Rough week for Van Pelt

It has been quite a week for ESPN and Sportscenter anchor Scott Van Pelt. On Tuesday night, he was victim of a live prank call from Captain Janks of "The Howard Stern Show" pretending to be Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and last night, Van Pelt dropped a F-bomb while leading into a commercial break. SVP is definitely ready for the weekend at this point.

Later in the Sportscenter telecast, Van Pelt apologized, saying, "Earlier in the program as we were heading to break my microphone was open and I uttered a profanity. For that I apologize for anyone I offended."

PETA plans Tiger campaign

After honoring their contract with Washington Wizards G Gilbert Arenas and releasing his ad right after he was suspended by the NBA, PETA will now partner with the most talked about and controversial athlete of 2010.

The animal rights group announced plans to feature Tiger Woods on billboards encouraging pet owners to fix their dogs and cats. The ad will read "too much sex can be a bad thing" to encourage pet owners to fix their pets.

Woods has no formal affiliation with the organization and has not previewed or endorsed the ad, according to the group, which said the image and idea were "too good to pass up"

PETA execs don't seem to have any issues with Woods' tarnished image. "People can hit a hole-in-one for their animals by having them spayed and neutered," said PETA Executive Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch in a news release. "The millions of cats and dogs born each year in this country without good homes to go to don't make tabloid headlines, but their suffering is 100 percent real."

Norwegian skiers "Beat It"

As the Winter Olympics are coming to an exciting close, now is a great time to look at the secrets to athletes' successes in Vancouver.

Below is a video of the Norwegian Alpine ski team dancing to Michael Jackson's "Beat It." This was not just a team building exercises, but legitimate cardio training for the squad. The best part is that the music sounds like it was added to the video after they filmed the dance sequence, so the team must have busted moves in the snow in complete silence.

Aksel Lund Svindal has three medals so far and now doubt his "Beat It" choreography has been a secret to his success at the Winter Games.

(via Fourth-Place Medal)

Love stuffs ballot for NBA Jam

Over the past two months, we have dedicated a good amount of coverage to the upcoming release of EA Sports' new version of the classic basketball arcade game "NBA Jam."

The Wii exclusive version will be released later this year and feature NBA team trios with 3D bodies and 2D heads. The faces are actual photographs and each character has multiple faces

New details continue to leak online and fans will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite NBA team trios for the game. However, fans are the only ones picking their favorite players for the game. ESPN's Jon Robinson found out that Timberwolves F Kevin Love has been "stuffing the ballot" in order for him to be featured in the upcoming game.

"I went online and kept refreshing my computer and voting myself into 'Jam,' I'm not going to lie," said Kevin Love. "'NBA Jam' was my favorite game growing up, so I was on there all day voting for myself. I used to play as Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton or Karl Malone and John Stockton. I never even imagined that I could be in 'Jam.' I just want to get that team fire, get that blue ball ... it's going to be cool."

"NBA Jam" brings back special memories for Warriors rookie guard Stephen Curry, who used to play as his dad, Dell. "I remember in 'NBA Jam' and 'NBA Live 95,' those were the two games where my dad just couldn't miss." Will the Curry's be the first father/son duo to be featured in NBA Jam?

Fans (and NBA players) can vote for their favorite "NBA Jam" trios here.

VC beats Dwight's World Record

Competition among teammates always makes for interesting practice sessions. During NBA All-Star weekend, Magic C Dwight Howard set a Guinness Book of World Records by hitting the longest basketball shot while sitting down.

Magic teammate Vince Carter must have felt left out during All-Star Weekend, because yesterday after practice the former dunk champ challenged Howard to a seated shot contest and eventually beat his world record.

Gold medal hair

Although U.S. speedskater Ryan Bedford crossed the finish line in the 10,000 meters yesterday in 12th place, the 23-year-old deserves a medal for his hair style. Upon completing the long race, Bedford took off his racing hood and revealed an American flag 'do.

According to the AP, Bedford said a stylist worked on his hair Monday night, taking several hours to get the look just right. Wearing a baseball cap, he hid the design from most people until he came out to the rink to warm up for his lone individual race of the Olympics.

Beford was a last minute addition to speedskating's longest race because Italy's Enrico Fabris dropped out with nausea an hour before starting time. The stylish American finished in 13:40.20, well out of medal contention.

ESPN Sportscenter Prank

The Philadelphia Eagles waived running back Brian Westbrook yesterday, ending his eight-year run with the team. As one of the faces of the organization and an extremely well-liked player in Philly, Westbrook's release was a huge story across the NFL.

Last night, Captain Janks of "The Howard Stern Show" prank called ESPN Sportscenter and pretended to be the recently unemployed running back. Speaking as Westbrook, Janks told Sportscenter host Scott Van Pelt that he "has nothing but respect for head coach Andy Reid and I look forward to a future of worshipping Howard Stern's prostate."

Van Pelt and co-host Steve Levy had a chuckle over the prank, but no doubt a producer got an earful.

Daly's New Drawers

Move over Beckham and Ronaldo, there is a new underwear model in the sports world. Slimmed down golfer John Daly recently signed a deal with underwear company, Slix and is already featured in campaign imagery.

While the rest of the world was watching Tiger Woods' apology on Friday, Daly announced his Slix deal via Twitter and posted his first photo wearing the company's boxer briefs.

"Slix boxer briefs are the most ridiculously comfortable underwear I've ever put on," said Daly, winner of the 1995 British Open and the 1991 PGA Championship. "When I've got my Slix on, it's all good."

Daly's sponsorship isn't all about making him golf's top sex symbol. Slix should also help him perform better on the course. According to Slix founder and president Greg Hall, the product line's departure from common cotton underwear is the solution to dumpy looking T-shirts that bunch, retain moisture and come un-tucked. It's the remedy for briefs that stretch out and lose shape. It's the antidote for droopy socks.

"One of the common issues golfers and caddies have is the discomfort resulting from sweaty, stretched-out cotton underwear," Hall said. "The fact that The Closer never stretches out, breathes and wicks perspiration makes it no surprise that it's the perfect underwear for golfers."

Name the new UFL team

After the league's inaugural season, the UFL is moving two of it's four franchises to new cities. Last week, commissioner Michael Huyghue announced that the New York Sentinels would be moving to Hartford, CT and the California Redwoods (San Francisco based) would be heading north to Sacramento.

In an effort to garner fan support in Hartford, the UFL is letting fans vote on the franchise's name. The league announced today the four options: the Hartford Knights, the Hartford Guardians, the Hartford Travelers and the Connecticut Yankees.

"We want to empower the fans of this new Hartford United Football League team to give us their thoughts on the name that they feel has a strong local connection and that they will be proud to chant from the stands at Rentschler Field," UFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue said.

Fans of the new team can cast their vote by visiting the www.CTNow.com website between now and Thursday, March 4.

The Hartford United Football League team name will be announced on Fox 61 Comcast Sports Desk on Sunday, March 7 at 10.45pm.

Three randomly drawn entrants who suggest the name that is chosen will become the inaugural “UFL Foundation Fans” and will receive four suite passes, four on-field pre-game passes, a meet and greet with the head coach during the on-field experience and recognition of their participation in the promotion during a Hartford team home game.

Ole Miss students to vote on mascot

Back in 2003, the University of Mississippi sidelined their controversial mascot, Colonel Reb in an effort to distance the school from Old South stereotypes.

School officials thought the caricature of a white plantation owner wasn't appropriate and the Rebels have been without a mascot ever since. A student vote today could change all of that however.

According to the AP, Ole Miss students will have only two choices in the online referendum: yes, replace the colonel with something else — perhaps a riverboat gambler or a colonial soldier — or no, remain the only school in the Southeastern Conference without a mascot.

“We’re tired of having nothing to represent us,” said junior Josh Hinton, a member of the Associated Student Body, which approved a resolution calling for the vote. “We’ve gotten our song taken away. We want to have some kind of tradition back.”

Caron is a class act

Although the Washington Wizards traded Caron Butler last week to the Dallas Mavericks, the classy forward wrote a thank you to local fans and The Washington Post published the letter. In an extremely tumultuous season on and off the court, Butler along with recently traded Antawn Jamison were the constant positive influences on the team. Will the Wizards be able to head in the right direction now that they are gone? Check out Butler's thank you letter below. Special assist from USA Today's "Game On!"

When you get traded, you don't get time to say goodbye. More important, you don't get the opportunity to say, "Thank you."

Thank you, to some of the best fans in the world. Representing you and representing this city has been an honor I will always cherish.

During my 4 1/2 years as a Wizard, I learned many valuable lessons, especially how to give back to the community. The most rewarding part of my time in Washington was meeting the incredible people of this city, and I will miss you all. Thank you to the countless individuals who helped me with the annual Coats for Kids, the Bike Brigade and my basketball camp. The memories are many and will never be replaced.

When I came to Washington, I dreamed of winning a championship. I thought I would play the rest of my career in this city, retire a Wizard and one day see my number hanging from the rafters at Verizon Center. I have learned that in basketball, as in life, nothing is guaranteed.

Thank you for the memories. My family and I will treasure them forever. Washington will always hold a special place in my heart.

Caron Butler, Dallas

Ducks WR dismissed for Facebook status

Oregon Ducks WR Jamere Holland has been kicked off the football team for making inappropriate Facebook status updates regarding LB Kiko Alonso being dismissed from the squad.

The Oregonian reached head coach Chip Kelly by phone yesterday and he said Holland was dismissed for a "violation of team rules." Asked if the violation had anything to with Holland's Facebook status update, Kelly said: "I won't get into the specifics, but you're smart enough to figure it out."

UO athletic director Mike Bellotti, who was football coach when Holland transferred to Oregon from USC after the 2006 season, said he had become frustrated with the receiver. "We've given this guy so many chances." In two seasons with Oregon, Holland had 17 catches for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He did not respond to a request for comment.

After his Facebook update appeared on blogs such as SportsbyBrooks.com, Holland made a second status update saying: "chilln thinking of another status to (expletive) with the readers heads, I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I'm misunderstood."

The best part of the whole situation is that Alonso hasn't even been kicked off the team. Holland isn't the sharpest tool in the shed and made these inappropriate Facebook status updates in regards to false info.

"The Club" to follow ChiSox

Baseball fans, get ready for an inside look at the front office of the 2005 World Series champs. The MLB-owned MLB Network will follow the Chicago White Sox for "The Club,
a six-week reality show series debuting July 4.

According to USA Today, David Gavant, the MLB Productions executive overseeing the show, says the Chicago White Sox were picked because owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Kenny Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen "have a different vibe. They'll run through a brick wall for each other. It's unique."

Gavant oversaw last year's "The Pen" series, which put microphones above the Philadelphia Phillies' bullpen pitchers and watched them with a camera remotely controlled in MLBN's offices in Secaucus, N.J. He says those pitchers seemed to trust Big Brother: "We had some sensitivity to what we were covering. … The players understood the story lines had to have some conflict and tension."

Similar to NFL Films' "Hard Knocks" series on HBO, "The Club" will give fans access to the clubhouse, front office and practice fields. Gavant expects to take viewers behind previously closed doors: "For people in fantasy leagues who think they're good owners or GMs, this will show how they really do it."

"Outside the Lines" with Myron Rolle

ESPN's "Outside the Lines" ran a feature yesterday on Myron Rolle, the former Florida State defensive back who passed on the NFL last year to became a Rhodes Scholar and study at Oxford. The 6'2" 215 lb. DB is back from England and is now a prospect for the 2010 NFL draft.

The whole segment below is worth watching as is the companion piece by Wright Thompson at ESPN.com. The "Outside the Lines" feature ended on an interesting note however, with ESPN's draft "experts" saying Rolle's off-field activities would actually hurt his stock among NFL teams.

The "experts" think that NFL teams like to draft guys who MUST play football and only want to study the playbook, whereas Rolle wants to become a doctor down the road and has a passion for studying the latest developments in stem cell research.

This isn't the first time that Rolle's intelligence has given him a bad rap. His defensive coordinator at Florida State, Mickey Andrews told Rolle that he was spending too much time on school and not enough time on football. Crazy statement by a university employee.

Enjoy the segment on Rolle below and check out Thompson's article here.

Bet on Tiger's News Conference

Tiger Woods' news conference this morning at 11 am ET will mark his first public statement since a Thanksgiving weekend car crash that exposed a sex scandal which led him to take a hiatus from the PGA Tour. The sports betting community has taken this opportunity to get involved in the action and fans can bet on today's press conference. Check out a few of the odds via Bodog.com.

Awkward video from Charlie Bell's wife

The biggest news from the Milwaukee Bucks franchise yesterday was a trade with the Chicago Bulls, sending Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander to the Windy City for John Salmons. However, this boring deal isn't what Bucks fans are talking about today.

Kenya Bell, wife of Bucks PG Charlie Bell, is a former former "Miss Michigan" and has released a new and interesting music video on her YouTube page. The current model/singer has posted a few clips of her lip syncing and dancing in her Milwaukee home. Beyonce eat your heart out!

It must be pretty boring out there for an NBA player's wife. No doubt, Charlie will get some crap for this in his own locker room and on the court from opponents.

(via Hot Clicks)

Nadal appears in new Shakira video

Shakira has cast "The King of Clay" in the music video for her upcoming single "Gypsy." Four-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal stars opposite the Colombian singer and after the duo filmed the steamy video last month in Barcelona, rumors about a possible romance hit the tabloids. (A spokesperson for Nadal denied the rumor last week.)

The 31-year-old Shakira is engaged to Antonio de la Rúa, the son of former President of Argentina Fernando de la Rúa and the 23-year-old Nadal is currently in a relationship with high school sweetheart Maria Francisca Perello.

Check out a sneak peek of Shakira and Nadal getting cozy in "Gypsy" below.

(via Game On!)

Classic Olympics Interview

Dutch speedskater Sven Kramer won a gold medal in the 5,000m on the first day of the Vancouver Olympics and after his celebration, he wasn't too pleased about a reporter's question.

In the below clip, a reporter asks Kramer, "If you can say your name and your country and what you just won here." Kramer quickly says: "Are you stupid? Hell no I'm not going to do that."

Kramer explains the interview below.

(via FanHouse)

TO Makes His Fashion Show Debut

While some NFL players spend their offseasons rehabbing injuries, preparing for training camp or spending time with family and friends, Buffalo Bills WR Terrell Owens is taking his game to the runway.

In December, Owens signed with the Wilhelmina Models modeling agency and yesterday he made his catwalk debut at The Richie Rich A*Muse fashion show.

"I think he's a great model!" said professional model Carlo Romero, who also walked in the show. "He has a great physique, a great build. He's a little taller than most models, but he could definitely pull it off. The clothes fit him, and he's got a good walk. He certainly has the right attitude."

And how did TO think he performed. "I did OK," Owens said after the show. "I'm very talented."

Have no fear, we will see footage of Owens on the catwalk. Cameras were on hand to catch the performance for the second season of his VH1 reality series, "The T.O. Show."

Check out a few more photos of TO's fashion show debut here.

Philly airport security harasses Cowboys fan

Although it is the offseason, NFL rivalries do not go on vacation. A Cowboys fan wearing a Jason Witten jersey was traveling at Philadelphia International Airport and was pulled out of the airport security line for a "random screening." Alyson Galen believes that she was selected only because of her team allegiances, especially since the security screener asked her "How does it feel to be a Cowboys fan in Philadelphia?" Check out her story below.

(via Shutdown Corner)

Greatest Day in U.S. Winter Olympics History

Yesterday wasn't just another hump day, but the greatest day in U.S. Winter Olympics history. Wednesday was highlighted by Gold Medal wins by skier Lindsey Vonn, snowboarder Shaun White and speedskater Shani Davis.

The U.S. ended the day with six medals (a one-day Winter Games record for the country) beating the previous mark of five set in Salt Lake City in '02.

Vonn overcame a severe shin bruise to win her first gold in the women's downhill while snowboarder White (halfpipe) and speedskater Davis (1,000m) repeated in their respective competitions.

U.S. Olympians weren't the only ones to win big yesterday. NBC also was golden on Wednesday, beating Fox's “American Idol” head to head and earning a 19.3 overnight from 8:00-11:15pm ET. According to Sports Business Daily, that is the network’s best overnight for the Vancouver Games to date, and marks the first time in six years that any telecast has outrated “Idol.” Head-to-head from 9:00-10:00pm, NBC’s Olympic coverage averaged a 19.8 overnight, while “Idol” earned a 12.3 overnight.

The U.S. is currently in the medal lead with 14 total (5 gold, 3 silver, 6 broze) followed by Germany (3 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze) and France 7 total (2 gold, 1 silver, 4 bronze).

Check out SI.com's review of the historic day in U.S. Winter Olympics history.

Phelps to protect this house

14-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has signed a multiyear endorsement deal with Under Armour, his highest-profile deal since a picture of him with a marijuana pipe surfaced in a British tabloid in January 2009.

Phelps has a swimwear contract with Speedo and will be aligned with Under Armour products for "outside-the-pool training." His agent, Peter Carlisle says "the expectation" is the deal will extend through the 2012 London Games and beyond.

Phelps has already been working out in UA gear and his first national TV with the brand will co-star UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, Milwaukee Bucks rookie Brandon Jennings and former Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant. The spot will premiere during coverage of the NFL scouting combine next week.

Happy Birthday to Two of the Greatest

Today isn't just your average hump day. On this day in 1936 and 1963, two of the greatest athletes in the history of sports were born. A very happy birthday to Jim Brown and Michael Jordan.

Dwight sets World Record

With a pretty dull NBA Dunk Contest and 3 Point Shootout on Saturday night, the most exciting performance of the day was a world record by Magic C Dwight Howard.

The starting center for the Eastern Conference entered the Guinness Book of World Records by hitting the longest basketball shot while sitting down. After making one from half-court, Howard moved back to 52 feet and six inches to make history. Check out the video via Yahoo! Sports.

Kobe goes GQ

In the March issue of GQ, hitting newsstands February 23, writer J.R. Moehringer (Los Angeles Times and Andre Agassi's memoir "Open") profiles Lakers G Kobe Bryant in a cover story that explores #24's many injuries, his Olympics experience and his relationship with Shaquille O'Neal. Moehringer also takes readers inside the helicopter that Bryant uses to get to "work" from Orange County.

ESPN's TrueHoop lists some of the many reasons Kobe's profile is a must-read:
-A description of Bryant's injured right index finger, which is "three different shades of purple and five kinds of black. He can't bend it, can't wiggle it, can't even make it twitch. He arrives at this private airport carrying it slightly away from himself, like a wounded bird."

-This great line about how people react to seeing Bryant: "Passengers and pilots in the airport stare. They don't bother to pretend they're not staring. They stare with eyes and mouths wide open, faces frozen, like victims of a Taser or a taxidermist."

-A typical night's sleep for Bryant is one two-hour nap starting at 10 p.m., followed by another two-hour nap starting at 4 a.m. In between he watches movies or noodles around on the internet.

-Insight into how Kobe Bryant learns about the world from his friend, actress Hillary Swank.

-An amazing and emphatic "no!" to the idea of sitting down, over dinner, to reconcile with Shaquille O'Neal.

-When Bryant joined the Lakers, he was so young his parents had to co-sign the contract.

-There are certain things Bryant will not discuss. One of them is his secret Cream of Wheat recipe.

Jimmy goes long

With the NFL offseason upon us, everyone from players to coaches to TV analysts are trying to cash in on endorsement opportunities. Former Dallas Cowboys head coach and current "Fox NFL Sunday" host Jimmy Johnson is now a pitchman for ExtenZe, an all natural male-enhancement supplement.

Johnson admits that he is a user of ExtenZe in 15-, 30- and 60-second ads on television, which launched around Valentine's Day. The brand is shifting its focus to distribution through mass retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and GNC.

Pretty hilarious commercial full of male enhancement puns from Jimmy.

“So if you want that maximum performance edge everyday, I say go long with ExtenZe...I do!"

8-Bit BoomDizzle explores Shanghai

Last month, we featured a video of Clippers G Baron Davis dribbling through the streets of New York and interacting with locals along the way. The promo video for his Li-Ning sneaker, BD Doom was a huge Internet hit and in honor of the U.S. launch of his shoe, Davis and Li-Ning have released another video.

"8-Bit BoomDizzle" was shot in Shanghai over the summer and features Davis as a video game character dodging cars, bikes and pedestrians to earns points as he heads to the Li-Ning flagship store. The video was released in honor of Li-Ning opening their first U.S. store last night in Portland. The Clippers were in town and Davis was on hand for the event.

Li-Ning is making a run at the American basketball shoe market with its sponsorship of such NBA players as Davis, Shaquille O'Neal, Damon Jones and Jose Calderon. The fast-growing Chinese shoe and clothing maker opened its U.S. headquarters in Nike and adidas' backyard of Portland last month.

In other Baron Davis news, the bearded point guard will guest star on tonight's episode of "The Forgotten." Check out a sneak peek here.

Pro Tect prepares for Combine

With the NFL Combine a little over a week away, draft prospects are doing everything they can to prepare themselves for the biggest job interview they will ever have. As soon as their college careers are officially complete and they sign with agents, prospects begin training regimes for the Combine, their Pro Day and private NFL workouts.

A major part of agents' recruiting strategies is what sort of Combine training they will provide to prospective clients. Some agencies reserve spots at Athletes Performance Institute a year in advance while some companies host private training programs.

LA-based agency, Pro Tect Management had probably the best start to the NFL Draft season when they signed 5 potential 1st round picks, Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen, Clemson RB C.J. Spiller, USC S Taylor Mays, Illionois WR Arrelious Bain and USC DE Everson Griffen.

Agent Gary Wichard represents such NFL stars as Colts DE Dwight Freeney, Ravens LB Terrell Suggs and Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie and what distinguishes Pro Tect from the other sports agencies is their unique fitness programs. Everything from MMA training to Strongman competitions keeps Wichard's clients in shape to perform at their peak.

ESPN's "NFL Live" recently featured Pro Tect's 2010 NFL Draft class and showcased the group's unique training regime. Keep an eye on these guys at the NFL Combine Feb. 24 - March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

1,200 students dodging balls

College sports powerhouse, University of Alberta recently set an unofficial world record for the largest dodgeball game. 1,200 students participated in the game which broke the previous record held by San Diego State University.

The Edmonton Sun notes that "it will be several months before officials from the Guinness World Records verify the accomplishment," the attempt appears to have been successful. Take a look at the crazy spectacle below. Patches O'Houlihan must be very proud.

MLB 10: The Show Trailer

With Spring Training right around the corner, Sony has released the trailer for the upcoming game, "MLB 10: The Show" Back in December, we reported that Twins C Joe Mauer would grace the cover of the new game scheduled for a March 2nd release, the same day as 2K Sports' MLB 2K10 baseball game.

"MLB 10" will be available for PS3, PSP, PSPGo and the PS2 and features the new Home Run Derby, Catcher Mode (where you take charge as the catcher during a game), new training modes and a Movie Maker feature.

The Real Dunk Champ

The best dunk contest during NBA All-Star Weekend wasn't Saturday night between Knicks G Nate Robinson, Raptors G DeMar DeRozan, Lakers G Shannon Brown and Bobcats F Gerald Wallace. The NBA D-League's competition took place Friday night and featured the creativity and vertical leaps that made previous dunk contests exciting and relevant.

Los Angeles D-Fenders' F Dar Tucker leaped onto the scene Friday night as he jumped over 6'11" Brian Butch of the Bakersfield Jam to win the contest. All weekend long, fans and media were talking about Tucker's dunk and many wished he could dunk against the NBAers on Saturday night. He surely would have spiced up the bland competition.

"I'm known for dunking. I didn't find out until late, and I was telling my coaches you have to get me in this contest," said Tucker. "I think one of the reps came to a game where I did a windmill, so that solidified it. I was trying to have fun and give people a good show."

10 years since Vince tore the roof off

10 years ago today, Vince Carter brought the NBA Slam Dunk Contest back from the dead and took the competition to a whole new level. After a two year hiatus, the NBA decided to bring it back for the 2000 All-Star Game and Carter tore the roof off of the The Arena in Oakland, CA.

Although it was Carter's night, many forget about the quality dunks by Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse. Top to bottom, 2000 was one the best competitions of the modern era.

VC's gravity defying performance that night showed the league that if the NBA's biggest stars really want to be the best, they should compete in the All-Star Weekend activities. There has not been a competition on that level since, although Dwight Howard's individual performance in the 2008 Dunk Contest is right up there.

Lacking some major star power, will tomorrow night's contest live up to the hype? Defending champ Knicks G Nate Robinson, Lakers G Shannon Brown and tonight's Dunk-In participant Raptors F DeMar DeRozan all have ridiculous vertical leaps, but do they have the creativity of a Vince Carter?

Brees & Son are marketing stars

Saints QB Drew Brees and family have had an unbelievable week and now they are teaming up with Pampers to unveil a new high performance diaper called "Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers with Dry Max." The images of Drew and son Baylen celebrating after the Super Bowl are incredibly heartwarming and now the father-son duo is taking the Brees name to a whole new level.

RIP Mr. Frisbee

Walter Frederick Morrison, the inventor of the Frisbee, has died at his home in Utah. He was 90. Morrison's son Walter told the Associated Press that ""old age caught up" with his father and that he also had cancer.

According to Phil Kennedy, who co-wrote a book on Frisbee with Morrison in 2001, Morrison originally got the idea for the flying disc while throwing a tin cake pan on the beach with his girlfriend.

The AP reports that the idea grew as Morrison considered ways to make the cake pans fly better and after serving as a pilot in World War II, Morrison began manufacturing his flying discs in 1948. He would hawk the discs at local fairs and eventually attracted Wham-O Manufacturing, the company that bought the rights to Morrison's plastic discs. ... The plastic flying disc was later renamed the "Frisbee," with sales surpassing 200 million discs.

Morrison sold the production and manufacturing rights to his "Pluto Platter" in 1957 and the plastic flying disc was later renamed the "Frisbee." With sales surpassing 200 million discs, Frisbees are now staples at beaches and college campuses across the country and inspired sports like Frisbee golf and the team sport Ultimate.

Puma Gets Truly Madly Deeply for Valentine's Day

In honor of Valentine's Day on Sunday, Puma has launched a viral campaign that allows soccer fans (or any sports fans) to dedicate a pub chorus singing Savage Garden's classic hit "Truly Madly Deeply" to their Valentine.

Fans can send the video by visiting Pumahardchorus.com, where they can send a personalized video via Facebook or email.

Although there is no American football this Sunday, there are several FA Cup soccer matches and the NBA All-Star game on Valentine's Day. Take a look at Puma's "Hard Chorus" Valentine's Day card below.

Nash is the "most ridiculous man in the world"

Suns G Steve Nash continues to produce and star in entertaining and original viral videos featuring his teammates or to promote brands like Nike or VitaminWater.

Heading into All-Star Weekend, VitaminWater has released a new spot featuring the West's starting point guard as "the most ridiculous man in the world."

A spoof of Dos Equis' "Most Interesting Man in the World" series, VitaminWater's version features Nash in a few different costumes promoting the XXX (acai, blueberry, and pomegranate) flavor. Good for a few laughs.

"He doesn't do mouth to mouth. because he is all tongue."

20 years since Douglas/Tyson

20 years ago today, 42-1 underdog James "Buster" Douglas knocked out then undefeated champion Mike Tyson in Tokyo. At the time, Tyson was the best boxer in the world and arguably one of the most feared heavyweight of all-time. ESPN's Jeremy Schaap looks back at one of the greatest upsets in sports history.

Want to coach the Nets?

After drawing just over 1,000 people to their game last night vs. the Bucks, the Nets are entering the All-Star break with a contest that will "reward" one lucky fan the chance to be coach for a day. Rumor is that Louisville head coach Rick Pitino just entered for next season. The Nets' contest copy reads:

Have you always wanted to be a Head Coach and call the shots? Well, here's your chance! One lucky winner and their guest will be brisked off to New Jersey to spend the day with the Nets. You'll get to hang out at the team's practice facility during the day, get full VIP access at the arena during that night's game and get the chance to rub elbows with Head Coach Kiki Vandeweghe!

So the winner won't actually coach the Nets, although they could use the help as the team sprints into the break with a league-worse 4-48 record. Interested in the contest? The prize is described as:

Attendance at a morning practice at the Nets training facility; official team training gear; lunch with a Nets team executive to be selected by the Nets in its sole discretion; attendance at the Nets pre-game shoot around, at which Winner will assist coaches with pre-game drills; pre-game dinner in Winners’ Club restaurant at the IZOD Center; two premium tickets to the Nets game; tour of the Nets locker room; and attendance at post-game press conference.

If the Nets' fan/coach contest works half as well as it did for the Knicks, than New Jersey has some hope for the 2nd half of the NBA season.

DeMar ready for Dunk Contest

Raptors rookie G DeMar DeRozan will face Clippers G Eric Gordon tomorrow night in the NBA's first ever "Dunk-In," with the winner advancing to Saturday night's Sprite Slam Dunk Contest against defending champ Knicks G Nate Robinson, Lakers G Shannon Brown and Bobcats F Gerald Wallce.

DeRozan is definitely the favorite tomorrow night and over the last few weeks, the Michael Jackson fan has been honing his dunking skills and brainstorming creative slam ideas.

According to TMZ, the rookie will definitely be using elements from "Thriller" when he throws down in Dallas on Saturday night. Assuming he advances tomorrow night, DeRozan should provide some fire works in the big show on Saturday.

Teammates Sonny Weems and Jarrett Jack will accompany DeRozan to Dallas and there is a rumor that Bucks PG Brandon Jennings (and fellow Compton native) will assist him in the contest.

My prediction is that DeRozan will easily advance tomorrow night and give Shannon Brown a run for his money in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night.

Globetrotters skate to victory

The Harlem Globetrotters have taken advantage of the horrible weather back East to find a new way to beat their rivals, the Washington Generals. The famous basketball squad played on ice for the first time in their 84-year history and skated to a 32-15 win in New York's Central Park. The victory was the Globetrotters 13,140th in a row against the Generals.

Players wore ice cleats over their basketball shoes and headbands outside of their hockey helmets. No one on either team took off his warmups, although it was actually a nice and sunny day in New York on Tuesday, compared to everywhere else on the East Coast.

Check out a few highlights from the Globetrotters icey win over the Generals.

Brees' pre-game chant

When he isn't touring Disney World, appearing on "Late Show with David Letterman" or celebrating the Saints' championship with teammates, Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees teaches fans his now famous pre-game chant.

Brees stopped by a local New Orleans bar, Lucy's last night and taught the crowd a lesson in pre-game pump ups. Check out the video below via Hot Clicks.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts

Tonight is what Friday Night Lights fan have been waiting for all season long: East Dillon vs. West Dillon, Eric Taylor vs. Wade Aikman, Luke Cafferty (although he is injured) vs. J.D. McCoy. Tonight, we finally get to see the rivalry unfold on the field for the first time.

However, all the action won't just be on the turf. There are a few loose ends that the show needs to tie up including:

-Principal Taylor's public apology
-Tim Riggins' legal troubles
-Vince's involvement in Calvin's murder
-Saracen's return to Dillon
-Landy/Jess/Vince love triangle
-Becky's emotional recovery from her abortion

FNL's season finale, "Thanksgiving" airs tonight at 9pm on DirecTV's The 101 Network. Two things are for ceratain moving forward: there will be a 5th season and season 4 will air again on NBC starting April 30.

In the words of FNL announcer Slammin' Sammy Meade: "Feed the dogs, spit the fire, lock up your daughters, sit down and shut up, because it's game time, people!"

Odom dunks on the moon

Ever since he became Mr. Khloe Kardashian, Lakers F Lamar Odom has appeared in celebrity magazines, gossip websites and now is a legit company pitchman. Although he only had a supporting role in Taco Bell's Super Bowl commercial with Charles Barkley, Odom now stars in his own spot for PowerBar.

Contrary to the Taco Bell spot, PowerBar's commercial actually makes sense for Odom and his sweet tooth. The company's "Energy Blasts" are chewable and candy-like and are formulated with PowerBar C2MAX dual source energy blend for more energy to muscles. You can try a free sample here.

Check out Odom enjoying an "Energy Blast" and dunking on the moon. "Get out of my way Saturn!"

Google launches Olympics Site

If you're aren't excited yet for the Vancouver Olympics, Google recently unveiled a website that will literally bring the Winter Games experience to your home or office. Google's Street View allows fans to track results, check event times and even virtually ski the slopes of Whistler.

The site uses a snowmobile equipped with cameras and GPS tracking devices to recreate the routes that the skiers and snowboarders will be taking as they go for gold in Vancouver.

Additionally, each venue is available in pictures (Street View) or a 3-D rendering (Google Earth). It's like being at the Olympics without the cold.

Google has also started a picture album that features some of the images taken from their snowmobile camera and they're allowing users to contribute to the album, by tagging their photos "wintergames2010."

Check out Google's Street View:

(via Forth Place Medal)

Brees does Disney

As zeroes hit the clock at Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, an exctatic Drew Brees was asked during the post-game celebration what he was going to do now that he’s a champion. His answer should come as no surprise: "I'm going to Disney World!"

Brees and family were honored on Monday with a huge ticker-tape parade down Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Check out the iconic commercial below.

The Lightness of Being an Olympian

With only a few days until the Vancouver Olympics opening ceremonies, this video from the New York Times will surely get you into the Winter Games spirit. "The Lightness of Being an Olympian" was created by award-winning photographer Ryan McGinley and is part of a companion piece that McGinley shot called "The Highfliers."

The photo series captures high-flying Olympic athletes such as Shaun White, Hannah Teter, and Johnny Weir defying gravity.

While many of the athletes at the Vancouver Olympic Games will count on gravity to do its work as they try to get to the bottom of their racecourses, others will be going in the opposite direction -- up in the air.

(via Fourth-Place Medal)

Brees making the rounds

Although the SI Swimsuit Issue reveal was the big news of the night, Saints QB Drew Brees stopped by the "Late Show with David Letterman" on Monday for the annual Super Bowl MVP appearance.

Brees described what it was like to celebrate the win with his son Baylen, Letterman showed Brees his own SI cover and the duo even hooked up for a completion.

The MVP will make his way back down to New Orleans for the team's parade. According to New Orleans Times-Picayune, more than 250 Saints players, coaches and staff members will be part of today's Black and Gold Super Bowl Parade in downtown New Orleans.

The procession will include Carnival floats, marching bands and the Budweiser Clydesdales and wagon. Saints Owner Tom Benson and others in the organization will be toasted at Gallier Hall by a wide array of public officials.

As Letterman so eloquently stated, "Here's the great thing about New Orleans. There's going to be a party for your team whether you won or lost. Isn't that great?"

SportsNation gets Posterized

ESPN's "SportsNation" has been debating for months about the greatest NBA "posterization" dunk of all time and this week the show has launched a bracket-style tournament for fans to decide the best facial. With the NBA Dunk Contest on Saturday night, this is the perfect time to end the debate.

Fans can cast votes all week long and on Thursday's episode (ESPN2, 4 p.m. ET), Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle will crown the champ.

Opening Round: Feb. 8, 4 p.m. ET
Quarterfinals: Feb. 9, 4 p.m. ET
Semifinals: Feb. 10, 4 p.m. ET
Finals: Feb. 11, noon ET

In a First Round match-up Michael Jordan takes on Timberwolves' F Corey Brewer. This might be the only time those two players will be mentioned in a sentence together. Take a look at all of the opening round match-ups and vote for your favorite dunks this week.

Brooklyn is a "Perfect 10"

On last night's episode of "Late Show With David Letterman," model Brooklyn Decker was revealed as this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl. The 22-year-old model is a 5-years veteran of SI's Swimsuit Issue and this is her first cover.

Mrs. Andy Roddick appeared this morning on NBC's "Today Show" and said that for a model, appearing on the SI cover is "the equivalent of a model basically winning the MVP of the Super Bowl." Past SI cover girls include Tyra Banks, Bar Rafaeli and Heidi Klum.

Letterman had a little fun when unveiling the cover last night and check out the false alarm below. Decker will be on the Late Show tonight so set your tivos.

6 more weeks of football

For those who missed Steelers S Troy "Punxsutawney" Polamalu being pulled by his hair in truTV's Groundhog's Day-style commercial yesterday, "NFL Full Contact" will debut tonight on truTV at 10:00pm. Instead of six weeks of winter, Polamalu and truTV are bringing fans six more weeks of football with the new show.

The show is produced in conjunction with NFL Films and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the NFL season from the eyes of those who work off the field. It will include scenes from the NFL Draft, Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, opening game at Cowboys Stadium and the Patriots/Buccaneers game played at Wembley Stadium in London.

According to Sports Business Daily, KFC and Procter & Gamble's Head & Shoulders have signed on to sponsor branded segments on truTV offering an inside look at the show.

What is Tiger searching on Google?

Although USA Today's annual Super Bowl Ad Meter ranked Snickers' commercial featuring Betty White, Abe Vigoda as the top TV spot from yesterday's big game, our panel's favorite ad was Google's "Parisian Love."

The search engine's first Super Bowl commercial was cute and simple, showing viewers a relationship though 60 seconds worth of search terms. The spot was so good because it actually highlighted benefits of a company's product, rather than a ridiculous plot that has no connection to consumers or what they are selling.

In typical day after Super Bowl fashion, Slate Magazine has released a parody of the "Parisian Love" commercial. Take a look at what Tiger Woods has been searching on Google.

(via SportsCracklePop)

Zydrunas is a MVPuppet

Cavs C Zydrunas Ilgauskas has joined the MVPuppet crew in Nike's newest TV spot. Big Z and LeBron display Cleveland's unique team handshake.

"Want to buy some DVD's?"

(via Ball Don't Lie)

Super Bowl XLIV Notes

MVP Haircut

Saints CB Tracy Porter might not have won Super Bowl MVP yesterday, but the 2nd-year player out of Indiana sported the greatest Super Bowl haircut of all-time. Porter had an image of the Superdome shaved into the back of his head with the Lombardi trophy and "SB44." In the NFC Championship game (where he also had a game-sealing INT), Porter had a Pac-Man themed 'do.

Nicks Is Going Where?

Right after zero's hit the clock, Saints flagship radio station WWL interviewed G Carl Nicks and when asked about his reaction to winning Super Bowl XLIV, the 6'5 343 lb.. lineman said, "I'm going to Mother F$*@!&# Disneyland."

Saints Did The Right Thing

TV cameras caught a nice pre-game embrace between Saints coach Sean Payton and director Spike Lee as the Saints were returning to the locker room after warm-ups. According to The Times-Picayune, Lee is working on a documentary of the Saints’ Super Bowl run and what it has meant to the recovering city of New Orleans. Lee said he hopes the documentary will be out for the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in August.

New Orleans' Big Guys Were Well Fed

Saints QB and Super Bowl MVP made sure his offensive line was well fed for the big game yesterday. Miami Herald reports that earlier in the week, Brees treated his line to a $5,000-plus dinner at Prime Italian.

SI Swimsuit Cover Revealed Tonight

For the third year in a row, the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and the identity of the 2010 cover model will be revealed on the Late Show With David Letterman tonight on CBS at 11:35 p.m. The cover girl will visit Letterman on Tuesday night's episode.

The issue hits newstands on Wednesday and Entertainment Tonight reports that the 2010 Sports Illustrated issue will also launch online and on your iPhone. And on Feb. 11, the cover will be celebrated at a party in Vegas.

Brees takes game & popularity to another level

Saints QB Drew Brees had an incredibly efficient afternoon yesterday (32-of-39 for 288 yards and 2 TDs) on his way to being named Super Bowl XLIV MVP. After tying the Super Bowl record for most completions and leading the Saints to New Orleans' first professional sports championship, Brees' popularity will reach another level.

According to Sports Business Daily, Brees will will be honored today with a parade down Main Street of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom as part of the filming for the famous "I'm Going to Disney World" TV spot.

Brees also will be featured in a new digital campaign for Unilever's Dove Men+Care products. Versions of the ad, titled "Victory Shower," were shot with both Saints and Colts players prior to the Super Bowl. The ad appears on USAToday.com and Yahoo Sports this morning. Check it out here.

In one of the greatest QB matchups in Super Bowl history, Brees outplayed Peyton Manning and further cemented his move to New Orleans as one of the best free agent signing of all-time. In March, 2006, Brees told reporters about signing in New Orleans:

"I just felt that energy in New Orleans. From the very beginning, there was a genuine feeling that they wanted me there. They believe I can come back from this shoulder injury and lead them to a championship. They were as confident as I am, and that meant a lot."

Brees' confidence on and off the field, leadership skills and stellar play helped rebuild the Saints franchise and restored New Orleans' morale after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. You couldn't have written a better story!

Snickers finishes first in Super Bowl Ad Meter

MVP Drew Brees and the Saints weren't the only big winners on Super Bowl Sunday. Betty White, Abe Vigoda and Snickers finished first in USA Today's annual Super Bowl Ad Meter for their pick-up football game commercial.

USA Today's 22nd annual exclusive Super Bowl Ad Meter tracks the second-by-second responses of a panel of viewers to ads during the game and ranks them from best to worst. Click on an ad here to see the results from USA Today's panel.

Doritos' commercial with a dog putting a shock collar on his owner finished 2nd and Bud Light's spot with with a man building a house out of beer cans was ranked 3rd in USA Today's rankings.

Forget USA Today and their "Ad Meter." Our panel of experts picked their favorite ads from yesterday.