A look at other stories from 2009

The major sports produced many memorable moments on 2009, but here's a list of five moments from other sports taht caught my eye.

5. Erin Andrews and her "stalker"

No human would want the type of press ESPN's Erin Andrews received in 2009. Somehow Michael David Barrett found a way to shoot and post nude videos of Andrews. Barrett is alleged to have rented hotel rooms by Andrews' room on three occassions, altering the peepholes, and setting up video recording devices in order to film Andrews. Barrett agreed to charges of interstate stalking and shooting the videos and to a 27-month prison term. He will also be directed to pay restitution to Andrews. Barrett's plot included selling the videos to TMZ.

4. USA soccer at Confederations Cup

The June event in South Africa did not start out with any promise. After losing their first two matches (3-1 to Italy and 3-0 to Brazil), the Americans needed a miracle to advance to the semis. The only way to advance was score alot and hope that Brazil would not let Italy hit the net. It worked. The US scored a 3-0 win over Egypt and Brazil duplicated that score against Italy. The US advanced based on scoring more goals, the third tiebreaker. In the smis, the US shocked the world with a 2-0 victory over world power Spain. A shot a redemption loomed in the fianl against Brazil. Things were looking up as the US manged a 2-0 halftime lead only to see Brazil strike three times in the second half. The one thing the US took away from South Africa, more respect from the soccer world.

3. Girls rule

Someone forgot to tell the owners of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta that they didn't belong. Rachel Alexandra made 8 starts and won all 8 including the Preakness. She became the first filly to win the even since 1924. Her win by a length came over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Zenyatta's year might have been a bit more impressive. Of her 5 starts, Zenyatta won all of her 5 starts including the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic. It was her 14th straight win and her first over a field of all males which included Mine The Bird and Summer Bird. Zenyatta's year was so impressive the she finished second to Serena Williams as the AP Female Athlete of the Year.

2. Thierry Henry and the handball

For all the great things Thierry Henry has done on a soccer pitch, it's an obvious instance of cheating that placed the spotlight on Henry. In a match that had a birth in the World Cup going to the winner, Henry was caught red-handed, so to speak. Henry was caught on tape redirecting a ball into the box with his hand (twice!) and passing the ball to William Gallas for the tying goal and sending France to the World Cup. All the French need was a tie to advance. They got the tie...and a lot of controversy. Henry could still face a suspension from FIFA for his gratuitous act.

1. Lance returns to France

In a move that shocked the sport of cycling, seven-time winner of the Tour de France Lance Armstrong announced he would compete in the event in 2009. The cycling world would watch closely at Armstrong, as well as those administering the testing. But Lance took all but two down, including his Astana "teammate" Alberto Contador, who won. In 2010, Lance will have his own team and we all know what his role will be then...to win #8.

More to come as we prepare for 2010. Next up will be college and pro hoops.

NCAA and NFL for 2009

2009 was a bit peculiar in the world of college football. We saw a coaching legend "ran out of town", a punch, and a waffle.

5. Player treatment

I know we just heard about the news concerning Mike Leach of Texas Tech, so many may think this is here only because of that. Remember, Mark Mangino was forced out at Kansas due to allegations of verbally abusing players. Jim Leavitt is under investigation at South Florida because it's alleged that he "hit" a player duting halftime of a game. The news of Leach placing an injured player in a shed and then in an electrical room only adds to this. Back in the day, this may have been viewed as toughening a player up or a way to discipline a player. Not anymore.

4. The exit of Bowden

The way Bobby Bowden will exit from Florida State is none to flattering. The Seminoles will play West Virginia, Bowden's first stop in coaching, in the  Bowl. Bowden made Seminole football and he deserves a far better way to exit the program. He deserved to have a "tour" in order for the man who put FSU on the map to receive his proper recognition.

3. Mark Herzlich's battle

Herzlich was coming off a 2008 that many college players dream of. He was a first team All-American, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, a finalist for Butkus Award as the nation's best linebacker and Herzlich was rated a mid 2nd round pick for the 2009 NFL draft. Herzlich chose to stay at Boston College for his senior year. In mid-May, Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Herzlich took the disease head-on and at the end of September, Herzlich announced he was cancer free. BC doctors confirmed this. Herzlich plans on playing for the Eagles in 2010 and doctors have given him the ok to play. Since Ewing's sarcoma is found in the bones and soft tissue, a rod was surgically inserted in Herzlich's leg for support and to aid in traning. Herlich received the 2009 Disney Award for Spirit despite not paying a down.

2. LeGarrette Blount

In a game that was to promote sportsmanship, Oregon Duck tailback LeGarrette Blount did the unthinkable. After the 19-8 loss to Boise State, Blount was apprached by Boise State's Byron Hout. Apparently, Blount was spouting off during the week. Hout approached Blount by thumping on Blount's shoulder pads. Hout proceded to say something to Blount. We will never know exactly what Hout said, but Blount obviously didn't like it and Blount fired a punch t the chin of the defenseless Hout. The reason Hout was defenseless was because Boise State's head coach Chris Peterson was already in the process of admonishing Hout's behavior. But it doesn't end there. Blount then aimed his distaste to the Broncos fans. Blount attempted to enter the crowd, but he was restrained by Oregon players and personnel. Blount would be suspended for the remainder of the season, but head coach Chip Kelly would later rescind the suspension after Blount completed a reinstatement plan.

1. Urban Meyer pulls a Brett Favre

This also just happened this past week. After the SEC Championship game, Meyer had to be taken to the hospital due to dehydration. It was furhter revealed that Meyer's health was deteriorating due to a heart condition and Meyer decided that it was time to get away from the game and retire from his position. In a press release, Meyer stated he'd ignored his health for too long and it was time to address the issue. Meyer also said he wanted to take time for his family. Upon attending the Florida Gator's Sugar Bowl practice the following day, the Gator players showed spirit and Meyer changed his stance on retirement. Meyer will take a leave of absence and leave Steve Addazio as the interim coach. In an iterview with ESPN's Tom Rinaldi, Meyer said what really made him change his mind was the thought of someone else coming into the Florida situation and changing things from the way he has them. What an ego. I guess his job is more important than hs family.

The NFL provided a few good moments, too. I've already referred to one. Here's my top 5 from 2009.

2009's stories in tennis

2009 was a compelling year in tennis. We saw a record broken, a young American light up England and New York, and an outburst in New York. Hard to fathom that one of the top stories of the year doesn't include a former Grnad Slam winner. That's only because of what else happened.

5. The return of Kim Clijsters

Clijsters walked away from tennis and was ready to settle down to be a mother and wife. But something was drawing her back. And the tennis world was blessed to see her performance in New York. It even inspired former #1 Justine Henin to return. What makes Clijsters run to the U.S. Open title extremely impressive is who she defeated. #3 Venus Williams, #18 Na Li, #2 Serena Williams, #9 Caroline Wozniacki. Four straight seeds faced, four straight seeds defeated.

4. Richard Gasquet dodges suspension.

On July 15, it was announced that Gasquet would not face any type of suspension as the result of a positive test in March. What was in Gasqet's urine sample? Cocaine. The most surprising part of this story is how Gasquet told the International Tennis Federation the cocaine got in his system. Gasquet told the ITF's panel that he kissed a woman in a nightclub. That was his defense...and the ITF bought it. Well, it was also presented that Gasquet barely had any cocaine in his system at the time of the test, but he did have it in his system.

3. Serena's U.S. Open

It was the semi-finals when it happened. The world's #2 player, Serena Williams, was playing the eventual winner, unseeded Kim Clijsteres. Williams was called for a foot fault by a line judge. She could not believe that such a call was made. Williams strode in the direction of the judge and began to tirade her for what Williams viewed as a bad call. After Serena was done, the judge went to the referee and before we all knew it, Clijsters was awarded a point due to an earlier outburst from Serena. That meant the match was also over and Clijsters was the victor and advancing to the finals. Williams was fined over $80 grand for this outburst.

2. Melanie Oudin

No American drew more attention this past summer than Oudin. It began at Wimbledon when Oudin ousted  #6 seed Jelena Jankovic in three sets. to advance to the second week. Her stay wouldn't last much longer. Oudin had a chance to advance further and she pushed #11 seed Agnieszka Radwanska for two difficult sets, but Oudin dropped the match. That magic would travel with Oudin to New York. Oudin would drop a quarterfinal match to eventual runner-up #9 seed Catherine Wozniacki, but Melanie would leave a trail of impressive three set wins in her wake (#13 Nadia Petrova, #29 Maria Sharapova and #4 Elena Dementieva). Did I mention that she's only 18?

1. Roger Federer

Three things about Fed's year. He finally won in Paris. That meant he finally got his career slam. Federer also broke Pete Sampras' record for lifetime Grand Slam wins. Federer broke the record at Wimbledon against Andy Roddick in what could only be termed as the match of the year. Breaking Sampras' record wasn't enough as Pete himself attended the affair and witness the passing of the torch to Roger. All of this and Federer became a father. Could anyone ask for more from a year?

Next for us? we'll take a look at 2009 from college football.

Top 2009 stories from the golfing world.

What a year 2009 has been. Here's a quick look at the world of golf from the past year.

5. Phil Mickleson

Lefty had to have one of the roughest seasons he's ever faced. And I'm talking off the course. Phil's wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast caner in May. Players and fans showed their support for Amy by wearing pink at Colonial, a class move by all that were involved. Lefty's year took another twist in early July when it was revealed that his mother also had the disease. You wondered if we would see Phil on tour again in '09. When Lefty came back, it was for the betterment of the tour as he won the TOUR Championship in late September and followed that with a win at the HSBC Championship in China.

4. Wie wins first title

This picture says it all. Just when a lot of golf fans were wondering about the fate of American golfers on the LPGA, Wie broke through with his first tourney win at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. The win more soldified Wie as a threat to win every week. A couple of things I'll add to this. Having Wie play on the Solheim Cup team helped. Wie found more confidence than she has ever had. Also, not concentrating on making PGA events has forced Wie to gear her game more for the LPGA tour. I sincerely doubt this will be the last we see and/or hear of Michelle Wie winning.

3. Y.E. Yang tames Tiger for PGA at Hazeltine

Some things you just never see coming, and Y.E. Yang's victory at Hazeltine has to rate as the biggest surprise win in 2009 (yes, even ahead of Lucas Glover's U.S. Open win). What made Yang's feat more amazing is that he was paired with Tiger for the final round. Yang stared the world's #1 in the face and left with the prize. You can count on one hand the number of players that have achieved that feat. A surprising stat. Over the first 23 holes, Yang was +5 while Woods was -4. The last 49 holes tells a different story where Yang was an incredible -13 and Tiger could only manage a -1. Seems Yang found his game just into his second round to shock the world.

2. Tom Watson's run at the Open Championship

Time has a way of cycling through just like everything else. And no tournament exhibited that more than the Open Championship. Tom Watson became front and center at the venue, Turnberry in Scotland,  that produced yet another duel. The opponent this time was Stewart Cink. Last time, the Golden Bear. Watson missed a par putt on the 72nd hole that would have given him the most incredible win of his storied career. Instad, Watson left Scotland second after losing the playoff to Cink. Oh, I forgot to mention that Watson was 59.

1. Tiger

What else can be said? After a single car accident, Tiger's world came tumbling down. That accident lead to speculation that Woods had a number of affiars. How it spiraled that direction, I'll never really know. Something about a golf club around the scene of the crash, I guess. Tiger later posted on his website that he had made such mistakes and the ball still keeps rolling like the shot on #16 at Augusta. When I first started to compile this list in mid-November, this story was non-existant. Amazing what a holiday can do. Look at this, too. Tiger was booed by the Stanford crowd as he was inducted into Stanford's Hall of Fame. Maybe they already knew something.

Strories from 2009

Over the next few days, I'll be bringing back some of the stories and events that made sports headlines from 2009. I have a few here that were great stories, but didn't quite make my top 5 in each category. These fall into the Honorable Mention title.

1. Usain Bolt at the World Championships

Is there any question who's the fastest guy on the planet? Bolt set new world records in both the 100 meters (9.58 seconds) and 200 meters (19.19 seconds). His charisma brings a new and fresh feel to the track and field world as is on display in the picture to the left. Bolt is just the jolt the sports needs. You can't help but love this guy. You also can't overlook his Sports Center commercial.

2. The continued struggles of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

After signing with Hendrick Motorsports prior to the 2009 NASCAR season, a lot of Junior's fan, and haters, thought he would be back in the Chase. Not so much. Junior struggled to a 25th place in the final standings. No poles, no wins, only 2 top 5's and 5 top 10's made the 2009 season one to forget for the #88 team. One consolation was that he was once again voted the sports most popular driver.

3. The untimley death of Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry

Much has been said about the former West Virginia Mountaineer over the past couple of weeks. The most startling fact is that Henry was on injured reserve at the time of his death. A broken forearm against the Baltimore Ravens forced Henry to miss the remainder of the '09 season. If he hadn't been on IR, he would have been with the Bengals making preparations for its next game.

4. Cries of more replay in baseball

With all the technological advances in the world these days, why not? After a number of missed calls by umpires in the postseason, fans all over were screaming for the replay rule to be expanded. Commissioner Bud Selig seems somewhat reluctant to make such change, but I think it's inevitable. There's a long road to go on this, but with Selig to leave office within the next couple of years, it might happen sooner rather than later. That could leave a positive legacy on Selig's reign as commissioner. Those who don't want it say the obvious: it would slow the pace and change the flow of the game. And MLB does not need that.

5. LPGA ousts Commissioner Carolyn Bivens

In a move that, in the end, surprised no one, some of the LPGA more prominent players held an informal meeting with plans for a change of  direction at the top of the tour. On July 13, Bivens announced her resignation as commissioner. A bit of controversy looms over her reign. Bivens imposed a clause in the media credentials contract stating that the LPGA would hold free rights to all the photos and stories from events. Many publications were irked at this and boycotted covering the first round of the 2006 season opener. There's also the "requirement" that Bivens wanted to impose requiring LPGA members to become proficient in English by 2009 or a suspension would result. That was later reversed in order for the tour to avoid potential lawsuits. Dwindling sponsorships and dollars were also viewed as an ends to justify the means.

If you have any sports events or stories from 2009 that you think you should be listed, let me know and we'll grade them against what we already have in mind. If we choose an event you suggest that we haven't already chosen, proper credit will be given. When you submit, please leave any information (website, blog, etc.) and we will gladly link it to you.

More Stocking Suffers!

As Santa starts to make his rounds later tonight, I have a few more gift ideas for Santa to leave this holiday season.

Rex Ryan - a real sense of humor

Just watching your playing off of the Colts "list of injuries" was absolutely painful. You've also got into a verbal assault through the press with the Dolphins Channng Crowder. You even stated something to the effect that if you were younger, you'd take him yourself. All for a laugh. Your wish list should really include your Jets to make the playoffs, Rex.

Jerry Jones - a playoff win

I know Jerry has everything. He owns the Cowboys. He has a palace as a stadium for his Cowboys. He has that huge HD screen that hangs from the rafters of said palace. He has Super Bowl rings. But the fact that everyone brings up that Dallas hasn't won a playoff game in over a decade must be extremely painful. Jerry may also wish he could have Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith wearing the star again. He has Tony Romo, Miles Austin and Marion Barber. A ways to go, but it's a start.

Al Davis and Dan Snyder - a return to prominence for your franchises

Snyder may be already on track with this one b hiring Bruce Allen as his new "football guy" in the nation's capital. Maybe Snyder's money will be spent a bit wiser with Allen there. Davis, not so much. He's had to fight off talk about his head coach, Tom Cable. There's a handful of bad first round draft picks in the Raiders fold. It really hasn't been too long ago that the Raiders and Redskins were fixtures in he NFL playoffs. Now, they are perceived as laughingstocks. It just doesn't seem right.

Urban Meyer - a Tim Tebow clone

Hard to believe that the Sugar Bowl will be Tebow's last game at Florida. Then again, it seems like Tebow's been in Gainesville forever. Meyer has had quite a run, most of it because of Tebow. The first National Championship came with Chris Leak at the helm, but Tebow played a key part in that one and Tebow has put Meyer on his shoulders and brought him more than any coach could ask for. Is it possible that Meyer gets nothing more than a lump of coal this year? If so, then the Gators may see a BCS game slide through their grasp. Speaking of the Sugar Bowl...

Brian Kelly - forgiveness from the city of Cincinnati

Some Cincinnati players were extremely hacked that Kelly left for the Golden Dome. A couple of players publicly stated that their comments were made out of frustration and anger. I still think the whole process is jacked up and their comments are justified. I mean, Kelly leaves when UC is prepping for its biggest football game ever "drawing" the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl. A funny thing to add to this. If UC had reached the BCS Championship, I've read that Kelly wanted to coach the Bearcats despite the Notre Dame situation. How do you think that would've played out?

Mike Greenberg - a Super Bowl win for the New York Jets

And I'm not even a Jets fan. In fact, I can't ever remember wanting the Jets to win a game, but listening (and watching) Greeny spew his love for the guys in green almost makes one a bit on the ill side. If Santa grants this, would you please stop the gushing, and the whining, Greeny?

Mike Golic - ear plugs

I ask for these for Golic becuse if the Jets do ever get that Super Bowl win, he'll never hear the end of it.

David Stern - a Cavs/Lakers final

We were all ripped off by the Orlando Magic last season. We don't want the Boston Celtics to interfere this season. Seeing LeBron and Kobe would be the dream matchup. I know we'll see it tomorrow, but we want more! In fact, we want 7 games more! Add the Shaq factor and the drama is built-in. What more could the NBA want? This series would bring better ratings than a Celtics/Lakers series. Honest!

As we countdown Santa's arrival, I wish to extend holidays wishes to everyone. Be safe during this holiday season.

sports

If I were Santa...

I'm sure you've caught yourself doing it. You were thinking, "If I were Santa, I would give this to that person." Well, I have a list of things I want to give to people. And believe me, some people need the gift this Santa's giving to them.

Tiger Woods - a good public relations firm

We've all seen that Tiger's "handlers" really botched everything that has happened to the world's most recognizable athlete. Whoever is giving Tiger advice, needs to be booted and Tiger needs to address the public just to let everyone know he's a human and not a machine.

Tim Finchem - someone that can bring people to events like Tiger

Despite saying that the PGA Tour can survive without it's biggest draw is insane. Especially in the economy. Sure, it got by during Tiger's last hiatus, but the current situation is different. It's a matter of how long before Woods is back...and how long can the others hold down the fort.

Sergio Garcia - a win in a major

He's so come close, but Sergio now has that label no golfer wants: "Best Player to not Win a Major". He's got a win at Sawgrass. He's somewhat validated as a good player, right? All that promise and talent and no major just doesn't seem right. I'll even let Sergio pick which major he wants!


Brad Childress and Brett Favre - couples counseling

Apparently there was a profnaity laced tirade by Childress aimed at Favre after Sunday's loss to Carolina. Brad wanted Brett out of the game but Brett wanted to stay in. Also, I guess Brad's wanted to yank Brett on two other occassions. That doesn't sit well with Brett either. Brad wants the offense one way and Brett wants it his way. Dare we call an audible? We see who wears the pants.

Cliff Lee - an offense like the one he had to leave in Philly

Look at the Mariners potential starting lineup and compare it to the Phillies. According to mlb.com, the Mariners have 1B - Mike Carp, 2B - Jose Lopez, SS - Jack Wilson, 3B - Chone Figgins, LF - Milton Bradley, CF - Franklin Gutierrez, RF - Ichiro, DH - Ken Griffey, Jr. The Phillies: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and Jayson Werth. Which lineup to you want backing up your pitching?

John Calipari - a reputation makeover

He was recently pointed out by the man, Bobby Knight, as the "poster child" for college sports lacking integrity. With all that goes wrong in college sports anymore, who can blame coach Knight? Plus, Calipari's resume' on that issue isn't the greatest: two Final Fours, two Final Fours vacated. The term "poster child", is my quote, not Knight's.

Joe McKnight - a decent ride

So, McKnight might not be playing in Saturday's Emerald Bowl due to "paperwork" stemming from an incident involving an SUV and the use of said vehicle. Supposedly, the vehicle is for his girlfriend. The vehicle is registered in the name of a local businessman. But McKnight has been seen using that vehicle. Now, McKnight is saying that the media has ruined his life. Um, Joe, we didn't get in the SUV and use it. You did.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - a decent season on 2010

Hard to believe that Junior struggled so much in 2009, especially since Hendrick Motorsports was behind him. Rick Hendrick has said that the company will focus more on Earnhardt's 88 team this upcoming season. One thing, Junior's JR Motorsports got a gift a lot of us guys would like, Danica Patrick.

Before we get too far into this holiday season, I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and I thank you for reading.

sports

Monday: a night of milestones...and disappointments

Last night we witnessed, in some form, a number of milestones. We also witnessed some major disappointments.

A couple of major milestones were achieved.

1. New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur breaks shutout record.

It was a long standing record that Terry Sawchuck held. Forty years, in fact. Now, the record for most career shutouts belongs to future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur. Brodeur stopped 35 Pittsburgh Pengins shots on his way to recording his 104th shutout. Of Brodeur's 104 career shutouts, it's only the fourth time he'd shutout the Pens.

On breaking Sawchuck's mark, Broduer offered his usual humility.

"This record was held for so long, when you do break records and see how long they lasted, it's cool," Brodeur said. "Tying it was amazing and surpassing him, was a great honor for me to be in that position."

Brodeur already holds the record for games by a goalie and wins.

As I look at the list of the top 5 for most shutouts in NHL history, one name is amazingly absent, Patrick Roy. Hmm.

2. University of Kentucky becomes first Mens basketball program to amass 2,000 wins.

I know it was against Drexel. I know the first recorded win was against Lexington YMCA. But no one can ever dispute the legacy of UK basketball. Just ask my oldest son, a huge UK fan.

Head coach John Calipari, who earlier in the week been somewhat admonished by Bobby Knight, made the following comment to the Rupp Arena faithful:

"We weren't a part of many of those 2,000 wins [but] we had a job to do and that was drag us across the line before that other blue team got there."

That was obviously a stab at North Carolina who had been gaining on the Wildcats due to a few down years. Eddie Sutton and Billy Gillespie were the main culprits in that.

The disappointments came from the Washington Redskins and the Chicago Bulls.

Denver and December

I find it extremely entertaining and odd that there's a lot of talk of the Dallas Cowboys and their "December Swoon" and the Denver Broncos are being overlooked for the same distinction. Granted, the Cowboys have cemented a history for such, but the Broncos appear to be starting a foundation.

It may be a least a week before people bring up the Cowboys December trevails, but has anyone really looked and the Broncos December resume' over the last two seasons?

Just last season Denver seemed to have a stronghold on the AFC West only to fall flat on their face and watch the San Diego Chargers slide past and win the division. And the Chargers were 4-8 when the tailspin began for Denver. San Diego had to win out to even have a shot.

Denver dropped their last three and four of their last six games to hand the division to the Bolts including an embarrassing 52-21 loss to San Diego on the last week of the regular season.

And yesterday's 20-19 loss to the quaterback challenged Oakland Raiders should raise another red flag for Denver fans. But the problems aren't the same this season. Last year the defense let them down. This year, without Jay Cutler slinging the ball, it's the offense. Yeah, Cutler's thrown 25 INT, but he wouldn't have as many with the receivers he had in Denver.

The offense would be more explosive from both a passing and running standpoint if Cutler still in Denver. But he and new head coach Josh McDaniels did not get off on the right foot. McDaniels wanted Matt Cassel. Cutler had his feelings hurt and was later sent to Chicago. Cutler would thrive in this offense and the pressure to be "the guy" would not be near as smothering as it is in ChiTown.

McDaniels is turning this team in the right direction. The blueprint could not be any better than the one he brought from New England.

Just don't blow another shot at the playoffs.

sports