A League of their Own

I think that it was an act of kindness toward Kit to make her the star for once. All of her life she was second best to her sister and was very upset by that fact. I think that Dotty dropped the ball on purpose to give her sister the limelight for once. Dotty had been hit in front of the plate many times before and had not dropped the ball so why would she have done so now. They were discriminated against because of the short dresses that they were forced wear as uniforms. Also, initially they were made fun of because people thought that they could not play. My favorite part of the movie was the end when Kit was given the opportunity to shine.

Women in Sports

I do not think that women are treated equally in sports, which is very unfortunate. They cannot compete at the same level as men because they are not able to be as strong. They should definitely be treated equally in regards to respect as the same as they are in real life. Women should make the same amount of money and their sports should be televised more to make things more equal.

Lakers helped launch Thunder

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/story/_/id/7931629/los-angeles-lakers-helped-launch-oklahoma-city-thunder

5/15/12

Summary: The Oklahoma City Thunder trampled the Los Angeles Lakers 119-90 in the first game of the series. The article talks about how the Thunder were being pushed by the Lakers to compete at their level. The Thunder seem to be on a roll and could potentially sweep the Lakers if they keep playing this well.

Significance: This is very significant because the Thunder showed how good they are at this point in the season and they are peaking at the perfect time. If the Thunder do beat the Lakers then it will be interesting to see if they will win the championship. It is very likely that they could do so if they continue to play at this level.

Question: Should the Lakers be concerned being down early in the series?

Alternate Heading: Thunder took Lakers in game 1

MIracle

It was a big deal that the USA beat the Soviets because they were the number one in the world. Also, they were beaten by the same team a few weeks earlier at MSG, which was very disheartening. Herb was such a good coach because he did not want all the star players on his team, he wanted the players that would work well together. Also, he focused on conditioning which allowed his team to still be efficient late in the game. I liked the underdog aspect of this movie because everyone loves a good underdog story.

Melo takes N.Y. back to South Beach

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7898793/nba-playoffs-2012-carmelo-anthony-wills-new-york-knicks-game-4-win

5/7/12

Summary: The Knicks beat the Heat for their first playoff win, and to snap their 13 game losing streak. They were able to battle back as the underdogs and continue their playoff run. Anthony led the team to their victory and even though he missed his free throws he played very well.

Significance: This is very significant because this keeps the Knicks in the playoffs. This shows that the Knicks could potentially be the first team to come back from a 3-0 deficit to move on. This also significant because Anthony scored 41 points, which shows that he could be good enough to beat the Heat.

Question: Is it possible for the Knicks to come back from a 3-1 deficit and move on to the next round?

Alternate Heading: Knicks Stay Alive

Race Blog

I do not think that there is an intentional racial division in sports. You can clearly tell that in certain sports there are a higher number of certain races. This is not necessarily a bad thing just because the athletes should not be looked at by their ethnicity. There might be a tendency for certain races to be better at particular sports, but that is not set in stone. I think that as the years go on there is less racism in sports just because all races are present in them. Even though I am sure that there are people that are racist in sports, but it seems that in this day in age it has diminished.

Yanks send Freddy Garcia to 'pen

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7869683/new-york-yankees-demote-freddy-garcia-bullpen

4/30/12

Summary: After a series of terrible starts for Freddy Garcia, the Yankees have moved there fifth starter to the bullpen. The rookie David Phelps will now have the opportunity to show his skills in the rotation. Garcia had a terrible ERA and therefore was moved, hopefully he will be able to succeed in the pen.

Significance: This is a very significant move for the Yankees and for the young rookie. This is a big move for the Yanks because they might be able to finally secure their rotation. This is important for David Phelps because he needs to prove his worth with the veteran Andy Pettitte coming back next week.

Question: Should the Yankees be a little concerned with the struggling Garcia?

Alternate Heading: Phelps given opportunity as new starter for Yanks

Andrew Bynum leads Kobe Bryant-less Lakers to win over Mavs

ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320415013

4/16/12

Summary: The Lakers beat the Mavericks yesterday in a close game that could be a potential playoff matchup. Andrew Bynum dropped 23 points yesterday with Kobe out, and Gasol was able to make an impact. All in all this is a great win for the Lakers, and is a step in the right direction.

Significance: This was significant because this game could be a potential playoff matchup. This is also good for the Lakers because they won this game without their star player, Kobe Bryant. Things could be looking up for them, but the Mavs should be a little concerned at this point.

Question: Should other teams be concerned that the Lakers can win games with out Kobe?

Alternate Heading: Bynum lead Lakers to win

Murderball

My favorite part of the movie was when they showed the recently injured man getting excited when Zupan came to talk about Rugby. The man wanted to play immediately and is currently saving up for his own wheelchair. The most inspirational character was Zupan I think because he had a lot of hate in the beginning of the movie and as time went on he was able to forgive Igoe. He also became the team spokesman which is great for him. I think that the director wanted us to understand that even though the players are handicapped they are still able to play this game. I would absolutely recommend this movie because it is very inspirational and a great story.

Carmelo Anthony buries Bulls with 8.2 left in OT as Knicks ruin Derrick Rose's return

ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320408018

4/9/12

Summary: The New York Knicks were victorious against the Chicago Bulls yesterday in Derrick Rose's return. The game went into overtime after a late three by Carmelo Anthony. At the end of overtime, Anthony made the go ahead shot and was able to lead the Knick's to an overtime win.

Significance: This is significant for both teams because it was a potential playoff matchup. This was good for the Knicks because Carmelo Anthony is showing that he still has the ability to win games. After Jeremy Lin came to New York people started to forget about Carmelo, so this game was good for the team and him. This was a little disappointing for the Bulls because Rose is their star player and could not complete after being out.

Question: Should the Bulls be concerned that they were unable to win with Rose?

Alternate Heading: Ross unable to make a Triumphant Return

Sean Payton, Loomis hearings set

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7761584/new-orleans-saints-appeals-heard-tuesday-source-says

4/2/12

Summary: Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis are awaiting the results of their appeals regarding their bounty hunting program. The Saints coach has been suspended for a year because the NFL found out that the Saints were paying their players to injure other players. Most likely the Saints will have to be without their head coach for the upcoming season, and need to find a replacement for him.

Significance: This is significant because the Saints will need to cope with the fact that their great coach will not be around next season. Granted it is players that make the difference, but if you do not have a good coaching staff then it will be hard to win games. This is also significant because it sets a precedent for all other teams not to do this ever again.

Question: Is Sean Payton's punishment to harsh?

Alternate Heading: Payton's Demise has Come

Tim Richmond Story

I learned a lot about the AIDS virus from this video because it brought everything into light. Everyone thought back then that the only people that had AIDS were homosexual because they did not know enough about it. Tim Richmond's death showed that you can be a heterosexual male and still get AIDS, which shocked many people. He did not tell anyone because he wanted to race so badly that he would do anything to ensure that he would remain in NASCAR. He should have definitely told people because it might have been unsafe for people that might handle him if he was in an accident. Unfortunately, I do not think people would have accepted him because of the area that he came from.

Jimmy V. Comeback Award

Kevin Everett - during a game he suffered a severe neck injury and was not expected to walk again. He was given the award after making it all the way back from this terrible injury

George Karl - was the coach of the Denver Nuggets and he was diagnosed with neck and throat cancer. He ended up defeating this cancer and was then given the award.

Kentucky has little trouble with Baylor on way to second straight Final Four

ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=320850096

3/26/12

Summary: The Bears had no roar against Kentucky this weekend because they fell in an embarrassing defeat. Baylor was no competition to Kentucky, who were beating them by 20 at halftime. Baylor did not even show up to the game, and Kentucky could have cut down the net at half...it would not have made a difference.

Significance: This is extremely significant because it completely destroyed my bracket. This basically proves that Baylor has no business being in Division 1 sports. Also, this proves that Kentucky was the right top seed for the tournament and will most likely win the title.

Question: Should Baylor be allowed to remain in the NCAA at all?

Alternate Heading: Baylor Hates Everyone that picked them to win

The Guru of Go

The story of Hank Gathers was very moving and was a big loss to many people. He was an amazing athlete that inspired everyone that saw him. I was incredibly moved when Bo shot his foul shot left handed. I absolutely do not blame the coach for Hank's death because he wanted to play and I do not think that he could have stopped him. I do not think that you can blame anyone for Hank's death because he was the one that wanted to get off his medication. Even though the doctors could not have allowed him to play it would have eventually caught up to him.

Inspirational Story

I found that Team Hoyt was the most inspirational story because of the love that a father has for his son. The bond that exists between the two is just awe inspiring. The fact that the father was able to do The Iron Man Competition with his son is incredibly encouraging. They are an inspiration to all parents and children everywhere. They were all inspiring stories and should be looked up to forever.

The Natural - Final Essay

I will do the first essay topic.

Thesis: Ever since Roy Hobbs entered the MLB he has had many ups and downs that has led him to be a very elastic player and person.

Avenues

- Roy has comeback to baseball after being shot

- He became selfish during his triumph when he did not help his team and only cared about himself

- He was liked at the end, but then he threw the game which everyone did not like

Andy Pettitte Signs One-Year Minor League Deal with New York Yankees

Bleacher Report

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1107664-andy-pettitte-signs-one-year-minor-league-deal-with-new-york-yankees?search_query=andy%20pettitte

3/19/12

Summary: The New York Yankees have resigned Andy Pettitte to a one year contract. They are not sure if he will make it all the way back to the big leagues, but he will definitely try. Pettitte wants to come back and show that he can win games even though he retired two seasons ago.

Significance: After a year away from baseball Andy Pettitte is looking to make a return to baseball. He will attempt to make a comeback and be apart of another Yankees playoff run. He one of the best post season pitchers of all time and his involvement can also help other young pitchers.

Question: Can the Yankees expect him to be as good as he was?

Alternate Heading: Pettitte's Return to Baseball has Begun

Dwight Howard says he wants to stay for now

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7683943/dwight-howard-says-wants-finish-season-orlando-magic

3/14/12

Summary: Dwight Howard of the Orland Magic NBA team has decided to remain with his team for the rest of the season. Howard thinks that the Magic can potentially make a run for the playoffs which would change everything. If the Magic end up capturing a title then the have a great chance at keeping Howard.

Significance: This is very significant because Dwight Howard was expected to leave the Magic soon and now he is not planning to do so. For weeks, the media has been talking about potential trade rumors and after this game he has made the decision to stay for the rest of the season.

Question: Does he expect to win a championship with Orlando?

Alternate Heading: Orlando holds on to Howard

Escobar Blog Post

They were majorly connected because the drug money was funding the soccer teams in Colombia. Pablo Escobar also was very good friends with the players and would invite them up to visit him in jail. Also the drug industry called the shots that resulted in the death of Andres Escobar. Pablo was so controversial because he was a terrible drug lord that ruled the underworld, but he was very good to the poor. He killed many people in Colombia and around the world, but he built homes for the poor because that was where he originally came from and he wanted to support them. I thought he was a very bad man because of all the drugs he exported and deaths he caused. One good thing cannot undo a lifetime full of wrongs. Andres Escobar was a great soccer player and captain for the Colombian National Team. His death should not have occurred because all he did was make a mistake, which everyone does at least a few times in life. I thought that the documentary was very well put together, and even though there were subtitles I was able to get the whole story.

Deron Williams scores franchise-record 57 in Nets' win; Brook Lopez injures ankle

ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320304030

3/5/12

Summary: The Nets beat the Bobcats in their last game, with Deron Williams scoring a franchise record 57 points. The article also focused on how Brook Lopez injured his ankle during the game. This is a major loss because he is the main person that they expect to get boards. Focusing on the bright side, if the Nets can get the ball to Deron Williams they might have a chance at a few more wins this season.

Significance: Deron Williams broke the Nets scoring record in their win over the Charlotte Bobcats. This is significant because this could be a step in the right direction for the Nets. If they can give Deron Williams more opportunities then they might be able to win more games. The down side to this story is the loss of Lopez.

Question: Will the Nets be able to continue moving forward without Brook Lopez?

Alternate Heading: Franchise Point Scoring Leads Nets to Victory

Steroid Fatigue Syndrome

If we allowed athletes to take PEDs then it would eliminate the long and drawn out investigations that come from their use. It would also make the sport more exciting to watch because the people would have increased their ability a lot. He references all of these athletes to demonstrate all of the wasted time that is taken to investigate these athletes, and put them on trial. These men all deny that they have taken PEDs which makes it even harder to get past the incident and drags it out forever. To prove why PEDs should be allowed in sports to make things better and increase times and reps. The world of performance enhancing rugs that we are currently in makes things harder for almost everyone that is involved.

Michael Vick: criminal or victim?

They went crazy when the heard about Michael Vick's involvement in the illegal dog fighting ring. The media said that he would never play football again, they also demonized him and called him a fascist. They author says that this is another form of gambling that "seduces millions of people." He talks about how these addicts need to be rehabilitated and not ostracized from society. The author says that the difference between black and white athletes are that black people are persecuted more than white people. When white people get caught it is in the news for only a few days then it blows over. The author brings up the hypocrisy that the police officers in New Orleans were not persecuted for slaughtered dogs and cats, but Vick was because he is black. The author talks about how Bush and Cheney were not persecuted for causing the death of the people involved in the war. I disagree with this statement, and think that he is a criminal because he did commit the crimes that he was accused of.

Ben & Jerry's sorry for fortune cookies

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/7617213/new-york-knicks-jeremy-lin-ben-jerry-apologizes-lin-sanity-flavor

2/27/12

Summary: This article talks about the new flavor of ice cream that was made by Ben & Jerry's. It was made after the new basketball phenomenon Jeremy Lin. The problem with the flavor was that it included fortune cookies as part of it. Ben & Jerry's released an apology for their actions that could have been considered as racist.

Significance: This is the second racist comment made toward Jeremy Lin for his ethnicity. The first was made by ESPN where they referred to him as being a "chink in the armor." The reporters need to recognize that the comments that they make can be considered as racist and can be hurtful toward Lin.

Question: Should this be considered racist?

Alternate Heading: Another offensive remark made towards Lin

Comebacks

Josh Hamilton - came back from drug and alcohol addiction

Tommy John - coming back after having Tommy John surgery on his pitching arm

Michael Vick - coming back after going to jail for illegal dog fighting

Mario Lemieux - comes back to hockey after having cancer

Tiger Woods - comes back to golf after having knee surgery on his ACL

Pirates lead A.J. Burnett talks

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7567849/new-york-yankees-pittsburgh-pirates-work-aj-burnett-trade-sources-say

2/13/12

Summary: The Yankees might be looking to trade A.J. Burnett for either a Designated Hitter or another pitcher, but as of right now the Pirates are currently leading the way. There are four teams that are leading the way in the discussion to try and get Burnett for next season. The Yankees are looking at previous players like Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon to add to the team for Burnett as well.

Significance: If the Yankees were to trade Burnett then the Yankees would need to rearrange their pitching rotation to curtail to whoever they bring in. Burnett had been number two to Sabathia for a few years and contributed to their World Series in 2009. It will be interesting to see how the team reacts if the Yankees do end up releasing him before the upcoming season.

Question: Who would the Yankees be replacing Burnett with?

Alternate Heading: Pirates eye Burnett, With Yankees looking to Release

Rajon Rondo's triple-double carries Celtics past Derrick Rose-less Bulls

ESPN

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=320212002

2/13/12

Summary: The Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo had an amazing game against the Bulls last night with a triple-double. The article discusses the fact the most of the Celtics star players are aging a lot, and now Rondo is the shining star that leads the way. The Celtics need their older players to complete their careers on a high note if they would like a shot at another title.

Significance: The Celtics have not had the best season so far, but this might boost their morale by beating the Bulls. Even though the Bulls were playing without Derrick Rose, it is still promising because the Bulls have a 23-7 record. If the Celtics can get on a role they will have a great shot at making it to the playoffs this season.

Question: Do the Celtics have a new found hope after beating one of the top teams?

Alternate Heading: Rondo leads the way past Rose-less Bulls

The Best that Never Was

Marcus was one of the most gifted athletes of his era because of his size and speed, but there were many things that inhibited him from making it in the NFL. First off, Marcus had many outside influences on his decision making that clouded his judgement and prevented him from seeing what was really going on around him. Also, the coach at his college was not able to deal with the talent that Marcus brought to the table. Most important had to be the knee injury that he sustained while playing in a game that took him out for the rest of the season.

I do feel bad for Marcus because he was a young man that did not have the right guidance to take him to where he could have been the best running back of all time. He also had his reverend that was taking his money from him, which basically became a con all on its own. It seemed that the world was not ready to take on this man, and with a series of very unfortunate events he could not do it himself.

The connection between Marcus Dupree and Roy Hobbs is that they were both incredible good at their given sport, but one event ended up changing that forever. Marcus had a bad knee injury and Roy was shot, both of these things did not allow either athlete to become a star.

Texas' trust issue with Josh Hamilton

ESPN

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/blog?name=olney_buster&id=7542736&_slug_=texas-rangers-outfielder-josh-hamilton-earn-back-trust-management-mlb&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2fblog%3fname%3dolney_buster%26id%3d7542736%26_slug_%3dtexas-rangers-outfielder-josh-hamilton-earn-back-trust-management-mlb

2/6/12

Summary: The Rangers are having a hard time trusting Josh Hamilton's ability to resist the urge to fall back to his substance abuse days. Hamilton is in his prime coming off some of the best few seasons he has had in his career and getting to the World Series twice. Hamilton needs to recognize that his disease can come back to haunt him, and not to take it lightly.

Significance: A few years ago, Josh Hamilton made his triumphant return to the MLB after suffering from substance abuse problems. This article suggests that he might be going back down his dark path. Hopefully, he will be able to get out of his rut and bounce back.

Question: Would Rangers management release him if he goes back to his old ways?

Alternate Heading: Hamilton resorts to old habits, making Rangers nervous

By slim margin, Patriots 2nd-best again

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/page/newenglandpatriotssbbrady/super-bowl-2012-tom-brady-new-england-patriots-outdone-eli-manning-new-york-giants-again

2/6/12

Summary: This article mainly discusses the failure of the Patriots to defeat the Giants for the second time when they were the favorite to win. The Patriots had a few opportunities in the 4th quarter to win but could not complete. Eli Manning and the Giants were able to complete passes and run the ball well enough to win.

Significance: This has a major significance in the sports world because this will was the rematch from the 2007 Superbowl. The Giants were trying to prove that they were in the same league as the Patriots, and with the win, they were able to do so.

Question: How is Bill Belichick able to deal with two repeat losses in the Superbowl?

Alternate Heading: G-men Beat out Pats again, to gain 2nd Superbowl Victory

Superstar Athletes

5 superstar athletes

- Pavel Datsyuk

- Alex Rodriguez

- Wayne Rooney

- Lebron James

- Maurice-Jones Drew

Traits

- Skill Level

- Build of the athlete

- Public Appearance

- Clutch in difficult situations

- Can lead the team

Final Project

I am going to do my project on Muhammad Ali.

Should Athletes be considered role models?

I do not think that they should be role models because some of the athletes should not be looked up to. Unfortunately, they are because they have a lot of money, and because the media hypes them up to the world. Children see these athletes on the television, and want to emulate them because they also would like to be in the public eye.

Rob Gronkowski out of walking boot

ESPN

http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7523101/2012-nfl-playoffs-new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-sans-boot-taking-day-day

1/31/12

Summary:

Rob Gronkowski met with the media today to announce that he is no longer wearing a boot on his left ankle. Although he said he is still would be taking it day by day, it looks hopefully for the Patriots to have him on Sunday. His role in the tight end position for the Pats has been a major contributor for their winning record this season.

Significance:

Rob Gronkowski is a major player for the New England Patriots, and his role for the team has allowed them to win their way to the Super Bowl. He was injured during their game against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago, and is taking it day by day. If he is unable to get better the Giants' chances of winning will increase throughly.

Question: If he was still in the boot, would he play if his team needed him?

Alternate Heading: Pats Catch Break with Gronkowski out of Boot