Breaking down No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas in BCS championship game

Breaking down No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas in BCS championship game: "With perfect records and plenty of All-Americans, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas showed few flaws on their way to the BCS national championship game on Jan. ...


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Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight back in play – Breaking News

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight back in play – Breaking News: "By Scott Gilfoid: According to Michael Marley of Examiner.com, the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao bout is breathing new life. ...


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Tiger Woods: No Interviews

Tiger Woods: No Interviews: "

Tiger Woods has refused a police interview for the third time today. Smart move. He's under no obligation to talk to them. His traffic accident is under investigation and the Fifth Amendment applies as much to celebrities as anyone else.

He also put a statement on his website taking full responsibility for the accident and saying his wife did nothing but come to his aid after seeing he was injured. As of now, his website is taking comments.

"

Jalen Rose’s Fab 5: Athletes Who Would Have Been Social Media Mavens

Jalen Rose’s Fab 5: Athletes Who Would Have Been Social Media Mavens: "

This post is part of Mashable’s Fab Five series with Jalen Rose, which highlights trends in the social media space. Jalen Rose is a former 13-year NBA star and current ESPN basketball analyst but may be best known for being a member of the famous University of Michigan Fab Five.

Until a couple of years ago, social media did not exist, and professional athletes had to go through the media to show their personalities and communicate with their fans. But recently, sites like Facebook and Twitter have given pro athletes the ability to be themselves and speak for themselves. I know I would have liked to have social media during my career, but I’m happy to have it now. Here are five athletes who, for various reasons, really would have benefited from having social media during their careers. It would have been fun to see.

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1. Muhammad Ali

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A cultural icon, he changed his name from Cassius Clay after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964. Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion would “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” right past his opponents. He had the best combination of intelligence, power, skill and showmanship that sports will ever see, and will no doubt go down in history as “the greatest of all time.” Muhammad Ali is your icon’s favorite icon.

What social media app would have been most suitable for The Champ? I could see Ali having been great on Ustream. He had a personality that shined best in person, and an unforgettable voice. Ali was a man with deep political and religious beliefs, and he would have used Ustream to share them with the world.

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2. Babe Ruth

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The man had mystical status on and off the baseball diamond. This legendary slugger held or still holds many of baseball’s most important hitting records. Ruth was one of the more popular spokespersons of his Yankees era, and was famously noted to make sure liquor, women, partying, and sex were always present. Curfew was not an option, but Babe Ruth was not your typical athlete.

Ruth would have been king of Twitter in his day. I can only imagine some of the tweets and Twitpics that would have come from his account. I’m not sure the Red Sox or Yankees would have been too happy about it, but then again, Ruth was pretty open about his extracurricular activities and I don’t think anyone cared as long as he kept playing the way he did.

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3. Wilt Chamberlain

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He is the most unstoppable force the NBA has seen. His size, ability, and power are legendary. Chamberlain holds the record for most points in a single game with 100, and had season averages of 50 points and 25 rebounds. He was also the only center to ever lead the league in assists. Chamberlain was larger than life and had the personality to match it.

Being a bit of a flirt and a ladies’ man, Wilt would have been a champ on Flickr. I could see him creating albums and albums full of all of the women he met. Also, he loved the camera. Like I said, he was a big man with a big personality and a lot of confidence, and he loved the spotlight. Flickr would have helped Wilt shine.

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4. Deion Sanders

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Before the NFL draft, “Prime Time” showed up at his workout riding in a limo. He went on to run the fastest 40-yard dash in the NFL Scouting Combine’s history. Sanders told my hometown Detroit Lions that we would have to “put me on layaway” if we drafted him. He is the only athlete ever to play in a Super Bowl and World Series, and is known for his trademark high-stepping and touchdown dances. His biography was called “Power, Money, and Sex: Success Almost Ruined My Life.”

In his playing days, Deion Sanders would have had some great tweets. His would be similar to the style of current NFL player and Twitter aficionado Chad Ochocinco; a lot of trash talking, calling out his opponents, and confident self-promotion. My only concern is that he would not have been able to limit his comments to 140 characters!

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5. Dennis Rodman

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Sometimes known as “The Worm,” the eclectic Rodman won 5 NBA titles as a player, with the Pistons and Bulls. Rodman’s “different” persona was as well known as his hard-nosed defense and trademark rebounding. He routinely sported multiple hair colors, as well as tattoos, and body piercings, and wrote a book titled, “Walk on the Wild Side.”

Rodman actually has a Facebook Fan Page, but it’s pretty tame now that he’s retired — imagine what he could have done with Facebook while he was a player. He was known to throw and attend a lot of parties, and could definitely have taken advantage of Facebook Events. Rodman would have been able to exhibit his personality through videos and photos, and it sure would have been interesting to see some of the status updates that came from his Fan Page!

Images via Walter Huang on Flickr and the Wikimedia Commons.

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Reviews: Facebook, Flickr, SEX, Twitter, ustream

Tags: fab five, jalen rose, List, Lists, social media, sports

"

Cincinnati Bengals sign Larry Johnson, sources say

Cincinnati Bengals sign Larry Johnson, sources say: "Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday morning, a source told ESPN.com's John Clayton."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Diagnosed with Cancer

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Diagnosed with Cancer: "

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Now, though, he's facing a challenge more daunting than any fight the Boston Celtics ever put up on the court of play: the former Lakers center has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.

The 62-year old was informed of his disease a year ago, following bouts of hot flashes and sweats. He's expected to enjoy a regular life span.

'When the doctor told me I had cancer, I was scared,' said Abdul-Jabbar. 'My grandfather and my uncle both died from colorectal cancer, my dad almost died from it and I have the gene for it. It's in my family, so I thought this was something else along those lines, but it's not.'

Abdul-Jabbar, a father of five, has guarded his privacy over the years.

But he went public this week in order to send an important message:

'I want to help people who are confronted with this type of situation, just to let them know it doesn't have to be a death sentence.'

We wish the NBA legend all the best.

"

Shaq's wife files for separation, intends to divorce

Shaq's wife files for separation, intends to divorce: "Shaquille O'Neal's wife is splitting up with the Cleveland Cavaliers center.

Va'Shaundya O'Neal filed for legal separation with intent to divorce Monday in Los Angeles. She cited irreconcilable differences.

She is seeking spousal and child support and full legal custody of the couple's four children. No monetary amounts were listed in the court filing.

The O'Neals were married six years, 11 months.


"

Report: Allen Iverson leaves Grizzlies for personal reasosn

Report: Allen Iverson leaves Grizzlies for personal reasosn: "Allen Iverson was granted permission to leave the Memphis Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported on Saturday."

Pot Charges Dropped Against Lincecum

Pot Charges Dropped Against Lincecum: "

Washington prosecutors drop pot charges against Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum:

Prosecutors in Clark County, Wash., and Tim Lincecum have reached an agreement in which the pitcher will pay a $250 fine relating to his possession of a marijuana pipe with the drug possession charge being dropped. Lincecum also must pay a $122 fine for speeding.

[. . .] 'Any Joe Blow would get (this deal),' [Clark county prosecutor Grant] Hansen said. 'The way we see it, we can do something to him or we can do something for him. If we can give him a little leniency the first time, in my opinion, it goes further for being law-compliant in the future than if we kick him in the teeth.'

Lincecum was cited by the Washington State Patrol for possessing 3.3 grams of marijuana and the pipe, both misdemeanors, during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 one week ago.

"

Farewell, Bill Walton

Farewell, Bill Walton: "

Bill Walton’s body betrayed him as a player, and it betrayed him once again, causing him to retire as a TV basketball analyst due to a bad back. And Phil Mushnick of the New York Post will miss Walton.

Mushnick wrote, “Walton had a rotten, modest habit of obscuring the important things he had to say with extreme declarations and put-ons, often heard and confused as his version of the truth. But for those who could distinguish the silly from the sage, Walton, every telecast, left important messages.”

For the complete story, click here.

"

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable should be suspended, NOW says

Oakland Raiders coach Tom Cable should be suspended, NOW says: "The National Organization for Women believes Tom Cable should not be coaching the Raiders while the team investigates allegations that Cable has a history of violent behavior toward women."

New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes gets into pregame shoving match with Miami Dolphins

New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes gets into pregame shoving match with Miami Dolphins: "New York Jets safety Kerry Rhodes and a few Miami Dolphins players got into a shoving match on the field about a half-hour before the teams' game."

Serena Williams withdraws from Fed Cup

Serena Williams withdraws from Fed Cup: "
DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Serena Williams has withdrawn from the U.S. Fed Cup tennis final against Italy next week at Reggio Calabria."

Browns' Ryan upset by planned protest (AP)

Browns' Ryan upset by planned protest (AP): "Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan isn't happy about a protest some fans are planning for the Monday night game Nov. 16 against Baltimore. Mike Randall and Tony Schafer, longtime season ticket holders and fixtures in Cleveland's famous Dawg Pound, want fans to protest the team's sorry play by staying away from their seats for the opening kickoff of the nationally televised game."

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff injures knee

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff injures knee: "Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff sprained his knee during Thursday's practice."

Fed-up Cleveland Browns fans plan protest for Nov. 16 game

Fed-up Cleveland Browns fans plan protest for Nov. 16 game: "Hoping to make a statement to protest the NFL team's abysmal record -- this season and since the team returned in 1999 -- some Browns backers are encouraging fans to walk in late to the Nov. 16 home game against Baltimore."

Concern in Cleveland? LeBron, Cavs fall to 0-2

Concern in Cleveland? LeBron, Cavs fall to 0-2: "




"

Texas passing game is vulnerable

Texas passing game is vulnerable: "As it pertains to QB Colt McCoy and the Texas offense, there are a couple of trends to consider. First, McCoy is throwing just 36.6 percent of his passes ...


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Shaquille O'Neal of Cleveland Cavaliers applies to be special deputy sheriff in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Shaquille O'Neal of Cleveland Cavaliers applies to be special deputy sheriff in Cuyahoga County, Ohio: "Shaquille O'Neal is looking to continue a sideline career in law enforcement now that he's in Ohio playing for the Cavaliers."

Report: Vince Young to start for Tennessee Titans against Jacksonville Jaguars

Report: Vince Young to start for Tennessee Titans against Jacksonville Jaguars: "Vince Young will start for the winless Tennessee Titans Sunday when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field, according to a report in The (Nashville) Tennessean.

"

Michelle Obama, Jill Biden Attend World Series

Michelle Obama, Jill Biden Attend World Series: "

Last night's game was ugly, but still provided plenty of star power at the opener of the World Series. No, we're not talking about A-Rod and Kate Hudson.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, took the field during pre-game ceremonies to a big ovation, along with a Yankee legend.

Major League Baseball dedicated Game One of the Yankees-Phillies series, won by the NL champion visitors, 6-1, to the charity Welcome Back Veterans.

Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden escorted World War II veteran Yogi Berra - the Yankees Hall of Fame catcher - to the mound for the first-pitch ceremony.

All wore jackets with 'World Series' on the front and their names on the back. Iraq war veteran Tony Odierno threw the first pitch to Derek Jeter.

Odierno, who lost an arm in Iraq, works in the Yankees' stadium operations department. His dad is Gen. Raymond Odierno, the top U.S. commander in Iraq.

Yogi Berra receives - and gets - a hand from Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.

Jill Biden is a Phillies fan. Michelle Obama, unlike her White Sox-fan husband, grew up a Cubs fan. They high-fived fans as they walked down the tunnel.

Earlier that day, Obama and Biden honored wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx.

The First Lady's message was simple but profound: We can all do a little something to honor the men and women of the military. And please, Michelle emphasized, don't forget the families they often have to leave behind while serving overseas.

'You can do something as simple as offering to drive a car pool, or offering babysitting,' Obama told the room of veterans and staff members. 'Above all, each of us can simply reach out and do something really small - and say thank you.'

Click to enlarge more Michelle Obama pictures from yesteday ...

"

Jermain Taylor out of hospital after KO

Jermain Taylor out of hospital after KO: "
BERLIN, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Boxer Jermain Taylor was out of the hospital Monday after a thunderous weekend knockout in Germany at the fists of Arthur Abraham, his promoter announced."

COL FB: Texas 16, Oklahoma 13

COL FB: Texas 16, Oklahoma 13: "
DALLAS, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Hunter Lawrence's fourth-quarter field goal Saturday lifted second-ranked Texas to a 16-13 win over arch-rival and No. 18 Oklahoma."

FBI probed threats against ex-Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards

FBI probed threats against ex-Cleveland Browns WR Braylon Edwards: "The FBI says it investigated reported threats to former Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards after he allegedly punched a man."

Man trying to buy New York Jets-Miami Dolphins ticket is stabbed

Man trying to buy New York Jets-Miami Dolphins ticket is stabbed: "Authorities say a 24-year-old man is recovering after he was stabbed while trying to buy a ticket to the Miami Dolphins-New York Jets game."