Top Sports Stories of 2006

Happy New Year! As 2007 opens, it’s time to reflect on the top sports stories of 2006 and look ahead to what might be in the coming year. Here are my picks for the top five most inspiring stories, the top five sports disappointments and five stories that will make headlines in 2007.

Most Inspiring Sports Stories of 2007

1. New Orleans Saints - After being forced out of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and splitting time between Baton Rouge and San Antonio in 2005, the Saints return' to the Superdome was an inspiration to local residents and football fans. What made this season even more special was their performance on the field. Behind newly acquired QB Drew Brees, the Saints finished 10-6, won their division and earned a first-round bye in the postseason. Regardless how they finish, their performance surpassed everyone's expectations.

2. Barbaro - Thousands of horse racing fans watched in horror as Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro pulled up lame during the Preakness last May. After shattering his leg and fighting off a potentially life-threatening infection, Barbaro's slow but gradual recovery is a testament to this horse's fighting spirit. The champion horse defied all the odds and has survived so far. At last word, Barbaro was about to be sent home.

3. Detroit Tigers - How does a team go from being the worst team in baseball a few short years ago to being a World Series contender? Behind manager Jim Leyland and a stellar young pitching staff, the Tigers showed the baseball world that it is possible to turn one's fortunes around.

4. Andre Agassi -- After his final performance in the U.S. Open, Andre Agassi left the sport with grace, class and dignity.

5. Edmonton Oilers -- The Oilers earned the final playoff spot on the very last day of the regular NHL season, then proceeded to outplay every one of their opponents. They lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup finals in seven games, proving once again why it's important to never give up.

Top Sports Disappointments of 2006

1. Doping scandals -- From the steroid investigation in baseball to the ban of track and field athletes such as Justin Gatlin, doping scandals were the most disappointing sports story in 2006. Any athlete who takes drugs to enhance their performance ruins the integrity of his/her sport as well as sports in general. Unfortunately, we're just beginning to see prevalent it is in the sports world.

2. Floyd Landis -- After an amazing comeback in the 17th race of the Tour de France, many thought cyclist Floyd Landis would be the next champion. But a positive result of his urine sample suggested that Landis may have cheated his way to the top. It proved to be another embarrassing moment for U.S. sports.

3. Bode Miller and U.S. ski team -- Going into the 2006 Olympics in Torino, the U.S. ski team was expected to reach the podium in most of the ski events. Instead, they were a huge disappointment, led by Bode Miller, who preferred to party his way through Italy than show why he is one of the best skiers in the world.

4. Sasha Cohen -- In both the Olympics and World Championships, Cohen led after the short program. But true to form, Cohen made too many mistakes in her free skate and lost her opportunity to win gold.

5. U.S. Tennis team -- Injuries, illness, lack of motivation, you name it -- the U.S. tennis team failed to live up to its potential. Andy Roddick performed well at the U.S. Open, but 2006 will be remembered for the year that Andre Agassi retired.

Honorable mention:
Chicago White Sox - After making some key moves in the off-season after winning the 2005 World Series, the Sox seemed poised to repeat as World Champions. They won 90 games in 2006, good enough for third place behind Minnesota and Detroit, and failed to make the post season.

Top Headlines in 2007

1. Steroids/doping scandals -- Unfortunately, doping scandals and steroids will be the hot news story of the year.

2. Chicago’s and the 2016 Olympic Games -- Lack of organization and insufficient support for an Olympic stadium will cost the city its bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The USOC will select Los Angeles as the U.S. representative, which will lose out to one of the other contending cities -- Madrid, Rio De Janeiro or Tokyo.

3. The high-priced Chicago Cubs -- After the Cubs' spending spree, all eyes will be on the Cubs. Will their acquisitions pay off, or did they pay too much? The Cubs won't be in last place as they were in 2005, but they won't win their division either.

4. The Chicago Bears -- They might have the best record in the NFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, but the Bears will lose the NFC title game and fail to make the Superbowl.

5. Key retirements -- Brett Favre, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Greg Maddux, Michelle Kwan and Lindsay Davenport are among the top athletes who will announce their retirement in 2007.