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/