2012-13 UCL Preview: Madrid Better Be for Real

Now that I have done a football preview, time for a Futbol preview.

Though the UEFA Champions League doesn't start for a few weeks, the group seedings were released and it's seems like fix is in for traditional powerhouses. The only one where it seems that the fix isn't in totally is Group D where Real Madrid and Man City are grouped together, the defending La Liga champs and EPL champs respectively. They both should advance to the knockout stages but when two powerhouses like this are grouped together anything can happen. An upset from a lesser club could cost much more in a group like this one.

As for a favorite to win the UCL title? My pick is selfishly going to be Real Madrid. This is Jose Mourinho's third year as the team's manager and they were unfortunate penalties away from getting to the UCL Final last year. Luka Modric seems to be the big signing during the transfer window so far and he should sure up the midfield. Plus, Cristiano Ronaldo along with Gonzalo Higuain and Karin Benzema ensure that the club still has a lot of fire power. NOW START WINNING SOME MATCHES IN LA LIGA FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!

P.S. Yes, I know the title is a horrible pun. I'm working on worse puns, OK.

2012 NFC East Preview: How 'Bout RG3?

The 2012 NFL Season is almost upon us which means it's time to look at each division and predict what will happen to the best of my knowledge. I took a long shot with the Bucs last year and I assure you that I will not be foolish to pick a team like that again.

That being said, I really like the Redskins. They have Robert Griffin III as their new QB, he looked good during his brief time in the preseason, and I believe they can go a long way with him at the helm... if this was a prediction for beyond this season but it's not. They will bomb this year as RG3 tries to navigate through the league. There is interesting speculation here as to whether or not he will have a magnificent season like Cam Newton had last year. He might not win a lot of games as it looks like the Redskins are underdogs for most of them but he can still have a terrific season.

As for the rest of the NFC East, it seems like any teams game. The Super Bowl Champion Giants might be the strongest (barely) but they could easily be upset. They got beat by Washington the two times they faced them last year. Once they get into the postseason, watch out but they have to get there first. Tony Romo and the Cowboys have something to prove after the way they finished 8-8 last year and just missed the postseason. I'm not confident, however, that they have gotten better. Romo was playing his heart out last season and he still couldn't pull them into the playoffs.

So my favorite is going to be the Eagles. Seems like a long shot considering that Michael Vick can't play a full season because he keeps getting hurt but I think this team has a lot to prove after the "Dynasty" comment made last year and they will pull it together somehow. Plus Nick Foles, the back up, is having a nice preseason and might be able to hold the team together for a game or so if Vick gets injured.

P.S. It seems almost ironic that Vince Young, the guy who made the "Dynasty" comment last year, doesn't have a team to call home after Buffalo cut him. Apparently, the Bills would rather trade for Tavaris Jackson, a fair QB at best, as their #2 QB than stick with Young. What a fall from Tennessee it has been.

Andy Roddick to Retire. WHO CARES!!!

Serena Williams and that's about it.

Andy Roddick announced that he will retire after the US Open. His next (and hopefully final match) will be tonight against Bernard Tomic of Australia. Roddick has had a good career by most standards in tennis as he had won a Grand Slam back in 2003 which was the US Open and nearly had another a couple years ago. He has also managed to remain relevant since 2003 until now as he has been out of the top ten for quite some time.

Okay, why do we follow this guy again? Andy Roddick has been a blimp in the radar ever since Roger Federer started dominate the sport followed by Rafael Nadal with Novak Djokovic now trying to start his own reign of greatness. The only thing that Andy Murray has been known for is that awesome serve that he has and that's it. A great serve will only get you so far.

What was annoying to me not Roddick himself who seems OK but the US media always focusing on him as the face of US men's tennis. I know people are more likely to watch something if they have the same nationality but it just seemed overdone in this case. Andy Roddick is (and soon was) a fine player but he wasn't good enough to excite casual American sports fans.

I don't care about nationality that much in Tennis and was always fine watching Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer go at it. While the match ups at time were boring to see over and over again, at least they warranted the attention. While Roddick has had success in mostly minor tournaments, he just hasn't done anything to actual earn the attention on the main stage other than being the best American male tennis player.

Now I REALLY Hate Roger Goodell

If there is one thing that people can't stand in sports is the officials. They are susceptible to making mistakes, arrogant, obnoxious, and disliked, that cannot be denied. But they are still necessary (unless it's baseball) in order to run a sport. It wasn't until this NFL preseason that I have seen how necessary they are.

This NFL Lockout involving the referees and a few cents that the NFL wouldn't cry over losing has gone on too long. The replacement refs are sloppier, slower (to the pace of the game), and are making an abundance of mistakes. They are just not as well trained as Ed Hochuli or the other regular referees that I want to kill every Sunday. These replacement refs are tempting me to go beyond the "wanting" stage.

The NFL seems to not care enough about the NFL officials and are content with starting the replacements for the 2012 season. The league says that they will use them week 1. DeMaurice Smith of the NFLPA has shown at least a token of solidarity by showing his support for the refs. He has even said that the use of a possible strike from the players is not out of the question (ha ha ha).

Anytime I hear the demands of the referees it seems reasonable and nothing compared to when the league negotiated with the players. It, of course, means more to the officials as they don't get as much in actual cash compared to the players. I would actually like the NFLPA to threaten striking and then to strike when the NFL doesn't believe them. I hate the power the NFL has, specifically Roger Goodell, and I would love to see these two unions join together and stand up to the league (man).

The chances that the players actual strike, however, are practically zero and that's sad to me. I hope they do the next best thing, however, and bitch about the bad calls being made when week 1 starts. This is when we need TO the most.

P.S. Also whats with sending ejected fans to an online course before they are allowed back in? Can we get a fan's union started. That would be the most powerful of them all.

P.P.S. Also the strike shows that the league (Roger Goodell) doesn't care about player safety, it never did. It just cares about money. The reason that it feigns caring about safety is because the league is facing a ton of lawsuits regarding concussions.

Kings Not Wanting to go to Virginia Beach

Remember when I reported the Kings were getting a new castle in Sacramento? Apparently that dissolved quickly when they discovered the team had to pay for part of it.

The Kings backed out of the deal which upset the city and the rumors are they have been looking for a new city to play in ever since. One of those cities that was rumored was Virginia Beach, Virginia. However, the Kings have said that they are not in discussions to move to Virginia Beach. Meanwhile Virginia Beach has admitted that they are trying to lure an unspecified sports team there. Denial of this is odd as they have been linked to talks with Anaheim and a few other cities.

First of all, what's wrong with Virginia Beach? Is the name itself not inviting to you? Maybe the Metro area isn't as big as yours but at least you're not fighting for attention from the Warriors. I still don't care if the Kings move out of Sacramento or not but please don't go to Anaheim. They already have two NBA teams in the area, don't give them a third. Why not think about Seattle? I'm sure they would love a franchise again. Better yet, move to Vancouver to make Seattle crazier.

Why not near the other border with San Diego? They could use a team. The point is don't move to Anaheim or the LA area.

Russell Wilson Named Seahawks Starter

Right now Matt Flynn is saying WTF somewhere and drinking himself into a stupor.

The Third Preseason game for the Seahawks had Russell Wilson starting as they wanted to see what this kid could do. After going 13/19 throwing for 189 yards and 2 TDs, the Seahawks have now named him the starter for the regular season. This after the fact that they traded for Matt Flynn who had a couple great outings as a backup QB for the Packers. This news from the Seahawks makes Wilson the 5th starting rookie QB named across the league joining Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck, Brandon Wheedon, and Ryan Tannehill.

What is going on the NFL? A few teams see how well Cam Newton and Andy Dalton do their first year and they now just want to throw their own rookie QB's into the fire? Maybe it's the way the league is going. Or perhaps its just one year of teams looking for a bunch of new QB's. Or it's an very impressive rookie class.

Whatever it is, I hope that Wilson can see over the line he will be working with. Hasn't affected him so far.

TO Cut by the Seahawks

Terrell Owens joined the Seahawks as a last chance of getting back to the NFL. The chance was well wasted.

After dropping an open pass for a TD and running his mouth off about how things don't go his own way, TO was cut by the Seattle Seahawks. He signed on August 6th for the Seahawks as part of a one year deal and only played the 2nd and 3rd preseason game for the team catching just two passes. Owens Tweeted about being cut writing "I'm no longer a Seahawk. I THANK the organization 4 the opportunity, I'm truly blessed beyond belief. My FAITH is intact & will NOT waiver."

NOW it seems like the end of Terrell Owens. Owens couldn't stay on board of a off brand football team and couldn't stay on board of a Indoor Football one either (HA!!!). This could be TO's last stint in the NFL but still could have some caller from teams that might be desperate. Maybe someone during the season will call him if there is an injury or they're making a playoff push (OK, maybe not that one).

Is this the curtain call for TO (more like the hook pulling him off)? Please let it be so.

Red Sox and Dodgers Complete Huge Trade

The Red Sox have not been a great team this year no matter how hopeful I was about them. Some hitters had trouble out of the gate, top pitchers couldn't catch a break, and the organization seems to be in disarray. It's time to press the reset button.

The last coupe of days have been about a trade involving the Red Sox and the Dodgers. Despite the numbers that are involved in this deal, it got done. Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, and Nick Punto were all traded to the Dodgers. In exchange, the Red Sox get James Loney and minor leaguers Allen Webster and Ivan De Jesus along with two players to be named later but are believed to be pitcher Rubby De La Rosa and outfielder Jerry Sands. As a result of the trade, the Red Sox shed more than $250 Million in salaries through 2018.

WTF?!?!?! The Dodgers have been perhaps the most active team when acquiring new players this year as they had gotten Hanley Ramirez and Shane Victorino. They cement that title with this humongous trade. To make things even more exciting for the city of LA, Adrian Gonzalez made his debut for the Dodgers earlier tonight and hit a 3 run home run in his first at bat for the team. He's already had a better debut in the LA area than Albert Pujols did.

Does this move, however, make them the favorite to win the NL West with about a month and half to go? I certainly hope not but it's hard to refute. The Giants still have 2 games on the Dodgers and they can't be counted out because of their starting rotation. However, the edge has to go to LA. They were keeping pace with the Giants as is and with these new additions it might be too much for any team to handle.

So where does this leave the Red Sox? In rebuilding mode for the foreseeable future. The chemistry on this team was not working and the organization itself needs sorting out. They first need to get their team management in order before they make any large move for the future. That includes evaluating whether or not Bobby Valentine belongs in that future. It will take some time for these things to sort out which might scare the Nation for the next season or so.

It's really a weird transition with these teams: one franchise on the decline of it's glory while the other is seeking to rise. It's a cycle every team has to go through... unless you're the damn Yankees.

P.S. RIP, Neil Armstrong. The last great explorer that took a giant step for mankind.

Roger Clemens' Independent League Comeback

Jamie Moyer is old and managed to come back (sort of). Why not a PED using Roger Clemens?

Jut when you thought that Roger Clemens was done with baseball for life, he makes a career comeback that Brett Favre and Michael Jordon would envy. The last time that Clemens pitched was in 2007 for the Yankees. He then went off on a "I didn't take drugs" tangent and we haven't seen him since. Now, however, Roger has decided to come back and to prove that he is still worth something to a Major League Team, he signed an independent league contract with the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Clemens pitched for them earlier today with Major League Scouts looking on and did pretty well going against players that weren't good enough to be on a minor league team. He pitched 3 1/3 innings striking out 2 and allowing one hit.

So why is Roger Clemens hoping to make a Major League comeback? Does he miss the game? Does he miss the spotlight? Does he like pitching for the Astros? (No, that can't be it) Or does he simply want to push back his eligibility voting for the Hall of Fame? Definitely the last one. With the way the Hall of Fame voting is going for the known PED users, Clemens has a better chance of getting in by delaying his eligibility by playing for a small while and pushing the clock back another 5 years. A smart move for a guy who said about getting in or not "It's not going to change my life either way." I must say that this seems to be a pretty big career move.

So will someone give Roger Clemens a chance in the Majors again? The Astros might. They have nothing to offer Houston so a 50 year old attraction might bring in the crowds. They are one of the worst teams in attendance that getting a feces throwing monkey would drive interest. The monkey seems to be busy though so Clemens is their best option available.

Lance Armstrong Stops Fighting Doping Allegations

There was never quite a story like Lance Armstrong. A man who had cancer that fought it and beat it then winning the Tour de France 7 times. The one blemish on that story was that occasionally there were outsiders saying that he was doping. The issue kept coming back and Lance Armstrong has always refuted time after time. This time however was one instance too far.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) had been looking into Lance Armstrong and actually filed drug charges against him. Armstrong tried to fight these charges in a lawsuit saying that the USADA did not have jurisdiction but all attempts at that were thrown out by a judge. Armstrong decided against fighting through the USADA arbitration process and gave up. Armstrong is done fighting drug charges basically saying he has had enough. He once again declared his innocence, said the USADA was leading an "Unconstitutional Witch Hunt," and said he wanted to continue his work raising money for cancer research.

As a result of this, the USADA will now seek to strip Armstrong of his 7 Tour titles and will most likely be able to do so. They will also ban him from the sport for life.

So why give up now? It could be a number of things: he really is tired of fighting these accusations, he saw he wasn't going to win the case and just quit, he doesn't want to go broke fighting it, or he actually did cheat. I tend to think he did cheat but probably wouldn't swear on it. The sport of cycling is too corrupt and the recent winners of the Tour having their titles stripped away because of drug use makes me think that there can't be anyone that can win this thing 7 times in a row.

In the respect to cancer research, I hope that Lance Armstrong will be able to continue to help the cause. But in any other regard, he's still human.

P.S. I really don't care whether or not Lance took drugs because cycling is just so boring but why is everyone so eager to defend him? Where was this for Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds? The minute a baseball player's name is dropped in PED use, everyone assumes guilt immediately. Why not with Lance? Why must we hold Lance Armstrong as infallible?

Bartolo Colon Suspended for PED Use

Victor Conte, the man behind BALCO, said recently after Melky's suspension that drugs are still a major problem in baseball guessing almost half the players use some sort of PED. This new story doesn't help dispute that statement.

Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for Testosterone. The 39 year old starter will miss the remaining 40 games of the regular season and also the first 10 of the postseason (provided the A's make the playoffs) and serve the remainder next year if needed. Colon apologized as result and accepted responsibility for his actions. This comes a week after Melky Cabrera, another Bay Area player, tested positive for Testosterone.

Can anyone check to see if there is another absurd website featuring some weird skin cream? Now Colon might not be the best player for Oakland but he was still having a good year by his standards going 10-9 with a 3.43 ERA. It hurts the A's chances to get into the postseason as they are only a half game in front of the Orioles for the 2nd Wild Card Spot.

After hearing about this positive test, I start to think about what Victor Conte had said. What if drugs are still a major problem in baseball? Does that mean there will be less Hall of Famers being inducted than there are right now? I also wonder if Conte does know of any players today that are taking PEDs. Let's get another wasted congressional hearing right away. It's not like there is an election going on, right?

Augusta National: "He Man Woman Haters Club" No More

There are many reasons I hate golf: It's boring to watch, there's no consistency, and I can't hit under 150. But one reason it caused "hate" instead of just "dislike" was the fact it's top venue, Augusta National, didn't allow female members. It had a bunch of green jackets for it's all male membership and none for females. That changed earlier today.

Augusta, founded in 1932, decided to admit its first female members. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and South Carolina Financier Darla Moore were invited by Augusta National to be the first two female members in the club's history. Chairman of Augusta National Billy Payne said in a statement "These accomplished women share our passion for the game of golf and both are well known and respected by our membership. It will be a proud moment when we present Condoleezza and Darla their green jackets when the club opens this fall. This is a significant and positive time in our club's history and, on behalf of our membership, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome them and all of our new members into the Augusta National family."

The all male membership was challenged ten years ago by Martha Burk and her women's advocacy group. When contacted by the AP, Martha said "Oh my God. We won."

Finally some equality in the most boring game in the world. Sure, women were invited as guests but there is something about being members that carries much more weight. It might've been better to offer this kind of historic invitation to Virginia Rometty, CEO of IBM, back in the Spring. Heck, it should've been done decades ago. The club is still conservative but this was a big step in step Augusta National and a big step in the golfing world.

US Win in Mexico for the First Time Ever

Near the end of the Olympics, Mexican football fans changed their chants from "Gol" to Gold as the men's national team beat Brazil for the Gold Medal, 2-1. Despite the fact that it wasn't the World Cup and it was the U-23 squad, it was still a big deal for Mexico. Now the overall men's national squad played a match against the US and part of it was celebrating the win over Brazil. Looks like we crashed the party.

Over the last 75 years, the US has never been able to beat Mexico in their own country. Winning in Azteca Stadium seemed impossible and a bit of a dream. The US coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, seemed to think it could be done. In fact, he knew it could. Despite Mexico dominating shots, corners, and possession, the US were still in it late in the game. No goals were scored yet as the 80' approached and frustration was starting to show for Mexico. The US then managed to score. In the 80', Michael Orozco managed to put in a goal for US squad thanks to some nice passes near the net. Then the defense managed to hold on thanks to some fine moves by Goalie, Tim Howard, and the US managed to win, 1-0. Finally the US managed to beat Mexico in Mexico for the first time ever.

Truly a fine performance by the US Squad to win in that environment. Klinsmann has done a fine job coaching this national team and, despite being 0-23-1 in Mexico, he had them believing that they could pull off a victory and they did just that. Though just a friendly, it is proof that the US can overcome difficult circumstances, greater talent, roaring crowds, and that they could take it all on at once.

Klinsmann has done a great job with this national squad. I can't wait to see what they can do in a couple of years.

King Felix is Perfect

This has certainly been the year of the pitcher in baseball and Seattle has seen it's share of performances. First, Phillip Humber of the White Sox threw a Perfect Game back in April and the Mariners as a team held the Dodgers to a no hitter in June (love that, by the way). While it's certainly been a hoot, King Felix didn't have his turn yet.

Earlier today, Felix Hernandez went out to face the Tamp Bay Rays in Seattle in front nearly 22,o00 fans to pitch another gem. This one was different, however, as Felix pitched the gem of a lifetime. While Jesus Montero managed to hit in the only run of the game with an RBI single in the 3rd, that was all Felix was used to and all he would need. He pitched superbly as he struck out 12 Rays on the way to a Perfect Game. As he struck out the 27th guy (Sean Rodriguez), he raised his arms in triumph and then got mobbed. King Felix Hernandez of the Mariners throw the first Perfect Game in Mariner's history and the 3rd Perfect game this year alone.

With his 11th win this year, Felix cements his name in the history books. He was always a great pitcher and has won the Cy Young award a couple years ago but this performance was his most dominant performance yet. As an overall perspective, it is the third perfect game this year and the 6th no hitter this year. This was actually the third perfect game thrown against the Rays over the last 4 years. For a team that surprises people, they certainly get stumped by a pitcher.

Congrats to Felix Hernandez for throwing the 23rd Perfect Game in history. That was truly a noble performance.

Melk Gone Bad

The Giants this year have been in it but like the last few years, their bats have been lacking. One of the moves they made during the off season was a trade that brought Melky Cabrera to the team. Melky has certainly showed he was worth it having 159 hits which leads the majors and batting a .346 (2nd in the majors). He even made the All Star game where he named the All Star Game MVP. Just makes the fall from grace more tragic.

Melky Cabrera has tested positive for testosterone and has been suspended under MLB's drug policy for 50 games. That means Melky will miss the rest of the regular season considering that there is only 45 games left. If the Giants make the playoffs, he will miss up to five games in the postseason. If there is any games left over after all of that, it will carry over into next season. Melky is the first big player to be suspended since Ryan Braun's suspension which got overturned by appeal earlier this year.

"My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used," Melky said in a statement. "I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and I will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down."

Now this one hurts. The Giants already have problems scoring runs and one of there best hitters is out for the remainder of the year with the Dodgers just passing them today by a half game. Worst time for something like this. There is no doubt the blame goes to Melky for taking this drug but it hurts the Giants a lot heading down the stretch. Those Dodgers are playing well as of late and we might not be able to keep pace with them.

Despite this loss, you still cannot count out the Giants. Buster Posey is hitting well, Pablo just came back to the lineup, and Hunter Pence has to stop slumping soon... right? The Giants still have a shot for the playoffs but they are definitely not favorites and their lineup will have to start picking up the slack.

Johnny Pesky: 1919-2012

One of the biggest names in Red Sox lore is gone. Johnny Pesky, who had been part of the Red Sox organization for more than 60 years, passed away at the age of 92. He died at a hospice house north of Boston and cause of death was not announced.

Pesky first joined the Red Sox organization in 1939 and made his debut in 1942 after two years of minor league play. That year he had 205 hits as a rookie which was the team record until Nomar Garciaparra broke it in 1997. He would serve three years in the navy during WWII afterwards rejoining the Red Sox. Pesky was said to have hit a home run that curled around the RF foul pole. From then on it was known as Pesky's Pole.

After his playing career, he would manage a bit working through the minors and made his way back to the majors managing for the Red Sox for a couple of seasons in '63 and '64. He later returned to the Red Sox as a broadcaster, then a coach on the team, interim manager in 1980, then coach again to instructor. For over 60 years, Pesky has been part of the Red Sox in one way or another.

Johnny Pesky has been a beloved part of the Red Sox Nation and we will never forget what he has done for the team, the game, and the city of Boston.

Olympics are Over... Is the World Cup Here Yet?

Today were the closing ceremonies of the Olympics in London. For one more time, people from all over the world witnessed an over budgeted stage play that is highly overrated and not worth anyone's time. Then after watching Avatar simultaneously they watched the closing ceremonies.

This Olympiad has had some found memories and events that will be remembered forever. We've seen the last of Michael Phelps with him taking a bit more gold on the way out of the pool. We've seen a Flying Squirrel named Gabby Douglas as she won the Gold in the All Around in Gymnastics. Usain Bolt proved to the world he was the best sprinter around, now and forever. We've seen the Queen jump out of an airplane for no apparent reason except to promote the next 007 film entitled Skyfall premiering in London October 26, 2012.

As for what I take most out of this... USA WON THE MOST MEDALS AND GOLD. USA, USA, USA!!! 46 gold medals and 104 total medals. SUCK IT, CHINA!!! A good showing by the host nation of Great Britain who managed the third most Gold Medals with 29 and 4th most in overall medals with 65. It was important that they turn out a fine Olympic performance and they did just that.

Now the Olympics close with the next site being Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Don't skip over them, London. I know we all want to get a tan in Rio but we have to go through freezing Russia first.

P.S. Only 667 days, 17 hours until the World Cup.

Chad Johnson (Yes, Johnson) Released by the Dolphins

The artist formerly known as Ochocinco was signed by the Dolphins earlier this off season after a terrible one year stint with the New England Patriots. Chad Johnson was seeking a fresh start as was the Miami Dolphins with the team in rebuilding mode. That relationship is already over.

Chad's personal life has never seemingly gotten himself in trouble with the league or any of his former teams (on field antics have quite a bit). But now something in his life has cost him his job. Johnson was arrested over the weekend for domestic battery after his wife accused him of headbutting her during an argument in front of their home. Chad and his wife, Evelyn Lozada, were apparently just married about a month ago. Chad was released earlier today on $2500 bail. More bad news came later for the Pro Bowler as he was released from the Dolphins as a result of the arrest.

And so Chad Johnson's time with the Dolphins was over before he caught one ball, even in preseason play. Johnson's world has turned upside down with the legal trouble ahead that has a possibility of going to jail. As for his NFL career, I'm not sure any team wants to touch him at the present time. Maybe at some point during the season itself when some of this has blown over but not right now. I'm still not sure if the Dolphins made the right choice cutting Johnson but I get that they needed a fresh start and didn't want something like this preventing that. Makes me wonder why they hired Chad Johnson to begin with.

Bolt Wins 6th Career Gold in WR Fashion

What else be can be said about Usain Bolt?

The sprinter last night proved again why he and the Jamaican squad are the fastest at this Olympiad. The 4 x 100 M final featured the Jamaican team with Bolt positioned as the Anchor leg in the race. What was also fun to see was the US team competing alongside them in the final. They really impressed me with their performance and they might've won that race... if Bolt wasn't there and still "might've." It was basically neck and neck when the last leg came around with Usain Bolt vs. Ryan Bailey. No contest. Bolt broke away and won the race (and gold) for Jamaica and help set a new World Record in the event with a time of 36.84.

Did we even have to hold the race? Yes, there's always a chance of Jamaica losing, someone tripping, or Charlie Sheen being rehired for "Two and a Half Men." But at the end of the day the fastest man on Earth is not going to blow it in a final. Maybe the team trials for first place but nowhere else.

Bolt leaves this Olympiad with 3 gold medals and a total of 6 career gold. He swept the same three events he swept in Beijing. He's is no doubt the greatest sprinter of all time and could hold that title forever considering the rate sprinters go through their prime. He has reigned the track supreme these last two Olympics and we will never forget the performances he ran. I hope he doesn't stop running but if he doesn't come back, may he find something else to dominant in.

P.S. Not futbol, though. That Man U dream has to die.

Bolts Wins 200 M and Ashton Eaton Wins Decathlon

Usain Bolt earned a place in track and field history by winning the 100 M for the 2nd time in his career. Yesterday Bolt cemented his name further in Olympic history as did one other athlete.

The other event that Bolt was good at was the 200 M. He ran the semifinal the day before and he looked like he was training. Of course running alongside him for the final was his rival Yohan Blake. Got to make it interesting at least. It didn't make any difference. Bolt still won the race with a 19.32 while Blake came in 2nd with a 19.44. Another Jamaican came in third to claim silver named Warren Weir. Bottom line: Usain Bolt is the only man to get 2 golds in each of the 100 M and 200 M.

Meanwhile, arguably the biggest collective event at the Olympics was happening with the Decathlon taking ten events and being graded on all of them. Events like the 100 M, the Pole Vault, courting a Kardashian (that's the toughest FYI). The man who came through it all was Ashton Eaton from the USA. Eaton finished with 8,869 points while 2nd place (also an American) scored 198 less. He seemed like he had it sealed by the last event.

An amazing day in the Olympics as two athletes grab headlines... along with the over covered win of the US Women's Soccer team over Japan for the Gold Medal (WORLD CUP OR NOTHING, OK!!!) Probably a bigger day for Bolt historically but respect has to be given to Eaton for going through all those grueling events. The Decathlon in the Olympics is likely the most prestigious event to win and he won it.

Congrats to both Bolt and Eaton. They are Kings of the track for this Olympiad.

P.S. Is Bruce Jenner still competing? Someone tell him it's over, please.

Superman Staying in LA as part of Four Team Trade

The big story this NBA off season has been centered around Dwight Howard and where he was going to end up despite the fact he handicapped himself by signing a one year extension with the Magic. However, Dwight has managed to overcome that handicap.

With the Nets pulling out of trade talks, the one team that was still in it was the Lakers, a team that Dwight initially didn't want to go to. Talks continued anyway as Howard was rehabbing from an injury in LA. It seemed that talks were going on forever until we finally had a deal. Sources are saying that Dwight Howard is indeed going to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a 4 team trade. As part of the deal, the Nuggets get Andre Iguodala, the Sixers get Andrew Bynum (not the Magic) and Jason Richarson, and the Magic get Arron Affalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, and Moe Harkless, the 1st pick of the Sixers. The Magic also get a protected 1st round draft pick from each of the three teams mentioned.

The trade is done and Dwight's days in Orlando are now officially over. Central Florida can breathe knowing officially they have nothing... at least right now. They will definitely be hoping for the something in the future but they now don't have a headline for Orlando. Anyone want to see Al Harrington?

I can't help but notice the interesting moves around the big guys or lack of moves. Andrew Bynum is going to Philly while Pau Gasol manages to stay in LA. Gasol mixed with Dwight Howard will certainly be a fun combo to see down low. I hope that Kobe will be happy and stop whining for new pieces to make up for the fact that he's older and realizing that he always needed a big guy to win a title. I don't think MJ needed someone better than him to win at least half his titles for him.

OK. That last sentence, I'll admit, was a little sour grapes and jealousy. But to be fair, I wonder if this actually makes the Lakers the favorite in the Western Conference. This move mixed in with adding Steve Nash certainly makes them a contender, there is no doubt about that, but I wouldn't count out the Thunder just yet. They had a good season last year and are certainly going to get better. It certainly makes things look a lot more interesting.

P.S. WHO TOOK KOBE'S RATTLE?!?!?!

Third Gold for May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings

The last two Olympics in Beach Volleyball have been all about two American Athletes: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings. They won the last two gold medals in this event and were looking for a third straight to finish their career together. Their Gold medal match was yesterday and they went up against another American Duo, Jennifer Kessy and April Ross. The match was simple and it went the way of Misty and Kerri. They won it in two sets 21-16, 21-16 and won Gold for the third straight time.

Congrats to these storied Olympians for cementing their place as the best team in Women's Beach Volleyball history. 3 Gold Medals is unheard of in this sport, especially when you factor in that they never lost in the Olympics and only dropped one set ever in Olympic history (this Olympiad). It's a pity all careers have to come to an end but this was certainly such a ending to remember. Way to finish on top.

Damn it, T.O.'s Back

Just when you thought it was safe for QB's to go outside.

Terrell Owens has been an outsider looking in for about a year now as TO couldn't get a gig as a WR anywhere last season due to the fact that he had a leg injury that kept teams away. After the season ended, everyone wrote him as done, including his agent, and thought that his career was over. TO didn't accept it. He went to play a bit in the IFL to prove the doubters wrong until his team released him.

He then got a chance for the NFL again. TO went to Seattle to tryout for the Seahawks. Now they would want some WR help but TO would not be the #1 guy. TO seemed to impress the Seahawks as they signed him a one year $1 million contract. TO tweeted about this writing "God is good. Thankful. Grateful. To ALL my new teammates & the "12th Man"... Let's Do This!! "

Why can't he just go away into that good night? I admire TO's desire to play and that is obviously driving him to go to Seattle and I applaud him for that but why did Seattle do this? It's always a bit of a risk getting TO because of the divide that he can create in a locker room and his relationships to past QBs. They just got Matt Flynn who they are hoping will turn out well and they get a diva to play with him? Bad move for them.

Now maybe TO will learn his place and realize that he is not the top guy anymore and be quiet. I hope, as a 49ers fan, that he doesn't.

Year Long Suspension or 8 Games: Deal or No Deal, Vilma

Man, I thought that this whole Bounty Gate issue was past for the most part but it seems to have come up again thanks to the league.

Jonathan Vilma is in the midst of suing Roger Goodell for Defamation over Bounty Gate and getting suspended for his part in it allegedly. Vilma wants to clear his name and find out what the NFL has on him when it comes to this case. The NFL (Goodell) apparently doesn't want to go this route and wants to avoid the courtroom altogether. The league has offered as part of settlement package to reduce Vilma suspension from a year long to 8 games which means Vilma could play this year for the Saints. Vilma has to drop the Defamation lawsuit in order to get this.

Interesting that the league is trying to sweep this under the rug and move on. This can be seen as a sign of weakness. Maybe the league and it's pope (Goodell) are not infallible and can be challenged by the players through an alternate route (what a radical thought). That's definitely what this offer by the league is saying. Vilma hasn't accepted the offer, that we know of, and quite frankly I hope he doesn't take it. I want to see if the league really has anything against Vilma and if the evidence is just. Now again defamation lawsuits are very hard to win and I still don't like his odds but this case could show the players and the fans just what the NFL thinks is enough for punishment.

P.S. Thoughts and prayers to Andy Reid and his family.

Andy Murray Wins Gold for Great Britain

About a month ago, Andy Murray failed to win Wimbeldon as Roger Federer claimed his 17th Grand Slam title. It was the 4th final that Murray had lost and this one most likely hurt the most considering it was Wimbledon. Murray, however, would get some redemption.

The Olympics have tennis (duh) and Andy Murray wasn't going to let Great Britain down. He managed to play his way to the final where he was set up to play (well, what do you know) Roger Federer. Now Federer was looking to complete the Career Golden Slam in this final which would be the cherry on top of the icing on the cake the size of the Alps. Andy Murray, however, was ready to take the cherry away. Murray was strong from the beginning and just didn't give the Fed a chance. Murray won the match 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 and takes the Gold Medal in tennis.

Murray does get a win on the Olympic stage and does it for Great Britain. It's wonderful to get a gold medal in any event, even in Tennis. It's ironic he won it on the same court he lost on less than a month ago. Would he have liked to have won Wimbledon? Sure he would have. But to me there is nothing like getting a gold medal and to be able to look back at your life and say that I was a gold medal Olympian... Nah, still not better than a Grand Slam title. I tried, Murray.

Usain Bolt: Still the Fastest Man Alive

Last night in London was perhaps the biggest single event in the Olympics: the 100 M dash. The event that basically decides who is fastest once again had an interesting final. Usain Bolt was there and among the other finalists was his main threat, upstart, and training partner, Yohan Blake. In fact, Blake was the World Champion of the event going in and had been a thorn in Usain's side for a while now. It seemed that he finally got the thorn out. Usain Bolt set an Olympic record on the way to a win and a gold medal as he ran a 9.63. Bolt claims gold becoming only the 2nd man to claim gold in the 100 m with the other being Carl Lewis.

If there was a movie role for the part of Flash of the Justice League, you would still have to favor Usain Bolt for the part. Bolt's throne was being contested and he stepped up to defend it well. Yohan Blake did finish 2nd so he's considered the 2nd fastest in the world. Bronze went to Justin Gatlin of the US. Still, the island of Jamaica has to feel on top as they still have Usain Bolt as the fastest man along with another Jamaican next to him. That nation has to be very proud of those two.

Congrats to Usain Bolt on still being he fastest man in the world. Can you spare some speed for the 49ers?

Phelps Takes Gold in Last Career Olympic Event

As the 1st week of the Olympics comes to a close, so does the magnificent career of Michael Phelps. He just finished his last individual event a day before with a gold and now looked to finish his Olympic Career in the 4 X 100 M Medley Relay with his teammates. The team around him was Matt Grevers, Brendan Hansen and Nathan Adrian and Phelps ran the third with his Butterfly stroke he swims so well. The US were in 2nd at the time but they were in first when Phelps was done with his leg. Nathan Adrian then entered the water and secured the lead for the Americans for good. The US take gold by almost two seconds leaving Japan with Silver and Australia with Bronze. Michael Phelps gets his 18th gold and 22nd overall medal in his last Olympic Event ever.

The swimmer with the golden stroke goes out with a win and atop of the podium. Phelps has had no regrets (apparently) during his Olympic career and how could anyone with all those medals. It's just hard to believe that the ride is over so quickly. It seemed like just yesterday he was winning golds at Sydney in '04... and then I was hearing about his achievements for the first time in '08 (I wasn't that aware at the time, okay). The point is that one of the greatest individual athletic careers is over and I feel like it was very brief. Perhaps that's the nature of the Olympics: barely comes around and then gone before you know it.

Congrats to Michael Phelps on a magnificent career. I wish him a great life after swimming and hopes he finds something he loves doing... provided that he doesn't take after his idol, Michael Jordan (the original Favre).

Douglas Takes Gold in Women's All-Around

A couple days ago, the US women's gymnastics team won gold for the first time in the event since 1996. On that team was Gabby Douglas, a 16 year old African American who was standing on top of the world with 4 others from her country. Last night she stood alone at the top.

The Women's All Around in Gymnastics was last night in London which is supposedly Gymnastic's biggest prize. It had been won by an American the last two times and Gabby sought to be the third. She went through the Vault, the Uneven Bars, the Beam, and then lastly was the Floor. After a fine performance, Gabby waited for the others to go to see if she would take the gold. All that remained was Victoria Komova of Russia. After what looked like a great Floor Performace, the whole stadium waited for her score to see who to crown. Both her and Gabby looked on to see that Komova had just come up short. Though her score was better than Gabby's on the floor, she came up short overall with a 61.973 while Gabby got a 62.232 overall. Gabby Douglas, known as "The Flying Squirrel," flies away with gold in the Women's All-Around.

First, congratulations to Gabby Douglas on winning the Gold. It's truly a dream come true for her and any gymnast. She actually tweeted about it writing "WOW such an AMAZING experience! Thank you all for your support, love and prayers love you all!!! #oncloud9 <3." While I am happy that her dream came true, I couldn't help but feel sorrow for Komova. Gymnastics is one of those sports where you don't have a very long time in your prime and to simply get into the Olympics is a combination of skills and age. You train and work so hard for the biggest moment in your life (at a young age, mind you) I can't help but feel sorry for anyone when they fall just short of getting gold. It's just one of the toughest things to imagine.

Then from a different perspective, someone has to always lose and it wasn't Gabby. Way to go on the win. Smile for the Wheaties Box.

Silas Redd Leaves Penn State for USC

Of the outcomes from the scandal at Penn State came the opportunity for the players there to transfer without penalty to another school if they wanted to. The overall theme from the players, however, was not to abandon ship but to tough it out and remain together. However, not all stayed on this message and jumped ship anyway. On the edge of the ship was Lane Kiffin and USC calling for Silas Redd, the RB for Penn state. This last week has had USC recruiting Silas Redd for him to come play for them and Redd has decided to oblige. Redd will now play for the Trojans and can play immediately if he wanted to as opposed to sitting out one year like other student athletes that would transfer. He is one of five players who left the program at Penn State.

A big loss for Penn State on the field and the locker room. He will certainly be missed considering he ran for over 1,200 yards last season. Now this whole scandal has impacted the program and the players considerably and for that I don't blame Silas Redd for leaving. We don't know what Redd's motivations were when he came to Penn State and they could've changed or been affected by this scandal. For all we know, he's seeking to be at a place to get attention for a possible pro career and he no longer sees Penn State as a place to do that.

I do understand the message of unity from the players but we can't forget that everyone makes decisions for their best interests. Silas Redd is doing just what he thinks is best for him as are the players staying at Penn State.

Phelps More Decorated than the Queen

With the Olympics here, there have been many stories to follow that no one can keep up with. One that everyone in the world can keep up with is Michael Phelps. He is chasing the all time medal record of 18. He already secured a silver from the 4 x 100 M Freestyle relay and yesterday he participated in two events to help him get past the record. He first had to settle for Silver in the 200 M Butterfly and then went into to help team USA in the 4 x 200 M freestyle relay. He actually didn't seem to do much in that event, comparatively. He went last and but by the time his turn came around, team USA had a huge lead that Phelps couldn't lose. US take the gold in the event and Phelps takes his 19th medal in his Olympic Career officially becoming the single most decorated Olympian.

While Phelps on an individual level hasn't been his best, he still gets medals and still gets a gold. With 19 total medals and a 15th Gold Medal (Most Gold All Time), the critics will now praise Phelps as the greatest Olympian who ever competed. While I will say he is one of the best, I'm not sure he is the best ever. He's definitely the most decorated and he will certainly have more chances at medals in this Olympiad, but it's swimming... that's it. It's one sport that gives someone the opportunity to win many medals. By the number of events you have to do, the Decathlon is the greatest Olympic sport and it's champion the greatest. OK, the medal carries more weight that any swimming medal at the very least.

My point is valid, though. Michael Phelps is without a doubt the best swimmer of all time but that doesn't necessarily make him the greatest Olympian of all time.