Heading into week 15, the 49ers' chances of making it to the playoffs were hanging by a thread. In what was scheduled to be a 10:00 a.m. meeting between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, would soon be a 1:00 p.m. matinee as the snow started to fall and the temperature began to drop. After a long night of shoveling snow, both teams were ready to take the field after the 3-hour delay. And like the freezing Philly temperature, the 49er offense was frozen solid during the first two quarters with the Eagles leading 20-3. Turnovers would prove to be costly, as the 49ers made four during the first half alone. The offensive miscues were highlighted by Quarterback Alex Smith, who threw three interceptions.For the second time in three weeks, the San Francisco offense failed to convert on third down conversions, resulting in little to no chance of life on offense. The opening quarter of the second half would be a different story, as the 49ers put up 10 points, creeping within a touchdown. All until Eagles RB LeSean McCoy ran it in for a two yard touchdown with just minutes remaining in the game. & Although 49er RB Frank Gore ran for 107 yards, putting an end to the Eagles' 23-game streak without allowing a 100-yard rusher, the Eagles went on to win the game by a score of 27-13, marking the 6th straight loss on the road for the 9ers this year. The Eagles on the other hand won their 5th straight for the first time since 2006. With the loss for San Francisco and an Arizona win over the Lions, all hope of the 49ers making the playoffs were laid to rest as they were officially eliminated from playoff contention. Thus resulting in the Cardinals winning back-to-back NFC West tittles.One positive to point out, was 49er TE Vernon Davis' three catches for 43 yards. Each yard helping him set a franchise record for receiving yards for a tight end in a single season (858) surpassing the record previously held by Eric Johnson. Although the feat has little to do with it, his stellar season performance has led to a trip to Hawaii to play in this year's Pro-Bowl. & Joining Davis will be inside line backer Patrick Willis. With week 16's match-up against the Detroit Lions, the only thing on the line will be bragging rights. & Maybe reputation points as well. Of coarse the season is over for both teams, but you never want to lose the final home game of the season. Nor do you want to lose to the Lions who went win-less in 2008. As always, Go 9ers!
In the final game to be played for the Giants at Giants stadium in New York, the team bid farewell to the stadium they called home for 33 years. However the farewell ended on a rather sour note as the Giants were blown out by the Carolina Panthers, 41-9. The 9 points New York put up was a disappointment to say the least, especially after swamping the Redskins on the road the week before by scoring 45 points and 38 points in week 14 against the Eagles. A pivotal game that New York lost, giving the Eagles sole possession of 1st place in the NFC East. The loss on Sunday also put the Giants hopes of making the playoffs on life support, pending the result of the Dallas Cowboys - Washington Redskins game. Dallas went on to win the game 17-0, eliminating the Giants from playoff contention.What looked to be a promising start for the Giants, after starting the season strong going 5-0, then took a nose dive as the Giants then lost five straight, becoming the second team in NFL history to do so. Although the Giants wouldn't struggle much afterwards, the losing streak put a damper on their playoff hopes, making things in the division tighter than they should of been. Now with a 2010 season to look forward to and a new stadium to call home, New York sports fans have got to be thinking ahead as the New York Yankees did the same thing the year before. After failing to make it to the postseason in their final year at Yankee stadium, the Yanks kicked off their inaugural season at the New Yankee stadium on a championship note by popping champagne and bringing home their record 28th World Series tittle.Since calling Giants Stadium their home in 1976, the Giants have went on to win 3 Superbowl Championships. The crosstown rival New York Jets on the other hand haven't been so lucky. Since 1984, the Giants and Jets have shared the stadium, but only the Giants have had success. Could it be the name perhaps? Although the stadium is officially called 'Giants Stadium', Jets fans will argue that they'd rather prefer to the stadium as the 'Meadowlands'. No matter what they call it or how much they like playing there, they'll have to call it home for another year as they look to open the gates for another season in 2010. With the Jets still in contention for a playoff spot, could New York's other team keep the stadium alive and finally bring some magic before the wrecking ball comes a knockin?
With the Indianapolis Colts already guaranteed a spot in this year's playoffs, Peyton Manning's health was much more important than a perfect season. With the Colts leading by 5 points in the second half, head coach Jim Caldwell decided substituting for his star quarterback would be the best solution if they plan on punching their ticket to Superbowl XLIV. Backup QB Curtis Painter then took over for the former NFL MVP, giving up two costly turnovers, including an interception with 4:52 remaining in the game. The pick sealed the victory for the Jets and put an end to any possible hopes of a Colts comeback. Star wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight-end Dallas Clark were also substituted for.In a game that meant virtually nothing to an Indianapolis Colts team (aside from a perfect record), meant everything in the world to the New York Jets. Hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, Rex Ryan's Jets took advantage of the Colts' decision to sit their star players. The Jets' 29-15 victory prevented the Colts from becoming the first ever team in NFL history to go 19-0 in a season, if they were to in fact make it to and win the Superbowl. Instead, the Colts will be just another team if they do in up winning it all this year and will look back at this game, hoping they kept Manning in and won.Although finishing the season with an undefeated record is something every team wouldn't mind accomplishing, given it's only happened once in NFL history, the prize everyone truly aims for is winning it all and holding up the Lombardi Trophy. & If Indianapolis plans on doing that for the second time this decade, keeping their future Hall of Fame Quarterback fresh and ready for the playoffs would be the smartest thing to do. Whether it was the best solution or not, critics have already begun to criticize coach Caldwell's decision. ESPN Around The Horn columnist Woody Paige made a good point after everyone begun to question the decision by saying the heat would have been ten times worse if Manning got injured had coach Caldwell chose to keep him in the game. Either way you may look at it, I say injury protection is far more important than season perfection. One way this loss does however benefit the Colts, is the case for Peyton Manning's MVP candidacy. It's clear that even with a lead, the team can't win without him. & I don't know about you, but I'd be pretty pissed off if I was at this game, watching Peyton Manning get yanked off the field with the lead, only for some guy named Curtis Painter to come in and lay an egg.
As if you haven't heard of him yet, Milwaukee Bucks rookie sensation Brandon Jennings has already made a name for himself in the NBA. Just 20 years old, Jennings already has a 55 point performance under his belt, in which he recorded on November 17th against the Golden State Warriors. The 55 point outburst was the second most for a rookie player only behind the great Wilt 'The Stilt' Chamberlain. For Milwaukee, there's nothing better than an already experienced and mature 20 year old rookie. & Just weeks after the start of the 2009-2010 NBA season, many are calling Jennings the steal of the draft, after slipping to the Milwaukee Bucks and getting selected tenth overall.Heading into the draft, many teams were concern about Jennings' background after deciding to become the first player to skip college to play in Europe to be drafted by an NBA team. Although many encouraged Jennings not do so, it seems like it's all paid off. Jennings' rapid growth and success has many thinking twice about going to play ball collegiality instead of going overseas. However since the young Bucks' 55 point performance, Jennings has begun to slow down a bit, making way for another rookie. Talks have now begun regarding fellow rookie phenom Tyreke Evans. The former college star at Memphis has already made an impact on a young team that has surprised the league even with the absence of Kevin Martin. Evans' Kings are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and have already begun to show improvement. Improvement that looks like it'll continue to keep us in store for a bright future and a playoff contender for years to come. Something Sacramento has been lacking since the Vlade Divac days in the early 2000's.Evans might not have a 55 point game under his resume, but what he has accomplished in as little time, is just as breath taking. In his first 20 games, Evans has averaged at least 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. Something no other rookie has accomplished. & That includes Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, etc. Although it's still early on in the season, the two will be closely watched down the stretch to see who will be this year's Rookie of the Year. Of coarse this doesn't negate any other potential sleepers from creeping up into the Rookie of the Year polls, but as of right now, who's got your vote?
Playing football in the chilly month of December is always a crucial task. But none have been any more crucial than those played by the Dallas Cowboys. You would think playing in-doors during the wintertime would be an advantage, but it hasn't been. The Cowboys who haven't had a winning record in the month of December since 1997 , have been notorious for rolling over and dying in the last month of the year. However, on the first Saturday night game of the 2009 season, the Boys responded in the biggest of ways by knocking off the previously unbeaten New Orleans Saints by a final score of 24-to-17.Like many, although I'm not a fan of the Saints, you almost wanted to see them finish the regular season and head into the playoffs & perhaps the Superbowl on an undefeated note. Instead, the Indianapolis Colts remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL. Heading into the month of December, the remaining schedule for the Saints and their plans for perfection was in their favor. & With the 13-0 Saints playing at home, hosting the team that's been known to fall apart in December, it couldn't have been any easier for Drew Brees & company...So they thought. Whether the Saints were unprepared or the Cowboys were underestimated, the Saints picked a bad time to lose by surrendering their first defeat to the Cowboys of all teams. But just like the saying goes, "No game in the NFL is an easy one, regardless of who your opponent may be."Even though the Saints quest for perfection is now out of the question, their plans of making it to and winning the Superbowl are still in tact. Still weeks away from the playoffs, the Saints are easily favored in the NFC, as no other team matches up on paper. The Minnesota Vikings who looked to be a possible scare have somewhat fallen off the radar by losing in back to back Sunday Night match-ups on the road to both the Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers. The Indianapolis Colts however should have their work cut out for them in the playoffs this year. Two other teams worth mentioning are the San Diego Chargers who are currently riding a 9-game winning streak and the Tennessee Titans who just happen to be right back into playoff contention since Vince Young's promotion after starting the season off 0-6. But with a 7-7 record, the Titans will be one of the many teams fighting for the AFC wild card.As the final weeks of the 2009 NFL regular season edge closer, the playoff picture begins to take shape. & With the Colts still eying a perfect season having already clinched a playoff berth, many are asking whether or not the Colts should start their starting players or bench them to keep them fresh and healthy for the playoffs. Which brings me to ask, what would you do?Noteworthy: Season firsts for the Saints included their first loss and the first time they failed to score three touchdowns. The Cowboys won for the first time in their last five December games. Romo has not thrown an interception in his last 156 pass attempts, the longest streak of his career.With a missed field goal from 24 yards in the fourth quarter, Cowboys kicker Nick Folk has now missed a kick in six straight games. ... New Orleans allowed four sacks after allowing just 15 in their previous 13 games. .. With 298 passing yards, Brees recorded his fourth straight 4,000-yard season, joining Peyton Manning as the only players in NFL history to accomplish the feat.
What's been a rather sad weekend for the Cincinnati Bengals, ends up on an even more sour note. Just days after the team lost wide receiver and fellow teammate Chris Henry, the Bengals were forced to go back to work and return to the playing field against the San Diego Chargers. Chad Ochocinco who had planned on wearing the #15 on his jersey in honor of Henry, did not get the opportunity, as the league has a ban on players changing jersey numbers for a single game. Ochocinco did however get his message across after scoring a touchdown that would give the Bengals the lead. Known for his more controversial and creative touchdown celebrations, Ocho dropped down on his knees and began to pray while pointing up to the sky in a touching manner. The emotional Ochocinco was then seen with fellow teammates hugging and walking back to the sidelines with tears running down his face. The Bengals would end up losing the game by a score of 27-24.
On December 16th, Chris Henry was rushed to the hospital after jumping out the back of a moving truck. Henry sustained serious injuries to his head and died early the next morning. The young Henry was reported dead on December 17th and passed at the early age of 26. In remembrance of Henry, the Cincinnati Bengals will wear the no. 15 on the back of their helmets as seen in the photo below.
RIP - Chris Henry
After the 49ers were sent home last week licking their wounds, it was do-or-die time as the division leading Arizona Cardinals were in town for a Monday Night showdown. As a child growing up in a household in which my father raised me to root strictly for the Lakers, Giants, and 49ers, it was my first ever 49er game. & Of all the teams and sports, football and the 49ers became my first true love. But even as a long time supporter, attending a football game hasn't been as easy as one would suspect. But 19 years later, I was on my way to my first ever Niners game. & For it being my first, I don't think you could of wrote it any better and selected a better game to go to, than the one we seen.With the 49ers playoff hopes hanging on a thread, you would think the fans would rather save their money given the shitty economy, and watch the game at the comfort of their own home. However, that couldn't have been any further from the outcome, as the stadium began to roar as soon as I stepped foot into Candlestick park. As my pop's and I walked up the stairwell in search of our seats, I began to get star struck, looking over onto the field. The same exact field in which Bill Walsh, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana among others made a franchise that was at one point and time nothing, into a dynasty. Our disposable camera was almost out of film before we even found our seats, as we took picture after picture of the packed stadium.Once we finally settled in into our seats, the Monday Night Football theme song began to play out loud of the stadium speakers, setting off a roar of the crowd unlike any I've heard or been a part of before. It took me awhile to actually realize where I was. My father and I have been talking about heading to the Bay Area for a game for years, but never ended up living up to our word. As the Cardinals kicked the ball off, it finally set in, that we were indeed there live and direct. & The rest is history. If you were to tell me before the game that the 49ers would manhandle the Cardinals the way they did, I would've said get the hell out of here. But the Niners came out full throttle as if they were playing for their lives. Coincidentally, they were. They're playoff-lives that is.Unlike the week before, San Francisco was able to cash in on every miscue the opposing team threw at them. The offense scored all of their 24 points off of Arizona turnovers, with a total of 7. 5 of them by way of fumbles, and the rest interceptions. Although the Niner defense was able to expose Kurt Warner and the Cardinals offense, Alex Smith and company did their job as well. The biggest offensive contribution came out of RB Frank Gore. Gore ran for a total of 167 rushing yards and 1 touchdown on 25 carries. Gore's stellar ground game also helped milk the clock when needed. Alex Smith didn't put up eye-popping numbers, but he did manage to throw 2 touchdowns. The first to TE Vernon Davis, giving him 11 on the year. With the TD, Davis added to his franchise record and league leading touchdown amount. Smith's other touchdown reception went to rookie WR Michael Crabtree. His 2nd on the year and first in front of the 49er faithful.A final score of 24-to-9 lit up the scoreboard as everyone began to celebrate and give high-fives. I was stoked enough being able to actually go to a game, but what the Niners did on the field made my trip to San Francisco worthwhile. Out of the many sports games and venues I've been to, never in my life have I been as excited and have as much fun as I had. A few of my dad's friends on the other hand weren't so lucky. Sitting in the stands of an opposing team's stadium when you've got a rival jersey on isn't always pretty. & With three of my dad's Cardinal buddies sitting behind us, there was no exception. There were times when things got ugly and tempers began to flare, but in the end, everyone shook hands and called it a night. The traffic both in and out of the stadium was a nightmare, but at the end of the day, I'd do it all over again to fulfill my dreams of attending my first favorite team's game.
Next week's match-up will be no less than a must-win game, if the Niners hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. & Heading to an unfriendly Philadelphia to face the Wild Card leading Philadelphia Eagles, will be no easy task. But with the way the Niners played defense on Monday Night, I'm convinced anything can happen. GO NINERS!
With the 49ers heading into Seattle to face their division foe after coming off of a convincing win against Jacksonville, the tables were set for San Francisco to gain some ground and keep their playoff hopes alive. & With the division leading Arizona Cardinals hosting the red hot Minnesota Vikings, things couldn't seem any better. Alex Smith had an outstanding day, throwing for 310 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, but the game wouldn't end there, as head coach Mike Singletary made a couple of gutsy calls to go for it on 4th down early on. The first which was on the 1-yard line ended in a dropped pass in the end-zone by TE Delanie Walker, resulting in a turnover on downs. What looked to be a potential penalty in my eyes, ended in disappointment as no flags were thrown.However the Niners would still strike first with a touchdown pass to TE Vernon Davis. After tying the franchise record for most touchdown catches for a 49er tight-end the previous week against Jacksonville, Davis broke the record with his 10th touchdown reception on the season. After Seattle responded with a touchdown of their own, both teams exchanged punts. Then came the unthinkable. Punt returner Arnaz Battle received the kick before botching it on a reverse to Brandon Jones. Seattle recovered the ball and took the lead on another touchdown. But San Francisco didn't stop there, as they were fortunate enough to score another touchdown. Both teams headed into the half tied 14-14.After the first 2 quarters of what should of been a first half dominated by the 49ers, a match-up of defense would then take the show. Neither team scored in the 3rd quarter, and the San Francisco offense couldn't seem to convert on 3rd downs despite the career day thrown by Alex Smith. After Seattle went up by a field goal with just under a few minutes remaining, the 49ers failed once again to come up big and take a late game lead, as they had to settle for a field goal. From there on out Matt Hasselbeck carved the San Francisco defense, executing key passes and using clock management to his advantage. & With time expiring, Olindo Mare kicked the game winner, sending the 49ers home on a sour note. With the win, Seattle tied the 49ers for second place in the division, only behind the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona, who hosted Brett Favre and company, exposed the Vikings and only made things more depressing for the 49er faithful.In week 14, the 49ers will be on life support, hoping to put a halt to the Cardinals chances of clinching the division on 49er territory. & The best thing about the game, aside from it being on ESPN's Monday Night Football, is that I'll be there! :)
Christmas shopping for others is not always easy. But one item that's sure to be on ton's of lists this holiday season, is the Air Jordan Space Jam XI's. The shoe that many sneaker heads and sneaker enthusiasts have been waiting for and drooling over for years, is finally set to drop on December 23rd at select retailers and Christmas eve at others. Given the holiday's are always a hectic time of year to shop, it'll make it that much harder to get yourself or others a pair of these bad boys. The shoes inspired by the same exact sneakers Mr. MJ himself (That's Michael Jordan for all you youngsters out there) wore in the Looney Tune hit movie - Space Jam, which also happens to be one of my personal favorites growing up as a child. A very sought-after shoe that's had numerous postponed release dates, gives it that much more hype as one of, if not thee most anticipated sneaker releases of 2009. Camping out in the cold is never something to look forward to, but if you plan on getting these babies on time and at retail price ($175), you'll do all of the above. With that being said, Will these neck breakers be on your Christmas list?
Do you often find yourself pulling your hair out looking for answers to help keep your fitteds waterproof and stain-free? Well look no further! That's right, New Era has you covered with their new water-proof baseball hats. What New Era has recently come up with will now fill your needs as you can finally get rid of your old canned hat spray/stain-repellent. Personally, I think this feature could of and should of been created years ago, but I guess that's the whole plot of companies these days, by getting you to continue & buy their product. But as a hat-collector myself, you won't see me buying hats all over again, just because they're water resistant. Not to mention they're probably a few bucks more than the already outrageously priced $36.00 hats you buy in stores today. But if you've got the money, by all means go out and blow it!
Although my last post was on a sports commentator known for his wacky, yet creative sayings and descriptions, sometimes even those that get paid to talk, ought to keep their mouth shut every once in awhile. & This next post is a perfect example of that. During a Los Angeles Clippers telecast, in which the visiting Clippers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, Iranian center Hamed Haddadi took the court for the first time in front of long time Clippers play-by-play man Ralph Lawler and color analyst Michael Smith. Upon Haddadi's entrance into the game, the two joked about the Iranian ballplayer, saying such things as:Smith: "Look who's in, Hamed Haddai. The first ever Iranian to play in the NBA."Lawler: "Wait a minute, he's from Iran?"Smith: "I guess so."Lawler: "That Iran?"Smith: "Yes."Lawler: "The real Iran?"Smith: "Yes."Lawler: "Wow. Hadaddi that's H-A-D-D-A-D-I."Smith: "You sure it's not Borat's older brother? If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I'm going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part."I'm sure the two meant no harm when they first expressed their comments, but the conversation caught the attention of one viewer who was offended by the commentators' outburst. The duo's actions resulted in a 1-game suspension for both Lawler & Smith, who later apologized to Haddadi in the Grizzlies locker room prior to tip-off when both the Clippers & Grizzlies met again two weeks later. Haddadi who was accompanied by a translator, understood their sincerity and their humor. What I found surprisingly, is that Haddadi thought many took what Lawer & Smith said the wrong way. But regardless of how you look at it, joking about one's ethnic and nationality on live t.v. is a recipe for disaster, as this could of been a lot worse than it actually was.
With the lack of Throwback Thursday posts as of late, we bring it back with one of the biggest icons in the history of sports broadcasting. None other than Chick Hearn. Not only was Hearn considered a staple to the game of basketball, but also as a commentator, as he called games on both television and radio for the Los Angeles Lakers. As a kid growing up and watching Vlade Divac and the Lakers put it down at the Forum, I remembering hearing a voice that wasn't one to get mixed with others. Simply because the basketball lingo and vocab Hearn used when broadcasting was unparalleled and unmatched by his colleagues.Chick Hearn who was also known as Chicky Baby, was loyal to the Lakers, as he held a streak of 3,338 consecutive games broadcasted. On August 5th, 2002, Hearn died due to a serious head injury that he suffered after falling and hitting his head inside of his home located in Encino, California. Hearn became the third broadcaster to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Hearn was better known for his creative sayings and catch phrases. My personal favorite had to be his famous game ending quote, "This game's in the refrigerator, the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the Jell-O's jigglin'!" Hearn was also the father and originator of common everyday phrases such as 'Slam Dunk' and 'Air Ball'. Although Chicky Baby is no longer with us in the booth, he's with us at heart and that's what matters. GO LAKERS!
In only his second NBA season, despite missing what would've been his rookie season in 2007, Portland Trailblazers center Greg Oden will miss yet another season due to injury. The first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft will once again have to watch his team from the sidelines as he undergoes season ending surgery. The young Oden who's been known to have bad knees since being drafted as an Ohio State Buckeye will have to undergo his second knee surgery in as many seasons. Although this is no laughing matter, I'm beginning to ask, as I'm sure Oden has done the same, 'Could he be jinxed?' There's no doubt that at his young age, Oden is way too injury prone. As Oden goes down with his fourth injury already in only two seasons, critics are already starting to cry out 'BUST!' At a monstrous 7-foot, Oden's knees were bound to go out at some point and time, but at 21 years old?It's one thing to look like your 50 years old and another when you play like it and get injured as often as one. But if one didn't know any better, at first glance you would think Oden was a 20-year veteran or perhaps the team's coach. With all joking aside, I feel for the big man, as any real basketball fan would. That's unless you're a Blazer fan of coarse. With expectations a mile high sitting on his back, you know he's gotta feel bad as well. & With a young squad like the Blazers, you begin to wonder how his absence deflates that organization. They also begin to kick themselves thinking "Why didn't we go after Kevin Durant?" Who has sure turned into quite the stud for an improving Thunder organization. & If the weight of the team wasn't already set on the shoulders of Blazers guard Brandon Roy, then things might get a whole lot heavier in the Conference that is the Wild Wild West.
Heading into last week's heavyweight match-up between the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots, many questioned the Saints' 11-0 record and said the lack of opponents is the main reason why the team remains unbeaten. But the Monday Night showdown proved Drew Brees and the boys of the byo can hang, as Brees put on an offensive show, totaling 5 touchdowns & 371 yards in route to a 38-17 win over New England. With all the recent MVP talk hovering Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, Drew Brees let it be known that he's not one to be slept on.The Saints defense was able to hold off Tom Brady and force him to throw 2 key interceptions, resulting in Pats head coach Bill Belichick taking him out for the final two offensive drives. & With two unbeaten teams throughout the first 13 weeks for the first time in NFL history, a new question begins to surface. "Which undefeated is better, the Saints or the Colts?" With both teams escaping defeat more than once, I've gotta say it's the Saints. What that New Orleans team did to Bill Belichick's boys was just unfair. Not to mention when Manning's Colts beat New England 2 weeks ago, they only won by 1 point. That opposed to the 21 point ass whooping New Orleans served up.With just weeks left to the 2009 NFL regular season, all eyes are set on both the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. Although the big game is still well out of reach, a Superbowl headlined by two undefeated teams would be huge! & If the two were to meet this weekend, I'd have to put my money on the Saints, given they've been fortunate enough to find a way to win in the most impressing ways. Might I add they are pretty fun to watch. With that being said, 'WHO DEY! WHO DEY! WHO DEY SAY GON' BEAT DEM SAINTS!?!?!?'
Recently, the biggest headlines in sports have been rather ridiculous. From tennis great Andre Agassi coming out about his alleged meth addiction and match tanking, to the Tiger Woods scandal. All of which have either no place in the sporting world or shouldn't have been brought up or made as big as they were in the first place. & This story is no different. Earlier this week, Ron Artest came out and admitted he drank hennessy in the locker room at halftime back in his days with the Chicago Bulls. Artest claims that prior to games, he would walk from the arena to the liquor store across the street to buy himself a bottle of the good stuff.What I want to know is what Artest was thinking when explaining his troubled years as a rookie. What good do these athletes get out of admitting to things they had no business in admitting to them to begin with. Noone knew about it, so why bring it up? If anything, it'll raise eyebrows and critics will begin to think what else goes on behind closed doors that they don't already know about? The smartest way of letting something out that you want the world to know, is writing or publishing an autobiography or tell-all book 10 or 15 years after your retirement to help make some extra money. Similar to the route Andre Agassi recently took.So far since his signing with the Lakers, Artest's actions have cried out "Look at me!" as it seems he's hoping for attention. It was a no-brainer that with the signing of Artest would come controversy, but that's nothing new to Ron-Ron who's been through just about everything. From dress codes and on-court altercations to fights with players and fans. It's just the nature of Artest's game, and that may never change. But what the former 2004 Defensive Player of the Year did on late-night television just last week is beyond me. Artest was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live and showed up with nothing on but a pair of boxer briefs. The two joked about it, but it leaves many including me wondering, "What in the hell is wrong with this guy?" & "What's next?"
Last Sunday Vince Young led the Tennessee Titans to a last minute victory over Matt Lienart and the Arizona Cardinals. Leinart who started in place of the injured Kurt Warner made it a much anticipated rematch since the two quarterbacks played against one another in the 2006 Rose Bowl. With just minutes remaining and the home team down by 4, Vince Young and the boys stormed down field 99 yards in what would be the last drive of the game. The game couldn't have gotten any more nail biting than it was, as Young connected with rookie wide-receiver Kenny Britt for a 10-yard touchdown pass with time expiring. The game winning drive gave the Titans their fifth straight victory since promoting Vince Young as the starting quarterback and beginning the season 0-6.Young's stunning final drive consisted of 16 passes, including 10 receptions for 94 passing yards and 5 rushing yards. He also converted three fourth-downs on the drive and finished the game with a career-high 387 passing yards. Thanks to Vince Young's late game heroics, things are now starting to stir up in the NFC West, as the 49ers begin to show life in the division by taking advantage of a Arizona loss and beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-3.Noteworthy: The recipient of the game winning touchdown pass, rookie WR Kenny Britt finished with 7 receptions and a career-high 128 receiving yards. Tennessee RB Chris Johnson ran for a total of 154 rushing yards to go along with a touchdown. With another solid game for the speedy Johnson, he joins Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson as the only players in NFL history with six straight 125-yard rushing games. 
A week after coming from a loss to Green Bay, the Niners hoped to recover at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The loss to the Packers also marked the slowest start of the season for starting quarterback Alex Smith. However the loss at Lambeau Field was a thing of the past as Smith looked comfortable in the pocket in the early going. The Niners came out guns blazing and headed into the half with a 17-3 lead highlighted by a touchdown reception from both RB Frank Gore and TE Vernon Davis. Davis tied a franchise single season franchise record by a tight end with his ninth touchdown catch of the season. Davis' nine touchdown receptions also ties him for the NFL lead. Alex Smith finished the game with 232 yards and 2 touchdowns on 27 for 41 passing. Also worth mentioning, Smith didn't throw an interception for the first time this season.With the offense getting their end of the job done, the defense also did what was needed by holding the Jags to only 3 points and just 35 yards in the first half, thanks to a missed 40 yard field-goal by Jacksonville kicker Josh Scobee. Misfortune didn't stop there, as Scobee would again miss a field-goal, this time a 21 yarder. The miss tied for the shortest of the season. The defensive standoff marked the third time this season that San Francisco did not allow a touchdown, as Jacksonville failed convert in the red zone, finishing the day 0-for-4 . Compliments were given to QB David Garrard who fumbled twice in key situations. The home scoreboard wasn't the only one the Niners were curious about, as the Tennessee Titans hosted the visiting Arizona Cardinals in a wild come from behind win that helped the Niners take a breath of relief as far as the NFC West standings go.In week 13, the Niners will be playing a Seattle team that hasn't been itself since visiting San Francisco in week 2 when starting QB Matt Hasselbeck went down with a back injury during the 3rd quarter. Since the win, the Seahawks have been in the Niners rear-view mirror in the NFC West standings. But since the 23-10 win over Seattle 11 weeks ago, the 49ers have had a hard time winning on enemy turf to say the least. And a visit to Quest field in the chilly Emerald city will be no different, as it's been known to be one of the hardest places to win as a visiting team.
It's official, Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers agree to a one-year prorated 1.3 million dollar deal. Just before you could blink, A.I. returns from his so called "retirement" from the game of basketball just days after announcing it, as he returns to the team and city where it all started. Just days ago, the 76ers were said to have little to no interest in the 13-year veteran, until it was released that the team's starting guard -- Louis Williams would miss up to at least 30 games due to a broken jaw. A little something Iverson's presence would help contribute to the Sixers organization, is his guarantee to help fill seats in the arena. A warm welcome should be expected to say the least. I'm guessing something similar to the homecoming the Seattle Mariners' homegrown slugger Ken Griffey Jr. received from the home crowd last season.Iverson joins a 5-14 Sixers team that's currently on a 8-game losing streak. The new Philly squad Iverson will now be a part of is highlighted by players such as Andre Iguodala and last season's newest addition Elton Brand. Although Iverson and Iguodala were Sixer teammates once upon a time, A.I. wasn't playing with the well developed player Iguodala is today. Iverson is expected to make his Sixers debut on Monday December 7th, against the team to which he was traded to--The Denver Nuggets.
After the first 12 exciting weeks of what should pan out to be one of the better endings in years past to an NFL season, the favorite to win this season's Rookie of the Year Award could be just as close as the division standings itself. Heading into the 2009 season, many had eyes on former college standouts and players such as Detroit's Matthew Stafford who put up stellar numbers as a Georgia Bulldog, New York's Mark Sanchez who had a breakthrough year as a USC Trojan and San Francisco's Michael Crabtree who became an instant fan favorite at Texas Tech, just to name a few. However another rookie that's been no stranger, is Minnesota's Percy Harvin.Harvin, who was a college star for the Florida Gators last year, received passes thrown by Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow, as the Gators went on to win the BCS Championship in 2008. Harvin is now making a name for himself by receiving passes thrown by none other than Brett Favre. Harvin has feasted off of Favre's MVP-like season, as he totaled a career-high 101 yards receiving including 1 touchdown reception on Sunday against the Bears. Throughout the rest of the season, Harvin has put up some impressive numbers, compiling 5 touchdown receptions and 602 receiving yards, while helping the Vikings continue their dominance in the NFC North with a record of 10-1. The 21st overall pick in the 1st Round of this year's NFL Draft, has also been a key component to the Vikings' special-teams success, by returning kicks, as he's already returned two of them for touchdowns so far this season.My former choice for Rookie of the Year, was Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez. & Although he put up solid numbers in the opening weeks of the 2009 NFL season, the last big headline he's made involving football, was while he was caught on camera during a national televised game sitting on the sidelines trying to get rid of a tummy ache, eating a hot-dog. The 49ers highly talented receiver Michael Crabtree has had a solid campaign thus far since returning from his 7-week long hold-out to the start of the season, but I believe his debut was a bit too late to actually win the award. If so, those first 7-weeks could become rather costly for rookie.
