Latest Forum Topics

Handicapping

Matthew R. Parker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:33:51 +0000

I posted a message in the "general" forum about picking games and discussing picks. If anyone is interested in doing this, if you pick games for fun or for wagering, shoot a response or let Chuck know if you want to set up a specific forum. I talked with him about posting picks for college and pro games and didn't know if a blog or forum would be best. I thought a forum would be good since I appreciate hearing other peoples' thoughts with respect to games and teams.

Hope to hear from some people. If not, good luck and I will continue in other forums.

Best regards.

Handicapping

Matthew R. Parker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:30:16 +0000

I have talked to Chuck about setting up a forum or blog related to picking games. I have done this in the past for fun and for money and have followed other sites where there are discussions about picks and teams that people follow based on interest or geographical location. I wanted to post this and see if anyone out there would contribute to a discussion on games both at the college and pro levels. Generally, I am good at football, basketball and baseball. I don't know that much about hockey but can gleam picks sporadically based on info I have at that time.

If you are interested, post a response or let Chuck know where it would be most convenient to set it up for ongoing discussions for each week of action.

For Thursday night, I like a teaser with the Patriots and the Eagles over. The Patriots don't look good right now but I think they are the deeper team and have a shot to cover. The teaser only requires them to win. One more field goal in the Colts game and I am home.

I would enjoy hearing peoples' thoughts so I hope we can get some activity going. If not, maybe I will run into others at other sites.

Best regards.

Orioles Trade Huff

Bill Shoemaker — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:15:51 +0000

Huff was traded to the Detroit Tigers. Huff is a tremendous player who played a couple summers here in Staunton, Va. in a summer league. We knew Huff was going places when he played here. He carried our team here all summer long. We hate to see him leave the Orioles but we wish him the best as he continues his major league career. Go Tigers! BShoemaker

Raiders-Cowboys Matchup

Bill Shoemaker — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 01:10:17 +0000

I dont know if anybody watched The Raiders dismantle Dallas the other night. My prediction is they will win more than 3 games this year! You heard it here first! BShoemaker

New Heroes in - Old Heroes out... the Good and the

Marshall Townsend — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:07:53 +0000

New Heroes in - Old Heroes out... the Good and the Bad

This week the sports world saw a new young golf emerge as the winner at the Dubai Desert Classic by the name of Rory McIlroy; the great comeback of Kenny Perry at the FBR in an exciting playoff that keep us from seeing the kick off of the Super Bowl; and the loss of an Olympic champion, Michael Phelps, with the release of photos showing him smoking from a bong. (www.GolfReportLive.com)

What are your thoughts… should they hold the Super Bowl kick off next time until the FBR play off is done … should the efforts to hide Phelp’s problems have been allowed to go forward to protect the sponsors cash investment and/or keep a hero’s status in tact in spite of personal destructive behavior…???

Your thoughts...
Marshall

Super Bowl Prediction

Chuck Hazzard — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:59:07 +0000

Super Bowl Sunday is approaching quickly and so it's time that I make my official Super Bowl Prediction.

Cardinals 17
Steelers 27

I think that the Steelers defense is going to be the dominant force on Sunday. I expect them to force at least 2 turnovers and convert 1 of them into a score. The Steelers are definitely the more battle tested team with the better defense and to me defense wins championships!

I'd love to hear what you think.

scuba

don hughes — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:48:55 +0000

are there any scuba divers on this site

Nutrition based on your unique DNA. Whaddya think?

Tami Gomez — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:52:42 +0000

We are now living in the new era of Genetics and Personalized health. GeneWize Life Sciences brings you the benefits of fourteen years of scientific research. Using a personal DNA test, GeneWize analyzes your unique genetic code and custom creates a nutritional supplement formula JUST FOR YOU.

This is about to hit the State of California within the next 30 days and I'm looking for feedback from athletes!

Check out this site and then email me and let me know what you think. My contact info is on the page.

www.lifemapnutrition.com/tgomez

Thanks for taking the time to check it out. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!!

Tami

'House' rules: Yankee Stadium's greatest moments

Greg Timlus — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:40:03 +0000

'House' rules: Yankee Stadium's greatest moments

by FOXSports.com

Legendary Yankee Stadium is drawing its final breaths, and the 2008 season will be the final one there for the stadium's titular residents, the New York Yankees.

As such, it's time to reflect upon some of the great moments that the "House That Ruth Built" has given us. Over the years, it's played host to one of the most famous games in NFL history, a Joe Louis-Max Schmelling title fight, several Army-Notre Dame games, Pele and the New York Cosmos, countless concerts, and a handful of papal visits.

Of course, Yankee Stadium, appropriately enough, is best known for baseball. With the exception of the 1974 and 1975 seasons, when the Stadium was being renovated, baseball's most successful franchise has played its home games here. Needless to say, over the years the making of history at Yankee Stadium has become somewhat commonplace. So in this, the last season for one of the game's most hallowed venues, we're going to recall the most compelling and unforgettable baseball moments that ever went down at the corner of 161st and River. Let's get to it ...

Sept. 30, 1927: Babe Ruth's 60th home run

Prior to the 1927 season, Yankees manager Miller Huggins made a critical decision to bat Babe Ruth in front of Lou Gehrig. In moving Gehrig to the clean-up spot in place of Bob Meusel and leaving Ruth in the three hole, Huggins gave his star slugger the best chance to succeed. And succeed he did. In '27, Ruth reached the unthinkable total of 60 home runs, more than any other team in the American League. He culminated his efforts against the Washington Senators on the final day of the regular season. Ruth had cracked two homers the previous day to bring his seasonal total to 59 (tying his career high set back in 1921), but he still needed one more. When came up in the eighth, lefty Tom Zachary threw him a screwball, and Ruth launched it, just fair, into the right-field bleachers. Number 60. After the game, Ruth was his typically humble and understated self. "Sixty, count 'em, sixty," he said. "Let's see some son-of-a-bitch match that."

To reach the unprecedented mark, Ruth went on a tear and hit 17 home runs in September. Thanks mostly to Ruth's, well, Ruthian efforts, the Yankees won 110 games and swept the Pirates in the World Series. To this day, the '27 Yanks are on the short list of the greatest teams.

BRINGING DOWN THE 'HOUSE'

In honor of the final season at the "House that Ruth Built," MLB on FOX will feature a highlight from Yankee Stadium's storied history each week, culminating in the announcement of the greatest moment at the MLB All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium on July 15.
July 4, 1939: Lou Gehrig's farewell speech

Anyone of a certain age can recite the words â€” "Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth" â€” and hear them echoing through the rafters. Gehrig's farewell speech has earned its place in the pantheon of American oratory, so it's not surprising that his words still resonate today. July 4, 1939, was Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee, and a large and adoring crowd turned out. Gehrig had retired from baseball less than a month before because the disease ALS was, slowly but certainly, killing him. No one at Yankee that day â€” not even Gehrig himself â€” realized the gravity of his malady, but so adored was Gehrig that the prospect of never again seeing him on the diamond made it a day of mourning. On that day, he became the first player in major-league history to have his number retired.

Less than two years later, the Iron Horse was dead at the age of 38. However, he remains a symbol of grace, dignity and perspective in the face of impossible circumstances.

Oct. 5, 1947: Al Gionfriddo's catch of Joe DiMaggio's drive to left field in Game 6 of the World Series

In 1947, Gionfriddo was a little-known, diminutive outfielder with a weak bat and a nifty glove. In the World Series that year, however, he shoehorned his way into the history books. Earlier that season, the Brooklyn Dodgers had acquired Gionfriddo from the Pirates, but he played sparingly and batted just .177. In the sixth inning of Game 6, with the Dodgers protecting an 8-5 lead, Gionfriddo was dispatched to left field in his customary role as a defensive replacement. It turned out to be a most timely substitution.

In the home half of the inning, the Yankees got two runners on, and the inestimable Joe DiMaggio strode to the plate with two outs. DiMaggio lined a Joe Hatten pitch to deep left field. Gionfriddo was playing him shallow â€” too shallow â€” but he broke quickly on the ball. As DiMaggio's smash curved toward the 415 sign in the left-field corner, Gionfriddo raced toward the fence. He spun awkwardly, stuck his glove out, and, somewhat haphazardly, robbed DiMaggio of a three-run homer. DiMaggio, in a rare show of emotion, kicked the dirt in frustration. The Dodgers won the game, but the Yankees prevailed in Game 7.

May 30, 1956: Mickey Mantle's home run off the right-field facade

For all his off-field episodes and personal failings, few could match Mickey Mantle when it came to raw baseball tools. Chief among those tools was his devastating power from both sides of the plate. In 1956, the 24-year-old Mantle was healthy and the best player in baseball. Mantle spiced up his high level of production that season with a few tape-measure home runs, and the greatest of those was the one he hit off the Senators' Pedro Ramos. With two on and a 2-2 count, Mantle, batting from the left side against the right-handed Ramos, thundered the pitch high and deep. So high and deep, in fact, that it cleared the upper deck, bounced off the distant facade, and missed becoming the first fair ball hit out of Yankee Stadium by only 18 inches. Later, physicists estimated that if the ball had been able to travel unimpeded, then it would have gone almost 600 feet.

Oct. 8, 1956: Don Larsen's perfect game in the World Series

By falling to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, the Yankees went title-less in consecutive seasons for the first time under Casey Stengel. So when they squared off against the Dodgers again in '56, the Yanks were spoiling for a championship. But they'd need great pitching to get it done. Don Larsen, overshadowed by the great Whitey Ford since joining the Yankees, was on his game in September, thanks in part to a change in his delivery. Still, when he took the mound for the critical Game 5, no one could imagine what was in store. The Yankees won, 2-0, and took a 3-2 lead in the Series (they'd go on to win in seven games). Larsen's impossible brilliance was the story. For the first time since 1922, for just the fourth time in baseball history and for the only time in a World Series contest, a pitcher tossed a perfect game. Only Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and Sandy Amoros managed to make good contact. Perhaps most impressive is that it took Larsen only 97 pitches to dominate the powerful Brooklyn offense.

Oct. 1, 1961: Roger Maris' 61st home run

In his pursuit of Babe Ruth's single-season home run record, Roger Maris had to overcome the forces of history, the ill wishes of commissioner Ford Frick and a hostile press corps. Few wanted to see Ruth's record fall, but those who did wanted Mickey Mantle, and not the dour, taciturn Maris, to do it. Nevertheless, it was Maris who pulled it off. Besides the crushing pressure, Maris also had to play the stretch drive without being protected in the lineup by Mantle, who went down with an abscessed thigh. Still, Maris soldiered on.

The left-handed slugger failed to break the record within 154 games (the length of schedule in Ruth's day), which gave Frick, once a ghostwriter for Ruth, the cover he needed to place a short-lived asterisk by Maris' name. However, on the final day of the regular season Maris was sitting on 60. In the fourth inning, he dug in against Boston right-hander Tracy Stallard and launched a pitch six rows deep into the right-field stands. It was the only run in a 1-0 Yankees victory. Most importantly, though, Maris established a record that would stand for 37 years. Despite Frick's wishes, of course.

Oct. 14, 1976: Chris Chambliss' home run to win the ALCS against Kansas City
The '76 American League Championship Series between the Yankees and the Royals went the full five games, and the finale was the best of all. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Royals leading early and the Yankees owning the middle innings. In the eighth, however, KC rallied to score three runs and tie it. In the top of the ninth, the Royals threatened again, but a controversial out call at second base â€” Al Cowens was retired on a fielder's choice, but the replays showed him to be safe â€” left the dangerous George Brett waiting on deck.

Chris Chambliss led off the bottom of the ninth. Chambliss was a skilled hitter, but he didn't have much in the way of power. However, this time he laced Mark Littell's first pitch over the right-field fence for a game- and pennant-winning homer. Just a few months earlier, New York had opened the refurbished Yankee Stadium, and one of the additions was a chain-link fence atop the right-field wall. However, Graig Nettles and a number of the other Yankee left-handed hitters complained that it would diminish their power numbers. So Billy Martin persuaded team brass to take it down. If they hadn't done so, Chambliss' legendary blast would never have been.

Oct. 18, 1977: Reggie Jackson's three home runs in Game 6 of the World Series

The summer of 1977 was a deeply troubling one for New York â€” the "Son of Sam" murders gripped the city, as did economic decline, a massive blackout, and a divisive mayoral election. So the Yankees' return to glory was most welcome in a city hungry for diversion. The once-mighty Yanks hadn't won it all since 1962, but they claimed their second-straight pennant and, as the series with the Dodgers shifted back to New York for Game 6, they found themselves one win away from a World Series trophy. That season, the Yankees had a complicated stew of personalities in place â€” George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, Thurman Munson, Sparky Lyle, Graig Nettles, and, of course, Reggie Jackson. There were too many antipathies and jealousies to document, but, in the end, the Yankees had too much talent to let a haywire clubhouse dynamic get in the way.

Jackson, over the objections of Martin and GM Gabe Paul, had been brought in over the winter as the "missing piece," and on the night of Oct. 18 he was that and more. In the second inning he walked on four pitches. In the fourth, with the Yankees down 3-2 and with Munson on first, Jackson pounded the first offering from Burt Hooton just over the right-field wall, putting the Yankees on top. In the fifth, Jackson came up again with one on, two out, and the Yanks on top 5-3. Reliever Elias Sosa made his first pitch, and Jackson hit another line-drive homer to right. He wasn't done. In the eighth, Jackson's prey was Charlie Hough and his knuckleball. This time, he hit the first pitch to deep beyond the wall in center. Three swings, three home runs. Going back to his final plate appearance in Game 5, it was four swings, four home runs. In the process, Jackson set World Series records for homers, total bases, runs scored and consecutive home runs. For his efforts, the Yankees were back on top.

Aug. 6, 1979: Bobby Murcer's seventh-inning homer and game-winning hit on the day of Thurman Munson's funeral

Tragedy was the theme for the Yankees in 1979. The previous winter, manager Bob Lemon's son was killed in a car accident, and by June the grieving Lemon was forced out. From there, things only got worse. The two-time defending champs languished for much of the year and, although they managed to win 89 games, finished the season in fourth place. The most lasting tragedy of that year, however, was the death of catcher and captain Thurman Munson. Munson was a recreational pilot, and on Aug. 2 he was practicing takeoffs and landings at an airstrip in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. On one approach, Munson failed to lower the landing flaps. As a result, the plane came in too low, nicked a tree near the runway, and crashed. The impact broke Munson's back. He was unable to escape before the plane was engulfed in flames.

The stunned Yankees flew to Canton for the funeral on Aug. 6, and returned to New York for a game against the Orioles that night. Before a national-television audience, the Yankees came back from a 4-0 deficit to beat Baltimore 5-4. Bobby Murcer, who that morning had delivered Munson's eulogy, hit a three-run homer in the seventh and in the ninth he ripped a two-run, game-winning single to left. It was cold comfort for the devastated Yankees, but they managed to win one for the fallen captain in dramatic fashion.

To this day, Munson's locker in the Yankee Stadium clubhouse remains unoccupied.

July 24, 1983: George Brett's "pine tar" home run

For his illustrious career, Brett hit 29 home runs against the Yankees. One of those home runs, however, was one of the most controversial in the history of the game. In the top of ninth on July 24, Brett blasted an apparent two-run homer off Goose Gossage to put the Royals up 5-4. After the home run, however, Yankees manager Billy Martin made his way to home plate and asked the umpires to measure the pine tar on Brett's bat. Pine tar was legal for hitters to use, but they could cover only 18 inches of the bat with it. Brett, it so happened, had exceeded 18 inches. Home-place umpire Tim McClelland called Brett out, and Brett charged from the dugout, enraged beyond solace or reason. Had he not been restrained by a small battalion of teammates and umpires, he would've attacked McClelland.

The Yankees went on to win the game, but L'Affaire Pine Tar, thanks to an official protest by Kansas City, made its way to the desk of AL president Lee MacPhail. MacPhail sided with the Royals, upheld the home run, and ordered the bottom of the ninth replayed at a later date. Just before the final inning was about to be relived, Martin went to the umpires again and protested that they had no way of knowing whether both runners had touched all bases after the home run. To Martin's shock, the umpires had affidavits stating that the runners had, in fact, touched all the bases. The Royals won 5-4.

Oct. 9, 1996: Jeffery Maier interferes with Derek Jeter's fly ball in the ALCS

Yes, it's possible for a fan to be complicit in the making of a champion. Young Jeffrey Maier, an unassuming 12-year-old Yankee fan from New Jersey, was seated just beyond the right-field fence for Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, which pitted the Yankees against the Orioles. In the bottom of the eighth, with the Yanks down 4-3, Derek Jeter lofted a deep fly to the warning track in right. Baltimore right fielder Tony Tarasco settled under the ball, just in front of the fence, but then Maier reached over, tried to catch ball and fumbled it into the stands. Tarasco protested vigorously, claiming the ball was bound for his glove, but umpire Rich Garcia ruled it a home run. The Orioles played the rest of the game under protest, but the American League let Garcia's ruling stand. The Yankees went on to win the game, the ALCS and the World Series.

As for Maier, he became a hero in New York, making the talk-show rounds and even getting the key to the city from Mayor Giuliani. Meanwhile, the Yankees installed a barrier beyond the outfield wall to ensure that there will be only one Jeffrey Maier.

Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2001: President George W. Bush's throwing out the first pitch before Game 3 and the Yankees' coming from behind in Games 4 and 5 of the World Series

Because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the start of the World Series was delayed until Oct. 27, which was the latest date ever for a Game 1. The Series opened in Arizona, but it was when the Yankees came back to New York down 0-2 that the real drama began. President George W. Bush threw out the ceremonial first pitch. In doing so, he became the first sitting president to throw out the first pitch at a World Series game since Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. As well, Bush shirked common practice by throwing the pitch from the mound rather than in front of it. Rising to the moment, he delivered a perfect strike to the catcher amid deafening chants of "USA! USA!" and in the process sported the best breaking stuff the executive branch had ever seen. Regardless of your politics, it was a deeply galvanizing moment for Americans.

The Yankees then went on to win Game 3 by the score of 2-1. Then in Game 4, they came back in improbable fashion. The D-backs were nursing a two-run lead in the ninth. Closer Byung-Hyun Kim had looked dominant in the eighth by striking out the side, so Arizona manager Bob Brenly opted to send him out for the (presumed) final frame. With one out and a man on, Tino Martinez homered to right-center to tie the score and send the game into extra innings. Brenly stuck with Kim for the 10th, but, with a full count, Derek Jeter touched him for a walk-off opposite field shot. Game 5 was no less dramatic. Once again Arizona led for most of the game, and once again they held a two-run lead going into the ninth. Kim was on the mound again, and this time it was Scott Brosius who hit the two-run shot to tie it. The Yanks prevailed in the 12th on an RBI single off the bat of Alfonso Soriano. Arizona went on win the series in seven games, but what unfolded in the Bronx will never be forgotten.

Oct. 16, 2003: Aaron Boone's walk-off home run in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Red Sox

Think of this one as the last gasp of the "Curse of the Bambino." In the 2003 ALCS, the Yanks and Sox were engaging in one of their serialized classic encounters. This hostile series (the one that brought us the Pedro Martinez-Don Zimmer donnybrook) went to seven games, and in that seventh game the Red Sox stunned the Yankee Stadium crowd by charging to a 4-0 lead. With Pedro Martinez in vintage form, the Yankees appeared to be doomed. However, they began to rally in the eighth. Boston manager Grady Little abetted the comeback by allowing Martinez to pitch beyond the point of fatigue, and the Yankees made him pay. With one out, Derek Jeter doubled to right, Bernie Williams singled him home, Hideki Matsui doubled, and then Jorge Posada doubled home two runs to tie the score. The game lumbered on until the bottom of the 11th, when Aaron Boone, a most unlikely hero, made history. Tim Wakefield was on the mound, and he'd thrown a perfect 10th inning. However, Boone drove the first pitch he saw deep into the left-field seats and notched the series win for the Yankees.

Who is the Biggest Train Wreck in Sports History?

Glen Madden — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:55:53 +0000

Who do you think is the Biggest Train Wreck in Sports History?

Mike Tyson
Jose Canseco
Dennis Rodman
O.J. Simpson
John Daly
Tonya Harding
Pete Rose
Diego Maradona
Denny Mclain
Tommy Morrison

FACTS from MSN SPORTS!!!!!!

Mike Tyson

In his prime, "Iron Mike" was one of the most feared boxers ever. But then he got old, blew through his $30 million in earnings (feeding his many exotic animals was expensive!) and got a tattoo covering half his face. His spectacular rise and fall was chronicled in a brutally honest documentary film introduced at Cannes Film Festival.
Personal issues: Alcohol and drug abuse, bankruptcy, divorces, litigation.
Legal woes: Dozens of arrests on assorted charges. Jailed multiple times. Did three years in a federal prison on a rape conviction.
Professional lowlight: Bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield's ear during a bout.
Cash-in: Threatening to cross over to mixed-martial arts, perhaps to "fight" Tyson wannabe Kimbo Slice.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis
Rodman won NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls, but he became better known for his tattoos, body piercings and rainbow hair colors. (Matt King / Getty Images)

This defensive specialist/rebounding champ morphed into a novelty act later in his NBA career. He became better known for his tattoos, body piercings, rainbow hair colors and relentless night-clubbing than his working class basketball skills. He became sort of a male Paris Hilton.
Personal issues: Drinking problems, divorce (Carmen Electra!).
Legal woes: Assortment of alcohol and domestic violence-related beefs.
Professional lowlight: Playing briefly in Finland, for the Torpan Pojat club, in a promotional stunt.
Cash-in: Like Tonya Harding and Pete Rose, turned to professional wrestling. Like Canseco, tried to become an action hero â€” starring in the unfortunate film "Double Team" with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Colorful personal life was highlighted in a MTV reality show, "The Rodman World Tour," and an autobiography, "I Should Be Dead By Now."

Jose Canseco

His post-baseball dream was to become America's next great action hero. But Chuck Norris he was not. He landed a spot in "The Surreal Life" with other cultural cartoon figures. Acting roles proved hard to come by,though, and he failed to generate Hollywood interest with his life story. Lenders recently foreclosed on his Southern California home.
Personal Issues: Steroid abuse, divorces, financial problems.
Legal woes: Domestic assault, aggravated battery
Professional lowlight: Fly ball caroming off his skull and over the outfield fence for a home run.
Cash-in: Burned former teammates with sleazy tell-all books "Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant 'Roids, Smash Hits & How Baseball Got Big" and "Vindicated."

O.J. Simpson

One of the great running backs in NFL history is remembered for one of the most famous acquittals in United States legal history. A jury found "The Juice" not guilty of murdering ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1994, despite overwhelming evidence against him. Simpson later lost a civil suit filed by family members of the victims. His acting and endorsement deals evaporated. His subsequent quest to "find the real killers" has led him to golf courses from coast to coast.
Personal Issues: Financial bankruptcy, moral bankruptcy.
Legal woes: Acquitted of double homicide. Currently facing multiple felony charges in Las Vegas from his ill-conceived bid to regain stolen memorabilia.
Professional lowlight: A pay-per-view reality show, "Juiced with O.J. Simpson," where he played practical jokes on unwitting subjects. Practical jokes did not include partial beheadings.
Cash-in: Co-authored a book, "If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer," explaining how he would have committed the murders had he, you know, actually did. With the Goldman family still trying to collect its judgment, a Florida bankruptcy court
awarded it the rights to this book.

John Daly

The long driver continues to make a nice living as the PGA Tour's lone duffer. He chain smokes cigarettes on the course. He pounds beer, despite his long struggle with alcoholism. He travels to events in a recreational vehicle. Recent video footage of the porcine Daly playing shirtless furthered his Hillbilly image.
Personal issues: Alcoholism, divorces, gambling, obesity. Allegedly attacked by his fourth wife, Sherrie, with a steak knife.
Professional lowlight: Suspended by PGA Tour after walking out of 1993 Kapalua International.
Legal woes: Domestic skirmish with ex-wife Bettye. Sherrie Daly did time on a money-laundering beef.
Cash-in:
Participated in a reality show chronicling his unconventional
lifestyle. Performed on an autobiographical album, "My Life." His book, "My Life In and Out of the Rough: The Truth Behind All That Bull(bleep) You Think You Know About Me" was a New York Times bestseller.

Tonya
Harding aspired to be a U.S. Olympic figure skater, but her hit on
Nancy Kerrigan in 1994 left her disgraced by many prior to her infamous
"Celebrity Boxing" bout. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

Tonya Harding

Like Daly, she was a blue-collar kid starring in a white-collar sport. She dreamed of making the U.S.Olympic figure skating team in 1994, but Nancy Kerrigan stood in her path. So her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, hatched a plan with Shawn Eckhardt and Shane Stant to literally put a hit on Kerrigan at the '94 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Kerrigan suffered a minor
leg injury in the assault but skated on to a stellar career. Harding soldiered on as a "disgraced figure skater." Gillooly added to her notoriety by selling a sex tape of their honeymoon high jinks. Neither proved especially photogenic.
Personal issues: Divorce, financial difficulties, reporting unverifiable crimes against her to police.
Legal woes: Copped a plea to hindering the investigation of the Kerrigan assault. Charged with domestic violence assault for allegedly beating her then-boyfriend with a hubcap.
Professional lowlight: "Fought" Paula Jones on "Celebrity Boxing." (At least she won.)
Cash-in: Dabbled in professional wrestling as a manager. Then turned to professional boxing. Released an autobiography, "The Tonya Tapes,"earlier this year.

Pete Rose

During a recent radio interview, baseball's "Hit King" clarified facts regarding his obsessive gambling while he managed the Cincinnati Reds. He bet up to $2,000 per game, up from the $1,000 per game he admitted to betting earlier. So that cleared things up. He has turned a negative â€” being banned from baseball for wagering on games while managing â€” into a second career. He is a walking, talking memorabilia machine.
Personal issues: Gambling problem, divorce.
Legal woes: Did time for tax evasion.
Professional lowlight: Getting "chokeslammed" by Kane in World Wrestling Entertainment "matches."
Cash-in:Baseball's all-time hits leader (4,256) does very well on the autograph circuit. Was a successful sports talk radio host. Released an autobiography, "My Prison Without Bars."

Diego
Maradona may be a soccer star to many around the world, but he's had to
deal with his own issues of drug addiction, alcohol abuse, obesity and
divorce during his life. (JUAN MABROMATA / Getty Images)

Diego Maradona

This global soccer star is best known in the U.S. for, well, hating the U.S. He lived extensively in Cuba earlier this decade at the invitation of Fidel Castro. He has railed against President Bush. He even has a Che Guevara tattoo. He has gone
through rehab repeatedly, attempting to control his cocaine addiction. To control his weight problem, he underwent a stomach-stapling procedure.
Personal issues: Drug addiction, alcohol abuse, obesity, divorce.
Legal woes: Tax evasion, drug possession, alcohol-related incidents.
Professional lowlight: Paced himself carefully during a 2005 charity match, then asked friends for a cigar after leaving the pitch.
Cash-in: Became a popular television host in his native Argentina. Released an autobiography, "Yo Soy El Diego."

Denny McLain

Life after baseball has been unkind to this former 31-game winner. When authorities recently came to his foreclosed Michigan home to evict him, they also nabbed him on an outstanding warrant related to a civil case. The twice-imprisoned McLain can't avoid calamity. His stellar pitching career was cut short by arm troubles and suspensions (gambling, gun possession) from Major League Baseball.
Personal issues: Gambling, massive financial problems.
Legal woes: Did time for drug trafficking, embezzlement, and racketeering. That conviction was reversed, but he did more time for embezzlement, mail fraud and conspiracy for a pension-gutting scheme.
Professional lowlight: Finished his baseball career, mostly as a position player, for the semi-pro London (Ont.) Majors.
Cash-in: Recorded two albums of organ music for Capitol Records. Worked as a radio talk show host. Released his autobiography, "I Told You I Wasn't Perfect," in 2007.

Tommy Morrison earned a co-starring role in Rocky V, but his boxing career was hampered by a HIV positive test along with drug and weapon convictions.

Tommy Morrison

He always looked the part of a boxer, which is how he landed his co-starring role in Rocky V. But his actual boxing career was checkered, as was his life away from the ring. He tested HIV positive and lost his boxing license. Later, he attempted a comeback while claiming that he wasn't HIV positive after all. (Shockingly, it appears that his blood tests may have been doctored). Morrison is still out there looking for fights, either in mixed martial arts or off-radar boxing venues.
Personal issues: Alcohol, drug abuse. Also suffering from Hepatitis C, according to a former agent.
Legal woes: Did time for drug and weapon convictions.Drunk driving.
Professional lowlight: At the height of his career, losing to somebody named Michael Bentt.
Cash-in: Still trading off his name as best he can; $16 million in career earnings is long gone.

next NHL game

Zeke — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:21:02 +0000

who do you think will win the next hockey game

red wings

or

penguins

NBA Playoffs

Chuck Hazzard — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:15:51 +0000

Game 7 between Boston and Cleveland was one for the ages. LeBron and Paul Pierce both going for over 40 points!! It came down to the supporting cast though. Garnett was awesome on the boards and on defense and PJ Brown hit some clutch shots down the stretch. The better team definitely advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.

This game made it very clear that you need more than just a star player to win in the playoffs. Micheal needed Scottie, Kobe needed Shaq, Kareem needed Magic and Bird needed McHale. As good as LeBron is, he needs another star to play with before he is ever going to win the NBA Championship.

The Celtic's win matches them up in the Eastern Conference Finals against a veteran Detroit Pistons club. The Pistons will be getting their star player, Chauncy Billups back after he tweaked his hamstring in round 2. The Pistons have had a full week of rest after bouncing the Orlando Magic from the Playoffs. Although the rest was good for Billups, when you are playing well the last thing you want is a long layoff. Look for Boston to jump out early in this series but I still expect Detroit to battle Boston to 7 games.

I'm looking forward to Monday night's Game 7 between the Spurs and the Hornets. The Hornets have probably the NBA's best young player in Chris Paul but I think that the veteran Spurs will pull this one out. If the Spurs win the Championship this year that would make 5 Titles in the last 10 years!! That's what you call a Dynasty. I think it will be a close game but look for Parker and Ginobli to take over late.

The winner of that game will take on the hottest team in the league, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are looking dominant as Kobe finally has some talent around him again. If the Spurs win I think they can beat the Lakers but if the Hornets win I think the Lakers will win in 5 or 6 games.

Let me know what you think!

NFL Mock Draft

Chuck Hazzard — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:05:05 +0000

I'm not Mel Kiper Jr., I'm Chuck Hazzard Jr. and this is 2008 HazzSports.com Mock NFL Draft.

MIA: Jake Long OT Michigan

STL: Chris Long DE UVA

ATL: Glenn Dorsey DT LSU

OAK: Darren McFadden RB Arkansas

KC: Ryan Clady OT Boise St.

NYJ: Matt Ryan QB Boston College

NE: Keith Rivers LB USC

BAL: Leodis McKelvin CB Troy

CIN: Sedrick Ellis DT USC

NO: Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie CB Tenn St.

BUF: Devin Thomas WR Michigan St.

DEN: Branden Albert OT UVA

CAR: Rashard Mendenhall RB ILL

CHI: Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt

DET: Derrick Harvey DE Florida

ARZ: Mike Jenkins CB South Florida

KC: Phillip Merling DE Clemson

HOU: Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon

PHI: Limas Sweed WR Texas

TAM: Aqib Talib CB Kansas

WAS: Malcom Kelly WR Oklahoma

DAL: Felix Jones RB Arkansas

PIT: Ketwan Balmer DE UNC

TEN: DeSean Jackson WR Cal

SEA: Jeff Otah OT Pitt

JAX: Gosder Cherilus OT Boston College

SD: Anthony Collins OT Kansas

DAL: Kenny Phillips S Miami

SF: Jerrod Mayo LB Tenn

GB: Antione Cason CB Arizona

NYG: Tyrell Johnson S Ark St

Let me know what you think and let me know if you have any questions about the player I have your favorite team taking.

Chuck Hazzard

3 - 6 April - Getting Ready for the Masters

Marshall Townsend — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:18:55 +0000

http://www.golfreportlive.com

This week the players are putting the final touches on their game and getting ready for next week's Masters. This is what is going on...

PGA - Shell Houston Open

Champions - The Cap Cana

Nationwide - Livermore Valley Wine Country Championship

European - Estoril Open de Portugal

Hooters - Magnolia Plantation - Orlando, FL

Asian - Philippine Open

Sunshine - Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour

LPGA - Kraft Nabisco Championship

Duramed Futures - AMERICAN SYSTEMS Invitational

Ladies European - VCI European Ladies Golf Cup

Rain - Rain - Rain...

Marshall Townsend — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:41:54 +0000

Well the rain is in charge at the world championship -
Tiger is back by 5 strokes - do you think he can make it up and continue his undefeated year?
Other scores are coming in so stay tune and read the headlines ... also, follow the links on the right side to vote for http://www.GolfReportLive.com.
Also, if any of you need a golf gift, need a recommendation on what to buy, or you are looking for a good price on a product, please feel free to contact me and I will see if I can get you a low priceâ€¦ thanks Marshall

NCAA Tourney

Chuck Hazzard — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:40:53 +0000

Which #1 seed is going to be the first to lose?

paintball

meagan wagner — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:31:20 +0000

i love to shoot my paintball gun

NBA Trade Deadline

R. Boyd — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:46:21 +0000

Which team made the best deal to help them win the 2008 NBA Championship?!?!

Suns?
Cavs?
Mavs?
Spurs?
Hawks?
Lakers?

Suns and Shaq

Melissa Mabanta — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:37:44 +0000

Does anyone else agree that Shaq playing for the Suns is a no-no?

HTGA - Hazz and Topper Golf Association

Drew Topham — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:46:20 +0000

I want to formally introduce the HTGA - Hazz and Topper Golf Association. The HTGA will begin tour play in January 2009. The HTGA is an indoor golf league that will revolutionize the complete golfing experience. No more concerns for weather, overpriced food and beverage, tipping everyone in sight, waiting to tee off, and most important......no more travel to play the worlds best golf courses. Entry fees will be $100 per tournamnet, with a winner take all reward. There is a bring your own food, drink and women policy. We will not enforce a dress code for women, but swimsuit or lace is preferred. Trash talking will be allowed between shots, but not during the swing. Each golfer will be required to create his own alias for security purposes and avoiding the IRS. The HTGA will be papparzzi friendly. More information will follow as we continue to create the best thing of all time. Be prepared to put on weight, because this will be the coolest thing ever, causing you to never leave your house again.....once you experience the HTGA.

See you on the turf,

Drew Topham

Super Bowl

Christina Mabanta — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:56:46 +0000

Will it be the New England Patriots or the New York Giants to win the Super Bowl this weekend?

Stanley Cup

Christina Mabanta — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:54:24 +0000

Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup?

Atlanta Falcons

Chuck Hazzard — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:01:57 +0000

What do you guys think of Coach Petrino leaving a day after Vick was sentenced?

NFL Playoffs

Christina Mabanta — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 06:54:46 +0000

Since everyone believes that New England and Dallas will be the two teams to make the Superbowl this year, who do you think could possibly upset them???

Who will win the Heisman Trophy?

Chuck Hazzard — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:02:38 +0000

My money is on my boy Tim Tebow! He is the only player in college football history to rush for 20 touchdowns and pass for 20 touchdowns.

Hawaii

Chuck Hazzard — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:58:16 +0000

Do you think that if Hawaii is undefeated they should get invited to a BCS Bowl game?

BCS Championship Game

Christina Mabanta — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:21:19 +0000

Who do you think will be playing in the BCS Championship Game? And why?

paint ball

michael miazza — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:53:16 +0000

who could i get on a paint ball team

Joe Torre

Chuck Hazzard — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:46:18 +0000

Do you think George Steinbrenner should fire Joe Torre?

Mike Weir

Rick Boyd — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 05:57:01 +0000

There have not been many successful foes that take that final day walk in the park with Tiger.

Congrats to a big win by Mike Weir !!!

Probably a first that the gallery was not for Woods.....

Vick

Chuck Hazzard — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 07:06:03 +0000

How long do you think Vick will be in Jail?

Mens Olympic Basketball Qualifying

Rick Boyd — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 21:27:45 +0000

Who do you think will be the 2 teams that qualify at the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament at UNLV this month?

Florida will win the national championship!

Chuck Hazzard — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:38:20 +0000

hey