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Chris Bosh's New Home

For all you real estate buffs out there, check out the photos of Chris Bosh's new home in South Beach.

Bosh may be the third guy in the Miami Heat's line-up, but his house is worth top dollar at $12.5 million. This is over $3 million more than Lebron James' new home in the neighborhood. Here is a link to photos of James's home.

Which do you prefer? They both seem a bit too Miami Vice meets the Hogans to me!

Cliff Lee Goes Back to Philly

There is always that one guy that you can't get over. Despite his playboyish ways - dating you along with many other girls and eventually sending you packing - you only see his good looks and charm and are always ready to come crawling back. Well for all-star pitcher Cliff Lee, the Philadelphia Phillies are that guy.

Lee, a free agent (meaning he can be signed by any team), has just announced a new deal with the Philadelphia Phillies for a five-year $120 million deal. The Phillies came out of nowhere to win over Cliff Lee, as the Texas Rangers and NY Yankees were thought to be leading the negotiations. Lee not only gave up a bucket full of cash from the Yankees and Rangers, but also was able to overlook the fact that the Phillies once traded him across the country saying they couldnt afford him and yet signed pitcher Roy Halladay to a huge deal! Don't those Phillies sounds like that skeazy heartbreaker you know all too well?

So now Cliff Lee is running back to the Phillies who once sent him packing. The Phillies are also adding Lee to a stacked list of pitchers so it looks like Lee will be just one of many relationships the team will manage. If Lee had stayed with the Rangers he would have been the prized one and only love of the team. Now, he will have to share the spotlight and attention with an organization that once turned their back on him.

It is hard not to cheer for a player move that involves a player placing his interests over money, but in this case, Lee is still getting a big paycheck yet returning to the team that once left him heartbroken. He claims that he is more comfortable in Philly, but isn't that the tactic of a charmer? Sad to see the heartbreaker win out, cause we all know that they don't change.

What to Watch Tonight: Monday Night Football X2

Today is your lucky day, because there is not only one Monday Night Football game tonight, but two! Well, maybe you don't consider this fact to be good luck, but here is the scoop on tonight's match ups to keep you interested.

• NY Giants vs. Minnesota Vikings: This game was supposed to be played yesterday in Minnesota, but a major snowstorm up in the midwest seriously damaged the Vikings' stadium. Check out the video below. Instead, the game will be played tonight in Detroit at Ford Field. The story line of the night is whether Brett Favre will continue his consecutive starting streak and play tonight, despite a painful shoulder injury. Tune in at 7:20 eastern to find out.
• Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans: The Texans need the win to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Its offense is quite solid, so it needs to maintain its scoring and get its defense to step up against the Ravens. I have both teams' runningbacks on my fantasy football team so for my sake just root for each team to run the ball. Who knows, if my fantasy team wins it all there may be something in it for you - more money for Sportsgirl!

Football Turns Men Into Boys

There is something about the raw human nature element of the game of football that make football players resort to innate instincts. For example, only on the field do you see a player spank another man's butt, a quarterback put his hands between the legs of his teammate to get the ball, or even a bunch of men rubbing up against each other when tackling. Well, interestingly, this phenomenon of NFL men becoming immature boys on the field applies to coaches on the sideline too.

In the NY Jets vs. Miami Dolphins match up this weekend, Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi, intentionally stuck his knee out on the sideline in order to trip Dolphins player Nolan Carroll. Yes, a coach actually tripped a player on the field during the game. You can check out the video of the incident below:

As soon as the game was over Alosi personally apologized to Carroll, the Dolphins, and the Jets organization. He released a statement admitting his "mistake in judgment" and that his act was "inexcusable and unsportsmanlike."

It is like Alosi lost all sense of responsibility and maturity in the moment and resorted to a childlike action of tripping another. Yet, as soon as the game was over his adult perspective returned with his sincere apology. Sure we all have lapses in judgment from time to time, but should Alsoi be penalized for his actions in this scenario?

Players get punished all the time for acting outside the bounds of the beastly regulations of the NFL game with in-game penalties and post-game suspensions and fines. Shouldn't a coach who was on the sidelines and not even permitted to be a part of the game be sanctioned? Seems like a no-brainer to me, but the sincere immediate apology by Alsoi should minimize the crucifixion.

What to Watch: NFL Week 14

Here is a rundown on some of the major NFL storylines this weekend:

• N.Y. Giants at Minnesota Vikings: The question of the week is will Brett Favre start against the Giants? Favre has a current streak of starting 297 games in the NFL, but suffered a strained shoulder last week. He has been medically cleared to play, but will he be able to throw the ball effectively even with pain relieving injections? It is unlikely that Favre will let his streak end when the doctors have given him the go ahead. This guy is tough, despite his old age.
• Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is talking about starting again this week after just undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Is he crazy? Sure, this is a big game where the Chiefs have the opportunity to get control of the AFC West title, but is it really worth the risk of serious injury? The NFL should really be stepping in on this one to regulate Cassel's return post surgery.
• 
• New England Patriots at Chicago Bears: The Pats are looking unstoppable as of late, but Jay Cutler and his Bears could be the squad able to control Brady's good looks. If Cutler can harness his offense and control his offensive possessions they will have a chance. Truth is, I am still not starting Cutler on my fantasy team.

He's On Fire!

Just an update on who is hot right now on the court and who is melting the ice:

• In the NHL it is all about the Pittsburgh Penguins and their star Sidney Crosby - yea that guy from the Reebok commercials. Crosby in on a 17 game scoring streak with 20 goals and 15 assists, leading the Penguins to an 11 game winning streak. Better start taking note of Crosby, he may just be the NHL's guy to bring hockey more into the mainstream. Good looks and able to score - what else do we need?
• The Miami Heat seem to have controlled their fire. Since calling a team meeting a few weeks ago the team has gone on a winning streak. Lebron James had 33 points and Dwayne Wade 28 more in the Heat's win over the Utah Jazz last night. Looks like a game plan is being executed as a team instead of hot shots playing on their own.
• And in NYC, Raymond Felton, came alive alongside potential NBA MVP Amare Stoudamire. Stoudamire had another 30 point game against the Toronto Raptors last night, yet it was Felton who stole the show. Felton had 28 points, 11 assists, and the game winning three-pointer in the win. His last shot bounced on the rim five times prior to going in! Sometimes you need a little luck - or maybe Amare would have just slammed it in if it bounced out. Bottom line: teamwork wins games, and ultimately brings playoffs hope back to the big apple.

Urban Meyer Believes His Kids are Worth More than $20 million

University of Florida Coach Urban Meyer has announced his resignation for the end of the season. Meyer signed a six year $24 million guaranteed contract last year, therefore, by resigning, Meyer is walking away from approximately $20 million. Meyer claims to be walking away from Florida, a school he brought two BCS championships to, in order to spend more time with his family.

Meyer has three kids: a daughter who is a sophomore at Georgia Tech, a daughter who is a senior in high school, and a younger son. Meyer believes he missed out on watching his daughters play competitive volleyball and doesn't want to continue to miss out on their lives and his son's little league games.

Gotta admire a dad that loves his kids and openly admits that his kids and his marriage are more important than another big paycheck. Yet, myself being the oldest girl in a family arrangement of that of the Meyer's, I can't help but point out how the youngest Meyer, and a boy nonetheless, gets to have his dad around at a younger age and just when his sisters are leaving the house. Seems that the youngest child always get the best draw, even more so when the youngest child is a boy.

There is also much speculation that Meyer will return to coaching in the future. It will be interesting to see if he does, and if so, at what point in his life he feels that he has satisfied his role as a father and husband and is ready to give himself back to football. Will it be when his daughters finish playing college volleyball? When his son graduates college? When his grandchildren start playing sports? Clearly, his potential decision to rejoin coaching and his current resignation are sparked by particular life events that strike a chord within. At what point in life, if any, is it okay for an individual to regain the selfishness of his single days and put his family second to his own career endeavours?

Yankee Wedding Bells

This weekend, Yankee Nick Swisher will marry actress Joanna Garcia at the Breakers resort in Palm Beach. Not a bad time for a bunch of Yankees to party, since the team just locked up Derek Jeter for another several years (3-4 years for $50+ million). Jeter will unlikely attend, but instead expect to see CC Sabathia, Jamie Lynn-Siegler, Lance Bass, and even Cameron Diaz on the dance floor. Yet, will Diaz show up with or without A-Rod?

Launch of espnW

ESPN launched espnW this week, a "a destination for women who are passionate sports fans and athletes." It is about time! The site is still clearly figuring out who it wants to be, but check it out, of course, only after you've read Sportsgirl's posts for the day!

espnW

Dodger Unable to Dodge Drama

A new development was announced this week in the McCourt divorce drama. The McCourts bought the Los Angeles Dodgers years ago, but now the ownership of the team is in limbo. Here is the short story:

The McCourts bought the team in 2004 and shortly thereafter entered into an agreement that is now the subject of their divorce dispute. The agreement was allegedly created to separate the team from the McCourts other properties in case the team suffered financial hardship. The team was to be Frank McCourt's property, while the couple's real estate would become Jamie McCourt's property. Jamie adamantly denies this allegation, claiming that the team is community property, shared by the couple. The agreement was signed six times, three of which conform with Jamie's understanding of the agreement, and three of which are in line with Frank's opinion of what occurred. The couple was divorced in late 2009 and are still just revving up a lengthy divorce battle over control of the Dodgers.

Last week, Jamie rejected a mediator's decision regarding the divorce and instead proceeded to the first phase of a trial. This week the judge leading the trial ruled that the agreement signed between the couples does not give Frank sole ownership of the team. This is a huge victory for Jamie, but one that is going to draw out this battle for years into the future, unless the parties can agree on a settlement arrangement. A likely settlement would require the parties to sell the team outright and split the proceeds.

Unfortunately, at this point it is bad for baseball, the Dodgers, and L.A. if either of the McCourts continue to control the team. The team will not only be the subject of costly litigation, but also a casualty in an ugly divorce. Any other individual will bring a better image to the team and hope to Los Angeles.

McCourts - it is time to give it up. Take a check now, because otherwise your legal fees will continue to diminish your bottom line, publicly and financially.

Fashion Tip from Serena

Tennis phenom Serena Williams may look a little burly at times, but she has a strong girlishness within. In addition to starting many fashion lines and making many fashion statements on the court, she has a new fashion trick up her sleeve.

After undergoing surgery on her foot, Serena, decided to bedazzle her cast with Swarovski crystals! Nothing like sparkles to make the best out of a tough situation. So next time you ask someone to sign your cast, think again - ask them to bedazzle.

What to Watch Tonight

Monday Night Football tonight is a classic match up between the NY Jets and New England Patriots. The Jets are the only team to win all their road games, but will really be challenged tonight in New England. Which of the match ups between these teams are the most interesting to you?

• Quarterbacks: Tom Brady of the Pats vs. Mark Sanchez of the Jets - Both are playing well and are female fantasies. Who will have a better performance tonight?
• Coaches: Three time Superbowl winning coach Bill Belichick vs. fun loving comedic Rex Ryan of the Jets - Rex has won over the crowd and his players, but Belichick has a proven record. Who can coach their team to the win?
• Defenses: This is where the Jets have the edge, but will it be enough?

Post your comments!

College Bowl Games

Just when you thought you could move on from college football madness the bowl games hype starts rolling in. In order to make more money in college football, the authorities that be, decided that there should be head-to-head match ups between top ranked teams after the respective conference championships have been played. Therefore in the next month or so, there will be a bunch of bowl game match ups culminating in the Championship Game in January. Here are the major bowl games to look out for:

• Oregon v. Auburn - Championship Game: This match up is for all the marbles. Yet, no one really believes that this system actually crowns a champion, since the match ups are determined without a playoff season. Nonetheless, definitely catch this game on January 10th.
• Virginia Tech v. Stanford - Orange Bowl: Tech pulled out the ACC title and Stanford is arguably the best team in college football. Who will in in east vs. west?
• Texas Christian v. Wisconsin - Rose Bowl: TCU may be angry for not making it in the championship game, despite being undefeated and ranked third in the country, but winning the Rose Bowl would be a great chance to prove their talents. Plus, who doesn't want to travel to L.A. to play?

World Cup Bids Announced

Today FIFA announced the World Cup bids for 2018 and 2022. And the winners are....

2018 - RUSSIA

2022 - QATAR

Yes, you heard that right. A mob run country is getting the Cup in 2018 and even more shocking is Qatar's win over the United States in 2022! Does anyone know where Qatar is? Regardless, a World Cup in a desert sounds pretty unbearable to me. Someone must have really gotten some good bribes to let this one through.

Tom Brady's Modeling Career

Gisele is working her magic on hubby Tom Brady, by convincing him to take on more modeling gigs. Brady has just signed on to be the new spokeman for UGG boots. You'd think that he could pick a more manly brand, but I guess his long hair is getting to him and making him soft. Nonetheless, this means more pics of Brady for us all to stare at.

What to Watch Tonight: Lebron Goes Back to Cleveland

Since Lebron James' "Decision" to abandon the Cleveland Cavaliers and move to the Miami Heat, today has been an anticipated day on the calendar, because it is the first time James will return to Cleveland. You would think that Lebron, and the owner of the Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert, would be over this hoopla by now, but clearly not.

It has just been revealed that Gilbert has engaged a law firm to investigate James' move to Miami. Gilbert has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch a tampering claim - basically saying that Miami illegally contacted James while still in Cleveland. Gilbert must be so bitter about losing James (and the millions that went with him) that he has lost all rationality. He is spending an absurd amount of money on this investigation, with the best case scenario only awarding him a draft pick! Even his executives have advised him against pursuing this investigation.

The pride of men is so strong, that sometimes they lose sight of how their actions ultimate effect their image. Lebron tried to be Mr. Good Guy with his "Decision" at the Boys and Girls Club and his new Nike campaign, but ultimately became the most hated sports figure by failing to accept any wrongdoing. And now Gilbert, unable to accept losing James, is irrationally fighting and spending to place blame elsewhere. Clearly, boys will always be boys - when will they grow up and accept their place and move on?

Feel Good Moment

Pat Summitt is a legend in college basketball. She has been the coach of the University of Tennessee's women's basketball program forever, winning numerous championships. Summitt is thought by many to be the best coach of all time.

Now, Summitt has a new feat to be proud of. Her son, Tyler Summitt, recently walked on to the Tennessee men's basketball team, and in last night's game against MTSU, Tyler Summit scored a three pointer, his first points as a Vol. Good for Tyler to find his own moment of fame - maybe it can be attributed to the miracle of Hanukkah!

Football in LA?

I have closely followed the campaigns over the last several years to bring NFL football back to Los Angeles. LA used to have two NFL teams and now has none! Crazy, right? Especially, because Los Angeles is the second largest media market in the country, and therefore, a huge money maker for the NFL.

Well, today there has been a new exciting development for football in LA. Magic Johnson, who recently sold his stake in the LA Lakers (and his Starbucks chains), announced that he has teamed up with AEG to bring a NFL team to LA. Johnson did not announce which team is in the running, but rumors are swirling around the San Diego Chargers as the likely candidate.

I would normally be skeptical of a scheme like this actually coming to fruition, but AEG has a good plan for a downtown LA stadium and the Chargers desperately need a new facility. Plus, it's my birthday so gotta be optimistic today!

Sportsman of the Year

The Sports Illustrated 2010 title of Sportsman of the Year goes to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Brees pulled out the Superbowl win this year and has done so much to rejuvenate the New Orleans community.

Communication is the Answer

Lebron James' move to the Miami Heat with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh has not lived up to the hype. The team is 10-8, there are rumors of mutiny against the coach, and the superstars talents continue to clash on the court. Well, there was a glimmer of hope for this squad in their win yesterday against the Washington Wizards. Lebron had 20 points in the first half and Wade dominated in the second.

So whats the reason for the clear turnaround? James and Coach Spoelstra say communication is the key. The two met before the game to discuss the team's situation and the Coach stated that he hopes to continue to meet and create a better flow of conversation between all the players, including Wade and Bosh.

Sure, communication is beneficial. But doesn't the Heat realize that they only beat the Wizards, one of the worst teams in the NBA? The Wizards are 5-11 and their best player, John Wall, was sidelined for the game!

What do Tom Brady and Rex Ryan Have in Common?

They are both married to Supermodels!

Rex Ryan had some fun with the press yesterday while discussing this week's rematch between the NY Jets and New England Patriots. Ryan, the comedic loud mouth heavyset coach of the Jets, said yesterday that, "I never realized how similar that I am to Tom Brady. I mean, the obvious physical appearance would be the first thing. The fact that he's married to a supermodel? Hello?" Ryan then revealed a picture of his wife in InStyle magazine modeling NFLShop clothes and grinned revealing, "Yeah, I'm also married to a supermodel."

Sure, Mrs. Ryan does not match Gisele's modeling career with her NFL ad, but gotta give her mad props. Guess Brady's got nothing on Ryan.

Interesting Sports Moments from the Weekend

• Andre Johnson received the game ball against the Tennessee Titans, despite being ejected for a brawl against Cortland Finnegan. Johnson received the ball for catching 60+ catches in a season for the eighth year in a row.Bad timing for Coach Kubiak - nothing like rewarding a player for beating the crap out of a competitor and risking a suspension in a critical game this week!
• Boise State, after arguing for years that they deserve a chance to play for the BCS title, lost to Nevada in a heartbreaker, ending the team's perfect season. The whole team is to blame for losing a 17 point lead, but the Boise State kicker, Kyle Brotzman, took the heat for missing not only an easy field goal in regulation but another one in overtime! Members of the university felt so bad for the heat the kicker was taking that they even started a facebook group in support of him.
• The only light that the miserable Buffalo Bills have seen this season is through receiver Steve Johnson. Yet, in an unbelievable overtime match up against the tough Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson was delivered the perfect ball in the endzone and dropped it, subsequently losing the game. Johnson accepted the blame, but later tweeted that he blamed the play on God. Of course he never thanked God for the three touchdowns he caught last week...

Brawl on the Field

The bullying craze is now making its way to the football field. Sure, throughout the league's history players have trash talked and gotten away with petty jabs, but this week the bullying came to a head in the Houston Texans match up against the Tennessee Titans.

Titans cornerback, Cortland Finnegan, had been pestering Texans receiver Andre Johnson all game. Johnson told Finnegan to stop taking out his frustration on him. Yet, Finnegan took the bullying another step by pushing Johnson's facemask. Johnson lost his cool and ripped off Finnegan's helmet, landing two solid punches in Finnegan's face. Finnegan was able to take off Johnson's helmet before refs broke it up. The brawl was intense and would have been a contender for best fight even in the NHL.

The players were ejected from the game and are awaiting a ruling from the league regarding fines and potential suspension for their behavior. Johnson immediately apologized after the game for his actions and accepted full responsibility.

Reminds me of Lindsey Lohan's "Cady Heron," fighting the Plastics in "Mean Girls." But a fine by the NFL will unlikely deter NFLers from trashtalking, like "Ms. Norbury's' (Tina Fey's) fuzzy assembly did for the high school mean girls.

Young's Stupidity Will Cost Him Year at Tennessee

Prior to being drafted, quarterback Vince Young's intelligence was tested, along with the other draft prospects that year, using the Wonderlic Test. Young scored a 6 out of 50 on the test, where teams look for QBs scoring 20 and above. This test did not significantly hurt Young's draft position, but the team that drafted him, the Tennessee Titans, are now probably questioning their decision.

During the Titans loss Sunday, Coach Jeff Fisher, pulled Young from the game after he injured his thumb. Young subsequently threw a tantrum by tossing his pads and helmet into the stands, arguing with Fisher in the locker room, and ultimately storming out. Young claims he was simply frustrated at Fisher for lacking confidence in him to return to the game. Well, Fisher clearly knew what he was dealing with, because Young's thumb injury ultimately required season ending surgery.

Since the incident, Young has been banned from attending all team meetings. (He is still allowed to undergo therapy on his thumb at the facility pursuant to NFL rules.) Clearly, Fisher is fed up with Young's 6 year old intelligence, because the childlike tantrums are not going to work for a starting NFL quarterback.

Titans owner will have a decision to make - keep respected coach Fisher for approx. $3 million next year or Young for $15 million. This is one of those times where the sale item is much superior to the full-priced. Guess Young will have to do some shopping for a new team next season...Maybe this time he will hire an agent with a higher score on the Wonderlic than himself.