Sports Day At The 2009 Washington Auto Show!

Patrons could see their favorite sports figure like Jason Campbell and Antwaan Randle-El of the Redskins; Nick Young and JaVale McGee of the Washington Wizards; and WWE's John Cena at Thursday's 'Sports Day' at the Washington Auto Show.

We caught up with a few local sports figures, an Olympian, and a former coach on our second day at the Show.

Take a look-read.

Jason Campbell on which cars at the Car Show he likes.

JC: “I’ve been looking at the Maserati, the Ferrari. They have some nice looking vehicles. They got a Phantom, a Rolls Royce.”

“Nothing I need to go buy right now. I gotta wait.”

DCUS: None of these cars here have inspired you to buy anything?

JC: [Laughing] “No, no. They cost too much right now. I gotta wait. I’m still in my rookie contract. Hopefully, next contract I can buy one or two of them.”

Click here to read more of the interview.

Photo: Jason Campbell and Antwaan Randle-El sign autographs at the Eastern Motors booth at the Washington Auto Show. For more of our photos from the Car Show click here.

Speaking of the Redskins...

Here's a Redskins’ ProBowl Update:

Three Redskins--Clinton Portis, Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers--will play in the Pro Bowl this Sunday.

Chris Samuels, another Pro Bowler, did not make the trip. Samuels is rehabbing a triceps injury.

Washington Auto Show photo collage:


1) The Toyota Prius with rear battery pack from A123 Systems. The battery gives the car a combined 100+ plus miles to the gallon. (So they're saying). Read about it here.

2) Nick Young and JaVale McGee sign autographs at the Car Show.

3) WWE's John "U Can't See Me' Cena signs autograph for fan.

4) See the 'Sports and Cars' label to the right of page to see more!

5) Photos from the car show!

Carl Lewis At the Washington Auto Show!

US Olympian, Carl Lewis talks to us from the 2009 Washington Auto Show. Read on to find out what he's been up to.

DCUS: I’m standing here with US Olympian, Carl Lewis at the Washington Auto Show. Carl, how are you?

Carl Lewis: Great! I’m just glad to be in DC. I’m actually in town to work on a scholarship program with the U.S. Olympic Committee so I’m really excited about that. The whole idea is to try to get education to athletes who are not in the primary sports, many of which are urban kids that need an opportunity, so I really excited to be included in that – and here we are at the Show, because I love autos.”

DCUS: What is your favorite car here at the Auto Show?

Read more on Carl's car, his take on Michael Phelps, and more by clicking here.

Former G'Town Coach John Thompson At The Washington Auto Show!

The John Thompson Show was broadcast live at the Washington Auto Show on Thursday.

DC UrbanSports caught up with the host, coach John Thompson, after the show.

Coach Thompson on the Auto Show

DCUS: Coach, what are your thoughts on the Auto Show?

Coach John Thompson: “I love being down here. First of all you get a chance to fantasize, to look at a lot of things [vehicles] that you can’t touch. You can’t purchase some of these cars, particularly the way the economy is, but I think it’s a great thing to be able to walk in one place. There are so many beautiful things here. You never are able to see everything; it’s such a big place.”

DCUS: So, none of the cars on exhibit are inspiring you to go out and purchase anything?

JT: I don’t think they are. I have a car from American Service Center that I’m just absolutely happy with. That’s why I’m over here where the Mercedes Benz are, because it gives me an opportunity to go back to ASC and ask them, ‘Why can’t you get me one of those?’

Coach Thompson on the Super Bowl.

DCUS: We have a lot of Steelers fans in the area. What is your take on the Super Bowl?

JT: “I had mixed emotions, to tell you the truth. I thought that the Steelers would win, and I wanted the Steelers to win in a lot of ways; but Kirk Warner got my fancy a little bit with how he’s conducted himself and how he’s lived his life.”

DCUS: He’s been somewhat of an unknown until the Super Bowl, you think?

JT: “He may be somewhat of an unknown for some people, but I’ve known some of the stories, and you know he’s experienced hardships; and he’s come back from them.”

“You know that the guy tends to try to live the life that he talks about. So, there’s a certain amount of respect with athletes (and anybody) who’s hit the top; hit the bottom, and then start to come back again. If you stop and think about it, the man came out of the Arena League; so I don’t know many people who participated in athletics who can identify with the rollercoaster career that he’s had.”

DCUS: On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate that Super Bowl performance?

JT: “From those that I’ve seen, I would definitely say it’s up there in the 4s. I can’t remember one that to tell you the truth, that I’ve enjoyed any more than that.”

Coach Thompson on JT3 at Georgetown.

(John Thompson, III, Georgetown University’s men’s’ basketball head coach, had suffered a five-game losing streak, prior to winning this week’s game against Rutgers.)

DCUS: What advice would you give your son right now?

JT: I don’t give him any advice. I’ve done that all my life; fussing and talking, this is no special advice. I think John is d*mn good at what he does. You go through certain aspects of it [coaching], and you pay dues in this business; but I think he’s fine. He’s done what he’s had to do.

“Kids don’t listen to their parents anyway; they listen to everybody else.”

Curly Neal at the Washington Auto Show!

What a delight it was to have met Curly Neal at the Washington Auto Show yesterday.

For his pic and more from yesterday's WAS, click here.

The Globetrotters will pay a visit to the Verizon Center in March!

Muhammad Ali Still Making (Black) History

February is Black History Month, and sports leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the African American contribution.

Today we spot light Muhammad Ali's contribution to Black History Month.

Check out the Ali pages here to and see how he's celebrating this American tradition.

Learn. Discuss.

National Signing Day

National Signing Day, the first day a high school senior can sign a binding National Letter of Intent for college football, is off and running.

While many are celebrating the high-school sports to college sports rite of passage, many students and families are stuck wondering how to even apply to college, or even get funds to pay for it.

Here's some info that may help.

The DC College Goal Sunday, a FREE event taking place February 8th, helps students get money for college.

Click here for more, and pass the word!

Howard University SAAC Jumpstarts 'Pink Zone Activities' With Tribute To Coach Yow

Howard University's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently jump started its "Pink Zone" campaign on Jan. 31 at the women and men's basketball games vs. North Carolina A&T State University.

In addition to the usual pink shirts and socks adorned by the women's basketball team and coaches, SAAC spent the earlier part of the week decorating a tree with pink ribbons. The gym was adorned with numerous "Pink Facts" and breast cancer awareness ribbons and the committee also created a "Pink Zone" salute in the main gym. The "Pink Zone" gave special tribute to the late North Carolina State coach Kay Yow, who recently lost her battle with cancer.

"Even though the traditional "Think Pink" week is in mid-February, the student-athletes thought we should start earlier to pay tribute to a woman who did so much for the sport of women's basketball," said Adria Washington, Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator.

In addition to the tree, ribbons and facts, SAAC began a breast cancer awareness donation drive with all proceeds donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. SAAC will continue the fundraiser at all remaining home basketball games during the month of February.

WNBA Celebrates 'National Girls and Women In Sports' Day

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its teams will celebrate the 23rd annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) throughout the first week of February.

Fitness clinics and workshops will be conducted in WNBA cities across the country to help lead, inspire and create positive change in the lives of women and young girls. In addition, WNBA.com will devote a special section, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 4, where top WNBA players and fans can share stories on how sports have impacted their lives.

The National Girls and Women in Sports Day initiative was first chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1986. It honors female athletic achievement and recognizes the positive influence of sports participation for girls and women.

“WNBA players are strong, passionate and determined young women who have developed these leadership traits both on and off-the-court by dedicating themselves to sports,” said WNBA President Donna Orender “As a result, we are true believers in the significance of participation in sports for all girls and women and we are thrilled to recognize and celebrate this special day.”

Below is the schedule for the Washington Mystics' events taking place in support of NGWSD:

Washington Mystics:
The Mystics and the University of Maryland have partnered to celebrate a night of inspiration for young women on Thursday, Feb. 5 at the Comcast Center. National sports luminaries, including Debbie Yow, Maryland Athletic Director; Cat Whitehill, Washington Freedom defender; Vicky Bullet, Mystics assistant coach: Angela Taylor, Mystics GM; and Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, track star and Olympic Gold Medalist, will be on hand to discuss both the impact sports has played on their lives and the importance of young females getting involved in sports.

For other NGWSD teams and schedule info visit WNBA.com

Game Video of the Day!

It's All About the K!

Kobe Bryant drops 61 points Monday night against the New York Knicks. Watch the video.

Kobe has often been compared to Michael Jordan. Both rank in highest points scored in a single game during their careers. But can Kobe really be compared to MJ?

I'd put up a poll, but since I only have 2 people reading this blog - it wouldn't be much fun.

(Left photo: Jordan as a Washington Wizard)

Monday In Sports!

Six Titles and One Heck of a Game!

The Pittsburgh Steelers became Super Bowl XLIII champions by defeating the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23.

Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt called the loss, “difficult”.

“We just came up short”, said Whisenhunt.

Steelers QB, Ben Roethlisberger, becomes the youngest QB in Super Bowl history to win two Super Bowls, while head coach Mike Tomlin becomes the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl.

In another historic moment, Tomlin piggybacks off the former 2007 Super Bowl head coach of the Indianapolis Colts', Tony Dungy.

Both became African American NFL head coaches to win a Super Bowl. (Who was the guy who said a brothers can’t be a successful NFL football coach? Guess he proved wrong twice.)

In addition to his Super Bowl accolade, Tomlin recently earned the coveted NFL Coach of the Year honor.

So Many Play Makers, So Little Time.

Steelers Santonio Holmes (131 yards) won MVP honors after catching the winning touchdown with :35 seconds left in the game, after ‘Leaping’ Larry Fitzgerald (7 receptions, 2 TDs) scored what many thought to be the winning TD for the Cardinals earlier in the fourth quarter.

In what I personally thought was a good bet for MVP honor, 242 lb, 6’0 James Harrison runs the length of the field to score a 100 yard TD off an interception intended thrown by Cardinals’ QB, Kirk Warner. (Perhaps Holmes and Harrison could share MVP honors).

Watch the video.

Steelers’ Hines Ward, who had been recuperating from a knee injury he suffered in a 23-14 win against the Baltimore Ravens, was adamant about playing in Super Bowl XLIII.

Said Ward, “I still have a lot of football left”.

So it would seem.

Pittsburg scored the first game points (7-0), and despite having several plays reviewed by officials, and a touchdown recalled in Sunday's game, have won six NFL Super Bowl titles. Two, with Hines on board.

Franco Harris and Lynn Swann must be in total e-laaa-tion!

MEMO TO PRESIDENT OBAMA (who chose the Steelers to win it): Just let a sistah know when the Steelers have the traditional Super Bowl visit to the White House. I’m so there!

Big ups to the Steelers and the Cardinals for giving the fans one heck of a game! One not seen in my many years of Super Bowl viewing.

Here’s the video recap - just in case you missed it.

Now that’s how you play a football game!

Photo: Super Bowl XLIII, Santonio Holmes holds the Vince Lombardi trophy (and more).

###

Game Photos!

8 Golds and a Bong!

2008 Olympic gold medalist, Michael Phelps is recovering quite well after last summer’s Olympics.

Phelps, who won eight gold medals, was chillin’ having some Mary Jane fun and landed himself a photo op in the British tabloids. Phelps is seen using a bong to smoke marijuana. Phelps later apologized (after being caught) and called the action an “immature act”.

Whatever.

At least he didn’t say the marijuana was being used for medicinal purposes.

“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

Twenty three year-olds know right from wrong, just as 19 year-olds do.

In 2004, (when he was a ‘youthful’ 19 year-old), Phelps got 18 months probation for driving while under the influence. [More]

Let us pray for Michael, and those like him.

Update: As of today 2/7, Mike lost his deal with Kellogg. A former Olympian gives his take on the Phelps situation. Click here.

**Here's another 'since the story broke' update** Click here.

Again, I say, Let us pray for Michael, and those like him.

Wizards Defeat LA Clippers

The Washington Wizards pulled out another win by defeating the LA Clippers, 106-94, Saturday night at the Verizon Center.

The Wizards’ held on to a 13 point lead in the game. (Yes! They held on to a lead!)

Rookie players McGee and Young combined for 40 points on the evening. [More]

The Wizards are at home tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Serena Williams Regains ‘The Number One Spot’

Tennis favorite Serena Williams beat Dinara Safina -6-0, 6-3 - to win the Australian Open.

With the win, Serena earns her 10th grand slam title and becomes the number one tennis player in the world, once again.

"Serena just played too good - I was just like a ball kid on the court today", said Safina.

[Read more].

Update: Serena returns to the Washington Kastles for 2009 Season.

For more visit www.washingtonkastles.com.

Rafael Nadal Defeats Roger Federer In Australian Open

Coming off a five hour and 14 minute win the day before over Fernando Verdasco, men’s tennis, Raphael Nadal defeated long time tennis phenom, Roger Federer to become tennis’ first Spaniard to win an Australian Open.

Nadal won 7-5 3-6 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-2.

Overcome with emotion and tears, Federer, who loss to Nadal 6-1 6-3 6-0 at Roland Garros last June, congratulated his foe and said the loss “was killing me.”

[More.]

Howard Men’s Basketball Wins In Overtime

The win came down to great free throw shooting and clutch scoring by Howard’s leading scorer, Eugene Myatt.
























In a game that went down to the wire, and saw both teams answering each other’s three pointers, dunks, and free throws, the Bisons edged the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 77-74.

Myatt was certain not disappoint the thunderous crowd at Burr Gymnasium, scoring 16points and adding some smart ball playing.

Full story.