Bulls Look Ahead After First-Round Defeat

Most people expected the Bulls-Celtics series to be a yawner and a laugher. Instead, it turned into one of the most compelling and thrilling playoff contests in recent memory. Overall, the teams played seven overtimes during the series, including two overtimes in game 4 and three in game 6. After the thrill ride during the first six games, Game 7 seemed anticlimactic, with the Celtics winning by a 10-point margin.

The seventh-seeded Bulls pushed the Celtics to the limit and played with an intensity no one expected. In the end, the Celtics endured, thanks to playoff experience, home court advantage, and a little luck. If the Bulls finish off Games 2 and/or 5, they – not the Celtics -- would be preparing to face the Orlando Magic in the second round rather than packing up for the summer.

I doubt the Celtics will go much further than the second round. These overtime games exposed several weaknesses – age, slower legs, and a weak bench. Without Kevin Garnett, they are simply an above average team.

The Bulls, on the other hand, showed what a gutsy bunch of players they are. They will lose some players during the off season, most likely Ben Gordon who becomes a free agent. And rookie head coach Vinny Del Negro made a few mistakes along the way, but proved that he’s worth keeping around next season.

The Bulls may have lost the series, but they achieved a moral victory. And that’s something they can build on for next year.

Blackhawks Host Beard-a-thon

In one of the most innovative promotions I’ve ever seen, the Chicago Blackhawks are encouraging fans to put down their razors and grow beards to support the team and raise money for Blackhawk Charities. Those of us who are follically challenged can sponsor a friend, rate the beards of competitors, or build one online. To learn more, check out Beardathon.com.

Bears Featured in Prime Time in ‘09

The networks must be pleased as punch that the Chicago Bears’ acquired QB Jay Cutler. Why else would the Bears be featured in five prime time games next season, including the season opener against the Packers in Green Bay?

Here’s the schedule, and my early season predictions for each matchup. Of course, with injuries and other intangible factors, things could change (and they usually do). But at this point, the Bears should have a record of 11-5 to win the NFC North division.

Sun, Sept. 13 at Green Bay Packers NBC 7:20 p.m. Win
Sun, Sept. 20 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers CBS 3:15 p.m. Lose
Sun, Sept. 27 at Seattle Seahawks FOX 3:05 p.m. Win
Sun, Oct. 4 vs. Detroit Lions FOX noon Win
Sun, Oct. 11 Bye Week
Sun, Oct. 18 at Atlanta Falcons NBC 7:20 p.m. Lose
Sun, Oct. 25 at Cincinnati Bengals FOX noon Win
Sun, Nov. 1 vs. Cleveland Browns CBS noon Win
Sun, Nov. 8 vs. Arizona Cardinals FOX noon Lost
Thu, Nov. 12 at San Francisco NFLN 7:20 p.m. Win
Sun, Nov. 22 vs. Philadelphia Eagles NBC 7:20 p.m. Win
Sun, Nov. 29 at Minnesota Vikings FOX noon Lose
Sun, Dec. 6 vs. St. Louis Rams FOX noon Win
Sun, Dec. 13 vs. Green Bay Packers FOX noon Win
Sun, Dec. 20 at Baltimore Ravens FOX noon Lose
Mon, Dec. 28 vs. Minnesota Vikings ESPN 7:20 p.m. Win
Sun, Jan. 3 at Detroit Lions FOX noon Win

The Bears start training camp on Friday, July 31. The preseason schedule is as follows:

Aug. 15 at Buffalo, 6 p.m.
Aug 22 New York Giants, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30, at Denver, 7 p.m.
Sept: 3 Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Can Cutler Make the Cut?

I'm probably one of the few people in Chicago who did not jump for joy when the Bears traded for Jay Cutler last week. In the trade, the Bears gave up an awful lot -- perhaps too much --including QB Kyle Orton, two first round draft picks and a third round draft pick.

Sure, Cutler is a Pro Bowl quarterback with a career 87.0 rating, higher than any other quarterback in Bears' history. But I'm not convinced that he will have the immediate impact on the team that fans expect. He's coming from a more offensively focused AFC team, the Denver Broncos, with a better corps of receivers and a better offensive game plan. The Bears have always been, and always will be, a defensive team that depends on the running game. It makes me wonder how Cutler will fit in to the Bears' offensive scheme. The Bears' offense has been rather suspect in recent years, and that is not a knock on Kyle Orton, who probably would have performed better if he had better receivers and a younger, healthier offensive line in front of him.

Sow while Cutler is a definite upgrade at the QB position, I think it's unfair to expect him to perform with the same success as he had in Denver. The Bears must also upgrade the offensive line and the receivers. And the addition of offensive tackle Orlando Pace, who was acquired on the same day as the Cutler trade, should help. Still there's work to do for the Bears, and they know it.

Cutler's stats are wonderful, there's no doubt about that. But let's not expect miracles just yet. It may take two or three seasons for the remaining pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.

The World Title That Almost Wasn't

I was thrilled to see Naperville native Evan Lysacek win the gold medal at the World Figure Skating Championships last week in Los Angeles (no, I was not there in person, but watched it on the Oxygen network). Both his short program and free skate were brilliant.

And to think, Lysacek may not have won this title had it not been for Johnnie Weir.

By International Skating Union rules, the top two placements by American skaters at the world championships must total 13 or less to keep three spots on the team. Weir's third-place finish at the 2008 championships combined with a 10th-place finish by Steven Carriere equaled 13, which gave the U.S. three spots for this year's team.

Imagine what might have happened if they had earned only two spots. The U.S. men's team would have consisted of Jeremy Abbott and Brandon Mroz, who finished first and second at the U.S. championships in January. Lysacek, who finished third at nationals, would not have made the team and the world title would have gone to someone else.

Sobering thought, isn't it?

High Prices Are Baseball Fans Top Concern

After an extended absence, I am back at the helm of Woman's Eye on Sports. I was dealing with a minor health issue last spring, and I must confess, I lost interest in my blog during my recuperation. But I am back, I'm in good health, and I'm ready to provide news and insights about the sports world.

It seems every time I go to a baseball game, I’m spending more for tickets and concessions. Thank goodness I take public transportation to the games, or I’d really be in the red.

I’m not alone. A new Associated Press-Knowledge Networks poll finds that 45 percent of baseball fans surveyed said they are most concerned about the high price of attending a game.

In these tough economic times, many folks simply do not have the discretionary income to pay for an evening at the ball park. Almost 60 percent of fans surveyed said that going to a game was more expensive than other types of entertainment they consider, yet there was no indication that they would stay home because of the prices. Only 11 percent who attended a game in 2008 said they would not go this season. With the start of the baseball season less than a week away, it remains to be seen if these higher prices will keep people at home.

Cubs Commit Error on Banks' Tribute

It seems the Chicago Cubs couldn’t even get a lovely tribute to Ernie Banks right. When the statue of Banks was unveiled on Monday, one small detail was missing. At the base of the statue where Banks’ signature expression was engraved, there was a typo.

What should have read “Let’s Play Two” actually read “Lets Play Two.” The apostrophe was missing from the word “let’s.”

How embarrassing.

As a writer myself, I understand that mistakes like this often can and do happen. I’ve made plenty of them in my career. But if there’s anything I have learned, it’s to have someone proof your work (although that’s not always possible when blogging).

Whose job is it to proof this stuff for the Cubs? How many people looked at it before signing off? How many of them passed fifth grade English?

What is even more troubling is that half the people who paused to admire the statue did not notice that there was a mistake.

To the Cubs’ credit, the error was corrected today. The engraver inserted the apostrophe where it’s supposed to be. But really, what an awkward way to start the season.

Blackhawks Return to Free TV

This is no April Fool’s joke. Blackhawks' games will appear on WGN-TV beginning next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks announced today that all 82 regular-season games will air on cable and free TV for the next three seasons. That includes 20 games on WGN-TV, which broadcast many of the Hawks’ games in the late 60s and early 70s. The majority of the remaining games will be broadcast on the Hawk’s cable partner, Comcast SportsNet.

I remember when I was a kid, my Dad and I would spend Saturday evening watching the games together on TV. And the few games I went to at the old Stadium were filled to capacity. Those were the good ole' days.

Being on free TV again is another brilliant move by Hawks' President Rocky Wirtz and Marketing genius John McDonough, one that will bring numerous dividends – more exposure for the team, more excitement for fans, and in the long run, a more improved, perennial-winning team.

Weir Has a Lot to Prove at Worlds

As a prelude to the World Figure Skating Championships starting today in Gottenberg, Sweden, the New York Times ran an interesting feature about the ongoing rivalry between the U.S.’s leading contenders, Johnnie Weir and Evan Lysacek. Sadly, we won’t be seeing the rivalry in action in Sweden because Lysacek withdrew from Worlds last week due to an arm injury. Jeremy Abbott, who finished fourth at Nationals, took his place on the team.

Lysacek’s absence puts the American men in a tough spot. The American men must finish well at Worlds to keep three spots on the team for next year. The top two American finishes at Worlds must combine to equal 13 or less or the team will lose one spot. Weir and Lysacek barely hung on last year when they finished eighth and fifth respectively.

What makes things tricky is that Weir is the only skater on the men’s team with any international experience at the senior level, and he has never finished on the podium. The other two men, Abbott and U.S. bronze medalist, Stephen Carriere, are making their first trip to the senior Worlds.

With two rookies in the fold, Weir needs to step up his game and perform better than he ever has. He needs to prove that he is capable of skating two clean and complete programs at the international level, which he has never done. With Lysacek out of the competition, Weir has a chance to perform on the international stage without the distraction of their heated rivalry. And with so much at stake for the men’s team, Weir can prove that he can be a team player.

A third or fourth place finish will probably work wonders for both Weir’s confidence and the future of the U.S. team. It will also take the pressure off Carriere and Abbott, who would need to finish ninth or tenth at the worst to keep three representatives on the team. Weir is certainly capable of it. He’s got the talent, the artistry and the athleticism to compete against some of the top names in the world. The question is – does he want to?

The men’s competition begins Friday.

Finalists Selected for U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame

Figure skater Brian Boitano, marathon runner Joan Benoit, swimmer Amy Van Dyken and speed skater Sheila Young Ochowicz are among the finalists nominated for the Class of 2008 U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. The U.S. Olympic Committee is giving sports fans a chance to vote for six individuals, one Olympic team and one Paralympic athlete to be part of the Class of 2008. Among the team candidates are the 1992 “Dream Team” in men’s basketball, the 1996 women’s gymnastics team and the 1998 women’s hockey team.

You can vote online at the USOC Website. Voting ends March 28 and the inductees will be announced on April 14. Inductees will be honored in a ceremony on June 19 in Chicago and be featured in a nationally-televised special highlighting their performances.

Sports Betting and Networking Sites Raise New Legal Concerns

If you’re a sports fan who likes to participate in office pools or visit betting sites on the Web, listen up. Sports betting and social networking sites don’t mix.

The Chicago Tribune reports that some people are hosting online betting pools and collecting fees on sites like Facebook and may not realize that it’s against the law. In essence they may be operating an illegal online gambling operation, and if caught and found guilty, they could face criminal charges and jail time.

With the NCAA tournaments starting next week, it pays to be cautious. Follow the advice your mother gave you: don’t give money to strangers. Instead, stick to your office pool.

Crystal’s Day in the Sun

I think every sports fan dreams of the day that they can don the uniform of his or her favorite team and be part of the team for a day.

That dream came true for comedian/actor Billy Crystal when he signed a one-day, minor-league deal with the Yankees. To commemorate his 60th birthday, Crystal wore the number 60 on his jersey and led off Thursday's spring training contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. After going to a 3-1 pitch count, Crystal struck out. But as he told the New York Times, “it was a great feeling.”

While it’s amusing to watch celebrities like Crystal mingle with the big boys on the baseball field, how many of us wouldn’t mind trading places with them? Why should celebrities have all the fun?

Why not let the average sports fan spend a day with their favorite sports team, wear the team uniform, and have a swing or two in the batter’s box? Naturally, such an honor does not come for free. A generous donation to the team’s favorite charity would work quite nicely. I can’t think of a better way to spend a birthday, can you?

Sky Coach Resigns Amid Harassment Allegations

The head coaching job with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky is beginning to resemble the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position at Hogwarts, the famed magic school in the Harry Potter series. No DADA teacher ever stayed at Hogwarts for more than one year.

The Sky will enter its third season with its third head coach and general manager after Bo Overton suddenly resigned Thursday for reasons that team president Margaret Stender declined to talk about, according to the Chicago Tribune.

However, a series of allegations of sexual harassment by Overton against some of the Sky players appeared on the team’s Internet message board earlier this week. That prompted Stender to post her own message asking for anyone with knowledge of the situation to contact her directly, and she provided her e-mail address and office phone number. Stender said the online allegations did not directly lead to Overton’s resignation, but she is taking them seriously.

The Sky went 14-20 in 2007 under Overton, a big improvement over its inaugural season in 2006 when the team went 5-29 under coach-GM Dave Cowens, who resigned and returned to the NBA at the end of that first year. Steve Key, an assistant with the Sky for the past two seasons, will take over as head coach and general manager for the 2008 season.

For a new franchise heading into its third season, stability in the head coaching job will be crucial to its future success, especially as the Sky will have the second overall pick in the 2008 draft and may be a candidate in the Candace Parker sweepstakes. That stability can be the difference between a perennial loser and a team destined for greater things.

Bears Offensive Forecast for 2008: Foggy and Uncertain

I certainly hope the Bears know what they are doing. Based on the moves they’ve made so far this off season, I really wonder what direction this team is heading.

The receiving core took a big hit recently. After releasing veteran receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who was picked up by his former team Carolina Panthers, Bernard Berrian became a free agent and signed with the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings (Ouch – that hurts!).

While signing Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd helps, their signings may be knee-jerk reactions to the departures of Muhammad and Berrian rather than any clear-headed strategic planning on the Bears’ part. They had to act, and act fast.

Now, Huddle Up is reporting that the Bears could also lose Rashied Davis, a restricted free agent who is getting some serious looks from Buffalo, Seattle and Kansas City. The Bears offered Davis $927,000, but they have until April 18 to match any offer from another team. If Davis does sign elsewhere, the Bears will not be compensated in return because Davis came to the team in 2005 from the Arena Football League.

The Bears haven’t done much to improve their quarterback situation either, re-signing Rex Grossman for one more season and extending Kyle Orton’s contract for another year through 2009. The two QBs will fight it out during the pre-season to see who will be the regular season starter. The Bears also traded Brian Griese to Tampa Bay for a fourth round pick in the 2009 draft. The team will likely draft a quarterback next month, a prospect that will take several years to develop.

The look and feel of this offense at this point in the year doesn’t make me feel comfortable about the prospects for the 2008 season. I still think Grossman will start next season (he has more talent and a stronger arm) but his shaky confidence and frequent injuries have cut produced inconsistent results on the field. The short-term deal for Grossman underlines that fact that there wasn’t much talent available in the free agent or trade market that was any better than what the Bears currently have. It does buy the Bears time in reassessing the talent that might become available on the market during the 2008 season. My overall outlook for the Bears next season is foggy and uncertain. There are still too many questions and not enough answers.

And the Bears haven’t even begun to address the offensive line and running back positions.

The Battle for Tennis History: Pete Sampras vs. Roger Federer

So who is best men’s tennis player in modern times: Pete Sampras or Roger Federer? We may get a glimpse of the answer tonight as Sampras and current world number one Federer will square off in a historic and dream tennis exhibition match at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

Sampras, who has come out of retirement to play a series of exhibition matches, won 14 Grand Slam titles during his career while Federer currently has 12 and is expected to surpass Sampras’s win total before his career is done. The only time the two met on the tour was in a five-game set in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2001, which Federer won. At that time, Sampras was nearing the end of his stellar career, and Federer was just beginning his climb to the top. The two champions also faced each other in three previous exhibition matches in November: Federer won two and Sampras won the third.

It’ll be interesting to see what kind of shape Federer is in. He has struggled in the last few matches and failed to make it to the final at the Australian Open. He recently admitted that he was diagnosed with mononucleosis in February.

The exhibition is a fundraising event that benefits Dream Vaccines Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that tests and delivers AIDS and malaria vaccines to poor and underserved populations. The match will be broadcast nationally on the Tennis Channel at 8:30 Eastern time.

Favre Finally Hangs Up His Cleats

We all knew this day would come sooner or later.

Brett Favre, the Green Bay Packers future Hall-of-Fame QB and the Bears’ perennial thorn in their side, has officially announced his retirement from football today. At age 38, Favre has decided he’s had enough of the game and is moving on, leaving the sport he loves on his own terms. Here’s the official statement from Packers’ General Manager Ted Thompson about Favre’s retirement.

After a couple of sub par years in 2005 and 2006, he made quite a comeback in 2007, leading his team to a division title in the NFC North and into the NFC title game, which they lost to the New York Giants. Being the competitor that he is, you’d figure Favre would want to leave the game on a high note – and he did.

I won’t go into all the details of how Favre has contributed to this sport. His records speak for themselves, but you can see for yourself on the Packers tribute page.

I think I will always remember Favre as a tough competitor who never gave up. His drive, grit and determination on the field made him special to watch. His cannon arm wasn’t so bad either.

Packers’ fans and the league will certainly miss Favre. Bears fans may not want to admit it, but they will miss him too.

Victoria’s Secret, Paris Designers Scale Back

Though this has nothing to do with sports, two news stories on Monday highlight just how much the U. S. economy has hurt the fashion industry.

First, Victoria’s Secret has finally realized that perhaps its clothing lines are a little too revealing, particularly for women over age 40. VS’s CEO Sharen Jester Turney says the retailer is considering an image makeover after sales dropped 8 percent over the holiday season. VS blamed the weak sales to the economic downturn and offerings that were targeted to a younger clientele. Now it wants to win customers back by producing more sophisticated product offerings that will appeal to older women. Turney says, “We use the word ‘sexy’ a lot and really have forgotten he ultra-feminine.” As one 40-plus former employee put it, “In our 40s and up, we are sexy – just not the same sexy a college gal is.”

Paris designers are also getting more practical amidst fears of a recession. Some designers are doing away with more luxurious designs and opting for more understated elegance, according to the Associated Press. U.S. fashion retailers also have cut back on their spending and are looking for designs that have a shelf life of more than one season.

Chicago Women’s Soccer Team Needs a Name

The new Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) league will be launched in the spring of 2009, and Chicago will be one of seven cities with a franchise. The only thing is – the team is looking for a name.

On his soccer blog Red Card, Chicago Tribune columnist Luis Arroyave provided six of 10 names that are currently being considered. Those six names are the Chicago Blues, the Chicago Towers, the Chicago Riot, the Chicago Massacre, the Chicago Union and the Chicago Wind.

Beginning next week, the team is having a “name the team” sweepstakes. Fans are invited to vote for their favorite name at the team’s Web site. Here's a link to the online form to vote. Voting ends March 16th.

Looking at the names that are listed already, I would say the best choice is the Chicago Wind. The other names have negative connotations that aren't suitable for a women's sports team. And besides, the Chicago Wind goes nicely with Chicago’s WNBA team, the Chicago Sky. (The wind and the sky -- what a lovely thought).

Clemens' Ship Is Sinking

Loose lips sink ships.

Some years ago, a former colleague would offer those words of advice to his department staff whenever the rumor mill began to work overtime.

Someone should have given that same advice to Roger Clemens. The seven-time Cy Young winner is now being investigated by the FBI for allegedly lying about using steroids.

Clemens can’t really blame anyone but himself for getting into this mess. It seems the more he opens his mouth to defend himself, the worse he makes it for his case and the less people believe him.

If he is innocent as he claims, wouldn’t it have been better if he had simply issued a written statement to the press or on his Web site, then say no more? Instead he had to go on 60 Minutes to convince viewers that he never used steroids, then testified at a House committee hearing earlier this month claiming that his former personal trainer Brian McNamee is lying, not him.

Have we learned nothing from Barry Bonds, who was found guilty of lying to federal investigators about his steroid use just last November? It’s the same story, only the characters have changed. As Bonds learned, and as Clemens is about to learn, you never, ever, ever lie to the Feds.

It’s not the steroid usage that got Clemens into trouble, it’s lying about it. And that can only mean one thing: Clemens’ ship is sinking.

Grossman-Berrian Connection Must Stay in Tact

The Bears re-signed QB Rex Grossman to a one-year deal worth $3 million plus incentives on Saturday, which is good news or bad news depending on whether you’re a Grossman supporter or not. The good news is the Bears have not given up completely on Grossman. But a short-term deal only says the much-maligned QB must play with greater consistency if he wants to stay beyond next season. The bad news is that fans have to put up with this story line for yet another year.

But even though Grossman is signed, it means nothing if the Bears don’t re-sign wide receiver Bernard Berrian, who is also a free agent. Together, Grossman and Berrian make up one of the most electric pass play combinations in the NFL. The team needs to have both in the fold if they are going to see any kind of success in the passing game next year.

Change Is in the Air For U.S. Figure Skating Championships

The Chicago Tribune learned that the U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be spread out over nine days and two weekends in 2010 to provide for live coverage of the sport on NBC leading into the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Under the new format, which will only be in effect for 2010 and other Olympic years that follow, the senior men’s and pairs competition would take place during the first weekend and the ladies and ice dance would be the second weekend. The juniors and novice competitions will take place the week in between. In non-Olympic years, the schedule would revert back to its current setup with all four free skate programs taking place on the same weekend.

The move will allow NBC to telecast the short and free skate programs of each of the four disciplines to give figure skating a bigger national TV audience and generate interest in the Winter Olympics. While I can understand U.S. Figure Skating and NBC wanting to capitalize on its recent successful coverage of the national championships in St. Paul, Minn., which increased 65 percent over last year’s coverage on ABC/ESPN, I think this plan is risky and could harm attendance. I know of few people who would be willing to attend an event over two consecutive weekends. For the diehards, it means staying an extra couple of days. For the not-so-diehard, it means choosing one weekend over the other or staying home altogether. With the sport already struggling to attract fans, it can’t afford to lose more of their in-person audience.

In related news, NBC will provide coverage of the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships in Los Angeles next year. I would think that this development closes the door on any possible agreement between ABC/ESPN beyond this year when the current contract expires. Furthermore, if NBC’s ratings for these figure skating events continue to rise, look for a longer-term deal with the network after the Vancouver Olympic Games.

4,000 Refs “Calling for a Cure”

Nearly 4,000 basketball referees who work women’s college and high school games are doing their part to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. During a week-long “Calling for a Cure” program Feb. 8 – 17, referees for the NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA and high schools will wear pink whistles during the games in conjunction with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) “Think Pink” initiative that was launched in 2007. Many of the referees will also donate portions of their game checks to benefit the Kay Vow WBCA Cancer fund, which was established in partnership with the V Foundation, a not-for-profit group founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, an ESPN broadcaster and former basketball coach for North Carolina State who later lost his battle with cancer. Fans can donate to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund online at JimmyV.org.

U.S. Figure Skating Championships -- Rewind

Miscellaneous thoughts and musings from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Paul, Minn., which concluded last weekend.

I was as stunned and suprised as everyone else when pairs skater John Baldwin proposed to partner Rene Inoue after their free skate program. A touching moment to be sure, but if that happened to me, I'd smack him. Wouldn't it be better if he proposed in private?

The overall quality of the skating in all four disciplines was much better than I expected, and I think much of that has to do with the young skaters competing at the senior level for the first time.

As I watched Caroline Zhang perform to “Ava Maria” I was spellbound and nearly moved to tears. I said to myself, “We may be watching the second coming of Michelle Kwan.”

The future of women’s figure skating looks very bright. Not only did Zhang sparkle in her free skate, but 2008 national champion, Mirai Nagasu, silver medalist Rachel Flatt and bronze medalist Ashley Wagner also impressed me. Three of these four ladies participated in their first nationals at the senior level; this was the second year for Flatt. And they all skated with a poise and maturity that was far beyond their years. It is going to be wonderful to watch them grow and compete at the national and international level.

How young is too young? Because of the ISU’s age requirement, the only medal finisher to go to Worlds this year will be Wagner, along with Meissner and Bebe Liang, who finished fifth. In order to keep three places on the ladies team, our top two American women must finish with placements equaling 13. For example, if two women finish fifth and eighth, we’ll keep our three spots on the team. If they finish worse than that, then the U.S. will only be able to send two ladies to the 2009 World team.

Is Kimmie Meissner’s career finished? The 2007 national champion fell three times during her free skate to finish seventh overall. Clearly, she lacks confidence in her skating. She’s got the talent, but does she have the desire to keep competing, especially with the likes of Mirai Nagasu and Caroline Zhang entering the foray? If Meissner wants to reach the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, she’ll need to make some changes and work on her mental approach, which may mean working with a sports psychologist or changing coaches. (Note: Yesterday, Meissner announced that she has left long-time coach Pam Gregory and will be working with Richard Callaghan for the next six weeks leading up to the World Championships in Sweden.)

I was encouraged by the TV ratings for NBC’s telecast of the championships. The ladies event which was broadcast live Saturday night had a rating of 3.8, a 65 percent increase over last year’s telecast on ESPN. The men’s free skate on tape delay on Sunday night drew a 3.5 rating compared to 0.59 last year, when it got buried in late night coverage on ESPN. Overall, the telecasts of the championships reached 12.5 million people compared to 4.7 million last year. NBC and U.S. Figure Skating need to continue to telecast these competitions in primetime to rebuild their audience. As the young faces of skating become more familiar, more people will likely tune in next year.

Evan Lysacek may be focusing much of his time and energy on the quad jump in competition, but his straight line step sequences are impressing audiences and judges alike. Both sequences were given a grade level 4 for difficulty, the highest possible mark, plus a grade of execution of more than two. You may not like his style, but it’s getting a lot of points.

So was Johnnie Weir robbed of a gold medal and a national title? Most fans seem to think so, and I certainly did at first when the men’s competition concluded. But in a fluke of the judging system, both skaters had the identical score 244.77, but Lysacek was awarded the national title for winning the free skate, the tie breaker. Looking at the scores for both skaters (available on U.S. Figure Skating’s Web site), two things stand out: Lysacek’s straight line sequence was a full two points higher than Weir’s, and a base value of 1.80 was given to Weir’s upright spin. According to the Pioneer Press, a change of edge in mid spin was not visible to the judges, who gave the spin a base value of 1.80. With the change of edge, the base value would have been 3.00.

Watching Sports Can Be Harmful to Your Heart

Doctors have long suspected a link between watching sports and heart problems. Now a new study by German researchers published in the New England Journal of Medicine may provide proof, reports Reuters. The study suggests that stressful emotions during a closely contested match can bring on chest pains or cardiac arrest in spectators.

After studying the effects of soccer matches on fans during the 2006 World Cup, researchers concluded that, for German men, the risk of having a heart attack or some other heart problem was three times higher on days when their team played. It was 82 percent higher for German women.

The Chicago Tribune shared a particularly relevant case. A patient of Dr. Parag Patel, head of the cardiac intensive care unit at Advocate Luther General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill., was brought in to the hospital after suffering a heart attack in 2003 immediately after attending Game 6 of the Cub’s playoff series against the Florida Marlins, which the Cubs lost after blowing a three-run lead late in the game. The patient recovered from his attack, but Dr. Patel forbade him to watch Game 7 while recuperating in the hospital.

The study’s findings have implications for football fans preparing to watch the Super Bowl this Sunday. Experts say that fans with a known heart condition should take extra care to relax during the game and not overindulge in things like alcohol and fatty foods, which can quickly increase the risk of a heart attack.

Or if all else fails, just repeat this mantra: “It’s only a game. It’s only a game. It’s only a game…..”

Umpires Irate Over MLB Background Checks

Major League Baseball is denying stories that it is conducting background checks on its umpires that involve sending investigators to hometowns and interviewing neighbors. Umpires are irate that their neighbors are being asked inappropriate questions such as whether the umpires belong to the Ku Klux Klan.

“The questions that we found out are being asked are about beating wives, marijuana use and extravagant parties,” said John Hirshbeck, president of the World Umpires Association. “And then finally with this whole thing about the Ku Klux Klan. You get someone from security, shows his credentials and starts asking these kind of questions, and right away, what’s the neighbor going to think other than the umpire is in trouble, he’s done something wrong and he’s going to lose his job.”

I can understand the need to do background checks as part of the hiring process. But if these allegations by WUA are true, then MLB is way out of line. Confirm work history and talk to references, if you must, but leave out the interrogation tactics.

ChiSox to Santana: Good Riddance!

The White Sox got one piece of good news this week. They don’t have to face Johann Santana anymore. The Cy Young award winner, who dominated the Sox during his career with the Twins, was traded to the New York Mets for three pitchers and an outfielder. With Santana pitching in the National League, he'll be the Cubs’ problem from now on.

Aussie Open: Djokovic’s Breakthrough, Federer’s Breakdown

While in St. Paul this weekend, I missed seeing the men’s and ladies’ finals of the Australian Open. Novak Djokovic’s victory is a breakthrough for the 20-year old Serbian player who is ranked third in the world. He’s been nipping at the heels of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the world rankings, and he finally had his breakthrough by winning his first Grand Slam tournament. Normally a popular player on the court, Djokivic had the rare distinction of defeating Federer in the semis to the stunned amazement of the crowd.

As for the world’s number one player, Federer will bounce back from his defeat, but he wasn’t his typical dominant self during the competition. It may be time for the Swiss champion to hire a new coach. He’s been without one since last summer. I don’t care how talented or hard-working he is, Federer still needs coaching as much as any other athlete if he wants to continue his success on the tennis court.

NHL’s Winter Classic Lives Up to Its Name

A fan’s sign at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo said it all. “Look Mom, No Roof.”

In a throwback to the old days, the NHL’s Winter Classic between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres was held outdoors in a rink built inside the stadium where the Buffalo Bills play. Hampered by the weather conditions, the game wasn’t exactly hockey at its greatest. The Penguins prevailed, defeating the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout on a goal by Sidney Crosby. But Crosby was not the only star of the show.

Amazingly, more than 71,000 hearty souls filled the seats to watch the game, a NHL record. The game lacked the speed and quickness most fans are used to seeing due to the sleet, snow and swirling winds. It was a nostalgic reminder of how hockey used to be played half a century ago.

The NHL took a big gamble by showing the game on New Year’s Day, when college bowl games dominate the TV landscape. I doubt that NBC, which broadcast the Winter Classic, will get high ratings. Regardless how it does in the ratings, those who tuned in saw a memorable game, one that is likely to prompt the NHL to repeat the Winter Classic in future years.

Blackhawks Feel Right at Home on TV

Tribune columnist Ed Sherman wrote a positive review of the Blackhawks' first televised home game in eons. Thanks to a directive from deceased owner Bill Wirtz many years ago, Hawks home games were rarely shown because Wirtz wanted fans to pay to see the game. But the tactic backfired, and the Hawks lost fans over the years, which led to a loss in revenue. In the end, the team could not keep up with the higher-salaried teams in the league.

But times, they may be a changing, to borrow Bob Dylan’s words. Rocky Wirtz, Bill’s son and now the current president of the team, has very different ideas than his father. With yesterday’s telecast, the Hawks may be set to begin its resurgence in the NHL, though it may take two or three more years before they truly become competitive. But yesterday was a good start, and the Hawks did not disappoint. They played an inspired game, winning 3-2 over the Wings on the strength of their two rookies, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Even the home crowd seemed more pumped up than usual, perhaps sensing the significance of this game (a far cry from the Saturday night’s Bulls’ crowd).

I used to be an avid hockey fan during the days of Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito. I gave up watching the Hawks a long time ago, mostly due to the team’s poor play and too many fights. But after watching the team yesterday, I may have to jump back on their bandwagon.

Bulls' Head West After Dismal Loss

The Bulls will be glad to get out of town for a couple of weeks for their annual circus road trip starting this week. After a horrendous 30-point loss to the Toronto Raptors Saturday night, it may help the team forget how horribly they shot the ball (less than 30 percent shooting in the first half alone). The team only had 13 points in the first quarter, 30 at half time, and 43 after three quarters. Coach Scott Skiles benched all the starters within the first few minutes of the third quarter with the intent of bringing them back, but the game got so out of hand soon after that he let the reserves play on. Things were so bad, in fact, that by the fourth quarter, whatever fans were remaining at the United Center were booing and chanting, “Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!”

It was the worst Bulls basketball game I have ever witnessed.

What baffles me is how a team that has essentially the same players as they did last season could possibly play so poorly in one game, especially when they had just defeated the powerhouse Detroit Pistons on Thursday. The Bulls don’t usually play well on the West Coast, so this upcoming road trip could be problematic. On the other hand, it may be just the tonic they need to forget Saturday’s carnage.

Don Shula: Spygate Would Mar the Pats’ Undefeated Season

It seems the New England Patriots are having as much trouble earning respect as Barry Bonds. The New York Daily News reports that Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, who coached the 1972 Miami Dolphins to an undefeated season, says the Spygate controversy earlier this season will mar the Patriots’ success if they finish with a 16-0 record. The Patriots were caught videotaping the opponents’ sidelines during a game against the New York Jets. Pats’ coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000, the team was fined $250,000, and they lost a first-round draft pick. The team was forced to turn the tapes over to the league, but because NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered the tapes destroyed, we’ll never know exactly what was on those tapes. “The Spygate thing has diminished what they’ve accomplished. You would hate to have that attached to their accomplishments,” he said.

While it’s obvious that Shula is trying to protect the integrity of the Dolphins’ accomplishment, not many fans agree with the coach. In a survey on Fox Sports Web site, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of respondents said the Patriots should not have an asterisk next to their name if they go unbeaten. What surprises me is how forgiving fans are. It’s obvious that the Pats’ were caught cheating and yet, two-thirds of those who responded to this survey are willing to look the other way. If you’ve got a talented team like the Patriots, why cheat if you don’t have to?

Bulls’ Slow Start Is Nothing to Fret About

A lot of people are looking at the Bulls’ 0-4 start to the new season and asking, “What’s wrong with the Bulls?” Some suggest that it must be the lingering effects from the Kobe Bryant trade rumors. The slow start seems alarming when the team can’t even beat the 76ers, a team that isn’t supposed to make the postseason.

It’s too early to panic, though. The Bulls have always been a slow-starting team and manage to pull things together when they need to. Remember two years ago when the team started the year with nine straight losses? Somehow, they got their act together and made a run to the postseason. Last year, they started the season 3-9, and also made the postseason.

Unlike previous seasons, this one carries a slightly different feel. With so much success behind them, many expected the Bulls to come charging out of the starting gate straight to a divisional title. The problem may be that the high expectations are creating extra baggage for the Bulls and the pressure is slowing them down.

In the long run, the Bulls will do fine. Yes, they will struggle at times because opponents know what the Bulls can and cannot do on the court. Coach Scott Skiles will make some adjustments to respond to what opponents are doing to contain them, and GM John Paxson will make some mid-season trade to help the team for the home stretch. The Bulls players say they aren’t panicking, and neither should we.

MLB GMs Favor Instant Replay

The NFL has had instant replay for years, sometimes with mixed results. Now Major League Baseball may be following suit.

During this week’s owners’ meetings in Florida, general managers of all but five teams voted to recommend instant replay for baseball games. Instant replay would be used for boundary calls, such as whether potential home runs are fair or foul, whether balls go over the fence or bounce back into the field of play, and whether a fan interfered.

Obviously, the biggest drawback is the time it would take to review the contested plays. Games are already running more than three hours, and instant replay will add more time to the game. On the other hand, I think it’s important to get the play right. And the umpires could certainly use a little help in making the right calls.

Commissioner Bud Selig has always opposed the use of instant replay because of all the delays involved. “I think it sometimes creates as many problems than it solves,” he told the Associated Press. If Selig can keep an open mind, he may run the idea past the owners. The plan also needs approval from the players’ association and the umpires.

Rodman Seeks Coaching Job – in the WNBA

Here’s an announcement that must have raised a few eyebrows or made a few people chuckle. Former NBA star Dennis Rodman is looking for a new career opportunity – as a coach in the WNBA, according to PMG, Rodman's marketing rep. No stranger to controversy, Rodman says his desire to coach in the WNBA is “not a joke.” He says his team would typify many of the qualities and skills that made him one of the best defensive players in the league. “Any of my teammates can tell you that my knowledge of the game is second to none. Our players would be in top physical condition. We would lead the league in rebounding, have a defensive-minded identity, and we’d run the triangle offense.”

No matter what you might think of “the worm” as an individual, you can’t deny that he may have a pretty good plan for success. He and his agent, Steven Simons, will discuss open positions in the coming weeks.

Bryant Will Never Be a Bull

Last June, I wrote in Woman’s Eye that the acquisition of Kobe Bryant by the Bulls was a pipe dream. I still believe that today. That’s why I was relieved to hear GM John Paxson’s statement yesterday that the Bulls were never close to a deal for the disgruntled Laker. Paxson seems like an upfront guy, and if he says the Bulls and Lakers were “never on the verge of a deal,” then I believe him.

He was smart to put things to rest. With a new season underway, trade talks were on everyone’s mind, including the Bulls players who were rumored to be going to LA. Paxson needs his players to have their heads in the game right now. Making a statement now assured them that no one – not Ben Gordon, not Ben Wallace or anyone else – would be leaving Chicago any time soon.

Since all this trade talk escalated earlier this week, I’ve had a hard time believing that this deal would take place let alone that Paxson would even consider making it. Paxson was part of the Bulls championship teams of the early 90s. Even with a superstar like Michael Jordan leading the way, the team played well together. When Paxson took over as GM, he and coach Scott Skiles weeded out the deadbeat players on the team, those who were lazy, self-absorbed or lacked integrity. For Paxson, character and integrity are just as important as talent. He understands what kind of team is needed in Chicago to win a title, and he has done well to build one that embraces teamwork and plays with integrity and has character. Does that sound like a Kobe Bryant-style team to you?

Kobe is just one more distraction that the Bulls don’t need. If the Bulls really, really wanted Bryant here in Chicago, they would have found a way to get the deal done. The Bulls are better off with the team that they have and perhaps make a deal down the road for a lesser-known player who will provide what the Bulls need, without the unnecessary distractions that could hurt them in the long run.

Don’t get me wrong. The Bulls could certainly use someone with Kobe’s talent. They just don’t need the baggage that comes with it..

Hingis Retires Amidst Cocaine Allegations

Former tennis champion Martina Hingis announced her retirement for the second time on Thursday, amidst allegations that she failed a drug test. During a press conference in Zurich, Switzerland, the tearful 27-year-old said she was retiring due to injuries that have plagued her since she returned to tennis in 2006. Playing tennis had become more difficult and she hasn’t been able to return to the top form that made her a champion. Hip and back injuries held her back most of the summer, forcing her to withdraw from several tournaments, and she did not make it past the third round at Wimbledon. Hingis also said she was “shocked and appalled” when she learned of her positive test results from Wimbledon for cocaine, and denied ever taking drugs. She did not want to continue competing while also fighting a possible drug probe that was likely to occur.

Hingis returned to tennis in 2006 after a three and a half year layoff to recover from burnout and injury and finished the year ranked No. 7. She was the youngest player to win a major tournament when she won the Australian Open in 1997 at age 16. She also won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open that same year.

Desperate athletes do desperate things. There is no doubt in my mind that Hingis chose to take cocaine out of desperation to get herself through Wimbledon, but also knowing that she would likely get caught. Without the drug, Hingis probably would not have competed at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open. Even before the Wimbledon tournament, Hingis had to know that her tennis career was ending, with or without drugs.

World Champion Red Sox Set the Standard

Folks may still be celebrating in Boston after the Red Sox clinched their second World Series title in four years, but the rest of the baseball world has already started to look ahead to 2008. Many of them will look to the Red Sox as a model of what their team should look like -- one built on a balance of offensive power, strong defense and gutsy pitching. They also combined the experience of players like Mike Lowell, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Jason Varitek with young players from their farm system such as Jonathan Palpebon, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury. With this balance of talent, the Sox appear to be set to compete for several years. One wonders if they have become the new "evil empire" especially as the Yankees appear to be rebuilding under new manager Joe Girardi.

But the difference between the Red Sox "empire" and the Yankees version is how the mega bucks the Red Sox spent were allocated. The Yankees threw money to whoever was available on the market, regardless if they really needed the player or whether they fit in with the team. Some speculated that they recruited players just to prevent the rival Red Sox from taking them. I don't know if that's true or not, but let's just say, the Yankees did not always invest wisely in their personnel. The Red Sox, on the other hand, spent money where they needed to. They filled the holes that needed to be filled and recruited quality players who understand how the game is meant to be played and know how to be a team player. How the Sox put their title team together was an example of smart planning. Yes, they spent money on quality free agents, but if Palpebon, Pedroia and Ellsbury are any indication, then their farm system must be pretty good too.

Championship teams are not built overnight (take note Chicago Cubs). But you can bet other MLB teams are watching the Red Sox' success as a model to follow as they plan for 2008. The Sox have set the bar high, but can any team come close to matching their success?

BlackHawk Home Games Back on TV?

A new era may be dawning for the Chicago Blackhawks. Rocky Wirtz, son of the late Bill Wirtz, announced today that the team has been meeting with the folks at Comcast Sports Net to air Blackhawk home games as soon as this season. This is great news for Chicago hockey fans and a huge departure for the Hawks, who for years did not broadcast the home games thanks to Bill Wirtz’s belief that if fans wanted to see the home games, they had to pay to see them. But son Rocky has other ideas, and wants to begin putting the home games on TV. Comcast already has most of their schedule set for this year, but you can bet the network will squeeze in a few games here and there, with a full lineup of home games next season.

Perhaps we are beginning to see a new era for the Blackhawks, both on and off the ice. The team is off to a good start with a 5-3 record, led by their top draft picks, 19-year-old Jonathan Toews and 18-year-old Patrick Kane.

Colorado Rocks On to World Series

Every year, there seems to be one or two sports teams that make the headlines for their unexpected and unlikely rise to the top. The NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers captured the headlines in 2006. This year’s darlings are the Colorado Rockies.

When the 2007 baseball campaign began, did anyone think the Rockies would make it to the World Series? In one of the most remarkable story lines this year, and perhaps in sports history, the Rockies punched their ticket to the World Series last night, defeating their divisional rival Arizona Diamondbacks 6-4 and sweeping them 4-0 in the National League Championship series. Matt Holliday was named the MVP of the series, going 5-15 (.333) with two homers, including a game-winning three-run shot Monday night

The Rockies are in the midst of an amazing stretch of victories, winning 21 of their last 22 games. While I’ve always thought of them as a good hitting team at a hitter’s ball park, what has impressed me is their pitching and defense. They have no apparent weaknesses and are playing like a team that is destined for great things.

D-Backs’ outfielder Eric Byrnes may have gotten a lot of flak for saying the Rockies were getting a lot of breaks and winning by luck, but when a team is playing as well as the Rockies have been this past month, the breaks generally do go your way. The 2005 White Sox certainly had their share of breaks in their post-season run en route to their World Series title. One wonders if the Rockies have that same kind of “mojo” this year, enough to continue their thrilling ride to a World Series championship.

Will the Third Time Be the Charm for Dusty Baker?

Former Cubs' Manager Dusty Baker is trying his hand at managing again, this time with the Cincinnati Reds. Baker was named the Reds’ manager yesterday.

After four years as manager of the Cubs, it seemed odd to see Baker don a Reds’ uniform during the team’s press conference yesterday. I’m not sure he’s the right fit for this team however. One of the criticisms against Baker while he was in Chicago was his reluctance to work with young players and give them playing time. Unfortunately for Baker, the Reds’ have a lot of young players. It’ll be interesting to see how Baker handles them.

On the other hand, being in a smaller market like Cincinnati might be a blessing. The glare of public scrutiny isn’t as strong in Cincinnati as it is in larger cities, like Chicago. Baker might be able to make some progress with the Reds while working in relative obscurity.

Cubs, Sox Release Tentative 2008 Schedules

For the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, next year is already here. Both teams released their tentative 2008 schedules yesterday, which include several interesting match ups and road trips.

The two Chicago teams will square off in back-to-back weekend series in June. For the past few seasons, the two series have been separated by several weeks.

The White Sox open their 2008 campaign on the road on March 31 against the defending AL Central champion Cleveland Indians. They open at home a week later against the Twins and Tigers. The Sox also finish the season with a series at home against the Indians.

The Cubs open the season at home for the first time in seven years on March 31 against their NL Central rivals Milwaukee Brewers. They will also end the season facing Milwaukee at Miller Park on Sept. 28.

As for Interleague play, there could be some interesting match ups. Mark your calendar for June 13-15 when the Sox host the Colorado Rockies at the Cell while the Cubs travel to Toronto to play the Blue Jays. The Sox also face Pittsburgh at home and the Dodgers and Giants on the road. The Cubs host the Baltimore Orioles and visit Lou Piniella’s former team, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Mind you, these schedules are tentative and may change.

Denver Marathon Offer Second Chance to Chicago Runners

Runners whose Chicago Marathon race was cut short because of the heat last Sunday, have a chance to finish what they started. The kind folks with the Denver Marathon have offered to waive the entry fees to runners who registered for the Chicago Marathon but were unable to finish. Runners can register online at www.denvermarathon.com and enter referral code ChicagoRunner. Chicago runners need to present proof of registration for the Chicago Marathon and a photo ID. The only caveat is that the race is this Sunday, Oct. 14, so you need to book your travel and hotel – fast.

Yankees' Future in Limbo

Would Mariano Rivera Exchange Yankee Pin Stripes for Cubbie Blue?

In the three days since the Cleveland Indians defeated the New York Yankees in the American League divisional series, manager Joe Torre’s career with the Yankees has been in limbo. Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner made it clear during the series that the Yankees needed to win in order to save Torre’s job. Now the world waits for the hammer to fall.

Today, reliever Mariano Rivera told reporters he hoped Torre would stay with the team. Rivera, who becomes a free agent after this season, said his decision to stay with the team hinges on whether Torre also stays. If Torre is fired, Rivera says he may decide to play elsewhere.

If that’s the case, I can think of one team on the north side of Chicago that might consider pursuing Rivera. Granted, the Cubs already have a closer in Ryan Dempster, but he has been adequate at best, but isn’t overpowering or dominant like Rivera. I would think that if a team has the money and the opportunity to bring in arguably the best closer in the game, they should take that chance. Can you imagine Mariano Rivera in blue pin stripes?

Marion Jones’ Apology Act

The good news (if it can be called that) is that track and field diva Marion Jones finally came clean and admitted to using steroids. In a tearful admission on Friday, the Olympic runner apologized to the public and admitted to lying to federal investigators about taking the drug. Jones will face prison time and has already turned in her five Olympic medals to the USOC.

The bad news is not many people believe her apology act, including USA Today columnist, Jon Saraceno, and Detroit Free Press sports reporter Mitch Albom on Sunday's Sportwriters program on ESPN. They don’t buy her explanation that she was duped into taking steroids by her ex-husband and coach. I did not hear her full admission from Friday, but from what I gather from Albom and Saraceno that her apology was filled with little white lies, intended to make her look the victim. But you can bet Jones is not a victim and will continue her “I was wronged” story for as long as she can.

The sad thing is, who can you believe anymore? You can’t trust anyone who says they didn’t take performance-enhancing drugs because there will always be a seed of doubt about whether that person is telling the truth. The next time someone does deny using steroids, will we automatically assume he/she is lying? Or will the truly innocent be considered guilty by association?

Is Torre’s Job on the Line - Again?

George Steinbrenner did it again. He publicly threatened to fire Yankee manager Joe Torre if the Bronx Bombers do not win the divisional series against the Cleveland Indians. His plan worked for Game 3 of the ALDS when the Yankees beat the Indians 8-4. But I seem to recall that Steinbrenner pulled this stunt a few years ago when the Yankees struggled during the post season. His plan wasn’t successful then, and I honestly hope it doesn’t work now. When will Steinbrenner learn that public threats and humiliation aren’t very good motivational tools?

Heat Cuts Short Chicago Marathon

Ask any runner and they will tell you that they’d rather run when it’s 40 degrees outdoors than when it’s 85 and humid. So it comes as no surprise that officials halted Sunday’s Chicago Marathon because of the unseasonably hot, humid weather, which caused hundreds of runners to become ill during the race. One Michigan man also died, but an autopsy today revealed he had a heart condition and the heat was not a factor in his death. Nearly one-fourth of registered runners did not bother to participate in the race at all. Hundreds of other racers probably should have done the same. (photo courtesy of Chuck Berman, Chicago Tribune)

Some runners were angry and complained that there wasn’t enough water at the water stations along the race route. But race organizers claimed there was enough water and also brought in cooling buses to help the runners. Even if there was a water shortage, why weren't more runners carrying their own water bottles? I saw very few runners with their own water supply. If you have a water bottle with you, you don't have to wait for the next water station to replenish yourself.

If you know you’re participating in a race in warm, humid weather that may challenge your body, you do whatever it takes to prepare yourself for the extreme conditions. Experts suggest that runners consume more water the day before the race to keep your body hydrated before the race begins.

I also wonder about the lack of proper conditioning of some of these racers. I watched part of the race and I could see that many runners were not in the best condition and had no business participating in the marathon under the extreme conditions. Even though there's more and better information available about training and conditioning, I wonder if some of the amateur racers understand what they need to do to prepare properly. We may have better knowledge of training and conditioning methods, but sometimes we forget that long-distance running can still be a dangerous sport if you don’t take proper precautions.

Figure Skating Tours May Merge

Organizers for two of figure skating tours are discussing a possible merger, the Chicago Tribune reported yesterday. Champions on Ice and Stars on Ice have both seen declining attendance at their traveling shows in recent years. While those associated with both tours deny any discussion taking place, it really doesn't surprise me that some "downsizing" might take place.


Sometimes we get caught up in the beauty of the sport that we forget that figure skating is still a business. And when business begins to slump, as it has for skating since the beginning of this decade, you look for ways to cut costs. Obviously, it doesn't make sense to keep both tours going when they attract such a small audience.

Griese Fingers

I know it’s only one game, but it’s clear to me that Brian Griese is not the answer to the Bears’ offensive woes. After throwing three interceptions, including one for a Lions’ touchdown, in the Bears’ 37-27 loss Sunday, Griese showed he isn't that much better that Rex Grossman, whom he replaced at quarterback. As I mentioned last week in my blog, Griese is only a temporary solution. I still think Grossman has a lot of potential and I think he will rebound from this setback.

Don’t get me wrong. I like Brian Griese – but only as a backup. While he’s had some success as a starter in the NFL, I think he’s better suited in the backup role where he can spell a starter who might leave a game with an injury. The problem I have with Griese is this: if he were as good as Bears fans think he is, then why isn’t he still playing for Denver or Miami? Why hasn’t he had any consistent playing time with any one team? The truth is that Grossman was so awful in many fans’ minds, that they viewed Griese as a much better quarterback than he really is. The truth is, Griese isn’t that much better than Grossman. More experienced perhaps, but not much better.

A local TV station held a poll last week, asking viewers who they wanted to see as the starting quarterback. The winner in the QB sweepstakes was Kyle Orton with 62 percent of the vote, while Grossman got roughly one-third. Griese received none. A couple of sports fans I talked with Sunday during the White Sox finale at the Cell felt similarly. The best Bears’ QB, they told me, is sitting on the sidelines.

Coach Ryan Made All the Wrong Moves

Before the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament began, Nike came out with an ad featuring the U.S. women’s team and the tagline, “The best team you’ve never heard of.” Well, now the U.S. team is getting a lot more publicity than it bargained for, and for all the wrong reasons.

After losing to Brazil 4-0 in the semi-finals of the World Cup last week, coach Greg Ryan came under intense criticism for choosing Brianna Scurry over Hope Solo as the starting goalie for the U.S. team. Scurry, one of the stars of the 2004 Olympic team, had not played in more than three months. Solo, on the other hand, started all three previous World Cup games for the U.S. with three shutouts to her credit. After the loss, Solo publicly criticized Ryan and Scurry, and claimed she could have made the saves that Scurry did not make.

We’ll never know if Solo’s presence in goal would have made a difference in the game or not. Brazil looked highly motivated and prepared to take on the American team, and I’m not sure the U.S. would have beaten them.

I do know that in preparation for any kind of tournament or championship game, you have to go with the hot hand. You stick with the people who brought you to the dance, and Solo has been the go-to person all along. Why bring in Scurry, who has been on the bench for so long and may have been a bit rusty?

Sadly, Solo received a lot of unfair criticism for her public display, and in fact, was dumped by her teammates who decided she was too much of a distraction leading up to the third-place game. But if I were in her shoes, I would have felt the same way. There is some speculation that Solo’s future with the team is jeopardized because of her comments, and that is sad. I don’t think it’s fair to cut a talented athlete because they express their opinions publicly. It certainly doesn’t seem to hurt Terrell Owens or Randy Moss. If anyone needs to have a career makeover at this point, I would say it’s coach Greg Ryan. The decision he made to switch goalies not only hurt the team on the field, it hurt the team’s morale more than Solo’s comments did.

Stay tuned. I’m sure there’s more to come.

By the way, the American women finished third in the World Cup, defeating Norway in the consolation game 4-1.

Wirtz Era at an End?

Funeral services for Blackhawks’ owner Bill Wirtz took place today. When I first learned that Wirtz had passed away, it didn’t take me long to realize the implications his death might have for the team. Wirtz has always been an astute business man who loved hockey as much as his family. While he did a lot to expand the NHL, when it came to his own team, he had earned a reputation of being somewhat miserly. Many fans criticized Wirtz’s decision to pull all Blackhawk home games off network TV and put them only on cable. His reasoning was that if fans wanted to see the games, they would have to pay for them, either by paying for tickets for the home games or subscribing to cable. Diehard Hawks fans claim that Wirtz’s decision eventually hurt the team since fewer fans would be able to enjoy the games. Fewer ticket sales and fewer fans means less profit. And that means fewer financial resources to pursue the right talent to compete in the league. Hence the Hawks fall from grace.

All in all, Wirtz’s passing may have closed the door to one era, and opened another one to (hopefully) a brighter and better future. It’s unclear at this point what the Wirtz family will do with the team. If they’re smart, they may decide to find a suitable buyer, preferably one with deeper pockets and a commitment to the sport the way it should be played.

I wonder if Mark Cuban would be interested.

Grossman to Sit Out Against the Lions

Bears fans have been begging to see Brian Griese as the starting quarterback since the beginning of the 2006 season. Now they’ll finally get their wish. Griese will start for the Bears this Sunday against the Detroit Lions while Grossman watches from the sidelines.

I’ve always been a staunch supporter of Grossman, even after some of his worst performances last season which prompted most other fans to beg for a change in the quarterback position. But after seeing his showing during the Super Bowl last February and three subpar performances to start this season, I have to agree with coach Lovie Smith that it is time for “a breath of fresh air.” If there had been steady progress in Grossman’s play on the field – namely, fewer interceptions, better ball control and more touchdowns – I would have stuck with him as the leader on this team. I’m sure Lovie would have too. But I have seen nothing in recent weeks which leads me to think that Grossman is comfortable in the starting role. That might be the best thing for him right now. Mind you, this is a temporary solution. Griese is 39-33 as a backup in the NFL and has some solid credentials to his name. Despite his limited success, I don’t expect Griese to be the starter for the remainder of the season, only until he falters himself, gets injured or Grossman regains his confidence, whichever comes first.

Thome’s 500th Homer Clinches Victory

White Sox slugger Jim Thome sure picked the right moment to club his 500th career home run on Sunday.

With the game tied 7-7 in the bottom of the ninth against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, former Angel Darin Ersted led off with a base hit to right field. Thome followed with a dramatic, game-winning home run to left center field which sent 35,000 fans into a state of delirium. It is perhaps the most memorable moment in Sox history since Game 2 of the 2005 World Series when Scott Podsednik’s deep fly ball landed in the seats to clinch a victory for the Sox.

Until Sunday’s magical moment, Thome had gone 0-11 in the series, and the Sox had climbed back from a 7-1 deficit to tie the game. You couldn’t have scripted a better ending than that.

There have been 23 players who hit more than 500 home runs in their careers, but Thome’s homer on Sunday was the first as a walk-off game-winner.

The fan who caught the ball, Will Stewart of Austin, Texas, who flew into town that morning for an accounting conference, promptly returned the ball to Thome during a post-game interview. At a time when most fans would rather grab the ball and sell it to the highest bidder, it’s rare to see a fan remain humble and modest in the face of so much excitement. In fact, Stewart said he did not know until that morning that Thome was on the brink of a major career milestone.

Thome and the Sox offered a generous gift package to the person who caught the home run ball that included season tickets for the 2008 and the use of Thome’s skybox for a Cubs-Sox game next year. Stewart, who is not from the Chicago area, accepted the skybox, but declined the season tickets. Instead, he donated the tickets back to Thome’s charity. You don’t see that very often.

With everything we’ve been hearing these days about what is wrong about baseball, Jim Thome is everything that is right about it.

Biggest Cheaters in Sports History

As a follow up to my story yesterday, the New England Patriots will pay some steep penalties for violating the NFL’s rules that ban videotaping on the sidelines. Coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000 and the team $250,000 for what the NFL deemed was stealing signals using video taping equipment. In addition, the Patriots will lose a 2008 first-round draft pick if they make the playoffs this season. So, does this make the Patriots the biggest cheater in sports history?

The editors at the Miami Herald came up with their list of the biggest cheaters in sports history. I agree with most of the entries on their list, with one exception: the Chicago "Black" Sox, who were charged, acquitted, and subsequently banned from Major League Baseball for throwing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. It seems to me that cheaters are trying to gain a competitive advantage. They’re trying to win games. The Black Sox weren’t trying to do either. So while they may not have played fair and square, I can’t really count them among the biggest cheaters in sports history.

I also think the Herald’s list is missing one important name: Pete Rose. Surely a lifetime ban from baseball for betting on his own team’s games makes him one of the world’s biggest cheaters.

Patriot Games: Is New England Spying on the Competition?

With everything that has been happening in the world of sports this year — Michael Vick’s dog fighting allegations, NBA referees charged with gambling, ongoing debates about steroid use in baseball — I probably shouldn’t be too surprised to find out that an NFL team may have violated league rules that ban videotaping of the opponents’ sidelines. I just never thought the New England Patriots, arguably one of the best teams in the NFL during the past decade, would be the culprit.

The NFL is investigating several reported incidents involving the New England Patriots’ use of video cameras to “steal” signals from opposing team coaches on the sidelines.
The most recent incident occurred Sunday when NFL security confiscated a video camera and tape from a Patriots’ employee during their game against the New York Jets. Last season, a similar incident occurred when the Green Bay Packers complained to the league when they noticed a man with a Patriots’ staff credential was carrying a video camera on their sideline.

Earlier this week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell met with Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick about his “interpretation” of the league’s rules, and an ESPN.com reported that Goodell feels the Patriots did violate the videotaping ban. The NFL is expected to rule on the incident on Friday.

It’s understandable that any team or athlete would want to gain some kind of competitive advantage over his opponent, but a team as deeply talented as the Patriots shouldn’t need to resort to those tactics. Yet if these allegations are true, what do these actions say about their team and coaching staff? Are the Patriots insecure about the talent on their team or are they simply playing head games with the NFL and the other teams in the league?

Federer Still Tops, But Are Competitors Gaining?

Roger Federer may have won the U.S. Open tennis championship Sunday for his 12th Grand Slam title in his career, but after watching the championship match against No.3 Novak Djokovic, one wonders if Federer’s competitors are closing the gap. The Swiss champion has reigned supreme for the past two years and no one has really challenged him on the court. That is, until this season. Spain’s Rafael Nadal, ranked number two in the world, has dominated Federer on the clay court at the French Open, and is the only current player to have a winning record against him. In a thrilling final match at Wimbledon in July, Nadal extended Federer to five sets and had several match point opportunities before Federer grabbed the title.

Earlier this week, American Andy Roddick played one of his best matches of his career against Federer at the U.S. Open, only to lose to him in the end. In his first Grand Slam title appearance Sunday at the U.S. Open, Djokovic had Federer on the ropes and squandered seven set points in the first two sets, which were both decided by a tie breaker. While most tennis fans would look at this as more of the same Federer dominance, you have to admit that the matches are becoming more competitive, more balanced. Federer is not blowing out the top competitors anymore, but instead has been scrambling to keep his championship crown, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of his hat.

Federer has raised the sport of men’s tennis to a whole new level, and for awhile, no one came close to beating him. But if the competition level we saw at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open is any indication, we may be seeing signs that his closest competitors – Nadal, Djokovic and Roddick – are closing the gap. These players have raised their own games and the matches are more tightly contested, which has created some exciting matches for fans to watch. And that’s great news for men’s tennis.

Bears’ Running Game Going Nowhere

Tribune sports columnist David Haugh was right on in his assessment of the Bears’ ineffective running game in Sunday’s opening season loss to the San Diego Chargers. Heading into this season, I was more concerned about the Bears’ ability to run the ball and control the clock than I was with QB Rex Grossman’s offensive struggles. With the departure of running back Thomas Jones, who was traded to the New York Jets during the off season, the Bears must rely on Cedric Benson, a first-round draft pick from Texas now in his third season. Up to this point, Benson has shown little of his talent or promise on the field.

Ideally, an established running game will open up the passing game for Grossman who will have better play options available to him and the offense becomes a more balanced attack. But without a running game, Grossman will have to pass more, which means forcing passes he should not throw, miscues, interceptions and so on.

It all starts up front for the Bears. The offensive line needs to open up holes for Benson. They need to give Grossman plenty of time to see the whole field and make the right pass play choices. And they need to make sure defenders are properly blocked so they’re not running into Grossman’s face.

If the Bears cannot straighten out their offensive attack and running game any time soon, this could be a long, disappointing season for the Bears.

U.S. Gymnasts Show They’re Ready for the Olympics

The U.S. women gymnastics team will enter the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing as a slight favorite after capturing the world gymnastics title in by a slim one-point margin over the favored and defending champion Chinese team. After a couple of spills from the balance beam that put them behind China in the standings going into the final rotation, the Americans rebounded with three winning routines on the floor by Shawn Johnson, Shayla Worley and Alicia Sacramone. The only other time the U.S. won the world title was 2003.

The U.S. men finished fourth in the team event in Stuttgart, Germany.

Zambrano Must Start Winning to Drive Away Boo Birds

Cubs’ ace Carlos Zambrano apologized to fans and the media yesterday (surely at the urging of Cubs’ coaches and management) after ripping fans at Wrigley Field Monday for booing him as he walked off the field in the fifth inning of an embarrassing 11-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zambrano can apologize all he wants, but it won’t make fans readily forget the comments he made after Monday’s game in which he said that Wrigley fans “just care about them.” Never mind that Big Z ran through third-base coach Mike Quade’s stop sign and was tagged out at home plate in the bottom of the third inning and allowed eight runs on seven hits and five walks in 4 1/3 innings. His performance Monday, combined with poor outings in his previous four starts, makes you wonder what is going on in his head of late. Clearly, this is not the same pitcher the Cubs signed for $91 million just a few weeks ago.

His post-game remarks were arrogant and disrespectful for sure, but it also showed immaturity. Some fans find his excitable nature rather endearing at times, but how many times have we excused his hot-headedness simply because he is so good on the mound? One wonders if now that he has that nice little contract in his back pocket that Big Z has lost some of his motivation. Someone needs to remind him that the Cubs are in a divisional race, and that he needs to channel his energy to fight the team in the opponents’ dugout, not the people in the stands.

I generally don’t advocate booing teams or players on the field when they are performing poorly. Doing so just seems counterproductive to me. However, in this instance, I can understand Cub fans frustration. They have a right to show their displeasure with Zambrano, not just for how he played on Monday, but how he has performed over the past few weeks. The fans expect big things from their ace, especially while they are in the playoff hunt, and Big Z simply has not lived up to those expectations. It’s time for Zambrano to do more than apologize; it’s time to perform at the level he is capable of. It’s time to start winning some games. That will surely drive the boo birds away.

Americans Split on Bonds

Does Giants’ slugger Barry Bonds deserve to be a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame? The American public is evenly divided on the issue, according to a new study by HCD Research and Muhlenberg College.

If Americans had any voting power for the MLB Hall of Fame, which they don’t, 43 percent said they would not vote for him while another 43 percent said they would. Among baseball fans, the vote was also evenly divided with 46 percent saying they would vote for Bonds and 45 percent saying they would not.

Forty-two percent of all respondents (fans and non-fans) said they believed Bonds cheated while nearly half of all baseball fans (45 percent) felt that Bonds cheated. Only 29 percent of baseball fans said that he did not cheat.

More than half of all respondents and baseball fans (52 percent and 53 percent respectively) felt Bonds should be recognized as the home run record holder when he passes Hank Aaron.

Overall, not an overwhelming show of support for the man they call Bonds.

The Beckham Factor

British soccer phenom David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, were introduced in Los Angeles today. When he makes his debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the whole world will be watching. The Galaxy signed Beckham for $5.5 million per year last winter, and U.S. soccer officials are hoping that his name, talent and reputation will attract new fans to the sport.

Sure, people will watch the games, but mostly out of curiosity. But will they start watching soccer because they’re interested in soccer, or because they want to see some soccer superstar in action? The Galaxy will definitely attract more people to their home games – they already sold more season tickets for this year after signing Beckham – but are they soccer fans or they curious about Beckham’s celebrity?

The reality is Beckham may be too much of a celebrity himself that he might become a distraction to the Galaxy. The soccer star has said he would like to get into acting, which is why he signed with the MLS team in Los Angeles. Whatever success the sport enjoys while Beckham is part of it will be intense and short-lived. If and when the Hollywood lights begin to beckon, he’ll leave U.S. soccer in a cloud of L.A. pixie dust. Then the sport will be back to where it started.

Yankees Still America’s Favorite Team

Despite how poorly the New York Yankees are playing this season, they remain America’s favorite baseball team, according to a new Harris poll. The Atlanta Braves moved up to the second spot, followed by the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

According to the poll, two teams moved up by more than eight places since 2006: The Texas Rangers moved up 11 places from No. 27 (tie) to No. 16 (tie) and the Milwaukee Brewers moved up from No. 18 to No. 10, perhaps due to their fast start this season.

Three other teams dropped at least seven spots: the Kansas City Royals fell from No. 21 to No. 28; the Arizona Diamondbacks fell from a tie at No. 14 to No. 22; and the Chicago White Sox fell from a tie at No. 11 to No. 21, proving that some teams need to win more than one World Series Championship to maintain any kind of respect from the public.

It amazes me that teams like the Yankees and Cubs can still be among the most popular in the country no matter how poorly they play on the field, while teams such as the Brewers and White Sox could have multiple winning seasons and not even break the top 10.

I wonder how people would respond if asked which team was their least favorite. It wouldn’t surprise me to see the Yankees top that list either. You either love ‘em or your hate ‘em.

NBA Player Robbed in Chicago Home

What a scary moment for Miami Heat player Antoine Walker Monday night. According to Walker’s agent, the Chicago native was robbed at gunpoint in his Chicago home. No one was injured but thieves took a vehicle, cash and jewelry. It was the second time the NBA star was robbed. In July 2000 when he played for the Boston Celtics, Walker was among five victims robbed at gunpoint of cash and his $55,000 wristwatch outside a restaurant in the South Loop. Walker, who grew up on the South Side, lives in Chicago in the off season.

Makes you wonder if athletes are bigger targets for robbery than the regular Joes on the street.

Sports Agent Sentenced for Smuggling

Last November, I wrote about Gustavo “Gus” Dominguez, an American sports agent who was charged with smuggling Cuban baseball players into the United States. He pleaded not guilty.

Dominguez was convicted in April and today was sentenced to five years in prison plus three years probation and a $2,100 fine, according to Reuters. The 48-year-old agent, who co-founded Total Sports International, Inc. and represented dozens of Cuban athletes, was convicted of smuggling five baseball prospects out of Cuba to the Florida Keys and then onto California, where he shopped them to potential teams. The case is believed to be the first of its kind that directly links smuggling with the business of baseball.

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Federer-Nadal Rivalry Intensifies

Roger Federer may have won his fifth straight Wimbledon title yesterday, but it took five sets to do it, thanks to the aggressive play of his opponent and top rival, Rafael Nadal. After Nadal won the second set, I sensed that a possible upset was in the making. Federer grabbed the third set after winning the tie breaker. Then Nadal took the fourth set by breaking Federer’s serve twice. Nadal nearly broke Federer’s serve twice more in the fifth set, and if he had, he might have been holding the Wimbledon trophy.

Throughout the telecast on NBC, John McEnroe observed that the match was a test of the heart and the head, not always about physical ability or talent. Clearly, both players were tested. In Federer’s case, Nadal’s strong and consistent play nearly pushed the four-time Wimbledon champ to the brink, and there were times you could tell he was beginning to doubt himself. Nadal had him at break point a couple of times during the fifth set, but Federer came back to both times to win the point. That showed the heart of a champion. Once he passed those critical points in the match, Federer put Nadal away in dominating fashion.

In Nadal's case, the Spaniard had a drive, determination and focus to win Wimbledon for the first time. After getting medical attention for a knee injury at the beginning of the fourth set, Nadal walked gingerly around the court and couldn't complete some of his serves. You sensed that maybe he was beginning to doubt his ability to finish the set. But he quickly recovered and regained his momentum to win the fourth set.

The men’s Wimbledon final was one of the most fascinating sports events I’ve watched in a long time, not just for the showcase of physical ability but the drama and competitive intensity between two highly talented players who have a lot of respect for one another. Federer is clearly still number one, but Nadal is getting closer – and Federer knows it.