Was going to use a picture of Greg Oden that leaked out yesterday, but with a flurry of lawyer's letters flying out to those that had it out, figured it best I pull out on that one.

This piece at ProFootballTalk.com says that like the Oakland Raiders - and who wants that as a similarity? - the rot with the Buffalo Bills starts at the top and works its way down. Thanks to SS for that one.

If you're the Philadelphia Phillies and you've got a choice of Cliff Lee under control for this year at $8 million, or having Joe Blanton signed for multiple years at about the same cost, if not a little more, don't you take Lee and go for the World Series jugular with the Lee, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels as your big three? Seems a no-brainer to me. Instead, the Phillies worried about their farm system's depth after dealing for Lee last summer, and moved him to try to shore that up. Odd. Seems Phillies skipper Charlie Manuel is on the same line of thinking too.

Sports Illustrated has just raised the bar in media coverage by somehow narrowing the worst career moments of OHB to a mere 10. Check them out here.

Alyssa Milano, then Eliza Dushku, and now Karina Smirnoff? St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Brad Penny is growing a fine resume of ladies he's dated. Derek Jeter...you've been warned!

Check out this fan's reaction to the OHB's interception late in the Minnesota Vikings loss at New Orleans, as the pick happened. Hysterical stuff.

In news that should excite nobody because it is a waste of your time and money, and a sign of ignorance, Pro Line is said to be ready to offer NBA action in the coming months in Ontario. Do yourselves a favor folks, if you want to gamble on the NBA, or anything, hit the link above for Pinnacle Sports. Better odds, better options, and none of this needing to pick three games nonsense.

The T.O. Show will shoot season 2 shortly. Now, it is no shock to any regulars here that I've always been a bit of a T.O. fan, but after that year in Buffalo - not his fault, by the by, that he didn't have a QB - is he at all relevant anymore? Worry about your next contract, 81.

Andre Dawson will go into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Montreal Expo. Good call, baseball.

So the Oakland A's signed Ben Sheets for $10 million. Add in their earlier signing of Justin Duchsherer and they have two starters in their rotation who didn't make a single start last season. That said, good signings both I think. Love Sheets.

Tried a little something different last night, as you can see in the entry below. Let me know what you think of that idea.

Have a great Wednesday.

How the NFL could change significatly in the next five weeks

More discussion of how the NFL landscape could change in the next month and change unless a new labor deal is struck. Hard as it may seem to believe in light of what other league's have done to hurt themselves over the year's while the NFL has enjoyed labor peace and unprecedented growth, but they may go the road of the rest.

More here from the Dallas Morning News

May look to add some more time sensitive stuff as it comes available, and giving it a test run this way. Let me know what you think. Good idea, bad idea? Keep it one update daily?

The King Steals One

Finally we're getting a clearer picture of how Tiger Woods fateful day unwound months back. Seems while asleep, his wife Elin got a hold of his cell and texted Rachel Uchitel and got all the responses she needed. Memo to Tiger: never a good idea to save messages you've sent another woman telling her you love her if she isn't your wife. Just sayin'.

Speaking of details, Washingon Bullet Javaris Crittenton's plea deal over his gun incident with teammate Gilbert Arenas has to certainly end Arenas time with the Wizards, if not his NBA career. Don't imagine Commissioner David Stern has a lot of time for guys who threaten to shoot teammates in the face or blow up their car.

Late in a game. Your team is winning. You throw an ill advised pass. It is intercepted and goes back for points, costing your team the game. OHB's playoff life for the better part of a decade in a nutshell? Nope, Dwayne Wade's behind the back pass getting picked by LeBron James last night. Sure seems familiar though, don't it? Story and hilites here.

No word if the NFL is contacting CFL players to fill roster spots for the Pro Bowl.

Pete Townsend of The Who revealed the band will be doing a medley of Baba O'Riley, Pinball Wizard, Tommy, Who Are You, and Won't Get Fooled Again at the Super Bowl's halftime show. What? No new stuff? Stunner.

LA Dodger Matt Kemp's ex-girlfriend took out a restraining order against Kemp because he was violent and abusive towards her. He's now dating Rihanna who of course, was badly beaten by her ex Chris Brown. Well at least that isn't weird.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, recent Stanley Cup winners if you forgot, had to take an advance on their revenue sharing money and from its local TV deal to help it meet last season's final payroll. And to think Gary Bettman approved that ownership group easily. Sun Belt hockey was such a great idea.

Check out Bourbon Street in New Orleans errupt Sunday night when the Saints won in overtime. Amazing.

Saints Video: Bourbon Street

Down goes OHB!

Doesn't the world just seem like a better place today, now that you know you're free of any possibility of a OHB felating for the Super Bowl? OHB did what he does in the playoffs, and for the third straight time to end a season, his last pass in a playoff game was an interception that cost his team dearly. Love it. 31-28 New Orleans Saints. The Vikings fumbled the ball six times, losing three, and OHB threw a pair of INT's in a game the Vikes should have had. Said first and best by frequent poster and daily reader Bukakke: "There were probably Haitian survivors still trapped under rubble that let out muffled cheers when Brett threw against the grain in the waning seconds."

The Indianapolis Colts rallied back from a 17-6 deficit to beat the New York Jets 30-17 and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl. The Jets were looking great until Shonn Green went out with an injury. They're going to be a load in the coming years.

If you're wondering, the Super Bowl line is Indy as high as 5.5 in some books, with an over/under of 56. Should be a great game.

Word is that TV ratings for the Toronto Maple Leafs are significantly up, leading some TV types to wonder about their accuracy given the team's performance. Don't they get it? Some people hate the Leafs so much they love watching them get embarrassed.

Add a 42-year-old British mother of two named Emma Rotherham to the list of Tiger Woods side dishes.

Leg-endary Nuts girls. NSFW, you've been warned.

Have a great Monday.

Championship Sunday

Had the majority of today's RM drafted up on the Blackberry, until my boy got a hold of it and figured out how to delete messages both in my inbox and drafted. Awesome. Memo to self: use the locking feature.

The Super Bowl contestants will be determined today, if you were unawares. Up first is an AFC battle that will see the New York Jets visit the Indianapolis Colts. You may have heard a time or million this week that these two played in late December and the Colts famously yanked their starters with an undefeated season and a lead on the go. High stakes to say the least, with the Jets out to prove it was no fluke and the Colts out to prove their motivation - getting to the Super Bowl - was valid. The Jets defence has been incredible for most of the year, and Mark "Dirty" Sanchez has done just enough on offence to keep defences honest and not try to only stuff a strong running game. But we are talking Peyton Manning and Manning at home here, and that will be too much to overcome, especially if the referee's are hell bent on easing the path for the Colts, like they seemed to be last week when they hosted Baltimore. If the Colts get out to a lead here, can't imagine Sanchez passing their way back into it. I've got Colts winning 34-13 here.

For the NFC Championship, you'd think that the Minnesota Vikings were the only team playing the way the media has been slurping OHB and the Vikes. Yet, it is the New Orleans Saints who enter the game as 3.5 point favs, are at home with what will be a rocking crowd, own the best record in the 2009 season, and have who I think was this year's MVP at QB in Drew Brees. The one concern I have is the Saints pass protection, and we saw how the Saints can struggle when pressed by a pass rush when they lost to Dallas in Week 15, and even more saw what the Vikes can bring in their destruction of Dallas last week. But we've also seen that the Vikes aren't nearly as potent on the road this year, and for that, I'm thinking the Saints are 30-21 winners, with OHB throwing at least one brains-blowing-out pick. Warning: prepare for a fawning broadcast crew. Avoid eating before or during this one as it may be vomit inducing.

Hands up, who had Henrik Sedin leading the NHL in scoring ever, much less in late January?

Only one English Premier League game yesterday as a result of some FA Cup action, but Wayne Rooney went off for four goals as United moved temporarily into first place with a 4-0 pounding of Hull City.

Jessica Biel stripping. Just because.

Not sure what took so long, but the media finally got around to determining who the MLB Playoff MVP was for 2009 and it was one Alex Rodriguez.

Guessing Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is pretty desperate for cash. Why else would you sell the Texas Rangers, their stadium lease and 153 acres of property for a mere $570 million? What will he sell the Dallas Stars for if they come up then? $50? Maybe he'll give Jim Balsillie a shout and coax $200 million out of him? I'm sure the North American sporting elite has to love that he and George Gillette are selling big name properties here - Gillette of course unloaded the Montreal Canadiens in their 100th year - in favor of a soccer team.

One thing that Moneyball can't account for: a player deciding that he wants to enter the priesthood. One of the Oakland A's top prospects Grant Desme has decided he's not for a career in sports, and is devoting himself to the priesthood. Kind of extreme, no?

Here are the Top 10 Hottest MILF's in sports. Didn't know Amanda Beard had a kid, but she's a great choice at #1.

Richard Griffin at the Toronto Star interviewed legendary baseball eccentric Bill "Spaceman" Lee about the subject of steroid use and Lee hits the syringe on the head in saying players weren't cheating if there was no rule against it. Great read, as is Lee's bio if you ever get a chance to pick it up.

For more thoughts on today's games, check out Cleveland Frowns picks. This guy is perfect for the playoffs so far. Why did I only hear of this now, oh Gambling Gods?

Have a great day, Geaux Saints!!

RM returns tomorrow with a mega edition.

Jets curse themselves?

If you believe in karma, then the New York Jets could be in a world of trouble having produced and set this ad to the right live on their website.

There are 24 players from the Indianapolis Colts, NY Jets, Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints on the Pro Bowl rosters as they currently stand, so safe to say a nothing game is being devalued more as players from two of those teams will be committed to the Super Bowl which is now after the Pro Bowl. Just kill it, NFL. Out of its misery. After all, Tom Brady pulled out due to injuries for the AFC, the first alternate Ben Roethlesberger declined, and that led to an invite to Phillip Rivers who passed and now Vince Young is starting. Now, young came on strong but I don't think "Pro Bowl" for a guy who had all of 10 TD's and played only 10 games.

Something for those that get too wound up about when guys get into the Hall of Fame, or not getting in the first time they're eligible: Joe DiMaggio finished 8th in voting his first year of eligibility, and was declined. In fact, he didn't get in until his third year. Crazy, but true.

Air Canada lost the Stanley Cup earlier in the week. Lord Stanley's Mug was to travel from New Jersey to Vancouver for a charity event, and instead ended up in Toronto. This marked the first time in 43 years that the Stanley Cup has come to Toronto, when not being returned directly to the Hall of Fame.

John Clayton at ESPN.com takes a peak at the top quarterbacks of all-time. He's got the Old Has Been poised to leap to number four ahead of John Elway if he manages a second Super Bowl win this year. Plainly, no. Sure the Old Has Been has a million records, and his longevity is surely impressive, but he's hardly been a playoff stalwart over the years, not to the extent Elway was. He also has him ranked ahead of Tom Brady (#7) and Peyton Manning (#8), which blows my mind.

Matt Stairs, who some call "Fatt" Stairs, is looking to continue his big league career at age 41, and shed 31 pounds with Nutrisystem and playing senior hockey this winter. Impressive. What, you thought I'd suggest he was on the Pudge Rodriguez diet?

SI.com grades all 30 NBA squads at the mid point of the season. Surprisingly, the Toronto Raptors check in with a B. I'd have given them a D. You know, to show that they've finally got some "D".

Is there a hockey player who is loving life in Los Angeles more than Jarrett Stoll? After dumping Rachel Hunter practically at the alter, he's now hooked up with Melrose Place hottie Katie Cassidy. Pics here.

Tiana Enhorning, a second year Kinesiology student at Western, made Sports Illustrated's Cheerleader of the Week.

Finally today, check out the Top 20 WWE/WWF divas over the year's. Stacey Keibler only at #8? Come on!

Have a great Friday.

Chan Gailey: Sexually Abused?

Poor Chan Gailey, even the closed caption folks are cracking on him as the new Buffalo Bills hire, as you can see in the picture at right.

In the most horrifying news since the earthquakes in Haiti, there is talk that Venus Williams went "Commando" at the Australian Open. Some scary hints in that direction for your viewing displeasure here.

Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis is interviewing head coaching candidates even though Tom Cable has yet to be fired. As long as you're staying classy there, Al. Candidates included Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh. Word is Davis laughed at the suggestion he looked into Chan Gailey a few days ago, declaring "like anybody would want him". Some of that is less true than the rest.

Scary fact about Felix Hernandez 5-year $78 million deal with Seattle: when it concludes, he'll only be 28. If he reaches his potential, you've gotta figure he's gonna hit $25-$30 million a year, no?

If you're the superstitious kind, the Indianapolis Colts have choked in even numbered year's at home as big favs before: 2006 vs. Pittsburgh, 2008 vs. San Diego. In both, they were nearly double digit favs.

UFC Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar is returning to health and the ring after a bout with diverticulitis, a condition that involves the weakening of the colon walls and, in extreme cases, can lead to the actual perforation of the colon. In what may or may not be related information, the Mayo Clinic has a publication on said condition that posits that typically when it afflicts someone younger than 65, it usually involves use of steroids. I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'. Lesnar took a crack at the Canadian medical system as he was in Canada when his health really turned for the worse. Guess he didn't realize when he went back to the same hospital where he originally was diagnosed with mono he was going back to a place that misdiagnosed him. Well played, Brock.

Dave Perkins at the Toronto Star ran a great piece on how a certain Minnesota Vikings quarterback isn't nearly as universally loved as he is often made out to be by a fawning media. A wave of the proverbial hand to Mr. Perkins, who has to be reading yours truly regularly. Thanks to ROTR for that piece. Wait, ROTR...are you Dave Perkins?

The All-American Basketball Conference is looking to start up this summer with a dozen teams across the U.S. Rules? Players must be (1) U.S. born and (2) white. Coverage on Fox has to be coming, no? This is not a joke or something coming from the Sports Pickle folks. Real deal.

Want to see what happens when you put a box of wine into a microwave? This is amazing.

You too can have your very own Jersey Shore nickname. Mine came up T-Bone and I have to say, I very much approve. The series ends tonight and I don't know what I'm going to do without The Situation, Vinny and Pauly D in my life.

Manchester United's Gary Neville clearly didn't like former teammate Carlos Tevez scoring against United in Carling Cup play a couple days ago. When Tevez mimicked a talking hand to celebrate his goal, hinting he was letting his game do the talking, Neville, warming up on the sidelines, flipped him the bird. Neville could be in trouble and face suspension and if the powers that be are looking to do United any favors, it will be permanent. Retire, you bumb!

If you are looking to catch any of ESPN's 30 for 30 episodes, they're all available here, starting with "The U" on the University of Miami.

There aren't enough Rex Ryan's in the coaching world, at least not on this side of the pond. This is great stuff.

Chan's The Man

The Buffalo Bills made it official and announced Chan Gailey as their next coach. Needless to say, Bills Fan is not impressed. Gailey may end up proving everyone wrong but after a few uninspired choices in the past, you'd think the Bills might try a different approach. And how do they not interview Brian Billick when he was practically advertising his interest in a sea of guys who didn't have interest? What, his resumé including a Super Bowl was too good for them? More likely, he wouldn't work for peanuts. Marty Schottenheimer also badly wanted the job, and while not a playoff commodity, he has repeatedly turned team's around, but Wilson nixed that idea. Mike Florio tells Bills Fan they could've done a lot worse than Gailey.

From the Lunch Bag Letdown Dept.: an article in yesterday's Toronto Star on Ana Ivanovic winning at the Aussie Open, coupled with a picture of Justine Henin.

Peter King at SI.com says it'll be an "upset" if there isn't a work stoppage in the 2011 NFL season and ProFootballTalk says a deal in the short term would give the owners what they want - a claw back on salaries and make up for what they've given up in the current deal - as the players would have to cave. Can't imagine that an 11th hour deal is much better, though surely the owners don't want to lose a season. I can't see Jerry Jones in Dallas risking hosting a Super Bowl that year, can you? Jones is one of the power brokers for the "have" side of ownership.

The same guy that told me how great he thinks fighting in hockey is with bare hands also told me he thinks MMA is essentially barbaric. Uh-huh.

After seven weeks with the public spotlight glaring down on him, Tiger Woods should be thanking NBC for the current Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien fiasco for pushing him into the background. For the record, Jay Leno is not funny, and if you like him, you're a loser.

The Seattle Mariners continued a productive off-season by inking King Felix Hernandez to a five-year $78 million deal. Hey, aren't they a "small" market team?

MacGruber, the movie. Enough said.

I find it hard to imagine that people take All-Star games seriously, especially when you see that in the NBA, Allen Iverson and worse, Tracy McGrady, are about to be voted in as starters. Pathetic. Fan voting sucks.

We are barely into 2010 and AskMen.com is already giving us the Top 99 Most Desirable Women for 2010. Definitely hard (that's what she said!) pressed to pick anyone over the #1 they've got in place.

Check out the dumbest, funniest quotes in sports. Or at least one take on that. Awesome stuff. Suppose none of these should surprise in the mental wasteland that is sports.

Get ready to buy some new gear, Liverpool fans. The Reds are moving from Carlsberg to Standard Chartered Bank, giving them the largest income from any shirt sponsor in the English Premier League at 4 years and £80m.

Have a great Wednesday.

39 shots?

Says Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun via Twitter: "The NBA, MLB and NFL all gave 1 mill to Haiti. The NHL only gave 100,000. The reason - they already donated to the disaster in Phoenix." Awesome stuff. Love Simmons.

In ESPN The Magazine, an article on the NHL's concussion issue says that hockey players are five times more likely to suffer a concussion than an NFLer. What is the NHL's policy on returning to a game after a head injury again? Oh, nevermind.

For all the big names mentioned as potential head coaches of the Buffalo Bills, that the rumor is they're going to hire Chan Gailey is pretty underwhelming, to say the least. Most won't remember Gailey, but he was the in-over-his-head coach that once had the Dallas Cowboys job. Decent offensive co-ordinator, but hardly a guy that will inspire the best and brightest to head to Western New York. Typical Bills. Go for the cheap hire rather than the powerhouse hire. This ought to sell almost no tickets.

A producer at the CBC was suspended for criticizing Don Cherry on his Twitter account. Absolutely ridiculous that they'll take up for a xenophobe - among other "phobes" - and dinosaur who is living on the public teet.

Golden State Warrior Monta Ellis took 39 shots in the Warriors 114-97 win over the Chicago Bulls yesterday. Guess when Ellis was hitting shots like these last week in New York in practice, he's going to feel pretty good about his stroke. Seriously, be sure to check the video out.

15 hotties in NFL jersey's, some which will be familiar to you. Kendra Wilkinson first? Don't think so.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig is of the opinion that the steroid era is dead and buried at this point thanks to several revelations of guys who used, and some testing that has nailed guys at the highest levels and profiles. Except for one thing, as pointed out by Roy Johnson at ESPN.com: Selig hasn't come clean with the owners knowledge of the use of performance enhancing drugs. Helluva point, Roy.

The world is filled with bad people and bad actions, but I didn't realize a guy simply chanting "J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets!" was arrest worthy like it was Sunday in San Diego. Pathetic.

Mangold!

Pretty obvious why I went with that as the picture of the day, no? If not, check out #74's name and the title above.

What a beatdown in Minnesota yesterday. The Dallas offensive line was as stout as Haitian architecture and it is a wonder Tony Romo is able to walk after that pounding. After three solid but ultimately wasted drives for the Cowboys to open the game, it was all Vikes the rest of the way and a 34-3 final. Personal hell for this hater of #4. Here's hoping the New Orleans Saints save the day next weekend.

Jim Nantzzzzz, Phil Simmszzzzz, Mark Sanchezzzzz and Phillip Riverszzzzz conspired for a very dull game in San Diego for the most part, though the end result that saw the New York Jets win 17-14 is sure a stunner, until you remember that it is the San Diego Chargers and playoff flameouts are synonymous with them. Pretty sure that LaDanian Tomlinson's days as a Bolt are done and he'll have to take his Electric Glide elsewhere.

Norv Turner and Wade Phillips, as losers of the games yesterday, will go on to coach the Pro Bowl on January 31st. What are the odds both are unemployed by then? Pretty fair chance, no?

Both championship games next weekend will be played in domes. Lame.

The AHL all-star "Classic" goes the next two nights on TSN. Two? As if all-star games weren't joke enough, two nights for a minor league all-star game? What's the MVP get, best seat on the bus for his team the rest of the year?

If you haven't seen this goal from the East Coast Hockey League, prepare to see the best goal you'll see this year, if not ever. Pure artistry on the ice.

I don't "believe" that the "Believe" Olympic ads are overexposed, I know it. Enough already. And how many people do you figure blew by the front page of the Toronto Star's Sports section this morning with figure skating and snow boarding getting the entire page?

Did I read right, a 22-point win for the Toronto Raptors over the Dallas Mavericks? Can't be true, can it? Bad day for Dallas in multiple sports.

Have a great Monday.

Light up the Old Has Been!

Ignoring that Dallas historically owns Old Has Been (9-2 against him in his career), and that the Old Has Been typically fades come playoff time, I still think Dallas has too much for the Vikes to handle. D-Ware and the rest ought to hammer a soft protection on the Old Has Been and drive his immobile self into the turf at will. Best stat though? Dallas hasn't given up 100 yards rushing to anyone this year, and if they can keep that pace, and the corners keep locking down like they have, then they'll have a field day here. Cowboys, and big. I suspect it comes in right around 46 with a 30-17 score, which could set into motion a permanent retirement by the Old Has Been.

Love the Bolts. I think the Jets had a good dose of luck to make the playoffs, and then rode a great matchup to a Wild Card win, despite their great D and rushing game. The Bolts are playing as well as anyone right now, both sides of the ball, and if they can force Sanchez to have to make a play or three, they'll capitalize on his mistake prone ways. Rivers and his receivers will need to have a good day, but they've had a lot of good days the last two months and change. I think the Jets have exceeded their expectations. 2 road games in a row is tough and this is not a good match-up for their rookie QB. If the Chargers get out front early, this one will get ugly. Chargers 36-14.

The New Orleans Saints put to rest the idea that they were flatlining in a total beatdown of the Arizona Cardinals. Reggie Bush had perhaps his best game as a pro, and Drew Brees was his typically impressive self. How awesome was that hit on Kurt Warner? In the end, a 45-14 win for the Saints, who will host the NFC Championship game next Sunday against the Dallas/Minnesota winner.

The Indianapolis Colts took care of the bumbling Baltimore Ravens with ease yesterday, and had a little help from the referee's who would make a call for Indy but not call the same thing for Baltimore. That interception by Ed Reed called off for roughing the passer when Peyton Manning was barely touched, and certainly not excessively late, was a joke. It was a 20-3 Colts win.

The Sports Pickle has a great piece on how the WWE is going to investigate the long-term effect of concussions on its referee's, a move applauded by referee Mike Chioda who was knocked out 450 times last year alone. Sports Pickle rules.

If the NFL saw fit to keep anything that could be remotely controversial off the Super Bowl after the Janet Jackson nipple shield a few year's back, what are they going to do if it ends up being an Indianapolis and Minnesota final? Seriously, is there anyone that could stomach the verbal felatio of both teams QB's?

What do the three worst teams in the NHL have in common? All are coached by either a current or a former Toronto Maple Leafs coach. No, seriously. Paul Maurice has coached the Carolina Hurricanes to 35 points, Edmonton has 37 points under Pat Quinn, and the Leafs sit at 41 under Ron Wilson.

If someone like Terrell Owens went mental on a teammate the way Peyton Manning does on Jeff Saturday here in this video, he'd be crucified. But St. Peyton gets a pass because He's Just Such A Competitor.

Another day of Premier League action saw Chelsea hammer Sunderland 7-2 while Manchester United kept pace with a 3-0 win over Burnley. Up at 11am today on The Score are lowly Bolton taking on Arsenal. Should get ugly for the Wanderers.

Divisional Championship Weekend

Quick one today amidst a flurry of house projects.

The New Orleans Saints were bulletproof, especially at home, until four weeks back and after losing their first game, pulled the chute on Brees and others for the most part, and it is dicey wondering if they've been too rested and have become rusted. I cannot imagine Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner playing as great a game again ever, much less two weeks straight, as he did last week. I'm thinking the best home field advantage in the game helps some for sure. I think the short week for 'Zona after a huge energy sapping game has to hurt them. 30-10 Saints.

The Baltimore Ravens pounced on a Patriots squad that wasn't ready, and the Indianapolis Colts have been cooling off since late December and should be ready to explode after all the talk of how they were making a mistake resting players and throwing in the towel on a perfect year. I'm buying Tony Dungy's idea that they'll have a major chip on their shoulder for the abuse their coach/management had to take, and can't see the Ravens turning around with another road win in a tough place to play. Colts 34-17.

The road teams in the Division round of the NFL playoffs the last few years: 3-1 in 2008, 2-2 in '07, 2-2 in '06, 2-2, and 2-2 in '05. Guess home field isn't all it cracked up to be.

What better way to get ready for the World Cup in South Africa than to get your very own body armour rocking your fav teams flag?

If you missed Jimmy Kimmel annihilating Jay Leno on the Jay Leno Show on Thursday, to his face no less, check it out here. Fantastic stuff.

Cracking on lames since birth

Clearly, the NFL is not playing games when it comes to implementing salary control on rookies, judging by the fact they're going to move to have such a system in place effective in this year's draft.

Emmanuel Adebayor, Togo international and Manchester City striker, was on the bus that was attacked last week in Angola. In the wake of that, we've got video of Adebayor being interviewed for his thoughts. Hey, isn't that Arsenal gear - from his old team? Adebayor, you're clueless. Thanks to GBVH for passing that on.

If there is such a thing as karma, then New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees probably deserves as much or more than any other pro athlete. Check out this great piece on the work he is doing in New Orleans to help rebuild that city, literally raising millions and giving tonnes of time to make it happen.

Check out these 25 Great Moments in Brutal Honesty.

Clark Judge - what kind of name is that? - at CBSSportsline.com rates the road teams in this weekend's divisional round of the NFL playoffs to sort out who is likely done, and who could go on.

As predicted yesterday, the Old Has Been is backtracking on comments he made intimating that he'd be shocked if the Minnesota Vikings didn't beat the Dallas Cowboys. Shocking. Old Has Been changing his tune...weird.

GQ ran a piece detailing what happened that night in Philadelphia in April 2008 that led to talk that former Indianapolis Colts wideout Marvin Harrison - he of the once sterling reputation - unloaded a gun, or in this case, two, into a man's car with the man in it. Crazy stuff. The FBI is now looking at the situation. April 2008? At least they're not taking their time.

Hugh Hefner and his 21-year old twin girlfriends have broken up. Is there nothing to believe in in 2010?

If Jerome Bettis was as accurate picking games as he is predicting what his former coach Bill Cowher will do next, he'd never have to work a day in his life. Bettis' latest call is that Cowher is laying low waiting for the New York Giants job to open up.

Guessing Gilbert Arenas is finally figuring out that this whole "bring your guns to work" thing isn't a joke anymore, not when he's facing a felony gun charge that could land him in the crow bar motel for five years. Arenas is said to be working a plea deal.

Speaking of jail, Theo Fleury went to Winnipeg police and detailed his sexual abuse at the hands of Graham James as a teenaged hockey player for coach James. Now, if only the cops could actually find James to bring him in and face charges. Maybe - hopefully - he's in hell.

Ari Fleisher, the genius behind George W. Bush's ill-advised "Mission Accomplished" speech under that banner on a battleship year's ago, also advised Mark McGwire. Guess that explains the "steroids didn't help" take Big Mac is working. 0 for 2, Ari.

Five NHL teams were shut out last night, another four scored only a goal, three of those losing. Where has the offence gone?

He said, he said...

The Old Has Been is making indirect guarantee's for the Minnesota Vikings, saying they'll take care of the Dallas Cowboys this weekend. He's expected to change his mind at least twice before gametime Sunday and give interviews on the subject that will be fawned over by whatever Monday Night Football crew is in place as well as John Madden, before having it changed for him. I don't often hope for guys to get hurt, but if DeMarcus Ware folds him up like a cheap tent on Sunday afternoon, I vow that I will celebrate. Old Has Been...I hate you. Sorry for telling you all what you already know.

Liverpool dropped a 2-1 decision to Reading in the FA Cup. So much for their coach Rafa Benitez' declarations that they could salvage their season with an FA Cup win.

Sports Pickle offers up Jose Canseco's latest book proposals. Great stuff from SP, as always.

Also from the Sports Pickle, they offer up the suggestion that Blake Griffin, top pick in last year's NBA draft and now out for the year, faked a rehab setback to avoid playing for the LA Clippers.

Michael Wilbon, columnist this time and not PTI talking head, looks at how the Washington Wizards and the NBA are attempting to erase Gilbert Arenas, including not being able to buy his jersey's, even if you try to customize one in ordering. Pathetic. Dude made a bad mistake, but he's not OJ Simpson. Is it me, or when leagues get over the top heavy-handed, do you end up having sympathy for the player?

The New York Mets are in the middle of another bad run of press, after centre - that's the way we spell it here, for my American friends - fielder Carlos Beltran took his treatment into his own hands after not being satisfied with the Mets care and is having the knee operated on, putting his start of the 2010 season at risk. The Mets disapprove of him having the procedure.

The more you listen to the Alex Burrows accusations that a ref had it in for the Vancouver Canuck, the more you hear about a guy who is a notorious whiner, ref baiter and one time speared a referee in the East Coast Hockey League. He may well be telling the truth, but he'd have been wise to keep his mouth shut in the absence of a witness. Wonder if referee's will now really paint a target on him? By "wonder", I mean "he is totally screwed".

Been saving these up for a bit of a slower day, as they'll still be relevant for a bit. The picture for the NFL's labour arrangement is getting bleaker by the day ahead of a rumored 2011 lockout, and the union paints a picture of a rookie wage cap, blood testing, benefit cuts, a nearly 20 percent "giveback". I'm not sure the players need to be giving back 20% or losing benefits, especially when the schedule looks like it'll be longer soon, but there's nothing wrong with a rookie cap or salary slotting because there's no way a guy who has never done a thing on the field - think JaMarcus Russell at $13 million this year - should be making more than many other proven pivots, and just $800k less than Tom Brady. Russell has earned $33 million his first three year's in the league. Blood testing? Sure, why not if you've got nothing to hide?

Have a great Thursday.

Refs targetting players?

You're a baseball player of legendary status, recognized among the top handful of players of all time. You used something banned by the government of the day. You performed against less than the best. You injected extract from sheep's testes because you had heard its healing properties were great. Belong in the Hall of Fame? If you say no, you just booted Babe Ruth out of the Hall of Fame, because he routinely used alcohol in an era of prohibition, never faced the best of the best but the best of the white best, and injected something of questionable, non-approved pharmaceutical value. The point being is don't get too caught up in the sanctity of the Hall of Fame and ignore there are plenty of guys in there of questionable character too that performed incredibly well including legendary racist and accused murderer Ty Cobb, or spitballers like Don Sutton and Gaylord Perry. Sure, Barry Bonds might not get in first ballot (he should), or A-Rod (he should), but look at it in a vacuum of what they did in their given era that didn`t have testing until 2006. No brainer Hall of Famers, both. Mark McGwire isn`t good enough even with his apology in my opinion. Speaking of Big Mac, some photos of him through his career.

If the NHL is thinking that somehow Vancouver Canucks Alex Burrows allegations that referee Stephane Auger targeted him for a dive that embarrassed the ref in a previous game is much better than having a referee on the take like the NBA's Tim Donaghy, they're dreaming. Augar getting personal with it and calling his shot is the epitome of a lack of professionalism, and good of Burrows I say for bringing it to light. That Augar could be swayed that easily is a sign of a guy who would bend for much greater motivation (read: cash).

With an uncapped year looming in the NFL next year, and talk that the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys would go on a huge spending spree, the Skins are in the position of cheering for a Cowboys win this weekend. Why? Seems that there are rules in place about who teams that finish in the top eight can sign, categorized as anyone playing this weekend, and further restrictions on teams that move to the final four.

He - insanely - got shut out of MVP voting despite rushing for over 2,000 yards, but the Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson did manage to nab offensive player of the year honors.

The story about Lane Kiffin bolting Tennessee for USC after only a season isn't about what is right, it is about how a guy with a career 12 wins as head coach between the pros and college has such a sterling reputation.

Somewhere, Scott Boras is smiling. After years and years as baseball's lowest spending team, the Florida Marlins have listened to the player's union complaints and agreed to boost payroll. What does it say about a team that it could so easily, and artificially, just jump payroll? The move will keep the team from violating revenue sharing rules. Now, if only they actually used more of their revenue to keep the Josh Johnson's of the world.

Best of Fails 2009, courtesy of JB.

RM returns by 3pm

3:49, game over

I know steroids can do some nasty damage to your nut sack. That's about the only explanation I've got for Mark McGwire taking years to tell us what we've already known for a decade or so, that he did in fact use steroids.

The Atlanta Hawks are now 3-0 against the Boston Celtics on the season after last night's 102-96 win. If you're not considering them in the East picture, you're kidding yourself.

Speaking of telling us the obvious, Curtis Joseph is announcing his retirement. Clearly, he's the last to know.

Who but the Toronto Raptors could take a 23-point lead and turn it into a loss? The Raps soiled the bed 105-101 in Indiana last night. So much for Sunday's moral victory in a loss to the Boston Celtics.

If you're the NFL, do you not want Dallas and Minnesota in Prime Time on Saturday night? That one will go at 1pm Sunday instead.

If you've never watched Entourage, you've got a great chance to start tonight on Spike TV when the series starts in syndication with the first episode at 9pm with limited commercial interruption. Love that show.

Finally today, what is more noteworthy in this KHL footage:
(A) That #68 Jaromir Jagr is in a fight
(B) That the red team's backup goalie is wearing #69, that staple of slo-pitch teams everywhere
(C) That the team's combined for 691 penalty minutes in 3:49 of play to open the game
(D) That the DJ was rocking tunes during the brawls
(E) That the penalty boxes emptied to rejoin the brawl
(F) That the game was called after 3:49.
Must see stuff here.

Last one to score wins

The Wild-Card Weekend is done, and saw three teams lose that only scored 14 points, and then one wild game that saw an NFL playoff record for points set with 96 points in a 51-45 overtime win for the Arizona Cardinals. Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers used his hand to knock the ball to his foot, then kicked it to the guy who scored. He wears #12. So does Thierry Henry. Just sayin'. For Packers fans, it had to feel very familiar to go out in a playoff game on the back of a huge turnover to close the game. Very Old Has Been like. Guess the refs missed the facemask tug on Rodgers in the picture, huh?

As for the New England Patriots, they came out like a win was a foregone conclusion and were throttled by the Baltimore Ravens 33-14. I'm sure it wasn't Bill Belichick's fault.

In somewhat related news, word is that Derek Jeter is engaged to marry Minka Kelly next November. I'm begging, Jeter: don't do it. Look what happened to Tom Brady since he got hitched to Gisele: season ending injury, repeated playoff losses, and an end to a perfect 7-0 playoff record at home. Nothing good can come of this D.J. Has your Gillette compadre Tiger Woods not taught you anything? Think of the Maxim cover girls you are forgoing!

Are the LA Lakers looking to deal for Chris Bosh? Word is they've got an offer of Andrew Bynum at the ready ahead of the February 18th trade deadline. Interesting times ahead in the next four or five weeks.

Tom Hicks Jr., an exec for his dad who owns the Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars and Liverpool responded to charges from a fan group that the team was being stingy in player acquisitions at Liverpool and more concerned with managing their debt than winning, responded via email: "Blow me fuck face. Go to hell. I'm sick of you." Classy.

The Chicago Cubs have offered to retire Andre Dawson's #8 if he goes into the Hall of Fame as a Chicago Cub. Two things. First, what hat he wears isn't up to him now anyways as the Hall took over that territory after Wade Boggs agreed to go in as a Tampa Bay Devil Ray when he signed his last contract as a pro there. Second, your number is already retired as a Montreal Expo, Hawk. Enjoy it. The Expos are the right choice. Period.

There's a UFC Fight Night Live card tonight on Spike at 8pm (Eastern) - free, in other words - and the main event should be a good one with Gray Maynard taking on Nate Diaz. More on that, and the rest of the card, here.

Anybody figure on the Cincinnati Reds to land Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman? Seems six years and $30 million will get that done. So much for the rust belt teams not having any money. Somewhere, Scott Boras is making notes.

LaDanian Tomlinson dances. I haven't a clue if this is hilarious, or a disaster.

The number of the beast!

This is the 666th entry by yours truly. Make of this what you will.

Two dominant performances in yesterday's Wild Card games. The New York Jets trailed early but turned the tables on the Cincinnati Bengals and ran away with a 24-14 win to move on to face Indianapolis next weekend for the second time in three weeks. We had the Jets 21-10 here so not a bad pick on the score when you're four points off on each and had the margin right. In the night capper, the Dallas Cowboys throttled the Philadelphia Eagles 34-14 and send more than a few Eagles into the locker room early with some crushing hits. Loved seeing Donovan McNabb with his trademark "what happened?" look. He'll likely be taking that look elsewhere next season. DeSean Jackson's ass got stung. We had it 31-17 Cowboys here. Hope you were wagering! Tony Romo won't be hearing how he can't do it after November anymore. The Cowboys will be in Minnesota next Sunday afternoon and I'm salivating at the thought of Koko D. Ware knocking The Old Has Been into retirement.

Two more games on NFL Wild Card Weekend go today. At 1pm, Baltimore visits New England in what should be a hard hitting game as are all Ravens matchups. The Pats, despite losing Wes Welker, have been playing great in the last couple months with Tom Brady really finding his legs. Mix in home field, and Bill Belichick no doubt having something to surprise the Ravens, and I think the Pats squeeze out a win 24-17 and cover the -3.5. The 4:30pm start has the Green Bay Packers visiting the defending NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals who have had an up and down season. Word is the Cards will be minus Anquan Boldin, which will help an already stout Packers defence lock in on Larry Fitzgerald and pressure old man Kurt Warner. I'm throwing out last week's blowout win by the Packers when I say this, but still think the Packers smoke the Cards in this one. They've been playing great save for a speed bump in Tampa Bay, and Aaron Rodgers gets it done in Phoenix, with the Packers rolling to a 34-17 win.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who a couple weeks ago thought his team was eliminated from playoff contention when they weren't ,was saying a few days ago that he thinks his Jets should be the Super Bowl favorites now. Not sure which is more ridiculous, even if the Jets go the distance.

Stewart Mandel at SI.com thinks that Carroll is positioned to succeed at Seattle, given he never stopped keeping tabs on the pro game. If he can go anywhere near 97-19 like he did at USC, the Seahawks will be thrilled with that hire. Fark.com uncorked this gem on Pete Carroll's move to the Seahawks: Pete Carroll may coach the Seahawks, a team with significantly less payroll than USC. New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez took an awesome dig at his former coach's decision to go to the pros. Of course, it was Pete Carroll who said Sanchez wasn't ready to go to the NFL a year back.

Brutal news coming out of the African Nations Cup soccer tourney this month in Angola. The team Togo bus was ambushed by some Angolan separatists, and four in the entourage were killed. Cannot begin to imagine what kind of security there will be in South Africa come June for the World Cup. Togo pulled out of the tourney.

It would only be fitting if I close today by thanking DW, PF and especially PB for being my personal ATM's last night. Your hatred of the Cowboys was tremendous fun to take advantage of.

Have a great Sunday, enjoy the games.