The Shutdown Corner Pro Bowl Snubs List: NFC Version

Now that the 2010 Pro Bowl rosters have been announced, it's time to argue! Everyone has their own thoughts on who should make the team, and one of the best parts of seeing the teams are the under-/overrated arguments that ensue. We started with the AFC, listing the position players that were voted in (alternates in parentheses), and here's the NFC version.

No members of the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Seattle Seahawks or Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the list. The Atlanta Falcons lead all teams with seven Pro Bowlers, and the New England Patriots finish second with six. For brevity's sake, we'll leave special teamers out, as I can't quite get up the argument that this or that punter was robbed.

Quarterback

Who won: Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles (Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons, Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints)

Who should have won: Vick. He missed some time, but when he's been on the field, he has come the closet we've ever seen to the perfect and unstoppable quarterback -- the bionic Steve Young. As much as I think the world of Brees, his high interception total has me taking him off this list and putting Aaron Rodgers above everyone but Vick, because no quarterback has done more this year with less of a running game.

Halfback

Who won: Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons (Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams)

Who should have won: Peterson. Just as Rodgers has done more with less of a running game, Vikings opponents are once again able to put right in the box against Purple Jesus because of the team's well-documented quarterback situation. Peterson's one old bugaboo -- his fumbles -- has been addressed, as he has none this season.

Fullback

Who won: Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta Falcons

Who should have won: John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers. Different cats here, as Mughelli is there for his blocking, and Kuhn is expected to do more with the ball, but he's been such a big part of Green Bay's otherwise pathetic rushing offense, I have to give the nod to him. Twenty-five first downs on 80 carries? How solid is that?

Receiver

Who won: Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons/Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles/Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers)

Who should have won: Johnson and Jackson. White is the NFL's most targeted receiver, but Johnson should be first on this list because of what he's done with a very iffy quarterback situation. And as much as I like what White brings to the Falcons, I have to put Jackson up a peg as perhaps the most dangerous receiver in the game today.

Tight end

Who won: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys (Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons)

Who should have won: Witten. He's the most targeted tight end in the game, which really makes Jerry Jones look kind of stupid for spending that much money on a bunch of wideouts. Gonzalez is the legit second guy here -- not just for his catches as a traditional tight end, but in how the Falcons use him in the red zone.

Offensive tackle

Who won: Jason Peters, Philadelphia Eagles/Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers (Chad Clifton, Green Bay Packers)

Who should have won: Clifton and Donald Penn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I've never been impressed with Peters under any circumstances. Gross is a decent tackle, but I'm hard-pressed to give a Pro Bowl spot to anyone on an offense that needs two touchdowns to bust 200 points for the season. Rookies Trent Williams of the Washington Redskins and Russell Okung of the Seattle Seahawks look like the kinds of guys who could fill this list for the next five seasons, but Clifton is the safer choice for now. Not a lot of great tackle choices in the NFC this year, and Penn is probably the best of a so-so-veteran bunch.

Offensive Guard

Who won: Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints/Chris Snee, New York Giants (Carl Nicks, New Orleans Saints)

Who should have won: Evans and Josh Sitton, Green Bay Packers. Evans has held up his high standard, but Sitton deserves more recognition -- I learned this when Ndamukong Suh told me a couple weeks ago that Sitton was the best guard he'd faced in the NFL, and the tape confirmed the story. He's a strong in-line blocker with surprising agility, and he deserves to be here.

Center:

Who won: Andre Gurode, Dallas Cowboys (Shaun O'Hara, New York Giants)

Who should have won: O'Hara. I'm unclear as to how Gurode gets on this list, but the Giants are near the top of every Football Outsiders metric that measures line performance, and specifically interior line performance, and O'Hara's been one of the better centers in the game for a while now.

Defensive End

Who won: Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears/John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons (Justin Tuck, New York Giants)

Who should have won: Tuck and Trent Cole, Philadelphia Eagles. Look, I'm not denying that Peppers and Abraham can be game-changers, but I see each of them getting negated at times (as happens to most pass-rushers), and I tend to look for ends who can play the run as well. No NFC defensive ends has faced more potential run plays than Cole, and he's one of the NFL's most successful in that department. Tuck, the perfect hybrid defender who can also slip inside, has the same attributes.

Defensive tackle

Who won: Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions/Jay Ratliff, Dallas Cowboys (Justin Smith, San Francisco 49ers)

Who should have won: Suh and B.J. Raji, Green Bay Packers. Ratliff is still great and Smith may be the most underrated hybrid lineman in the game, but Raji is the nose tackle in the NFC's best 3-4 defense, and should be awarded accordingly based on the importance of his position. St. Louis' Fred Robbins deserves half a nod, for this or Comeback Player of the Year. Suh will be the best defensive player in the league at any position in the next two years.

Outside Linebacker

Who won: Clay Matthews, GreenBay Packers/DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys (Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears)

Who should have won: Matthews and Ware. Matthews is perhaps the most dangerous pure edge rusher in the league; the Green Bay defense certainly plummets when he's not in there. And as wildly inconsistent as Dallas' defense has been this year, that's not on Ware -- not only is he having a typically great sack season, he's become better against the run with more opportunities. I might sneak Washington's Brian Orakpo on this list; he's played well despite as many uncalled holds on his person as any player in the league, and the roving tower of suckitude that the Redskins' defense has become.

Inside Linebacker

Who won: Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers (Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears)

Who should have won: Willis and Urlacher are decent choices, though James Laurinaitis of the St. Louis Rams is going to be the most fundamentally sound ILB in the conference sooner than later.

Cornerback

Who won: Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles/Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers (DeAngelo Hall, Washington Redskins)

Who should have won: Samuel and Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers. The Hall selection is typical, but iffy; he's the kind of player who racks up decent stats with huge target totals. If Samuel hasn't been the NFC's best cornerback this year, Williams most certainly has, and it's a real shame that he's not on the roster. What is the deal with all the underrated Packers?

Strong Safety

Who won: Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals

Who should have won: Wilson. He's had a sub-par year by his own admission, but he's turned it around to a degree.

Free Safety

Who won: Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers/Antrel Rolle, New York Giants

Who should have won: Rolle. He's allowed the Giants to do some really interesting things with a three-safety look. Rolle cost the Giants a lot of money, but from a schematic perspective, he's been worth it.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-Shutdown-Corner-Pro-Bowl-Snubs-List-NFC-Ver?urn=nfl-301261

Danneel Harris Deanna Russo Denise Richards Desiree Dymond Diane Kruger

Monday Night Live Blog: Saints @ Falcons

It's Week 16, and Monday Night Football gives us quality teams and playoff implications. It doesn't get any better than that. The Falcons wrap up the NFC South and homefield advantage throughout with a win. For the Saints, a win gets them in the playoffs. A tie? A tie throws the entire world into chaos, and plants will begin to antagonize Mark Wahlberg.

We'll be here throughout the game with running play-by-play, observations, insights, polls, blatant lies and a high level of interactivity with you, our beloved reader.

We'll get it started a few minutes before kickoff. See you then.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Monday-Night-Live-Blog-Saints-Falcons?urn=nfl-300906

The Pussycat Dolls Thora Birch Tila Tequila Tina Fey Tricia Helfer

National Championship Game: Why Auburn Will Beat Oregon

National Championship Game: Why Auburn Will Beat Oregon

Bowl season may be in full swing, but the National Championship is still over a week away.

I will preface this article by saying that I think Oregon wins this game. However, if they don't these will be 10 reasons why Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers will win the BCS Championship.

Let us know what you think. Do you have the Tigers winning or the Ducks?

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/558565-national-championship-game-why-auburn-will-beat-oregon

Kristy Swanson Kylie Bax Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell

J.J. Redick Wants Spot in All-Star Weekend 3-Point Shootout

Filed under: Magic

ORLANDO -- J.J. Redick has used the last four seasons to prove he belongs in the NBA, improving in every phase of the game, going well beyond the reputation he earned at Duke as one of the finest long-range shooters in college basketball history.

Now he wants to retrace his steps and remind everyone again just how good a shooter he is.

He wants a spot in the NBA's 3-Point Shootout at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

"Absolutely, I'd love to do it. I'd love to be in it. You know, I've never lost a 3-point competition,'' he told FanHouse Thursday after the Magic beat the New York Knicks. "So I think I'd do pretty well.''

Redick never has been part of the NBA competition, even though he left Duke as the NCAA record holder for most 3-point shots made (457) in a career.

Most of his time in the NBA has been spent improving his defense, his ball-handling and his ability to mesh as a role player on a team built around center Dwight Howard.

Redick is shooting 43 percent from 3-point range this season, just 18th in the NBA. Yet he has been considerably better in recent weeks. Since a slow start when he made just four of his first 28 3-point attempts, he has shot 54.2 percent (39 of 72) from long range in his last 17 games, rediscovering his stroke.

Boston's Paul Pierce won the 3-point Shootout last season, beating Chauncey Billups, Daequan Cook, Stephen Curry, Channing Frye and Danilo Gallinari.

Redick is averaging a career high 10.1 points and a career high 25 minutes per game. Even after the Magic restructured their roster by adding Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu, Redick has remained solidly in coach Stan Van Gundy's playing rotation. He was the only Magic player to play all 12 minutes in the fourth quarter Thursday. He still doesn't start very often, but he has become a finisher.

"If they call me, I'd love to go. My understanding is they want to invite people who already are going to be there (at All-Star Weekend). And right now, I don't plan on going,'' he said. "But if they call, I'd go.''

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/j-j-redick-wants-spot-in-all-star-weekend-3-point-shootout/

Amber Valletta America Ferrera Amerie Amy Cobb Amy Smart

LeBron James announces his move to Miami Heat: in pictures

NBA star LeBron James has announced he will move to Miami Heat in a deal that could earn him over $100m

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/gallery/2010/jul/09/lebron-james-nba

Simone Mütherthies Sofía Vergara Soft Cell Sophia Bush Stacy Keibler

WWE/TNA Top Ten Stories of 2010, No. 4: Jeff Hardy Indicted On Drug Charges

What better way to say goodbye to the year 2010 than to count down the 10 biggest stories of the year in professional wrestling? 

This 10-part series is designed to do exactly that, and each installment will be dedicated to the stories that fueled the very Internet fodder that makes the dirt-sheet media world go round.

 

No. 4.  Jeff Hardy Indicted on Drug Charges

Shortly after making his shocking debut with TNA Wrestling, after reportedly giving WWE a verbal commitment of returning to the Fed, Jeff Hardy was involved in yet another news-making headline just days later. 

The wildly popular wrestler, whose career saw a rise to the next level of superstardom on the strength of a white-hot babyface run in 2009, has struggled with drugs throughout his career. 

Always the free spirit whose 'throw caution to the wind' mindset makes him so fun to watch in the ring, Hardy has struggled with his share of drug problems. 

Suspended for substance abuse twice after failing health and wellness tests with WWE, and battling similar problems during his first (and apparently his second) run in TNA, Hardy's decorated career is a testament to his immense talent because a featured program featuring the charismatic enigma always comes with its share of risks. 

After splashing onto the scene in surprising fashion, at the conclusion of an awful X-Division cluster you-know-what inside the confines of a glorified playpen during the short-lived revamp of the Monday Night Wars, Hardy's year (much like his career) would go on to see nothing but twists, turns, ups and downs.

Following his indictment in January 2010, Hardy would go on to capture the TNA Heavyweight Championship just eight months later at TNA's Bound for Glory pay-per-view. 

TNA was indeed taking what many felt was an unnecessary risk by putting their most important title on the embattled star.  In fact, not only did they put the title on him, they created a new championship belt to fit his likeness (crack pipe not included). 

With the impending trial being postponed on multiple occasions, the story of Hardy's indictment didn't seem to be much of a story. 

Despite facing stiff penalties, for charges of trafficking in opium, two counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver a controlled substance, maintaining a place for a controlled substance, and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, Hardy's lingering court case remained in limbo as months would pass by with no relevant developments. 

Suddenly, however, developments of Hardy's drug trial have resurfaced to add to a busy news season in professional wrestling to end 2010.  On Dec. 28, 2010, the Fayetteville Observer reported that Hardy would plead guilty to drug charges stemming from his arrest in September 2009. 

Details of the guilty plea were kept under wraps by all principles involved in the ongoing trial, however it was recently reported that Hardy would be entering a negotiated plea come January and his lawyers "anticipate a resolution for this matter."

It is unknown at this point whether Hardy will face any jail time, and with Hardy being a first-time offender it is likely he will avoid any jail time, however the developing stories of a wrestling star of this caliber could result in an unprecedented prison sentence of a top wrestling star. 

Never has modern day pro wrestling seen a star of Hardy's stature actually face a lengthy prison sentence, especially while still employed and (somewhat) in his prime years.  

With Hardy's indictment and subsequent reports of his guilty plea making this story a major news item of 2010, Hardy's Jan. 20 sentencing holds potential for an even bigger story with the multiple-time world champion facing serious punishment. 

Follow Big Nasty on twitter at twitter.com/ThisIsNasty.

Top Ten of 2010

10. Jericho, Helms Arrested

9.  Matt Hardy Released

8.  The Fall and Death of ECW

7.  Lance Cade Dies of Heart Failure at Age 29

6.  Daniel Bryan Fired from WWE Following 'Tiegate'

5.  Shawn Michaels Retires from Professional Wrestling

4.  TNA Champion Jeff Hardy Indicted on Drug Charges

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/558338-wwetna-top-ten-stories-of-2010-no-4-jeff-hardy-indicted-on-drug-charges

Sunny Mabrey Susan Ward Susie Castillo T.A.T.u. Talisa Soto

12/31 New Year's Eve Quickie

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/12/1231-new-years-eve-quickie.html

Amanda Marcum Amanda Peet Amanda Righetti Amanda Swisten Amber Arbucci

Bud Grant, 83, goes short-sleeved at frigid Vikings game

There were dozens of former NFL greats on the frozen field of TCF Bank Stadium on Monday night as part of a celebration to honor the 50 greatest Minnesota Vikings of all time. And 83-year-old Bud Grant was tougher than them all.

Former players on hand included Alan Page, Fran Tarkenton and Ahmad Rashad, but the introduction of the team's former coach was the highlight of the memorable halftime ceremony. Just like he used to do on those frigid days at Metropolitan Stadium, Grant went without a jacket and stood on the field in short sleeves, all while receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

Then his players gave him the best tribute of all: 

Grant didn't even give off a hint that it was chilly outside. Great, great moment.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Bud-Grant-83-goes-short-sleeved-at-frigid-Viki?urn=nfl-298752

Brooke Burke Brooke Burns Busy Philipps Cameron Diaz Cameron Richardson

More Strasburg Odds

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/RtTJ3Hkkbzw/more-strasburg-odds.html

Lena Headey Leonor Varela Leslie Bega Leslie Bibb Lil Kim

Redskins send out McNabb-heavy season-ticket letter at the wrong time

It was bad enough that Mike and Kyle Shanahan handled the benching of Donovan McNabb so poorly -- whether he's done or not, no veteran quarterback with multiple Pro Bowls and playoff berths should be jerked around as McNabb has been. But the real embarrassment for the Redskins organization is that the football and marketing arms don't seem to be communicating.

On the very same day that McNabb was benched for the last three games of the 2010 season, a move that virtually assures his non-return to the nation's capital next year, a large number of Redskins fans received a letter welcoming them to the end of the season ticket wait list:

A few thoughts about this:

I'm guessing that few names "finally" made it to the top of the wait-list -- given the dysfunctional handoff from the Vinny Cerrato era to The Shanahans, more and more D.C. sports fans are finding Capitals and Wizards (and even Nationals) tickets to be a better use of their spending cash. As our own Chris Chase told me, "I went on the Redskins season-ticket waiting list when I was 8 years old. I think I was No. 40,000 or something. Now I get calls every year asking me if I want to buy."

The unconscionable disconnect between the way this franchise has treated McNabb and the way it still tries to use his well-earned equity as a star player in the league is pretty disgusting. Not only in this letter, but in the choice to send him out as a captain against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The Shanahans may tell you that it's a sign of respect, but I doubt very much either one of them has any idea what that word even means.

Does anyone else find it odd that there is no disclaimer or refund language for potential season-ticket holders in the event of a lockout for even part of the season? How many people might stay away without knowing what that refund policy might be? The league recently announced that policy, but shouldn't people looking to shell out hundreds (maybe thousands) of dollars be made fully aware that they won't be in the hole if the NFL and the NFLPA can't work things out? Yet another example of the Redskins' organization putting the cart before the horse, and firing before they aim.

Oh, and Clinton Portis is on the tickets. Anyone want to put up the odds Portis will be back in 2011?

Hail!

H/T: The always awesome D.C. Sports Bog

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Redskins-send-out-McNabb-heavy-season-ticket-let?urn=nfl-298347

Dania Ramirez Danica Patrick Daniella Alonso Danneel Harris Deanna Russo

2010 Totals Contest Update: September 23

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/cHXUqP4xnug/2010-totals-contest-update-september-23.html

Carmen Electra Carol Grow Carrie Underwood Cat Power Catherine Bell

O'Leary Confident UCF Knights Can Defeat the UGA Bulldogs in Liberty Bowl

Joking from the minute he stepped into the heated conference room in Memphis, Tennessee, George O’Leary looked calm and collected for the game.

“I may be a real enthusiastic guy,” warned O’Leary at the start of the conference. “Anytime you can get a bowl game near January 1st, it is a great thing. It is a great thing to be playing a tough University of Georgia squad too.”

The UCF Knights finished the season 10-3, beat the SMU Mustangs at home to win the Conference USA title, and now have a battle in store with the 6-6 Georgia Bulldogs, a perennial SEC (South Eastern Conference) powerhouse that have clawed their way back into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl after starting the season 1-4.

“We have to be very productive on offense, and defensively tackle very well, and control the field position through special teams. We need to stay away from penalties, that’s what it comes down to. Penalties, and changing the field over.”

Both teams have stellar special teams play, Georgia having an all-SEC kicker in Blair Walsh, and the nation’s top punter in Drew Butler, who is averaging just over 48 yards per punt this season.

Georgia also ranks second in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) in kicking coverage, where UCF ranks fifth in special teams offensively; so field position will be paramount in what will most likely be a much warmer, but much slipperier game than either side expected.

“Well, down in Orlando, we don’t get any rain,” joked O’Leary. “We had a few practices back in Orlando where it was raining before we came up, and we were able to have a full practice in it yesterday, so hopefully everyone could get a feel for the wet ball.”

O’Leary wasn’t shy on who he was keeping an eye on defensively either; junior wide-out A.J. Green; among the tops in the SEC in receptions per contest (5.3) as well as yards (80.8.)

“He has great game concentration and once he gets it, there’s a lot of hidden yards there we need to stop. They’ve been 5-2 since he started playing and it’s because they’re so worried about him they need to shift more guys over to cover him. He deserves a man or two on passing plays.”

O’Leary kept going back to UGA’s record, adding that they “really aren’t a 6-6 team from my perspective, their expectations keep rising and going up, and have a lot of talent, just watch some film.”

With a possible Big East Conference bid possibly waiting to see how the Knights perform in the Liberty Bowl, O’Leary addressed how his players were handling the pressure of the bowl, and showed praise for Conference USA at the same time, saying that the conference has “treated us very well, and we will do what’s best for the program.”

“I think a few years ago, when we made this bowl, we were all just really excited to get a bowl bid. It was the next step at that point, and it was a huge step for the university. The ultimate goal of a bowl game though is to win it, enjoy the festivities, but win it and we’re here to do whatever we have to in all three phases to get a win. It will be a difficult chore against a very good football team that I am very impressed with from a talent standpoint.”

The team spirit was present even in the interview room while O’Leary was on the stand.
“Is it true you hate the color red?” Asked one of the participating reporters.“I hate red.” Answered O’Leary.  “I hate the color red, but it’s fine as long as you’re not the ones who change jerseys every game, that can get annoying.”

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/557932-oleary-confident-ucf-knights-can-defeat-the-uga-bulldogs-in-liberty-bowl

Vinessa Shaw Virginie Ledoyen Vitamin C Vogue Whitney Able

The Year in Celebrity Impressions

Filed under: Features

Who doesn't love a good celebrity impression -- and who doesn't cringe at a bad one? In 2010, several impersonations went viral, generating chuckles and awe. We had comedians' impressions getting healthy screen time, like Kevin Pollak, Jimmy Fallon, and the up-and-coming Jay Pharoah. And we also had actors busting out take-offs on fellow thespians -- yes, Anne Hathaway's savage rendering of Katie Holmes on 'Saturday Night Live' is on this list. It was a truly a vintage year for people being other people.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. You can tell Jay Pharoah has great affection for the greats he mimics, like Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy. On the other hand, this year's rash of Jay Leno impressions were polished with bile.

 

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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/12/30/the-year-in-celebrity-impressions/

Kim Smith Kim Yoon jin Kirsten Dunst Krista Allen Kristanna Loken

There's only a thousand Kobe Bryants: London laps up NBA's big star | Paolo Bandini

The LA Lakers No24 drew a full house to the O2 Arena but injury meant he could only play for only six minutes

Tube strikes and traffic jams be damned, Kobe Bryant was coming to London's O2 Arena. Not just one of him, in fact, but thousands, in all shapes and sizes. Tall Kobes, short Kobes, skinny Kobes, fat Kobes, female Kobes and Kobes of all different ethnicities. Some who live just down the road and others who had travelled from the other side of the globe. All meandering up the walkway that leads to the Arena's entrance, stopping to take the odd photograph or gawp at an oversized picture of... Kobe.

This is the fourth consecutive year in which the NBA has hosted a pre-season game in London, but the first in which it has brought its biggest star along for the ride. High profile players have featured ? from Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and a Boston Celtics team gearing up for a championship run in 2007 to Great Britain's own Luol Deng this time last year ? but not the one Britain really wanted to see. "Kobe is, like, the David Beckham of basketball," offered one starry-eyed teen as he queued for the shirt that would transform him, too, into No24.

Except that unlike Becks, Kobe is still at the top of his game. Last year he averaged 29.2 points through the play-offs as he led the Lakers to a second consecutive title and the fifth of his career. He was the top scorer in all but one of seven games against Boston during their finals series. He also happens to earn more than Beckham too, not that there is any animosity over such matters. The pair are close enough that one of Beckham's Milan shirts takes pride of place in Bryant's locker at the Lakers' Staples Center home.

Bryant, of course, was never going to be in championship-winning form for this, the Lakers' first pre-season game, and in the end was restricted to just over six minutes on the court as he sought to protect both a knee that is recovering from summer surgery and a fractured finger that he chose not to have operated on. A sensible decision, perhaps, though still a slightly disappointing one for an audience who did not see him find the basket in that spell.

There could have been some reaction if he had. The crowds at these games in London have always arrived with an enthusiasm verging on boisterousness and this was no different. Cheerleaders were cheered, players roared at and two fans jeered mercilessly after they failed to identify the Neighbours theme tune when summoned to the floor for a time-out challenge.

Nevertheless, there was no disguising the fact that the greatest volume all evening had been achieved when Kobe emerged on to the floor. When he rose for a jump shot two minutes into the contest, hundreds more Kobes rose with him only to crash back to their seats as the ball clanged away off the rim. He would miss two further shots, both from three-point range, before departing.

The notion that he could be back in London soon had already been shot down in a pre-game press conference held by the NBA commissioner, David Stern, and the AEG CEO Tim Leiweke. AEG has close ties with the Lakers, running the Staples Center, while Leiweke is on the team's board of directors, but when asked if LA could become regulars at the O2 (also run by AEG), his response was immediate: "Not gonna happen" as long as Phil Jackson remains coach. Stern was more circumspect, insisting variety would keep things fresh.

There was mercifully little discussion in the same conference of whether the NBA could ever establish a franchise in these parts. The question was raised, but only briefly. It has been posed so often as to become tedious. The response was the same as ever; Stern suggesting the most realistic scenario would see several teams formed at once in Europe to create a new conference before adding that nothing was likely to happen on this front for at least a decade.

The fans were far more concerned with the here and now. The first chants of "We Want Kobe" began late in the third-quarter and there were further appeals throughout the final period. Before the end there was even a smattering of boos. On the bench Bryant grinned, but even with his team trailing, Jackson was unmoved. He is paid to win championships, not pre-season games, and he will need a healthy Bryant if he is to secure a third of those in a row.

And so the Timberwolves won, 111-92, leaving the would-be Kobes in the stands to swallow their disappointment and pack off home. Many will be back for the two regular season games between the New Jersey Nets and Toronto Raptors in March, though it is worth noting that while tickets sold out for tonight's game in "literally a day", according to Leiweke, there is still some availability for those two. A meaningful game, it seems, is less important to fans than a meaningful player.

• NBA

Paolo Bandini

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2010/oct/04/kobe-bryant-la-lakers-nba

Ashley Olsen Ashley Scott Ashley Tappin Ashley Tisdale Asia Argento

Serendipity in Fan Allegiance

Source: http://www.danshanoff.com/2010/12/serendipity-in-fan-allegiance.html

Freida Pinto FSU Cowgirls Gabrielle Union Garcelle Beauvais Genelle Frenoy

Week 11's five least valuable players

Glover Quin, DB, Houston Texans. There's good news and bad news for Glover Quin. The good news is that he's no longer solely known as the guy who attempted and failed to bat down the Jaguars' Hail Mary last week. The bad news is that he's now the guy who gave up last-second game-winning touchdown passes in consecutive weeks. Santonio Holmes did this yesterday. Quin is the guy feebly chasing him. Glover Quin is probably a lot more famous than he'd like to be right now. I am rooting hard for a Glover Quin comeback.

The rest of the Houston Texans defense. The Jets were 72 yards away, had less than a minute on the clock, no timeouts and needed a touchdown. No one's asking you to be the '85 Bears here, fellas. Just be something a little better than completely ineffectual, and you get to walk away with a road win over the Jets. That's it. That's all we needed. Too much to ask, I guess.

Vince Young, QB, Tennessee Titans. This spot was originally reserved for Rusty Smith, because Rusty Smith was atrocious in relief of Vince Young. But now, because Vince Young can't act like an adult, Rusty Smith has to start an NFL game. Rusty Smith! When Rusty Smith is in a game, it's bad news for all of us. I want so badly to like you, Vince Young. Why do you have to make it so damn hard? Rusty Smith. For shame.

Richard Seymour, DT, Oakland Raiders. I don't know what made Richard Seymour want to punch Ben Roethlisberger in the face, and I really don't care -- somewhere along the way, I'm sure Benjamin's done something to deserve a punch in the face, so I'm not losing any sleep over it. But Seymour, who's playing fantastic ball this year, was willing to take a 15-yard-penalty, earn what will certainly be a huge fine ($100,000 seems about right), and take himself out of a game ... because he wanted to punch a man who's wearing a helmet? You know those things have facemasks, right? If you wanted to beat up Robert Downey Jr., would you wait until he put on the Iron Man suit? Come on, my man, think it through.

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings. The following is a complete list of quarterbacks who Brett Favre outperformed in Week 11, measured by quarterback rating: Brian St. Pierre, Bruce Gradkowski, Jason Campbell, Rusty Smith. That's it. And none of them got in an argument with their offensive coordinator. Stop, Brett. Just stop.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Week-11-s-five-least-valuable-players?urn=nfl-287949

Megan Fox Melania Trump Melissa George Melissa Howard Melissa Joan Hart

The good guys and bad guys of Week 12 in the NFL

In this space, we look at a handful of upcoming NFL match-ups and identify the good guys and bad guys, old school WWF-style. You are likely to disagree with many of them. And yes, that is a picture of William "The Refrigerator" Perry punching Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart next to a guy with a hairy back and thighs. You're welcome. Home teams in CAPS.

The Preliminary Bouts

Good Guys: CLEVELAND BROWNS
Bad Guys: Carolina Panthers
Sunday, 1:00 p.m., Fox

Both the Browns and Panthers have underdog appeal, but only one of these teams has gone to the trouble of actually improving as the season's gone on. For that reason, go Browns. Unfortunately, the game's biggest beacon of hope, Colt McCoy, is likely out with an ankle injury, so that takes a little of the luster off of this ratings monster. I believe my local sports bar plans to show this game on an 13" black-and-white TV in the bathroom stall with the dirty toilet that doesn't flush.

Good Guys: San Francisco 49ers 
Bad Guys: ARIZONA CARDINALS
Monday, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Ah, a classic late-season Monday night gem. I'll take the 49ers as good guys, because of Mike Singletary's entertaining turn as the subject of Sound FX on the NFL Network this week. I hope I'm wrong about this, but that show might end up being Singletary's most valuable post-playing career contribution to the world of professional football.

Good Guys: New Orleans Saints
Bad Guys: DALLAS COWBOYS
Thursday, 4:15 p.m., Fox

My disdain for the 2010 Cowboys has not been kept a secret, and I also believe that the Saints are in the midst of a mid-season shift to beatdown mode. I'll be hoping for a 55-3 Thanksgiving bloodbath in favor of the Saints. And I hope it makes Wade Phillips' pecan pie taste extra sweet.

The Undercard

Good Guys: Tennessee Titans
Bad Guys: HOUSTON TEXANS
Sunday, 1:00 p.m., CBS

Do you realize what the NFL schedule makers have done here? They have found a way to ensure that, in Week 12 of the NFL season, either Rusty Smith or the Houston Texans secondary will have a good game. I wouldn't have thought it was possible, but here we are. An eminently stoppable force clashes with an object on greased-up roller skates, and someone has to get the better of that matchup. I'm siding with the Titans, because I find it difficult to root against someone named "Rusty," and because the Houston offense probably also considers the Houston defense to be the bad guys here.

Good Guys: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bad Guys: BALTIMORE RAVENS
Sunday, 4:15 p.m., Fox

The Bucs have been a feel-good team all year long, though I've never really had an answer for those who have pointed out that they've played a schedule softer than Santa's thighs. If they've been looking for a chance to put on the big-boy pants and earn a little additional street cred, opportunities don't get much better than this one. Rise up, young Bucs.

The Main Events

Good Guys: San Diego Chargers*
Good Guys: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC

This is one of those rare good guy vs. good guy matchups. I realize that there are many of you out there who will have trouble seeing either Philip Rivers or Peyton Manning as a good guy, but stick with me for a minute here. Good quarterbacking is what makes football games fun to watch. Here we have two of the best, and the universe seems to have conspired against both of them all year long, injuring everyone around them who means anything to the passing game. And yet, they're the two leaders in passing yards in the NFL right now. Patrick Crayton, Jacob Tamme, Seyi Ajirotutu, Blair White ... how many other quarterbacks are turning those guys into valuable contributors?

Good Guys: Philadelphia Eagles
Bad Guys: CHICAGO BEARS
Sunday, 4:15 p.m., Fox

Maybe it's just me, but I'm glad I live in a world where Michael Vick can do what he did, and then slowly become a good guy again. It doesn't mean we forget what he did, and it doesn't make what he did okay ... it just means that we forgive. It means we have the ability to get past something horrible, that we can support a man while he gets back on the path towards doing what he was born to do, and that we can create positive where there was once only negative. We can all do that. We can all be thankful for that.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/The-good-guys-and-bad-guys-of-Week-12-in-the-NFL?urn=nfl-289133

Shiri Appleby Sienna Guillory Sienna Miller Simone Mütherthies Sofía Vergara

What's On Tonight: 'Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,' 'Oddities,' 'TNA Wrestling,' 'Top 20 Most Shocking'

Filed under: TV Previews

Here's tonight's lineup of new shows and events (all times Eastern). Check your local TV listings for additional information.

* = Series/Season Premiere
** = Series/Season Finale
# = New Day/Time

Another quiet Thursday. Time to catch up on your DVR recordings or grab a DVD from your local Redbox.

8:00 to 9:00
ABC: 'Happy New Year, Charlie Brown'
PBS: 'This Old House Hour'
HGTV: 'My First Place'
TLC: 'Wreck Chasers'* -- Two episodes

9:00 to 10:00
BBC America: 'When Harvey Met Bob' -- (120 minutes) Drama telling the story of how Bob Geldof and Harvey Goldsmith brought about Live Aid
History: 'Ancient Aliens'
Spike: 'TNA Wrestling Impact' -- (120 minutes)
TLC: 'Wreck Chasers' -- Two episodes
truTV: 'Smoking Gun Presents: World's Dumbest Criminals'

The rest of the schedule and the late night talk shows after the jump.

 

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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/12/30/whats-on-tonight-happy-new-year-charlie-brown-oddities/

Michelle Branch Michelle Malkin Michelle Obama Michelle Rodriguez Michelle Trachtenberg

2010 NFL Survivor: Week 3

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/bsAR040gOto/2010-nfl-survivor-week-3.html

Leslie Bibb Lil Kim Lily Allen Lindsay Lohan Lindsay Price

UNI, Charismatic Lucas O'Rear Looking to Recapture NCAA Magic

Filed under: Kansas, Michigan State, MVC, NCAA Tournament

Out of sight, out of mind? Selective memory? Or is it what have you done for me lately, Northern Iowa?

"It's kind of weird because it's like people really don't remember last year," UNI power forward/enforcer/professional baseball pitcher Lucas O'Rear told FanHouse.

"When we were in Las Vegas (for iBN Las Vegas Championship) people were saying we had to be excited to play a team like Indiana. We were like, 'We've been here before. It was just last year when we made our run.' It's like people have kind of forgotten about it.

Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/12/29/uni-charismatic-lucas-orear-looking-to-recapture-ncaa-magic/

Lokelani McMichael Lori Heuring Lorri Bagley Lucy Liu Luján Fernández

TVR Awards -- The Most Ridiculous 'Maury' Moments of the Year (VIDEO)

Filed under: TV Replay

For the past few weeks, we've been celebrating the most outrageous and silly TV clips of the year with the TV Replay Awards. Now we've arrived at the most absurd category yet, as we salute the year that was in 'Maury' ridiculousness. Povich has pioneered crass, ridiculously entertaining television since his days on 'A Current Affair' in the 80s; his current show is a shameless 'Jerry Springer' knockoff featuring arguing couples, paternity tests, and generally the worst human nature has to offer, every day of the week. These are our choices for the Most Ridiculous 'Maury' Moments of 2010. Watch the videos, vote on your favorite, and then shower thoroughly.

 

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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/12/29/tvr-awards-the-most-ridiculous-maury-moments-of-the-year-v/

Julie Benz Julie Berry K. D. Aubert Karen Carreno Karolína Kurková

2011 Fantasy Baseball: Who Are the Next Elite Starting Pitchers?

2010 was truly the year of the pitcher.  With five no-hitters this past year, including three perfect games, well two perfect games (sorry Armando Galarraga), teams have begun to place a heavy emphasis on pitching for 2011. Big names such as Zack Grienke and Cliff Lee have moved to different teams, and there are rumors that other pitchers such as Matt Garza can be moved as well.

While players such as Grienke, Lee and Halladay are considered to be some of the elite fantasy players, there are many other pitchers that are projected to be drafted within the mid-to-late rounds that can give you the production of a No. 1 fantasy starter. 

The following list contains several pitchers that can break out onto the scene after showing glimpses of promise during this past 2010 season.

 

Path to the Elite

Name: Jonathan Sanchez 

Stats: 13 W, 9 L, 3.07 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, .204 BAA, 9.55 K/9, 4.47 BB/9 

Analysis: Statistically speaking, Jonathan is one of the elite pitchers in the game.  Last season, he led all starting pitchers with a BAA of .204 and H/9 of 6.62 and ranked within the top 10 in strikeouts and K/9.  That’s better than Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum or any other pitcher that is projected to be drafted within the first few rounds.  So where’s the love? 

There is one blaring statistic that is holding him back—walks.  If Sanchez wants to be considered an "elite pitcher," he has to learn how to consistently throw strikes.  Entering his fourth year as a Major League starter, Jonathan Sanchez might finally put it all together.  Considering his substantial upside, taking a mid-to-late round flier on this pitcher wouldn’t be the worst decision you have ever made.

 

Name: Clayton Kershaw

Stats: 13 W, 10 L, 2.91 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .214 BAA, 9.35 K/9, 3.57 BB/9

Analysis: Kershaw had unrealistic expectations placed upon him when he was drafted with the sixth pick in the 2006 Amateur Draft.  He was immediately compared to Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax, while his knee buckling curveball quickly became the talk of the organization.  After an average first full year in the majors, he developed into a front of the rotation starter in his second term. 

Among all sophomore pitchers, he ranked top five in ERA, BAA, K/9 and H/9 and really showed signs of maturity in his second year.  Known primarily as a fastball and curveball pitcher after being drafted straight out of high school, he began to integrate a slider into his arsenal. 

Kershaw has morphed into a pitcher with three-plus pitches and is on the verge of breaking out.  His 13-10 record may seem pedestrian, but the Dodgers in general seemed to have slumped last year.  If the Dodgers offense can perform like they are used to, Kershaw may see a spike in the win column and in his fantasy production.

 

Name: Max Scherzer

Stats: 12 W, 11 L, 3.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .244 BAA, 8.48 K/9, 3.23 BB/9

Analysis: Scherzer seemed to have a rough time transitioning into the American League in 2010.  During the first half of the season for the Detroit Tigers, he posted a 4.61 ERA while allowing an opponent batting average of .268.  However, during the second half of the season, Scherzer sure seemed to turn it around quickly posting a 2.47 ERA and .222 BAA the rest of the way.  Max has always had the ability to strike people out; the real question has always been if he would be able to learn how to control his immense talent. 

The second half of the season should have proved any critics wrong.  The Detroit Tigers have gotten better this offseason with the acquisition of Victor Martinez, and their offense appears poised to improve upon last season’s numbers—this only means more run support for Scherzer.  Scherzer is currently drafted in the eighth and ninth round and seems ready to put together his first successful campaign.

 

Name: Mat Latos

Stats: 14 W, 10 L, 2.92 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .217 BAA, 9.23 K/9, 2.44 BB/9

Analysis: In his second season in the big leagues, Mat Latos emerged as San Diego’s ace and was a main contributor to the improbable playoff push by the Padres last season.  It can be easily understood that when Mat Latos struggled (6.21 September ERA), the Padres struggled along with him. 

At times during the 2010 season, Mat Latos was one of the most dominate starters in the league.  For three months out of the season, he posted an ERA under 1.90 while holding opposing batters to under .189. 

However, during the other months, Latos revealed his ugly side when he posted an ERA above 6.00 and allowed opposing batters to hit over .300 against him.  It appears that his first full season as a starter finally took its toll in the latter months.  Nonetheless, averaged out over the course of the season, Mat Latos put up very respectable numbers that would classify him with the elite. 

Come 2011, look for Mat Latos to be ready to shoulder the load and prove that 2010 was not a fluke.  The wins may be hard to come by next season, but you can count on a high strikeout total and a WHIP among the league’s best.

 

Name: David Price

Stats: 19 W, 6 L, 2.72 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, .221 BAA, 8.13 K/9, 3.41 BB/9

Analysis: It is hard to believe that David Price is only in his third year as a starter after watching him match former Cy Young award winner CC Sabathia pitch-for-pitch in the final games of the regular season.   He certainly backed up why he was the No. 1 draft pick in the 2007 Amateur Draft. 

In 2010, Price ranked within the Top 10 in ERA, WHIP, BAA, K/9, and H/9 and showed no signs of slowing down at the end of the season (3.09 second half ERA).  His draft stock may dip a little because of the loss of Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, but Price will be an excellent source of strikeouts and ERA/WHIP over the course of the season. 

David Price is currently drafted around the fourth round which would be a steal considering his high strikeout rate and low ERA/WHIP making him an excellent acquisition if you miss out on the initial starting pitching run in the early stages of the draft.

 

Name: Tommy Hanson

Stats: 10 W, 11 L, 3.33 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .239 BAA, 7.70 K/9, 2.49 BB/9

Analysis: In 2009, Tommy Hanson emerged as one of the top young arms in the league.  After a mid-season call up, he went 11-4 while posting a 2.89 ERA to finish the season.  Expectations for Hanson were high for the start of the 2010 season, but during the first half, he put up less than stellar numbers with a 4.13 ERA and a .271 BAA. 

The All-Star break must have had an effect on him because he ended up finishing the year with a 2.51 ERA and a .205 BAA.  Despite improving his numbers at the end of the season, he was only able to win two games in the second half.  

You can expect an increase in the win department next season as he continues his hot streak of pitching.  All signs point to Tommy Hanson sustaining his momentum into the 2011 season as one of the big draft steals (he is projected to be drafted within the sixth and seventh rounds).

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/557138-2011-fantasy-baseball-who-are-the-next-elite-starting-pitchers

Magdalena Wróbel Maggie Grace Maggie Gyllenhaal Majandra Delfino Malia Jones

Guessing the Seeds 2011: My Entry (Part 1)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/wOn5lRvjgJw/guessing-seeds-2011-my-entry-part-1.html

Blake Lively Blu Cantrell Bonnie Jill Laflin Bridget Moynahan Britney Spears

Stephen Strasburg Odds

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/r2sYFo5VouE/stephen-strasburg-odds.html

Kelly Brook Kelly Carlson Kelly Clarkson Kelly Hu Kelly Monaco

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Northwestern Wildcats: Game Preview and Prediction

Well, this is it. This College Football season is down to it's last stretch and we have currently arrived to the Bowl season and there have been a lot of stories swirling around the NCAA since the first Bowl was played.

And while Texas Tech or Northwestern haven't been in the head-lines a lot this last couple months, they both are really solid teams even though their record might not show it.

One of the main story-lines you might be hearing about this game, are about Northwestern not winning a bowl since 1945, Dan Persa sitting out the game and the uncertain future of —Red Raiders head-coach—Tommy Tuberville, who could decide to take his talents to South Beach after the end of this season.

Texas Tech had a rough start but slowly started to find the pieces to put the team together, and finished the season in a strong manner. Northwestern was a different story. The Wildcats started the season with a high-note winning five straight games but lost five out of the seven games they after their winning streak.

Everything fell apart for Northwestern when their leader, QB Dan Persa, was injured after upsetting the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Wildcats went on to lose to their rivals the Illinois Fighting Illini in Wrigley Field and being humiliated by the Wisconsin Badgers 70-23.

As for the Red Raiders, Tuberville had some big shoes to fill after —the highly successful—Mike Leach was fired, and while it wasn't a bad season, it did leave a sense of disappointment for the Texas Tech fans.

This is one of most intriguing match-ups, although Texas Tech is consider the clear favorite, because of how the teams will neglect their opponents strengths.

The Wildcats main weakness in defense is trying to stop the other team from running all over them, while the Texas Tech running team takes a back-seat to their passing.

By losing Dan Persa, the Wildcats have taken a step back and they now depend on red-shirt freshman Evan Watkins. Watkins is a promising young man with a lot of upside, but with the Wildcats O-Line being one of the worst, he has taken a toll in the last two games.

Unless the Northwestern D gets better overnight, I can't see the Wildcats managing to stay in it for the whole four quarters. 

Even if this hurts me to say it (and boy I hope I'm wrong), I have the Red Raiders winning 30-17 over the Wildcats.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/556567-texas-tech-red-raiders-vs-northwestern-wildcats-game-preview-prediction

Taylor Swift Teri Hatcher Teri Polo Tessie Santiago Thalía

This Week's Links (9/20-9/24)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/VegasWatch/~3/rxz_yi7CnXc/this-weeks-links-920-924.html

Katy Perry Keira Knightley Kelly Brook Kelly Carlson Kelly Clarkson

'Glory Daze': Eli Channels 'Top Gun's' Tom Cruise to Get a Girl (VIDEO)

Filed under: Reality-Free, TV Replay

'Top Gun' is all the rage for the 1980s college kids in 'Glory Daze' (Tue., 10PM ET on TBS). Eli decides to take several cues from the film to pick up a woman. In a white Navy uniform à la Tom Cruise, he struts past a tall, buxom blonde. She approaches him, saying breathily, "So you just point, wink, blow my mind and then leave me hanging?" He replies, "That's what we call a fly-by."

As they dance, they flirt in 'Top Gun' lingo. "Permission to go below the hard deck?" she asks. Permission granted.

 

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Source: http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/12/29/glory-daze-eli-channels-top-guns-tom-cruise-to-get-a-girl/

Jaime King Jaime Pressly Jamie Chung Jamie Gunns Jamie Lynn Sigler

Post headline shows Vick being chased by Giants with dog heads

At some point, dogs won't be the first thing that headline writers think about when titling an article about Michael Vick. Thankfully, that day has yet to come.

This is the front page from Monday's edition of The New York Post:

Usually it's dogs running from Vick, but I get what they were going for. Take some time to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into Photoshopping those heads on and, while you're at it, savor the many levels with which the sight gag works. It's the second time in four days that the Post has made a cross-breed of humans and animals. On Friday, the newspaper put LeBron James' head on a chicken.

If the cover with the headline and photo wasn't bitter enough, also notice how there's no credit given to the Eagles for the comeback victory. Reading the Post's cover, you'd think it was a complete meltdown by the Giants and had nothing to do with Vick and DeSean Jackson's heroics. It's a quintessential blend of New York snark, defiance and delusion. (The back page was a bit more tame.)

But don't complain, Philadelphians. Your city's newspapers have been even worse with the dog-related puns about Vick. 

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Post-headline-shows-Vick-being-chased-by-Giants-?urn=nfl-298219

Kim Smith Kim Yoon jin Kirsten Dunst Krista Allen Kristanna Loken

Shaq Signing Pays Off Big for Celtics

Filed under: Celtics, Magic

When the Boston Celtics finally made the decision last summer to add over-the-hill center Shaquille O'Neal to their delicately-balanced chemistry -- and to a roster already filled with big egos -- even they wondered privately if it could possibly work.

Adding his larger-than-life personality yet rapidly-fading skills to a team that already had been to the NBA Finals in two of the previous three years carried a huge risk, delivering a potential recipe for disaster.

It has turned out to be the best thing they ever did.

It's why the Celtics (23-5) go into Tuesday night's game at Indiana still comfortably leading the Eastern Conference, despite seeing their 14-game winning streak snapped on Christmas Day in Orlando. It was no coincidence that the streak ended when O'Neal had his worst game of the year.

Yes, he has been that key.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/12/27/shaq-signing-pays-off-big-for-celtics/

Rihanna Robin Tunney Rosario Dawson Rose Byrne Rose McGowan

Lions are learning fun new ways to displease road fans

Before last week's win at Tampa Bay, the Detroit Lions had lost 26 straight road games. Center Dominic Raiola has been there for every single one of them.

So even though the Lions made it two in a row with a road win over Miami this week, they're still getting used to this winning thing. As it turns out, fans in opposing stadiums don't like it when you come to town and beat the home team. They like it so little, in fact, that sometimes they yell at the team that was just mean to their team.

Raiola -- as he is prone to do -- yelled back, and here's an edited version of what he said. Warning: The profanity is blanked out, but you still get an idea of what was said. Exercise proper caution at work.

Head coach Jim Schwartz said Raiola could be fined. From Tim Twentyman at the Detroit News:

"The best way to do it is to not acknowledge it," Schwartz said. "Dominic is a very emotional player. It's one of the things that drives him as a player. He takes everything personally and that's good in a lot of ways. But you have to draw the line when it's fans and stuff. Short of physical confrontation and someone throwing something … we need to do a better job of controlling that. We need to learn how to deal with winning."

And I don't doubt that they will. In the meantime, I'm sure the fans back home won't mind -- as long as it comes with a win, the people of Detroit would probably tolerate the team bus blaring an Eazy-E album and crashing through the ground floor of a convent.

Source: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Lions-are-learning-fun-new-ways-to-displease-roa?urn=nfl-301127

Melissa George Melissa Howard Melissa Joan Hart Melissa Rycroft Melissa Sagemiller