John Amaechi Comes Out: Which NBA Player Will be Next?

John Amaechi has come out of the closet and a media frenzy quickly followed. 

The announcement by the British former basketball player John Amaechi that he is gay polarized opinion and drew comment from all aspects of American society today, according to the Times of London, which first broke the story.  Amaechi spent 6 years in the NBA.

Charles Barkley: "(Gambling) a Stupid Bad Habit"

He once gambled and lost $2.5 million over a six hour period.  This Super Bowl, Charles Barkley was much more luckier.  He walked out of Vegas with $700,000.

In an interview with Phoenix television station KTVK, Barkley said he won "about $700,000" over the weekend.

"That was all profit [from] blackjack and I bet on the Super Bowl. I had the Colts," Barkley added. "I played a lot of blackjack."

Barkley did not say how much he bet on Sunday's game in which Indianapolis beat the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Miami.

In an ESPN interview in May 2006, Barkley estimated that he'd lost about $10 million gambling over the years.

He said Monday that he lost $2.5 million "in a six-hour period" one night last year.

"It's a stupid, bad habit. I have a problem," Barkley said of his gambling. "But the problem is when you can't afford it. I can afford to gamble. I didn't kill myself when I lost two and half million dollars … I like to gamble and I'm not going to quit."

Aside from the game itself, which was pretty decent, the most memorable part of Super Bowl 2007 may very well have been Prince's halftime performance.  None of the commercials are likely to be remembered beyond Monday's hangovers.

Let's just cut to the chase.  The 2007 Super Bowl commercials all seemed forced and cliched.  Some - like the "rock paper scissors" throwing bit from Bud Light - were complete ripoffs from last year's commercials (and this from a company that traditionally churns out laugh out loud television ads).

The 2007 Super Bowl commercials were either too focused on elaborate special effects without substance or humor without humor.  Then there were the cutsie spots that, because of special effects, they lacked their cutsie quality. 

That Mean Joe Green Coke commercial from way back when ranks among the very best Super Bowl commercials for a reason.  It was touching, sentimental and not "in your face". 

The eTrade commercial did catch our attention during the 3rd quarter of the 2007 Super Bowl.  Even though it came off as "gimmicky" with poor acting, the message was enough to get us laughing: "Stop Getting Robbed by Your Bank".  Soft fuzzy creatures - and there were plenty of them - that's been done before and gets old after a while.  Reserve those for American Idol please.

Most of the media on Monday focused its attention on the brilliant half time performance of Prince. 

The Boston Herald suggested that Prince was this Super Bowl's MVP:

"His Super Bowl set figured to be the artistic death knell for the artist formerly known as the Artist Formerly Known As Prince.

"Surprise. Prince turned the Super Bowl into his career rebirth. Dressed in Miami Dolphin teal (his suit) and orange (his shirt), his hair wrapped in a do-rag, the 48-year-old got his 15-minute party started by ripping into "Let’s Go Crazy," and playing awesome guitar.

"After shrieking implicit tribute to Little Richard and the late James Brown, he careened into an unexpected medley of "Proud Mary" and a Hendrix-challenging version of "All Along the Watchtower," before doing the Foo Fighters’ "Best of You" better than the Foo Fighters. And he was accompanied by a few thousand horn players from the Florida A&M marching band."

BET ON THE 2008 SUPER BOWL NOW HERE

Gambling911.com's own Anna Lexington (most famous for her interview with Kobe Bryant last year) won't be participating in the Lingerie Bowl any time soon.  The half time special featuring scantily clad babes playing hardcore real football has been cancelled after only a three year run. 

Last year, the pay per view event was sponsored and nearly taken over by Bodog.com  That company has now shifted its attention to mixed martial arts and is now a recognized name among UFC aficionados. 

2007 Drivers World Championship: Fernando Alonso Setting the Pace

Formula One reigning world champion Fernando Alonso showed he will again be the man to beat this season in the 2007 Drivers World Championship after setting the fastest time in the first of three days of testing in Spain.

Betting odds on the 2007 Drivers World Championship Here

The two-time world champion who moved to McLaren for the upcoming season, was a second faster in his new MP4-22 than the flying Finn Kimi Raikkonen was in the new Ferrari.

Renaut in their new R27 car which was put through its paces in Jerez in southern Spain last week, posted the third fastest time with test driver Nelson Piquet Jr. behind the wheel.

Ferrari begin the post-Michael Schumacher era with Raikkonen behind the wheel of the Ferrari F1 car F2007.

With Bridgestone now supplying all the teams, speed and reliability will determine the 2007 Drivers World Champion and the constructors championship winner.

IASbet.com Outright betting on the 2007 Drivers World Championship

Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)-Ferrari 2.20
Fernando Alonso (ESP)-McLaren 3.00
Felipe Massa (BRA)-Ferrari 5.00
Jenson Button (GBR)-Honda 11.00
Heikki Kovalainen (FIN)-Renault 17.00
Giancarlo Fisichella (ITA)-Renault 21.00
Lewis Hamilton (GBR)-McLaren 21.00
Rubens Barrichello (BRA)-Honda 26.00

IASbet.com Outright betting on the 2007 Constructors Championship

Ferrari 1.70
McLaren 3.00
Renault 7.00
Honda 11.00
Toyota 21.00
BMW Sauber 51.00
Williams 67.00
Red Bull 67.00

Betting odds on the 2007 Drivers World Championship Here

Roger Federer Big Favorite to win Grand Slam

After cruising to his tenth major singles title at the Australian Open, talk of Roger Federer capturing tennis’ elusive Grand Slam is gaining steam. In Australia, the world’s top-ranked player showed his dominance by becoming the first man since 1980 to capture a major championship without losing a single set in the tournament. Although the feat hasn’t been accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969, leading online sportsbook PinnacleSports.com now lists Roger Federer at just 3/1 to complete the Grand Slam in 2007.

Leading international sports betting site, PinnacleSports.com originally released odds on the number of Grand Slam singles titles won by Roger Federer prior to the start of this year’s Australian Open. Now with the first major tournament already under his belt, the bettors at PinnacleSports.com believe Federer has a very good chance to complete the Grand Slam this year. Knowing that the world’s top player has never won the French Open, PinnacleSports.com lists the chances that Federer falls just one title short of completing the Grand Slam for the third time in his career as a 3/2 favorite. The odds that Federer will finish the year with just two major championships currently stands at 5/2, while the most unlikely scenario is that Federer will close 2007 with only one Grand Slam title at 11/1 odds.

“Although history would have you believe it’s nearly impossible to win the Grand Slam, nothing appears to be out of Roger Federer’s reach,” said Simon Noble of PinnacleSports.com. “While the red clay at Roland-Garros has been his Achilles heel, Federer is no pushover and will likely enter the French as only a slight underdog to two-time reigning champion Rafael Nadal. If he can conquer the French Open, the experts will consider the Grand Slam a virtual lock for Federer who has dominated Wimbledon and the US Open in recent years.”

Those of you living outside the US may place odds on Roger Federer and how many Grand Slam Singles titles he receives Here



Current Odds: *All Odds Subject To Change*



How Many Grand Slam Singles Titles Will Roger Federer Win In 2007?

One 11/1

Two 5/2

Three 3/2

Grand Slam 3/1



For a more information and a complete list of odds, please visit PinnacleSports.com (see website here).

France and America do not always see eye to eye....actually, they rarely do, especially when it comes to issues such as "War".

But in an unusual move, the French authorities have followed in American footsteps by apparently waging war on internet gambling, according to Poker News.  The country has already gone after BWIN, an Austrian-based online gambling firm, arresting key executives in that company last September. 

"Fans of televised poker on British screens will be well aware of the Chris Moneymaker advertisements. As one of the faces of Pokerstars, one of the Internet's most popular poker rooms, Moneymaker is a well known poker personality and former World Series of Poker champion.

"Across the English Channel our near neighbours in France are aware of Moneymaker (and Pokerstars) too! Le Salon des Ambassadeurs, a French club, have banned all images of Moneymaker and Pokerstars. The former world champion often comes under attack for his playing style and the manner of his victory at the WSOP a couple of years ago. However, it's hard to imagine Moneymaker could have ever envisaged his face, along with his sponsor Pokerstars, would be banned from advertisements."

In other developments, Poker News announced that the popular Deauville leg of the European Poker Tour would be scrapped.

"Two incredibly successful EPT events in Deauville in 2005 and 2006 meant nothing to French authorities who pulled the plug on the 2007 event earlier this month."

Warsaw, Poland and Dortmund, Germany were named as the new hosts, replacing Deauville, France.  Italy are also due to relax gambling laws in 2007.

Arsenal v. Tottenham ranks among one of the most heated rivalries in sports.  Tottenham comes in as the 11/8 home favorite while Arsenal is listed with odds of 9/5.  The Asian Handicap is also available at Canbet.com (see website here)

Arsenal is listed with 12/1 odds of winning the 2007 Champions League and 21/1 odds of winning the English Premiership.

From ThisDayOnline.com:

"Following Arsenal’s stunning come from behind win over great rivals Manchester United over the weekend, the Gunners will no doubt be in very buoyant mood confident that they will have more than enough in their arsenal to overcome their opponents.

"With FA Cup 4th round action coming up this weekend Arsene Wenger is bound to ring the changes putting out effectively a second XI, but considering that it was such a selection that completely outclassed and outgunned Liverpool 6-3 in the FA Cup 3rd round, it will be of scant consolation for Jol.

"However, with the game taking place at White Hart Lane the onus is thus on Spurs to take the battle to Arsenal in the hope that they would get a result good enough to make the return leg a mere formality."

Remember: Canbet Offers a 20% Signup Bonus PLUS FREE BET

Julio Baptista Betting Props Announced

Wenger To Unleash The Beast Julio Baptista?

Julio Baptista was in scintillating form against Liverpool in the last round of the Carling Cup and bet365 have a number of markets on the Brazilian for the short trip to White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth “The ‘Beast’ will be straining at the leash to get involved after his performance at Anfield a couple of weeks ago.

“Baptista is yet to get a consistent run of games in the Premiership, but he may force Wenger’s hand if he produces the goods again on Wednesday.”

Julio Baptista Performance – Spurs v Arsenal

Score 9/4

Score 2 or more 12

Hat Trick 40


Total Premiership Goals

Place Bets Here

Under 2.5 5/6

Over 2.5 5/6



(Currently has 0 goals)

Calgary Flames Best Odds to Win 2007 Western Conference Championship

In the "Battle of Alberta" as it is being dubbed by Victoria Times, the Calgary Flames are seen by oddsmakers as the most likely to win the 2007 Western Conference Championship of the two Canadian teams.  Still, the payout is enormous: US$750 for every US$100 bet at VIP.com, which gladly accepts Canadian sports bettors.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers were listed with 20 to 1 odds of winning the Western Conference.

Ronaldinho Coming to the US?  Beckham Combo Huge for MLS

An interview to Ronaldinho’s agent and brother on a Brazilian website will no doubt fuel rumours linking the player, not only to Milan for next season, but perhaps even the US.

Roberto de Assis, brother of the Barcelona striker, told Globoesporte: “There are no problems between Ronaldinho and Barcelona, everything is fine, but this does not mean we will not look at any offers we receive. For example, we know that a team from the United States is interested”

If Ronaldinho comes to the US, he would be joining super star David Beckham.  The LA Galaxy, however, has already announced they will not be bringing on any other players.  Ronaldo is another big name international player and current teammate of Beckham's on Real Madrid.

Beckham will help add glitz and glamour to Major League Soccer in the US but in order to help build a serious following for the sport itself, will all hinge on how well Beckham wins over the fans of the Hispanic community.

Ronaldinho will have absolutely no problem in that area.

While Ronaldinho's agent insists that a US team is interested in the soccer superstar, it is not likely he will be leaving Barcelona any time soon as there exists no problem between Ronaldinho and his current club.

Barcelona's odds to win the 2007 Champions League remained at +337 at PinnacleSports.com (see website here) which translates into a US$337 win for every US$100 bet.

Chelsea Betting Odds: Who Leaves First, Next Chelsea Manager

Who Leaves Chelsea First – Jose Or Sheva?

bet365 make Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho 4/6 to leave Chelsea before Andriy Shevchenko after he gave the £30m striker the cold shoulder on Saturday.

Spokesman Steve Freeth “Mourinho seemed to be making his point to Abramovich at Anfield when he shook hands with every Chelsea player bar Shevchenko, but we’re leaning towards the goal-shy Ukrainian outlasting the ‘Special One’ at Stamford Bridge.”

bet365 have also cut their price on Sheva reaching double figures in the Premiership from 12/1 to 15/2.

“He doesn’t seem to have much support from his team mates, but the punters still have faith in the expensive flop.”

Open an online betting account at bet365.com Here



Who Leaves Chelsea First?



Andriy Shevchenko 11/10

Jose Mourinho 4/6



Next Permanent Chelsea Manager



Guus Hiddink 6/4

Marcello Lippi 7/2

Didier Deschamps 11/2

Felipe Scolari 7

Juande Ramos 10

Fabio Capello 12

Roberto Mancini 14

Sven Goran Eriksson 16



Others on request



Total Shevchenko Premiership Goals



Under 6.5 8/11

Over 6.5 Evs



To Reach Double Figures 15/2

Sharapova Downgraded as Clijsters the New Favorite to Win Australian Open

Belgian Kim Clijsters has set a quarter-final date with Martina Hingis after defeating Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova while super star Maria Sharapova was downgraded from the early favorite at online gambling sites like Canbet.com (see website here) US customers prohibited

Clijsters was now listed with 15/8 odds of winning the Australian Open heading into Monday morning.  Sharapova had odds of 9/4 after initially being listed as the favorite to win.

Serena Williams still has great value at 4/1 odds or a payout of US$400 for every US$100 bet.

Grand slam champions Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters moved a step closer to hoisting another major trophy after both claimed straight-sets victories on the sixth day of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Rain caused the majority of the matches on the outside courts to be either delayed and moved to the main courts or postponed until Sunday - but both Sharapova and Clijsters easily accounted for their less-experienced rivals.

Top seed Sharapova overcame 30th seed Tathiana Garbin of Italy 6-3 6-1, while Clijsters inflicted a 6-3 6-3 defeat on Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine.

Sharapova admitted afterwards: "I thought (my match) was pretty good.

"I thought I was a bit slow in the beginning of the match. I was letting her play her game a little too much."

Roger Federer a -222 Favorite to win Australian Open

Defending champion Roger Federer is an expected red-hot -222 favourite at Canbet to win a third Australian Open crown in Melbourne.

Maria Sharapova 11/5 Favorite in Australian Open

Maria Sharapova has been listed as the 11/5 favorite in the 2007 Australian Open January 28.  Sharapova will enter a grand slam tournament as the top seed for only the second time, as she replaces No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Pending further withdrawals, the Open field will include eight former world No. 1s, 18 of the top 20 women and all the top 20 men, including Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who was unseeded during his surprise run to last year's final but returns 12 months later as the No. 11, according to The Age.

Henin-Hardenne, cited personal problems for backing out of the Australian Open. 

Sharapova will certainly be a big draw this year.  She is the reigning US Open champion, after defeating Henin Hardenne in the 2006 final, and she's the highest paid female athlete.

XtraMSN tells us, she showed her spunk, after the match, when fending off accusations her notorious father Yuri had instructed her when to eat a banana during the final.  

She said: "I believe, at the end of the day, personally, my life is not about a banana."

Joumana Kidd

The divorce filing came less than a day after the 33-year-old NBA player filed a domestic violence complaint seeking a temporary restraining order against his wife.

Now comes word that Joumana Kidd has counterattacked through her high profile attorney, Raoul Felder.

"He says he's threatened by her? He's a star athlete. She's 5-foot-2, I think, and 105 pounds," said celebrity New York divorce lawyer Raoul Felder, one of the attorneys representing Joumana Kidd.

"It's shameful what he did here. The truth will come out," said Felder on Wednesday, adding his client planned to file a counter compliant within a week.

Monday night, Felder said police showed up at the couple's Saddle River estate and, instead of serving Joumana Kidd with the restraining order, forced her to leave.

"The police put her out of her own home, originally giving her 30 minutes to get out with the three children," Felder said. "It turns out the police misinterpreted the court's order."

Attorneys for Kidd said he never intended for his wife to be kicked out of their home when he applied for the order of protection. On Tuesday morning, they went to court to get the order clarified so Joumana Kidd legally could remain in the house. 

Calling her "a battered and harassed wife in every sense of the word," Felder said it was "absurd" to think that the former Budweiser model was the abuser in the relationship given Kidd's former domestic violence charge.

"He's going to have to deal with the real court and not the basketball court," Felder said.

Jason Kidd's attorney, Madeline M. Marzano-Lesnevich, objected to the suggestion that size was a factor in the abuse.

"The complaint speaks for itself, but if the suggestion is that you need to be smaller than someone to be abused by them, the police logs are filled with examples to the contrary."

The Kidds, married in 1997, were involved in a domestic violence matter six years ago when he played for the Phoenix Suns.

In that incident, Jason Kidd was arrested in January 2001 after Joumana told police he slapped her in the face during an argument about feeding their son, who is now 8. The couple also have 4-year-old twin daughters.

Jason Kidd and Joumana Kidd File for Divorce

Nets star's accuses wife Joumana of mental and physical abuse
 

It's not all rosy on the court of the New Jersey Nets, nor are things rosy in the Kidd home.  Accusations of abuse, both mental and physical have been described in court filings.  And it's not Joumana Kidd who is claiming abuse. 

Pete Carroll Intrigued by Miami Dolphins Offer

USC Coach Pete Carroll met with Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga for over four hours Tuesday while vacationing in Costa Rica.  Huizenga had flown his private jet to the Central American nation, which also serves as the biggest online gambling jurisdiction in the world, hosting several dozen internet sportsbooks.

Though coach Pete Carroll says he's committed to staying at Southern California, he seems intrigued by the ideas of Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga.

Pete Carroll would likely need complete control and a lot of money to make a move to the NFL.

"This was the one instance I've come in contact with that has all the elements I have talked about," Carroll said at a news conference on campus. "[Huizenga] has structured a program where the head coach has the entire say, from top to bottom.

"It's a one-voice program. I don't think there are any other situations like that in the NFL."

Carroll said he was not offered the Miami coaching job, and stressed that he has never thought about leaving USC since arriving after the 2000 season.

"I'm thrilled to be here," he said. "As I've been the whole time, I haven't wavered. I know that being curious about it has helped me appreciate what we have here.

"I absolutely expect to be here."

The 55-year-old Carroll formerly coached the New York Jets and New England Patriots before coming to USC, and has often said he preferred coaching in the college ranks because he had complete control.

Miami Dolphins May Hire USC Coach Pete Carroll

He's coached with some success in the NFL already.  USC coach Pete Carroll appears to be high on the Miami Dolphins "wish list" of head coaches, enough so that Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has flown a private plane down to Costa Rica to hunt Carroll down.

Pete Carroll has been vacationing in the Central American tropical paradise, which also serves as home to a few dozen online sports betting companies. 

A Dolphins spokesman declined to say whether Huizenga met with Carroll. USC spokesman Tim Tessalone said Carroll was expected to return from vacation Tuesday.

"Pete hasn't gotten back, so I don't have any information to share with you," Tessalone said.

In the 1990s, Carroll coached the New York Jets for one season and the New England Patriots for three before being fired. As recently as last week, he denied rumors he wanted to return to the pros.

If the 55-year-old Carroll is interested in the Dolphins job, he would become the front-runner. He led the Trojans to a fifth consecutive Bowl Championship Series appearance this season and beat Michigan in the Rose Bowl. He's 65-12 with two national titles in six seasons at Southern California.

The Dolphins interviewed two candidates Monday: their defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.

The Head Coaching position has been left vacant following the surprise exit by two-year coach Nick Saban. 

Adam Scott moves to No. 3 on World Rankings

Australia's own, Adam Scott, finished runner-up to Fiji Vijay Singh in the season-opening PGA Tour even in Hawaii Monday and that was enough to book him to number 3 on the world rankings. 

"Second does suck, but I try to take a positive out of every week," said Scott, who is heading home to Sanctuary Cove for a five-week break. "I thought I was in the hunt with two to go, that two birdies might be enough to get into a play-off. It looked earlier on I had no chance, but I had a sniff standing on the 17th tee. I left it a little too late, but it was nice to claw my way back by the end."

Scott was the only player to put any pressure on Singh during the final round, but a poor start proved too much to overcome as he never got closer than two shots.

Fiji’s Singh carded a solid bogeyfree 70 to finish at 14-under-par 278 in a moderate breeze at Kapalua’s Plantation course.

Scott (69) was unchallenged for second on 280, with South African Trevor Immelman (72) another three strokes back in third place.

Scott was born in Adelaide, Australia. His good looks and Aussie charm have contributed to his popularity on tour, and placed him much in demand from corporate sponsors. He is often talked of as a natural successor to Greg Norman in Australian golf, an impression reinforced when Norman's former caddy joined up with Scott in 2004.

His playing career took off in 2001, his first full year as a professional golfer, when he won the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Championship in Johannesburg, South Africa. The following year he recorded two further European Tour victories, at the Qatar Masters and the Scottish PGA Championship.

2003 saw another European win in the Scandinavian Masters and his first win on the US PGA Tour, at the Deutsche Bank Championship. Further PGA Tour successes followed in 2004 at The Players Championship and the Booz Allen Classic. Early in 2005 he won the Nissan Open and reached the top ten of the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time. Scott now concentrates mainly on the PGA Tour and 2005 was the last year that he played enough European Tour events to qualify for the European Tour Order of Merit, but he continues to play all over the world. In 2006 he won the Tour Championship and finished third on the PGA Tour money list.

Scott represented Australia in the WGC-World Cup in 2002 and was a member of the International Team at the Presidents Cup in 2003 and 2005.

Cardinals Fire Dennis Green in First NFL Coach Casualty

One of the sharpest - if not the sharpest - online sports betting companies in the land, PinnacleSports.com (see website here) has demonstrated once more why their odds cannot be ignored with the firing of Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green.

Pinnacle had him listed as the even favorite to get fired first earlier this season.

Odds appearing below were posted in October.  You Can Bet on the 2007 NFL Playoffs Here

The Arizona Cardinals announced Monday that they have fired head coach Dennis Green.

Green became the 33rd head coach in Cardinals history back in January of 2004 and his hiring was met with much optimism, as he had successfully revitalized programs before on both the collegiate and professional level.

His tenure did not live up to expectation, however. Green compiled just a 16-32 record in his three seasons in Arizona, including a 5-11 mark in both 2005 and 2006.

The most recent disappointment came despite the major offseason acquisition of running back Edgerrin James, and the drafting of highly-touted signal-caller Matt Leinart.

 

Denver Broncos Woes Continue with Shooting of Darrent Williams

The Denver Broncos lost to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, erasing all hopes of a Playoffs appearance.  But just when you thought it couldn't get much worse, it just did.   

Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting early Monday, his limousine sprayed with bullets in downtown Denver.

Team spokesman Jim Saccomano said police called him about 3 a.m. from the scene and told him three people had been shot, and the 24-year-old Williams had been killed. His death came hours after the Denver Broncos were eliminated from the playoff race.

A little after 2 a.m., a white Hummer limousine was fired on from a vehicle that pulled up along its side, police spokesman Sonny Jackson said. As many as a dozen bullet holes were visible on the driver's side of the vehicle. One window was blown out and four others had bullet holes.

Three people in the limo were hit and taken to hospitals, where one man was pronounced dead, Jackson said. The other man and woman who were shot were not identified.

Jackson said police were searching for suspects.

"We have no motive yet," he said. "We're hoping to talk with witnesses to find out where they were coming from, and that might give us some clues."

Williams was seen arguing with some patrons in a bar earlier that evening according to eyewitnesses. 

Champ Bailey was among the Broncos players and staff members who gathered at Denver Health Medical Center, where Williams' body was taken.

"He had a big heart and a lot of courage," said Cedric Smith, assistant strength and conditioning coach. "It's a tragedy, a complete tragedy. It's sickening."

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams played two seasons with Darrent Williams at Oklahoma State.

"It makes you want to stay home and not go out to places when you see things like that," Kevin Williams said. "You hate to see it. He was a hardworking kind of guy. He was a great guy."

Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy called the death a "tragic loss for the Broncos family, Oklahoma State University and anyone who knew Darrent Williams. It's a loss that goes far beyond the football field."

Williams teamed with Bailey to give Denver one of the NFL's top cornerback tandems. Williams finished the season with 88 tackles, 78 of them solo, and four interceptions.

Brett Favre: Will He or Won't He Retire?

Brett Favre told NBC immediately following Green Bay's win against the Chicago Bears that he will be making a decision as to his retirement "real soon" and "within the next couple of weeks".

Sports Commentator John Madden predicts that Favre has played his last game after observing the teary-eyed post game interview.

If so, Favre finishes on a high note.  After a dismal season last year, the Green Bay Packers improved to a respectable 8-8 record in 2006.

Green Bay beat the Bears 26-7 in what on paper might have seemed like a meaningless game.

The three-time MVP completed 19-of-40 passes with a touchdown and interception in what could be his last game. He had 209 yards in the first half alone as the Packers grabbed a 23-0 lead.

The Packers were all but eliminated from the postseason when the New York Giants beat Washington on Saturday. And their final hopes were dashed before Sunday's kickoff.

Still, they took it to a Chicago team that has homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and was trying to become just the fourth team to go undefeated in conference play since the AFL and NFL merged in 1970.

Favre immediately served notice that he's going out in style -- if this is his last game.

Favre said he would discuss retirement options with his family in the coming weeks.

Online sports books were widely anticipated to begin offering betting odds on whether Brett Favre will play next year or announce his retirement.

Beckham: 15 Clubs Will Vie for Real Madrid Midfielder

According to a report in the News of the World, 15 clubs have already been in contact with David Beckham's agent despite Beckham's claim he won't be leaving Real Madrid when his contract runs out this January.

Speculation has been rife that Real will accept a From low fee for the English superstar as soon as the transfer window opens tomorrow.

Real president Ramon Calderon last night said: "After the conversations we have had in recent months, David Beckham already has our offer for a new contract on the table. Now he has to decide.

"All of us would like to see him continue at our club and extend his contract."

Beckham has been offered a two-year deal on his current terms — but that means his image rights would remain at 50 per cent, according to the paper.  However, if he opts to leave Madrid, he could land the biggest signing-on fee in football history — as much as £10m — at his new club.

David Beckham has been favored to land in the USA, where he already has interests in the Los Angeles Major League Soccer club, The Galaxy. 

Beckham is kicking off the new year in Japan where he will participate in three separate events to promote a mobile phone he endorses.

Hundreds of fans flocked to each event site, despite cold weather.

The 31-year-old footballer gained huge popularity in Japan during the 2002 Soccer World Cup, which Japan and South Korea co-hosted.

At almost +1800 odds, the Denver Nuggets at first appear a long shot to win the 2007 NBA Championship.  But with the addition of Allen Iverson and the return of Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets represent one of the NBA's best values heading into the New Year.

A $100 bet placed now at Pinnacle Sports would pay out $1800 and these odds are likely to be shortened into the single digits assuming Iverson and Anthony begin to click.  If the season were to end today, Denver would land in the 7th seed.

When Hornets Coach, Byron Scott, first heard of the Iverson trade, "I was like -- that makes them a better team. You always have the question -- how many basketballs will they need? Is it really going to work? From a coaching standpoint, I thought they're going to be tough to handle offensively because you have two of the best who are hard to handle as far as breaking you down. And when they break you down, you've got to help. And then they're kicking it out to guys with wide-open shots. That's what's going to make them so dangerous."

The Nuggets have already shown they can improve dramatically following a poor 2006 start.  Heading into the holiday weekend game against the Hornets, Denver held a 16-11 record.  Presently, the team is reeling after several of its players (including Anthony) were suspended for participating in a notorious brawl in Madison Square Garden over two weeks ago.

Allen Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets from the Philadelphia 76ers, who benched the four-time National Basketball Association scoring champion two weeks ago after agreeing he should go to another team.

Iverson, 31, and forward Ivan McFarlin were sent to Denver for point guard Andre Miller, forward Joe Smith and Denver's two 2007 first-round draft picks, pending the league's approval, 76ers President Billy King said in a news release.

The trade ends an era in Philadelphia basketball in which Iverson, known as ``the Answer,'' helped the 76ers reach the NBA Finals and clashed with coaches and management.

Tiger Woods wife is pregnant!  The golfer announced he and his wife are expecting their first child this summer.

Woods said on his Web site, "obviously, we couldn't be happier and our families are thrilled. I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience."

Woods' father, Earl, died last May.

Woods and Elin Nordegren of Sweden married in October of 2004.

The world's No. 1 player is skipping the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship next week on Maui.

"I'm going to stick close to home for the next few weeks," he said. Woods will start his '07 season in the Buick Invitational at the end of January, "which will allow Elin and I to spend more time with our families during this very special time in our lives."

Tiger Woods wife's pregnancy is significant to sports bettors who may have taken advantage of early Tiger Woods betting props offered by PinnacleSports.com (see website here).  Questions remain as to the impact such a pregnancy will have on Woods 2007 golf careers.  Could it help to motivate him further or - worse if you had Tiger Woods winning more than one Major - Could it provide a distraction?  Might he even back out of another tournament with Nordegren in labor?

Early odds at PinnacleSports.com were set at Tiger Woods winning one Major, the favorite at +145 odds (or $100 bet would pay out $145). No Majors won in 2007 would pay out $288 on a $100 bet. Two Majors won would pay out $246 on a $100 bet. Should Tiger have a banner year, three Majors won would pay $815 on a $100 bet.

The odds have only changed slightly since Tiger Woods announcement or perhaps PinnacleSports has not yet gotten the news.

In any event,  Tiger Woods 2007 betting props are loads of fun with a potential big profit to be had

Anna Kournikova Lingerie Surprise: Tony Romo no Homo

Anna Kournikova was seen in a spot where Britney Spears fears to tread...an undergarment store, or - in Miami Beach - we call it "a trendy Lincoln Road outlet". 

We suppose heartthrob husband, Enrique Iglesias, is in for quite a New Year's Eve treat.

"Anna was looking at bras and knickers as well as some skimpy swimwear," The Sun quoted the source, as saying.

Read more of this article here
 

Mike Fratello Paid Out $500 for Every $100 Bet

If you were fortunate to have bet Mike Fratello to be the first NBA coach of this season ousted with 5 to 1 odds, congratulations.  That turned out to be a $500 payout for every $100 bet.

The Memphis Grizzlies fired coach Mike Fratello after the team began the season 6-24, the worst record in the National Basketball Association, even though Fratello is that franchise's winningest of seven coaches, compiling a 95-83 record since taking over for Hubie Brown in 2004.

Tony Barone Sr., the team's director of player personnel since 2000, was named interim head coach, General Manager Jerry West said in a news release.

Online gambling website BetUS.com, with its mega cash signup bonuses had released its odds on which NBA coaches will be the first to get fired.  Isiah Thomas ruled the pack with 2/1 odds (you bet $1, you would win $2) but his team seemed to improve slightly following a notorious brawl in Madison Square Garden over two weeks ago.

It was not known at press time how many BetUS.com customers put their money on Fratello to be the first coach canned this season.

Mike Tyson Arrested

Former heavy weight boxer Mike Tyson was arrested early Friday morning for a DUI and possession of cocaine.  The arrest occurred in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

CNN reports that Sgt. Larry Hall said the retired heavyweight boxer was stopped after his car nearly hit a sheriff's vehicle while leaving the club at about 1:45 a.m.

"He showed signs of impairment, and voluntarily submitted to field sobriety tests," said Hall, a member of the Buckeye Police Department who was working in the area as part of a holiday DUI task force.

Tyson was brought in after "showing more signs of impairment" during the field sobriety tests.

Police also discovered a cache of cocaine in his car. No one else was with Tyson at the time, Hall said.

In court Friday morning, the former heavyweight champ was dressed in an oversized golf shirt, baggy jeans and tennis shoes. According to ESPN, he said nothing, periodically tapping his feet or fingers while waiting for the judge to enter. Tyson, who was not charged with DUI, did not enter a plea and had no lawyer.

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He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 16.

No alcohol was found in his system, and a DUI-drugs charge was not filed pending toxicology tests.

Under the terms of his release, Tyson must submit to drug and alcohol testing and may not drink or take nonprescription drugs while the case is pending.

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How many Majors will Tiger Woods win in 2007?  Will Tiger Woods win the 2007 Majors and the US Open?  Early odds were available on the most famous golfer in history and some of the payouts can prove extraordinary. 

For PinnacleSports.com (see website here) Tiger Woods winning one Major was the favorite at +145 odds (or $100 bet would pay out $145).  No Majors won in 2007 would pay out $288 on a $100 bet.  Two Majors won would pay out $246 on a $100 bet.  Should Tiger have a banner year, three Majors won would pay $815 on a $100 bet. 

So what would the Grand Slam pay out?  As of December 25, 2006, a $100 bet would pay $2150 for every $100 bet. 

And how about the Tiger Slam in 2007?

The Tiger Slam asks Will Tiger Win 2007 US Masters & US Open?  The "Yes" would pay out $669 on a $100 bet.

For punters keen to grab healthy odds about Tiger’s prospects at the two majors he won this year, the British Open is +650 and the US PGA +800 at Canbet.com (see website here).  Please note: Canbet.com does not accept customers based in the United States.  The US Open, which is the second major of the calendar year, is +350.

The Mirror newspaper offered the following bet of its own for 2007:

"TIGER Woods at 14-1 to score a hole in one at a Major. Sounds unlikely but we have the law on our side - the law of averages, that is. He hasn't done it yet but remember he'll likely have around 64 cracks at it this year. A mate once scored a hole in one and left the ball in the cup as proof. Another mate of mine is such a cheat with the scorecard that he got a hole in one and wrote "none" on his card."

The Atlanta Falcons were dealt a potentially hazardous loss over the weekend, a 38-28 setback to the Dallas Cowboys at the Georgia Dome. The match carried a great deal of significance to the playoff fortunes of both teams. The cowboys left town being one step closer to the playoff picture, leaving the Falcons with a 7-7 record tied with the New York Giants for the final Wild Card spot in the NFC. The Falcons are also one game back of the Philadelphia Eagles who are 8-6 and are the Falcons final opponent for the regular season.

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Tony Romo total passing yards were listed with Over/Under odds of 260.5 for this Christmas Day game verses the Philadelphia Eagles.  Will He Throw a 2nd Quarter Touchdown Pass?  Sportsbook.com (see website here) made the "NO" a -150 favorite.  "YES" is listed with +120 odds. 

Likewise, there are plenty of player betting props available for Terrell Owens and Jeff Garcia.   

For the Fantasy Football player, PinnacleSports.com (see website here) appearing below see rules on site

In a dream come true for Romo since becoming the Dallas Cowboys’ starting quarterback two months ago, he now has been chosen for the NFL’s all-star game to be played Feb. 10 at Honolulu, and he is also seeing American Idol Carrie Underwood.

During a recent interview, Romo threw some attention toward Underwood after declining to talk about his rumored date with Jessica Simpson. Romo was asked, "Who do you like right now out of all the women out there?" His answer: "I'll tell you who is doing things the right way from what I hear is Carrie Underwood."

Brown laughed about that, albeit a little nervously.

"She has thanked me for the flowers I sent her," Brown said. "Quarterbacks always have the upper hand, but I'm from Oklahoma. We're both from Oklahoma. We'll see."

Confidence is growing once again in Green Bay despite the team's losing record.  It's not as bad as last year though, with Brett Favre and the Packers potentially ending the season at .500.

Denver Nuggets Acquire Allen Iverson: Still +5000 to Win Championship

The Denver Nuggets have acquired Philadelphia 76ers' guard Allen Iverson after a long wait and many rumors as to where he might end up.

The timing is perfect in the wake of this past Saturday's brawl in Madison Square Garden which resulted in the suspension of several players. 

BetED.com (see website here) listed the Denver Nuggets with odds of +5000 to win the 2007 NBA Championship.  A $100 bet would pay out $5000.

The trade, which comes almost two weeks after Iverson demanded a trade in Philly, sends Andre Miller, Joe Smith and two 2007 first-round picks to the Sixers for Iverson and Ivan McFarlin. It was completed Tuesday and sent to the league for approval.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.com's Marc Stein and ESPN Insider's Chris Sheridan.

"We hope to have him here tomorrow," Nuggets vice president of player personal Rex Chapman said of Iverson in a press conference on Tuesday evening.

Some requirements for physicals and reporting have been waived, according to the Nuggets, in order to get Iverson in a Nuggets uniform as soon as possible.

The Sixers announced the deal at the same time on Tuesday.

Carmelo Anthony and Six Others Suspended in Madison Square Garden Brawl

Denver Nuggets leading scorer Carmelo Anthony has been suspended 15 games after shoving New York's Nate Robinson and punching Collins in the face.

The melee at Madison Square Garden erupted with 1:15 left in the fourth quarter when the Knicks' Mardy Collins fouled Denver's J.R. Smith on a drive to the basket.

Chicago Bears Tank Johnson Distractions Won't Discourage Sports Bettors

Online sports bettors are supporting the Chicago Bears chances to beat and cover a -13 1/2 point home line against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite extensive media coverage surrounding the raid of nose tackle Tank Johnson's home this past week.  More than 75% of the betting action was being placed on the Bears.....

Sports911.com's Destiney Lewis previews Terrell Owens Dallas Cowboys game against the Michael Vick-led Atlanta Falcons