The Sports Scoop
By Andrea de Vera
OnlineTickets.com

A FAMILIAR RING

Monday, Oct. 29 – The Boston Red Sox broke out the brooms and the champagne Sunday in Coors Field after sweeping the streaky Colorado Rockies 4-0 to clinch the World Series Championship – the Red Sox’s second title in four years. Jon Lester tallied the win for the Bo Sox, Jonathan Papelbon recorded the save, and third-baseman Mike Lowell garnered World Series MVP honors after his pivotal homer, double, and two runs scored in the Red Sox’s 4-3 victory.

Sunday’s win capped off a seven-game winning streak that helped the Red Sox rally from a 3-1 deficit during the ALCS. The Red Sox hearkened back to their 2004 miracle run when they topped the New York Yankees in the ALCS and swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. With no added pressure, no mounting frustration, and no 86-year drought to deal with, the Red Sox added just another feather in their Championship-winning cap along with that now-familiar ring.

THREAT IN THE WEST

Tuesday, Oct. 23 – With dangerous wildfires burning in San Diego, nearly 250,000 San Diego County residents were forced to evacuate, including members of the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers will practice in Arizona this week, while Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego could serve as an evacuation center just like it did during the deadly wildfires of 2003.

With the Chargers scheduled to host the Houston Texans at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday and the Arizona Cardinals headed into the bye week, the Chargers-Texans game may take place inside the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona should the So Cal wildfires continue to threaten lives, families, and homes in San Diego.

LEGENDS OF THE FALL

Monday, Oct. 22 – The Red Sox are no strangers to October comebacks, recovering from a 3-0 deficit against the New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS – the year the Red Sox won it all in the World Series. This year, the Red Sox rallied from a 3-1 ALCS deficit against the Cleveland Indians, outscoring the Tribe 12-2 Saturday and 11-2 Sunday and earning a trip back to the Fall Classic.

The Red Sox must now face the well-rested Colorado Rockies – a team that has gone on a magical “Rocktober” run of its own, winning 21 of its last 22 games and reaching the Fall Classic for the first time – EVER. As the 2007 World Series kicks off inside Fenway Park, watch for an all-out pitchers’ duel as Josh Beckett (Red Sox) faces Jeff Francis (Rockies) on the mound in Game 1 Wednesday.

RED SOX STEPPIN’ UP

Friday, Oct. 19 – As the Boston Red Sox faced elimination Thursday on the road in Jacobs Field, Josh Beckett led the Red Sox to a 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians. The Red Sox now trail the Tribe 3-2 in the ALCS and force a Game 6 on Saturday in Fenway Park. After allowing one run on five hits and a season-high 11 strikeouts in eight innings, Beckett improved to 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in the postseason.

While Beckett dominated from the mound, the Red Sox offense stepped up at the plate as Kevin Youkilis tallied a homer, a triple, and three RBIs, Manny Ramirez chipped in an RBI off of a 390-foot single, and “Big Papi” David Ortiz added two RBIs off of two sac flies. If the down-but-definitely-not-out Red Sox can rally once again behind Curt Schilling for Game 6, look out – we may just have a series on our hands.

TURN TO LEFTWICH

Thursday, Oct. 18 – After a 1-5 start with QB Joey Harrington at the helm, the Atlanta Falcons will start fifth-year veteran Byron Leftwich at QB against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 and most likely for the remainder of the season. The Falcons continue to struggle on offense – ranking 27th in total offense, averaging 290.2 yards, and 29th in scoring, averaging 13.2 PPG.

Leftwich, who signed a two-year $7 million contract with the Falcons, hopes to turn those dismal numbers and ultimately the Falcons’ season around. Leftwich’s first appearance as a Falcon faltered somewhat as Leftwich replaced Joey Harrington in the fourth quarter, going 2-of-8 for 28 yards and an interception in the Falcons’ 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wednesday, Oct. 17 – In MLB news, the Cleveland Indians defeated the Boston Red Sox 7-3 Tuesday, taking a 3-1 series lead over the Sox. With the ALCS and World Series titles on the line, the Red Sox will try to avoid elimination by pitting Josh Beckett (1-0, 3.00 ERA) against the Indians’ C.C. Sabathia (0-1, 16.62 ERA) for ALCS Game 5 Thursday in Jacobs Field.

In NFL news, the Pittsburgh Steelers expect Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, and Santonio Holmes to return to the gridiron after injuries in Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. Also making “solid and noticeable progress,” Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett can stand and walk to some extent using a specialized walker after suffering a severe spinal cord injury in the Bills’ season opener.

ROCKIN’ AND ROLLIN’ ON

Tuesday, Oct. 16 – While the Colorado Rockies needed 163 games to clinch the NL Wild Card, the Rockies needed only seven games to clinch the NL Championship. The Rockies’ 6-4 win in Game 4 Monday sent the Coors Field crowd rockin’ and had the Rockies rollin’ to their 21st win in 22 games and their first World Series in franchise history.

It was a magical night for the Rockies, for the fans, and for Rockies slugger Matt Holliday, who deservedly garnered NLCS MVP honors after batting .333 (5-for-15) with two home runs, and four RBIs throughout the NLCS. Holliday and the Rockies now have a chance to rally for big wins against either the Cleveland Indians or Boston Red Sox in the Fall Classic beginning October 24.

OT THRILLS

Monday, Oct. 15 – In a weekend where Tom Brady and the New England Patriots outshined the Dallas Cowboys 48-27, it was LB Tim Brady and the Boise State Broncos that stole headlines after a record-setting 69-67, 4 OT victory over the Nevada Wolfpack Sunday. In the fourth OT’s final play, Tim Brady made a big defensive stop for the Broncos, stuffing the Wolfpack’s 2-point conversion attempt that would have sent the game into a fifth OT period.

Another OT thriller transpired Saturday as the No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats topped the No. 1 LSU Tigers 43-37 in triple overtime. Despite coming into the game as underdogs, QB Andre Woodson – a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate – helped lead the Wildcats (6-1, 2-1 SEC) to their first victory over a No.1-ranked team since 1964. The Tigers’ upset loss to the Wildcats marked the first time a No. 1 team was beaten during the regular season since 2003.

GRAND OPENING TO NLCS

Friday, Oct. 12 – An anything-can-happen NLCS got underway as the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the Wild Card Colorado Rockies Thursday at Chase Field. In Game 1, Rockies pitcher, Jeff Francis, helped the Rockies roll to a 5-1 victory over Diamondbacks ace, Brandon Webb, and company. The Rockies have won 18 of their last 19 games with their only loss coming against Webb back on September 28.

In ALCS action, expect an evenly matched best-of-seven series that pits the Boston Red Sox against the Cleveland Indians. Both ball clubs amassed identical 96-66 regular-season records – best in the Major League. The Red Sox host the Cleveland Indians Friday at Fenway Park with Red Sox ace, Josh Beckett (1-0, 0.00 ERA), set to face off against Indians veteran, C.C. Sabathia (1-0, 5.40 ERA), in Game 1.

SEASON SACKED

Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Sunday’s Cardinals-Rams game may have ended with a win, but the Cardinals suffered a big loss when second-year Cardinals QB Matt Leinart broke his collarbone after a second-quarter sack. On Tuesday it was announced that Leinart would miss the rest of the 2007-2008 season. Kurt Warner, 36, assumes the starting role while newly signed Tim Rattay serves as Warner’s backup.

The Carolina Panthers’ QB Jake Delhomme injured his right elbow in the Panthers-Falcons game in NFL Week 3 and will undergo season-ending elbow surgery next week. Delhomme’s backup, David Carr, will take the reigns as the Panthers' starting QB, provided that Carr recovers from a back injury sustained in the Panthers-Saints game Sunday. In need of a backup QB, the Panthers signed Vinny Testaverde, 43, to a one-year deal.

WEEKEND WRAP UP

Monday, Oct. 8 – From the diamond to the ring to the gridiron, the sports nation buzzed with plenty of big wins, tough losses, and captivating headlines to boot. In the MLB playoffs, the Diamondbacks and Rockies swept the Cubs and Phillies, respectively, in three games and move on to the NLCS. As the Red Sox head to the ALCS after sweeping the Angels 3-0, the Yankees trail 2-1 in their series with the Indians and head into Game 4 Monday.

In boxing news, Manny Pacquiao (45-3-2, 35 KOs) dominated Marco Antonio Barrera (63-5, 42 KOs) en route to an 11th-round TKO victory Saturday in Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay. In college football, the LSU Tigers claimed the No. 1 spot in the polls with the California Golden Bears, Ohio State Buckeyes, Boston College Eagles, and South Florida Bulls rounding out the Top 5. As for former No. 2 USC? The Trojans dropped to No. 10 after losing to Stanford 24-23 Saturday.


PITCHING STRIKES BACK

Thursday, Oct. 4 – After the Rockies rolled over the Phillies 4-2, the Red Sox romped the Angels 4-0, and the Diamondbacks delivered a 3-1 blow to the Cubs Wednesday, the Yankees-Indians series kicks off Thursday in Jacobs Field with both teams hoping to tally a Game 1 victory. In a battle of 19-game winners, the Yankees send staff ace Chien-Ming Wang to face Indians southpaw and Cy Young favorite, C.C. Sabathia.

Wang and Sabathia can hope to match – if not best – what the other Game 1-winning hurlers accomplished: Josh Beckett (Red Sox) allowed four hits, no runs, and struck out eight in a complete-game effort; Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks) fanned nine in seven innings of work; and Jeff Francis (Rockies) struck out eight batters in six innings. With the ALDS and NLDS in full swing, teams can count on electrifying pitching to spark big wins throughout the MLB playoffs.

TIGER TRAGEDY, TRIUMPH

Wednesday, Oct. 3 – The Tigers and a heavy-hearted sports nation mourned the loss of Memphis Tigers defensive lineman, Taylor Bradford, who was shot and killed on the Memphis campus Sunday. Two days after Bradford’s tragic death, the Tigers banded together in honor of No. 93 during the Memphis Tigers and Marshall Thundering Herd game Tuesday.

Before the game, the entire Tigers team and 25,000 strong inside the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee, observed a moment of silence for Bradford – named an honorary captain for the game. After an emotional four quarters of play and a stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace” at halftime, the Tigers won a close one, 24-21, in fond memory of their fallen teammate.

RALLYING ROCKIES

Tuesday, Oct. 2 – The Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres proved that 162 regular-season games and an extra nine innings were not enough to decide the NL Wild Card winner during the tiebreaker game Monday. In the bottom of the 13th, the Rockies were down 8-6 facing Padres’ fireman, Trevor Hoffman. Thanks to a string of timely hits and scores, the Rockies rallied, defeated the Padres 9-8, and secured the NL Wild Card slot in the 2007 MLB playoffs.

The Rockies will face the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS Wednesday in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park. Other playoff match ups include: the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. the Chicago Cubs, the Los Angeles Angels vs. the Boston Red Sox, and the Cleveland Indians vs. the AL Wild Card New York Yankees. While the Rockies have wrapped up the regular season in ways far from regular, prepare for bigger thrills and an even wilder ride that is October baseball.

WINNER TAKES ALL

Monday, Oct. 1 – The hunt for October continues into October as the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres prepare to battle for the NL Wild Card berth Monday. The Rockies (89-73) will host the Padres (89-73) in Coors Field for the one-game tiebreaker with the winner scheduled to face the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the National League Division Series Wednesday.

The Rockies ride into Monday’s game winning 13 of their last 14 contests, while the Padres fell just short of claiming the NL West crown. Padres ace and Cy Young favorite Jake Peavy (19-6, 2.36 ERA) will duel with Rockies’ hurler Josh Fogg (10-9, 4.79 ERA) on the mound as both teams have their eyes set on winning and taking it all beyond game No. 163.

B-G-O! B-G-O!

Friday, Sep. 28 – As the MLB regular season winds down, so does the illustrious career of future Hall of Famer, Craig Biggio. After 20 years in a Houston Astros uniform, Craig Biggio prepares to lace up the cleats one last time and a bid a final farewell to the game he loves.

This weekend, the Astros face the Atlanta Braves, while capacity crowds, wild emotions, and “B-G-O!” chants are expected to inundate Minute Maid Park. On Saturday, look for Biggio’s career to come full circle as he returns behind the plate to catch Brandon Backe for an inning or two.

With over 3,050 hits, more than 650 doubles, and nearly 300 home runs, Biggio may not have earned a World Series title, but the “Killer B” leaves the game on top with dignity and the undying admiration of a city, the baseball nation, and the sports world at large.

Check out the Podcasts for more Biggio News!

QUARTERBACK AND CHANGE

Thursday, Sep. 27 – After a 1-2 start and the 30th-ranked offense in the NFL, the 2006 NFC defending champion Chicago Bears hope to turn things around against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. The Bears’ Coach Lovie Smith appointed Brian Griese as starting QB, and deemed Rex Grossman as the No. 2 option off the Bears bench. The move left Griese hopeful about the opportunity, yet spurred feelings of surprise and frustration for Grossman.

Grossman’s performance sputtered in the first three weeks of play, where he racked up only 500 yards, a 45.2 QB rating, and six interceptions – including three pick-offs during the Dallas Cowboys game in Week 3. Brian Griese – who has bounced from starting jobs with the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers – comes into the starting role with 10 years of NFL experience under his belt, passing for 16,564 yards, 104 TD and 80 interceptions.

ACHING ‘BACKS

Wednesday, Sep. 26 – In NFL Week 3, teams and fans watched top running backs weave through defenders, move the chains, rush for downs, and score big touchdowns. As a result, the lucky teams tallied wins, but – unfortunately – a few teams lost more than the game after their leading rushers went down with injuries. Here is the latest news concerning the prognoses and expected returns for some of these aching ‘backs.

The New Orleans Saints’ Deuce McAllister suffered his second torn ACL in as many years and is out for the season. The St. Louis Rams’ Steven Jackson sustained a groin injury and will be sidelined for at least one week. The Houston Texans’ Ahman Green re-aggravated a bruised left knee suffered in the season opener and is listed as day-to-day, while the Texans’ Ron Dayne (sore chest) will likely be ready for the upcoming Texans-Falcons game Sunday.


BROKEN BONDS

Tuesday, Sep. 25 – The Giants are out of the playoff hunt, and now slugger Barry Bonds is out of the San Francisco Giants’ hunt as far as contracts, extensions, and offers go for next season. Bonds’ one-year, $19.3 million contract expires at the end of the 2007 season – a season that featured Bonds breaking the homerun record and the Giants falling to 70-87, good for last place in the wild NL West.

Rather than rebuilding around Bonds, Giants’ owner, Peter McGowan, believes the team’s future lies in the hands of their young corps of pitchers. Still in pursuit of a World Series ring, Bonds plans to take his bat elsewhere – declaring that he still has plenty of baseball left in him – but there’s no doubt that Bonds, a 15-year Giant, leaves his heart in San Francisco.

ON THE RECORD

Monday, Sep. 24 – Green Bay Packers QB, Brett Favre, led the Packers to a win over the San Diego Chargers and improved to 3-0 on the season. While the Packs’ undefeated record was the only record Favre truly acknowledged Sunday, there was yet another great achievement worth mentioning: Favre connected with WR Greg Jennings for his 420th touchdown pass, tying Dan Marino’s record for the most TD passes in NFL history.

As far as NFL records go, Favre already holds the NFL record for most wins as a starter with 150. Going into NFL Week 4, Favre trails Marino’s NFL-best 61,361 passing yards and 8,358 pass attempts by 3,000 and 9 respectively. As Favre continues to tally more wins and reach more milestones, consider Sunday’s record-tying performance as just another feather in Favre’s future-Hall-of-Fame cap.

HEADS UP, HOUSTON

Friday, Sep. 21 – Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett will begin the next phase of his rehabilitation in Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas, where Everett makes his offseason-home. Less than two weeks after Everett’s life-threatening spinal cord injury, doctors are confident that he will be able to stand and walk on his own in the upcoming weeks or even days.

In other Houston news, the Houston Astros have named a new general manager: Ed Wade, former Philadelphia Phillies GM from 1998-2005. The announcement came hours before the Astros’ 18-1 offensive barrage against the St. Louis Cardinals. Recent Class A call up, J.R. Towles, made some noise with his first career home run and eight RBIs – a new franchise record.

OFF TO THE RACES

Thursday, Sep. 20 – As the last 10 days of the MLB regular season wind down, which teams are still in the fight for October baseball action?

American League
• East: The Boston Red Sox (90-63) have a 1.5 game lead over the surging New York Yankees (88-64).
• Central: The Cleveland Indians (90-62) seem to have a lock on the Central, with the Detroit Tigers (83-70) trailing by 7.5 games.
• West: The Los Angeles Angels (90-62) hold an 8.5 game lead over the Seattle Mariners (81-70).
National League
• East: The New York Mets (84-67) are battling to hang on to their 2.5 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies (82-70).
• Central: The Chicago Cubs (80-73) hope to pad their one game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers (78-73) in order to secure the Central Division crown
• West: The Arizona Diamondbacks (86-67) are looking to build on their one game lead over the San Diego Padres (84-67).

DEAL SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED

Wednesday, Sep. 19 – With the indefinite suspension of Michael Vick and Joey Harrington’s league-high 13 sacks in two games, the Atlanta Falcons signed free agent and former Jacksonville Jaguar QB, Byron Leftwich, to a two-year, $7 million deal Tuesday. As the No. 3 QB behind Harrington and Chris Redman, Leftwich may eventually compete for the starting nod if the Falcons’ offense continues to struggle.

As the Jaguars’ first-round draft choice in 2003, Leftwich, 27, suffered an ankle injury early in the 2006 season. Consequently, Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio promoted young gunner, David Garrard, to the starting QB position. The Jaguars released Leftwich a week prior to the start of the 2007 season, spurring Leftwich’s search for a second chance in the NFL.

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

Monday, Sep. 17 – From the diamond inside U.S. Cellular Field to the greens of East Lake Golf Club, Jim Thome of the Chicago White Sox and Tiger Woods of golf glory, each had their share of big wins and even bigger thrills Sunday.

No. 500: In dramatic bottom-of-the-ninth, walk-off fashion, Jim Thome won the game, 9-7, over the Los Angeles Angels after smashing his milestone 500th career home run over the left-centerfield walls.

No. 7: In his seventh PGA Tour title in 2007 and second straight victory of the PGA Tour playoffs, Tiger Woods won the Tour Championship with ridiculous numbers: 64-63-63-66, winning by 8 strokes and claiming the first-ever FedEx Cup.

SEASON ON HOLD

Friday, Sep. 14 – Standing 7-feet tall, 250 pounds, Greg Oden of the Portland Trailblazers stepped into the ring that is the NBA and was knocked out by a knee injury before he could play in his first NBA game. Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, underwent microfracture knee surgery Thursday and will spend eight weeks on crutches and at least 6-12 months recovering thereafter.

Oden is expected to make a full recovery and rejoin the league just as high-profile NBA stars Amare Stoudemire, Jason Kidd, and former Blazer Zach Randolph did after undergoing microfracture surgery in the past. While the Blazers may sorely miss Oden’s presence in the middle, 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year and star-on-the-rise LaMarcus Aldridge will help hold down the Blazer fort until Oden returns.

OFFSIDES: PATRIOTS

Thursday, Sep. 13 – The NFL New England Patriots have been under fire and investigation since the Patriots-Jets game Sunday. During the first quarter, NFL security caught a Patriots camera man taping defensive signals on the New York Jets’ sideline. According to evidence on the tape, the Patriots’ “offsides” act has violated league rules, which states: “No video recording devices of any kind are permitted to be in use in the coaches’ booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game.”

Patriots coach Bill Belechick has spoken with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the “interpretation” of league rules and has addressed the media regarding the spying scandal, stating, “Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, staff, and players.” While Belechick issued a most-vague apology, breaking the rules – technicalities aside – clearly deserves a sincere apology and more than just a Goodell slap on the wrist.

LOOKING FOR A SIGN

Wednesday, Sep. 12 – After suffering a severe spinal cord injury Sunday, Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett is showing signs of improvement just four days later. On Monday, doctors all but ruled out Everett’s chances for a full recovery. In recent news, Everett may walk again, though he has a long way to go, according to Everett’s operating surgeon, Dr. Andrew Cappucino.

Currently, Everett is breathing on his own without a respirator in a local Buffalo hospital. While Everett can nod his head and voluntarily move his arms, legs, hips, ankles, and toes, he still cannot move his hands. Thus, Everett has yet to give the deeply desired “thumbs up” sign that fans, players, coaches, and family members have been waiting and hoping for since Sunday’s devastating accident.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Tuesday, Sep. 11 – Buffalo Bills reserve tight end Kevin Everett, 25, took a hit Sunday that turned out to be the biggest hit of his life. Everett dropped face-first to the field after his lowered head collided with Domenik Hixon’s shoulder. Everett remained largely motionless for 15 minutes on the field before an ambulance rushed him to the nearest hospital.

Everett underwent reconstructive spinal surgery after suffering this life-threatening spinal-cord injury, but doctors have said that the severity of the injury is still unknown and a full recovery is unlikely. While Everett remains in the ICU, Everett’s family, friends, teammates, and the entire sports nation wait for the latest news and updates on Everett’s road to recovery.

OPEN COMES TO CLOSE

Monday, Sep. 10 – After two weeks of remarkable headlines, dazzling victories, and stunning defeats in Flushing Meadows, the U.S. Open has crowned its 2007 champs:

• Men’s singles: Roger Federer narrowly defeated Novak Djokovic, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (2), 6-4, to win his fourth straight U.S. Open championship and 12th Grand Slam title overall Sunday. Federer, 26, is two Grand Slam victories shy of matching Pete Sampras’ career record of 14 major titles.
• Women’s singles: After defeating both Williams sisters, top-seeded Justine Henin triumphed over No. 4-ranked Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6-1, 6-3, in the final round, winning her second U.S. Open and 7th career Grand Slam title.
• Doubles play: Nathalie Dechy and Dinara Safina (women’s doubles), Simon Aspelin and Julian Knowle (men’s doubles), and Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi (mixed doubles) paired up and prevailed as doubles champs in 2007.

RUNAWAY COLTS

Friday, Sep. 7 – The NFL season kicked off Thursday night inside the RCA Dome as the 2006 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts faced the New Orleans Saints. In convincing fashion, the Colts trampled the Saints 41-10. Peyton Manning led the Colts offensive charge, completing 18-30 passes for 288 yards and 3 TDs. Colts RB Joseph Addai and WR Reggie Wayne added 118 yards and 115 yards respectively.

The Colts’ smothering defense held the high-flying Saints offense to a scoreless second half and 293 total yards in the game, including 192 passing yards from QB Drew Brees and a combined 76 rushing yards from RB Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. While the season is barely one day young, the Colts’ dominating victory sends a message to the NFL elite: Make room at the top. The champs are back.

MOVING ON

Thursday, Sep. 6 – On any given night, a barrage of blistering 140 mph serves, 14 aces, and zero double faults would add up to a win for Andy Roddick. Not the case Wednesday night when Roddick faced Swiss sensation Roger Federer. After playing intense, near-perfect tennis, Roddick lost two tiebreakers and fell to Federer in straight, closely contested sets, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4), 6-2. Federer moves on to face Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals.

In the women’s quarterfinals, Serena Williams (12) defeated rising Serbian star, Jelena Jankovic (3), 4-6, 6-1, and 7-6 (5) Wednesday and will face No. 1-ranked Justine Henin in Friday’s semi-finals. While the road to Grand Slam glory ended for Jankovic and Roddick, Federer and Williams journey on after treating Arthur Ashe Stadium’s boisterous crowd of over 23,000 to some of the most riveting tennis action in the tournament thus far.

RISING AND SURPRISING

Tuesday, Sep. 4 –In a weekend filled with big wins and big upsets, the sports nation watched top athletes and teams rise and even fall. In basketball, Team USA rolled to a 118-81 victory over Argentina and won a gold medal at the FIBA Americas Tournament. In college football, Division I-AA Appalachian State stunned No. 5-ranked Michigan with an unexpected 34-32 victory. In the new polls, Michigan dropped from No. 5 to completely unranked, an unprecedented move in college football.

In weekend U.S. Open play, defending U.S. Open champ, Maria Sharapova (2), fell to Agnieszka Radwanska (30), Venus Williams (12) upset Ana Ivanovic (5) in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, and Tommy Haas (10) prevailed 7-6 in the fifth over James Blake (6). Boasting plenty of surprising underdog wins, this past weekend proved that you win some, you lose some – and that should come as no big surprise.

KEEP ON ROLLIN’

Friday, Aug. 31 – In FIBA Americas Championship play, the 6-0 United States faced the defending Olympic gold medalists and fellow undefeated challenger, Argentina, during Thursday night’s qualifying match up. However, the United States – bolstered by Kobe Bryant’s 15-point first-quarter flurry – topped Argentina 91-76 and coasted into Saturday’s FIBA Americas Semi-Finals as the No. 1 seed against Puerto Rico.

Top scorers included Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James who added 18 and 15 points respectively. Recent Houston Rockets acquisition, Luis Scola, scored 20 points to lead the Argentinian charge sans top players Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, and Andres Nocioni. With a berth in the 2008 Olympics at stake, Team USA needs to notch a victory in Saturday’s semis to stay on top and keep on rollin’.

THE BIG HURT

Thursday, Aug. 30 – With both knees taped up and visibly less hop in his step, No.2-ranked and three-time French Open winner, Rafael Nadal, battled on the hard courts and often struggled with knee pains during his U.S. Open first-round match up. Nearly pulling out of U.S. Open play, Nadal instead labored through a four-set victory over adversary, Alun Jones, Wednesday.

In soccer news, Los Angeles Galaxy star, David Beckham, limped to the sidelines after suffering a knee injury Wednesday against Mexican team Pachuca in the SuperLiga final. Just as with Beckham’s nagging ankle and Nadal’s ailing knees, many athletes go to great pains to compete in their respective sports – even if that means playing with, through, and despite the pain.

OPEN TALKS

Wednesday, Aug. 29 – With the first round of the U.S. Open wrapping up, some of the most dominant players in the game cruised into the second round, in straight sets no less. Reigning U.S. Open champs, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, did not disappoint, while Andy Roddick, James Blake, Justine Henin, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams also advanced past the first round with ease, as expected.

However, some Round 1 winners came as surprises. John Isner, Feliciano Lopez, Max Mirnyi, Fernando Verdasco, Michael Llodra, Alize Cornet, Vera Dushevina, and Dominika Cibulkova each topped their higher-seeded opponents, while American David Young, 18, stole the show with a win Monday. Isner, Young, and company move on to round 2 where more opportunities for underdog upsets await.

FRESH START FOR ‘STROS

Tuesday, Aug. 28 – Nearly in last place in the Central with 31 games left to play, the Houston Astros started fresh Monday. Astros owner Drayton McLane dismissed GM Tim Purpura and manager Phil Garner, replacing them on an interim basis with Tal Smith and Cecile Cooper, respectively. After seeing the Astros underachieve the past two seasons, McLane cited a need for a new direction – a winning one.

Beginning their managerial roles in 2004, Purpura and Garner both played integral roles in the club’s thrilling playoff run in ‘04 and an NL pennant and World Series appearance in ‘05. McLane’s decision came as a surprise to many, including Purpura and Garner. Perhaps this surprise will be the spark that McLane, the Astros, fans, and the city of Houston have been hoping for.

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACKING

Monday, Aug. 27 – This past weekend, the spotlight belonged to the newsworthy victories and defeats around the Wide World of Sports: Georgia captured its first Little League World Series title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Japan Sunday. Team USA routed Brazil 113-76, improving to 3-0 in FIBA Americas play. In WNBA Western Conference semi-finals action, the Phoenix Mercury swept the Seattle Storm.

Yet, Monday morning’s news revolved around Michael Vick, forcing these big sports stories to  take a backseat once again. Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges, apologized publicly for his “immature” actions, vowed to redeem himself, and awaits his sentence on Dec. 10. Vick is newsworthy, yes, but it’s not called the “Wide World of Sports” for nothing.

MORE MILLER TIME?

Friday, Aug. 24 – No. Reggie Miller reports he won’t be suiting up in Celtics green alongside Boston’s Big Three – Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Miller, 42, has decided to stay retired, after making his NBA exit two years ago. During a glorious 18-year career with the Indiana Pacers, Miller racked up career totals of 25,279 points, 2,560 three pointers, but zero championship rings.

The Celtics are widely considered championship contenders, making Miller’s decision to re-enter the game possibly more intriguing. Although physically fit to contribute in a limited role off the bench, Miller was not prepared mentally to commit to another grueling 82-game season. Instead, Miller will likely continue to pursue other ventures off the court with no lingering “what ifs” and his lifelong-Pacer legacy intact.

MLB RUN DOWN

Friday, Aug. 24 – As the 2007 MLB season winds down, this week in baseball provided plenty of thrills and some history-making feats that every hardball fan can enjoy and appreciate well beyond the season’s end.

•    Wednesday: The Texas Rangers routed the Baltimore Orioles 30-3 inside Camden Yards. The Rangers’ 30 runs were the most runs scored in a major league contest in 110 years.  Also on Wednesday, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb ended his phenomenal scoreless innings streak at 42.
•    Tuesday: In a game against the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Angels’ Garret Anderson chipped in 10 RBIs, setting a new Angels franchise record.
•    Monday: Chicago White Sox closer, Bobby Jenks, tied a major league record with 41 consecutive hitters retired.
•    Sunday: Minnesota Twins ace, Johan Santana, struck out 17 Texas Rangers, using only 113 pitches through eight innings.
•    Saturday: Arizona Diamondbacks rookie hurler, Micah Owings, goes 4-for-5, blasts two homers, scores four runs, and knocks in 6 RBIs. Oh, and he struck out 7 and walked none over seven impressive innings.    

As teams battle their division foes and race for the pennant, keep an eye on baseball during the final weeks of the season. Why? Hey, why not? No one expected a 30-run offensive explosion in this day and age of baseball, but – then again – in this day and this age, you never really know.

CHIPPER CHIEF

Thursday, Aug. 23 – All hail, Kansas City Chiefs Larry Johnson, who became the highest paid player in Chiefs history Tuesday. After a 25-day holdout, Johnson, 27, inked a contract extension – which runs through 2012 - guaranteeing the top-flight running back $19 million and $27.7 million in the first three years of the extension.

After missing two preseason exhibition games due to the holdout, Johnson is hoping to return to top shape by the season opener Sept. 9 in Houston against the Texans.  Johnson – who carried the ball an NFL-record 416 times last season – is now ready to carry the Chiefs to the Super Bowl at season’s end.

FALL OF A RISING STAR

Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Former NBA player, Eddie Griffin, 25, died last week after his SUV collided with a moving freight train in southeast Houston. Upon impact, a fiery blaze engulfed Griffin, leaving hardly a trace of his identity. Investigators used dental records to confirm Griffin’s identity Tuesday.

As the Houston Rockets’ first-round draft pick in 2001, Griffin was a promising talent with defensive flair. Throughout his 5-year NBA career with the Rockets, New Jersey Nets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, Griffin’s off-court struggles with alcoholism and depression tended to overshadow his good character and infinite potential.

In his life, it seemed Griffin experienced more tragedy than triumph. Perhaps with more time and the right help, Griffin could have turned his life and ultimately his fate around. While Griffin’s family, friends, and fans may never know “what might have been,” they are lucky to have known this once NBA rising – and fallen – star.

FALL FROM GRACE

Tuesday, Aug. 21 – With blazing speed and explosive talent, Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick is one of the best at escaping a big hit. Off the field, Vick took possibly the biggest hit in his six-year career Monday. Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting and conspiracy charges, accepting “full responsibility” for his role in a dogfighting ring, including the brutal executions of dogs that lost or faired poorly in fights.

After accepting the plea deal, Vick wished to “apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.” While a sentence has yet to be decided, Vick faces a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and imminent NFL suspensions to boot. With a tarnished name and sullied reputation, Vick has compromised the trust of his team, the support of a city, and the admiration of a football nation at large.

SMALL STEPS FOR BECKHAM, GIANT LEAPS FOR MLS
 
Monday, Aug. 20 – Soccer superstar, David Beckham, played his first full Major League Soccer game in an L.A. Galaxy uniform Saturday. Despite nursing an injured left ankle and playing on artificial turf inside Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Beckham played the entire 90 minutes against the New York Red Bulls, setting up three goals in a flurry of corner kicks and free kicks.

The two teams combined for an impressive nine goals, posting a 5-4 final score in favor of the home-team Red Bulls. What’s even more magical than nine combined goals is that over 66,000 soccer fans, spectators, and the Beckham faithful filled Giants Stadium to witness such a remarkable, high-scoring MLS affair. The excitement was great for the fans and possibly even greater for the future of MLS.

AIMING TO PLEA-S

Wednesday, Aug. 15 – Weeks after the NBA betting scandal first surfaced, former NBA referee, Tim Donaghy, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two felony charges: conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce. Donaghy must pay a $500,000 fine, at least $30,000 in restitution, and could face a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick faces federal charges for dogfighting. Vick’s lawyers are working toward a plea bargain that will sentence Vick to less than a year of jail time. Co-defendant, Tony Taylor, 34, has already pleaded guilty to the same charges, while other co-defendants, Purnell Peace, 35, and Quanis Phillips, 28, are set to accept plea agreements on Friday.

GREAT RIDE WITH ‘THE SCOOTER’

Tuesday, Aug. 14 – New York Yankees icon, Philip Francis Rizzuto, died at 89 Monday night. Known as “The Scooter,” Rizzuto impacted baseball from the moment he suited up in Yankees pinstripes back on April 14, 1941. The Scooter had a great ride in baseball, as Rizzuto’s wife Cora Anne Esselbom, children Cindy, Patricia, Penny, Phil Jr., and two granddaughters can attest.
 
Rizzuto’s dazzling baseball career included 13 seasons with the Yankees where former shortstop, Scooter, turned countless double plays, helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series titles, earned a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994, and garnered an American League MVP award in 1950.

During a 40-year stint as the beloved Yankees broadcaster, Rizzuto was always ready to offer well-wishes and his signature, “Holy Cow!” after great plays. Today, we offer a lifetime of thanks to Scooter, whose impact in the diamond, in the booth, and in the baseball community at large will always be remembered.

TIGER EARNS STRIPES

Monday, Aug. 13 – Between Oklahoma’s sweltering heat and the competition heating up, Tiger Woods found a way to secure a win at the 89th PGA Championship Sunday. After a challenging weekend at the Southern Hill Country Club, Tiger Woods defended his PGA title and won the 13th major championship of his career.

However, this was no breakaway win for Tiger Woods, as Woody Austin inched within a stroke of the lead, and Ernie Els pulled within two strokes. However, Tiger Woods got back on course winning by two strokes with an 8-under-par 272, claiming the Wanamaker Trophy, and earning his stripes once again.  

FIND A PENNY, PICK IT UP

Friday, Aug. 10 – While Reggie Miller looks for a sign and Allan Houston waits for an interested team before “un-retiring,” free agent G/F Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway has sparked interest and signed with the Miami Heat Thursday. After injuries limited Hardaway to four games with the New York Knicks in the 2005-06 season, Hardaway has worked hard to return to NBA form, impressing Miami Heat Coach Pat Riley.

The Miami Heat signing reunites Hardaway with former Orlando Magic teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. In the mid-90s, the formidable Hardaway-O’Neal tandem averaged a combined 50 PPG during the 1994-95 season and leading the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals. The Miami Heat expect Hardaway, 36, to contribute at multiple positions and help the team reclaim its NBA Championship in 2008.

WEL-COMEBACKS?

Thursday, Aug. 9 – With so much young talent in the NBA, rumor has it that two of the greatest shooters in the past 15 years are contemplating an NBA comeback. Reggie Miller, 42, and Allan Houston, 36, have both recently retired but could still be effective in limited roles off the bench, providing veteran leadership and know-how for young talents-on-the-rise.

There’s a lot to learn from career-long Indiana Pacers marksman Reggie Miller, who perfected clutch shots into an art form, while Allan Houston of New York Knicks fame boasted one of the purest shots the league had ever seen. While the two former All-Stars entertain the idea of suiting up, fans can revel in the idea of two NBA greats contributing to championship teams and shaping the future of the NBA once again.