Britney's Show About Nothing

Apparently Britney Spears was the most popular search entry on Yahoo this year. While many sports club GMs and owners scratch their heads, looking for ways to increase ticket sales and clear merchandise, Britney's figured out that Jerry and George were onto something. Nothing! Her's, is a show about nothing. What'd you do today - wake up trashed outside an L.A. nightclub? That's a show, there's a show. My advice to struggling sports teams, the current New York Knicks for example, is to do nothing. Disappear for while...keep 'em guessing...have a divorce...get caught with your pants down. Clearly, it's this sort of nothingness that really leads to something.

Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and...Dodge

Canada's Sportsnet News ran a weird story yesterday about NFL players launching the ball into the crowd after scoring a touchdown. The "hard-hitting" analysis implied that the practice of throwing the ball into the stands is something akin to dodgeball. If it's not dancing in the endzone it's something else. Let's be frank here; it's a puffed up leather ball - not a javelin. What's the big deal? By the time it reaches the fans most of the zip is lost in the lower atmosphere anyway. And besides, who wouldn't want to try catch an NFL ball? Sorry, I don't get it. It's okay for a rock hard baseball but not a softer, and easier to catch pigskin. Aren't there more importnat things to worry about, like the poor state of today's NFL's commentary? That's more likely to slap you in the face.

Philadelphia On My Mind

I had no idea Michael Bolton was playing quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Last night I saw Bolton in the post-game press conference saying how excited he was by the Eagles win over the Carolina Panthers, 27-24. Bolton threw 21-39 and 312 yards, for 3 touchdowns. Inspirational stuff...I wonder if he wrote a song about it?

Kobe, We Love it

I must admit, I've never been a big Kobe Bryant fan. Growing up watching Magic Johnson and Big Game James Worthy, it was difficult to swallow when a one-man-band like Kobe took over the Lakers. Even Shaq wanted out. It just seemed to me that Kobe never understood there was more to the game than scoring and showboating. And he never really created his own style, but simply replicated Michael Jordan.

With that said, Kobe's certainly made himself heard of late. Even if you don't appreciate his strictly one-on-one approach to a five-man game, you can't deny his ability make shots. His 16 of 19 from the floor and 12 of 15 from the line against Utah last week was sizzling. Hey, Kobe's 52 points in less than 35 minutes had even me taking notice!

Unfortunately for Laker fans, he followed it up with 11 of 23 shooting against the Clippers next game. But as long as Jack Nicholson and Lindsay Lohan are happy, then I suppose we should be too, right?

It's getting pretty ugly Rex

Everybody's calling for Rex Grossman's head. The fans are booing, the experts are calling him names - and throwing sticks and stones for good measure - and fantasy owners are pulling their hair out. This guy's going to end up more despised than my all-time favourite Windy City playcaller, Jim McMahon. (I can't believe I considered a fantasy trade for Sexy Rexy a few weeks back!) Despite all this, the Chicago Bears are 10-2 and have clinched the NFC North division. So surely the Bears' embattled QB is doing something right? Well, no, according to fans who in an online poll run by the Chicago Tribune today voted for Rex to get the boot. 64% said Grossman should not start at QB anymore.

It's hard to argue. Grossman's numbers were horrible on Sunday (6 of 19 for 34 yards, and 3 interceptions). It doesn't get much worse statistically but perhaps more alarming is his icey demeanour. Grossman has always stuck me as a "grossly" over-confident individual who rates his skills much higher than anyone with his ability should. And he never seems willing to conceed that he makes poor decisions. He reminds me of the guy who shows up to your pick-up basketball game with the latest Jordan sneakers and Vince Carter jersey, talking-up his talent, but finishes the day 2-19 and with seven turnovers. And yet, maintains he'll be back to torch you next week. These "players" somehow find their way into the mix, fooling everyone for a while with their bravado until their lack of skill catches up. We all know the type. In Grossman's case it's even harder to take because he's not totally void of talent - he just forces everything he does.

If I were coach Lovie Smith, I'd yank the No.8 for Brian Griese and just run the ball with Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson. No more bravado - the super bowl title is on the line here.