Colts & Saints Still Undefeated: Dolphins Will Cringe!

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are still undefeated going into week 14 of the NFL season; making it the first time in history two teams have ever done so at the same time. The play of quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have been nothing short of exceptional considering the teams they have beaten, the talent they've faced, and their come from behind victory games.
Both of their most notable come-from-behind wins come at the expense of the Miami Dolphins. But before I begin talking about how Miami will look back and regret both of those losses let's focus on what the two undefeated teams have done lately.

Yesterday the Colts beat a very hot Tennessee Titans team which won 5 straight games. Granted, three of those Tennessee wins were against teams with records under .500 but they were still significant victories. Colts QB Peyton Manning has thrown approximately 3,685 yards this season with a 101 quarterback rating and 25 touchdowns under his belt. Not to mention, Indianapolis receiver Reggie Wayne just broke the 1000 yard reception mark on Sunday against Tennessee now with 1,035.

The Saints on the other hand should be commended for their play on offense and defense considering they have likely pro-bowlers on both sides of the ball. As a matter of fact since the pro-bowl is a week before the superbowl; if the Saints get there, they might as well fly to Miami two weeks in advance because many of their players will be part of both. I'm predicting Drew Brees will win if not at least share the MVP award this season. Brees has shocked the world with his miraculous if not earth shattering improvement this year. He's thrown for more than 3,500 yards with a 111 quarterback rating and 29 touchdowns which is higher than Manning. The one two three punch of Brees, Tight End Jeremy Shockey, and Receiver Devery Henderson has overwhelmed defenses this year; and Sedrick Ellis, Jonathan Vilma, and Darren Sharper might as well give their speeches now because all three will be selected for the pro-bowl this season.

As for the Miami Dolphins, let's just say allowing the Colts to beat them in week 2 and the Saints to come back in week 7 will prove to be very significant at the end of the season. First off, now that the Dolphins split the season series with New England after beating them 21-20 yesterday, they still have hope to win the AFC East.

The only problem is if the Patriots win out they'll take the division instead. Now this particular scenario could have been avoided had the Dolphins taken care of business with either the Saints or the Colts earlier this season. In both of those losses the Phins had a significant edge. In the Colts game the Dolphins controlled time of possession and even held a seven point fourth quarter lead but were unable to come out on top. In the loss against New Orleans the Dolphins owned the Saints for most of the game holding a 21 point lead in the 2nd quarter of that game and a 10 point lead late in the last.

So for all the fans who relish the Miami Dolphins' undefeated regular and post-season record, watch out because odds are it's going to end this year. They'll be no more trash talking and no more champangne glasses clinking by the former players of the 1972 undeated team. This is about the time of the year when those players come out of the wood work and start giving interviews about their annual celebration when the last undefeated team falls. But guess what? There are now two teams which are perfect and both these squads have two likely MVPs; so when Dolphins players and fans alike think back to those losses they'll be kicking themselves because they could have easily and I mean EASILY prevented Miami's record from being broken.

Tiger Woods' Car Accident: Truth Revealed

When I first heard news of Tiger Woods' accident outside of his Windemere home last Friday, I was very concerned about his well being but I was sure he'd recover from whatever injuries he sustained. The story from the beginning to me didn't make sense. From the fact that he hit the fire hydrant and tree he saw every day he left his driveway and the fact that he wasn't under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs had me thinking there was more to the story. More suprising was to hear about the heroics of his wife. The way she ran outside the home and broke the window with a golf club to free her loving husband from the smashed Cadillac made me want to give her the nickname "Wonderwoman."

But the truth is there was in fact a lot more to the story. A story which the popular celebrity website TMZ.com was on to long before the accident ever occurred. The billionaire golf star who caught the attention of the world with his exceptional playing ability and clean image was reportedly having an affair with a New York waitress/bartender Rachel Uchitel. These reports first surfaced from the National Enquirer and TMZ days before the car accident. Many speculate this led Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren to a rage which included her scratching his face and chasing him outside their Orlando home with a golf club in hand as he tried to drive off thus causing the accident. This scenario to many is the one that makes the most sense but was never confirmed.

Tiger Woods decided to stay silent about the incident, which at the end of the day is a personal family matter he has every right to keep in-house. However, as a result of his silence to not only his adoring public but also to the Florida Highway Patrol who investigated the crash, the story became much bigger. Had he perhaps spoken to law enforcement, which by law he didn't have to, the public may have bought his side of the story which was that he crashed his car into a tree and his wife heroically rescued him. But even then, there was evidence which proved otherwise. The evidence included that the window which was smashed out by his wife with the golf club was actually not one but two windows and they were the rear windows in the back. These facts would support the tabloid scenario in which Woods' wife chased him with a golf club because she was angry about his alleged affair.

Woods of course denied such allegations and vehemently defended his wife. But to add insult to his injuries, a woman came forward days ago claiming she had a 31 month affair with Woods. This woman, Jaimee Grubbs is a 24 year old waitress from California who appeared on the VH1 reality show Tool Academy. Quite ironically, she appeared as a victim of a man who had another girlfriend while dating her but obviously now it's revealed she was having a relationship with Tiger Woods the whole time. This woman Grubbs, different from the first, paints a picture of Woods as an adulterer who has been involved in several relationships outside his marriage. To prove her claim of a relationship with Woods, Grubbs claimed to have hundreds of text messages, pictures and more of her connection with Woods. She produced a voice message with a person who sounds like Woods telling her to change her answering machine message because his wife was checking his phone and he didn't want her hearing another woman's voice.

Today Woods finally apologized for what he called "transgressions against his family." He also attacked the media circus which has surrounded his life the past week. But Woods knows the world he lives in and he shouldn't be surprised with the media at all. As a public figure, he should have been more careful with his actions. This woman, Jaimee Grubbs who has basically exposed Woods as an adulterer clearly doesn't care about him. In fact she used Tiger for fame and she's getting exactly what she wants. Former Tennessee Titans Quarterback, Steve McNair paid the ultimate price for his infidelity. He had a relationship with a young vulnerable girl who then shot him to death when her life spiraled out of control. Infidelity these days can mean death.

Grubbs, whom is doing everything in her power to expose Woods and their relationship is acting along the lines of "fatal attraction." Tiger Woods not only sacrificed the family life he shared with his wife and two children but he also put himself at great risk by having an affair with a woman who is clearly unconcerned about his interests.

Woods' endorsement deals are nevertheless intact. Many of the advertisers who use him to sell their products like Nike and AT&T are sticking by him and really don't need not worry because he will keep winning tournaments and fans just the same. However, this new image of Woods is one fans will have to get used to. He's no longer the clean cut family guy whom although had a foul mouth on the golf course you simply thought was a perfect guy off of it. Woods said it best in his statement released today. He said, "I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect." He's getting criticized by his friends and his marriage is in peril.

This has been the best and worst year of Woods' life. After being the first notable athlete to reach the billion dollar mark to now be exposed as the most famous adulterer today just goes to show that nothing, no one, and no situation is as it appears at face value.

Tiger Woods: In Good Condition Despite Early Reports

Tiger Woods was not seriously injured despite initial reports about the top golfer's car accident outside his Orlando home. Woods only sustained facial lacerations and other minor injuries which is a complete relief from earlier news about the wreck. The latest reports say early this morning, Woods was backing out his driveway in his 2009 cadillac escalade and hit a fire hydrant. His wife reportedly heard the car crash and ran outside and helped him out of the vehicle by smashing the car window with a golf club. He was admitted to the hospital and soonafter he was released according to his publicist.

So why were earlier reports so wrong? How did minor injuries turn into serious injuries? Wow! It just goes to show how important fact checking is in major stories. Watching coverage of the accident all day, I noticed a high level of panic about Woods' future and whether he'll ever play again. Well the answer is yes; He'll play and win a lot more majors. Woods is the most famous athlete today and he'll bounce back despite the facial lacerations. Woods basically had a minor mishap which was obvious considering the initial details of the story. I'm glad he's okay and I think the story should go away because I'm sure Woods wants to put this incident behind him.

Tiger Woods' Car Accident: Seriously Injured

I'm always taken aback when I hear celebrities or sports stars getting into the typical misfortunes of regular Joes. Today for instance, the world's best golfer Tiger Woods is in serious condition after a car accident right outside his home in Orlando. Initial reports say charges are pending in the case and Woods may have been the only one involved in the accident which may have involved him hitting a fire hydrant and then running into a neighbors tree. He was reportedly driving a 2009 cadillac escalade and his airbags did not deploy which indicates everything went wrong for Woods in this accident. It all seems really minor considering his car was the only one involved and couldn't have been going more than 35mph coming out of his driveway but multiple reports say he is in serious condition.

Not much more has been revealed about the accident which comes a day after Thanksgiving; and surely during holidays you hate to hear bad news. I'm confident no matter how serious the injuries are that Tiger Woods will recover and bounce back. I was relieved to hear that alcohol was not a factor and I knew it immediately because Tiger is a smart guy and I doubt he would risk his career by driving drunk.

Woods is a 33 year old golf phenom currently ranked the number 1 golfer in the world. He joined the PGA tour in 1996 and has won 14 major championships and is a two time Fed Ex Cup champion. In 2008, he earned a reported $110 million in earnings and this year in 09' hit the one billion dollar mark. His accomplishments elevated because he achieved so much so quickly. He has 71 PGA tour wins third on the all time list. I reiterate, I'm confident no matter how serious the injuries, Tiger Woods will be back and I'm glad alcohol was not a factor. The Orlando Sentinel, ESPN and CNN are the sources of this report.

Allen Iverson's Retirement: The Result of a Bad Reputation

Let's not be coy about Allen Iverson's decision to retire. Although he is a future hall of famer who led the Sixers to the 2001 NBA finals and has the choice to call it quits whenever he wants, Iverson's retirement is the result of the negative image he's built over the years; and he is being forced out of the league. Iverson always had swagger from his playing days at Georgetown. He presented an attitude of confidence but more arrogance. But why not? He had exceptional abilities considering his small six foot 180 pound small frame.

The 10 time NBA All-Star has undoubtedly stamped an image of his excellence in the minds of basketball fans. He's tallied over 24 thousand points and nearly two-thouand steals in his career and his name comes up when considering the best players of the last decade. But the other image Iverson stamped in the minds of many was that of a troublesome player who couldn't win it all because he didn't exhibit the team player mindset. While he was a franchise player for the Sixers, his critics would say he was never a leader. This poisonous image stemmed from his battles with Larry Brown about practicing. With the sixers, Iverson made public statements about not wanting to practice with his team because he felt he didn't need to do so in order to gain success. I'm not quite sure his college coach, John Thompson, agreed with him. But of course hearing Iverson pick and choose when he wanted to practice didn't sway public favor towards him for obvious reasons. He then moved on to play with Denver in 2006 followed by Detroit in 08' and a three game career with Memphis this season. He was unhappy playing with the Pistons and the Grizzlies because he was coming off the bench.

He parted ways the Grizzlies this season wanting and expecting to get picked up by another team. While the New York Knicks showed strong interest in Iverson they were the only ones. The Knicks eventually decided against picking up Iverson claiming he would take playing time away from the younger players who need to develop. But his critics say it's because he's a drama filled athlete who would be a negative influence on the players in the locker room. The Knicks have had their fair share of drama filled players. Most recently Stephon Marbury who is currently a free agent, caused a lot of infighting with the dysfunctional Knicks feuding with both Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas. Not to say Iverson and Marbury's situations are equally comparable but if Iverson's critics are correct, the Knicks may have wanted to avoid issues that would arise from a very "opinionated" player like Iverson on the squad.

Last year, Iverson averaged 17 points per game for the Pistons and his former coach George Karl said he's surprised no one is giving him a chance. But if you consider the fact more and more sports teams in and out of the league are opting to avoid troubled players despite their talent, this isn't much of a surprise. Iverson is 34 years old and even though he would make an immediate contribution to any team on or off the bench for most teams he simply isn't worth the risk.

According to the report about the retirement from NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith, Iverson still believes he has a lot of skill left in the tank. His statement to Smith indicates he wants to play but since no team has interest, it's better to save face and just retire rather than stay a free agent with diminished hopes that a team will take him. I'm almost certain this isn't the way Iverson envisioned leaving the league but it's the reality. Perhaps this isn't the end for Iverson; who still has talent; and of course it wouldn't be the first time a player returned from retirement. But by the way everything transpired it really just seems like it's over.

Congratulations New York Yankees!!!!!!!

The New York Yankees won their 27th World Series last night in a 7-3 win over the Defending Champions Philadelphia Phillies. It was a fitting win for a team which hadn't won the title in nearly a decade. Hideki Matsui was named the series MVP and if you watched the game at any point in the first four innings you would've seen why. His performance last night combined with what he had accomplished throughout the series without question made him the most deserving player on the NYY squad. Matsui tied the WS record with six RBIs, the most significant of them hit off Pedro Martinez. You can literally say Hideki Matsui owned Pedro Martinez.

They did it at the new Yankee stadium, under manager Joe Girardi, who also won the world series three times as a player. It was a memorable night for Yankee fans who were perhaps ultimately glad that the Phillies forced a game six so their team could return to the Bronx and win it in front of all the fans. Celebrities and Political powers in attendance included Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Regis Philbin, Donald Trump, and many more.

But getting back to the baseball side of things, WOW!!! They did it again. And finally Alex Rodriguez gets the playoff monkey off his back with his great performance during the post-season. Amidst all the steroid chatter and admissions which preceded the season, it seems like everything is all behind him and the world is right.

Another side story is the declining health of Yankees owner George Steinnbrenner. He was unable to make the trip from his home in Tampa but it is his efforts and money which brought this team together and made it the unbeatable contender. The amount of talent the Yankees brought in this year alone guaranteed them a championship and Steinbrenner was probably celebrating big time back in Florida.

I'm glad to see the Yankees win; unlike many others who immediately began talking about how New York's $200 million payroll gave them the automatic edge over any team. It may be true to an extent but then you have to look at the Florida Marlins, the team able to do it twice with the lowest payroll in MLB. The Marlins are my favorite team by far and despite the fact that they have the lowest payroll, I have no angst against the Yanks for being well managed, having an owner who wants his team and the community taken care of, and having players who have a sheer passion to win. So congratulations to the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees for winning their 27th title.

Brandon Spikes' Eye Gouging: A Half Game is Not Enough

I was literally stunned when I saw Florida Linebacker Brandon Spikes attempting to gouge the eyes of Georgia runningback Washaun Ealy in the Gators win over the Bulldogs on Saturday. I don't know Spikes personally, but from interviewing him and hearing all the positive comments he receives from his coaches and teammates, seeing the video of him sticking his fingers into the helmet of Ealy was very disturbing. Although I feel a half game suspension is not enough, I'm not going to go as far to say that he should be suspended for more than one game. I think a one game suspension would have sufficed considering what he did, his apology, and the fact that Ealy himself said he doesn't think Spikes should have been suspended at all. The Florida program actually handed down the half suspension and the Southeastern conference agreed with the decision.

I've heard and seen a lot from the media about Spikes' suspension being too light considering Oregon running back LaGarrett Blount's season long suspension for sucker punching a Boise State Defensive end after the Ducks' lost early this season. I think the two situations differ and shouldn't be compared because one incident occurred during the game where the emotion was high and the other occurred after the game where tensions were also high but there was also premeditation on the part of Blount. Quite honestly, I think Blount's suspension was too harsh anyway but it was the Oregon program which handed down the ruling.

In no way am I defending Spikes. In fact he could have caused serious damage had he actually punctured the eyes of Ealy. But I can't be sure his actions were premeditated which is a very important argument when evaluating this situation. Also, I don't agree with the comments about there being a double standard just because Florida is the number one team in the nation. Who cares? If the NCAA felt the suspension was too light, they could have stretched it out to a full game or more but they didn't. So all the whining about there being a double standard is absurd. The fact of the matter is, Spikes apologized, Ealy is fine, and a ruling was handed down which was fine with the SEC. So my final word is Spikes learned from this situation, it'll probably never happen again, and all the innuendo about the suspension being unfair should end.

World Series Prediction 2009 (Phillies Will Come out on Top)

After evaluating the first two games of the World Series I can make an honest prediction as to who will win it all. I would've been disingenuous if before the initial match up I thought I could make a plausible guess as to who would take it all even though I typically make predictions anyway. These two teams are so evenly matched from Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia to Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Howard, down the roster there is not an unmatched player on either squad.

The first two games of the world series were marked by two great pitchers Cliff Lee and A.J. Burnett both winners in game 1 and game 2 respectively. Lee obviously exceptional in game one on the road at Yankee stadium allowing just six hits, 10 strikeouts, and no walks. And who can forget the behind the back catch he made look so easy off Robinson Cano which he threw to first for the out and then simply smirked. Mr. Lee has confidence up the ying yang which I know makes Charlie Manuel wishes he could start him every game. Thanks to Lee, a home run by Chase Utley and other great at bats from Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard, Philadelphia took game one easily. Game two however was a must win for the Yankees because they didn't want to go to Philly down 0-2. A.J. Burnett stepped up big time and his curveball proved a major challenge for Philly as the Yankees took Game 2 by the final of 3-1.

My prediction is the Phillies will win the series in five games. There's no doubt the Yankees have unbelievable weapons such as Hideki Matsui, Mark Texeira, "Hit Man" Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. And obviously pitching is a huge factor as well. But I believe the pitchers are evenly matched; clearly in the first two games Lee vs Sabathia & Pedro Martinez vs A.J. Burnett were all fantastic. In game three Cliff may return and Sabathia can start as well. Then you have the other potential starters such as Andy Pettite who'll likely get New York's second series win. But I truly believe the Phillies want it more because they're the underdogs even as defending champs. In all truth I like the Yankees even though I've declared all loyalties to the Florida Marlins. Nick Swisher definitely my favorite player on the team because of his ability to make big plays when it counts the most.

But for Philly, Cliff Lee, Pedro, Brett Myers have the swagger necessary to stop the Yankees. Even though Martinez lost game two, he played well. I didn't think Mark Texeira was going to have contact with that fast pitch he did. And Yankees fans know that game could have gone either way. I'm always afraid of Derek Jeter's at bats because he also has the smooth ability to make contact with the ball and make a great play. It's tough to decipher which team has the edge because there's so much talent on both rosters. But like I mentioned earlier, I'm going to go with Philadelphia simply because I believe they want it more. We'll see.

Braylon Edwards: Booted from Cleveland

Rule number one as a resident of Cleveland is you don't mess with King Lebron James or any of his friends because if you do then you'll be kicked out of town. Former Browns Receiver Braylon Edwards who now plays for the Jets punched one of Lebron James' friends outside a nightclub last weekend. The punch somehow motivated the Cleveland Browns front office to trade this talented receiver who in recent games hasn't done much to impact his team or the city of Cleveland.

Days after the punch, which was to a 5 foot 9 139 pound guy, Lebron James cried jealousy, saying Edwards doesn't have the professionalism required of an athlete of his caliber. Edwards of course understanding he made a mistake by pummeling a friend of the King said he has the upmost respect for Lebron...but it was too late. A few days later Edwards learned he was traded to the Jets and King Lebron's power hold on the city of Cleveland grew even stronger; because people now understood who was in charge.

Point being, you can't cross the the most important athlete in town no matter what you do or who you are because there will be consequences.

Tim Tebow's Concussion: The Day the Earth Stood Still

I don't want to get into too much about this but didn't your heart just drop when you saw Tim Tebow laying on the field almost motionless after being hit hard in last Saturday's matchup between the Gators and Kentucky. For so long, the intrigue about Tebow was his ability to take hard hits and even give them and stay in the game as if nothing happened. His nickname is Superman and I think too many people began to take it almost literally before last weekend when they saw their hero taken down and sent to the hospital with a concussion. Even if you're not a Gator fan, you must have been affected in some way. The Kryptonite play which left football fans talking illustrated that Tebow is human like the rest of us; but it also in a way helps football fans who don't neccessarily like the Gators appreciate what Tebow has done throughout his career. He is the most talented and physical Quarterback in the history of college football. With two national championships under his belt and having won the Heisman trophy his sophomore year, Timothy has given Gator fans bragging rights for the next decade. This hit on Tebow, which for Gator fans will be known as the day the earth stood still, will inevitably help him. Why? Because many who vote on the Heisman will look back and say, wow, even after a concussion Tim Tebow returned to lead his team to an undefeated season and SEC championship.

Serena Williams' Reputation Not Hurt After "Bullygate"

Serena Williams lashed out at a lines person in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open for being called on a foot fault down one set and 6-5 in the second set with Kim Clijsters up 30-15. She threatened the lines judge and although she did, I don't think her reputation will be hurt by the incident. Athletes and non-athletes alike probably understand why she lashed out although many people of course would have preferred her to keep her cool. My first blog regarding Serena's meltdown came soonafter it occurred, long before I had the opportunity to actually hear what she said (courtesy of audio enhancement). I had no idea Serena told the lines judge that she would shove the ball down her throat. If I did, I would have thought twice before jumping to her defense. Serena must realize she is looked up to by many young athletes; not just girls but by all young aspiring tennis stars. Serena also has to realize those young aspiring athletes watch not only her exceptional play but her dispositions as well.

Serena never apologized to the lines judge. What she said was she could have handled it differently. I don't fault her lackluster apology. I do however wish she would have apologized directly to the fans because her behavior was unacceptable. It was unacceptable when McEnroe used to do it and it's unacceptable for her as well. But the truth of the matter is John McEnroe is celebrated mostly because of his play and also his aggressive nature on the court. I think his behavior took away from the game and highlighted all the attention on his ability to swear. At the end of the day, I'm a fan of Serena and I don't want an incident like this to be part of the legacy of the Williams sisters. But it didn't hurt McEnroe's legacy overall and it won't hurt Serena Williams.

Controversial Exit for Serena Williams

I can't believe a foot fault was called on Serena Williams in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open. In the second set of the semi-finals match between Belgian comeback player Kim Clijsters and 11 time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, (with Clijsters up one set) a lines judge called a foot fault on Williams with her down 15-30 and 6-5 in the set. How unbelievable!!!!!!!!! Williams supposedly made threatening comments to the judge who was obviously trying to get back at her for the earlier strike against Serena in the match. It totally ruined the win for Clijsters whose comeback story has inspired mothers all over the world who have children that they can have a family and be competitive at their professions.

Considering only Serena and the lines judge truly know what was said it would have been a better respect of the game had the judge waited until the match was over to report Williams if what the judge claimed was true; then Serena would have been fined later. This U.S. Open will now forever be marked by this ugly incident. Clearly the foot fault was an act of revenge for any comments Serena made earlier. Even the play by play announcer who I believe was a McEnroe brother said that there was no foot fault. I am very disappointed watching this semi-final considering it was delayed a day because of rain.

This now repeats a trend with bad calls against the Williams sisters which have been made in the past. You will now get people saying the call was made because of race which will diminish what Clijsters has accomplished. Watching Mary Jo Fernandez interview Clijsters was uncomfortable because it was clear she thought the match should have been completed with Clijsters up a set and 40-15 with a double match point which would have inevitably been won by Kim. This story will continue after the U.S. Open is over and it is not what the sport needs.

With the rise of 17 year old American sensation Melanine Oudin and the return of Kim Clijsters, women's tennis was moving in a better direction. It was moving far from all the controversy which came with the underlying negative racial undertones of the Williams' sisters success. Serena Williams is undoubtedly the best women's player of our present time and whatever happened in the moment she deserved to finish the match. She's a competitor and of course she was upset by the call (which was likely a bad call.) But for respect of the game and for the respect of Clijsters who worked her butt off to beat Serena, the lines judge should have waited until the match was over to report Williams.