Tough Break

In a game Wednesday night against the New York Knicks point guard Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics sprained his ankle. Rondo sprained it in the the fourth quarter but eventually returned to the game. However in a statement released by Danny Ainge today stated the guard will miss "weeks". For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5927137

This is a tough loss for the Celtics because Rondo has been the best player on the team this year. As the point guard he acts as the quarterback and does a great job at distributing the ball to the star players like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. The good news is the season is still relatively young and he will make a full recovery.

Until next time, take it easy.

End of an Era

Monday night the sports world will see something they have not seen in thirteen years: Brett Favre in a football uniform. After suffering a shoulder injury, Favre the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings will end his streak of consecutive regular season games started at 297. There was hope he would be able to play but the injury was too much. Not only did it keep him out of this game but the injury may very well end his season, and his career. For the whole story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5916329

I was never a huge Brett Favre fan but I have the utmost respect for him as an athlete. His record is one that will most likely never be broken and beyond impressive. The toughness and determination he has shown since 1992 when the streak started is beyond words. I may not have been his biggest supporters but when my kids ask about Brett Favre, I'll be able to tell them I was lucky enough to see one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.

Until next time, take it easy.

He's Back

Not only did Michael Vick win a starting job this year for the Philadelphia Eagles this year, he may win something else very unique. As of right now Vick leads all NFL players in Pro Bowl voting just a year and a half after being released from prison. The quarterback has over 729,000 votes about 39,000 more than second place Peyton Manning. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5899361

This is just another chapter in the great comeback story of Michael Vick. Many did not believe he could come back to football and return to his pro bowl form pre-jail. But not only has he come back experts believe he is better than he used to be. Yes Vick made some really awful decision but he has made the most of his second chance and is thriving in the game he loves. It is a great lesson to young kids that if you want something you can get it as long as you work hard and stay focused.

Until next time, take it easy.

Grab your Tostitos

After a long and exciting college football season, the BCS National Championship Game has been decided. Auburn will face Oregon in Glendale, Arizona on January 10th for the big game. Auburn's quarterback Cam Newton has been accused of several off the field incidents but it has not distracted the team as the finished the regular season with a perfect record. Oregon, who also finished the regular season undefeated had quarterback troubles as well as their starting quarterback was kicked off the team before the season started. But as we can see none of that had an affect on either team. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5889148

As a Miami Hurricanes fan I will always be upset when the Canes aren't in the National Championship. But this will be a great game for all college football fans. Both teams are flawless on offense and defense and it hopefully will be a tight game. The only thing that bothers me about this game is the time that will elapse until the Championship. It will be over a month until this game takes place and for some fans I think this is too long.

Until next time, take it easy.

Hot Stove Winter

On Wednesday the Boston Red Soxs top management met with free agent outfielder Carl Crawford and his representatives. Crawford has played for the Soxs division rivals the Tampa Bay Rays for his whole career. With Red Soxs in transition mode picking up an elite outfielder will help them return to the playoffs and hopefully win a World Series. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5872129

As a Red Soxs fan I am definitely intrigued by these rumors. Crawford is a five tool player as he can hit for power and average, play solid defense and has excellent speed. An outfield with Jacoby Ellsbury and Crawford would be scary for the opposition especially at Fenway where the outfield is small. I believe this move could make us one the best five teams in the american league easily.

Until next time, take it easy.

U are Fired

After an unexpected loss on Saturday to South Florida, the University of Miami fired head football coach Randy Shannon. The Canes coach took over in 2006 and after a 9-4 season in 2009 big things were expected from this team. Shannon, who is a former Miami player could not translate all the talent on the roster in to another good season as the Canes finished 7-5. For the complete story:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/528453-randy-shannon-fired-from-miami-canes-crusade-will-continue-without-head-coach

While this move doesn't surprise me, I am still saddened to see Randy Shannon go. As a big Miami fan I was certainly disappointed by the season but Shannon brought a whole new culture to the team. The football program has drastically improved academically and had a significant drop in off the field problems.  Unfortunately they did not improve in on field success. The talent is definitely there the U must now find a coach that can bring that talent out every game, and make Miami the national powerhouse it once was.

Until next time, take it easy.

Bending the Rules

In a Champions League soccer match on Tuesday Real Madrid from Spain beat Ajax from Netherlands 4-0. But all people could talk about after the game was the deliberate or thought to be deliberate actions of Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho. In the finally minutes of the game it appears that Mourinho directed Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso to intentionally receive a second yellow card in order to get a red card and be ejected from the game. While he denied the claim, it makes sense because the red card would suspend the players for a meaningless game and wipe the two players slate clean for the remainder of the tournament. For the complete story:

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/championsleague/story/uefa-should-throw-rule-book-at-real-madrid

This is a very controversial topic in the soccer world the past few days. Many believe that what Mourinho did is legal and is simply doing what gives him the best chance to win. But the majority believe that it is cheating and that players should not be allowed to intentionally get themselves thrown out of a game. Personally, I have to agree with the majority not because I believe it is cheating but that it takes away from the integrity of the game. It is almost an unwritten rule, if more players keep doing this it will quickly ruin the great game of soccer.

Until next time, take it easy.

Slap Happy

In a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive end Richard Seymour of the Oakland Raiders was ejected after punching  quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the face. After completing a pass the quarterback appeared to say something to Seymour who then turned and struck him. Luckily Roethlisberger was wearing his helmet so he was not injured. The Steelers went on to win the game 35-3. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5835336

This comes as a surprise to me because Seymour was always a classy player and usually didn't cause trouble. Of course in the heat of battle emotions can run high and players might do things that they are not used to. I don't see this as a major problem just a mistake in Seymour's judgement. He is sure to get a suspension but will be fine after that.

Until next time, take it easy.

Youthful Act

In an international friendly on Wednesday the U.S Men's National Soccer team beat South Africa 1-0 in Cape Town. Revisiting the site of the 2010 World Cup the U.S team only carried five members from the World Cup so they could get a good look at many new faces against good competition. One of the members to shine was 17 year old Juan Agudelo, who scored the games only goal and became the youngest player to ever score for the U.S national team. For the complete story:

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/5818373/juan-agudelo-17-scores-lift-us-south-africa-friendly

This game is a good indication of the future of the U.S soccer. While many are still unsure how the young players will mature tonight was definitely a good sign of whats to come. The main stars of the U.S were home resting the U.S was still able to get a strong victory against a good opponent in South Africa. Hopefully these young players will learn from our best players and continue to improve soccer in America.

Until next time, take it easy.

Down the Final Stretch

Snapping a 70 race winless streak Carl Edwards took first in Phoenix in the second to last race in Nascar's Sprint Cup. But the bigger story was after a bad fuel strategy points leader Denny Hamlin lost some of his points to Jimmy Johnson. With one final race to go the points lead has never been this close in the new playoff format for Nascar. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=5806394

While Nascar does not really interest me, this is big news in the racing world. I believe if I passionately followed the sport than I would be very excited for the last week. I can compare it to baseball where at the end of the season several teams are fighting for the last playoff spots. Except in this instance the racers are already in the playoffs and the winner is the champion.

Until next time, take it easy.

Twitter Mistake

A Baltimore policeman will not be charged after receiving an autograph from professional football player Ray Rice during a traffic stop. Rice was pulled over for an illegal tint on his windows and after receiving a warning, the running back offered the policeman an autograph for his son. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5791255

This is a funny story because I'm sure the cop was shocked when he saw who he pulled over. I can only imagine meeting my favorite sports star in such a strange encounter. I'm also glad Rice was not pulled over for anything stupid and that the cop was not punished because in fact he did not give Rice any special treatment. Rice received no ticket and the cop got an autograph for both of them it was a good day.

Until next time, take it easy. 

Mr. President

While this story happened in September it was not publicized until recently. On September 18th, 2010, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant had the honor of playing some pick up basketball with President Barack Obama. Durant, who led the NBA in scoring last year had the help of his agent to get in contact with Reggie Love, a former NBA player and advisor of the Obama administration. Durant also invited his mother, grandmother and two teammates for the special invite. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5776652

I like this story for a couple reasons. First it is nice to see someone other than Lebron James or Kobe Bryant to be recognized by the president. Durant is an up and coming star in the league and he deserves the honor of meeting the president. Second I like how Durant invited his family to celebrate the event. For his mother and grandmother to live through times where blacks faced adversity, it must have been really special for the two to meet the first African American president.

Treating A Legend

After an unusual off year for the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter is now a free agent. Many believed it would be an easy decision to re sign the shortstop but maybe not. Hal Steinbrenner, son of the late great George Steinbrenner said recently that negotiations could get "messy". For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/news/story?id=5761615

I am a die-hard Red Soxs fan and this story just makes me hate the Yankees even more. Of any player in major league baseball no player has meant more to their team than Derek Jeter. For fourteen years Jeter has been the backbone of the historic franchise and the fact that the Yankees are treating him like just another player is despicable. While I'm not saying he deserves a ton of money because he is getting older but he he deserves the respect of the organization. The Yankees have so much money that it's not a problem and if Jeter does sign with another team it will be an extremely sad day for baseball.

Until next time, take it easy.

Fall of a Champion

In what was inevitable, Tiger Woods was surpassed as the number one golfer in the world. He was replaced by Lee Westwood at the top of the list. After 281 weeks, Woods is no longer the number one golfer in the world. In the past year as the country knows Woods has experienced a rough time not only off the course but on as well and many experts predicted this moment was going to eventually come.

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5748917

Personally I really do feel for Woods in losing his ranking. Yes he made some serious errors in judgement that unfortunately because of his position in sports became worldwide news. But golf was supposed to be the one place where all that around him would disappear for eighteen holes. For Woods, his problems off the course have visibly affected his atheletic status. I do see Woods one day returning as number one but for now he still must endure this long tough road to recovery.

Until next time, take it easy.

No Pitchers Duel Tonight

In a highly anticipated Game 1 of the World Series, The San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers 11-7. A match up of two dominate post season pitchers, hits were easy to come by. The Giants lit up Cliff Lee and the Rangers knocked Tim Lincecum out of the game early. The Giants are now three win away from winning their first championship since moving from New York to San Francisco. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301027126

This is a really big surprise to me, as I expected it to be a low scoring, tight game. Cliff Lee has been absolutely dominate in the playoffs up to this point, so it is very surprising to see him struggle. The steady Rangers defense also struggled as they committed four errors. I think there was a lot of nerves as both teams are very young and have almost no World Series experience. Hopefully the games will get better and we'll have an exciting series on our hands.

Until next time, take it easy.

Doing the Right Thing

A statement released by the New Jersey Nets states they will be donating $75,000 dollars to help injured college football player, Eric LeGrand. The junior from Rutgers was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle in a game against Army on October 16th. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5725230

This is a great story because you don't hear about these acts of kindness often. Its tragic to see a player suffer such a serious injury, especially being so young. But when the athletic community comes together to support each other it's truly a great thing. With the emotional and financial support from all hopefully one day LeGrand will be able to make a full recovery. Stories like these make you appreciate what you have that much more.

Until next time, take it easy.

Beast of the East

In what has already been a blockbuster off season in the NBA, the trade rumors continue to roll. The New York Knicks have made progress in acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. Sources have claimed Anthony has wanted out of Denver for awhile but no trade has been able to be worked out between teams. The Knicks have wanted a superstar ever since they lost out on high coveted free agents Lebron James and Chris Bosh. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5705466

Should this bet go through it will only make the already strong Eastern Conference even stronger. With Miami getting the big three (James, Bosh, and Dwayne Wade) and Chicago and Boston bolstering their rosters the East will be a tough road to get through. I personally hope Carmelo goes to the Knicks because it will be fun to watch these teams with multiple superstars play against each other. I also think it will greatly help the NBA because every town these super teams go to will play in front of a sell out crowd.

Until next time, take it easy.  

Up to the Computers

The first dreaded BCS computer's poll for college football was released on Sunday with Oklahoma atop the rankings. The BCS poll is basically a computer formula and the top two teams at the end of the season play in the national championship. Boise State, who could be the first non-bcs conference team to reach the championship is in third place and will need a lot of help. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5697573

The BCS poll is one of the most debated topics in all of sports. The major argument is why should a computer be able to decide who plays in the biggest game of the season. Many, including me believe that the poll should be removed and the top teams in the human polls should play in a playoff format. Unfortunately I don't see that happening anytime soon and college football will continue to suffer because of this formality. Think would baseball be as popular if a computer decided which two teams played in the World Series?

Until next time, take it easy.

Home Vs. Home

Tuesday night in Philadelphia the U.S Men's National soccer team played the Colombian National team in an international friendly. Captained by defender Oguchi Onyewu, the U.S tied their South American opponent 0-0. It was the first scoreless tie the U.S has played since an exhibition match in 2008 versus Argentina. For the complete story:

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/usa-held-to-a-home-draw-by-colombia-in-friendly-clash

This game was important for two reasons. One the U.S was able to experiment with different formations and second they gave some new players valuable experience in the international game. Particularly, Jermaine Jones who has looked very strong in his first couple games for the U.S. This game was very personal to me because I was born in Colombia. I'm glad it was a tie so that there was no loser.

Back Into Form

Led by starting pitcher Cole Hamels, the Philadelphia Phillies advance to the NLCS with a 2-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Hamels, who had an off year pitched a complete game with nine strikeouts. Chase Utley hit his 10th career postseason home run as the Phillies will wait to play the winner of the Giants-Braves series. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301010117

It's great to see Cole Hamels return to his 2008 postseason form. The Phillies have had dominate starting pitching the past month and I see them easily making it to the World Series. If so it would be the third straight season the Phillies reach the championship and the infamous talk of dynasty could start up.

Until next time, take it easy.

Back To Where It Started

In a sudden move New England Patriots star wide receiver Randy Moss was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Moss who started his career, has only nine catches for 139 yards and three TDs through four games this season. It was well known that Moss and the Patriots were not seeing eye to eye, many believed he would at least make it through the season. For the whole story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5653186

Living in New England this situation reminds me a lot of the Manny Ramirez saga. A beloved star slowly works his way out of town by being a major distraction. This move was inevitable because Moss was just not happy and the Patriots are the type of team that will not put up with a distraction in the locker room. It boiled over when Moss allegedly got into a fight with a coach in the locker room during a game Monday, an action simply unacceptable. Sad to see another great player leave New England but I believe it was the right move.

Until next time, take it easy.

All about the U

Facing an in-conference rival, the University of Miami football team beat the Clemson Tigers 30-21 on Saturday in South Carolina. Led by quarterback Jacory Harris who threw a career high four touchdowns, The U dominated all four quarters of the game. More importantly they put forth a strong defensive effort to maintain their number one defensive ranking in the conference. For the complete story:

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100210aab.html

After a tough loss to Ohio State the U have come back with two important wins. As a Hurricane fan I am excited to see the 'Canes start off their conference schedule with a win. Not only has Jacory Harris has matured into a star quarterback but also the team leader. If the 'Canes have a strong season they will finally return to the discussion of a national powerhouse.

Until next time, take it easy.

The Final Stretch

In their final game of the series the Atlanta Braves beat the Florida Marlins 5-1. Behind a strong pitching effort by Derek Lowe, the Braves maintained their lead in the Wild Card standings. With three games left in the season a playoff berth is in their grasp, in long time managers Bobby Cox's last season. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300929115

The Braves have had an up and down season in 2010. For awhile they held the division lead until they had a long slump and the Phillies took over the division. But I am really rooting for the Braves because Bobby Cox has had a great career as a manager and he deserves one last shot at a World Series trophy. They have a group of solid veteran players to go along with a core of young talented players and they will give any team a hard time if they make it to the playoffs.

Until next time, take it easy.

No Longer Undefeated

In a match up of two of the richest soccer clubs in England, Manchester City was able to beat undefeated Chelsea on Saturday 1-0. Chelsea led by midfielder Michael Essien, outshot Man City but was not able to overcome a second half goal by City's Carlos Tevez. For the complete story:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/473935-manchester-city-1-0-chelsea-how-city-beat-the-blues

For me this is a disappointing result because not only am I a Chelsea fan but this was an important game for the Blues. With second place Manchester United drawing this weekend, it would have been a great opportunity to grow their first place lead in the Premier League. Unfortunately, Chelsea did not play their usual attacking style and were too defensive. Luckily the season is still young and next game Chelsea will get a huge boost as playmaker midfielder Frank Lampard returns to the lineup.

Until next time, take it easy.

My First Blog Ever...

My name is Jared Winston and I am a Junior at Lesley College. I am majoring in Sports Management and hope to work with an organization to promote sports programs with troubled adolescents. I am also a member of the school's soccer team. Throughout my entire life, I have been very passionate about sports and for my blog, I will write about current sporting news as well as give my opinions on the events.

My first story is about Michael Vick, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. After having a spectacular opening to his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was sent to jail in 2007 for being involved in a dog fighting scandal. After serving his 21 month sentence, he was given a second chance with the Philadelphia Eagles. The following story from ESPN.com discusses how today, in his second season with the team, he was named the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5601286

In my opinion I believe this decision has been rushed by the head coach. Yes, Vick played extremely well in his last game but he has not played in consecutive games in over four years. If Vick does not play well in the next couple of games, the coach will have a tough decision on whether or not he wants to continue with Vick or return to Kevin Kolb, who was the starting quarterback at the beginning of the season. This will be a very interesting story to follow through out the year as it could potentially divide the locker room, which could result in poor performance on the field.

Until next time take it easy.