Brett Favre, New Big Ten Logo, Elin Nordegren and Monday's Late Sports Stories
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Elin Nordegren, the ex-wife of golfer Tiger Woods, is making news today because there are various media reports that she may have a new love interest.
Who is it? Is he another golfer? Make sure to stick around for an update.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten just released a new logo.
And of course, it's an interesting Monday night because we've got not one, but two football games to look forward to.
The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants will play in Detroit, while the Baltimore Ravens will play the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football.
Here's another important question: Will Brett Favre make his 298th start?
We'll make sure to keep you updated on all the latest sports news today.
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Cliff Lee will be making his way back to the Philadelphia Phillies after agreeing to rejoin the team that he helped lead to the 2009 World Series late Monday night.
According to the AP the deal is believed to be worth $100 million over 5 years. However, Texas Rangers general manager Josh Daniels told MLB.com that there is a vesting option for a sixth year that would make the deal worth $120 million.
Philly.com reports that two separate sources told the AP that the New York Yankees and Rangers, believed to be leading the race for Lee's services with larger contract offers, received calls Monday night telling them they were out of the running.
Daniels acknowledged that Lee called him Monday night.
"Cliff called me," Daniels told MLB.com. "He was very classy. He was very appreciative of the time he was here and how he was treated. He and his family enjoyed his time here. He also enjoyed his time in Philadelphia and liked some of the things that opportunity had to offer."
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LeBron James had a poor shooting night against the New Orleans Hornets but the Miami Heat still came away with their ninth straight victory Monday night, 96-84.
James only only went 6/16 from the field for 37.5% from the field. However, he made 8/10 free throws for a total of 20 points in the game. James also grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat in scoring with 32 points on 8-for-13 shooting, while Chris Bosh had a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
"I think they have figured each other out," The Hornets' David West told reporters after the game. "They are jelling, playing well together, sharing the ball."
West led New Orleans in scoring with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets only managed to score nine points in the fourth quarter and the loss dropped them to 14-9 for the season, while the Heat improved to a 17-8 record.
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Cliff Lee is back with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to a Twitter post by Joel Sherman of the New York Post (@Joelsherman1): "Hear Lee's deal is in the 5 yr, $100M range with #Phillies"
Paul Hagen of philly.com wrote the following upon exploring the idea of Lee's return to the Phillies on Monday: "The Phillies will have to pay way more for a pitcher than they've ever shown an inclination to do. Or Lee will have to take way less than he could get from the Yankees or Rangers. It's an alluring thought. But don't hold your breath."
Apparently, the Phillies held their breath, reached out to their old ace and got a resounding yes.
A post on mlbblogs.com confirmed Lee's return: "Cliff Lee is going to the Philadelphia Phillies, industry sources said Monday night. The Rangers were told Monday night that Lee is going to the Phillies, It is a done deal"
Lee will join a starting rotation that will terrifying for opposing batters. It already includes star pitchers Roy Osalt, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels.
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Elin Nordegren remains a hot trend on the Internet on Monday night, as rumors circulate of a newfound love interest for the 30-year-old former model.
According to reports, Nordegren has been seen with a 35-year-old South African man who is attending classes at the same University where she is taking courses. A friend close to Elin told British tabloid The Sun: "There's been kissing and cuddling but I don't know if it's gone further."
After allegations of Tiger's cheating surfaces late last year, Elin could have understandably lost hope in her future chances of finding love, but she hasn't.
In an interview Elin gave to PEOPLE magazine she said, “It’s going to take time for me to start dating again. It’s going to be just me and the kids for a while. I believe in love because I’ve been there.”
Only months after finalizing her divorce from Tiger Woods, Nordegren seems to have someone new to be close to.
Nordegren was also the recipient of an estimated $100 million settlement from the divorce.
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Gary Kubiak could be out as head coach of the Houston Texans if his football team continues to falter. The way things are going in the Texans' Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Kubiak could be on the hot seat.
Here's an interesting statistic: Since 2006, the Texans have been perfect in December and January at home where they have a 10-0 record.
But that will likely end tonight with a loss to the Ravens.
Kubiak has a great reputation in Houston as being a well liked and respected by his players. However, it will ultimately fall on his players' performance on on the field that will help determine whether or not Kubiak holds on to his job.
Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle wrote: "Regardless, fellas, your coach is running out of time. He needs you now like he has never needed you. He'd never say such a thing because it's just not in him to make it about him. He deflects praise and accepts blame.
"When you guys screw up, Kubiak tells the world that's all his fault, that he's the one who failed to put you in the right place. Even when Bob McNair pleaded with Kubiak to stop publicly blaming himself for everything, Kubiak told him, 'I'm only telling the truth.'"
Justice added: "Kubiak would never ask for your help, but he needs you. You can save him. Only you."
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Elin Nordegren finalized her divorce with Tiger Woods this past August and reportedly got a settlement of approximately $100 million.
Now that Elin appears to be moving on in Florida, having been seen with a mystery 35-year-old South African love interest now that she's back on the singles market.
With model good looks and a boatload of cash, does that make her the richest ex-wife in sports history?
One name that immediately comes to mind is Juanita Jordan, the former spouse of the greatest basketball of all-time: Michael Jordan.
Over the course of their marriage Michael made a fortune from his salary from the Chicago Bulls and various endorsements. During their marriage, Jordan supposedly made $350 million.
The Jordan's divorce ranks as one of the most expensive in entertainment history. Juanita supposedly made upwards of $150 million, making her a lot richer than Elin.
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Vikings vs. Giants: Brett Favre's consecutive games starting streak came to an end on Monday night.
The 41-year-old quarterback was inactive for the game and watched from the sidelines as his backup Tarvaris Jackson started the game in his place.
At halftime, the New York Giants are leading the Minnesota Vikings 14-3.
Tarvaris Jackson completed 10-of-13 passes for 77 passing yards with no touchdowns.
Giants quarterback Eli Manning, connected for one scoring play with tight end Kevin Boss, a six-yard pass with eight seconds left in the second quarter. Manning has thrown for 98 passing yards with also two interceptions.
Brandon Jacobs scored the first touchdown for the Giants on a one yard run. Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been held to only 16 rushing yards in the first half.
Kicker Ryan Longwell is responsible for the Vikings' only three points on the board, kicking a 21-yard field goal in the first quarter.
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Kirby Smart is University of Florida's choice for defensive coordinator under new head coach Will Muschamp, according to a report by the Tuscaloosa News.
The Tuscaoloosa News reported the following earlier today, December 13: "Smart, defensive coordinator at the University of Alabama the last three seasons, and new Florida head coach Will Muschamp have been in discussions about the position in recent days, multiple sources say, although it is not known if Muschamp has made a formal offer that includes financial terms. It is not known if Smart will take the position."
Although, Smart and Muschamp have history together as friends and former college teammates at the University of Georgia, Smart may not be a shoe-in to take the defensive coordinator position.
Smart, won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach last season and turned down a lucrative offer from Georgia to fill an opening for their defensive coordinator's position last year. He elected to stay at Alabama and was given a substantial raise to earn $750,000 a year
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Elin Nordegren finalized her divorce from golfer Tiger Woods this past August and according to reports, the former model seems to be moving on.
There are reports that the former Mrs. Woods is now getting close to a 35-year-old South African man, who also attends the same Florida University where Elin is taking courses.
A friend close to Elin told British tabloid The Sun: "There's been kissing and cuddling but I don't know if it's gone further."
Is Elin the most eligible former WAG on the market right now?
Well, she did receive roughly $100 million from Tiger during their divorce. So yes, she's hot, rich and single.
Any grown man would be fortunate to date Elin and she probably already has a long line of suitors.
So does anyone know anything about this mysterious South African love interest? He sounds like a lucky man.
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Michael Vick was captured by cameras signing a glove for Tashard Choice as his Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, 30-27.
Choice maintains that he asked for Vick's autograph for his young nephew, who was a big Vick fan.
However, he's getting criticism for not finding a less public opportunity to make such a request.
"I know how he prepares and how he feels about playing football and the passion with which he plays," Cowboys head coach Garrett only had positive things to say about Choice when asked for comment by reporters. "Anything beyond that, I don’t really want to comment on, but he goes about it the right way and we’re glad we have him on our side. We’re glad he takes the approach that he does."
"It's not like he did it in the middle of the game," defensive end Stephen Bowen told reporters. "I don't know why you would be upset. At the end of the day, when you're playing there is no friends, but at the end of the game they are all friends. I personally don't see it as a big deal."
Choice also apologized on Twitter (@tchoice23): "If its anybody that cares about winning and the d cowboys its me. I apologize to the people it was just an innocent jesture for my nephew."
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Don King, the legendary boxing promoter, was stopped by airport security at the Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland for having ammunition in his luggage, per the Associated Press.
According to the AP, King was not immediately available for comment. Hopkins airport spokesperson Jacqueline Mayo told reporters that King was stopped on Sunday night for packing ammunition for .38 caliber and .357 caliber firearms in his bag.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the 79-year-old King was in Cleveland for the funeral of his wife Henrietta, who died on Thursday from complications to stomach cancer.
"She's gone home," said Don King, as he stood before his wife's coffin. "She guided me like Moses guided the children of Israel. She was by my side in everything we did, even when our house was blown up on 147th Street and when I went to prison. She was there."
Reverend Al Sharpton gave the eulogy Henrietta King's funeral.
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Martina Hingis, a former world No. 1 ranked tennis player announced that she has just married French show jumper Thibault Hutin.
According to the newspaper Sonntags Blick, Hingis and Hutin were married in a private civil ceremony on Friday, December 10.
"Our wedding may take some by surprise," the paper quotes the bride as saying of the couple's ceremony, "but it has all been planned for some time."
PEOPLE magazine wrote: "The ceremony took place at city hall in the Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, according to the Swiss magazine Schweizer-Illustrierte, which posted wedding photos on its Web site early Monday. A small family reception was held in the Presidential Suite of Paris's Hotel George V, and a traditional Swiss wedding feast will be celebrated next spring."
The couple, reportedly met at a show jumping competition in St. Tropez. Hingis, 30, and her new husband Hutin, 24, are expected to honeymoon in the Maldives.
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Brett Favre is officially listed as inactive by the Minnesota Vikings for tonight's game against the New York Giants in Detroit, Michigan.
Howerer, all day today a poll from the Minnesota Star-Tribune queried readers whether or not the 41-year-old quarterback should play today.
In a poll by the the Star-Tribune, the popular response to the question "Should Favre Play Tonight?" was a "Yes."
According to the poll, which has had 7,864 votes, 38.6 percent of voters responded: "Sure hope so. Vikings need him, and I'd like to see his streak continue."
The other choice for 37.5 percent of voters said, "Really think it's time to take his beaten-up body into retirement."
While 23.5 percent voted: "Does it really matter? This season can't get much worse."
Favre's starting streak is expected to end at 297 consecutive games.
According to Judd Zulgad of the Minnesota Star Tribune wrote: "Favre never came out onto the field to throw in the pregame warmups, meaning he and coach Leslie Frazier likely knew well before the Vikings arrived in Detroit for this "home" game that playing through this injury wouldn't be realistic. Frazier said last week that Favre's issue wasn't reaching back to throw but rather following through on a pass."
Cam Newton has led the Auburn Tigers to a perfect 13-0 record this season and just won the Heisman trophy over the weekend. He has to be one of the best players in college football today.
As he gets ready to play the Oregon Ducks for the BCS national championship, what else is left for him to do?
Make an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, of course.
"Wow look at that guy! How about that guy?" said Letterman about Newton. "If I looked like that guy, you could all kiss my [butt]."
Newton is set to make an appearance on Letterman's show on Monday night. In a preview clip of the young quarterback's guest appearance, Newton gave the studio audience laughs when he came out for the segment: "Top Ten Things Cam Newton Can Say Now That He Won the Heisman Trophy."
One of the things Newton admitted during his cameo, was that he had "Bieber Fever." A reference to the young singing sensation Justin Bieber.
Want to see more of Newton? Watch him on Letterman tonight. Or, watch him on this Letterman preview right now.
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Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum took part in another Lakers practice on Monday before the team met up with the commander-in-chief and all signs point to a Tuesday in-game appearance for the young center.
“I’m definitely playing tomorrow,” Bynum told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.
“I don’t know how long," he said after practicing with teammates before they met with President Obama. "The practice felt very good. Obviously I’m not myself yet, but I can definitely go out there and help the team, and I’m going to go do that.”
According to Lakers head coach Phil Jackson, he only expects Bynum to play for about 15 minutes on Tuesday when the Lakers play the Wizards. After initially saying Bynum would start when he returns, Jackson told the Times that Bynum will make the determination if he's ready to start.
It appears as though Bynum's first action this season will come from the bench.
“We’ll just live with what happens,” Jackson said. “It may hurt the team, but we’re willing to do that at this point. It’s a big effect for us, hopefully.”



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