Bleacher Report - Articles by InGameNow .

Is Any Sports Figure As Crazy As Al Davis?

InGameNow . — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:03:34 -0400

It took almost a full nine months for Lane Kiffin to get his pink slip. Although, whether through the Raiders or the media he had been on notice since last January. So with the announcement being expected and Tom Cable’s naming as Interim Head Coach not being exciting, what did we learn from yesterday’s press conference?

You heard it at InGameNow: AL DAVIS IS NUTS! Possibly even certifiably insane! He has completely lost it. With that in mind, how do other Sports Figures compare?

George Steinbrenner: We all know that George likes his high-priced free agents. Heck, would we all hate them as much as we do, if he didn’t? However, what Steinbrenner likes more is control. He changed managers 20 times in his first 23 years of being the owner of the Yankees.

Billy Martin accounts for five of those, albeit in George’s defense, Martin is quoted as saying, “[George Steinbrenner and Reggie Jackson] were meant for each other. One’s a born liar, and the other’s convicted.”

Ok, he has lost it!

Top 12 Moments of the Red Sox 2008 Regular Season

InGameNow . — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:07:59 -0400

Here we are in the post season once again, but the regular season had some very memorable moments. Here’s a few of my favorites.

12. Trade For Mark Kotsay Brings His Hot Wife To Town

Need I say more?

11. Bill Buckner Returns to Fenway

We all know Buckner. Mostly as a punch line, but we know him. Still, he was a great part of this team for a long time, putting up great numbers and contributing to his team every day.

He had that one error, but you can’t blame an entire series on one error; one time the ball goes through your legs. And he has not been treated well by the media, and it has had a terrible toll on the rest of his life.

So what do the Sox do? They bring him back, and the fans give him a huge, extended, standing ovation. There were tears in his eyes as he thanked the fans for how much it meant to him to come back a hero.

No commentary necessary, that says it all. I will mention that I may have had a tear in my eye when I saw it, though it may have been raining on my face.

Read the next ten: InGameNow

Seven Ridiculous Ways to Die While Golfing

InGameNow . — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:45:32 -0400

If you could choose the means by which you’ll check out of this life, most men would either die old, do something gloriously macho, or in David Blaine’s case find the lamest way possible.

Not many would choose getting peed on by a rat. Yet, we have evidence that golf is one of the most dangerous athletic activities anyone can partake–not because of a lightning strike or an animal attack, but apparently what appears to be natural selection working its course when they would’ve been safer fighting MMA.

Read the rest and see photos here: InGameNow

Guide to Jumping on the Chicago Cubs Bandwagon

InGameNow . — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:51:34 -0400

Now, with the Cubs about to start this year’s MLB playoffs, we wanted to take a quick moment to welcome all you new Cubs fans and educate the good folks on how best to attach your fortunes to the Cubs Bandwagon.

First thing’s first: safety is paramount here. If you’re going to jump on the bandwagon, please be sure to watch your footing, grab the handrails for support and look both ways before crossing the street. Seriously, we are not kidding here. Wrigleyville will be the drunk driving capitol of the country this month.

Read it and check out the video: InGameNow

Ranking October’s Pitching Staffs

InGameNow . — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:46:15 -0400

Pitching wins championships. Period. Nothing’s more important than the guy toeing the rubber—if he’s off, your team heads to clubhouse along with the Yankees and Mets. If he’s throwing gems, get your finger sized. So with that in mind, here’s how we rank the pitching staff for each team in the playoffs:

8. Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins

While we’re still waiting to see which team will emerge as the A.L. Central Champs, we do know that either team will boast the weakest rotation in October. That’s what happens when nearly every pitcher has double-digit losses.

For the White Sox, Mark Buehrle is a nice pitcher, but he’s no ace. The rest of the rotation is a far cry from the 2005 White Sox that steamrolled through the postseason.

The Twins? They’ve got Francisco Liriano and…um…uh…is Brad Radke still around? But seriously, they might as well throw Radke when they have to rely on guys like Nick Blackburn (11-10, 4.14 ERA) and Kevin Slowey (12-11, 3.99 ERA).

Read the rest: InGameNow

Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo Go Ring Shopping

InGameNow . — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:43:21 -0400

The Chicago Sun Times has reported that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was spotted bling shopping with Jessica Simpson.

In a sign that the economic slowdown is hurting even the uber-rich, the loving couple was shopping at Neiman Marcus. Either Jerry Jones does not pay his star enough, or Romo is one cheap bastard!

The lovely couple

Why Your Team Will (and Won’t) Win the World Series

InGameNow . — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:40:14 -0400

AMERICAN LEAGUE

1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (100-62, AL West Champions)

Why They’ll Win It All: The Angels simply turned in the best record in all of baseball in 2008, notching a franchise-record 100 wins. The last time the Angels won the World Series, they did it with guys like Tim Salmon, Garrett Anderson, Darin Erstad, Adam Kennedy, Troy Glaus, and David Eckstein.

While Salmon, Anderson, and Glaus were top-notch bats, the 2008 roster appears far superior than the 2002 version, boasting guys like Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, and Mark Teixeira.

The pitching isn’t too shabby, either, led by John Lackey, who will be followed up by Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders. This Halo squad is also, by far, the best road team in baseball in 2008, amassing a 50-31 record—five more wins than the closest competitor, the Philadelphia Phillies.

Why They Won’t: Despite having the best record in baseball, some other numbers suggest the Angels are far from the best team heading into October.

Only Milwaukee and the Dodgers have scored fewer runs than the Angels among playoff teams, while only the Minnesota Twins/Chicago White Sox have allowed more runs against among playoff teams.

To top it all off, the Angels find themselves opening the postseason against the Boston Red Sox, who have given the Angels playoff troubles in recent years.

READ IT ALL: InGameNow

NCAA Upset Saturday: Seven Top 25 Teams Lose; Duke Wins

InGameNow . — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:22:20 -0400

Yesterday was a debacle for top 25 teams, and it’s even more surprising considering that *everyone* should have been:

1. revved up after USC’s loss; after all, #1 was wide open!
2. aware of the upset. You saw Oregon State dismantle them on national TV, right?!

Well, seven top 25 teams lost and there were some dominating performances like Alabama and Oregon State. Today’s top 10 will look almost entirely different in positions and we will analyze when published. Here are yesterday’s upsets according to our venerable friends at TheBigLead:

1. USC. Lost to unranked Oregon State, 27-21
3. Georgia. Lost to No. 9 Alabama, 41-30.
4. Florida. Lost to unranked Ole Miss, 31-30.
9. Wisconsin. Lost to unranked Michigan, 27-25.
16. Wake Forest. Lost to unranked Navy, 24-17.
20. Clemson. Lost to unranked Maryland, 20-17.
23. East Carolina. Lost to unranked Houston, 41-24.

Add your two cents: InGameNow

Fantasy Football Injury Report: Brian Westbrook, Carson Palmer Out

InGameNow . — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:18:27 -0400

Do *not* play these tier one fantasy football players. They are not playing in NFL Week Four and SI.com is reporting that the big names Brain Westbrook and Carson Palmer will indeed not play:

Justin Fargas RB OAK
Joey Galloway WR TB
Donte Stallworth WR CLE
Devin Hester WR CHI
James Jones WR GB
L.J. Smith TE PHI
Redskins DST: With Jason Taylor, Fred Smoot, and others are out.

And the big guns:

Brian Westbrook, RB PHI

Westbrook is going to be a game-time decision, but sources tell me that the gameplan is going to be built the same way whether he plays or not. If Westbrook plays, he’ll get a few carries, but they’re more focused on getting him in space where he doesnt have to make as many cuts and won’t have 300-pound men falling on him.

And that’s a big “if.” Correll Buckhalter is going to get more of the carries, if not all of them, so if you handcuffed, that’s the way to go.

Carson Palmer QB CIN

Palmer is still expected to play, but there’s enough concern about his elbow that I’m downgrading him. We’ll know soon if he’s ready to go in what should be a fantasy barnburner.

John Elway Announces Engagement to Former Raiders Cheerleader Paige Green

InGameNow . — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:35:20 -0400

Denver Broncos Hall-of-Fame quarterback John Elway is now engaged to a former Oakland Raiders cheerleader. The two-time Super Bowl winner proposed to 41-year-old Paige Green during a trip to Italy last week. Elway told the Rocky Mountain News he was “looking forward to a long life together” with Green.

Paige Green Fast Facts
Height: 5′7″
Weight: 120 pounds
Movie appearances: Ray of Darkness, Gory Gory Hallelujah
Occupation: Former Oakland Raiders cheerleader

Green was formerly connected to Reagan Dunn, son of Republican ex-congresswoman Jennifer Dunn. The couple became engaged in October of 2006 after dating for a year.

She was born to Joshua and Pam Green, who founded several banking, boating and real estate companies in the Seattle area (from Mahalo).

See Photos Here: InGameNow

Sports Odd Couples

InGameNow . — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:31:38 -0400

Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos fans have hated each other since, like, forever. It’s the kind of rivalry that doesn’t even take a break for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the Second Coming. So imagine the shock in Denver when the news broke that Hall of Fame quarterback and two-time Super Bowl Champion John Elway is engaged to a former Raiders cheerleader.

But in the meantime while we at InGameNow wait patiently for our wedding invitations, here are some of the oddest couples we’ve seen in sports.

1. Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez

The New York Yankees experienced some of their most successful seasons in franchise history during the Joe Torre years. In fact, Yankees fans will have a long offseason to reminisce about those days.

Meanwhile, the rival Boston Red Sox won two World Series championships in the past four years, with Boston posterboy Manny Ramirez in left field. It took a coast-to-coast move for the both of them, but now Torre and Ramirez look towards the postseason together like star-crossed lovers.

Read the rest: InGameNow

North Carolina Trounces Miami Football; Gnarliest Block Ever? Video

InGameNow . — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:20:47 -0400

The ACC is a strange world right now—after all, UNC and Duke stand atop the conference… and by the way, we’re not in March!

The below video is from UNC’s victory against Miami and proof enough that playing special teams is exactly what you want to avoid.

The blocker takes a ridiculous hit and his helmet goes flying 20 feet in the air. Awesome stuff.

See Video here on the IGN Blog: VIDEO

Week 4 NFL Picks: Locks Are Packers, Titans, Bills & Chargers

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:28:06 -0400

Each week, InGameNow’s big gamblers, Jack and I, do an NFL Pick-em against the spread. It works like this: We rotate picks, so if Jack picks first, he will take the game that he likes best. I then pick my next two favorite games, and so on and so forth. At the end of the week, the person who picked more games correctly wins.

We didn’t post results last week because naturally we were both in Las Vegas. While I won big with the Cowboys on Sunday night...Our pick-em rotation was brutally bad. So here are this week’s picks and our four top confidence picks:

1. Packers at Buccaneers -1
2. Vikings at Titans -3
3. Bills at Rams +8
4. Chargers at Raiders +7.5

Read the rest: InGameNow

Steven Jackson Wants Marc Bulger

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:15:42 -0400

Steven Jackson held out this summer for the money. He got paid, and he’s playing. What was overlooked during the holdout was that the St. Louis Rams are pitiful (we knew they would be) and he would be better served on a different team...Start with the Detroit Lions and move up.

Now that Marc Bulger has been benched (stupidly, I might add), and Trent Green has been named the starter, Steven Jackson is very unhappy...And you have to wonder if he regrets extending with the Rams.

Think of the options he could have had: Bengals, Lions, Packers, Patriots, Broncos, Saints, etc. Basically any team without Marion Barber or Tomlinson.

Read the rest of the article here: InGameNow

Kimbo Slice Punches David Blaine Twice...In the Gut...VIDEO

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:25:02 -0400

David Blaine Takes two Punches From Kimbo Slice.

All of this during the same week where Blaine hung upside down over Central Park for 60 hours in the world’s biggest WTF stunt.

Check out the video and more pics here: InGameNow

Fathead Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson Are Having Twins

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 05:16:44 -0400

This is the most bizarre photo I’ve seen all day. Seriously. First, when is Tito Ortiz wearing a Dick Tracy pinstripe suit? Second, his head is bigger than Jenna Jameson. Not Jenna’s head...All of her.

Third, the two are having twins. There is no chance any baby with any resemblance to Tito can pop out of her...Let alone two of them!

I can't imagine how hideous those children will be; it's absolutely disgusting to think about.

What do you say? InGameNow

Geriatric Bowl: Kurt Warner Vs. Brett Favre

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:52:33 -0400

Sunday, September 28th, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardials travel to Giants Stadium to face Brett Favre and the New York Jets in Geriatric Bowl I.

Warner, 37, and Favre, almost 39, will lead their teams into this battle of grey hairs.

Ream more about this years Geriatric Bowl: InGameNow

Navy Locks Up Poinsettia Bowl Bid…for 2010

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:38:53 -0400

The fundraisers at the Navy football program are investing in the futures market. They’ve already locked up their bowl bid for the 2010 Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego, provided they get the requisite six wins.

This of course presents an great opportunity to arbitrage your season earnings by locking up a future bowl game, and scheduling six tomato cans to guarantee you get there.

It especially works for Navy since their most important game is not the bowl game anyway. Just saying.

Upon hearing that you can guarantee a future bowl game, Charlie Weis smacks himself, asking “You can do that?!”

What do you say: InGameNow

All-Name Hall of Fame: The Best Athlete Names Ever

InGameNow . — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:13:26 -0400

The most complete roll of the most inappropriate, sophomoric, random, unfortunate, or otherwise just awesome given names in all of sports.

Some athletes are truly gifted. They’ve been given speed, agility, and strength that has affixed upon them trait-ascribed nicknames: “Magic” Johnson, Broadway Joe. The Babe. But a rare few athletes are gifted with just the right name at birth. Here at IGN we present the inaugural edition of the All-Name Hall of Fame.

Assol Silvets - She’s a skier from Belarus. With that name she must be a real jerk.

See the rest here: InGameNow

Eight Best/Worst Dance Dance Revolution Videos...Ever

InGameNow . — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:46:49 -0400

Oft overlooked in the NFL’s new season and MLB’s upcoming postseason is the glory that we know as Dance Dance Revolution. Oft misunderstood are the glorious athletes (yes, athletes) who partake in this magical game with moves that would make Reggie Bush blush and Matt Cassel jealous and CC Sabbathia confused.

The eight best Dance Dance Revolution Dancers… Ever.

See them here: InGameNow

Breaking News: Jacksonville Jaguars Have Most Dreads in NFL! (Satire)

InGameNow . — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:40:25 -0400

Breaking news football fans: The Jacksonville Jaguars are the NFLs most dreaded football team...And it has nothing to do with skill.

The Jaguars have 10 players with dreads, according to the very official count of ShakeDemDreads. Also worth noting, every team in the NFL has at least one player with some dreaded hair. More good dread stats: InGameNow

Kurt Warner vs. Brett Favre in Geriatric Bowl

InGameNow . — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:53:56 -0400

Sunday, Sept. 28, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals travel to Giants Stadium to face Brett Favre and the New York Jets in Geriatric Bowl I.

Warner, 37, and Favre, about to be 39, will lead their teams into this battle of grey hairs.

Read the rest of the article HERE.

Troy Brown, Patriots Legend, to Retire Today

InGameNow . — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:49:50 -0400

At a time when we have people like Josh Howard and Pacman Jones crushing the public opinion of sports stars, people like Brown should be applauded.

He was the ultimate team player. Predominantly a wide receiver, Brown spent 2004 as a DB. He even lined up as an emergency QB in one preseason game.

Continue reading HERE.

Cubs Playoff Prospects: Would Chicago Rather See the Mets or the Dodgers?

InGameNow . — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:22:03 -0400

With a 95-61 record, the Chicago Cubs have homefield advantage through the NL Championship Series (which is huge, because they have a 55-26 home record).

Most would say they should save their pitchers’ arms and coast into the playoffs. However, in analyzing their schedule, they have two games remaining with the New York Mets, then finish the season with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

What makes these games interesting is that the Mets currently hold a one-game lead on the Brew Crew in the NL wild card race.

The question must be asked: Should the Cubs tank their series with either the Mets or Brewers so as to influence who makes it into the playoffs?

To answer that, we must first answer the question: Would the Cubs rather play Milwaukee or New York? Or, as far as the divisional series is concerned (the wild card winner cannot play the team that won its own division in the first round), the Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers?

The three teams' head-to-head schedules against the Cubs do not offer much help. Chicago is 5-2 this season against the Dodgers, 3-1 vs. New York, and 8-5 against the Brewers. None of those numbers is scary.

The Mets started the season very slow, fired Willie Randolph, and since have been on fire. Milwaukee started hot, but eventually cooled off, causing the firing of manager Ned Yost. Ever since LA acquired Manny Ramirez, it's been white hot.

In the month of September, Los Angeles has a 16-5 record, New York has an 11-9 record, and Milwaukee is 6-15. It is clear the Dodgers have the most momentum.

So, should Chicago tank games against the Mets so as to not face Los Angeles in the first round and possibly see Milwaukee in the NLCS, or should the Cubs try to avoid New York instead?

Read the rest here!

Detroit Lions Breaking News: Matt Millen Fired

InGameNow . — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:45:03 -0400

Multiple news sources, including Fox Sports, WXYT Detroit Sports Talk, and the fan site firemillen.com, have reported this morning that Lions team president Matt Millen was fired last night.

Lions fans are ecstatic.

Miroslav Satan Is Known by the Number of the Beast

InGameNow . — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:27:53 -0400

From InGameNow:

Somebody in the news world was having a little fun with the sports databases when Miroslav Satan entered the NHL.

If you look at the url on nearly every major news site, you can find his page with the number of the beast, 666. Check out the url for his player page on Fox, SI, ESPN, and Yahoo.

The BIG List Of The Best (or Worst) Athlete Names Ever

InGameNow . — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:22:59 -0400

Some athletes are truly gifted. They’ve been given speed, agility, and strength that has affixed upon them trait-based nicknames: “Magic” Johnson, Broadway Joe. The Babe. But a rare few athletes are gifted with just the right name at birth.

Assol Silvets—She’s a skier from Belarus. With that name she must be a real jerk.

Prince Octopus Dzanie—2008 Olympic boxer from Ghana who happens to be 4′7″. He squirts ink when you punch him.

Darius Passmore—With that name he could only be a WR, or maybe a quarterback in the west coast offense.

Kim Yoo Suk—It was all good for this 2008 Olympian until they started chanting his name.

Urban Shocker—Played for the Yankees in the 1920s. Be careful of his fingers.

Majestic Mapp (& his brother Scientific)—That’s how you know your parents want you to be explorers.

Peter LaCock—Another baseball player named like a porn star.

Harry Colon—An NFL defensive back who clearly ate lots of fiber.

Nicky Butt—As a defensive midfielder for Newcastle Utd, this Butt doesn’t let anything pass.

The entire list can be seen on InGameNow

Warren Sapp Tops His Beyonce Dance with Grace

InGameNow . — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:12:39 -0400

Few things are as entertaining as a fat guy who is naturally light on his feet. The producers of Dancing with the Stars knew this when they convinced Warren Sapp to compete on their show. He has verified his dancing skills many times over at his previous job in the NFL, having danced like Beyonce for touchdowns and daintily skipped through the Colts warm-up line during pre-game.

I present to you, Warren Sapp and his partner Kym Johnson doing the Cha Cha

Marc Bulger Dumped for Trent Green—St. Louis Rams Hit New Low

InGameNow . — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:27:55 -0400

This year the Rams are 0-3 with a sad 29 points scored and 116 given up.

Who would make more sense to as QB in St. Louis?

1. Jake Plummer

2. Joe Montanna

3. Steven Jackson

4. Really, anyone

The number 38 is significant to Green. It represents both his age and the number of concussions he has had.

Continue reading HERE.

LaDainian Tomlinson Is Done: Will the Real LT Please Stand Up?

InGameNow . — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:55:11 -0400

In looking at LaDainian Tomlinson’s stats this year, I say he is a total bust as the overall No. 1 pick.

Week One: 10 fantasy points (97 yards rushing, 15 yards receiving)

Week Two: Three fantasy points (26 yards rushing, 14 yards receiving)

Week Three: 20 points (67 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, two rushing TDs)

The San Diego Chargers are not going to improve. Dump LT now!

(To read why, click the link below.)

http://blog.ingamenow.com/2008/09/23/will-the-real-lt-please-stand-up/