Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #1 Steroids

Our #1 Story of the Decade should come as no surprise. It has been the one word that has dominated sports throughout the 2000s. The Story of the Decade is unquestionably steroids.

Steroids, doping, and performance enhancing drugs are no strangers to sport. See the East German Olympic team. But, in the 2000s, we saw performance enhancing drugs affect sports like no other decade before. In this decade, story after story after story about steroids have taken center stage on the American sporting landscape. Especially in the sport of baseball, steroids and performance enhancing drugs have disappointed fans and make us wonder whether we can believe that the star athletes of today are legitimate, or drug-enhanced freaks. This decade we've seen Olympic Gold Medalists go to prison, former MVPs die at an early age, memories of great moments shrouded in doubt, and the greatest record in sports fall, except it was a moment that will live in infamy instead of glory.

Without doubt, baseball's battle with performance enhancing drugs has put a strain on the game throughout the decade. Heck, we're calling these years the "Steroid Era." We all know the names and the stories: Bonds, Balco, McGwire, Sosa, Palmeiro, Canseco, The Mitchell Report, Clemens, Radomski, and A-Rod. But, more importantly than the fact that these guys have used and seen their public reputations fall by the wayside is the disgrace they have brought to sports.

We've covered a lot of ground in this Decade Series over the past few months - but is it a wonder that of all of the great players, teams, and moments that we've covered Barry Bonds isn't on any list. Look around you, on any "best of the decade" lists - where is Bonds' 756th home run, or even his 71st that broke Mark McGwire's record? We've all been told that the all-time home run record is the greatest in all of sports. When somebody passed Hank Aaron, it was supposed to be one of the magical moments in sports history.

And yet, there are no highlights of Bonds breaking the record. There's no celebration, and there's no hero's adoration for Bonds. His breaking of the home run records are moments sports fans would rather forget than remember. Many people still consider 755 and 61 the "real" records. That is the real crime of steroids in the 2000s. Fans of an entire generation have been robbed of great moments in sports by cheating baseball players with heads the size of Jupiter.

Not even our past or future memories are safe. Remember the '98 chase between McGwire and Sosa? Remember how they saved baseball after the strike? Remember how much fun it was to be a baseball fan again and to watch them make history seemingly every day... well now what do we remember? We remember how dumb we were for not noticing the anomalies taking place. We remember how ignorant baseball and the media were of steroids entering the game. And we remember the embarrassing day on Capital Hill when McGwire didn't want to talk about the past... and Sosa forgot to speak English. And that wasn't the only embarrassing appearance by a baseball player on Capital Hill! The greatest pitcher of our generation, Roger Clemens, was involved in a schoolyard he said she said with former trainer Brian McNamee. After a furious campaign to save his tattered reputation, Clemens is now in hiding with Bonds away from the public eye.

But what about our future memories? What will happen when Alex Rodriguez surpasses Barry Bonds as baseball's all-time home run king? Surprisingly, A-Rod hasn't suffered the same vitriol that Bonds has after his startling steroid admission before the 2009 season - maybe it's because he actually came clean. Maybe it's just that sports fans are immune to their stars being exposed as cheaters. Won't he be just another sign of the Steroid Era and another black mark on the game of baseball?

But what about other sports? Marion Jones forfeited her gold medals and served time in prison for lying about her steroid use. Floyd Landis was stripped of his Tour de France victory in 2006. The French have chased Lance Armstrong like Sherlock Holmes - but no facts of Armstrong abusing performance enhancers has come to light. Boxing is clouded in a dispute between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao over drug testing which might prevent the Fight of the Century. The NFL saw Shawne Merriman suspended for steroids, but has largely escaped scrutiny for performance enhancing drugs. Rashard Lewis was suspended for 10 games, but again the NBA has been void of major PED controversy. Some guy named Doug Barron was suspended from the PGA Tour for PEDs, but at least they snuck into the Tiger Woods scandal for a day.

But, above all else, steroids and sports mean that we live in a different age. An age where skepticism abounds about the athletes we watch and cheer for on a daily basis. An age where we don't know who is legit, and who is a cheat. An age where millions of people can be disappointed in the people they admire on a regular basis.

Let's hope as the 2000s end and the teens begin that the Steroid Era can be firmly in the past and sports can finally move on. Let's hope that kids don't have to bring signs to ballgames about steroids in the next decade.

2009-2010 Bowl Pick 'Em Extravaganza - Part II

It's time for the second part of our RSS Bowl Pick 'Em Extravaganza! Part I can be found here. As you know, we've picked every game with confidence points and brought along Brother Yohey to make us feel good about our own picks. It's tight at the top between Y2 and Y1, but who will come out on top? Who will win the once important New Year's Day Bowls? Below will be each bowl game and our picks and confidence points. Play along at home and try and beat the bloggers! Part II starts with Friday's slate...

Jan 1 - Outback Bowl - Northwestern (8-4) v Auburn (7-5)

-Starting off the New Year will be the first of two Big 10/SEC matchups between conference also-rans Northwestern and Auburn. Northwestern should be pumped to be playing in a New Year's Bowl for the first time since Gary Barnett...and to be in sunny south Florida.

Mr. Yoder I: Auburn 11 Mr. Yoder II: Northwestern 5 Brother Yohey: Auburn 20

Jan 1 - Capital One Bowl - Penn St. (10-2) v LSU (9-3)

-The second SEC/Big 10 battle features two tenacious defenses in Penn St. and LSU. Right now I'm listening to Mark May pick against the Big Ten once again...gee, what a shock. Apparently LSU has also won 4 bowls in a row. But, remember, LSU is without leading rusher RB Charles Scott, and that's more important to us than the conference one comes from.

Mr. Yoder I: Penn St. 14 Mr. Yoder II: Penn St. 15 Brother Yohey: Penn St. 22

Jan 1 - Gator Bowl - West Virginia (9-3) v Florida St. (6-6)

-Bobby Bowden's final game with the Seminoles against the team he started with, his home state West Virginia. One could be cruel and joke that Bowden may get confused at some point and try to move across to WVU's sideline, but we're above that at this blog. He may want to though, even the emotion of this swan song can't hide that FSU stinks.

Y1: FSU 9 Y2: WVU 27 BY: WVU 15

Jan 1 - Rose Bowl - Ohio St. (10-2) v Oregon (10-2)

-Oregon will be looking to win their first Rose Bowl since 1917, and people think Ohio St. has performed poorly in the big bowl games! Seriously though, Ohio St. is in a no-win situation with regards to their national reputation. A win, and they didn't really beat one of the big boys. A loss cements that Ohio St. is a second-rate program. With that being said, it's going to be tough for OSU QB Terrelle Pryor to have the breakthrough performance the Bucks need. Of course, that doesn't stop a couple of homer picks from my colleagues.

Y1: OSU 23 Y2: Oregon 17 BY: Ohio St 23

Jan 1 - Sugar Bowl - Cincinnati (12-0) v Florida (12-1)

-Call this the bizarro coach bowl. UC Head Coach has already left for Notre Dame, spurning many of his players and leaving a sour taste in their mouths. Add to that interim Bearcats HC Jeff Quinn will move on to be the head man at Buffalo after the Sugar Bowl before former Central Michigan HC Butch Jones finally takes over in the Queen City. On the other sideline, we have the drama surrounding Urban Meyer. Meyer's shocking resignation made fans around the country sympathize with him for a matter of hours, before he promptly reversed his "tough" decision after one measly practice. Meyer's role reversal and "leave of absence" only proved what many already knew, nothing, not health, family, faith, or friends, is more important to these coaches than their football programs. All the coaching drama aside, Florida is the better team, but you'd know that if you followed our YCS fantasy playoffs, wouldn't you?...Oh no, we've just learned at RSS that the announcer for this game will be, gulp, Thom Brennaman! Let's remind you what happened last year when Brennaman announced Tebow and Florida's national title game win from last season. Imagine what he'll say about Urban Meyer when the guy's coaching off his death bed!

Y1: Cincinnati 8 Y2: Florida 34 BY: Florida 32

Jan 2 - International Bowl - South Florida (7-5) v Northern Illinois (7-5)

-And people wonder why the bowl games have lost some of their luster. If this is truly an international bowl, why not let Cambridge battle Osaka? Or, better yet, why not make this international football and have Manchester United play Barcelona? At least South Florida HC Jim Leavitt has Mike Leach to thank for taking him out of the spotlight, Lord knows this bowl game won't put him back in it, unless he goes all Woody Hayes on some poor NIU player.

Y1: South Florida 10 Y2: South Florida 8 BY: South Florida 8

Jan 2 - Cotton Bowl - Oklahoma St. (9-3) v Ole Miss (8-4)

-Speaking of losing its luster, I hear back in the day the Cotton Bowl use to be one of the most important bowls of all. Apparently now its the haven for highly touted preseason teams that turned into late season busts.

Y1: Ok St. 15 Y2: Ok St. 14 BY: Ole Miss 21

Jan 2 - PapaJohn's.com Bowl - South Carolina (7-5) v Connecticut (7-5)

-On par with the history of the Cotton Bowl, South Carolina and Connecticut will battle for the historic PapaJohn's.com Bowl trophy (and yes, apparently the .com is important). Does anyone think the ol' ball coach, Steve Spurrier, will be happy playing in this game? Meanwhile, Connecticut continues to inspire with their play in the memory of slain teammate Jasper Howard.

Y1: South Carolina 7 Y2: UConn 16 BY: UConn 9

Jan 2 - Liberty Bowl - East Carolina (9-4) v Arkansas (7-5)

-Just what you need for your post New Year's Day hangover...more mediocre football! This dandy does feature a conference champ in East Carolina, and the usual middle of the pack SEC team in Arkansas. To be honest, I don't even remember who I picked in this game...looking at the spreadsheet...apparently the pick is Arkansas. You can bet that's the last interest I show in this game.

Y1: Arkansas 16 Y2: Arkansas 13 BY: Arkansas 23

Jan 2 - Alamo Bowl - Texas Tech (8-4) v Michigan St. (6-6)

-By now everyone knows Mike Leach has been fired from Texas Tech for locking Craig James's kid in a broom closet. What's the big deal? When I was a kid, I had to walk uphill both ways in a driving rain before I could be locked in a broom closet! ESPN also took away all watchability by pulling Craig James from the broadcast...apparently it wasn't a conflict of interest before the Mike Leach scandal to have James broadcast his son's school. Oh yeah, that's right, his kid never played any way! You'd think all of the uproar would be a detriment to Texas Tech's chances, except Michigan St. suspended practically half of their knuckleheaded team for on-campus shenanigans. Can't both of these teams forfeit this game for advanced levels of stupidity and selfishness? Or at least be forced to dress up in an Alamo reenactment?

Y1: Texas Tech 21 Y2: Texas Tech 6 BY: Texas Tech 7

Jan 4 - Fiesta Bowl - TCU (12-0) v Boise St. (13-0)

-Expect this to be just as competitive as last year's bowl game between TCU and Boise St., except this will be on the national BCS stage. Here's hoping both teams show they belong in the discussion with the BCS conferences. Of course, FOX ruins the potential showcase by sending ultra meathead Tim Ryan and Sam Rosen to broadcast. Once again, as I've said before, FOX is simply giving every college football fan a big middle finger on its way out of broadcasting college football. Please, don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Y1: TCU 26 Y2: TCU 26 BY: TCU 30

Jan 5 - Orange Bowl - Georgia Tech (11-2) v Iowa (10-2)

-Iowa will have the final chance to make a good impression for the Big Ten against the triple option attack of ACC Champs Georgia Tech. While Iowa lived a charmed existence for much of their season, they'll need more than luck to counter the punishing ground game of the Wreck led by Nesbitt and Dwyer, even with a month to prepare. Oh by the way, this is FOX's last bowl game, and of course, we get Dick Stockton to close out in style. If you have any left over champagne or beer from New Year's, you could easily finish it off in this one. Take one drink every time Dick Stockton makes a mistake, and chug every time Stockton acts like he's covering a different sport. If Dick Stockton suddenly flashes back to Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, smash every beer bottle you own over your own head. (Of course, we at RSS don't promote binge drinking, so maybe don't try this extreme drinking game unless you are a trained professional).

Y1: Ga Tech 20 Y2: Ga Tech 28 BY: Ga Tech 24

Jan 6 - GMAC Bowl - Central Michigan (11-2) v Troy (9-3)

-At first, you may merely dismiss this as another mediocre bowl game, but don't! The matchup between MAC champs Central Michigan and Sun Belt champs Troy should be a matchup of two quality mid-majors, not the retread contests between mediocre teams from BCS conferences. Also take the chance to check out CMU QB Dan LeFevour, who may be a legit dark horse prospect at the next level.

Y1: CMU 25 Y2: CMU 32 BY: CMU 25

Jan 7 - BCS National Championship - Alabama (13-0) v Texas (13-0)

-Finally, the long, arduous journey to reach the national championship has arrived! From the very beginning, these two have been in the Top 3 of the YCS. Can Colt McCoy recover after his shaky performance in the Big 12 title game? How will 'Bama RB Mark Ingram respond after winning the Heisman Trophy? The way we see it, it should be another low-scoring affair, but 'Bama's defense is too stout and the strides made by 'Bama QB Greg McElroy and WR Julio Jones will more than make up for any lack of performance by Ingram.

Y1: Alabama 32 Y2: Alabama 23 BY: Alabama 27

Happy New Year from RSS! Don't forget to check back after the bowl season to see how we stacked up! Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion of our Top 10 Stories of the Decade and the last of our blogging in 2009...we hope you'll stick with us as we move into the teens! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter, until next time, it's bye for now!

Protecting the Shield - Week 16 Recap

Let's get right into PtS this week, it'll be slightly abridged because of the holiday business!

Underrated & Overrated Story of The Week: The Colts Give Up

-We knew this was coming. We knew that if the Colts had a chance at history that they wouldn't go for it... so why all of the vitriol when Peyton Manning was pulled for Curtis Painter in the 3rd Quarter of Sunday's loss to the Jets? We knew this was coming, remember. But, now that we have actually seen it happen - the question remains, why did Colts fans and national media react so negatively? Here's 5 reasons including some under the radar observations:

1) The Colts were going solo for 16-0 - With the Saints bowing out of the picture (more on them later), all of the pressure was on the Colts perfect pursuit. Thus, they had 100% of the spotlight when they inserted Curtis Painter to "close the deal."

2) Timing - The interesting subplot is why Manning was pulled when he was. In the middle of the 3rd quarter in a close game? Why not at halftime, or after a few series? What is the point in playing 2/3 of a game... and then pulling your best players? That's the aspect that made no sense.

3) They were sooo close - The Colts were literally just over 5 quarters from a perfect season. Finishing off the Jets and the Sanchise, and then beating the Brian Brohm led Bills in Week 17. It was so close that Colts fans and everyone else could taste 16-0, and then the Colts robbed their players and their fans a chance at history.

4) The players wanted it - You could tell, especially while Peyton Manning watched that atrocious 4th quarter, that the players knew history was ripped out of their hands. But, hey, at least this strategy has worked in the past... wait, it hasn't? Hmm...

5) There are no other precedents in sport - When can you ever remember someone for all intent and purpose throwing a game with history on the line? Jordan didn't sit in the pursuit of 70 wins. This is like a jockey slowing up down the stretch in the Preakness to save his horse for the Belmont - it doesn't make any sense. This is like Coach K resting his Dukies in the ACC Tournament to save them for the Big Dance. This is like Ohio State saying screw Michigan, we want to save ourselves for the Rose Bowl (although OSU's backups could still handle Michigan easily, cha-ching!). Nowhere else in sports do you see a team simply refuse a chance at being the best. Isn't that why we play and watch sports: to win and be the best? Time will tell whether this was all worth the trouble in the end.

3 Stars:

3rd Star: Donovan McNabb & Philip Rivers (QB-Eagles/Chargers)

-These 2 guys are leading the hottest teams in the AFC and NFC respectively. With another win in Week 16, watch out for these two teams coming from the likely #2 seeds in each conference. Also watch for hundreds of talking heads to jump on their respective bandwagons.

2nd Star: Carolina Panthers

-A total team effort in demolishing the Giants in a must-win game at the Meadowlands. Matt Moore played very well, Steve Smith gutted through a broken arm, and Jonathan Stewart ran for over 2 bills. Thankfully for NFC playoff teams, Carolina will be watching in January.

1st Star: Jay Cutler (QB-Bears)

-Wow, for once Jay Culter played well in primetime! 4 TDs including the game-winner in OT and even outdueling the greatest and most wonderful human being who has ever walked the face of the planet - that is enough to earn our #1 star! Maybe this is the silver lining Bears fans needed to get through an offseason without a 1st or 2nd round draft pick, no O-Line, and now maybe 1 legit WR in Devin Aromashodu.

Fab 5:

1. Indy

2. New Orleans

3. San Diego

4. Philly

5. Minny

-A thought about our rankings: As far as I'm concerned, the Colts remain unbeaten. The rest of the rankings remain the same because I'm still hoping New Orleans gets things figured out before playoff time... hoping.

8 Random Observations:

1) About my Saints - I don't know why, but I just thought they would find a way to lose that game to Tampa Bay. Thanks to Chicago, the Saints do have the #1 seed, but is it too late to save the ship? There is a tendency to overrate year-end performances, everyone will forget the late season struggles of NO, Min, and Indy if they reach Miami.

2) However, I would be concerned with only scoring 17 points against Dallas and Tampa Bay the last 2 weeks. Watch for the returns of a healthy Jeremy Shockey and Jabari Greer to give a huge boost to the Saints... at least that's what I'm praying for.

3) My Lord, MNF was an all night love fest. Do me a favor and Twitter search Favre and ESPN to see what comes up. The in-game coverage was pitiful and the postgame was just as bad. Here's my angry man, Peter Griffin You Know What Really Grinds My Gears column from last night. Don't even bother calling it journalism when Favre is involved.

4) As if that wasn't bad enough, the headlines from the day included, "Favre Impresses" and just this evening "Mainstay Favre to back up Brees in Pro Bowl." Yes, that's right. Brett Favre is the star attraction even though the fans voted in a different guy. But, why should what any fans think matter when the Almighty Brett lords over all.

5) While the Favre hype is unbearable, the hype about the NFC East is just as bad at times (see Cowboys v Redskins on Sunday Night). Thankfully, Rumors & Rants articulates those feelings nicely here.

6) You know what game I would've flexed into Sunday Night next week? Titans @ Seahawks. Chris Johnson deserves to have the spotlight for 3 hours out of this season. He needs 128 yards for 2,000 and with Tennessee out of the playoff picture he'll get his chances. Unfortunately, Johnson's quest will go unnoticed like it has all season.

*For the rest of the season we'll save our last 2 observations to take a look at the AFC and NFC Playoff Picture! Here's who we think will get in...

AFC:

1) Indy 14-2 (L @ Buf)

2) SD 13-3 (W v Wsh)

3) NE 11-5 (W @ Hou)

4) Cincy 11-5 (W v NYJ)

5) Bal 9-7 (W @ Oak)

6) Pitt 9-7 (W v Mia)

*The Jets choke on Sunday night as Pittsburgh and Baltimore take care of business to make remarkable turnarounds and get into the postseason.

NFC:

1) New Orleans 13-3 (L @ Car)

2) Philadelphia 12-4 (W v Dal)

3) Minnesota 12-4 (W v NYG)

4) Arizona 11-5 (W v GB)

5) Green Bay 10-6 (L @ Zona)

6) Dallas 10-6 (W @ Wsh, L v Phi)

Incredibly, Dallas and Arizona have a chance at the 2 seed, but we see Philly beating the Boys and the Vikes rebounding against the hapless Giants.

What Happened In Week 16 That Will Change The Season: Setting The Course For The Playoffs

-It's amazing to see the different tracks in which teams are taking to the postseason. In truth, it is incredibly hard to pick a favorite amongst this bunch of teams. Let's take a look at the different paths that the Super Bowl hopefuls are on...

Fading & Praying - New Orleans, Minnesota, *Indy (by choice)

Surging & Streaking - Philly, San Diego

Flying Under The Radar - Cincy, NE, GB

Looking For A Rematch - Pittsburgh, Arizona

The Trendy Wild Card Picks - Dallas, Baltimore

Will one of these groups of teams stand up once the playoffs start? You know, if this season has proved anything, it's that we have no idea what will happen come playoff time. Maybe New Orleans will rise up and find their 13-0 magic? Maybe Dallas will ride their new December success to Miami? Maybe Brady & Belichick turn it on? Really, I could seriously see any combination of these 12 teams playing for the Super Bowl in Miami. Whoever makes it, it'll be a wild ride to get there.

Check back for our #1 Story of the Decade and our 2010 CFB Bowl Picks!

ESPN's MNF Postgame Wants To Make Me Drive Flaming Poison Darts Into My Eyes And Ears

My God this is unbearable.

I'm currently watching Karl Ravech, Scott Van Pelt, and Trent Dilfer psychoanalyze, make excuses for, and try and sugarcoat the Vikings' loss to the Bears on Monday Night Football. I think what I'm really watching is three Vikings fans sitting around a bar in Duluth, MN try to rationalize what happened tonight. I think what I'm watching is a network in shock that their favorite son couldn't pull out a heroic victory. I think what I'm really watching is ESPN trying to spin this Vikings loss like Fox News spun a George W press conference.

Let me fill you in to what really happened: the Vikings.... and Brett Favre.... lost... to the crappy Bears!

They blew a chance at the #1 seed.

They blew a chance to have a 1st Round Bye in their hands.

They let Jay Cutler throw 4, yes 4, Touchdowns!

But, watching this postgame coverage, you would have never guessed that in a million years. There were so many positives to take from this game for Minnesota. And boy, these full postgame press conferences from Favre and Childress are compelling. This love affair with Favre and the media has been the scorn of this blog and many sports fans across the country - but this may be the most excruciating night for those of us sensible, level-headed sports fans, who don't wake up every morning, face to the north, and pray to the almighty Brett.

This isn't even mentioning the three cheerleaders in the booth that announced the game for cripe's sake. Wow, I'm glad I only caught the last 2 minutes and overtime (although you can see from the tweets at the upper right that my brother had to suffer through it all, thank God for me the Bears actually won).

Please, after the sleepwalking press conference, give me some brilliant insight Karl Ravech. "You can't win when you allow more than you score." Wow. Thanks Karl. Go back into your hole with Tim Kurkjan until Baseball Tonight begins.

I would rather take a bubble bath in sulphuric acid then have to sit through another season of Brett Favre playing NFL football and listen to the collective sports media gravel at his feet. At this point, it's not even about Favre himself. Yes, he's ego-driven and incredibly selfish. But the coverage of him is 1,000 times more embarrassing and frustrating. Please, let the Vikings lose in their first playoff game, and let Brett Favre go away for good - before I have to boycott all sports for the next 10 years.

If you're a jubilant Bears fan - you've come to the wrong place if you want to hear about Jay Cutler's great MNF performance. You've come to the wrong place for analysis of whether this win saved Lovie Smith's job. You've come to the wrong place if you want a look at the big picture and how this affects the Saints, Eagles, Cowboys, and Cardinals. If you are a fan of football that is looking for impartial coverage of a Monday Night classic - you've come to the wrong place. If you have 17 Brett Favre and Minnesota Vikings fathead posters on your wall - well, enjoy the rest of the evening.

You know, maybe I'm being too hard, maybe I should give them a chance when they come back from commercial. Let's see what they have to say going into the break...

"The non-Viking part of the program will actually involve more about the Vikings."

Now where do I keep those flaming, poison darts again...

Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #2 Sports & 9/11

Our #2 Story of the Decade revolves around how sports helped a nation to heal and recover from one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the United States. In the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks, we knew our world would never be the same. In the days and weeks after those events, the sports world played a small part in trying to help a nation get through tough times. While 9/11 reminded us that there are many more important things than sports, it was also a reminder of why we love sports.

In truth, this article doesn't need a lot of words. We were there and lived through those events. Those of us who consider ourselves hardcore sports fans leaned on the games on the field to distract us from the world off of it. There are a few moments from sports in the days after 9/11 that will forever stand as testaments to the American spirit and the American sporting landscape.

Jack Buck's Speech

-Perhaps no moment encaptured the feelings of the nation than this historic speech given by legendary Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck. Buck, ailing from lung cancer, eloquently stated what few could in the days after 9/11. This speech was delivered on September 17, 2001, the first day baseball resumed. Here's the inspiring video...

The President's First Pitch

-As the city of New York rallied around the Yankees, they made a sensational run to the World Series on the back of the famous defensive plays made by Derek Jeter. For once, the nation was rooting for the Yankees as they took on the upstart Diamondbacks. Before Game 3 of the World Series (and the first in NY), President Bush arrived in Yankee Stadium to throw the ceremonial 1st pitch. What followed was one of the defining moments of the decade...

You can't underestimate the importance and symbolism of that moment. For the President of the United States to stand alone on the mound at Yankee Stadium was a huge step so soon after 9/11. Regardless of what you think of the Bush presidency, walking out on that Yankee Stadium mound was a seminal moment after 9/11. And then, to throw a perfect strike and to hear chants of USA echo through Yankee Stadium - I don't think there was a better moment in sports this decade.

The Yankees' dramatic wins in Games 4 and 5 made it seem like fate would reside with the Bronx Bombers. It was such a surreal experience to watch the Yankees win those games on walk-off home runs in New York City. Unfortunately, the Yankees would lose the series to the D-Backs in 7 games. But, winning those games in New York during the 2001 World Series provided just a glimmer of happiness for New York so soon after 9/11.

Pat Tillman

-The Cardinals safety, so known for his fiery play on the field, gave up a multi-million dollar contract with the Cardinals to enlist in the Army during the offseason after the 9/11 attacks. Instead of earning millions, Tillman inspired millions. Sadly, after several tours of duty, Tillman was killed by friendly fire in April 2004. He is immortalized in a statue outside the University of Phoenix Stadium. Pat Tillman was 27.

With the Tiger Woods' scandal, Mike Vick's dogfighting, suffering through Spygate, and witnessing Malice in the Palace, its easy to forget the positives of sport. The days after 9/11 showed us sport in its purest and best form - without the sharpies, popcorn, taunting, self-aggrandizing, violence, cheating, and everything else that has brought sports down this decade. Sports after 9/11 was encouraging and uplifting, just what we needed it to be.

We'll leave you with this montage of clips from various stadiums around the country after 9/11...

Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #3 Tiger on the Prowl

Our #3 Story of the Decade is only a little more than one month old, which tells you how it has shaken the sports world. Tiger Woods, the greatest golfer of a generation and the greatest athlete of the decade, now is on an indefinite sabbatical from golf to focus on fixing a wrecked home life. How did Tiger fall so far so fast? What does it say about sports' place in the pop/tabloid press? And where do we go from here?

Some of these questions have already been answered in our fine roundtable from earlier this month. But in case you've been quarantined with swine flu for the last month, you've missed quite a bit. Just after the Thanksgiving holiday, Tiger Woods got into what was first described as a "serious" car accident. As word slowly trickled out, the public learned the uber-private Woods suffered only scrapes, but his minor accident only evoked more questions. Why was he driving after midnight? How did he crash literally a five-iron from his own driveway? What was Tiger hiding from the police? What role did his "heroic" wife play in "rescuing" him?

As the public found out only days later, the intrigue behind the car accident was Tiger's secret life of womanizing and adultery. First there was the National Enquirer story about a New York hostess. Then a former VH1 reality show contestant (really Tiger, sloppy seconds from Tool Academy...at least try to pick up a Rock of Love or Flavor of Love girl) sold her story to US Weekly full of gory details and Tiger's voicemail that revealed he had been caught red-handed. Heck, there's even a hilarious remix of Tiger's voicemail.

All in all, the count is at 14 women currently full of cocktail waitresses, failed models, hostesses, groupies, porn stars and "escorts". Who knew Tiger wasn't only going for Jack Nicklaus's record for majors, but also Wilt Chamberlain's record for most sexual partners. Good thing Tiger never played this drinking game with his friends.

But, in all seriousness, this is no laughing matter, especially to Tiger Woods. He's already been dropped by Accenture as their spokesperson and has also been phased out of ads from Tag Heuer and Gillette. Although not to the same extent as Kobe Bryant, Woods has been shunned by sponsors, peers, and fans alike. It's not only how fast Tiger has fallen, but how far. His favorability rating (who knew athletes even had such a thing) has fallen from 85% to 33%. Whispers and tabloid rumors of treatment for addictions to sex and pain pills has persisted. Tiger even was almost dragged into a performance-enhancing drug scandal with a doctor from Canada. One has to ask, could it get much worse for Tiger Woods? In less than a month, the AP's Athlete of the Decade (agreeing with our earlier rankings here) has gone from worldwide hero to joke for Internet gamers and fat guys at hockey games.

Side Note: This is not another cheap joke. Y1 and I were at a recent Columbus Blue Jackets/Phoenix Coyotes NHL game in CBus (yes, the tickets were free). During a timeout, a fat guy in a CBJ jersey started dancing and naturally, had to take the jersey off. What was underneath? A message saying "I was Tiger's #13". How the mighty have fallen, indeed.

And with his indefinite leave from the game, his golfing career is in just as much jeopardy as his marriage. We already speculated on when Tiger will return, and it still looks as if Arnold Palmer's tourney at Bay Hill is the most logical spot. But still, nobody knows for sure. His fans around the world have seen Tiger face any and all obstacles on the course, how will he rebound from trouble at home? One thing's for sure, the way our athletes are covered in the media has forever been changed.

The wave of tabloid sports journalism has been cresting throughout the decade. The embers were flamed when the New York papers began chronicling Alex Rodriguez's alleged adultery. But, the Tiger Woods story has seemed to create a monster. TMZ.com began covering the Tiger Woods scandal with the same tenaciously wild speculation as any other Hollywood rumor. The New York Post had Tiger Woods on its cover a record 20 straight days, one more than the 9/11 attacks (and if you didn't just throw up in your mouth over that you should reconsider). TMZ is even in talks to create its own site devoted entirely to sports. What's next, snapping pics of a groggy Jay Cutler walking out of a Chicago bar, or finding out what brand name cereal LeBron James had for breakfast? Babe Ruth is rolling over in his grave with excitement these tabloids didn't exist in his day.

So how do you want your sports media covered in the next decade? Cozy access to our athletes to get that extra feature on SportsCenter (think Big Ben's sexual allegations being swept under the rug by ESPN)? Wild allegations that may be true 10% of the time, and needlessly ruin reputations the other 90% (think the worst qualities of Deadspin/TMZ on a healthy HGH/MyoPlex regiment)? The sad reality is both will be fighting for the hearts and minds of sports fans in the 2010's. Hey, there could be some good to come from all of this, maybe ESPN can stop Skip Bayless from frothing at the mouth and put him into some bushes outside TO's house in full camo gear. At least that would solve one problem.

What are your thoughts on the Tiger scandal and the way its affected coverage of sports? Do you prefer screaming talking heads, "hard-hitting" journalism, or wink, wink innuendos? Let us know by posting a comment, and don't forget to follow us on Twitter. Hopefully Blogger holds up long enough to finish our Top 2 Stories of the Decade and the 2nd part of our RSS Bowl Pick 'Em. Until then, Happy New Year, and bye for now!

Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #4 Violence & The NFL

This decade in the NFL has seen many exciting moments on the field. We saw a team go 16-0, we saw one thrilling Super Bowl after another, and we saw the NFL cement its place at the top of the American sporting landscape. But, we also saw scandals, tragedy, and violence affect the league off the field as dogfighting becoming a part of our common vocabulary. Our #4 Story of the Decade chronicles Violence & the NFL.

While the NBA has the reputation as the league that has an image and violence problem, this decade the NFL has seen too many stories on the front pages of sports sections all across the country with off-field incidents. Some of these incidents have been blips on the radar: countless players have been charged with assault, or involved in domestic disputes, caught with drugs, alcohol, or pulled over for speeding. These have become such common occurrences that we don't even blink an eye (Falcons DT Jonathan Babineaux was found in possession of marijuana this season and played two days later, Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes is another example). However, there have been many other stories where players have been perpetrators and victims of even more severe violence. Here's a list of the incidents that sent shockwaves through the NFL and the sports world:

Ray Lewis (Jan 2000) –

The All-Pro Ravens LB was charged with murder after two people died in an altercation after a Super Bowl party in Atlanta. Eventually, Lewis settled for pleading guilty to obstruction of justice and was fined $250,000 by the NFL after he was found to be a peacemaker in the confrontation. The next year he won the Super Bowl MVP. Even though he was cleared of all involvement in the murder, Lewis was passed over in favor of QB Trent Dilfer to say, “I’m going to Disney World.” Lewis’ reputation since the incident has been impeccable.

Fred Lane (July 2000) – The Panthers RB was shot and killed by his wife in his home months after being traded to Indianapolis. Though the defense decried it was the case of self-defense after suffering sustained abuse, she pled guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and was released from prison earlier this year. Lane was 24.

Love Boat Scandal (Oct 2005) – Several Minnesota Vikings players were involved in scandal on the waters of Lake Minnetonka. Two boats filled with players hired prostitutes and strippers from around the country as members of the Vikings engaged in public sexual actions. Embarrassment was brought to the organization as Fred Smoot, Bryant McKinnie, and Moe Williams were guilty of misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Darrent Williams (Jan 2007) – The young Broncos CB was shot dead in Denver in the early morning hours of January 1^st. Williams was not involved in an incident at a Denver nightclub earlier in the evening, but fell victim to a drive-by shooting later in the evening. Williams was 24.

PacMan Jones (2005-2007) –

Perhaps the most infamous poster child of the league’s personal conduct policy. Jones was involved in several off-field incidents and arrested numerous times. The most serious of which involved a shooting at a Las Vegas strip club in February 2007. The Titans corner accepted a plea deal after being charged with two felonies. Later that year, the PacMan was suspended for the entire 2007 season by NFL Commish Roger Goodell. After a controversial year with the Cowboys, Jones was released in February 2009.

Tank Johnson (2006-2007) – While not the star of the personal conduct policy like PacMan Jones, Tank Johnson was suspended for half of a season in 2007. Johnson’s bodyguard was killed in a 2006 Chicago shooting and the Bears DT then served jail time for weapons charges in 2007. After being cut by the Bears, Tank signed with the Cowboys and currently plays with Cincinnati.

Mike Vick (2007) – The most well-known sports scandal of the pre-Tiger decade. Vick, the star of the Atlanta Falcons, and one of the icons of the league, became embroiled in trouble in April 2007. A drug investigation into his cousin led police to discover dog-fighting activities on Vick’s property. In a few months, Vick’s world came tumbling down as the sports world learned about dogfighting and Bad Newz Kennels. Vick not only admitted to leading the dogfighting ring, but being implemented in funding and gambling associated with it. Perhaps even more shockingly, Vick was found to have brutally executed dogs who underperformed as well.

Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in jail in federal prison on December 10, 2007. The controversy surrounding Vick exposed a shocking culture of dogfighting and pure cruelty that appalled America. The fact that this was one of the faces of the NFL who was involved in such abhorrent behavior was all the more stunning. Vick was indefinitely suspended by the NFL and returned 2 years later to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite small protests, Vick has returned without controversy to the NFL. Recently, he was awarded with the Ed Block Courage Award by his Eagles teammates for his comeback. To his credit, Vick has appeared to make the most of his second chance thus far by partnering with the Humane Society and speaking out against dogfighting.

Sean Taylor (Nov 2007) –

The Redskins safety was the tragic victim of a shooting in his Florida home while recovering from an injury in 2007. Taylor died as a result of a gunshot wound to his femoral artery during an attempted robbery. The death of the All-Pro safety shook the NFL and the Redskins memorably took the field against the Bills in their first game after Taylor’s death with 10 men. Taylor was 24.

Plaxico Burress (Nov 2008) – Perhaps the most ridiculous case this decade came in 2008 when the man who caught the game winning TD in the Super Bowl shot himself in the leg… literally. The Giants receiver had no license to carry the gun in New York and is currently serving a two-year prison sentence under strict New York gun law.

Donte Stallworth (Mar 2009) – A year after signing a 7 year contract with the Browns, Stallworth struck and killed a pedestrian with his car in Miami. While the pedestrian was not in a crosswalk, Stallworth was over the blood alcohol limit. He was convicted of DUI and manslaughter and served 30 days in jail. He’s currently suspended for the 2009 season.

Steve McNair (July 2009) – The former Titans QB, so known for his heart and inspiration, was shot by his mistress on July 4^th. McNair’s gruesome death and the details of his affair were shocking considering his positive reputation. The former All-Pro was the victim of a murder-suicide. McNair was 36.

Chris Henry (2005-2007, Dec 2009) –

Along with PacMan and Tank, Chris Henry was one of the notables of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He was suspended for 8 games in 2007 for multiple incidents including drunk driving and gun charges. Henry returned to the Bengals and had seemed to straighten while resigning with the Bengals before the 2009 season. A month after being placed on IR, Henry died after falling out of a truck driven by his fiancé during a domestic dispute. To this date, details are scarce about exactly what happened that day. Henry was 26.

That’s a dozen cases of serious violence, including many cases involving guns and murder. In 2007, new commish Roger Goodell implemented an NFL Personal Conduct Policy to address these instances and improve the image of the league. While the personal conduct policy is a step, nobody is quite sure how it works. Has it been a success? Sure, it’s suspended players for wrong-doings, but is it accomplishing anything? Is it a success when Pro Bowlers are killing dogs and Super Bowl heroes are sitting in a jail cell? Is the league not suffering even more from this problem of violence than 3 years ago?

Fans are left wondering when tragedy will strike their team next. Perhaps no story has been more underreported and yet so much a common fabric of American sports in recent years. Violence and the NFL has been a constant headline throughout the decade. Will there be another next Vick, Stallworth, or Burress? Is it a question of if, or when another distressing incident happens. Heck, a 2 time Super Bowl champ, Ben Roethlisberger, is in a sexual assault lawsuit, and it has barely been reported.

Sadly, nobody is shocked anymore when the latest player involved in trouble scrolls across the bottom of our screens. Even more troubling, the sight of NFL stars dying or being gunned down at an early age has become all too common this decade. What will the NFL do in the coming years to help its players and reverse the violent trend that has afflicted the league? Furthermore, the growing number of premature health problems and death caused by brain trauma (Mike Webster, Andre Waters, etc.) and the ascension of concussions are a major on-field concern.

For the first time in many years, the NFL is on seriously shaky ground. These next 10 years will be vitally important for the NFL and its players. Will violence destroy the most popular sports league in the world or will the NFL and its players stand up and find a way to take violence out of the game that millions love? While everybody wants to see that question answered in a positive way, there are uncertain times ahead.

Top 10 Stories of the Decade - #5 The Changing Face of the NBA

Our #5 Story of the Countdown is perhaps the most overlooked one of the decade. In the past 10 years, the NBA has come a long way. From the Malice in the Palace to the Redeem Team, it's been a roller-coaster ride for the Association. But with a wave of new, young stars and the reinvention of others, the NBA is finally moving in the right direction.

For several reasons, the NBA was akin to a ship lost at sea for much of the decade. At the beginning of the 2000's, the Lakers and Spurs began sowing the seeds of their dominance. Behind the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe, the Lakers won the first 3 titles of the decade. However, their success was fleeting. Neither could live with the other in complete harmony. Despite coach Phil Jackson's best efforts, Kobe and Shaq were destined to separate.

Meanwhile, San Antonio, led by the most unappreciated athlete/coach combo of the decade, Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich, became the quiet dynasty, winning 3 titles later in the decade. However, the Spurs could never capture the national conscience like Jordan's Bulls or the Shaq/Kobe Lakers. Their Finals appearances in 2003 and 2007 would be responsible for the two lowest-rated NBA Finals in history. The NBA also had an even bigger challenge than a championship team nobody wanted to watch.

The unequivocal face of the league, Michael Jordan, had ended his second retirement and joined the Washington Wizards in 2001. But, even though His Airness was back, the league was hurting to find its next great superstar. Vince Carter wowed with his Dunk Contest performance in 2000, but he could never take his game to the next level. Allen Iverson established himself as one of the league's toughest competitors, but his close association with the hip-hop generation of players and his checkered past didn't endear him to the NBA's marketing machine (not to mention one of our favorite soundbytes in 2002). Grant Hill was to be one of the stars of the decade, but his injured ankle caused him to play 47 games in 4 years after signing with Orlando (2000-2004). As Jordan's career finally wound down in 2003, the league was absent a reliable star.

The vacuum created by Jordan's retirement wouldn't be fulfilled by a new wave of stars immediately. Instead, the NBA would be thrust into two of the most dramatic controversies seen in sports. First, in July 2003, Kobe Bryant, three-time NBA Champion and the heir apparent to the Jordan throne, was arrested in Colorado and charged with sexual assault. Although Bryant's criminal charges were dismissed, Kobe had to succumb to a civil settlement and the loss of endorsements. Added to the personal embarrassment of a public apology and losing to the underdog Pistons in the next year's Finals, Kobe Bryant's image was at an all-time low. His "engineering" of Shaq's trade to Miami the next year in the summer of 2004 cemented Bryant as one of the league's villains, not as the face of the post-Jordan era.

As if things couldn't get any worse, the NBA reached an all-time low point on Nov. 19, 2004. At first, it seemed to be just a normal regular season game between bitter rivals, the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. However, late in the game Ron Artest and Ben Wallace started a scuffle between the two teams. Just as it looked like cooler heads were going to prevail, the madness began to unfold that would forever be known as Malice in the Palace.

Bill Walton certainly summed it up best, the lowest point in the NBA in 30 years. Children crying at your sporting events isn't exactly the best way to invite and grow fans. Suddenly, the NBA was at a crossroads. They had already been through the JailBlazers and the widening gap between the common fan and the new breed of NBA players, but never had an American professional league had to deal with such a debacle. Credit David Stern for ruling with an iron fist in the wake of the brawl. In total, 9 players were suspended 146 games, including Artest's suspension for the remainder of the season. Stern implemented further reforms after the brawl, including implementing a new dress code, which was seen as a racially-tinged backlash against the growing hip-hop influence on its players. Although not directly related, in 2005 Stern also put into place an age limit preventing high schoolers from making a direct jump to the pros. Although the age limit still isn't perfect, both of these reforms helped rehabilitate the image of the league.

However, the NBA still needed someone to lift the Association from the depths of despair. The NFL and college football had exploded in popularity, while the NBA seemed to lag behind. The worldwide appeal and prestige of the NBA game had even taken a hit with their first international loss in the 2002 World Championships and a shocking 6th place finish. This was followed by a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics, a first for a "Dream Team". But in the aftermath of all of these negatives, finally, a new crop of exciting, and marketable young stars began to take control of the league.

The 2003 NBA Draft will forever be remembered for giving the NBA a trio of fresh new faces which have carried the NBA back into mainstream acceptance. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony all started strong as rookies, and have grown into legit superstars and reliable ambassadors for the game of basketball. James especially has become the marketing face of the NBA and the hope of an entire city, Cleveland. Wade has won a championship himself and Anthony has become one of the game's top scorers. These three have been joined by other likeable young stars like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Brandon Roy and others in raising the profile of the league. David Stern also wisely embraced an influx of international talent to grow the NBA globally better than any other American sports league, thanks in large part to players like Yao, Dirk, and Steve Nash (I know, I know, but technically Canada is an international market).

The culmination of the good will established by a new generation of post-Jordan stars was the 2008 Olympics. Instead of shunning the Olympic stage, these young athletes embraced the challenge of regaining Olympic glory and reestablishing the NBA game on the international stage. The "Redeem Team" did just that, capturing Olympic gold in Beijing.

In addition to success abroad, franchises like the Celtics and Lakers also have seen a revival, winning back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009 respectively. The 17th banner for the Celtics gave a first championship to the popular trio of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. Even the Lakers latest championship has seemed to unofficially welcome Kobe Bryant back in to the circle of accepted NBA icons. In every way possible, the league has recovered from their poor image, international failures, and on-court controversy. Even the recent Tim Donaghy scandal has done little long-term damage to the sport, although the referee debate will continue into the next decade. Thanks to a bevy of likeable, marketable, talented young stars, led by King James, the NBA is finally on the way back. As we close the decade, the NBA is in the best place it's been in the post-Jordan era. And for once, its future looks even brighter than its present.

We'll be back with our Top 4 Stories of the Decade after the Christmas holiday as well as Part II of our Bowl Pick 'Em Extravaganza! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours from RSS!