January 27th update

Politics split championship locker room

• One of the perks of winning a championship in most sports is a visit to the White House to meet the President. The NHL Stanley Cup Champions Boston Bruins had their opportunity on Monday but missing from the team was Stanley Cup MVP and Drew Carey lookalike Tim Thomas, the Bruins goalie. Thomas explained his decision by arguing that the Federal Government has grown too large, threatening the “rights, liberties and property of the people.” Thomas stressed this was not a decision based on President Obama personally.
• Many teammates expressed their disagreement with Thomas’ decision, while some backed him, saying it was his choice. “I obviously disagree” said defenseman Andrew Ference. Defenseman Steven Kampfer (the only American on the team other than Thomas) said, “It’s Timmy’s decision. It’s his right to do what he wants.” Kampfer went on to say that it was a dream of his to go to the White House and meet the president.
• Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said Thomas should have gone out of respect for the President’s offer. Senator Scott Brown (also from Massachusetts) echoed the sentiment saying, "I've been invited to the White House and I've gone. While I don't agree with everything the president does, you're going there out of respect for the president, regardless of who it is." Whether or not you agree with Thomas's choice, the statement he's trying to make is coming through loud and clear.


NFL coaching spots filled

• The stalwart: Jeff Fisher, the prize of the head coaching candidates, chose to coach the St Louis Rams after a courtship that also included the Miami Dolphins. Fisher was the longest tenured coach in the NFL when he was let go by the Tennessee Titans and came within inches (literally) of going to overtime in Super Bowl XXXIV.
• The Up-and-Comers: Romeo Crennel lost the interim tag on his job title, was given the full time head coaching job of the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been the defensive coordinator for the Chiefs and was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in the early 2000's. Former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano was named the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Schiano has been a hot name on the coaching circuit for a few years, and the Bucs were finally able to convince him to leave New Jersey. Mike Mularkey was the Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills for two years, but never was able to keep momentum. After going back and being a coordinator for a few years, the Jacksonville Jaguars are giving him another chance.
• The Relative Unknowns: Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator Joe Philbin was a surprise hire for the Miami Dolphins. Coming off a roller coaster season when he lead one of the greatest offenses in NFL history, but suffered a loss in their first playoff game, Philbin suffered a much more tragic loss just hours from the time he was interviewed. The Dolphins are hoping Philbin can help their offense continue to develop. Chuck Pagano, the former Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator was hired to lead the rebuilding Indianapolis Colts and already has endorsements from former players. Denver Broncos’ Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen was hired away by division rival Oakland Raiders to be their 7th coach since 2001.

June 10th update

Roberto Luongo shaky for a second straight game

- Boston ties up the Stanley Cup finals 2-2 with a 4-0 win behind a strong performance by star goaltender Tim Thomas.

- Both teams' goaltenders have won the Vezina Trophy, given annually to Hockey's best goalie, but over the past two games Vancouver Goalie Roberto Luongo has allowed 12 goals, a massive number for any two game span, let alone two in the finals.

- Luongo brought back memories of the Canucks first round series in which, after being up 3-0 to the Chicago Blackhawks, Luongo forgot how to stop the puck allowing in 11 goals over the next 2 games. He did not play an entire game again until game 7 which Vancouver won 2-1.


Mavs close to within 1 win of NBA title

- The Mavericks were on fire from the 3 point line, making 68% (13-19), which was one short of the record for 3 pointers made in the NBA Finals. Dirk Nowitzki only made 1 3 pointer but led the team with 29 points overall.

- Lebron James had a triple double (at least 10 points, rebounds and assists) but only scored 17. It was the second straight subpar scoring game for James, who has only 25 combined in his last 2 games, despite averaging 28 points per game in his playoff career. He hasn't scored more than 2 points in the 4th quarter since Game 1, when he scored 5.

- Dwayne Wade scored 23 points but suffered a hip injury in the first half that may make him less effective for the remainder of the series. Earlier Thursday afternoon, Wade and James poked fun at reports that Dirk Nowitzki had been sick during game 4.


Final Leg of Horse Racing Triple Crown to be held Saturday

- The race will be held at 6:30 EST but will not feature a Triple Crown winner, as different horses have already been victorious in the first 2 legs. There has not been a Triple Crown winner since 1978 when Affirmed won all 3.

- Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner is listed as the favorite at 2-1. Nehro and Shackleford, the Preakness winner, are among the other front runners.

- Also called the "Run for Carnations," because the winning horse is blanketed in white carnations, the Belmont is among the biggest gambling events in the United States annually.