Perfect Season No Longer: Jets Beat Colts 29-15

Remember when the Saints and Colts were both undefeated, and it seemed as if neither team would back down? Well, they finally have, and both teams experienced upsets this past weekend against teams they were predicted to beat. A loss was not completely foreign to the Saints (who lost to the Buccaneers 17-20), as they endured their first disappointment of the season two weeks ago when they played the Cowboys. This was, however, the first loss for the Colts, who have already bucked their way into home field advantage for the playoffs.

The Powerful Vikings also experienced an unexpected upset against the Bears last night. What have these 3 teams shown us? That no team is perfect, regardless of how many wins they secure. This is something the Patriots proved 2 years ago when their flawless season was concluded with a Superbowl loss. (Hey, better to reveal vulnerability now, right?) Those losses are in no way a forecast of what’s yet to come…

Moving on to a team that locked down a win on Sunday…the Niners beat the Lions, and only allowed them one field goal on the scoreboard. Why am I bringing up a team who have kissed their Superbowl chances goodbye? Because, I was at this game, and even though a champion status is a dream of the past (this year at least), the SF fans were out in full force to witness the last home game of the season. Here are some pictures of the game, and more importantly, the tailgate party:

Florida Coach Urban Meyer Stepping Down

The Florida Gators will take on Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl, and this game will be monumental for a few reasons: first off, Florida will try to redeem their longstanding reputation, and secondly, this will be Coach Meyer’s last game with the Gators. His legendary run with Florida will end with two national titles and a record of 56-10—not to mention a 22-game winning streak (that was broken during the champion game-upset against Alabama).

So why would Coach Meyer want to walk away from such a streak of success and a promising future with Florida? Unfortunately, he has been experiencing health hardships and was admitted to the hospital in the moments following the Southeastern Conference championship game (for reasons other than devastation). He has reportedly been suffering from chest pains and made the following statements regarding his health and career:

"I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program. I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to reevaluate my priorities of faith and family. After consulting with my family, Dr. Machen, Jeremy Foley and my doctors, I believe it is in my best interest to step aside and focus on my health and family."

TSG wishes Urban Meyer a successful and healthy journey as he embarks upon new experiences!

College Basketball: Santa Clara vs University of Pacific 54-53

Have you ever walked away from a live sporting event and exclaimed to yourself, “Wow, that was an amazing game!” That is how I felt on Monday night, when I accompanied my dad to his alma mater, Santa Clara University, to witness the Broncos take on UOP. The score stayed within a 2 point radius throughout the entire game, and it literally came down to the final seconds.

So, what was the outcome? Santa Clara forward, Marc Trasolini, got fouled with a few seconds remaining, while the Broncos were trailing by 1 point. He sunk both of his free shots to bring his team to a one-point victory. Way to come out on top Santa Clara!

And, what’s the best part about college sporting events? The mascots of course! Meet Bucky the Bronco; this wild horse holds the power to energize the crowd with his enthusiasm and unique dance moves!

I will get the pleasure of seeing Bucky perform again tonight, when I watch Santa Clara take on, and hopefully beat, San Jose State!

Bengals vs Chargers: A Memorial Game

The Bengals played—and they played hard—for their lost receiver, Chris Henry, on Sunday, in a game where they were unable to defeat the bolting Chargers, who secured the AFC West with a final second 52-yard field goal (27-24). The mourning Bengals sported Henry’s #15 on a decal that was attached to their helmets, while fans displayed their condolences (through signs) for this player who died last week in a tragic accident (details still unknown).

The most touching play of the game was when Chad Ochocinco, Henry’s teammate and best pal, caught a 49-yard touchdown pass, and immediately fell to his knees and touched his heart. In the moments following the game, Chad openly expressed:

"It was a little empty feeling. It was bigger than football without him. Today I played with an extra set of hands, an extra set of legs and an extra heart."

Tomorrow, the Bengals will charter a plane to New Orleans to attend Henry’s funeral, and then they will go on to fight for their division title…in memory of Chris Henry.

NOLA Is Undefeated No More: Cowboys Beat Saints 24-17!

It turns out the Saints aren’t untouchable and that winning isn’t always a Brees! The Cowboys have roped in a very impressive win, and they’ve managed to wrangle the only victory against the Saints this season. Just when it looked like the Saints would march into a last-minute and close-call win, as they’ve been known to do, DeMarcus Ware sacked Drew Brees with 8 seconds remaining, initiating the famous fumble that cost the Saints the game.


What does this mean for the almost-perfect Saints? Nothing really, except that they won’t have a flawless season. They are still playoff, and possibly Superbowl, shoo-ins, and that saintly champion title is not out of reach!

Tiger’s Wife Reportedly Wants a Divorce!

The inevitable has finally happened! ABC News is reporting that Elin will seek a divorce from her golf-star husband, and she was spotted pumping gas without her wedding ring. Rumors have also abound that Elin will be spending Christmas in Sweden, minus Tiger.

Woods recently announced he’ll be fleeing the golf and public scene to mend his damaged marriage, and he made the following statement:

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try."

While Tiger attempts to reverse his personal disaster, the media is offering no relief. Last night, Tiger’s ex-girlfriend (from high school) was on E! to reveal old videos and stories. What’s next—his 4th grade orthodontist?! (perhaps his old driving instructor?) The situation has definitely spun out of control, and we can only hope his adorable children will be protected from the turmoil!

Will the 49ers Make the Playoffs?

Okay, so obviously the 49ers had an impressive victory against the Cardinals on Monday night (24-9), in a game where Arizona was hoping to clinch the NFC West (not so fast AZ!). The Niners were playing like they want to (and intend to) stay in the playoff race, as they forced seven turnovers (whoa!), while quarterback, Alex Smith, was able to connect with Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree in the end zone area. Let’s not forget to mention they beat an incredible team—a team who handed the Vikings (who have clinched the playoffs) their second loss of the season last week.

Yeah, yeah, they beat the Cardinals, but what about the playoffs? While a trip to the playoffs is not impossible, it’s going to be a treacherous journey for the Niners, and they’ll have to weather a few storms to get to their desired destination (the first storm being the Eagles on Sunday). On the flip side, they have to hope certain other teams get blown away (like the Cardinals)!

If you thought the Niners would definitively get shunned from the playoffs…think again! They are still fishing in the playoff pond, and are hoping to catch a big one on Sunday!

A-Rod and Kate Hudson Split!

New gossip regarding A-Rod and Kate Hudson has surfaced, and it doesn’t entail K-Hud becoming K-Rod! In fact, a pal of Kates revealed to US Weekly that the once-giddy couple has decided to part ways. Now, let’s not jump to conclusions, as neither Kate nor A-Rod have confirmed these speculations, however, A-Rod was spotted flirting with a female guest inside of Armani Exchange on Saturday (which basically tells us nothing).

Kate held the power to reverse A-Rod’s playoff abilities, and she supported him through his World Series debut. They were literally a “lucky” couple, but it appears as if their luck has run out!

Colts vs Broncos: A Record Breaking Game

The Colts and Saints continue to plow through this season, further advancing the undefeated record that lists them on top (first time two teams have started 13-0).

The Colts game yesterday, in which they trampled the Broncos, was especially monumental, as that one match alone shattered not one, but FOUR, established records:

1. Most Consecutive Wins - the Colts secured their 22nd successive triumph to surpass the Patriot’s record of 21
2. Most Wins in a Decade – the Colts nailed their 114th win to overshadow the Niners of the 1990s
3. Most Consecutive Home Game Wins – another record for the Colts, who have won 13 games strait on their Indy turf
4. Most Receptions in a Single Game – oh wait, this one goes to the Broncos, as their wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, caught 21 passes and overcame the standing single-game reception record

The Colts had another noteworthy accomplishment in this game: they locked down home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. With 3 games left in the season, their biggest concern is keeping their players healthy for the playoffs, so they can continue to buck their way to the title!

2009 Heisman Winner: Mark Ingram

This was an exceptionally competitive year Heisman-wise—the closest race to date in fact! ESPN reported that with 40 seconds left in the voting, the results were still tied—whoa! The five talented athletes who presented the voters with a tough decision were:

• Toby Gerhart (Standford running back)
• Mark Ingram (Alabama running back)
• Colt McCoy (Texas quarterback)
• Tim Tebow (Florida quarterback)
• Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska defensive tackle)

And the Heisman goes to…Mark Ingram!!! (Toby Gerhart was a close second) Mark has led Alabama to the championships, and he helped protect them from the chomp of the Gators! He accepted his trophy with a heartwarming speech, in which he thanked everyone who provided assistance along his successful journey. He's hoping to finish it all off with one final win...and that champion title!

Congrats Mark!

Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson Welcome Baby Boy!

Another football player introduces a baby boy into the world this week! Hank Baskett Jr. (the IV) was born yesterday at 12:37am in Indianapolis, weighing in at 9 pounds 5 ounces. Looks like he'll be following in the footsteps of his daddy, the wide receiver for the Colts! Mommy Kendra has experienced many life alterations this year; she’s gone from Playboy to marrying a boy, and now to raising a boy. The new ecstatic parents exclaimed to E!: "We're happy and healthy and enjoying every second with little Hank!"

Congrats to Kendra and Hank squared!

Is Barry Bonds’ Career Over?

Barry Bonds: now there’s a name you haven’t heard in awhile, but rings familiar in your sports memory. When you hear the words, Barry Bonds, you immediately think of homeruns (well, homeruns first; steroids second). If you thought this homerun king had officially fled the MLB scene…think again; Bonds has claimed he has not retired! He’s embracing the possibility of joining another team, despite the fact he hasn’t played professional ball since 2007 (around the same time as his performance-enhancement accusations). According to his agent, Jeff Borris:

"It's two years since he played his last game, and if there was any chance he'd be back in a major-league uniform, it would have happened by now. When 2008 came around, I couldn't get him a job. When 2009 came around, I couldn't get him a job. Now, 2010 ... I'd say it's nearly impossible. It's an unfortunate ending to a storied career."

If this is the end of the Bonds reign, his legend will carry 762 home runs, 1,996 RBIs, and 7 National League MVP awards; not too shabby! His professional career may be over (possibly), but his “bond” with baseball will last forever!

Tom Brady and Gisele Welcome Baby Boy!

Another beautiful spawn of Tom Brady has entered the world! Tom and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, have welcomed a baby boy into their lives, and he will be the younger brother (half brother) of two-year-old Jack, Tom’s other son that he produced with actress, Bridget Moynahan. Details regarding name/labor/etc. are yet to be revealed, but supposedly Tom knew the baby would be a boy, while the sex was a surprise to Gisele.

Tom might not be having a good football season, but if mating with beautiful women was a sport, he’d be the ultimate star!

Tiger Woods: Making More Waves in the Media

Poor Tiger can’t stay out of the media! The latest Woods news involves a woman (of course), but this time the spotlights on his mother-in-law, and not a porn star with which he had an alleged affair. Yesterday, Tiger’s mom-in-law, Barbro Holmberg, was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance that departed from the Woods’ estate at 2:35am. A frantic 911 call (made from either Woods wife, Elin, or her twin sister) revealed that Holberg collapsed in the bathroom. She was admitted for extreme abdominal pain, but released in the afternoon in supposed “good condition.”

Holmberg has taken time off from her Govleborg county governor job (in central-east Sweden) to be by her daughter’s side as the car accident/affair drama escalates. Women have been coming out of the “wood” works to unveil their sexual escapades with golf’s once-golden boy, and this negative publicity has caused Pepsico to withdraw their Tiger-inspired Gatorade drink (other TV ads have done the same). I even heard on the radio this morning that the Tiger Woods doll is on clearance at Toys-R-Us. Ouch!

What will it take for Tiger to redeem his reputation? Some are saying he needs a sentimental Oprah appearance. While he’ll attempt to find his way out of the limelight, something tells me that just won’t happen!

A Weekend of Big Upsets and Close Games

This weekend of football brought us many upsets and close calls, in a whirlwind cluster of games that left the undefeated Colts and Saints on top (still)!

Big Upset: Florida 13, Alabama 32

Okay, obviously when the top two college teams go at it, it’s going to be a battle, but no one expected the #2 team (AL) to slaughter the defending champs and current NCAA leaders (FL) that violently. It was an unforgettable game that left FL quarterback, Tim Tebow, in tears, and instigated Heisman rumors about AL running back, Mark Ingram.

Close Game: Texas 13, Nebraska 12

In the 2nd crucial conference championship, Texas booked their reservations to join Alabama at the BCS National Title game. It didn’t come easy for them though, and their one-point win was secured during the game’s final seconds, when Hunter Lawrence kicked a 46 yard field goal.

Big Upset and Close Game: Dolphins 22, Patriots 21

The poor Patriots can’t get a break, and they’ve experienced consecutive losses for the first time since November of 2006. In a game they weren’t forecasted to lose, Tom Brady was intercepted with just seconds left, and we saw that familiar pout invade his face once again.

Big Upset: Raiders 27, Steelers 24

The defending champs, the Steelers, couldn’t stop the Raiders at the game’s finale, and they said good-bye to what was supposed to be an easy win, as Raiders quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski, threw 2 touchdowns in the 4th.

Close Game: Saints 33, Redskins 30

Oh man! In a game the Redskins almost won, they missed a 23 yard late-game field goal, setting the way for the Saints to come back and win (as they always do). New Orleans has some saints watching over them this season, and they refuse to lose!

Big Upset: Cardinals 30, Vikings 17

It was Brett Favre versus Kurt Warner (daddy vs daddy)! Arizona found a way to control the Favre, and handed the Vikings their second loss of the season!

Big Upset: Giants 31, Cowboys 24

Yes, the Giants beat the Cowboys at the beginning of the season, but since then, the Giants track record has plummeted (starting with their loss to the Saints) and the Cowboys have been on top of their game. Everyone thought the Cowboys would win this one…but everyone was wrong!

Big Upset and Close Game: Seahawks 20, 49ers 17

What can I say…it was a good game that Seattle won by a mere field goal at the end. This was a better matched game then I thought it would be.

Eagles 34, Falcons 7

This doesn’t really fit into either category, but it must be mentioned that Michael Vick returned to Atlanta for the first time since his departure from the Falcons, and with his homecoming came 2 touchdowns.

Tim Tebow: A Real Class Act

Tim Tebow might have lost the SEC Championship game against Alabama on Saturday, but he has a winning combination of class and heart, and his reaction to Florida’s annihilation was priceless. You couldn’t help but feel sympathy for this Gator quarterback as the camera caught him shedding tears during the game’s final seconds. He said, "It's tough. You know it's not how you want to go out. They were just better than us today." He went on to compliment Alabama, referring to them as a “classy team.”


Maybe this isn’t how Tim wanted to go out, but he’ll be leaving Florida with a Heisman and 2 championship victories, and entering into the NFL draft. And, get this ladies…this all-American boy is supposedly a virgin! Something tells me that if he decides to reverse the status of his virginity, he won’t have a difficult time doing so (especially after revealing such sensitivity)! Good luck Tim: TSG wishes you the very best as you embark upon your NFL journey!

Kobe Sinks a 3-Pointer at Buzzer to Beat the Heat…Nets Beat Bobcats for First Win of Season!

What a Friday night for the NBA! There was the Heat/Lakers game…and while Miami brought the heat, the Lakers were too HOT to be beat! Kobe successfully sunk a 3-pointer as the buzzer was blaring, ignoring the defensive barriers, to bring the Lakers to a 108-107 victory. It was a remarkable shot, and as Kobe puts it, "I liked my chances if I squared up and got the shot I wanted. This was my luckiest shot."

Speaking of balls hitting the net, the Nets have secured their first win of the season and beat the Bobcats last night 97-91. And what a win it was, with Brook Lopez sinking 31 points and Courtney Lee scoring a career-high 27 points. Their new coach, Kiki Vandeweghe, isn’t completely satisfied and hungry for more wins: "At the end of the day, this is one win," he says. "I told them enjoy the win and we're coming back to practice tomorrow. You build on things." It couldn’t have been an easy loss for the Bobcats, the team that first lost to the team that broke a losing record. However, Bobcat star, Stephen Jackson, was very complimentary and said, "They have a lot of reasons to feel good about themselves. They said they felt like they started a new season with a new coach. They played like they wanted this game.”

One more win for the Nets, and they will be changing the direction of their streak!

Oregon Beats Oregon State 37-33 to Go to Rose Bowl

Okay, so we knew the state of Oregon would be represented in the Rose Bowl set to take place on New Years Day, but last night we learned it will be Oregon, not State, showing up to play against Ohio State. In a game that the sport’s world refers to as the “Civil War,” Oregon State put up quite a fight, however, the Oregon Ducks had more weapons on the field, and the Beavers couldn’t overcome this “quack attack.” One of these weapons was freshman, LaMichael James, the Duck’s running back who rushed for 166 yards and into 3 touchdowns. Oregon will be gracing the Rose Bowl with its presence for the first time since 1995, and according to quarterback, Jeremiah Masoli, who threw for 201 yards and a touchdown last night, their team was “always capable of this greatness.”

Looks like we’ll be nursing our New Years Eve hangovers with a Ducks game—quack, quack! And, don’t forget to tune into another crucial battle tomorrow, as the #1  team, Florida, takes on the #2 team, Alabama, and fights to go to the championships!

New Jersey Nets Start Season 0-18 and Break Record

The New Jersey Nets have broken a record, but unfortunately it’s not a good one, and they would’ve rather left it untouched. After losing to the Mavericks last night, they’ve become the first team to start a season 0-18, surpassing the 0-17 beginnings of the 1988 Miami Heat and 1999 Clippers.  Despite the dismissal of Nets’ coach, Lawrence Frank, the team’s problems still exist, and Nets’ swingman, Chris Douglas-Robert, believes the blame can’t be placed on anyone who coaches them. He says, "It's not the coach. Red Auerbach could coach us. It's us. It doesn't matter who you bring in. They can't go out there and play, they can just tell you what to do.”

Douglas-Robert also admits the losing streak is starting to get to them, stating, "At this point I feel like the streak is getting the best of us. So when a team goes on a run, it's almost like we give up, which is very unfortunate. That's what it looks like to me. We kind of give up and lay down instead of trying to fight.''

Hopefully the Nets can find the strength to keep fighting, for their sanity and for the fans. And, hopefully they can find their way out of this losing net, and into a victory! Let’s hear it for New Jersey!

Tiger Woods Apologizes!

Oh Tiger, just when I was going to give you the benefit of the doubt (a doubt that was already questionable), you have to go and admit guilt. Tiger has formally apologized on his website, stating:

“I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.”

 Some people are complaining the apology was not thorough enough, but obviously we know what “transgressions” he’s alluding to, and the details should be discussed privately between him and his wife. Although it’s quite a disappointment to see golf’s golden boy behave in this manner, 80% of America believes this occurrence won’t tarnish his reputation (poll done by ESPN). Hopefully Tiger can take some time off to patch up his personal life, then come back and…play some golf!

Tiger Wood’s Car Accident : Guilty of Careless Driving

Okay, so I know I don’t normally discuss golf, but obviously even the novices know who Tiger Woods is, and obviously we’ve all heard about his recent car accident that took place at 2:25am last Friday morning…and obviously this needs to be discussed on TSG! It turns out the punishment for consecutively hitting a fire hydrant and a tree, even for a celebrity, is a moving violation that carries a $164 fine and 4 driving record points (but lucky for Tiger, no criminal charges). And while Tiger’s wife, Elin, came after the car with a golf club to rescue him, it has been concluded that her original intention was not to “club” Tiger. The Florida Highway Patrol states there were no claims of domestic abuse, and according to attorney, Bill Sharpe, the injuries were “consistent with a car wreck and inconsistent with him being beat up.”

This whole shenanigan went down two days after The National Enquirer revealed Tiger’s alleged appearances with a New York nightclub hostess (and we all know that’s a reliable source). We’re still not sure where he was going at 2:25am with a wife and two babies at home, but I’m hoping it was on a diaper run. Tiger will not be playing in the 2009 Chevron World Challenge, and he has stated, "This is a private matter, and I want to keep it that way. The only person responsible for the accident is me." Hopefully for the sake of Tiger’s family and his wellbeing, the media will respect his wishes.