USA vs Czech Republic Open Thread

The USA-Czech Republic game is at 9PT/Noon ET and I'll actually be working from home today. So stop on by and discuss that game, don't be a troll, and have fun. GO USA!

The USA Winter Olympic Outfits are Something

I'm not much of a stylized. My wardrobe is pretty plain. Just tshirt, jeans, a few slacks, button up shirts, and shorts. You'll never see me wearing whatever is hip at the moment. In fact I have no idea what is hip at the moment. I still wear jorts for crying out loud during the summer. I do know one thing, I'm not the biggest fan of these USA winter Olympic outfits.

Sweat pants? Seriously? I know the winter Olympics are the whitest sport imaginable, but do we really have to dress our Olympians like white trash? Are our athletes going to the opening ceremony or over to a friends house to watch movies?

I like how they also have to wear turtlenecks. Is there a shirt out there that is more uncomfortable than a turtleneck? The jacket is fine but look at those beanies or whatever they're called. Someone needs to cut the string off of them and then these jokers need to get off my lawn.

Only Gary Bettman Can Screw This Up

Last night's USA-Canada game was the highest rated hockey game since the 1980 Miracle on Ice. The NHL will look to ride the success of that game going forward with the rest of this season. People are interested in hockey for the first time in a long time. Of course Gary Bettman is trying to screw all of this up.

Bettman is considering pulling NHL players from the 2014 Sochi Winter games. The issue at hand will have to wait until the players and the owners meet for collective bargaining. And of course the owners don't like the Olympics because they don't make a profit from them.

"That could prove a contentious issue between the league and its players. It appears most NHL team owners aren't keen about future Olympic participation, claiming the NHL hasn't seen the profitable return it expected since allowing their best players to perform in the Winter Olympics nor has that participation improved the league's visibility in the all-important American sports market."

Hm, how does a 17 point rating sound to the owners? I would say the league receives huge visibility every time Doc Emrick mentions a certain player and the NHL team he plays for. How many people watching thought to themselves that they will watch their local hockey team now knowing that a certain player representing their country also plays for their local team?

Bettman and the owners do have a good point though in that the NHL should be more tied to the Olympics besides their players.

"Bettman and company would want its brand more conspicuously tied in with the Olympic brand, allowing The NHL Network far greater access to its players before and after games, and increased prime time television coverage on whichever American network carries the 2014 Winter Games."

I do agree with Bettman on this point. NBC's coverage of the Olympics was atrocious. Games were tape delayed on the West Coast and NBC pretty much focused all their coverage on Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. If I was the NHL I would force whoever is carrying the game for the American market to broadcast games in prime time and no delayed feeds. And if they do delay the games, then have a stream that is easy to use.

Ask anyone from Fear The Fin, and they will tell you how unhappy they were with the NBC stream. For one it was hard just to access the stream. You had to give your cable provider account information just to access the stream. Then once you had the stream it would cut out to a commercial during the middle of the game. It was terrible.

Still though it would be foolish for the NHL, Bettman, and the owners to pull the players from the Sochi games in 2014. Olympic hockey is some of the most exciting, edge of your seat sporting event. And this is enhanced by the participation of NHL players in the Olympics. Of course, Gary Bettman is the only sports commissioner who can't figure out a way to turn a profit from the Olympic games.

Can NHL afford to skip Sochi Games? (Fox News)

The Links

Kate Beckinsale to start the week...... USA, Canada set records in the medal count..... It's your turn Russia to host the Winter Olympics...... It just had to be Sidney Crosby..... Marie Osmond's son committed suicide...... 'Shutter Island' tops the box office again...... Of course there was a protest during the USA-Canada game...... Purdue misses Robbie Hummel...... Jay Leno returns to the 'Tonight Show' today...... Jim Carray is already a Grandfather

Gatorade has dropped Tiger Woods as one of his sponsor's (Entertainment Weekly)

There was a lot of people in Vegas this weekend because of this event (SI)

How will the 2010 Winter Olympics be remembered? (USA Today)

Why shouldn't Cherokee player refuse to play for the Redskins? (Sports by Brooks)

John Smoltz for Congress? (Online Sports Guys)

The FBI questions the Mets Jose Reyes (The 700 Level)

Vancouver gets the gold for the most booze drank (Time)

The Gold Medal game will not help the NHL (CNBC)

Shaq will most likely miss the rest of the season (Fear the Sword)

Craziest video that you'll see all day (ABC 12)

Pole Dancing at the Olympics?

(Editors Note: I'm going to be gone for the rest of the weekend. JFein will have a couple of posts for you on Friday and Saturday.)

What do you think about when you hear the words, pole dancing? Do think about naked women with dollar bills hanging out of their G-String? Or do you think of it as a competitive sport? Well apparently pole dancing is a competitive sport and participants of that sport want in the Olympics.

Mai Sato of Japan is very dedicated to pole dancing is the World Pole Dancing Champion. She things the sport should be in the Olympics.

"I could definitely see pole dancing in the Olympics," said Sato, who, a dancer since the age of three, out-twirled a bevy of athletes from 11 countries at the second International Pole Dancing Fitness Championships in Tokyo two months ago. "I would love to win a gold medal."

That's real nice and everything, but pole dancing in the Olympics? The Olympics doesn't even want Softball and Baseball. Squash and Cricket can't even find a spot in the Olympics. And Sato want's pole dancing in the Olympics?

Well don't expect to see Pole Dancing in the Olympics anytime soon. It's not officially recognized as a sport by the IOC and has already missed an opportunity to be a sport in the 2012 Olympics. But never fear, you can sign a petition to make Pole Dancing an Olympic sport. I suggest signing that petition.

Until then, enjoy Mai Sato in a competitive pole dancing event.



Pole dancers making 2012 Olympic push (OC Register)

The Links

Stacy Keibler to start the mourning..... Rudy Fernandez is unhappy with his role in Portland..... Now Ochocinco wants to be an MMA fighter..... Can women MMA fighters can survive without posing in a bikini?..... What should the Buffalo Bills do with Marshawn Lynch?...... Should the Diamondbacks retire Luis Gonzalez's number?..... Remember that Illinois comeback against Arizona in the Elite 8 back in 2005?..... Aren't Democrats the biggest hypocrites you ever seen?...... Ever notice how white MSNBC is?...... "The Growing Pains" actor is still missing in Vancouver...... 'Octomom' claims she's not crazy, people roll their eyes

A fan-friendly solution to fix the NBA (Bill Simmons)

Why are more and more MMA fights ending in decisions? (Bloody Elbow)

Get this: A Killer Whale killed someone at SeaWorld. I know, shocking (LA Times)

Interviews at the NFL Combine are more important than anything else (SI)

Wait! There are college basketball players more concerned about grades than basketball? I'm confused? (The Dagger)

Five reasons for the collapse of Team Russia (Fear the Fin)

The most classless acts in college football for 2009 (Wiz of Odds)

The "ESPN Bandit" has taken over Chicago (Deadspin)

Jimmy Butler saves Marquette's season (CHJ)

The Links

Abigail Clancy to start the mourning...... Brian Westbrook joins LT on the unemployment line...... Who wants Julius Peppers?...... The top 100 baseball prospects...... The Angels have a few lady's men on their team...... The Steelers interested in LT?..... Random NFL connections at the Olympics...... I know kt1000 agrees with this..... Living and dying by the 3 in the NBA...... Tony Kornheiser won't be on 'PTI' for a while...... With Charlie Sheen in rehab, what's next for his CBS sitcom?...... Did you get your free pancakes from IHOP yesterday?

Men's hockey gold medal game will be tape delayed on the West Coast (SB Nation)

NFL wants blood testing for HGH (PFT)

How's that Rich Rodriguez experiment working in Michigan? (Detroit News)

I love watching the Dodgers self-destruct like this (Yahoo Sports)

An epic radio interview between Oregonian columnist John Canzano and Oregon football coach Chip Kelly (Bald Face Truth)

The women of Curling (TMZ Sports)

Do we really need another 'Die Hard' movie? (Film Drunk)

Is the NFL combine really that important? (Waiting for Next Year)

Five reasons why Canada will beat Russia (Puck Daddy)

Only Vince Carter will be known more for an 85-foot shot than his NBA career (Howard the Dunk)



Howard Stern fan claiming to be Brian Westbrook punks SportsCenter (The 700 Level)

The Links

Emmanuelle Chriqui to start the mourning..... At least Darko can still bring smiles to people's faces...... A photo breakdown of the Orlando Magic's pick and roll...... Raptors fans are preparing for the worst if Chris Bosh leaves town...... Vikings fans are tired of the Favre drama already...... I'm sure Democrats love this news...... Gymnast Nastia Liukin is dating a figure skater...... World's tallest dog lives in Arizona..... A 'Growing Pains' actor is missing in Vancouver...... The first Superman comic sold for a million dollars

The NFL combine explained (Niners Nation)

So where does LaDainian Tomilson go from here after the Chargers released him? (The Huddle)

"Miracle on Ice" still special after all of these years (USA Today)

Who will broadcast the Olympics in 2014-2016? (Sports Business Journal)

No pressure Roberto Luongo (Puck Daddy)

The Sharks blog I read had the chance to interview Sharks prospect Jamie McGinn (Fear The Fin)

Canadians continue to apologize for lack of medals (Miami Herald)

UConn has somehow kept their season alive with a victory over Villanova and West Virginia last night (Hartford Courant)

NBC has done some good with their Olympic coverage (The Sporting Blog)

Top 10 most memorable apologies (Real Clear Sports)

Hitler found out that Canada lost to the United States in hockey.

A Tremendously Tremendous Hockey Game

This upset wasn't quite Lake Placid and the 1980 Olympic hockey team, but it was close. It did prompt a "Do you believe in Meltdowns?" headline. And that's exactly what it was last night for Canada. A complete meltdown.

Canada supposedly had the greatest collection of talent heading into the Olympic games and were the clear cut favorites to win the Gold. So far we've seen a tentative Canadian team taken to the the shootout limit by Switzerland and a mistake prone Canadian team flat out lose to the Americans. The Canadian goaltender Martin Broduer made several mistakes that lead to American goals on the night. When time was running out of the game, Broduer was pulled which lead to this spectacular goal by Phil Kesler and Doc Emrick's fantastic call.



You know what was even better about that goal? It was right in that D-bag Corey Perry's grill. What a great way to end a great victory for the American team.

So what happens to Team Canada now, the supposedly greatest hockey team in the Olympics? Martin Brodeur will most likely be pulled in favor of Roberto Luongo when the team faces Germany on Tuesday. And if Canada beats Team Germany, they will have to face Team Russia. And that's where things get juicy. With the United States victory over Canada, either Russia or Canada won't medal in these games. And I wouldn't be surprised at all if Team Canada loses to Russia and won't medal.

In the end though this game was about America. They have the easiest path to a gold medal now with only Sweden really in their path. And no matter how the United States hockey team finishes the Olympics, this was still a tremendously tremendous game last night.

The Links

Nelly Furtado to start off the week...... USA! USA! USA!...... Martin Brodeur is taking the brunt of the blame for Canada's loss...... Who knew Brian Rafalski was a scoring machine?...... Canadians are not too happy this mourning...... I'm proud to be an arrogant American today...... What went wrong Democrats?...... Bode Miller finally won a Gold medal...... Canada is also doing poorly in the medal count...... I didn't like 'Shutter Island' but it made a lot of money this weekend

Day 11 Olympic schedule (SB Nation)

How has "own the podium" worked for Canada? (CNBC)

Ryan Miller was quite impressive last night in goal (Seattle Times)

Chip Kelly has lost control of Oregon (The Oregonian)

Tebow won't throw at the Combine (Fanhouse)

The Arena Football League is back! (Kegeratornation)

Steve Lavin knows: Blogs are watching (Larry Brown Sports)

A 7-way tie for the Pac-10 title is still possible (Jake's Take on Sports)

A fan died after being hit by debris at a NHRA race (USA Today)

Interesting read on how Obama is losing the people who voted for him (Althouse)

On the 30th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice, I present to you a little kid who memorized Herb Brooks' speech before the USA-Soviet game

The Links

Gretchen Bleiler to finish off the week..... Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets were big winners after the NBA trade deadline..... Purdue managed to stop Evan Turner and beat Ohio State..... Syracuse survives against Georgetown..... Josh Cribbs and Cleveland might sign a new contract after all..... Do Tom Izzo teams get better as the season goes along?...... Martin Scorcese's new movie opens this weekend..... 'Harry Potter' author is being sued..... Don't buy tickets for Bruce Spingsteen on Ticketmaster

MillerCoors hates Beer Pong (Sharapova's Thigh)

Eric Gagne, one of my most hated Dodger players, returns to the Dodgers (True Blue LA)

Siblings get romantic at the Olympics (Deadspin)

Tiger, just tell us when your going to play again (Orlando Sentinel)

Why is the media so upset with Tiger Woods? (The Sporting Blog)

Advice to Tiger, just retire now (Jason Whitlock)

Spike TV greenlights a show that mocks Tiger Woods (Sporting Blog)

Lindsey Vonn credits success to really good ski poles (The Onion)

America's most miserable cities: No surprised Cleveland number 1 and Stockton, California number 2 (Forbes)

The dance that is sweeping across America (HHR)

Christina Hendricks again because I can't get enough of her...... A look at some of the deals made for the NBA trade deadline..... The Lions might have to pay people to watch their team..... The Tyson Jackson effect?...... Darko Milicic is still in the NBA?..... Donte Stallworth has signed with the Ravens...... A Lombardi Trophy you can eat..... Chip Kelly must change the culture at Oregon...... Shaun White holds nothing back..... Lindsey Vonn goes instant legend

Audios Kevin Martin. You were a good King (Sactown Royalty)

NBC is getting crushed for their tape-delayed Olympic coverage (Seattle Times)

I mean NBC is absolutely getting crushed for their tape delay tactics (NJ.com)

NBC is just pissing off everybody (Behind the Net)

Tiger calling the shots, as usual (Yahoo Sports)

Tom Verducci thinks Joba Chamberlain is most likely to get injured during the baseball season (Major League Jerk)

NBC's "Boss Button" is an epic fail (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Players that cost their teams the most money while they were on the DL (Beyond the Boxscore)

Duke Lacrosse accuser charged with attempted murder (Fox News)

Danny Glover's Predator dance party (Film Drunk)

The Links

Christina Hendricks to start the mourning..... US Hockey won their Olympic opener along with Canada..... Olympic organizers have 12 days to show their better than this...... Nuggets coach George Karl has to battle Throat cancer...... The Washington Nationals have a new Wang..... Reasons why the Eagles may not want to give up on Kevin Kolb...... The worst trades in the NHL from 2000 to 2010...... Nate Robinson to the Boston Celtics?...... Kevin Eubanks to leave the Tonight Show?..... Betty White to host Saturday Night Live?...... Why are people still talking about that John Mayer interview with Playboy?

What is up with the Curling broom? (Fourth-Place Medal)

An interesting look at why the Toronto Maple Leafs haven't won a Stanley Cup since the 1960's (Toronto Sun)

The mystery surrounding Tiger Woods' return to golf (ESPN)

Padres slash beer prices and lower expectations for 2010 (Rumors & Rants)

Do the Winter Olympics have a death wish? (Fox Sports)

Olympic hockey will test national allegiances (Columbus Dispatch)

Oft-injured Eagles offensive lineman Shawn Andrews auditions for American Idol (HHR)

If DeSean Jackson played at USC, he would have been driving a Lamborghini in college (The 700 Level)

R.I.P. ECW, enter WWE NXT (Under the Ring)

Stay classy Mississippi State fans (The Dagger)

The Links

Is this really Heidi Montag?...... Stay classy Mississippi State fans....... A detailed look into the NBA's labor/salary structure...... UConn continues their streak of inconsistency...... Darrell Green is still faster than you...... The men's Winter Olympic hockey schedule...... Maryland rebounds from their loss to Duke, with a dominating victory over Virginia...... A pornstar claims Tiger got her pregnant twice, but her stepmother calls her a liar...... Today is Fat Tuesday, tomorrow Ash Wednesday kicking off Lent Season

Why is there a lack of Europeans playing in the NHL? (Fanhouse)

The Sports Guy may get his wish. NBA looking to revamp their Hall of Fame (True Hoop)

NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics is a case study of incompetence (Fools & Sages)

Nolan Richardson's exile from college hoops is shocking (CBS Sports)

The Monday Night Wars are back! (Camel Clutch Blog)

Top 10 signs your MLB team won't contend (Five Tool Tool)

NFL back in Los Angeles by 2011? (National Football Post)

Hell of a week for Big East basketball (The Legend of Cecilio Guante)

Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro to remake Taxi Driver? (Soup)

22 MPH kick to the balls sets World record (Bob's Blitz)

The Links

Francia Raisa to end the week..... Rasheed Wallace is wearing thin with Celtics fans...... Notre Dame is all about NIT bound now...... Duke doesn't mind kicking UNC while their down...... Should the NFL change it's overtime system?...... Vitor Belfort is out of title bout with Anderson Silva at UFC 112..... Jim Calhoun will return to UConn on Saturday...... Another Kennedy bites the dust...... It never fails to rain during the Pebble Beach Pro-Am...... Alec Baldwin's bizarre personal life continues...... Dennis Hopper's divorce battle is getting uglier

A look at myths of the NFL (Mile High Report)

Expanding the NCAA tournament could be a good thing? (CBS Sports)

Stephen Colbert to be a part of the Olympic coverage (LA Times)

Will LeBron even leave Cleveland? (SI)

PETA upset with Larry Bird now (Deadspin)

"Superman my ass."-Shaq (Cleveland.com)

The weather is destroying Jerry's party this weekend (True Hoop)

No way in hell Texas is headed to the Big Ten (Austin Statesman)

Your 2nd disaster written by Stephen A. Smith (Philly.com)

The New Jersey Nyets don't want Rick Pitino, they want Coach K (Yahoo Sports)

Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of this (With Leather)

The Links

More Brooklyn Decker....... Syracuse escapes with a win over UConn...... Duke crushed North Carolina's tournament dreams..... Rex Ryan continues to be awesome...... Lindsey Vonn could miss the Olympics because of an injury...... Carl Peterson did do some good for the Chiefs while he was the President...... Celtics blow another 2nd half lead and lose...... The Devils blow another two goal lead against the Flyers...... Did anyone else know Rick Majerus is still coaching?...... John Mayer: Go to your room!..... R.I.P. Captain Phil Harris

NHL needs to start cracking down on head shots (Fanhouse)

And I thought the crowds for Kings games last year were embarrassing (Fire Andy Reid Now!)

Ryan Miller's Uncle Sam USA hockey mask (Burn Monkey Burn)

Understanding the NBA trade deadline (NBA.com)

Could Kevin Durant eclipse Jordan? (Pacman Jonesin')

Your guide to the sexy 2010 Winter Olympics (Guyism)

The TCU-Utah women play the game of the night (SB Nation)

The Good, Bad, & Ugly of Denver Nuggets trades (Denver Stiffs)

Stephen A. Smith is back in Philly and is as stupid as ever (Philly.com)

Josh Gorges blocks slap shot with his head

The Links

Taylor Swift to finish off the week ..... If Obama fails, it won't be the GOP's fault..... J.D. Salinger: An enigma to the very end..... Senior citizens might want to put on some extra pounds...... A man kissed a chicken on a NY subway...... That idiot mayor of New Orleans needs a Super Bowl ticket...... Odds-makers weigh in on the Grammy's...... Captain Jack is back in Golden State...... Is that cocaine or powder from a donuts?...... NFL's popularity in Mexico continues to soar

The "What If" discussion between Manning and Marino (The Phinsider)

Paul Shirley doesn't do a great job explaining his Haiti comments (SB Nation)

Welcome back to the Mets, Fernando Tatis (NY Post)

Top 99 NFL free agents (The Sporting News)

Strangest Olympic sports of all-time (Forbes)

The Golf Channel is obsessed with John Daly (Devil Ball)

The biggest NBA all-star snubs (Yahoo Sports)

Matt Leinhart's last stand approaching in Arizona (AZ Central)

A look at the Super Bowl prop bets (LV Review-Journal)

Eeck! Zach Randolph? Respect? (Memphis Commercial Appeal)

There was a Jamarcus Russell sighting at the Phoenix Suns game last night (You Been Blinded)

Here's the video of the man kissing a chicken on the subway.



Korean girls love Iowa football (With Leather)

The Links

Marisa Miller on top of a Harley..... Cleveland Cavalier broadcasters not shy about hating Washington Wizards players..... If you don't love Pedro Martinez, then shame on you..... The Philadelphia 76ers sucked last night..... Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin to host the Oscars..... Why would anyone stalk Ryan Seacrest?..... An alternative to the BCS...... Tito Ortiz wants third fight with Chuck Liddell

And Syracuse thought it was bad that Greg Paulus was their starting quarterback. Now their basketball team lost an exhibition to cross-city rival LeMoyne (Syracuse.com)

Please Mets, take him. We don't want him anymore (Mets Fever)

Congrats Hines Ward, your the dirtiest player in the NFL (PFT)

Move over Brooklyn Bridge and make way for Derek Jeter Bridge (Fanhouse)

Maria Sharapova is dating Laker Sasha Vujacic. I will now light myself on fire (The Big Lead)

Pacers Danny Granger isn't showing much leadership abilities (Indy Star)

Pedro Martinez gets the NY Post treatment (Post)

Access Hollywood interviews Mrs. Utley and Chase's nasty hair (700 Level)

Ernie Harwell could teach Joe Buck a lesson or two (The Big Picture)

Colbert to sponsor Olympic speed skating team (With Leather)

Disgraced former USC basketball coach Tim Floyd breaks up a fight in a casino (Sports by Brooks)

LOL....Chicago

I thought the Obama's and Oprah were going to throw their weight around and bring the Olympics to Chicago for 2016? How could the IOC say no to the pleas of O and O connection? Well they did and it wasn't even close.

Chicago was ousted in the very first round of the voting. So much for the O and O connection. So much for Michelle's "Sacrifice". I guess their corrupt Chicago buddies will have to change their 2016 plans now.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is now the favorite to host the 2016 Olympics. I personally wanted Rio to host the Olympics even before the Obama clan flew to Copenhagen to throw their weight around. South American has never hosted an Olympics before. The United States has hosted six winter and summer Olympics. Give it to Brazil and Rio De Janeiro, they deserve it to.

Update: It's official, Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics. I'm happy for both Brazil and South America as it will be the first Olympics hosted for both the country and the Continent. Also with this decision no one can blame the IOC for being corrupt because former IOC president and Spain native Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Chicago ousted in first round of Olympic voting; Tokyo also out (USA Today)

The Links

Penny Mathis to finish off the week ..... Interesting interview with Bill Simmons..... John Sterling/Suzyn Waldman mix..... Nervous now Democrats?..... It's crowded at the bottom of the NFL..... Lady Gaga, Kayne West's tour killed by poor ticket sales?..... Schwarzenegger will not pardon Polanski..... Vince McMahon's hotel room demands

Oregon is begging for controversy if they bring back LeGarrette Blount (Oregonian)

Florio will invade the NBC studios this weekend during the Notre Dame game (PFT)

Very disturbing story about Ted Williams frozen body and head (NY Daily News)

Fox promotes the Favre Monday Night Game on their network (Awful Announcing)

Remember when Letterman made those sexual jokes about Palin's underage daughter? Well it looks like that joke wasn't far off (NY Times)

Kimbo Slice-Roy "Big Country" Nelson fight brought big ratings for Spike (Yahoo)

Basketbawful is back with the Livin' Large Epilogue (Basketbawful)

I hate to agree with Jay Mariotti, but do you really want the Olympics in Chicago? (Fanhouse)

Too many missed opportunities for Colorado last night (Buffzone)

The best of Gus Johnson at the NCAA tournament