FOOTBALL

The New England Patriots are continuing to work out Steven Jackson, but they also signed running back Montee Ball.  Ball was drafted by the Broncos with the hopes he would help out Peyton Manning.  Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for Ball, and he was released at the beginning of the season.  He has spent almost all year out of the league, but the Patriots came calling and signed him to the practice squad.  Ball said he feels very fortunate for his fresh start, and hopes the Pats come calling on his services in the playoffs.
Elsewhere in the NFL, there was a lot of hype earlier this year concerning the St. Louis Rams possibly moving back to Los Angeles.  This plan, however, has stalled and it looks as if the Rams will remain in St. Louis for another season.  On account of this development, head coach Jeff Fisher’s job is probably secure. If the owner breaks Fisher’s contract, he will have to pay $6 million and doesn’t want to shell out the money if the team might be getting an entirely new identity a year from now.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, with the Golden Stare Warriors hot start, and their attempt to break the 96 Bulls record of 72 wins, everyone is wondering which team would win in a hypothetical game.  Many think it would be evenly matched, but Charles Barkley said the ’96 Bulls would kill Golden State because the Bulls were much bigger in size.  Barkley said, “who is going to guard Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman?” It’s certainly an interesting point, and also shows how the NBA has gone from a size based league, to a smaller, speed based league.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors undefeated streak may be over, but their season is still going strong.  The Warriors traveled home to host the Phoenix Suns, and no surprise, Golden State dominated.  This team is playing at such a masterful level, every game is exciting to watch. Who knows, maybe they’ll launch another 24 game winning streak!  To quote Star Wars, “The force is strong with this one.” Golden State 128, Phoenix 103.

In college basketball, it’s the end of an era in Wisconsin.  Long time head coach for the Badgers Bo Ryan decided to call it quits.  Earlier this summer, coming off back-to-back Final Four appearances, Ryan said he would coach one more year and then step down.  In a surprising turn of events, however, Ryan resigned “effective immediately”.   The Badgers are an inconsistent 7-5 this season without their first round draft pick stars (Kaminsky and Decker), but Ryan said not to count them out yet.  A great career for Bo Ryan!

FOOTBALL

After the New England Patriots lost their starting running back LeGarrett Blount for the season, they have been scouring the waiver wire looking for the perfect guy to give them a boost at running back.  It has been reported that the Pats are working out former superstar Rams and Falcons running back Steven Jackson.  Jackson was released this year by the Falcons and has been battling injuries but he might have a few good games left. With all the injuries they’ve sustained, the Pats are pulling out all stops to try and help the team.

TENNIS

Serena Williams was named the 2015 “Sportsperson of the Year” by Sports Illustrated. Williams posted, “This year was spectacular for me. For Sports Illustrated to recognize my hard work, my dedication, and my sheer determination gives me hope to continue on and do better.” At 34 years old, Williams won 53 of 56 matches and remained ranked #1 ever week. Congratulations Serena!

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the football Gods must truly want to challenge the Patriots this year.  In the past 2 months, they’ve already lost their up-and-coming phenom running back Dion Lewis, then it was Brady’s trusted receiver Julian Edelman, and then Gronkowsky suffered an injury that will keep him from playing at 100% the rest of the season.  Now it has been reported that their starting running back LeGarrett Blount is out for the season.  The Pats are still in line to make a deep run in the playoffs, but it won’t be easy without a healthy team.
Elsewhere in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens season is officially over, but that didn’t keep them from signing troubled quarterback Ryan Mallett.  Mallett was cut from the Houston Texans 2 months ago for failing to make a team flight.  Apparently, he was such a head case, the Texans couldn’t deal with him.  Mallett has said that he has dealt with all of his off-the-field issues, and now feels ready to win some games with the Ravens.  The Ravens desperately need Mallett, as they already lost their starter Joe Flacco for the season, as well as back-up Matt Schaub for the next few weeks.  Quarterbacking the Ravens is likely Mallett’s last chance to prove he belongs in this league.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, surprise surprise, Dwight Howard is unhappy again.  He said that he was tired of playing second fiddle to James Harden.  The odd thing about this statement is that the reason he left Orlando for Houston is that he wanted to be surrounded by a winning team so he could get to a championship.  Howard always wants attention, however and it’s likely the Rockets will trade him, as that is bad for chemistry for the rest of the team. It’s possible Howard will be picked up by another team such as Boston or Sacramento.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, Cincinnati Bengals fans were devastated after watching their star quarterback Andy Dalton go down with a thumb injury.  Early reports had him “out for the season”.  The Bengals were thinking this was just their typical bad luck.  It has been as been reported that Dalton does not need surgery and could actually be ready to play again in time for the playoffs.  The question is… can back-up QB AJ McCarron get the Bengals the wins they need to get a first round bye.  The Bengals are hoping they at least get a home playoff game.

BASEBALL

Kansas City Royals pitcher Johnny Cueto appears to be the latest “gun for hire” in the league.   After winning the World Series with the Royals, Cueto’s services are now for sale, and the San Francisco Giants came calling.   Cueto signed a 6-year $130 million contract with the team. With Cueto joining a staff that already includes stars Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner, the Giants could be very tough to stop.

BASKETBALL

Finally, in the NBA, the Sacramento Kings Rajon Rondo is in hot water after using a gay slur towards referee Bill Kennedy.  Rondo was suspended for a game but then after the incident, Kennedy revealed he is gay. Kennedy told Yahoo,  “I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man.” After issues with both Kobe Bryant and Joakim Noah in the past, the NBA is trying to rid themselves of  any homophobia and many think Rondo’s punishment should have been more severe.

BASKETBALL

In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors were riding an unprecedented 24 game undefeated streak.  Friday night they took on a Celtics team that took them to double overtime.  The Warriors won, but had to take a late night plane to Milwaukee to take on the Milwaukee Bucks.  The Warriors are more talented than the Bucks, but the Bucks were geared up for the game, and the Warriors were highly fatigued.  Golden State held on, but in the 4th quarter, the Bucks took off and the Warriors didn’t have enough left in the tank.  Golden State now has their first loss of the season, but don’t seem deterred as their eyes are on winning a championship and breaking the best regular season record set by the 96 Bulls (10 losses).  Look for Golden State to get back on track right away.  Milwaukee 108, Golden State 95.

FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the marquee match-up of the week was the Cincinnati Bengals hosting their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Steelers are clicking on all cylinders, but the Bengals are trying to prove that this is their division and they will Super Bowl bound.  Unfortunately for the Bengals, they lost their starting QB Andy Dalton in the first quarter to a thumb fracture. The Steelers capitalized and grabbed the win.  Sources are now saying that Dalton may miss the rest of the season, which puts former Alabama star A.J. McCarron in the cockpit.   Pittsburgh 33, Cincinnati 20.

And in Carolina, the undefeated Panthers hosted their division rivals the Atlanta Falcons.  The Panthers destroyed the Falcons with ease. The Panthers now improve their undefeated streak to 13 games.  Which team is going to stop them?  Carolina 38, Atlanta 0.

Finally, in college football, the Heisman Trophy Award was presented this weekend to superstar Alabama running back Derrick Henry.  Henry had a phenomenal year, and unlike other Heisman winners, will likely make a very good pro.  He sturdy and fast, and figures to be one of the top picks in next summer’s draft.  Now the question is… can he help Alabama win another National Championship?

BASKETBALL

Friday night in the Spurs vs. Lakers game two old rivals faced up against each other for one of the last times. Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan squared off  in a 109-87 victory for the Spurs as they remain undefeated at home(12-0).  In other NBA news, the Golden State Warriors slipped away from the Boston Celtics in a 124-119 victory improving to an astounding 24-0.

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

All QB Teddy Bridgewater needed to do to help the Minnesota Vikings send the Thursday night game into overtime was throw the ball to the sidelines so a receiver could get out of bounds or throw the ball away but just don’t get sacked and don’t throw over the middle. Unfortunately Bridgewater didn’t fully internalize this message as he fumbled the ball, the game clock expired and the Arizona Cardinals won the game. This third down play was an unfortunate mistake that overshadowed a very solid game for the 2nd year QB Bridgewater. With the win, the Cardinals clinch a playoff berth. Cardinals 23, Vikings 20.

BASKETBALL

A Des Moines sports reporter, Randy Peterson, got trampled after Iowa State beat Iowa on Thursday night when the crowd stormed the court after the game. The incident is bringing back the discussion on whether crowd-storming should be allowed. The Southeastern conference, for example, has been fining schools for storming the court or rushing the field for over 10 years now.

FOOTBALL

The Buffalo Bills play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and tensions will be high. Eagles’ coach, Chip Kelly, traded star running back LeSean McCoy back in March. Sunday will be the first time Kelly and McCoy will face each other since the trade. Kelly has stated that he would like to shake McCoy’s hand, but McCoy is still bitter and said “Chip can’t shake s*** at all. Nothing.” This bitterness should lend some drama to Sunday’s matchup.

In other NFL news, QB Johnny Manziel is getting another chance. After multiple off-field incidents (including partying all weekend during the Brown’s bye week), Cleveland Browns’ coach Mike Pettine will start Manziel on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Pettine stated the repercussions would be harsh if Manziel acts inappropriately again.  “To be a starting quarterback in this league, with that comes great responsibility. The field is part of it and off the field is another part of it.”

BASKETBALL

Nike signed Cleveland Cavalier Lebron James to a lifetime contract with the company. According to Nike reps, this is the first time that Nike has ever signed a single athlete to a lifetime deal. Lebron expressed his feelings for Nike by stating, “It’s like I said, very humbling and grateful, and I’m going to continue to do my job and represent the brand the best way I can, like I know how. Hopefully, people see that.”

In other NBA news, the Golden State Warriors continue their unbelievable streak with an easy win over the Indiana Pacers. With 79 points in just the first half, the Warriors showed they are not slowing down and are now 23-0 on the season. Warriors 131, Pacers 123.

FOOTBALL

Winning the Heisman trophy is the greatest honor in all of college football. Seven finalists were announced on Monday.  The three frontrunners appear to be Alabama’s running back, Derrick Henry as he’s led the Crimson Tide’s offense with his commanding rushing stats, Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey who broke Barry Sanders all-purpose yards record, and Clemson QB DeShaun Watson with his passing efficiency.  Dalvin Cook, Baker Mayfield, Ezekiel Elliot and Keenan Reynolds round out the field. The winner will be announced Saturday night in NY.

The Monday Night Football game between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys looked ugly and finished even uglier when the Redskins’ DeSean Jackson fumbled the ball on a punt return leading to Dallas’ only TD. Jackson tried to redeem himself with a late touchdown but Dallas had just enough time left for a field goal to win the game. Cowboys 19, Redskins 16.