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.

Phillies Break the Curse of William Penn

The curse of William Penn was a superstition many Philadelphia sports fans believed in, until the Philadelphia Phillie's won the World Series on October 29. The curse of William Penn began in March of 1987 with the construction of One Liberty Place, which would tower over Philadelphia's City Hall. A bronze statue of William Penn stands tall on top of City Hall, representing the land which he was granted. "In the 1800s, when Philadelphia’s City Hall was built, and atop, a statue of William Penn was placed, overlooking his city. At that time, the city’s forefathers decided, by gentleman’s agreement, that no building would ever be built in the city that would overshadow — be taller — than City Hall." (http://blog.scoop0901.net/politics/philly-break-curse-of-the-william-penn-statue/ ). To accommodate the growing city, contractors began constructing buildings taller than City Hall since there was technically no legal agreement restricting them from doing so. Shortly after the completion of One Liberty Place, its sister building began its construction. From that point on, Philadelphia was struck with the William Penn Curse, leaving several sports teams unable to win a championship title until two months ago when the Phillie's defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3. "It was among the wackiest endings in baseball history, a best-of-seven series turned into a best-of-3 1/2 showdown when play resumed in the bottom of the sixth inning tied at 2" (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/29/phillies-win-the-world-se_n_139108.html). Philadelphia fans can only hope that this 'curse' has truly ended, and will only lead to more Championship victories for Philadelphia teams.

Old Blog That Never Showed Up...

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tom Brady's Season-Ending Injury
Tom Brady's ACL injury, which happened at their season opener versus the Kansas City Chiefs, leaves him out for the rest of the season. Tom Brady was rushed by the Chief's safety, Bernard Pollard, leaving him with the devastating knee injury. There was speculation of whether or not the hit was "dirty", or intentional. However, Pollard released a statement that it was completely unintentional and an unfortunate injury. Although the Patriots won 17-10, many have begun to question how this will affect the Patriot's season and their chances of making it to the Superbowl. Will Matt Cassel, the Patriot's backup quarterback, be able to fill Tom Brady's shoes?

The Redskins Election Curse

Some believe that the Presidential Election was decided the night before Election Day, when the Washington Redskins lost 23-6 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The alleged "Redskin Election Curse" has decided the outcome of the past eighteen Presidential elections. The superstition states that, "if the Redskins are victorious, the party with the most votes in the previous election will win the election. However if the Redskins lose, the party in the White House loses the presidency." The curse has held true since the Redskins first moved to Washington, D.C. from Boston in 1937. "On November 1, 1936 the Redskins defeated the Chicago Cardinals 13-10, predicting a win for the incumbent Democrats. President Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Governor Alf Landon." In 1940, the Redskins defeated Pittsburgh in their last home game before the election, thus predicting the Democrats will remain in the White House. More recently, the Redskins lost to the Tennessee Titans 27-21 on October 30, 2000, predicting that the Democrats will lose the election and the White House. Sure enough, George W. Bush defeated Al Gore and the republicans remained in the White House when the Redskins lost to the Green Bay Packers in 2004. Still don't believe me? Check out the outcome of every home game the Redskins have played before a Presidential Election at: http://tnjn.com/2008/nov/05/redskins-curse-predicts-us-pre/

Adam 'Pacman' Jones Admitted Into Alcohol Treatment Center

The Dallas Cowboy's cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones was entered into an Alcohol Treatment Center after participating in a scuffle with one of his bodyguards. As of now, Jones is suspended for four games but could potentially miss more. "The league has said reinstatement will depend on strict compliance with treatment plans and an evaluation by 'clinical experts.'" (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27281805/) The incident occurred on October 7, 2008 at a private party when Jones and one of his bodyguards, which had been hired to keep him out of trouble, got into an argument. It has only been six weeks since Jones was reinstated from his 17-month suspension due to an accumulation of legal problems, including a connection to a shooting in Las Vegas. "Jones was arrested six times and was involved in 12 instances requiring police intervention after Tennessee drafted him in the first round in 2005. " (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27281805/). Jones was unable to participate for the entire 2007 season as a result of these allegations, and was traded to the Cowboys this past April.

The Closing of Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium closed its doors on Sunday, September 21, 2008. Sunday was more than just the closing of a stadium, it was the end of an era. From Pope visits to Babe Ruth's amazing career, Yankee Stadium is home to numerous historical events. "'The Greatest Game Ever Played,' the 1958 NFL Championship between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Colts - the first overtime game in the league's history -was played there." (PortClintonNewsHerald.com)

Sunday's game at Yankee Stadium included a ceremonial last first-pitch made by Babe Ruth's daughter. "Julia Ruth Stevens is 92 now, but was a little girl when her father inaugurated the stadium with one of his blasts into the right field seats of the new $2.5 million edifice (Dahlberg, Tim. USA TODAY). Although the Yankees beat the Orioles 7-3 Sunday night, they will not be advancing to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

Although Yankee Stadium "officially" closed its doors on Sunday, sources say a harsh winter could postpone the completion of the new stadium. Thus, the Yankees will inevitably once again have to play in their old stomping grounds.