On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devestated Haiti. Nearly 200,00 are estimated to be dead or wounded.
The first thing that must be mentioned this week is the tragedy that occurred in Haiti. A devastating earthquake crippled an already impoverished country and pretty much leveled anything they had going for them, hospitals and municipal services certainly included. As is always the case with an international tragedy, members of the professional sports community were affected. Andre Berto even canceled his January 30th fight with Shane Mosley. Of course our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the earthquake.
What makes the realm of professional competition so special is its ability to unite for the greater good. Simply put, Sports can be the biggest thing in the world, but the world is always bigger than sports. Since the quake, the American Red Cross has blanketed sports advertising with a campaign to text “Haiti” to 90999, which strongly urge you to do. Through this initiative, the Red Cross has raised over a $1,000,000. Further more, the Athlete’s Relief Fund for Haiti is set to match the figure.
Obviously, hundreds of millions of dollars of relief funds will ultimately reach Haiti, but it is worth noting and commending the sporting community for its immediate generosity.
Keep hands, feet and small children away from Rex Ryan's mouth.
In similar but less fatal devastation, and as predicted by the Ballpark a couple weeks ago… New England sports fans will be forced to choose the lesser of two evils this week as the Colts host the Jets in the AFC Championship. X’s and O’s, the Colts will have a tough time with the Jets… just like the San Diego debacle, the Jets will limit the Colts’ deep passing game, blitz like crazy and run the ball out of Peyton’s hands… which suck because that means they’ll win the effing game. I am personally rooting for the Colts for one main reason: I don’t wanna feed Rex Ryan. If the Jets go to the Superbowl, let alone win it which I don’t think will happen in any event, it will really really suck. I’m rooting against the division so the Patriots will be better by comparison and hopefully pound the Jets into submission next season.
Jared Allen: Coming for Drew Brees.
The other game this weekend features the New Orleans Saints playing host to the Vikings of Minnesota. First, let it be known that I have hated Brett Favre as a Packer and a Jet with a serious passion… In Purple, however, I’ve kinda liked him. The Vikings offense has played WAY up this year and Favre had his best season in his 78 year career. The Saints, on the other hand, have such a physically gifted set of receivers… and the human highlight reel z-back in Reggie Bush… I just don’t see them scoring less than 35 points… which the Vikings can match. The difference maker in this game is going to be Jared Allen’s ability to cripple Drew Brees. Hold the Saints to under 30, and the Vikings go to Miami.
Current betting lines: Indy by 7.5; New Orleans by 3.5.
StartMattCassel
8 PM Addition:
I freakin hate pre-march / pre-season college basketball. Coming off a night in which both tide-me-over teams lost (Celtics and Bruins) there’s absolutely nothing awesome on athletically. There’s crappy college basketball and the AHL All Star game. Puke.
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