Picture Pefect

I wanted to take a day to digest the Patriots 38-35 win against the Giants this past Saturday, that gave them a perfect regular season, 16-0.

My thoughts on the Patriots, in bullet points to save me from having to use proper punctuation.

• The Patriots offense is pretty much unstoppable. You can't cover them, it's impossible. Double Moss and Welker is wide open. Double both of them, and then Stallworth is wide open. Plus Daniel Graham is a underrated receiving TE, and RB Kevin Faulk is an ideal back out of the backfield in this offense.



• Of course Tom Brady, arguably the best QB of all time. Football is a game of tradition, and it's hard for the old school purists to even think of having one of the games best to play within the past 10 years, let alone now. But lets face it, love or hate the Pats, you need to appreciate that you get the chance to watch this guy play.



• They get all the breaks. Just like when a pitcher throws a no-hitter, there are always a few plays that it just looks like it was meant to be, and any other day they wouldn't have been made. Whether it's Brady completing 3rd and long passes while being hit and falling back, to shoe string tackles, barely tripping up an opposing runner about to break free for 6, it seems meant to be.



• In all sports, your reputation precedes you. In the case of the Pats, it's their offensive line, and they seem to get the benefit of the doubt most of the time. Yes, I'm a Giant fan and I wanted this game as bad as the actual Giants team did, and I might be sounding bitter, but when you never have holding called on you it's easy to be the best offensive line in football. They get away with murder. The countless text messages from Jet, Dolphin, and Bill fans I received through the game confirms my thoughts.



• The Patriot defense can be beat. They are smart, but old and slow. They can be beat deep, and up the middle. But let's face it, when your offense puts up 35, you only need to stop the opponent from scoring 34, which isn't the biggest task around.

As always, when I mention those hallowed words, Tom Brady, we get a picture of Gisele Bundchen, (today we get two). She's just another reason to either hate or love Tom Brady. Regardless, you need to admire the bastard.

The last of the Bowl picks.

Now come the not so meaningless Bowl games...or so we're told. Again, entertainment purposes only, and my picks with little or no explanation.

Humanitarian Bowl - Georgia Tech (+5.5) vs.Fresno State - This game is being played in gorgeous Boise, it's where you want to go to play an insignificant Bowl game. Tech's coach has been fired. The new coach has already been hired, but not with the team yet, so they are being coached by an interim coach who is rumored to be going elsewhere. Fresno always plays well against teams from the bigger conference's.

Lee's Pick - We're taking the Bulldogs taking the points, but expect them to win the game.

Sun Bowl - South Florida (+6.5) vs. Oregon - Since Dennis Dixon, the Ducks QB and probable Heisman front-runner, went down with a knee injury they have lost 3 straight. Along with RB Johnathan Stewart, they made up a dangerous running attack, which ended the year 8th in the nation. However, the USF defense is fierce, with very talented cornerbacks and George Selvie who is becoming one of college football's top pass rushers.

Lee's Pick - The 6.5 is a lot, but it's under a TD. I'll take the Ducks, but I think the Bulls of South Florida to win by a couple.

Music City Bowl - Kentucky (+10) vs. Florida State - The story of this game is that 36 FSU players have been suspended from this game. Leaving this already flawed team with no depth. The only upside is that the Seminoles didn't lose any of their top skill position players, and Kentucky might overlook this....but then the Wildcats are looking to win their 2nd straight bowl game, the first time in school history.

Lee's pick - Seminoles. They wouldn't have won anyway, now they need to keep up with the Wildcats high powered offense (scored 40 eight times, and 50 three times), and only freshman left to stop them. The FSU QB's aren't good enough to get into a shoot-out, they'll lose but keep it within the spread.

Chick-fil-A Bowl - Clemson (+2.5) Auburn - Finally, a nice game. This will be a defensive match-up, pitting two of the nations top 10 defenses against each other (Clemson is 6th & Auburn 8th). This is a pretty even match-up, two good running games and the aforementioned defenses.

Lee's pick - Auburn taking the points. This game comes down to a field goal or less, and I think Auburn will be the team that sneaks by by a point or two.

Rose Bowl - Southern Cal (+14) vs. Illinois - USC is playing like the best team in the country, which they very well might be. This won't be a blow-out from the start, the Illini are a team that plays hard and has a solid running game, ranked 5th in the country. Oh yeah, the Trojans defense is 4th in the nation against the run.

Lee's Pick - USC is going to route them. I'm taking the Trojans.

Sugar Bowl - Georgia (+7.5) vs Hawaii - Hawaii's passing offense is high powered, and will put up a ton of points. The Rainbow Warriors defense aren't push-overs either, however neither is this Georgia team who came within a win/loss of a possible National Championship run.

Lee's Pick - The question is can Hawaii keep up with this team. This is their first game against a BCS opponent, and it's not a bottom rung BCS team either. I don't think they can, and Georgia will win by two scores. Georgia wins giving the points.

Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma (+7.5) vs. West Virginia - The line for this game is shifting from 6.5 to 7.5, all depending on where you take your lines from. We're going with Sooners giving 7.5 line. The main reason for this 1 point swing is WVU losing it's coach, Rich Rodriguez, to Michigan...and rather bitterly. You can never tell how a team will react to losing it's coach, especially when you have an ace coaching staff on the other side of the field.

Lee's Pick - Like with many of the later bowl games, this is a nice match-up that should be a good game. WVU is a solid team, and matches up well against the Sooners pass offense, and of course they feature QB Pat White, who's name was mentioned regarding the Heisman at points this season. I'm taking the Mountaineers with the points. I don't think they will win, but they should keep it close.

Orange Bowl - Virginia Tech (+3) vs. Kansas - Virginia Tech has been playing good ball all year, and Kansas lost it's only meaninglful game.

Lee's Pick - Virginia Tech's defense will be too much for the high scoring Kansas offense. Plus this is a team playing with a sense of purpose all year, and has the bowl experience. It'll be close, but I'm taking the Hokies outright.

BCS Championship Game - LSU (+4) vs. Ohio State - This game should be USC vs. LSU, but Ohio State played well enough, and one less game than the other contenders, to fall into this game. Let's face it, OSU should thank Stanford for this chance.

Lee's Pick - I think the 4 points is kind of low, even with the Buckeye's top ranked defense, and OSU wanting to redeem themselves from last years debacle. LSU will win by 10.

More bowl picks.

In my quest for more sleep I missed my prediction for the Meineke Bowl between Wake Forst and UConn, which I am watching as I type this and it's a rather entertaining game.

Anyway, so I don't miss anymore I'm just going to give me picks for the games through 12/31, with little or no explanation to my picks.. Enjoy!

Liberty Bowl - Central Florida (+3) vs. Mississippi State - We'll go with Miss. St, when in doubt go with the SEC underdog.

Alamo Bowl - Penn State (+3.5) vs. Texas A&M - Did the Aggies really need to talk smack about Paterno? Way to give a team that was already going to beat you extra motivation. Oh, you silly rednecks. Penn State takes this outright, especially with A&M's head coach not in attendance.

Independence - Alabama (+3.5) vs. Colorado - The battle of the 6-6 teams. This should be renamed the Independently Mediocre Bowl. Ha, I'm a laugh riot. Anyway, there isn't anybody I'd like to see lose more than Nick Saban, and normally I never take games I have rooting interest in. Especially since the Buffalo's coach is a good dude, and for the record he built up that Boise St. program before coming to Colorado. I'm going against my better judgement and taking Colorado, so I can root for them.

Armed Forces - California (+3.5) vs. Air Force - Cal was ranked #2 at one point this year, and can now finish with a losing record with a loss to Air Force. I like to watch Air Force's offense, it's entertaining. Plus it's on the ground, which will keep Cal's O off the field, which includes WR stud Desean Jackson, RB Justin Forsett (1,403 rushing yards) and QB Nate Longshore, who can make the throws despite recent poor play. I'm going to take Air Force, I mean c'mon, it's the Armed Forces Bowl, taking the 3.5 points, a great ground game spells out a close game.

Crop dusting.

Spatters from the world of sports, links to other blogs, columnists, and a gratuitous pic of a hot chick.

-The Boston Celtics won last night as Paul Pierce scored 26 of his season-high 37 points in the second half, against the Seattle SuperSonics 104-96. This is Boston's 24th win, which matches the Celtics' victory total from all of last season. Who'd a thunk it, a dominating team in Boston.

-Mack Browns step-son is an idiot, and I'm sure Brown uttered "...thank god, he doesn't have my genes" at some point after this dumb play. Here's Deadspin showing love for Chris Jessie, no really.

-I'm a big Bill Simmons fan, and here's his love of links.

- Should NFL Cheerleaders unionize? Here's the answer to that age old question.

-I'm a big Jason Whitlock fan, and he needs to stay in one place. His weekly 10 truths.

Oh, the random hot chick? Her name is Jessica Jaymes.....which seems to be a common name in the world of women who get scantily clad and/or naked for a living. And in her case, make porn.

My God....more worthless Bowl games.

It just doesn't stop, I thought Week 17 in the NFL had cornered the market on meaningless games....I was way off. Here we go.

Champ Sports Bowl - Boston College (14) and Michigan State go at it today at 5 on ESPN with BC giving 5.5. I normally do not comment on broadcasters outsider of the travesty that is Joe Buck & Tim McCarver, but Mike Patrick and Todd Blackledge are doing this game and they might be one of the few sport broadcasting teams that do not annoy me in any way. (Wow, I was just inspired....this might be the subject of a future post. I digress).

If you like watching good running teams then make sure you watch this game. Making it even more interesting, the Spartans have a top 20 rushing team and the Eagles have the best rushing defense in the nation.

Lee's Pick - Eagles win outright. Boston College QB Matt Ryan is playing for draft status and some pride, considering he was a Heisman front runner in September, and didn't even get an invite in December. Plus, he's the best QB the Spartans will play all year, who are missing defensive players due to suspensions. Also, as I mentioned, the MSU strength is the running game and BC has the best run defense around.

Texas Bowl - I'm unsure why two unranked teams in the Texas Bowl are on at 8:00, and the previously mentioned match-up with two big time programs is on at 5:00. Why do we kiss the ass of Texas? Annoying accents, fat disillusioned pampered housewives, and the Simpson Family(Jessica, Asslee, & Papa Joe) is all this state has to offer. But I digress......again.

Houston and TCU (who isn't even ranked by the BCS) go head to head in this thrilling match-up. To quote college sport guru's Rivals.com, "Well, if you're from Texas, this might have some intrigue. And if you liked Southwest Conference football, these are former league rivals getting back together. Other than that … "

I could care less, Houston is giving 6.5 to the Horned Frogs. The only somewhat intriguing aspect of this game is Houston's offense, which is 4th in the nation in total offense, and feature RB Anthony Alridge who is among the national rushing leaders.

Lee's Pick - It's the Cougar O vs. the Horned Frog D, and I think that'll keep the game within a possession. Let's go with TCU taking the points.

Emerald Bowl - Tonight at 8:30 est Maryland will take on Oregon State, with the Beavers giving 5. (For the record, I have also seen lines at 5.5, but I am going with the 5).

Two middle of the pack teams with no history, from different conferences that are based 3,000 miles from each other equals a horrific football game. These Friday night bowl games are the epitome of why the Bowl games have become worthless and annoying. Is it showing, that all the research into these uninteresting programs and games that I have done has made me tired and annoyed? The worst part, it's not like LSU vs. Ohio State will be thrilling either. One more time, digressing.

Lee's Pick - Maryland taking the 5. The game, which is in San Francisco, is a short trip for the Beaver fans giving it a home game atmosphere for them. The Terrapins only have one offensive weapon, WR Darius Heywood-Bey, and the Beavers can key on him. Plus they have the second ranked run defense in the nation. Seems like the making of a route, however OSU's pass offense is horrific. While I think the Beavers will win, it'll be by a field goal.

Holidaaaay...'cause it'll feels so nice.

The Bowl season resumes today with the Holiday Bowl (Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego. 8 pm), which pits #11 Arizona State (+2.5) against the #19 Texas Longhorns.

Most of the focus of this match-up will be on Keegan Herring, the ASU tailback who lost his Father, Sister, Aunt, and a close friend over the past year. You have to feel for the dude, but he does go to Arizona State, where they invented hot chicks.

Lee's Pick - This should be a close game, and I'm going to go with the dog, Texas, taking the 2.5. They have the big bowl experience, and even though they are missing their big target Limus Sweed, the Longhorns RB Jamaal Charles is a good match-up against ASU.

Oh yeah..........The best part about talking about Arizona State, using a pic of some ridiculously hot chick who claims to go to ASU. Like this girl, I'm sure she's a whiz at micro-economics. Either that, or I can go with ASU head coach Dennis Erickson. C'mon, 2 shots of JD and he's a looker.

The Twoseamies

COMING SOON........

The Twoseamies. The highlights and lowlights of this year in sports. The ballots have been sent out and the winners will be posted Monday, December 31st.

Tickets are available for the presentation ceremony. Two drink minimum, appetizers will be served.

The Giant lay-down.

Saturday night's game between New England and the New York Giants on the NFL Network will be simulcast on CBS and NBC.

"We have taken this extraordinary step because it is in the best interest of our fans," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement after the league announced it was reversing course. "What we have seen for the past year is a very strong consumer demand for NFL Network. We appreciate CBS and NBC delivering the NFL Network telecast on Saturday night to the broad audience that deserves to see this potentially historic game. Our commitment to the NFL Network is stronger than ever."

Good for the NFL, okay done with that. The real debate is how should the G-Men approach this game? The sport pundits that scream on talk radio and ESPN are loving this scenario. Should the Giants, who for the most part have nothing to lose and/or gain from this game, go out and play this game like it's week 9 or 10? Or, should the Giants take advantage of having their playoff spot solidified, take this game with a grain of salt, and rest their injured and nicked up players.

I'm a Giant fan, and I could care less about this game. I believe that most Giant fans will agree that they need to rest their hurting players, and there is no need to subject Eli to a Bellicheck defense right before a play-off game. In regards to their responsibility to the league? There were 15 other games where the Pats could have lost, including a Charger rematch game and of course, the Colts. Ultimately, if the Patriots go 16-0 and lose in the playoffs then all this hub-bub is for not.

As promised, whenever I talk about a Tom Brady related topic I'll throw up a picture of Gisele Bundchen, and then drone on about how his life is great, and I'm currently huddled over a lap-top debating whether or not to eat Frosted Flakes for breakfast or cry myself through the day.

Clemens to lie on 60 Minutes.

Mike Wallace will be interviewing Roger Clemens for 60 Minutes to be aired on January 6th. Clemens will also begin to answer questions from all reporters on that same day.

I'm somewhat into this interview. Normally, watching a self-important, pretentious redneck (yes, an oxymoron) lie on TV usually doesn't get my excitement level up. There will be a lot of Clemens denying steroid use, but Wallace wont stop there. I'm pretty sure 60 Minutes researchers will have combed the Mitchell Report with a fine tooth comb, as well as Clemens career. We could expect questions about Andy Pettitte, Clemens training partner, admitting to using HGH. I wonder if Roger will call him a big fat liar? I also wonder if Clemens will have frosted tips? That was by far the gayest haircut any self-respecting, gay-bashing, red-blooded Texan has ever had.

Excitement in Detroit.

When you think Bowl games, the first thing that comes to your mind is always Detroit, which is why the Motor City Bowl is such a huge spectacle.

But seriously, can Purdue vs. Central Michigan be less appealing to anybody outside of the Central Michigan and Purdue campuses, respectively? Purdue is giving 8 points, and manhandled the Chippewas, (yes, that's the Central Michigan nickname), 45-22 when the teams met in September. By the way, 4-1-1 after 6 bowl picks.

I'm going with the Boilermakers to take this outright. Not sure how much has changed between these teams since September. I know, boring. Which is weird, because when you think Purdue, you never think boring and uninteresting. Although, you do normally think of hot Australian girls like Emily Scott. Insert your own down under joke here, perverts.

Merry X-Mas

I wish all our faithful readers the best, and have a very Merry Christmas.

Up and coming over the next few days.....

-NFL Playoff preview.

-More bowl picks (4-1-1 so far)

-College basketball update.

-Hockey! Woo hoo.

Jingle all the way..............

Insert cheesy "lei" joke here.

So 3-1-1, the push being Cincinnati winning by 10, while giving 10 on the spread. Nevada was crushed by New Mexico, bad loss. Tonight at 8 PM, the 24th-ranked Broncos will be playing their second straight game in Honolulu on Dec. 23 when they face East Carolina in the Hawaii Bowl.

The lore of Boise State's late game heroics in the Fiesta Bowl last year against Oklahoma still lives on. I don't think that a match-up against East Carolina is as sexy, but Boise State is fun to watch none-the-less.

This game could be a coming out party for East Carolina's RB Chris Johnson, who rushed for 1,244 yards and 16 touchdowns on 208 carries this season, considering ESU doesn't get much national exposure, especially when they are 7-5 and play in Conference USA. Johnson also caught 34 passes for 496 yards and five scores.

Boise State should win this game, but I'm going to pick ESU taking the 11 points. This game should be a shoot-out, so the over is a no brainer. (Famous last words).

Smoke a Bowl game

Two for two ladies and gentleman. Florida Atlantic's first venture into the topsy turvey world of bowl games was stellar. The Owls flew past Memphis 44-27 in the New Orleans Bowl. So, let's get to Saturday's Bowl game extravaganza. Oh, who's the severely airbrushed chick to the right you ask? No idea, but I'm sure she'd fall madly in love with me and my bank account.

Papajohns.com Bowl - 1:00 PM ET, at Legion Field in Birmingham , AL pits Southern Miss vs. Cincinnati, with the Bearcats giving 10, and the over/under at 55. The So. Miss Eagles have a solid defense that kept them in games all year, but they go up against an explosive Bearcat offense that they won't be able to contain. Unfortunately for Southern Miss, their offense is established through the run game, and Cincinnati has been one of the best against the run this year, only allowing a 100 yard rusher 3 times.

Lee's pick - Cincinnati giving 10 with the under. The Cinncy offense is too big for So. Miss, and the Eagles won't put up enough points to get close to the O/U.

New Mexico Bowl - 4:30 PM ET at University Stadium , Albuquerque , NM on ESPN has Nevada going up against New Mexico giving 4 (O/U 54) in what is basically a home game for the Lobo's. On paper, these teams are fairly equal and this should be a good game. However, New Mexico is 5-1 at Albuquerque and the Nevada Wolfpack does start a freshman QB, which leads you to believe that this has the makings of a Lobo win.

Lee's pick - Like the true maverick that I am, I'm going to go with Nevada, taking the 4 points, although I think they'll win outright. We'll also go with the over.

Las Vegas Bowl - finds UCLA vs BYU tonight at 8 PM in Las Vegas, obviously. BYU is giving 3.5 (O/U 47) to the Bruins, in this match-up that will feature defense due to both teams woeful offense. The Bruins, who are coming in without their recently fired head coach Karl Dorrell, have lost their top RB and both their 1st and 2nd string QB's. The Cougars meanwhile feature a bruising freshman RB that won't do much against a strong UCLA run D, especially with the Cougars inconsistent play at QB.

Lee's pick - I'm definitely going with the way under, and UCLA taking the points.

Bowl 2 of 32

Current status - 1-0 (the O/U will be tallied separately at the end of Bowl season), with last nights Utah win. The Utes couldn't cover in a closely contested game, and the Midshipmen made it a 3 point game.

Tonight's game, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Memphis vs. Florida Atlantic to be seen on ESPN2 at 8 EST. The Memphis Tigers giving 3.5 with o/u at 67.

Lee's Prediction: neither team can play D, and both have sick offenses. So the over is a no brainer. I'm going to go with my heart, and take the Florida Atlantic Owls outright. This is the programs 7th season and the progress they have made is pretty unbelievable. Plus, the Owls Defense is slightly better than the Memphis Defense.

December Madness

The holiday season marks yet another shift regarding our focus regarding the world of sports. By this time, usually all of the blockbuster deals during the baseball off-season have taken place, or at the very least everybody except Buster Olney and Peter Gammons are bored to tears with the Hot Stove. The NBA and NHL are in the middle of their extremely long and boring regular season, and as the NFL regular season winds down only a handful of games are significant. Which leave us with the NFL playoffs, Bowl games, and college basketball.

Bowl games for the most part suck, and the 4-5 weeks in between the regular and post seasons leaves everybody uninterested. The NFL playoffs are nothing short of awesome, but only take place on the weekends. This leaves a void in sporting life, and in comes the aforementioned college basketball.

Yesterday's Pitt vs. Duke game did not disappoint. With 4.7 seconds left in OT and -- after Duke missed two final shots -- Pittsburgh (No. 9 ESPN/USA Today, No. 11 AP) guard Lavance Fields hit a 3 pointer leading the Panthers to a 65-64 victory over the Blue Devils (No. 7 ESPN/USA Today, No. 6 AP) on Thursday night in a match up of two unbeatens in the Aeropostale Classic, at MSG.

After the game, Fields was contrite and said it was a team effort, and that Duke is always a tough opponent. He then asked where the white women were at. Isiah Thomas quickly ran over and corrected him to say "bitches", not women. Always a teacher.

Bowl 1 of 32

Tonight at 9 pm on ESPN is the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. Yeah that's right, the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl. (God bless cut and paste).

It'll be Navy's prolific option offense vs. what has quietly become one of the more successful college programs, the Utah Utes, who are going for their seventh consecutive bowl win. Pretty impressive to say the least. The Utes are giving 8, with the over/under at 110.

Lee's pick: Navy taking the points, and the under. Why? There's a naval base in San Diego and you cannot underestimate the power of the 12th man. I think Utah will pull it out, but it'll be close. Utah has the countries top scoring D which kind of makes my under pick a bit shaky, but Navy rarely puts the ball in the air (which means no INT's) and is proficient on the ground and they rarely fumble.

Man, how can you not be into the Midshipmen vs. the Utes? If your not, then consider yourself a unpatriotic monogamist!

Read this

Here are some articles and blogs you should check out, some good stuff. Hearty and deeeeelish.

Page 2's Jemele Hill is spot on regarding the "Oh so contrite" Andy Pettitte, and his apology.

This guy is a freak and is already talking about Fantasy Baseball. I'm a freak because I'm reading it.

Curt Schilling likes to talk about other baseball players, including Roger Clemens.

A personal favorite of mine, Jason Whitlock, gives his thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons hierarchy, (present and former).

Burn!!

Yesterday at this time we where all wondering what the hell Bill Parcells was thinking. Why would anybody who can pick and choose between jobs, want to go to Atlanta? Then we find that Parcells and Miami owner Wayne Huizenga agreed Wednesday on a four-year contract to be the Dolphins' vice president of football operations, according to ESPN, which employs the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach as an analyst. Parcells, is widely known as one of the best talent evaluators and team architects around.

The Miami Dolphins are currently 1-13, and rudely dashed all of our hopes for a perfectly horrific season of 0-16 by beating the very embarrassed Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday.

Man, it just keeps getting worse for the Falcons and it's owner Arthur Blank. Let's step back a few years, starting with when the team made it's first big game appearance at Super Bowl XXXIII, only to have their starting Safety Eugene Robinson to get busted with a hooker the night before, and then get romped by Denver 34-19.

Jamaal Anderson was the franchise RB featured on that Super Bowl team, only to have his career cut short by injury. No worries though, the Atlanta Falcons were able to trade up a secure franchise QB Michael Vick. All is well in Atlanta until they realized that Vick was 5 years into his career and outside of a handful of games, has been terrifically average. So the Falcons bring in Louisville Head Coach Bobby Petrino to turn things around, and help Michael Vick find himself as a player.

Petrino and Vick never got the chance due to those damn those laws that prevent humans from organizing, and betting on, dog fights. Michael Vick is doing 23 months in federal prison due to being convicted on charges steaming from organizing and financing a dog fighting ring. Which lead the Falcons with journeyman QB Joey Harrington after they traded their valued back-up Matt Schaub to Houston essentially minutes before the Michael Vick situation went down. Which leaves us with a 3 win team, with no direction and no place to go but up. WRONG! Bobby Petrino wanted no part of the NFL, specifically the Falcons so he high-tailed it out of there to take the University of Arkansas head coaching job.

It's a good thing the Atlanta sports fans are terrible, otherwise they could be upset, but I think they're just to busy either getting Krunk or wrapping themselves in diapers made from confederate flags. I love the south!

Knick fans are content.

New York Knicks fans angry over the team's losing streak rallied outside Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, holding aloft a giant pink slip and calling on management to fire coach Isiah Thomas.

Chanting "Fire Isiah! He's got to go! Good-bye!" two dozen irate fans signed the 8-by-4-foot pink placard urging Garden chief executive James Dolan to dump the coach, whose team is 7-17 going into Wednesday night's game with Cleveland.

Two dozen?!?!? That's it!!!?!?! I thought there would be at least 5 million people. As a Knicks fan I find that to be almost as disappointing as this sorry ass franchise. I guess the apathy has fully crossed over into the fan base now. Think of it, fans actually do not want to pay for the most expensive ticket in sports, to watch the worst team in sports. Human nature I tell ya, it's a wild and wacky thing.

Free shoes!! Free shoes!!

An academic cheating scandal could leave Florida State without as many as 25 players for its Music City Bowl game against Kentucky on New Year's Eve, coach Bobby Bowden said Tuesday. Many of the players who won't be going to Nashville could also be ruled ineligible for some games next season for their connection to a cheating scandal earlier this year.

The university reported its findings in a letter to the NCAA in September after a six-month investigation by the school revealed at least 23 athletes in various sports were interviewed in regard to cheating on an online music history exam.

At least two football players already have been penalized for their involvement. Defensive end Kevin McNeil missed the season and wide receiver Joslin Shaw missed the first four games.

Federal privacy laws prohibit the school from releasing names.

Wow, this is a shocker. I can't believe that FSU players have little to no academic integrity. This ranks up there with the outrage when we discovered that drunken college students hire strippers. Revolting I say. However, great excuse to use a pic of a female FSU "student", or as they say in academic circles - soft-core porn trainees.

"Jessica Simpson, THE Ohio State University!!"

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 10-6, yesterday afternoon at a chilly Texas Stadium.

The story of the game, Romo threw three picks. Brian Westbrook had another grinding, gutty performance. Jason Witten was the lone offensive force for Dallas with 8 catches for 113 yards. Donovan McNabb again looked like he was playing out the string in Philly, playing not to lose, and waiting to go to another team to hopefully revive his career. Of course, then there was TO. A frustrating 2 catch, 38 yard performance brought out the best in Terrell. The Cowboys got their glimpse of the sulking baby that is the real Owens for the first time this season. The big story though, was that Jessica Simpson was in the stadium.

I know!! I know! I couldn't believe it either, and thank god for FOX. I for one loved having her on the screen at all times. The stupid looks on her face were inspiring, and made me want to spend the day in a Heisman Trophy pose while wearing a leather helmet circa 1920.

Jessica Simpson may have a thought process that resembles a vacant lot, but god damn, she knows how to fill out a dress. I for one will raise my glass to her father Joe Simpson. Sir, thank you for whoring out your daughter. She is truly a national treasure.

Booooooo

Those big bad Baltimore Ravens ruined the perfect season.

Baltimore's Matt Stover's missed 44-yard field goal in overtime, was followed by Miami's Greg Camarillo's 64-yard touchdown reception, as the Dolphins beat the Ravens 22-16 Sunday.

Baltimore has the awesome distinction of possibly being Miami's only win this season. Way to ruin it for the rest of us. Aside from no longer being able to watch dubious history being made, we now have to listen the Dolphins crow for the rest of the week. God forbid they win another game. We'll then have to hear about the 'Phins somewhat salvaging a horrific season, and ending on a positive note. What might be a downside for the Dolphins is that a winless season would have most likely cost Cam Cameron his job, and he's just horrible.

At least the Pats won this week. They beat the Jets, so we'll have something to watch for the remainder of the seaon, especially with the playoff picture just about set in both conference's. I was going to put up a pic of a happy Dolphin player, but I prefer misery and scantily clad chicks, like professional British skank Keeley Hazell. Hooray for my preferences.

Forgive me Selig for I have sinned.

Andy Pettitte used human growth hormone to recover from an elbow injury in 2002, the New York Yankees pitcher admitted two days after he was cited in the Mitchell Report.
Pettitte said he tried HGH on two occasions, stressing he did it to heal faster and not enhance his performance. He emphasized he never used steroids. Pettitte returned to the Yankees last season and went 15-9. This month, he put off retirement and agreed to a $16 million, one-year contract to play for the Yankees next season.

"If what I did was an error in judgment on my part, I apologize," Pettitte said Saturday in a statement released by his agent. "I accept responsibility for those two days."

At least Andy didn't waste our time with lies and whining about how these accusations are completely false. I give some props to Pettitte, and any other player (Mota, Giambi) accused or found guilty of using performance enhancing substances, for admitting that they cheated. Like Barry Bonds for the past few years, Mark Mcgwire (who's to busy not talking about the past), and now Roger Clemens.

This is somewhat damning for Roger Clemens who introduced Pettitte to the trainer that gave him the HGH, and are best buddies. Indirectly, Andy Pettitte has thrown Clemens under the bus, and train, and that annoying neighbor's oversized-completely-obnoxious-excuse-for-a-small-penis-Hummer.

Pettitte claims that he only used the HGH to help him heal while he was on the DL in 2002, and wanted to get back to his team. This just in; my sources tell me that Roger Clemens is going to be holding a press conference where he will admit to using performance enhancing substances. His reasoning is that he has the ego the size of Barry Bonds' head, and that he wanted to see how much money he can extort from the Astro's and Yankees by claiming that he was the key to a World Series win. Only to perform well during the regular season, and forget to show up during the playoffs.

Oh, my source is my dog. She's been right before so please, let's not discount her. I promise, I didn't give her a treat until after she spilled the beans.

You Stay Classy.

Hopefully you were wise enough to side with John Anthony last night and went with the Texans, because as you noticed, "Houston" there was not a problem with the Apollo 13. Taking down the under 47 to go with the home dogs was a nice cash in as John Anthony hit for 5o large. 50 large. That is right, do not adjust your monitor.......the 900 King hit for $50 dollars last night bringing his 2007 NFL record to 16-5. Webster Slaughter, Haywood Jeffries, Warren Moon, and Al Del Greco were sipping the courvosier with the 900 King at the expense of Karl Mecklenberg and errrr, Gary Kubiak.

As for this weekend, we're going to the land of Ron Burgandy and Veronica Corningstone for our "Smarten Up" lock of the week, which righ now is a perfect "10 1/2". Get out the Roth IRAs and the Home Equity Lines of Credit, because this city's luck (a.k.a. A female whale's reproductive engine) has been "over charged". It won't be a "Merri-man" Christmas as he and LT2's portable blocking brick wall will be "Neal-ly" missed for this contest. This game will roll in like a Lion and out like a Lion. Screw March.

Put your hands up for Detroit......I love this city.

Shoot 'Em up Rocket Man

Which is bigger news? Is the Mitchell Report naming Hall of Famer(?) Roger Clemens amongst many others as those who bought and presumably used steroids. Or, is it that the Red Sox had announced that the club will not tender a 2008 contract to right-hander Brendan Donnelly. Oh, just kidding you bastard. We all know it's the much anticipated Mitchell Report. I think the only names that would have been a bigger story than Clemens rhyme with Mujols, Keeter, and J-Rod.

Over the last 8-9 years, the Clemens camp has been doing an unbelievable job positioning him as something he is not, a savior. (Before my Roger-bashing begins, for the record, I believe that in spite of the steroid allegations Roger Clemens is one of the best REGULAR season pitchers of all-time. In the post-season, outside of the 1 hit gem he threw in the 2000 ALCS against the Mariners, he was an above average pitcher (13-8 3.75 ERA in the post-season), and not the one you sign to $26 million for one season).

When Roger signed with the Yankees in 1999, they were coming off a 114 win, World Series season. They had scrappy, gritty players (Jeter, Brosius) clutch hitters (Bernie, O'Neill), a rotation of above average starters (Cone, Pettitte, El Duque), and a sick pen (Mo, Nelson, Staton). They did not need Clemens, he needed them. Roger went on to go 14-10 with an ERA above 4 in 1999, along with a 2-1 post-season recorded that included a 2 inning, 5 Run shellacking at the hands of the Red Sox. In 2000, he was more of an asset, but this all-time great was by far the 2nd or 3rd best pitcher in the rotation at best, and fifth or sixth best on the staff as a whole. But this was a team that scored 800+ runs and had David Justice coming off the bench with 20 HR and 60 RBI. Again, Roger was not the focal point of this teams success with a 13-8 record.

My point? The guy is a phony, always has been and now it's just proven further. According to the Mitchell Report, he was juicing when he was racking up the Cy Young's in Toronto. Then he was average in his first few Yankee seasons. Could this be without the steroids? Then became this machine over the next 6 seasons with the Yankees and the Astro's winning 88 games and two more Cy Young awards, all within the age range of 38-44.

The affect of steroids on pitchers hasn't really come into full focus yet. Does it add a few mph to the fastball? How many innings per start did the juice add, with the sped up recovery time? None the less, the legacy of Roger Clemens is tainted. Especially when you put him along the side the names aren't mentioned in that report, (i.e., Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Tom Glavine, etc.), all of whom had to, or tried to, reinvent themselves as their careers moved on.

Of course Roger denied it, why wouldn't he, he's been lying for 15 years.

You can see the full list here, and the report here.

On the verge......

I initially said that I was going to be bored by the Mitchell Report, that all this steroid stuff has become tedious and annoying. I really underestimated this. Just from the few names that have been leaked this morning, i.e., Roger Clemens, I am on the edge of my seat.

The Bergen Record (NJ) has reported that other prominent Yankees including Andy Pettitte are to be named on the list along with Clemens. No current members of the Mets are on the list, which is somewhat odd considering the whistle blower is a former Met clubhouse employee.

This is huge. The Yankees have the most to lose in this. If guys like Posada, Mariano, and wait for it, wait for it....Jeter, are named on this list that run they had from '95 to '00 is tainted. What's even worse is that some of these guys are still on the team. Plus the Yankees are a franchise that market themselves on tradition, and it's history, as much as they do with their current team.

If any of the Boston players from the last few years end up on the list it could be as equally as daunting. Other teams just need to worry about marquee players that are part of a franchises legacy. For instance Piazza with the Mets, Helton on the Rockies, Smoltz or Chipper on the Braves, etc, etc. I'm not accusing these players, just trying to give an idea.

It's a good thing I never juiced. I heard it can cause you to lose your hair, and have excessive hair growth on your back. Sigh. (I figure I need to balance out that pic of George Mitchell. I hope this lovely lady does the trick.)

900 King Looms Large

All you jockeys and pirates that have been hit heavy in the pants pockets with some bad NFL picks the last few weeks, have no fear. The Million Dollar Man is here to solve all of your gambling woes. Remeber, I don't want your money, I want your bookie's money. After a 4 week hiatus, Jon Anthony is here again to deliver the goods on the Hard Sinking Action Blog. Stay Tuned. Picks to come Soon. Push it heavy.

Cut loose....

Yesterday was the day that Major League teams had to offer arbitration to eligible players, or they would become a free agent. The big name on this list has to be Mark Prior, now formerly, of the Chicago Cubs.

Prior was supposedly on the block a few weeks ago, and we commented how a team would have to be nuts to give up anything short of a bag a balls, let alone prospects, for Prior. As a free agent, this could be a very low risk/high reward move. Prior has a stellar career record of 42-29 and a 3.51 earned-run average, which will garner him a deal somewhere.

Early speculation is that Prior will resign with the Cubs via a Minor League contract. He could also end up in his hometown of San Diego, where he is currently rehabbing. Although, you have to assume that Ace-hungry teams such as the Mets will be pursuing, and willing to give Prior a little more than most. I think Mark can expect a lot of interest, and should be ready to accept a performance based contract.

I'd sign him, why not? But then again, my only experience with signing free agents is when I worked at that Biloxi strip club for 4 months, The Jiggly Wiggly. You'd be surprised how easy it was to attract talent after we started offering day care for employees.

No gold for you!

The IOC formally stripped Marion Jones of her five Olympic medals Wednesday, wiping her name from the record books following her admission that she was a drug cheat. The International Olympic Committee also banned the disgraced American athlete from attending next year's Beijing Olympics in any capacity and said it could bar her from future games.

In a moment of great fore site, Jones had already handed back her the 2 gold and 3 bronze medals that she had one in Sydney. What really sucks is that Jones' teammates in the relays she's run, are erased from the record books as well. From my understanding, these non-substance abusing former Olympians are mighty pissed and aren't going to give up these medals without a fight.

I'm really pretty tired of anything steroids at this point, so you can imagine how ecstatic I am knowing that we are only moments away from being consumed with baseball's Mitchell Report. I think the silver lining from this whole issue is that Marion Jones, who was a NCAA All-American PG at UNC, never played a game in the WNBA even though she was drafted. The last thin we need is to have the WNBA's rep sullied. There are possibly dozens (generous estimate) of people out there who's hearts would just be shattered into pieces. Rather sad really.......really, really sad actually.

From Tokyo with love.......

Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and the Chicago Cubs reached a preliminary agreement Tuesday on a $48 million, four-year contract. Fukudome was the 2006 Central League MVP, batting .351 with 31 homers and 104 RBIs. He recently told the Dragons he wouldn't return next season, saying he wanted to move to the major leagues.

Fukudome was considered one of the best outfielders in Japanese baseball. The 30-year-old slugger was a key member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006. He had surgery on his right elbow in August and sat out the Japan Series, but has 192 homers and a .305 batting average over nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons, who won their first championship in 53 years this past November.

I take Japanese players with a grain of salt. Ichiro is a rare find, he's arguably one of the greatest pure hitters of all time. Hideko Nomo had a stellar career that included the Rookie of the Year award and a no-hitter, but overall was a serviceable average pitcher. Yankee Outfielder Hideki Matsui is also a successful major league player, but signs of ware and tear of the longer and more rigorous MLB season have taken it's toll on him the last few seasons.

The book is out on many current Japanese imports, but the bigger story here is the continuous borderline reckless spending by the Cubs. Over the past two seasons they gave a huge $100 million + contract to Soriano that will pay him through his 40th birthday. Big $10 million a year contracts to hit or miss pitchers Jason Marquis and Ted Lily (in all fairness, Lily was the rock in their rotation during the 2007 season). Of course the Zambano extension was a no-brainer, but they have crippled themselves in some sense. Going forward they might have to sit out of the bidding of attractive free agents just because another $70 - $100 million is just not feasible. Especially if they aren't winning.

Of course, I am a man of different cultural tastes and enjoy seeing baseball's continued international appeal. The talent pool has become diluted with expansion over the past 10-15 years and foreign talent is needed.

Foreign talent is also needed in my current dating pool. Consider me a diplomat, and my hip apartment with velvet wall paper, black lighting, and a Barry White shrine to be the UN of love. FYI - I don't know who this lovely Japanese woman is, but I don't think her name is important for our purposes.

Arkansas over Atlanta??

Bobby Petrino resigned as Atlanta Falcons coach on Tuesday with the team mired in last place in the NFC South Division with a 3-10 record, the Falcons said on their Web site.

Apparently, Petrino stepped aside after less than one year at the helm to take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas. Petrino stepped away from a 10 year, $25 million extension at Louisville to take the Atlanta Falcon job.

Yet another college coach who bit off more than he can chew. It really doesn't take a super genius like myself to know that dealing with a high priced professional athlete and his personal eye-brow waxers is much different than a 18 year old college baller.

What's next for the Falcon's? From the way things are going I'm expecting one of the LB's to publicly deny the Holocaust or down play the affects of 9/11. On that note, here's a hot chick in an American flag bikini. I am a true patriot, and of course, so is she.

Shalom Homeys.

Yet another fabulous Hanukkah season has come to an end. Since we are primarily a sports centric site we're hoping Ryan Braun, Kevin Youkilis, Larry Brown, and many others had 8 glorious nights.

Mel Kiper Fan Club

College sport mecca site, Rivals.com, has released it's first mock draft results. Yes we're still playing the 2007 NFL regular season, and the first bowl game is played in 10 days. You have to be Mel Kiper on speed to take this with more than a grain of salt.

For what it's worth, they have LSU DT Glenn Dorsey going first to the Dolphins, Arkansas perennial Heisman candidate RB Darren McFadden going 2nd to the Patriots (yeah, they need help), and UVa Defensive End Chris Long going 3rd to the Rams. Yes, Chris Long is Howie Long's son. Louisville Brian Brohm is the first QB chosen in this mock draft, going 5th to Atlanta reuniting with his college head coach, Bobby Petrino.

Other notables; Boston College QB Matt Ryan at 11 going to the Bears. LSU Wideout Early Doucet going to Denver with the 15th pick to help out young QB Jay Cutler, and Michigan WR Mario Manningham to Tampa Bay with pick number 24.

Second round notables are Hawaii QB and Heisman candidate Colt Brennan at 39 to Baltimore, and USC QB John David Booty going to Jacksonville with the 58th pick. Of course after the bowl games start being played more underclassmen will declare, and this mock draft will be for nothing, but hey that's the fun of it. Call me after the Pats win the Super Bowl and we need something to talk about.

Hard time.

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.

Apparently during the sentencing the judge asked Vick if he was remorseful for disappointing all the young kids that looked up to him. Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

Awesome, so now we can move on with our lives. Mike, enjoy your time up in the cut (see how up with the hip-hop lingo I am), and best of luck with avoiding that whole bitch and shiv thing. Oh, the chick? Lynette Chico, it was either her or a pic of Mike Vick getting his hair braided by his new best friend, "Tonya."

Symmetry

The New England Patriots stayed unbeaten with a 34-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tom Brady threw four touchdown passes, Randy Moss caught two and Steelers safety Anthony Smith, who guaranteed his team would win, was burned on two long scoring throws.

Meanwhile a few miles west the Bills completed a 38-17 beat down, handing Miami its 13th straight defeat to start the season, of course keeping them winless.

A tale of two quarterbacks. Somewhere Tom Brady is sitting back, relishing his 4 TD tosses and being admired by his model girlfriend Gisele Bundchen. Then there's rookie QB John Beck out of BYU, who's really wishing he went on that missionary trip to the Philippines right about now. Wait, did somebody say Gisele Bundchen? Picture time, I like the banana....very primitive, makes me want to throw on the cheetah pattern loin clothe that I picked up at Prada. So fashionable, yet so comfy.

Pretty Boy Floyd

Floyd Mayweather Jr. outfought Ricky Hatton in their heavily hyped bout Saturday night for the WBC welterweight title, stopping him at 1:35 of the 10th round via TKO.

Mayweather knocked Hatton down twice in the 10th. He landed a left hook in the corner that landed on the jaw. Hatton went head first into the corner pad and then was down. He was in serious jeopardy of not making it up. Mayweather attacked as soon as Hatton got back to his feet, and landed two lefts and a right and Hatton was down again. His corner threw in the towel and referee Joe Cortez waved it off.

Where the hell was this Mayweather when he fought De La Hoya? He remembered to hit Hatton, as unfortunate as that may be for Ricky. While this fight may have been more action packed and entertaining than the Mayweather/De La Hoya bought, the 24-7 eps on HBO were nowhere near as entertaining without Floyd Sr. and not enough Roger Mayweather. I just can't get over the broken English and punch drunk view of the world. Pure entertainment.

Saint Tebow

Tim Tebow beat out Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, the first player since 1949 to finish second in consecutive seasons, to win the 2007 Heisman Trophy. Tebow received 1,957 points and 462 first-place votes to McFadden's 1,703 points and 291 first-place votes. Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan was third, and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel fourth.

Tebow, who is the first major college player to run for 20 touchdowns and throw 20 TD passes in the same season, grew up working in a Philippine orphanage until he was 15. His parents are missionaries.

"Tim Tebow is the real American hero," said Tebow's high school football coach, Craig Howard. "He's the real deal."

What do I comment on first? Okay, the Heisman Trophy winning QB at the University of Florida is deeply religious. Which means that I can only assume that the guy who should be sleeping with at least 3-4 woman a day, isn't. Wow, this just blows my mind. I think God actually disapproves of Tebow not shedding off co-eds like it's his job. I actually think it is his job. Somewhere Matt Leinart is laughing.

As far as being a real American hero? It's true, 1 yard TD runs save over half a million people a year. Please give, and help support your local obnoxious, narrow minded High School football coach today!!

Michigan?? Anyone? Michigan?

LSU head football coach Les Miles signed a contract extension Thursday to keep him at the university through 2012, apparently ending speculation that he might leave for a job at the University of Michigan. The contract doesn't change Miles' salary, which already will rise to at least $2.8 million annually based on LSU's Southeastern Conference championship this year. An SEC championship win requires Miles' salary to be at least the third highest in the conference.

Hey, if you're into bucolic Baton Rouge as opposed to lovely Ann Arbor, more power to you. But apparently alumni ties doesn't trump the chances of a college football dynasty, which LSU has a chance to become. Plus the shrimp. You ever eat shrimp from Michigan? Exactly.

Also, Greg Schiano has turned away Michigan and will remain the football coach at Rutgers.

"I was contacted earlier this week about the Michigan coaching vacancy, but I have decided to remove my name from consideration," Schiano said in a statement. "I look forward to our third straight bowl game and to bringing a national championship to Rutgers and the state of New Jersey. I will have no further comment."

Wow, so the big, bad Blue was rebuffed twice in one week after Lloyd Carr's retirement. Despite temporary valley's amongst the peaks, Michigan Football is a top gig, and I don't see why coaches aren't clamoring for this position, especially Schiano. Last season he turned down Miami's offer to remain at Rutgers, to build up the program, which he has had success doing so far. I respect his commitment to the program...cough cough Tim Sabian cough cough, but can you really turn down two lucrative offers in two years?

Hey, if you're into bucolic Piscataway as opposed to lovely Ann Arbor, more power to you. I mean, I'm sure there are things that you can get in Jersey that you can't get in Ann Arbor. You know, like McDonalds? I'm at a loss........

FYI - Michigan's list of potential candidates still includes Wake Forest's Jim Grobe, California's Jeff Tedford, Missouri's Gary Pinkel, North Carolina State's Tom O'Brien, Ball State's Brady Hoke, Michigan offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and Wolverines defensive coordinator Ron English.

Oh the pictures of the Jessica Alba and Grace Park? Would you rather I put a picture of a middle aged white dude with a scowl?

Draft me, I'm Heisman.

The four Heisman finalists have been announced. They are, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel, Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tim Tebow is widely considered the favorite due to his combined (running and throwing) 40+ TD's, despite being a sophomore,Florida's 9-3 record, anf finishing 3rd in the SEC East division. That being said, McFadden led his razorbacks to an 8-4 record, good for 3rd in the SEC West, despite his 1725 rushing yards and 5.7 yards per carry average.

Brennan had the privilege of running the Shoot and Run offense at Hawaii, who went undefeated at 12-0, passing for 4,174 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also set the major college record for career touchdown passes with 131. Chase Daniel, despite passing for 4,170 yard and 33 TD's (to 10 INT's), appears to be the long shot. I think it's a shame Oregon's Dennis Dixon injured himself, he would have ran away with the trophy this year.

I should get a vote in this damn race. Twoseamer has more than proven it's redemable value in this forsaken society. Give us some love NCAA.

How Lee would decide his Heisman vote - I wouldn't place my vote for Tebow, even with those gaudy stats. After it's run for the National Championship was over Florida played it's games to get Tebow the Heisman. I think those stats would be more impressive if it came in an organic way, within the flow of the game. Not to mention, Brennan threw for 38 TD's, which is as equally impressive as Tebow's 20/20 achievement.

However, you can argue that Brennan should have gotten those stats considering the offense he's in. Most of the Rainbow Warrior's plays are passes out of the shotgun, and Brennan throws to three incredible WR's - although a Heisman candidate should not be judged on his teammates surrounding him. He should be judged on his level of execution. Which all four of these candidates did at a high level.

Chase Daniel is an excellent Quarterback, a great leader, and he almost had his team in the National Championship, which is something the other candidates can't say. As with Brennan and Hawaii, you can argue that the Mizzou schedule wasn't as rigorous as the one McFadden and Tebow had to face with their respective teams. The big knock on Daniel is that he didn't come up big when it counted, and with a weaker schedule if you don't show up for one of the few huge games your team plays, it sticks out.

My vote goes for McFadden. Yes, his team lost 4 times and was basically out of contention for any sort of high bowl game for most of the year. My reasoning;

a) He's the only RB amongst the four, and obviously stands out at his position.

b) He ran for 1,700+ yards in a division that prides itself on stopping the run.

c) McFadden was his team. It's much harder to gain 1,700 yards on the ground when the defense knows the ball is going to you, than it is for a QB throwing.

d) McFadden is hands down the best football player of the four. As I said before, my knock on Tebow is that Florida's season was to get him the Heisman. That's not the best player, that's a really good player, in a perfect system at the perfect time. McFadden just ran around, over, and through Defense's...all talent, no system.

Go Darren....plus I cannot get enough of you talking on camera. Here's to the Arkansas Satte Board of Education, way to not let them slip throught he cracks!

More Hot Stove.

The lovable Andruw Jones has signed a 2 year, $36.2 million contract. The 30-year-old right-handed hitter had 368 home runs and 1,117 RBIs in 12 seasons with the Atlanta Braves, including 51 home runs in 2005.

At the start of the 2007 season Jones was on the verge of that huge, long-term contract that all players dream of, only to sign a 2 year deal. In all fairness, it is for $36 Mil, but what would have he gotten if he hit .250 and 30 HR (as opposed to .225 and 26 HR).

Needless to say, Jones is far from the prototypical Joe Torre player. While he is an absolute wiz in the field, he's a strike out waiting to happen and was never the poster boy for hustle. He is however, the poster boy for stupid annoying faces that you just want to smack the shit out of.