FIFA: Felons In the F**king Alps

Probably my favorite story all year. So much so, that the blog is back.... for now.

US Federal charges have been unveiled against 14 people, including nine former or current FIFA officials for several counts of racketeering, wire fraud, and money laundering. FIFA officials are accused of taking more than $150 Million in bribes and in return provided "lucrative media and marketing rights" to soccer tournaments as kickbacks over the past 24 years.

The next step is extraditing the arrested parties from Switzerland to the US to face charges.

Bribery accusations have haunted FIFA in recent years (or decades) but the move by the US Justice Department is a first as the major world power is attempting to hold the largest Sports Group in the world accountable for their illegal and immoral actions.

So far, the President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter, has not been formally charged with anything despite being heavily implicated as being the master mind running the show. Ironically, Blatter's re-election bid is Friday (don't forget to VOTE!!!), an election that some within FIFA and it's various organizations will want to delay.

You have to admire the step the Justice Department is taking with FIFA. No corporation (let's call a spade a spade) may be as international as FIFA and the US is taking them on and trying to clean up the world sport... a sport which somehow finds itself behind golf in US viewership. (Golf, still not a sport btw).


I am no legal analyst (but I do play one on this blog) but I'm skeptical that this will actually change anything at least in the short term. I hope the Dominoes fall and officials turn on each other for leaner sentences and all that but FIFA still is a corporation and like every company they will unleash their army of Attorneys to help them out.

But lets be optimistic for the time being. Best case scenario, Blatter is charged, these accused officials and several more go down, and the 2018 and 2022 World Cup Winning Bids will be revoked meaning new locations will have to be chosen.

Again, that's best case scenario... along with me losing another 100 lbs. after winning the lottery and marrying Scarlett Johansson.

P.S. Okay, maybe not Russia getting revoked since it's three years away but Qatar at least. It's a desert for heaven's sake. They had to re-schedule for the winter because of the heat in the Summer. An issue they overlooked... BECAUSE THEY WERE BRIBED!!!

GERMANY BEATS ARGENTINA IN EXTRA TIME, WINS 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP!!!

All eyes were on Rio as the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final took place between Germany and Argentina.

For 90 minutes, Argentina learned from Brazil's mistakes against Germany in the semis and managed to shut down the attack. Unfortunately for them, this took away from their own attack as well. Each side had their chances but to no avail as the 90 minutes ended still 0-0.

It would be in extra time in the 113' where the tie would be broken. Just minutes away from penalties, Mario Gotze managed to control a cross from German teammate Andre Schurrle and hit the ball into the back of the net putting Germany up 1-0 and becoming a national hero.

The Germans then held on defensively and managed to clinch the victory and their 4th World Cup Title.

An amazing game and tournament for Germany who just dominated almost every match they were in. From beginning to end, they were certainly the top club in this tournament.

Germany also becomes the first European team to win the World Cup in South America.

Argentina falls short but certainly had their moments in this tournament. Messi dominated many of them and managed to be named best player in the tournament. A consolation prize that I'm sure he would like to exchange for another trip to the Final in four years time.

As for the entirety of the tournament, it was certainly worth the wait. There were shockers like Spain being eliminated in the group stage and Brazil getting dismantled by Germany. There were stars being born like James Rodriguez of Colombia. There was even history made as Germany's Miroslav Klose scored 16th career goal at the World Cup passing Ronaldo of Brazil's 15 for most all time.

And then there's the US who actually managed to get out of the group stage for a second time in a row, something that has never been done before. Sure we were eliminated in the Round of 16 like last time but it seems like the team itself is getting a bit better.

Congrats to Germany on winning the World Cup. The best team certainly won.

P.S. Okay, reset the countdown clock. Only 1426 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. DOSVEDANYA, COMRADES!!!

More NBA Free Agency News (Other than LeBron to Cavs)

The first domino falls and a bunch of others fall with it.

Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.

Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.

There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.

A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.

As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...

With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.

More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.

The Prodigal King Returns

In the summer of 2010, LeBron James broke everyone's heart in Cleveland on national television by choosing the Heat over the Cavaliers. He then went on to win a couple of titles and went to the Finals in all four years. Now the King is coming back to his castle (to kick out that usurper known as Johnny Football).

SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."

Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).

Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.

Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.

For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.

P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.

STILL GOOD TO BE THE KINGS!!!!

Time to hail the Kings once more.

Game five of the Stanley Cup Finals went into double overtime with both the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings getting extremely tired. Neither Henrik Lundqvist or Jonathan Quick were giving in. Then with just over 5 minutes left in the 2nd OT, Alec Martinez becomes the hero of Los Angeles. Teammate Tyler Toffoli takes a shot on goal which deflects off Lundqvist and Martinez is there for the rebound and shoots the puck into the open net. Kings win it 3-2 and take the series 4-1.

What a series it was and what a series it could've been. Rangers could've easily taken either of the first two games of the series and instead the Kings come back from 2-0 deficits and win those games. Even in this game in the overtimes, it could gone the other way if not for some shots off the posts and Slava Voynov saving one for Quick with his stick.

Lord Stanley's Cup comes back to LA for the 2nd time in 3 years. Justin Williams is named the Conn Smythe trophy winner having recorded 9 goals and a total of 25 points during the postseason. Meanwhile, the Rangers, who had gotten back to the Stanley Cup Finals since winning it all in 1994, go back to the Big Apple with a lot of what ifs surrounding their performance in this series.

Congrats to the Kings of the NHL.

Netherlands Get Revenge Against Spain

So glad the World Cup is back. Happier that those vuvuzelas are not part of it.

What was supposed to be the match of the day was Spain vs. Netherlands featuring the two finalists of the 2010 World Cup. It was a great match for a while with it being tied 1-1 at the half. Then the Dutch got out in front with a goal by Arjen Robben and just started to run away with. Stefan de Vrij then scored in the 65' followed by another goal by Robin Van Persie in the 72' and then another for Arjen Robben in the 80'. The Netherlands win by a final of 5-1.

Not exactly the start Spain was hoping for in the defense of their world title. Meanwhile, the Dutch seemed like a team with a purpose and that was simply revenge. Attached to proving they're a team to be reckoned with in this tournament.

Other games of the day included Mexico getting a 1-0 win over Cameroon which should've been 3-0 but whatever. And then Chile getting a 3-1 win over Australia.

Four World Cup games set for tomorrow including England vs Italy.

SEAHAWKS BLOWOUT BRONCOS AND WIN SUPER BOWL!!! WHY?!?!?!?!

If someone told me before this one started that the winner would blow the other team out of the Hudson, I would've put every penny I had on the Broncos. Thankfully, I don't bet and I take my meds so the voices don't come to me like they use to.

Unfortunately, I sat there and watched the Seahawks dominate Super Bowl XLVIII winning by a final of 43-8 over the Broncos. Offense wins games and sets records, but Defense still wins Championships.

The key of the game was turnovers. Well, before that was a bad snap by the Broncos leading to a safety to start the game off. But still, it was turnovers that got to Peyton Manning and the Offense. Four total turnovers committed by the Broncos leading to 21 points off of turnovers by the Seahawks, including the 69 yard interception for a touchdown by Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith late in the 2nd quarter.

Thankfully, the Broncos did score a touchdown as the 3rd quarter ended with a 14 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. But even after the successful two point conversion, they were still down by 28.

Seattle would score the final points of the game with Doug Baldwin catching a 10 yard TD pass. early in the 4th quarter. A few more possessions where neither teams did anything and the game was over.

Certainly Seattle's defense dominated this game but a nice job by Russell Wilson and Seahawks' offense. A balanced offense with key 3rd downs being converted went a long way. Also, a couple of Harvin designed runs threw Denver's defense off from the start. Not to mention that Kick Off return for a TD to start the 2nd half off.

Congrats to the Seahawks and the 12th man for winning their 1st Lombardi Trophy. They certainly were the best team of 2013.

P.S. I guess I'm not picking the Broncos for 2014. Sorry Van.

RED SOX CLINCH WORLD SERIES TITLE AT FENWAY!!!

It was really that huge trade in August of 2012 when the Boston Red Sox started to turn their luck around. They managed to get rid of several large contracts and free up enough financial space to rebuild for the near the future. Who knew that near future meant 2013.

After an abysmal 2012 and an off season of rebuilding which included hiring a new manager, the Sox managed to have a rebound 2013 season finishing first in the AL East with a 97-65 record. They then proceeded to clear through the ALDS beating out the Tampa Bay Rays in four games and then beating the Detroit Tigers in Six games in the ALCS. That lead them to the World Series.

They got a 3-2 series lead over the St. Louis Cardinals entering tonight and wanted to put it away in game six with the Fenway crowd cheering them on. They struck first in the 3rd inning with a three-run triple by Shane Victorino who had not had a hit in the series before that. Boston would then add three more runs in the 4th inning with Victorino hitting an RBI single. All six runs would be counted against Michael Wacha who had been a solid postseason starter until this point.

That was all the Sox would score but it was enough. John Lackey, the game six starter for Boston, only allowed one earned run in the 7th on an RBI single by Carlos Beltran. The bullpen would come in to finish the 7th and the game.

The game and the series would end with Sox closer Koji Uehara striking out Matt Carpenter. Boston wins the game 6-1 and takes the series 4-2. The Red Sox win their 8th World Series title in franchise history and clinch their first World Series title at home since 1918.

What an historic run for the Red Sox throughout this postseason and a great World Series to watch. Of course, David Ortiz was named the World Series MVP. No hitter was hotter during this series than Big Papi. This cements Ortiz's legacy in Boston further with this being his third World Series title with the team.

Congrats to the city of the Boston and the Red Sox organization on another world title. NOW LETS PARTY LIKE IT 1918!!!

Tim Tebow Cut by the Patriots

The popular Tim Tebow has just been cut by the New England Patriots as they were widdling down their roster to 53 players. Tebow joined the Patriots in June as sort of a last chance effort. In three preseason games, he went 11-30 for 145 yards, two touchdown passes and two interceptions. He did also run for 91 yards in 16 attempts.

Tebow has made it clear on twitter that he's not quitting but you can't help but wonder if this is last coming of Tebow? No other teams seem to be interested in him at the moment what with the fact that he still can't throw the ball accurately. He can try his luck up north in Canada but chances are that this is the last time we ever see Tim Tebow in an NFL uniform.

He will always have the 2011 season with the Broncos where he actually lead the team to a playoff win (something Manning hasn't done yet). But that will likely remain the one bright spot for the pro career of Tim Tebow.

P.S. Perhaps divine intervention will help Tebow get back in the NFL in the form of injuries.

NFL and Players Settle Concussion Suit

It looks like the NFL is able to move beyond their biggest legal battle.

The league has reached a tentative agreement with its 18,000 retired players over brain related injuries such as concussions and CTE. The NFL will pay $765 million over the next 20 years (half within the first 3) as part of the settlement. $675 million will go former players and the families of deceased players. Up to $75 million will go to baseline medical exams and $10 million will fund research and education.

As part of the deal, however, there is a term stating the agreement "cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs' injuries were caused by football." (ESPN.com).

From the look of it, the NFL got off easy. It managed to reach a settlement for a relatively small amount and it was able to avoid admitting fault in the process. Now certainly the issue of concussions could still come back and haunt the NFL in the future but for the time being, let's play some football.

Ichiro with 4,000 Career Hits in Pro Baseball

One of the most accomplished hitters today reaches a milestone that involves careers on two different continents.

With a single to left off of the Blue Jay's pitcher R.A. Dickey, Ichiro Suzuki now has 4,000 career hits in the highest levels of professional baseball. This mark goes back to when he debuted in Nippon Professional Baseball in 1992. As for how many hits he has playing Major League Baseball, Ichiro now has 2722 hits in a 13 year career.

If you count careers at the highest levels of pro baseball, Ichiro is only the third player ever to cross the 4,000 hit mark with the other two being Pete Rose and Ty Cobb. While Rose and Cobb's hits have all come while playing Major League Baseball, it's still an impressive milestone in terms of an international mark.

It also makes you wonder if Ichiro would've gotten to the 4,000 hit mark if he had started his career in the Majors. Ichiro has more hits than anyone since his MLB debut in 2001 and also set the new single season hits record in 2004 with 262.

It's fun to play "what if" but there's no doubt that Ichiro is a living legend of the game on an international scale.

P.S. Yanks would win 4-2... whatever.

MLB to Expand Instant Replay in 2014 (About Damn Time)

The days are numbered for the arrogant umpires.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced today that baseball will greatly expand instant replay starting in the 2014 season. Managers will be allowed to make up to three challenges per game, one for the first six innings and two after the sixth. The best part about it is that the review will not be made by the officiating crew at the stadium but rather by a crew at MLB headquarters in New York City who will render a final decision.

As for what plays will be reviewable, it's a gray area at this point. Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee, has said that 89% of incorrect calls made in the past will be reviewable but failed to provide a list.

This expanded instant replay still needs to be passed by 75% of the owners during the off season. The MLBPA and the umpires would also need to approve the changes.

Perhaps not the best replay system that can be put in place but it's still a significant upgrade from what they have now (just borderline home runs). While it's unclear what can be challenged, it's going to include numerous things which will make the game fairer and much less controversial.

Again, the system itself is not the best available. College Football appears to use instant replay the best ( and it pains me to admit that) with a replay official able to halt the game for a review at any time need be.

But I do get why baseball went to the challenge system instead. They're afraid that the replay official method will slow the game down too much. The challenge system, in the end, is a compromise.

Over time, I do hope that Baseball will move towards the College Football model regarding instant replay. But for the time being, it's a home run.

Peavy Wins First Outing with Red Sox

Jake Peavy, who was traded from the ChicagoWhite Sox to Boston earlier this week, made his Red Sox debut earlier tonight. He pitched against a familiar opponent that he faced primarily in his Padres days, the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Overall, Peavy did well going seven plus innings allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. In fact, Peavy might've had three earned counted against him if not for Jonny Gomes' arm in left field throwing out Cliff Pennington at the plate in the 8th. Because of that, the Sox kept a slim one run lead keeping Peavy in line for the W.

Boston would add two more runs in the bottom of the 8th with a two-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Sox would win by a final of 5-2 with Peavy (9-4) getting credited with the win.

Certainly the kind of start the Sox expect from Peavy. Pity the Rays beat the Giants to still keep a half game behind in the AL East. But if Peavy can keep pitching like this for the rest of the season, then Boston might just be able to stay in front of Tampa Bay long enough.

Ryan Braun, Ryan Gone

Baseball finally nails Ryan Braun.

Major League Baseball has suspended Brewer Ryan Braun without pay for the remainder of the 2013 season (65 games) and any possible postseason games this year. Braun will not contend with the suspension and accept his punishment.

Braun is one of several players being investigated for their connections to the Biogenesis of America. Braun also had beaten a positive drug test on appeal in 2012 which would've cost him a 50 game suspension.

The Truth is Now on baseball's side.

While doling out suspensions for any player that violates baseball's drug policy is significant news, getting Braun suspended, finally, was huge for baseball. Braun humiliated them last year with that beaten drug test and getting him suspended now removes that blemish left by Braun.

Of course Braun could've tried to fight this suspension but due to the fact that he didn't and took this deal says that the evidence collected against him was just too much to fight successfully. Braun probably saw that he was going to lose this case and instead of fighting it and have the suspension applied predominantly next season, he decided to accept his fate this year seeing how the Brewers aren't likely going to make the postseason anyway currently being last in the NL Central. This way he'll be available for all of 2014.

Now what about the rest of the players being investigated for their involvement with Biogenesis. This suspension tells me that more are on the way and that they could happen this year. It's important to note, however, that Braun is not fighting this suspension. Other players might fight just to stay on their team that could be contending for the a playoff spot.

I'm still not completely sold that teams need to trade for players to possibly replace those being investigated in this scandal. If the players involved exhaust the appeals process, it still might go into the off season to sort out. However, I would not be surprised now if teams start making those kind of moves.

Cespedes Out Slams Harper to Win Home Run Derby

He wasn't even supposed to be there. Instead, he's the Home Run Derby Champion.

Yoenis Cespedes wins the 2013 Home Run Derby at Citi Field in New York City. Cespedes batted against Bryce Harper for the derby crown in the final. Harper hit a respectable eight home runs in ten outs. Cespedes crushed nine in five outs with the clincher being a deep shot to center.

The derby win for Cespedes marks the first time an Athletic has won the Home Run Derby since 1992 when Mark McGwire won it.

Yoenis was crushing balls from the start with many of them getting up to that third deck in left field. Cespedes would hit 17 homers in the first round and didn't even need to hit another big fly to advance to the final still being ahead of 2nd place Bryce Harper by one. The 27 year old Cuban born slugger would tack on 6 more, however, for good measure and have a total of 23 over the first two rounds.

Certainly a good night of home run hitting. It was fun to see so many big flies hit by all the contestants and great to see the guy with the most homers on the night win the derby. Congrats to Cespedes.

P.S. Now time for me to see if I can get a triple decker myself.

Dwight Howard Going to Houston

Looks like Texas just got a little bigger.

As first reported by USA Today, Dwight Howard has chosen to join the Houston Rockets. Howard had met with the Rockets earlier this week and also several other teams vying for the affection of Dwight. Howard now joins James Harden and Jeremy Lin in hopes of bringing a championship back to Houston.

This might not be the only star player the Rockets get. Houston and Atlanta might make a sign-and-trade deal involving sending Josh Smith to the Rockets in exchange for Omer Asik who doesn't want to play with Dwight Howard.

A huge day for the Rockets as their bar has been raised to championship highs and instantly with this news. It's probably fair to expect a championship now that Howard is on the team but unless they can get Josh Smith as well, I'm not sure whether they are the best team in the West. OKC is still strong with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, San Antonio has proven to never count them out, and even Golden State can surprise you.

As for the Lakers, they are apparently still in denial. It's a first that an all time great player has walked away from the Lakers. Though to be fair, the Lakers sort of drove Howard away. While Dwight and Kobe might've never gotten along anyway, the Lakers hurt their chances of keeping Howard long term when they hired Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Combine that with how everything else went in LA during Howard's one year there and how do you expect him stay?

The Rockets now look like title contenders while the Lakers just look like another borderline playoff team at best. Oh what a difference a year makes.

Celtics Name Brad Stevens as Head Coach

Big move coming out of Boston.

The Celtics have found their next head coach and it's Brad Stevens from Butler. Stevens has been head coach of the Bulldogs men's basketball team for the last six years and is most noted for getting Butler to the National Title game twice. Stevens has no coaching experience in the NBA as he takes over for Doc Rivers who lead the team to an NBA title.

It's ironic but not surprising that the Celtics get another coach to leave their team to coach for them. It is surprising it turned out to be Brad Stevens of Butler. Good for Stevens getting his shot in the NBA but I wonder if this move will work out long term. Stevens won't be expected to make an impact immediately but regardless where the team stands in a few years, he will be expected to lead the Celtics deep into the postseason.

Overall, this is a win-win for Stevens. He gets his shot as an NBA head coach and if he fails, he's free to choose any university team that wants him, guilt free.

KG, Paul Pierce, and Terry to Brooklyn

Looks like the retirement community in Boston is moving to Brooklyn.

In a blockbuster deal, the Celtics have agreed to trade away Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal required KG to waive his no trade clause which he did. In return, Boston gets Kris Humphries who has an expiring contract, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks, and Keith Bogans on a sign and trade and that's just the players they get. The Celtics also get the Nets' first round draft picks for 2014, 2016, and 2018.

The deal though agreed upon cannot be executed until July 10th.

Man, I thought the slightly sub-par draft class was going to be the big news coming from last night.

Brooklyn is going all in seemingly cashing in every chip they can to try and make a championship run over the next couple of years. Despite their ages, Kevin Garnett (37) and Paul Pierce (35) can still be very effective. Terry, I guess, can be as well but he's not on the same level as Pierce or KG are.

The Nets now get these three veterans joining Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez. It seems like a great team but I wouldn't make them the favorite for making the Finals. They might be a contender but these three coming to Brooklyn are old and the Nets have a new coach that just retired from playing the game.

However, seeing this move happened combined with the fact that the Pacers pushed Miami to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals and that Chicago will be getting Derrick Rose back after his bout with pussyitis, I can no longer say for sure that the Heat will make the NBA Finals next year. I am still leaning towards Miami but I can't guarantee it.

P.S. Unless they pull off a big off season move themselves, I can guarantee the other New York team won't make the Finals.

BLACKHAWKS COMEBACK TO WIN GAME SIX; CLAIM 2ND STANLEY CUP IN FOUR YEARS!!!

A lot can change in 17 seconds. We were looking at going onto to game 7 of the series to crowning a champion in that span of time.

Being down by one with less than a minute and half to go in game 6, the Blackhawks scored two goals to take the lead. Bryan Bickell would get a pass from captain Jonathan Toews and scored the tying goal with a shot from in front of the net. Then just 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland managed to score the go ahead goal with 59 seconds left.

The Blackhawks managed to kill off the remaining time and won by a final of 3-2. Chicago wins the series 4-2 and win their 2nd Stanley Cup title in four years.

A fantastic Stanley Cup Finals and a great come from behind victory for the Blackhawks in game 6. Sure, it wasn't do or die for Chicago but they know that anything can happen in game 7 and to not waste the opportunities to comeback in this one.

Patrick Kane wins the Conn Smythe Trophy being the MVP of this year's postseason. Kane scored 9 goals and had a total of 19 points in the playoffs. In the Stanley Cup Finals, Kane had 5 points with 3 of them being goals.

Still got to hand it to the Bruins for a great series and postseason run. Many thought they were destined for greatness this year seeing their comeback in game 7 of round one of the postseason against the Maple Leafs. It's ironic, really, that they fall in a comeback effort in the Stanley Cup Finals in the very same building.

It's the Blackhawks that win the President's Trophy in a shortened lockout season and then go on to win Lord Stanley's Cup. Congrats to them and the city of Chicago. Time to sing another verse of "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis.

Heat Win Second Straight Title; LeBron Finals MVP

I guess nobody was leaving the AmericanAirlines Arena early tonight.

The Heat won game 7 of the NBA Finals by a final of 95-88. It was a close game throughout and it wasn't until the final minutes did Miami manage to separate themselves from San Antonio. A huge jumper made by James with 27 seconds left and costly turnovers by the Spurs sealed the win for the Heat as they claim their second title in a row.

LeBron James, NBA Finals MVP, had 37 points in the title clinching game along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade had 23 points in the game, Shane Battier came alive with 18 himself, and Mario Chalmers had 14. Chris Bosh actually didn't score a point in game 5 but did have 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.

It seemed like it was just Tim Duncan trying to keep the Spurs alive late in the 4th quarter. Duncan would have 24 points in the game along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. Tony Parker only had 10 points going 3-12 from the floor. Manu Ginoboli did have 18 points but committed 4 turnovers with one of those coming within the final half-minute of the game.

Many people say that the Heat should be better than this, that they should be able to win this series before the 7th game. I don't think so. I'm not bashing the Heat, they're a great team. But San Antonio is a great team as well that has been here before and quite frankly the kind of opponent you want to beat in the Finals. A team that has won titles and have claimed a dynasty in their own way.

This win OVER THE SPURS legitimizes this Heat team as an historic team. Maybe not the best in NBA history, you can't make that argument now and if you tried, most ex-players wouldn't hear you out. But they have done well enough to become memorable.

P.S. Again, not the best yet, but LeBron has earned memorable mention in NBA history as well.