Thursday, November 25, 2010

My turkeys of the year in sports

There were a lot of great sporting accomplishments in 2010. However, there were also some turkeys in the wide world of sports. Here's a small list I've formulated in no particular order.

Jim Joyce: Joyce robbed the sports world of one of its most exciting moments. Joyce cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game when he called Jason Donald safe at first on what would have been the 27th out. A full-time major league umpire for more than 20 years, Joyce was the biggest turkey in baseball in 2010. "I just cost that kid a perfect game," he said. "I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay. It was the biggest call of my career."

New Jersey Devils front office: The Devils gave Ilya Kovalchuk a 15-year contract worth $102 million. How does Kovalchuk repay the Devils? He's on pace for a smashing 39 points this season. Set to be paid $6.666 million this season, Kovalchuk would be paid $170,940.16 per point if he reaches the 39-point plateau. Yep, that contract looks well worth it so far.

Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens: Batman and Robin have taken Cincinnati by storm by piling up an AFC-worst 2-8 record and a league-high seven-game losing streak. On a lighter note, the two receivers have combined for 12 touchdowns and landed a TV show on the king of all sports networks; Versus.

Brett Favre: Need I say anything more?

Tiger Woods: Everyone remembers where they were when Tiger had his car accident last Black Friday. A year later, Tiger's been through the worst year of his professional career. In one foul swoop, he lost his kids, his wife and his golf game. Countless mistresses emerged and Woods admitted to having a one-night stand with his neighbor's 21-year-old daughter, whom he had known since she was 14. Tiger's divorce with his wife Elin became official on Aug. 23.

LeBron James: Last but not least, The King--of all turkeys. The Decision, as it was called on ESPN was one of the biggest jokes in recent memory and led to one of the most overused quotes of all time. “In this fall, this is very tough, in this fall I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat." James' "Decision" locked up the No. 1 spot on my turkey list. The negative energy LeBron created has followed him to Miami, where the 8-7 Heat have lost three straight and look pretty average. His betrayal of Cleveland is second only to Art Modell's relocation of the Browns to Baltimore and has made him one of the most hated men in sports.

Some honorable mentions:
1. Lane Kiffin for skipping out on Tennessee in the middle of the night.
2. Tony Parker cheating on Eva Longoria--really?
3. Reggie Bush became the first player to ever return the Heisman Trophy.
4. Roger Goodell--These fines are getting out of hand. And oh by the way, a lockout is looming.
5. Bruce Pearl--Apparently the cheating in Knoxville doesn't stop at football.

Who do you think should be on the list? Did I leave anyone out? Comments welcome.

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