ESPN's Phony Conversation with Tarrell Owens

On Tuesday, Terrell Owens of the Dallas Cowboys denied the fact that ESPN said he believed that fellow teammates Tony Romo and Jason Witten were allegedly plotting to 'freeze' him out of the team's offense, "Owens made the denial during a taped interview with ESPN. He contradicted a report the network published Thursday, in which it claimed Owens had accused quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten of secretly drawing up plays without his input." (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28278346/) The story was originally supposed to discuss his relationships with his teammates but actually highlighted incorrect information. My question is, what did Owens say to have the reporter misinterpret the story to that extent?

Giants: Another Superbowl?

With a record of 11-3, Giants fans are crossing their fingers for a repeat of last year: a trip to the Superbowl. However, the Giants are currently on a two game losing streak leading up to a game versus the Panthers, which will decide who will win the Number One seed in the NFC. "The Super Bowl champions (11-3) are right where they want to be heading into the nationally televised winner-take-all contest against the Panthers (11-3) at Giants Stadium. ("http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28283277/) The players, fans and head coach Tom Coughlin seem pretty confident in this game. Will the Giants be able to pull through, or will they be faced with the same devastation the Patriots encountered when losing the Superbowl last year?

Saint's Bush out for the Rest of the Season

Reggie Bush is out for final two games of the regular season. Unfortunately for the Saints, they will not be making it to the playoffs after their loss to Chicago this past weekend. However, if the Saints had won, they would not have put Bush on injury reserve so the Saints would have a fighting chance of making it to the playoffs. Bush was injured on the last play of the second quarter on a punt return. This isn't the first time Bush has been injured close to the end of the season. "He missed the final four games of the 2007 season after tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in that knee." What will this mean for Bush next season?

Plaxico Shoots Himself in Leg

New York Giant's Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at the Latin Quarter nightclub in New York City on November 30, 2008. Plaxico claimed to have been carrying the gun for self-defense purposes, so the bouncers of the nightclub allowed him to carry the concealed weapon inside. While Plaxico was walking through the VIP section, he felt his gun slip down his pants and when he went to grab it, accidentally pulled the trigger. Sources say the bullet both entered and exited through his previously injured thigh. Fortunately, the bullet did not hit any bones or major arteries in Plaxico's leg, and is expected to recover in a few weeks. "ESPN medical analyst Dr. Michael Kaplan said the gunshot wound inflicted by Burress, at short range with soft tissue damage, can cause bleeding and swelling. But because there was no artery, nerve or bone involvement, and assuming there is no tissue death or infection, Burress probably can return to the Giants' lineup in two to four weeks." (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3733021). My question is, why did the bouncers knowingly allow Plaxico to carry the weapon into the club, and will the Latin Quarter face any penalties for allowing someone to bring a concealed weapon into their establishment?

Dustin Pedroia, Rookie of the Year to MVP

Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia went from Rookie of the Year to the American League's Most Valuable Player in a matter of one year. One source says that this past season, "Pedroia batted .326 with 17 home runs, 83 RBI and 118 runs scored. He also ranked first in the AL in doubles (54), fourth in total bases (322) and was the only player who had at least 175 hits, 75 runs scored, 75 RBI, 15 home runs, and 20 stolen bases while winning the Gold Glove."

Pedroia and only two other major league baseball players have won Americana's League Most Valuable Player exactly one year after winning Rookie of the Year. The first to ever claim both titles within a year of each other is Cal Ripken Jr., whom was noted as Rookie of the year in 1982, then MVP in 1983. The second is Ryan Howard, who was named Rookie of the Year in 2005 and was the MVP of 2006.

Adam "Pacman" Jones Reinstated

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Adam "Pacman" Jones mid-November after his suspension from the Dallas Cowboys. Earlier this year, Jones was involved in an alcohol-related scuffle with a body guard. This was the second time Jones had engaged in misconduct which inevitably lead to a suspension. Previously, Jones had been suspended from the Tennesse Titans for several acts of misconduct. As a result, he was then traded to the Dallas Cowboy's where Goodell gave him a second chance.

After "completing the inpatient portion of his NFL-ordered alcohol treatment," Goodell reinstated Jones. This time around, however, he returned to the Dallas Cowboys with certain limitations. He has only been allowed to practice with the team and has yet to play in a game. Before his second suspension, the Cowboy's gave Jones his own security team to help him stay out of trouble. However, Jones will not be receiving special treatment. "[Dallas Head Coach] Jerry Jones said he isn't bringing back the security detail - leaving it up to Adam Jones to make decisions on his own." (http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/20/sports/pacman20.php)

Tommy Armour Wins Second Straight Pebble Beach Title

Tommy Armour III won his second consecutive Pebble Beach Invitational title on Sunday, November 28, 2008. This is the first time any golfer has won more than one Pebble Beach Invitational title in the tournament's history. "Armour made a 36-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a three-way playoff with Scott Simpson and Brock MacKenzie." Armour spent the beginning of his day with a five-stroke lead over fellow competitor Rich Beem. Eventually, Armour and Simpson were tied at 11 strokes under par by the fifth hole. "Simpson bogeyed the 16th and 17th holes to fall one shot behind Armour and MacKenzie, who had already finished." Armour attempted a '24-foot birdie attempt' but missed. "Armour finished regulation with a 4-over 76 in a round that included four bogeys, a double bogey and two birdies" (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27879748/). The annual Pebble Beach Invitational has been hosted by Callaway Golf in Pebble Beach, CA for the past 37 years.