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by Digger

The Bengals training camp has become a zoo without fences. A team without leaders, filled with self doubt, plenty of personnel squabbles, big name releases and one very selfish antagonist. Meet Chad Javon Ocho Cinco (formerly Chad Johnson). Johnson... er, Ocho Cinco... appeared to have finally found a muzzle for his overblown mouth. Not at all. He's only turning up the heat. Here's an All Pro who has put up great career numbers but his attitude has managed to torpedo Cincinnati's chemisty.

Head Coach Marvin Lewis hasn't been running a tight ship. The inmates have seized control of this asylum. In his latest rant against teammates, coaches and owners, Chad Johnson legally changed his name to Chad Javon Ocho Cinco. Just to poke his fingers in eyes of all Bengals. An August 29th FoxSports.com excerpt reports: "Two years ago, Johnson gave himself the moniker - a reference in Spanish to his No. 85 - and put it on the back of his uniform before a game. Quarterback Carson Palmer ripped it off before the kickoff. After the season, coach Marvin Lewis - who dislikes Johnson's attention-getting stunts - referred to the receiver as "Ocho Psycho."

One of my favorite interviews where Chad get coaxed into spouting off was via an ESPN phone interview. (Chad Javon speaks up)

Many times this off-season Johnson, Lewis and Palmer had plenty to say against each other. Ocho Cinco threatened to sit out, demanded a trade and for some reason Cincinnati's wisdom was to hold him. A move which seemed spiteful. This squad already has a number of challenged individuals. I guess Cincy believes they can whether differences to put up victories (good luck). I can see it now with sideline tantrums routine from week to week. On the surface, Coach Lewis has zero control over his team. CJ to Ocho Cinco was clearly a late jab intended to irritate his coach and quarterback. Another ironic moment for a player spouting off then getting injured early in training camp. Time for this guy to shut up and put up.

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by Digger

Can the NL defending Champs Colorado Rockies recreate their 2007 magic again this year? Times changed yet things are looking very similar. Last September, Colorado was 6 games out of first place in the NL West. They earned a Wild Card birth by winning 20 September games including a magical 13 of their final 14 regular season contests... many in such dramatic fashion Rockies fans will tell over and over for years to come. After a relatively quiet 2008, guess how many games out the Rockies are now? 6

The stage is set for another run if Colorado pitchers can cooperate. They've recently won 7 of 10 while division leading Arizona has dropped 4 straight and second place LA is mired in a 6 game drought. Six of their final nine will be head to head vs Arizona setting up a deja vu type scenario. In 2007, Colorado swept Arizona on the seasons final weekend forcing a one game playoff vs San Diego.

Arizona (68-65) and Los Angeles (65-68) are going backwards in a hurry setting up what could become another wild west final month. It'll be a winner take all payoff as none of these teams has a legitimate wild card shot. Arizona and LA have updated their rosters recently trying to make a push. Manny Ramirez was an instant hit in Hollywood. After a few quick arrival victories, LA has floundered worse than most recent Hollywood flicks. The Diamondbacks have been streaky all season. If it wasn't for a great 20-8 start, this team would be in deeper trouble. They watched first hand last season how things can change on a dime.

Colorado might just pull it off again. Arizona and LA are watching closely in their rear view mirrors while trying everything to win day by day. They're pressing and losing. Colorado is gelling and winning.

Deja vu?

Here they come. No one was paying attention when September rolled in last year. Guess what? Until recent losing streaks no one was paying attention again. Especially after the Rockies placed two key players on waivers last week (not claimed). It was the perfect fake out. Make rivals believe you're throwing in the towel. Only to then sneak into playoff contention. Rockies field general Clint Hurdle is primed and ready. This is a team suddenly believing in themselves. Bring it on!!

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by Digger

Another exciting college football season is about to begin. Jammed stadiums, Homecoming celebrations, cheerleaders strutting their stuff, Heisman hopefuls, oddsmakers, alumni's, beer bongs and hard nosed action as teams challenge for college football's ultimate goal: #1

All World All Sports presents our first ever College Top 10 Predictions:
1 Ohio State
2 USC
3 Florida
4 Oklahoma
5 Georgia
6 LSU
7 West Virginia
8 Texas
9 Clemson
10 Texas Tech

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by Digger

As NFL teams inch closer opening day, a few head coaches will have to produce winning seasons if they want to remain with their teams. The revolving door has been standard of late for Miami, Dallas, Washington, Detroit, Minnesota, Arizona and Oakland. Heading into 2008, here are a few coaches who need winning seasons to save their jobs.

Andy Reid (Eagles)
From 1999-2004 Andy Reid's Philadelphia Eagles were one of the NFL's most talented and feared teams. Philly lost a close Super Bowl contest to New England (24-21) and things have not been the same since. Donavan McNabb's future in Philly has been called into question for years. Philly's lack of WR talent will stifle this offense unless Reid and his assistants can find a way to score points. Reid's off field distractions (family issues) had to take it's toll on maintaining focus on Eagles football. His teams have failed to qualify for playoff football in two of past three seasons. 2008 will be no different as all division foes (Dallas, New York, Washington) have dramatically improved increasing the odds of this team heading for a last place finish.

Marvin Lewis (Bengals)
Marvin Lewis was named Bengals head coach back in 2003. He took over a floundering team with tremendous upside potential. He quickly built a top rate offense leading Cincinnati to a 2005 playoff birth. The Bengals have had a few misfortunes due to signing hot headed selfish players. Chad Johnson's rants and public fueds with Lewis have kept Ohio sportswriters and bloggers on the offensive. CJ's a talented player who can't keep his feet out of his mouth. The Bengals resigned legally toubled Chris Henry to further detract from clubhouse chemisty. Players argue, front office brings in more head cases, injuries... Lewis has to show everyone he's in charge by taking control in a hurry. Something which many of us still question, who's in charge? This is a very talented group on both sides of the field. Tremendously incohesive as a "team" and will get beat often unless they can find a way to heel as a group. If not, Lewis will ge gone.

Herman Edwards (Chiefs)
Edwards has a talented football mind best suited as a coordinator, not head coach. His teams do not produce consistently from week to week and he's one of the NFL's worst clock managers. Kansas City is coming off an injury riddled 4-12 season in 2007 and will have a tough time winning games again in '08. This squad is a far cry from former Kansas City teams. Herm is odds on favorite to be first mid-season coaching casualty. KC needs to pick a different direction before the wheels fall off.

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by Digger

NFL is gearing up for opening day kickoffs. NFL Champion New York Giants stunned an unbeaten New England Patriot team to close out '07. A new season offers new hope for fans, teams and players. Spotlights will be shining bright on a few controversial players from loudmouths to potential or former convicts.

Here are a few mini-stories to be followed:

Super Bowl Champion New York Giants survived a few team controversies in '07 all the way to winning the Lombardi trophy. New York had all spotlights prepped and ready to tackle the Giants every '08 move. Then, the Jets traded for Brett Favre creating a nice media distraction away from questions of repeating in '08 or injury concerns to most team wide receivers. Eli Manning's passing mechanics this pre-season has been his best ever. New York is attempting to become the NFC's first repeat Super Bowl Champions since the 1993-94 Dallas Cowboys.

New England Patriots - can they recover from a devastating Super Bowl defeat, QB Tom Brady's bad ankle, and residual effects from last years' Spygate scandal? This crew is still one of the most talented in the NFL and are favorites to challenge for AFC Championship honors. Can they do it without knowing defensive playcalling in advance?

Chad Johnson loves to trash talk his team. Here's a classic example of a premier player who's big mouth keeps getting him into trouble. He spewed venom at Cincinnati's ownership, coaches and players all off season. In CJ's first pre-season game a big hit jarred his delicate shoulder. Were his adversaries snickering? When Johnson gets back on the field he should just shut up and run plays as called. It's amazing Cincinnati didn't trade him. Perhaps no one wanted a club house distraction.

Chris Henry.. ok, spotlights will not necessarily be directed at Henry beyond league offices. Most probably, local Cincy sports reporters and talk radio will be blasting front office guru's who thought resigning this crazed player could possibly help team chemistry. Henry has a long rap sheet (arrest/suspension record) and will miss the first four games of 2008 while serving a league mandated suspension.

Adam "Pacman" Jones had an eventful offseason. This troubled kid has been under investigation stemming from a nightclub shooting in Las Vegas. Multiple NFL suspensions add color to his career highlights. Dallas' Jerry Jones went to great lengths to sign this guy. A headcase all the way. Dallas will have their hands full calming charismatic players.

Donavan McNabb has been center of attention for all the wrong reasons after laying an egg with time winding down during Philly's '05 Super Bowl three point loss. His teams and his health have not been the same. He's been on the media hotseat ever since arriving on the scene. If the Eagles front office brought in receivers who could hold onto the ball... then Philadelphia could have dominated the NFC East. McNabb is a victim of his surroundings. He'll be held accountable for every hiccup in '08. There will be plenty as his Eagles cannot compete with New York or Dallas. A likely last place finish could run Donovan out of town. Philly boo-birds will be loud.

Tom Brady is one of the NFL's All Time greatest QB's. A solid team leader of record setting Championship teams. His successes diverted attention from being the recipient of opponents defensive play calling in advance. It'll be interesting to see how well New England's new offense clicks without a cheatsheet?

Kyle Orton vs Rex Grossman Chicago Bears revolving door quarterback controversy continues. Rex seemed to be team QB #1 heading into camp until struggling. Orton was recently named opening day starter despite not having directed the Bears offense into the endzone this preseason until tonight vs SF. Times are tough when coaches try to pick the lesser or two evils. This battle will be front and center in Chicago for quite some time to come. If Orton can get passes to his talented receiving corps then good days will be had in Chicago. This squad is only one year removed from a Super Bowl loss.

Tony Romo is Dallas' brightest star. He was having a spectacular season until the ill-fated Jessica Simpson game. The Metroplex media had a field day with the superstar tandem as the Cowboys collapsed just in time for playoff football. Consecutive last minute playoff failures haunt Dallas. 2008 features a very deep team as the Cowboys positioned themselves to make a title run. They can only go as far as Romo takes them. Dallas media will be in hot pursuit of headlines coming from free talking players (Terrell Owens). Romo must keep them focused on football.

Buffalo Bills - will the City of Buffalo soon lose the Bills? Buffalo team ownership might be lured out of town into Toronto. The Rogers Centre was host to preseason game two and Buffalo takes on Miami in a regular season matchup north of the border December 7. Buffalo has had its' share of greatness over the years. They'll be best remembered for all those Super Bowl losses which is too bad for a franchise which dominated AFC play for years. Buffalo is a tough place to fill a stadium. Hopefully ownership figures out a way for keep the Bills in western New York. Seems as though the writing is on the wall for an eventual move across the border.

2008 has many other stories facing public examination heading into opening weekend. Coaches on the hot seat will be featured next.

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by Digger

NFL 2008 Predictions (2007 Standings)

AFC East: New England, New York, Buffalo, Miami
AFC North: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Baltimore
AFC South: Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Houston, Tennessee
AFC West: San Diego, Denver, Kansas City, Oakland

Wild Cards: New York, Jacksonville

NFC East: Dallas, New York, Washington, Philadelphia
NFC North: Green Bay, Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit
NFC South: Carolina, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Atlanta
NFC West: Arizona, St Louis, Seattle, San Francisco

Wild Cards: New York, Minnesota

AFC Champion: San Diego
NFC Champion: New York

Super Bowl Champion: New York Giants

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by Digger

New York's 2008 version of Yankees baseball has been anything but inspiring. Currently stuck 8.5 games behind division leading Tampa Bay while devoted fans sit wondering when their mighty Yanks will finally wake up. Even though 41 games remain, this punchless bunch of veterans had better stop their late night carousing or get used to not qualifying for post season play for the first time since 1994 (no playoffs due to labor dispute).

It's been a comprehensive and all inclusive team debacle. Big Boss George has handed the reigns to his sons and they lack pappa's devotion to winning. General Manager Brian Cashman gambled and lost huge in the off season. His decision to go with two unproven rookie starting pitchers instead of trading for Minnesota's Santana was one of the biggest misses (David Ortiz #1) in Yankees history. Cashman bet the farm, and his future, because of his unwillingness to trade a few prospects. Yanks lack of front office aggressiveness has not been witnessed in recent years...until now. CC Sabathia was an in-season steal for Milwaukee... again Cashman not willing to go after a premier pitcher. This has been mind boggling based on how poorly most pitchers have performed in '08. Mussina (who most counted out) and Rivera have been the only consistent hurlers. It's amazing NY is only 8.5 games out. To his credit, Cashman was successful bringing Xavier Nady to town... let's hope this isn't only a rental type of trade as Nady has been blasting the ball. However, New York's most pressing issue since last year has been pitching. NY brass has been less than aggressive while displaying tragically inept personnel decisions.

No one should put all the blame on front office. Fans who wanted Joe Torre replaced have been rewarded with Joe Girardi. Girardi was to shake up a lackluster team and bring new life to baseball's most potent attack on paper. Problem is... potency was only on paper. Girardi has had his hands full. Injuries to key players (Damon, Matsui, Posada) have been tough to overcome. Sloppy defense, one of the Yanks worst in recent memory, has handed away way too many games. Bad hop errors or bad throws here or there have always been part of baseball. It's the mental errors and lack of hustle killing this team. Giving away extra outs all season long has cost New York at least a dozen games. On the diamond's other side, Girardi hasn't played enough small ball or stressed better baserunning habits. Hitting line drives with runners in scoring position instead of superstars swinging for homers hasn't been stressed enough by the Yankee skipper. Sometimes Girardi just seems like a pinhead in pinstripes by his inability to motivate players. Relievers have been tremendous choke artists blowing leads and letting inherited runners score at will. It's well past time Girardi explodes at his team or pulls a Piniella type tantrum to wake everyone up. Even team Captain Derek Jeter hasn't displayed his usual vocal cheerleading type style.

Alex Rodriguez has made more headlines with extra-marital affairs than good play. His stats look pretty good until broken down proving (once again) this guy is NOT a clutch performer. One very disturbing fact which came to light recently during revelations of escapades... his affairs with "Boston" women on the eve of big games. Most notably, during historic 2004 AL Championship Series. ARod has been pathetic in playoff games and the Yanks $250M+ superdud was out sexing it up on the eve of big games instead of resting up to lead his team into the World Series. At least fans finally came to realize what means most to ARod. Champions are not made this way. ARod has had plenty of not so hot headlines in NY ranging from poor play in clutch situations to late night poker games in illegal gambling halls to living it up with strippers from Toronto to Boston.

Don't worry... this tirade isn't only pointed in ARod's direction. Robinson Cano received a tremendous contract before this season kicked off. Until recently, his lack of hitting killed rally after rally. His bat has come to life recently... but, his fielding effort is nowhere to be found. Back to back games with lackluster effort chasing after balls in play. Tuesday night he let a slow playable grounder go for a hit and this afternoon barely hustling for a routine pop-up.

Melky Cabrera keeps swinging for the fences. Molina and Cabrera represent two Yanks who should never only be looking to hit line drives. Abreu has finally come to life but it might be too little too late.

Yankees have no team chemistry. No team leadership. No team passion from players or management. Fundamentals lacking. Ineffective batting and pitching coaches. Girardi not able to handle big dollar players by curtailing off field distractions. This has become a team run amuck.

In not too distant times, Boss George would have been making headlines with inspiring vocal disapproval finger pointing at underperformers. Did I say inspiring? Well, let's all admit one thing, ticking off his players used to work wonders in the win column. 13 consecutive playoff appearances stand as proof. His kids have much to learn when it comes to building a winning team. It'll be interesting to see who becomes General Manager in 2009.

Sadly, historic Yankee Stadium is hosting its' final games in coming days. Losers in seven of ten... these punchless Yankees are fading fast. It's time for these superduds to begin displaying Yankee pride.

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by Digger

The fued between legendary Quarterback Brett Favre and the Packers has ended. Green Bay traded Favre to the AFC's New York Jets.

The pre-season storm has ended, at least temporarily. ESPN is reporting Favre might be miffed at Green Bay because Tampa Bay was his first choice of teams. The Packers seem to have ignored his request and traded him to New York. This deal still has to clear NFL offices later in the day. If Favre is miffed, will try to rebuke this trade? Hopefully, this is all just scuttlebutt and Favre embraces his new team without any hitch. Bottom line is Brett got what he wanted... out of Green Bay and now an instant starter for another team.

Favre proved in 2007 there's plenty left in the tank. He led the Pack to a 13-3 record while passing at a record setting clip. New York is starving for a QB who can play every game and lead. They've got their man! Favre has started 253 consecutive regular season games while gunning his way into NFL record books. During Favre's 253 game streak, the Jets have tried 15 different starting quarterbacks.

Favre vs Green Bay became a sordid tale. After last years NFC Championship Game, Green Bay brass approached Favre about returning for one more season. Favre thought it over and decided to retire. I remember hearing rumblings claiming he was upset over how the Packers didn't seem to want him badly enough. Green Bay had moved on... until... Brett suddendly decided to unretire. This created instant problems. Both sides went public a bit too soon and all hell broke loose. Now it appears the Hero of Green Bay is leaving town with bad vibes after many years of dedicated service while resurrecting Green Bay to fame and glory.

The Jets coaches, players and fans must all be jumping today. This is tremendous news for a team in search of solid on field leadership. Buckle up Jets, Favre will soar in New York. His arrival completely changes the makeup of AFC East football. NY is an instant contender. Favre has weapons on the wings with Lavernues Coles and Jericho Cotchery. A solid running game now gets better with teams having to respect the Meadowlands new gunslinger.

What a difference watching Jets games will be. Instead of wondering how they will hand games away... fans can now start guessing how many points these guys put up week to week? How many 300 yard games will he have (rarity for Jets)? How many games will the Jets win? Playoffs? All expectations just changed for New York's coaching staff. They know this team now has a chance to win every single time lining up against once superior opponents.

Favre shouldn't be viewed as the team savior. He is instant team leader bringing new life to a hapless offense. Coaches will now have a new found sense of confidence when calling plays. Offensive linemen are the key to success in '08. Chad Pennington had potential way back when his arm was sound. In recent years (due to multiple injuries) he could barely fling the ball downfield with any authority... mostly wounded ducks easily batted down or picked off. His status has gone from starter to potentially being released or traded. Wide receivers better get used to Favre's bullets in a hurry!

With this trade, New York goes from a sub .500 projected team to playoff contenders. The Meadowlands will be rocking every weekend. Two New York teams sharing one stadium (in New Jersey). The Giants are defending Super Bowl Champions. The Jets now have one of the greatest Quarterbacks to ever play football leading the way. Exciting times ahead for New York football fans. NFL season kicks off less than one month from now. Welcome to New York's bright spotlight Brett. Only one thing stands in the way of this trade becoming official. Favre suddenly deciding he doesn't want to play for NY. Attention Jets fans -- "CROSS YOUR FINGERS!"

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by Digger

The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of international pride, sportsmanship, superior athletic competition, courage and integrity. Host countries are selected by a long detailed process by the International Olympic Committee. China hosts the 2008 games scheduled to begin later this week. The IOC must be regretting this selection... it's been a public relations failure since day one.

China has long faced intense scrutiny and criticism for its' perceived wide ranging human rights violations. It's been a bit of a shocker to read of how unprepared this powerful nation is with the games only days away. Many problems still persist from air quality to security. Olympic tourch bearers faced unprecidented protests from city to city. International criticism has been stepped up in recent weeks due to China's violent crackdowns on Tibet protesters, journalists, athletes, internet access, publications, entertainers and its' own countrymen and women. Foreign governments have warned of China's intent to monitor/spy on all visitors. It's amazing... during a time of world turmoil.. the IOC selected China to host... what were they thinking?

This is quickly becoming a sad event. Most Olympic games of the past have focused on participating athletes. China's problematic attempts to get their country ready has stolen the spotlight in a negative manner. The air quality for the games is horrendous. A few athletes are questioning if playing in the games will injure their health. U.S. track stars showed up wearing black air filters/masks. Security is now in question after yesterday's terror bombing killed 16 police officers. World leaders are facing scrutiny within their own countries for planning to attend opening ceremonies based on China's human rights violations. Many countries will supply their own food to athletes in fear of contaminated Chinese products. Chinese workers were ordered out of Olympic cities to help crack down on smog. Reporters beaten and jailed. Protesters jailed. Probably plenty more not made public.

As for the athletes...
Russia has set off alarms within Olympic doping circles. Seven athletes have been hit with doping suspensions leading the VP of the World Anti-Doping Agency to conclude Russia is systematically doping its' athletes. I'm sure we'll hear of plenty more caught doping before, during or after the games. Players doping is no secret. Today's technologies make doping harder to detect and harder to hide.

Lost in the side-shows have been the Olympians. These games are for them, for their countrymen, pride of representing their nations in the worlds largest athletic event. I don't know about other countries, but here in the good old USA, not much coverage has been dedicated to our athletes. Instead, we hear the constant daily drabble of our media infactuated with an inexperienced politician attempting to bamboozle anyone for votes by placating to their anger and fears... while his older rival fights to flaunt his record. Sports coverage focuses on our major professional leagues as baseball season winds down and football gets ready to kick off.

There's no doubt Olympic television ratings will be at an all time low in the USA. Other sports news and events will trump the day. NFL training camps have opened with plenty of controversy. Brett Favre's unretirement has stolen headlines. Baseball's blockbuster deadline deals also created quite the buzz.

Long gone.... reporters doing feature spots on Olympic athletes leading up to competitions. Can anyone name our top heavy weight boxer? Top diver? Sprinter? Gymnast? USA Basketball garners attention from the ESPN types because they're professionals with household names (did anyone notice our team doesn't have a starting Center?). What happened to the Bruce Jenner's, Mary Lou Retton's, Sugar Ray Leonard's of the world? New faces pop up everyday but our country isn't focusing on Olympic games these days.

Hopefully the Summer Olympics will stay focused on athletes once the games begin.