A year in sports...
Story of the year: The Mitchell Report
It was on December 13th of this year that the long-awaited report was released by former Maine Senator and House Majority Leader
George Mitchell on his findings on the long-suspected secret of rampant steroid use in the world of baseball. Even without the subpoena powers needed to complete the report it has pointed an accusatory finger at scores of MLB players past and present for the alleged use of performance enhancers such as steroids and growth hormones by such stars as
Roger Clemons,
Barry Bonds and
Andy Pettite just to name a very few from the extensive list. Even though this was a report that was initiated by Bud Selig and many team owners to bring it out in the open in the world of baseball it would be naïve to think that all professional and elite amateur sports will not be more closely scrutinized by officials and fans alike. With such controversies as the case in front of the courts regarding BALCO labs and the indictment of home run king Bonds for perjury, to the suspension and erasure of
Marion Jones track and Olympic records, this scandal will prove itself to be in the forefront of all major sports news for years to come.
With such stars such as 7 times Cy Young award winner Roger Clemons coming forward and denying the allegations as they have an absolute right to do, what should the punishment be if the finger pointing is true. Many of us truly believe that enhancers are wrong and dangerous to use but it's still a matter of choice with the athlete especially when it was done before the drugs were banned by the sport. What deserves punishment is if the athlete denies the use and if and when proof actually exists of the misuse and if caught lying to the public which I believe is worse than the use of the drugs baseball should preclude any of the stars found of such of induction into The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Jerk of the Year: Michael Vick
Without a doubt, the hands down winner of this award is none other than former Atlanta Falcons QB and current jailbird
Michael Vick for his intregal part in the murder of scores of dogs that were being financed and trained at one of his properties to take part in the disgusting so called sport of dog fighting. I'm so happy to finally see justice done to a high profile athlete with the two-year sentence imposed (with more coming hopefully) to the disgraced NFLer. Even more satisfying are the monetary losses that Vick has endured with both the Falcons and Vick sponsors cancelling contracts and endorsements worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
NHL Player of the Year: Sydney Crosby
Could there be any else other than the native of Cole Harbor, NS to have mesmerized all hockey fans not only across Canada but worldwide than
Sydney Crosby. Along with winning the Art Ross, Hart and Pearson Awards in only his second professional season this savior of the Pittsburgh Penguins was also awarded this season with both the Lou Marsh and CP Athlete of the year Awards. I have a funny feeling it won't be the only time hell be topping any best of list for many years to come.
NFL Player of the Year: Brett Favre
I have to admit that I was among the many who thought that
Brett Favre should have retired a couple of years back with the Pack losing on a regular basis even in Lambeau Field where once they were truly unbeatable. Favre seemed to have lost his zest for the game and the team wasn't fielding a competive unit to compete in the tough. How wrong could I be? Favre has not only put together an almost career season in 2007 but along with being chosen Sports Illustrated 2007 Athlete of the Year but has led his beloved Packers to an amazing 13-3 record and a spot in this years post season. He has shattered numerous high profile records this season the most publicized being the most NFL wins by a QB and the most touchdowns and total passing yards ever, passing both marks recently that were held by the legendary Miami Dolphin,
Dan Marino. And most of all it is truly such a pleasure to see this NFL immortal play the game again with all the energy and fire of a man half his age. It truly is fun to watch Brett Lorenzo Favre play the game of football.
Fighter of the Year: Floyd Mayweather Jr
He has definitely become one of the most disliked boxing champions of our generation but you have to admit that this brilliant pugilist certainly puts his money where his ample mouth is. Awarded as the 2007 Ring Magazine Boxer of the Year
Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a career year both professionally and monetarily when he disposed of the great
Oscar De La Hoya in a decision win this past May and a powerful 10th round tko of British challenger
Ricky Hatton a few weeks back. These wins have hurtled his career into the stratosphere and he can pick his price to any of the promoters drooling to arrange his fights. But will arrogance finally put an end to his unbeaten record in the squared circle. It may just happen in an octagon, for rumor has it that the 'Pretty Boy" is pondering a new career in the fast growing world of Mixed Martial Arts.
Team of the Year: New England Patriots
Without a doubt it's the New England Patriots who became the first team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to post a perfect undefeated season. The game itself was a come from behind shootout which saw the Pats come back in the 4th quarter to defeat the playoff bound New York Giants 38-35 at the Meadowlands. Both QB
Tom Brady and WR
Randy Moss broke personal records ironically on the same play in the last quarter. Brady broke
Peyton Manning's 2004 record of 49 TDs in a season when he and Moss teamed up for a 65 yard touchdown which saw the receiver break
Jerry Rice's 1987 mark of 22 touchdowns caught. What an amazing season ender for the Pats who have proven themselves to be the top team of the new millennium. It should be an amazing playoff year with so many tough teams like the Colts, Packers and Cowboys to challenge the up to now perfect Patriots.
Also best wishes in 08 to...
Mom, all the best in health and happiness! No one deserves it more than you do. You're my best friend.
Our fearless and ballsy leader
Judi McLeod that she has the best of luck in accomplishing all she has on her plate this coming year. My own instincts tell me to never bet against this scrappy lady who doesn't know the meaning of the word can't. Another talent that I have discovered about this amazing lady is that she's probably the best cook I know. Sorry mom, but the truth just has to be told
To my great buddy and Canadian boxing legend
George Chuvalo, the very best in all the amazing work he does educating the children of Canada of the horrors of drug abuse. He's the very best.
To my buddy Beezer, who has an awful lot on his plate, to quit being such a Scrooge. He's been moping around town like a Muslim Cleric during the Christmas holidays.
And to all of you,the very best in 2008
