the Lane County Jail, and released later in the day. The silver 2005 Pontiac Grand Am he was driving was impounded.

Rob's Blog Entry

Possible New NBA Name For Ex-Sonics

2008-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here are the names that could be the new name of the Sonics.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Marshalls
Oklahoma City Energy
Oklahoma City Wind
Oklahoma City Barons
Oklahoma City Bison

Top 10 Worst Jerseys To Wear

2008-07-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Found this great list over at Bleacher Report. Goes into detail about what jerseys would be the worst to wear.

10. Any WNBA jersey (just wanted to get that out of the way first).

9. Randall Gay - I don’t think I’m really homophobic, saying that, I don’t even think a gay man would wear a jersey with "Gay" on the back of it. Good for Gay, he already has a Super Bowl ring, and in March, he's headed back to his home state of Louisiana, signing with the Saints for $17.6 million.

8. Bill Buckner - Even after the Sox broke the curse and have one two World Series in the last few years, has anybody really forgiven Buckner in Boston? I don’t think I would take the chance of sporting a Buckner jersey anywhere around the Boston area.

7. Leon Lett - Although he was a two-time Pro Bowler and part of the Dallas Cowboys' three Super Bowl victories in the ‘90s, he will probably be remembered for two real stupid/hilarious plays.

The first play coming in Super Bowl XXVII. Lett recovered a fumble on the 45-yard line and was running it back for a clear touchdown, at around the 10, Leon outstretched his arm with the ball. Not seeing a hustling Don Beebe, the ball was stripped and knocked out of the end zone, which resulted in a touchback. Granted, the play had no effect on the game at all, it must have been really embarrassing for Cowboy’s nation.

The second play came on a Thanksgiving Day game in ’93. With the Cowboys leading the Dolphins 14-13 in the closing seconds, Miami attempted a field goal. During the game, there was a rare snowstorm in Dallas which covered the field. Anyway, the Cowboys wound up blocking the kick.

While his teammates made a circle around the ball and started celebrating, Lett broke through to recover the ball. I don’t know if he even knows what he was thinking, but he slipped on the ice when trying to get it. The Dolphins recovered the ball on the one-yard line. Miami wound up winning the game.

Come to think of it, maybe I would wear his jersey; it would be a conversation starter.

6. Jose Canseco - Do I really have to explain why? Maybe I would wear his twin brother's, Ozzie, jersey, now he was something special.

5. Rae Carruth - He was a first-team All-American wide receiver out of Colorado who was the 27th overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in 1997. In his rookie year, Carruth led all rookie receivers in receptions and receiving touchdowns. He showed a lot of promise. It all came to an end in 1999, when he conspired to commit murder. The victim was Carruth’s girlfriend who was pregnant with his twins at the time. He’s still in jail.

Wearing his jersey would be, let’s say in bad taste? Carruth’s number? 89. I guess it wasn’t the number; Steve Smith seems to be alright with it, unless he conspired in the elimination of running back Stephen Davis. Is it just me, or did he disappear very quickly?

4. Gheorge Muresan - The tallest player ever to play in the NBA. His number was 77, which was in reference to his 7'7" frame. He was named Most Improved Player in the 1995-96 season when he put up solid numbers, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks. He also gave a riveting performance co-starring with Billy Crystal in the movie My Giant where he played a big guy.

Did anybody ever sport a Muresan jersey? There had to of been, I think I remember them in the stands in his Washington Bullets days. As for me? I don’t like anybody over seven feet.

3. Aaron Rodgers - His jersey will be a novelty item the way things are going now. Will he ever start a game? Just a thought wouldn't it be cool to see the Packers fans wearing Rodgers' jerseys and the Packers fans wearing Favre jerseys fight? It would be a Green Bay Civil War.

2. Scott Norwood - "No Good! Wide right!" With Norwood’s 47-yard field goal miss, the Giants won Super Bowl XXV. Although he was the Bills all-time leading scorer, he will always be remembered for that kick. I might try to get a Ray Finkle jersey though. Finkle was the kicker based on Norwood in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, for those of you who didn’t get the reference. If only the laces were out, Norwood could be a Buffalo hero.

1. O.J. Simpson - Although the Juice is loose, his jersey isn’t. Pretty funny that his jersey has spent more time locked up than him. That is, until he finally catches the true killers. Then I can finally dust the magnificent shirt off, it just looks weird in my closet. I just can’t get rid of it; he is a former Heisman winner.

Bleacher Report

Yankees Looking At Bonds?

2008-07-25T15:12:00.001-07:00

New Yankees Boss Hank Steinbrenner is said to be at least open to the idea of bringing embattled and unemployed superstar Barry Bonds to the Yankees. However, other top club decisionmakers are less enamored of the idea, people familiar with the Yankees' thinking say, after the team's top brass met in Tampa to discuss Bonds and other potential targets.

While it is said that "nobody ruled (Bonds) out completely'' after the lengthy debate of the pros and cons of Bonds on Thursday, Yankees people still call a Bonds signing "unlikely'' or even "highly unlikely.''

While one person close to the new' Yankees leader claimed, "Hank wants to do it,'' top Yankees officials say that no vote was taken at Thursday's trade meeting, and that no one lined up firmly in one camp or the other.

Instead, the decision was made on Thursday to table the talk until after the July 31 trade deadline while the team pursues other offensive options.

SI On Bonds

College Football Power Rankings: Pre-Season

2008-07-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

WhatIfSports simulated every possible matchup in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) 100 times, and used the winning percentages from those 700,000+ games to deterministically evaluate all teams to come up with the best possible ranking of how every team compares to every other team. The inputs to the simulations are based on a rigorous analysis of each team that first considers strength-of-schedule-adjusted team and player ratings from 2007 and then makes modifications for 2008 based on returning starters (who, where and how many), expected progression of returning players in new roles, depth at each position and incoming recruits and transfers.

Team	Win Pct	PF/G	PA/G
1.	Ohio State Buckeyes	98.9%	48.9	7.6
2.	Georgia Bulldogs	97.7%	45.5	10.3
3.	Oklahoma Sooners	94.8%	48.2	18.2
4.	LSU Tigers	94.6%	42.6	11.5
5.	USC Trojans	94.0%	41.2	10.6
6.	W. Virginia Mountaineers	91.5%	41.6	17.8
7.	Clemson Tigers	89.1%	36.6	14.5
8.	Florida Gators	86.1%	39.2	18.7
9.	Missouri Tigers	86.0%	41.7	22.6
10.	Wisconsin Badgers	84.5%	34.7	16.4

29.

Oregon Ducks

66.6%

28.7

20.7

What IF Sports

Minor League Brawl

2008-07-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

Huge Minor League Brawl - Watch more free videos

Julio Castillo, a pitcher for the Peoria Chiefs of the Class A Midwest League, will be arraigned in court Friday morning on a felony assault charge after throwing a baseball into the stands and hitting a fan during a wild brawl Thursday night.

According to the Dayton Daily News, Castillo appeared to be trying to hit a Dayton player in the dugout. However, he missed and instead struck a fan, who had to be hospitalized. Castillo was kept overnight at Montgomery County Jail.

Fifteen players and both managers were ejected following a 10-minute, benches-clearing brawl in the bottom of the first inning of Thursday’s Midwest League contest between affiliates of the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. Peoria is managed by former Cubs great Ryne Sandberg, who was not present at the game.

You can read the rest of the story here.

David Hester Holding Out

2008-07-24T16:53:00.000-07:00

The tranquil start to Bears training camp disappeared faster than a Devin Hester touchdown return today when the Bears special teams ace refused to show up for the opening practice in a contract holdout.

Hester did not report to camp on Tuesday night before midnight as players were required to do and missed team meetings this morning, but he officially became a contract holdout with the start of practice at 3 p.m.

His decision not to report to camp had to be a surprise to a franchise that reached 12th-hour contract solutions for middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and rookie left tackle Chris Williams in an effort to ensure the entire roster would report on time. Hester has two years remaining on the four-year, $2.86 million deal he signed as a second-round pick in 2006. The team has been negotiating an extension with Hester¹s agent, Eugene Parker, before the dramatic turn of events today. Parker did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Redskins Take Intern Matt's Advice & Play Dodgeball

2008-07-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Sounds like the Redskins have taken my advice and have played dodgeball with the QBs. Word from the 'Skins blog is that they started this back in June during the OTAs and have broken the drill back out again this week.

Zorn, who has a reputation for "thinking outside the box" (hate that term but I'm kinda rushing here so I'm taking a lazy cop-out), brought out some huge silver exercise balls and started up a game of dodgeball. For real.

One quarterback held the ball in the pocket and the other quarterbacks chucked the balls at him from various directions. The QB holding the football - not the dodgeball - would have to slither and slide away from the big silver balls, simulating having to elude an oncoming defensive player ... without the obvious risk of injury.

"It 's (a drill) I've been doing to get the quarterbacks to be able to move without a real live guy (chasing them)," Zorn said. "It's been an effective drill to help improve the quarterback's feet and his lateral movement, and what's great with those big balls we use, if we were using smaller balls all they'd have to do is duck; here you really have to move your feet to get out of the way."
Dodgeball

Well, this week he broke them back out in force. Here is Colt Brennan and Jason Campbell playing a little dodgeball during practice on Tuesday.

Breaking it out

George Brett's Blow Up Birthday

2008-07-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Pac-10 Media Football Poll

2008-07-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Four-time defending Pac-10 champion USC is a unanimous selection to win the 2007 Pacific-10 Conference football title in a preseason poll of West Coast media members who regularly cover the league. It marks the fifth consecutive year the Trojans have been the choice to win the title. It is only the third time in 46 years of the poll that a team has been a unanimous pre-season pick to win the title, but all three times have been recent, as USC was also a unanimous pick to win in 2004 and 2005 as well as this year. The Trojans did not disappoint in those previous two years, winning outright Pac-10 crowns by going undefeated in league play as part of a Pac-10-record 34-game winning streak and playing in consecutive BCS National Championship Games. USC has won the last four Pac-10 titles and has two National Championships and a national runner-up finish in the last four years. The Trojans fashioned an 11-2 mark last season, capped by a 32-18 win against Michigan in the Rose Bowl. For the fourth consecutive year, CALIFORNIA has finished second in the poll behind the Trojans. The media poll has correctly selected the Conference Champion in 24 of 46 previous polls, including the last seven years in a row. Following are the results of the preseason media poll (points 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1, first-place votes in parentheses):

1. USC (39) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  390
2. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
3. UCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
4. Arizona State . . . . . . . . . . . 242
5. Oregon State  . . . . . . . . . . . 237
6. Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
7. Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
8. Washington State . . . . . . . . . . . 115
9. Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  98
10. Stanford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  47

Pac-10 Poll

Chicago Bear's Staff Flips Coin To Determine Starting QB

2008-07-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Rex Grossman has won the starting quarterback job -- for the first day of practice. There was a coin toss at a Wednesday morning quarterback meeting. Kyle Orton called it, but Grossman won it and will run with the first-team offense Wednesday.

Orton didn't seem too hurt about losing the flip with Grossman.

"We will get the same number of reps," he said.

A coin toss won't be used daily, offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. The quarterbacks will alternate from now until the end of camp as they battle for the starting job.

Should be interesting.

Coin Flip

Urine Test For HGH Created

2008-07-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

A team of scientists from the USA and Italy say they have developed a urine test that detects human growth hormone. The finding is a potential breakthrough in efforts to find a non-invasive way to screen for the performance-enhancing drug that is banned throughout the athletic world.

Governing bodies and U.S. pro leagues have long sought a test that doesn't require blood to detect HGH, a synthetic hormone that aids in recovery and bolsters muscle growth. Even with the blood test, no prominent athlete has tested positive for HGH. Former track and field star Marion Jones and some baseball players, including New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, have admitted using it.

Virginia-based Ceres Nanosciences, partnered with George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., and Italy's Istituto Superiore di Sanità, could have the test on the market within six months, company CEO Thomas Dunlap says. Ceres' intention was first reported by the Washington Business Journal.

Widespread adoption of the test probably would depend on lengthy scientific reviews by anti-doping authorities, leagues and players unions. World Anti-Doping Agency representatives had a conference call with Ceres officials last week, WADA spokesman Frederic Donze says.

USA Today

Top 10 List Dump

2008-07-23T15:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Top Ten Chicago Sports for this Batman list that gives us the best 10 athletes who could be villains in the movies.

10. The Scarecrow = Bob Sanders

Like Dr. Jonathon Crane, the 5-7 Sanders isn’t physically imposing at first glance. But both Scarecrow and Sanders are masters of creating fear. Just ask any NFL receiver who try to go over the middle against the Colts.

9. Ichiro = Ra’s al Ghul

After hearing about Ichiro’s profanity laced All-Star Game pep talks, is there any doubt that he’d make a great superhero villain? People also seem to believe the impossible from Ra’s al Ghul, which is kind of similar to how everyone thinks Ichiro could hit a lot homers, you know, if he was into that sort of thing.

8. Poison Ivy = Madonna

Though she’s not technically an athlete, Madonna has been at the center of sports biggest story for the last month. Anyways, we’re pretty sure he could kick Mike Fontenot’s ass, so that’s got to count for something.

7. Catwoman = Camilo Villegas

The picture speaks for itself.

6. Mr. Freeze = Greg Norman

Get it, because Norman ‘freezes’ up in golf’s biggest moments? Come on, I thought it was creative. Plus, Norman’s wife, former tennis star Chris Evert, is old enough to soon be cryogenically frozen. The similarities are remarkable.

5. The Riddler = Ricky Williams

Much like Edward Nigma, you never know what you’re going to get from Williams. One day he was the NFL’s best tailback, the next he quit the league and forfeited millions so he was free to get cheesy.

4. Bane = Shawne Merriman

Both Bane and Merriman seem to possess other worldly strength, and neither did it naturally. Still, I personally have never seen Bane taken out by Maurice Jones Drew. Advantage: Bane.

3. The Joker = Milton Bradley

The Joker is all about anarchy, and I would imagine Milton Bradley shares the same values. Both Joker and Bradley seem to act on a whim, while destruction surrounds them. Just the way they like it.

2. Two Face = Carlos Boozer

Boozer seemed like a good guy at Duke and in Cleveland, just as Harvey Dent did as Gotham’s DA. But both took a turn for the worst. Say what you will about Dent, but at least he never screwed over a blind man.

1. The Penguin = John Daly

Both are fat slobs that moonlight as heroes of the underground. Both have bad vices: for Daly, it's Hooters and ciggarettes, for Penguin it's birds and umbrellas. Maybe the strangest coincidence? Both of these freaks are filthy rich.

SI's Top 5 Cat Fights They'd Like To See

1. Bobby Bowden vs. Joe Paterno: Might be like watching the tortoise versus the tortoise. I'd definitely order it on PPV.

2. Roger Clemens vs. Brian McNamee: I'm pretty sure I know how this would play out, but it might be entertaining to watch anyway.

3. Bill Parcells vs. Jason Taylor: The Tuna seems to style himself as a tough guy but armed with just a towel against Jason Taylor, I wonder if Parcells would stand down?

4. Ana Ivanovic vs. Ashley Harkleroad: For obvious reasons.

5. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer: Maybe these two could duel with their headbands instead of towels.

Army Wont Let Grad Get NFL Shot

2008-07-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Caleb Campbell will not get a chance to play for the Detroit Lions who drafted him in this past April's draft due to policy.

Campbell was a seventh-round draft pick for the Lions in April. At the time, Army policy would have allowed the West Point graduate to serve as a recruiter if he made the team.

But a subsequent Department of Defense policy has superseded the 2005 Army policy.

In a letter to Lions president Matt Millen dated Wednesday, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Liba wrote that Campbell has been ordered to give up professional football for "full-time traditional military duties."

Liba wrote that 2nd Lt. Campbell may ask to be released from his active duty obligations in May 2010.

Liba said Campbell was allowed to enter the draft "in good faith."

No Go For Campbell

WNBA Gets First Brawl

2008-07-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't catch the news last night there was a brawl between the LA Sparks and the Detroit Shock.

Here is the video of the actual fight:

Childress Spurns NBA Heads To Greece

2008-07-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Josh Chilress, a free agent for the Atlanta Hawks has agreed to a contract for the Greek club Olympiakos, reversing the course of the many international stars who have signed with the NBA.

Heading overseas allows Childress to make more money than he could have as a restricted free agent in the United States. The Hawks had the right to match an offer from another NBA team, but not from an international club.

Agent Jim Tanner said Wednesday the three-year deal was worth about $20 million after taxes. The money is guaranteed, and Childress can opt out of the contract after each year.

The deal is the most lucrative current contract in European basketball and the biggest in Euroleague history, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which first reported the signing. It follows the decision by top prep prospect Brandon Jennings to sign with an Italian club team rather than play a season at Arizona.

The newspaper reported Monday the Hawks had a deal on the table worth nearly $36 million, with a first-year salary in excess of the midlevel exception of $5.6 million.

"I've talked to a few guys, and it could become a trend," Childress said on a conference call about other Americans following his lead. "I'm not so sure it won't. It's different. We thought out of the box a little on this one."

Steve Bartman Offered 25K For Autograph

2008-07-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

SportsBuy.com and the National Sports Collectors Convention are offering $25,000 -- a briefcase with 250 $100 bills inside -- to infamous Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman if he attends the show and signs a single autograph.

Bartman, for those not cursed by Cubs history, is the fan who reached out for a foul ball during the eighth inning of Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, a ball that could have been caught for an out by left fielder Moises Alou. Instead, the Cubs blew a 3-0 lead, lost the game and their chances at going to the World Series vanished with a Game 7 loss to the Florida Marlins.

To collect the cash, all Bartman has to do is show up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., at 1 p.m. on July 31, prove his identity and sign a photograph of the infamous play. It will then be auctioned on the Web site with the proceeds going to a Chicago-based charity, according to a news release for the event.

"No one in sports memorabilia history has ever been paid $25,000 to sign one autograph -- not Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, or any other athlete,” said Mike Berkus, co-Executive Director of The National. "Steve Bartman has been a recluse for years, but we’re hopeful that he will accept our invitation and generous offer to appear ... We have personal security to provide to Steve at The National and to a destination of his choosing.”

Orlando Sentinel

Justin's Top 10 College Football Headaches

2008-07-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

adfa

10. Oregon Duck Uniform Watch

9. Heisman Watch

8. East Coast Bias

7. West Coast Whiners

6. Notre Dame Talk

5. Ohio State

4. Pre-Season Rankings

3. Pre-Season All-Americans

2. Fox Sports Net

1. Mark May

Fighting On The Links

2008-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Nicholas Shampine, 33, of Puyallup has been charged with second-degree assault for hitting another golfer in the head with his 6-iron during an argument at Auburn Golf Course on July 13.

The victim, James Compton, 45, of Puyallup suffered a broken cheekbone, skull fracture and a subdural hematoma. He arrived in serious condition and is now in satisfactory condition and out of the intensive care unit.

It was in the middle of a sunny Sunday when the phone rang at the pro shop. The foursome of Compton; Jerry Jackola, 51; and Compton's stepsons, Shiloh Richter, 32, and Ramey Harguess, 32, called to complain about the slow-playing group in front of them. That foursome included Shampine; Shampine's dad, Jerry, 57; Shampine's brother, Greg, 34; and family friend John Harris, 43.

Because the course marshal was on the front nine, head pro Chris Morris asked John Coffey, who works behind the counter, to handle the complaint.

When he got to the 13th hole, Coffey asked Compton's group to be patient. He talked to Shampine's group, which volunteered to let Compton's group play through. But Coffey said it wouldn't help with several groups in front of them.

Nicholas Shampine saw the wrestling match and noticed that Harguess and Richter were on both sides of his brother.

"For me, it looked like I needed to go protect (him)," Nicholas Shampine said.

While struggling with Greg Shampine, Compton was facing Nicholas Shampine when he was hit on the left side of his head and face. The 6-iron was swung with such force that the shaft was bent, and Compton fell to the ground.

Fighting On the Links

Breaking News: Favre Uses Packers Phone

2008-07-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

As we await the NFL’s decision on the tampering charges filed by the Packers against the Vikings for “inappropriate dialogue” with Brett Favre, Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel had an interesting bit of information in a piece he wrote about the quarterback today.

McGinn writes that a source said Favre had continued to use a Packers-issued cell phone and that when the team checked the phone records it found “repeated calls to coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.”

The possibility of Favre having used a phone issued by the Packers had been speculated on last week after the Associated Press reported that Green Bay informed the NFL it felt “an investigation of the phone records would show more than ‘normal contact’ between the Vikings and Favre, even before he formally asked for his release to play for another team.”

StarTribune Blog

Packers Thinking Of Doing Un-Thinkable

2008-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Packers have asked multiple teams what they would be willing to offer for their team icon and former NFL MVP, the NFL Network reported -- a state of affairs once unthinkable in Green Bay according to ESPN.Com's latest article.

While it is not known how many teams the Packers have contacted about Favre, they have not limited their inquiries to AFC teams, according to the report.

Favre retired in early March, but recently has been having second thoughts about playing in 2008. He has asked to be released from his contract, a request the team has no plans to grant. The team has said it is committed to Aaron Rodgers, Favre's former understudy, as its quarterback of the future.

The next step for Favre could be to petition NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for reinstatement, a move that would force the Packers to release him or place him on their active roster. But last week, Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, said Favre has no plans to do so immediately.

Italian Mafia Try To Buy Pro Soccer Club

2008-07-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Italian police arrested seven people Tuesday in a crackdown on an organized crime group that allegedly tried to buy the Lazio soccer team with laundered money.

Three people were still at large in an investigation that targeted nine Italians and a Hungarian, police said. They tried to acquire the club through money coming from illicit activities of the Casalesi clan, a group of the Naples-based Camorra crime syndicate, police added.

Among those still being sought was former Italy and Cosmos star Giorgio Chinaglia, now living in the United States, police official Gianluca Campana said. Two years ago, authorities first ordered his arrest on charges of extortion and insider trading at Lazio, he added.

Chinaglia, who helped Lazio win its first Italian title in 1974 and later became the club's president, is accused of trying to influence the price of Lazio shares, prosecutors said in 2006.

He allegedly tried to oust current club president Claudio Lotito by falsely claiming therewas a Hungarian investment group interested in buying a controlling stake in the club.

Mafia Trys To Buy Team

Milka Duno vs Danica Patrick

2008-07-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

This entire post has to have credit to the Orlando Sentinel Blogger Chris Olds

First, here is the video of the two ladies having a verbal fighting match:

Now here is Olds part:

	vs.
This 36-year-old Venezuelan driver made her IRL debut in 2007 and has no wins or poles, but a top finish of 20th.	One-line career summary	This 26-year-old Wisconsin-born driver made her IRL debut in 2005 and has one career win and three poles.
Previously drove in several racing leagues, including the Rolex Sports Car Series and the American Le Mans.	Pro sports resume	2005 IRL Rookie of the Year and three-time Most Popular Driver award winner.
Citgo and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing	Races for ...	Motorola and Andretti Green Racing
I own all of her 2007 Rittenhouse IRL cards. (I'll admit it.)	Cards in my collection?	I own all of her 2007 Rittenhouse IRL cards. (I'll admit it.)
53 items currently for sale	eBay stat	1,262 items currently for sale
Autographed 2008 Indy 500 program ($99.95 Buy It Now, $9 shipping)	eBay highlight	A Tissot T-touch limited edition watch ($769.99 Buy It Now, $15 shipping)
$3 (2007 Rittenhouse IRL No. 16)	Rookie card is worth?	$6 (2007 Rittenhouse IRL No. 1)
$40 (2007 Rittenhouse IRL Autographs, above)	Autographed RC is worth?	$400 (2007 Rittenhouse IRL Autographs, above)
$19, eBay, on July 17	Autographed rookie card last sold for	$150, eBay, on July 16
Low -- she doesn't have a towel.	Rookie card intimidation factor	Seriously low. Has she ever been photographed while smiling before?
Low. Easily confused with dairy products.	One-name wonder status	High. Danica is a household name.
No.	Sports Illustrated gigs?	Two covers and an appearance in the swimsuit issue.
Appearance in Speed Racer movie.	TV ties	Used to work for David Letterman.
Thankfully, no, but Madge may have seen Speed Racer. (OK, OK. She didn't -- she made Guy take Lourdes and Rocco to the UK premiere.)	Alleged Madonna ties?	Thankfully, no. (Although she did appear on Letterman ...)
Milk -- it does a body good.	Not to be confused with ...	Dan Patrick.
Swinging a vicious towel at IRL's golden child.	Altercation claim to fame?	Trying to start yet another pit-road rumble.
The towel.	Why she wins	She's Danica.

Chris Kaman Copying Becky Hammon; Plays For Germany

2008-07-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wyoming native Chris Kaman, a former Central Michigan standout and current center for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, is headed to the Beijing Olympics in August after helping Germany clinch the last qualifying spot Sunday in Athens, Greene.

Kaman had 10 points and 12 rebounds in Germany's 96-82 win over Puerto Rico in the third-place game of the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Kaman was granted German citizenship earlier this month thanks to his great grandparents.

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki lead Germany to its first Olympic berth since 1992 with 32 points. It will join the United States in Group B.

"I've only been here 12 days but Dirk has waited 12 years for this to happen," Kaman told The Agence France-Presse. "I can't even imagine the emotions that he must be feeling at this moment."

Kaman Plays For Germany

Carson Palmer Rips On Ohio State

2008-07-21T16:05:00.000-07:00

Carson Palmer, the Bengals quarterback who was drafted out of USC, was not at all hesitant to let his true feelings show when an LA-based sports radio station (KLAC) asked about his loyalties in college football. The interview took place Thursday, July 17th, when Carson was in Los Angeles for Matt Leinart’s charity bowling event. Listen to his comments below.

Carson Palmer Hates The Buckeyes [1:04m]: Hide Player | Play in Popup | Download

Carson On Buckeyes

Panthers Sign One Duck Draftee Waiting On Other

2008-07-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Geoff Schwartz who was drafted this past April in the NFL 2008 Draft has come to terms on his rookie contract with the Carolina Panthers today.

Schwartz started 36 of 41 games at offensive tackle for Oregon, where he opened holes for Stewart and helped the Ducks lead the Pac-10 in rushing.

The other Oregon Duck drafted by the Panthers, Jonathan Stewart, is still working out his contract and is one of two picks left not signed.

NFL Trades

2008-07-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Two semi large blockbuster NFL trades went through this weekend and early Monday morning. The Washington Redskins got Jason Taylor from Miami to replace their two injured D-Ends and the Saints were able to aquire Jeremy Shockey from the NFL Champs New York Giants.

According to ESPN.com's John Clayton, Taylor told the Redskins he did not need to renegotiate and was willing to play for the final two years of his contract. He is scheduled to make $8.1 million this season. With around $9 million of cap room, the Redskins were able to work the trade quickly.

The Dolphins had been waiting for an opportunity to trade Taylor, who asked to be moved to a playoff contender at the beginning of the offseason. Before the draft, the Dolphins were asking for a first-round draft choice. They lowered the demand later to a second-rounder.

Jason Taylor Trade Article

The Saints had been trying since February to acquire the disgruntled New York Giants tight end. First, they offered a second-round pick. Before the draft, they increased the offer to a second- and a fifth-round draft choice, but the Giants felt he was too valuable to lose until a few days before the start of their training camp.

As Payton and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis did their last few minutes of office work before heading to Jackson, Miss., for Wednesday's start of training camp, they received a call from the Giants saying that Shockey was theirs.

Shockey, 28, a four-time Pro Bowler, has 371 catches for 4,228 yards and 27 touchdowns during his six-year NFL career. He grew disgruntled with the Giants because he wanted to be more involved with some downfield passing. The Giants valued his run blocking.

Shockey Trade Article

Duck Alum Ahmad Rashad Inducted Into College

2008-07-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Rashad is among 20 players who will be enshrined on Saturday, along with: Mount Union quarterback Jim Ballard, Oklahoma center Tom Brahaney; Michigan defensive back Dave Brown; Clemson linebacker Jeff Davis; Texas defensive back Johnnie Johnson; Ohio State quarterback Rex Kern; North Alabama linebacker Ronald McKinnon; Texas A&I defensive end John Randle; McMurry halfback Brad Rowland; Indiana running back Anthony Thompson; Houston defensive tackle Wilson Whitley; Dartmouth linebacker Reggie Williams; Southern California linebacker Richard Wood and Notre Dame defensive end Chris Zorich.

Along with Paterno, the coaches being enshrined are Central Michigan coach Herb Deromedi, Jackson State coach W.C. Gorden and Doug Porter, who coached at Mississippi Valley State, Howard and Fort Valley State.

"I haven't been around football players in a long time," Rashad said. "It will be fun to just talk about it and bring you back to the old days for a little while. For a couple of hours you have a chance to tell stories and laugh and then move on with your life."

Rashad Going Into Hall

L.T. Campaigns For Fantasy Football's Top Pick

2008-07-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

LaDainian Tomlinson campaigned in Times Square, shaking hands and handing out bumper stickers. He did the talk-show circuit, saturated the media with ads and sent volunteers into the streets of major cities to deliver leaflets.

The Chargers star isn't running for office, though. He's not throwing his support behind any presidential candidates or raising any sort of awareness, either. He's actually pushing a much simpler agenda: He wants Americans to pick him first in their fantasy football drafts.

"I should be the No. 1 pick because I'm proven," Tomlinson told The Associated Press during the start of the tongue-in-cheek "LT in '08" media blitz promoting foxsports.com's fantasy games. "I've been doing it for a while and have experience helping owners win their leagues. I got a good track record, and I'll be ready on day one."

L.T. Wants #1 Spot

Seattle P.I. Writer Says Trade M's Ichiro

2008-07-17T16:13:00.000-07:00

During last month's news conference announcing the firing of general manager Bill Bavasi, Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said he was open to trading anyone on the team.

If that's the case, the Mariners should deal Ichiro Suzuki by the July 31 deadline. If I'm Lincoln, I'm telling interim GM Lee Pelekoudas to gauge the interest in his All-Star right fielder to see if he can get an ace and/or prospects in return.

Nothing against Ichiro, but isn't it time to blow this thing up and start over? Realizing they had no shot at an NBA championship, the Sonics dealt Ray Allen to Boston and began a process that will someday turn Oklahoma City into a perennial contender.

When you blow things up, you don't hang on to your best player, especially one who will be 35 in October. You don't let the player's popularity get in the way. If you're truly serious about winning, you forget about the marketing consequences, understanding that a successful team is more essential to long-term fan appeal.

3rd Rider Cut From Tour De France

2008-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Drugs hit the Tour de France again Thursday, the third doping bust in this race and netting the biggest name yet: Italy's Riccardo Ricco, a winner of two stages.

The disclosure came hours before the 12th stage, which was won by Britain's Mark Cavendish while Australia's Cadel Evans kept the yellow jersey.

But as is often the case in cycling, drugs overshadowed racing. This is the third straight year, the sport's showpiece event has been undercut by doping.

"May the cheaters get caught. May they go away," Tour president Christian Prudhomme said. "I said to the riders before the race, behind closed doors, that you have the key. ... Some didn't get the message."

"I'm glad they got caught. The Tour needs to continue and get to the finish in Paris," International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid told The Associated Press. "It's another blow to the sport but I have to see it in light of the fact that they're getting caught and going to be thrown out."

Rider Cut

Yankees and Sexson Agree To Contract

2008-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

The New York Yankees and recently released Richie Sexson have come to terms on a tenative contract according to ESPN.com in this article.

Sexson fits in New York because the Yankees needed a right-handed slugger to match up against left-handed pitching -- and Sexson had a .344 average with five home runs in 71 at-bats against lefties this year.

Assuming the deal is completed, he'll be in the lineup Saturday against Oakland.

The Yankees will have to pay Sexson only the prorated minimum of $390,000 from his $14 million salary with the Mariners. Seattle is eating the remainder of the nearly $6 million Sexson is owed for the season.

Sexson was batting .218 with just 30 RBIs in 74 games when the Mariners cut him loose, on July 10. He hit a career-worst .205 with 21 homers and 100 strikeouts in 2007.

Brandon Jennings Update: Signs Contract W/ Italian Pro Team

2008-07-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Brandon Jennings, a former Arizona signee who was ranked as the class of 2008's top point guard at Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) last season, has signed with Pallacanestro Virtus Roma of the Italian pro league.

After spending the last three days in Las Vegas, where he worked out twice a day for seven international teams from five countries (Russia, Israel, Spain, Greece and Italy) at the Jerry Tarkanian Center, Jennings reached a three-year agreement.

Before leaving Vegas, the point guard -- who maintains he still does not know whether he received a qualifying score to play at Arizona -- reached the agreement in a meeting with Virtus Roma executives at the Tower Suites Wynn Hotel on Tuesday night. The contract features buyout clauses for potential NBA teams.

Jennings Signs With Team

NFL Plans To Crack Down On Gang Signs

2008-07-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

The NFL is stepping up its monitoring of on-field player activities to ensure that no one is flashing the hand signals of street gangs according to this article.

The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday that the league had hired experts to look at game tapes and identify players or team officials who might be using suspected gang signals. Violators would be warned and disciplined if the episodes recurred.

League officials said Tuesday that avoiding gang-related activities has long been stressed.

A-Rod Leaves All-Star Game Early, Literally

2008-07-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

A-Rod, already showered and decked out in a snazzy suit and tie, met the media just outside the Yankee clubhouse Tuesday night while the All-Star game was still being played. Rodriguez, who came out of the game in the fifth inning, left the Stadium shortly thereafter.

Rodriguez had a night of highs and lows - he was jazzed by the pregame ceremony featuring 49 Hall of Famers, calling it "by far the greatest show I've seen for an All-Star Game. New York knows how to do it best."

But Terry Francona's plan to take out A-Rod in the middle of an inning to get him an extra ovation - he did the same thing an inning later with Derek Jeter and brought Mariano Rivera into the game in the middle of the ninth - fizzled. It seemed that fans didn't know what was going on when Joe Crede replaced Rodriguez with two out in the fifth and there was hardly a buzz, much less an ovation.

Even so, Rodriguez called it "a very classy move" by Francona.

Early Exit

S.I.'s Top 25 Colleges of 07-08

2008-07-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

For nearly two decades, the Collegiate Directors of Athletics have done so, using components like a "64-team non-bracket point system" to determine the Directors' Cup winner. (Stanford finished on top in '07-08 for the 14th consecutive year). But critics argue that its formula is extremely complicated. Moreover, Stanford will likely continue to dominate for years to come.

So in an attempt to clear the air and name a winner that is easily figured out and understandable SI came out with their own top 25 that combined a bunch of criteria that can be found here at their article on their website.

Here is their top 5:

Rank	School	Points Breakdown (based on the 11 men's and 11 women's sports that we chose.)			Total Points
Rank	School	National Titles	Conference Titles	Top 30 Finishes	Total Points
1	Arizona State	3 (30 pts)	4 reg, 0 post (12 pts)	12 (24 pts)	66
2	Stanford	1 (10 pts)	4.5 reg, 1 post (14.5 pts)	18 (36 pts)	60.5
3	UCLA	2 (20 pts)	3.5 reg, 1 post (11.5 pts)	13 (26 pts)	57.5
T-4	North Carolina	1 (10 pts)	5 reg, 4 post (19 pts)	12 (24 pts)	53
T-4	Georgia	2 (20 pts)	3 reg, 2 post (11 pts)	11 (22 pts)	53

Oregon came in at #21:

Oregon

1 (10 pts)

2 reg, 0 post (6 pts)

5 (10 pts)

Roger Clemens In More Trouble

2008-07-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Convicted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski told ESPN.com in this article that while he was moving a broken television off a dresser in the bedroom of his Long Island home last Sunday night, he found a shipping receipt for human growth hormone that he claims to have sent to Clemens' Houston home in 2002 or 2003. Radomski said he found that receipt, along with "seven or eight others" for shipments to other baseball players, under the TV.

"My TV broke and I said, 'Damn, I got to get it off the dresser,'" Radomski said Wednesday. "And it was right there."

Radomski said he turned the evidence over to federal authorities on Monday

Ted Miller's Top QBs In The Pac 10

2008-07-15T17:40:00.001-07:00

Ted Miller a college football writer for ESPN.com came out with a top 10 list of Pac-10 QBs and here is how the list was broken down.

Rudy Carpenter, Sr., Arizona State: He enters his senior season with 65 touchdowns and 8,000 yards passing, meaning he's going to dust such luminaries, such as Matt Leinart, Jake Plummer, John Elway and Carson Palmer in the Pac-10 record book. Moreover, the Sun Devils figure to finish in the top-third in the conference.
Willie Tuitama, Sr., Arizona: It's hard to imagine if he stays healthy that he won't lead the conference in passing and touchdown passes. And if he leads the Wildcats to their sixth or seventh win and their first bowl berth since 1998 with an upset victory over ASU, it would be hard to deny him.
Mark Sanchez, Jr., USC: Got a feeling Sanchez, an outstanding talent, will break through this season in large part because an underachieving receiving corps is due to, er, achieve.
Jake Locker, So., Washington: If he were surrounded by budding NFL talent, he'd be Tim Tebow. Locker is an outstanding runner who improved on his passing accuracy this past spring. His receivers are athletic but unproven. It wouldn't be shocking if he accounted for 3,500 to 4,000 yards of total offense.
Nate Longshore, Sr., California: In 2006, he looked like a budding NFL draft pick. In 2007, he looked befuddled and overwhelmed. He might not even beat out Kevin Riley. Or he might again throw for 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Ben Olson, Sr., UCLA: He remains a big talent but Olson has lacked consistency and can't stay healthy. Of course, a few years ago in LA, Norm Chow hooked up with another talented but inconsistent QB: Carson Palmer.
Nate Costa, So., Oregon: Ranking Costa ahead of more experienced QBs is a leap of faith due to this: I've heard so many great things about this dual-threat that it's hard to believe he's not going to become a star.
Lyle Moevao, Jr., Oregon State: He'll have to be more than a game-manager relying on a great defense this season, and he could lose his starting perch. Still, he looked good this spring and is a respected team leader.
Tavita Prichard, Sr., Stanford: He beat USC, which is good, but he didn't do much else. He completed just 50 percent of his passes with nine interceptions and five TDs.
Gary Rogers, Sr., Washington State: He's huge -- 6-foot-7, 233 pounds -- but he's an unproven guy running a new offense. Helps that he has a solid group of receivers, led by Brandon Gibson.

Here is the entire article that can be found on ESPN.Com

Its Brett Favre Day!!!

2008-07-15T15:34:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a Packer fan and a Brett Favre fan I'm gonna throw this up on the blog.

Favre Watch: Day 194

2008-07-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

No its not Day 194 but it seems like this show of a circus is crazy and has no intentions of ending any time soon. Now, according to Brett Favre in this article he is considering just showing up for summer camp for the Green Bay Packers in little under a month.

In the second part of an interview with Fox News, the 38-year-old quarterback said he knows his arrival in camp would cause a media circus, but that might not stop him. Packers players are scheduled to report July 27. "It's tempting just to, as everyone said, you know, call their bluff or whatever," Favre said, according to an excerpt provided to The Associated Press. "I think it's going to be a circus in itself already, whether I go there, whatever."

"I like my teammates," Favre said. "I had a lot of fun with them. I have talked to numerous guys throughout this whole ordeal. I wish them the best, I really do. I hold nothing against those guys. We had a lot of fun together. We had, it was an amazing year last year. I don't want to make it any worse than it is." And right now, it's pretty bad. Favre and the Packers appear headed toward a messy divorce after Favre demanded his release last week.

The decision blindsided the Packers. They were open to Favre's return for much of the offseason -- even after Favre's retirement in early March -- but had since committed to moving forward with Rodgers as their starter. Favre conceded that the latest in his long line of reversals on his football future has been tough on Rodgers, the Packers' first-round pick in 2005.

"The one thing in this, I do feel bad for Aaron a little bit," Favre said. "I think he'll do a fine job, to be totally honest with you, I do. He has been injured. I mean, the two injuries are not his fault. Couldn't control. I know this has been tough on him. I think he'll do a fine job. And this has nothing to do with him, this whole deal."

MLB Home Run Dery Declared Home Run Event

2008-07-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

What a performance! Josh Hamilton going for 28 bombs in the first round! Great story behind the scenes on Hamilton and his addiction to drugs and his life threatening use. Then on top of that Hamilton was beat us by a wild card and on top of that, a Canadian in Justin Morneau from the Twins who hit 5 home runs in the last round to Hamilton's 3.

Question for the day is: Did the Home Run Derby create a stir for you that got you excited for the All Star Game and and the Home Run Derby itself?

Justin's Pac-10 WildCard UCLA Bruins

2008-07-14T17:43:00.003-07:00

Here is a clip of Slick Rick giving his speel on why UCLA will be good in the future...

Billy Packer Sent Packing

2008-07-14T16:40:00.001-07:00

CBS has decided to part ways with the college basketball anaylist Billy Packer after a streak of 27 straight final four series done by Mr. Packer.

"These are really good circumstances," Packer told The Associated Press by phone. "This decision was made with myself and CBS over a year ago. Their timing to announce it is their business. I have nothing to do with that. I was working on a series of 1-year contracts for several years. ... I did say there would be no mention during the season so as not to detract from the games and the guys involved."

Kellogg, a game and studio analyst for CBS for 16 years, will be the man next to Jim Nantz on the 2009 Final Four broadcasts.

"With his unquestioned popularity and performance over the years, Clark Kellogg earned all rights to this top spot," Sean McManus, president of CBS News and Sports, said in a statement. "Like Billy Packer, Al McGuire or any of the most highly regarded broadcasters, Clark is an original voice with his own style and perspective."

Packer Leaves CBS

Michigan's New Football Unis

2008-07-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

Check out this new uniform picture of Michigan's new road uni as they replaced what could be said to be one of the most traditional and historic uniform combo in all of college football.

Honestly, they look a tad like these....

On a side note...doing my dedicated research for this blog when I was looking for a picture of West Virginia's road uni I found a ton of pictures through google's images of Oregon Duck Jerseys.

Favre Fans Hold Protest To Get Favre Back

2008-07-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Brett Favre’s fans came to his defense Sunday, rallying outside Lambeau Field in an attempt to pressure the Green Bay Packers to reinstate him as the starting quarterback.

The crowd of more than 100 chanted “We want Brett,” and carried signs reading “Favre for President” or “Favre Forever.” Many in the parking lot wore No. 4 jerseys.

“We’ve always appreciated the passion of our fans,” the Packers said in a statement. Team spokesman Jeff Blumb said there would be no other comment.

Come on now guys this is a little bit on the sad side of things....

Fans Protest

Sheets and Lee: Starters For MLB All-Star Game

2008-07-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets were picked as the starting pitchers for Tuesday night's All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.

Lee is 12-2 with a 2.31 ERA, a remarkable resurgence after the left-hander was demoted to the minors last season. He was chosen by American League manager Terry Francona of Boston.

"I'm just honored to be here, to be honest with you," Lee said Monday. "To get the start is just icing on the cake. ... I'm kind of awe-struck by it."

NL manager Clint Hurdle of Colorado tabbed Sheets, who is 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA. Several other National League All-Stars pitched Sunday, making the well-rested Sheets a logical choice.

"I've never been to Yankee Stadium so I'm going to try to take it all in and just enjoy myself," Sheets said.

Entire Article

Corey Hart's Press Conference Video After Being Named All-Star

2008-07-11T17:03:00.001-07:00

Corey hart
by bsap11

Arizona's Lute Olson Wont Recruit One and Done Recruits

2008-07-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Lute Olson has come out to the LA Times in this article and has said he will no longer recruit high school seniors who are expected to play one season of college basketball before going on to playing in the NBA.

This situation has come from the news out of Brandon Jennings camp where he spurned going to college and instead will go to Europe to play basketball. Jerryd Bayless who recently came to Arizona left after one year also played a role in this statement.

"It's a situation now that if someone's a 'one-and-done,' we're not going to pursue them anymore, no way," Olson said from his Tucson office.

Olson also suggests that the NCAA and the NBA need to revamp the one and done rule and change it to allow high school seniors to go pro right away or go to college for a mandatory two years.

Olson suggests that elite prep players be given a choice: opt to declare for the NBA draft immediately after high school, or be committed to spending a minimum of two years (Olson would prefer three) in college.

"Jerryd said all along he wanted to stay here two years," Olson said. "But then you get the agents working on the kids and parents all year. You might have the kid in your controlled environment for some time, but when [outsiders are] on the parents, you have no idea what's going on."

National's Not Paying Rent For New Ballpark

2008-07-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

According to this Washington Post article the Washington National's of the MLB have decided to not pay their rent for the newly built National's Park that was completed before this season.

The Nationals went through the district and tax payers paid over 611 million dollars of public money towards the completion of the new park.

However as the season as officially passed the midway point the Nationals have decided to skip paying rent to the city because of some completion errors and other reasons.

The National owners have failed to pay $3.5 million in rent for the District's new ballpark, contending that the state-of-the-art stadium is still incomplete.

Besides withholding rent, the team is demanding damages of $100,000 a day, dating from March 1. The team and the city are also at odds over the timing of sales tax payments on tickets, with the Nationals paying game-by-game and the city wanting tax revenue from pre-sold ticket packages upfront.

D.C. officials said they plan to hire a special lawyer to handle what they expect to be prolonged arbitration over the ballpark, which was built with tax dollars.

According To FoxSports Asks For Release

2008-07-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

According to this FoxSports.com's story Brett Favre has asked the Green Bay Packers for his unconditional release that would allow Favre to play for any other team in the NFL.

"What I remember about him is he was ready to retire, and that's how I feel today. I think down deep, that's exactly how he feels," team chairman Bob Harlan said, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

Phil Mickelson's House For Sale

2008-07-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

This enormous 4.55-acre estate shown above is golfer Phil Mickelson's home in Rancho Sante Fe, Calif.

It turns out it could all be yours. Ignore all that sub prime real estate down there in SoCal and across the nation and you find an absolute steal!

Priced between $10,750,000 - $12,225,876, the house includes a spa, two guest houses, a putting green, media room, and a pool thats huge.

To check out the entire listing of the house click here.

Mustache Commitment.

2008-07-10T16:50:00.000-07:00

If you didn't hear yesterday, Producer Joey has committed to growing a mustache in the name of supporting his softball team.

So far, his team has not won a game (0-8) and is in need of some sort of slump buster. Since the mustache seems to be the slump buster of such major leaguers as Jason Giambi, we here at the Sports Idol show decided that Producer Joey should follow suite.

We're going to keep you up to date on how the mustache growing is going and how the team does with the new lip fur.

Mustache Update: slight stubble in week 1, haven't shaven in 4 days.

Team Record: 0-8

Get the Update Every Wednesday.

Maarty Leunen Talks w/John Canzanzo on 95.5 FM

2008-07-10T15:42:00.001-07:00

John Canzanzo of the Oregonian newspaper and also the host of the radio show "The Bald Face Truth" on 95.5 Wednesday.

After listening to the to short clip from the interview over at Ducks Sports News I got to thinking about one thing. Why did Canzanzo try to lure Leunen into saying something negative about the Oregon program and more importantly Ernie Kent? What type of agenda is he trying to accomplish with the attempts to bait Leunen into saying something bad about Kent?

Personally, I have two views towards this question. The first is that Canzanzo is trying to create a stir or ruffle some feathers you could say in Oregon Country as he knows this will cause a stir with people and have them start talking about him. Second part is that he just doesn't like Ernie Kent and the University of Oregon very well and will take any attempt to stab at the UO as he can get.

Am I the only one that believes this was somewhat of a strange interview?