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Texas Rangers Manager Ron "Scarface" Washington Admits Cocaine Use

Richard Goodis — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:21:00 GMT

Image courtesy of Midwest Sports Fans

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) - Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington admitted he made a “huge mistake” when he used cocaine and failed a Major League Baseball drug test last season.

In his first public acknowledgment, Washington apologized Wednesday for his behavior, eight months after he told Rangers president Nolan Ryan, who turned down the manager’s offer to resign.

“I made a huge mistake and it almost caused me to lose everything I have worked for all of my life,” Washington said at a news conference Wednesday. “I am not here to make excuses. There are none.”

The failed test first was reported by SI.com.

Washington said he told the commissioner’s office and Rangers officials about using cocaine before he had a routine drug test.

“He came forward and said he would resign,” Ryan said. “He understood the consequences. We had a lot of discussions and a lot of soul-searching on it.”

“He stood up to it. We felt like he was sincere and forthright,” he said. “We are very disappointed by this. We are upset we were put in this position.”

Washington met with his players earlier in the day and told them about testing positive in July.

The Four-way Jersey Combination Tribute to Brett Favre

Richard Goodis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:29:00 GMT

Courtesy of Shutdown Corner A Yahoo! Sports Blog

I spend enough time here expressing my dislike for Brett Favre, so I thought, momentarily, I'd turn things over to someone who loves Brett Favre. She won't be expressing herself with words, though. She'll be expressing herself through custom-sewn jersey.

All credit - well, other than all the credit that goes to the seamstress bold enough to ignore all sense of color coordination - goes to Kevin Kaduk of Big League Stew, who spotted this beauty on a tour of minor league baseball in Arizona. Thanks, too, to the lady who was nice enough to stop and pose for the picture. A look that bold needs to be shown off.

Jets Owner Flipout Costing NYC Super Bowl Bid?

Richard Goodis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:23:00 GMT

By Mark J. Miller / Yahoo! Sports Rumors

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is peeved that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell decided whether his team or the New York Giants would play first in the new stadium by tossing a coin without a rep from either team in attendance. Johnson has been plenty vocal about his displeasure in recent days.

Still, Goodell isn't changing his mind. The schedule is set. The Giants get the first Sunday game and the Jets get the first Monday night game. Goodell has been commissioner for almost four years and this is the first time an owner is publicly letting him know what a boob he thinks he is and one imagines that Goodell is not pleased with Johnson's behavior.

Johnson has long been trying to get the Super Bowl to come to New York. The New York Daily News is reporting that Johnson's sudden public outrage at Goodell may put the possibility of the big game coming to the Big Apple in jeopardy.

Follow Yahoo! Sports Rumors on Twitter at @markjmiller.

March Madness Takes American Business by Storm

Richard Goodis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:05:00 GMT

Chicago (CBS) - It's about to take the country by storm, March Madness, a time when many people focus less on their jobs and more on the tournament. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole spoke to a psychiatrist today who says the "mad" obsession with college basketball playoffs may actually be good for our minds.

Some of you out there, and you know who you are, will be calling up the games on your workplace PCs or dashing to the sports bar in the middle of the business day.

Some calculate that March Madness costs businesses nearly $2 billion in lost productivity. But the workplace bonding and light-hearted competition that goes on at this time might actually, according to others, make employees more productive.

It's time for March Madness and the business pros at American Street Mortgage are having a ball - literally.

"We love basketball so much, it brings us closer to one another," said Amir Syed, the firm's owner.

Sharbel Shamoon, one of his mortgage brokers, says there is just an energetic vibe throughout the office. He also does this while bouncing a basketball beside his desk.

But from the brackets posted in the break room to the web sites on their PCs, there are signs the crew here is going mad in March.

"A lot of us here play basketball, we are all competitive," said Justin Lopatin, another broker.

You can call this the tip-off for a great workplace debate about this basketball obsession.

It's s a matchup as intense as any March Madness competition. On one side you have those who say it is bad for productivity. Among them is John Challenger from the firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

"We're estimating it will cost $1.8 billion in worker distraction and in lost wages," said Challenger.

On the other side, there are those who say it's a great way top build team spirit, specifically psychiatrist Dr. Robert Sobut from Northwestern University.

"People actually have a fun time with it, and it may boost productivity and revenue in the long run," said Sobut.

"With everything going on in the economy, it brings moral up," said Syed. "It's important to bring some personal side to the office. We aren't always so serious. It builds our relationship internally."

The players on his team describe it best.

"Competitive nature drives results, whether betting basketball games, or production, or helping clients," said Lopatin.

It's estimated 45 percent of all Americans will fill out a bracket. Did you? It just might help you feel better about getting to the office tomorrow.

Heavyweight to Featherweight: Tyson Races Pigeons

Richard Goodis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) - Former world heavyweight champ Mike Tyson will take flight on Animal Planet with a new sport - pigeon racing.

The network this week announced a new reality show that will pit Tyson, a novice pigeon racer, against serious competitors.

The show is currently titled “Taking on Tyson” and promises to bring audiences inside this “intensely competitive and bizarrely fascinating world.”

Tyson has raised pigeons all his life but will take to the rooftops as a racing rookie. The network says he’ll be assisted by a colorful team of pigeon experts as he rears, trains and races them.

The show is scheduled to be taped this spring in New York City and air early next year.

Animal Planet is owned by Discovery Communications.

On the Net:

Animal Planet: http://www.animalplanet.com

Woods to Play Masters

Richard Goodis — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:44:00 GMT

PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) - For Tiger Woods, this figures to be a Masters like no other.

Woods said Tuesday he will end more than four months of seclusion and play at Augusta National in three weeks, shielded by the most secure environment in golf as he competes for the first time since a sex scandal shattered his image.

"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect,” Woods said in a statement. “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.”

Already the most popular figure in golf with his 82 worldwide victories and 14 majors—four of them at the Masters—Woods returns as a disgraced star who will be under the greatest scrutiny of his career.

“We’re all looking forward to having him back. We want him playing,”Jim Furyk said. “I’m sure we’re also looking forward to everything being business as usual. And it’s going to take awhile. We know that.”

Woods last competed Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters in Melbourne. Twelve days later, he rammed his SUV over a fire hydrant and into a tree outside his Florida home, an accident that set off sordid tales of extramarital affairs. Woods announced Dec. 11 that he would take an indefinite break to try to save his marriage.

“The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it’s been a while since I last played,” Woods said.

“I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment,” he said. “Although I’m returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.”

Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said the club supported Woods’ decision to make his return at the Masters, adding that “we support and encourage his stated commitment to continue the significant work required to rebuild his personal and professional life.”

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem also said he was pleased to learn of Woods’ return.

The Associated Press first reported last Thursday that Woods would not play until the Masters, despite other published stories that he would return this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Fla. There has been so much buzz that when Finchem held a teleconference Monday on an undisclosed topic, the call was loaded with media suspecting an announcement on Woods’ return. Instead, it was to announce a new title sponsor.

Small wonder that CBS Sports president Sean McManus said last week of Woods’ return to golf: “My only prediction is when he comes back, it will be, other than the Obama inauguration, one of if not the biggest media spectacle in recent memory.”

ESPN will televise the first two rounds of the Masters, and CBS Sports has the weekend. The highest TV rating for the Masters in the cable era was a 14.1 on the Sunday in 1997 when Woods, then 21, became the tournament’s youngest champion with a record 12-shot victory.

“Wow I’ve had a lot of calls today from friends who have decided to come to the Masters this year,” British Open champion Stewart Cink said on Twitter.

“Obviously, the ratings will be off the chart,” said PGA Tour player Heath Slocum. “It will be interesting to watch—not only the reaction from him, but from the fans, the media, the players. I would venture to say he might be nervous.”

The Masters—“A tradition like no other” is a longtime CBS promo—has restrictions like no other major. Media credentials are limited even in normal circumstances, and the club has tight control over who gets in. Some fans with season badges risk losing them forever for violating rules, such as being caught with a cell phone or a camera. Among the rules: No running.

Most players expect Woods to be heckled, although not as much—if any—at the Masters.

“That’s why Augusta makes such good sense,” Furyk said. “There’s less of that than anywhere else. Everyone is afraid to lose their ticket. The etiquette and behavior is far better than anywhere else because of the fear factor.”

Still to be determined is the state of his game.

Woods left for a Mississippi clinic for therapy on Dec. 31—the day after his 34th birthday—and returned Feb. 11 to prepare for his first public appearance at the TPC Sawgrass when he apologized for his behavior and confessed to extramarital affairs. He took no questions.

He spent another week in Arizona for family therapy, returning Feb. 27 and heading to the practice range to get back into a routine. His coach, Hank Haney, was with him at Isleworth last week.

There had been reports he would play the Tavistock Cup exhibition next week in Orlando, followed by the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, where he is the defending champion and a six-time winner.

“When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play,” Woods said.

Woods twice has gone to a major without having competed after a long layoff — nine weeks—and had mixed results. He missed the cut at Winged Foot for the 2006 U.S. Open after his father died, and he won the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines while playing on a shattered left knee that kept him out the rest of the year.

“It’s obviously great for golf that he’s back,” three-time major champion Padraig Harrington said. “It shows the commitment he has to his family. If he came back earlier, that would give him a better chance at Augusta. He would have been putting golf first. Putting his family first by not warming up for Augusta, it’s a good statement.”

Woods has been the biggest draw at the Masters since that watershed victory in 1997. That likely won’t compare to this year.

His world came crashing down Nov. 27 when he fled his house in the middle of the night, an incident still filled with questions that Woods might never answer: Where was he going? What caused him to hit the tree? What injuries sent him to the hospital? And how could the world’s most famous athlete keep secret so many affairs?

Woods lost three corporate sponsors—Accenture, AT&T and Gatorade—and became the butt of jokes nationally, from TV talk shows to Disney stage productions.

This will be the first time Woods has missed Bay Hill as a professional, the only regular PGA Tour event he has played every year. Palmer told The Golf Channel that Woods called to apologize for not being there.

“He sounded good. He had some zip in his voice,” Palmer said. “He knows what he wants to do with his life and the way he’s going to handle it, and I guess we’re going to give him that respect. I would think for Tiger it’s going to be tough. It’s going to be something that’s going to take him a little time to get used to.”

Palmer said Woods told him he didn’t feel his game “was up to speed to start playing this early.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen Dies at 69

Richard Goodis — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:17:00 GMT

By DOUG ALDEN, AP Sports Writer

SALT LAKE CITY – Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen has died. He was 69.

Utah State University assistant athletic media relations director Zach Fisher says Olsen died Wednesday night at a Los Angeles hospital.

He was diagnosed with mesothelioma last year.

Olsen was an All-American at Utah State and a first-round draft pick of the Los Angles Rams in 1962.

The burley giant from northern Utah joined Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier on the Rams' storied "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line known for either stopping or knocking backward whatever offenses it faced. The Rams set an NFL record for the fewest yards allowed during a 14-game season in 1968.

Olsen was rookie of the year for the Rams in 1962 and is still the Rams' all-time leader in career tackles with 915. He was named to 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a string that started his rookie year.

Olsen was also an established television actor with a role on "Little House on the Prairie," then starring in his own series, "Father Murphy," from 1981 to 1983 and the short-lived "Aaron's Way" in 1988.

Olsen was a consensus All-American at Utah State and won the 1961 Outland Trophy as the nation's best interior lineman. The Rams drafted Olsen third overall in 1962 and he spent the next 15 years with the team before retiring in 1976.

Utah State honored Olsen in December by naming the football field at Romney Stadium "Merlin Olsen Field." Because of his illness, Olsen's alma mater didn't want to wait until football season and made the announcement during halftime of a basketball game.

Olsen was well enough to attend, but did not speak at the event. He stood and smiled as he waved to fans during a standing ovation and chants of "Merlin Olsen!" and "Aggie Legend!"

Utah State is also planning a statue of Olsen at the southeast corner of the stadium.

The Rams also honored Olsen during a game Dec. 20, with a video tribute narrated by Dick Enberg, Olsen's longtime broadcast partner. Olsen did not attend because of his health. His name was already part of the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis along with other franchise standouts.

He was voted NFC defensive lineman of the year in 1973 and the NFL MVP in 1974, and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Oscar Night Sports Look-Alikes

Richard Goodis — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:33:00 GMT

Oscar co-host Steve Martin and Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith

West Virgina basketball coach Bobby Huggins and Oscar co-host Alec Baldwin

Actor Jeremy Renner (The Hurt Locker) and Chicago White Sox ace Jake Peavy

Actor Matt Damon (Invictus) and the Minnesota Twins Justin Morneau

Actor Morgan Freeman (Invictus) and the Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington

U.S. Olympic skier Julia Mancuso and actress Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air)

Larry Legend and director James Cameron (Avatar)

Director Peter Docter (Up) and former NBA player Shawn Bradley

Tennis star Roger Federer and director Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds)

LeBron Don't Need No Stinkin' Cape

Richard Goodis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:22:00 GMT

Petyon Manning Recovering From Neck Surgery

Richard Goodis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:25:00 GMT

The Indianapolis Colts announced Wednesday that Manning had surgery in Chicago to remove reoccuring neck bolts, a procedure that is not expected to interrupt Manning’s offseason workouts or his availability for next season.

“This condition has existed intermittently for the past four years, but at no time did it interfere with his training, practice or playing regimen,” the Colts said. “While it never has affected Peyton’s activity on or off the field, the Colts’ medical staff, after post-playoff examination, thought it best to resolve the situation now.”

The Colts said Manning spent Tuesday night in the hospital and was released Wednesday.

“All medical personnel involved believe the issue has been resolved,” the team said. “Peyton fully expects to participate in the Colts’ offseason program this spring.”

Top 10 Headlines You May Have Missed From the Vancouver Olympic Games

Richard Goodis — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:58:00 GMT

#10 - Giant Rogue Olympic Mascots Menace Athletes

#9 - Russian Men's Figure Skater Evgeni Pluskenko Named Sorest Loser in Winter Olympic History

#8 - Russian Ice Dancers Produce Games Most Obnoxious Moment

#7 - British Sibling Ice Dancers Register 10 on ICK! Meter as John Kerr Rides Sister Sinead Kerr

#6 - Immediately Following Opening Ceremonies Olympic Flame is Detained for Burning too Brightly

#5 - Canadian Government Pays $10 Million for Country's Pavilion Gets Giant Greenhouse Instead

#4 - Team Canada Women's Hockey Team Gold Medal Beer Bash Results in Yellow Snow

#3 - John Daly's Pants Win Silver Medal in Men's Curling

#2 - Team USA Bobsled Pilot Steve Holcomb Keeps Sled's Ballast Packed Tightly Behind Him

#1 - Canadian Women's Curler Cheryl Bernard Gives Birth to Three Curling Stones During Competition

2010 Winter Olympic Look-Alikes

Richard Goodis — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:34:00 GMT

Even if you don't follow the Winter Olympics, we think you will enjoy this sampling of Winter Games athlete look-alikes.

U.S. alpine skier Bode Miller and actor John Corbett

U.S. snowboarder Shaun White and Lion-O from ThunderCats

U.S. figure skater Evan Lysacek and Nine Inch Nails lead singer Trent Reznor

Team USA goalie Ryan Miller and actor Hamish Linklater

U.S. curler Chris Plys and Green Day lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong

A young Robert DeNiro and U.S. Ski X team member Casey Puckett

Actress Elizabeth Shue and Canadian ice dancer Tessa Virtue

U.S. ice dancer Emily Samuelson and the Little Mermaid

Actor Joe Rogan and French curler Raphael Mathieu

Team Canada center Sidney Crosby comedian Andy Samberg

Pepe Le Pew and Apolo Anton Ohno

Prince Charming and Swiss figure skater Stephane Lambiel

Oddsmakers Place Odds on Tiger Woods' Press Conference

Richard Goodis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:41:00 GMT

After nearly a three-month silence, Tiger Woods will finally emerge tomorrow publicly and apologize for his rampant unfaithfulness and announce his imminent return to golf. As such, CEO Mickey Richardson and his team at Bookmaker.com, one of the leading sportsbooks, have put together odds on what Tiger Woods will or won’t say and do at his five-minute Friday apology and press conference. Full odds below:

HOW MANY TIMES WILL HE SAY ADDICTED TO SEX?

0-5: -500 (83%)

6-10: +250 (29%)

11 or more: +500 (18%)

WILL TIGER WOODS ANNOUNCE HE WILL GET A DIVORCE?

YES: +200 (33%)

NO: -700 (88%)

WILL HIS WIFE ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE?

YES: -400 (80%)

NO: +170 (37%)

WILL TIGER CRY AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE?

YES: -250 (73%)

NO: +180 (35%)

WILL TIGER ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT AT THE CONF?

YES: +600 (14%)

NO: -1250 (93%)

WILL TIGER ANNOUNCE HIS RETIREMENT AT THE CONF?

YES: +600 (14%)

NO: -1250 (93%)

WILL TIGER TAKE A YEAR OFF OF GOLF IN 2010?

YES: +100 (50%)

NO: -250 (73%)

The +/- Indicates the Return on the Wager. The percentage is the likelihood that response will occur. For Example: Betting on the candidate least likely to win would earn the most amount of money, should that happen.

Shaun White Proves He's Still the Best Snowboarder in the World

Richard Goodis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:19:00 GMT

By Trey Kerby

Not that there was any doubt about it, but Shaun White is the best snowboarder alive. Wednesday night he successfully defended his 2006 men's halfpipe gold medal. And yes, he did the Double McTwist 1260.

After a flawless first run, White found himself where he usually is: atop the leaderboard. Then, after every other snowboarder took a second shot at knocking him from his perch, he remained in first. Since only the best of two runs is counted in scoring, Shaun White already had his gold medal. Now he could have some fun.

With no pressure on him, White went, as he would call it, "heavy." Huge, huge, enormous air, the now-requisite double cork, and then to top things off, the trick that only he can do — the Double McTwist 1260. It's a trick so amazing it doesn't even have an official name, though White was overheard calling it the "Double Mc." Works for me.

Forty-eight point four. That was his finishing score. Unfortunate rhyme aside, that's an outstanding mark. An entire 3.4 points higher than the silver medalist, Finland's Peetu Piiroinen. And it was more than deserved.

In the past 12 months, White has advanced snowboarding further than the sport had advanced in the previous 10 years. He's the reason double corks were a necessity. He's the reason that sponsors such as Nike and Microsoft care about snowboarding. Shaun White is more important to his sport than any athlete on the planet, and this is coming from an enormous NBA fan. Basketball could survive without LeBron James. Snowboarding would go nowhere without Shaun White.

That's why it's so awesome to see someone so transcendent perform so well on the sport's biggest stage. It's not every day that you get to witness greatness, or see history being made, but that's the case with Shaun White. He keeps getting better when he's already the best.

And he's only 23. Whoa boy.

Say What You Want About Olympic Skater Johnny Weir

Richard Goodis — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:34:00 GMT

He's been labeled everything from effeminate (something even Johnny says about himself) to flamboyant, to weird, to unpredictable, to a lover of Russia.

He likes fur and doesn't care what PETA thinks. He speaks his mind and has fun doing it.

He wears pink and tassels on the ice and while waiting for his short program score earlier this week, he clutched a black, heart shaped pillow embroidered with his name in big pink script.

And while Weir has largely been dismissed as a contender for a medal on the ice, when it comes to Olympic roomies, Johnny takes the gold.

Johnny's roomie in Vancouver is the very fetching American Olympic Ice Dancer, Tanith Belbin - who also happens to be the ex-girlfriend of Weir's nemesis and current teammate Evan Lysacek.

While the arrangement probably doesn't make Lysacek happy, we are betting every man in America wishes he could be Johnny Weir for a night!

2010 NBA All-Star Starter Look-Alikes

Richard Goodis — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 01:05:00 GMT

2010 Eastern Conference Starters

Lebron James (Cleveland) and King Kong

Kevin Garnett (Boston) and Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now)

Dwayne Wade (Miami) and Soulja Boy

Allen Iverson (Philadelphia) and Mos Def

Dwight Howard (Orlando) and Arsenio Hall

2010 Western Conference Starters

Carmelo Anthony (Denver) and Emmanuel Lewis

Tim Duncan (San Antonio) and a Pug puppy

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles) and Tupac Shakur

Steven Nash (Phoenix) and Karen Allen

Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix) and Otis Redding

Drew Brees Makes History En Route to Saints Super Bowl Win

Richard Goodis — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:28:00 GMT

By Chris Chase Yahoo! Sports

After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, it was widely assumed that NFL free agents wouldn't want to sign with the city's NFL team. There was too much baggage, too much drama and too many question marks. But Drew Brees didn't let that deter him when he chose New Orleans over Miami in 2006. On Sunday, his decision paid off when he led the franchise to its first Super Bowl title with a record-setting, MVP performance in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17.

Brees finished the night 32-of-39 with 288 yards and two touchdowns and was named the game's most valuable player. The 32 completions tied Tom Brady's Super Bowl record. During one stretch of the game the former San Diego Chargers quarterback completed 21 of 24 passes.

In one of the greatest quarterback matchups in Super Bowl history, Brees was lightly overshadowed in the pregame by Indy's Peyton Manning. This was supposed to be Manning's coronation, the second title in the QB's illustrious career. But Brees and the Saints played spoiler, delivering New Orleans its first title in any professional sport.

On that March day four years, Brees told reporters about signing in New Orleans:

"I just felt that energy in New Orleans. From the very beginning, there was a genuine feeling that they wanted me there. They believe I can come back from this shoulder injury and lead them to a championship. They were as confident as I am, and that meant a lot."

The confidence was warranted. The Saints signing Brees was the best free-agent move in NFL history. And it led to one of the best performances ever in the Super Bowl.

Let the Lindsey Hype Begin: Vonn is Sports Illustrated Cover Girl

Richard Goodis — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:18:00 GMT

FOR THE RECORD TSM AGREES WITH CHRIS CHASE'S PERSPECTIVE

By Chris Chase Yahoo! Sports

Lindsey Vonn is hoping the Sports Illustrated cover jinx doesn't cross international borders. America's great Winter Olympic hope is featured on the front of SI's Winter Olympic preview issue, which hit newsstands Wednesday.

Vonn's semi-provocative pose has drawn the predictable ire from those who claim that is objectifies her. She's an athlete, not a sex symbol, the chorus inevitably reminds us.

From womentalksports:

Vonn is first a GREAT athlete, but she also represents norm of feminine attractiveness. The combination of athleticism and attractiveness make Vonn the likely poster girl of the US Olympic Team, and the media hasn't disappointed in constructed her as such.

Not to be left out, Sports Illustrated is featuring Vonn on their Feb. 8, 2010 cover. For those of you who follow SI Covers, know that female athletes are RARELY featured on the cover.

Over the last 60 years researchers have shown that about 4% of all SI covers have portrayed women.

When females are featured on the cover of SI, they are more likely than not to be in sexualized poses and not in action-and the most recent Vonn cover is no exception.

They have a point in taking issue with SI; the magazine rarely features women athletes on the cover (as evidenced by that statistic) and its annual swimsuit issue has been a focus of protests for decades. But Vonn's cover is different.

The pose at least resembles the tuck stance skiers like Vonn take when barrelling down the hill. It's exaggerated, of course, but not gratuitously so. It's not as if SI put her in a bikini in a Whistler hot tub.

Also, this is Vonn's moment. If she wins multiple golds in Vancouver, Vonn has the potential to become a major crossover star. She'd be like Michael Phelps, only with better looks and an actual personality. Landing on the SI cover is a good way for her to start the Vonn saturation campaign. It's as important for her as it is the magazine. The pose is suggestive, sure, but it's not objectifying. The headline reads "America's best woman skier ever", for Jean-Claude's sake! Why can't she be both the best skier in the world and really, really attractive too? Tom Brady's a great athlete and a handsome dude and I don't hear people whine when he's shirtless in GQ.

Most importantly, this cover is almost identical to the one that ran on SI's Winter Olympic preview in 1992. That one featured a gentleman named A.J. Kitt and I'm pretty sure nobody complained that it was too provocative.

Adds TMS: When you really think about, the photo of Vonn is far more technically correct then that of Kitt when it comes to the standard form of a world class Olympics apline ski racer.

Saints Win Super Bowl, Says Madden NFL

Richard Goodis — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

by Joe Dodson, Yahoo! Video Games

And the winner is...

Madden NFL popped into headlines today, predicting a sunny Super Bowl win for the New Orleans Saints, and eight months of winter for the Indianapolis Colts.

Every year, Electronic Arts runs a Super Bowl simulation within their video game, Madden NFL. And five out of the last six years, the game's results have predicted the Super Bowl winner correctly. The simulation's only miss was the Giants' Super Bowl XLII victory over the Patriots, and even Nostradamus couldn't have seen that one coming.

This year, Madden NFL predicts a close Saints victory, with a final score of 35 - 31 over the Colts. According to the game, Drew Brees will be named the MVP after passing for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Reggie Bush will account for two more touchdowns, one rushing, and one on a punt return.

On the other side of the football, Colts' QB Peyton Manning will throw for 322 yards and three touchdowns in a great-but-not-good-enough performance.

But before Saints fans start celebrating and Colts fans call for a new coach, it's important to note that the Madden simulation only takes into account the perceived skill levels of each player on the field. Intangibles such as nerves and inexperience are not reflected. And according to this G4 video of the simulation, neither is Dwight Freeney's questionable ankle, as the Colts' defensive superstar can clearly be seen running and jumping down the tunnel at the head of his team before the game.

But whether he plays in the real Super Bowl or not, Madden NFL sees the Colts limping home on Sunday, and all of New Orleans jumping for joy.

Florida Wins Recruiting National Title

Richard Goodis — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:58:00 GMT

By Jeremy Crabtree Editor, Rivals.com

Maybe Urban Meyer should retire more often.

When Meyer announced he was leaving Florida because of health concerns Dec. 26, it sent shockwaves through college football and into the living rooms of a number of the nation's top recruits. The Gators already had assembled one of the nation's best recruiting classes, but many prospects feared what a future without Meyer would bring in Gainesville.



Urban Meyer hasn't taken a break from recruiting in 2010.

Meyer is known for pouring his heart and soul into the relationships with his players and recruits. Consequently, he quickly changed his mind and decided he would not retire. Instead, Meyer said he would take a short leave of absence - which hasn't happened yet.

Meyer's change of heart reassured recruits enough to catapult the Gators to the Rivals.com recruiting national championship. This is the second time Florida has had the best class in the nation, both occasions coming with Meyer leading the Gators.

While Florida's 2010 class didn't pass the 2006 USC class that featured stars Taylor Mays, Stanley Havili and five five-star recruits overall, the Gators signed the second-best class in Rivals.com history. With 2,938 points, the class fell 59 points short of USC's total in 2006. Florida did beat its 2007 class, which finished with 2,959 and featured players such as Joe Haden, Carlos Dunlap, Maurkice Pouncey and Michael Pouncey.

The Gators finished just ahead of USC, Texas, Auburn and Alabama. The rest of the top 10: LSU at No. 6, Oklahoma at No. 7, UCLA at No. 8, Tennessee at No. 9 and Florida State at No. 10. There are several uncommitted players who could cause some shifts in the top 10, but nobody has enough left on the board to knock the Gators from the top.

Florida already was in position to have the nation's top class before Meyer's situation developed. The Gators had the No. 3 class after early commitments from Rivals100 prospects Gerald Christian, Jaylen Watkins, Leon Orr and Ian Silberman - all before April 20, 2009.

"When I got here, I spent time with my position coach, Coach Meyer and Coach (Steve) Addazio, and I said that was it," Watkins, the nation's fourth-best corner, said about his commitment to Florida last spring. "It felt like home here. They have great academics. I could get a good education while I become the best athlete I can be. I love the coaches."

Throw in additional pledges from Rivals250 stars Jordan Haden and Jonathan Dowling, and the foundation for an elite class was set.

THE TOP 10

The nation's top 10 recruiting classes for 2010:

1. Florida

2. USC

3. Texas

4. Auburn

5. Alabama

6. LSU

7. Oklahoma

8. UCLA

9. Tennessee

10. Florida State

Then, something special happened Jan. 9. On that day, the Gators landed three-five star commitments on national TVat the U.S Army All-American Bowl.

It started with five-star safety Matt Elam.

Elam originally pledged to the Gators early, then dumped his commitment to Florida on New Year's Eve for Florida State. That FSU pledge was short-lived, and Elam announced his final decision for UF at the Army Bowl.

"I'm happy it's over," Elam said at the time. "I made a commitment my junior year. I committed to Florida and Urban Meyer. I'm going to put my faith and trust in him, and hopefully he stays."

Later in the game, the Gators landed five-star defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and the nation's No. 1 player - Ronald Powell. Floyd, the No. 4 player and top defensive tackle, picked UF over Ohio State and a host of others. Powell, a defensive end, selected Florida over USC.

Floyd and Powell said Meyer's personal relationship with them weighed heavily in their decisions.

"Urban Meyer has been nothing but loyal to me," Powell said when he committed. "The fan support, the city, the players, everything is great. The class coming in with Sharrif Floyd and Matt Elam, we're going to do this thing. We're going to win a title. We're going to come in as freshmen, play as true freshmen and get a chance at that SEC championship. After we win that, you know where we're going."

Big movers on Signing Day

L.A. was ground zero for the day's biggest movers, as USC and UCLA pushed their way into the top 10 in the team recruiting rankings.



Seantrel Henderson's commitment pushed USC to No. 2.

The Trojans did it by landing five-star Markeith Ambles, four-star Glen Stanley, four-star Christian Thomas, four-star Giovanni Di Poaloand four-star Nickell Robey early in the day. Then came the news that the nation's No. 2 player, five-star offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, would be heading to Los Angeles as well.

A majority of the prospects USC landed can point toward a strong bond that was built when Lane Kiffin was coach at Tennessee.

"We were tight even when he wasn't going to be at Tennessee, and I was still committed," Ambles said about Kiffin. "Like I said before, we have a different kind of relationship. I was kind of mad the way he left (Tennessee), but it all worked out. I feel like this is a great staff at a great school. I love L.A., so everything just fit."

UCLA's move up the charts was highlighted by the addition of five-star defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa. He picked the Bruins over Nebraska, Oregon State and a host of other national programs. Throw in National Signing Day decisions from four-stars Anthony Jefferson, Jordan Zumwalt, Dietrich Riley and Josh Shirley, and it was a day that people in Westwood will remember for a long time.

"I really think UCLA has what it takes to turn the program around, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it," Jefferson said. "I like Coach [Rick] Neuheisel a lot, and he was the one personally recruiting me throughout the entire process. I love this recruiting class, and I'm really proud to be a part of it. We're building something special, and today was a day that we'll talk about years later as the first big step for us."

Rebels Surge

Last year, Ole Miss was in a similar position - outside of the top 25 but in great position to land quality kids down the stretch. And again on this National Signing Day, the Rebs scored commitment after commitment and burst into the top 25.

Ole Miss landed Will Denny, Cordell Giles, Tony Grimes, Delvin Jones, Quadarias Miles, Vincent Sanders, Cedric Smith and Ralph Williams all in the final 24 hours, helping push the Rebels to the No. 17 spot.

A big reason for the push? Ole Miss assistant Chris Vaughn cleaned up on recruiting's final day.