Here today... Ghana tomorrow.

An unfortunate end to an improbable run. The United States soccer team lost this evening to the Black Stars of Ghana.

It was a truly heartbreaking loss. The game was tied at 1-1- at the end of regulation. Ghana scored their second goal during overtime. The US was clearly exhausted... 120 minutes had taken it's toll on the Yanks, and that was how the cookie crumbled.
Although we didn't advance. I think that the Stars and Stripes have cemented their presence in the world of Soccer.
It is widely known that the U.S has never fully embraced to sport of professional soccer, but this World Cup run had America on the edge of their seats. Now hopefully we will stay there.

Mad about you.

If I got paid $91.5 million to play baseball professionally, with other professionals...this is how I would not act.



However, I am not Carlos Zambrano. "Meltdown Man" has struck again... and yet again, his own team mate and a Gatorade dispenser are a target of his frustration. This time however, the Cubs team brass have had enough. Today's temper tantrum has earned this giant man-baby an indefinite suspension.

It appears that Carlos was upset about teammate Derrek Lee's failed attempt to make a play to stop a line drive from White Sox batter Juan Pierre. Both the Cubs and the Sox agree that the play could not have been made. Lee was pinching in preparation for a bunt that never happened.

"Due to the fact he was playing in for the bunt, it limits your range from side to side," Pierre said. "Derrek Lee is a Gold Glover. If he can't get to the ball, then it was a hit."

I would preface the following with a "No offense", except for the fact that I don't care. I find it humorous that Carlos Zambrano is the one blowing his top over missed plays by his team mates. If I am not mistaken... which I am not... wasn't it you, Big Z, who was pulled from your starting position and placed in the bull pen as a reliever because you weren't cutting it as a $20 million a year pitcher? Hey, maybe your frustration would have been lessened by NOT giving up 4 runs in the first (and only) inning that you pitched today. Although, I guess that I would be in a pretty bad mood too if I was pitching with an ERA of 5.66... one of the highest in Major League baseball.

Sure "Sweet" Lou Pinella sent you home early and you are suspended indefinitely. Sure you have to apologize to your team. But guess what.. you make $20 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. I think that the Cubs should take the money remaining in his contract and use it to feed starving children in Africa. Or give it to an under-supported school district. Hey, there are thousands of people along the Gulf coast that could use that kind of money, since they are out of work because of something out of their control. You, Carlos "I blame everyone else but myself" Zambrano... you have control over your job performance. You are whining and crying more than a 6 year old girl because your team isn't winning. You play for the Cubs... WHAT DID YOU EXPECT?!?!? You are an embarrassment to yourself, the sport, and the Cubs. And don't you think they suffer enough already? So instead of acting like a spoiled brat, why don't you grow... or buy... yourself a new set of "equipment", man up, and act like the professional you are paid to be.

Happy Friday!

U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A
U-S-A

This is a great look at the way the US has embraced the World Cup.

New York Times

I've got a fever... and the only perscription is more vuvuzela.

World Cup fever has swept the entire world, including the soccer-fickle United States. One of the most striking
things about the World Cup is the imagery. So here, courtesy of Sports Illustrated, are some of the greatest pictures from World Cup 2010.

*Like a fine food and wine pairing, I suggest this entry be read with the speakers on. Best if accompanied by "
World Cup 2010" *

Back to the grind.

So much has happened since my last post!!! I don't even know where to begin. SO here are my thoughts on things that have happened over the last month... short, sweet, and simplified.


BLACK HAWKS WIN THE STANLEY CUP!!!!!
Hey Cubs... time to step up your game. You are the only team that still sucks in Chicago. OK, well maybe the Bulls too... and the Bears. And occasionally the White Sox.
The Big 12 became the Big 10... and the Big 10 is now the Big 12. And I am checking out from college football. Everything about NCAA football has to be overly complicated... nothing can ever be about just playing the game.
However... Thank you Texas for keeping the division formerly known as the Big 12 from imploding. Hook em' Horns.


WORLD CUP FEVER HAS SWEPT THE GLOBE!!!!!Soccer fever is contagious... The drama, the spectacle, the vuvuzelas!
For one month, every four years...The United States will pretend to care about soccer. T.O is a No Go.
Terrel Owens is unemployed. Nobody in the NFL wants to sign him to a contract. And no one seems to care but him...

Lakers win the Championship...
... which is clearly big news because they never win anything... ever.

The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports

This past Saturday was host to the most exciting two minutes in sports... the Kentucky Derby. Whether you watch for the long-shots, the hats, or the pretty horses... it's fair to say that the Derby is a good time to be had for all. With sloppy track conditions, this race was anyone's game. But in the end it was famed jockey Calvin Borel (who has won the Derby a record three times in the last four years) atop Super Saver that won this years Race for the Roses. So sit, back, put on your big hat and freshen up that mint julep because we are off to the races...

*All photos credited to Sports Illustrated

Live from New York... it's the NFL draft!

That's right ladies and gentlemen, we have the first three rounds of the NFL draft in the books already.

As expected, Sam Bradford went as the overall number one pick to the St. Louis Rams, where he will hopefully evolve into the face of the franchise, and more importantly... help them win some games.

However more unexpectedly, Tim Tebow went 24th in the first round to the Denver Broncos. While the franchise seems like a good fit generally, they already have depth in the Quarterback position with Kyle Orton and the newly acquired Brady Quinn. It will be interesting to see what type of player Tebow evolves into, because there is a strong possibility he won't be playing QB anytime soon. It has been widely discussed that he could be used in special teams.
Jimmy Klausen (Notre Dame) is heading to Carolina after today's second round. Klausen has a great chance of starting pretty quickly for the Panther's. Some analyst's think that he could have a better set up in Carolina than Bradford has in St. Louis because the Panthers already have a pretty solid team. However, back in Missouri Bradford will almost certainly be carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders.
Colt McCoy (Texas) will be back in orange as he heads to Cleveland. Today was a long day for the former Longhorn as he fell much later than expected, 85th pick overall. Colt tends to get over-shadowed by Tim Tebow, but what people don't realize that is that McCoy is the winningest quarterback in college football history with an NCAA record of 85 wins as a starter.

Rounds 4-7 commence tomorrow, but don't underestimate the power of the later rounds. After all, Tom Brady was a seventh, that's right SEVENTH round draft pick back in 2000. Joe Montana was drafted in the third round in 1979. Rodger Staubach... TENTH round draft pick in 1964.Complete 2010 Draft List.
NFL's list of the top 75 draft picks of all time.