Penis Match-fixing arrests reach 17 in Italy

ESPN.com 12/19/11

http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7368254/arrests-reach-17-italian-match-fixing-scandal

Former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni and 16 other people have been arrested across Italy in an ongoing investigation into soccer match-fixing and illegal betting. The inquiry is focused on several matches in Serie B over the past two seasons, with Atalanta involved in three matches. Three Serie A matches from last season are also under investigation: Brescia vs. Bari, Brescia vs. Lecce and Napoli vs. Sampdoria. The significance of this to the sports world is the fact that they were fixing matches in a professional sport.

Alternate headline: NO amore

Question: Why were they Italian?

Romeo Crennel, Kyle Orton help Chiefs end Packers' push for perfection

ESPN.com 12/19/11

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311218012

The perfect season is history. Kyle Orton out dueled Aaron Rodgers by throwing 299 yards. The Chiefs rallied behind their interim coach Romeo Crennel for a 19-14 victory that ended the Packers 19-game winning streak that stretched for over a calendar year. The significance of this story to the sports world is that the Packers undefeated season is now in shambles.

Alternate Headline: No Pack No

Question: Will Aaron Rodgers ever shave the stache?

Murderball

My favorite part of the documentary was when Zupan told the paraplegics at the hospital about the rugby team because he inspired the people that were newly injured that they could do anything. I think the man with no arms and legs was the most inspirational because he lived on his own and did everything independently with no arms or legs. The message I think they wanted us to get out of the documentary was that even if you are handicapped you can do whatever an able bodied person can do. Yes because it is very inspirational, funny and it shows that these people are normal people and not retarded or other things.

Ben Roethlisberger returns in second half, leads Steelers past Browns

12/9/11 ESPN.com

The Steelers beat the Browns last night but in the first half BIG BEN went down with a ankle injury. The Steelers thought they lost their franchise quarterback. Ben was convinced his left leg was broken.Roethlisberger added to his burgeoning reputation as one of the toughest players in the game by returning from a gruesome second-quarter sack to pass for 280 yards and two scores. The significant part of this for the sports world is that Big ben is the toughest guy in the world.

Alternate headline: REAL STEEL!

QUESTION: Will they sit him?

Sources: Teams appeal Chris Paul ruling

12/9/11 ESPN.com

The three teams involved in the Chris Paul trade blocked Thursday by NBA commissioner David Stern are appealing to the league for Stern to reverse the decision. There is no indication yet that Stern is prepared to reverse course after taking the dramatic step of blocking the league-owned New Orleans Hornets' decision to deal Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers. This is significant to the sports world because they vetoed the trade and that almost never happens.

Alternate headline: He's so STERN!

Question: WIll the trade go through?

Terry Fox: Into the Wind

The most inspirational part of Terry's story is that he continued to run across Canada even as his body still had the cancerous cells in it. The media played a role positively because they gave him attention and helped him raise more money but also negatively because they said he didn't run one part of the cross country run.

Rolando McClain and Oakland Raiders Must Part Ways Following Arrest

12/5/11 Bleacherreport.com

Rolando McClain middle linebacker for the Oakland Raiders was cut after being arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. The Raiders have a history of bad players but this time is different they actually parted ways with him even before conviction. This is significant to the sports world because Rolando is one of the Raiders defensive leaders and best linebacker on the team.

Alternate headline: LANDoing in Jail

Question: Why are players stupid?

Tim Richmond: To the Limit

I learned that AIDS/HIV can be contracted from having unprotected sex and not just from being gay. Also you don't know when you contract it. I think he didn't tell anyone cause he was scared of the repercussions that might come with admitting he had the disease. I don't he should have it was a good idea not to because everyone was so hostile about the disease. People would have freaked.

Tom Brady throws for 3 TDs as Patriots damage Eagles' playoff hopes

11/28/11 ESPN.com

Brady threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the New England Patriots beat the Eagles 38-20 Sunday in a rematch of the 2005 Super Bowl. Filling in for the injured Michael Vick for the second straight game, Vince Young couldn't keep Philadelphia's fading playoff hopes alive despite throwing for a career-best 400 yards passing. This is significant to the sports world because now the Eagles are mathematically out of the playoff race and as a Giant fan it feels oh so sweet.

Alternate headline: Dirty Birds got their Turkey Cooked

Question: Are the Pats really that good?

Urban Meyer joins Ohio State

11/28/11 ESPN.com

Former Florida coach Urban Meyer has taken the head coaching job at Ohio State, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday morning. Meyer, who led the Gators to two national championships before stepping down to spend more time with his family amid ongoing reports of health concerns, had worked as a game analyst this season for ESPN. Urban Meyer joining the Buckeye family is a very significant part of the sports world at this time. This is significant because Urban Meyer is a very profound coach in the College Football community and will definitely be a huge help to Ohio State.

Alternate Headline: BullsEYE (get it cause Ohio state are Buckeyes)

Question: Will Urban Meyer outperform himself from previous years?

Tony Stewart wins Sprint Cup title

11/21/11 ESPN.com

He won at Homestead-Miami Speedway, holding off Edwards for a tie in the final Sprint Cup Series standings good enough to win the title based on his five victories. All of Stewart's wins came in the Chase, and Edwards' lone victory this season was in March. It was the first tie in the points standings in NASCAR history. This is significant to the sports world because this was one of the most exciting races of all time whoever won won the championship.

Alternate headline: STEWing up the Victory

question: Did you know that racecar backwards is still racecar?

Jay Cutler to have thumb surgery

11/21/11 ESPN.com

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will undergo surgery on the thumb on his throwing hand after breaking it during Sunday's 31-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers. Cutler injured the right thumb while trying to make a tackle on Antoine Cason, who intercepted a pass with just less than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Cutler continued to play after the injury, completing his final two passes for 24 yards in the team's final drive. This is significant to the sports world because the Bears lost their starting QB for the year.

Alternate Headline: CUT out

question: Can the Bears rebound?

The Guru of Go

I feel sad because he was a great guy and deserved to be in the NBA. I do not blame the coach for Hank's death. I do not blame anyone for Hank's death besides Hank because he realized what he was doing when he was diagnosed with heart problem.

Jimmy V Award

The Comeback Award is the student-athlete or team should embody the spirit and courage represented by Coach Jim Valvano and his memorable and motivating challenge delivered in his acceptance speech. Kelvin Davis received the award in 2009. He went to San Diego State University.

Davis suffered an injury while on a training run in June 2007, jumping over Auckland's Greenhithe bridge to avoid a car. Davis was forced to spend the next month in New Zealand after being hospitalized with a broken neck & broken back in two places. After 11 hours of surgery, Davis began recovering, and many speculated that his boxing future was in doubt. However, he fully recovered and returned to the ring four months later against undefeated heavy weight Carl Davis Drummond.

Joe Ford received the award in 2009. He went to the University of Pacific.

Michael Vick has broken ribs

11/15/11 ESPN.com

Vick broke his two lower ribs on the second play of the Eagles' 21-17 loss to Arizona on Sunday. He didn't tell anyone that he was hurt and played through the pain. This is significant to the sports world because this means the Giants have a better chance at winning.

Alternate headline: NO vick

Question: Is he going to play?

Jerry Sandusky: I am innocent

11/15/11 ESPN.com

Former Penn State football assistant coach charged with sexually abusing eight boys in a scandal that has rocked the university said Monday that there was no abuse and that any activities in a campus shower with a boy were just horseplay, not molestation. This is significant to the sports world because if they guy isn't guilty then Penn State fired Joe Pa for no reason.

Alternate Headline: Lions Roar

Question: Do you think they would actually find him not guilty?

Giants acquire Melky Cabrera

11/7/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7203609/kansas-city-royals-trade-melky-cabrera-san-francisco-giants-jonathan-sanchez

The Royals traded outfielder Melky Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez on Monday. This is significant to the sports world because the Royals really needed a starting pitcher after losing Zack Grienke last year so this is a huge upgrade from last year.

Alternate Headline: The MELKman is going to the other side of the neighborhood

Question: How will Melky do as his career comes to an end?

Giants shock Patriots in final seconds as Eli Manning one-ups Tom Brady

11/7/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311106017

On Sunday the New York Giants faced the New England Patriots. After being down 3 points with a little over a minute to go Eli Manning led them 82 yards down the field to score the game winning touchdown. This is significant to the sports world because this is exactly what happened in Super bowl 42 just 3 years earlier and it was the first time these teams have matched up together since then.

Alternate headline: He is ELIte

Question: Where is Eli ranked in the best of the best?

Raiders sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh

11/2/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7179310/oakland-raiders-sign-veteran-tj-houshmandzadeh-workout

The Oakland Raiders signed veteran T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a contract on Tuesday. Houshmandzadeh, 34, has been out of the league since playing in baltimore last season. This is significant to the sports world because T.J. will be reuniting with his old quarterback Carson Palmer who he has been working out with in Sourthern California. He is also familiar with Hue Jackson who was the receivers coach in Cincinnati for three years during Houshmandzadeh's tenure there.

Alternate Headline: HOUSHYOURDADDY!?

Question: How good is he going to be?

Thesis and Avenues

Thesis: Roy Hobbs from the beginning of the book changed from a comeback player, to a selfish player, then to a controversial player.

Avenue 1: He became a comeback player because after he got shot he came back to the game.

Avenue 2: He became a selfish player when he bragged that he would break every record in the books, wouldn't use any bat besides his own, and not do the hypnosis in the beginning of the season.

Avenue 3: He became a controversial player because he took money to throw the final game of the season.

Tim Tebow leads 2-TD rally as Broncos stun winless Dolphins in OT

10/24/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311023015

There was a lot of speculation surrounding Tim Tebow yesterday as he started his first game of his career. No one had any idea how he was going to play but he led the Broncos back from 15 points down in the fourth to win in overtime. For the first part of the game Tebow was under scrutiny about missing open receivers, falling short on third downs, and getting buried under blitzes. The significance of this story is that Tebow stunned the critics with his improbable comeback and showed that he can play as a starting QB.

Headline: The Tebow Factor

Question: Will he keep this up all year?

Derek Holland gives up 2 hits over 8 1/3 as Rangers even World Series

10/24/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=311023113

The Rangers had a huge win last night that they desperately needed to tie up the series with the St. Louis Cardinals at 2-2. The significance to this story is that second year player Derek Holland pitched in absolute gem where he shut out the cardinals for 8 innings until being taken out of the game. He said he pleaded not to come out after giving up a walk to the first batter but Ron Washington, the manager insisted. It was one of the most important starts for the youngest pitcher on the Rangers and he got the job done.

Headline: DEREKting Traffic

Question: Will this be the deciding factor in the series?

Crime in Sports

1. Michael Vick - Dog fighting

2. Plaxico Burress - Possession of a firearm

3. Ray Lewis - killed a man

4. Lawrence Taylor - soliciting a minor for prostitution

5. Donte Stallworth - DUI man slaughter

6. Jamal Lewis - using a cell phone to facilitate a drug deal

7. O.J. Simpson - killed a guy

8. Pete Rose - Tax evasion

9. Darryl Strawberry - drug possession, soliciting a whore

10. Allen Iverson - he threw a chair at someone

There's a fine line because if its not a serious crime like smoking weed but if it's murder or rape I don't think you should be able to play the sport anymore.

Run Ricky Run

I do think he is honorable because he needed a break from the game. His body was under serious stress considering he ran the ball almost every play in his first couple of years so much that he was worn down. He also had some mental health issues as well that he needed to take care of. I feel very bad for him because there was a lot of pressure on him to do good. The media portrayed him as selfish saying that he left the league to smoke weed and let everyone down. This was not an accurate because he needed to leave the league because as I said before there was much wear and tear on Ricky's body and he wasn't right in the head mentally.

Alex Smith, 49ers hand Lions first loss as coaches scuffle after game

10/17/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311016008

The 49ers killed the Lions undefeated season yesterday by Alex Smith leading them to victory with 1:51 but that wasn't the biggest storyline of the game. After the huge win a very pumped up Harbaugh went to go shake Jim Schwartz's hand but hit him on the back a little too hard and got into a heated discussion. The teams had to break up the two. "That's totally on me," Harbaugh said. "I shook his hand too hard."

ALternate headline: Hear me ROAR

Question: What are the fines going to be?

Rangers' Nelson Cruz hits first game-ending grand slam in postseason history

10/11/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=311010113

The Texas Rangers won in stunning fashion last night. For the first time ever a playoff game has ended in a grand slam. Cruz hit a homerun before that in the 7th inning which was the game tying run. It is significant because he had gotten hit in the wrist twice and still hit a homerun and a grand slam.

Headline: CRUZin to Victory

Question: Will the wrist effect his play in the upcoming game?

Tim Tebow to start for Broncos

10/11/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7087660/tim-tebow-replaces-kyle-orton-denver-broncos-starting-quarterback

Yesterday the Broncos named Tim Tebow their starting Quarterback over the struggling starter for the past 5 weeks Kyle Orton. Tim was put in the game on sunday against the Chargers after Orton was pulled at halftime. This is significant to the sports world because Tebow has been wanted as the starting quarterback since training camp. The fans even printed billboard space pleading for Tebow to take over the starting spot.

Headline: He's Not SuppORTON the Squad

Question: what happens if tebow does worse than orton?

30 f0r 30

Marcus DuPree wasn't selfish until he got to college. He was selfish because he didn't comeback to Oklahoma after his concussion during the Texas game. Also he was selfish because he committed to texas but then the next day changed his mind.

I do feel bad for Marcus because he was bombarded by every college in the U.S. to try and get him to their school. He wasn't ready for all the publicity and attention he received from being the best high school player in the country.

What shocked me the most about this documentary was that he didn't become what everyone thought he would be. It evoked the feeling of compassion. I loved the documentary it was very good.

Selfish Athletes

I do agree with the article that they get paid way too much but they do work hard and alot of them help out in their community with kids. Hope solo was a selfish athlete. I think sports have made them that way because of the want to have more money.

GIants squeak out a win

10/3/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/giants

The Giants comeback from ten points down in the 4th to win against the Cardinals on Sunday. The win though was with a controverisal ending. On the play right before the winning touchdown, victor cruz wide reciever for the Giants, fumbled the ball but was then called down by "giving himself up."

This is significant to the sports world because the Giants maybe got a call there that led to the win but you could look at it from two differetn aspects.

Headline: That was Cruz Close

Question: Do you think the Giants should have won?

Cliff Lee can't hold four-run lead as Cardinals even series with Phillies

10/3/11 ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=311002122

The Phillies lost game two 5-4. Cliff Lee was rocked for 5 runs which led to their loss. This very significant to the sports world because The Phillies are suppose to have the best pitching staff in the league which means the other teams pitching needs to be perfect and the fact that they lost is nuts.

Headline: WHERE'S THE STAFF!?!

Question: who's playing ame 5 if necessary?

Phelps/Kobe

Yes I do think the media and the sponsors overreacted to Phelp's photo. I do not think he is a bad role model for kids because kids don't understand what weed even is yet. I know I didn't know what it was. If they were older i think they would understand.

I don't think Kobe's rape accusation/trial affected his celebrity status at all. I feel like people forgot about it really easily.

Lebron James: The Decision

No it didn't if anything it made him more of a superstar. I do understand why the Cleveland fans reacted the way they did because Lebron James was the best athlete to ever be associated with Cleveland and he was there economy basically.

Peyton Manning not going on IR

9/26/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7021905/jim-irsay-chance-peyton-manning-indianapolis-colts-back-december

Peyton Manning isn't going on the IR this season. Manning was expected to miss at least two months after having neck surgery on Sept. 8 and possibly more, which still might cost the four-time league MVP the entire season but he isn't on IR so there is still chance he might come back this season.

This is significant to the sports world because if Manning comes back this season it will throw a spin on the last two months of the season.

Alternate Headline: You can't stop him

Question: Is there risk he might get injured again this season?

Titans fear Kenny Britt tore ACL, MCL?

9/26/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7018986/sources-tennessee-titans-fear-kenny-britt-tore-acl-mcl

During the game on Sunday the Titans played the Denver Broncos and beat them by a field goal but at a cost. The Titans number one receiving threat, Kenny Britt, severely tore his ACL. This is a huge hit for the Titans. He came in leading the AFC in receiving.

This is significant in the world of sports because he is a huge playmaker in the field and will be missed by the Titans.

Alternate Headline: Titans win at a cost

Question: Who is replacing him in the roster?

Jamaal Charles likely tore ACL

9/19/11 ESPN.com

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/6988973/kansas-city-chiefs-diagnose-jamaal-charles-torn-acl-source-says

Jamaal Charles, one of the biggest fantasy players in the league, is likely to be out for the season with a torn ACL. He was going for the sidelines when Chris Houston pushed him out of bounds. He immediately started clutching his leg.

This is significance because he was suppose to be one of the premier backs in the NFL and now has to sit on the sideline.

NEW HEADLINE: More Troubles for KC

Tony Romo returns after breaking rib to lift Cowboys past 49ers in OT

9/19/11 ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=310918025

The article is about Tony Romo breaking his ribs in the second quarter. After the game team doctors came to the conclusion that Romo actually had two fractured ribs. They thought he wouldn't be able to return to the game but after halftime he came out and led his team to 13 unanswered points to go into OT then a game winning drive to win in overtime.

The significance of this event in the sports world was huge because everyone was giving Romo no chance because of the collapse against the Jets last week and then he showed how much of a player he can be.

An alternate headline: Romo's Heroics push the Boys past the 49ers in OT.

1 question: Will Romo be back next week?

5th blog p[ost

My choices for my final project are:

1. Madden Curse

2. Giants Road to the Super Bowl

3. T.O. Saga

4th blog post

Five People that mean the world to me:

1. Mom

2. Step Dad

3. Brother

4. Sister

5. Friend

Five places that matter to me:

1. Home

2. Bedroom

3. Atlantis

4. Shore

5. Cousin's house

Five things I cannot live without:

1. Xbox 360

2. Phone

3. Computer

4. Car

5. Food

Five defining experiences in my life (good or bad):

1. Cutting my foot open

2. Spraining my wrist

3. Breaking my thumb

4. Mom's Wedding

5. Giants

None of my lists really webs together. My idea for my college essay is my perseverance in football.

3rd Blog Post

I think sporting events should be played on September 11th but only one and its just New York teams. Also they should have a big ceremony before the game to commemorate the lives lost on that day.

2nd Blog Post

The essay that I read was about a girl who went to the beach alone to reflect on herself but she found herself thinking about all the worries in the world. I did like it because it was very nicely written. It made it unique because it was about the beach and a art project combined.

1st blog post

The sports I like the most is football. I like sports because they are fun to watch and play. I keep up with sports news by watching SportsCenter or by going on ESPN.com.