Photos of the Week

Here are a couple of nice sports shots from the past week.

New Orleans-native actor Wendell Pierce ("The Wire" and "Treme") welcomed Hornets fans to the new NBA season.

Check out this VERY scary costume for Rangers fans. A Dallas kid is dressing up like Rangers manager Ron Washington. Watch his story here.

Magic C Dwight Howard was so disappointed in his missed free throws, that he punished himself with some sideline push-ups.

During last night's World Series game, San Francisco-based ad agency AKQA broadcast Twitter updates with the hashtag #GOGIANTS on a giant brick wall across the street from AT&T Park.

Speaking of Giants fans, check out this horrible sign that a San Francisco bar put up prior to game one of the World Series. Rangers star Josh Hamilton has a long-documented history with alcohol and substance abuse.

Durant’s New Neighbor

Thunder F Kevin Durant is facing huge expectations this season after leading the USA to a gold medal in World Championship over the summer, winning the NBA scoring last season and being featured on SI's NBA preview issue. Oklahoma City fans expect the lanky scorer to bring the Thunder much deeper in the playoffs than a year ago, when they barely lost to the champion Lakers in the first round.

In addition to the huge expectation this season, Durant is dealing with an annoying new neighbor. Nike has released a pretty awesome viral Internet campaign starring Mathias Murphy a teenage kid who has moved next to the Thunder All-Star. The program features home video-like clips of Durant around the house and doing everyday things.

Mathias has his own Twitter handle (@kd35sneighbor) and YouTube channel where he posts the Durant content. Check out a few of the clips below.

Broadcaster challenges press box to a fight

This video is making its way around on the Internet and it definitely worth a view. Check out college football radio broadcaster Dave Lamont going off the deep end during the Florida Atlantic-Arkansas State game last weekend.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Lamont had three screaming fits late in the game - including challenging anyone who was watching to a fight - after QB Jeff Van Camp was hit so hard in the head while sliding that his helmet popped off and no flag was thrown. Van Camp left the game and did not return.

Lamont would later apologize and sent a letter to Arkansas State and Sun Belt commissioner Wright Waters.

Athletic Director Craig Angelos said Lamont will be in the booth for Saturday’s Shula Bowl against FIU despite his meltdown last week at Arkansas State.

Dwight teams up with Slim Chin

A couple of weeks ago we posted a humorous music video from adidas that showcases the talented vocals of Magic center Dwight Howard and "The Hangover" actor Ken Jeong as "Slim Chin." The jam is part of adidas' "Fast Don't Lie" basketball campaign which launches the first signature shoes for Howard and Bulls PG Derrick Rose.

Last week, Rose's commercial launched for his adiZero Rose and now Howard gets his own spot showing off his adidas Beast shoe with the "Slim Chin" character.

Check out "the Beast of the Far East" and "the Best of the Regular East" below.

Wilson's beard is star of World Series Media Day

During yesterday's World Series media day, Giants closer Brian Wilson received some quality media attention and the pitcher put to rest rumors that he dyes his now famous facial hair.

One reporter asked Wilson whether or not he has ever considered dying his beard orange for the upcoming World Series against the Rangers and/or Halloween. Wilson initially humored the reporter's silly question with an "I thought about it," before addressing the current coloration of his beard.

"It's just dark because we play a lot of day games," Wilson said, "It's really tan. It's just focused."

Wilson's thick beard is black and his mohawk is brown, so he knows that there could be some fans who think he dies his facial hair. He started growing the beard in the second half of the season and as the Giants marched toward the NL pennant, his scruff (and his MLB-high 48 saves) have made him a fan favorite in San Francisco.

"I've already seen pumpkins being carved (with my likeness and beard)," Wilson said. "I've seen stores selling the beard and mohawk. I think people would probably look at me and say 'Wow, that guy really looks like Brian, but it's not him.'"

So will Wilson's beard become a trend with MLB teams marching towards the playoffs a la NHL's superstitious playoff beards?

"I think it was just something fun to do," Wilson said. "Fans enjoy it. When fans enjoy it and you can feel the energy from them.

"I didn't think it would take a life of its own ... But fans come to the game, they get dressed up, they get amped up and they really put their heart and soul into cheering. And we feel it. We feel it from pitch one to the last one."

The bearded Wilson has pitched five innings so far during the playoffs and has yet to give up an earned run. Game 1 of the Giants vs. Rangers World Series starts tonight at 7:57 ET on FOX.

(Hat tip to Big League Stew)

Lakers Championship Ice

In the second game of TNT's NBA tip-off doubleheader last night, the defending champ Lakers held on to a 112-110 victory over the Rockets. Before tipping off the new season, Kobe and company received their championship rings and unveiled the team's 2010 NBA championship banner.

The Lakers' rings weren't just diamonds and gold this time around. Each of the 60 rings (two handed out to each player and one to coaches and organization personnel) include leather pieces from last June's NBA Finals Game 7 ball. The leather strips are included on the underside of each ring.

In addition to the leather, there are over three karats worth of diamonds including 16 oversized diamonds symbolic of the team's 16 championships. According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, the ring includes "a 3-dimensional sculpture of his face, an upgrade from the laser-cut faces on the 2009 rings."

The Lakers ring ceremony was also a really cool spectacle as each player introduced a teammate, handing the mic over after offering a few touching comments. Unfortunately, Ron Artest was on his best behavior.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

Bar loses $4k with Heat loss

Yesterday, we featured a post that detailed a promotion at a Miami bar that will cover customers' tabs if/when the Heat lose. Whiskey Tango All-American Bar & Grill in downtown Hollywood is so confident that Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh will win at record levels this season, that it decided to run this promotion.

The bar would cover the tab (up to $25) of anyone who had signed up 30 minutes before game time and on the NBA's opening night last night, not only did the Heat fall to the Celtics 88-80, but Whiskey Tango lost more than $4,000 in receipts. At tip-off the promotion list had 164 customers on it, according to kitchen manager Dean Reedy.

Even with the $4,100 giveback, Reedy said the bar will "definitely come out ahead."

"It was a really good night," he said. "We'll do fine."

Reedy said Whiskey Tango remained confident in the Heat and that the offer stands for Friday's home opener against the Orlando Magic.

Flacco's Halloween Haircut

Ravens QB Joe Flacco is sporting an amazing "Jersey Shore"/Vanilla Ice inspired haircut that he got for the team’s charity Halloween event last night.

Baltimore Sun's Ravens Insider Jamison Hensley describes Flacco’s cut as "spiky on top in a faux hawk style. He has racing stripes sculpted on the side with arrows pointing to the back, where he has the state of New Jersey shaved."

“I don’t think the coaches know how to react to it,” said the Jersey native Flacco. “I’m just having a little bit of fun.”

Flacco went to LB Tavares Gooden’s barber on Monday afternoon to get "fresh to death" and his new 'do took one hour and 40 minutes.

According to the Sun, with the players getting five days off for the bye, Flacco plans to get the top cut short again like he usually does. But the designs will remain until his hair grows out.

If Heat lose, bar will pay tab

A Miami bar thinks the Heat are going to go undefeated this season, so they're offering to pay everyone's tab the first time the team loses.

Whiskey Tango All-American Bar & Grill in downtown Hollywood is so confident that Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh will win at record levels this season, that it decided to run this promotion. No word if former Dolphins RB (and official Miami undefeated sports spokesman) Mercury Morris is involved at all.

Whiskey Tango's offer begins with Miami's opening game tonight's against the Boston Celtics.

From the Whiskey Tango All American Bar & Grill website: The gang at Whiskey Tango All American Bar & Grill are sure that The Heat are going to go undefeated this year. In fact, they are SO SURE of this that they are going to pay everyone’s tab the first time the team loses! (which we DOUBT will happen!)

Promotion Rules: When you come to watch a Heat game, sign in with your server a half an hour before tip off. You have to stay for the whole game. If the Heat lose (which we doubt!) We will pay your tab, up to $ 25.00 per person, individual tabs only. This promotion is for regular season, not preseason.

Knicks get poster payback

Back in June we posted a photo of a giant New Jersey Nets mural that owner Mikhail Prokhorov put up near the New York Knicks' home of Madison Square Garden to officially kick off the NBA free agency period. The Russian billionaire shared the mural with Nets minority owner and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z declaring they were “The blueprint for greatness.” Knicks owner James Dolan was livid that the poster lived outside his MSG office window and reported the act to the NBA.

Although a great stunt by the Nets, the team didn't end up signing any legit free agents while the Knicks brought in Amar'e Stoudemire. Dolan and the Knicks are continuing their payback against Prokhorov and the Nets with a new mural at the future home of the team.

According to Brooklyn Trolley Blogger, the Knicks put up a mural inside the footprint of Atlantic Yards; site of the Barclays Center, which is the future home of the Brooklyn Nets.

Check out Stoudemire on the Knicks' "Brooklyn Represent - You, Us, We, Now" poster.

R.I.P. Paul the Octopus

Forget about David Villa of Spain, Thomas Mueller of Germany or Diego Forlan or Uruguay; the real star of the 2010 World Cup this summer was Paul the Octopus of Germany who correctly predicted all of Germany's results during the tournament in addition to forecasting Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the final.

The two and a half year-old octopus passed away last night of natural causes at the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany. Staff at the aquarium said his death was not entirely unexpected, since most octopuses only live a few years. Paul's body is now in cold storage while the aquarium decides "how best to mark his passing."

"We may decide to give Paul his own small burial plot within our grounds and erect a modest permanent shrine," said Stephan Porwell manager of the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre.

Just before each game, Paul would choose one of two boxes, each filled with a mussel food treat and marked on the outside with one of the teams he thought would win the World Cup match.

"Paul delighted people from all continents with his seven consecutive correct predictions for the matches of the German national team and for the final," said Porwoll.

Porwoll continued: "He was dear to all our hearts and we will sorely miss him. He died peacefully in the night of a natural death. It is a comforting thought that he had a good life with us with the best possible care delivered by a committed team."

Polamalu's hair has iPhone app

Not only has Steelers S Troy Polamalu's famous hair earned him an endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders and a $1 million insurance policy, but the shampoo company has now launched an iPhone application starring the stud safety's flowing locks.

According to the iTunes description, "It's not a big deal to have a smart phone anymore, but it's a ridiculously big deal to have Polamalooza on your smart phone. Make your man-do fuller and thicker with funny little pictures, track progress for instant smack-talking opportunities and test your gridiron knowledge for extra yardage."

Polamalu's app allows you to upload photos to see what you and your friends would look like with the safety's famous hair. In addition, you can compete in trivia challenges to earn weekly prizes and one huge Super Bowl XLV package.

Did SNL steal Favre parody?

For those sports fans that watched this week's "Saturday Night Live" I'm sure you got a kick out of the Brett Favre Wrangler commercial that made fun of the Vikings QB's "sexting" scandal. The parody was good for a few chuckles, but was it an original concept?

Last Wednesday, we tweeted a link to a longer version of basically the same Favre parody by Los Angeles comic Adam Ray. The NSFW video launched on Wednesday and later appeared on FunnyorDie.com.

Was it a coincidence that Ray and SNL ran basically the same video just days apart? Check out
the two versions of Favre's Wrangler commercial below.

Saturday Night Live's Brett Favre Wrangler Commercial

Adam Ray's Brett Favre "D*ckholes"

(Hat tip to Team Zissou)

What's in a name?

Two weeks ago, we featured a post on Saints QB Drew Brees asking his Twitter and Facebook fans for help picking a name for his second child, a baby boy, that he and his wife Brittany were expecting soon.

The reigning Super Bowl MVP took to Twitter last week to announce his wife Brittany gave birth and they finally decided on a name.

"It's official. Brit finally gave in. Bowen Christopher Brees. Healthy, happy baby. Big hands, big feet. Brit is great. I am so proud!"

What is so ironic is that a few days after naming his newborn son Bowen, Brees had two of his four interceptions returned for touchdowns by Browns LB David Bowens.

Check out his second pick 6 below.

Photos of the Week

Happy Friday everyone. Enjoy a few of the week's best sports images.

Did Jets QB Mark Sanchez rob a bank during his bye week? A 60-65 year old man standing 5'8" with a heavy build and slicked back white hair robbed a Manhattan Beach, CA bank this week. Sanchez even tweeted about the crime this week.

Celtics C Shaquille O'Neal sat in Harvard Square yesterday for an hour and pretended to be a statue while fans snapped photos and tried to engage with the 7'1" 325 lb. big man.

The #1 ranked Oregon Ducks put on yet another offensive beatdown last night, this time against the UCLA Bruins on national TV. You may have noticed the crazy posters/playcards that the Ducks were holding up while on offense. These signs were first introduced last spring after offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich began to think his offensive signals "were compromised" at various points last season. See if you can decipher the play call below.

With rumors circulating this week that Manchester United star Wayne Rooney would leave the team and move to rival Manchester City, fans took to the streets to show their displeasure. Fans not only showed up at Rooney's house but also defaced Nike billboards around the city. Rooney ultimately signed a new 5-year deal with ManU today.

LeBryan Nash, the no.2-ranked high school basketball player in the class of 2011 announced his plans to attend Oklahoma State yesterday. But instead of putting on a simple baseball cap to show off his school choice, Nash threw on a huge foam Cowboys hat.

Artest visits Kimmel in fake beard

Not much description is needed after a title line like that but just in case you need some context, Lakers F Ron Artest was on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last night and showed up rocking shorts, athletic socks, slippers, a cowboy hat, a fake beard and a t-shirt with his face and the "Let's do it!" tagline. The appearance was to promote Artest's new iPhone application. Enjoy the classic Artest interview below. The man seems to be in midseason form already.

A&M Prez can really Dougie

In keeping with our theme of funny Midnight Madness videos from the Big 12 conference, check out Texas A&M University President, Dr. R. Bowen Loftin attempting to teach Aggie fans how to dougie. This dance really never gets old but it is too bad Cali Swag District doesn't receive any royalties for all the sports-themed renditions of their now famous dance.

(via Hot Clicks)

Modern Madness

Kansas State alum Eric Stonestreet from ABC's "Modern Family" got his fellow castmates to take part in the Wildcats' "Midnight Madness" festivities last week. Check out the video he shot which includes cameos from Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara and Ed O’Neill.

Napoleon promotes ESPN.com Fantasy Bball

Actor Jon Heder of "Napoleon Dynamite" fame stars in a series of ESPN.com ads for fantasy basketball along with a couple of the league's top players.

Check out Jake Stephens, fantasy basketball owner, stalking Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Alley-oop to Game On!

“Oak in the Kitchen”

Watch out food trucker, a former NBA enforcer is coming for your territories. Former Knicks power forward Charles Oakley is taking his game to the kitchen. According to the NY Post, Oak is pitching a series with Media Meld Studios called “Oak in the Kitchen,” which would showcase his efforts to launch a food-truck business.

Oakley has already made a nice living for himself with a franchise of successful car washes but now wants to follow his passion for food. (His famous dish is beef short ribs in cinnamon red wine sauce.)

Oakley will be in his food truck today at noon at the corner of Water & Broad streets in New York City, cooking his “world famous turkey burgers." The scene will be filmed for the reality show and is open to the public.

Some of Oakley’s former NBA teammates and celebrity friends are expected to out there today to support the chef.

Arian racks up yards & endorsements

Texans running back Arian Foster has gone from undrafted prospect out of Tennessee to the NFL's leading rusher (and my fantasy stud) in a matter of two season. Now, the 6'1" 225 lb. back is cashing in on his recent success.

CNBC reports that Foster has signed an endorsement deal with Boombah, a shoe and apparel brand out of Morris, Ill., that started in the slowpitch softball space. This is obviously the brand's first foray into the NFL and Foster is their first professional endorser.

“Arian kind of came out of nowhere and we’re hoping to replicate that story in the sportswear and business world,” said Rick Tollefson, founder and owner of Boombah.

Tollefson said the brand is designing football cleats that will be available in a couple of months, meaning Foster likely won’t be rocking them this season. However, even if Foster wears the brand next year, he’ll have to cover up the “B” logo, since Boombah doesn’t have a deal with the NFL. He will also endorse apparel and Boombah's lifestyle product off the field.

Foster and his agents at Priority Sports are on a roll with endorsements. He has signed deals with FedEx and EA Sports to make promotional appearances and has partnered with ProTips4U, a company that sells short videos of athletes educating young players on how to play certain positions.

SkullCandy's NBA Crew

It seems as if headphones are the hottest sponsorship in professional basketball today. In April of '09 we posted on SkullCandy's release of NBA-themed headphones featuring the names, team logos and colors of Sixers F Andre Iguodala and Jazz G Deron Williams.

In November of last year, the company expanded to feature additional top names including Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James. Each headphone featured an in-line microphone which enables hands-free chat on most mobile devices, integrated jersey mesh, embroidered numbers and player names.

Now that James has his own Beats by Dre line, SkullCandy is taking their game to the next level. The brand has officially announced their "SkullCandy Crew" of young, hip NBA stars including Thunder SF Kevin Durant, Bulls PG Derrick Rose, Thunder SG James Harden, Iguodala and Williams.

Skullcandy will be actively supporting charity events with each player and will have exclusive access to behind the scenes action starring their NBA crew. In addition, fans can visit Skullcandy.com to check out pre-game playlists, photos and videos of each player.

Slim Chin returns

A couple of weeks ago, we posted a funny music video from adidas that featured the talented vocals of Magic center/former chior boy Dwight Howard and "The Hangover" actor Ken Jeong as "Slim Chin."

To continue their "Fast Don't Lie" campaign, the brand has now released a :30 spot starring "Slim Chin" and Bulls PG Derrick Rose to promote the All-Star's first signature shoes for adidas, the adiZero Rose. Check out "Slim Chin's" lady pyramid, caviar pool and solid gold jet ski.

NBA bans APL shoes?

Back in March, we featured a post on a new sports brand called Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL), which launched the first basketball shoe that claimed to "instantly" increase vertical jump. The NBA certainly has taken notice as for the first time in its 64-year history, the league has banned a new line of shoes based on the league’s rule against an “unfair competitive advantage.”

The press release reads a lot like a publicity stunt by APL (especially since it is not coming from the NBA) and states that the league’s ban on Athletic Propulsion Labs’ Concept 1 confirms the company’s claims that the shoe, with its Load ‘N Launch™ Technology, performs as advertised. No professional player will be allowed to wear the product in games for the upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season.

In addition, this announcement comes on the 25th anniversary of the NBA’s ban on Nike’s Air Jordan shoes (banned for red/black colors rather than a performance advantage).

Appartently, APL was notified by a senior NBA official who stated, “League rules regulate the footwear that players may wear during an NBA game. Under league rules, players may not wear any shoe during a game ‘that creates an undue competitive advantage (e.g., to increase a player's vertical leap).’ In light of that rule…players will not be permitted to wear the APL shoes during NBA games.”

The release claims that prior to the ban, the Concept 1 shoe had already attracted the interest of NBA players, including "a raft" of rookies, some of whom have tested them in non-NBA settings.

Athletic Propulsion Labs, based in Los Angeles, is the creation of twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston, two former University of Southern California walk-on basketball players. APL’s Concept 1 basketball shoes were introduced in July and have been covered by Sports Illustrated, ESPN, CNN, CNBC and SLAM Magazine.

Lincecum's theme song

We tweeted this video yesterday, but wanted to give it full placement on the blog today. In honor of Tim Lincecum's epic playoff pitching performances (and celebratory F-bombs), Giants fan "Frankie Boots" has created a theme song for the two-time Cy Young award winner. Take a listen to the poignant lyrics below and enjoy the images of the Giants' ace pitcher. Lyrics are a little NSFW.

(via Sports Crackle Pop)

Age aint nothing but a number

Over the weekend, Holmes Community College (Miss.) kicker Alan Moore set a record for being the oldest person ever to kick an extra point. He is 60-years-old. Check out the highlight below.

(via Hot Clicks)

TO hires matchmaker

Bengals WR Terrell Owens was on a recent tear heading into the team's bye week, totally 17 catches 324 yards and 2 touchdowns in weeks 4 and 5. Now that TO has gotten his production on the field to star status, #81 is now focusing on his off-the-field game.

The NY Post reports that TO has hired the matchmaking service Kelleher International to find him a Kim Kardashian look-a-like girlfriend. Kelleher is run by mother and daughter team Jill and Amber Kelleher, has 18 offices worldwide and charges clients between $15,000 and $150,000.

Owens has been previously linked to model Kari Klinkenborg, who he met and proposed to on his VH1 reality show "The T.O. Show." The last episode of this season ended with the cliffhanger of whether or not Klinkenborg would accept Owens’ proposal. It doesn't seem like the WR got the answer he was hoping for.

JSmoove Shaves his Legs

Starring in a national TV spot for DICK'S Sporting Goods, Hawks high-flying F Josh Smith not only shows off his first signature basketball shoe from adidas, but also highlights the fact that he shaves his legs.

It's not a huge deal to hear that a male athlete shaves his legs (since it should make him faster and also help with taping ankles, etc.) but it is interesting to feature that in a commercial.

Lambeau Wedding

In case you missed this following a commercial break during the Dolphins-Packers game yesterday on CBS, check out how a diehard Green Bay fan spent his wedding day.

Midnight Madness Star

Each year, the official tip off of the NCAA basketball season becomes more and more a spectacle, with ESPN airing teams' first practices, dunk contests, 3 point shoot-outs and other meaningless contests. ESPN's coverage over the weekend featured several top men’s programs including defending national champion Duke, Kentucky, Memphis, Gonzaga and Kansas State.

However, the star of "Midnight Madness" was Pepperdine guard Keion Bell, who wasn't featured on ESPN but blew up on the Internet over the weekend. The 6'3" Bell averaged 18.5 points per game as a sophomore at Pepperdine last season, but isn't too well-known across the country as the Waves struggled to a 7-24 record. After his performance Friday night, Bell certainly made a name for himself as one of the most creative dunkers in the country.

Below is a video of his entire night at Midnight Madness, but his best dunk was when he positioned three teammates and four fans (from tallest to shortest) between the free throw line and the rim. Bell took a running start from midcourt and jumped over all seven people (with only a slight push-off) and finished with a one-handed dunk.

(via The Dagger)

WR cut because of music video?

We tweeted this story yesterday, but wanted to post the full video on the blog today.

Former 2nd-round pick WR Devin Thomas says he was cut from the Redskins last week in part because coach Mike Shanahan wasn't happy with the receiver's co-starring role in Fantasia's music video for "Bittersweet."

After Shanahan said Thomas needs to be more focused on football, the former Michigan St. receiver told CarolinaGrowl.com that the coach was annoyed with his offseason endeavors, including appearing in the former American Idol winner's video.

"I'll take that to heart, and now that I have a second chance, I'll make sure I do everything professionally," Thomas said. "I'm focusing on football. All that stuff can come later in life. I'm looking to just become a great receiver."

Thomas was ultimately claimed by the Panthers who are especially weak at WR. Do you think he has a brighter future as a video vixen or as a NFL player?

Favre is CGI'd

Check out the Taiwanese CGI version of Brett Favre and his alleged escapades with former Jets reporter Jenn Sterger.

Nash & Landon hot tub it up

A couple of weeks ago, we featured the first in a series of viral videos starring Suns PG Steve Nash and LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan to promote EA Sports' "FIFA Soccer 11" and the game's "Pro Player Challenge."

This program is a new competition that will identify the best FIFA Soccer 11 gamer among professional soccer players and the huge soccer fan, Nash is trying to enter.

Check out the second video in the series, where the guys practice "FIFA Soccer 11" in a stretch hummer limo's hot tub. Nash is one funny dude and Donovan's monotone sarcastic tone is great for a few laughs.

Mr. Irrelevant's Woody

In today's sports world, most athletes cruise around in the latest and greatest luxury vehicles so it is nice to see that "Mr. Irrelevant 2008," Rams LB David Vobora appreciates a classic ride.

Check out this video via Deadspin (don't worry, it is safe for work) of the 3rd-year 'backer from Idaho showing off his wood-paneled 1984 Chrysler LeBaron convertible.

Bieber calls out Brady

Sports fans and media have been making fun of Patriots QB Tom Brady's Justin Bieber-like haircut for months now, but after word came out that former teammate Randy Moss said he looked like a girl, Bieber has joined the Brady bashing.

In a new freestyle, "Speaking In Tongues," the 16-year-old pop star makes fun of the three-time Super Bowl champ's haircut.

Sack like a sacker
Call up Mr. Brady
Tell him leave his hair to the guy that sings 'Baby'

First Moss and now Bieber? Yikes, Brady should really get a midseason trim before this escalates even further.

Sports Product of the Day

Check out this awesome product that lets you practice your putting while in the restroom.

"Potty Putter Toilet Time Golf Game" Product Description:
Potty Putter Toilet Time Golf Game The toilet time golf game that lets you practice your putting while going to the bathroom. Sure it sounds funny, but for the golfer that just can't get enough of the game, it's the perfect item. The Potty Putter comes complete with a putting green made from the same professional carpet found at miniature golf courses, a cup with a flag, 2 golf balls, a putter and a "Do Not Disturb" door hanger. A great item for the devoted golfer and for those looking to improve their putting. Features: Offers extra practice time with every trip to the bathroom Helps improve putting Great gift for golfers Includes: putting green, a cup with a flag, 2 golf balls, a putter, Do not disturb sign.

(via SPORTSbyBROOKS)

Favre's rough week continues

This hasn't been the best week for Vikings QB Brett Favre. Between the Jenn Sterger text message photos appearing on Deadspin, additional allegations of sexual harassment from a former Jets massage therapist, a case of elbow tendinitis and his team falling to 1-3 with a rough loss to the Jets on Monday Night Football, Favre could use a vacation.

Held out of practice with the elbow yesterday, Favre still did some mobility drills but unfortunately wasn't quick enough to escape an errant pass.

Check out the QB getting hit where the sun don't shine. Karma anyone? Awesome play-by-play from the legendary John Madden. POW!

(via BleacherReport)

Cox on a fan's leg

In keeping with our theme of sports tattoos this week, check out this ink from a 23-year-old Atlanta Braves fan.

Andy Pruett, 23, of Lawrenceville, GA got a tattoo of legendary Braves manager Bobby Cox on his right thigh about two months ago. He said he was considering it since last year, but finally got the ink in honor of Cox’s final season.

Cox's epic 25-year career came to end Monday night with a 3-2 loss to the Giants in the NLDS. He led the team to 15 postseason berths including the World Series championship in 1995.

“He’s the only manager I know. Nobody has ever spoken a bad word about him, other than being the coach of the team that went to the playoffs for 14 years straight. He’s a good guy,” said Pruett, who has a total of 13 tattoos.

Pruett said he spent about $300 on the Cox ink, which took less than three hours to complete.

Rangers Celebrate With Ginger Ale

The Rangers beat the Rays 5-1 in Game 5 of the ALDS last night to earn a spot in the American League Championship Series against the Yankees, but instead of the customary locker room celebration of champagne and domestic beer, the team used Canada Dry ginger ale.

So why the soda last night? Well, the Rangers wanted to include their star player Josh Hamilton in the post game celebrations and it is best if the LF wasn't around any bubbly.

Hamilton’s life and baseball career were nearly ruined by years of drug and alcohol abuse and although he is still battling his disease, Hamilton led the Rangers to their first AL West title in 11 years, won the AL batting title and is a leading AL MVP candidate.

"Everybody yelled 'Ginger ale!' and I just jumped in the middle of the pile and they doused me with it," Hamilton said. "It was the coolest thing for my teammates to understand why I can't be a part of the celebration, and for them to adapt it for me to be a part of it says a lot about my teammates."

When the team clinched the AL West division in Oakland, players sprayed the customary booze in their celebration but Hamilton stayed dry and sober in the trainer’s room.

"It was pretty amazing to get a little taste of what the celebration was like," Hamilton said. "The guys really doused me good. This stuff burns your eyes just like the alcohol does."

Tyson Returns to Video Game World

Former heavyweight champion of the world Mike Tyson will return to the video game world with the upcoming release of his iPhone apps and games. Rock Software, the company that created the now famous RunPee app and Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco's video games and iPhone applications is producing Iron Mike's products.

Although it won't be like the classic Nintendo game "Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!" the new boxing game will be compatible on the iPhone and iPad and will be available in all countries next month.

“I’m very excited that Rock Software created a cool boxing iPhone app for my fans to enjoy,” Tyson said. “I’m very competitive so I am looking forward to beating myself in the game.”

NFL close to Nike deal

It looks like the swoosh is coming back to the NFL gridiron. The Sports Business Journal reports that NFL owners are close to approving a five-year deal that would see Nike acquire uniform and sideline apparel rights for the league's 32 teams.

In addition, New Era, the longtime MLB on-field rights holder would for the first time gets NFL sideline rights for caps.

NFL owners are meeting in Chicago today and the deals are subject to ownership approval. The new deal would take effect after next season as Reebok's contract is set to expire.

Nike was last on NFL fields with uniform rights in 2001 and has since been visible in NFL games only through footwear and glove rights.

Sources told the Sports Business Journal that Under Armour retained its rights to the NFL scouting combine, along with limited apparel rights.

No word on how much Nike will spend on the NFL deal but Reebok/adidas became the official equipment supplier with the NFL in 2001 and according to the SBJ was paying a reported $25M a year.

UPDATE
CNBC's Darren Rovell reports that the NFL owners officially approved the Nike deal this morning.

Andersen is a "free bird"

During the 2009 NBA Playoffs, we posted a video of TNT's Marty Snider chatting with Nuggets F Chris "The Birdman" Andersen about his fascination with tattoos and his loyalty to Tribe Tattoos in Denver.

Ironically enough, the inked up rebounder and shot blocker has been just about been the most consistent figure in Denver this offseason. With the health issues of coach George Karl (thankfully he is back on the bench), the free agency rumors of F Carmelo Anthony and the legal drama of G J.R. Smith, the Nuggets have a tumultuous season ahead of them.

To prepare for the next chapter of his NBA career, Andersen showed up to Nuggets media day with a huge new neck tattoo reading “Free Bird.” No word yet if he is trying to change his nickname or if he is just a big Lynyrd Skynyrd fan.

Brees asks for help naming his son

As defending Super Bowl champion, EA Sports' Madden coverboy and fantasy football anchor, Saints QB Drew Brees has a lot on his plate this season. With that said, the signal caller is asking for help from his fans to help pick a name for his second child, a baby boy, that he and his wife Brittany are expecting soon.

Brees took to his Twitter account the other day asking for some suggestions.

"My wife is due any day now with baby boy #2. We have a few names picked out but haven't decided yet. Looking for "b" names. Suggestions?"

Brees continued that: "We are looking for boy names starting with a "b" that are uncommon. Not in most baby name books. Thanks to all for any ideas."

Sounds like the Brees' are looking for another 'b' boy around the house as their first son's name is Baylen Robert. Hopefully if the Saints return to the Super Bowl, the Brees' leave their newborn with the babysitter. Although the photo became a classic image, Cowboys Stadium is going to be way too loud for a baby, even with headphones.

NFL signs SI model Miller

The NFL has signed Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Marisa Miller as the new spokesperson for the league's 2010-2011 season. She will be promoting the league's special events including the Oct. 31 International Series game airing on CBS between the 49ers and Broncos in London.

Miller told the Hollywood Reporter:"I'm so excited to have this incredible opportunity to partner with the NFL. I've grown up watching football my whole life."

A longtime 49ers fan, Miller will appear in both print and commercial ads for the league and the print campaign features her rocking some oldschool 49ers and Broncos gear to promote the overseas game.

"Going to the U.K. for this game is going to be a blast," Miller says. "I'm looking forward to helping gain new fans and show them how incredible the game of American football is!"

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts!

With the final season of "Friday Night Lights" kicking off in just two and a half weeks on DirecTV's 101 channel, our show coverage gets geared up as well. To get you in the FNL mood, check out Michael B. Jordan ("Vince Howard") starring in a new adidas football campaign.

Jordan stars in an awesome online video series that promotes the launch of TechFit football uniforms for NCAA teams Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Cincinnati, UCLA, Texas A&M and Louisville. The new uniforms weigh 30 percent lighter and will help players be lighter and faster on the field this season.

The videos highlight each schools’ traditions, the new uniform and its performance benefits.

In other "Friday Night Lights" news, the future Mrs. Derek Jeter, Minka Kelly ("Lyla Garrity") was named Esquire Magazine's "Sexiest Woman Alive." She will be featured in the November issue. Check out a nice video preview of the spread here.

"Cigar Guy" revealed

Last weekend during the Ryder Cup, a Daily Mail photog snapped an awesome photo of Tiger Woods chipping a ball at him—but the highlight of the image was a mustached and cigar smoking member of the crowd, who was quickly named "Cigar Guy." This man became an internet phenomenon and was superimposed into a myriad of different photos. Over the weekend , his identity was finally revealed.

According to the Mail, "Cigar Guy" is 30-year-old Londoner and investment analyst Rupesh Shingadia. The paper was able to track down and interview Shingadia over the weekend in South London, where currently resides with his parents.

Rupesh, who does not have long red hair or a thick black mustache, said his costume was a "tribute" to Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jimenez.

"I wanted to do something to show my support for the European team and I thought of Miguel. These days sportsmen have become devoid of character. But Miguel does his own thing and I love the way he walks around the course with a cigar clamped between his teeth."

So which of the many "Cigar Guy" photoshops is his favorite?

"My favorite is me with The Simpsons," said Rupesh. "It's difficult to understand the situation because it has just been thrust upon me. Some people spend years craving this kind of attention but to me it happened by accident. It's just bizarre."

"But I'm still expecting to go to work next week. I'm not expecting it to change my life in the long term."

(Story via ASF)

Photos of the Week

A Timberwolves trainer stretching out rookie Wesley Johnson.

The New York Knicks' official Twitter feed showed off a super fan's tattoo of John Starks' famous dunk over Horace Grant in Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and the Chicago Bulls.

Actor Robin Williams gave a crazy excited pregame speech to the crowd at AT&T Park prior to the Giants 1-0 victory over the Braves in Game 1 of the NLDS.

Randy Moss' Vikings homecoming officially kicked off on Thursday as he hit the practice field for the first time as new member of the squad.


New Mexico State's football team is 0-4 on the season and students have proposed a sex strike for the team until they win a game. The Aggies play 0-5 in-state rival New Mexico on Saturday.

Boxing legend "Smokin" Joe Frazier hung with Pauly D of MTV's "Jersey Shore" at an autograph signing in Las Vegas.

Gus Johnson iPhone app

We tweeted this story yesterday, but wanted to give full coverage on the blog today. Excited and passionate CBS Sports play-by-play guy Gus Johnson now has his iPhone app, which provides users with "Gustone" audio clips of hypothetical last second championship calls.

The app is free but each "Gustone" is a buck. There's 50 total ringtones and below is an example with the Bears winning a hypothetical championship:

"Gus Johnson here! And It's gametime! Chicago, holding on! Up by 4! New England, threatening, at the Chicago 20. Last play. Mr. Terrific, back to pass! Looking...AND HE IS SAHCKED! STRIPPED! LOOSE BALL! 54, PICKS IT UP! DOWN THE SIDELINE! RUHMBLING! TOUCHDOWN, CHICAGO! THEY ARE DANCING ON RUSH STREET! CHICAGO, WORLD CHAMPIONS AGAIN!"

Why wouldn't you want Johnson's awesomely loud and excited play-by-play calls as your ringtones? Check out his iPhone app here.

Jimmy to get hair right again

Fresh off his unfortunate early exit from CBS' "Survivor," former NFL coaching legend and current FOX NFL Sunday analyst Jimmy Johnson will return as the Denorex dandruff shampoo spokesperson to re-launch the brand.

Johnson and his famous hair did commercials for Denorex back in 1996 and has been using the product ever since. “Everyone jokes about my hair, but the secret is I have been using Denorex for years. It really works at fighting dandruff while keeping my hair shiny and looking good.”

Johnson will be featured in upcoming Denorex commercials and print ads. “When we bought Denorex a year ago we knew we had to bring Jimmy Johnson back. We needed to let consumers know that Denorex is an effective dandruff shampoo that not only controls dandruff, but keeps hair looking thick and shiny; who better to demonstrate that than Jimmy Johnson,” said Chris Dominello, President and CEO of Ultimark Products. “Consumers will see new advertising as well as a new Denorex line extension that will be the first for the brand in five years.”

Johnson was the oldest and one of the most vocal members of the "Espada" tribe in the young vs. old season of "Survivor" set in Nicaragua.

Think you're the best 2K11 baller?

2K Sports released their highly anticipated "NBA 2K11" video game on Tuesday to rave reviews from fans, athletes and media. Now the company has partnered with Virgin Gaming and GameStop to find the best gamer.

2K Sports has officialled launched new NBA 2K11 Online Launch Tournament that goes live November 5 and will award $50,000 in cash prizes. Gamers can register at VirginGaming.com/NBA2K11 to compete in tournament and attempt to move up the Virgin Gaming leaderboards to secure a spot as one of the top 256 players.

From that field, the top eight players will be flown to the Virgin Gaming Red Room in Las Vegas where they will square off face-to-face and compete to claim the $25,000 grand prize and the bragging rights as the best NBA 2K11 player in the country.

This tournament is open to all eligible competitors in the United States. Fans who purchase a copy of NBA 2K11 for PlayStation 3 at GameStop will receive an in-pack code for entry into the NBA 2K11 Online Launch Tournament. Complete tournament details can be found online at VirginGaming.com/NBA2K11.