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.