This, at least in the hearts of Toronto Blue Jay fans, is the year the Jays are supposed to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox and make a real run at winning the AL East. Today the quest hit an early season snag when closer BJ Ryan was put on the 15 day disabled list for a strained elbow.

However, the Blue Jays are apparently bracing themselves for the possibility that Ryan could be out for much longer than 15 days and possibly the season. Ryan had some trouble with the elbow during the opening week. However, it wasn't believed, at the time to be anything to keep him off the field. But, after blowing his second save of 2007 (he only had 4 in all of 2006) the Jays knew something was going on that required further medical attention.

Ryan will go to Alabama to meet with a renowned orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation. While it is too soon to tell, Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi "said he couldn't rule out the possibility that the left-hander might have to undergo Tommy John elbow-ligament replacement surgery - an operation that would effectively end Ryan's season."

If that worst case scenario play out, it will be quite difficult for the Blue Jays to make a run at the pennant. Of course, the Yankees are dealing with their own injury issues with Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano heading to the DL. Its early, but these injuries, if severe, could play key roles in how both of these two teams do later in the year near playoff time.

Don Imus is getting hit from all corners for calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos." Even the coach for NCAA champs has had to take time out from celebrating to address the matter.

University of Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt told Chris Yandek of TheSportsInterview.com regarding the matter, "Well, I just couldn't believe it. It was very unfortunate and obviously we were part of that game. I know Vivian very well. I know her student athletes. You are talking about young women that to me represent Rutgers University with a lot of class and obviously great competitive spirit. There is just no place for that comment. I am glad that at least at the present time that we got the exposure and Imus has obviously apologized a number of times. That really is very difficult to erase what has been said and the hurt that those kids have felt."

You can read the entire interview here.

Georgetown is heading to the Elite Eight on the back of a Jeff Green bucket with 2.5 seconds left on the clock to give the Hoyas a 66-65 win. The officials, busy looking for fouls, may have missed a travel on Green's winning shot.

Roy Hibbert was the player of the game putting in 12 points, while both Green and DaJuan Summers had 15 for the Hoyas. Derrick Byars and Dan Cage both dropped 17 for the Commodores.

Vanderbilt ended its season the way it began, with a loss to Georgetown. The Hoyas will face a tough next round taking on the winner of the North Carolina - USC matchup.

Labels: Georgetown, NCAA Hoops, Vanderbilt

The Philadelphia Flyers traded Peter Forsberg to Nashville, said sources this evening. In return to for their one time Team Captain, the Philadelphia picked up winger Scottie Upshall, prospect Ryan Parent as well as a first and third-round draft pick.

Forsberg was thought to be part of the "answer" when brought to Philadelphia, but struggled with a foot injury this year following off-season surgery. Forsberg was an unrestricted free agent so it is likely he would have left Philadelphia, who is experiencing a plain awful season, at the end of the year. It makes sense for Philadelphia to try to get something for Forsberg.

But, could they have gotten more? Maybe. Both Upshall, who has seen limited action this year, and Parent, who hasn't played NHL hockey this year, are projects (on the plus side, both are former first round picks so there is some potential). And, the first round choice from the Panthers will be low given the season the Predators are having. A third rounder is virtually useless, absent some atypical luck. It seems, despite battling the foot injury, that Forsberg might have more value in the trade market. Forsberg was still third on the team in scoring with 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 total points.

The Flyers have not yet officially announced the trade. However, the team did list Forsberg as a healthy scratch for tonight's game against Toronto. Confirmation could come after the game ends and Forsberg does have a no trade clause.

Did Philadelphia pull the trigger too soon, for too little? I have no doubt Flyers fans will have much to say on the subject in the coming days.

Labels: Flyers, NHL

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is out of the playoffs, but he's certainly not out of action. He was filmed leaving the apartment of super model Gisele Bundchen.

Brady clearly didn't like the attention and tried to shoo off photographers. He even covered his head with a hood when walking from Gisele's pad to a cab. Most of us would have not only not worn a hood but we'd be doing a happy dance out in the street after that kind of score. Of course, that's why most of us aren't getting that kind of play. Nice work Tom, looks like you're going to have one hell of an offseason!

Labels: Tom Brady

Al Unser Jr obviously is famous for burning up the Indy race track at record speeds. Now, he has another record: a criminal one. Al Jr., according to TMZ, was busted for driving under the influence and and "leaving the scene of a crash on a Nevada freeway."

TMZ has obtained Al Jr.'s mugshot from the arrest and reports that no one was injured in the crash. Luckily for him, it didn't turn out like Nick Nolte's.

Edmonton Oiler Jarret Stoll is bagging more than goals and assists these days. The skater is apparently spending his off-ice time with Stacey's Mom hottie Rachel Hunter. Of course, Rachel is no stranger to sports fans as she's one of the all time great Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girls.

Stoll, who fractured his nose just before the all star break, is listed as day to day. The Oilers get back in action this Friday night against the San Jose Sharks.

Labels: NHL, Oilers

Tony Parker and Eva Longoria have apparently set a wedding date. PR Inside says the couple will tie the knot in the Spurs off season on July 7th. Yes, the date will be 7/7/07. Anyone superstitious?

Meanwhile, Parker's Spurs lost to the Houston Rockets 90-85 in a relatively low scoring affair last night. Tim Duncan led the way for the Spurs with 37 points, while the groom-to-be chipped in 10. Tracy McGrady dropped 37 for the Rockets in the win.

Labels: Rockets, Spurs, Tony Parker, Tracy McGrady

Tiger Woods tackled a thief trying to steal his golf bag. We'll at least in a shoot for yet another upcoming commercial for the uber golfer. Woods might even be able to add director to his already impressive resume as he apparently came up with the idea to tackle the "thief" on his own. You can catch a clip of Tiger's tackling prowess here.

Labels: Tiger Woods

Tito Ortiz had a very good birthday. The MMA star had a one of a kind birthday cake with Jenna Jameson popping out of the middle. The adult superstar also treated the fighter to a little lap dance love which someone caught on tape and gave to my friends over at TMZ.

Labels: Tito Ortiz

If you are an MMA or UFC fan, you certainly know who Tito Ortiz is. And, if you are an American male you likely know who Jenna Jameson is. You may also know the two stars are a couple.

If you're in the Las Vegas area, you can do yourself a little star gazing later this month when Jenna throws a birthday party for Tito tomorrow night at Pure. Jenna will host an open-to-the-public "surprise" birthday party for Tito who turn 32. Pure Night Club is in Caesar's Palace Hotel in Las Vegas. Call 702-289-2002 for reservations.

Labels: MMA, Tito Ortiz, UFC

During half time of yesterday's Colts - Patriots game, when it looked like the Colts would lose another playoff game, Phil Simms had to make his colleague Dan Marino cringe a bit. Simms said the Manning, if the Colts were to go on and lose the game, should move into A-Rod's neighborhood where people who make big bucks but don't deliver championships live.

Granted Marino never had an A-Rod contract, and given their years apart in the league, probably didn't make as much as Manning makes now. But, Marino did have regular season records and stats of a superstar and as we know, never won the big one. Dan played it off well when it was his turn to talk, but I can't believe I'm the only one who was waiting for Simms to mention Marino himself. And, yes, Marino did get to a Bowl. Unfortunately, for him, he got there in the middle of the 49ers dynasty. So, it is a bit unfair to say Dan wasn't a winner.

Peyton won't have to worry about the loser tag as much now that he's gotten his team to the Super Bowl. The AFC Championship is nothing to sneeze at. But, Manning critics won't go away unless the Colts manage to beat the Bears in the Bowl.

That won't be an easy task given how the Bears looked in the second half yesterday. However, Manning showed a lot of poise and didn't give up when it looked like the Patriots had things wrapped up. I think he'll look to build on that and if anyone can work around the Bears defense, it is Manning. The Bears, I'm hearing, are favored by 7. I'll take the Colts and the points on this one.

Labels: Colts, Manning

Bill Parcells will not return to coach the Cowboys has announced his retirement from coaching. I think it is a good move for Bill. He never seems happy when you see him talking about his teams, in fact, he seems miserable most of the time. He should go off and spend some of that money and try to have some fun.

Ok, so who will be the next Dallas head coach? Jeff Fisher's name is being thrown around. One reason for Fisher's name is that he has a reputation of being "tough" enough to reign in Terrell Owens. Was Parcells not? I think the "T.O." situation is being given a bit too much play here. You need a good coach, period. If Owens, or any player can't work with the coach, get rid of the player. Owens is not as important to the Cowboys' future as the next coach is, so it should be a no brainer if it really is a big issue as some "analysts" are making it out to be.

Tom Brady may be moving from one hottie to another. After splitting with Bridget Moynihan, the Patriots gunslinger may be stepping out with super model Gisele Bundchen. The Boston Herald says sources spotted the bombshell Pats' locker room after Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Not enough evidence for you? Reports also have Gisele saying Tom is "pretty cute." Now, if we were in third grade that's a slam dunk case of "she likes you." So, if the Colts manage to beat the Patriots and head to the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning just may have a certain distraction to thank.

Labels: Patriots, Tom Brady

Posh Spice hit her soon to be home Los Angeles and proceeded to spend some of those big bucks in hubby David Beckham's new contract. The former Spice Girl was in town to presumably look for US digs that will be comparable to their UK "Beckingham Palace." But, before he could even get his first check from the LA Galaxy his wife reportedly dropped $100,000 bucks in a single day in LA. That's some serious coin.

The Galaxy meanwhile might be fairly shrewd after all for signing Becks. His star power is reportedly drawing celeb ticket buyers and Galaxy games could be the new thing to do for the stars in LA besides being seen court side at the Lakers. And, if rumors of Ronaldo joining the Galaxy turn out to be true, you might get plenty of soccer fans to join the celebs in the crowd. Either way, it'll be a kick to see how this plays out. Sorry...couldn't resist.

Labels: Beckham, Galaxy

The Eagles pulled off another unlikely victory this past weekend to win the NFC East. Many reasons were cited for the win, but I'm thinking it may be possible that my boys in Pawnshop Roses provided a little extra pre-game spark that propelled the Birds.

The band performed on the pregame show on CBS with Beasley Reece this past Sunday. Given the win, maybe they should play before each game?

The Birds, of course, take on the New York Giants next Sunday, at home, thanks to the win. In other Eagles news, Koy Detmer returns to the squad to take over holding duties for place kicker David Akers. Watch for Koy rolling out on the fake!!! Psyche. We know Andy Reid won't try anything crazy to shake things up.