A .gif Is Worth a Thousand Words

There's no easy way to say this so I'll just say it, the Minnesota Twins might be the worst team I've seen since the 2003 Tigers. Their offense is wretched. Their pitching is deplorable. Their minor league system is a mess. I could go into detail about why the Twins are so terrible, but let this .gif do all the explaining.

A .gif is worth a thousand words. This sums up the 2012 Minnesota Twins so well it's disgusting. If I was a betting man, I would put 5 bucks on the 2012 Twins replacing the 62 Mets are the worst team ever.

(Via Baseball Reddit)

Videos: Brett Favre Is Owned and Al Michaels Gambling Moment

The return of Brett Favre last night was everything that was expected. A ton of Favre talk with both Andrea Kramer and Al Michaels holding separate interviews with Favre. What was not expected was the 49ers pulling a double barrel blitz on Favre. In Favre's only series of the game Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes owned Favre on a blitz implanting him into the ground and ending Favre's day. The national cheer everyone heard around 5:25 PM Pacific time zone was everyone cheering Willis and Spikes for sacking Favre.



The funniest moment of the game (besides Favre getting owned) happened on the very last play of the game. Vikings quarterback Joe Webb was sacked in the end zone for a safety to end the game with the score of San Francisco 15 Minnesota 10. That's important to remember because the Niners were favorites by 3.5 over the Vikings. 

Al Michaels, who hasn't shied away from discreetly talking about point spreads on the games he's calling,  discreetly talked about the betting line after Webb was sacked for the safety giving the Niners a 5-point victory. Only Michaels would drive a stake into the hearts of degenerate gamblers who gamble on preseason games.

(Videos via The Big Lead and SB Nation)

2010 NFL Preview: With Favre's Retirement What Happens to the Vikings and the NFC?

With Brett Favre allegedly announcing his retirement this morning, this changes the complete complexion of the Vikings, NFC North, and NFC in general. I'm with Mike Florio on this one, I believe Favre will still play this season. Until then though, the Vikings must move on.

Who Will Be the Vikings Quarterback?: Without Favre the Vikings are down to Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and rookie Joe Webb as their quarterbacks. In two years as the Vikings starter Jackson has thrown 21 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. And who can forget Jackson getting destroyed by Chris Clemons against the Eagles in the playoffs? Jackson isn't a terrible quarterback, but he isn't elite.



Sage Rosenfels isn't much better than Jackson. Rosenfels has thrown 30 touchdowns and 29 interceptions in his career.  And who can forget his little brainfart against the Indianapolis Colts a couple of years ago? The Vikings take a huge step back in the quarterback department but are still loaded on offense.



How Will This Affect The Vikings Offense?: Even without Favre the Vikings are still loaded on offense. The Vikings made the playoffs a couple of years ago with Jackson as their quarterback based solely on their offensive line and Adrian Peterson. Peterson is still in the backfield with that great offensive line in front of him. The Vikings also drafted Stanford running back Toby Gerhart to add some depth in the backfield. Visanthe Shiancoe and his unit is a solid tight end. The Vikings also have depth at receiver with Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, and Bernard Berrian. So while Favre may have retired and Jackson may not be competent, but that offensive line and depth at running back and receiver still makes the Vikings a solid team.

How Will Favre's Retirment Affect the NFC North?: Vegas odds-makers were picking the Vikings to win the NFC North at the beginning of training camp. With Favre retiring, the odds-makers are already changing their picks. While the Vikings are still a loaded team on offense and defense, they're no longer my pick to win the NFC North. I'm going with Green Bay simply because I trust Aaron Rodgers to make right decisions on the field instead of Jay Cutler.

Will the Vikings Still Make the Playoffs?: I'm still going to pick the Vikings to make the playoffs as a Wild Card. Their defense is too loaded to fall off a cliff. A great defense can still take a team far. Also the Vikings probably have the best offensive line in the NFL, they'll protect Jackson. The Vikings also have depth at running back and receivers. If Jackson can limit his mistakes, Minnesota is still a playoff team.

How Will This Affect The Rest of the NFL?: The NFL loses one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time. We forget now, but Favre won three MVP trophy's in row, played in two Super Bowls and won one. He's the Cal Ripken of football playing in 285 straight games an amazing feat when you think about it because Peyton Manning is second and is almost 100 games behind Favre. Favre also broke several passing records including the most yards, touchdowns, and interceptions thrown. Forget about his drama surrounding his retirement decisions, Favre was an all-time best quarterback. I surely won't miss him though playing against the 49ers because he always killed them.

Breaking News: Brett Favre Announces He Will Not Play Next Year........Ho Hum

Jay Glazer is reporting that Brett Favre will not play for the Minnesota Vikings or any other teams this season. The Glazer tweet says, "Favre has told teammates he will NOT play this season, citing wear and tear on his body. Team is hoping he will change his mind." I'm sure the Vikings are hoping he will change his mind. They're now stuck with either Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels as their QB. Not exactly inspiring.

Favre says he's not coming back because his surgically repaired ankle isn't healthy enough for him to continue to play. He might still be hurt, but I'm not buying he's not coming back until the season starts. It's only August 3rd and we're still more than a month away from the start of the NFL season. He's burned his bridge for anyone to give him the benefit of the doubt. Brett Favre announces he will not play this season...............ho hum, move on.

Update: I would avoid ESPN today if you don't want non-stop Favre coverage.

Update:  Vikings coach Brad Childress addressed the media a few minutes ago. He knows nothing and then promptly passed out.

The Links

Christina Hendricks again because I'm obsessed with her...... Oh those poor Vikings fans...... Want to know how to read an NFL defense?....... Radical idea to change the NCAA's budget...... Hey Orioles fans, are you ready for FanFest 2010?....... Amare Stoudemire trade talks are heating up again...... How Steve Nash shines in basketball and business...... Coastal Carolina receiving top 25 votes, huh?...... How to improve OT coin-toss rules...... Lakers visit the White House and Obama yesterday

Rumor: Monta Ellis for Ray Allen? (Reds Army)

Adrian Peterson's fumbles caused by french fry grease? (Deadspin)

If Favre retires, was he worth it for the Vikings? (The Scores Report)

ESPN criticizes the Flyers Twitter, Flyers.com defend actions (700 Level)

Watch out! Peter Vecsey is at it again (NY Post)

Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli might have stolen some stuff from frat students (Buster Sports)

Does anyone want to play in the Pro Bowl? (The Sporting Blog)

Overweight women crushed her boyfriend to death (Fox 8)

;

Vikings fan reacts to Favre's last interception (Kissing Suzy Kolber)

Championship Sunday Live Blog

Time to decide who gets the opportunity to play for the Super Bowl in Miami. The live blog will go on air an hour before kickoff for the AFC Championship game. Have fun, leave comments, and don't be a troll.

2010 AFC Championship Game: #5 New York Jets @ #1 Indianapolis Colts 3:00 (CBS - Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, SR: Steve Tasker)

2010 NFC Championship Game: #2 Minnesota Vikings @ #1 New Orleans Saints 6:40 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver and Chris Myers)

The Links

Candice Swanpoel to start the mourning...... Bears showed their lost potential last night ....... Minnesota Twins sign Orlando Hudson...... People already panicking over the Lakers...... Tracy McGrady was nothing but broken promises in Houston...... There has been no decision yet on Eric Mangini's fate...... NFL playoff picture..... Mila Kunis gets freaky late at night...... The mindset while driving to the hoop...... Man with knife in chest calls 911, orders coffee...... The chilling 911 call Charlie Sheen's wife made...... TMZ actually admits they were wrong

Time to hit the panic button, Vikings fans (Pioneer Press)

Mike Leach on Craig James: "Like a Little League dad" (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)

A detailed look at Mike Leach's strained relationship with Texas Tech officials dating back to 2002 (Wiz of Odds)

The Eagles can clinch the 2nd seed and first round bye with a win over Dallas next week (700 Level)

5 best wrestlers of the decade (Camel Clutch Blog)

More bad news for Indiana University. Freshman Maurice Creek is out with a major knee injury (Fox Sports)

Resting players doesn't necessarily mean Super Bowl victories (L&N Line)

Green spandex men mocking Vancouver penalty box visitors (Bob's Blitz)



Top 10 plays of the decade in Hockey (From the Rink)

MLB Playoffs Day 1 Open Thread/Phillies Live Blog

49er16 and myself will be combining our ideas for what to do with the MLB Playoffs into one thread here at Keith's Sports Journal. I will be live blogging the Phillies games here and for the rest of the games, we will be conducting this like a Saturday college football open thread. Enjoy the games and leave comments!

Here is your vital information for today's games. (all times eastern)

Game 1: Rockies @ Phillies 2:37 (Jimenez, 15-12 vs. Lee, 14-13) (TBS - Brian Anderson and Joe Simpson, SR: David Aldridge)

Game 1: Twins @ Yankees 6:07 (Duensing, 5-2 vs. Sabathia, 19-8) (TBS - Chip Caray and Ron Darling, SR: Craig Sager)

Game 1: Cardinals @ Dodgers 9:37 (Carpenter, 17-4 vs. Kershaw, 11-7) (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Tom Verducci)




Game 1, Twins vs. Yankees:
The Phillies took game 1 against the Rockies, 5-1. Cliff Lee pitched a complete game, only giving up one run in the ninth inning. The Twins/Yankees game will start in about a half an hour.

"The wind must really be blowing. That's the first time I've seen Craig Sager's hair move." - Ron Darling (JFein)

"Fisted out of play." - Chip Caray (JFein)

TBS drinking game. Every time Caray says Fisted, drink. Every time that Ernie Johnson commercial airs, drink. You should be drunk by the seventh inning of this game.

2-0 Twins in the 3rd inning. C.C. Sabathia gave up three straight two out hits that lead to the Twins scoring a run. Then Jorge Posada gave up a passed ball which allowed Joe Mauer to score. Could the Yankees already be applying their hands around their throats?

"Minnesota scores first...and they score second, and lead by two" -Chip (AL)

Derek Jeter blasted a 2-run shot off of Duesning in the bottom of the 3rd to even the game at 2.

6-2 Yankees after 5. The latest 2 came from a deep 2-run shot by Hideki Matsui. Duensing is out of the game already and after starting out good, it appears as if the Twins have slowed down a bit.

"Big poppers for Minnesota working here." - Chip Caray (JFein)

A-Rod just singled in Derek Jeter to make the score 7-2 in the seventh inning. A-Rod actually has two RBI's in the game.

Mercifully it's over in the Bronx. The Yankees won 7-2 and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Hopefully we can get more exciting games in this series.

Game 1, Cardinals @ Dodgers:
Even though Randy Wolf loaded the bases in the first inning, he was able to get out of the inning by only allowing one run. Yadier Molina took after his big brother Bengie and grounded into a double play. 1-0 Cardinals in the first inning.

A Matt Kemp 2-run home run gives the Dodgers the 2-1 lead. Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter is lucky he only gave up two runs in that inning. The Dodgers were pounding every pitch they saw in that inning.

"I'm not quite sure if he knew where he hit that ball, he just knew he hit it hard." - Bob Brenly (JFein)

The Dodgers scored on a horrible throwing error by Mark De Rosa. The Dodgers are currently leading 3-1 in the fourth inning.

"Our first official beach ball on the field." - Bob Brenly (JFein)

Skip Schumaker knocked in a run in the fourth inning. Then with the bases loaded, Dodgers reliever Jeff Weaver got out of the jam. 3-2 Dodgers going into the bottom of the fourth.

"It is three to one, three to two in favor of the Dodgers." - Dick Stockton (JFein)

"Ethier safe on the infield hit...really an outfield hit." - Dick Stockton confusing himself and all of America. (JFein)

"I'm not sure if they're lion tames out there with those chairs or if they're trying to get away from foul balls" Stockton (kt1000)

"That has to rank up as one of the most exciting post season games in all of baseball." - Dick Stockton talking about last night's regular season game between the Tigers and the Twins. (JFein)

"What a job Carpenter has done tonight. He has toiled and then some, really earning his salary and then some." Stockton (kt1000)

This game is still in the 5th inning and it's almost nine o'clock on the West Coast. I feel sorry for the East Coast baseball fans. I'm sure they don't want to stay up this late to watch a baseball game on a weeknight.

Carpenter somehow escapes another inning, but he did give up another run. 4-2 Dodgers going into the sixth inning.

After six innings, the Dodgers lead 5-2. Russell Martin was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

After eight innings, the Dodgers still lead it 5-2.

Broxton strikes out Ankiel and this game's finally over! 5-3 Dodgers over the Cards.

Thanks for hanging in there with this long game. 49er16 won't be around much tomorrow, but I should be. We'll have the same set up here as last time. I'll live blog the Phillies (with no 4:30 class!) and we'll have the open thread for the other 2 games. Good night and I'll chat with you later today!

The Links

Danielle Lloyd to start the mourning.... Now how come when a Republican says something wrong Congress wants apologies and reprimands, but when a Democrat says something wrong he's not forced to apologize..... Madonna will never marry again..... 'Zombieland' comes out this weekend

The Lakers moved to LA in the 50's from Minnesota. Could the Vikings be the next Minnesota team to leave for LA? (PFT)

Meanwhile the Maloofs don't plan on moving the Kings (Sactown Royalty)

Does ESPN mean R.I.P. for newspapers? (Fox Business)

After a bizarre off season, the NHL is just happy to be playing games again (CBSsports)

John Fox must want Carolina to fire him (Real Clear Sports)

Chicago's guest meteorologist: Scottie Pippen (Ball Don't Lie)

Kevin Love will return to using his Twitter when the season starts (Star Tribune)

Adam Morrison is ready for the basketball season (The Sports Hernia)

Take it easy Ricky Nolasco (Babes Love Baseball)

Joe Mauer was stealing signs last night (The Big Lead)



Glen Beck continues to strike nerves in the White House (Another Black Conservative)

The Links

Jordana Brewster to start the Friday mourning.... The recession is hurting the brothel business.... Flood watch is southwestern Pennsylvania.... Arizona cops find 97 migrants in a refrigerated truck.... Arabic TV gone wild..... iPhone vulnerable to hack attacks..... Kevin Fransden vs. Brian Sabean.... Nudity and wine

Now Jose Cancesco is claiming Cal Ripken took steroids (Sports By Brooks)

The Red Sox are in full pursuit of Padres 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez (MLB Daily Dish)

The Minnesota could be close to trading for Orlando Cabrera (Twinkie Town)

"Farewell Ben Gordan" YouTube video is both creepy and cool (Motown String Music) video below

Has college basketball started yet? (The Crimson Quarry)

When will USC finally be affected from the multiple scandals that have hit the school? (CBS Sports)

A look at ESPN's in-depth viewer research (USA Today)

The worst coaches ever (The Sporting Blog)

What if the trade deadline applied to real jobs? (The Big Picture)

Matthew Stafford is quite the ladies man (The World of Issac)

"Farewell Ben Gordon" tribute video

Breaking News: Our Nightmare is over

Our long national nightmare is over. No the economy hasn't recovered yet. No there is peace in the Middle East. But Brett Favre has finally made a decision about his future in the NFL.

And the verdict is, he's staying retired. Or at least according to ESPN.

Quarterback Brett Favre has informed Minnesota Vikings officials that he will remain retired, according to The Star Tribune.

Coach Brad Childress confirmed the news to the Star Tribune, leaving the Vikings in an unexpected and awkward spot with training camp set to open Wednesday. The Vikings are now left to choose between Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels as their 2009 starter.

"I just think it was a rare opportunity to explore a Hall of Fame quarterback who had background in the NFC and in this division," Childress said to the newspaper. "He knows our system inside out ... This doesn't change anything about how I feel about our football team."

Well I guess Rachel Nichols can finally pack up her tent and get off Favre's lawn. That's unless Favre wakes up tomorrow and decides he wants to play again. We've all been here before folks.

Report: Brett Favre opts to remain retired (ESPN)

The Links

Miranda Kerr to start the work week.... R.I.P. Walter Cronkite.... Read this great piece on national health care.... Brian Dawkins' house is for sale in Philly..... Erin McNaught for your pleasure..... This bird won't put down the cigarette.... 40-years-ago today, Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon.... Paula Abdul likely not returning to American Idol...... Watch out for the wienermobile

South Florida kicker falls down 35-feet off an Gondola and survives (The Big Lead)

Timberwolves GM David Kahn is headed to Spain to speak with Ricky Rubio (Star Tribune)

The Phillies are favorite to land Halladay (MLB Daily Dish)

Someone made a peephole in Erin Andrew's hotel wall (The Big Picture)

Is Jillian Michaels hot? (Stiles Points)

I'm hungry for the Marisa Miller fiesta (Don Chavez)

ESPN aims to also be your local newspaper (NY Times)

The new Cowboys Stadium should be in Dallas (Dallas Mourning News)

Michael Vick has been ignoring his NFL mentor (Fanhouse)

Tito Ortiz and Dana White finally bury the hatchet (Camel Clutch Blog)

Sports psychologist takes full credit for Stewart Cink's win yesterday (Deadspin)

Apollo 11 40th anniversary

The Links

Lindsay Marie to start the mourning.... Rudy Guilani, the next New York Governor?.... Shocker! Michael Jackson was not the biological father to his kids.... 'Medical evidence' was taken from Michael Jackson's house.... With Yao injured, the Rockets are now targeting Chris Bosh.... Tim Lincecum was really good last night

John Feinstein had bypass surgery yesterday (Deadspin)

Giants are interested in Jermaine Dye and Victor Martinez (MLB Daily Dish)

A 13-year-old kid committed to Lane Kiffin and Tennessee (Go Vols)

Anna Kournikova has a drink thrown in her face in Las Vegas (The Big Lead)

Happy 43rd Birthday, Atlanta Falcons (The Falcoholic)

Rickey Rubio & Jonny Flynn meet face-to-face (Troy Nunes is an absolute Magician)

Jason Kidd to meet with the New York Knicks (Posting & Toasting)

Billy Mays was about as good a guy, as their gets (CNBC)

Top 10 Moments of when animals attack sports (Real Clear Sports)

The San Francisco Giants are in great shape, compared to the rest of the National League (SF Chronicle)

Botchamania! I suggest if you have time and you are a wrestling fan, to watch the Botchamania series

The Links

Hello, Christina Hendricks.... Billy Bob Thornton's daughter was denied bail.... Craig Sager's suit interviews Ricky Rubio.... Indianapolis Cols players on Twitter-Peyton Manning isn't on Twitter.... In defense of the Kings drafting Jon Brockman.... The final days of Michael Jackson

Bill Simmon's annual draft diary (ESPN)

Rickey Rubio isn't feeling Minnesota (Deadspin)

Tyreke Evans will be better than Rickey Rubio (Sac Bee)

Let's just say Jordan Hill wasn't the most popular person at last night's draft (Daily News)

Are the Magic better with Vince Carter instead of Turkoglu (Pro Basketball News)

Are the Houston Rockets cursed? (Houston Chron)

Face tattoo's taken to an extreme (Ugliest Tattoo's)

Tyler Hansbrough fits in with the Pacers (Larry Brown Sports)

Tiger vs. Jimmy Fallon (Online Sports Guy)

Joe Dumars drafted for good character. What Sheed and Iverson aren't good character guys? (Detroit News)

Winners & Losers of the Draft

The Links

We can always use more Megan Fox in our lives.... Obama will throw out the first pitch of the All-Star game... Oregon rolled out their traditional ugly football uniforms... "Jon & Kate" breakup is a huge ratings win.... Several teams are interested in Cardinals Troy Glaus... The Chiefs will finally retire Derick Thomas' jersey

Why colleges are staying away from high school basketball star Lance Stephenson (Daily News)

Phil Jackson may only coach Laker home games next year (SRI)

The best looking wives and girlfriends of the NBA (The Big Lead)

Ryne Sandberg weighs in on Sosa's hall of fame worthiness (MLB Daily Dish)

Happy Birthday J.J. Redick (Third Quarter Collapse)

U.S. Soccer will face a tough battle today in South Africa (Fox Sports)

With Minnesota trading up in the draft, dashes the hopes of Knicks drafting Ricky Rubio (NY Post)

Dave Stewart rips Jose Canseco (Fanhouse)

The worst of November in the NBA (Basketbawful)

Best sports blowups in song

The Ever Important Brett Favre Update

According to Pro Football Talk via Jay Glazer, the Minnesota Vikings might not be totally interested in bringing Brett Favre in with the team.

The Vikings are "split" on whether to pursue Favre and they haven't even talked about bringing Favre on board. Via PFT:

In Glazer’s podcast, per Chip Scoggins of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Fox Sports insider reports that the Favre situation definitely remains up in the air.

“This is just Favre and Brad Childress,” Glazer said. “That’s all it is right now. It’s Favre meeting with Brad Childress. The organization has not yet met to discuss the possibility of signing Brett Favre. The organization is pretty much split.

“Right now, a lot of people in the organization who feel, ‘Hey, we’re below the radar right now. Everybody is focusing on the Chicago Bears because they have Jay Cutler. Nobody is really looking at us right now. All we have is Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson.’ [Favre] would put [the Vikings] obviously well on the map and well over the radar, if you will.”

Favre reportedly remains extremely bitter about his messy divorce from the Green Bay Packers and holds a grudge against General Manager Ted Thompson, according to a recent report from Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

That's a pretty crappy reason to play for the Vikings. All you want to do is exact revenge against your former team.

So why would the Vikings want Favre if he is only thinking about himself? And what do Green Bay fans think of this, after many years cheering for the guy?

This saga will continue for the rest of the week. I expect ESPN to once again cover this event like a Presidential election, but I expect Jay Glazer to break the story. It happened last year, remember?

The Links: NCAA Tournament Edition

Blake Lively is what we needed to start the NCAA first round.

- Allison Abbott is not a fan of March Madness (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

- Tubby Smith and Minnesota are glad to be back in the tournament (Rivals)

- The ladies of Louisville (Busted Coverage)

- Here's the Al McGuire dance to start you off (Searching for Billy Edelin)

- Todd Bozeman's past and present are in Kansas City (SF Chronicle)

- UCLA might not last long in the tournament, but USC will (LA Times)

- VCU and Eric Maynor have some unfinished business in the tournament (NY Times)

- Why does the Big Ten receive so much hatred (Indianapolis Star)

- Cal St.-Northdridge basketball team sure has gotten into trouble with the law (Newsday)

- Has Gonzaga gone from overachievers to underachievers? (Seattle Times)

- Michigan is looking just to get out of the 1St. round, Michigan St. is looking to reach the final four (Detroit News)

- Michael Jordan's son Jeff Jordan is playing in the NCAA tournament for Illinois (The Oregonian)

- Everyone is jumping on the Memphis bandwagon now (Memphis Commercial-Appeal)

- Luke Nevill's career at Utah (Salt Lake Tribune)

- Louisville should be the favorite in the tournament (Louisville Courier-Journal)

A Casino to Finance New Stadiums

There are a lot of new stadiums popping up around the country. There are three new stadiums opening up in New York just this year. Of course they are financed by the taxpayers of that area.
We all know the economy isn't in the best of shape. And sports teams are looking for a new stadium or arena. The Sacramento Kings might move their team to the fairgrounds in Sacramento because private developers will pay for the project. Sounds good.

All I know people are starting to get tired of paying for new stadiums that they cannot even enjoy because the ticket prices are too high. Well in Minnesota they have a different plan to pay for a new stadium for the Vikings. Have casino revenue pay for the new stadium.

With that logic, Rep. Tom Hackbarth, R-Cedar, introduced a bill today that would open the door to a new casino in the metro area that would pay for a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings.

The bill would place a constitutional amendment on the 2010 general election ballot that would allow the state to issue a 30-year license to operate a casino somewhere in the Twin Cities metro area.

The revenue the state receives from the casino would be used to finance construction of a new stadium. The Vikings aren't specifically named in the bill, but the team is the only one in the state without a new stadium under construction.

Even as state officials are grappling with massive economic problems, team officials have continued to lobby aggressively for a state subsidy that would partly finance a $954 million stadium. Most legislators have said attempt to move a stadium bill this year would likely be politically explosive -- and likely to fail.

I hope this bill doesn't fail. Taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for new stadiums. Billionaire owners can afford to pay for their new stadiums. Even if they can't or don't want to, they should find alternative ways to pay for their new homes. This casino bill is risky, but I would take the risk. And if the Vikings move, you can always play blackjack in the casino.

Gambling to finance a stadium for the Vikings? (Minnesota Star Tribune)

Vikings Fans Sellout Game

Minnesota Vikings fans have finally sold out their playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL has a deal set up, where if a team doesn't sellout their home tickets, their local T.V. station is forced to blackout the game.

The Vikings had to sell close to 20,000 seats in six days, with only 55 percent of the season ticket holders buying tickets. Also local sponsors didn't buy up seats, so the sold out game will be with true Vikings fans.

The Vikings haven't had a game blackout since 1997.