BASKETBALL

The rumors of the Boston Celtics trade of Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks appear to be true.  The deal would bring Brandon Wright, Jameer Nelson, serviceable bench player Jae Crowder and a future 1st and 2nd round pick to the Celtics.  This essentially gives the Celtics some good money bargains and some draft picks, while the Mavericks would instantly become a serious contender.  This is an exciting year in the NBA, and this trade only makes it better.

HOCKEY

There is a weird fluke mumps epidemic right now.  Apparently, a lot of the players that are suffering from the mumps stayed at a specific DoubleTree hotel.  It even sidelined arguably the face of hockey Sidney Crosby.  But on Thursday, Crosby returned from his illness to take on the Avalanche.  And with Pittsburgh Penguins having a lackluster season (i.e. if the playoffs started today, they wouldn’t make it), the Penguins desperately needed him back.

FOOTBALL

Finally, in college football, serious rumors are surrounding current 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and the University of Michigan.  Apparently, Michigan has offered Harbaugh $8million per year to run their program.  And considering that the 49ers brass may not want Harbaugh back next year, especially after the team fell apart this season, he may have to explore this offer.  Then again, Harbaugh has already won at the collegiate level, and he wants to prove he can win the big one in the pros.  It is also rumored that the Oakland Raiders are very interested in Harbaugh, and even might consider a move back to LA.  That is also an intriguing offer that Harbaugh may have to mull.  This could get very interesting.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the main story of the day centered around Chicago Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler was brought into Chicago hoping that he would be their savior. He showed flashes of excellence, flashes, that would earn him a huge contract. But it seems like the Bears story every year is that they start out hot, then completely collapse around Week 8. This year was no different, and finally the Bears brass  had enough. They have opted to bench Cutler this week in favor of back-up Jimmy Clausen. Cutler is likely on his way out of Chicago, and the Bears will go hunting for a new QB in the draft.

BASKETBALL

The Memphis Grizzlies appear to be emerging as the best team in the NBA. This is a team that has had the same nucleus for a few years now, and appear to have found an unstoppable groove. They would be tested Wednesday night by the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs are a team that takes “nights off” (meaning they play down to their opponent), but they were ready to take on the Grizzlies. So much so that they game needed three overtimes to be decided — one of which came about because of a miracle shot by Tim Duncan. But, in the end, the Grizzlies just did more, and got the win in San Antonio. Memphis 117, San Antonio 116.

Finally, in the NBA, rumors are swirling that the Celtics and Mavericks are talking about a trade for Celtics’ star point guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo would be a huge asset for a contending team like the Mavericks, and the Celtics are still in rebuilding mode. Getting some young pieces from the Mavs or even some draft picks would be just what they need. This trade might happen, and could be just enough to help the Mavericks win the West.