Sports Pros(e)

Eric Mangini not so sure those injured Detroit Lions were really injured

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:15:46 -0600

A day after his team lost to the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini wondered aloud if some of the injuries incurred by the winning team were really injuries.

Mangini noted that several players that left the field with injuries later returned. Apparently his inner conspiracy theorist thinks this may have been a ploy to slow down the Browns' no-huddle offense.

"I'm just saying there were a lot of them," Mangini said.

The leader of the 1-9 Browns was also unhappy with a defensive pass interference call at the end of regulation that allowed Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw the game-winning touchdown pass.

Video: Tiger Woods booed at Stanford-Cal game

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:56:26 -0600

Tiger Woods, one of sports' most well-liked athletes, was booed with vigor during halftime of the Big Game Saturday between Stanford and California.

Woods, who attended Stanford, was inducted into the school's athletic Hall of Fame -- something the traveling Golden Bears faithful apparently didnt' have time to hear about. The birdie-enthusiast seemed a bit rattled by the jeers, stopping to compose himself around the :35 second mark of this video.

On the field, Cal erased a 14-0 deficit en route to a 34-28 win.

Tough day for Tiger.

Who is this Kahlil Bell guy?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:26:43 -0600

When No. 32 broke a 72-yard run for the Bears in the second quarter last night, it's safe to say more than a couple fans had the same reaction.

Who the heck is that?

Bell, who was one of the few bright spots during the loss to Philadelphia, had been a practice player for the Bears before being promoted to the 53-man roster on Friday.

His scamper was the longest by a Bear since a 73-yard run by Neal Anderson in 1989 and the longest first carry for any NFL back since 1995.

Just how unexpected was his four-carry, 81-yard contribution?

The Bears' official site doesn't even have a bio up for him yet.

Some cursory research yields the following on Bell:

- He is 5-foot-11 and weighs 212 pounds.

- Ran a 4.78 40 at the combine.

- Was an undrafted player who was released by Minnesota this summer.

- Led UCLA with 397 yards last season and 795 yards in 2007.

- Rushed for a collegiate-high 195 yards against Stanford.

-Majored in history.

- Lettered in football, basketball and track at California's Marin Catholic High School.

- One of six children.

- Hobbies include video games and dancing.

James Cameron: Studio wanted O.J. Simpson cast as the Terminator

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:08:37 -0600

During an interview with "60 Minutes" that aired last night, acclaimed director James Cameron revealed that he had to persuade high-level studio executives not to cast O.J. Simpson as the lead in "Terminator."

"The head of Orion, who were going to release the film, called me up and said, 'Are you sitting down? I've cast this movie. ... It's O.J. Simpson for The Terminator,'" Cameron said.

Luckily for Schwarzenegger -- and perhaps the public -- this sounded like a recipe for titanic failure to the director.

"I said, 'This is the stupidest idea I've ever heard,'" Cameron said. "I didn't know O.J. Simpson, I had nothing against him personally. I didn't know he was going to go murder his wife later and become a real Terminator."

Yup, Simpson was almost the Terminator. Who knows how the course of human history would have been affected if this had become a reality.

Bethel College pulls off odd no-look TD pass

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:08:19 -0600

Considering the Bears' mighty struggle to get touchdowns in the red zone -- and the fact that circumstances are getting pretty dire -- they may want to consider taking a page out of Bethel (Kan.) College's playbook.

Leading Sterling College 20-0 in the third quarter, Bethel decided that a play-action pass around the goal line would just be too traditional.

So they did this:

Kinda cool, but more lucky than anything else.

America becomes very familiar with a very bare Devin Hester

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:09:01 -0600

If I understand what people want to look at on the Internet, then the screen grab of Bears wide receiver Devin Hester's bare behind is going to be quite the hot topic on Monday. Since we have these so-called "standards" and "expectations" around here, the actual photo is out of the question.

OK, maybe we don't have either of those.

Extremely curious readers may want to check out these slightly NSFW pictures and this YouTube masterpiece. Again, your choice, not mine.

The de-pantsing happened on the Bears' ill-fated final drive -- the one that ended with a very fitting Jay Cutler interception -- and it caused an immediate ruckus on Twitter.

Did you guys notice it or not?

Either way, it was just an all-around embarrassing night for Hester and Co., who fell to 4-6 and saw any playoff hopes go as far south as the speedy wide-out's pants.

Even without Bears' cooperation, NBC gets its Cutler story

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:58:36 -0600

The Bears denied NBC's request for access to quarterback Jay Cutler, coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo on Wednesday, a surprising move that left the network to look elsewhere for insight.

So NBC used comments from the Sun-Times' Mike Mulligan and Brad Biggs, along with other Chicago media, to paint a picture of a season of great expectations -- both for Cutler and the Bears -- falling flat on its face during its ''Football Night in America'' broadcast Sunday.

''We requested an interview with Cutler this week, but the organization declined to speak with us and [said] that it was time to respond by playing better,'' Bob Costas said during NBC's telecast. ''Hard to argue with that.''

If nothing else, the Bears were trying something different. In their first two games this season on Sunday night, Cutler threw a combined six interceptions in losses to the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons.

Still, the decision to rebuff Costas became a point of conversation this week after the Sun-Times ran an exclusive story Thursday. Smith said the Bears were trying to focus on football.

Costas said during the week that he wasn't offended by the Bears' decision and acknowledged that considering the way Cutler had been playing, any comment from the Bears would add more fuel to the fire.

But NBC still got its story, relying on quotes from those who cover the Bears daily.

''This quarterback was supposed to be able to levitate up over the line, and he would float away if there was any kind of problem,'' Mulligan told the network. ''Nobody -- I mean nobody -- expected it to go this way. It's almost now like a tidal wave has turned against him. If they can't get a quarterback right that came to them as a 26-year-old Pro Bowler ... that could be a dagger that this franchise doesn't recover from.''

NBC also addressed Cutler's image as an aloof and somewhat nonchalant gunslinger
.
''I don't think that plays real well in Chicago, and it certainly hasn't played well nationally,'' Biggs said.

The only quote from Cutler came from a postgame news conference.

Video: Matthew Stafford's TD pass gives hapless Lions victory over hapless Browns

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:30:25 -0600

While last Sunday's Colts-Patriots game may have been the best NFL game this year, today's battle between a couple of cellar-dwellers was just as exciting.

The Detroit Lions pulled off a 38-37 victory over the Cleveland Browns on the last play of the game when rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford connected on his fifth touchdown pass of the game - a one-yarder to tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

This came after a defensive pass interference call on the Browns negated what looked to be a game-clinching interception in the end zone. After the flag, the Browns allowed an injured Stafford to get back into the game after he was replaced by Daunte Culpepper by calling a timeout.

The game, while not being played at the highest level, certainly had its share of intrigue and big plays.

Plus, if you know me, you'll understand any Lions' win is cause enough for subdued celebration.

To the highlights ...

USF coach Jim Leavitt bloodied after headbutting helmet-wearing player

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:36:42 -0600

Media members covering the USF football team were probably a little surprised when coach Jim Leavitt showed up for the postgame press conference Saturday with a bloody gash on his nose and a cut above his left eye.

After all, coaches usually don't get dinged up during the game.

When asked, Leavitt claimed the he fell in the locker room, but it seems the actual cause is much more entertaining.

"He was fired up. He grabbed somebody -- I think it was (walk-on linebacker) LaDre Watkins," senior safety Nate Allen said. "He headbutted him and fell backwards. I couldn't help but laugh, because that's the best one I've seen. ... We were fired up about that one."

Greg Auman of the St. Petersburg Times reports this is a common motivation method employed by Leavitt. In this case, it worked. The Bulls pulled out a 34-22 win against Louisville.

Ralph Lawler, Mike Smith suspended from telecast after joking about Iranian Hamed Haddadi

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:25:47 -0600

Los Angeles Clippers announcers Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith were suspended from Friday night's telecast after making comments about Memphis Grizzlies' Hamed Haddai on Wednesay.

The duo had the following exchange in the closing minutes of the Clippers' loss to the Grizzlies, which prompted a viewer to complain and Fox Sports Prime Ticket to take action.

Smith: "Look who's in."

Lawler: "Hamed Haddadi. Where's he from?"

Smith: "He's the first Iranian to play in the NBA." (Smith pronounced Iranian as "Eye-ranian," a pronunciation that offended the viewer who complained.)

Lawler: "There aren't any Iranian players in the NBA," repeating Smith's mispronunciation.

Smith: "He's the only one."

Lawler: "He's from Iran?"

Smith: "I guess so."

Lawler: "That Iran?"

Smith: Yes.

Lawler: "The real Iran?"

Smith: "Yes."

Lawler: "Wow. Haddadi - that's H-A-D-D-A-D-I."

Smith: "You're sure it's not Borat's older brother?"

Smith: "If they ever make a movie about Haddadi, I'm going to get Sacha Baron Cohen to play the part."
Lawler: "Here's Haddadi. Nice little back-door pass. I guess those Iranians can pass the ball."

Smith: "Especially the post players.

Lawler: "I don't know about their guards."

The 7-foot-2 Haddai is, indeed, the first Iranian to ever play in the NBA. At least they got that part correct. He's averaging .7 points per game in six appearances this year.

In a statement, the network said they believed the comments were not intended to be offensive, but were inappropriate.

Curtis Granderson may be sports' next big reality TV star

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:26:01 -0600

While the rumor mill has Detroit Tigers center fielder Curtis Granderson's name popping up in connection with the Cubs, the All-Star and Chicago native has reportedly agreed to host a television and online series.

Already an eventful offseason for the UIC alum.

[It's]... titled "Stadium Secrets" where he takes sports fans on an exploration of stadiums.

The concept is similar to Authentic's "Cities of the Underworld" on History channel.

"Authentic will be providing an exclusive, VIP experience for fans everywhere - a behind-the-scenes journey that will be exciting for all of us. I am eager to begin working on this project and look forward to a successful partnership," Granderson said.

The multi-threat Granderson is no stranger to being in front of the camera. He served as TBS' in-studio analyst for two straight postseasons, as well as a color commentator for a TNA wrestling event in June.

Video: Anaheim Duck fans fight over souviner hockey stick

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:03:18 -0600

You've seen fans wrestle over foul balls at baseball games, jostle over XXL t-shirts thrown into the stands and grown men knock over youngsters for batting-practice home runs.

Fans going nuts for souvenirs isn't a new thing at all. But, some Anaheim Ducks fans took it to the next level when hometown hero Scott Niedermayer tried to give his stick away to some lucky patrons.

It was all fun and games until the haymakers started.

RIP Uga VII: Georgia's football mascot dies

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:41:30 -0600

Dogs are generally regarded as man's best friend. If that's true, then football is a close second-best friend.

That's what makes the news of UGA VII's passing particularly sad for Georgia fans.

The four-year-old Bulldog had served as the school's mascot for less than two years before unexpectedly succumbing Thursday to heart problems. The particularly sudden turn of events means Georgia will be without a mascot for Saturday's game against Kentucky.

UGA VII is the latest in a line of dogs owned by the Sellers family that has served as the team's emblem for the last 54 years.

The Seilers plan to have an interim dog in place for the Georgia Tech game on Nov. 28 in Atlanta. That dog will also represent Georgia at its bowl game but won't necessarily become Uga VIII. A thorough search of Uga's VII's extensive brood of heirs will commence as soon as possible.

Miley Cyrus' power knows no bounds, possibly reaches as far as Clemson-South Carolina start time

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:23:36 -0600

If we were to make a Venn diagram -- admit it, they're a lot of fun -- you wouldn't expect the worlds of Miley Cyrus and the Clemson-South Carolina football rivalry to intersect.

But, you'd be wrong.

Rumor has it that the tween pop star is the reason the Tigers-Gamecocks Nov. 28 grudge match has been given noon start time, according to the Palmetto Scoop.

Cyrus is playing across town in Columbia that Saturday night, and making people choose between SEC football and such standards as "Party in the U.S.A." just didn't sit well with school officials.

Whether this is the real reason or not, I'm glad the conflict won't arise. Seriously, who could decide between Heisman hopeful C.J. Spiller and this:

Miami-based radio host shows up to Sammy Sosa's birthday party in blackface, doesn't get in

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:13:33 -0600

A Miami-based jock radio host claims he was bounced from former Cub Sammy Sosa's 41st birthday party for showing up in blackface.

On his Web site, Enrique Santos said he was stopped on the red carpet leading to the slugger's swank Miami Beach party by a publicist who accused him of making fun of Sosa.

Um, what exactly did he think was going to happen?

Sosa's suddenly lighter face has been burning up the Internet and has compelled columnists to weigh in on issues that aren't exactly skin-deep.

It's one thing to use the pictures as a jumping-off point for a broader topic -- even if many say it's a stretch -- but a totally different thing to pull a prank like this and expect anything different than what happened.

First off, it's Sosa's party. Did Santos really think he'd be received positively?

Probably not, and the attention he's receiving in the wake of the incident was most likely his ultimate goal.

Also, who wants to rub elbows in a social setting with someone on blackface? May as well wear a sign that says, "I don't get life."

Santos, it seems, is twisting and contorting the story, telling the Miami Herald, "I asked [Sosa's publicist], `How many women in here are wearing makeup?' but she wasn't having it," Santos told us. "Was I not white enough for Sammy's party or have the millions gotten to his skin -- I mean head?"

I'm not buying this as social commentary, but rather as a really cheap ploy for attention done in poor taste.

Anyone out there want to defend him?