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Archive for January, 2010

Quarterback Kurt Warner, 38, officially announced his retirement today from the NFL.

Kurt Warner announces his retirement from the NFL on January 29, 2010

“It’s been an amazing ride,” Warner told reporters. “I don’t think I could have dreamt it would have played out like it has, but I’ve been humbled every day that I woke up the last 12 years and amazed that God would choose to use me to do what he’s given me the opportunity to do.”

“I’m excited about what’s next,” Warner said. “Before I was always excited about next season.”

Warner is a popular Christian speaker and religion will continue to play a huge part in Kurt’s life.

I’ve been fortunate to have attended many great sporting events over the years. With the Super Bowl fast approaching, let’s take a look at the Top 10 events which I believe every avid sports fan should see in-person.

10. British Open - For the serious golfer, a trip to St. Andrews is a pilgrimage to where golf began. Many of golf’s greatest moments have occurred at the British Open, including last year’s near-win by Tom Watson.

9. Red Sox vs. Yankees – You can argue about the greatest rivalry in sports, but I don’t think anyone can argue that the Yankees vs. Red Sox is at or near the top. The fans hate each other and the atmosphere is electric, especially late in the season if the games mean something.

8. Army vs. Navy – Maybe this isn’t the BCS title game, but the pageantry surrounded this classic rivalry and the emotions it stirs is something very unique.

7. World Cup – In almost every country except the U.S., soccer is the most popular sport and the World Cup is the culminating event. This summer’s World Cup in South Africa promises to be the most watched event in tv sports history.

6. World Series - The World Series is special given its history. Be lucky enough to catch a game at either Fenway Park or Yankees Stadium and you’ll be treated to a very special experience.

5. Kentucky Derby – Even if you’re not a horse racing fan, the Kentucky Derby is a fun event to attend. It’s a spectacle, from women wearing the big hats to the Mint Juleps (which, by the way, I think taste horrible).

4. Final Four – The NCAA basketball tournament is the best tournament in American sports. And the excitement level reaches a fever-pitch at the Final Four with teams vying for a spot in the Monday finals. And if you’re team happens to be one of the remaining four, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

3. Stanley Cup Game 7 – Even though I’m not much of a hockey fan, I’m hard pressed to find a more exciting sporting event than a game 7 Stanley Cup final. The excitement and intensity level is unrivaled.

2. Super Bowl - Nothing compares to the Super Bowl in terms of the hype. It’s almost become a national holiday with tens of millions of viewers tuning in. Add in all the events and the chance to rub shoulders with greats such as John Elway and Joe Montana, and everyone should attend at least one.

1. Masters – This is my favorite event. You have to pinch yourself the first time you enter the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. It’s more beautiful in person than you can ever see on tv. And there’s nothing like following the leaders through Amen Corner on Sunday.

Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian organization that places emphasis on marriage and parenthood, has purchased an ad spot featuring Tim Tebow that will air on Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 7th and some say the ad’s message is bound to spark controversy.

The Associated Press reported this week that the ad’s theme will be “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life,” with Pam Tebow sharing the story of her difficult 1987 pregnancy — instead of getting an abortion she decided to give birth to Tebow, the now-famous quarterback who went on to become a Heisman Trophy winner, leading the Gators to two BCS wins.

Gary Schneeberger, Focus on the Family spokesman, told ABC News he couldn’t comment on the content of the ad. However, he said his organization has always viewed the Tebows as “strong, committed Christians” who have inspirational family stories to tell.

“It seemed like a natural partnership, and we were fortunate enough that they agreed,” Schneeberger said.

“Once we explained what we were hoping to accomplish, a strong handful of committed friends provided funding for the airtime,” Schneeberger said. He said he has seen the ad, and he would not label it as political or controversial.

“Our goal is to create awareness for who we are as a family-help ministry and help folks who are watching come to us if they’re struggling in their marriage or struggling raising their children,” he said.

“It’s a big coming-out party for Tim Tebow in terms of moving from athletic superstar to the political realm,” said Daniel Smith, UF associate professor of political science and faculty adviser to Gators for Choice.

Once the ad airs on national television, it might cause some interesting discussions on college campuses while also rallying the pro-choice community, Smith added. The commercial’s content might also have an effect on Tebow’s fan base.

“When you are an athlete and you put yourself out in the public sphere when it comes to politics, you have a good chance of alienating half your fan support,” Smith said.

Camille Jacobs, a UF junior and member of Campus Crusade for Christ, said she was excited to hear that Tebow has this opportunity.

“He’s just standing up for what he believes in,” Jacobs said, “and no matter what you believe in, it’s going to be controversial.”

ABC News contributed to this story

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Reports out of London today say that Hollywood’s biggest couple may be calling it quits. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were never married, but with six kids and millions of dollars on the line, what happens next?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are rumored to be splitting

Two British tabloids and The Star website say that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have agreed to divide their $300 M fortune equally and share joint custody of their six children in a split that is to be announced officially soon.

Reports say the hollywood couple have been consulting a Beverly Hills divorce lawyer who has been preparing the paper work.

In Touch Magazine, which has been right in the past, says the 5 year relationship is over.

WATCH VIDEO

Is Simon Cowell on his way to becoming a billionaire? Cowell has signed a $500 million, two-year deal with Sony, this week as he launches SycoTV. He will produce and sell the formats to “X-Factor” and several “Got Talent” shows. The Sony deal will push the “American Idol” music mogul’s worth close to the $1 billion mark.

Cowell told press, “I have had a fantastic relationship with Sony for many years and I’m delighted we are launching this venture together.”

The National Enquirer has photographed Tiger Woods attending a sex rehab clinic in Hattiesburg Mississippi. If the photo is really Tiger, then this would be the first time Woods has been seen publically since the famous Thanksgiving SUV crash at his home in Florida.

Proof of Tiger Woods in sex rehab at Gentle Path MS clinic according National Enquirer

Woods is said to have checked in at the clinic on December 30 for a six-week program.

The media and local television stations in Mississippi have reported that Tiger is attending the Gentle Path clinic located in the city of Hattiesburg.

The National Enquirer claims the photo, which shows a scruffy-faced man wearing a hood and hat, was taken at the facility.

RadarOnline.com reports that “An eyewitness confirmed there was no doubt that the man in the photograph is Tiger, saying that while he was bundled up, the golfer was recognizable in person.”

ninemsn contributed to this story.

Brett Favre celebrates The Vikings 34-3 win over Dallas by singing his version of ‘Pants On The Ground’ after beating the pants off the Dallas Cowboys yesterday. The win advances The Minnesota Vikings to the NFC title game against The New Orleans Saints.

Brett Favre and The Minnesota Vikings crush The Dallas Cowboys 34-3

TwinCities.com pointed out, that Favre can be heard saying “I told Percy [Harvin] I’d do this” — right before he led the victory chant in the Minnesota locker room.

Watch Brett Favre sing ‘Pants On the Ground’

The question is who will be singing ‘Pants On the Ground’ next week -  Brett Favre or Saints Quarterback Drew Brees?

“Pants On The Ground” is a viral video that started when American Idol contestant, Larry Platt, auditioned with a song he wrote.

Watch Larry Platt American Idol audition “Pants OnThe Ground”

If you would like to find out how to hire Brett Favre for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Brett Favre booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for American Idols, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities. Call 800.966.1380.

Mark McGwire’s admission that he took steroids was about as shocking as the sun coming up this morning. All McGwire did was confirm was the rest of us already knew, that he cheated and joined a big list of others who brought disgrace on the game of baseball during what’s become known as the Steroid Era.

Mark McGwire admits to steroid use hurting Baseball Hall of Fame chances.

I don’t blame McGwire completely. Part of the blame undoubtably falls on Major League Baseball, who turned a blind eye to the problem and hoped that it would just go away. Not until the steroid scandal became a headline news story did baseball take the issue seriously.

Can you really fault McGwire or anyone else for taking steroids when they knew they wouldn’t ever be tested for it? I once had a baseball player tell me that steroids made an average player good, a good player great and a great player a Hall of Famer. If a player could hit 40 home runs instead of 30 and hit .300 instead of .275, it potentially meant tens of millions of dollars in more earnings.

Some people are praising McGwire for finally coming out and telling the truth. But I’ll tell you why he did it now…he was recently named the hitting instructor for the St. Louis Cardinals and doesn’t want the scrutiny of the steroid issue hanging over him or the team all season. Of course the issue will still be there, but now that he’s come clean, it will be less of a distraction. I’m sure it’s a huge load off his shoulders to have admitted this, but I don’t think it was for genuine reasons.

So now that he’s admitted using steroids, the question is whether he’ll be more likely to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Hall of Famers Goose Gossage and Ryne Sandberg came out strongly against McGwire as did other players. The answer was and still is “no”, at least for the short term.

I believe at least for the foreseeable future, none of the players implicated during the Steroid Era will get into the Hall, including McGwire, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Raphael Palmeiro and Roger Clemens. Having said that, I wouldn’t be shocked if 20-30 years down the road, people looks at this era a little less harshly and vote a number of the guys in through the Veteran’s Committee.

I was listening to a sportstalk show today and a caller said he felt bad for Roger Maris’s family who was present at the game in 1998 when McGwire broke their father’s single season home run record. I can tell you how they feel – cheated.

PASADENA,CA— It’s Official! Simon Cowell just announced during the semiannual Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena that this will be his last season on “American Idol”.

Simon Cowell quitting American Idol after season 9

Cowell is leaving the show to be a judge and executive producer on FOX’s upcoming American version of “Britain’s X Factor” the British talent show that launced Leona Lewis’ career.

This year’s X Factor winner was 19 year old Joe McElderry.

Rumor has it that Simon Cowell may have Paula Abdul as one of the judges.

GLENDALE, AZ — After the Arizona Cardinals unprecedented 51-45 victory over the Green Bay Packers yesterday, rumors started circulating that Kurt Warner may retire next season.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner celebrates after overtime of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP)

Usually after winning every home game, Warner would celebrate with his family in the stands. However, last night he went back on the field and waved to the fans first. This gesture sparked rumors that Warner, who was already considering retirement, was saying goodbye to the fans.

Warner told the media, “Relax. “It’s my way of saying thanks to the fans because I know we’re not coming back this year. I appreciate their impact and what they’ve done for us.”

The Arizona Republic and other media outlets have also reported that he may be planning on retiring after this season’s playoff run is over.

He certainly didn’t want to think about it after last night’s 51-45 overtime win against the Green Bay Packers, according to USA Today. “Right now I’m just playing football this year as long as I can,” Warner said. “When that’s done, we’ll step away and figure out what’s the best thing moving forward.”

The longer Warner plays, the greater his Hall of Fame chances become. In a modest 12 playoff games, Warner already has more postseason touchdown passes (31) than every other quarterback except Joe Montana, Brett Favre and Dan Marino.

“I think he would miss the competitive part of football, but Kurt has so many things going on outside the field,” Larry Fitzgerald said. “He’s got a lovely family with seven kids. He does a great job in ministry and public speaking. There’s so many things he can do after football, but we want to keep him here as long as possible.”

Kurt Warner, a devout Christian and popular Christian speaker, makes no bones about attributing his success to his faith.

“If you ever really want to do a story about who I am, God’s got to be at the center of it. Every time I hear a piece or read a story that doesn’t have that, they’re missing the whole lesson of who I am.” – Kurt Warner