Hump Day Headlines

In this April Fool's Edition of Hump Day Headlines, no fooling anyone in the AP All American Picks, the Broncos have finally decided to trade Jay Cutler, coaches not named John Calipari get new deals, and how far did the Notre Dame basketball program fall in just one year...

• The AP First Team All-American team was announced yesterday, and all five picks seem obvious to me. Oklahoma's Blake Griffin was a unanimous pick (shocker!), while North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough, Davidson's Stephen Curry, Pittburgh's DeJuan Blair, and Arizona State's James Harden rounded out the rest of the first team. All five players are obviously deserving, and they show that while the college game has lost some great players to the NBA, there are still some fantastic players at the top in college basketball. How good these guys will be at the next level? It's hard to say. Blake Griffin will probably be the top pick in the draft, and figures to be an impact player right away. Scott was clearly not impressed with James Harden. Tyler Hansbrough's draft status is unclear, Steph Curry may or may not go pro this year (and if he does, is he the next J.J. Redick?) and DeJuan Blair might be too short to be an impact player as a back to the basket 6'7" forward. Whether they're good or not though at the professional level, let's enjoy the fact we got to watch these guys be great college hoopsters. As an avid college hoops fan, I enjoyed watching all of them.
• The Denver Broncos soap opera released its latest episode today: the news that they will in fact deal their star quarterback somewhere. Jay Cutler will be on the move, and it appears that there are at least six teams that will be involved in some capacity to try and acquire the Pro Bowler's services. The Jets, Buccaneers, Bears, Lions, 49ers and Browns are all apparently interested, and the Jaguars "may" be interested. (You know who I'm rooting for in that sweepstakes.) There are also reports circulating that the Redskins might be interested even though they have Jason Campbell. Before you start complaining that this story is getting annoying, let me remind you one simple fact: at least we're not talking about T.O. or the Cowboys.
• Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson was awarded with a new seven year contract worth between 1.3 and 1.5 million dollars per year. This comes after he impressively took the Tigers to the Elite Eight this season. The former UAB head man has shown why he always had the Blazers competing down there and now at a bigger school his coaching efforts have realized their potential. Good for him. Another coach rewarded for his success was former Washington State head coach Tony Bennett, who has moved on to the ACC and the University of Virginia. Bennett will be paid $1.7 million annually after he lead Wazzu to a 68-30 record in three seasons out west. People need to start getting used to the fact that the football and basketball coaches are now the highest paid people at many Division I Universities.
• Finally, remember when Notre Dame was a top ten team at the beginning of this college basketball season? This must seem like eons ago, because the Fighting Irish finished off a highly disappointing season by losing in the NIT Semifinals to Penn State. Notre Dame finished just 21-15, and Mike Brey must be searching for answers after he had second team all-American Luke Harangody (overrated, but still) Kyle McAlarney, Ryan Ayers and Tory Jackson on that team. Far too much talent to finish the way they did. Maybe Mr. Mock-Turtle himself should be considered for the hot seat? What a horrific year for Notre Dame sports teams. First more mediocrity from Chuck Weis, now this.

Hump Day Headlines: Early Afternoon Edition

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss UConn's recruiting violation, the open competition for the Browns Quarterback position, a Pirates prospect's wife steals an infant, and more...

• According to a Yahoo! Sports exclusive, the University of Connecticut violated NCAA recruiting rules in pursuit of former guard Nate Miles. (Don't worry, I had never heard of him either. He currently plays for the College of Southern Idaho, after he was expelled from UConn for violating a restraining order in 2008.) This is according to a six month investigation by the website. According to the report, a former UConn student manager turned sports agent was providing Miles with a nice place to stay, transportation, meals from restaurants, and agent representation. The relationship between the player and the agent is a recruiting violation, as well as the fact that a UConn assistant coach reportedly knew about the relationship and looked the other way also violates NCAA rules. This story stems from an investigation of the role of agents in college basketball. Apparently they have gone from helping kids move to the next level, but are also recruiting them out of high school to find a college program. According to the report, there were more than 1,500 phone calls and text messages exchanged between the agent and the UConn coaching staff, including 16 from hall of fame coach Jim Calhoun. It's unclear what kind of punishment will come from the NCAA for this story's leak. However this really could change the balance of power in college basketball. For the first time since probably the sanctions against Michigan after the "Fab Five", a major power in college hoops has been probed and apparently caught. Not a good time for UConn to have this bomb dropped on them, especially as they ready to play 5th seed Purdue in the Sweet 16 tomorrow.
• The Browns are going to have an open competition for their quarterback position in 2009, according to new head coach Eric Mangini. This means Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson will be working extra hard to make sure they aren't the one holding the clipboard and wearing the visor on the sidelines. Mangini announced the decision to hold an open competition at the NFL Meetings on Tuesday. This is the part where I'm supposed to tell you who I think should be under center for Cleveland this upcoming season, but neither guy really is a great option, right? Anderson had a Pro Bowl season in 2007, throwing nearly 30 touchdown passes for a pretty good Browns team and almost 3,800 yards. Then again, he was not very good last year as the Browns struggled. Quinn is the popular choice because everyone loves the backup quarterback, especially when that backup calls Notre Dame his alma-mater. But Quinn wasn't even remotely impressive in 3 games last year for the Browns before getting hurt. To be honest, I think Mangini is doing the right thing here, because why not give both these guys the chance to prove themselves? It's not as though either has proven anything on the field over the last calendar year...
• Here's another heartwarming story in the world of sports. The wife of Pirates outfield prospect Jose Tabata is a suspect in the kidnapping a two month old. Apparently Amalia Tabata Pereira was questioned by Manatee County, FL police yesterday when they found the baby unharmed. Pereira is being arrested for taking the baby from a health care center there the day before. This woman is 43 years old, but is the wife of 20 year old Pirates prospect Tabata. That's disturbing in itself. But here's what Tabata had to say about the incident. "I was shocked to be told that my wife has been arrested for kidnapping. I am hurt, frustrated, and confused by her actions. I have and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officials in anyway that I can. Until I have all of the facts, I cannot comment any further." Apparently his wife was posing as an immigration official to swipe the infant. Although this story has yet to be officially confirmed. Creepy, to say the least. And bad news for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as if that franchise need this to add to its already sterling on-field reputation.
• Finally, make sure to check us out tomorrow for more NCAA Tournament news. Four games tomorrow, and four games Friday, before the Elite Eight pairs things down to two games a piece Saturday and Sunday. We'll provide the schedule of events right here on BERNing, with a short preview of each game.

Hump Day Headlines: Thursday Edition

I realize this week's Hump Day Headlines didn't come on Wednesday. Sorry, I was working. Sue me if you don't like it.

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, since it's late, we present the schedule of tournament watching so that those of you who are getting ready to watch games, (like I am) know when and where your team will be playing.

Early Games:

(8) L.S.U vs (9) Butler (Greensboro, NC) 12:20 p.m. ET
Comment: This is one of those classic first round match-ups for people who hate small conference teams and are hoping that the S.E.C's Tigers of Louisiana State win just to prove a point. I picked L.S.U. to win, because I like Tasmin Mitchell.

(2) Memphis vs (15) C.S. Northridge (Kansas City, MO) 12:25 p.m. ET
Comment: I don't know anything about C.S. Northridge. All I know is if Memphis loses, I'm screwed. So obviously I picked Memphis. And for the record? If there's a rare 15 over 2 upset, I don't think it'll be this one.

(8) B.Y.U. vs (9) Texas A&M (Philadelphia, PA) 12:30 p.m. ET
Comment: B.Y.U. can usually pick up a win in the tournament every year. They're always a solid choice. However I took the "upset" with A&M. Speaking of which, how dumb is it when the experts say that a 9 over an 8 is an upset?

Mid-Afternoon Games:

(5) Purdue vs (12) Northern Iowa (Portland,OR) 2:30 p.m. ET
Comment: If you're looking for the 5-12 upset, you likely won't find it here. With a healthy Robbie Hummel, Purdue is a very good squad. And he is healthy now.

(1) North Carolina vs (16) Radford (Greensboro, NC) 2:50 p.m. ET
Comment: Ty Lawson isn't playing, but does it really matter? It's a home game for Carolina against freaking Radford.

(7) California vs (10) Maryland (Kansas City, MO) 2:55 p.m. ET
Comment: Cal is playing the "no one respects us" card because everyone is picking Maryland. They're from the ACC, they beat Carolina, Scott Van Pelt has been propogating love for them on ESPN...so maybe Cal wins? I still took the Terps.

(1) Connecticut vs (16) Chattanooga (Philadelphia, PA) 3:00 p.m. ET
Comment: Jimmy Fallon started a Chattanooga cheering section on his brutal new late night show on NBC. UConn was going to win anyways, but since Fallon is behind Chattanooga the team has a worse chance of winning now.

Early Evening Games:

(4) Washington vs (13) Mississippi State (Portland, OR) 4:55 p.m. ET
Comment: I know that there's a love fest now for Mississippi State because they shocked everyone by winning the automatic bid with an S.E.C. title victory. But this is basically a home game for the Huskies. Adios, M. State.

Evening Games:

(7) Texas vs (10) Minnesota (Greensboro, NC) 7:10 p.m. ET
Comment: This should be a really good game if you get this in your area. Both teams had great starts and fizzled toward the end, but they're both talented clubs. I had a lot of trouble picking this game in my brackets, and I think I made a selection for who wins this one in each.

(7) Clemson vs (10) Michigan (Kansas City, MO) 7:10 p.m. ET
Comment: Michigan's 11-year tournament drought is over thanks to new coach John Beilein. Scott loves the Wolverines, but I'm feeling Oliver Purnell getting his Tigers to their first tourney win under his watch.

(3) Villanova vs (14) American (Philadelphia, PA) 7:20 p.m. ET
Comment: This literally is a home game for Villanova. They play all there big games on this very court at the Wachovia Center. Sorry American, but you were dealt the most unfair draw in the tournament. Nova will roll, or they're a disgrace.

(4) Gonzaga vs (13) Akron (Portland, OR) 7:25 p.m. ET
Comment: This has nothing to do with the game, but I'm still pissed that Syracuse football lost to Akron's Zips back in the 2nd week of the football season. Therefore, I hope the Zags win by 50. By the way, anyone notice this is a meeting between the Zips and the Zags?

Late Games:

(2) Duke vs (15) Binghamton (Greensboro, NC) 9:4o p.m. ET
Comment: I forgot about this one, probably because even though Tony Kornheiser's alma-mater is making its first ever NCAA tournament appearance, the Dukies are playing a game close to home and are motivated by previous tournament flops not to let it happen again early this year.

(6) U.C.L.A. vs (11) V.C.U. (Philadelphia, PA) 9:50 p.m. ET
Comment: U.C.L.A. hasn't been very impressive as of late, losing in big spots when they needed victories late to wrap up the Pac-10 regular season and then tournament crowns. I have a feeling V.C.U. which beat Duke in the tournament not too long ago, adds this upset win to its resume.

(5) Illinois vs (12) Western Kentucky (Portland, OR) 9:55 p.m. ET
Comment: It is en-vogue to pick against Illinois in this game, as many figure this to be the 5-12 upset. If Chester Frazier doesn't play, the Illini probably lose. If he does play though, Illinois can play defense, and the lack of respect card as motivation to win and prove the doubters wrong.

Enjoy the games!

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss the Netherlands shocking upset of the Dominicans, LaDainian Tomlinson's choice to stick with San Diego, Roger Clemens' roiding, and what Cleveland State's win means for the NCAA bubble...

• Apparently they play baseball in the Netherlands. Who knew? Actually, the team is comprised of a lot of players from Dutch Territories and a couple players who's ancestry may have included someone who knew someone Dutch. Either way, their stunning upsets of the Dominican Republic have sent La Republica home and Rik Smits' countrymen to the second round in Miami. The Dominican team had a team loaded with major league superstars, such as Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz and Miguel Tejada. The Netherlands had, who, exactly? Some guy named Kingsale, Sidney Ponson, and a man better known for beating running sausages than anything else. Talk about your David vs. Goliath type match-up. La Republica's roster was collectively making more than $83 million, while the Dutchmen were making a combined $0.4 million. There were 23 major-leaguers on the Dominican team, and just two on the Netherlands. The fact that David was able to win twice though really is something. The Dominicans were a favorite to win the World Baseball Classic, and why not? They had a team full of stars! How is it that a team with six pitchers I've never heard of combined to shut down a lineup filled with not only major league players, but star players last night? Unreal. Maybe the Dutch will start playing more baseball, which I guess is one of Bud Selig's goals: globalize the game.
• Ladainian Tomlinson is returning to the Chargers after all. The star running back must really love playing in San Diego, because I'm not sure I could work for an arrogant jerk like GM A.J. Smith. Then again, with the weather and the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop I could probably be persuaded. So could Tomlinson too, apparently, as team president Dean Spanos was apparently able to smooth over the strained relationship between the running back and the organization. This ultimately allowed the restructuring of Tomlinson's contract to happen. He'll make a bit more than back up back Darren Sproles, who was franchised this off season. This deal had to happen for the Chargers. If Tomlinson wanted out the Chargers just wouldn't be as good. Granted, Tomlinson's numbers weren't all-world last year like they usually are. But he's crucial to a team that has flirted with greatness in the AFC for awhile now. Good job by the Chargers, and by Tomlinson for getting the deal done.
• Here's a story that's not surprising. Federal authorities found that the syringes, vials and gauze pads used on Roger Clemens that Brian McNamee supplied investigators all had performance enhancing drugs on them. Shocking! As we have mentioned before, there was no reason for McNamee to lie, because the man just doesn't want to live his life behind bars. Clemens on the other hand, could end up behind bars, since he has denied steroid use under oath. The Rocket still maintains that he was only injected with lidocaine and B-12. Apparently that's not the case, according to these tests, and the DNA found in the blood on the syringes (reported February 6th int he Washington Post). "I assumed, and I am not surprised, that the tests were positive for both DNA and for performance-enhancing drugs, because that's what Brian said all along, and there's not much doubt that Brian's been telling the truth," Richard Emery, the attorney for McNamee told the AP. "The confirmation of that fact, once again, just seems to me to be another significant step towards jail for Clemens." I agree.
• With Cleveland State's win over 17th-ranked Butler, two Horizon league teams will be heading to the NCAA tournament. That means bad news for the bubble dwellers, who can only hope this week that as few surprise teams as possible force their way into the field of 65. Other than their big win over Syracuse on that 60-foot 3-pointer in December, Cleveland State's tournament resume wasn't good enough to make the dance otherwise. Their other quality wins were against...well, nobody. So now teams like Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Northwestern, San Diego State and the like will need to make big moves in their conference tournaments, even more so now than before. And they'll have to sweat out every conference championship the rest of the week. The next few days are why we love college basketball. Teams are fighting for that chance to dance. And then next week begins the glory that is the tournament, with non-stop basketball action for four straight days. Ahh how I love it.
• Bonus Point: Did anyone see that Tennessee football coach Lane Kiffin told a recruit that if he goes to the University of South Carolina he'll end up pumping gas like everyone else there? I've said in the past Lane Kiffin is a moron. I don't think I need to say it again, do I? This guy better win a lot of games for those rocky toppers down there. If he doesn't, what a total loser this guy is.

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's Hump Day Headlines Manny Ramirez may finally be a Dodger, the scary story in the NFL gets worse, A-Rod's newest mess, and hockey's trade deadline comes just hours from now...

• A few days ago I suggested the notion that maybe Manny Ramirez's general apathy to the contract negotiations with the Dodgers might mean that in fact he does not wish to play baseball again. I guess now my theory is being tested. He's had a change of heart, maybe, as he's reportedly warming up to the idea of signing a 2-year, $45 million contract with L.A. These are the same terms he rejected on two occasions this offseason already. Yet, according to ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas, Man-Ram agreed to the general terms of the new deal. However, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark says there are still complications that haven't been solved yet, and Jerry Crasnick says the agreement in fact has not been reached. Either way, with all these reports starting to come out, you'd figure this mess will likely end soon. This would be good because as we have already mentioned here at BERNing, a) the Dodgers need him, b) he wants money from them, and c) once he signs, we won't have to hear about this anymore. The last reason is probably the best and most compelling reason for him to sign, but then again, what does he care what we the fans think?
• We know now that one of the men on the boat that went missing this past weekend carrying NFL players Corey Smith, Marquis Cooper, and two former University of South Florida football players was found, thankfully. But that's where the good news ends, unfortunately. Twenty-four-year-old Nick Schuyler was found, but the two NFLers and the other USF football player are still missing. Now the search for their missing boat has been stopped by the U.S. Coast Guard after inspecting 24,000 miles of ocean. Coast Guard Captain Timothy Close told reporters that he was sure the efforts of the search were more than sufficient, and the search would have found the men if they had survived. What a scary and difficult story to read. It's not like these men were out to cause trouble, like so many others in the NFL. Instead, what started as a fishing trip for four buddies turned into a tragic ending. Remind me never to take a fishing boat into the Gulf of Mexico.
• If the 24/7 coverage of Alex Rodriguez's lies and admissions about his use of performance enhancing drugs wasn't enough for you, or his inexplicable decision to represent the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic instead of the United States, where he was born and raised, now there's this: he has a cyst in his hip, and he's going to visit a doctor in Colorado today. Whether this affects his status for the WBC? That question remains unanswered. Yankees GM Brian Cashman had this to say about his embattled slugger's newest problem: "Alex has proven his durability throughout his career, and we will take every precaution and step necessary to ensure his health as we near the start of the 2009 regular season and beyond." No kidding. What a time to get hurt. There's no shortage of news when it comes this guy. I wonder if this will be a nagging injury that keeps him on the bench during any of the regular season. That would only create more fodder for the New York media. As if they need any help getting a story.
• The NHL trading deadline comes at 3 p.m. eastern time today, and some big names could potential be dealt. So, puckheads, beware. Rumor has it Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger could be headed to Boston in a deal. There are also rumors he could end up in Chicago. Basically, if by dinner time Pronger is still an Anaheim Duck, it would be surprising. Scott Niedermayer could be heading out of Anaheim, and Tomas Kaberle could be on his way out of Toronto. All-Star Panther Jay Bouwmeester could be leaving Florida, and so could Coyote defenseman Derek Morris. Over the last three years, there have been twenty-five deadline deals made. So unlike the baseball trade deadline that is often much ado about nothing, hockey fans might be seeing a lot of wheeling and dealing before the middle of this afternoon. Other names I've read could be traded: Islanders captain Bill Guerin, Coyotes forward Olli Jokinen, Wild forward Marian Gaborik, even though he's hurt, Edmonton's Erik Cole (who I've heard could also be traded to Boston), the Penguins Jordan Staal, the Blues Keith Tkachuk, and the Av's Ryan Smyth. There are others too, countless others that I have read could be traded. So for hockey fans, and those of us who are new hockey fans like me, it should be an intriguing day if any of these big named players get moved. If not, it's another ho-hum day as we get ready for March Madness to start already.

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss Tiger's return to the links, the Panthers Pitt-fall, Starbury's potential move to Boston, and Harrison's run in Indy comes to an end...

• The world's best golfer is back.  Today Tiger Woods returns to golf after eight months off recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and the birth of his son to play in the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.  This marks his first tournament since his memorable win on one leg in the U.S. Open last June, and Woods enters this tournament tomorrow the defending champ.  He'll face Australian Brendan Jones in his first match.  Tiger says his short game "has gotten a little bit better" and hit every green in regulation yesterday in the practice round.  This likely means doom for the competition.  Anything can happen in match play and often the favorites don't win.  Either way, all eyes will be on Tiger as he revives the interest in Golf worldwide by stepping foot on the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club course this afternoon in Tucson.  I know I'll be watching.
• Yet another team ranked #1 in the country has fallen just days, or in this case, a day after being put into the top spot in the polls.  #1 Pittsburgh won't have that ranking in front of its name after Providence handed them an 81-73 loss in Rhode Island Tuesday night.  What this loss showed is what we already knew:  if DeJuan Blair gets into foul trouble, the Panthers are a very vulnerable team.  Blair had 17 points and 8 rebounds in the loss, but fouled out of last night's contest.  Pitt's loss is the sixth loss this season for a top ranked team.  And by the way, the Friars definitely helped their tournament chances with that win.  Providence is 17-11 on the year but now boasts a 9-7 record in the Big East.  It's their second win against a ranked team.  Their last came against then #15 Syracuse January 28th.
• Stephon Marbury's career with the Knicks is mercifully over.  The two sides finally reached a buyout of Marbury's albatross contract Tuesday afternoon.  Starbury is eligible to play in the post season should he sign with a team headed there because the deal was made before the league deadline Sunday.  Assuming Marbury clears waivers, he could become a member of the Celtics as soon as this Friday.  If so, he could be in the lineup for his first action of the season Friday night in Beantown against Indiana.  Unfortunately there are no more match-ups between Boston and New York this season, because that would certainly have some added flare.  But New Yorkers that want to pay to boo Marbury will have opportunity to do so, as the Celtics visit New Jersey March 4th.  At least this story can finally come to an end.  Marbury is expected to sign for a pro-rated veteran minimum contract.
• His thirteen year run as the Colts star wideout is over.  Marvin Harrison wanted his release and got it yesterday after meeting with Indy boss Jim Irsay.  He was due to earn $13.4 million in 2009, but Indianapolis wanted to restructure his contract.  Harrison decided instead of coming back he'd rather have his release to play elsewhere.  After all, the 36-year-old would have been the third option this season had he returned to Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez.  Harrison will likely go down as one of the top receivers to ever play in the NFL, as he ranks in the top five all-time in receptions (1,102), yards (14,580) and touchdowns (128).  The first round pick from Syracuse in 1996 has been to eight pro-bowls and won Super Bowl XLI as the Colts beat the Bears.  As to where he'll land?  Some speculate a move to Philadelphia since the Eagles need another receiver and Harrison is a Philly native.  ESPN's John Clayton also suggested possible destinations for #88 could be San Francisco or Chicago. 

Hump Day Headlines: Afternoon Edition

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss good sportsmanship, A-Rod's new memories, Tiger's impending return, and an NBA trade deadline update:

• Amidst all that is wrong with sports right now, kudos to the Dekalb, Illinois High School Boys Basketball team. In February 8th's contest against Milwaukee Madison, WI High School senior Johntell Franklin of MM decided that despite the passing of his mother the night before, he wanted to play in the game. Franklin's coach, Aaron Womack Jr., didn't list Frankin as an eligible player, anticipating Franklin wouldn't play. If Franklin did enter the game, a technical foul would automatically be called against Milwaukee Madison. Dekalb coach Dave Rohlman got word of this, and instructed his team that whoever would shoot the technical free throws would miss on purpose in tribute to Franklin. He didn't want his team to benefit from the opportunity at two points that he felt wouldn't be right. Franklin did enter the game. Madison's Darius McNeal rolled both free throws toward the basket. After this act, the entire crowd stood and clapped for McNeal's gesture towards Franklin. Finally, something in sports to be proud of, and a reminder of one of the biggest reasons we love sports. (Click here for a discussion on this from ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning.
  
• While I was visiting Fenway Park, I know many of you and Scott watched closely as A-Rod re-explained his admission to using performance enhancing drugs. Still, he didn't seem completely contrite and once again there were inconsistencies in his commentary. Convenient to bring in his "cousin" to take some of the fall. All of a sudden, he knew what drugs he was taking. Even though he didn't think he was doing anything wrong, he didn't tell anyone. Yeah. Sure. Today it was a circus at Yankees spring training. ESPN's Hannah Storm said the clubhouse was so full of media that "it felt like a playoff game". We knew with their plethora of big off-season free agent acquisitions, they'd have a lot of attention coming to them this spring as it is. But now guys like C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira will have to learn quickly what it's like to be a Yankee. They can all thank A-Rod for this mess. So with all the alleged support the Yankees are reportedly providing to A-Rod, if I were his teammate I'd be very frustrated.
• Tiger Woods is apparently on his way back, and soon. So here's what I say to you, PGA Tour pros: start getting used to the fact that your year-long reprieve is over. Now that Tiger is "95% of the way there" according to Steve Williams, his caddy, things have suddenly become terribly difficult again for the field. Williams says his swing has been retooled a bit, an he is still having a little trouble walking. But we all know this about Tiger Woods: if he's coming back, he thinks he can win. And that alone is scary for any golfer in the field. Now that Tiger is the father of two, he can get back to work. He reportedly plans to play in a couple of tournaments as a tune-up for the Masters at Augusta National come April.
• As the NBA trade deadline looms in the next day, some teams are already busy. The Thunder has acquired Tyson Chandler from New Orleans. Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith will be heading to the Hornets. In the newest move, Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com reports the Bulls have acquired Brad Miller and John Salmons from the Kings in exchange for Drew Gooden, Andres Nocioni and Cedric Simmons. Both moves were reportedly fueled by opening cap space for the famous 2010 free agent class. BERNing on Sports will have complete coverage of the NBA trade deadline as it approaches and passes.

Hump Day Headlines: Afternoon Edition

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss Barry Bonds' latest mess, Michael Phelps potential criminal charges, David Beckham's failed soccer experiment, and LeBron reaches 12,000 points...

• As we have mentioned in past Hump Day Headlines, we've been waiting a while for the day to come when Barry Bonds would finally get nailed for cheating his way to baseball's all-time home run crown.  Despite everyone's best efforts to discredit the hundreds of pages filled with evidence damning Bonds in Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada's Game of Shadows, and the fact that not enough has been made of the fact that Bonds has already admitted to steroid use but says "he didn't knowingly take them", we now know that the proof is in the pudding, or urine sample.  The Federal Government has decided to unseal evidence against the slugger that includes multiple positive drug tests.  Bonds attorneys will try yet again to discredit these drug tests, which date back to 2003, but how a jury could actually be convinced that Bonds didn't know that he was taking steroids yet was consistently failing drug tests would really be a miracle.  Then again, O.J. somehow got away free.
• Now that Michael Phelps had been caught in a photo smoking marijuana from a pipe at the University of South Carolina, he could face criminal charges for his actions.  The Richland County Sheriff's department is investigating the situation, and apparently has a very tough stance on drugs (then again, who doesn't?).  The photo was revealed in "News of the World" a British tabloid, and can also be seen right here on this very site, courtesy of Scott's recent post.  Unlike Scott, I don't think you can give Phelps a pass for this act despite the fact that he's 23.  I'm 23, and Scott is 22, and if either of us were caught smoking pot we'd get into trouble.  Granted, many could chalk it up to us being young and dumb, and for that opinion those people would be right.  But neither of us is making monopoly money for endorsements with countless companies or is expected to be a role model for kids across the globe.  Phelps is a moron for rolling the dice with his reputation, especially after he had already been picked up for an under-age D.U.I.  I say Phelps deserves whatever prosecution he gets, and it's a shame he would be so dumb.  I guess he's not the wholesome kid we all hoped he might be.
• Remember when David Beckham came to the U.S. to play soccer for the Los Angeles Galaxy as a way to popularize the world's game in this country?  That experiment surely failed.  He's barely through two years of a 5-year, 32.5 million dollar contract that was going to pay him far more cash in endorsements, and he's trying to get out of his deal to remain with Italy's A.C. Milan, the team he has been playing with for the last month and a half.  His lawyers are currently talking with the Galaxy to see if he can get out of his deal.  So basically, David Beckham's career in the states was short, filled with injury, and unimportant.  It was a novelty at the beginning, but fizzled quickly, like when Katie Couric got the CBS News job and people tuned in for the first week and then went back to their regular destinations.  That ends the argument that soccer could ever be popular in America.  If David Beckham can't do it, no one can.
• With his 33 points in last night's 101-83 win over the Raptors, Cavaliers forward LeBron James has eclipsed the 12,000 point mark for his career.  He is the fastest player ever to reach that scoring total, faster than Michael and faster than Kobe.  At 24 years, 35 days old, he passed Kobe who reached 12,000 at 25 years, 220 days old.  Said Cavs coach Mike Brown, "He's still going to get better, that's the scary thing."  There's an understatement.  The way LeBron is going, there's no telling what kind of statistics he can amass as his career moves along, and he could finish with the best statistics of any player in NBA history.  But until he wins a bunch of titles, and makes his team a champion around him, he'll never get to where every new NBA star has to get to, and that of course is Michael's standard. 

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's version of Hump Day Headlines, we discuss someone you probably hadn't heard of until yesterday, the Braves newest Lowe, the Giants wanting Plax back, and a magical night for Orlando...

• America, meet Jodie Meeks.  The six-foot four inch junior from Norcross, Georgia now holds the University of Kentucky's record for most points in a single game.  With his eye-popping 54 point effort yesterday against Tennessee, Meeks broke Dan Issel's 39-year school record.  And by the way, UK beat the #24 Volunteers 90-72.  (Issel set the previous record with 53 points at Mississippi in 1970.)  This achievement, while astounding, is not completely surprising.  Entering last night's game Meeks was averaging 24 points per game, and was shooting a nice 46% from the field.  In fact, already once this season Meeks flirted with history, when he dropped 46 on Appalachian State December 20th.  Meeks ranked 5th in the nation in scoring entering last night's contest, and will likely move up after his historic night, considering he was just 0.6 points behind Notre Dame's Luke Harangody for fourth in the country.  And maybe most impressive about this night for Meeks?  He shot a whopping 68% from the field, 15-22, and hit TEN three pointers.  Yes, 10-15 from beyond the arc.  (Imagine if Marv Albert had called this game.  Meeks, from downtown, YES!)  He didn't miss a free throw either, going 14-14 from the line, and had eight rebounds and four assists to boot.  Who says Billy Gillispie couldn't turn Kentucky around?  At 13-4, and 2-0 in SEC play, this team has rebounded from it's annual season opening shocker when it lost to Virginia Military in game one.  With Meeks leading this bunch, they could be scary come tourney time.
• Quietly, or maybe not so much, the Atlanta Braves are becoming a legitimate team to compete for the division that they once won 14 times in a row.  After losing John Smoltz to the Red Sox, General Manager Frank Wren spent no time trying to acquire another pitcher.  Derek Lowe is set to sign a sixty million dollar contract with the Braves that keeps him in the A-T-L for the next four years.  The 35-year old sinker baller went 14-11 last year with the Dodgers and had a nice 3.24 ERA, but was absolutely nasty down the stretch.  He allowed 3 runs just twice in his last thirteen starts, which included the playoffs, and won six of his last seven regular season decisions.  He'll be at the top of a rotation that now includes Javier Vazquez, who they acquired from the White Sox for four prospects, and Japanese All-Star Kenshin Kawakami.  The NL East may very well be the best division in the National League this year, and now the defending champion Phillies and the paper champion Mets may have another serious contender to deal with.  And we haven't even mentioned the Marlins.
• Sometimes athletes, even when they're complete morons, are still valuable despite their off field problems.  The Giants passing offense was dreadful without Plaxico Burress.  They were 11-1 with the man who shot himself in the leg, and then dropped three of four without him to finish the season and were erased from the playoffs by the Eagles last week at Giants Stadium.  And over those four weeks prior to the playoff loss, Eli Manning had a QB rating of 69.8 (bad) and threw just two touchdowns in that stretch.  Now he and his teammates want him back, despite all the off the field garbage they dealt with.  "I think he will be back," tailback Brandon Jacobs said after the team lost to the Eagles Sunday.  "I think he should be back.  I don't think he has a bad bone in his body, and I think everyone deserves a second chance."  Translation:  we don't have any good receivers other than Plax, and without him, we're not any good!  With Plax, the Giants passing offense averaged about 1.6 touchdowns per contest.  Without him, it averaged just over half a pass TD per game.  And, since you can't throw half a touchdown, the Giants offense was pretty darn bad without him.  So, Mayor Bloomberg, if you're a Giants fan, let Plax off the hook so he can revive the Giants passing game!  Oh, and by the way, he's in court again because a car he leased was impounded with damages in Pennsylvania.  So I guess letting him off the hook now may not be so easy.
• While Jodie Meeks was making the headlines in college buckets, the Orlando Magic made the headlines in the professional ranks.  The Magic made an NBA record 23 three point shots in a 139-107 blowout of the lowly Sacramento Kings.  Jameer Nelson hit all five treys he attempted, Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each hit three of them, and J.J. Redick and Keith Bogans hit four each off the bench to contribute to the mark.  (NINE Magic players hit at least one three-pointer.)  The Magic are an impressive 31-8 this season, and coming into last night's game ranked third in the NBA in 3-point percentage (39.3).  With this kind of shooting, they're definitely going to be a force in the Eastern Conference and contend for the Finals.    And, lost in this incredible shooting night, the Magic got another typically great performance from Dwight Howard, who poured in 25 with 15 rebounds.   Howard shot 80% from the field, hit 9-11 free throws, and also had four steals.  What a Magical night for Orlando in Sacramento.

Hump Day Headlines

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss the stumbling Celtics, Jeff Jagodzinski, the A's actually signing free agents, and taking a page out of Mike Tyson's book...

• After a record setting 27-2 start, which was actually ahead of the pace of the '95-'96 Bulls, the Boston Celtics are coming back to earth.  Well, to be fair, they're likely somewhere between the all-world start they had and their recent struggles.  Boston has lost 5 of 7, including losses at Golden State, at New York, and last night in Charlotte.  This is the same team that won 19 straight games, and now they've lost to the Knicks and Bobcats.  "We told our team before the season it will be 82 game 7s,"  Celtics coach Doc Rivers said after last night's puzzling loss to the 13-22 Bobcats.  "On the nights we're not ready mentally for that, we're going to have to get lucky and play over our head to win."  The Celtics are obviously the team to beat in the NBA, regardless of the fact that they now have more losses than the Lakers and Cavaliers, since they are defending their NBA championship of last season.  And, thankfully, unless they go 43-3 the rest of the way, the Bulls record will stay in tact.
• Boston College head football coach Jeff Jagodzinski met with the New York Jets yesterday to discuss their head coaching vacancy, despite the fact that he would likely be fired for accepting the interview.  ESPN.com is reporting that Jagodzinski will not be retained by B.C. for interviewing with the Jets, and Yahoo! Sports says Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo will meet with Jagodzinski today to discuss his situation.  Jeff Jagodzinski must know one of two things:  either A) he knows he's going to be hired by the Jets, or B) he has another college or NFL job locked up as a back up plan if he is not hired by New York.  Otherwise, he is willingly being fired from his job.  But more importantly, and check out the podcast for more on this, the fact that Boston College is doing this to him makes them an utter disgrace of a place to work.  It is understood in this industry and in many others that coaches will bounce around from job to job to advance their careers.  If B.C. can't understand that, I pity the fool that agrees to be their next football coach.
• Quietly, the Oakland A's are actually making strides to be a legitimate force in the AL West next season.  First they added Matt Holliday by making a deal with the Rockies, and now they're close to signing Jason Giambi.  That's a lot of pop to add to the middle of your lineup, even if the Giambino is no longer the player he once was.  Still though, while he only hit .247 last year, he hit 32 home runs and drove in 96 runs.  He also got on base at a .373 clip.  Granted, the 2002 MVP would not be returning, but a good power bat would be.  As for Holliday, people always want to question how good he really is since he's played his entire career in Colorado.  Now that he'll be playing in the cavern in Oakland we'll see how good he truly is.  I believe he will be very good, even though his career batting average at Coors Field was .357, a whopping seventy-seven points higher than his career average of .280 on the road.
• Since many people don't follow hockey, here's something even the non-hockey fan would find disturbing, and probably amusing at the same time.  First, check out the headline of this Yahoo! Sports article and tell me you don't find the childish innuendo amusing: "Ruutu bites Peters in Sabres 4-2 win over Senators".  Now that you've had a chance to snicker, or chuckle, or decide I'm pathetic for finding this funny, here's what happened.  Senators winger Jarkko Ruutu bit the thumb of Sabres winger Andrew Peters in a fight last night between the two teams.  Peters' thumb was still in his glove at the time.  "Just the fact that that happened it's unfortunate," Peters said after the game.  "It's not good for the game of hockey."  Clearly, it's not.  And here's the best part, Ruutu was not penalized, and Peters was.  Since the fight was instigated by Peters, he served time in the penalty box.  Maybe Ruutu was inspired by this little ditty from our old pal Mike Tyson:

• This video is still unbelievable.  But the incident last night?  Just another black eye for the sport of hockey.

Hump Day Headlines: New Years Eve Edition

In this week's Hump Day Headlines, we discuss fired NFL coaches, coaches who don't want to be hired, prima-donna Brett, and a look back at a crazy 2008.

• What do Mike Shanahan, Romeo Crennell, Eric Mangini, and Rod Marinelli all have in common?  You guessed it!  All were fired by their respective NFL teams in the last three days.  So on our fired coaches in the last couple months of 2008 ticker, that makes 10 head coaches who have been pink slipped, if you include the NBA head men as well.  2008, to say the least, has not been a good year for coaches.  That is, unless your name is Tom Coughlin, Doc Rivers, Charlie Manuel, or Mike Babcock.  You can also throw the names Les Miles and Bill Self onto that list.  Other than those six men, coaches had a tumultuous year, with countless firings in every sport (i.e. Denis Savard, Barry Melrose, Phillip Fulmer, Greg Robinson, etc.).  Adding to the list of coaches that should have been fired in 2008, look no further than Bills coach Dick Jauron, who was retained by owner Ralph Wilson on Tuesday after completing his third consecutive 7-9 campaign with the Bills on Sunday.
• Since there are obviously many vacancies now in the NFL head coaching fraternity, the most logical choice for any team that's looking for a new head man would be former Steelers coach and current NFL Today analyst Bill Cowher, who was pegged as the next coach of the New York Jets.  Problem is, Cowher apparently doesn't want the job, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.  Cowher has apparently also turned down other NFL coaching vacancies, but he would be the best option of any coach currently unemployed.  If someone could woo him away from the CBS Studios, Cowher is the one man out there that could bring stability and success to an NFL team in the near future.  
• Brett Favre's excuse for his abysmal performance over the last five weeks for a Jets team that failed to make the playoffs after starting the year 8-3, (Favre threw two touchdowns and nine interceptions over that stretch) is that he had pain in his throwing shoulder.  Turns out the reason for this, according to doctors, is he has a torn biceps tendon in that right shoulder.  Doctors say Favre's injury can be corrected by avoiding arthroscopic surgery, but it is suggested.  Now, in addition to Favre's retirement watch, the national media has a new topic to cover...Brett Favre's Injury Watch!  WOO I'm psyched.
• 2008 was a wild year in sports.  Here are just some of the crazy things that happened:  Ohio State, a college football powerhouse that seems to reach the BCS title game yearly, was walloped once again by an SEC team in the championship game, losing in January 38-24 to LSU.  Two consecutive years, the same team crushed in the title game.  The Patriots nearly completed the first perfect season since the '72 Dolphins.  Instead, the Giants upset them in the Super Bowl, with a miraculous catch by David Tyree.  Bill Self won his first national championship as an NCAA coach, and the first for one of the winningest programs in college hoops history in twenty years.  The Boston Celtics, a 24 win team in 2006-2007, added Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen.  Along with Paul Pierce the Celts ripped off a league high 66 wins and won the NBA title for the seventeenth time in team history.  Michael Phelps won EIGHT gold medals at the Olympics.  Eight.  And he's my age.  (Edit: Thank you, B.Stein) The Tampa Bay Rays won the AL East.  They reached their first world series in franchise history.  The Chicago Cubs had the best record in the National League.  Then they promptly lost three straight in the playoffs to the Dodgers.  The White Sox and Cubs made the playoffs at the same time for the first time since 1906.  The Philadelphia Phillies ended a twenty five year drought for the city of brotherly love, winning the first championship for Philadelphia since the '83 Sixers.  The Mets blew another playoff berth.  The Brewers made the playoffs for the first time in twenty five years.  The New England Patriots missed the playoffs.  The Broncos had a three game lead with three games left and missed the playoffs.  Tampa Bay lost four straight to miss the playoffs.  The man Brett Favre replaced, Chad Pennington, made the playoffs.  Brett did not.  And, Chad beat Brett to get there.    The Blackhawks lead the NHL in attendance.  The same Blackhawks who didn't have their home games televised until this year.  
• What a crazy 2008.  Here's to hoping for a great 2009.

Hump Day Headlines

On today's Hump Day Headlines we discuss winning streaks, big dollars, Plaxico's guns and a match up for the ages...

• The Celtics won their nineteenth straight game last night, walloping the 76ers 110-91.  The win gives Boston, the winningest basketball franchise in history, a new club record with the streak.  The last Celts loss came back on November 14th in a 94-85 loss to Denver at home, and ironically the Nuggets went without Allen Iverson in the lineup.  Thirty-nine days later, Boston heads into a Christmas Day match up with the Lakers still without another loss.   And since you're probably wondering, Boston is now ahead of the pace of the 95-96 Bulls team that went 72-10.  That Chicago club, led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, was 26-3 through its first twenty-nine games.  Boston is 27-2.  We might be watching the greatest team ever this season.  Also, check out my previous post that explores this topic here.  
• Four-hundred thirty-one million dollars.  That number is the amount of cash the Yankees have doled out to four players over the last couple of weeks to overtake the Red Sox and Rays next year in the AL East.  With the acquisitions of C.C. Sabathia ($161 million) and  A.J. Burnett ($85 million), avoiding arbitration with Chien-Ming Wang ($5 million), and inking Mark Teixiera today for $180 million over eight years, the rich are certainly getting richer.  I guess we can throw that whole recession crap out the window, and the notion that the Yankees would try to cut payroll after dumping nearly $80 million off the books this off-season prior to these moves.   What will the Yankees do next year if they don't win it all?  Probably blame A-Rod.  (For more on this, check out Scott's earlier post here.)
• Two guns were found in Plaxico Burress's house yesterday.  Whoops.  I guess whatever story Plax tries to tell to get himself out of this mess is moot at this point.  Then again, he is a professional athlete, so constitutional law only partially applies to him.  And, he'll have a big money lawyer likely representing him in court March 31st.  But while he did bail himself out of jail on $100,000 bond, that money may only buy him three months of freedom...just enough to watch the Giants playoff run while he sits on the non-football injury list.
• Speaking of New York football, what a sweet match up we'll be treated to on Sunday when Miami visits Giants Stadium to take on the Jets.  Yes, it is a match up that will help decide who wins the AFC East.  But what makes this far more intriguing is that former Jet QB Chad Pennington will get to face off with the man that replaced him, in Brett Favre.  Imagine, for the already snake-bit Jets fans, to have to watch ol' Chadwick come back to knock them out of the playoffs on their home turf with a team that was 1-15 a year ago! And consider this, the Jets were 8-3 just five weeks ago, coming off victories over New England and Tennessee on the road.  Now, 1-3 over the last month, New York will need some help to get into the playoffs.  Guess Broadway Brett wasn't the savior after all.

Hump Day Headlines

This is the debut of Hump Day Headlines which will appear every Wednesday.  Like the Monday Morning Longsnapper this weekly post will be done in bullet point form.

• Did anyone see that the Arena Football League "suspended" its 2009 season?  Suspended.  HA!  Actually, it has basically folded citing the bad economy as one of the reasons for its demise.  Said Jon Bon Jovi, owner of the Philadelphia Soul on the AFL's website, "We, the owners of the Arena Football League, realize we have the most fan-friendly, affordable and accessible sport anywhere."  (Uh, no John.  If that were the case, people would be attending and you wouldn't be folding!)  He goes on to say, "These are trying economic times.  The revamping will ensure that the AFL continues to provide value to its fans and not only survives but thrives in years to come."  Good luck with that.  The league hopes to come back in 2010, but would anyone really care if they were gone forever?  I guess ESPN screwed up in purchasing part of the league and airing all of its games last season.  Whoops!
• White Sox fans rejoiced when they found out Darrin Jackson would not be back in the TV booth for next season with play by play man and resident entertainer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson.  Steve Stone has taken Jackson's place there.  But little did they know DJ would return to the team as Ed Farmer's partner on radio.  Things I'd rather do than listen to Farmio and DJ on the radio:  1.  listen to Christian Rock radio for the three hours the White Sox are on, 2.  clean every toilet at Wrigley Field following a game on a 95 degree day in August, 3. be the trailing janitor that follows the horses in the parades at Disney World that scoops up manure.  I could go on, but you get the point.  With the lack of energy those two will bring to the air, I suspect coffee sales will skyrocket in the Chicagoland area for White Sox fans trying to stay awake while in the car during games.  Oh, and if you haven't had a good laugh today yet, click here and you will.  You can thank me later.
• If you haven't seen this yet, take the time now to watch it.  (The Shot is :52 into the clip)
• Seen it now?  It's so typical that Syracuse could lose a game like that.  It's was an amazing shot hit by Cleveland State's Cedric Jackson.  But if you're Syracuse, how do you put yourself in a position to lose on a last second shot to Cleveland State at home?  If you're really the eleventh best team in the country you shouldn't have so much trouble beating a team that came in 6-4 from the Horizon League.  And if it wasn't enough of an embarrassment for Jim Boeheim's club, he then had to take it out on the microphone in the press conference after the game.
• Penn State and head football coach Joe Paterno agreed to a contract extension yesterday that will have leading the Nittany Lions until 2011.   JoePa will be 85 when the contract expires.  85 years old!  After an 11-1 season and a trip to the Rose Bowl, I suppose the man deserves it.  But at this point everyone knows the man's just a figurehead and doesn't do much coaching these days.  He was the only head coach I saw all season that spent the game in the press box, instead of on the field with his team.  You can't argue with his success, or all that he's done for PSU, but come on.  At some point, just reach a deal with the guy to retire and let his assistants finally get the credit they deserve for Penn State's recent success.
• Begin the countdown now.  We're just three days away from the Bowl Season, beginning with the Eagle Bank Bowl, the New Mexico Bowl, the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl and the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl.  Woohoo!  There's nothing that excites me more as a college football fan than watching mediocre six win teams duke it out in a completely meaningless football game on a cold December weekend!  Honestly, there's nothing worse in college football than naming rights for bowl games.  It might even be worse than the BCS.  Would you be excited to play in the Champs Sports Bowl, the Meineke Car Care Bowl, or the Papajohns.com Bowl?  Maybe it's the Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl that tickles your fancy.  As big a sports fan as any of you claim to be, find something else to do during the Chick-fil-A bowl.  Please.  I could never watch something with a name that dumb.