One To Watch: HBO Sports Penguins/Capitals

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which joins forces with the National Hockey League to take viewers inside one of the NHL’s great rivalries, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals, for HBO's 24/7 series, PENGUINS/CAPITALS: ROAD TO THE NHL WINTER CLASSIC.

HBO Sports follows the two clubs simultaneously, chronicling their highs and lows each week. The teams will meet in a Dec. 23 regular-season matchup on the Capitals’ home ice, leading into episode three of 24/7 PENGUINS/CAPITALS, as the build-up intensifies for the Jan. 1 showdown at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.



The HBO Sports presentation debuts in prime time WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), with an immediate encore at 11:00 p.m.

Mike Tyson Boxing Hall of Famer

Mike Tyson, whose meteoric rise to the pinnacle of boxing and stunning fall from grace was legendary, was selected Tuesday for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez of Mexico and Russian-born Kostya Tszyu, a junior welterweight champion, also were selected, along with Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, referee Joe Cortez, and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone.

Tyson, 44, finished with a 50-6-0-2 record, winning 44 of those fights by knockout. He retired from boxing in 2005.

Tyson still gave the best job description I've ever heard.

Q: Mike, how do you describe what you do?
Mike T: I knock people the f&*k out!

Watch 'Iron' Mike doing his job!

'We Have To Do What Is Best For The Team'

We've heard Redskin coach Mike Shanahan utter those words this entire season. Like his decision making, or not, Mike Shanahan does what he thinks is best for the team.

Whether it's ridding the team of Devon Thomas, benching Donovan McNabb, or other.

The 'other' is what the sports world is talking about today.

In yesterday's Monday afternoon press conference Shanahan all but refused to address more Albert Haynesworth questions, telling reporters, "I'll wait until Wednesday to talk about Albert."

Maybe today's latest news is what Shanahan wanted to wait to talk to reporters about on Wednesday.

Haynesworth Suspended

The Redskins have decided to suspend Albert Haynesworth for four games ending the defensive end's season, and quite possibly his tenure with the team he says wishes would just let him play.

Apparently, the Redskins aren't playing either.

Haynesworth isn't just sitting out these last four games. He's not getting paid. No dinera. No bones. No duckets. No loot. No cheddar. No kidding. (Not that losing out on approximately $800,000 would hurt the volatile, defiant, unpredictibly predictable player.)

In a statement issued today, which the team accuses Haynesworth with "conduct detrimental to the club", Shanahan said:

"Despite the club’s numerous attempts to persuade Albert Haynesworth to abide by the terms of his contract, he has repeatedly refused to cooperate with our coaching staff in a variety of ways over an extended period of time. Among other things, he has consistently indicated to our defensive coaches that he refuses to play in our base defense or on first-down or second-down nickel situations. He has also refused to follow the instructions of our coaches both during weekly practices and during actual games as well."

Haynesworth sounded off yesterday on a sports talk radio show saying the accusations against him: (basically) coming to work with a hangover, not being able to perform the slightest of drills, being late to team meetings, are untrue.

He called those calling him out and talking behind his back, "cowards".

"I wish they would say that to my face", said Haynesworth.

FACT: Ain't nobody saying nothing to Haynesworth's face. At least not without expecting a concussional aftermath. I dare ya.

Apparently, Haynesworth isn't speaking directly to Shanahan's face either, instead opting to tell GM, Bruce Allen that he wasn't going to speak to Shanahan any further.

He may not be speaking to Shanahan but did have a mouthful to say on the air: "They pay me this money, let me play like I played in Tennessee. I will show you. I made a lot of plays in Tennessee. I can do the same thing here. All you've got to do is take off the dad gone leash and let me loose and you will see how great I am. I want to play football. That's what I want to do. Let me be great at it. Let me accomplish my goals. I want to be the best defense tackle to ever play this game."

Dude's got goals.

But dude's got issues, too.

From before training camp, during training camp, pre-season, in-season, the almost likeable (yeah, he has fans) Haynesworth has had more episodes than a 20-year running afternoon soap opera. Not even Luke and Laura, or Jesse and Angie, could provide such entertainment.

Open 'Letter' Time

As the late Phil Hartman said to Arnold Schwarzenegger in the holiday movie classic, "Jingle All The Way" after Arnold screwed up his family's Christmas: "You can't bench press your way out of this one."

To Albert: You can't $100 million dollar your way out of this one. In fact, you may end up losing more of that $100m should the team take legal action.

You had the chance of a lifetime.

Somebody paid you $100m to do what you claim you love to do. That's more loot than most of us Joe (and Josephine) Smoes will ever see in a lifetime.

You pull your Rolls Royce up to the front entrance of the Mac computer store in Reston, Virginia. You're revered outside of the Best Buy store in Fairfax by young fans.

You've been afforded more opportunities in one season than anybody will ever have in 5 lifetimes.

Homeless people sleeping on the bitter, cold streets of Washington DC are hating you right about now.

Your (and other's) antics contributed to the Redskins' dreadful, pathetic, embarrassing season.

If I could, I'd tell your mother to put you over her knee and give you a whooping of epic proportions. (Sorry, Momma Haynesworth).

However, if I misjudged any of this, I will be the first to stand corrected, and will apologize.

But until that moment proves itself I suggest you do something major to make up for your behavior, like making a major contribution (you can begin with us) to people of this city who had the highest hopes in you.

Is there any other way?

Okay, maybe actually playing like the Pro Bowler your record says you are. Maybe really play like you said you would when you first got here.

Related
Haynesworth Says Redskins are Challenging, Too.
Denver Coach Fired (Again)
________

It's Still Christmas Time.

Not all is bad this holiday season out at Redskins Park.

Despite the many woes the Redskins team have faced this season, there's still a ray of sunshine.


Yesterday, Skins' Brandon Banks and Lorenzo Alexander joined a group of 7 and 8 year old students from Steuart Weller Elementary School in Loudon County for an afternoon reading at Redskins Park of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.

After the reading, the students got a chance to ask the players questions like who's their favorite quarterback? (Interesting) How they became a Redskin. What their favorite season of the year is, and if they had any pets.

The kids loved the reading session and the free Redskin Activity packs given in partnership with Fed Ex, but still had one fundamental comment that every fan makes after a Redskin loss.

"I wish they would win."

The Skins continued their Holiday giving to kids by hosting a mitten and coat give away today at Macy's Dulles Town Center. Over 300 coats, mittens, and hats were donated to under served kids from Loudoun County, Prince George’s County, MD, and the District of Columbia as part of Macy’s 'Believe' campaign.

Your Turn To Give
The Skins to host Touchdown for Tots Toy Drive, Sunday, December 12th during the Redskins vs. Buccaneers game at FedExField.

Fans are encouraged to bring to the game a new, unwrapped toy for children and teens. Local Marines will be stationed at all stadium gates and suites entrances with collection bins to collect toys to distribute to children and teens in need throughout the DC Metro area this holiday season.

You can also Text “TD” to 50555 to donate a toy and apparently to make a $5 donation, or donate online at www.toysfortots.org/touchdown.

BB&T Classic This Sunday!

**Update**

Struggling University of Maryland loses to third-ranked Villanova, 95-86 in this year's BB&T Classic, scoring more three-pointers than two-pointers.

Maryland's sophomore Sean Mosley scored 26 points (a career-high). Jordan Williams earned a double-double (his first) of the season.

In other games on the day Navy despite being a close shadow behind George Washington, succumbed, losing 81-69.

GW's Damian Hollis and Lasan Kromah were the high scorers with 16 points a piece.

In other University of Maryland news, The Terps football team has accepted its invitation to represent the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in this year's December 29th Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman benefiting the USO.

The game will be televised live on ESPN at 2:30 p.m. ET.

__________


Can't get enough of college hoops? Ready for a little March Madness in December?

Come witness three games, featuring 6 teams as they battle it out in the 2010 BB&T Classic at the Verizon Center this Sunday.

Teams include University of Maryland v George Washington University, local schools American University v Naval Academy, plus Atlantic 10 three-peat champion Temple University v 21-game winner Florida University.

The event benefits the Children’s Charities Foundation (CCF).

The BB&T Classic weekend also includes "The BasketBall,” a black-tie event attended by representatives of the Classic teams and their coaches, top sports figures, business, community and national political leaders. This year’s gala will be held on December 4 at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC.

Howard Snaps Four Game Skid With 59-51 Win Over Long Island

The Howard women’s basketball team snapped its four game skid with a 59-51 win over Long Island on Dec. 1. The Lady Bison improve to 3-6 on the season, and will travel to Hampton, VA to take on Hampton Pirates on Dec. 4. The game is slated for 6 p.m.

“I think the team really bounced back well,” said head coach Niki Geckeler. “The focus today was for our team to play like a team. They defended and made easy transition baskets, and the half court execution was key to our victory.”

Saadia Doyle finished the game with 24 points and eight boards – shooting 8-for-13 from the floor and a flawless 7-for-7 at the charity stripe. Thus far, Doyle has recorded 20 points or more in five games.

Tamoria Holmes tallied nine points and five steals on the night. India Bradford also had nine points beyond a 3-for-6 mark from behind the arc. Cheyenne Curley-Payne finished with eight points while dishing out five assists.

The first-half was a see-saw affair as Howard and LIU traded baskets. Neither team held an advantage for more than five minutes. The score was knotted 27-27 after the first 20 minutes of play.

The Lady Bison came out the locker room with a three pointer from Adelle Walton to open up scoring in the second half. Howard outscored LIU 15-6 in the first nine-plus minutes of the second stint.

HU pushed the spread to as many as 13 points, 52-39, at the 4:28 mark. Howard did not relinquish its lead en route to the 59-51 win.

As a team, the Lady Bison shot 84 percent from the free-throw line (11-for-13) and 40 percent from the floor (21-for-52), while holding LIU to a 34.5 clip (19-for-55).

The Lady Bison pounded the ball down low outscoring the Blackbirds in the paint 24-22. HU scored 19 points off 23 Blackbird miscues.

For the Blackbirds, Heidi Mothershead finished the game with a team-high 15 points, while Chelsi Johnson recorded 14 points. Ashley Palmer had a team-best 13 boards.

The Lady Bison are back in action at Hampton on Dec. 4 beginning at 6 p.m.

Mystics Don New Colors

All the hype about the Wizards changing their name and the colors of their uniforms back to 1970 Bullets' red, white, and blue era is taking a back seat.

The Washington Mystics are the first team under the new Monumental Sports & Entertainment entity to receive such changes. Not a name change, but a uniform change.

The Mystics' new (and official) uniform colors are now red, navy, silver, and white.

Guard/forward Marissa Coleman models the new Mystics uniform. Photo Ned Dishman.
"Looks great. Looks smart and looks like a team that plays in our Nation’s Capital", said team owner, Ted Leonsis.

I'd have to agree.

Other proposed changes for the team will include new home and road uniforms, as well as a new court design.

The uniforms become the second item of change this offseason. The first item of change being Trudi Lacy becoming the team's newest head coach. Lacy, whose duties also include that of General Manager, replaced former head coach Judy Plank.

Under Plank's leadership, the Washington Mystics won the Eastern Conference’s regular season and secured the top seed for the playoffs in the East.

Keep up the Lady Mystics here.

Related
Tonight is John Wall Bobble Head Night
The Washington Wizards will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:00pm at Verizon Center tonight. Fans that plan on attending the game will want to arrive extra early as the first 10,000 fans will receive a John Wall Bobble Head.


Wizards 12 Days of Holiday Cheer

Wizards NOT Trading Gilbert

Washington Redskin nose tackle Ma’ake Kemoeatu was named the winner of the team’s 2010 Ed Block Courage Award. The honor is given annually to a player from each National Football League team who displays extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.

Kemoeatu worked diligently to rehabilitate his Achilles after suffering a season-ending tear during training camp in 2009 with the Carolina Panthers. He returned to the practice field this past offseason. During the 2010 season he has played in all 11 games, registering ten starts, with 28 tackles (22 solo).


The Courage Award is named after Ed Block, the longtime head athletic trainer of the Baltimore Colts who was a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian. The inaugural Ed Block Courage Award was presented in 1978 to Baltimore Colts’ defensive end, Joe Ehrmann. Following the Colts’ departure from Baltimore in 1984, the scope of the award expanded to include one player from every team in the NFL.

The 33rd Annual Ed Block Courage Awards March 8th, 2011 at Martin's West in Baltimore, MD.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was honored with the 2009 EBCA as was Washington's Phillip Daniels.

Other Redskin recipients include Reed Doughty (2008), Marcus Washington (2007), Randy Thomas (2006), Khary Campbell (2005), Brandon Noble (2004), Fred Smoot (2003), and Chris Samuels (2002).

The Redskins will 'courageously' take on the (7-4) Giants this Sunday in New York. This will be the 19th time Donovan McNabb will face the franchise. Hopefully he'll perform accordingly and give the home team a chance to make a playoff spot.

“The great ones do", said coach Shanahan. "You’ve got to play your best football in December and there’s no question about it. Teams that aren’t playing their best football in December, even if they get to the playoffs, chances are they’re not going to get anything accomplished once they do. Hopefully we can play our best football over the next month.”

Sports Quote of the Day

President Obama Remarks On James' Return To Cleveland

Perhaps the most interesting (and civil) soundbite regarding LeBron James making his return to Cleveland tonight comes from President Obama who said these words today: "It's going to be brutal."

James faces the team, and the city, that many say he betrayed.


For the record, yet again, GET OVER IT!

James gave the city almost ten years of his NBA career, having been drafted by Cleveland in 2002. That's more time than most employers give employees before they're laid off (remember last year's recession?), downsized, or furloughed.

Again, James doesn't owe any of us anything.

He doesn't put money in fan's pockets. He, like all other professional atheletes, takes money out of fan's pockets when fans chose to pay for tickets (season, or other) to see him play. He hasn't asked anything from the fans other than they treat him with the respect and dignity he deserves as a human being.

So on the evening that former LeBron James teammate Mo Williams remarks that LeBron returning to Cleveland is "almost like your ex-girlfriend coming to your wedding", I'm expecting the return to be a civilized and mature one.

We've already had immature behavior and fights this week in the world of sports that ending up having dire consequences.

But for the fans (and coaches) who won't be able to control themselves and act accordingly, I'm looking forward to seeing those people get ejected, fined, and never again be allowed back in a Cleveland stadium again.

Love him, or hate him, LeBron James' is going to do what LeBron James feels is right for LeBron James - just as you do in your own everyday life.

Enjoy watching Miami take on Cleveland tonight. Game time 8:00 pm.

Side Bar: President Obama had the stitches sustained in last week's basketball game removed today. He was hit in the lip by Rey Decerega, director of programs for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, who called the game "all in fun". The president received 12 stitches to his upper lip.


Cavs vs Miami update. James rips Cavs. Scores 38 in 118-90 triumphant win - hopefully silencing spoiled fans and critics everywhere.

FIFA World Cup™ Official Announcement Viewing Party Features New DC United Coach, Ben Olsen

**Update**

The FIFA Executive Committee has chosen Russia to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, while the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ was awarded to Qatar.

On the committee's selection FIFA president Joseph Blatter remarked, “I have to say thanks to to the Executive Committee of FIFA because for 2018 and 2022 we go to new lands, because the FIFA World Cup has never been in eastern Europe or the Middle East. So, I'm a happy president when we speak of the development of football."

Our own president said of the decision, "I think it was the wrong decision."

____




D.C. United’s newly announced head coach Ben Olsen, and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, join local and soccer officials and fans at the FIFA World Cup™ Official Announcement Viewing Party at the Newseum on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

The general public is invited to attend for FREE.

The United States is bidding to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Washington, D.C. is one of 18 candidate host cities.

The event will be held at the Newseum, located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street, N.W. The viewing party will take place in the Great Hall of News.

Also joining the festivities is Ed Foster-Simeon of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and representatives from the Washington, D.C. Local Bid Committee (Greater Washington Sports Alliance, D.C. United, Washington Redskins/FedExField, Washington Convention and Sports Authority, Destination DC and Greater Washington Board of Trade).

Read Snyder's Lips: No 2011 Ticket Increase!

The Washington Redskins announced today that they will not raise general admission season ticket prices for the 2011 season. The team has maintained current general admission ticket prices since the 2006 season.

The team also announced a full ticket refund policy for any 2011 preseason and regular-season games that are cancelled due to a work stoppage. The policy will apply to all seats, including General Admission, Premium Club Seats and Suites.

“We remain hopeful that an agreement can be successfully negotiated between the League and the Players Association,” said Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder. “If that does not occur, all Washington Redskins season ticket holders will be offered full refunds for any games that are missed.”

Season ticket holders will have the option to receive refunds in either the form that they paid for tickets (e.g., check, credit card), or in credits toward future games.