Top T.E.N Sports Stories of 2004Written by Gary Whittaker
In no particular order, these are T.E.N webzine's Top Sports stories in 2004 Red Sox win world series after 86 years.The world series itself was anti-climatic compared to never before done in baseball comeback from a 3 game deficit over their nemisis, New York Yankees. Chants of "Who's your Daddy" gave way to "Who's your Papi", while Curt gave us Chills watching his warrior like performance on mound. David vs Goliath though, this was not. This was more like Goliath's kid brother tripping him when he was not looking, then kicking him before running away. The new Cold War: NHL Hockey Lock-out. One of biggest bonuses from this lock-out is that more Americans are hearing about NHL now, then if there was hockey! While Canadians have turned towards minor league hockey, Bettman is probably hoping that more Americans will turn into NBC's coverage (next year) just to see what all fuss was about. BALCO, Bonds and Giambi. This story broke in 2004, and we can expect it to build momemtum in 2005. In 2003, Hank Aaron said that he would have not problem if Bonds passed him for most home runs. "Records were made to be broked", he re-iterated. That was all provided, of course, of innocent until proven guilty. I believe that as well, but damn, he looks real guilty right now. Bonds can make all criticism go away in one test, but this is something he has refused to do. Hey, even O.J put gloves on. The death of Superman. With no disrepect to Christopher Reeve, Boxing's superman was Roy Jones Jr. (that would actually make Don King Boxing's Lex Luther!). Antonio Tarver shocked world, and more importantly Roy Jones, with a stunning 2nd round KO out of nowhere. Glen Johnson made lightning strike twice a few months later with a 9th round KO, affecting buring Superman in a Krytonite grave forever. With Lennox Lewis retiring, Iron Mike Tyson turned to rust, and Roy Jones Jr thinking about ending his career as a heavyweight, boxing fans now awaits next generation of talent to fill void left by these boxers. When NBA Players attack. From boxing to....a different kind of fighting, NBA has been having their fair share of scuffles. The NBA is becoming a place where individuals can put themselves ahead of team, and get away with it. You have Vince Carter calling most of shots with Raptors behind scenes, then wanting a trade (and getting) after piss poor results and Toronto management deciding they can make their own decisions. Nowhere is this better evidenced than in L.A with Kobe Klause. Even with Kobe's lack of judgement caused his personal life major drama, Laker's felt that Kobe could benifit from a change of coach and roster that would better fit his game. Kobe seems to have worked great for two teams in NBA, unfortunately neither are Lakers. The Heat and Supersonics (I am reaching with Seattle, but I don't think by much) can both attribute at least some of their success indirectly to Mr. Bryant. Finally, we have well documented events surrounding Malice at Palace in our 3-pointer column. At one point, teams will realize that at salary players are getting, me first players like Artest and Iverson will never translate into Championships.
| | AFC Road to the SuperBowlWritten by Gary Whittaker
AFC Conference match-upsIndianapolis Colts vs New England Patriats Payton Manning has had a career year, in much publicized breakinf of Dan Marino's single season TD record. While that stat is impressive, it is not a surprise. Everyone already know that Big 3 of Manning, Harrings and James brought back memories of Aikman, Irving and Smith. But Colts are not Cowboy's. America's team had defence. The Colt's have more offense, with 3 of their receivers topping 1000 yards this season. New England has relied on a team philosophy. No one (except maybe Brady) is indispensible to this team. With interchangeable parts, Patriots can be hard for four quarters. That being said, there secondary has suffered so much injury that it might be even too much to overcome. When you have to insert a career linebacker to fill your vacant safety position, you are in trouble. Unless Payton has a bad game, look for them to when by 10 points New York Jets vs Pittsburgh Steelers Bill Cower must be in heaven right now. After years of major quaterback controvery, then finding two premier wide receivers but not having anyone to take them to next level, Bill closed his eyes and made a wish. When we looked up, he saw Big Ben become pivot of his dreams. A new stud named Roethlisberger had stepped up and led Steelers to 14 straight victories. Even game he lost, score was 13-10 for Steelers after he replaced Maddox. The only knock they have on this kid is that he may have rookie jitters. We say, even if he did, he still won 14 straight. Even when he was not superhuman, he teammates believed. The Steelers now believe that and does not bode well if you are a Jets fan.
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