Eldrick Woods

What is it about sports icons these days? When did the shining stars in sports become the pin cushions under the ass of society? It seems that just as quickly as they emerge to the top, they sputter and fall uncontrollably to the depths of society. I miss my heroes. And I will not be the first person to say that I am sick of the media and blood-thirsty society tearing down the "greats" in sports. Although I am confident Woods will resume his conquest on golf, shattering all records in front of him, I am concerned that his legacy that was once golden is now permanently tainted. Lets look back at how easy it was for 19-year old Katelyn Faber to tear down the NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's reputation. Kobe has recovered, so maybe Eldrick will as well. But at what point is the pressure going to drive all the superstars out of the spotlight? Do we as Americans fear the very success and perfection that our idols represent? Is our thirst for a hero what brings us to a form of social bloodletting? Because once we see them bleed we see that they really are just like us? I am sick of the bloodshed. I am ready for my Sunday afternoons to be filled with speechless crowds roaring to the swing of the most intoxicating golfer on television.

College Basketball. Who is in your Final Four?

I just want to get a quick discussion started about my favorite time of year, March Madness. We have seen two number 1 seeds fall in the past two weeks after being undefeated for half the season. And that leaves one undefeated team (Kentucky) left. Ive seen my Tarheels go from possible contenders to no-chance-in-hell pretenders, doubting that the Big Dance will even be remotely inviting to the ragtag bunch in Chapel Hill.

Last year seemed pretty clear cut with the top teams in the Nation. Mostly everyone had considered UNC the easy number 1 team, with teams like UCONN, Michigan State, Villanova, and Pittsburgh in the conversation. But who are those teams this year? Here are my predictions for the 4 teams that travel to Indianapolis.

Kentucky- the only undefeated team left. Young talent with upperclassmen leadership to compliment. John Calipari as a head coach since 2005 has suffered 14 losses total. One more time, John Calipari in his last 4 years with Memphis and this year with Kentucky has a record of 155-14. This guy wins, even though the Ncaa has some questions about his methods in Memphis.

Michigan St.- I'm going out on a limb here but I do not see UNC in the field of 64 (65) so therefore Michigan State has a chance. The Spartans have had no answers for the Heels, losing to them three times in the big dance in the past 5 years. They have a lot of talent in the likes of Lucas, Green, Morgan, Summers, and Allen. All 5 average in double figures in ppg. They play in the Big Ten, a conference that just isn't the Big East or the ACC. If Tom Izzo can rally his troops, I think this is his best chance yet to redeem his Tourny woes of late.

Kansas- I won't be ignorant here. This is a solid ball club with the backcourt of a lifetime. Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry are both fantastic. Cole Aldrich is a quality big man on the post, and Bill Self is one of the best minds in the business. He recruits, he develops, he coaches, he wins. Look for Collins and Aldrich to make a late push in March.

Duke- I can't believe I'm going to put them in this spot, but they are a solid ball club. Well rounded for the first time in years, Duke has a shooter/leader in Scheyer and Singler, slasher/playmaker in Nolan Smith, height in Zoubek and the Plumlees, and young flash in Dawkins who has hit double figures 6 times this year as a freshman. With a Hall of Fame coach who dictates his desires on a court with his name on it, Duke is ready to take the next step in March. When I say next step I am referring to not getting blown out by Villanova and staying far away from the likes of West Virginia and my personal favorite VCU Rams.

Jim Calhoun

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jim Calhoun, the UCONN Men's Basketball Coach who is taking a medical leave of absence from his post. Calhoun, who has battled with skin and prostate cancer three times, has checked in regularly with his physician, Peter Schulman. Schulman has reported that the medical issues have nothing to do with his previous bouts with cancer. Assistant Coach George Blaney will be coaching in Calhouns absence, and trying to stop a 3 game losing streak that has dragged the Huskies down to the bottom of the AP and Coaches Top 25. They travel tonight to St Johns and then welcome No. 1 Texas Saturday.

New Debate. Sexiest Female Athlete Award

Got to give you props Komar on a great topic. My vote hands down goes to Natalie Gulbis. No need to say anything else about it. I just cant picture myself having a more enjoyable 18 holes, even though I know I'm shooting mid 150's. Any Jenny Finch, Danica Patrick, Anna Kournikova, Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, or Amanda Beard fans out there?

Expert Picks for NFL Playoffs week 2

Experts

Eric Allen Cards Colts Minn SD
Mike Golic Cards Colts Boys SD
Merril Hoge Cards Colts Boys SD
Ron Jaworski Saints Colts Minn SD
Chris Mortensen Saints Colts Boys SD
Adam Schefter Saints Colts Boys SD
Mark Schlereth Saints Colts Boys SD
Seth Wickersham Cards Colts Boys SD

Dinky Cards Colts Minn SD
Brain Cards Colts Minn SD

Josh Johnson agrees to 4 year extension with FLA

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Josh Johnson has agreed to a 4 year $39 million dollar extension with the Marlins. Johnson was subject of trade rumors, that would have only increased the closer he came to free agency before this deal was struck. Last season the soon to be 26 year old Johnson went 15-5 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 209 innings pitched. He also ranked 10th in the National League with 191 Strikeouts.

The deal comes only a few days after the Players Union pressured the club to increase their payroll by spending revenue sharing dollars they obtain each season. Last year the club ranked last in opening day payroll with a payroll of $36.8 million.

Does a bye week hurt or help

Since 1990 teams coming off the bye week are 56-20. Now the record looks favorable but lets think about it. These are the better teams, at home, with a weeks rest (sometimes more depending on how they finish the season). The Colts have never won after a playoff bye. I know for some teams the bye will help like New Orleans who needed desperately to get healthy. But how does the rest affect these teams?