"Papa, I gotta go potty. Hold my fishing rod." Man lands record catfish with daughter's Barbie fishing rod.
US softball team denied gold; Ueno dominant Losing for the first time since 2000, the U.S. softball team was denied a chance for a fourth straight gold medal Thursday, beaten 3-1 by Japan. Yukiko Ueno, Japan's remarkably resilient right-hander, shut down the Americans and handed them their first loss since Sept. 21, 2000 at the Sydney Games. read more
NFLPA Director Gene Upshaw Dies Gene Upshaw, the Hall of Fame offensive lineman for the Oakland Raiders who has led the NFL Players Association as executive director for 24 years, has died of pancreatic cancer at age 63.
August 20
Bengals Resign Troubled Receiver Chris Henry With their two Pro Bowl receivers hurt, the Cincinnati Bengals brought back troubled receiver Chris Henry on Tuesday, a move that their coach had emphatically ruled out only a month earlier as inappropriate. The signing helps the team but raises questions about its commitment to holding players accountable for their actions.
To lift a nation In every little corner of the Olympics, you'll find something that means everything to somebody. It's what keeps the flame burning, that every country here has something to wait for, something to hang on. Sit with an Indian watching his country's best woman play badminton, Go to Heineken House, the Olympic version of the Spirit of Edmonton suite at Grey Cup, and you'll see the Dutch celebrate a cycling medal the way a Brazilian celebrates soccer.
Yesterday it was Latvia's turn.
August 19
Baseball Hall of Famer YAZ hospitalized BOSTON - Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, the last player to hit for the Triple Crown, was hospitalized for tests Tuesday after experiencing chest pains.
The popular Yaz was an 18-time All-Star and spent his entire career in Boston, taking over left field for Ted Williams in 1961 and playing through 1983.
Rays Walk Hamilton Intentionally with Bases Loaded The Tampa Bay Rays made history Sunday night, walking Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers on purpose with the bases loaded so they could face Marlon Byrd, who struck out to cement a 7-4 Rays win. The intentional walk was the first time in 107 years that an American League player was walked intentionally with the bases full and only the fifth overall since 1900. "You don't pitch to Superman when you have Wonder Woman on deck," said Rays closer Troy Percival.
Equestrians' silver touch In his eight previous Olympic appearances, Perth Ont., equestrian Ian Millar had his wife Lynn by his side to help ride the highs and deal with the lows of his sport.
Millar finally got an Olympic medal in his ninth try, a bittersweet highlight of his decorated career because it came without his wife by his side. She died of cancer earlier this year.
August 18
Olympic Traitor? Chris Kaman of the Clippers, a US citizen, obtained German citizenship and plays basketball for the German Olympic team in these Olympics. He is three generations removed from his great-grandparents who came here from the motherland. There's some dispute about whether a US citizen playing for another national team is kosher. Opinions?
Bolt wins Olympic 100m and breaks the world record Michael Johnson can't believe what he's watching. The best bit? He didn't even bother to tie both of his shoelaces.
August 17
Let's hope the Pope says condoms are OK after all Italian team Premiata Montegranaro announced Sunday that 38-year-old Shawn Kemp has agreed to play for the team starting in November.
Eight. Phelps.
August 15
Fantasy League Kicks Out Mike Holmgren's Daughter Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren said that his daughter Calla was recently booted from her league "because of 'inside information.' But I will say, she was clean. It was the appearance."
I was robbed: James Blake knocked out of Olympic final by Fernando Gonzalez, complains about contested point. read more
Liukin wins gold, Johnson silver in gymnastics BEIJING - Nastia Liukin won the gold medal in women's gymnastics Friday, beating teammate and friend Shawn Johnson. Liukin, whose father was a double gold medalist for the Soviet Union 20 years ago, finished with 63.325 points, more than a half-point ahead of Johnson, the reigning world champion. Johnson finished with 62.725. Yang Yilin of China won the bronze medal. read more
August 14
This is Football's Biggest Player Fine Ever Adrian Mutu can finally count the true cost of his positive drugs test while a Chelsea player after Fifa yesterday ordered him to pay 13.8m in damages to his former club. It is the biggest fine ever handed down against a football player.
I could beat Michael Phelps Ocho Cinco says he could beat Michael Phelps in the pool.
Spanish Racism Toward China? In anticipation for the Olympics in Beijing, the Spanish basketball team took a picture for an advertisement a courier company had carried in a major Spanish newspaper. In the picture, all the players pulled the sides of their eyes, making the well known "slant eyed" look that mocks Asians' most recognizable feature.
August 13
Are you ready for some (weird-looking) football? Piedmont (CA) High School is running a novel new offensive package. How novel? How about two quarterbacks and all 11 men potentially eligible to catch a pass? College and pro coaches are calling, but not everyone thinks it will translate.
Spitz spits fit US swim legend Mark Spitz won't be on hand in Beijing if Michael Phelps breaks his record of seven gold medals at a single Olympics because, he says, no one bothered to invite him. Should he be reacting this way, or is he simply overreacting?
August 11
Gold, patriotism and revenge spur on the Games For most Olympians the question of motivation is a simple one -- it is all about the glory of gold.
"The medal around my neck was my motivation," said Britain's Rebecca Adlington simply after winning swimming gold in the 400 meters freestyle on Monday and it is the most commonly cited driving force. read more
Jason Lezak's Unbelievable Freestyle Relay Swim The final leg of the men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay may be the most stunning achievement thus far in the Summer Olympics. American Jason Lezak entered the pool a half-second behind Alain Bernard of France, who had said earlier that they would "smash" the Americans. Only 46.06 seconds later, Lezak touched 0.08 seconds before Bernard to claim the gold -- the fastest anchor leg ever by 0.73 seconds. See the video.
Gullit and Lalas gone from the Galaxy. Too much is given much is expected...
Meet Michelito, Mexico's 10-Year-Old Bullfighter Although he was recently banned in France, the 10-year-old Mexican matador Michelito Lagravare continues to perform in Latin America. He's fought at least 56 bulls and reportedly earned £146,000 last year (approximately $275,000 U.S.).
Equestrian sport too deadly? ....more than a dozen riders many, top level athletes have died around the world, in less than two years.