Honorable Mention: Boxing-Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. John Duddy (Saturday 9pm from San Antonio live on Pay-Per-View); MLL Lacrosse: Toronto Nationals @ Chesapeake Bayhawks (Thursday 7:30pm Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium); WNBA: Los Angeles Sparks @ Washington Mystics (Thursday 7pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet), Phoenix Mercury @ Washington Mystics (Sunday 4pm from Verizon Center live on Comcast SportsNet); “Grown Ups” and “Knight and Day” out in theaters (Friday)

10. Carole King & James Taylor (Wednesday 8pm Verizon Center), Peter Frampton & Yes (Thursday 7pm Pier Six Pavilion), Phish (Saturday & Sunday 6pm Merriweather Post Pavilion), Carbon Leaf (Friday 8pm Rams Head Live), Bruce in the USA (Saturday 8pm Rams Head Live), Adam Lambert & Orianthi (Sunday 7pm Rams Head Live), Thrice (Saturday 7pm Recher Theatre), Hole (Sunday 7pm 9:30 Club), Sister Hazel (Friday 8pm Rams Head On Stage), Silversun Pickups (Wednesday 7:30pm D.A.R. Constitution Hall); Eminem “Recovery“, Robert Randolph & The Family Band “We Walk This Road” and The Roots “How I Got Over” available in stores and iTunes (Tuesday), Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band “London Calling: Live in Hyde Park” and “Stones in Exile” available on DVD & Blu-Ray (Tuesday)

Well then, where to start? Columbia might look like one big Michael Phelps house party this weekend. The thing is…Trey Anastasio and company are sometimes really REALLY good, and not JUST when they’re hanging out with Jay-Z…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om2EQ7YXork[/youtube]

If you’ve never seen Carbon Leaf, I can’t recommend it enough. And not JUST because I’ve sobbed uncontrollably into a Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day while “The Boxer” was playing in the background. Don’t judge me…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt-HCioAWkY[/youtube]

Believe it or not, Sister Hazel actually had more than one good song. “All For You” is one of the greatest songs EVER…but “Happy” wasn’t too bad either. If you’re in the Annapolis area, they might just play it for you. Tell them I asked them to. It won’t help, but I’ll think it’s cool…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nZ3GCESf7Q[/youtube]

I got a hold of the new RR&TFB disc today. Don’t bother me for a while. I wish I could find a video for a song on the record that wasn’t a commercial for a TNT show (Memphis Beat) that looks like it will go down as a worse decision than “Alvin & The Chipmunks” for Jason Lee, but you can only work with what you have…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKQlyUtBaX4[/youtube]

9. Volleyball: AVP Belmar Open (Sunday 2pm live on ESPN2, 4pm live on Universal Sports. All beach action from Belmar, NJ)

I was thinking to myself last week “Why is it that a sport whose action looks like this…

always makes the Top 10, while a sport whose action looks like THIS…

Has a way of finding itself in “Honorable Mention”?

As you can see, I’ve corrected my mistakes. Also, a plug for the Barefoot Wine “AVP Next” events that go on at the “Baltimore Beach” near Rash Field in the Inner Harbor. And by “plug” I really mean “a suggestion.” My suggestion be that the competitors consider attire more similar to the picture of Misty May and Kerri Walsh above. This is Charm City, ladies. Visitors to town deserve to be charmed! That is all.

8. Indoor Football-AIFA: Reading Express @ Baltimore Mariners (Saturday 7pm 1st Mariner Arena), AFL: Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings @ Tampa Bay Storm (Friday 8pm from Tampa Bay live on NFL Network)

Sadly, I will be in Ocean City this weekend-so I will again miss out on the Mariners, who I really want to see. Especially considering they beat New Jersey last week by something like 654 points. 654? I think it was 654. It might have been more. When it comes to beating New Jersey, that’s really God’s work.

Of course, that means that while you’re checking out QB EJ Nemeth’s beard…

…which is awesome, don’t get me wrong….I’ll be in the same town as WNST’s own Intern Genna…

…a girl who recently changed her Facebook name to “IronLiver.” Yes. “IronLiver.” If you’re a company who ISN’T interested in hiring this girl, I would NEVER want to work for you.

7. Auto Racing: NASCAR Lenox Industrial Tools 301 (Sunday 1pm from Loudon, New Hampshire live on TNT)

Let’s cut the crap here. I could pretend I know anything about what’s going on this year on the Sprint Cup series, or we could watch Ricky Bobby’s prayer scene from “Talladega Nights”.

I figured we would agree…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5A0-u85aAYg[/youtube]

6. Golf: PGA Tour Travelers Championship (Thursday & Friday 3pm live on Golf Channel, Saturday & Sunday 3pm live on CBS. All golf from Cromwell, Connecticut.); LPGA Championship (Thursday & Friday 12:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 4pm from Pittsford, New York live on Golf Channel); Champions Tour Dick’s Sporting Goods Open (Friday 6:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 1pm from Endicott, New York live on Golf Channel)

Coming off the excitement of Graeme McDowell winning the U.S. Open, I bet at least 3 people in the Old Line State (not named Drew Forrester) will watch Golf this weekend.

The LPGA Championship is the event that used to be held at Bulle Rock until McDonald’s dropped the sponsorship. I know that there aren’t a whole lot of you that would have wandered up to Harford County to watch the ladies play golf this weekend, but it certainly isn’t a good thing to have the event gone. Partly because it brought money to the area.

More because it means Melissa Reid won’t be coming to town…

5. NHL Entry Draft (Friday 7pm live on VERSUS, Saturday 1pm live on NHL Network from Los Angeles), NHL Awards Show (Wednesday 7:30pm from Las Vegas live on VERSUS)

“And the award for the biggest chokejob in the NHL Playoffs goes to…..”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzR7Vy48zHA[/youtube]

Heehee.

4. MMA-Strikeforce: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Fabricio Werdum (Saturday 10pm from San Jose live on Showtime), Bellator Fighting Championships XXIII (Thursday 8pm from Louisville live on Fox Sports Net)

Of course, the whole Mixed Martial Arts world is buzzing about the chance that former WWE wrestler Dave Batista may be headed to Strikeforce himself. I’m as much of a fan of “The Animal” as anyone else, but I will admit that I’m not so sure how excited I am to see a 40-some year old former wrestler suddenly try his hand at combat fighting.

That being said-if he DOES make the move, won’t EVERY opponent he ever has remind him about the whole “Deacon Batista” bit he had with “Reverend D-Von?”…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boqSq7oYzd8[/youtube]

3. Tennis: Wimbledon (Tuesday-Friday 7am & 12pm live on ESPN2, 9:30am & 2pm live on ESPNU; Saturday 7am live on ESPN2, 12pm live on NBC; Monday 6:30am & 1pm live on ESPN2, 10am live on NBC. All tennis from London.)

Do you have any idea how close we were to seeing Roger Federer eliminated while Andy Roddick rolled on Day 1 of the fortnight? I would have given ANYTHING for that.

Also, props to my buddy BJ for this. With both major events going on at the same time-it’s worth wondering. Have we ever seen John Harkes and Mary Carillo in the same room at the same time? Let’s start with Harkes, he’s the 2nd voice you hear in these highlights after JP Dellacamera…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1gH3wrfVDw[/youtube]

And now here’s Mary Carillo…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZDn0U0w78k[/youtube]

I’m just sayin’….

2. NBA Draft (Thursday 7pm from New York live on ESPN)

Here’s what we know about the NBA Draft:

1-The Wizards will take Kentucky’s John Wall with the #1 pick.

2-Whenever he’s picked, former Terrapins guard Greivis Vasquez will cry.

3-No one will look dumber than Joakim Noah did in 2007…

1. Soccer-World Cup: Mexico vs. Uruguay (Tuesday 10am from Rustenberg, South Africa live on ESPN), France vs. South Africa (Tuesday 10am from Bloemfontein, South Africa live on ESPN2), Nigeria vs. South Korea (Tuesday 2:30pm from Durban, South Africa live on ESPN2), Greece vs. Argentina (Tuesday 2:30pm from Polokwane, South Africa live on ESPN), Slovenia vs. England (Wednesday 10am from Port Elizabeth, South Africa live on ESPN2), United States vs. Algeria (Wednesday 10am from Pretoria, South Africa live on ESPN), Ghana vs. Germany (Wednesday 2:30pm from Johannesburg, South Africa live on ESPN), Australia vs. Serbia (Wednesday 2:30pm from Nelspruit, South Africa live on ESPN2), Slovakia vs. Italy (Thursday 10am from Johannesburg live on ESPN), Paraguay vs. New Zealand (Thursday 10am from Polokwane live on ESPN2), Denmark vs. Japan (Thursday 2:30pm from Rustenberg live on ESPN), Cameroon vs. Netherlands (Thursday 2:30pm from Cape Town, South Africa live on ESPN2), North Korea vs. Ivory Coast (Friday 10am from Nelspruit live on ESPN2), Portugal vs. Brazil (Friday 10am from Durban live on ESPN), Switzerland vs. Honduras (Friday 2:30pm from Bloemfontein live on ESPN2), Chile vs. Spain (Friday 2:30pm from Pretoria live on ESPN), Knockout Round Games (Saturday & Sunday 10am live on ESPN, 2:30pm live on ABC; Monday 10am & 2:30pm live on ESPN); NASL: NSC Minnesota Stars @ Crystal Palace Baltimore (Saturday 7pm UMBC Stadium); MLS: DC United @ Columbus Crew (Saturday 7:30pm Columbus live on MLS Direct Kick & Comcast SportsNet)

I know I’ve posted this before. Probably multiple times. But when it comes time for a crucial moment in American history, nothing prepares me for the moment quite as much as the gang from “Team America: World Police.” Video is NSFW. Unless you work at a place that loves America so much it makes you use the F-word.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZdJRDpLHbw[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Over the past month, Drew Forrester and I have nominated a local sports “jerk” from the state of Maryland each day on “The Morning Reaction” on AM1570 WNST. Now that we’ve reached the end of the month, we want to know your thoughts on our list and we hope you’ll help us whittle the list down to the Top 10 over this Memorial Day weekend.

(Edit from GMC: Please remember-we did this in fun. If you’re offended by this, you’re not getting the point. This was lighthearted.)

Here are my 10 nominees…

Maryland Basketball Coach Gary Williams

Sun Columnist Mike Preston

Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk

Ravens QB Troy Smith

WJZ’s Damon Yaffe

Orioles Owner Peter Angelos

Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh

Orioles Manager Dave Trembley

Maryland Athletic Director Debbie Yow

Aegis Columnist Randy McRoberts

(Edit from GMC: I do not believe that to be Randy McRoberts. But Randy McRoberts IS a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and that was the picture I found when I Google Image Searched “Steelers fan.”)

And Drew’s 10 Nominees…

WBFF’s Bruce Cunningham

WNST’s Nestor Aparicio

Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps

WVIE’s Jerry Coleman

North Harford Football Coach Ken Brinkman

(Edit from GMC: I assume the kid in the picture ISN’T a jerk. This was just the only picture I could find. Moving on…)

WNST’s Glenn Clark

WNST’s Drew Forrester

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs

WNST’s Ray Bachman (on behalf of all Orioles fans who booed Mike Gonzalez on Opening Day at Camden Yards)

Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael Busch

There you have it. If you’re not sure of why a certain nominee made it to the list, an explanation of each is available in the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault here at WNST.net, just click the “Audio” tab at the top of the page. The reasons range from:

-Chet Gladchuk trying to stop the Navy/Maryland series because the Terps played a bowl game in Orlando

-Ken Brinkman thinking it was appropriate to bring the Pittsburgh Steelers to Harford County and Randy McRoberts promoting it

-Debbie Yow undermining her basketball coach and engaging him in a public feud with the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post; despite the fact that he’s a bit of a jerk himself

-Michael Phelps’ legendary run-ins with other human beings, including a famous incident in Ann Arbor where he allegedly said he was “majoring in” female anatomy at Michigan

-John Harbaugh bristling at the idea of being asked…well…anything at all…

-Jerry Coleman and Bruce Cunningham being…Jerry Coleman and Bruce Cunningham…

-Damon Yaffe enjoying the role of “jerk” so much he decided to be known as “The Bulldog”, while Nestor Aparicio enjoyed it so much he decided to be known as “Nasty”

-Michael Busch working to make sure slots wouldn’t come to the state of Maryland

It’s all there.

While Drew and I don’t know a whole lot about every subject in sports, this is certainly something we know all about. There’s an argument that no one in Baltimore knows more about being a jerk than we do. In fact, that’s why we’re both nominated on the list.

And by no means do we think that being a jerk is necessarily a bad thing. When it comes to head coaches and athletics directors, you sometimes NEED to be a jerk to get the job done.

We feel the same way about morning radio personalities.

Think about it, and let me know who your top choices are. We’ll announce the Top 10 after we return from our Memorial Day break.

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Honorable Mention: Tennis-Madrid Open (Tuesday-Saturday 8am, Sunday FINAL 12:30pm from Madrid live on Tennis Channel); Golf: PGA Valero Texas Open (Thursday & Friday 3pm live on Golf Channel, Saturday & Sunday 3pm live on CBS. All golf from San Antonio.), Champions Tour Regions Charity Classic (Friday & Saturday 6:30pm, Sunday 7pm from Hoover, AL on Golf Channel), Bell Micro LPGA Classic (Thursday 6:30pm, Friday 12pm, Saturday & Sunday 4pm from Mobile, AL live on Golf Channel); Soccer: MLS-Colorado Rapids @ DC United (Saturday 7:30pm from RFK Stadium live on Comcast SportsNet); Women’s NCAA Lacrosse Tournament: Marist @ Maryland (Saturday 12pm College Park), Towson @ Virginia (Sunday 1pm Charlottesville); MIAA High School Lacrosse: Loyola Blakefield @ Boys’ Latin (Wednesday 4pm), Mt. St. Joseph @ St. Paul’s (Wednesday 4pm); Robin Hood out in theaters (Friday)

10. Swimming: Charlotte UltraSwim (Friday-Sunday 6pm from Charlotte live on Universal Sports)

Do I have a “Michael Phelps is headed back to the pool so I should make a pot joke” joke prepared? I do not.

Instead, I pass this along. I don’t know who Chloe Sutton is (you know, other than the fact that she’s a swimmer participating in this Charlotte event), but I think I like her…

…you know, she seems nice.

9. Pro Wrestling: TNA Sacrifice (Sunday 8pm from Orlando live on Pay-Per-View)

Reasons to watch a TNA Pay-Per-View:

A. Rob Van Dam is AWESOME.

B. Jeff Hardy is also AWESOME.

C. The chicks are hot.

D. WOOOO!!!!!

8. Auto Racing: NASCAR Autism Speaks 400 (Sunday 1pm from Dover live on FOX)

If you’re piling on the Rex Snider bus and headed up to The Monster Mile this weekend, please say hello to this guy for me while you’re there…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTdWCebQIME[/youtube]

Oh, and then ask Dad to try to remember to wear pants on Mother’s Day next year…geez.

7. NHL Playoffs: Blackhawks/Canucks (Game 6 Tuesday 9:30pm from Vancouver live on VERSUS, Game 7 if necessary Thursday 8pm from Chicago live on VERSUS); Canadiens/Penguins (Game 7 Wednesday 7pm from Pittsburgh live on VERSUS); Bruins/Flyers (Game 6 Wednesday 8pm from Philadelphia live on VERSUS, Game 7 if necessary Friday 7pm from Boston live on VERSUS)

You mean to tell me the Habs have a chance to make BOTH the fans in the Steel City AND the fans in Washington completely miserable in the same postseason?!?!?

I have never supported anything from Canada they way I now support the Canadiens. Like my pal Sam Angell said via Facebook, do it for Youppi!!!

6. NBA Playoffs: Cavaliers/Celtics (Game 5 Tuesday 8pm from Cleveland live on TNT, Game 6 Thursday 8pm from Boston live on ESPN, Game 7 if necessary Sunday 3:30pm from Cleveland live on ABC)

Boy, the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs have sure been…uhh…dreadful???

I was gonna root for the Atlanta Hawks because Joe Smith is down there-but…apparently no one informed them that they beat the Bucks and actually ADVANCED to the next round. You would have thought a courtesy call would have at least been nice.

You don’t need to wonder about who I AM rooting for, as it is rather obvious. VIVA.LOS.SUNS!!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJa0SJlEZRk[/youtube]

5. MMA-Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery (Saturday 10pm from St. Louis live on Showtime), Bellator Fighting Championships XVIII (Thursday 8pm from Monroe, LA live on Fox Sports Net); Boxing-Amir Khan vs. Paulie Malignaggi (Saturday 9:45pm from New York live on HBO)

BRETT ROGERS BRETT ROGERS BRETT ROGERS BRETT ROGERS BRETT ROGERS BRETT ROGERS!!!!!!!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoePu0dpUxM[/youtube]

Look, I’m well aware that he lost to Fedor, but let’s be honest here…he DIDN’T lose my heart. I LOVE “The Grim.”

4. NCAA Lacrosse Tournament: Hofstra @ Maryland (Saturday 12pm from Byrd Stadium live on ESPNU), Johns Hopkins @ Duke (Saturday 12pm from Durham live on ESPN), Loyola @ Cornell (Saturday 2:30pm from Ithica, NY live on ESPNU), Mt. St. Mary’s @ Virginia (Saturday 7:30pm from Charlottesville live on ESPNU); D3 Tournament: Cabrini/Denison winner @ Stevenson (Saturday 1pm Caves Athletic Complex)

I don’t mind that the Terps got Hofstra in Round 1 at all. Folks on Long Island are fairly easy to dislike, so I’ve got that under control. But…Hopkins playing Duke? Is there any way BOTH teams can lose???

(Edit from GMC: Of COURSE I’d prefer the Blue Devils lost, I just have to keep up appearances as a Blue Jays-hating fan of the Terrapins. It’s how things work.)

So with that in mind…you’re going down, Duke!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImvjOVOh_30[/youtube]

3. Preakness Week Events: Pee Wee Preakness (Tuesday 11am Federal Hill), Preakness Frog Hop (Wednesday 12pm Patterson Park), Preakness Alibi Breakfast (Thursday 9:30am Pimlico), Preakness Crab Derby (Thursday 12pm Lexington Market), Hot Air Balloon Festival (Thursday & Friday 3pm Turf Valley), Preakness Parade (Friday 8:30pm Inner Harbor)

This is what I know…I’ll be enjoying about 3-4,765 of THESE this week…

And while we don’t have a WHOLE lot of things going on better than the Kentucky Derby; I do know this much…

Black-Eyed Susans >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mint Juleps

2. Infieldfest feat. O.A.R., Zac Brown Band, Collective Soul & Mr. Greengenes (Saturday all day Pimlico), Sugarland (Sunday 6:30pm Merriweather Post Pavilion), Corinne Bailey Rae (Friday 7pm Rams Head Live), Puddle of Mudd & Adelita’s Way (Thursday 8pm Power Plant Live), Pearl Jam (Thursday 7pm Jiffy Lube Live), Sister Hazel (Saturday 8pm 9:30 Club)

EVERYTHING to like on this list…

First of all, the Maryland Jockey Club couldn’t have done better than O.A.R. EVER for Saturday…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH3t5ScK2Oc[/youtube]

Plus, Zac Brown Band is pretty good too…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB8Nkn3Xjes[/youtube]

And Mr. Greengenes can even DO O.A.R……

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rPXjlvc8U[/youtube]

And as far as Sister Hazel is concerned…I mean…come on…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f46ulX6uwGc[/youtube]

1. Preakness (Saturday 6pm from Pimlico live on NBC), Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (Friday 5pm from Pimlico live on HRTV), Preakness Post Position Draw (Wednesday 5pm Turfside Terrace live on HRTV)

I’ll save you my “I’m picking Sarah Jessica Parker this year” comments. I mean, I AM…but it’s completely irrelevant.

The only real question left for me is whether or not to wear the same attire to Pimlico Saturday that I wore to Churchill Downs. Your call…

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…

-G

Happy Friday!

It’s a Happy Friday for me because it’s a big weekend. I think I might check out Carmelo Anthony against the Wizards tonight (not because I give even a HALF a crap about the Washington team, but because I love all things Baltimore-and ‘Melo is Baltimore); I’ll definitely be at the Maryland-Georgia Tech game tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll either be at John Mayer tomorrow night at Verizon Center or I’ll be checking out Minotauro Nogueira vs. Cain Velasquez at UFC 110.

And while part of the reason I’m excited about UFC 110 is because I got to know Velasquez a bit when I was working out in Phoenix (he wrestled at Arizona State), but also because I am a BIG fan of Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste (thanks to NextRound.net/UFC Magazine)…

I wonder if she’s Team Lysacek or Team Plushenko?

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. Georgia Tech Official Site previews tomorrow’s trip to College Park to face Terps

Georgia Tech is the type of team that Maryland SHOULD be able to have success with. While they’ll be tough inside with Derrick Favors and Gani Lawal (similar to how Duke was tough inside a week ago), but they just don’t have the guard play and shooters to carry them on long scoring runs that finish off the Terps. In fact, if Maryland is able to get up by 8-12 points, I think it will probably be ballgame.

Of course, Paul Hewitt is a MUCH better coach than some in the ACC (specifically Sidney Lowe and Dino Gaudio; he’s also a MUCH better in-game coach than Roy Williams), so the Wreck will make the adjustments they need to compete.

My call? 80-74 Terrapins.

2. D1scourse’s Patrick Stevens thinks Terps need 3 more wins to feel ‘really safe’ on Selection Sunday

I think we’re discussing semantics here. I’ve maintained that Maryland will get in the NCAA Tournament if they go 10-6 in conference play (and 9-7 if the other win comes against the Blue Devils). However, if they want to feel SAFE, getting another win would be helpful; especially considering that the committee won’t even look at their win over Division II Chaminade out in Maui.

But they’ll get in at 10-6. With the Pac 10 likely being a 1 bid league this year and other leagues not being as deep as most years, the committee won’t be able to turn down a 10 win ACC team. Also, to get to 10 conference wins, they’ll have to beat Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Clemson or Duke-any of which would be a better win than their best two currently (the Florida State sweep).

3. Murray State Official Site previews tomorrow’s ESPN BracketBusters showdown with Morgan State on ESPNU

This is a REALLY tough task for Todd Bozeman’s Bears. The Racers are 25-3 on the season, they’re perfect at home in front of the Regional Special Events Center crowd; they’ve won 16 in a row, and their only losses are to Western Kentucky, Louisiana Tech and a 5 point loss to Cal. They’re good. My guess is that they’ll beat Morgan State. But Reggie Holmes and company have surprised me before (even though both Drew Forrester and I picked them to win at Arkansas).

All of this being said, I think it’s fine time that a local sports hero had a University named after him….

4. LaxPower previews Johns Hopkins’ lacrosse opener tonight vs. Manhattan at Homewood Field

I love this idea. A 5pm start against the Jaspers, then a night out on the town. In fact, if you were looking for a cheap date tonight, I’d suggest taking a gal over to the Walters Art Museum around 3:30, then going to see the Blue Jays open their season with a win, and adding dinner (wish the Spice Company was still open) after the game. I’m starting to question whether or not my decision to see the Wiz and Nuggets tonight was a good idea after all.

For the record, Dave Pietramala’s Jays SHOULDN’T struggle tonight at all. That being said, Duke shouldn’t have struggled with Bucknell last week either.

5. The Sun’s Mike Preston says Loyola, UMBC will need strong 1st quarters in tomorrow’s lacrosse openers against Navy, Delaware respectively

I think the Retrievers have a really good chance to beat the Blue Hens and open the season 1-0. I’m not sure if I feel the same way for the Greyhounds against Navy. The Midshipmen remain a tough defensive squad under Richie Meade, and while the Hounds will likely have more success than the 5 goals VMI scored in Annapolis last week; it won’t be easy.

The real shame is that somehow this is the first time the Mids and Hounds have met since 1993. Good for Coach Meade and Charley Toomey for getting these teams back together.

6. The Diamondback’s Kate Yanchulis previews Maryland’s lacrosse opener at Belarmine tomorrow

Did you know that lacrosse was played in Louisville, Kentucky? Neither did I!

This season begins very similarly to last season for Dave Cottle’s team. They have plenty of talent, and they have to translate it into victories. They were able to save some face by beating Notre Dame in the first round of the Tournament last year, but they were a team with Final Four talent. They’re plenty talented again this year, and they’re back inside Byrd Stadium, which should allow them to get a bit more comfortable.

The talent in College Park starts with attackman Will Yeatman, a monster of a man who should be an offensive superstar. But he’s not the only one, and it is Dave Cottle’s responsibility to make the unit work cohesively.

7. Stevenson Official Site says season opener at Widener pushed back to Sunday, moved to Eastern University due to lingering blizzard effects

Does this have any impact on the Mustangs? I don’t think so. BUT, the weather (at least temperature wise) will effect every lacrosse team that plays this weekend, as having cold fields will change the way the ball bounces for sure.

The ‘Stangs shouldn’t have much of an issue in their opener, but sometimes less talented teams can win games in weird situations. This might be a weird situation Sunday.

8. Ravens Official Site’s Mike Duffy says Derrick Mason will only return to Baltimore if he gets 2 year deal

Derrick Mason has EVERY RIGHT to look at Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh and say “I’m not Patrick Johnson. I’m not a scrub. You HAVE to show me some respect.”

And on the flip side, the Ravens brass has every right to either say “okay, no problem; we want you here” or “sorry, we just can’t do it.”

My guess will still be that he ends up coming back.

9. ProFootballTalk.com/NBC Sports’ Mike Florio mocks Florida DE Carlos Dunlap to Ravens

What an interesting mock this is. This is the first (legitimate) NFL source that has mocked Dunlap to the Ravens, and there’s no doubt he’d be a hell of a talent. Given his personal issues, I don’t think he’d be a guy the Ravens would take-but they just signed a player in Donte’ Stallworth after a DUI manslaughter.

It will be interesting to see how Dunlap’s personal troubles affect where he ends up in the NFL Draft. My guess? He slides into the second round.

But he’s intriguing, no doubt about that.

10. MLB.com’s Brittany Ghiroli says Orioles 2B Brian Roberts expects to be ready for Spring Training next week after battling back spasms

What a weird story. ESPN.com’s Buter Olney reported B-Rob had kidney stones? Then Dave Trembley said “no, I think it’s back spasms”?

I’m not sure there isn’t a level of truth somewhere in between. If Roberts is ready to go in Sarasota next week, I guess this isn’t an issue. But it sure seems strange.

11. USA Today’s Michael McCarthy says Michael Phelps signs endorsement deal with Under Armour

The ONLY thing I could think when I heard this was “What took so long?” I would have assumed Kevin Plank would have sunk his teeth into a sports star like Phelps from Charm City some time ago.

If he’s smart, Plank will gobble up Amanda Beard next….

12. The Sun’s Glenn Graham previews Blast’s matchup with Monterrey La Raza tonight at 1st Mariner Arena

This is pretty close to “must win” for the Blast, who are mired in a really troubling losing streak.

And finally, I leave you with this.

I have a new clubhouse leader for “Best Song of the Decade.” It’s “In My Head” by Jason DeRulo….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyG1FG3H6rY[/youtube]

Absolutely excellent.

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983….

-G

Happy Tuesday!

It’s a Happy Tuesday for me, mostly because I saw a picture of Christina Hendricks from the TV show “Mad Men” at Sunday night’s Golden Globe Awards….

I can’t figure out what it is I like about her… (Thanks WWTDD for the picture)

Let’s see what everyone has to say….

1. WNST.net’s Glenn Clark says final 5 minutes killed Ravens throughout season

Don’t believe me? Take a look at the season breakdown I included in the blog. In all 8 losses this season, the Ravens lost the final 5 minutes of each half. That’s 16 halves where the team shot themselves in the foot in the must crucial stages-all of which lead to losses.

I can’t make this stuff up.

Look, the handful of people (and it’s not NEARLY as many as you think) who really think John Harbaugh should be fired are INSANE. But the people who think John Harbaugh is above criticism are also off-base. The final 5 minutes of a half are EXACTLY the place where the head coach is most necessary; as he has to be able to manage the situations while the coordinators make the calls.

Also, I’m NOT rooting for Rex Ryan. Mostly because I want to know that the Ravens made the right choice.

2. Ravens Official Site’s Ryan Mink says Mason retired, then didn’t, then did, then didn’t, and we’re pretty sure he isn’t

But he might be.

Seriously, this was by far and away the STRANGEST press gathering I could have imagined Derrick holding. Please check it out in the Audio Vault at WNST.net.

I wasn’t really surprised AT ALL when Derrick opened his gathering by saying “I’m done.” Frankly, there was a part of me that expected it. I still think that in order of likelihood; retirement, returning to the Titans and returning to the Ravens are the only things Mase will do at this point.

But I have no idea what he was thinking yesterday. You really have to hear it.

3. The Sun’s Jamison Hensley says Flacco standing by story that injuries ‘didn’t affect’ how he played

And I’m standing by the story I told my ex-girlfriend that I only slept with my friend Christina once when I was drunk.

I’ll try one more time to get John Harbaugh to talk about this today. After that, we’ll just have to wonder what was really going on with Joe.

4. Carroll County Times’ Aaron Wilson says aside from Mason; Clayton, K Washington and D Williams all face uncertain futures

Which means I can introduce a new segment to my blogging. In the past, I of course included Hot chick “porn” and Food “porn”, but I now add Wide Receiver “porn”…..

Yeah, that’s hot.

5. SI’s Peter King “really hopes” Ed Reed won’t retire

Which makes two of us.

And it’s not the first time Peter King and I have been compared favorably, either.

The Ravens are NOT as good with Tom Zbikowski playing as they are with Ed Reed, no matter what some people in town (who I’m only guessing are still wearing their Notre Dame pajamas right now) have tried to exclaim.

The Ravens are an IMPOSING defense when Ed Reed is in the secondary.

6. The Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec says Crede, Tejada options for Orioles at 3rd base

This is sorta like the flip side of the Ravens’ “Wide Receiver porn” segment. Over in Andy MacPhail’s office today, here’s the “Corner Infield porn” they’re looking at….

Not exactly hot.

In fact, it would be kinda like finding out you have a friend in 9th grade who is taping up pictures of Amy Winehouse in their locker…

While everyone else has pictures up of Kyle Boller’s girlfriend….

7. WNST.net’s Drew Forrester says Josh Thornton’s 23 not enough for Towson to hold off St. Joseph’s in Philly

Not that anyone expected Towson to beat St. Joe’s; but if there was ever going to be a year where the Tigers could go to Philadelphia and beat Phil Martelli’s bunch-this would have been the year.

The other news is that Troy Franklin has left the team-which can’t be surprising either considering the fact that Troy hasn’t been playing recently.

So, there’s that.

8. The AP says Chauncey Gilliam lead Retrievers with 24 in loss to Stony Brook

Again, at some point-this season for UMBC is going to be about little more than trying to get an America East win for Randy Monroe’s bunch. It’s a trying season, and it makes Drew Forrester’s commercial sound even more ridiculous-which makes me giggle.

9. Maryland Official Site previews tonight’s tilt with Longwood

Yes, this should be a 30 point pounding-but no, nothing is given. Especially considering the fact that the Lancers will be starting 2 players from the Old Line State tonight-and will be playing others from the DC area who likely dreamed of playing for Gary Williams and on the Comcast Center floor. It is always tough to gauge a group of players who think that their next game is the Super Bowl against a group of players who think their next game is against a team with a funny name.

Of course, it IS a funny name.

10. ESPN.com’s Joe Lunardi says Terps amongst first four teams OUT of NCAA Tournament right now

Which is exactly where they should be…..right now.

The good news is that Maryland will completely control their postseason destiny. As long as they don’t finish 8-8 or worse in an ACC that is pretty open, they’ll be fine. But as of right now, their best win is over Florida State. You can’t call that a Tournament-worthy resume just yet.

11. Daily Racing Form’s Jay Privman says Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra won Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year

Which was the right choice. With no offense to Zenyatta and a big win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Rachel Alexandra’s run for the Black Eyed Susans and her dominance in the Kentucky Oaks as well was more than enough for me to say she was a worthy winner.

12. Universal Sports says Michael Phelps wrapped up SoCal Grand Prix with gold, bronze on Monday night

Michael Phelps athletic accomplishments < Michael Phelps sexual conquests and recreational drug use.

At least until the 2012 Olympics anyway.

And finally, I leave you with this.

I’ve been hot and cold on The Ting Tings since they first hit the scene, but their performance of “That’s Not My Name” on Saturday Night Live KILLED.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYGiGHRVlWQ[/youtube]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G

If you read yesterday’s blog, I mentioned those WORTHLESS LISTS that pop up at the end of a year, or decade. Yup, this is one of those lists ….

It’s my MOST INTRIGUING PEOPLE OF THE DECADE blog – and while I think it’s responsibly concluded, I think it’s also open to debate. And, that’s the spirit of such an effort.

WARNING – THIS BLOG IS NOT TOTALLY ABOUT SPORTS …..

Here ya go …..

15) Barry Bonds
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In the span of a decade, Barry Bonds garnered four consecutive MVP awards, broke the single season homerun record (73) and all-time homerun mark (762). Yet, he’s remembered for steroid usage and lying to a Federal Grand Jury.
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Bonds has directly influenced the media scrutiny and the growing public skepticism toward America’s sports landscape. It’s as if we watched Barry Bonds “GROW UP” before our eyes – literally …..
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14) Simon Cowell
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Ten years ago, hardly anyone knew the name SIMON COWELL. Yet, today, just about everyone knows him – regardless of whether you’ve ever watched an episode of the decade’s most popular television program …..
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Simon Cowell has brought a vividly fresh schtick to TV ….. “blunt honesty.” If a young wanna-be singer’s voice sucks, Simon tells them. Perhaps, the trait of truthfulness really has been watered down over our generations. Imagine if these guys could’ve figured out the popularity of the TRUTH …..
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13) LeBron James
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Exactly TEN YEARS AGO today, LeBron James was celebrating his 15th birthday. Today, he’s arguably the greatest basketball player walking the earth. And, in addition to his on-court prowess, the Cavaliers star is a pretty successful pitchman …..
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Have you considered the status he might carry on his 35th birthday – TEN YEARS from today …..
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Umm …. not a freakin’ chance.
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12) JK Rowling
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She spent the decade earning hundreds of millions, while writing books about a goober kid – who runs around casting spells with his with magical powers. At least that’s what I’m guessing her books are about. All I know is this dork kid was a bad influence on future athletes …..
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Instead of playing pickup games of baseball, basketball and football, American kids have been chasing each other around like idiots …..
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Thanks, Harry …..
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11) Michael Phelps
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From a personal perspective, this is the choice I would’ve omitted. While it’s obvious Mike Phelps has inspired many aspiring swimmers and local kids, he’s also shown his rear-end to just as many people …..

Reckless Socializing …..
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Acting Like He’s Brad Pitt …..
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Wrong Place & Wrong Time …..
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I realize Michael Phelps captured the attention and overwhelming support of a nation. It was magical stuff. But, his masterful performance lasted two weeks. We’re now approaching two years since that Olympian effort and Mike has done very little for the betterment of his community.
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Indeed, beyond a few photo ops with celebrities – and while using his hometown as the backdrop, Michael Phelps has done very little in his community. At least his “snub” of local media and causes has included everyone.

But, he’s been intriguing, nonetheless.
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10) Rush Limbaugh
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He spent the latter part of the decade proving you’re never dead until they cover your ass with dirt. He entered the decade as the biggest “talking head,” in American media. But, he crashed and burned amid drug problems and criminal conduct.
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Yet, he’s back to selling record amounts of his prime product ….. HIMSELF. In fact, he’s got such a dominating platform, the NFL said “NO” to Limbaugh’s pursuit of an interest in ownership of the St. Louis Rams. Bad officiating on Sunday and three hours of Rush venting on Monday – before a radio crowd of 3 millon+ ??? That ain’t happening …..
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9) Jessica Lunsford
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It’s hard to believe a 9 year old girl could inspire so many people; sadly through her violent and untimely death. Jessica never experienced her 10th birthday, after being brutally raped and murdered, near her Homosassa, Florida, home.
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However, her death inspired citizens and lawmakers to address existing child abuse laws around the nation. Florida Governor, Jeb Bush, signed and introduced “Jessica’s Law” – which mandates a 25 year prison sentence for offenders who sexually assault children under 12 years of age.

As of today, 42 states have passed mandatory sentencing for child abuse offenders.
.

Roger Goodell
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In August, 2006, Paul Tagliabue called it a career – much to the delight of Baltimore’s football fans. His successor, Roger Goodell, wasted little time in establishing his own resume’, while determining to clean up the image of the NFL, which was blemished by the criminal actions of a few distinct offenders …..
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Critics asserted Goodell was too heavy-handed, but his method of progressive discipline has worked and the game’s reputation has improved. Teams scrutinize the backgrounds of prospects more closely, than during Tagliabue’s reign. And, the arrest percentages of NFL players has decreased significantly since Roger Goodell assumed office.

It is what is …..
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7) Clint Eastwood
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A surprise ??? I think so. In fact, I doubt many movie-goers would have predicted that Clint Eastwood would have a significant hand in providing big-screen entertainment, over these last ten years. But, he has been the dominant force – while combining skills behind and in front of the camera.

Let’s look at his DECADE …..
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen a DECADE like Eastwood’s – from a cinematic perspective. If you haven’t seen at least one of the above movies, move that rock above your head …..
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6) Oprah Winfrey
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Once again, I’m not a fan ….. but, Oprah Winfrey motivates millions of American Women/Metrosexual Men to her professional missions and causes. Buy Oprah’s favorite book? Done. Patronize Oprah’s celebrity friends? Done. Vote for Oprah’s Presidential candidate? Yup, DONE.
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Heck, if Oprah told her kool-aid drinkers to logon to WNST.net, our website would crash this afternoon.
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5) Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa (TIE)
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Both of these guys did their “on-field damage” during the 1990′s, but the destructive “off-field” ramifications of their “Juiced Up Tour – Summer of 1998″ has spread like a horrendous disease in this decade. Don’t kid yourself ….. Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro and Roger Clemens followed the McGwire/Sosa machine. And, legions of other players throughout the sports world, jumped into the fray, as well. A discerning eye is cast on many personalities …..
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The common factor ??? Virtually everyone has been cast under the microscope after the Mark McGwire/Sammy Sosa circus. Both guys had a chance to do something positive in front of Congress (2005), and they FAILED.
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4) Alexandra Scott
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Did you ever dream a little girl could inspire people to donate more than $25 million? In 2000, “Alex” opened a Lemonade Stand on her front lawn, with a desire to raise funds and help children fighting cancer. Alex, herself, was terminally ill. She operated the stand until her death, at age 8. At the time of her death, her charity had raised more than $1 million, in donations. And, this charitable effort spawned others, nationwide.
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<img src=”” alt=”" />
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Today, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised more than $25 million toward aiding children fighting cancer, and the organization continues to grow and prosper. On a personal note, I’ve scanned a dozen major “Inspirational Lists” of the decade, and all of them forgot this little girl.
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3) Steve Jobs
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Perhaps, the most insprational person from a “technological perspective.” The co-founder of Apple has truly impacted the world at our fingertips, and “i” really mean it ….. iPhone, iPod, iTunes, iCantfreakingbelieveit ….
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It’s very plausible to suggest Steve Jobs’ products have touched the lives of more than 99% of Americans, in the past decade.
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2) Barack Obama
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He has transcended barriers never encountered, and at an unbelievable rate. A true non-partisan view has to be one of amazement and pride for humanity. His election is evidence that people can overcome prejudice and as Americans, we are evolving beyond racial boundaries.
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Think about it ….. imagine on January 1, 2000, I asked you “when will we see an African American President?” NOBODY would have said “2008.” Not a chance. Regardless of political affiliations, witnessing President Obama’s election has been a tremendous step toward looking beyond the color of someone’s skin.

But, if he really wants to impress me – get re-elected after the Public Health Care mess.
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1) George W. Bush
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Once again, looking beyond partisan politics, it’s virtually impossible not to render a U.S. President as the most influential person of a decade, especially when he served for 8 years and under such tremendous pressures. President Bush influenced Americans for a myriad of reasons, most of which regarded the nation’s security.
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I supported some of his policies and disagreed with just as many. However, I have no doubt he (as with President Obama) held/holds America’s best interests in his heart when making decisions. President Bush had the hardest job anyone could hold over these past 10 years, and I can still do everything I want – and feel safe about it. That really sums it up.

Happy New Year !!!!

Others Considered: Todd Bozeman, Randy Monroe, Steve Bisciotti, Kimmie Meissner, Fang Mitchell, Dave Trembley, Katie Hoff, Brenda Frese, Kevin Plank, Jimmy Patsos, Lee Mazzilli, Sam Perlozzo, Todd Heap, Barbaro, Carmelo Anthony, Terrell Suggs, Joe DeFrancis, Rafael Palmeiro, Sammy Sosa, Mike Flanagan, Pam Shriver, Haloti Ngata, Derrick Mason, Scott McBrien, Matt Stover, Steve Blake, Melvin Mora, Steve McNair, Michael McCrary, Ray Rice, Erik Bedard, Sidney Ponson, John Rallo, Shawne Merriman, Pat Kennedy

25-Joe Flacco

24-Nick Markakis

23-Ed Hale

22-Kyle Boller

21-John Harbaugh

20-Trent Dilfer

19-Cal Ripken Jr.

18-Chris McAlister

17-Dave Pietramala

16-Brian Roberts

15-Paul Johnson

14-Ralph Friedgen

13-Art Modell

12-Hasim Rahman

11-Ed Reed

10-Jamal Lewis

The greatest offensive skill position in Ravens history-a former Rookie of the Year, NFL Player of the Year, 2,000 yard rusher, Super Bowl Champion, and single game rushing record holder. He’ll be in the Ring of Honor in the next 12 months too….

9-Juan Dixon

He’s from Baltimore. He carried Maryland to a NCAA Championship. He’s Top 3 in Glenn Clark’s book…..

8-Brian Billick

He won the Super Bowl as head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, but became a polarizing figure until his firing due to his inability to groom a franchise quarterback. I’m not sure I could have stomached hearing the words “offensive genius” again however….

7-Debbie Yow

Her place on this list is based on a mix of her accomplishments as Athletic Director (national championships in men’s and women’s basketball, new arena, and somehow managing to balance the budget in College Park) and how many people despise her due to her testy relationship with a fella who is still to come on this list……

6-Ozzie Newsome

Jamal Lewis. Todd Heap. Ed Reed. Terrell Suggs. Haloti Ngata. Ben Grubbs. Joe Flacco. Michael Oher.

Unfortunately, this decade also included Kyle Boller and Travis Taylor…..

5-Jonathan Ogden

He will soon be the first player to go to Canton AS a Baltimore Raven, and some would argue he’s the most important player in franchise history. Those people have a legitimate argument.

4-Michael Phelps

He’s won 14 gold medals in Olympic competition. No one else ever has. I’d explain more-but if you don’t get it, you never will.

3-Peter Angelos

Not since Bob Irsay has there been a local sports figure so universally disdained by the entire town. If this were pro wrestling, Sgt. Slaughter would have looked like a babyface during his Iraq support days in compared to the level of seething hate directed towards the city’s baseball dictator. He’s killed an entire sport in a city where baseball was king. His failures are so epic I’m not certain ANYONE could have accomplished anything similar.

2-Gary Williams

If it weren’t for the necessity of corporate sponsoring, it would be Gary Williams Arena-not Comcast Center. The guy will find himself in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and only Earl Weaver is ahead of him in the list of the greatest head coaches in local sports history. And while some might accuse me of blasphemy, he may be greater than even Earl.

1-Ray Lewis

When #52 does something, says something, thinks something, etc…..it is ABSOLUTELY more meaningful than when anyone else in town does. He will eventually have a statue at M&T Bank Stadium-somewhere in the neighborhood of Johnny Unitas I assume. Do I need to explain further?

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G

Others Considered:
Maryland Wins Soccer Championships in ’05 & ’08
Maryland football hires Ralph Friedgen
Rachel Alexandra first filly to win Preakness in 85 years
Towson reaches 2001 NCAA Lacrosse Final Four
Michael Phelps wins 6 Gold Medals at 2004 Olympics
Big Brown wins 2008 Preakness, Smarty Jones wins 2004 Preakness, War Emblem wins 2002 Preakness
Jonathan Ogden Announces Retirement
Jamal Lewis sentenced to jail time
Hopkins Stuns Duke to Win ’07 NCAA Lax Title
Pam Shriver Enters Tennis Hall of Fame
Maryland Opens Comcast Center
Ravens Trade for Steve McNair, Steve McNair murdered
Coppin State Returns to NCAA Tournament
Salisbury wins 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 D3 Lacrosse Titles
M&T Bank Stadium hosts NCAA Lacrosse Final Four for first time
Orioles trade Bedard to Seattle for Adam Jones & George Sherrill
Baltimore Blast win titles in ’03, ’04, ’06, ’08 and ’09
Navy wins 8 straight vs. Army-7 straight C-I-C Trophies
Kimmie Meissner Wins US Figure Skating Championship
Ravens Hire John Harbaugh

25-Morgan State and UMBC Make First Trips to NCAA Tournament (2009 and 2008 respectively)

24-Johns Hopkins Finishes Undefeated ’05 Season with NCAA Title

23-Preakness Bans Beer from Infield (2009)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SejCwUzRa1U[/youtube]

22-Eddie Murray Enters Baseball Hall of Fame (2003)

21-Maryland Football Claims ’01 ACC Title

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QszioOHki8[/youtube]

20-Jamal Lewis Breaks Single Game Rushing Record (2003)

19-Cal Ripken Jr. Enters Baseball Hall of Fame (2007)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5qn74GBIH4[/youtube]

18-Ravens Fire Brian Billick (2007)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N060MpjVLrg[/youtube]

17-Navy Snaps 43 Game Losing Streak at Notre Dame (2007)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehnd0seZyRg[/youtube]

16-Ravens Choose Elvis Grbac over Trent Dilfer (2001)

15-Terps Lose to Duke in Final 54  seconds, again in First Trip to Final Four (2001)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhoAuSamgr4[/youtube]

14-Ravens Lose to Steelers in Return to AFC Championship Game (2009)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGKjjgkubqs[/youtube]

13-Johnny Unitas Passes Away (2002)

While there are a number of all-time great Baltimore Colts still with us, clearly Johnny was the greatest. The time this city took to honor him (including a genuine tribute from Ravens QB Chris Redman) was well-deserved.

12-Terps win 2004 ACC Tournament

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU6lXzsVXJo[/youtube]

John Gilchrist could have run for governor in March 2004. Of course, he couldn’t have borrowed a dollar by March 2005.

11-Mike Mussina Signs with Yankees (2000)

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the moment that marked the real start of the current Orioles era of darkness. The team had struggled and made poor decisions BEFORE this, but they had at least tried to spend some money and get better players. After this day, it happened very little.

10-Barbaro Collapses After Start of ’06 Preakness

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A20joY7g3dA[/youtube]

I guess this would be the “most gasping” moment of the decade, for sure. Barbaro entered the 2006 Preakness viewed more favorably as a Triple Crown contender than even Smarty Jones or Big Brown. Barbaro captivated this country after the Kentucky Derby, and even more after his collapse at Pimlico. For those of us who were there that day (and sober enough to watch the race), that image won’t leave our minds any time soon.

9-Rafael Palmeiro Busted for Steroids (2005)

Has there been a more maddening year than 2005 during this decade plus of losing than 2005? After trading for Sammy Sosa, the Birds actually found themselves……..winning!

That of course came to a crashing halt around the time of the All-Star Game; and the biggest highlight of the season (Rafael Palmeiro’s 3,000th hit) was soon completely tarnished by what I might call the biggest “we should have seen this coming” moment of the decade.

There were other steroid era moments that could have qualified, including that fateful day in front of Capitol Hill, but this was the most embarassing of all of them.

8-Maryland Women win 2005-2006 NCAA Hoops Title

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNpNRtFN1K0[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGuFhlJYyRc[/youtube]

Maybe this would be the “Hey, that’s pretty cool!” moment of the decade. It didn’t have the significance of a men’s title; but it was still a pretty awesome moment for Maryland fans everywhere. There were probably a number of Maryland fans who couldn’t have named the coach of the team before that night, but those same fans were probably guilty of saying something like “if only Gary Williams could recruit like Brenda Frese” after that night.

Also, Kristi Toliver’s shot ranks up there with Juan Dixon’s 3 against UConn and his baseline jumper against Indiana in the pantheon of great shots in Terrapins history.

7-Michael Phelps Breaks Mark Spitz’s 7 Gold Medal Record (2008)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXkjFQ1hRqA[/youtube]

The moment was made by the scene at M&T Bank Stadium. It would have been an incredible moment in Beijing no matter what, but it was an even more incredible moment for Baltimore given the fact that fans around town could stick around after the Ravens’ preseason game to watch it happen. I think I would call this the “most significant record-breaking moment” of the decade in local sports.

6-Hasim Rahman stuns Lennox Lewis for Heavyweight Title (2001)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZN6ONCH7B0[/youtube]

I would classify this as the biggest “Did you hear?” moment of the decade. Most sports fans in town didn’t just have no idea Hasim Rahman was FIGHTING for Lennox Lewis’ belts, they didn’t know who Hasim Rahman WAS. But Hasim put together one of the great knockouts in the history of heavyweight title fights; in what most American fight fans consider the last significant heavyweight title change the sport has seen. Lennox Lewis was not an “Alphabet Soup” champion who dodged the best contenders the way heavyweight champions of the last 5 or 6 years have been-he was the legitimate “Heavyweight Champion of the World.”

And thanks to one punch, a young man from Baltimore became the legitimate “Heavyweight Champion of the World” as well, at least for a short time.

5-Ravens Fall to Colts in ’07 Divisional Round

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dd-jglYaWc[/youtube]

I think this would be classified as “Biggest Emotional Letdown” of the decade. This city ABSOLUTELY identified this as the chance to exercise the demons of the Mayflower vans, and to finally move past Bob Irsay’s move from Baltimore to Indianapolis. On top of that, the 2006-07 Ravens appeared to give the city its best chance to win another Super Bowl this decade.

Obviously, none of that happened.

4-Ray Lewis Charged with murder in Atlanta (2000)

I think I would describe it as the most “jaw-dropping” local sports moment of the decade. Did anything come of it? No, not really. However, this was still the best athlete in town facing charges of murder. And to this day, Ray can’t enter another NFL stadium without hearing about this moment.

3-Cal Ripken Jr. Plays Final Game with Orioles (2001)

This may be too high on the list. We all knew it was coming, but it didn’t take away from the moment itself. I think the reason why I have this so high on the list anyway is because I’ve heard this phrase so many times over the last decade: “at least in the past I could go to the games and see Cal….I don’t have any reason to go anymore.”

We all hope Matt Wieters, Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz, Adam Jones and company will bring about change-but the last GREAT memory any of us have at Camden Yards is absolutely this moment.

2-Maryland Claims 2001-2002 NCAA Hoops Title

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EgsMpPyFhg[/youtube]

Look, it would have been Number 1 on my own personal list, and it wouldn’t have been close. But there is NO WAY it can drop below the #2 spot on anyone’s list-or you were just plain not paying attention for the better part of the decade. It was the culmination of the greatest season in Maryland history, and the crowning moment for Juan Dixon-the most significant college athlete the state of Maryland has ever seen.

1-Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV (2001)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0viE_bOYTw[/youtube]

Do I really need to explain this?

-G

I used to love how ESPN would put together their list of the “Top 10 Games of the Year” and air it as a SportsCenter special on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, etc. A year ago, I put together my own list for the first time a year ago, and thought it would be fun to go right back to that well. I purposely left out the “Honorable Mention” section; so it is very possible I missed an absolute classic.

10-NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship: Boston University vs. Miami Ohio (April 12 Verizon Center Washington, DC)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-At13ZliXw[/youtube]

Bemidji State might have been the story of the Frozen Four; but the Championship game was pretty amazing. Trailing 3-1, the Terriers pulled their goalie late in the 4th quarter, and managed to close the gap to 3-2 with under a minute left in the game. Unbelievably, they managed to tally a tying goal with 19 seconds to play to send the game into overtime; and eventually won the title in OT.

9-UFC “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 9 Finale: Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida (June 20 The Palms Las Vegas, NV)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4h0kUIU2qU[/youtube]

Are you kidding me???

These maniacs beat the TAR out of each other for 3 rounds in an absolutely BRUTAL MMA war. There is really no doubt that this was the Fight of the Year in Mixed Martial Arts OR Boxing, even if it didn’t have the impact of a Lesnar-Mir or a Pacquiao-Cotto.

8-NHL Stanley Cup Finals Game 7: Penguins @ Red Wings (June 12 Joe Louis Arena Detroit)

No matter how a game plays out, Game 7 is always exciting. Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals is monumental. But a Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 with the drama of Wings-Pens is absolutely epic. The build-up (rematch of the Cup finals from the season before, quest for Sidney Crosby’s first Cup, Wings dynasty, etc.) was intense; the 4th quarter flurry that was stopped by Marc-Andre Fleury was heart-stopping.

7-The Open Championship (July 16-19 Turnberry Resort Ayrshire, Scotland)

Admit it. There was golf on, Tiger Woods was irrelevant-and you watched anyway. The British Open tends not to register with me because it’s ugly to look at, involves brutal golf and is played too early in the day for my liking. BUT-I watched. I watched every hole on Sunday in fact. Part of me watched because I couldn’t wait to text Drew Forrester and say “If a 59 year old wins one of your most significant events-what you are doing probably isn’t really a sport.” But as I watched, I was captivated. The drama was amazing, and Stewart Cink proved to be a deserving champion.

6-ACC Lacrosse: Maryland @ Virginia (March 28 Klockner Stadium Charlottesville, VA)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KesWW9FPFd8[/youtube]

Making this game even more significant was the fact that it was seen nationally on ESPN2. There might not have been games as long as this one was….say….EVER, but there were arguably games that were played at just as high a level during the season (including the National Championship game and Towson/Hopkins for sure). However, those games may not have had the impact of this one-as it was played on a Saturday afternoon on national TV, a time that is traditional for sports viewing across the country. Maryland fans will say they got “screwed” by a bad whistle, and they might be right.

5-FINA World Championships Men’s 100 Meter Butterfly (Aug 1 Rome, ITA)

[dailymotion]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xa19tw_phelps-100-butterfly-4982-wr-rome-0_sport[/dailymotion]

The entire week of the World Championships leading up to this race in Rome were kinda weird. Swimmers continued to wear the soon-to-be-banned scientifically advanced swimsuits, which made Michael Phelps (wearing his older Speedo suit) appear to be mortal. It also allowed Milorad Cavic to start flapping his gums about the world’s greatest swimmer, and set up for a classic. Phelps was up to the task, beating Cavic in world record time in what was the moment of the year in the world of swimming.

4-NBA Finals Game 4: Lakers @ Magic (June 11 Amway Arena Orlando, FL)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkqjNJs2hNc[/youtube]

When the ball ended up in Derek Fisher’s hands at the end of this game, was ANYONE surprised these teams went to overtime? He’s starting to move into Robert Horry territory. The NBA Finals may have lacked the atmosphere and intensity that a LeBron James-Kobe Bryant matchup would have provided, but Game 4 was thrilling nonetheless and turned into a series changer.

3-Big East Tournament Quarterfinal: UConn vs. Syracuse (March 12-13 Madison Square Garden New York, NY)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aaf-fHdTlA[/youtube]

If this had been a more significant game, there would have been NO DOUBT this would have been #1 on this list. The game itself was thrilling from start to finish, with Jonny Flynn and Andy Rautins playing hero for the Orange. Watching this game on a Thursday night, it was particularly disturbing because I just couldn’t bring myself to go to bed before it ended at 1:22am, knowing I had to be up just a couple hours later for my Comcast Morning Show duties.

2-Wimbledon Gentleman’s Final (July 5 All England Lawn & Tennis Club Wimbledon, ENG)

NO ONE thought Roddick-Federer would provide the drama of Federer-Nadal a year earlier. Maybe it didn’t, but it certainly didn’t fail to captivate. A 16-14 5th set would make a Taylor Dent-Vince Spadea match interesting; but it made Federer’s pursuit of Pete Sampras’ career slam record that much more surreal. This was undoubtedly the greatest single match performance of Andy Roddick’s career-which will ultimately be defined by not being quite at the level of Federer and Nadal.

1-Super Bowl XLIII (February 1 Raymond James Stadium Tampa, FL)

You saw the game. I don’t need to explain why this is number 1. Mostly because if I have to say one more nice thing about Pittsburgh I might vomit.

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983….

-G

This is my companion piece to yesterday’s local version. Please feel free to chime in about either. Tomorrow will be my “Top 10 Games of 2009.”

Honorable Mention: Bemidji State Makes a Run For the Little Guys, Rod Woodson and Bruce Smith Enter Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ms. Patrick Goes to NASCAR, Dwight Howard takes Magic to Finals, Michelle Wie Wins First LPGA Event, Syracuse Gets Another Lax Title, Kimbo Slice Goes to UFC, Thierry Henry Cheats France into World Cup, Serena Williams Loses her Mind, Del Potro Stuns Federer, Utah Gets Another Non-BCS BCS Win, Usain Bolt Does it Again, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta Get Big Wins for Girls, Philadelphia Loses a Voice, Alabama Ends Tebow’s Run, Michael Jordan goes to Springfield

25-Jimmie Johnson Makes it 4 Straight

24-Rickey Gets to the Hall

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcd0fdt4JyU[/youtube]

23-Bobby Bowden Hangs ‘Em Up

22-Favre is Back. Again.

21-Manny Being A Cheater

20-Phelps Outduels Cavic Despite Scientific Disadvantage

19-Texas Survives to Play For Title

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Drr0-3I6k[/youtube]

18-Plaxico Burress Goes to Jail

17-Syracuse/UConn Play College Hoops Classic

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em–HcJDVjo[/youtube]

16-Nick Adenhart Dies in Car Crash

15-Sid The Kid Wins First Cup

14-US Soccer Pulls Absolute Stunner

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqHWFT_6-sY[/youtube]

13-Erin Andrews Video Shuts Down Internet

12-Mine That Bird Wins One for the Little Guys

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjY-rrAoTl8[/youtube]

11-Michael Vick Comes to Philly

10-Tom Watson NEARLY Does It

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_X3uGXCL28[/youtube]

Do you even REMEMBER that Stewart Cink won the British Open? Neither do I. In a sport that is completely irrelevant without its biggest star, it took a man on the verge of turning 60 to somehow find relevance. It was a fun weekend, even for those of us who don’t necessarily enjoy golf.

9-A-Rod Comes Clean

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwLszCGc8Vg[/youtube]

My how quickly a year goes by. If the Yanks don’t win the AL East (or World Series)-this might be the #2 story of the year, as it would have been one more time where one of the greatest players of all time let his team down. BUT-the Yanks won, and we all sorta forgot about this awkward moment in Spring Training. Could it cost Alex Rodriguez a place in Cooperstown one day? Maybe.

8-Brock Lesnar Gives UFC Biggest Moment in History

The biggest fight moment of the year was also the biggest moment in Mixed Martial Arts history. (Of course, if they could somehow figure out a way to get Brock, Fedor and Kimbo into the same ring at one time-the world might explode.) Dana White hit a home run with Brock Lesnar. He brought in someone with major appeal due to his background as an amateur wrestler, WWE champion and a failed NFL attempt. Lesnar rose quickly in a watered-down heavyweight division; and with one win over Randy Couture-he went from “The Next Big Thing” to “The Thing” at UFC 100 in July. Everyone watched, everyone talked about it; and the UFC finally had their crowning mainstream moment.

7-Michigan State Lifts Detroit….Until Falling to Carolina

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncqwc_XKtSs[/youtube]

The “moment” belonged to the Spartans. The city of Detroit was DESPERATE for something to rally around given the dire state of their economy, and the run to the Final Four by Michigan State game them exactly that. None of this takes anything away from what North Carolina accomplished, either. Tyler Hansbrough will go down as one of the all-time great college basketball players in history, and what happened in Detroit was his moment even more than it was Michigan State’s.

6-Tim Tebow Gets His

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuUUGxrDR1M[/youtube]

Hate Tim Tebow all you want, but he’s been nothing short of amazing in his college football career. Plus, he’s been amazing off the field as well. His halftime rally was arguably greater than his on-field performance…..

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-qodBTlMtA[/youtube]

And hell-as far as moments go, his return to Gainesville may have been just as good….

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ981abswsI[/youtube]

How did Sports Illustrated manage to screw this up??? This was a NO-BRAINER for Sportsman of the Year.

5-Federer Moves Past Sampras with Wimbledon Classic over Roddick

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IwBJ41_jIk[/youtube]

Was it as good as Federer-Nadal in ’08? I don’t know. It’s easy to say know; but watching the highlights again-wow. These two put on an epic match without the #1 vs. #2 billing or the rivalry status that Roger and Rafa had in ’08. It seemed like a fitting way for Pete Sampras’ career major title record to be broken, as Federer had to withstand the greatest career performance by the top American tennis player.

4-Kobe Gets Redemption

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUE73GqyPuU[/youtube]

Some people said he couldn’t win without Shaq. Others said he wasn’t the same after what happened in Colorado. They were all wrong. Kobe Bryant was just fine. The group of players around him (Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher, Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, etc.) certainly lacked the “sex appeal” of previous Lakers teams, but it didn’t limit their effectiveness. And even more remarkably; Phil Jackson broke the record for most NBA Championships by a head coach (10, surpassing Red Auerbach’s 9)-arguably the most significant record of the year and yet mostly unnoticed.

3-Yankees Do It Again

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxZp6p8xqo[/youtube]

The excitement surrounding the New York Yankees winning their 27th World Series title had about as much to do with the anger most MLB fans felt towards the idea that the Yanks “bought” their title as it did with any actual celebration. Sure, the Yanks rolled out the equivalent of an All-Star lineup just about every night; but they still had to win the thing. Meanwhile, there were reports that baseball was played over the summer in Baltimore. We have not been able to confirm them just yet.

2-Steelers Win Super Bowl Classic

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOfouSAAkZY[/youtube]

God I hate admitting that anything they do is good. But this one certainly ranks amongst the greatest Super Bowl games of all time, thanks to the remarkable individual efforts of Ben Roethlisberger, Santonio Holmes, James Harrison, Kurt Warner, etc. Now let’s all hope that nothing good ever happens to those a-holes in Pittsburgh again.

1-Tiger Shows He’s Human

Was the moment Tiger Woods hit a tree in Florida the biggest moment of the year? Maybe not. But the collective “moment” that has extended from Thanksgiving to the end of the year has certainly been; mostly because it has obviously transcended sport. He’s the biggest athlete in the world-and he has peaked everyone’s interest; even if you don’t really care who he slept with. If Tiger eventually comes back and wins the Masters, this will be a story of redemption. If Tiger never wins another major, this will go down as one of the all-time great career declines in the history of sports. Probably the greatest. Enough to move Tim Finchem to alcohol…..

[myspace]http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=101355061[/myspace]

Flexing my mic muscles since 1983…..

-G