Few athletes have ever captured the world's attention like Michael Phelps.  Michael won a record eight gold medals in the Beijing Olympics this past summer surpassing Mark Spitz's seven gold medals in the 1972 Munich Games.  Phelps not only had great individual efforts but was helped by teammate Jason Lezak in the final leg of the 400 meter freestyle relay to beat the over confident French team.  C'est bon! 

Michael isn't only about winning gold medals.  He also wants to increase children's fitness by getting more kids in the pool.  Given the high rates of childhood obesity, let's hope he succeeds in making swimming more universal. 

Since my photo of Michael in person in Midtown earlier this month didn't come out to the high Steve and The Tank standards, I am using a photo courtesy of his website below.

Congratulations Michael!


In a roller coaster of a year for the economy and the world, it is great to have the distraction of sports to soothe the pain.

I would be remiss if I didn't reference the other incredible sports stories of the year.  We went to new heights (literally) in the Mount Everest Base Camp Trip.

It was difficult to say goodbye to Yankee and Shea Stadiums. 

The 2008 All Star Game at Yankee Stadium was a record setting game in length and excitement.  We were fortunate to cover it in person. 

The Giants Super Bowl victory and parade were incredible. 

We are honored to continue covering these and other stories for you, our loyal readers, and thank you for your support.  Happy and Healthy New Year to you and yours!

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

The Mets and Dodgers were talking a trade of Andruw Jones for problem child Luis Castillo. Apparently this trade is now off and not going to happen. Marty Noble at MLB.com noted that ‘nothing is ongoing, and nothing is going to happen,’ with this trade. Apparently the Dodgers are not looking for Castillo.

Kudos for Omar for trying to get rid of Castillo and Jones would make a good 4th outfielder, but shame on Omar for trading for Castillo in the first place and double shame on him for giving him such a crazy contract.

Posted by Steve in New York

The Jets wasted no time and fired Head Coach Eric Mangini this morning.  Jets Owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum were grilled about his possible successor, including former Steelers Coach Bill Cowher which I referenced a few days ago.

What is Brett Favre's future?  It's up to Brett and the results of the MRI.  Keep your eyes posted on this space.

Tank's Bottom Line: You may disagree with the decision but it was right for the Jets to move quickly.  The Lions and Browns fired their coaches in the last 24 hours.  Is Dallas Coach Wade Phillips next after the Eagles beat the Cowboys 44-3? 

I think the Jets have a good shot at Bill Cowher because the Jets have good players like Thomas Jones to  build with.  Cowher probably won't go back home to Carolina (this year anyway) because of the good job John Fox has done coaching the Panthers this season.  I don't think he'll go to former divisional rival Cleveland Browns or Super Bowl rival Dallas Cowboys.  The Detroit Lions are too much of a mess to possibly tarnish Cowher's Hall of Fame resume.  Let the Bill Cowher Coaching Sweepstakes begin.

Mega thanks to Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack for the 1010 Wins story sent via Blackberry Pin.

Posted by a grateful Tank recovering from the flu in NY.

The Jets went down to defeat 24-17 against the Dolphins at the Meadowlands earlier this evening.  Chad Pennington found redemption against the team that cut him a few months earlier.  Revenge is best served cold.

The Jets have questions to answer in the off season NOT limited to the following:

(1) Head Coach: If they can't get Bill Cowher, they need to bring in Romeo Crennel to help Eric Mangini on defense.

(2) Quarterback: Brett Favre won't be the starting quarterback next season.  The Jets need to get Matt Cassel from the Patriots or a similarly qualified free agent quarterback.  Will Kellen Clemens step up?  What will the draft bring?

Bottom Line: The only conciliation is that the Patriots did NOT make the playoffs.  As an honorary San Diegan, I am happy that the Bills beat the Broncos last week and forced a win and get in game at San Diego which the Chargers won a few moments ago.  The Chargers were my pre-season Super Bowl prediction.

I am looking forward to the playoffs and will make my picks before next weekend's games.  Good luck to the Giants and Chargers.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

On Christmas eve, rumors started to circulate that the Mets had a deal with Derek Lowe, worth either three– and about $14-16 million per season. By yesterday morning the rumors got stronger, but no deal is imminent. Looks like we will have to wait until next week to see if there is any truth in these rumors.

While many people think that Omar will be done after Lowe, I think that a 5th starter is needed (Perez if he lowers his price, Pedro on an incentive contract, Wolf or Marquis?) as well as a corner outfielder.

Rumors also say that the Wilpons don’t want the headache of Manny. Omar wants him, but the management doesn’t want him.

Posted by Steve in New York

Last Week's Review: 1-2 which is disappointing given the Jets choke at Seattle.  I was pleasantly surprised by the Bills upset of the Broncos.  My record for the season is 16-12.

This Week's Fearless Predictions:

The Giants lose at the Vikings.  The Vikings have to win to get into the playoffs and the Giants need to rest players.  Eli should not play more than a quarter or half.

The Jets somehow beat the Dolphins.  Yeah, Brett Favre is hurt.  He's down but not out.  Though the Jets should run Thomas Jones as much as possible, watch the Gunslinger fire away.

The Patriots win at the Bills.

Sports/City Prayer Non-Pick: For the sake of the city of Detroit and all that it been going on with the economy, I am rooting for the Lions to win their first game of the season.  It's not likely at Green Bay but I'm still rooting for them.  Go Detroit!  Go Lions!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

As the year draws to a close and the Holidays are upon us, I wanted to thank everyone for supporting us during the past year, especially during September's Everest trip.  This is a photo of Steve and The Tank near Everest Base Camp.  "Shake and bake!" for all the Talladega Nights fans in SATT Land, especially Kathleen. 

Have a safe and happy Holiday Season.

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.

MLB.com reports that the Mets are close to signing veteran free agent pitcher Derek Lowe.  D-Lowe isn't an ace but a clutch pitcher with solid stuff, exactly what the Mets need to compliment Johan.

Congratulations also go to David Wright, Steve's favorite player, for being named as the starting third baseman on Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Posted by a hopeful Tank in need of Subway Series Closure as I couldn't sell a kidney in time for 2000 World Series tickets.

The Yankees signed Teixeira.  Wow!  The Red Sox, Angels, and others folded.  The Yankees came in and scooped up Teixeira for $180 over eight years according to ESPN 1050 AM.

Merry Christmas! / Happy Hanukkah!  / Happy Kwanzaa! / Happy Winter Solstice!

Posted by an escastic Tank in Hot Stove Heaven!  Keep the Faith!  Go Yankees!

Tank's Note: After the Jets crushing loss at the Seahawks yesterday, Steve compared the Jets to the Mets and was too depressed to write further.  Editor in Chief and PermaGuest Outlaw Jack wrote the following commentary earlier today in quotes below.

"

S
U
C
K
S

"SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS.

"I guess this is as close as I will ever get to understanding Mets fans over the past few years.

"The Seahawks starting O-Line had NEVER EVER PLAYED TOGETHER!!! The number of 1st string starts for the 4 man line was something like 45, 8, 2 and 1. With that ONE being yesterday.

"And they played a 3rd string QB? Disgusting. Utterly disgusting. I couldn't watch past the half."

Adam added...

"As bad as they played yesterday, they've played poorly since they beat the Titans. Just a thought but maybe in December, in the snow, when you have the AFC's leading rusher and a 39 year old QB you should have your RB run more than 17 times?

"Along the same lines, when you have 5 or 6 players (not counting Farve who is going on name alone) headed to the Pro Bowl you should be winning your division.

"Mangini's time is over.  I don't care that he may win 10 games twice in the 3 years he has been the coach, he looks like a giant green teletubby on the sidelines.  I hear Cowher is free.

"The Giants game was great.  It'll be interesting if they meet in the NFC championship game."

Tank's Bottom Line: Mangini has one more year left on his contract.  Unless the Jets can get Bill Cowher or someone of similar caliber, expect Mangini to come back with a short lease.  Browns Coach Romeo Crennel is on an even shorter lease in Cleveland.  If Crennel is fired, don't be surprised if Mangini brings in Crennel to help on defense.

I don't have an issue with Favre age but issue with his decision making.  However, Adam also made a good point about current Patriots QB Matt Cassel.  Cassel will be a free agent after the season.  Expect the Jets to pursue him if they are smart.  

I am glad that I took a nap during the second half of the Jets game to rest up for the Giants game.  What a game!

Written by Adam, Jack, Steve and The Tank.  Posted by The Tank in JetsMetsVille.

I recently had the honor of meeting the most important women's tennis player of all time, Billie Jean King.  She was instrumental in breaking down barriers in beating Bobby Riggs 1973.

Billie Jean was a pioneer in wage and gender equity issues. 

Billie Jean told me that men should play the best two out of three sets.  She thinks it would add years to men's careers.

She's not only a tennis fan.  She is a big fan of college football, especially UC Berkeley.  She comes from an athletic family including her brother Randy Moffitt was a MLB pitcher. 

She was a really nice person and posed with me below.

Posted by The Tank reporting live from the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Last Week: 2-0 last week and 15-10 on the season.  I knew the Bills would lose to the Jets but shocked by the way they gave the game away.

This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Bills lose at Denver.

The Jets win a tough game at the Seahawks.  The Jets are 0-3 on the West Coast this season.  This is Coach Mike Holmgren's last home game in Seattle so expect the Seahawks to be pumped.

The Panthers lose at the Giants.  Brandon Jacobs is the key.  The healthier he is, the easier for the Giants to win.  The Giants are coming off a couple of tough losses and need to get momentum going into the playoffs.  If the Giants win against the Panthers, they can rest Jacobs and others in a must win game for the Vikings in Week 17 at  the Metrodome.

Most importantly, today is Linda's Birthday.  Happy Birthday Linda!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Mets and Yankees fans unwrapped their Holiday baseball presents early with the introductions of CC Sabbathia, AJ Burnett, K-Rod, and Putz, respectively.

The Angels, Orioles, Nationals, Red Sox, and Yankees are in the running for the services of Mark Teixeira.  Red Sox owner John Henry says Teixeira's agent Scott Boras' offer is too rich for his blood.  Yes, Mr. Henry is a hedge fund billionaire but said that baseball is not immune from the economic woes.  Just ask the Wilpons who are reportedly cheated out of upwards of $1.1 Billion by alleged Ponzi scheme operator Bernard Madoff.  I wrote over a year ago that A-Rod would re-sign with the Yankees and cited Mr. Henry's fund issues last year.  Mr. Henry's funds have had a better year this year so he maybe trying to talk Boras down.  

Manny Ramirez is another big free agent on the market.  It would be great to have a fellow Dominican and hitting machine to play on the Yankees or Mets.  Yes, Dominican Luis, Manny, and The Tank would probably party late into the night but that would be a distraction.  I am willing to sacrifice my fun for another Yankees or Mets ring.  Moreover, Manny's negative attitude would rub off wrong on young players like Cano, Cabrera, Jose Reyes, David Wright, and others.  He is a defensive liability and at an advanced baseball age.  If I was the Yankees or Mets, I would pay the $25 million per year that Teixeira wants to Teixeira, NOT Manny.  We'll see what happens.  Keep the Faith!

Posted by The Tank in Hot Stove Land as he watches the snow flakes drop outside.        

Omar Minaya said the Mets are 50-50 on getting Perez back. Jerry Manuel wants Perez back saying:

"I I think Oliver Perez has matured in our presence. I think he showed some consistency and I like the fact that when things got tough, big games, he was very good for us. From a manager's point of view, I'd love to have Oliver Perez back. That's not my department, (but) I'm hoping to see him back."

I agree with Jerry, Perez seems to bring it to big games. The bad news is that he will also turn around and walk in 6 runs in 3 innings against the Nationals. Sure he will get better, but he is no Johan Santana. The Mets should not give into Boras’ demands. Boras thinks he has the next CC in Perez and will realize that no teams will pay that price. St. Louis was interested in Perez but backed off to Boras’ demands. I am ok with cutting the cord. The Mets should make a realistic offer and then cut the cord. Boras wants something like $15million  a year. Forget that, you can get Manny for just a little more. :)

11:08am: Omar takes the stage. He looks happy to have signed K-Rod.

11:10am: Omar says his sons are excited that the Mets signed Omar

11:12am: K-Rod takes the stage and puts on the uniform. Number 75

11:13am: Jerry jokes that K-Rod will get 75 saves

11:14am: First question: “Why did you want to come to the Mets.” K-Rod: The atmosphere. He said that always wanted to play in New York. Says fans are passionate. (Just wait until he blows a save.)

11:15am: Adjustments? K-Rod: Pitching in the NL, learning a new league.

11:17am: Are you jealous of the Yankees spending so much! Were you a victim of the bad economy? K-Rod: I am happy with my contract and don’t pay attention to the Yankees.

11:19am: What about playing with Johan? K-Rod: That was one of the top reasons why I came.

11:20am: Was “los Mets” part of the decision? (asked in Spanish) K-Rod: I am going to try to earn the fans respect.

11:27am: Asked about the transition to New York. (In Spanish). K-Rod: Caracas is a big city, so we will be a-ok. My only concern will be the weather, I guess I can buy a jacket.

11:27am: Have you talked to any players yet? K-Rod: Only Johan, looking forward to get to know everyone at Spring Training and building the chemistry.

11:29am: No more questions. K-Rod and his wife just hang out and chit chat.

 

Posted by Steve in New York

I had the honor of meeting Joba Chamberlain and Austin Jackson on the Upper East Side this Friday evening.  Joba was really nice.  I asked him about his Dad who is thankfully doing better after a recent illness.  I wished Joba well in the upcoming season. 

Joba used the opportunity to introduce rookie pitcher Austin Jackson.  




Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from the Upper East Side of Manhattan. 

MTA Ray's wife asked him if he was going to Mass on Sunday after he got back from driving the trains.  Yes, he replied but not at their regular Brooklyn Church.  He said he was going to "Mass at the Holy Name of Favre Church", AKA Giants Stadium.  His wife yelled at him which resulted in missing Aussie Rod's and Belgian Nick's tailgate party.  Yes, his wife did yell at him but MTA Ray was running late from work.  I pray that we're not hit by lightning.

Continuing the spirit of public transportation, MTA Ray and I take the bus from Port Authority and meet Anthony from Buffalo, a former hockey teammate of current New York Ranger, Ryan Callahan.

The Jets score an early touchdown and the Bills counter with a field goal before MTA Ray and I arrive at the game.  We are really lucky that we are in the sun part of Giants Stadium as it can feel like a 20+ degrees difference like Wrigley Field or Shea Stadium.  Mega thanks to Editor in Chief Perma Guest Outlaw Jack for telling me that his field Tracy was selling me the tickets.  Jack is watching the game at Killian's house.

Cotchery scores with 3:44 left in the first quarter.  Jets 14 - Bills 3.

Coles dropped ball hits a Bills player in the leg and then another Bill intercepted it at 11:56 of the second quarter.

JP Losman runs in for a touchdown to cut the Jet lead to 14-10.  It's the first Bills touchdown in 153 minutes or last three weeks according to ESPN 1050 Radio.

The Bills Roscoe Parrish returns a punt to about the 11 yard line.  Losman quickly throws a touchdown to put the Bills ahead at 17-14.

Of course, there was a big play while I went to the restroom just before half time.  Leon scores on a 40 yard run just before halftime.  Jets 21 - Bills 17.  Jack sends me a Blackberry Pin message telling "stay in the restroom".  It doesn't matter the sport, the action always happens when I step away to go to the rest room or grab a bite to eat from the kitchen.  Yup even during commercials.

The Jets stop the Bills to start the second half.  But, the Bills pin the Jets at their two yard line.

Favre throws an interception deep in Bills territory and they return it to midfield with 8:05 left in the third quarter.  It was great to finally see Favre in person.  I remember in college at SUNY Buffalo when he took over from local product, Chris Majikowski.

Did the Bills field goal kicker Rian Lindell call the bank shot field goal?  Minnesota Fats is somewhere smiling.  Jets 21 - Bills 20 at 3:35 left in the third quarter.

As I go to the restroom at the end of the third quarter, Losman throws an interception.  Knowing the restroom rule, Jack advises me to leave the stadium stat.  But MTA Ray has my gloves and walkman which I left in my bag at the seats.  The Jets only get a field goal to extend their lead to 24-20.

Holding on the kickoff return brings back the Bills touchdown.  Darn it!

The Bills don't drive far enough and they have to punt.  Leon Washington allows another punt go inside the five.  This time to the three yard line.  Progress I guess.

The Jets go three and out.  The Bills march the ball down the field.  Wow!  Fred Jackson carried the entire defensive line.  Bills 27 - Jets 24.

Before the kickoff, I told MTA Ray that Leon would have a big return.  He did to midfield.  But, the Jets go three and out with 4:24 left.  There is a penalty against the Bills so they start at their 10 yard line. 

After two consecutive losses, Fireman Ed tries to fire up the crowd to help the Jets not let their season go down the drain.  The Bills counter with Lynch.  Lynch and more Lynch.

"Wouldn't it be something if Chad Pennington and the Dolphins made the playoffs and the Jets stayed home?" MTA Ray asked just as...the Jets sack Losman who fumbles the football.  Sean Ellis recovers and runs in for the touchdown with 2:06 left in the fourth quarter.  Jets 31 - Bills 27.




"OMG!" Jack writes.

"Why didn't the Bills run the ball?" I ask MTA Ray and others. 

The Bills return the kickoff but Darrell Revis intercepts Losman and returns it to the Bills 33.   

I would have tried the field goal if I was the Jets on 4th and 2.  There was almost another interception on 2nd and 10 at the Bills 37.  4th and 5 at the Bills 37.  The remaining crowd is on its feet.  Bills in shotgun and they convert to midfield. 

The Bills need a miracle but don't get it on the Hail Mary Throw to the end zone.  Jets 31 - Bills 27.




The Jets cheerleaders thanked the fans.  No, thank you Jets cheerleaders.  I may have unresolved issues rooting for the Bills or Jets outright but I will always root for the cheerleaders of any team. 

Posted by a grateful Tank reporting live from Giants Stadium.

Last Week: 1-2 last week and 13-10 on the season.  I was shocked by the Jets loss at San Francisco.  I wasn't surprise by the Eagles victory at the Giants.

This Week's Fearless Picks:
The Giants lose at the Cowboys.  Yes, the Giants are a great road team but this is a must win game for the Cowboys.  The Giants are going to be missing Brandon Jacobs. 

The Bills lose at the Jets. 

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Listen to Steve and the Tank talk about the Mets and Yankees moves at the 2008 Winter Meetings. (30 minutes, wma audio.)

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports the Yankees have signed A.J. Burnett to five-year, $82.5 million deal.

From Perma-guest Jack (via newsday):

The Yankees are prepared to trade Melky Cabrera to the Milwaukee Brewers for center fielder Mike Cameron, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

The Mets have acquired Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz in a three-way trade that also included the Cleveland Indians. Putz, who has battled injuries, will be the 8th inning set up man for K-Rod. The Mets also got reliever Sean Green and backup outfielder Jeremy Reed. They parted with Aaron Heilman (finally!) but also parted with six other players, including fan favorite Endy Chavez. (I am still too much in shock to comment on that one.) Joe Smith also went and some prospects, so they paid a high price, but if Putz stays healthy and thrives in New York, then this was an amazing deal.

Make no mistake this is nothing but a complete overhaul of the bullpen. Putz is a 10x upgrade to Heliman and will be a nice compliment to K-Rod. Also the Mets have now reduced their risk, when Billy Wagner went down last year, they had to scramble to fill the role, now if K-Rod goes down, Putz can easily fill the role while K-Rod is on the DL.

The lowdown:

Mets get:

J.J. Putz
Jeremy Reed
Sean Green

Mariners get:
Aaron Heilman
Endy Chavez
Maikel Cleto
Ezequiel Carrera
Jason Vargas
Mike Carp
Franklin Gutierrez (from Indians)

Indians get:
Joe Smth
Luis Valbuena

Posted by Steve, in awe of Omar

ESPN and Yankees.com reports that CC has accepted the Yankees' seven year, $160 million offer, up from a six year, $140 million offer reported earlier.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman traveled to CC's home in San Francisco to meet with his family and seal the deal.

I am happy that CC and K-Rod will be Holiday presents to New York baseball fans.  Let's bring the World Series back where it belongs, New York.  Keep the Faith!

Posted by a grateful Tank in NY dreaming of a Subway Series.

Rumor from the AP out of Sin City, the Yankees get CC. I guess $140 million was too much to walk away from. CC can bat in the World Series.

I find it odd that as of yesterday, Yankee fans were “insulted” by CC, saying why do they have to “convince” him to join the Yankees.WFAN’s Mike Francesca said on his show about CC: “Shut up enough already, why does this guy need to be sold on the Yankees.” Several callers said the same thing: “He should be honored to be on the Yankees.  If he doesn’t get it, then go home.”

News flash, this behavior is why people don’t want to sign with the Yankees.

Posted by Steve in New York

According to the AP, the Mets have signed K-Rod to a 3 year, $37 million deal.

Posted by Steve in New York

The word from Las Vegas:

Omar has finally gotten into high gear in the closer market. Apparently there is a 3 year $37 million offer on the table to K-Rod according to the NY Post. Since the market for closers is a buyers market, K-Rod most likely will take the offer or one very similar by the end of the week. Omar will then turn his attention to the 8th inning and look to sign Trevor Hoffman or Kerry Wood. Then expect trade rumors to fly for Heilman (who still has some value since some teams believe that he can be a starter) and Schoeneweis who the Mets will most likely have to eat some of the contract. If the Mets get two closers for the 8th and 9th inning and trade Heilman and Schoeneweis for above average relief pitchers, with Joe Smith and Jon Niese as well as Feliciano and Sanchez, you are starting to look at a bullpen with a lot of depth. Wishful thinking? We will see.

Next stop-starting pitching. The Mets need two quality back end starters. Guys good for 12+ wins and 200 innings. Unfortinately besides Lowe, the market is not that strong for starters.

Posted by Steve in New York

Yankee GM Brian Cashman's nickname is "Cash".  He arrived in Vegas recently in preparation for the Baseball Winter Meetings which begin today.  According to the New York Post's Joel Sherman, Cash reportedly went to the De La Hoya Fight on Saturday with CC Sabbathia.  Signing CC is priority number 1 for the Yankees.  There is a $140 million offer for CC but expect CC to get closer to $150+ million as he isn't crazy playing in New York.  He also wants to play in the National League (Brewers, Dodgers, Giants) and/or West Coast (Angels).  Yes, Burnett and Derek Lowe are Plan Bs but Burnett may stay in Toronto and D-Lowe will probably end up with the Red Sox.  The Yankees need to re-sign Andy Pettitte and Bobby Abreu.

The Mets have to sign K-Rod.  Yes, Brian Fuentes is Plan B.  My friend Nina is Plan C for the Mets bullpen.  Nina's Dad and I believe in her.  Go Nina!  Please remember your Dad and friends like me for primo tickets.   

Bottom Line: Expect the faltering economy to work in the Yankees and Mets favor.  Other teams are pulling back from spending while the Yankees have lots of money to spend from Giambi's, Pavano's, and other expiring contracts.  The Blue Jays may cut back on spending to pay estate taxes after the recent death of their owner Ted Rogers.  If that ends up being the case, the Yankees' odds of getting Burnett will improve. 

Posted by The Tank in a cold NY wishing he was in Vegas for the Winter Meetings.

The Jets face the San Francisco 49ers today in an important game since they have to win to help secure their AFC East lead. the problem is that the Jets have a history of losing these big games. Twice this year the Jets flew to the West Coast and lost to sub .500 teams: San Diego and Oakland. Will history repeat itself?

The Tanks says no. The jaded Jets fan Steve says yes. Time for the Jets to show their real colors. We will be watching.

Posted by Steve in New York

OJ was sentenced in the armed robbery case yesterday to 9 to 33 years. He could have taken a plea for less time in the plea but “Mr. Simpson wanted something just short of a public apology,” Las Vegas DA David Roger said. “We didn’t think that was appropriate.” Instead OJ is finally going to jail and the sport world will be back in order.

I was watching ESPN’s PTI last night and they thought that this was too harsh and harped on how great a football player OJ was. Let’s face it, you have NFL players today thinking it is ok to bring a loaded gun to a club with them (and shooting themselves) as well as others who think it is ok to run dogfights. I think they think it is ok partly since OJ got away with murder. PTI said that OJ got the 9+ years because he is famous and because he got away with murder. I agree, but see nothing wrong with it. Throw the book at them all. Next stop, throw the book at Plaxico.

Posted by Steve in New York

Last Week: 1-2 and 12-8 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

The Eagles lose at the Giants.  Beware of a Giants let down from the Plaxico Burress incident and the Eagles are a dangerous team.

The Jets win at the 49ers.  This is a must bounce back game for the Jets to get the #2 seed in the AFC.

The Dolphins beat the Bills.  Marshall Lynch isn't 100 percent and the Bills lose their December weather advantage as the game is being played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Posted by The Tank in NY.

Last Week's Review: I was 4-2 and 21-11 on the season.

This Week's Fearless Picks:

#1 Alabama beats #4 Florida in a barn burner at the Georgia Dome for the SEC title and the right to play in the BCS Championship Game.  Roll Tide!

#17 Boston College beats #25 Virginia Tech.

#20 Missouri loses to #2 Oklahoma.

The Rivalry: Army beats Navy.  Yes, Army is 3-8 and Navy is 7-4.  But, throw out the records for the all time best rivalry.  Go Army, Beat Navy!

Posted by The Tank in NY.

It has been over 15 years since I have seen a hockey game in Montreal. I vowed never to return after the Habs moved out of the historic Montreal Forum and after the incident on December 2, 1995 between Patrick Roy, my favorite NHL player of all time, and the team coach and team management.

For those of you who do not know, Patrick Roy was the star goalie of the Montreal Canadians in the early 90s, winning two Stanley Cups with the team. Then on December 2, 1995 he had a meltdown in net. I don’t remember the official statistics anymore, but they Detroit Red Wings scored something like 9 goals on him on 25 shots. Unheard of, especially for such a legendary goalie like Roy. His head was not in the game and he asked to be taken out. He was not. Each save, and there were few of them, the fans jeered him. When they finally pulled him, Roy was furious and walked past the team president and coach and said “I have played my last game as a Montreal Canadian.” A few day later he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche and the Avs won the Stanley Cup that season and Roy helped them win another a few years later. The Habs have won nothing since, having advanced in the playoffs only 4 times since that trade. ESPN calls it the worst trade in the history of the HNL.

Well they did make up. The Habs did retire #33 just two weeks ago on November 22nd, 2008. I decided it was time to go see hockey in Montreal, 13 years to the day of the “incident”. For starters, the Bell Centre is right outside my hotel, here is the photo from my room. How could I resist?

Fellow Everest trekker Richard, and fellow conference speakers Tim, Beth, Gary, and Alan and I bought $100 scalped tickets and headed to the Bell Centre. The first thing I noticed was how big it was, the upper deck seats start above the second illuminated row in the photo below, where other hockey arenas stop.

I of course went to pay homage to Patrick Roy’s retired number before the game started.

After we ate French Canadian hot dogs and pizza as well went to buy some hats (I got a Roy hat) and stuff the game was ready to start. The first thing that I noticed was that everything was in French. (Well, duh.) Second when they sang the national anthems, the US went first and then the Canadian national anthem went and it was sang in French and everyone in the stadium sang along. It was an amazing sight. (Even Richard got into the spirit, but he sang along in English since he is from BC.)

This is a place to watch hockey! The fans really make the game. The size of the arena must be intimidating for smaller market teams. Barry from Toronto swears that the new arena in Toronto is bigger, I disagree. (Google confirms: Bell 21,273, Air Canada Centre: 19,000.) Barry out of respect to the Habs in their own house will remain neutral since he is a Leafs fan of course.

The Habs jumped out to a quick lead playing good hockey and executed well. They had a 3-0  lead after the second period. A 4th goal was called back at some point and a chant (in English) of “The Ref Sucks” was awesome.

After the third period started the Thrashers (visiting from Atlanta) scored a goal and the “charge!” music was playing and I asked out loud: “How to you say Charge! in French?” The guy in the row in front of me said: “Charge!” The Thrashers got a very quick 2nd goal and I was commenting that maybe we can see a shootout.

Oddly, the Habs fans chant “Ole, Ole, Ole” like it was soccer. I said wrong sport and wrong language.

 

Next, the Thrasher score very late in the 3rd period making it 3-3. My hopes for an overtime shootout are now becoming reality. Richard just rolls his eyes at the Habs. The Bell Centre becomes quiet, but the fans never lose faith. Massive “Go Habs Go!” chants start.

The Habs score a goal with about 4 minutes to play making it 4-3. We figure it will hold. The Thrashers pull the goalie with 1 minute to play. The Habs get a very difficult empty netter with 41 seconds to go.

 

Game over, right? Well no, the Thrashers refuse to die and score 20 seconds later! making it 5-4! Six goals in the last period, double the whole game thus far! And like 4 goals in the final few minutes!!

 

Luckily the Habs clear the puck after losing the face off and win the game. We go out for the famous Montreal “smoked meat” and beer at the local pub. The beautiful waitress loves Patrick Roy and tells me she owns a gun (I think she is lying about the gun part to scare us away). She says that she had a photo taken on Patrick Roy’s lap when she was 7. I try to use that to my advantage to get her to take a photo on my lap (sorry Kathleen!) but settle for a photo with her wearing my Patrick Roy hat. A fun end to a great evening at the Bell Center!

Posted by Steve in Montreal, Canada.

Being a sports fan is hard these days.  Sports is supposed to be an escape from reality but unfortunately has become reflective of it. 

(1) Plaxico Burress was booked yesterday on gun possession charges.  (2) Starbury has been banned from the Knicks.  (3) Former New York Ranger Sean Avery was indefinitely suspended for inappropriate comments about an ex-girlfriend.  (4) Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weiss is holding on for dear life in South Bend.

(1) Everyone knows that Plaxico was stupid/unwise/whatever adjective you want to use.  The Giants were right to suspend him.  Mayor Bloomberg has threatened to throw the book at him.  He's big on anti-gun violence and is going into an election year for a controversial third term.  I generally have a favorable opinion of Mayor Bloomberg but he should have put the term limits issue to a vote of the citizens, NOT the City Council.  A Burress trial is the perfect non-partisan distraction to the election, economy, and everything else going on. 

(2) The Knicks, their fans, and Starbury are all losers in the Starbury saga. 

(3) Avery's inappropriate comments really hurt the NHL when it needs a lift.  Avery asked if a camera was present and unloaded on an ex-girlfriend.  The NHL should unload on him for a while.  Yeah, see you next season Sean.  He'll probably only get a few games but deserves more.  It's not the first for him.  Martin Brodeur didn't shake his hand after last season's playoffs and I can't blame him.  It's not only waving his stick in front of Brodeur but the trash he unloaded about Brodeur's personal life.  Not cool and I don't like the D*vils.

(4) Notre Dame fans need to take a timeout.  Yes, Charlie Weis hasn't lived up to expectations.  But who do you bring in to replace him?  The Pope?  He's busy and would probably pass on the job if offered to him.  JH, his brother Brendan, and I threw other names around earlier today via e-mail.  I don't think Jim Tressel would ever leave Columbus as he is a native Buckeye.  Urban Meyer is having fun in the sun at Florida.  Nick Saban has rebuilt Alabama quicker than I hoped almost two years ago, January 3, 2007.  Saban has said that the Alabama job is the last job he will take before retiring.  Most importantly, I don't see any of them going to South Bend because they have a better chance of being successful in their current jobs than taking the Notre Dame job.  Why tarnish your reputation? 

Why take the Notre Dame job?  OK, yes, you will make millions.  (The buyout on Weis' mega millions contract maybe the only thing that buys him more time in South Bend.)  But, you have to deal with alumni and fans who think Knute Rockne is still the coach.  The administration watches your every move.  Notre Dame's high academic standards make it hard for them to recruit the student-athlete to come to South Bend.  Let's face it, other top schools have easier academic standards than Notre Dame.  Notre Dame has become a victim of its own success.  The Irish are haunted by a 21st century "Four Horsemen" of alumni, fans, administration, and academic standards.  It results in a plague and pestilence over South Bend.

If Weis doesn't survive, I think current Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden will take the Notre Dame job if he wants it.  His main defensive assistant, Monte Kiffin, may go help his son Lane who was announced as Phil Fulmer's replacement at the University of Tennessee.  Gruden literally grew up in the job as a ball boy.  He knows all the glory and pitfalls of the job.  He has a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs.  Returning the Irish to national prominence would cap a coaching career.           

I stepped back to listen to the Knicks game tonight on ESPN 1050.  The Knicks lost but played the Trailblazers tough.  I can live with that.  Sports at last, NOT courtroom, egos, or other drama plaguing the sports world. 

I also listened to the Canadiens-Thrashers game on NHL GameCenter which rocks.  My high school French was a little rusty but it was good to listen the game.  I also texted Steve who was at the game as an after hours conference activity with Richard from the Mount Everest Base Camp trip.  Steve described the game as a "religious experience".  That's what sports should be.  Allez Les Habitants allez!  Go Habs go (Canadiens nickname)!  I'm looking forward to Steve's write-up tomorrow.

Posted by The Tank on the Sports Roller Coaster in NY.          

Momentum is building to get rid of the Bowl Championship Series, AKA the Broken Computer System.  I wrote about this phenomenon about two years ago.  I am glad that President-Elect Barack Obama and millions of others have joined me on this issue.

I have nothing against computers, they are only doing their jobs.  I have issue with the lack of a real playoff format in Division 1 football, DBA FBS or whatever they are calling themselves this week.  Garbage In, Garbage Out (GIGO).

This year's chaos centers on settling the winner of the Big 12 South.  Texas beat Oklahoma earlier this season.  Texas Tech beat Texas in early November.  Oklahoma routed Texas Tech two Saturdays ago.  Who should be the Champion?  Big 12 South tied between Texas, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State.  How do you break the tie?  It came down to the computers which was the fifth place tie breaker, NOT playing on the field.

Since Oklahoma had the highest BCS ranking, they will play Missouri for the Big 12 Title next week.  I can understand the anger of the Texas fans since they beat Oklahoma head-to-head.

Posted by a frustrated Tank in NY.

P.S. I am too angry to comment on Plaxico Burress' stupidity and the Knicks/Starbury's stubbornness.