Scottie Reynolds hopes to make some magic happen in New England two years in a row. (AP)

March Madness starts Thursday, and for New Englanders there has been some pretty good action right here at home. This year the drama will unfold in Providence, with eight teams looking to make some noise in the NCAAs.

Villanova and Robert Morris will get things kicked off, with Richmond and St. Mary’s finishing off the afternoon play. In the night session, Georgetown and Ohio meet, and Tennessee takes on San Diego State to end a long day of first-round action.

But will the games live up to the Madness hype this year? New England has seen some wild and crazy games in recent years, and here is a look at some of the more memorable games played in the area.

Villanova vs. Pittsburgh, 2009

Everyone knew this game would be a heavyweight battle between two of the top teams in the Big East. The Big East has become maybe the toughest and most dominating conference in all of the land, and these two teams were playing some great basketball heading into the Elite Eight.

The bright lights of the TD Garden were shining down on DeJuan Blair and the rest of the star-studded No. 1 seed Panthers, but it was Villanova’s Scottie Reynolds who stole the show.

Pitt’s Levance Fields nailed two big free throws to tie the score with 5.5 seconds remaining. The Wildcats initially had some trouble inbounding the ball, but Reynolds took a shovel pass and bolted up the court. His contested runner in the lane dropped with next to no time left on the clock, vaulting Villanova into the Final Four and crushing the Panthers’ dreams of a title.

Reynolds decided to stay for his senior year, and he finds himself back in New England for another go around this season. Does he still have some magic left in the tank to get the struggling Wildcats through another New England bracket? We’ll find out in a few days.

Syracuse vs. Vermont, 2005

The Orangemen were playing some inspired basketball heading into the tournament and were a sneaky pick to make the Final Four after their win in the Big East Tournament. Hakim Warrick and Gerry McNamara were going to prove that they could win an NCAA title without Carmelo Anthony. But a funny thing happened on the way to the title.

The 13th-seeded Vermont Catamounts took them out in the first round at the DCU Center in Worcester. This game went into overtime, and Catamounts guard T.J. Sorrentine just went off. Remember this sequence in the OT?

The fans clearly were behind the New England team in this one, as they shouted chants of “U-V-M,” and the Cuse had to feel like it was playing a legit away game. This goes down as one of the bigger first-round upsets in the history of the tournament, and what do you know … the two teams match up again in the first round of this year’s tourney. Luckily for Syracuse, the Catamounts aren’t playing in New England and Sorrentine isn’t around to drop treys from all over the court.

NC State vs. UConn, 2005

This wasn’t as startling as the Jimmy Valvano upset, but the 10th-seeded Wolfpack knocked out the defending champion and No. 2 seed Huskies at the DCU Center in 2005. The Wolfpack didn’t want to the Catamounts to be the only spoilers in Worcester that year.

Julius Hodge, who helped the Wolfpack make a run to the semifinals in the ACC tournament, kept the good times rolling with a last-second shot to stun the Huskies. UConn tied things up at 62 with only 15.8 seconds remaining in the game and Hodge went to work.

Just how did he put that one in? He was hit by not one, but two defenders on the play and somehow had enough strength to get the bucket up and in. Hodge drained the freebie to finish off the and-one, and the Huskies could not tie it up.

There must have been some upset magic in the DCU Center that year, because two Big East teams, who had aspirations of making it far in the tourney, were knocked out by lesser opponents. That’s March Madness for you.

Faxon said he is surprised that Tiger will not play another tournament before the Masters. “Going into play a major for the first time in however many months is going to be tough,” Faxon said. “But Tiger has been great at controlling his environment forever, and if you are going to play in any PGA tournament, this is the best place to go.”

Faxon also speculated on what the time off might do to Tiger’s game. “Do I think he’ll play great? I don’t know, but he has been a guy that has always liked to show how strong he is mentally and how good he is at the game,” he said. “I am sure he is spending every waking minute of his life right now saying, ‘I can put these people in their place and show them that I can still win.’ ”

Faxon added that he is not sure if Tiger will be in contention come Sunday because the pressure on him will be tremendous. However, according to Faxon the first round will be Tiger’s most difficult test. “I think that first tee shot for him, that is going to be the hardest moment for him,” he said. “If he gets to the point where he is playing on Sunday and he is a couple of shots off the lead and he is playing with Phil [Mickelson] or Vijay [Singh], that will be the easier part for him.”

To listen to the interview, click here. A full transcript is below.

Are you surprised that Tiger is going to try to hit the ground running at Augusta?

I really am. It made sense to me that he could play a little tournament at Isleworth, stay at home and get some of the cobwebs out, play at [Arnold Palmer's] tournament where he won last year and just get loosened up. Because going into play a major for the first time in however many months is going to be tough. But Tiger has been great at controlling his environment forever and if you are going to play in any PGA tournament, this is the best place to go. I am sure he is going to want to be able to not answer the questions he is going to have to answer.

Why is he playing the Masters?

Well, I think there are a couple of theories. We all know he wants to win majors. He has probably given himself time to practice and get where he feels comfortable. And I’m sure he has his little reasons. Like, we know when he goes to the Masters, all the tabloid media won’t be there; they are not going to get inside the gates to ask him about his private life, and he is not going to answer those questions anyway. But I think it will be a more controlled crowd at Augusta. You won’t hear the heckling, and if someone says something wrong, the Masters has the ability to take those people off the premises right away.

And I think if you look at his history of what has been going on, he might be mad — as silly as this may sound — he might be mad at an article or interview at NBC and thought that, “You know what? I might just not show up at a tournament for NBC.” Because I heard that theory from the NBC guys. They were kind of worried that the “Today” show did an article that could have got him upset so he decided just to start at a CBS tournament.

This is certainly going to be a circus-like atmosphere. Don’t you think there could be some kind of incident at Augusta?

Absolutely. The Masters is certainly the most difficult place for this to happen. If you remember years ago where Ray Floyd won the Masters, that was the first time you heard anybody yell, “You the man” at the 15th tee. You’re not going to stop someone who has had a few beers or playing to a coup because you don’t know who it is going to be. Our great friend Jim McCabe, who was a longtime Globe writer and now is at Golf Week magazine, sent me a text the other day wondering if Tiger could actually stay in one of the cabins at Augusta. Because somebody is going to find out where he is staying for the week, and I don’t know how  you guard that unless you are in a gated community. And I’ve never heard about a player staying on campus except for the amateurs who stay up top, and we call that the Crow’s Nest.

Sean McManus has already said that CBS is not going to cover his personal life. But what is to keep CBS from showing some bimbo who comes out and plants a kiss on his cheek on the 18th green? Because I think something like that is going to happen.

I do too, Gerry, and I just hope it is not John. Last week, Dan Hicks said when they did their first telecast after all the transgressions, after his statement, they covered the Chevron World Championship, which is Tiger’s tournament in California. And they were told by NBC brass upstairs that, “This is not going to be anything we are going to talk about. We are just going to talk about the injury he had during the car accident, and then it is just going to be about golf.” So NBC golf did the right thing and just talked about golf that week. I think that is what CBS is going to do. They are going to talk about him just playing. They will have to say, “Coming back from any kind of break is tough, let alone to a Masters.” Everybody is going to speculate whether he can play well after this much time off. We have seen him play well after time off. I just think everybody at the Masters — on the one hand they are elated that he is coming back and they will get so much press, not that they are going to need it, but on the other hand they are looking at how they are going to prevent anything like that happening.

This would be like Albert Pujols taking 2-3 weeks of batting practice and infield drills and then jumping into a playoff game. It is different when you play competitively than hitting balls for three or four weeks.

Well, Tiger has won four Masters anyway. I think this is way more difficult, giving all the circumstances — time away, coverage. Nobody else would ever think to do something like this. So I don’t know really what to expect. Do I think he’ll play great? I don’t know, but he has been a guy that has always liked to show how strong he is mentally and how good he is at the game. I am sure he is spending every waking minute of his life right now saying, “I can put these people in their place and show them that I can still win.” It can happen, and I will tell you that I wouldn’t be the most surprised person in the world. I would be surprised, but it is just going to be so unbelievably interesting to watch.

You expect him to make the cut, right?

Absolutely.

And do you expect him to be in contention on Sunday?

Well, it is hard to say that. You can’t simulate the on-course pressure, that tournament pressure, back home and you will never see the conditions you will see at Augusta anywhere else. You will never find greens that have the speed and the slope these have anywhere else. And I am sure he will make a trip up there or two, either with friends or with Steve Williams, his caddy. He will make sure he is prepared, because even the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday practice rounds, that is kind of open to the public. There are more people there on those days and less screening of who they are.

Won’t there be hecklers at the par 3?

Yeah, but he won’t play the par 3.

If he were to go there and play a round with a few friends today, would he play better than he would on Sunday paired with Phil Mickelson or Vijay Singh?

I think the pressure he is going to face is going to be more on the first day. If he gets to the point where he is in contention on Sunday then he has already passed the test of getting through the gate, looking at the media, talking to the media, seeing his fellow competitors … I think that first tee shot for him, that is going to be the hardest moment for him. If he gets to the point where he is playing on Sunday and he is a couple of shots off the lead and he is playing with Phil or Vijay, that will be the easier part for him. I think it is the first few days, seeing his friends from the tour and he will have to go do a media press conference. That is required out of almost all the top players. That will be something to see.

Will you be more interested in that press conference or the first round?

I would much rather see that first round. See his first few shots to see what he is working on in his game with Hank [Haney] right now and whether it holds up under Masters pressure, because you know there is tournament pressure, there is majors pressure and for someone like Tiger there is Masters pressure. It is hard to describe.

Do guys like Tiger rent a house down there?

Well, there are a few beautiful areas down there at Augusta and about 80 to 90 percent of the players are renting houses. A lot of the players use the same homes over and over again. There are a few, but not many, gated communities. He will have to stay in a place that is contained. There is no way he is staying at a hotel, that’s for sure.

Do you think Tiger’s impenetrable armor shows some chinks on that first tee? Do you think there will be some fear there?

Absolutely. I don’t know if it is fear from that first tee shot and whether it can find the fairway or not, but obviously he is human and he is going to be very self-conscious of what happened. I’m sure he feels terrible about all this stuff, but he is going to want to get out and get inside the ropes. Every player, when they talk about the troubles they are going through they want to get inside the ropes.

Do you think he is kind of sticking to Arnold Palmer here? Do you think it would have reflected well to other golfers if he played at Bay Hill?

I would think so. Arnold would be the No. 1 guy any PGA tour player — and I put Jack [Nicklaus] right next to him — but if this guy called and you see Arnold’s name on your cell, you answer it on the first ring and you say, “Yes, Mr. Palmer.” I’m sure he has had conversations with Arnold about his reasons why. You know, the Tavistock Cup, which is a Monday and Tuesday of Bay Hill, is a two-club tournament at Isleworth and Lake Nona where a lot of players live. They have this tournament between the two clubs and the owner Joe Lewis is a great friend of Tiger, so he’s had to have the same conversation with Joe and Arnold about his reasons.

How does the tournament committee decide who his playing partners are?

Can you image the feelings his playing partners are going to have? I listened to Steve Stricker and Kenny Perry last night and they said they would love to play with him and they welcome him back with open arms. This is good for the game of golf, that Tiger’s coming back. This first pairing — and it is threesomes now, the Masters used to be twosomes — it is going to have a huge affect on things. And if you remember the way the Masters does their pairings, a lot of times the past champions are paired with amateurs. Tiger has played with an amateur quite a bit the last few years, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets an amateur and if he is also paired with a good friend of his.

Like?

Well, a guy like Stricker who is friendly with and who he has enjoyed playing with at Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups.

Just from a historical standpoint, so you could have a front row seat, wouldn’t you see some value in being in that pairing on Thursday morning?

Absolutely. That would be something you can talk about forever. There will be a lot of TV sets on that Thursday afternoon while people are at work, hoping they can witness what is going on. And I am sure they will find a way to get some cameras on him walking out of the locker room and on the range. It is going to be all-time hoopla for golf, for sure.

Apparently giving in to the firestorm of criticism since Matt Cooke’s hit knocked out Bruins forward Marc Savard but did not lead to any punishment, the NHL is trying to get a rule barring blindside hits to the head passed before the end of this season.

The league’s general managers met last week and discussed adding the rule for next season, but now they are trying to fast-track it.

“It’s a process that has never been done before in the season,” NHL senior vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell told the Toronto Globe and Mail in a story published online early Wednesday. “But this is so important an issue that if we can possibly avoid just one concussion, we should do this.”

BASEBALL: Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland had brain surgery, and his teammates talked about the anxiousness of the situation. Alex Speier takes a look at pitching prospect Felix Doubront. John Smoltz will become an analyst on TV, although he said he isn’t officially retired. Former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on his common-law wife.

Jerry Thornton addresses the criticism from his column on stat geeks last week.

FOOTBALL: D.J. Bean has a new mock draft. LaDanian Tomlinson said Brett Favre did not tell him his plans when they talked recently.

Ohio State extended coach Jim Tressel’s contract.

BASKETBALL: Kirk Minihane writes about Rasheed Wallace’s “lost season” with the Celtics. The Suns scored 152 points in a win over the Timberwolves. LeBron James had a triple double in the Cavaliers’ win over the Pistons.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff beat Winthrop in the NCAA play-in game. UConn beat Northeastern in the NIT. Oregon fired Ernie Kent after 13 seasons as coach.

HOCKEY: The Bruins beat the Hurricanes. Mike Petraglia has the analysis. Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell will miss 7-8 weeks with a broken collarbone and a fractured rib. Meanwhile, Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin, whose hit led to Campbell’s injury, expressed disappointment with his two-game suspension.

MISC.: Tiger Woods will return for the Masters. Soccer star David Beckham began his recovery from surgery on his Achilles tendon.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 17, 1968, the Bruins scored thee goals in the final three minutes of the game to beat Montreal, 3-1, and clinch their first playoff berth in nine years, starting an impressive steak of playoff appearances. The B’s went on to quality for the playoffs how many years in row?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I’m ready to start my season at Augusta.” — Tiger Woods, who will return to action at The Masters

STAT OF THE DAY: 22 — Bruins forward Mark Recchi’s rank on the NHL’s career goal-scoring list after he tied Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur with his 560th tally in Tuesday night’s win over the Hurricanes

‘NET RESULTS: Backflip basketball shot. The degree of difficulty on this is off the charts.

TRIVIA ANSWER: 29

SOOTHING SOUNDS: John Sebastian, former lead singer of the Lovin’ Spoonful, is 66 today.

Tiger Woods will be returning to golf during this year's Masters, held April 8-11. (AP)

It didn’t take very long — three months and five days to be exact — but Tiger Woods is finally back.

On March 15, the troubled superstar formally announced that he will be making his return to the game of golf during this years’ Masters tournament, held April 8-11. It’s an announcement that was anticipated by some, expected by most, but no doubt heard by all.

And that’s because for the greater part of the past three months, the news wire has been filled with Tiger’s name. It all started on that fateful night when he was pulled from his 2009 Cadillac SUV after striking a fire hydrant, and it only got worse from then on.

All sorts of accusations stemmed from the crash — many proven to be true, but all lending a hand in Tiger’s fall from grace. Now, after being linked sexually with as many as 20 women, Woods has seen his legacy become tarnished, his image shattered and his life changed forever.

But he’s back. He’s back where he belongs.

In less than one month’s time, Tiger Woods will be back on the green, a place where only he can set himself right — where only he can make things better. It may not help his legacy. It might not even help repair his public image. But for himself — for Tiger Woods — it might make all the difference in the world.

As for the rest of the sporting world, triumphant returns are nothing new. From Lance Armstrong to Michael Jordan, and even slightly less star-struck figures such as Jon Lester, stepping away from sports sometimes is a necessity.

Because sometimes — for whatever reasons, some less ideal than others — sports has to take a back seat to reality. It is, after all, simply the toy store of life. A place where that reality sits on the sidelines and everything else takes over.

But you can’t keep it there. That reality always finds a way to resurface, and sometimes it’s the athlete himself that winds up on the sidelines as well.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t return to that toy store.

Because sometimes, when that reality takes a hit and you fall from your perch, that toy store is the only thing that can help build you back up.

Here are some of the more dramatic comebacks in sports history.

1. Tedy Bruschi, 2005

Bruschi embodied the New England Patriots.

It was the winter of 2005, the Pro Bowl linebacker had just won his third Super Bowl championship with the Patriots, and he was beloved all across New England.

But on Feb. 16, just days after competing in his first Pro Bowl, Bruschi was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of numbness, blurred vision and headaches, according to a report by CBCSports.

And after spending several months of rehab with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, No. 54 announced he would sit out the 2005 NFL season.

But after being cleared for football activities on Oct. 16 of that very same year, Bruschi rejoined his team two weeks later, returning to the field the night following his reactivation. Bruschi was named the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts and was voted to the Pro Bowl.

2.    David Cone, 1996

The 1994 Cy Young award winner and five-time All-Star selection was lured to the Bronx to become an integral piece of the Yankees rotation in the mid-’90s.

In his first full season in pinstripes, the 6-foot-1 righty began to take over, starting the ’96 season 4-1 with a miniscule 2.02 ERA. But then tragedy struck.

Cone was diagnosed with an aneurysm of two arteries in his right shoulder, a potentially life-threatening injury. Questions about his future in baseball arose after he landed on the disabled list for what many assumed would be the remainder of the 1996 season.

But Cone would return on Sept. 2, his father flying all the way out from Kansas City to be a part of the audience in Oakland. Cone threw seven innings of shutout baseball against the Athletics, a game the Yankees would go on to win 5-0.

Four starts later, with the Yankees trailing the Braves 2-0 in the 1996 World Series, Cone threw six four-hit innings in a crucial Game 3, which New York won, 5-2. New York would rally to win the next three games, eventually winning the series in six games.

Following his cancer rehab, Jon Lester became a World Series champion in 2007. (AP)

3. Jon Lester, 2007

In his early 20s, Jon Lester was the pride of the Red Sox farm system. At the age of 22, he was rated Boston’s top Triple-A prospect by Baseball America, before being called up to the majors near the beginning of the 2006 season.

But at the close of his 7-2 ’06 campaign, Lester was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphodic cancer, one that according to a report released by Gordon Edes only accounts for around 1 percent of all lymphomas.

He was forced to begin treatment shortly thereafter, before returning to the Red Sox rotation in July of 2007. Three months later, Lester eventually pitched in, and won, the deciding Game 4 of the 2007 World Series.

4. Cam Neely, 1993

In the early ’90s, Cam Neely defined the power forward — emphasis on the power. He was a bruiser, an agitator and a pure goal-scoring machine. In the 1989-90 season, Neely recorded a career-high 55 goals, an impressive mark for the time period. But perhaps more importantly, Neely had etched himself in the minds of Bruins fans everywhere, becoming a Boston favorite almost the instant he hit the Hub’s ice.

In the 1991 playoffs, though, Cam Neely had an ugly collision with Penguins’ defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, forcing him out of the third game of the Wales Conference finals. The Bruins lost that game and the next three, losing the series four games to two. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, went on to win the Stanley Cup.

The fateful knee-on-knee hit reportedly contributed to Neely developing myositis ossificans in the injured area, a condition that caused him to miss all but 22 games in the next two seasons.

But in the 1993-94 season, Neely made a ferocious comeback, notching 50 goals in just 44 games, a feat only Wayne Gretzky himself had bested. But the knee injury ultimately forced No. 8 to retire in 1996, following two seasons in which he failed to score more than 27 goals.

Neely received the Masterton Trophy following his 1993-94 campaign, an award given to NHL players for their perseverance and dedication.

5. Josh Hamilton, 2008

Hamilton was the No. 1 overall pick in baseball’s 1999 June draft, selected by Tampa Bay. In his first year of minor league play, Hamilton hit .311 with 10 home runs.

But countless injuries would derail Hamilton’s quest to the bigs, as he injured his back, quadriceps and ribs all over the next two years. Eventually, an elbow injury would knock him out of baseball for what would become a three-year absence. But that absence wasn’t all because of injury.

In 2003, Hamilton was placed on the restricted list after failing a drug test, and was suspended from baseball the following year after violating the league’s substance abuse policy. In 2005, Hamilton would hit rock bottom, an admitted junkie, estranging himself from his wife and moving in with his grandmother. It was time for a change.

After many months of rehab, Hamilton finally was cleared to resume baseball workouts in 2006, returning to the field on June 30 in Class A. The Rays however, left Hamilton unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, and he was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds.

After being promoted to the majors the next season, Hamilton posted a .292 average with 19 home runs and 47 RBI in 90 games before he was traded to the Texas Rangers. In 2008, his first full season with the Rangers, Hamilton smacked 35 home runs and won the All-Star Game Home Run Derby, something that signified more than just a bunch of longballs for the left-handed slugger.

Magic Johnson won five NBA titles with the Lakers before he retired after being diagnosed as HIV positive. (AP)

6. Magic Johnson, 1992

Magic Johnson was one of the most prolific players the NBA has ever seen.

A career 19.5 points-per-game scorer, Johnson reach the pinnacle of the NBA in the 1980s and early ’90s, being selected to 12 All-Star Games during that span and reeling in five NBA championships.

But life took a turn for Magic just before the 1991-92 NBA season, when Johnson discovered he had tested positive for HIV. Magic made the situation public almost immediately, claiming he had no prior knowledge of the disease, and retired from the NBA directly following his announcement.

Magic would return to the hardwood for the 1992 Summer Olympics, as a member of the USA Dream Team. Ten of the 12 players on that team were named to the 1996 NBA’s 50 Greatest Players list. Magic was one of them.

Johnson and the Dream Team easily won gold in the Barcelona Games, scoring over 100 points in each of their three playoff games, the closest match being decided by 32 points.

Despite his retirement, Magic was voted into the 1992 All-Star Game, an event many fellow All-Stars felt he should not compete in. Magic played anyway and powered the Western Conference to a 153-113 win, scoring 25 points and ending the game with a 3-pointer. He was mobbed and congratulated on the court by his teammates following the final buzzer.

Magic flirted with a return to the league before the 1992-93 season but quit after playing in the preseason. Three years later, he did make a comeback, playing in 32 games before calling it quits for good.

7. Mario Lemieux, 1993

Before there was Sidney Crosby, there was Mario Lemieux.

Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky were the 1-2 punch of the NHL in the 1990s, dominating the ice. In his 13 seasons in the NHL, Lemieux compiled 613 career goals, an NHL record, and is currently 10th on the all-time points list with 1,494.

But life on the glass wasn’t always easy for “Le Magnifique.”

In the middle of the 1992-93 season, Lemieux was diagnosed with a form of cancer formally known as Nodular Lymphocytic Hodgkin’s Disease. In order to recover, Lemieux was forced away from the ice and into rehabilitation, where he received treatment for his disease.

But amazingly, Lemieux wasn’t finished — not even for the season. The Pittsburgh star returned to the rink on the final night of his treatments after missing 20 games and finished the season as the NHL’s leading scorer with 160 points in just 60 games.

He was named the league’s MVP and received the Hart Memorial Trophy.

Back troubles would force Lemieux back out of hockey after the following season, to which he responded by returning in 1995-96 and leading the NHL with 161 points, and again the next season with 122.

He retired in 1997, only to make another comeback during the 2000-01 season. That lasted until his final retirement in 2006.

Michael Jordan won six NBA championships in his two stints with the Bulls and grabbed six Finals MVPs to boot. (AP)

8. Michael Jordan, 1995

If Magic Johnson was good, Michael Jordan was great. If Magic Johnson was great, Jordan was unbelievable.

The man widely viewed as the face of the NBA, even after his retirement, posted some of the gaudiest numbers the league has ever seen during his first nine years as a player — including averaging over 28 points in every season but one and wrapping up three NBA titles.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, MJ ran the hardwood, plain and simple. Naturally, this made it that much harder for him to leave.

Citing a lack of desire to play the game, among other issues, Jordan announced in 1993 that he would retire from the NBA. Without him, the Bulls were bounced from the playoffs in 1994 and were 31-31 midway through the following season. But then they received a lift — in the form of Michael Jordan.

MJ returned to Chicago toward the end of the 1994-95 season, leading the Bulls all the way to the Eastern Conference semifinals. After their Game 6 loss to the Orlando Magic in ‘95, Jordan would remain in the NBA for three more full years, before retiring once more.

During that time, Jordan would reestablish himself as an elite on the court — as if he never left in the first place — leading the Bulls to NBA titles in each of his final three seasons.

9. Lance Armstrong, 1998

The greatest Tour de France rider ever to have lived, Lance Armstrong has won the Tour a record seven times — each one of them directly following the previous.

But before all that, before all the wins, before all the glory, there was sacrifice. There was a choice.

Because at age 25, on Oct. 2, 1997, Lance Armstrong was diagnosed with Stage 3 testicular cancer, which according to a report by the Lance Armstrong Foundation had spread to his lungs, abdomen and brain. This particular type of cancer has about a 90 percent cure rate. But the spreading of his disease caused Armstrong’s chances to dim.

But he fought. He underwent two surgeries, one to remove the cancerous testicle and another to remove the lesions on his brain. His treatment lasted from October to December, three long months for the world-class cyclist.

Then in 1998, his comeback on the pavement began, with Armstrong resuming cycling in the Vuelta a Espana, a race in which he finished fourth. One year later, Armstrong would return to the Tour de France, winning his first title in 1999.

He would win another in 2000. And another in 2001. And another. And another. And then two more – making seven in total.

Seven races, seven wins. If you crunch the numbers, it works out to a 100 percent success rate.

Not bad for a guy who once had less than a 90 percent chance to live.

Tiger will have a lot of explaining to do on the green when he comes back in April. (AP)

10. Tiger Woods, 2010

And here we are.

Unlike most of the athletes listed above, Tiger was forced from the game because of a web of choices he’s made over his career, rather than a physical injury or deterrent.

But he still shares plenty of similarities — including the difficulty of the road ahead.

There is no doubt that Tiger is one of the best golfers in the world when he’s right. The question remains: Will he be right? Will he be focused? Will he be able to handle the pressure? Will be he Tiger Woods?

Only time will tell.

Until then, only one thing is for sure — the road ahead is rocky and unfamiliar for Mr. Woods. Thankfully, he’ll be at a place where he’s grown quite at home: the fairway, with only a tee, some green and a club at his disposal.

They’re the tools that he used to fashion his legacy, to build his pedestal of sporting greatness. But this time is different from any other.

This time, he’ll need those tools not to create, but to rebuild.

And while he may never return to where he once was, it will be up to him to decide which path he selects.

But if the above list of athletes proves anything at all, it is that at least the chance for redemption is there. And in the words of the great Kevin Garnett: “Anything is possible.”

The man who shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2-1/2 years in prison and received no sympathy from his victim. Michael David Barrett, a 48-year-old Illinois insurance executive who pleaded guilty in December to interstate stalking, made a tearful apology prior to the sentencing, but Andrews wasn’t buying it.

“You violated me and you violated all women,” Andrews told Barrett. “You are a sexual predator, a sexual deviant and they should lock you up.” Andrews urged the judge at the hearing for a harsher sentence and said she fears for her life every time she enters a hotel. U.S. District Judge Manuel Real said he gave Barrett the maximum sentence under the law.

BASEBALL: Mike Lowell appeared in his first game of spring training, playing first base. David Ortiz hit a home run and promised better results.

Ryan Howard did not respond kindly to an ESPN report that the Phillies considered trying to trade their star slugger to the Cardinals for Albert Pujols. Mariners lefty Cliff Lee was ejected for throwing at Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder. The Dodgers sent reliever Eric Gagne to the minors.

FOOTBALL: The Patriots’ offseason workout program has begun. Chris Price has a look inside the team’s Hall of Fame voting.

The Giants won the NFL’s coin flip to open the new Giants Stadium, but the Jets aren’t happy with the process.

Fired University of South Florida coach Jim Leavitt is suing the school.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Pistons. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. The Lakers edged the Warriors. The Rockets beat the Nuggets on an Aaron Brooks jumper with 2.9 seconds left. The Jazz routed the Wizards. Shaquille O’Neal rejoined the Cavaliers after resting his surgically repaired thumb at home.

Suspended Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said he deserved to be punished for bringing guns to the locker room.

Kirk Minihane has a look at the NCAA tournament. The chairman of the NCAA tournament selection committee defended the picks. The mother of Murray State reserve guard Picasso Simmons was killed in a car crash Monday, as the team prepared to leave for the NCAA tournament. Iowa fired coach Todd Lickliter. Charlotte fired Bobby Lutz. UConn coach Jim Calhoun said he is not retiring.

The women’s bracket was released Monday night, with UConn leading the way.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Devils. D.J. Bean has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

Alex Ovechkin was suspended two games for his hit on Chicago’s Brian Campbell. The Red Wings edged the Flames. Stars center Mike Modano is out indefinitely after surgery to remove his appendix.

MISC.: David Beckham is expected to miss about six months with a torn Achilles tendon.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 16, 1960, the Red Sox traded this catcher to the Cleveland Indians, but he chose to retire instead, as he had just started a new business venture in Boston. Who is he?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There’s nothing I can do right now. He just fell and this happens.” — Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin, after being suspended two games for his hit on Chicago’s Brian Campbell

STAT OF THE DAY: 15 — Points for new Celtic Michael Finley in Monday’s win over the Pistons

‘NET RESULTS: High school star Trey Starks finishes an alley-oop by jumping over the head of a player 7 inches taller.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Sammy White, who owned a bowling alley in Brighton

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Jerry Jeff Walker is 68 today.

Daisuke Matsuzaka has been slowed by physical ailments this spring. (AP)

All was quiet on the Red Sox front this spring, but the injury bug has crept into Fort Myers over the past week. News of  Jed Lowrie’s accelerated heartbeat and other ailments have sent some scares into the Red Sox brass for the future of this ball club.

But what about the here and now? What about Daisuke Matsuzaka? Supposedly, he was in the best shape of his career heading into spring training, but since he’s been in camp the only thing talked about is a bad back, stiff neck or inability to throw a bullpen session. Matsuzaka said he wanted to pitch until he was 40 years old, but Red Sox Nation would take 40 pitches from a mound to a catcher in a full squat out of the $100 million man.

The goal of spring training is to get ready for the long, grueling monster that is the MLB regular season. So any manager will tell you that getting through healthy, especially getting the important pieces through healthy, is goal numero uno.

But the injury bug takes no prisoners and does not care if the Red Sox have hopes of hoisting another World Series trophy in October. Here are a few cases where some players couldn’t get out of the spring to help the Sox win the whole thing. (Note: We may have to take a trip in the way back machine.)

Those were the days for Nomar Garciaparra, but injuries slowed him in 2001. (AP)

Nomar Garciaparra

In 2001 there were two constants on the Red Sox: Pedro Martinez on the mound and Garciaparra at the plate. Everyone will remember the Sports Illustrated cover of Nomar with his shirt off and everyone will remember the SI cover jinx because Nomar was a non-factor in the 2001 season.

Garciaparra showed up to camp raring to go after hitting .372 and .357 in the previous two seasons, but a split tendon in his wrist cooled any thought of him continuing his torrid pace through the AL.

Newly acquired Manny Ramirez and Garciaparra were supposed to provide the 1-2 punch that would finally break that wicked curse — that shall not be named — but Garciaparra had surgery on the wrist, which some could say ultimately led to his decline in Boston.

Garciaparra only appeared in 21 games that season, batting .289 and never allowing Sox fans to see what he and Manny could accomplish. The star shortstop would only last 2-1/2 more seasons at Fenway before being shipped out of town in 2004.

You know the history. Red Sox win. Garciaparra never really gets the ring in Boston and, until he retired as a Red Sox last week, may have had one of the saddest endings for a superstar in this city’s history.

Wade Boggs

This year’s Red Sox spring training is a drama-free zone, but this wasn’t the case in 1991 when Boggs reportedly fell out of a moving vehicle driven by his wife.

According to reports, Boggs was in the passenger seat and he told police that he “fell” out of the truck after the couple was leaving a restaurant. Apparently Boggs didn’t have the child safety locks on in the car that night.

Boggs did not suffer any major injuries during the “falling out,” but imagine if he got hurt and missed significant time. If Dan Duquette were GM, he’d probably have had Boggs followed if he was getting gas or going to the store to buy cowboy boots.

But for a chunk of Red Sox fans, this may have been forgotten. All Boggs did that season was hit .332 with an OBP of .421, and he rocked an awesome mustache. Lesson to all you troublemakers on the Red Sox. Hit or pitch well, all is forgotten.

Or have the stomach to drink 64 beers and live to tell about it. Then all is forgotten.

Ted Williams

On March 1, 1954, the injury bug even hit Williams. The man survived wars, but while diving for a ball he separated his shoulder and broke his collarbone during the first day of spring training.

This just proves the injury bug has no conscience. The man was a war hero, was the greatest hitter of all time and did noble work to help start the Jimmy Fund. And this is whom the injury bug went after.

The Splendid Splinter missed some time that season, but when he came back he hit, batting .345 in 117 games. However, the Red Sox did not win the World Series, as if you didn’t already know that.

Vaughn Eshelman

While not a star like the players listed above, Eshelman suffered a freak accident during spring training in 1996. According to reports, the Red Sox pitcher burned both of his hands while trying to put out a fire in his spring training hotel room. Eshelman later said the fire was started by a candle his wife lit in the bathroom.

Eshelman’s right hand, his non-pitching hand, was hurt the most in the strange accident, so that can’t really explain his career path. The left-hander only lasted three seasons in the big leagues, all with the Red Sox, posting a 7.08 ERA the year he suffered the second-degree burns.

It was only five years ago, in the 2005 tournament, that the 13th-seeded Catamounts, led by Taylor Coppenrath and coached by Tom Brennan, beat Syracuse in one of the great first-round upsets of the last decade. Vermont won the game 60-57, thanks to back-to-back treys from Germain Mopa Njila, who had a career-high 20 points to lead his team, and T.J. Sorrentine in a 48-second span in overtime.

The Catamounts are back in the NCAA tournament this season after overcoming Boston University and a player’s tragedy to win the America East tournament. A 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1 in the history of the tournament, and that is the task that awaits Vermont. It is highly likely that there will be no teams left from the New England region come Friday night.

With that in mind, here are some of the memorable moments from the tournament involving New England teams in the last decade, in case you are feeling the void of a Big Dance without the likes of UConn or Boston College.

The Bell tolls for BC

Troy Bell's 32 points were not enough to lead BC past Southern Cal in 2001. (AP)

Last season, Southern Cal knocked out Tyrese Rice and BC in an opening-round game in Minneapolis. But that loss to the Trojans was not nearly as devastating for Eagles fans as the one that occurred in 2001. Led by Big East Co-Player of the Year Troy Bell, BC was coming into the tournament on the heels of its then-best record in school history and had just won the Big East tournament. But the Eagles were upset by a USC team that featured the likes of current Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine. Bell did all he could to get BC to the Sweet 16, scoring a career-high 32 points, but it was not enough as USC used the 74-71 win to make a run to the Elite Eight before losing to eventual champion Duke.

This was the same year that Holy Cross emerged on the national scene under coach Ralph Willard. The 15th-seeded Crusaders gave Kentucky all it could handle before Tayshaun Prince took over down the stretch and ended the hopes of an upset.

Infamy: Oh so close

Ralph Willard could not get Holy Cross over the first-round hump. (AP)

Sure, a 16 seed beating a top seed has never happened. But that doesn’t mean that no team has come close, so Vermont fans shouldn’t write their team off as one-and-done.

The aforementioned Holy Cross nearly pulled off an even more impressive feat a year after almost besting Kentucky, giving Kansas all it could handle before falling 70-59. The Crusaders led by five points on two different occasions in the second half and were down just one with six minutes remaining. But Willard’s team went cold in the last few minutes, missing shots on five straight possessions, and Holy Cross was once again thwarted.

Diener does in Cross, again

If this is starting to feel like a broken record, that is because it is. Once again, Holy Cross nearly pulled a shocking upset, only to come up just short. This time the Crusaders were seeded 14th and the opposition was Dwyane Wade and Marquette, who bested Holy Cross, 72-68, thanks largely to the shooting display of Travis Diener. It was another near miss for Holy Cross, which again failed to win a tournament game, a drought that stretches to 1953. It was also the last time that the team from Worcester would come close to pulling off a victory. As you can see, certain alumni were frustrated by that fact.

Huskies glory

Emeka Okafor led UConn to the title in 2004. (AP)

This year marks just the second time since 2001 that Jim Calhoun’s UConn Huskies will not be a part of the field of 65. But although UConn will be trying to impress in the NIT instead of on the grander stage, the Huskies  still can fondly recall their 2004 run to glory. Led by NCAA Player of the Year Emeka Okafor and sharpshooter Ben Gordon, UConn cruised through the Elite Eight before meeting Duke in the Final Four. The Huskies trailed by eight with less than three minutes left but clamped down on defense down the stretch to earn a 79-78 win.

Calhoun would clinch his second title a few days later when the Huskies beat Georgia Tech 82-73. It was a Yellow Jackets team that barely sneaked past BC in the second round of the tournament, as Jarrett Jack thwarted the Eagles’ hopes of reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1994.

So any UConn fan who feels dejected that their team faltered when it had an at-large berth in its sights, this is for you.

Goliath, meet David

He was right. (AP)

Giant killers. Cinderella personified. The least heralded team to ever make the Final Four. George Mason could have been considered all of these things in 2006, when it made its unprecedented run as an 11 seed all the way to the national semifinals in Indianapolis.

What some people might not remember is that the trip to Indy came at the expense of No. 1 seed UConn, the heavy favorite to win the entire tournament. That Huskies team featured the likes of Rudy Gay, Marcus Williams and Josh Boone. The Patriots’ best player was Jai Lewis, who would briefly go on to try to carve out a career in the NFL as the next Antonio Gates rather than jump to the NBA. While the NCAA tournament is full of upsets, this one probably is the greatest of the decade, and one of the best of all time. UConn fans still are in disbelief.

BC’s best shot

Craig Smith and BC lost a heartbreaker to Villanova in the 2006 Sweet 16. (AP)

While most people were focused on George Mason, 2006 also was the year that BC had its best shot at tournament glory this decade. The Eagles had turned some heads in 2005 when they started 20-0, moving as high as No. 3 in the rankings, but it was the next season that they really broke out. With a veteran team led by Craig Smith and Jared Dudley, BC nearly upset Duke in the ACC tournament final in its first season in the league.

But BC’s trip to the Big Dance nearly ended early. Pacific battled back from a 13-point deficit to force overtime and led by as much as six in the first extra session before BC closed the gap and sent it into double-OT. The Eagles eventually escaped with the 88-76 victory. The Eagles then reached the Sweet 16 for the first time in 12 years after beating Montana, earning a matchup with an old Big East rival, Villanova.

The Eagles led in that game by as much as 14 points, only to see Villanova mount a furious comeback. BC actually had to force overtime, which it did thanks to a clutch 3-pointer from Dudley. It looked like BC might move on when Craig Smith (who played the overtime period with a broken hand and still took the big shot in the closing seconds) hit a layup with 12 seconds left. But Eagles fans were dealt an agonizing blow when ‘Nova took a 60-59 lead in the last three seconds on a goaltending call and ended BC’s season.

The Jets and Giants both want to play the opening game at the new Meadowlands Stadium they are sharing, and the Jets announced on their website that the situation will be decided by a coin flip.

The 2010 regular-season schedule will be announced next month. The teams do not play each other in the regular season, eliminating the possibility of the teams opening the stadium together.

The teams also are teaming up to try to bring the 2014 Super Bowl to the Meadowlands, which would make it the first cold-weather Super Bowl in NFL history.

BASEBALL: Jacoby Ellsbury will attempt to end the 29-year drought of American League left fielders not winning Gold Glove. The Red Sox made some cuts, and some highly regarded prospects received their minor league assignments. Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland faces brain surgery Tuesday.

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg continues to impress. Meanwhile, CC Sabathia continues to struggle for the Yankees.

FOOTBALL: LaDanian Tomlinson signed with the Jets. The Browns traded Brady Quinn to the Broncos. Controversial running back Larry Johnson signed a three-year deal with the Redskins. Jets coach Rex Ryan had weight-loss surgery. Former Patriots tight end Chris Baker signed with the Seahawks. Kevin Mawae was re-elected to head the players union.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics fell to the Cavaliers. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned.

The Bobcats beat the Magic. The Thunder defeated the shorthanded Jazz. The Suns stopped the Hornets.

The pairings are set for the NCAA tournament. Northeastern is one of four New England teams in the NIT. Boston University received a spot in the College Basketball Invitational.

HOCKEY: Alex Ovechkin was ejected, but the Capitals rallied past the Blackhawks. The Penguins edged the Lightning. Sean Avery sparked the Rangers past the Flyers.

MISC.: David Beckham reportedly tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the World Cup.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 15, 1979, five months after purchasing him from the Pirates, the Red Sox traded which outfielder back to Pittsburgh for two minor leaguers? Hint: The Sox would reacquire this player seven years later.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Looking at the defense from the championship year, when we won it, it doesn’t look the same. It looks like the rotation is slower and they ain’t getting to the shooters and closing out like they did before. I don’t know if it’s effort or maybe they’re a little older.” — Cavaliers forward Leon Powe on the Celtics

STAT OF THE DAY: 30.4 — LeBron James’ career scoring average against the Celtics, second only to Michael Jordan’s 30.7

‘NET RESULTS: Cal State Fullerton isn’t in the NCAA tournament, but this dunk vs. Cal State Northridge in the Big West tournament goes down as one of the year’s highlights.

Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras take their teasing too far in an exhibition match.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Mike Easler

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Sly Stone is 67 today.

The hit that knocked out the Marc Savard, likely ending his season according to Boston GM Peter Chiarelli, has caused quite a stir in Boston. Shawn Thornton warned that “no one should push [the Bruins] around” despite the fact that the team did not respond to Cooke’s vicious hit. Mike Milbury said that he believes the Bruins are too soft. Savard’s mother even got in on the act, saying that she would have gone after Cooke herself after the hit. About the only person not up in arms over the hit is NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell.

Cooke will now forever join the list of notorious individuals in the minds of Boston fans. Here are some of the more famous villains in Bruins history.

Chris Nilan

Nilan grew up in Massachusetts idolizing Bruins great Bobby Orr and went to school at Northeastern. He eventually ended his career playing two of his last three seasons with the Bruins like he had dreamed, but it was a bizarre turn given his early career with the Montreal Canadiens.

Nilan was the Canadiens’ resident tough guy in the ’80s, leading the NHL in penalty minutes multiple times and earning the nickname of “Knuckles” due to his fighting habits. Naturally, he became a villain in the eyes of Bruins fans. Most famously, Nilan delivered a cheap shot to an unsuspecting Paul Boutileer, causing a bench-clearing brawl to ensue at Boston Garden.

You’ll notice in that video that then-Bruins coach Terry O’Reilly joins in on the brawl as well, getting into it with Mike McPhee. Interestingly enough, O’Reilly had his own history with Nilan.

Claude Lemieux

Lemieux was one of the most vilified hockey goons in NHL history. He seemed to get into disagreements with every team, particularly the Detroit Red Wings, most notably when he lit up Kris Draper in 1996 as a member of the Colorado Avalanche. Even though Lemieux won four Stanley Cup titles over the course of his career, he was more known as one of the most infamous instigators in the NHL during his tenure. And the Bruins were amongst the teams that did not take kindly to him, particularly Cam Neely, who called Lemieux a “gutless puke.”

Of course, Lemieux ended up in his patented “turtle” position when Neely went after him. He was always more of an instigator than an actual fighter.

Scott Walker

Before there was Matt Cooke, there was Scott Walker. The Bruins came into the Eastern Conference semifinals last year as the top seed, facing off against the Carolina Hurricanes after dominating the rival Canadiens in a four-game sweep in the first round. But the Hurricanes took a surprising 3-1 lead in the series, forcing the Bruins into must-win mode in Game 5.

And though the Bruins pulled it out, Walker’s sucker punch of Aaron Ward was the bigger story.

Ward called it “a joke” and Bruins fans were upset that Colin Campbell did not discipline Walker for the punch, which many felt was a cheap shot because Ward still had his gloves on and wasn’t ready to fight. To add insult to the injury, it was Walker who scored the decisive goal in overtime in Game 7 that knocked the Bruins out of the playoffs.

Ulf Samuelsson

It is a hit that lives in infamy for Bruins fans — one that contributed to the demise of Hall of Famer Cam Neely’s hockey career and led to the vilification of Samuelsson in the minds of Boston fans on a level previously held for the likes of Bill Laimbeer. Neely certainly had his own thoughts on his rival, calling into question the way Samuelsson played — a style similar to that of Lemieux, as Samuelsson, too, was no fighter. As a tough-guy himself, Neely took exception to Samuelsson’s on-ice style and his penchant for knee-on-knee hits, or knee-on-thigh in the case of Neely.

Samuelsson was well-known as a dirty player. He ended the career of Pierre Mondou in 1985, when as a member of the Hartford Whalers he delivered a high stick to the Canadiens forward’s eye. Hockey icon Don Cherry also was not a fan of Samuelsson, and said it was a matter of time before someone took him out.

As it turns out, Cherry was right. In 1995 the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Tie Domi leveled Samuelsson, then with the New York Rangers, with a brutal sucker punch that caused Domi to earn an eight-game suspension.  It was well worth it, considering he probably earned hero-status in Boston, and around the NHL, thanks to this punch.

Interestingly, Samuelsson’s son, Philip Samuelsson, is a freshman defenseman at Boston College who was drafted by the Penguins in the second round of the 2009 draft.

Is this reaction by Brad Faxon the way other PGA Tour players react to questions about Tiger Woods? (AP)

Rhode Island’s Brad Faxon chimed in with Dennis & Callahan on Friday morning to discuss the possible date for Tiger Woods’ comeback. With speculation and rumors growing of Tiger’s return coming before the Masters, Faxon said he doesn’t believe a trip to Augusta would be Woods’ first tournament.

“I just don’t think he wants to prepare for the Masters by making it his first go,” Faxon said. “Conversely, I think the Masters would really not want for him to play his first event there and bring the circus to town.”

Faxon, who will be working for NBC as well as playing golf, discussed everything Tiger Woods and gave his opinion on what other players on the PGA Tour think of the situation.

To read the transcript, look below. To listen to the interview, click here.

When do you think Tiger Woods will be back on the PGA Tour?

It’s unreal all the rumors and all the sources, because nobody in Tiger’s camp has come out and said this is going to happen. The only thing we are going to know for sure is on Friday night next week he has to commit by 5 p.m. to play at Bay Hill. So we are not going to know until then. I talked to Mark Steinberg, Tiger’s agent, and talked to him for a while, and kiddingly told him that, “You look a lot older.” He kind of laughed and he said, “Man this has been a tough go.” Nobody from their side is saying anything, and I think the press is putting two and two together by saying well he’s practicing, Hank Haney came into town. He’s working and would be obvious that Tavistock and Bay Hill would be the easiest thing for him to do, because he doesn’t have to go out in public at Bay Hill because all he has to do is drive down the street to go back to his house. I don’t think he wants to make the Masters his first event. From history, after his father passed away and he had nine weeks off and played at Wingfoot and missed the cut. After his knee surgery and was off for six or seven months, I just don’t think he wants to prepare for the Masters by making it his first go. Conversely, I think the Masters would really not want for him to play his first event there and bring the circus to town.

You really want him to play Bay Hill because it’s on NBC and now you are working for them?

I called Tiger and said, “Hey my first gig I’d love to cover you.” So he said, “Yes, Fax. I’ll come back and play for you.”

Playing Tavistock, then Bay Hill and then playing in the Masters, isn’t that the best way for Tiger to keep control of the situation while also trying to win a major?

Absolutely. For all our logic that would seem to make the most sense. For things we don’t know, what’s going on home inside the house? Is he mentally ready, he looks physically ready, just seeing pictures from him going out and running or hitting balls. Now he’s hired Ari Fleischer, and are they going to come up with a game plan to how they are going to do this thing, because he’s going to get questions he doesn’t want to answer. He’s got to figure out how that’s going to play out as well.

Do you think he makes the cut at his first tournament?

He’s made so many cuts in so many situations that you wouldn’t have thought possible. I think if he comes back and that’s the big key, is that he’s so focused when he comes to play. Missing the cut isn’t important to him, winning the tournament is important to him. I had dinner the other night with Ray Floyd and a bunch of people, and I asked Ray what he thought comparing him to [Jack] Nicklaus about golf. He said he thinks that the fact that they don’t play that many tournaments, that they are so prepared every time they go out there. I don’t know if Tiger is really going to come back because I don’t know if he’s ready to win a tournament.

You know who’s not going to make the cut, the guys playing with him.

I know. You might see players with their own video cameras out there.

That is going to be more distracting than ever. But if he makes the cut and is in the hunt, the Masters is going to get the highest rated of any event besides the Super Bowl.

There’s no doubt about it. I really wouldn’t know where to put my money, but I’d say it makes the most sense for Tavistock and Bay Hill, because he’s home. He obviously wants to win majors and play at what seems to be his favorite tournaments. He didn’t elude to the fact that he would play soon. It sounded like there were a lot of things going on in his life.

Maybe the recovery is going a little faster in the Woods house?

I haven’t seen those pictures [of Woods with his wife], and I just don’t know if that’s going to happen. Mark Cannizzaro that made his statements in the AP or the New York Post. I just don’t know how it’s going to play out. I wish I had some more info for you, but the sources inside the trailer where I am are all over the place. I have some that say there is no way. I have some that say absolutely at Tavistock. I just don’t know.

Are there a lot of questions in Tiger’s mind looking ahead to the first time he tees is up?

I would think so. He showed some human qualities and some humility in his statement. I’m sure he doesn’t want to have the distractions of coming back at any point. Do they go away the longer he waits? I’m not so sure. Does he make a different press release when he comes back? Maybe. Maybe he gets different advice, or better advice, or more advice. It’s going to be a zoo no matter where and when he comes out. He’s just trying to find out the best way to control it.

Are TMZ and the National Enquirer lurking and ready to pounce?

They are everywhere. We’ve never seen anything like it. I’m down at Doral at the new TPC Blue Monster, doing my first gig for NBC this week. There is a lot of buzz in the trailer about all the recourse of what’s going on and all the questions. It’s all over the place. It’s actually a riot.

Is Tiger what you guys talk about most of the time?

I think most of the people that I talk to that really care about the game, and care about Tiger and golf. They hope that when Tiger comes back he’s going to play great golf, but they hope that he takes responsibility for what he does and I guess everybody wants him to be nicer to people. I had dinner with Jimmy Roberts from NBC and he told stories of, “We were friendly and I asked one difficult question of Tiger and he got mad at me.” He remembers that a lot. The guys that live in his world they don’t want to have to be intimidated by a guy. Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnold [Palmer] were never like that. That’s kind of where the center of the conversation is.

Are the other golfers still chasing women?

There’s a lot of them hanging around now, opportunities have dwindled since Tiger. No. I’m so far away from that world. We’ve never had all these articles saying that it’s so available for you. There are people waiting for you right when you get of the 18th. That’s not even close.

A memorable moment from last year in baseball was the young daughter of a Phillies fan taking the foul ball her father caught and throwing it from the upper deck. Here’s the video:

Comedy Central comedian Daniel Tosh recently visited with the father and daughter and gave them a chance for redemption, with Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz playing a role.

BASEBALL: Mets outfielder Jason Bay heard some boos from Red Sox fans in Thursday’s game, after reuniting with his former teammates. John Lackey pitched well in his three innings. Bay gave his seal of approval on the Sox’ signing of Lackey. Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was told to rest 2-8 weeks. Todd Helton agreed to a two-year extension with the Rockies. Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb might have to start the season on the DL.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price analyzes the Patriots’ moves to re-sign Kevin Faulk and Stephen Neal. LaDanian Tomlinson will meet with the Jets. An alleged gang member was convicted of the murder of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. Hall of Fame defensive lineman (and actor) Merlin Olsen died at the age of 69.

BASKETBALL: Kendrick Perkins spoke on Dale & Holley about the Celtics’ need for a “sense of urgency.” Suspended Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will change his number from 0 to 6. Ground was broken for the Nets’ arena in Brooklyn.

Boston College’s season ended with a loss to Virginia in the ACC tournament. Boston University plays Saturday with a trip to the NCAAs at stake. Georgetown bounced top-seeded Syracuse in the Big East quarterfinals. Marquette knocked off Villanova. West Virginia survived Cincinnati with a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Georgia Tech ended North Carolina’s season.

HOCKEY: The Bruins pounded the Flyers. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said Marc Savard likely is done for the season, and Savard’s mother isn’t happy with Matt Cooke or the league. Meanwhile, Penguins forward Bill Guerin spoke out against hits to the head such as the one his teammate delivered. The Hurricanes beat the Penguins in overtime. The Blue Jackets edged the Thrashers. The Canadiens beat the Oilers in a shootout. The Sharks scored six goals in the third period of a win over the Predators.

GOLF: Here’s the latest speculation about Tiger Woods’ return. Major League Soccer players voted to authorize a strike.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 12, 1985, Larry Bird scored a Celtics-record 60 points in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. Where was the game played?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am a little disappointed in this year’s club. … We just weren’t able to bring about any consistency in our club. I’ve always been able to have some stability within my team and there wasn’t enough of that this year for a number of different reasons.” — Boston College basketball coach Al Skinner, after his Eagles ended their season with a loss to Virginia in the ACC tournament

STAT OF THE DAY: 3 — NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball teams with 2,000 wins all time, after Kansas reached the milestone (joining Kentucky and North Carolina) with Thursday night’s victory over Texas Tech

‘NET RESULTS: Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg shows his team how to hit a halfcourt shot during practice for the ACC tournament.

TRIVIA ANSWER: New Orleans

SOOTHING SOUNDS: James Taylor is 62 today.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter backpedaled on his comments that Latino players were African-American “impostors,” but insisted one poor word choice shouldn’t change his message.

In a story in USA Today Wednesday, Hunter said: “People see dark faces out there, and the perception is that they’re African-American. They’re not us. They’re impostors. Even people I know come up and say: ‘Hey, what color is Vladimir Guerrero? Is he a black player?’ I say, ‘Come on, he’s Dominican. He’s not black.’ …

“As African-American players, we have a theory that baseball can go get an imitator and pass them off as us. It’s like they had to get some kind of dark faces, so they go to the Dominican or Venezuela because you can get them cheaper. It’s like, ‘Why should I get this kid from the South Side of Chicago and have Scott Boras represent him and pay him $5 million when you can get a Dominican guy for a bag of chips?’ … I’m telling you, it’s sad.”

After hearing some criticism, Hunter offered an explanation and clarification on his Angels-sponsored blog Wednesday afternoon.

“What troubles me most was the word ‘impostors’ appearing in reference to Latin American players not being black players. It was the wrong word choice, and it definitely doesn’t accurately reflect how I feel and who I am,” Hunter wrote.

“What I meant was they’re not black players; they’re Latin American players. There is a difference culturally. But on the field, we’re all brothers, no matter where we come from, and that’s something I’ve always taken pride in: treating everybody the same, whether he’s a superstar or a young kid breaking into the game. Where he was born and raised makes no difference.”

BASEBALL: Nomar Garciaparra retired as a Red Sox.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry responded to Milton Bradley’s criticism of the team by saying Bradley should look in the mirror.

FOOTBALL: Vince Wilfork laid down the law for his Patriots teammates. Kevin Faulk re-signed with New England.

Here’s your Ben Roethlisberger update. LaDainian Tomlinson is to visit the Vikings Thursday. Former Browns quarterback Derek Anderson backtracked on negative comments he made about Cleveland fans. Derrick Mason agreed to a two-year deal with the Ravens. The Bengals are close to a deal with receiver Antonio Bryant, according to the receiver’s agent. Former Colts defensive back Marlin Jackson signed with the Eagles.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics were embarrassed by the Grizzlies. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned.

The Mavericks won their 13th straight game. The Jazz beat the Pistons.

It’s Championship Week in college basketball, and Boston College plays Virginia at noon Thursday. Robert Morris turned away Quinnipiac in the NEC final. A healthy Luke Harangody lifted Notre Dame past Seton Hall. Cincinnati knocked off Louisville. Nebraska upset Missouri. Montana rallied from 22 down to beat Weber State and win the Big Sky tournament.

HOCKEY: Penguins forward Matt Cooke escaped suspension for his hit on Bruins center Marc Savard. Graig Woodburn has the NHL Power Rankings.

Sidney Crosby’s Olympic equipment was found. Rookie defenseman Tyler Myers had four points in the Sabres’ win over the Stars. The Capitals beat the Hurricanes in overtime.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 11, 1999, the Red Sox signed which free agent pitcher, who was related to another player on the team?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I felt like I was there [when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series]. In Boston there’s something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there’s something bigger than us winning a World Series. It’s winning a World Series for these people.” — Nomar Garciaparra, at his retirement press conference

STAT OF THE DAY: 7-6 — After Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies, the Celtics’ record in the second half of back-to-back games

‘NET RESULTS: This happens quickly, so here’s the explanation of what happens in this basketball clip: A player saves the ball from going out of bounds and throws back toward the court. It deflects off the bottom of the backboard, bounces off an opposing player’s head and goes into the basket. Not something you see very often.

Washington Capitals forward Alexander Semin has trouble with a shootout move. Watch Marty Turco’s reaction while he’s in the goal.

That led to this compilation of the 10 worst shootout attempts. You may recognize the guy at No. 1.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Ramon Martinez, older brother of Pedro

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Cheryl Lynn, who was discovered on “The Gong Show,” is 53 today.

Everything about Nomar Garciaparra seemed iconic on a baseball field. (AP)

He was the Boston Red Sox.

Pedro Martinez had his run in the late ’90s. Jason Varitek had his time at the top in the early 2000s. Heck, even big Mo Vaughn enjoyed his time at the pinnacle of Red Sox Nation a while back. But nobody since the great “Gold Dust Twins” meant what Nomar Garciaparra did to the city of Boston when he was here.

No one.

Because from 1996 straight up until 2004, No. 5 was all that was Boston, all that was Red Sox and everything in between.

People remember he was big time in this city. But what some people might not remember is that “Nomah” inspired a culture. He was deified in a Red Sox uniform. He was anointed the next great thing by Ted Williams. He even inspired an entire string of “Saturday Night Live” skits.

His place was one of singular greatness in the early years of his career: the Rookie of the Year Award, the MVP runner-up season in 1998, the two batting titles, the times when it seemed impossible to get him out. In 2001, however, the lingering effects of a pitch that split a tendon when it hit him in the right wrist at the end of 1999 forced him to undergo surgery. Though he had tremendous runs over the remainder of his Red Sox career, the sustained brilliance that characterized his first four years as a Red Sox was never quite the same. Finally, in 2004, Garciaparra’s magical time in Boston had met its end. He was traded away as part of a series of maneuverings that landed Orlando Cabrera, the shortstop who helped deliver the Red Sox’ ultimate goal — a World Series title.

But it didn’t matter; Nomar Garciaparra had forever etched his name — as (wicked) long as it is — in Boston history books.

And as he finally hangs up the cleats for good, we take some time to remember the top 12 Nomar moments since he graced Major League Baseball with his presence back in 1996.

1. June 2, 1994. Nomar drafted by Boston: Nobody had this kind of hype since Roger Clemens. But you could argue that this 20-year-old from Georgia Tech started building his legacy before he even set foot in a Fenway Park dugout.

That’s because Boston knew all about him and what he was supposed to be. Ever since he got drafted on that fateful June afternoon, you couldn’t walk the streets of Boston without hearing someone yell, “Johnny, wait until you see this kid play. He’s gonna be wicked awesome.”

And he was.

But what you might not remember is that Nomar was originally selected in the 1991 draft, by the Milwaukee Brewers. Fortunately for Boston, he refused to sign, went on to play for Georgia Tech, and eventually became a Red Sox.

2. Sept. 1, 1996. Nomar homers in debut: You know that feeling when you order a really expensive meal? And after a way-too-long wait, the server finally brings it over to you, and you take that first bite — and it’s everything you ever dreamed of?

Well, that was the unanimous feeling in the city of Boston when Nomar Garciaparra stepped into the batters box on Aug. 31 and crushed his first major league home run — in his first-ever major league game.

It took him two at-bats to capture the hearts of Bostonians everywhere. And it would take him thousands more before he would ever give it back.

Because on that night, Sept. 1, 1996, Nomar Garciaparra proved that he would be exactly the filet mignon this city had ordered.

3. Nov. 3, 1997. Nomar Wins Rookie of Year: And he did it unanimously, too.

Following a rookie campaign in which he led the league with 209 hits, smacked 30 home runs and drove in 98 runs, Nomar Garciaparra was selected as Major League Baseball’s Rookie of the Year. On top of that, his 30-game hit streak set an AL rookie record, he competed in the All-Star Home Run Derby and he finished eighth in MVP voting.

Needless to say, Nomar had arrived.

4. May 10, 1999. Nomar takes live batting practice. At least, that’s what it seemed like.

In a game against the Seattle Mariners, Mr. Garciaparra would put on a free batting clinic for anyone who happened to be watching at the time, finishing the day 3-for-4 with three home runs, including two grand slams, and 10 RBI.

It was one of the greatest single game performances of any Red Sox player in franchise history, as Boston went on to defeat Seattle 12-4.

And it was only the beginning of what would be a memorable year for the kid who was named after his father, only backward.

5. Oct. 6, 1999. Nomar homers in ALDS Game 5: The Red Sox had made the playoffs twice since 1990. And both times, they had been eliminated in the first round rather handily (3-0, 3-1.)

But in 1999, things were different. And that’s because Nomar Garciaparra wanted them to be.

In 1999, the Red Sox were the same team they were in 1998, 1997 and most years before that. They were composed of nothing but smoke and mirrors. Smoke, mirrors, Nomar and Pedro.

And that’s why 1999 was such a special year — because Boston finally made a splash in the playoffs. And let’s face it, the Red Sox hadn’t exactly been having their way in baseball postseason for quite a while.

Down two games to none against the Cleveland Indians, Boston made a furious comeback and tied the series at two, and then, in the decisive Game 5, Garciaparra slammed a first-inning home run off All-Star pitcher Charles Nagy, putting Boston up 2-0. The Red Sox went on to win that game 12-8, advancing to the ALCS.

They would end up losing the ALCS, 4-1, to the Yankees. But Red Sox fans finally got a taste of something they hadn’t had in years — postseason victory.

6. July 20, 2000. Nomar’s average hits .403: It was late July. In the city of Boston. And someone was batting over .400.

Needless to say, it was a kid of a big deal.

Ever since Teddy Ballgame finished with the big .406 in 1941, nobody had been able to break .400. But in the year 2000, fittingly, Boston’s own Nomar Garciaparra made a serious run.

It was the closest he’d get all season, and though his average would hang around the high .390s for the first few weeks of August, he wouldn’t end the .400 drought.

Still, he would finish 2000 with an average of .372, which currently ranks seventh highest since 1941.

Yup, that was Nomar appearing as Kate Hudson's boyfriend on SNL. Where's A-Rod?

7. Oct. 14, 2000. Nomar appears on “Saturday Night Live”: His arrival in Boston was not only a hit in the Boston area, but nationally as well. In fact, he became such a household name, he inspired the “SNL” skit “Boston Teens,” starring Jimmy Fallon as a crazed Boston native who had an unmatched love for “Nomah Gaciaparra.”

And on Oct. 14, Nomar made it his own.

After a full year of airing Boston Teen skits, “SNL” finally recruited the man — the legend — to appear on set. Finally, Nomar appeared on the October episode as the boyfriend of Fallon’s sister, played by Kate Hudson, sparking a memorable reaction from Fallon’s character. Thus began the phrase, “Nomah! We wicked love you!”

It cemented Nomar’s national popularity. Only his appearance on the cover of the February 2001 Sports Illustrated rivaled his “SNL” cameo. He had become not only a baseball star, but a superstar. A true celebrity.

8. July 21, 2001. Nomar returns with a bang: He had been out with a wrist injury all season long. In fact, he reported to spring training with the problem and hadn’t played a single game all year because of it.

But on July 21 Nomar returned in a way that only Nomar could, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, including a seventh-inning two-run single that put the Sox ahead for good.

Boston didn’t make the postseason that year. In fact, the Sox finished only one game above .500. But on July 21, Boston’s hero had returned. And for that, Boston was grateful.

9. July 23, 2002. Nomar smacks three on his birthday. Some people throw parties for their birthday. Some people go out to dinner. Nomar, however, preferred to hit three home runs.

On his 29th birthday, Nomar took it upon himself to do the gift giving, crushing three home runs in just the first two innings of play, as Boston went on to drub Tampa Bay at Fenway, 22-4.

Garciaparra became the first player ever to hit as many home runs over two consecutive innings.

One day earlier, Nomar homered twice against the Yankees. With five home runs in two days, Garciaparra tied a major league record.

10. July 1, 2004. Nomar sulks in dugout, Jeter dives in stands. It was a day that will forever live in infamy.

At the tail end of a three-game Yankees-Red Sox series at Yankee Stadium, New York was aiming for a sweep. With the game knotted at 3 thanks to two Manny Ramirez home runs, the teams headed into extra innings.

In the top of the 12th, Derek Jeter hurled himself into the stands tracking down a Trot Nixon pop-up, a leap that sent him to the hospital, bloodied and bruised.

All the while, the Red Sox’ superstar shortstop sat still in the dugout.

Nomar was on the bench due to the need to rest, and did not start the game. He didn’t enter in the late innings as a pinch-hitter either, even while the Yankees’ star was flinging himself into the stands.

It was the beginning of the end for Nomar in Boston.

11. July 31, 2004. Nomar traded to Cubs at deadline. One month after the Yankee Stadium debacle, it was the end of the end for Nomar.

As part of multi-team deals completed just before the 2004 trade deadline, the once irreplaceable Boston superstar had been shipped to the Cubs, with the Sox receiving defensive upgrades in the form of Orlando Cabrera and backup first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz.

While it can certainly be argued that Boston did not receive equal name value in exchange for the six-time All-Star, the Red Sox certainly addressed two pressing issues: a sub-par defense and a disgruntled superstar whose contract issues and questionable clubhouse attitude had created an irreparable rift within Red Sox organization.

Equipped with their two new puzzle pieces, the Red Sox went on to win their first World Series since 1918.

Nomar would receive his World Series ring behind closed doors in the 2005 season.

Garciaparra had a moving appearance at Fenway Park in 2009. (AP)

12. July 6, 2009. Nomar returns home. It had been five years since Nomar had made an appearance at Fenway Park. In those five years the Red Sox had won two championships and cemented themselves as one of baseball’s elite.

But on July 6, he returned to Fenway Park — and it was as if he didn’t miss a day.

In front of a unanimously standing crowd, Nomar Garciaparra stepped into the batter’s box in the top of the second inning and was showered with applause for over a minute. The once (and still) beloved Boston superstar tipped his helmet and held his hand to his chest.

Nomar felt it.

Fenway felt it.

And no one who saw the moment will ever forget it.

Though his departure was untimely and his fantastic seasons didn’t bear any rings, for 8-1/2 years, Nomar Garciaparra was the Boston Red Sox.

For 8-1/2 years, he owned the city of Boston.

And for that, he will always be remembered as more than an athlete.

Michael Vick was in Baltimore Tuesday night to accept the Ed Block Courage Award as the Eagles player who best exemplified commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage last season. Dozens of people protested outside the event, at which Tom Brady was honored as the Patriots recipient.

“I think I do exemplify what this award stands for,” Vick insisted. “I think everybody has the right to their own opinion. But I feel like I’ve done everything that I said I would do, coming out and moving forward. My peers felt like I was doing the right thing, and that I display courage and sportsmanship and leadership. I value their opinion.”

BASEBALL: Daisuke Matsuzaka wants to play at least 10 more years in the United States. Jerry Thornton laments the takeover of the Sox by stat geeks.

Twins closer Joe Nathan has a torn elbow ligament. Stephen Strasburg pitched two scoreless innings in his Nationals spring training debut. Mets ace Johan Santana struggled in his first game since August, allowing four runs on six hits in 1-2/3 innings.

Former Dodgers center fielder Willie Davis died at the age of 69.

FOOTBALL: Vince Wilfork talked about his new deal with the Patriots. Former Patriots lineman Jarvis Green signed with the Broncos. Pats owner Robert Kraft spoke on The Big Show and said the team signed former Jets linebacker Marques Murrell.

Former Jets running back Thomas Jones signed with the Chiefs. The Browns released quarterback Derek Anderson. The Steelers re-signed safety Ryan Clark and brought back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El.

Yankee Stadium will host the Pinstripe Bowl Dec. 30, pitting also-rans from the Big East and Big 12.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Bucks. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned.

Kobe Bryant’s late jumper lifted the Lakers over the Raptors. The Magic rolled to their sixth straight win. The Bobcats beat the Heat.

Mike Dunleavy was fired as Clippers general manager. Suns forward Channing Frye and Pacers forward Danny Granger were suspended one game by the league for their part in an altercation Saturday. Allen Iverson tweeted that he will get through his latest “tough times,” which include his wife filing for divorce the same day he parted ways with the 76ers.

St. John’s routed UConn in the opening round of the Big East tournament. Michigan State guard Chris Allen was suspended indefinitely by the team.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Maple Leafs in overtime. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned. Mike Milbury gave an entertaining interview on Dale & Holley about the Marc Savard situation.

The Flames rallied past the Red Wings. The Flyers beat the Islanders for the 15th straight time. The Panthers held the Wild to 11 shots in a shootout win. The Canadiens topped the Lightning.

At the NHL general managers meetings, talk continued to center on eliminating hits to the head. The league filed suit against former Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes.

MISC.: Carl Edwards was placed on probation by NASCAR for three races following the crash he caused Sunday.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 10, 1986, which former Red Sox player was elected to the Hall of Fame by the veterans committee?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Are we that demented? Is that the way we have to approach this sport? I don’t think so. … To say that because your best player went down you have to immediately turn around and go after vigilante justice is Neanderthal. We’ve got to get past that.” — Mike Milbury, commenting on the Marc Savard situation on Dale & Holley Tuesday

STAT OF THE DAY: 2 — After Tuesday night’s 86-84 loss to the Bucks, losses for the Celtics this season when holding opponents to less than 90 points

‘NET RESULTS: Awesome finish to a Division 3 playoff game between William Paterson and Albertus Magnus.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bobby Doerr

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Tom Scholz from Boston is 63 today.

Five years after their acrimonious breakup as teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Donovan McNabb and wide receiver Terrell Owens are reuniting — at least for a day. The two players will be teammates on the basketball court in an upcoming episode of Spike TV’s “Pros vs. Joes.” In the episode, NFL players McNabb, Owens and Antonio Gates, all of whom played college basketball, will play 3-on-3 against retired NBA players Hakeem Olajuwon, Kenny Smith and Rick Fox.

BASEBALL: Young Red Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias continued to impress, this time with his bat, as he hit a three-run home run Monday. Josh Beckett talked about working with Victor Martinez.

The controversial Canadian doctor under investigation by federal authorities said he treated Alex Rodriguez but did not give him HGH.

FOOTBALL: Leigh Bodden reportedly is close to re-signing with the Patriots. Chad Pennington signed a one-year deal to return to the Dolphins. The Seahawks traded backup quarterback Seneca Wallace to the Browns for a 2011 undisclosed draft pick. The Raiders released wide receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Greg Ellis, two days after cutting running back Justin Fargas.

Ben Roethlisberger’s agent said the Steelers quarterback is innocent of sexual assault, while police said they plan to interview him this week.

BASKETBALL: Kevin Garnett raved about the recent play of Celtics teammate Ray Allen. Suspended guard Rafer Alston may have played his last game for the Heat. The Cavaliers, minus LeBron James, beat the Spurs, who will be without Tony Parker for about six weeks. The Mavericks won their 12th straight.

St. Mary’s routed 18th-ranked Gonzaga in the WCC final. The UConn women set a new NCAA record with their 71st consecutive victory. Forbes magazine has an article on the nation’s highest-paid coaches.

HOCKEY: Bruins center Marc Savard has a Grade 2 concussion. Hits to the head were the main topic of discussion at the annual meeting of NHL general managers in Florida.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 9, 1969, the Celtics retired No. 24 in honor of which player?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He just needs experience, and the sky’s the limit for him.” — Red Sox hitting coach Dave Magadan on young shortstop Jose Iglesias

STAT OF THE DAY: 5 — Original Division 1 teams that have never played in the NCAA tournament, a number that remained at five as William & Mary was unable to clinch an NCAA berth in Monday’s CAA championship game, losing to Old Dominion

‘NET RESULTS: With the controversy over the hit on Marc Savard in Sunday’s Bruins-Penguins game, here’s a play from Thursday’s Canadiens-Sharks game that drew similar interest. Despite no penalty being called on Maxim Lapierre, he was suspended four games for pushing a defenseless Scott Nichol into the boards. Lapierre returns March 13 when the Canadiens play the Bruins.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Sam Jones

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Mark Lindsay, lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders, turns 68 today. Really.

At the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston on Saturday, Tobias Moskowitz and L. Jon Wertheim presented a study titled: “Whistle Swallowing: Officiating & the Omission Bias.” Brian Robb of CelticsHub.com summarizes the NBA portion of the report, which backs up long-held assertions by many observers that officials favor star players and limit their calls down the stretch of close games.

BASEBALL: Clay Buchholz struggled in his spring training start and talked about battling for a role in the rotation. Casey Kelly got the win for the Sox in front of his hometown fans.

Twins closer Joe Nathan was to fly to Minnesota to have his sore elbow checked. Dodgers catcher Russell Martin is expected to miss the start of the season with a pulled groin. Royals third baseman Alex Gordon is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a broken right thumb.

FOOTBALL: Patriots defensive back Leigh Bodden is shopping his services as New England considers its next move. The Jaguars signed former Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman. The Browns signed linebacker Scott Fujita and offensive lineman Tony Pashos, both unrestricted free agents. Free agent nose tackle Jason Ferguson was suspended for the first eight games of next season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. The trial involving two Vikings players’ lawsuit against the NFL over its anti-doping procedures is scheduled to begin Monday.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics rallied past the Wizards. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Glen Davis talked about trying out for the lead role in the “The Blind Side.”

The Magic won a bitter battle with the Lakers, handing LA its third straight loss. The Pistons beat the Rockets in overtime to end a six-game losing streak. Spurs guard Tony Parker broke his hand Saturday night and is expected to miss six weeks.

Boston University advanced to play in Saturday’s America East final against Vermont. Northeastern lost in the CAA semifinals. Boston College lost to NC State in its regular-season finale and will open with Virginia in the ACC tournament Thursday. The UConn women’s team tied its own record with its 70th consecutive win, a rout of Syracuse.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost a 2-1 decision to the Penguins, and Marc Savard left on a stretcher. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

The Sabres beat the Rangers in overtime for their first road win in nine tries. The Red Wings scored five times in the second period and beat the Blackhawks. Jarome Iginla’s hat trick lifted the Flames over the Wild.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 8, 1983, which player became the second defenseman in Bruins history to record a hat trick, with three goals in an 11-5 victory over the Quebec Nordiques?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “At some point there’s got to be a clear indication from the league because we’ve seen this so many times now. You don’t like to see anyone, their own teammate or an opposing player, lay on the ice like that. That was scary.” — Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, on teammate Matt Cooke’s hit that left Bruins center Marc Savard with a concussion

STAT OF THE DAY: 32 — The average margin of victory by the UConn women’s team during its record-tying 70-game winning streak

‘NET RESULTS: Check out Utah State’s student section with its “I believe” pregame cheer.

Marquette coach Buzz Williams shows off his dance moves on the sideline.

Kobe Bryant with an off-the-backboard pass to himself.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Ray Bourque

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees is 65 today.

From 2001-03, the University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team was unbeatable. In that span, the Huskies won a record 70 straight games before falling on March 11, 2003, to Villanova, 52-48.

Now, seven years later, UConn is on the verge of tying its own record. The Huskies will have to wait until Sunday, their first game in the Big East tournament, to see if they can indeed win their 70th straight. Led by Tina Charles and Maya Moore, the Huskies have demolished opponents left and right; in their 69 victories, UConn has beaten 21 ranked teams, mostly recently No. 6 Notre Dame, by an average of more than 32 points a game. No team has come within single digits of UConn in the streak, and the last time the Huskies lost was in the 2008 Final Four to Stanford, 82-73.

Tina Charles and UConn are on the verge of history.

But sports is littered with impressive streaks. Sure there have been plenty of great runs throughout history — UCLA basketball won 88 straight games and seven straight national titles in the late 1960s/early 1970s, the Celtics won eight straight championships from 1959-66, and the University of North Carolina women’s soccer team went 103 games without a loss from 1986-90. But there have been a few more recent streaks that can rival those. Here are some of the more impressive of the bunch that occurred within the last decade.

Catch 21

Yes, the Indianapolis Colts broke the Patriots’ mark for consecutive regular-season victories this year. But no team has had a more impressive run when it counts than the Pats. From the fifth week of the 2003 regular season to Halloween of 2004, no team could touch New England. In just one of the impressive streaks that the Pats have had with Bill Belichick at the helm, the Patriots won 21 straight games — including a victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII over the Carolina Panthers, making it that much better than anything the Colts could muster. Of course, all good things must come to an end, and the streak did thanks to Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, who pulled out a 30-24 win.

Beasts of the East

For 14 years, nothing was more automatic than an Atlanta Braves division title. How impressive was the Braves’ streak, which began in 1991? It began the same year the Braves became the first team to go from the worst record in baseball to a World Series appearance, when Terry Pendleton was the team’s top hitter. It included eight straight NLCS appearances and wins in two different divisions, the NL West and East, which Atlanta joined in 1994. And it even included a season, in 2003, when the rotation was led by Jaret Wright and Russ Ortiz. The last title in 2005 might have been the most impressive, as Bobby Cox was forced to use 18 rookies over the course of the year and traverse through numerous injuries. But Andruw Jones was sensational with 51 homers and the Braves were top dogs once again. Don’t think Braves fans won’t miss Cox when he retires after this season. His team’s just get the job done.

What cut?

Remember the days when Tiger Woods was just a golfer? Well, let’s not forget just how good he was, even with the recent media spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Over a seven-year period, Woods did not miss a single cut in a tournament he entered — 142, to be exact. But at the Byron Nelson Classic in 2005, Woods’ par putt did not go down, and he found himself not playing through the weekend for the first time since 1998. Perhaps it was revenge for Woods taking Nelson’s name out of the record books, as Nelson had held the cut mark previously. For perspective, the last time Woods had not played an entire tournament was at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am that year. The reason? The event was delayed seven months after it was wiped out due to rain, and Woods withdrew instead of playing the rest of the tournament.

Armstrong owns Tour de France

It takes a special cyclist to capture the attention of the masses. But Armstrong had the talent, and the story, to do just that. Returning from cancer after a two-year hiatus, Armstrong became the first American to win the race since Greg LeMond to win the world’s most famous cycling race. Armstrong proved to be unbeatable in the legendary race, painting Paris yellow for seven straight years from 1999-2005 before deciding to retire (although he made a comeback in 2009).

Cael Sanderson’s perfection

Opponents stepped onto the mat with wrestler Cael Sanderson 159 times in his college career. And each time, the Iowa State standout emerged victorious. Sanderson was simply unstoppable throughout his career, winning four NCAA titles and never losing a single match. He had three NCAA titles at 184 pounds and the final as a senior at 197, besting Jon Trenge of Lehigh at the 2002 NCAA finals to finish his career undefeated.

Let’s start your day with a couple of basketball buzzer-beaters. Sorry, Friars fans, but here’s No. 17 Pitt beating Providence with a 3-pointer.

And here’s a high school game with a similar outcome — in fact, the whole play looks remarkably similar to the Pitt finish, as the player drives the same side of the court and shoots from almost the same spot (albeit this one is a running bank shot).

BASEBALL: New Red Sox center fielder Mike Cameron looks back at his time in the minors with NBA legend Michael Jordan. The Sox beat the Twins Thursday night. Alex Speier wraps up the day in Fort Myers.

Giants pitcher Barry Zito plunked Brewers slugger Prince Fielder in apparent retaliation for Fielder’s exuberant home run celebration last season. Jason Bay went 0-for-2 with a walk in his Mets spring training debut.

FOOTBALL: NFL free agency begins today. Chris Price looks at the best free agent signings of the Bill Belichick era in New England. The Patriots tendered three players and released tight end Chris Baker.

The Bengals released receiver Laveranues Coles. The Chargers switched gears and decided to tender running back Darren Sproles. Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels retired and talked about his spinal condition that left him at risk of paralysis.

BASKETBALL: Paul Flannery looks at the impact Michael Finley could have on the Celtics. Hardwood Paroxysm has a clever comparison of the Celtics to the characters in the movie “Major League.” Michael Holley returns with his NBA Power Rankings.

The Heat beat the Lakers in overtime. The Jazz beat the Suns. Zydrunas Ilgauskas wants to return to the Cavaliers. Allen Iverson’s wife field for divorce. Mavericks guard Jason Terry will have facial surgery after his collision with Minnesota’s Corey Brewer.

As mentioned earlier, No. 17 Pitt beat Providence at the buzzer. Georgetown’s leading scorer Austin Freeman was diagnosed with diabetes, and his playing status is uncertain.

Baylor women’s standout Brittney Griner was suspended two games for breaking an opposing player’s nose with a punch Wednesday night.

HOCKEY: The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs in a shootout.

The Penguins beat the Rangers in overtime. New Capital Scott Walker shined in his debut, a win over the Lightning. The Hurricanes have won seven in a row. The Blues routed the Stars. The Coyotes turned away the Avalanche.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 5, 2002, the new Red Sox ownership fired manager Joe Kerrigan. Who was named interim manager until the team selected Grady Little six days later?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I don’t want to give up too much secrets. Something that I have added to the old move, you know?” — Bruins forward Miroslav Satan, on his game-winning shootout goal Thursday night

STAT OF THE DAY: 31 — Lead changes (to go along with 19 ties) in Thursday night’s Heat-Lakers game won by Miami in OT

‘NET RESULTS: Improv Everywhere is back with a prank called “Ted’s Birthday.”

TRIVIA ANSWER: Third base coach Mike Cubbage

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Eddy Grant turns 62 today.

Here he is in 1968 with the Equals.

Baylor women’s basketball standout Brittney Griner has made news for her dunking this season. Wednesday night, she did another thing not often seen in the women’s game when she nailed an opponent with a roundhouse punch. The 6-foot-8 freshman was upset about being grabbed and spun around while trying to post up, and her response was a blow to the nose of Texas Tech’s Jordan Barncastle.

“There’s no place for that in sports,” Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said int he postgame press conference. “It was ugly for women’s basketball. It was ugly that coaches were on the court, that benches cleared, and I will take care of that with my team.”

BASEBALL: The Red Sox swept their doubleheader vs. Northeastern and Boston College. Alex Speier has a look back at the day in Fort Myers. He also has an analysis of pitcher Casey Kelly’s first start.

The Diamondbacks signed Justin Upton to a six-year deal worth $51.25 million.

FOOTBALL: D.J. Bean has a mock draft, and he predicts the Patriots will take Florida linebacker Carlos Dunlap. Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels is retiring. Peyton Manning had surgery on a pinched nerve in his neck.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Bobcats. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Charlotte’s Stephen Jackson did not appreciate Paul Pierce’s trash-talking.

The Mavericks won their ninth straight. The Nuggets tamed the Thunder. The Kings edged the Nuggets as Sacramento’s Carl Landry torched his former team. The Grizzlies knocked off the Hornets.

Bulls forward Joakim Noah will miss about three weeks with plantar fasciitis. Yao Ming returned to the United States with his pregnant wife, fueling suspicion that the child will be born here and be an Amerian citizen.

HOCKEY: Here is your roundup of NHL deals on trade deadline day. The Bruins were disappointed with their inability to land a goal-scorer.

The Capitals beat Ryan Miller and the Sabres. The Panthers ended a seven-game skid by beating the Flyers.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 4, 1977, the name of the street in front of Fenway Park was changed to Yawkey Way in honor of former Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey. What was the previous name of the street?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This has been a frustrating year. It is frustrating for a variety of reasons. I can’t lose sight of the fact I have to improve the team in the short run and have to improve the team in the long run. I know there are some fans that are going to be disappointed that we did not get a scoring winger, but I still believe in this team and I believe we can improve the offense and I think we are going to have a good run here.” — Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli

STAT OF THE DAY: 40 — Paul Pierce’s ranking on the NBA’s all-time scoring list after he passed Terry Cumming last night

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s a three-quarters-court shot to win a high school playoff game in New York Tuesday night.

This soccer game must have been played on top of Mount Washington or something. It was so windy that a goal kick ends up blowing back into the goal of the team that kicked it.

A Special Olympian hits a halfcourt shot (at the 1:20 mark), sending the crowd into a frenzy.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Jersey Street

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Chris Rea turns 59 today.

Matt Janning (left) and Chaisson Allen (with ball) helped Northeastern grab the second seed in the CAA tournament, which starts Friday. (AP)

It is no secret that Boston is not a college town, at least when it comes to basketball. Sure, UMass had its heyday with John Calipari and Marcus Camby, though it wasn’t exactly on the up-and-up. And Al Skinner has had some great success at Boston College and led the Eagles to the Sweet 16 as recently as 2006. But even BC has trouble luring fans to Conte Forum to watch teams from the powerhouse ACC, and the college game has a tough time competing with the popularity of pro sports here.

This makes it all the more remarkable that Skinner’s former assistant at both Rhode Island and BC, Bill Coen, has been able to turn the Northeastern Huskies into a force to be reckoned with in the Colonial Athletic Association in his four years at the helm. The Huskies head into the CAA tournament, which begins Friday in Richmond, Va., as the second seed in a conference that perennially produces a candidate with upset potential in March, evidenced by Virginia Commonwealth’s upset of Duke in 2007 or George Mason’s unbelievable run to the Final Four in 2006. This year, whichever team the CAA puts into the bracket again should be a threat, as the conference already has delivered some upsets this season.

“I think when you look at the type of out-of-conference wins that the conference as a whole has posted this year, you begin to understand the quality of basketball,” Coen said. “When you look at William & Mary beating Maryland and Wake Forest, and Old Dominion beating Georgetown, and so on and so on, there are some great quality wins in the conference. So whoever comes out of our conference tournament is fully capable of representing very well in the NCAA tournament.”

Many have Old Dominion, the CAA regular-season champion, pegged as the most likely team to fill that giant-killer role. But Northeastern, which finished the regular season at 19-11 and 14-4 in CAA play, has a chance to take on that title in the next few days. The Huskies earned a first-round bye in the tournament and will face the winner of Friday’s matchup between Hofstra and Georgia State. If they can make it to the championship game on Monday night, they will have a shot to do what no Northeastern team has done since 1991: make the NCAA tournament.

Coen waited his turn to get a chance to build a program of his own, spending 17 years alongside Skinner, including a stint as the associate head coach at BC from 2001 until he was hired at Northeastern in 2006. He has great respect for the BC coach, and has tried to instill similar attributes in his team as he has worked to rebuild this program.

“He gave me a shot at the Division 1 level and I learned so much from him,” Coen said of Skinner. “Probably the biggest thing I learned from him was patience. Patience in developing a program, patience in recruiting and patience as the season goes along. I think that has always been his trademark and I think I’ve tried to develop some of that wisdom here at Northeastern.”

What Coen has developed is a program that can compete with any team in the competitive CAA as well as many of the other mid-major programs in the country. The Huskies opened the season against two teams likely to be dancing this month, losing a close 59-53 contest to Siena — a team currently riding a 35-game home winning streak — in Albany to open the season and following that up with a 64-61 victory over Utah State, a team that will at the very least share the WAC regular-season crown. It is a testament to the players that Coen has been able to lure to Northeastern, including a talented five-man senior class that features three starters and a valuable bench player in Baptiste Bataille.

Those three starters, along with junior Chaisson Allen, represent the core of the team. Nkem Ojougboh, who transferred to Northeastern from University of Texas-San Antonio after one season, and Manny Adako give the Huskies size and rebounding up front, but it is Matt Janning who is the unquestioned leader of this team. Janning, who played for the same AAU coach in Minnesota as former BC guard Troy Bell, has developed into one of the best players in the CAA and is his team’s leading scorer at 15.1 points a game. On Feb. 10, in a 62-53 win over Georgia State, he joined Huskies legend Dave Caligaris as the only other player in school history to have at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds and 300 assists in his career.

Janning and his teammates have taken Northeastern from a team that was 13-19 in Janning’s freshman year and helped shape it into a contender for a conference crown. The Huskies’ record has improved each of the last four years as Coen and his players have helped turnaround the program. It is something Janning and his fellow seniors take pride in.

“When we all get together 10-15 years from now and look back at what we initially started — anybody can look at their college career and say that, but being part of a brand new coaching staff and the group that kind of got it going, it’s going to feel great when we do look back at that,” he said.

While no one would confuse the run Northeastern has made these past few years with its turn in the late ’80s, when Reggie Lewis led the Huskies to four consecutive trips to the Big Dance, this senior class has made great strides each year it has been a part of the program. That includes last year, when Northeastern made the College Basketball Invitational, its first trip to the postseason since Jose Juan Barea, now a guard on the Dallas Mavericks, led the Huskies to the NIT in 2005. Though the Huskies eventually lost to the runner-up in the tournament, UTEP, in the quarterfinals, Coen’s team accomplished something no Northeastern squad had done since 1984: earning a postseason win, which came in the form of a 64-62 victory at Wyoming in the first round.

Still, this team has higher expectations for how it will close out its campaign this year. Last season, Northeastern stumbled down the stretch, losing four of its last six games and falling to the third seed in the conference before being upset by Towson in the second round of the CAA tournament. The players insist that they will not be thinking about that when they take the court in Richmond Saturday.

“I think we are a new team,” said Allen, who is the Huskies’ second-leading scorer at 14.1 points per game. “There is a new focus. We learned from last year but we just put that under our belt and go into the tournament with a lot of experience and hopefully move forward.”

The Huskies had been holding out some hope that they could be in the spot the Monarchs are in — sitting atop of the conference — but a slipup against Hofstra in the second-to-last game of the season on Feb. 23 left the door open for ODU to jump into the conference driver’s seat. Still, Northeastern was able to rebound from that loss and two other setbacks in the final minute — to conference foe William & Mary and Louisiana Tech on BrackBuster Saturday on Feb. 20 — by closing out its regular season last Saturday with a win at George Mason. It restored some of the confidence Coen’s team had built in winning 15 of 16 games in a stretch from Dec. 25 to Feb. 10, a streak that included a victory over ODU at Matthews Arena at the end of January.

“I felt that we really needed that win against George Mason to kind of get our energy back,” Coen said. “We lost a couple of tough games in the final possession — a rebound basket against William & Mary and about a 30-foot bank shot against Louisiana Tech. So when those things go against you, you can’t help but have some doubts in your mind.

“But I thought our game against George Mason — where we really kind of made some winning plays down the stretch and came back from a deficit and ended up winning the game — will give us some momentum going into the tournament.”

With its first win at the Patriot Center since joining the conference in 2005, Northeastern has the mindset that it can extend its season. The victory brought the Huskies’ season mark against the CAA’s Virginia teams to 6-1, though only one of those other wins came on the road. Still, this team has proven with the win last Saturday and the victory over Old Dominion that it belongs in the upper echelon of a tough conference. And despite the misstep against Hofstra that caused Northeastern to fall a notch in the standings, the Huskies still head into Saturday on a high note, even if they get a rematch with the streaking Pride, who have won their last six games.

“We would have liked to finish first, but going in second is not too bad,” Allen said. “Obviously, we got a bye and got those three games, so I feel like we’ve got a good chance.”

It is a virtual certainty that Northeastern needs to win the conference tourney to be a part of the field of 65 for the NCAA tournament. The Huskies just do not have the quality wins on their resume that the likes of a William & Mary possess. But win or lose, Northeastern has come a long way in the basketball world in the short time that Coen has been at the helm, something his players can appreciate.

“I think if we do make it, it’s just another level that we’ve proven we can go to — which I think we definitely have the group to do it this year,” Janning said. “Like I said, it’s going to feel great looking back if we can say we made the tournament my senior year.

“If we don’t, it’s part of basketball; it happens,” he continued. “We’re not really thinking about that, but if it does happen like that we can’t really dwell on that. I still put together a great career here, and a lot of these guys will look back and be pretty proud of what they put into it.”

Times are tough for the New Jersey Nets, even with their win over the Celtics on Saturday. Their latest promotion to lure fans to a game might help, though. They are offering free state income tax return preparation to New Jersey residents who attend Friday night’s game vs. the Orlando Magic.

“I know two things about sports fans: They take sports very seriously and they still have to deal with the IRS,” said Roni Deutch, who owns the company that is providing the service.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier looks at questions facing the Red Sox as they start their spring training schedule. Speier also wraps up the day in Fort Myers.

Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran confirmed that he talked to federal investigators about controversial Canadian doctor Anthony Galea.

FOOTBALL: The NFL and the players union continue to disagree.  The Pro Bowl again will be played the weekend before the Super Bowl when it returns to Hawaii next year.

The man who shot a nationally recognized Iowa high school coach was convicted of murder.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Pistons. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned.

Kevin Durant lifted the Thunder past the Kings. The Lakers pulled away from the Pacers. Allen Iverson will not return to the 76ers. Suspended Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas is not nervous about his pending sentencing on gun charges.

No. 1 Syracuse clinched the Big East title by beating St. John’s. No. 6 Ohio State clinched a share of the Big Ten title with a win over Illinois.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Canadiens. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

Jerry Thornton’s love affair with hockey, rekindled by the Olympics, is over. Opposing goalie Ryan Miller got louder cheers than Sidney Crosby before the Penguins-Sabres game in Pittsburgh. Flyers goalie Ray Emery is done for the season with a hip injury. The Thrashers signed 48-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios.

MISC.: Tiger Woods is back home working on his golf game.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 3, 1985, which Celtic set a team record for points with 56 in a win over Detroit — only to have it broken nine days later by Larry Bird?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I had nothing to lose anymore. It could get no worse than what it was the first few months, and I just walked onto the field one day, trying not to worry about what happened before, and it clicked.” — David Ortiz, on the Dennis & Callahan show, talking about last season’s turnaround

STAT OF THE DAY: 10 — Consecutive home losses for the Bruins after Tuesday night’s setback vs. the Canadiens

‘NET RESULTS: A Memphis Grizzlies fan got the chance to dunk off a trampoline. He got the dunk, but he paid the price.

This is just one reason why you shouldn’t have a stone wall four feet from the end line of a soccer field.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Kevin McHale

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Jennifer Warnes is 63 today.

It looks like it's about time to throw in the towel for Allen Iverson. (AP)

Endings are supposed to be climactic.

Raised with movies such as “Scarface” and books like the “Lord of the Rings,” we were taught that an ending is supposed to be glorious. Guns blazing, horns blaring — a finale is supposed to be this.

Same thing goes for the closing of a sports career. By right, it should be a culmination of a years of work, complete with standing ovations, confetti, horns — the works.

But the truth is, it rarely works out like that.

Just ask Allen Iverson, who on Tuesday was released by the 76ers, a move that figured by most to be a long time coming. Iverson was in the midst of attempting to revitalize his 13-year career, 10 seasons of which were spent annihilating defenses in Philadelphia. But after a failed stint in Denver, a mishap in Detroit and a misstep with the Grizzlies, Iverson appears to be done — finally.

Even Michael Jordan, Mr. Basketball himself, ended one of the greatest careers in NBA history with a finale that was far from epic. Jordan left Chicago with every intention of leaving the game, only to return with the Washington Wizards, a sequel that proved to be just as fruitful as “The Sandlot 2.”

The same goes for the great Emmit Smith, who after years of punishing defenses with the Cowboys left for Arizona for a year and fizzled to nothing. The list goes on and on — athletes who suffered ends that never came close to doing their careers justice. Cam Neely, Joe Montana and now Iverson.

As for the city of Boston? We’re no stranger to the art of smothered endings. From Drew Bledsoe to Mo Vaughn, Beantown has been the home of many a fizzled career. Here’s a look at some standouts.

Keith Foulke — He was a hero; he accomplished the impossible, clinching a World Series for Boston for the first time in 86 years, appearing in 11 of the Red Sox’ 14 postseason games in 2004. Over that stretch, Foulke allowed one earned run, fanning 19 batters. He was, for all intents and purposes, the perfect closer for the perfect season.

Keith Foulke and his famous "Oh, boy, my ERA's probably around 7.00 now" face. (AP)

But then he paid for it. In 2005, Foulke was a silhouette of his former self, battling knee injuries right from the start. His ERA ballooned to over 5.00, and he eventually surrendered the closing role to Mike Timlin midway though the season.

It got so bad for Foulke, whose ERA reached 6.03 in late June, that the once-revered closer lashed back out at Boston fans who showered him with boos during his time of struggle. He called the Red Sox fans an afterthought, claiming that their disappointment wasn’t important to him.

His return in 2006 was just as disastrous, eventually being placed on the disabled list with an elbow injury as his ERA topped out at 5.63. Following the 2006 season, Foulke was released by the Red Sox and signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians for 2007. The closer then announced his retirement in early February, only to return in 2008 with the Athletics.

Last year, he was a relief pitcher for the Newark Bears in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

Willie McGinest — Big No. 55 was a staple of the New England defense his entire career, coming off  four years of record-shattering football at USC.

McGinest finally turned that success into a few rings, proving to be a crucial cornerstone during the Patriots’ three Super Bowl victories.

However, his time as a fan favorite in New England came to an end following the Patriots’ final Super Bowl win in 2004. After the following season, McGinest was released by the Patriots, only to sign a few weeks later with the Cleveland Browns, reuniting with former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

In his first year with the Browns, McGinest played in only 14 games, recording just four sacks — less than half as many as he had with New England in 2004 (9.5). In 2007, McGinest reached a career low in tackles with 19, appearing in just 13 games with the Browns. His sack total dipped to just one the following year, and McGinest then announced his retirement after the 2008 season, signifying the end to a trickling career away from New England.

Antoine Walker — ‘Toine might have been the most beloved member of the Green second to only Paul Pierce in the late ’90s and early 2000s. The 6-foot-9 forward was drafted by the Celtics in 1996, leading the team with 17.5 points a game and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team. Still, the Celtics struggled mightily, only recording 15 wins during Walker’s inaugural season.

But Walker continued to thrive in Boston, making the All-Star team the following year, his final year without Pierce as his right-hand man. When Pierce arrived, Boston’s 1-2 punch revitalized the once famous basketball city, eventually leading Boston to the playoffs in 2001, the C’s first trip in seven years. Boston advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, before the New Jersey Nets dispatched Boston in six games. Boston suffered the same fate the following season, with the Nets ending Pierce and Walker’s season in the Eastern Conference finals once again.

And that’s when the game of musical chairs started with Walker’s career.

The next season, the forward was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, used on a limited basis due to an already crowded roster of stars including Antawn Jamison and Dirk Nowitzki. Walker’s time in Dallas was short-lived, as he was shipped off to Atlanta just before the start of the 2003-04 season in exchange for Jason Terry and Alan Henderson.

Then, in a moment of poetic justice, Walker returned to the Celtics in a trade during the 2005 season, only to find himself involved in the largest swap in NBA history between Boston and the Miami Heat shortly after.

Walker did win a title with the Heat in 2006, scoring 14 points in the clinching game. But the next season, ‘Toine once again found himself on the road, heading this time for Minnesota in a trade that sent Ricky Davis to Miami. One season later, the forward was Memphis-bound, and he eventually was waived by the Grizzlies in December 2008, ending his time in the NBA.

It was a rough run for Drew Bledsoe after he left New England in 2001, never spending longer than two years with another team before he officially retired. (AP)

And now? He’s broke and in debt. It’s a long way from the top …

Drew Bledsoe — No list of awkward and painful career endings would be complete without mention of Drew Bledsoe — Boston-based or not.

The former Patriots quarterback was revered in his prime with New England — a four-time Pro Bowl selection in his seven full seasons with the red, white and blue. But a very severe and very famous chest injury in 2001 would put an end to his reign in New England, as the gates opened for the golden boy, Tom Brady.

Following his departure from the Patriots in 2002 by way of a trade, Bledsoe returned to New England as a member of the Buffalo Bills in the opening game of the ‘02 season. Bledsoe dismantled his former squad, and eventually threw for over 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns with the Bills. But in 2003, his second and final year with Buffalo, Bledsoe failed to get his team in the end zone in three straight games, prompting his release at the end of the season.

Bledsoe reunited with former coach Bill Parcells the very next season, posting a 9-7 record with Dallas on the wings of passing for a solid 3,000 yards. But in 2006, his play became so erratic that he was eventually replaced by current Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Shortly after the end of the ‘06 season, Bledsoe was released by the Cowboys, and he announced his retirement in the spring of 2007.

Mo Vaughn — The “Hit Dog”

Vaughn buried himself into the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere right from the start, becoming a centerpiece in Boston’s offense in the 1993 season, belting 29 home runs and driving in a team-leading 101 RBI. In 1995, Vaughn blasted 39 homers and drove in 126 runs, leading Boston to the postseason, though the Red Sox would fall to the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS. For his efforts, the big lefty was awarded AL MVP honors.

Vaughn would continue to rake at Fenway, knocking 44, 35 and 40 home runs in his final three seasons with the Red Sox, his batting average never dipping below .300 and reaching as high as .337. But like so many on this list, Vaughn’s time in Boston eventually came to an end, as he headed for Anaheim, signing a six-year $60 million deal — the most lucrative contract in baseball at the time.

But that six-year deal would turn into only a two-year career with the Angels, as injuries and a fiery attitude lead to his demise in California. After falling down the dugout in the first game of the 2001 season and badly injuring his ankle, Vaughn was shipped off to the Mets in the winter in exchange for Kevin Appier, a trade that would eventually lead to the firing of Mets general manager Steve Phillips.

After a less-than-stellar campaign in 2002 when Vaughn ballooned to as heavy as 275 pounds, a knee injury permanently ended his career after he played only a month in 2003.

Trot Nixon — Nixon was the ultimate dirt dog during his time in Boston, a fan favorite through and through. No. 7 may not have ever drilled over 30 home runs in a season, or driven in as many as 100 RBI in a campaign, but he was a staple in the Red Sox lineup nonetheless, using top-notch hustle to weave his way into the hearts of the Fenway faithful.

But two years after Nixon and the Red Sox brought home the 2004 World Series trophy, he was released by Boston and signed a one-year deal with the Indians instead. Nixon would only appear in 99 games for Cleveland, hitting only three home runs and recording just 31 RBI in his lone season in Ohio.

The following season, he found his way to the Mets, appearing in just 11 games and hitting just a single home run, the only run he would drive in all season.

Junior Seau's latest gig can be seen on Versus TV — an odd jobs sports show. (AP)

After finishing 2008 on the disabled list, Nixon signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, only to be released by them as well. Nixon announced his retirement that winter.

Junior Seau — Nobody’s exactly sure what his deal is anymore.

Seau’s story is a little different from the rest, in that he came to Boston following a stellar career and an announced retirement, rather than the opposite. Nonetheless, the 12-time Pro Bowler was still in football shape when he arrived in New England in 2006, recording 69 tackles before breaking his arm in a game against the Chicago Bears.

The very next year, Seau proved instrumental in New England’s 16-0 regular-season campaign, only to be a part of the NFL’s most famous upset as the New York Giants took down the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Seau signed his third one-year deal with the Patriots in 2008, replacing injured linebacker Adalius Thomas, but his career continued to spiral downward. Similarly, in 2009 he also returned to New England for seven games, recording just 14 tackles as a reserve on defense.

Following the 2009 season, Seau announced his “intention” to retire in 2010, though he has not officially left the sport for good.

Sam Cassell — Similar to Seau, Cassell was a highly decorated NBA veteran when he arrived in Boston. The three-time NBA champion, also sometimes confused with an alien, was signed by the Celtics in the spring of 2008 and proved to be instrumental in their 17th championship. According to Celtics superstar Paul Pierce, Cassell spent countless hours at practice with Pierce as he prepared to defend LeBron James in the Eastern semifinal round.

That would be the last of Cassell’s achievements however, as he was traded to Sacramento in the winter of 2009 in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2015. One day later, the former NBA All-Star was waived by his new team in order to make room for incoming players. He now is an assistance coach with the Washington Wizards.

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev isn’t happy with his country’s performance at the Vancouver Olympics, and he wants someone to pay. Medvedev demanded that Russian sports officials step down after the team won just 15 medals (three gold) and finished sixth in the overall medal count.

“Those who bear the responsibility for Olympic preparations should carry that responsibility. It’s totally clear,” he said in televised comments. “I think that the individuals responsible, or several of them, who answer for these preparations, should take the courageous decision to hand in their notice. If we don’t see such decisiveness, we will help them.”

Russia will host the next Winter Games at the Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2014.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford looks at Daisuke Matsuzaka’s attempts to regain the trust of Red Sox Nation. Alex Speier takes a look at Boston’s catching situation, now and in the future.

Alex Rodriguez will be questioned about the Canadian doctor who is being investigated by federal authorities. Tigers star Miguel Cabrera said he does not drink anymore and insists he is not an alcoholic.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price has Five Things We Learned from the combine. The Jets are set to release running back Thomas Jones. The Bears waived offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

BASKETBALL: Paul Flannery writes about Nate Robinson’s adjustment to the Celtics. The Spurs waived Michael Finley. Shaquille O’Neal had thumb surgery and is likely to miss the rest of the regular season. LeBron James put in a request to wear No. 6 next season. The Suns rallied past the Nuggets. The Mavericks won their eighth straight game, beating the Bobcats. The Clippers edged the Jazz.

Syracuse is ranked No. 1 for the first time since 1990. Carlson Mozdiez has his weekly NCAA tournament analysis. The Mountain West Conference reprimanded New Mexico coach Steve Alford over his heated exchange of words with BYU forward Jonathan Tavernari.

Tina Charles became the new career leader in points and rebounds for the UConn women’s team in a victory over Notre Dame.

HOCKEY: The Bruins return to action tonight vs. the Canadiens. The Penguins acquired defenseman Jordan Leopold from the Florida Panthers.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 2, 2001, vs. the Utah Jazz, which Celtic set a team record for most free throws made in one half with 14?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It happens. We’re not used to it happening here but it happens. I’m not going to overreact to it. I can tell you that.” — Celtics coach Doc Rivers after Monday’s practice, referring to his team’s embarrassing loss Saturday to the Nets

STAT OF THE DAY: 74 — Points scored by the Cavaliers in the first half of their rout of the Knicks, matching the halftime total they recorded three weeks ago against the same Knicks team

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s a mix of Deuce Bello highlights. Bello is a North Carolina high school basketball player who has, as the kids say, “mad ups.”

University of Georgia coach Mark Fox shows the kids a trick shot.

Golden State Warriors rookie Stephen Curry shows off a Rajon Rondo-esque fake.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Paul Pierce, who finished the night 18-of-19 from the line

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Jon Bon Jovi is 48 today. So, here’s that video of the kid dancing at the Celtics game to “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

Zach Parise's late goal gave the U.S. a glimmer of hope before Canada snatched away gold. (AP)

The Thrill of Victory

The whole world was centered on the U.S. vs. Canada men’s hockey gold medal game, but more on that later.

The men’s U.S. four-man bobsled team made a little history of its own with a gold medal on the last day of the Olympics. This was the first medal for a bobsled team from the United States in 62 years. Steven Holcomb, Justin Olsen, Steve Mester and Curtin Tomasevicz were the men to accomplish the feat and bring a happy note to a track that was marred in controversy at the start of the Games.

With a total time of 3:24.46 — elapsed in four runs — the Americans nudged out two German teams and two Canadian teams to sit on top of the bobsled world in Vancouver.

Norway’s Peter Northug waited for the home stretch to pull ahead of the field in the 50k cross country skiing event to bring home the gold. Northug waited and waited before he put on a full-out sprint towards the finish line.

A large contingent of skiers stayed bunched up throughout most of the race, as the lead pack swelled to 26 competitors at one point, but it was Northug who made his move at the very end to push past Germany’s Axel Teichmann and Sweden’s Johan Olsson, who finished silver and bronze respectively.

The U.S. team as a whole should be commended for its record-setting medal count in Vancouver. With 37 medals the U.S. now has captured the most medals at any Winter Olympics, leaving Germany (30 medals) and Canada (26 medals) in its wake.

The Agony of Defeat

You could say this was just what the doctor ordered for the Vancouver Olympics. This was Ali vs. Frazier, Lakers vs. Celtics, Duke vs. North Carolina all wrapped up into one. It was a complete success, just not with the end result for the Americans.

Sidney Crosby picked the best time to make his presence felt with a an overtime goal to clinch the gold medal for the host country and allow an entire nation to take a big sigh of relief.

The fact that the Americans made it to the extra skating session was a minor miracle itself. Zach Parise’s goal with 24.4 seconds left notched the game at 2, sending it into OT. The U.S. pulled goalie (and tournament MVP) Ryan Miller in the waning moments and Parise came through with the extra attacker on the ice.

But Crosby showed up when it counted most for the Canadians when he  beat Miller 7:40 into the overtime to let all of Canada collectively sing its national anthem.

A devastating loss for the Americans, as they were so close, but the game was everything it was billed to be and they skated away — just like the women’s team — with a silver medal in hand.

The Local Look

The hockey game turned out to be all the local angle everyone in New England needed. The gold medal matchup lured so many people to the television, and many may have never bothered to pay attention to a sport that lacks luster in the United States.

New Hampshire’s Kris Freeman did not finish the grueling 50k cross country course in the men’s final.

Final Medal Count

United States (9 gold, 15 silver, 13 bronze) 37 total

Germany (10, 13, 7) 30

Canada (14, 7, 5) 26

It was an interesting weekend for handshakes, and Bill Belichick wasn’t involved in either of the incidents. In England, the soccer feud that rocked the national team spilled over to Premier League play, as Manchester City’s Wayne Bridge refused to shake hands with Chelsea’s John Terry, who allegedly cheated on his wife with Bridge’s ex-girlfriend and was removed as national team captain. Manchester City went on to win the game, 4-2.

And in New Mexico, Lobos basketball coach Steve Alford and BYU player Jonathan Tavernari exchanged unpleasantries after their postgame handshake. Tavernari later visited the New Mexico locker room to apologize to Alford, whose team won a tight game.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford sat down with Josh Beckett, who talked about looking forward to a big year. Mets shortstop Jose Reyes was interviewed by investigators about the Canadian doctor

FOOTBALL: Christopher Price and D.J. Bean report from the NFL combine. Raiders coach Tom Cable spoke glowingly of former Patriot Richard Seymour.

The Bills are setting Terrell Owens free. The Chargers will let Darren Sproles be a free agent as well. The NFL will consider changing its overtime format for playoff games.

BASKETBALL: Kevin Garnett is ‘disgusted’ with the Celtics after Saturday’s loss to the lowly Nets. Tony Battie reportedly would be interested in the Celtics (along with other title contenders) if he is set free by the Nets.

The Lakers rallied past the Nuggets. The Spurs stopped the Suns. The Hawks topped the Bucks in overtime. The Wizards turned away the Nets.

Shaquille O’Neal will have surgery on the thumb he hurt against the Celtics and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. Timberwolves center Al Jefferson apologized after his arrest on suspicion of DWI. NBA commissioner David Stern said he expects Michael Jordan to be approved as majority owner of the Bobcats by the end of March.

Louisville edged UConn on a late bucket by Edgar Sosa. No. 14 Michigan State handled Purdue.

OLYMPICS: Canada won a classic hockey final, beating Team USA in overtime. Kirk Minihane kept a diary while watching the thriller.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On March 1, 1901, which future Hall of Famer was hired away from Boston’s National League franchise to be a player and manager for the city’s new American League team (the Red Sox, although that wasn’t the nickname at the time)?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Being in Canada, that’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You dream of that a thousand times growing up. For it to come true is amazing.” — Sidney Crosby, after his overtime goal gave Canada a 3-2 win over the United States in Sunday’s Olympic gold medal game

STAT OF THE DAY: 14 — Gold medals won by Canada in Vancouver, a Winter Olympics record

‘NET RESULTS: The girlfriend of Canadian speedskater Charles Hamelin, Marianne St-Gelais (an Olympic speedskater herself), gets a workout cheering for his gold medal performance in the crash-filled 500.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Jimmy Collins

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Mike D’Abo, former lead singer for Manfred Mann, turns 66 today.

Canada's on-ice celebration did not go over well with everyone. (AP)

At the Olympics Thursday in Vancouver, Canada defeated the United States for the gold medal in women’s hockey. That went over well in Canada. The team’s celebration, however, wasn’t as well-received. After a half-hour in the locker room, the players returned to the ice and partied with champagne, beer and cigars.

“I don’t think it’s a good promotion of sport values,” said Gilbert Felli, the IOC’s executive director of the Olympic Games. “If they celebrate in the changing room, that’s one thing, but not in public. We will investigate what happened.”

Hockey Canada apologized in a press release late Thursday night. “The members of Team Canada apologize if their on-ice celebrations, after fans had left the building, have offended anyone,” the statement said. “In the excitement of the moment, the celebration left the confines of our dressing room and shouldn’t have. The team regrets that its gold medal celebration may have caused the IOC or COC any embarrassment.

“Our players and team vow to uphold the values of the Olympics moving forward and view this situation as a learning experience.”

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford looks at how one adjustment led Marco Scutaro to Boston. Hitting coach Dave Magadan defended the Red Sox offense. David Ortiz is in a better place this spring. The Sox unveiled plans for their new spring training home. On Dennis & Callahan this morning, Jonathan Papelbon said he’s “on a mission.” Theo Epstein talked to D&C about his thoughts on the team.

Alex Rodriguez said last season’s World Series title is like “a humongous gorilla came off my back.” Mark McGwire responded to his estranged brother’s tell-all book by saying that he doesn’t plan on ever seeing him again. Infielder Khalil Greene’s contract was voided by the Rangers, as the player did not report to spring training due to social anxiety issues.

FOOTBALL: WEEI.com’s Christopher Price and D.J. Bean report from the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Price takes another look at the Pats’ David Patten signing.

The Steelers re-signed nose tackle Casey Hampton. Representatives from the players union and the league met to talk about a new CBA.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Cavaliers. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer analysis. Leon Powe made his debut for the Cavs.

Without coach George Karl (cancer treatment), the Nuggets raced past the Warriors. The Bucks edged the Pacers for their fifth straight win. As expected, the Wizards bought out Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ contract, clearing the way for him to return to the Cavaliers in a month. The Grizzlies assigned rookie center Hasheem Thabeet to the D-League.

Purdue junior forward Robbie Hummel is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Isiah Thomas was ejected from Florida International’s loss to Middle Tennessee. Syracuse is expecting a record crowd for an on-campus game when it hosts Villanova Saturday.

HOCKEY: The Bruins returned to the ice for practice. Dan Rowinski analyzes the B’s top defensive pairing. The Flames gave Rene Bourque a six-year extension worth $20 million. The Wild signed winger Cal Clutterbuck to a three-year extension. Blues forward Cam Janssen was suspended five games for a hit to the head on Washington’s Matt Bradley.

MISC.: Nike said it will continue to support Tiger Woods.

OLYMPICS: The U.S. women’s hockey team fell to Canada in the gold medal game. South Korean Kim Yu-na won the women’s figure skating gold. Skier Julia Mancuso talked about her rivalry with Lindsey Vonn and played down the controversy. The United States won a couple of Nordic medals.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 26, 1935, the New York Yankees released Babe Ruth so that he could sign with which team to finish out his playing career?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This year everyone is doubting our offense, so that motivates you, and not only me but all the other guys in the lineup have something to prove. It’s going to be fun proving everybody wrong.” — Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, during an appearance on Dennis & Callahan

STAT OF THE DAY: 3-for-21 — The Celtics’ shooting in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s loss to the Cavaliers

‘NET RESULTS: Soccer goalie scores goal. From own box.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Boston Braves

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Fats Domino is 82 today. Interesting fact: When he and his family were rescued from their flooded New Orleans home during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath in 2005, they stayed with then-LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who reportedly was dating Domino’s granddaughter.

Billy Demong claimed the first-ever U.S. gold in Nordic competition. (AP)

The United States continued its successful run in Vancouver with a few more medals on Thursday, and two of them came from an unlikely source.

With his gold in the large hill competition at Nordic combined, Billy Demong captured the first gold medal ever for the U.S. in Nordic competition. His teammate, Johnny Spillane, wasn’t far behind to give the Americans ultimate bragging rights with a 1-2 finish in the race.

These two guys should be dubbed the “Mailmen” from here on out, because they had to tackle the rain, snow and wind to get through the grueling course — similar to if they live in the Washington D.C. area during a tough winter storm.

Jeret Peterson took home a silver medal in the men’s freestyle competition. Peterson is the owner of two pretty sweet nicknames. His nickname is “Speedy” and his jump that landed him on the medal stand is called “Hurricane.”

Peterson had to deal with some demons during his life, as he has battled alcohol and depression, but now he can call himself a decorated Olympian.

The Agony of Defeat

The U.S. women were destined for gold. They blew through all their competition and made Russia look like a JV team in the process, but you know what … so did Canada. The host ladies defeated the American’s 2-0 in the gold medal game.

Both squads seemed to be skating in the park during these Olympics. The American’s held a 40-2 scoring advantage coming into the final, but Shannon Szabados did her best Ryan Miller impersonation to keep the U.S. off the score sheet.

During the celebration, Team Canada may have gone a bit too far, and the Olympic Committee may be looking into the matter.

Julia Mancuso couldn’t defend her championship in the giant slalom and finished in a distant eighth place. It was her last attempt at a medal, as she has decided to skip Friday’s slalom event. Mancuso goes home with two silvers and a war of words with America’s sweetheart Lindsey Vonn.

Bill Schuffenhauer, a member of the U.S. bobsled team, found his way into the news for an off-track incident. Schuffenhauer was detained and released by Canadian police after an alleged domestic incident with his fiancée.

With the final races coming up on Friday and Saturday, you wonder where his head will be at when the U.S. team is ready to take on one of the fastest tracks in Olympic history.

Local Look

The women’s hockey team was loaded with New Englanders who had to settle for a silver medal in the Vancouver Games. The six New England ladies will probably be welcomed with open arms upon their return from Canada, but gold was there for the taking. The shots just came up empty when it mattered most.

Other than the women’s hockey team, New Englanders were not well-represented during Thursday’s events.

Medal Count

United States (8 gold, 12 silver, 12 bronze) 32 total
Germany (8, 11, 7) 26
Norway (7,6,6) 19

Mark McGwire’s estranged brother Jay gave an interview to promote his new book and said the former home run king knew what he was doing when he used performance-enhancing drugs,.

“Mark knew that he was going to get the strength and endurance and size. I know that the main motive to justify taking steroids was healing,” Jay McGwire said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I know that for a fact. But in the long run he knew the strength and the size and endurance will increase. I don’t know why he’s coming across that it was all healing.”

A former bodybuilder, Jay McGwire claims he convinced his brother to use steroids regularly after Mark’s injury-filled 1993 season with the A’s.

BASEBALL: Red Sox owners conducted a press conference in Fort Myers and reiterated their commitment to the team. Check the Full Count blog for your complete Red Sox update.

Derek Jeter wants to stay with the Yankees after his contract expires at the end of this season.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price looks at how the Patriots value the combine interviews. New England mourned the passing of Mosi Tatupu. The Patriots signed wide receiver David Patten.

An emotional LaDanian Tomlinson bid farewell to the Chargers. Raiders coach Tom Cable will not be punished by the NFL after an investigation into allegations of domestic violence against women and a fight with an assistant. South Florida prosecutors said they will not file rape charges against former Cowboys star Michael Irvin.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics host the Cavaliers tonight, and former Celtic Leon Powe may make an appearance.

The Mavericks turned away the Lakers. Dwight Howard recorded his franchise-record 19th straight double-double in the Magic’s win over the Rockets. The Hawks held off the Timberwolves. The Bucks are .500 after beating the Hornets. Manu Ginobli blocked a Kevin Durant dunk down the stretch to help the Spurs beat the Thunder. Here it is:

Boston College routed Virginia Tech.

HOCKEY: Dan Rowinski continues his Bruins positional analysis with a look at left wingers.

OLYMPICS: The U.S. men’s hockey team shut out Switzerland to advance to the semifinals. Canada routed Russia.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 25, 1982, which former major league pitcher signed with the Pawtucket Red Sox?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “He knows his game went to the next level because his body went to the next level.” — Jay McGwire, on brother Mark McGwire

STAT OF THE DAY: 67 — Consecutive wins (and all by double digits) for the UConn women’s basketball team after Wednesday night’s 87-66 rout of Syracuse

‘NET RESULTS: Magic guard Vince Carter throws the ball 86 feet into the basket while sitting on the ground.

Soccer player scores goal, decapitates team mascot to celebrate.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Mark Fidrych

SOOTHING SOUNDS: George Harrison was born on this day in 1943 (he died in 2001).

Boston fans will remember Eddie House's time in a Celtics uniform. (AP)

Win a championship in the city of Boston and nine times out of 10 you will be welcomed with open arms upon your return … even if it is with another team.

On Tuesday night, Eddie House made a trip back to TD Garden only a week after being traded to the Knicks for Nate Robinson, and the cheers from the fans literally brought the “House” down. A video montage of House highlights was displayed on the big screen for all to see, and the fans offered up a loud standing ovation for the C’s former spark plug.

House wasn’t a starter or a superstar on the team that brought home the 17th banner to Causeway Street, but he showed up when it counted most and could ignite a Celtics charge with a couple of patented catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.

Here’s a look at a couple of other cases in which an athlete returned to Boston after helping secure a championship in the city. (As said before, nine times out of 10 the response is overwhelmingly positive, but as you will see, it doesn’t happen that way every time.)

James Posey

In his one season with the Celtics, Posey, like House, helped end a 22-year championship drought for the most decorated team in the NBA history. Posey was the guy off the bench that year, filling the role as defensive stopper and clutch shooter all in one.

Posey was able to give Paul Pierce and Ray Allen much needed rest during the season, and in the Finals Posey made quite a name for himself with big shot after big shot.

Don’t forget about the monumental pregame hugs at half court.

Posey’s outstanding play in the playoffs made him a little too rich for the Celtics’ liking after the season and he inked a lucrative deal with the New Orleans Hornets, ending a very successful one-year run with the Green.

He returned to Boston in December 2008 to collect his ring in a Hornets uniform and he was more than well received in his return. A ceremony was put on in Posey’s honor, as he missed the initial ring ceremony at the beginning of the season because he was playing with his new team.

Dave Roberts

See what one steal can do for a man? Roberts was brought over at the trade deadline in 2004 and played sparingly in the Red Sox outfield. But his steal against the Yankees in the ALCS will never be forgotten.

Here is some amateur video of the big play that helped spark the comeback vs. the Yankees.

Roberts’ time in Boston was brief, but will never be forgotten by Bostonians. He returned in 2005 with the San Francisco Giants in an interleague game at Fenway and was welcomed with a big standing ovation.

Roberts filled in for Jerry Remy on NESN at times last season as a color commentator and probably doesn’t have to by a dinner in Boston ever again. Who knew that one steal gets you a job and free food?

Johnny Damon

Remember that nine-times-out-of-10 thing we talked about? Well Damon fits the bill in this situation. The self-proclaimed “Idiot” — he wrote a book about it, too — captured the hearts of Red Sox fans for four seasons and helped bring THE championship that Boston wanted most.

At the end of the 2005 season, the Red Sox decided to part ways with the bearded wonder, and what did he do? He shaved the beard and turned to the “Dark Side,” as Larry Lucchino likes to call it.

Damon stunned Red Sox Nation by signing a four-year deal with the hated Yankees, and you knew his first trip back to Fenway was going to be ugly. He even took out a full-page ad in the local papers to thank the fans, but that wasn’t enough for Sox fans after he put on the pinstripes.

His first game was sure to be a circus. Just check the bleacher creatures heckling the formerly beloved center fielder.

Damon helped the Yankees another World Series last season, and he just signed a deal with the Detroit Tigers. Who knows how fans will treat him when he comes to town in a different uniform?

The Thrill of Victory

For whatever reason, women’s figure skating is one of the most popular events at the Winter Games. And on Tuesday, fans were treated to quite a show from the sport’s best: Kim Yu-na.

The South Korean skater performed a flawless routine in her short program, breaking her own record with a score of 78.5 points, almost five points ahead of main rival Mao Asada of Japan. The gold medal favorite thrilled the audience and the judges with her skate set to the James Bond theme and will head into Thursday’s free skate with a sizable lead.

It was not the only inspiring moment of the night in the event. Canadian Joannie Rochette, the 2009 silver medalist at the world championships, performed just days after her mother, Therese, passed away after suffering a heart attack. Despite the obvious weight on her shoulders, Rochette was able to compose herself and come through with a third-best score, moving the crowd that supported their own in one of the most emotional moments of the games.

Another Canadian woman had a memorable Tuesday. Ashleigh McIvor, a Whistler native, blew past the competition in the skicross to win the first-ever gold in the event. The hometown girl had come in as one of the favorites and delivered the sixth gold of the games for the hosts.

The United States kept its hold of the overall medal lead, barely staying ahead of Germany. That was helped by the continued surprising effectiveness of the Nordic team. A little over a week after Johnny Spillane won the first-ever Nordic medal for the United States, a silver in the normal hill competition, he teamed with Billy Demong, Todd Lodwick and Brett Camerota for second podium finish. This was eerily similar to the end of Spillane’s race, as Austria’s Mario Stecher passed Demong on the final downhill to once again deny the U.S. gold. Still, another medal in Nordic is a strong indication of the U.S. turnaround in the event.

The Agony of Defeat

If there had been one international athlete that had owned the Olympics up to this point, you could have made a strong case that it was the Netherlands’ Sven Kramer. He was all set to cement his status as the world’s best in long track speedskating with a record-setting performance in the 10,000 meters and another gold. Instead, Kramer walked away with nothing after a disqualification for failing to change lanes.

Kramer’s failure was Lee Seung-hoon’s gain, who won his second medal of the games after taking advantage of the miscue between Kramer and his coach Gerard Kemkers, who sent the Dutch star into the wrong lane. Though Lee’s gold medal time was an Olympic record, this one was all about Kramer’s blunder.

New Hampshire native Bode Miller also went away empty-handed in the giant slalom on Tuesday. After three medals in as many races, Miller had high hopes in the event. But he picked up too much speed on the course in his first run and missed a gate trying to correct himself, ending his day early.

And a day after the U.S. men’s curling team ended its Olympic run with a disappointing 2-7 record and a share of last place, the women’s side lost 10-3 to Switzerland Tuesday to finish with an identical mark, but alone at the bottom of the standings. Needless to say, the Americans never found their footing on the Vancouver ice.

The Local Outlook

Though Miller could not come through with another podium finish, the day wasn’t all bad for those with New England ties.

Bruins stalwart David Krejci lifted the Czech Republic into the men’s hockey quarterfinals with an overtime goal, saving his team after it had squandered a 2-0 lead. The Czech side will face Finland today for a spot in the semis.

Erin Pac of Farmington, Conn., drove the USA-2 sled into striking position on the first day of the women’s bobsled, just 0.13 seconds away from the top tandem from Canada. It was an unexpected surprise after Pac spent much of this past weekend casting doubt over her performance, saying she had “not learned [the Whistler track] yet,” and that it was a “huge struggle” for her. So much for that, as the she and Elana Meyers head into today’s last two heats in second place.

Lenox, Mass., native Laura Spector competed in her final event of her Olympics debut on Tuesday, helping the U.S. team to a 17th place finish in the biathlon relay. The Russian team won the gold to defend its Olympic win in Turin.

Wednesday, Pac will be in the spotlight as she and Meyers try to vault into the top spot and give the U.S. its first medal in the sliding sports in Vancouver. Joining her will be Belmont’s Emily Cook, who will be looking for a medal of her own in the women’s aerials. Cook was the top U.S. representative in qualifying, finishing with the fifth best score and will try to jump into medal position.

The Medal Count

United States: 26 (7 gold, 9 silver, 10 bronze)

Germany: 23 (7, 9, 7)

Norway: 17 (6, 5, 6)

It’s common knowledge that hot dogs are not good for you. A Kansas man says he found out last season that they can be dangerous without even eating one, and he blames the Royals. John Coomer filed a lawsuit against the team seeking more than $25,000 for injuries he sustained Sept. 8 when he was hit in the eye with a hot dog thrown by the team’s lion mascot, Sluggerrr. Coomer said the hot dog caused a detached retina and the development of cataracts in his left eye. The Royals are getting a replacement for their mascot, but they did not say if this was the reason why.

BASEBALL: Mike Lowell talked about his situation and said he’s healthier than last season and wasn’t bothered by the offseason trade talks. Here’s the wrap-up of Tuesday’s developments at spring training.

Manny Ramirez joked and seemingly backtracked on comments one day earlier about this being his final season in Los Angeles. Third baseman Aaron Boone retired and joined ESPN as a baseball analyst.

FOOTBALL: Christopher Price looks at what NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock had to say about the Patriots’ draft. Former Patriot Matt Chatham hates the NFL combine.

The Eagles released running back Brian Westbrook. The Panthers said they will not franchise Julius Peppers. Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson pleaded guilty to DUI and received a four-day jail sentence and five years probation. Former Raiders assistant Randy Hanson is suing head coach Tom Cable and the team for Cable’s alleged attack on him.

The NCAA found that Michigan did not comply with practice time rules.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics edged the Knicks. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer analysis. Jessica Camerato talked to Knicks players about Nate Robinson. Mike Petraglia has Eddie House talking about his love for Boston.

Kobe Bryant returned to the Lakers and hit the winning shot vs. the Grizzlies. The Cavaliers ended their three-game losing streak. New Wizards forward Josh Howard tore his ACL and is done for the season.

No. 4 Syracuse won at Providence. No. 11 Georgetown handled Louisville. Florida beat No. 19 Tennessee. Philadelphia University coach Herb Magee became the NCAA’s all-time leader in wins, passing Bob Knight.

HOCKEY: Dan Rowinski continues his Bruins positional analysis with a look at the right wingers.

MISC.: Tiger Woods reportedly sent a letter to parents at his 2-year-old’s preschool apologizing for media presence at the school. ESPN suspended “Pardon the Interruption” co-host Tony Kornheiser for comments he made about SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm’s clothing.

OLYMPICS: Dutch speedskater Sven Kramer was disqualified from the 10,000 meters after winning by four seconds because of a lane-change violation. Big day for USA hockey today.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 23, 1986, which Red Sox player lost his arbitration case but came away with $1.35 million, which was the largest award of its kind to that date?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m definitely healthier this year than last. I don’t see why I should get less at-bats.” — Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, at a spring training press conference

STAT OF THE DAY: 903 — Carer wins for Philadelphia University basketball coach Herb Magee, moving him past Bob Knight into No. 1 all-time in NCAA history

‘NET RESULTS: This person will not be competing in the Olympics.

Cute Blonde Chick Fails at High Jump - Watch more Funny Videos

TRIVIA ANSWER: Wade Boggs, who had been seeking $1.85 million

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Rupert Holmes is 63 today.

The Thrill of Victory

In 2006, the U.S. women’s hockey team was just as on fire as it is in 2010. The Americans had outscored their first three opponents 17-3 and qualified for a semifinal-round match against Sweden.

They then fell to Sweden 3-2, ending their gold medal hopes.

Team USA made easy work of Sweden, the team responsible for ruining its 2006 medal quest. (AP)

Monday, however, team USA avenged that semifinal loss four long years ago, pummeling Sweden 9-1 and advancing to Thursday night’s gold medal game.

Monique Lamoureux had a hat trick in the victory that put the Americans in the final against Canada.

Lamoureux and Co. won’t be spending much time enjoying their revenge, as Canada presents a whole new set of problems.

The Canadians have been every bit as successful as the United States in 2010, outscoring their opponents 46-2 in their run to the gold medal game. They are led by Meghan Agosta, who set an Olympic record Monday night with her ninth goal of the tournament in Canada’s 5-0 win over Finland.

But for now, the USA can at least take solace in the fact that this year, history did not repeat itself. Instead, the Americans now have a chance to make positive memories rather than negative ones.

The Agony of Defeat

It just hasn’t gone quite right for the American men’s curling team.

In an Olympics in which the USA has taken control of the ice, the air, the powder and the medal count, there remains one area where the Americans have slipped out of the world eye – and Monday night, entirely out of contention.

Curling.

Following its 11-5 loss to team China last night, the U.S. men’s curling team was eliminated from medal contention after posting a 2-7 record over nine contests.

Earlier Monday, the Americans took on Canada and grabbed an early lead. But, as has been their luck this Olympics, they fell behind and eventually lost 7-2 in a shortened match.

Their 2-7 record may not be as bad as it appears, however, with three of their losses coming in extra ends, which is similar to extra innings in a game of baseball.

Still, elimination is elimination no matter how you look at it, and the Americans now will be forced to watch the remainder of the Olympics from their couches.

Honorable mention to Canada’s Martin Brodeur, who was officially replaced in net by Roberto Luongo following the Canadians’ upset loss to the Americans on Sunday night. Brodeur has had his struggles so far in the Olympics, especially in Sunday’s game, when he allowed four goals, including a few that could be labeled as “questionable.”

Hilary Knight (21) celebrates with Kerry Weiland (23) and Monique Lamoureux (7) after Team USA's first-period goal. From then on, it was all red, a lot of white, and a bunch of blue. (AP)

Team Canada will take the ice with its new postmaster tonight against Germany in a playoff qualifier.

Local Look

The Olympic committee might want to think about awarding three separate medals in Thursday night’s gold medal collision between Canada and the United State: one for the victor, one for the loser and another for New England.

The six contributing members of the U.S. squad continued to make their mark on the 2010 games Monday afternoon, totaling two goals and six assists.

Meghan Duggan’s first-period goal put the USA up 2-0 en route to its 9-1 drubbing of Sweden. Harvard’s Caitlin Cahow recorded the assist on Duggan’s score and netted a goal of her own early in the second period.

Prior to that, Hanover’s Hilary Knight recorded one of her two assists on the first score of the game, Monique Lamoureux’s first of three goals. Julie Chu of Fairfield, Conn., assisted on Team USA’s eighth goal of the game, while Fitchburg, Mass., native Erika Lawler was responsible for assisting on the Americans’ fifth and seventh red-lighters.

The New Englanders will look to continue to carry the USA’s torch come Thursday night, when they hit the ice to take on Canada for the gold.

Medal Count

United States 25 (7 gold, 8 silver, 10 bronze)

Germany 21 (7, 9, 5)

Norway 14 (6, 3, 5)

The Toronto Star ran a story and followup over the weekend that focused on boxing matches being held in locker rooms of youth hockey teams. According to the report, it’s not a new problem. And according to many parents, it’s not a problem at all.

The report was sparked by this video showing 15-year-olds from the Minor Midget A Vaughan Panthers go at each other in a locker room last month.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier takes a look at what awaits David Ortiz at Red Sox spring training. The Sox are not pegging Clay Buchholz for the bullpen. Here’s Monday’s wrapup at Fort Myers.

Manny Ramirez said his days with the Dodgers are numbered. The Yankees are working on a deal with pitcher Chan Ho Park. Hank Aaron gave Mark McGwire a thumb’s-up for the former slugger’s admission of steroid use.

BASKETBALL: Jessica Camerato takes a look at what the NBA’s elite players are expecting from the Celtics the rest of the season.

Allen Iverson left the 76ers again to be with his sick child. The Hawks won in Utah for the first time in 17 years. Andrew Bogut had 24 points and 20 rebounds as the Bucks beat the Knicks, who visit the Celtics tonight. Oklahoma City signed free agent guard Antonio Anderson of Lynn to a 10-day contract, waiving forward Matt Harpring.

UConn picked up another impressive win, beating No. 8 West Virginia. Kansas held off Oklahoma to clinch a share of the Big 12 title. Texas point guard Dogus Balbay is done for the season with a torn ACL. New Mexico moved into the Top 25 for the first time in 12 seasons.

HOCKEY: Dan Rowinski begins his Bruins positional analysis with a look at the centers.

FOOTBALL: The Patriots put the franchise tag on Vince Wilfork. The Chargers parted ways with LaDanian Tomlinson.

Oregon suspended linebacker Kiko Alonso for the 2010 season after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants over the weekend.

OLYMPICS: The women’s hockey final between the United States and Canada is set. Roberto Luongo will replace Martin Brodeur in goal for the Canadian men’s team today.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 23, 1998, the first owner of the Patriots died at the age of 82. Who was he?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s been great. I wish I could have been there a long time ago. It’s a great city and I had a blast there. I’m just happy the way they received me out there. It was unbelievable.” — Former Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez, on playing in Los Angeles for what he expects will be his last season there

STAT OF THE DAY: 8 — LaDanian Tomlinson’s rank on the NFL’s all-time rushing list; he was let go by the Chargers Monday

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s a collection of impressive basketball trick shots.

Bowler Brian Voss converts a 7-10 split with a lucky bounce of the pin.

Trinity beat Yale for its 12th straight national squash title, and it got a little testy at the end.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Billy Sullivan

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Howard Jones is 56 today.

The Thrill of Victory

The United States is adding a little blue to the traditional Canada red and white.

The U.S. continued to pad its totals Sunday as it strives to win the medal count for the first time since the 1932 Winter Games in Lake Placid, but the day’s biggest victory came in a preliminary event, and it came at the expense of the host nation.

The U.S. hockey team scored its most monumental victory since the Miracle on Ice, almost 30 years to the day after one of the defining moments of Olympic history, by beating the star-studded Canadian team 5-3.

Brian Rafalski scored two goals and added an assist, Ryan Miller had 42 saves in net and Ryan Kesler added an empty-net tally in the final minute to seal the deal for the victory that will let the U.S. get an all-important bye before facing the winner of Switzerland-Belarus. And the young American team earned it against the tournament favorite and the best goaltender in the NHL in Martin Brodeur.

Another Miller also made headlines — Bode Miller grabbed his first Olympic gold and third medal in three events in Vancouver on Sunday by rallying from seventh place to the top of the podium in the super-combined. Four years after a disastrous run at Turin after which Miller become vilified in the media, the Franconia, N.H., native had the third-best time in the slalom portion of the event, allowing him to leap over his competitors for the gold medal and set off a chorus of “Miller Time” headlines across the nation.

Miller wasn’t the only one who won a third medal on Sunday. Magdelena Neuner did her best to help Germany try to keep pace with the U.S. in the overall medal count by winning her second gold of the games in the 12.5k biathlon, adding to the silver she took on the first day in Vancouver. Neuner is the second women to earn two biathlon golds in the same games and joins cross-country skier Marit Bjoegen of Norway as the only female athlete with three medals at these games.

The Agony of Defeat

It wasn’t all sunshine for the U.S., however, in Sunday’s events. The Americans were shut out in the skicross, as Daron Rahlves and Casey Puckett both lost in their first heat after qualifying. Rahlves, one of the best downhill skiers of his generation, will head home without a medal in his fourth Olympic appearance after a nasty spill left the 36-year old — who it just so happens was already nursing a hip injury suffered last month at the Winter X Games — out of contention.

Puckett also was dealing with an injury of his own, this one a dislocated shoulder that hampered him for the last six weeks. He mis-timed a jump in his race and finished in last in the heat, finishing medal-less in his fifth appearance at the games. Though the injuries had lowered expectations some, there was hope that the pair could go back to being the medal contenders they had been penciled in as, but Michael Schmid of Switzerland was the story in the skicross.

The U.S. also continued to struggle in the sliding sports on the Whistler track, adding to the frustrations in the skeleton and luge by once again coming away without a medal, this time in the bobsled. German Andre Lange continued his dominance in the sport, teaming with brakeman Kevin Kukse for his fourth gold medal and cementing his status as perhaps the best-ever in the sport.

And Canadian fans distraught over their hockey team’s loss could find little solace on other ice Sunday. With two heavy favorites in the 1,500 speedskating event, Christine Nesbitt and Kristina Groves, the crowds watched the Netherlands continue to make Vancouver home and dominate the long track events. Ireena Wust left everyone in the dust and won her second gold medal (she won the 3,000 in Turin), relegating Groves to second and the favored Nesbitt to sixth with her blistering pace.

The Local Look

Bode Miller made New England proud on Sunday, and he will have two more attempts to continue his storybook turnaround at these games. But he wasn’t the only local to enjoy the day.

Connecticut native and former BU star Chris Drury certainly played a part in the U.S. hockey win over Canada, tallying the team’s third goal of the evening to break a 2-2 second-period deadlock.

On Monday, the U.S. women’s team looks to make its own headlines in the rink in its semifinal matchup with Sweden, and it boasts a strong contingent of players with New England ties.

Skier Ryan St. Onge, who was born in Hartford but moved to Colorado, will be looking to set himself up for the finals of the aerials Thursday with a solid day of qualification on Monday.

The Medal Count

United States: 24 (7 gold, 7 silver, 10 bronze)

Germany: 18 (6, 7, 5)

Norway: 12 (5, 3, 4)

The University of Oregon football team has had a rough offseason. Over the weekend, it got worse. Wide receiver Jamere Holland left an obscenity-laced comment on his Facebook page, complaining abo0ut the treatment of teammate Kristian Kiko Alonso, who was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants — becoming the fourth Oregon player to be arrested in the past month. Holland apparently mistakenly through Alonso had been kicked off the team, and he blasted that decision.

After Holland started receiving criticism for his post, he put up a new one that read: “I wish I could block whites as friends and only have blacks LOL, cause apparently I’m misunderstood.”

On Sunday, Ducks coach Chip Kelly dismissed Holland from the team. Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti, who was the team’s coach when Holland transferred from USC after the 2006 season, said Holland has been in the doghouse before.

“We’ve given this guy so many chances,” Bellotti said. Apparently, this was the last one.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier looks at the expectations from the Red Sox pitching staff. Lou Merloni writes about Victor Martinez’ future with the Red Sox. Johnny Damon is close to finalizing a deal with the Tigers. No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg was the center of attention at Nationals spring training with a throwing session.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Nuggets. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer analysis. The Magic topped the Cavaliers. The Jazz rallied from a 25-point second-half deficit to beat the Trail Blazers in overtime. The Thunder won their ninth straight, beating the Timberwolves. The Grizzlies overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Nets.

Pitt knocked off No. 3 Villanova. No. 9 Ohio State won at No. 11 Michigan State.

FOOTBALL: Randy Moss said he expects he’ll play only one more season for the Patriots. Dolphins cornerback Will Allen was charged with DUI Saturday.

OLYMPICS: The U.S. men’s hockey team defeated Canada in an thriller. New Hampshire’s Bode Miller completed his comeback by winning skiing gold.

MISC.: Jimmie Johnson drove his car fast.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 22, 1974, which Buffalo Braves forward who would later play for the Celtics scored 52 points against the C’s?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We talked about talking. That stuff is going to work itself out. I’m really not too concerned about it.” — Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett, on his contract discussions with the Red Sox

STAT OF THE DAY: 21.3 — Points per game for Celtics guard Ray Allen in the four games since the trade deadline passed, five better than his season average

‘NET RESULTS: From Saturday, Maryland bears Georgia Tech at the buzzer.

Golf Channel announcer gets emotional talking about Tiger Woods’ press conference.

Impressive soccer goal.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Bob McAdoo

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Marin Nixon is 80 today. She’s been called “The Voice of Hollywood” for her roles as the singing voices for actresses in famous films, including “West Side Story,” “The King and I” and “My Fair Lady.”

His skates were gold, but Apolo Anton Ohno was not. (AP)

Maybe Vancouver should hold the Winter Olympics every year, because the United States is sure enjoying its time north of the border. The Americans gobbled up their 23rd medal on Saturday to take a commanding nine medal lead over the competition with almost a full week to go.

It may not have been a gold, but Apolo Anton Ohno claimed his seventh career Winter Olympic medal with his bronze finish in the 1,000 meter short track competition. Anton Ohno faced some stiff competition and he was clearly a target every time he stepped on the ice, as he was bumped and bruised by nearly every other skater in the competition.

Ohno was able to barely hold on to the bronze hardware and snap the tie that he was holding with Bonnie Blair for most medals by a Winter Olympic athlete.

Questions will remain about him coming up short in the gold department, but anytime a record is broken like that, the achievement needs to be celebrated.

The Agony of Defeat

There will always be a debate about Lindsey Vonn’s run in Vancouver. Vonn came in with the hopes of pulling off a Michael Phelpsian performance in these Olympics, but she didn’t really live up to the hype. The much talked-about skier collected a bronze medal in the women’s super-G competition after a brief moment in the top spot. But Tina Maze of Slovenia captured silver and Andrea Fischbacher from Austria took gold with a time of 1:20.14 on the super fast track.

Who knows what could have been if Vonn didn’t suffer that heralded shin injury before the Olympics. She could — or should — be going home with three gold medals, but she will have to settle for one gold, one DQ and one bronze. The feat is impressive, but when the hype machine is kicked way up like it was for Vonn, this is kind of a disappointment.

Shani Davis went home with another medal, but Mark Tuitert pulled off a stunning upset to steal gold away from Davis in the 1,500 meter speed skating competition. Davis was another multi-gold athlete waiting to happen, but as they say, “This is why they play the games.” Tuitert skated the race of his life to disrupt Davis from hearing the Star- Spangled Banner blaring throughout the Olympic walls in Vancouver.

J.R. Celski was disqualified from the 1,500 meter competition on one of the final laps of the race, when his actions may have caused another skater to fall. For some reason, that’s not the main story, as the Internet is a buzzing with photos of his tattoo that was shown while he was seen taking off his shirt.

The 800-pound gorilla in the room reared its ugly head again in Vancouver on Saturday. The track that holds the bobsled, luge and skeleton competitions is by far the biggest distraction in these Olympics. Even after the death of Nodar Kumaritashvili before the competition began, athletes are falling and potentially hurting themselves on the fast track. Some Olympians are now dropping out of the competition, and other whispers are starting to be heard of how the track is just too dangerous for competition.

The Local Look

Kris Freeman hopes for a medal were dashed in Vancouver yesterday. Freeman, who is a New Hampshire native and is a Type 1 diabetic, finished in 45th place on Saturday in the men’s 30-kilometer pursuit in cross-country skiing. A sure disappointment for Freeman, but his story just to get to the Olympics should be a feat nobody forgets.

New Hampshire native Nick Alexander finished in 40th in the ski jumping competition, well out of first place but not bad for a 22-year-old local boy.

Marco Sturm had a tough time burying the puck (sound familiar Bruins fans?) in Germany’s 5-3 loss to Belarus.

Medal Count

United States (6 gold, 7 silver, 10 bronze) 23 total
Germany (4,6,4) 14
Norway (5,3,3) 11

Tiger Woods offered an apology for his 'irresponsible and selfish behavior' in a speech Friday morning. (AP)

Good morning and thank you for joining me.

Many of you in this room are my friends. Many of you in this room know me. Many of you have cheered for me or supported me.

Now, every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you simply and directly: I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.

I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.

Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come in my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.

I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment.

To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.

To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach, our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the learning center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.

But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position. For all that I have done, I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for.

But there is one issue I really want to discuss.

Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story that night. Elin never hit me that night or any night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame. The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable. And I am the only person to blame.

I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself.

I ran straight through the boundaries that  a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them.

I was wrong, I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules, The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me.

I brought this shame upon myself. I hurt my wife my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.

I’ve had a lot time to think about what I’ve done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It’s now up to me make amends and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I’ve made. It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity. I once heard, and I believe it’s true: It’s not what you achieve in life that matters. It’s what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only a part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.

Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.

It’s hard to admit that I need help. But I do.

For 45 days, from the end of December to early February, I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I am facing. I have a long way to go. But I’m taking my first steps in the right direction.

As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details of the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together.

Please know, that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers are between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and wife.

Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance-enhancing drugs. This is completely and utterly false.

Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They did not do these things. I did. I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my sponsors and my commercial endorsements.

When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them. However, my behavior doesn’t make it right for the media to follow my 2-1/2-year-old daughter to school and report the school’s location. They staked out my wife and pursued my mom.

Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family. please leave my wife and kids alone. I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to became a better person. I owe it to those close to me to become a better man. That’s where my focus will be. I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it.

Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don’t realize it, but was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced  my faith from childhood until a drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint.

Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught. As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I have learned, that’s how people really do change. Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy. I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I’m making these remarks today. In therapy, I learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life, and keeping it in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so that I can save the things that are most important to me: my marriage and my children.

That also means relying on others for help. I learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope someday to return that support to others who are seeing help.

I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be. I don’t rule our that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game.

In recent weeks, I have received many thousands of e-mails, letter and phone calls from people expressing good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family: Thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.

I want to thank the PGA Tour, commissioner [Tim] Finchem and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.

Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today, I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again. Thank you.

Rhode Island’s Bryant University, in its second season of Division 1 college basketball, ended a 28-game losing streak Thursday with a two-point victory at Wagner. It came a year and a day after the team’s last win.

“It was the elephant in the room. I was feeling really bad for the kids because of the effort they were making,” Bryant coach Tim O’Shea said. “Most of them were recruited to play Division 2. It was a tough situation for them.”

GOLF: Tiger Woods will talk this morning and then resume therapy. Brad Faxon, on WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan, said Michael Jordan will be at the press conference.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics edged the Lakers. Paul Flannery breaks it down for us. Nate Robinson is a Celtic. The Nuggets ended the Cavaliers’ 13-game winning streak.

Tracy McGrady was dealt to the Knicks as part of the headline trade at Thursday’s deadline. Get all the trade updates here. The Nets will play in Newark, N.J., until their arena in Brooklyn is ready.

No. 5 Syracuse beat No. 10 Georgetown. No. 13 Gonzaga fell to Loyola Marymount.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford writes that Josh Beckett and Victor Martinez could learn from John Lackey regarding free agency. Alex Speier has the update from Red Sox spring training. Mark Shapiro was promoted to Indians president, effective at the end of the season.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price writes that Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden is in a holding pattern in term of his future. Bills starting right tackle Brad Butler announced his surprise retirement at the age of 26. The labor dispute between the NFL and two Vikings players who challenged their drug-related suspensions will go to trial next month.

A Vanderbilt recruit was killed in an apparent domestic incident.

OLYMPICS: American Evan Lysacek was the surprise gold medalist in figure skating. Here’s Thursday’s roundup.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 19, 1972, which Bruin collected an assist in a 6-4 win over the Minnesota North Stars to become the first player in NHL history with 100 points in a season three times in his career?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Ray was huge tonight. I think we should threaten to trade him all the time and then pull him back.” — Celtics coach Doc Rivers, after Thursday night’s win over the Lakers

STAT OF THE DAY: 3-0 — The Celtics’ record in games decided by one point

‘NET RESULTS: Kentucky freshman John Wall is not only the best rookie in college basketball, he popularized an little dance move that is “sweeping the nation” — or so they say.

Olympic speedskater Sven Kramer asks a reporter, “Are you stupid?” when she asks him to identify himself right after he won a gold medal. Probably more lazy than stupid, but anyhow …

Here’s new Celtic Nate Robinson on the “Late Show with David Letterman” last year, showing off his dunking skills.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Phil Esposito

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Lou Christie turns 67 today.

And Smokey Robinson is 70.

Brad Faxon (AP)

On the morning of Tiger Woods’ press conference, New England’s own Brad Faxon checked in with Dennis & Callahan on Friday to talk about the media storm that has surrounded the No. 1 player in the world.

Faxon said that Woods’ wife Elin would not be attending the presser, but that Michael Jordan and Stanford buddy Notah Begay III would be in attendance.

Faxon, like other golfers on tour, is just looking for an end to the saga so they don’t have to talk about it anymore.

“It gets old and it will be good to get over, but the positive of this and the positive for us is we are learning what golf will be like or could be like without Tiger,” he said.

A transcript follows. To listen to the interview, click here.

What is the feeling on the PGA Tour about the Tiger situation?

There’s such a mixed bag out here between all the players and their feelings. Notah Begay III, who went to Stanford with Tiger, actually withdrew from the tournament. He was down here with his family and let me tell you this is not an easy place or a cheap place to get to. He withdrew so he could attend the press conference. I know Michael Jordan is going to be there. I know Elin is not going to be there. It’s kind of ironic that he scheduled this press conference during the Accenture Match Play where he was dropped by Accenture, the first sponsor to drop him. Commissioner [Tim] Finchem is allowing him to do this at the TPC Sawgrass, which I don’t know if this is Tiger’s move of trying to be nice or if it’s another thing of sticking it up you know where. Everything is a surprise and he only invited, and this in unreal, three golf writers. I talked to both Jim McCabe and Jim Ferguson last night and they both were thinking about boycotting the whole thing, because you are not allowed to ask questions, it’s going to be a prepared statement and then it’s going to be over. Some people think it may be, “Hey I’m going through my rehab. Things are going fine I’m going to come play at Doral in Orlando and then I’m going to play in the Masters,” or some people think, “Hey, I’m done. I’m retired.”

You really think that?

I’ve never thought he could do anything to take away from his chance to play golf. I don’t think that, but why would he make a statement where he’s not going to allow for questions unless he decided he’s going to take some time off?

Could this just be a way for him to test the waters with the public and then disappear again for a while?

There’s no question and maybe he has to go back to the rehab place. I don’t know how those things work and I don’t want to find out. Somebody has said to me that Billy Payne, who runs the Masters, has said, “I don’t want, Tiger, this to be your first tournament back. We don’t want the circus that comes with it.” This year at the tournament and the Farmers Insurance, it used to be the Buick one of Tiger’s sponsors, there were planes out there dragging signs behind them that I don’t think the Masters wants any part of.

Would the Masters be the only tournament that would or could say no to Tiger?

No question. Nobody says no to Tiger. I don’t know who’s driving this bus here. If this is Mark Steinberg, if this is Tiger’s wishes, it’s just very interesting this whole thing how it has played out. There was a picture of Tiger running in his long sleeve shirt and he’s all buffed out and looks happy and normal. I think they are trying to control this thing and in my opinion if he doesn’t appear contrite and apologetic about everything, then I don’t know. I hope this isn’t something of me against the world again.

What else do you know about the press conference?

I know Tim Finchem has set this up at the lawn at Sawgrass. I don’t quite understand, Tiger could easily do this is Isleworth in Orlando where he lives and control it even more. I know there is a great press head at Sawgrass and it’s only a two and a half hour drive in that Cadillac Escalade. I don’t know who else has been invited. I know when a guy like Notah Begay III withdraws from a tournament withouth a reason that’s fineable offense. We don’t have a policy that allows you to withdraw from a tournament without being sick or injured. I think Tiger really wants some friends there. That’s why this thing is a mystery to me.

What is the feeling about him winning tournaments this year?

There is no player out here that doesn’t think he can do that. Everybody knows that Tiger has been the best player ever and he’s overcome any obstacles there might be and seems to be able to turn anything off the golf course out of his mind at anytime. I’m sure he can do that again. It’s a mixed bag of feelings out here. There are some players that are mad and disappointed at how he’s handled this and what he’s done, David Duval would be one of those players we had dinner the other night, and the opposite side would be Kenny Perry who said, “He just needs a big hug.” He’s already got a few of those though.

What has Duval said, because he and Tiger used to be buddies?

They were, but Duval has turned into a real family man. He’s happily married and he’s got a couple of kids from his new wife. Susie Duval and my wife are all friends. He’s disappointed with the lies and the way this thing has been handled. Everybody is in shock at the way it’s been handled, but I don’t know what the truth is. It would be fantastic in this press conference if he laid out the actual timeline of what happened instead of keeping us all guessing and all talking about it, because that would remove all the talk about it.

How does this affect the PGA players when they speak to the media? Have they had enough?

When the interview is not about you or not about golf it gets kind of, I wouldn’t say boring in this case, but you kind of want every interview have to be about how well you just played. This has taken on a life of its own that is way beyond golf. For us we don’t get to many articles on TMZ or entertainment magazines. Those are the things we are just not used to handling. We are not good at handling it. It gets old and it will be good to get over, but the positive of this and the positive for us is we are learning what golf will be like or could be like without Tiger. We’ve done a pretty good job at filling sponsor holes. Finchem and his staff have done a great job in this economy. We don’t have many open spaces on our tour season now.

Do you think that the average person would watch golf if Tiger isn’t involved?

Phil [Mickelson] would have to pick up the slack. We’d have to have some other guys that could do it and I like that saying the cliché, “Nobody is bigger than the game.” Guys like Arnold [Palmer] and Jack [Nicklaus] would actually say that. You don’t really here that out of Tiger’s mouth or the actions. I always thought the great players tried to help the game and tour out in a lot of different ways. I hope that our top players realize that.

How about the wives on tour? Are they disgusted by all of this?

I think so. I certainly haven’t gone out and polled them all. It’s unbelievable and I think a lot of them are wondering what Elin’s going to do. I know in my situation if I pulled this off I’d be without body parts.

Do you think Elin is going to allow herself to be a prop in the press conference if she is there?

No way, absolutely not. I hate to say I have inside info but she’s not going to be there.

Any other Nike guys going to be there?

I don’t know if [Charles] Barkley got the invite, if he’d show.

Gym, tan, laundry, skate. Lysacek captures gold. (AP)

The United States saved the best for last on Thursday night. Evan Lysacek was the American favorite to capture gold in the men’s freeskate and he came through with a tight win over his chief rival Evgeni Plushenko of Russia. This was almost too close too call after Plushenko was the final skater to compete, but Plushenko did have a few points in his routine where he wasn’t completely perfect.

The judges agreed that Lysacek was the winner as his combined score 257.67 narrowly edged Plushenko’s combined score of 256.36.

Lysacek is the first U.S. men’s figure skater to capture gold since Bryan Boitano in 1988. If Lysacek was to lose, it probably would have been because of the Alfalfa hairdo that kept occurring every time he spun. His coach needed to goop him up a little more, but doesn’t he look like he should be on The Jersey Shore?

The Canadian hockey team narrowly escaped with a shootout win over Switzerland, thanks to Sid “The Kid” Crosby and a huge save by Martin Brodeur. A loss by the host country could have spoiled the night and maybe the Olympics for all of Canada.

Both the men and women’s U.S hockey teams sealed up wins in the preliminary rounds on Thursday. The women kept rolling along with a 6-0 win over Finland and the men defeated Norway 6-1.

Agony of Defeat

Johnny Weir is still the “Fallen Angel.” Weir slipped up a bit in his final routine and placed sixth overall in the competition. For all the antics and headlines off the ice, Weir didn’t deliver on it. Other than the minor slip up, the routine was rather clean, but the commentators talked about the difficulty of his routine and how it didn’t stack up against the other competitors. Daisuke Takahashi finished in third and he fell trying to land a quad - a much more difficult trick than any attempted by Weir.

A day after claiming gold in the downhill, the darling of the U.S. ski team Lindsey Vonn fell in her attempt to capture gold in the super-combined competition. Vonn has been battling a shin injury — in case you haven’t heard — which may have been part of the reason she clipped one of the gates with her right ski.

She will have another shot at gold in the super-G competition on Saturday.

Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark came up a little bit short in the women’s halfpipe competition. Teter finished 2.6 points behind Australian champion Torah Bright. Clark fell on her first attempt and had to settle for bronze. A silver and bronze are nice consolation prizes, but gold was within reach for both of these riders.

The Local Look

Teter, mentioned above, fell just short of gold in the halfpipe. She will return to Vermont a hero for claiming the silver medal, but gold was oh so close for her.

Phil Kessel, remember him, tallied the first goal in the United States’ 6-1 win over Norway. The former Bruins sharpshooter probably doesn’t have too many fans rooting for him in New England, but maybe the bad blood can disappear if he scores some big goals for the red, white and blue.

“The Woman With the Golden Gun” Laura Spector finished way out of the running for a medal in the 15km individual competition. Spector finished in 65th, but the U.S. didn’t do to well as the highest finish was Lanny Barnes, who finished 23rd.

Medal Count

United States (6 gold, 5 silver, 7 bronze) 18 total
Germany (4, 4, 3) 11
Norway (3,3,2) 8

The Thrill of Victory

Sure, Shaun White took home the halfpipe gold, and rather convincingly at that. But that was kind of expected — the man does own his own trick-park after all.

But Lindsey Vonn on the other hand — now that was a little unexpected.

With Vonn hampered with a bum shin before the event, it was even a little uncertain whether or not she would even compete in the women’s downhill at all. And winning gold? Now that was an entirely different story.

But that’s exactly what the 25-year-old did, finishing 1-2 with fellow American Julia Mancuso, notching a time of 1 minute, 44.19 seconds — a half-second better than Mancuso.

And while her first-place finish may not have been as full of epic jumps, flailing McTwists and home-trained halfpipe daredevilry, the shock value of her even competing — let alone winning — deserved a spot in the Thrill of Victory regardless. Not to mention, it’s been a pretty good few months off the mountain for Vonn.

Sorry, Shaun. She’s got you beat there.

Honorable mention to Shani Davis, who continued his dominance of the speedskating track, bringing home gold medals in yesterday’s games, securing the first Olympic back-to-back win on the 100m track in history.

Agony of Defeat

Rarely do you see a wipeout that you actually can feel sitting on your couch in your living room.

But when Edith Miklos of Romania took a nasty spill in yesterday’s women’s downhill, I promise you — I cringed. In case you missed it, check out this slide show.

It was a wipeout so fierce that she actually ended up careening right into the orange fishnet fencing around the course, sending her directly off the track. She was immediately evacuated by helicopter, a sight nobody wants to see during an Olympic event, regardless of country affiliation.

But for Miklos, it’s a fate she’s become all too familiar with — because it wasn’t the first time she ran into some issues on the slopes. Or the second.

The Local Look

It was a good day for USA athletes on Wednesday — and not just for the big guys, either.

On a day when White, Davis and Vonn reeled in gold medals, New England native Scotty Lago also made a mark of his own. The 22-year-old Seabrook, N.H., native brought home the bronze medal in the men’s halfpipe, an event that was won by none other than Shaun White himself.

But it wasn’t as rewarding a day for the rest of the New England pool. The region will have a chance to redeem itself today, however, as both of USA’s New England-laden hockey teams will hit the ice this afternoon, the men facing off against Norway at 3 and the women taking on Finland at 5:30.

For the men, it will be Connecticut native and former Boston University captain Chris Drury leading the charge, as Team USA looks to push its mark to 2-0. The women, meanwhile, will be sending seven New Englanders to the ice this afternoon, with Kacey Bellamy, Meghan Duggan, Molly Shaus and Erika Lawler of Massachusetts leading the way.

Wins for both teams would push them one step closer to advancing to second-round play, which begins on Feb. 20 for the women and Feb. 23 for the men.

Medal Count:

United States 14 (5 gold, 3 silver, 6 bronze)

Germany 10 (3, 4, 3)

France 7 (2, 1, 4)

We’ll lead off with a video today. Celtics guard Marquis Daniels has a replica head of himself made with diamonds. Here’s how it came together.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier wraps up Wednesday in Fort Myers. Daisuke Matsuzaka is taking it easy due to back stiffness. Mark McGwire showed up at Cardinals spring training and offered another apology. An MRI on Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens’ right shoulder revealed inflammation but no structural problems.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics, who play the Lakers tonight, reportedly are close to sending Eddie House to the Knicks for Nate Robinson. The Cavaliers got Antawn Jamison from the Wizards. Dwight Howard had 33 points and 17 rebounds in the Magic’s win over Detroit. C.J. Watson scored 40 points as the Warriors demolished the Kings.

No. 4 Purdue edged No. 9 Ohio State. No. 6 Duke rallied past Miami. No. 15 Texas lost to Missouri.

HOCKEY: Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is facing DUI and speeding charges in Arizona.

FOOTBALL: Stephen Neal’s agent said the Patriots offensive linemen is not retiring. Receiver Deion Branch would consider a return to New England. The Ravens signed receiver Donte’ Stallworth. The Browns released running back Jamal Lewis, who hopes to play again. Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said his team does not plan to spend wildly even if there is no salary cap. Titans punter Craig Hentrich retired after 17 NFL seasons.

One of two men charged with wielding knives in the fight that ended with the fatal stabbing of UConn player Jasper Howard is free after posting bail. Oregon tailback LaMichael James was arrested on domestic violence charges.

OLYMPICS: Skier Lindsey Vonn and speed skater Shani Davis won gold medals for the United States on Wednesday.

MISC.: Tiger Woods will speak Friday.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 18, 1993, which reliever signed a free agent contract with the Red Sox?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It’s something I regret. I can’t say I’m sorry enough to everybody in baseball and across America, and whoever watches this great game. I think people understand how truly sorry I was for what I did.” — Mark McGwire, again apologizing for his steroid use after arriving at Cardinals spring training

STAT OF THE DAY: 6 — Medals won by the United States Wednesday, the best single-day haul ever for an American Olympic squad

‘NET RESULTS: This is one impressive shot, from Murray State freshman guard Isaiah Canaan.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Jeff Russell, who would save 33 games that year

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Former Styx lead singer Dennis DeYoung is 63 today.

Caron Butler packed his bags for Dallas in the first big deal of deadline week. (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks started the party early, ringing in the All-Star festivities with a trade for Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood.

The Portland Trail Blazers continued the trend Tuesday, officially acquiring former UMass star Marcus Camby to help solve their woes in the middle.

Even the Celtics look like they are getting in on the act, albeit not in the way many had envisioned. But it appears that NBA dunk contest champ — and that term is applied as loosely as possible — Nate Robinson might be coming to Boston to help bolster the C’s bench.

Yes, the NBA trade deadline is almost here, with the last chance for any major transactions to occur coming at 3 p.m. Thursday. And with that in mind, here is a history of the major deadline deals that have occurred in each of the last 10 years, which unfortunately leaves us just shy of the Celtics’ acquiring Vitaly Potapenko in 1999. Still, maybe a general manager can a grab few ideas of how to think outside the box and bolster their lineup — or cut costs, whatever the choice may be — with this perspective.

2009

The Bulls wanted to make a run at the playoffs. The Kings wanted to run out any high-priced players. So it made sense that Sacramento would send Brad Miller and John Salmons, two of its best players, to Chicago for package included Andres Nocioni and Drew Gooden’s expiring deal (Portland also helped bring this one about).

Celtics fans, of course, know that the trade helped the Bulls do more than just make the playoffs. Chicago pushed the Celtics to seven games in one of the best playoff series in recent memory.

2008

The Cavaliers went all-in in their quest for the NBA title, acquiring former Celtics Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West from the Sonics and Ben Wallace and Joe Smith from the Bulls. But all their huge deadline deal did was help them push the eventual NBA champion Celtics to seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Delonte West went from Boston to Seattle before landing in Cleveland. (AP)

Now Cleveland is talking about a number of big names — Amar’e Stoudemire and Antawn Jamison being the most prominent — in another attempt to make it back to the finals.

2007

The Raptors traded Fred Jones to Portland for Juan Dixon. Seriously, these were the biggest names moved at the deadline. At least Dixon is making the headlines now, though not exactly how he probably would have hoped to.

2006

This trade featured possibly the largest collection of subpar players of all-time. It was really like a bunch of teams — in this case, Seattle, Portland, Sacramento and Denver — got together and decided to exchange spare parts. Who wants Ruben Patterson? What about Earl Watson, who was allegedly the big name in this deal? Even Potapenko was a part of this trade.

2005

Sure, this was the year Baron Davis was dealt to the Warriors and the Nuggets finally decided to give up on all-time bust Nikoloz Tskitishvili, but this deadline had more important ramifications for fans in Boston. This was a memorable deadline for the Celtics, as it reunited Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker briefly before ‘Toine took his wiggle to Miami in a trade.

But another deal, seemingly minor at the time, did far more for the Celtics. The Celtics traded Jiri Welsch to Cleveland for a future first-round pick. That was the 2007 first-rounder that Danny Ainge used to get the draft rights to Rajon Rondo from the Suns.

2004

The Celtics helped Rasheed Wallace land in Detroit. (AP)

Again, the Celtics were a part of a blockbuster deal at the deadline, but this time as more of a facilitator. With the Pistons needing a third team to help work out salaries in their attempt to grab Rasheed Wallace from the Hawks, Ainge stepped in and filled the role. The trade helped Detroit upset the Lakers in the finals that season and become the powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.

2003

Gary Payton was a part of the trade when Boston re-acquired Walker. Here, he was the centerpiece in a deal that involved current Celtic Ray Allen, who has been the subject of rampant rumors this season. Allen went to Seattle, where he was a mainstay before coming over to help the Celtics win a championship. Payton would move from Milwaukee to the Lakers after the season, joining Karl Malone and Shaq and Kobe for what seemed to be a guaranteed championship before Detroit had other ideas.

2002

You’ll notice a trend. The early part of the last decade actually had big names moving. One year before the Allen-Payton blockbuster came a trade that involved big names including Juwan Howard (who is inexplicably still playing a prominent role in Portland this season), Tim Hardaway, Nick Van Exel and even onetime Celtic Raef Lafrentz.

Dallas got Lafrentz, who would be reunited with his former Kansas teammate Pierce when Walker was traded to Dallas before the 2003-04 season, as well as Van Exel, while the Nuggets received Howard and Hardaway, in what turned out to be his last full season.

2001

Two of the best defensive centers of the decade changed places in this deal — Dikembe Mutombo and Theo Ratliff. While Ratliff was the centerpierce in the deal for the Hawks, the prize of Mutombo was much more important for the 76ers, as his presence helped fuel the Sixers’ run to the finals in 2001, when they were defeated in five games by the Lakers in the first year of LA’s three-peat campaign.

The Thrill of Victory

Vancouver quickly has become a mecca for another nation: Germany. Thanks to a gold medal performance from Tatjana Huefner in the luge, the ninth time in 13 tries that a German has topped the podium in the event, and a similar result in the from Magdalena Neuner in the 10k biathalon pursuit, Germany now leads the medal count with nine overall.

Huefner followed in the wake of countryman Felix Loch, who earned the gold Sunday in the men’s singles competition. For Neuner, it was her second medal of the games, though this time she moved a step up the ladder from silver to gold.

The other story that emerged Tuesday night is the seemingly out-of-nowhere transformation of South Korea into a long track speed skating powerhouse. After watching Lee Seung-hoon take silver in the 5,000 Saturday and Mo Tae-bun earn a dramatic first place finish Monday, Lee Sang-hwa catapulted over the favorites and earned the gold in the women’s 500. Lee bested heavy favorite Jenny Wolf of Germany and another top contender in Wang Beixing of China, who took the bronze.

The Agony of Defeat

Unfortunately for fans of New England competitors, this section belongs to Vermont’s Lindsey Jacobellis. Again.

The biggest name in snowboardcross came into the games trying to shake off the memory of Turin, when she lost out on the gold medal after she fell attempting a grab on the final jump and had to settle for silver. Tuesday’s slip-up arguably was even worse, as it kept her out of the medal picture altogether. Her disqualification after losing her control and hitting a gate left Jacobellis in disbelief and once again leaves people questioning her performance on the Olympic stage.

One thing about the Vancouver games that has become apparent is that not everything will go smoothly. From delays in the downhill to faulty Zamboni work, these games have had their share of problems since Day 1.

Yesterday brought another example of this when errors in time management caused major issues in both biathlon events. In the men’s race, timing blunders caused American Jeremy Teela and Canadian Jean Philippe Leguellec to go off early, and they were penalized after the event. The added time dropped Teela to 24th place and caused Leguellec to fall out of the top five in the event and all the way to 11th.

The error might have been even more egregious in the women’s race earlier. Fourth-place finisher Anna Carin Oloffson-Zidek of Sweden was held back 14 seconds too long before her start, a mistake that might have impeded her from winning a medal. She finished sixth but was bumped up to fourth after officials realized their error. A better start could have changed the race.

It also was a tough day on the ice for the U.S. men’s curling team. Two losses on the event’s first day are a setback that puts the team’s medal hopes in serious doubt. The women did not fair much better on the opening day, losing their first match in Vancouver to Japan, 8-7.

The Local Look

Tuesday featured some ups and downs for New Englanders competing across the border. Along with the agonizing finish for Jacobellis, the U.S. team struggled in the women’s luge. 2009 world champion Erin Hamlin could only muster a 16th-place finish, struggling on the course’s tough turns throughout her four runs, and her two teammates from New England did not fare much better. Julia Clukey (Augusta, Maine) was one spot behind in 17th in her Olympic debut, while Connecticut native Megan Sweeney finished in 22nd in her first trip to the Games.

In women’s ice hockey, however, the U.S. team continued to roll, and a pair of New Englanders played a large part in the 13-0 thrashing of Russia. Harvard graduate and New Haven, Conn., native Caitlin Cahow chipped in a goal and an assist in the victory while 20-year-old Hilary Knight of Hanover was all over the ice, finishing with four assists on the day.

Moving to Wednesday, all eyes will be on the big names competing for Team USA. Shani Davis, Apolo Anton Ohno, Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn all will be in action and vying for gold in their respective events.

But that doesn’t mean New England won’t be represented as well. Alongside White representing the United States in the men’s halfpipe will be Scotty Lago, who hails from Seabrook, N.H. The 22-year-old will be looking to make his way onto the podium, perhaps alongside his countryman, Wednesday.

The Medal Count

Germany: 9 (3 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze)

United States: 8 (2, 2, 4)

France: 7 (2, 1, 4)

A Scottish terrier was named Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club championship, but the event was interrupted during the final judging by two PETA protesters, one who held a sign reading: Mutts rule. PETA opposes the pure-bred dog culture because it takes attention away from the plight of shelter dogs.

BASEBALL: Mike Lowell talked about his precarious situation with the Red Sox. Jonathan Papelbon talked about getting a fresh start after last season’s disastrous ending. Get the update on Tuesday’s happenings in Fort Myers. Pitcher Chien-Ming Wang signed with the Nationals. Braves right-hander Jair Jurrjens is scheduled for an MRI on his sore right shoulder

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Kings. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer from the game. Flannery also breaks down the numbers on Rajon Rondo’s shooting.

The Nets beat the Bobcats for their fifth win of the season. The Lakers won again without Kobe Bryant. The Thunder knocked off the Mavericks. The Heat routed the 76ers, who welcomed back Allen Iverson.

The Blazers finalized a trade to acquire Marcus Camby from the Clippers. Nuggets coach George Karl has neck and throat cancer but it’s said to be treatable.

Kentucky beat Mississippi State in overtime. The attorney for former Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton entered a plea of not guilty to four felony drug-related charges and said Sutton is in a treatment center. Former Memphis State coach Dana Kirk died Monday at the age of 74.

FOOTBALL: D.J. Bean offers up an early mock draft. The Raiders made Sebastian Janikowski the highest-paid kicker ever. Attorneys said Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman and reality television star Tila Tequila  settled their lawsuits against each other. The NFL Players Association accused the league of not sharing as much supplemental revenue with its lower-income teams as it is supposed to.

OLYMPICS: The U.S. hockey team won its opener, and Vermont snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis was disqualified during her semifinal race. Get the Olympic roundup here.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 17, 1968, which Massachusetts sports landmark opened?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I only brought one change of clothes. It’s been a real rough, rough 24 hours for me, but real exciting at the same time.” — Marcus Camby, on being traded from the Clippers to the Trail Blazers

STAT OF THE DAY: 26 — The average age of the U.S. hockey team, making it the youngest American squad since professionals started playing in the Olympics in 1998

‘NET RESULTS: Don’t you hate it when they show replays on TV and you don’t realize it’s a replay because you aren’t fully paying attention and you think your team scored? This happens on Red Sox games a lot. The other day, it happened in a soccer game — to an announcer.

Here’s a soccer shootout featuring an overabundance of delay moves and fakes.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Bobby Lewis is 77 today.

These skiers don't need a hill to compete. (AP)

Cross country skiing in the Olympics is a brutal test of endurance, stamina and straight-up heart.

This event also offers the most chances at a medal because there are so many cross country events in the Winter Games. Competition will go from Feb. 15-28, with Thursday having eight heats — between qualifying and medal rounds — going on during the day.

There are 11 Olympic hopefuls on the American team, and two hail from New England. Here is a closer look at the two local Olympians.

Kris Freeman

Freeman is entering his third Olympic Games, a remarkable feat. What makes Freeman’s story so amazing is the fact that he has been living with type 1 diabetes for 10 years. In order to get through the day, Freeman must take five shots of insulin a day to compete, and even that hasn’t slowed him down.

Just look at this video of him training for competition. The guess here is that most people could not or would not do some of this stuff.

Freeman had his best finish in his Olympic career at Torino in the 50k race when he placed 22nd. Coming off a gold in this year’s World Championships in the 15k, the Andover, N.H., native is looking to ride through snow, and rain for that matter, to get to the medal stand.

Liz Stephen

The 23-year-old Stephen will be on the Olympic stage for the first time. Stephen has only been skiing cross country since 2002, when she picked it up at Burke Mountain Academy after a lifetime of competing in alpine events.

A resident of East Montpelier, Vt., Stephen finished in the top 10 in four events at the U.S. championships to stake claim to a spot in Vancouver.

She also runs her own blog, called Full Sass, to keep fans updated on her Olympic progress.

Johnny Weir's fur-lined costume did not go over well with animal rights activists. (AP)

The action on the ice will pick up this week in the figure skating competition, but boy has there been some headlines off of it. Johnny Weir, an American medal hopeful, had to scratch the idea of staying in a hotel away from the Olympic Village because of threats from animal rights activists.

Weir has been under scrutiny because of his — ahem — unusual choice of clothing during the nationals before the Olympic Games. He sported an outfit with trim made out of white fox fur, which set off the animal rights people.

The colorful skater always has done things his own way, and he kind of reminds us of a no-nonsense renegade skater … Chaz Michael Michaels.

All of the off-ice situations are taking away from the fact that Weir is one of the hopefuls for a medal on the U.S. squad.

There are a lot of question marks surrounding the U.S. team this year. The likes of Michelle Kwan and Sasha Cohen will not be around this winter, and there are no New Englanders to keep an eye on.

ESPN only has three medals for the U.S. squad in its predictions for the Vancouver Games.

Evan Lysacek is projected to be the top U.S. individual competitor in the Games, but don’t knock him out of his routine. Lysacek has some interesting habits and superstitions that he needs to do before he gets to the ice. Just look at the interview that he did with Jay Leno.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White are projected to claim gold in the team dance competition by ESPN, and Tanith Belbin — whom Weir is rooming with — and Benjamin Agosto are predicted to finish third in the same event.

Monday’s bizarre story involves disgraced former Tour de France winner Floyd Landis. A French judge issued an arrest warrant for the U.S. cyclist in connection with a case of data hacking at a doping laboratory that tested samples of Landis’ urine during his victory in the 2006 event.

A French prosecutor said Landis used the hacked information in his unsuccessful defense against doping charges that led to his two-year ban. In an e-mail to the Los Angeles Times on Monday, Landis continues to deny any wrongdoing.

“It appears to be another case of fabricated evidence by a French lab who is still upset a United States citizen believed he should have the right to face his accusers and defend himself,” he wrote.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford is in Fort Myers and has the updates on the Red Sox’ early arrivals.

BASKETBALL: Bobcats coach Larry Brown said Michael Jordan is trying to buy the team. Allen Iverson returned to the Sixers after missing five games to be with his sick daughter.

UConn won at No. 3 Villanova. Richmond is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in 24 years, while Kansas remains No. 1. Boston College coach Al Skinner wants a more consistent effort from the Eagles.

The top-ranked UConn women got a scare before beating No. 11 Oklahoma and upping their winning streak to 65 games.

HOCKEY: NHL goalies at the Olympics are being told to remove the propaganda from their helmets as that’s in violation of Olympic rules.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price writes that the Patriots might be in line to improve their pass-rushing through the draft.

OLYMPICS: New Hampshire’s Bode Miller captured the bronze in downhill skiing. Get all the updates here.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 16, 1909, the Red Sox traded which future Hall of Famer to the Indians?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “That was the feeling I’ve been searching for, and I let it build up. I was real nervous before I went, but excited-nervous, not anxiety-nervous. Normally as an athlete, a veteran of 400 World Cup races, you kind of repress that stuff. … I used to crash all the time because of it. But I think that’s part of why I wanted to come back.” — Bode Miller, on his Olympic downhill race Monday

STAT OF THE DAY: 4 — Big East teams ranked in the top 10 that lost in the last four days, culminating with No. 3 Villanova’s loss to UConn last night

‘NET RESULTS: World’s largest dodgeball game.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Cy Young, who was 42 years old

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Patty Andrews, the youngest and last surviving member of the Andrew Sisters, is 92 today. She’s the one who has the solo part in the middle of this song.

Lebron's the only one who can save the day. (AP)

What was once built up as the greatest show during the All-Star Weekend festivities has become the laughing stock of exhibition competitions. The dunk contest has lost its luster after a couple of years when Nate Robinson and Dwight Howard brought some sort of respectability back to the yearly event.

When a contestant completed a successful dunk, the crowd didn’t “ooh,” “ahh” … or make much of any kind of gesture for that matter. A whole arena was rendered silent by the complete travesty that was the NBA Slam Dunk Competition.

Flash back a year ago, when Dwight Howard was capturing our imagination, as we were watching a 6-foot-10 man do the impossible. More fuel was added to the excitement when, while sitting courtside, LeBron James declared himself a contestant in the 2010 competition.

Come back to this year, and James pulls his name out, Howard ends his run and we are left with Robinson — who now apparently is retired from competition — to try to revive the spirit of the dunk.

(Anytime a man that stands 5-foot-9 is a THREE-TIME champion of a dunk contest, you know the event is in trouble.)

Shannon Brown and Gerald Wallace looked like they had no interest in being out there. DeMar DeRozan gave his best effort and probably threw down the dunk of the night in the process.

But something has to be done about the competition to keep people interested.

Here are a few ideas.

MAKE HIM AN OFFER HE CAN’T REFUSE

Yes, we are talking about LeBron. That means the league will have to dig into its pockets to keep fans from falling asleep or changing channels to watch speed skating. With the latest reports saying the NBA could lose hundreds of millions annually, this may not be a reality.

The dunk contest should feature the biggest names in the sport. Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant all participated early in their career. What makes James so different?

David Stern will have to make that purse a little more liking to King James, and if he dunks, then watch out. It will be like lemurs jumping off a cliff. Once he starts participating, everyone will want to try and knock off the King.

BRING IN THE STREET BALLERS

Hold a nationwide competition at every recreational league, city league — or in the playgrounds, for that matter. There are better dunkers out there than the hogwash that was displayed on Saturday night.

You start this competition, and make two or three dunkers eligible for the dunk contest on prime time television. Heck, the NBA could make a reality show out of it and put in on NBA TV. Revenue Mr. Stern, revenue.

So you have this competition, and then you have a starry-eyed kid or ball player that almost made it but never did ready to strut their stuff on All-Star Weekend. Every fan will be on the side of the underdog, and who knows, maybe that nobody pulls off an upset … over LeBron. Think of the story that would be.

LET SIR CHARLES JUDGE

Charles wouldn't be afraid to say what's on his mind. (AP)

The only thing good that came out of the contest was some of the things Charles Barkley was saying about the dunkers. Barkley has become such a fan favorite around the league and in people’s living rooms that anything he gets his hands on now turns to gold.

Barkley also wouldn’t pull any punches. Give him a microphone, let him MC the competition and turn the censors off on all televisions across the world. In fact, put this on HBO or another channel and let Barkley just go off on a guy who throws down a weak reverse dunk like Wallace in his first attempt of the competition.

Something needs to be done about the competition. When there are five or six dunks in the actual game that trump anything that went on during the competition, you know there is something wrong with that picture. Another idea is to get rid of the dunk contest all together, because it doesn’t bring the same excitement that it did in the past.

In the words of Sir Charles, that would be uncivilized.

Johnny Spillane earned silver for the United States in Nordic combined. (AP)

The Thrill of Victory

Of all the events for there to be an American on the podium, the last anyone would imagine would be the Nordic combined. But in the biggest story to emerge from Vancouver on Sunday, Johnny Spillane broke through to win the first U.S. medal in the event and just the third ever in any Nordic sport.

This also could qualify as a crushing defeat, as Spillane looked to have the gold in his sights before favorite and World Cup leader Jason Lamy Chappuis, who was born in Montana but has raced for France his whole career, overtook him down the last straightaway. Nonetheless, Spillane’s silver is an unprecedented mark for Americans in a sport that has been dominated by European countries.

Canada had a drought of its own extinguished on Sunday as well. Just one day after American Hannah Kearney’s performance in the moguls denied Canadian Jennifer Heil the chance to earn the country’s first gold medal on home soil, Alexandre Bilodeau ended any further Canadian disappointment by besting Australian Dale Begg-Smith, the defending champion, in the men’s moguls.

The Agony of Defeat

The way Spillane was bested for the gold, it would be easy to put him here. But the achievement itself stands as a victory.

Instead, the biggest disappointment comes in another Nordic event. It wasn’t just heavy favorite Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, vying for his sixth gold medal, who faltered in the 10k sprint biathlon Sunday. All the other contenders for medals were hampered by a heavy, wet snow — yes, it actually snowed in Vancouver — and stumbled to disappointing finishes. American hopeful Tim Burke finished a disappointing 47th and France’s Simon Fourcade was an astounding 71st. But it was the sport’s star, Bjoerndalen, who was the most shocking omission among the top finishers, coming in 17th thanks to tying for the most missed shots on the day with three. The troubles at the top allowed France’s Vincent Jay to come through with the second gold of the day for his country.

The aforementioned Kearney looked like she might lead an American resurgence in the moguls event, but her male counterparts did not take care of their end of the bargain. While Ryan Wilson surprised by picking up a bronze, the top two contenders for the United States crashed and burned in their final runs. First it was Nathan Roberts, who skied off the course, and then Patrick Deneen, who crashed during his run. Both men were thought to have a shot at reaching the podium but did not even finish their races.

The Local Look

After qualifying for his first Olympics, Duxbury’s Michael Morse proved he belonged among the big boys in the moguls. Morse barely qualified for the finals, coming in as the 19th out of 20 men to move on to another run. But he showed a marked improvement in his second go-round on Cypress Mountain, moving up to 15th as some of his higher-profile teammates endured terrible finishes.

New U.S. citizen Bengt Walden, who lives in Northbridge, Mass., also delivered a 15th-place finish in his event:  luge. The gold went to precocious 20-year-old German Felix Loch, who bested countryman David Moeller and former Olympic champ Armin Zoeggler of Italy. Walden’s finish helped put three Americans — Tony Benshoof finished eighth and Chris Mazdzer was 13th — in the top 15 of the standings.

As for Monday, it looks like the Alpine ski events finally will take place after the weather wreaked havoc with the start date. That means that New Hampshire native Bode Miller will be on the course, vying for a top-three finish four years after leaving Turin without a single medal to show from his five races.

Monday also marks the beginning of women’s luge, which will feature two New Englanders: Julia Clukey and Megan Sweeney. While New Yorker Erin Hamli, the reigning women’s world champ, represents the best shot for the United States to medal in the event, Clukey and Sweeney will be looking to put themselves in position to reach the podium in their final runs tomorrow.

Cross country skiing also will start on Monday. That means a chance for New Hampshire native Kris Freeman to try to earn a medal in the 15k and Liz Stephen of Vermont to represent in the women’s 10k.

The Medal Count

United States: 6 (1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze)

Germany: 4 (1, 3, 0)

France: 3 (2, 0, 1)

Hannah Kearney wraps up the first gold for the United States. (AP)

The United States got on the board in dramatic fashion when freestyle skier Hannah Kearney claimed the gold medal in the moguls competition on Saturday night on the last run of the competition. Kearney had just seen Canada’s Jenn Heil do a near perfect run, and in order to beat her, Kearney would have to be picture perfect … and she was.

Kearney finished with the fastest time (27.86) and the judges all agreed that her run was flawless enough to overtake Heil for the top spot, which earned Kearney a bear hug from bronze medal winner and teammate Shannon Bahrke.

Apolo Anton Ohno also snatched up a silver medal Saturday, to claim the sixth medal and most by an American in the Winter Games. Anton Ohno needed a little help in the finals after cruising to an easy win in his heat.

While rounding one of the last turns, it looked as if Anton Ohno would have to settle for a fourth place finish, but two South Koreans wiped each other out of the competition, slamming into the wall, opening the gate for Anton Ohno to grab silver and J.R. Celski — also an American — to grab the bronze.

Celski’s story is a great one, as the 19-year-old faced a serious set back when he was injured on the ice and his future was in doubt.

Lee Jung-su — the lone South Korean to keep his balance in the crash — stayed upright long enough to grab the gold in the 1,500-meter race.

The Agony of Defeat

You have to feel for the two South Koreans that took each other out at the end of the 1,500-meter race. The South Koreans were a lock to grab the entire medal stand, as they really only needed to make one or two more turns to claim first, second and third. But Lee Ho-suk and Sung Si-bak now have to ponder the possibility that they were this close to sweeping up and keeping Anton Ohno out of the spotlight.

Heather McPhie and fellow U.S. competitor Michelle Roark took nasty falls in their last runs in the moguls competition. McPhie looked like she was on her way to get into the top three, but a late slip up on the last jump knocked her out of the competition. Roark had the unfortunate luck of trying to go too big on her first jump, and she crashed and burned because of it, leaving her scrambling to regain her momentum down the hill. She did finish the race with some pride however.

The Local Look

The first U.S. gold medal goes to New Englander Hannah Kearney. As mentioned before, Kearney, the Norwich, Vt., native, broke through in the freestyle moguls competition.

The 23-year-old had a dismal 2006 showing at Torino, but redeemed herself with the gold in Vancouver. Kearney had the benefit — or disadvantage depending how you look at it — of going last in the competition. She was able to see exactly what he had to do and she executed perfectly.

Luger Bengt Walden had his qualifying run in the very dangerous competition and now sits in 15th place for the competition. Walden had some trouble on the heralded track when he nearly spun out of control, but he was able to pull it together and finish out his attempt.

Much has been made out of the super slick track that already claimed the life of a competitor before the games started. To combat another injury, the track has been shortened to try and limit the 95 mph speeds that are deemed to dangerous for this competition.

Medal Count

USA (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) 4 total
South Korea (1 gold, 1 silver) 2 total
Netherlands (1 gold) 1 total
Seven tied at 1 total

The Thrill of Victory

Canada did the Opening Ceremony its own way, and it succeeded — for the most part. (We’ll come to that later.) Focusing on the individual instead of the ensemble like in Beijing in 2008, the ceremony took viewers through a history of Canada with a series of brilliant technological orchestrations.

Here is a photo gallery from the first night of the games.

The Agony of Defeat

Unfortunately, the tragic death of Nodar Kumaritashvili, the 21-year-old Georgian luger, cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of what was to come in Vancouver over the course of these next few weeks. The Georgian contingent, down to seven members, took part in the festivities despite carrying heavy hearts.

The Opening Ceremony was also marred by a malfunction at the end that nearly ruined the lighting of the torch. With NBA All-Star Steve Nash, skiing legend Nancy Greene, speed skater Catriona Lemay Doan and the Great One himself — Wayne Gretzky — set to light the torch in a quartet, a malfunction caused Doan to be left out in the cold when one of four pillars did not rise from underneath the stadium.

The Local Look

Before the games even were officially underway, there were athletes competing in the ski jump at Whistler on Friday afternoon. And while the favorites already had prequalified for the medal round that will occur Saturday, three Americans were fighting to jump for a second day. That included Lebanon, N. H., native Nick Alexander. His total score of 113 was good enough to qualify to jump in the next round, along with his two American teammates Peter Frenette and Anders Johnson.

But today is the official day for the start of the games, and New England will be well represented. Two of the locals who have the best chance to win medals were supposed to be taking to their skis: Bode Miller and Hannah Kearney. Milller, who is from Franconia, N.H., was set to go for a medal in the downhill, but the event has been postponed due to a slushy course that has wrecked havoc with the alpine schedule. When he does race, Miller is far more likely to be a factor in the Super-G later in the games.

Kearney, the Norwich, Vt., native, on the other hand, has a great chance to be the first New Englander to earn a medal in Vancouver. Though the host Canadians boast the favorite in the freestyle moguls in Jennifer Heil, Kearney will give her a run for her money.

The lone biathlete from New England, Laura Spector, will also be competing for a medal in the 7.5-kilometer sprint event. The men’s singles luge is also scheduled to take place after Kumaritashvili’s death caused some doubt as to whether the event should be postponed. Two athletes with New England ties are part of the three man U.S. contingent — Chris Mazdzer, who was born in Pittsfield, Mass., and newly named American citizen Bengt Walden.

The Medal Count

No medals were rewarded on Friday, as the ski jumpers will be going for gold today. Four other events will also be awarding medals on the first full day of competition, with the downhill now out, including the men’s 1,500 short track event that will feature Apolo Anton Ohno vying for his sixth Winter Olympics medal.

The luge already had a reputation as one of the most dangerous sports in the Olympics, an event in which athletes race down the ice at 90 miles an hour. In other words, luging is like sledding for adrenaline junkies.

Unfortunately, that reputation seems well-earned, as the games were marked by a tragedy before the Opening Ceremony even occurred Friday night with the report that Nodar Kumaritashvili, a luger from the republic of Georgia, was killed in a training accident Friday morning.

The untimely death will certainly cast a shadow over the event, and maybe take away from some of the athletes, such as these three New Englanders, that will be participating.

Julia Clukey

The 24-year-old Clukey hails from Augusta, Maine, where she will have the full attention of the locals, and will be competing in her first Olympics. But it wasn’t an easy journey to British Columbia. Clukey tore her meniscus in her right knee last fall and returned just two weeks after surgery to win USA Luge’s start championship for the third time. Then, just before the Olympic teams would be announced, she suffered a neck injury and missed a race, but came back to compete in the last international World Cup before the U.S. team was named to help solidify her place on the team.

Megan Sweeney

Talk about a sibling rivalry. Sweeney’s trip from Suffield, Conn., to Vancouver has to be bittersweet, as it comes at the expense of another family member. In order to earn a spot on the U.S. team, Sweeney had to compete in a race off in Lillehammer, Norway, in December that featured two of her teammates: Kate Hansen and Emily Sweeney, Megan’s younger sister. The elder sibling managed to finish just ahead of her sister, and earned the last spot on the team that will head to Vancouver. She seems pretty excited about it.

Bengt Walden

The USA Luge Athlete of the Year in 2008 and 2009 had to take one step before getting on the U.S. team: passing a citizenship test. But he passed his test in Boston in October, and the Sweden born Walden will be wearing the red, white and blue in Vancouver. He hopes to represent Northbridge, Mass., and his new home with a medal.

Colbert Nation rejoice! The speed skating events are almost upon us. In probably the most bizarre lead-up to Vancouver, Stephen Colbert, the host of Comedy Central’s Colbert Report, convinced his viewers to step in and raise funds to sponsor the U.S. Speed Skating team at the 2010 games when their main sponsor dropped out.

The comedian promises to be prominently involved, as he is filming his show at the games. And he recently took on Shani Davis, the favorite for gold in the 1,000 and 1,500 events, who had originally called him “a jerk,” in a race in Utah.

And yet, there is a conspicuous absence of New Englanders present on the ice across the border. Miami? There is a speed skater from there. Memphis, too. And there are two speed skaters from both Texas and North Carolina. But not a single member of the Olympic squad hails from local parts, where there is, you know, actually ice on occasion.

However, this event has some of the biggest names competing for the United States. That starts with Davis, the enigmatic star from Chicago who made headlines in Torino in 2006 when he became the first African-American athlete to win a gold medal at the Winter Games. Though he could be in the spotlight as one of the best athletes in Vancouver, Davis seems to shun media attention, as this excellent story from the AP’s Paul Newberry points out.

That leaves Apolo Anton Ohno as arguably the biggest name competing in the games. The man with the soul patch will tie Bonnie Blair for the most all-time medals by a Winter Olympics athlete if he wins one in Vancouver. And though he might be better known as a commercial pitchman, a chocolate wrestler or even a world-class dancer, as seen below, Ohno can certainly hold his own on the ice.

On the women’s side, Katherine Reutter is the best hope for a U.S. medal. No American woman has medaled in the sport in 16 years, but Reutter is ranked in the top three of the World Cup standing in both the 1,000 and 1,500 meters heading into the games. And if Reutter does get a place on the medal stand, you can be sure Colbert will be rejoicing.

Here are the New England hopefuls from the Freestyle events. For a full list of the athletes competing, click here.

Hannah Kearney

The star of the above video, Kearney headed to Torino, Italy, for the 2006 Olympics as one of the favorites in the Freestyle moguls event. The then 19-year-old Norwich, Vt., native was coming off a gold medal win in the World Ski Championships in 2005, but stumbled to a disappointing 22nd place finish. Now she will head to Vancouver as one of the favorites once again, as she is pegged to finish on the podium after finishing at the top of the overall World Cup standing in 2009. Needless to say, Kearney has had up-and-down results. The question is, will she falter again, or can she rise to the occasion this time around?

Oh, and if you ever wanted to get the feel for what it is like to be an Olympic-level skier, she can help you in that regard, too.

Michael Morse

Morse is well traveled as he competes in his first Olympics at the age of 28. The Duxbury native grew up skiing the slopes at Killington in Vermont, and headed to the University of Vermont for college. But halfway through, Morse transferred to Northeastern to pursue a degree in English, or so he thought. Once again he left school, this time to move to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to ski full time.

Morse almost made the Olympic team in 2006 thanks to a remarkable run in the final World Cup at Lake Placid before the team was named. Sitting in third place with just one skier remaining, Morse seemed on the verge of an improbable spot on the Olympic squad. But that skier was Australian Dale Begg-Smith, who ended up the victor in the event and went on to win gold in Torino

Morse suffered through injuries after that fourth-place finish, but came back to win the moguls and dual moguls titles at the U.S. Freestyle Championships in 2008. That victory helped him get an invite from the Red Sox to throw out the first pitch in a game that May. Sox fans might remember that one, because it was the game where Jon Lester no-hit the Royals. That should be enough to get Morse some fans for his 2010 campaign.

Emily Cook

Cook has had a hard road at the Olympics. The Belmont, Mass., native made the team in 2002, but was injured three weeks before the games when she had a hard landing, shattering both of her feet and leaving her in a wheelchair. Forced to give up her spot on the squad, Cook spent years rehabbing her injured feet. Though doctors thought she would have trouble even walking, she miraculously returned to competing. She came back in 2006 and finally seems to be fully recovered, as evidenced by her career-best fourth-place finish in the World Championships in 2009.

Dylan Ferguson

The 21-year-old Amesbury resident has been making a name for himself as of late, and seems to be peaking at the right time. He earned a career-best sixth-place finish at a World Cup on Jan. 15 in Deer Valley, Utah, on a day when most of his other high-profile American teammates faltered.

Every four years, fans get to see some of the greatest marksmen and women test their accuracy while cruising the slopes on a pair of skis. It has to remind you of a James Bond movie where guns and skis just seem to go hand and hand.

In Vancouver there will be one name that New Englanders can keep an eye on: Spector…Laura Spector.

Spector is making her Olympic debut in Vancouver, and the Lenox, Mass., native didn’t expect to be considered for these Olympics. Instead, she looked ahead to 2014.

The biathlon has not been kind to the U.S in the past, as no American has brought home a medal in Olympic competition. Spector will compete in the sprint, pursuit, individual and the relay, so there will be a few opportunities for her to medal.

If she wins, she’ll probably take her celebration beverage shaken, not stirred.

Lindsey Vonn has most of the spotlight, but she's not from New England. (AP)

Lindsey Vonn has gobbled up most of the Olympic headlines heading into Vancouver, but there are still other competitors on the team. There are five U.S. Olympic hopefuls from the New England region all looking to come back home with a gold, silver or bronze medal.

Here is a look at the New England-born alpine skiers who will showcase their skills on the biggest stage of them all.

For a glance at the entire roster, click here.

Bode Miller

Has there ever been a more polarizing figure in the history of the Olympics than Bode Miller? Considered a mortal lock to win multiple medals four years ago, Miller came up empty in the Torino Games and considered retirement.

But the Franconia, NH., product is back in the saddle for the U.S. alpine team in Vancouver, hopefully 100 percent sober. Miller made headlines with a 60 Minutes interview where he said that he has skied drunk, and said he would potentially do it again. Not the message you want to send to kids, Bode, especially after the heralded deaths of Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono on the mountain.

This could be Miller’s last hurrah for the Olympic ski team, and a career without a medal will leave him in the company of a Charles Barkley, Dan Marino or Karl Malone. Great careers, but never broke through when it counted most.

Hey, if this ski thing doesn’t work out for Miller, at least he has a potential future in tennis.

Jimmy Cochran

Being an Olympic skier has always been in Cochran’s blood. He probably didn’t have a choice. His family has been part of the Olympic scene for decades, and he is the latest installment of the “Skiing Cochrans.” Just like a son who takes over a family business, it was almost as if the skiing duties were handed down to Jimmy. His grandfather was an Olympic coach, his father was an Olympian and three of his aunts also competed in Olympic competition.

So there really was no hiding what this Keene, N.H., native was going to do when he got older.

Cochran is looking to break through onto the medal stand after he finished in 12th place during the 2006 Torino Games.

Nolan Kasper

At 20 years old, Kasper is the youngest member of the U.S. ski team. If Kasper takes to the medal stand, he can’t legally enjoy an adult beverage in the United States. (See: Miller, Bode.) Kasper took a leave from Dartmouth to take aim at the US team, and the risk paid off.

The two skiers listed above will overshadow the Vermont native, but Kasper can make a name for himself in New England if Miller fails to do anything and if Cochran doesn’t improve on his finish from the last games.

Chelsea Marshall

Marshall followed in the footsteps of her brothers, Cody and Jesse, much like Cochran followed his family name. Her two older brothers were member of the US ski team, but a terrible accident stopped Cody’s progress as a full-time skier and Chelsea was by his side the whole time.

Marshall also had to overcome an injury of her own. A bad back hindered her in the World Championships in 2009, which affected her performance, but a healthy 2010 has her geared up for a run in Vancouver.

Leanne Smith

In 2008, Smith suffered a torn ACL during competition and her career was in jeopardy. But the Conway, N.H., native bounced back in Tom Brady-esque fashion and is now eying success in Vancouver.

She’s probably hoping her runs don’t end up like this fall she took in competition.

Smith has become a local hero in her hometown of Conway, NH. The locals have honored her name by dedicating Feb. 5 in her name from here on out. Not many people have a day named after them, and imagine what happens if she comes back with a meda — a Leanne Smith Month could come to Conway.

Instead of snow, an unrelenting rain has pounded the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. No matter. Technology — and shipping — is a marvelous thing, and so the enterprising officials of the Games and Canada will no doubt find a way to produce all the ice and snow necessary to get the world to reflect on the delights of the obscure: from bobsledding, the luge and the skeleton to the meaning of the rarely invoked word “quadrennial.”

It is the once-every-four-years spectacle that is the Winter Olympics, when citizens of the world find themselves with rooting interests in people they’ve never heard of, who are participating in sports that they would never otherwise watch. When else do we get to cheer on gun-toting people on skis? It is a celebration of athletics for it’s own sake, and as such, a uniquely entertaining stretch of two weeks across an otherwise barren stretch of the sports landscape.

New England will be well represented in the Games, with more than 50 natives of the region filling out the Team USA roster. For details on the Olympic participants who will represent both the United States and New England, check back in this space for sport-by-sport previews of the local athletes taking part in the Winter Olympics:

– Ski Jumping

– Snowboarding

– Women’s Hockey

– Biathlon

– Alpine Skiing

For complete coverage of the Games, check out the Winter Olympics page at WEEI.com.

LEEInks will offer a daily recap of the previous day’s Olympic events, including a look at how New Englanders did.

TODAY: The Olympics are scheduled to kick off on Friday (snow permitting!), with the qualifier for the Individual Normal Hill Ski Jump. As Tom Layman notes, Nick Alexander of Lebanon, N.H., has paid his own way to Vancouver in order to take part in the Olympics. For more on “Zander,” click here. For more on a US Olympic Ski Jumping Team that has been banished  to obscurity and may be bounced out of the Games before the opening ceremonies take place on Friday night, click here.

Although he's not from New England, Shaun White will lead the US team into Vancouver. (AP)

For years, snowboarders have been misunderstood. “Yo, bro, let’s go shred some gnar.” It seems like a different language, doesn’t it?

But these high-flying athletes have made themselves a nice home during the Winter Olympics. Since 1998, when snowboarding officially became an Olympic sport, the best in the world have been making the crowds “ooh” and “ahh” and made us wonder why their parents would let them attempt some of the crazy stunts that they seem to pull off with ease.

In Vancouver 2010, the U.S. Olympic snowboarding team will be heavily stocked with local talent from all over New England. No, New England can’t lay claim to the greatest snowboarder in the world — Shaun White — but these are some of the local riders who will be putting on a show north of the border.

You can see these dare devils rock Cypress Mountain from Feb. 15 to Feb 27.

Jonathan Cheever

Cheever has an interesting story. He doesn’t have the luxury of having sponsors pay for him to sit on the slopes all day and hone his craft. Cheever is a local plumber who has to put in a long days work before he can hit up the slopes. He works with his father and finds side work when he can.

Which other Olympic snowboarder has a feature on ContractorMag.com?

Cheever is originally from Saugus, Mass., went to Malden Catholic High School and will be competing in the snowboardcross event in Vancouver.

Kelly Clark

Clark, of Newport, R.I., burst onto the scene in the 2002 Olympics with a gold medal win in the halfpipe competition, she was only 18 years old.

This year will be her third Olympic go-around at the ripe old age of 26. She grew up in Vermont and learned to snowboard on Mount Snow before she was 10 years old. Clark is a tough girl. In 2005 she landed wrong on a trick in a halfpipe competition and suffered some serious injuries.

Scotty Lago

Right behind Shaun White, Lago is a prime-time candidate to grab a gold medal in Vancouver. A native of Seabrook, N.H., the 22-year-old has been a wild man since he was a kid, as his father recalled a story of his son trying jump off the balcony with a sheet, which he called a parachute.

You have to be a little crazy to enjoy doing this kind of stuff:

Kevin Pearce

Pearce was looking like a lock to be on the medal stand, as he defeated Shaun White in an event earlier in the year, but a Dec. 31 accident while he was training left him in critical condition.

According to his website, Pearce was attempting a cab double cork, for you non-snowboarders it’s a twisting double back flip, and he caught the front of his board on the landing and came crashing down on his head.

Pearce will miss the Olympics, and the recovery process is still continuing for the 23-year-old from Vermont.

Ross Powers

Powers is the elder statesman of the group from New England. Born in 1979, he has at least four years on the rest of the riders on this list. Powers was also one of the top-rated picks in Shaun Paulmer’s Pro Snowboarder game for Playstation 2.

A connoisseur in the halfpipe competition, Powers — a native of Vermont who lists his home as Okemo Mountain — is now taking his aim at a medal in the boarder cross competition in Vancouver. Powers captured the first ever medal in the halfpipe competition for the United States, and it will be interesting to see if he can capture that same magic in a new competition.

Hannah Teter

The sky is the limit for Hannah Teter in Vancouver. (AP)

We have a feeling America is going to fall in love with Teter this Olympics, especially since she can be found in this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

While she’ll make heads turn off the slopes, on it she will be just as mesmerizing. She claimed an Olympic gold medal during the 2006 Olympic Games, and this year decided to donate all of her prize money to help the people in Haiti.

The Belmont, Vt., product will no doubt win over fans with her good intentions, good looks and killer abilities on the slopes.

Alexander has put his time into this competition. Just look at the video where he is training for ski jumping in the summer, yeah, no snow.

According to his website, Alexander started jumping at the age of 10. This doesn’t seem like a sport for young men who are 10 years old, but if it gets you to the Olympic Games more power to you.

Alexander, and the rest of the US ski jumpers, are paying their own way to get to Vancouver, proving that the Olympic Dream is still alive and burning.

To see a list of all the US Olympic hopefuls click here.

When the first puck drops in Vancouver on Sunday, there will be a heavy East Coast presence on the ice.

Julie Chu will be one of seven New England natives heading the U.S. women's hockey team. (AP)

Names such as Chris Drury, ex-captain for the Boston University Terriers, Jon Quick, former UMass goalie, and Brooks Orpik, who spent his teenage years playing for Thayer Academy in Braintree, will take their positions for the U.S. men’s team this month.

But it will be the women’s team that will be laden with New Englanders come this weekend, when the United States begins its quest for gold in Vancouver. Led by Meghan Duggan, a Danvers, Mass., native who led the Wisconsin Badgers to an NCAA championship as a junior, the U.S. women’s team will feature seven New Englanders, including four from the Bay State.

Here are the local players to watch:

Julie Chu — This two-time Olympian (2002, 2006) makes her return to the World Stage in 2010 in search of her first gold medal.

Chu, a Fairfield, Conn., native who played her collegiate years in record-setting form at Harvard University, was a member of the U.S. All-American team three times, and currently owns Harvard’s all-time assists lead with 196.

The forward was named one of Team USA’s top three players back in 2009 and won a bronze medal with the United States in 2006 and silver in 2002. But the NCAA’s career points leader would prefer to bring home a gold in 2010.

Caitlin Cahow – Also a Harvard graduate, as a senior Cahow was named a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, an award given to the NCAA’s top women’s ice hockey performer each season.

Born and raised in New Haven, Conn., Cahow started her collegiate career as a forward but was shifted to defense in her rookie season with the Crimson.

The switch to D has worked out well for Cahow, who ranked third in the nation for defensive scoring in 2005 and was named top defenseman at the Canadian Women’s Hockey Championship.

Kacey Bellamy — Hailing from Westfield, Mass., the 22-year-old forward-turned-defenseman currently ranks third all-time on the University of New Hampshire’s defensive scoring list.

While at UNH, Bellamy also finished fourth in the NCAA among defenders with 28 points, gaining Hockey East First Team All-Star honors in the process.

Named one of Team USA’s top three players in 2009, Bellamy will be making her debut on the Olympic team. no stranger to the World Stage, a two-time member for the U.S. women’s national team.

Meghan Duggan — A current resident of Danvers, Mass., Duggan played her entire teen career in the Bay State before moving on to the University of Wisconsin. During her time at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Mass., Duggan was a four-year class president as well as participant in varsity level soccer, softball and lacrosse.

But at Wisconsin, Duggan made her focus ice hockey — and perfected the trade. As a sophomore, the now-22-year-old finished second on the team with 43 points in 38 games, helping the Badgers reach the NCAA title game. In 2009, she helped them win the title, being named to the All-WCHA third team following her junior season.

Erika Lawler — Hailing from Fitchburg, Mass., Lawler roomed with Duggan at Cushing Academy before she went on to the University of Wisconsin as well. Lawler won an NCAA title with the Badgers as a freshman, sophomore and then again as a senior. And during her time at Wisconsin, she scored 174 career points, which ranks third in school history.

With Lawler’s three NCAA titles in four years, Team USA will surely look for Lawler’s championship poise to come through in their time in Vancouver.

Hilary Knight — The youngest of the group, the 20-year-old Hanover native is yet another Wisconsin grad sporting the red, white and blue this winter.

Knight finished first in the NCAA with 45 goals, 43 assists and 83 total points in her 2008-09 sophomore season. Her league-leading performance was crucial in the Badgers’ pursuit of their third national championship in four years.

Molly Schaus — Schaus, who originally made her home in Natick, Mass., currently makes her home between the pipes.

The now-21-year-old immediately burst onto the college scene as one of the best goalies in the league, leading Boston College to its first-ever NCAA Frozen Four berth as a freshman, posting league bests in save percentage (.931) and GAA (1.90) in the process.

She continued her domination as a sophomore, when she broke the school record for saves with 920, and then as a junior when she finished second in the nation in both shutouts (10) and save percentage (.938).

But in 2010, Schaus will look to save something she never has before – a gold medal for the U.S. national team.

The NCAA announced proposals to deal with taunting and concussions. The most controversial proposal, if passed by the rules committee, would take away a touchdown if a player taunts the opposition on his way to the end zone, assessing the penalty at the spot of the foul.

“Taunting and prolonged individual acts have no place in our game, and our officials have generally handled these rules well,” said former Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, the committee chair. “This is just another step in maintaining our game’s image and reflecting the ideals of the NCAA overall.”

The concussion proposal requires players to be cleared by a doctor before returning.

Also, those “eye black” patches with messages on them will soon be banned.

FOOTBALL: The Giants released linebacker Antonio Pierce. The Jaguars released receiver Torry Holt. Former Patriots receiver David Givens’ lawsuit against the Titans was thrown out. The Rams are being sold but are not expected to be moved.

Central Florida was put on two years probation for “major” recruiting violations. The son of Archie Griffin will play at Ohio State, the school where his father won two Heisman Trophy awards in the 1970s.

BASEBALL: The Mets signed Japanese lefty Hisanori Takahashi. Tom Glavine officially retired and joined the Braves as a front office special assistant.

BASKETBALL: Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson will miss Sunday’s All-Star Game. Jessica Camerato has a piece on Rajon Rondo’s preparations for the weekend. The Cavaliers beat the Magic for their 13th straight win. The Spurs routed the Nuggets. Pacers president Larry Bird addressed his team’s struggles. The NBA’s CBA proposal asks all players for salary cuts. Shaquille O’Neal said his TV show is being renewed. Former Lakers coach Fred Schaus died at the age of 84.

Jim Calhoun is back at UConn, hoping to right the Huskies’ sinking NCAA chances. No. 16 Gonzaga routed St. Mary’s in a big WCC matchup. No. 18 Butler beat Youngstown State to clinch the Horizon crown. Notre Dame forward Luke Harangody was injured in the Irish’s loss to Seton Hall.

HOCKEY: The Bruins held off the Lightning. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned. The Senators led the Northeast after beating the Capitals. Evgeni Nabokov made 50 saves and the Sharks beat the Wings in a shootout. The Oilers edged the Kings in a shootout. The Hurricanes topped the Sabres in overtime. The Canucks blanked the Panthers. The Panthers traded Dominic Moore to the Canadiens.

MISC.: The Olympics begin tonight in Vancouver.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 12, 1967, the Celtics retired No. 25 in honor of which players?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We knew that we had to clean it out and rebuild it, and we knew we were going to go through some tough times. Nobody likes to lose, and everybody wants to be a part of a winner. We think we’re on the right track to get there.” — Pacers president Larry Bird, on his team’s struggles

STAT OF THE DAY: 17 — Games since the Bruins scored more than three goals before last night’s five-goal outburst

‘NET RESULTS: Steve Nash has put out some not-so-funny videos, but this commercial is pretty good.

The Harlem Globetrotters played a game on ice Tuesday in New York’s Central Park.

TRIVIA ANSWER: KC Jones

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Michael McDonald is 58 today. Here he is singing in concert with the Doobie Brothers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers said they were trying to protect fans when they removed water fountains from Quicken Loans Arena before the season, claiming that they wanted to prevent the spread of the flu. Some accused the team of trying to force fans to buy bottled water ($4 a pop) although free cups of water were available for fans willing to wait in line.

However, when the Cleveland Building and Housing Department found out about the situation after an article in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer this month, it determined that the team was violating the state building code, which requires a water fountain for every 1,000 occupants. Said Cleveland City Councilman Tony Brancatelli: “It’s clearly an opportunity to sell more drinks. If there were health reasons, we’d be taking fountains out of every school and institution.” The fountains will be re-installed.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Hornets. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Kendrick Perkins is among the 27 players named to the U.S. national team pool.

Despite playing without Kobe Bryant again, the Lakers beat the Jazz. The Bucks routed the Nets before 1,016 fans who braved the East Coast snowstorm. The Heat topped the Hawks. Chris Bosh led the Raptors past the Sixers. The Magic beat the Bulls, and Chicago’s Derrick Rose left with an injury. Warriors rookie Stephen Curry had a triple-double and Golden State ended a nine-game skid by beating the Clippers. The Trail Blazers frustrated the Suns.

Knicks legend Carl Braun, who ended his career with the Celtics in 1961-62, died at the age of 82.

No. 2 Syracuse defeated UConn. Miami knocked off No. 20 Georgia Tech at the buzzer. Duke pulled away from North Carolina, which retired Tyler Hansbrough’s jersey. UC Davis ended a 49-game losing streak to Pacific.

HOCKEY: The Capitals’ 14-game winning streak ended, but they still picked up a point in an overtime loss to the Canadiens. The Flyers beat the Devils in overtime. The Blue Jackets shut out the Sharks. The Predators beat the Rangers to end a five-game road skid. The Ducks won their 11th straight home game, edging the Oilers. The Avalanche scored nine seconds into overtime to beat the Thrashers. The Penguins topped the Islanders.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price notes some key dates in the NFL offseason. Vikings fans took out an ad on a billboard encouraging Brett Favre to return. Texans coach Gary Kubiak signed a contract extension.

The University of Texas is upset by a new recruiting rule.

BASEBALL: The Red Sox claimed pitcher Gaby Hernandez off waivers from the Mariners. The Braves reportedly made an offer to Johnny Damon.

MISC.: Skier Lindsey Vonn isn’t sure if she’ll be able to compete in the Olympics.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 11, 1918, the Red Sox named a manager to replace Jack Barry, who was serving in the Navy. Who took over the Sox and led them to their their last World Series title for 86 years?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Trades are very difficult to do in the NBA right now. We’re going to try to do something. I feel like we need to do something, but it might be something very small to tweak the personality of our team.” — Celtics boss Danny Ainge, on The Big Show yesterday afternoon

STAT OF THE DAY: 10 — Turnovers by Hornets guard Darren Collison vs. the Celtics last night

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s how Jim Kosek forecasted our area’s storm. This guy is becoming a legend.

Minor controversy in last night’s Syracuse-UConn game as the Orange were given a timeout after the Huskies had taken possession.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Ed Barrow

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Otis Clay is 68 today.

Here’s a song from his earlier days.

The post-Super Bowl hangover is upon us. There will be no more football until the preseason kicks off in August, and spring training is still a month away. But there is hope for this first weekend without an NFL game on the menu: NBA All-Star Weekend.

The game itself? That is secondary. Who remembers who won it last year, or even who the MVP was (the West cruised to a 146-119 win, and Kobe and Shaq shared the MVP honors). The only memorable moment from that Sunday didn’t even happen during the game.

What makes the All-Star game worth watching, of course, is the events on Saturday night. And Celtics fans will get a chance to see two of the green in action in Dallas when Rajon Rondo takes part in the H-O-R-S-E competition and Paul Pierce joins the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout participants. While Rondo will be basking in the glow of his first All-Star selection, Pierce will have some incentive after his performance in the contest in 2002, when he came through with just eight points and had Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley talking more about his clothes than his game.

So, to get fans in Boston ready for Saturday, here is a history of some of the highs and lows of Celtics who have been a part of All-Star Saturday night’s events.

Larry Bird

The first Three-Point Shootout — actually dubbed the “Long Distance Shootout” — occurred in 1986 in Dallas, which just so happens to be the site of this year’s All-Star weekend. The winner? Larry Bird. This was the year of the famous story when Bird sauntered into the locker room and asked his fellow participants, “All right, who’s coming in second place today?” as chronicled here.

Bird won the event in each of its first three years, but the 1988 final was perhaps his best moment of the three. (Fun fact: Celtics GM Danny Ainge was also in that field, and appeared in the event twice as a Celtic in ’88 and ’89.) With Dale Ellis setting the bar at 15, Bird came out ice cold. But in typical Larry Legend fashion, he came through in the clutch, nailing eight of his last 10 shots, including the dagger moneyball at the end, to take the victory.

Dee Brown

The Reeboks. The no-look dunk. Dee Brown’s performance at the 1991 All-Star game is legendary. Brown went head-to-head in the finals with the heavy favorite, Shawn “Reign Man” Kemp, and put on a show in Charlotte. And he will always be synonymous with arguably the coolest basketball shoes that have nothing to do with Michael Jordan.

Greg Minor

The list of players who were a part of the 1996 Slam Dunk contest was a mostly forgettable lot. The favorite was Michael Finley, and the actual winner was Brent Barry, two guys who are remembered more as outside shooters. And then there was the relatively anonymous Greg Minor. But he was a Celtic, and he tried to follow in Brown’s footsteps. He actually made it to the second round along with the aforementioned pairing, but finished third.

Antoine Walker

Celtics fans have don’t exactly have the fondest memories of ’Toine hoisting threes. But he did  just that, a lot, and he wasn’t exactly good at it: He only shot 32 percent from beyond the arc in 2002-03, the year he took part. The field included former Celtic David Wesley and the aforementioned Barry, as well as the defending champ Peja Stojakovic. Walker may have had the worst performance in the history of the event, finishing behind his buddy Pierce with just seven points in the opening round and ending with a flourish of air-balls.

Gerald Green

OK, so Gerald Green was the very definition of a bust. He couldn’t play defense and barely cracked the rotation in his tenure as Celtic. But you can’t discount that the fact that he was athletic. And in a dismal season before the Big Three were brought together that started with the death of Red Auerbach and included an 18-game losing streak, Green delivered the only bright spot by shining at the dunk contest in Vegas.

Fox Sports baseball writer Ken Rosenthal revisits a column he wrote in 2008, when he commented on how the Red Sox fielded a team that was mostly white. He said he was stunned by the firestorm it caused. With the Sox signing two African-American free agents this offseason, Rosenthal addresses the issue again, and he talked with Mike Cameron about his perception of Boston.

Asked what Cameron had heard about Boston, the new Sox outfielder replied: “Just that they haven’t had many African-American players in the past. But that’s never been a major concern of mine. I feel like before I make any judgments about a situation, I need to live it first.”

Added Cameron: “Maybe I can be a new era of pioneer. Pokey Reese played there. He’s a real good friend. He really enjoyed his time there. Ricky Gutierrez, Rickey Henderson, Coco Crisp all had good experiences in Boston.”

FOOTBALL: The Saints paraded through New Orleans. Julius Peppers is mad at the Panthers for ignoring him. Rams running back Steven Jackson won’t face criminal charges in a domestic dispute last year.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford looks at Josh Beckett’s contract situation. Lou Merloni looks at shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias. Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb threw off the mound for the first time since undergoing  shoulder surgery. Outfielder Jacque Jones signed with the Twins. Pitcher Scott Schoeneweis signed with the Brewers. The Athletics released outfielder Willy Taveras.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics reportedly are offering Glen Davis to the Bobcats for guard D.J. Augustin. The Cavaliers won their 12th straight game, beating the Nets. The Heat ended a five-game skid with a win over the Rockets. The Hawks handled the Grizzlies. The Nuggets routed the Mavericks. Kevin Durant led the Thunder to their sixth straight win, beating the Trail Blazers. Spurs guard George Hill is the latest athlete to apologize for nude pictures that made it online.

Boston College lost to Wake Forest. Seventh-ranked Georgetown rallied past Providence. Illinois upset No. 11 Wisconsin on the road. No. 22 Vanderbilt routed No. 12 Tennessee. No. 6 Purdue knocked off No. 10 Michigan State.

HOCKEY: The Bruins beat the Sabres in a shootout. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned. The B’s will open next season in Prague. Graig Woodburn has his weekly NHL Power Rankings.

The Thrashers traded goalie Kari Lehtonen to the Stars. The Blues beat the Red Wings in a shootout. The Senators edged the Flames. The Islanders ended a seven-game skid with a shoot out win over the Predators. The Hurricanes beat the Panthers.

A funeral mass was held in Canton for Brendan Burke, the son of Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke.

MISC: The family of former figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is not happy with her father’s death being ruled a homicide. The man who shot videos of Erin Andrews was not new to this type of behavior, according to court documents. The Pac-10 is considering expansion.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 10, 1942, the Bruins’ Kraut line combined for 11 points in an 8-1 rout of the Canadiens in the trio’s final game before leaving to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. Which three players made up the Kraut line?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “When you lose 10 in a row, it’s in your head, so we can’t think about what happened before.” — Bruins forward David Krejci, after last night’s victory over the Sabres

STAT OF THE DAY: 1,548 — Career games played by Bruins forward Mark Recchi, putting him one game behind Alex Delvecchio for ninth place

‘NET RESULTS: This is one long soccer goal.

Hammer throw gone bad. You have to let go of the hammer. And I’m thinking sandals aren’t the best for this. Oh, and you’re inside.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Milt Schmidt, Bobby Bauer and Woody Dumart

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Don Wilson is 77 today. He’s a co-founder of and rhythm guitarist for the Ventures, the best-selling instrumental band ever.

Super Bowl heroes are remembered forever. Unfortunately, the same goes for the goats.

Only two words are more famous than Scott Norwood: wide right. (AP)

For every Joe Montana, there is a Scott Norwood. It’s an unfortunate and unavoidable element of pro sports — for every success story, there is an equally emotional story of complete and utter failure.

It was no different in Super Bowl XLIV, when Hank Baskett impeccably etched his name in Super Bowl goat history, as he failed to reel in a crucial onside kick to open up the second half. The Saints gained possession, as well as the momentum, and went on to trounce the favored Colts, 31-17.

But where does Baskett rank among the great Super Bowl Goats of the past? Surprisingly, not that high — though Kendra may disagree.

Turns out Mr. Baskett’s blunder wasn’t nearly the worst thing to happen on the big stage.

10. Rich Gannon, Raiders, Super Bowl XXXVII. We all knew Tampa Bay’s defense was tremendous. But Rich Gannon made the Buccaneers look like utterly unstoppable.

Gannon, the regular-season MVP, turned in a performance that was in every way possible the exact opposite — getting sacked five times, fumbling once and throwing a Super Bowl record five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

Tampa Bay went on to route Oakland 48-21, a game the Raiders came into favored by four points.

So close, yet so far away ... (AP)

Football has and always will be a sport that is the ultimate team-based game — 11 vs. 11 each and every play, depending on all individuals to make an equally substantial effort.

So that’s why there is no excuse for Hank Baskett’s effort on New Orleans’ half-opening onside kick. He’s there because he has good hands, and fumbling around an onside kick is an inexcusable blunder, especially on such a huge stage.

But it’s obvious the Saints knew what they were dealing with. They had been practicing it all week, and knew exactly whom they would be kicking it at. If it’s any consolation however, Baskett is married to Playboy model and former “Girl Next Door” Kendra Wilkinson.

You win some, you lose some.

8. Donovan McNabb, Eagles, Super Bowl XXXIX. We all remember John Elway’s drive. We all remember Joe Montana’s drive. And we all remember Tom Brady’s drive(s). But unfortunately for Donovan McNabb, we also all remember his drive.

Trailing New England 24-14 with just under six minutes left in the game, the Eagles had a chance to begin a comeback. But instead of putting the pedal to the metal, McNabb gingerly lead a four-minute scoring drive that ultimately resulted in the Eagles’ demise.

The reason for the unsightly speed of the crucial drive? McNabb was throwing up in the huddle — and it wasn’t the first time (see below). Not to mention he tossed three interceptions over the course of the loss, a game in which the Eagles finished just shy of the Patriots, 24-21.

7. John Kasay, Panthers, Super Bowl XXXVIII. A rare Super Bowl game in which both kickers will be remembered forever — Adam Vinatieri for his game-winner with seconds remaining and John Kasay for giving the Patriots possession on the 40-yard line six plays later.

Special thanks to John Kasay. (AP)

Kasay committed the cardinal sin of kicking the ball out of bounds following Carolina’s game-tying drive, and with just over a minute left in the game, booted the kick straight out of bounds, resulting in a flag — and a New England possession on the 40-yard line.

Brady already had a reputation for having ice water in his veins in the final minutes. This time, he was given possession of the ball just 30 yards out of Vinatieri’s range; an opportunity Tom Brady wouldn’t let slip away. One minute after Kasay’s mis-kick, the Patriots took home their second Super Bowl in three years, downing Carolina 32-29.

6. Eugene Robinson, Falcons, Super Bowl XXXIII. It was not a good Super weekend for the Falcons strong safety. He had a reputation for being a man of faith as well as one who always valued the community over himself — but prior to the Super Bowl, Robinson was arrested on charges of soliciting an undercover police officer for oral sex.

Atlanta coach Dan Reeves played Robinson anyway, and he responded by blowing two crucial coverages during the game, including an 80-yard touchdown strike to Rod Smith. The touchdown put Denver ahead 17-3, as the Broncos went on to rout Atlanta, 34-19.

5. Neil O’Donnell, Steelers, Super Bowl XXX. You wouldn’t know it by looking at his final numbers — 28-for-49 and 239 yards — but O’Donnell’s Super Bowl effort made Rich Gannon’s look Montana-esque.

Is that Donovan McNabb? (AP)

The Steelers quarterback threw quite possibly two of the worst interceptions in Super Bowl history, resulting in a Cowboys win and an eternity of goat-ness.

On a third-and-9 from his own 48, O’Donnell threw a pass that was mind-bogglingly awful, landing 10 yards away from his intended receiver and right in the arms of cornerback Larry Brown. Thirty-eight seconds later, Emmit Smith plunged in the end zone for six. Cowboys 20, Steelers 7.

Then, trailing only 20-17 with four minutes remaining, O’Donnell once again found a wide-open Brown, who ran it all the way back to Pittsburgh’s 6-yard line.

4. Lewis Billups/Asante Samuel, Bengals/Patriots, Super Bowl XXIII/XLII. And again, for every Larry Brown, there is a Lewis Billups and an Asante Samuel. Because thanks to those fine gentlemen, both Joe Montana and Eli Manning are forever ingrained in Super Bowl history, their late-game drives a part of the ever-growing Lombardi Trophy legacy.

For Billups, it came early in the final quarter, when Montana’s end zone attempt for John Taylor landed squarely in the Bengals cornerback’s hands. However, like a child trying to catch a butterfly, Billups let the chance of a lifetime clunk, slip and drop from his fingertips. Montana then hit Rice for six on the next play, tying the game at 13. San Francesco went on to win 20-16.

Samuel’s folly, however, was much more immediately damaging. Eli Manning was in the process of leading the Giants on an improbable game-winning drive against the 18-0 Patriots when Samuel let an easy interception slip through his fingertips like a fish, allowing the G-men to maintain possession. A few plays and a David Tyree miracle later, and the Giants defeated the undefeatable, 17-14.

But like the old adage says; if a defensive back had hands, he’d play wide receiver.

3. Thurman Thomas, Bills, Super Bowl XXVIII/XXVI. Oh, Thurman. To be honest, he could have his name twice separately on this list. But for Bills fans and their sanity, I’ll just lop them both into one.

The first, Super Bowl XXVI, came on the day after Thomas complained to the media about not getting enough attention despite being named the NFL MVP.

He responded to his own criticisms with a performance that would certainly net him plenty of attention — rushing for 13 yards on 10 carries, as well as missing the first two plays of the game thanks to a missing helmet.

The second, far worse, came in Super Bowl XXVIII, following three years of cursed Bills performances in the Super Bowl. Two of them had been decided thanks to Thomas’ uncharacteristically poor play. But this time, they had a 13-6 lead heading into halftime.

However, Thomas took center stage once again, opening the second half with a fumble that was returned 46-yards for a game-tying touchdown. It was his second fumble of the game.

And it would result in Buffalo’s fourth Super Bowl loss.

2. Jackie Smith, Cowboys, Super Bowl XIII. Smith will go down in NFL history as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game.

However, his Super Bowl XIII performance will also join him in the history books — for all the wrong reasons.

Used primarily as a blocking end throughout the 1978 season, the Cowboys tight end found himself wide open in the end zone with Dallas trailing Pittsburgh 21-14 in the third quarter. However, Smith would put on his best Billups impression and let the ball clunk off his paws and land on the ground.

Dallas had to settle for a field goal, cutting the lead 21-17, a crucial four-point swing; especially when you consider Dallas eventually lost the game by four points, 35-31.

1. Scott Norwood, Bills, Super Bowl XXV. And in a shocking turn of events, Scott Norwood finds himself atop a Super Bowl goat list. Who knew?

Giants win! Giants win! (AP)

With a chance to win the game for the Bills, Norwood lined up for the most famous 47-yard field goal in NFL history. However, just like he had in warmups, Norwood shanked the kick, and it sailed to the right of the uprights — giving the Giants a 20-19 last-second win.

Eighteen years and an “Ace Ventura” movie later, Norwood still finds himself near the top of nearly every single sporting blunder list ever created, damming him with the likes of Bill Buckner, Steve Bartman and Jackie Smith. Not only that, but Norwood’s misfire was a key plot point in Buffalo ‘66, proving that some goats can even make it big in Hollywood.

But it’s the necessary evil of sports. Because as cliché as it sounds, in order for someone to win, someone else has to lose.

Because if there were no Hank Baskett, there might not be a Drew Brees. If there were no Asante Samuel, there would be no David Tyree. No John Kasay, no Tom Brady.

It’s a vicious cycle, but it makes the sporting world go round. Plus, without Scott Norwood, there might not have been Ace Ventura. And what kind of world would we be living in then?

Now that the dust has settled, here’s a look at what people are saying about the Super Bowl experience as the Saints revel in their first title. The game was the most-watched TV show in history. Real Clear Sports has the top 10 most memorable Super Bowl commercials of all-time (none from this year made the list). The latest contrived controversy about a player/coach walking off the field without shaking hands involves Peyton Manning. In the Indianapolis Star, columnist Bob Kravitz takes a look at why the Colts lost — he says it simply comes down to the Saints’ willingness to take risks and the Colts being too conservative.

FOOTBALL: The NFL is headed into an uncertain offseason. The Browns released receiver Donte Stallworth, who is due to be reinstated after serving time in jail.

BASKETBALL: Paul Flannery looks at some options for Ray Allen should the Celtics decide to move him.

Vince Carter scored 48 points as the Magic rallied past the Hornets. Despite missing Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, the Lakers beat the Spurs.

Injured Cavaliers guard Delonte West might return tonight. Same thing with Bobcats big man Tyson Chandler. Pacers center Jeff Foster is done for the season with a back injury. Clippers center Chris Kaman will replace injured Trail Blazer Brandon Roy in the All-Star Game.

Boston College will be without Joe Trapani when it plays at Wake Forest tonight. Fourth-ranked Villanova won at No. 5 West Virginia. Top-ranked Kansas turned away No. 14 Texas.

HOCKEY: Bruins coach Claude Julien said David Krejci is looking good for tonight’s game vs. the Sabres.

The Kings’ win streak ended at nine with a loss to the Ducks. The Sharks edged the Maple Leafs. The Flyers edged the Devils. Matthew Lombardi had five points as the Coyotes routed the Oilers. Bob Gainey stepped down as Canadiens general manager. The Stars activated center Mike Ribeiro.

BASEBALL: Twins owner Jim Pohlad talked about trying to re-sign Joe Mauer. The White Sox are taking Luis Aparicio’s No. 11 out of retirement so fellow Venezuelan Omar Vizquel can wear it. Mariners ace Cliff Lee is recovering from minor foot surgery. The Brewers are going to erect a statue of Bud Selig. Really.

MISC.: Danica Patrick will make her NASCAR debut this weekend at Daytona.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 9, 1991, which Celtic won the All-Star slam dunk competition?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This thing lay in my bed next to me last night, rolled over it a couple times. I probably drooled on it. But man, there’s nothing like it.” — Saints coach Sean Payton, talking about the Super Bowl trophy

STAT OF THE DAY: 3 — Number of Mountain West teams (New Mexico, BYU, UNLV) in the AP Top 25 college basketball poll, one more than the ACC

‘NET RESULTS: Fans jump around at Wisconsin’s outdoor hockey game vs. Michigan.

The “Who Dat” dog has become an Internet sensation.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Dee Brown

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Carole King is 68 today.

And Barbara Lewis is 67 today.

You’re looking for the best commercials from last night’s Super Bowl? Here they are. Here’s a look at the night’s most memorable moments involving commercials, celebrations and announcers’ comments. And our own Kirk Minihane has a running diary from the night.

FOOTBALL: Here’s the recap of the Saints’ victory over the Colts, and the reaction in New Orleans. Chris Price has the 10 Things We Learned. Saints coach Sean Payton made the right calls. Peyton Manning made one wrong one, and Tracy Porter took advantage.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he wants to make the game safer, and that might include eliminating the three-point stance. Former defensive lineman Warren Sapp was released from jail Sunday after being arrested for allegedly choking a woman in his hotel room.

Florida State will vacate 12 wins as part of an academic cheating scandal.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics fell to the Magic. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Chris Bosh lifted the Raptors over the Kings.

Third-ranked Syracuse took care of Cincinnati. Maryland routed North Carolina, which is a half-game out of last place in the ACC.

HOCKEY: The Bruins beat the Canadiens to end their 10-game skid. Graig Woodburn has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

The Capitals won their 14th straight game, beating the Penguins. The Sharks acquired defenseman Niclas Wallin from the Hurricanes.

BASEBALL: Left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard will return to the Mariners.

MISC.: Somebody won a golf tournament.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 8, 1981, the Celtics retired No. 18 in honor of which player?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “One of the guys said, ‘We’re better than Orlando,’ and I said, ‘No, you’re not.’ They knocked you out of the playoffs last year. Orlando’s better than us right now. Atlanta’s better than us right now. [The Lakers are] better than us right now.” — Celtics coach Doc Rivers, after Sunday’s loss to the Magic

STAT OF THE DAY: 19 — Consecutive points scored by the Magic in the third quarter of their victory over the Celtics Sunday

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s a silly spoof of Peyton Manning preparing for the Super Bowl.

Diminutive Knicks guard Nate Robinson blocks a Shaquille O’Neal shot.

Here’s AccuWeather.com meteorologist Jim Kosek freaking out over the Mid-Atlantic’s enormous storm.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Dave Cowens

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Actor Creed Bratton from “The Office” is 67 today. Here he is when he was in the band Grass Roots. That’s him at the start, closest to the camera.

Ah, the Super Bowl. The biggest game of the year is Sunday in Miami, and the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints will finally end the waiting as they fight for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLIV.

But what makes the Super Bowl the greatest game of the season is much more than just the matchup itself, even if few games have had as much hype as this year’s. Yes, the Super Bowl is the spectacle that it is because of the myriad betting opportunities it presents. And while Super Bowl squares are always fun, nothing is better than prop bets.

You can always bet the over/under or the spread, but isn’t it more fun to wager on whether Austin Collie catches the first touchdown or not? (He is at 10-1 odds right now.) So without further ado, here are some of the ridiculous prop bets to be watching for this year.

Okay, one quick disclaimer here: WEEI.com in no way, shape or form encourages gambling, even on the most hilarious of the bets below. Use your money for more important things, like party supplies.

Carrie Underwood’s national anthem: Over/under 1 minute 42 seconds

A little bit of research shows that Underwood, the country music star and former American Idol winner, sang the Star Spangled Banner back in 2006 for the NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.

If you notice, that video is 1 minute 45 seconds long. It’s going to be a close call, but on an even bigger stage Underwood might embellish the performance a little bit.

Which commercial will have the highest rating on USA Today’s Ad meter?

The choices presented to us are Doritos, Coca-cola, Anheuser-Busch, Godaddy.com, Career Builder, Focus on the Family or other. Now, maybe the appearance of Tim Tebow will push the “Focus on the Family” ad to greater heights. Maybe there is a Budweiser commercial on the level of this:

But curiously absent from the set list is the Super Bowl commercial that could be the most compelling: the McDonald’s remake of the classic Larry Bird-Michael Jordan “Showdown” ad with NBA superstars LeBron James and Dwight Howard.

So many questions can be asked. Will either wear an outfit as terrible as His Airness? Will they bother to say no dunking? And why remake the best commercial of all-time with someone who can’t even shoot? Those questions alone could make it the most-watched commercial of the night.

How many times will Archie Manning be shown on TV?

The line is set at two and a half. But Manning has two allegiances in this game: the Saints, and his son Peyton. That means he can be shown whenever either team is being discussed. Drew Brees throws a touchdown? The former Saints signal caller could be on the screen. Manning hits Dallas Clark for a big gain? You bet they will probably show his father beaming with pride. This could be the easiest prop bet of all to predict.

Anything with Kim Kardashian

How many times will Reggie Bush’s girlfriend be shown on screen? What color top will she be wearing? Will she be engaged to Bush by July 31st if the Saints pull out the win? All of these are actual bets for this game. She might end up playing a bigger role in this telecast than Dwight Freeney.

What CBS show will get the most promos during the game?

The logical choice might be Undercover Boss, the new show that will follow the game. From this sneak peek, it looks pretty intense.

I suppose that makes it a drama? But don’t discount NCIS. After all, it is America’s No. 1 show, for reasons described here. Who would have thought a naval crime scene show could be so popular? Another darkhorse? Any of the CSI shows, which, of course, feature theme songs by a certain Super Bowl halftime performing band.

How many times will Pete Townshend perform his legendary windmill move?

That clip is 19 seconds long. In it, Townshend does his patented windmill move twice. With a set list that includes a mashup of five songs, Townshend will have ample opportunity to strut his stuff on stage and rock out. If this one doesn’t entice you, you can always bet on whether any member of the band will break a guitar, and if so, what it will hit first.

The game.

And here we get to the game itself. There are too many bets to list, from the coin toss to whether either team will score in the last three minutes of the game. The best of the best? The over/under on Drew Brees’ passing attempts, which is set at 33.3, and whether Manning will have throw for more yards than in the Colts victory in Super Bowl XLI, when he passed for 247 yards. In what could be a shootout, both seem ripe for the over pick.

During the Colts’ victory over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game, Freeney went to rush Mark Sanchez but pulled up lame on his right ankle. This injury occurred late in the game, when it was already in hand, and it makes you wonder why the Colts would have their star player in at that juncture when they pulled their starters during a run at perfection. That’s for another day though.

Freeney is listed as questionable and according to this report that appeared on SI.com, he seems to be doing everything to try and get ready for play. Of course, it is also worth taking stock of what Adam Schefter said on the Dennis & Callahan Show on Friday: “Dwight Freeney as we know Dwight Freeney is not playing on Sunday.”

His status will probably not be set in stone until game time and the media has picked apart every scenario for the Colts. Whether Freeney plays, if he doesn’t, what type of impact he can make to help or hurt the team. The storylines have all been discussed ad nauseum.

New England fans don’t have their beloved Patriots in the Super Bowl this year, but there is still a vested interest in the game, because what true Pats fan wants to see Peyton Manning and the Colts raise the Lombardi Trophy? What true fan wants to see the Colts mentioned in the same breath with the Patriots’ dynasty earlier in the decade?

Fans all over New England will be hoping and praying Freeney won’t be 100 percent to do to the Saints’ offensive line what he has done to Matt Light and seemingly everyone else — except for Sebastian Vollmer — on the New England for years, which is cause havoc.

The injury story is nothing new with New England fans during Super Bowl week. Here are a few cases where injuries were a major story during a Patriots run at a title and also some other great injury stories during the biggest game of the year.

Brady or Bledsoe

Remember when Tom Brady stepped into Drew Bledsoe’s shoes and brought the Patriots all the way to the AFC Championship? Well, the roles were reversed in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, when Brady went down with a lower leg injury in the second quarter. Bledsoe came in and threw a touchdown pass to David Patten, then Troy Brown and the special teams took over from there.

Maybe you don’t remember, but there was a small controversy over who would start in the Super Bowl: Brady or Bledsoe. It wasn’t sure if Brady’s leg would be completely healthy for the big game and Bledsoe was hungry and ready to step back into the limelight.

Belichick decided on Brady, and the rest is history: Pats win, Brady becomes a superstar, Bledsoe sent packing to Buffalo.

Lynn Swann

This story probably wouldn’t have happened in today’s NFL. Swann was diagnosed with a concussion in the AFC Championship game against the Raiders and played in the Super Bowl.

Only to do this:

In today’s NFL, especially this season, Swann probably wouldn’t have been allowed back on the field. The mandates for concussions have changed since Swann made that miraculous catch back in Super Bowl X. Swann’s efforts to play in the game were heroic, but rather dangerous, considering what is known now about numerous concussions.

But, it’s a sign of the times, and Swann’s moment will go down in NFL history.

Terrell Owens

The question on everyone’s mind was if TO was going to play in the Super Bowl or if his broken leg was going to keep him out of the game.

Owens was going to gobble up the cameras no matter what he did before the Eagles played the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. The Eagles’ wide-out was in the prime of his career and playing at an extremely high level with Donovan McNabb.

Owens suffered a broken leg on a hit by Roy Williams in a December game, and was a question mark heading into Super Sunday.

Well, Owens did play, and he was a force for the Eagles. He caught nine balls for 122 yards, and made life miserable for the Patriots secondary…on one leg. Say what you want about Owens, but this was one of the boldest moves a player can make in his career. He risked the future of his playing career to win that game, but the Eagles came up short.

Owens would only last only one and a half seasons in Philly, as his usual off-the field antics led to his departure the following year, somewhere in the middle of some sit-up sessions with Drew Rosenhaus that were conducted in front of the media the following summer.

Jack Youngblood

While Owens put on an impressive show, Jack Youngblood, a 6-foot-4, 267 pound Hall of Fame defensive end, displayed what it really means to be a football player. In the 1979 playoffs while playing for the Rams, Youngblood broke his leg, an injury that would knock many players out for the game if not the entire postseason, but not Youngblood.

Read Peter King’s article right before the Super Bowl in 2005, when the Owens story was unfolding, and find out how Youngblood taped up his leg and played all the way to the Super Bowl.

Here’s a quick excerpt from Youngblood in the article: “I told the trainers, ‘Tape me up!’ And so they came in, strapped my leg as tight as they could. The pain was excruciating. I can’t even describe it. But they couldn’t shoot the bone with a painkiller; that stuff doesn’t work on bones.”

This story would be unheard of today with all the doctors, trainers and specialists on the sidelines. Owens and Youngblood both displayed amazing toughness in grinding out these injuries and playing large parts in their teams’ run to the Super Bowl.

Pursuit of Perfection

This one is tough to talk about, but heading into the game, the bad omen started after the Patriots displaced the Chargers in the AFC Championship Game.

Tom Brady was seen walking to Gisele Bunchden’s apartment in an air cast, and the speculation began about an apparent high ankle sprain. This also made major headlines because Brady was playing at a pace that was never seen before in the NFL. Fifty touchdown passes in the regular season, the leader of a 18-0 team heading into the Super Bowl … and now his status was up in the air.

Neither Belichick nor Brady was going to say if this was a ploy or a game, but this began one of the most stressed-filled weeks for New England fans, minus the Red Sox comeback versus the Yankees.

Brady would play and … yeah, you remember.

Bad fan behavior is nothing new, but at West Virginia basketball games, it’s becoming an embarrassment. A month after a university official wrote a letter to students asking them to limit their use of profanities, fans of the Mountaineers struck again. Literally. During Wednesday night’s “Backyard Brawl” victory over Pittsburgh, fans threw objects on the court, and Pitt assistant (and Bay State native) Tom Herrion was hit in the face by a coin. And this occurred despite WVU coach Bob Huggins taking the microphone and pleading fans to point out offenders.

Here’s the incident, which makes the Pitt TV analyst irate.

WVU president Jim Clements apologized to Pittsburgh Thursday and promised increased security at future games. “Boorish and unruly behavior by our fans will not be tolerated,” he said.

FOOTBALL: A half-dozen New England college products are headed to the NFL combine. LaDanian Tomlinson said he doesn’t think he’ll be back with the Chargers. The NFLPA head predicted a work stoppage is coming. New University of Florida defensive coordinator George Edwards is joining the Bills. The demolition of Giants Stadium has begun.

Boston College announced its 2010 schedule, featuring a renewal of its series vs. Syracuse.

BASKETBALL: Paul Flannery addresses the rumors involving Ray Allen and Kirk Hinrich. Jessica Camerato writes that Rafer Alston wanted to play for the Celtics.

The Cavaliers won their 10th straight game, beating the Heat. The Trail Blazers edged the Spurs. Mike Dunleavy quit as Clippers coach but will stay on as general manager.

No. 10 Duke routed No. 21 Georgia Tech. Harvard’s Jeremy Lin is a Cousy Award finalist. The NCAA is discussing expanding its tournament.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Canadiens. Graig Woodburn has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

The Devils acquired Ilya Kovalchuk from the Thrashers. The Capitals won their 12th straight, edging the Rangers. The Senators won their 11th straight, beating the Canucks. The Kings won their eighth straight, topping the Ducks.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier has a look at Victor Martinez’ value to the Red Sox. Nomar Garciaparra wants to keep playing. Second baseman Orlando Hudson signed with the Twins.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 5, 1978, John Havlicek played his last All-Star Game. Which rival player gave up his starting spot so Havlicek could open the game on the court?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “That makes it incredibly difficult to then come to players and say, on average, each of you needs to take a $340,000 pay cut to save the National Football League. Tough sell. Tough sell.” — NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, commenting on the likelihood of a work stoppage

STAT OF THE DAY: 7-0 — Record of Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak this season in games in which he’s made at least 40 saves, after last night’s victory over the Bruins

‘NET RESULTS: A Swedish hockey player jumps onto the ice for his shift to discover that he forgot to take off his skate guards.

Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis is the latest to join the over-the-backboard club.

LeBron James with an interesting dunk in practice.

I don’t know how to explain this, because I don’t know what it is. Some type of sport that involves climbing up a pole before it falls over. Everyone seems so surprised when things don’t go well.

Pole Vault Snaps - Watch more Funny Videos

Here’s a replica football stadium made out of snack foods. Total calorie count: 110,000.

The Big Game Snack Food Stadium - Watch more free videos

Here’s a basketball court inside a bank.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Doug Collins of the 76ers

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Cory Wells of Three Dog Night is 68 today.

Bob Pickett

Welcome to Thursday’s Morning Mashup, where we’ll get you caught up on what’s going on in the sports world and beyond.

Bob Pickett, who led UMass to the NCAA Division 1-AA championship game in his first season as coach in Amherst, died Tuesday night in Florida at the age of 75.

Pickett, a native of Augusta, Maine, coached the Minutemen from 1978-83 and won four Yankee Conference championships. He guided the Minutemen to the inaugural 1-AA championship game, a 35-28 loss to Florida A&M at the Pioneer Bowl in Wichita Falls, Texas. Pickett later served as an associate athletic director at UMass until retiring in 1997, and he did color commentary on UMass radio broadcasts from 1998-2003.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price has a list of nightmarish moments in Patriots Super Bowl history. The Colts practiced in Florida without defensive end Dwight Freeney or cornerback  Jerraud Powers. The Saints practiced, and three of their injured players participated. The league selected the refereeing crew for the game.

Dick Jauron landed in Philadelphia, where he will coach defensive backs. The NFL won’t fine Jets coach Rex Ryan after the team fined him the day before. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said there may be an NFL lockout in the near future. Cowboys fullback Deon Anderson was charged with misdemeanor deadly conduct.

Florida landed the top-rated recruiting class. Boston College announced its 21 signees.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Heat without Paul Pierce. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Celtics president Danny Ainge addressed trade rumors and locker room discontent on his appearance on The Big Show. Coach Doc Rivers also addressed Rajon Rondo’s comments about team discord. Marquis Daniels wants to re-sign with the Celtics.

Phil Jackson became the Lakers’ winningest coach with a victory over the Bobcats. Joe Johnson led the Hawks past the Clippers. Amar’e Stoudemire (20 points, 17 rebounds) lifted the Suns over the Nuggets. The Jazz beat the Blazers for their seventh straight win. The Mavericks beat the Warriors despite a career-high 46 points from Monta Ellis. Hornets guard Chris Paul will have knee surgery today. Knicks legend Dick McGuire died at age 84.

No. 7 Georgetown fell to South Florida. No. 1 Kansas beat Colorado in overtime. Virginia beat NC State to regain a share of the ACC lead.

HOCKEY: The Bruins tried to remain optimistic despite their eight-game losing streak. The B’s host the Canadiens tonight. The Blue Jackets fired coach Ken Hitchcock. Daniel Alfredsson scored twice in the final minute as the Senators won their 10th straight, beating Buffalo. The Ducks knocked off the Red Wings. The Blues edged the Blackhawks. The Oilers shut out the Flyers.

BASEBALL: Pitcher Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed to a five-year, $80 million deal. Pitcher Jeff Weaver agree to a minor league deal with the Dodgers. Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore address his semi-nude photo controversy.

MISC.: Golfer Phil Mickelson won’t use the controversial wedge. Tom Watson had some advice for Tiger Woods.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 4, 1993, Larry Bird’s No. 33 was retired in a ceremony at Boston Garden. Who was the last Celtic to wear 33 before Bird?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I have not [had any conversations with other teams about a deal involving Allen]. That doesn’t mean that I won’t, or that I won’t listen to what other people have to say, but we have not been anywhere near or had any discussion, I have not had a discussion with another team about trading Ray Allen.” — Celtics president Danny Ainge, on The Big Show Wednesday afternoon

STAT OF THE DAY: 131 — Goals for the Bruins this season, last in the NHL

‘NET RESULTS: Highlights of former Celtic Stephon Marbury’s first game in China. It comes down to the final five seconds, with the ball in Marbury’s hands.

Here’s Troy Polamalu’s Groundhog Day commercial.

Travis Outlaw tries to help his Trail Blazers teammate Brandon Roy put together a clip promoting his All-Star bid.

Basketball punt shot.

Crazy Drop Kick Basketball Shot - Watch more Funny Videos

TRIVIA ANSWER: Steve Kuberski (who also wore No. 11)

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Florence LaRue of the Fifth Dimension is 66 today. That’s her on the left (opposite Marilyn McCoo).

Who knew when the Clash came out with this hit in 1982, the underlying theme for the song was about professional athletes and their contract negotiations.

Well, not really, but the premise is the same.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer reportedly is close to a new deal to stay in Minnesota. (AP)

When a high-profile player’s contract is up, they often have to weigh two possibilities: Do I stay and take the hometown discount, or do I go and squeeze every dollar out of my playing ability? This choice is most applicable with two budding stars — and two objects of affection for the Red Sox — in Joe Mauer and Adrian Gonzalez.

Mauer, the Twins’ 26-year-old catcher who has lived in the great state of Minnesota his entire life is maybe one the biggest stars in the game. Many reports this week have said that the reigning AL MVP is close to inking a 10-year deal to remain with Minnesota, but nothing has been confirmed. If Mauer were to hit the open market, one would have to believe that a deal from either the Yankees or from the Red Sox would trump the dollar amount that the Twins can give him. Does he accept the hometown discount or bolt for the bright lights of New York or Boston? We shall see.

Adrian Gonzalez appears headed out of San Diego. (AP)

Gonzalez’ situation is a little bit more difficult. As the player is signed for cheap dollars for the next two years, it really is up to the Padres to keep him around or trade him to a team for a boat-load of prospects. He has been compared to Mark Teixeira — Sox fans will remember Theo Epstein’s interest in that guy — and there appears to be no way a small-market team such as the Padres will be able to invest that much money into one player.

One or both of these guys could be donning new uniforms in the next few years, so it got us thinking about past superstars who were supposed to stay with their first team throughout their career but ended up wearing a different uniform, leaving fans heartbroken.

Roger Clemens

Clemens was supposed to stay in a Boston uniform his whole career, right? In 13 seasons, the powerful righty compiled a 192-111 record with a 3.06 ERA. He also collected three of his seven Cy Young Awards while anchoring the Red Sox pitching staff.

So what went wrong? Dan Duquette thought Roger was done, and we heard the phrase “twilight” used many times, but Clemens didn’t necessarily agree with that sentiment. The Rocket signed with the Blue Jays heading into the 1997 season and would later be traded to the Yankees — the one piece of laundry no Sox fan wanted Clemens in.

He went on to win two World Series trophies and four more Cy Young Awards in his career, but with the allegations of PED use, maybe the Sox can look back and say they did the right thing.

Ray Bourque

This one was tough to swallow for Bruins fans because one year after Bourque left for Colorado, what did he do? Oh, he won a Stanley Cup. While fans rejoiced for Bourque when he brought the Cup back to Boston to celebrate, this has to be a low point in Bruins history from a front office standpoint. To see your most iconic figure have to leave to win has to strike a chord somewhere with ownership, doesn’t it?

For 21 years, Bourque was the Boston Bruins. He signified everything right about hockey in this city, and after making it to the Stanley Cup finals just twice previously in his career (the Bruins were easily handled by Edmonton on both occasions), he asked for a trade and he got it.

Bourque joined Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Patrick Roy to deliver on the promise of the trade, with Bourque hoisting the Cup in 2001. It’s too bad that he wasn’t holding that Cup with a spoked ‘B’ on his chest.

Brett Favre

Yeah, we know the whole story from this one. But in a million years did you think Favre would leave the Packers? And did you think that two years removed, he would join one of their biggest rivals?

There is no reason to dive into the Favre saga any further, because that circus has passed through town one to many times, but Favre brought back the stigma of Lambeau Field and the Green and Gold. For the Packers faithful, seeing Favre in a Vikings uniform must be like Sox fans seeing Clemens in Yankees pinstripes.

Michael Jordan

When you heard Jordan was coming back, what was your reaction? What about when he was coming back to the play for the Wizards?

Even though Jordan was a part-owner of the Wizards at the time, he just never looked right playing in a Wizards uniform. Maybe if they were still called the Bullets, then he would have looked OK in the old-school uniform. But he just didn’t look … good.

His game wasn’t too bad, though. He averaged 22.9 and 20.0 points per game respectively in the his two years in Washington, at age 38 and 39. But if he was going to do this comeback — even though he was an owner and doing it for fanfare in D.C. — don’t you think he should have been with the Bulls or some team that had a legitimate shot at winning a championship?

The Wizards were a young, struggling team, and by the way they drafted Kwame Brown No. 1. Yes, that Kwame Brown. Although, there are reports that Jordan didn’t want Brown as the top pick in the draft.

So why the comeback if it was a glorified way to sell tickets? He didn’t need the money. He didn’t really need another ring, and he definitely wouldn’t have got one with the roster Washington was sporting.

Heck, he would have looked great in Celtics green if he wanted to come back just to play. The Celtics brought Dominique Wilkins in during the “twilight” (there’s that word again) of his career. Jordan on the parquet would have been awesome.

If these players can leave their original teams, then fans should not be surprised when any player leaves for “greener pastures.” Mauer could buck the trend and stay with the Twins for his entire career, or he could join this list of superstars and don a different jersey.

Should he stay or should he go?

Former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker began a new career last Saturday: mixed martial arts fighter. And after the 47-year-old, who prior to this might be best known for indirectly helping shape the Cowboys dynasty in the 1990s, won his debut for Strikeforce, another former athlete turned MMA figher was quick to offer up a challenge: Jose Canseco. That’s right, the same Canseco who lost his debut in the sport in just over a minute. If he is going to beat someone who fights like Walker, he will need all the steroid help he can get. If you haven’t seen the fight, here it is.

Now, this wouldn’t be the first time that a pair of athletes mixed it up in the ring. Who can forget the epic bout between 7-foot-7 Manute Bol and William “Refrigerator” Perry on Celebrity Boxing II a few years ago? (Probably most people. In case you care, Bol won in a decision.) So whether it be boxing, MMA or some other style, there are quite a few feuds in the sports world that need to be settled. If Walker vs. Canseco can be in the works with seemingly no bad blood between them, there is no reason these other fights can’t be staged.

Shaquille O’Neal vs. Kobe Bryant

Let’s start with the most obvious. First it was Kobe talking about Shaq’s leadership, or lack thereof. Then it was Shaq who responded with some disparaging comments of his own that involved comparing himself to a brick wall. Just when we thought it was over, it escalated again in 2008, shortly after the Celtics beat the Lakers in the NBA Finals, when Shaq showed off his “rap skills” at a nightclub in New York.

It wasn’t enough for the NBA to shove the matchup down our throats every Christmas in the guise of Lakers vs. Heat (now Lakers vs. Cavaliers). That resolved nothing. What we really need is for these two to settle their differences, once and for all. And Phil Jackson could even serve as the special referee.

Kevin McHale vs. Kurt Rambis

Game 4 of the 1984 Finals. Celtics and Lakers. Rambis drives to the hole, only to be clotheslined by McHale on his way up.

It is one of the most famous moments in Celtics history, and it is credited with spurring the team to a series-tying victory and an eventual seven-game triumph in the series, the 15th championship in Celtics history. But lest you think the bad blood ended, it all came back last year. McHale had taken over as coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves after moving from the front office. Despite doing an admirable job, particularly with franchise centerpiece and former Celtic Al Jefferson injured, McHale was not given the chance to stay. In the ultimate insult, Rambis was brought in from the Lakers staff to become the head coach in Minnesota, launching headlines like this.

Nolan Ryan vs. Robin Ventura

When you think of classic bench-clearing brawls, this one is near the top. In a game in Texas in August 1993, Ventura, playing for the White Sox, stepped to the plate to face the Rangers’ 46-year-old righty. Ventura, who was 20 years Ryan’s junior, took offense when Ryan plunked him in the ribs, and decided it was right to charge the mound.

None other than former president George W. Bush owned the Rangers at the time, and has his own fond memories of the event. His summary: “I’ll bet you Robin Ventura wishes he never took a step toward the mound.” Bush probably is right, but here’s betting that Ventura would love another shot at “The Ryan Express.”

Roger Clemens vs. Mike Piazza

Roger Clemens. (AP)

Though the players apparently resolved their differences for the 2004 All-Star game, it is hard to believe the bad blood isn’t still there. Let’s give Piazza a bat of his own to even the odds and see what happens between the two.

Shawne Merriman vs. Chad Ochocinco

The most recent disagreement on this list comes from the football world, where you would think that players have no trouble taking their aggression out on the field. Of course, for some that is not enough, particularly in the case of Ochocinco. Merriman went through a tough stretch after being placed on injured reserve in the 2008 season — the Chargers linebacker was accused of assaulting his girlfriend, Tila Tequila, in September. But before that there was the bizarre Twitter exchange between him and Ochocinco. Merriman said he would “ring [Ochocino’s] neck” if he called him out again, and it took off from there.

Ochocinco had some harsh words for Merriman prior to the game when his Bengals lost 27-24 to the Chargers in December. But with the Bengals grieving over the tragic death of receiver Chris Henry, the game was not about the Merriman-Ochocinco feud. Give the pair their own setting, and you can bet that the sparks would fly.

Claude Lemieux vs. Darren McCarty

Lemieux is known as one of the dirtiest NHL players in the history of the game, taking full pride in his instigator rule throughout a 20-year career (not including his ill-advised comeback last year). As a member of the Colorado Avalanche, Lemieux developed some particular bad blood with the Detroit Red Wings. In the 1996 playoffs, Lemieux delivered one of the most violent hits in NHL history on the Wings’ Kris Draper, checking the forward into the boards and causing devastating injuries that required Draper to have reconstructive facial surgery. Wings veteran Dino Ciccarelli famously said at the conclusion of the series, “I can’t believe I shook this guy’s frickin’ hand.”

The rivalry continued throughout the decade, as Denver Post beat writer Adrian Dater chronicled in his aptly titled book “Blood Feud.” It reached its height the next season when Detroit’s Darren McCarty sought his revenge. Lemieux famously “turtled” after McCarty came after him, taking the blows as it escalated in a brawl between the two sides.

The McCarty-Lemieux continued, and Lemieux put up a better fight in the next battle that occurred right on the drop of the puck in a meeting the next season.

John Harkes (left) and Eric Wynalda (right) celebrate with U.S. teammate Thomas Dooley in 1995, three years before accusations of Harkes' affair with Wynalda's wife stung the team. (AP)

It’s not the intention to turn the Mashup into a scandal sheet, but this week’s news regarding the 1998 U.S. soccer team and accusations of an affair between a player and a teammate’s wife became legitimate news due to the effect it had on the team.

It was being discussed because of a similar situation with this year’s English national team, with captain John Terry being accused of philandering ways.

Steve Sampson, who coached the Americans to a last-place finish at the 1998 World Cup, admitted that he cut veteran midfielder and U.S. captain John Harkes a few months before the tournament because Harkes was having an affair with the wife of teammate Eric Wynalda.

Said Sampson: “Maybe people will have a little better of an understanding of what happened in the final months leading up to the World Cup.”

Added Wynalda: “There’s a lot of similarities between what happened to us in ‘98 and what’s happening now to England. It’s an unfortunate time for England, because I know how that can affect a team first hand. Obviously, we all know how we did in the World Cup in ‘98.”

Harkes again denied having an affair with Amy Wynalda (now divorced from her husband) and said this week: “I am not going to rehash the things that have happened in the past. 1998 was devastating to me and my family. It was hard enough not to play in the World Cup, but it was even difficult to go through that time period, the most difficult time period of my life.”

FOOTBALL: Kerry Byrne predicts the Saints will win the Super Bowl. Jerry Thornton doesn’t like Peyton Manning. Meanwhile, Manning was the star of Media Day, and the Colts want to extend his contract at the end of the season. Injured Colt Dwight Freeney said he still hopes to play in the Super Bowl.

Linebacker Joey Porter wants to be released by the Dolphins. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will have knee surgery. The Jets fined coach Rex Ryan $50,000 for his obscene gesture at an MMA fight. Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga pleaded guilty to drunken driving and received a suspended sentence. Texans coach Gary Kubiak signed an extension. Former wideout Keenan McCardell will coach Redskins receivers.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics said Paul Pierce’s foot is not broken, and he is day to day with a strain. Celtics guard J.R. Giddens had knee surgery. Jessica Camerato breaks down the C’s injuries this season. In the Boston Herald, Rajon Rondo implied there is a problem in the C’s locker room.

The Cavaliers won their ninth straight, beating the Grizzlies. Kevin Durant led the Thunder past the Hawks. The Magic defeated the Bucks. Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton will not contest his suspension.

No. 3 Syracuse routed Providence to improve to 22-1. No. 16 Wisconsin handed No. 5 Michigan State its first league loss.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost their eighth straight, this time to the Capitals. Graig Woodburn has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

Goals were hard to come by in Nashville, as the Coyotes beat the Predators with a goal in the 10th round of the shootout after a scoreless regulation and overtime. The Kings won their seventh straight, beating the Rangers. The newcomers helped the Maple Leafs blank the Devils. The Canadiens edged the Canucks. Canadiens leading scorer Michael Cammalleri will be out about six weeks with a knee injury.

BASEBALL: Rob Bradford caught up with Dustin Pedroia in Arizona and has a great story and video describing Pedroia’s daily workouts. Outfielder Reed Johnson signed with the Dodgers.

MISC.: Skier Bode Miller will race in all five Alpine events at this month’s Olympics.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 3, 1980, which Celtic hit the first 3-pointer in NBA All-Star Game history?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “No, I’m not superstitious. I’m just a little ’stitious. OK, that’s a bad joke. Eli gave me that one. I take it back.” — Peyton Manning, at Super Bowl Media Day

STAT OF THE DAY: 54 — Years since the last time the Bruins lost eight games in a row, a mark they equaled Tuesday night

‘NET RESULTS: From Monday night, Memphis’ Rudy Gay beats the clock with a halfcourt attempt … only there were second seconds left in the quarter when he takes it. The Lakers get the rebound and hit a 3-pointer (Kobe Bryant, of course) at the buzzer.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Larry Bird

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Dennis Edwards, who succeeded David Ruffin as lead singer of the Temptations, is 67 today.

Captain Consistency: Hitting, fielding, facial hair. What more could you ask for? (AP)

Yes, there’s the hitting. But there are also the sideburns.

A lot comes to mind when Joe Mauer’s name is brought up. His sweet swing. His ever-consistent play. His outstanding tenure with the Twins.

And of course, the sideburns.

Ever since his rookie season in 2004, this Minnesota native has become a staple in the Twins organization. He’s spent six full seasons with Minnesota, each more successful than the last, culminating in last year’s MVP campaign when he finished with 28 homers and a .365 batting average.

And even as his original contract runs thin, it appears Mauer will continue his streak of consistency, as he looks to remain a member of the Twins, sideburns and all.

It was reported yesterday that Mauer had signed a 10-year contract extension, but nothing was confirmed. Rather, the report was strongly disputed.

Regardless, the feeling around Major League Baseball is not if Mauer will sign some type of an extension, but when. Normally, enormous contracts like this carry a huge amount of risk — but in Mauer’s case, the consistency he’s displayed throughout his career allows for a sense of security.

After all, in a game that’s seen Roy Halladay trade his blue for red, Manny Ramirez his red for blue, and Joe Torre swap out his pinstripes, Mauer and his sideburns have remained consistently effective throughout his six-year career.

In fact, those sideburns have even become so popular, they’ve inspired events such as “Sideburn Night,” a night where fake sideburns are handed out at the Metrodome, giving each fan a chance to feel the “burn.”

Not even the old Yankee Stadium could withstand the test of baseball-time. But Mauer? He still hits. And his burns? They still grow.

And he’s not alone. There are others, too, who keep baseball tradition alive through their facial forests.
In a game where little is the same as it was, All-Mustache Teamers like Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage and Wade Boggs live on through Mauer and his facial-haired compadres.

Zavada posted a 3.35 ERA in his rookie season. (AP)

So who are these men who carry on the torch of baseball past as it enters these curious and changing times?

Let’s take a look:

Clay Zavada, Diamondbacks: If you haven’t heard his name yet, you will soon. This 25-year old lefty from Arizona has taken the baseball facial-world by storm, bringing home last year’s “Mustached American of the Year,” a yearly award presented by the American Mustache Institute.

He may not be able to blow hitters away with his fastball, and he might working on adding a cutter to his repertoire – but as long as he keeps that lip-garden, fame will find it impossible to elude him.

McGowan was born in 1982, and was drafted right out of high school in the year 2000. Since then, the right-handed reliever has brought a hard slider and a pair of burns that are enough to strike fear into the heart of any hitter.

Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox: Speaking of fear, is there no man that can cause a pitcher to sweat more than Kevin Youkilis?

The Sox first baseman is not only infamous for working pitchers late into counts, but he also has a stare that weakens knees. Not to mention that souped-up goatee that has recently found its way onto Youkilis’s chin. It even has its own Twitter feed.

A lot of players can hit 30 home runs. Even more can post a .300 average. But how many can pull off the mountain-man look? Not many. But Youk does it with pride.

Ryan Franklin, Cardinals: Last season, the American Mustache Institute noted a mustache-growing fad swept through the Cardinals organization like wildfire. Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Rick Ankiel – they all grew out their face-buddies.

But not Franklin.

No, Franklin’s face-real-estate was already occupied - by something.

Nobody’s really sure what to call it, but whatever it is, it looks like its straight out of the Civil War. General Lee would be proud. And the Cardinals? They’re okay with it, as long as he keeps saving games. Last season Franklin and his Partner posted a spectacular 1.92 ERA and 38 saves.
Not bad for a two-man effort.

Jason Giambi, Rockies: No facial-hair centered baseball article would be complete without mention of Jason Giambi and his famous ‘stache.

Much like Mauer’s ‘Sideburn Nights,’ Giambi inspired a sweeping revelation of his own, as the Yankees handed out fake moustaches in an effort to get Giambi voted into the 2008 All Star Game, according to the New York Daily News. It didn’t work, but it did begin a revolution.

One year later, the Twins were handing out sideburns to commemorate Mauer. Does the sweet-swinging catcher owe it all to Giambi? Most likely. After all, the success is proven. In 2008, Giambi began the season batting .236. One mustache later, and Giambi slugged 32 homers and 96 RBI in the very same season.
Behold, the hair.

Honorable Mentions:

Johan Santana, Mets: Perfection. Just as he has on the mound with a baseball, it appears Santana has become a wizard with the razor. At the moment, the 2004/2006 Cy Young award winner features a goatee that’s as finely tuned as his change-up.

America: Baseball, mustaches, cowboy hats and flags. What's not to love?

Adrian Gonzalez, Padres: Similar to Santana, Gonzalez sports a goatee that compliments his swing — sweet and perfect. It seems the two of them have a career in hair-styling should their athleticism ever fall short — though I wouldn’t bet on that happening anytime soon.

Todd Helton, Rockies: He’s become just as much of a baseball staple as having the bases 90 feet apart. And he’s rocked the beard almost the entire time. The 5-time All Star, 3-time Gold Glove winner has featured his grizzly beard ever for most of his big-league career, and though his success has never been officially attributed to it, speculation certainly surfaces now and then.

The job of a college basketball student manager is demanding, rewarding and often times frustrating. Sometimes managers get to suit up and make a direct contribution on the floor. But one thing a manager doesn’t ever want to do is take points away from the team. USC student manager Stan Holt broke that cardinal rule on Saturday, receiving a technical foul for screaming at an official late in a two-point game at Oregon. It helped swing the momentum Oregon’s way, and the Ducks went on to pull away for the win.

Oregon fans started chanting “You’re fired” at Holt, and USC coach Kevin O’Neill backed them up by telling media after the game that Holt was finished. “The referee told me he was screaming obscenities at him,” O’Neill said. “That’s on me and that will be rectified. It already has been. He’s gone. If somebody’s getting a technical foul, it’s going to be me.”

However, O’Neil reconsidered after cooling down and said Monday that he had not decided on punishment. For what it’s worth, USC can’t play in the postseason this year anyhow, as part of the fallout from the O.J. Mayo/Tim Floyd situation.

FOOTBALL: Patriots receiver Randy Moss reportedly has a separated shoulder. Chris Price looks at the top individual performances in Patriots Super Bowl history. The Colts and Saints landed in South Florida. Colts coach Jim Caldwell said the team is preparing to play the Super Bowl without injured defensive lineman Dwight Freeney. Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco is among those covering the Super Bowl.

Mike Martz was named offensive coordinator for the Bears. The new-look Pro Bowl got increased ratings. The wife of former Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek was found dead in a suburban Fort Worth home. Former Patriots defensive back Mike Haynes is among those who agreed to donate their brains after they die so that a Boston University program can study them to analyze the effects of football.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Wizards. Jessica Camerato analyzes the win and Paul Pierce’s injury. Suspended Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas wrote an op-ed piece for the Washington Post and promised to be a better role model.

Kobe Bryant became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer, but LA lost at Memphis. Andrew Bogut led the Bucks past the Heat. Bucks center Francisco Elson will be out about six weeks after hernia surgery. Chris Paul is out indefinitely, but the Hornets did not confirm reports that the guard needed knee surgery.

Kansas returned to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll. Junior forward Jordan DeMercy left the Florida State team and intends to transfer. Kentucky standout guard John Wall said he worked out his issues with coach John Calipari.

HOCKEY: Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart is back on the shelf with a broken finger. Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli talked about his team’s struggles and said he won’t trade the first-round draft pick he got from Toronto. Sidney Crosby scored three goals in an eight-minute span of the second period in the Penguins’ win over the Sabres. The Oilers ended their 13-game skid by beating the Hurricanes. The Rangers and Flames made a trade.

Boston College and Boston University advanced to the Beanpot final, and even BU coach Jack Parker understands how that’s becoming too much of a regular thing.

BASEBALL: The Red Sox signed reliever Joe Nelson. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera signed with the Reds. Melvin Mora left the Orioles for the Rockies. First baseman Ryan Garko signed with the Mariners. Pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim signed a minor league deal with the Giants. Drayton McLane’s deadline to sell the Astros passed, so it appears he will own the team at least for the 2010 season. Pitcher Noah Lowry pushed back his throwing session for major league teams as he bids for a comeback. Onetime Red Sox announcer Jon Miller will get the Ford C. Frick Award.

MISC.: The PGA Tour’s “illegal” club controversy continued.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 2, 1943, the Red Sox signed which future Hall of Fame outfielder who was in the twilight of his career?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I am trying hard to right my wrongs. The one that will be hardest to make right is the effect my actions have had on kids who see NBA players as role models.” — Suspended Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, in an op-ed piece in the Washington Post

STAT OF THE DAY: 7 — Teams that have employed shortstop Orlando Cabrera in the last seven years, after his signing by the Reds

‘NET RESULTS: Baseball phenom (and Sports Illustrated cover boy) Bryce Harper hits his first college home run.

Awesome soccer goal, awesome call. Yellow card-worthy celebration.

High schooler dunks like a pro — actually, better than most pros.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Al Simmons

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Graham Nash (second from left) is 68 today.

Now Daly finds himself back in the spotlight, not for his antics, drinking or anything spectacular on the course, but because of the “R” word. After failing to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on Friday, a frustrated, upset Daly told his reality show that he was done, that he was retiring.

Daly has since fired back on Twitter that he was just speaking out of frustration of the moment. On Saturday, he tweeted, “[I] never said retirement in anything or twitter-I want to correct that! simply sayin I need my time & working through these bad times thank you.”

So the saga that is John Daly goes on. Daly is handling retirement similar to Brett Favre: he just doesn’t know if he wants to stay or is he needs to go. Unlike Favre, however, his skills have diminished considerably since he burst on the scene in 1991, to the point where he is rarely making cuts.

Here is a look back at timeline of Daly’s career and some of the things he did that just made everyone scratch their head and say “Huh?”

1991

Maybe the most head-scratching moment that Daly ever pulled off was when he thrust himself into our lives with his improbable win in the 1991 PGA Championship. Fans will remember that he was the LAST alternate in the field to qualify for the season’s final major.

There is one thing that all golfers, from the beginner to the single-digit handicapper likes, and that’s when an “average guy” makes it on tour. Look at how fans have fallen in love with a Jason Gore or even a Phil Mickelson during his heavier days. Golf fans love looking at a guy and saying, “Hey, that could be me.”

Let’s not forget that Daly could hit the ball about as far as Happy Gilmore. Reason No. 2 why everyone loves “Big John.” He completely crushes the golf ball. And that’s what he did in ’91 at Crooked Stick. He launched his huge drives and made his rounds a must-watch.

To cement his status and prove that the ’91 win as anything but a fluke, Daly claimed the Open Championship in 1995 and his career seemed to be taking off.

1995-2008

You know how many career victories he had from that Open Championship to his 2004 win at the Buick Invitational? ZERO. Daly struggled on the course and in his private life with alcohol and probably made other guys on the tour say, “Man, why is he wasting all that talent?” A head-scratcher in itself.

In 1992 he allegedly shoved his second wife against a wall, and would later get divorced. Daly went through three marriages in this span and seemed to be unraveling off the golf course, making the marriage of Hollywood icons seem stable by comparison.

Daly came out with a book called “John Daly: My Life In and Out of the Rough,” which gave an inside look at his drinking, gambling and failed marriages. Check out this excerpt where he talked about how gambling gave him just as much enjoyment as golf. He never had that figure to teach him the ropes, and Daly’s life spun out of control and was suspended from the PGA tour in Dec. 2008 for his off-the-course issues with alcohol, a suspension that a lot of people — both fellow players and fans — saw coming.

2009 to Present

When Daly returned he made us all say, “What is he wearing?” He was able to shed close to 100 pounds but when he came back he was wearing some eye-popping, bright colors. He made Ian Poulter look like he has style. It had to make even the biggest Daly supporter question whether he was really taking this second chance seriously.

Daly’s play has been inconsistent since coming back, and most of the tournaments he enters are because sponsors exempt him into tournaments.

Now the kid with the big swing and big belly might be playing in some of the last rounds in his career. He has kept everyone on edge and he is not alone in his fall from grace. Bucks All-Star forward Vin Baker, Sonics forward Shawn Kemp and — dare we say — Mike Tyson have all had troubles getting out their own way, just like Daly.

But one thing is for sure. If that big swing of his ever came back and if he was in contention on a Sunday at a big-time event, you know who would be watching: everybody.

The Beanpot is the most historic event in college hockey, and it has lived up to its billing as of late. Last year’s final saw No. 1 Boston University best No. 3 Northeastern, 5-2, thanks to three shorthanded goals. And while the 58th version of the Beanpot might not have as much luster as in recent memory, with only No. 15 Boston College ranked in the USA Today poll, it is sure to bring plenty of memories. With the semifinals starting Monday night — BC will face Harvard and Northeastern is squaring off against BU — the time is right to look back on some of the best memories of the last 35 years of the Beanpot.

1975

Jack Parker played on three Beanpot champions and two NCAA Tournament teams, including a runner-up in 1967. So when he took over his former team as coach in the 1973-74 season, Parker knew just what he needed to do to make his team competitive. And while he was a great player, he is arguably the best coach in the history of college hockey. Of the 21 teams he has guided to Beanpot wins, the 1975 Terrier squad was his first.

1978

The Blizzard of ‘78 belted Boston, and the Beanpot felt its effects. With the storm coinciding with the semifinal games of the 26th year of the event, over 11,000 fans braved the weather to get to the Garden. Over 200 fans were left stranded in the Garden, eating leftover hotdogs and popcorn for days. The final between BU and Harvard had to be postponed until the beginning of March, where the Terriers won, 7-1.

1980

Northeastern was always the “other” team in the Beanpot. But in his senior year, Husky legend Wayne Turner gave NU the spotlight with what is remembered by many as the best play in Beanpot history. Turner fired a wrist shot past BC goalie Bob O’Connor in overtime, and “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” gave  his team its first Beanpot trophy.

1986

The Eagles break out the “Beanpot Trot” before the final against BU. The hockey gods look down in shame, and BC gets waxed 4-1 in the final by BU.

2005

After rallying from a 2-0 deficit to tie BU, Northeastern looked to be on the verge of winning a fifth Beanpot trophy. But a familiar name in Boston hockey, Bourque, had other thoughts. Chris Bourque, the eldest son of Bruins legend Ray Bourque, scored the game winner in OT to give the Terriers their 26th Beanpot win.

2008

In the highest scoring final since 1996, when BU crushed Northeastern 11-4, BC and Harvard were tied 5-5 at the end of three periods. Eigtheen-year-old freshman Nick Petrecki, who had scored his first collegiate goal earlier in the second period, emerged as the hero for the Eagles thanks to his overtime tally, which gave BC its 14th Beanpot win.

It was an eventful weekend for U.S. Ski and Snowboard team members preparing for this month’s Olympics. On Friday, snowboarder Shaun White slammed his head while trying to land a trick during an X Games practice. He came back to win the event, but it was a scary reminder of Vermont snowboarder Kevin Pearce’s injury a month ago that nearly killed him. Here is White’s fall, which came while he was landing his Double McTwist 1260, in which he flips twice while spinning 3-1/2 times.

Freestyle skier Daron Rahlves dislocated his right hip in this X Games crash Sunday. It’s the fourth time he dislocated the hip. Reportedly he still might be able to compete in the Olympics, which begin Feb. 12 in Vancouver.

Italy had it even worse, as women’s downhill skier Nadia Fanchini injured both knees during this crash Sunday in the final World Cup race before the Olympics and was ruled out for the Games.

FOOTBALL: Christopher Price has a list of the m0st underrated plays in Patriots Super Bowl history. Saints fullback Heath Evans continued to blog for WEEI and talked about preparing for the Super Bowl.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was named MVP as the AFC won the Pro Bowl. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team, with Bill Belichick and Tony Dungy named as best coaches.The Colts are saying Dwight Freeney has a sprained ankle, not torn ligaments as is being reported. Fired Redskins coach Jim Zorn was named quarterbacks coach for the Ravens. The agent for Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers predicts that Peppers will not return to Carolina next season. Jets coach Rex Ryan apologized for making an obscene gesture at an MMA fight.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow was not too impressive in Saturday night’s Senior Bowl. The White House is considering taking action to encourage a college football playoff.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics wrapped up their lost weekend with a one-point loss to the Lakers Sunday. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Jessica Camerato writes that the battle continues between Paul Pierce and Ron Artest. Kobe Bryant talked about his game-winning shot.

Hornets point guard Chris Paul reportedly will have arthroscopic knee surgery and miss 1-2 months. The Cavaliers scored 46 points in the first quarter of a rout of the Clippers. Still missing Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets handled the Spurs. The Magic beat the Pistons, securing an All-Star coaching nod for Stan Van Gundy. The Suns beat the Rockets in overtime, ending a five-game road skid.

Virginia used an 18-0 run in the second half to spark an impressive win at North Carolina. Harvard was routed in its Ivy League showdown with Cornell Saturday night. Tom Layman has a look at Boston College’s loss to Florida State Saturday.

HOCKEY: Graig Woodburn has a look at the Bruins’ home woes. The Penguins edged the Red Wings in a shootout. The Capitals won their 10th straight game, beating the Lightning. The Kings beat the Devils for their sixth straight win. Tomas Vokoun picked up his fourth shutout of January as the Islanders stifled the Panthers. Marian Gaborik scored all three of the Rangers’ goals in a victory over the Avalanche.

The Maple Leafs made a couple of trades, landing goalie J.S. Giguere from the Ducks and defenseman Dion Phaneuf from the Flames.

BASEBALL: Dustin Pedroia said he is excited about this Red Sox team, saying “I love our club” during his Saturday appearance on WEEI. Brewers slugger Prince Fielder said he likes playing in Milwaukee and is in no rush for a new contract. The Twins are optimistic about keeping Joe Mauer. Pirates owner Bob Nutting allegedly rejected interest from a group led by NHL legend Mario Lemieux.

MISC.: Roger Federer won the Australian Open. Golfer Phil Mickelson isn’t happy about being charged with cheating.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Feb. 1, 2004, the Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, 32-29. Which Patriots receiver caught 10 passes, which were the second most in Super Bowl history?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I didn’t say, ‘Give me one more chance.’ I said, ‘Give me the damn ball.’ I didn’t really give [my team] much of a choice.” — Kobe Bryant, on his game-winning shot vs. the Celtics Sunday

STAT OF THE DAY: 14 — Technical fouls called this season on Celtic Rasheed Wallace, who received one Sunday and is two away from a league-mandated suspension

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s Anze Kopitar’s impressive shootout goal vs. Tim Thomas in the Bruins’ loss to the Kings Saturday.

Former Bruins goalie Andrew Raycroft is downright giddy after coming into Saturday night’s game in Toronto with the Canucks trailing 3-0 and backstopping Vancouver to a comeback win over the Maple Leafs, the team that cut him loose in 2008.

Thunder forward Kevin Durant gets a block and a rebound despite wearing only one sneaker.

The Wizards finally get a positive memory from this season, with Earl Boykins hitting a last-second jumper to lift his team over the Nets Friday night.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Deion Branch, who the following year would tie the Super Bowl record with 11 receptions vs. the Eagles

SOOTHING SOUNDS: The other half of the Everly Brothers, Don Everly, is 73 today.

The NBA All-Star reserves were announced Thursday night, and seven players, including the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo, will make their first appearances in the showcase in Dallas next month. But although all seven (with the possible exception of Zach Randolph) are great young talents who should be making the first of many All-Star appearances, success can certainly be fleeting.

While fans in Boston have high hopes for Rondo, any of these guys could just as easily be making their only trip to the All-Star weekend, like the players below. Let’s call them the “All-Aberration Team,” for guys who had good enough seasons to make one All-Star team but by no means are remembered as All-Star caliber players.

1994 – B.J. Armstrong

On the surface, the selection is not that damning. Armstrong averaged 14.8 points, a career-high, and stepped up in the absence of Michael Jordan during his one-year baseball tryst. But this is B.J. Armstrong. Great shooter? Sure. All-Star caliber player? Nope. Plus, he finished dead last in the 3-point shootout. He is now an agent, representing NBA players, among them first-time All-Star Derrick Rose. At least Armstrong can share some tips on what it’s like at the game, even if they are brief.

1995 – Dana Barros

The former Boston College great averaged 20.6 points and 7.5 assists in Philly in 1994-95 but never averaged more than 13 over the rest of his career after moving to Boston and playing a few years in Detroit. Barros played over 40 minutes a game in that season, by far the highest average of his career, for a team that finished 24-58.

For perspective, the second-best player on the Sixers was either an aging Jeff Malone or the immortal Clarence Weatherspoon. Let’s just say Philly probably didn’t deserve an All-Star that season. At least Barros has highlights of his five-point showing somewhere.

1995 – Tyrone Hill

Hill had a career year in 1994-95 – and he came into the All-Star break averaging 13.6 points and 11.4 rebounds. His numbers in the playoffs that year, when Cleveland was bounced in four games by the Knicks? Eight and a half points a game and less than six rebounds.

1997 – Tom Gugliotta

It’s tough to be the worst All-Star in a game that features Chris Gatling, who also played on that West team and was traded just a few days afterwards to the New Jersey Nets in a deal in which the centerpiece for Dallas was Shawn Bradley. But Gugliotta might fit that billing.

He made the team right in the middle of the peak of his career, when he was actually the leading scorer on a Minnesota team with a second-year player named Kevin Garnett and a humble rookie named Stephon Marbury. Of course, Googs is probably more remembered in Boston for his brief tenure as a Celtic in Doc Rivers’ first year as head coach, when he was traded at the deadline in a deal that briefly put Antoine Walker back in Celtic green.

1998 – Nick Van Exel

The 1997-98 Lakers went 61-21, tied with Seattle for the best record in the Pacific Divison, in a season full of great teams. So it is not surprising that LA would have some of the best players in the league. But four All-Stars? Along with Shaq and Kobe, Eddie Jones and Van Exel made up a third of the Western Conference roster. Van Exel was by far the worst of the bunch and although he averaged 15.3 points and 7.7 assists before the All-Star game, he got hurt and ended up backing up Derek Fisher in the second half of the season. Along with being a dubious All-Star, he might be one of the worst commercial pitchmen in NBA history.

2001 – Antonio Davis and Anthony Mason

The starting backcourt for the 2001 Eastern Conference All-Stars? Allen Iverson and Vince Carter. At small forward? Tracy McGrady. And in the frontcourt? This pairing. Davis averaged 13.7 points and a hair over 10 boards a game for Raptors team as the primary frontcourt player. To be fair, Mason did have the best year of an altogether solid career, with 16 points and almost 10 rebounds a game. But this might have been the worst frontcourt in All-Star game history. Then again, this was back in the day when the Eastern Conference barely deserved to have any teams in the playoffs, so it is all relative.

2001 – Wally Szczerbiak

In 2001, Wally had it all. Good looks, a great jump shot and, of course, arguably the best big man in the game on his side in Garnett. Now? He is out of the league. Clearly if you watched his disastrous tenure as a Celtic you know that Wally World was not all he was cracked up to be. But maybe that one All-Star appearance was enough to convince the Celtics to trade for him in the first place — “Former All-Star” never looks bad on a resume.

2004 – Jamaal Magloire

Back when New Orleans was still in the Eastern Conference, any center would do for the All-Star team. Enter Magloire, who averaged 12 points and nine and a half rebounds in the first half of the season (although his numbers picked up significantly after the All-Star weekend). Though he might be one of the most dubious All-Stars ever, the pick looked good at the time; he led the East team with 19 points in a 136-132 loss.

Other than nourish and build that 6-foot-8, 250-pound frame of yours, probably nothing. On Wednesday night against the Timberwolves, after taking the ball to the hoop and not getting a foul called, LeBron took his anger out on a water cooler on the bench with a swift roundhouse kick.

The water jug and some of the cups on top hit a few fans in the front rows. Ultimately, the NBA fined James $25,000 for the incident.

Oh, the water cooler: a staple in sports for celebration and also a place where professional athletes can take out frustrations by beating the heck out of a poor, defenseless orange tub.

Here’s a look at some memorable costly moments in the history of liquids in sports:

Randy Moss vs. Ref

Before Moss came to New England and bought into the “Patriot Way” (a buy-in that came into question at times this year), he was sort of a problem child in his previous two stops. The list of incidents was long, the infractions frequent — whether it was fake mooning the Green Bay Packers’ fans or walking off the field before the game was over.

But maybe nothing symbolizes Moss’ strange behavior more than the time he squirted a referee with a water bottle during the 1999 playoffs. He had a great game, catching nine balls for 188 and two TDs, but the Vikings lost to the Rams and his frustration boiled over, causing him to act childish by squirting the ref. That incident cost the All-Pro $40,000 and left people shaking their collective heads at Randy Moss.

Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce

The Gatorade water jug shower is great to see on a field. A football field or a baseball diamond is fine, but not on the hardwood. There might even be knots in the section where Pierce doused Rivers after the Celtics claimed the 2008 championship. There was still another possession or two in the game and Rivers probably lost one of his better suits.

A great moment for the Celtics and their fans, but this seems unlikely to become a tradition that is copied by every team after it wins a championship. That said, Rivers would probably be glad to take a few more Gatorade baths with the Celtics.

Though Rivers’ shirt was ruined, it ended up being costly in a good way. The shirt (signed by Pierce and Rivers) was auctioned on WEEI. In the resulting bidding, the cooler was also thrown into the mix, resulting in a $35,000 winning bid, a $10,000 donation from Gatorade and an additional $10,000 donation by an anonymous bidder. The result was $55,000 that went to the Celtics’ Shamrock Foundation (which raises money for local children’s programs) as a result of the Gatorade bath.

Carlos Zambrano

Baseball players have been taking their anger out on anything they can find in a dugout for years and years, but Zambrano’s meltdown is classic. After getting ejected for a bang-bang play at the plate, Zambrano throws the ball in the outfield and heads to the bench. Just watch the video to see what he does to the Gatorade dispenser where he leaves his teammates thirsty for the rest of the game.

George Allen

This was a sad story on the end of a really great college football coach’s life. After Long Beach State’s victory over UNLV in Nov. 1990, Allen, 72, was drenched with a Gatorade shower by his players. Some believe this caused his bout with pneumonia and ultimately his death in Dec. 1990. Some surmised that this would be the end of the Gatorade bath as a tradition. But, two decades later, that does not appear to be the case.

We had a mention last month of an incident during a Celtics game in Phoenix, where Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his brother, Yankees prospect Brandon Laird, were arrested along with their uncle after allegedly fighting with security while intoxicated. More details emerged this week, courtesy of this report in the Arizona Republic, and apparently the altercation involved the wife of Celtics guard Eddie House.

Reportedly, Charlsie House accused the Lairds’ 70-year-old grandfather, who was not cited, of touching her inappropriately at the Suns’ Verve Energy Lounge, although she did not pursue the matter with police. Officers responding to the fight said Brandon Laird shouted derogatory remarks toward House and other women before taking a swing at one of the women. Witnesses told police the Lairds appeared intoxicated upon arrival and had been cautioned by security.

FOOTBALL: Vince Wilfork, back home in Florida for the Pro Bowl, said he wouldn’t mind playing in his home state if negotiations with the Patriots stall. Chris Price’s Patriots positional analysis continues with a look at defensive linemen.

Former Patriots fullback Heath Evans offered his thoughts on preparing for the Super Bowl with the Saints. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez might have offseason knee surgery. Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney missed a second day of practice with a sprained ankle. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the Pro Bowl’s new date is working well. Meanwhile, Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco wants to kick in the Pro Bowl. According to reports, Rams running back Steven Jackson was charged with assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.

Police arrested two men in connection with an assault on Oregon kicker Rob Beard. Two more Michigan State players pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery charges stemming from a Nov. 22 campus fight.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Magic. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer from the disappointing loss.

Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce were among those named to the NBA All-Star team. Michael Holley has his NBA Power Rankings.

Spurs guards Tony Parker is expected to miss a few games with a sprained ankle. LeBron James was fined $25,000 for kicking a water bottle during a recent victory. Ted Leonsis talked about his stalled bid to buy the Wizards. Pistons guard Ben Gordon won a $1.3 million lawsuit against his former advisors. The weapons trial for Cavaliers guard Delonte West was postponed.

No. 10 Purdue edged No. 16 Wisconsin. No. 22 Georgia Tech routed Wake Forest.

HOCKEY: The Bruins reportedly would need to give up their high first-round draft pick in order to land Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuck.

The Senators beat the Penguins for their franchise-record-tying eighth straight victory. The Oilers lost their 12th straight, falling to the Blues. The Flames lost their ninth straight game, bowing to the Coyotes in a shootout. The Blackhawks beat the Sharks in overtime after blowing a three-goal lead. The Thrashers overcame a two-goal, third-period deficit for a win over the Flyers. The Wild blanked the Avalanche.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier writes about Red Sox prospect Ryne Miller. Former Sox pitcher Mike Timlin said he’s retired for good. Outfielder Jim Edmonds signed a minor league deal with the Brewers.

MISC.: Australia. Tennis. Danica Patrick’s NASCAR schedule was announced.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 29, 1996, in a trade with the Phillies, the Red Sox acquired which reliever?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I did the right thing and it’s time for me to move on. This is definitely not on me. We’ll see where it goes from here.” — Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, on his contract negotiations with the Patriots

STAT OF THE DAY: 7 — Number of first-time players named to play in the NBA All-Star Game

‘NET RESULTS: Former NBA player Olden Polynice has an emotional surprise reunion with his father, who survived the earthquakes in Haiti, on the “Dr. Phil” show.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Heathcliff Slocumb

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Bettye LaVette is 64 today.

Red Sox fans can take solace in the fact that the Yankees and Johnny Damon appear to have officially closed the door on the former Red Sox outfielder playing another season in the Bronx. This is because New York on Wednesday agreed with outfielder Randy Winn on a one-year deal. In today’s New York Post, you can enjoy the war of words between Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and agent Scott Boras.

Boras said yesterday the Yankees “have not made an offer to date.” Cashman said that on Dec. 17 Boras told him Damon would “not take a penny less than $13 million,” which even the Yankees consider to be an absurd amount for an aging outfielder. Added Cashman: “We wanted Johnny back and we are sorry he is not back. But you can’t say publicly with a straight face that we didn’t make an offer because we were told not to make an offer because we were not in the same ballpark.”

Boras allegedly insists that Damon has other substantial offers. Sound familiar? Like, when Damon left the Red Sox for New York? We’ll soon see if Boras is bluffing this time.

FOOTBALL: Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork explained his feelings about his contract situation. Chris Price’s Patriots positional analysis series takes on linebackers.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner will hold a press conference Friday to announce his future plans.

Craig James allegedly threatened to sue Texas Tech if it did not investigate claims that former coach Mike Leach mistreated James’ son.

BASKETBALL: Paul Flannery makes his picks for the All-Star reserves, which will be announced today. Danny Ainge shot down trade rumors on The Big Show.

Gun-toting Wizards guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton were suspended without pay for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, the Wizards may try to void Arenas’ contract. And the Wizards’ sale hit a snag.

The Spurs handled the Hawks but lost Tony Parker to a sprained ankle. The Nuggets won their eighth straight, beating the Rockets despite missing Carmelo Anthony. The Lakers routed the Pacers. The Nets ended an 11-game losing streak by beating the Clippers.

Providence posted a decisive win over No. 19 UConn, leading to students rushing the court. No. 21 Vanderbilt won at No. 14 Tennessee. No. 23 New Mexico ended No. 12 BYU’s 15-game winning streak. South Carolina was fined $25,000 by the SEC for its fans rushing the court to celebrate Tuesday night’s upset of No. 1 Kentucky.

HOCKEY: Bruins forward Mark Recchi was scheduled to carry the Olympic torch Wednesday night.

The Capitals cruised to their eighth straight win, beating the Ducks. The Sabres beat the Devils in a shootout. The Hurricanes sent the Rangers to their fourth straight loss. The Lightning blanked the Canadiens. Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken jaw after taking a slap shot to his face.

Former NHL star Theo Fleury discussed his sexual abuse claims against a former coach.

BASEBALL: Peter Gammons talked Red Sox, specifically Jason Bay, Mike Lowell and David Ortiz, on The Big Show Wednesday. Andre Dawson wanted to wear a Cubs hat into the Hall of Fame but was told he’s going in as an Expo.

MISC.: Australia. Tennis.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 28, 1967, the Red Sox used the fourth overall pick in the draft to select which New Englander?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We mean what we say when we say that guns are prohibited from being in our buildings and on team business.” — NBA commissioner David Stern, announcing suspensions for Wizards guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton

STAT OF THE DAY: 4 — Races speedskater Shani Davis will enter in the Vancouver Olympics after flirting with the idea of attempting to duplicate Eric Heiden’s 1980 feat of winning gold medals in all five events

‘NET RESULTS: Castrol has invented a machine that can kick a soccer ball 124 mph. Too bad it’s too late for Christmas.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

TRIVIA ANSWER: New Hampshire’s Carlton Fisk

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Sarah McLachlan is 42 today.

With a couple of videos of classic fan meltdowns from Sunday’s NFC championship game making their way across the web, the website Epic Carnival organized a collection of the best videos of fans losing it over a game. Kind of reminds us of the bad old days here in Boston.

FOOTBALL: Kerry Byrne looks at the top 10 memories from the Patriots dynasty. Chris Price’s Patriots positional analysis continues with a look at the defensive backs. Dean Pees joined the Ravens as linebackers coach. Hue Jackson is the Raiders’ new offensive coordinator. Here’s your Brett Favre update. Quarterback Tim Tebow continued to try to impress pro scouts at Senior Bowl practice. Meanwhile, the debate continued over Tebow’s alleged anti-abortion ad set to run during the Super Bowl.

BASEBALL: Jeremy Hermida and the Red Sox agreed on a one-year deal worth a reported $3.3 million. Pitcher Ben Sheets signed with the A’s. Former Yankees outfielder Xavier Nady and the Cubs agreed to terms on a one-year deal. Pitcher Jon Garland and the Padres have a one-year deal. Recovering Mets ace Johan Santana pitched off a mound. Jim Thome signed with the Twins for 0ne year.

BASKETBALL: Brian Scalabrine was cleared to return for the Celtics. The Lakers ended their road skid with a win over the Wizards. The Bobcats knocked off the Suns in overtime. The Knicks rebounded from their 50-point loss to Dallas with a rout of the Timberwolves. Injured Trail Blazers center Greg Oden apologized for nude photos of him that surfaced on the Internet.

Boston College picked up a nice win at home over Clemson. Ethan Landy has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. New No. 1 Kentucky suffered its first loss, falling at South Carolina. Maryland beat Miami and took over the top spot in the ACC. No. 5 Michigan State edged Michigan on a late Kalin Lucas jumper. UConn coach Jim Calhoun will miss Wednesday night’s game at Providence, but interim coach George Blaney said Calhoun is doing better.

HOCKEY: Graig Woodburn has the NHL Power Rankings. The Bruins’ injured players hit the ice as they work their way back. The Senators shut out the Devils for their seventh straight win. The Capitals routed the Islanders. The Coyotes rallied to beat the Red Wings in overtime. The Blackhawks beat the Oilers, who lost their 11th straight. Devils draft pick Patrice Cormier is appealing his season-ending suspension from the QMJHL.

MISC.: Tennis in Australia. ESPN caught up with the Kansas teacher who hit the blindfolded halfcourt shot.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 27, 2002, the Patriots traveled to Pittsburgh and knocked off the Steelers, 24-17, in the AFC championship game, despite scoring only one offensive touchdown. Who scored a TD on a 55-yard punt return in the first quarter to put the Pats ahead for good?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Halladay is the best pitcher in baseball right now. Lee is a tad behind him. Of course it would’ve been nice to have both of them,” — Phillies manager Charlie Manuel talking about the trade that sent Roy Halladay to Philadelphia and Cliff Lee to Seattle

STAT OF THE DAY: 1 million — The approximate amount of money raised by the University of Kentucky basketball team for Haiti, earning the team a phone call from President Obama

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s that memorable radio call of the Brett Favre interception by Vikings announcers Paul Allen and Pete Bercich that you may have heard on WEEI a few times Tuesday.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Troy Brown

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Nedra Talley of the Ronettes is 64 today.

Here’s a great story from the heartland. A high school in Kansas wanted to duplicate a hilarious prank the students saw on a website. In the original prank, one guy convinced the entire crowd at a University of Maryland basketball game to pretend that his friend hit a blindfolded, halfcourt shot at halftime (the shot actually missed badly) and won a large sum of money, only to show up with the fake check and send the friend into a tizzy. Here’s that original prank:

So, the Kansas high school, Olathe Northwest, set up a science teacher and girls basketball coach, a former University of Kansas player named Joel Branstrom, by telling him he would win Final Four tickets if he hit his blindfolded, halfcourt shot, with the intention of cheering after he missed it to make him think he won. Only, he hit the shot.

Now the school is trying to find tickets to give to the teacher. “We’re just trying to find some way to get him some kind of cool prize because we think he deserves it,” senior basketball player Megan Blevins told the local TV station, Fox4KC. “That was a miracle shot.”

Wait, there’s more. Fox4KC reporter Rob Low went to the gym to do a story on the whole situation, and while standing at halfcourt talking to the camera, he threw the ball back over his head to the basket behind him. And it went in.

According to Deadspin.com, which contacted Low, the reporter said he asked the teacher to duplicate his shot (albeit without the blindfold). And it went in again (sorry, no video on that one).

FOOTBALL: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said he will not need offseason surgery. Former Pats defensive coordinator Dean Pees reportedly is headed to Baltimore. Lineman Vince Wilfork said assistant coach Pepper Johnson deserves to be a defensive coordinator.

The Saints and Colts are enjoying their Super Bowl preparation and celebration. Meanwhile, the Brett Favre watch continues.

The five non-BCS conferences will split $24 million from this year’s bowl games.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics beat the Clippers. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Paul Flannery has five questions facing the team. Glen Davis no longer wants to be called Big Baby.

The Cavaliers edged the Heat. Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge, explaining that he feared for his life after a threat from teammate Gilbert Arenas. Passing through Washington, D.C., the Lakers met with President Obama to be recognized for their 2008-09 NBA title. The Hornets traded guard Devin Brown to the Bulls for center Aaron Gray. The Nuggets decided not to suspend troubled guard J.R. Smith.

Kentucky is No. 1 in the newest AP Top 25 poll, while North Carolina dropped out for the first time in four years. No. 4 Syracuse took care of No. 7 Georgetown.

HOCKEY: Claude Julien understands the fans’ disappointment with the Bruins, and he put the team through a spirited practice that was highlighted by Marc Savard’s participation.

Devils draft pick Patrice Cormier was suspended by the QMJHL for the rest of the season for his violent hit on an opposing player. Here’s the hit, which sent Michael Tam into convulsions.

And here’s another hit from Cormier, on a Swedish player at the World Junior Championships. Notice a trend?

BASEBALL: Former Red Sox infielder Mark Loretta retired and will join the Padres front office. Outfielder Rick Ankiel signed with the Royals. Mets ace Johan Santana is scheduled to throw off a mound Tuesday as he tests his arm following season-ending surgery last summer.

MISC.: Nancy Kerrigan’s father died of a heart attack and her brother was charged with assault in the incident. Paraguay soccer star Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head at a Mexico City bar and was in stable condition. They’re playing tennis in Australia.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 26, 1974, which 36-year-old rookie goaltender recorded his fourth and final career shutout in a 4-0 road win over the Islanders?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Our fans are disappointed in us and rightfully so, we haven’t delivered. That’s part of accepting what’s going on here.” — Bruins coach Claude Julien

STAT OF THE DAY: 11 — Consecutive home wins for the perennially struggling Memphis Grizzlies, who beat the Magic Monday night

‘NET RESULTS: A fan at the Kings-Red Wings game in Detroit climbs onto a catwalk high above the stands and refuses to come down, causing a section of seats to be cleared and a delay in the game.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Ross Brooks

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Jean Knight turns 67 today. Hop on the “Soul Train” and check out her lone hit (it’s a good one).

Favre [farv] - noun: 1) an error or lapse in judgment when the game is on the line.

Related forms: Favre’d, verb

The quarterback suffered a Favre when he threw an interception in the last minute of a big game.

Favre’s career has been a Hall of Fame one. There is no debate about that. But over the last half of his career, some might wonder if he ran out of bullets in that old, trusty right arm when the games mattered the most.

The Vikings were thisclose on Sunday in the NFC championship game vs. the New Orleans Saints. Favre played really well for a 40-year-old who looked like a tackling dummy for most of the night. The Vikings were in field goal range, although it was on the longer side, and they only needed to gain a few yards to give Ryan Longwell a chance at the go-ahead 55-yard field goal, which could have propelled the Vikings to a date with Peyton Manning.

But a funny thing happened on the way to Miami. Minnesota felt the full force of a Favre.

Breaking the cardinal rule of throwing across the field and across his body, Favre uncorked a pass that was intercepted by Tracy Porter. Minnesota never got a chance at the game-winning kick. Nor did the Vikings run another offensive play, as New Orleans would take the game in overtime on a Garrett Hartley field goal.

You could say Favre was trying to make a play to get some breathing room for Longwell, but as Boomer Esiason noted, that throw can’t be made in that situation. Even Favre told the media after the game that he probably should have run for a few yards, but this isn’t the first time Favre has trusted his arm a little too much in the playoffs.

2002

Favre throws six — SIX — interceptions in a 45-17 loss to the St. Louis Rams in the divisional playoffs. Three of those picks were returned for touchdowns, and the Packers would turn the ball over eight times during the game.

New England fans may remember this Rams team, as the Patriots defeated St. Louis in the Super Bowl to capture the first of three championships in four years. Favre presumably remembers this Rams squad for another reason.

2005

The Packers and Favre already had defeated the Vikings two times in the regular season and squared off for a third time at Lambeau Field in the wild card round. Well, Favre threw four picks in a 31-17 loss, and the Packers were left out in the cold again.

Interesting note: In all three games against the Packers that season, the Vikings scored 31 points.

2007

The Packers were 13-3 and Brett Favre was having a renaissance year, in what many thought would be the last hurrah of his career. The Packers rolled into the NFC championship game vs. the New York Giants, and 60 minutes of football was not enough to decide this one.

In the OT, Favre punctuated a succession of terrible decisions and poor throws by tossing an ill-advised interception to Corey Webster, which ultimately set up a game-wining field goal by Lawrence Tynes. Again, Favre had a Favre when it mattered most.

That proved the last pass in Favre’s Packers career. He would then retire, force his way out of Green Bay and ultimately land in the arms of the New York Jets.

New England fans also will remember this Favre interception for a long time because this is the Giants team that upset the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl to derail history. If only Favre had played — and, most likely, Favre’d — against the Pats, Mercury Morris might finally have had to shut his pie hole.

Now comes the question that captivates every sports outlet in America:

Does he play, retire or kind of retire and hog the media spotlight? He is signed with the Vikings for another year, and if Minnesota keeps the same cast of characters, the Vikings might find themselves back in the same position. So, does No. 4 come back?

One would do well to remain patient for an answer while considering the second definition of the Word of the Day:

Farve - noun: 2) Painstaking indecision, characterized by several public changes of heart, in the face of a career crossroads

Of the top 100 finishers in a recent Chinese marathon, 30 were found to have cheated, according to this report. Some runners used public transportation (sound familiar?) while others convinced speedier runners to take their timing chips. The runners cheated because finishing with a good time gives them extra points on the entrance exam for prestigious universities.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price has 10 Things We Learned from conference championship Sunday, as the Colts and Saints punched their Super Bowl tickets. The Colts are the early favorite after an impressive second half against the helpless Jets. Unheralded kicker Garrett Hartley was the hero Sunday for the Saints. The speculation has begun about whether Brett Favre will retire. Kirk Minihan writes that Peyton Manning is the best quarterback ever.

Florida coach Urban Meyer might not take a leave of absence after all.

BASKETBALL: Ray Allen commented on a tough stretch ahead for the Celtics, featuring games against the Magic, Hawks and Lakers. Hedo Turkoglu hit two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to lift the Raptors over the Lakers. The Mavericks beat the Knicks by 50 points. Sulking guard J.R. Smith may face punishment from the Nuggets. Suns guard Leandro Barbosa will have surgery on his wrist and miss about a month.

Seton Hall upset No. 9 Pittsburgh. Florida State knocked off No. 19 Georgia Tech.

HOCKEY: The Bruins were routed by the lowly Hurricanes. Graig Woodburn has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned. The Penguins edged the Flyers.

BASEBALL: Tom Hicks is selling the Rangers to a group that includes Nolan Ryan. Miguel Tejada is returning to the Orioles after two years in Houston. Alex Rodriguez got emotional receiving his postseason MVP award at the New York baseball writers dinner.

MISC.: Tennis is being played in Australia. Denny Hamlin tore his ACL but will wait until after the upcoming NASCAR season is over to have surgery.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 25, 1956, which former Red Sox infielder and manager was elected to the Hall of Fame?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I thought we just kept our mouths shut and went to work this week.” — Colts quarterback Peyton Manning

STAT OF THE DAY: 7 — Postseason games with 300 or more yards passing for Peyton Manning, an NFL record

‘NET RESULTS: If you missed this Saturday, take a look at the finish to the South Carolina-Florida game. South Carolina’s Devan Downey went the length of the court, going past all five Florida players (although he did get away with a double dribble), to score the go-ahead basket with 5.1 seconds left, but Florida’s Chander Parsons answered with a game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Skip to the 1:53 mark of these Boston College-Virginia Tech highlights to see a fan win $10,000 with a halfcourt shot at halftime of Saturday’s game.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Joe Cronin

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Richard Finch, bass player and co-founder of KC and the Sunshine Band, is 56 today.

Before the New Orleans Saints were the darlings of the NFL, they were known as the Aints due to their consistent lack of success. The Superdome will be rocking as Sunday brings the chance to wipe away decades of futility and take New Orleans off the list of NFL teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl. But before that, lets take a look back at when the Saints were more Detroit Lions than Super Bowl contender.

1970

The highlight of the Saints’ first post-merger season came in Week 8. New Saints coach J.D. Roberts took over for a 1-5-1 squad and found his team trailing 17-16 in the final seconds. Out trotted kicker Tom Dempsey to try to win the game — with a 63-yard field goal.

What made the NFL-record kick even more remarkable is that Dempsey was born without half of his right foot. Yes, the foot he kicked with. He wore a modified shoe to help solve the problem. Of course, the Saints went on to finish the season 2-11-1. The only team to finish with a worse record? The Boston Patriots (2-12).

1979

The Saints’ first non-losing season — at 8-8. New Orleans actually had a chance to make the postseason but lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 29-14, in their last game of the season. The win made the Rams NFC West champions and propelled them to a postseason run that ended with a Super Bowl appearance.

1980

And the “Aints” are born! New Orleans starts the season 0-12 and loses to the Patriots in its final game of the season, finishing 1-15, the worst record in a 16-game season until the Lions’ winless season in 2008. Local sports radio host Buddy Diliberto was credited with coining the new nickname and also a new tradition: the paper bag head.

1987-88

Thanks to the motivation of coach Jim Mora, the Saints reach the playoffs for the first time in a season shortened by one game due to a player strike. New Orleans even went 2-1 with replacement players, thanks to quarterback and Big Easy native John Fourcade. After a Week 6 loss to San Francisco in the first game after the end of the strike, a classic Mora rant spurred a nine-game win streak.

Of course, the Saints celebrated their first playoff appearance by getting pasted, 44-10, by the Minnesota Vikings.

1995

The Saints finish 7-9, behind the expansion Carolina Panthers due to tiebreaker rules. That Carolina team’s leading rusher? Derrick Moore. Receiver? Mark Carrier. But they DID have Kerry Collins.

1998-99

The second year of the Mike Ditka era did not go over well. Collins? He was signed off waivers to play QB, and his DUI arrest was the lowlight of a 6-10 season. Of course, Ditka had a plan to fix his team: Draft Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. Ditka traded all six of his team’s picks in the 1999 draft, along with first- and third-round picks in the 2000 draft (which became the second and 64th picks overall) for the Washington Redskins’ fifth pick, which he used on Williams.

The match wasn’t made in heaven, however. Despite Ditka’s prediction of a Super Bowl win, the Saints were 3-13 in Williams’ rookie season and Ditka was fired.

2000

Under new head coach Jim Haslett, the Saints win their first-ever playoff game, against the St. Louis Rams — the defending Super Bowl champions. The Saints jump out to a 31-7 lead thanks to quarterback Aaron Brooks and hold on for a 31-28 decision.

2005

The chaos of Hurricane Katrina sends the Saints reeling. Forced to house their team in San Antonio and play their first “home” game of the season at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, the Saints finish with the worst record in the NFC.

2006

Led by new coach Sean Payton and free agent signee Drew Brees, the Saints go from 3-13 to the NFC championship game, starting the turnaround to a contender. Of course, the Saints lose 39-14 to the Chicago Bears, arguably one of the worst teams to make the Super Bowl ever.

But after starting 13-0 and crushing the Arizona Cardinals last week, the Saints are on the cusp of greatness. After almost 40 years of futility, New Orleans could finally be turning its fortunes around — though the Vikings will have something to say about that.

Hall of Fame pitcher (and onetime Red Sox hurler) Fergie Jenkins became the latest to get in some jabs at Mark McGwire, and he didn’t hold back. Jenkins send an open letter to The Associated Press, writing: “You have not even begun to apologize to those you have harmed.”

Added Jenkins: “You have yet to apologize to all the pitchers you faced while juiced. You altered pitchers’ lives. You may have shortened pitchers’ careers because of the advantage you forced over them while juiced. Have you thought about what happened when they couldn’t get you out and lost the confidence of their managers and general managers? You even managed to alter the place some athletes have achieved in record books by making your steroid-fueled run to the season home run record.”

In a followup phone interview Wednesday, Jenkins continued his barrage, saying that he would have thrown at McGwire during his home run surge. “It’s tough to hit a home run off your back,” said Jenkins, who pitched in Boston in 1976-77 and once was detained for possession of drugs (in 1980, while with the Texas Rangers). “In my era, [Tom] Seaver, [Bob] Gibson, [Don] Drysdale, [Steve] Carlton, there were so many guys that would have probably knocked him on his butt. He wouldn’t have hit home runs the way he did in that era.”

FOOTBALL: Chris Price continues his positional analysis of the Patriots with a look at wide receivers. The Cowboys gave Wade Phillips a new two-year deal. Quarterback Michael Vick will participate in a 10-part series on BET that explains his downfall.

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich returned to practice for the first time since his cancer scare. Former Texas Tech defensive coordinator and interim coach Ruffin McNeil was named head coach at East Carolina.

BASEBALL: Jason Bay told Rob Bradford the rest of the story about his negotiations with the Red Sox. Tigers star Miguel Cabrera is being treated for alcoholism. Joe Blanton signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Phillies to avoid arbitration. Former Cardinals right-hander Joel Pineiro signed a two-year deal worth $16 million with the Angels. Giants second baseman Freddy Sanchez had shoulder surgery and might miss the start of the season.

BASKETBALL: Celtics forward Glen Davis apologized and received some criticism and a fine after his altercation with a fan Wednesday night in Detroit. The All-Star teams were announced, and Kevin Garnett will start.

LeBron James scored 37 points and the Cavaliers beat the Lakers. Cavs guard Mo Williams is expected to miss a month with a sprained shoulder. The Nuggets won their fifth straight. Thunder forward D.J. White will miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured thumb. Kobe Bryant laughed at Shaquille O’Neal’s idea for a charity slam dunk competition featuring Bryant and LeBron James. Thunder owner Clay Bennett, who moved the team from Seattle, will pay former SuperSonics season ticket holders $1.6 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Blue Jackets. Dan Rowinski has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

Alex Ovechkin scored twice as the Penguins edged the Capitals. Eric Staal had a hat trick as the Hurricanes beat the Thrashers. The Senators won their fifth straight. Wild defenseman Brent Burns returned to action after missing 29 games with a concussion. Enforcer Georges Laraque had his contract bought out by the Canadiens.

MISC.: Tennis is being played in Australia. NASCAR will loosen its rules and let its drivers be more aggressive.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 22, 1947, which pitcher, who spent the last eight seasons of his career with the Red Sox before retiring in 1941, was elected to the Hall of Fame?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I’m not going to comment too much on that, that’s called human error. It’s unfortunate and it’s what it is. It’s human error.” — Bruins coach Claude Julien, after a late penalty call on the Bruins that appeared to be a case of mistaken identity

STAT OF THE DAY: 15 — NBA players with 25,000 points, after Kobe Bryant became the youngest player to reach the plateau

‘NET RESULTS: Shaquille O’Neal shows off his foot after his sneaker was stolen. His foot looks pretty good for a guy who has played as much basketball as he has.

In case you missed the Celtics’ latest loss Wednesday night, here’s Rasheed Wallace going in for a slam and getting thwarted by Jason Maxiell on a block so clean even Sheed couldn’t complain.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Lefty Grove

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Steve Perry turns 61 today. Here’s a double feature — with and without Journey.

Let’s lead off with a couple of lighthearted “stories.” First, The Sports Pickle claims Scott Brown did not win Tuesday’s election, rather, “Yankees Suck” won via write-ins. It’s worth a look.

Secondly, late night talk show host (and Brookline native) Conan O’Brien is looking for a new job. So, the Washington Generals, longtime fodder for the Harlem Globetrotters, offered him a contract. Here’s the letter:

FOOTBALL: Chris Price breaks down the Patriots tight ends. Kerry Byrne writes that the Patriots and Colts have swapped personalities. The Raiders are debating the fate of coach Tom Cable.

A Texas judge ruled that fired coach Mike Leach’s lawsuit against Texas Tech can go forward. Louisiana Tech selected University of Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes as its new coach.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier takes a look at Sox prospect Casey Kelley.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Pistons. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned, including Glen Davis trading barbs with a fan. Meanwhile, there’s a report that the Pistons might be for sale.

The Bobcats humiliated the Heat with the most lopsided victory in team history (39 points). The Mavericks edged the Wizards as Shawn Marion blocked a Caron Butler shot with 1.9 seconds left. The Magic ended a three-game slide by beating the Pacers. Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets past the Warriors in overtime. James Posey lifted the Hornets over the Grizzlies. Kobe Bryant’s jersey remains the best-selling in the NBA.

UConn beat St. John’s, and the Huskies said there is no timetable for the return of coach Jim Calhoun. No. 12 Georgetown knocked off No. 9 Pitt. Wake Forest handed North Carolina another loss. NC State surprised Duke.

HOCKEY: Martin Brodeur and the Devils shut out the Panthers. The Oilers lost their ninth straight, falling to the Canucks in overtime. The Blues beat the Canadiens in overtime.

The Devils put Patrik Elias on the injured list with a concussion. Stars winger Jere Lehtinen was placed on the injured list with an upper-body injury. Eric Staal was named captain of the Hurricanes, with Rod Brind’Amour demoted to alternate captain. Islanders defenseman Andy Sutton was suspended two games for a hit from behind on Pittsburgh’s Pascal Dupuis.

MISC.: Kirk Minihane has a Mailbag column. Tennis is being played in Australia. Tiger Woods allegedly was spotted at a sex rehab clinic in Mississippi.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 21, 1994, Robert Kraft became the fourth owner in Patriots history. Who was the previous owner?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We want Congress to know that management is pushing us toward a lockout.” — Tennessee Titans center and NFL players union president Kevin Mawae, who went to Capitol Hill to enlist the help of lawmakers in the fight against the league

STAT OF THE DAY: 4-8 — The Celtics’ record in their last 12 games.

‘NET RESULTS: World’s longest soccer throw-in.

Bobsledder splits her pants loosening up, doesn’t notice it. Watch the reaction of the guy who walks by toward the end of the video.

This has nothing to do with sports, but check out this home cube illusion.

TRIVIA ANSWER: James Busch Orthwein, who owned the team for two years

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Richie Havens is 69 today.

And Mac Davis is 68 today. Here he is singing to Miss Piggy on the Muppet Show.

The race to fill the late Ted Kennedy’s seat has finally come to a conclusion. No more negative ads of he said, she said. No more advertisements in general, dominating the radio and television airwaves every second of our lives.

No more phone calls. Thank goodness no more phone calls. Scott Brown, Martha Coakley and their supporters will not be making you look twice at your caller ID before picking up the phone. The question “Who do I know from this area code?” will no longer be relevant in your life at this moment.

Love him or hate him, Ted Kennedy was the face of Massachusetts’ politics during his long career. He held his Senate post for nearly five decades, up until his death in August of 2009, and his legacy will always live on in this state. Brown will have a daunting task of making the people of Massachusetts forget about Kennedy, while trying to make a name for himself.

Just like replacing Kennedy, replacing a Boston sports legend is a hard thing to do. Some replacements fall on their face, while others strive and make life after those legends a little bit easier to deal with.

Here is a look at how some Boston sports legends were replaced after their great careers.

The Original Big Three: Bird, McHale and Parish.

Things were pretty good for Celtics fans during the 1980s. Every time these three took the court, something special could potentially happen. Bird was the obvious ringleader of this trio, as he captured three straight MVPs (’84-’86) and led the Celtics to three banners during his tenure. With McHale and Parish on the floor, he could really show-off his famous passing skills to keep everyone involved.

The Celtics were primed to keep the legacy of the trio going when they selected Len Bias No. 2 in the 1986 draft, but his unfortunate death on draft night signaled that the heir-apparent would never step on the parquet.

The C’s floundered after Bird, McHale and Parish left. Another possible replacement, Reggie Lewis, suffered a fatal heart attack in 1993 and now there definitely wasn’t an answer for the post “Big Three” era.

It took 22 years for the Celtics to get back on top with the “New Big Three” of Garnett, Pierce and Allen, but for all those years, the back-up plans kept falling through, and the Green lost it’s spot as top dog in Boston during that period.

Roger Clemens

Clemens burst on the scene in 1986, winning his first Cy Young and winning the AL MVP while leading the Sox back to the World Series. (We all know what happened there.)

He was “the” pitcher to watch during his stint in Boston, and seemed destined to be a Red Sox for life, but a late-career spat with GM Dan Duquette forced “The Rocket” out of town and eventually into the arms of the hated Yankees, after a stint with the Blue Jays.

Clemens still sits on top of the Red Sox win list with 192 victories, but if Tim Wakefield stays healthy and productive for a few more seasons, that record could fall.

As far as replacements go, the Red Sox did pretty well. Clemens’ departure paved the way for a trade with the Montreal Expos for a wiry-young man named Pedro Martinez. Pedro proved a more than worthy successor to the Rocket, even as the thought of those two guys in the same rotation was tantalizing.

Pedro went on to claim the Cy Young after a 23-4 season with a 2.07 ERA in 1999, still one of the greatest seasons by any pitcher in the history of baseball. Pedro also became an all-day event when he took the mound, and the party would last until the night, usually leaving the Fenway faithful happy customers.

He also brought flair to the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry, and some of his quotes were just legendary.

Replacing him is next on our list.

Pedro Martinez

Matt Clement and David Wells. Those were the two guys who tried to fill Pedro’s shoes. Granted, it was the right move not to offer Pedro all that money and all those years with his physical conditions (as the Mets came to discover over the next four years), but the 2005 team missed the Pedro flair, especially coming off a 2004 World Series win.

Clement showed flashes in the beginning of the 2005 season, going 10-2 and getting an All-Star nod, but who can forget the infamous night at Tropicana Field that pretty much ended his Red Sox career?

Wells was serviceable for the Red Sox in his brief stint, proving that he did look pretty good in a Sox uniform. He won 15 games in 2005, but overall, filling the shoes of the great Pedro Martinez proved impossible to do that first year after he left.

Drew Bledsoe

Let’s face it. The Patriots were terrible before Bledsoe came to town. The Patriots nabbed him out of Washington State with the first pick in the 1993 NFL Draft, and from there, the fate of the franchise changed.

Bledsoe had a powerful arm, and was the Patriots all-time leader in passing yards with 29,657 yards and threw 166 touchdowns while donning the Elvis helmet. He and Bill Parcells led the Pats to an AFC Championship crown in 1996, before being displaced by Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers — check that, Desmond Howard and the Green Bay Packers — in the Super Bowl.

Bledsoe signed the richest contract in Patriots history at 10 years $103 million before the 2001 season, but then this happened:

The rest is history. Tom Brady comes in, leads the Patriots to the Super Bowl that season, and Bledsoe is shipped out of town. Brady probably did the best fill-in job of any legend in the history of Boston. Does anyone think about Bledsoe and his Patriots days anymore? Does anyone remember the team that Bledsoe brought to that Super Bowl in 1996?

No, because Tom Brady has been, well, Tom Brady. Three rings, a near perfect season in 2007 in which he threw 50 touchdowns (an NFL record), and one supermodel wife later, Bledsoe is an afterthought.

After suffering a knee injury in 2008, Brady responded nicely in 2009. Other than the terrible ending to the season this past year, Brady should enjoy more success down the road.

This topic will be discussed for years and years to come, because athletes can’t play forever. Someone will always have to fill-in once the golden years of a legend in Boston are over. The “New Big Three” will have to be replaced. Tom Brady (gulp) will one day no longer be the signal-caller for the Patriots. (Of course, Matt Cassell probably deserves a place on the all fill-in team as well for his work in 2008.)

Scott Brown’s task will be challenging. Years from now, we will know whether he became more Brady or Clement.

The New York Post has an article about Rex Ryan’s weight, claiming that the Jets coach eats a whopping 7,000 calories a day. “There’s not too many fat guys that are coaches,” the Post quotes Ryan as saying in 2007. “But I don’t see how your weight can make you a better coach.” Ryan’s favorite food is Mexican, which Jets assistants call “Rexican.”

FOOTBALL: Tom Brady backed out of the Pro Bowl. Chris Price begins his Patriots positional analysis with a look at running backs.

Chan Gailey was introduced as the Bills’ new coach. Former Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan took the same job with the Dolphins. The Seahawks selected Packers executive John Schneider as their new general manager. Running back Deuce McAllister announced he is retiring, days after being activated to serve as the Saints’ honorary captain vs. the Cardinals.

Brett Favre is geting ready to face the team he followed as a child.

BASEBALL: Jonathan Papelbon agreed to terms with the Red Sox on a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration. Rob Bradford looks at what the future may hold for the reliever and the team. Alex Speier has a Money Mailbag as he tries to explain the many machinations of the luxury tax. Gary Marbry breaks down Daniel Bard’s stats.

Felix Hernandez and the Mariners reportedly have a five-year deal in place. Giants ace Tim Lincecum asked for a record $13 million in arbitration.

BASKETBALL: Kevin Garnett practiced with the Celtics and is set for a Friday return. Jessica Camerato talks with Eddie House about the art of sharpshooting.

Shaquille O’Neal became the fifth player with 28,000 career points in the Cavaliers’ win over the Raptors. Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans is being sued over a shooting.

Boston College overcame a 17-point second-half deficit to beat Miami. UConn coach Jim Calhoun is taking a medical leave.

HOCKEY: Graig Woodburn has the latest NHL Power Rankings, with the Bruins at 15. Michael Peca retired after playing 13 years, although he had not played this season. The Wild waived veteran forward Petr Sykora.

MISC.: Tennis was played in Australia.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 20, 1966, Ted Williams was elected to the Hall of Fame, the only player voted in that year. Which longtime manager — who both played and managed the Boston Braves, although he was more famous for other teams he managed — was later named to join Williams at the induction ceremonies?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Intensity was going to be up today anyway after the loss [Monday] night, but then adding Kevin to the mix takes it another level, and he gives everybody ownership of the defensive end.” — Celtics coach Doc Rivers, on Kevin Garnett’s return to practice

STAT OF THE DAY: 5 — With Tuesday’s hiring of Chan Gailey, the number of coaches the Bills have had in the 10 years since Marv Levy retired

‘NET RESULTS: A “fan” tries to convince Pete Carroll to stay at USC.

Bucks big man Andrew Bogut is fouled, but guard Brandon Jennings sneaks in to shoot the free throws — until he’s caught.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Casey Stengel

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Slim Whitman is 86 today. Of course, you know from his legendary commercial that he was No. 1 in England for more weeks than Elvis and the Beatles (that was with “Rose Marie,” which spent 11 weeks at the top of the UK charts in 1955). Here’s “I Remember You,” introduced by comedian Andy Kaufman.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson did not have a good day Sunday. In addition to being flagged for a stupid penalty — kicking the Jets’ challenge flag late in the fourth quarter of San Diego’s 17-14 loss — Jackson had an incident on his way to the stadium.

According to police, Jackson was handcuffed briefly and had his car impounded following a traffic stop a few hours before Sunday’s game. Jackson initially was pulled over for playing loud music, and then he was cited for driving with a suspended license and expired tags.

FOOTBALL: Richard Seymour was a guest of the Dale & Holley show Monday and talked about his departure from the Patriots. The Denver Post says former Patriots defensive coordinator Dean Pees may wind up in Denver. Former Broncos defensive coordinator Mike Nolan may be headed to Miami. Fox Sports says Chan Gailey likely will be the next coach of the Bills. The Chargers extended coach Norv Turner’s contract for three years.  Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis broke his hand Sunday but plans to play against the Colts.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Mavericks. Paul Flannery has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Rasheed Wallace doesn’t like the officiating. Jessica Camerato has Ray Allen talking about what Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to him.

The Lakers rallied past the Magic in a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. The Thunder posted an impressive win over the Hawks in Atlanta. The Timberwolves overcame a 20-point deficit to beat the 76ers in overtime. Sixers center Samuel Dalembert, the league’s only native Haitian, is going to Haiti to help with earthquake relief efforts. LeBron James is out of the slam dunk contest, but Nate Robinson will attempt to defend his title. Stefon Marbury’s first game in China is scheduled for Jan. 27.

Kansas State upset No. 1 Texas. Boston College plays at Miami tonight.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Senators. Claude Julien addressed the injury situation.

Eight Sharks scored in a 9-1 rout of the Flames. The Sabres beat the Coyotes and moved into a tie for the East lead. Phil Kessel lifted the Leafs over the Predators. Rick Nash recorded his 400th career point as the Blue Jackets beat the Blues. Rick DiPietro got the shutout as the Islanders beat the Devils.

BASEBALL: The Red Sox reportedly were concerned about Jason Bay’s knees. Jose Offerman was banned for life from the Dominican winter league. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols threw his support behind Mark McGwire. Despite not playing last season, outfielder Jim Edmonds wants to make a comeback with the Cardinals. The Marlins re-signed Dan Uggla to a one-year, $7.8 million deal. Onetime Red Sox reliever Brendan Donnelly signed with the Pirates for one year.

Major League Baseball umpires ratified a new five-year contract, one that ends the prohibition against umpires working the World Series in consecutive seasons. This, of course, is designed to get the best umpires working the biggest games and avoid the blown calls that marred this year’s postseason. “It was a good day for baseball and a good day for umpires,” said Joe West, president of the World Umpires Association.

MISC.: People are playing tennis in Australia.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 19, 1937, in the second year of balloting, which two early Red Sox stars were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I told him I’m proud of him for admitting what he used. Everybody makes mistakes.” — Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, on new hitting coach Mark McGwire

STAT OF THE DAY: 11 — Bruins goalie Tim Thomas’ winning streak against the Senators before Monday’s loss

‘NET RESULTS: Here are two impressive shootout goals by the Red Wings Sunday vs. Chicago (although the Blackhawks won the shootout).

TRIVIA ANSWER: Tris Speaker and Cy Young

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers is 71 today.

Mark McGwire got a standing ovation from Cardinals fans Sunday in St. Louis in his first public appearance since admitting he used steroids.

“I’ve learned a lot,” McGwire told fans (here’s the video). “Especially to kids out there, steroids are bad. I made a huge mistake in my life and it’s something I want you guys to learn from. Don’t ever, ever go down that road.”

At a news conference shortly thereafter, McGwire’s welcome wasn’t as warm, but the team made it easier on the batting coach by moving it into a cramped hallway and limiting it to six minutes (video here).

McGwire insisted he’s been “dead honest” about his steroid use despite evidence that it was far more involved than he let on. He also denied that manager Tony La Russa knew of the situation.

“I kept this to myself,” McGwire said. “You know what? I spoke from my heart. I hope you all can accept this, let’s all move on from this.”

Meanwhile, Cardinals TV analyst Jack Clark (the former Red Sox slugger), was booed by fans at the event because he made comments critical of McGwire last week, calling the former home run king a “phony.” Clark stood his ground: “I’ve said some things. I’ll add to it, but I ain’t taking anything back.”

Here’s McGwire taking batting practice a few days ago.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price writes why the Saints are the logical choice for Patriots fans to be backing in the playoffs. The Jets knocked off the Chargers and will play the Colts next weekend. In the NFC, top seeds Minnesota and New Orleans are set to meet.

Bears 26-year-old defensive end Gaines Adams died Sunday after going into cardiac arrest. Bengals boss Marvin Lewis was named AP Coach of the Year.

Duke dismissed three players after they were charged with discharging a weapon on campus.

BASKETBALL: Kirk Minihane has a State of the Celtics column. Paul Pierce banged his knee in Sunday’s practice. Rasheed Wallace is expected back, but Kevin Garnett still is out for the Celtics.

The Raptors routed the Mavericks, who are in town to play the C’s tonight. The Cavaliers squeaked past the Clippers. The Bobcats set team scoring records in a 125-99 rout of the Suns. The Nuggets knocked off the Jazz. The Bucks are expected to sign Jerry Stackhouse

Michigan handed No. 15 UConn its third straight loss. No. 4 Villanova turned away No. 11 Georgetown. Al Skinner was not pleased with Boston College’s effort Saturday vs. Maryland.

HOCKEY: In his Hat Trick from Saturday’s game, Graig Woodburn writes that the Bruins left the West Coast on a positive note despite the shootout loss. Alex Ovechkin scored his first career penalty shot goal and the Capitals beat the Flyers. The Blackhawks beat the Red Wings in a shootout. Avalanche forward Milan Hejduk will miss 2-4 weeks after having arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

BASEBALL: Giants ace Tim Lincecum heads the list of 128 players who filed for arbitration Friday.

TENNIS: Maria Sharapova was upset in the first round of the Australian Open.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 18, 1998, which Celtic had his number retired at halftime of a game against the Larry Bird-coached Indiana Pacers?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “A matchup that probably nobody wanted, but too bad. Here we come!” — Jets coach Rex Ryan, on his team advancing to the AFC championship game against the Colts

STAT OF THE DAY: 3 — Missed field goals Sunday by Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding, who only missed three field goals in the entire regular season

‘NET RESULTS: Former Red Sox player Jose Offerman still does not have a handle on his temper, punching an umpire in a Dominican League game Saturday night.

How entertaining would a Hawks-Suns NBA Finals be? Here are the highlights from Friday’s night, the Hawks overcame a four-deficit with six seconds left, winning on a Jamal Crawford 3-pointer at the buzzer.

This is compelling viewing here: The media bicker with a University of Tennessee official for eight minutes about whether to agree to Lane Kiffin’s terms for his goodbye press conference.

Here’s the Wheaton women’s basketball team with a 35-feet heave at the buzzer to beat WPI recently.

Lots of between-the-legs moves and nice passing in this minor league hockey goal.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Robert Parish (00)

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Bobby Goldsboro is 69 today.

But what happens when they cross the line? Usually it ends up in a dismissal or those uncomfortable press conferences like when a politician has to explain his “indiscretions” with his wife standing in the background.

Over the past couple of months we have seen leading men take it too far. Mike Leach, arguably one of the better coaches in college football and the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2008, was fired from Texas Tech for allegedly making wide receiver Adam James stand alone in a small, dark room for not playing through a concussion.

Jim Leavitt, the University of South Florida’s only head football coach in the history of the program, was let go for allegedly grabbing a player by the throat and slapping him in the face. Leavitt is now suing the school to get his job back.

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable knocked out his assistant coach. Oh no, he fell. Wait, he fell off a chair and broke his jaw. Coupled with the ESPN report of Cable physically abusing his wife and his utter hatred for JaMarcus Russell, Cable might not want to hold his breath waiting for another head coaching job in 2010.

And over the weekend, Kansas State head basketball coach Frank Martin was caught on video getting up in Chris Merriewether’s face and giving him a swift jab to the arm during a time-out.

Trying to get a point across, maybe. Crossing the line, probably so.

It got us thinking about other coaches in history who should have just counted to 10, walked away or basically should taken their anger out on a heavy bag.

Jeff Van Gundy

Who can forget the coach for the New York Knicks during their intense rivalry with the Miami Heat? Van Gundy, probably not much taller than Muggsy Bogues, decided to throw his hat in the ring when a hard foul on John Starks sent both benches looking to square off in a good old-fashioned basketball fight. Van Gundy clamps on to Alonzo Mourning’s leg (at 2:35) and it takes a couple of Knicks to peel the little man off of Alonzo.

Now an analyst for ESPN, Van Gundy will always be remembered for that moment.

Bobby Knight

Three national championships, 902 career wins and one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time. But he might be most remembered for his no-nonsense attitude and for getting fired from Indiana after several public and behind-the-scenes outbursts. There’s the infamous chair throw across the court after he was called for technical foul, the time he kicked his son Patrick during a game and the video of Knight putting his hands on Neil Reed’s throat during a practice.

Even when he got a second chance at Texas Tech he got so mad at a player that he gave him a slap to the jaw so the player would look him in the eye.

Knight is probably the poster child for violence against players, and a generation that never saw him coach will probably remember him for that, instead of all the records.

Rick Mahorn

Mahorn must have thought he was back on the “Bad Boys” when he took the court to break up a WNBA fight in 2008. During the Detroit Shock’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks, a fight broke out on the court and Mahorn stepped in to keep the peace.

But, in the same building where the Ron Artest “Malice at the Palace” occurred, Mahorn ended up shoving Lisa Leslie to the ground. Was Mahorn just trying to keep the peace? Maybe, but the video doesn’t help his cause when a woman falls to the ground because a man pushes her down. Maybe it’s the water in the Palace, because things just seem to happen in this building.

Woody Hayes

Instead of hitting his own players, Hayes decided to take his rage out on Clemson’s Charlie Bauman. After Bauman intercepted a pass, he was knocked out at the Ohio State sideline. Hayes went over and threw a punch under Bauman’s helmet, because, really, why would he take a swipe at a guy’s helmet?

This left a scar on an otherwise great career for Hayes at Ohio State.

Sundiata Gaines hit a buzzer-beating, game-winning 3-pointer for the Utah Jazz Thursday night in their win over the Cavaliers. Who is Sundiata Gaines? A guy playing his fifth NBA game who had never hit a 3-pointer. Here’s the shot.

And here’s Gaines earlier this month being told that the Jazz had purchased his contract from the NBA D-League’s Idaho Stampede.

FOOTBALL: Dean Pees is out as Patriots defensive coordinator. Chris Price looks at the top candidates for the job. Patriots receiver Wes Welker was named first-team All-Pro, and Titans running back Chris Johnson was the only unanimous selection. D.J. Bean examines outside linebackers the Patriots might be interested in come draft day.

Bills interim coach Perry Fewell was named Giants defensive coordinator. New Browns general manager Tom Heckert starting making changes in the front office. Former NFL standout Bruce Smith pleaded guilty to DUI. The FBI is looking into a shooting that may bring former Colts receiver Marvin Harrison back into question.

Skip Holtz will coach South Florida after leaving East Carolina. Meanwhile, the player allegedly assaulted by former South Florida coach Jim Leavitt wants an apology. Norm Chow turned down USC to stay at UCLA as offensive coordinator. Former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said he’s willing to hep the school find a new coach, and the Volunteers allegedly are interested in Duke’s David Cutcliffe. Boise State’s Chris Petersen won the Bear Bryant Award as the nation’s top coach.

BASEBALL: Alex Speier talked to Bill James about the Red Sox’ defensive emphasis. Reliever Hideki Okajima re-signed with the Red Sox for one year. Knuckleballer Charlie Zink left the Sox organization for the Cardinals.

Pitcher Josh Johnson agreed to re-sign with the Marlins for four years. Former Astros closer Jose Valverde agreed to a two-year deal with the Tigers. Adam LaRoche signed a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks. Carlos Beltran said the Mets were too late in asking him to delay knee surgery. Phillies closer Brad Lidge had his second surgery in three months. The league has a new five-year deal with umpires.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics lost to the Bulls. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned. Michael Holley has the NBA Power Rankings. Sundiata Gaines hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the Jazz over the Cavaliers.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was charged with felony gun possession. Clippers rookie Blake Griffin talked about his season-ending knee surgery.

USC said O.J. Mayo refused to cooperate in its investigation involving the former Trojans guard. A player from Division 2 Southern Indiana died after a fall during a game.

HOCKEY: The Bruins beat the Sharks in a shootout. Graig Woodburn has the Hat Trick of Things We Learned.

Brian Gionta scored twice in his 500th career game as the Canadiens beat the Stars. The Senators blanked the Rangers. The Penguins edged the Oilers. The Kings shut out the Ducks. And Ducks forward Teemu Selanne, who broke his jaw vs. the Bruins Wednesday night, might miss the Olympics.

SOCCER: The Revolution added five players in the draft.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Jan. 15, 1987, during a 6-4 win over the Hartford Whalers, which Bruins forward became the 35th player in NHL history to record 500 career assists?